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Utopia forged by women a modern model of harmony

08:37, March 18, 2025 By Hou Chenchen, Li Yingqing ( China Daily

A woman and her granddaughter introduce traditional woven textiles in a Mosuo village by Lugu Lake. (Wang Lei/China News Service)

In a society where women hold the reins, what is it like to be a man?

On the shores of Lugu Lake in Yunnan province, visitors from around the globe have come to explore that question in a wooden house in Luoshui village, Lijiang.

Geze Duoji, 54, a member of the Mosuo ethnic people who number more than 50,000, sits in what is traditionally called a "grandmother's room", sharing stories of his group's unique culture and how it has evolved in modern society.

Here, in one of the world's last matrilineal societies, women lead the way  and relationships follow a path unlike anywhere else on the planet.

"We practice a system called zouhun, or walking marriage," Geze tells the visitors, adding that for Mosuo people, relationships are based purely on mutual affection, free of economic or social pressures.

"In a walking marriage, men visit their partners at night. They arrive after the woman's family has gone to sleep, usually around midnight, and leave before dawn to return to their own family."

In Mosuo society, extended families are centered around grandmothers, forming tight-knit households where belongings are shared equally among all. Both men and women take responsibility for raising all the children in the family, irrespective of who the parents are, creating a collective approach to child care.

Children inherit their mother's surname, and decisions about family planning, such as how many children to have and when, are primarily made by the women, often in consultation with other family members.

"Our language doesn't even have a word for aunt," Geze tells his audience. "Your mother's sisters are all your mothers. It doesn't matter who gave birth to you."

Thanks to this unique social structure, Geze said, male-female relationships are free from possessiveness, jealousy, or concerns about economic status. In fact, Mosuo society has virtually no widows, orphans, war or crime, he said.

It is a utopia sought by Westerners sometimes compared to the mythical "Shangri-La".

Tourists take a boat ride on Lugu Lake in Lijiang, Yunnan province, in December. (Gong Jinzu/Xinhua)

Looking for 'Shangri-La'

Christiane Marchais, a tour guide from the French cultural travel agency Intermedes in Paris, has chosen Lijiang as one of her top destinations for exploring China's ethnic groups. In October, she led a French team to delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Southwest China.

"Yunnan is a melting pot of ethnic cultures and a popular destination for Western travelers. We came here in search of the legendary Shangri-La and to explore the mysterious ethnic cultures," Marchais said.

The concept of "Shangri-La" was popularized by British novelist James Hilton in his 1933 novel Lost Horizon. Hilton described a small, harmonious village nestled in the Kunlun Mountains where the inhabitants lived in eternal happiness and youth. This mythical place has since become synonymous with an earthly paradise.

In China, the Greater Shangri-La Cultural Circle spans the tri-border area of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces and the Xizang autonomous region. Lijiang, a city within this region, has emerged as a key destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Before the 1990s, the domestic tourism market was virtually nonexistent, Geze recalls. Those who did visit tended to be academics and photographers looking to gain some insight into the region's highly unusual culture. These visitors were primarily foreign backpackers and official delegations.

"Many female European tourists were amazed by the lifestyle of Mosuo women, and they considered it a true form of feminism. Some even said they would like to replicate a Mosuo-style matriarchal village back in the United Kingdom," Geze said.

Initially, the Mosuo people were unfamiliar with monetary transactions and relied on a barter system. In the early days, visitors would come to the village, and the Mosuo would provide food and accommodation, but get little in return.

This resulted in village resources being depleted, Geze said. Local governments eventually intervened and established a system of fees, and a regulated tourism industry was born.

A portion of the 3 billion yuan ($423 million) earmarked for tourism development is being allocated to preserving the Mosuo culture. The economic push is expected to create jobs for locals and markedly lift living standards.

Today, Geze's family hosts several tour groups daily for "Mosuo home visits", allowing tourists to see firsthand how Mosuo people live.

"From complete dependence on the land to gradually moving away from it, the transformation in lifestyle has brought more choices and freedom. Although climate affects crop yields, the income from tourism ensures a stable livelihood," Geze said.

Green development

"According to the legends we are brought up with, anyone sullying the waters of Lake Lugu or felling the trees around it faces the eternal wrath of the mountains and gods," Geze said.

Lugu Lake, revered by the Mosuo people as a holy lake, holds a sacred place in their hearts and culture. For generations, the Mosuo have lived in harmony with the lake, guided by a deep sense of reverence.

However, the 1990s brought a wave of change that threatened this delicate balance. The rapid growth of tourism, while economically beneficial, led to increasing pollution and ecological degradation. The lake, once pristine, began to suffer under the weight of human activity.

In response, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces have collaborated to protect and manage Lugu Lake through the introduction of a protection convention.

As of 2024, significant progress has been made. According to the Lijiang authorities, 17 waterfront platforms and six piers have been dismantled and those areas of the lake restored to their natural state. In addition, 160 residential inns within the 80-meter ecological red line have been removed, freeing up 118,900 square meters of land.

This land has been repurposed for the construction of ecological corridors and wetland buffer zones, marking a major shift from "human encroachment" to "ecological restoration".

To ensure long-term sustainability, local authorities have also implemented strict regulations on lake activities and surrounding businesses. Boating zones have been designated, and fuel-powered, motorized, and metal boats are now prohibited from entering the lake.

These measures have paid off. Lugu Lake's water quality now consistently meets Class 1 standards, making it one of China's cleanest freshwater lakes, with underwater visibility reaching up to 12 meters.

Geze, a lifelong resident, has noticed the change. "Now, I can see the sea vegetable flowers (ottelia acuminata) waving on the lake again, just like when I was a child," he said. The return of this rare aquatic plant, a type of water lily, is a testament to the lake's ecological recovery.

With the environment on the mend, green tourism has flourished around the lake. The local government has introduced architectural planning measures to preserve 127 Mosuo traditional houses and 25 ancient villages.

Efforts to promote Mosuo culture include supporting regional intangible cultural heritage inheritors and organizing traditional festivals. A range of cultural tourism products, such as Mosuo highland red rice, preserved pork, and handmade textiles, have also been developed to enrich the visitor experience.

In 2023, the number of tourists entering the scenic area from Lijiang reached 1.58 million, a 176 percent increase from the previous year. Tourism revenue soared to 92 million yuan, up 232 percent.

Local residents have reaped the benefits, with per capita annual income rising from 829 yuan in 2003 to 34,500 yuan in 2023  a more than 40-fold increase, according to local tourism authorities.

Today, most Mosuo villagers work in tourism-related roles, from hospitality and boating to traditional dance performances and homestay management. Along the lake, 378 guesthouses offer 7,560 rooms and 13,590 beds, providing comfortable accommodation for visitors.

Villagers watch a traditional Mosuo performance during an intangible cultural heritage show in the village. (Wang Lei/China News Service)

Cultural renewal

Beside the sapphire waters of Lugu Lake, 50-year-old Mosuo man Dashi Pinchu sits in his courtyard, deep in discussion with his two sisters over blueprints for his latest lodge renovation.

A Luoshui villager who operates six boutique hotels with his big family, Dashi is embarking on his third major upgrade  a delicate balancing act of weaving modern comforts into the architectural soul of traditional Mosuo houses.

Dashi's entrepreneurial journey began in 1994, when the first flicker of electricity reached this remote Yunnan village. Paddling his canoe to sell fish and operate a convenience store on an island of Lugu Lake, he watched wide-eyed as pioneering tourists checked into lodges converted from wooden Mosuo houses.

"By 1997, my family had opened our own guesthouse. Back then, the whole village hosted barely 100 visitors a year," he said. Today, his matrilineal household  headed by his mother and sisters  earns about 2 million yuan annually.

"These hand-carved lattices are disappearing, replaced by metal and glass," he said, adding that his 2025 renovation plan proposes a compromise  preserving external woodwork while modernizing interiors. "Even as we meet customer demand, remaining true to our cultural heritage is paramount."

Yet transformation runs deeper than architecture.

While half of Mosuo families retain local traditions  where spouses live separately with their maternal clans  the other half now embrace nuclear family units. Even his children have adopted Han-style wedding ceremonies, Dashi said.

Ciren Duoji, director of the Mosuo Museum in Lijiang, said that Mosuo family structures are diversifying, a process that began in the 1950s. Policies back then encouraged monogamy, and outsiders portrayed walking marriage customs as "lagging behind the times".

An inheritor of Mosuo traditional costume-making weaves cloth in a village by the Lugu Lake. (Wang Lei/China News Service)

However, the economic growth in the 1980s brought an unexpected revival in interest in old matrilineal ways.

"When allowed to choose freely after experiencing different models, many Mosuo consciously returned to walking marriages as both modern and culturally resonant," wrote Duma Lamu of Lijiang Culture and Tourism College in a research article.

Dashi, the hotel owner, said: "Modernity's pull grows stronger as tourism wealth sends Mosuo youth flocking to cities. Many settle outside and start nuclear families."

But he remains optimistic, saying: "With prosperity comes renewed interest in preserving roots. Cultural conservation and development aren't enemies  they're partners."

Ciren said: "Today's youth have bold visions, and society increasingly embraces diverse marital choices. While elders may have worries, most choose understanding over opposition."

As sunlight dances on Lugu Lake, Dashi's lodge stands as a metaphor for his people's navigation of modernity. Within its timber walls, Wi-Fi routers will soon nestle beside ancestral carvings  a testament to the Mosuo's enduring truth: that progress need not erase tradition, so long as cultural codes evolve with care.

"Whether in matrilineal compounds or urban apartments, the Mosuo compass remains fixed on mutual support," Ciren said.

"Our culture's essence isn't about household structure, but about how we lean on each other to find happiness in changing tides."

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
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Foundations in Learning Launches Fluency for All Movement

Ed tech company Foundations in Learning, creator of the WordFlight literacy assessment and intervention for students in grades 3-8, has kicked off a new movement aimed at improving reading literacy. The Fluency for All movement will provide research-based strategies and free resources to "transform all students into confident, fluent readers, according to a news announcement.

The Fluency for All website invites educators to take a "Fluency Challenge" quiz to measure their fluency knowledge and identify the tools and resources needed to help their students achieve foundational reading skills. Those who complete the quiz will receive a discussion guide on the quiz topics, an e-book examining evidence-based practices for achieving fluency, and additional resources, including access to a free student screening tool.

"With NAEP scores revealing that only 31% of 4th grade students are performing at or above proficiency levels on reading assessments, the time is now to collectively enact change," said Allison Zimmermann, CEO of Foundations in Learning, in a statement. "Fluency for All brings together best practices and resources from researchers, authors, and cognitive scientists on closing the literacy gap and supporting reading instruction in today's classrooms  both of which are necessary in order to reverse the current literacy trends and truly get all students on the path to reading fluency. "In addition to providing easy-to-implement fluency resources, we hope that Fluency for All will serve as a community hub to help committed, like-minded educators tackle literacy together. We look forward to adding to these resources, partnering with more industry thought leaders, and continuing to support educators as this movement grows."

For more information, visit the Fluency for All site.
The Bamberg County Coroners Office is preparing to start two new programs to help citizens in the county address grief issues and become more aware of the dangers of fentanyl use.

Bamberg County Coroner Shawn Hanks presented Bamberg County Council members with a report during their March 10 meeting, stating that the county is seeing a rise in fentanyl use and deaths.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse reports that synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States.

Were going to be offering in the next few weeks Narcan training, Hanks said, referring to a program that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to administer naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.

The coroner said a multitude of county entities are involved, including police and fire departments, as well as colleges and universities.

Were excited to offer that because that is very needed. The reason were needing that is the rise of fentanyl is going crazy in America. Not only in America, but right here in our own town, our own county, Hanks said.

He continued, Were seeing a rise in fentanyl use and fentanyl deaths. Were going to start doing a fentanyl awareness program through the coroners office, and were going to do our very best to try to let everybody know whats going on.

The coroner said fentanyl is being used in a variety of ways in the county and contributed to four known deaths out of the 34 he reported that occurred in the county since Jan. 1.

Were still waiting on toxicology back for a dozen or so, Hanks said.

These things are happening. Theyre using fentanyl to excess the speed of the drug, but theyre also not just lacing drugs, theyre pressing pills. Theyre buying pills off the street thinking its a Xanax, or they think its a Molly, and it is straight fentanyl, he said.

The coroner continued, Weve had deaths right here in Bamberg County that when the autopsy report and the toxicology report come back, it was straight fentanyl. It was no other drug in there. One of the deaths recently had enough fentanyl to kill five people.

So we are going to do our very best to get this awareness out to all of our citizens in all of our county, Hanks said.

The coroner said grief was also a very serious issue that many individuals struggle with and that he wanted to provide resources for.

Next month were starting our very own GriefShare program for all of our citizens in Bamberg County, those who have lost loved ones who are struggling with grief. Weve got two ladies that are certified counselors that are going to be helping in this process with us, Hanks said.

GriefShare is a grief recovery support group where individuals can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one.

Once we get our group together and we find out how many weve got involved, then we can kind of base it off of where were going to have our meetings at, what areas we need to focus on, Hanks said.

But this would be something that will be going on throughout the year and several different times during the year that we will be offering through the coroners office, as well, he said.

Grief is serious, grief is a hard thing. There are several different stages of grief that people go through, and we just want to try our best from the coroners office to help people in all aspects of this, Hanks said.

He said new staff members have also been added in the coroners office to assist with its duties.

We are working diligently to try to add some things to our staff. We got a couple of new guys coming in with me that have experience, and Im excited about having them come aboard  (so) that we can cover our county better and make a better portrayal of the coroners office, Hanks said.
Aaron Holston Jr. had been to Myrtle Beach before, coming to the area to vacation with his brothers.

But his family had no idea that he had returned to the coastal city in February until they received a phone call letting them know that the 23-year-old, who the family called AJ, was dead.

The Pickerington, Ohio, man had been shot and killed Feb. 4 while sitting in his vehicle outside the Driftwood by Sea Mist Resort at 1207 S. Ocean Blvd.

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The shooter, according to family, was a resort security guard, who allegedly fired 20 rounds into Holstons vehicle.

Holston is accused of hitting the security guard with his vehicle after he was asked to move from a handicap parking space in the resorts parking lot, family said. Another person was also injured that night, but Myrtle Beach Police have not said who.

There are two police reports; however, they offer few details about what happened that night.

Both say there was an altercation in the resort parking lot before the shooting. But when it comes to describing the incident, the reports tell a different story: One lists Holstons death as justifiable homicide, while the other appears to place the blame on the Ohio man  identifying the incident as aggravated assault with a motor vehicle.

Myrtle Beach Police have not offered answers about the shooting, instead saying that the case is under investigation. No arrests have been made.

The case, however, has raised questions for Holstons family, mainly how police have determined the shooter was justified if the case is still under investigation.

It also appears that the only survivor of the two who were involved is providing information to investigators.

How can you not give a good amount of time to investigate? said Taralyn Sanders, AJs aunt. Hes a young Black man. You dont want to be one of the statistics, but wow, just like that? Losing someone is bad, but the way that its happened, its unbearable.

He was a very caring young man

Holston was No. 5 of nine kids. Sanders describes him as a very soothing person.

He was a calm person, always checked on everybody by asking, You good? when he greeted someone or when he would leave, she said. He was a very caring young man.

Holston also had a sweet tooth. Sanders said he loved snacks, often loading up on cookies and potato chips. We would call him a little snack head, she said.

Holstons funeral service was held on Feb. 20  what would have been his 24th birthday  at the same funeral home where his mothers services were conducted.

Holstons mother was killed at the hands of his father in 2018. Aaron T. Holston was convicted of stabbing to death Angela Willoughby at their Columbus, Ohio, home.

AJ Holston, who was 17 at the time, was home when the stabbing occurred.

After his mothers death, AJ became the centerpiece for his other siblings, Sanders said.

She said that Holston has struggled with her death and the fact his father is now in prison. He was still trying to figure some things out, she said.

Holston was beginning the process of getting his CDL license so he could become a truck driver and going back to college to further his education. The young man loved to drive, and although no one knew that he took that trip to Myrtle Beach, it wasnt unusual, Sanders said.

Driving was very therapeutic for him, she said.

Questions about shooting unanswered

Myrtle Beach Police responded to the shooting at 10:27 p.m., according to police. The report listed two people as receiving injuries, one of which was fatal.

After receiving the notification of Holstons death, some family members drove to Myrtle Beach to meet with the investigating detective.

They were told that AJ was sitting in his vehicle, parked in a handicap space, and was asked to leave. An argument ensued and his vehicle was shot multiple times.

Video footage shows that Holston never left his vehicle, Sanders said. She also claims that no disturbance could be seen and that Holston was driving away.

The family believes he was alone, and apparently, he didnt have any weapons, Sanders said.

The information provided to police about what happened appears to have come from the shooter, according to reports. The reports do not say if other witnesses could explain what occurred.

The shooter was apparently working for Global Investigative Services Security and Investigations in Myrtle Beach. When asked to comment about the shooting, the companys president, Robert Todd, said by email, At this time, we respectfully decline to provide a comment.

The family hopes for additional answers, and the investigation continues, including getting more than one side of the story. Sanders said its hard to believe that the case seems to have already been decided.

The justice system is so appalling, Sanders said. Nothing in the courts goes that fast. You get more time to pay a ticket.

Myrtle Beach Police spokesperson Randolph Angotti said by text Monday that there are no pending charges in regards to the case or investigation at this time. Police have not provided answers to questions asked by The Sun News even after multiple requests.

The family still has many questions, such as why the person didnt call the police or get Holstons license plate number and issue a ticket. But the biggest is why the shooter resorted to firing 20 rounds into AJs vehicle.

What threat was he posing? Sanders said. Its just been sickening.  Why would you just assume theyre a threat? We are hoping for some kind of justice.
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.
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Bilateral trade between Trinidad and Tobago and India reached a record TT$1.2 billion (US$368.96 million) in the last fiscal year, according to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

She disclosed this as she announced that her Government aims to expand exports to tap into Indias market of 1.4 billion consumers, and will pursue a Partial Scope Trade Agreementthe first from a Caricom countrywhile laying the foundation for a new Bilateral Investment Treaty.
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.
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.
In the middle of the Menlo Plaza Shopping Center sits a bright orange building, covered in vibrant paintings of cacti and sweet treats.

This is Tucsons Candyland Castle.

Thankfully, the journey there doesnt include enduring the Candy Cane Forest or Gumdrop Mountain, but as you step into the building, youll feel like youve been transported into the Candyland board game.

Cotton candy-covered Gushers, apples smothered in a deep-red coating that combines sweet, sour and spicy flavors all in one, strips of rainbow Airhead belts that make your mouth tingle every time you shovel a fistful into your mouth and crispy pickles doused in the same delicious red coating and topped with saladitos  all of these treats cover every inch of our own southwestern Candyland Castle, or what we know as Dirty T Tamarindo.

The red coating found on these treats is Alana Solis' specialty. Better known as chamoy, the red coating is a rich, red paste thats made with various fruits and chiles to create a flavor unlike any other.

Her coveted chamoy has been her familys pride and joy for decades, coming straight from her tia in Hermosillo, Sonora. Its this addicting, mouth-watering recipe that has built Solis candy empire in Tucson.

In the few years since Dirty T Tamarindo opened, its reached crazy heights, with Solis outdoing herself with every new announcement.

Dirty T bags can be found at over 80 stores, theyve opened their first brick-and-mortar at 1211 W. Saint Marys Road, they are set up at every major local market and they have two vending machines, one at their storefront and the other at the MSA Annex, located at 267 S. Avenida del Convento.

Lucky for us, Solis creates new and inventive treats as fast as you can finish a bag of spicy peach rings.

Solis has had an appreciation for chamoy ever since she was little. During summers, shed visit her family in Mexico and learn how to make the paste from her tia. Tamarinds, hibiscus, mangoes and apples would be transformed into a silky, thick red syrup that could be drizzled on whatever you could dream of. The addicting sweet and spicy flavors could elevate any treat, transforming bland food into an explosion of deliciousness.

That's how my nana and my family over there got by. They sold my tias chamoy, and then my nana sold Coca-Cola out of her house, Solis said.

Over the years, Solis has held numerous positions, from line cooking to baking pastries to bartending. After spending a little over a decade in the food industry, she started to notice a growing trend.

During the pandemic, chamoy-covered candies went viral on social media as different businesses started to pop up in cities around the country. She couldnt understand. Why now? Chamoy has been around for centuries and hadnt been this viral before.

Thats when she realized: not everyone had the opportunity to grow up surrounded by the tasty paste. With her authentic family recipe, the wheels in her head started to turn: what if she threw her hat into the ring?

Dirty T Tamarindo made its official debut in Tucson in 2022.

I was just really tired of working in the kitchens. I was desperate for another way to support my family, and I was like, I feel like this could be the way out, Solis said.

This isnt a bright red, watery sauce that you might douse your Hot Cheetos in. This is the real deal.

With dried chiles, a fruit of choice, sugar, salt and water, Solis is able to create the chamoy she grew up with. She even sells bottles of chamoy that come straight from her tias kitchen in Hermosillo.

Once the chamoy is made, Solis tosses the paste in the candy she chooses, mixing the sweet treats with the spicy mixture. Then she lets the candy sit for a while, letting it soak in all the sweet, spicy and slightly sour goodness. Its then ready to be packaged up and sent off to hungry customers.

It seems like the menu grows by the second. Peach rings, crystallized chunks of pineapple, Gushers, Airhead belts, Nerd Gummy Clusters, freeze-dried Starbursts, apples, gummy worms and gummy bears are just a few of the treats that get the pleasure of being covered in Solis chamoy.

She even makes chamoy dip that you can use to rim the glass of an icy margarita. It will have you licking the glass clean before even taking a sip of your drink.

It didnt take long for Dirty T Tamarindo to gain popularity. Once you get a taste, you just cant get enough. I picked up a bag of spicy Gushers to come home with me recently, ripping the bag open as soon as I sat in my car.

The sweetness of the Gushers pairs perfectly with the spicy and sour flavors of the chamoy, leaving your mouth slightly tingly from the heat. I had a few more before I put them away in my cabinet, sternly telling myself I could have a few more later for dessert.

I found myself going to the cabinet and sneaking a few every couple of hours. About a day and a half later, my bag was empty and I was dreaming of the day it was still full of the chamoy-covered gummies.

If her candy isn't enough, Solis is also busy making hilarious Instagram reels in Hot Cheetos costumes and hosting her own market thats held every third Saturday.

I really want small businesses from all of Tucson to be offered here in the barrio, for people to come and check out, Solis said.

Whether its driving around the state to make candy deliveries to being sprayed with soap for a Reel, Solis puts 110% of everything she has into making sure her candy empire continues to dominate.

All it takes is one taste and before you know it, youre taking a daily trip to Dirty T Tamarindo, aka our own Candyland Castle in Menlo Park.
Three services will be held next week to honor Tucson Congressman Raul Grijalva.

Grijalva, a Congress member since 2003, died Thursday of complications from cancer treatment. He was 77.

A rosary service will be held Tuesday, March 25, at St. John Catholic Church, 602 W. Ajo Way. The service will run from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A funeral Mass is planned at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave.

A celebration of life will follow from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th Street, his daughter and Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva announced on Facebook. She said that streaming options are being looked into for those who cannot attend the services in-person.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Raul M. Grijalva Scholarship, she said, through grijalvalegacyfund.funraise.org.

The primary election for Arizona Congressional District 7 will be July 15. The general election will be Sept. 23, Gov. Katie Hobbs announced Friday.

The heavily Democratic district, anchored by a chunk of Tucson, spans much of Southern Arizona, Yuma and parts of central Arizona.

The registration deadline to vote is June 16 for the primary. Early voting begins June 18.

The deadline to register for the general election is Aug. 25.

Candidates have until April 14 to file to run for the congressional seat and begin collecting nominations signatures.

Independent candidates, who only run in the general election, must file using an Independent Nomination Petition, which is also due by April 14.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who was anticipated to be a contender for the post, said Friday she will not run for the seat.

On Saturday, Adelita said on Facebook that she will announce her decision on whether to seek her fathers former office after funeral services.

So far, 10 people have filed a statement of interest in running for the seat in the primary election, according to the Secretary of States office.
A clothing boutique that caters to high school and college-aged females has opened near the University of Arizona campus.

Brandy Melville, a popular Italian brand with shops around the U.S., opened its doors Saturday at 845 E. University Blvd., in Main Gate Square.

The store occupies about 3,500 square feet in the former Pei Wei Asian Kitchen spot.

Its probably the biggest name we could bring to these students, said Natalie Furrier, a retail broker with Picor who helped negotiate the deal.

The company was looking for opportunities in college towns when it chose to open in Tucson. The store's only other location in Arizona is in Scottsdale.

Theres excitement about all of our students and the high rises that have been built, Furrier said. Within walking distance from Main Gate, there are more than 10,000 student beds and UA leans female.

Brandy Melville has been criticized for catering to smaller-sized customers with clothing in sizes extra-small or small with a handful of medium-size options. But, the hundreds of eager customers who lined up for the store opening on Saturday werent among the critics.

The new Tucson shop will be open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.

Other local commercial activity includes:

 Avalon Development LLC bought 24,024 feet of vacant land at 170 S. Houghton Road for $625,000 to develop a Dutch Bros Coffee. Craig Finfrock, of Commercial Retail Advisors, represented the seller, W.J. Choi LLC.

 Resilient Health Inc., which offers outpatient counseling and therapy services, leased 9,684 square feet at 700 E. Broadway. Brent Peterson, of Peterson Realty, represented the tenant. Dave Volk and Joey Castillo, with Volk Co., represented the landlord, Aviation Point LLC.

 Bonanza Deals and Discount Store leased 9,230 square feet at 2032 E. Irvington Road to open a second location. Andreas Castillo, Joey Castillo and Jeremy Price, with Volk Co., represented the landlord, Centre Pointe Plaza LLC.
The first of four in-person candidates seeking to fill the vacant provost post at the University of Arizona comes from Purdue University.

Eric Landon Barker is currently the vice president for health affairs and pharmacy dean at Purdue, where he has been since 1998.

Over the years, Barker has held numerous positions including assistant and associate professor, assistant dean for graduate programs, associate dean for research and associate provost for graduate programs.

Barker was on campus Monday. A public forum with Barker is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Barker, a professor of medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology, was promoted to vice president of health affairs, while in his acting provost role in May 2024, a position he has held since July 1, 2024.

In the vice president role, Barkers responsibilities included aligning health and life science undergraduate, graduate and professional programs and helping push health research to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.

Barkers long tenure at Purdue University forms a connection with UA President Suresh Garimella, who was a professor and vice president at Purdue before serving as president at the University of Vermont prior to coming to UA in October.

Barker isnt the first candidate who has come in from Garimellas past universities.

Tomas Diaz de la Rubia, the UAs senior vice president for research and innovation, worked at Purdue from 2015 to 2019 in various roles. Similarly, Richard Cate, UVMs vice president for finance and administration, was appointed by Garimella in January as the UAs new special advisor on finances and budgets.

Barker, a neuropharmacologist, studied pharmacy at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, received a PhD in pharmacology from Vanderbilt University and completed postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt and Emory University. As a researcher, Barkers interests are in the areas of molecular actions of drugs of abuse and other drugs which affect the brain.

Hes also a member of numerous professional associations including the American Pharmacists Association, Society for Neuroscience, and American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

As associate provost for graduate programs at Purdue, Barkers responsibilities included overseeing 240 programs and 14,000 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at the graduate school, and leading the Graduate School Transformation Project, which streamlined many processes and identified new ways to facilitate graduate and professional student success and remove barriers to new and innovative graduate and professional programs.

The UAs provost position has had its share of upheaval in the last two years.

The position, currently held by Ron Marx in the interim, was previously held by Joseph Glover, who left six weeks after starting the job in July 2024 to return to the University of Florida.

Glover came into the role after Robbins announced former Provost Liesl Folks, who was in the position since 2019, would be stepping down in May 2023 in lieu of many blaming her for the UAs security lapses that preceded the fatal on-campus shooting of Professor Thomas Meixner by a former graduate student.
PHOENIX  The head of the Arizona National Guard is quitting.

But Adjutant General Kerry Muehlenbeck said its not because shes unhappy with the job or being the head of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs under Gov. Katie Hobbs.

She actually was one of the few agency chiefs named by former Gov. Doug Ducey that Hobbs kept on after taking office in 2023. In fact, she will be the first to leave of her own volition, with others forced out over internal issues or their inability to get confirmed by the Senate.

Instead, Muehlenbeck told Capitol Media Services, the time has come  literally  for her to go back to her old job of teaching criminal justice studies at Mesa Community College.

Thats because federal law requires civilian employers to keep someones job open for up to five years while they are serving in the military. And that five years, she said, is up this year.

Her departure, though, sets the stage for Hobbs having to choose a replacement. And that person will have to survive what has become an intense grilling at the hands of the Senate Committee on Director Nominations, a panel formed specifically to screen the picks of the new governor.

Any questions for her replacement, not expected to be named until Muehlenbeck leaves in June, are likely to depend on who the governor picks.

But Sen. Jake Hoffman, who heads that committee, said it will come down to ensuring that person can do the job necessary.

Were in an age where we want our military men and women, whether thats the Guard or whether thats the Marines or the Army, we want them to be the most efficient, effective fighting force possible, said the Queen Creek Republican. And everything else, he said, is pretty much irrelevant.

Woke ideology of the politicization of our men and women will be an automatic death knell for any Hobbs nominee for this important post, Hoffman said.

There also is the fact that Republican legislators have attempted over the years to insert themselves into the activities of the Arizona National Guard  what they can and cannot do  even though, by law, the adjutant general and the approximately 8,000 soldiers in the states Army and Air National Guard report to the governor who is the commander.

In an extensive interview, Muehlenbeck said what she did  and whatever whoever succeeds her must do  is understand the nature of the post.

I get that my job is political, she said, being a gubernatorial appointee. What I have been trying to let people know is, I think at its core, its still nonpartisan.

Muehlenbeck said that Hobbs, in keeping her on even though she was a Ducey appointee, understood that.

And what of times when there were disagreements with the governor?

Id never second guess her, Muehlenbeck said.

The key, she said, is understanding what is the direction in which the governor and her team wants to go.

My job is to give them certain options, Muehlenbeck said. So that, she said, might be providing three paths to get up the mountain and tell the governor which one she recommends.

But the governor gets the last word.

Muehlenbeck, who has been in the military her entire career since college  she went directly into the Air Force as a lieutenant and now has the rank of major general  said that comes naturally to those in uniform.

In the military, you dont take any of the decisions personal, she said.

Youre there to provide your best military advice, Muehlenbeck continued. And if I dont agree inside the room where were having discussions, as soon as we walk out of the door, then that decision is the best one we could have made.

While the law makes the governor the commander of the Guard with the adjutant general as the director of DEMA, all that is not absolute.

Title 10 of the U.S. Code allows the president to order the National Guard into federal service. That can include everything from oversea deployment to combat zones to missions like aiding with natural disasters or helping with law enforcement.

At that point they are subject to federal laws and regulations and have active duty status.

That hasnt stopped Arizona lawmakers from trying to impose their own restrictions.

For example, Sen. Wendy Rogers has proposed a state law to say the Arizona guard cannot be called into active duty combat unless there is a declaration of war by Congress.

The Flagstaff Republican pushed a similar measure last year.

While it cleared the Senate, it ran into problems in the House after lawmakers were warned that it would tell the Department of Defense was unwilling to go overseas and perform missions there. More to the point, it would have stripped the Guard of $636 million in federal funds  more than 96% of its budget  as well as its federally supplied equipment ranging from aircraft to trucks.

Rogers, undeterred, is back again this year with her SB 1495. Like last year, it was approved by the Senate and now awaits House action.

Muehlenbeck, for her part, said it would be wrong to say that Arizona Guard soldiers should only be deployed for in-state missions. She said it comes down to the nature of the Guard  and that fact that members are trained to fight the nations wars.

We are able to leverage that training, that skills, the equipment we use to now go and help in terms of state response, Muehlenbeck said. Its precisely for that reason, for example, that the Arizona Guard has Blackhawk helicopters.

There also has been an ongoing dispute of the role Guard soldiers should be playing on the border.

In prior years, troops have provided support services to free up federal border officers as well as help stem the flow of drugs. Now soldiers work with customs officers at the border to help search vehicles for illegal drugs.

But some GOP lawmakers want them to take an active role in actually capturing illegal border crossers.

As to what advice she would give her successor, Muehlenbeck said she found that the best way to build the readiness was instead to build people.

And then the people do the rest, she said.

So I think my only advice would be, focus on the people, take care of the people, Muehlenbeck said. If you can build strong and resilient people, they will follow you just about anywhere and they will do amazing things, really, in the face of extreme danger.
PHOENIX  Does the political affiliation of a school board candidate matter?

Legislative Republicans think so. They want to make sure voters know candidates party registrations.

A measure awaiting House debate would mandate that beginning next year, all ballots include each candidates partisan designation. That would be defined as how the candidate was registered 150 days before the election.

Some opponents said theyre concerned it needlessly injects partisan politics into education issues.

But Rep. Matt Gress, a Republican who previously served on the board of the Madison Elementary School District in Phoenix, said its too late to keep that from happening.

That bus has left the yard, he said, pointing out that, at least in the last few elections, both political parties have gotten behind certain school board candidates. Senate Bill 1441 would simply remove any mystery for voters, Gress said.

Sen. Mark Finchem also questioned whether school board races are the nonpartisan affairs they may once have been.

Sometimes it feels like, to me, that this is just kind of a cover, a fig leaf, that we put on what really is partisan, said the Prescott Republican.

The vote suggests Republicans think listing candidate affiliation will be more beneficial to their adherents than to Democrats: Every vote for the bill so far was from a Republican; every vote against it came from a Democrat.

This comes against a backdrop of an increasing number of political issues entering into decisions being made by school boards. Those have included not just what courses to offer and clubs to allow but what books are removed from school libraries.

Already approved by the Senate, the measure now awaits action by the full House. But its future remains uncertain.

The Republican-controlled Legislature approved a similar measure last year crafted by Justine Wadsack, then a Republican senator from Tucson. But it was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.

This bill will further the politicization and polarization of Arizonas school district governing boards whose focus should remain on making the best decision for students, Hobbs wrote in rejecting the legislation. Partisan politics do not belong in Arizonas schools.

This years version is being pushed by Republican Sen. Carine Werner, who also is on the governing board of Scottsdale Unified School District. She said her concerns go back to before she was first elected to the board.

Looking back to when I was voting for school board members prior to getting involved in politics, I never knew who I was voting for in the sense of what party they aligned with, what their values were, she said.

What convinced her those races already were partisan, Werner said, was that Stand for Children, which advocates for more education spending and has praised Hobbs, spent about $1.4 million supporting not just Democratic legislative candidates but also contenders for school board races in the 2024 election. She also said the Arizona Education Association paid teachers to knock on doors for Democratic candidates.

But Werner also noted that postcards sent to Republican voters promoting what the party called its golden ticket included not just legislative and congressional candidates but also those running for school boards. And the same was true, she said, in mailings to Democrats.

That is perfectly fine, Werner said. But the voters deserve transparency and to know which party the candidate aligns with, something she said should be on the ballot.

Sen. Analise Ortiz did not dispute that school board candidates do get endorsed by various political groups. But the Phoenix Democrat asked why voters cant do their own research and figure out each candidates affiliation and positions on issues rather than simply add a partisan label.

Why is it not enough to trust the voter to do the background research on these candidates? she asked.

We have a lot of uneducated voters or people who arent involved with the school district that do care about it, but they just dont have capacity to look into who theyre going to be voting for, responded Amy Carney, who serves with Werner on the Scottsdale school board. She said information about party affiliation ensures every voter has the information they need to make an educated vote.

Sen. John Kavanagh said a piece of that is party affiliation, especially when voters are not familiar with candidates.

Because one thing that almost everybody with a pulse knows is that if youre a Republican, youre going to tend to be conservative and if youre a Democrat, youre going to tend to be liberal, said the Fountain Hills Republican.

Kavanagh said that is probably more true now than in the past.

The parties have purged the moderates, he said. So, searching who to vote for, party affiliation is an extremely valuable identifier.

Opponents said there may be fallout from having school board candidates run with partisan labels.

Ortiz cited a study from the University of Georgia on what happened in North Carolina after school boards were given the option of switching to partisan elections. It said schools located in districts that made the shift experienced an increase in teacher turnover and an increase in less-experienced teachers.

Ortiz said that implies dissatisfaction with policies that were implemented by newly elected, potentially more partisan or more political type of boards.

She questioned Carney about how such a change would affect Arizona, which already has a teacher shortage.

Carney brushed that aside.

Putting a party affiliation on a ballot shouldnt mean anything about how youre going to govern on a school board, she said. I dont think it politicizes the environment any more than it already is.
PHOENIX  Arizona lawmakers are moving to take cosmetics developed with animal testing off the market.

Without discussion the Senate on Monday gave preliminary approval to legislation that would make it illegal for a manufacturer to knowingly sell, or offer for sale, any cosmetic in which animal testing was used in the making of the item.

Violators would be subject to a penalty of $1,000 for the first day of violation and $500 a day for every day beyond.

But the wording of SB 1031, which now needs a roll call vote, does not mean all those cosmetics will suddenly disappear.

One exception is when animal testing is conducted outside of the United States and is required by a foreign regulatory agency.

Also permitted are tests on animals done with a chemical that is not specifically designed to be part of a cosmetic.

And there is a broader catch-all exemption.

The measure sponsored by Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, still would permit testing if requested, required or conducted by a federal or state regulatory agency if there is not a way of testing it for serious adverse human health risks without the use of animals.

How wide a loophole all of that creates is unclear.

But the fact is that not a single lobbyist for the cosmetics industry came to testify against the measure when it came up for a hearing last month in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

Kavanagh said a reason for that is that the practice of animal testing has fallen out of favor among many cosmetic companies.

It really gives the industry a bad name, he said.

What lawmakers did hear were arguments by proponents on why legislation is needed.

One was Jordan Sucato, a 16-year-old from Phoenix who in 2024 was on Time Magazines Kid of the Year list. She got there by virtue of her work with Laws for Paws, a nonprofit specifically designed to protect the feet of dogs in the Arizona desert from hot pavement.

This legislation represents a crucial step forward in protecting animals from unnecessary harm and suffering, Sucato told lawmakers. Animal testing for cosmetic purposes is outdated and unnecessary in an era where safer, more effective alternatives exist.

That, she said, includes what amounts to artificial tissue that can mimic the reaction of human skin.

She described on how mice, rabbits and guinea pigs have compounds applied to bare skin or dripped into their eyes, often without anesthesia.

This level of suffering is unjustifiable for the sake of beauty products, Sucato said.

The measure also drew support from Karen Michael, a member of the board of Animal Defense League of Arizona and of Humane Voters of Arizona. She said 12 other states already have enacted similar legislation as well as 45 countries.

Michael said the exceptions would still allow companies to meet federal, state or foreign requirements.

She also pointed out that the proposal is prospective only, affecting only those cosmetics manufactured after the end of 2025. That means existing products already on the market in Arizona could continue to be sold as long as there is no new testing beginning in 2026.

Not everyone appeared to be convinced that a new law is necessary.

Sen. Frank Carroll, R-Sun City West, said if consumers dont want cosmetics that have been developed using animal testing they can make that choice themselves.

How easy it is to get that information, however, remains unclear.

Some companies openly promote on labels that their products were developed without animal testing. But getting a list may not be easy.

Theres several organizations that have seals on products that are humane, that have not had cosmetic testing on animals, Michael said. Any consumer can find out which cosmetics have been tested on animals and which have not.

That, however, may not be easy to find.

The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, on its website, says some companies which say they do not test on animals in the United States still pay for testing in China, where such experiments are required for many cosmetics.
Curtis Killman Tulsa World Reporter Follow Curtis Killman 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

Editor's note: This story has been edited to include comment from the Muscogee Nation.

Gov. Kevin Stitt is seeking to have a civil lawsuit between the Muscogee Nation and the city of Tulsa over traffic citations dismissed.

Attorneys working out of the Governors Office said as much in court papers filed Friday in Tulsa federal court.

The governor claims that the case should be dismissed because the state was not named as a defendant.

Had it been, the state would have moved to have the case dismissed on the grounds that the state enjoys sovereign immunity from prosecutorial decisions, according to the motion.

The governor maintains that either the case should be dismissed due to its not naming the state as a defendant or or the judge should permit the state to intervene for the sole purpose of seeking a dismissal.

The filing is sure to complicate settlement negotiations in the case, which have been ongoing between the Muscogee Nation and the city of Tulsa since December.

The tribal nation filed the lawsuit Nov. 15, 2023, in Tulsa federal court against the city of Tulsa.

In its filing, the lawsuit sought a judicial declaration stating that the city does not have criminal jurisdiction to cite tribal citizens for traffic violations that occurred within the Muscogee Nation Reservation.

For about a year, the city of Tulsa defended its prosecutions of tribal members on traffic matters.

That all changed with the November election of Monroe Nichols as mayor, who has vowed to have his administration strive for better relations with area tribes, including an effort to co-govern with them on some matters.

The city remains committed to co-governing with the Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek) and Osage Nations to create a strong direction for our governments and Tulsa collectively, Nichols said when the settlement negotiations were announced.

The lawsuit was paused until Jan. 17. The case has since been stayed twice, most recently until May 19 while the two parties work on a settlement.

But the governor, through his attorneys, claims that the state has a vital interest in the case despite it's not having been named as a defendant.

The effect of this lawsuit would burden the States police power and shift that power away from the State, the motion states.

The 2023 lawsuit seeks to put to rest the question of which governmental entity has the criminal jurisdiction to cite tribal members for traffic-related misdemeanor crimes that occur within Indian Country  within a tribes reservation, which includes portions of the city of Tulsa.

The Muscogee Nation claims that it  and not the city of Tulsa  has the right to issue such citations to tribal members.

Stitt, in the filing made on his behalf as governor, claims that the state of Oklahoma still retains the right to issue citations to tribal members, despite the U.S. Supreme Court's 2020 McGirt decision, which established that the Muscogee Reservation had never been disestablished and which led to the legal recognition of other eastern Oklahoma reservations, as well. The rulings have meant the state does not have jurisdiction to prosecute crimes with Native American defendants when the events took place on those reservations.

Stitt adds that his and Nichols interests in how the case turns out may not be identical.

Here, more than a mere possibility exists that the interests of the City of Tulsa and the State through the Governor diverge in this lawsuit, the filing states. The City of Tulsa and the Governor represent different constituencies and have different priorities. For example, as a state-wide elected official, the Governor has a duty to represent the interests of all 4 million citizens of the State, including residents of Tulsa, while City of Tulsa officials represent only the local interests of approximately 400,000 Tulsa residents.

Stitts filing suggests that seeking a settlement is more about political convenience than protecting the interests of the city and state.

The Mayor of Tulsa has made public statements indicating he is seeking to settle this lawsuit in a manner that will bring about a new, unprecedented era of co-governance of Tulsa by the City of Tulsa and the Tribe, the filing states. The State and the Governor, on the other hand, are unwilling to even entertain sacrificing the long-term preservation of the States sovereignty interests in pursuit of a politically convenient, short-term settlement whereby local City officials hand away core State police powers.

Nichols responded to the filing in a statement to the Tulsa World on Monday afternoon.

Our commitment to public safety has not changed," he said. "It is my belief that we can strike the balance of respecting the sovereignty of tribal nations and make Tulsa a safe city where those who violate the law are held accountable.

In my view, a prolonged court battle is not the best way to achieve those goals. I've served the State of Oklahoma since 2016 as an elected official in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now as mayor. In both roles, I swore an oath to defend the interests of the people of Oklahoma.

As the largest city in the country situated wholly on Indian Reservation, I genuinely believe the best thing for the City of Tulsa is to partner with our tribal governments. As the home of 39 federally recognized tribes, I believe it is the best way forward for the State as well; the governor sees it differently, which is his prerogative.

The Muscogee Nation provided the following comment from Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill:

The Nations legal team has informed me that the federal court has granted additional time for the Nation and the City of Tulsa to complete ongoing settlement negotiations in our 2023 lawsuit concerning the prosecution of Indians within the Nations Reservation. I am proud to share that, under the leadership of Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols the Nation and the City have made significant progress working together on matters of mutual interest, including meaningful steps toward resolving this case.

However, I was also informed that, despite the case being pending since 2023, Governor Stitt has now filed a last-minute motion seeking to interveneclaiming the State has an interest in the matter. Unfortunately, this is yet another attempt by the Governor to undermine the Nations sovereignty and disrupt the Nations efforts to build cooperative, government-to-government solutions with our municipal partners.

The Nations legal team will carefully review the Governors eleventh-hour attempt to interfere with our progress and will file the appropriate objections to protect the Nations sovereign rights and the public safety of all who reside within our reservation.

May 2024 video: Could the city of Tulsa have a law enforcement agreement with Native American tribes?
Comedian Joel Creasey is a guest presenter on Nines Postcards this Sunday.

He takes viewers on a tour around the Melbourne CBD ahead of his Comedy Festival show.

Joel explores the buzzing heart of the CBD (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country) ahead of this years Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He starts at Max Watts, the basement venue that has hosted live gigs since 1997, where hell perform his 15th Comedy Festival show; Thanks for Being Here. Next he unwinds at Cabinet Bar & Balcony, a hidden gem behind Little Collins Street known for its intimate atmosphere and top-notch cocktails. To cap off the night Joel visits Punch Lane, a Melbourne institution clocking up 30 years of fine wine and dining at the top of Little Bourke Street.

We find Madeline Spark up on the Gold Coast in the stunning suburb of Miami (Bundjalung Country). She strolls along the picturesque Miami Beach walk, taking in the ocean views, before tackling the famous rainbow stairs. After a stop at Paddock Bakery, a local spot beloved for its artisan pastries and vintage charm, she tours the latest Mater Prize Home, a breathtaking dream house up for grabs in a life-changing lottery. Madeline wraps up her visit with a feast at Etsu Izakaya, where bold Japanese flavors and a vibrant atmosphere make for an excellent experience.

Brodie Harper explores the coastal suburbs of Rye and Fingal (Bunurong Country) on the Mornington Peninsula. She starts on the Rye foreshore, a favoured spot for beachgoers and families, then heads to Noras Pizza House, a new local favourite serving hand-pulled pasta and authentic, Italian-style pizzas. For a taste of the regions renowned produce, Brodie visits The Cups Estate, a family-run vineyard popularised by its boutique wines and house-made olive oil.

And Shane Delia takes viewers on a culinary CBD adventure through Hardware Lane (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country). He kicks off at the modern and new Mexican restaurant, Hotel Nacionale, which has two epic rooftop bars and gluten-free Mex food. From Mexico to Japan in just over a minute, Shane heads to Katsuhon to enjoy some delicious katsu. Then he finishes with South American cuisine at Palermo, an Argentinian steakhouse.

5.30pm Sunday on Nine (Melbourne) and 9Now.
Sheikh Muhammad Abul Lais, Sidra Fatima/TwoCircles.net

The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on March 17 against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, calling for its withdrawal. The protest was attended by more than thousand people, including women. This photo story aims to chronicle the voices of the protesters.

The protest was attended by several Members of Parliament (MPs), including AIMIMs Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress Gaurav Gogoi, TMCs Mohua Moitra and SPs Dharmendra Yadav.

The protest also saw the participation of religious scholars such as Maulana Mahmood Madani of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Sadatullah Hussaini of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, noted Shia cleric Kalbe Jauwwad, among others.

The phrase Stop betraying Muslims, roll back the Waqf Amendment Bill conveys deep dissatisfaction, accusing the government of undermining the interests of the Muslim community through the proposed Bill. The term roll back is a call for the rejection or withdrawal of the Bill.

A significant number of women also participated in the protest, holding banners with messages such as India Against the Waqf Amendment Bill and Stop Encroachment, Save Waqf Assets.

An elderly man holding a banner that read, Stop betraying Muslims, roll back the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Men holding a placard that read, Owner of Waqf is Allah, Custodian of Waqf is the Muslim Community, participated in the protest to voice their opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill.

A young boy holding a banner that read, Article 25 and Article 26 are for us (referring to the Muslim community). Article 25 of the Indian Constitution ensures individuals the freedom to practice, profess and propagate any religion, though this is subject to limitations related to public order, morality and health. Meanwhile, Article 26 grants religious communities the right to manage their own religious affairs, including the establishment of institutions, management of properties and formulation of community rules.

The protest was held under tight security, with a heavy police presence at every corner of the area.
Abdul Alim Jafri, TwoCircles.net

Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh): As the bulldozer demolished and reduced Noors home to rubble, she stood frozen, watching everything her father had built with years of sweat and sacrifice vanish within minutes. The Bareilly district administrations action did not just take away her home  it shattered her dreams and every hope she had nurtured in it.

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The pain was unbearable. It was a silent scream echoing in her heart as she sifted through the debris, searching for her documents and jewelry and other valuable items she once owned. It is Ramadan, a month of faith and devotion, but for her, there was no iftar to prepare, no joy in fasting and no excitement for Eid. With nothing left but grief, she stood amidst the ruins, wondering how to rebuild a life that had been mercilessly torn apart.

On July 18, 2024, communal clashes broke out between two groups over a change in the route of a Muharram procession in Gausganj village of Shahi police station, nearly 50 km from Bareilly district, left one Hindu man dead and several others injured.

When the body of the deceased reached the village, the family refused to perform the last rites and insisted that the last rites would not be performed until the bulldozer action was taken against the accused. The police administration immediately called for a bulldozer and razed the house of the eight families for encroaching on government land. On July 19, over 42 Muslim families fled or were forcibly displaced. Meanwhile, at least 58 Muslim men arrested continue to languish in jail.

Not only was my house bulldozed by the administration without any prior notice, but all valuable items, including jewelry and cash, were looted by Narendra, Omkar and Netrapal along with other villagers in front of the police. My documents were burnt by them before my eyes, and the police did not even intervene, she alleged, taking to TwoCircles.net.

Two days after the incident, as tensions escalated, she said, a huge crowd stormed into her house and started misbehaving with women and abusing them.

It felt like a riot-like situation. The police kicked us out from our home. We were not even given time to put on slippers or carry a dupatta We rushed towards Bareillys Dargah Ala Hazrat for shelter and in hope they (the committee head) will raise our concern before the administration, but they turned a deaf ear. It has been more than eight months and we are taking shelter at a relatives place. We became refugees in our own district, she narrated the horror.

Noors father, Bakhtawar Ali, who was a Prantiya Rakshak Dal (PRD) jawan posted at Bareilly, was booked under the National Security Act (NSA) on November 7. He was labelled as the mastermind. Since then, he has been languishing in jail without trial.

The NSA gives the government the power to keep an accused in jail for up to a year without trial and blocks all efforts to get bail. His services were terminated by the UP government after his arrest on July 22.

Noors two brothers too have been charged under the stringent legislation and are lodged in the prison for the last nine months.

Due to financial constraints, she finds herself unable to secure bail for her brothers, leaving them trapped in a legal ordeal with no immediate relief in sight.

I have lost everything. I dont have enough money to get my father and brother bailed out. When the incident took place, my father was on duty and one of my brothers was in Delhi and the other was at home. They were picked up from home and told that they would be released after interrogation, but they were all put in jail instead, said Noor and burst into tears.

Wiping tears rolling down her face, she tried hard to describe the unimaginable suffering she and fellow villagers of her hamlet face every day after the bulldozer drive but broke down again.

While most villagers have been allowed to return after eight months, Noors family allegedly remains banned as she claimed local SHO Amit Kumar Balyan said that Bakhtiars family has no right to come to the village until they apologies.

A few months ago, Noor got admission in nursing in ANA Group of Institute Bareilly and submitted half of the fees but her dream of studying was shattered because her documents were burnt.

She believes that her father and brothers are paying the price simply because she dared to raise her voice against the injustice they met during the incident.

One-sided action has been taken by the administration because we are the only literate in our village. After all, when the rest of the villagers are returning to their homes, why are we not? What is our fault, Noor questioned.

Reacting to the police action, Noor claimed both factions were involved in the violence on July 19. The police have registered the complaint of the other group while my father and two brothers were made scapegoats along with others belonging to our community. The police refused to register our complaint, she said.

Another villager, Tajuddin, whose house is situated in the middle of a Hindu-concentrated locality, suffered massive losses during the violence.

I had recently gotten married and had jewellery worth Rs 10 lakh, all of which was stolen. They also took my refrigerator, washing machine, cooler, utensils, and even water taps. They did not spare anything  not even my cattle or food grains. Two buffaloes, six goats and nearly 50 quintals of wheat and paddy were looted by the villagers, said Tajuddin, who is a carpenter by profession.

He added even after seven months, the police have refused to register his complaint.

Despite losing everything, Tajuddin has allegedly been barred from returning home for eight months, as police claim, his return could escalate tensions.

Everything of mine has been looted. Not even a spoon is left in the house. I have to start from scratch but still I cannot go back to my house and neither is my complaint being registered, he further added.

Another local Rahees whose farming equipment worth Rs 3 lakh, jewelry worth Rs 2.5 lakh allegedly looted by rioters and fully grown poplar and eucalyptus woods worth 4s 4 lakh cut by them.

Haneef, younger brother of Rahees is in jail and his house was demolished by the authority. With no hope from administration and not allowed to return his village, he taking shelter at a relative place.

When this reporter reached out to SHO Amit Balyan over the demolition, he said, Eight property owners had illegally extended their buildings onto the road. These unauthorised structures were removed to widen the road for villagers. The mosque was also within the encroached area but was spared.

Pressure to sell house at a throwaway price

After the July 19 incident, Gausganj village and surrounding areas remained tense, with shops and business establishments remaining closed and police conducting flag marches in the area.

Now, 11 of those families have returned under security cover  not to homes, but to rubble, looted utensils, essential and broken doors and a village where all of them grow together became a haunted village for Muslims.

With no hope of justice, most of the Muslims families who returned under police security have allegedly been pressurised to sell their houses at throwaway prices.

We get offers through common connections, asking us to sell houses at throwaway prices, says a returnee, speaking on condition of anonymity. We were born and raised here. We are poor labourers. With hard work and adding every single penny, we built small houses so that our children can live peacefully and now people from other community giving us offer to sell it.

A middle-aged woman was sitting on the ramp outside her house, probably calculating the loss she suffered. I dont want to talk. At least, I have my home back, she said adding that she has no idea how will her husband and her son will come out of jail.

Shamim Khan Sultani, Mahanagar president of the Opposition Samajwadi Party (SP), said, The affected families told me that people from other faith do not want them to return at first place after they migrated out of fear in July. But when a couple of families returned to reclaim their house, some people want them to sell their houses and land.

These families presently rely entirely on donations. We survive on the help of an NGO that gives us food and essentials like utensils and brooms, says Roshan, whose husband is still in jail.
TCN News

Bengaluru: The violence that erupted in Nagpur, Maharashtra, over the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb has stirred a war of words between Karnatakas Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress has criticised the objections raised regarding the graves existence, while the BJP insists that maintaining it goes against the nations interests.

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During a press interaction at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA, C.N. Ashwath Narayan, strongly condemned the grave. Aurangzeb was an invader who destroyed our culture, religion and beliefs. Having the grave of such a person is against the interests of our country. There is a lot of ill-will regarding Aurangzebs reign. We cannot glorify what he did to our country, and that is why people are questioning the existence of his grave, he said, emphasising, That is the sentiment of the people.

In response to remarks made by Minister Priyank Kharge, who pointed out that while the world is discussing Artificial Intelligence, the BJP is preoccupied with Aurangzeb, Narayan shot back, What stops Congress leaders from raising these issues? Why cannot Priyank talk about it? The nation should always come first. How can we build our country while glorifying Aurangzeb? He was an invader who destroyed our country.

Narayan further added, It is because of people like Priyank Kharge that our country is still suffering.

The BJP leader did not stop there and launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka government. What is their government doing about Artificial Intelligence, IT and education? They are only interested in politics. They want to use treasury funds to fulfill their political ambitions, and they are acting against the interests of Karnataka and society, Narayan claimed.

Turning to the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh, he said, Illegal immigration of Bangladeshi nationals is taking place, and while some strong measures have been implemented, much more needs to be done.

He called on Home Minister G. Parameshwara to take stronger action on the matter.

In a rebuttal to Priyank Kharges claim that Vinayak Savarkar had defeated Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in an election, Narayan dismissed it as untrue. There is no truth in his statement. The BJP is more than willing to take up this challenge and show the people how the Congress party and late Prime Minister Nehru treated Ambedkar. This topic has been repeatedly raised by the BJP. Priyank Kharge only indulges in hit-and-run politics. He provides mere lip service with no real action. Let his work and policies speak for themselves.

Meanwhile, Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, Priyank Kharge, responded to the violence in Nagpur, calling out the BJPs priorities. BJP leaders need to decide whether they want to take the country forward or backward. While the entire world is talking about free trade and Artificial Intelligence, BJP leaders are still talking about Aurangzeb. What is this nonsense? What will be achieved by digging up graves and bringing them down?

Kharge continued with sharp criticism: Will history change? Will the present change? Will the future of India or its youth change? I think the BJP has lost its sense of priorities. They dont know what to discuss or what should be the countrys focus. A Bloomberg report states that more than 100 crore people do not have extra income to spend.

Kharge was equally dismissive of the BJPs focus on the past, asking, Will destroying the grave or tomb of any emperor improve anyones life? Why are they living in the past? People have elected them to focus on the present and shape a better future for the youth. While the whole world is discussing Artificial Intelligence, they are fixated on Aurangzeb. These leaders should be ashamed.

In response to BJP leaders remarks that Bengaluru should not become like Bangladesh, Kharge raised critical questions: Its agreed that Bengaluru should not turn into Bangladesh. But how are Bangladeshi nationals entering Bengaluru when we dont even share an International Border? Who is responsible for this? Whose duty is it to safeguard the countrys borders?

Kharge went on to take a swipe at the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and stated, You claim to be the most powerful Home Minister after Sardar Patel, so how can you not protect our borders? Why are our borders so porous? How are Bangladeshis entering Karnataka from BJP-ruled states? How are Afghans and Pakistanis making their way to Bengaluru?

The Congress leader continued, What happened to Ajit Doval? What is the Ministry of Home Affairs doing? What is the BJP at the Centre doing? What is happening in BJP-ruled states? Instead of making baseless accusations in legislative sessions, BJP leaders in Karnataka should take these concerns up with their high command.
While an East Texas man was facing a death sentence, his Dallas-based defense attorney was allegedly messaging and soliciting women, according to a petition to reinvestigate and vacate his capital murder conviction filed late last month.

In the filing, former Tyler nurse William Davis  who was found guilty and sentenced to death for fatally injecting air into four patients arteries following heart surgeries at a Tyler hospital  says his defense attorney, Phillip Hayes, messaged an undercover cop posing as an escort during his 2021 trial. The court document says Hayes was arranging to pay $110 in exchange for sex, possibly texting in court while a key witness for the prosecution testified.







Hayes was detained that night, Oct. 5, 2021, by Smith County authorities. He was arrested a month later on a felony charge of solicitation of prostitution  days before he was to appear in court to represent accused serial killer Billy Chemirmir in Dallas.

Hayes pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, a Class A misdemeanor, and was given one year of probation and ordered to pay a fine and community service. He was not publicly reprimanded by the state bar.

Hayes  who is also defending one of the Texas Seven escapees  did not immediately respond to calls to his office seeking comment.

About the time of his 2021 arrest, Hayes told The Dallas Morning News things arent always as they seem.

The allegations against Hayes raise constitutional concerns whether Davis had a fair trial and competent defense. Davis lawyers argue Hayes arrest created a conflict of interest, clouding his representation.

Hayes loyalties were divided between his duty to vigorously represent his client against the State and his personal, pressing interest, the more than 600-page application for a writ of habeas corpus reads.

Benjamin Wolff, director of the state Office of Capital and Forensic Writs, which filed the challenge to Davis conviction, declined to comment via email. The Smith County district attorneys office also declined to comment, citing the ongoing proceedings.

According to a redacted copy of the application obtained by The News, Hayes messaged at least three phone numbers linked to ads for prostitution on the night of Oct. 4, 2021, including 22-year-old Tiffany, the undercover officer.

Tiffany answered Hayes late-night message the next day. Within minutes, Hayes asked if she was available, arranged a meeting and price, the court document says.

A neuroradiologist for the prosecution was likely still testifying at the time Hayes and the undercover officer were messaging just after 3 p.m., according to the filing. The trial did not adjourn until 4:14 p.m.

Hayes arrest conflicted with his ability to effectively represent Davis, his lawyers argue.

Hayes was required to make a choice between advancing Mr. Daviss interests in a fair trial and prioritizing his own strong interests in minimizing the potentially devastating harms of his arrest, the petition reads.

Hayes is representing Texas Seven member Randy Halprin, who was granted a new trial in Dallas.

Halprins legal team has already been thrown into limbo after Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot alleged that defense lawyer Heath Harris attended the execution of the man who masterminded the prison break, possibly disqualifying him from the case.

Creuzot declined to comment on the accusations against Hayes. Creuzot said he does not know if Halprin is aware of Hayes arrest.
From Staff Reports

Gilmont Camp and Conference Center will host a public groundbreaking ceremony March 23 for its new lodge and welcome center.







Just north of Gilmer, Gilmonts 400-acre property hosts Christian summer camps and year-round outdoor activities for children and adults. The property is at 6075 State Hwy 155.

The camp is celebrating its 85th anniversary.

The new lodge and welcome center will house 20 overnight rooms while allowing the camp to expand programming, host multiple groups and provide a dedicated spot to drop off and pick up day campers.

The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. March 23, and gates will open at 2 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to speak with the architects and interior designers who drafted the site plans. Then, guests are invited to grab hard hats and golden shovels for a celebratory photo shoot.

The new lodge and welcome center will breathe new life into the ministry and provide an even greater asset to our community, said the Rev. Kenny Rigoulot, Gilmonts executive director. We are so excited to share this growth and eager to see the ways God will use our facility to build new partnerships and camp experiences.

Additional onsite staff housing as well as renovations improving accessibility and sustainability at the campgrounds were announced as part of the expansion.

Funding for the projects was provided by a mix of donors, churches and foundations. Kilgore Mayor Ronnie Spradlin donated $1.5 million to the campaign, which was matched by Grace Presbytery, the regional body of the Presbyterian Church serving North and East Texas.

Gilmonts fundraising goal for the campaign is $8 million. So far, $5.1 million in donations have been collected.
Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world (Getty Images)

President Trumps updated travel ban list hasnt yet been finalized, but a draft has been circulating  and one of the countries included is a bit of a head-scratcher.

The draft list divides countries into red, orange, and yellow sections. Red countries are subject to an immediate and automatic ban for all citizens. Orange countries restrict access, meaning anyone from that country who wants to enter the United States will need to attend an in-person interview before receiving a visa. Meanwhile, yellow countries are under review and are being asked to update their security systems or risk being put under the red or orange sections.

The 11 countries included on the red list are mostly unsurprising  they are countries where diplomatic relations have been strained for decades, or countries that Trump already included under his previous travel ban. Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen fit that bill. More confusing, however, is the inclusion of Bhutan.

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Bhutan, a tiny Himalayan nation with a population of less than 800,000, usually only makes headlines due to its policy of prioritizing Gross National Happiness instead of GDP. It is a politically neutral country that has a policy of only passing laws if they contribute to the well-being of its citizens, and its eco-credentials are particularly high: Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world. This is partly due to its dedication to green energy and partly because of its density of forests.

A monk plays with a dog outside a monastery in Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan (Associated Press)

The nation is determined to make sustainability a core part of its identity. Tourism is tightly controlled and any traveler visiting the nation has to pay a $100-per-day Sustainable Development Fee. The money is intended to balance the economic positives of tourism with a commitment to protecting the environment and cultural artifacts. Tourists werent even allowed into the country until the 1970s.

Seeking to insulate its country from external forces has been a Bhutanese priority for decades. TV wasnt introduced until 1999  at the same time as the internet  and cellphones didnt arrive until 2003.

There is a dark side to this ideological commitment to preserving cultural heritage: in 1985, the country instituted a One Nation, One People policy. Not long afterwards, Bhutanese who were not Druk Buddhists  especially Nepali-speaking Hindus in the countrys south  were subject to citizenship revocations and arrests, and many were displaced into refugee camps in Nepal. The U.S. took 85 percent of Bhutanese refugees who were forced to leave the country during that time. Most of those refugees settled in the state of Ohio.

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The Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio  the largest group for Bhutanese refugees in the United States  describes the One Nation, One People policy as one that was designed to erase the cultural, religious, and linguistic heritage of the people of southern Bhutan who are minority Hindus in a majority Buddhist nation, and estimates that 28,000 such Bhutanese refugees are now settled in Ohio.

The lower-middle-income country, positioned in between India and China, is governed by a king, a prime minister, a royal advisory council and an administration.

What exactly would lead Trump to categorize Bhutan as a red country today, with its citizens subject to an outright ban? The reason is unclear, but it may be because Bhutanese citizens who have come to the U.S. on visas in the past few years have had an unusually high rate of overstay. The U.S. government is concerned about irregular migration patterns from the country, according to CNBC, as well as national security concerns.

A Bhutanese woman carrying her child climbs up a ladder to go outside a house near a polling station on the eve of general election in Morung village in Bhutan (Associated Press)

According to Homeland Securitys most recent Entry/Exit Overstay Report, from the end of the fiscal year in 2023, Bhutanese nationals had a high rate of overstays on standard B1/B2 visas, at 12.71 percent  but that only works out to 23 people. In comparison, China had an overstay rate of 3.67 percent, meaning 13,805 people; Saudi Arabia had an overstay rate of 0.95 percent, which was 433 people; Russia had an overstay rate of 7.51 percent, meaning 4,057 people; and South Africa  whose white Afrikaner citizens Trump offered refugee status to in the early days of his second administration  had an overstay rate of 1 percent, which works out to 917 people.

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In other words, the extremely low population of Bhutan makes it appear like huge amounts of Bhutanese refugees are entering the country and then staying on illegally, when in fact fewer than 25 people a year are doing so.

According to the Pew Research Center, there are 24,000 Bhutanese living in the United States. But the population stayed steady at 24,000 from 2015 to 2019 (the latest year the research center has data for.) And before that  in the five years between 2010 and 2015  just 5,000 Bhutanese nationals arrived.

Quoted in The Telegraph, former Bhutanese politician Karma Loday responded to news of the possible inclusion of Bhutan on the red list by saying: I feel it is unfair for whatever reason to have my beloved country enlisted with some of the countries with terrorism history. We are in no capacity to even defend our nation militarily without seeking help from others let alone wage an act of terrorism to the United States if that is a suspicion.

This isnt the first time Bhutan has found itself on the receiving end of a Trump immigration policy. In 2020, it was included in a pilot program by the first Trump administration that would require visitors from countries with over 10 percent overstay rates to pay a $15,000 bond to travel to the United States.
HCM CITY  The Saigon Union of Trading Cooperatives (Saigon Co.op) has set itself a target of achieving VN3.5 trillion (US$137 billion) in e-commerce sales this year, marking an increase of 30 per cent over 2024.

Nguyen Anh uc, its general director, told a review meeting in HCM City on 17 March that Saigon Co.op's new e-commerce platform was expected to officially launch in the first half of 2025.

The platform aims to enhance the companys competitiveness in the retail market and effectively engage young consumers, according to uc.

Based on a comprehensive assessment of economic and social development, market trends and internal challenges, Saigon Co.op is targeting sales growth of 4-6 per cent this year and 10 per cent in future.

In terms of profitability, the retailer aims to maintain or exceed 2024 levels and to expand its retail network by opening 154 new stores across its various chains.

In 2024, Saigon Co.op overcame significant challenges in both global and domestic markets to achieve impressive revenues of nearly VN30 trillion (US$1.74 billion). A key factor in this success was the strong performance of e-commerce, which accounted for over 10 per cent of sales and saw nearly 50 per cent growth.

All of Saigon Co.ops retail chainsCo.opmart, Co.opXtra, Co.op Food, Co.op Smile, Finelife, and Cheersexpanded with new store openings.

The company also prioritised digital transformation, logistics and warehousing improvements, and product restructuring, while progressively adapting to the "green transition" trend.

Beyond its business operations, Saigon Co.op remained actively engaged in community initiatives, launching the Co.op Cares platform and implementing over 150 social projects last year.

Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy director of the city's Department of Industry and Trade, speaking at the meeting, praised the cooperatives achievements.

He highlighted Saigon Co.ops crucial role in ensuring reliable food supply for the city and its contributions to social and economic development.

He emphasised the importance of adopting technology in management and operations to enhance business efficiency and keep pace with market trends.

He encouraged Saigon Co.op to strengthen its partnerships with other businesses, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that maximises revenues and supports both the city and countrys retail development strategies.  VNS
HCM CITY  Senior government officials, healthcare leaders and industry experts from Viet Nam and the UK gathered in HCM City on Monday to discuss and share insights on innovation and digital transformation in the health sector.

The Health Innovation Business Forum explored the latest advancements in digital health, medical technology and life sciences.

With the UK being home to world-leading institutions in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and digital health, the forum marked a significant milestone in strengthening UK-Viet Nam partnerships to drive healthcare innovation and improve public health.

Marcus Winsley, British deputy ambassador to Viet Nam, reaffirmed his countrys strong commitment to deepening healthcare partnerships with Viet Nam.

The UK and Viet Nam share a long-standing history of collaboration in healthcare, spanning policy dialogue, research partnerships and trade.

As Viet Nam and HCM City accelerate their digital transformation and healthcare modernisation, the UK stands ready to share its expertise in medical innovation, digital health and workforce development.

Dr Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Health, said: Todays conference is not only an opportunity to discuss trends, opportunities and challenges in healthcare innovation in Viet Nam, especially HCM City, but also a driving force to advance digital transformation in the healthcare system.

The event also marks a new milestone in the partnership between HCM City and British partners in the healthcare sector.

Since 2023, with the support and close cooperation of the UK Government, the city has made significant strides in realising its plan to establish itself as a healthcare innovation hub in Southeast Asia, he said.

There will be further opportunities for the two sides to engage with strategic partners, foster innovation, apply modern technology, and enhance medical capacity to provide better healthcare for the Vietnamese people, he added.

The forum featured discussions on Innovation, Investment and Partnerships: Unlocking Viet Nams Healthcare Potential, where UK experts shared insights from successful models in their cities, such as Liverpool.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authoritys cluster lead for healthcare & life sciences, Matt Biagetti, said: HCM Citys ambitious vision for a health innovation hub presents an exciting opportunity for knowledge-sharing, investment and technological advancements that can improve patient outcomes and healthcare access.

The forum also explored digital transformation in healthcare, medical innovations and R&D and strategies to improve operational efficiency and workforce development to support innovation.

A number of British healthcare organisations and companies sent their executives to showcase their expertise, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Civic Health Innovation Labs (University of Liverpool), Modality Partnership, Nuffield Department of Medicine (University of Oxford), TPP, Blum Health, Axela, Envisionit Deep AI, and MediBioSense.

The forum was organised by the UK Government in collaboration with Healthcare UK, KPMG, and the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) Viet Nam. VNS
HA NOI  After the acquisition of two domestic insurance companies by Koreas DB Group last year, M&A activities in the Vietnamese non-life insurance sector have become attractive again this year, with a notable deal.

Chubb Limited has recently announced agreements to acquire the insurance businesses of Liberty Mutual in Viet Nam. The transactions are expected to be completed by late 2025 or early 2026 and are subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Liberty Insurance in Viet Nam offers a range of consumer and commercial P&C products, including automotive, accident, health and non-motor insurance such as fire/property and industrial all-risk.

The acquisition of Liberty Mutual is part of Chubb's ambition to continue expanding its markets. However, expanding the market share in the Vietnamese insurance market is diffcicult for 100 per cent foreign-owned insurance companies.

Currently, the market share gap between the leading group and the rest is still very large. Seven leading insurers, PVI Insurance, Bao Viet Insurance, Bao Minh Insurance, Military Insurance, BIDV Insurance, Petrolimex Insurance, and VietinBank Insurance, hold more than 60 per cent of the total market share in non-life insurance revenue while the rest of the market share is divided among 25 other insurance companies.

Despite the difficulties, the Vietnamese non-life insurance market is still an attractive destination for foreign investors thanks to great expectations for the industry's growth potential.

Observers say that currently, the non-life insurance sector is mainly dominated by financially strong businesses with solid foundations and suitable strategies. These businesses will lead the market, while those that are not strong enough may have to leave the race.

As of 2024, there were 32 non-life insurance companies, a single branch of a foreign non-life insurance company and two reinsurance companies in Viet Nam, of which Techcom Non-Life Insurance Joint Stock Company was licensed and put into operation this year.

According to data from the Ministry of Finance, the original premium revenue for the non-life sector in 2024 was estimated at more than VN79.36 trillion, an increase of 11.68 per cent compared to 2023.

PVI led in terms of premium revenue with nearly VN13.33 trillion last year, an increase of 21.12 per cent compared to 2023. The companys revenue accounted for 16.79 per cent of the total market share.

With an estimated revenue of nearly VN10.46 trillion, an increase of 3.09 per cent compared to 2023, Bao Viet Insurance followed with a market share of 13.18 per cent.  VNS
HA NOI  The stock market kicked off the mid-March trading week with gains, as the VN-Index reclaimed the 1,330-point level and aimed for 1,340 points. While liquidity declined slightly compared to the previous session, foreign investors showed signs of bottom-fishing.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index rose by 10.11 points, or 0.76 per cent, closing at 1,336.26 points. Market breadth was positive, with 185 advancing stocks compared to 111 decliners. Trading liquidity fell slightly to VN20.2 trillion (US$791.2 million), with over 954 million shares traded.

The VN30-Index, which tracks the 30 largest-cap stocks, also gained 7.87 points, or 0.57 per cent, reaching 1,394.9 points. Within the VN30 basket, 17 stocks advanced, nine declined, and four remained unchanged.

The market rally was led by the Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (VCB), which gained 1.97 per cent, contributing over 1.8 points to the VN-Index.

Other major gainers included Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPB), which surged 3.06 per cent, and Investment and Industrial Development Corporation (BCM), which climbed 3.54 per cent. Additionally, Vietnam Airlines JSC (HVN) and Saigon Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) gained 3.77 per cent and 5.14 per cent, respectively.

On the downside, FPT Corporation (FPT) fell 1.07 per cent, while Vietnam Rubber Group - Joint Stock Company (GVR) dropped 0.75 per cent and Masan Group Corporation (MSN) declined 0.84 per cent.

According to SHS Securities analysts, the VN-Index is trending up over the short term, with support levels at 1,315 points and stronger support at 1,300 points. However, profit-taking pressure is increasing as the VN-Index and VN30 approach strong resistance zones at 1,350 and 1,400 points, respectively.

"In the short term, we do not see this as an attractive price range for further investment. Investors with high exposure or overly diversified portfolios should consider reducing their positions and restructuring weaker stocks," SHS noted.

"Market momentum is weakening as many mid- and small-cap stocks face heavy selling pressure after extended gains over the past seven to eight weeks. While a few opportunities remain in real estate and VN30 stocks that have yet to rise significantly, investors should carefully manage risk, especially for loss-making positions. Any increase in portfolio exposure should be selective and based on Q1 earnings performance.

"We recommend maintaining a balanced portfolio, focusing on fundamentally strong stocks in key strategic sectors with high growth potential," SHS analysts added.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index gained 1.66 per cent, closing at 246.77 points. Trading value on the northern exchange exceeded VN1.1 trillion, with over 58 million shares traded.

Meanwhile, foreign investors turned net buyers, purchasing over VN204 billion worth of shares on the HoSE.  VNS
HCM CITY  Viet Nam is seeking assistance from Standard Chartered Bank to establish international financial hubs in the Southeast Asian nation.

In a meeting on Monday with CEO Saif Malik during his official UK visit, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh emphasised the countrys commitment to developing two international financial centres (IFCs) in HCM City and a Nang.

He expressed hope that Standard Chartered would actively participate and offer recommendations for these initiatives.

CEO Saif Malik assured the Deputy Prime Minister of Standard Chartereds commitment to supporting Viet Nams IFCs and expanding investment in emerging sectors such as the green and circular economies.

He also urged the Vietnamese government to continue fostering a supportive environment for the bank's operations.

With over 170 years of history and presence in more than 50 markets, Standard Chartered opened its first office in Viet Nam in 1904 and established its local bank in 2009, currently operating four branches in Ha Noi and HCM City.

The Vietnamese government plans to launch the two IFCs over the next five years.

They are finalising the necessary framework and policies to support these centres, which aim to mobilise resources for national development.

The IFC initiative, a priority for the government, will offer various financial services, boosting local economies and attracting foreign investment.

Recently, HCM City established a steering committee to oversee the development of the IFC, which consists of 29 members and is chaired by Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen.

HCM City is a major economic hub with a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) exceeding US$73.8 billion, accounting for 15.5 per cent of national GDP, and is home to over 50 per cent of the countrys fintech start-ups.

As the location of Viet Nams first stock exchange, HCM City is one of the major economic centres of the nation, alongside Ha Noi and a Nang.

Its distinct time zone advantage relative to most major global financial hubs enhances its attractiveness for investment, particularly when other markets are closed.

The city is strategically located within a three-hour flight from significant regional hubs including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and China.

Viet Nams stable political environment, secure society, and skilled workforce provide ideal conditions for the establishment of these centres.

Special policies will be implemented to attract banks, investment funds, and financial service companies, while trading platforms for securities, currencies, and commodities will be developed, with a particular emphasis on fintech.

These centres are poised to connect Viet Nam with global financial markets, attract foreign institutions, and enhance investment opportunities.

While the concept of an IFC is well-established in various countries worldwide, it remains relatively novel in Viet Nam.

The Deputy PMs business trip aims to promote cooperation for the establishment and growth of these financial centres, particularly as the UK is a well-established financial market with extensive experience in managing international financial centres.  VNS
HA NOI  Japanese consumers are increasingly turning to Vietnamese rice as an alternative to domestic varieties, thanks to its comparable quality and lower price.

Takashi Takanashi, board director of Spice House Co, a company in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, that sells imported food wholesale to restaurants and retail stores, said his firm is receiving more inquiries about Vietnamese rice.

He told the press that the company's store sells five kilos of Vietnamese-grown Japonica rice for 3,240 yen (about US$21.80), significantly cheaper than the 4,000 yen (about $27) price tag for Japanese-grown Japonica rice. Japonica rice, known for its small and short grains, is Japans staple variety

Takanashi said that Vietnamese Japonica rice closely resembles its Japanese counterpart in both appearance and taste. Due to the high demand, the company has nearly run out of stock and has implemented a one-bag-per-customer limit.

Viet Nam, the world's fifth-largest rice producer, is increasingly supplying Japan, where private rice imports have jumped from 368 tonnes in fiscal 2023 to 991 tonnes by the end of January 2025, according to Japan's Ministry of Agriculture.

Despite a hefty tariff of 341 yen per kilo on private rice imports, foreign rice remains a more affordable option for Japanese consumers compared to domestically produced varieties like Koshihikari.

According to Mainichi.jp, Koshihikari and similar premium Japanese rice varieties are priced at approximately 800 yen (around $5.40) per kilo.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Working Group on Fruits and Vegetables and the Viet Nam Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PSAV) Secretariat, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, co-organised the conference "Realising the Food Innovation Hub Viet Nam (FIH-V) Plan 2025" in Bac Ninh province.

The conference was organised to disseminate and deliberate on the implementation plan for the Food Innovation Hub Viet Nam (FIH-V) 2025 initiative, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. It also provided a platform for exchanging experiences and visiting a sustainable potato production model that integrates high-tech applications and low-emission cultivation.

Revolutionising potato farming: A sustainable approach

Established in 2010 under the "New Vision for Agriculture" initiative and the 20-20-20 goal (increasing productivity by 20 per cent, reducing poverty by 20 per cent, and cutting emissions by 20 per cent), PSAV has been instrumental in mobilising investment resources, applying scientific and technological advancements, and developing effective and sustainable value chains for Viet Nam's key agricultural commodities under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

PSAV currently maintains 8 PPP Working Groups, including the PPP Working Group on Fruits and Vegetables, which is overseen by the National Agricultural Extension Centre (public sector) in partnership with PepsiCo Foods Viet Nam and Syngenta Viet Nam (private sector partners). This organisation has implemented novel methods of potato cultivation with the aim of increasing productivity, reducing environmental damage, and raising the incomes of producers.

In 2024, the PPP Working Group on Fruits and Vegetables implemented a series of innovative potato farming solutions, such as using drones to monitor the crop cycle and spray pesticides, precision irrigation systems, and fertigation techniques. Additionally, the group has implemented integrated pest management strategies.

These efforts not only support Viet Nam's COP26 commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, but also contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy for 2021-2030, with a vision for 2050. The PPP Working Group on Fruits and Vegetables has become a pioneering force in piloting new technologies and innovations as a result of these advancements. Potatoes are the first agricultural sector under the FIH-V initiative.

Focused discussions on policy obstacles and challenges within the value chain regarding innovation adoption will feature prominently in the conference to implement the FIH-V initiative by 2025. The working group's experts will also present plans to expand sustainable potato farming areas in northern Viet Nam, following the successful 2024-2025 winter-spring crop season. They will also discuss the application of digital technology to improve crop management efficiency, identify production challenges and market constraints, and propose solutions to optimise the supply chain, reduce dependence on imports, and transition to a sustainable, modern, and highly competitive agricultural sector.

Extending the sustainable potato production model to Northern Viet Nam

PepsiCo, Syngenta, and key partners, including the National Agricultural Extension Centre, Yara, Netafim_Khang Thinh, Novacid, Mimosatek, Viettransco, Duc Minh, USAID-Resonance (GDA project), and the "She Feeds The World" (SFtW) project by CAREVN, have collectively implemented the sustainable potato production project in the Central Highlands since 2019. The project has yielded exceptional results.

In 2024, the cultivation area will have increased nearly fourfold to 1,700 hectares, from 400 hectares. The average yields will be 30-34 tons per hectare, substantially higher than those achieved using traditional farming methods.

Building upon this success, the project participants have expanded the model to encompass 320 hectares in northern provinces during the winter-spring season of 2024-2025. The average potato yield increased by 8 tons per hectare compared to previous seasons, reaching 23-26 tons per hectare after just one season.

Furthermore, the implementation of precision irrigation systems has resulted in a reduction in production costs, equating to a saving of 3,170 cubic metres of water per hectare. The utilisation of drones has resulted in a more than tenfold reduction in pesticide solution usage, while the integrated pest management approach has reduced the necessity for pesticide spraying by two applications per season. During the 2023-2024 winter-spring season, the previous pilot programmes in Thanh Hoa and Hai Duong provinces also attained remarkable results, with peak yields of up to 35 tons per hectare.

Participating in the linkage model, potato farmers receive technical support on new varieties, cultivation methods, and the safe and economical use of pesticides and fertilisers, as well as water-saving irrigation technology and mechanisation in sustainable potato production. Simultaneously, partnering businesses provide input materials and purchase all harvested products.

According to Mr Nguyen Thanh Tuan, Director of External Affairs and Sustainable Development at Syngenta Viet Nam: "Thanks to training farmers on proper usage, product quality is ensured without residues, meeting PepsiCo's global standards. Applying these solutions also helps farmers reduce pesticide costs by 2 million VND/ha, increase productivity by 10-15 per cent, and contribute to PepsiCo's 6,000 tons of potato exports in 2024. We believe that expanding cooperation with PepsiCo and partners will create a livelihood and a more profitable, higher-yielding crop choice for farmers," Mr Tuan shared.

Mr Nguyen Viet Ha, General Director of PepsiCo Foods Viet Nam, stated that implementing the sustainable production linkage model will initially help the company secure domestic raw materials for PepsiCo's second food factory, which will begin operations in Ha Nam in the third quarter of this year. Subsequently, it will aim for exports and increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market.

Highly appreciating the effectiveness of the model, Mr Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Centre, said: "In the context of global agriculture shifting strongly towards sustainability, emission reduction, and climate change adaptation, the sustainable potato value chain model by PepsiCo Foods, Syngenta, and partners not only promotes green agriculture but also lays the foundation for the FIH-V Project  aiming to expand the model, apply advanced technologies, and create sustainable value for Viet Nam's potato industry. I believe the Agricultural Extension System will play an important role in promoting this innovative pilot model, along with other potential innovative programmes of the PPP Task Force on Fruits and Vegetables."  VNS
HA NOI  Norwegian seafood exports to Viet Nam surged to a record high in 2024, reflecting the countrys growing appetite for high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood.

The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) announced this milestone during the Food & Hospitality Expo in Ha Noi on March 18.

According to NSC, Norway exported a total of 2.8 million tonnes of seafood worldwide in 2024, generating US$16.5 billion in revenue. Viet Nam alone imported over 72,000 tonnes, valued at $252 million  marking a 20 per cent increase in value and a 16 per cent rise in volume compared to 2023.

Among the key products, Norwegian salmon continued to be a favourite, with over 24,000 tonnes shipped to Viet Nam, making the country one of the largest markets for Norwegian seafood in Southeast Asia.

Mackerel imports also grew significantly, with 36,200 tonnes brought into Viet Nam. Notably, 97 per cent of Norwegian mackerel imported was used for processing and re-export, underscoring Viet Nams role as a key seafood processing hub.

NSCs Regional Director for Southeast Asia,Ashild Nakken, attributed the surge in Norwegian seafood exports to Viet Nams increasing preference for premium food products.

To further expand its presence, NSC has been actively collaborating with Vietnamese businesses to enhance distribution through retail and food service channels.

She said NSC has signed several cooperation agreements to make Norwegian seafood more accessible in supermarkets and restaurants across Viet Nam.

NSC is also ramping up promotional efforts, working with major supermarket chains, restaurant groups, and e-commerce platforms to ensure easier access for consumers.

Additionally, the organisation is conducting training programmes, such as the Norwegian Salmon Academy, in key cities like a Nang, HCM City and Ha Noi. These initiatives aim to equip chefs and food industry professionals with advanced seafood handling and preparation skills.

Bilateral cooperation and trade opportunities

Norwegian Ambassador to Viet Nam, Hilde Solbakken, highlighted Viet Nams strong position in the global seafood supply chain, noting that the country has become a key player in seafood processing and trade. He also observed that Norwegian seafood, especially salmon, is gaining popularity in this growing market.

The ambassador noted that Norwegian consumers have a high appreciation for Vietnamese shrimp, which are larger than those found in Norway.

She also highlighted the potential for Vietnamese coffee exports, given Norways reputation as one of the highest coffee-consuming countries in the world.

Looking ahead, both countries see promising opportunities for deeper cooperation.

Bilateral trade between Norway and Viet Nam has grown steadily over the past decade, but there is potential for even greater expansion if the two countries sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Such an agreement would create a stable framework for economic cooperation while fostering new opportunities in the green and maritime economies, benefiting both nations, the ambassador said.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh pushed for balanced, harmonious and sustainable economic and trade ties with the US during a working session in Ha Noi on Tuesday with a delegation from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) and nearly 60 major US corporations.

PM Chinh welcomed their working trip, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the second year of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Viet Nam always considers the US a partner of top significance, especially in economy, trade and investment, he said, highlighted vast untapped potential for US firms in Viet Nam. He expressed hope for the USs expanded presence in the country, especially in such key sectors such as energy, high technology, semiconductor, artificial intelligence (AI), aviation, aerospace, and climate change mitigation.

The guests praised the Vietnamese Government, particularly PM Chinh, for actively tackling challenges faced by foreign investors, including those form the US.

Commending Viet Nams socio-economic development strategy bolstered by recently-issued Resolution 57-NQ/TW focusing on sci-tech, innovation and digital transformation, they signaled strong interest in expanding investments across green transition, digital economy, circular economy, energy, high tech, AI, data management, aviation, logistics, finance, telecom, healthcare, food processing, consumer goods, tourism, education, and agriculture.

They wished for faster administrative reforms, legal stability, and incentives to boost strategic projects aligning US expertise with Viet Nams needs.

In reply, Chinh directed ministries and agencies to gather and address the delegations input promptly. He encouraged US firms to bridge business communities, leverage dialogue mechanisms between the Government and businesses, and host regular networking events. He also pushed for opportunities to integrate Vietnamese companies into US global supply chains, positioning Viet Nam as the USs key production and business hub in Southeast Asia.

The delegation was urged to advise the Vietnamese Government on refining policies and lobby President Donald Trump's administration for stronger, sustainable economic ties. He floated a new bilateral trade framework tailored to current realities and urged the US to avoid trade barriers on Vietnamese exports, recognise Viet Nams market economy status soon, and remove Viet Nam from the US Department of Commerces list of restricted hi-tech exports.

The host suggested collaboration in sci-tech and innovation, including tech transfers and workforce training support. He sought US expertise in energy development and infrastructure projects like railways, aviation, and maritime systems, specifically suggesting aircraft maintenance centres at Long Thanh and Gia Binh airports.

He also advocated for partnerships in modern digital infrastructure, 5G commercialisation, 6G research, and tech transfers for medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. In agriculture, he highlighted a sustainable, low-emission rice project spanning 1 million ha in the Mekong Delta as a prime investment target.  VNS
HCM CITY  Held for the first time in Viet Nam, the 6th International Student Media Arts Festival (ISMA 2025) is taking place until July 2025 at Van Lang University in HCM City.

The event attracted the participation of nearly 100 universities from 15 countries, marking a significant platform for international cultural exchange and creative collaboration in media and arts.

Established in Qingdao, China, in 2017, the International Student Media Arts Festival has since expanded with subsequent editions held in Guiyang (2018), Shanghai - Malaysia (2019), Middle Tennessee State University, USA (2023), and Kookmin University, South Korea (2024).

ISMA 2025 will feature prestigious universities such as Beijing Film Academy, China Academy of Art, New York University and Michigan State University, along with leading educational institutions from the US, Europe, South Korea, Australia, Brazil and beyond.

Under the theme Future of Media: Humanity  Rivers  Environment, ISMA 2025 encourages students to explore the interconnections between humanity, nature, and society.

The festival serves as a valuable opportunity for faculty and students to enhance training quality in media and digital arts.

Its four main competition categories include short films, animation art, interactive art, and AI narrative, highlighting the integration of advanced technologies in artistic expression.

Participants will have the chance to submit their creative works, engage in global competition, and access cutting-edge technological trends.

The event includes three main activities designed to foster collaboration between students and industry professionals.

First, a media arts contest, an online competition open to students worldwide.

Second, a 72-hour workshop, an on-site filmmaking challenge in HCM City, where 20 student teams will create short films within 72 hours, revolving around the theme Humanity  Rivers  Environment. It will further enrich students' learning experiences, fostering skills development and networking among students, experts, and researchers in the field.

Finally, the academic forum, a platform for professors and scholars to discuss future trends in media and communication education.

For more information about the event, competition guidelines, and awards, please visit https://www.isma.digital/

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Viet Nams reunification, the 30th anniversary of Van Lang University, and the 20th anniversary of the Faculty of Arts and Design.

As the host institution, Van Lang University reaffirms its pioneering role in media arts and its contribution to the growth of Viet Nams creative industry.

Hosting ISMA 2025 is a testament to the Facultys sustainable growth and its impact on the countrys media and creative landscape.

With a curriculum aligned with global design trends, the university has been a pioneer in integrating Vietnamese cultural heritage and community-focused design into its training programmes.

This unique blend of creativity and cultural identity has enabled the universitys arts and design students to excel in numerous international competitions, leaving a strong mark in various creative fields.

Van Lang University collaborates with over 30 universities and technology firms in South Korea, expanding global learning opportunities for students and graduate researchers.

Over the years, the Faculty of Arts and Design has forged strategic partnerships with prestigious South Korean institutions such as Handong University, Kookmin University, Sunmoon University, and Konkuk University.

Through these partnerships, the universitys design students have gained deeper industry insights, with community projects in Vietnam and international exhibitions in South Korea receiving high recognition from global enterprises.

Its Faculty of Arts and Design regularly hosts large-scale art and design events in the country.

These initiatives facilitate academic exchange in design, fine arts, and emerging creative trends, connecting professionals and art enthusiasts alike.  VNS
AN GIANG The southern province of An Giang will organise a ceremony to celebrate the recognition of its Festival of the Ba Chua Xu Goddess at Sam Mountain as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

The event slated for today at the Sam Mountain National Tourism Site in Chau oc City will be attended by a large number of officials, local residents and tourists.

Before the ceremony, the organising committee will make offerings at the Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum and the Temple of Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm).

The main event will feature the presentation of the UNESCO certificate and an opening ceremony, and will be accompanied by music and art performances and a fireworks display.

There will be a screening of a documentary about the festival and reenactments of historical events.

The ceremony would not only promote An Giangs cultural heritage but also raise awareness of the cultural and historical value of the festival, the organisers said.

It also aims to encourage collective efforts to preserve and innovate intangible heritages while promoting the province's multi-ethnic cultures.

The Festival of the Ba Chua Xu Goddess, held from the 22nd to 27th of the fourth lunar month, is celebrated by the Kinh, Khmer, Cham, and Hoa ethnic groups in Chau oc.

As one of the biggest religious events in the south the celebration expresses gratitude to the goddess for her protection of the people's prosperity, health, and peace.

It also celebrates the role of women in society and commemorates ancestors contributions to the nations history.

It features a palanquin procession, a bathing ceremony to change the clothes and jewelry of the statue of the goddess and the preparation and presentation of offerings.

Viet Nam now has UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status for 16 events nationwide. VNS
NEW DELHI  Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Nguyen uc Hai met with Speaker of the India Lok Sabha (lower house) Om Birla on Monday as part of his trip to the South Asian country from March 14-19.

Hai congratulated India on its strong development under the leadership of the government and parliament led by the National Democratic Alliance, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at its core, noting India's impressive achievements in economy, military, and science technology, which have continuously enhanced the country's role and position in the region and the world.

He affirmed Viet Nams consistent policy of prioritising its relations with India and expressed his hope that this visit would further consolidate political trust and friendship between the two countries, helping to bring the cooperation across sectors to a deeper and more substantive manner.

The Indian speaker, for his part, expressed his delight at the strong growth of the Viet Nam  India relations throughout more than 50 years, with regular high-level exchanges between the two governments and parliaments, as well as growing people-to-people connections.

Birla praised Vietnam's recent economic growth and development achievements, noting that India is also focusing its resources on national development with the goal of becoming a developed nation. He held that both countries boast tremendous opportunities to expand cooperation across various fields.

The two sides concurred to promote the exchange of delegations at all levels and between parliamentary leaders while supporting the expansion of bilateral collaboration in the fields of politics, defence  security, economy  trade  investment, agriculture, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

The speaker agreed with Hai on the necessity to boost two-way trade and investment towards the US$20 billion target in bilateral trade in the coming time and carry out measures to further open their markets. They were unanimous to enhance agricultural cooperation, a field where both countries share many commonalities, and step up cultural and tourism collaboration by increasing tours, routes, tourism products, and air connectivity.

Hai took this occasion to thank India for its continuous financial and technical support for the restoration of the Cham tower complexes at the My Sonn Sanctuary - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, he suggested the two sides strengthen mutual investment and called on major Indian corporations to invest in Vietnam, particularly in strategic infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and high technology.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation between their legislative bodies and promote exchanges between specialised committees of the parliaments to share legislative experiences, particularly regarding digital transformation, digital parliament development, and application of technology to improve parliamentary efficiency.

Birla said that the Lok Sabha will soon establish an India-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group and expressed readiness to support Viet Nam in training legislative staff.

The same day, Hai had a working session with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), in which he congratulated the agency on its important contributions to India's development and on India's assumption of the presidency of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) for the 2024-2027 term.

He spoke highly of the effective cooperation between the State Audit Office of Viet Nam and the CAG and affirmed the Vietnamese NAs support for the two agencies future cooperation to build a transparent and strong financial system with sustainable development.

Hai proposed the two sides soon renew their bilateral cooperation agreement in auditing, promote professional cooperation and training programmes, share experiences in improving audit quality to serve parliamentary activities, and expand cooperation in new areas such as digital environment auditing and auditing for sustainable development goals.

Comptroller and Auditor General of India S.Sanjay Murthy shared Indias auditing experience, particularly the application of science  technology and digital transformation in the work.  VNS
China, UK pledge to jointly address climate change

Xinhua) 08:40, March 18, 2025

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Ed Miliband, UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, in Beijing, capital of China, March 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Ed Miliband, UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, in Beijing on Monday. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in jointly addressing climate change.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said developing stable and mutually beneficial relations between China and the UK serves the common interests of the two peoples, facilitates global economic growth, and promotes joint efforts to address global challenges.

China is ready to work with the UK to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, consolidate the momentum for improvement and development of bilateral ties, deepen cooperation in areas such as financial services, trade and investment, and low-carbon development, and jointly address climate change to better benefit the people of both countries and the world, Ding added.

Miliband said the UK government sincerely hopes to enhance engagement with China, is committed to developing a long-term and constructive bilateral relationship, and stands ready to strengthen cooperation with China on energy security and addressing climate change.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam has written an article about the development of the private economic sector, considering it as a lever for building a prosperous Viet Nam.

Viet Nam News respectfully introduces a translation of the article:

Developing private economic sector  a lever for a prosperous Viet Nam

To Lam

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee

The nearly-40-year journey of oi moi (Renewal) has been marked with a resilient and breakthrough-making Viet Nam aspiring to develop. From an inefficient and centrally-planned economy with per capita income of only US$96 in 1989, Viet Nam has risen strongly and is expected to advance to the group of countries with upper-middle income, equivalent to over $5,000 per person each year, by the end of 2025. This miracle comes as a result of not only the correct development path under the Partys leadership with bold and decisive institutional, policy and integration reforms, but also the hard work, creativity, determination, and unceasing efforts by our entire nation.

What is even more proud is that Viet Nam's economic growth rate is always twice as high as the average of developing countries despite global economic fluctuations. From a poor economy relying on international aid, Viet Nam has continuously made strong breakthroughs to become the 24th largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). Achievements are not only recorded in the economic field but also include great social progress, contributing to an increasingly prosperous and happy life for the people.

This success is considerably attributable to the private economic sector's contributions. In the early stage of oi moi, the private economic sector only played a minor role, and the economy mainly relied on the state sector and the foreign direct investment (FDI) sector. Over the past two decades, especially since the Politburo issued Resolution 09 in 2011 and the Party Central Committee issued Resolution 10 in 2017 on the development of the private economic sector, this sector has risen strongly, becoming one of the most critical pillars of the economy and increasingly establishing itself as the most important driving force of the national economic growth. With nearly 1 million enterprises and about 5 million individual business households, the private economic sector currently contributes to about 51 per cent of GDP and more than 30 per cent of the state budget, creates more than 40 million jobs, accounts for over 82 per cent of the total workforce in the economy, and makes up nearly 60 per cent of total investment across the entire society.

The private sector has not only helped expand production, trade, and services but also made an important contribution to improving labour productivity, promoting innovation, and increasing national competitiveness. The strong rise of many Vietnamese private enterprises has not only enabled them to dominate the domestic market but also gained a foothold in international markets. This proves that if there is a favourable environment for development, Vietnamese enterprises are completely able to stretch their far and compete fairly with global companies.

However, despite its increasing contributions, the private economic sector has still faced many barriers that hinder its development, making them unable to make breakthroughs in terms of scale and competitiveness. Many individual business households have still followed old business practices, lacked the motivation to develop into enterprises, and even "have not want to grow". The majority of private businesses in Viet Nam are small- and micro-sized enterprises which have limited financial potential and management skills, lack connectivity with one another as well as with the foreign direct investment sector, have yet to make full use of opportunities generated by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and remained slow in digital transformation. Very few enterprises have invested in research and development (R&D) while they also pay little attention to business model reform, technological innovation or new product creation. Therefore, it is very difficult for them to increase added value, promote competitiveness, enhance corporate value, and reach international levels.

In addition to their own limitations, private enterprises have also faced many barriers in accessing resources, especially credit, land, natural resources and high-quality human resources, especially in the fields of technology, engineering and finance. Meanwhile, some state-owned enterprises hold many resources, land, capital and high-quality human resources but have not leveraged them effectively, or even wasted them. Besides, there remain many shortcomings and overlaps in the legal system, the business environment still has many obstacles, while administrative procedures are complicated, time-consuming, costly and pose latent risks. In many cases, the right to freedom of business and property rights are still violated due to the weakness or abuse of power by some civil servants while performing their duties.

On the other hand, the Government's preferential and support policies have not proved really effective or fair among economic sectors, or accessible for the private economic sector. In many cases, state-owned and foreign enterprises have still received more incentives than the private sector. State-owned enterprises often gain more favourable access to land, capital, and credit; while foreign firms often receive better support in terms of taxes, customs procedures, and access to land. In addition, corruption and informal costs still exist, causing an invisible burden on private enterprises, reducing production and business efficiency, and causing hesitation when they consider investment expansion.

Obviously, the development limitations of private enterprises stem partly from the shortcomings of the institutional system, economic policies, and the business environment. These bottlenecks not only restrain the growth rate of the private economic sector, making its contribution to GDP almost unchanged for more than a decade, but also preventing the economy from increasing added value and escaping from the middle-income trap, and slowing down the process of turning Viet Nam into a developed and high-income country by 2045 as targeted in the Partys resolution and aspired by the people.

Looking towards the common vision of the country, the private economic sector also needs to define more clearly its mission and vision. It must be a pioneering force in the new era, thus successfully implementing the industrialisation and modernisation of the economy, enhancing national competitiveness, exercising social responsibility, helping to improve people's life quality, participating in the building of a civilised and modern society, and contributing to a dynamic and internationally integrated Viet Nam. The private sector should to strive to become the main and leading force in technology application and innovation so as to achieve the goal of contributing to about 70 per cent of GDP by 2030; more and more private enterprises having the capacity to compete globally, mastering technology and deeply integrating into international value chains and supply chains; joining the whole country in building a dynamic, independent, self-reliant, resilient, and prosperous Viet Nam.

In order for the private economic sector to fulfil its mission and realise that aspirational vision, the most important factor is to continue to make breakthrough reforms in the institution framework, policies, and the business environment so that the sector can maximise its potential and become the driving force leading the economy to reach the international market. A prosperous economy cannot rely solely on the state sector or foreign investment, but must rely on its internal strength, which is a strong private sector playing a pioneering role in national renewal and development. The national economy can be truly prosperous only when all people engage in working to create material wealth, a society where everyone, every household, and every person is enthusiastic about working.

Facing that requirement, we need to thoroughly re-orient the viewpoints and perceptions throughout the entire political system about the role of the private economic sector as the country's leading growth engine. This requires a fundamental change in policy making, the settlement of limitations, and the promotion of the market mechanisms superiority to support the private sector in improving labour productivity and innovation. The State must adopt a management method appropriate to the market mechanism, ensure the right to freedom of business, the right to property ownership, and the right to fair competition for the private sector; remove all barriers, make policies transparent, eliminate group interests in policy making and resource allocation, and not discriminate among the private economic sector, state-owned enterprises, and foreign-invested enterprises in all policies. At the same time, the State must stay consistent with the viewpoint that "everyone has the right to freely do business in the industries that are not prohibited by law", build policies that reassure investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs, and create stronger trust between the State and the private economic sector, thereby encouraging businesses to boldly invest, innovate, and participate in strategic economic sectors.

The Politburos upcoming resolution on the private economic sector needs to encourage, support, and orient the development of the private sector, create a breakthrough impulse, open up an era of growth for Vietnamese private enterprises. It is necessary to identify the development of the private economic sector as a long-term strategy and policy of the country. The private sector, the state sector, and the collective sector form the core for building an independent, self-reliant, and resilient economy. In particular, focus must be placed on implementing the following key solutions:

First, it is essential to continue accelerating the completion of fully-fledged market economy institutions in the direction of socialism, modernity, dynamism and integration. This is a prerequisite for the private sector to grow rapidly and sustainably. To achieve this, the State must focus on macro-economic stability and institutional improvement, ensuring that the economy operates according to market principles, minimising intervention, eliminating administrative barriers and the asking-giving mechanism, truly managing the economy based on market principles and using market tools to regulate it. In particular, strict control must be exercised over monopolistic enterprises and policy manipulation to protect healthy competition and ensure equal opportunities for private businesses to thrive. The core of perfecting the market economy institutions lies in clearly defining the role of the State in the economy, with the State focusing on macro-economic regulation, creating a favourable business environment, ensuring the effective functioning of market mechanisms, and upholding social equity. Promoting the development of the private sector must be regarded as a central task at present.

Second, it is crucial to effectively protect property rights, ownership rights, business freedom, and the enforcement of contracts for private enterprises. As one of the key functions of the State in a modern market economy is to safeguard investors' property rights, it must establish and enforce a robust legal framework for the rights to ownership of intellectual property and intangible assets, while minimising legal risks and avoiding abrupt policy changes that could harm businesses. A support and protection mechanism should be in place for private investors, particularly startups and innovative enterprises, to help them operate with confidence and grow smoothly. Moreover, a modern socialist-oriented market economy requires a transparent, efficient, and effective contract enforcement system, giving businesses confidence in their commercial transactions and investments. To achieve this, the State should reform the commercial judicial system, shorten the time needed to settle contract disputes, reduce business costs and risks, address cases of contract violations without effective sanctions, enhancing the transparency and efficiency of economic courts and commercial arbitration to ensure fair and impartial rulings, helping businesses protect their legitimate interests. Enhancing the monitoring of law enforcement is also crucial to address inconsistencies between central and local authorities, strictly penalise misuse of inspections and audits that harass businesses, and increase investment and support for the development of the private economy. At the same time, violations of the law by enterprises must be firmly addressed, requiring them to uphold legal compliance and ethical business values, thereby promoting the healthy development of the private sector.

Third, along with the strong consolidation of state-owned enterprises, particularly major state economic groups, priority should be given to building large-scale private economic conglomerates with global and regional scales, extending active support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while also fostering economic development of households and cooperatives, and encouraging private firms involvement in the countrys strategic areas by recognising their crucial role in the structure of a socialist-oriented market economy. The outdated mindset of prioritising state-owned enterprises over private businesses and the monopoly of state enterprises in certain sectors must be eliminated. The development of large, strong private economic groups with global competitiveness should be promoted, enabling them to lead and support domestic counterparts in deeper integration into global value chains. At the same time, dedicated policies are needed to support SMEs, family businesses and cooperatives, encouraging business households to transition into formal enterprises and promoting a modern, efficient cooperative model. To ensure that the private economy not only grows in scale but also contributes considerably to the countrys long-term development, private enterprises should be encouraged to engage in strategic sectors such as critical infrastructure, high technology, key industries, and energy security. Opportunities for private enterprises should be expanded in major national projects, allowing them to collaborate with the State in strategic industries and special sectors, thereby enhancing research capabilities and technological innovation. The State should establish mechanisms and policies allowing the private sector to take on key national projects and urgent tasks, such as high-speed rail, urban rail, energy infrastructure, digital infrastructure, defence industry and security projects.

Fourth, it is necessary to drive a wave of entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, and the adoption of new technologies. This is a key factor enabling the private sector to achieve breakthroughs and reach international standards. Strong and effective policies are needed to help private enterprises apply technologies, innovate products, and increase add value. The State should establish regulatory sandboxes for emerging technologies and encourage the private sector's investment in pioneering fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, big data, e-commerce, financial technology (fintech), and smart healthcare. Financial support policies and tax incentives should be introduced for enterprises investing in research and development (R&D). Additionally, a robust startup ecosystem should be cultivated, creating a fertile ground for Vietnamese startups and "tech unicorns" to expand globally.

Fifth, institutional reform is needed to build a business-friendly and service-oriented administration that truly serves enterprises and the nation. A drastic institutional reform must be carried out, based on a renewed mindset that prioritises a streamlined and business-supportive administration. Bold steps must be taken to reduce administrative procedures and business conditions, accelerate digital transformation, and apply technology in state management to cut compliance costs, informal expenses, and processing times. An effective mechanism for policy dialogue and feedback should be established, making it easier for the private sector to join economic policymaking, ensuring practicality and high feasibility. The goal is for Viet Nams business environment to rank among the top three in ASEAN within the next three years.

Sixth, it is a must to fully unlock development resources for the private economic sector, ensuring its effective access to critical resources such as capital, land, human resources, and technologies. The private sector must be further integrated into the global economy, enhancing Viet Nams economic standing on the global stage while protecting businesses from economic risks. More effective policies are needed to ensure private enterprises can access resources in a fair, transparent and efficient manner, thus optimising their use. Capital mobilisation channels for private businesses should be expanded, including the securities market, corporate bonds, venture capital funds, credit guarantee funds, and modern financial instruments such as fintech and capital mobilised from the community. A stable and transparent land policy must be developed to facilitate private enterprises' access to land at reasonable costs.

The State should provide strategic guidance and effective support for Vietnamese private enterprises to join the global supply chain, attract investment and advanced technologies, and shape a globally-minded entrepreneurial community. Special incentives should be introduced to encourage private investment in manufacturing and supporting industries, agricultural industrialisation, and hi-tech rather than an overconcentration on real estate and short-term speculative sectors. Mechanisms and policies should be established to protect private enterprises from economic shocks, especially amid global uncertainties, economic downturns, and market fluctuations.

Seventh, the private economic sector must be developed on a sustainable foundation, with ethical business practices and social responsibility. The State should promote the private sector's growth based on macro-economic stability, closely aligned with green development strategies, circular economy, resource efficiency, emission reduction, and environmental protection. Private enterprises must take the initiative in fulfilling their social responsibilities, not just through financial donations or charity but also by adopting responsible business practices, improving workers' welfare, supporting community development, and practising transparent and efficient corporate governance. A strong business culture rooted in ethics, fairness, and integrity should be cultivated, preventing fraud and ensuring equitable treatment of customers, partners, and employees. Additionally, private enterprises should actively join social welfare programmes along with the State, contributing to social equity, poverty reduction, and the creation of a civilised, humane and prosperous society where businesses' success is closely tied to the nation's shared prosperity.

The private economic sector plays a vital role in shaping the future of Viet Nams economy. We all believe that if the State establishes appropriate institutions, sound policies, and a favourable business environment, the private economic sector will thrive and grow robustly, not only driving high economic growth but also helping our country achieve high-income status within the next two decades. Now is the time to act, to build a prosperous, dynamic Viet Nam that increasingly advances on the global stage.

We are living in a historic moment, witnessing unprecedented technological advancements and a rapidly changing international landscape filled with both cooperation and competition where opportunities and challenges go hand in hand. Yet, with unwavering resilience, determination, and a burning ambition, Viet Nam is fully capable of achieving new miracles in socio-economic development! A strong economy is taking shape, led by a generation of bold, innovative, and passionate Vietnamese entrepreneurs filled with the business acumen and patriotism, writing new chapters of success. A bright future - a socialist Viet Nam standing shoulder to shoulder with global powers, as envisioned by President Ho Chi Minh - is gradually becoming a reality in the near future.  VNS
HAVANA  Vietnamese representatives attended the 4th International Colloquium Patria that opened in the Cuban capital of Havana on March 17.

The event saw the participation of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, along with numerous Cuban officials and international delegates.

It brought together over 400 guests from 47 countries, including politicians, scholars, media professionals, activists, and those interested in the seminar's discussed topics.

The seminar addressed various issues, including measures to tackle challenges in digital communication and artificial intelligence (AI) from the perspective of the Global South. Discussions also covered opportunities and challenges in the field of technological politics, which recognises the central role of technology in shaping contemporary political dynamics.

Another key topic explored how digital spaces facilitate collective action, expanding and liberating connectivity networks, which in turn fosters community participation and the creation of an informed, critical-thinking, and proactive society.

Furthermore, the seminar delved into the trends of transformation in a connected world, where new social interaction opportunities coexist with misinformation, inflammatory speech, hostility, and manipulation. VNS
LONDON  Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh have engaged in a series of activities as part of his working visit to the UK from March 16-20, aiming to call for assistance in the building of financial centres in Viet Nam.

On March 16, he met with the Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the UK and Ireland (VIS), which brings together nearly 200 scientists, researchers, and lecturers from universities and research institutes across the two European countries, along with the Vietnamese Embassy and other representative agencies.

Binh commended VIS for its role as a bridge for cooperation in education-training and science-technology, which hold great potential for partnership between Viet Nam and the UK. He also urged VIS to contribute to Viet Nams plans for the establishment of financial centres in Ho Chi Minh City and a Nang.

Professor Nguyen Xuan Huan, Chair of VIS, affirmed that its members are eager to support Viet Nams development, while his deputy ang Viet Anh shared that they wish to contribute to the financial centre project through specialised training, research, policy development, knowledge exchange, and strategic consulting to help ensure the centres' sustainable growth, global financial integration, and international standing.

On the morning of March 17, Binh met with former British PM Tony Blair, who currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI).

TBI has previously provided support for Viet Nams Ministry of Planning and Investment (now the Ministry of Finance) in drafting reports on the countrys situation of and strategy for high-quality foreign investment attraction in the electronics sector, and in conducting research on international financial centre models.

At the meeting, Binh expressed his hope that Blair and TBI would continue offering policy advice to Viet Nam, particularly in strategic economic planning. He highlighted the need for a shift in legislative and policy-making approaches to create a more open and investor-friendly environment, thereby attracting investment in emerging sectors such as green economy, renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductor manufacturing.

Blair affirmed that both he himself and TBI will continue to provide comprehensive support and work closely with Vietnamese authorities in establishing and operating the financial centres, as well as in other key economic activities.

Later on the day, Binh and Blair co-chaired a roundtable on attracting FDI into Viet Nam, which brought together nearly 20 leading UK businesses.

Addressing the event, the Vietnamese official remarked that Viet Nams FDI strategy prioritises corporate social responsibility and environmental protection, aiming for sustainable development and based on win-win cooperation for mutual development.

Viet Nam plans to focus on high-tech and innovation-driven projects, financial technology and digital economy, as well as green and sustainable development. The Vietnamese Government remains committed to working along with enterprises, especially foreign investors, to foster a business-friendly environment aligned with international standards, he affirmed.

Blair commended Viet Nams economic strategy, describing it as scientifically grounded, practical, and highly feasible. He noted that the Southeast Asian nations recent economic achievements and its progressive new investment policies would create fresh opportunities for investors while enhancing the countrys appeal as a prime destination for foreign capital.

Leaders of participating businesses expressed their keen interest in collaborating with Vietnamese partners in green infrastructure projects. They also praised the Vietnamese Governments ongoing apparatus streamlining process.

On the same day, Binh met with the UK's Financial Secretary to the Treasury Lord Livermore to discuss key bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation. He affirmed that the UK is a vital strategic partner for Viet Nam and that Viet Nam wants for the UK's greater support and experience-sharing, particularly in promoting policies and attracting British investors.

Livermore highlighted the strong potential for collaboration, especially in renewable energy and offshore wind power development, where the UK has significant expertise. He noted that a well-developed legal framework would be crucial in positioning Viet Nam as an attractive destination for international financial investors. The UK, he added, is ready to share its experience with Viet Nam regarding green finance, fintech, and financial centre governance.

Also on March 17, Binh had separate meetings with Vincent Keaveny, deputy mayor of the City of London, and Saif Malik, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank.

With Keaveny affirming the City of Londons commitment to supporting Viet Nam in developing its financial centres, Binh proposed it share its expertise in financial centre development and directly assist Viet Nam in training the workforce.

Meanwhile, Malik confirmed that Standard Chartered plans to expand its cooperation and investment in Viet Nam, particularly in emerging sectors such as green economy and circular economy. He also pledged the banks ongoing support in the establishment, operation, and management of Viet Nams financial centres. VNS
HA NOI  A new scholarly book titled '50 Years of Viet Nam-Japan Relations (1973-2023)' was launched on Tuesday in Ha Noi.

The work, which provides a comprehensive overview of the history of bilateral relations between Viet Nam and Japan, explores the diplomatic, political, economic, social and cultural contexts surrounding their ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973.

It examines the global and Asian international contexts and provides a detailed account of the Viet Nam-Japan relationship, highlighting its political and diplomatic developments, economic exchanges and cultural interactions.

It divides the history into three distinct periods: the dormant phase (1973-1991), the recovery phase (1992-2001) and the development phase (2002-2023).

Written in Vietnamese, the book, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), covers approximately 400 pages and delves into the successes, prospects, challenges and policy implications of 50 years of Viet Nam-Japan relations.

The book was co-authored by ten scholars, primarily from the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and the Institute for Northeast Asian Studies (VASS-INAS).

It was edited by Professor Furuta Motoo, Principal of the Viet Nam-Japan University and Professor Emeritus Tran Van Tho of Waseda University.

At the book launch, ang Xuan Thanh, Deputy Director of the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences, said that the book was made possible through the support of JICA and the contributions of numerous scholars and experts from the academy, the institute and top universities.

The book is a significant scholarly achievement that would serve as an important reference in the study of Viet Nam-Japan relations, he said.

Thanh also highlighted the current lack of in-depth, systematic research materials on Viet Nam-Japan relations in Viet Nam.

As such, the publication of this book not only holds academic value, but also helps fill a gap in the study and teaching of Japanology in Viet Nam, he said.

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the development phases of Viet Nam-Japan relations, from the early challenges to the robust growth seen in recent decades.

It also presents evaluations and prospects for future cooperation between the two nations.

This makes the book an essential resource not only for researchers and students but also for policymakers, businesses and those involved in foreign affairs.

The Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)  Viet Nam Office, Sugano Yuichi, said the initiative to compile the book began in 2022 through cooperation between JICA and the academy.

He called the completion of the book an important achievement for JICA.

Japan has long been a pioneer in providing Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Viet Nam and remains the largest donor of bilateral aid, according to the official.

The Vietnamese Government has made effective use of Japanese ODA, as well as international funds, to build hard infrastructure and improve soft infrastructure mechanisms - key drivers for attracting foreign investment and advancing Viet Nam's socio-economic development.

The activities are summarised in Chapters 3 and 4 of the book.

He expressed his hope that Vietnamese students would gain a deeper understanding of Japan's ODA contributions and develop a closer connection with the projects funded through the assistance.

Ambassador of Japan to Viet Nam, Ito Naoki, said: "I hope this book will serve as a bridge to foster greater understanding and interest in the 50-year history of Viet Nam-Japan relations." VNS
LONDON  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Catherine West has praised Viet Nam's impressive economic achievements and affirmed the UK's commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation while meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang in London on March 17.

The meeting took place within the framework of Vietnamese Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binhs working visit to the UK.

Hang expressed her pleasure at meeting the British official again and thanked the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for its support and coordination in organising Deputy PM Binh's visit.

She believed that the trip would be a success, further deepening the Viet Nam-UK Strategic Partnership and bolster economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries.

For her part, West applauded Viet Nam's impressive economic progress, noting that the UK's business community sees the two nations hold great potential for expanding cooperation. She also expressed her desire to visit Viet Nam in the coming time.

Regarding Viet Nam's plan to build financial centres, Hang said that through the visit of Deputy PM Binh, the Vietnamese delegation hoped to gain valuable insights from the UKs expertise and attract British businesses to contribute to the building, development, operation of the regional and international financial centres in the time ahead.

In response, the British official called Viet Nam's initiative a strategic step and affirmed the UKs readiness to facilitate connections with British enterprises in the financial sector.

Regarding climate change response, Hang highly valued the UKs role as the coordinator in establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between Viet Nam, the G7, and international partners.

She called on the UK to continue prompting G7 members, international financial institutions, and private investors to support Viet Nam's Resource Mobilisation Plan (RMP), adopted at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).

The diplomat also underlined the importance of the UK's assistance in policy development, human resource training, financial access, and technological advancements for Viet Nam's green transition and sustainable development.

On this occasion, West inquired about Viet Nam's policies on improving the investment environment, and developing green and renewable energy.

The two sides also discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a teleconference on Tuesday, connecting permanent Government members with ministries, agencies and localities to address bottlenecks stalling the Chau oc - Can Tho - Soc Trang expressway project in the Mekong Delta.

Spanning 188.2km, the four-lane expressway is set to cut through Can Tho city and the provinces of An Giang, Hau Giang, and Soc Trang. With an estimated cost of VN44.69 trillion (over US$1.7 billion), the project is divided into four sub-projects, each managed by the local Peoples Committees. Construction began in June 2023 and aims for basic completion in 2026 and full operation in 2027.

The expressway, running along a horizontal axis across the Mekong Delta, promises to slash travel time between An Giang and HCM City. Moreover, it will connect to Tran e port of Soc Trang province, a key gateway and economic driver for the region, facilitating the transit of exports and imports not just for Viet Nam but also for Cambodia and the broader Mekong sub-region.

Progress varies across the project, with land clearance mostly done and construction hitting 1546 per cent completion in different segments. However, delays plague the Can Tho and Soc Trang sections, hampered by a shortage of sand for roadbeds, seasonal flooding, and the regions soft soil.

In his closing remarks, PM Chinh framed the expressway as part of Viet Nams goal to complete 1,200km of expressways this year, en route to a national target of 3,000km by the Government terms end.

He noted that since taking office, the Government has prioritised securing investments for transport infrastructure to ease transport-related bottlenecks in the Mekong Delta, helping foster socio-economic development, ensure security - defence, create new development spaces, facilitate production, business and job creation, and guarantee social welfare in the region.

He requested local authorities to embrace their responsibilities and rally the entire political system and armed forces for better coordination and effectiveness. Contractors were urged to adopt more proactive and flexible approaches to accelerate progress to meet the June 2026 deadline.

The Government leader called for a spirited emulation movement, tighter inspections, and prompt recognition of successes, as well as strict action against delays tied to corruption or misconduct. Issues beyond the power of local authorities must be forwarded to the Government for consideration.  VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary To Lam on Tuesday praised the US business community, particularly the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), for its practical contributions to Viet Nam-US cooperation in trade and investment.

During a reception in Ha Noi for a USABC delegation led by its President and CEO Ted Osius, former US Ambassador to Viet Nam, Lam welcomed their working trip, noting that it coincides with the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam-US diplomatic ties and the second year of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Lam affirmed that Viet Nam considers the US a strategically important partner, with economic, trade, investment, and sci-tech collaboration serving as the bedrock and driver of the relationship.

He voiced Viet Nams desire to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the US, fostering stable economic and trade ties that benefit both nations businesses and citizens while supporting global and regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

As the growth of Viet Nam-US relations positively impacts US-ASEAN ties, he urged the USABC to continue supporting ASEANs unity, cooperation, development and prosperity, touting the region as a dynamic and promising market full of opportunities for US enterprises.

To celebrate the 100th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam in 2030 and the 100th anniversary of the country in 2045, he said Viet Nam is undertaking comprehensive reforms and completing institutional improvements. These include improving institutional frameworks, upgrading infrastructure, streamlining administrative processes, and boosting apparatus efficiency to facilitate operations of foreign investors, including those from the US.

Underscoring the critical role of sci-tech in Viet Nams development, he suggested the US enterprises ramp up their investments in key sectors like emerging technologies, digital economy, green transition, renewable energy, and logistics, aligning US strengths with Viet Nams needs.

Osius and corporate representatives reiterated their dedication to the development of Viet Nam - US relations, crediting the Viet Namese leaderships close attention and guidance. They believed that the strategic vision of General Secretary Lam and other Viet Namese leaders would steer the country toward its development goals.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Cho Tae-yul on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations.

During the talks, both sides expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress in Viet Nam-RoK relations, particularly since the elevation of their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2022.

Son affirmed that Viet Nam attaches importance to its cooperation with the RoK and wishes to work with the East Asian country to further deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the coming time.

He proposed that the two sides continue to enhance political trust through high-level delegation exchanges; strive to meet the set target of bringing bilateral trade to US$100 billion; and encourage Korean businesses to expand investment in Viet Nam in areas where the RoK has strengths and Viet Nam has demand.

The RoK FM welcomed these proposals, emphasising that the country considers Vietnam a key partner in its foreign policy in the region.

He hoped that the two sides will continue to coordinate and support each other at international organisations, improve the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, including the annual Foreign Ministers Dialogue on reviewing the realisation of the Action Programme to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was signed in June 2023.

The two sides agreed to continue to closely coordinate and effectively implement the common perceptions of the two countries' high-ranking leaders, with an immediate focus on promoting delegation exchanges on the occasion of Vietnam hosting the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit.

On this occasion, Son extended an invitation to Cho to soon visit Viet Nam and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure.  VNS
ONG NAI  Police in the southern province of ong Nai have initiated criminal proceedings against and detained Quach Gia Khang, 28, residing in Binh Minh commune, Trang Bom district, on charges of conducting activities aimed at overthrowing the peoples administration under Article 109 of the 2015 Penal Code (amended in 2017).

Police identified Khang as a member of the overseas Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism (ADP). Through platforms like Facebook, Zalo, and Viber, he engaged with the ADP, founded by Nguyen Gia Kieng in France, to mobilise support against the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

He actively drafted and distributed materials promoting the groups agenda. Despite prior warnings and re-education efforts by authorities, Khang remained defiant.

Authorities noted an uptick in hostile activities by such group, which exploited social media and unofficial channels to recruit young people, spread misinformation, incite unrest, and push for a multi-party system, actions deemed serious violations of Vietnamese law.  VNS
HA NOI  Veteran inh Xuan Ly, born in 1951, was awarded the title 'Aircraft Shooting Hero' not once, but twice.

Fifty years after the countrys reunification, the heroic memories of the fiery years of war remain vivid in his mind.

In 1971, at the age of 20, he enlisted in the military despite having an admission letter to the University of Bac Thai, now Thai Nguyen University of Education.

He received infantry training in Tan Khanh Commune, Phu Binh District, Thai Nguyen Province, before heading to the Central Highlands battlefield on April 24, 1972.

On that day, his entire unit was bombed by the enemy.

He recalled that around 4pm, in Sa Thay, at the foot of Chu Mom Ray Mountain, his unit was marching when the enemy discovered them and dropped bombs, resulting in the death of eight young soldiers.

Despite the grief and loss, and despite being exhausted and hungry, they held a ceremony that night to bury their fallen comrades without any food.

Although he was trained in the infantry, Ly became an air defence soldier and the number one gunner of a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, supporting infantry units. He made use of every available moment to learn and fight.

He shot down enemy aircraft twice. The first time was at 2pm on August 12, 1973 in the on Tam area, Gia Lai Province when four enemy AD6 jet planes attacked, dropping bombs.

After an hour of combat, he and his comrades repelled the attack.

As the number one gunner who directly fired, he was awarded the title 'Aircraft Shooting Hero"'by his division.

He shot down another enemy plane in 1973.

In November 1972, he was injured and treated for two months. When he returned to his unit, the Paris Peace Accords had been signed and a ceasefire was in effect.

However, the enemy repeatedly violated the agreement, continuing to bomb, attack and invade Vietnamese-liberated areas.

As long as there's a person, there's a position

Before heading to the battlefield, each soldier had a portrait photo taken, which was sent back home to their family as a reminder that they would fight for the country's independence, freedom and unification.

Ly said that during his time on the battlefield, he was wounded three times by enemy bombs and bullets, but none of these injuries were fatal.

Looking back at memories from 53 years ago, he remembered one day in May 1972 when his unit was surrounding and attacking the enemy in Kon Tum. He and a comrade were sent to fetch rice.

On their way back with the rice, they were bombed by enemy planes. The group lay down to avoid shrapnel.

After the bombing ended, they returned to their unit and discovered that his backpack had a hole the size of a bowl, and when they emptied the rice, a bomb fragment about two fingers wide fell out.

The second time he cheated death was on November 11, 1972, when his unit received orders to approach the Chu Pho base in Gia Lai Province. While marching, they were hit by enemy artillery and a shell exploded above them, killing three comrades and injuring two others.

One of the injured had his leg amputated, while he himself suffered two broken ribs from a bullet fragment, which is still lodged near his spine, just 2cm from his vertebrae.

The third time he narrowly escaped death was in 1973, when he and a comrade were assigned to scout an enemy post to set up positions, but they were ambushed.

He and his comrade fought back, killing one enemy soldier. He was grazed by a bullet on his temple, leaving a scar that still remains today.

Fighting side by side with his comrades in the fierce battles of the Central Highlands, the most intense and tragic battle that Ly cannot forget occurred at the Circle Hill in the northern part of Kon Tum Province.

From 8am to 4pm, the unit repelled eight consecutive enemy attacks.

Ly said: By then, two 12.7mm guns had run out of ammunition, and all we had left were AK rifles, an RPD machine gun and a few grenades.

Suddenly, at around 5pm, the enemy attacked again, and despite our resistance, they overran our position. In that battle, 11 of us killed over 60 enemy soldiers, but we lost nine comrades.

With the slogan "As long as there's a person, there's a weapon; as long as there's a person, there's a position," the unit never faltered and the resolve to defeat the enemy only grew stronger, he said.

Ly was awarded the Third-Class Liberation Fighter Medal in 1975, the Second-Class Resistance Medal in 1985, and the Third-Class Resistance Medal in 1986.

Among the items he carried during his service were a magazine titled Learning Magazine - Theoretical and Political Journal of the Vietnam Workers' Party, and two issues of the Nhan Dan (The People's) Newspaper, one announcing President Ho Chi Minhs death and the other providing full details of his funeral. These items have been donated to the Thai Nguyen Provincial Museum. VNS
HA NOI The Vietnamese government has approved a master plan for the national higher education and teacher training network for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

A key focus of this plan is the establishment of key national universities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), aimed at achieving regional and global prestige while serving as the core of Viet Nam's higher education network.

According to the Deputy Director of the Higher Education Department under the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), Nguyen Anh Dung, the master plan envisions that public higher education institutions will account for approximately 70 per cent of the total national training capacity, while private and non-profit private institutions will account for 30 per cent.

There will be between 50 and 60 higher education institutions offering doctoral-level training, with around 50 per cent oriented towards research. Furthermore, universities and campuses failing to meet standards or legal requirements will be phased out before 2030.

The plan outlines a vision to develop Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi, and Viet Nam National University, HCM City into leading universities in Asia, while Hue University and a Nang University are set to become national universities.

Additionally, Thai Nguyen University will be expanded to strengthen higher education in the Northern Midlands and Mountainous Region. New regional universities will also be developed in the North Central, South Central, Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta, with core institutions such as Vinh University, Nha Trang University, Tay Nguyen University, and Can Tho University playing a central role.

Plans are also in place to establish Tay Bac University as a regional university after 2030.

Four major urban centresHa Noi, a Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Thowill be home to high-quality higher education hubs linked with research, technological development and innovation. These institutions will serve as catalysts for economic development at both regional and national levels.

A particular focus of the master plan is the development of a higher education network specialising in STEM disciplines, projected to accommodate over one million students by 2030, including 7 per cent at the master's level and one per cent at the doctoral level.

Universities with strong STEM research and training capabilities will receive priority investment aligned with regional socio-economic development strategies.

Universities specialising in natural sciences and life sciences will be concentrated in the four key economic regions and the Central Highlands, supporting industries such as agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, environmental management and the marine economy.

Institutions with expertise in computer science, information technology, electrical and electronic engineering will receive substantial investment in the four major urban areas and the South Central region of Viet Nam to support software, semiconductor, electronics and telecommunications industries.

Mechanical engineering, mechatronics, automation, civil engineering, and transportation engineering will be developed in the Northeast, Red River Delta, North Central, and coastal regions, as well as the Southeast and Can Tho urban area.

Five leading public universities in engineering and technology will be upgraded into national key universities, including Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, University of Transport and Communications, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, and Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology. Among these, Hanoi University of Science and Technology aims to rank among Asias top universities.

Additionally, three intergovernmental universities the Viet Nam-Germany University, the Hanoi University of Science and Technology (Viet Nam-France), and the Viet Nam-Japan Universitywill continue their research-oriented development focusing on science, engineering, and technology.

Maximising investment efficiency

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son emphasised that making science, technology, and innovation a priority has been reinforced in Viet Nam's policy framework, with STEM disciplines considered a national strategic priority.

Discussing the selection criteria for national key universities, Deputy Minister Son noted that the planning process aims to optimise investment effectiveness. While some suggested a general selection criteria-based approach, this would have delayed implementation beyond 2030. Instead, specific universities and fields have been designated for targeted investment.

The primary selection criterion is investment efficiency. The chosen universities must have a strong reputation, particularly in critical areas like engineering, technology and natural sciences.

However, the Deputy Minister clarified that focusing investment on key universities does not exclude other institutions from development opportunities. Rather, the plan establishes a directional investment strategy to encourage universities to leverage their strengths.

Each socio-economic region will have priority academic fields aligned with its strategic development plan, as defined by the Politburos resolutions. Based on this framework, national universities, regional universities and key institutions in each region will identify priority areas for investment.

Simultaneously, universities must operate under market-driven principles, offering programs that align with societal demands and their institutional capabilities. If an institution trains graduates who struggle to find employment, its viability in attracting students will naturally decline.

MOET leaders emphasised that higher education should be recognised as a service operating under market principles, while also directing key investments to encourage institutions to excel in their strengths.

The ultimate objective of the master plan is to modernise Viet Nams higher education system by 2030, ensuring all institutions meet minimum standards, expand their development capacity, and enhance training quality.

During implementation, if a designated university fails to meet investment expectations, it indicates inefficiency. The Central Party Committees Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW (dated October 25, 2017) clearly outlines that underperforming universities should be merged, consolidated or dissolved.

Deputy Minister Son stressed that the purpose of the master plan is to build a stronger, more sustainable higher education system. Universities unable to adapt or leverage opportunities for growth must undergo necessary restructuring to align with national education objectives.

According to a National Assembly representative and former Vice Rector of the National Economics University, Hoang Van Cuong, this plan serves as a foundation to mobilise resources for infrastructure enhancement, modernising facilities and ensuring that higher education institutions meet quality standards. It also encourages the development of large-scale universities with the capability to engage in international partnerships and competition.

Furthermore, the proposed initiatives aim to expand higher education access for Vietnamese students, foster high-level human resource development and advance scientific research, innovation and the application of technology  all of which will contribute to Viet Nams long-term sustainable development. VNS
QUANG TRI  The Ministry of Public Security and authorities of the north-central province of Quang Tri on Monday held a ceremony to inaugurate a model home and officially launch the construction of 1,143 houses for disadvantaged families in Lia commune, Huong Hoa district.

As part of a nationwide campaign on joining hands to eradicate temporary and dilapidated housing, the ministry has mobilised funding worth VN80 billion (US$3.13 million) for the construction.

With prefabricated structures, the houses are designed to adapt to the geography, climate, and cultural practices of ethnic minority communities in the area. Each unit, expected to have a lifespan of over 10 years, is valued at at VN90 million, of which VN70 million is funded by the ministry and the remainder by the province.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Pham The Tung, Deputy Minister of Public Security, expressed his hope that once residents move into their new, secure homes, they will strive to overcome difficulties, improve their livelihoods, and actively participate in ensuring local security.

Tung highlighted eliminating substandard housing as an important task that must be completed by the end of October this year as set by the Government, ensuring that no citizen is left in unsafe housing.

On this occasion, the ministry also presented 12 gift packages to disadvantaged households.  VNS
BANGKOK  The Thai government has announced a temporary waiver of re-entry permit fees for migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, allowing them to return home for the Songkran holiday without additional costs.

Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Government Spokesperson, stated that the measure is part of Thailands effort to strengthen labour relations with neighboring countries and reduce financial burdens on migrant workers wishing to visit their families during the traditional New Year celebrations. The exemption applies to workers with valid work permits, allowing them to leave and re-enter Thailand without applying for a Re-Entry Permit.

The waiver is effective from April 1 to May 15. Migrant workers who return to Thailand after this period will no longer be eligible for the exemption and will be required to follow the standard re-entry application process.

Karom emphasised that migrant labor is a vital part of the Thai economy. The government aims to provide appropriate benefits and incentives to ensure workers can return with renewed morale, fostering a stable and productive workforce.  VNS
To mark this milestone, a series of events will showcase the strong bonds between both nations in trade, education, and sustainability. Key activities include two gala concerts, the German Festival in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the Career Truck showcasing opportunities for Vietnamese talent in Germany, and a Climate Talks panel on the future of the Mekong Delta.

Peter Kompalla, chief representative for Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos Delegation of German Industry and Commerce

These initiatives reflect not only cultural and educational ties but also the economic potential for further investment and collaboration.

Today, Germany stands as Vietnams largest European trade partner, while Vietnam has become a thriving hub for German businesses in ASEAN. Trade remains a cornerstone of German-Vietnamese economic relations: according to preliminary 2024 data from Destatis, trade between the two countries grew by 9.6 per cent, reaching 18.8 billion ($20.4 billion).

German exports to Vietnam increased by 5.6 per cent (3.7 billion or $4 billion), while imports surged by 10.7 per cent (15.1 billion or $16.4 billion). This underscores Vietnams role as a key supplier and manufacturing hub for German firms.

Vietnam has become a key hub in global supply chains, with particularly interesting developments in manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital services. German businesses benefit from its strategic ASEAN location, free trade agreements, and highly motivated workforce. With tax incentives, improved infrastructure, and streamlined regulations, Vietnam continues to attract more foreign investment, solidifying its role as a prime destination for German enterprises.

As German companies further optimise and diversify their supply chains, Vietnam stands out as a business partner. Its strong economic growth, expanding industries, and commitment to sustainability make it increasingly attractive.

Forecasts for 2025 are reinforcing its position as one of Asias fastest-growing economies. A young, skilled workforce further enhances Vietnams appeal, offering businesses a dynamic and cost-effective labour market.

Vietnams digital transformation is driving investment, with its digital economy set to contribute 25 per cent of GDP soon. Government efforts in digital infrastructure, e-commerce, and cashless payments support this growth, with e-commerce projected to hit $63 billion by 2030.

High-tech manufacturing, including semiconductors and automotive production, is expanding alongside major infrastructure projects like metro systems, the North-South high-speed railway, and Long Thanh International Airport.

Meanwhile, Vietnams sustainability drive, from solar to offshore wind, aligns with German environmental, social, and governance priorities. With strong economic fundamentals and a thriving digital sector, Vietnam remains a prime destination for German investors.

Germany is also driving digitalisation and Industry 4.0 in Vietnam, with Bosch Rexroth, Beckhoff, SEW Eurodrive, Trumpf, and Wurth leading in automation and the Internet of Things. Companies like Baumer and Fibro see Vietnams potential in precision engineering, supporting its transformation into a high-tech manufacturing hub.

This knowledge exchange will be highlighted at our symposium in May on Vietnamese factory automation and German efforts, where industry leaders will discuss the future of smart production.

Sustainability remains a key pillar of German investment, with firms embracing initiatives in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. PNE AGs Hon Trau nearshore wind power project in the south-central province of Binh Dinh exemplifies Germanys commitment to Vietnams green transition, supporting the countrys Power Development Plan VIII.

Equally important is workforce development, where German enterprises actively collaborate with Vietnamese vocational institutions to bridge skill gaps. The Career Trucks journey across Vietnam, complemented by the flagship Career Day events in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, will serve as a dynamic platform to showcase education and employment pathways. This initiative underscores Germanys continued commitment to enhancing Vietnams skilled labour force and fostering long-term career opportunities.

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi serve as economic hubs, attracting German investments in finance, IT, and consulting. Meanwhile, the southern provinces of Binh Duong and Dong Nai have become manufacturing strongholds, hosting major German companies in the automotive, chemicals, and also electronics industries.

Beyond these traditional sectors, areas such as logistics, pharmaceuticals, and IT services are experiencing rapid growth, further drawing German investment into Vietnams evolving market.

As the official representative of the German industry in Vietnam, we continue to support businesses in market entry, expansion, and networking through trade fairs and business delegations. The next 50 years promise deeper collaboration, enhanced sustainability efforts, and continued economic success for both nations.

By leveraging this momentum, German and Vietnamese businesses can drive mutual prosperity and innovation well into the future.

Germany backs Vietnam in energy grid development In July, the government issued a ruling on direct power purchase agreements (DPPAs). Dr. Oliver Massmann, partner and general director of consulting firm Duane Morris Vietnam LLC, spoke with VIRs Khoi Nguyen about how the move will impact the energy sector in Vietnam, especially when it comes to German investors.

Vietnam and Germany applaud success of solar power initiative The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)s Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority and the German Agency for Intertional Cooperation (GIZ) on behalf of the German Embassy jointly celebrated the achievements of a rooftop solar project following its four-year run.
The loan will be used to expand the Vinschool education system, providing educational facilities for 20,400 students in urban areas of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hung Yen.

This project marks ADB's first private sector investment in Vietnam's education sector and highlights our commitment to fostering sustainable development in the country, said ADB country director for Vietnam Shantanu Chakraborty. "By supporting the countrys first sustainability-linked loan in the education sector, we aim to enhance educational infrastructure while contributing to new residential hub development in the country."

ADB has syndicated and structured a financing package that includes a $40 million loan from ADB Ordinary Capital Resources, a $35 million loan from the Leading Asias Private Sector Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2) administered by ADB, and $75 million in parallel loans.

The parallel loans comprise $40 million from ILX, an Amsterdam-based emerging market asset manager, and $35 million from the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund, an emerging market infrastructure debt fund established by the Private Infrastructure Development Group and managed by NinetyOne. The loan has been validated through a second-party opinion from DNV Business Assurance Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Vietnam has made significant progress in expanding education coverage, achieving an impressive 98 per cent literacy rate and over 98 per cent primary education enrolment. However, as the nation strives to transition from a developing to a middle-income country, there is a critical need to improve education quality and enhance education access in rapidly urbanising cities. The private sector, including institutions like Vinschool, is vital in bridging this gap.

"We are delighted to partner with ADB and other impact-focused lenders on this groundbreaking initiative. This investment will enable us to provide high-quality learning opportunities to more students while setting a benchmark for sustainable education in Vietnam," said Vinschool CEO Phan Ha Thuy. "This is a project that underscores Vinschools commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable development."

LEAP 2 is an ADB-managed fund with a $1.5 billion commitment from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It focuses on sustainable private sector infrastructure projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and provide affordable healthcare, education, and communication services to ADBs developing member countries.

Established in 2013, Vinschool is the largest private school system in Vietnam, offering high-quality education from kindergarten to high school. Vinschool currently serves more than 48,000 students across 54 campuses in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and four other provinces, offering both national curriculum and Cambridge bilingual programmes. Vinschool is a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnams largest conglomerates.

14 Vinschool students top global rankings in Cambridge exams In the 2024 Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A-Level exams, 14 Vinschool students delivered exceptional results: eight students were named Top in the World, and seven earned Top in Vietnam honours, with one student achieving both distinctions.

ADB revises Vietnams growth forecast upward for 2024 and 2025 Vietnams growth forecast for 2024 has been revised upward to 6.4 per cent from 6 per cent and from 6.6 per cent from 6.2 per cent for 2025, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The draft amendment of Decree No.15/2018/ND-CP on food safety is attracting attention from the business community. What is the Vietnam Associaion of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) perspective on this draft?

Nguyen Hoai Nam, general secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers

VASEP is particularly concerned about food safety issues as it is a crucial factor throughout the production, consumption, and export processes.

Over the past seven years since its issuance, Decree 15 has been evaluated by the government and the business community as an effective reform model in food safety management, aligning with the risk management principles that are applied by advanced countries around the world. This has helped businesses save millions of working days and millions of US dollars per year.

In practice, the food industry has experienced high growth, even during the pandemic, contributing approximately 15 per cent to Vietnams GDP and 0.38 percentage points to the GDP growth in 2021, and 1 percentage point to GDP growth in 2022, according to the Central Institute for Economic Managements Assessment Report in 2023.

However, upon reviewing the revised draft, we found that the draft focuses only on strict administrative management of pre-packaged processed foods, while not providing appropriate solutions for food poisoning prevention related to street food and fresh food, which are products with high food safety risks. These are also the main causes of recent food poisoning incidents.

The draft is also introducing new requirements and bottlenecks that will cause difficulties for business production and operation, while not providing more effective solutions than Decree 15 to ensure food safety.

What are legal gaps in the draft amendments that could directly affect the fisheries industry?

According to reports from ministries and agencies, there is mention of improving and controlling food safety at small-scale production facilities or street food vendors. We find this issue rather vague in the draft.

The draft adds a requirement that within three months of submitting documents, regulatory authorities must review the documents. If they find any non-compliance, they will ask the organisation or individual to withdraw the documents, causing businesses to hesitate to produce and trade products until three months after submission.

The draft introduces numerous additional requirements and regulations across all three groups of administrative procedures: self-declaration, registration of product declarations, and re-registration of product declarations. Many of these regulations are unreasonable and do not align with international standards, potentially creating new issues for production and business. As a result, many food products, especially seafood, will find it difficult or impossible to meet these requirements.

Furthermore, several new requirements related to these procedures are unrelated to food safety. For instance, for the self-declaration procedure, the draft adds three sections and 26 new items. The dossier processing time is extended by three months, which may cause businesses to refrain from producing or trading products until after three months from submission. For the registration of product declarations, the draft adds three sections.

A controversial point is that the draft applies a management model designed for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which are chemical-based, to food products, whereas the International Codex Alimentarius Commission recommends that food products be controlled through the advanced Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System.

Some unresolved issues and emerging concerns in the food safety regulations, which Decree 15 has yet to address, are still absent in the draft. For example, there are no technical regulations regarding prohibited substances or substances not listed in the inventory, leading to some products being unable to enter domestic retail channels, even though they meet the export requirements for challenging markets such as the EU and the US.

How could the increasing administrative procedures burden seafood businesses, particularly exporters?

VASEP estimates that with the self-declaration procedure, the increase in documentation and processing time could delay business operations for at least three months, leading to a loss of up to $7.2 trillion per year. With the product declaration registration procedure, the increased documentation could cost businesses millions of USD annually, while the additional working days required to implement these changes remain uncertain.

We recommend that the Ministry of Health (MoH) only require declarations for products with technical standards and eliminate the procedure for products that do not meet technical standards, as stipulated by the Law on Food Safety and the Law on Food Standards and Regulations.

For importers, Article 42 of the Law on Food Safety stipulates that exported products should comply with the regulations of the importing country. Therefore, seafood exports will not be subject to the drafts requirements.

However, many of VASEPs export markets, such as South America, require a Certificate of Free Sale, and the conditions for obtaining it are related to the draft amendment to Decree 15. With the current increase in procedures, domestic products, imported goods converted from exports to domestic consumption, and products that need a Certificate of Marketability for free sale, required by many export markets, could face problems if this draft is enacted.

What recommendations does VASEP have to adjust the draft in order to reduce procedural burdens while ensuring food safety according to international standards?

VASEP and seafood industry businesses hope that the MoH, and specifically the drafting committee, study the feedback, remove unreasonable regulations, and add suitable management measures to prevent bottlenecks in production and business while ensuring food safety.

We also hope that the government will host a dialogue meeting between the drafting committee and relevant food industry associations to review the final draft before presenting it to the government.

The government is revising the Law on Food Safety, with plans to issue it in October, followed by a decree on implementation. To avoid overlapping legal documents and ensure effective institutional reforms, VASEP suggests that the government consider amending the Food Safety Law first, then amend the implementing decree.

Finally, we recommend maintaining the current self-declaration requirements in Decree 15 rather than adding new ones that could increase costs and risks for businesses.

Vietnam seafood exports set to exceed targets Vietnam's seafood industry is confident in surpassing this year's export targets amid strong export growth, recovering order volumes, and impressive breakthroughs in Chinese, US, Japanese, and EU markets.

Seafood sector anticipates boost in exports The election of former US president Donald Trump as US President is anticipated to be a mixed bag for Vietnam's seafood exports, with Trump's tentative plans to impose a 10-20 per cent tariff on all imports and a 60 per cent tariff on Chinese goods in particular. Experts, however, believe the advantages outweigh the challenges.
The investment funds include Nextrans, VinVentures, and TheVentures, alongside strategic investors such as Hung Tran (founder of Got It) and Tran Anh Dung (founder of MOG), along with several other individual investors. This investment marks a significant milestone, reinforcing strong confidence in the explosive potential of AI applications in customer experience management.

Founded in 2020 in Silicon Valley and Vietnam, Filum AI aims to help businesses achieve sustainable growth through a comprehensive management solution leveraging advanced AI technology. Led by CEO Tran Van Vien, co-founder of Base.vn (acquired by FPT in 2021), who has over 10 years of experience in digital transformation, Filum AI has built a team of experts in technology, AI, and customer experience, positioning itself as a pioneering startup in this field.

Filum AI provides solutions to optimise customer experience, including personalised interactions, customer journey analytics and optimisation, and AI tools for automated operations. Currently, Filum AIs products are widely adopted by major enterprises in retail, finance, and services, significantly improving key customer experience metrics.

In an increasingly competitive landscape, research indicates that 86 per cent of customers are willing to pay more for a better experience. AI is emerging as the key for businesses to stay ahead of this trend through advanced applications such as AI Agents, hyper-personalisation, and customer behaviour prediction. According to FPTs DxReport 2024, CX is the leading AI application domain, with a 38 per cent adoption rate among global enterprises. Vietnam, with its rapid digital transformation and tech-savvy young workforce, is becoming a hotspot for the development of AI-driven CX solutions.

Filum AIs successful funding round demonstrates strong investor confidence and high expectations for its potential.

Filum AI is one of the rare startups with strong technological capabilities, a strategic vision, and the ability to create real value for businesses, shared a representative from VinVentures.

This is also one of the first investments made by the fund since its launch in October 2024. The new capital will enable Filum AI to expand its R&D team, accelerate product development, enhance customer support, and enter the Southeast Asian market. In particular, with the development of AI Agentsautonomous AI-driven workforceFilum AI aims to become the leading AI CXM platform in the region.

Filum AI believes that AI is not just a support tool but a strategic element for sustainable business growth. In 2025, Filum AI will focus on developing AI agents to help businesses optimise operations, personalise customer experiences, and reduce costs. This platform will be a game-changer, enabling businesses to overcome challenges and establish long-term competitive advantages. With strong backing from investors and trust from customers, Filum AI is poised to make a breakthrough, shaping the future of the industry.

Integral tech direction will help fundraising efforts Vietnams fundraising landscape is expected to experience a promising revival, potentially providing funding for startups to scale up operation. Justin Nguyen, general partner at Monks Hill Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage tech companies in Southeast Asia, shared with VIRs Thanh Van his insight into fundraising activities in Vietnamese startups this year.

Tech startups raised $120 million in 2024 Vietnamese tech startups raised $120 million in funding last year, representing a 38 per cent decline from the $196 million secured in 2023.
Lam Nguyen Hoang Thao, lawyer, Russin & Vecchi

This practice might attract eco-conscious customers who are willing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products, thus providing businesses with a market advantage. In many countries, greenwashing is illegal and can result in severe penalties, loss of customer trust, and reputation damage.

Greenwashing scandals have shaken major corporations. In 2022, global fashion giant H&M faced a lawsuit in the US over its Conscious Choice collection, for misleading consumers with exaggerated sustainability claims that lacked credible evidence. Earlier this year, Clorox Australia was fined AUD8.25 million ($5.2 million) by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for falsely marketing its ocean-bound plastic recycled bags as eco-friendly, despite insufficient evidence.

Apple is also currently facing a lawsuit over its claim that two of its Apple Watch models are carbon-neutral. The claim is based on Apples contributions to afforestation projects in Kenya and China, which generate carbon credits to offset its emissions. However, serious doubts have been raised about whether these projects would have existed without Apples involvement. Even Singapores Changi Airport has been criticised for its carbon-neutral status linked to ineffective offset projects.

In Vietnam, where economic development must now align with environmental actions, these scandals should serve as a strong alert for Vietnamese businesses. They should take proactive steps to avoid such pitfalls.

To highlight their green efforts and commitment, businesses often label their products with consumer-appealing terms such as eco-friendly, sustainable,, carbon-neutral, or net-zero. These labels must be supported by proper evidence, otherwise, they risk becoming the basis for greenwashing. While Vietnam has yet to enact specific laws targeting greenwashing, existing regulations can serve as a foundation for legal actions against deceptive environmental claims.

Firms must be aware of these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential violations. Article 45 of the Competition Law 2018 bans unfair practices such as providing false or misleading information to attract customers. Violations can result in fines ranging $4,000-$8,000. The Vietnam Competition Commission enforces penalties for such competition offences.

Under the Law on Protection of Consumers Rights 2023, Article 21 mandates that companies provide accurate and complete details about product quality, utility, origin, and other attributes. Meanwhile, Article 10.1 prohibits deceiving or misleading consumers with false, incomplete, or inaccurate information about products or services. Overstating the environmental benefits of a product or service may be considered providing inaccurate information under this provision.

Articles 49 and 50 allow consumer protection associations to support consumers and report violations, and assist state agencies in addressing deceptive practices. Violations of these obligations are penalised with fines of $800-1,200, alongside a requirement to publicly retract the false claims. While current domestic penalties may seem modest compared to international fines, the reputational harm and corrective measures, such as forced public retractions or suspension of licences, can significantly impact businesses.

The Law on Advertisement 2012 also provides another layer of oversight. Article 8.9 prohibits advertising inaccurately about product quality, utility, or origin, as well as any claims that could cause confusion about a businesss capabilities, which can include misleading environmental claims. Violations carry fines of $2,400-3,200. Additional sanctions may include licence suspensions of 5-24 months, mandatory removal of deceptive advertisements, and public apology requirements. Finally, under the Commercial Law 2005, businesses are prohibited from engaging in deceptive practices. Article 109.7 bans false advertising about product attributes, and Article 123.5 forbids displaying goods that misrepresent their quality to mislead customers.

We can look at the international context on this issue. In Australia, the Australian Consumer Law regulates misleading or deceptive conduct and false representations about goods, with penalties reaching up to $31.47 million. In Europe, the 2024 Greenwashing Directive bans unverified eco-labels, exaggerated claims based on a single product or business aspect, and vague terms like green or sustainable unless supported by recognised standards. As for the United States, the FTC Act governs deceptive practices and environmental claims, with fines of up to $50,000 per violation.

As Vietnam undergoes an energy transition, businesses should take key steps to ensure their sustainability claims are credible. All environmental claims should be supported by solid evidence, such as verifiable data, third-party certifications, and comprehensive reports on carbon emission cuts, waste reduction, and more.

Transparency should be a priority. Firms should openly disclose both achievements and challenges in sustainability efforts, rather than making unverified carbon-neutral claims. If using carbon offsets, businesses should select carbon credits verified by highly reputable standards such as the Verra or GS, avoiding cheap but unreliable options. Companies should train their staff, especially marketing teams, to ensure that their marketing materials comply with international standards. The legal department should stay updated on new Vietnamese and international regulations, which will help businesses mitigate compliance risks and maintain credibility.

Greenwashing has become a serious legal and ethical issue with real consequences. To avoid risks, firms should ensure their sustainability claims are honest, clear, and backed by evidence. By learning from international lessons, we can turn sustainability into a true advantage while avoiding the costly pitfalls of greenwashing.
Announced on March 17, the initiative is backed by a 5 million Swiss franc grant from SECO, extending through 2029. It aims to provide more than half a million Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to up to $35 billion in working capital.

Vietnam is among the worlds most open economies, with exports contributing approximately half of the countrys GDP and supporting every second job, directly or indirectly. However, Vietnamese suppliers and exporters often face working capital constraints, as payments for delivered goods typically take 30 to 60 days. This limits their ability to accept larger orders and establish new business relationships. A recent World Bank survey found that less than one-fifth of local firms had global value chain linkages in 2023.

Better access to SCF can help address these challenges by converting sales receivables and inventories into cash, reducing funding costs, and accelerating trade cycles. It also strengthens local connections to global value chains and frees up capital for investment in research and development, technology, and workforce training.

We estimate that the first phase of the programme has unlocked over $30 billion in capital for around half a million Vietnamese SMEs, said Thomas Gass, Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam. By providing financial support to these businesses, the programme has not only helped SMEs to thrive but also contributed to broader economic growth, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable marketplace.

Launched in 2018 with SECOs support, IFCs Vietnam SCF Programme has worked to address key market barriers hindering the growth of SCF. Its focus has been on fostering an enabling environment, enhancing institutional readiness, and increasing market demand and awareness. Over the past five years, the programme has contributed to improvements in movable finance regulations, provided tailored SCF strategy advice to four banks, and facilitated up to $33 billion in receivables and inventory financing for 500,000 SMEs.

The State Bank of Vietnam, in collaboration with IFC and SECO, will continue to review and adjust regulations to foster a more favourable environment for SCF. This includes refining rules for e-financing platform lending and incentivising financial institutions to diversify their offerings, ultimately improving credit access for SMEs, said deputy governor Nguyen Ngoc Canh.

The second phase of the programme, running over the next five years, will focus on strengthening Vietnams legal and regulatory framework to support SCF market development. It will also enhance the institutional capacity of lenders, enabling them to offer comprehensive SCF solutions to local SMEs. A key priority will be increasing awareness and capacity among buyers and suppliers, encouraging greater adoption of SCF across Vietnam.

Trade is a key driver of Vietnams economy, and it will play a central role in the countrys ambition to achieve high-income status by 2045, said Thomas Jacobs, IFC country manager for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. IFC is pleased to be working with SECO and our banking partners to help develop the supply chain finance market, which is a crucial component of the financial ecosystem for SMEs.

IFC proposes $50 million loan to HD Saison The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is proposing a $50-million loan to HD Saison Finance Co., Ltd., the fourth-largest retail finance company in Vietnam.
According to the latest report published at the Vietnam Mergers and Acquisitions Forum 2024, the total value of Japanese merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in Vietnam in 2024 reached $167 million, a sharp decrease compared to $1.55 billion in the previous year.

Phi Hoa, founder and CEO ONE-VALUE

However, the number of transactions increased to 21 deals, showing that despite the lack of blockbuster deals, Japanese enterprises still maintain their expansion strategy into Vietnam through small and medium-sized deals.

This clearly reflects that Japans interest in the Vietnamese market remains substantial, despite global uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions and tariff risks. Healthcare services and medical support, along with high technology, semiconductors, retail, and energy, are emerging as focal points of this investment wave.

For example, the deal in which Elan acquired 51 per cent of TMC Vietnam, in which we provided end-to-end advisory services, serves as clear evidence of the shift in Japanese investment strategy. No longer focusing solely on manufacturing, finance, and retail, Japanese enterprises are making a strong move into healthcare services and medical supply chains - a sector with immense growth potential in Vietnam over the next decade.

The success of this deal could set a precedent for a wave of future M&A transactions, paving the way for deeper collaboration between businesses from both countries. Vietnam is gradually solidifying its position as one of the most important strategic markets for Japanese enterprises in Southeast Asia, and this is only the beginning of a new investment wave.

The Vietnamese market boasts a high growth rate, a young population, and a rapidly expanding healthcare system. Elans decision to make Vietnam the first destination in its Southeast Asia expansion strategy is no coincidence. The company recognises the long-term potential of medical support services, especially amid the strong growth of private hospitals.

Moreover, acquiring TMC not only enables Elan to accelerate market entry but also allows it to leverage an existing customer network to swiftly roll out its Care Support Set - its flagship product.

This year, the fundamental factors sustaining Japans investment wave into Vietnam remain unchanged. While 2024 witnessed the rise of mid-sized and small-scale M&A transactions, 2025 is expected to mark a significant transformation, with Japanese conglomerates making bold moves in technology, financial services, and healthcare.

The ongoing shift of capital away from China continues to drive the expansion of supply chains into Southeast Asia, with Vietnam emerging as a top destination. Japanese enterprises are increasingly focusing on high technology, AI, semiconductors, and research and development, aiming not only to leverage Vietnams skilled workforce but also to expand their influence within the global value chain.

Interest in the semiconductor industry is also rising sharply, particularly as Vietnam implements structured investment policies to attract capital into this sector.

At the same time, healthcare services and pharmaceuticals are emerging as a strategic investment sector. Vietnam is in the early stages of upgrading its healthcare infrastructure, with a strong demand for modern equipment, premium healthcare services, and private hospitals. This presents a golden opportunity for Japanese corporations to establish their presence not only through direct investment but also through M&A transactions, enabling rapid market entry.

Beyond healthcare, consumer finance, digital banking, and fintech are also gaining traction among Japanese investors. The rapid growth of e-commerce and personal finance demand is creating opportunities for Japanese conglomerates to expand operations through M&As.

Another noteworthy trend is the growing proactivity of Vietnamese enterprises. In addition to being a prime destination for Japanese capital, Vietnamese businesses are expected to seek investment opportunities in Japan through reverse M&A transactions. Companies specialising in technology, financial services, or food supply chains could emerge as key players in the Japanese market in the near future.

Vietnam is entering a crucial phase in its integration and foreign investment attraction. M&As are not only a tool for Japanese businesses to expand their market share, but also an opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to elevate their position and integrate into the global value chain. The investment wave from Japan in 2025 will continue and expand with highly strategic transactions, laying the foundation for a sustainable partnership between the two economies.

Japanese companies enticed by local investment climate Driven by new encouraging policies and motivations, more fresh opportunities will be coming for Japanese investors in Vietnam, expecting a new investment wave ahead.

Japanese companies shift focus on Southeast Asia: JETRO More and more Japanese firms are expanding business in Southeast Asia and scaling down operations in China due to its escalating tensions with the US, according to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

Rising Japanese interest in major M&A activities promising big ticket deals Japanese companies are starting to accelerate their overseas expansion, with surging value of outbound mergers and acquisitions in the second quarter. Masataka Sam Yoshida, head of the Cross-border Division of RECOF Corporation and CEO of RECOF Vietnam Co., Ltd., talked with VIRs Oanh Van about the trend.

Japan, ASEAN to integrate QR code payments from 2025 Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries will integrate QR code payments from 2025, aiming to facilitate spending between these countries without the need to exchange currency, which is time-consuming, especially for tourists, according to Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
John Robert Cotton, senior programme manager Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership

As Vietnam moves towards piloting Emissions Trading System (ETS) from 2025, followed by full implementation in 2029 and eventual integration with international carbon markets in 2030, continued training and capacity-building efforts will be essential. Several strategies can be pursued to sustain its impact.

One of the most significant initiatives supporting this transition has been the ETS Training and Simulation Programme, implemented through the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) under the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). This has enhanced the capacity of key stakeholders, raising awareness and providing practical experience in emissions trading mechanisms.

At the forefront of Vietnams efforts to develop its carbon market is the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Responsible for designing climate change policies and overseeing carbon market development, the department plays a pivotal role in shaping the countrys climate action strategy.

The UNOPS and ETP are providing technical support and capacity-building initiatives to help Vietnam develop its carbon market and achieve its climate goals. This partnership is strengthening institutional readiness and aligning Vietnams framework with best practices.

An ETS operates on a cap-and-trade principle, where a limit is set on total emissions allowed from specific sectors or industries. Companies receive or purchase emission allowances, which they can trade with others depending on their emission levels. This market-based approach provides a financial incentive for industries to reduce their emissions in the most cost-effective way.

By setting a progressively declining cap, an ETS ensures a gradual reduction in emissions over time, supporting national climate goals. To date, more than 30 ETSs have been implemented worldwide, covering major economies such as the European Union, China, and South Korea. Vietnam is following a phased approach to developing its ETS, beginning with a pilot phase from 2025 to 2028, leading to full implementation in 2029 and international market integration by 2030.

The ETS Training and Simulation Programme in Vietnam has exceeded expectations in terms of reach and impact. Initially planned for four training sessions, the high demand and success of the early sessions led to an expansion to six sessions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in 2024. In total, 657 participants from various sectors engaged in the initiative. Over 80 per cent of attendees rated the training as highly beneficial, particularly valuing the interactive components and hands-on CarbonSim simulation exercises.

Through this training, participants gained essential skills and knowledge in understanding ETS principles, carbon pricing mechanisms, and emissions trading strategies. They also developed expertise in mastering key regulatory requirements for compliance with Vietnams forthcoming carbon market and learned how to participate in carbon trading, including cap setting, allowance allocation, and market transactions.

Furthermore, the training provided participants with strategic decision-making skills to optimise emissions reduction costs while ensuring regulatory compliance.

The programme played a crucial role in strengthening ETS readiness across various agencies, organisations, and businesses in Vietnam. Before the training, knowledge gaps existed among many stakeholders, particularly regarding market mechanisms and regulatory frameworks. Surveys conducted before and after training showed significant improvements in participants understanding.

Confidence in explaining carbon pricing increased considerably, and awareness of trading mechanisms, including auctions and over-the-counter markets, also improved significantly. The perception of ETS as essential for Vietnams climate goals grew stronger among participants.

A highlight of the training was the use of the CarbonSim tool, which allowed participants to engage in a realistic trading environment. These simulations effectively modelled core components such as cap setting, allowance allocation, trading mechanisms, and compliance requirements. The training helped stakeholders improve their understanding of the carbon market and ETS in both theoretical and practical aspects.

The programme successfully met its objectives of enhancing ETS literacy, strengthening institutional capacity, and preparing stakeholders for the upcoming carbon market. Increased recognition as a cost-effective emissions reduction tool was evident, and stronger confidence among stakeholders to navigate its compliance frameworks and trading strategies was observed.

Developing a network of trained professionals who can serve as future trainers will be instrumental in expanding the programmes reach. Leveraging international partnerships and collaborating with established ETS markets will ensure that Vietnam remains aligned with global best practices. Encouraging government agencies to integrate such training into broader climate policy initiatives will further ensure long-term sustainability.

Business forum talks green transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050 A business forum on green transition and finance towards net-zero emissions by 2050 was held in Hanoi on April 11, bringing together hundreds of representatives from ministries, agencies, organisations and businesses.

USAID funds $11 million to help Ho Chi Minh City achieve net-zero emissions goal With more than $11 million in funding through the US Agency for International Development, Ho Chi Minh City has stepped up its efforts to facilitate energy efficiency gains and develop and deploy new sources of renewable energy.
On March 18, iPOS.vn, in collaboration with Nestle Professional, released the Vietnam Food & Beverage market report 2024, surveying 4,005 restaurants and coffee shops alongside 4,453 diners nationwide.

At the end of 2024, the number of F&B establishments was estimated at 323,010, up 1.8 per cent from the previous year. Despite consumption challenges, Vietnam's F&B industry generated a revenue of VND688.8 trillion ($26.98 billion), marking a rise of 16.6 per cent against 2023.

However, only 25.5 per cent of surveyed F&B establishments reported stable revenue against 2023 and only 14.7 per cent of them posted growth.

Due to rising raw material prices, 49.2 per cent of F&B enterprises plan to increase prices in 2025 to ease expense pressures.

"2024 witnessed the natural purification when many inefficient independent establishments were forced to close amidst the operating expense pressure and shrinking demand. Meanwhile, F&B chains are better adapting by optimising their operating strategies and finance management," the report noted.

The report also pointed out that people have not slashed their spending but instead give priority to options with good quality at reasonable prices. More people dine out on weekends, with nearly 70 per cent of surveyed customers saying "sometimes" and "usually".

52.3 per cent of Vietnamese prioritise spending under VND35,000 ($1.37) for each beverage, signifying the trend of optimising budgets. The proportion of people going out for a drink three to four times per week has also risen sharply from 17.4 per cent in 2023 to 32.8 per cent in 2024.

F&B players remain upbeat about market Despite unexpected store closures showing no sign of stopping, food and beverage (F&B) businesses remain optimistic about the prospects for growth and the future of the market in Vietnam.

Chinese F&B brands flock to Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a particularly hot destination for Chinese food and beverage (F&B) brands, with more than 6,100 outlets opened by over 60 Chinese brands in the region as of December 2024.
This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Mar 18th, 2025

Wrexham.com has invited the four North Wales Members of the Senedd to write a monthly column with updates on their work. You can find their updates  along with contributions from the local representatives  here.

In this months column for Wrexham.com, Welsh Labour MS Carolyn Thomas writes:

The Welsh Governments budget for the upcoming financial year marks a significant turning point for Wales  and Wrexham is no exception.

Now passed by the Senedd, the budget brings with it a much-needed 1.6 billion boost to public services, signalling the beginning of the end of 14 years of austerity. We are now charting a new course toward recovery, and this will have a direct and positive impact on communities across Wrexham and North Wales.

The scars of nearly a decade and a half of cuts to vital public services have been deeply felt in Wrexham, as elsewhere in Wales.

From the pressures on local schools to the struggles of our NHS and social care services, families and communities have experienced the consequences of austerity first-hand.

But with this budget, we are taking an important step toward recovery. It represents hope and tangible support for the people of Wrexham and beyond.

A substantial portion of this funding will go toward supporting our NHS and social care services. With a 600 million investment aimed at improving healthcare, this budget directly supports the First Ministers plans to reduce waiting lists and enhance mental health services.

For too long, people in Wrexham have faced delays and uncertainty in accessing healthcare, and this investment is a crucial step toward delivering timely care to those who need it most.

As a Member of the Senedd for North Wales, and having served as Deputy Leader of a local authority, Ive always been deeply concerned about the state of our local roads and highways. Residents and businesses in Wrexham face daily frustrations due to potholes and damaged roads, which affect both the safety of our communities and the economic health of our area.

For years, I have been lobbying the Welsh Government to invest in repairing roads, and Im delighted that Wrexhams needs have been heard. Local councils across Wales, including Wrexham, will now be able to access up to 120 million in funding specifically dedicated to highway repairs. This investment will make a real difference in improving road safety and the quality of life for people who rely on these roads every day.

Equally vital is the need for improved public transport, especially in a town like Wrexham. A well-connected transport system is key to tackling isolation, boosting connectivity, and supporting efforts to combat climate change.

Ive long championed the transformational potential of free and capped public transport, particularly for young people who struggle to access work, education, and social opportunities.

With 15 million earmarked in this budget for a new 1 single bus fare and a 3 day fare for young people aged 16-21, the Welsh Government is directly addressing these challenges.

This initiative will begin in September and will run throughout the academic year, making public transport not only more affordable but also more accessible to young people, which is particularly beneficial in university towns like Wrexham.

Ive long been calling for free and capped public transport in Wales  it has worked across Europe in boosting connectivity and tackling climate change. So I am absolutely delighted that as part of the Welsh Governments budget, young people aged 16-21 will get 1 bus fares pic.twitter.com/N2pZTeP6dP  Carolyn Thomas MS / AS (@CThomasMS) February 21, 2025

This is a major step toward making public transport an attractive alternative to the car, helping reduce our carbon footprint and combat climate change, all while ensuring that young people in Wrexham have the opportunities they deserve.

This budget, with its focus on healthcare, road repairs, and public transport, is a crucial step in rebuilding and improving the services that matter most to Wrexhams residents. While the journey out of austerity will take time, this funding represents a clear commitment to building a more resilient, connected, and sustainable future for Wrexham and for Wales as a whole.
Ombudsman finds series of failures after two Welsh Ambulance Service complaints

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Mar 18th, 2025

Two new public interest reports have been released after serious concerns were raised about the robustness of the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trusts responses to complaints.

The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has today issued its findings after launching two separate investigations into the Trust after it was accused of failing in its duty of care and treatment.

In both cases reviewed by the Ombudsman, complaints had been made by families about the length of time their loved ones had spent waiting for an ambulance and a lack of support from the Trust.

Sadly the two individuals at the heart of the complaints passed away.

However there is uncertainty over whether the outcome(s) would have been different if the ambulance response times had been quicker.

In todays reports the Ombudsman identified a series of service failures and serious concerns about the Trusts responses to complaints.

Mr Bs case

Mr B complained about care and treatment provided to his late mother, Mrs C (aged 93), after she fell at her home address on 13 September 2022.

An ambulance arrived at Mrs Cs address around 16 hours after the first of 6 emergency calls made by the family.

Mrs C sadly died on 20 September, after being admitted to an ED department.

Mr B complained about how emergency calls about his mother were triaged and prioritised and about advice from Trust staff during those calls.

The Ombudsman found that the Trusts emergency call handlers correctly triaged and prioritised the emergency calls about Mrs C.

However, a clinician on the Clinical Support Desk should have reviewed Mrs Cs case, identified that she was at serious risk and then considered escalating the ambulance response category.

The Ombudsman concluded that if this had happened, an ambulance may have been allocated to Mrs C sooner; reducing the time she spent lying on the floor, which would have been extremely distressing, painful and undignified for her.

It was impossible to be sure whether a quicker ambulance response would have changed Mrs Cs sad outcome.

However he Ombudsman decided that this uncertainty amounted to additional injustice to Mr B and his family.

The Ombudsman was very concerned that the Trust missed several opportunities to identify this service failure, and that it only acknowledged failings after receiving the views of the Ombudsmans Paramedic Adviser in April 2024.

The investigation also looked at the actions of Swansea Bay University Health Board after Mrs C was admitted to its Emergency Department. However, that element of the complaint was not upheld.

Mrs As case

Mrs A complained about care and treatment provided to her son, Mr B (aged 35), in December 2022.

Mr B was at home with Mrs A and his brother, when he collapsed and sadly was later pronounced dead by attending paramedics.

Mrs A complained about how the Trust handled two 999 calls, how the attending paramedics kept a record of events and whether Mr Bs outcome would have been different had the ambulance arrived earlier.

The Ombudsman found that the Trust did not properly manage the two 999 calls made after Mr B had collapsed.

The first call was incorrectly downgraded from Red priority to Green 2. The second call was also not handled appropriately, with incorrect information given to Mrs A about cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

As a result, the ambulance arrived to the scene 32 minutes late. Additionally Mrs A and her other son spent 45 minutes attempting to deliver CPR to Mr B without instruction or support.

The Ombudsman found that the attending paramedic did not enter fully accurate information on the patient clinical record.

The recorded information was inconsistent with that obtained from Mr Bs family and based on estimation. This was an additional injustice to Mr Bs family.

The Ombudsman could not be sure that earlier attendance of an ambulance would have made a difference, because it was not known when exactly Mr B suffered a cardiac arrest.

However, as there was a small possibility of a different outcome for Mr B, the Ombudsman deemed this as further injustice to the family.

The Ombudsman considered that the Trusts response to Mrs As complaint fell well short of what was expected. There was a lost opportunity during the Trusts investigation to obtain key evidence about the care provided.

As a result Mrs A was left with unanswered questions about the events leading to the death of her son.

The Trust also failed to provide the Ombudsman with all relevant evidence at the start of her investigation; some significant pieces of evidence were not provided until several months later.

Ombudsman conclusion

I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to both families for their sad losses, said Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, Michelle Morris.

The failures revealed in these reports raise serious concerns about how emergency calls were handled and triaged by the Trust.

The failings led to serious injustice for both families and had correct actions been taken then the treatment and outcomes for both patients could have been different.

I am also concerned about the robustness of the Trusts investigations of the complaints it receives.

The Putting Things Right Regulations, under which the Trust responded to the complaints, places an obligation upon it to investigate concerns properly, efficiently and openly.

Furthermore the Duty of Candour is now a statutory requirement placed on health boards.

The responses provided by the Trust to both complainants fell well short of what the Putting Things Right Regulations and the NHS Wales Duty of Candour promote and are intended to achieve.

I have made a number of recommendations, accepted by the Trust, to address the failures identified in both investigations.

In the future, the Trust also needs to ensure that it responds openly and honestly to complaints, and that staff involved in the response also need to reflect on both the duty, and their own professional standards obligations when doing so.

The Ombudsmans recommendations

The Ombudsman has put forward several recommendations, which the Trust has accepted. These include:
Wrexham City Board welcomes confirmation of 20m from UK Governments Plan for Neighbourhoods

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Mar 18th, 2025

The Wrexham City Board say their ability to influence a brighter future for Wrexham has been further strengthened with the recent announcement that Wrexham will receive a share of the UK Governments 1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods.

Back in 2023 it was announced Wrexham had been allocated 2m a year for ten years, however with a change in UK Government the funding had an uncertain future. Now, the new UK Government has confirmed as part of its Plan for Neighbourhoods a up to 20m sum will be coming to Wrexham, and it is in contrast to unfunded pledges from the previous government.

As previously reported the historic allocation saw a Wrexham City Board has setup with a city boundary firmed up, which will continue with the new confirmation.

It is believed the funding will remain 75% capital and 25% revenue, and from the first year 250k was expected to be taken by Wrexham Council in capacity funding  with a new fresh 200k of such funding in place for 2025-26.

The current Board appears to fit with the UK Governments desire for a Neighbourhood Board which will constitute a 10-year vision and 4-year investment plan.

The new UK Governments tweaks to the scheme also sees the local community not only engage with the Boards plan, but help facility holding the Board and the local authority to account, the latter being tasked with helping delivery of the Boards plan.

Although the UK Government state: Places that set up a Town Board to deliver the previous administrations Long-Term Plan for Towns programme may wish to fully retain that board and the agreed governance structure to deliver the new Plan for Neighbourhoods programme  this is acceptable.

They add: However, recognising the strategic objectives of this programme and the broader scope of activity that can be delivered through the new interventions list, we encourage places to consider whether refreshing their board membership -including a new independent chair  may be appropriate to reflect the skills, knowledge and sector-experience required.

Commenting on the confirmation of the allocation of the cash, Rachel Clacher, CBE, Chair of the Wrexham City Board, said: We are absolutely delighted to be doing the work were doing in Wrexham.

This is important, vital work, and we are deeply committed to securing a brighter future for our city.

The confirmation of this Plan for Neighbourhoods will allow us to accelerate our work started in 2024 for the original Long Term Plan for Towns programme, and ensure Wrexhams regeneration is truly shaped by our communitys needs and aspirations.

There are so many changes already afoot in the city, and we look forward to building on those in imaginative and effective ways with this funding, and using this to attract even more, always reflecting what our community tells us.

The Wrexham City Board was established in May 2024 say its first months have been busy and productive: after developing its Long Term Plan in August 2024now shared with the UK Governmentit has invested in innovative and engaging community activity, reports of which will be available imminently.

They add: Over the next few months, the Wrexham City Board will work closely with businesses, residents and local groups to develop detailed plans for how this funding will be used most effectively.

Community involvement remains at the very heart of this process, and the Board is committed to ensuring that investment decisions reflect the aspirations and needs of Wrexhams residents.

Additionally, support will be provided to help community groups access funding and resources, ensuring they have the skills and capabilities to drive meaningful change.

A clear objective is that the millions of pounds to be invested over the coming years attracts more funding, and creates a meaningful legacy of change that people want.

By leveraging this funding and building strong partnerships, the Wrexham City Board aims to create a city that is vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable for generations to come.

The Board may see a rejig, with UK Government advising: Places may have set up Town Boards to deliver the previous administrations Long-Term Plan for Towns programme, with an existing board membership. Should the chair agree, the membership can be rolled over fully to act as the Neighbourhood Board.

However, to ensure the board can deliver on the strategic objectives of the programme and the widened scope of interventions, you may want to consider broadening the membership to bring in additional relevant expertise.

For example, to inform any public health interventions, boards may benefit from the experience of a member with experience in delivering integrated care.

Under transparency UK Government direct: The board should publish membership and governance arrangements (including minutes of meetings and decision logs) on the lead councils website.

Currently nothing appears on Wrexham.gov.uk that is easily spotted. All board papers should appear on the councils site before meetings, and minutes of meetings along with decision logs in a similar fashion to council meetings.

With the relaunch of the tweaked scheme, UK Government say the final new boundary for Wrexham will be finalised before the end of next month.
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Malibu, CA, Mar 19, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Join Ellis Martin for a conversation with Tara Chistie, President and CEO of Banyon Gold Corp. ( CVE:BYN ) ( BYAGF:OTCMKTS ).



Banyan has just announced closing of a private placement for aggregate proceeds of $14.5 Million. This strategic financing positions Banyan to advance the AurMac Project in 2025 and 2026 including an upsized drill program in 2025, metallurgy, engineering, baseline studies and community engagement, Banyan Gold Corp. is dedicated to advancing and de-risking its 7.0-million-ounce AurMac Gold Project in Yukon, Canada's newest and fastest-growing mining district. Nestled in the Mayo Mining District of central Yukon, approximately 40 km north of the community of Mayo, the AurMac Project hosts structurally controlled, intrusion-related gold mineralization. It sits adjacent to the Keno Hill Silver District, operated by Hecla Mining Company (formerly Alexco Resource Corp.). Spanning 988 claims over 173 km2, the project encompasses three key deposits: Airstrip, Powerline, and Aurex Hill Zones.



AurMac enjoys outstanding infrastructure, including easy access via the main Yukon highway, a three-phase powerline, an existing Yukon Energy Corp. switching power station, and even cell phone coverage-an uncommon advantage in remote mining regions.



Ms. Christie has been President, CEO, and Board Member of Banyan since 2016, bringing over 26 years of experience in exploration and mining. Previously, she led Gimlex Gold Mines Ltd. (2006-2016) and consulted on mining, environmental assessment, and Indigenous relations. She currently serves on the board of Western Copper and Gold and has held positions with Osisko Green Acquisition, Constantine Metal Resources, Klondike Gold, and industry associations. A founding board member of the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board, she also leads the charity Every Student, Every Day. Ms. Christie holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from UBC and is a registered professional engineer in BC and Yukon.



With a strong foundation and exceptional potential, Banyan Gold Corp. is positioned to make AurMac one of Yukon's premier gold projects.



To Listen to the Interview, please visit:

https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/1UY10BIS





About Banyan Gold Corp.





Banyan Gold Corp.'s (CVE:BYN) (OTCMKTS:BYAGF) (FRA:BAJ) primary asset, the AurMac Project is located in Canada's Yukon Territory. The current inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for the AurMac Project of 7.0 million ounces has an effective date of February 6, 2024.

The 173 square kilometres AurMac Project lies 40 km from Mayo, Yukon. The AurMac Project is transected by the main Yukon highway and benefits from a 3-phase powerline, existing power station and cell phone coverage. Banyan has the right to earn up to a 100% interest, in both the Aurex and McQuesten Properties respectively, subject to certain royalties.

The inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for the AurMac Project was prepared on February 6, 2024, and consisted of 7,003,000 ounces of gold hosted within near surface, road accessible pit constrained Mineral Resources contained in two surface deposits: the Airstrip and Powerline Deposits.

About The Ellis Martin Report

The Ellis Martin Report (TEMR) is an internet based radio program showcasing potentially undervalued companies to an audience of potential retail investors and fund managers that comprise our listening audience. TEMR is broadcasted on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel and The Opportunity Radio Network. CEO and company interviews are paid for by those represented on the program.

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PEP11 Offshore Petroleum Joint Venture Update

Perth, Mar 18, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - On 20 January 2025, BPH Energy Limited ( ASX:BPH ) and Bounty Oil & Gas NL ( ASX:BUY ) as the PEP 11 Joint Venture announced that they had been given notice by the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) that the Joint Authority had refused the Joint Venture Applications made on 23 January 2020 (First Application) and 17 March 2021 (Second Application) (the Decision).



On 12 February 2025 BPH advised that investee Advent Energy Limited's (BPH 36.1% direct interest) 100% subsidiary Asset Energy Pty Ltd had applied to the Federal Court for an Originating Application for judicial review pursuant to s 5 of the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (Cth) and s 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) to review a Decision of the Commonwealth-New South Wales Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, constituted under section 56 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth).



The Originating Application seeks:



1. An order quashing or setting aside the Decision;



2. A declaration that the Decision is void and of no effect; and



3. An order remitting the First Application and Second Application to the Joint Authority for reconsideration according to law.



The Federal Court of Australia made orders today by consent including the following:



- By Wednesday 30 April 2025, the first respondent must file and serve one copy of a bundle of documents that was before the Hon Ed Husic MP as the Responsible Commonwealth Minister of the Commonwealth-New South Wales Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority in making the decision that is the subject of this application, subject to any claim to privilege.



- Other than the bundle of material, all evidence relied upon by the parties must be presented by way of affidavit.



- By Wednesday 21 May 2025, the applicant must file and serve any further affidavits upon which it intends to rely at the hearing of the matter.



- By 25 June 2025, the first respondent must file and serve any affidavits upon which it intends to rely at the hearing of the matter.



- By 16 July 2025, the applicant must file and serve any affidavits upon which it intends to rely at the hearing of the matter by way of reply.



- The application be listed for a 2-day hearing at 10.15 am AWST on 16 September 2025 and 17 September 2025.



- The applicant must file and serve an outline of submissions in chief and a list of authorities by 4.00 pm AWST not less than 42 days before the hearing.



- The first respondent must file and serve an outline of submissions in response and a list of authorities by 4.00 pm AWST not less than 14 days before the hearing.



- The applicant must file and serve an outline of submissions in reply and a list of authorities by 4.00 pm AWST not less than 7 days before the hearing.



- The first case management hearing listed for 10.00 am AWST on 19 March 2025 is adjourned to 9.30 am AWST on 23 July 2025.



- Liberty to apply on 3 days' notice to the other party.



- Pursuant to subsection 15(1)(a) of the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (Cth), the operation of the decision of the Commonwealth-New South Wales Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority comprised of the first respondent and the second respondent made on 16 January 2025 is suspended with effect from 16 January 2025, until further order of this Court.



Asset Energy Pty Ltd is a 100% owned subsidiary of Advent Energy Ltd and lodged the Originating Application as Operator for and on behalf of the PEP11 Joint Venture Partners, Bounty Oil and Gas NL ( ASX:BUY ) and Asset Energy Pty Ltd.





About BPH Energy Limited





BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company developing biomedical research and technologies within Australian Universities and Hospital Institutes.

The company provides early stage funding, project management and commercialisation strategies for a direct collaboration, a spin out company or to secure a license.

BPH provides funding for commercial strategies for proof of concept, research and product development, whilst the institutional partner provides infrastructure and the core scientific expertise.

BPH currently partners with several academic institutions including The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT).

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A new report by Towers Watson, a WTW business, has found that 76% of employers offer alternative cash benefits to high earners in lieu of pension contributions. The WTW Annual Allowance and Other Pension Taxes Survey 2025, which polled 88 UK employers also found that, despite the abolition of the pensions Lifetime Allowance (LTA), many employers continue to offer high earners the chance to opt out of pension provision altogether. Helen Perrin, Head of Financial Planning UK at WTW commented: Many employers have stopped short of requiring employees to make pension savings up to their Annual Allowance before they can benefit from cash alternatives. However, we are seeing employers engage with previous LTA opt-outs to encourage them to review their options. Employers can leverage the employer-arranged pensions advice exemption to offer the first 500 of pensions guidance or advice tax-free, ensuring that all their employees are well-prepared for the future. Where employers choose to offer alternatives to pensions, cash is the most popular form, with 91% of these employers offering cash as an alternative to Defined Contribution (DC) pension contributions and 72% of these employers offering cash instead of Defined Benefit (DB) arrangements. More than half of these employers reduce cash payments to cover the cost of employer National Insurance Contributions. This trend is more pronounced among Defined Contribution (DC) employers with 55% making adjustments, compared to 27% of Defined Benefit (DB) employers. Perrin explains: "National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are payable on any cash top-ups, meaning the cost to the employer of providing cash is higher than an equivalent pension contribution. To keep things cost neutral for employers, more than half of those who offer cash top-ups offset the extra cost of employer NICs by reducing the cash value. With employer NICs increasing to 15% from April 2025, many employers plan to cut the cash top-up further to allow for this. For example, an employer might offer the choice between a 10% pension contribution or an 8.7% cash allowance from April 2025." Further Findings from the report:  Employers allow maximum flexibility for high earners: Most restricted contribution options start at 10,000. However, employers offer flexibility for high earners to increase pension savings through regular contributions and/or bonus sacrifice. This allows high earners to pay up to their personal Annual Allowance and make use of any carry forward allowances.  Employee Support: Most employers provide some form of support to employees to help them manage their pension contributions and understand their options for saving towards retirement using alternative tax-efficient vehicles. This support ranges from fact sheets (72%) and webinars (36%) to access to individual guidance (23%) and individual financial advice (11%).  Review of Death-in-Service Arrangements: 87% of employers plan to review their Death in Service arrangements in preparation for the upcoming changes to inheritance tax on pension death benefits from April 2027.


With the approaching increase in employers National Insurance (NI) rates, coupled with the reduction in the lower threshold at which NI applies, UK employers are preparing themselves for increased costs from April 2025  but there may be opportunities too. Steve Leigh, associate partner at Aon, said: Pensions salary sacrifice is a well-trodden path for most employers as it allows them and their employees to save NI on the amount of the employee pension contribution. However, not all salary sacrifice arrangements are set up to maximise the savings available. Aons 2024 DC Pension Scheme Survey showed that one in 10 employers are still not using pensions salary sacrifice. This is often the case where there is an overseas parent company that is less familiar with UK pension and tax rules. There are also companies who simply havent considered it. In these situations, introducing salary sacrifice could make a huge difference and could offset most of the forthcoming NI cost increases. However, even for employers that already have salary sacrifice in place, there may be opportunities to increase the savings available: Applying salary sacrifice to additional contributions  Some schemes were set up for core employee contributions only, with any additional top-ups falling outside of salary sacrifice. This may have been done to avoid any risk of high contribution levels taking employee salaries below the National Living/Minimum Wage, but improvements in payroll automation mean this can often be managed on a month-by-month basis. Bonus sacrifice 

Using payroll automation  Historically, participation in salary sacrifice schemes was restricted to employees above a minimum salary level. This ensured that the employer did not breach minimum wage levels, and that the employee did not lose out on any salary-related state benefits. For employers with a large number of lower earning roles, this could mean many employees were excluded. However, as long as the contractual wording is set up correctly, modern payroll systems can check and switch people in and out of salary sacrifice on a monthly basis. This can result in more employees being able to participate in salary sacrifice. Aons 2024 DC Pension Scheme Survey found that four in 10 employers do not offer employees the opportunity to sacrifice some or all of a bonus into their pension. While this requires careful communication to employees, it has the potential to deliver significant cost savings. Historically, participation in salary sacrifice schemes was restricted to employees above a minimum salary level. This ensured that the employer did not breach minimum wage levels, and that the employee did not lose out on any salary-related state benefits. For employers with a large number of lower earning roles, this could mean many employees were excluded. However, as long as the contractual wording is set up correctly, modern payroll systems can check and switch people in and out of salary sacrifice on a monthly basis. This can result in more employees being able to participate in salary sacrifice. Redundancy sacrifice  The first 30,000 of a redundancy payment is usually tax free, but employees being made redundant may benefit from the option to sacrifice amounts above this level into their pension, particularly when they are nearer to retirement age. Steve Leigh continued: It is important to remember that there are also risks associated with not operating salary sacrifice correctly. Even if an employer is already making use of all the potential savings set out above, we recommend they review their arrangement prior to the April NI and minimum wage changes. Where a salary sacrifice arrangement is not set up correctly and employees have been underpaid the minimum wage, the arrears that are repaid to the employee must take account of the length of time that has elapsed since the underpayment. If the salary sacrifice arrangement itself is not valid, then employers could face a sizable tax bill on top of the NI increases.
In a groundbreaking move to promote responsible digital consumption and well-being, the Government of Karnataka and the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) have taken a significant step forward in their Digital Detox Initiative  Beyond Screens. Launched this month, the initiative marks Indias first industry-led effort to combat digital dependency through structured interventions and awareness programs.

Taking this vision forward, Honble Minister for IT & BT, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka  Priyank Kharge, today inaugurated the Beyond Screens Digital Detox Centre and official website, marking a crucial milestone in the fight against digital addiction. The Centre will serve as a dedicated hub for resources, counselling, and intervention programs aimed at fostering healthier digital habits.

Recognizing the urgent need for digital wellness solutions, the Government of Karnataka and AIGF have developed a strategic roadmap with clear, actionable objectives. Beyond Screens serves as a comprehensive resource hub designed to assist individuals struggling with digital addiction.

With a strong focus on education, support, and empowerment, the initiative aims to provide structured solutions through short, medium, and long-term programs. The newly launched Digital Detox Centre and website will serve as a one-stop destination for individuals seeking guidance on responsible technology use and digital well-being.

The initiative is committed to:

Raising awareness about excessive digital usage and its impact.

and its impact. Providing structured solutions for healthier digital habits.

for healthier digital habits. Integrating digital detox programs into mainstream healthcare.

into mainstream healthcare. Developing research-driven strategies to support individuals and communities.

Minister Priyank Kharge, addressing the audience at GAFX 2025, reiterated the governments commitment to digital well-being. He highlighted that As a firm believer of balance in our digital lives, I always say, sunlight before screen light. The Beyond Screens initiative is a testament to our commitment to promoting responsible digital consumption and ensuring the well-being of our citizens. This initiative will address the often-ignored challenges of digital addiction by providing structured support, raising awareness and integrating digital wellness into mainstream healthcare.

He further emphasized the importance of AIGFs expertise in responsible gaming, adding, With AIGF as our key partner, their expertise in responsible gaming will be invaluable in this effort. Whether its setting boundaries with your devices or learning to unplug without guilt, we are here to help every step of the way. This is a crucial step towards fostering a healthier relationship with technology, where our people can thrive both online and offline.

As a leading industry body advocating responsible gaming and digital engagement, AIGF has played a crucial role in shaping the initiative. Roland Landers, CEO of AIGF, reaffirmed the federations commitment, stated, As the oldest and largest industry body for online gaming in India, AIGF has always been committed to fostering a safe, responsible, and sustainable digital ecosystem. We are honoured to support the Government of Karnataka in launching Beyond Screens, a pioneering initiative in digital wellness. This is a great first step toward fostering a balanced and responsible approach to digital engagement.

He further added, The launch of the Digital Detox Initiative reinforces AIGFs commitment to responsible gaming and mental well-being. This collaboration with the Government of Karnataka is a crucial step toward setting a benchmark for the digital industry.

Beyond Screens is a partnership between the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka (ITBT Karnataka) and the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF). The initiative is poised to evolve into a nationwide movement, integrating digital detox strategies into public health initiatives and empowering individuals to take charge of their digital well-being.
The Supreme Court of India has issued a strong statement against the imposition of gag orders on media outlets, emphasizing the importance of free speech and fair criticism of judicial decisions. The apex court's remarks came amidst a legal challenge to a Delhi High Court directive concerning a Wikipedia page.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan expressed concern over the "touchy" nature of courts regarding commentary on their rulings, particularly in the digital sphere. The justices firmly stated that courts should not issue blanket orders restricting the publication or dissemination of information simply because it critiques judicial actions.

"Courts cannot issue gag orders," the bench asserted, highlighting that while criminal contempt proceedings can be initiated against individuals for egregious violations, merely criticizing a court's decision does not warrant censorship. They emphasized that individuals should have the opportunity to defend themselves against contempt charges, rather than being forced to remove content without due process.

The court's intervention stemmed from a petition filed by Wikipedia, challenging a Delhi High Court order that mandated the platform to remove a page detailing a 2 crore defamation suit filed by news agency ANI. The Supreme Court found it "ironical" that a media organization like ANI would seek to silence another platform that serves as a source of information.

The justices further clarified that fair criticism of judicial pronouncements does not automatically constitute contempt of court. This stance underscores the court's commitment to upholding the principles of freedom of expression and ensuring that the judiciary remains accountable to public scrutiny.

The Supreme Court's pronouncements are expected to have significant implications for the ongoing debate surrounding media freedom and the role of the judiciary in a democratic society. The ruling reinforces the principle that open dialogue and critical analysis are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in the legal system.
Chhota Rajan Acquitted in Murder of Dawood's Brother Iqbal Kaskar's Bodyguard 2

In a sensational development, a Mumbai court on Monday acquitted notorious gangster Chhota Rajan in the 2011 murder case of Arif Abubakar Sayyad, the driver and bodyguard of underworld don Dawood Ibrahims brother, Iqbal Kaskar. Special Judge A.M. Patil, designated under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), ruled that there was insufficient evidence to convict Rajan.

Sayyad was gunned down on May 17, 2011, in south Mumbai by two unidentified men. The police had claimed the murder was orchestrated at the behest of Rajan and charged him with murder and conspiracy under the IPC, MCOCA, and Arms Act. However, the case collapsed in court due to weak evidence, leading to Rajans acquittal.

Rajan, currently serving a life sentence in Delhis Tihar Jail for the murder of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey, appeared before the court virtually for the hearing. Despite this acquittal, Rajan will remain imprisoned due to his previous convictions and pending trials, including the high-profile double murder case of Chhote Miyan and Asif Dadhi.

The verdict has triggered mixed reactions  with some viewing it as justice prevailing, while others fear it might embolden the citys underworld elements. Law enforcement agencies remain vigilant as Mumbai continues to grapple with the shadow of organized crime.

The court, in its order, stated, He (Rajan) be released forthwith if he is not required in any crime or case. However, given his multiple convictions and ongoing legal battles, Rajans release is improbable. All eyes are now on further developments in his pending criminal cases.
Israel's Deadliest Gaza Strikes Kill 326, Netanyahu Accused of 'Death Sentence' for Hostages 2

Israel unleashed its heaviest airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing at least 326 people, including women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted ordering the strikes due to stalled ceasefire negotiations, sparking fears that the 17-month-long war could reignite in full force.

The attacks shattered the relative calm of Ramadan and left uncertainty over the fate of approximately two dozen Israeli hostages believed to still be alive. Senior Hamas leader Izzat al-Risheq accused Netanyahu of condemning hostages to death to save his far-right government and urged mediators to reveal who truly broke the truce.

The strikes come amid mounting pressure on Netanyahu, with mass protests planned over his handling of the hostage crisis and his dismissal of Israels internal security chief. His testimony in an ongoing corruption trial was also postponed following the escalation.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned the government for abandoning the ceasefire process, saying it chose politics over the safe return of captives. The White House confirmed it was consulted on the strikes, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt warning that all hell will break loose for those terrorizing Israel and the U.S., including Hamas and its allies.
Periyar: The Misunderstood Revolutionary and the Politics of Appropriation 2

Erode Venkata Ramasamy, affectionately called Periyar, was not just a political figurehe was a revolutionary who dared to shake the very foundations of caste, religion, and linguistic dominance in Tamil society. Yet, today, his name is often dragged into political debates by those who either misunderstand or intentionally distort his legacy for their own gains. The recent remarks by BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman, questioning why the DMK reveres Periyar despite his alleged criticism of Tamil, reek of political opportunism rather than a genuine engagement with his philosophy. The claim that Periyar dismissed Tamil as a barbaric language is not only taken out of context but is also an attempt to divide people by reviving old wounds. The DMK, despite being the torchbearer of Dravidian politics, often finds itself caught in this web of contradictions, struggling to balance its political compulsions with the radical ideals Periyar stood for.

The controversy surrounding Periyar has resurfaced at a time when Tamil Nadus educational future is being fiercely debated under the National Education Policy (NEP). The BJP accuses the DMK of misleading students, but isnt it ironic that the party in power at the Centre, which talks of unity in diversity, cannot accept the existence of an independent, proud linguistic identity in Tamil Nadu? Meanwhile, Naam Tamilar Katchis leader, Seeman, has now turned Periyar into a punching bag, cherry-picking old statements to brand him anti-Tamil. It is both amusing and tragic to see people conveniently forgetting the broader context of Periyars statements while weaponising his words for their own political ends.

For over half a century, Tamil Nadu has been shaped by Dravidian politics, with the DMK and AIADMK ruling supreme. Both owe their ideological roots to Periyars Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), the movement that sought to dismantle Brahminical supremacy and push back against the forced imposition of Hindi. But lets be honestafter decades of Dravidian rule, how much of Periyars vision has actually materialised? Caste-based discrimination still persists. The Self-Respect Movement successfully encouraged people to drop caste-based surnames, but has Tamil society truly rid itself of caste hierarchies? Have we truly embraced Periyars radical call for social equality, or has his ideology been reduced to convenient political rhetoric?

Uncomfortable questions need to be asked. Did Periyar target Brahmins just to empower Other Backward Classes (OBCs) while neglecting Dalits? Was his Dravidian ideology inclusive enough? Did he, in his fight against Aryan cultural hegemony, compromise Tamil identity? These are questions often raised by Dalit intellectuals and Tamil nationalists who are now reevaluating his contributions and shortcomings. The AIADMK, once a powerful offshoot of Periyars anti-Brahmin movement, is now a shadow of its former self. The chaos following Jayalalithaas demise has left the party leaderless, with factional fights stripping it of its ideological backbone. Tamil Nadus political future seems uncertain, and Periyars grand vision of social justice and rationalism feels more like an abandoned dream than a living reality.

To truly understand Periyar, one must go beyond the political posturing and historical revisions. Born in 1879 in Erode, he was a man ahead of his timespeaking Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada fluently, renouncing his caste surname in 1929, and earning the title Periyar (the revered one) for his fearless social reform. He wasnt just against Brahmin dominationhe was against any form of oppression, be it based on caste, gender, or religion. His Self-Respect Movement, launched in 1925, was radical because it encouraged people to question everythingtradition, faith, power structures. To him, blind faith was enslavement, and reason was the only path to true freedom.

Periyars defiance extended to religion and patriarchy. He openly criticised the Sanskritization of Tamil culture, questioning why wedding ceremonies had to be conducted in a language foreign to the masses. He pushed for womens rights, advocating for birth control, widow remarriage, and gender equalityideas that were almost unthinkable at the time. His demand for an independent Dravida Nadu, though unrealised, was less about separatism and more about resisting North Indian hegemony.

His political journey saw him joining the Indian National Congress in 1919, only to walk away in 1925 when he realised that it largely served Brahmin interests. His participation in the Vaikom Satyagraha, where he was imprisoned for opposing caste-based discrimination, showed his unwavering commitment to social justice. His travels to Europe and the Soviet Union from 1929 to 1932 influenced his socialist leanings, shaping his call for a casteless, rationalist society. Taking over the Justice Party in 1939 and later forming Dravidar Kazhagam in 1944, he laid the foundation for what would eventually become the DMK under C.N. Annadurai in 1949.

Periyar wasnt just a politicianhe was a force of nature. He challenged the very structures that dictated social hierarchy. His call for self-respect wasnt just about casteit was about liberating oneself from irrational traditions and oppressive power dynamics. Yet, today, his legacy is being selectively interpreted, often by the very political forces that claim to uphold his values.

To his detractors, he is seen as a divisive figure, a separatist, an opponent of Hinduism. But lets set the record straightPeriyars critique wasnt about faith itself but about how religion was used to maintain social hierarchies. He didnt reject Tamil identityhe wanted it free from the shackles of Brahminical dominance and cultural imposition. The fact that Tamil Nadu celebrates his birth anniversary as Social Justice Day speaks volumes about his enduring influence.

Yet, as much as Tamil Nadu takes pride in Periyar, the reality is that caste oppression continues in new forms, and political parties have turned his ideology into a mere campaign slogan. Has the Dravidian movement truly honoured Periyars vision, or has it simply used his name for electoral gains? The stark inequalities that still plague Tamil society, the dilution of his rationalist ideals, and the moral bankruptcy of todays Dravidian politics suggest that his work remains far from finished.

Periyars legacy is not just a historical memoryit is a challenge to the present. His ideas on rationalism, self-respect, and social justice are still relevant, perhaps now more than ever. The question is, will Tamil Nadu rise to meet his ideals, or will his name continue to be reduced to a tool for political manoeuvring? If we are to truly honour Periyar, we must go beyond statues and garlands and embody his vision in our actions. The fight against oppression, ignorance, and inequality must continuenot in his name, but in his spirit.
US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard Calls Bhagavad Gita Her Guide in War and Peace 2

The United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, during her first official visit to India, expressed her deep reverence for the Bhagavad Gita, saying she has always turned to the Hindu scripture for strength and wisdom through both the highs and lows of life.

Gabbard shared that even while serving in war zones across the world, it was Lord Krishnas teachings to Arjuna that helped her navigate challenges, offering peace, comfort, and clarity.

My personal relationship with God is at the centre of my life. I try every day to live a life that is pleasing to God and to serve all of His children. In both the most difficult times and moments of joy, I turn to Krishnas guidance in the Bhagavad Gita, learning critical lessons that continue to give me strength and peace, Gabbard told ANI.

Tulsi Gabbard is visiting India as part of a multi-nation tour and will participate in the Raisina Dialogue on March 18, where she is expected to engage in key strategic discussions.
Cedric Dewaun Evans Jr. and Kam'ron Clark have pleaded guilty to a 2022 Bessemer drive-by shooting that killed one woman and injured three men. (Jefferson County Jail)

Two men have pleaded guilty to a 2022 drive-by shooting in Bessemer that killed a mother of four children and injured three men.

Cedric Dewaun Evans Jr., 21, and Kamron Clark, 22, were initially charged with capital murder in the slaying of 23-year-old Johnnae ShyAnn Fuller.

Both pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of murder.

They also pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an unoccupied dwelling, court records show.

The deadly shooting happened April 28, 2022.

It was about 3:45 p.m. when Fuller was on the front porch of her home in the 1800 block of Berkley Avenue.

Fullers children  ages 6, 2, 1, and a newborn  were not home when the gunfire erupted.

Johnnae Shy'Ann Fuller (GoFundMe)

The gunfire also wounded three men.

Two suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and the third was seriously injured.

Police previously said they believed the shooting was in retaliation to a previous shooting in Bessemer.

Authorities said someone in the house was targeted but did not say who.

Evans entered his guilty plea Monday, the day his trial was to begin.

Circuit Judge David Carpenter sentenced Evans to 25 years in prison.

Clark pleaded guilty March 6, and Carpenter sentenced him to 22 years in prison.

Both remain in the Jefferson County Jail awaiting transfer to the Alabama Department of Corrections.
A Clay County man has been sentenced for sexual crimes against children, according to the Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorneys Office.

Michael James Baker, 32, of Ashland, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to two counts of production of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography.

With these charges, Baker is required to register as a sex offender.

Court documents revealed Baker produced a video and photo of him raping a small child and uploaded the video online.

Baker expressed to an undercover agent his desire to perform sexual acts with two other children and admitted to engaging in acts with a 13-year-old child.

Another young child disclosed that Baker raped her following his arrest.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Birmingham Division and FBI New Orleans Division, and several local police and sheriffs departments, investigated this case.

The investigation was part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative focused on combating online child exploitation.

Baker was sentenced to 80 years in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release.
The Alabama Department of Corrections Special Services arrested multiple individuals over the weekend on drug trafficking and contraband charges in state prisons, according to officials.

The arrests occurred at Fountain Correctional Facility in Escambia County and Montgomery Womens Facility, where correctional officers and K-9 units intercepted visitors allegedly attempting to introduce illegal substances into the prisons.

First Incident

During a scheduled visitation at Fountain Correctional Facility on March 15, ADOC officers noticed visitor Leigh Culwell exhibiting strange behavior.

A search led to the discovery of approximately 78 grams of synthetic narcotics, approximately valued at $3,900.

Culwell was taken into custody and transported to Escambia County Jail, where she was charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled Substance, trafficking in synthetic narcotics, and promoting prison contraband second degree.

Second Incident

The next day, officers observed questionable behavior by visitors Angela McLain and JaDiamond Bolden.

Upon further investigation, officers found 62 grams of synthetic cannabinoids, valued at approximately $3,100, along with 136 grams of marijuana, with an approximate value of $2,700.

Both individuals were arrested and taken to Escambia County Jail.

McLain and Bolden were charged with trafficking in synthetic cannabinoids, distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana first degree, and promoting prison Contraband second degree.

Third Incident

On the same day, Montgomery Womens Facility officers noticed visitor Christopher Farris acting suspiciously and contacted ADOC K9 officers for assistance. As Farris left visitation and walked towards his vehicle, he attempted to discard a hidden item from his pants.

Officers recovered the discarded item they later identified as Suboxone strips, a controlled substance used to treat opioid addictions.

Farris was arrested and taken to the Montgomery County Jail, where he was charged with possession of a controlled substance, promoting prison contraband second degree, and conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime (distribution).
Roddregus Williams-Johnson is charged with capital murder and attempted murder in a 2024 Birmingham shooting. (Jefferson County Jail)

A Fairfield man has been indicted in a deadly 2024 Birmingham shooting that followed a dispute on the social audio app Clubhouse.

A Jefferson County grand jury issued the indictments against 32-year-old Roddregus Williams-Johnson on March 7. The indictments were made public this week.

Williams-Johnson is charged with capital murder in the Aug. 10 slaying of 32-year-old Brandon Lee, and attempted murder in the wounding of Keandra Hendrix, who was Lees girlfriend and who police say was involved in a dispute with the suspect.

Williams-Johnson has previously claimed self-defense.

North Precinct officers were dispatched about 11:55 p.m. that Saturday to 30th Avenue North in Birminghams Collegeville public housing community.

Officers made entry into the home and found a man and woman injured.

Lee was pronounced dead on the scene. The woman was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Two children, ages 7 and 5, were inside the home were unharmed.

The dispute between Williams-Johnson and Hendrix appears to have started on the social audio app Clubhouse, which is similar to a Zoom call.

The argument could be heard on the app as the suspect arrived at the apartment and listeners said to call police.

Multiple shots were then heard.

Jefferson County Deputy District Charissa Henrich is prosecuting the case. Williams-Johnson is represented by attorney Roderick Walls.

Birmingham homicide Det. Ronald Davenport previously testified in a preliminary hearing that when he arrived at the apartment, Lee was dead in the kitchen from gunshot wounds to the chest, torso, hand and arm.

Hendrix had been taken to UAB Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head, and cuts and scrapes from shrapnel.

Detectives found about eight shell casings on the scene  one from a 9 mm gun, and the rest from a 40-caliber gun.

No gun was found in Lees apartment, and no guns have been found in connection with the shooting, Davenport said.

Hendrix told investigators she was at the apartment with Lee and his two children. Williams-Johnson, a contractor who did maintenance at the public housing complex, showed up at the home, she told them.

Davenport said Williams-Johnson and Lee did not know each other, but that Williams-Johnson and Hendrix were acquaintances and were in some type of argument. He did not disclose the nature of the dispute.

Williams-Johnson arrived at the apartment in a burgundy SUV and Hendrix was standing at the doorway of the apartment. At some point, Lee came downstairs and was standing behind his girlfriend.

The interaction was captured on Birmingham Housing Authority surveillance cameras monitored by the police departments Real Time Crime Center.

Davenport said Williams-Johnson had a cell phone in one hand and what appeared to be a gun in his other hand.

He said there was no audio on the footage, but it showed the two arguing. Lee could not be seen on the video.

Williams-Johnson, he said, lunged toward Hendrix and then started firing, continuing to do so as he ran back toward the waiting SUV.

At around 1:40 a.m. that Sunday, Williams-Johnson showed up at UAB Hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to his left arm.

North Precinct officers detained him, and he has been in custody since then.

Birmingham police investigate a deadly shooting at an apartment in Birmingham's Collegeville housing community. (Carol Robinson)

Davenport said video from UAB Hospital showed Williams-Johnson arriving at the emergency room in the burgundy SUV seen in Collegeville. He was wearing the same clothing as the shooter in the housing authority footage.

Under questioning from defense attorney Walls at the November hearing, Davenport said Hendrix did not tell him who fired the first shot.

Williams-Johnson, testimony showed, claimed Lee fired on him first.

Asked by Walls why charges were filed against Williams-Johnson when he claimed he was shot at first, Davenport said the gunfire didnt start until the suspect lunged at Hendrix.

In my experience as being a homicide detective, Davenport said, just because you didnt shoot first, doesnt mean youre not wrong.

Walls asked the detective if he was aware that Hendrix had posted statements in the Clubhouse app that contradicted what she told police, and Davenport said he had heard rumors of that but that investigators have not yet been able to get access to the Clubhouse posts.

Davenport also responded to questions from the defense attorney that Hendrix said she did not know what happened to the gun used by Lee.

Walls previously argued the charges against his client should be dismissed.

To charge him with capital murder is not just a stretch, but goes beyond, Walls said. If someone shoots you with a 9 mm gun, you have a right to shoot back and thats where we are.
You won't forget where you are, sitting at the bar at the Pink Pony Pub in Gulf Shores. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

As one would hope, and as one would expect, Alabama holds its own in Southern Livings latest ranking of the Souths Best Beach Bars.

The legendary Flora-Bama comes in an No. 1, of course. Its a Florida venue, lets get that out of the way right up front, but since Alabama contributes heavily to its crowds and its bottom line, state residents can take some pride of ownership.

The list includes two bona-fide Alabama establishments, which happen to be within stumbling distance of each other: The Pink Pony Pub and The Hangout, both adjacent to the central public beach in Gulf Shores.

Southern Living describes the Pink Pony, which came it an No. 9, as an iconic haunt with a surprisingly extensive menu. They might also have mentioned that it also delivers one of the regions best bushwackers, making it a great place to start (or end) your own personal voyage on the bushwacker trail.

The Hangout lands at No. 4, credited for elbow room that contributes to an easygoing vibe by allowing features such as fire pits, outdoor games and plenty of live music. Not to mention a certain music festival that comes around every spring.

Visit southernliving.com for the rest of the best, which include venues in Pensacola and Captiva Island, Fla.; Hilton Head and Isle of Palms, S.C.; and Jekyll Island and St. Simons, Ga.
Two men allege they were attacked by police dogs while complying with arrests in Lee County last summer.

The men filed separate excessive force lawsuits in federal court alleging they were lying on the ground in compliance with the Lee County Sheriffs Officer when deputies released or prompted the dogs to attack.

One man, James Raden, said he was bitten repeatedly on his shoulder and tricep and broke his hand while complying with officers in his backyard on the night of June 12, 2024.

No attempt was made by either Sergeant Crisp nor Deputy Fleming to stop the dog from violently and savagely attacking Mr. Raden until after the aforementioned injuries were already sustained, states an amended lawsuit complaint filed in federal court last year. The suit was filed in July of 2024.

Sgt. Lee Crisp and Deputy Virgil Fleming are defendants in the case. Both men have filed motions to dismiss the suit, claiming qualified immunity. Their attorney did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Defendant submits that Plaintiff has failed to state a plausible claim against him, said Crisps filing last year.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said the department is not able to comment on the lawsuits. An attorney for the two men, Ramon Martin, did not respond to a request for comment.

Radens lawsuit alleges he was in his backyard when he saw what looked like a police officers spotlight in his driveway. The officers were there to arrest him for an outstanding warrant, according to the suit.

As the officers approached Raden, who was not armed, he voluntarily got down on the ground with his palms open and his hands up, according to the suit. The K9 officer, Fleming, dropped the dogs leash as Raden laid on the ground. The suit alleges the officer released the dog, believed to be a German Shepard, without cause or warning.

The police dog attacked Mr. Raden, first biting him repeatedly on his shoulder and tricep as he writhed in pain, and then in an attempt to escape the dogs grip, Mr. Raden rolled onto his side, and the dog attacked his other tricep, the lawsuit says.

The suit alleges that neither officer intervened. It alleges that Raden was taken to a local hospital for stitches after the attack and kept in a medical unit at the local jail for a week. It alleges he was denied further medical care for two weeks despite complaining of pain and numbness.

[Read our series Mauled: When police dogs are weapons]

A second excessive force case involving the departments use of a K9 last June was dismissed by a federal judge last month.

That federal lawsuit, filed by William Norton in August of last year, alleges Norton was repeatedly bitten on his right thigh, while lying handcuffed on the ground, after Lee County deputies prompted the K9 to attack him. Norton alleges he had to get stitches in his leg and continued to feel numbness and a lack of feeling from the wounds.

The case, brought against a Deputy Dylan Eller and Corporal Josh Walton, alleged that on June 19, officers came to arrest Norton for an outstanding warrant in an abandoned mobile home.

According to the complaint, Norton heard the officers say they were sending a K9, named Astro, inside to find him if he did not leave the home. Norton, who was not armed, yelled to the officers, pleading with them not to send the dog in and that he would surrender, according to the suit.

The officers put Norton in handcuffs, face down, on the ground, according to the suit, before one of them spoke a word Norton did not recognize and Astro began to attack him, biting him repeatedly on his thigh.

Corporal Walton released the police dog on Mr. Norton without justifiable cause and without giving any warning that he intended to release the dog upon Mr. Norton after Mr. Norton had already submitted to the officers, the complaint alleged. It also alleged that Deputy Eller failed to intervene.

In February, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kelly Fitzgerald Pate dismissed the lawsuit against the deputies, ruling that they had immunity because they were acting within the scope of their duty.

Under established Eleventh Circuit precedent, Norton has pleaded facts that plausibly allege a constitutional violation occurred, Pate ruled, but previous court rulings have not clearly established that the kind events Norton alleged would be a violation.

The judge also ruled that Norton had not established proof that Eller failed to intervene.
Sandra Alexander was the first African American to graduate from Holland Hall private school in Tulsa, Okla. She served on the school's Board of Trustees for 12 years and was the first Black woman to open a solo law practice in the city. Courtesy Holland Hall

This is an opinion column.

I dont recall exactly how the story went, just that it profoundly shifted the arc of my story.

John and Marie Alexander and their children Paul and Sandra lived across the street from my family on Pine Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, one of the prominent thoroughfares in the predominantly Black north side of the city. The community ascended from the ashes of the 1921 Race Massacre and became a bustling middle-class community four decades later.

Like many Black parents of that era and beyond, John and Marie  both were massacre survivors , as was my father  poured knowledge into their children, stressing education as the pathway through and beyond an age when Jim still crowed. When women were still deemed unfit for many professions. When many rights were still wrongs.

Black men of that era had few professional options: the military, teacher, train porter, domestic or neighborhood entrepreneurs. Oh, there were physicians, attorneys and successful entrepreneurs  think A.G. Gaston in Birmingham  yet they were few.

John worked as a waiter in the Tulsa Club, one of the local dining facilities that catered to Tulsas white elite. People such as the headmaster of Holland Hall, a small private school on the other side of the city, on the white side of town, and many families whose children went there.

One night after working a party at the club hosted by the headmaster, John brought home a Holland Hall brochure. He and Marie decided Sandy should apply. In the fall of 1967, Sandra Alexender enrolled as a junior and one of the first African American students at the private school .

The cost was paid for with money from a not-blood-related neighbor who died and bequeathed the Alexanders funds to send their two children to college.

I dont know exactly how this next part of the story went. I just know that the following spring or summer John and Marie suggested to my parents, Roy and Ida Mae, that they have their oldest son, just out of all-Black Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School, take the entrance exam to this private school on the other side of town. On the white side of town.

In the fall of 68, I joined Holland Hall as a seventh grader.

Sandra, who possessed a quirky laugh and was a self-labeled tomboy, became my big sis and in 1969 she was Holland Halls first Black graduate. She attended prestigious Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania and returned home to graduate from the University of Tulsa Law School, only the third Black female to do so.

Always civic minded  another gift poured into her by John and Marie  Sandra in 1980 became the first Black woman in the city to open her own law practice and was Tulsas only Black woman solo practitioner well into the 1980s.

Alexander was the first Black women to open a law practice in Tulsa, and the first Black graduate of Holland Hall, where she later served on the Bard of Trustees for 12 years. Courtesy Holland Hall

Years later she handled affairs at the passing of my parents. And after her parents died, she found a calendar in their basement  the basement of the home that sat across the street from mine. It was from my fathers drug store on Greenwood Avenue in Black Wall Street. He produced them every year as marketing giveaways featuring a cute black & white picture of his cute boys.

Those calendars chronicled the early years of my brother and myself until Dad passed when I was 11.

We often dont think about the people who profoundly change our lives, about the happenstance of the story that shifts our lives.

Had John and Marie (or my father) not survived the massacre. Had they not married and lived across the street on Pine. Had John not eloquently served Tulsas white elite. Had he not brought home a brochure from that private school on the other side of town, on the white side of town.

Had Sandy not enrolled.

Had John or Marie not spoken to my mom or my dad, I would not have gone to Holland Hall.

I might not have been exposed every day during six formidable years to whites, whom I rarely saw on our side of town. I might not have discerned so quickly that there are good ones, as well as bad ones; and that none of them are inherently smarter than me.

I might not have learned so soon that I had as much of a right to be in any room as whites, even if some of them thought it was wrong.

I might not have been stretched to see beyond the borders of our city and become the first Holland Hall student from my school to go to Stanford University in California.

No need to dissect the rest of my story here. Too many might not haves to recount.

Just know Sandra and her parents nudged my scripts trajectory  subtly yet profoundly.

Sandra and I saw each other intermittently in recent years, or rarely, really. I saw her maybe more than a decade ago at Holland Hall (She also served 12 years on the schools Board of Trustees) at an alumna reunion gathering.

She smiled, laughed her quirky laugh and asked how I was doing. Still big sis.

I learned over the weekend that Sandra had died . Died in the middle of last year. Although I never met any of the people in her later life, I felt I should have known. Should have known this final page in her story. Sandra was 73.

Sometime soon, pause and thank someone who may have altered your journey  maybe even flipped your script  with some small happenstance that proved to be profound. With a conversation. A suggestion.

With a challenge that sent you beyond the borders that might have otherwise bound you.

Sandra once told a group of students at the school: In order for there to be change, someone has to be first.

That script will never flip.

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.
People take part in the Women's March ATX rally, Oct. 2, 2021, at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas. AP

A Texas midwife has been arrested and accused of providing illegal abortions, marking the first time authorities have filed criminal charges under the states near-total abortion ban, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on Monday.

Maria Margarita Rojas has been charged with the illegal performance of an abortion, a second-degree felony, as well as practicing medicine without a license, which is a third-degree felony.

Paxton alleges that Rojas, 48, illegally operated at least three clinics in the Houston area where illegal abortion procedures were performed in direct violation of state law.

In Texas, life is sacred. I will always do everything in my power to protect the unborn, defend our states pro-life laws, and work to ensure that unlicensed individuals endangering the lives of women by performing illegal abortions are fully prosecuted, Paxton said in a statement. Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable.

Waller County District Attorney Sean Whittmore, whose office is located northwest of Houston, referred the case to Paxton for prosecution, according to the state Attorney Generals Office.

Waller County court records show Rojas was arrested on March 6 and she was released on bond the next day.

Court records did not list an attorney for Rojas who could speak on her behalf.

A woman reached by phone at one of Rojas clinics said Monday she did not know who Rojas was. Messages left at Rojas two other clinics were not immediately returned. On their Facebook pages, the clinics advertise various services, including physical exams, ultrasounds and vaccines.

Texas is one of 12 states currently enforcing a ban on abortion at all stages of pregnancy. Texas' ban allows exceptions when a pregnant patient has a life-threatening condition. Opponents of the ban say it is too vague when it comes to when medically necessary exceptions are allowed. A bill has been filed in the current Texas legislative session to clarify medical exceptions allowed under the law.

The charge of illegal performance of an abortion carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison while the charge of practicing medicine without a license carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Paxtons office said it has filed a temporary restraining order to close Rojas clinics.

In the U.S., there have been few, if any, criminal charges filed alleging the operation of illegal abortion clinics since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 and opened the door to state abortion bans.

A Louisiana grand jury earlier this year indicted a New York doctor on charges that she illegally prescribed abortion pills online to a Louisiana patient. Paxton has filed a civil lawsuit against the same doctor under a similar accusation.
A Tuscaloosa police officer, who has since lost his job, was arrested March 17, 2025, on child pornography charges. (Tuscaloosa County Jail)

A former Tuscaloosa police officer was arrested Monday on charges related to child sexual abuse material found on his personal phone last week.

The West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force received information Wednesday that led them to confiscate devices belonging to 35-year-old Corey Nicholas Burcham.

Their investigation uncovered multiple images depicting child sexual abuse material on the phone, said Tuscaloosa police spokeswoman Stephanie Taylor.

Warrants were obtained Monday charging Burcham with 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.

Police Chief Brent Blankley and several officers took Burcham into custody at his home in Tuscaloosa County just after noon Monday.

When we first learned of these allegations last week, we began the necessary procedures that will ensure he never works as a police officer again, Blankley said. We have zero tolerance for actions that undermine the public trust and harm children. The individual involved no longer serves in any capacity with the department.

Burcham worked as a patrol officer from January 2019 until Wednesday.

He remained in jail Monday afternoon with bond to be set by a judge.
The U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights (OCR) changed a Friday press release on Monday morning to say that the University of Alabama at Birmingham is under investigation by the OCR for allegedly offering impermissible race-based scholarships and engaging in race-based segregation.

The press release originally said the University of Alabama was under investigation. The release was changed to say UAB at 7:30 a.m. Central Time on Monday.

No explanation for the change was given. The press office at the department is temporarily closed, according to its outgoing voicemail message on Monday morning. Legal counsel at UAB declined to comment on the investigation Monday morning citing attorney-client privilege, and referred comment to the communications department. UAB said in an email Monday afternoon that the university will work with the Department of Education to ensure compliance.

See also: Student group says university allowed change to anti-discrimination rules

UAB is committed to providing resources and opportunities for all students regardless of race or other protected classes. We will work with the U.S. Department of Education to address any concerns and ensure compliance, Alicia Rohan, director of public relations, wrote.

The federal office did not relay a specific allegation or allegations against UAB. A list of undergraduate scholarships offered at UAB does not include any with explicit racial components.

One scholarship, the Kappa Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Memorial Endowed Fund, is run by a National Pan-Hellenic Council whose selection committee is composed of members of UABs Black Alumni Network. The scholarship gives preference to underrepresented students with financial need but does not make the race of an applicant a condition.

UAB is one of seven universities facing the allegations. The federal office also accused 45 other universities of engaging in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs.

More from Alabama Reflector

Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin. We will not yield on this commitment, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a press release.

Supporters of the programs said they do not engage in preferences but expose people to the diversity of American society.

Let me also note Im a white man, said Sean Atchison, a University of Alabama student who testified against what became the states ban on publicly-funded DEI programs and divisive concepts in March 2024. Im from south Alabama. Im from the middle of nowhere. Ive never, ever felt oppressed by a DEI program. Ive never felt threatened nor hurt. I feel educated. I feel stronger than ever and more confident in my ability to get a job that will benefit the long term future of this state than ever before.

A group of UABs students and UA professors sued the state of Alabama in January over the new law The plaintiffs  three students enrolled at the UAB; three professors working at the UA and the NAACPs Alabama chapter  allege SB 129, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road and passed last year, violates their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, describing it as vague, discriminatory, and a barrier to free expression.
US President John F Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and others smile at the crowds lining their motorcade route in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Minutes later the President was assassinated as his car passed through Dealey Plaza. Bettmann Archive

President Donald Trump says files related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy will be released Tuesday without any redactions, making good on a promise he made during his campaign.

Trump told reporters Monday that his administration will be releasing 80,000 files, though its not clear how many of those are among the millions of pages of records that have already been made public.

We have a tremendous amount of paper. Youve got a lot of reading, Trump said while at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.

He also said he doesnt believe anything will be redacted from the files. I said, Just dont redact. You cant redact, he said.

Many who have studied whats been released so far by the government say the public shouldnt anticipate any earth-shattering revelations from the newly released documents, but there is still intense interest in details related to the assassination and the events surrounding it.

Here are some things to know:

Trumps order

Shortly after he was sworn into office, Trump ordered the release of the remaining classified files related to the assassination, which has spawned countless conspiracy theories.

He directed the national intelligence director and attorney general to develop a plan to release the records. The order also aimed to declassify the remaining federal records related to the 1968 assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

After signing the order, Trump handed the pen to an aide and directed that it be given to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Trump administrations top health official. Hes the nephew of John F. Kennedy and son of Robert F. Kennedy. The younger Kennedy, whose anti-vaccine activism has alienated him from much of his family, has said he isnt convinced that a lone gunman was solely responsible for his uncles the assassination.

Nov. 22, 1963

When Air Force One carrying JFK and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy touched down in Dallas, they were greeted by a clear sky and enthusiastic crowds. With a reelection campaign on the horizon the next year, they went to Texas for a political fence-mending trip.

But as the motorcade was finishing its parade route downtown, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository building. Police arrested 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald, who had positioned himself from a snipers perch on the sixth floor. Two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer.

A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission, which President Lyndon B. Johnson established to investigate, concluded that Oswald acted alone and that there was no evidence of a conspiracy. But that didnt quell a web of alternative theories over the decades.

The JFK files





In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million pages of records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president.

Trump, who took office for his first term in 2017, had said that he would allow the release of all of the remaining records but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files continued to be released during President Joe Bidens administration, some remain unseen.

Researchers have estimated that 3,000 files or so havent been released, either in whole or in part.

And last month, the FBI said that it had discovered about 2,400 new records related to the assassination. The agency said then that it was working to transfer the records to the National Archives to be included in the declassification process.

There are still some documents in the JFK collection that researchers dont believe the president will be able to release. Around 500 documents, including tax returns, werent subject to the 2017 disclosure requirement.

Whats been learned

Some of the documents already released have offered details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, including CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. The former Marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas.

One CIA memo describes how Oswald phoned the Soviet embassy while in Mexico City to ask for a visa to visit the Soviet Union. He also visited the Cuban embassy, apparently interested in a travel visa that would permit him to visit Cuba and wait there for a Soviet visa. On Oct. 3, more than a month before the assassination, he drove back into the United States through a crossing point at the Texas border.

Another memo, dated the day after Kennedys assassination, says that according to an intercepted phone call in Mexico City, Oswald communicated with a KGB officer while at the Soviet embassy that September.

The releases have also contributed to the understanding of that time period during the Cold War, researchers said.
Harbor Freight will be opening a new store in Bessemer.

Construction has already begun using local workers on the site, at 5501 Academy Ave.

The store is expected to open later this spring and hire between 25 to 30 people, including sales and logistic supervisors, sales associates and seasonal opportunities.

Trey Feiler, senior vice president for real estate and construction with the company, said Harbor Freight has been looking to open a location in Bessemer for a number of years.

In addition to finding a great location, we were attracted by the availability of great associates in the Bessemer area, and we look forward to having them join the Harbor Freight team, Feiler said.

The tool and equipment retailer has more than 30 locations in Alabama, with more than 400 employees in state. It has more than 1,550 locations nationally.

Interested applicants can apply online at this site.
Johnnie-O will open its first store in Alabama this summer at Lane Parke in Mountain Brook. Johnnie-O

California-based clothier Johnnie-O will open its first Alabama location in Lane Parkes Mountain Brook this summer.

The new store will be situated on Lane Parke Road. An opening date will be announced later.

The Johnnie-O store will offer a curated selection of premium apparel and accessories for men and women. The brand is known for thoughtful design details like the patented Tweener Button, and is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Its the companys 12th branded retail store, following openings in Franklin, Tenn., and Raleigh, N.C.

Were excited to bring Johnnie-O to Lane Parke and introduce a brand that perfectly complements the centers mix of premium retailers, Jackie Hollingsworth, leasing associate for Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors said. Lane Parke continues to attract best-in-class retailers, and Johnnie-Os debut in Alabama underscores our commitment to curating a vibrant, high-quality shopping experience.

Matt Ferrer, senior vice president of sales at Johnnie-O, said the company is looking forward to its first Alabama store.

Our retail and green grass partners have played a big role in building the brand in the Birmingham market, and this store is an opportunity to complement their efforts while continuing to grow our presence in the region, Ferrer said. We cant wait to welcome new and existing customers and share the full Johnnie-O experience with them.

Lane Parke, a luxury mixed use project almost a decade in the making, opened the first phase of its retail portion in 2016, a year after The Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook, and apartments.

Lane Parke Phase II held its grand opening in 2023.

Anchored by Publix, Lane Parke includes high-end shops, restaurants and 257 luxury apartments. Developed by Evson Inc., it is owned by John Evans.
Lonnie Johnson, the Mobile-born inventor of the Super Soaker water gun, is developing clean energy technology in his Atlanta, Ga., laboratory. William Thornton

An Alabama success story may be close to the payoff of 25 years of largely self-funded, lone wolf research.

Forbes is reporting that Lonnie Johnson has a prototype manufacturing line already underway for a gamechanger all-solid-state battery that he says is safer, more powerful and cheaper to produce. This could open the way for electric vehicles that drive farther on charges, and electric grids that can store power more efficiently.

And Johnson is set to break ground later this year on a new 70,000-square-foot headquarters with expanded labs in Atlanta.

A Mobile native, Johnson is perhaps the only man lauded by Popular Mechanics as developing a world-changing technology, and earning a place in the Toy Hall of Fame for his Super Soaker water gun.

A Tuskegee University graduate with degrees in mechanical and nuclear engineering, Johnson has worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Air Force Research Laboratory, NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Strategic Air Command.

Hes been involved in the building of deep space probes such as Cassini and Galileo, perfecting the technology to keep the probes memory preserved during powerdowns, and developing components for the Stealth Bomber.

Using royalties generated by the Super Soaker, Johnson has spent more than two decades at his company, Johnson Energy Storage, developing a battery made of glass, metal and ceramic materials.

Besides being non-flammable, the battery doesnt require the same cooling systems as lithium-ion batteries.

Prototypes of the battery are finalizing independent testing with UL.

Weve looked down a lot of empty rabbit holes, he told Forbes. Its been a hard science project.

Johnson has largely worked with his own money, but has been helped along the way with $15 million in investments - $10 million more than his goal - including $1 million from Innovate Alabama last year.

He has also worked with Tuskegee University, home of the Dr. Lonnie Johnson Technology Research & Incubation Center. The school has also served as a professional pipeline for Johnsons lab.

Were eager to get this out so people can compare and realize the real benefits, Johnson said. Its not only superior technologyits cheaper to manufacture.
Huntsville's annexations in Limestone County have paved the way for industrial, commercial and residential development. Scott Turner/AL.com

Huntsvilles footprint in Limestone County is about to get even larger.

The City Council will soon be voting to add more than 91 acres of land north of Bibb Garrett Road and west of Mooresville Road in an area east of Interstate 65 and north of I-565.

An ordinance annexing the property was introduced at the Councils March 13 meeting.

It will be the second time this year the Council will be voting to annex property in Limestone County. The city annexed 394 acres in January.

The current annexation comes at the request of a petition by the Fennel-Noble family. The annexation documents do not reveal plans for the development of the property.

Huntsvilles annexations in Limestone County have led to a mixture of industrial and residential developments with Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Amazon and Polaris manufacturing facilities and the massive Greenbrier Preserve development, where construction has started on the first of more than 1,100 homes planned at the site.

A Village of Providence-style development is planned for the 394 acres annexed in January, with between 2,500 and 4,000 homes proposed with housing to include apartments, townhomes and duplexes.

Retail is also planned for the development, which will include a city center.

See story: Huntsvilles Limestone annexation a game-changer? 4,000 homes may be coming - al.com

Recent annexations in Limestone County also include the annexation of 695 acres in Aug. 2023 west of I-65 and east of Springfield Road, and more than 1,200 acres in December 2022 about one-half mile south of Huntsville Brownsferry Road and two miles south to a point north of Laughmiller Road.

Shane Davis, director of Urban and Economic Development, said in January that the city has made utility, sewer and public safety investments in the area.

The Limestone annexation is not the only annexation the Council will vote on. An ordinance was also introduced last week to take in almost 21 acres north of Miller Lane and west of U.S. 431 South.

The annexation is at the request of property owner Elizabeth A. Witt.

With Januarys annexations, Huntsville is now the 27th largest city geographically in the country and largest in Alabama at more than 227 square miles, according to Manager of Planning and Zoning Services Thomas Nunez. It surpasses Chicago.
Birdie Mae Davis was one of the first Black students to integrate Murphy High School in Mobile in 1963. (Contributed) Faye Oates

Birdie Mae Davis name is synonymous with a decades-long legal fight to desegregate one of Alabamas largest public school systems.

Davis, later known as Birdie D. Manning, died Sunday at her home in Birmingham following an extended illness. She was 77.

Davis was among one of the first Black students to integrate Murphy High School in Mobile in 1963.

She was just 17 that year when her parents filed a lawsuit to desegregate Mobile County schools. She, her sister Bettie, and Rosetta Gamble eventually became the first three Black students at Murphy High School.

The Davis case began when a group of Black parents filed a lawsuit that claimed the Mobile County school board violated the U.S. Constitution by failing to desegregate schools.

Previous attempts had also been made to integrate the school by Dorothy Bridget Davis and Henry Hobdy

In spite of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954 that ruled school segregation was unconstitutional, a slew of local schools around the country remained largely segregated as communities either resisted the order or moved slowly to avoid full compliance.

In Mobile, there was no welcome sign for Davis as she entered the citys oldest and most prestigious public school.

Instead, Davis and the other students faced hostile students and parents who taunted and threatened them. Davis and the other two students who integrated Murphy had to have daily security.

At first, it was pretty hard because the students were very bad, Davis said during a hearing in 1965, where she described her experience at the school. They, I would say, hated us at first. But then they started to get a little better and they started to recognize us.

Davis graduated from Murphy in 1965 and went on to attend the University of Alabama, just two years after the states flagship college was integrated following a dramatic standoff similar to the one she faced in high school.

Davis was forever associated with the case because her name was listed first among plaintiffs in alphabetical order.

Yet, Davis for decades demurred at her role in civil rights history and instead chose a quiet life in Birmingham.

Birdie Mae Davis, now Birdie D. Manning, with her daughter Faye in this vintage image. Faye Oates

My mother was very humble about her role in changing Alabama history, often deferring to the group of students who integrated Murphy with her as the village  and that all of them changed the education for Black students in Mobile, said her daughter, Faye Oates.

In Birmingham Davis worked in senior management for South Central Bell, which later became Bell South and finally, AT&T. She retired in 2002.

She always said it was not about her, Oates said. Her name became synonymous with the case but her greatest accomplishment was the life she made as a mother and grandmother.

While the Brown ruling was a legal death knell to segregation, the Supreme Court provided no instructions for enforcing the order.

The Davis case was among a series of federal cases around the country challenging segregated schools after the Brown ruling, explained Brian Duke, a social studies department chair at Davidson High School in Mobile.

These families would be the ones that challenged racial segregation and sought equal access for their children, said Duke, who wrote his masters thesis on the Davis case.

Ms. Daviss name became synonymous with the lawsuit in the federal district court and the struggle for equal educational rights in Mobile, AL. Over 34 years, the federal lawsuit took on a life of its own as the states largest district worked to dismantle segregation and achieve unitary status. Its resolution had lasting impacts across Mobile County.

By 1970, the case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Mobile was ordered to further expedite integration efforts.

In 1997, the case was finally dismissed by the courts, citing that Mobile had adequately integrated its public schools - 34 years after it was filed.
U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, returned home to conduct a town hall Monday with concerned constituents and offer congressional updates.

As citizens filled a room at Bishop State Community College, seats quickly vanished as many resulted to standing along the walls.

During the town hall, several issues were discussed including Figures vote against the congressional budget, rural healthcare, mobilizing Democratic voters and most prominently the harmful impacts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Since President Donald Trump officially took office in January, DOGE has been tasked with eliminating, waste, fraud and abuse.

Led by Elon Musk, billionaire and owner of Tesla, DOGE has made sweeping cuts to the federal government by removing thousands of workers and slashing funding for several agencies or departments.

Figures told constituents that DOGE was an illusion and there were federal employees called inspector generals that were tasked with eliminating waste, fraud and abuse.

But the Trump administration fired them during the presidents first week in office.

Shomari Figures addressing the crowd at his town hall Patrick Darrington

Figures said there is a more responsible way to address waste at the federal level than firing long time employees just doing their jobs.

Dont believe in DOGE, dont believe in their mission, Figures said.

We can find responsible ways to cut waste, cut fraud. There are people in places that have been doing it. Can we be better at it? Absolutely. But is there a better, more responsible way to do it than laying off people who did nothing wrong other than show up to work? Yes.

Several audience members provided examples of how the Trump administrations actions have harmed them.

Dr. Ashley Brown said her nonprofit, HBCU Xhcange, received a 200,000 grant by the federal government to increase partnerships between HBCUs and Black universities in South Africa.

But Brown, who is recovering from brain surgery, said she was notified several weeks ago that the funding for her organization was terminated due to it being a convenience to the United States.

Another constituent who works for the Mobile Army Corps of Engineers as a federal employee said she is, holding on to her job by a thread.

The employee, who did not state her name, said that over the last few weeks she and other federal workers have received emails asking for a five bulleted point summary on what they accomplished the previous week.

DOGEs actions have also harmed Republicans as several conservative lawmakers across the country have faced backlash from constituents over the actions of the unofficial agency.

This has resulted in House Majority Leader Mike Johnson advising Republicans to not conduct town halls during the congressional recess and avoid what he claims are protesters upset about the Trump administration.

Alabamas Republican House delegation is also not commenting on the topic of town halls.

Figures said he believes his Republican colleagues are afraid of being asked tough questions and answering for the actions of the Trump administration.

Some of them dont want to see the environment like we saw here tonight, where youre forced to answer tough questions about whats going on and what this administration is doing, Figures said.

But at the end of the day to each his own and, to me, a foundational principle of being a representative is standing before the people that you represent and take whatever questions on whatever issues that they have for you.

Figures said he still believed that Medicaid expansion was the biggest issue facing his district and Alabama as a whole.

Alabama had the fourth worst life expectancy in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Figures said he is currently working on a bill to provide additional funding for rural hospitals, an increasing problem in District 2 as several have closed over the last decade.

Additional legislation that Figures is working on includes a bill to raise the base salary of military members due to many still qualifying for government assistance and a bill to provide tax relief to individuals who need it such as first time parents.

Sandy Akers, a concerned constituent, asked Figures what she and others could now that the Democrats were the minority in Congress.

The most impactful thing that we can do is mobilize our personal networks to get out and vote, Figures said.
A view of the U.S. Capitol building at night on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (John L. Micek/MassLive) John L. Micek

This is an opinion column

In 2010, voters elected me to Congress. Shortly after being sworn in as Alabamas 5th District Congressman, I received a bill demanding I pay the National Republican Congressional Committee $300,000.

The NRCC exists to help Republicans win office. Inasmuch as the NRCC endorsed a party-switcher -- former Democrat and now Democrat again Parker Griffith -- over me in the GOP Primary, I was taken aback by the NRCCs brazen gall.

I asked for advice from colleagues. Their answer: if you want good committee assignments, you buy them. I grudgingly paid the $300,000 in campaign funds to be in a better position to get committee assignments that best represent 5th District interests.

This was my introduction into a bad system that corrupts freshmen congressmen and puts special interests first and the public last.

I break Congresss corrupt system into parts:

First, committee assignment purchase prices are $250,000-$500,000. The exact amount depends on a committees monetized value and whether it is an A, B or C committee [1] . Chairman of an A Committee [2] costs $1-$1.2 million. If bidding wars ensue, prices may go up.

Retired Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida explains that letter grades are solely lashed to that committees ability to generate campaign cash for its members. (If you are on Ways and Means and control the tax code), there is no lobbyist in this town that would not swim across the Potomac to deliver you a $5,000 check.

Second, members of Congress cannot get committee purchase price money from Joe and Jane Citizen. They cannot afford it.

As Kentucky GOP Congressman Thomas Massie emphasizes, Now where are you going to get that money? Youre not gonna go back home and have a fundraiser in somebodys living room. That just doesnt work. The people that fund your purchase of the committee seat are the people who have interest in the work product of that committee, DC lobbyists.[4]

Third, since Joe and Jane Citizen lack the money to fund the committee purchase price system, Congressmen must go to special interests to get the committee purchase price funding.

Fourth, special interests demand a quid pro quo. You do as demanded, and put special interests above public interest, or you are cut off from the needed purchase money.

My growing disgust with this corrupt committee purchase system came to a head on the House Floor when a congressman (an intermediary for GOP leadership) offered me two different subcommittee chairmanships for $300,000 apiece. I declined each offer.

The third time I was asked, I gave copies of federal corruption and bribery statutes to the congressman, stated the purchasing committee power system was ethically dubious at best and criminal at worst, reminded him Congress had found Obamas Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt and that Holder might be motivated to hang a few Republican congressmens heads on his trophy wall, and further reminded him that the DC jury pool would be 90% Democrat.

I was never again asked to buy a committee assignment or chairmanship.

Interestingly, not long thereafter, a candidate for the NRCC chair distributed written campaign brochures with committee purchase price listings on it, arguing, Elect me. I will charge you less for your committee powers.

A USA Today front-page article quoting GOP Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky is illuminating:

Massie was approached by a lobbyist who told him he could help the congressman raise enough money to get on the Ways and Means Committee ($500,000). Thats a powerful committee that oversees tax policy and is one of the most coveted panels in Congress.

He pulled me and my chief of staff into a meeting, Massie said. He offered to raise the money that would be required to get me on Ways and Means. This is a lobbyist telling me he can get me on Ways and Means.

It was one of the scummiest meetings Ive ever been in, Massie said. I left just reeling, thinking about the implications for how this place works, when you realize that the lobbyists pick who goes on which committee.

After thanking Massie on the House Floor for publicizing this corrupt practice, Massie replied, Thank you, Mo. But I made a major mistake.

I replied, Mistake? I saw no mistake! I thought the article was great!

Massie replied, Well, I described the process as buying committee assignments. Thats not really accurate. Its more of a rental agreement than a purchase agreement because you must repeatedly pay the rental price every two years.

I conclude with clarifications.

First, the House operates differently from the Senate. While Senate chairmanship prices are likely higher, the Senate appears to give greater weight to seniority and merit when making committee decisions.

Second, buying committee assignments is bipartisan. Both parties do it. The differences is pricing structures and who you pay.

Third, many congressmen deny the committee assignment purchase system exists. They are partially correct but in substance wrong. Paying the purchase price into NRCC coffers does not guarantee a desired committee, but failure to pay the purchase price is a guarantee that you dont get considered. Thats a distinction without a difference.

How can the public fix this corrupt process? Citizens must vote based on their own research, and never vote based on often false but always slick campaign ads special interests pay for. Its that simple.

Mo Brooks served on the House Armed Services Committee for 12 years and the Foreign Affairs Committee for 6 years. Brooks graduated from Duke University in 3 years with a double major in political science and economics (highest honors in economics).

[1] The A Committees are Appropriations (spending trillions special interests covet), Financial Services (think banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, etc.), Ways & Means (tax codes that give deductions, credits & the like to special interests that pay the most for them), and Energy & Commerce (oil, gas, green energy, etc.). B and C Committee chairmanships and assignments are less expensive because their powers are less important to special interests.

[2] The A Committees are Appropriations (spending trillions special interests covet), Financial Services (think banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, etc.), Ways & Means (tax codes that give deductions, credits & the like to special interests that pay the most for them), and Energy & Commerce (oil, gas, green energy, etc.)
Hunter Biden listens while his father, President Joe Biden, speaks during a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) AP

President Donald Trump announced Monday night that he was yanking Hunter Bidens Secret Service protection following reports that former President Joe Bidens adult son had an 18-member detail while vacationing in South Africa.

Trump also decided to yank the detail protecting Ashley Biden, the former presidents adult daughter.

Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States Taxpayer. There are as many as 18 people on this Detail, which is ridiculous! Trump posted Monday night to Truth Social.

He is currently vacationing in, of all places, South Africa, where the Human Rights of people has been strenuously questioned. Because of this, South Africa has been taken off our list of Countries receiving Economic and Financial Assistance. Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden who has 13 agents will be taken off the list.

Former presidents and their spouses receive life-long Secret Service protection under federal law, but the protection afforded to their immediate families over the age of 16 ends when they leave office. But outgoing presidents can extend protection for those who might otherwise not be eligible for up to six months after they leave office, something Biden did for his children and Trump did for his family after leaving office in 2021. Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush also extended protection for their families for a period.

Earlier Monday, Trump responded to the report of Hunter Bidens detail in South Africa.

If there are 18 [Secret Service agents] with Hunter Biden, that will be something I look at this afternoon, he told reporters. I just heard about it for the first time.

When told Hunter Biden was in South Africa, the president said, South Africa, you know, is on a watchlist because what theyre doing to people is brutal, and Ive stopped having money go to South Africa ...

Trump signed an executive order last month halting funding to the country. It criticized the Black-led South African government on multiple fronts, saying it is pursuing anti-white policies at home and supporting bad actors in the world like the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Iran.

Against that backdrop, Trump appeared to question Hunter Bidens appearance in the country.

So hes in South Africa. Thats very interesting. Alright, Im going to take a look at that.

Trump and his administration previously pulled security details from former Biden administration officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, who advised Biden on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revoked security for Mark Milley, the retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The president also pulled security details for former members of his own administration, including former National Security Adviser John Bolton and ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
We have become careless in making sure that the government follows our immigration laws, particularly student visas and permanent residency. That lack of oversight could become a danger to our country, as we watch dissension and violence flowing from protests that are pro-Hamas demonstrations and antisemiticand that seem to feature prominently among their ranks people who are guests in the country, whether as students on visas or as green card holders.

The most recent high-profile case is that of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia graduate student and current green card holder, who only recently completed his studies. So, what do we know about Mahmoud Khalil? Well, quite a lot. Per CNN, hes just a nice guy who supports the Palestinian people:

He acknowledges that he is a Palestinian activist, but he claims to disavow anti-Semitism: As a Palestinian student, I believe that the liberation of the Palestinian people and the Jewish people are intertwined and go hand-by-hand and you cannot achieve one without the other, he told CNN last spring when he was one of the negotiators representing student demonstrators during talks with Columbia Universitys administration.

What does his statement even mean? In what way are the Jewish people able to liberate the Palestinians? Liberate them from what?

This is the kind of rhetoric that comes out of the narrative regarding the Palestinian population that is labelled occupied, which it is not, and from the other rhetoric that discusses genocide by the Israelis and supposed apartheid they are committing.

When challenged in the same interview about the antisemitic nature of the protests, Khalil once again made an incomprehensible statement:

There is, of course, no place for antisemitism, he told CNN in April. What we are witnessing is anti-Palestinian sentiment thats taking different forms and antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism (are) some of these forms.

In what way does anti-Palestinian sentiment show up as antisemitism? Again, what does his statement mean?

Whats more significant factually is that it appears that Khalil does not distinguish between the Palestinian people and Hamas. To the extent that he sees support for one as support for another, one could argue that his behavior falls under 18 U.S. Code 2339B (Providing Material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations):

Whoever knowingly provides material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both, and, if the death of any person results, shall be imprisoned for any term of years or for life. To violate this paragraph, a person must have knowledge that the organization is a designated (as defined in subsection (g)(6)), that the organization has engaged or engages in terrorist activity (as defined in section 212(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), or that the organization has engaged or engages in terrorism (as defined in section 140(d)(2) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988-1989).

By the way, material support or resources can apply to training, and expert advice or assistance, which I believe define his actions during the protests at Columbia.

Once away from the medias gauzy rhetoric, its apparent that Khalil is not entitled to permanent residency (green card) or a student visa. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the issue concisely:

This is not about free speech. This is about people that dont have a right to be in the United States to begin with. No one has a right to a student visa. No one has a right to a green card, by the way, Rubio said Wednesday in his first public comments to the press on the matter.

In another interview, Rubio explained the high cost of having foreign activists on America campuses:

So 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, being complicit in what are clearly crimes, vandalization, complicit in shutting down institutions, Rubio added. There are kids at these schools that cant go to class. You pay all this money to these high-priced schools that are supposed to be of great esteem, and you cant even go to class. Youre afraid to go to class because there are lunatics running around with covers on their faces screaming terrifying things. If you told us thats what you intended to do when you came to America, we would have never let you in. And if you do it once you get in, were going to revoke it and kick you out.

The law regarding Khalils situation is not complicated. His leadership in an organization that is dedicated to Americas violent overthrow places him squarely within the laws requiring an alien, even if he is here legally, to be deported.

Moreover, if investigation reveals that Khalil was already engaging in pro-Hamas activities before entering the U.S., and that he failed to inform immigration authorities about those activities, that also justifies deporting him:

A Green Card provides its holder with both benefits and limitations. Failure to follow the rules set by the government for Green Card holders can lead to loss of https://www.usimmigration.org/glossary/permanent-resident. [sic] This usually happens due to: Immigration fraud - Marriage to a U.S. citizen only to obtain a Green Card.

Committing a crime - If a Green Card holder commits a serious enough crime, it is grounds for deportation.

Committing Fraud - If the permanent resident lied, omitted relevant information on their application, or committed any fraud to get a U.S. green card and this is discovered after the Green Card is issued.

Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer, a law professor at Cornell Law School, explains that a conviction is not a prerequisite for a green card holder to be deported:

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, green card holders do not need to be convicted of something to be removable, Kelley-Widmer said. They could be deported if the secretary of homeland security or the attorney general have reasonable grounds to believe they engaged in, or are likely to engage in, terrorist activities, she said.

The currently available facts create a narrative strongly arguing for Khalils immediate deportation: He seemingly doesnt distinguish between the Palestinians and Hamas; he may have entered this country under false pretenses; he tries to appear to distance himself from antisemitism but his anti-Israel rhetoric crosses the line; his actions contribute to the fear, violence and threats that have been committed against Jewish students at Columbia University; and he has, through word and deed, provided material support for Hamas and for an organization that advocates for Americas violent overthrow.

Its time for a thorough review and clarification of the permanent resident and student visa requirements.

Its time for Mahmoud Khalil to go home.

Mahmoud Khalil leads a Columbia U protest. X screen grab.
Why is Israel alone forced to justify its existence and questioned when it stands up to those who would annihilate it? Why was a worldwide campaign of hatred that reeked of anti-Semitism unleashed on Israel when it responded to the October 7, 2023, attack, while there was no criticism of Hamas? Why has the U.N. censured the Jewish state more times than any other nation, even China, North Korea, and Cuba combined?

The answer runs deeper than geopolitics, says conservative commentator and legal scholar Josh Hammer in his debut book Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West. Western civilization is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, and its enemies know well that to deny the existence of God and destroy individual rights, private property, and freedom, they must first destroy the Jews. Ergo, he argues, the preservation of the West is contingent on the welfare of the Jewish people and the Jewish state of Israel.

It was the People of the Book who first introduced the world to monotheism, and along with it, to ethical and legal codes that became the basis for the establishment and preservation of all civilizations. The West drew upon the Judaic idea of humankind as the pinnacle of Gods creation to give primacy to individuals, their freedom, and their rights. Many of Americas Founding Fathers admired Jewish history, culture, and its legal and moral teachings.

God made a promise to the Jews to protect them as long as they kept his covenant and followed his commandments. The Hebrew Bible speaks of the Divine Revelation of the Decalogue to Moses at Mount Sinai, the 613 mitzvot of the Torah, and the seven Noahide laws. The seventh Noahide law, as mentioned in the Babylonian Talmud  to establish courts of justice  is perhaps the first expression of the need for neutral forums and judges to deliver justice. It is by obeying these laws  divine and temporal  that Jews, often at great cost, have survived millennia of persecution.

The other big ideas that Judaism has contributed to the West, writes Hammer, are of individual dignity, self-worth, community, and collective holiness. The commandments emphasize a balance not only between the individual and the community, but also between the very human pursuit of pleasure and the ideals of work, duty, and honor. Hedonism and unrestrained passion are to be shunned in favor of a deliberate and lasting moderation.

Hammer warns Christians of the need to recognize how not only Jewish culture but Jews themselves are, in a way, the sine qua non of Western civilization. He writes:

For Christians, adherents of the Wests dominant religion, it is imperative to internalize the basic truth that the civilization they were so instrumental in building and developing is largely predicated upon values and principles derived from the Hebrew Bible. And it is not just the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud as well has been so central to the formation of Western civilization as a unique strand of the human experience. Rather, it is also the Jews themselves  the original People of the Book  who introduced monotheism to the world, who have always been foundational to the entire construct.

Unfortunately, the seminal role that Jews have played in the formation of Western civilization is being downplayed or criticized to pernicious effect. Morality, for the Jew, is absolute, permanent, unyielding. The Jew is a testament to the existence of God and His expectations from humans  that is, to reflect the Divine Image in all that humans do on earth. Therefore, for the God-less, postmodern ideologies of moral relativism, writes Hammer, the Jew is a prize target, for he is an embodiment and an enduring testimony of Gods existence, his Kingdom, and His Divine Will.

Today, with the denial of God, we are inching towards a paganism that manifests in self-worship (my gender, my skin color, my intersectionality) and an elevation of Nature above humankind. In Genesis (1:27, 28), God creates man and woman in his image, and asks them to multiply and have dominion over everything upon the earth. The verse establishes a human-centric worldview, one that has sustained the West, in truth, all human civilization. But today, that is considered controversial and deemed an anathema by the Leftist-anarchists set upon destroying the axis holding together the order that sustains civilization.

Science and reason, once tempered by God-dictated ethics and morality, and hence the impetus for true civilizational progress, have been elevated to replace the truth and wisdom of God. It was a purely materialistic science, shorn of human and Godly spirit, that impelled Nazi Germany to exterminate races deemed inferior and purify society for a master race. Again, it was fallacious post hoc ergo propter hoc reasoning, shorn of ethics, that made pagans believe that child sacrifice or the mass killing of enemy prisoners could bring prosperity.

Hammer writes that though he is Jewish, his childhood was secular. Jewishness only meant eating Jewish food, participating in cursory ritual observances, celebrating holidays, and lauding prominent Jewish entertainers. Recognizing the superficiality of this posture, he gave rein to his curiosity to explore his roots and seek a greater understanding of the tenets and history of a monotheistic religion that is at once a faith, an ethnicity, and a civilization.

Judaism, he writes, is unique in that it is the faith of a people with an eternal attachment to a very specific ancient land  Eretz Yisrael  promised to them as a nation by God. Other ethnicities may have lived there in the past, but none of them exist today. There is demonstrable, undeniable archaeological and biblical evidence that the Jews have had an uninterrupted presence in Israel since the time of Joshua  some 3,200 years ago.

Therefore, he writes, any attempt to sever the long-enduring ties of the Jewish people to their land amounts to antisemitism. Those who proclaim that From the Jordan to the sea, Palestine will be free, radical and Islamist groups that decry the collateral killing of Arabs as Israel defends itself from eradication, world leaders who ignore the October 7 massacres but censure Israel for its acts of self-preservation  they must all be viewed as those who would see the Jewish state destroyed.

Indeed, they must be viewed as those who would see the West destroyed. For, says Hammer, Israel is Ground Zero in the fight for Western civilization. It is the tip of the spear for the pushback against Islamism, wokeism, and globalism. The battle for Israel is the battle for the fate and the soul of the West, and blatant disregard for Jews is a sure sign of societal collapse. Unsurprisingly, those who rail against Israel and the Jews are both anti-American and anti-Western civilization.

October 7, 2023, shattered the misguided belief that Hamas would reform. Yet, the response was reprehensible. The world turned upon Israel  the victim of a monstrous Hamas attack  and even blamed Israel and the Jews for provoking the murders, the rapes, the torture that the Hamas perpetrated. At radical leftist infested universities across America and Europe, antisemitism was on full display, and some teachers defended calls for Jewish genocide. Several antisemitic attacks, including a murder, went unprosecuted and unreported.

If people understood the roots of Jew hatred and what it means for the West, writes Hammer, there would be a more strident pushback. History is witness, he notes, that no nation has prospered after persecuting its Jews. So goes the Jew, goes the West. Prescient words that the West would be wise to heed.

Hammers book was life-changing: it reoriented my perspective on Judaism, Jewishness, and made me better understand the underpinnings of antisemitism and how dangerous it is for the West. The book will be available on Amazon and other retailers as of March 18.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
On Friday night we took a Northern Lights Tour out of Fairbanks, Alaska, from 10 pm to 5 am, in a white Ford panel van on a snowy road into the wilderness. The Northern Lights were amazing, but didnt really get started till 1 am. All of the five women on the tour went with someone. Three of the four men on the tour went solo. Heres a photo from my smartphone:

I have noticed also, when I take my regular daily hill walk in North Seattle, that almost all the women I encounter are out walking with a woman friend.

Im sure that women do this not because they are afraid but because there is something deep inside that prompts them to be with someone when out in the world.

SF writer Sarah Hoyt is on a parallel track when she talks about Coming to Ourselves waking from the dream of the long 20th century. She references a Substack piece American Strong Gods, Trump and the end of the Long Twentieth Century by N.S. Lyons. For the last century, the world has been tied up in a regulatory, credential enforcing, bureaucratic state. World War II was the excuse.

To prevent the resurgence of war, we were told we needed to do away with nationalism and religion and -- really ultimately -- the family and all natural connections.

And yet, women still like to go about in pairs when outside the house. And lower-class people still identify with their ethnic group, and the middle class still identifies with their nation, and the educated class identifies with the whole planet.

Meanwhile in the developed world, from the U.S. to China to South Korea, women arent having babies. Tech head Elon Musk does the math for South Korea: its scary. Our educated class leaders and their followers are all worried about defending illegal immigration, abortion, transgenders, defunding the police, and releasing criminal suspects on no-cash bail. Meanwhile women arent having babies.

What is going on, in this Houston We Have a Problem moment, when our best and brightest are all wound up in cult-like obsessions? It couldnt be, could it, that cult leaders are typically so overwhelmed that they compensate with drugs? Thats what notorious Holocaust revisionist Darryl Cooper discussed on Joe Rogan last week: hello Jim Jones and Adolf Hitler:

Amphetamines when you get up barbiturates to go to sleep I read a fair amount about the effects of long-term amphetamine use, the paranoia and mayhem that can result.

By the way, Cooper told Rogan that hes not a historian. I'm a storyteller who uses historical stories to try to tell my stories. But when he told Tucker Carlson that at dinner the night before doing the show, Tucker told him that he would call Cooper a historian.

You can understand the outrage in the higher circles. Back in the day, only the tippy-tops got to set the Narrative. Now the Tucker Carlsons and Megyn Kellys have broken free, and nobodies like Darryl Cooper are digging through the history books and doing podcasts without permission.

And Joe Rogan! How dare that foul-mouthed nobody interview the Elon Musks and the Marc Andreessens without the proper curation of regime philosophers like Margaret Brennan.

So I understand Cathy Youngs outrage about MAGA going off-message on Ukraine, or Matthew Omoleskys outrage about the Trump Train trying to do a Nixon and divide Russia and China. Everything the noble Elves were taught at foreign policy school is blowing up, and unqualified Hobbits are daring to enter the conversation. Why, the guide on my Northern Lights tour dared to discuss the balance of power issue in the decision of Tsarist Russia to sell Alaska to the U.S. in 1867 rather than the global hegemon at the time, the British Empire. Who the heck does he think he is, talking about balance of power a hundred miles from Fairbanks in the middle of an Alaskan winter night?

As I review my pieces at American Thinker over the past months, there is really only one theme. What is happening and why, and what can we do about it. Is this really the end of the age of liberal hegemony? Can Trump and the ordinary middle class really go to battle against the educated class and win? Is the switch of the tech lords from Dems to GOP strategic or merely tactical, for the moment? Is the decline of mass media and the rise of independent media really the revolution we think it is? Will the woke world go quietly or will it return to send us all off to reeducation camp -- or worse? Is the administrative and regulatory state really on death watch, or will it return to dominance?

We dont know. But I think that it behooves us to wonder about little things like why women go out in pairs. Because little things often provide a clue to bigger things.

Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill blogs at The Commoner Manifesto and runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also get his American Manifesto and his Road to the Middle Class.
The American voters gave President Trump an unprecedented mandate to change the status quo of our federal government. One of Trumps key campaign promises was to root out the corruption and the immense waste, fraud, and abuse of power in our government. President Trump nominated and secured the appointment of outstanding cabinet secretaries, i.e., Marco Rubio (DoS), Pam Bondi (AG), Tulsi Gabbard (DNI), Kristi Noem (DHS), and agency directors Kash Patel (FBI), John Radcliffe (CIA), and Elon Musk (DOGE).

The FBIs rat-holing of the Epstein documents and Seth Richs computer are just the tell-tale sign and tip of the iceberg of a massive ongoing RICO criminal conspiracy extending back to Benghazi.

Image used with permission from Dumbass Photoshop.

The Epstein and Rich cases give AG Bondi and FBI Patel a unique opportunity to wage war against the Deep State. AG Bondi and FBI Patel have the strong backing of the American People to restore the trust, integrity, impartiality, and the rule of law and the fundamental principle of equal justice for all in our federal criminal justice system, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies:

Organized crime cannot exist without corrupt law enforcement. Our LE Sheepdogs went rogue, allowing the wolves to prey on the sheep (LTC Dave Grossman).

The two main mandates for transparency in the Justice Department are the Epstein case and the Seth Rich case.

The Epstein case

Jeffrey Epstein was a high school math teacher who became a supposed Wall Street wizard with rumored substantial personal wealth. Epstein, it is alleged, was sex trafficking young women to business and political associates. His story is well known and is the subject of many articles in tabloids and the legacy media. Town and Country concisely summarizes Epsteins life and legal woes.

Epstein received a sweetheart deal in a federal sexual abuse case that was dropped down to a Florida state court in a plea deal in 2008. A party to the negotiations was the then-US Attorney, Alexander Acosta. Acosta later served as Labor Secretary in President Trumps first term but later resigned because of the controversy about the plea deal that arose when Epstein was arrested again in 2019.

Acosta brokered a lenient deal, according to him, because he had been ordered by higher government officials, who told him that Epstein was an individual of importance to the government.

There are many, including me, who believe Epstein was or became an asset for one or more intel agencies by running a honey pot operation one being the Israeli Mossad.

Epstein died in custody while awaiting trial for the indictment in 2019. There are very unusual circumstances surrounding his death, which was labeled a suicide. For further information, see Epsteins Wikipedia page.

President Trump promised that he would declassify and release the Epstein files, and AG Bondi was following through on that order. The old guard at the FBI was trying to pull the wool over AG Bondis eyes and released minimal records. AG Bondi is sharp and wasnt going to play that game. AG Bondi issued a direct order to the FBI to immediately release all Epstein documents to her. A truckload of documents arrived at the FBI headquarters in DC from the NY FBI Field Office. A source tipped AG Bondi that there were thousands of documents there.

The FBI Asst. Director, James Dennehy, who oversaw the FBI NY Office, was forced to retire or face firing. Dennehy was given a heros send-off as he left the building. AG Bondi and her team are sorting through the materials and will release them in groups after they redact victim personal identification information, grand jury information, and national security information.

The Seth Rich case

This information is gleaned from my reporting and from Jack Cashills reporting at the American Thinker:

Seth Rich, a DNC staffer, was murdered on July 10, 2016. The DC Metro Police attributed his death to a botched robbery. As I wrote,

Thats tragic but straightforward. So, why is the FBI refusing to release the information from Richs laptop? Perhaps its because Rich is the key to understanding the Russian collusion narrative that the Democrats and Deep State used to such savage effect against Trump, up to and including the 2020 campaign, when operatives lied about Hunter Bidens laptop. Anyone questioning the official narrative was immediately labeled a conspiracy theorist and canceled.

Richs parents later sued FOX News for reporting this story. FOX intentionally exploited their sons death by promoting conspiracy theories about it. Following the suit, legacy media reporting on the case soon ceased. In 2020, the case was eventually settled in the parents favor without going to trial.

Attorney Ty Clevenger has followed this case and filed multiple FOIA suits against the FBI for failure to comply. FBI denied having Richs laptop but eventually admitted it did have it.

Over several years, the FBI stonewalled releasing the information, including subverting a federal district courts order twice, by claiming it was an ongoing investigation or for other spurious reasons. Read more of Clevengers dogged pursuit of the FBI at The Gateway Pundit. See my investigative reporting at the American Thinker.

Just recently, the FBI once again refused to release Richs information. And again, one must ask why they are so adamant.

Analysis

Corruption permeates our government, whether among those in elective office or those who occupy the unelected administrative bureaucracy, the Deep State. It flows beyond that to and beyond what I call the Cabal. All this is due to the total lack of accountability. The federal law enforcement agencies have gone full Stasi in support.

The preeminent priority must be to restore accountability to the people. AG Bondi and FBI Patel must regain the peoples trust in the integrity and impartiality of our criminal justice system and federal law enforcement agencies by holding accountable those who flagrantly violated the civil rights of citizens and crimes against the United States. The Marxist left will argue that Trump is seeking revenge, but theyll have gotten it wrong: Trump is restoring the rule of law and prosecuting those who violate the law with due process.

To solve this problem, I highly recommend that Trumps administration continue to investigate and prosecute members of the Deep State and the Cabal as organized crime or criminal enterprises using the tools given to the administration under the Federal RICO Act. The investigation must follow the evidence, both foreign and domestic, wherever it leads.

There is substantial probable cause to initiate an investigation based on coordinated criminal acts that extend as far back as Benghazi and subsequent actions to aid or abet the conspiracy or to conceal its existence. The investigations will extend to the Office of the President, Congress, DOJ, DoS, DHS, CIA, NSA, USSS, and other entities (Here)(Here)(Here)(Here) (Here)(Here) (Here)(Here)(Here).

Recommendations

If I were leading the investigation, I would be ruthless within the extent of the law regarding the crimes committed, especially considering the national security ramifications. Under the guise of classified information, the FBI and others withheld evidence to conceal the criminal acts of the conspiracy.

I would sweat the lower tier over their knowledge about Seth Richs death, Benghazi, Clintons pay-to-play scheme, the reverse targeting of a sham counterterrorism investigation to spy on President Trump, lying on FISA warrant affidavits, Trumps sham impeachment, election fraud and interference, FBI entrapment issues surrounding J6 to get President Trump, the raid on Mar-A-Lago, assassination attempts on President Trump, and more.

As in the X Files, Trust No One! Assume the FBI and other agencies are compromised. Use exclusively vetted retired agents as investigators who are experienced with organized crime, counterterrorism, and internal affairs, et al.

Agency System digital files must be immediately locked from deletion or modification. Digital files should include text, email, call information, etc. Dont overlook agency desktops, laptops, personal computers, and paper files (See Lt. General Flynns treasure map). Use DOGE assets and/or certified ethical hackers with TS/SCI clearances to lock system files and perform computer forensics.

Ron Wright is a retired detective, having served thirty-five years with Riverside PD, Calif. Ron earned a BA in political science from Cal State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Administration from the University of California, Riverside. X @RonTcop
As if being a janitor at Columbia University weren't tough enough, what with spoiled, entitled, brats littering the hallways and leaving half-eaten sandwiches for them to clean up in the student lounges, endlessly nattering about their futures being so bright they've got to wear shades, the janitors have also had to scrub swastikas and get taken hostage, too as part of their package.

So now, they're biting back:

Janitors from Columbia University have filed a discrimination complaint, citing the abuse they suffered at the hands of "Free Palestine" protestors.



One of the janitors complained that he was constantly cleaning away swastikas that had been graffitied at Hamilton Hall and, as a pic.twitter.com/pLJ5e5LBBy  Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) March 17, 2025

The janitors were indeed taken hostage by the antisemitic wokester mobs who fouled Columbia last year with their pro-Hamas protests which the university brass did very little to stop.

Worse still, the school retaliated against the janitors, the janitors say, when they complained, which seems to be the basis of the new federal civil rights investigation.

According to the New York Post:

Columbia University is facing a new federal investigation over allegations from two janitors who claim they were unlawfully forced to scrub off swastikas spray-painted on campus before later being attacked and briefly trapped by an anti-Israel mob during the takeover of Hamilton Hall last spring. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency tasked with enforcing civil rights laws in the workplace, has opened a probe into complaints from Lester Wilson and Mario Torres, who were forced to fight their way out of Hamilton Hall nearly a year ago, The Post has confirmed. Both men are making claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, alleging that they faced retaliatory harassment at the institution for reporting antisemitic and racist conduct.

That speaks very badly for Columbia, which is facing loss of federal funding precisely because of an antisemitic atmosphere on campus.

While things like this are hard to prove, it's not hard to prove that the janitors were badly treated. They are concrete victims here and will probably win their case, given what we know about the real-time unfolding of it when it happened.

It's always the little guy who has to pay in these wokester spectaculars, the one who has to clean up, the one who has to listen to the chants by screaming, baying, unwashed antisemitic mobs, the one who just wants to work his job at night without getting taken hostage.

Well, now they are striking back with this civil rights case which is likely to find in their favor, but more important, is bound to make it very hard for Columbia's brass to claim that they wouldn't dream of tolerating or creating an antisemitic atmosphere on campus, which is the rationale for President Trump targeting $400 million in federal funding, and that the protests were just a free speech issue.

It's got to be pretty bad if your janitors get taken hostage over a supposed free speech issue.

How are they going to deny that they tolerate antisemitism on campus, or insist that they support free speech, with an investigation like this coming at them that looks likely to be a win for the janitors?

All it's likely to do is strengthen the case for their defunding.

Maybe next time, they won't tolerate this kind of garbage on campus the way they did, buttressing the wokesters as the humble janitors paid the price.

Image: Screen shot from NBC News video, via YouTube
What is it about Democrats and their urge to inflict criminals and terrorists upon us?

In their quest to Get Trump on immigration, which is probably his strongest point with the public, they've picked three migrant cause celebres they're waving at the public, promoting them as sob stories and "threats to democracy."

And boy, do they stink.

First off, the case of recent Columbia University graduate and green card holder, Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born "Palestinian" and citizen of Algeria who organized pro-Hamas protests there last year, promoted Jew-hate, and called for the end of Western Civilization.

Democrats have been quick to jump on the issue as a matter of protecting the rights of green card holders.

Aside from the legalism, which will be sorted out in courts, do they really think American voters are obsessed with legal due process for someone like this over watching one of the country's great universities get desecrated by Jew-hating maniacs who leave trash all over the place, take over buildings, smash windows and furniture, spray graffiti, hold custodians hostage, whine for the cameras over food, and create such a monstrous mess at the center of the university grounds that they disrupted graduation? If someone hates the U.S. and the university that took them in that much, should they really be in this country at all?

Explain how this character got a green card at all -- that's a second question.

But Democrats are making this their issue, their hill they die on, and all it's doing for them is dropping their public approval rating.

Khalil is far from their only poster boy.

Another charmer that Democrats and their media allies are championing is Dr. Rasha Alawieh, supposedly a noble kidney doctor in Rhode Island, who just happens to have a hankering for Hezb'allah, the evil terrorist organization that deals drugs, shoots rockets at Israel, traffics arms, takes money from the mullah regime in Iran, and was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans and Argentinians in their various terror attacks.

She got herself deported after one too many fawnings at the terrorists -- she flew to a top Hezb'allah leader's funeral in Lebanon after Israel gutted the organization. The media reported that she was just visiting "family."

Now that she's been thrown out, Democrats are unleashing howls of horror, calling Trump a dictator and all that.

Again, is this really the hill they want to die on? Nobody wants terrorist fangirls in this country like this is some kind of normal development. Why have we been importing it in? Of course she needed to be thrown out -- her loyalty to Hezb'allah is pretty clear.

But that's far from their only poster terrorist.

They made a huge stink over the weekend when President Trump repatriated hundreds of hardened Venezuelan criminals to El Salvador, which kindly offered to take them for us, into their high security -- and to criminals, deeply dreaded -- prisons, where they get their heads shaved, stand and sit in hunched formation in their underwear and are forced to say they will vow to pay their debt to society. These are the monsters who have killed a lot of Americans, particularly young vulnerable ones like 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray of Texas, attacked a lot of cops, raped a lot of women and children, and taken over apartment buildings in Colorado. They are an absolute plague on society, and as President Trump has shipped them out, Democrats and their left-wing lawyer allies are howling outrage.

Are they saying they want these thugs to stay? To allow Tren de Aragua have its way with their American hosts? That they want terrorism support to be a new normal?

The Trump administration has been very careful about deporting the worst of the worst as the cameras are on them. Yet Democrats are leaping right up to the bait, jumping to defend the world's bottom-of-the-barrels as having some kind of right to be in our country.

What planet do they live on? And why are they choosing this hill to die on? Have they no other issues but defending criminals and terrorist supporters? It sounds like they view this as an attack on their political base -- and they'd just foolish enough to go public about it in that frontal, confrontational way of theirs. The public can see whose side they are on.

It's amazing how stupid these Democrats really are.

Image: Screen shot from X video
American Thinker recently published an article of mine about AOC hiring an illegal alien to work for her. Seems she wasnt the only one. The (criminal) coddling of illegal aliens went straight up the halls of power from the House to the Senate and, yes, even the (Obama) White House.

First, our old pal, disgraced former New Jersey Senator Gold Bar Bob Menendez once hired an illegal alien too  but the circumstances around this one are much, much darker. Almost hard to believe, actually, but the story comes from AP, via Politico, so we cant ascribe any right wing bias to it. It reportedly happened. And if it happened as described, the powers-that-be risked the repeated sexual assault of a young boy to preserve a few votes.

I told you it was hard to believe.

From the January 13, 2013 article:

U.S. Ordered Delay in Menendez Interns Arrest: WASHINGTON  Federal immigration agents were prepared to arrest an illegal immigrant and registered sex offender days before the November elections but were ordered by Washington to hold off after officials warned of significant interest from Congress and news organizations because the suspect was a volunteer intern for Sen. Robert Menendez [snip] [Luis Abrahan Sanchez] Zavaleta, 18, was an immigrant from Peru who has overstayed a visitor visa that allowed him to enter the United States. He eventually was arrested at his home in New Jersey on Dec. 6. He has since been released from an immigration jail and is facing deportation. [snip] According to police records, Sanchez was 15 when he was arrested on a charge of aggravated sexual assault in 2009 (for) sexually assaulting an 8-year-old boy at least eight times and sentenced to two years probation and required to register as a sex offender.

Let me take you back to the late fall of 2012: Wed just had Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey, to devastating effect. You may recall that when then-president Obama toured the Jersey Shore in its wake, he had then-New Jersey governor Chris Christie with him and they appeared very chummy. The president had someone else featured prominently in his entourage: New Jersey Senator Menendez.

So its a week before the election, (November 6, 2012) and theres pictures of President Obama with Senator Menendez, both up for re-election, strolling in the storm ravaged sand together.

As you know, Senator Menendez won another term, as did Obama. Meanwhile, a convicted child rapist, a repeated abuser of a young boy, was allowed to remain free before the election and then, even after he was finally arrested in December after the election, he was not held in custody.

January 6ers would later spend years in prison awaiting trial for alleged trespassing, but this convicted illegal alien child sex abuser remained free...twice...both times at the behest of some very powerful Democrats?

Fast forward to the fall of 2014. Here we find two illegal aliens in President Obamas motorcade as he leaves the White House for an event with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus:

President Obama, ultimately the nations chief law enforcement officer, failed to either detain, or arrange for the detention of, two alleged criminals who were riding with him in his motorcade Thursday evening. [snip] From the White House transcript: I want to give a special thanks to two young men who rode over with me from the White House tonight. Luis and Victor are CHCI (Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute) interns and fellows. (Applause.) They are also DREAMers.

That very week, then Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson wondered why Americans are so susceptible to the claims we have an open border.

Gosh, Jeh, maybe illegals riding in the presidents motorcade is a clue? Or what even The Washington Post would call Obamas Royal Flip Flop on using executive action on immigration with DACA:

Previously he said that was not possible, using evocative language that he is not a king or the emperor. Apparently hes changed his mind. The president earns an upside-down Pinocchio for his flip-flop.

Or this October 2014 headline, Jeh:

Up to 34 MILLION blank green cards and work permits to be ordered ahead of Obama illegal immigrant amnesty

That was a GIANT clue the border was open.

Or this headline, from November 2014:

Drunk drivers, sex abusers, drug and gun offenders not top deportation priorities

Whatever happened to nobody is above the law? Heck, whatever happened to functioning survival instincts? Do they think they or their loved ones are somehow immune? Insulated?

These people simply cannot be trusted with power. The gaslighting was beyond shameless. It bordered on sociopathic.

We can consider ourselves fortunate Republicans have the House, the Senate, and the White House, but we have too many degenerates in robes, and too many degenerates with Ds after their names who can garner a shocking number of votes, legitimately or illegitimately. The only way this kind of aberrant behavior stops is when there are high profile arrests. Fortunately, Senator Menendez is facing eleven years in prison for corruption, but what of this, shall we say, alleged lavender offense of harboring a gay predator illegal alien? Surely there should be consequences, but I guess nailing him on gold bars will have to do.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has her work cut out for her. Heres to hoping she has the fortitude to act, and act decisively. Sanctuary state governors and sanctuary city mayors are low-hanging fruit. She should start there. We cant have our leaders  representatives, senators, presidents  behaving this way with any expectation the rest of us will honor and respect the law when they do not. Examples must be set.

Image generated by AI.
It took a few months, but the people on the other side are finally looking at themselves in the mirror. And they dont like what they see. So what do they see? How about a political party looking for votes in all the wrong places, to paraphrase that tune on the radio? Yes, not too much love, or too many votes, for telling fathers that men have a constitutional right to take their daughters trophies in the next track meet. That kind of talk wont get you votes or love in the real world.

So what does this party do? Well, David Catron filed this report:

If you have had difficulty finding some reason to support the Democratic Party and its increasingly bizarre policy positions, you are not alone. Two national polls released on Sunday reveal that the partys favorability ratings have plunged to catastrophic lows. According to a new NBC News survey, just 27 percent of registered voters hold a positive view of the Democratic Party  its lowest rating since 1990. Likewise, a new CNN poll indicates that only 29 percent of U.S. adults regard the party favorably  a low not seen since 1992. These two polls confirm an equally ominous Quinnipiac survey conducted last month. Both surveys clearly illuminate why the public harbors such a low opinion of the Democrats, and why this is very unlikely to change. The NBC poll, for example, found the following: Democratic voters say they want their party to hold the line on their positions even if it leads to gridlock, rather than focus on finding areas of compromise with the president. The CNN survey suggests that a similarly suicidal perspective pervades the party: Democrats and Democratic-aligned independents say, 57 percent to 42 percent, that Democrats should mainly work to stop the Republican agenda, rather than working with the GOP majority.

Thats bad news, to put it politely.

The party is consumed with President Trump. The best example of this, or Exhibit A, is Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Dallas, Texas. She said over the weekend that we may not have elections in 2028. Honestly, this congresswoman should spend more time in her district.

Coming in a close second in the battle of Trump Derangement Syndrome is Senator Chris Murphy. He wants his party to change tactics. No more business as usual. What does that mean? Your guess is as good as mine.

And last, but not least, Lady AOC is topping the list of presidential candidates for 2028.

Honestly, there are still serious men like Doug Schoen. He is telling his party to stand up for something that people can relate to, not just standing up to Trump. Good luck with that, Mr. Schoen.

So lets see what happens. Can the Democrats come back from this hole? Time will tell. Of course, 2026 and 2028 will be a referendum on President Trump and the GOP majority. The pressure is to perform.

In the meantime, we will keep an eye on the Democrats and see if they keep looking for votes in all the wrong places.

PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

Image: nrkbeta via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Until today, the Democratic Party Deep State (DPDS) and its propaganda bureaus  once known as news media  have carefully avoided the Autopen scandal, because it hasnt had any consequences that couldnt be comfortably ignored.

But this morning, President Trump declared that all the pardons Joe Biden allegedly signed, during his final days in office, are null and void.

Per Daily Wire:

The Pardons that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen, Trump wrote on social media shortly after midnight. In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them! Trump said. The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime. [snip] The presidents post comes after the Heritage Foundations Oversight Project blew the whistle on Biden using the exact same autopen signature on multiple pardons issued during his presidency. Some prominent documents, including Hunter Bidens pardon and Bidens announcement that he was dropping out of the presidential race, appear to be hand-signed, the watchdog found. However, several other controversial pardons, including those for Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, the January 6 Committee, and other Biden family members, were all signed with the same autopen signature, Kyle Brosnan, chief counsel for the Oversight Project told The Daily Wire.

Well, well. American Thinker has been on top of this story since it broke (see here, here, and here). In fact, this writers take on the issue was being published at the same time Trump was declaring the pardons void on Truth Social.

Now it seems that such propaganda bureaus as MSNBC, CNN and The New York Times have some catching up to do. They cant ignore it any longer, because some high-profile DPDS operatives are about to be prosecuted for their crimes.

Prime targets of investigation by Kash Patels FBI, and prosecution by Pam Bondis DOJ, now include:

Most of the Biden family, for allegedly participating in Hunters foreign influence peddling scheme, or allegedly laundering the millions that came from it;

Members of the January 6 Committee, such as Lynn Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, for destroying evidence;

Michael Byrd of the Capitol Police, for the cold-blooded murder of Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed January 6 protester;

Anthony Fauci, for greenlighting U.S. taxpayer financing of gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, resulting in the COVID pandemic and a million American deaths; and,

Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for communicating with his Chinese counterpart during Trumps first term, promising to tip him off if Trump decided to use nuclear weapons. That was treason: aid and comfort to the enemy.

The next steps, of course, would be indignant DPDS attorneys complaining to a federal judge at arraignment that our client was properly pardoned. Joe the Vegetable would be subjected to a thorough mental examination (finally), to determine whether he has two functioning brain cells, or just the one.

Then Bondis expert witness, a properly qualified neurologist, would need to issue an expert opinion that at the time the pardons were signed with the Autopen, Joe Biden was mentally incompetent. That would set the nationwide legal precedent.

Of course, it all hinges on whether the judge is a Republican, or a DPDS operative. If the latter, the pardons will be declared valid. Judges nominated by Clinton, Obama and the POC/LGBTQ committee that was operating Joe like a Muppet have displayed a consistent tendency to rubber stamp everything Democrats have ever done, and invalidate everything Team Trump has done.

So a great deal depends on which federal district court is selected for these prosecutions. Judge shopping is a fine art, and the DPDS does it all the time. Turnabout is fair play: Bondi needs to find a district court where the judges are Republicans, and prosecute Dr. Fauci. Thats the test case, since the consequences of his crimes were felt throughout America.

Once its been established that the pardons arent worth the paper theyre printed on, Patel and Bondi can go after the rest of them.

This is a great day for justice in America.

Jim Davis is an IT specialist and paralegal, with degrees in political science and statistical analysis: the underpinning of all science. His work has appeared in Newsmax and Daily Caller. You can find him as RealProfessor219 on Rumble.
Akin to a cacophonous slew of tone-deaf musicians, this investigative journalist has continuously and unremittingly been banging a steady drumbeat of explosive dangers inherent in tolerating the infiltration and penetration of the Deep State Mafia  yes, be it in Israel or America. This mafia utilizes various strong-arm tactics and threats to exact whatever tributes they deem owed to their clansmen, and without any restraint.

In this regard, within America, punitive legal measures via the umbrella of the Federal RICO charge-sheet, have enabled law enforcement to round up La Familias (and others who fall under the same criteria) to be incarcerated for many years. (As an aside, having worked in the DAs office in NYC under the legendary/hard-charging Robert Morgenthau, our team was tasked to bust-up a top-five Mafioso family, and successfully used RICO to do so.)

All of which brings this analysis full circle, straight to the heart of Israels very own Deep State Mafia  indeed, a beast of cataclysmic proportions! For starters, RICO must make its debut in the Holy Land. To wit, look no further than how to utilize every single legal basis enshrined to bust-up money laundering cartels, mostly via tracking/tracing Islamic terrorism and its snake-like appendages. Effectively, the reader is referred here for an instructional template, from March 2015:

ISLAMISTS In Ohio Caught Money Laundering For Jihad:Mafia-Like Racketeering & Counterfeiting. Whats Going On?

And since past is prologue (for instance, view here, here, here, and here), Israelis are horrified (other than the hard-left and their Islamist compatriots/counterparts) to witness the righteous struggle between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Shin Bet (Israels security agency) chief Ronen Bar (a leftist sheep in wolves clothing).

As expected, Israels undemocratic and run-away Supreme Court fiefdom, along with AG Gali Baharav Miara, are shielding Ronen Bar from dismissal. Alas, the question becomes: How can this be?!

On March 17, 2025, the following was written at Israel National News:

Justice Minister Yariv Levin on Sunday evening called to ignore Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miaras demand to stop the dismissal of Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) chief Ronen Bar. The Shin Bet law explicitly states that the government is authorized to terminate the tenure of the agencys head before the end of their term. This law should be familiar to the Attorney General as well. In case anyone is confused, Israel is a democracy, and everyone in it, including the Attorney General, is subject to the law, said Levin. We must not succumb to threats or attempts to strip the government of its authority. The surrender to violence and refusal in March 2023 is what brought us to the current state of lack of governance. Now is a moment of truth for all of us. It is time for a democratic Israel where decisions are made by the publics elected representatives and not by self-elevated jurists, Levin added. His comments came after Baharav-Miara wrote a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which she criticized his announcement that he would act to dismiss Bar.

Indubitably, the above tectonic struggle has been playing out in various forms, albeit, unbeknownst to many citizens. Now, while the scales have fallen from the eyes of many horrified citizens since October 7, internalize this: the awaiting catastrophes will pale in comparison, that is, if Israels Deep State Mafia is not overthrown, post haste.

Faster...faster....

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
One of the things thats become patently clear since 9/11 is that Democrats not only dislike the Constitution, but they are also completely unfamiliar with it. Its true that they routinely drag out a few phrases (free speech, checks and balances, separation of church and state, separation of powers, right to assemble, although Democrats never like the part about peaceable assembly when it involves them). However, get past the tropes, and you see that they actually dont understand how the Constitution came into being. what the Founders goals actually were, or what the Constitution says and how it works.

What this means is that because Democrats are mired squarely in one reality that revolves around an entirely fictitious constitution and partially digested laws, they are incapable of maintaining a conversation with someone talking about the real Constitution and the actual law. Rarely has this been more clearly illustrated than in an interview that Stephen Miller had with CNNs Kasie Hunt about the Trump administrations shipping violent illegal aliens whom a foreign power (Venezuela) deliberately sent to America in the hopes of destabilizing our country.

X screen grab.

The interview and a transcript are at the end of this post but, first, a few comments.

In many ways, this interview should remind you of the famous interview between Jordan Peterson and Cathy Newman of Britains Channel 4. She simply could not compute his remarkably clear language. With her famous lead-in phrase, So what youre saying is, Newman would repeatedly take a simple Peterson statement and reframe it to mean something entirely different (and usually quite the opposite of what hed said). Heres a compilation to refresh your recollection.

These two people are speaking to each other, but they are not communicating, and thats because, while he fully understands her, shes incapable of understanding him. The Miller-Hunt interview has the same dynamic. You can practically see the thought bubble over Hunts head saying, Does not compute.

In fact, Miller is making two extremely straightforward points. First, the idea of checks and balances does not mean that the judicial system gets to override areas in which the executive has complete plenary power. That is, balance is not achieved by giving the judiciary total control over the executive.

Instead, the concept of checks and balances is a Venn diagram with some, but not complete, overlap between the different branches. To hold otherwise would mean that there is no elected executive; there are only several hundred unelected mini-executives in robes, each of whom can dictate all aspects of executive power.

The other thing that Miller is saying is that the operative 1798 statute does not require an explicit declaration of war against the United States. Instead, it is sufficient if a foreign power deliberately sends troops (in uniform or out) into America for the purpose of harming America. (You can read the same point here, only developed a bit more than Miller was able to during the interview.)

Simple points, clearly stated, but Hunt just cant grasp them. That inability means that the interview operates at two levels. First, as Buck Sexton writes, its a masterclass in constitutional law.

Secondand this is the unfortunate onethe interview shows how decades of leftist education have created a cohort of Americans, often in positions of power or influence, who have absolutely no understanding of their own country. Thats why Democrats believe that low-level, unelected district court judges should have what amounts to the final say (since it can take years before their orders work their way to the Supreme Court) when it comes to deporting violent illegal aliens or non-citizen residents plotting Americas overthrow.

Lincoln famously said, A house divided against itself cannot stand. He was right, and when the two halves of a nation dont even occupy the same reality as to its founding principles and operating laws, that nation is in dire straits.

Among the greatest debate ass kickings of all time at CNN, courtesy of @StephenM pic.twitter.com/Lcygqkvcoi

HUNT: So you called he judges order just earlier today "patently unlawful and said that it was an assault on democracy itself. Does that mean that the administration is ignoring this order and might you ignore future court orders that meet the criteria you laid out?

MILLER: The President of the United States and his administration reserve all rights under the Constitution to conduct national security operations in defense of the United States. The Alien Enemies Act, which was passed into law by the founding generation of this country, men like John Adams, was written explicitly to give the president the authority to repel an alien invasion of the United States. That is not something that a District Court judge has any authority whatsoever to interfere with, to enjoin, to restrict, or to restrain any way. You can read the law yourself. Theres not one clause in that law that makes it subject to judicial review, let alone District Court review so.

HUNT: So, Stephen, when you when you say that this person has no authority at all, this is how our system works. It starts with these judges and then continues up. At what point does it become, in your view, legal for the justice system to be looking at this and making a judgment? And I fail to see how theres any other way but to start with where were starting here before you get to eventually the Supreme Court.

MILLER: Well, so first of all, theres a theres a term in law justiciable. This is not justiciable. In other words, this is not subject to judicial remedy. When the President is exercising his Article 2 powers to defend the country against an invasion or to repel a foreign terrorist that is unlawfully in the country, hes exercising his core Article 2 powers as Commander in Chief.

HUNT: Is Venezuela invading the US?

MILLER: This is a very important point. This is a Title 50 authority. Its a commander in chief authority. So just to ask you a simple question. You talk about how the system works. Does a District Court judge have the right to direct or enjoin troop movements overseas? Yes or no?

HUNT: Well, Stephen, my question...if you could answer my question...

MILLER: Oh no, its in other words. In other words, the well not no, no.

HUNT: Is Venezuela, is Venezuela invading our country in a way that would...

MILLER: TDA [Tren de Aragua], so--Ill answer yours and youll answer mine--under the terms of the statute, Tren de Aragua is an alien enemy force that has come here, as detailed at length in the proclamation, at the direction of the Venezuelan government.

The statute says that a president has the ability to repel an invasion or predatory incursion that is directed by a foreign government.

HUNT: By a state or a government? Are they a state or a government?

MILLER: Yes. It is documented the the TDA was sent by the Venezuelan government in the proclamation. Heres an even more important point under the Constitution. Who makes that determination? A District Court judge,elected by no one or the commander in chief of the Army and Navy? The President and the President alone makes a decision of what triggers that discrimination in stature.

HUNT: So do you then...do you then think...do you then think we are actually at war with Venezuela, the nation state of Venezuela?

MILLER: Youre not, youre not, youre not hearing me, and youre not understanding me. Read the statute Alien Enemies Act 1798. It says if a predatory incursion is perpetrated by a foreign government. So it lists three qualifying actions. It could be an act of war.

HUNT: Yeah, but it does say in the very beginning you have, there has to be declared war against a nation or a state.

MILLER: No.

Speaker 1:

Thats what it says.

MILLER:

No, wrong. Look up the statute. Its on my account on social media, where you can go see it.

HUNT: Thats actually where we found it, right there.

MILLER: Yes. It says or a predatory incursion or an invasion. The statute delineates three criteria for triggering the Alien Enemies Act. One is an act of war (which , by the way, an invasion is an act of war, but put that aside); one is an invasion, which this is; one is a predatory incursion, which this is. So, it actually meets all three statutory criteria, but with respect to this particular statute, its...the proclamation is utilizing the incursion and invasion language in the statute. But this is...

HUNT: So, big picture, Stephen...

MILLER: ...a very important question, because...no, no, no. Hold on. Its a very important question. You said the way our system works is the President of the United States commands the armed forces of the country, commands the foreign policy of the country, and thats subject to District Court review. That is fundamentally untrue...

HUNT: I never...I never said that, Stephen. I did not say...

MILLER: That has never been true.

HUNT: This was not a military opera... I mean this...

MILLER: A District Court judge can no more enjoin the expulsion of foreign terrorists to foreign soil that he can direct the movement of Air Force One, that he can direct the movement of an aircraft carrier, that he can direct Marco Rubio to engage in diplomacy in a country or not to...

HUNT: OK. Do you think the Supreme Court has any say over this or not. Like, does the Supreme Court of the United States have any say over the things that you were outlining right here.

MILLER: I believe what the Supreme Court will say is what I just said, which is that the Presidents conduct here is not subject to judicial review...

HUNT: OK. But you are you are acknowledging that...

MILLER: ...because these are the plenary.

HUNT: ...they do in fact have a say here even though you think they may agree with you

MILLER: What we are expecting is the Supreme Court to say what has always been the case, which is when the President is using his powers as Commander in Chief, those determinations are not subject to judicial review. In other words, the Presidents designation of Tre de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization and as an alien enemy are part of his inherent plenary authority. There is no way...

HUNT: So, at what point in the system, Stephen, [unntelligible]?

MILLER: Theres no way. [Unintelligible.] How re you going to expel illegal alien invaders from our country who are raping little girls, who are murdering little girls, if each and every deportation has to be adjudicated in a District Court judge? That means you have no country. It means you have no. It means you have no future. It is fundamentally incompatible to have a country and have individual expulsions adjudicated by a single District Court judge.

HUNT: Okay, Im just trying to figure out at what point...

MILLER: It is impossible.

HUNT: ...in the system do you...What does the Trump administration believe? Because we do have separation of powers in this country. I hear what youre saying.

MILLER: Yes, separation of powers!

HUNT: Youre saying the district of court does not have authority...

MILLER: This is the judiciary interfering...

HUNT: Stephen, let me finish...

MILLER: ...in the executive function...

HUNT: Let me finish. Okay.

MILLER: ...that is the separation of powers. That is the separation of powers.

HUNT: Did did you ignore the judges order here because you thought you could?

MILLER: So the judges order and the actions taken by the departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security are not in conflict. And the department has been clear that they are not in conflict, but Im making a more fundamental point.

HUNT: So you think that you did go along with the order that the judge put out? You do not think that the Trump administration, despite this order...

MILLER: As the Justice Department said, there is no conflict between the judges order and the action is taken by the departments I just listed. But Im making a deeper and more fundamental point.

HUNT: But so yeah. I mean, if you dont have to follow it, why didnt you?

MILLER: The District Court has no ability to in any way restrain the presidents authorities under the Alien Enemies Act, or is [unintelligble] to conduct the foreign affairs of the United States. Let me paint a picture for you. President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had engaged in intensive diplomacy to obtain a bilateral security agreement with the nation of El Salvador. If a District Court judge can enjoin that bilateral security agreement, then we do not have a democracy.

HUNT: Again. Stephen, again I get it. Youve made your argument. I got it.

MILLER: We do not have a foreign policy.

HUNT: Weve heard you say this. Did did you ignore...did the administration ignore the order from the District Judge? Its a simple question.

MILLER: Ive answered and Ive answered it. Ive answered it because this department has made a filing in the court, but let me make another point. The judge in this case put the lives of every single person on those aircraft at risk. Did he know how much fuel was in those planes? Did he know the flight conditions? Did know the weather conditions. Did he know how many crew hours? Did he know the need for crew rest? Did he know any of that? No, this judge violated the law. He violated the constitution. He defied the system of government that we have in this country...

HUNT: So again, so do you think that the White House is above the federal courts? Because that does seem to be what youre arguing...

MILLER: And by the way, these same district court judges didnt do a damn thing to stop Joe Biden from flooding this nation with millions of illegal aliens. These District Court judges didnt issue any injunctions to save the lives of Jocelyn Nungaray or Laken Riley or anyone else...

HUNT: Is the White House above the federal courts. Is that what youre saying?

MILLER: What Im saying is that...what you said, theres a separation of powers. The..the judiciary exercises judgment and release...

[Unintelligible cross talk]

HUNT: I just want you to answer that one simple question.

MILLER: Okay, Ready. Here we go. Under a proper reading of the Constitution, District Court judges provide relief to individual plaintiffs seeking relief. District Court judges do not have the authority as a general matter to enjoin the functioning of the executive branch. But their authority is at its lowest point when the President is exercising his powers as commander in chief. And I asked you a question; you never answered it. Can a judge enjoined troop movements overseas? Can a District Court judge and join treat movements overseas:

HUNT: Steven, I I am not going to get into the this.

MILLER: Just say no, and then youll know that Im right.

HUNT: This is a separate question.

MILLER: No, its not.
Things may be about to get interesting in the Middle East, and this time, it has nothing to do with Israel. Just a few hours ago, Trump published a warning to the Iranian mullahs that, unless they restrain the Houthis from firing on international shipping in the Red Sea and on American ships, they will pay a price.

Its long been known that the Houthis, like Hezbollah and Hamas, are Iranian proxies. They allow Iran to control events in Lebanon, Israel, and Yemen, and by extension, in the nations and waterways surrounding those countries. The most colorful example of this lately was when the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon suffered serious injuries following Israels masterful pager attack against Hezbollah.

But what about the Houthis?

Beginning in November 2023, after Israel began its war against Hamas (an Iranian proxy), the Houthis began a war against commercial shipping in the Red Sea by firing Iranian-provided weapons at ships. This was not inconsequential. Just as the Barbary pirates were quite literally destroying world trade in the early 19th century, the Houthis were (and are) devastating shipping by drastically increasing costs, as ships are forced to circumnavigate the entire southern coast of Africa (again, a very 19th-century thing to have happen).

Biden responded with limited strikes against the sites from which the Houthi missiles had been fired and promised a few more strikes, even while he acknowledged they wouldnt make a difference. Just a few months later, Europeans were complaining about how ineffectual Bidens efforts were, with that weakness posing a threat to international shipping in the region.

Meanwhile, left-wing think tanks were busy assuring Americans that the Houthis were no big deal and they were most certainly not Iran.

Thus, the left-leaning Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) acknowledged that Iran has been funding the Houthis for around 15 years, but it carefully explained that the Houthis were more of a willing partner than a proxy. While the CFR waffled on about doctrinal differences and the fact that Iran didnt actually found the Houthis, the facts it introduced reveal that this willing partner thing is a distinction without a difference.

The Houthis are a violent organization, not a nation, and they function because Iran makes it possible for them to do so: Iran is the Houthis primary benefactor, providing them mostly with security assistance, such as weapons transfers, training, and intelligence support.

Also, last year on Bidens watch, Brookings, another leftist think tank, assured readers that the Houthis were not an Iranian proxy at all. Thats because the intemperate Houthis, even though they benefit from Iranian support, failed the proxy test because Iran lacks control over Houthi behavior and the Houthis are not acting primarily on behalf of Iran.

In fact, no Muslim proxies act primarily on behalf of their sponsor states. Instead, they act to advance their regional interests, which coincide with the interests of their sponsor state. In addition, all of them share a vision of a global caliphate. While Iran is Shia and some of the proxies are Sunni, they will fight together today against the West, Christians, and Jews, and fight over the spoils later.

As for controlwell, he who pays the piper calls the tune. If Iran pulls the plug on their money and weapons, the Houthis will become a band of 18th-century pirates rather than a genuine threat with sophisticated weapons.

The whole the Houthis arent Iran narrative was intended to protect Americans from viewing Bidens inaction as part of his (and Obamas) pro-Iran policies.

Things are different with Trump. Over the weekend, Trump didnt slap the Houthis around a little. Instead, he launched a full assault against them:

President Trump unleashed hell on Iranian-backed Houthis on Saturday, striking dozens of targets in Yemen in response to the terror groups attacks on Red Sea shipping. Today, I have ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful Military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post announcing the strikes. They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones, he continued.

In the same post on Truth Social that announced the strike, Trump told the Houthis that if they did not stop their attacks on the shipping lanes, Hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before.

The Houthis retaliated by firing at American ships:

Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed on Monday to have twice attacked an American aircraft carrier group within 24 hours, calling it retaliation for deadly US strikes. The Houthis initially said they launched 18 missiles and a drone at the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships in the Red Sea, then hours later claimed to have fired a second round. [snip] According to a US official speaking on condition of anonymity, the Houthis did fire drones and at least one missile in the first claimed attack. The official said that beginning at about midnight Saturday-Sunday local time in Yemen, the Houthis fired 11 drones and at least one missile over about 12 hours. Ten of the drones were intercepted by US Air Force fighter jets and one was intercepted by a Navy F/A-18 fighter jet. The missile fell into the water far from the ship, and nothing came close to hitting either the carrier or the warships in its strike group.

The Houthis misread Trump. He will not treat the attack as too inconsequential to merit a response. Instead, Trump fully understands that if you allow ongoing attacks, they will increase in frequency and intensity. (Think of it as the geopolitical version of broken windows policing.) Additionally, he knows that these attacks, because Iran is their sponsor, mean that Iran is testing American resolve.

It turns out that, under President Trump, America is resolved:

If you notice the repetition of the word shot in the last two sentences, understand that what Trump did was fire a shot over the bow of the Iranian ship of state. Well, not just a shotit was a cruise missile.

Trump is banking on the fact that the last thing Iran wants is a war (hence its heavy reliance on proxies). He also believes that if Iran finds itself in a war, not only will America under Trump quickly defeat it, but the long-suffering Iranian people will rise up and destroy the mullahs.

So yes, things just got interesting in the Middle East, although Im surprisingly un-worried about a potential Armageddon. I think Trumps got the right read on this one, and all will be well.
Samsungs OLED TV from last year, the S85D is currently discounted over at Amazon, providing for some pretty incredible pricing. All of the models are discounted (though, I believe Amazon has inflated the original price of the 77-inch since its regular price shows that its $900 more than the 83-inch model). Heres how that pricing lines up:

55  $947 (reg. $1,697)

65  $997 (reg. $1,897)

77  $1,997 (reg. $3,397)

83  $1,997 (reg. $2,497)

Whether the 77-inchs original price is inflated or not, its definitely a better value to get the 83-inch model, since it is the same price.

The S85D is a step down from Samsungs top-tier S90D for 2024 (there are newer ones coming in the next few months, that Samsung announced at CES), and the biggest difference here is going to be screen sizes and pricing. The S90D does offer more screen sizes, and a slightly better processor. However, this is still an OLED TV, and Samsung is one of the best when it comes to OLED displays.

With OLED, youre getting super accurate colors. Blacks actually look black, versus dark gray due to a backlight on an LCD or LED panel. Youre also getting stunning colors that are Pantone-calibrated. Which means they are actually accurate. You might think your current TV looks great, but once you see an OLED TV, you wont want to go back. 4K AI Upscaling is here, allowing your 720p and 1080p content to look crisp on this 4K OLED TV.

Samsung has included its Motion Xcelerator 120Hz on this TV, which gets you crisp visuals at up to 120fps, giving you an incredible gaming experience.

The S85D also has Dolby Atmos, but not Dolby Vision since Samsung does not support Dolby Vision on any of its products. It also has object-tracking sound lite, which gives you a really incredible sound experience.

All of this is powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor. Which uses 20 specialized networks, allowing this processor to drive the intuitive Smart TV hub, Dolby Atmos sound, and upscaled 4K content.

Buy at Amazon
Google has a wide catalog of cloud-based services for both regular users and businesses. One of the key aspects of this type of solution is cybersecurity. After all, a potential attacker could have access to sensitive data from all of the cloud providers partners. In line with this, Alphabet, Googles parent company, wants to further strengthen the cybersecurity of its services with the acquisition of Wiz.

The Mountain View giant has been pursuing Wiz for some time. There was a failed first attempt in 2024 with an offer below $23 billion. However, the deal fell through due to alleged fears on the part of Wiz executives and investors regarding US antitrust regulations, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Google closes the Wiz deal for a whopping $32 billion

Since then, Wiz has appreciated in value, and now Google will have to pay $32 billion for the Israeli cybersecurity startup. Notably, in May 2024, the companys valuation hovered around $12 billion. That figure rose to $16 billion that same year in an equity offering to employees. After the collapse of the deal with Google last year, Wiz was working on launching an IPO to raise some money.

We expect this change to enable us to execute and innovate even faster, reads the blog post with the official announcement. Becoming part of Google Cloud is effectively strapping a rocket to our backs: it will accelerate our rate of innovation faster than what we could achieve as a standalone company.

Until now, Googles largest acquisition was Motorola Mobility. The firm paid $12.5 billion for the phone maker in 2012, selling it a couple of years later to Lenovo for just $2.91 billion.

Wiz solutions will still be available on competing cloud products

Major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon have turned to Wizs cloud-based cybersecurity solutions. It seems the firm will continue to operate in the same way it has been doing so far, so this shouldnt change. Google stated that Wiz products will continue to be available from competing cloud-based platforms. Thus, customers of Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud will be able to continue accessing the companys tools. This is likely necessary to avoid severe antitrust scrutiny.

Anyway, the acquisition is still subject to US FTC approval. The Federal Trade Commission, now headed by Andrew Ferguson, could be more lax with these types of acquisitions than the previous administration. That said, Ferguson has stated he will maintain a firm stance against potential monopolistic situations.

The last thing Google wants right now is another antitrust case against it. The US DOJ has filed two cases against the tech giant for its search engine and AdTech businesses. Google received an unfavorable ruling that determined its status in the search engine segment to be a monopoly. However, the company will appeal the ruling at a later date. We are still awaiting a ruling on the AdTech-related case.
Currently, artificial intelligence has demonstrated really impressive capabilities. However, it may still be in its infancy compared to what it could do in the future. The next evolutionary step in the segment is AGIs, for which some intermediate steps have already been taken. The agentic capabilities of some AI platforms are just an example of AGIs capabilities. However, these AI entities are expected to match humans in any task.

OpenAI, the precursor to the current artificial intelligence revolution in the tech industry, has as its main goal the development of AGIs in the future. This is not easy, and the company is aware of this. In fact, there isnt even a real consensus among AI experts on when the first real AGIs might arrive. There is even a step beyond AGIs: artificial super intelligence.

AIs that match human capabilities in any task will arrive over the next five to 10 years, Google DeepMind CEO says

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, offered his vision on the matter. I think todays systems are very passive, but there are still a lot of things they cant do. But I think over the next five to 10 years, a lot of those capabilities will start coming to the fore, and well start moving towards what we call artificial general intelligence, he said.

Basically, Hassabis believes it will take us a decade to see the full potential of AGIs. However, these AI entities wont suddenly arrive in 10 years. Well gradually see their capabilities over the next decade until a single AGI integrates them all. For Hassabis, an AGI is a system thats able to exhibit all the complicated capabilities that humans can. Some call them AI agents, although this can lead to confusion with current AI platforms also called agents that focus on specific fields.

The tech industry expects AGI to be a form of AI that can match human capabilities in virtually any task. AGIs could also be much more autonomous than current platforms. Some chatbots, like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity, have integrated Deep research capabilities, which is an agentic feature. When you use Deep Research, the AI can independently research information on a specific topic, interpret it, summarize it, and organize it into a white paper-like report. During the process, the AI made decisions based on its reasoning ability.

If you think this is impressive, its just the beginning of what AGI could offer. Were not quite there yet. These systems are very impressive at certain things. But there are other things they cant do yet, and weve still got quite a lot of research work to go before that, Hassabis said.

Experts disagree on when AGIs and superintelligences will arrive

Of course, developing something like this is far from easyor cheap. This is why estimates of when real AGIs might arrive vary widely among AI experts. Robin Li, CEO of the Chinese giant Baidu, believes AGIs are more than 10 years away.

Others are somewhat more optimistic. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic AI, projects that a form of AI that is better than almost all humans at almost all tasks will emerge in the next two to three years. Jeetu Patel, Ciscos Chief Product Officer, is even more optimistic, stating that an example of AGI could arrive this year.

However, Patel doesnt seem to be referring to a full AGI, but rather something similar. Additionally, he says there are three major phases in AI development. He calls the current phase basic AI, while the next is artificial general intelligence (AGI), a stage where AI platforms receive reasoning capabilities comparable to those of humans. The third stage, superintelligence, will be something beyond anything weve seen or will see in the short term. While he doesnt give a specific timeframe, Patel states that superintelligence is at best, a few years out.

Hassabis has also referred to so-called superintelligence or artificial super intelligence (ASI). The CEO of DeepMind believes that these types of entities will surpass human intelligence. However, he doesnt dare to give a timeframe for the arrival of these developments. No one really knows, he said when asked.

What is needed to achieve artificial super intelligence (ASI)

Hassabis also opines on what it will take to reach that point for AI. Basically, AI platforms need to analyze and understand the context of the real world. While it sounds simple, its a rather complex goal to achieve. A true superintelligence should be able to understand everything around it and act autonomously accordingly, according to its goal.
Cultural week event held at Nezha town in China's Tianjin

Xinhua) 08:52, March 18, 2025

Visitors select pastries at Nezha town in north China's Tianjin, March 16, 2025. Recently, Nezha town in Tianjin hosts a cultural week event, featuring a range of activities centered around the theme of Nezha and other traditional cultural elements. The event included performances, interactive parades, and lantern night tours, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Originally the site of the Tianjin Bohai Radio Factory, Nezha town has undergone a transformation as part of Tianjin's urban renewal initiatives. The revitalized site integrates existing resources with traditional cultural elements, injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of local economy. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A child selects Nezha-style headpieces at Nezha town in north China's Tianjin, March 16, 2025. Recently, Nezha town in Tianjin hosts a cultural week event, featuring a range of activities centered around the theme of Nezha and other traditional cultural elements. The event included performances, interactive parades, and lantern night tours, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Originally the site of the Tianjin Bohai Radio Factory, Nezha town has undergone a transformation as part of Tianjin's urban renewal initiatives. The revitalized site integrates existing resources with traditional cultural elements, injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of local economy. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A band performs at Nezha town in north China's Tianjin, March 16, 2025. Recently, Nezha town in Tianjin hosts a cultural week event, featuring a range of activities centered around the theme of Nezha and other traditional cultural elements. The event included performances, interactive parades, and lantern night tours, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Originally the site of the Tianjin Bohai Radio Factory, Nezha town has undergone a transformation as part of Tianjin's urban renewal initiatives. The revitalized site integrates existing resources with traditional cultural elements, injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of local economy. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Visitors watch performances at Nezha town in north China's Tianjin, March 16, 2025. Recently, Nezha town in Tianjin hosts a cultural week event, featuring a range of activities centered around the theme of Nezha and other traditional cultural elements. The event included performances, interactive parades, and lantern night tours, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Originally the site of the Tianjin Bohai Radio Factory, Nezha town has undergone a transformation as part of Tianjin's urban renewal initiatives. The revitalized site integrates existing resources with traditional cultural elements, injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of local economy. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Visitors select Nezha-themed souvenirs at Nezha town in north China's Tianjin, March 16, 2025. Recently, Nezha town in Tianjin hosts a cultural week event, featuring a range of activities centered around the theme of Nezha and other traditional cultural elements. The event included performances, interactive parades, and lantern night tours, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Originally the site of the Tianjin Bohai Radio Factory, Nezha town has undergone a transformation as part of Tianjin's urban renewal initiatives. The revitalized site integrates existing resources with traditional cultural elements, injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of local economy. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Visitors pose for a photo with Nezha-themed lanterns at Nezha town in north China's Tianjin, March 16, 2025. Recently, Nezha town in Tianjin hosts a cultural week event, featuring a range of activities centered around the theme of Nezha and other traditional cultural elements. The event included performances, interactive parades, and lantern night tours, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Originally the site of the Tianjin Bohai Radio Factory, Nezha town has undergone a transformation as part of Tianjin's urban renewal initiatives. The revitalized site integrates existing resources with traditional cultural elements, injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of local economy. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Visitors watch performances at Nezha town in north China's Tianjin, March 16, 2025. Recently, Nezha town in Tianjin hosts a cultural week event, featuring a range of activities centered around the theme of Nezha and other traditional cultural elements. The event included performances, interactive parades, and lantern night tours, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Originally the site of the Tianjin Bohai Radio Factory, Nezha town has undergone a transformation as part of Tianjin's urban renewal initiatives. The revitalized site integrates existing resources with traditional cultural elements, injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of local economy. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

An actress dressed in Nezha costumes performs at Nezha town in north China's Tianjin, March 15, 2025. Recently, Nezha town in Tianjin hosts a cultural week event, featuring a range of activities centered around the theme of Nezha and other traditional cultural elements. The event included performances, interactive parades, and lantern night tours, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Originally the site of the Tianjin Bohai Radio Factory, Nezha town has undergone a transformation as part of Tianjin's urban renewal initiatives. The revitalized site integrates existing resources with traditional cultural elements, injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of local economy. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Its a reunion thats making people everywhere cry. Gina Manfredi of Cherry Hill, New Jersey was heartbroken when her 5-month-old Shade managed to escape his harness and took off into the night. It would be a scary moment for any pet owner  Manfredi was terrified that Shade would freeze in the cold winters night. So she turned to the U.S.A.R. Drone team to help her locate her puppy. And they came through with fly colors.

It happened back on February 20. Manfredi later explained that her pup got free just as it was getting dark and managed to disappear completely into the night.

The dog mom told 6 ABC that shed only had the puppy for a few months. She got Shade in 2024 after the passing of her late dog, who she had for 14 years before the puppy.

As any pet parent knows, puppies can sometimes act against their best interests. That was certainly the case here. Fox 29 reports that after Shade got out, Manfredi was completely distraught.

Related: Retired Belgian Malinois Hailed a Hero in Norway After Locating 2 Missing Dogs Only Days Apart

"He was completely out of sight and I was freaking out," she recalled to the news outlet. The dog mom and a pal immediately started searching for Shade. But had no luck finding the pup.

"The temperature kept dropping, and me being out there, it was so cold. How's my almost five-month-old puppy going to survive the night?" she recalled wondering.

After 24 hours, Manfredi knew it was time to take action. She called up the U.S.A.R. Drone Team and spoke with founder Michael Parziale, who immediately packed up and headed out to help the scared mama, two hours away.

When he got there, he used his thermal drone to try and track Shade in an area where his family thought he might be hiding.

"I felt the dog was still going to be in the area and I just started a concentric pattern, he explained. His intuition proved to be right. They easily spotted the pup a mere 41 minutes later using the drone. In video of the find, you can hear Manfredi get so excited that her sweet pupper was found.

"Wait. Thats him. Thats him!" she says in the footage.

"Once he zoomed in, I got to see the brindle of Shade, of his fur and I was screaming at the top of my lungs, because we found him, she recalled. Her brother then drove close to where Shade was and collected the pup.

Manfredi said that since getting her dog back, shes gotten the pooch a GPS tracker on his collar, along with an Apple AirTag, and a special harness with two leashes. Shes also thanked the U.S.A.R. Drone Team for the speedy rescue of her puppy. Shes encouraging everyone to donate to the veteran-run non-profit via their GoFundMe page so that more dogs can be found like hers was. But mostly the dog mom is just grateful.

"Im so happy to have my baby home, she told Fox 29. He is just my light. I couldnt imagine another day without him."



Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
Patrons and employees of the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, are mourning this week on behalf of one of the zoo's youngest residents. Sully, a 10-month-old black-handed spider monkey at the Brevard Zoo, has undergone an arm amputation after a tragic accident in his enclosure last week.

According to an update from the zoo on Instagram, Sully's arm was injured on March 12 when the baby monkey wove it through the mesh of his habitat enclosure. He was quickly rescued by his animal care team, and the zoo's veterinarians worked hard to try and save the little monkey's arm, but they were ultimately left with no other choice.

Sully's arm was broken at the elbow, and the zoo claimed that their veterinary team gave Sully a 10% less or less chance that he would ever regain normal function of his arm. If he kept the arm, the baby spider monkey would suffer long-lasting pain, be unable to fully use the limb properly, and risk re-injuring himself again. Tragic though the decision was, the zoo's vets deemed that amputation was the best course of action in this circumstance.

Related: Lincoln Zoo in Chicago Heartbroken After 17-Month-Old Lion Had to Be Euthanized

Fortunately, after an overnight stay at the zoo's L3 Harris Animal Care Center, Sully is now recovering with his mother Tika back in the spider monkeys' on-habitat night house, and his prognosis looks very good.

"Due to his age, healing and adjustment to the absence of the limb are expected to be rapid, said Brevard Zoo veterinarian Dr. Trevor Zachariah. Primates with a missing arm are still able to thrive. This is especially true for spider monkeys, since they have prehensile tails.

A Tragic Chance Accident

The Brevard Zoo claims that this is the first time an injury this severe has happened among their spider monkey population since the zoo first became a home for the species decades ago.

"All our habitats exceed the regulations from a number of regulatory agencies, like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and US Department of Agriculture," the zoo affirmed in their statement on Instagram. "We pride ourselves on being a safe place for our animal residents to spend their lives in, and we hate that this chance accident has led to such a severe injury."

The Brevard Zoo's Spider Monkey Program

As an AZA-accredited facility, the Brevard Zoo participates in the AZA Species Survival Program for spider monkeys to ensure healthy, stable, and genetically diverse populations of these animals across AZA zoos. Several members of the zoo's spider monkey population are rescued wildlife trafficking victims, including two recent additions: a pair of infant black-handed spider monkeys named Finn and Marceline, presumably after the characters from Adventure Time. Last month, the zoo also welcomed another new member to their spider monkey family after proud parents Daisy and Mateo gave birth to a healthy baby on February 23.

So far, it's been a good year for the zoo's spider monkey population, making Sully's sudden and tragic injury all the more dramatic. We sincerely hope that Sully recovers quickly from his amputation and can adapt to become a healthy, happy young spider monkey once again.
Rebecca Burke was sent back to the US after attempting to cross into Canada. Photograph: Facebook

A British woman detained in the US for three weeks because of a visa mix-up has reportedly arrived back in the UK.

Sky News broadcast images of Rebecca Burke, 28, a graphic artist from Monmouthshire, being welcomed at Heathrow airport by a loved one. Her return to the UK comes after her family confirmed she had been released from a immigration detention centre.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: We supported a British national who was detained in the USA and were in contact with the local authorities.

Burke was trying to cross into the US state of Washington from Canada when she was refused entry. Canadian authorities told her to go back to the US and fill in new paperwork before returning.

However, when she tried to re-enter the US, she was handcuffed and put in a cell before being taken to the Tacoma Northwest detention facility.

Her father, Paul Burke, previously said she was being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in horrendous conditions and had not had access to legal representation.

Speaking on Tuesday, Burke said she left the detention centre yesterday afternoon.

She had been planning to stay with a host family where she would carry out domestic chores in exchange for accommodation, and was told she should have applied for a working visa instead of a tourist visa.

She had previously been staying with a host family in Portland, Oregon under a similar arrangement after spending time sightseeing in New York City, where she first arrived from the UK at the start of the year.

The family raised nearly 10,000 online to contribute towards her legal fees, living costs and return flight home, and have promised to donate any surplus to charities in Seattle supporting individuals in similar situations.
Oftentimes when animals grow up together, they develop very unlikely friendships. Take for instance, the bond that this Chocolate Labrador Retriever named Olly developed with his duck bestie, Quack. The white duck is so comfortable with Olly that she lets Olly carry her around in his mouth!

Olly's pawrents shared a video on TikTok of how much the two like each other. The video is short - only 7 seconds long - and shows Olly happily trotting from outside into the house, holding Quack in his mouth. The duck doesn't look very comfortable, but she doesn't look like she's trying to get away either!

I wasn't sure what the caption said, but Google Translate helped with the Dutch translation, "I like Quack so much that I bring her inside for a while! (Duck is completely okay, and yes, it is a real duck!) PS: We have, of course, unlearned that he is not allowed to do this, right?" Might not be entirely accurate, but we get the gist of the message, and it sounds like the Chocolate Lab probably does this often!

Viewers thought Olly's video was too cute. @Grae Kay wondered, "Why do I get the impression this isn't the first time that dog brought that particular duck inside..." and another commenter added, "Labrador Retriever retrieving..."

I laughed when @Amy joked, "Duck's like not again!" and @Miri added, "The duck is like nice Uber, 5 stars!" @The Authority! pointed out, "The duck is in no way stressed, and the dog gently places the duck on the ground. These are best buds!"

I was surprised by how many people thought the duck was fake. @Donnie admitted and then laughed, "I thought that was a stuffed duck!!!!" @Clint did too, "Oh its alive! I thought it was a stuffed duck!!!"

Related: Chocolate Labrador Puppy Can't Get Enough of Her Yellow Lab Brother in Her First Night at Home

What Does a "Soft Mouthed" Dog Mean?

Commenter @Hyena pointed out, "This is what they call "soft mouth" in dogs." I've heard the term before but wasn't exactly sure what it meant. I headed to Google to find out. I found the answer at Pets4Homes, "A dog with a soft mouth displays a high degree of bite inhibition and a very fine level of control over how hard they bite things, mouth at things, and hold things in their mouths."

The term "mouth, when referring to a soft mouth, means the lightness of pressure a dog applies to their bite, using the force of their jaw. "A soft-mouthed dog applies a very light pressure with their teeth and can exert a very fine degree of control over how strongly or lightly they bite." Sure, Olly could chomp down on Quack and hurt her, but he's aware of how strong his bite can be and doesn't want to hurt her. They're buddies, and he just enjoys carrying her around with him!
Christian Eriksen expects to leave Manchester United when his contract expires in the summer.

The 33-year-old Denmark midfielder joined United on a free transfer in July 2022 after a short spell at Brentford, having returned to football following a cardiac arrest suffered during Euro 2020 the previous summer.

Having not heard anything over a possible contract extension with United, Eriksen  who had an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted  feels his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end.

Eriksen  who also had spells at Ajax, Tottenham and Inter Milan  will not make any quick decisions on his next move.

Christian Eriksen feels he still has a few good years ahead of him (Martin Rickett/PA)

I havent heard anything from the club, and therefore I assume that the collaboration will stop, thats how I interpret it, Eriksen told Danish media ahead of the Nations League quarter-final against Portugal.

My contract expires this summer and I am prepared to find something new. I am fine with that. Where it will be, I havent decided yet.

I havent tried to be free of contract except after the cardiac arrest, but that was a bit of a different situation.

I am waiting and seeing what offers come in. I am not going to make any hasty decisions, but if the right thing comes, I will take it  but I dont know what the right thing is.

Spurs had been interested in bringing Eriksen back to the club before he signed for United under then manager Erik ten Hag.

However, he sees his future away from the Premier League.

The intention is not to stay in England, said Eriksen, who had been released by Inter because of Serie A rules over players fitted with an ICD.

I am not going to the USA, we are not going that far. We would like to stay in Europe, but it is too early to go home to Denmark. I feel like I have some good years abroad left.
Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Feb 4 - ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP

March 18 was a day of ups and downs for President Trump and his desire to become the worlds ultimate peacemaker.

First, the good news. After a long conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the White House announced that Russia had agreed to a partial ceasefire with Ukraine on strikes against energy and infrastructure targets. If implemented, it would be followed by immediate negotiations on a wider cessation of the conflict. The Kremlin stated that Putin already gave the command to his army to abide by the terms.

Trump will boast about this as a win, even if it was short of the total 30-day pause he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opted for last week. Zelensky has said he would back the proposal, with more detail, if only to keep the US-Ukraine relationship from imploding.

The bad news, however, outweighed the good. Thousands of miles away, in Gaza, the three-stage ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas  the very same deal that Trump was instrumental in finalising back in January  broke down. At around 2 in the morning, Israeli bombs started dropping on dozens of targets in Gaza in what was one of the most intense exchanges of the entire 17 month-long war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government gave the order to resume offensive operations after Hamas rejected an extension of the Phase 1 truce on Israels terms.

The Trump administration blamed Hamas for the breakdown. Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war, National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes told news agencies shortly after hostilities recommenced. This will have been music to Benjamin Netanyahus ears and will no doubt be taken as affirmative US support for an even more intense Israeli military campaign against Hamas terrorists.

But it was only a matter of time before the Gaza ceasefire collapsed into dust. The agreement was structured in such a way that the big political decisions could be delayed for another time. Israel and Hamas signed up to it because they didnt need to compromise on their core positions from the start.

The concessions in the first stage were sufficiently advantageous for both. Israel would get 33 hostages back; Hamas would receive about 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, additional aid into Gaza and six weeks of quiet. The tricky negotiations on ending the war were deferred to Phase 2, which gave the illusion of progress but in reality kicked the can of failure down the road. At bottom, Hamas was never going to release all of the hostages if Netanyahu was unwilling to formally end the war. Netanyahu, in turn, ultimately had no intention of ending the war.

Through it all, Trump seemed to lose interest in the whole adventure. Although he was quick to claim credit when the Gaza ceasefire was established, he seemed to wash his hands of the enterprise after the shooting and bombing stopped, and there has been no obvious progress on his grand plan to rebuild Gaza under US protection.

His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was still working his channels by engaging in conversations with Egypt and Qatar, the main mediators. But the President appeared to move on to other things, whether it was domestic priorities like accelerating US deportations, or pigeon-holding Zelensky into cooperating with his Ukraine peace initiative.

When Trump did speak about the war in Gaza, he was erratic about it: threatening Hamas with hell-fire one day and defending direct contacts with Hamas on another.

In the end, Trump never spent the political capital or took advantage of the presidential bully-pulpit to keep the ceasefire in Gaza intact. Nor did he pressure Netanyahu to play ball, like he did at the start of the year. One can come up with a variety of explanations for why. Perhaps he didnt want to get cross-wise with Netanyahu or recognised the long-odds of striking peace in a region where the word peace is often a misnomer. Either way, the result was the same.

While its important not to extrapolate too many lessons from one conflict onto another, its not outside the realms of possibility that Trumps behaviour in Ukraine could mimic his behaviour in Gaza. Granted, these two wars are extremely different and have unique causes, effects and combatants. But based on his frustration level and how difficult Putin and Zelensky prove to be, Trump could respond by either walking away from the war entirely or doubling down on military support to Ukraine.

Which path he chooses will be determined by how the diplomacy progresses, whether the inevitable complications can be resolved, and by which party  Zelensky or Putin  is most responsible for any impasse. Or simply by the Presidents continued willingness to give the process his continued attention.

Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities
Ted Hui during a 2019 Hong Kong demonstration. Hui, who now lives in Adelaide, is wanted by Chinese authorities for allegedly breaching a controversial national security law. Photograph: Kin Cheung/AP

A prominent Jewish group has condemned a disgusting attempt to intimidate an exiled pro-democracy campaigner who fled to Adelaide from Hong Kong, with the federal opposition accusing a foreign actor of weaponising antisemitism.

Human Rights Watch said a separate attempt that encouraged people to inform on another dissident, Kevin Yam in Melbourne, was designed to make critics of the Hong Kong government feel unsafe and hunted, no matter where they are in the world.

On Monday, Guardian Australia revealed Ted Hui and Yam were both subjects of anonymous letters and pamphlets that were mailed from Chinese-controlled territories. It is not clear who created and posted the material, which the Australian government has condemned.

Hui and Yam are wanted by Hong Kong authorities for allegedly breaching a controversial national security law that grants authorities sweeping extraterritorial powers to prosecute acts or comments made anywhere in the world that it deems criminal.

Hui said an Australian government official had told him a pamphlet falsely accusing him of being a pro-Israel lawyer willing to wage war against Islamic terrorism was allegedly sent to a few mosques in Adelaide, where he resides. Hui said it was an attempt to intimidate him and undermine social cohesion.

Related: Melbourne residents receive letter offering $200k for information on Hong Kong pro-democracy activist

The pamphlet, mailed from Macau, falsely quotes Hui as saying: I am a pro-Jewish man and siding with Israel to wage war against those Islamic terrorism [sic]. It also states Hui can provide assistance to local Jews.

Alex Ryvchin, the co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said referring to ones enemy or opponent as a Jew is an ugly feature of antisemitic discourse.

The fact that whoever produced this material thought that referring to someone as pro-Jewish would serve to discredit them speaks to the antisemitism of the authors, Ryvchin said.

There is much work to be done to rebuild empathy between communities and these disgusting stunts only seek to deepen suspicion and animosity.

Australias foreign minister, Penny Wong, said the government would not accept any one of our citizens or on our shores [to be] bullied or harassed or threatened by a foreign power.

The shadow home affairs minister, James Paterson, said the pamphlet appeared to be a crude attempt to weaponise antisemitism for the purposes of foreign interference.

Guardian Australia earlier revealed a small number of Melbourne residents received anonymous letters purporting to offer a police bounty of $203,000 if they informed on Yam, linking Yam to two nearby locations. The letter was mailed from Hong Kong.

The Human Rights Watch associate China director, Maya Wang, urged the Australian government to investigate who sent the letters and to hold those responsible accountable.

The intent of these letters is clear  it is to make the activists feel like rats crossing the streets, which is a phrase the Hong Kong and Chinese security authorities have said since 2019, regarding those who publicly promote democracy, Wang said.

It is to make them feel ashamed, unsafe, hunted, no matter where they are in the world. Its to make them feel watched, to put psychological pressure on them on top of everything they must deal with in exile.

Related: Fake pamphlets accusing former Hong Kong legislator of being a pro-Israel lawyer sent to Adelaide mosques

When similar letters were sent in the UK, the Chinese government denied any involvement but said it was reasonable to pursue fugitives. The Chinese embassy in Australia has been contacted for comment.

The Hong Kong government said it would not send anonymous letters but stressed it would take every measure to pursue anyone accused of breaching its national security laws.

Australian government sources have confirmed the material targeting Yam and Hui has been raised with Chinese and Hong Kong government officials.

Wang said that while it was not clear who sent the letters, the senders appeared to use tactics allegedly used by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments to paint a target on the backs of those they dont like, and thus basically let everyone know that they can harass and intimidate those whom the government perceives as enemies.
John F Kennedy assassination

For decades conspiracy theorists have pointed to the US governments refusal to release the John F Kennedy files as evidence of a cover-up of the former presidents assassination.

So Donald Trumps assurance back in January that everything will be revealed when he signed an executive order to declassify the trove of redacted documents will have set some high expectations.

But experts on the Nov 22 1963 assassination in Dallas, Texas, unanimously believe those hoping for a smoking gun to rewrite history will be bitterly disappointed.

The release, however, could provide some revelations to help shed light on how much the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) really knew about shooter Lee Harvey Oswald ahead of the killing.

There are still around 3,000 redacted files held by The National Archives and Records Administration, including some 500 of which have been redacted in full, although most of these relate to tax returns for Oswald and his killer Jack Ruby.

This is what experts and historians think could be gleaned from the release of the documents on Tuesday:

The Mexico connection

When more than 13,000 documents related to the 1963 assassination were released in 2022, JFK academics and theorists had hoped it would reveal more information about Oswalds activities in Mexico City, where he met the KGB officer in October 1963.

Oswald had visited Mexico City several weeks before he assassinated Mr Kennedy to obtain a visa allowing him to defect to Cuba.

Gerald Posner, author of Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK, said he hopes the files will reveal more information about the CIA surveillance of Oswalds visit.

Lee Harvey Oswald travelled to Mexico City shortly before he killed Kennedy - CORBIS

The file he is most eagerly awaiting is a 50-page document he says includes Mexican intelligence information that was gathered on Oswald and provided to the CIA, of which 30 pages are currently redacted.

The CIA definitely has surveillance, maybe they had human assets, intelligence, an informant inside one or more of the [Cuban or Soviet] missions there, he told The Telegraph. What did they know about his visit? Theyve always said they knew very little.

Did they know that he took a pistol out at one point and slammed it on the desk of a KGB agent and the Soviet mission thought he was unstable? Did they realise that he was as unhinged as he appeared to be in Mexico City? Because, if so, what they should have done when he returned to the United States is handed it off to the FBI... They certainly didnt do that.

That would be terribly embarrassing for the CIA. Not only did it happen, but that they kept it under wraps for 60 years, he added.

The building in downtown Dallas from which Oswald shot Kennedy - JULIAN SIMMONDS

Fredrik Logevall, history professor at the Harvard Kennedy School agreed such detail could be revealed in the classified documents.

Its possible that the new materials will underscore what previous releases have shown: that US intelligence agencies knew more about Oswald and his activities than was originally known, he said.

The CIA may have failed to report some of its knowledge about him to the FBI.

Targeting Castro

The documents could include further details on the Special Group Augmented (SGA), which included Robert F Kennedy and former National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy.

Professor Larry Sabato said the groups aim was to get rid of Fidel Castro and communism in Cuba before JFKs re-election.

This group met... more often than you might expect, given how busy things are in the White House and notes were kept, I suppose, because we were all busy, and maybe they forgot things, he said.

But the release of some of this information has occurred, the problem is it tells us enough to tantalise us, and then redacts what we really want to know. I want to see the redactions now.

Fidel Castro with Nikita Khrushchev, then the leader of the Soviet Union, in 1964 - AP

Mr Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Centre for Politics and author of The Kennedy Half-Century, said the partially redacted documents suggest the group were plotting events in and out of Cuba to embarrass Castro.

Fears of retaliation for CIA agents

One of the reasons some of the documents remain redacted is because they are thought to contain information about informants working for the CIA.

Although the majority will no longer be alive, there are concerns that publishing the names could put the former informants and their families in danger.

I want to know the names so I can do some research on them, Mr Sabato said.

Obviously theyre dead, but you can research them, you can find out what is on the public record about them and maybe you can be led to others, children at the time, or grandchildren, or whatever, you can find out certain things... its better than knowing nothing, he said.

But Mark Zaid, a lawyer who has fought for the release records, says such names come into a category of documents Mr Trump cannot declassify with a stroke of his Sharpie.

I expect that there will be pushback from the intelligence community, he says

Some of the records are because we have human assets who worked inside the Cuban and Soviet embassies in Mexico City... some of them were in their 20s.

They could be in their 80s, maybe 90s, and if youre talking about... would Cuba or Russia take retaliatory action against someone who would be considered a traitor to their country even six decades ago?

Youd best expect that yes, they would, and they might even take action against their family members decades younger.

The secret Jackie Kennedy interview

While they wont shed light on the planning of the assassination attempt, Mr Posner expects the notes historian William Manchester took from his interview with Jackie Kennedy to be included in the unredacted files.

Jackie Kennedy, centre, mourns her husband at his funeral in 1963 - GETTY IMAGES

Mr Manchester spoke to Mrs Kennedy after her husbands death.

The tapes of the interviews cannot be released owing to an agreement with the Kennedy family that they would not be made public until 2067, but Mr Posner says Mr Manchesters notes could be unsealed.

They may not tell us anything about a grassy alt-shooter or conspiracy, but I think that people are going to want to know about that because its a human story, its not about ballistics and bullet angles.

Will everything be revealed?

All the experts The Telegraph spoke to were unconvinced that Mr Trump could unseal all the redacted files.

A trove of documents have been declassified in recent years, but scores of them remained redacted during Mr Trump and Joe Bidens administrations.

In his order, Mr Trump directed his attorney general and director of national intelligence to give him a plan within 15 days for the full and complete release of records relating to the assassination.

Mr Zaid said there are hundreds of documents he does not think the president has the authority to release.

Donald Trump has promised to publish the redacted files - AP

For example, tax returns are protected by statute, he said. There are also records which have been sealed by courts. To release them, the Justice Department would have to go to the courts directly and order them to unseal it.

The President cant just flout an order of a court that sealed the records, he said.

There are also a number of items that are subject to deeds of gift and access is overseen by the Kennedy family. Such items include autopsy photographs and Mrs Kennedys dress from the day of the assassination.

Mr Sobata is not confident Mr Trump will deliver on his promise to make everything public.

Unfortunately, Im in my seventies and Ill be dead before we know all the information, but Ive got people who will come to my grave site yelling, he said.
Detail from the bogus pamphlet about former Hong Kong democracy activist Ted Hui that was sent to Adelaide mosques. Photograph: Henry Belot/The Guardian

Fake pamphlets falsely accusing a former Hong Kong politician and Australian resident, Ted Hui, of being an pro-Israel lawyer willing to wage war against Islamic terrorism were allegedly mailed to mosques in Adelaide in an apparent attempt to intimidate him and undermine social cohesion.

The pamphlets, which carry images of Hui and the name and contact details of his Adelaide law firm, have alarmed the Australian government, which will raise the matter with Chinese officials. It is not known who sent the pamphlets.

Hui is a former pro-democracy legislator who fled to Australia via Europe in 2019. In 2022 he was convicted in absentia for his role in pro-democracy protests during 2019 and sentenced to three and a half years in jail.

Hong Kong authorities have accused Hui of foreign collusion in social media posts seeking international support for Hong Kong under its national security law.

Hui said he had been contacted by representatives from unnamed government departments about the false pamphlets and had been assured the matter was being taken seriously.

The pamphlet falsely quotes Hui as saying I am a pro-Jewish man and siding with Israel to wage war against those Islamic terrorism [sic]. It also states that Hui can provide assistance to local Jews.

Related: Melbourne residents receive letter offering $200k for information on Hong Kong pro-democracy activist

Those pamphlets were sent to a few mosques in Adelaide, Hui told Guardian Australia. I understand it is not large scale, they were only sent to a few mosques.

Hui said the government representative he had spoken to said the pamphlet had been sent from Macau, a special administrative region of China.

They are trying to make trouble for me, Hui said. It can be quite terrifying, at the beginning, knowing that they know where I work.

Hui said the pamphlets claims were totally incorrect.

I have not spoken a word in public about the Israel-Palestinian war, Hui said. They have made a fake profile of me and are using it to stir conflict and tensions in Adelaide, among ethnic communities.

The Chinese government has been contacted for comment.

On Monday Guardian Australia revealed that Melbourne homes had received anonymous letters purporting to offer a police bounty of $203,000 for information about an Australian citizen and pro-democracy activist, Kevin Yam, who is wanted for alleged national security crimes in Hong Kong.

The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, is alarmed by both the letter to Yam and the pamphlet targeting Hui.

We are a sovereign nation, Wong said. We do not accept any one of our citizens or on our shores, people being bullied or harassed or threated by a foreign power.



We expect our democracy and our citizens to be able to operate free from such interference, that kind of pressure or threats. And we have and will make representations very clearly.

Government sources have confirmed the pamphlet targeting Hui will be raised with Chinese officials.

The attorney general, the Australian federal police and the domestic spy agency have been contacted for comment.

The shadow home affairs minister, James Paterson, said the pamphlet appeared to be a crude attempt to weaponise antisemitism for the purposes of foreign interference.

It must be investigated for potential breaches of the law, Paterson told Guardian Australia. If those responsible can be identified, serious penalties must follow to send the strong message that Australia jealously defends the rights of residents like Ted Hui to exercise freedom of speech.

If a foreign government is ultimately responsible, it is an even more grotesque attempt to undermine social cohesion in Australia and would warrant a firm response.

In July 2023 Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged Australia, the UK and the US to stop sheltering activists subject to arrest warrants in Hong Kong.

Relevant countries need to respect Chinas sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, stop lending support for anti-China elements destabilising Hong Kong, and stop providing a safe haven for fugitives, she said.
Palestinians react at the scene of an Israeli strike on a residential building in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning. Photograph: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters

Good morning.

More than 400 people have been killed and hundreds more injured as Israeli military forces hit dozens of targets across Gaza early this morning, in effect ending the increasingly shaky ceasefire that had halted violence in the devastated Palestinian territory since mid-January.

Palestinian health authorities have raised the death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip to at least 404 (up from 326). At least four government officials are among the dead, according to reports and Gazas government media office.

Why has Israel resumed large-scale airstrikes on Gaza? The Israeli government has been threatening to launch an offensive for weeks and says targeting the Hamas leadership will bring about the release of more hostages. Many hostage families in Israel dispute this.

What does this mean for the ceasefire? The grim reality is that the fragile two-month pause in hostilities between Israel and Hamas is over. It appears very unlikely a deal that would end the new Israeli attacks can be achieved soon.

Trump could reshape judiciary with 300 judge appointments, analysis shows

Donald Trump is poised to reshape the US judiciary over the next four years through hundreds of potential appointments of rightwing judges, a progressive advocacy group has said.

The Trump administration has suffered several legal setbacks and was accused of violating a judges order by deporting about 250 Venezuelan alleged gang members to El Salvador.

Trump, a Republican, appointed 226 judges to the federal courts during his first term as president. The total was narrowly eclipsed by his successor, the Democrat Joe Biden, with 228, including record numbers of women and people of color.

How many could Trump appoint? Demand Justice shared data with the Guardian identifying more than 300 potential judicial appointment opportunities for Trump.

Trump and Putin to hold call on US plans for Ukraine ceasefire

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will speak on the phone today discussing the next step in the US presidents plans for bringing about a ceasefire in Ukraine.

On Sunday, Trump said negotiators had already talked about dividing up certain assets, including power stations. The legal status of Russia-occupied territories is also believed to be on the table.

Much to Europes frustration, it once again finds itself not at the table and having to rely on readouts from Washington or Moscow containing only what they choose to disclose.

When will the call take place? Kremlin officials say it is scheduled for between 1pm and 3pm GMT.

In other news 

The decision to shutter two offices at Nasa risks dramatically increasing the costs of space exploration, while handing Elon Musk more influence, fired workers have warned.

The US defense department webpage celebrating a Black Medal of Honor recipient that was removed and had the letters DEI added to the sites address has been restored  and the letters scrubbed  after an outcry.

The Trump administration fired most of the board of the US Institute of Peace (USIP) , even though it is a congressionally funded, independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization that is not part of the executive branch.

Universal Music Group has moved to dismiss Drakes defamation suit, characterising it as a misguided attempt by the Canadian rapper to salve his wounds after he lost a rap battle with rival Kendrick Lamar.

Dont miss this: From London to Lviv  how Trumps new world order has shaken Europe

In recent weeks, the US president has appeared to herald the end of Pax Americana, which has left Europeans grappling in different ways with new and unsettling realities, writes Daniel Boffey:

In London, rightly or wrongly, and perhaps out of sheer necessity, the idea of the special relationship remains a comfort blanket. There is a new steely resolve in Brussels but the temptation persists to push back decisions. A leading German politician described the incoming government in Berlin as democracys last bullet but some worry they will shoot themselves in the foot. Austrians cling to their traditional neutrality as if that alone will keep them safe. In Poland, there is, perhaps, the greatest clarity as to what they think must be done.

Climate check: Countries must bolster climate efforts or risk war, Cop30 chief executive warns

Countries looking to boost their national security through rearmament or increased defence spending must also bolster their climate efforts or face more wars in the future, one of the leaders of the next UN climate summit has warned. Some countries could decide to include climate spending in their defence budgets, suggested Ana Toni, Brazils chief executive of the Cop30 summit.

Last Thing: Once named worlds ugliest animal, blobfish wins New Zealands fish of the year

It was once crowned the worlds ugliest animal but now the disgruntled-looking gelatinous blobfish has a new gong to its name: New Zealands fish of the year. The winning species of blobfish, Psychrolutes marcidus, lives in the highly pressurised depths off the coasts of New Zealand and Australia. It sort of sits there and waits for prey to come very close and practically walk into its mouth before it eats them, said Konrad Kurta, a spokesperson from the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust that runs the annual competition.

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Rachel Zegler has said fellow actresses Dame Helen Mirren and Ariana Grande supported her following a backlash over the US stars casting as Snow White.

The singer and actress made her name as Maria in the 2021 remake of West Side Story, before taking on the role as the princess in the Disney live action remake of its popular 1930s animated film Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs.

When Zegler, 23, who is from a Latina background, was announced as playing a character described as having a complexion as white as snow, there was a backlash on social media.

Rachel Zegler at the premiere of Snow White in Los Angeles (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

She defended herself at the time, saying that she was extremely appreciative of the love I feel from those defending me online but asked them not to tag her in comments.

Zegler told Allure magazine that British actress and The Good Place star Jameela Jamil has been like a big sister to me as Disney pushes to have more diverse actors play traditional characters.

I love that she has no regrets about being outspoken, about being strong-willed and strong-minded, she added.

She also called her Shazam! Fury Of The Gods co-stars, Oscar winner Dame Helen and Charlies Angels star Lucy Liu, her keepers in all of this, and said that she has felt very held by them.

While speaking about Wicked Oscar nominee Grande, Zegler said: She reached out to me  kind of apropos of nothing  and was like, If you need anything, I am here.

She is so deeply kind. She has gone through so much in the public eye, and I have always really, really admired her courage in the face of all of that.

The actress also said she hopes the film inspires young people to think that there is nothing wrong with choosing to do whats right and that it doesnt have to be with anger or a clenched fist.

(left to right) Lucy Liu, Dame Helen Mirren and Rachel Zegler (Ian West/PA)

Snow White chooses kindness and still makes change, Zegler said.

Power takes many forms. I hope well see a new dawn of kindness and acceptance in the next couple of years. And people dont see the need to use hate to cause further division.

Zegler appeared to roll back during the interview on comments she made in 2022, when she remarked that the original films love story, with a guy (the Prince) who literally stalks her is weird .

She said in the latest interview she was really proud to be representative of this particular story where (Snow) falls in love with such a sweet character.

Speaking about her role in West Side Story, she said that white (studio) executives questioned whether she was Latina on several occasions, leaving her feeling she had to prove your identity to them.

Zegler told the magazine that they kept calling to ask if I was legit, before adding: I remember thinking, Do you want me to bring my (Colombian grandmother) abuelita in? I will. Ill bring her into the studio if you want to meet her.

Disney has appeared to have small-scale premieres in Los Angeles and Spain for the release of Snow White with few press opportunities.

The film also hit headlines in 2022 after Game Of Thrones star Peter Dinklage, who has dwarfism, told Marc Marons WTF podcast that Disney thought it was being progressive with casting.

Dinklage, who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, called it a backwards story of the seven dwarves living in the cave, and said he was a little taken aback by Disneys decision.

Following the remarks, Disney said it was consulting members of the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film.

It then decided to make the miners with CGI, and this prompted criticism from some other actors with dwarfism.

Zegler will next star in Sir Tim Rice and Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webbers musical Evita as Argentine politician Eva Peron at the London Palladium later this year.

Snow White will be released on Friday in UK cinemas.
Ayelet Svatitzky, whose brother was killed in Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire and said hostages held by Hamas could still be saved Photograph: BBC

Protesters in Israel have accused Benjamin Netanyahu of ordering the airstrikes that shattered the ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday to provide cover for a campaign to dismantle Israels democratic system and to maintain his own grip on power.

Political tensions in Israel surged after the Israeli prime minister announced on Sunday that he would seek to fire the head of the Shin Bet internal security service, an unprecedented move that legal experts said may be unlawful.

The reality is that this attack [in Gaza] is being used as a tool for political interests. The way [they] operate is to create this external threat and accuse those who raise their voices of being anti-democratic, said Ora Peled Nakash, a former senior officer in Israels navy and an organiser of the protests.

Groups representing Israeli hostages currently or formerly held by Hamas in Gaza are also planning demonstrations this week, and issued statements calling for an immediate ceasefire deal.

Ayelet Svatitzky, whose brother Nadav Popplewell was killed in captivity in Gaza, said hostages still held by Hamas could be saved.

Related: Netanyahu will never accept peace. Where will his perpetual war lead next? | Simon Tisdall

They can still be brought home. And those who did not survive deserve to be returned and buried with dignity  We must return to the ceasefire and negotiations, and secure their release. A deal is the only way to bring them all back. Please, do not let other families suffer the same fate as mine, Svatitzky said.

The new wave of attacks in Gaza was launched amid acute political tensions in Israel.

Netanyahu needs support from rightwing allies to win crucial votes in Israels parliament in coming days and weeks, or risk losing power. These allies have fiercely opposed a permanent end to hostilities in Gaza. The far-right former national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who resigned in protest at the ceasefire agreed with Hamas by Netanyahu in January, rejoined the government on Tuesday.

Netanyahu is also on trial for corruption and, if found guilty, could face prison. Also on Tuesday, a court approved Netanyahus request not to appear at a hearing due to the renewal of the war, Israeli media reported.

The protests this week were planned when Netanyahu announced a move to oust Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet since 2021, after an increasingly acrimonious dispute between the men over responsibility for the failures that allowed the surprise Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 that triggered the war in Gaza.

Shin Bet recently issued a report accepting responsibility for its failures around the attack but also criticised Netanyahu, saying government policies were among its causes. The agency is currently investigating Netanyahus aides for potential national security offences, including leaking classified documents to foreign media and allegedly accepting payments from Qatar, which financially supported Hamas in Gaza for several years.

Netanyahu has not accepted responsibility for any failures around the 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to 251 being abducted, though he was prime minister at the time and has been in power for a total of 17 years. More than 48,900, mostly civilians, have died in Israels ensuing military offensive.

Fifty-nine hostages are still in Gaza, of whom more than half are thought to be dead. Successive polls have shown Israelis overwhelmingly in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza to bring back the hostages still there, though support for a war until total victory over Hamas remains strong. Some relatives of hostages have backed the new strikes in Gaza.

The past weeks have proven  Hamas will never return all the hostages willingly. Only massive military pressure, a complete blockade including cutting off electricity and water, and occupation of territories that will lead to Hamass collapse, will cause them to beg for a ceasefire and a deal that will return all the hostages together, in one stage, the Tikva Forum of Hostages Families said in a statement.
Hemingway, centre, celebrating his 105th birthday with his son, Brian, and daughter, Susan. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA

The last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, John Paddy Hemingway, has died aged 105.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) said Hemingway, a member of the Few who took to the skies during the second world war, died peacefully on Monday.

He played a key role in the successful defence of Britain against unremitting air raids conducted by the German air force, the Luftwaffe, from July through September 1940 after the fall of France.

The pilots squadron shot down 90 enemy aircraft during an 11-day period in May 1940, the RAF said.

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, paid tribute to Hemingway and said: I am saddened to hear of the passing of John Paddy Hemingway DFC, the last known pilot of the Battle of Britain.

Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the second world war. They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its allies, risking their lives.

He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the lucky Irishman, a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation. Despite his sacrifice, he would tell stories of the joyous memories he made and moments he shared with his peers, many of whom never returned home.

Their sense of duty and service secured our freedom, and we shall never forget them.

In a post on social media Prince William said: We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered.

Group captain Hemingway DFC retired from the RAF in 1974.

The defence secretary, John Healey, said Hemingways generation understood the importance of freedom and sacrificed so much to achieve it.

Air chief marshal Sir Rich Knighton, the chief of the air staff, said the flyer was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force.

Hemingway was the last surviving member of the Few after the death of Terry Clark in May 2020 aged 101.

Clark, who died in a care home from natural causes, had served as a radar operator on Bristol Beaufighters during the second world war.
Liz Kendalls welfare reforms lack vision and ambition and will fail to solve Britains benefits crisis, economists have warned.

The Work and Pensions Secretary unveiled major changes to the benefits system on Tuesday morning to save 5 billion a year by 2030.

The overhaul includes restructuring access to a major disability benefit and blocking young people from claiming sickness benefit until the age of 22.

Critics said the reforms were disappointing and did not go far enough.

Helen Whately, the shadow work and pensions secretary, said the announcements were too little too late.

Meanwhile, backbench Labour MPs, disability campaigners and charities strongly criticised the reforms and claimed some of the most vulnerable in society could lose thousands of pounds.

There were also fears that the reforms could be derailed by court challenges from disability rights campaigners, with one charity saying it would consider legal action.

On Tuesday, Ms Kendall refused to publish an impact assessment on her reforms until next week, adding to scepticism about the changes and how the 5 billion will be saved.

Ed Davies, policy director of the Centre for Social Justice, said: In simply cutting benefits to balance the books, the green paper is a missed opportunity in terms of growth and supporting individuals to reach their potential.

The Governments plan announced today, with its aspiration to find a paltry 5 billion, lacks vision and ambition.

Len Shackleton, from the Institute of Economic Affairs, a free-market think tank, said: Todays announcement will upset disability campaigners and Labours backbenchers, but will do nothing much to reform benefits or save significant amounts of money.

Any hopes that cuts in the benefits system would generate sufficient savings to reduce government borrowing or contribute to higher defence spending will be disappointed.

Even if the planned 5 billion savings are achieved  and this is doubtful, given likely concessions to pressure groups  this is over a five-year period when other elements of spending will surely be rising. It is, in any case, a flea bite in the context of total welfare spending.

Sam Bidwell, research director at the Adam Smith Institute, said: Given the scale of the costs that we face in the medium-to-long term, the Government will need to be more ambitious if it wants to keep costs down.

The proposed reforms include tightening the rules for people to access personal independence payments (PIP), which are paid to disabled people to help cover the extra living costs resulting from their condition.

The Government will also consult on whether to stop people under the age of 22 from being able to access the health top-up offered as part of Universal Credit.

It emerged that some of the changes could be opposed in the courts by disability rights campaigners.

Helen Whately, the shadow work and pensions secretary, told MPs that the welfare bill was too high  and pointed out that over the past 14 years, Labour had opposed Tory plans to overhaul the benefits system.

She said: Fundamentally this is too little, too late.

The fact is 5 billion just doesnt cut it with a bill so big, going up so fast. She needed to be tougher.

Ms Kendall said she had no interest in getting tough on those who received benefits.

I know people are worried and concerned, and that is a really important issue, she said. Its why I disagreed with the Opposition spokeswoman saying we need to be tough. Im not interested in that. This is real people and real lives.

A spokesman for the Disabled People Against Cuts group said the proposed changes to PIP were horrific.

Merry Cross said: How inhumane is it to say to somebody you will have to not get washed for a week, hopefully your family can help you but you wont get the benefit?

It is entirely possible we could take legal action against this, but we need to look at the whole detail.

Arun Veerappan, interim research director at The Disability Policy Centre, claimed that the proposals would not save money in the long term.

He said: As it stands, the Governments sums dont add up and these reforms are unlikely to both help disabled people and save the taxpayer money.

Tightening PIP eligibility, for example, has been tried before by previous governments and proposals have either been ruled unlawful, proved too complex or abandoned as unworkable.

Savings will also be offset by unintended costs like increased pressure on the NHS and care, as people seek alternative sources of support, a drop in spending from disabled households and additional legal costs from appeals.

The plans prompted a backlash in the Commons from some Labour MPs and numerous charities.

Debbie Abrahams, the Labour chairman of the work and pensions select committee, said: In spite of the 5 billion being said by the party opposite to be a [small] figure, it is actually the largest cut in social security support since 2015.

And I would put that there are alternative, more compassionate ways to balance the books rather than on the back of sick and disabled people.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union, said: The Government is in danger of making the wrong choices. We must be protecting the most vulnerable in society and not pitting the poorest against the poorest.

Before cutting benefits, the Government should be introducing a wealth tax, so that the very wealthiest in society begin paying their fair share.

John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: The Work and Pensions Secretary needs to convince her Cabinet colleagues to cease their attacks on the private sector, otherwise her ambition to increase employment and cut the benefits bill will be dead on arrival.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies said plans to scrap the work capability assessment and instead base eligibility on the PIP assessment would considerably strengthen the incentive to claim PIP.

Tom Waters, an associate director at the IFS said: The health-related benefit system will be tightened, cut, and entitlement will no longer depend upon whether you can work or not.

The hope is more employment and fewer people in the disability and incapacity benefit system.

The risk is that its precisely the individuals receiving health-related benefits that are least responsive to financial incentives to work, and perhaps most in need of extra financial support.

03:54 PM GMT

That is all for today...

Thank you for joining me for todays live blog.

03:41 PM GMT

Governments plan lacks vision and ambition, says think tank

The Centre for Social Justice think tank said Labours welfare reforms lacked vision and ambition.

CSJ policy director Ed Davies said: Work is the best route out of poverty, but for too long now its been sickness that pays. Thats bad for the individual and the nation. In simply cutting benefits to balance the books, the Pathways to Work Green Paper is a missed opportunity in terms of growth and supporting individuals to reach their potential.



There are some good ideas, for example the right to try work is a CSJ initiative; as is the importance of employment support schemes such as WorkWell; and the expectation for people with some health conditions to look for work rather than being forgotten.

But this barely adds up to a coherent vision of benefits in modern-day Britain struggling with the over-medicalisation of the everyday ups and downs of life, the presumption of so-called fit notes to sign people off sick, and the failure to engage employers and schools in halting the number of young people moving straight from education to their sick beds.



We have recommended a 16-step action plan to reverse economic inactivity, get Britain working, and generate as much as 13 billion for the public purse. The governments plan announced today, with its aspiration to find a paltry 5 billion, lacks vision and ambition.

Meanwhile, the Adam Smith Institute think tank said the Governments plan needed to be more ambitious.

Sam Bidwell, director of research at the ASI, said: Given the enormous fiscal liabilities that Britain now faces, the Governments proposed welfare reforms are a step in the right direction. Plans to tackle welfare dependency are particularly welcome, given the ballooning costs of long-term sickness benefits following the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, given the scale of the costs that we face in the medium-to-long term, the Government will need to be more ambitious if it wants to keep costs down.

Plans to scrap the Work Capability Assessment are particularly concerning - this is a crucial tool for ensuring that support is targeted at those who genuinely need it. While todays announcement is a welcome step, it must be followed by a more comprehensive programme to reform the welfare system, which is ultimately financed by the tax contributions of hard-working Britons.

03:33 PM GMT

Labour MP will vote against welfare cuts

Veteran Labour MP Jon Trickett said he plans to vote against the Governments cruel benefits cuts.



He posted on X: Cutting welfare payments to sick people is wrong morally, fiscally and economically and its cruel. We are better than this as a country. I will vote against when the time comes.

03:15 PM GMT

Unions claim Labour pitting the poorest against the poorest

Unison and Unite the union have both criticised Labours welfare reforms.

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: Poor decisions made by previous Conservative governments have left ministers with little financial wriggle room.

But going after disabled people and vulnerable families is not the way to get the UK economy back on track, nor out-of-work individuals back into jobs.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: The Government is in danger of making the wrong choices. We must be protecting the most vulnerable in society and not pitting the poorest against the poorest.

Before cutting benefits, the government should be introducing a wealth tax, so that the very wealthiest in society begin paying their fair share.

03:09 PM GMT

Government will publish impact assessment of welfare reforms

Ministers will publish a poverty impact assessment of the Governments welfare reforms, Liz Kendall said.

The Work and Pensions Secretary said the work will be released around the time of the spring statement which Rachel Reeves is due to deliver on March 26.

Labour MP Helen Hayes asked Ms Kendall for reassurance that the reforms will not make child poverty worse for anybody who is a child living in a family where their parents or carers are in receipt of benefits.

The Dulwich and West Norwood MP added: Can she tell the House what analysis she has undertaken of the impact of the reforms she is announcing today on child poverty? Will she publish that analysis?

In her response, Ms Kendall said: We will publish the equality impact analysis and the poverty impact analysis around the time of the spring statement.

03:06 PM GMT

Introduce wealth tax rather than attacking most vulnerable, says Labour MP

Labour MP Kim Johnson said the Government should introduce a wealth tax instead of attacking the most vulnerable people in society.



She told the House of Commons: Three quarters of the people who claim universal credit and disability have gone without essential items in the past six months. The 5 billion cut is likely to make that worse for them



She added: Will the minister speak with the Chancellor about looking at a wealth tax because we need a wealth tax and not to be attacking those most vulnerable?



Liz Kendall replied: We have already taken action to ensure those with the broadest shoulders take a bigger burden, including our action on the non-dom tax status and a tax on the profits of the utility companies. That principle of fairness is vital to us all.

03:03 PM GMT

Labour MP: Welfare changes could contribute to rise in poverty

I have written to the @DWPgovuk Minister to raise my concerns about the proposed cuts to welfare benefits, particularly Personal Independence Payment, known as PIP. I believe that cutting this benefit may not support disabled people into work, but will contribute to a rise in pic.twitter.com/3KjH9Qn6sN  Sir Mark Hendrick MP (@MarkHendrick_) March 18, 2025

03:01 PM GMT

Suspended Labour MP labels benefit cuts austerity 2.0

Suspended Labour MP Zarah Sultana branded the welfare reforms austerity 2.0 and called for a wealth tax.



The MP for Coventry South, who has sat as an independent since she was suspended for rebelling over the child benefit cap last year, said: How can the Government justify pushing more disabled people and children into poverty instead of pursuing fairer alternatives such as a 2 per cent wealth tax on assets over 10 million?

This would raise 24 billion, five times as much as those proposed from these cuts. Is austerity 2.0 the change people really voted for?



Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, replied: Spending on working age sickness and disability benefits will still rise substantially over this parliament. The full assessment of the numbers affected and by how much will be published alongside the spring statement.

02:59 PM GMT

Crass to link welfare reform to saving money, says Labour MP

Labour MP Dawn Butler said it was rather crass to present welfare reforms as a way of saving money.



She said the employment service has always needed reform, but added: How we go about it, and the way we go about it, is fundamental and important, and I dont think it should be linked to saving money, because thats rather crass, and its caused lots of anxiety for my constituents in Brent East and elsewhere.



The patriotic millionaires have said that just a 2 per cent on assets over 10 million will bring in 22 billion a year. Thats a better way to bring money in to help fill the black hole that we found ourselves in.



Ms Butler continued: Does the minister agree with me that aspiration, compassion, care, fairness will be the hallmark of this Labour Government?



Liz Kendall replied: Aspiration, compassion, care, fairness is absolutely a hallmark of this Government. That is why we are bringing forward these reforms.



And as I said earlier to the House, I dont start from a spreadsheet, I start from my belief that everybody has a value and a contribution to make in whatever way, and that we want people to fulfil their potential.

02:49 PM GMT

Labour MP raises concerns about people being pushed further into poverty

Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy sought reassurances her constituents would not be pushed further into poverty by the Governments reforms to the welfare system.



She asked Liz Kendall in the House of Commons: What assurances can the Secretary of State give me that these changes wont push people in areas like mine further into poverty and ill health?



The Work and Pensions Secretary replied: It is absolutely about areas like my Honourable Friend represents - areas that have been written off and denied opportunities for so long.



And its really important we look at this in the round, the action were taking to create more good jobs in every part of the country, through the modern industrial strategy, clean energy and building 1.5 million homes.

02:34 PM GMT

Labour MP profoundly concerned by disability benefit changes

Rachael Maskell, a prominent Left-wing Labour MP, said she was profoundly concerned by the Governments reforms to disability benefits.



She told The Telegraph: I am profoundly concerned that the eligibility criteria for PIP is changing and that this will not be for consultation.



This could mean that many people who claim support to maintain their independence or who have mental health challenges could miss out on vital support.



Meanwhile I note that new claimants will see the health element of PIP cut from 97 to 47 for new claimants - that is around 2,600 a year. Today the Secretary of State set out that the cut of 6bn will have a profound impact.

02:28 PM GMT

Benefits could be made less generous for young people, signals Kendall

Universal Credit could be made less generous for younger people in order to force more of them into work, Liz Kendall has suggested.

The Work and Pensions Secretary said the Government will consult on whether to stop people under the age of 22 from being able to access the health top-up offered as part of Universal Credit.

She said: We will invest an additional 1 billion-a-year for employment support with the aim of guaranteeing high-quality, tailored and personalised support to help people on a pathway to work  the largest ever investment in opportunities to work for sick and disabled people.

And alongside this for those on the UC health top-up, we will bring in an expectation to engage and new support conversation to talk about peoples goals and aspirations, combined with an offer of personalised health skills and employment support.

And because being out of work or training when youre young is so damaging for your future prospects, we will go further.

In addition to funding our youth guarantee through the 240 million Get Britain Working plan, we will consult on delaying access to the health top-up in Universal Credit until someone is aged 22 with the savings reinvested into work support and training opportunities so every young person is earning or learning and on a pathway to success.

02:18 PM GMT

Telegraph readers react to Labours welfare reforms

Liz Kendall today unveiled the Governments plan to make 5 billion of benefit cuts.

The announcement sparked an immediate backlash from some Labour MPs and a great many charities.

Telegraph readers have been reacting in the comments section of todays live blog:

02:14 PM GMT

MPs will get a vote on welfare changes, says Kendall

Liz Kendall said MPs will have the opportunity to debate and vote on the Governments proposed welfare reforms in the House of Commons.



She told MPs: We will be legislating on the PIP changes, there will be full ability for this House to debate those changes, and we will be consulting with disabled people, crucially, on the employment support programme, how we get that right, and how we make sure that is much more joined up with the health support that many disabled people or sick and disabled people need.

02:10 PM GMT

Benefit cuts will cause immense suffering, warns McDonnell

Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the Governments welfare cuts would result in immense suffering and even death.

He asked Liz Kendall: There are decisions made in this House that stay with you for the rest of your life. This is one of them. Can I say to the Secretary of State, we all agree with their objectives of trying to ensure that disabled people fully have the resources to have a decent quality of life, and that those capable of work have the support to get them into work.

But the reality is, trying to find up to 5 billion worth of cuts by manipulating, by changing the PIP rules, the criteria, will result in immense suffering, and weve seen it in the past, loss of life. So what monitoring, independent monitoring, will take place that will be reported to this House, and what threshold of suffering will it take to take an alternative route to supporting disabled people?

Ms Kendall responded: I take very seriously the issues that Ive announced today. We absolutely want to make sure that all of the assessment processes and training are properly scrutinised, and we are overhauling our safeguarding processes.



But let me just say this, my objective is to improve the lives and life chances of sick and disabled people, for those who can work, to support them, to get into work, for those who will never work, to protect them, switching off the reassessments that have been done to give them dignity and respect.

02:02 PM GMT

Welfare cuts could push more disabled people to food banks, warns Trussell

Trussell, the anti-hunger charity, said the Governments welfare cuts risked pushing more people into using food banks.

Helen Barnard, director of policy, research and impact at Trussell, said: Were deeply concerned by the cuts announced to disability payments today. People at food banks have told us they are terrified of how they might survive.

We welcome the positive proposals from the Department for Work and Pensions to boost the basic rate to Universal Credit and invest in employment support. However, we fear these steps will be undermined by a Treasury drive to make short-term savings.

Huge cuts risk pushing more disabled people to the doors of food banks, and will have devastating consequences for us all. The UK Government was elected on manifesto pledges to end the need for emergency food parcels. This isnt what people voted for.

01:56 PM GMT

Benefit cuts a violation of human rights, claims Amnesty UK

Amnesty UK, a human rights charity, claimed the cuts to welfare spending represented a violation of human rights.

Jen Clark, economic and social rights lead at Amnesty UK, said: There can be no other way to view todays decision but as a hastily applied financial penalty applied only to people in need that will cause more harm and is a violation of human rights.

In his own words, the Prime Minister has been clear there is both a moral and an economic case for fixing our broken social security system, but his proposed safety net is full of holes. There needs to be total reform.

The voices dominating this issue should not be from politicians, but from the millions of people who live the daily reality of a devastating domino effect as their access to housing crumbles, secure healthcare is swept away, and the most basic essentials slip out of reach.

A fiscal problem is not going away by raiding the pockets of people who are struggling the most. Abandoning some of the most vulnerable in our society cannot be a solution to prop up the economy.

01:53 PM GMT

Disability charity slams draconian benefit cuts

Sense, the national disability charity, criticised the Government for imposing draconian benefit cuts.

James Watson-ONeill, chief executive at Sense, said: Disabled people need greater support from the government, not draconian cuts that will drive more disabled people into poverty.

We are deeply concerned about the devastating impact these cuts will have on those disabled people who are unable to work. They deserve vital financial protection.

Our research has shown that half of disabled people with complex needs who are unable to work already cant afford the support and equipment they require  these cuts could push many further into crisis.

01:49 PM GMT

Scope: Biggest cuts to disability benefits on record should shame Government to its core

Scope, the disability equality charity, said the Government was choosing to penalise some of the poorest people in our society with its benefit cuts.

James Taylor, executive director of strategy at Scope, said: The biggest cuts to disability benefits on record should shame the Government to its core.

They are choosing to penalise some of the poorest people in our society. Almost half of families in poverty include someone who is disabled.



Life costs more if you are disabled. Ripping 5bn out of the system by 2030 will be a catastrophe for disabled peoples living standards and independence.

01:47 PM GMT

Kendall backs calls for more young people to join armed forces

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall backed calls for more young people to join the armed forces to help cut unemployment rates.



Conservative MP Mark Pritchard told the House of Commons: Youth unemployment stood at 642,000 as of the last quarter of 2024, a rise of 136,000 on 2023, and a youth unemployment rate of 14.8%.



She mentions earlier in her statement earn and learn, does she agree with me that one way of perhaps attracting some people back into work is for her to have discussions with her colleague in the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Secretary?



And would she agree with me that getting more young people into His Majestys armed forces  Air Force, Navy, Army  would be a starting place?



Ms Kendall replied: I absolutely agree with the honourable gentleman. Indeed, before I was appointed to this position in opposition, as a constituency MP, I have discussed with my local jobcentre and the armed forces recruitment precisely these issues because of the really exciting careers and opportunities that are available, I think are really important for young people in my constituency and the one that he represents.



And I will certainly be having more conversations with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence to make sure we put this plan into action.

01:46 PM GMT

Cutting PIP will not help disabled people who want to work, says Labour MP

Labour MP Florence Eshalomi warned that cuts to personal independence payments (PIP) would not address the reasons why many sick and disabled people are out of work.



She questioned how people would be able to seek reasonable adjustments from their employers when it took her six months to navigate the system for a member of her own team.



She said: I agree with the Secretary of State that many disabled and sick people want to work. But the reality is, cutting PIP will not address the reasons why they dont.



In response, Liz Kendall said: I know my Hon Friend is an absolute passionate advocate of these issues, and shes right. We have to do far more to work with employers to ensure that those basic, reasonable adjustments need to be made.

01:36 PM GMT

Welfare changes could increase child poverty, warns charity

Save the Children UK warned child poverty levels could rise as a result of Labours welfare reforms.

Dan Paskins, executive director of policy, advocacy and campaigns at the charity, said: We fear child poverty levels will rise in families where someone has a disability as a direct result of these reforms.

Across the country 870,000 children live in families that receive personal independence payments (PIP), and 290,000 of these children are already in poverty. While we welcome the increase to the standard allowance of Universal Credit, any reduction in income for families with a disabled parent means more children will suffer.

For a Prime Minister who acknowledged in his manifesto that childrens life chances are being scarred by rising poverty, these changes do not display a serious intent to drive down levels of hardship.

The UK Government must now publish their promised child poverty strategy and take immediate action to reduce child poverty levels.

01:34 PM GMT

MS Society condemns immoral, devastating and cruel benefit cuts

The MS Society described Labours cuts to the benefits system as immoral and devastating as it called for a rethink.

Charles Gillies, senior policy officer at the MS Society and policy co-chair at the Disability Benefits Consortium, said: These immoral and devastating benefits cuts will push more disabled people into poverty, and worsen peoples health.

The harmful changes to PIP will make it even harder for disabled people  including many with MS  to manage the overwhelming additional costs of their condition, from wheelchairs to visits from carers.

And any targeted cuts to disabled people on Universal Credit (UC) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) will largely hit those who are unable to work and rely on these benefits to survive. We are united in urging the government to abandon these cruel cuts.

01:31 PM GMT

PCS union savages Labours abhorrent benefit cuts

The PCS union described Labours welfare cuts as abhorrent.

Fran Heathcote, PCS general secretary, said: Targeting the most vulnerable with benefit cuts to meet arbitrary fiscal rules is an immoral choice at any time, but at a time of rising poverty, long NHS waiting lists and when the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite is abhorrent.

PCS members working in Jobcentres want to support people into work and help people to claim the benefits to which they are entitled. Instead, too often they are forced into administrating a punitive tick-box regime that does nothing to support people.

The urgent reform needed is to invest in the jobcentre workforce and to increase the rates of benefits in this country  which are among the lowest in the western world, leaving people in poverty and destitution.

PCS will be campaigning with allies to oppose these cruel cuts.

01:29 PM GMT

Labour MP urges Kendall to examine case for wealth tax

Clive Efford, the Labour MP for Eltham and Chislehurst, said the Government should be looking at ways to tax wealth as well as reforming the benefits system.



Speaking in the House of Commons, he said: Ive heard many people make a moral case for the changes that [Liz Kendall] has announced today. But does she agree that over the last 20 years, those people with large amounts of wealth have done extremely well whilst average household incomes have stagnated and the standard of living for the overwhelming majority has gone down?

So whilst we make a moral case for changes to the benefits system, shouldnt we also be making a case for how we tax wealth as opposed to income?



Ms Kendall responded: [He] is right that those with the broadest shoulders should bear the biggest burden, and thats why Im very proud that we have tackled issues like closing loopholes in the non-dom tax status, why weve looked at the profits of the energy companies and many other areas. I think that is an absolute principle for this Labour Party of fairness in the tax system.

Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, addresses the House of Commons this afternoon - Reuters

01:26 PM GMT

Labours back to work drive risks being dead on arrival

Labours plan to get more people back to work will not succeed unless the Government ends its attacks on businesses, the TaxPayers Alliance campaign organisation warned.

John OConnell, chief executive of the TPA, said: It is difficult to take the governments claim that it wants to get people back to work seriously given its relentless assault on British businesses and taxpayers.



Liz Kendall talks about giving benefits claimants the right to try work, yet her colleagues are effectively banning companies from the right to try new employees through the employment rights bill. This is on top of the crippling hike in the jobs tax which will particularly increase the cost of hiring part-time staff.



The Work and Pensions Secretary needs to convince her Cabinet colleagues to cease their attacks on the private sector, otherwise her ambition to increase employment and cut the benefits bill will be dead on arrival.

01:24 PM GMT

Government not serious about cutting welfare bill, suggest Lib Dems

Ministers cannot hope to address the spiralling welfare bill until it gets serious about social care reform, according to the Liberal Democrats.

Steve Darling, the partys work and pensions spokesman, said: If the Government was serious about cutting welfare spending it would get serious about fixing health and social care and the broken Department of Work and Pensions.

That is why it has been so disappointing to see the Governments lack of urgency in this area, putting their social care review on a three-year timeline, kicking projects like new hospitals into the long grass, and still no overhaul of the Department.

Until that changes, no meaningful drop in the welfare bill will arrive, and the misery that people are suffering will continue.

01:21 PM GMT

SNP accuse Labour of turbo-charging austerity

Labours 5 billion welfare cuts are a total betrayal of the promises they made to voters at the election, according to the SNP.

Stephen Flynn, the SNPs leader in Westminster, said the devastating cuts will harm the most vulnerable, push disabled people into poverty, and mark the start of a new era of austerity cuts.

He said: During the election, voters were promised there would be no return to austerity cuts but Keir Starmer has taken the axe to winter fuel payments, pushed children into poverty, blocked compensation for Waspi women - and now he is taking vital support away from the disabled.

Under Keir Starmer, poverty and inequality are rising. The rich are getting richer but the rest of us are paying the price for the Labour governments failure - as the UK economy tanks, the cost of energy, food and bills soar, and Westminster cuts hit millions of families.

This isnt the change that voters were promised - and people in Scotland will not forgive the Labour Party for turbo-charging austerity and imposing worse cuts than the Tories.

01:19 PM GMT

Analysis: Labour benches full of shaking heads and stony faces

Labour MPs on the backbenches do not seem enthusiastic at all about this statement from Liz Kendall, writes Tony Diver from his seat in the House of Commons press gallery.

Usually, on a tricky day for the government, one would expect to see MPs cheering on the minister facing hostility from the party opposite.

Today, there are shaking heads, stony faces and despair among the Left-wing MPs, and some half-hearted murmurs of agreement from some of the more ambitious backbenchers.

It seems the Government has made a show of putting minsters who opposed these reforms in last weeks Cabinet meeting on the front bench next to Ms Kendall. Angela Rayner and Lucy Powell were both beside her as she delivered the statement.

01:17 PM GMT

Labour MP: Benefit cuts will cause pain to millions

Labour MP Clive Lewis said the Governments welfare reforms will cause pain and difficulty to millions of people.

He asked Liz Kendall in the House of Commons: Can I ask the minister, when they made the decision to go down this route, did they understand the pain and difficulty that this will cause millions of people, millions of our constituents who are using food banks, who are using social supermarkets, people who are on the brink?

This 5 billion cut is going to impact them more than I think her department is giving credit for and I would like her department to be able to look my constituents in the eye when I go back to them to tell them that this is going to work for them because as things stand my constituents, my friends, my family are very angry about this and they do not think this is the kind of action that a Labour government takes.

01:09 PM GMT

Senior Labour MP: Ministers balancing the books on back of sick and disabled

A senior Labour MP warned the Government was seeking to balance the books on the backs of the sick and disabled.

Debbie Abrahams, the chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, said she recognised the difficult financial circumstances faced by ministers.

But she said: In spite of the 5 billion being said by the party opposite [the Tories] to be a [small] figure, it is actually the largest cut in social security support since 2015.

And I would put that there are alternative, more compassionate ways to balance the books rather than on the back of sick and disabled people.

01:02 PM GMT

Labour welfare reforms are too little, too late, claim Tories

Helen Whately, the shadow work and pensions secretary, said the Tories agreed with Labour that the welfare bill is too high.

Left unchecked it will rise to 100 billion by the end of the decade, she said.

Spending more on sickness benefits than we do on defence is not the sign of a strong country.

Ms Whately said that at every point over the last 14 years Labour had opposed Tory plans to overhaul the benefits system.

The senior Tory MP said Labours announcements raised more questions than answers.

Fundamentally this is too little, too late, she said. The fact is 5 billion just doesnt cut it with a bill so big, going up so fast. She needed to be tougher.

12:56 PM GMT

Kendall: Welfare reforms will save 5bn

Liz Kendall said the Governments welfare reforms will save more than 5 billion.

The Work and Pensions Secretary announced that the eligibility criteria for personal independence payments will be tightened.

She told the House of Commons: We will not freeze PIP either. Instead our reforms will focus support on those with the greatest needs.

We will legislate for a change in PIP so people will need to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living element of PIP from November 2026.

This will not effect the mobility component of PIP and only relates to the daily living element.

There will also be a review of the PIP assessment process.

This is a significant reform package that is expected to save over 5 billion in 2029/30 and the OBR will set out their final assessment of the costings next week, she said.

12:50 PM GMT

Kendall promises more benefit claim reassessments

Liz Kendall said Labour will turn reassessments back on at scale for benefit claimants who have health conditions which can fluctuate.

The Work and Pensions Secretary said more of those reassessments will be done face-to-face and they will be recorded as standard.

However, she said people with the worst health conditions which do not change will be never reassessed.

12:46 PM GMT

Labour introducing right to try to help people find work without losing benefits

Liz Kendall said the Government will legislate to introduce a right to try.

This will mean benefit claimants will be able to seek work without being fearful of losing their financial support.

This will enable more people to take the plunge and try to find work.

12:43 PM GMT

Government will do far more to keep people in work, says minister

The benefits system will always provide financial support for the people who really need it, Liz Kendall insisted.

She told MPs that is a principle we will never compromise on.

The Cabinet minister argued there needed to be a decisive shift to stopping people from falling out of the workforce.

She said the Government would do far more to help people stay in work and get back to work quickly.

12:40 PM GMT

Kendall: Welfare system is broken

Liz Kendall said there are millions of people across the UK who have become trapped on benefits when they could be working.

The Work and Pensions Secretary said the UK was an outlier when compared to other countries, with benefit spending still rising after the coronavirus pandemic rather than falling.

She told the House of Commons: This is the legacy of 14 years of Tory failure and today we say: No more.

She said the Governments welfare reforms will fix the nations broken system.

12:38 PM GMT

Current benefits system is holding our country back, says Kendall

Liz Kendall is now on her feet in the House of Commons.

Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner are both sat on the Government frontbench immediately behind her.

The Work and Pensions Secretary said the Government is ambitious for our people and our country.

But she said the current social security system is failing the very people it is supposed to help and holding our country back.

12:25 PM GMT

Kendall set to deliver statement on welfare reforms

The energy security and net zero questions session is just wrapping up in the House of Commons.

It should end just after 12.30pm and that is when Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, will rise to her feet to deliver her eagerly-anticipated statement on welfare reform.

You will be able to watch the statement live using the stream at the top of this page and I will guide you through the key developments.

12:17 PM GMT

Cabinet agrees welfare reforms

The Cabinet gave the green light to Sir Keir Starmers welfare reforms at a meeting in Downing Street this morning, No 10 said.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman told reporters: Cabinet obviously agreed the package of reforms that the Secretary of State will be presenting to Parliament shortly.

12:15 PM GMT

Pictured: Kendall leaves No10 after attending Cabinet meeting

Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, leaves Downing Street after attending a Cabinet meeting - Carl Court/Getty Images Europe

12:03 PM GMT

Welfare reforms do not mean return to austerity, says Sarwar

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has rejected claims that UK Government welfare cuts will amount to a return to austerity.

He insisted Sir Keir Starmers Government had to act to deal with the broken approach to social security payments left by the Tories and to put our finances on a sustainable footing.

But Mr Sarwar stressed that overall spending on welfare  both in Scotland and throughout the UK  would still increase, despite the changes being announced later today by Liz Kendall.

Speaking out on the issue today during a visit to the Babcock manufacturing yard in Rosyth, Ms Sarwar said: I have heard shouts of austerity from many an SNP politician, I think actually they need to look in the dictionary.

Austerity means when public spending is going down. Even with these changes that are being announced, welfare spending is projected to go up across the UK and go up in Scotland. That is not austerity, it is the very opposite of austerity.

11:51 AM GMT

Growing proportion of younger people amongst PIP claimants

The proportion of personal independence payments (PIP) claimants in England and Wales under the age of 30 has increased in recent years, from 14.5 per cent of the total in January 2020 to 16.4 per cent in January 2025.

People aged 30-44 made up 18.8 per cent of the total in January 2020 and 20.9 per cent in January 2025, according to official government data.

By contrast, the proportion of claimants who were aged 45-59 had fallen from 36.3 per cent in January 2020 to 30.1 per cent in January 2025, while the figure for 60 to 74 year-olds was broadly unchanged, rising very slightly from 30.5 per cent to 30.9 per cent.

11:34 AM GMT

Psychiatric disorders most common condition amongst PIP claimants

Data published by the Department for Work and Pensions this morning revealed the number of people entitled to personal independence payments (PIP) in England and Wales has continued to increase (see the post below at 09.53).

A deeper dive into the data highlighted what the most common conditions were amongst the almost 3.7 million people claiming PIP:

Psychiatric disorders (1.4 million claimants)

General musculoskeletal disease (691,000)

Neurological disease (467,000)

Specific musculoskeletal disease (437,000)

Disabling conditions involving psychiatric disorders accounted for 38.4 per cent of claimants in January 2025, up from 35 per cent five years earlier in January 2020.

General musculoskeletal disease accounted for 18.9 per cent, down from 20.6 per cent, and neurological disease accounted for 12.8 per cent, down from 14.4 per cent.

11:07 AM GMT

Kendall to deliver statement on welfare reforms just after 12.30pm

The House of Commons has just confirmed Liz Kendall will deliver a statement on the Governments welfare reforms this afternoon.

The Work and Pensions Secretary should be on her feet just after 12.30pm.

11:04 AM GMT

Pictured: Angela Rayner arrives in Downing Street for Cabinet meeting

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, arrives in Downing Street this morning - Carl Court/Getty Images Europe

10:43 AM GMT

Alcohol and drug abuse costs taxpayers 130m a year in disability benefits

Taxpayers are footing a 130m-a-year bill for disability benefit claims linked to alcohol and drug abuse, official statistics show.

More than 18,500 people who were eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in October last year received money to help cope with alcohol-related liver disease, or drug or alcohol misuse, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

This figure has climbed by almost a third since lockdown, while the number receiving the highest amount of support of more than 9,500 a year has more than doubled, hitting 7,406 last year.

You can read the full story here.

10:11 AM GMT

Labour MPs have duty to support welfare reforms, says Cabinet minister

Labour MPs have a duty to support changes to the welfare system as it was the word on our manifesto, Pat McFadden has suggested.

Asked what his message was to backbenchers who could vote against the Governments benefit cuts, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Look, Im not going to deny that in the history of the Labour Party, these issues about welfare and support have sometimes been difficult.

But when you get elected on a platform of change, and when you tell the public, the electorate, that you believe you have inherited a situation which needs change, then my message to any colleague in that position is, we have a duty to make those changes. It was the word on our manifesto.

And part of the change that we need is a welfare state that is better suited to the 21st century, that is sustainable for the future, that is there for people who need it, and that puts work at the heart of it.

And that is fully in line with the values of the Labour Party.

09:53 AM GMT

Number of PIP benefit claimants increases

The number of people entitled to claim personal independence payments (PIP) in England and Wales has increased, according to official statistics published this morning.

Numbers released by the Department for Work and Pensions revealed that at the end of January this year there were 3.7 million claimants entitled to PIP.

That was up by 2 per cent when compared to the previous set of numbers released in October last year and up by 12 per cent from 3.3 million in January 2024.

At the end of January 2020, before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the figure stood at 2.14 million.

Some 37 per cent of claimants received the highest level of award which was the same as in October.

PIP helps cover extra living costs for people who have a long-term disability or ill health.

09:40 AM GMT

Labour can be held together amid benefit cuts row, says minister

Pat McFadden said Labour can be held together in the coming days amid backbench anger over expected welfare cuts.

Asked whether he could hold the party together in the days and hours ahead after Diane Abbott criticised the decision to invest in defence while cutting the benefits bill, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told the BBC: Yes I can, and let me say two things. First of all, weve got a duty to defend the country, and the Cabinet, the Government has completely agreed on the need to increase defence expenditure.

Secondly, we are spending tens of billions on supporting people, and well continue to do that in the future, but if theres a proportion of the increasing number of people going on to these benefits who we think with a bit of extra support we could get into work, that is entirely in line with the values of the Labour Party and entirely in line with the duties of any Government, which is to face up to the big challenges facing the country.

And its in that spirit that the Government will bring forward its reform package later today.

09:28 AM GMT

Pictured: Bridget Phillipson arrives in Downing Street for Cabinet

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, arrives in Downing Street for a meeting of the Cabinet - James Manning/PA

09:20 AM GMT

Starmer faces down Labour rebels to drive through 6bn benefits cuts

Sir Keir Starmer will press ahead with plans for 6 billion of benefit cuts despite a growing Labour backlash, No 10 has insisted.

The Prime Minister is expected to unveil measures today that will lead to around a million people facing a reduction in, or the total loss of, their personal independence payments (PIP)  the benefits given to people who are disabled and unable to work to cover extra living costs.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, tried to counter criticism of the policy yesterday by noting that 1,000 new people signed up for the payments each day, arguing it was unsustainable.

You can read the full story here.

09:17 AM GMT

Labour all at sea over welfare cuts amid infighting, claim Tories

Andrew Bowie, the shadow energy secretary, claimed Labour was all at sea over the Governments welfare cuts.

Highlighting Labour divisions on the issue, the senior Tory MP told GB News: I think were more in agreement with the Labour government over reducing the huge welfare bill than the Labour Party is with the Labour Government, frankly.

The big difference between the Conservatives and Labour on welfare is that we are united in wanting to drive down the welfare bill and reform welfare in this country, the Labour Party is all at sea.

I think the infighting is plain for everybody in this country to see. They havent got a plan. They dont know what theyre doing. And the British people are suffering as a result.

08:54 AM GMT

Pictured: Attorney General Lord Hermer arrives at No10 ahead of Cabinet meeting

Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, arrives in Downing Street ahead of a meeting of the Cabinet - James Manning/PA

08:47 AM GMT

Increased reassessment of health conditions under welfare reforms, signals minister

Pat McFadden confirmed some people who receive long-term sickness benefits will see their payments reduced under the Governments reforms.

The senior Cabinet minister said the reforms will include more reassessment of peoples health conditions.

Asked if some people would be getting less, Mr McFadden told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: Reassessment is going to be part of the announcement today of conditions because we dont believe that every time someone is signed off sick that it is a permanent condition which lasts forever.

In some cases it will be and the system should always be there for people who need help. But some conditions wont be permanent and part of the system should be to ask the question periodically, could this person benefit from support to get themselves into work?

What we wont do is sit back and relax and pretend it is a progressive thing to watch 2 million, then 3 million, then 4 million people go onto these benefits, many of them never working, not all of them, but many of them never working. That isnt a progressive thing to do.

08:31 AM GMT

Tax rises cannot replace welfare cuts, McFadden tells Labour MPs

Pat McFadden challenged Labour critics of the Governments planned welfare cuts as he insisted the money could not be found elsewhere.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said he did not believe you can, in the end, tax and borrow your way out of the need to reform the state.

Critics have urged ministers to drop the cuts and increase taxes on the wealthiest in society instead.

Mr McFadden told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: There are always going to be people who say elsewhere. We have a progressive tax system, the top 1 per cent pay about a third of tax.

I dont think you can, in the end, tax and borrow your way out of the need to reform the state.

He added: We cannot sit back and relax as millions, literally millions of people, go onto these benefits with little or no hope of work in the future.

We have a duty to face up to that. It goes with the territory of governing. We are going to face up to that duty and we are going to come out of this with a system that is there for those who need it and puts the support in place for people who could work.

08:24 AM GMT

Pictured: Wes Streeting arrives in Downing Street ahead of Cabinet meeting

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, arrives in Downing Street this morning - James Manning/PA

08:16 AM GMT

McFadden: Benefit claimants must not languish on support forever

People on long-term sickness benefits should not languish there forever, Pat McFadden said as he confirmed reassessment reforms would be among welfare changes set out by the Government today.

Asked whether support for people with mental health conditions should be time-limited, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told Times Radio: We do think it requires support, but we dont think it renders people permanently reassessments will be part of the package announced today.

We want people, if theyre on long-term sickness benefits, not to languish there forever, but to be reassessed. There have been too few reassessments in recent years.

08:06 AM GMT

Financial safety net will always be there for people who cannot work, says minister

There will always be state financial assistance available for people who are unable to work, Pat McFadden said as he defended the plan to cut welfare spending.

The Chancellor of the Duchy Lancaster said the aim of the Governments reforms was to help more people who can work actually do so.

What we want to do is put in place a system which has support there for people who cant work, that will always be there, but also support for people who with a bit of extra support could work, he told Sky News.

Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, is pictured this morning leaving her London home - Jeremy Selwyn /SelwynPics

07:56 AM GMT

Minister fails to rule out Cabinet resignations over benefit cuts

Pat McFadden failed to rule out the possibility of Cabinet resignations over the Governments plan to cut welfare spending.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said I dont see why anyone should make that move and resign over this but he could not offer any guarantees.

Asked during an interview on Sky News if there could be a resignation, he said: Look, I dont see why there should be because as the party of work, the party of labour, we want to do everything we can to support people who could work get into work.

Told that it was striking that he was not sure, he said: No, I dont see why anyone should make that move and resign over this.

200,000 of those 2.8 million say they would work right now with a bit of support. We think that number can grow. That is in their interests and in the countrys interests as a whole.

07:38 AM GMT

Cabinet definitely united behind benefit cuts plan, insists McFadden

The Cabinet is united behind the Governments plans to tackle the nations growing benefits bill, Pat McFadden has insisted.

Asked whether the whole Cabinet supported the move to make major cuts, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told Times Radio: Yes, I believe the Cabinet is united behind taking on the issue of the growing benefits bill.

He said the current system leaves too many people in a permanent state of dependence on benefits without the opportunity of work.

He later told Sky News: I think the Cabinet is definitely united behind dealing with the problem of a welfare system which is seeing more and more people going onto long-term sick ness and disability benefits in a way that makes us an outlier compared to the rest of the G7.

We are the only major industrialised nation which has a lower proportion of people in work now than before the pandemic. There is about 2.8 million people on long-term sickness and disability benefits right now.

If we dont do anything about this that number is projected to grow to more than 4 million people by the end of the decade.

07:30 AM GMT

How the benefit cuts will be announced

Sir Keir Starmer will convene a meeting of his Cabinet in 10 Downing Street this morning from 9.30am.

Senior ministers will be asked to sign off on the welfare reforms which Liz Kendall will formally announce at lunchtime.

The Work and Pensions Secretary is expected to deliver a statement in the House of Commons just after 12.30pm - although it could be a bit later than that if there are any urgent questions granted beforehand by Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

It is a big moment for Ms Kendall and given Labour disquiet about the cuts she could face a difficult and lengthy grilling in the chamber.

The Government is also expected to publish an 80-plus page green paper setting out its plans in full after she finishes speaking.

07:23 AM GMT

Labour set to confirm 6bn benefit spending cuts

It is a big day in Westminster today as Sir Keir Starmer and his Government prepares to press ahead with an expected 6 billion cut to welfare spending.

There is a growing Labour backlash over the plans but the Prime Minister is expected to implement measures which will likely lead to around a million people facing a reduction in, or the total loss, of their personal independence payments (PIP).

That is the benefit given to people who are disabled and unable to work to cover extra living costs.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, tried to counter criticism of the policy on Monday by noting that 1,000 new people signed up for the payments each day, arguing it was unsustainable.

Labour MPs were called into Downing Street on Monday in a last-minute attempt to win them over by briefing them about the rising cost of the welfare budget.

You can read everything we know about what is coming in this story here and I will guide you through the key developments as they unfold today.
Lammy and EU foreign affairs chief to talk about ramping up pressure on Russia

The EUs foreign affairs chief is to meet David Lammy and John Healey to talk about scaling up economic pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine.

It comes as the UK and France continue their efforts to bring together a coalition of nations who would be willing to enforce a peace deal.

The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary are due to meet Kaja Kallas on Tuesday, with conversations expected to touch on EU-UK co-operation on Ukraine, as well as how they can put financial pressure on Moscow and ensure damage in Ukraine is paid for.

They are also expected to discuss action against cyberattacks and disinformation.

Ms Kallas is also expected to receive a briefing from the Chief of the Defence Staff.

Before Tuesdays meeting, Mr Lammy said: A strong and secure Britain is a foundation of our Plan for Change. This cannot be achieved without strengthening our shared European security and coming together with our partners to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

More than three years on since (Russian President Vladimir) Putins illegal full-scale invasion, we are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for our continent. Its vital we upgrade our partnership with the EU and work together to bring an end to this war and deliver security of all of our citizens.

Mr Healey said: This Government is stepping up on European security; deepening our defence relationship with our EU and Nato allies is vital during this critical period.

European security starts in Ukraine. The UK and EU are united in our resolve to back Ukraine with the military firepower they need to stand up to Russias illegal invasion and secure a lasting peace.

Mr Lammy met US vice president JD Vance in Washington over the weekend and discussed the USs now-ended pause on military intelligence sharing and the prospect of a ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump is due to continue his attempts to broker peace on Tuesday by speaking to Mr Putin, who continues to resist an American-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.

Kaja Kallas (Jacob King/PA)

In a post on his Truth Social social media site on Monday night, Mr Trump said: Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains.

Thousands of young soldiers, and others, are being killed. Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW. I look very much forward to the call with President Putin.

It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney to Downing Street on Monday.

Mr Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau last week, was among international leaders on a phone call about Sir Keirs coalition of the willing to enforce a peace deal in Ukraine.

More than 30 countries are ready to be involved, either by providing troops or contributing logistics or background support, No 10 said.

Sir Keir still believes a US security guarantee is necessary for his European-led peacekeeping plan to operate successfully, Downing Street said.
Lammy voices need for lasting Ukraine peace ahead of meeting with EU official

David Lammy has reiterated the need for an enduring and a lasting peace in Ukraine, ahead of talks with the EUs high representative on foreign affairs.

The Foreign Secretary hosted Kaja Kallas at Carlton Gardens on Tuesday, and said that they would work on a range of issues.

Mr Lammy touched on the pair having met a lot recently, but claimed it was the first time a UK foreign secretary had hosted the EUs foreign affairs representative in five years.

In comments ahead of their talks, Mr Lammy said: We know that we are meeting at a very tough geopolitical moment in which there is of course war in Europe and our deep concern is to continue to support Ukraine at this time, and of course to achieve an enduring and a lasting peace.

Kaja Kallas at Carlton Gardens (Isabel Infantes/PA)

He also pointed to huge challenges in the Middle East and war in Africa.

He said that they will work on a range of issues such as the UKs partnership with the EU, defence and geopolitical challenges, as well as other issues such as climate.

Ms Kallas  who also serves as vice president of the European Commission  is also due to meet Defence Secretary John Healey later on Tuesday.

She hailed the good co-operation between the UK and the EU, ahead of her discussions with Mr Lammy.

She also referred to the pair seeing each other often recently and said: I think that shows the good co-operation we have with Great Britain and European Union.

She added: Like you say, in these turbulent times, we have to work closely together with those partners that share the same values as we do.

There are many issues around the world where I think our co-operation is very much needed.

She said that there is so much more we can do and described the foundation of our relationship as very strong.

We need to build on that, she said, pointing to foreign policy as well as security and defence.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron have been leading efforts to form a coalition of nations who would be willing to support a peacekeeping force in the event of a deal in Ukraine.
Emmanuel Macron has shown his willingness to extend Frances deterrent to protect Germany, still under the leadership of Olaf Scholz, from Russia - AP/Michael Kappeler

Nuclear-armed fighter jets will be sent to an airbase near Frances German border by 2035, Emmanuel Macron said in a sign of his countrys willingness to extend its deterrent to protect Berlin from Russia.

In a speech at the Luxeuil-les-Bains base, Mr Macron said France would buy more Rafale warplanes as Donald Trump was holding controversial ceasefire talks with Vladimir Putin without Ukraine.

The French president later travelled to Germany to meet Friedrich Merz, the incoming Chancellor, who secured parliamentary backing for an unprecedented debt package to lavish over a trillion euros on the countrys run-down military and infrastructure.

The chancellor-in-waiting has said he will ask France and the UK for shelter under their nuclear umbrellas, if the US pulls out of Nato, and urges Europe to stand on its own two feet on defence.

By 2035, Luxeuil-les-Bains will become the first base to receive the next version of the Rafale and its hypersonic nuclear missile, Mr Macron said.

Our country and our continent will have to continue to defend themselves, to equip themselves, to prepare if we want to avoid war.

No one can say what will happen in the coming months and years. What I want is for us to be ready. What I want is for us to be protected.

Mr Macron said our country and our continent will have to continue to defend themselves if we want to avoid war - AFP/Ludovic Marin

France spends about 2 per cent of GDP on defence but Mr Macron wants to increase that to 3.5 per cent.

He said France would invest nearly 1.5 billion to adapt the base, which the Elysee said plays a central role in protecting the interests of the Transatlantic Alliance [Nato] and beyond.

European leaders are horrified that Mr Trump has begun negotiations with Russia without both Ukraine and Europe present.

The US presidents apparent adoption of Kremlin talking points, such as blaming Ukraine for the invasion, has exacerbated European fears over the countrys reliability and the continents dependence on US arms.

Unlike the UKs Trident, which requires US support, Frances deterrent is truly independent.

Mr Macron has been urging Europe to build its ability to act independently of Washington since Mr Trumps first term in office. At the weekend, he said he wanted to offer Europeans the Dassault-made Rafales as an alternative to US F-35 jets

On March 6, France offered its nuclear shield to EU allies at a European Council summit in Brussels, sparking fury at the Kremlin, which compared him to Napoleon.

2802 Nuclear weapons by country

The French president had twice before offered his countrys deterrent to EU allies before Mr Merz said he wanted to discuss it seriously shortly before his election victory last month.

Poland is among the other EU members open to considering the idea, which would require a change in French nuclear doctrine. Paris insists the final decision on whether to use the bomb would be its alone.

In February, The Telegraph reported that France was considering deploying fighter jets carrying nuclear arms to Germany to send a message to Putin.

Merz already changing Germanys outlook

On election night, Mr Merz, a staunch Atlanticist, dramatically broke with Washington, calling for Europe to achieve real independence from the US.

After the Bundestag backed the centre-Right politicians plan to relax strict fiscal rules, he said it was the first major step towards a new European defence community.

He needed a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag to pass the legislation due to the fact that it required a change to the countrys constitution, which imposes strict limits on borrowing.

The bill passed comfortably with only seven lawmakers voting against or abstaining, despite speculation CDU lawmakers could rebel.

The vote was rushed through the outgoing German parliament before the new voting body could assemble.

After the hard-Right and hard-Left made significant election gains in Februarys election, Mr Merz would have struggled to pass his bill without relying on votes from the fringes.

But the decision to use the old parliament to tie down the spending options of the new one led to furious accusations from the hard-Right AfD that Mr Merz had carried out a coup.

Clear message Germany is determined to invest in defence

Mr Merz had presented himself as the candidate of fiscal discipline in opposition to Olaf Scholz, the defeated chancellor, who advocated taking on more debt to deal with the threat from Russia.

In a spectacular U-turn, Mr Merz announced days after the election that he wanted to take on the largest debt package in the modern countrys history.

Opponents say that the real intention of the debt package is to smooth out a coalition with the Social Democrats, who reject the welfare cuts Mr Merz advocated before the election. Mr Merz hopes a coalition government will be in office by Easter.

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said the vote sent a very clear message to Europe that Germany is determined to invest massively in defence.

EU leaders meet in Brussels on Thursday for a summit, which is being held after Ms Von der Leyen launched a 800 billion plan to boost defence manufacturing and spending in Europe.
After a full-frontal scene in The White Lotus, Jason Isaacs has been unable to escape x-rated questions

I dont think that people really want to know how the sausage is made.

Its the quote of the week, no contest. But its also a clever deflection from actor Jason Isaacs, who  when asked whether he wore a prosthetic for his full-frontal scene in the third and current season of The White Lotus  wasnt going to give anything away.

If youve seen the scene, youll understand why the 61-year-old Brit might be keen to leave that particular question as open as the dressing gown his embattled character is wearing when he accidentally exposes himself to his children. Although obviously, this has only fanned the flames, and when asked about it for the umpteenth time on the US news programme, CBS Mornings, the Golden Globe- and Bafta-nominated actor strategically decided to move on to sexist outrage.

The CBS presenters wouldnt dream of asking a similar question of his female co-stars, would they? Certainly, nobody asked Oscar-winner Mikey Madison about her nude scenes in Anora, he pointed out, and she was naked all the time. Likewise for Margaret Qualley in The Substance, he went on, adding: I think its interesting that theres a double standard for men.

First of all, women have literally only been asked about nudity and sex on screen from the moment there was sex and nudity on screen. And I say this as a journalist who has done exactly that with any actress promoting a film in which she appears naked. Was it nerve-racking? Was it empowering? Has the internet age made it less appealing? Its a titillating subject, granted, but also a valid question, given how much attitudes have changed over time.

I dont think Ive asked a single male actor about on-screen nudity, purely because up until a few years ago, it never happened. Now, dressing gowns are falling open everywhere, if you get my drift. Sense8, Euphoria, Scenes From a Marriage, Sex/Life, Succession, Pam & Tommy, The Leftovers, Looking, Outlander, Shameless, Togetherness, Easy, The Affair  all of these featured male frontal nudity. And it always seemed to be completely gratuitous.

Is that a problem? Im not sure. If its a reaction to #MeToo and an attempt to even out inequalities, then it feels a little heavy-handed. If its a way of grabbing our attention in a saturated media landscape, then its perhaps a little lazy  but highly effective. Either way, I think were set to see a lot more of it. And stars, male and female, can at least breathe a sigh of relief that the British comedian, Dennis Pennis, is no longer around to ambush them on the red carpet with a question like the one he infamously asked Demi Moore. Are there any circumstances, if it wasnt gratuitous and it was tastefully done, where you would consider keeping your clothes on in a movie?
Conor McGregor does not represent the men of Ireland, an Irish Government minister has said.

The mixed martial artist has been condemned by the most senior figures in Irelands coalition after he criticised the Government on a range of issues during a meeting with US President Donald Trump on St Patricks Day.

McGregor praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the President described him as fantastic.

The Dubliner told reporters in the West Wing that he was going to voice concerns about immigration issues in Ireland when he spoke to Mr Trump.

McGregor, who has previously stated an intent to run for the Irish presidency, claimed the Irish Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

Irelands premier Micheal Martin, who had met Mr Trump days earlier, and deputy premier Simon Harris have described McGregors comments as wrong and not representative of Ireland.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Conor McGregor spoke to the media in the US (AP)

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand.

McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe (Brian Lawless/PA)

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said his heart fell when he saw that McGregor had been invited to the Oval Office, and added that he does not represent the men of Ireland.

We are trying to create a very different Ireland. Conor McGregor did not represent Ireland in his engagement with President Trump.

We are a country that is about making the case for openness, for decency, for respect.

For respect in terms of how men treat women, and for making the case for the progress that we have to make in that area.

Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the meeting between Mr Trump and McGregor was a very sinister event.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin spoke out against the mixed martial arts fighter (Niall Carson/PA)

Ms Morrogh described the engagement as an attempt to normalise sexual violence and rebuild McGregors reputation.

She told RTEs News At One that she was writing to the US embassy over what she said was a really callous indifference to every survivor of sexual violence.

Asked about Mr Martins criticism, McGregor told Sky News: I am an employer of over 200 people, almost 300 people in the country of Ireland. Hes an employer of none.

Every available metric available to us has shown that the Government of Ireland currently has failed the people of Ireland.

In 10 years, Dublin City Centre has gone from one of the most safest cities in Europe, to one of the most dangerous.

So, shame on him for saying that, speaking down on an Irishman. I wont speak about him personally, throw a jab  I could, I could throw many jabs at him, I could throw jabs handily at them.

However, I speak on the metrics, and the metrics show they failed the people of Ireland. They do not represent the people of Ireland.

Asked how he would respond to people who said it is inappropriate for him to attend the White House, McGregor walked away after saying: God bless Ireland and God bless America.

US President Donald Trump and Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Donohoe said the Government had invested in the city, the country, and the Irish police service An Garda Siochana.

He acknowledged that there are concerns around safety in the country and added: We will ultimately make even more progress in the time ahead but we dont make our country any safer by talking in a way that adds to division.

We dont make our country any better by talking about messages that undermine the openness and the integration that is at the heart of the progress I believe our country has ahead.

Asked about McGregors statement, a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said it does not comment on uninformed, third-party remarks.

It is, however, a statement of fact that according to the Global Peace Index, Ireland is ranked second only to Iceland.

Furthermore, Ireland ranks as the thirteenth most safe country in the world under the specific category of Societal Safety and Security.

During his meeting with Mr Martin in the Oval Office last week, Mr Trump described McGregor as great when asked who he considered to be his favourite Irish person.
Irish premier Micheal Martin does not represent the people of Ireland, Conor McGregor has claimed, after being criticised by the Taoiseach.

It came after Irish political leaders said the mixed martial arts fighter does not speak for Ireland as he visited the White House for a St Patricks Day meeting with US President Donald Trump.

McGregor praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the President described him as fantastic.

The Dubliner told reporters in the West Wing that he was going to voice concerns about immigration issues in Ireland when he spoke to Mr Trump.

McGregor, who has previously stated an intent to run for the Irish presidency, claimed the Irish Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

Conor McGregor spoke to the media in the US (AP)

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand. McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the meeting between Mr Trump and McGregor was a very sinister event.

Ms Morrogh characterised the engagement as an attempt to normalise sexual violence and rebuild McGregors reputation.

She told RTEs News At One that she was writing to the US embassy over what she said was a really callous indifference to every survivor of sexual violence.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin spoke out against the mixed martial arts fighter (Niall Carson/PA)

In response to McGregors comments to reporters in the White House briefing room, Irish premier Micheal Martin later said his claims were wrong and did not reflect the views of the Irish people.

Deputy premier Simon Harris said that McGregor was not in the US to represent Ireland and did not speak for the people of Ireland, and has no mandate to.

Asked about Mr Martins criticism, Mr McGregor told Sky News: I am an employer of over 200 people, almost 300 people in the country of Ireland. Hes an employer of none.

Every available metric available to us has shown that the Government of Ireland currently has failed the people of Ireland.

In 10 years, Dublin City Centre has gone from one of the most safest cities in Europe, to one of the most dangerous.

So, shame on him for saying that, speaking down on an Irishman. I wont speak about him personally, throw a jab  I could, I could throw many jabs at him, I could throw jabs handily at them.

US President Donald Trump and Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Niall Carson/PA)

However, I speak on the metrics, and the metrics show they failed the people of Ireland. They do not represent the people of Ireland.

Asked how he would respond to people who said it is inappropriate for him to attend the White House, he walked away after saying: God bless Ireland and God bless America.

During a meeting with Mr Martin in the Oval office last week, Mr Trump described McGregor as great when asked who his favourite Irish person was.

The US president said the MMA fighter had the best tattoos Ive ever seen.

Conors great, right. But you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually, great fighters, he said.

Irelands always had a lot of good fighters.

You know why? Because theyre tough people, theyre smart people and theyre passionate people.
A bullfight at the Plaza de Toros Mexico, in Mexico City, Mexico, on 2 March 2025. Photograph: Mario Guzman/EPA

Mexico Citys congress has voted to ban traditional bullfights and replace them with a new form of bloodless spectacle, marking the latest episode in a years-long legal battle to outlaw the practice in the capital.

Animal rights activists celebrated the move on Tuesday  even if it wasnt the total ban on bullfighting they had been pushing for.

Bulls will no longer be subjected to the brutal cruelty of being repeatedly stabbed and ultimately killed in the ring, which is something we welcome, said Anton Aguilar, the executive director of Humane World for Animals Mexico, while noting that a bull event without violence does not mean one without suffering.

Mexico Citys bullfighting ring, Plaza Mexico, which with 42,000 seats is the biggest in the world, will in theory still hold bullfights  only without violence.

Whereas a traditional bullfight involves an array of lances, barbed spears and a slender sword for the killing blow, these new events will only allow the matadors to use the capes with which they draw the bulls to charge them.

The bulls horns will also be protected, to prevent harm to the matador or other animals.

The bloodless bullfights will be limited to 15 minutes  after which time the bulls will be sent back to their owners and ranches. It is now forbidden for them to die either inside or outside the ring.

The change stemmed from a citizens initiative which first proposed a total ban, only for the head of the Mexico City government, Clara Brugada, to modify it and introduce the concept of non-violent bullfights.

Brugada suggested that the move would allow them to retain the economic activity around bullfighting. Proponents claim the industry supports tens of thousands of jobs.

The spectacle of blood cannot be justified under any concept of art and tradition, said Brugada. Some will argue that it is part of traditions and culture, but culture, music and art, even rights, change, evolve, transform. We big cities are obliged to transform at the same time. Animal welfare is a right and a duty for society.

Related: Bullfighting in Mexico

Mexicos president, Claudia Sheinbaum, also spoke in support of the initiative.

The bullfighting industry rejected the new regulation and said they had not been consulted on it.

At a press conference, Salvador Arias, a lawyer from Tauromaquia Mexicana, an organisation that defends bullfighting, said Brugadas proposal for bloodless bullfights resembled one that was tried and failed in the Balearic Islands in Spain, where it won little interest from fans and was eventually thrown out by a Spanish court.

Indeed, animal rights groups are counting on that lack of interest. In a statement, Culture Without Torture regretted that the ban was not total, but added that in practice, we doubt that the proposed events will take place, since what fans of bullfighting truly want to see is blood.
Ed Miliband has previously argued against expanding airports, claiming it would breach his green targets - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

Heidi Alexander has said she would never accept the false trade-off that building new runways was in competition with meeting environmental targets in an apparent swipe at Ed Miliband.

The Transport Secretarys remarks will fuel speculation a third airport will receive Labours blessing for its expansion plans

Earlier this year, the Government backed Gatwick and Heathrows plans to build extra runways, while a deadline for Ms Alexander to give or withhold permission for Luton Airport to expand is due on April 3.

Prioritising economic growth over environmental protections has previously created tensions between the Treasury and Mr Miliband.

Speaking to senior executives at the AirportsUK trade associations annual dinner on Tuesday, Ms Alexander said: I will never accept the false trade-off that pits growing aviation against protecting our environment. I honestly believe we can and must do both.

That underpinned my announcement a few weeks ago on Gatwick, where I set a clear path for expansion if certain conditions are met.

And, of course, Ill be making an announcement on Luton very shortly.

Airports are bursting at the seams

Gatwick is expected to receive permission to bring its emergency standby runway into routine use if it meets Government-imposed targets on the proportion of passengers who travel there by public transport, and on noise mitigation measures.

Ms Alexander added: Now, my job has to be balancing the economic benefits of expansion with our social and environmental commitments.

She said that some major airports are bursting at the seams because capacity issues in the South East were long-ignored and too many people stuck their heads in the sand.

Last year, Heathrow handled a record-breaking 83.9 million passengers, as well as recording seven million travellers passing through the airport during Christmas and New Year.

Luton Airports proposal would involve expanding the single-runway airports current terminal building and constructing a second terminal.

It would also require extending the Dart rail link to the second terminal, new taxiways  which connect the runway to terminals, hangars and other facilities  and parking facilities.

Mr Miliband has previously argued against expanding airports, claiming it would breach the green targets he has set.

Although he described the suggestion that he would resign after the Government backed Heathrows third runway as ridiculous, the Energy Secretary is well known to prefer environmental targets over growth.

In January, he promised that the UK will slash its climate emissions by more than 60 per cent by 2035, in a move seen as risking direct conflict with the plans of Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, to drive economic growth through approving airport expansion.

Mr Miliband told the UN that the UK will cut its emissions, including from aviation, from 393m tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023 to 155m tonnes in 2035  a 61 per cent reduction.

Meanwhile, Ms Reeves has claimed airport expansion will not clash with Britains net-zero goals, arguing that so-called sustainable aviation fuels, made from sources such as recycled vegetable oil, will help to cut aviations carbon footprint.
The useable solid gold lavatory was created by artist Maurizio Cattelan - Leon Neal/Getty

The police force that caught the thieves who stole a 4.75 million golden lavatory want the publics help to find the missing gold.

Two men have been found guilty over the theft of the fully functioning 18-carat gold lavatory from Blenheim Palace in the early hours of Sept 14 2019.

The artwork, which was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, had been the star attraction of an exhibition at the Oxfordshire country house where Sir Winston Churchill was born.

Thieves drove across the grounds of the estate before breaking into the palace with sledgehammers and making off with the distinctive lavatory in just five minutes. It is believed to have since been dismantled and disposed of.

On Tuesday, jurors at Oxford Crown Court found Michael Jones, 39, guilty of burglary. Frederick Doe, 36, also known as Frederick Sines, was found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property, while Bora Guccuk, 41, from west London, was cleared of the same charge.

A fourth man, James Sheen, 40, who is reported to have been the heist gangs kingpin, had already pleaded guilty to the burglary of the lavatory.

Michael Jones, seen outside Oxford Crown Court, was found guilty of burglary - PA Wire

Following the verdicts, Thames Valley Police has urged anyone with information about the burglary or sale of the gold to contact the force.

Det Supt Bruce Riddell of Thames Valley Police said: As part of the investigation a number of other arrests were made but further charges could not be brought and it is clear that there are others who were involved in this crime.

If anyone has information that they have not already come forward with in relation to the burglary or the sale of the gold, then we would encourage them to get in touch with Thames Valley Police or Crimestoppers.

Jones, from Oxford, visited the palace twice before the theft, and even used the facility on his second visit  the day before the heist  describing the experience as splendid to the court.

He had also taken photographs of the lavatory and the window the thieves would later use to gain entry to the house.

Jones denied these were reconnaissance trips.

He was arrested on Oct 16 2019 and police found he had been searching for newspaper reports about the stolen lavatory on his phone, jurors were told previously.

The court previously heard that Jones had worked as a roofer and builder for Sheen and was effectively his right-hand man, trusted with arranging payments for his other employees.

Sheen, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, pleaded guilty to burglary of the lavatory, as well as conspiracy to transfer criminal property and one count of transferring criminal property, in April 2024.

He is currently serving a 17 year sentence for leading a gang of travellers on a year-long crime wave targeting ATMs, a Newmarket horse-racing museum and high-value tractors and construction vehicles in 2022.

Doe, of Windsor, Berkshire, helped Sheen to sell some of the gold in the weeks after the theft, the court heard.

Doe will be sentenced on May 19. Jones and Sheen will be sentenced at a date yet to be set.

Shan Saunders, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: This was an audacious raid which had been carefully planned and executed  but those responsible were not careful enough, leaving a trail of evidence in the form of forensics, CCTV footage and phone data.

It has been a complex case to prosecute, involving a nationwide investigation with many lines of inquiry to identify those who were subsequently charged in relation to the theft.

While none of the gold was ever recovered  no doubt having been broken up or melted down and sold on soon after it was stolen  we are confident this prosecution has played a part in disrupting a wider crime and money laundering network.

Blenheim Palace said in a statement: We are extremely pleased that, five years after the theft of Maurizio Cattelans artwork, America, three individuals have been brought to justice.

We would like to thank Thames Valley Police for their tireless work on this case and the highly professional way they have conducted their investigation into the theft from Blenheim Palace.
The Business Secretary will seek to make the case for exemptions to Donald Trumps global metal tariffs for Britains steel industry in talks on a new UK-US economic deal as he visits Washington.

Jonathan Reynolds will advance pragmatic and positive discussions on transatlantic trade as he meets his White House counterpart, the Government said.

Mr Reynolds will hold the first in-person talks with US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and US trade representative Jamieson Greer to take place under the new administration.

Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump discussed the situation in a call on Monday night, Downing Street said.

The leaders discussed the Business and Trade Secretarys visit to Washington today to progress talks on a wider economic deal, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (Alex Brandon/AP)

It comes after the US president told reporters aboard Air Force One there would be no exceptions to a 25% tax on global steel and aluminium imports.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) said Mr Reynolds would represent the interests of key industries including the UK steel sector and will kick off talks on securing a wider economic deal on the visit.

Unlike the EU, which announced counter-measures on a range of American goods, the UK Government has resisted taking immediate retaliatory action against the tariffs but says all options remain on the table to respond in the national interest.

Speaking ahead of the talks, the Business Secretary said: Protecting and growing the industries that power the UK and play a key role in delivering our Plan for Change is a priority for this government.

Todays visit to Washington DC is the latest step in our pragmatic and positive engagement with the new administration to agree a wider economic deal in both our interests.

The UK and US share a fair and balanced relationship, one that has benefited both sides for many decades, and we will both benefit as we strengthen this relationship further.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden told broadcasters Mr Reynolds would argue that free trade is in the interests of both the UK and US.

We are in roughly trade balance with the United States and so my colleague, Johnny Reynolds, the Business Secretary, is there to speak to the Commerce Secretary to argue that its in both our countrys interest to have free trade between us, he told Sky News.

The Government said around 5% of UK steel exports and 6% of aluminium exports by volume go to the US, although trade bodies for both industries claim that is an underestimate of the scale of shipments across the Atlantic.

The move is the latest blow to a steel industry, which has seen thousands of job losses in recent years due to issues including global competition, high energy costs and the shift to cleaner technologies.
A screen shot from CC video of the encounter at the gas station. Photograph: ABC 7 WBBJ TV

They allegedly stormed into the gasoline station outside Memphis, Tennessee, wielding pythons and  at fang point  stole $400 worth of CBD oil.

Now police are looking for suspects who were equipped in a manner rarely seen to pull off the robbery while those working at the store grapple with the stick-ups fallout.

Two brothers working at the store when the robbery occurred early in March more recently said they felt threatened by the four robbers they encountered who had two snakes among them.

Related: Its a cowboy show out there: the deadly lottery of the snakebite antivenom industry

They were just waving them around and putting them on the counter, employee Mayur Raval told local news station WREG. One person brought in one snake first, and then after that, he brought in another snake.

Surveillance footage released by the local police department shows one man holding a curled up snake in his hands over the counter  while another snake appears to be twisting in another mans hand.

I think they planned to successfully come here and rob the store, Raval said. The snake is a weapon, you know.

It is unclear if police agreed with Raval that the group was planning to use the snakes as weapons.

Nonetheless, in certain instances, authorities can treat a stick-up as a case of armed robbery as long as victims believe their attackers are toting weapons. That concept is often seen in cases in which robbers indicate that they have guns, such as by putting their empty hands in their pockets while saying they are armed and demanding valuables.

In one surveillance video, a man appears to run to the back as the group comes in with the snakes. The other cashier is later seen talking to the group, taking pictures of the snakes and briefly holding one for a photo.

After some time, a man with the group appears to grab a handful of CBD oil before running out to his car.

The snakes appeared to be pythons, which are not venomous and are legal to own in Tennessee as nonpoisonous reptiles. One was white, and the other appeared to be brown or a mix, Raval told WREG.

This is not the first time that people robbing a gas station used a snake during a heist.

In April, a man tried to rob a gas station with a 5ft-long snake wrapped around his neck. The cashier refused to open the register, and the man was eventually arrested on two counts of attempted aggravated robbery.
A gravity tractor could protect Earth from being hit by asteroids.

Earth could be protected from asteroids via a gravity tractor

The satellite's gravitational field could force the huge chunks of space rock to zoom past the planet.

Josef Aschbacher, director general of the European Space Agency (ESA), is quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying: "If the asteroid is in front of your door, more or less, it's too late, and we probably cannot do much.

"The earlier you detect an asteroid that might impact planet Earth, the higher the chances that it won't have negative impacts."

Astronomers were sent into a state of panic on December 27, 2024, as a death-defying asteroid called 2024 YR4 - dubbed the size of the London Eye - was spotted through a telescope in Chile.

It had a 2.3 per cent (one-in-43) before its original 1.2 per cent chance of crashing down on the planet on December 22, 2032.

Scientists from the ESA have confirmed the up to 300ft-wide menace affecting us has a 0.001 per cent chance of doing so.

However, despite it being 27 million miles away, it has been said it will return to our orbit in 2032.
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has said he never thought the show would still be going 20 years on from its revival.

Its A Sin creator Davies, 61, rebooted the popular sci-fi show in 2005 and said his secret weapon was actress Billie Piper, who played the Doctors companion  Rose Tyler.

Piper, 42, starred alongside Christopher Eccleston for one series, which began on March 26 2005, before Scottish actor David Tennant took on the mantle as the 10th incarnation of the Time Lord.

Billie Piper, Russell T Davies and David Tennant (PA Archive/PA Images)

Speaking to Radio Times, Davies said: It all felt terribly important.

Id loved Doctor Who all my life, and I think its return has now proved that its invulnerable.

But it didnt feel like that then. It felt very much last chance at the saloon.

The shows revival came more than 15 years after it was cancelled by the BBC following a 26-year run.

In that build-up to transmission, I felt like we had a secret weapon  and that was Billie Piper, Davies said.

Everyone knew Christopher Eccleston was a great actor, but knowing how good Billie was, was a terrific feeling.

Because people came to criticise, people came to mock, and people came to scorn.

Matt Smith on the cover of the Radio Times (Radio Times)

Speaking about the shows format, he added: Theres nothing quite like that anthology- show imagination of Doctor Who, where it takes these wild leaps from one episode to another.

The titular character of the BBC show is able to regenerate, meaning more than a dozen actors have now played the time-travelling alien.

Never, never, never, never would you have thought wed be here 20 years later, Davies said.

No programme would ever think that. Its astonishing. We were literally just hoping for a second year.

Davies replaced Chris Chibnall as showrunner following his exit from the series, alongside 13th Doctor Jodie Whittaker, in 2022.

In 2023, Tennant returned to the show and starred as the 14th Doctor for three special episodes marking the shows 60th anniversary.

Ncuti Gatwa is the current Doctor and his second series will officially launch on April 12 at 8am on BBC iPlayer and later that day on BBC One in the UK.
Gender neutral lavatory

The SNP governments self-ID policy allowing trans civil servants to access female toilets will be reviewed if two landmark legal rulings suggest it is unlawful, Scotlands most senior mandarin has said.

John-Paul Marks, the Scottish Governments permanent secretary, expressed confidence that the policy allowing male-bodied trans employees to use the facilities they feel most comfortable with was legal.

But he said the guidance would be looked at again following a forthcoming ruling in an employment tribunal in Scotland about the right of trans people to access female-only areas.

NHS Fife accused nurse Sandie Peggie of misconduct after she challenged the presence of Dr Beth Upton, who was born male but identifies as a woman, in a female changing room in a hospital.

The UK Supreme Court will also shortly issue its ruling over the definition of woman and whether it includes a trans person with a gender recognition certificate.

The Scottish Governments lawyers argued during the case, which was brought by the feminist campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS), that Equality Act protections are capable of applying to a pregnant man who was born female.

Mr Marks told Holyroods finance and public administration committee that the Scottish Government would make any adjustment to operating practice that was required after the legal judgements were issued.

He also told MSPs that the Scottish Government provided separate, lockable cubicles that could be used by trans staff and he had never received an escalated complaint on the issue since becoming permanent secretary at the start of 2022.

This could prove expensive!

But FWS accused him of being utterly cavalier about law and safeguarding and warned the Scottish Government could face compensation claims from female staff.

In a post on social media, the group said: We would be astonished to learn that all toilet and changing provision in Scot Gov buildings is single use cubicles.

The permanent secretary is wrong. Self-ID is not lawful. He might not care, as he is leaving, but this could prove expensive!

Scottish Government guidance for its trans employees states they should choose to use the facilities they feel most comfortable with.

There is no requirement for them to have undergone any medical procedure or to have changed legal gender, meaning all that is needed is for them to self-identify as women.

However, an academic expert warned the guidance was a clear breach of employment law, which stipulates that separate communal changing and lavatory facilities must be provided for male and female workers.

Dr Michael Foran, of the University of Glasgow, said the definition of woman for the purposes of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 did not include trans people who self-identified as women.

Michelle Thomson, an SNP MSP, asked Mr Marks whether the Scottish Government was reassessing your legal advice about whether its self-ID policy complied with employment law.

He said: You would expect, given the latest debate around NHS Fife, the Supreme Court case the questions youre asking are questions weve asked ourselves to assure ourselves.

This is clearly a very sensitive debate

Mr Marks argued that the Scottish Governments provision of separate, lockable spaces meant it complied with the Equality Act and the 1992 regulations.

But this is clearly a very sensitive debate. There are two legal cases currently live so, of course, we will await any legal judgment and if we have to make some adjustment to operating practice, well do so, he said.

Our current view, assured again, is that were doing everything as we should do, lawful within the various duties including workplace regulation, but will continue to be vigilant to that.

He said the Scottish Government wanted to create an inclusive culture where everybody feels safe at work and said there are several staff networks to represent gender interests, womens interests in that regard.

But he was pressed whether one of the groups that are consulted on policy, the Scottish Governments Womens Development Network (WDN), allowed male-bodied trans people to join it.

A Freedom of Information response issued earlier this year states that WDN membership encompasses all social identities, including (but not limited to) age, gender identity, sexual orientation and race.

Lesley Fraser, the Scottish Governments director-general corporate, referred to the trans self-ID policy and said it had been introduced to enable that all of our colleagues can operate in a way that gives us, we hope, an inclusive and welcoming culture.
Spending on government cards has more than quadrupled over the last five years to 676m. Photograph: Anthony Brown/Alamy

Thousands of Whitehall officials will have their government credit cards suspended this week in Labours latest crackdown on what it regards as wasteful spending in the civil service.

Pat McFadden, the Cabinet Office minister, said on Monday he would freeze almost all of the 20,000 government procurement cards (GPCs) within days with a view to permanently cancelling at least half of them.

It is part of a push to reduce spending on the civil service that has already led to the abolition of organisations such as the Payment Systems Regulator and NHS England, at a cost of about 10,000 jobs.

We must ensure taxpayers money is spent on improving the lives of working people, McFadden said. Its not right that hundreds of millions of pounds are spent on government credit cards each year, without high levels of scrutiny or challenge. Only officials for whom it is absolutely essential should have a card.

Officials use GPCs to buy relatively small items such as flights, office furniture or drinks for official functions.

They were introduced by the last Labour government in 1997 as a way to reduce the bureaucracy required to run Whitehall departments. Spending on them has more than quadrupled over the last five years to 676m, with Labour sources pointing to spending on items such as shoes and DJ equipment as potentially wasteful.

While in opposition, Labour conducted an investigation into all spending on GPCs, which found examples of high spending by senior officials and ministers. In 2021, for instance, the then prime minister Boris Johnson used a government card to pay for a 4,445 dinner in New York for himself and 24 of his staff.

Later that year Liz Truss, as foreign secretary, spent nearly 1,500 on lunch and dinner during a visit to Indonesia in two of Jakartas most exclusive restaurants.

Also in 2021, the Treasury under Rishi Sunak spent more than 3,000 buying 13 photographs from the Tate to hang in its Whitehall building, despite already having access to the government art collection.

The Foreign Office is one of the heaviest users of GPCs, in part because officials have to organise regular functions to entertain foreign dignitaries. But as well as spending on items such as flights and catering, officials also spent nearly 2,500 at a shoe shop called Shoe Crush in Barbados.

Under new guidelines being rolled out by McFadden, the maximum spend for hospitality will be cut from 2,500 to 500, with any spending over 500 requiring approval from a director general.

Civil servants will be banned from using cards to buy things such as travel or office supplies, which could be bought more cheaply in bulk at a departmental or cross-departmental level.

Most of the 20,000 cards that have been issued will now be frozen, with exemptions for a small number of cases such as diplomatic staff in unstable locations. Cardholders will then be forced to reapply for their cards, and if unsuccessful will lose access to them by the end of the month.

McFadden has also asked departments to identify any items of spending that breach government guidelines and discipline the individuals in question.

Keir Starmer is spearheading a wider shake-up of Whitehall. As well as cuts to quasi-non-governmental organisations, the prime minister is urging departments to make greater use of technology such as artificial intelligence tools to reduce spending and streamline decision-making.

Some experts have warned that rather than making government more efficient, the changes to how Whitehall works could make it harder for civil servants to deliver the governments main priorities such as cutting NHS waiting lists.
A handout photo from the El Salvador presidency shows prison guards escorting alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang deported from the US. Photograph: Presidency of El Salvador/EPA

The Trump administration claimed to a federal judge on Monday that it did not turn around the deportation flights of hundreds of suspected Venezuelan gang members over the weekend despite his specific instructions because that was not expressly included in the formal written order.

The administration also said that even if James Boasberg, the chief US district judge in Washington, had included that instruction in his formal order, his authority to compel the planes to return disappeared the moment the planes entered international airspace.

An incredulous Boasberg at one stage asked the administration: Isnt then the better course to return the planes to the United States and figure out what to do, than say: We dont care; well do what we want?

Here are Mondays key US politics stories:

White Houses defense for not reversing deportations one heck of a stretch, says judge

The showdown between the administration and James Boasberg, the chief US district judge in Washington, reached a crescendo over the weekend after the US president secretly invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport, without normal due process, Venezuelans over age 14 who the government says belong to the Tren de Aragua gang.

Read the full story

Trump says he and Putin will discuss land and power plants in Ukraine ceasefire talks

Donald Trump is to speak to Vladimir Putin on Tuesday  with the two expected to discuss territory and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant  after the Russian president last week pushed back on a US-brokered plan for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine with a series of sweeping conditions he said would need to be met.

Read the full story

Trump pulls out of US body investigating Ukraine invasion

The Trump administration is withdrawing from an international body formed to investigate responsibility for the invasion of Ukraine in the latest sign that the White House is adopting a posture favoring Vladimir Putin.

Read the full story

US Institute of Peace says Doge workers have broken into its building

Employees of Elon Musks so-called department of government efficiency (Doge) have entered the US Institute of Peace despite protests from the non-profit that it is not part of the executive branch and is instead an independent agency.

The Doge workers gained access to the building after several unsuccessful attempts Monday and after having been turned away on Friday, a senior US Institute of Peace official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Read the full story

Trump makes unsupported claim Biden pardons void

Donald Trump claimed, without offering evidence, that pardons signed by Joe Biden were void, vacant and of no further force and effect because they were signed with an autopen.

Read the full story

Black Medal of Honor winner web page returns after outcry

On Saturday, the Guardian reported that US army Maj Gen Charles Calvin Rogerss Medal of Honor webpage led to a 404 error message  and that the URL had been changed, with the word medal changed to deimedal. By Monday, however, the site was operational once more  and the URL had returned to its original formulation, with the letters DEI no longer present.

Read the full story

Democrats demand Musk corruption investigation

Leading Democrats demanded an investigation of possible criminal corruption involving Elon Musk. The investigation should involve the Federal Aviation Administrations decision to cancel a $2.4bn contract with Verizon to upgrade air traffic control communications, and to pay  Musks Starlink to help manage US airspace, senators Chris Van Hollen, Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren wrote to Pam Bondi, the attorney general, and Mitch Behm, acting inspector general of the transportation department.

Read the full story

Will Trump strand rural US with bad internet to help Musk?

Small-town USA is facing a significant risk that the Trump administration is going to abandon key elements of a $42.45bn Biden-era plan to connect rural communities to high-speed internet so that Elon Musk can get even richer, a top departing commerce department official warned in an email.

Read the full story

French politicians jokes US should give back Statue of Liberty

A French European parliament member has quipped that the US should return the Statue of Liberty, which it received as a gift from France about 140 years ago, after Donald Trumps decision to side with the tyrants against Ukraine.

Read the full story

What else happened today:
Tuppy Owens became interested in the sexual rights of disabled people Photograph: none

The sexual rights activist Tuppy Owens, who has died aged 80, an elegant, imposing figure with a frank, no-nonsense attitude, played an important part in the shifting of attitudes towards sexuality that began in the 1960s and 70s.

In 1972 she launched The Sex Maniacs Diary, an annual directory which, in a pre-internet era, covered the minutiae of sexual activity across the world in granular detail. Owens carried out assiduous research with the aim of being the best compendium of sex services, including different international standards and mores  like a yachtsmans diary but about sex.

In later years, mindful of the risks of Aids, the diary was rebranded in 1987 as The Safer Sex Maniacs Diary and Owens continued to publish it from her bohemian basement flat in Mayfair, central London, until 1995.

Alongside this, Owenss charity work gathered pace. She became interested in the sexual rights of disabled people, and with a visually impaired colleague, Nigel Verbeek, in 1979 started the Outsiders Club, a social and campaigning group for socially and physically disadvantaged people.

Owens believed that disabled people were infantilised and their intimate lives denied, and asserting their sexual rights became her abiding interest. Outsiders Club offshoots include the Sex and Disability Helpline, SHADA (Sexual Health and Disability Alliance) and the TLC Trust, through which disabled people can find responsible sexual service providers.

Steve, a long-time member of Outsiders, remembered Owenss sense of fun, mischief and frankness, while Emma Buckett, who co-wrote Owens biography, said: Most people want to help me by curing me or changing me to fit normal society. Tuppy accepted me as I am.

In the 80s Owens trained at St Georges hospital medical school, in London, as a sex therapist, gaining a diploma in human sexuality from the University of London and, later, an honorary doctorate from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco.

She led conferences such as Disability: Sex, Relationships and Pleasure at the Royal Society of Medicine in 2009. But her interest in sex was more as activist than academic.

She presided over hedonistic events, including the Sex Maniacs Ball  which became the Night of the Senses  and the Erotic Awards, which evolved into the Sexual Freedom Awards, with golden-winged phallus trophies for those offering pioneering sexual services. Many of the events raised funds for Outsiders and pushed sexual boundaries. Owens was, said a friend, very good at getting people to give their time and effort, and to select candidates for the awards, she went on field trips to stripper bars, fetish clubs and all points of the London sex-positive scene, her secretary Anna Maria Staiano recalled.

Owens also advocated for sex workers and strippers, and as one supporter put it, our right to follow our own forms of consensual adult expression. She felt sexual pleasure should not be circumscribed by religion, state or social shame, and was militant on this matter. She lobbied against local councils that disallowed sex events and for the decriminalisation of sex workers.

Keen to be an enabler rather than a guru, she said she hoped to speak plainly about sex and disability in a way that people feel they are really being listened to ... I enjoy helping people feel better about themselves and enjoy their bodies. Her brother, Jonathan, described her unerring drive to have a good time, and her principled and open-minded desire to support and encourage less able people to have the best time too.

She was born Rosalind Owens, in Cambridge, the second of five children of Peter Owens, a photographer, and his wife, Mary (nee Hall), and was nicknamed Tuppy - short for tuppeny-hapenny - by her family.

After leaving the Perse school, Cambridge, she studied zoology at the University of Exeter, then in the late 60s joined the staff of the Natural Environment Research Council. She did not enjoy the work, and took better paid work in pornography, with her breakthrough book being Sexual Harmony (1969) for Highbury Press. Her films as an adult model included Lasse Brauns Sensations (1975).

In 1995, Owens met her future husband, Antony Niall, while campaigning, and they moved to a croft in northern Scotland. She founded the Sexual Health and Disability Alliance, stewarded the Sexual Freedom Coalition and published Supporting Disabled People with their Sexual Lives (2014), as happy in the countryside as in central London.

In 2015 Owens received awards for her work from Unesco and from Directory of Social Change.

Last November, a joint 80th birthday and launch party for her autobiography, The Sex Lady on the Hill, was held at Heaven nightclub in London. Owens had been diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2019, and her illness was apparent, but she presided from a throne as guests paid moving homage to a grande dame and pioneer of sexual freedom.

Owens is survived by Antony, whom she married in 2014, and her four brothers, Christopher, Tim, Jeremy and Jonathan.

 Tuppy (Rosalind Mary) Owens, sexual rights campaigner, born 12 November 1944; died 28 February 2025
Its not on the same level as Scomo jetting off to Hawaii during the bushfires but its a pretty bad look, one Liberal MP said of opposition leader Brad Battins holiday. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

The Victorian opposition leader, Brad Battin, is facing criticism from his own party for claiming he was visiting his cyclone-affected parents last week despite also going on a cruise.

The timing of the holiday meant the newly installed Liberal leader was absent when Labor announced tough new bail laws after months of feverish debate over what some have labelled a crime crisis in Victoria.

Battin had been a vocal proponent of a bail laws crackdown, having claimed Victoria was facing a crime crisis that has never happened anywhere in this country at this level.

His office had told reporters he was on planned leave last week, postponed from January. On Saturday Battin fronted a press conference, in which he said he visited Queensland to see his parents, who had been affected by Cyclone Alfred.

But the Herald Sun on Tuesday revealed Battin also took a four-day cruise on Royal Caribbeans ship Quantum of the Seas, sailing to Airlie Beach from Brisbane.

Related:As Labor vows to introduce the toughest bail laws ever, is Victoria truly in a crime crisis?

Several of Battins Liberal colleagues have since told Guardian Australia they only learned about the holiday from the media report.

Its not on the same level as Scomo jetting off to Hawaii during the bushfires but its a pretty bad look, one MP said.

Another Liberal MP said Battin had failed to capitalise on the governments admission it had had got it wrong with changes to bail laws made in 2023.

This shouldve been his moment, but true to our partys form, weve turned what should be a win into an own goal, they said.

Former opposition leader John Pesutto, who Battin successfully ousted in a spill in December, made a subtle dig at his successors trip.

I didnt get a chance to take any leave. I worked pretty hard but Ill let Brad handle that, Pesutto told reporters as he arrived at parliament on Tuesday. Hes doing a good job and hes holding the government to account.

Battin admitted he should have been more upfront about his trip, saying he didnt regret spending time with his family, but that he should have communicated his plans with colleagues.

I took four nights away up in Queensland. I did take a cruise. I wasnt trying to be evasive. [Had I] been more upfront with it, it wouldnt have been a bigger story as it is today. I have to take a lesson from that, he said.

The premier, Jacinta Allan, said a cruise ship wasnt her preferred method for a holiday and maintained she was always transparent about her leave arrangements.

She said parliament wont be leaving this week until Labors bail law reforms are passed, but revealed the changes would be rolled out in two stages.

The first stage, to be introduced to parliament on Tuesday, will scrap the principle of remand only as a last resort for accused youth offenders. In its place, community safety would become the overarching principle when deciding bail for children and adults.

The bill also introduces two bail offences  committing an indictable offence while on bail for indictable offence and breaching of condition of bail.

The former will only apply to adults, which covers bail breaches that are more administrative in nature like failing to report or meet curfew.

Both will be punishable by up to three months imprisonment on top of any other sentence imposed.

A range of offences such as armed robbery, aggravated burglary, home invasion and carjacking will also face the tougher bail tests.

Further changes  including a new bail test for serious repeat offenders  will be included in a second bill, later this year.

Related: Victorias about-turn on bail laws reflects the age-old conflict between reform and reaction. How did we get here again? | Russell Marks

The government is banking on the Coalition supporting the bill but tensions boiled over when attorney-general, Sonya Kilkenny, failed to provide her counterpart, Michael OBrien, with a copy of it ahead of a briefing on Monday night.

Kilkenny accused OBrien of chucking an absolute tantrum, while the Liberal MP said the government was disorganised and arrogant.

After a subsequent briefing on Tuesday, OBrien said the opposition wouldnt stand in the way of the bills passage through parliament but said the crackdown should go further.

Meanwhile, a rally organised by legal, human rights and First Nations groups will be held outside parliament on Tuesday afternoon to urge the government to abandon the suite of kneejerk bail law changes.
Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyau blames Hamas for the renewed action - NIR ELIAS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

In a series of massive blasts starting at 2.10 on Tuesday morning at least 404 were killed in central Gaza.

The lucky ones died outright in the bombing which brought a brutal end to a ceasefire that had lasted 57 days. Scores of others, including women and children, died trapped amid the rubble of the homes they had been sleeping in. More than 500 others were injured, many with life changing injuries.

Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyau blames Hamas for the renewed action but few diplomats either in or outside the country believe this.

We all know that Netanyahu never had the intention to enter phase two of the ceasefire because he never had the intention of ending the war in Gaza, said Gershon Baskin, the former Israeli hostage negotiator on Tuesday.

The continuation of the war enables his political survival against the will of the majority of Israelis.

An injured man searches through the rubble of his home for salvageable items after it was destroyed in an Israeli strike - EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images

But why choose war over peace? The answer for Mr Netanyau is that there is no other option; or at least none that keeps him in power and out of jail.

At home, the right wing parties his fragile coalition government is dependent on are now openly pushing for the annexation of the occupied Palestinian territories  both Gaza and the West Bank.

They dont see the point in negotiating a peace and giving up land while they are winning a war which was started by their enemy. Instead they want to seize the moment to create a greater Israel  and they will crash the government unless they get it.

Initially, the US President Donald Trump bought Mr Netanyau time with his outlandish threat to push all two million Palestinians out of Gaza and build a Riviera of the Middle East.

This has been a long held fantasy of Israels right and it was enough to see Mr Netanyau through the first stage of the ceasefire, if only just.

But just as Mr Trumps manoeuvrings got Israel to act in January, his threat to clear Gaza and build on it himself has spurred the Arab world into action.

Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike at Al-Mamdani Hospital in Gaza City lie covered, accompanied by their relatives - OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, The United Arab Emirates, Jordan and others came back with a plan of their own for Gaza just 10 days ago  and its a pretty good deal by any standard.

They say they will fund the rebuilding of the enclave while keeping its people in situ. They will replace Hamas with a technocratic Palestinian administration and even cause the terrorist group to disarm, while providing peacekeepers.

Oh, and as a special sweetener to help make America great again, Saudi Arabia says it will make inward capital investments of some $600 billion in the US.

In return, all Mr Trump needs to do is bring Israel to the table and agree a sustainable path to a permanent peace through a two state solution.

But this, of course, is the worst nightmare for Israels right. There can be no greater Israel if such a deal is done. House prices  already at ludicrous levels throughout Israel  will continue to soar.

There is something deeper going on too, in the Israeli psyche.

The fantasy of a mass exodus from Gaza has gradually been replaced over the last month by a realisation that power in the region now increasingly resides in the Gulf.

Palestinians fleeing conflict in Beit Hanun arrive in Gaza City - BASHAR TALEB/AFP via Getty Images

And its not just the regions immense wealth that is changing things.

Trumps most senior emissaries have held one grand summit after another in the lavish palaces of Riyadh, Qatar and the UAE.

These countries are not only calm and safe but  through artful diplomacy  they have been able to open doors for Mr Trump to Russia, China and now Iran.

Even for rest and recuperation, the US diplomatic corps now heads, not to Tel Aviv, but to the clubs and restaurants of Dubai and Bahrain.

So for Mr Netanyahu, whats the choice?

The Gulf states are rising but he is held prisoner by his right wing at home.

As the US eyes a grand bargain with Iran and the Gulf, Mr Netanyahu finds himself fighting for relevance.

On Tuesday morning, he pushed the only real button still available to him: bombs and a renewal of war.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security
The UK Government has come under fire for changes to the welfare system with Scotlands Social Justice Secretary warning of the devastating affect on disabled people.

Shirley-Anne Somerville hit out after Work and Pension Secretary Liz Kendall announced plans to cut 5 billion from the UK welfare bill.

With some benefits devolved to the Scottish Government, not all the changes announced will apply north of the border, although Ms Somerville now fears the impact on Holyroods budget will be really quite severe.

As part of the reforms, some elements of universal credit will only be paid to those in receipt of the personal independence payment (Pip), a benefit the Scottish Government has replaced with the adult disability payment.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said she fears the impact of the changes on Holyroods budget will be really quite severe (Jane Barlow/PA)

The UK Government said there would be no change to the Scottish Governments block grant in 2025-26, adding that after that the two administrations will have to try to resolve the issue.

However, with reforms also being made to the Pip assessment, Ms Somerville said: We do not know what the implications for the Scottish Government will be.

I do fear that they will be really, really quite severe.

Her comments came after Ms Kendall insisted reform is needed because the current social security system is failing the very people it is supposed to help and holding our country back.

But with the proposed changes already being criticised by disability charities and others, Ms Somerville: What weve seen so far is the UK Government taking a conscious decision to take money away from some of the most vulnerable in our society.

The Holyrood minister added: This is a choice that they have made, and it is how were going to have a devastating, devastating affect on disabled people.

She continued: I see thousands upon thousands of disabled people who are fearing how they are actually going to feed themselves, look after themselves and afford what they need to do.

Thats what I see as the impact on disabled people.

However, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said what was needed was action from Holyrood to deal with issues such as the higher number young people not in education, employment or training north of the border, and the higher number of people on long term sickness and disability benefits.

It is a total waste of potential for people to be trapped in the benefits system, Mr Murray said.

The Scottish Secretary added that 300,000 Scots are out of work because they are either temporary or long term sick, and that 15% of young people were not in education, employment or training.

Adding that Scotlands economic inactivity rate is the highest in the UK, he said: That is not acceptable to me, I dont think it should be acceptable to the Scottish public.

We should be backing this and making sure we can work together as governments to make sure this whole package of measures is delivered in Scotland to unleash the potential of people being in work and benefiting from that.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the reforms would help unleash the potential of being in work for people (Lucy North/PA)

Meanwhile, Labour social security minister Stephen Timms said the changes would help repair our broken benefits system and would be a major contribution to renewing growth in the UK.

The reforms should also remove the current disincentive to work in the benefits system, he said, while also making sure that disability benefits are sustainable financially in the long term.

Mr Timms said: We want to make sure it is affordable in the future and the scale of increase in demand for benefits, particularly since the pandemic, has put that at risk.

He also told how the changes would also see the first ever real-terms increase in the standard allowance of universal credit with Mr Timms saying this would help a lot of people who have been turning to foodbanks in the past.

PRESS RELEASE John Dickie responds to the statement on sickness and disability benefit reform by the UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions https://t.co/wd9I4TW3RI  CPAG in Scotland (@CPAGScotland) March 18, 2025

But John Dickie, the director of the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland said that the reforms pose a real challenge to Scottish and UK government child poverty commitments.

He stated: Children in a household where someone has a disability already have a higher risk of poverty and further cuts would only make life harder for many of these families.

Citizens Advice Scotland head of social justice Emma Jackson said they too were very concerned about the implications of the UK Governments plans.

While much of the detail of how it will affect Scotland is still not clear, the UK Governments aims to cut the welfare budget by 5 billion by 2030 will certainly put pressure on the system here, Ms Jackson said.

We fear it would lead to reduced incomes for those experiencing some of the most severe poverty in our society.

This is unacceptable.

Billy Watson, chief executive of Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), said: By explicitly choosing to make the personal independence payment available to fewer disabled people for budgetary reasons, the UK Government is choosing to make the lives of people with mental health problems harder.

Inclusion Scotland chief executive, Heather Fisken meanwhile blasted: These cuts are an ideological and political choice that will cause grave harm for Scotlands disabled people.

We are opposed to the UK Governments choice to slash the welfare budget by pushing disabled people further into poverty.
GoFundMe Minka Greene White

A Maryland family is mourning after a 10-year-old girl died from complications of the flu, just days after being dismissed from the hospital.

Minka Aisha Greene, a healthy and active elementary school student, was considered the light of her family. So, when the 10-year-old started having low energy and a lack of appetite in late January, her mother Kymesha Greene White was immediately concerned.

We noticed her behavior changed because she normally doesnt get sick. This was like her first time getting sick, Kymesha told DC News Now.

Kymesha took her little girl to the emergency room and Minka was diagnosed with the flu and a UTI. She was given ibuprofen and sent home to rest. However, Minka started complaining about headaches so her mother took her back to the ER. During the second visit, she was given fluids and sent home again to rest.

Minkas health ultimately took a turn for the worse on the morning of Feb. 6, when Kymesha found her daughter vomiting in bed.

I heard her screaming, Mommy! And Im like, Whats wrong? Thats when she said she couldnt feel her legs and her feet, she recalled.

Related: Girl, 9, Dies from Complications from the Flu: 'She Was Too Perfect for This World'

GoFundMe Minka Greene

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Kymesha and her husband David White rushed their daughter, who had not had the flu vaccine, to the hospital. She told the Capitol Heights Daily Voice that on the way there, one of her daughters eyes rolled to the back of her head and her tongue started moving uncontrollably.

Shortly after arriving at the hospital, Minka stopped breathing. Doctors performed CPR and other life-saving procedures but the parents were later told that their daughter had no brain activity.

That was the last time I carried her, the last time I held her in my arms. I will cherish that for the rest of my life, said David.

Minka later died on Feb. 10 at the hospital. We had to let our baby go, said Kymesha.

Following Minkas death, the family learned that she suffered severe brain inflammation caused by the flu. They are now sharing their story in hopes of warning other parents. Advocate for your babies, Kymesha said. When they say theyre hurting, tell the doctors.

There are two types of influenza viruses: Flu A, and Flu B, according to Verywell Health. They both cause similar symptoms, like fever, body aches, and coughing. While Flu A is more common and thought to be more dangerous  the outlet reports that it accounted for 97% of cases during the 2022-2023 season  Flu B symptoms can range from mild to severe. Additionally, the National Institute of Health reports that neurological complications occurred in one-fifth of hospitalized children due to influenza.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says, Flu can be more dangerous than the common cold for children and recommends preventative measures  such as vaccination and frequent hand washing.

Read the original article on People
GoFundMe The Leviskia brothers.

Two brothers have died after a tree fell on their North Carolina home, authorities said.

Emergency personnel responded to a call at approximately 3:38 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 16, after a tree landed on a mobile home in Brevard. Josiah and Joshua Leviskia, who were both inside, died of their injuries, Chase Owen, the fire chief of Connestee Fire Rescue, tells PEOPLE.

PEOPLE reached out to the local sheriff's office for comment, but they did not immediately respond.

We need prayers and to be strong, Sharon Leviskia told NBC affiliate WSFA after her sons Josiah, 13, and Joshua, 11, died. Sharon and her husband, Nathaniel Leviskia, survived the accident, along with their third child. At least God left us a daughter," she added.

After the local fire department arrived on the scene, Owen says it took three hours to extricate the young boys, who he believes died instantly.

Related: Ala. Man and His Daughter Evacuated Minutes Before Their Home Was Destroyed by Tornado at Friend's Urging

When we arrived there, there was a tree that had fallen and, for lack of a better term, cut a single wide trailer in half, Owen says. The parents and sister were outside of the house and notified the first responders that the boys were inside.

I dont think they were able to comprehend that the children were deceased and still holding out hope, which I would as well if it was my children, Owen says of how the family first responded.

Rescue efforts were inhibited by the storm, the fire chief tells PEOPLE. Trees and power lines came down throughout the surrounding area, preventing a crane operator from arriving on site.

The storm that hit Brevard was one of many causing destruction throughout the South and Midwest that weekend, though there were no other fatalities in Brevard, Owen notes.

Related: 'Hero' Father Dies Saving His 15-Year-Old Son in Oklahoma Wildfires: 'An Unimaginable Loss'

Following the tragic accident, a GoFundMe fundraiser for the family has raised almost $130,000 as of Tuesday, March 18.

This family has lost everythingtheir home, a vehicle, and, most painfully, their children, the organizer wrote. No parent should ever have to endure such unimaginable grief. As they try to pick up the pieces, they now face the overwhelming burden of funeral expenses and the urgent need for a new place to live.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The school district where the boys attended also spoke out in the wake of the tragic incident.

"This is a tremendous loss for their family, friends and our school community," Transylvania County Schools said in a statement to ABC affiliate WLOS. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and ask that everyone respect their right to grieve privately."

Read the original article on People
Chrissy Teigen thinks the criticism of Tom Sandoval has been excessive.

Tom Sandoval was widely criticised for his cheating scandal

The 39-year-old model - who is a huge fan of 'Vanderpump Rules' - has claimed that far "too much" was made of Tom and Rachel Leviss' cheating scandal.

During an appearance on 'Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen', Chrissy explained: "Im the queen of re-watching Bravo shows [from] beginning to end. And I watched the last season before they went into Tahoe and everything.

"So I watched the reunion season where Ariana [Madix] was so devastated and so hurt. And everybody was so angry at Rachel and Tom, of course. Then you look back on it and youre like, Oh my God, did we do too much?'"

Tom's months-long affair with Rachel led to his split from Ariana Madix.

Despite this, Chrissy believes the controversy has actually been overblown.

She said: "We were, as a society, so tough on them. And of course, it was raw, right? It was so raw to them.

"I think it happened three weeks from when it happened to the reunion. So taking that space and learning like, Oh my God. That was a lot for a person to take on. They already feel shamed by the whole world. It made the news, the New York Times, Variety  it was absolutely everywhere."

Rachel previously took to social media to apologise to Ariana.

The TV reality star - who has subsequently distanced herself from Tom - wrote on Instagram: "I want to apologize for my actions and my choices foremost to Ariana, and to my friends and the fans so invested in our relationships. There is no excuse, I am not a victim and I must own my actions and I deeply regret hurting Ariana. (sic)"
Getty Images Sydney Sweeney with a blonde balayage.

In the world of beauty, there are many ways to achieve a singular look. Take statement-winged eyeliner, for example. You can sketch it on with ink, draw it on with pencil, or smudge it into place with eye shadow. The same goes for a classic red lip. Get the look with a cream, stain, liquidthe list goes on. The point is, that there are many ways to embrace all the biggest beauty trends, including gorgeous, dimensional tresses. When it comes to brilliant blonde manes, however, few techniques are as flawless as a balayage application.

Balayage, meaning to sweep in French, is simply a technique of lightening the hair using a hand-painted sweeping motion, says hairstylist and Ulta Beauty Design Team member Justin Toves Vincilione. And because of its potential for truly tailored results, balayage has shown no signs of disappearing from the hair world, explains celebrity hairstylist and colorist Travis Ogletree. Balayage is something that will never go out of style, because it mimics what nature would do to us if we were out in the sun, surf, and elements, says Ogletree.







Meet Our Expert

Justin Toves Vincilione is a hairstylist and Ulta Beauty DesignTeam member.

Travis Ogletree is a celebrity hair stylist and colorist.

Jeremy Tardo is a celebrity and editorial colorist who splits his time between NYC and LA.







If youve yet to experiment with a blonde balayage, theres no time like the presentthe weather is heating up, welcoming lighter, brighter hair colors with it. And nowadays, pretty much every colorist knows what a balayage application is. But if you want to arrive prepared, browse over a dozen beautiful blonde balayage hair colors, ahead.

Face-Framing Brightness

Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

Rosie Huntington Whiteley has forever been a blonde bombshell muse. Rosies facial brightening balayage is focused around her front hairline to accent her features while keeping her hair color natural looking, says colorist Jeremy Tardo. Ask for neutral, creamy blonde balayage with an emphasis on facial brightening.

Milk Chocolate & Caramel

Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

Not looking to go fully blonde? Zuri Hall shows us how stunning a milk chocolate caramel balayage can be. Zuri Halls tawny ribbons of warm blonde balayage add dimension to a brunette base, Tardo says. Ask for soft balayage with heavy pieces for contrast that isnt streaky.

Tardo isnt the only pro to swoon over Zuris dimensional bronde hue. Zuri Hall is wearing probably one of the most classic color combinations used in balayage, says Toves Vincilione. I love that the deep chocolate brown root isnt too lived in but blends seamlessly into a multi-tonal gold shade. This is what some may consider a double balayage as the golden balayaged ends of her hair have their own lighter, balayaged highlights woven in. You can see them if you take a close enough look and its absolutely beautiful.

Chunky Panel

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Who could forget Miley Cyruss statement-making chunky cut with paneled blonde balayage? Mileys chunky panels of golden balayage give an additional rock n roll edge to her haircut, Tardo says. Ask your colorist for a few strategically placed panels of balayage.

Alternatively, Toves Vincilione says to request a color-block balayage. It seems as if theres no end and no beginning to Mileys balayage and all you can do is admire the blend of different colors, he says. I love this partnered with her new Hime haircut as its the perfect soft statement, allowing the cut to also do some of the talking.

Deeply Rooted

Taylor Hill / Getty Images

Its possible to embrace the best of both worlds with balayage. Just look at Maren Morriss deeply rooted blonde balayage. Maren is wearing a deeper root color with bright balayage around her face and on the ends of her hair, Tardo says, applauding the look. Ask for a natural root with honey blonde ends and accents.

Bright Golden

Taylor Hill / Getty Images

Nikki Glaser stole the show at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes for more reasons than one. Nikki has a warm base color with buttery blonde highlighting, Tardo says, shouting out her statement-making hue. Ask your hairdresser for light golden balayage on a slightly lifted base.

Amber Blonde

Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

Some blonde balayage is painted on so finely, it looks like a mere reflection on the strands. Just look at Zoe Saldanas amber-blonde balayage hair color if you need proof. Amber-toned balayage on Zoe complements her dark hair with a deep auburn blonde, Tardo says. Ask your colorist for blended balayage with amber hues.

Strawberry Roots

Astrid Stawiarz / Getty Images

Kat McNamara might be a blonde bombshell but she likes to let her natural strawberry strands show through. Kats natural strawberry undertones lend themselves beautifully to this sunny blonde balayage, Tardo says. Ask for a strawberry blonde base with lots of bright blonde accents.

Statement Blonde

Taylor Hill / Getty Images

Blonde balayage looks gorgeous on all hair lengths. Here, you can see how the sweeping technique makes Brandi Carliles short hair stand out. Statement balayage on Brandi creates a block color effect thats both soft and strong, Tardo says. Ask your colorist for balayage with bold placement.

Bronzed Blonde

Rebecca Sapp / Getty Images

Blonde balayage works on all hair textures and types, too. We love how the hand-painted application makes Ava DuVernays braids look like a glowing crown atop her head. Avas bronzed balayage is a gorgeous complement to her upstyled locks, Tardo says. Ask your colorist for a dark-to-light color melt after your balayage highlights are rinsed out.

Honey Blonde

Neilson Barnard / Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez is yet another balayage lover. JLo is the queen of the honey blonde balayage, Tardo says. Ask your colorist for natural-looking sandy-toned balayage.

Cool-Toned Dusting

WWD / Getty Images

Meanwhile, if you like rocking dark hair colors but want them to look vibrant and fresh for spring, a light dusting of cool-toned blonde balayage can work magic. On deeper brunettes, I find its best to keep lightness as a dimensional element until the very tips, Ogletree says. Lately, the requests are less contrasted on darker hair. I keep the lightness cool toned, like my client Shay Mitchell had last summer, for a change of pace that feels both dimensional and light, without an identity crisis.

Bright & Rooted

TheStewartofNY / Getty Images

Remember, when it comes to balayage, roots are your friend. Rooted and bright, I love how the blonde is concentrated through the tips to highlight how long the hair is, Ogletree says of Sydney Sweeneys wind-swept blonde balayage. The natural root keeps your client out of the chair longer if they have a busy lifestyle but still want to feel blonde.

Brightened Brunette

Cindy Ord / Getty Images

Need further proof that you can remain a brunette while dipping your toe into the blonde balayage trend? Rosy Byrne leads the way. Remaining a deep brunette while still wanting to go bright is still possible on a shorter cut, as proven by Rose Byrne, Ogletree says. Texture and layers will always emphasize a dimensional color.

Dimensional Bronde

Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

If you opt for a darker blonde balayage atop a brunette base, you can achieve a vibrant, dimensional do a la Elizabeth Olsen. Highlights dont have to mean blondethey can add a softness to the face frame area and create the effect of a lighter brunette, Ogletree says.

Surfer Bronde

Michael Loccisano / Getty Images

Women arent the only ones who can rock a blonde balayage hair color. Jared Leto has long been a fan of the swept-on application, and his signature color has been a source of inspo for folks everywhere. Guy lights or surfer blonde is a perfect reference to show how contrast can still be done if youre preserving your natural base around the face frame, Ogletree says. Converting your tone to a gradient versus dimension throughout when wanting a pop can bring forward a more modern aesthetic.

Sandy Blonde

Robin L Marshall / Getty Images

Jennifer Anniston has inspired her fair share of hair transformations, and not just for her iconic Rachel haircut from Friends. Her sandy blonde balayage has long turned heads, too. Sandy and bright, a balayage effect can be created with a series of toners and glosses as seen on Anniston, Ogletree says. If youre wanting the effect but your stylist only provides a traditional foil service, ask them to give you a root shadow similar to your natural base at the first two inches of your root zone, leaving the brightness around your face. This will help keep a blended naturally occurring effect.

Blonde-on-Blonde Balayage

Marc Piasecki / Getty Images

Have light blonde hair and want to look even brighter and blonder? Theres a balayage application for that. This version of blonde balayage is created on an already light blonde natural base, lifted so high and bright that even the natural base contrasts with the balayage itself, says Toves Vincilione, pointing to Leonie Hanne as proof. This is usually achieved through classic hand painting and processing, but toned with a highly diluted color-balancing gloss with very little pigment, allowing the result to remain ultra bright.

Coppery Bronde Balayage

JC Olivera/GG2025 / Getty Images

Still dreaming of the ways blonde balayage can be used to create shinier-looking strands? Eiza Gonzalez is another shining example of the effect. Balayage isnt reserved for level-10 blondes, and in some cases, brunette balayage is blonde to someone with a natural level one or two base, says Toves Vincilione. This coppery, bronde brunette tone on Eiza speaks to the impact of lower-level lightening when incorporating balayage into your look. It pops just enough to showcase the contrast in levels while, at the same time, living within the spaces of what is truly complimentary.

Classic Bronde Balayage

Taylor Hill / Getty Images

Of course, if you merely want a lighter, brighter dimensional hair color but not necessarily one that looks golden and warm, balayage can be used for that, too. Look to Angelina Jolies cooler-toned bronde balayage for inspo. Her classic blonde balayage highlights are the epitome of hair color goals, Toves Vincilione says. This approach features the deep natural base that first transitions seamlessly into final highlights. Then, near the cheekbone or jawline area, the highlights intensity and blend into a bright, solid, and neutral all-over blonde.

Rooty Beach Balayage

Marc Piasecki / Getty Images

That said, blonde balayage can also create the bright, almost-white beach blonde of your dreams. If youve ever wished for Kate Mosss signature hue, balayage could work wonders for you. Kate wore an ultra rooted blonde balayage this year at Fashion Week, Toves Vincilione says. The key to making this look work is to keep the exaggerated blend from dark to light higher up the hair strand near the root. It gives a grungy, grown-out look but the blend makes it look intentional. This look is perfect for anyone whose style leans more toward the lived-in and undone side.

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Retirement can be a great time to travel abroad, and some retirees even take the more adventurous step of moving overseas. If youre thinking of taking this big step in a foreign country , youll want to double-check that you wont have problems receiving your Social Security benefits.

Here are three things that can happen to your Social Security when you move abroad.

What happens to your Social Security if you move abroad?

It can be valuable to work with a financial advisor before you move overseas to be sure that youll have no problems with your monthly Social Security checks.

1. Your Social Security remains just as it is

In general, Social Security doesnt have a problem with paying your monthly benefit if youre a U.S. citizen living abroad, though you must meet a few requirements, primarily relating to what country youre living in (more below).

For Social Security purposes, a U.S. citizen is out of the U.S. if they were not living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or American Samoa for at least 30 days in a row. Social Security considers you outside the U.S. until you return and stay for 30 straight days. For non-citizens receiving benefits, you may have to prove you were in the U.S. for 30 days.

Youll also have some choice in the financial institution that the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends your payment to.

Your Social Security benefit payments can be deposited directly into your account at a U.S. financial institution, says Vincent Birardi, wealth advisor at Halbert Hargrove. Moreover, if you live outside the United States, the SSA can deposit your benefits into your account at a financial institution in any country that has an international direct deposit agreement with the U.S.

Its important to note that Social Security calculates benefits in U.S. dollars and will not just adjust your benefit if the exchange rate moves favorably or unfavorably.

2. Your benefits could be cut after six months

If you are not a U.S. citizen or you dont meet a condition of eligibility to receive your Social Security abroad, the SSA will stop your benefit check after youve been outside the U.S. for six complete calendar months. You can restart payments, but it requires you to come back to the U.S.

The requirements to restart your benefit are strict. Once youve lost your benefit, you must return to the U.S. for a full calendar month. You must be in the U.S. on the first minute of the first day of any month and stay through the last minute of the last day of that month, according to the SSA.

3. You could potentially lose your Social Security benefit

Social Security will not pay benefits to people living in Cuba or North Korea, as part of the Treasury Departments policy. U.S. citizens living in either country can receive withheld payments if they move to a country where the SSA can send payments. Non-U.S. citizens, however, cant receive payments for the months they lived in Cuba or North Korea. Other Treasury Department rules may also restrict benefits of those living in other countries.

Those arent the only places where you may lose your benefit, though. The SSA cant send benefits to those living in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan. If youre otherwise eligible, however, you might be granted an exception if you agree to what the SSA calls restricted payment conditions. Youll need to contact Social Security for further details on those conditions and how to qualify for an exception.

If you cant qualify for an exception, your benefit will be withheld until you leave the restricted nation and go to a country where payments can be sent.

Rules differ for non-U.S. citizens

Its important to note that the payment rules for U.S. citizens and non-citizens living abroad differ. For example, for non-citizens, the SSA restricts payments based on the type of Social Security payments (e.g., whether youre paid on your own work record or someone elses) and foreign citizenship, among other things. The rules are complex for non-U.S. citizens looking to claim Social Security benefits while being outside the country, and its important to carefully understand those rules.

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What to do for Social Security before moving abroad

If youre planning to move abroad and collect Social Security, its important to verify that youll have no problems collecting your benefits. Birardi recommends using Social Securitys screening tool to help you determine whether youre eligible for Social Security abroad. The tool asks you a series of questions, including where youre moving, to determine eligibility.

This site will help you determine if your retirement, disability, or survivors payments will continue indefinitely, stop after six consecutive calendar months or if certain country-specific restrictions apply, he says.

As youre planning your move abroad, it can be valuable to work with a financial advisor whos well-versed in Social Security issues such as these. You may run into snags as youre setting up a new home abroad, and youll have to handle various issues in the process. You dont want to end up missing something important that could affect your benefit.

Birardi provides an example: If you decide to work or own a business outside the United States, are receiving Social Security benefits and are younger than your Social Security full retirement age, be sure to notify the Social Security Administration. Failure to do so may result in a miscalculation of your benefits, and you may be charged a penalty.

Beyond just these issues, youll also want to understand the tax implications of receiving Social Security and other income while living abroad. So working with an advisor whos familiar with those issues can also help you make financially smart decisions.

Bottom line

While receiving your Social Security check wont be a problem in most cases, retirees who are considering taking the plunge abroad want to make sure of everything before they depart. So it can be valuable to use Social Securitys screening tool and consult your financial advisor.
Simply Recipes / Ali Redmond

When I lived as a student outside Florence, Italy, I was always on the lookout for great lunches that I could afford. We were fed dinner through my program (always pasta, always red sauce), but at lunch we were left to fend for ourselves. While I would have loved to frequent the wood-burning pizza restaurant down the street or twirled spaghetti at the trattoria on the square, these options were well outside my meager budget.

In time, I discovered that I could eat like royalty thanks to the local alimentari. Alimentari are the Italian versions of a deli or bodega with a decidedly gourmet bent. They vary in what they stock, but the one I frequented sold a little of everythingcat food, toilet paper, sliced-to-order salami and prosciutto, fresh pasta, cheeses, and most important to this starving student: salads. There, I discovered a tuna-based salad so incredible that I still make it weekly for lunch.

This Italian tuna salad was the antithesis of my moms monochrome white tuna and mayonnaise salad. It was a brightly colored, vibrant-tasting, chunky tumble of moist tuna, roasted red bell peppers, tangy kalamata olives, minced red onion, parsley, and toasted pine nuts in a lemony vinaigrette. It was so awesome I bought a small container of it almost every day for a year and even got to know the sweet mom-and-pop proprietors, who gave me a metal fork to keep and use to eat my daily salad, knowing I was kitchenless.

Simply Recipes / Ali Redmond

Key Ingredients for This Tuna Salad

The key to this salad is in the shopping. You must use olive oil-packed tuna. A more common sight in Europe, its moister than water-packed tuna and comes with all the olive oil you need to dress the salad, right there in the can.

If Im feeling flush, I buy Spanish brand Ortiz tuna in the oval can. Its a near-solid chunk of meaty tuna with a fresh flavor packed in buttery extra-virgin olive oil. But, at around $6.99 a can, its a splurge. In most cases, I opt for a more economical choice of tuna packed in olive oil like Genova ($2.49), Starkist ($1.99), or Targets Good and Gather brand ($2.99)they all make a fine salad.

The trick is to refrain from draining the tuna. The olive oil in the can has tons of flavor and serves as half of the dressing for the salad. I add just a tablespoon of lemon juice to balance out the oil and the dressing is done.

As for the vegetable mix-ins, I stick to the same ingredients as the salad I remember from Florence: roasted red bell peppers, pitted kalamata olives, red onion, Italian parsley, and pine nuts. But truthfully, its a very adaptable equation. Toasted blanched almonds are a thrifty alternative to the pine nuts. Fresh bell peppers or peppadews can be substituted for the roasted bell peppers. Ive even used canned California olives in a pinch when Im kalamata-free.

The most important thing is the olive oil-packed tuna. With that in the pantry, I can relive my not-so-starving student salad days at a moments notice.

Simply Recipes / Ali Redmond

How To Make My Italian-Style Tuna Salad

To make two servings, youll need:

1 (4 to 5-ounce) can tuna packed in olive oil (undrained)

1/2 cup drained jarred roasted red bell peppers, thinly sliced

1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley or basil

2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds

1 tablespoon minced red onion or shallot

1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice or white wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pour the tuna and olive oil from the can into a small bowl. Add the peppers, olives, parsley, pine nuts, onions or shallots, and lemon juice or vinegar to the bowl and toss gently with a fork, making sure not to break up the tuna too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Leftover tuna salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.



More Easy Lunches

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Anthony Amore, who has been trying to track down one of 13 works of art stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum

It's a good thing Anthony Amore does not give up easily.

For the past 20 years, the renowned security expert has been trying to crack the biggest, unsolved art heist in history at Bostons Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, when two thieves made off with more than $500 million worth of masterpieces in 1990.

Since being hired in 2005 as the museums Director of Security and Chief Investigator, Amore has worked tirelessly to determine who stole 13 works of art  including pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Manet, Degas  and, more importantly, to recover them.

Speaking to PEOPLE a few days ahead of the heists 35th anniversary, Amore said that when he took the job in 2005, little did I know it would completely dominate my life for the next 20 years. But it's an honor to get to work for this institution.

I speak to the FBI about it every day, adds Amore, who previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security, where he helped rebuild security at Logan Airport after the 9/11 attacks. We're fielding emails and calls all the time, he says. A couple a day, typically."

Most of the "tips," alas, are just theories. "People love true crime, so they try to figure it out themselves and they send me their theories, he says. We are looking for leads and tips from people who have actual information. We appeal to people who have the facts.

Courtesy of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston The Dutch Room at the Gardner Museum, where two thieves in 1990 made off with priceless art

One of the biggest misconceptions the public has is that a team of slick professional thieves  like those depicted in The Thomas Crown Affair or Oceans 8  committed the high-profile theft.

Thats movie stuff, says Amore.

Another false belief is that daring thieves stole the pieces on behalf of a wealthy mover and shaker who is holding the art somewhere in a private collection.

That never happens in real life, says Amore, a New York Times bestselling author whose fourth book, The Rembrandt Heist, debuts in November.

How the Thieves Pulled it Off

The M.O. in the Gardner heist is much more prosaic than what people see on the silver screen. At 1:24 a.m., March 18, 1990, two thieves dressed as police officers told the guard on duty they were responding to a call about a disturbance at the museum.

The unwitting guard let them inside. Moments later, the pair handcuffed the two night guards and put them in the basement while they headed to the Dutch Room on the second floor. There they cut Rembrandts Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee and other works from their frames.

(Photo by Spencer Grant/Getty Images) View of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum atrium, The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts. (1977)

At 2:45 a.m., the thieves disappeared into the darkness of the night  and with them, some of the most precious artworks the world has ever seen.

Where Could the Pieces Be?

Prefacing his answer by saying the stolen art could be anywhere, of course, Amore replies, if you look at history in terms of what happens to masterpieces like this, the overwhelming number of cases in the United States indicate that the pieces stay pretty close to where they were stolen.

Rembrandt  Dominio publico Rembrandt's Christ in the Storm of the Sea of Galilee was stolen in 1990

Most likely, the pieces were swiped by common local criminals, he says.

No one has ever been arrested for stealing the artwork. Over the years, many names have been floated as possible suspects, such as alleged gangster Robert Gentile.

Stolen Artworks from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Stolen Artworks from the Gardner Museum, (except for Rembrandt's Self-Portrait, Age 23, second from left)

I cant speak to any suspects but I will speak about him, he says, noting that Gentile died (in 2021 at age 85.) We have overwhelming evidence that points to him knowing something. But the value of it, we can't say because we don't know what it was. He took it to his grave.

Does Amore think the case will ever be solved?

Yes, he says. I think that one day the paintings will be recovered. And that's my definition of solved. The only thing in the world I'm interested in is getting the paintings back on the wall. I don't care about the fate of who has them. My interest is not in any sort of prosecution, just recovering our paintings.

He notes that the loss of the art is about more than just its monetary value.

Isabella Stewart Gardner made this as a collective work of art, he says. And when pieces go missing, her collective work of art is left less than whole.

Even after the Dutch Room's extensive restoration, the empty frames where the masterpieces once hung remain. They are symbols of hope to the public that our paintings will come back, he says.

The museum is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the recovery of the works.



Read the original article on People
The biological mother of the Connecticut man who was allegedly held captive and starved by his stepmother for more than two decades says she is "proud of him" for escaping  and his captor can "rot in hell."

Police say the Connecticut man, 32, started a fire in the small room that he was allegedly locked in at his familys Waterbury home on Feb. 17. The man, who police did not name but described as a victim, was found severely emaciated after being subjected to "prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglected inhumane treatment."

He told responding officers he was held captive by his 56-year-old stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, since he was 11 years old, and started the fire because "I wanted my freedom," the Waterbury Police Department said.

The mans biological 52-year-old mother told NBC Connecticut on Monday she had been looking for a sign of her son for decades after giving up custody of him when he was a baby. Last week, she found out the harrowing news from her sister.

"My sister actually called me while I was at work and she had stated we found [her son]. We found him," the mother, who wants to remain anonymous, told NBC Connecticut.

"Im heartbroken," she added. "I still just cant fathom it. How can anybody treat somebody like that?"

The Connecticut man, 32, started a fire in the small room that he was allegedly locked in at his familys Waterbury home on Feb. 17.

The mother, along with her daughter  the victims half-sister  said they scoured the internet for him once he became an adult.

"I just want him to know that he has a big sister, and Ive always known hes existed, and Ive always loved him, and Ive always been trying to find him. Ive been looking for him for over a decade. I wanted to wait till he was 18. Im almost 35 now. And  there was nothing. No social media, no court records, no ancestry information, nothing," the half-sister said.

Sullivan is facing assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, cruelty, and reckless endangerment charges in the case. Her attorney has denied the allegations.

At Sullivans arraignment, prosecutors said the stepson, who was 5-feet-9 and weighed 68 pounds when he was found, told authorities he had been locked inside an 8-by-9-foot room since the fourth grade. He told authorities he was let out in the mornings for 15 minutes to two hours to do chores and was given two sandwiches a day and the equivalent of two small bottles of water.

According to an affidavit in the case, he ignited the fire using a lighter, hand sanitizer, and some paper from a printer.

The victim's biological mother told NBC Connecticut she is demanding charges against the family that held him in that Waterbury home.

"All of them in that homeneed to getcharged, and she needs to actually spend the rest of her life in solitary confinement and fed two cups of water a day," she said.

She's hopeful to be connected with her biological son soon.

Kimberly Sullivan is accused of holding her stepson captive for 20 years and providing little water and little food.

"He does have everybody here, on both sides, on both sides of his family that love him, and have looked for him," the mother said. "We all love him. I love him. Hes so strong, and Im so proud of him for doing what he needed to do. I wish he did it sooner."

Ioannis Kaloidis, an attorney for Sullivan, told NBC News last week Sullivan is innocent of any crimes. Kaloidis said the man's biological father died in January 2024.

"I cant disclose the specifics of my conversation with my client, but I could tell you, at the time the father passed away, this gentleman was over 30 years old. She wasnt controlling anything in his life," Kaloidis said. "She continued to maintain the home, she continued to get groceries, she continued to keep the lights on, the heat on, and provided a shelter."










A California mom was allegedly driving intoxicated and speeding when she crashed and killed her two young children, according to cops.

Yesica Barajas, 31, lost control of her 2006 Nissan sedan while exiting Highway 29 in Napa and crashed into a tree at high speed just before 7:30 a.m. Sunday, ABC 7 reported.

Her son, Damien Montanez, 10, and daughter Aaliyah Montanez, 9, were both pronounced dead at the scene.

The mom suffered major injuries and was taken to Napas Queen of the Valley Hospital, where she was charged on suspicion of driving under the influence, the California Highway Patrol said Monday.

Yesica Barajas was allegedly driving while intoxicated when she crashed her car Sunday morning, killing her two young children. abc7News

Police believe alcohol, speed and drugs played a factor in the fatal crash.

Theres a lot going into this, CHP Sgt. Andrew Barclay told ABC 7. It will be an ongoing investigation.

The mother will remain in CHP custody until she is medically cleared to be transferred to the Napa County Jail. Her bail has been set at $500,000, records show.

Barajas, who is still recovering in the hospital, has been charged on suspicion of driving under the influence. abc7News

A tragic situation is made even more tragic, the fact that two young kids lost their lives due to the decision of someone else to drive impaired, thats a hard thing to get past, Barclay said.

Gabriel Cardenas, who was laying flowers down for the two children near the crash site on Monday, told ABC 7 the childrens deaths are a total tragedy for the community.

I just felt horrible for the kids, because at that time of the morning, kids should be being normal kids, watching cartoons with their bowl of cereal, Cardenas said.

9-year-old Aaliyah Montanez and 10-year-old Damien Montanez were both killed in the crash. Gofundme

Family friend Angela Villasenor told KRON4 that the childrens family is devastated over their deaths.

Everybody is still in shock, she said. No one is prepared for something like this to happen.

The siblings are remembered as being full of life, wrote Villasenor, who organized a GoFundMe page to help the family with funeral expenses.

The childrens family is devastated over the siblings deaths, a family friend said. Gofundme

Damian & Aaliyah were sweet, loving, full of life kids who will be missed greatly. They touched everyone they met. They were always helpful and loved camping in Lake Tahoe, where they often went with their grandparents, Lilia and Enrique, Villasenor wrote.

The brother and sister attended school in the Napa Valley Unified School District.

Our hearts go out to the family as we grieve with our community and offer support during this difficult time, a district spokesperson said.

We continue to have counseling and social worker support available for students and staff.
The night federal agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil on Columbia University's campus, the Palestinian activist feared he would be immediately deported, according to a sworn declaration included in a new court filing by his attorneys.

Khalil, a leader of the encampment protests at Columbia last spring, was detained on March 8. He was taken from his student apartment building to 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan, and then to an immigration detention facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, according to the filing.

PHOTO: A still from a video released by Mahmoud Khalil's attorney of him being detained at Columbia University in New York City on March 8, 2025. (Family of Mahmoud Khalil)

After waiting to enter a processing room, Khalil said he was told "they don't need you in that room" and "you're being transported," according to the filing.

Two agents arrived to escort him to a van, according to the filing.

"I asked if we were going back to 26 Federal Plaza, and I was told, 'No, we are going to JFK Airport,'" Khalil said in the filing. "I was afraid they were trying to deport me."

MORE: Video shows moment Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil is detained

In the court filing, Khalil's attorneys ask for his return to New York from Louisiana, where he is being held pending an appearance in front of an immigration judge later this month.

His attorneys had previously asked for his immediate release in a separate filing.

FILE PHOTO: Mahmoud Khalil speaks to members of media about the Revolt for Rafah encampment at Columbia University during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in New York City (Jeenah Moon/Reuters)

While waiting for the flight to Louisiana, Khalil said he learned the name of one of the agents accompanying him, Abdul, according to his sworn declaration. The other agent wore a Yankees hat, he said.

"Abdul told me that he was escorting me to Louisiana because 'no one wanted to take it' -- the job of escorting me -- 'because it was a Sunday,'" he said in the filing.

MORE: Mahmoud Khalil's lawyers petition for the Columbia activist's immediate release

Khalil's lawyers said that during his detainment, plain-clothed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents said his student visa had been revoked -- even though Khalil is in the U.S. on a green card. He is married to an American citizen, and he has not been charged with a crime.

Officials from President Donald Trump's administration have said Khalil was detained for his purported support of Hamas -- a claim his legal team has rejected.

A federal judge has blocked Khalil's removal from the U.S. while weighing a petition challenging his arrest.

He is set to appear before an immigration judge on March 27.

Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil describes his arrest in new court filing originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Gwinnett County Police Georgia teen Asata Amun

A missing Georgia teen has been found alive and with child protective services in another state days after her mother pleaded on television for her safe return, authorities said.

Asata Amun has been located and is safe, Georgias Gwinnett County Police said in a statement on Monday, March 17. She has been in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services since February 2024 under an alias.

The announcement came one week after her mother, Jasmine Dominique, spoke with ABC affiliate WSB and more than a year after Asata was last seen on her family's doorbell camera running away barefoot.

Asata was 16 when she disappeared amid a reported altercation with her dad.

Dominique, who lives in Connecticut, told WSB that her daughter had called her the last time she ran away from home. The silence in the past year, however, was hard.

I feel like its not common not to hear something at all, Dominique said last week.

Its not something easy for me. Its hard, she said.



Related: Missing Tenn. Teen Is Found Alive in Wis., Stepdad Who Pleaded For Safe Return on TV Is Arrested

On April 18, 2024, Gwinnett County Police asked for the publics help locating Asata after she went missing on Feb. 1, 2024.

According to WSB, police said that her father, Kwabena Amun, had screamed, "So you are just going to run like a coward. Asata," and he told the station then that he'd threatened to send her to military school for behavioral issues.

Police searched Amun's home while looking into Asata's disappearance and her two sisters were removed from the home by Childrens Protective Services due to allegations that Amun was physically abusive, per WSB.

Related: A Texas Teen Vanished 8 Years Ago While Walking His Dogs. He Was Just Found Alive

In a June 2024 interview with WSB, Amun denied being abusive and told the news station, I just want to make sure my baby girl is okay, that she is alright.

Amun said Asata had disciplinary issues before her disappearance and had gotten in trouble at North Gwinnett High School.

When he suggested she attend military school, Asata was against the idea, Amun told WSB. He said when she left, he thought she was just going to visit a friend.



Gwinnett County Police Georgia teen Asata Amun

Gwinnett police previously said the teenager did not take any personal items with her when she left her home and noted that she was disciplined by administrators at her school the day before her disappearance.

On Monday, police said there was a breakthrough in the case when a Tennessee Department of Childrens Services case manager noticed inconsistencies in Asatas statements, which led them to look into missing children in Georgia.

The case manager then contacted authorities in Gwinnett County.

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.

Arrangements have been made to transfer custody of Asata Amun to the Georgia Department of Family & Children Services. The investigation into her disappearance remains active, police said.

Police declined to comment further to PEOPLE and officials in Tennessee said they could not provide more information.

"I dropped the phone when I heard it," Dominique told WSB on Monday, after her daughter was found. "I couldnt believe it."



Read the original article on People
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio Jim Jordan | Facebook

(The Center Square)  A Republican lawmaker is demanding that the man responsible for leaking President Donald Trumps tax returns in 2019 testify before the House Judiciary Committee.

Responsible for one of the largest data breaks in the Internal Revenue Services history, the ex-IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn is currently serving a five-year prison sentence for leaking the tax documents of roughly 400,000 wealthy Americans  including Trump  to media outlets in 2019 and 2020.

Littlejohns short sentence results from the DOJ charging him with only one count of unauthorized disclosure of tax information and then offering a plea deal, which Republicans blasted as too lenient.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, sent a letter Monday to Littlejohns attorney, Lisa Manning, demanding she facilitate Littlejohns appearance as soon as possible before the committee to give testimony.

The Committee has jurisdiction over criminal law and federal law enforcement pursuant to House Rule X, Jordan wrote. As such, to develop effective legislation, such as reforms to DOJ procedures governing plea agreements and new statutory limits of the Crime Victims Rights Act, Mr. Littlejohns testimony is necessary.

At the time of Littlejohns sentencing, it was believed the leak affected about 70,000 people. But the IRS revealed in February 2025 that the leak impacted roughly five times that many taxpayers, 89% of them businesses.

Elon Musk, a billionaire who is now the head of Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was also targeted in the leak.

In light of this new information, Mr. Littlejohns testimony is critical to the Committees oversight efforts and advancement of potential legislative reforms, Jordan added.

While Republicans maintain Littlejohns actions were a leftist betrayal  given that Littlejohn leaked the tax information to left-leaning media outlets  Democrats are accusing their counterparts of hypocrisy. Since February, Musk and DOGE operatives have reportedly been combing through IRS records for fraud, raising data privacy concerns.

Jones has requested that Littlejohns lawyer confirm his appearance date before the Judiciary committee by the end of the month.
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawas forensics photos will not be released  for now.

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawas forensics photos will not be released  for now

A judge at Santa Fe court issued a temporary restraining order on Monday (17.03.25) preventing the release of images from the scene of their double death at their $4 million home, as well as photographs of the interior of their residence.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for 31 March.

The ruling, reported by the Daily Mail, follows an attempt last week by representatives for the couples estate to block the public release of autopsy and investigative reports.

Gene, the Oscar-winning actor known for films such as The French Connection and Unforgiven, and Betsy, a classical pianist, were found dead on 26 February in different rooms of their home.

Authorities confirmed in a press conference on 7 March Gene, 95, died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

A contributing factor was evidence of advanced Alzheimers disease.

His pacemaker last recorded activity on 18 February, showing an abnormal heart rhythm, which is believed to indicate the date of his death.

Betsy, 65, died up to a week earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents.

Officials noted signs of rodent entry in the home, which may have led to her contracting the virus.

Gene tested negative for hantavirus, and authorities suggested he may not have been aware of his wifes death due to his condition.

The last known communication from Betsy was on 11 February.

But her primary care physician, Dr Josiah Child, told the Daily Mail: She called (my) clinic on 12 February. He added she had cancelled an appointment on 10 February because her husband was not well.

The medic said: We made her an appointment, but she never showed up we tried calling her a couple of times with no reply.

Authorities also discovered the partially mummified remains of one of the couples dogs in a crate in a bathroom closet near Betsys body.

According to the autopsy report, the animal likely died of starvation and dehydration.
The family of missing college student Sudiksha Konanki has asked authorities that she be declared deceased, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office in Virginia told CBS News, almost two weeks after she disappeared while visiting Punta Cana for spring break.

The family provided the request in writing to the sheriff's office, according to spokesperson Thomas Julia. Julia said the family made a similar request to Dominican authorities. According to the sheriff's office, the family has expressed a desire for closure.

In a statement later on Tuesday, Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman said the family also expressed their belief that she drowned.

"While a final decision to make such a declaration rests with authorities in the Dominican Republic, we will support the Konanki family in every way possible as we continue to review the evidence and information made available to us in the course of this investigation," Chapman said.

Konanki's family did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The student, 20, was last seen in the early morning hours of March 6 on a beach near the resort town's Riu Republica hotel where she and her friends and had been staying. Surveillance video from the night she disappeared showed Konanki walking toward the beach with a group of three women and two men, one of whom authorities identified as 22-year-old Joshua Riibe, who is presumed to be the last person to see her alive. She and Riibe stayed behind on the beach after the four others left, a police source told CBS News, citing video footage.

Riibe told police he and Konanki were swept into the ocean by a large wave and struggled in rough waters. He said he believed Konanki made it out of the water but was not certain, according to a person with direct knowledge of Riibe's statements to U.S. investigators.

Konanki lives in the D.C. suburb Loudon, Virginia, and attends the University of Pittsburgh. Her disappearance sparked a missing persons investigation and massive search effort by authorities in the Dominican Republic and the United States, with agencies probing land, sea and air in hopes of locating her. The Dominican Republic National Police said they created a new "high-level commission" to oversee the case, while Interpol issued a missing person alert to police around the world.

Authorities in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic have repeatedly emphasized that this is so far not a criminal investigation. Dominican Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso said investigators are exploring whether Konanki may have drowned but have not ruled out the possibility of foul play. In their request that law enforcement declare her dead, Konanki's family referenced the lack of evidence suggesting foul play so far.

Since Konanki vanished, Reynoso has directly interrogated Riibe, a student at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota who is originally from Iowa, the law firm representing Riibe, Guzman Ariza, told CBS News. Authorities confiscated Riibe's passport while holding him for questioning in Punta Cana and assigning him "permanent" police escorts, Guzman Ariza said.

Riibe's attorney has been pushing for his release, noting in legal filings that his client has not been charged with a crime, local media reported. A hearing on that issue was set for later Tuesday.

Chapman described Riibe as "very forthcoming" in interviews with two of the sheriff's detectives who traveled to Punta Cana last week to discuss the case with him. In a "CBS Mornings" interview, Chapman said Riibe "didn't seem to hesitate on answering any of the questions that we threw his way," echoing previous comments from Riibe's attorneys and parents, who said in a statement that their son "is deeply dismayed" by Konanki's disappearance "and has fully cooperated in the search and clarification of the facts from the very beginning."

Chapman said any inconsistencies in Riibe's statements "were really quite minor and nothing that would really make us feel as though there was anything untrue coming from Joshua."

Asked if there's anything that indicates Konanki's disappearance is more than an accident, Chapman said, "It's hard to say" and acknowledged that some questions remain unanswered, including what happened after Konanki and Riibe were allegedly in the water.

"We also don't know what happened between the time that [Riibe] claimed to have come out of the water and the time that he actually left the beach, so it's really hard to say," he said. "It'd be speculative on my part to assume or presume anything at this point."

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The most chilling aspect of a new White House claim of boundless executive power is not whether officials ignored a judges order to halt deportations of Venezuelan alleged gang members.

Its that some senior Trump administration aides seem not to care if they did. There are even claims that some judges are simply too junior to question the actions of a president.

The furor caused by the administrations peacetime use of wartime powers under the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act is the latest, and perhaps most overt, sign of President Donald Trumps sense of omnipotence. Hes also betting voters will reward him for, in his view, keeping them safe with ruthless immigration enforcement rather than recoil from his challenges to the Constitution.

The growing showdown is so critical because the courts are one of the final checks on Trumps power after he crushed opposition in the Republican Party and helped shut the Democratic Party out of any power in any branch of government in Washington.

The administrations transformational willingness to test bedrock constitutional principles was laid bare in a stunning interview of senior White House adviser Stephen Miller with CNNs Kasie Hunt on Monday.

Miller argued that since Trump was flexing his powers as commander in chief, the courts had no right to hold him to account, defying one of the tenets of American democracy upheld through the three branches of government. He said the Alien Enemies Act, which has a dubious historical legacy, was written explicitly to give the president the authority to repel an alien invasion of the United States. Miller added: That is not something that a district court judge has any authority whatsoever to interfere with, to enjoin, to restrict, or to restrain in any way.

Putting aside the White House claim that the United States is subject to an invasion by Venezuelan gang members  which rests on questionable legal ground  a senior aide to the president is essentially arguing his boss has absolute power.

You can read the law yourself, Miller said. Theres not one clause in that law that makes it subject to judicial review, let alone district court review.

The President escalated his assault on the independent judiciary Tuesday, calling for the impeachment of Judge James Boasberg over his temporary halt to the deportations of alleged gang members. He called the judge a troublemaker and agitator on Truth Social and implied that his victory in the popular vote and all seven swing states in last years election granted him greater power to judge the legality of his own actions than a federal judge  in a misreading of Supreme Court precedent.

I dont care

Millers certitude was mirrored Monday by Trumps border czar Tom Homan, who expressed contempt for the notion that Trumps border crackdown could be constrained. Were not stopping. I dont care what the judges think. I dont care what the left thinks. Were coming, Homan told Lawrence Jones of Fox News.

The idea that the White House would ignore what judges say threatens the most basic building blocks of constitutional government that every American kid learns in civics class.

The administrations mindset infuriated the judge in the deportations case, who is investigating whether the White House ignored his orders Saturday to halt the deportations of expelled alleged gang members and return flights carrying them to the US.

This handout image obtained Sunday from El Salvadors Presidency Press Office, shows Salvadoran police officers escorting alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the US government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison. - El Salvadors Presidency Press Office/Handout/Reuters

The administration is arguing, among other things, that it didnt violate Boasbergs order from the weekend since his oral order from the bench said the government must turn around planes carrying individuals subject to Trumps proclamation around, but his written order did not.

An exasperated Boasberg summarized the DOJs reasoning as: We dont care, well do what we want.

Boasberg gave the DOJs lawyers until Tuesday to come up with data about the timing of the deportation flights that they refused to provide on Monday.

This is a showdown. This is akin to inter-branch March Madness, former Federal Judge John E. Jones III told CNNs Kaitlan Collins.

Constitutional experts said Millers argument clashed with the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison, which established the high courts authority by finding among other key principles that the actions of the executive branch are subject to judicial review.

The whole point of Marbury v. Madison  is that you go first to the district court for federal questions and questions of constitutional law, so hes not understanding that, said Corey Brettschneider, a Brown University professor and host of the podcast The Oath and the Office. If you think that the Supreme Court can ultimately opine, then you think the district court can opine on these matters.

CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams also narrowed in on Marbury v. Madison. The Supreme Court rules in 1803 that (it) has the authority to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches of government.  The presidents actions can be reviewed by a court  that is basic American history.

Williams went on: The idea that somehow theres a class of actions that cannot be reviewed is nonsense. Everybody who lived through the 2000s knows that the war on terror was litigated in the courts over and over.

Trump believes there are few limits on his power

Trump has long advanced the belief that the presidency confers ultimate power, even though this conflicts with the principles of a nation built on revulsion of rule by an absolute monarch. I have an Article II, where I have to the right to do whatever I want as president, he said in July 2019, during his first term. Article II of the Constitution lays out the duties of the presidency  but it does not confer unfettered executive authority.

People dont normally reach the heights of the West Wing without understanding the basics of history and American jurisprudence. So the comments by Miller and Homan seem to hint at a second-term corps of officials keen to fulfill Trumps dreams of kingly might.

Where it gets scary and this is what was so frightening about the interview is when he starts saying I dont care what the courts say  we have the right to do it anyway and he wouldnt even commit to following even a Supreme Court order  thats why we are so obviously in a constitutional crisis, Brettschneider said.

A political crisis is also gathering

The battle over the deportations to a notorious prison in El Salvador is only the latest sign that the administration plans to claim almost limitless presidential power on issue after issue two months into Trumps jarring second term.

Trump is betting that his Republican allies will do nothing to rein him in, that his Democratic foes are too weak to slow him and that procedural traditions in the courts can only rule on his disruption in retrospect.

We are unafraid to double down, and to take responsibility and ownership of the serious decisions that are being made, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday. The president was elected with an overwhelming mandate to launch the largest mass deportation campaign in American history, and thats exactly what he is doing.

Constitutional and legal fights can often feel remote to the more pressing daily concerns of citizens outside Washington  as Democrats found to their cost last year when they based at least part of their election campaign on the need to defend institutions that many Americans feel are not responding to their needs.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on Monday. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

But the outcome of the migrant flights drama  and challenges to other far-reaching administration initiatives, such as the attempt to overturn birthright citizenship and Elon Musks evisceration of the federal government  will be critical to deciding how America will be led and what kind of country it will be for the next four years and possibly for years afterwards.

In a White House dominated by an all-powerful commander in chief, officials harbor a conception of the Constitution that most Americans would not recognize.

When Hunt raised the separation of powers in relation to the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants  apparently without due process  Miller replied: Yes, separation of powers. This is the judiciary interfering in the executive function.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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Dan Levi knows a thing or two about finding his way around an airport.

As executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Clear Channel Outdoorthe largest airport advertising company in the country, with a presence in more than 55 commercial airports nationwideLevi applies his 38 years of experience in media and advertising to helping bring digital innovation to out-of-home (OOH) campaigns. During his nearly 10-year career at Clear Channel, he has spearheaded the companys mission to be first to market in the OOH sector, with game-changing planning and measurement solutions going back to 2016. The company reaches 130 million Americans weekly with some 70,000 roadside and airport displays in more than 65 markets, and saw revenue in its airports segment jump 16% in 2024, on the back of record-breaking passenger volumes through U.S. airports last year.

Levi averages two trips a month, many of which take him to Clear Channels 30 offices across the U.S. While hes never in one place for long, having his Kindle and iPad handy and the refuge of an airport lounge at the ready helps him maintain an even keel.

He spoke with Fortune about a singular adventure in Cambodia, the virtues of feather pillows, and the impact of travel on both work and life.

The transcript below has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

Whats the best trip youve ever taken?

My wife and I went to Antarctica last year for our 30th anniversary, which was the most amazing trip weve done recently. I don't have a bucket list, but it was one of those bucket-list experiences. Its such a different part of the planet, and unlike anything youve ever experienced before, no matter how much youve traveled.

We left on a cruise from Argentina and crossed the Drake Passage, which is legendary for being two days of seasickness and very rough seas. We were really fortunate because it was relatively calm, which the crew told us happens about 1% of the time, so we did it in a day and a half. Since we had that half-day head start, we were able to go farther south than the cruise had ever gone before. We saw parts of Antarctica that even the crew had never seen, and so many penguins, which are hystericalthey just look at you and walk right by.

My other favorite was our honeymoon in Cambodia in 1993, a few months after the U.N. peacekeeping forceswhich had been there for two years to support the creation of a functioning democracyhad left. I like to say that I've never met anyone else whos heard machine-gun fire on their honeymoon. Cambodia was truly independent for the first time in a very long time, and it was so spectacular not only to visit Angkor Wat and the nearby temples and other sites, but also to be there with almost no other tourists. We flew on a Russian surplus plane from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap with a pilot we were convinced was drunk, and then stayed at the nicest hotel in Siem Reap, which was basically a hostel with shared bathrooms. There are luxury hospitality brands there now, but this was a very, very different time. Its such a wonderful memory, and marked the first time I had that kind of adventure travel experience. And it laid the foundation for much of what weve done since then, including moving to Southeast Asia for five years.

If you could go anywhere in the world you haven't yet been, where would it be, and why?

I have this running joke with my wife that with all the travel we've done together, we still havent been to Ireland. Ive suggested it so many times when we've talked about where we should go, but we havent made it there yet, so Im going with that to keep the joke going and put a little more pressure on her. I love the U.K.I studied abroad in England, and have spent time in Scotland, Wales, and lots of other places there. Between the nature and landscapes, and everything Ive been told about the people, Ireland just seems like a really cool place to hang out for a week.

What's your favorite/most memorable meal you've had while traveling?

I was working for MTV in the early 90s, and they asked me to move to Singapore in 1995 to help launch MTV Asia. India was a very important market for MTV to developI ended up living in Bangalore for three months to get the business goingbut the first time I went was before we had any infrastructure there. My wife came with me to Delhi, where it was more than 120 degreesnobody wanted to do anything but sit inside and not move. But having never been there before, we wanted to see the sites. MTV had only one person on the ground then, the daughter of a very well-known Indian author, and we dragged this poor woman along to help us see the Red Fort and all these other places. Then we went to her grandparents home and had the best vegetarian meal Ive ever had in this cute little house in Delhi, with one air conditioner in the bedroom. We all sat in there on the corners of the bed and had this unbelievable meal together. Ill never forget it. I love India.

What are a few of your favorite travel hacks?

If I can bring my own pillow, I will. Theres almost always room in a suitcase for a feather pillowIll squish the air out of it and shove it into a corner, or Ill put it on top of everything Ive packed and force the suitcase closed.

I have TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Clear, Digital IDand if a new program comes out that will get me through airport security faster, I'll register for that one too.

Though I once swore I would never pay for a credit card, after getting stuck in the Dallas airport for six hours due to storms a number of years ago, I now have an American Express Platinum Card so that I can access the Centurion and Delta loungesIm a Delta frequent flyer. To have a place to work and not have to deal with the overall stress of the airport experience makes a huge difference.

What three things do you never travel without?

I'm a tech nerd, so this one is easy. I never travel without my Kindle, because I need to be able to read on something other than my phone.

Second is my iPadit's my favorite device, and gives me the ability to work as well as watch video if I want to get online.

Over the years, Ive curated this collection of chargers and cords thats the first thing I pull out when I start packing for a trip. It's in its own little case, and I know that wherever I go, whatever I need is in there.

Do you have any hard and fast travel rules?

I definitely strive to carry on, but as I've gotten older, I've realized that sometimes it's better not to spend so much time on having to pack perfectly, and I'll check my bag. But if I can, I prefer to carry on.

Ill only take a connecting flight if there's no other way to get there.

I like to get to the airport early, and not have the stress of running for the gate. When I lived in Singapore, I worked for a guy whose mission was to be the last person on the plane every time. When I traveled with him, wed be paged and Id have to do the walk of shame to the gate, then wed be the last people to boardtheyd shut the door behind us. I don't like being that guy.

Whats the most important life lesson youve learned from travel?

I think that in life, as in travel, there's no such thing as a bad experience. You can have a good experience or a good story, and if you're lucky, theyre one and the same. Bad travel experiences are the ones you tell friends about over drinks to lots of laughs.

One of my favorites is when we lived in Singapore, and were meeting my brother and his wife in Chiang Mai after theyd visited us and then traveled a bit on their own. I was in Bombay for business, and the only way I could get to Chiang Mai in time to meet them was to fly overnight via Delhi, Hong Kong, and Bangkok in one journey. I dont like taking sleeping pills, so my brother, an anesthesiologist who trained in the Air Force, gave me a sleeping pill thats approved for pilots because it doesn't make them groggy. He told me exactly when to take it so that I'd get the maximum amount of sleep, which I did as we took off for Hong Kong, but I couldnt fall asleep. I went to the lounge during my two-hour layover there and started getting tired so I put my head back, then fell asleep and woke up 10 minutes before my flight was scheduled to take off. So I became that guy running through the airport, with my bag bouncing from wheel to wheel behind me and my coat hanging off. It was a bus gate, and the bus had already left, so I somehow convinced them to get another bus for me. I was barely awake, and did that walk of shame onto the plane, where everyone else who managed to get there on time was waiting. It was a bad experience, but a great story.

Are there any lessons from your own travel experiences that you've applied to your work at Clear Channel Outdoor?

The first pertains to our airport business. If you've flown through LaGuardia Airport in the last couple years, and also before it was redeveloped, you realize the difference between a great passenger experience and a horrific one. Traveling so much and passing through so many different airports, and especially having had Changi Airport in Singaporewhich for many years was regarded as the best in the worldas my home airport for five years, for me has really reinforced the importance of the airport experience, and how much it matters both to travelers and to the marketers who are trying to reach them.

The bigger one is that travel is about experiencing new thingsit's about learning. I travel to our branches and to our local markets to learn. Our business isnt driven by the people in New York and the big agenciesits driven by our people who work across our 30 local offices, and by our customers in those markets. If I can't speak to what's going on in our marketsto what our local clients and salespeoples needs are, and how my team and I can support themthen I can't effectively do my job. I think about it the same way I think about personal travel, and what I take away from these incredible trips to Antarctica and India and all these other amazing destinations: I travel to experience our business where it happens, so that I can do my job better.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Louisiana officials are planning to carry out its first execution by nitrogen gas on Tuesday after a judge denied death row inmate Jessie Hoffman's eleventh-hour arguments that it violates his religious freedoms.

Hoffman's attorneys say that he's deeply sorry for the brutal rape and murder of 28-year-old Molly Elliott in 1996 but are arguing that he shouldn't be executed by the controversial and largely untried method, partly because it violates his religious freedoms. Only one state, Alabama, has used nitrogen gas to put inmates to death, making history with its first such execution last year.

Hoffman, 46, is scheduled to die on Tuesday despite a judge's order last week temporarily halting his execution in a ruling that was overturned by the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday. Hoffman's attorneys appealed that, and the matter is with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Just hours before the execution, a Louisiana judge heard last-minute arguments from Hoffman's attorneys focusing on a state law that they say "prohibits the government from interfering with the exercise of religious faith." The judge denied their request to stop the execution.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill criticized the move as "an attempt to see what will stick."

If the execution moves forward, it will be Louisiana's first in 15 years, and the nation's seventh this year. Three other executions, all by lethal injection, also are scheduled this week in Arizona, Oklahoma and Florida.

Here's what to know about Hoffman's execution.

What did Jessie Hoffman do?

Molly Elliott left work at her advertising firm in the French Quarter of New Orleans around 5 p.m. on Nov. 27, 1996, and walked to the Sheraton hotel garage where she parked her car. She was supposed to meet her husband at his office at 6 p.m. so they could go out to dinner together, police told reporters at the time.

Hoffman, who was just 18 years old and had worked at the garage for about two weeks, kidnapped her at gunpoint and forced her to withdraw about $200 from an ATM, prosecutors said. Even if Hoffman had let her go at that point, prosecutors said it would have been "the most horrific night of her life."

"The ATM video tape shows the terror on Ms. Elliotts face as she withdrew money from her account, and Hoffman can be seen standing next to his victim," prosecutors said in court records.

After getting the cash, Hoffman forced Elliott to drive to a remote area of St. Tammany Parish as she begged him not to hurt her, prosecutors said, citing Hoffman's eventual confession to the crime. Hoffman then raped Elliott and forced her to get out of the car and walk down a dirt path in an area used as a dump, prosecutors said.

The East Pearl River runs high at the border of Mississippi and Slidell, Louisiana, on May 27, 2019. Elliott's body was found along the river on Thanksgiving Day in 1996.

"Her death march ultimately ended at a small, makeshift dock at the end of this path, where she was forced to kneel and shot in the head, execution style," they said. "Ms. Elliott likely survived for a few minutes after being shot, but she was left on the dock, completely nude on a cold November evening, to die."

Her husband identified her body after it was found on Thanksgiving Day, prosecutors said.

Hoffman acknowledges the crime and is deeply remorseful, his attorney, Cecelia Kappel, told USA TODAY.

"He takes full responsible for this very tragic, awful crime," she said. "He is so sorry to the family of Molly Elliott and he wishes to have opportunity before he dies to have a face-to-face conversation where he can apologize in person."

Read more about Molly Elliott: Husband, mother remember the remarkable young woman

Who is Jessie Hoffman?

Raised in and around housing projects in New Orleans, Hoffman grew up in an "overwhelming environment of chaos, violence, poverty and substance abuse," according to Hoffman's application for clemency.

Hoffman experienced physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the hands of those closest to him, and witnessed multiple stabbings, shootings and fatal murders, in addition to losing seven family members to murder, his attorneys wrote in his clemency application.

When he was just 14 months old, Kappel said that Hoffman's mother burned his hand on a stove as punishment, requiring a 19-day hospital stay and leaving him with a mangled hand.

"This guy was physically and mentally tortured through child abuse and wasn't helped out by social services or the system," his attorney, Kappel, said. "He was abandoned. And now the state is seeking to torture him to death even though he has proven that he is capable of rehabilitation and change and remorse."

She said that Hoffman has become a different man than the one who was capable of such a brutal killing.

"Through his process of inner recovery, and the healing of fragmented memories, Jessie also been able to more fully reckon with the depth of the harm he has caused," according to his application for clemency filed with the Louisiana Board of Pardons. "Anyone who knows him can attest to how deeply remorseful and troubled he is by what he has done and the harm he caused in taking the life of Molly Elliott."

Hoffman, the father of a son born after his imprisonment, became a Buddhist about 20 years ago, finding with it "a moral structure and practice that has guided and nurtured him, helped him to find peace, and heal," according to his clemency petition.

When and where is Jessie Hoffman's execution?

Jessie Hoffman is set to be executed just after 6 p.m. CT on Tuesday at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana.

How will Jessie Hoffman be executed?

Louisiana plans to execution Hoffman using nitrogen gas, which will deprive him of oxygen as he inhales nitrogen through a mask and he asphyxiates. "All execution processes shall be performed in a professional, humane, sensitive and dignified manner," according to the state's execution protocols obtained by USA TODAY.

Alabama became the first state in the nation to use the method last year and remains the only one to do so, although it's also legal in Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has a bill awaiting her approval to use the method in her state, while Ohio and Nebraska have reintroduced similar legislation this year.

Last week, Chief District Judge Shelly Dick temporarily blocked Hoffman's execution, saying that it could cause him "pain and terror" and that he showed a "substantial likelihood of proving that nitrogen gas executions violate the Eighth Amendments prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

Dick cited accounts from all four of the Alabama executions that "describe suffering, including conscious terror for several minutes, shaking, gasping, and other evidence of distress."

The witnesses observed the inmates' bodies "writhing" under their restraints, "vigorous convulsing and shaking for four minutes," heaving, spitting, and a "conscious struggling for life."

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has defended the method as constitutional and effective," and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has argued in court records that witness accounts from members of the news media are unreliable.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Dick's ruling on Friday, and the matter is now with the U.S. Supreme Court.

What are Hoffman's remaining hopes to stop execution?

Louisiana Judge Richard Moore held hearing on Tuesday over whether the nitrogen gas executions violates Hoffman's right to practice religion.

Hoffman's attorneys argued that "a core component of his Buddhist practice is breathing meditation and techniques."

"Mr. Hoffman sincerely believes that he must practice his Buddhist breathing exercises at the critical transition between life and death," they said. "He believes that if he has traumatic final moments, they ... can lead to a negative rebirth."

Attorney General Murrill has argued in court filings that nitrogen gas doesn't pose "a substantial risk of severe pain" and cited a court case that found that every method of execution involves a period during which the inmate experiences psychological pain because he realizes death is imminent.

"That does not automatically render his execution unconstitutional," she wrote.

Moore sided with the government and turned down Hoffman's request to stop the execution.

Hoffman's last hopes lie with the Supreme Court, the Louisiana Supreme Court, and one other pending piece of federal litigation. Even so, a spokesman for the attorney general's office told USA TODAY: "He will be executed tonight at 6 I can confirm."

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill leaves the U.S. Supreme Court on March 18, 2024.

'Gruesome' and 'cruel?' Louisiana about to find out about nitrogen gas executions

What does Molly Elliott's family say?

Molly Elliott's husband, Andy Elliott, tells USA TODAY that 29 years after his wife's murder, he has "become indifferent to the death penalty vs. life in prison without possibility of parole." But he said that he's in favor of the execution if it the easiest way to end "the uncertainty that has accompanied these many years."

"But, his death will not provide closure," he continued. "Anyone who has experienced a tragedy of this magnitude will recognize the absolute truth  Mollys and my families and friends lost a great human being to a senseless series of crimes, the reasons for which we still dont know. The pain is something we simply have learned to live with."

He added that "all we want is finality, so we can stop dreading the reminder of the tragedy every time the subject of his execution re-emerges."

"My sincere hope is either to get the execution done or commute his sentence to life in prison without parole, one or the other, as soon as possible," he said. "Then, we can put Mollys brutal death in the past. Thats not closure, but its the best we can hope for."

Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Louisiana set to carry out its first nitrogen gas execution today
Denise Truscello/Getty;Joe Burbank/Getty Victoria Goodwin (left) and Grant Amato (right) spoke about their love in texts, say police.

Police claim Victoria Goodwin plotted to kill husband Aaron Goodwin, the host of the reality series Ghost Adventure, after falling in love with a convicted murderer.

Goodwin is accused of hiring a hitman to kill her husband with the help of convicted murderer Grant Amato, according to an arrest report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department obtained by PEOPLE.

Goodwin began to text Amato in March 2024 after seeing him in the docuseries Ctrl + Alt + Desire, per the report. The docuseries details how Amato stole $200,000 from his family and later murdered his mother, father and brother.

The pair also exchanged messages discussing "how much they are in love" according to the report. Goodwin also says in those texts that "her husband 'FH' would not accept divorce."

In one of the exchanges included in the report, Goodwin asks if she is a "bad person." When he asks her why she feels that way, Goodwin responds: "Because I chose to end his existence. Not divorce."

Ethan Miller/Getty Aaron Goodwin filed for divorce from Victoria days after her arrest (couple above).

The texts were discovered after corrections officer confiscated Amato's phone and sent it in to the Florida Department of Corrections, says the report.

Authorities in Florida then notified Las Vegas Metropolitan Police about the alleged plot by Goodwin to kill her husband, prompting them to arrest her earlier this month on charges of soliciting to commit murder and conspiring to commit murder.

After learning of the alleged plot, Goodwin's husband filed for divorce.

Goodwin did not deny messaging Amato when questioned by police according to the report, which notes she felt "lonely" and was experiencing problems in her marriage.

She denied wanting her husband dead, however, and said she could not recall sending messages about hiring a hitman.

The LVMPD ultimately made the decision to arrest and charge Goodwin because the messages she sent to Amato about her husband's murder "included payment plans, location, anticipation, and nothing done to stop the plan once in motion."

Seminole County Sheriff's Office/AP Grant Amato (above) is serving a life sentence in Florida.

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 is unclear if authorities will also charge Amato, who is already serving a lifetime sentence in prison.

Police arrested Amato in January 2019 and charged him with the murders of his parents, Margaret and Chad Amato, plus his older brother Cody Amato.

Amato massacred his family after stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his family to fund an online relationship with a Bulgarian cam model, according to court records.

After failing to complete rehab for internet and sex addiction and declining to cease communication with the model, Amato was kicked out of the home, per court records.

Police said that after arguing with his parents, Amato proceeded to murder both his mother and father execution style. He then used his father's phone to lure Cody to the home and murder him as well, according to authorities.

He then positioned the gun in his Cody's hands to try to make it look like a murder-suicide, court records show.

Despite maintaining his innocence, police arrested and charged Amato with three counts of premeditated first-degree murder.

Amato faced the death penalty, but jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict on imposing capital punishment. He is currently serving a life term without the possibility of parole.

Read the original article on People
Inside the Voice of America studio in Washington, November 30, 2018. - Jason Andrew/The New York Times/Redux

One nationalist influencer called it truly gratifying. Another said he was laughing his head off. And a state-media editorial hailed the demise of what it called the lie factory.

Chinese nationalists and state media could hardly contain their schadenfreude after President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia (RFA) and other US government-funded media organizations that broadcast to authoritarian regimes.

For years, the Chinese government and its propaganda apparatus have relentlessly attacked VOA and RFA for their critical coverage of China, particularly on human rights and religious freedom.

And now, the Trump administration is silencing the very institutions that Beijing has long sought to undermine  at a time when China is spending lavishly to expand the global footprint of its own state media.

In an editorial Monday, the Global Times, a pugnacious Communist Party-run newspaper, denounced VOA as a lie factory with an appalling track record on China reporting.

From its coverage of alleged human rights abuses in the far western Xinjiang region to reporting on South China Sea disputes, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the coronavirus pandemic and the Chinese economy, almost every malicious falsehood about China has VOAs fingerprints all over it, the editorial claimed.

As more Americans begin to break through their information cocoons and see a real world and a multidimensional China, the demonizing narratives propagated by VOA will ultimately become a laughingstock of the times, it added.

VOAs China coverage stretches back decades. During the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy protests, its Chinese-language radio broadcasts became a critical source of uncensored information for the Chinese people. (VOA discontinued its Chinese radio broadcasts in 2011 but its Chinese language website remained online as of Monday.)

RFA, founded in 1996, broadcasts to China in English, Chinese, Uyghur and Tibetan-language services, catering to ethnic minorities whose freedoms the Chinese government has long been accused of suppressing.

RFA CEO Bay Fang called the US grant cutoff a reward to dictators and despots, including the Chinese Communist Party, who would like nothing better than to have their influence go unchecked in the information space.

On Chinese social media, nationalist influencers celebrated the demise of VOA, which has placed all 1,300 staff on administrative leave, and of RFA, which said it may cease operations following the termination of federal grants.

Voice of America has been paralyzed! And so has Radio Free Asia, which is just as malicious toward China. How truly gratifying! wrote Hu Xijin, a former editor-in-chief of the Global Times and prominent nationalist commentator.

Almost all Chinese people know the Voice of America, as it is a symbolic tool of US ideological infiltration into China, Hu wrote in a post on microblogging site Weibo, where he has nearly 25 million followers. (I) believe that Chinese people are more than happy to see Americas anti-China ideological stronghold crumble from within, scattering like a flock of startled birds.

Another nationalist commentator accused VOA and RFA of being notorious propaganda machines for color revolutions, referring to protests of the 2000s that toppled governments in the former Soviet Union and the Balkans.

Im laughing my head off! they said.

Others cheered Trump, who during his first term in office was nicknamed Chuan Jianguo, or Trump, the (Chinese) nation builder by the Chinese internet, in a mocking suggestion that the US presidents isolationist foreign policy and divisive domestic agenda was helping Beijing to overtake Washington on the global stage.

Thank you, Comrade Chuan Jianguo and Elon Musk, please take care and stay safe, a Weibo user said on Monday.

Musk, the billionaire adviser to Trump who has been spearheading sweeping cuts to the US government, has used his social media platform X to call for VOA to be shut down.

This news marks the end of an era, said another comment on Weibo on Sunday.

The White House defended Trumps executive order in a statement Saturday, claiming it will ensure that taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda.

But as the US-funded stations dial down, China is busy amplifying its own messages to the world.

Under leader Xi Jinping, China has drastically expanded the reach and influence of its state media outlets as part of its push to gain discourse power in a world it sees as unfairly dominated by the Western narrative.

In 2018, Beijing announced the creation of a giant media conglomerate by merging three existing state-run networks aimed at overseas audiences to better combine resources. Its name? Voice of China.

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Magda Butrym is celebrating her brands 10-year anniversary in a big way. Not only did she secure her first spot on the Paris Fashion Week calendar this season, but she is also partnering with H&M for their next designer collaboration. The link-up is notable: When Butrym initially signed onto the partnership, she was the first designer who hadnt officially presented on the fashion month calendar to collaborate with the brand; she also stands as their first Polish collaborator.

Courtesy of H&M

For Butrym, working with H&M is a full-circle moment. When she was younger, she remembers seeing the 2006 Viktor & Rolf collaboration with H&M in Warsaw, thinking it was impossible for an emerging Polish designer like herself to partner with such a large retailer. Now that shes reached this milestone, she hopes it will encourage smaller brands: I have this chance to share with a big audience...that an opportunity like this is possible, Butrym tells ELLE.com.

Courtesy of H&M

Having seen Butryms work with her own label over the years, the new collection, which will be available online and in select H&M stores starting April 24, feels like a true a reflection of her career so far. The rose motifwhich pops up throughout her previous designsappears here. Per a press release from H&M, the rose is meant to symbolize womanhood, being both soft and confident, delicate and independent, arresting and ever-growing. Butrym also drew inspiration from the past 10 years of her brand, focusing on the silhouettes and styles that have been the most popular with customers and VIP clientsplus the pieces she thought an H&M customer might dream about wearing from her label.

Courtesy of H&M

The thoughtfully constructed collectionthe luxe details and craftsmanship immediately caught my attentionincludes her classic staples, like an oversized black blazer and a long-sleeved jersey dress. There are also showstoppers, i.e., a black sequin dress that has padding at the hip and a full corset underneath a neatly sewn lining. H&Ms head of womenswear, Ann-Sofie Johansson, tells ELLE.com: Those details are super important. If were going to collaborate with a designer, we need to have it done in a proper way. I think our customers expect that now.

Courtesy of H&M

Though the pieces took more than a year to develop, Butrym and Johansson both emphasize that the process was comfortable and easya true collaboration. Plus, Johansson notes that the team was predominantly female, from the pattern makers to the seamstresses to, of course, the designer.

Courtesy of H&M

Magda and her teamthat was absolutely the best part [of creating this], Johansson says. And it ended with a beautiful collection. Entering a collaboration, you never know how that will work out. This was such a nice vibe and such a good understanding between us.





Magda Butrym X H&M Rose-Appliqued Dress with Shoulder Pads

Courtesy of H&M

$99.00 at H&M





Magda Butrym X H&M Rose-Appliqued Mock Turtleneck Dress

Courtesy of H&M

$89.99 at H&M





Magda Butrym X H&M Rose-Appliqued Slip Dress

Courtesy of H&M

$109.00 at H&M





Magda Butrym X H&M Rose-Appliqued Gathered Dress

Courtesy of H&M

$269.00 at H&M





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A dead person killed during an Israeli army strike is taken into the hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday March 18, 2025.(AP Photo/ Mohammad Jahjouh)

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, saying it was striking dozens of Hamas targets in its heaviest assault in the territory since a ceasefire took effect in January. Palestinian officials reported at least 69 deaths.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Netanyahus office said.

The surprise attack shattered a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and raised the prospect of a full return to fighting in a 17-month war that has killed over 48,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza. It also raised questions about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.

In a statement, Hamas condemned what it called Israel's unprovoked escalation and said it had put the fate of the hostages in jeopardy.

There was no immediate U.S. reaction. But over the weekend, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been leading mediation efforts along with Egypt and Qatar, warned that Hamas must release living hostages immediately or pay a severe price."

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation, said Israel was striking Hamas' military, leaders and infrastructure and planned to expand the operation beyond air attacks. The official accused Hamas of attempting to rebuild and plan new attacks. Hamas militants and security forces quickly returned to the streets in recent weeks after the ceasefire went into effect.

Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, said the gates of hell will open in Gaza if the hostages aren't released. We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals, he said.

Explosions could be heard throughout Gaza, and at least 69 people were killed in the morning airstrikes, according to four hospitals that received the bodies. The territory's civil defense agency said its crews were having a difficult time carrying out rescue efforts because various areas were being targeted simultaneously.

Talks on a second phase of the ceasefire had stalled

The strikes came two months after a ceasefire was reached to pause the war. Over six weeks, Hamas released roughly three dozen hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in a first phase of the ceasefire.

But since that ceasefire ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward with a second phase aimed at releasing the nearly 60 remaining hostages and ending the war altogether.

Hamas has demanded an end to the war and full withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages. Israel says it will not end the war until it destroys Hamas governing and military capabilities and frees all hostages.

Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to resume the war, and early this month cut off the entry of all food and aid deliveries into the besieged territory to put pressure on Hamas.

This comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators, Netanyahu's office said early Tuesday.

Taher Nunu, a Hamas official, criticized the Israeli attacks. The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza, he said.

Gaza already was in a humanitarian crisis

The war erupted with Hamas' Oct 7, 2023, cross-border attack, which killed some 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage.

Israel responded with a military offensive that killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza's population. The territory's Health Ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and militants, but says over half of the dead have been women and children.

The ceasefire had brought some relief to Gaza and allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to resume to what remained of their homes.

But the territory is coping with vast destruction, with no immediate plans to rebuild. A resumption of the war threatens to reverse any progress made in recent weeks toward halting Gaza's humanitarian crisis.

A renewed Israeli ground offensive could also be especially deadly now that so many Palestinian civilians have returned home. Before the ceasefire, civilians were largely concentrated in tent camps meant to provide relative safety from the fighting.

The return to fighting could also worsen deep internal fissures inside Israel over the fate of the remaining hostages. Many of the hostages released by Hamas returned emaciated and malnourished and described harsh conditions in captivity, putting heavy pressure on the government to extend the ceasefire.

The released hostages have repeatedly implored the government to press ahead with the ceasefire to return all remaining hostages, and tens of thousands of Israelis have taken part in mass demonstrations in recent weeks calling for a ceasefire and return of all hostages.

Mass demonstrations are planned later Tuesday and Wednesday following Netanyahu's announcement this week that he wants to fire the head of Israel's internal security agency, the Shin Bet. Critics have lambasted the move, saying it is an attempt by Netanyahu to divert blame for his government's failures in the Oct. 7 attack and handling of the war.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza began in mid-January, Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military says approached its troops or entered unauthorized areas.

Still, the deal has tenuously held without an outbreak of wide violence. The ceasefires first phase saw an exchange of some hostages held by Hamas in return for the freeing of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate the next steps in the ceasefire.

Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Hamas instead wants to follow the ceasefire deal reached by the two sides, which calls for negotiations to begin on the ceasefires more difficult second phase, in which the remaining hostages would be released and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza. Hamas is believed to have 24 living hostages and the bodies of 35 others.

___

Mednick reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. AP reporter Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus, Syria, contributed to this report.
Israel hit Gaza with a series of "extensive strikes" overnight Tuesday, vowing to open the "gates of hell" because Hamas has not released the remaining hostages. At least 424 Palestinians were killed in the strikes, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Israel will act against Hamas "with increasing intensity" from now on, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address Tuesday.

"From now on, negotiations will only take place under fire. Hamas has already felt the presence of our force in the last 24 hours and I want to assure you: This is just the beginning," Netanyahu said.

"The military strike on Hamas and the release of our hostages are not contradictory goals -- they are goals that are intertwined," Netanyahu said.

MORE: 60 feet below in a 3-foot-wide tomb: Freed Israeli hostage details conditions of Hamas captivity

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Tuesday the operation in Gaza is "not a one-day operation."

"We will continue the military campaign in the coming days, Saar said, speaking to American pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC, on Tuesday. "The Americans were informed before the attack and supported it because justice is on our side."

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Israel Defense Forces are targeting Hamas terrorists throughout the region.

"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Tuesday.

The IDF announced a second wave of airstrikes took place in the early afternoon local time. Among the targets attacked were terrorist cells, launch sites, weapons and additional military infrastructure used by the terrorist organizations to plan and carry out terrorist acts, and which posed a threat to IDF forces and Israeli citizens, according to the IDF.

A Palestinian man is comforted as he weeps next to a truck carrying the bodies of the victims of Israeli overnight airstrikes before transporting them from the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza for burial, Mar. 18, 2025. (Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images)

Several members of Hamas' administrative and civil wings were killed in the strikes overnight including Deputy Minister of the Interior Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Abu Tuffah and Deputy Minister of Justice Omar Al-Hatta.

The first round of strikes targeted areas in Gaza including Rafah, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat, Al-Bureij, Al-Zaytoun, Al-Karama and Beit Hanoun. The IDF's Arabic spokesperson issued a broad evacuation order covering the entire perimeter of Gaza. Residents were warned to "evacuate immediately to the known shelters in western Gaza City and those in Khan Younis."

Israeli leaders made the decision to resume strikes on Gaza "several days ago," according to the ministry of foreign affairs. This despite Israel sending delegations to negotiate the ceasefire in the last week

Of the Palestinians killed overnight, 174 were children and 89 were women, according to the ministry. The human toll in Gaza had risen steadily throughout the morning, the ministry said in a series of updates. At least 562 others were injured, the ministry said.

Doctors Without Borders said it has received dozens of killed and injured at sites across Gaza.

PHOTO: Palestinians carry a body pulled from the rubble of the Qrayqea family house, destroyed in Israeli strikes at dawn in the Shujaiya district in eastern Gaza City, Mar. 18, 2025. (Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images)

"We woke up, at around 2 a.m. local time, to 20 minutes of airstrikes and heavy artillery, just like the past 15 months of war. We are appalled and outraged by these new unacceptable massacres of civilians," said Claire Nicolet, Doctors Without Borders's head of emergencies.

"Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza due to Hamas' refusal to release the hostages and threats to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli communities," Katz said in a statement.

MORE: How Israel-Hamas agreement came to be amid false starts, recriminations and deaths of key players

"If Hamas does not release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza," he added.

An Israeli official told ABC News the preemptive offensive will continue "as long as necessary," and will "expand beyond air strikes."

PHOTO: Smoke billows behind a cemetery (foreground) during Israeli strikes west of Gaza City on March 18, 2025. (Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the "resumption of aggression against the Gaza Strip and their direct shelling of civilian areas, with no regard for international humanitarian law."

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement saying it "strongly condemns" the Israeli airstrikes of Gaza, which constitute a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire and represents a "dangerous escalation. That threatens to have severe consequences for the stability of the region."

The strikes targeted Hamas' mid-ranking military commanders, leadership officials and infrastructure, the official said.

"The IDF is prepared and spread out in all arenas, both in personnel manning the borders and the Aerial Defence Array," the official added.

PHOTO: Fire burns in damaged houses, amid a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, Feb. 24, 2025. (Amir Cohen/Reuters)

MORE: Trump again threatens Hamas with 'hell' to pay if it doesn't release 'all' hostages

Far-Right Israeli Minister Ben Gvir and his party have rejoined Netanyahu's coalition in the Knesset, after leaving when the ceasefire went into effect earlier this year.

Gvir has extreme views and wants Netanyahu to go even further in Gaza. There is a vote on Israel's budget at the end of March.

If Netanyahu's coalition fails to pass that budget, his government falls, according to Israeli law.

A ballistic missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the Israeli Air Forces prior to crossing into Israeli territory, the IDF said in a statement. Red alert sirens were activated in several parts of central and southern Israel around 7 p.m. local time.

The Houthis said the strike was launched due to the ceasefire being broken, and said they will expand their strikes.

Netanyahu and Katz said the changes to the IDF's defensive guidelines come after Hamas "rejected all offers" on a conclusive hostage deal with Steve Witkoff, the U.S.'s special envoy to the Middle East.

Hamas said in a statement Tuesday that overturning the ceasefire agreement and the series of strikes put "the prisoners in Gaza at an unknown fate."

PHOTO: An Israeli army Merkava main battle tank moves at a position in southern Israel along the border fence with the northern Gaza Strip on March 18, 2025. (Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images)

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an appearance on Fox News that the Trump administration was consulted by Israeli officials on their decision to strike Gaza.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump took to his social media to threaten Hamas with a "last warning" about the remaining hostages.

Trump wrote on Truth Social on March 7 that "it will be OVER" for Hamas if it does not comply.

PHOTO: A Palestinian boy inspects a destroyed area of Al Tabien school following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Mar. 18, 2025. (Mohammed Saber/epa-efe/shutterst/MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

"I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say," he added.

Witkoff reiterated the president's threat at the time, saying, "I wouldn't test President Trump."

Fifty-nine hostages are believed to remain in Gaza -- 24 of whom are presumed to be alive. Edan Alexander is the last American-Israeli hostage to remain alive in captivity.

ABC News' Dana Savir and Guy Davies contributed to this report.

Israel hits Gaza with 'extensive strikes,' killing over 400 and ending ceasefire originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Toyah Cordingley/Facebook Toyah Cordingley

A jury in Australia was "deadlocked" and failed to reach a decision in a murder case on Tuesday, March 18 following the October 2018 death of Toyah Cordingley, 24

The victim was found dead on a beach in Far North Queensland by her devastated father, Troy

Rajwinder Singh, 40, has been accused of the killing but the jury was unable to decide whether he was guilty of murder at the trial in Supreme Court in Cairns, per reports

A jury in a murder trial has been discharged after being unable to decide on a verdict after a 24-year-old woman was discovered dead on a beach in Australia, a court has heard.

On Tuesday, March 18, the hung jury at the Supreme Court in Cairns was unable to reach a decision as to whether the accused, Rajwinder Singh, 40, was guilty of the murder of Toyah Cordingley, per the Australian Associated Press (AAP).

The victim was found dead on Wangetti Beach in Far North Queensland on Oct. 22, 2018, the news agency previously reported. It's thought she'd been killed the day before her body was discovered after she went missing on a dog walk.

Singh, from the nearby town of Innisfail, has pleaded not guilty to murder, according to the AAP.

Queensland Police Toyah Cordingley

Toyah's body was found after her father, Troy, noticed an unusual mound in the sand. "I dropped down to my knees and I scooped the sand three times, and on the third scoop, there was a foot," Troy told the jury last month, per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

I reeled back. I was horrified. I yelled out Help me, help me.' I was shocked, stunned, he added, according to the AAP.

Per the ABC, forensic pathologist Dr. Paul Botterill previously told the jury that the victim suffered an "extraordinarily deep" 17-centimeter neck wound. She also had injuries to her abdomen, chest and fingers.

Tuesday, March 18 marked the third day of deliberations in the case. The jury told Justice James Henry in a note that they were "still deadlocked and had no further questions or evidence to consider" shortly after noon, according to the ABC.

"I thank you for your diligence," Justice Henry said, per the outlet.

Queensland Police Toyah Cordingley

Prosecutors stated that the suspect  a former nurse who is originally from Buttar Kalan in the Indian state of Punjab  didn't have a motive for killing the victim, per the BBC.

The ABC reported that there had been "several people" at the beach on the day of Toyah's death, and some stated they "saw a suspicious man staring at them." However, there aren't thought to be any witnesses to the killing, per the outlet.

Justice Henry told the court that in order to find Singh guilty, the jury would need to present enough evidence to prove that he was the killer over three potential others named by the defence or the possibility that an unknown person could have committed the crime, the outlet stated.

"Probably guilty is not enough," Justice Henry told the jury, per the ABC. "The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt."

During a hearing last month, Crown prosecutor Nathan Crane suggested the victim may have been buried alive, per news.com.au, saying she was buried shortly before or after her death.

Crane suggested that tracking on the victim's phone indicated that she left  or that the phone was taken away from  the beach at 5 p.m. local time on the day she went missing, per the AAP. She was likely already dead at that time, the outlet stated, citing Crane.

AFP via Getty Rajwinder Singh is pictured (middle) after being arrested in New Delhi in November 2022

Her phone tracking matched several places that a blue Alpha Romeo sedan was seen on CCTV driving to Lake Placid Holiday Apartments, Crane previously said, per the news agency.

Rajwinder Singh owned a blue Alpha Romeo, a similar vehicle, Crane told the jury last month, according to the AAP.

AAP previously reported that a male DNA sample "2000 times more likely" to be from the suspect than a random man was also found on the victim's fingernails.

Singh left Australia and headed to New Delhi the day after the victim's body was found, per the news agency. He was not seen again until November 2022 when he was found in India, his native country.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

According to the ABC, Toyah's boyfriend, Marco Heidenreich, was the first person to raise the alarm about her disappearance. Heidenreich has denied involvement in his girlfriend's death, per the AAP, despite previously admitting that his stepfather  a former Cairns police officer  was friendly with a detective working on the murder case.

The case has been adjourned and there will be a mention hearing on Wednesday, March 26 to set a date for a retrial, per the ABC.

Queensland Courts and Angus Edwards KC, defending Singh, didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.



Read the original article on People
John Boyega doesn't regret speaking out about the racism he experienced after joining 'Star Wars'.

John Boyega spoke up about racism in 2020

The 33-year-old actor was cast as Finn in the 'Star Wars' sequel trilogy, and John felt it was important to speak out about the racist he endured after joining the film franchise.

The London-born actor told Us Weekly: "I just didnt like it. It just went against my point of view.

"I thought that, in my position, its great for people to know how we are related to this. As much as Im in this position, I still have family friends who are in the real world; [not] in this Hollywood bubble. They get affected by these issues.

"So to not speak up about it, in my position, that made no real sense to me."

John has been able to lean on several mentors during his time in the movie business.

The actor shared: "Theres been Robert Downey Jr, whos mentored me. I would say Jamie Foxx, who mentored me. Femi [Oguns], my agent. My father, Samson Boyega.

"So many people over the years, but [many of them] happened to be good black men and women who have gone to spaces that I havent necessarily gone to. Then, sharing their wisdom from there.'"

John spoke out about the racism that he experienced during an interview with GQ magazine in 2020.

The movie star said at the time: "Im the only cast member who had their own unique experience of that franchise based on their race. Lets just leave it like that.

"It makes you angry with a process like that. It makes you much more militant; it changes you. Because you realise, I got given this opportunity but Im in an industry that wasnt even ready for me. Nobody else in the cast had people saying they were going to boycott the movie because [they were in it]."
Elisabetta A. Villa/Getty Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom in 2024

Nicole Brydon Blooms wedding dress was a dreamy labor of love  and she cant stop raving about it.

On Tuesday, March 18, just days after tying the knot with Justin Theroux in Mexico, the Paradise actress, 30, shared an Instagram post dedicated entirely to her wedding gown, which was designed by the newlyweds pal Victoria Beckham.

Alongside several photos of the gown  an asymmetrical, semisheer dress decorated with delicate, lacy floral details  snapped by wedding photographer Corbin Gurkin, Bloom wrote, This dress  Thank you @victoriabeckham for creating the most ethereal, dreamy wedding dress.

I loved every minute of this day, she added, and every minute in this gown.

Stefanie Keenan/VF25/WireImage Nicole Brydon Bloom and Justin Theroux in March 2025

Victoria, 50, also raved  and shared more details  about the custom ivory gown in a series of Instagram Stories on Tuesday.

In an Instagram Stories post, the designer first congratulated the newlyweds before addressing Bloom directly. Designing your gown was such an honour, she wrote, "and it was incredible to see it come to life on your special day.

The fashion designer also shared more details about the ivory gown, which Bloom paired with custom Manolo Blahnik sandals at her beach nuptials, the bride told Vogue. (Though she ditched shoes for most of the celebration, opting instead to go barefoot in the sand.)

Crafted from French Chantilly lace, Nicole's gown was adorned with over 400 hand-cut, hand-stitched flowers, Victoria said in another Instagram Stories post. The crepe de chine slip she wore under it was also embellished with applique lace blossoms.

Dave Benett/Getty Victoria Beckham in 2024

Bloom revealed how she ended up going with one of Victorias designs  two actually; she wore a Victoria Beckham slip dress during another part of the celebration  while chatting with Vogue about her nuptials.

Theroux, 53, has known the designers husband, David Beckham, for many years" and Bloom has always adored Victorias style, the actress told the magazine. During a weekend getaway with pals (including Victoria) last year, the former Spice Girl sweetly asked what the bride was planning to wear in her wedding, and tried to help her nail down a concept, Bloom recalled.

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.

Eventually, Victoria offered to design the gown herself, and Bloom had no objections, telling Vogue that she was grateful and overjoyed," and recalling that the designers concept sounded like a dream.

Unique Nicole/FilmMagic

"I showed her a few of my options and she suddenly, and hilariously, started describing what she envisioned for my gownsomething more ethereal, flowy, and light for the sand, with tulle and soft flowers, Bloom told the magazine, later recalling that her vision was exactly what I was hoping for.

At first, the couple wasnt quite sure if [Victoria] was serious or not about taking on the task, Theroux noted. But she absolutely was, the groom told Vogue. A few weeks later, Nicole was in London for fittings.

And clearly, Bloom couldnt be happier with the final, flower-covered product she said I do in last weekend. The dress was perfect, she told Vogue, adding that it was elegant and timeless while also youthful and just a little sexy.

Read the original article on People
Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Prince Louis, Prince George, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte following the Christmas church service on December 25, 2024.

Kate Middleton is looking forward to future international travel with her children.

During her St. Patricks Day visit to the Wellington Barracks in London, the Princess of Wales, 43, expressed her hopes to take Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, abroad with her and Prince William on upcoming trips.

"George finds it fascinating that he has been to Australia and New Zealand, Kate shared, referring to her and Williams 2014 royal tour of the countries when George was a baby.

"I would like to go back there with them now, she added, sharing a relatable reason for why they haven't yet: It's finding time to do that.

Princess Kate added, "But I love to travel  yes, its a long flight."

Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince George meet a Bilby called George at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, on April 20, 2014

Related: Kate Middleton Reveals the Reason She Left London for Windsor with Prince William and Their Children

As for other places she hopes to visit with her family?

I love the Middle East because that's familiar to me [from] growing up, Kate shared, referring to the time she spent in Jordan as a child due to her father's job as a manager for British Airways in Amman. There are so many opportunities now to travel, I think it's brilliant to experience it.

While many international trips for William and Kate come with royal visits, the princess said that she and her husband try to balance their official obligations with family time.

"We tend to go further afield when its official visits, it's being able to carve out time to experience these countries in a more private capacity, she explained. Otherwise, you end up seeing lots of insides of amazing buildings, but you don't get to meet that many people."

Its making sure that you can combine a bit of work with the children, Kate added.

Jonathan Brady - Pool/Getty Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis (C), accompanied by their parents the Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrive for a settling in afternoon at Lambrook School, near Ascot on September 7, 2022

However, this year could mark a change in royal travel for the Prince and Princess of Wales' family. Prince George turns 12 on July 22, which may trigger a protocol in which he is no longer allowed to travel with his father.

In the past, direct heirs to the British throne traveled separately to secure the future of the monarchy in the event of a tragic accident. For Prince William, this change happened at age 12, though he and Kate have not yet made any official announcements as to how Prince George may be affected.

If tradition continues with the new generation, Prince William and Prince George would need the permission of King Charles in order to fly together.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Mirrorpix/Getty Images Princess Diana and Prince Charles pose with their sons Princes Harry and William on board royal yacht Britannia during their visit to Venice, Italy in May 1985

Despite his proximity to the British throne, a palace insider told PEOPLE in 2023 how William and Kate were working together to try and give Prince George a normal childhood.

"It's a massive balancing act," the source said at the time. "William and Kate are doing the right thing, protecting him so he can have as normal a childhood as possible, but he's also dipping into duties as a future monarch."



Read the original article on People
A judge in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday granted a request for freedom for Joshua Steven Riibe, who investigators believe was the last person to see missing US college student Sudiksha Konanki alive nearly two weeks ago.

Riibe argued Dominican authorities inappropriately detained him without charges and challenged their treatment of him since the 20-year-olds disappearance on March 6.

The court hearing for Riibe came a day after Konankis parents asked Dominican Republic authorities that she be officially declared dead after she went missing while on spring break in Punta Cana, arguing investigators believe she drowned and that no evidence of foul play has been found.

Riibes hearing in the Dominican Republic city of Higuey was related to his habeas corpus petition from last week, in which he asked the court to grant him freedom and claimed that prosecutors, police and the hotel where he was staying violated his rights, in part by restricting his movements without charges filed against him, according to court documents.

After the judges ruling, Riibes attorneys, while standing next to him, expressed deep gratitude to the Dominican judiciary and all institutions involved in the Joshua Steven Riibe case for recognizing and upholding the rule of law and showing respect for his fundamental rights as a foreign citizen in the Dominican Republic.

Joshua Riibe enters a courtroom in Higuey, Dominican Republic, ahead of his court hearing Tuesday. - Mark Morales/CNN

During the hearing Tuesday, Riibe  wearing a black button-down shirt and blue jeans  urged a judge to let him return to the United States.

I really want to go home and see my family, Riibe testified. I understand Im here to help but its been 10 days. Riibe said he was first detained on Saturday and believed he was going to go home that day.

Riibe, a 22-year-old Iowa resident and a student at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, has not been considered a suspect in Konankis disappearance and has not been accused of wrongdoing. However, he was being kept in a hotel room under police watch  though not officially detained  during an investigation, a source familiar with the probe told CNN last week. Authorities in the Dominican Republic confiscated Riibes passport last week, a different source close to the investigation told CNN.

The Dominican authorities still have Riibes passport, and its not clear when hell get it back, according to an official close to the prosecutors office.

Riibes attorney Beatriz Santana told CNN they are requesting a new passport with the US Embassy because authorities havent returned his.

Riibe still does not know when he will be able to leave the country, Santana said.

CNN has reached out to the US Department of State for details about Riibes new passport.

Riibe has another scheduled court hearing March 28, but its believed he is not required to appear in person.

Dominican Republic Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso interviewed Riibe over the weekend for more than six hours, according the source. A previous statement from Riibes parents said their son has been taken to a police station for interrogation multiple times.

Riibes parents also claimed he was detained under irregular conditions and questioned without official translators or legal counsel until March 12. Prosecutors declined comment when asked by CNN about those allegations.

Michael Chapman, the sheriff of Loudoun County, Virginia, where Konankis family lives, told CNN on Sunday that Riibe had been very forthright with our detectives. The sheriff said he didnt see any inconsistencies with what Riibe said.

At the court hearing, lawyers representing the government argued Riibe is not being held in custody, but said he was interviewed as a witness and has never been accused. Riibes lawyer, however, said Riibe has been restricted in his movement and his freedom since last week.

Meanwhile, Konankis parents have asked for Dominican authorities to declare her dead. Investigators believe Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, drowned and no evidence of foul play has been found, Subbarayudu and Sreedevi Konanki wrote in a letter obtained by CNN.

Initiating this process will allow our family to begin the grieving process and address matters related to her absence, Konankis parents wrote. While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory. CNN sought comment from Subbarayudu Konanki about the letter on Tuesday.

Given these circumstances, and after much deliberation, we request that the police department proceed with the legal declaration of her death, the letter from her parents, dated Monday, reads.

Sudikshas family has expressed their belief that she drowned, the Loudon County Sheriffs Office in Virginia said in a release Tuesday. While a final decision to make such a declaration rests with authorities in the Dominican Republic, we will support the Konanki family in every way possible as we continue to review the evidence and information made available to us in the course of this investigation.

Riibes attorneys referenced the sheriffs statement Tuesday as evidence in their case. His father, Albert Riibe, also testified in court, saying his son doesnt have his passport or cell phone: They wont let him leave the hotel.

The main thing is we cant leave our room because in the morning theyll come and get us for interviews and we have no form of communication, Joshua Riibe testified.

Riibes attorney said hes a victim and argued prosecutors asked him the same question multiple times in hopes he trips up in his response.

During his testimony, Riibe recounted his exchange with Konankis mother, who hugged and thanked him for saving her daughter the first time. Ive done what I can but at this time theres not much now that I can do, Riibe said, adding: Im just waiting to go home and go back to my life.

Konankis last known moments

Konanki, described by her father as an ambitious student who planned to study medicine, arrived in Punta Cana on March 3. She traveled with five other female students from the University of Pittsburgh, according to the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office.

Riibe said he first met Konanki in the hotel when he and his friend introduced themselves to her group. The two friend groups went together to a bar, where they drank until someone suggested we go to the beach, Riibe said in an interview with Dominican prosecutors last week, according to Dominican news program Noticias SIN, citing a transcript of the interview.

In the early hours of March 6, she was seen on surveillance footage drinking with five women and two men in a Riu Republica Hotel bar. In the video, Konanki is seen wearing a white cover-up as she hugs and talks with her friends. Riibe is seen several feet away, bent over and stumbling on the lawn outside the bar.

Then, at 4:15 a.m., a surveillance camera captured the group, including Konanki, entering the beach, police said.

Just before 5 a.m., surveillance footage shows five women and one man leaving the beach, two sources close to the investigation told CNN. Konanki was not among them.

The screenshot is believed to be from the last known video of missing US college student Sudiksha Konanki among a group of friends before she disappeared on March 6. CNN blurred portions of this image. - EXCLUSIVE: Noticias SIN

Riibe told prosecutors he and Konanki were hit by an intense wave and were swept out to sea when the water returned, according to Noticias SIN.

During an interview with prosecutors on March 12, Riibe described a harrowing attempt to save Konanki after they were jostled by the wave and she got tired of swimming, according to Noticias SIN, citing the interview transcript.

It took me a long time to get her out. It was difficult, Riibe said, according to Noticias SIN. He said he was trained as a lifeguard but worked at pools, not at the beach.

I was trying to get her to breathe the whole time. That didnt allow me to breathe all the time, and I swallowed a lot of water. I could have lost consciousness several times. When I finally reached the ground on the beach, I held her in front of me.

He said he last saw Konanki when she was walking in knee-deep water.

The last time I saw her, I asked if she was OK. I didnt hear her answer because I started vomiting up all the seawater I had swallowed.

After vomiting, I looked around, and I didnt see anyone. I thought she had grabbed her things and left, Riibe told prosecutors last week, according to Noticias SIN.

I felt very sick and tired. I lay down on a beach chair and fell asleep because I couldnt go far.

The sun and biting mosquitoes woke Riibe up, he said, and he went to his friends room to get his phone and then went to his room to sleep.

I was sleeping in the room and my friend asked me if I had seen her; I told him no, I thought she had gone to her room, Riibe said. His friend told him Konanki never returned to her room, which Riibe said surprised him.

Members of the Armed Forces of the Dominican Republic observe images transmitted by drones as part of the ongoing search operation of Sudiksha Konanki, 20, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing March 6 while on spring break, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. - Erika Santelices/Reuters

When Konanki didnt return to her room, her friends searched for her before notifying authorities, according to a law enforcement source. The group then reported her missing to hotel staff around 4 p.m. Thursday, according to the Riu hotel chain.

Konankis sarong-style cover-up was found on a lounge chair on the beach, but there were no signs of violence, a source familiar with the investigation told CNN last week.

Konankis disappearance comes nearly two months after four tourists drowned in Punta Cana, according to the Dominican Republics civil defense agency, at the same beach where she was last seen. Strong currents swept the tourists off the Arena Gorda beach, where the Riu Republica Hotel is located, the civil defense agency said January 18 in a Facebook post.

After I saw her walk away while she was walking in the water, I never saw her again, Riibe told prosecutors last week, according to Noticias SIN.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Mark Morales reported from Higuey and CNNEs Jessica Hasbun reported from Santo Domingo; CNNs Chris Boyette wrote from Atlanta and Karina Tsui wrote from Hong Kong. CNNs Andy Rose and Rebekah Riess contributed to this report.

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One of the 48 people taken into custody in New Mexico.

Attorneys are sounding the alarm about the unknown whereabouts of 48 people after immigration raids swept through three New Mexico cities in March.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico said in a civil rights complaint that the absence of families searching for loved ones who were taken away is an anomaly. They are calling for an investigation regarding the whereabouts and well-being of the "disappeared individuals" in the complaint filed Sunday with the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

The people were "snatched up" in Santa Fe, Roswell and Albuquerque, and ACLU and other organizations have been unable to locate them since the weeklong raids ended March 8, said Rebecca Sheff, senior staff attorney at the ACLU New Mexico.

We dont have anybody and thats exactly the concerns, that theyve been effectively disappeared. We have yet to learn any of their identities or whereabouts or the authorities under which they were held or conditions of their detention. We dont know if theyve already been deported, Sheff said.

Disappeared is a word that has most often been used in reference to people secreted away by military or law enforcement in repressive regimes in Latin America and other regions.

NBC News did not immediately receive a response after asking DHS about the whereabouts of those arrested and whether any had been deported or released.

One of the 48 people taken into custody in New Mexico.

On March 12, ICE issued a statement saying it had made the arrests of 48 people it described as "illegal aliens" in the country with deportation orders or who were charged or convicted of serious crimes. It said 21 had final orders of removal and the charges and convictions were for crimes ranging from homicide, to sexual offenses, burglary, battery and others.

The statement added that others were arrested for entering the country illegally or reentering without authorization.

Several years ago, ICE created a locator system for detainees because the agency often shuffles them around and holds them in rural places far from where they were arrested or living. But names or other identifying information are needed for the system to be used, ACLU New Mexico said in its complaint.

Commonly, groups that work in immigrant communities and their leaders will hear from families searching for their relatives, spouses and such. But Sheff said the groups are not getting information. It is unclear why families are not reaching out, but concerns around deportation and immigration status could be a factor.

Sheff said she was in a room full of community advocates "committed to protecting our communities on the verge of tears" Monday morning because they had little to no information on the people who were arrested.

"They are not hearing from any family saying, hey, my person disappeared," she said, adding that the situation is scary, particularly against the backdrop of President Donald Trump invoking the Alien Enemies Act.

Trump invoked the 1798 act to deport to El Salvador hundreds of people who the administration said were suspected members of the gang Tren de Aragua. The deportations occurred despite a judge's order blocking them and ordering planes in the air to be turned around. The administration has said planes carrying the deported people landed before the order was issued, and thus did not occur in defiance of the judge's order.

"I used to work internationally ... and we would encounter routinely circumstances where people were picked up and effectively disappeared, held incommunicado, mistreated, made unavailable, families didn't know where they were," Sheff said.

"To be in a situation now where the appropriate word for what is happening here, effectively, is disappearances, should give everyone pause," she said.
A member of the Syrian forces near a military vehicle as it heads toward the Syrian-Lebanese border in Qusayr, Syria, on Monday. - Karam al-Masri/Reuters

The defense ministers of Syria and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire on Monday, Syrias state-run SANA news agency reported, after cross-border attacks left 10 dead and more than 50 wounded.

The two officials also agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation between their countries, according to SANA.

The agreement follows an escalation of tensions between Beirut and Syrias new Islamist-led government. In the past two days, cross-border attacks have killed three Syrians and seven Lebanese, according to the two governments, with 52 people being wounded on the Lebanese side.

On Monday, Syria shelled Lebanese villages on the border after three Syrians died in the northern Lebanese town of Qasr, according to the Lebanese military, which said its forces responded to the attack.

The Syrian shelling also targeted Qasr, Lebanons state-run National News Agency said.

On Sunday, Syrias defense ministry accused the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah of kidnapping three Syrian troops from Syrian territory in an ambush, the state news agency SANA reported, saying they were taken to Lebanese territory and executed on the spot.

It also said that a photographer and reporter were injured on the Syria-Lebanon border after being struck by a Hezbollah missile.

The Lebanese army said that two Syrians were killed at the border and another died in hospital, and that the three bodies were handed over to Syria.

Hezbollah denied involvement in the border clashes, the Lebanese state news agency NNA reported, saying it has no connection to any events taking place within Syrian territory.

In response, Lebanons presidency said Monday that tensions on the countrys frontier with Syria cannot go on.

What is happening on the eastern and northeastern borders cannot go on, and we will not accept its continuation, the presidency said on X.

If confirmed to have been conducted by Syria, the attack on Lebanon would mark rare action by Syrias new government on one of its neighbors. The countrys leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has repeatedly said he wants to maintain stability with Syrias neighbors and has so far refrained from responding to repeated Israeli strikes on his country.

The clashes are a sign of growing tensions at the Lebanon-Syria border, northeast of the Beqaa valley, where predominantly Shiite Lebanese villages have seen skirmishes with Syrian soldiers in recent weeks.

Syrias new government is led by former Sunni-Islamist militants who ousted the regime of Iran-allied Bashar al-Assad late last year. Shiite Hezbollah had intervened in Syria during the countrys civil war to help Assad fight the Sunni militants.

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Noah Berger/Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI

Investors will have their eyes on Nvidia's big GTC conference this week.

The big AI event could give a badly needed boost to Nvidia stock after a 20% sell-off.

Wall Street is looking for updates on the rollout of the next-gen Blackwell GPU and other endeavors.

Nvidia's big artificial intelligence event this week could provide some much-needed fuel for the chipmaker's stock.

The Jensen Huang-led firm kicked off its annual GPU Technology Conference on Monday, its annual AI chips conference.

The hotly anticipated event, which takes place in San Jose, will include a keynote speech from Huang on Tuesday, during which investors are expecting key updates on the firm's chip sales and the company's other projects.

For Wall Street, the hope is that the event brings a fresh catalyst for Nvidia shares, which have been beaten down in recent months after soaring in 2024. Shares were trading around $119 on Monday, down 20% from their high of $149.42 on January 6.

Louis Navellier, the chief investment officer of Navellier & Associates, told Business Insider he would be disappointed if Nvidia shares didn't jump at least 5% by the end of the week.

He's expecting Nvidia to give major updates during the conference on its advancements in quantum computing, a big "next step" as the firm looks to speed up its AI processing.

"I expect that the Nvidia AI Developers Conference will just reaffirm NVDA's dominance on regenerative AI," Naveillier said to BI in an email. "On the last day of the conference, quantum computing will be the focus and Nvidia is expected to announce business with one of the winners of its recent quantum computing development contest."

Bank of America is also feeling positive ahead of the GTC conference. Analysts lifted their price target for Nvidia stock to $200, up from $190 a share.

The bank said it expects key updates on Blackwell, as well as updates on Nvidia's robotics and quantum computing projects. Investors will be particularly focused on updates related to the outlook for GM, given the carmaker's partnership with Nvidia. Also in focus is demand for Nvidia's chips in China, competition with alternative chipmakers, and the company's expected growth for the 2026 year, analysts said.

The BofA team said they reiterate their "buy" rating for the stock and see shares rally even as volatility related to China creates near-term headwinds.

Melius Research also reiterated its "buy" rating ahead of the GTC conference.

At the event, Nvidia is expected to show how major cloud companies and enterprise businesses are adopting its tech. The company could also potentially unveil its Blackwell Ultra, the firm said.

The conference will likely bolster confidence that Nvidia can grow 10% quarter-over-quarter, Ben Reitzes, the head of technology research at Melius, said.

"Nvidia's forward PE is now 41% lower than it was on the day ChatGPT was launched on Nov. 30th, 2022. Of course, in FY25 its net income was up 788% vs. FY23 (ended 1/23) and revenues are up 384% since then too. Just doesn't feel right, does it?" Reitzes said in a note last week, noting that Apple stock experienced a similar trajectory in 2008 before the stock rebounded.

"If Nvidia duplicates its own version of this industry stewardship, we could look back at this period of uncertainty and have a good chuckle," he added.

Stacy Rasgon, a senior analyst at Bernstein Research, said he is bullish on the stock heading into the GTC conference. He's expecting the company to give key updates on Blackwell, as well as Rubin, the chip following Blackwell in Nvidia's product cycle.

Updates on Blackwell could be particularly impactful, Rasgon suggested, adding that he believed the chip could represent the "biggest product cycle" in the history of the company.

Over the last 10 years, when investors bought Nvidia at similar valuation levels, gains have always been positive over the next 12-month period, he added.

"I really like it at these valuations," Rasgon told CNBC last week.

Investors have been anxious about the strength of the AI trade in recent months since DeepSeek, a Chinese startup, appeared to create an AI model to to rival US peers despite claiming to use older and cheaper GPUs to train it.

Mega-cap tech shares have also been hit the hardest by the recent bout of tariff-induced volatility that sent the S&P 500 into correction last week.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration's decision to deport Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador despite a judge's explicit order that the planes carrying them be turned around represents an extraordinary escalation in the president's challenge to the U.S. Constitution's system of checks and balances.

What follows is a timeline  mainly drawn from court filings and the plane tracking website Flightradar24  showing how the deportation operation proceeded on Saturday, as the judge ordered it to come to a halt. All times are Eastern Time.

Friday March 14 Several Venezuelan detainees being held at the El Valle Detention Center in Texas are told that they are being moved in preparation for a flight or a transfer to an unknown destination.

Saturday March 15

Early Saturday  The American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward sue the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump in federal court in Washington, D.C., saying five Venezuelan men being held at El Valle and elsewhere were at "imminent risk of removal" under the Alien Enemies Act.

2:31 p.m.  Thomas Cartwright  a finance executive-turned-immigration activist  says on the social media site X that he has spotted "TWO HIGHLY UNUSUAL ICE flights showing up now from Harlingen to El Salvador," adding that in the past 1-1/2 months there had only been one such flight. "Venezuelan deportation??" he wrote. Harlingen Airport is a half-hour drive from El Valle.

5:00 p.m.  Judge James Boasberg begins holding a hearing via videoconference in the ACLU's case.

5:26 p.m.  A GlobalX Airbus A320 bearing the tail number N278GX departs Harlingen.

5:45 p.m.  A GlobalX Airbus A320 bearing the tail number N837VA departs Harlingen.

Between 6:45 p.m. and 6:48 p.m.  Judge Boasberg blocks the application of the Alien Enemies Act, telling lawyers for the government that "you shall inform your clients of this immediately, and that any plane containing these folks  because it's going to take off or it's in the air  needs to be returned to the United States." Boasberg immediately repeats the instruction, telling the lawyers, "those people need to be returned to the United States, however that's accomplished, by turning around the plane or not embarking anyone on the plane." He then underlines the point a third time, telling the government lawyers: "This is something that you need to make sure is complied with immediately."

7:25 p.m.  Judge Boasberg's order hits the docket.

7:37 p.m.  N278GX lands in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on its way to El Salvador.

7:37 p.m.  A GlobalX Airbus A320 bearing the tail number N630VA departs Harlingen.

8:10 p.m.  N837VA lands in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on its way to El Salvador.

9:50 p.m.  N630VA lands in Comayagua, Honduras, on its way to El Salvador.

11:10 p.m.  N278GX lands in San Salvador, El Salvador.

11:43 p.m.  N837VA departs Tegucigalpa, Honduras on its way to El Salvador.

Sunday

12:18 a.m.  N837VA lands in San Salvador, El Salvador.

1:08 a.m.  N630VA lands in San Salvador, El Salvador.

8:13 a.m.  Salvadorian president Nayib Bukele publishes a choreographed video, set to martial music, of migrants being dragged from planes in shackles and hustled into buses amid a massive security presence. Three GlobalX jets are visible in the video, including one bearing the tail number N837VA. Bukele says the prisoners will be forced to work to pay for their upkeep. In response, Elon Musk, Trump's tech baron ally, responds saying, "Much appreciated." Bukele's post is also shared by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

(Reporting by Raphael Satter, Ted Hesson, and David Shephardson in Washington, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Wesley Tingey | Unsplash

Everyone has seen the stories. A homeowner goes on vacation only to return and find strangers in their bed and half their furnishings sold. Or a widow vacates a family home, puts her house on the market and then finds out someone moved in and changed the locks while the house was unoccupied. Or a former tenant rents out property to others and collects rent instead of the owner.

Horror stories abound of people taking advantage of lax laws and lengthy legal processes to live rent free at property owners expense, often damaging and ruining homes in the process. Homeowners in Wyoming havent been immune from people illegally occupying homes, either.

Thats why Wyoming legislators should be commended for upping the consequences for squatters and strengthening property owners rights during this years legislative session. Senate File 006 makes it a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or up to $10,000 in finesor bothif a person illegally occupies and knowingly damages or destroys property. It also allows homeowners to seek the immediate removal of those illegally occupying their property via law enforcement and doesnt hold law enforcement responsible for any damage that might occur during the process.

Under the new law (approved without signature by the governor) those who create false leases or other documents in order to illegally use property will be charged with a misdemeanor and could be fined $750.00 and face up to six months in prison.

Mark Miller, senior attorney for the Pacific Legal Foundation, who testified before the Wyoming Legislature in support of the legislation, said, With a national housing crisis and a growing threat of squatters, states like Wyoming recognize the importance of property rights and the ability of homeowners to keep and maintain control over their property.

He said most states havent addressed the issue legislatively, which can lead to homeowners not being able to live in or rent their properties for months or years as they wait for the eviction process to play out in the courts. (Currently, Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Tennessee, Washington and West Virginia, in addition to Wyoming, have passed laws against squatting.)

Another factor leading to the explosion of cases nationwide is the lack of housing. The Pacific Legal Foundation said, restrictions on where and what you can buildincluding outright prohibitions on duplexes and granny flats in many placeshave limited the supply of affordable housing options. It advocates loosening regulatory restrictions to increase the supply of housing as well as laws that protect homeowners who evict squatters on their own.

Common sense and civic duty also say that property owners should get to know their neighbors and law enforcement officers to be better able to quickly address squatting when it occurs. Detractors of the Wyoming legislation have said landlords could abuse the law to kick out legal tenants. But they can be held legally liable if that happens. And law enforcement would quickly learn who was abusing their time and trust.

Most important is that property owners in the Cowboy State can now seek redress immediately to remove those who want a free ride. Taking what is not yours is not social justice. It is stealing and thankfully will be treated as such going forward.

Marta Mossburg is a research fellow at Mountain States Policy Center, an independent research organization based in Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming. Online at mountainstatespolicy.org.
By Pete Schroeder and Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman to be vice chair for supervision, he said in a post on social media.

A former community banker and frequent critic of overzealous bank regulation, Bowman would replace Michael Barr, who stepped down from the supervision post at the end of February to avert a potential legal dispute with the Trump administration.

"Our Economy has been mismanaged for the past four years, and it is time for a change. Miki has the know-how to get it done. I am confident we will achieve Economic heights never before seen in our Nations History," Trump, who took office on January 20, wrote on social media.

If confirmed, Bowman would be responsible for the Fed's extensive bank regulatory portfolio, including supervising and writing rules for many of the nation's largest banks.

Bowman was widely seen as a frontrunner to fill the role, in part due to the fact that the Fed's board is currently full, meaning a replacement must be named from existing governors.

Despite little experience with global banks, Bowman would be one of the top bank regulators in the U.S. government and globally, as the Fed oversees the nation's largest and most complex lenders.

A former Kansas banking regulator, Bowman has served on the Fed board since 2018 when Trump nominated her to fill a post specifically reserved for an official with community banking experience. She is expected to have a much lighter regulatory touch than Barr, whose rulemaking projects she has loudly criticized in multiple speeches over the past 18 months.

Bowman voted against Barr's proposal to implement the so-called "Basel III Endgame" rule that would overhaul how big banks gauge their risks, requiring them to hold significantly more capital. She has argued the capital burden should be reduced.

Partly spurred on by Bowman's criticism, big banks lobbied hard to water down that Basel rule, which has since failed to progress due to infighting among regulatory officials on the best path forward.

Bowman has also suggested the Fed should consider ways to make its annual big bank "stress tests" more transparent and predictable for lenders. The Fed recently announced it planned to make several significant changes to the stress tests going forward, and big banks have sued to challenge their legality.

Before joining the Fed, Bowman served as the state bank commissioner of Kansas for a year and a half, before which she spent several years as vice president of Farmers & Drovers Bank, a Kansas community bank.

Early in her career, she was a congressional staffer, and also held roles in the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh, Pete Schroeder and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Chris Reese, Louise Heavens and Andrea Ricci)
Jonathan Majors has appeared to admit to strangling his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari in newly leaked audio.

Jonathan Majors has appeared to admit to strangling his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari in newly leaked audio

In a recorded conversation published by Rolling Stone on Monday (17.03.25), a man alleged to be Jonathan, 35, is heard saying: Ive never (been) aggressive with a woman before. Ive never aggressed a woman  I aggressed you.

A woman, believed to be Grace, 32, is heard responding: You strangled me and pushed me against the car.

The man in the tape then replies: Yes, all those things are under aggressed thats never happened to me.

He has not publicly addressed the tape.

It comes after Jonathan was arrested in March 2023 following a separate alleged altercation with Grace. In December, he was found guilty of two charges of misdemeanor assault and harassment.

The audio, according to Rolling Stone, was recorded after a days-long fight between the Loki actor and the British dancer in September 2022, when they were living together in London.

In the exchange, the woman is also heard saying: Because I said something sarcastically, in your eyes? The man replies: Well clearly, its more than that.

She then states: Something inside of you. He responds: Yeah, towards you.

During Jonathans assault trial, text messages from September 2022 were entered into evidence in which he appeared to admit to physical violence.

The messages included him allegedly threatening suicide if Grace sought medical treatment for a head injury.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on 14 March, Jonathan said he was unable to comment directly on Grace and other ex-girlfriends allegations of domestic violence.

She testified in court the Creed III actor displayed rage and aggression throughout their relationship. Following Jonathans conviction, she filed an assault and defamation lawsuit against him, alleging multiple instances of physical abuse between 2021 and 2023.

The lawsuit has since been dropped.

One of the alleged incidents, according to Graces filing, occurred in September 2022, when she claimed Jonathan threw her against the hood of a car, brought her inside their home, and started hitting her head against the marble floor while strangling her until she felt she could no longer breathe.
Food & Wine / Getty Images

Tender green asparagus is irresistible in the springtime. But it can be difficult to tell how fresh and tasty your asparagus will be when it is stacked up high in a bin at the supermarket. To help you pick the best asparagus possible at the grocery store or farmers market, we consulted two vegetable-loving chefs. Here are their tips for picking the best asparagus so you can enjoy this veggie roasted, sauteed, and even blanched for a simple salad.



Related: Never Overcook Asparagus Again With These 5 Methods

How to buy asparagus

The number one rule: It should be stored in water

Unless Im at a farmers market, I only buy asparagus at a grocery store when its properly stored, says executive chef Verlord Laguatan of the Viceroy Chicago Hotel. What exactly does that mean? The asparagus should be standing upright, with the bottoms soaking in fresh water, he says, which helps to keep the stalks fresh.

Look for firm spears and tight, dry buds

Asparagus should be firm and have a good snap when broken in half, Laguatan adds. This lets me know that it hasnt been picked too long ago and has been stored properly. The skin should be wrinkle-free, and the little florets on top should be nice and dry. Soggy tops are the first indication that the product is turning bad.

Chef Scott Clark, who owns Dads Luncheonette in Half Moon Bay, California, agrees. You want to find firm straight spears with a tight closed crown.

Related: Please Stop Squeezing Your Avocados  Theres a Better Way to Tell if One Is Ripe

Shop seasonally

Seasonality is key. Asparagus is particularly prone to wilting and turning bitter when it has traveled a long way. Buy it up when its in season [from around April through June], and yearn for it when its not, says Clark. Dont go buying it in December and expect the same pop and flavor as when its peaking.

How to store asparagus

How you store the asparagus once you bring it home is just as important as how it is stored at the grocery. Laguatan likens a bunch of asparagus to a bouquet of flowers, and suggests you treat it the same way. Trim the bottom and place it standing up in a container in the fridge in a little bit of water. Change the water frequently if youre not using it right away.

One more note: People usually throw away the bottom part of the asparagus as its very woody and fibrous. However, its a great addition to vegetable stocks and soups. All the flavor is still there, so dont waste it.



Read the original article on Food & Wine
JOAO AMORIM/COURTESY OF HBD PRINCIPE A guest villa at Sundy Praia, in Sao Tome and Principe.

Im a morning person, so when the gray parrots started chirping and the mona monkeys started rustling in the banana trees at daybreak, I was ready with my binoculars. Soon enough, more birds joined in the chorus: the daily alarm clock at Sundy Praia, a resort in the remote island nation of Sao Tome and Principe.



Nearly 30 endemic bird species inhabit the jungles of what some call the Galapagos of Africa, which lies about 150 miles off the shores of Gabon and reachable via an 8.5-hour flight from Lisbon. Marine megafauna and five species of sea turtles also frequent the coast.



Henrique SERUCA/COURTESY OF HBD PRINCIPE The beach near Bom Bom.

Yet few people make the trip to see them. Sao Tome and Principe is one of the least visited countries in the world, with around 35,000 arrivals a year. (The Galapagos Islands get around 10 times that.) Those who do go are met with more than just incredible wildlife and uncrowded beaches. Now they can witness the early days of what may be one of the most ambitious ecotourism projects anywhere: a plan to reinvent the economy of this still-developing nation while safeguarding its ecosystem.



This is a part of | T+L's Global Vision Awards 2025 | Read More

The story of Sao Tome and Principe began in the 1470s, when the Portuguese came upon these uninhabited islands. By the 16th century, they had planted sugarcane and brought enslaved people from mainland Africa to work the plantations. Cacao farming followed, and by the early 1900s, the islands were collectively the worlds largest producer of chocolate. But by the time the nation gained independence in 1975, the economy was moribund; in 2010, unemployment hovered near 80 percent.



That same year, the national government floated a plan to clear 2,500 acres of northern Principe for the production of palm oil. Recognizing the threat such a plan would pose to both the environment and the islands culture, the regional government of Principe opposed the projectand opted instead to join forces with South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth. The globe-trotting software executive had been looking for an under-the-radar vacation spot, and with its position roughly midway between Cape Town and London, Principe fit the bill. But rather than build a traditional resort, Shuttleworth proposed to unlock long-term economic growth through sustainable tourism and agroforestry.



MAIQUE MADEIRA/COURTESY OF HBD PRINCIPE From left: An oceanside bungalow at Bom Bom; dinner service at Sundy Praia.

Today, the company he founded, HBD Principe, has become the largest employer on the island. It operates a portfolio of four resorts, the Principe Collection, and, in a nod to the nations history, a cacao farm called Paciencia Organic that produces both chocolates and beauty products. (The initials HBD stand for here be dragons, as one might imagine on an old map.) Of the collection, Sundy Praia is the most luxurious, with 15 tented villas set where the cacophonous jungle meets the tawny coast. Theres also the oceanfront Bom Bom, the companys first hotel, which reopened last September after a five-year renovation. Adjacent to the cacao farmand set within restored plantation housesRoca Sundy immerses guests in the islands chocolate-making industry, with tours of fields and production facilities. Omali is a tranquil bookend to any trip: Its the only HBD property on Sao Tome, which is home to the countrys sole international airport.



Over the past 15 years, HBD has invested more than $100 million in the countryand with time has earned the trust of the Sao Tomean people, as my guide, Wuilber Tavares, explained. When the locals first saw white people coming ten years ago, they didnt like it, because of our past, he said as we drove through Santo Antonio, the main town on Principe. Now we have a new generation.



GERALDINE BRUNEEL/COURTESY OF HBD PRINCIPE From left: A guest room at Roca Sundy; the lobby of the resort.

That includes people like 27-year-old Tavares, who see HBD, and by extension the tourism industry, as a reason to stay rather than move abroad in search of employment. And HBDs growing constellation of projects means theres always more to do. The company levies a $26-per-night fee on all stays, money that directly funds grassroots conservation initiatives and social-welfare programs run by the Principe Foundation, such as observing local reefs, monitoring sea-turtle nests, and providing scholarships to students.



In 2024, HBD expanded its community support with a new organization, Natural Dividend, a foundation created to financially compensate islanders for conservation efforts. Its a bit of a universal basic income program, says Jorge Alcobia, who heads up the initiative. If people enrollits voluntarywe will pay those who commit to maintain and preserve nature as it is.



GERALDINE BRUNEEL/COURTESY OF HBD PRINCIPE The restaurant at Sundy Praia.

For all the work on the island, the ultimate goal of the project is to create a replicable road map that other destinations can follow, Alcobia explains. The efforts have already garnered notice from the Long Run, another Global Vision Award winner, which advises lodges worldwide on how to best implement sustainability practices.



Intensive agriculture would have had a devastating impact on the island and the community, says Ruth Crichton, a regional manager at the Long Run. One of the most significant aspects of HBD Principe is its focus on preserving the islands unique biodiversity.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
At least 12 people including a popular musician died Monday when a small plane crashed into the Caribbean sea quickly after taking off from the Honduran island of Roatan, officials said. The Lanhsa Airlines plane departed at nightfall from Roatan, one of the central American country's main tourist destinations, headed for the port of La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland.

The aircraft "made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water," civil aviation official Carlos Padilla said.

"The plane almost fell on us. I was fishing," a fisherman, whose name was not given, told HCH television.

The plane carried 17 passengers and crew, five of whom were rescued and hospitalized.

Rescue operations underway in the aftermath of a plane crash in location given as Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras, March 17, 2025. / Credit: Policia Nacional de Honduras/Handout via REUTERS

Dramatic video posted to social media by the national police showed rescue workers carrying a survivor on a stretcher onto the rocky shore. Another video showed a similar scene, with police reporting that only one body was still missing as rescue teams continued their search.

Roatan fire captain Franklin Borjas told the Reuters news agency that survivors were taken to a nearby hospital but provided no information on their conditions. Borjas told Reuters that the search and rescue efforts were complicated by the terrain.

"It's been difficult to access the accident (site) because there are 30 meters of rocks and you can't get there while walking or swimming," he told Reuters. "The divers helping with the rescue have zero visibility."

Among the victims was Aurelio Martinez, a former member of Congress and member of the Garifuna ethnic group, which is of mixed African and Indigenous heritage. Martinez also held U.S. citizenship. His representative, Helene Odile Guivarch, a French citizen, was among the survivors.

Martinez was originally from Honduras' Gracias a Dios region along the country's Caribbean coast.

"We're devastated," his nephew Angel Aparicio Fernandez Martinez, also a musician who played with his uncle, said Tuesday. "He was the family's pillar."

Martinez was a member of Los Gatos Bravos before forming his own group Lita Ariran. His first album "Garifuna Soul" took him to Europe, the United States and other parts of the world.

"He was the greatest model from Honduras of Garifuna music on a worldwide stage," his nephew said.

"Martinez's virtuosic musicianship and passionate performances made him a mainstay of the La Cieba music scene, where he was best loved for his take on punta rock, the high-energy, Garifuna roots-infused pop genre that took Central America by storm in the 1990s," according to the Kennedy Center.

Singer-songwriter, guitarist and percussionist Aurelio Martinez of the band Aurelio performs onstage at the Hollywood Bowl Presents the 38th Anniversary Playboy Jazz Festival Day 1 at the Hollywood Bowl on June 11, 2016 in Hollywood, California. / Credit: Mathew Imaging via Getty

Fifteen passengers were on the plane, along with two pilots and a flight attendant, according to police.

The crash, which happened about half a mile from the island's coast, was caused by an "apparent mechanical failure" on the British-made Jetstream 41, the police statement said.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro said she had "immediately activated" an emergency committee made up of the armed forces, firefighters and others to assist the victims of the accident.

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The former director of a local Humane Society in Ohio has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison after promising pet owners and rescue groups to rehabilitate dogs or find them new homes for a fee, but instead keeping the proceeds for personal use and euthanizing the animals without permission.

Steffen Baldwin, 44, former humane agent and executive director at the Union County Humane Society, was sentenced Friday to 15 years in prison by Union County Common Pleas Court Judge Daniel Hogan after being found guilty on 32 counts, including animal cruelty, bribery, theft and other charges in a January 2024 bench trial, according to court records.

Skinny Minny nuzzles Steffen Baldwin at the Union County Humane Society in this November 2013 file photo. Baldwin, who previously served as the society's executive director, has been sentenced to 15 1/2 years in prison after being found guilty on 32 counts, including animal cruelty, bribery, theft and other charges.

On top of the prison time, Baldwin is prohibited from owning or caring for companion animals for life, court records show.

Baldwin presented himself as a caring lover of dogs and claimed to have a 99% successful adoption rate for behaviorally challenged dogs. He promoted himself as someone who could rehabilitate dogs that no one else could. But he did not work with the dogs entrusted to him. Baldwin would have dogs euthanized and lie to pet owners or rescue groups  sometimes for months  saying the dogs were alive and well rather than admitting he was unable to help, according to court records.

The Union County Humane Society did not respond to a request for comment by Monday afternoon.

One of the dogs, a 3-year-old male pit bull named Remi was rescued from the Trumbull County Dog Kennel by Litsa and Angelo Kargakos, owners of No Fear Rescue, on May 26, 2016. But Remi had been designated a "dangerous dog" after two bite incidents. The Kargakoses knew Remi would not be adoptable unless the "dangerous dog" label was removed.

Baldwin met with the Kargakoses on May 31, 2016, and told them he could have the "dangerous dog" designation removed based on his position as the humane agent in Union County, according to court records.

Former Union County Humane Society Executive Director Steffen Baldwin, seen in his 2010 file photo, has been sentenced to 15 and half years in prison after being found guilty on 32 counts, including charges of cruelty to companion animals, grand theft, bribery, telecommunications fraud, tampering with evidence and impersonating a peace officer. The charges related to the deaths of at least 18 dogs.

Baldwin told the Kargakoses it would be $1,000 to remove Remi's "dangerous dog" label, which they paid in three separate payments, and Remi was transferred to Baldwin on Sept. 9, 2016. But Baldwin never took any steps to remove Remi's "dangerous dog" designation and had Remi euthanized on Dec. 28, 2016, claiming the dog was severely injured after a fight with another dog that supposedly left the other dog dead. But according to court records Remi was not injured or sick and was otherwise healthy. The doctor, having believed what Baldwin told her, euthanized Remi.

From January to April 2017, Baldwin repeatedly lied in communications to the Kargakoses when they asked about Remi, saying the dog was alive and well.

For another dog named Gucci, Baldwin deceived the people at Blue Chip Rescue in Dallas, Pennsylvania, from October 2016 to June 2017, telling them the dog was happy in a forever home when the 1-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier was euthanized on Oct. 10, 2016.

Baldwin was arrested in August 2020 and charged with 42 felony counts, which included charges of cruelty to companion animals, grand theft, bribery, telecommunications fraud, tampering with evidence and impersonating a peace officer. The charges related to the deaths of at least 18 dogs, The Dispatch reported at the time.

Baldwin was credited 23 days of jail time because of time spent in custody prior to sentencing. Upon completing his prison term, he will be on post-release control, more commonly known as parole, for up to five years and no less than two years, court records show.

Reach Maria DeVito at mdevito@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ex-county Humane Society leader killed dogs, pocketed owners' money
Residents across 12 states are left to confront the massive destruction that has upended their lives in the wake of a series of severe weather, including violent and deadly tornadoes that swept through the South and Midwest.

With dozens of fatalities reported and countless homes and businesses reduced to rubble, communities are coming together to begin the grim and arduous task of recovery. Amidst the heartbreak and loss, stories of resilience and solidarity are emerging, as neighbors and first responders work to pick up the pieces and restore a sense of normalcy in the affected areas.

Tommy May, tosses paneling from a tornado destroyed home of relatives, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Tylertown, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

The deadly outbreak spawned at least 100 confirmed tornadoes, including three EF4s. At least 26 deaths have been reported amid the catastrophic destruction of countless homes and businesses across 12 states. It was the deadliest tornado outbreak since March 31-April 1, 2023, when 27 people were killed.

Two of those EF4s were in Arkansas, something that had not happened on one day in the state since 1997. One of the two EF4s was near Diaz in Jackson County, where massive damage was left behind.

AccuWeather.com

Beyond the tornadoes, high winds with storms caused hundreds of trees to fall, continuing the severe weather outbreak through Sunday in the Great Lakes states.

Amid the devastation, humanity often comes together, showing resilience and cooperation in the face of adversity. Rebecca Solnit, in her book "A Paradise Built in Hell," notes, "The evidence of history and the testimony of the present suggest that the prevalent human nature in disaster is resilient, resourceful, generous, empathetic, and brave."

'It's a miracle we're still alive'

Many residents are shocked by the damage left behind but say they are grateful to simply be alive. In most communities affected by the severe weather disaster, people from all walks of life were out in force within hours of the storm's passing checking on neighbors and helping to pick up the pieces.

Families around the small community of Villa Ridge, Missouri, began salvaging their belongings as chain-saw wielding volunteers showed up to create a path through downed trees and other debris that blocked streets so thoroughly in some places that emergency responders couldn't get through.

Villa Ridge residents Tammy and Greg told local media First Alert 4 that they ran to their basement seconds before a tornado ripped off the entire second story of their house.

"It's a miracle we're all alive. We're glad to have our family," Tammy said.

Cleanup efforts in Alpine, Alabama, are well underway. Volunteers from Revive Church were left stunned by the destruction in the storm's wake.

A school bus in Alpine, Alabama was thrown onto a high school's roof by a likely tornado on March 15, 2025. (CNN)

'You're going to see people at their best in the days ahead'

Volunteers flooded Calera, Alabama, streets immediately after a tornado decimated much of the small town. The number of people helping or donating surged well past expectations, according to volunteer Tracy Padgett.

"This was a need because people probably did not think they were going to get the help they needed. And then they wake up that morning and people are already helping them clean up what is their home," Padgett told ABC3340 News.

Padgett helped serve food to storm survivors and volunteers and said Good Samaritans were out in force first thing Sunday morning. "I got out here about 7:30 and the streets were already filled with people already...It just shows you that people do care. And it shows people are ready to help others in time of needs."

Calera Police Chief Hyche noted on Facebook how much he appreciates all the volunteers showing up to help the community. "We (first responders) get a lot of thanks for what we do at a time like this, but there are so many more giving so much without thanks or recognition."

Joey Peters, a resident of Winterboro - about 40 miles northeast of Calera - described the seconds before a tornado hit his neighborhood. "We had probably 20 seconds to get in our storm shelter," he told ABC3340 News. "People say it sounds like a freight train, it sounds to me like a freight train with a pulse! Our house shook, I really was afraid of what I was gonna find. We decided we better come out and check on our neighbor who lives in a mobile home here, and the mobile home as you can see is destroyed, it's gone."

Peters' neighbor was killed as the twister ripped through Winterboro.

"Disaster," added 39-year-old James Stewart. "I've seen nothing like this since I was a kid," he told CNN as he cleaned up the cemetery of Winterboro Community Church. "I've seen a few tornadoes in my lifetime, a couple of hurricanes. But other than that, this is pretty bad."

"It's a wreck, but it's coming together real quick," Brandon Chittam added. "It's a blessing to have people with God in their life that would reunite together - and not even know one another - to help with the effort of cleaning up."

Charles Kelly, pastor of Alpine's Winterboro Community Church, delivered sentiments on human resiliency similar to those found in Solnit's book.

"You're going to see people at their best in the days ahead, because there's a lot of things that were lost and damage to some stuff that people care a little bit about, but they're going to see the best in the most important thing, which is people," he said.

'The whole community is just devastated'

Kim Atchison lives in the small town of Plantersville, Alabama, and told 6 News she took her 5-year-old grandson to her grandmother's storm shelter when her husband and son ran inside saying they could see a tornado coming.

"Get down; get all the way down to the bottom of the cellar," they told her.

This image taken with a drone shows storm damage at the Lovelady Lane and Dallas County 63 interchange, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Plantersville, Ala, following deadly tornados that hit the area Saturday. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

The tornado decimated parts of the town and killed two people, including Atchison's neighbor, 82-year-old Annie Free. The tornado struck Free's home and destroyed everything but the front patio. Another neighbor, Dunk Pickering, was also killed. Another neighbor, John Green, found Pickering's body in the wreckage of a building near Green's home.

"Whether he knew you or not, he would help anyone," Green said. "I've known him for 20 years. He's been like that ever since the day I first met him."

Green and others spent hours pulling people from debris and carrying them to emergency responders who couldn't get to the area because of widespread wreckage.

Friends and family carry off a safe from the damaged building after a tornado passed through the area, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Plantersville, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Utility crews work off Dallas County 63, between Lovelady Lane and Lovelady Drive, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Plantersville, Ala, following deadly tornados that hit the area Saturday. Two people perished in this area during the storms. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

The community is struggling with the loss. Chief John Hatfield with the Dallas County Sheriff's Dept. told The Associated Press that everybody in a community as small as Plantersville knows everyone, so the loss of life feels very personal.

"Everybody speaks to each other daily. They go by their house, they talk, they see each other at the store and it was just a very close knit community. You know your neighbor and they watch out for each other and the whole community is just devastated."

'A bad dream come true'

Hailey Hart and her fiance, Steve Romero, along with their three dogs, sought refuge inside their 1994 Toyota Celica as a tornado tore through their home in Tylertown, Mississippi, Saturday.

Romero told The Dallas Morning News he clung to Hart and prayed as the twister tossed the car on its side, shattering its windows and then, incredibly, flipped it back upright so it landed on its wheels again.

"It was a bad dream come true," Romero said adding they could hear people screaming for help immediately after the tornado.

Steve Romero, comforts his fiancee, Hailey Hart, right, Sunday, March 16, 2025, after recalling how the couple and their three dogs rode out an apparent tornado in their small automobile, Saturday afternoon, in Tylertown, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

The couple was ok after their terrifying encounter and spent Sunday going through debris to save anything they could which amounted to some wet clothes and a photo album.

'It's really disturbing for what happened to the people'

Missouri resident Dakota Henderson is struggling with what happened, telling the AP that he and his neighbors spent Friday night rescuing trapped neighbors and found five bodies scattered in rubble outside what remained of his aunt's house in Wayne County. Tornados in Missouri killed at least a dozen people, authorities said.

A home is destroyed after a severe storm, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

"It's really disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties last night," Henderson said Saturday, not far from where he said they rescued his aunt through a window of the only room in her house left standing. He said the wreckage was so bad emergency responders couldn't get to their location.

"We ended up going through and cutting a bunch of trees out of the road to get the EMS and fire department down here. It was just a rough - a very rough deal last night."

Despite the monumental destruction, Henderson said it could have been a lot worse.

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. (Photo credit: AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

'Just material things'

Clifton Freeman and his family are picking up the pieces after their dream home in Oak Vale, Mississippi, was hit by a tornado Saturday.

"We were standing on the front porch watching everything go around us," Freeman said, adding that his family crowded into a small crawl space for hours to wait out the storm.

A few miles away from Freeman, Wendy Tagert's parents have no place to live after their home of nearly 50 years was destroyed.

Another neighbor, Sheba Fairley, said that in spite of the horrific destruction, she's just grateful to be able to hug her family."

"These are just material things, but thank God, you live to see another day."
Former "Bachelor" star Sean Lowe is opening up about a harrowing dog attack that left him "fighting" for his life.

Lowe, who headed up Season 17 of the reality dating competition, took to Instagram Monday to share that his dog Moose had attacked him twice in a 24-hour period last week, resulting in a trip to the emergency room and lifelong injuries.

"Our family has been through something pretty traumatic over the weekend," he told followers, sitting alongside wife Catherine Giudici Lowe, the winning contestant from his season.

While hosting a small barbecue at his home, smoke drifted into the house and set off the smoke alarm, causing his rescue boxer Moose to get agitated, Lowe explained.

Sean Lowe attends the premiere of ABC's "The Bachelor" Season 19 at the Line 204 East Stages on Jan. 5, 2015, in Hollywood, California. Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

"He shows his teeth at me and just attacks me," Lowe said. "I don't mean bite and then run off  like a lot of dogs do when they're scared or defensive  I mean attacks me. I feel him ripping into the flesh of my arm, and at this point I'm doing everything I possibly can just to fend this dog off.  I know I'm bleeding badly.

"I'm not trying to be dramatic, but I honestly just felt like I am fighting for my life here against my dog," he said.

After fighting to get free with the help of his guests, Lowe was rushed to the hospital where he was stitched up, only to return to a similar trauma hours later.

After the door keeping Moose held away was blown open by the wind, the dog returned for a second attack.

"Going through a dog attack is pretty darn traumatic," he recalled in the video. "Having to re-live it less than 12 hours later, seeing that dog running straight at you, is a feeling I don't think I ever want to experience again."

As Lowe once again attempted to wrestle the dog away, he says the creature "ripped" his "arm open" and he began worrying it would kill him. Eventually, after regaining control and waiting for an ambulance and the cops to arrive, Lowe returned to the hospital for stitches once more.

The incident shocked him, he said, as the dog, whom the family adopted in January, had not shown signs of aggression before. Lowe also voiced gratitude that it had been him and not the rest of his family  he and Guidice share three children  that had suffered the attack.

Catherine Lowe and Sean Lowe attend WE TV presents "The Evolution of The Relationship Reality Show" at The Paley Center for Media on March 19, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California.

"It took everything I had to control this dog, and I'm 220 pounds," he continued. "If it were anyone else, he would've killed my children or my wife."

Though they rarely result in fatalities, dog bites remain a widespread medical concern in the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 4.7 million people are bitten each year, though less than a million seek medical care.

"It wasn't Moose's fault," Lowe said toward the end of the video. "I think it's clear he experienced a lot of trauma before we got him and had something neurologically wrong where just a switch flipped and he turned into an absolute killer, which was so weird."

The reality star added that the family was working with a no-kill shelter to find a non-harmful new home for Moose, who he said was too dangerous for their family, but ultimately shouldn't be punished.

"We're torn up about it," Lowe concluded. "And we miss our dog, as crazy as it sounds."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sean Lowe dog Moose attacked him twice, 'Bachelor' star says
A rally in support of federal workers at the Office of Personnel Management in Washington on March 4.

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump's administration says it is moving to reinstate more than 24,000 probationary workers it fired as part of its efforts to slash the size of the federal workforce, court documents filed Monday show.

Officials at 18 departments and agencies submitted signed declarations detailing their teams' efforts to rehire the fired workers in order to comply with court orders. Last week two federal judges ordered the administration to temporarily reinstate thousands of probationary workers who were fired.

The documents are the first full accounting of how many people lost their jobs in the Trump administration's mass firings of probationary workers, who have typically held their positions for less than two years and don't have full civil service protections.

But many of the employees being reinstated won't be getting right back to work; instead, they'll be placed on administrative leave, including at the Education Department and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, two agencies that have been targeted for dismantling, and a number of other major federal departments.

Several of the officials said in the filings that reinstating employees to "full duty status would impose substantial burdens" on their departments or agencies, noting that the employees would need to be onboarded again, complete training and paperwork, and receive applicable security clearances and government equipment.

Officials also said that while their departments and agencies were working to reinstate probationary employees, "an appellate ruling could reverse the district courts order shortly after terminated employees have been reinstated."

"In short, employees could be subjected to multiple changes in their employment status in a matter of weeks," the officials said.

Charles Spitzer-Stadtlander, a Federal Aviation Administration probationary employee who was fired last month in the widespread cuts, was reinstated Tuesday, according to an email shared with NBC News.

The email said the Transportation Department was "rescinding" his initial termination to be "in compliance" with the order from U.S. District Judge James Bredar in Maryland last week. Spitzer-Stadtlander will receive backpay as well, the email said.

The court filings on Tuesday said fired probationary workers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been put on administrative leave, but three CDC workers told NBC News on Monday evening that they had not yet been reinstated.

"I feel like Im being gaslighted," said Sarah Boim, a former communications specialist at the agency, said Tuesday. "What Im being told my experience is is so deeply different than what my real experience is. Its disconcerting, and it makes me angry."

When reached again on Tuesday, the three workers said they had not received any notice related to paid administrative leave. The CDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Separately, in the second of the two cases dealing with the reinstatement of the workers, U.S. District Judge William Alsup took issue with putting those who are rehired on administrative leave, telling the government's lawyers Monday night that doing so "would not restore the services the preliminary injunction intends to restore."

"The Court has read news reports that, in at least one agency, probationary employees are being rehired but then placed on administrative leave en masse," Alsup said in a filing. "This is not allowed by the preliminary injunction, for it would not restore the services the preliminary injunction intends to restore."

Alsup, who serves the Northern District of California, asked that the government "state the extent to which any rehired probationary employees are being placed on administrative leave" by Tuesday at noon.

The federal government moved last month to fire probationary employees after agency leaders were advised by the Office of Personnel Management to dismiss the workers, NBC News previously reported.
FILE - Afghan women wait to receive food rations distributed by a humanitarian aid group, in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N. Security Council told Afghanistans Taliban rulers Monday that peace and prosperity are unattainable until they reverse their bans on women and girls getting an education, being employed and speaking in public.

The U.N.s most powerful body also condemned ongoing terrorist activity in Afghanistan in the strongest terms and called for strengthened efforts to address the countrys dire economic and humanitarian situation.

The council resolution, adopted unanimously by its 15 members, extended the U.N.s political mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, until March 17, 2026.

The Taliban seized power in 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew following two decades of war. No country officially recognizes them as Afghanistans government because of their crackdown on women.

Not only are women barred from working, from many public spaces, and being educated beyond the sixth grade, but they must be fully veiled and their voices cannot be heard in public.

The Security Council called for the Taliban to swiftly reverse these policies and practices.

U.N. special envoy Roza Otunbayeva, the head of UNAMA, told the Security Council last week that its up to the Taliban to indicate whether they want Afghanistan to be reintegrated into the international system  and, if so, whether they are willing to take the necessary steps.

The Talibans chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, posted a statement on his official X account this month saying the dignity, honor and legal rights of women were a priority for the country, in accordance with Islamic law and Afghan culture and traditions. Islamic countries and religious scholars have said that denying women education and work is not part of Islamic law.

Otunbayeva said Afghans increasingly resent the intrusions on their private lives by Taliban officials and fear the countrys further isolation from the rest of the world.

They have indeed welcomed an absence of conflict, and greater stability and freedom of movement, at least for the male population, she said. But this is not a peace in which they can live in dignity with their human rights respected and with confidence in a stable future.

More than half of Afghanistans population  some 23 million people  need humanitarian assistance, a humanitarian crisis caused by decades of conflict, entrenched poverty, climate shocks and large population growth, Otunbayeva said. She said a downturn in funding is having a significant impact.

In the past month, the U.N. envoy said, more than 200 health facilities have been forced to close, affecting some 1.8 million people, including malnourished children.

On another major issue, the Security Council called on the Taliban to strengthen efforts to combat terrorism, condemning all terrorist activity in Afghanistan and demanding that the country not be used to threaten or attack any other country.

Relations between Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan have become strained since the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, which is allied with the Afghan Taliban, have increased attacks on security forces in Pakistan. At the same time, militants from the Afghan chapter of the Islamic State group, which opposes the Taliban, have carried out bombings across Afghanistan.
A man has been arrested in a woman's 1979 cold case murder after investigators used genetic genealogy to zero in on his identity, police in Maryland announced.

On March 3, 1979, the body of 31-year-old secretary Kathryn Donohue was discovered in a parking lot in Glenarden, Maryland, the Prince George's County Police Department said.

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The Arlington, Virginia, resident was beaten, raped and killed in a "brutal murder," Bill DelBagno, special agent in charge of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office, said during a news conference on Tuesday.

No suspects were identified and the case went unsolved for decades, leaving Donohue's family waiting for answers, authorities said.

PHOTO: An undated photo of 31-year-old Kathryn Donohue, who was killed in 1979. (Prince Georges County Police Department)

But police said DNA was left on her body.

In 2024, police said they identified a relative of the suspect through genetic genealogy, an investigative tool in which the unknown DNA from the crime scene is identified by comparing it to family members who voluntarily submit DNA samples to a database.

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"Additional investigation ultimately led" police to identify the suspect as Rodger Zodas Brown, who lived in Prince George's County at the time of the murder, police said.

Brown, now 82, was arrested last week at his home in Pinehurst, North Carolina, police said. He was "solemn," "cold" and showed "no reaction" when he was arrested, police said.

PHOTO: An undated photo of Rodger Zodas Brown, who has been arrested for the 1979 murder of Kathryn Donohue. ( Prince Georges County Police Department)

There's no apparent connection between Donohue and Brown, police said.

Brown was charged with first-degree murder, rape and related charges. He's in custody in North Carolina awaiting extradition to Maryland, police said. It wasn't immediately clear if Brown had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

In a statement released by police, Donohue's family thanked the investigators, saying their "relentless pursuit of the truth" "has finally given us a sense of closure that we never thought possible after all this time."

"This case serves as a reminder that we will never give up seeking the truth no matter how much time has passed," Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz said.

The investigation remains active. Police asked anyone with information to call the department at 301-516-2512.

Woman's 1979 cold case rape, murder solved with genetic genealogy; 82-year-old suspect arrested originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A Peruvian national was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite being married to a US citizen after she attempted to re-enter the United States following her honeymoon.

Camila Munoz was on her way home to Wisconsin with her husband, Bradley Bartell, following their honeymoon in Puerto Rico when she was stopped at the airport by an immigration official.

"Are you an American citizen?" asked the agent, to which Munoz responded that she was not, but that she was married to one and that her and her husband had taken steps to secure her legal immigration status.

Bartell, who voted for Trump due to his promises to hold "criminal illegal immigrants" accountable, expressed regret for his decision after his wife was detained, according to USA TODAY.

"Emotionally, I'm concerned for her. 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," Bartell said. "I knew they were cracking down. I guess I didn't know how it was going down."

Bartell and Munoz met in Wisconsin Dells, a small town in Wisconsin where Munoz was working on a lawful temporary visa. The two fell in love, got engaged, and spent months filling out USCIS paperwork in order to obtain permanent resident status for Munoz.

Munoz, who has no criminal record, is one of many individuals married or engaged to a US citizen to be detained by ICE for weeks. Many of these people have resided within the US for years and do not have criminal records.

"The unfortunate answer is they have to be worried," said Nora Ahmed, legal director of the ACLU of Louisiana, further stating that immigrants in legal limbo of any kind should travel cautiously. "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?"

"Anyone who isn't a legal permanent resident or US citizen is at risk  period," stated David Rozas, an immigration attorney representing Munoz.

Originally published on Latin Times
Id say this from the lens of 10 years ago, when no one really understood it, he said. So even as our own investors that we had back then, Goldman and TPG, they really got us off the ground.

However, over the past decade, there has been a shift in the types of investors entering the data centre sector he explained, traditionally data centre investment was seen as a niche area, but is now considered their own asset class, attracting funding from investors like Blackstone and CPP Investment.

Progressively, youve seen the infrastructure capital turn up into the space as well about five, six years ago when Macquarie Asset Management and PSP Investments were investors into our business, explained Murthy. Now weve got Blackstone and CPP, who are co-investing out of their real estate and infrastructure homes. To me, this is just part of that evolution of how this sector is really being seen.

Murthy explained that the amount of capital thats deployed into this sector incorporates the full value chain set, whether from the land, all the way through to the various aspects of supplying capacity and energy supply chain, but also AI chips, all the way through to the product.

There is so much capital deployed against this entire value stack of products that is increasingly being seen as its own asset class, he said. I think thats this interesting mix between real estate infrastructure with a technology lens to it, and frankly, also now a utilities infrastructure lens to it.

Increase in sustainability and social impact

Murthy noted that theres obviously challenges in the ability to access supply or resources.

Whether thats land with sufficient power and water, he said. The ability to construct, permit and build with sufficient connectivity, access to capital, the supply chains to actually meet the needs of whats in front of us and working very closely with suppliers to meet that.

Murthy also noted there needed to be the right talent base to do the work and then fundamentally, to also ensure its done responsibly.

He explained that the data centre industry has evolved from focusing on infrastructure and contract structures to increasingly considering the impact on the entire ecosystem, including water, power, integration with other sectors, and sustainability.

One of the great features of working with Blackstone [is it] recognise this as well, he said. You know, we do have a really cool sustainability debt platform, weve been softly announcing it for the last two years when we kicked it off, but we actually have converted all of our debt into sustainable income.

AirTrunk has been putting every dollar it receives as a margin incentive into a social impact fund that it has been investing in community projects in all the geographies in which it operates.

We have projects live in Australia and in Japan, he said. We have one that was about to be launched in Malaysia that unfortunately had to be pulled back. We have [been] running one in Singaporewere going to continue to sort of move it in that direction.

Fundamentally this industry and AirTrunks spot in this industry has tied to adding social value, explained Murthy.

Having this concept of social preference as a business [is] really our direction continuing, he said. Everything that weve done, were going to continue to do. We continue to look for more projects, more interesting, innovative ways.

These initiatives are part of AirTrunks own evolution of its perspectives, explained Murthy. When the data centre provider started it was about PUE optimisation, energy wastage, which then translated into further green energy, green carbon solutions, which then translated further into how to optimise water.

DE&I

Murthy said these perspective changes also helped the business relook at gender diversity, which was 25 per cent and grew within a year to 36 per cent.

Were continuing to move towards 40 per cent to 50 per cent, he said.

Were [one of] the only technology companys with a median gender pay equity in favour of women.

To strengthen its stance on gender equality, Robin Khuda, founder and CEO of AirTrunk made a $100 million donation in February, to the University of Sydney to fund an ambitious 20-year program, creating a pathway for girls from Western Sydney into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and careers.

The donation, from the Khuda Family Foundation focuses on improving STEM skills and increasing the number of women in technology.

While the data centre provider works on initiatives to meet its DE&I and sustainability goals, Murthy stated that its future growth will require access to funding, as it has a greater aspiration to expand its platform.

Murthy noted AirTrunk was continuing to be highly ambitious about what it was trying to create, and which markets it was entering into and to go deeper and go bigger.

Our business has always been built off the idea of speed, scale, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability, he said.
by Nirmala Carvalho

More than 50 people have been arrested in the wake of communal violence that included several vehicles and houses vandalised. The authorities imposed a curfew imposed in some areas of the city in Maharashtra. Hindu nationalists want to remove the tomb of a Mughal ruler. Rumours that a copy of the Qur'an was burnt sparked a violent a reaction by Muslims. Archbishop Gonsalves urges respect for everyone, and warns against spreading rumours and false news.

Delhi (AsiaNews)  Riots broke out last night in Nagpur (Maharashtra), western India, prompting local authorities to impose an indefinite curfew in some areas of the city.

I am very sad and feel very, very much affected by the disruptions in the city, said Archbishop Elias Gonsalves of Nagpur, expressing his concerns over the violence. Regrettably, this has happened before.

So far several houses, vehicles and a clinic were reportedly vandalised, but police moved in and averted further material damage or deaths in the population. Some police officers suffered injuries.

Clashes were triggered when rumours spread that the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) wanted to remove the tomb of a 17th century Mughal ruler. The Mughal Empire was the most important Islamic state to rule in India.

Members of the radical group allegedly burnt an effigy of Emperor Aurangzeb and his tomb. In addition, a copy of the Qur'an was also allegedly set fire to during the protest; this unleashed the anger and indignation of Muslims fuelled by videos reposted online.

The situation precipitated when Muslims marched near a police station in an attempt to obtain justice, throwing stones and clashing with agents.

The campaign for the demolition of the tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Khuldabad, a subdivision of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, was launched yesterday, the anniversary of the birth of the legendary Maratha warrior King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

After a few tense hours, calm was restored and the situation is now under control.

According to police, the riots began in the centre of Nagpur around 7:30 pm when a mob began throwing stones at the police following rumours about the alleged burning of the holy book. Six people, including three policemen, were injured.

A second clash broke out a few hours later, between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm, in the Hansapuri area, near Old Bhandara Road, when a mob torched vehicles and vandalised houses and a clinic.

Police announced today the arrest of more than 50 people involved in various capacities in yesterday's violence.

The authorities are also examining CCTV footage and social media posts to identify any additional suspects in the violence, sparked by false rumours of a Qur'an burning during a protest by a right-wing group over the removal of Aurangzeb's grave.

Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that the situation was back to normal and that everything was under control.

"After a long time, incidents of this type have occurred again, lamented Archbishop Gonsalves. I appeal to both sections of the people to keep decorum, restrictions and possible limitations, he added.

The prelate went on to urge people to follow and abide by the law, which is the only way to bring peace, because if there is no peace there can be no development in Nagpur.

Lastly, the archbishop made a humble appeal to all our people: do not spread rumours and false news, neither through social media nor other means of communication.
by Giorgio Licini *

The parliament of Papua New Guinea has approved an amendment that identifies the nation as an independent Christian state. Fr Giorgio Licini (Caritas Papua New Guinea): it risks being an empty statement, without resolving the real challenges facing the country.

Port Moresby (AsiaNews) - Last week the Papua New Guinea parliament approved a constitutional amendment that transforms the island nation into a confessional state. The decision, which the Catholic Church has been opposing for months, obtained 80 votes in favour and only four against. Prime Minister James Marape, who is close to the Pentecostal evangelical galaxy that promoted the initiative, expressed his satisfaction. But, as explained in this comment by Fr Giorgio Licini - PIME missionary, former secretary general of the Episcopal Conference of Papua New Guinea and currently head of advocacy activities for Caritas - the modification to the Fundamental Charter doesn't really respond to the questions and needs of Papuan society, but only risks diverting attention from the real problems of the country.

On Thursday 13 March 2025, for the first time after fifty years of independence a female member of Parliament, Hon. Francisca Semoso of North Bougainville, presided over the sitting as Asst. Speaker of the House. The reactions on social media were not all positive. Based on entrenched cultural attitudes and practices, for some it remains unacceptable that a woman presides over chiefs and leaders. Much more so in a House of Representatives shaped as the old Haus Tambaran of the Sepik people, where only initiated men are allowed in for spiritual and ceremonial purposes.

Take it, if you want, as an extreme case or the emotional reaction of a few. But it well exemplifies the current crisis Papua New Guinea is going through, and the frantic search for cultural and national identity. There are tensions from inside and fears from outside.

It is obvious that the current national social fabric and belief system is shaped by three main components from three different historical experiences occasionally at odds with each other. The first is the ancestral heritage that informed the villages and valleys for uninterrupted forty thousand years or more. To that followed the Western political colonization, education and religious affiliation of the late nineteenth and twentieth century. Now we live in the era of instant communication, pluralism and mobility. The PNG society is far from harmonizing these three historical experiences with a new acceptable and satisfying social model helping the people to feel grounded and secure. The opposite is true, with fragmentation and uncertainty at all levels. No political, civil or religious leadership appears now in a position to provide unity and wholeness to the country.

Add to it the cultural and regional isolation. Not only Papua New Guinea doesnt really matter for the rest of the world, but its neighbors live on principles alien to the vast Melanesian community. Indonesia is basically Muslim. Australia and New Zealand are liberal and secular with ever decreasing differences of roles, gender profile and social relevance between men and women. If we are not what our neighbors are - and we do not want to be like them - what are we? This is the underlying question.

The national identity crisis is what the so-called Christian bill is expected to answer. Protestant, Evangelical and Pentecostal pastors from both mainline Churches and new groups believe that national harmony and progress will materialize when Christianity is formally and emphatically recognized by the national Constitution. At that point everybody will rally in unity around the new national identity pillar to defeat violence, corruption, ignorance and personal interest. Strongly supported by the current Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape, a deeply religious and God oriented person of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the constitutional amendments of the Christian bill, are meant to eventually usher in his vision of Papua New Guinea as the richest black Christian nation on planet earth (within ten years  as he promised - since he assumed power in 2019).

There is not much in this that can be criticized by European culture and people. For centuries the inhabitants of the old continent lived in confessional states, thinking that the alliance of throne and altar was the best form of political organization and social cohesion. The King of England is still today the head of the Anglican Church. Now we realize that it may have worked for the throne. But the altar has been left rather bare and bald. The Christian Churches in the West have long realized that critical and independent coexistence with the state is more effective and proper than a spurious marriage.

With the final second parliamentary approval of the Chistian bill on 11 March 2025, the Christian Churches in Papua New Guinea have submitted to the state and the government of the day, naifly believing that the politicians (and society at large) will now do what the pastors say when preaching the social and moral teachings of the Gospel. And from that, peace and prosperity will come.

However, to make Papua New Guinea the richest black Christian nation on earth, that may not be enough. For a start, Christianity is itself epidermic and fragmented. The local leadership that replaced the missionaries is limited in numbers, poorly educated, volatile and inadequate to face the challenges of the fast-changing modern world. Many of the parliamentarians who voted to revise the name of the country into Independent and Christian State of Papua New Guinea do not show any sign of serious Church involvement and faith practice in words and deeds. The Constitutional amendments, here and there added to just ruin a beautiful text meant for a different form of state, secular and not confessional, will soon be forgotten and the country will find itself even more disillusioned, angry and hungry with rising costs of living and decreasing employment opportunities.

To become rich Papua New Guinea can only take from Christianity personal honesty, selfishness and a widespread sense of the common good, for which the politicians and the bureaucracy fall so short. For the rest it needs education, investments and infrastructure. Three elements so hard and so long to achieve in a country made up of a large land mass, hard to connect, sparsely populated, dominated by frequently opportunistic local landowners, practically impossible to electrify and modernize.

Black would seem to be out of question for Papua New Guinea. Its people wear a fascinating and intriguing variety of dark skin that frequently allows you to correctly guess their province of origin. But how much control of the economy, and consequently of the national destiny, do the local black people have now or will have in the future? Is the skin fully black or rather frequently Western white or yellow Chinese or brown Indian? Blame the expatriates? Not in the first place. Without them there would be no business, no trade, no banking. The day of total independence appears to be still remote, with the very low access to education in the country, especially at the tertiary level, and the lack of investments and infrastructure to produce wealth and employment opportunities.

To think of Papua New Guinea as Christian may help from many points of view: national identity in relation to our neighbors, moral inspiration, social cohesion, etc. But one cant but think of the words of St. Ignatius of Antioch: It is better to be silent and be real than to talk and not be real. (Letter to the Ephesians 15.1); It is right, therefore, that we not just be called Christians, but that we actually be Christians. (Letter to the Magnesians 4.1). That is the spiritual genuine and healthy approach to Christianity. The Constitutional amendments reflect a perceived urgent challenge rather than the reality on the ground.

For Papua New Guinea to become the richest black Christian nation on planet earth starting with a GDP per capita of less that 4,000 USD per annum in 2019 and beat Bermuda (the real richest black Christian nation), with a stable GDP per capita of about USD 50,000 per annum (Laveil, 2019) and do so by 2029 is pure rhetoric. None of the Pacific dark-skinned countries, not even Fiji, is in the top ten richest Christian black countries in the world. One wonders what sort of economists and planners, if any, were assisting Prime Minister James Marape when he took office almost six years ago. And this comes when even the notion of nation is put into question. The calls for fiscal autonomy by the neglected provinces multiply. The Autonomous Region of Bougainville has informally set an independence date for the 1st of September 2027. Prime Minister Marape is extremely hesitant on the Bougainville independence, supported by 97.7% of their population in the referendum of 2019, while he was quick in accepting the call of the majority for the Christian constitutional amendments.

One doesnt like to think that this was in fact an act of desperation and delusion. It was not in fact for many truly convinced and genuinely practicing Christians, including Catholics. But what about traditional mainline Churches, now consistently weakened, perhaps desperate for moral and financial support by the government; or Pentecostal groups, imbued with religious ideology and remnants of cargo cult, falsely assuring people of spiritual genuineness and material prosperity and progress that will never come?

To properly develop, the country needs to find a balance between traditional customs and values, modern technology and infrastructure, and core Christian values. The primary goals are to promote honesty, integrity, and cooperation; advance an economy that creates sustainable long-term employment through the manufacturing of products that Papua New Guinea is currently importing; address current issues of transportation, electricity, water and communications, including an almost non-existing public shipping sector. Otherwise, everything is suggesting that by 2029 Papua New Guinea is likely to be poorer, not richer, than ten years earlier.

* PIME missionary, head of advocacy for Caritas Papua New Guinea
by Dario Salvi

Fr Romanelli bears witness to the tragic escalation of Israel's war in Gaza against Hamas. The clergyman reports that more than 300 people were killed and more than a thousand wounded. His parish church was spared so it continues to provide our service to everyone, especially children and senior citizens. Gaza Catholics pray for peace with Pope Francis.

Milan (AsiaNews)  The winds of war are again blowing recklessly in Gaza after two months of a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.

The situation is very bad, we woke up with the sounds of bombing even if our area was not hit by shrapnel this time, says Fr Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of Gazas Latin Church of the Holy Family, in a voice message sent to AsiaNews.

However, as news reports follow one another, the story is the same: more people killed and wounded, he laments. One estimate puts the death toll at 300, but others put the figure at much higher. More than a thousand people are wounded.

Overnight, Israeli planes struck several military targets and middle and high-ranking Hamas officials with a series of "extended raids".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the Palestinian movement for failing to release hostages and launched what he considers a preventive action, because  according to information leaked in Tel Aviv  another 7 October was being planned.

In Gaza, Hamas leaders responded by accusing the Jewish State of wrecking the fragile truce, killing at least 350 people, including scores of women and children.

We (in the parish) are fine for now, we try to continue to provide our service to everyone, explained the Argentine priest of the Incarnate Word. We visit the refugees whom we welcomed from the start and who continue to stay with us, especially the children of the Sisters of Mother Teresa and senior citizens. We have many elderly and sick people."

In addition to the practical work and daily commitment to the needy, the priest adds prayer a daily activity, as Pope Francis himself has done several times even from his hospital bed.

We must continue to see beyond, pray for peace, Fr Romanelli explained, so that we may see the end to this war and see what the Lord asks of us every day, i.e. helping everyone.

According to Palestinian sources, at least one Israeli hostage is among the victims of today's raids, ordered by Israeli leaders with the greenlight of US President Donald Trump. Over 350 dead, dozens of women and children, along with at least five Hamas leaders, including the head of the Hamas administration.

Israels radical right-wing, most notably Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, welcomed the strikes in northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younif and Rafah, effectively gutting the fragile ceasefire of more than two months.

This also interrupts Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer, which Gazas more than two million Muslims were observing in what is a virtual open-air prison.

The winds of war worry the international community, starting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said he was shocked by Israeli airstrikes that killed so many civilians. The UN chief called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid for the population, as well as the unconditional release of Israeli hostages.

The Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed cites senior Egyptian officials, saying that Cairo has invited a Hamas delegation to Cairo to discuss ways to stop the aggression in Gaza.

For its part, Israeli daily Haaretz is reporting that the Israeli government has decided to sacrifice the remaining 59 hostages, sparking the latest action of their families to go to Jerusalem.

Urging the people of Israel to join them, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has called for a rally at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, to protest against the resumption of raids that ends the release of people who have been held for more than 500 days in the Gaza Strip.

(Photo taken from Fr Romanellis Facebook page)
by Melani Manel Perera

About 10,000 people visit Kachchatheevu to honour Saint Anthony in celebrations promoted by the Diocese of Jaffna and led by the bishop of Sivagangai. The latter calls on both parties to work together to find a lasting solution to the conflict in the sea.

Jaffna (AsiaNews)  Almost 10,000 people from Sri Lanka and India gathered last Friday and Saturday on Kachchatheevu, an uninhabited island in the Palk Strait that separates the countries, for the annual feast of Saint Anthony, patron saint of local fishing communities.

Devotees from both countries sailed on fishing boats to the island for the annual Mass.

The Diocese of Jaffna organises the annual feast with the support of the Sri Lankan Navy and the District Secretariat.

Bishop Lourdu Anandam of Sivagangai (southern India) led the service together with Fr P J Jebaratnam, vicar general of the Diocese of Jaffna.

In his homily, the prelate stressed the island's historical role among the fishing communities in the two countries.

Though this feast is conducted once every year with the participation of two fisher folk communities, both remember and recall the blessings of St Anthony throughout the year," Bishop Anandam said.

For his part, Fr Jebaratnam noted that, This is not a carnival event. We urge people to join the feast of Saint Anthony in the name of unity and engage in prayers that would help us move forward.

The feast comes at an important time, with the fishing communities of Sri Lanka and India at loggerheads. The Catholic faith and the common devotion to Saint Anthony thus become a sign of unity.

Sri Lanka's Minister of Fisheries, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, was also present at the event. In his address, he urged Indian fishers to stop entering Sri Lankan territorial waters for bottom trawling activities.

"As a sovereign nation, we will take action against those who violate them," he said, adding that he hopes and prays to solve the problems faced by both communities while he is minister.

Rameshwaram Mechanised Fishermen Union leader, A Sesuraja, who also attended the ceremony, reiterated that both sides have to work together to find a lasting solution to this conflict at sea.
Just hours after being released from jail for a DUI, a Florida minister caused a fatal crash, killing a mother and seriously injuring three of her children.

Nicholas Betancourt, 33, was arrested February 27 in Pinellas County for driving under the influence after a concerned citizen reported his reckless driving, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Betancourt reportedly exhibited clear signs of impairment, including difficulty standing and keeping his eyes open, and refused to provide a urine sample, resulting in an automatic license suspension. He was released from jail around 9 a.m. the next day.

At approximately 3:45 p.m. that same day, Betancourt, who was allegedly later determined to be under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamine, crossed into oncoming traffic on Gunn Highway in Hillsborough County, colliding head-on with 36-year-old Dana Rivera's vehicle.

Rivera was killed on impact, while three of her children, ages 4, 6 and 15, suffered serious injuries. A search of Betancourt's vehicle uncovered a variety of drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, oxycodone and psilocybin mushrooms, along with drug paraphernalia.

On March 13, Betancourt was arrested again and charged with multiple felonies, including DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, reckless driving with serious bodily injury and possession of controlled substances.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned Betancourt's alleged actions, calling them a "selfish and reckless decision" that shattered a family.

"A mother lost her life, and her children will carry that emotional scar forever. This family's life was shattered in an instant because of one man's selfish and reckless decision," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "Nicholas Betancourt chose to drive under the influence not once, but twice in just hours, leading to a tragedy that could have been entirely avoided."

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
In today's news: The Indian authorities have imposed a curfew in Nagpur after an attack by Hindu radicals on the tomb of an ancient Muslim ruler; Jakarta repatriates - and interrogates - over 500 of its citizens returning from Myanmar who were victims of cyberscam; Beijing has put the publisher Li Yanhe on trial for pro-Taiwan secessionism; After 14 years, the leader of the Iranian opposition Karroubi has been released from house arrest.

ISRAEL - PALESTINE

Israel resumes bombing of the Gaza Strip: during the night the Israeli air force carried out a series of extended raids on the Strip, hitting not only military targets but also civilians. The government accused the extremist movement of not releasing hostages and launched a preventive action, because - according to statements - another 7 October was being considered. From Gaza, Hamas leaders accused the Jewish state of having wrecked the fragile truce, causing over 300 deaths including at least 50 children and 28 women, and putting an end to two months of relative calm.

INDIA

The Indian authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew in some areas of Nagpur, in the western state of Maharashtra, after several policemen were injured in clashes with Hindu extremists who wanted to remove the tomb of a 17th-century Mughal ruler. The violence was triggered by several members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), who burned an effigy of Emperor Aurangzeb and his tomb. The situation escalated when Muslim groups marched near a police station and threw stones.

INDONESIA - MYANMAR

Jakarta has begun the repatriation of over 500 of its citizens who were freed from an illegal online scam in Myanmar, where they were subjected to violence and threats. The cyberscam operations, which have flourished in border areas (and in the absence of legality) for several years, attract foreign workers with promises of well-paid jobs and then hold them hostage and force them to commit online fraud. Upon their arrival they will be questioned by the police, to find out if there are Indonesians who have contributed to the illegal trafficking.

TAIWAN - CHINA

The Chinese military exercises near the island yesterday - with 54 war planes, including J-10 jets and drones - were a punishment for the continuous promotion of separatism by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. This is according to the authorities in Beijing, who in the last few hours have confirmed the trial held in secret last month of the publisher Li Yanhe (known by the pseudonym Fucha), arrested for having published banned books and accused of secession.

IRAN

After 14 years the Iranian authorities have cancelled the house arrest of the opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi, 87 years old, arrested for having asked for support for the demonstrations linked to the Arab Spring in 2011. Although under arrest, he repeatedly criticised the Ayatollah regime and showed solidarity with the pro-democracy uprisings together with former head of government Mirhossein Mousavi and his wife Zahra Rahnavard. None of them ever had a real trial.

THAILAND

The visa-free stay in Thailand will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days, in an attempt to curb the risk of illegal activities exploiting the visa-free regime. This was reported by the Minister of Tourism and Sport, Sorawong Thienthong, and will affect 93 countries that, from July 2024, could take advantage of an extended permit for tourism purposes that was, in fact, being exploited by foreigners to work illegally or conduct business in the country.

CENTRAL ASIA - SOUTH KOREA

A new wave of migrants from all over Central Asia, and in particular from Kyrgyzstan, is arriving in South Korea. In February the country introduced the e-Arrival Card system for all foreign citizens entering Seoul, so that documents can be prepared free of charge without the need for lengthy paperwork.

RUSSIA - ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS

Skhi-archimandrite Ilya (Nozdrin) of Optina Pustyn, spiritual father of the Patriarch of Moscow Kirill (Gundjaev), revered by the Russian political elite, has died at the age of 94. In 2022 he blessed the invasion of Ukraine, with a text in which he stated that Ukrainians can only be forgiven with great penance, while Russia will be helped by the Lord and His Most Pure Mother.
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18 March 2025 11:29 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On March 18, at around 08:55, units of the Armenian armed forces fired at the positions of the Azerbaijani Army using small arms from their positions in the Istisu settlement of the Basarkechar district, Azernews reports.

Previously the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense has reported that Armenian armed forces intermittently opened fire on Azerbaijani Army positions between 22:15 on March 17 and 00:20 on March 18.

According to the ministry, Armenian military units fired from positions near the villages of Arpa in the Keshishkend district, Saybali in the Gharakilsa district, and Vaghan in the Chambarak district. Small arms were used during the attacks.

The Ministry of Defense has not provided additional details on the incident but emphasized that the Azerbaijani side has taken appropriate countermeasures in response to the provocations.

The positions of the Azerbaijani Army were intermittently fired upon by units of the Armenian armed forces on March 17, Azernews reports via the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Azerbaijan.

According to the statement, from 01:25 to 12:55, Azerbaijani positions were targeted from Armenian positions located in the Yukhari Zaghali direction of the Basarkechar district and Digh settlements of the Gorus district using small arms.

Note that, the Armenian side has been breaking the ceasefire since Sunday. On Sunday the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan issued two consecutive reports regarding Armenia's shelling of the Azerbaijani army's positions.

On March 16, at approximately 18:35, the first violation of the ceasefire was recorded.

The Armenian armed forces units from the positions located in the direction of the Khazinavar settlement of Gorus region using small arms subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions.

On the same day, from 20:10 to 20:45, the Armenian armed forces units from the positions located in the direction of the Burun settlement of the Gorus region using small arms several times subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions.
18 March 2025 18:55 (UTC+04:00)

The review hearing of the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes under the articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, continued on March 18.

In an open court session held at the Baku Military Court, chaired by judges Zeynal Agayev and composed of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), the accused was provided with an interpreter in the language he knows, namely Russian, as well as a lawyer of his own choosing for his defense.

At the beginning of the hearing, Ruben Vardanyan's defense attorney Avraam Berman filed a motion with the court, requesting that the court create conditions for familiarizing itself with the meeting minutes and the audio recording attached to them.

The prosecution did not object to the motion.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev granted the motion and stated that the accused and his defense attorney would be given the opportunity to re-read the court hearing minutes.

Later, the victims in the case were questioned.

Before questioning, Zeynal Aghayev explained to the victims their rights and obligations stipulated by law.

Subsequently, the victims Rahib Fataliyev, Sakhavat Rajabov, Farid Mammadov, Sanan Mirzaliyev, Samir Malikov, Jeyhun Khankishiyev, Alasgar Jafarov, Safa Mammadov, Alish Shamiyev, Eldar Huseynov, Elvin Tagiyev and others stated that they had recognized Ruben Vardanyan through the media and social networks, and that they had received various degrees of bodily injuries as a result of gunfire from various types of weapons, including hand grenades, during the Armenian military provocation while serving in the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan that were once occupied by Armenia.

Each of the victims asked the court to impose the harshest sentence on the accused, Ruben Vardanyan.

After the interrogation, the victims answered questions from the prosecutors defending the state prosecution about their places of service, the specific areas where the military provocations were committed, and the severity and localization of the injuries sustained as a result of the incident.

Then, the conclusions of the forensic medical examination conducted on the victims who testified during the trial held on March 11 were announced.

The next court hearing is scheduled for April 1.

It should be noted that Ruben Vardanyan is charged with Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced transfer of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of war), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29,120.2.1, 29,120.2.3, 29,120.2.4, 29,120.2.7, 29,120.2.11, 29,120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal association), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation and He is charged under Articles 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations or groups not provided for by law) and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
18 March 2025 20:18 (UTC+04:00)

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Danish shipping and terminal services company Maersk is assessing opportunities to expand multimodal solutions on the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, TITR) to enhance supply chain flexibility. Maersk evaluates the Middle Corridor based on key parameters such as predictability of transit times, route reliability, tariff stability, infrastructure development, and digitalization.

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18 March 2025 16:02 (UTC+04:00)

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In January-February of this year, products worth 9.2 billion manat were sold to consumers through the retail trade network in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the State Statistics Committee. Besides, during this period, 50% of consumer spending in retail chains was on food products, 4.8% on beverages and tobacco, 15.1% on...

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U.S. military conducts fresh airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi-held Red Sea port city

Xinhua) 09:12, March 18, 2025

Demonstrators participate in a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 17, 2025. On Monday, tens of thousands of people gathered in a massive rally in Sanaa, protesting against U.S. airstrikes in northern Yemen that have led to dozens of deaths. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

SANAA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military launched a new wave of airstrikes on Yemen, targeting several sites in and around the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah Monday evening, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV said.

"One airstrike targeted the Al-Arj area in Bajil district, east of the city, while another series of airstrikes hit and destroyed the Al-Habashi iron factory in the Salif district, northwest of the city," the TV channel reported.

Residents described the airstrikes as extremely violent with explosions heard from miles away.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or the extent of the damage.

On Monday, thousands of people gathered in a massive rally at Sabeen Square in the Houthi-held Yemeni capital Sanaa, protesting against U.S. airstrikes in northern Yemen that have led to dozens of deaths.

Demonstrators, with many carrying snipers and Kalashnikov rifles, chanted slogans denouncing the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which ordered the airstrike campaign on Houthi targets starting Saturday evening.

"Death to America, death to Israel," protesters cried at the square decorated by huge billboards showing the group's leader, and other leaders from what the group called the "resistance axis."

Addressing the crowd, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, head of the group's supreme revolutionary committee, said the group views the U.S. operations as "aggression and terrorism, and we will confront escalation with escalation."

Over the past two days, dozens of Houthi-controlled military sites, as well as dozens of residential houses, have been targeted and bombed by U.S. fighter jets across Sanaa, and several other northern and western provinces under Houthi control.

Many families have fled the capital for fear of their lives.

According to the latest statement from the Houthi-run Health Ministry, the death toll from the U.S. airstrikes has increased to 53, including five children and two women. Search operations under the rubble of residential buildings were still ongoing.

In a televised speech Sunday, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi threatened to launch attacks targeting U.S. naval and commercial ships if the U.S. military continued to conduct airstrikes on Houthi-held areas.

The White House on Sunday said in a televised statement that the U.S. military targeted and killed several senior Houthi leaders during the airstrikes. The Houthi group has yet to comment.

The U.S. airstrikes began Saturday evening as Trump vowed to continue air attacks until the Houthis stopped attacking international shipping lines and ships.

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."

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 the 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.

Demonstrators participate in a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 17, 2025. On Monday, tens of thousands of people gathered in a massive rally in Sanaa, protesting against U.S. airstrikes in northern Yemen that have led to dozens of deaths. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

Demonstrators participate in a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 17, 2025. On Monday, tens of thousands of people gathered in a massive rally in Sanaa, protesting against U.S. airstrikes in northern Yemen that have led to dozens of deaths. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

Demonstrators participate in a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 17, 2025. On Monday, tens of thousands of people gathered in a massive rally in Sanaa, protesting against U.S. airstrikes in northern Yemen that have led to dozens of deaths. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Update as of 8:48 AM:

At least 12 people, including a well-known musician, lost their lives when a small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after taking off from the Honduran island of Roatan, officials and local media confirmed.

The Lanhsa Airlines plane took off at nightfall from Roatan, a popular tourist destination in Honduras, and was headed for the port city of La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland.

According to civil aviation official Carlos Padilla, the aircraft "made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water."

Original story:

A plane crashed off the Caribbean coast of Honduras on Monday night, minutes after taking off from Roatan Island. Seven people were killed in the crash, while 10 others were pulled alive from the wreckage, authorities reported.

The Jetstream aircraft, operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members. According to the country's transport minister, the wreckage was located about 0.6 miles off Roatan Island's coast.

The flight, which was scheduled to fly to La Ceiba airport on the Honduran mainland, included a diverse group of passengers, with local media reporting that among them were a U.S. national, a French national, and two minors.

Roatan fire captain Franklin Borjas confirmed the death toll, while police and fire officials outlined the ongoing rescue efforts. Tragically, well-known Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez Suazo was confirmed to be among the victims.

Dramatic footage posted to social media by the national police showed rescue workers carrying survivors onto a rocky coastline, some on stretchers, while a nearby boat illuminated the area in the darkness.

The cause of the crash remains unclear, and the airline has not immediately responded to requests for comment. However, Borjas confirmed to Reuters that the crash occurred shortly after the plane took off from Roatan.

Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands off Honduras' Caribbean coast, is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant coral reefs. Borjas further explained that challenging conditions, including rocks and limited visibility, complicated the search and rescue operations.

"It's been difficult to access the accident site because there are 30 meters (98 ft) of rocks, and you can't get there while walking or swimming," Borjas said. "The divers helping with the rescue have zero visibility."

The survivors were quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, as authorities continue to investigate the crash.

This is a developing story.
18 March 2025 12:23 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has met with a winner of the fourth "Yukslis" competition, Sabuhi Goyushev, as part of the mentoring program, Azernews reports citing the ministry.

The minister congratulated all the winners of the competition, wishing them career success. He emphasized that, as one of the project managers, he will continue to closely cooperate with the winners, sharing his experience and helping to reveal their potential.

In turn, Sabuhi Goyushev and the Head of Exams and Human Resources of Yukslis competition Elmira Mammadova expressed gratitude for the opportunity and warm welcome.

They pointed out that it is very valuable for the winners of the competition to receive guidance from the minister and use his personal experience for their career and personal growth.

The competition "Yukslis" was established by the Order of President Ilham Aliyev dated July 26, 2019.

Its main goal is to identify and support promising leaders aged 21 to 51 with a high intellectual level and at least two years of management experience, as well as to create a bank of the country's personnel reserve.
18 March 2025 21:18 (UTC+04:00)

On March 18, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, visited the Sakina Khanim Mosque during her trip to Guba.

According to Azernews, Mosques imam Hajihamdulla Daniyarli, provided Leyla Aliyeva with information about this place of worship. He explained that the Sakina Khanim Mosque, located in Guba, was commissioned in 1854 by Sakina Khanim, the wife of Abbasqulu Agha Bakikhanov, to immortalize her husbands memory.

Standing 27 meters tall, this historic mosque features a quadrangular design. In the 1930s, Soviet authorities closed the mosque, demolishing the surrounding madrasa and auxiliary buildings. For a time, it was repurposed as a warehouse and later housed a sewing workshop. Following Azerbaijans restoration of independence, the building was returned to its original function as a mosque. It underwent extensive renovations, including the construction of a ritual washing area and additional support structures.

Today, the Sakina Khanum Mosque is registered as a historical monument of national significance by the state.
18 March 2025 15:41 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Armenia's Minister of Justice, Srbuhi Galyan, stated that the draft of the country's new constitution will be made public and open for debate once it is ready, but emphasized that at the moment, there is no ready product yet, Azernews reports citing Armenian media.

Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly on Tuesday, she addressed questions regarding the constitutional changes.

Responding to a remark about Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans statement that the new constitution will have "regional significance," Galyan clarified: "We are talking about a constitution that does not jeopardize peace and the peace treaty with Azerbaijan and relations aimed at peace."

When asked whether the government should ensure that the constitution does not threaten the peace agreement, she replied: "In any case, we must structure our conduct and style of work in such a way that peace is established in our country and a security environment develops."

Galyan also noted that she does not believe Armenias current constitution hinders these efforts but emphasized: "The only masters of the constitution are the people, and it is up to them to decide whether or not to have a constitution."

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. Consequently, the Armenian Foreign Ministry also confirmed the draft.

On February 19, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia needs a new Constitution, arguing that previous referendums on its adoption were marred by legitimacy concerns.
18 March 2025 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense has reported that Armenian armed forces intermittently opened fire on Azerbaijani Army positions between 22:15 on March 17 and 00:20 on March 18, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

According to the ministry, Armenian military units fired from positions near the villages of Arpa in the Keshishkend district, Saybali in the Gharakilsa district, and Vaghan in the Chambarak district. Small arms were used during the attacks.

The Ministry of Defense has not provided additional details on the incident but emphasized that the Azerbaijani side has taken appropriate countermeasures in response to the provocations.
18 March 2025 18:21 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Azerbaijan will lay to rest two more of its sons who went missing during the First Garabagh War.

As the bloodiest chapter in Azerbaijani history, the First Garabagh War claimed over 15,000 Azerbaijani lives, of whom 4,354 went missing. Despite Azerbaijans continuous efforts, the Armenian side refuses to cooperate in this matter.

To make matters worse, trampling on all moral values, the Armenian side manipulates the issue to jangle the nerves of Azerbaijanis, especially the families of the missing. On multiple occasions, letters written in Azerbaijani using the Cyrillic alphabet were found in fruit crates sent from Armenia to Russian agricultural markets, where individuals from various former Soviet republics work together. The letters spoke about prisoners of war allegedly working on plantations in Armenia. It is anyones guess whether the letters speak the truth or not, but they give hope to the families of the missing while also irritating the wider population.

Unfortunately, countries and international organizations worldwide remain mum in this regard. To give credit where it's due, these organizations initially played a significant role in gaining information about those who went missing. More precisely, international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and others acted as intermediaries in correspondences between some of the missing and their family members. These organizations facilitated the delivery of letters from the missing individuals to their families in Azerbaijan, but later, those individuals vanished. Regrettably, over time, these organizations changed their stance and failed to follow up on the issue.

Against all odds, Azerbaijan continues its efforts to search for the missing. These efforts have gained momentum since the 44-day War. Following the war, several mass graves were unearthed in territories that had been under Armenian occupation for over 30 years. It is expected that the number of mass graves will increase.

With the discovery of mass graves, the remains of fallen Azerbaijani citizens are being identified through DNA tests. A few months ago, the remains of three Azerbaijanis were laid to rest. On March 18, the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons stated that the remains of two more martyrs, who were considered missing, were found and they would be committed to the earth after two days.

The Commission noted that both of the missing martyrs were military personnel. One of them is Dashgin Nasraddin oglu Behbudov. He was born in 1970 and drafted into military service by the Goychay Military Commissariat, on February 1, 1993. In January 1994, he went missing in the Shukurbeyli area of the Fuzuli district. Based on a 2007 ruling by the Goychay District Court, he was officially granted the status of a martyr.

The other is Atakishi Gahraman oglu Atayev, born in 1960, who went in 1992 in the village of Nakhchivanli, Khojaly district.

Dashgin Behbudov will be buried tomorrow in the cemetery of his native village, Mirti, in the Goychay district, while Atakishi Atayev will be laid to rest in the Martyrs Alley in the Keshlah settlement of Bakus Nizami district.

Finally, the loved ones of two martyrs will find peace. We hope that all families of the missing will also find peace soon. Moreover, we hope that international organizations and countrieswho go to great lengths to secure the release of separatist leaders whose hands are stained with the blood of innocent people in Garabaghwill remain committed to their responsibilities and put the same effort into ensuring that, at the very least, the remains of the missing are returned to their families.
18 March 2025 16:22 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan has strongly rejected the March 18, 2025, statement by the Armenian Prime Ministers Office, which it says contains unfounded allegations and distorts the realities of recent border incidents, Azernews reports.

Aykhan Hajizadeh, spokesperson for Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made these remarks while responding to the Armenian PMs statement regarding the border shooting and other anti-Azerbaijani claims, Azernews reports.

Hajizadeh emphasized that Armenian military provocations, which have been documented in video footage, pose a direct threat to regional stability.

"An end to the cases of firing declared by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the open provocations of Armenian military personnel, which are also visible in the video footage, of which the Armenian side is also aware, is a necessary condition for stability," he stated.

He criticized Yerevans approach, saying: "Instead of demonstrating goodwill and putting an end to such provocations, the abstract and practically impossible proposals of the Armenian side have no basis, as they have during the nearly 30-year occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia. This is reminiscent of the proposals put forward by the Minsk Group co-chairs, instead of calling for an end to the occupation."

Hajizadeh questioned Armenias so-called peace agenda, pointing to its military buildup along the border.

"If the Armenian government is guided by a peace agenda, as the Prime Minister's Office has stated, then it would be appropriate for it to explain how the massive militarization, including the deployment of offensive weapons in border areas, serves such an agenda," he noted.

On the peace treaty negotiations, he stressed that Azerbaijan has led the process since early 2022, despite Armenian delays and obstacles.

"Regarding Armenia's alleged goodwill in finalizing the text of the agreement on peace and the establishment of interstate relations between the two countries, it is worth recalling the fact that Armenia has violated the process by all means, despite the fact that Azerbaijan took the first steps with a proposal to work on a peace agreement as early as early 2022," Hajizadeh said.

He further stated: "Let us also note that despite the numerous challenges made by Armenia in the negotiations, including its refusal to withdraw its remaining forces from the territories of Azerbaijan and its promotion of the regime they have established in our territories, it was precisely thanks to Azerbaijan's efforts and measures that such an achievement was achieved in the process."

Azerbaijan once again called on Armenia to amend its constitution to remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

"At the same time, despite being aware of our long-standing demand to amend the constitution to end territorial claims against Azerbaijan, Armenia's disregard for this call is extremely worrying. We once again draw attention to Azerbaijan's principled position that the main condition for signing the negotiated text is to amend the Armenian constitution in order to eliminate claims against Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he emphasized.

Additionally, Hajizadeh reiterated Bakus call to officially abolish the OSCE Minsk Group, which he described as "outdated and dysfunctional."

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry also criticized Armenias record on international arms control.

"Armenia, as a country that has grossly violated its obligations under international treaties and arms control mechanisms to which it is a party for nearly 30 years, committed aggression against Azerbaijan, and hid most of its military equipment and weapon systems from international arms control mechanisms during the occupation of our territories by illegally placing them on our territory, has no moral right to talk about such mechanisms," Hajizadeh stated.

Regarding regional communications, Hajizadeh accused Armenia of failing to fulfill its obligations for four years on opening a transit corridor between western Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

"Regarding the issue of opening communications, despite its written and signed commitments regarding the opening of communications connecting the western regions of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Armenia has not fulfilled these commitments for 4 years. Instead, in order to divert attention from the process and its obligations, they have put forward proposals on essentially irrelevant, difficult to implement and practically long routes," he said.

"If the Armenian side is truly interested in opening communications in the region, it should not shirk its obligations and take practical steps towards opening communications in accordance with the new realities in the region," he added.

Despite these challenges, Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to peace efforts and its determination to counter any steps undermining the process.

"Azerbaijan will continue its peace efforts in all directions and will resolutely prevent steps against this process," Hajizadeh concluded.
18 March 2025 20:55 (UTC+04:00)

President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS).

According to the order, ANAS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Education, will develop and implement a plan of events to mark the academys milestone.

The Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with addressing matters related to the order.
18 March 2025 15:29 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Israel could utilize Azerbaijans gas infrastructure to supply natural gas to Europe, depending on the political situation, said Victor Baryudin, former director of the Engineering and Inspection Department at Israels Ministry of Energy, Azernews reports.

"Is it possible to use Azerbaijan's logistics [the capabilities of the Southern Gas Corridor] in Turkiye? Yes, it is possible. If the international situation allows it," Baryudin stated.

He emphasized that Azerbaijan and Israel have strong energy cooperation, which makes this option viable.

The expert also highlighted broader areas of collaboration between the two countries, including high technology, agriculture, green energy, and water management, particularly through seawater desalination.

"Azerbaijan, in turn, is a country with a highly developed oil and gas industry. The specialists in Azerbaijan are highly professional both in terms of knowledge and work experience. We are two countries with unique experience in building relationships based on mutual respect and mutual assistance," Baryudin concluded.
18 March 2025 21:13 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Japan has expressed a strong interest in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), Azernews reports.

"Kazakhstan and Japan have shown significant mutual interest in cooperation in the fields of critical metals, transport and logistics, as well as the development of TITR," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement following an official visit to Japan by Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Murat Nurtleu. During the visit, he met with the Secretary General of the Cabinet of Ministers of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Yoji Muto, as well as Toshiaki Endo, Chairman of the Japanese Parliamentary League of Friendship with Kazakhstan.

The development of the TITR, along with other areas of interest, will be discussed at the meeting of the Joint Commission of the Intergovernmental and Private Sectors of Kazakhstan and Japan on Economic Cooperation, which is scheduled to take place this year in Astana.

"Japan is our reliable friend and time-tested partner. Kazakhstan is committed to further strengthening its expanded strategic partnership with Japan, which serves the national interests of both countries," emphasized the Kazakh Foreign Minister.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) is rapidly gaining attention as a crucial trade corridor connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe, which could serve as an alternative to the traditional routes through Russia. Japans interest in this project comes as part of its broader strategic goals to diversify its international trade routes and strengthen partnerships with Central Asia, a region rich in resources.

Japans focus on critical metals, which are essential for high-tech industries, including electronics and renewable energy, also aligns with Kazakhstans rich mineral resources, making the two countries natural partners in this regard. The development of TITR could pave the way for not only improved logistics and trade but also greater integration of Japanese technology and investment into Kazakhstans infrastructure.
President Donald Trump on Monday revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, the children of former President Joe Biden.

"Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection," Trump posted on Truth Social. He added that Ashley Biden also "will be taken off the list."

Trump had objected to what he called the large number of agents assigned to Hunter Biden during his trip, citing 18 agents on his protective detail, which the President said is "ridiculous." The Republican leader also stated that Ashley Biden, who had 13 agents assigned to her protection, would also lose her security detail.

"We are aware of the President's decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden," Associated Press quoted the agency's statement. "The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible."

Earlier in the day, Trump told reporters that he would review the situation, saying, "That will be something I'll look at this afternoon," when asked about removing Hunter Biden's security detail following the latter's recent trip to South Africa.

Federal Law On Security

Under U.S. law, former presidents and their spouses are entitled to Secret Service protection for life unless they opt out. The Secret Service is also authorized to provide security for former presidents' children until they turn 16, but protections for adult children are determined by the sitting president, CNBC reported.

Hunter Biden, 55, and Ashley Biden, 43, are both adults, and it is within the discretion of the current president to decide on their security status.

It is common for the adult children of former presidents to receive Secret Service protection for a limited time after their parent's term ends. Former presidents' children typically receive protection for up to six months, depending on the current president's decision.

Before leaving office, Biden extended security for his adult children until July. Similarly, after President Trump's first term ended, Biden had continued providing security for Trump's children for six months.

Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush also extended protection for their families for a set period after leaving office.

Since the beginning of his second term, Trump has removed security for other individuals, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and John Bolton, a former national security adviser who publicly criticized President Trump in his book.

Originally published on IBTimes
18 March 2025 21:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will take part in the 11th trilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, which will be held on March 22 in Tokyo, Azernews reports.

During the visit, Wang Yi will hold talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi (note: Takeshi Yoshida is incorrect) on the economic dialogue between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the sides will exchange views on the future development of trilateral cooperation, as well as discuss regional and international issues.

The issue of coordinating efforts to ensure the holding of the next leaders' summit, which Japan plans to host later this year, will also be discussed.

This trilateral meeting comes at a time when regional dynamics in East Asia are shifting, with growing concerns about the rising influence of China and the ongoing tensions with North Korea. The cooperation between China, Japan, and South Korea, the three largest economies in East Asia, holds significant potential for addressing regional security challenges, as well as deepening economic ties.

The leaders summit, which Japan plans to host later this year, is expected to focus on critical issues such as trade, climate change, and regional security. With the changing geopolitical landscape, this meeting could also serve as an important opportunity for China, Japan, and South Korea to discuss collective responses to global issues, such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine, and to bolster their positions on the world stage.
Appling County football has been on the cusp of something great for a very long time. The Pirates have made it to the Final Four 3 out of the last
Border Czar Tom Homan appeared on the Stephen A. Smith podcast and explained why it is clear that Biden and his DHS created the border crisis and the flood of illegal aliens on purpose. He explained that they had both served in the Obama administration and observed how that administration kept control of the border so they did the exact opposite.

Homan explained that there were even more removals of illegal aliens under Obama than under Trump's first term. Under Obama, DHS built enough facilities to hold illegal aliens long enough to get them before an immigration judge. Since most asylum cliams are bogus, 90% of them were denied. Those 90% were then immediately put on a plane back home. That policy meant that word got out that it was difficult to get into the US and that discouraged migrants from coming.

Trump extended this deterrant with his remain in Mexico policy, which further discoraged migrants from trying to come.

When Biden put Mayorkas in charge, he upended the policies of both Trump and Obama, ended the "remain in Mexico" policy, and moved to "catch and release". Illegal aliens, 90% of them with bogus asylum claims and unvetted on background were simply given a notice to appear in a court years later and released into the country. This created a massive pull factor, as would be expected, and encouraged a flood of illegal laliens from all over the world. "They did the complete opposite of what they knew worked under Obama," Homan said.

https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/03/16/it-was-all-on-purpose-border-czar-tom-homan-on-biden-admins-border-failures-n2186729
From Newsletter

Dr. Mark Creech

INTRODUCTION. As the legislative Long Session continues, several key measures are under consideration that will shape our states values, religious freedoms, and moral foundation. From reaffirming our national motto in the General Assembly to protecting churches from undue financial burdens and ensuring private schools can safeguard their students, these bills address matters of great significance.

While some proposals seek to uphold and strengthen the principles upon which our nation was founded, others pose a serious threat to them. It is crucial we stay informed and actively engaged, advocating for policies that align with the just and righteous principles of Gods Word. This report provides a vital update for the

President, the Board, and supporters of Return America on legislative

developments since the Long Session began.

Honoring Our Heritage: Displaying In God We Trust in the General Assembly

One of the most significant legislative measures currently under consideration is House Bill 16  General Assembly: In God We Trust  Display. This bill would require the national motto, In God We Trust, to be displayed directly above and behind the dais of the speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives and the president of the North Carolina Senate. The legislation specifies that the display shall be consistent with the historic and patriotic presentation of the motto in the United States House of Representatives, which is prominently placed above the speakers chair.

This initiative is more than a symbolic gesture - it is a reaffirmation of the foundational truth that our nation was built upon faith in Almighty God. In God We Trust has been an enduring statement of Americas values since it was adopted as our national motto in 1956. Displaying it in the chambers of our state legislature serves as a visible declaration that our government and its laws are ultimately accountable to God.

On behalf of Return America, I had the privilege of testifying before the House Judiciary 3 Committee in support of this measure. In my testimony, I addressed the growing efforts to secularize public spaces and emphasized the historical and moral

significance of this motto:

Too often, extreme interpretations of the separation of church and state call for the removal of every acknowledgment of God from public life. This notion, however, is a myth that misrepresents the very foundation of our nation. Our founding principles embraced a common moral framework that recognizes a higher authority as the bedrock of our society. Expressions of faith, like the national motto In God We Trust, have long been a unifying symbol of our shared values.

I further underscored the importance of this bill, stating:

Prominently displaying In God We Trust in both chambers of this legislature is a visible affirmation that anchors public policy in enduring moral values, counterbalancing ever-changing secular influences and fostering a culture of ethical

responsibility. It is more than a decorative gesture but a reminder that our laws and government are rooted in a tradition that honors divine guidance and accountability.

Speaking directly to legislators across the political spectrum, I referenced both our nations Founders and modern leaders to reinforce the importance of keeping faith at the center of our governance:

By embracing this measure, we honor our religious legacy and encourage a more principled, morally conscious government that reflects the values that have made our nation great.

To our Democrat friends, we may cite Thomas Jefferson, who said, [C]an the

liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath?

To our Republican friends, none was a more eloquent speaker than Ronald

Reagan, who said, We are a nation under God, and if we ever forget that, we will be a nation gone under.

HB 16 successfully passed out of the House Judiciary 3 Committee. The House State and Local Government Committee will take it up next.

Easing the Burden on Churches: Expanding Religious Property Tax Exemptions

One of the most critical legislative measures currently under consideration is HouseBill 100  Expand Religious Property Tax Exemption. This bill seeks to ease the

financial burden on churches and faith-based ministries by allowing them time to

develop land for future ministry use without being immediately taxed.

Under current law, when a church purchases property for expansion - whether for a

future sanctuary, a Christian school, or a community outreach center - the land is

often subject to property taxation until construction begins. This can place a

significant financial strain on congregations, many of whom must spend years

planning, fundraising, and securing resources before breaking ground. HB 100

provides relief by expanding the churchs property tax exemption for contiguous

property up to five years without it having to be used for religious purposes.

On behalf of Return America, I had the privilege of testifying before the House Housing and Development Committee in support of this measure. In my remarks, I emphasized the importance of this tax exemption in ensuring that churches are not

penalized for their growth:

For generations, churches have been the heart of our communitiesproviding

spiritual guidance, charitable outreach, and essential services to those in need. But

too often, when a church seeks to expand its ministry - whether by purchasing land

for a future sanctuary, a Christian school, or a community outreach center - it is

burdened with property taxes before breaking ground.

I further explained how HB 100 offers a practical and fair solution:

House Bill 100 provides a practical solution. It allows churches to acquire land for

future ministry use without the immediate financial strain of taxation. Under this

bill, if a church purchases undeveloped land adjacent to its existing property, it will

have up to five years to use it for religious purposes or start development - without

being taxed.

Highlighting the real-world challenges congregations face, I stated:

This bill recognizes a simple truth: churches need time to plan, raise funds, and

build. Many congregations save for years before they can expand their facilities.

This legislation ensures that a tax burden does not hinder their mission or limit

their ability to serve their communities.

Additionally, I reassured the committee that the bill is carefully structured to

maintain fairness:

Moreover, this exemption is carefully structured - it applies only to contiguous

land and limits the size of exempt properties, ensuring fairness while still promoting growth.

I concluded my testimony with an appeal for support:

At its core, House Bill 100 empowers churches to excel in their mission - serve,

minister, and lift up their communities. It strengthens religious freedom, encourages responsible growth, and helps faith-based organizations flourish.

Return America urges you to support this vital measure, which will benefit our

churches and the communities they serve. Thank you.

HB 100 successfully passed out of the House Housing and Development

Committee. The bill has a serial referral and is next to be considered by the House Finance Committee.

Weakening Safeguards Against Gambling, Gifting the Gambling Enterprise

A troubling piece of legislation currently under consideration in North Carolina is a

bill allowing taxpayers to deduct gambling losses from their state income taxes. HB14  Gambling Losses Deduction, which was recently debated in the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, is of concern to Return America. As it is currently written, Return America is opposed to this legislation.

Under this proposal, individuals who gamble would be permitted to subtract their

losses from their taxable income, thereby reducing the negative financial impact of

their gambling activity. While this may appear to offer relief to gamblers, in reality,

it encourages more reckless behavior, further entrenches the gambling industry in

North Carolina, and imposes potential costs on taxpayers who do not participate in

gambling.

I had the opportunity to testify before the House Committee on Commerce and

Economic Development to express opposition to this bill on behalf of Return

America. I made it clear that such a policy is not only financially irresponsible but also morally and socially harmful:

This legislation actually creates several significant concerns. By allowing taxpayers to deduct their gambling losses, the bill reduces the immediate financial impact of losing money. This, in turn, lowers the natural deterrent against risky behavior. People might feel encouraged to gamble more frequently or wager higher amounts, knowing that some of their losses will be absorbed by the state.

Beyond the concern of incentivizing more gambling, I pointed out the devastating

consequences that gambling has on individuals and families:

Moreover, gambling is not a victimless activity. It often leads to financial hardship,

addiction, and a host of social problems that extend beyond the individual. By

subsidizing gambling losses through tax deductions, the state is indirectly

supporting an industry known for its negative social consequences. Essentially,

taxpayers, including those who dont gamble, could end up shouldering the burden

of increased public health and social service costs.

I also warned that this bill could serve as a gateway for even greater gambling

expansion in the state:

Additionally, this policy could spur further expansion of the gambling industry in

North Carolina. With reduced perceived risks, more people might participate,

fueling growth for an industry that thrives on high participation rates. This not only

entrenches the gambling enterprise but also potentially erodes the states tax base as deductions lower overall tax revenue.

My testimony concluded with a direct appeal to lawmakers to reject this misguided

proposal:

In conclusion, while the intent behind the bill might be to provide financial relief,

it inadvertently promotes riskier gambling behavior, subsidizes an activity with high social costs, and could lead to further expansion of the gambling industry at the expense of the states citizens.

This bill is a step in the wrong direction for North Carolina. Instead of helping

those harmed by gambling, it rewards risky behavior and strengthens an industry

that thrives on addiction and financial ruin.

Unfortunately, the bill passed the House Committee on Commerce and has now

been referred to the House Finance Committee.

Ironically, the bills sponsors and supporters have historically opposed gambling

expansion but view this measure as relatively harmless. While their arguments in

favor of the bill seem reasonable on the surface, they overlook a crucial fact: North

Carolinas current law was enacted by former lawmakers who clearly understood

the devastating social harms associated with gambling. At the time, state leaders

took these concerns seriously and crafted laws to discourage gambling and protect

citizens from its predatory nature. HB 16 dismantles those safeguards, undermining

the intent of the original law and effectively granting a gift to the gambling industry

- the most exploitative enterprise in America.

Expanding Gun Rights for Christian and Private Schools: A Legislative Priority

One of Return America's top legislative priorities this year is ensuring that

Christian and private schools have the right to protect themselves. Private schools,

especially faith-based institutions, should have the authority to secure their

campuses just as any other private entity. Security is not a privilege - it is a necessity.

Last year, Return America successfully led the charge for a bill allowing churches

on or near private school campuses to establish armed security teams for their

congregations. This was a major victory, but it did not go far enough. Now, two

bills - House Bill 193 and Senate Bill 280 - seek to extend similar protections to private and Christian schools by allowing concealed carry on their premises under different conditions.

House Bill 193, titled "Firearm Law Revisions" creates an exception to the current firearm ban on school property, allowing concealed carry on private school grounds under specific conditions. The property must be owned, used, or operated by a private school, though this excludes private colleges and universities. The person carrying a concealed firearm must have written permission from the legal authority of the school, such as the school administrators or owners. The school must not have posted a notice prohibiting concealed carry on its property, and the firearm must be a handgun, as other weapons remain prohibited.

This bill allows private school administrators to allow or prohibit concealed carry

based on the school's security needs. It empowers them to make decisions that best

serve their institutions while maintaining the flexibility to restrict firearms should

they choose.

Senate Bill 280, titled "Private School Security Act" also expands firearm access on private school property, but it does so in a more structured way. Rather than

allowing any concealed carry permit holder to bring a firearm onto school grounds

with written permission, this measure limits firearm possession to designated school personnel. Only private school employees and volunteers would be eligible to carry a firearm if they have written authorization from the school board of trustees or the schools administrative director.

In addition to this requirement, those approved to carry a firearm must complete at

least eight hours of additional firearm training beyond what is required for a

concealed carry permit. This training must be conducted annually under the

supervision of a certified NRA instructor or equivalent professional. The private

school must also adopt written policies governing firearm possession and distribute

those policies annually to parents. Unlike House Bill 193, which broadly allows

concealed carry for approved individuals, Senate Bill 280 restricts firearm

possession to school personnel and requires structured oversight and training.

The key difference between these two bills is how they define who can carry a

firearm on private school property. House Bill 193 allows any concealed carry

permit holder to do so with school approval, whereas Senate Bill 280 restricts this

right to school personnel and mandates additional training and oversight. House

Bill 193 offers flexibility, while Senate Bill 280 creates a more structured security

framework.

Although I have not inquired of either of the bill sponsors why the differences exist,

I speculate that SB 280 is written more restrictively because Governor Josh Stein

could veto the initiative. A more restrictive bill may garner more votes from the

Democrats if the legislatures Republican leadership attempts to override a

gubernatorial veto.

Christian and private schools deserve the same rights to self-defense as other

private institutions. Threats to schools are increasing, and law enforcement

response times are often too slow to prevent tragedies. Armed security is a strong

deterrent against potential threats, ensuring schools can protect students and staff

when immediate police assistance is unavailable.

For many private schools, hiring full-time law enforcement is not financially

feasible. Allowing qualified individuals to carry firearms provides a cost-effective

security solution.

Return America believes extending Second Amendment rights to Christian and

private schools is a matter of safety and fundamental fairness. These institutions

should have the right to responsibly determine their own security policies, just as

other private entities do.

These bills represent a significant step toward ensuring faith-based institutions can

defend themselves against threats and exercise their constitutional right to self-

protection - something they are currently denied.

At this point, both bills have only been filed and sent to the Rules Committee of

their respective chambers.

Ensuring Timely Notification of Alcohol-Related Violations

No alcohol bills that would irresponsibly expand the alcohol industry, placing

public health and safety at risk, have been filed so far.

HB 198  Amend Law on Notice of ABC Violation is a bill requested by the states Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) agency. The legislation is meant to ensure faster notification of alcohol-related violations to ABC permit holders. Under this bill, if an employee is cited for violating alcohol or criminal laws at a permitted

establishment, law enforcement must notify the permit holder within five business

days via electronic means or certified mail. It also expands the notification

requirement to include reports from all law enforcement agencies, not just ALE or

ABC officers. Additionally, the notice must specify the alleged violation and the

employee involved.

The bill has already been considered by the ABC and Judiciary I committees and

passed. It will next go to the House Rules Committee and, if passed there, to the

House floor for a vote.

Return America does not take a position on this bill. However, I have spoken with

the bills sponsor and the director of the states ALE, offering suggestions on how

the legislation might be strengthened. As of the writing of this report, I have not yet

received a response from either party.

Some Weightier Initiatives Yet to Be Seen

Some of the weightier initiatives that I told you about in my last report that might

be expected this year, such positive initiatives as those that would address

strengthening our laws against abortion and supporting the sanctity of human life

and a detransition bill of rights, have yet to be filed. Some of the more negative

initiatives that should still be high on our radar and likely to be filed this year are

legislation to expand casinos in the state and the legalization of so-called medicinal

marijuana.

CONCLUSION. As these legislative debates continue, faithful Christians

need to stay informed, engaged, and prepared to take action. That is what a report

of this nature aims to equip Citizen Christians to do. Some of the most pressing

issues - protecting life, resisting the expansion of gambling, and opposing the

legalization of marijuana - are still on the horizon. While positive measures, such as

displaying In God We Trust in the General Assembly and easing financial burdens on churches, are advancing, other proposals would erode the states moral fabric.

We must recognize that the policies enacted today will shape the future for

generations to come. Through prayer, advocacy, and direct outreach to lawmakers,

we stand for truth, uphold righteousness, and ensure North Carolina is a place

where biblical values guide our laws and society.

I implore you to stay vigilant, engaged, and ready to make your voice heard.

Thank you for your time in reading this report. Please remember to pray about

these matters.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Mark H. Creech

Legislative Liaison

Return America
Protests directed at Tesla against Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) turn out to be the usual suspects, rent-a-mobs of paid leftist protesters. They are being paid by a far left organization funded by the Soros network called "indivisable". Globalist totalitarian kingpin Soros seems to be at the center of the "resistance" to President Trump, funding everything from lawsuits to violent thugs.

The paid thugs sent out by Indivisable have been engaged in vandalizing Tesla dealerships and car charging stations. Recently, one of the vandals managed to set himself on fire in South Carolina while trying to burn a Tesla charging station. Indivisible is running what it calls a "Musk or Us" campaign and is paying its participants.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/03/natalie-winters-brings-receipts-soros-funded-group-indivisible/

The name "Indivisible" may seem familiar because there is or has been an active Beaufort County chapter. Its focus has been defending illegal immigration. One of those affiliated with it has been former Democrat County Commission candidate Johnny Rodman.
Offshore wind farms are one of the biggest threats to the critically endangered Atlantic Right Whale. They are also a threat to the livlihood of commercial fishermen and to coastal tourism. Offshore wind turbines are one of the most expensive ways to make electricity and raise electric rates substantially to consumers. Making electricity with offshore wind turbines is generally four times as expensive as conventional sources. Thus there were many groups cheering when the Trump EPA blocked the permit for New Jersey's massive Atlantic Shores planned offshore wind farm.

A full permit was issued late in the Biden administration for the project, but at the request of the Trump EPA, a federal environmental appeals judge invalidated it and returned it to the EPA for further evaluation. There is little doubt that EPA will now fully kill it. Two community organizations and an environmental group were suing to stop the project.

Offshore wind projects divide environmentalists. On one hand, the CO2 climate crusaders with their tunnel vision obsession with CO2 are fully in support of the Climate Industrial Complex industrializing our oceans with wind turbines. On the other, traditional environmentalists, concerned with wildlife habitat, saving wildlife, and maintaining a natural environment, are fiercely opposed to them.

https://ijr.com/trump-epa-pulls-massive-offshore-wind-boondoggle-permit/

The Democrat in Raleigh have been pushed hard to foist this offshore wind boondoggle and environmental threat in our own state waters.
Huge conflicts of interest seem to be par for the course for radical leftwing judges, and they first hide them and then refuse to do the ethical thing and recuse themselves. Such judges are a disgrace to our court system and bring it into disrepute with the public.

The radical pro-gangster Obama Judge who is trying to hald deportations of thugs from the very violent Venezuelan crime gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), James Boasberg of the DC federal district court has just had such a massive conflict of interest esposed by an independent journalist. Crooked Judge Boasberg never revealed this conflict of interest to DOJ lawyers although the far left ACLU lawyers may well have tried to get the case before him because they did know about it.

It turns out that Boasberg's daugther, Katherine Boasberg, is employed by the far left Partners for Justice, an organization that is in the thick of trying to protect illegal alien criminals from being deported. She works right there in DC where his court is located. Even worse, 75% of the funds of Partners for Justice, comes from federal grants they received in the Biden era (ATTENTION DOGE).

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/03/boom-laura-loomer-uncovers-enormous-taxpayer-funded-conflict/

https://www.breitbart.com/law-and-order/2025/03/18/alex-marlow-exposes-anti-trump-leftist-activist-judge-who-blocked-gang-member-deportations/

https://redstate.com/shipwreckedcrew/2025/03/18/federal-judge-denied-doj-chance-to-object-before-issuing-tro-to-prevent-gang-members-from-being-deported-n2186813

It is very unlikely that TdA's crime victims would not consider it "justice" for these illegal alien criminal gangsters to be allowed to remain in our country. This highly unethical Obama judge should not be handling this case and someone as politically corrupt as he is should be yanked off the bench entirely.

More on Boasberg's political rulings from the British media:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/03/17/washington-judge-tried-block-trump-deportations-russiagate/?WT.mc_id=e_DM538825&WT.tsrc=email&etype=Edi_USD_New&utmsource=email&utm_medium=Edi_USD_New20250318&utm_campaign=DM538825

This case is not even properly in front of the DC court because all of the five named plaintiffs were in Texas when the case was filed. Boasberg is also ignoring clear Surpreme Court rulings on the Alien Enemies Act from the late 1940s. Pompous twit Boasberg thinks he is above both the President and the Supreme Court. Its too bad he cannot be stripped of his citizenship and put on one of those planes with his TdA buddies.
The redevelopment plan includes 102 bedrooms, a destination restaurant and cafe bar in the centre of Belfast

The Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast city centre is being transformed into The Bedford Hotel. Picture courtesy of National Museums NI, Ulster Museum Collection

A new multi-million-pound luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Belfast on the site of what was to be the George Best Hotel is set to open in October.

The Bedford Hotel  formerly The Scottish Mutual Building on Donegall Square South  today got the green light from Belfast City Council one year after the application was submitted by Londonderry-based property developer, Martin Property Group.

Construction is currently underway on a sympathetic redevelopment of the landmark listed building on Bedford Street which, when completed, will offer 102 bedrooms, alongside a destination restaurant and cafe bar in the city centre location.

Scheduled to open this October, the developers said the Bedford Hotel will contribute to the regeneration of the citys tourism and hospitality sector, enhancing visitors experiences in Belfast, while creating 85 jobs across a wide range of roles.

Martin Property Group bought the building after the company which formerly owned it entered administration.

Bedford Hotel Limited, the company behind the proposal for the George Best Hotel, was placed into administration in 2020.

It had been part of the overall Signature Living collection of companies, which was run by Liverpool developer Lawrence Kenwright.

It included Liverpools The Shankly, named after Liverpools famous manager Bill Shankly.

Martin Property Group has an extensive property portfolio across the UK and Ireland and is developing several buildings in Belfast and in Derry.

Its managing director Paul Martin said: We are delighted to have secured planning permission for this exciting new boutique hotel in the heart of Belfast city centre, which marks a major milestone in our vision to transform this iconic building into a vibrant hospitality destination.

This project represents a significant investment in the city, not only preserving an important part of Belfasts history and architectural heritage but also contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the tourism and hospitality sector, he added.

The Bedford Hotel will deliver a luxury experience for visitors while securing a significant number of jobs, both during the construction phase and in long-term hospitality roles.

We look forward to welcoming guests when the doors open later this year and to seeing the positive impact this development will have on the city and the wider Belfast economy for many years to come.
Smugglers are increasingly using TikTok to connect with migrants seeking to enter the United States illegally, as border security tightens and smuggling costs surge.

Investigative reporting by the Associated Press (AP) has revealed that social media platforms have become essential tools for facilitating human smuggling operations, offering a rare look into how these networks operate.

TikTok videos reported by AP, often less than a minute long, show migrants trekking through deserts, riding dune buggies to the border, or using tunnels and jet skis. One smuggler cited by the sprawling piece wrote:

"With God's help, we're going to continue working to fulfill the dreams of foreigners. Safe travels without robbing our people"

The AP found hundreds of such posts, often overlaid with music and emojis, showcasing purportedly safe crossings and piles of cash. Soary, a 24-year-old smuggler based in Ciudad Juarez, told the AP she began in smuggling at 19 and now connects clients across the Americas.

"TikTok goes all over the world," said Soary, noting that videos of successful crossings help build trust. Migrants, like Cristina from Zacatecas, also rely on TikTok when desperate. "In a moment of desperation, I started searching on TikTok and, well, with the algorithm videos began to pop up," Cristina said. "It took me a half an hour" to find a smuggler.

Smugglers and migrants often shift to encrypted apps like WhatsApp for negotiation since TikTok claims it prohibits human smuggling content and reports it to law enforcement. Yet, smugglers continue to advertise services on the App, adjusting their narratives based on U.S. immigration policy.

"The illicit advertisements have fueled concern among international authorities like the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration, which warned in a report about the use of the technology that "networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and evasive, thus challenging government authorities to address new, non-traditional forms of this crime," explains The Associated Press.

A report by The Texas Tribune back in late December also revealed that social media platforms are not only being used by smugglers to reach migrants but to recruit Americans to take part in smuggling schemes:

"Social media posts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat advertise vague opportunities such as driving jobs with guaranteed payments of thousands of dollars. Recruits often receive instructions through encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, where they are directed to border areas to pick up passengers and transport them to cities like San Antonio or Houston"

One of the main reasons behind the surge in social media usage by smugglers has to do with increased fees involved in the operation. An NBC 5 report from early March quoted one migrant as saying he paid $18,000 to cross the border, with $12,000 upfront. Texas DPS officials attribute this rise to intensified enforcement as Border Patrol reported only 200 encounters on one recent day, a 15-year low.

Originally published on Latin Times
Diplomats and businesspeople speak to James McNaney about the drive to increase trade between NI and India, and the economic potential of the worlds largest nation

Growing the economy is at the heart of the UK governments policies, and also motivated the opening this month of a new Indian consulate in Belfast.

The diplomatic outpost in NI has opened alongside one in Manchester, as the UK seeks to grow ties between the nations and regions and the worlds most populous country.

Northern Ireland currently forms a relatively small part of the UKs lucrative goods trade with India.

In the 12 months ending in September 2024, NI exported 55m of goods to India, as against 203m worth of exports from Wales, 576m from Scotland and 4.9bn from England.

Nonetheless, there is a growing number of firms here that trade with India, with 146 businesses exporting there.

The most common product NI sells into the Indian market is beverages, of which 7.4m were sold, followed in popularity by chemical materials, which accounted for 5.9m of exports and then specialised machinery, which sold 3.6m.

The UK Government is seeking to increase trade for all the nations and regions of the UK in recognition of Indias growing economic power and size.

It is the worlds fourth-largest importer, and by 2035 Indias demand for imports is projected to hit 1.4 trillion.

Moreover, the Indian economy is forecast to remain the fastest-growing one in the G20 for the next five years, and is on track to become the worlds third-largest economy by 2028.

The UK Government expect there to be a 95 million-strong Indian middle class in a decades time.

India is already an important part of many worldwide industries, perhaps most notably in technology and IT services.

One recent deal between NI and India tech firms was the new partnership launched between Belfa st-headquartered tech security firm Angoka and Bangalore-based encryption business Pantherun.

Pantherun CEO Srinivas Shekar and ANGOKA Chairman Steve Berry sign collaboration agreement

Announcing the deal at the Embedded World conference in Nuremberg, Srinivas Shekar, CEO and co-founder of Pantherun Technologies, said: We are excited to partner with Angoka to bring augmented solutions to our customers.

This partnership enables us to better tailor our service offerings and reach new markets, further consolidating our capabilities in cybersecurity.

Angoka specialises in authentication, and chairman of the firm Steve Berry says there is a natural synergy between that and Pantheruns focus on encryption.

He explained that for many IT activities, such as mobile banking, both encryption and authentication need to occur and we do that.

Both companies, Pantherrun and Angoka do that, not for consumers, but for machines. We do machine-to-machine communication, which is a big area.

Machines are being automated, theyre talking to each other. Its pretty fancy technology, frankly, and growing in importance.

Discussions on the partnership between the two firms began in recent months, and Mr Berry said they moved quickly once the potential of the deal became clear.

He describes the partnership as quite comprehensive. They will be using our technology in a software stack embedded onto their hardware, and we will be using their technology on our software stack embedded in our hardware.

Were looking at possible joint ventures between the two companies in terms of specific verticals, such as, say, railways, where both of us have some clients.

Mr Berry has worked around the world before setting up Angoka in Belfast in 2019, and sees a great deal of potential in Indias economy.

Some of the worlds biggest IT services companies are Indian, probably at least five that are worth $1bn-plus, and a place like Bangalore is world famous, and almost every major tech company in the world has offices there.

We should recognize that good technology can come from anywhere.

There are certain advantages, of course. Educated Indians speak very good English and that business is quite easy to do from that perspective.

The big Indian IT outsourcing companies are already huge in Europe. Youre talking about very big contracts. This has been going on for decades.

Indias foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar addresses the opening of the new Indian consulate in Belfast.

Indias foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar, spoke at the opening of the consulate in Belfast earlier this month. It is located in Clarence House on May Street after agreeing a temporary lease with the owners, Andras House.

He said: When I reflect on the potential of this consulate and what it can do, we can see in Belfast and this region has a great economic history, I think most of all it is known for its shipbuilding capabilities.

But not just for that. A lot of our IT businesses have been present here and some other businesses have come here more recently. And we do see the economic potential.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, is from Northern Ireland, and also spoke at the opening.

Its particularly special as a Northern Irishwoman for me to be in Belfast for the opening of Indias new consulate. Indias new diplomatic mission here underlines how our international relationships are driving growth to all parts of the UK.

We share a modern partnership between the UK and India  one which enhances the already deep connections between our people.

Indias commitment to Belfast is an exciting boost to businesses across Northern Ireland looking to benefit from the UKs 41bn trading relationship with India.

The UK Government says that improving UK-India relations is a key part of the governments plan for change to drive growth across the whole of the UK.

The Indian foreign minister met political and business figures during his trip to Belfast.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: One of my first visits as Foreign Secretary was to India because deepening our partnership for our shared growth and security is a key part of this governments Plan for Change.

Dr Jaishankar and I are supercharging our 41bn trading relationship with India, after trade talks were relaunched in Delhi. It is the floor, not the ceiling of our ambitions that will benefit both our economies.

The opening of new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester demonstrate the growing links between our peoples and how we are working together to deliver growth not only in London, but right across the UK.

This expansion of Indias diplomatic presence will further boost our trading relationship and support the valued Indian community in the UK.
Dont miss your chance as night set to recognise all the best and brightest in Northern Ireland

Nominations for the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank are closing on Friday as the prestigious event marks its silver anniversary.

For a quarter of a century, the Belfast Telegraph has marked the achievements of businesses and businesspeople around Northern Ireland at a glittering annual awards ceremony, with this years set to take place on May 1 at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast.

Mark Crimmins, regional managing director of headline sponsor Ulster Bank, said: At Ulster Bank, we are proud of our continued association with the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards and recognise the importance of celebrating the many achievements of our local business community.

Our teams across the bank work with business customers of all sizes and from all sectors, providing the financial support they need to fulfil their growth ambitions.

While the last 12 months have not been without challenges, we know that there are many positive stories to tell.

I hope businesses will put themselves forward for the awards and allow us to celebrate the wonderful contribution they to make to the local economy.

Eoin Brannigan, editor-in-chief of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, said: Were delighted to launch the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank today.

Its the silver anniversary of the event this year, a really exciting landmark, and its as big an honour as ever to celebrate the achievements of companies around Northern Ireland.

Thank you to Ulster Bank for their brilliant support and to our judging panel led by Clare Guinness for their commitment. Clare Guinness, chief executive of Belfast Chamber, is the third chair of the judging panel across the history of the awards, following economist John Simpson and Professor Mark Durkin, former executive dean at the Ulster University Business School.

Ms Guinness said: Its a privilege to be asked again to chair the judging panel of the Belfast Telegraph Awards, which recognise the achievements of our vibrant private sector.

The panel of judges have vast experience across many sectors and usually have a tough task selecting winners from strong contenders and I am sure this year will be no different.

I would encourage as many businesses as possible to apply and lets collectively acknowledge the positive strides and impact businesses make to our economy and society.

To enter the Business Awards click on any of the links below. The closing date is Friday 21st March at 5pm and for sponsorship opportunities please contact Karen McGarvey at karen.mcgarvey@mediahuis.co.uk
Its important for me to open myself to the page every day: Author Carol Drinkwater discusses her new novel and life in Provence
Meet the NI woman who has penned the ultimate guide on helping people set up a life in New York

Sophie Colgan left Lisnacree for a summer adventure over a decade ago... now shes sharing everything shes learned through her years in the Big Apple

Sophie Colgan in Times Square

Claire Williamson Tue 18 Mar 2025 at 07:40







Its the guide that Co Down woman Sophie Colgan wishes she had when she moved to America more than a decade ago.
A teenager is due in court on Wednesday charged with a stabbing which police are probing as Northern Irelands first possible Islamist terror attack.

The 18-year-old will appear in court in Belfast in connection with an incident in which a 51-year-old man was stabbed in the Ormeau Road area of the city on March 1.
Eduardo Yanga at The Oratory, the home in Larne he shared with his late partner, Bishop Pat Buckley

The civil partner of late dissident Catholic bishop Pat Buckley should be given tenancy rights to remain in the home they shared, the Court of Appeal has heard.
The sky is the limit for Co Antrim pilot Matthew Monaghan who has refused to take no for an answer his entire life after being born with a rare congenital condition.

This week he hopes his dream of flying a plane solo into Northern Irelands busiest airport will become a reality as he soars above the many obstacles he has faced and proves his doubters wrong.

The 36-year-old, who was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy at the age of six, has spent the best part of the last decade fighting red tape to realise his ambition.

Im so proud of him for what hes achieved, his sister Nichola Steele told the Belfast Telegraph as the pair headed to Ards airfield this afternoon for what was to be her first flight with her brother at the controls in his specially adapted light aircraft.

As a family were amazed at what he has been able to achieve, though not surprised, for all his life he has let nothing stand in his way of doing what he wanted to do.

Matthew has been taking flying lessons in England thanks to RAF Fairfield based charity Flying Scholarships for Disabled People.

He self-funded it all. There was no option here in Northern Ireland, Nichola explained.

Matthew Monaghan has spend the last decade travelling to England where he has been taking flying lessons with the help of the Flying Scholarships for Disabled People charity

Its been an eight-year process. He has flown through every hoop and were all so proud of him for the determination hes shown all his life. With all the restrictions and assessments hes had to go through, hes had to be determined.

Despite having already clocked up solo flight time across the water, Matthew has been restricted to specific airspace in NI.

He can fly around Enniskillen and across the Mournes from Newtownards, Nichola said.

When he came back from a flight over the Mournes and down towards Kilkeel I think thats when he finally realised what he has been able to do. He said there was nothing like the freedom, soaring over Silent Valley with the Mournes and the coastline stretching out before him.

Having lost much of the power in his legs almost 10 years ago Matthew has discovered a sense of empowerment behind the controls of his light aircraft.

Now hes flown a small two-man plane solo  the next step is to move up to a four-man plane, with three passengers," Nichola said.

But before that he wants to fly into Aldergrove.

The plan is for that to happen later this week.

Matthew Monaghan ready for take off

Matthew was three-years-old when his mother Geraldine suspected something wasnt right with the youngest of her four children who was eventually diagnosed with the muscle wasting condition three years later.

His sister said neurologists and other medical experts are still scratching their heads about the exact nature of his disability.

We see him as a bit of a pioneer despite the adversity, discrimination, physical and psychological challenges he has had to endure, Nichola added.

But all through it he held on to the dream of learning to fly.

There have been plenty of barriers for Matthew to overcome and turbulence along the way, but his parents have always been by his side.

Mum and dad have been his biggest supporters, they have fought tooth and nail for him all his life, and thats rubbed off on Matthew. He wont let anything get in his way, Nichola said.

Even looking back to his time at school, we were told there was no mainstream school that could accommodate him his needs were deemed so complex.

Matthew Monaghan is hoping to land at Aldergrove later this week

Glengormley man Matthew Monaghan has refused to let his disability get in the way of following his dream of flying solo

All through his life there have been people telling him he cant, but he does. His mind has always been as sharp as a tack. His next challenge is to complete his Masters Degree in French, something that was difficult for us to imagine when we had to fight to get him into mainstream school.

There was so little support for children with his condition in Northern Ireland.

We were told he may never walk, but he taught himself to walk, Nichola continued.

Its only in recent years when hes had to rely on a walking frame to help him move about.

Of all the obstacles that made the journey to where he is now extremely difficult, plane adaptation was probably amongst the easiest to overcome.

Next step this one! Matthew Monaghan has let nothing get in his way of following his dream of flying solo

Matthew is preparing for a practice run with an instructor this week before he will be left on his own.

"It wont be a problem for him, he already has so much more experience than pilots without disabilities, Nichola said.

Its just a shame that everything hes achieved has been made all the harder through no fault of his own.

"But its a great example for anyone out here who has had those barriers put up in front of them that they can be overcome.

When he completes his Aldergrove landing hell be able to fly virtually anywhere  hell have to take me to France, and with his Masters in French he can do all the talking!
Frustration for schools still waiting for Stormont funding from multi-million enhancement programme

But Minister says I certainly dont agree with it as schools left waiting for funding through School Enhancement Programme

Education Minister Paul Givan at his office in Parliament Buildings at Stormont.

Mark Bain Mon 17 Mar 2025 at 20:48







Concerns have been raised over mixed messaging between the Department of Education and the Education Authority over the future of projects included in a multi-million pound funding stream to allow for school enhancements.
Social media message about mobility scooter users slammed by disability rights activist

Stephen Nolan has been thrown out of a cafe in east Belfast on Tuesday morning after confronting the owner about his comments on social media targeting obese people using mobility scooters.

The content was posted to the Facebook and Instagram accounts of east Belfast eatery Belfast Breakfast Baps on Sunday afternoon.

Mark Young is listed on Companies House as the sole director of the company, which was incorporated in April last year.

Its like we are not considered as people any more  Dermot Devlin

The post featured a photo of a mobility scooter, with a caption reading: If youre in one of these because youre morbidly obese please know you are not disabled, youre fat and probably not very useful.

"It most definitely is your fault. Thyroid issues are workable and you are taking away resources from those who actually deserve not (sic).

"How about park the mobility scooter and walk fatty and maybe even eventually run.

Despite the criticism, Belfast Breakfast Baps menu yesterday featured a large fry, a 9 Goliath bap containing two sausages, two slices of bacon, two eggs, and black or white pudding, and a sausage and bacon potato bread stack.

The post has been shared on Facebook more than 260 times, attracting over 573 comments.

On Tuesday morning, BBCs Stephen Nolan went to the business but was thrown out and allegedly called a Covid chaser by owner Mark Young.

Nolan also claimed that he told one of his colleagues: Nolan is two stone off a mobility scooter himself.

A video posted on the business's Facebook page appears to show Nolan being asked to leave the premises.

A caption posted with the video read: When Nolan shows up to stir the pot he was put out.

"Wouldnt want him about the place under any circumstances.

Belfast Breakfast Baps on the 17th March 2024 (Luke Jervis Belfast Telegraph)

Dermot Devlin, founder of disability rights organisation My Way Access, said the post was symptomatic of a wider environment where disabled people were becoming the butt of jokes.

"For this company to come out and laugh, mock and abuse people that are overweight and use mobility scooters is a disgrace, he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"It feels like its feeding into a wider narrative. The Assisted Dying Act, the welfare cuts coming through Westminster.

"This is a side effect of it, because other people pick up on that and feel like its proper and right to comment on these issues in this way.

NI disability rights campaigner Dermot Devlin

"Body shaming is an absolute disgrace anyway, but there could also be weight issues related to hidden disabilities, not being able to exercise, thyroid issues, maybe mental health problems, fibromyalgia.

Mr Devlin also said Mr Young may have been cynically levering the rage caused by the post to boost engagement with his business.

Ive seen people challenging it and he was putting up more posts mocking them. He has got loads of engagement from that, but it shows again what has happened in recent years, he said.

"We feel more and more isolated and are now becoming the butt of jokes. People are mocking and laughing.

Read more PM faces backbench discontent as Labour prepares to overhaul benefits system

"Businesses it seems are now going down that route and people that you would consider friends, you can see them laughing at these posts and saying they agree.

"Its very upsetting seeing people that you thought were allies engaging in this in this fashion.

"With everything that is happening in politics, we are feeling more and more disenfranchised as a community and its like we are not considered as people any more.

"Some people might be reading this and saying dont be so melodramatic but I can tell you how much pain and hurt we are experiencing now.

When approached by this newspaper, Mr Young said his post was not aimed at the disabled.

"As the post clearly states its aimed at the fat people who use them and take away vital resources, he said.

"Unlike disabled folk, who have a genuine need for them, they could walk and lose weight. Anyway, it is what it is and people have and can take whatever they want from it.

"Our charitable side of the business, and the lengths we go to to support the local food bank, offering free school breakfast in January and free Christmas dinners on Christmas Day should be all the evidence required for people to know we are a business with a heart.

Asked to comment on whether he accepted those with obesity may have underlying disabilities that leave them unable to exercise effectively, Mr Young added: Ive said all I need to say. Much love.

News Catch Up - Tuesday 18th March
A DUP MP has hit out after a food watchdog suggested that lab-grown meat could be on the menu in the UK within two years.

Last week, the The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it was committed to completing the full safety assessment of two cell-cultivated products (CCPs) within the next two years.

The watchdog has launched a pioneering regulatory programme for cultivated meats to make sure they are safe for consumers before they are sold, funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technologys Engineering Biology Sandbox Fund.

CCPs are new food products made without traditional farming methods such as rearing livestock or growing plants and grains.

Instead, cells from plants or animals are grown in a controlled environment to make the product.

The DUPs Westminster Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP said: This is a hugely concerning revelation and another blow to the generations of farmers who work tirelessly on a daily basis, 365-days a year, to produce nutritious, wholesome food to feed the nation.

The Upper Bann MP added: Paving the way for lab-grown, cultivated or synthetic meat, sugar and dairy products is an ill-informed utopia.

The Food Standards Agency has received a 1.6m grant to progress an assessment process for the novel foods. By its own admission the FSA exists so that people can trust the food they buy and eat is safe, healthier and more sustainable.

Hailing from a farming background I have grown up eating farm-fresh, seasonal produce. I find it very hard to believe that meats such as beef and chicken can been replicated in a laboratory. Surely this practice poses a number of questions on ethics, economics, transparency, sustainability and public health?

I am an advocate for innovation, but in my opinion, meat generated in a lab cannot compete with that produced from naturally reared, grass-fed and fully traceable farm livestock.

Farmers adhere to strict animal health and welfare regulations and their farming practices are monitored and approved by bodies such as Red Tractor and the Farm Quality Assurance Scheme.

However, cultivated meat requires less land and water, and side-steps the ethical concerns associated with animal welfare.

The UK has already been identified as an attractive market for lab grown meat, thanks to its large number of vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians; a more open attitude towards new foods compared with many other European countries; and a robust financial sector that could support potential startups.

The FSA is now working on creating the assessment criteria to efficiently approve these products, with input from academic experts and the companies involved. Applications that have already been submitted to the FSA are being analysed.

There are currently no CCPs approved for human consumption in the UK, although cultivated meat is already making its way into the market  but not yet for people.

One cultivated chicken has been approved for use in pet foods by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), allowing pets to enjoy lab-grown meat before humans can.

But the MP added: Lab-grown meat is deemed more ethical and climate friendly. The first lab-grown burger was unveiled in London in 2013, and in 2021 Singapore was the first country to approve cultured meat for human consumption. Singapore imports 90% of its food and drink, and lab-grown meat experiments gained momentum as the country sought to increase self-sufficiency and food security.

However, almost four years on and lab-grown meat isnt a commercial reality in Singapore. The production, sale and import of cultivated meat is banned in Italy.

It is approved in the USA, but the anti-lab-grown meat rhetoric is growing louder, with several states such as Alabama, Florida and Mississippi having already introduced a ban, even though the product isnt available on shop shelves.

Lab-grown or cultured meat is a form of cellular agriculture. The process involves a small biopsy of animal origin, which is then placed in a specially formulated growth medium and kept at body temperature.
The car was set alight in the early hours of Tuesday morning

The front of a chip shop in Downpatrick has been badly scorched after a car was set alight outside the premises in the early hours of Tuesday.

Police are appealing for information following the report of arson and criminal damage in the St Patricks Avenue area of the town.

PSNI Sergeant Smyth said: Shortly after 4:05am, it was reported to police that a car had been set alight at a chip shop in the area. No damage was reported to the inside of the premises, but the outside shutters and shop sign were damaged following the incident.

Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service extinguished the fire, which is being treated as deliberate ignition.

Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage taken at the time, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 241 18/03/25.

"Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Dale Young when he was in hospital

A Co Londonderry man has described his survival story after being diagnosed with bowel cancer  something doctors initially said he was too young to have.

Dale Young was just 32 when he was diagnosed after experiencing episodes of extreme fatigue.

The father-of-two initially put it down to overtraining at the gym and too many early starts for work.

However, his exhaustion, which became progressively worse, and troubling bowel movements, began to raise concerns that it was something more serious.

I was sleeping for most of the day after work and only woke up to eat or go to the bathroom, Dale, now 37, said.

I was in a meeting when my stomach turned. I ran to the toilet where I must have passed about half a pint of blood.

At this point, I panicked and went straight to the out-of-hours doctor.

Dale with his son wife Erin (37), son Leo (7), and his stepdaughter Bethany (17)

A GP brushed off his symptoms as a case of haemorrhoids as he was too young for it to be anything of concern.

However, Dale pursued further tests, leading doctors to make a shock diagnosis that he had stage three bowel cancer.

The findings were so abnormal for someone of his age that surgeons would later invite medical students to observe his surgery.

He added: Looking back, Im so thankful that I took the initiative to ask for more tests. The colonoscopy discovered a tumour in the lower section of the bowel, which was about 5-6cm in size.

When they told me, it felt like I was in a bad dream. It took a long time for it to sink in because I was in complete shock.

Telling my family was one of the hardest things Ive ever experienced. I was more worried about them as we had lost our mother to the same disease just a year previously.

I felt worse for them than I did for myself because I knew the toll it would take on them.

Dale Young

The diagnosis came just a month before his wedding to now-wife Erin.

Dale added that, as a result, he pushed to have the operation as soon as possible.

After speaking with hospital staff, surgery was scheduled for two weeks before the wedding.

Physically, it hit me very hard as I normally go to the gym three or four times a week, Dale said.

Not being able to exercise really affected my mental wellbeing.

To help manage it, I spent a lot of time reading, gaming and watching TV. My family supported me greatly during this time and everyone I met in the hospital and at the cancer centre were nice and helpful.

Dale is now four years clear of the disease and is waiting to receive his five-year scan this summer.

Despite finding it hard not to dwell on his difficult experience at times, he enjoys a healthy lifestyle and encourages people who suspect the worst to get it checked out.

I now try my best to keep healthy but still enjoy life. I always try to encourage other people to get checked out if something feels wrong and to remember that youre not invincible.

Im so thankful to have a future and look forward to what it brings, be it good or bad.
People here tested from age 60 for second most deadly form of the disease compared to age 50 in rest of the UKCharity calls for end to screening age gap as way to save more lives

Stormont's Department of Health says it is committed to improving outcomes for patients but cited budget constraints and the need for services to become more aligned if the screening age gap for bowel cancer is to be reduced

Our second most lethal cancer still has a 10-year screening age gap compared to the rest of the UK.

Bowel cancer tests continue to lag behind England, Scotland and Wales, where they begin from the age of 50, compared to 60 here.

Almost 1,200 people are diagnosed with the disease every year.

There is a 91% cure rate if detected at its earliest stage.

Bowel Cancer UK warned the concerning age gap could be costing lives.

It is calling for Northern Ireland to follow Britains biannual screening as everyone deserves equal access to this lifesaving programme.

The charitys Jennifer Bamforth said: Bowel cancer is Northern Irelands second biggest cancer killer, so its concerning that its the only UK nation where bowel cancer screening still starts at age 60.

In Scotland and Wales, screening for bowel cancer starts at age 50, and England aims to complete the rollout of screening from 50 this year.

Its time for Northern Ireland to follow suit.

We currently offer a home testing kit for people between 60 and 74.

Ms Bamforth added: The national cancer strategy in Northern Ireland includes commitments to extend the age range of screening.

But to make this a reality the Department of Heath must work to ensure that the health and social care system has the endoscopy capacity to support these vital improvements.

The charity previously referred to a lack of leadership in Stormont as contributing to delays in the development of an earlier diagnosis of the disease.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt recently published a three-year strategic plan committing to expanding the bowel cancer screening programme by April 2027.

Stormont Health Minister Mike Nesbitt (File/PA)

The Department of Health said: Work to meet the commitments to lower the age range and further reduce the sensitivity level is ongoing but must be viewed within the context of the wider financial and capacity challenges within the supporting services.

This is because screening programmes are a pathway and not just a test. As such, where a screening programme makes changes to its eligibility, it is important that the associated infrastructure, to include diagnostic capacity and any treatments that may be required, are aligned.

Current treatment times have also attracted criticism, with just over a quarter (26.8%) of patients being seen within a 62-day period between July 1 and September 30 in 2024.

The Department of Health added: The minister remains fully committed to delivering the most effective service possible within the available budget to reduce waiting times and deliver a cancer care system that meets the needs of patients and their families.
A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have blocked traffic in Belfast. (Pic: TrafficWatch)

A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked rush-hour traffic in Belfast this evening.

Several protestors gathered in the Chichester Street area, close to the headquarters of the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House.

Photographs from the scene appear to show attendees carrying placards and Palestinian flags, while sitting in the middle of the busy road blocking the traffic.

A statement from Traffic Watch at 6.32pm said: Chichester Street in Belfast city centre is currently closed to traffic.

The road has since reopened.

In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: Police assisted with traffic and crowd control at a demonstration in the Chichester Street area of Belfast City Centre on Tuesday evening, 18th March.

The demonstration has now ended  and crowd has since dispersed with no issues reported. Traffic is also moving freely after being disrupted for a short period.

A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have blocked traffic in Belfast. (Pic: TrafficWatch)

News Catch Up - Tuesday 18th March
An RUC investigation into the killing of IRA man Colum Marks lacked independence and rigour and was wholly inadequate, the Police Ombudsman has found.

Marks (29) was shot by police on the evening of April 10, 1991, in Downpatrick and later died from his injuries in hospital.

The shooting happened during a police operation aimed at thwarting an IRA mortar attack on security forces and arresting suspects.

Marks family disputed the RUCs version of the events of the night in question and made a complaint to the Ombudsman, who began an investigation in 2017.

While some evidence was available, the majority of the records from RUCs South Region Tactical Co-ordinating Group (TCG) relating to the investigation into the circumstances of Marks shooting were later destroyed.

The Ombudsman, Marie Anderson, reviewed documentation of interviews of officers involved in the August 1991 operation, including an interview with the officer who fired the fatal shots, referred to as Officer B.

Ms Anderson noted that Officer B was only asked five questions, two of which related to distance and lighting between two points on a map.

Given the seriousness of the incident, in the context of the European Convention on Human Rights Article 2 and the right to life, I am of the view that the original RUC CID investigation was wholly inadequate in a number of important respects, Ms Anderson said.

Officer Bs interview failed to adequately examine his actions or mindset at the time of the incident, and lacked the necessary depth and rigour expected in light of the fact that this was a fatal police shooting.

Equally, the statements provided by other officers omitted critical detail about the planning, tasking, coordination and communications on the night.

Significantly, they do not mention any briefings or information received prior to their deployment on this operation, including the suspects believed to be involved.

The Ombudsman reviewed radio transmission logs of the police operation, which detailed how Marks was seen carrying what appeared to be a mortar at 9.29pm on April 10, 1991.

A few minutes later Marks was seen in the driveway of a house in St Patricks Avenue and the mortar was confirmed as having been assembled in the driveway at 9.46pm.

At 9.47pm officers were instructed to arrest the man, who then fled the scene across a recreation ground, where he was shot.

Officer B said he believed Marks was armed and claimed he refused to stop when an attempt was made to arrest him. No gun was found at the scene.

There are no existing TCG records and there are no witness statements or depositions from TCG officers explaining their role and participation in the planning and decision making, Ms Anderson said.

I am unable to conclude, therefore, whether there was an opportunity to disrupt the planned mortar attack, to arrest Mr Marks before that evening or to arrest him prior to the first recorded sighting of him by Police Officer B at 9.29pm.

However, from the evidence which is available, there was a short window of opportunity to arrest Mr Marks on that evening between 9.29pm, when he was first observed carrying the mortar, and 9.47pm when the instruction was given to arrest him.

It is clear that police intended to arrest suspects in circumstances that connected them to the weapon, and the intent to commit an unlawful act, rather than possession of the weapon alone.

In the presence of what was described as a viable explosive device, it is my view that this was a high risk strategy on the part of police whose primary duty was to protect life.

Ms Anderson noted that the shooting was not referred to the Independent Commission for Police Complaints (ICPC) for investigation at the time.

The investigation of complaints about historical matters is challenging due to the passage of time and unavailability of relevant witnesses and documentation.

In their complaint, the Marks family sought clarity as to the events of 10 April 1991. Regretfully there remain unanswered questions due to the absence of records and in particular information about the TCG operation.

The effect of the practice of destruction of these records is that the TCG operation has not been subject to independent examination and scrutiny.

However, I am critical of aspects of the initial RUC CID investigation, particularly the initial under caution interview of Police Officer B on 11 April 1991.

I am also concerned that this matter was not referred to the ICPC by the Chief Constable given its gravity.

In consequence I conclude that the initial police investigation lacked sufficient independence and was not afforded the scrutiny and rigour that a fatal shooting of this nature warranted.

In 2023, the Public Prosecution Service decided not the prosecute Officer B over the shooting.

Gavin Booth of Phoenix Law, who represents the Marks family said: Todays findings of the Police Ombudsman supports the view that the family always held that the RUC did not properly investigate the fatal shooting of Colum Marks.

Its clear from the findings that there was time to arrest Colum prior to the shooting and this was not acted upon by the RUC at the time.

We now know that for three days the RUC knew about this and opportunities clearly existed to arrest.

"The Ombudsman was clear that Colum was unarmed, unmasked and not posing a threat when he was shot several times.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt listens as UFC fighter Conor McGregor speaks with reporters in the briefing room of the White House, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt listens as UFC fighter Conor McGregor speaks with reporters in the briefing room of the White House, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt listens as UFC fighter Conor McGregor speaks with reporters in the briefing room of the White House, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

UFC fighter Conor McGregor speaks with reporters in the briefing room of the White House, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Former UFC champion and Irish businessman Conor McGregor briefly speaks with reporters alongside White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt before meeting with President Donald Trump in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on Saint Patrick's Day, March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

SDLP MP Colum Eastwood has said that Irish people are embarrassed by Conor McGregor following the MMA fighters appearance at the White House.

Press wrangler Allison Schuster shared photos of Mr McGregor at the podium in the White House briefing room on Monday afternoon, where she said he took surprise questions and signed a Make Ireland Great Again hat.

He described Ireland as the little bro which should be looked after by the United States as he said he was in Washington to raise issues like an illegal immigration racket that is running ravage on the country.

Commenting on X, Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: Conor McGregor has never been elected to anything, he doesnt represent the Irish people. In fact, were all pretty embarrassed by him.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said that McGregor does not speak for Ireland while Taoiseach Micheal Martin said his remarks are wrong and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patricks Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.

St. Patricks Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship.



Conor McGregors remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patricks Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 17, 2025

In a post shared to X, Mr Martin said: St. Patricks Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said Mr Trump can invite whoever he wants to the White House and he is perfectly entitled to invite whoever he wishes.

President Donald Trump and MMA fighter Conor McGregor in the Oval Office.

Conor McGregor criticises Irish Government during speech at the White House

"But let me be very clear, Conor McGregor is not here in the United States representing Ireland or the people of Ireland. He is here in a personal capacity. He does not speak for Ireland, he does not speak for the people of Ireland, he has no mandate to do such.

Speaking to reporters in New York, Mr Harris said his views on Mr McGregor are long-standing and on the public record.

The White House shared video of Mr McGregor walking from the building on Monday afternoon saying: Happy Paddys Day, America.

It comes just days after Taoiseach Micheal Martin met with Mr Trump in the Oval Office, during which the American leader was asked who his favourite Irish person was.

"I do happen to like your fighter. Hes got the best tattoos Ive ever seen. Conors great, right? But you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually, Mr Trump said.

Mr McGregor told those gathered in the briefing room today that Ireland and America are siblings and it is important for Ireland to have a peaceful, happy, prosperous country for the 40 million Irish-Americans to have a place to visit, to come back to their home.

"We wish for our relationship with the United States to continue and we wish to be taken care of by the big bro. The United States should look after its little bro.

He added that he was in Washington to raise the issues that Irish people face, which he said have "never" been spoken "on the main stage".

"Our Government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland and its high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland.

He accused the Irish Government of having zero accountability and said Irish money was being spent on overseas issues that has nothing to do with the Irish people, adding that the illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country.

He said rural towns have been overrun and Irish-Americans need to hear this because if not there will be no place to come home and visit.

Mr McGregor said he is inspired by Mr Trumps work ethic.

In a post shared yesterday, Mr McGregor had said he was due to land in Washington for the most important meeting of my countries (sic) future.

"I am beyond ready. The world will hear Irelands call.

The official White House account also shared a photo of Mr McGregor posed with his fists up in front of two portraits of Mr Trump and his vice president JD Vance today.

Last November, a High Court civil jury found Nikita Hand was assaulted by Mr McGregor in the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford on 9 December, 2018.

She was awarded 248,603 in damages against Mr McGregor.

The mixed martial arts fighter has lodged an appeal against the verdict in the civil rape case, which is listed to come before the Court of Appeal on March 21.

The former UFC champion instructed his lawyers to lodge an appeal directly after the verdict was handed down last November following a 12-day trial.

Speaking in New York today, Tanaiste Simon Harris said he did not want to comment on matters that may again appear before the courts, but added that he has previously spoken with Ms Hand.

"I admire her bravery, her courage and I would much rather be talking about Nikita Hand than Conor McGregor, quite frankly.

On whether he believed Mr Martin should have said something in the Oval Office when Mr Trump discussed Mr McGregor as one of his favourite Irish people, Mr Harris said: I think the Taoiseach did a very good job representing our country in the Oval Office and Im very proud of the job that he did.

Asked whether he believed a potential endorsement of Mr McGregor by Mr Trump in the Irish presidential race would amount to election interference, Mr Harris said: In general I think its always better for elections to be decided, obviously, by those who live in a country and by the people of Ireland, and thats how our presidential election will be decided.

"I dont wish to provide free airtime here to Mr McGregor. I dont expect he is going to be the president of Ireland. We have a long and proud tradition of electing excellent people of integrity and decency to Aras an Uachtarain.
Performers take part in the St Patricks Day Parade in Athy, Co Kildare (Niall Carson/PA)

Ireland made sure it was not left out of an event that is now truly global as revellers marked the feast day of the islands patron saint St Patrick in the usual way.

Crowds took to the streets in cities and towns including Dublin, Belfast and Athy in Co Kildare as pageants unfolded with Irish dancers and leprechaun costumes in evidence.

Marching bands from North America and Austria joined the festivities in the Irish capital while many raised a glass in celebration.

There were also events in Galway, Limerick, Cork, Belfast and Londonderry.

People attending the St Patricks Day Parade in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

(Liam McBurney/PA)

(Liam McBurney/PA)

Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray taking part in festivities (Liam McBurney/PA)

In Dublin, members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Siochana played their part in festivities while in Athy, Irish step dancers led the parade.

Members of the Garda Mounted Support Unit in Dublin (Evan Treacy/PA)

The Lord Mayors Coach in Dublin (Evan Treacy/PA)

Soldiers from the Defence Forces take part in Dublins parade (Evan Treacy/PA)

A broken-down Mini is pushed during the St Patricks Day Parade in Athy (Niall Carson/PA)

Colourful performers take part in the St Patricks Day Parade in Athy (Niall Carson/PA)

In London, the Princess of Wales paid a visit to the Irish Guards, buying a round of drinks as well as admiring the regimental mascot, an Irish wolfhound.

Dressed in green, Kate wore a shamrock as she met service personnel.

Kate with Barry Loughlin, Georgia Willis and four-year-old Regan Loughlin, as she joins guardsmen and their families in the junior ranks dining hall (Eddie Mulholland/Daily Telegraph/PA)

Kate meets regimental mascot Turlough Mor and his handler, Drummer Joseph Aldridge (Eddie Mulholland/Daily Telegraph/PA)
The last surviving pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain, Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway, has died aged 105.

Born in Dublin in 1919, Mr Hemingway enlisted in the RAF in 1938 and soon became one of the young pilots who fought in the Battle of France.

Two years later, he was among the men known as The Few, coined by Winston Churchill to describe Britains Battle of Britain pilots.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was saddened to hear of Mr Hemingways death, adding: Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the Second World War.

Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway (Family handout/MoD/PA)

They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its Allies, risking their lives.

He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the Lucky Irishman, a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation.

Despite his sacrifice, he would tell stories of the joyous memories he made and moments he shared with his peers, many of whom never returned home.

Their sense of duty and service secured our freedom, and we shall never forget them.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: Paddy came from a generation who understood the importance of freedom and sacrificed so much to achieve it.

The last known Battle of Britain pilot, he embodied the deep courage of that incredible generation.

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In 1940, Mr Hemingway was recorded as destroying a German airliner and the following day he downed a German Luftwaffe plane, but his Hurricane fighter was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he had to make a forced landing.

He then became one of the frontline members of 11 Groups response to daily attacks by German aircraft, which went on to be known as the Battle of Britain.

Mr Hemingways logbook records up to five daily sorties he and the other pilots undertook in defence of the UK.

In August 1940, amid intense dogfights, he was forced to bail out of his Hurricanes twice, landing once in the sea off the Essex coast and the other time in marshland.

On July 1 1941, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and in September that year, he was mentioned in despatches by senior officers.

Mr Hemingway went on to serve as an air fighter controller during D-Day operations, and in 1945 he joined the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces with 324 Wing.

Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway celebrating his 105th birthday with son Brian and daughter Susan (Brian Lawless/

Chief of RAF Air Staff Sir Rich Knighton passed condolences to Mr Hemingways family and friends.

I am thankful that I was able to meet and spend time with him in Dublin, most recently in January this year, he said.

Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force.

His son Brian told the Daily Mail his father had been in fighting form at his Dublin care home in recent years.

He never felt that there was anything special about him. He thought the special ones were the friends who never returned. And now he is back with his squadron, he said.

It is very sad but his is a life to be both celebrated and mourned.

Mr Hemingway was stationed in Italy towards the end of the war and commanded 43 Squadron. During this period, he was forced to bail out for a fourth time.

While attacking enemy forces near Ravenna in April 1945, his Spitfire was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire.

He parachuted into enemy territory and managed to contact local partisans who helped him return to his squadron.

In 1966, he became Officer Commanding RAF Leconfield and eventually attained the rank of Group Captain.
Conor McGregors visit to the White House has exposed Micheal Martins cowardly approach to US president Donald Trump, an opposition TD has said.

Mr Martin met Mr Trump at the White House on Wednesday, where the two leaders engaged with members of the press for roughly 50 minutes.

During the exchanges, the US president praised McGregor when asked who he would regard as his favourite Irish person.

Days later, the mixed martial arts fighter also met Mr Trump in the Oval Office.

McGregor, who has set an ambition to become president of Ireland, criticised the Irish government on a range of issues, including immigration.

Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor and partner Dee Devlin leaving the High Court in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

He claimed the Irish Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand. McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Paul Murphy outside Leinster House (Liam McBurney/PA)

On Tuesday, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy said McGregors attendance at the White House on St Patricks Day was scandalous given his abhorrent views on a whole range of issues and the verdict of the jury in the civil trial.

He said: I think its abhorrent by the Trump administration to have promoted Conor McGregor in this way.

Mr Murphy criticised Mr Martin for taking a quiet approach to Mr Trump during his engagement.

The Taoiseach had characterised his own meeting with Mr Trump as very positive, and later said that McGregor does not reflect the views of Irish people.

Mr Murphy said: I do think that the so-called quiet diplomacy of Micheal Martin [] which was lauded by many commentators as being very smart, no longer looks very smart.

Because the truth is that while Trump was praising Conor McGregor, Micheal Martin  while sitting in a room with him  didnt say a single word to contradict him.

Micheal Martin praised Trumps unrelenting focus on peace. We know that overnight, about 350 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in assaults, a new wave of air attacks that have been authorised and agreed by the administration.

So I think you know clearly the very cowardly, bootlicking approach of Martin now is exposed for just that.

Asked about McGregors presidential ambitions, Mr Murphy predicted that the fighters campaign would receive support on X, the social media site operated by Elon Musk  a key ally of the Trump administration.

However, he said he did not think he would go very far in winning actual public support.

He added: Conor McGregor is not a beloved figure in Ireland, for all the reasons that people know.

So I dont think thatll get off the ground in reality.

It might exist in Donald Trumps head and Elon Musks head and their various promoters over here. But I dont think it will fly.
Irish premier Micheal Martin does not represent the people of Ireland, Conor McGregor has claimed, after being criticised by the Taoiseach.

It came after Irish political leaders said the mixed martial arts fighter does not speak for Ireland as he visited the White House for a St Patricks Day meeting with US President Donald Trump.

McGregor praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the President described him as fantastic.

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The Dubliner told reporters in the West Wing that he was going to voice concerns about immigration issues in Ireland when he spoke to Mr Trump.

McGregor, who has previously stated an intent to run for the Irish presidency, claimed the Irish Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

Conor McGregor spoke to the media in the US (AP)

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand. McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the meeting between Mr Trump and McGregor was a very sinister event.

Ms Morrogh characterised the engagement as an attempt to normalise sexual violence and rebuild McGregors reputation.

She told RTEs News At One that she was writing to the US embassy over what she said was a really callous indifference to every survivor of sexual violence.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin spoke out against the mixed martial arts fighter (Niall Carson/PA)

In response to McGregors comments to reporters in the White House briefing room, Irish premier Micheal Martin later said his claims were wrong and did not reflect the views of the Irish people.

Deputy premier Simon Harris said that McGregor was not in the US to represent Ireland and did not speak for the people of Ireland, and has no mandate to.

Asked about Mr Martins criticism, Mr McGregor told Sky News: I am an employer of over 200 people, almost 300 people in the country of Ireland. Hes an employer of none.

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Every available metric available to us has shown that the Government of Ireland currently has failed the people of Ireland.

In 10 years, Dublin City Centre has gone from one of the most safest cities in Europe, to one of the most dangerous.

So, shame on him for saying that, speaking down on an Irishman. I wont speak about him personally, throw a jab  I could, I could throw many jabs at him, I could throw jabs handily at them.

US President Donald Trump and Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Niall Carson/PA)

However, I speak on the metrics, and the metrics show they failed the people of Ireland. They do not represent the people of Ireland.

Asked how he would respond to people who said it is inappropriate for him to attend the White House, he walked away after saying: God bless Ireland and God bless America.

During a meeting with Mr Martin in the Oval office last week, Mr Trump described McGregor as great when asked who his favourite Irish person was.

The US president said the MMA fighter had the best tattoos Ive ever seen.

Conors great, right. But you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually, great fighters, he said.

Irelands always had a lot of good fighters.

You know why? Because theyre tough people, theyre smart people and theyre passionate people.
The EUs foreign affairs chief is to meet David Lammy and John Healey to talk about scaling up economic pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine.

It comes as the UK and France continue their efforts to bring together a coalition of nations who would be willing to enforce a peace deal.

The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary are due to meet Kaja Kallas on Tuesday, with conversations expected to touch on EU-UK co-operation on Ukraine, as well as how they can put financial pressure on Moscow and ensure damage in Ukraine is paid for.

They are also expected to discuss action against cyberattacks and disinformation.

Ms Kallas is also expected to receive a briefing from the Chief of the Defence Staff.

Before Tuesdays meeting, Mr Lammy said: A strong and secure Britain is a foundation of our Plan for Change. This cannot be achieved without strengthening our shared European security and coming together with our partners to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

More than three years on since (Russian President Vladimir) Putins illegal full-scale invasion, we are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for our continent. Its vital we upgrade our partnership with the EU and work together to bring an end to this war and deliver security of all of our citizens.

Mr Healey said: This Government is stepping up on European security; deepening our defence relationship with our EU and Nato allies is vital during this critical period.

European security starts in Ukraine. The UK and EU are united in our resolve to back Ukraine with the military firepower they need to stand up to Russias illegal invasion and secure a lasting peace.

Mr Lammy met US vice president JD Vance in Washington over the weekend and discussed the USs now-ended pause on military intelligence sharing and the prospect of a ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump is due to continue his attempts to broker peace on Tuesday by speaking to Mr Putin, who continues to resist an American-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.

Kaja Kallas (Jacob King/PA)

In a post on his Truth Social social media site on Monday night, Mr Trump said: Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains.

Thousands of young soldiers, and others, are being killed. Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW. I look very much forward to the call with President Putin.

It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney to Downing Street on Monday.

Mr Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau last week, was among international leaders on a phone call about Sir Keirs coalition of the willing to enforce a peace deal in Ukraine.

More than 30 countries are ready to be involved, either by providing troops or contributing logistics or background support, No 10 said.

Sir Keir still believes a US security guarantee is necessary for his European-led peacekeeping plan to operate successfully, Downing Street said.
US President Donald Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin for more than an hour (Carl Court/PA)

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have agreed to seek a limited ceasefire in Ukraine on energy infrastructure, the White House has said, with further negotiations starting immediately.

A path towards peace in Ukraine will begin with a ceasefire on energy infrastructure, the US president and his Russian counterpart agreed, before they move towards an end to fighting in the Black Sea, and then a sustained ceasefire.

Talks to iron out agreement about the 30-day ceasefire will now take place in the Middle East, according to the US government.

The crunch talks between Mr Trump and the Russian leader came after Sir Keir Starmer spoke to the US president on Monday night.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking to the media in Downing Street (Leon Neal/PA)

In that call, the Prime Minister told Mr Trump that Ukraine must be put in the strongest possible position in order to secure a just and lasting peace in the war with Russia.

According to the White House, the two presidents agreed the conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts.

A readout from the US government also said: The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace.

These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, said Mr Putin told Mr Trump that America and allies must end military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine to halt hostilities.

Following a call between Sir Keir and Mr Trump on Monday night, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: The Prime Minister updated the president on his coalition of the willing call with international leaders that took place on Saturday.

He reiterated that all must work together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to secure a just and lasting peace.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Frances President Emmanuel Macron during a leaders summit at Lancaster House, London (Justin Tallis/PA)

Sir Keir and French president Emmanuel Macron have been leading efforts to form a coalition of the willing made up of nations prepared to offer troops or support to a peacekeeping force if there is a deal to end the war.

Mr Putin has said he agrees in principle to a ceasefire but has put a series of conditions on any peace plan.

The US president said Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict, which could include Mr Putin being handed land and power plants by Kyiv.

Such a move would cause unease in Europe, being seen as a reward for Russias invasion of its neighbour.

Asked if the UK would be prepared to accept Russia being handed sovereignty over the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, the Prime Ministers spokesman said: Weve always been clear that how, and on what terms, this war comes to an end can only be decided by negotiations with Ukraine at the heart of them.
The Statue of Liberty was officially unveiled on October 28 1886 (Pamela Smith/AP)

A French politician has suggested the US is no longer worthy of keeping the Statue of Liberty.

The call from Raphael Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and co-president of a small left-wing party, for the return of the monument is not going to make it happen.

But his claims in a speech this weekend that some Americans have chosen to switch to the side of the tyrants reflect the broad shockwaves that US President Donald Trumps seismic policy shifts are triggering in Europe.

Raphael Glucksmann at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France (Pascal Bastien/AP)

Give us back the Statue of Liberty, Mr Glucksmann said, speaking on Sunday to supporters of his Public Place party, who applauded and whistled.

It was our gift to you. But apparently you despise her. So she will be happy here with us, he said.

The White House brushed back on the comments on Monday, saying France instead should still be grateful for US support during the First World War and Second World War.

Unesco, the United Nations cultural arm that has the statue on its list of World Heritage treasures, notes that the famous monument is US government property.

It was initially envisaged as a monumental gesture of French-American friendship to mark the 100th anniversary of the July 4 1776 Declaration of Independence.

But a war that erupted in 1870 between France and German states led by Prussia diverted the energies of the monuments designer, French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi.

The gift also took time to be funded, with a decision taken that the French would pay for the statue and Americans would cover the costs of its pedestal.

Transported in 350 pieces from France, the statue was officially unveiled on October 28 1886.

French-US relations would have to drop off a cliff before Mr Glucksmann found support from French President Emmanuel Macrons government.

For the moment, the French president is treading a fine line  trying to work with Mr Trump and temper some of his policy shifts on the one hand but also pushing back hard against some White House decisions, notably Mr Trumps tariff hikes.

Mr Macron has let his prime minister, Francois Bayrou, play the role of being a more critical voice.

Mr Bayrou tore into the brutality that was shown to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his White House visit and suggested that Mr Trumps administration risked handing victory to Russia when it paused military aid to Ukraine.

Mr Glucksmanns party has been even more critical, posting accusations on its website that Mr Trump is wielding power in an authoritarian manner and is preparing to deliver Ukraine on a silver platter to Russia.

In his speech, Mr Glucksmann referenced New York poet Emma Lazaruss words about the statue, the mighty woman with a torch who promised a home for the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

Today, this land is ceasing to be what it was, Mr Glucksmann said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked on Monday about Mr Glucksmanns comments, and responded that the US would absolutely not be parting with the statue.

My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that its only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now, Ms Leavitt said, apparently referencing the US fight with allied powers to free France from Nazi occupation in the Second World War and alongside France during the First World War.

They should be very grateful.

But the debt of gratitude runs both ways.

Ms Leavitt skipped past Frances key role in supporting the future United States during its war for independence from the United Kingdom.

She is one of three administration officials who face a lawsuit from The Associated Press (AP) on First and Fifth Amendment grounds.

The AP says the three are punishing the news agency for editorial decisions they oppose.

The White House says the AP is not following an executive order to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a call on Tuesday to seek a limited ceasefire against energy and infrastructure targets in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the White House.

The White House described it as the first step in a movement to peace it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full and lasting end to the fighting.

Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace, the White House said in a statement.

The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.

The White House said negotiations would begin immediately on those steps.

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It was not immediately clear whether Ukraine is on board with the phased ceasefire plan.

Ukrainian officials had proposed a limited ceasefire covering the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes and the release of prisoners at their meeting with the US delegation in Saudi Arabia this month.

Mr Putin also told Mr Trump that Russia and Ukraine will exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday, and Russia will also hand over to Ukraine 23 badly wounded soldiers, the Kremlin said.

Mr Putin also called on Mr Trump to end foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.

The phone call came as the White House pushes for Russia to sign off on its 30-day ceasefire proposal to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Trump said before the call that he expected to discuss with Mr Putin land and power plants that have been seized during the three-year war.

Ukrainian officials last week agreed to the American proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains sceptical that Mr Putin is ready for peace as Russian forces continue to pound Ukraine.

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The engagement is just the latest turn in dramatically shifting US-Russia relations, as Mr Trump made quickly ending the conflict a top priority, even at the expense of straining ties with longtime American allies who want Mr Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

Its a bad situation in Russia, and its a bad situation in Ukraine, Mr Trump told reporters on Monday.

Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it.

In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff last week met Mr Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

Mr Putin last week said he agreed in principle with the US proposal, but emphasised that Russia would seek guarantees that Ukraine would not use a break in hostilities to rearm and continue mobilisation.

He has also demanded that Ukraine renounce joining the Nato military alliance, sharply cut its army, and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscows orbit.

The US president said Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.

US President Donald Trump, left, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP)

Mr Trump, who during his campaign pledged to quickly end the war, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Mr Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russias unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Mr Zelensky of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since the Second World War.

Mr Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that Mr Trump and Mr Putin would discuss the war in Ukraine but added that there are also a large number of questions regarding normalising US-Russia relations.

Mr Trump has said that control of land and power plants will be part of the conversation, which comes on the anniversary of Russia annexing Ukraines Crimean peninsula 11 years ago.

That bold land grab by Russia set the stage for Russia to invade its neighbour in 2022.

Mr Witkoff and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that US and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest, in southern Ukraine.

The plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is Europes largest (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

The UNs International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about it, fuelling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The plant is a significant asset, producing nearly a quarter of Ukraines electricity in the year before the war.

I can say we are on the 10th yard line of peace, Ms Leavitt said. And weve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the president, as you know, is determined to get one done.

But Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, questioned whether Mr Putin is ready to end the war or will hold out for potential further concessions as Mr Trump grows impatient.

After a disastrous February 28 White House meeting with Mr Zelensky, Mr Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine.

It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administrations 30-day ceasefire proposal.

A view of Sudzha, the biggest town in the Kursk region, after it was taken over by Russian troops (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP)

The US has been consistently offering in some form pre-emptive concessions that have been weakening the American and Ukrainian negotiating position, Mr Bowman said.

I think theres a real danger here that the administrations approach is boiling down to sticks for Ukraine and carrots for Putin.

Mr Zelensky in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Mr Putin is ready for peace.

Now, almost a week later, its clear to everyone in the world, even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years, that it is Mr Putin who continues to drag out this war, Mr Zelensky said.

In his dealings with Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin, Mr Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage. Mr Putin has the cards and Mr Zelensky does not, Mr Trump has said repeatedly.

Mr Trump, who has long shown admiration for Mr Putin, has also made clear he would like to see the US-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.

The president, during his recent contentious meeting with Mr Zelensky, grumbled that Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, a reference to the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position.

He said Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region, amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials that has been disputed by Mr Zelensky.

Ukraines army stunned Russia in August last year by attacking across the border and taking control of an estimated 500 square miles of land.

But Ukraines forces are now in retreat and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Mr Zelensky has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on the back foot while disputing Russian claims that his troops are encircled in Kursk.

Mr Trump suggested that he has taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer, Mr Trump said.
President John F Kennedy waves from his car in a motorcade approximately one minute before he was shot on November 22 1963, in Dallas (Jim Altgens/AP)

US President Donald Trump says files related to the 1963 assassination of President John F Kennedy will be released without any redactions, making good on a promise he made during his campaign.

Mr Trump told reporters on Monday that his administration will be releasing 80,000 files on Tuesday, though it is not clear how many of those are among the millions of pages of records that have already been made public.

We have a tremendous amount of paper. Youve got a lot of reading, Mr Trump said while at the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.

US President Donald Trump talks with reporters as he visits the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington DC (AP)

He also said he does not believe anything will be redacted from the files.

I said, Just dont redact. You cant redact, he said.

Many who have studied what has been released so far by the government say the public should not anticipate any earth-shattering revelations from the newly released documents, but there is still intense interest in details related to the assassination and the events surrounding it.

 Trumps order

Shortly after he was sworn into office, Mr Trump ordered the release of the remaining classified files related to the assassination, which has spawned countless conspiracy theories.

He directed the national intelligence director and attorney general to develop a plan to release the records.

The order also aimed to declassify the remaining records related to the 1968 assassinations of Robert F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jnr.

After signing the order, Mr Trump handed the pen to an aide and directed that it be given to Robert F Kennedy Jnr, the Trump administrations top health official.

He is the nephew of John F Kennedy and son of Robert F Kennedy.

Newly-elected President Kennedy poses for the first pictures at his White House desk on January 21 1961 (Bill Achatz/AP)

The younger Mr Kennedy, whose anti-vaccine activism has alienated him from much of his family, has said he is not convinced that a lone gunman was solely responsible for his uncles assassination.

 November 22, 1963

When Air Force One carrying JFK and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy touched down in Dallas, they were greeted by a clear sky and enthusiastic crowds.

With a re-election campaign on the horizon the next year, they went to Texas for a political fence-mending trip.

But as the motorcade was finishing its parade route downtown, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository building.

Police arrested 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald, who had positioned himself from a snipers perch on the sixth floor.

Two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer.

A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission, which President Lyndon B Johnson established to investigate, concluded that Oswald acted alone and that there was no evidence of a conspiracy.

But that did not quell a web of alternative theories over the decades.

 The JFK files

In the early 1990s, the US government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration.

Part of a file, dated April 5 1964 and detailing efforts to trace Lee Harvey Oswalds travel from Mexico City back to the US, is pictured in Washington (AP)

The collection of over five million pages of records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president.

Mr Trump, who took office for his first term in 2017, had said that he would allow the release of all of the remaining records but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security.

And while files continued to be released during President Joe Bidens administration, some remain unseen.

Researchers have estimated that 3,000 files or so have not been released, either in whole or in part.

And last month, the FBI said that it had discovered about 2,400 new records related to the assassination.

The agency said then that it was working to transfer the records to the National Archives to be included in the declassification process.

There are still some documents in the JFK collection that researchers do not believe the president will be able to release.

Around 500 documents, including tax returns, were not subject to the 2017 disclosure requirement.

 What has been learned

Some of the documents already released have offered details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, including CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination.

The former marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas.

One CIA memo describes how Oswald phoned the Soviet embassy while in Mexico City to ask for a visa to visit the Soviet Union.

He also visited the Cuban embassy, apparently interested in a travel visa that would permit him to visit Cuba and wait there for a Soviet visa.

On October 3, more than a month before the assassination, he drove back into the US through a crossing point at the Texas border.

Another memo, dated the day after Mr Kennedys assassination, says that according to an intercepted phone call in Mexico City, Oswald communicated with a KGB officer while at the Soviet embassy that September.

The releases have also contributed to the understanding of that time period during the Cold War, researchers said.
The body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli army airstrike is brought to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

By David Rising and Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press

By David Rising and Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press

The relative calm of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came to an abrupt end on Tuesday, when Israel launched dozens of attacks on targets across the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian hospital officials say more than 400 people have been killed, including women and children.

Israel says the operation is open-ended and expected to expand, raising fears of the 17-month-old war fully reigniting.

Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the northern Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Heres what to know about how the strikes came about and what might come next.

 What happened to the ceasefire?

The ceasefire agreed to in mid-January was a three-phase plan, the first of which actually ended two weeks ago.

Israel baulked at entering substantive negotiations over the second phase, which were meant to lead to a long-term ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the return of all hostages taken by Hamas in its October 7 2023 attack on Israel that started the war.

The ceasefire was supposed to continue as long as talks over the second phase went on, according to the agreement reached after more than a year of negotiations mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar.

During the first phase, Hamas returned 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli forces also withdrew to buffer zones inside Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians returned to northern Gaza.

No further hostage releases were called for under the agreement until the second phase.

Hundreds of aid trucks had been entering daily.

But two weeks ago, Israel cut off all food, medicine, fuel, electricity and other supplies to the territorys around two million people to pressure Hamas to accept a new proposal.

Palestinians inspect the damage at Al-Tabiin School in central Gaza Strip following an Israeli airstrike (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

The new plan would require Hamas to release half its remaining hostages  the militant groups main bargaining chip  in exchange for a ceasefire extension and a promise to negotiate a lasting truce.

Israel made no mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners  a key component of the first phase.

Hamas refused the new proposal, accusing Israel of trying to sabotage the existing agreement.

 Is the ceasefire over?

Unless mediators step in, Israels surprise attack could mean a full return to fighting in a 17-month war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly threatened to resume the war, said he ordered the strikes because of Hamas rejection of the new proposal.

He said Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.

The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israels actions.

Hamas accused Mr Netanyahu of upending the ceasefire agreement and exposing the remaining hostages to an unknown fate.

In a statement, it called on mediators to hold Israel fully responsible for violating and overturning the agreement.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges at the district court in Tel Aviv (Yair Sagi/Pool Photo via AP)

The attack came during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

No major fighting has occurred in Gaza since the ceasefire took hold on January 19, but Israeli strikes have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military said had entered unauthorised areas, engaged in militant activities or otherwise violated the truce.

 What is Netanyahus situation?

Mr Netanyahu has come under mounting domestic pressure, with mass protests planned over his handling of the hostage crisis and his decision to fire the head of Israels internal security agency.

Families of hostages still held in Gaza expressed concern Tuesday over their loved ones.

We are shocked, angry, and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas, the Hostages Families Forum said.

But Mr Netanyahu has also faced demands from his hard-line allies not to allow any deal in Gaza that falls short of Hamas destruction.

Negotiations with Hamas over a second phase could have brought pressure for compromises over how Gaza will be ruled in the future.

Mr Netanyahus critics say his firing of the security agency chief and a string of other dismissals are part of a broader campaign aimed at undermining independent government institutions.

A body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli army airstrike is brought to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

They say he is doing this to maintain power while on trial for alleged corruption and facing public pressure to accept his own responsibility for policy failures in the lead-up to Hamas surprise attack on October 7 2023.

 What else is happening?

A resumption of fighting in Gaza could have repercussions around the region.

Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels denounced the Israeli strikes, saying the Palestinian people will not be left alone in this battle  indicating a possible resumption of the Houthis strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The US launched new airstrikes over the weekend targeting the Houthis in Yemen in retaliation for its attacks on shipping.

At least 53 people were reported killed.

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned Iran would suffer the consequences for any further Houthi attacks, threatening to widen the conflict further.

New Gaza violence could also shake the ceasefire that Israel reached with Hezbollah in November, which stopped months of deadly exchanges of fire over the Israeli-Lebanon border.
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Television journalist Barbara Walters admits she had no religious training and doesn't practice any religion. But after a year spent working on the ABC News special on heaven, Walters found herself fascinated by the afterlife. "I've done years and years of specials," she told Beliefnet, "but I care more about this one than anything I've ever done." For the two-hour program, "Heaven: Where is it? How do we get there?," which airs December 20 at 9 p.m. EST, Walters traveled the world, interviewing dozens of religious leaders, as well as scientists and atheists. The result is an intriguing look at what heaven means in many different religious traditions, what people who claim to have had near-death experiences believe about the afterlife, and why heaven has such a powerful hold on the popular imagination. Walters recently spoke with Beliefnet about what she learned about heaven and her own views of the afterlife.I found it interesting that as people become more technically oriented all over the world, at the same time people are becoming increasingly spiritual. The success of the Da Vinci code--even though it was a great yawn--also showed people's interest in religion.I also found that for myself, since I've had no religious education, it was so interesting to see the different versions of heaven and what life on earth means. To Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the purpose of life is to go to heaven. To Rabbi Neil Gillman, there is a heaven, but it's more important to lead a good life. To the Tibetan Buddhists, it is a road to nirvana, and the purpose of life is to be happy. To the atheists, the purpose of life is the purpose of life. To someone who has been close to death, and felt that they had reached heaven in a near-death experience, that's as close as we come to hearing someone's vision of heaven. All of these different aspects--even the scientific view, that some people are born with a gene that makes them more spiritual than others--the more we got into it, the more interesting it became.



What did the religions that you covered have in common when it comes to teachings about heaven?

First of all, the Jewish religion has a great deal in common with the Christian religion because, as Rabbi Gillman points out in the show, Christianity is based on Judaism. Christ was Jewish. There are religions that are very restrictive or judgmental, perhaps, that say, if you do not believe in our faith, you don't go to heaven. This is very compelling, but it's restrictive. We asked the cardinal if there was sex in heaven, and he said that was one of the questions asked of the Lord. [Catholics] believe that they don't need to have sex in heaven, because there is the joy of the Lord. But for Muslims, everything that they don't have on earth is what they get in heaven. They can drink, they can have sex. All of the forbidden pleasures on earth, you can have in paradise.

All of the religions--with the exception of Tibetan Buddhism, which doesn't believe in a heaven--teach that heaven is a better place. At the end of the program, I say that heaven is a place where you are happy. All of the religions have that in common.

Had you thought much about heaven in your personal life before doing this show?

I think everybody wonders, is there life after death? Recently, when I've been at dinners, I've gone around the table and said, "How many of you believe in life after death?" It's so interesting to see your friends' answers, because sometimes it's very surprising. Sometimes you'll find that husbands and wives disagree.

What I feel more and more is how important it is to live your life in a better way, and not to worry about it. What happens will happen.

That's similar to what the actor Richard Gere tells you on the program.

Yes. He has been a Tibetan Buddhist since he was in his 20s. He tries to live his life to be helpful, which is why the Buddhist philosophy is very appealing to people. It is a philosophy that teaches compassion. We took a little trip after [interviewing the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala] around India for a couple of days. For about three days, I was a wonderful person. Then on the fourth day, I began to yell at my producer. "Why didn't we get that? We should have taken this picture!" But I was great for three days.

If there is a heaven, do you expect to go there?

I have no idea.

Were you taught anything about the afterlife when you were growing up?

No, it's not something that was discussed. I didn't have a very religious family. So this was an education for me.

What was the most surprising thing you learned about heaven from the people you interviewed?

I wouldn't use the word surprising; I was educated. I was inspired by the people who devote their life to their religion, in each case, whether you agree with them or not, trying to do good. I found talking to the young failed suicide bomber the most unsettling and depressing--that there could be that much hatred and ignorance. Some of it I found very funny, and charming, like when the cardinal [McCarrick] told me that when he goes to heaven, he hopes he gets his hair back.

I've done years and years of specials, but I care more about this one than anything I've ever done. I think there's a great need and a great soul-searching in this country.

Returning to the failed suicide bomber you interviewed--what was it like to talk to him?

The Israeli government allowed us to enter a high-security Israeli prison and interview a suicide bomber who didn't make it. To go into that prison, when we finally got permission, and to sit across the desk from him, and to speak to him, and hearing him tell me that as a non-Muslim, I would not go to heaven and that I would go to hell, was a very moving and very frightening and very sad experience.

A similar thing happened with Ted Haggard, an evangelical pastor, who said because you were not a born-again Christian, he couldn't say for certain if you were going to go to heaven. How did it make you feel to be told that you weren't guaranteed a place in heaven?

Well, since I never thought that I was, it didn't depress me too much. And I really do believe that the most important thing is the way you live your life on earth. But I think it's enormously comforting to believe that you're going to see your loved ones.

Although I myself don't go to church or synagogue, I do, whether it's superstition or whatever, pray every time I get on a plane. I just automatically do it. I say the same thing every time.

I say, "Dear God, thank you for all my blessings. Thank you for everything that I have in my life. Take care of my family and make this a safe trip."

Because I feel if I don't, I'm in danger.

From movies to pop songs, heaven has a huge hold on the popular imagination. Why do you think that is?

First of all, I think we're all concerned about life on earth and if this is all there is. And because heaven has always been this wondrous, mystical place. Before we had airplanes and astronauts, we really thought that there was an actual place beyond the clouds, somewhere over the rainbow. There was an actual place, and we could go above the clouds and find it.

there. Is there a place somewhere? Some of the religions think there is, that there's absolutely a place. Some of them think it's not a place but it's a spiritual feeling. The Buddhists feel that you are recreated as some thing, as an insect, or an animal, or a person, but that you're not in some beautiful shiny place.

You asked the Dalai Lama a very interesting question, about whether or not we're currently closer to heaven or to hell.

He thought we were closer to heaven. He believes in the benevolence of nature. I also thought it was interesting when I asked him if he was a God. He laughed and said, "I have an eye infection. If I were a God, I wouldn't have an eye infection. But for the past few days I've had an eye infection. This proves that I'm not God." He said, "What I am is a teacher." This is a man who, no matter what you feel about Buddhism, to meet him and to be in the warmth of his personality, the humanity of his personality, is an amazing experience. He gave each of us white scarves, which is a symbol of Buddhism, and I think we all felt the better for being with him.

And what would you say to the question that you asked him, about whether or not we're closer to heaven or hell?

It depends on what day you get me.

Today?

It would be nice to feel that we are a better world, a world of more compassion and a world of more humanity, and to believe in the basic goodness of man. But when you listen to the news and read the papers and see the harm that people do, too often in the name of God.look at some of the major problems in the world. Aren't they a fight over which God you believe in? In the name of God, people kill each other? In the name of God, people kill themselves? In the name of God, bombs are thrown and countries are torn apart? That's hard for me to fathom.

The stories of people who claimed to have had near-death experiences were fascinating.

Yes, and these are very sensible people. These are very normal, not necessarily very spiritual people. And yet their experience was such that the near-death experience transformed their lives. Now, you can tell them that scientifically, something happens to the brain that creates a hallucinatory experience, which is how [near-death experiences are] explained by many scientists. They will say, "Yes, but I saw it, I felt it." They believe that they did experience something real, and nothing can persuade them that they didn't.

Did you believe their stories?

I certainly would like to. I think if you can believe that there is a heaven, it graces your life. If you can believe that when you die, you go to a better place, it certainly makes life more comfortable on earth. Especially if you experience tragedies, and everyone does--deaths, pain, humiliation, whatever. If you believe that you have a near-death experience and you come back, and you can tell it to your children, that's wonderful. I think that these people have a very special grace.

If there is a heaven, is there anyone you'd like to meet there?

Of course, you want to see your family.

One of your guests was talking about having dinner with Ernest Hemingway...

Well, that's the thing about heaven. It must be very crowded, but in heaven, there is no barrier, there is no age, you meet everyone. I also wonder what happens to all these people who were born before the birth of Christ. Where do they go? Are they all in limbo? What happened to all the Egyptians, or the Chinese, or the Greeks? Where did they go?

The person who made the comment about Hemingway was author Anthony DeStefano, who has a very specific vision of what he thinks heaven will look like. Was that common--did other people have ideas about what heaven will actually look like?

Almost everyone did. The idea of heaven is that it's a place where you're happy. If you're happy because it's a place where you have sex, great. If you're happy because there's beautiful music and rivers of honey, that's wonderful. If you're happy because you're in God's presence, that surpasses any kind of happiness.

Also, what Mitch Albom talked about was the idea of heaven being a place where you meet your loved ones. That's why his book, "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," has been so successful. It is seen as a place where you meet your loved ones, and where, in a sense, you are forgiven. You have no guilt.

You said before that it's more important to you to find heaven on earth. How do you do it?

I am just aware that life is to be cherished. I am grateful, I do have a good life. I don't know how I would feel if I were very ill, or very poor, or if I had a series of tragedies. I might be praying for death and an afterlife.

What do you hope people take away from watching your heaven show?

I hope that they'll be inspired. I hope it will lead them to question their views and listen to other people's views. This [show] is not a lecture. It should be a heavenly two hours.
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Here are some questions the candidates for the interim Deschutes County Sheriff should answer: Is there anything in
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Are you of Irish descent? If you answered yes, I'd believe you. Some 10.8 percent of Americans, a whopping 36 million of us, claim to have some form of Irish ancestry. That's just over half of the 70 million people in the world who claim to have Irish ancestry. Not bad for Ireland with a current population of just over 5 million people.

I'm proud to say that I'm among those claiming Irish ancestry. My Irish roots come from my paternal and maternal grandfathers. With a keen interest in my ancestry, I've been researching my paternal great-grandfather Michael Keron Smith, who was born in Birr, Offlay, Ireland in 1889 and arrived in the United States in 1891. My great-great-grandmother Mary Canon Smith, a widow of a year, boarded a boat with her sons, John, 7, and Michael, 2, to make a life in America. It's unclear as to how and why she made her way to Dalton, but a marriage to Robert Dwyer, followed in 1892. Robert, a widower, had two daughters, Anna and Bella. Together, they had three children  Henry, Joseph and Helen. Mary would die several days after Helen's birth. Fortunately, as it was not always the case, my great-grandfather remained in the care of his stepfather until he turned 18.

Michael Smith, my great-grandfather would spend several more years in Dalton, but eventually end up in North Adams, married to Gertrude Lanoue with whom he had three children  my grandfather, Joseph, William and Gertrude. William died on Dec. 20, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge. Gertrude, known most of her life as Sister Mary Bernard, and who I knew as my "Auntie Sister," entered religious life with the Sisters of St. Joseph at Mont Marie in Holyoke at 19. She took her final vows at 22 and lived at Mont Marie until her death in 2001.

My great-grandfather died in 1972, six years before I was born and unfortunately I know only know a few things about his life. He lived in North Adams for 50 years, where, he retired as a night watchman at Sprague Electric. I know where he lived, on Church Street and that when he died, 150 of the Sisters of St. Joseph attended his funeral.

I also know I did not grow up eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. This Irish-American tradition did not find its way to me through either side of my family. And some 22 years ago, when I spent St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland, as part of a two-week college travel course, I dined on smoked salmon and capers, while many of my classmates enjoyed a more traditional Irish meal of ham and potatoes.

But who am I to say what you should enjoy on St. Patrick's Day? In fact, corned beef and cabbage, made in slow cooker, is an easy meal to make any time of the year. You just pop it in the slow cooker with the potatoes and let it cook, low and slow for six hours before adding in the cabbage.

SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

(Recipe adapted from mccormick.com)

INGREDIENTS

5 medium russet (or 8 small red) potatoes

5 large carrots (or 2 cups baby) carrots

1 small onion, quartered

1 corned beef brisket, rinsed and trimmed (4 pounds)

2 tablespoons mixed pickling spice

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges

DIRECTIONS

Place potatoes, carrots and onion in 6-quart slow cooker. Place corned beef brisket over vegetables. Sprinkle with pickling spice and minced garlic. Add enough water (about 8 cups) to just cover meat. Cover.

Cook 6 hours on low. Add cabbage. Cover. Cook 1 to 2 hours on low.

Remove corned beef brisket to serving platter. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain. Serve with vegetables.
LENOX  Its a record price for a single downtown bed-and-breakfast inn: $3.9 million for the historic Cornell Inn on Main Street.

The transaction reflects continued vibrancy of the lodging industry in Lenox, which generated $4.1 million in hospitality tax revenues for the town last year.

The buyer is Arian Sean Mahmoodi, a Florida-based real estate investor, who purchased the 28-room, three-building property as the majority owner of Lenox Hotel Venture LLC. To own and operate the business and hold the liquor license, Mahmoodi is the sole proprietor of Ivy Wave Hospitality.

Mahmoodi is managing director of Coral Wave Capital, based in Naples, Fla. According to his LinkedIn profile, he is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, where he specialized in real estate and finance. He also holds a master's degree in finance from Harvard University.

His acquisition of the Cornell Inn is financed through Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"I own and operate several hotels, so while I wont be residing in Lenox full-time, Ill be staying at the Cornell Inn to get everything set up," he said via email, adding that he is committed to a smooth transition before shifting attention to his next project.

In a statement, Mahmoodi wrote that "were honored to add the Cornell Inn to our hotel portfolio and to continue its rich legacy. Our focus is on ensuring the property remains a beloved destination for visitors to the Berkshires for years to come."

He pointed out that the property underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation under the previous ownership. "We look forward to maintaining its exceptional guest experience while preserving its historic charm," he said.

The seller, Cornell Inn Holdings LLC, owned by Kurt Inderbitzin and his wife, Indrani, purchased the establishment for $1.9 million in January 2021. The property currently is valued at $1,668,000.

The Inderbitzins purchased the 122-year-old Lakehouse Inn on the shores of Laurel Lake in Lee for $3.4 million in December 2022, which they still own. It caters to adults-only travelers.

At the Cornell Inn, The Main House, a Victorian cottage-style building, dates from the late 1880s and originally was home to the Cornell family. It includes a breakfast dining room and kitchen, a private pub for guests, and 10 rooms on the first and second floor, with managers quarters on the third floor.

The adjacent Kerouac House, built in 1777 as a private residence in the classic Colonial style for the MacDonald family, has 10 guest rooms, five side porches and a common living area. The Carriage House, dating from around 1880, includes eight additional guest rooms.

Eighteen of the inn's rooms have wood-burning fireplaces with period-piece decorations and antiques.

Other major transactions involving downtown Lenox hospitality ventures include:

 The purchase of the towns oldest surviving building, the former Church Street Inn (now The Whitlock), for $2.6 million, as well as the former Birchwood Inn (now The Dewey) and Rockwood Inn (now The Constance) for $2.9 million combined, in March 2021.

 Doctor Sax House, the former Candlelight Inn, purchased in late 2020 for $905,000 as a private residence but later renovated for an undisclosed amount and reopened as an inn and restaurant last July.

 The Kemble Inn had been for sale by Shared Estates with an asking price of $5,485,000, but was taken off the market last September, according to Zillow and Realtor.com.

Two miles west of downtown, the Apple Tree Inn overlooking Tanglewood was purchased for just under $3.4 million last April and has been upgraded.

Along the Route 7/20 (Pittsfield Road) commercial strip, Marriotts three-story, 87-room Element Lenox Berkshires, is expected to open this summer, owned by BBL Hospitality of Albany, N.Y. Construction was estimated at least $30 million.
Police have arrested a New Jersey man in connection with the use of a counterfeit $100 bill last week at a Pittsfield package store. Seventeen more fake bills have been recovered in the investigation.
Well, Ive always been a Christian.

Ive heard something like that response quite a few times in my life. Its usually followed up by a story of someone going to church quite a bit when they were younger, then falling away, but now wanting to get serious about church and stuff again. I affirm that desire, but I find that I usually have to circle back to the gospel. What does it mean to say I am a Christian?

In our culture, it means any number of things. We say things like this is a Christian nation. Or we call ourselves a Christian community. And we listen to a Christian radio station while wearing our Christian t-shirts and read our Christian books in our Christian coffeehouse. That all leaves me wondering, what does that even mean?

What does it actually mean to be a Christian?

Where Did the Term Christian Come From?

The word Christian was first used in Antioch as a moniker for the disciples of Jesus. You can read about that in Acts 11:26. Its literal meaning is belonging to Messiah or follower of Messiah. It was likely thrown around by outsiders to differentiate the Jesus followers from Jews. It might have been a neutral or even derogatory term at the beginning.

Surprisingly, the name is used only three times in the New Testament. Its used in Acts 11:26, as already mentioned. Then in Acts 26:28 Agrippa tells Paul that hes almost persuaded to become a follower of Jesus. Then finally, 1 Peter 4:16 uses the term to encourage believers to suffer as a Christian. His meaning is that we should not be ashamed of our suffering but rather should follow the path which Christ marked for us.

As early as AD 110, in the letter of Ignatius of Antioch, the term is used by Christians to describe themselves. At least up until Constantine it was meant almost exclusively to mean someone who followed the way of Jesus  often the way of suffering. By the time of Augustine (400 AD) other descriptors (like the Way or Nazarenes) had all but disappeared.

What Does it Mean to Be a Christian?

Words change their meaning over time. Eventually to be a Christian was less about any kind of personal connection to Jesus Christ, but it was more the default identity of many Europeans. It became a political, social, or cultural identity. Much like how being Roman once meant allegiance to the empire, for many, being Christian meant allegiance to a system rather than a person.

For many today, it carries a similar meaning. Its why people can claim to be Christian and yet hold beliefs and live in a way entirely contrary to the way of Christ. But if we want to retain its biblical meaning  one who is a follower of Christ  we might say that being a Christian follows a certain pattern.

Being a Christian Means Knowing Jesus Personally

While the kingdom of God certainly has social, political, and cultural implications, Jesus call is more about a personal relationship. Being a Christian isnt about a family tradition or being born into a Christian home. Thats why I cringe a little when someone says, I was born a Christian. I know what they mean, but its not exactly how the Bible defines the word.

Its also not about having bible knowledge or even agreeing that a certain set of facts are true. I say that because the devils in hell could beat any of us in a game of Bible trivia. They know that Jesus is the Messiah  and they shudder. Being a Christian is really about having a changed heart. And through this changed heart we follow the way of Jesus.

Being a Christian Means Repenting of Sin

While the term Christian only appears three times in the New Testament, the process where somebody goes from death to life is all over. And in each instance, we see a radical transformation from the old life to the new. To be a follower of Jesus means turning your back on following something or someone else.

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Many people today claim to be Christians while living no differently than the rest of the world. But maybe I should say that differently. Even followers of Jesus can do boneheaded things and get caught up in the world. But the real difference is that followers of Jesus experience conviction of sin. For the Christian, there is a battle with sin and a battle for holiness and enjoying the Lord.

Being a Christian Means Loving and Obeying Jesus

You know those pace cars in NASCAR? All the other cars are supposed to follow their lead  driving the same speed, going the same direction. If a car suddenly veered off course, or went full throttle around the pace car  nobody in their right mind would say that it was a pacecar-tian. (Thats a word I made up to describe someone who follows the pace car.) And yet we have this crazy notion that you can be a Christian (a follower of Jesus) without actually loving and obeying Jesus.

That means if you arent loving God and others, or at least trying to, you probably shouldnt use that name. If forgiving enemies, resisting sin, and being an apprentice of Jesus is something that doesnt sound attractive to you, then you arent a Christian in any meaningful sense of the term. Being a Christian isnt about going to church or checking religious boxes. Its about following Jesus and aligning yourself with Him.

Being a Christian Means Believing the Gospel

Again, this doesnt mean that you coldly believe a set of facts. But it also doesnt mean less than that. A follower of Jesus is someone like those first disciples who left their fishing boats to follow Jesus. And they did this because they believed Jesus was who He said He was. They believed the good news of His kingdom.

Their trusting in Jesus was a little different than ours because revelation was unfolding as they followed Jesus along the dirt roads of Palestine. For us, we know the fullness of the gospel. That core message is outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures

Being a Christian means that you trust in Jesus to save you. You trust fully in His completed work on the cross, placing all of your hope in His life, death, burial, and resurrection. That means that being a Christian isnt about trying to be a good person. And its not about trying to earn your way to heaven through your good works. A follower of Jesus is one who trusts in Jesus.

Do You Truly Know Christ?

In Luke 6:46 Jesus gave a sobering warning: Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell you? (Luke 6:46). Or again in Matthew 7:21-23:

Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!

That means that some might say, I am a Christian without even grasping what that truly means. Being a Christians means being a follower of Jesus. It means knowing Jesus and having a relationship with Him. If you dont, then it doesnt matter what country you live in, what your parents believed, how much you went to church, what books you read, or any of that. It only matters whether or not you know Christ and are known by Him.

When you say you are a Christian, do you truly know Jesus?

If not, you should cry out to Him today. Simply tell Christ that you want to know Him and have a relationship with Him.

Photo credit: Pexels/Bruno Felix
In America, many local and state courthouses have the Ten Commandments posted outside, as a symbol of proper law and government. For many, Gods commandments form the basis of social life and justice, especially if we believe they came from the Creator.

Over recent years, however, as our culture has become more secularized and the unchurched population grows, posting these religious rules outside of courthouses comes under criticism. The ideas of separation of church and state has evolved, and many people resist placing a religious law in such places. Some Christians also challenge including the Ten Commandments, mostly based on what the New Testament says about the Mosaic Law and the new covenant of grace.

Did those New Testament writers then mean for us to completely dismiss the Law and the Ten Commandments? Do they have no value for us today?

Why Did God Give the Law?

The Law didnt save the Israelites. God delivered them from Egypt with the blood of the lamb at Passover. After Gods deliverance, he entered into a covenant with them through the Mosaic Law. It was never just a set of rules; the Lord gave it as a gift meant to develop Israel into a people who reflected heaven on earth, at least a taste. It showed his desire for a close relationship. And ultimately, God gave the Law to show the need for a greater deliverance and covenant.

First, the Law reveals Gods character. The commandments express who he is. The moral laws show his justice and goodness. Laws about the poor, the foreigner, and the orphan reveal his compassion. The ceremonial laws point to his holiness and the cost for sin. Obeying the Law was never about earning Gods love but living in it.

Second, God gave the Law to set Israel apart as a special people. The Law created a whole culture unique from the nations around them. Unlike the pagan nations worshipping false idols with immorality and injustice (like sacrificing their children), God called Israel to be different. They were to be a people whose lives expressed the purity and creative order of heaven, from their worship to family life and their economic system.

Thirdly, God designed the Law to show the world what heaven on earth could be like. It all aligned with a heavenly principle to bless Israel and all nations they came in contact with. When Israel followed Gods commands, they flourished. Justice ruled, the poor were cared for, and they lived in peace and protection. Foreigners would see this and be drawn to Israels God. In Deuteronomy 4:6-8, God says Israels obedience would make the nations wonder and marvel, recognizing Gods wisdom and sovereignty. Israels faithfulness would turn the world toward the one true God.

Unfortunately, Israel continually disobeyed, worshipping the false gods and rejecting God over and over. Thankfully, this was part of Gods plan, too. It pointed to the reality that humanity (all peoples) needed another way of grace and faith rather than Law, fulfilled in Christ.

How Do the Ten Commandments Teach Eternal Truth?

While the old covenant wasn't based on faith and grace, God gave the Law and it revealed his character. We are no longer subject to the Law, but it taught eternal truth. Specifically, the Ten Commandments show us how to love God first and love others second.

When the religious leaders questioned Jesus about the greatest commandment, hoping to catch him in an argument and critique him, Jesus gave them two (Matthew 22:37-39). The greatest commandment was, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second, Christ said, was like the first: Love your neighbor as yourself. He got these both from the Old Testament. He summed up the Law and the Prophets, essentially all of Scripture up to that point, with those two commandments. The ten commandments reflect these two.

Within the 10 Commandments, the first four focus on loving God. The first says, You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3). God alone is worthy of worship, which leads to the second commandment, to have no idols. The third commandment, Do not take the name of the Lord in vain, points to the idea of identity. The Israelites shouldnt commit to being Gods special people for nothing. The fourth commandment established the Sabbath rest on one day, reminding believers to trust in Gods provision alone, not in human abilities. These first four laws show how to love God with everything.

The last six commandments teach how to love people. Honoring our parents recognizes respect for authority and where we come from. The sixth commandment protects human life, making it a crime to murder another made in Gods image. The seventh, You shall not commit adultery, asserts the sacredness of marriage and how it reflects Gods covenantal love. The eighth protects ownership and property with You shall not steal. The ninth commandment forbids lying, which comes from the Devil, the father of lies, while God is truth. Lies lead to death and destruction, while Gods truth results in life. The tenth and final command, You shall not covet, addresses the heart, forbidding jealousy and comparison. Instead, we should live with contentment and thankfulness for what we have.

We see each of these reiterated in one way or another in the New Testament, showing that while the covenant changed, we now live out the heart of the Law by the Spirit, affirmed by Jesus himself. Additionally, Christ lived these moral laws through his encounters with people, revealing his Fathers heart for all.

How Does the Law Reveal Gods Heart for People?

The Mosaic Law often gets a bad reputation, as if its all harsh and cruel. However, looking at the Law in depth, we see Gods compassionate heart for people.

The Law shows Gods heart for the poor. He commands Israel to care for those in need. If there is a poor man among you  you shall not harden your heart, but you shall freely open your hand to him (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). This principle aligns with times the New Testament says we show love by caring for the needs of others (1 John 3:17). God established laws to prevent oppression, like forbidding excessive interest on loans to fellow Israelites (Exodus 22:25) He commands landowners to leave the edges of their fields unharvested so the poor can work and gather their own food (Leviticus 19:9-10). The amazing Year of Jubilee restored all family lands and gave freedom every fifty years, a completely unique and radical redemption, revealing Gods love and forgiveness.

The Law commanded Israel to treat foreigners well. Surrounding nations would mistreat outsiders, or enslave them like Egypt did, but God told Israel to treat them with fairness, even as a fellow Israelite. The foreigner who resides among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt (Leviticus 19:34). He meant for Israel to share heaven on earth with all nations who visited.

The Law also showed Gods commitment to justice and equality. Judges were to uphold truth and not take bribes (Deuteronomy 16:19). God condemned different scales and dishonest business methods that would exploit people (Leviticus 19:35-36). The Law treats all equally and protected the rights of the weak and the strong. God says several times how he hates oppression in all its forms (Isaiah 1:17).

These laws promoted reconciliation when a neighbor had been wronged. God gave rules to resolve these conflicts fairly between two people. The restitution always went to the wronged party, not the government or lawyers. Even when there was unintentional harm, cities of refuge provided a place where people found protection while they sought witnesses and justice (Numbers 35).

How Does the Law Reveal Our Sin and Inability?

While the old covenant failed, the problem wasnt with the Law. The Law revealed righteousness. It was good, but it showed how people, in their own strength, couldnt obey God. This points humanity to the ultimate and final solution in Christ.

Israels history demonstrated how, even with clear commands and amazing promises, humans cant follow God. While the people promised obedience and committed to the covenant, they turned to idolatry only days later, making a golden calf while Moses met with God on the mountain. This pattern continued throughout Israel and Judahs history from judges to kings. They would break the covenant, worship idols, and ignore Gods prophets sent to turn them back to the Lord. Over time, God promised a new covenant, not like the first one, which God would accomplish (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

The apostle Paul wrote how God knew the Law would fail and used it to expose the weakness of human power and ability. The Law exposed sin (Romans 3:20), both in nature and in practice. The Law became a mirror to reveal human flaws, but offered no power to fix them, condemning any who couldnt keep it perfectly, which was everyone (James 2:10). Breaking one command broke the whole law. Therefore, the old covenant Law served as a guardian (Galatians 3:24), like a temporary parent, leading people to Christ.

Jesus fulfilled the Law, living in perfect obedience and then taking the punishment for disobedience on the cross. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, we can now live righteous by following him and allowing his Spirit to live through us, a new law of Spirit and life. Therefore, one reason we still teach the Law is to reinforce this truth: our absolute need of Jesus.

How Does the Law Reveal Christ?

The Old Testament rituals all symbolized Jesus Christ. They were symbol of a substance yet to come.

The three main festivals  Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles  each reveal different parts of Christ and Gods redemptive plan through him. First, Passover celebrates Israels deliverance from Egypt through the blood of a spotless lamb (Exodus 12:13). When Jesus arrives, John the Baptist prophetically declares him the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Jesus was also crucified during Passover, further showing him as the true pure lamb of God.

Fifty days after Passover, Israel celebrated Pentecost, a harvest festival pointing to the time God gave the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19), where God rested on the mountain in fire and cloud. In the New Testament, God sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, descending upon the disciples (Acts 2). This fulfilled Pentecost in two ways: revealing the new law of Spirit and Life (Romans 8) and the first harvest of souls with many coming to believe in Jesus in Acts 2.

The Feast of Tabernacles, the last festival, is another final harvest time celebrating Gods provision in the wilderness before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. The Jews would live in temporary shelters or tents to remember this time, and it came to further point to a future kingdom where God would restore an eternal Jerusalem. Jesus fulfills this by being God with us now, and in eternity. He will establish his forever kingdom, where he will dwell with his people forever (Revelation 21:3).

In addition, the temple system had symbols foreshadowing Jesus. The sacrificial system used blood to atone for sin and Gods remaining presence, but animal deaths couldnt actually remove sin, which is why they had to be done year after year. They symbolized how Jesus, as the High Priest, offered himself as the only perfect sacrifice once and for all (Hebrews 9:12). Also, when Jesus died, the temple veil tore in two (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing full and free access to the Father through the Son by the Spirit.

Looking through the Old Testament still teaches us a great deal about God and his plan through the Son, Jesus. While we have a greater covenant in the new, we wouldnt know that without looking at the old.

Peace.

Photo credit: Getty Images/artisteer

Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.
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The Council of States does not want to stop Swiss support for the UN Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) immediately. (archive picture) Keystone

The Council of States does not want to stop Swiss payments to the UN Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) with immediate effect. On Tuesday, it rejected a corresponding motion from the SVP parliamentary group. However, the Federal Council should work towards a follow-up solution.

Keystone-SDA SDA

By 25 votes to 19 with one abstention, the small chamber said no to the motion by SVP National Councillor David Zuberbuhler (SVP/AR). With his motion, Zuberbuhler wanted to oblige the Federal Council to stop Swiss UNRWA contributions with immediate effect and to ensure that the UN aid organization receives no further financial contributions in future. This proposal is now off the table.

Instead, Parliament referred another motion to the Federal Council. According to this motion, Switzerland should lobby the UN for a successor solution for UNRWA. The Federal Council must examine alternatives - for example, whether Palestinian aid could be integrated into the UN refugee agency UNHCR.
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Adolescence co-writer Jack Thorne has praised his fellow writer and actor Stephen Graham for the extraordinary idea for the show.

Each of the four episodes of the Netflix crime drama about a boy accused of killing his classmate  written and created by Graham and Thorne  was filmed in a single shot in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.

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The show sees This Is England star Graham as Eddie Miller, the father of 13-year-old Jamie, played by newcomer Owen Cooper, who sees armed police burst into his home to arrest his son.

The closing part of the second episode of Netflix show Adolescence (Netflix)

Eddie is then chosen as Jamies appropriate adult, accompanying him at the police interview, and learning the extent of what his son is accused of doing.

Speaking about the shows topic on BBC Radio 2 with Jo Whiley and Graham, Thorne (46) said: I thought it was an extraordinary thing to look at, and I thought it was a very important thing to look at.

The first thing I said is, what if we wrote it together? And would you be prepared to put on a different hat with me for the first time?

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Wed done five things before together as actor and writer, but working with Stephen as a writer was so exciting.

It was so interesting to have a totally different conversation with him before words were on the page and we had to look into ourselves.

We had to, in order to understand this problem, in order to look at male anger, male rage, we sort of had to understand our own anger and our own rage, and our own problems and our own cruelty, and the ways that we have been less than perfect.

And Stephen and I were able to have some very honest discussions, and we went to some very dark places, and I think that honesty hopefully shows on the screen.

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It came after Graham (51) explained the idea for Adolescence had come from a short film called Boiling Point, also directed by the shows director Philip Barantini, which was nominated for Bafta and Bifa awards.

The Kirkby-born actor said: So we knew we were going to do it, and I just wasnt too sure what it was going to be about at first, and then all of a sudden, it hit me like a lightning bolt.

I read an article in the paper about a young boy whod stabbed a young girl, and then a few months later on the news, there was a piece, and it was, again, it was a young boy who had stabbed a young girl, and they were opposite ends of the country.

When I watched the news article, it really hurt my heart, not just as a father and as a parent, but I kind of just wondered what was going on with society, where this kind of thing is something thats happening quite regularly.

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So I knew that that was what I wanted to make it about, and straight away, I said to Hannah [Walters, actress and Grahams wife], this is kind of what I want to do.

I had a rough idea of what it was, and I said, I know who I want to write it, Im going to ask Jack to write it, because I knew if there was anyone that could pull this rough idea that I had within my head out and bring it to life, that would be Jack.

So thats kind of where it came from.

The show has already earned critical praise and a number of celebrity fans.

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TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson singled out the second episode, which follows Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe as he tries to find a possible motive at Jamies school, before the final shot pans out to travel to the place of the young girls death, and Eddie leaving flowers.

Q: How did they film the drone shot at the end of Ep 2?



The DOP carries the camera and follows a school pupil to the traffic lights with a wide shot as she goes at the end of the school day. Before she crosses the road, a team attach the camera to a drone, which then flies a pic.twitter.com/kKk7ocLCkU  Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) March 15, 2025

Clarkson wrote on X: Adolescence. The camera at the end of show two. How on earth did they do that? Its impossible.

Explaining how the shot was done on the Netflix Tudum behind-the-scenes site, director of photography Matthew Lewis said that he found a way to make the camera fly, by attaching it to a drone.

The streaming site also said on X that the director of photography was carrying the camera, until the production team attached it to a drone.

Entertainment Adolescence hailed as masterwork as camera trick... Read More

They added that this then flies a distance of 0.3 miles across the site to the murder scene, where it comes down to a camera operator and team of grips who smoothly catch the camera and transition into a close shot of Stephen Graham, easy.

A video posted by Netflix on X shows videographers running to film the chase scene between Jamies friend and DI Bascombe, before the drone is placed on top of the camera to lift it into the air and bring it to where Eddie is paying his respects.

The cast also features Top Boy star Ashley Walters as DI Bascombe, and Chloe actress Erin Doherty taking on the role of Briony Ariston, the clinical psychologist assigned to Jamies case.
US actors Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom have married in a ceremony held next to a beach in Mexico.

Mulholland Drive star Theroux, 53, and The Gilded Age actress Bloom, 30, who met in 2022, got married at Hotel Esencia in Xpu Ha on Saturday March 15th, according to fashion publication Vogue.

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Bloom wore a dress designed by Victoria Beckham while Theroux wore a suit by Ralph Lauren.

Nicole Brydon Bloom and Justin Theroux (Doug Peters/PA)

On a weekend upstate with some friends, Victoria Beckham sweetly asked what I was planning to wear, Bloom told the magazine.

Justin has known David (Beckham) for many years and we met Victoria last summer.

In December, we had a couples weekend upstate with David, Victoria, and our close friends Zanna and Rassi  their twins were our flower girls!

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I showed her a few of my (dress) options and she suddenly, and hilariously, started describing what she envisioned for my gown  something more ethereal, flowy, and light for the sand, with tulle and soft flowers it sounded like a dream.

We werent quite sure if she was serious or not, Theroux said.

Victoria Beckham designed Nicole Brydon Blooms dress (Finnbarr Webster/PA)

But she absolutely was. A few weeks later, Nicole was in London for fittings.

Bloom added: I have always adored Victorias style and her vision was exactly what I was hoping for, so when she so generously offered to make my dress, I was so grateful and overjoyed.

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The dress was perfect  elegant and timeless while also youthful and just a little sexy.

Speaking about the day of their wedding, Bloom said: We had initially wanted to get married down by the water, but when we woke up on Saturday morning, the wind was incredibly strong and sand was whipping around.

We pulled the ceremony back into a tucked away cove. The ocean was still visible but we were protected under a canopy of palm trees.

Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston arriving for the 85th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles (Ian West/PA)

Theroux said: All Ill say is, it was wonderful. Ceremonies with vows are about the words contained within them. And they are better left un-described here.

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That being said, the officiant said some wonderful things, and my wife was just  well, incredibly touching. I was very moved.

The actor also said their first dance to Ive Told Every Little Star by Linda Scott  a song that features in Mulholland Drive  was a homage to the films director, the late David Lynch.

Theroux was previously married to Friends star Jennifer Aniston. The couple announced their split in 2018.
Ireland made sure it was not left out of an event that is now truly global as revellers marked the feast day of the islands patron saint St Patrick in the usual way.

Crowds took to the streets in cities and towns including Dublin, Belfast and Athy in Co Kildare as pageants unfolded with Irish dancers and leprechaun costumes in evidence.

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Marching bands from North America and Austria joined the festivities in the Irish capital while many raised a glass in celebration.

There were also events in Galway, Limerick, Cork, Belfast and Derry.

People attending the St Patricks Day Parade in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

(Liam McBurney/PA)

(Liam McBurney/PA)

Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray taking part in festivities (Liam McBurney/PA)

In Dublin, members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Siochana played their part in festivities while in Athy, Irish dancers led the parade.

Members of the Garda Mounted Support Unit in Dublin (Evan Treacy/PA)

The Lord Mayors Coach in Dublin (Evan Treacy/PA)

Soldiers from the Defence Forces take part in Dublins parade (Evan Treacy/PA)

A broken-down Mini is pushed during the St Patricks Day Parade in Athy (Niall Carson/PA)

Colourful performers take part in the St Patricks Day Parade in Athy (Niall Carson/PA)

In London, the Princess of Wales visited the Irish Guards, bought a round of drinks, and admired the regimental mascot, an Irish wolfhound.

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Dressed in green, Kate wore a shamrock as she met service personnel.

Kate with Barry Loughlin, Georgia Willis and four-year-old Regan Loughlin, as she joins guardsmen and their families in the junior ranks dining hall (Eddie Mulholland/Daily Telegraph/PA)

Kate meets regimental mascot Turlough Mor and his handler, Drummer Joseph Aldridge (Eddie Mulholland/Daily Telegraph/PA)
A man who led five others in an unprovoked attack on another man in Dublin city centre two years ago has been jailed.

Wayne Gilligan (29) of Rosebank Court, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 pleaded guilty to violent disorder on Euston Street on May 8th, 2023.

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Garda Chloe Rochford gave evidence on Tuesday that Gilligan instigated the unprovoked attack on the injured party by a group of six men at around 11.30pm.

Gilligan punched the victim several times to the head and body and caused him to fall to the ground. He then kicked the injured party while he was on the ground.

Another male kicked and stamped on the injured party, while a third male struck him with a bladed weapon, believed by gardai to be a machete.

Gilligan then kicked and stamped on the injured party again, while another male struck the victim as well.

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CCTV footage of the incident was played to the court. The men fled on foot after the attack and the injured party got up, later encountering gardai on South Great George's Street.

The victim was taken to hospital. Gardai observed he had sustained a number of deep cuts, including to his head and a finger.

The injured party refused to co-operate with gardai, allow access to his medical records or provide a victim impact statement.

Gilligan was identified from CCTV. He has 137 previous convictions including for affray, assault, endangerment and drugs offences. Gilligan is currently in custody, with an earliest release date of August 2027.

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The court heard Gilligan is the only one of the six men who has been identified. There is no suggestion he used or had a weapon.

Gda Rochford agreed with defence counsel that the guilty plea was valuable, but said she couldn't give evidence about whether the victim's injuries were only caused by the weapon.

It was also accepted that while Gilligan's involvement is brief, he still played a role in an incident which caused serious harm to the injured party.

Defence counsel outlined that his client qualified as a bricklayer and has some work history, but his addiction issues took over.

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He said Gilligan's offending is linked to his addiction, which he has taken steps to address. Gilligan is engaging with services, has enhanced prisoner status and is working as a cleaner in custody.

Counsel said Gilligan has completed an anger management course, and instructs he has been providing clean urine samples.

Counsel said his client wasn't a lone ranger and was one of six involved in this extremely violent incident. He asked the court not to extend Gilligan's time in custody or to suspend a portion of any sentence imposed.

Judge Martin Nolan said Gilligan led the attack on the unfortunate injured party. The judge noted the reasons behind the attack were unclear, adding the court assumes there must have been a reason.

Having considered the mitigation and Gilligan's personal circumstances, Judge Nolan said he couldn't agree to the defence's request not to extend Gilligan's time in custody, imposing a sentence of four years and three months.
A father of three who went into hospital for a straightforward day procedure died of water intoxication after drinking an excessive amount of water, the High Court has heard.

The family of Sean ODonnell (59) has settled a High Court action over the business managers death at St Vincents University Hospital in Dublin five years ago.

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Counsel Declan Doyle SC, instructed by solicitor Stuart Gilhooly, told the court that Mr ODonnell was unfortunately encouraged and advised to drink excessive amounts of water while he was in hospital after the procedure and he suffered water intoxication.

Mr Doyle told the court the water intoxication caused cerebral oedema, seizures, cardiac arrest and the death of Mr ODonnell.

He said Mr ODonnell had gone in to St Vincents Hospital on the morning of January 20th, 2020, for the procedure under local anaesthetic. Mr Doyle said the procedure went off without incident and afterwards Mr O'Donnell was encouraged to drink water.

Mr ODonnell was pronounced dead after 7pm on January 20th, 2020.

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Water intoxication or water poisoning is when you have more water in your body than you need and it causes a chemical imbalance that the body is unable clear out naturally and decreases electrolytes, especially sodium, in the body.

Noting the settlement and the division of the statutory 35,000 mental distress payment, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was indeed a very shocking case.

Mr ODonnells partner, Gail McGuinness of Stillorgan, Dublin, had sued St Vincents Healthcare Group over his death at the hospital five years ago.

In the proceedings it was claimed Mr O'Donnell was advised, encouraged and allowed to drink an excessive amount of water within the short period of time resulting in water intoxication, cerebral oedema, seizures, cardiac arrest and his death.

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It was claimed there was a failure to properly care for, manage, supervise or treat Mr ODonnell.

There was also, it was alleged, a failure to properly or adequately identify or evaluate or treat his deteriorating condition or properly or adequately respond to it.

It was claimed Mr ODonnell was caused to become hyponatraemic, which is when the concentration of sodium in the blood is abnormally low.

It was also contended that an excessive oral intake of water was advised within a short period of time resulting in water intoxication and that there was a failure to monitor or supervise the intake of water by Mr ODonnell after the procedure.

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St Vincents admitted a breach of duty of care in the case.

Ireland Family of Irish-Canadian man who died at Kerry hos... Read More

An inquest into Mr ODonnells death heard that such a situation had never occurred before.

The coroner returned a verdict of medical misadventure and confirmed that Mr ODonnells death was an unintended consequence from drinking water and said the situation was rare and out of the ordinary.

The coroner also recommended that there be mandatory training in cases of low sodium and for water input and output.

In the High Court on Tuesday. Mr Justice Paul Coffey extended his deepest sympathy to Ms McGuinness and to the ODonnell family.
Conor McGregors visit to the White House has exposed Micheal Martins cowardly approach to US president Donald Trump, an opposition TD has said.

Mr Martin met Mr Trump at the White House on Wednesday, where the two leaders engaged with members of the press for roughly 50 minutes.

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During the exchanges, the US president praised McGregor when asked who he would regard as his favourite Irish person.

Days later, the mixed martial arts fighter also met Mr Trump in the Oval Office.

McGregor, who has set an ambition to become president of Ireland, criticised the Government on a range of issues, including immigration.

Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor and partner Dee Devlin leaving the High Court in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

He claimed the Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

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His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand. McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

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Paul Murphy outside Leinster House (Liam McBurney/PA)

On Tuesday, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy said McGregors attendance at the White House on St Patricks Day was scandalous given his abhorrent views on a whole range of issues and the verdict of the jury in the civil trial.

He said: I think its abhorrent by the Trump administration to have promoted Conor McGregor in this way.

Mr Murphy criticised Mr Martin for taking a quiet approach to Mr Trump during his engagement.

The Taoiseach had characterised his own meeting with Mr Trump as very positive, and later said that McGregor does not reflect the views of Irish people.

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Mr Murphy said: I do think that the so-called quiet diplomacy of Micheal Martin [] which was lauded by many commentators as being very smart, no longer looks very smart.

Because the truth is that while Trump was praising Conor McGregor, Micheal Martin  while sitting in a room with him  did not say a single word to contradict him.

Micheal Martin praised Trumps unrelenting focus on peace. We know that overnight, about 350 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in assaults, a new wave of air attacks that have been authorised and agreed by the administration.

So I think you know the very cowardly, bootlicking approach of Martin now is exposed for just that.

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Asked about McGregors presidential ambitions, Mr Murphy predicted that the fighters campaign would receive support on X, the social media site operated by Elon Musk  a key ally of the Trump administration.

However, he said he did not think he would go very far in winning actual public support.

Ireland McGregor responds to Taoiseachs criticism after T... Read More

He added: Conor McGregor is not a beloved figure in Ireland, for all the reasons that people know.

So I dont think thatll get off the ground in reality.

It might exist in Donald Trumps head and Elon Musks head and their various promoters over here. But I dont think it will fly.
Michelle ONeill has said she is proud of the stance she took in staying away from Washington DC last week because of the situation in Palestine.

The Northern Ireland First Minister was criticised for boycotting St Patricks Day events in the US capital by Taoiseach Micheal Martin who described it as a big mistake.

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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.

Ms ONeill, along with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly led a trade delegation on a trip to North Carolina, but she returned home afterwards while Ms Little-Pengelly went on to Washington and met US president Donald Trump.

First Minister Michelle ONeill has defended her decision (Liam McBurney/PA)

The North's communities minister Gordon Lyons and health minister Mike Nesbitt also travelled to Washington.

Meanwhile, the Alliance Party and SDLP took the same stance as Sinn Fein.

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Ms ONeill was asked during questions for the Executive Office by UUP MLA Alan Chambers on Tuesday to assess the benefits of the trip to Washington.

As the member is aware, I didnt attend Washington last week because of the situation in Palestine, because of the stance of the US administration, and because I simply will not turn the other way when we see such a breach of international law and the genocide of the Palestinian people, she told MLAs.

Whenever everybody will reflect on this period in time, and therell be those that decided to look away, and those that didnt. I will be proud to say I did not look away.

Ms ONeill also said she felt she could make that principled position, but work was also done to promote Northern Ireland.

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It showcases ourselves as a great place to live, to work, to invest, study, and we very much took that message when the deputy First Minister and I led a Chamber of Commerce delegation, when we went to mark the first anniversary of a memorandum with the North Carolina chamber, she said.

That itself was an opportunity for us to promote our vision for our economy, and also to say that we are such a fantastic place with such innovators and such world-leading businesses and it was a sense of pride, actually, I think, for the deputy First Minister and myself to lead such a strong delegation of local business people.

Ireland Varadkar says 'good Irish dads teach their sons to... Read More

She added: As you know, the deputy First Minister then went on to Washington and carried out a whole programme of events, again, with those messages in terms of us being a great place for investment and a great place with great agility and a small community that actually can be very much world-leading in the fore of many, many areas.

Mr Chambers pressed whether Ms ONeills attendance in Washington as First Minister would have added value to the visit.

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She responded: Im content with the decision that I made, as Im sure the deputy First Minister is also content with her own decision.
A transatlantic passenger jet has made an emergency landing at Shannon Airport this evening after the crew reported a possible overheating of a cockpit windows.

Delta Air Lines flight DL-4 departed Londons Heathrow airport at 4.45pm this afternoon bound for JFK Airport in New York. The Boeing 767-400(ER) jet was over two hours into its journey when the crew declared an emergency. There were 143 passengers and crew on board.

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The flight crew made contact with air traffic controllers at AirNav Irelands North Atlantic Communications Centre at Ballygirreen in Co Clare requested clearance to divert to Shannon Airport. The crew broadcast a Squawk 7700 distress signal on their transponder indicating their emergency status.

The crew was cleared to descended from 34,000 feet to 10,000 feet and reroute to Shannon. The crew confirmed they would require fire crews standing by for their arrival in case the aircrafts brakes overheated during the emergency landing.

In the meantime, authorities and ground crews at Shannon were advised of the incoming emergency while the Shannon Airport Fire and Rescue Service was also alerted.

Units of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service from Shannon station were dispatched to the airport along with National Ambulance Paramedics in support of the airport emergency crews.

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Additional local authority fire crews from Ennis station were mobilised to a designated holding area at Dromoland adjacent to the M18 motorway ready to race to the airport if they were required.

Shortly before landing, the flight crew advised controllers that they planned to exit the runway and stop on the taxiway to allow fire crews check the jets undercarriage to ensure they brakes hadnt overheated or caught fire.

Airport fire crews took up position at designated holding points adjacent to the runway ready to pursue the jet as soon as it landed.

The flight landed safely at 7.45pm and was pursued along with runway and onto the taxiway. Fire crews carried out an inspection of the jets braking system and when it was confirmed it was safe to do so, the aircraft taxied to the terminal building where ground and engineering staff were standing by.

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The passengers have been deplaned and taken to the airports transit lounge while engineers investigate the issue. Its expected that the aircraft will remain grounded overnight and until one the damaged windscreen has been replaced.

A Delta spokesperson said: We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel plans. As nothing is more important than safety, the crew of Delta flight 4 followed standard procedures to divert to Shannon, Ireland after observing a mechanical issue. The flight landed safely and customers deplaned at an arrival gate.

The airline also confirmed: The Captain followed standard procedures to declare an emergency for priority air traffic control handling and divert to the nearest suitable airport. The aircraft is being evaluated and teams are looking at all options to get customers to their destination as quickly and as possible.

"The crew reported a mechanical issue with flight deck window heat."
Here, we have a look at the topics likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

Widespread condemnation of McGregor/White House meeting

Taoiseach Micheal Martin's meeting with US president Donald Trump in the White House went off without any negative incidents, something Mr Martin would have been looking to avoid after the fiery Oval Office encounter with Volodymy Zelenskiy.

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Mr Martin was criticised by opposition TDs over an awkward laugh when Mr Trump made a joke about Ireland's housing crisis, but other than that the visit was considered a success.

That was until it was completely overshadowed by Mr Trump's surprise visitor on St Patrick's Day, Conor McGregor.

McGregor made a number of unfounded claims about immigration to Ireland in the White House press briefing room before his meeting with Mr Trump.

He also labelled Ireland America's "little bro", adding: "We wish to be taken care of by the big bro."

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McGregor praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the president described him as fantastic.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris quickly issued statements in which they said McGregor does not represent Irish people, and has no mandate to speak for the Irish public.

Opposition figures also criticised McGregor, and rieterated that he does not speak for the Irish public.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

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Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand.

McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the meeting between Trump and McGregor was a very sinister event.

Ms Morrogh described the engagement as an attempt to normalise sexual violence and rebuild McGregors reputation.

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She told RTEs News At One that she was writing to the US embassy over what she said was a really callous indifference to every survivor of sexual violence.

In a strongly-worded statement on his Instagram account, former taoiseach Leo Varadkar referred to the case in which a jury found McGregor civilly liable in a case taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Mr Varadkar wrote: "Good Irish dads teach their sons to detest men like Conor and their daughters to avoid men like him. Irish America know this.

Irish exports to US

Nearly half of all Irish goods exported in January went to the US, according to figures published ahead of expected US tariffs imposed on the EU.

There was an 81 per cent increase in the value of Irish exported goods compared with January 2024 (worth 11.7 billion).

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The export of medical and pharmaceutical products increased by 68 per cent in January compared with 12 months previous, and represented 61 per cent of total exports that month.

Figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Tuesday indicate that the US was also Irelands largest market for imports.

Jane Burmanje, CSO statistician, said: Exports of goods to the United States were 11.7 billion euro in January 2025, accounting for 48.4% of total good exports, while imports of goods from the US were 2.1 billion euro, representing 19.7% of total imports, making it the largest market for Ireland in this period.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said that while the figures were only for one month, that single month does point to a broader way in which our trade has been structured with the United States.

Abroad

US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin agreed during a call on Tuesday to seek a limited ceasefire against energy and infrastructure targets in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the White House.

The White House described it as the first step in a movement to peace it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full and lasting end to the fighting.

Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace, the White House said in a statement.

The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.

The White House said negotiations would begin immediately on those steps.

It was not immediately clear whether Ukraine is on board with the phased ceasefire plan.
The States effort to block the hearing of a senators High Court case seeking to compel the Government to reveal the existence of a secret security arrangement allowing Royal Air Force (RAF) jets to enter Irish airspace in certain circumstances has failed at the Court of Appeal.

Senator Gerard Craughwells case argues that an agreement exists to allow the RAF to intercept hostile aircraft posing a threat to Ireland and the UK, and the Government is in breach of the Constitution by not laying it before the Dail.

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Article 25.9.1 of Bunreacht na hEireann states every international agreement to which the State becomes a party shall be laid before Dail Eireann.

The State says it is long-standing policy to neither confirm nor deny matters regarding external security. It argues that if an air defence arrangement does exist, it does not meet the definition of an international agreement and therefore is not subject to Dail scrutiny.

Last year, the State attempted to stop Mr Craughwells case by claiming the exercise of the States powers regarding external security is not a matter for judicial review, except in cases of clear disregard of the Constitution. The State sought a hearing into the preliminary issue prior to a full trial.

Last July, the High Court sided with Mr Craughwell and ruled the case could proceed.

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On Tuesday, Mr Justice Charles Meenan, on behalf of the three-judge Court of Appeal, dismissed the States challenge to the refusal to hold the preliminary hearing.

In his judgment, Mr Justice Meenan outlined the functions and prerequisites of a hearing into preliminary issues ahead of a full trial.

The judge said that, in his view, the State was in effect seeking to strike out the proceedings under the guise of a hearing of the preliminary issue. The States approach to the hearing they sought was not permissible, the judge said.

The judge noted the States submission that matters of national security and external relations merited the courts applying a higher threshold in considering applications related to such matters. As such, the State had argued that the High Court should have been more receptive to considering the preliminary issue at hand.

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However, the judge said, Mr Craughwells right to access the courts and have his case dealt with in accordance with the law was also of importance.

Ireland Judge says State is entitled to refuse 'point blan... Read More

There is no doubt that issues of national security and external relations raised in these proceedings are of fundamental importance. So also is Senator Craughwells right of access to the courts to have his proceedings determined in accordance with law, the judge said.

The judge noted that the courts often have to deal with various sensitive matters of security, and there are practices and procedures in place  like strict in-camera hearings  to preserve that security, while still being allowing for justice to be done.

The judge said that it should not follow that different rules apply once the State invokes issues of national security and/or external relations. For this to occur, an argument that the courts practices and procedures are incapable of striking the correct balance between the interests of the State and the individual litigant would have to be established, he said.

The judge said he was provisionally of the view that the costs of the appeal should be awarded to Mr Craughwell.
Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar criticised Conor McGregor after the UFC fighter met US president Donald Trump at the White House on St Patrick's Day.

McGregor's meeting with Mr Trump sparked huge controversy online.

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Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris quickly issued statements in which they said McGregor does not represent Irish people, and has no mandate to speak for the Irish public.

In a strongly-worded statement on his Instagram account, Mr Varadkar referred to the case in which a jury found McGregor civilly liable in a case taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

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A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand. McGregor is appealing against the outcome.

Conor McGregor and his family pictured with US president Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk in the Oval Office.

Mr Varadkar wrote: "Good Irish dads teach their sons to detest men like Conor and their daughters to avoid men like him. Irish America know this.

McGregor made a number of unfounded claims about immigration to Ireland in the White House press briefing room before his meeting with Mr Trump.

He also labelled Ireland America's "little bro", adding: "We wish to be taken care of by the big bro."

McGregor praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the president described him as fantastic.
Martha Lovett Cullen was just 25 years old when her mum died of breast cancer in August 2024, around a year after being diagnosed.

The young Dublin woman is now calling on the Minister for Health to improve breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts.

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Martha launched a petition on Friday, March 7th, calling on Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to pass a breast density notification law. This law would require all women to be notified whether they have dense or non-dense breast tissue after a mammogram.

Marian Lovett, Marthas mum, was just 61 when she died of breast cancer. Her children were 19 and 25 years old.

Marian had a clear mammogram in 2022, but a year later, she was diagnosed with terminal, stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

She later discovered that she had dense breast tissue, which makes it harder for a mammogram to detect breast cancer.

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Marian was never told she had dense breasts, so was unaware that a mammogram would be less effective at detecting breast cancer.

At the same time she was being told she had cancer, she was also told that she had very dense breasts, which could have masked her tumour on her mammogram, Marians daughter Martha explains.

She went through treatments, but in August 2024, just after turning 61, she went into hospital with side effects from chemo.

Marian was kept in the hospital for around a month, while the side effects were treated.

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Everything was going to plan, she was making great progress and then, just kind of out of nowhere, the cancer just kind of burst like a dam and took over, and then she was gone very suddenly within the space of like a day or two, Martha says.

Even when she was ill, she was very frustrated by the fact that if she had just been notified of her breast density, then they might have caught the cancer earlier, if she had gone for an ultrasound or an MRI, she might still be here today.

Martha is now campaigning to try and get something done about breast density notification in Ireland, so it doesnt have to happen again to women like my mum.

My mum was very much an advocate for speaking up for things, speaking up for people and for things that are wrong or things that should be called out on, she was very much a feminist. She was outspoken and confident and just really a force of nature, Martha says.

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She didnt think it was fair that such a small piece of information wasnt given to her sooner, because just the fact that its something you should be told, where you would be told if you had high blood pressure or high cholesterol because it is a risk factor for developing breast cancer as well as it going unseen.

She was very inspiring and raised me and my brother to very much stand up for what is right and make change in things that need it.

In every state in America, when a woman gets her first mammogram, in the letter they receive with their results, they are also given their level of breast density and so if they want to go for an ultrasound or to go back for further scans, they have the option to do that, according to Martha.

Its the same I think, in Germany, most of Australia, Canada, Belgium, France, like a lot of countries, its just part of their system that when you start to get your screenings later on in age, its just part of the report you get, because theyre aware that dense breast tissue can mask anything sinister that might show up on a mammogram, so its much safer for women with dense breasts to get ultrasounds and in some cases, MRIs, Martha explains.

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Women should ask about their breast density when getting their mammogram results and insist on being told, Martha believes.

When you look at scan examples, its very clear when a woman has dense breasts because theres just a lot of white, a lot of imaging shows up as white because dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue and less fat, which shows up as white on a mammogram.

Its a very obvious finding and a very visual finding and a radiologist is kind of able to tell at a glance whether a woman has dense breasts or non-dense breasts, so it doesnt take a whole other process or screening, it doesnt take anything further, she says.

Marian Lovett lived a very normal life, her daughter says. She did not eat unhealthily, drank in moderation, never had any major health issues and had no history of cancer on either side of her family.

We were all just very shocked when she was diagnosed, but something that I think we were all very glad about was that in the year that she was ill, she didnt let it dampen her spirit, she didnt let it discourage her from living her life the way she wanted to live it, Martha says.

She did two different courses in Trinity in the last five years, postgrads, to do with health innovation actually, just because she wanted to, and it was something she was interested in. She was always just coming up with ways to make things better.

She kept up with things and always had ideas for how, just how things could be made better for women, especially in Ireland, just given the way that I think womens health is often pushed to the side in this country and its not made a priority, Martha says.

Her mum followed the Vicky Phelan case very closely too, and was outraged by how that ended.

I think they really need to do better in that respect, especially given that a lot of other countries, including countries in Europe are. Were basically just lagging very far behind.

We miss her every day, Martha says about her mum. Nothings really the same anymore now, without her.

But doing all of this kind of work has also made me feel closer to her in a way, because I know that its what she would want me to be doing and getting the word out there. I just feel like shes with me throughout all of this.

Marthas petition calling on improvements to breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts can now has over 5,900 signatures, and can be found here.
Israel has launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 413 Palestinians including women and children, according to hospital officials.

The surprise bombardment early on Tuesday shattered a ceasefire in place since January and threatened to fully reignite the 17-month-old war.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement.





Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand.

The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israels actions.

The Israeli military ordered people to evacuate eastern Gaza, including much of the northern town of Beit Hanoun and other communities further south, and head toward the centre of the territory, indicating that Israel could soon launch renewed ground operations.

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Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Mr Netanyahus office said.



Injured Palestinians wait for treatment at the hospital following Israeli army airstrikes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip (Mohammad Jahjouh/AP)

The attack during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan could resume a war that has already killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza.

It also raised questions about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.

A senior Hamas official said Mr Netanyahus decision to return to war amounts to a death sentence for the remaining hostages.

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Izzat al-Risheq accused Mr Netanyahu of launching the strikes to try and save his far-right governing coalition and called on mediators to reveal facts on who broke the truce.



Members of Palestinian Marouf family cook outside their destroyed house by the Israeli armys air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

There were no reports of any attacks by Hamas several hours after the bombardment, indicating it still hoped to restore the truce.

The strikes came as Mr Netanyahu comes under mounting domestic pressure, with mass protests planned over his handling of the hostage crisis and his decision to fire the head of Israels internal security agency. His latest testimony in a long-running corruption trial was cancelled after the strikes.

The main group representing families of the captives accused the government of backing out of the ceasefire, saying it chose to give up on the hostages.

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We are shocked, angry and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.

 Wounded stream into Gaza hospitals

A strike on a home in the southern city of Rafah killed 17 members of one family, including at least 12 women and children, according to the European Hospital, which received the bodies.

The dead included five children, their parents, and another father and his three children.

In the southern city of Khan Younis, Associated Press reporters saw explosions and plumes of smoke.

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Ambulances brought wounded people to Nasser Hospital, where patients lay on the floor, some screaming.



Surrounded by destroyed homes and buildings, Palestinians gather for iftar, the fast-breaking meal during Ramadan in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

A young girl cried as her bloody arm was bandaged.

Many Palestinians said they had expected a return to war when talks over the second phase of the ceasefire did not begin as scheduled in early February.

Israel instead embraced an alternative proposal and cut off all shipments of food, fuel and other aid to the territorys two million Palestinians to try to pressure Hamas to accept it.

Nobody wants to fight, Palestinian resident Nidal Alzaanin told the AP by phone from Gaza City. Everyone is still suffering from the previous months, he said.

Rescuers were still searching the rubble for dead and wounded as the strikes continued. It was among the deadliest days of the war.

 US backs Israel and blames Hamas

The White House sought to blame Hamas for the renewed fighting.

National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the militant group could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.



Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges at the district court in Tel Aviv (Yair Sagi/Pool Photo via AP)

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation, said Israel was striking Hamas military, leaders and infrastructure and planned to expand the operation beyond air attacks.

The official accused Hamas of attempting to rebuild and plan new attacks.

Hamas militants and security forces quickly returned to the streets in recent weeks after the ceasefire went into effect.

Israels defence minister, Israel Katz, said the gates of hell will open in Gaza if the hostages arent released.

We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals, he said.

 Talks on a second phase of the ceasefire had stalled

The strikes came two months after a ceasefire was reached to pause the war.

Over six weeks, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in a first phase of the ceasefire.



People take part in a protest in Tel Aviv demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP)

But since that ceasefire ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward with a second phase aimed at releasing the 59 remaining hostages, 35 of whom are believed to be dead, and ending the war altogether.

Hamas has demanded an end to the war and full withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages.

Israel says it will not end the war until it destroys Hamas governing and military capabilities and frees all hostages  two goals that could be incompatible.

Mr Netanyahus office on Tuesday said Hamas had repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the US presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators.

A return to war would allow Mr Netanyahu to avoid the tough trade-offs called for in the second phase of the agreement and the thorny question of who would govern Gaza.

It would also shore up his coalition, which depends on far-right legislators who want to depopulate Gaza and re-build Jewish settlements there.

 Gaza already was in a humanitarian crisis

The war erupted when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.

Most have been released in ceasefires or other deals, with Israeli forces rescuing only eight and recovering dozens of bodies.



Mourners gather around the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli army airstrike as they are brought to Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Israel responded with a military offensive that killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced an estimated 90% of Gazas population.

The territorys Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants, but says over half of the dead have been women and children.

The ceasefire had brought some relief to Gaza and allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to resume to what remained of their homes.

 Israeli leader faces mounting criticism

The return to fighting could also worsen deep internal fissures inside Israel over the fate of the remaining hostages.

The released hostages, some of whom were emaciated, have repeatedly implored the government to press ahead with the ceasefire to return all remaining captives.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken part in mass demonstrations calling for a ceasefire and return of all hostages.

Mass demonstrations are planned later on Tuesday and Wednesday following Mr Netanyahus announcement this week that he wants to fire the head of Israels Shin Bet internal security agency.

Critics have lambasted the move as an attempt by Netanyahu to divert blame for his governments failures in the October 7 attack and handling of the war.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza began in mid-January, Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military says approached its troops or entered unauthorised areas.

Still, the deal has tenuously held without an outbreak of wide violence.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate the next steps in the ceasefire.

Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce.

Hamas instead wants to follow the ceasefire deal reached by the two sides, which calls for negotiations to begin on the ceasefires more difficult second phase, in which the remaining hostages would be released and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.
Mexico City on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to ban violent bullfighting, triggering outrage from aficionados and celebration from animal rights advocates.

The legislation, approved by a 61-1 vote, prohibits the killing of bulls and the use of sharp objects that could injure the animals.

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It also sets time limits on how long bulls can be in the ring, part of an initiative dubbed bullfighting without violence.

The decision sparked angry protests from bullfighting supporters and matadors, some of whom tried to breach a police barricade at the local Congress.

Some carried signs that read Being a fan of la fiesta brava (bullfighting) is not a crime, its a point of pride.



A supporter of bullfighting holds a sign that reads in Spanish Bullfighting is an art (Ginnette Riquelme/AP)

Animal rights protesters celebrated, and were joined by Mexico City mayor Clara Brugada of the ruling Morena party, who said the decision will help the Mexican capital become a place that respects the rights of animals and that will not tolerate them being subjected to abuse or violence.

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Tuesdays vote appeared to be an attempt to broker a compromise between two warring sides of the debate after years of back-and-forth.

Bullfighting has long been considered a tradition and a pastime in Latin American nations, but has come under criticism for animal cruelty because bulls are often killed at the end of the fight.

Animal rights groups say that approximately 180,000 bulls are killed every year in bullfighting worldwide.

The tradition, which has long drawn big crowds to arenas across Mexico, was dealt a blow when a judge in Mexico City banned the practice in June 2022, shutting down an arena that has been billed as the worlds largest bullfighting ring.

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The judge ruled that bullfights violated city residents rights to a healthy environment free from violence.

While animal rights advocates celebrated it as a victory, and a step toward ending the bloody tradition, bullfighters said it dealt an economic blow to the city.

The National Association of Breeders of Fighting Bulls in Mexico says bullfighting generates 80,000 direct jobs, and 146,000 indirect jobs across the country.

In 2023, Mexicos Supreme Court overturned the ban without explanation, allowing bullfighting arenas to be flooded once again with fans of the so-called fiesta brava.
Us President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a lengthy call on Tuesday to an immediate pause in strikes against energy and infrastructure targets in the Ukraine war.

The Russian leader stopped short of backing a broader 30-day pause in fighting that the US administration is pressing for.

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The White House described it as the first step in a movement to peace it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full and lasting end to the fighting.

The White House said negotiations would begin immediately in the Middle East on those steps.

Shortly after the call between Mr Trump and Mr Putin, air raid alerts sounded in Kyiv, followed by explosions in the city.

Local officials urged people to seek shelter.

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It was not immediately clear whether Ukraine is on board with the limited ceasefire plan.

Ukrainian officials had proposed a ceasefire covering the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes and the release of prisoners at their meeting with the US delegation in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine, Mr Trump posted on social media following his call.

The Kremlin said Mr Putin welcomed Mr Trumps calls for the maritime ceasefire and agreed to begin negotiations to further work out specific details of such an agreement.

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Mr Putin also told Mr Trump that Russia and Ukraine will exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday, and Russia will also hand over to Ukraine 23 badly wounded soldiers, the Kremlin said.

The phone call came as the White House pushes for Russia to sign off on its 30-day ceasefire proposal to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Trump said before the call that he expected to discuss with Mr Putin land and power plants that have been seized during the three-year war.





Tomorrow marks one week since the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the sky, at sea, and on the front lines has been on the table. The implementation of this proposal could have begun long ago. Every day in wartime is a matter of human lives.



Now, almost a week later, its clear pic.twitter.com/bqRbA8hf7K  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) March 17, 2025

Ukrainian officials last week agreed to the American proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains sceptical that Mr Putin is ready for peace as Russian forces continue to pound Ukraine.

The engagement is just the latest turn in dramatically shifting US-Russia relations, as Mr Trump made quickly ending the conflict a top priority, even at the expense of straining ties with longtime American allies who want Mr Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

Its a bad situation in Russia, and its a bad situation in Ukraine, Mr Trump told reporters on Monday.

Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it.

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In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff last week met Mr Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

Mr Putin last week said he agreed in principle with the US proposal, but emphasised that Russia would seek guarantees that Ukraine would not use a break in hostilities to rearm and continue mobilisation.



US President Donald Trump, left, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP)

He has also demanded that Ukraine renounce joining the Nato military alliance, sharply cut its army, and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscows orbit.

The US president said Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.

Mr Trump, who during his campaign pledged to quickly end the war, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Mr Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russias unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Mr Zelensky of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since the Second World War.

Mr Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that Mr Trump and Mr Putin would discuss the war in Ukraine but added that there are also a large number of questions regarding normalising US-Russia relations.

Mr Trump has said that control of land and power plants will be part of the conversation, which comes on the anniversary of Russia annexing Ukraines Crimean peninsula 11 years ago.

That bold land grab by Russia set the stage for Russia to invade its neighbour in 2022.

Mr Witkoff and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that US and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest, in southern Ukraine.

The plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after.



The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is Europes largest (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

The UNs International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about it, fuelling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The plant is a significant asset, producing nearly a quarter of Ukraines electricity in the year before the war.

I can say we are on the 10th yard line of peace, Ms Leavitt said. And weve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the president, as you know, is determined to get one done.

But Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, questioned whether Mr Putin is ready to end the war or will hold out for potential further concessions as Mr Trump grows impatient.

After a disastrous February 28 White House meeting with Mr Zelensky, Mr Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine.

It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administrations 30-day ceasefire proposal.



A view of Sudzha, the biggest town in the Kursk region, after it was taken over by Russian troops (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP)

The US has been consistently offering in some form pre-emptive concessions that have been weakening the American and Ukrainian negotiating position, Mr Bowman said.

I think theres a real danger here that the administrations approach is boiling down to sticks for Ukraine and carrots for Putin.

Mr Zelensky in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Mr Putin is ready for peace.

Now, almost a week later, its clear to everyone in the world, even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years, that it is Mr Putin who continues to drag out this war, Mr Zelensky said.

In his dealings with Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin, Mr Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage. Mr Putin has the cards and Mr Zelensky does not, Mr Trump has said repeatedly.

Mr Trump, who has long shown admiration for Mr Putin, has also made clear he would like to see the US-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.





The president, during his recent contentious meeting with Mr Zelensky, grumbled that Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, a reference to the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position.

He said Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region, amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials that has been disputed by Mr Zelensky.

Ukraines army stunned Russia in August last year by attacking across the border and taking control of an estimated 500 square miles of land.

But Ukraines forces are now in retreat and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Mr Zelensky has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on the back foot while disputing Russian claims that his troops are encircled in Kursk.

Mr Trump suggested that he has taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer, Mr Trump said.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a call on Tuesday to seek a limited ceasefire against energy and infrastructure targets in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the White House.

The White House described it as the first step in a movement to peace it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full and lasting end to the fighting.

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Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace, the White House said in a statement.

The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.

The White House said negotiations would begin immediately on those steps.

It was not immediately clear whether Ukraine is on board with the phased ceasefire plan.

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Ukrainian officials had proposed a limited ceasefire covering the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes and the release of prisoners at their meeting with the US delegation in Saudi Arabia this month.

Mr Putin also told Mr Trump that Russia and Ukraine will exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday, and Russia will also hand over to Ukraine 23 badly wounded soldiers, the Kremlin said.

Mr Putin also called on Mr Trump to end foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.

The phone call came as the White House pushes for Russia to sign off on its 30-day ceasefire proposal to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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Mr Trump said before the call that he expected to discuss with Mr Putin land and power plants that have been seized during the three-year war.

Ukrainian officials last week agreed to the American proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains sceptical that Mr Putin is ready for peace as Russian forces continue to pound Ukraine.





Tomorrow marks one week since the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the sky, at sea, and on the front lines has been on the table. The implementation of this proposal could have begun long ago. Every day in wartime is a matter of human lives.



Now, almost a week later, its clear pic.twitter.com/bqRbA8hf7K  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) March 17, 2025

The engagement is just the latest turn in dramatically shifting US-Russia relations, as Mr Trump made quickly ending the conflict a top priority, even at the expense of straining ties with longtime American allies who want Mr Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

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Its a bad situation in Russia, and its a bad situation in Ukraine, Mr Trump told reporters on Monday.

Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it.

In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff last week met Mr Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

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Mr Putin last week said he agreed in principle with the US proposal, but emphasised that Russia would seek guarantees that Ukraine would not use a break in hostilities to rearm and continue mobilisation.

He has also demanded that Ukraine renounce joining the Nato military alliance, sharply cut its army, and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscows orbit.

The US president said Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.



US President Donald Trump, left, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP)

Mr Trump, who during his campaign pledged to quickly end the war, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Mr Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russias unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Mr Zelensky of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since the Second World War.

Mr Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that Mr Trump and Mr Putin would discuss the war in Ukraine but added that there are also a large number of questions regarding normalising US-Russia relations.

Mr Trump has said that control of land and power plants will be part of the conversation, which comes on the anniversary of Russia annexing Ukraines Crimean peninsula 11 years ago.

That bold land grab by Russia set the stage for Russia to invade its neighbour in 2022.

Mr Witkoff and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that US and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest, in southern Ukraine.

The plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after.



The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is Europes largest (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

The UNs International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about it, fuelling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The plant is a significant asset, producing nearly a quarter of Ukraines electricity in the year before the war.

I can say we are on the 10th yard line of peace, Ms Leavitt said. And weve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the president, as you know, is determined to get one done.

But Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, questioned whether Mr Putin is ready to end the war or will hold out for potential further concessions as Mr Trump grows impatient.

After a disastrous February 28 White House meeting with Mr Zelensky, Mr Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine.

It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administrations 30-day ceasefire proposal.



A view of Sudzha, the biggest town in the Kursk region, after it was taken over by Russian troops (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP)

The US has been consistently offering in some form pre-emptive concessions that have been weakening the American and Ukrainian negotiating position, Mr Bowman said.

I think theres a real danger here that the administrations approach is boiling down to sticks for Ukraine and carrots for Putin.

Mr Zelensky in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Mr Putin is ready for peace.

Now, almost a week later, its clear to everyone in the world, even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years, that it is Mr Putin who continues to drag out this war, Mr Zelensky said.

In his dealings with Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin, Mr Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage. Mr Putin has the cards and Mr Zelensky does not, Mr Trump has said repeatedly.

Mr Trump, who has long shown admiration for Mr Putin, has also made clear he would like to see the US-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.





The president, during his recent contentious meeting with Mr Zelensky, grumbled that Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, a reference to the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position.

He said Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region, amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials that has been disputed by Mr Zelensky.

Ukraines army stunned Russia in August last year by attacking across the border and taking control of an estimated 500 square miles of land.

But Ukraines forces are now in retreat and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Mr Zelensky has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on the back foot while disputing Russian claims that his troops are encircled in Kursk.

Mr Trump suggested that he has taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer, Mr Trump said.
US president Donald Trump is to hold talks on Tuesday with Russian president Vladimir Putin as he looks to get buy-in on a US ceasefire proposal he hopes can create a pathway to ending Russias devastating war on Ukraine.

The White House is optimistic that peace is within reach even as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy remains sceptical that Putin is doing much beyond paying lip service to Mr Trump as Russian forces continue to pound his country.

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The engagement is just the latest turn in dramatically shifting US-Russia relations as Mr Trump made quickly ending the conflict a top priority  even at the expense of straining ties with long-time American allies who want Mr Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

US president Donald Trump, Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian president Vladimir Putin. Photo: AP

Its a bad situation in Russia, and its a bad situation in Ukraine, Mr Trump told reporters on Monday.

Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it.

In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff met last week with Mr Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal.

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US secretary of state Marco Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

The US president said Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.

Mr Trump, who during his campaign pledged to quickly end the war, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Mr Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russias unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Mr Zelenskiy of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since the second World War.

Mr Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that Mr Trump and Mr Putin will discuss the war in Ukraine but added that there are also a large number of questions regarding normalising US-Russia relations.

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The call will take place between 1pm and 3pm Irish time, Mr Peskov said.

Mr Trump has said that swaps of land and power plants will be part of the conversation.

Mr Witkoff and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that US and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant  Europes largest  in southern Ukraine.

The plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after.

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The UNs International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about it, fuelling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The plant is a significant asset, producing nearly a quarter of Ukraines electricity in the year before the war.

I can say we are on the 10th yard line of peace, Ms Leavitt said. And weve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the president, as you know, is determined to get one done.

But Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, questioned whether Mr Putin is ready to end the war or will hold out for potential further concessions as Mr Trump grows impatient.

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After a disastrous February 28th White House meeting with Mr Zelenskiy, Mr Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine.

It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administrations 30-day ceasefire proposal.

The US has been consistently offering in some form pre-emptive concessions that have been weakening the American and Ukrainian negotiating position, Mr Bowman said.

I think theres a real danger here that the administrations approach is boiling down to sticks for Ukraine and carrots for Putin.

Mr Zelensky in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Mr Putin is ready for peace.

A painting created by Russian artist Alexei Sergienko showing a combination of faces of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Photo: Dmitri Lovetsky/AP

Now, almost a week later, its clear to everyone in the world  even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years  that it is Putin who continues to drag out this war, Mr Zelenskiy said.

In his dealings with Mr Zelenskiy and Mr Putin, Mr Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage.

Mr Putin has the cards and Mr Zelenskiy does not, Mr Trump has said repeatedly.

Mr Trump, who has long shown admiration for Mr Putin, has also made clear hed like to see the US-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.

The president during his recent contentious meeting with Mr Zelenskiy grumbled that Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, a reference to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position.

He said Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region  amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials thats been refuted by Mr Zelenskiy.

Ukraines army stunned Russia in August last year by attacking across the border and taking control of an estimated 1,300sq km of land.

But Ukraines forces are now in retreat and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Mr Zelenskiy has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on their back foot but refutes Russian claims that they have encircled his troops in Kursk.

Mr Trump suggested that he has taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer, Mr Trump said.

World Trump and Putin are very good friends focused on... Read More

Ms Leavitt is one of three Trump administration officials who face a legal case from The Associated Press on First- and Fifth-Amendment grounds.

The AP says the three are punishing the news agency for editorial decisions they oppose.

The White House says the AP is not following an executive order to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
US President Donald Trump says files related to the 1963 assassination of President John F Kennedy will be released without any redactions, making good on a promise he made during his campaign.

Mr Trump told reporters on Monday that his administration will be releasing 80,000 files on Tuesday, though it is not clear how many of those are among the millions of pages of records that have already been made public.

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We have a tremendous amount of paper. Youve got a lot of reading, Mr Trump said while at the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.



US President Donald Trump talks with reporters as he visits the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington DC (AP)

He also said he does not believe anything will be redacted from the files.

I said, Just dont redact. You cant redact, he said.

Many who have studied what has been released so far by the government say the public should not anticipate any earth-shattering revelations from the newly released documents, but there is still intense interest in details related to the assassination and the events surrounding it.

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 Trumps order

Shortly after he was sworn into office, Mr Trump ordered the release of the remaining classified files related to the assassination, which has spawned countless conspiracy theories.

He directed the national intelligence director and attorney general to develop a plan to release the records.

The order also aimed to declassify the remaining records related to the 1968 assassinations of Robert F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jnr.

After signing the order, Mr Trump handed the pen to an aide and directed that it be given to Robert F Kennedy Jnr, the Trump administrations top health official.

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He is the nephew of John F Kennedy and son of Robert F Kennedy.



Newly-elected President Kennedy poses for the first pictures at his White House desk on January 21 1961 (Bill Achatz/AP)

The younger Mr Kennedy, whose anti-vaccine activism has alienated him from much of his family, has said he is not convinced that a lone gunman was solely responsible for his uncles assassination.

 November 22, 1963

When Air Force One carrying JFK and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy touched down in Dallas, they were greeted by a clear sky and enthusiastic crowds.

With a re-election campaign on the horizon the next year, they went to Texas for a political fence-mending trip.

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But as the motorcade was finishing its parade route downtown, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository building.

Police arrested 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald, who had positioned himself from a snipers perch on the sixth floor.

Two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer.

A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission, which President Lyndon B Johnson established to investigate, concluded that Oswald acted alone and that there was no evidence of a conspiracy.

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But that did not quell a web of alternative theories over the decades.

 The JFK files

In the early 1990s, the US government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration.



Part of a file, dated April 5 1964 and detailing efforts to trace Lee Harvey Oswalds travel from Mexico City back to the US, is pictured in Washington (AP)

The collection of over five million pages of records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president.

Mr Trump, who took office for his first term in 2017, had said that he would allow the release of all of the remaining records but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security.

And while files continued to be released during President Joe Bidens administration, some remain unseen.

Researchers have estimated that 3,000 files or so have not been released, either in whole or in part.

And last month, the FBI said that it had discovered about 2,400 new records related to the assassination.

The agency said then that it was working to transfer the records to the National Archives to be included in the declassification process.

There are still some documents in the JFK collection that researchers do not believe the president will be able to release.

Around 500 documents, including tax returns, were not subject to the 2017 disclosure requirement.

 What has been learned

Some of the documents already released have offered details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, including CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination.

The former marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas.

One CIA memo describes how Oswald phoned the Soviet embassy while in Mexico City to ask for a visa to visit the Soviet Union.

He also visited the Cuban embassy, apparently interested in a travel visa that would permit him to visit Cuba and wait there for a Soviet visa.

On October 3, more than a month before the assassination, he drove back into the US through a crossing point at the Texas border.

Another memo, dated the day after Mr Kennedys assassination, says that according to an intercepted phone call in Mexico City, Oswald communicated with a KGB officer while at the Soviet embassy that September.

The releases have also contributed to the understanding of that time period during the Cold War, researchers said.
Two men have been found guilty over the theft of a 4.75 million (5.6 million) gold toilet from a stately home in England.

The fully-functioning 18-carat gold toilet, which had been installed as an artwork at Blenheim Palace where Winston Churchill was born, was stolen in a raid in the early hours of September 14th, 2019.

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It was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and was a star attraction in an exhibition when it was stolen.

It is believed that the distinctive toilet has now been split up and disposed of, Oxford Crown Court was told previously.

The damage after thieves stole the gold toilet (Pete Seaward/Blenheim Palace/PA)

Jurors at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday found Michael Jones (39) guilty of burglary.

Jones, from Oxford, visited the palace twice before the theft, but had denied these were reconnaissance trips.

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He previously told jurors he took advantage of the gold toilets facilities while at the country house the day before it was taken.

Asked what it was like, Jones said: Splendid.

Jurors were previously told that James Sheen (40) from Wellingborough in England, had already pleaded guilty to burglary.

He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transfer criminal property and one count of transferring criminal property, at Oxford Crown Court in April 2024.

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The court previously heard that Jones had worked as a roofer and builder for Sheen from about 2018 and was effectively Sheens right-hand man, being trusted to arrange payments for his friends other employees.

Frederick Doe (36), also known as Frederick Sines, of Winkfield, Windsor, England, was found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property.

Doe helped one of the men who pleaded guilty to carrying out the burglary, James Sheen, to sell some of the gold in the following weeks, the court heard.

Bora Guccuk (41), from west London, was found not guilty of the same charge.

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Jones was arrested on October 16th, 2019, and police analysed his phone. He had allegedly been searching for newspaper reports about the stolen toilet on September 20th, jurors were told previously.

Doe will be sentenced on May 19th. Jones and Sheen will be sentenced at a date yet to be set.

Shan Saunders, of the UK's Crown Prosecution Service, said: This was an audacious raid which had been carefully planned and executed  but those responsible were not careful enough, leaving a trail of evidence in the form of forensics, CCTV footage and phone data.

It has been a complex case to prosecute, involving a nationwide investigation with many lines of inquiry to identify those who were subsequently charged in relation to the theft.

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While none of the gold was ever recovered  no doubt having been broken up or melted down and sold on soon after it was stolen  we are confident this prosecution has played a part in disrupting a wider crime and money laundering network.
An additional $US1 billion for retention bonuses is available to Wiz employees if they remain at Google, a person familiar with the deal said without specifying the time period. Rappaport has previously shrugged off questions about financial rewards, noting last year that he has rented the same Tel Aviv apartment for more than a decade. Wiz will be folded into Google Cloud and could help the search giant gain market share in the fiercely contested cloud security industry. Credit: Bloomberg Behind his unassuming demeanour and his T-shirt-khakis-and-sneakers wardrobe, Rappaport is a shrewd dealmaker with sometimes sharp elbows, according to people who know him. He can be extremely charming and personal and warm, says Gili Raanan, founder of the Israeli venture capital firm Cyberstarts and one of Wizs first investors. And he can be very decisive, data-driven, analytical, merciless. Those two sides exist.

The founders  Rappaport, Yinon Costica, Ami Luttwak and Roy Reznik  met at Talpiot, an elite military academy. Besides exposing recruits to different parts of the armed forces, Talpiot trains them in science, maths and computers. Rappaport said he drove a tank, parachuted from a plane, received intelligence training and blew up things. The four friends moved from Talpiot to Unit 8200, Israels equivalent of Americas National Security Agency. Aside from their reputation for technical prowess, Unit 8200 alumni are known for starting successful cybersecurity companies, including Palo Alto Networks, Check Point Software Technologies and Armis. Loading In 2012, the quartet started a company called Adallom, an abbreviation of a Hebrew saying that means up to here or last line of defence. The startup helped companies secure cloud-based applications used by employees  a blind spot at the time, said Neil MacDonald, a vice president and analyst at Gartner, a technology research and consulting firm. Organisations had no visibility. None, he said. Adallom helped at that time to solve that problem.

Three years after Adalloms founding, Microsoft acquired the startup for $US320 million, and the founders joined the tech giant to help build its cloud security business. Rappaport said they initially planned to stay two years. They ended up staying five  creating cybersecurity products at massive scale and enjoying access to funding and talent  before leaving to start a new company. At first the team, by then working from a two-room office in Tel Aviv, considered creating a network security company called Beyond Networks. Then they interviewed more than 100 potential customers and cybersecurity professionals and learned that there was an unmet need in cloud security. Yes, there were existing tools, but they created too much work and didnt really solve the challenges. The companies, which expect the deal to close next year, are betting on a friendlier regulatory environment under President Donald Trump  although hurdles remain. Credit: Bloomberg Focusing on cloud security was risky because many companies were doing similar things, and Rappaport has recalled calling the switch the suicide plan.

The newly created Wiz targeted a different, and broader, segment of the cloud security market than Adallom, offering a tool that worked on various platforms and could identify and prioritize risks across increasingly complex computing environments. Every service has configurations. Every service has identities and permissions, MacDonald said. Theres just this enormous complexity in the configuration of cloud infrastructure that, without a tool, a human cant understand. Wizs product was easy to install and could find potential problems and prioritise them in a matter of hours  providing cybersecurity professionals with unprecedented visibility, MacDonald said. The pandemic-fuelled migration to the cloud fuelled Wizs growth. The young company also benefited from an all-star lineup of financial backers, including Sequoia Capital, Insight Partners, Index Ventures and Cyberstarts, some of which had also invested in Adallom. In all, Wiz has raised more than $US1.9 billion dollars from investors including SoftBank Vision Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, Blackstone Group, LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault and former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.

Wiz felt like the first opportunity to build a security platform in a really long time, basically since CrowdStrike, Thrive Capitals Philip Clark said in an interview last fall, referring to cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike Holdings. Like several other investors, Clark also said the complementary talents of Wizs four founders was a key to the companys success. When Google expressed interest in Wiz last year, Rappaport saw its culture as a good fit and grew increasingly exhilarated in July as they hashed out what the collaboration could look like. Google ramped up its charm offensive too, even drawing up a tongue-in-cheek employment contract for his beloved dog, Mika. Loading Still, on the day Wiz had set as a deadline, Rappaport pulled the plug at 4 am, emailing the news to his anxious employees, many of whom had remained in the Tel Aviv office overnight. In an interview last fall, he recalled thinking: I cant believe Im going to say no to a $US23 billion acquisition. But at the time, he didnt want to give up a once-in-life opportunity to be the largest cyber company in the world.
"No guarantees" of no recession under Trump, says U.S. treasury secretary

Xinhua) 09:23, March 18, 2025

WASHINGTON, March 17 (Xinhua) -- There are "no guarantees" that the U.S. economy would not face a recession during U.S. President Donald Trump's tenure, said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in an interview with NBC on Sunday.

When asked whether he could ensure no recession under the Trump administration, Bessent responded, "There are no guarantees. Who would have predicted COVID?"

Bessent, speaking to NBC's "Meet the Press," noted that the U.S. government is working on robust policies, and there could be some adjustments in the economy.

He also dismissed concerns about a potential recession stemming from such adjustments, saying, "We are going to have a transition, and we are not going to have a crisis."

Recently, U.S. stock markets saw a sharp decline amid uncertainties caused by Trump's frequently changing policies, including tariff threats against major trading partners such as Mexico and Canada. This has led to a significant drop in investor confidence and increased concerns about a possible recession.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Major investors have clashed with the Coalition ahead of the federal election, warning that slowing the rollout of renewable energy will push up electricity bills by increasing the need to call on failure-prone coal plants and expensive gas-fired generators.

Debate about Australias clean energy shift has been thrust to centre stage as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton campaigns to limit renewables to 54 per cent of the electricity grid and build a fleet of government-owned nuclear generators across the mainland.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are at odds over the countrys energy future. Credit: Rhett Wyman, Getty, Alex Ellinghausen

If it wins the election, the Coalition would roll back Labors 2030 climate commitments, including its target for renewables to make up 82 per cent of the grid by 2030, which experts believe is unlikely to be met.

However, in a significant intervention, a group of large investors including US asset giant BlackRock, Frances Neoen, Australias Macquarie Bank and the Andrew Forrest-backed Squadron Energy has ramped up its push against policies that would restrict the expansion of wind and solar and keep the grid heavily tied to fossil fuels for longer.
Thats all from me for today, as always, I hope youve found this helpful and have a pleasant evening. Heres a quick recap:

- Migrants applying for Australian passports under a Coalition government will be quizzed about their attitudes towards Jewish people, as part of Opposition Leader Peter Duttons citizenship crackdown that includes a possible deportation referendum. The Prime Minister today brushed off the idea as a thought bubble that lasted as long as a soap bubble.

- The US medical giants have written to President Donald Trump suggesting he target Australias Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in his next round of tariffs. Nines newspapers broke the story this afternoon.

- There were reports that Russia attacked Ukraine only a few hours after president Vladimir Putin agreed to a mini-ceasefire proposed by Trump. Read Our US correspondents take here.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Credit: AP

- For many, the hunt is on to find fresh, sensational details about the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy in 1963, after the US national archives released about 2200 files - 63,000 pages - worth of unredacted files today. It will take a while for people to sift through all the details, but new info is starting to trickle out.

- And the peak bodies for Australias unions and businesses went head-to-head at the National Press Club this afternoon, where the Australian Council of Trade Unions Michele ONeil pulled no punches. She said recently-gained workers rights would be in the firing line if the Coalition won government at the upcoming election. Her opponent, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for these same laws to be repealed during the same event.
Children at two Sydney schools have been forced to resit their NAPLAN writing exams due to a technical issue which meant they were able to access predictive text and spellcheck.

A teacher at Kambala in Rose Bay and students at Waverley realised the Apple feature was turned on when they completed the writing component of the test last week.

Students in year 5 at Waverley College will resit their NAPLAN writing test. Credit: Louise Kennerley

In addition to checking spelling and completing words, Apple says the predictive text feature also uses artificial intelligence to create a text response suited to the writing style of its user.

A spokesman for Waverley College said it told the NSW Education Standards Authority about the problem.
Its tough to get around parts of inner Brisbane today.

You cant walk over the Story Bridge, you cant ride up from the Bicentennial Bikeway, and you cant get an escalator up to the platforms at Roma Street.

A spokesperson for Queensland Rail confirmed that damage from the heavy rains connected to Cyclone Alfred was behind the outage of all escalators, which has continued until today.

They said lifts at the station were prioritised and had been back in action since Wednesday last week, so anyone who cant walk up the stairs can still get to their trains.

Theres no date for when the escalators will be fixed. Its a big job, QR said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have ridiculed Opposition Leader Peter Duttons proposal for a potential referendum on deporting criminals with dual nationality as a thought bubble and a bizarre proposal designed to distract from the Coalitions thin economic policy agenda.

This masthead revealed on Tuesday that Dutton was pondering an election pledge on changing the Constitution to allow ministers to cancel the citizenship of people guilty of crimes such as terrorism, in what would be the second referendum in as many terms of parliament.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

Under firm questioning on the Sunrise program on whether the nation could afford to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a referendum at the same time as the opposition is pledging to rein in spending, Dutton said he didnt think you could put a price on keeping kids safe in the community.

He also noted you can walk and chew gum when pressed on raising the issue of a referendum when people want to know the Coalitions economic policies.
Loading No surprise then that Meta tried to block sales of Careless People, taking Wynn-Williams to an arbitration tribunal to claim the book was in breach of legal agreements. She did not attend a hearing on March 11. Meta won interim orders against Wynn-Williams by default, barring her from personally promoting or distributing Careless People. That hasnt stopped publisher Macmillan from selling the book  though it made the unusual move of not distributing advance copies in Australia for review  and infuriating Meta. Pan Macmillan Australia and New Zealand are committed to Sarahs right to tell her story and to the publication of Careless People, a spokeswoman for the publisher said. Meanwhile, Meta has deployed its public relations staff to campaign against Careless People on record and behind the scenes.

Sarah Wynn Williams false and defamatory book should never have been published, Meta spokesman Andy Stone said on the companys Twitter replica app, Threads. This urgent legal action was made necessary by Williams, who, more than eight years after being terminated by the company, deliberately concealed the existence of her book project and avoided the industrys standard fact-checking process in order to rush it to shelves after waiting for eight years. Its the kind of criticism that would hit harder had Wynn-Williams not documented several cases where Metas communications team and executives appear to have lied or misled the public. One example: in 2017, Meta responded to a story in The Australian by declaring it does not offer tools to target people based on their emotional state. Wynn-Williams seems to have internal communications showing that if that claim isnt wrong outright, it is highly tendentious. Kaplan, the Meta lobbyist, asks a colleague just before the statement goes out if we cant confirm that we dont target on the basis of insecurity or how someone is feeling? According to Wynn-Williams, Facebooks deputy chief privacy officer responds: Thats correct, unfortunately. Metas public statement infuriates Facebook staff. However, their concern about the claim is not because it suggests a flimsy commitment to the truth. Instead, its alleged a top Facebook Australia ad executive who goes unnamed fulminates to Wynn-Williams that the company does an incredible job at targeting 13- to 17-year-olds. This is what puts money in all our pockets, he grouses.

Meta has since limited the ways advertisers can target children on its platform, and it called off the effort to launch in China in 2019. Former Meta executive Sarah Wynn-Williams new book on life inside the tech juggernaut. Credit: AP How exactly Wynn-Williams can produce dialogue verbatim from years earlier is not clear, and some of her former colleagues who have also left Meta have disputed parts of her recollections, mostly without specifying which portions of her account they disagree with. A bunch of the stories are exaggerated or just didnt happen, wrote Debbie Frost, an Australian who once ran Facebooks PR on social media platform Threads. Even before Wynn-Williams landed her Facebook job in 2011, Australia was a problem for the company. Levine, then Facebooks global vice president of public policy, tells her that somehow the worst of the internet ends up on Facebook Australia. Only one example makes it into the book to justify that claim: a misogynistic leftist page called Occupy Tony Abbotts Daughters Vaginas. Facebooks advertising staff want to leave the page online despite complaints from the then-prime ministers office. Soon, questions of censorship are handed to another team within the company. Metas later battles with Australia, including the ongoing fights over payments to news companies and banning teens from social media, come after Wynn-Williams was fired in 2017.

(She attributes that to retribution from Facebook because of her complaints against Kaplan. The company claims she was toxic and says an internal investigation concluded her harassment allegations were unfounded.) But the book offers a clue about why so few countries have taken on Facebook and Instagram like Australia and why the Albanese government might be going slow on pushing through its plans: Meta makes a deliberate play to hook politicians on its platform as a tool to win elections. Its success is why leaders of democracies like then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull ask Zuckerberg for selfies in the mid-2010s. Only those who use the platform to their maximal advantage, such as former Indonesian president Jokowi or Donald Trump, seem to get Zuckerbergs respect. So, too, do some autocrats who spurn it, like Xi. So why did Wynn-Williams stay so long? Her rationale varies. She says she had an idealistic, Arab Spring-tinged vision of Facebooks potential to connect the world early in her tenure, which seems to reflect her own ambitious naivete more than anything about the company. Later, she feels trapped by illness and a need to retain health insurance. Doubtless, these played a role, but theres another side to Wynn-Williams that pops up occasionally. Its one that suggests she is more like Sandberg, an elite woman of iron will with a relentless commitment to work than she would like to admit. As a 14-year-old, Wynn-Williams is attacked by a shark. After a local doctor stitches her up, her family returns to their camping holiday and dismisses her increasingly desperate pleas for help, stemming from a collapsed lung and punctured bowel, until she is on the verge of death. When Wynn-Williams wakes up in hospital, and her mother praises the doctors for saving her, she writes: I SAVED MYSELF.
Madrids metro may not be the oldest (that prize goes to London) or the largest (Shanghai) or the coolest (Copenhagen, no contest) but it is potentially the most interesting. Before you fire off a letter to the editor, let me present my case.

Not only is the Madrid Metro more than a century old, but its 293-kilometre network is a vast underground labyrinth of museums, art installations, literary initiatives, abstract creations and mosaic panels. Across its 13 lines, subterranean sights include an abandoned ghost station, archaeological and palaeontological remains, etchings by Francisco Goya, century-old advertising murals and an exhibition of classic metro trains. Convinced yet? And what if I said a 10-trip pass costs just 6 ($10). Follow my tracks to discover Madrids underground treasures.

Vintage advertising at the former Chamberi Station of Madrid. Credit: Adobe

When the first Metro line opened on October 17, 1919, it was a modest 3.5-kilometre route with just eight stations. One of them, Chamberi, was closed in the 60s due to expansion and lay dormant for decades, like an abandoned toy train set, until a renovation in 2006 transformed into a museum  Platform zero.

I board the historic Line 1 (light blue line) at Chamartin, allowing time to enjoy the towering digital waterfall Iguazu by Vicente Paton and Alberto Telleria. While commuters rush past in a blur of activity, I revel in the luxury of time. With three days to explore Madrid before joining APTs MS Estrela for a Douro River cruise, and with trains arriving every few minutes, I have no timetable to stick to.
Modern-day travellers are spoiled for choice. You could discover this countrys many attractions. For a little more money, you could go to a Pacific island or South-East Asia. You could spend more and go to Japan or South Korea or splash out further and go to Europe or even South America.

Why, you have to ask yourself, would you go to the US?

Visitors pose with a man in a Trump mask outside the White House. The US remains one of the best travel destinations in the world, regardless of whos in charge. Credit: AP

Lets step back and look at the world as it is right now. Many travellers  I would say the vast majority  crave stability and predictability.

Thats part of why somewhere like Japan is so popular, because you know exactly what youre going to get in Japan: trains will arrive on time, restaurants will serve amazing food, people will be polite and friendly, toilets will be clean, and you will have an enjoyable, incident-free holiday.
Kyiv: A ceasefire in Russias bloody three-year war in Ukraine hinges on Moscow accepting the US proposal of a 30-day pause in fighting as a confidence-building measure for both sides to hammer out a longer-term peace plan.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin will look to delay such a temporary truce with conditions meant to divert the peace process and lengthen the war.

Ukrainian soldiers fire a mortar towards Russian army positions near Chasiv Yar, in the Donetsk region, on Sunday. Credit: Ukrainian 24th Mechanised Brigade/AP

Ukraine, which faced pressure to accept the ceasefire after US President Donald Trump blocked military aid and intelligence sharing, expects Trump will threaten more sanctions on Moscow to push Putin into accepting the terms.

Trump has said he would talk to Putinon Wednesday (AEDT) and that land and power plants were part of the conversation around bringing the war to a close, a process he described as dividing up certain assets.
Washington: Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to halt airstrikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure but rejected a broader ceasefire and may have already broken his promise following a lengthy and frank call with US President Donald Trump, the White House said.

The two leaders spoke by telephone for nearly two hours on Wednesday (AEDT), a much-anticipated conversation that came as Washington attempts to broker a quick ceasefire and peace deal without US military involvement in any security guarantee.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke for more than two hours. Credit: AP

Putin agreed to a 30-day cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure such as gas plants and power lines, but stopped well short of the total and unconditional ceasefire on land, air and sea sought by the United States and already agreed to by Ukraine.

A White House summary of the call said the leaders agreed the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace.
With women making up just 27% of brokers, the report highlights a clear opportunity to improve gender diversity in the industry, Pannek said. We are pleased to support this initiative; it aligns with the Associations goal of fostering a more diverse industry that better reflects the communities it serves across Australia.
"We're already seeing it," he said. "We're seeing some of the bigger, independent broker firms buying smaller broker firms. We've seen some potential mergers with some of the bigger aggregators in the Australian market. We've already seen Lendi [Group] and Aussie [Home Loans] come together. And we saw a couple that got close and didn't happen. I think we'll probably see it at [the] aggregation level and at the broker level. And I think we'll definitely see it in the lending space. If you look at the customer-owned banking sector, you look at some of the movements that are going on there. We'll probably see it right across the sector."
"I think it really comes down to the leadership of other leaders. If you're a male leader of an organization and you want to mix up that leadership, [think about] what steps can you take," Pannek said. "And I'm in no way saying that this isn't a focus for leaders across the MFAA. But I think across our industry we all need to admit that [gender diversity] needs to remain a focus. My challenge to lenders and to aggregators is as they think about how they hire, promote and reward, is to ask, how do we actively ensure that top female talent is included in all the decisions?
With the Federal Budget release just a week away, a new report from Mandala Partners, commissioned by the Property Council of Australia, highlighted a pressing issue: Australia is on track to miss its 2029 housing target by 462,000 homes.
Maggie Fick, Reuters

Drugmakers are urging the Trump administration and European Union officials to exclude medical goods from expanding tariff wars, hoping to avert price spikes on top-selling medicines made in Ireland, such as Merck's cancer immunotherapy Keytruda or AbbVie's wrinkle treatment Botox.

In conversations with US officials, the pharmaceutical industry argued that tariffs on the EU would increase drug costs and create access barriers for patients, endangering priorities outlined in US president Donald Trump's health-related executive orders on drug pricing and increasing life expectancy of Americans, according to more than a half dozen pharma industry sources with direct knowledge of the discussions.

Some are signalling a willingness to expand manufacturing in the United States, while pressing for tax breaks and regulatory changes that would make it easier to make that happen, according to three of the sources.

"We are firmly delivering the message to the Trump administration and to the European Union that patients will pay the price" for tariffs, said a senior executive at a European drugmaker.

Industry executives are also pressing their case with officials in Brussels, urging the EU hold off on retaliatory tariffs even if Trump includes medicines in a trade dispute, several of the sources said. Some raised the fact that lifesaving medicines were excluded from sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

"We as Western countries have interconnected supply chains in this sector. Interrupting these flows will hurt patient access to lifesaving medicines," said a senior executive at another large European drugmaker. "It's a lose-lose" situation.

Pharmaceutical products have long been spared from trade wars due to the potential harms. But Trump's move to increase tariffs on goods from China, including finished drugs and raw ingredients, as well as an initial round of tariffs between the US and EU on goods like steel and bourbon, has raised expectations that medicines will join the list.

The majority of medicinal supplies imported from China are of low monetary value. But the US depends on medicines partly produced in Europe that bring in hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue.

For example, Novo Nordisk partially makes some of the active pharmaceutical ingredient for obesity injection Wegovy in Denmark, while Merck's mega-blockbuster Keytruda and AbbVie's wrinkle treatment Botox are made in Ireland.

Novo chief executive Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen said this month that his company would experience short-term impacts from tariffs, but is moving to produce domestically more of its medicines sold in the US. The company last year announced a $4.1 billion (3.7 billion) investment to expand production in North Carolina.

Merck declined to comment for this story. AbbVie declined to comment on where individual medicines are manufactured but said it has a robust manufacturing network globally.

The US government, a major buyer of drugs for its massive Medicare and Medicaid health programmes, may face higher prices to account for the cost of tariffs, said Simon Baker, head of global biopharma research at Redburn Atlantic.

Emily Field, head of European pharma equity research at Barclays, told Reuters that until very recently she thought tariffs on prescription drugs were not a serious threat. Now she is "getting asked about this nonstop by clients," she said.

'Not broken'

Industry sources declined to say how the Trump administration has responded to its messages. The US president has previously announced tariffs on trade partners only to subsequently suspend or delay them or allow exceptions. One source said it was impossible to know which of several trade policy philosophies would prevail in the White House.

Trump last week called out Ireland for luring pharmaceutical companies with tax breaks, contributing to a "massive deficit." White House officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The European Commission declined to comment.

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the dependency of the US and EU on China and India for raw ingredients to make critical drugs and hospital supplies, as governments competed for materials used in vaccines and protective gear.

Many large drugmakers have since sought to delink supply chains for the Western and Chinese markets. But the notion of separating production ties between Europe and the US was not seriously considered, several of the sources said.

Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly recently announced plans to spend at least $27 billion (25 billion) on four new manufacturing plants in the US, but many drugmakers would find it difficult to follow suit, several of the sources said.

Building a new production facility in the US can cost up to $2 billion and take 5 to 10 years before it is operational, including time and costs related to fulfilling regulatory requirements, according to industry trade group PhRMA.

A senior executive from one of the European drugmakers said creating a wholly US-based manufacturing process would mean diverting funds from researching future medicines, and amounts to "fixing something that is not broken."
Isabel Hayes

A college student who raped a woman in a laneway while walking her home from the pub has been jailed for five years.

Michael Molloy (25), of Creagh Demesne, Gorey, Co Wexford, raped and sexually assaulted the then 20-year-old woman while walking her home in the early hours of November 1st, 2021. He was aged 22 at the time.

Molloy was found guilty by unanimous jury verdicts of one count of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of sexual assault of the woman following a Central Criminal Court trial in Waterford in February. The woman waived her anonymity to allow Molloy to be named, the court heard.

Molloy, who appeared emotional in the dock during the sentence hearing, maintains his innocence and does not accept the verdicts of the jury, the court heard. He told gardai he kissed and digitally penetrated the woman and that it was consensual. He has no previous convictions and has been in custody since his conviction.

Detective Garda Jacinta Gordon told the court that on the night in question, the young woman and her friends were driven to the pub by her father. They left the bar around 11.30pm and went for food before the woman decided to walk home.

Along the way, she met Molloy, whom she knew from when they were in school together but had never spoken to before. Instead of walking towards his house, Molloy walked the woman towards her home and they started kissing in a lane.

The woman kissed him back before telling him she didn't want to continue as she knew he had a girlfriend. Molloy then turned her around and forced her against a wall, digitally penetrating and raping her.

The woman repeatedly said no but Molloy told her to just let it happen. When the woman resisted and fell to the ground, he orally raped her.

She managed to push him off and ran home crying, with Molloy shouting after her not to tell anyone. She phoned a friend and then told her parents what had happened.

The woman was treated in a sexual assault treatment unit within a couple of hours, where lacerations, soreness and some bleeding was noted. Molloy was arrested and denied the charges.

During the trial, defence counsel put it to the woman that she had initiated the sexual activity between them and it was all consensual, which she vehemently denied.

Sentencing him on Tuesday, Mr Justice Paul Burns said Molloy took advantage of the fact the young woman may have shown some interest in him.

That didn't give him permission to engage in sexual activity without her consent, he said, adding it was a terrible experience for the woman that has lasting psychological effects.

What led a young man of previous good character with good prospects to do what he did remains unexplained, the judge said, noting there is no psychological report before the court.

He noted the DPP had placed the offending in the category of seven to 10 years' imprisonment and he set a headline sentence of seven years. He reduced it to six years, taking mitigation into account and suspended the final year of that sentence on a number of conditions, including that Molloy remain under the supervision of the Probation Service for three years.

In her victim impact statement which was read out by Det Gda Gordon, the woman said she has gone from being a young woman who felt she had everything going for her, full of confidence and drive, to a completely lost soul.

She said she feels violated and unsafe in her day-to-day life, with anxiety and recurring nightmares.

She said she is constantly reminded of the worst night of her life when she sees his relatives and has to be careful she doesn't run into him in the local shops.

She said she now distrusts people and has struggled to continue to live her life as normal, but that she can proudly say she is now coming out on the other side.

Colman Cody SC, defending, handed in a book of testimonials on behalf of Molloy, who he said had a number of achievements across the areas of education, sport and work.

At the time of this offence, he was studying architecture and design at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) with the aim of joining his father in the family business, but was unable to continue due to the case against him, the court heard.

Defence counsel said Molloy has a stable home environment to return to after his sentence has been served. He has been in a relationship with his current girlfriend for a year, the court heard.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
High Court reporters

A father of three who went into hospital for a straightforward day procedure died of water intoxication after drinking an excessive amount of water, the High Court has heard.

The family of Sean ODonnell (59) has settled a High Court action over the business managers death at St Vincents University Hospital in Dublin five years ago.

Counsel Declan Doyle SC, instructed by solicitor Stuart Gilhooly, told the court that Mr ODonnell was unfortunately encouraged and advised to drink excessive amounts of water while he was in hospital after the procedure and he suffered water intoxication.

Mr Doyle told the court the water intoxication caused cerebral oedema, seizures, cardiac arrest and the death of Mr ODonnell.

He said Mr ODonnell had gone in to St Vincents Hospital on the morning of January 20th, 2020, for the procedure under local anaesthetic. Mr Doyle said the procedure went off without incident and afterwards Mr O'Donnell was encouraged to drink water.

Mr ODonnell was pronounced dead after 7pm on January 20th, 2020.

Water intoxication or water poisoning is when you have more water in your body than you need and it causes a chemical imbalance that the body is unable clear out naturally and decreases electrolytes, especially sodium, in the body.

Noting the settlement and the division of the statutory 35,000 mental distress payment, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was indeed a very shocking case.

Mr ODonnells partner, Gail McGuinness of Stillorgan, Dublin, had sued St Vincents Healthcare Group over his death at the hospital five years ago.

In the proceedings it was claimed Mr O'Donnell was advised, encouraged and allowed to drink an excessive amount of water within the short period of time resulting in water intoxication, cerebral oedema, seizures, cardiac arrest and his death.

It was claimed there was a failure to properly care for, manage, supervise or treat Mr ODonnell.

There was also, it was alleged, a failure to properly or adequately identify or evaluate or treat his deteriorating condition or properly or adequately respond to it.

It was claimed Mr ODonnell was caused to become hyponatraemic, which is when the concentration of sodium in the blood is abnormally low.

It was also contended that an excessive oral intake of water was advised within a short period of time resulting in water intoxication and that there was a failure to monitor or supervise the intake of water by Mr ODonnell after the procedure.

St Vincents admitted a breach of duty of care in the case.

An inquest into Mr ODonnells death heard that such a situation had never occurred before.

The coroner returned a verdict of medical misadventure and confirmed that Mr ODonnells death was an unintended consequence from drinking water and said the situation was rare and out of the ordinary.

The coroner also recommended that there be mandatory training in cases of low sodium and for water input and output.

In the High Court on Tuesday. Mr Justice Paul Coffey extended his deepest sympathy to Ms McGuinness and to the ODonnell family.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Micheal Martin does not represent the people of Ireland, Conor McGregor has claimed, after being criticised by the Taoiseach.

It came after Irish political leaders said the mixed martial arts fighter does not speak for Ireland as he visited the White House for a St Patricks Day meeting with US President Donald Trump.

McGregor praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the President described him as fantastic.

The Dubliner told reporters in the West Wing that he was going to voice concerns about immigration issues in Ireland when he spoke to Mr Trump.

McGregor, who has previously stated an intent to run for presidency, claimed the Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin spoke out against the mixed martial arts fighter (Niall Carson/PA)

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand. McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

McGregor spoke to the media in the US (AP)

In response to McGregors comments to reporters in the White House briefing room, Taoiseach Micheal Martin later said his claims were wrong and did not reflect the views of the Irish people.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said that McGregor was not in the US to represent Ireland and did not speak for the people of Ireland, and has no mandate to.

Asked about Mr Martins criticism, Mr McGregor told Sky News: I am an employer of over 200 people, almost 300 people in the country of Ireland. Hes an employer of none.

Every available metric available to us has shown that the Government of Ireland currently has failed the people of Ireland.

In 10 years, Dublin City Centre has gone from one of the most safest cities in Europe, to one of the most dangerous.

So, shame on him for saying that, speaking down on an Irishman. I wont speak about him personally, throw a jab  I could, I could throw many jabs at him, I could throw jabs handily at them.

US President Donald Trump and Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Niall Carson/PA)

However, I speak on the metrics, and the metrics show they failed the people of Ireland. They do not represent the people of Ireland.

Asked how he would respond to people who said it is inappropriate for him to attend the White House, he walked away after saying: God bless Ireland and God bless America.

During a meeting with Mr Martin in the Oval office last week, Mr Trump described McGregor as great when asked who his favourite Irish person was.

The US president said the MMA fighter had the best tattoos Ive ever seen.

Conors great, right. But you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually, great fighters, he said.

Irelands always had a lot of good fighters.

You know why? Because theyre tough people, theyre smart people and theyre passionate people.
James Cox

Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar criticised Conor McGregor after the UFC fighter met US president Donald Trump at the White House on St Patrick's Day.

McGregor's meeting with Mr Trump sparked huge controversy online.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris quickly issued statements in which they said McGregor does not represent Irish people, and has no mandate to speak for the Irish public.

In a strongly-worded statement on his Instagram account, Mr Varadkar referred to the case in which a jury found McGregor civilly liable in a case taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand. McGregor is appealing against the outcome.

Conor McGregor and his family pictured with US president Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk in the Oval Office.

Mr Varadkar wrote: "Good Irish dads teach their sons to detest men like Conor and their daughters to avoid men like him. Irish America know this.

McGregor made a number of unfounded claims about immigration to Ireland in the White House press briefing room before his meeting with Mr Trump.

He also labelled Ireland America's "little bro", adding: "We wish to be taken care of by the big bro."

McGregor praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the president described him as fantastic.
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Dangote Cement has resumed construction of a 6Mta cement plant in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Itori, Nigeria. The facility will have two lines built on 533ha of land and will join the companys existing 12Mta capacity in the state to total 18Mta.

Aliko Dangote expressed regret that the US$800m plant was not commissioned earlier as planned and had been delayed due to opposition from former Governor Ibikunle Amos.

The project is scheduled for completion by November 2026.
Southeastern Trust Company announces the addition of Derek Rende to its team. A multi-family office headquartered in Chattanooga, Southeastern Trust helps families grow, preserve, and transition wealth using expertise in investment management, trust administration and estate planning.Mr. Rende will act as Southeastern Trusts business development manager. For the past four years, he has worked with a local independent insurance agency, assisting business owners and individuals with their risk management programs.Im excited to be part of a dynamic, multi-family office that values collaboration, trust and personalized service, said Mr. Rende. I look forward to working closely with Southeastern Trusts team of dedicated professionals to meet the unique needs of each family we serve.We are thrilled to have Derek join our team and help us meet our long-term goals as a company, said Bart Rolen, CEO of Southeastern Trust. Dereks tenacity and forward-thinking mindset will allow us to reach even more families in search of a family office approach when it comes to managing their wealth.Mr. Rende is a Chattanooga native and graduated UTC in 2010. A member of the UTC golf team, he made the All-Southern Conference team all four years at UTC, was the 2007 SoCon Freshman of the Year as well as a two-time All-American Scholar. In 2024, he was elected into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame.
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry announces the appointment of Maria Sheffield as Chair of its 2025 Board of Directors. The Chambers Board serves as the organizations governing body, providing strategic leadership to guide the Chambers operations, legislative priorities and policy agenda.

Ms. Sheffield, president of Caterpillar Financial Insurance Services Corporation, expressed her enthusiasm for the role: I am honored to serve as chair of the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Chamber in 2025. I look forward to collaborating with Chamber staff, my fellow Board members, and policymakers to ensure Tennessee continues to be a premier destination for businesses and economic prosperity.

The Tennessee Chamber Board is comprised of senior leaders and executives from a broad range of industries, representing the companies and sectors that drive the states economy.

Josh Brown, president and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Ms. Sheffields leadership: Marias extensive experience in both the private sector and public service makes her uniquely suited to lead our Board. Representing Caterpillar, one of Tennessees global headquartered companies, Maria will be a tremendous asset as we continue to champion policies that strengthen Tennessees position as a top-tier destination for businesses.

In addition, the Tennessee Chamber welcomes several new board members from Tennessee companies:

Michelle Gaskin Brown, Amazon

Jon Grayson, HCA Healthcare

A.J. Sain, FedEx

James Weaver, Holland & Knight


The George R. Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Cleveland State Community College will host an Entrepreneurship Event on March 25. The event is open to the public and sponsored by the Lynn Jones Foundation, the Cleveland Bradley Business Incubator and the Small Business Development Center.Five students will compete in the fourth annual Student Pitch Competition at noon. The Lynn Jones Foundation will award $2,000 and $1,000 to the first- and second-place winners, respectively.The Cleveland Bradley Business Incubator will award $500 to the third-place winner.Seven new businesses will compete in the third annual Community Pitch Competition at 6 p.m. The Lynn Jones Foundation will award $7,500 to the first-place winner, $4,000 to second-place and $1,500 to third-place.Community Pitch finalists are: Apex Pro Home Repair, LLC  Ryan Albright; Liberty Acres Dog Lodge  Liana Magda; Ocoee River Distilling  Sarah Berry; Ruddles Bread and Book  Janson and Kaylee Brown; Take Root Studio, LLC  Bryson Killian; The Red Barn Pet Resort, LLC  Laura Ashley Fairbanks; and Trailhead Counseling and Consulting, PLLC  Kristi Rice.Judges for the Community Pitch Competition are Dr. Corey Campbell, Cleveland State vice president for Academic Affairs; Jim Fairweather, owner of Fairweather Financial in Monroe County; and Margaret Schenck, founder of United Knitting in Cleveland and an advisory board member of the George R. Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.Along with the pitch competitions, the college will celebrate the grand opening of the George R. Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at 3 p.m. the same day. With a donation from the George R. Johnson Family Foundation, the new center includes a private workspace, a podcast booth and a conference area for collaboration or training.Sandra Godsey, Cleveland State dean of Business and Health Professions, said, We are excited to provide this opportunity to the community, as well as the faculty, staff and students of Cleveland State. We want to be a resource for the small businesses of our five-county service area which is the goal of the George R. Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.The pitch competitions and grand opening are free and open to the public. For more information, visit mycs.cc/entr, call 423-478-6224 or email entrepreneurship@clevelandstatecc.edu.
Papers, please. GOP bill requires citizenship verification for all K-12 students

8:30 a.m. CT  Finance, Ways & Means - Watch - SB0836 by Watson

In their quest to challenge a 53-year-old U.S. which held that states cannot deny students access to public K-12 schools based on immigration status, Republicans may force every family in Tennessee to present official documents that verify their childs U.S. citizenship to enroll in a public school.

which held that states cannot deny students access to public K-12 schools based on immigration status, Republicans may force every family in Tennessee to present official documents that verify their childs U.S. citizenship to enroll in a public school. For families displaced by natural disasters, home fires or other unforeseen circumstances, that process could be difficult, costly or both. Replacement records cost money and it takes time for recordkeepers to produce duplicates.

The measure also forces local school districts to develop and implement a citizenship verification process that could cost their districts time and financial resources they dont have before the start of the school year.

TDOT: 17,000 hours, $442 million lost due to traffic congestion

8:30 a.m. CT  Finance, Ways & Means - Watch - Presentation Materials

State transportation officials will tell members of the Senate that Tennessee workers and businesses lose more than 17,000 hours and $442 million each year to worsening traffic congestion.

For years, the Department of Transportation has warned the Republican-controlled legislature that Tennessees highway funding mechanism is broken, but the controlling party has mostly chosen to ignore reforms to address the core funding issue.

Now, after 14 years of Republican control, Tennessee has amassed a $38.5 billion backlog in road and bridge projects and Republican still have no plan to fix the states failing highway fund. Democrats do have a plan.

Corporate tax breaks have eroded the value of economic incentives

9 a.m. CT  FW&M Revenue Subcommittee - Watch - SB0430 by Reeves

Place this in the file of Unintended Consequences. Gov. Bill Lee and Republican lawmakers passed record corporate tax breaks two years in a row, but now some of the corporations that benefited are telling lawmakers their once valuable economic incentives are essentially worthless.

As if the zero dollar tax bill wasnt enough, now a Republican is proposing a law that would allow these giant corporations to sell their franchise and excise tax credits to other businesses.

Once again, we see that Republicans will do anything to cut costs for big corporations while they ignore the affordability crisis gripping everyday families.





Democratic bill to repeal TNs grocery tax gets first hearing

9 a.m. CT  FW&M Revenue Subcommittee - Watch - SB0002 by Oliver

To help families that are struggling with soaring price of food, Sen. Charlane Oliver will present Senate Bill 2 to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries.

The End the Grocery Tax by Closing Corporate Loopholes Act would responsibly repeal the state sales tax on food by cutting taxes for working families and replacing the lost revenue by closing tax loopholes that benefit multinational corporations.

An in-depth analysis released last month shows that Tennessee could more than offset the cost of eliminating the food tax by closing the offshore tax havens big corporations use to hide their true income.

This same calendar features the Republican-backed legislation to end the states grocery tax, but their bill has no replacement revenue. That means an $800 million loss of revenue for the state  potentially forcing funding cuts for road construction, healthcare, education and economic development.

Full Senate Schedule

8:30 a.m. Finance, Ways & Means

1. *SJR0048 by Massey.

General Assembly, Review Or Ratification of Rules - Ratifies the increase of the 911 surcharge rate to $1.86 as approved by the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board.

Increases 911 user fees by $36 million annually. The alternative to this is relying on local governments to close any funding gaps.

2. *SB0032 by Bailey. (HB0477 by Vaughan.)

Taxes - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 20. As introduced, allows a taxpayer to annually elect to take a bonus depreciation deduction of 40 percent of the cost of assets purchased on or after January 1, 2026, during the tax year in which the assets were purchased when calculating net earnings or net losses for excise tax purposes; allows the taxpayer to take the federal depreciation percentage if it exceeds 40 percent.

Watch. Tax break. Businesses use depreciation for tax purposesnamely, to reduce their total taxable income and, thus, reduce their tax bill.

3. *SJR0002 by Pody.

General Assembly, Statement of Intent or Position - Expresses support for the Nation of Israel.





4. SB0817 by Lowe. (*HB0760 by Darby.)

Drugs, Prescription - Amends TCA Title 49; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68. As introduced, authorizes a healthcare practitioner to prescribe and a pharmacist to dispense a prescribed, bronchodilator rescue inhaler to an authorized entity to be administered to a person believed to be experiencing asthma symptoms or respiratory distress in an emergency situation, under a standing protocol from the healthcare practitioner; encourages schools in LEAs and public charter schools to keep bronchodilator rescue inhalers to be administered to students believed to be having asthma symptoms or in respiratory distress in an emergency situation.





5. *SB0763 by Yager. (HB0968 by Hawk.)

Tobacco, Tobacco Products - Amends TCA Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 15; Title 47, Chapter 25; Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 10 and Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 26. As introduced, requires the department of revenue to maintain a directory on its website that lists all vapor products certified as authorized to be sold in this state; levies a privilege tax of seven cents per milliliter of consumable material contained in a closed-system vapor product; levies a privilege tax at the rate of 10 percent of the wholesale cost price on an open-system vapor product.

Watch. Highly controversial regulations and tax increase on vapor products. The American Heart Association is opposed because the bill does not directly address youth vaping and only limits competition in the industry. The American Lung Association is also opposed.





6. *SB0129 by Haile. (HB0331 by Baum.)

Tennessee Housing Development Agency - Amends TCA Section 13-23-121. As introduced, increases, from $4 billion to $6 billion, the maximum aggregate principal amount for which the agency may issue bonds and notes at any one time.





7. SB1002 by Haile. (*HB0988 by Marsh.)

Cooperatives - Amends TCA Title 43, Chapter 16, Part 1 and Section 67-4-102. As introduced, specifies that the privilege tax exemption for subsidiaries of agricultural cooperatives applies without regard to whether the subsidiary was formed as a corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or other legal entity, association, or body vested with the power or function of a legal entity.





8. SB1266 by Johnson. (*HB0103 by Lamberth.)

Foster Care - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 49 and Title 55. As introduced, expands the provision of voluntary extended foster care services by the department of children's services to include young adults between 20 and 23 who were in the custody of the department at the time of the young adult's 18th birthday and young adults who were adopted from, or approved for subsidized permanent guardianship by, the department of children's services at 16 or older.





9. *SB1314 by Johnson. (HB1328 by Lamberth.)

Criminal Procedure - Amends TCA Section 40-38-507. As introduced, establishes a permanent criminal proceedings notification system, rather than a pilot project; removes the July 1, 2025, termination date for the criminal proceedings notification system.





10. SB0836 by Watson. (*HB0793 by Lamberth.)

Local Education Agencies - As amended, requires documentation showing that a student is a citizen of the United States, is in the process of obtaining citizenship, or holds a legal immigration or visa status at the time of the students enrollment in an LEA or public charter school. Additionally, this legislation permits an LEA or public charter school to charge tuition and require full payment prior to enrollment for any student who cannot provide the required documentation.

Watch. Bill aims to deny undocumented families access to public schools and overturn four decades of SCOTUS precedent.

11. Capital Budget -- Budget Hearing





12. Tennessee Higher Education Commission -- Budget Hearing





13. Department of General Services -- Budget Hearing





14. Transportation Department - Infrastructure Discussion

Fourteen years of Republican control have left Tennessee with a $38.5 billion backlog in road and bridge projects. Despite crumbling roads, record traffic and old bridges, the Republican Party has no plan to fix its failed highway funding formula. Democrats do have a plan.

9 a.m. FW&M Revenue Subcommittee

1. SB0430 by Reeves. (*HB0424 by Baum.)

Taxes - With amendment, authorizes a corporate taxpayer who has been awarded an Industrial Machinery Tax Credit (credit) against the franchise and excise (F&E) tax to assign the credit to another taxpayer subject to the franchise and excise tax and the same limitations and benefits applicable to the taxpayer who generated the credit. Requires the taxpayer who generated the credit to enter into a written agreement with the taxpayer assigned the credit establishing the terms and conditions of the transfer of credit.

Watch. After several years of record corporate tax breaks, Republicans have essentially made corporate tax credits obsolete. Now, theyre proposing a law that allows corporations to sell their tax credits to other companies.





2. SB1164 by Akbari. (*HB0633 by Clemmons.)

Taxes, Sales - Amends TCA Section 67-6-228. As introduced, exempts the retail sale of fresh, frozen, and canned fruit and vegetables for human consumption from the food retail sales tax.





3. SB0294 by Crowe. (*HB0193 by Jones R.)

Taxes, Exemption and Credits - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3. As introduced, exempts from the sales and use tax the purchase of a motor vehicle that is registered in this state by a qualifying member of the Tennessee national guard; applies the sales tax exemption only to the first $15,000 of the sales price and only to one vehicle sold to such individual within a five-year period.





4. *SB0526 by Stevens. (HB0889 by Todd.)

Taxes - As amended, reclassifies time-share and vacation club property, from industrial and commercial property to residential property, for property tax assessment purposes.

Watch. Tax break for time-share companies. Reclassifying timeshare properties as residential would result in a significant drop in local property tax collections.





5. SB1293 by Johnson. (*HB0117 by Lamberth.)

Taxes, Sales - Amends TCA Section 67-6-410. As introduced, extends indefinitely the authority of the commissioner of revenue to require persons selling food, candy, or nonalcoholic beverages, including bottled soft drinks, to retailers to file an information report of such net sales with the department by deleting the July 1, 2025, termination date.

Helps the Revenue Department ensure tax compliance

6. SB0397 by Rose. (*HB0189 by Gant.)

Taxes - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 17. As introduced, repeals the professional privilege tax for tax years that begin on and after June 1, 2026.

Watch. The fiscal memo says its a $90 million annual tax break for lawyers, stock brokers, investment brokers and lobbyists  88% of whom live out of state!

7. SB1367 by Watson. (*HB0021 by Davis.)

Taxes, Sales - Amends TCA Title 57, Chapter 3 and Title 67. As introduced, exempts from the state sales and use tax the retail sale of food and food ingredients.

Watch. GOPs grocery tax repeal, but they have no way to pay for it, which means ~$800 million of cuts to other government services.





8. *SB1205 by Kyle. (HB1218 by Johnson.)

Taxes, Sales - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 6. As introduced, exempts the sale or use of menstrual hygiene products from sales and use tax.

9. SB0002 by Oliver. (*HB0002 by Behn.)

Taxes - Amends TCA Title 57 and Title 67. As introduced, enacts the "End the Grocery Tax by Closing Corporate Loopholes Act."

Repeals Tennessees grocery tax and replaces the revenue by closing corporate tax loopholes, such closing foreign tax havens.





10. SB1328 by Yarbro. (*HB1183 by Towns.)

Taxes - caption

11. *SB0117 by Haile. (HB0170 by Garrett.)

Taxes, Exemption and Credits - With amendment, exempts breast pumps and supplies, prescriptions diapers and prescription incontinence products from the sales tax.

12. SB0872 by Haile. (*HB0784 by Martin G.)

Taxes, Sales - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3. As introduced, exempts from the sales and use tax the retail sale of infant formula and diapers and wipes designed to be used by infants and children.





13. *SB0177 by Briggs. (HB0909 by Garrett.)

Taxes, Sales - Amends TCA Section 67-6-103. As introduced, reallocates the increase in the rate of sales and use tax from 6 percent to 7 percent pursuant to Chapter 856 of the Public Acts of 2002 by apportioning 4.6030 percent of such increase to municipalities.

Watch. Returns more sales tax revenue to local governments.

10:30 a.m. State & Local Government

1. *SB1313 by Johnson. (HB1326 by Lamberth.)

Real Property - Amends TCA Title 13. As introduced, creates a vested property right upon the submission, rather than the approval, of a development plan or building permit; specifies that the vesting period applicable when it is based on the submission of a building permit is three years.





Watch. Another bill to erode local control over building, codes and permitting

2. *SB1271 by Johnson. (HB1306 by Lamberth.)

Economic and Community Development - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 53; Title 9, Chapter 21 and Title 9, Chapter 23. As introduced, clarifies that certain definitions concerning housing facilities and developments with regard to industrial development corporations include affordable and workforce housing; authorizes a municipality or county to approve amendments to an economic impact plan when approving the plan.

Rolled two weeks.

3. *SB0322 by Massey. (HB0915 by Sparks.)

Salaries and Benefits - Amends TCA Section 8-50-813. As introduced, grants eligible employees leave of up to six workweeks because the employee is caring for a family member with a serious health condition.





4. SB0327 by Massey. (*HB0319 by Rudd.)

Taxes, Ad Valorem - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 5. As introduced, revises the definition of "residential property" for purposes of classification and assessment of property taxes to include property that can be sold and purchased as a single unit fee simple title, regardless of whether it is vacant, owner-occupied, rented, or detached or attached.





Need more info. $72 million fiscal note. Opposed by Property Assessors. Under current statute, industrial and commercial property is assessed at 40 percent of its value and residential property is assessed at 25 percent of its value. This bill would allow properties such as rental condominiums, town homes, and other dwellings currently assessed as commercial property to be assessed as residential property, which would result in a decrease in local property tax revenue.

5. *SB0336 by Akbari. (HB0687 by Camper.)

Election Laws - Amends TCA Title 2 and Title 40. As introduced, removes the permanent deprivation of the right of suffrage upon conviction of first degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, or voter fraud; removes the requirement that a person must have paid all court costs in order to be eligible for restoration of the right of suffrage; requires a person to be compliant with all current child support orders rather than current in all child support obligations in order to be eligible for restoration of the right of suffrage.





6. *SB0261 by Pody. (HB0447 by Hulsey.)

Prisons and Reformatory Institutions - Amends TCA Title 3; Title 4; Title 40 and Title 41. As introduced, requires the department of correction, in consultation with the inmate disciplinary oversight board, to compose a report detailing the number of inmates who earned sentence reduction credits, and to submit the report to legislative committees.





Maybe good? Need more info

7. *SB0026 by Pody. (HB0636 by Burkhart.)

Regional Authorities and Special Districts - authorizes municipalities, counties, and metropolitan governments to establish infrastructure development districts (IDD) within a municipality or across multiple municipalities for the purpose of establishing an alternative method to fund and finance capital infrastructure through the levy and collection of special assessments and the issuance of bonds, the maximum term of which must not exceed 30 years from the first issuance of the debt obligation. It adds the ability for commercial development to be eligible to participate in infrastructure development districts.

8. *SB1155 by Crowe. (HB1361 by Alexander.)

Alcoholic Beverage Commission - Amends TCA Title 57. As introduced, authorizes the commissioner to provide a grace period for filing returns for taxes related to alcohol of 45 days instead of 30 days.





9. SB0293 by Crowe. (*HB0020 by Reedy.)

Military - Amends TCA Title 9, Chapter 4 and Title 58. As introduced, specifies that the state guard is a separate entity within the military department for budgetary purposes.





10. SB0652 by Crowe. (*HB0393 by Butler.)

Correction, Dept. of - Amends TCA Title 4. As introduced, requires the department to pay from existing budgeted funds a monthly amount to a correctional officer for the medical care of a retired canine that served the department if the canine is given to the care and custody of the officer.





11. SB0504 by Rose. (*HB0346 by Bulso.)

Naming and Designating - Amends TCA Title 3, Chapter 1 and Title 4, Chapter 8. As introduced, names the desk of house chamber seat number 60 as the Legislative Desk of Representative John J. Deberry, Jr.; directs the chief clerk of the house of representatives, or the chief clerks designee, to design and provide for the installation of a commemorative plaque on the side of the desk of house chamber seat number 60 to recognize the official name of such desk.

Hes not dead. Why now?





12. SB0503 by Rose. (*HB0327 by Bulso.)

Holidays and Days of Special Observance - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 4. As introduced, designates the month of June as "Celebration of Life" month, the month of July as "Celebration of Liberty" month, and the month of August as "Celebration of the Pursuit of Happiness" month in Tennessee.

Watch. A month to celebrate the Dobbs decision. No thanks.





13. SB0396 by Rose. (*HB0132 by Zachary.)

Governor - Amends TCA Section 58-2-107. As introduced, limits the duration of a state of emergency declared by the governor to 30 days; authorizes the general assembly to terminate, extend, or renew a state of emergency by joint resolution; establishes an ad hoc legislative council to extend a state of emergency during the interim between legislative sessions.





14. *SB0377 by Rose. (HB0548 by Cochran.)

Purchasing and Procurement - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 56. As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Procurement Protection Act."

Watch. Silly season.





15. SB0858 by Taylor. (*HB0939 by Powers.)

State Employees - With amendment, establishes that a law enacted by this state or a political subdivision of this state must not regulate, restrict, or otherwise govern any employer welfare benefit plan subject to preemption under Section 514 of the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Watch. Related to regulations on pharmacy benefit managers

16. SB0274 by Taylor. (*HB0307 by Gillespie.)

County Government - Amends TCA Title 5. As introduced, declares that the offices of sheriff, register, county clerk, assessor of property, and trustee are the constitutional officers of a county that has adopted a charter form of government; specifies the duties for each constitutional officer.

Sheriff Bonner bill.





17. SB0275 by Taylor. (*HB0306 by Gillespie.)

County Government - Amends TCA Title 5. As introduced, requires the offices of sheriff, register, county clerk, assessor of property, and trustee in a county that has adopted a charter form of government to independently develop the budget for such office and submit the budget directly to the county legislative body; authorizes such offices to approve transfers between line items within the total amount of each category of personnel and operational maintenance; prohibits the county legislative body from implementing any kind of personnel restriction or operational maintenance restrictions on these offices.

Watch. Is this micromanaging local governments? Sheriff Bonner bill.





18. SB1139 by Taylor. (*HB0542 by Vaughan.)

Utilities, Utility Districts - Amends TCA Title 7; Title 13, Chapter 7; Title 65 and Title 68. As introduced, requires a utility to review plans of development for compliance with water, electric, and natural gas infrastructure codes within 30 days of the plan's submission; authorizes developers to hire a third-party plans examiner in lieu of the utility's review if not timely completed.

Watch. Allows developers to bypass utility examiners in some circumstances.





19. *SB1008 by Oliver. (HB1381 by Harris.)

Housing - Amends TCA Title 13, Chapter 21. As introduced, authorizes municipalities to create, implement, and enforce a rental property registry for all residential rental dwelling units within the municipality's jurisdiction; requires owners of residential rental dwelling units to register; requires a municipality that adopts a registry to send an annual report containing certain information to the department of economic and community development.





20. SB0242 by Oliver. (*HB0298 by Behn.)

Housing - Amends TCA Title 13; Title 47 and Title 66. As introduced, enacts the "Homes not Hedge Funds Act"; prohibits certain business entities from purchasing more than 100 single-family homes in certain counties in this state for purposes of renting the purchased properties; establishes a state and private cause of action and establishes damages for violations.

Rolled to 2026
The Creative Discovery Museum invites the public to join them as they celebrate the will celebrate color, culture and community at a special Holi Festival on Saturday, March 22."This vibrant, family-friendly event, included with museum admission, brings the energy and traditions of Indias Festival of Colors to Chattanooga with music, dance, food and a joyful color throw," officials said. "Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is a lively Hindu festival celebrated across India and South Asia marking the arrival of spring.Its a time for renewal, joy and togetherness, and throwing bright colors in the air symbolizes fresh starts and the triumph of good over evil. Inspired by our current traveling exhibit, Namaste India, this event brings Indias vibrant traditions to life with a full day of activities."Activities include: Rangoli Art  watch designs take shape on the plaza; Live Performances  experience classical Indian dance and music; Indian Food Tasting  enjoy chai and other flavors from India; and Color Throw Finale  end the day in a cloud of vibrant colors on the plaza (be sure to wear something you dont mind getting colorful).Event schedule: 9-11 a.m.: Rangoli Artist, Sushma Patel, on the Plaza; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Language Artists and Writing Demos in Art Studio; 11:30 a.m.: Story Time in Discovery Library; noon: Southern Classical Indian Dance Performance in Atrium; 1 p.m.: Khusboo Choudhary Musical Performance in Atrium; 2 p.m.: Kitchen demo and tasting with Chai served in Spark Central; 3 p.m.: Dol Dynamite Youth Dancers Performance in Atrium; 4 p.m.: Final Celebration with Color Display on the Plaza.Officials said, "This celebration is made possible through the guidance of Swati Patel, CDMs community engagement coordinator, who helped shape the event by sharing her heritage and traditions. Special thanks to the India Association of Chattanooga, ArtsBuild and Tennessee Arts Commission for their support of this event."
Patrons will be able to purchase wine and spirits at the new Knoxville Smokies and Chattanooga Lookouts stadiums after legislation was approved by the Tennessee General Assembly.

State Rep. Justin Lafferty, R-Knoxville, led passage to House Bill 823 on Monday, which authorizes the stadiums to sell wine and liquor. For beer sales, the stadiums will need to obtain a permit from their jurisdictions beer board.

House Bill 823 ensures Tennessees newest stadiums will be able to offer wine and spirits, bringing them in line with the states other major sport venues, Rep. Lafferty said. This bill enhances the fan experience while also creating opportunities for more quality jobs at the stadiums.

The Knoxville Smokies are set to play their first game inside the Covenant Health Park in downtown Knoxville on April 15. This move comes after the team spent 20 years in Kodak, Tn. The stadium is also expected to host One Knoxville SC games, concerts and festivals.

The Chattanooga Lookouts will move to a new stadium across town in the South Broad district. Similarly, this stadium is also multi-purpose and expected to host a variety of events. Crews broke ground in July 2024, and expect to be operational by early 2026.

Following community requests, the bill sets the Chattanooga stadiums wine and liquor license expiration date for March 1, 2030, and requires local law enforcement to submit an annual report to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, covering any public safety issues like public intoxication, vandalism or drunk driving.

House Bill 823 now heads to Governor Lees desk and the act will take effect immediately upon his signature.
This years OE-A competition was dominated by projects and products that focus on smart living. 20 entrants from around the world submitted their latest visions and products to the OE-A Competition 2025. From smart patches for healthcare applications to hydrogen tanks and new lighting applications: innovative demos and products that illustrate the potential and capabilities of printed electronics were recognized at LOPEC 2025, the international exhibition and conference for printed electronics, in Munich, Germany. The competition is organized annually by the OE-A (Organic and Printed Electronics Association), a working group within the VDMA.

The panel of judges, comprising experts from international companies and research institutions, assessed 20 submissions across three categories. In addition to the jurys evaluation, LOPEC attendees had the opportunity to cast their votes. At the OE-A booth, where all demonstrators were showcased, visitors were invited to select their favorite innovation for the Public Choice Award.

The OE-A Competition 2025 is particularly notable for its numerous applications in the smart living sector. We have increasingly seen projects that offer smart solutions for everyday life with a strong emphasis on sustainability  said Dr. Klaus Hecker, Managing Director of the OE-A.

Each year, the competition pushes the printed electronics industry to present its most innovative and forward-thinking developments.

The awards were officially handed over during the LOPEC Award Show to the following winners:

Best Prototype and New Product : Health patch development platform, Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG, Germany

Health patch development platform, Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG, Germany Best Freestyle Demonstrator: Fully additive manufactured light bulb, FAPS Institute for Factory Automation and Production Systems at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany

Fully additive manufactured light bulb, FAPS Institute for Factory Automation and Production Systems at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany Best Publicly Funded Project: Hydrogen tanks shock and fatigue detection sensors, Piezotech Arkema, France

Hydrogen tanks shock and fatigue detection sensors, Piezotech Arkema, France Public Choice Award: Smart hard hat, CeNTI  Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Portugal Young entrepreneurs wanted for LOPEC Start-up Competition As part of the LOPEC Business Conference, the OE-A supports emerging companies and startups through the Start-up Competition. The goal of the Start-up Competition is to connect young entrepreneurs with potential partners and investors to help bring their business ideas to life. LOPEC provides these companies with the opportunity to pitch their ideas at the Forum and showcase their innovations in the dedicated Start-up area, explains Dr. John Fahlteich, Chair of LOPEC Start-up Competition.

Two awards were presented:

LOPEC Start-up Competition 2024
Cherokee Federals latest unveiling offers an unmatched mobile versatility for Vertical Take-Off and Landing and electric VTOL aircraft. Mobile Vertipad Platform, MVP, operates across diverse sectors  from commercial airports and defense operations to emergency response and humanitarian efforts in austere environments.
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A recent survey conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University has revealed that more than half of Americans either do not believe in God or think that He does not influence their lives.

The findings, part of the American Worldview Inventory 2025, were released on Wednesday and are based on responses from 2,100 U.S. adults collected in January.

The research indicated that overall, 60% of Americans do not believe God exists or that He "affects lives." Alarmingly, nearly half of the respondents who identified as Christians, at 47%, and a slightly smaller percentage of theologically identified born-again Christians, at 40%, shared the same sentiment.

Among those Americans who profess belief in God and acknowledge His influence, a plurality of 38% characterized God as the "most important element" in their lives. Meanwhile, 23% described God as "extremely important," and 18% viewed Him as having a "very important" influence.

Additionally, 14% of believers regarded God as "somewhat important," while 5% considered Him to be either "not too" important or "not at all" important. The remaining 3% categorized their views on God's influence as "it varies."

Only 20% of those who believe in the God of the Bible stated that they maintained an intimate and interactive spiritual relationship with Him, with constant two-way communication. In contrast, 45% described their relationship with God as close, characterized by frequent prayer and trust in Him to do what is best and right.

Additionally, 11% reported their relationship with God as arms-length, while 18% affirmed that, although God exists and is capable of all things, they do not engage in a personal, interactive relationship with Him. The remaining 7% expressed uncertainty about whether God interacts with people and were unsure how to describe their relationship with Him.

When it comes to the influence of God in their lives, one-third of believers defined God as having a total influence, while another third acknowledged "a lot" of His influence in their lives, which often reflected His guidance. Nineteen percent felt that God had some influence, while 6% said He had "not much influence," and 4% claimed He had "no identifiable or conscious influence" on their lives. The remaining 3% indicated that God's influence was "consistent or unknown."

Regarding what they believe God provides them, a majority of those who believe in God cited Him as a source of hope (72%), comfort (71%), peace (65%), guidance (64%), compassion (60%), joy (60%), mercy (58%), and purpose (54%). Smaller percentages viewed God as a source of miracles (47%), opportunities (41%), security (38%), responsibilities (33%), and power (31%). Less than a quarter of believers think God provides identity (24%) and boundaries (19%).

George Barna, the director of research at Arizona Christian University, commented on these findings, stating, The more time you spend thinking about what this research tells us, the more you are likely to conclude that nothing short of sweeping national repentance and spiritual renewal can save America from itself.

He further noted, The fact that more than three out of four people who believe God exists and is influential in their lives nevertheless do not get their identity from their relationship with Him explains a lot. He added, The fact that two out of three people who believe in Gods existence and influence do not believe their connection to Him comes with responsibilities, delivers additional insight.
Pastor Clive Johnston | Photo Credit: Facebook/ The Christian Institute

A retired Baptist pastor, Clive Johnston, has been charged with violating a controversial buffer zone law near an abortion clinic in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

At 76 years old, Johnston, who previously served as the president of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, faces two charges under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act.

These charges include allegedly attempting to influence individuals seeking abortion services and failing to leave the designated area when instructed by the police.

According to The Christian Institute, which is defending Johnston, his sermon occurred on July 7, 2024, on a patch of grass near Causeway Hospital. This location was separated from the hospital by a dual carriageway, and approximately a dozen people attended the service, which featured hymn singing and included a wooden cross as part of the gathering.

Despite the sermon containing no placards or any references to abortion, authorities have classified the service as a violation of the buffer zone regulations. Johnston is set to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Friday, where he may face fines totaling thousands of pounds.

Simon Calvert, Deputy Director of The Christian Institute, labeled the prosecution an outrageous restriction on freedom of religion and freedom of speech. He contended that the application of the buffer zone law, designed to prevent harassment or protests near abortion clinics, is being misapplied in this case.

Calvert stated, 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.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, introduced by the Green Party in 2022, created 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 are increasingly questioning whether the law is being used to suppress expressions of faith or speech that are not related to abortion.
Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, sits inside his chapel at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on March 18, 2025. | Photo Credit: Vatican Press

The Vatican has released a photograph of Pope Francis, 88, who is currently using a wheelchair while recovering from double pneumonia.

The image, shared on Sunday, shows the pontiff seated in front of an altar in the chapel of his hospital suite at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. Earlier that morning, Pope Francis had concelebrated Mass, marking another significant step in his gradual recovery, according to the Vatican press office.

In a message to his followers, the pope reflected on his condition, describing his hospitalization as a period of trial and expressing gratitude for the prayers and support he has received, as reported by The Telegraph.

Since his hospitalization on February 14, Francis has been recovering steadily, although he continues to require various medical therapies, including motor and respiratory physiotherapy.

The Vatican has reassured the public that the popes condition remains stable but emphasized that he has not yet been discharged. While he has been absent from public appearances, officials from the Vatican have indicated that he is no longer in immediate danger.

Ordinarily, Pope Francis leads a series of significant events, including the Good Friday procession and Easter Mass in St. Peters Square.

In other news, plans are moving forward for King Charles and Queen Camillas upcoming state visit to Italy and the Vatican, which is scheduled for April, according to The Times of London.

Reports surfaced about a proposal for wealthy donors connected to the Kings Foundation to attend a private meeting with the pope at Castel Gandolfo, a site historically used as a papal summer residence. However, this proposal was withdrawn shortly after it was emailed to the Foreign Office.

A representative from the Kings Foundation clarified to The Times of London that although informal discussions regarding possible attendees took place, no donors were officially invited or will participate in any events during the state visit.
Home News American pastor offers his life for Nigerian Christian sentenced to death by hanging

An American pastor is offering his life in exchange for a Nigerian Christian sentenced to death by hanging for killing a Fulani herdsman in self-defense during an attack on his farm.

Pastor William Devlin, the missions pastor of Infinity Bible Church in the South Bronx, New York, is speaking out in support of Sunday Jackson after the Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld the farmer's death sentence on March 7. Devlin first announced his plea when speaking to a group of reporters in Nigeria after the court made its decision.

"I was just filled with emotion," Devlin told The Christian Post. "I said to the press, 'My relationship with Jesus Messiah demands that I offer myself up for Sunday Jackson, much as Jesus Messiah offered Himself up for me.'"

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"God has blessed me with a great life," the pastor said, noting that he's 72 while Jackson is only 30 years old. "If I can save that man's life, and they take my life, then I'm willing to do it."

Devlin, the volunteer CEO of the nonprofit charities REDEEM! and Widows & Orphans, has traveled the globe for years advocating for and standing in solidarity with persecuted Christians. He has been involved in Jackson's case since 2021, the year Justice Fatima Ahmed Tafida, a Muslim, sentenced the farmer to death.

The sentence followed a 2015 incident in which a Fulani herder, Buba Ardo Bawuro, allegedly pulled a knife on Jackson. At the time, Jackson was a farmer and student from Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Jackson says he was working on his farm in Numan when Bawuro herded his animals onto Jackson's farm and allowed them to feed on his crops. Jackson maintains that the herdsman attacked and injured him when he tried to confront Bawuro about the situation, but the farmer managed to overpower and kill the man.

At the initial trial in 2021, the Adamawa High Court judge interpreted the law to mean that Jackson should have fled the scene instead of killing his attacker, sentencing the farmer to death by hanging. The Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld this ruling earlier this month.

While Devlin joins various Christian leaders in advocating for clemency in Jackson's case, the pastor and human rights advocate clarified that he is prepared to die in the farmer's place if these efforts prove unsuccessful.

"I see it as obedience to the Scripture," the pastor stated. "Jesus Messiah did it for me. He went to the cross, and I have a new life because of that. So why wouldn't I do that for someone else?"

Leaders with the Christian Association of Nigeria and other human rights advocates are calling on Adamawa Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to pardon Jackson.

"The facts of this case are a textbook case of miscarriage of justice: In the first place, Mr. Sunday Jackson was held awaiting trial for capital offence for several years  a trial that essentially consisted of no more than five sittings," human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe stated after attending the March 7 hearing.

"Instead of a five-day trial, he spent over six years in custody in a non-controversial trial in which he did not deny that the death of the deceased occurred as a result of an altercation via self-defense."

Violence in Nigeria between radicalized herders and predominantly Christian farming communities has led to thousands of deaths in the past decade, with some groups contending that the standard has been reached to declare "genocide," a claim the Nigerian government rejects.

Christian advocates often complain that violent attacks targeting their communities in Muslim-majority northern Nigeria are not often prosecuted and attackers are rarely held accountable.

Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives held a congressional hearing last Wednesday titled "Conflict and Persecution in Nigeria: The Case for a CPC Designation."

Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, called on President Donald Trump's administration to redesignate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern," a designation that can result in potential sanctions or other diplomatic deterrence measures.

During his first presidency, the Trump administration designated Nigeria as a CPC in 2020, which former Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reversed in 2021 during President Joe Biden's administration. The CPC label is reserved for nations that engage in and tolerate the most egregious violations of religious freedom.

While the House Foreign Affairs Committee adopted H. Res. 82 last year, which called on the Biden administration to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC, the resolution never came to the House floor. Smith reintroduced the legislation earlier this month, which is now called H.Res. 220.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria, joined several experts in testifying at the hearing. The bishop warned of a "long-term, Islamic agenda" to "homogenize" the population and eliminate all of the Christians.

"This strategy includes both violent and non-violent actions, such as the exclusion of Christians from positions of power, the abduction of Church members, the raping of women, the killing and expulsion of Christians, the destruction of churches and farmlands of Christian farmers, followed by the occupation of such lands by Fulani herders," Anagbe testified. "All of this takes place without government interference or reprisals."

According to the 2025 Global Christian Relief Red List, nearly 10,000 Nigerian Christians died at the hands of Boko Haram and other Islamic extremist groups between November 2022 and November 2024. In addition to Boko Haram, armed Fulani herders frequently target Christians, subjecting them to violence and creating feelings of unrest.
Home News Sight to the blind? Elon Musk looks to expand Neuralink applications to 'telepathy,' 'telekinesis'

For Elon Musk, giving sight to the blind isn't just a first century phenomenon.

The Tesla and X CEO brain implant venture, Neuralink, filed trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on March 3 for "Telepathy," "Telekinesis," and "Blindsight," hinting at a future where human thought could transcend traditional communication and control.

The company, co-founded by Musk in 2016, is developing a brain-computer interface (BCI), a system that decodes neural signals to operate external devices. Musk has touted telepathy as Neuralinks first product, designed to empower people with paralysis to "control a computer or phone just by thinking."

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According to a Jan. 24 post by Musk, the product enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking. Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.

However, the trademarks description as an implantable brain to computer interface for facilitating communication and control of software and hardware suggests broader aspirations, potentially including telepathic exchanges between humans.

Neuralinks technology involves a brain implant that captures neural activity, paired with software translating those signals into actions like moving a cursor on a screen. The company has made strides in its experimental phase, implanting three individuals as part of an early feasibility study. The first recipient, Noland Arbaugh, underwent surgery in January 2024, and by November, Neuralink secured approval to launch a trial site in Canada.

The trademark filings also include telekinesis for controlling devices like robotic arms and blindsight for restoring sight, reflecting Musks expansive vision.

Neuralinks journey had a rocky start as Musks frustration with slow progress led to a 2018 push for human trials. The company faced scrutiny after allegations of animal testing mishaps, with a 2022 Reuters report claiming employee concerns over rushed experiments causing unnecessary suffering. Despite setbacks, Neuralink gained FDA approval in May 2023 for human trials, a milestone Musk celebrated as a step toward treating neurological conditions.

But suppose Musks new venture is successful, are Americans ready to have their private thoughts shared with the world?

According to a 2022 survey, 24% of Americans believe in some form of telepathy, part of a broader trend where 87% embrace at least one New Age belief, including reincarnation (27%) and parallel realities (24%).

While supernatural powers like telepathy might sound intriguing, the Christian apologetics site GotQuestions.org offered a biblical take on such abilities.

Humans cannot use their minds to move or create objects. Those in the spirit realm can. So, every mysterious occurrence must be powered either by God or the enemy.
Home News John Roberts scolds Trump in rare public statement: 'Not an appropriate response'

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public statement Tuesday in an apparent rebuke of President Donald Trump, who has called for the impeachment of a federal district judge after he attempted to block the deportation of Venezuelan gang members in the U.S. illegally.

"For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose," Roberts said.

Roberts' scolding came shortly after Trump unleashed a statement on Truth Social blasting Judge James E. Boasberg, who has served as chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since 2023.

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"This Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, was not elected President  He didnt WIN the popular VOTE (by a lot!), he didnt WIN ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, he didnt WIN 2,750 to 525 Counties, HE DIDNT WIN ANYTHING! I WON FOR MANY REASONS, IN AN OVERWHELMING MANDATE, BUT FIGHTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MAY HAVE BEEN THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR THIS HISTORIC VICTORY," Trump said.

Trump went on to call for Boasberg's impeachment.

"I'm just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! WE DONT WANT VICIOUS, VIOLENT, AND DEMENTED CRIMINALS, MANY OF THEM DERANGED MURDERERS, IN OUR COUNTRY. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!" the president added.

Former President George W. Bush appointed Boasberg as an associate judge of the D.C. Superior Court in 2002, and former President Barack Obama nominated him to the D.C. District Court in 2011.

Boasberg has been front-and-center in the news since he blocked Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelan nationals who are in the U.S. illegally on Saturday.

The administration claims the deportees are members of Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal organization and U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

While the deportees were in the air, Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order demanding that the administration turn around aircraft deporting the alleged gang members to El Salvador. The administration is arguing that Boasberg's ruling did not apply because the aircraft were over international waters at the time.

Freshman Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, filed articles of impeachment against Boasberg in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday.

"He is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed from office," Gill said.

???? I just introduced Articles of Impeachment against radical activist Judge James Boasberg.



He is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed from office. pic.twitter.com/MO6UjQ6wBb  Congressman Brandon Gill (@RepBrandonGill) March 18, 2025

Roberts, a George W. Bush appointee who likened judges to "umpires" with "a limited role" during his U.S. Senate confirmation hearing in 2005, has publicly rebuked Trump before.

In 2018, he issued a statement after Trump went after Judge Jon Tigar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Trump dismissed him as an "Obama judge" after he blocked the administration from enforcing a rule that would deny asylum to anyone who entered the U.S. from somewhere other than a designated port of entry.

"We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them," Roberts said at the time.

Boasberg's injunction and the administration's response have set off a firestorm of debate regarding the separation of powers and the limits of both judicial and executive authority under the U.S. Constitution.

During an appearance Monday on CNN, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller explained the legal reasoning behind the president's use of the 18th century law, which Miller argued applies because the U.S. is experiencing an invasion by alien criminal gangs "at the direction of the Venezuelan government."

WATCH IN FULL: White House Deputy Chief of Staff @StephenM schools Fake News CNN's @kasie on the Constitution, the separation of powers, and the rule of law. pic.twitter.com/2TMnKyBLwk  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 17, 2025

Miller also maintained that federal district court judges do not have the authority to restrict the president's use of executive power to repel invasion.

"When the president is exercising his Article II powers to defend the country against an invasion, or to repel a foreign terrorist that is unlawfully in the country, he is exercising his powers as commander-in-chief," Miller said as CNN anchor Kasie Hunt attempted to interrupt him.

"The district court has no ability to in any way restrain the president's authorities under the Alien Enemies Act, or simply to conduct the foreign affairs of the United States," Miller later added.

The Alien Enemies Act of 1798, part of the broader Alien and Sedition Acts signed into law by former President John Adams, has been invoked significantly only three times in U.S. history, all during wartime. It was used against British nationals during the War of 1812, against German nationals during World War I, and against German, Japanese and Italian nationals during World War II.

The U.S. transported 261 illegals to El Salvador, including 137 deported under the Alien Enemies Act, 101 Venezuelans deported via Title 8, and 23 MS-13 gang members, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday during a press briefing.
Home News Mary Ann Lundy, PCUSA leader once placed under house arrest, dies at 92

Mary Ann Lundy, who formerly served in leadership roles in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the World Council of Churches, has died at the age of 92.

Presbyterian News Service, the official news agency of PC(USA), reported Monday that Lundy died on March 11 in Bloomington, Minnesota. She is survived by her husband, two children and seven grandchildren.

Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, in 1932, Lundy graduated from West Virginia University in 1954 and earned a master of divinity from Union Theological Seminary of New York in 1957.

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Lundy worked for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area and directed the National Student YWCA in New York, eventually becoming director of Women's Ministry in the PC(USA).

During the 1980s, Lundy became involved in the Sanctuary Movement, an interfaith coalition of congregations that provided shelter and resources for Latin American refugees.

The movement garnered scrutiny for its defiance of U.S. immigration law, with Lundy eventually being put under house arrest as an unindicted coconspirator in 1986.

Due to her involvement in the movement, the Lundy family home was visited by FBI agents. She reported getting threatening phone calls "all night." She later alleged that these "harassers" were "paid by the government I'm sure, saying 'you are being watched,' with horses' hooves in the background and funny sounds and bells."

In 1993, Lundy helped to organize a multiday gathering in Minneapolis titled "Re-Imagining: God, the Community, the Church," which had approximately 2,000 attendees.

The event, which was focused on feminist theology and women's solidarity, was criticized by many for allegedly promoting goddess worship and prayers that referenced "Sophia."

Lundy was eventually dismissed from her position with PC(USA) amid the controversy, though she told The Washington Post in 1994 that "I won't leave the Presbyterian Church."

"It's my church. It brought me up, nurtured me. I also feel I don't want to abandon it to those I believe may destroy it," she said at the time.

From 1995 to 1999, Lundy served as WCC deputy general secretary, having also served as co-chair of the ecumenical group's U.S. Committee on the Ecumenical Decade: Churches in Solidarity with Women from 1988 to 1998.

The Rev. Konrad Raiser, former WCC general secretary, recounted in a statement that he "received strong recommendations to consider Mary Ann" for the deputy general secretary position.

"Because of her seniority and her broad experience, she quickly gained the acceptance and trust of the four directors and their colleagues," stated Raiser. "With her warm and generous personality she strengthened the leadership team of the council and we developed a trusted relationship."

"I preserve a very warm and grateful memory of the time of our working together in the general secretariat."
Home News NC mom thanks God for sparing daughter after 2 sons killed in storm

A grieving North Carolina mother asked for prayers and thanked God for sparing her daughter after a tree crashed into her home and killed her two sons Sunday as nearly 1,500 storms swept through the Midwest, the South and parts of the Northeast over the weekend and left at least 42 people dead.

We need prayers and to be strong, the grieving Brevard mother, Sharon Leviskia, told WSAZ3 after she identified the bodies of her sons Josiah, 13, and Joshua Leviskia, 11. At least God left us a daughter.

Connestee Fire Chief Chase Owens told WYFF4 that the Leviskia family was sleeping at home Sunday as high winds blew through.

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"We were dispatched to a tree which had fallen on a house. When they arrived there, they were met with a large oak tree that fell to the center of a single-wide trailer. The family members that were outside advised that there were two kids that were trapped inside of the house," Owens said.

Rescue workers who arrived at the home in Brevard at 3:38 a.m. tried desperately to reach the trapped boys but by the time the tree was cut, lifted, and stabilized around 6:30 a.m., the boys were already dead.

"Whenever they made it into that room, it was immediately apparent that the children had succumbed to their injuries, and their injuries were not compatible with life. The tree had fallen directly over top of them there," Owens said, noting that the two brothers were pronounced dead on the scene.

The boys father, Nathaniel Leviskia, told WSAZ3 that he had only been home for about 30 minutes when the tree struck their home.

I went to the house for 30 minutes, and said, Yes, Im done for the day, he said.

Brian Coates, with Anchor Baptist Church in Transylvania County, told WYFF4 that he has been working with the family to assess their needs.

"[The family was] devastated, almost to the point of not really being able to understand everything that's happened yet," he said.

The tragedy in North Carolina comes just months after Hurricane Helene brought biblical flooding to the state that left scores dead including one family that lost 11 members.

"When a windstorm comes through, it's going to mess things up. That's all there is to it. And this family that suffered yesterday, along with others that have suffered from this most recent storm, are just a true testimony to the fact that Western North Carolina needs to remain resilient and cautious when it comes to storms," Coates said.

Topher Kane, the director of bands at Brevard Middle School where the brothers were students, remembered them as amazing students.

Something happened that I prayed would never happen. It is with a very heavy heart to say that the Brevard Bands lost two students to a storm related accident this weekend. The two brothers were both amazing students and both played flute. One was in 7th grade and in one of my first band classes at Brevard and the other was a 6th grader just starting out, Kane explained in a post on social media. There are no words to express my condolences to their family, and I only know a minute fraction of the pain and feelings they are going through.

He added, These two students truly were the best kids and I am honored to have been their teacher. You never know when the last time you will see a loved one, a student, a teacher, a friend, a parent, a child so hold them tight and never miss a chance to make someones day. 

A GoFundMe campaign seeking to raise $250,000 to help the family rebuild their destroyed home has already surpassed more than half of its goal.

This family has lost everything  their home, a vehicle, and, most painfully, their children. No parent should ever have to endure such unimaginable grief. As they try to pick up the pieces, they now face the overwhelming burden of funeral expenses and the urgent need for a new place to live, the campaign's organizer, Valinda Chandler, wrote. We are asking for your help to provide this family with the support they need to lay their children to rest and secure a safe home. Any donation, big or small, will make a difference in helping them navigate this heartbreaking time.
Home News Texas midwife, associates first to be charged under state's abortion ban

A midwife is among individuals who are the first to be charged under currrent laws in Texas for performing illegal abortions as the state vigorously enforces its near-total ban on abortion.

Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the arrest of midwife Maria Margarita Rojas, 48, on Monday for "providing illegal abortions and illegally operating a network of clinics in the Northwest Houston area." Rojas' facilities are located in the Houston suburbs of Cypress, Waller and Spring.

Rojas was charged with the illegal performance of an abortion, which is a second-degree felony, and practicing medicine without a license. She faces fines of up to $100,000 per infraction and a potential life sentence. Rojas was taken into custody in Waller County.

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"In Texas, life is sacred. I will always do everything in my power to protect the unborn, defend our state's pro-life laws, and work to ensure that unlicensed individuals endangering the lives of women by performing illegal abortions are fully prosecuted," Paxton said in a statement. "Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable."

In Texas, abortions are only legal when the mother is at risk of dying or "substantial impairment of a major bodily function." The state says it will only prosecute providers, not women who undergo the abortions.

Investigators say they uncovered Rojas' operation of three clinics where unlicensed professionals illegally performed abortions in violation of the Texas Human Life Protection Act of 2021. The Healthcare Program Enforcement Division in Paxton's office is also seeking a temporary restraining order to shut down the clinic network.

Paxton announced additional arrests in connection with his office's investigation of Rojas' network of clinics in a follow-up statement Tuesday. Illegal immigrant and Cuban national Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, 29, was arrested Monday for the "unlawful performance of an abortion and the unlicensed practice of medicine." Ley worked at one of Rojas' clinics and was determined to have assisted the midwife in performing at least one illegal abortion.

A third individual, 54-year-old nurse practitioner Rubildo Labanino Matos, was arrested on March 8 in connection with the investigation. Matos, whose license is currently on probation by the Board of Nursing, faces a charge of conspiracy to practice medicine without a license.

"Individuals killing unborn babies by performing illegal abortions in Texas will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and I will not rest until justice is served," Paxton said. "I will continue to fight to protect life and work to ensure that anyone guilty of violating our state's pro-life laws is held accountable."

Pro-life activist organizations praised Paxton's prosecution of Rojas.

"The pro-life state of Texas is serious about safeguarding mothers and their babies," asserted Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser in a statement released Thursday.

"Texas law, like every other pro-life law in the country, protects pregnant women's ability to receive life-saving care in a medical emergency. There is no excuse for illegal abortions that take the life of the baby and put women's lives at risk, committed by people who don't even have a medical license."

Marc Hearron, interim associate director of litigation at the Center for Reproductive Rights, accused Texas officials of "trying every which way to terrify health care practitioners from providing care and to trap Texans."

"Their ultimate goal is to end abortion access for all Texans entirely  and they will throw people in jail to get there," Hearron told The Washington Post in a statement.

Paxton released an advisory opinion following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organizationruling that determined that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion. He wrote that the Texas Human Life Protection Act of 2021 "prohibits abortions in most circumstances and takes effect on the 30th day" following any decision that overturns the Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

Under the law, a person "may not knowingly perform, induce, or attempt an abortion." The measure includes a provision that allows the performance of abortions in cases where the life of the mother is at risk.

Texas is one of several states where near-total abortion bans have gone into place following the 2022 Dobbs decision.

According to data compiled by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, the others are Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wyoming. Four additional states, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, and South Carolina, prohibit abortions after six weeks of gestation, while Nebraska and North Carolina have a 12-week ban in effect.

Arizona bans abortions after 15 weeks gestation. Abortion restrictions passed in several states are currently tied up in litigation: North Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Home News Trump DOJ backs church suing California city over zoning restriction

The U.S. Department of Justice has intervened on behalf of a church that is suing a California city over what it claims is a discriminatory zoning law that disfavors religious entities.

The department attorneys filed a statement of interest last Friday in the case of Anchor Stone Christian Church v. City of SantaAna before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division.

The Trump administration argued that Santa Anas zoning law violated the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000, claiming that it treated secular assemblies more favorably than religious ones.

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At issue is section 41-313 of the citys zoning code, which prohibits churches from operating in a professional district without getting a conditional use permit via an expensive, lengthy and discretionary review process, while entities like museums and art galleries were not required to do so.

Zoning practices that unfairly limit assemblies by faith-based groups violate federal law, said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally for the Central District of California in a statement issued Monday.

Municipalities cannot create zoning districts that treat houses of worship worse than comparable secular assemblies. The Justice Department will vigorously protect the right of religious institutions to receive equal treatment under the law.

In response, city officials stated they are aware that the Department of Justice has filed a Statement of Interest in the Anchor Stone Church lawsuit and are reviewing the statement.

A small congregation mostly made up of Americans of Chinese and Taiwanese descent, Anchor Stone Christian Church applied for a permit in July 2023 to move into a 99-seat building in Santa Anas professional district.

That September, the citys Planning Commission recommended that the churchs permit be rejected, with the City Council voting to affirm this recommendation.

Last month, the First Liberty Institute and the law firm OMelveny & Myers LLP filed a lawsuit against the city on behalf of the church, arguing that the city is in violation of RLUIPA.

The City violated RLUIPAs substantial burden provision by denying Anchor Stones CUP application, imposing a substantial burden on its religious exercise without meeting the requirements of strict scrutiny, the suit alleged.

Anchor Stone Christian Church has been unable to gather each week at its Property for corporate worship because of the Citys actions. As a result, tithing revenue has dropped and membership has plateaued.

Earlier this month, the DOJ filed a statement of interest on behalf of The Hope Rising Community Church, which is suing a Pennsylvania borough for rejecting an application to purchase property in a neighborhood.
Devastating Storms Hit 7 States, CNN Honors Game-Changing Trans Influencer, PA Board Rejects Christian School Accreditor

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 09:02 09:02

Sponsored by WatersEdge: Invest with purpose? With WatersEdge Kingdom Investments, you can! We offer great rates that multiply your resources and build churches. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3CxWtFz

Top headlines for Tuesday, March 18, 2025

In this episode, we navigate the aftermath of devastating storms that have swept across seven U.S. states, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 40 lives. We then shift focus to the discourse around LGBT representation, highlighting CNN's recent acknowledgment of a trans-identified influencer as its game changer of the week amidst increasing public debate. Plus, we explore the Pennsylvania Board of Education's decision to unanimously deny the Association of Christian Schools International's application. #WeatherEmergency #StormDamage #ChristianFarmer #ReligiousFreedom #GatewayChurch #RobertMorris #PopeFrancis #ChristianCharity #LittleDressesForAfrica #ChristianYouTube #ChristianContent #FaithBasedContent #NewsCommentary #BiblicalPerspective

00:11 Death toll rises after storms hit 7 US states

01:20 CNN honors Dylan Mulvaney as 'game changer' of the week

02:20 Christian farmer gets death sentence in case of self-defense

03:19 Sponsor Message WatersEdge

04:17 Gateway Church offers prayers to members after Morris indictment

05:12 Pa. Board of Education rejects Christian school accreditor

06:08 Vatican releases image of frail Pope Francis

07:04 Christian charity gives nearly 4 million dresses to girls in need
Home News Cindy Clemishire responds to Robert Morris 'not guilty' plea as some think it shows unrepentance

Gateway Church's embattled founder, Robert Morris, has formally pleaded "not guilty" to five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child stemming from allegations made by 54-year-old Cindy Clemishire last June. Although some survivor advocates suggest the plea reflects a level of unrepentance, Clemishire sees something else.

The Southlake, Texas, megachurch founder, who was indicted by a multi-county grand jury last Wednesday, appeared at an arraignment with his attorney Mack Martin of the Martin Law Office and pleaded not guilty after he acknowledged his receipt of the charges and was advised of his rights, records from the Osage County Court in Oklahoma show.

Morris' attorney filed a motion requesting preliminary hearing court orders. Morris remains free on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on May 9 at 10 a.m.

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Martin did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Morris' plea from The Christian Post on Tuesday.

Dee Parsons of The Wartburg Watch, which first published Clemishire's allegations of child sexual abuse against Morris last June, argued in an X post Monday morning that she found a "not guilty" plea by Morris problematic.

"If he (Morris) pleads 'not guilty' we will know exactly how he treats the truth," she wrote. And she is not alone.

"He does not know truth nor has he repented," another survivor advocate identified as Chrissy replied on the platform. "His plea of not guilty proves this. If he had repented he would accept any earthly punishment coming to him and he certainly wouldn't lie about his innocence."

When asked if she was surprised by Morris' "not guilty" plea, Clemishire told CP on Tuesday that she sees it more as a legal maneuver than an attempt to realistically challenge her claims against him.

"It did not surprise me," Clemishire said. "It is my understanding any attorney would advise their client to plead not guilty. It gives the criminal the opportunity to negotiate a plea."

Arrest documents reviewed by CP show that Morris was formally booked by the Osage County Sheriff's Office in Oklahoma at 7:57 a.m. Monday and was released minutes later on bond at 8:11 a.m.

Morris' surrender to authorities on Monday came just hours after Gateway Church officials offered prayers to congregants and sought to distance the church from their former leader.

The charges against the megachurch founder stem from claims Clemishire made last June that Morris sexually abused her over multiple years in the 1980s when he was a traveling evangelist, beginning when she was 12. He resigned from Gateway Church days after the allegations became public.

"Last November, our elders made it clear that we had drawn a bright line as a church, and we were moving forward," Nic Lesmeister, Gateway Church's executive pastor of global outreach, reiterated in an address Sunday. "And because we're moving forward, and Gateway is no longer involved in this legal matter, we won't be continuing to update you on the proceedings of the case, but we're continuing to pray for everybody that's involved and affected in this matter."

Morris faces a possible 100 years maximum in prison if he is convicted on all five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child and a judge orders sentences to be served consecutively. He could also be sentenced to as little as five years in prison if convicted on all five counts due to the law that was in effect for the crime more than 35 years ago, according to the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.

Current penalties in Oklahoma for lewd acts or indecent acts with a child under 16 committed by an adult is three to 20 years in prison and at least 25 years in prison if the child is under 12. Repeat offenders can be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"At that time, the range of punishment was 1-20 years in prison," Carrie Burkhart, deputy press secretary for Oklahoma's Office of the Attorney General told CP. "These other restrictions were not in effect in the law that existed at the time of Morris' alleged crimes."
Home News Futures Church Youth Pastor Daniel Menelaou arrested for possession of child porn

Officials at Futures Church headquartered in Australia were left in shock last Wednesday after Daniel Menelaou, a youth pastor with the Alpharetta, Georgia, campus of the global megachurch, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography.

Arrest records from the Roswell Police Department lists six counts of possession or control any material depicting minor in sexually explicit conduct, against Menelaou who began working at the Alpharetta campus of the church in August 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile.

A report from Fox5 said Roswell Police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation raided 28-year-old Menelaous home after receiving a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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During the course of that search warrant, we seized several electronic devices that will be analyzed for additional evidence," Roswell Police Officer Tim Lupo told the news outlet.

Investigators said the youth pastor, who also worked as a student mentor at Temple Christian College in Australia prior to his work in Georgia, uploaded multiple videos that "depict a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct" and shared the images using the messenger app called Kik.

Our hearts are heavy as we share heartbreaking news with you. In recent days, one of our youth [pastors] working overseas, Daniel Menelaou, was arrested and charged with possession of materials depicting minors in sexually explicit content. Like you, we are deeply shocked, grieved, and blindsided by this news. We also want to be absolutely clear that these charges have no connection to anyone in our church community, wrote Pastor Tony Cornbridge of Futures Church in Australia.

We understand that this is difficult to process, and our hearts go out to all those affected, as well as Emma and their families. In moments like these, we lean into the grace, wisdom, and justice of God, trusting Him to bring healing, clarity, and comfort.

Futures Church, which is formerly Influencers Church, is a Pentecostal church affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination. According to the churchs website, it has 16 campuses located in Australia, the United States and Indonesia.

Reacting to the charges, another spokesperson for the church said in a statement to The Christian Post that they condemned Menelaous actions in the strongest possible terms.

Until his arrest, we had no prior knowledge of any allegations or indication of wrongdoing. The details outlined in the arrest warrant are deeply disturbing and stand in total opposition to our unwavering commitment to protecting children, the spokesperson said.

Our hearts go out first and foremost to any victims who have been harmed. We remain committed to standing with all survivors of abuse, particularly children, whose suffering should never be ignored or minimized, the spokesperson continued.

Futures Church has a zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of abuse. The moment we became aware of Daniel Menelaous arrest, we placed him on immediate administrative leave. However, the full extent of these charges was unknown to us until the last few hours and his position has now been terminated. Let us be unequivocally clear this behavior is reprehensible and has no place in our church.
Home News Missouri AG orders Planned Parenthood to stop dispensing abortion pills Abortion provider calls Bailey's letter an 'unfounded political attack'

Abortionists working at Planned Parenthood facilities in Missouri are slamming the attorney generals order prohibiting them from dispensing abortion pills, calling it a political attack.

In an order released last Wednesday, Missouris Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey informed Planned ParenthoodGreat Rivers that it was hereby ordered under penalty of law not to perform any chemical abortions in Missouri because it wasn't in compliance with a state law requiring abortion clinics to have a valid plan to treat complications from chemically induced abortions. Bailey cited statistics finding that up to 4.6% of women who receive chemical abortions are forced to seek medical attention.

Missouri law requires you to adopt an approved plan to treat complications when using any chemical in which more than 1 percent of the drug or chemical required surgical intervention after its administration, he wrote. You do not have an approved plan in place.

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Bailey also asserted that Planned Parenthood has established an uncontroverted track record of violating the law in Missouri in recent years.

According to Bailey, Physicians at Planned Parenthood organizations in Missouri have recently conceded  under oath  to violating the law and have been found by investigators and tribunals to have violated Missouris laws many times in recent years. These violations include repeated and knowing failures to comply with reporting requirements, to comply with informed consent laws, and to sterilize instruments.

In a statement last Thursday, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America State Affairs Director Sue Liebel praised the development: In Missouri, theyve been caught using moldy abortion equipment and abetting the trafficking of minors without saying a word to parents.

Were thankful Missouri has strong pro-life leaders like Attorney General Bailey, who  unlike pro-abortion blue states  wont tolerate the Big Abortion Industry, led by Planned Parenthood, profiting at womens and childrens expense, Liebel added.

Bailey first informed Planned Parenthood Great Rivers of his offices intent to serve a cease and desist order against the abortion provider in a statement a week before issuing it. The order comes after Bailey issued a March 7 deadline for the abortion provider to file a response with his office.

Planned Parenthood has a long history of disregarding the health and safety of Missouri women, Bailey stated at the time. The courts have stripped away basic licensing requirements that protect women, but I will not stand by while Planned Parenthood continues to flout the law and put womens lives at risk.

In a statement released last Wednesday, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers and Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains denounced the order as an unfounded political attack. They accused Bailey of engaging in a blatant attempt to deceive Missourians.

In reality, neither Planned Parenthood affiliate received any notice from the AG at the time of publishing his press release, and neither have been able to resume medication abortion services in Missouri. In fact, both PPGR and PPGP submitted complication plans in February to comply with requirements set forth by the state, and continue to wait for any response from [the Department of Health and Senior Services], the statement maintained.

The abortion providers shared respective letters they sent in response to Baileys March 5 letter. Planned Parenthood Great Rivers letter stated that Great Rivers is not currently providing medication because it is waiting for DHSS to approve its complication plan before providing medication abortion. The Planned Parenthood affiliate contended that Great Rivers has received zero response from DHSS despite our repeated follow up inquiries.

Rather than urging DHSS to respond to Great Rivers weeks-ago-submitted proposed complication plan, you instead threaten to take action against Great Rivers for hypothetical, future medication abortion occurring without such a plan, the letter continued.

Baileys order to Planned Parenthood Great Rivers also comes a month after The New York Times published a report detailing unsanitary and unsafe conditions at Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide.
Home News US announces 'Joint Task Force Oct 7' will hunt, prosecute Hamas leaders, supporters

The United States Justice Department, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, on Monday announced the official creation of a task force to investigate Hamas for its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. They will also investigate potential civil rights violations and acts of antisemitism for those supporting the group in the U.S.

While the administration of former President Joe Biden announced charges against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and several other senior Hamas leaders last September, the new task force will pursue charges against other Hamas leaders responsible for the attacks, assist victims and hostage families and investigate U.S.-based Hamas supporters and funders.

A previous report in The Jerusalem Post about the "Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7)," said that the task force will specifically seek the arrest and extradition of senior Hamas officials Ali Baraka and Khaled Meshaal.

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"The barbaric Hamas terrorists will not win  and there will be consequences, Bondi said in a statement announcing the task force.

"JTF 10-7 will focus on targeting, charging, and securing for prosecution in the United States the direct perpetrators of the October 7 attack, the statement said.

According to the memorandum that created the task force, agents and prosecutors participating in JTF 10-7 will investigate and prosecute acts of terrorism, antisemitic civil rights violations, and other federal crimes committed by Hamas supporters in the United States, including on college campuses, as well as investigate and prosecute those responsible for funding Hamas.

Additionally, the group will also contain professionals who provide services to the victims of the October 7 attack and those who coordinate as appropriate with others to facilitate the return of hostages.

Most of the counter-terror agents will come from the FBI, while attorneys and other supervisors will primarily come from the Justice Department.

The memorandum also specifies that the task force will spearhead engagement with Israeli counterparts. Practically, that means that FBI agents will cooperate with Israels National Bureau for Counter-Terror Financing.

The announcement of the task force comes as President Donald Trump has issued a last warning to Hamas to release the remaining hostages, while also targeting universities and student groups over campus antisemitism.

In a statement, Patel called the task force a collaborative initiative between agencies meant to accomplish our vital counterterrorism mission.

According to a report in Axios, the task force will be led by a senior counterterrorism prosecutor, a senior FBI special agent and an FBI intelligence analyst acting under the supervision of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home News 'Justice': Woman sexually exploited as child, forced into Islamic marriage sees court victory 'Shes now free to start her life afresh,' ADF Int'l says

LAHORE, Pakistan  In a significant legal victory against forced conversions and marriages in Pakistan, a civil court has annulled the marriage of a Christian woman who was given to a Muslim man as a child and coerced to convert to Islam and marry him, sources said.

Bahawalpur Civil Judge Afzal Baig on Feb. 12 ruled in favor of 25-year-old Shahida Bibi, declaring her marriage to Shehzad Akhtar Khan invalid and reversing her coerced conversion to Islam, said her attorney, Lazar Allah Rakha.

The judge directed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to make a fresh identity card for Bibi, restoring her religious status as Christian and deleting her marital status, Rakha told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Its a rare case where justice has been served in a religious conversion matter.

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Her ordeal began at age of 11, when her mother, Naseem Bibi, eloped with Nadeem Akhtar Khan, a Muslim, in March 2012. Khan handed Shahida Bibi over to his brother, Shehzad Akhtar Khan, who sexually exploited her and, after she turned 18, forced her to enter into an Islamic marriage, or Nikah.

During this time, Shahida Bibi gave birth to two children while trapped in the forced marriage; one was born with physical disabilities and died after four years, Rakha said.

Shehzad Akhtar Khan fabricated conversion and marriage certificates to protect himself from the anti-child marriage law, which restricts marriage with girls younger than 16. A bill has been pending in the Punjab Assembly since April 2024 seeking to end gender-based age discrimination in the legal age for marriage by raising it to 18 for both boys and girls.

Shahida Bibis marriage has been dissolved on all identification documents, and her former husbands name has been replaced with the name of her father, Robert Masih, the attorney said.

Shahida Bibi has never been to school and had no idea that Khan had fraudulently registered her as a Muslim married to him in the national database, Rakha said.

Shahida Bibi had escaped from Shehzads captivity in 2024, but the fear of being forced back would have remained if we did not move the court for annulling the false conversion and marriage, he said. Shes now free to start her life afresh.

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International supported the attorney in seeking justice for the young survivor.

Nobody should suffer the horrors of abduction and forced marriage, further being forced to give up their faith, said Tehmina Arora, director of advocacy, Asia for ADF International, in a press statement. We are grateful that Shahida Bibi has received justice over her captor. Shahida is now free and able to begin the process of healing from this ordeal.

Such cases are a tremendous violation of young womens basic human rights, including their religious freedom, she added.

Under Sharia (Islamic law), which permits marriage at the age of puberty, the marriage age is much younger than the official marriage age, which varies between 16 and 18 years in Pakistans states. When girls are forced to convert, their parents are often unable to stop the violation from happening. These women and girls often are fearful for their lives and those of their families, preventing them from denouncing their captors, Arora noted.

While these forced conversion and marriage abuses happen across the globe, they are especially prevalent in Pakistan, she said. The government has an opportunity to make a difference, and they should start by implementing a uniform age for marriage to prevent these forced kidnappings and marriages from happening in the first place.

Every person under international law has the right to freely choose and live out their faith without fear of violence, she added.

Every state, including Pakistan, must ensure that their laws and policies are in line with their commitments to protect religious freedom under international law, and that the laws they do have in place to protect girls from these violations are enforced, Arora said.

The legal victory comes as human rights leaders from across the globe are turning their attention to Pakistans egregious human rights violations. In January, officials from the European Union (EU) issued a warning to Pakistan regarding its human rights violations, including blasphemy laws, forced conversions and other targeted persecution against religious minorities.

If not addressed, Pakistans trade relations with the EU could be jeopardized.

ADF International and allied lawyers are engaged in supporting women and girls suffering from forced marriage, ADF noted, adding that women and girls in Pakistan, many of them Christian, are forced to convert to Islam so Sharia courts can validate their marriages.

Pakistan is ranked No. 8 on Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the most difficult places in the world to live as a Christian.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News
Home Opinion Americas looming population crisis  and why theres still hope

A recent report highlighted a looming demographic crisis in the United States, as annual deaths are expected to exceed annual births by 2033.

Population growth in the U.S. is expected to stagnate between 2025 and 2055 as fertility rates continue to decline, a report released Tuesday by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found, according to Life News.

A predicted significant decline in illegal immigration as well as many women choosing to delay motherhood are two contributing factors, it continued. After peaking at 2.12 births per woman in 2001, fertility rates have been slowly decreasing, dropping to 1.62 births per woman in 2023, according to CBOs data. The report estimates this number to fall to 1.60 by 2035 and remain steady through 2055.

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This trend is not unique to America. Several Western Europe countries, along with Asian nations, including South Korea, Japan, and China, have already experienced similar challenges.

From a biblical perspective, the family is the cornerstone of society. Scripture underscores the sanctity of life and the significance of procreation within the confines of marriage.

In Genesis 1:28, God commands, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.

This directive not only emphasizes the importance of bringing forth life but also highlights the role of families in nurturing and sustaining societies. Marriage, as instituted in Genesis 2:24, is depicted as a union between one man and one woman, forming the foundation for family and societal stability.

Deviations from these foundational principles have contributed to declining birth rates and weakened family structures. But its more than just divorce and other social pathologies that underlie the declining birth rate.

The rise of ideologies that devalue traditional marriage and family and corresponding policies that undermine the sanctity of life are at least partially rooted in the belief that there are just too many people on the planet.

The push for population control can be traced back to Thomas Robert Malthus, an 18th-century scholar who posited that while the population grows exponentially, resources such as food, increase only linearly. This imbalance, he argued, would lead to widespread scarcity and suffering  a concept known as the Malthusian catastrophe.

In modern times, neo-Malthusian ideologies have permeated various movements, advocating for population reduction to prevent resource depletion and environmental degradation. These perspectives have influenced policies and cultural shifts that devalue procreation and traditional family structures.

Western European nations have already experienced significant birth rate declines, leading to demographic and economic challenges. Countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and France have fertility rates well below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, often hovering around 1.3 to 1.5. This decline is driven by factors like delayed marriage, career prioritization, high living costs, and shifting societal values that place less emphasis on family formation.

The consequences of these trends are profound. Fewer babies skews the population to a higher average and median age. A society with more older people than young strains healthcare systems, causes a shortage of labor that conversely slows economic growth, and social welfare structures become increasingly unsustainable.

Governments have attempted to reverse these trends through incentives like parental leave, childcare subsidies, and tax benefits, but the results have been mixed. Without a cultural shift that reemphasizes family and child-rearing, Western Europe faces a long-term population decline that could lead to economic stagnation, shrinking workforces, and potential social instability as younger generations struggle to support an aging population.

In the late 1970s, China implemented the one-child policy to curb population growth. The long-term consequences have been detrimental. The nation now faces a rapidly aging population, a shrinking workforce, and gender imbalances due to a cultural preference for male children.

Japan and South Korea are grappling with some of the lowest fertility rates globally. Japans population has declined since 2008, with projections indicating a continued downward trend. The societal implications include a shrinking labor force, increased healthcare costs, and challenges supporting an aging population. Similarly, South Koreas fertility rate has plummeted to a reproductive rate of .78 children per woman, leading to concerns about this critical regional economy and the sustainability of its social welfare systems.

Within certain ideologies, particularly on the political left, a narrative exists that advocates for population reduction to address global challenges. This perspective is intertwined with movements supporting abortion rights, LGBT advocacy, assisted suicide, and strict climate change policies. The underlying assumption is that a smaller population would alleviate pressure on resources and the environment.

The promotion of abortion and assisted suicide is often justified under the guise of personal autonomy and alleviating suffering. However, these practices contribute to a culture that devalues life, leading to demographic declines and ethical dilemmas concerning the sanctity of human life.

While advocating for individual rights, the LGBT movement challenges traditional concepts of marriage and procreation. This shift has implications for birth rates and family structures that have historically underpinned societal stability.

Some positions within the climate change movement argue for population control to reduce carbon footprints. While environmental stewardship is important, using climate alarmism to justify a decreased population size leads to policies that undermine human dignity and the value of life.

In contrast to the detrimental effects of population decline and the ideologies that promote it, a Christian worldview affirms the intrinsic value of life, the sanctity of marriage, and the importance of the traditional family.

Encouraging traditional marriage and supporting families are crucial for societal health. Policies that provide economic incentives for married couples, parental support, and family-friendly workplace environments can alleviate pressures that deter individuals from forming families.

Vice President J.D. Vance has been an outspoken advocate for Americans to marry and have children, offering a different approach to the nations future. Speaking at Januarys March for Life in Washington, he called for more babies, a plea he has made on multiple occasions.

Our society has failed to recognize the obligation that one generation has to another is a core part of living in a society to begin with. So let me say, very simply, I want more babies in the United States of America, Vance said.

We need a culture that celebrates life at all stages, one that recognizes and truly believes that the benchmark of national success is not a GDP number or our stock market, but whether people feel that they can raise thriving and healthy families, in our country.

Vances words have found an audience among the pro-life community and other Americans who value family as the key to the nations future.

Some of the benefits of a culture where children are raised by a father and mother are clear.

As the Heritage Foundations Emma Waters wrote, Such children are far less likely to [commit] crimes, to drop out of school, and to suffer from depression and other psychological problems. We also know that adults in such settings do better on average on almost all measures than do single parents. Married women with children, for instance, report higher levels of happiness than either single mothers or unmarried women with no children.

While current trends paint a grim picture of Americas demographic future, this trajectory is not set in stone. The nation can turn things around by re-emphasizing the importance of family, marriage, and the value of children.

History has shown that cultures and societies flourish when they prioritize strong family units and a commitment to life. Rather than resigning to the declining birth rate as an inevitability, the U.S. can choose a different path  one that embraces the biblical principles of children and family as the foundation of a thriving society.

Reversing this decline will require more than government incentives or economic policies. A cultural shift is necessary  one that reinstates marriage and child-rearing as noble and fulfilling pursuits rather than burdens or obstacles to personal success. If America rediscovers the value of life and the blessing of children, it can avoid the social and economic crises faced by nations that have ignored these principles.

The statistics may be concerning today, but Americas future is not written yet. If families again embrace Gods design  life, marriage, and childrenthen the nation can experience a revival, ensuring a legacy of strength, growth, and prosperity for generations to come.

Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center.
Home Opinion Delaware's proposed abortion amendment  among the most extreme

Delaware is on the verge of adopting one of the most extreme abortion policies in the nation. The proposed constitutional amendment, SB 5, enshrines reproductive freedom as a fundamental right  but at what cost? It represents a dangerous new frontier in the sexual revolution. This amendment, under the guise of protecting healthcare, does not actually provide for legitimate medical needs  it entrenches the ideology that human life, at its earliest stages, is disposable and that bodily autonomy trumps moral responsibility. From a biblical worldview, this is more than just a legal issue. It is a profound moral and spiritual crisis.

The image of God and the value of life

Scripture is clear that human beings are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This means that from the moment of conception, a human life possesses inherent dignity and worth. The amendments sweeping language, which ensures the right to make decisions about all matters relating to pregnancy, including ... abortion care, directly contradicts this truth by permitting the destruction of the preborn without moral or legal consequence.

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Nancy Pearcey, in Love Thy Body, highlights this destructive worldview as she points out the inherent duality of the personhood theory. It views the body as a mere biological organism, where the real person is limited to their consciousness and ability to be self-aware. The personhood theory is embodied in the phrase from the philosopher Descartes when he says, I think therefore I am. This is precisely why SB 5 is dangerous: it reduces human value to self-awareness rather than inherent dignity. By enshrining abortion as a constitutional right, prohibiting it from being denied, burdened, [or] infringed, the SB 5 implicitly treats the preborn child as less than fully human  a mere choice rather than a life made in the image of God.

Fleeing from  not codifying  sexual immorality

1 Corinthians 6:18 exhorts us to flee from sexual immorality. Yet this amendment, rather than encouraging responsibility and moral integrity, does the exact opposite. By guaranteeing unrestricted access to sterilization, and abortion, this amendment removes any connection between sexuality and responsibility.

This is the same destructive ideology that fueled the sexual revolution of the 1960s, which promised freedom but delivered broken families, rising abortion rates, and a culture steeped in moral confusion. During this period, the focus of marriage shifted from being primarily about procreation and family stability to self-fulfillment and personal satisfaction, a shift that contributed to the erosion of traditional moral boundaries.

Carl Trueman, in The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, explains how expressive individualism has become the dominant philosophy of the modern age. He writes that this ideology prioritizes self-definition and personal authenticity above all else, even at the expense of moral and social order. This mindset fuels policies like SB 5, which enshrine personal autonomy as the highest good, ignoring the natural results that come with human sexuality  completely forsaking any semblance of responsibility on the issue.

Nancy Pearcey again offers clarity on this issue as she points out how the sexual revolution provides a low view of the body. Rather than respecting the body and the biblical view of human sexuality reserved for marriage and procreation, it presents a separation between what the body does and the whole person. SB 5 continues that legacy, sending the message that sexuality is purely about personal desire rather than being rooted in Gods design for marriage, family, and procreation.

The states role in promoting good, not permitting harm

While the government exists to uphold justice and defend the vulnerable (Romans 13:1-4), SB 5 does the opposite  it legislates the unchecked power to end life in the womb. 1 Peter 2:13-14 further affirms that rulers are meant to uphold justice by commending righteousness and restraining wrongdoing. The amendments language, which prohibits the state from denying, burdening, or infringing upon reproductive freedom creates a virtually unlimited right to abortion and other procedures. It prioritizes personal choice over the fundamental moral order that God has established. In doing so, it undermines the states role in protecting the most vulnerable among us  the preborn  who have no voice in this decision.

Moreover, the amendment would significantly hinder efforts to prevent the sterilization of minors. Establishing an unrestricted right to reproductive freedom opens the door for minors to undergo life-altering procedures such as sterilization without parental consent or appropriate safeguards. This not only strips parents of their rightful role in guiding their children but also exposes young individuals to irreversible medical interventions based on transient feelings or external pressures. A society that permits such actions under the guise of autonomy is one that has lost sight of its duty to protect its most vulnerable members.

Proponents argue that this measure simply safeguards rights, but it rejects the science that clearly defines the distinct and separate humanity of the unborn life. It ultimately cements the secular worldview that sees human life as a commodity rather than a sacred gift. When morality is stripped away, the law follows suit, enshrining practices that are not only destructive but deeply offensive to the Creator who gave us life.

Choosing life over moral chaos

The passage of this amendment would not be a victory for freedom, but a tragic step toward further moral decay. Christians must stand firm in proclaiming that true freedom is found not in unrestricted autonomy but in submission to Gods perfect design. Lawmakers should reject this radical expansion of the sexual revolution and instead advocate for policies that uphold the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human body. Rather than codifying the destruction of life, family, and marriage, we should be working to rebuild a culture that honors and upholds them.

Delaware has a choice: to affirm life or to deepen moral confusion. Christians must boldly defend Gods design for life, family, and justice  and urge lawmakers to reject SB 5.
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In the late summer of 2023, Jeremy Busby was brutally attacked by a cellmate in the Texas prison where he was being held. Over the next few days, Busby started to feel like he was the one being punished. He was locked in solitary confinement, and then transferred to a prison facility in a different part of the state. The person who attacked him was never charged with assault.

At the time of the attack, Busby had been preparing for an interview with a local television reporter who was working on an investigation into widespread drug use and acts of violence inside the prison; they were scheduled to meet in person just a few days later. Instead, Bryan Collier, the executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), issued a statement acknowledging the problem with drug use and violence, and put the entire prison system on lockdowntemporarily barring all visitors. Busby is certain he was targeted because of his work.

Busby was sentenced to seventy-five years for homicide in 1999, in relation to an incident he has described as self-defense. Since then, hes worked as a writer and journalist, including a stint as a staff reporter for the Texas prison newspaper The Echo, covering everything from the alarming rise in suicides and drug use to prison killings and inhumane conditions. His writing has appeared in Slate, the Marshall Project, and the Houston Chronicle.

He also says hes faced repeated acts of retaliation, including threats, solitary confinement, and surveillance. In the last several months of 2024, as he continued to report and speak out about the Texas prison system, Busby was transferred to four different facilities. His personal property was repeatedly lost or destroyed. He reports being refused telephone access, media visits, and basic necessities like toilet paper, deodorant, toothpaste, and adequate medical care. This is the life of an incarcerated journalist, Busby recently told us from his windowless solitary-confinement cell at a prison facility in Huntsville. Its the price you pay for reporting to the public whats going on in here. (In an email to CJR, a spokesperson for the TDCJ said the department denies these allegations of retaliation, and noted that Busby has continued to conduct media interviews. The spokesperson added that being moved between facilities is not uncommon due to medical, classification changes, and program needs.)

We have spent years fighting for the rights of incarcerated people who report on conditions inside prisons. One of us, Theodore, was incarcerated alongside Busby over a decade ago and has helped him tell his story, and those of other TDCJ inmates, to the outside world ever since. The other, Seth, was working as a lawyer in Illinois when he first became aware of the obstacles facing incarcerated people who raise concerns about their circumstances.

Busby is far from the only incarcerated journalist to allegedly face retaliation for doing their work inside the prison system. Jason Walker, whos reported on the spread of dangerous synthetic drugs inside Texas prisons, has been moved repeatedly and kept in solitary confinementostensibly to protect him from being attacked. Kevin Sawyer, an incarcerated journalist at San Quentin in California, has had his writing censored and confiscated, amid frivolous investigations. Kwaneta Harris, whos written about sexual abuse and the misuse of solitary confinement in her Texas womens prison, told us that officials used tactics like arbitrary solitary confinement to punish her for her reporting.

Recent studies by the Prison Journalism Project and the Prison Policy Initiative show that many states have passed laws or regulations that explicitly restrict prison journalism, including the censoring of communication with outside media and bans on receiving compensation for their work. Instead, we should be passing laws, at the state and federal level, to ensure that outside journalists have access to prisons and incarcerated people, and that incarcerated people arent censored or retaliated against when they expose what those outside journalists cant see. We need less red tape and procedural obstacles for incarcerated journalists who file lawsuits to fight back against retaliation. And we need corrections agencies to hold their employees to account.

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Incarcerated journalists tell stories no one else can. Prisoners are often held in deplorable conditions, regularly attacked, and sometimes murdered. Missing out on those stories is a major loss, not just for the incarcerated but for anyone who wants their government held accountable for how it treats their fellow citizens. When the public entrusts and pays for correctional agencies to care for those who are incarcerated, it deserves to know whats going on.
Tens of billions in aid for victims of Hurricane Helene should start flowing later this month, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pledged last week, but delays are already making it hard this year for some farmers to plant crops.

Congress set a deadline of March 21 to hand out the money when it passed a $100 billion disaster relief package on Dec. 21. The late September storm cut a swath from Floridas Big Bend across eastern Georgia and upstate South Carolina before causing historic flooding in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

The National Centers for Environmental Information says Helene is the seventh-most expensive disaster in the United States since 1980, causing an estimated $78 billion in damage and 219 deaths.

At a news conference in Atlanta on Wednesday, Rollins pledged the aid would begin to be disbursed before the deadline.

That money will begin to move in the next few weeks, she said.

Thats not a moment too soon for Chris Hopkins, who farms near Lyons in south Georgia. Helene wiped out half the cotton Hopkins was growing on 1,400 acres (560 hectares). He said Tuesday that he began planting 300 acres (121 hectares) of corn this month, and plans to start planting cotton in late April.

Hopkins said the big losses forced him to dip into emergency reserve funds to pay off $200,000 in 2024 loans for seed, fertilizer and other materials. Some neighboring farmers hit hard by the storm still have unpaid debts from last year, he said, leaving them unable to borrow more to start planting 2025 crops.

Its desperately needed, Hopkins said of federal aid. What were seeing is that producers are almost in a holding or pause pattern because they cant afford to pay their rent or their loans.

Hopkins said farmers had hoped the money would come sooner, in January or February, so they could pay off creditors before planting season. He said some have sold equipment or even land to generate enough cash to get new crops started.

The general consensus in the farming and ag community is that it would have been much better earlier, Hopkins said. Ag producers are thankful for it by all means. But taking the full 90 days to get it is tough.

In South Carolina, Republican legislative leaders decided to wait to approve Helene damage relief money in the states regular budget instead of an emergency bill in part because they expected federal officials to get relief money out quickly.

Most but not all of the disaster relief bill is earmarked for Helene. It includes $21 billion to help farmers, $8 billion to rebuild damaged roads and highways, $12 billion in grants to help communities and individuals recover and $2.2 billion in low-interest loans for businesses, nonprofits and homeowners.

Officials have estimated that Helene caused property and economic damage to the agriculture sector totaling $5.5 billion in Georgia and $4.9 billion in North Carolina.

Beyond the cotton crop, the storm toppled pecan trees and flattened chicken houses in Georgia. Farming in western North Carolina is dominated by specialty crops including Christmas trees and nursery plants, with fewer growers covered by crop insurance.

South Carolina officials estimated $620 million in agriculture damage in 2024, not just from Helene, but also from other weather disasters.

State governments have been moving to expand their aid packages. Georgia has earmarked $285 million for low-interest loans for farmers and removing downed timber from private land in an amended budget that Gov. Brian Kemp signed last week, part of $862 million in Helene-related spending.

North Carolina lawmakers are negotiating the details of a supplemental Helene relief bill that may total more than $500 million, in part to provide more funds for crop losses. It would be North Carolinas fourth Helene aid package to be enacted. The state has requested close to $1.9 billion from the disaster relief law approved by Congress in December. Most of that money would go to address crop and timber losses, debris removal, stream restoration and erosion.

The South Carolina House on Wednesday gave final approval to a budget that includes $220 million in Helene relief for farmers and others as a match to money from the federal government. They also set aside $50 million to give to the state Department of Transportation to pay back what they spent repairing roads and clearing trees.

Top photo: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins assured people at the Georgia Capitol this week. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy).

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Photos of the landmark Eric Mendelsohn Building at Park Synagogue's 28-acre campus in Cleveland Heights. Courtesy Park Synagogue, Ardon Bar-Hama

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- After allowing more time for public comment on a proposed rezoning for Park Synagogue, City Council on Monday (March 17) postponed its decision yet again.

The issue of wording in the draft ordinance needs to be cleaned up in order to send the proposal down the right path to the City Planning Commission, Assistant Law Director Chris Heltzel explained to council.

The goal is to preserve the remarkable architecture of the synagogue designed by famed architect Erik Mendelsohn over 75 years ago, and save as much of the surrounding greenery as possible while also switching the property to an S-2 mixed-use overlay zone.

On March 3, Councilman Craig Cobb asked for a prior extension on the final reading of the rezoning request, saying that some neighbors remain concerned that what results will be too broad.

They feel its leaving too much room for a future developer, as opposed to the current one (Sustainable Community Associates or 'SCA)," Cobb said.

Only a handful of residents turned out for the March 3 public hearing.

Several more showed up for public comment at Mondays council meeting, with a couple of neighbors having reservations about the project.

Sarah Curry of Compton Road sees the potential for a Pandoras box being opened in the neighborhood.

I am not excited about the prospect of a massive apartment complex, Curry said.

As it stands now, SCAs first phase consists of 25 to 30 apartments inside 15 townhouses.

Some neighbors would prefer the development start on the Mayfield Road side of the property where school buses were most recently parked and the higher density units are expected.

Compton Road resident Alisha Fiddler said there would be less need for variances on that side, while keeping more of what amounts to a wildlife sanctuary intact.

You should not make the mistake of paving paradise to put up another parking lot, Fiddler said.

Architect Chuck Miller, who lives neary at the corner of Compton and Mayfield, sees the adaptive reuse worthy of pursuing.

He said the proposed townhomes -- for which renderings are available -- will be compatible with the arts campus and the modern scale of Mendelsohns architecture.

Robert Brown, the newest member of the Cleveland Heights Planning Commission, views the Park Synagogue property and the nearby Severance Town Center revitalization as the two most far-reaching development opportunities in the city right now.

He advocates for a proposal that would provide new housing with first-floor master bedroom suites.

Paul Volpe, an architect who is not affiliated with the project, believes the initial proposal sets the stage for an award-winning development, although it may need to be thought out more.

We all need to see what this might be, Volpe told council. Its too good not to think it through.

Volpe has been involved in various other development projects around town, most recently the Nobility Court affordable apartment complex.

Sporting a Strong Towns nonprofit t-shirt, Cleveland Heights resident Austin Gilchrist said he and his organization remain passionate about livable, incremental housing development in American cities.

Also calling for a livable neighborhoods initiative, Michael Bending said that when it comes to community response to a development proposal, people mostly show up when theyre against something.

That does not appear to be the case here, Bending added.

Speaking strongly in favor of the proposed Park Synagogue rezoning, Chris Brace said that Cleveland Heights has lost about 600 residents over the past two years.

Its the kind of project I get excited about, with housing that I would move into, Brace said.

Read more from the Sun Press.
An undated photo from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the skin of a patient after three days with measles rash. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CLEVELAND, Ohio  The percentage of Ohio kindergarteners who are up-to-date on all recommended vaccines continues to fall, an alarming development in light of the serious measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, the states health director, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, said during a Tuesday press conference.

The percentage of Ohio kindergarteners who are up to date on all recommended vaccines is 85.4% for the 2024-25 school year, down from 86.2% in the previous year, he said.

The percentage of Ohio students who were up-to-date on the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine dropped from 89.2% in the 2023-24 school year to 88.3% in this most recent school year.

Those state-wide numbers are lower than the states MMR vaccination rate of 92.5% for the 2019-2020 school year, and the national rate of 92.7% in the 2023-24 school year, Vanderhoff said.

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, and it can be deadly. More than 100,000 people across the globe died from the disease in 2023, according to world health data.

The measles virus is highly transmissible, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and infecting others up to two hours after the sick person has left a room.

My question is, why would we not want to protect our kids from measles? We have the MMR vaccine, which is highly effective, Vanderhoff said. There have been some spurious claims in the past that the vaccine is connected to autism, but those claims have been debunked, and there is no evidence of a connection.

As a father and grandfather, Vanderhoff said he understands parents concerns about what they are exposing their children to.

But I also think, if they balance the risks against the benefits, the benefits clearly and dramatically outweigh the concerns about relatively minor risks associated with these vaccines, he said.

A total of 301 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States, according to national data. None are in Ohio this year.

In Texas, 279 cases have been identified since late January, with 36 patients hospitalized and one fatality in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area.

When asked about claims that vitamin A can prevent measles, Vanderhoff said that while vitamin A might help some unvaccinated children who are hospitalized with measles, it does not prevent the illness.

Vanderhoff on Tuesday also spoke about the ongoing national outbreak of avian flu, and Gov. Mike DeWines proposals for enhanced state health programs, among other topics.

Bird flu risk low for humans

Ohio has been hit hard with bird flu in birds, mostly on poultry farms.

The public health risk from bird flu remains low, with relatively few human cases nationally. One of those cases occurred involved a man in Mercer County, Ohio, who was at a high risk because he worked with poultry. The man was hospitalized and has recovered, Vanderhoff said.

The best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid unprotected exposures to dead animals or to their environment, and avoid eating uncooked or undercooked animal products, including raw or unpasteurized milk or dairy products, he said. However, it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry products and pasteurized dairy products.

COVID-19 cases falling

The decline in cases that began in January has continued. Last week, the weekly case number was fewer than 3,000 cases.

COVID-19 is a disease we need to continue to take very seriously, as sadly, it continues to claim too many lives, Vanderhoff said. He urged Ohioans  especially those over age 65 -- to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, because it offers the best chance for protection against severe illness.

Health care proposals in state budget

During his State of the State address last week, DeWine described three health- related programs that are a part of his budget request. They included a program to ensure that all children in kindergarten through third grade who need glasses are able to get them, a request to fund a childrens dental services pilot program, and additional support for the states school-based health clinics.

Julie Washington covers healthcare for cleveland.com. Read previous stories at this link.
China sets economic growth target with confidence

People's Daily Online) 09:41, March 18, 2025

On March 11, 2025, China's annual "two sessions," the annual meetings of China's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), and the top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), concluded in Beijing.

This photo taken on March 4, 2025 shows the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China. The third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held its opening meeting here on March 4. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

At press conferences held during the event, foreign journalists raised many questions about China's economy. How should we view China's economic outlook, and what steps are being taken? By examining the key topics highlighted by foreign media, we can sense the strong momentum behind China's high-quality economic growth.

The report on the work of the government delivered at the third session of the 14th NPC set a GDP growth target at around 5 percent for 2025, which is a medium to high level target compared to major economies and is above some international forecasts. What's driving this confidence, and is the target achievable?

China is fully confident in achieving the economic growth target of around 5 percent this year as there is a solid foundation, support and guarantees, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference on March 6.

Looking back, China has delivered impressive economic results. Between 2020 and 2022, China's GDP grew at an average annual rate of around 4.5 percent, with a growth rate of 5.2 percent in 2023.

Despite facing complex domestic and global challenges in 2024, China met its key economic and social development goals. The country's GDP surpassed 130 trillion yuan (about $17.95 trillion) for the first time, growing by 5 percent.

Today, China's high-quality development is gaining momentum. New industries, business formats and models now account for over 18 percent of GDP.

China's new energy vehicle production has exceeded 13 million units, making up more than 60 percent of global output. Integrated circuit production is increasing rapidly, with exports hitting a record 1.1 trillion yuan. Total R&D spending has surpassed 3.6 trillion yuan, up 8.3 percent, while the number of domestic enterprises holding valid invention patents has grown by 16.1 percent to nearly 500,000.

These figures highlight the rapid emergence of new growth drivers and reinforce China's positive long-term economic outlook.

The around 5 percent growth target offers guidance for improving the quality of economic development while ensuring reasonable growth. It also signals China's commitment to high-quality development, encouraging both domestic and international audiences to view China's economy in a reasonable manner.

A key focus at this year's "two sessions" was what policies China might introduce to boost consumption and position domestic demand as a main driver and stabilizer of economic growth.

The government work report mentioned that China will take a people-centered approach and place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending. The country will boost and upgrade consumption to stimulate economic flows and industrial upgrading.

The government work report also said China should adopt a more proactive fiscal policy, and apply an appropriately accommodative monetary policy. The country has raised its deficit-to-GDP ratio by one percentage point compared to last year, and will issue ultra-long special treasury bonds totaling 300 billion yuan to support consumer goods trade-in programs.

The country will reduce financial burdens, increase spending power, boost the supply of quality products and services, create effective demand, and improve the consumption environment to boost consumption through tangible measures.

Recently, China's consumer market has continued to expand, with increasingly diverse and innovative spending scenarios. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, total retail sales of consumer goods reached approximately 48.8 trillion yuan in 2024, up 3.5 percent from the previous year.

During the "two sessions," China's efforts to expand and steer its opening up drew considerable attention from foreign media.

With global economic growth losing momentum and increasing challenges to globalization, China's economic policy signals are crucial not just for its own development but for global economic development and prosperity as well.

Regardless of changes in the external environment, China should remain steadfast in its commitment to opening up. The country should steadily expand institutional opening up and take the initiative to open wider and advance unilateral opening up in a well-ordered way, so as to promote reform and development through greater openness, according to the government work report.

In 2024, China's 5 percent economic growth contributed roughly 30 percent to global growth. China has given all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines starting from Dec. 1, 2024, driving an 18.1 percent increase in imports from relevant nations that month.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Two men from Texas have been arrested after they were accused of bringing four human-trafficking victims into Ohio, including a juvenile.

Timarrea Granderson, 27, of Cyprus, Texas, and Larry Hill, 26, of Houston, were taken into custody last week in Columbus by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, according to a news release from the Ohio Attorney Generals Office.

The task force was contacted on March 13 by the Houston FBI and the Texas Department of Public Safety and told a juvenile victim likely was in Columbus. Granderson was located that evening and one of the four victims was with him, authorities say.

Hill also was found that evening but he barricaded himself inside a Columbus residence on West Kanawha Avenue, the news release says. Hill was arrested after the standoff ended with assistance from the Columbus Police Divisions SWAT team and the Sharon Township Police Department.

Two more victims were found with hill, while the fourth victim was rescued at another location, authorities say. All of the victims are from Texas.

Granderson and Hill both are awaiting extradition to Texas, where they will face charges including trafficking of a person and compelling prostitution of a minor.
A French politician says the U.S. should give back the Statue of Liberty over backlash for Donald Trump's policies. (Pamela Smith, Associated Press file photo) AP

PARIS, France  Whats the statute of limitations on the Statue of Liberty?

The famous American icon has stood in the harbor in New York City for nearly 140 years, a gift from France. But a French politician suggests that the U.S. no longer represents the ideals of the statue.

And because of that, hes saying, reportedly as a joke, it should be returned to France.

Were going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: Give us back the Statue of Liberty, said Raphael Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament, according to USA Today.

We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home.

Glucksmann is a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, the Guardian reports. He made his comments during a speech this weekend.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded Monday to Glucksmann, calling him an unnamed low-level French politician. She also cited the role of the U.S. in liberating France during World War II.

Its only because of America that the French are not speaking German right now, Leavitt said. (In fairness, the U.S. likely would not have won the Revolutionary War without the military and financial assistance of the French.)

Even if Glucksmann were being serious, the Statue of Liberty is staying where its at. UNESCO, the United Nations cultural arm that has the statue on its list of World Heritage treasures, notes that the iconic monument is U.S. government property.

Transported in 350 pieces from France, the statue was officially unveiled Oct. 28, 1886.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
President Donald Trump lashed out at U.S. District Judge James Boasberg on Truth Social on Tuesday over a ruling from the judge that halted Venezuelan migrant deportations under Alien Enemies Act. Trump called for his impeachment. AP

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump lashed out on Tuesday on Truth Social at the federal judge who ordered a two-week halt to his attempts to deport Venezuelan migrants using extraordinary war powers that havent been invoked for decades.

Trump, posting on Truth Social, was responding to orders from U.S. District Judge James Boasberg  the chief judge of the federal district court in Washington. In his message, Trump called for Boasbergs removal.

This Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, was not elected President - He didnt WIN the popular VOTE (by a lot!), he didnt WIN ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, he didnt WIN 2,750 to 525 Counties, HE DIDNT WIN ANYTHING! Trump posted.

I WON FOR MANY REASONS, IN AN OVERWHELMING MANDATE, BUT FIGHTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MAY HAVE BEEN THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR THIS HISTORIC VICTORY. Im just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do., he wrote. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! WE DONT WANT VICIOUS, VIOLENT, AND DEMENTED CRIMINALS, MANY OF THEM DERANGED MURDERERS, IN OUR COUNTRY. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!

Boasberg on Saturday issued an order blocking the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th century law that Trump invoked to carry out his plans.

But flights carrying the deportees continued anyway and 261 people were flown to El Salvador. A Trump administration lawyer argued both that Boasbergs initial oral ruling to block the flights was superseded by a more sparsely written order issued later, and that the government had the legal right to continue with flights once they had left U.S. airspace.

Boasberg questioned whether the administration openly defied his ruling and has demanded answers. Another hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.

Trump has a history of run-ins with Boasberg.

As chief judge, Boasberg presided over key aspects of the grand jury proceedings that led to Trumps criminal charges in Washington for his attempt to subvert the 2020 election, Politico noted. Among Boasbergs decisions: Requiring former Vice President Mike Pence to testify to the grand jury over Trumps objection and ruling that hundreds of emails from Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Scott Perry should be disclosed to investigators.

Boasberg also presided over some of the grand jury proceedings related to Trumps criminal case for hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate.

Federal judges serve lifetime appointments but can be removed from office if they are impeached by the House of Representatives and then convicted by the U.S. Senate.

Thats unlikely to happen here, since conviction requires support from two thirds of the Senate.

Of 15 judges impeached in U.S. history, eight have been removed  the last being G. Thomas Porteous Jr. of New Orleans in 2010 after he accepted bribes and then lied about it.

Calls to impeach judges have been rising as Trumps sweeping agenda faces scrutiny in the courts. At least two members of Congress have said they plan will introduce articles of impeachment against Boasberg, The Associated Press said.

House Republicans already have filed articles of impeachment against two other judges, Amir Ali and Paul Engelmayer, over rulings theyve made in Trump-related lawsuits.

What we are seeing is an attempt by one branch of government to intimidate another branch from performing its constitutional duty. It is a direct threat to judicial independence, Marin Levy, a Duke University law professor, wrote in an email to the AP.
In this combination of file photos, President Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, are seen at the Elysee Palace, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris, and President Vladimir Putin, right, addresses a Technology Forum in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, left and center, Pavel Bednyakov, right) AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump is set to hold talks on Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin as he looks to get buy-in on a U.S. ceasefire proposal that he hopes can create a pathway to ending Russias devastating war on Ukraine.

The White House is optimistic that peace is within reach even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains skeptical that Putin is doing much beyond paying lip service to Trump as Russian forces continue to pound his country.

The engagement is just the latest turn in dramatically shifting U.S.-Russia relations as Trump has made quickly ending the conflict a top priority, even at the expense of straining ties with longtime American allies who want Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

Its a bad situation in Russia, and its a bad situation in Ukraine, Trump told reporters on Monday. Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it.

In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff met last week with Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

The U.S. president said Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.

Trump, who during his campaign pledged to quickly end the war, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russias unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Zelenskyy of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since World War II.

Trump has said that swaps of land and power plants will be part of the conversation with Putin.

Witkoff and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that U.S. and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia power plant in southern Ukraine.

The power plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. The U.N.s International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about the nuclear power plant, Europes largest, fueling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The nuclear power plant is a significant asset, producing nearly a quarter of Ukraines electricity in the year before the war.

I can say we are on the 10th yard line of peace, Leavitt said. And weve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the president, as you know, is determined to get one done.

But Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, questioned whether Putin is ready to end the war or will hold out for potential further concessions as Trump grows impatient.

After a disastrous Feb. 28 White House meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine. It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administrations 30-day ceasefire proposal.

The U.S. has been consistently offering in some form preemptive concessions that have been weakening the American and Ukrainian negotiating position, Bowman said. I think theres a real danger here that the administrations approach is boiling down to sticks for Ukraine and carrots for Putin.

Zelensky in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Putin is ready for peace.

Now, almost a week later, its clear to everyone in the world  even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years  that it is Putin who continues to drag out this war, Zelenskyy said.

In his dealings with Zelenskyy and Putin, Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage. Putin has the cards and Zelenskyy does not, Trump has said repeatedly.

Trump, who has long shown admiration for Putin, has also made clear hed like to see the U.S.-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.

The president during his recent contentious meeting with Zelenskyy grumbled that Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, a reference to the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position. He said Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region  amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials thats been refuted by Zelenskyy.

Ukraines 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 and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Zelenskyy has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on their back foot but refutes Russian claims that they have encircled his troops in Kursk.

Trump suggested that hes taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer, Trump said.

Leavitt is one of three Trump administration officials who face a lawsuit from The Associated Press on First- and Fifth-Amendment grounds. The AP says the three are punishing the news agency for editorial decisions they oppose. The White House says the AP is not following an executive order to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
A Head Start center on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Wasilla, Alaska. New Big Ten Early Learning Alliance research emphasizes crucial role in rural areas and for families below poverty line. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) AP

COLUMBUS, Ohio - An estimated 33,465 Ohio children attended Head Start in the 2023-2024 school year, according to a new report released amid potential federal cuts.

The Big Ten Early Learning Alliance  a new research collaboration among professors at Big Ten universities, including Ohio State University  put out the Head Start research brief because Project 2025 advocated eliminating the program. The White Houses Department of Government Efficiency has cut other programs serving vulnerable people, such as reducing Department of Veterans Affairs staff and slashing USAID.

If Head Start funding is reduced or eliminated, this information can help states decide whether they might want to increase state investments in early care and education to avoid economic impacts for families and employers, the brief states. Our review shows that changes to Head Start services might be particularly consequential in rural areas, in which Head Start makes up a large share of available early care and education.

Sixty-year-old Head Start serves families at or below the federal poverty line by providing early learning for young children and educational and employment supports for parents. Head Start is the federal governments direct investment in early childhood programming, serving about 1 million children and families each year.

Up to 10% of the children in Head Start have disabilities and are eligible regardless of family income.

Decades of research provide strong evidence that Head Start participation improves childrens development in the early years and helps them enter school more ready to learn, the brief said.

Across the Big Ten states, 310,000 children were in Head Start in the 2023-2024 year. This is roughly a third of all children in Head Start across the country.

Of Ohios 33,465 students in Head Start programs:

- 9,719 were aged newborn to 2

-23,746 were ages 3 to 5

-3,984 had disabilities

The brief said Head Starts adult programming helps improve parenting skills and their educational and labor market outcomes.

A total of 25,322 Ohio families received Head Start services, including:

-1,105 families who received English as a Second Language education

- 1,290 families who received substance abuse prevention or treatment

-3,161 families who obtained mental health services

- 1,658 families who received housing assistance

Laura Hancock covers state government and politics for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.
This image shows a sign on the Ohio State University Columbus campus. Sent to us in 2024. Ohio State University

The latest episode of Today in Ohio delved into an alarming development affecting Ohios higher education institutions that raises serious First Amendment concerns.

Host Chris Quinn and the podcast team exposed how a federal investigation into diversity programs at Ohio State University represents a troubling assault on free speech.

Lisa Garvin explained the scope of this sweeping investigation: The federal government is investigating Ohio State, along with the University of Cincinnati and more than 40 other schools because of their involvement in a program called the PhD Project.

This 30-year-old initiative helps bring diversity to business school faculty by encouraging underrepresented populations to pursue doctoral degrees. But now its in the crosshairs of the federal government, which claims such programs might violate civil rights laws by limiting participation based on race.

Chris Quinn didnt mince words about the Constitutional implications: The line were crossing here seems to me to be the First Amendment You can tell a university, hey, you cant weight people based on race or other factors to admit them. Youve got to do it based on merit. But theres nothing to stop organizations from trying to exhort underrepresented populations to try and be represented in these various places.

The podcast highlighted how this investigation isnt happening in isolation but represents part of a broader crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs nationwide. Ohio State has already shut down two diversity offices in response to earlier pressure.

The conversation revealed the stark difference between merit-based admissions (which universities must follow) and the freedom to encourage wider participation from underrepresented groups. The hosts argued that private organizations should maintain the right to reach out to colleges and share information about increasing diversity - without government interference.

This investigation raises questions about academic freedom and whether universities will stand firm against what the podcast hosts view as intimidation tactics or surrender their First Amendment protections. As Leila Atassi noted with concern, the government seems to have their thumb on the scale in these investigations.

The Today in Ohio discussion brings to light how policies ostensibly aimed at preventing discrimination may actually be vehicles for suppressing efforts to create more inclusive environments in higher education.

Want to hear the complete, unfiltered debate about this critical First Amendment battle playing out at Ohio State and universities nationwide? Listen to the full Today in Ohio episode where Chris Quinn, Lisa Garvin, Leila Atassi and Laura Johnston provide their analysis of this controversy and its potential consequences for free speech in America.

Note: Artificial intelligence was used to help generate this story from Today in Ohio, a news podcast discussion by cleveland.com editors. Visitors to cleveland.com have asked for more text stories based on website podcast discussions.
Ohio candidate for governor Vivek Ramaswamy jokingly suggested Lake Erie be renamed Lake Ohio. The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico began as a joke, too. Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com

In the latest episode of Today in Ohio, podcast hosts Chris Quinn, Laura Johnston, Lisa Garvin, and Leila Atassi had a firestorm of debate over an unexpected proposal that has many Ohioans doing a double-take: Should Lake Erie be renamed Lake Ohio?

The controversy erupted after Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy floated the idea during a GOP fundraiser in Toledo. As Laura Johnston recounted, Ramaswamy provocatively asked the crowd, Anybody think if theres a Lake Michigan, maybe there should be a Lake Ohio around here?

While Ramaswamys campaign later claimed he was joking, the Today in Ohio crew wasnt buying it. Chris Quinn drew a direct parallel to another controversial renaming: I dont write this off because the Vivek campaign says, oh no, he was just joking. So was Trump when he first mentioned the Gulf of America.

What makes this proposal particularly tone-deaf is the erasure of Native American heritage it represents. Johnston pointed out the rich indigenous history behind our regional waterways: All three of those in names and in Ohio in fact, are all derived from Native American tribe names for these bodies of water.

The suggestion comes at a time when the podcast hosts note a disturbing pattern of removing Native American references from official records. Quinn highlighted a shocking recent example where a Native American that was involved in the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima - his entire biography... has been removed from the website about Iwo Jima, which is scandalous.

The conversation reveals how seemingly small proposals like renaming a lake touch on much deeper issues about whose history we choose to honor and preserve. As Johnston emphasized, If we were going to wipe Native American names off the map, I feel like the majority of our place names in this country would be gone.

This renaming controversy isnt just about semantics  its about identity, history, and respect. The proposal ignores both the complex international status of Lake Erie (half of which lies in Canada) and the administrative reality that, as Johnston explained, Theres a U.S. board on Geographic Names, theres a U.S. geological Survey.

Even Dave Yost, Ramaswamys competitor in the Republican primary for governor, dismissed it as a ridiculous idea.

The podcasts heated exchange offers listeners a window into how seemingly offhand political comments can ignite serious debates about cultural preservation, historical respect, and the limits of political pandering.

What started as an apparent joke at a fundraiser has morphed into a conversation about the ongoing tension between respecting indigenous heritage and politically-motivated attempts to reshape American geography and history.

Want to hear the full vigor of the discussion about Lake Eries possible identity crisis and dive deeper into the hosts' passionate defense of preserving Native American place names? Listen to the complete episode of Today in Ohio where Chris Quinn, Laura Johnston and the team explore this controversy alongside other pressing regional issues facing Northeast Ohio.

Note: Artificial intelligence was used to help generate this story from Today in Ohio, a news podcast discussion by cleveland.com editors. Visitors to cleveland.com have asked for more text stories based on website podcast discussions.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a Columbus-area Republican, speaks at a Feb. 24, 2025 rally in New Albany, Ohio to launch his 2026 campaign for governor. Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com

COLUMBUS, OhioFor those wondering how to pronounce Vivek Ramaswamys name, the Columbus-area Republican made it clear in a nationally televised freestyle rap a couple years ago.

My name is Vivek. It rhymes with cake, rapped Ramaswamy, now the frontrunner in the Republican primary race for Ohio governor next year, during an interview on Fox News in July 2023. His rap didnt include that the proper way to say his last name is Rah-muh-SWAH-me.
A car accident in Texas can come with more than just the injuries you suffered in the accident. You may be facing huge medical bills you cannot pay or lost wages due to your inability to return to work. The good news is that Texas personal injury law allows you to pursue compensation to help pay these bills.

However, the possibility of that happening may depend on whether or not you have legal representation for the case. A Texas personal injury lawyer can help ensure the at-fault driver takes responsibility while helping you get fair compensation. However, before you hire a lawyer for your case, here is everything to know about retaining a Texas personal injury lawyer.

What are the major things to take into consideration when hiring a Texas personal injury attorney?

"Knowing the right attorney to represent you can be tricky; the goal is to find someone who understands your case," says attorney Arthur Schechter of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP  Accident & Injury Attorneys. For one, you want a lawyer with great communication skills because communication during the course of the case is vital. Moreover, it is advisable to retain a lawyer with specific experience in your case's legal area. For example, a medical malpractice claim would require the assistance of a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice law.

Furthermore, a small firm might be ideal if you would prefer to communicate with your attorney directly rather than through their assistant. Last but not least, consider getting a lawyer in Texas, as they will be more experienced in local laws, court rules, and judges.

Still thinking about whether to get one? Major reasons to get an attorney.

There are many reasons to get a lawyer, from helping you gather evidence to building a strong case to represent you in court. A personal injury attorney can provide legal advice and representation that will make navigating the case smoother. Below are some of the top reasons to work with the right lawyer for a personal injury case in Texas:

To help file a lawsuit

Your attorney can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver on your behalf and maybe even their insurance company as well. Filing a lawsuit in Texas follows due process and requires some legal paperwork, which your attorney can handle efficiently.

Increasing the likelihood of an out-of-court resolution

If you would prefer not to go to court, you are better off working with a personal injury lawyer than without. Particularly, if you research well and choose a lawyer with a good track record, you have better odds of negotiating a settlement.

Meeting deadlines

You have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas, after which you lose the chance. Having a lawyer helps ensure you do not miss these all-too-important deadlines, avoiding the likelihood of the court dismissing your case.

Counting the cost: How much does it cost to get a personal injury lawyer in Texas?

Most personal injury lawyers in Texas work on a contingency basis, offering free initial case evaluation. Working on contingencies means their pay will be a percentage of your compensation, and you do not have to pay upfront. Consequently, you are encouraged to consult with an attorney, even if you haven't made a final decision regarding their retention.

Meanwhile, the percentage the attorney gets depends on a few factors, including the nuances of your case. In other words, the more complex your Texas personal injury case is, the higher the percentage, and vice versa.

Knowing when to talk to a lawyer: Do you need to take your time before hiring legal help?

You easily know you need a lawyer when an accident leaves you with severe injuries, but what if it did not? You may not need a lawyer if that is the case, especially if the at-fault driver admits fault.

However, when it is not clear who is at fault for the accident, you should consider retaining an attorney. The Texas legal system is rather complex, requiring the help of an attorney to ensure the protection of your rights.

Conclusion

Knowing when and where to get a personal injury lawyer in Texas is essential to the outcome of your case. Meanwhile, if you are not sure where to start looking, consider asking for recommendations from trusted friends and family. Also, you can search the internet for ads for local firms and ensure to read reviews before choosing.
 
Human resources software startup Rippling sued competitor Deel in federal district court on Monday, claiming that "Deel cultivated a spy" to orchestrate a trade-secret theft.

The employee met with Deel executives and passed internal Rippling records to a reporter, according to San Francisco-based Rippling's complaint in the U.S. District Court for California's Northern District.

Rippling claimed in the filing Deel violated the 1970 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and misappropriated trade secrets.

The two startups are among the most world's most valuable. Investors valued Rippling at $13.5 billion in a funding round announced last year, while Deel told media outlets in 2023 that it was worth $12 billion. Deel ranked No. 28 on CNBC's 2024 Disruptor 50 list.

"Weeks after Rippling is accused of violating sanctions law in Russia and seeding falsehoods about Deel, Rippling is trying to shift the narrative with these sensationalized claims," a Deel spokesperson told CNBC in an email. "We deny all legal wrongdoing and look forward to asserting our counterclaims."

Rippling confirmed its findings earlier this month. The company's general counsel sent a letter to three Deel executives that referred to a new Slack channel, and the Deel spy quickly looked for it. Rippling subsequently served a court order to the spy at its office in Dublin, Ireland requiring him to preserve information on his mobile phone.

"Deel's spy lied to the court-appointed solicitor about the location of his phone, and then locked himself in a bathroom  seemingly in order to delete evidence from his phone  all while the independent solicitor repeatedly warned him not to delete materials from his device and that his non-compliance was breaching a court order with penal endorsement," Rippling said in Monday's filing. "The spy responded: 'I'm willing to take that risk.' He then fled the premises."

Rippling hired the person whom it calls the Deel spy for a management role in 2023, as the two companies were becoming more competitive, the filing says. Deel had used Rippling's software, but Rippling opted to not renew Deel's contract, according to the legal filing.

The spy repeatedly accessed information about Rippling customers, quotes, sales calls, demos and support requests in internal Slack repositories, according to the filing. He found and downloaded Rippling's guidance on how to go up against Deel for prospective business, too, the filing says.

Then, in February, a reporter at The Information sent an inquiry to Rippling that included Slack messages from inside Rippling, which the startup concluded were collected by the Deel spy, the filing says. Additionally, email records suggest that the spy met with Deel executives in December, Rippling said in the complaint.

"We always prefer to win by building the best products and we don't turn to the legal system lightly," Parker Conrad, Rippling's co-founder and CEO, said in a Monday X post. "But we are taking this extraordinary step to send a clear message that this type of misconduct has no place in our industry."

This isn't Conrad's first legal entanglement over data access. In 2015, ADP dropped a defamation lawsuit that claimed his previous HR startup, Zenefits, had obtained information from clients in order to provide them with payment processing services.

WATCH: 2025 will be 'year of reckoning' for AI implementation: HR software firm
Britain's King Charles and CEO of Apple, Tim Cook walk at Apple's UK Head Office at Battersea Power Station in London, Britain, December 12, 2024.

Privacy advocates worry that a change in an iPhone security feature in the United Kingdom, and the ongoing battle between Apple and the UK government, could have worldwide ripple effects.

Earlier this year, the UK demanded, under the Investigatory Powers Act, that Apple create a backdoor to allow the government to access encrypted data on people's phones. But instead of making a backdoor, Apple burned the whole house down in the UK market, pulling the data protection tool, to avoid having to comply.

"As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services, and we never will," Apple said in a statement, adding that it was "gravely disappointed" by the government request.

As a result, an estimated 35 million iPhone users in the UK do not have access to the optional end-to-end encryption feature called Advanced Data Protection, which ensures that only users can access their personal data, such as photos and messages.

Apple has lodged an appeal with the UK Investigatory Powers Tribunal seeking to overturn the order, and calls have grown for the hearing to be made public.

Data and privacy experts are alarmed.

"This is only bad news, and I'm finding it difficult to call it anything other than a disaster. The loss of end-to-end encryption for cloud storage is wholesale bad  it leaves users less secure and private  but the global consequences tip this into far worse territory," said David Ruiz, online privacy expert at Malwarebytes.

"What's particularly galling is that, for more than a decade, the EU has made a justifiable fuss about data transfer between our two nations," Ruiz said.

The thinking was that EU citizens' data could not be reasonably protected when it crossed into the U.S. because of the National Security Agency surveillance programs. Trade agreements are intended to iron out the details, Ruiz said, pointing to a Safe Harbor agreement used before it was struck down in 2015, and an agreement called the US-UK Privacy Shield which has been in place since then.

"With the UK's order, I legitimately do not know what happens to the US-UK Privacy Shield," he said.

The last time there was an order of this magnitude was the Edward Snowden revelations, when The Guardian revealed that the FBI had asked Verizon for the call details records for incoming and outgoing calls in the United States.

A data security 'earthquake'

Ruiz isn't alone in his concerns.

"This is a wake-up call for CISOs navigating the intersection of security, privacy, and government oversight," says Dray Agha, security operations manager at Huntress Labs.

Agha says that while the government wants access to the data, building such a backdoor would create a systemic risk. Oonce a vulnerability is introduced, it's only a matter of time before unintended actors exploit it.

"If governments can access data, so can adversaries: cybercriminals, hostile nation-states, and malicious insiders," Agha said, adding that the absence of strong encryption in iCloud increases the risk of insider threats, unauthorized government access, and potential data breaches.

Similar data privacy battles could be coming to the U.S. and other nations.

Ruiz says that this may embolden the "Five Eyes" nations (a so-called intelligence alliance consisting of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, and UK), to make a similar demand of Apple.

"Privacy's global dominos are wobbling," said Javad Abed, an assistant professor of information systems at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. "This is a policy earthquake."

Whether in the UK or globally, the ability to control your own encryption and data sovereignty is becoming a non-negotiable pillar of personal security, Agha said, and users need to recognize that the UK move is a symptom of the growing tension between governments and personal security.

To start, people should check the privacy settings on their phones.

Many consumers have older phones, and those who don't have auto updates enabled may miss critical security updates, which could include messaging apps that allow for end-for-end encryption. Settings on transferred apps might not migrate with a new phone.

"If users have enabled end-to-end encryption for apps on your prior phone, it's also a good idea to check that the settings are enabled on the new phone as well," Agha said.

The same advice applies to non-Apple phone users. "Samsung is not immune, so Galaxy fans should be concerned," Agha added.

U.S. privacy protections

Abed says the U.S. government has a long history of wrestling with tech companies over encryption and that the FBI has frequently argued that encryption hampers law enforcement.

"Some lawmakers might see the UK situation as a playbook," he said.

UK success in this battle could embolden the U.S. to pursue executive action or application of existing statutes to accomplish a similar aim, but Abed says the U.S. does have strong free speech protections and a fragmented legislative process that would make requiring a backdoor more difficult. "And the bipartisan backlash would be fierce," he said, citing senators on both sides of the aisle  Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ron Wyden (D-OR)  who have pushed back against weakening protections.

Elle Farrell-Kingsley, a UK-based futurist and tech expert who has helped formulate AI policy research for UK Parliament, says the strong constitutional protections and existing legal precedents that favor encryption in the U.S. are a solid starting point for a broad phone user security firewall.

There does tend to be bipartisan interest in regulating online platforms, especially when it comes to child safety. "What makes the UK's Online Safety Act particularly noteworthy is now its extraterritorial reach," Farrell-Kingsley said, noting that foreign companies serving UK users must comply with the law, which could theoretically affect U.S.-based firms that offer encrypted messaging services in the UK.

She noted that similar proposals have been vaguely discussed in the U.S., such as the proposed EARN IT Act, which would create liability risks for companies that offer encrypted messaging without access for law enforcement. It has been introduced specifically to address child safety concerns, but some civil liberties groups say it is a license for government surveillance.

Farrell-Kingsley says that if the UK's regulatory body enforces compliance, companies would need to decide whether to create UK-specific versions of their products, withdraw services from the UK entirely (as Apple has done with certain features or threaten to leave the UK entirely, as encrypted messaging app Signal has done), or risk penalties.

While she thinks replication of action in the U.S. is unlikely, the consequences would be significant.

"If U.S. lawmakers follow the UK's example, it could lead to expanded government surveillance and a rollback of strong privacy protections," she said.

"In short, the loss of end-to-end encryption is bad, yes," Ruiz said. "But the global impact of this demand has extremely dangerous and idiotic potential."
Pictured here is the Ernie bot mobile interface, with the Baidu search engine home page in the background. Future Publishing | Future Publishing | Getty Images

Chinese tech giant Baidu has released two new free-to-use artificial intelligence models as it vies to regain its leading position in the country's fiercely competitive AI space. The Baidu models launched Sunday included the company's first reasoning-focused model, and come ahead of plans to move toward an open-source strategy. However, experts told CNBC that while the release of the models is a positive development for Baidu, they also highlight how it is playing catch up as its Ernie bot  one of China's earliest versions of a ChatGPT-like chatbot  struggles to gain widespread adoption. "The new models make Baidu more competitive since the company has been lagging behind in a reasoning model release," Lian Jye Su, chief analyst at Omdia, told CNBC. A reasoning model is a large language model that breaks down tasks into smaller pieces and considers multiple approaches before generating a response. It is designed to process complex problems in a similar way to humans. Chinese startup DeepSeek upended the global AI race and transformed China's ecosystem in January when it released its R1 reasoning model, which rivaled American competitors despite costing a fraction of the price.

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Baidu has said its new ERNIE X1 reasoning model "delivers performance on par with DeepSeek R1 at only half the price," and has "stronger understanding, planning, reflection, and evolution capabilities." CNBC has not been able to independently verify this claim. According to Wei Sun, principal analyst of artificial intelligence at Counterpoint Research, Baidu's future competitiveness could hinge on whether its new models deliver on the promised performance and cost advantages. "Baidu is clearly in catch-up mode, largely due to its slow innovation pace and underestimating rapid shifts in market dynamics," Sun said.

What happened?

Baidu rolled out its first generative AI platform to the public in 2023, giving China one of its first answers to OpenAI's popular AI chatbot ChatGPT. However, despite initial momentum, Baidu's Ernie product has since been eclipsed by competitors including startups as well as large-tech companies such as Alibaba and ByteDance. Experts list a number of reasons for Baidu's struggles and slow rate of innovation. "Baidu fell behind when they tried to build proprietary models and compete for funding for AI," Ray Wang, principal analyst and founder of Constellation Research, told CNBC. He added that the company has also suffered from recent government crackdowns and was distracted by "regulatory nonsense."

CFOTO | Future Publishing | Getty Images

Proprietary models keep their source code and underlying architecture confidential, in contrast to models from the likes of DeepSeek, whose source code is made freely available on the open web for possible modification and redistribution. "Using a closed-source approach means that [Baidu] was training its model from scratch whereas the open-source models were able to leverage certain parts that were communal to developers," said Kai Wang, a senior equity analyst for Morningstar. Baidu, however, said last month that it would make its next-generation AI model Ernie open-source from June 30, according to Reuters. "Baidu has always been very supportive of its proprietary business model and was vocal against open source, but disruptors like DeepSeek have proven that open source models can be as competitive," said Omdia's Su. He added that Baidu is "merely following the footstep" of its biggest competitors in China, namely Alibaba, DeepSeek, and Tencent, which have all now released open-source models.

Baidu's advantages
ZHEJIANG, CHINA - MARCH 16 2023: A view of the logo of ERNIE Bot, an AI chatbot service developed by Chinese search engine Baidu.

Shares of Chinese tech giant Baidu were trading up 10.7% in Asia on Tuesday, as investors appeared to react positively to the release of two new AI models over the weekend.

Baidu released two new artificial intelligence models on Sunday, including the latest version of its foundational "Ernie" model and a new reasoning model that it said rivaled DeepSeek's R1 model. CNBC is not able to verify these claims.

A reasoning model is a large language model designed to process complex problems in a similar way to humans, breaking prompts down into smaller pieces and considering multiple approaches before generating responses.

According to Kai Wang, a senior equity analyst for Morningstar, the stock jump is likely a "delayed reaction" to the new models as Baidu vies to regain a leading position in China's AI space.

"The stock also hasn't gotten as much love as the other hyperscalers but still it's a platform that stands to benefit from greater AI demand since enterprises will need someone to help them with hosting, scaling, and computing power," he said.

A hyperscaler refers to a major cloud computing company that provides massive data centers for computing storage and demands.

Baidu said on Sunday that its ERNIE X1 reasoning model "delivers performance on par with DeepSeek R1 at only half the price," and has "stronger understanding, planning, reflection, and evolution capabilities."

Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek upended the AI industry in January when it released its R1 open-source reasoning model, which rivaled models of American competitors, despite claims it was produced at a fraction of the cost and with far less powerful chips.

DeepSeek quickly overtook Baidu in China's AI race, despite the company being one of the first in the market to launch a ChatGPT-like chatbot with its Ernie Bot, according to Wei Sun, principal analyst of artificial intelligence at Counterpoint Research, who noted other tech giants like Alibaba and Bytedance have also pulled ahead.

"Baidu's competitiveness hinges on whether its new models truly deliver on the promised performance and cost advantages," Sun said, noting, however, that AI pricing, particularly in China's market, is highly fluid.

Baidu's latest models have been made free-to-use for individual users. Previously, users had paid a monthly subscription to access the company's latest Ernie models.

The company also announced last month that s it would make its next-generation AI model Ernie open-source from June 30, according to Reuters. This represents a change from Baidu's prior strategy of focusing on proprietary models.

"By open-sourcing its models, Baidu seeks to once again position its technology as an industry standard, strengthening its influence in the AI community and expand its market share," said Sun.

Correction: This article has been updated to state that Baidu's new AI models are free to use.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit the United States "in the not-too-distant future" for talks as economic tensions escalate between the powers.

Trump has slapped 20% levies on all imports from China since taking office in January, faulting Beijing for not halting the flow of chemicals used to make illegal fentanyl, a leading cause of U.S. drug overdose deaths.

Trump has voiced optimism in recent weeks about having a good relationship with Xi. But there has been little sign of progress on a range of issues splitting the nations, from tariffs to Taiwan.

China objects to the tariffs and says it has taken serious action on counter-narcotics. Beijing has imposed a limited set of its own retaliatory trade actions.

"He'll be coming," Trump said, "in the not-too-distant future."

Trump made the comments as an aside during a board meeting at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington.

The U.S. president has said tariffs are needed to rebalance uneven trade relations with foreign countries and to raise revenue for the government. He has largely rejected investor fears that the levies could slow growth and raise inflation.

The White House did not respond to a request for further comment. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment.
Germany's chancellor-in-waiting and leader of the Christian Democratic Union party (CDU) Friedrich Merz and Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius attend an extraordinary session of the outgoing lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, for a vote to adopt the draft law brought by the SPD and CDU/CSU parliamentary groups to reform constitutional debt rules and set up a 500 billion euro infrastructure fund, in Berlin, Germany March 18, 2025. Annegret Hilse | Reuters

Germany's Bundestag on Tuesday voted in favor of a major fiscal package, which includes changes to long-standing debt policies to enable higher defense spending and a 500 billion euro ($548 billion) infrastructure and climate fund. Some 513 parliamentary members voted in favor of the plan, while 207 voted against it. There were no abstentions. More than two thirds of parliament were needed to support the package in order for it to pass. The law also needs to be approved by the Bundesrat, a body representing the country's states, on Friday to become enshrined in Germany's constitution. Under the proposed new laws, defense and certain security expenditures above a certain threshold would no longer be subject to the debt brake, which limits how much debt the government can take on and dictates the size of the federal government's structural budget deficit. Loans taken on as part of the infrastructure fund would also be exempt from the debt brake, while Germany's states would also have greater flexibility around debt.

Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING, on Tuesday said the vote meant the debt brake rule is now "not officially dead but buried alive." "Germany has given up on leading the group of fiscal frugals in Europe for the sake of boosting its economy," he added. The Christian Democratic Union, alongside its sister party the Christian Social Union, which jointly won the largest share of votes in Germany's national election in February, proposed the fiscal shift in collaboration with the Social Democratic Party. The factions appear likely to form the incoming coalition government, with the fiscal reform package a by-product of talks about a potential governing partnership between them.

A tight vote

Time pressure to pass the reforms is high as they require changes to the constitution and need the support of two thirds of both parliament and the Bundesrat. This was likely only going to be possible before the newly elected parliament comes together for the first time next week, as parties opposing the fiscal package will then have a larger share of the vote and could potentially block the plans. Several of the parties that oppose the reforms have also unsuccessfully launched legal challenges to hinder the vote.

Germany's chancellor-in-waiting and leader of the Christian Democratic Union party (CDU) Friedrich Merz walks, on the day of an extraordinary session of the outgoing lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, for a vote to adopt the draft law brought by the SPD and CDU/CSU parliamentary groups to reform constitutional debt rules and set up a 500 billion euro infrastructure fund, in Berlin, Germany March 18, 2025. Liesa Johannssen | Reuters

In the lead-up to the Tuesday vote, the CDU-CSU and SPD also had to negotiate for the backing of Germany's Green Party, ultimately agreeing on a compromise that includes 100 billion euros of the infrastructure fund being allocated to climate and economic transformation efforts and a broadening of the security-related issues exempted from the debt brake.

A boost to the economy?

Analysts and economists have broadly reacted positively to the reform plans, viewing them as a potentially major boost for Germany's struggling economy. Robin Winkler, chief German economist at Deutsche Bank Research, urged caution, however, suggesting there was still work to be done for the incoming government. "This is a historic fiscal regime shift, arguably the largest since German reunification," he said Tuesday after the vote. "Yet, as with reunification, a fiscal expansion does not guarantee success: the next government will need to deliver structural reforms to turn this fiscal package into sustainable growth."

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The German economy narrowly skirted a technical recession  or two consecutive quarters of economic contraction  throughout 2023 and 2024, but has been effectively stagnant. The OECD on Monday said it was now projecting Germany's gross domestic product to grow by an annual 0.4% this year, down from the previously forecast 0.7% expansion. German economic institute Ifo, meanwhile, said it was cutting its outlook for the country's economy to 0.2% growth year-on-year. It comes as Germany is facing sustained infrastructure problems, as well as issues in key industries such as housebuilding and autos. The country is also battling the threat of potential tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on imports to the U.S. from Europe  which could be especially difficult for Germany due to its high levels of trade with the U.S.
Ralph Lauren is prepared to weather near-term tariff-related headwinds, Goldman Sachs said. The bank upgraded shares of the luxury fashion stock to buy from neutral. Analyst Brooke Roach accompanied the move by raising her 12-month price target to $286 from $280. Roach's updated forecast represents a 30% upside from Monday's close. The call comes as tensions between the U.S. and other key trade partners increase. The U.S. has placed tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China. The latter countries slapped retaliatory levies on American products in response. RL 1M mountain RL 1-mo chart However, Roach said Ralph Lauren "has more limited exposure to key near-term macro risks vs. peers, including tariffs, department store slowdown, and the health of the lower-income consumer." She added that a recent sell-off in Ralph Lauren has opened up an attractive entry point. Shares are down more than 18% this month. Before the pullback, elevated valuations kept the analyst on the sidelines. "More recently, we have seen a pullback in valuations across the apparel sector due to macro uncertainty and market volatility, which we believe presents a buying opportunity for companies demonstrating limited signs of slowdown even amidst an increasingly volatile macro backdrop, such as RL," she added. "Here, we also believe brands with momentum are more likely to outperform in a variety of macro backdrops, which we believe is important given investors' increasing concerns regarding the health of the consumer." Most analysts are bullish on Ralph Lauren, with 12 of 19 rating it a buy or a strong buy. The average price target also signals upside of 33%.
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MMR vaccine administer prep is pictured during a drive at the City of Lubbock Health Department in Lubbock, Texas, U.S. Feb. 27, 2025. Annie Rice | Reuters

A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Healthy Returns newsletter, which brings the latest health-care news straight to your inbox. Subscribe here to receive future editions. I'm here to bring you the latest on the measles outbreak in the U.S. The nation declared measles eliminated 25 years ago, meaning there was no continuous transmission of the disease for more than a year thanks to a highly effective vaccine for it. But now, one of the worst outbreaks since then is centered in West Texas, with cases reaching into New Mexico and now Oklahoma. Here's where those cases are: There have been 259 confirmed cases of measles in the West Texas outbreak so far, and at least one unvaccinated child has died, according to the state's health department. Most cases  201  have been in kids and teenagers.

New Mexico has the second-highest number of cases at 35, and the outbreak has resulted in the death of an unvaccinated adult, the state said.

There are so far four reported cases in Oklahoma, according to the state's health department.

There have been a few isolated cases reported in more than a dozen other states, which don't appear to be related to the Texas outbreak. The number of confirmed cases in the U.S. this year already surpasses the 285 reported nationwide in all of 2024, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows. Still, the CDC says the nationwide risk of measles remains low and that vaccination is the key to prevention. But the problem is immunization rates for the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine  called MMR  have been declining in nearly every U.S. state since the Covid pandemic. Health policy and public health experts have told CNBC that the lower uptake of that shot and other routine childhood vaccinations could be due to several factors. That includes greater vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation and controversy around the Covid vaccine and more distrust of public health officials and their requirements, among other issues. In all four full school years since the pandemic began, the MMR vaccination rate has fallen below the "Healthy People 2030" target rate of 95%, according to CDC data. That refers to the level needed to prevent community transmission of measles, a highly contagious and deadly virus. Roughly 280,000 school children were unvaccinated and unprotected against measles during the 2023-2024 school year alone, the CDC said. Clusters of unvaccinated people within a specific community increase the risk of disease outbreak, health experts have told CNBC. For example, the childhood vaccination rate for measles in Gaines County, the epicenter of the current outbreak in Texas, is just below 82%.

Sherry Andrews, right, holds 13-month-old Jaqi Herreras hand after administering the first MMR vaccine dose to Herrera at the City of Lubbock Health Department in Lubbock, Texas, U.S. Feb. 27, 2025. Annie Rice | Reuters

A group of physicians believe that the national recommendation for the MMR vaccine should be updated, according to an article published in medical journal JAMA on Friday. The group, which includes former CDC director Rochelle Walensky, said the recommendations should include a third dose for infants 6 months to 11 months old who are traveling to any region with a higher probability of measles exposure. Notably, some local and state jurisdictions have already started to do that. The physicians wrote that "multiple recent US measles outbreaks, coupled with low vaccination rates, signal a growing domestic hazard." "Modernizing vaccination recommendations will better protect at-risk communities and the most vulnerable US population  infants  against measles," they added. Infants younger than 1 year old face an increased risk of severe measles-related complications such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain and death, according to the group of physicians. Currently, the CDC recommends all children get two doses of the MMR vaccine. That starts with a first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and a second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. One dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective, the CDC says. There are only a few special cases for a third dose. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who leads the Department of Health and Human Services, has been spreading false information about the MMR vaccine. Kennedy, a prominent vaccine skeptic, told Fox News last week that the MMR shot causes deaths every year and "illnesses that measles itself causes," such as blindness and inflammation of the brain. But the Infectious Disease Society of America has said there have been "no deaths related to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in healthy individuals." The organization said there have only been rare cases of deaths in immunocompromised children. Kennedy has also pushed unconventional treatment regimens for measles, including cod liver oil, which is rich in vitamin A. Health experts have said that those are not intended to treat measles. We will continue to follow the measles outbreak, so stay tuned for our updates. Feel free to send any tips, suggestions, story ideas and data to Annika at annikakim.constantino@nbcuni.com.

Latest in health-care tech: Google shares health-care product updates at The Check Up
Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of Japan's biggest insurance companies, says it's using artificial intelligence to help alleviate a critical shortage of workers needed to care for the country's aging population.

AI and other technology can replace tasks normally performed by people while simultaneously improving nursing care services, Group CEO Mikio Okumura told CNBC's "Managing Asia."

He cited sleep measurement sensors as one example.

"In the past, our caregivers [had to] visit each room to check sleep status ... But instead of visiting, by caregivers, we set a sensor in a bed so that we can monitor from the office," he said.

"Also, we can check the quality of sleep every minute, so if it deteriorates  the quality of sleep  we can check what we can change, for example, meal or activities."

Okumura said paperwork can consume 20%-25% of nursing care workers' time, he said.
Palestinians walk among the rubble of homes in Gaza on March 17, 2025. Majdi Fathi/Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza and killed more than 400 people, Palestinian health authorities said on Tuesday, in an onslaught that ended weeks of relative calm after talks to secure a permanent ceasefire stalled. Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas each accused the other of breaching the truce, which had broadly held since January, offering respite from war for the 2.3 million inhabitants of Gaza, where most buildings have been reduced to rubble. Hamas, which still holds 59 of the 250 or so hostages Israel says the group seized in its October 7, 2023 attack, accused Israel of jeopardising efforts by mediators to negotiate a permanent deal to end the fighting, but the group made no threat of retaliation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would deliver a statement at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT), while Israeli media reported the cabinet would meet at 9 p.m. Netanyahu said earlier he ordered strikes because Hamas had rejected proposals to secure a ceasefire extension, and pledged to step up military action. The strikes hit houses and tent encampments from the north to the south of the Gaza Strip, and Israeli tanks shelled from across the border line, witnesses said. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said 404 people had been killed in one of the biggest single-day tolls since the war erupted. "It was a night of hell. It felt like the first days of the war," said Rabiha Jamal, 65, a mother-of-five from Gaza City.

People gather in the yard of the Ahli Arab hospital, also known as the Baptist hospital, to mourn and bid farewell to the bodies of victims killed in Israeli bombardment in Gaza City, on March 18, 2025. Majdi Fathi | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Evacuation orders

Families in Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip, and eastern areas of Khan Younis in the south fled their homes, some on foot, others in cars or rickshaws, carrying some of their belongings after the Israeli military issued evacuation orders warning the areas were "dangerous combat zones". Egypt and Qatar, mediators in the ceasefire deal along with the U.S., condemned the Israeli assault, while the European Union said in a statement it deplored the breakdown of the ceasefire. "The EU calls on Israel to end its military operations and reiterates its call on Hamas to release all the hostages immediately," the statement from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and Commissioners Dubravka Suica and Hadja Labib, said. The U.N. emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said the "modest gains" made during the ceasefire had been destroyed. Israel has halted aid deliveries into Gaza for more than two weeks, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. However, Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said the blame for the resumption of Gaza hostilities "lies solely with Hamas" and expressed support for Israel in its next steps.

Bodies stacked up

Former hostages and the families of some still held in Gaza expressed outrage over the resumption of war. Released hostage Yarden Bibas, whose wife and two young sons were slain in captivity, said on Facebook: "Israel's decision to return to fighting brings me back to Gaza, to the moments where I heard the sounds of explosions around me and where I feared for my life as I was afraid that the tunnel where I was being held would collapse ... Military pressure endangers hostages, an agreement brings them back."

Palestinians struggle to survive their daily lives in makeshift tents among the rubble of buildings destroyed by Israeli attacks in Beit Lahia, Gaza on March 17, 2025. Abdalhkem Abu Riash | Anadolu | Getty Images

In Gaza, witnesses contacted by Reuters said Israeli tanks shelled areas in Rafah in the south. Bewildered children sat next to bagged-up belongings, ready to flee north again having returned to Rafah with the ceasefire. In hospitals strained by 15 months of bombardment, piles of bodies in white plastic sheets smeared with blood were stacked up as casualties were brought in. The health ministry said many of the dead were children, and 562 people were wounded. Among the Hamas officials killed in the airstrikes were Essam Addalees, the de facto head of the Hamas government, Ahmed Al-Hetta, deputy justice minister and Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the head of the Hamas-run security services, Hamas said. As Israel launched its operation in Gaza, its forces have pressed on with an operation in the occupied West Bank and Israeli jets have struck targets in southern Lebanon and Syria in recent days.

Truce standoff

Negotiating teams from Israel and Hamas had been in Doha as mediators sought to bridge the gap between the two sides after the end of an initial phase in the ceasefire, which saw 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais released in exchange for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel had been pressing for the return of the remaining hostages in exchange for a truce until after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday in April.

People gather in the yard of the Ahli Arab hospital, also known as the Baptist hospital, to mourn and bid farewell to the bodies of victims killed in Israeli bombardment in Gaza City, on March 18, 2025. Majdi Fathi | Nurphoto | Getty Images
A judge ordered the Trump administration to temporarily reinstate some of the education grants it had nixed as part of its work to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

U.S. District Judge Julie Rubin in Maryland said that the U.S. Department of Education's termination of the grant awards is "likely to be proven arbitrary and capricious, because the Department's action was unreasonable, not reasonably explained, based on factors Congress had not intended the Department to consider," and were "otherwise not in accordance with law."

The end of the grants could have a "grave effect on the public," Rubin wrote, including "fewer teachers for students in high need neighborhoods."

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The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the National Center for Teacher Residencies and the Maryland Association of Colleges for Teacher Education filed a lawsuit earlier this month against the U.S. Department of Education and President Donald Trump for the administration's termination of more than 100 educator preparation grants.

An analysis by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 80% of public school teachers in the 2020-2021 school year were white, 9% were Hispanic and 6% were Black.

The plaintiffs claimed that the grants were funded under Congressionally appropriated programs.

National Center for Teacher Residencies CEO Kathlene Campbell applauded the restoration of the grants.

"At a time when we as a nation are enduring local teacher shortages, especially in critical areas of need, we must not fall short in supporting the preparation of teachers," Campbell said in a statement. "That's why this ruling is paramount in supporting current and future teachers of the education field."

A federal judge in Boston also recently ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore grants for teacher preparation in eight states.

The U.S. Department of Education did not immediately respond to a request from CNBC for comment.
Investors have long viewed WhatsApp as Meta Platforms ' sleeping giant. Analysts at Wolfe Research believe the popular messaging app is starting to be awoken from its slumber. The news In a note to clients Sunday, Wolfe analysts said they expect WhatsApp's messaging service for businesses to emerge as a "more meaningful" growth catalyst in the coming years, alongside its nearly two-year-old microblogging app Threads. Currently, the firm estimates business messaging generates between $1.5 billion to $2 billion in annual revenue for Meta, with strong growth in recent quarters. Wolfe analysts see the overall total addressable market for these types of services growing to $40 billion by 2030  up from an estimated $26 billion in 2024. Crucially, as the market gets bigger, analysts believe Meta is well-positioned to capture a larger share than the roughly mid-single-digit percentage it has today. The firm predicts Meta's market share will reach 14.4% in 2029 and 16.9% in 2030. Based on Wolfe's market size estimates, that implies Meta will generate business messaging revenue of about $5.8 billion in 2029 and $7.3 billion in 2030. While that represents growth from its current size, it would still be small compared to Meta's bread-and-butter advertising business across its social media apps. In 2025 alone, Meta's "Family of Apps" is expected to generate $185.5 billion in ad revenue, according to FactSet. Wolfe also argued Meta's plan to roll out AI agents for small businesses to handle simple customer inquiries is an "under-appreciated" opportunity. Analysts believe Meta has a strong advantage because many businesses already use WhatsApp, which gives the company a built-in customer base that it can monetize. Meta is a top pick at Wolfe, which has a buy-equivalent outperform rating on Meta shares and a price target of $730 on the stock. META 1Y mountain Meta's stock performance over the past 12 months. Big picture Meta has in recent years ramped up its efforts to monetize WhatsApp, which it acquired for $19 billion in 2014. The messaging app has more than 100 million monthly active users in the U.S., Meta has said, but its popularity across the world is significant. CNBC reported in 2023 that WhatsApp at the time had more than 2 billion users globally. While WhatsApp for consumers does not have ads, Meta first started charging businesses for messages on the platform in 2018 . Businesses can buy ads on Instagram and Facebook that direct users to chats on WhatsApp. In 2022, the company expanded access to a cloud-based version of its WhatsApp Business Platform. That announcement came during Meta's first-ever business messaging conference , a reflection of its strategic priorities. As Meta leans into the trend of AI agents  generally defined as digital assistants that can complete tasks without human supervision  it is looking at its business customers as key beneficiaries of the technology. "Not every business, especially small businesses, can hire these large AI teams, and so now we're building business AIs for these small businesses so that even they can benefit from all of this innovation that's happening," Clara Shih, head of business AI at Meta, told CNBC's Julia Boorstin in an interview earlier this month. Bottom line Business messaging on WhatsApp has promising potential, even if the overall size of the opportunity is unlikely to ever rival the core Instagram and Facebook advertising revenue stream. It's important to also consider WhatsApp in the context of Threads, which launched in July 2023 as a rival to X, formerly Twitter. Threads is still in its early monetization stage, with Meta starting testing ads on Threads in January with a few companies in the U.S. and Japan. "Between WhatsApp and Threads, Meta Platforms has two untapped verticals that if successfully monetized can provide an incremental boost to revenues," said Jeff Marks, the Investing Club's director of portfolio analysis. Threads currently has 320 million monthly active users and has been adding more than one million sign- ups per day, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on Meta's fourth-quarter earnings call on Jan. 29. He said he believes Threads will "continue on its trajectory to become the leading discussion platform and eventually reach over 1 billion people over the next few years." Jim Cramer said at the Club's Monthly Meeting last week that Meta was his favorite of the megacap tech stocks. While a recession could hurt advertising spending in general, Jim said he believes Meta would be able to hold up relatively OK, given the popularity of its platforms. In that scenario, marketers would probably consolidate their spending on the most popular sites, and Meta's would make the cut, he said. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long META. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang arrives to attend the opening ceremony of Siliconware Precision Industries Co. (SPIL)s Tan Ke Plant site in Taichung, Taiwan Jan. 16, 2025.

Nvidia announced new chips for building and deploying artificial intelligence models at its annual GTC conference on Tuesday.

CEO Jensen Huang revealed Blackwell Ultra, a family of chips shipping in the second half of this year, as well as Vera Rubin, the company's next-generation graphics processing unit, or GPU, that is expected to ship in 2026.

Nvidia's sales are up more than sixfold since its business was transformed by the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT in late 2022. That's because its "big GPUs" have most of the market for developing advanced AI, a process called training.

Software developers and investors are closely watching the company's new chips to see if they offer enough additional performance and efficiency to convince the company's biggest end customers  cloud companies including Microsoft , Google and Amazon  to continue spending billions of dollars to build data centers based around Nvidia chips.

"This last year is where almost the entire world got involved. The computational requirement, the scaling law of AI, is more resilient, and in fact, is hyper-accelerated," Huang said.

Tuesday's announcements are also a test of Nvidia's new annual release cadence. The company is striving to announce new chip families on an every-year basis. Before the AI boom, Nvidia released new chip architectures every other year.

The GTC conference in San Jose, California, is also a show of strength for Nvidia.

The event, Nvidia's second in-person conference since the pandemic, is expected to have 25,000 attendees and hundreds of companies discussing the ways they use the company's hardware for AI. That includes Waymo, Microsoft and Ford , among others. General Motors also announced that it will use Nvidia's service for its next-generation vehicles.

The chip architecture after Rubin will be named after physicist Richard Feynman, Nvidia said on Tuesday, continuing its tradition of naming chip families after scientists. Nvidia's Feynman chips are expected to be available in 2028, according to a slide displayed by Huang.

Nvidia will also showcase its other products and services at the event.

For example, Nvidia announced new laptops and desktops using its chips, including two AI-focused PCs called DGX Spark and DGX Station that will be able to run large AI models such as Llama or DeepSeek. The company also announced updates to its networking parts for tying hundreds or thousands of GPUs together so they work as one, as well as a software package called Dynamo that helps users get the most out of their chips.
Wall Street is largely bullish on Nvidia stock ahead of the chipmaker's flagship GPU Technology Conference on Tuesday, with some analysts saying its valuation is compelling after recent losses. Nvidia's GTC conference has long been a catalyst for the stock, but some analysts warn skepticism on the broader AI trade could persist, despite more manageable expectations. After back-to-back years of incredible gains, Nvidia shares have cratered nearly 17% over the past month and roughly 14% year to date. The reversal comes amid a broader market pullback that has been fueled by concerns over U.S. tariff plans, AI spending and exuberant tech valuations. For the past five years, Nvidia has typically outperformed its peers during the week of the GTC. But a boost tied to the conference may not last long, as the stock's six-session win streak in March 2024 was soon followed by a double-digit pullback. Analysts polled by LSEG aren't shaken by Nvidia's recent performance, as 59 out of 64 analysts covering Nvidia have a strong buy or buy rating on the stock. During the conference, CEO Jensen Huang is expected to announce Nvidia's Blackwell Ultra GB300 AI chip platform, scheduled to be released this fall, and its next-generation AI graphics processor Vera Rubin , which is targeted for a 2026 rollout. Huang is also expected to discuss Nvidia's advancements with AI agents, humanoid robots, autonomous vehicles and quantum computing. Investors will be watching to see if these tech updates can reignite confidence in the stock. There is also a desire for more clarity on how tariffs could affect Nvidia's gross margins and growth trajectory. 'Fundamentals will eventually prevail' Several Wall Street firms reiterated their optimistic outlook on Nvidia ahead of the conference, citing the company's competitive advantage with its strong data center business and growth opportunities in AI compute and networking, robotics and workstations. Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya kept his buy rating and $200 price target, citing the stock's "compelling valuation." He also anticipates attractive updates on Blackwell Ultra and Rubin and in hot areas such as physical AI . Arya expects Nvidia to keep its leading 80%-85% market share in chips given its GPU platform and broad product pipeline despite the heavy competition in the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, or ASIC, market. "NVDA's ability to innovate at a rack/data center level coupled with optimized software is its major competitive moat," Arya wrote in a recent note, adding that changes tied to the Blackwell transition will likely be more manageable from here. "While market volatility and China headlines could pressure the stock [near term], we still believe fundamentals will eventually prevail." "While more qualitative, NVDA comments re AI TAM and sustainability of growth [are] key," he continued, saying gross margin recovery is key to the stock's growth. Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore reiterated Nvidia as a top pick with high conviction ahead of the conference. He expects the stock can reach new highs in the second half of 2025, assuming a regular stock environment. "NVIDIA should outgrow all of its competition, including ASICs, in 2025 and in particular in 2h25, with the roadmap putting pressure on that competition to keep up," Moore said in a Monday note to clients. NVDA 1Y mountain Nvidia stock performance. Baird kept its $195 price target on shares ahead of the conference, citing Nvidia's "strong positioning in AI datacenter markets/share gains." Overlapping generations Several analysts mentioned developments in Nvidia's Blackwell architecture as a catalyst for the stock's continued growth. However, there are concerns about overlapping Blackwell announcements. "We believe Blackwell demand remains very strong, residual bottlenecks on GB200 racks are now fully resolved, and NVDA is now pulling in timing for B300/GB300 (Blackwell Ultra) by 1Q with significant volume shipments now likely in CQ3:25," UBS analyst Timothy Arcuri said in a Monday note. "Uncertainly around AI Diffusion will likely remain high, but we remain bullish with the stock still trading < 20x our C2026E EPS," he added as he maintained his buy rating and 12-month price target of $185. Arcuri noted he is confident in the pace of Nvidia's GPU shipments even with the uncertainty over potential export restrictions from the U.S. JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee expressed confidence that the ramp of the Blackwell Ultra remains on track for the second half of the year, and said Rubin chip details could be a "positive for the Nvidia supply chain." Morgan Stanley's Moore added that there was "clear pent-up demand for Blackwell" in the last quarter and GB200 should still see a solid ramp-up as the GB300 is introduced. But market sentiment remains an overhang, according to several analysts. JPMorgan noted broader "investor skepticism" heading into the GTC, while Deutsche Bank cited potential risks with its upcoming GPU platform roadmap. "We acknowledge the market-wide pull-back offers an intriguing entry point for this well-loved stock, yet we prefer to remain on the sidelines until macro volatility resolves and more confidence in sustainable growth in the out-years for in NVDA is found," Deutsche Bank analyst Ross Seymore wrote in a recent note, reiterating his hold rating and $145 price target. "While we expect GB300 to offer significant [generation over generation] improvements vs. B200 systems, we wonder how customers will respond/prioritize to the somewhat unintentional overlapping of product generations," he said.
The recent rebound in shares of Nvidia is a sign that investors do not expect a worst-case outcome from the trade negotiations between the U.S. and other major economies, especially China, according to Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee. The firm's head of research told CNBC's Bob Pisani at the Future Proof conference in Miami on Monday that he found it notable that President Donald Trump has been less vocal about China when discussing trade policy in recent weeks. While Lee said he did not know for sure what was happening between the White House and Beijing, the lack of rhetoric could be a sign that negotiations are progressing and "that would probably explain why Nvidia has been outperforming, as well," he explained. Nvidia closed at $106.98 per share on March 10, its lowest since September. Since then, Nvidia has risen in three out of five sessions, for a total gain of more than 11%. "If there was a global trade war, and we risked a recession, Nvidia would still be derating," Lee said. "The 'P/E' should be coming down because all of a sudden everyone wouldn't even know what the 'E' looks like. So the fact that has stabilized I think is very telling," he added, referring to the price-to-earnings ratio. NVDA 1M mountain Shares of Nvidia have rebounded off their March 10 lows. Trump has imposed additional 10% tariffs on Chinese goods on two separate occasions already since he took office. China has retaliated with tariffs of its own, and the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. said earlier this month that it was ready for a "tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war ." But the situation has not escalated beyond those comments over the past 10 days. That is different from the tariff back-and-forth with Mexico and Canada, which has seen frequent public changes. Trump said Monday that Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit the U.S. in the not-too distant future, Reuters reported, which may also hint at progress in trade talks. Nvidia is a semiconductor company whose advanced chips have made it one of the key players in artificial intelligence and one of the biggest stocks in the world by market capitalization. Shares of the company, which is hosting a developer conference in California this week, are down 11% year to date.
Coinbase is primed for strong returns ahead, according to Bernstein. The firm initiated the cryptocurrency exchange with an outperform rating, setting a price target of $310. This is roughly 64% above where shares of Coinbase closed on Monday. Coinbase has struggled this year, losing 24% as momentum following the U.S. election faded. However, analyst Gautam Chhugani thinks the tides are due to turn soon for the company. He pointed to support for the crypto industry from President Donald Trump as a catalyst for gains ahead. COIN YTD mountain COIN YTD chart "With the Trump Administration's aspiration to make America the 'crypto capital of the world', Coinbase remains the dominant platform (66% U.S market share) to ride the tailwinds," the analyst wrote. Trump has already established a Bitcoin Strategic reserve and appointed investor David Sacks as the crypto czar. Chhugani also highlighted a potential stablecoin bill, expected in the first half of 2025, alongside a bill coming in the second half that would further clarify digital asset securities and market structure. "Regulatory clarity brings more competition for COIN from fintechs, brokers, banks etc. However, we expect, a strong bull market and rising U.S onshore dominance to more than offset any competitive market share and pricing pressures," he wrote. The analyst also pointed to Coinbase's strong growth in services and businesses outside of cryptocurrencies. Going forward, he expects Coinbase to grow its nontrading revenues by a compound annual growth rate of around 31%. "COIN has done well to build a suite of crypto financial services beyond trading, particularly market leading share in USD stablecoins, crypto yield services such as staking," he said, adding that this would provide a nice balance against the "cyclicality of trading revenues." Analysts are split on the stock. Of the 26 who cover it, 11 rate it a buy or strong buy, according to LSEG. The remaining 15 have a hold rating on Coinbase.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday agreed on steps toward a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, and struck a narrow ceasefire that is set to take effect at once.

"We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post after his call with Putin, which lasted at least 90 minutes.

That agreement came "with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine," Trump wrote.

Trump's post echoed the Kremlin, which said after the call that Putin agreed on Russia and Ukraine refraining from attacking each other's energy infrastructure for 30 days.

Putin "immediately" issued an order to that effect to the Russian military after the call, the Kremlin said.

The White House, in its own readout of the call, said Trump and Putin also agreed to "technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace."

Those negotiations "will begin immediately in the Middle East," the White House said.

The call took place more than three years after Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine on Putin's order.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that Kyiv would agree to a 30-day ceasefire of all hostilities, but only if Russia also signed on.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request to confirm the accuracy of the Kremlin's summary of the call.

The White House's readout said that Trump and Putin also "broadly" discussed the Middle East as "a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts."

"The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside," the readout said. "This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved."

Before the call, Russia was expected to lay out its conditions for a break in the fighting during the call, which could include all weapons shipments to Ukraine being halted, according to unnamed sources cited by Bloomberg.

Trump has signaled that the U.S. could be willing to compromise with Russia, too.

"We will be talking about land. We will be talking about power plants," Trump told reporters Sunday after being asked about concessions to Moscow in negotiations to end the more than three-year war in Ukraine.

"I think we have a lot of it already discussed very much by both sides, Ukraine and Russia. We are already talking about that, dividing up certain assets," he added, without giving further details.

"We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can't, but I think we have a very good chance," Trump noted.
Here are Tuesday's biggest calls on Wall Street: TD Cowen reiterates Berkshire Hathaway as hold The firm lowered its price target on the stock to $723,000 per share from $741,000. "Berkshire Hathaway's old-school conglomerate structure has faced challenges in a number of key areas of late despite being powered by an insurance business that continues to shine." Bernstein initiates Coinbase as outperform The firm said the crypto company has "strong regulatory tailwinds to drive crypto industry to the American financial mainstream." " Coinbase remains the dominant platform (66% U.S market share) to ride the tailwinds. COIN bears worry about rising competition and fee pressure, but they overlook the massive TAM expansion from re-shoring of global crypto markets back to the U.S." Citizens upgrades Duolingo to market outperform from market perform Citizens said the learning app stock's valuation is more attractive. "We upgrade shares of Duolingo from Market Perform to Market Outperform and establish a $400 price target." Goldman Sachs upgrades Ralph Lauren to buy from neutral Goldman Sachs said it likes Ralph Lauren's minimal exposure to tariffs. "We believe improving execution and building brand momentum is set to drive additional market share capture opportunities and margin expansion, with broad-based geographic growth and idiosyncratic drivers of margin expansion providing stronger visibility to earnings growth ahead." Morgan Stanley upgrades Lucid to equal weight from underweight The firm said it sees a more balanced risk/reward for the electric vehicle company. "We see emerging scope for Lucid's ability to play a role in the embodied AI theme as an reshored/'friend-shored' manufacturer with access to capital and strategic relationships that uniquely position Lucid to straddle geopolitical hurdles in potentially partnering with both China and the West." KBW upgrades Block to outperform from market perform KBW said investors should buy the dip in the payment fintech company. "We are upgrading XYZ to Outperform as we see an attractive risk/ reward skew following the recent sell-off." UBS upgrades Willis Tower Watson to buy from neutral UBS said the commercial insurance is "closing the valuation gap." "We are upgrading our rating on WTW to Buy as we see continued multiple expansion relative to the insurance brokerage group as operating and FCF margins improve faster than peers." UBS reiterates Nvidia as buy The firm said it is extremely bullish after hearing from the company on Day 1 of its Global AI Conference. " NVDA's edge AI panel highlighted the sheer breadth of its offerings spanning service provider, enterprise, industrial, embedded, and physical AI. We all tend to focus on data center, but the opportunities span far wider." RBC reiterates Tesla as outperform RBC said demand fears are overdone. "Much of the attention around Tesla has centered on its recent delivery performance in Jan and Feb in Europe and China. We think fears demand could be overblown however. That said, in this report, we lower our FSD pricing and robotaxi penetration assumptions. This causes us to reduce our PT to $320 from $440." Jefferies reiterates Palantir as underperform Jefferies said it is sticking with its underperform rating on the stock. "This positive momentum is baked into PLTR's valuation at 45x CY26E, the most expensive stock in our coverage. Fundamentals have been strong, but valuation remains the biggest concern and insiders continue to sell with co-founder Stephen Cohen selling another $310M in shares over the past few days." Citi reiterates FedEx as buy Citi lowered its price target on the stock to $317 per share from $347 and said it is sticking with FedEx ahead of earnings later this week. "From conversations with investors, the big debate seems to be whether FDX will further lower its fullyear F2025 outlook for Adj. EPS in the range of $19-$20. As with much of transports, investors seem fearful of the potential impact of tariffs and increasingly concerned about downside risk to consumers and industrial activity." KeyBanc reiterates Spotify, Netflix, DoorDash and Uber as overweight KeyBanc named several stocks as "category leaders" in a note to clients on Tuesday including Spotify, Netflix, DoorDash and Uber. "Our 'March Madness favorites; are OW-rated SPOT, NFLX, DASH, and UBER  we believe these companies are category leaders with loyal users, margin levers, and the ability to come out of a cycle stronger." Evercore ISI reiterates Apple as outperform Evercore ISI raised its price target on the stock to $275 per share from $260. " AAPL remains positioned to sustain mid-single digit sales and low/mid teens FCF & EPS growth over next several years with less volatility & high consistency." Deutsche Bank reiterates Nike as buy The firm raised its price target on the stock to $80 per share from $77 ahead of earnings later this week. "While we acknowledge the concerns, we walk into 3Q cautiously optimistic that shares have bottomed. Furthermore, our channel checks revealed several green shoots emerging with what appears to be strong consumer interest in recent running shoe launches, suggesting that NKE could be on its way to regain market share in the running segment of the market." Barclays downgrades PepsiCo to equal weight from overweight The firm said it is concerned about the snacking business. "We believe the ability for PEP shares to re-rate higher is (rightly or wrongly) all about the fate of the US snacking business, and we are of the view it will be a heavy lift to shore up FLNA [Frito-Lay North America]." JPMorgan reiterates Amazon as overweight The firm said Amazon remains a top idea. "We believe AMZN should gain retail share in a recessionary environment given low prices, wide selection, fast delivery, & stronger growth in non-discretionary items." Argus upgrades Starbucks to buy from hold Argus said it sees a slew of positive catalysts building for the coffee chain. "We are upgrading Starbucks Corp. to BUY from HOLD and setting a target price of $115. The company's emphasis on digital improvements, brand marketing, and fewer sales promotions offers promise, in our view. Looking ahead, menu simplification and store remodeling are likely to increase customer traffic and raise same-store sales."
Google just announced its largest deal ever, with major implications for the competitiveness of its cloud business and the overall cybersecurity industry. The Alphabet -owned tech giant said Tuesday it agreed to buy cloud security startup Wiz for $32 billion in cash. The privately held firm, founded in 2020 by former Israeli intelligence officers, had rejected Google's $23 billion takeover offer last year. Wiz was considering an initial public offering (IPO) when Google came back and inked the deal, which is expected to close next year. The Wiz security platform will join Google's cloud infrastructure. Alphabet shares fell 2.5% following the news, which landed on a terrible day for technology stocks and the broader market What it means for Google The Wiz acquisition will allow Google Cloud  the third biggest behind Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure  to improve its cybersecurity capacity and to better compete with its peers. A more secure cloud can lead to more business. "The Wiz deal would clearly bolster the Google Cloud offering and value proposition to enterprises," Wedbush wrote Tuesday. Wiz is an end-to-end security platform provider used by organizations that run and build on the cloud. It covers every aspect of cloud security from prevention, active detection, and response. Wiz is considered by TD Cowen to be one of the fastest-growing companies in cloud security, with $500 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) as of January. CNBC's David Faber said Tuesday on "Squawk on the Street" that Wiz may have reached ARR of $1 billion. The startup is headquartered in New York, with offices in Tel Aviv, outside Washington, D.C., Austin, and Denver. What it means cyber stocks Wiz is competing in the fast-growing global market for cloud security with the likes of Club names Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike . Jim Cramer said Tuesday on "Squawk on the Street" that the Google-Wiz deal may make people "feel a little bit better" about cyber and "remind people why it should be bought." After an incredible 2024 and a roaring start to 2025, the cybersecurity cohort has been out of favor lately. "There had been a belief that suddenly there was some cyclicality to it," Jim added. Based on what Google paid, Jim suggested that Wiz's staggering valuation makes cloud-native CrowdStrike "dramatically undervalued," potentially signalling the stock should be above its all-time closing high of $455 on Feb. 18. Shares of CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks were modestly lower Tuesday, which Jim said was a mistake. Bottom line Jim said this acquisition does not pose an antitrust threat but may draw regulatory scrutiny because Google was deemed a monopolist by the Justice Department under former President Joe Biden . Now under current President Donald Trump , who is perceived to be more business-friendly, the Justice Department last week affirmed the agency's effort to get Google to sell its Chrome browser but no longer wanted to compel the sale of its artificial intelligence investments. Regulators also kept their remedy to ban payments to distribution partners like Apple and Android manufacturers. The ongoing litigation against Google continues to be a major overhang for Alphabet stock and a reason why Jim hasn't been a fan lately. These regulatory headwinds have put Alphabet shares "in the penalty box," Jim said, noting the stock's 15% decline in 2025 compared to the S & P 500's pullback of 4.5% year to date. "The stock has been a very poor performer. I'm glad that we have very much reduced the size of Google [last year]. We didn't like it and we took action. I don't want to buy it back," he added. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long GOOGL, PANW, CRWD, MSFT, AMZN. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & Information Technology Jitin Prasada held a bilateral meeting with the Malaysian Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Liew Chin Tong today in New Delhi. The meeting discussed issues pertaining to bilateral trade, market access, collaboration in semiconductors, cooperation in the services sector and issues relating to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).The meeting was attended by Indian officials from the Ministries of External Affairs, Commerce & Industry, Electronics & Information Technology (IT) and BIS apart from Malaysian officials from its Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. Malaysia is India's third largest trading partner of India in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) with a total trade of $20.02 billion during FY 2023-24 accounting for around 17 % of Indias total trade with the trading bloc.Apart from ways to resolve pending issues and increase bilateral trade, both countries also discussed the ongoing review of the ASEAN India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), agreeing to speed up the AITIGA review for a conclusion within 2025 itself. Malaysia is the ASEAN Chair for the year 2025. The trading bloc also comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.India is looking for a country-wise review of the AITIGA (ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement) to contain its rising trade deficit with the 10-nation bloc. While India's exports to the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries have risen 65.23% from $26,628 million in FY 2010-11 to $44,000 million in FY 2022-23, imports from ASEAN countries to India have grown 186% from $30,608 million in FY 2010-11 to $87,577 million in FY 2022-23. Even in FY 2023-24, India's imports from ASEAN countries were recorded at $66,551 million against total exports of $32,713 million to the bloc.In October 2024, Indian government sources told CNBC TV18 that the bilateral positions of many ASEAN countries have changed since the implementation of the agreement in 2010 and some of them don't reflect the same position anymore.Stating that the 10-nation bloc is not a common customs union but a grouping of countries at different stages of development, sources had added that India is trying to build flexibility in review while speaking to individual countries. There have been concerns raised by the Indian industry over cheap imports from ASEAN countries impacting domestic industries in the steel and electronics sector.
India and New Zealand have officially restarted negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after a decade, aiming to significantly enhance bilateral trade and economic ties.In an exclusive interview to CNBC-TV18, Todd McClay, New Zealands Minister of Trade, Investment, Agriculture, and Forestry, emphasised the need for a high-quality and balanced deal that benefits businesses and citizens of both countries. "We want a comprehensive free trade agreement. It must be balanced and fair for both Indian businesses and citizens, as well as New Zealanders," McClay stated.McClay said both governments are committed to strengthening economic ties across various sectors, supported by strong historical and people-to-people connections.He pointed out several key areas where New Zealand seeks greater market access in India, including the primary sector. Instead of just exporting logs, businesses want to process them in India, creating more value and investment opportunities, he explained. The goal is to create a two-way exchange of trade and investment.McClay noted that New Zealands expertise in the agricultural and dairy sectors could benefit Indian farmers. "Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Luxon agreed on cooperation in horticulture and dairy, particularly in science and innovation, to help grow the income of Indian farmers," he said.With India becoming New Zealands third-largest ethnic group, mobility of services is a key area of focus. We have agreed to examine Indias existing agreements with other countries and see how we can offer similar benefits, McClay said. This includes easing visa norms for business professionals and investors, he added.Digital payments have been identified as a key area of collaboration. "We are working on allowing digital payments to be processed more easily between the two countries, with discussions involving both our central banks," McClay confirmed.McClay assured that both governments are keen on completing negotiations swiftly. While not setting a strict deadline, he indicated that finalising the agreement within a year is feasible.Earlier, at the India-New Zealand Economic Forum in New Delhi, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence that bilateral trade between the two nations could expand tenfold from its current $1.75 billion.
The interim government of Professor Muhammad Yunus refuted US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbards remarks on the alleged persecution of minority communities in Bangladesh saying her comments were not based on any evidence or specific allegations."They (Gabbards comments) paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush, the chief advisers office said on a verified Facebook post at around midnight Monday.It said Gabbards statement in an Indian TV channel was "misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh, a nation whose traditional practice of Islam has been famously inclusive and peaceful and that has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism.The US spy chief, now in India, earlier on Monday said the longtime unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration.In an interview with the TV channel, Gabbard alleged "persecution and killing of religious minorities in Bangladesh and that "the threat of Islamic terrorists in the country was "rooted in the "ideology and objective to "rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate.She said, The talks are just beginning between President Trumps new cabinet coming in and the Government of Bangladesh, but this continues to remain a central focus area of concern.But the chief advisers office said groundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an "Islamist caliphate undermined the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who were committed to peace, stability, and progress.It said Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of "Islamist caliphate."Political leaders and public figures should base their statements, especially about the most sensitive issues, on actual knowledge and take care not to reinforce harmful stereotypes, to fan fears and potentially even stoke sectarian tensions, Yunuss office said.Gabbard, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a three-day visit, spoke about the ideology of an "Islamic Caliphate and how extremist elements and terror groups globally aim for such an outcome.The Chief Advisers office, however, said Bangladesh, like many countries around the world, faced challenges of extremism, but it has continuously worked in partnership with the international community, including the US, to address these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other counterterrorism efforts."In support of our shared global efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, the Interim Government of Bangladesh remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue based on facts and on respect for the sovereignty and security of all nations, the statement read.
As relations between India and China begin to thaw, independent China strategist Andrew Leung believes there is a need for both countries to prioritise trade and cooperation over lingering border disputes.In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Leung said that normalising relations between the two Asian giants is crucial for global economic stability, especially as the geopolitical landscape undergoes rapid transformation."Stabilising the relationship is the first step," Leung said, stressing that ongoing border tensions should not be allowed to escalate. "These disputes have been poisoning the relationship over the past couple of years and do not make much sense, as they have been long-standing. Its important to put these differences aside and focus on a more cooperative relationship."Leung further noted that normalising India-China ties is vital to maintaining balance in the global economy. "There are lots of areas where both countries can partner, particularly in climate change, green economies, and development strategies for the Global South," he said. "Such cooperation can ensure a stable and interconnected world order."A changing perception of the United States' global role is at the heart of these shifting dynamics. Leung argued that many countries no longer see the US as a reliable ally, as it adopts increasingly protectionist policies. "The whole world order has now been upended, and the cards are being reshuffled. The United States is imposing huge tariffs and being quite antagonistic to some of its closest allies and neighbours," he explained. "With the rise of the Global South, the world is becoming more focused on where the markets are."Against this backdrop, Leung praised Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent overture to China, calling it a "wise" move amid the ongoing global realignment. "Its no surprise that Prime Minister Modi wants to recalibrate Indias relationship with Chinanot by forming a solid bloc, because the idea of blocs doesnt make sense anymore, but by seeking pragmatic engagement," he said.Leung also pointed out that China and India strongly complement each other economically, and could leverage that to their mutual advantage. "China remains one of the world's largest markets and is deeply embedded in the global supply chain," he noted. "By contrast, there is not much that the United States can buy from India, whereas it wants to export a lot to India without necessarily opening up its own market."In this context, Leung believes that stronger India-China ties could counter the "America First" policies pursued by the US. "Both from a geopolitical perspective and an economic perspective, it makes a lot of sense for India and China to work together," he said. "They should focus on areas of mutual benefit rather than being drawn into divisions that no longer define the global order."Recent developments indicate that both countries may be moving in this direction. Prime Minister Modi recently stated that competition between India and China should not turn into conflict and that dialogue is key to a stable and cooperative relationship. Beijing has welcomed these remarks, with a foreign ministry spokesperson likening India and Chinas future cooperation to a "ballet dance between the dragon and the elephant." The meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan last October and recent statements from Chinas ambassador to India further suggest that the two nations are entering a phase of recovery in their relations.
Indian police says Punjab temple blast suspect killed in exchange of fire

Xinhua) 10:09, March 18, 2025

NEW DELHI, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Indian police Monday said a suspect in a recent grenade attack on a Hindu temple in the northern Indian state of Punjab was killed in an exchange of fire with policemen.

However, his accomplice managed to escape during the stand-off.

The exchange of fire between the suspect and police took place in Rajasansi town near Amritsar, the Sikh holy city in Punjab.

"Following the attack on the temple in Amritsar on March 15, we formed multiple police teams and they immediately identified the suspects," Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar told media.

"This morning during a chase these people were asked to stop. However, one of the suspects fired upon our police party using a pistol and fired five rounds. A head constable was wounded after being hit in his arm. Another bullet hit the turban of one of our officers and he was luckily left unhurt. A third bullet hit a police vehicle," Singh said.

"Acting in self-defense, the police party fired back upon the suspect wounding him badly. Both injured policemen and the suspect were later removed to the civil hospital, where the suspect succumbed to his wounds. The policeman is undergoing treatment."

Singh said the other accused fled from the spot but their efforts to trace him were underway.

On Saturday, a grenade attack was carried out on a Hindu temple in Khandwala area of Amritsar. The attack damaged the walls of the temple and shattered its window panes. However, no loss of life or injuries were reported in the attack.

Visuals of the attack captured on closed-circuit television cameras showed two unidentified people coming to the Thakur Dwar temple on a motorcycle. After waiting for a few seconds outside it, one of them hurled something towards the temple, and then they fled from the spot on their motorcycle. Within no time, the explosion took place, emitting shrapnel.

The attack triggered panic among residents in the area.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - Experts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are currently meeting in Abidjan to analyze and validate the organization's new IT policies and procedures, according to a press release from the sub-regional institution
Scientific inaccuracies in movies are forgivable at best, and suspension-of-disbelief shattering at worst. Most of us understand some liberties have to be taken. For example, shooting a car's gas tank almost definitely won't make it blow up, but I sure like watching that happen, so Im not going to make a stink about it.

Still, some things cause the collective publics eye to twitch, and were very questionably educated. For actual scientists, goofs like various acids destroying a door lock in one second flat have to cause scholarly sighs.

Computer science probably needs its own hotline.

What can you do, though? Do you want every movie to hire scientists to review their scripts and stand around on set explaining how slowly chloroform actually works? What do you think, the movie industry is made of money? Actually, let me rephrase that: What do you think, the movie industry wants to decrease their gluttonous profits by a single dollar?

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Given that reality, scientists took it into their own hands, and set up a free hotline  1-844-NEED-SCI  that anyone, from James Cameron to backyard filmmakers, can call with questions about scientific accuracy.

Of course, that doesnt mean filmmakers and studios actually call it. Theyve apparently helped with more than 1,300 properties, which feels like a lot until you realize thats basically how many movies Netflix puts out a month. They may have had a hand in some of your favorite movies and shows, though, with one example being Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., where they were consulted on what might actually end up in a super-strength serum.

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If you watched the show and heard them rattle off ingredients including anabolic androgenic steroids and liver-enzyme inhibitors, you have real-life scientists to thank. The gorilla testosterone, though? That one was, unsurprisingly, poetic license.
The tide may be turning for US federal cybersecurity professionals who have faced job cuts or the threat thereof at the hand of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Last week the US District Court of Maryland ordered the Trump administration to rehire federal government employees previously fired via DOGE initiatives, including probationary employees laid off at the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA employees subjected to the layoffs received an email informing them that their employment has been restored at the pay rate they had before they were terminated.

CISA also posted a notice on its website asking probationary employees who had not been contacted by the agency to provide a password protected attachment that provides your full name, your dates of employment (including date of termination), and one other identifying factor such as date of birth or social security number. Please, to the extent that it is available, attach any termination notice.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libya's interim Minister of the Interior in the government of national unity, Major- General Imad Mustafa al-Trabelsi, has stated that Libya will not bear the burden of illegal migration alone and will under no circumstances become a resettlement zone for migrants
Cut Bank City Council met for their regular meeting March 10, 2025. Members in attendance were Mayor Kim Winchell, Councilpersons John Reynolds, Kacie Fey and Doug Vermulm, Police Chief Mike Schultz, Clerk/Treasurer Donni Schultz, and City Superintendent JIm Suta. Visitors at the meeting were Vernon Thomas, Kaleb Owens, Caleb Alexander, JVohn Lopez, Mat Tuma, and K. P. Owens. Absent from the meeting were Building Inspectory Kory Sandon, Councilperson Maynard Nygaard, and City Attorney Whitney Bugni.

In the Public Comment portion of the meeting, Kaleb Owens read a letter to the Council regarding his ban from the Joe Meagher Memorial Civic Center.

Councilperson Fey moved to approve the minutes, from February 24, 2025. Payroll for February 27, 2025 was $106,177.90. Claims through March 7, 2025 were $121,420.37. This motion was carried.

There were no reports from the City Attorney or City Superintendent. In New Business, Councilperson Reynolds moved to approve Res. 2025-02 accepting a bid and award contract to Karl Krapf Construction LLC for the public entryway to the Cut Bank Police Department. Two bids came in for the project. Chief Schultz explained the bid would cover the repairs to the entryway and make it accessible to the public. Construction will begin upon approval and attainment of a building permit. A two week delay is expected for a ballistic window and other renovations would include improvements to the bathrooms, moving walls, and other small fixes. Motion was carried.

Councilperson Reynolds moved to approve resolution 2025-03 to establish solid waste residential and commercial collection and disposal fees. After extensive research, City Superintendent Suta stated the Cut Bank Garbage Department falls short about $72,000. He further stated he has requested a rate increase for the last five years. Rates have not increased since 1993. A $4.00 per unit increase would provide Cut Bank Solid Waste about $70,000 for a new truck and dumpsters. This would raise residential units from $6.00 to $10.00. Commercial units with more than one unit would be $4.00 times the number of units and would be calculated by the number of yards of solid waste hauled.

Councilperson Fey asked if it was anticipated that sewer rates would go down. Superintendent Suta stated the loan is for 30 years. When asked if the City was making double payments, the answer was no. Suta explained repairs to the sewer plant are expensive and the City is having to fix a lot of issues. Suta stated he has firm numbers for everyone in the billing system. Money received from Verizon for putting their antennas on the water towers will goes toward paying off a water loan of $129,000.

In the work session the Council discussed the letter Mr. Owens read during the public comment. Mayor Winchell stated there are two written documents for Civic Center policy. The Mayor asked the recreation director to find policies from other gyms and to ask our insurance company to formulate a new policy which would be reviewed by the City Attorney .Councilperson Vermulm asked about present rules regarding minors allowed in the building. Current policy states a member agrees to never bring a guest or allow a minor into the facility after hours. Doing so may result in forfeiture of membership. The policy also states that anyone under the age of 18 will only have access when staff is present. Anyone under the age of eight, must be continually supervised by someone over the age of 14 and only when staff is present. Members of the Civic Center should have a card denoting their age. Liability exists for children unsupervised. Councilperson Vermulm stated the Civic Center should be open more hours to allow for a positive environment for kids. The Civic Center has added more cameras and has been locking locker rooms during staffed hours to curb vandalism.

The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled for Monday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m.
"It's been a tough month," Blackfeet Chairman Rodney "Minnow" Gervais Jr. in an address live-streamed to the Blackfeet Nation on March 7. "Times are difficult, but we'll get through it."

In a wide-ranging talk, his second such stream via Facebook since becoming Chairman, Gervais offered updates on hunting rights, money owed by the Feds from the Water Compact, dismissed Tribal attorneys and the ever shifting list of threats from the White House, among other items.

"I had a meeting with the Governor [Gianforte] about hunting rights in the CMR Refuge," the Chairman began. "The state pushed back because the Blackfeet didn't sign the 1851 Ft. Laramie Treaty...so we talked about it and it looks favorable."

The CMR National Wildlife Refuge follows the Missouri River from south of the Ft. Belknap Reservation to the southwestern tip of the Ft. Peck Reservation. It encompasses around 1.1 million acres.

"We have rights in Yellowstone so it's a good tempo for government-to-government relations," Gervais said. "We'll review our rights and treaties - which were established before Montana was a state - but we'll work with the state as good neighbors."

Changing topics, he noted changes in policy from the Trump Administration and the Tribe's stance and responses so far.

"The Tribal Council will do everything in our power to make sure the federal government upholds the Trust responsibility of the Blackfeet Nation," he said. "That's why you elected us, to navigate these rough waters. We see things coming out and then being walked back. We've talked with [Senator Steve] Daines and [Congressman Troy] Downing and they both said they would uphold the treaties and agreements with the Tribes in Montana."

Chairman Gervais next announced the Tribe received $5 million in a settlement over the KOA campground, as well as the campground itself. He noted his father, former Councilman Rodney "Fish" Gervais found irregularities in the agreement between KOA's former owner and the Tribe around the year 2000. "We got it back," he said, "with more than $5 million to fix it up and build a foundation for economic development in this campground and at Chewing Blackbones."

Money was a theme that continued into the following topic, around $250 million still owed the Tribe in the Water Compact but not yet appropriated. The Chairman contrasted that delay with the prompt response to the St. Mary Diversion that promises to restore service to downstream agricultural and municipal users.

"It was late 1887 when Congress took St. Mary away," Gervais said. "1912 was when they started the diversion that provides water to the Hi-Line. The Water Compact didn't include ownership of the diversion to St. Mary Lake. We receive $500,000 a year for the next 56 years, but I don't like it. It was part of the Compact, and to change it takes an Act of Congress. This was taken before Montana was a state and before we had citizenship. We could stop the Compact, but it was passed by a Referendum of the people. There's our brothers and sisters east of us, and we want to be good neighbors.

"We're waiting on $250 million...mostly for wastewater management," he continued. "We have to wait, but the St. Mary Diversion goes ahead. If there's no movement we might have to shut that down."

The Diversion also crosses leased land which Gervais said might be contested.

"I asked for information about the lease agreements," he said. "The Department of Interior solicitor's opinion said they own the leases and were not property that was conveyed to the Tribe. I went to the BOR [Bureau of Reclamation] and BIA for their opinion and told them my opinion is the Blackfeet own it."

Fixing wastewater systems in and around Browning is vital, he noted, in order to do the overall repairs needed for the town's streets and alleyways. Repairs beneath the streets must happen first.

In addition, Gervais recalled the case of Dr. Stanley Weber who was a sexual predator operating from Indian reservations, including the Blackfeet. Trump's first administration promised to pay for a wellness center in response, he said, but failed to deliver. When President Biden came into office he promised to put $20 million toward the center. Again, diversions at St. Mary move ahead while the Blackfeet wait, he said.

Personnel issues followed, starting with Tribal Attorneys Dion Killsback and Dawn Gray having had their contracts terminated. This was reported in a press release from the Tribe prior to the Chairman's address.

"We're setting a precedent with this press release," he said. "There have been issues and we'll continue to look into the issues."

While some members of the Tribal Council were on good terms with both attorneys, the evidence was sufficient for them to vote for termination.

"The previous Tribal Council knew about this, but they held off so it's my job...Investigations will continue to root out corruption."

Allegations regarding Blackfeet Tribal Health and the Southern Piegan Health Clinic were a related topic.

"There's a lot of allegations to the point that the program is almost broken," Gervais said. "We're starting to get some stability, but there's major allegations. I'm not going into details, but it's been all over Facebook, and the investigation is ongoing...The Tribal Council is the Health Board now until we get a new one...Southern Piegan Health Clinic is now directly under the Tribal Council. Is there enough to fire people? Yes, but we don't want to do that because they're good people. We tried that before, firing when there were problems, but we learned that's not the way."

Finally, Gervais announced the Tribe's support for rodeos this summer.

"The Tribe set aside funding for the PRCA [Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association] and INFR [Indian National Finals Rodeo]," he said. Around $89,000 is aimed at the PRCA rodeo, set for a week ahead of North American Indian Days. Some $115,000 goes toward the INFR during Indian Days, which will help pay NFR fees and the youth rodeo.

Chairman Gervais promised further updates, most likely through live-streaming. He also asked viewers to send him questions at [email protected].
When Mike Hoggan began recording stories about his experiences during his tenure with USDA Wildlife Services, he did not anticipate compiling those stories into book form. However, after sharing the recorded accounts with a few family and friends who asked if he would be publishing a book, and with encouragement from his wife, Maureen, he did just that.

Hoggan said, "I did it for my kids," referring to the original notebook full of information. He admitted that he was also encouraged after reading "Echoes from the Prairies," an anthology of stories compiled in 1976 from families in North Toole County. "If they hadn't recorded them while some of those old Homesteaders were still alive, the stories would be lost," mused Hoggan. He finally told Maureen, "Let's do it!"

Hoggan's book, "Between Predator and Prey," was released early in March 2025. It begins with stories from his youth and early career in Nevada, but the meat of the book takes place during his 30 years along the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana where as his book description states, "his encounters only grew - dealing with wolves, cranky grizzlies, and the unpredictable nature of the wild."

According to Mike Hoggan, "The media doesn't depict USDA Wildlife Services as the agency they are. It's an important program to deal with depredation. If you can target the predator causing the problem, it not only saves livestock, but promotes tolerance toward the innocent predators not causing trouble."

"One thing that never gets publicized," continued Hoggan, "is the money ranchers pay for Wildlife Services. It ranges from fifty cents to $3.00 per head. It never gets mentioned."

The publishing process was another adventure for Mike and Maureen Hoggan. The 253 page volume took five years to complete, but the end result is very satisfying.

"This book documents history for future generations. It took a lot longer than people realize, even hundreds of hours for each story," Hoggan reflected. "Some of the names have been changed, but otherwise it is line for line truth with no embellishments."

Maureen added, "Mike really developed relationships with ranchers. He kind of became an iconic staple for them."

While Maureen is Mike's greatest cheerleader, she provided more than encouragement to the project. Illustrations in the book were contributed by Maureen and she is actively supporting the advertising effort through her social media skills and website http://www.belgianhilldesigns.com

When asked if he has plans for a second book, Mike answered, "Not currently." However, after visiting with the new author, this reporter is convinced he has plenty of material for another project. Maureen concurs.

Mike Hoggan will be holding a book launch on Friday, March 21 at 6:30 pm at the Valier Public Library. Attendees will be able to purchase signed copies of his book.

Between Predator and Prey can be found on Amazon and Kindle, or signed copies can be purchased by visiting the Belgian Hill Designs website. Belgian Hill Designs currently offers book shipping at no charge.
The regular March meeting of the Valier Town Council welcomed over 60 attendees as residents of Valier and Conrad, law enforcement officers from Pondera Sheriff's Office and Conrad Police Department, elected officials, and news media were present to discuss law enforcement options for the town of Valier. Valier currently contracts with Pondera Sheriff's Office for services as the town has no law enforcement entity of its own.

Regular council business included approval of the February minutes, a brief update by Valier Schools Superintendent Josh Reed, a written sheriff's report provided by Undersheriff Robert Bender, the Valier Public Library report by Chris Grotbo, and a Public Works report by Josh Clifford.

Residents might be interested to note that the Library is seeking a new board member. Interested parties may inquire at the library.

The annual chlorination of the Valier water system will take place April 1 through April 20.

Following this business, Mayor Glenn Wunderlich addressed the audience explaining, "the reason everyone is here ..."

Mayor Wunderlich referred to problems enforcing town ordinances as the reason the council is considering amending its contract with the sheriff's office and even entertaining contracting with another law enforcement entity. He admitted that these concerns are not unique to Valier as many small cities and towns in Montana have struggled for years.

"When they lost the town marshals, they lost the ability to enforce ordinances," said the mayor. Valier's law enforcement contract is up for renewal this summer. The mayor invited the public to offer ideas regarding what can be done.

Council President Steve Nelson shared, "People put up with the situation until something catches an eye - then you begin to notice things that have been neglected." He admitted that, "tickets have finally been written in the last year," but asked for ideas on what we can do differently.

Alderwoman Janelle Nelson concured, "we want your opinions. We can't seem to get anything done to get it to stop, even with lots of warnings. It's not about the money (in reference to a comment about fines), it's about cleaning up the community."

Alderwoman Angi Dodge responded to a question about getting a marshal back in Valier, "The costs to employ a marshal and provide benefits are astronomical." The town just doesn't have the resources to entertain that as a solution.

Valier resident Connor Bridge suggested a campaign for community awareness with incentive of some sort, "If people are doing things voluntarily, it seems to go more smoothly."

Mayor Wunderlich responded that the issue has gone beyond yard maintenance as there are residential properties inside town limits with farming equipment such as a combine and as many as ten old cars on the grounds.

Further suggestions ranged from increasing fines and putting liens on property to hiring a code enforcement officer. However, there seems to be a bottleneck further up the line.

Mayor Wunderlich expressed his frustration with the follow through at the justice of the peace level. "He said," offered the mayor, "I am the judge and I impose the penalty. It doesn't matter what your ordinance says."

Senator Bruce "Butch" Gillespie was in attendance and suggested that the Town of Valier and similar communities work to get on the Senate Interim Committee's agenda. The committee's responsibility is to study problems with local governments. He admitted it is not a quick solution, but might help going forward.

Conrad Police Officer Bob Kennedy who lives in Valier offered, "We (Conrad Police Officers) wanted to show ourselves as a support." He further explained that in the event Pondera County Sheriff's Office needed back up in Valier or were unavailable due to another call, the CPD would be there to help.

Alderwoman Nelson invited Pondera County Commissioners Tom Kuka and Zane Drishinski to weigh in on the matter. Neither commissioner had a comment.

Conrad Mayor Dave Cates was also in attendance and had this to say, "We feel your pain. Ordinance enforcing is slow."

As varied input was offered, some emotions were elevated.

Erik Nelson, Valier, shared his opinion, "I appreciate our law enforcement. We can't get upset about four or five bad apples (in the community). I don't think we should get away from the Pondera Sheriff's Office. If we don't like the results, we can vote them out, but we can't be at each other's throats about it."

The meeting ended without a clear path. Valier leaders encouraged further input by commenting online at http://www.townofvalier.com/contact where a Citizen Complaint Form can also be downloaded, or by filing a complaint or making suggestions at the town office in the Valier Civic Center.
Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - Morocco is to host the 58th Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Com2026) in 2026, the organizers announced on Tuesday
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Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, measles: decades of progress on these fronts risk being wiped out in the space of a few months by the cessation of American funding, warns the World Health Organisation (WHO)
Is that it? After promising radical reform of a welfare system that trapped people in poverty and was holding our country back? After vowing to tackle the countrys insatiable appetite for health and sickness benefits?

After sowing so much angst about what might be in store on the Labour backbenches, whose default position is to claim any change (other than more dosh) heralds a return to the Victorian poorhouse?

After all that, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall could manage no more than a tinker here, a dabble there, and a promise of more money for a system already wallowing in it.

She tried to deflect criticism from her own side by deploying her angry, strident, anti-Tory voice. It was as tedious as it was unconvincing  and unnecessary. For, in reality, she had nothing to say to frighten the Labour horses (though some are pretty good at frightening themselves with all sorts of nonsense about the mythical impact of Kendalls changes).

Let us remind ourselves of the scale of the problem. In January 2020, on the eve of the pandemic, 2.14 million adults with disabilities in England and Wales were eligible for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which helps those disabled claimants, whether working or not (most in receipt are not). By January this year the number had reached 3.66 million  a dramatic rise of 71 per cent in only five years.

There is no sign of a halt: PIP claims are rising by 1,000 a day. The cost is substantial. Before the pandemic, 14billion a year of taxpayers money went on PIPs. It is now 22billion. And forecast to be 34billion by the end of the decade.

Overall, the cost of sickness and incapacity benefits has risen from 46billion the year before the pandemic (2019) to 75billion in the current 2024/25 financial year  and projected to be over 100billion by 2030. Thats more than we currently spend on defence, police and courts combined.

No other prosperous nation has seen such a precipitous rise in health-related benefits paid to adults of working age. The workshy epidemic is a uniquely British phenomenon. A massive, costly problem requiring radical reforms. The Government promised decisive action.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, pictured today in the Commons alongside Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner, could manage no more than a tinker here, a dabble there, and a promise of more money for a system already wallowing in it, writes Andrew Neil

Instead we were presented with a damp squib. Some restrictions on those eligible for PIPs, with more emphasis, rightly, on those with clear and severe disabilities, though not before next year. A new right to try: people on sickness payments can try going back to work without immediately losing all their benefits.

So far, so sensible. But it didnt go nearly far enough. No vouchers for disability benefits to make sure the money is spent properly. No freezing of PIPs which, when combined with other benefits, makes it more sensible to live on welfare than seek work on the minimum wage.

No bottom up hard-headed review of all current claimants, reassessed on far stricter criteria, to weed out those gaming the system  advice on how to cheat is freely available on various TikTok feeds  from those in genuine need.

Despite her underwhelming proposals Kendall still felt it necessary to sweeten the package for Labour backbenchers by announcing a rise in unemployment payments, a rise in the standard universal credit allowance and an extra 1billion to improve pathways to work for her department which, if it increased its productivity and scrapped working from home, could manage that without extra money.

This being the Starmer government there was also plenty of jam tomorrow including yet another review, this one on the PIP assessment process, to report by 2027.

There will be a consultation on tougher rules for health-related benefits for those under 22 (almost 17 per cent of those in receipt of PIPs are under 30). Kendall unveiled not a firm policy package but what Whitehall calls a green paper  a set of proposals up for examination and debate, which means it can be readily picked apart.

If government by review was the yardstick this would be the most successful British administration of modern times. It has become so because Labour did no serious thinking in opposition about important matters, including welfare. And, of course, it opportunistically opposed every half-hearted Tory attempt at welfare reform. Now its proposing measures it only recently argued against.

And for what? The Kendall package is calculated to save around 5billion a year by 2029-30  a mere 5billion on health-related welfare payments forecast to be, as I said, over 100billion before the decade is out. Even the 5billion figure is being disputed.

The Kendall package is calculated to save around 5billion a year by 2029-30 - a mere 5billion on health-related welfare payments forecast to be over 100billion before the decade is out

No sooner had Kendall sat down than a well-financed army of lobbyists, charities and pressure groups  experts one and all at unpicking green papers  had waded in to water down what reforms there are. Even if they fail, its hardly a game-changer for Britains bloated welfare state. Its turned out to be a modest exercise in fiscal arithmetic rather than a much-needed radical reform.

But it is convenient because 2029-30 is when, on current projections, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will fail to meet her self-imposed fiscal rule to pay for all current spending out of tax revenues (borrowing only to invest).

Reeves will be grateful for that modest saving, if it ever materialises, though it will still leave her looking for at least another 10billion in tax rises or spending cuts. We will find out how she manages that in her Spring Statement next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, our voracious welfare state will continue to consume resources on a grand scale, with ever more folks benefiting. Over 1.3 million are on the maximum PIPs payment of 9,500 a year (on top of other benefits) for a disabling condition, which is pretty widely defined, including not just drug and alcohol abuse but obesity. Just why giving cash to drug and alcohol addicts is wise is not clear. Nor why being overweight qualifies you for welfare.

Around 500,000 are on benefits for feeling anxious or depressed, which most of us go through at some stage, sometimes regularly, without thinking we have a call on the welfare state.

If you only know how to cook a meal in a microwave, find it hard to talk to other people and need help managing money, you can take almost 4,000 a year in a PIP. If youre also scared of leaving the house or struggle to plan a journey, you can get an extra 1,500 a year.

Too stressed to talk to anybody and struggling with even simple decisions involving money? Then expect over 5,600 a year (not sure its a good idea to give folk who struggle to handle money more money, but there we are). Unable to walk over 200 yards without help? Say hello to a further 4,000 a year. A welcome boost for the local taxi company.

You can qualify for disability benefits with acne, eczema, constipation, food intolerance, cleft palate or lip and even bedwetting. Perhaps most ludicrous of all you can collect benefits if you claim to have Munchausen syndrome  pretending to be ill.

Admittedly, the numbers on benefits with these conditions is small. But it nevertheless suggests a welfare system that has lost the plot, is out of control  and unlikely to be brought to heel by Kendalls milquetoast reforms, especially after theyve been through the poverty-industry wringer.

Last weekend, I wrote in these pages that, just as only an anti-communist hardliner like President Richard Nixon could be trusted way back in the early 1970s to fly to China to begin a detente with Chairman Maos Marxist regime, so only Labour could really deliver radical welfare reform.

We were assured thats what it was setting out to do. But, alas, the project has been aborted on take-off, the opportunity of a generation squandered. The whole country  not just those trapped in a life on benefits  will be the poorer for it.
Nature magazine, the house journal of the scientific profession, ran an article last week about four lessons that virologists could learn from the Covid pandemic.

These included Viruses change more than expected and Chronic cases could reveal insights, but nowhere was there any reference to a lab leak.

This is like listing four lessons to be learned from the maiden voyage of the Titanic without mentioning the iceberg.

The truth is that much of the scientific community is still living in denial about the cause of a global pandemic that killed around 7million people worldwide, despite the evidence being voluminous, detailed, precise and devastating.

And you dont have to take my word for it. The CIA, FBI, German intelligence and the former head of MI6 all say they think it started with a lab leak.

Outside China, the only people still with their heads in the sand, trying to pretend this debate is not even happening, are senior members of the scientific and media establishment.

The Royal Society has refused my requests that it organise a debate on the possible cause of the worst pandemic in a century, so has the Academy of Medical Sciences, of which I am a fellow.

Meanwhile, five scientific journals have now rejected papers summarising the evidence that I have co-written with Dr Alina Chan of Harvard and Professor Anton van der Merwe of Oxford. Initially, the journals justified their refusals by arguing that our position was a worthless conspiracy theory, now they say its old news.

Staff work in a laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, from which many experts say Covid must have spread

The Covid pandemic almost certainly began with a leak from a laboratory, probably the Wuhan Institute of Virology, some time in the autumn of 2019.

The Wuhan Institute was planning exactly the right kind of experiment on exactly the right kind of bat virus at exactly the right time to create this virus - with exactly the wrong level of biosafety precautions.

It would be a bizarre coincidence if it happened naturally in that very spot at that very time, leaving no trace of its existence in any animal other than human beings.

Boris Johnson told me in 2021 that he was repeatedly pressed by his scientific advisers to sign off a declaration that it did not come from a lab  and refused.

One of those advisers, Patrick Vallance, is now a government minister in the House of Lords. He has never explained why, after joining a notorious phone call with Anthony Fauci, the then director of the USs National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Wellcome Trusts Sir Jeremy Farrar on February 1, 2020, when the strong possibility of a lab leak was raised by several scientists, he chose to dismiss such suspicions.

That call resulted in a paper known as Proximal Origin, which was published five years ago this week, designed specifically to quash all further speculation about the lab leak.

But when Republican members of the US Congress obtained subpoenas for the Slack messages exchanged by the authors, it emerged that one of them, the evolutionary biologist Kristian Andersen, had written: The lab escape version of this is so friggin likely to have happened.

Why does it matter? Mainly because, unless we learn lessons, it could happen again. The longer some scientists refuse to debate it, the longer dangerous experiments continue.

Only last month, the journal Cell published the results of a risky experiment by Shi Zhengli of the Wuhan Institute on a MERS-like virus, apparently without even asking whether it was done with appropriate biosafety.

Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty, then prime minister Boris Johnson and then chief scientific adviser Lord Vallance, during a press conference on the pandemic in 2023

The number of virology labs operating worldwide is mushrooming but the scientists involved are resisting attempts to increase regulation. While there are plenty of international rules about ethics in labs, there are almost none about safety.

Crucially, a lab leak could also explain why Covid was so hard to control. When viruses first infect human beings, they are usually not very infectious even if they are lethal - this was true of Ebola, MERS, SARS, Nipah, bird flu and others.

Each virus takes time to perfect the molecular keys with which to unlock our cells, time during which we can usually employ contact-tracing and quarantine to halt the outbreak.

Covid, by contrast, was highly infectious from the very start, as Alina Chan was the first to argue.

The fact that it spread faster than flu and made a mockery of all our efforts to contain it suggests it had been trained on human cells in the lab.

The Wuhan scientists had been collecting bat viruses for several years, swapping their genes, and infecting human cells with them, as well as humanised mice that had been genetically modified to give them functioning human genes, cells, tissues and/or organs. One such experiment had increased the infectivity of a virus 10,000 times.

Paradoxically, there could be a glimmer of good news here  but only if we learn the right lesson.

Lord Vallance dismissed suspicions raised by scientists during a call with Anthony Fauci, the then director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in February 2020

Outbreaks that originate in food markets or as a result of cave tourism that bring humans into contact with infected animals will cause local outbreaks that are easy to interrupt. So if we stop doing crazy experiments on dangerous viruses in city centres we could ensure fewer future pandemics.

The World Health Organisation used to worry about this. Its scientists went on record frequently in the late 2010s to express concern that the next pandemic could start in a lab.

Michael Ryan, director of WHOs Health Emergencies Programme, said in 2015 that the last three clusters of SARS cases that nearly started SARS again were two laboratory accidents in which lab workers infected themselves and nearly infected their own communities. So the accidental release of pathogens is probably much more significant.

The EcoHealth Alliance, which funded work at the Wuhan institute and has now been disbarred from receiving federal cash by the US government, said in 2017: The threat from lab-enhanced viruses is intensifying.

Mystifyingly, the WHO has stopped saying that. You can search its website in vain for similar comments since the pandemic. Yet our Government is still using the existence of a WHO probe as an excuse for not even investigating the lab leak theory.

It told the Mail last week: The UK continues to support the World Health Organisation in its ongoing expert study of the origins of Covid-19.

It said the same thing to me in 2021 when I raised the matter in the House of Lords. Yet that WHO study is being conducted by a dithering, dilatory and disgraceful committee called SAGO that has produced nothing useful in five years.

WHOs only memorable contribution to the debate was a farcical press conference in 2021 in Wuhan, at which its team endorsed an absurd Chinese government theory that Covid reached China on frozen fish from abroad and rejected a lab leak as extremely unlikely.

When the pandemic began, WHO was embarrassingly sycophantic towards Xi Jinping and the Chinese government, praising the deep commitment of the Chinese people to collective action.

Dr Ryan said he had never seen the scale, the commitment of an epidemic response at this level. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general, said : We always ask for political commitment, political leadership. Thats what we have seen.

Yet, at the time, not only was the Chinese government covering up critical details about the outbreak, it was also concealing vital information about the work of the Wuhan Institute of Virology and refusing to share the institutes database.

The shocking truth is that senior Western scientists are too afraid of China and too obsessed with protecting the reputation and funding of science at all costs to be trusted with investigating what happened.

Remember this virus killed roughly one thousand times as many people as the worst industrial accident of all time, the Bhopal chemical leak of 1984. It is time for Lord Vallance to show some courage.
A woman has recalled in horrifying detail how she was allegedly repeatedly raped by her ex-boyfriend in her sleep during their 18 month-long relationship - before a jury found him not guilty of the alleged crimes.

Jessie from Kent claimed her ex-boyfriend, who was several years older, repeatedly raped her when she was a teenager.

Speaking in BBC documentary Stacey Dooley: Rape on Trial, Jessie revealed how she reported the alleged incident to the police, but waited years for the verdict.

Jessie was with her former partner for a year and a half in total and, at first, she claimed the relationship seemed good.

She recalled in the documentary: 'The abuse was always when I was asleep, and I would wake up with him inside me.

'I remember the first time it happened, I was like, 'Can you stop? Why are you doing that? I'm asleep', and then that continued, and it got to the point where I would pretend I was still asleep.'

Jessie realised her experience was rape after her ex's former partner, called Lauren, messaged her on Facebook regarding a similar experience.

'I got a message on Facebook, I knew her as his ex-girlfriend, but I didn't know her personally, I hadn't spoken to her before,' Jessie said.

Jessie (pictured) from Kent has recalled the heartbreaking way she dealt with her former boyfriend allegedly raping her

The message from his ex read: 'It's taken me a lot of time to send you this message as I don't want to bring up what has been left to rest.'

She explained that she had been with Jessie's ex for a year and a half, during which time they had travelled to Australia. 'In that time, he raped me twice,' Lauren wrote, continuing, 'It took me a long time to accept what happened to me.'

Also featuring in the show, Lauren said: 'I am his ex-girlfriend, me and him were together for a year and a half, and in that time, he raped me twice.'

After receiving Lauren's message, Jessie met with her that same day to hear her story in more detail.

Jessie said: 'It was like she was telling me my story, like it was exactly the same because I was in denial that whole time, it all just flooded in one go.'

After speaking to Lauren, Jessie decided to go to the police and make a statement about her own experience with her ex.

Talking on Stacey Dooley: Rape on Trial, Jessie explained how she was a teenager during the alleged incidents (pictured)

38-year-old presenter Stacey Dooley (pictured) chatted with the alleged victims as they waited for trial in BBC One's Stacey Dooley: Rape on Trial

Talking on the BBC show, Jessie (pictured) claimed that her former boyfriend raped her while she slept

'Some of the questions she [the police officer] asked me were horrendous,' Jessie recalled.

In conversation with Stacey, Lauren said: 'When I met this guy, he was very charming and very charismatic, he was already planning to go to Australia, so we were both planning, so we did go to Australia together.

'We were staying in Sydney. We were sharing a hostel bed, and there were other people in the room, and he was spooning me, and he started kissing and touching me, and I said 'No, I'm not really into this right now, I'm not in the mood'. I also felt uncomfortable with people being around.

'I said no, and he pulled my knickers down and just went for it, my whole body froze, I couldn't move. All I could hear was his breath down my ear, I kept saying 'Stop, get off me, I don't want this', and he carried on until he finished.

Lauren added: 'I stayed in bed and I just started crying, and I said to him, 'You raped me', and he said, 'No I didn't, you're my girlfriend, I love you, I wouldn't do that to you, I wouldn't put you through that'.

'He was upset that I'd even suggested it. I felt completely gross, I felt ashamed, and I went straight to the shower. I tried to get clean, and even when I got out of the shower two and a half hours later, my skin was red and raw from how hot I'd had the water, I didn't feel any cleaner.

'I was his girlfriend, and he was meant to love and keep me safe and protect me, and he did that to me.'

The Australian police took jurisdiction over Lauren's case but dropped it due to lack of evidence.

Jessie decided to report the incidents to the police after her ex-boyfriend's former partner reached out to her (pictured)

Lauren (pictured) also featured on the BBC show and recalled her alleged incident with the same person

Lauren claimed that Jessie's former partner raped her while they stayed in a hostel together in Australia

Lauren was called as a witness in Jessie's case, which, at the time of filming, was supposed to go to trial in six weeks.

'I was very upset over the fact that my case had been dropped. I'm going to have to stand in court as a witness when I'm actually a victim, but I definitely feel like I'm strong enough if that means there's a chance for him to be put behind bars.

In conversation with Stacey, 38, Jessie explained the alleged trauma that she was forced to relive while awaiting trial.

'There's nothing I can do to make myself ready for it,' she said, adding, 'This whole process is not him having to prove his innocence, it's me having to prove his guilt, which is just backwards.'

After Jessie reported her former boyfriend for allegedly raping her while she was sleeping, her ex was out on bail because he had no previous convictions and was not considered to be a threat to her.

However, Jessie had still seen her former partner around. She said: 'I've seen him a lot. Most of the time, it's on a night out in town or he'll be in the pub, and then I just want to go home.

'There was one incident where I was walking to the train station to go to work and walked past a house and he was working outside doing some kind of manual labour, I was gobsmacked, he was literally just down the road.'

After waiting for trial at Maidstone, Jessie received the news that the trial was delayed by an additional 14 months due to barrister strikes.

At the end of the episode, Jessie's trial was pushed back by an additional 14 months due to barrister strikes

The defendant was charged with three counts of rape - two in relation to Jessie and one in relation to a third woman who remained anonymous.

If convicted, he could have faced between four and nineteen years in prison with his name added to the sex offenders register.

'I don't understand how he's allowed to carry on doing what he wants to do,' Jessie said.

She continued: 'I'm so close to just retracting my statement because I just can't do it anymore, I can't live with this thing hanging over me.'

Stacey added: 'Delays in the court system have meant the number of rape complainants pulling out of the process has more than doubled in the past five years, and for those who do stay, they'll be waiting on average for two years for a case to get to trial.'

The trial was delayed minutes before it was due to begin due to strikes, but 14 months later, Jessie prepared for the retrial to start once again.

Jessie, one of three women to speak in court, said: 'I put on a brave face, and I tell everyone that I haven't been thinking about it, but of course, I think about it all the time, and it's a massive weight'.

After the trial started, Jessie told the BBC presenter how the lengthy process has taken up such a substantial portion of her life.

The police rang Jessie (pictured) while she was at work to inform her that the jury reached a not guilty verdict

'I just want it to be done now, I'm ready,' Jessie said.

She continued: 'I was a teenager when I first met him, he was older, I liked him, and I liked the relationship that we had.

'We did have both consensual and non-consensual sex. When it was consensual, it was intimate and it was loving, but when it was non-consensual, it was almost ritualistic.

'It was fairly often. It happened when I was asleep, it was generally in the morning, and I'd be woken up to it.'

Jessie continued: 'He was always behind me, his hand would be there between my shoulder blades, and if I tried to run, there would be enough force to hold me there,' she claimed.

She added: 'I explained to him about how I didn't like it, and I did think it might stop, but it didn't, and it just continued until the end of our relationship.'

Jessie recalled the experience of undergoing cross-examination, a procedure which took all afternoon.

She said: 'I was just crying the whole way through. The defence barrister was telling me that I was lying, that I didn't say no, that I didn't fight him off... he was basically trying to make out that I didn't say no, so that means yes.'

The jury made their decision based on the testimonies of all three women and of the defendant, who said that all sexual activity with each of the women was consensual.

After undergoing the process, the judge informed the jury that there must be a majority verdict, meaning at least ten out 12 jurors should be in agreement, but at the end of the day, there was no decision.

After the fourth day of deliberations, the jury was hung, meaning that Jessie would have to undergo the process again if she wanted to continue to pursue the case.

Thinking about whether she was willing to undergo the process again, Jessie said: 'I have to decide if it that's something I would want to do because it would literally be everything all over again.'

Jessie added: 'Giving evidence and stuff was the hardest thing I've had to do, and I took comfort in knowing I wouldn't have to do that again. So, now the possibility of having to do that again is hard to fathom, but we've come this far, so I feel like I can't give up now.'

Jessie settled on undergoing the process again, with the trial scheduled 13 months later in January 2025.

Retrial begun and Jessie was cross-examined for the second time. Her former boyfriend was found not guilty.

'I actually feel worse because I know what's going to happen and I know how horrendous it is,' she said.

For two hours, the defendant's legal team questioned Jessie over the events, and a week after the trial started, the jury reached the verdict that the defendant was not guilty.

'I feel so wronged by the system,' Jessie said after hearing news of the verdict.

She continued: 'All of these years that we've been going through this cycle have led up to that one phone call... deep down, I'm so angry.'

Jessie continued: 'It's such a massive request, it was just our words against his, that's 100 per cent true, but there's still three against one, three separate people, completely unrelated to one another, against one person'.

She added: 'It has been hell, but I'm so glad I did it.'

'We have to talk about it, we have to be open about it, and we have to raise awareness about these things that are going on, because it happens every day.'

At the end of the episode, Stacey called for a system reform so alleged victims and defendants do not have to undergo lengthy years-long legal processes.

Minister for Victims and VAWG, Alex Davies-Jones told the BBC show: 'This Government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade.

'To deliver swifter justice for victims, we have increased court funding to record levels. We have also asked a leading judge to reform the courts to bear down on the backlog of cases.'

Stacey Dooley: Rape on Trial is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
The royal couple's 'significant and historic' trip will take place from April 7-10

The King and Queen still plan to go ahead with next months State Visits to the Holy See and Italy despite continuing fears over the Popes health.

Giving further details of the visit, Buckingham Palace said the significant and historic trip would take place from April 7-10, celebrating warm UK-Italian bilateral relations generally but also a major development in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England.

Indeed, the King will be given the rare honour of a special ecumenical service in the iconic Sistine Chapel, featuring choirs from both the Holy See and Royal chapels in the UK.

He will also become the first British monarch since the Reformation - which saw Britain formally break from Rome under Henry VIII in 1534 - to visit the Papal Basilica of St Pauls Outside the Walls, said to be the resting place of Paul the Apostle.

Earlier this week the Vatican issued the first photograph of Pope Francis since he was admitted to hospital a month ago, where he has been treated for double pneumonia and other infections.

The 88-year-old has also suffered several respiratory crises, giving rise to fears he would not survive.

His condition now is said to be stable.

A senior palace aide said yesterday that matters looked more positive and shared our hopes and prayers that Pope Franciss health will enable to visit to go ahead.

King Charles and Queen Camilla (pictured on Commonwealth Day earlier this month) will go ahead with their visit to the Holy See and Italy in April despite fears over the Pope's health

Pope Francis (pictured) was admitted to hospital a month ago, where he has been treated for double pneumonia and other infections

It is understood that King Charles personally wrote to Pope Francis when he was first taken ill.

Sources confirmed that subject to Pope Francis health the visit would go ahead as proposed, although it was understood that officials were ready to modify plans should his ability to participate be affected.

It will be a truly historic visit, reflecting that mutual respect between Pope Francis and His Majesty as Head of State, as well as the deep friendship between the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church, a royal aide added.

The visit to the Holy See comes in a special year for the Catholic Church - the 2025 Jubilee - which is celebrated every 25 years, involving reconciliation, prayer and pilgrimage.

On April 8, their Majesties are hoping to have an audience with Pope Francis personally, as well as attending the Sistine Chapel service which will reflect on their shared long-standing commitment to nature and sustainability.

In an historic first, His Majesty - as Supreme Governor of the Church of England - will also visit St Pauls Outside the Walls, which is recognised as the Papal Basilica where reconciliation, ecumenism and relationships across the Christian faith are celebrated.

It boasts special links with the British monarchy stretching back centuries, having been visited as far back as Ethleburt in 856 AD.

Queen Camilla will also meet with nuns from The International Union of Superiors General, who are working to promote female empowerment, through girls education programmes, improved access to healthcare, climate action and the prevention of sexual violence and human trafficking.

The King and Queen met Pope Francis in Vatican City on April 4, 2017

Pope Francis celebrates Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the tenth floor of the Gemelli hospital as he was pictured for the first time since news of his illness

Pope Francis speaks with then Prince Charles on the day of the canonisation of 19th-century British cardinal John Henry Newman at the Vatican October 13, 2019

The then Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2017

Charles and Camillas state visit to the Republic of Italy will see them visit Rome and Ravenna and feature several high-profile ceremonial events, including a glittering black tie state dinner at the Palazzo Quirinal.

The King will also be granted audiences with President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni.

Charles will also become the first British monarch in history - and only the fourth foreign leader ever - to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament.

Several engagements will also highlight the close cooperation between the British and Italian military, particularly over Ukraine.

This relationship will be marked during the visit by a joint flypast over Rome by the Italian Air Force aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori and by the Royal Air Force acrobatic team, the Red Arrows.

In Ravenna, Their Majesties will attend a reception in the Town Hall, marking the 80th anniversary of the provinces liberation from Nazi occupation by Allied Forces, as well as visit Dantes Tomb and the Bryon Musician - the poet lived in the city was was known as the mad Englishman.
A former Marine has revealed how she left the armed forces for a career as a professional porn star.

Abby Rose, now 32, joined the United States Marine Corps at 24 because she wanted to find a 'sense of purpose' by giving back to her country, but wound up with a harsh reality check after enlisting.

In addition to earning a paltry salary of around just $30,000 a year, Abby says that she found the culture inside the military to be 'toxic' and ended up being diagnosed with bipolar disorder while serving.

'My mindset on the military has changed quite a bit since Ive been out,' she admitted to DailyMail.com.

'I do think it helps build resilience and character, and for sure it toughens your skin,' she continued.

'However, the overall culture is pretty toxic. I also think that the government doesnt use the military correctly and oftentimes just uses young people to fight unnecessary wars.'

Choosing her words carefully, Abby added, 'To keep it short, I would not recommend most people to go into the military - at least not right now. However, I am thankful for everyone that has served and that we have a defense system for our country.'

Former Marine Abby Rose has revealed how she left the armed forces for a career as a professional porn star

After serving from 2017 to 2021, Abby turned to stripping after falling on hard times when she left the marines.

Working in a strip club soon lead the Houston-based beauty to take the leap into porn and OnlyFans, and it didn't take long for Abby's profile to skyrocket thanks to her unique background as a decorated Marine.

She now rakes in $300,000 a year - ten times her salary in the armed forces - and has hundreds of fans who pay for her to engage in military-themed roleplay.

Abby also admits that some of her old buddies in the marines have cut her off due to her X-rated career change - while others are secretly subscribed to her OnlyFans page.

In a post shared to Instagram last week, Abby reflected on her time in the marines and pointed out the hypocrisy coming from some of her critics.

Posting a photo of herself in her fatigues, she wrote, 'Everyone in America respecting me for being willing to die to make a few elite people in the government even more powerful, rich and greedy.'

She then followed it with a raunchy image of herself on the set of one of her adult movies, captioning it, 'Everyone in America saying I have zero self-respect for having consensual sex with people I like on camera.'

Abby joined the United States Marine Corps at 24 because she wanted to find a 'sense of purpose' by giving back to her country, but wound up with a harsh reality check after enlisting

Abby says that she found the culture inside the military to be 'toxic' and ended up being diagnosed with bipolar disorder while serving

Elaborating further, Abby wrote, 'Honestly I am happy with the amount of people that hate my job because it keeps it very profitable.'

She continued, 'Its just crazy how easily influenced we are by societal norms and what the government wants us to believe. Anyways Im enjoying my life and respect myself enough to have quality sex with quality people and get paid for it.'

Abby is now using her platform to give back by launching her own nonprofit called The Happy Bean Project - a coffee initiative to support people struggling with mental health issues.

'My brother has struggled with mental health, drug addiction, and homelessness for over a decade,' she explained.

'I was diagnosed as bipolar while serving in the Marine Corps. I know firsthand how important support and understanding are,' she continued.

'Thats why I started The Happy Bean Project - to create a space where people feel seen, valued, and supported.'

She now rakes in $300,000 a year - ten times her salary in the armed forces - and has hundreds of fans who pay for her to engage in military-themed roleplay

Abby admits that some of her old buddies in the marines have cut her off due to her X-rated career change, while others are secretly subscribed to her OnlyFans page

Last year, a Royal Navy sailor from the UK was sacked after making 20,000-a-month in cash by selling OnlyFans photos taken onboard Britain's massive HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier.

Naval Airman Zak Blackman was axed for bringing the service into disrepute after his raunchy X-rated snaps were reported to his superiors.

The 21-year-old, who was paid 1,500-a-month as an able seaman, is claiming that he's a millionaire thanks to his sex pics - and insists that his firing is actually the 'best thing'.

Blackman said: 'It was really hard work for the money I was getting. I decided to post videos and images of me in my uniform.

'They started to take off, and after a few weeks I was earning 20,000 a month from that.'
Royal fans are convinced Meghan Markle used a kitchen appliance gifted to the family by the late Queen to make St Patrick's Day waffles for the Sussex family.

The Duchess, 43, posted the process of her making the Shamrock green breakfast on Instagram to celebrate the Irish saint.

She filmed herself whisking up a vibrant mixture, before pouring it into a steaming hot black cast-iron waffle maker, before writing: 'We love a theme!'

The mother-of-two then decorated the waffles with a kiwi for a mouth, blueberries for eyes and whipped cream hair 'for the kids' - five-year-old Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, three, who also also had mint-coloured milkshakes.

She and Prince Harry then tucked into their green breakfast with a dollop of cream with chocolate flakes and strawberries. 'For us! Happy St. Patrick's Day!' she wrote alongside her photographs.

After seeing Meghan's clip on Instagram, royal fans speculated on X/Twitter that the kitchen kit used to make the themed breakfasts came from Prince Harry's late grandmother.

One fan wrote: 'I bet this is the same waffle maker QEII gave Archie for Christmas after learning how much he loved waffles. Glad to see it's getting good use.'

Another speculated: 'I believe this is the waffle maker the Queen bought for Archie. Prove me wrong...'

The Duchess of Sussex , 43, shared a selection of videos to her Instagram story on Monday, using a waffle maker for her creations

The Duke of Sussex, 40, previously revealed that his grandmother Queen Elizabeth - who passed away in 2022 - had gifted Archie a waffle maker

The mother-of-two then decorated the waffles with a kiwi for a mouth, blueberries for eyes and whipped cream hair 'for the kids' - five-year-old Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, three

The Duke of Sussex, 40, previously revealed that his grandmother Queen Elizabeth - who passed away in 2022 - had gifted his son a waffle maker, adding that it is one of the first things he asks for when waking up in the morning.

He appeared on the Late Late Show with British presenter James Corden in 2021 - one of the first interviews he agreed to since exiting the Firm and moving to the States with his young family.

When James asked Harry how he was finding fatherhood he gushed and revealed that Archie had the 'most amazing personality' before adding: 'My grandmother asked us what Archie wanted for Christmas and Meg said a waffle maker, she sent us a waffle maker for Archie.

'So for breakfast, Meg makes up a beautiful, organic mix in the waffle maker, flips it, out it comes, he loves it.

'Now I have waffles for breakfast, bit of yogurt, bit of jam on top, a bit of berries, little bit of honey, maybe some syrup.'

James Corden said he couldn't wrap his head around the Queen ordering a waffle maker to be sent to Santa Barbara.

Harry laughed and said: 'I don't even know how to comment on that. Archie wakes up in the morning and literally just goes "Waffle?"'

Also hidden in the video was a sneak peek at some of Meghan's decor - including educational place mats for Archie and Lilibet, one of which featured an early-years version of the Periodic Table.

Meghan's low-key St Patrick's Day celebration came as the Princess of Wales attended the Irish Guards' annual parade at Wellington Barracks in London.

Kate, 43, made a triumphant solo return to the celebration, before putting drinks behind the bar for guardsmen and enjoying a toast inside the Wellington Barracks in Westminster - in her first time attending the celebration since 2023.

Kate, 43, made a triumphant solo return to the celebration, before putting drinks behind the bar for guardsmen and enjoying a toast inside the Wellington Barracks in Westminster - in her first time attending the celebration since 2023.

It's not the first time Meghan has shown her love of a themed breakfast, making bagels and cutting strawberries into hearts with Archie and Lilibet for Valentine's Day last month

For her and husband Prince Harry, Meghan served a plain green waffle alongside a dollop of cream and two strawberries

Even Meghan's mixing bowl was a shade of green as she celebrated the Irish holiday

It appears the two royals have both been celebrating the annual celebration thousands of miles away from one another.

It's not the first time Meghan has shown her love of a themed breakfast, making bagels and cutting strawberries into hearts with Archie and Lilibet for Valentine's Day last month, while Prince Harry stayed at the Invictus Games in Whistler.

The footage even showed brief glimpses of the children helping out, while 'L-O-V-E' by Nat King Cole played in the background.

In With Love, Meghan, the former Suits actress gave hosting tips and cooks with celebrity friends including The Office star Mindy Kaling.

The Duke of Sussex makes just one appearance at the end of the first season's final episode when he joins Meghan, her mother Doria Ragland and friends for an outdoor celebratory brunch.

Meghan said it 'feels like a new chapter that I'm so excited that I get to share and I've been able to learn from all of you', in what is likely to be seen as a nod to the restrictions she felt within the royal family.

She told People magazine that her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, visited her on set, which she called 'really special because up until then, they hadn't seen me at work', and spoke about her and Harry having a daily 'nightcap recap', where they discussed their day.

'We love a theme!' Meghan declared as she showed off the results of her St Patrick's Day feast

The Duchess had spent the morning baking, clearly not put off after her cookery series was widely panned

'My husband met me when I had (the former lifestyle website) The Tig, and I see this spark in his eye when he sees me doing the thing that I was doing when he first met me,' she said. 'It's almost like a honeymoon period again.'

The Duchess also last week launched her lifestyle brand As Ever, with her website revealing her first products: raspberry jam, and the flower sprinkles she promotes throughout the show.

The second season of With Love, Meghan is coming in the autumn, and has already finished filming, according to Netflix.

Viewers had been left baffled by some of Meghan's tips and ticks, including 'elevating' foods by adding flower petals, transferring supermarket pretzels into a supermarket bag, as well as her unusual method of cooking spaghetti.

Meghan shared a number of recipes throughout the series, including for spaghetti, a honey and lemon cake and a cooked breakfast. She said her new show had helped her to 'find herself' again.

But despite her huge two-million-strong following on social media, she insisted she instead saw as a 'female founder' and 'entrepreneur' rather than an influencer.

Since Harry and Meghan signed their $80million mega deal with Netflix in 2020, there has been one smash hit and three relative duds.

Meanwhile, the Duchess is also set to launch another podcast next month.
The Princess of Wales has revealed where she would like to visit with her three children now that they're older.

On Monday, Kate, 43, made a triumphant solo return to the Irish Guards St Patricks Day parade, where she discussed how she wants to take Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, to Australia and New Zealand.

The royal was chatting to Irish Guardsmen and their families in the Sergeants' Mess at Wellington Barracks in Westminster, after putting money behind the bar for them to celebrate the March 17th holiday.

Chatting about how she and Prince William took their eldest son away with them on his first official tour when he was a baby, she told Corporal Adam Hamilton, an Australian reservist: 'George finds it fascinating that he has been to Australia and New Zealand.

'I would like to go back there with them now. It's finding time to do that. But I love to travel  yes, it's a long flight.

'But I love the Middle East because that's familiar to me from growing up. There are so many opportunities now to travel, I think it's brilliant to experience it.

'We tend to go further afield when it's official visits, it's being able to carve out time to experience these countries in a more private capacity.

'Because otherwise you end up seeing lots of insides of amazing buildings but you don't get to meet that many.. people

The Princess of Wales (pictured on Monday) has revealed where she would like to visit with her three children now that they're older

'It's making sure that you can combine a bit of work with the children. I might see you down there!'

The princess - who added that she 'loved our trip to Australia' - last made an official royal visit to the country in 2014 with William and George  who was just a baby at the time.

After arriving at the central London camp on Monday, Kate inspected the troops before being presented with traditional sprigs of shamrock by a member of the guards.

She then pinned it to her lapel - adding to the Cartier shamrock brooch she was already wearing.

In a further sweet moment, Kate knelt down to pet the regimental mascot Turlough Mor, an adorable Irish Wolfhound known as Seamus. She then gifted him a sprig of shamrock.

Later, inside the Junior Ranks dining hall, Kate sipped on a pint of Guinness as a senior guardsman toasted her, but didn't quite manage to 'split the G' instead choosing to savour the drink slowly.

'Three cheers for the colonel in the regiment,' he said before raucous applause.

Kate, who is colonel of the regiment after taking over from her husband, missed the Guards' annual occasion last year as she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

On Monday, Kate (pictured with her family in December 2024), 43, made a triumphant solo return to the Irish Guards St Patricks Day parade, where she discussed how she wants to take Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte , nine, and Prince Louis , six, to Australia and New Zealand

William, Kate and George visit the Bilby Enclosure at Taronga Zoo on April 20, 2014 in Sydney, Australia

But the royal, who is gradually returning to public duties, dressed to impress in a lucky green Alexander McQueen coat dress as she came back today.

She styled her look with black heeled boots and a percher hat, and added a Shamrock pin, while keeping her hair up into a sleek updo and opting for a light make-up look.

The royal added Kiki McDonough Green Tourmaline earrings to her look - which she also wore at the St Patrick's Day Parade in 2018 and 2019.

In a very sweet gesture, the future queen also put money behind the bar for guardsmen, saying it's 'the least she could do'.

She later took the official salute from the Irish Guards, raising their Bearskin caps into the air.

Kate started the day by saluting the colonel during a march-past and met Irish Guards veterans as well as junior cadets from Northern Ireland known as Mini Micks.
An Air Force Chief revealed the test is to take both candidates out to dinner

A boss has revealed the secret test he uses to choose the perfect candidate - and it has nothing to do with their CV.

A chief in the US Air Force has revealed the bizarre technique used to ensure the right person is hired for the job - which he claims gives him an insight into how impulsive people are.

In a Reddit thread, the armed forces personnel explained that when faced with two perfect candidates who are equal in every way, the salt test is the easiest way to decide who should join the company.

The manager said it's essential that bosses take the candidates out to dinner and watch carefully how they season their meal.

He explained: 'There once were two men applying for a job at a very well respected fortune 500 company. One of the men went to Harvard and one went to Yale.

'They were both exceptional in every single way with 4.0 GPAs and numerous references to vouch for their character.

'They were both so good that the CEO couldn't decide which one to hire and since there was only one job opening, only one could be hired.'

And so he took them out for a slap up meal to get to know them more.

A boss has revealed the secret test he uses to choose the perfect candidate and it involved taking them to a restaurant and watching how they salt their meal

The boss said it's essential to see which of the candidates salts their food without tasting and which one takes a bite first.

He continued: 'When their food arrived, one of the men began to put salt and pepper on his food while the other man took a small bite of each item on his dish and then put salt and pepper on a few items from his dish.

'The CEO knew right then and there that the man who tasted his food first was the one who would get the job.'

The reason behind the trick was to see which candidate was more likely to want to fix everything, versus the candidate who would assess first what needs to be fixed.

The chief finished off the post by writing: 'These two men were perfect in every way but the man who tasted his food first knew that some things don't need extra flavor but some things do.'

'I knew right then and there that this would be a man that will fix things but will also NOT fix things that don't need fixing.'

But not everyone was convinced by the test, with some branding it absolute nonsense.

One Reddit user wrote: 'Congratulations, you got suckered into one of the oldest gimmicky, leadership parables out there.'

But not everyone was convinced with saying it was nonsense and others writing that they always salted their food

And another said: 'And what if he likes salt? What if he likes salt so much that if any restaurant served a dish to his liking, others wouldn't be able to enjoy it? At that point it's safe to say that salting it is the correct course o action. By not tasting it first, he now has more food at the correct salt level as well as more time to eat. Give him a God damn PN for being so efficient!'

And one person commented: 'I just taste it first because it's rude not to.'

And this is not the only bizarre trick bosses use to help the hire a new member of the team.

Trent Innes, the former managing director of Xero Australia, revealed that while hiring at the company he would test potential employees by offering them a cup of coffee in the interview.

Speaking to the Venture Podcast with Lambros Photios earlier this month, Trent, who is now the CEO of investment company Compono, said the trick gives him a snapshot into a candidate's 'attitude' and 'ownership'.

Before commencing a interview, Trent says he usually takes the prospective employee for a walk to the kitchen, where they will be offered either a glass of water, coffee, tea or soft drink.

'I'm probably giving away all my dark secrets here now,' continued Trent.

'But if you do come in and have an interview, as soon as you come in and meet me, I will always take you for a walk down to one of our kitchens and somehow you always end up walking away with a drink.

'Then we take that back, have our interview, and one of the things I'm always looking for at the end of the interview is, does the person doing the interview want to take that empty cup back to the kitchen?'

Trent Innes (pictured) the former managing director of Xero Australia, revealed that while hiring at the company he would test potential employees by offering them a cup of coffee in the interview

But experts are now branding the test - which has nothing to do with your CV, skills or knowledge of the company - a 'made up social experiment' (stock image)

But experts are now branding the test - which has nothing to do with your CV, skills or knowledge of the company - a 'made up social experiment', while one jobseeker called it 'stupid'.

Despite growing critique of the method, Trent insisted that beyond skills, knowledge and experience, employability mostly came down to 'attitude'.

'The attitude that we talk a lot about is the concept of "wash your own coffee cup"' he said.

'Attitude and ownership scale, especially in a really fast growing environment like we've been going through and still at this stage as well. We want to make sure we've got people who have a real, strong ownership and a growth mindset'.

Ultimately, the coffee cup test determines 'that they're actually going to fit into the culture inside Xero'.

He said he also used it to measure whether a potential employee would 'really take on everything that they should be doing'.

By implementing the approach, he claimed it would ensure he found the perfect employee who would fit into the culture of his company.

To do this, he needed the 'lowest level task' that was still regarded as highly important, no matter your position in the company.

The managing director said success was a collective effort, and each individual had their own part to play.

'If you come into the office one day inside Xero, you'll see the kitchens are almost always clean and sparkling and it's very much off that concept of wash your coffee cup, but that sort of led into the interview space' said Trent.

'You really want to make sure that you've got people who have got a real sense of ownership, and that's really what I was looking for.
A former Texas megachurch pastor has surrendered himself to authorities after being charged with child sexual abuse.

The preacher, along with his wife and son, befriended an Oklahoma woman's family and stayed in their home. However, the latter said that at the time, in 1982, the sexual abuse started, when she was only 12 years old.

Former Texas Pastor Charged With Child Sexual Abuse

The pastor, 63-year-old Robert Preston Morris, surrendered to Osage County authorities after he was indicted on child sexual abuse charges. The woman who is accusing Morris is Cindy Clemishire, who told authorities that the pastor's abuse started on Christmas 1982 and continued for four years after.

The 55-year-old woman came forward herself and identified as a victim of child sexual abuse more than four decades ago. She released a statement last week after the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office announced the charges against Morris.

Clemishire said that after nearly 43 years, the law has finally caught up with her perpetrator for the "horrific crimes" that he committed against her when she was still a child. She added that it is now time for the suspect to face the legal system that could hold him accountable, according to ABC News.

Morris' attorney, Mack Martin, has so far declined to comment on the child sexual abuse charges against his client. However, the attorney did say that the former megachurch pastor is planning to plead not guilty in the case.

The suspect was asked about the allegations last year and said that he was in his early 20s when he was "involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in a home where I was staying."

Conducting Inappropriate Behavior

He added that the inappropriate behaviors include kissing and petting but not intercourse because it was "wrong." Morris said that his behavior at the time happened on several occasions over the next few years.

Morris is known to be politically active and his church had previously hosted United States President Donald Trump in 2020 for a discussion on race relations and the economy, NBC News reported.

Court records showed that the former Texas megachurch pastor has a $50,000 bond set by an Osage County judge and has been ordered to surrender his passport. He is now expected to make an initial appearance before a judge on May 9, 2025.

Last year, Morris resigned as pastor of Gateway Church in the Dallas suburb of Southlake after Clemishire's allegations against him, as per the Associated Press.
A white woman who 'identifies as black' has revealed she is planning to 'move to Africa'.

Martina Big, 36, who is from Germany, and her husband Michael Eurwen, 38, both inject Melanotan, a synthetic hormone to darken their skin, and have faced fierce backlash over the years from those who insist they'll 'never be black'.

But the glamour model, who has 32T breasts after operations to enhance them, has since claimed she's 'received invitations from fans in many African countries'.

Now Big and her partner are planning to move to the continent, with the influencer saying: 'My husband and I had already planned to emigrate a few years ago, but then the pandemic hit.

'We have received invitations from fans in many African countries and so it hasn't been easy to choose,' Big said. 'Currently, we have Kenya and Namibia on our shortlist.

'Since most of my modelling jobs are in Europe and the US, Michael fears it will be difficult for me to earn money in Africa. I've had to work hard to convince him that this is the best decision for us.'

The glamour model - who goes by the name of Malaika Kubwa, meaning Big Angel in Swahili, after a baptism ceremony - claims to have the largest breasts in Europe.

As well as breast enhancements, she has undergone lip augmentations and plans to undergo a butt augmentation and surgery to 'widen her nose' before heading to Africa.

Martina Big (pictured), the German-born white glamour model who has had tanning injections to darken her skin because she 'identifies as a black woman', has shared her plans to 'move to Africa' after having more surgery to 'widen her nose'

She said: 'My husband and I are still working on the schedule. It's especially important that I have my surgeries (buttock augmentation and nose widening) done here in Europe beforehand.

'Since I want my surgeries very extreme, I don't know any surgeons in Africa who can do those. I am hoping that we can resolve the remaining issues soon and realise our dream of emigrating as soon as possible.'

Big - who has visited Africa three times - feels confident she and her husband will be embraced by the African people.

When she visited Nairobi for the first time in 2018, the glamour model claimed she was recognised by some of the local people and even had fans wanting to take selfies with her.

She said: 'I want to emigrate to Africa because I feel a deep connection to the African people.

'The harsh criticism usually comes from the US via social media. People say things like "You're White, you'll never be Black" or say my skin is "Blackface". But I don't take these comments to heart.

Big (pictured before using the injections), 36, and her husband Michael Gro, 38, both inject Melanotan, a synthetic hormone to darken their skin, and have faced fierce backlash over the years from those who insist they'll 'never be Black'

But the glamour model (pictured), who has 32T breasts after operations to enhance them, has since claimed she's 'received invitations from fans in many African countries'

As such, Big (pictured) and her partner are planning to move to the continent, with the influencer saying: 'My husband and I had already planned to emigrate a few years ago, but then the pandemic hit'

The glamour model (pictured with Michael in 2019), who goes by the name of Malaika Kubwa, meaning Big Angel in Swahili, after a baptism ceremony, claims to have the largest breasts in Europe

As well as breast enhancements, she has undergone lip augmentations and plans to undergo a butt augmentation and surgery to 'widen her nose' before her departure to Africa. Pictured right, after her baptism

Big (pictured) - who has visited Africa three times - feels confident she and her husband will be embraced by the African people

'I assume that people who have negative attitudes toward me hold back when they meet me in person. Though I never walk around alone, my husband always accompanies me.

'Every time I've visited Africa though, I've felt at home and overwhelmed by the response.

'Once, as I got out of a taxi, a fan recognised me and a short time later, I was surrounded by a whole crowd of people wanting to take selfies with me and asking me many questions. I can't wait to live there.'

Big's dramatic skin colour change has been well documented in recent years. When she started to have the injections, she was a white-skinned model with peroxide blonde hair, but claims that just three jabs of Melanotan changed her skin.

In 2019, Big shocked This Morning viewers when she revealed that she expected her future children to be born with dark skin, despite her and husband Michael both being born white.

Then presenter Holly Willoughby asked: 'Doctors have told you that your baby will be be black?'

Big replied: 'Yep, they said they will be black. We have also discussed about breast feeding and if it is safe for me to have a baby.'

She later clarified on Facebook, saying: 'Doctors say that I am physically now a black woman and my future children will be black. And I believe the doctors!'

However, viewers on Twitter questioned her logic: 'I'm so sorry, but no amount of cosmetic changes will affect your genetics. If you were born white, your children will be white. I think Martina needs to find a new doctor.'

On the show, the couple who married in Hawaii in 2018, said they identified as black.

'I can clearly feel that I am black  but its hard to find the right words to describe it,' Big said.
Gal Gadot's daughters were the real stars when they made a rare appearance alongside the actress as she received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Tuesday.

The Israeli actress, 39, received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame while proudly accompanied by her four daughters: Alma, 13, Maya, eight, Daniella, three, and Ori, 13 months.

Gal praised her daughters and husband Jaron Varsano, 50, during the event, calling their life a 'circus,' and thanking them for allowing her to fulfill her dreams.

'Whenever my success grew, I always got pregnant, I needed to ground myself,' the Wonder Woman star joked. 'Thats what I tell my agents.'

'Its either Im making movies or making babies - no more babies,' the mom-of-four declared.

'But Jaron always reminded me to dream and to be free to do whatever it is that I want to do.'

'Our daughters, Alma, Maya - whose birthday's today, she's eight, mazel tov! Dan Dan, and baby Ori, everything I do, I do for you.

'Being your Ima is my greatest, greatest privilege and the most meaningful thing Ive ever done.'

'I want you to know that this is not about fame or movies or any of that. This is about going after your passion and working hard and I want you to know that if you do, that you can achieve anything, my sweet girls,' she encouraged her daughters.

The Snow White star, who plays the Evil Queen in the controversial live action remake, which will debut this Friday, stunned in a Jil Sander Fall 2025 leather fringed dress right off the runway paired with strappy black bow heels.

Gal Gadot's daughters were the real stars when they made a rare appearance as she received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Tuesday

The Israeli actress, 39, received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside her four daughters: Alma, 13, Maya, eight, Daniella, three, and Ori, 13 months

'Its either Im making movies or making babies - no more babies,' the mom-of-four declared. 'But Jaron always reminded me to dream and to be free to do whatever it is that I want to do'

Gal met her husband in 2006 at a yoga retreat party and they got married in 2008.

They founded the production company Pilot Wave Motion Pictures together, where they often share behind-the-scenes snaps of their family working on their movies.

The former IDF member's ceremony was disrupted by warring demonstrators outside of the barriers amid claims 'a pro-Palestine protestor stole a pro-Israel protester's flag.'

Some of the pro-Palestine protesters held signs that reading 'Baby Killer Bibi,' 'Heroes fight like Palestinians,' and 'No Other Land Won Oscar.'

Gal has been open about how she felt compelled to speak out following the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel despite not discussing politics previously.

'When people were abducted from their homes, from their beds, men, women, children, elderly, Holocaust survivors, were going through the horrors of what happened that day, I could not be silent,' the eighth-generation Israeli told Variety.

'Im a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor who came to Israel and established his family from scratch after his entire family was erased in Auschwitz,' Gal said in the interview.

'I am praying for better days for all,' Miss Israel 2004 continued.

Gal praised her daughters and husband Jaron Varsano calling their life a 'circus,' and thanking them for allowing her to fulfill her dreams

Gal has been open about how she felt compelled to speak out following the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel despite not discussing politics previously

The former IDF member's ceremony was disrupted by warring demonstrators outside of the barriers amid claims 'a pro-Palestine protestor stole a pro-Israel protester's flag'

Gal also posted about Israel for her 133 million Instagram followers, writing earlier this month, 'October 7 was a wake-up call, but it also reminded us of our resilience and unbreakable bond.'

'We have had enough of Jew hatred we will confront anti-Semitism,' Gal said in her message.

The Snow White premiere was scaled back earlier this week to avoid potential protestors.

According to reports, Gal has been feuding with her Snow White co-star Rachel Zegler over their opposing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the two looked uncomfortable while posing for pictures.
You sit next to them every day and think you know everything about them.

But one day your coworker comes into the office and something seems 'off'.

Suddenly, their hair is up in a ponytail for the first time in months or they started growing out their beard. Maybe they appear more youthful and alert, or less expressive.

It might not be your imagination. It could be a sign your coworker has had secret plastic surgery.

One in four Americans now report getting cosmetic work, ranging from fillers and Botox to a face lift or nose job. It was fewer than one in 100 in the 1990s.

And plastic surgeons have told the Daily Mail that with modern techniques, high-quality procedures are virtually 'unnoticeable' to the untrained eye.

We spoke with three top surgeons who revealed the remarkably subtle signs a colleague, relative or loved one has indulged in a secret touch up...

'Pixie' or 'bat' ears

Plastic surgeons have speculated that Nicole Kidman may have had a face lift due to her 'pixie ears.' She has denied going under the knife

Generally, there are two types of ear lobes: free and attached. While attached ear lobes are directly connected to the head, free ones are floppy and hang down.

But if your colleague's ear lobes are overly stretched out, it may not be not genetics.

'Pixie ear' (sometimes known as 'bat ear'), says Dr Norman Rowe, a plastic surgeon at Rowe Plastic Surgery in New Jersey, is a 'telltale' sign that someone has been under the knife.

He told the Daily Mail: 'Pixie ear is certainly not normal and not anatomic, and it's usually a result of as face lift, neck lift, or both.'

The ear lobe normally has a 'U' shape that stops before hitting the cheek.

But if someone has had a face or neck lift, and surgeons put too much pressure on the incision site, it can cause the ear lobe to become abnormally stretched.

A face lift, also called a rhytidectomy, involves pulling back a flap of skin on each side of the face to reduce sagging and produce a tightened effect.

There are several types of face lift, but a traditional one involves separating skin from its underlying tissues and tightening the muscles around the face and neck.

About 131,000 Americans get a face lift every year. They can cost anywhere between $11,000 to $30,000.

A neck lift, also called a lower rhytidectomy, is less invasive and is performed about 160,000 times per year. They generally costs between $3,000 and $15,000.

Plastic surgeons have suggested that Demi Moore has 'pixie ears.' She has denied having plastic surgery in the past

Dr Sean McNally, a plastic surgeon at the Oregon Clinic in Portland, told the Daily Mail that scarring near the back of the ear could also indicate a recent face lift.

He said: 'For face lifts the incisions are typically run around the ear. The ones in front of the ear can heal so well its hard to tell, but the ones behind the ear are usually more visible.'

Dr Rowe noted that someone who has had a face lift may have a 'boxier' tragus, the small, pointed cartilage flap located in front of the ear canal.

He said: 'It's normally got a curve to it, but when you cut behind the ear, sometimes it ends up being a little boxy. That is telltale.'

Hair changes

Plastic surgeon Dr Johnny Betteridge has suggested that Kim Kardashian may have had a face lift based on changes to her hairline. He said: 'Given her facial appearance, I think she had a Ponytail Facelift around two or three years ago, where the scars are discreetly put in the hairline by the temple and behind the ear'

Tom Brady is pictured during the Super Bowl last month. Generally, there should be about an inch of space between the end of a man's sideburns and the start of his beard. If that space looks like it is closing up, it is usually because of a face lift, since the face gets pulled back

Is your coworker suddenly wearing her hair down for the first time in months? She may have had a face lift, Dr Rowe says.

'I see it all the time with my patients if they're one, two or three weeks post op. Their hairstyle automatically changes. They might wear their hair one way for years, then all of a sudden their hair is different,' he said.

'That's to cover up scars. Especially if you've had a face lift, you're not going to pin it back.'

Dr Rowe said the same goes for a man, as he may let his beard grow out to hide swelling and incision sites.

Generally, there should be about an inch of space between the end of a man's sideburns and the start of his beard.

However, Dr Christopher Costa, founder of Platinum Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, said that if that space looks like it is closing up, it is usually because of a face lift, since the face gets pulled back.

He also noted that if a person's hairline starts to shift, it could be due to a brow lift.

Also called a forehead lift, a brow lift involves repositioning the forehead to get rid of wrinkles and raise the eyebrows.

Around 88,000 brow lifts are performed in the US every year, and they cost about $5,000.

A woman may also stop dying her roots if she's had a brow lift, Dr Rowe says.

'When you color your hair, the toxic chemicals can affect the incisions and the wound healing. You won't want someone manipulating the scalp too aggressively because it can cause the incision to open up,' he said.

Plastic surgeon Dr Jonny Betteridge has suggested that Kim Kardashian may have had a face lift based on changes to her hairline.

He said: 'Given her facial appearance, I think she had a Ponytail Facelift around two or three years ago, where the scars are discreetly put in the hairline by the temple and behind the ear'

Maybe it's not just Maybelline

Love Island UK star Alexandra Cane, pictured here, confirmed she had CO2 laser resurfacing done in 2019

Everyone seems to have a skincare routine and nearly three in four US women wear makeup regularly.

But if a co-worker's skin looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Dr Costa said: 'Yes, skincare works. But glass-smooth skin with no pores, no fine lines and an almost wax-like glow? That is likely a combination of laser resurfacing, chemical peels and Botox.'

In laser skin resurfacing, surgeons use a beam to destroy the outer layer of skin and heat the underlying layer. This is said to stimulate the growth of collagen, a protein that improves firmness and texture, leading the skin to become smoother and tighter as it heals.

Per procedure, skin resurfacing costs between $400 and $500.

A chemical peel, meanwhile, is another type of 'resurfacing' that uses chemical solutions rather than lasers to remove the top layers of the skin.

Depending on how deep the procedure goes, peels can remove wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tones, dryness, scars and precancerous growths, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Light chemical peels cost around $100 to $300, while deeper peels can run up to $6,000.

'Narrow' or 'bunny' nose

Anne Hathaway has never confirmed or denied rumors about having a nose job, though plastic surgeon Dr Gary Motykie has told the Daily Mail that he has 'no doubt she had surgery on her nose.' He said: 'You see it go from a slightly more plunging bulbous tip with a wide bridge to having a much more defined contour and thinner bridge... That's the leading sign of having a rhinoplasty'

A radical nose job may be pretty obvious, but sometimes you'll have to look out for more subtle signs.

Also known as a rhinoplasty, the operation changes the size and shape of the nose.

The surgery may involve making the nose smaller by removing some of the cartilage and bone, or making it larger by adding cartilage from the ears and, sometimes, bone from the hips, elbow or skull.

On average, a rhinoplasty costs around $7,000, though they can range up to $15,000.

Dr Costa explained that while a good rhinoplasty should be undetectable, a narrow nose is often a sign of a recent procedure.

He said: 'A good rhinoplasty is all about balance, but if the nose tip looks pinched or the nostrils suddenly flare in a way they never used to, it's a sign of overcorrection.'

Signs of Botox could also show up on a colleague's nose. Experts point to bunny lines, creases along both sides of the nose that form when someone laughs, smiles or squints.

These typically form if too much Botox has been injected into the area, as it can weaken the muscles that hold our eyebrows down into place. Muscles around the nose then have to over-compensate, causing the bunny lines.

Additional Botox at the sides of the nose can help get rid of bunny lines, though they do also naturally fade in about three to four months.

Dr Costa noted a new 'tiny shadow above the upper lip' could be another indicator of a rhinoplasty.

'That means the angle of the nose has changed, likely from surgery,' he said.

Cleveland Clinic estimates 350,000 nose jobs are performed every year in the US.
A doctor has warned travelers not to stay seated for hours on long-haul flights, saying this puts them at risk of suffering from a life-threatening blood clot.

Dr Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist at New York City's Mount Sinai Hospital, warned that the inactivity could lead to blood pooling in the legs and forming a clot.

This could then travel to an organ, like the lungs, and become stuck, reducing circulation and forcing the heart to work much harder, causing a heart attack.

He told DailyMail.com: 'The advice I give to everyone, especially on longer flights, is don't stay there cramped in your seat for a long time.

'Every couple of hours, if you can, walk up and down the aisles and stretch a bit.'

It comes after Canadian traveler Emily Jansson, 33, suffered a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE)  where a blood clot blocked the artery supplying her lungs  and collapsed while on a 13-hour flight from Toronto to Dubai.

The mother-of-two had been seated for ten hours before standing up to use the bathroom, prompting her to let out two feeble coughs before collapsing.

The plane quickly landed and she was rushed to the hospital, where doctors said she had been approaching death because of her cardiac arrest. PE is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately to avert death.

Ten hours into her flight from Toronto to Dubai, Emily Jansson got up from her window seat to use the lavatory. While waiting in line, she coughed weakly twice before collapsing, suffering a pulmonary embolismlife-threatening blood clots in her lungs

Ms Jansson, who revealed her case on TikTok, was shocked by the incident, saying she had the 'heart of an athlete' because she regularly did long bike rides and cardio-intense workouts.

It is not common to suffer a pulmonary embolism on a flight, with the complication affecting around one in 40,000 passengers on long-haul flights that exceed 12 hours.

About 900,000 people are diagnosed with PE in the US every year, with about 10 to 30 percent of patients dying within a month of diagnosis, according to the American Lung Association. It is ranked as the third-leading cause of cardiovascular death.

In most cases, the condition is caused by a blood clot from the legs, called a deep vein thrombosis, traveling to the lungs.

Ms Jansson also revealed that she was wearing compression socks, which Dr Bhatt said were not recommended for healthy people.

He said: 'There's no evidence that in the context of people that are otherwise healthy that wearing these things on flights reduces blood clots, which is why I dont generally recommend them for people.'

But for people who have had certain blood clots that damage the veins 'we might recommend the socks to prevent swelling in the leg'.

He added: 'At the minimum, in the seat, keep your legs moving and flex your ankles.'

The doctor also said it was important to stay hydrated on flights, which can also reduce the risk of clots forming by preventing blood from thickening.

Emily Jansson, who landed on her face when she passed out, was also using hormonal birth control, which raises the production of certain clotting factors in the liver while reducing the production of proteins that help prevent excessive clotting

He said: 'In addition to getting up every couple of hours, it's important to stay well hydrated.

'It reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the vein, especially in the legs, which can break off and go to the lungs.'

Dr Deepak Bhatt, a top cardiologist at Mount Sinai, told DailyMail.com that getting up from one's cramped airplane seat and walking up and down the aisles for a few minutes can prevent potentially fatal blood clots

He also warned against drinking alcohol on flights, saying this was a diuretic and would prompt the body to lose water.

'Even just a single drink, its not the end of the world, but it doesn't help the cause. You definitely do not want to drink alcohol for a variety of reasons,' he said.

'And no one needs another drunk person on a flight.'

Ms Jansson, who had been traveling with her husband, said she had not moved on the flight for ten hours because it was very busy.

She said: People are sleeping or eating. On top of that, they dont really encourage you to get up and walk on flights and then theres often turbulence so you have to be seated.

Still, I wish I had gotten up to move around much more.

Staying seated for extended periods can increase the risk of blood clots that travel from the legs to the lungs.

Dr William Shutze, a vascular surgeon in Texas, told DailyMail.com: 'Sitting on a plane for extended periods causes the blood in your leg veins to stagnate or to pool because of the lack of leg muscle activity.

'Leg muscle activity is necessary to pump the blood out of your legs and back to your heart.'

Sitting in a cramped airline seat restricts blood flow to the legs and back to the heart while the muscles in the legs that normally pump blood back to the heart are inactive.

Sitting in a cramped airline seat restricts blood flow to the legs while the muscles in the legs that normally pump blood back to the heart are inactive

Dr Shutze added: 'The general rule of thumb is to try to stand up, stretch, and walk down the aisle every two to three hours. If you're unable to stand due to the "fasten seatbelt" sign, it's helpful to flex your calf muscles as often as you can by raising and lowering your heels.

'The challenging part is remembering to do it. Setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to do 20 or 30 repetitions every 30 minutes is one way to remind you to keep the blood flowing.'

Ms Jansson's history of having a minor procedure to reduce varicose veins in her legs may have contributed.

She was also taking hormonal birth control, which increases the production of certain clotting factors in the liver while decreasing the production of anticoagulant proteins, which normally help prevent excessive clotting.

About 30 percent of people who experience PE do so a second time or more.

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Ms Jansson will undergo additional blood tests to ensure she wont experience another clot. The risk is highest within six months of experiencing the first one. She is also taking blood thinners to prevent her blood from clotting again.

And the residual trauma of reaching the cusp of death continues to give her anxiety.

She said: I was petrified flying home but it helped having my husband with me. I was afraid to go to the bathroom and lock the door so I had him stand guard outside.

I have some stuff to work through for sure.

PE is relatively common, affecting roughly 900,000 and ranking as the third-leading cause of cardiovascular death. The top two are coronary artery disease and stroke.

Around 100,000 people who experience PE die, and doctors told Ms Jansson that she survived a catastrophic event.

I felt so grateful to be alive, Ms Jansson said.
A mother of-four has been told to get her affairs in order after breast cancer that doctors initially dismissed spread to her liver and brain.

Ashleigh Ellerton, 29, was told by her GP that she was 'too young' to get the disease when she first sought help for breast pain in 2020.

The doctor said that, given she didn't have a family history of the illness, the sensation in her right breast was unlikely to be anything serious.

But a small lump appeared and the former carer, from Bridlington, Yorkshire, made a 'stubborn' plea for a referral.

'I refused to leave until theyd sent me to the breast clinic,' she said.

Ms Ellerton was sent for a mammogram, multiple ultrasounds and a CT scan.

Eventually, in March 2020, she was given the devastating diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer  a rare and aggressive form of the disease that causes swollen, red and sometimes painful skin, and may not involve a lump.

She was told she would need an enslaught of treatment to destroy the disease, including six rounds of chemotherapy, 15 radiotherapy sessions and a mastectomy.

Ashleigh Ellerton has been struck with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that kills around 60 per cent of patients in five years.

Recalling the moment of her diagnosis she said: The words came out of his mouth, but it was sort of like they didnt.

'The only thing I could think of was that we had just booked a family holiday.

'It was sort of like unplanning things in my head rather than listening to what the doctor was saying. And then when we left the room, it sunk in.

'It was almost like it wasnt happening to me. It was happening to someone else and I was just watching it.'

In December 2020 she was given the all-clear and married her partner Simon, a former trainee butcher, in 2021.

'I was convinced that the cancer was not finished with me,' said Ms Ellerton.

'I told my nurses who had come to my wedding that my cancer was going to come back in my liver.'

In 2022, she contracted sepsis  a life-threatening immune system reaction to an infection  and doctors were forced to remove her gallbladder, which had become damaged.

Ms Ellerton was given the all-clear at the end of 2020 and married her partner the following year.

A GP said she was 'too young' to develop breast cancer when she asked for help aged 24.

During her surgery, doctors found secondary breast cancer in her liver. The disease was now metastatic and she had just three years to live.

'It was a shock but Id read stories and Id seen people live a lot longer,' said Ms Ellerton.

'So I didnt think I would die in three years, there is no chance.'

Around a quarter of women with breast cancer that's spread to other areas of the body, otherwise known as metastatic disease, will survive for five years or more, according to Cancer Research UK.

'The cancer is not curable at this point, but may be controlled with treatment for some years,' the charity states on its website.

But within two years, she'd begun experiencing migraines and mood swings.

Tests later revealed the disease had spread to the thin tissue layers that cover the brain and spinal cord  known medically as leptomeningeal metastases.

Around five to 10 per cent of cancer patients with solid tumours develop this type of recurrence, with those with skin, breast or lung cancer most likely to be affected.

Sadly, Ms Ellerton's disease had progressed to the point no further treatments were deemed effective, and she was told to put her affairs in order.

'I had three months to live,' she said. 'I then had to go home to tell my children, I remember them screaming.

'My five-year-old didn't understand what was going on, but I remember him crying and saying he wasn't going to see me.'

She has already achieved her 'biggest goal'  making it until Christmas.

'It is our favourite time of year, and there was absolutely no way I would pass away before then.

'My daughter did ask if Santa could take away my cancer, which I think left poor Santa in a bit of shock.'

Now, she is focusing on making her children memory boxes that will last forever  including birthday cards, prom gifts, letters and trinkets, and has set up a fundraiser to help with the cost of final family trips.

'I would want them to remember I was present and that I fought as hard as I could,' she said.

Ms Ellerton has donated her biopsies for research and hopes this can help future treatment for others.

'Im just hoping that one day in the future, the things I have done will stop this from happening to another family.'
China will offer free preschool, subsidies, and cups of milk to get families to have more children, policies that could come to the US if its baby bust continues.

China's population has plummeted for the third year in a row, largely due to the country's infamous one-child policy as well as falling marriage rates.

Though couples in the country of 1.4billion have been allowed to have up to three children since 2021, China's death rate has outnumbered its births for the past two years.

Officials announced earlier this month that couples living in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, will receive one-time 10,000 yuan (about $1,400) payments for their first child and 10,000 yuan a year for the second child until they reach age five.

Families with a third child will receive 10,000 every year until the child turns 10. In total, this is twice the annual income of most local residents.

Hohhot also issued its 'one cup of milk fertility care action for mothers,' which offers mothers who give birth after March 1 a free cup of milk every day, along with two 3,000 yuan ($414) milk vouchers.

Children will also receive a free preschool education.

The US is seeing a similar fertility crisis, as births have fallen to an all-time low of 1.6 per woman, according to new CDC data published today.

China has implemented new incentives to address its falling population and birth rate (stock image)

The US is facing a similar birth rate decline. The above CDC graph shows the decrease in births and general fertility rate over time

Experts have warned that the US may need to implement measures similar to China's to keep the population afloat.

However, experts also told DailyMail.com that the US should focus more on immigration and paid maternity and paternity leave to prevent population decline.

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In 2023, the latest CDC data available, women in the US on average had 1.6 births each.

This is well below 2.1 in 1990, which is also the population replacement level - the amount of children a woman needs to have to sustain the current population.

The data also shows the total births per year decreased from about 4.1million in 1990 to 3.5million in 2023.

The decline was sharpest in teen mothers, with births dropping 73 percent in 2023 compared to 1990.

Women 20 to 24 had 476,760 fewer births in 2023 than 1990, a 44 percent decline, and those ages 25 to 29 had 290,541 fewer births, a 23 percent drop.

While births decreased in all age groups below age 30, women in their thirties and forties are having more children than previous decades.

The data shows women ages 30 to 24 had 211,989 more births in 2023 than in 1990, a 24 percent increase, and women ages 35 to 39 birthed 287,048 more children, a surge of 90 percent.

Even women 40 and older had 96,809 more births in 2023 than in 1990. This is a surge of 193 percent.

In China, the population decreased by 1.4million from 2023 to 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The latest data also shows China's birth rate at 1.2 births per woman, down from 2.7 in 1979, the year the country's one-child policy was implemented.

The above CDC graph shows birth rates based on age group. Rates have declines in most age groups

Experts told DailyMail.com that addressing the falling birth rate in the US should focus on societal factors rather than financial incentives

In addition to overcoming the one-child policy, research from the Chinese Communist Party's Development Research Center found the decline is largely due to 'delayed marriage age, decreased willingness among young people to have children, reduction in the number of women of childbearing age, and higher prevalence of infertility and subfertility.'

Similar issues are thought to be at play in the US, as well as the high cost of living and a lack of universal maternal and paternal leave.

Karen Benjamin Guzzo, a family demographer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told The New York Times there is little evidence suggesting policies to reward people for having children work on their own.

Usha Haley, Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business at Wichita State University, told DailyMail.com that the US should focus on societal policies and boosting immigration, as 'growth in population in the US has typically come from immigration' and 'first-generation immigrants tend to have more childrne.

She said: 'The quickest way to raise the population in the US would be to encourage immigration and to provide more paid maternity and paternity leave.

'The US has among the worst records in the developed world for both kinds of leave.'

Sarah Hayford, the director of the Institute for Population Research at Ohio State University, told The New York Times: 'Having children is something that people feel like they can make a choice about.

'They are really reluctant to enter into parenthood if they cant provide what they think children need.'
Houston health officials have recorded a case of measles in an infant who recently returned from abroad  as Texas battles another, separate outbreak.

The infant was unvaccinated, officials said, and was hospitalized for the disease before being discharged to recover at home.

The case is not connected to the major outbreak in West Texas, where 294 people have been sickened across three states  marking more cases than recorded across the entire US in 2024.

Last month, an unvaccinated school-girl also died from measles in the outbreak, the first US death from the disease in a decade.

The new infection is also not connected to the two cases in unvaccinated adults recorded in Houston in January, who were the city's first since 2018.

Officials say they are now tracing anyone who was in close contact with the patient and asking them to isolate. It was not immediately clear whether they traveled through the main airport.

The patient was not reported to be a US resident, and no further information was given  including on when they arrived or where they traveled from.

A spokesman from the Houston Department of Health told DailyMail.com that no further details on the case were being released in order to protect the patient's privacy. They would not confirm whether the patient went through Houston Airport.

The infant was hospitalized but has since been discharged. The above picture is a stock image of a child suffering from measles

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to man, able to infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people that are exposed to the virus.

Dr David Persse, chief medical officer for Houston, urged people to get vaccinated against measles to slash their risk of infection.

'The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is through vaccination,' he said.

'The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is safe, highly effective, and remains the best defense against this potentially severe disease.'

He added: 'Although measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, international travel continues to present a risk.

'Staying up to date on vaccinations helps protect both individuals and the broader community.'

About 92 percent of kindergarteners across Texas were vaccinated against measles in 2023 to 2024, the latest data available.

This is below the 95 percent level experts say is needed to prevent an outbreak, and below the levels recorded in previous years.

In the Houston area, three of its private schools are among those with the lowest vaccination rates in the state.

Acton Leadership Academy of Magnolia, north of the city, had a measles vaccination rate of 36 percent in 2023 to 2024, according to state data.

Acton Academy Cy-Fair, in northwest Houston, had a measles vaccination rate of 50 percent for kindergarteners.

The above is a stock image of the skyline in Houston, Texas

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And Acton Leadership Academy of Creekside, in Spring, also had a measles vaccination rate of 50 percent for the group.

The two cases recorded in the city in January were in two unvaccinated adults living in the same household who had recently returned to the city from abroad.

Their cases also were not linked to the major outbreak in West Texas.

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to man, and can infect nine in every ten people exposed to it who are unvaccinated.

It spreads via respiratory droplets expelled in coughs and sneezes that hang in the air and remain infectious for up to two hours after a patient has passed through.

Symptoms erupt seven to 14 days after infection, and begin as a high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes.

Patients also suffer from a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and then extends behind the ears and down the trunk to the rest of the body.

Serious complications can occur in young children or those with a weakened immune system, who may suffer from pneumonia, brain swelling and even death.

Measles has a fatality rate of one to two children in every thousand who are infected.

The best way to prevent the infection is to be vaccinated, with the first dose given around six months and the second at the ages four to six years.

Treatment for the disease includes providing medications to help relieve symptoms and bed rest.
Only one in ten treatments for back pain actually work, a study suggests.

The experts found that just one treatment for acute low back pain and five treatments for chronic  or long-term  back pain were efficacious.'

These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, for short-term back pain.

For long-term back pain, the treatments found to be effective were exercise, spinal manipulative therapy, taping, antidepressants and drugs that target the pain receptors transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).

But even these were only found to have slight or small' reductions in pain compared with a placebo  or dummy drug taht looks or feels like the real thing.

The researchers admit they are unable to strongly recommend any particular form of therapy because the potential benefits are minimal.

But there are also many they have dismissed as not efficacious' or inconclusive.

And of the ones that do work, the experts note they are barely more effective than a placebo.

A new study from researchers in Australia suggests only one in 10 back pain treatments are effective (stock image)

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The findings will come as a blow to the millions of Americans and Brits who suffer from back pain, which can often be debilitating.

It is the most common form of pain experienced by adults, with lower back pain affecting eight in 10 Americans and six in 10 Brits.

However, there is usually no immediately identifiable cause.

The researchers, from the University of New South Wales in Australia, called for more research to find treatments for back pain.

The authors wrote: Our review did not find reliable evidence of large effects for any of the included treatments.

While we would like to provide more certain recommendations for where to invest and disinvest in treatments, it is not possible at this time.

There is a clear need for large, high-quality, placebo-controlled trials to reduce uncertainty in efficacy estimates for many non-surgical and non-interventional treatments.

Writing in the journal BMJ, researchers examined 301 previous trials covering 56 non-surgical treatments for back pain in adults.

Patients reported pain intensity at the start of the trial and again after treatment.

The study authors wrote: Best available evidence shows that one in ten common non-surgical and non-interventional treatments for low back pain are efficacious, providing small analgesic effects beyond placebo.'

They also noted exercise, the pain medication paracetamol - Tylenol or Panadol - and corticosteroid injections probably provides little to no difference in pain' for acute lower back issues.

Antibiotics and anesthetics were also found to be not efficacious for long-term lower back problems.

The rest of the interventions studied had inconclusive evidence,' prompting the authors to call for more studies to examine the 'remaining uncertainty surrounding a number of back pain treatments.

While the evidence was deemed to be inconclusive, the information available did point to some of these being effective for acute back pain.

For example, the authors found that the certainty of the evidence for acupuncture was low, but the information that is available in the reviewed studies suggests that it may provide moderate reductions in pain for both short and long-term back pain.

And while massage is said to have large reductions in pain, the evidence surrounding this claim is very low.'

The CDC recommends using ice, heat, elevation, rest, immobilization, and exercise for pain management, along with NSAIDs and acetaminophen.

Muscle taping was one of the few effective treatments, as it is shown to reduce inflammation and improve posture. However, the experts did not have enough evidence to 'strongly recommend' it (stock image)

The pain medication paracetamol - Tylenol or Panadol probably provides little to no difference in pain' for acute lower back issues, according to the researchers

UK care watchdog National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) says diagnosis of back pain includes a variety of symptoms, which means that one approach to treatment does not fit all.'

Patients should be offered access to a greater range of treatments if initial approaches do not work, it adds.

Ash James, director of practice and development at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said: Back pain is complex, with many contributing factors, so no single treatment will work for everyone, all the time.

Physiotherapists are skilled at identifying the root causes of pain and tailoring treatments to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Through a person-centered approach, they can explore a wide range of factors that may contribute to discomfort, such as stress, fear of movement, poor sleep, smoking, obesity, job-related strain, and insufficient physical activity.

'Most cases of back pain, while uncomfortable, are not serious and, with the right advice and early intervention, usually resolve quickly.

The study researchers said there were several limitatinos, with the main one being small sample sizes in the included studies and inconsistent results.
READ MORE: Popular coffee creamer is recalled in 30 states

Four kinds of low-calorie frozen meals have been recalled due to potentially containing 'wood-like material.'

Virginia-based Nestle USA voluntarily recalled three Lean Cuisine and one Stouffer's TV dinner this week after the foreign material was found in a 'limited quantity of batches.'

The recall includes Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli, Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, and Stouffer's Party Size Chicken Lasagna sold at 'major US retailers' between September 2024 and March 2025.

No other Lean Cuisine or Stouffer's products are affected.

The recall was initiated after customers contacted Nestle USA about the issue.

The FDA said one 'potential choking incident' has been reported. The customer's condition is unknown.

Several types of frozen meals have been recalled due to potentially containing 'wood-like material' (stock image)

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Nestle USA said in a press release: 'We are actively investigating the source of the wood-like material.

'We are confident that this is an isolated issue, and we have taken action to address it.'

It's unclear if the wood material took the form of shavings or pieces or what the exact choking hazard is.

Larger, sharper objects can become lodged in the throat or digestive tract, causing choking or damage to the intestines.

Pictured above are the recalled Spinach Artichoke and Butternut Squash ravioli meals that were recalled

Pictured above are two of the Lean Cuisine and Stouffer's meals that were recalled

Nestle USA advised customers who have purchased the affected products to not prepare or consume them.

They should instead return the products to the retailer from which they were purchased for a replacement or full refund.

Nestle USA said: 'We are working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on this recall and will cooperate with them fully.

'The quality, safety and integrity of our products remain our number one priority. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers.'
ABC News may be on the verge of axing one of its flagship 'Good Morning America' shows as the network is hit with widespread job cuts.

Good Morning America 3, the afternoon spin-off of ABC's national morning show of the same name, lost the entirety of its staff last week, leaving the regular GMA team to run the show.

According to Status News, which first reported the layoffs, the team behind GMA3 was 'entirely gutted', including its executive producer, Catherine McKenzie.

Network chief Almin Karamehmedovic is reportedly set to address staff at a Tuesday town hall, with workers speculating whether he will address the fate of GMA3 at the meeting.

Despite the industry rumors and staffer fears, one insider seemed optimistic about the show's future, telling DailyMail.com: 'GMA3 is not going anywhere.'

Others seem less convinced, and the potential axing of GMA3 comes almost seven years since the spin-off show first aired in 2018, when Michael Strahan and Sara Haines hosted the early episodes.

The show became best known for its next co-hosts TJ Homes and Amy Robach, who were dramatically pulled from the air in December 2022 when DailyMail.com exposed their extramarital affair.

At the time, Robach was married to actor Andrew Shue, while Holmes was married to attorney Marilee Fiebig, with the scandal causing both to be removed from the network's flagship afternoon program.

But now current hosts DeMarco Morgan and Eva Pilgrim could be set for the same fate, as Tuesday's town hall with Karamehmedovic is reportedly expected to be make-or-break for the show.

ABC News may be on the verge of axing one of its flagship 'Good Morning America' shows as the network is hit with widespread job cuts. Pictured: Network chief Almin Karamehmedovic (right)

The potential axing of GMA3 comes almost seven years since the spin-off show first aired in 2018, and it was best known as being hosted by TJ Holmes and Amy Robach

It comes after about 200 staffers across ABC News and other Disney-owned divisions received pink slips earlier this month, with GMA3 devastated by the consolidation of the Good Morning America teams.

Status reported at the time that staffers were seen weeping in ABC's Manhattan offices as workers tried to piece together who was next on the chopping block.

Karamehmedovic previously addressed staff as the round of layoffs were announced, where he conceded the losses will 'undoubtedly be difficult for our organization.'

Neither Pilgrim nor Morgan were affected by the cuts announced Wednesday, March 6, the majority of which will go into effect on May 10.

At that point, staffers will be provided a severance package that includes normal pay for 60 days as well as an additional week per year served, according to Status.

Sources told the outlet how there's been 'some frustration' with those packages, due to staffers being given 'two weeks per year served' in previous firings.

ABC News previously shed 40 employees in October.

The show became best known for its next co-hosts TJ Homes and Amy Robach , who were dramatically pulled from the air in December 2022 when DailyMail.com exposed their extramarital affair

The potential end of GMA3 comes two years after hosts TJ Holmes and AMY Robach's cozy upstate getaway ultimately ousted them from the network

Back then, Karamehmedovic - named president in August after helming the network's other prized broadcast 'World News Tonight' - called the cuts one of many 'tough decisions'.

'It's a very somber scene in the building - people crying and upset,' one staffer told Status as ABC's Manhattan office reacted to the all-staff memo announcing the layoffs.

'Lots of panicked phone calls between staffers trying to make sense of it.'

Seni Tienabeso, previously the executive director of the channel's streaming venture ABC News live, was appointed to the position of Vice President of the streaming service.

Additionally, ABC News Studios, 20/20, Nightline and Impact x Nightline will now operate under a single leadership structure - a move that represents even more consolidation.

Digital and social operations will also be further integrated with news gathering and other teams, the network said.

New York-based employees - who recently relocated from ABC's longtime studio on the Upper West Side to Disney's new digs downtown - represented the 'vast majority' of staffers affected, people familiar with the matter further told Darcy.

'I'm told GMA3 was entirely gutted,' a portion of his report read - after reporting on the then-planned shakeup a few weeks ago.

Pictured, current GMA3 hosts DeMarco Morgan and Eva Pilgrim. The show - spun-off from the similarly stylized morning show in 2018 - has reportedly been 'gutted' by layoffs

Catherine McKenzie, the executive producer of GMA3, was let go as part of the layoffs

The cuts come at time where TV in general is in the midst of a seemingly inevitable decline.

CNN recently laid off close to 200 as part of a shift to a more digital-based model, while losing stalwarts like Darcy and Jim Acosta to independent ventures - both digital-based.

Layoffs were also seen at NBC News' office at 30 Rock, while longtime Meet the Press host Chuck Todd stepped away for his own podcasting endeavor as well. Lester Holt is also stepping away from Nightly News this summer, after 10 years at the desk, but will still anchor Dateline at the network.

'Its all about doing more with less,' one ABC staffer told Status, as ABC and the other stations continue to push their respective ventures. 'Thats what this is.'

Both GMA and GMA3 are currently available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, though not live.
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PBS is catching flak for its coverage of the deportation of a Brown University doctor after leaving out key details regarding her links to the terror group Hezbollah.

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, 47, from Lebanon, was deported from Boston Logan International Airport to Paris on Friday despite having a US visa and a teaching job at the Ivy League college in Rhode Island.

Border officials moved to expel Alawieh from the country after they found 'sympathetic photos and videos' of prominent Hezbollah figures in a deleted items folder on her cellphone.

The physician, who specializes in kidney transplants in addition to her teaching duties at Brown, also told Customs and Border Protection agents that she attended the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah while visiting Lebanon.

PBS News reported on Tuesday that the doctor was deported 'without explanation,' and it failed to update its coverage to provide additional context about the reasons why.

Social media users slammed the outlet for 'conveniently' leaving out those details.

'Wouldn't you expect a real news organization to at least mention the fact that Professor Rasha Alawieh left America to attend the funeral of the leader of a US designated terrorist organization?' one X user asked . 'Seems like an important detail to explain denying her re-entry to America.'

'PBS = liars. Tell the whole truth,' another wrote bluntly.

PBS News reported on Tuesday that the doctor was deported 'without explanation,' and it failed to update its coverage to provide additional context about the reasons why

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, 47, from Lebanon, was deported from Boston Logan International Airport to Paris on Friday

Border officials moved to expel Alawieh from the country after they found 'sympathetic photos and videos' of prominent Hezbollah figureson her cellphone. The physician also said that she attended the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah while visiting Lebanon

'There's still time to delete this,' a third added.

'You spelled terrorist sympathizer wrong,' a fourth chimed in.

'1000% PBS is omitting critical parts from this story,' yet another declared.

'It's almost like they intentionally omitted that fact to make it seem like a bad decision,' a critic added.

Others called the outlet 'pathetic' and accused it of spreading 'propaganda.'

'Without explanation?! She just attended the funeral in support of the leader of HEZBOLLAH!' an X user wrote.

'You're not telling the whole story,' another added.

Other gave PBS a new nickname: 'Propaganda Broadcasting System.'

Social media users slammed the outlet for 'conveniently' leaving out additional details, including the fact that Alawieh said she attended the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah while visiting Lebanon

The story published by PBS was originally reported by the Associated Press, which later ran an update providing more context around Alawiehs deportation.

Other news outlets also published the original AP story, but most amended theirs to include the updated information.

The initial report saying there was 'no explanation' for Alawieh's deportation remained on PBS News' homepage as of Tuesday morning.

The outlet did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com for comment.

Alawieh said she followed Nasrallah's teachings 'from a religious perspective' but did not align with him politically, according to an official report by an immigration officer.

'I have a lot of WhatsApp groups with families and friends who send them,' the doctor said, according to a transcript filed in court on Monday.

'So I am a Shia Muslim and he is a religious figure. He has a lot of teachings and he is highly regarded in the Shia community.

'I think if you listen to one of his sermons you would know what I mean. He is a religious, spiritual person, as I said, he has very high value. His teachings are about spirituality and morality.'

Hassan Nasrallah, who led the Shia Islamist paramilitary group Hezbollah for more than 30 years, was killed by an Israeli airstrike in September last year

It's the latest deportation by the Trump administration of a foreign-born person with a U.S. visa, following the arrest and planned deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia student who led protests against the Gaza war

Nasrallah, who led Shia Islamist paramilitary group Hezbollah for more than 30 years, was killed by an Israeli airstrike in September last year - a major victory for Israel.

Hezbollah has been recognized as a terrorist organization by the US for the last 20 years.

Dr. Rasha Alawieh

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Sady summarized in a court filing on Monday that Alawieh's 'true intentions in the United States could not be determined' from her interview at the Massachusetts airport.

'As such CBP canceled her visa and deemed Dr. Alawieh inadmissible to the United States,' he added.

The court filings gave a public explanation for the first time about why Alawieh was deported despite holding a H1B visa for foreigners with special skills associated with jobs which are typically hard to fill using American recruits.

Justice Department lawyers filed the papers just before a hearing on Monday to decide whether the government had defied a judge's order made on Friday saying that Alawieh should not be deported without advance notice to the court.

U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin made a last-minute decision to postpone the hearing on Monday morning to give the government an extra week to submit evidence about Alawieh's case.

CBP official John Wallace said the federal government did not hear about the judge's order in time to halt Alawieh's deportation on an Air France flight.

Pictured: Pedestrians make their way past a building housing the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island

'At no time, would CBP not take a court order seriously or fail to abide by a court's order,' Wallace wrote in a sworn declaration.

'Due to the extremely close timing between the issuance of the court order in this case and the boarding time of [the Air France flight] CBP did not receive the court's orders until after the flight departed the United States,' Wallace added.

Acting on her behalf while she is out of the country, Alawieh's cousin filed a motion accusing customs officials of 'willfully' disobeying the judge's order.

'My colleagues and I are outraged over Dr Alawieh's deportation. She is a valued colleague and we hope for justice and her return to Rhode Island,' said George Bayliss, an associate professor of medicine at Brown University.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo of Rhode Island, a Democrat, said in a statement over the weekend that is 'committed to getting answers from the Department of Homeland Security to provide Dr. Alawieh, her family, her colleagues, and our community the clarity we all deserve.'

It's the latest deportation of a foreign-born person with a U.S. visa in recent days, following the arrest and planned deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia student who led protests against the Gaza war.

He is currently being held in federal detention.

The Trump administration also transferred hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador even as a federal judge issued an order temporarily barring the deportations.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was slammed for making 'out of touch' comments on The View after he mocked 'greedy' Americans for wanting to keep their hard-earned money.

The New York state Senator appeared on the show on Tuesday when he took aim at President Trump and his tariffs, which he claimed are to cut taxes for billionaires.

Schumer told the show: 'The Republican party are controlled by a small group of wealthy, greedy people.

'You know what their attitude is, "I made my money all by myself, how dare your government take my money from me. I don't want to pay taxes".'

He added: 'Or, "I built my company with my bare hands, how dare your government tell me how I should treat my customers, my land and water that I own or my employees".

'They hate government, government's a barrier to people, a barrier to stop them from doing things, they want to destroy it. We are not letting them do it, we are united.'

A clip of Schumer speaking on the show was shared to social media, where he was criticized over his remarks.

'100% completely out of touch...wise words coming from a career politician', one person posted.

The New York state Senator appeared on the show on Tuesday when he took aim at President Trump and his tariffs, which he said are to cut taxes for billionaires

Host Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin also took aim at Schumer for backing a Republican bill to avert a government shutdown

Another added: 'Does he hear himself? How dare we Americans want to keep our own hard money? The Democrats are cooked.'

One other commented: 'I want them to keep the narrative going so they'll never win another election', while another said: 'Does he hear himself?'

Schumer also came under scrutiny from show host Whoopi Goldberg, who asked him bluntly 'what were you thinking?', after he backed a Republican spending bill to stop a government shutdown.

He defended the move saying he backed the bill to stop 'Trump, Musk and DOGE' from cutting off anything they wanted.

Sunny Hostin didn't buy his excuse, saying: 'It gives me no pleasure to say this to you because we are friends.

'But I think you and nine other Democrats caved. I dont think you showed the fight that this party needs right now because youre playing by a rulebook where the other party has thrown that rulebook away.'

Schumer responded: 'No one wants to fight more than me, and no one fights more than me. Weve got to fight smart.

'That bill is bad, I hated it. But it does far less damage than a shutdown would. I understand we want to stick it to them. We're gonna stick it to them, and fight smart and win.'

Schumer has been under fire since Thursday when he announced on the Senate floor that he would vote for the Republican House spending bill to avert the shutdown

A clip of Schumer speaking on the show was shared to social media, where he was criticized over his remarks

He likened his decision as being told to choose between 'chopping off your fingers' or 'chopping off your arm'.

Schumer has been under fire since Thursday when he announced on the Senate floor that he would vote for the Republican House spending bill to avert the shutdown.

The move was met with outrage from some left-wing Democrats who wanted the party to put up a fight after GOP members rammed the bill through without seeking bipartisan support.

On Monday, Schumer's team postponed his scheduled book tour amid a backlash as some Democrats shared his tour dates on social media with calls to protest.

Over the weekend, the progressive grassroots group Indivisible called for Schumer to step aside.

The group's co-executive director Ezra Levin said Schumer 'led the charge to wave the white flag of surrender' to Trump and Elon Musk and said the Senate needs a minority leader 'whos up for the fight this moment demands.'

A petition on Change.org demanding Schumer step down started by activist Charlotte Clymer has nearly 25,000 signatures.

'What we're seeing is sort of the public reveal of what Democrats are facing is a credibility crisis, and you solve a credibility crisis by doing things voters want you to do,' said Democratic strategist Max Burns.

'The problem that I'm seeing is that even after November, Democratic leaders still think they know better than their voters,' he said.
Jon Stewart went on a foul-mouthed rant against Senator Chuck Schumer after the Democrat supported the Republican spending bill to avoid a government shutdown.

The comic tore into the Senate minority leader and other Democrats voted to vote with the GOP on Friday to fund the federal government.

'What the f*** happened?' an exasperated Stewart asked on The Daily Show on Monday.

'You probably got a little something out of this, didnt you?' Stewart went on. 'You wouldnt have given up that powerful leverage on the budget for nothing. My guess is Chucky got some cheese.'

Stewart then played a clip showing that Schumer actually did not receive any concessions for getting the GOP spending bill over the line.

'Senator Schumer... no disrespect but you are a disgrace to Jewish stereotypes about financial negotiations,' Stewart joked.

'What are you doing?! And those of you who felt like this was a total capitulation, Senator Schumer just felt like this wasnt the moment for Democrats to press their case because Trump is still too strong.'

Stewart added: 'But apparently the grand plan is Dems keep fecklessly complaining until [Trumps] 48 [percent approval comes down to 40, which is a plan, but its forgetting one crucial piece of information in Schumers popularity calculation.'

He then played a clip where Schumer said he talked to his Republican colleagues at the gym, where 'inhibitions come off.'

Jon Stewart went on a rant against senate minority leader Chuck Schumer for supporting the Republican spending bill to avoid a government shutdown

Schumer has been held to the fire by progressives who wanted to oppose the GOP funding bill

'Thats your f***ing plan? "Im gonna dangle my balls out of my shorts at the gym. Oh, you know, theyre gonna lose all their inhibitions on the equipment"' Stewart continued. "You know actually, Chuck, I would like to work with you on Medicaid reform, and also, I never told anybody this, but I once j***ed a guy off in a park."

The comedian added: 'In the gym, theyre only being agreeable with you because they want you to leave them alone! But I have to tell you something, pedaling really hard and not going anywhere is a great metaphor for the Democratic Party right now.'

Schumer has defended his position, arguing it is important to get the government funded so the judicial branch can continue fighting President Trump.

He's also said to fear that efficiency-obsessed Musk will fire all 'non-essential' workers forced to stay at home during any shutdown.

'A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,' Schumer said. 'Donald Trump and Elon Musk would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.'

But progressives like New York rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez argue Democrats should not hand Trump a win in Congress and go down the obstructionist path instead.

Democrats argued over whether to fight even risking a shutdown and fumed that Republicans drafted a measure that included little of their input, shortchanging health care, housing and other priorities.

In the end, enough of the Democratic senators decided a government shutdown would be even worse, and backed Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumers strategy to allow the bill to come forward.

Schumer, D-N.Y., leaves the Democratic caucus lunch at the U.S. Capitol on March 13, 2025 in Washington, DC

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has vocally opposed Schumer's decision to drop his opposition to the GOP bill

Democrats were confronted with two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting funding lapse.

All told, 10 Democrats voted to break the partys filibuster to advance the bill to a final vote. On final passage, two Democrats supported the bill, and one Republican, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, opposed it. It funds the government for another six months.

Schumer gave members of his caucus days to vent their frustration about the options before them, but abruptly switched course and made clear on the eve of voting that he would not allow a government shutdown.

His move outraged many in the party who want to fight the Trump agenda, but gave senators room to side with Republicans and allow the continuing resolution, often described as a CR, to advance.

Democrats from all corners looked to pressure senators to kill the bill. House members wrote letters, posted on social media and held press conferences in the hours before the vote.

'The American people sent Democrats to Congress to fight against Republican dysfunction and chaos,' said a letter from 66 House Democrats to Schumer.
The number of companies holding buy-to-let property in the UK has passed 400,000, according to analysis of Companies House data by Hamptons.

It comes after a record breaking 61,517 new buy-to-let limited companies were set up in 2024, a 23 per cent increase on what had previously been a record set in 2023.

Holding property in a limited company, also known as 'incorporating', is an alternative to holding property in one's personal name, and the tax structure is different.

Hamptons found that since February 2016, the number of buy-to-let companies has risen by 332 per cent, going from 92,975 to 401,744.

It means that Companies House now has more companies registered to hold buy-to-let property than for any other type of business.

Hamptons also revealed there are now 680,000 buy-to-let properties held in a limited company structure across England and Wales, with the number rising by 70,000-100,000 annually.

These are not all new rental properties; rather, some are being moved from personal names into a limited company owned by the same landlord.

The number of companies holding buy-to-let property in the UK rose from 92,975 to 401,744 between February 2016 and February 2025

The rise of limited company buy-to-let has been driven by the different ways buy-to-lets in companies and buy-to-lets in personal names are taxed.

Owning within a limited company comes with various tax advantages, including the fact that corporation tax - payable in a company structure - is lower than income tax, which is payable for landlords who own properties in their own name.

This allows landlords to build up profit within the company, which they can use it to re-invest towards another property sooner than they might otherwise have done if owning in their own name.

Best buy-to-let mortgage rates and how to find them Many landlords who own with a mortgage will be seeing their profits decimated by higher mortgage rates, having been lulled into a false sense of security by the ultra-cheap finance available in recent years. That makes it even more important to search out the best possible rate for you and get good mortgage advice. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator To help our readers find the best mortgage, This is Money has partnered with the UK's leading fee-free broker L&C. This is Money and L&C's mortgage calculator can let you compare deals to see which ones suit a property's value and level of deposit. You can compare fixed rate lengths, from two-year fixes, to five-year fixes and ten-year fixes and also look at the best tracker rates. Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Owning in a limited company also allows property investors to fully offset all of their mortgage interest against their rental income, before paying tax.

This differs from landlords who own property in their own name. They only receive tax relief based on 20 per cent of their mortgage interest payments.

This is less generous for higher rate taxpayers, who previously received a 40 per cent tax relief on mortgage costs before a 2016 rule change.

A higher-rate taxpayer landlord with mortgage interest payments of 500 a month on a property rented out for 1,000 a month now pays tax on the full 1,000, with a 20 per cent rate on the 500 that is being used towards the mortgage.

A landlord who owns in a limited company with mortgage interest payments of 500 a month on a property rented out for 1,000 a month would only pay tax on 500 of that income.

Put simply, it means that whilst individual landlords are effectively taxed on turnover, company landlords are taxed purely on profit.

As a result of these tax benefits, Hamptons estimates that 70-75 per cent of new buy-to-let purchases now go into a company structure, a figure which has steadily grown.

Had the mortgage interest relief tax changes not come into effect in 2016 and the growth in limited company numbers remained on its pre-2016 trajectory, around 223,000 fewer companies would likely have been incorporated over the last nine years, according to Hamptons.

It says that without the tax tinkering, most buy-to-let properties would have remained in personal ownership, where investors declare taxes in their annual self-assessment.

Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, said: 'The limited company is now the structure of choice for the next generation of investors.

'Current tax rules mean that most, although not all, new investors find themselves better off in a company structure than owning an investment property in their own name.

'This means the number of limited companies is likely to continue its upward trajectory for the foreseeable future.

Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at the estate agent Hamptons

Will the limited company buy-to-let market continue to grow?

The pace of increase may slow as the impact of raising the stamp duty surcharge from 3 per cent to 5 per cent bites.

Falling mortgage rates may also mean more investors keep homes in their own names.

Aneisha Beveridge adds: '2024 may prove to be a high watermark for the number of new companies set up to hold buy-to-let property.

'Higher stamp duty rates will be a big barrier for investors looking to move an existing rental home from a personal name into a company structure.

'It will also weigh down on the number of new buy-to-let purchases overall, likely suppressing the number of companies being set up.'

Drawbacks of limited companies for landlords

Ultimately, whether there is an advantage to be had or not depends on the landlord's individual circumstances.

For example, lower-rate taxpayers, particularly if they don't have a big mortgage on their buy-to-let, may be better off holding their buy-to-let in their personal name.

Finally there is an added layer of bureaucracy that comes with a company structure. Company accounts must be formally prepared and filed, records maintained, and directors appointed.

This creates more work for landlords choosing the limited company route, and an added cost if they use an accountant.

There is also likely to be added cost for those buying with a mortgage. This is because company mortgages tend to come with higher rates and fees on average.
Need a small, affordable car for whizzing around town? How does 8,500 sound for a brand new one? The only catch is you might need to build it yourself...

Well, not exactly.

Swedish flat-pack electric vehicle firm Luvly has already showcased its radical - and patented - 'O' quadricycle design, which offers a budget-busting low price because it can be cheaply shipped flat-packed and bolted together before being handed to customers.

Given its national background and built-on-delivery ethos, you might expect the start-up to have struck a deal with Ikea. But instead, it has partnered with one of the world's biggest car makers.

Stellantis, the parent group of giant brands including Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall, has signed a year-long commercial agreement to evaluate the feasibility of using Luvly's design to expand its own quadricycle business, having already launched the quirky Citroen Ami in Britain.

It will tap into the Stokholm company's revolutionary chassis, which comprises a series of large composite panels to which other key components - such as the suspension, e-motor and bodywork - can be attached.

Luvly boss Hakan Lutz revealed to mobility publication Zag Daily that the technology has the 'potential to revolutionise the way vehicles are designed and built'.

He added: 'If we manage to prove the level of safety and the economics of our platform and Stellantis chooses to adopt it, that is a major thing  not only for us, but for the industry.'

Stellantis, the parent group of giant car brands including Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall, has signed a year-long commercial agreement to evaluate the feasibility of using Swedish start-up Luvly's flat-pack EV design

Unlike an Ikea chest of drawers, the Luvly O isn't designed to be delivered in a box to your front door.

Instead, it is is shipped to microfactories worldwide where they are pieced together before being sent to customers.

While approximately 20 fully built O quadricycles would fit into a standard 20-foot container, unassembled and transported in parts, a typical 20ft cargo unit can carry 250 flat-packed examples.

This reduced the shipping and distribution costs of conventional EVs by a claimed 80 per cent.

Lutz told The Telegraph back in 2023: 'If it were legally and technologically possible to assemble in your house, we would think that would be a good thing, but sadly on both of those counts, it is not.'

Stellantis plans to tap into the Stokholm company's revolutionary chassis design, which comprises a series of large composite panels to which other key components - such as the suspension, e-motor and bodywork - can be attached

The Luvly O's composite safety shell is designed to absorb the energy from impacts to protect passengers if they are involved in a collision

Luvly boss Hakan Lutz revealed to mobility publication Zag Daily that the technology has the 'potential to revolutionise the way vehicles are designed and built'

The Luvly O - which is not yet on sale - is powered by a 6.4kWh battery and electric motor setup that provides a maximum range of 62 miles. The battery is removable and can be split in two so you can charge it using a domestic three-pin plug in your home or office

The compact vehicle - which is not yet on sale but would technically qualify as a quadricycle in Britain, like the 7,695 Ami and 17.990 Microlino - has only two seats and is powered by a 6.4kWh battery and electric motor setup that provides a maximum range of 62 miles.

While this doesn't sound much, in the urban environment for which it is intended, it would likely only need to be charged once a week.

And you won't need to locate a public EV charging point; instead, you can detach the battery from the vehicle and then carry it into your home or office to charge it - or substitute it for a fully charged spare unit.

The battery can be divided into two removable pieces that each can be charged using a domestic three-pin socket.

It means owners living in flats and terraced houses in major cities woudn't be reliant on the local public EV charging infrastructure, which has come under fire from electric car drivers and industry experts in recent years for growing too slowly and not being reliable and costing far more to access compared to domestic charging costs.

Stellantis is considering expanding its own quadricycle business off the back of the success of compact electric mobility solutions, such as the Citroen Ami. It's been available in the UK since 2022 and costs from 7,695

The O has a claimed top speed of 56mph, which is double that of the Ami.

Luvly has previously estimated a starting price in Europe of around 10,000 (8,400), which would put it on par with the Citroen.

It weighs just 400kg, making it lighter than the original 1959 Mini and less than half the bulk of the Dacia Spring, currently Britain's cheapest new EV.

And the Swedish manufacturer claims it has 267 litres of 'trunk' space - that's more than the boot capacity of the new Mini Cooper hatchback (210 litre).

Despite its flat-pack construction, diminutive stature and lack of engine up front to cushion a blow, its creators claim it has a composite safety shell sharing several similarities with Formula One cars, with energy absorbers around the chassis similar to those used on the racing cars to ensure maximum protection in a collision.

Stellantis uses the Citroen Ami's platform for other models from sister brands, including the Fiat Topolino (pictured) and the Opel Rocks EV

Mr Lutz has previously stated: 'I think these would suit the UK absolutely perfectly.

'The bigger the city, the more sense one of these cars makes.'

His company is currently process of raising 5million in equity to scale up its R&D and testing of the O.

Stellantis has been selling the Citroen Ami in Britain since 2022 and has also launched sister models from Fiat (Topolino) and Opel (Opel Rocks Electric) in Europe.

The vehicle making giant also recently signed a joint venture with Chinese EV brand Leapmotor - the maker of the smallest new car sold in Britain.

The T03 EV - which is 362cm long and just 165cm wide - is on sale in Britain now priced from 15,995.

It is sold - alongside the larger C10 SUV priced from 36,500 - in Stellantis showrooms across the country from this week.
An income you don't have to work for is often seen as the preserve of fortunate 'trustafarians', whose families use trusts to pass wealth down through the generations.

But you can use your Isa to provide your family with a source of tax-free money, too.

The trick is to choose investments that pay out a regular income.

As long as they are sheltered in your Isa, the income paid out is completely free from tax  a welcome top-up for your salary or pension that you don't have to declare to HM Revenue & Customs.

Pick wisely and you could achieve a steady, sustainable income. However, it is not simply a matter of selecting investments that pay out the most, as our experts reveal.

Savvy: Provide your family with a tax-free income source

What investments should you choose?

Some investment trusts, funds and companies pay out income in the form of dividends. These are payments made to shareholders as reward for investing.

Bonds pay out coupon payments, which are a form of interest paid by companies and governments to holders of their debt. And, of course, savings typically pay out an income in the form of interest.

To discover whether an investment will provide you with an income you need to look at the 'yield'. This is the amount of money the investment will pay you regularly compared with the price of the investment itself.

For example, if a company's shares cost 100 each and it pays out a dividend of 5, the yield is 5 per cent.

However, the yield on an investment rarely comes with a guarantee. Payments can be cut at any time  and the value of it can move down as well as up.

Invest within a stocks and shares Isa and you pay no dividend tax on shares or income tax on bond coupons.

Don't just rely on one type of investment

Experts suggest that investors looking to produce a regular income should put their money into a range of different assets, so they are not overly exposed if one type proves disappointing.

This could include funds that hold shares, bond funds as well as some cash.

Dan Coatsworth, analyst at investment platform AJ Bell, says: 'Investors reliant on their portfolios to generate an income to help pay the bills are naturally drawn to high yield investments.'

However, he adds that in some cases these yields are high because companies are out of favour with the stock market and it isn't always clear when their share price will rise again.

They need to offer a high yield to convince people to buy their investments. In some cases, too, high dividend yields may be unsustainable if a company is struggling to make a profit.

How to get a 5,000 annual income tax-free

With the right investments, you may be able to produce an income of 5 per cent every year. If you had a 20,000 Isa pot, a 5 per cent income would be significant.

You'd have an extra 1,000 a year to help cover the bills, and no need to pay any tax on it.

If you saved your full Isa allowance every year for five years, you'd have an Isa pot of 100,000, generating an extra 5,000 a year, tax-free.

Darius McDermott, of fund and trust expert FundCalibre, says a 5 per cent yield is 'ambitious but achievable', provided that you pick the right funds. We detail some investment trusts with long-term dividend records below.

How long would it take to build a 100,000 pot?

Most people would not be able to save their full Isa allowance each year, but it is still possible to work towards a target of a 5,000 tax-free annual income further into the future.

Investing is all about thinking long term, so regularly saving more modest sums now and benefitting from the power of compounded returns will eventually pay off.

If you could invested 400 a month it would take just under 15 years to build a 100,000 pot with an annual return of 5 per cent after charges, This is Money's long-term saving and investing calculator shows.

Upping monthly investments to 500 would hit the 100,000 target in just over 12 years at the same rate of return.

If you increase monthly investments to 1,000, this would reduce the timeframe to seven years.

It would take someone investing 200 per month, just under 23 years to hit 100,000. That's a long time but sticking to the plan could make a major difference to ambitions such as early retirement or greater financial independence.

> ANDREW OXLADE: I'm starting a new anti-FIRE movement called CHILL

Move existing investments into an Isa

One way to boost your tax-free investment pot and get to the target amount sooner is to shift existing shares and funds held outside of a stocks and shares Isa into one.

This can be done via a process known as a Bed & Isa. This involves selling investments and buying them back in a stocks and shares Isa.

That triggers a potential capital gains tax bill if profits are above the 3,000 tax-free allowance but means all future profits and dividends are free of tax, crucial for building your tax-free income potential.
Disgraced hedge fund manager Crispin Odey has been fined 1.8million and banned from the UKs finance industry over his handling of sexual harassment allegations.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said he showed a lack of integrity in seeking to frustrate an investigation into his behaviour by executives at his company.

The alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 1998 and 2021 and involve 13 women who had worked for Odey Asset Management (OAM) or had professional dealings with its boss  who is worth an estimated 561million.

The FCA referred to an internal investigation after two employees alleged Odey, 66, had engaged in improper physical contact and made sexualised or otherwise inappropriate comments to employees.

He was alleged to have exhibited other behaviour which made people feel uncomfortable, including issuing invitations to lunches and to go on shopping trips.

The FCA report said inappropriate behaviour by him towards female members of OAM staff had become normalised within the firm.

Allegations: Hedge fund chief Crispin Odey (pictured)has been fined 1.8m and banned from the UKs finance industry

In February 2021, Odey signed a final warning about his behaviour, but the hedge fund opened another investigation amid concerns he had breached the agreement.

On Christmas Eve that year, Odey used his powers as majority shareholder to fire the entire executive management committee less than two weeks before a disciplinary hearing. After appointing himself as the committees sole member, Odey postponed the investigation indefinitely.

He did a similar thing in March 2022 with the replacement committee. But the hearing was held that November.

The FCA said the tycoon had shown a reckless disregard for the management of the business. Therese Chambers, of the FCA, said: Odey repeatedly sought to evade and obstruct efforts to hold him to account. His lack of integrity means he deserves to be banned from the industry.

Odey did not comment, but he will reportedly be challenging the decision in court
Bytes Technology shares soared on Tuesday as the computer software reseller beat annual profit expectations, buoyed by an incentive plan with key supplier Microsoft.

Surrey-based Bytes, which is the UK's biggest reseller of Microsoft tools, told investors it saw gross invoiced income  a key financial metric  'comfortably exceed' 2billion for the first time in the 12 months to 28 February.

Bytes partially credited the 'strong' performance to two full months of trading under a recently updated Microsoft incentive plan, which has been 'embedded into [its] strategic growth plans'.

Analysts also pointed to the growth of Microsoft's Copilot AI tool as a key opportunity for the firm.

Businesses tend buy software through agents such as Bytes, as they offer lower prices, advice and support when things go awry.

The group posted gross profit growth of 12 per cent for the year, ahead of market consensus of 9 per cent.

'Bytes is geared to Microsoft's Copilot success in what is a massive structural growth opportunity,' Shore Capital analyst Martin O'Sullivan said

Boss Sam Mudd said the result demonstrates 'the positive trajectory of our business which benefits from an ever-evolving industry'.

She added: 'BTG remains at the forefront of IT delivery, and we are highly engaged in areas such as AI adoption, cloud services and cybersecurity, which continue to be strong industry drivers.

'Our strategy is underpinned by our strong vendor relationships and the commercial acumen and dedication of our people, which means we are primed to capture the significant growth opportunities ahead and drive continued success.'

Bytes shares soared 18.2 per cent to 489.8p by late morning on Tuesday, paring 12-month losses to 6.3 per cent per cent.

Shares have struggled for momentum since the resignation of then-chief executive Neil Murphy in spring last year after he was accused of buying stock without notifying the group's board.

They remain well below at January 2024 all-time-high of 657p.

Bytes, whose customers range from the police, fire service and local authorities to Harvey Nichols, Trainline and Findus food group, floated on the London Stock Exchange in December 2020 with shares priced at 270p.

Martin O'Sullivan, equity research analyst for technology at Shore Capital, highlighted Microsoft's most recent earnings report that showed better-than-expected adoption of the tech giant's AI-driven Copilot tool.

'Bytes is geared to Microsoft's Copilot success in what is a massive structural growth opportunity,' he said.

With 'several possible avenues for upside from new customer acquisition, greater share of wallet, a growing impact from AI, potential buybacks and other factors', Shore Capital holds a buy rating on Bytes shares and a 'fair value' target price of 590p.

Peel Hunt analysts are more bullish with a buy rating and a target price of 638p.

The broker said in a note that Bytes shares trade at an 'unwarranted' discount that 'should be taken advantage of'.
Britons trying to top-up state pensions ahead of a crunch deadline can get an extra month to make payments by logging into their National Insurance records.

If you currently click 'view details' on any years for which you might want to make voluntary contributions, you automatically get another month to pay

Using this little-known trick means if you do this for example on 4 April, you will be given until 4 May to pay.

The Government's official deadline for a special offer to buy missing years going as far back as 2006 is 5 April.

But earlier this month phone gridlock already forced it to soften the cut-off date on the deal.

Using a new callback request option before 5 April means even if you don't hear back from helpline staff before that date, you will still be able to buy missing years going as far back as 2006.

Callback request page: The official deadline on special deal is 5 April, but there are ways to get extra time

It is unclear how long the callback service will remain available, and This is Money is trying to establish this.

People wanting more breathing space to buy top-ups should therefore request a callback, or click on 'view details' on years they might want to buy on their NI record, or do both.

Buying top-ups can give a generous boost to retirement income if you buy the correct years on your record.

But we receive many complaints from readers about long waits to find out vital information about which years are worth buying, and for payments to get processed.

This is Money's guide to buying state pension top-ups explains the cost and offers six golden rules on deciding if you should fill gaps by Steve Webb, our retirement columnist.

HMRC is responsible for maintaining National Insurance records, which you must check for gaps in your state pension records, and processing top-up payments.

The Department for Work and Pensions is in charge of revising state pension forecasts or payments after purchases.

Are you trying to buy state pension top-ups by 5 April? Write to: pensionquestions@thisismoney.co.uk.
Standing in the burning rubble the day after wildfires had razed one of the most affluent areas in Los Angeles, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness.

Stepping through the smoking embers and past the burned-out shells of the schools and businesses of Pacific Palisades, my sense of grief for those who lost their homes and livelihoods overtook all other emotions.

But today, two months after the fires displaced 80,000 people and caused an estimated $250 billion in losses, my sadness - like so many in LA - has turned to rage at those whose mismanagement and woke politics have destroyed a once-great city.

The fact that brave firemen ran out of water because city officials had allowed reservoirs to run dry is just the start.

It is still hard to grasp how America's second-biggest metropolis, the beating heart of California's $3.9 trillion economy - the fifth largest in the world - has been brought to its knees.

For years I have watched in despair as LA descends into mayhem, thanks to the DEI politics of Democrats which have left us with some of the highest taxes in the country, along with some of the worst rates of homelessness and crime.

You can't drive anywhere in LA without confronting sprawling 'tent cities' packed with homeless people, even in affluent areas like the Sunset Strip, where I live.

The streets are filthy, littered with syringes and, quite often, human feces.

As a Los Angeles native, Caroline Graham has been left horrified by the steady decline of the city

Los Angeles may have been ravaged by wildfires, but the city had already begun to crumble under the Democrats' woke policies

The devastating fires displaced 80,000 people and caused an estimated $250 billion in losses

Today I live in the Hollywood Hills, still considered one of the safest places in the city.

I'm too scared to walk down the hill from of my house because a squatter has taken over an empty property nearby and his 'squatter's rights' trump my right to walk in safety.

The squatter - who brandished an axe at someone who tried to confront him - holds all-night drug-fueled parties which disturb my once-quiet neighborhood, yet police say there is nothing they can do.

Now, when I walk my friend's dog, I carry pepper spray.

Sunset Boulevard, at the end of the street, is a filthy trash-filled mess littered with the tents of homeless junkies. Last Sunday I went to Starbucks and saw a man defecating in the car park outside my local Bank of America.

A few nights ago, a man was arrested for stabbing another vagrant at the gas station. I wouldn't dream of taking the dog, solo, into the mountains now. Last summer, a woman on one of my favorite trails was dragged into the bushes and raped.

Another disastrous liberal policy - refusing to charge criminals who steal property worth $950 or less - has affected almost everyone I know.

Storefronts are boarded up right across the city thanks to 'smash and grab' raids by gangs of thieves emboldened by the knowledge they won't face any jail time or even a fine if they are caught (which they rarely are).

When my purse was pickpocketed by two women who immediately bought Gucci bags on my credit card, the store refused to hand over the surveillance footage, citing the thieves' 'privacy rights'.

So many of my friends, from both ends of the political and economic spectrum, have left town for states like Texas, Tennessee, Utah and Nevada where taxes are lower, schools better and convicted criminals actually face jail.

For many, though, it is the blatant mismanagement  before and after the city burned  that has been the turning point.

LA Mayor Karen Bass, who is accused by her critics of benefiting personally from years of DEI policies as she clawed her way up the political ladder, was on a taxpayer-funded trip to Ghana when the worst wildfires in the state's history broke out.

This was despite days of warnings from meteorologists that approaching high winds could spark 'the big one'.

All-night drug-fueled parties disturb Caroline's once-quiet neighborhood, yet police say there is nothing they can do

Years of woke Democrat policies have resulted in Los Angeles experiencing some of the highest rates of homelessness in the country

People living on the streets have become a common sight in the City of Angels

Her leadership since has been half-hearted at best, pathetic at worse. When she named Steve Soboroff as her 'disaster recovery czar', it took less than 24 hours for it to emerge that he was getting paid a staggering $500,000 for a three-month contract.

After a public outcry Soboroff, a multi-millionaire businessman and former LA Police Commissioner, agreed to work for free. But it took a visit from President Trump, days after his inauguration on January 20, to get the abundant water supplies in the mountains to the north of LA flowing back into the city's empty reservoirs.

While Bass has been chairing endless meetings of the bloated City Council, it has taken a local businessman - billionaire Rick Caruso - to spearhead a rebuilding effort called 'Steadfast LA' which vows to cut through the bureaucracy and red tape by raising money from the private sector.

Caruso has vowed to provide hundreds of low-cost prefab homes for those affected by the fires with the first being available 'within days'.

According to former LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva, the degree of mismanagement in LA is 'epic'. He said: 'It's incompetence married with poisonous ideology.'

He pointed out how, in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 - following the death of George Floyd, who was killed when a white policeman knelt on his neck - LA's woke city officials responded to calls to 'defund the police' by slashing the jobs of 3,000 officers.

Mr Villanueva added: 'All of this is deliberate. It's all about 'care first, jail last' when it comes to criminals.'

The decline is summed up by the town's most iconic business of all, the film industry, which has all but upped and gone - to Atlanta, Georgia, to the UK and New Zealand, all of which offer generous tax incentives to companies like Netflix.

One stuntman friend of mine is selling up and moving back to the UK because he hasn't worked in LA for years.

Another friend who works at a studio says even if there is work - often on reality shows like America's Got Talent or game shows - crew members share recreational vehicles or sleep in their cars because they can't afford sky-rocketing city rents.

And since the fires, a housing shortage means LA's already high rental costs are through the roof. A one-bedroom apartment costs upwards of $1,800 a month.

The decline is summed up by the town's most iconic business of all, the film industry, which has all but upped and gone - to Atlanta, Georgia, to the UK and New Zealand, all of which offer generous tax incentives to companies like Netflix. (Pictured: LA's homelessness crisis)

And since the fires, a housing shortage means LA's already high rental costs are through the roof. A one-bedroom apartment costs upwards of $1,800 a month

California's Democrat Governor, Gavin Newsom (pictured), once a favorite to run for president when Trump's second term ends, is facing calls to be removed from office

California's Democrat Governor, Gavin Newsom, once a favorite to run for president when Trump's second term ends, is facing calls to be removed from office.

Even though California's budget is $30 billion in the red, he has doubled-down against President Trump's vow to kick out illegal immigrants and has promised to provide free legal aid and 'safe sanctuary' for undocumented workers.

On February 19, the president signed an executive order ending federal benefits for those in the US illegally, with a White House spokesperson saying he did so because taxpayer money should not be used to 'incentivize or support illegal immigrants'.

Trump is also aiming to outlaw states offering sanctuary to illegals - something Gov. Newsom has vowed to fight.

California Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher said: 'California is $30 billion in the red but instead of tightening its belt.they are doubling down on reckless spending.

'The state is shelling out $9.5 billion on healthcare for illegal immigrants while emergency rooms overflow, hospitals teeter on the brink and working Californians struggle to see a doctor. This isn't just a budget crisis - it's a complete failure of leadership.'

Steve Hilton, founder of Golden Together and a Fox News contributor, called it 'yet another example of California Democrats' totally wrong priorities'.

'We have the highest poverty rate in America. We pay the highest taxes and get the worst results,' he said.

'People are asking: 'Where did all our money go?' And here's the answer: ideological obsessions like this  free healthcare for people who are here illegally. People have had enough of all this. There's going to be change in California sooner than people think.'

Newsom, who is a friend of Meghan Markle and is said to support the former actress's rumored political ambitions, says he will fight any attempt by law enforcement to round up illegal immigrants.

There are estimated to be 1.8 million undocumented people in California. Even Democrats are getting fed up.

'California has been mismanaged for decades and the penny is finally starting to drop,' one major Democratic fundraiser said.

'President Trump made massive gains among women, black and Mexican voters during the last election and vast swathes of the state have now turned red (the color associated with Republicans).

'This has been a one-party state, the Democrats, for decades now, but even the most strident supporters of the party are finding it hard to defend some of the policies which have led to such a steep decline.

'The Democrats have to get their act together or they face losing power in California in the next election, something that has been unthinkable in the past.'

The source laughed when asked if Meghan - who has spoken out against Trump's policies - might make a good replacement for Governor Newsom should he be ousted.

'Someone like Meghan serves to highlight the problems. She's a typical limousine liberal who says "do as I say, not as I do". She sits in her Montecito mansion and takes private jets like the rest of us take Ubers.

'And that's the problem. Democrats have spent years introducing failed policies under leaders who have assumed positions of power thank to DEI politics rather than skill sets or experience. They have lost touch with real people.

'California is at rock bottom and if the Democrats don't wake up and change this fast they deserve to be kicked out.'

I, for one, could not agree more.
The youngest victim of Hamas' October 7 attacks was a 14-hour-old baby who was shot in her mother's womb before doctors tried desperately to save her, it has been revealed.

Infant Naama Abu Rashed, a Bedouin-Israeli, died after being shot in the leg through her mother's body as the Palestinian terror group led its shock assault into southern Israel in 2023, a new report has confirmed.

Naama's mother was being driven to Soroka hospital by her husband Tarafi after she was woken up by labour pains at 5.30am on October 7. Ten terrorists fired at them with a machine gun as civilians were mown down indiscriminately by Hamas gunmen.

Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors were forced to carry out an emergency delivery and found that a bullet had hit Naama's leg.

While she was born alive, she succumbed to her wounds at around 10pm the same day, a report on the attacks commissioned by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Israel acknowledged today, identifying Naama.

The MP and Peer-commissioned report identified all 18 British nationals killed in the attacks for the first time.

It was established to act as a 'permanent memorial' of the atrocities of the attack and create a record of truth about the events of the day to combat misinformation and distortion.

People flee the Nova Peace Festival early on October 7 after Hamas launched an incursion into southern Israel. After firing rockets over the border, armed men in trucks, on motorcycles and on paragliders would sweep through the festival, shooting civilians as they fled

Abandoned and torched vehicles at the site of the October 7 attack on the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Reim in the Negev desert in southern Israel

A woman reacts next to a portrait at the memorial site for the victims of the October 7 massacre on the eve of the anniversary, October 6, 2024, near Kibbutz Re'im

Jake Marlowe was shot nine times and his body was identified by his father on Oct 11 using a tattoo on his calf

Two other babies were killed by Hamas - 9-month-old Mila Cohen and Kfir Bibas, who was kidnapped aged 9 months before he was killed in captivity alongside his mother, Shiri, and five-year-old brother according to the report.

In total 29 children aged between 0 - 17 were murdered by terrorists on October 7.

Rotem Kalderon, 66, who was killed in her home on Kibbutz Be'eri, has been identified as the 18th British victim of the barbaric terror attack.

The retired preschool teacher and grandmother-of-three was murdered in her safe room after managing to hold the door closed for nearly two hours as terrorists attempted to break in.

After the attack it took two weeks for her body to be identified.

Some 16 British nationals killed in the initial attack had already been identified, along with a further UK citizen, 51-year-old Nadav Popplewell, who died while being held as a hostage by Hamas.

Amongst the new details included in the report are the definitive tragic fates of all 18 British casualties.

This includes the final voice note sent by British-Israeli nova security guard Jake Marlowe to his friend at 6.30am on the day of Hamas's assault.

The message from the British-born musician was: 'We are rounding up the people from the party now, we are on an ATV and we are telling everyone to get the f*** outta there.'

Marlowe was shot nine times and his body was identified by his father on Oct 11 using a tattoo on his calf.

Rotem Kalderon, 66, who was killed in her home on Kibbutz Be'eri, has today been named as the 18th British victim of the barbaric terror attack

The retired preschool teacher and grandmother-of-three was murdered in her safe room after managing to hold the door closed for nearly two hours

An IDF soldier stands at the scene where Israeli citizens Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky, both 30, died trying to save the lives of their 10-month-old twins in their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza after armed members of Hamas broke in on October 7. The twins, who had been hidden in the house's safe room, survived

A car destroyed in an attack by Hamas is seen in Sderot, Israel, on Saturday, October 7, 2023, amid the first strikes into Israel

Members of Hamas ride an Israeli military vehicle that was seized by gunmen who infiltrated areas of southern Israel, in the northern Gaza Strip October 7

A photo hangs on a fridge next to bullets holes in a house at Kibbutz Kissufim in southern Israel, October 21, 2023. The Kibbutz was overrun by Hamas militants from the nearby Gaza Strip on October 7, when they killed and captured many Israelis

Hamas fighters cross the border into Israel on October 7 using motorised paraglidersThey discovered that a bullet had hit Naama's leg and while she was born alive, she succumbed to her wounds at around 22:00 that evening.

Reflecting on his report, historian and Conservative peer Lord Andrew Roberts said: 'This report will serve as a permanent memorial and enduring resource for governments, educators, and civil society in order to safeguard the truth against denialism and distortion.

'The purpose of commissioning our report has been to chronicle the events of 7 October with clarity and meticulous, fact checking precision, to ensure it is never forgotten.'

The report found a total of 1,182 people were killed in the assault by around 7,000 Hamas militants.

Civilians accounted for 73 per cent of the victims, the report found, with the oldest a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor.

It also found evidence of widespread sexual violence and desecration of corpses including posthumous mutilations, beheadings and the booby-trapping of bodies with explosives.
A bloodthirsty coyote that attacked on a four-year-old girl in an idyllic suburban neighborhood has put a spotlight on the growing number of Americans targeted by wild predators.

The most recent incident occurred in a ritzy area outside Seattle and saw the ferocious animal latch its jaws onto the young girl and begin to drag her away.

Miraculously, the child's father managed to chase the beast away.

Others haven't been so lucky.

In recent decades, coyotes, which are not typically aggressive, have killed at least two people in North America.

Coyote attacks pale in comparison to those by bears, cougars, snakes, alligators, and other wild beasts that have claim dozens of lives across America each year.

While there is no official database on deadly wild animal attacks in the US, a 2017 study by Oviedo University found that their numbers are on the rise.

Researchers attributed the spin to more frequent interactions between wild beasts and humans.

Possible reasons for the run-ins include the expansion of suburbs and the construction of new homes in the remote areas inhabited by animals.

Additionally, a growing numbers of thrill-seekers are venturing into remote areas for hiking and other outdoor pursuits, raising the chances of encounters with wildlife.

An adorable four-year-old girl (pictured) was bitten and dragged across the ground outside her family home in an affluent Seattle suburb

The brown bear was ranked as the deadliest large wild animal in America by Outforia, a website for outdoor enthusiasts

Climate change, shorter winters, and competition over water and other dwindling supplies may also play a role, according to Chris Servheen, a retired coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Outforia, a website for outdoor enthusiasts, has ranked the brown bear as the deadliest large wild animal in America.

The large carnivores have attacked and killed 70 people since 1970, says the group's founder, Carl Borg.

Other dangerous animals include snakes, which claimed 57 lives over the same period, followed by black bears (54 fatalities), alligators (33), cougars (16), polar bears (10), and wolves.

Borg urged outdoor enthusiasts to 'be prepared' for encounters with wild animals that inhabit the areas they visit.

'Different animals mean different protocols when facing an attack,' he said.

'There are lots of things you can do to avoid an animal attack but knowing whether to stay calm or fight back is key.'

In the face of a coyote attack, humans are advised to stand their ground, appear confident, make a noise, and even throw something at the animal.

That's how the father of the Seattle-area victim responded when a coyote mauled his daughter last week.

Chang Tong and his daughter, Lena, had just stepped out of the family's stunning $2.3 million home in the desirable Bellevue neighborhood.

Tong said they thought the gray-and-white canine was a pet dog, so Lena reached out to touch it - but it responded by latching its jaws onto her palm and dragging her.

'With just one second, the coyote just bit her hand and tried to drag her,' Tong told CBS affiliate KIRO.

In last week's attack, the girl's father thought the gray-and-white coyote was a pet dog, so Lena reached out to pet it

'She was about to pet the dog at that time, and with just one second, the coyote just bit her hand and tried to drag her,' the girls' father, Chang Tong, recalled of the terrifying incident

The wild animal attacked four-year-old Lena outside her family's $2.3 million home (pictured) in Bellevue, Washington, last week

Brown bears have killed at least 70 people in the US since 1970, researchers at Outforia say

'She was dragged to the ground.'

Tong's fatherly instincts kicked in, and he reacted by screaming at the coyote to scare it away.

The animal backed off, and Tong took Lena to the emergency room, where medics treated her for minor injuries to her palm and gave her a rabies shot.

The affluent Bellevue area has recently been plagued by coyote attacks.

The same day Lena was bitten, a coyote also approached a group of school students waiting at a bus stop in nearby Factoria and tried to bite them, tearing their clothes.

On Monday, another coyote stole a backpack after a student left it on the sidewalk in the same area.

A week before that, coyotes bit two adults in separate incidents nearby.

Coyote attacks on humans are uncommon, and rarely cause serious injuries.

The opportunistic animals are more likely to pick on small children.

Attacks have increased in recent decades, especially in the suburbs around Los Angeles.

In 2022, a coyote bit a toddler's face in nearby Huntington Beach, California.

This past December, Georgianna Orseno was playing with her two-year-old son outside the family home in Weymouth, Massachusetts, when a coyote charged and went for the infant.

The 29-year-old mother was bitten on the leg, but she managed to push the predator away and escape by kicking it against a tree.

There have been more than 50 fatal snake attacks in the US since 1970, the study said

Georgianna Orseno, a resident of Weymouth, Massachusetts, was playing with her two-year-old son in the middle of the day when she was bitten by a coyote on her leg

The young mother ended up with bites and scratches on both of her legs

A camera fixed across the street showed Orseno playing with her son moments before the coyote pounced on her

The attack left the young mom with bites and scratches on both of her legs.

In another recent wild animal attack, Andrew Nierer was left fearing for his life when he came face-to-face with a 100-pound black bear in Pennsylvania in January.

Nierer was walking to a store in the town of Jim Thorpe when the animal pounced - lunging and wrapping its claws around him.

Nierer suffered bites and scratches before a neighbor shot the animal.

Despite the horrifying ordeal, Nierer told WYOU that he believed the animal was just scared and hungry.

Last year in Minnesota, Bailey Jacobson and her family's dog, Zeus, had a scary encounter with a black bear of their own.

The dog began trotting in the direction of a mama bear, who was digging through a garbage can outside their home in suburban Maple Grove with three cubs at her side.

The cubs fled as the German shepherd drew near, with Jacobson trailing behind obliviously.

Once she saw the mama bear, she let out a blood-curdling scream.

Jacobson initially tried to protect her dog, but thought better of it and ran back to her porch and waited until Zeus returned safely.

Most of the time, wild animals don't attack people to kill and eat them.

Such predatory attacks only account for 17 percent of the total seen in North America since 1955, according to the Oviedo University study.

A Minnesota woman leapt into action when a black bear began chasing her beloved German shepherd Zeus

Bailey Jacobson ran after the bear as it chased Zeus down the driveway of her Maple Grove home

Cougars, also known as mountain lions and catamounts, have killed at least 16 people over the past five decades

More often, attacks are provoked by people taking pictures with wild animals or feeding them in national parks or other beauty spots.

The animals get accustomed to people and the food they provide, which can lead to attacks.

Others are attributed to risky behavior by people.

This can involve parents leaving their kids to play outside unattended or walking an unleashed dog - behavior that can invite a predator to launch.

Vincenzo Penteriani, a researcher for the Spanish National Research Council, found that half of animal attacks could be avoided if humans had reacted differently.

Still, Penteriani says, fear of a wild animal pouncing should not keep people locked up indoors.

'There is a lot of attention around these attacks, but in reality the number of attacks is very low,' he told BBC.
Anthony Albanese has been slammed for planning to attend a $100,000 dinner at one of Australia's top fine-dining venues as Cyclone Alfred approached.

While Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was criticised for flying out of Brisbane as Alfred bore down on the city to attend an election fundraiser in Sydney, it has emerged that the Prime Minister was simultaneously planning a lucrative pre-election event of his own.

The VIP dinner in Sydney was initially scheduled for March 6, but was delayed to March 16 due to the imminent arrival of the massive storm in southeast Queensland and northeast NSW.

Ten guests, who each paid $10,000, visited Aria - a luxurious restaurant overlooking Sydney Opera House - for a meal hosted by Mr Albanese as part of a fundraising event for the Labor Party on Sunday.

Liberal Senator James McGrath has now accused the PM of double standards, given Labor had slammed Mr Dutton over his fundraising trip.

'If you could run electricity off Albanese's hypocrisy you could power Australia,' he told Sky News.

'This just proves again that Albanese and Labor are all about playing political games. Labor aren't running the country but they are running Australians into the ground.'

Employment Minister Murray Watt had accused Mr Dutton of 'filling Liberal Party money bags while his own community was filling sandbags' after he left his Brisbane home for Sydney.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured with fiance Jodie Haydon) planned and attended a $100,000 fundraiser in the days after Cyclone Alfred

The Labour Party earlier criticised Peter Dutton for leaving his southeast Queensland home during Cyclone Alfred (pictured, flooding from the ex-cyclone)

Education Minister Jason Clare similarly attacked Mr Dutton, saying he was 'abandoning his own community' for a fundraiser 'when a cyclone was barrelling down'.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman defended Mr Albanese's conduct, and said cancelling a fundraiser due to the storm threat was not the same as Mr Dutton going ahead with one.

'I understand why Murray Watt was very critical of another Queenslander, Peter Dutton, for making that decision to leave Queensland at that point in time,' Mr Gorman said.

Mr Dutton returned to his Queensland home before Alfred made landfall on March 8, saying he returned to Brisbane on the 'first flight' back.

'People who are using that for political advantage in the time of a natural disaster, frankly, that's a poorer reflection on them,' he said.

The Opposition Leader also fronted Sunrise to insist the fundraiser at the mansion of hotel entrepreneur Justin Hemmes was 'not a party', and accused Labor of using the event as 'political leverage to push out a negative campaign'.

Mr Albanese hosted 10 guests who each paid $10,000 at the Aria (pictured), a luxurious restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour

Host Nat Barr grilled Mr Dutton over his attendance at the event, asking if he thought it was a 'good idea in hindsight'.

'We've got to fundraise,' Mr Dutton said.

'I don't have the millions of dollars coming from the CFMEU and the other unions, and the Prime Minister attends fundraisers.

'I'd prefer not (to fundraise). I'd be much happier with public funding, but that's the way in which the rules are written at the moment.'

Former Liberal MP Jason Falinski also addressed the criticism, saying Mr Dutton was 'back in time to be shovelling bags of sand for people in his electorate'.

Mr Dutton suffered a dip in personal approval ratings following the fundraising controversy, according to the latest poll data.
Its been 35 years since the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum fell victim to the largest art theft in history.

In the early hours of March 18, 1990, two thieves disguised as police officers bluffed their way inside the Boston museum, tied up two guards, and made off with a dozen works estimated today to be worth more than $500 million.

Hundreds of suspects were eyed by investigators - from petty thieves to infamous mobsters - but no arrests have ever been made and the stolen art never recovered.

Among the first to fall under suspicion was Brian Michael McDevitt, a career conman who 10 years earlier in 1980 had attempted a near-identical caper at The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, New York.

The Hydes executive director at the time, Frederick J. Fisher, told Daily Mail how McDevitt - masquerading as a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family - hoodwinked him over several months while plotting to plunder the museum of more than 70 works.

Fisher believes McDevitt was the mastermind behind the Gardner heist and pointed to glaring parallels between the unsolved robbery and McDevitts Hyde plot.

Im absolutely convinced that he had something to do with that robbery, said Fisher.

The blueprints of the crimes are the same [...] he was a con man extraordinaire.

Brian Michael McDevitt was one of the early suspects in the case because of a near identical heist he attempted in Glens Falls, New York, in the winter of 1980

Police interpretations of the Gardner thieves are seen above. No arrests have ever been made in the case

Spaces for missing Rembrandt paintings 'A Lady and Gentlemen in Black,' circa 1633, and 'The Storm on the Sea Of Galilee,' also circa 1633, seen on the walls of the Gardner Museum

McDevitts ex-girlfriend Stephanie Rabinowitz, agrees with Fisher.

She claims McDevitt confessed in 1992 to robbing the Gardner and asked her to give the FBI a false alibi.

He told me a man paid him $300,000 to rob the museum and hed managed to do it, claimed Rabinowitz.

My gut instinct told me he was involved in this [...] Why would somebody who is innocent make up all this crazy stuff and tell me the FBI is coming to see me?

The Gardner Museum heist began at 1.20 am on March 18, 1990, when two crooks dressed as cops knocked on a side door and informed a security guard theyd received a report of a disturbance.

Against protocol, the guard, Rick Abath, led the two men inside.

The thieves approached the security desk and asked Abath to summon any other guards on duty to the lobby.

Randy Hestand joined Abath at the desk, and quickly the two guards were handcuffed, blindfolded with duct tape and dragged to the basement.

Motion sensors first detected the thieves entering the Dutch Room at 1.48 am.

They smashed an alarm system, ripped paintings from the wall and hacked the priceless pieces from their frames with blades.

The heist lasted 81 minutes and 13 pieces were stolen.

Two of Rembrandts renowned works were taken first: The Storm on the Sea of Galilee - his only seascape - and a Lady and Gentlemen in Black.

Two Rembrandt miniatures were also taken from the Dutch Room, along with Landscape With an Obelisk by Govaert Flinck, and The Concert by Johannes Vermeer.

The Concert is one of only 36 known works of Vermeer and is valued at $250 million. It remains the most expensive piece ever stolen.

Five works by the French impressionist Edgar Degas and Chez Tortoni by Edouard Manet were also snatched, along with a relatively valueless Chinese Gu.

The thieves were unable to remove all the screws from a case containing a Napoleonic flag and finally gave up, taking only the eagle ornament from the flagstaff.

Before leaving, the thieves broke into the security directors office to steal the museums surveillance footage.

They exited the Gardner through the same door they entered at 2:45 am and fled the area in a hatchback.

Investigators have long been puzzled by why the crooks ignored valuable pieces and stole some worthless by comparison.

They didn't even touch Titians The Rape of Europa, one of the most precious works in the U.S.

It led police to deduce the crooks were clueless amateurs rather than hired experts planning to steal specific pieces.

McDevitt quickly came into the crosshairs of investigators due to his foiled heist at The Hyde Collection.

Rembrandt van Rijn's 'A Lady And Gentleman In Black' was among the stolen paintings

The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, another Rembrandt, was also stolen and remains missing. It was the only seascape painted by the famed Dutch old master

A valueless eagle flag topper was also curiously snagged by the thieves

Gardner guard Rick Abath is seen handcuffed and blindfolded with tape in the basement of the Gardner Museum where police found him on March 18

The Gardner Museum heist is the biggest and most brazen art crime in history

The Hyde was modeled on the Gardner, and each museum contained works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Old Masters and French Impressionists

Fisher became the executive director of The Hyde Collection in 1978 and first met McDevitt in the fall of 1980.

McDevitt introduced himself to Fisher under the alias Paul Sterling Vanderbilt, claiming to be an heir to the Vanderbilt fortune and a freelance writer for influential magazines and newspapers.

Unbeknown to Fisher, McDevitt had recently stolen $100,000 from the lockbox of a Boston attorney and was using the funds to finance his plan to rob the Hyde.

He was the talk of the town, Fisher remembered of McDevitt, who was 20 years old at the time.

He was driving a Bentley. He was dressed very well, spoke very well, and told me he wanted to get to know us because he thought he might be able to do something for the museum.

McDevitt asked Fisher if he could rent a room next to the museum and join The Hyde's board as a trustee.

He also said he was writing an article about art theft and began inquiring about the museums security features.

He went so far as to go into the citys planning building and ask to see blueprints of The Hyde.

The planning office refused and alerted Fisher, who contacted the police.

He kept doing more things in the local community that told me something about him wasnt right - that he was up to something, said Fisher

McDevitt stuck out like a sore thumb.'

Still, McDevitt persisted in attempting to ingratiate himself with Fisher.

A week before Thanksgiving, he showed up at the museum bearing gifts: three IBM Selectric typewriters that the museum had been in desperate need of.

Fisher would later discover McDevitt had rented them from an electronics store in New York.

He confronted McDevitt, who acted outraged at the accusation and told Fisher hed planned to donate $30,000 to The Hyde.

McDevitts true intentions would be revealed in a matter of weeks.

Three days before Christmas, McDevitt with the help of Michael B. Morey - a local man hed blackmailed into assisting him - set a plan into motion to ransack the museum.

The pair contacted FedEx and asked for a truck to be sent to a garage in South Glens Falls to retrieve a package.

When the driver arrived, she was forced back into the truck at gunpoint, handcuffed, blindfolded and muzzled with tape, and incapacitated with an ether-soaked rag.

The two men disguised themselves as FedEx workers and planned to empty the museum by cutting pieces out of their frames with razor blades.

However, one thing McDevitt failed to account for in his months of planning was holiday rush-hour traffic.

They arrived at the museum minutes after it closed and were forced to abandon their plan.

The FedEx worker theyd subdued called police and later identified both men as the culprits, who pled guilty.

McDevitt was convicted of unlawful imprisonment and attempted grand larceny. He served several months of a two-year sentence in the Saratoga County Jail.

Years later, when Fisher learned of the details of the heist at the Gardner, he immediately thought of McDevitt, noting a series of stark similarities between each crime.

The Gardner robbers disguised themselves as cops, whereas McDevitt and Morey posed as FedEx workers; handcuffs and tape were used to shackle, blindfold, and gag hostages in each crime; gloves and blades were chosen to cut the art out of its frame; and both sets of thieves appeared to have detailed knowledge about the layout of each museum.

Further, Fisher highlighted that in both cases the crooks were sympathetic to their hostages, with the Gardner thieves making sure Hestand and Abath were fine before they left, and the female FedEx worker being repeatedly assured by McDevitt that she wouldnt be harmed.

Fisher believes McDevitts fingerprints are all over the Gardner heist, and he was either one of the two crooks or possibly helped orchestrate the caper.

At least one of the Gardner robbers was also described as speaking with a Boston accent, as did McDevitt.

Stephanie Rabinowitz (left) claims her ex-boyfriend Brian McDevitt confessed to carrying out the Gardner heist. Frederick J. Fisher (right), the former director of The Hyde Collection, says McDevitt's fingerprints are all over the crime

Stephanie Rabinowitz started dating McDevitt (right) months before the heist. She claims he confessed to her in 1992 and asked her to lie to the FBI for him

Empty frames from which thieves took 'Storm on the Sea of Galilee,' by Rembrandt (left) and 'The Concert,' by Vermeer (right) remain on display at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Excerpts from Rabinowitz's diary document McDevitt's movements around the time of the heist. He told her he had to leave town for a few days on March 15

Another excerpt, dated March 18, noted that McDevitt sounded 'cheery' on the phone

Anne Hawley, curator of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, answers questions on March 19, 1990

McDevitt was living in Bostons Beacon Hill neighborhood when the Gardner Museum was robbed in 1990.

He began dating Stephanie Rabinowitz a few months prior, who was then in her mid-20s.

The pair met in July 1989 at a comedy club, with McDevitt claiming to be a hotshot Hollywood writer for Paramount and Columbia Pictures.

Rabinowitz kept a detailed diary. In excerpts in the days leading up to the Gardner heist, she wrote that she and McDevitt were having relationship issues, and described him as hostile and aggressive.

Then on March 15, Rabinowitz said McDevitt told her he was leaving for a few days to attend the Writers Guild of America Awards in New York.

She didnt hear from him again until late on March 18 - hours after the Gardner was pillaged - and by then described him as seeming calmer and more like his usual charming self again.

Soon after, McDevitt told Rabinowitz he needed to move to LA and asked her to come with him.

Rabinowitz refused but they kept in touch.

McDevitt, meanwhile, packed up his belongings and drove himself from Boston to LA in a U-Haul, setting off in the middle of the night without notifying his neighbors.

After arriving on the West Coast, McDevitt continued to tout himself as a hotshot writer and soon struck up a friendship with a screenwriter named Ben Pollack.

Pollack shared that he was shocked at the lack of quality in McDevitts writing, particularly for someone who claimed to have experienced so much success.

Then, one day, McDevitt pitched him a script idea about two bumbling thieves who successfully rob an art museum.

In McDevitts plot - which closely mirrored the Gardner caper - the thieves stole several priceless paintings and two metal statues. They planned to sell the stolen art to a foreign buyer and hid their loot in a cave until a deal was made.

But when the deal fell through, the thieves realized they had nobody to sell the art to and were forced to destroy it.

Both Pollack and Rabinowitz believe McDevitts script idea was a thinly veiled confession and may hold clues as to the fate of the Gardner loot.

There's no doubt in my mind he did this, said Pollack in 2024 of McDevitt and the Gardner heist.

He was the smartest idiot I've ever encountered [...] That script idea told us exactly what happened: he pulled off the heist, somehow, and destroyed and buried the art when he couldn't sell it.

Anthony Amore, director of security at the Gardner, believes the art work will one day be returned

Vermeer's The Concert is valued at $250 million and is the most expensive piece of art ever stolen

Program for an Artistic Soiree, a charcol etching by Degas was among the stolen works

Also taken was a worthless Chinese Gu (left) and a self-portrait by Rembrandt (right)

Within months of meeting McDevitt, Pollack sensed something off about him and hired a private detective to dig into his past.

He soon learned that nothing McDevitt had told him was true and confronted McDevitt about his lies.

McDevitt responded by threatening and harassing Pollack for months, and by the summer of 1992 McDevitt was facing criminal charges for harassment.

That same summer, he was named as one of the prime suspects in the Gardner case in a New York Times report.

In the article, McDevitt denied any involvement and revealed hed been questioned and fingerprinted by investigators. He was also asked to take a polygraph test but refused.

McDevitt also told The Times he had an alibi for the night of the crime: he was with a woman he was dating, who would attest to his innocence.

When the article was published, Rabinowitz claims McDevitt contacted her to warn theres a good chance to FBI was coming to speak with her and asked her to provide a false alibi on his behalf to investigators.

He asked me twice to be his alibi and he got really mad when I said I wouldn't do it, recounted Rabinowitz.

You could tell he was fuming [...] But I wasn't going to lie to the FBI.

The last time Rabinowitz ever saw McDevitt was at a wrap party for a show she was working on in LA, in July 1992.

During a brief catch-up, Rabinowitz claims McDevitt made a startling confession: he had been paid $300,000 to rob the Gardner and needed to leave the country immediately because federal investigators were closing in.

McDevitt said he was fleeing to South America and wanted Rabinowitz to move with him, promising he had enough money to live out the rest of their days in comfort.

Stephanie declined McDevitts gesture.

She has been interviewed twice by the FBI, once in 1992 and again in 2004, when she shared her diary entries with investigators for the first time.

McDevitt was also questioned twice and, in August 1993, testified before a grand jury.

He high-tailed out of the U.S. to South America shortly after and died in Bogota, Colombia, in 2004 from apparent kidney failure.

Rabinowitz said she isnt convinced McDevitt is really dead.

Fisher shares Rabinowitzs suspicions.

The Gardner is currently restoring the Dutch Room where six of the 13 works were stolen

A $10 million reward for the art's return has gone unclaimed thus far

McDevitt died in Colombia, in 2004, from apparent kidney failure

Thirty-five years on, a $10 million reward posted by the Gardner Museum for the missing arts safe return remains unclaimed.

Empty frames solemnly hang in the place where the works once were.

Gardner Security Director Anthony Amore, who for years worked in close association with the lead FBI investigator Geoff Kelly, said he doesnt believe McDevitt was involved in the infamous heist, citing privileged information shared by the FBI.

Amore believes he and Kelly know who perpetrated the crime: two petty thieves with connections to Mafiosos in Connecticut and Philadelphia.

He declined to name the individuals but said both are dead.

What he and Kelly dont know is where the artwork is.

Every day we work on this were getting closer to solving it, an optimistic Amore told Daily Mail.

Its sort of like we have 13 needles in a haystack, and every time we follow a lead, were able to make that haystack smaller.

Something that has divided investigators over the years is whether or not the stolen Gardner art is still intact.

Amore believes it is. He pointed to the more than 1500 heists hes studied, adding: Youd be hard-pressed to find one where the paintings - especially masterpieces - were truly destroyed.

Ive spoken to countless people in the criminal underworld and policing, and none of the people who wouldve been informants has ever told us they heard the paintings were destroyed [...] so I'm hopeful they're out there and we will get them back.'

The lack of credible sightings over the years leads Amore to believe the 13 missing pieces havent strayed too far from the Northeast.

He urged the public to study pictures of the missing works, believing a tip from an everyday citizen is a viable way of solving the case once and for all.

Asked whether he ever allows himself to envision the moment the Gardner collection is restored to its former glory, Amore said he tries to not let his imagination get the best of him.

It does enter my mind but I try not to focus on it, he said.

I have other things to worry about at the moment - and thats finding this art.
Another Tesla dealership has been attacked with vandals accused of damaging around 20 cars.

The vehicles were found with broken wing mirrors, smashed windows and bodywork dents outside a electric car showroom in Belfast.

Police first received reports about the vandalised Teslas on Sunday.

In a statement today, Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: 'The damage is believed to have occurred at some point in the last 24 hours.

'Approximately 20 vehicles have been targeted. Most have had their wing mirrors knocked off, while others have also had windows smashed or received dents to the bodywork.

'Inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.'

Officers have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward.

This incident is the latest in a wave of attacks targeting Tesla vehicles across the world due to their connection to Elon Musk - who owns the company.

The vehicles were found with broken wing mirrors, smashed windows and bodywork dents outside a Tesla car showroom in Belfast

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating the incident in Belfast

People protesting outside a Tesla dealership in Palo Alto, California

Earlier this month, a dealership in France was set ablaze destroying 12 vehicles worth a staggering 550,000 in what authorities are treating as a deliberate attack.

The fire broke out around 3:15am on Monday March 3 at the dealership in Plaisance-du-Touch, near Toulouse, according to the local prosecutor's office.

The suspected arson attacks come amid escalating tensions in Europe over Elon Musk's perceived interference in EU affairs and his association with US President Donald Trump, particularly concerning the contentious issue of US military aid to Ukraine.

In the United States, Molotov cocktails have been thrown at cars and Tesla charging stations have been destroyed.

A Tesla showroom in Salem, Oregon, was shot at with an AR 15-style rifle in February. Suspected vandal Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, is also accused of causing major damage at the same store with Molotov cocktails in January.

Similarly, four Tesla cybertrucks were set ablaze overnight at a storage lot in Seattle's industrial SoDo neighborhood, KING-TV reported.

In more peaceful forms of protests, thousands of Americans have demonstrated outside Tesla showrooms across the country.

The spike in vandalism against Tesla prompted President Trump to describe the attacks as 'domestic terrorism'.

A Tesla dealership near Toulouse, southern France, was set alight on Monday morning destroying around 550,000 worth of cars

Speaking outside the White House alongside Elon Musk, Trump said he plans to levy harsh penalties on anyone who went after Musk's company labelling the attacks as 'domestic terrorism'

Speaking outside the White House alongside Musk - who is the head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency - announced his plans to levy harsh penalties on anyone who went after Musk's company.

Trump said: 'I'm gonna stop 'em if we catch anybody doing it because they're harming a great American company.'

The president turned the South Lawn of the White House into a Tesla showroom last week with five different models - including the infamous Cybertruck - on display on the driveway.

The model Trump bought, which he said his staff at the White House would use, has a starting price of $76,880.

He and Musk sat in the car. Trump started the engine and Musk showed him the features.

Trump was making good on a his promise to purchase one of the pricey electric cars to support Musk, who is leading his Department of Government Efficiency efforts to cut back the size and scope of federal workers.

Musk has been heavily criticized since taking on his role in DOGE, while sales have also plummeted. And investors are said to be worried. Musk reportedly lost $29 billion in a day because of Tesla's losses.

Trump defended Musk repeatedly.

'This man is a great patriot and you should cherish it,' he said of him.
President Donald Trump expressed confidence he'll get a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine when he speaks with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday and he is determined to do whatever he has to do in order to get it.

'We can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace and I think we'll be able to do it,' Trump told reporters on Monday.

And, he added in a post to Truth Social, that 'many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains. Thousands of young soldiers, and others, are being killed. Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW.'

'I look very much forward to the call with President Putin.'

The White House is not ruling out any option to get its deal - whether it's conceding to Russian wishes to hold onto Ukrainian territory or threatening the Kremlin with sanctions.

'All options are on the table,' National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News Sunday. 'Absolutely.'

President Donald Trump is ready to make a deal to get peace between Russia and Ukraine

Tuesday morning's call will be the first known conversation between Trump and Putin since Ukraine agreed to support a U.S.-backed monthlong ceasefire as long as Russia does the same.

Trump has made his desire for peace clear but Putin appears to be dragging his feet, possibly in a bid to win more concessions.

The White House said sanctions are an option if Tuesday's conversation doesn't go as President Trump hopes.

'It's something the president has floated, and certainly he's willing to do that if necessary,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in her briefing.

Another option the administration is considering is recognizing Ukraine's Crimea region as Russian territory, Semafor reported.

Negotiators have already discussed 'dividing up certain assets' in order to end the three-year-old war, Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday.

His envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin last week in Moscow as part of the peace talks push.

Witkoff said he met with Putin for between three and four hours and had a 'positive' and 'solution-based' discussion.

'The two sides have we've narrowed the differences between them, and now we're sitting at the table. I was with the president all day yesterday, I'll be with him today, we're sitting with him, discussing how to narrow it even further,' Witkoff told CNN on Sunday.

Part of the old Soviet Union, Crimea was recognized as part of Ukraine when that country was formed in 1991.

But Putin has long seen Crimea as his nation's territory.

In 2014, the peninsula on the coast of the Black Sea was occupied by Russian forces and annexed by Moscow, but most countries recognize Crimea as Ukrainian territory.

Russia was expelled from the G8  as it was known then  for its aggressive actions in taking the region. Many countries  including the United States  also slapped economic sanctions on Moscow for the move.

Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin (above) will speak on the phone Tuesday morning

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does not want to concede any territory to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is firmly against any territorial concessions and European allies could back him.

Trump said he plans to discuss land and power plants with Putin in their phone call.

'We'll be talking about land. A lot of land is a lot different than it was before the war, as you know. We'll be talking about land, we'll be talking about power plants, that's a big question,' he said.

The power plant in question is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine. The six-reactor plant is Europe's largest. Russia seized control of it early in the war and still has it in their possession.

The plan has not supplied power to Ukraine's grid since its capture. But its proximity to frontline fighting has raised concerns about the risk of a radiological disaster.

The Ukrainians want it back.

'We are engaging in diplomacy and that will involve both carrots and sticks to get both sides to the table, but to also resolve this in a way that is permanent and enduring,' Walz told Fox News.

As part of the talks, Russia wants reassurances Ukraine won't be made a member of NATO.

And Moscow has rejected any attempt by Western countries to put troops in Ukraine, even after a peace deal, as a peace-keeping force.

Zelensky, for his part, has accused Putin of dragging his feet. But his team also has warned Ukraine won't make a deal at any price.

The White House, however, remains optimistic.

'We have never been closer to a peace deal than we are at this moment,' Leavitt told reporters on Monday. 'The president, as you know, is determined to get one done.'
A disgruntled United Airlines passenger punched a gate agent in the face which knocked the airport staffer to the ground, leaving him unconscious.

The violent outburst happened last Thursday evening at 5:30pm at Virginia's Dulles International Airport by gate D12 when Christopher Stuart Crittenden, a 54-year-old man from Frederick, Maryland, suddenly lost control and lashed out.

Video footage, which has since gone viral, captures the moment as Crittenden strides toward the gate agent and without warning swings his fist striking the unsuspecting employee squarely in the face.

The force of the impact was so severe the agent instantly fell to floor.

As the short four second clip suddenly ended bystanders were heard gasping in horror.

Officers from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority quickly arrested Crittenden and charged him with assault and disorderly conduct.

The injured gate agent was left badly shaken and taken to a local hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries.

Officials have not explained was triggered Crittenden's outburst but other passengers who witnessed what happened say it all began with a canceled flight.

Christopher Stuart Crittenden, a 54-year-old man from Frederick, Maryland, punched a United Airlines gate agent in the face

Video shot by a fellow passenger saw Crittenden march up to the gate agent before lashing out

Tensions were already mounting passengers were left scrambling for alternatives with their frustration mounting by the minute.

Crittenden appeared to be seething with anger when he attempted to push past the gate agent, demanding answers.

The agent, standing firm, tried to block his advance. 'I'm done with this bulls***,' Crittenden could be heard shouting before he attacked the agent.

United Airlines have wasted no time in taking action. 'The passenger involved has been banned from future travel on United,' the airline confirmed in a statement to DailyMail.com

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) released a scathing statement condemning the attack and calling for greater protections for those on the frontlines of air travel.

'Our members deserve a workplace where they can focus on providing excellent customer service, not one where they fear being attacked by passengers,' the IAM stated.

'This latest incident is yet another example of the unacceptable rise in violence against frontline airline workers, and immediate action is needed to address it.'

Crittenden slugged the United Airlines worker squarely in the face knocking him to the floor

The punch was so hard the agent was knocked out and had to go to hospital

United Airlines has confirmed the incident and say the passenger has been banned from flying with them in the future

The union, which represents over 100,000 airline employees, painted a grim picture of the current state of the industry.

Gate agents and flight attendants alike have become frequent targets of passenger rage, enduring everything from verbal abuse to physical assaults.

'Across the country, airline customer service representatives continue to face physical assaults, including being punched, kicked, struck by thrown luggage, and having their clothing ripped. Some of these attacks have resulted in life-altering injuries.'
A severed human foot has washed up on a beach in Mallorca, making it the latest gruesome find this year.

A tourist spotted the decomposed lower leg near a popular nightclub on the beach in Can Pastilla, near Playa de Palma, on Saturday morning, Spanish media outlets report.

The man notified local police, but by the time they arrived at the beach, a wave had pulled the severed foot back into the sea.

Divers were deployed and eventually found the foot as well as a tibia and a fibula off the shore.

A forensic doctor and the Spanish National Police took the remains for further examination.

This is the tenth gruesome find involving a body or body parts on or off the coast of the Balearic Islands - a popular destination with British tourists - since the start of the year.

On Friday, just hours before the foot was found, parts of a badly decomposed body of a woman were discovered floating around a mile off Can Pastilla.

It was first suspected that the foot belonged to the deceased woman, but investigators said that the severed foot, the tibia and fibula were too large and presumably belonged to a man.

A tourist spotted the decomposed lower leg near a popular nightclub on the beach in Can Pastilla, near Playa de Palma, on Saturday morning. The man notified local police, but by the time they arrived at the beach, a wave had pulled the severed foot back into the sea

Divers were deployed and eventually found the foot as well as a tibia and a fibula off the shore

An autopsy on the female body has been ordered. She has not yet been identified and police told local media that it is unclear how the woman died.

The woman is believed to have been a migrant on a boat. She was reportedly not wearing a life jacket when her body was found.

Two other bodies, believed to be of migrants, were in found in the Mallorcan towns of Cala Ratjada and Cala Deia.

Four bodies were found on Formentera, while a total of five were discovered on or off the coast of Mallorca since the start of the year.

A tenth body was detected on the coast of an uninhabited rocky island.

Spanish Police said it suspects that all victims were migrants that attempted to illegally enter Europe via a small boat or raft from Algeria.
A woman who was headbutted while on a night out has lashed out at a venue for not doing enough to protect patrons, as more people come forward with horror stories of attacks.

Britt Michell, 31, was out with friends at live music bar The Rogue Scholar in Newcastle on Saturday night.

She claimed a man, who appeared to be in his 50s, hit her so hard that her glasses flew off her face.

Ms Michell's partner claimed the venue did not call police and allowed the man to leave without repercussions.

The bar hit back, saying in now-deleted Facebook comments that it had called officers, while claiming it was only the second violent incident to happen within the past five years.

The claim was made despite a band pulling out of a coming gig at the venue after one of its members said their partner was assaulted outside the pub in January.

Ms Michell said it is the second time she has been attacked while out, with her story prompting other women to come forward with their own horror stories of nights out in Newcastle.

Her fiancee Hayley Goldie told Daily Mail Australia there appeared to be an unacceptable nightlife culture were women were being assaulted in the city.

Hayley Goldie (left) said she and Britt Michell (right) are doing as best they can but the incident remains raw

Britt Michell was also attacked in 2017 at Newtown train station in Sydney (pictured, Ms Michell with the injuries from 2017 - and not the injuries from Newcastle)

Ms Goldie, who is 32, was not with Ms Michell on the night out, but shared her fiancee's account on social media.

'She went to get help at the bar and told them to call the police... and the man followed her and tried to assault her again,' she said.

'Britt was led to believe that the police were taking care of it and she could leave the venue.'

Ms Goldie said when her partner left the venue the security guard said police were 'never there, never called and nothing will probably come of the assault'.

'She was gaslit by the owners of this venue into thinking she was getting help when indeed, it never happened and the venue just let this man leave,' she said.

'They did absolutely nothing about a woman being beaten by a man in their venue.'

Daily Mail Australia contacted The Rogue Scholar for comment.

The venue responded to a social media user's comment on the Facebook post explaining 'police were called and the person was arrested'.

The posts have since been deleted.

The Rogue Scholar shared a statement to social media on Monday but the account has since been deleted

'It's the second recorded incident of violence in the venue for 5 years. And that's 2 too many for our liking,' the venue said.

The Rogue Scholar then shared a statement to Instagram and Facebook on Monday - before both accounts were deleted on Tuesday morning.

'The individual responsible and other people directly involved in the incident were promptly removed from the venue, and our staff immediately offered assistance to the injured person,' the statement said.

'We genuinely believed we were acting with the utmost care and concern.

'At no point did it appear to us that the injured person was dissatisfied with the support we provided.'

NSW Police confirmed an investigation was launched on Sunday after receiving a report of the incident - which Ms Goldie said was made by the couple.

Ms Goldie said the ordeal remains raw, with her fiancee not ready to speak publicly.

'Britt's healing physically. But emotionally, she's very vulnerable and it's all catching up with her,' she said.

Britt Michell (pictured) was out with friends at live music bar when she says a man hit her in the face so hard her glasses flew off

This is the second time Ms Michell has been attacked, after a group of men allegedly jumped her at Newtown train station in Sydney's Inner West in September 2017.

'She's dealing with all these emotions from being assaulted, and then it is bringing up trauma from when it happened before,' Ms Goldie said.

The couple, who have been together for two years, share four sons between the ages of four and 13.

'We've been so open with them because we want to educate for the next generation,' Ms Goldie said.

'The little ones, they understand to an aspect, but we've got a 13 year old who is so angry.'

Since going public with the incident, Ms Goldie says she has been contacted by many other women to share their experiences of violence in Newcastle.

'My inbox has been flooded with survivors and people messaging me,' she said.

Pop-punk band Radio X also announced on Monday it will not be playing at The Rogue Scholar moving forward.

The Newcastle band alleges the partner of one of their members was sexually assaulted outside the venue in January in front of a security guard

'We cannot in good conscience play there knowing there is a risk of any one of our audience members feeling unsafe or unsupported,' a Facebook post read.

The response to Ms Michell's story has driven the couple into further action, with plans to hold a rally to raise awareness about women's safety.
When veteran private investigator TJ Ward read early reports about the disappearance of a beautiful, young University of Pittsburgh student in the Dominican Republic this month, a familiar feeling of dread settled in his stomach.

It was almost two decades ago that Ward's special expertise in finding missing people made him a regular on American TV screens.

As a former police officer with 47 years of experience, he is the man to call when someone you love vanishes  and when Natalee Holloway, 18, disappeared in Aruba in May 2005 her family turned to Ward.

'When Natalee went missing, every media outlet in the world was in Aruba,' he said. 'I went every night from hotel to hotel, where the media were set up to help them report.'

Ward believes his public advocacy was key to keeping Natalee's name in the headlines and investigators focused on finding her, even though most know how that case tragically ended.

Natalee's body was never found. In 2012, a judge signed an order declaring her officially dead. And it took 18 years for her murder to be finally solved, when, in 2023, Joran Van Der Sloot, now 37, confessed to beating Natalee to death on an Aruban beach after she refused his sexual advances.

Now, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Ward says Natalee's case and the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, 20, are chillingly alike. And Ward fears that local police are making the same mistakes that delayed justice for Natalee for so long.

Indeed, Konanki's devastated parents have taken the same excruciating steps as the Holloways  and, on Monday, they asked Dominican authorities to formally declare that she is dead.

Ward says Natalee's case and the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, 20 (pictured), are chillingly alike. And Ward fears that local police are making the same mistakes that delayed justice for Natalee for so long.

Natalee then got into a car with 17-year-old Van der Sloot, a Dutch student who was living in Aruba. Van der Sloot initially told police that he left Holloway alone on a remote stretch of beach after he had refused to have sex with her.

A source with direct knowledge of the investigation has also told the Daily Mail that Konanki's grieving parents have accepted the 'deeply painful' reality that after 11 days  she won't be coming home.

'There's something not right about Sudiksha's case,' Ward said. 'This is similar to Natalee's real similar.'

Holloway was last seen by her classmates around 1.30 am as she was leaving an Aruban bar and nightclub. She then got into a car with 17-year-old Van der Sloot  a Dutch student who was living in Aruba. Van der Sloot initially told police that he left Holloway alone on a remote stretch of beach after he had refused to have sex with her.

The University of Pittsburgh pre-med student Konanki vanished in eerily parallel circumstances.

When veteran private investigator TJ Ward (pictured) read early reports about the disappearance of a beautiful, young University of Pittsburgh student in the Dominican Republic this month, a familiar feeling of dread settled in his stomach.

She was last seen on surveillance video walking to a Punta Cana beach with Joshua Riibe, 22, a hulking wrestler and senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota at 4.15 am on March 6.

Additional footage from earlier that night showed they had been drinking at the bar in the five-star Riu Republica Hotel where they were staying.

When questioned by investigators last week, Riibe said he and Konanki had been standing in the water and kissing when they were swept out to sea by a big wave. Riibe, who was trained as a pool lifeguard, told police he managed to pull her to shore before he started vomiting seawater and passed out.

Riibe claimed that when he woke up, she was gone. And, indeed, security footage showed him walking back to his room alone at 8.54 am.

Riibe reportedly told police that he only realized Konanki was missing when her friend raised the alarm that afternoon. That, to Ward, is very suspicious  and that mirrors Van der Sloot's claim that Natalee was alive when he left her.

'I don't think Konanki drowned. That's the last thing I think happened,' Ward told the Mail. 'I'm still really concerned that 12 hours went by before [Riibe] even told anybody that he couldn't find her.

'Even if he passed out and got sick, if he woke up two hours later, I think he'd be looking for her or tell somebody.'

Natalee Holloway (pictured) was last seen by her classmates around 1.30 am as she was leaving an Aruban bar and nightclub.

In contrast to Ward's skepticism, Dominican officials initially appeared willing to accept Riibe's story. That's also alarming to Ward.

The chief of the Civil Defense in the Dominican Republic told ABC last week that the investigation was being treated as an 'accident' and the consensus was that Konanki had drowned. But then days later prosecutors changed course and said they were investigating whether Konanki's disappearance could go 'beyond a possible accidental event.'

On Friday, police confiscated Riibe's passport, although he is still not a suspect in the case and has not been charged with any crimes. He is due to be questioned again on Monday.

Regardless, Ward believes that local police  as they did in the Holloway case  have priorities other than solving her case.

'Working with law enforcement in these kinds of countries is very different to in America. They aren't experienced, I spent 47 years in law enforcement. I don't think they're trained the way we are here in what to look for and what to look at,' he added.

Ward tells the Mail that, like in Natalee's case, police may be more concerned about the impact that the perception of crime has on local tourism than on actually solving the case.

'For everyone in these countries, tourism is a big deal,' he said. After Holloway went missing, for instance, Ward says Aruba launched a public relations campaign to encourage wary tourists to return to the island because they were 'so frightened that it was going to cause problems.'

Finally, Ward warns that the biggest challenge the family faces is the prospect of this tragedy being swept under the rug.

Sudiksha was last seen on surveillance video walking to a Punta Cana beach with Joshua Riibe, 22 (pictured), a hulking wrestler and senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota at 4.15 am on March 6.

When questioned by investigators last week, Riibe said he and Konanki (pictured) had been standing in the water and kissing when they were swept out to sea by a big wave.

Riibe (pictured) reportedly told police that he only realized Konanki was missing when her friend raised the alarm that afternoon. That, to Ward, is very suspicious  and that mirrors Van der Sloot's claim that Natalee was alive when he left her.

'In another week, people are going to pack up and assume she drowned,' he said. 'I think if I was there, the media would stay there and would get some results. Media is the best thing going for them to keep this active with their daughter missing.'

Ward is certain that he could help Konanki's family avoid the pitfalls that faced Natalee's parents two decades ago, if they let him work with them.

In fact, he says he is already being contacted by people from the Dominican Republic who claim to have information about Konanki's disappearance, including one man who claims to have seen her in a restaurant three hours away from where she was last sighted.

'I've gotten several calls from the people down there already who want to talk to me and tell me what's going on,' he said. 'I want to get down there.'

'If they don't get somebody like me down there to start helping them, this thing's going to disappear. You're not going to hear about it,' he added.
A New York City Cybertruck owner was left stunned as he watched a man deface his vehicle with a swastika in protest of Elon Musk - only to realize that both he and the vandal are Jewish.

Avi Ben Hamo told the New York Post he was just across the street when Michael Lewis, 42, double-parked his Subaru on a busy Brooklyn street, jumped out and appeared to scrawl something on the side of his $80,000 electric truck.

Photos and video from the scene show he had written 'Elon' and drew a swastika on the drivers' side door.

After making the hate symbol, Lewis ran back into his car - which had two car seats in the back - and tried to speed of, but Ben Hamo, 45, jumped in front of the Subaru to block his getaway.

'Where are you going?' he asked Lewis as he dialed 911, according to video taken at the scene.

At that point, Lewis decided to ditch his vehicle in the bike lane and ran away.

When he returned about an hour-and-a-half later to retrieve his car, Lewis was confronted by four police officers who handcuffed and arrested him - charging him with aggravated harassment.

But Lewis' lawyer now says the Brooklyn father regrets his actions that day.

Avi Ben Hamo, who is Jewish, was left stunned as he watched a man deface his vehicle with a swastika in protest of Department of Government Efficiency Chief Elon Musk

New York City police arrested Michael Lewis, 42, and charged him with aggravated harassment, but the Brooklyn District Attorney released him without pursuing criminal charges

'Our client, who is also Jewish, deeply regrets touching the other man's car and using a hate symbol in the message,' Mark Luccarelli told Fox News.

'He was dealing with a host of personal issues at the time and the action was out of character,' the lawyer claimed.

He also noted that the Brooklyn District Attorney released Lewis without pursuing criminal charges in the case 'because no damage was done to the vehicle and no crime was committed.'

Still, Ben Hamo was left outraged by the situation.

'I feel myself burning inside,' he told the Post.

'People hating Elon Musk is one thing, but to do something like this is next level.

'I don't understand how someone thinks because I bought a car, it gives them the authorization to do this.'

Tesla founder Elon Musk even commented on the situation, suggesting that Lewis is 'crazy.'

'Naturally, he drives a Subaru,' Musk wrote.

The incident comes amid mass protests of Elon Musk for his efforts to slash government spending. He is pictured with his son on Friday

Speaking about the incident, Musk suggested in a post on X that the vandal must be 'crazy'

The incident comes amid fiery mass protests at Tesla showrooms across the country as leftists hit out at Musk for his efforts to slash government spending

Last weekend, roughly 250 activists 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.

Swastikas and other Nazi imagery have become common place at these protests.

There have also been more than a dozen acts of vandalism against Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations since Donald Trump's inauguration, according to police and local reports.

In Oregon, a showroom was even shot up with an AR-15 style-rifle in February. Suspected vandal Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, is also accused of causing major damage at the same store with Molotov cocktails in January.

Protests against Elon Musk popped up at Tesla showrooms across the country this month

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

The protests against Musk and Tesla have ramped up since the billionaire and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) began firing thousands of federal workers, including veterans, as it pushes to downsize the government.

Those who have been affected by the cuts have said they can no longer afford necessities, travel and health care. Many also said they are no longer pumping into local economies by going out to dinner.

Musk's embattled agency is even facing scrutiny from federal judges - one of whom required that the Trump administration rehire thousands of fired 'probationary' employees.

US District Judge William Alsup, a Bill Clinton nominee, called the large scale firings across government a 'sham' in a fiery decision, days after ruling that a government directive for the firings was 'unlawful.'

'It is a sad day when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that's a lie,' he said.

'It was a sham in order to try to avoid statutory requirements,' he added from the bench.

Musk's political postures appear to be coming at a price for Tesla, forcing Trump to showcase the vehicles from the White House last week

Musk's political postures also appear to be coming at a price for Tesla, whose sales in Europe tumbled 45 percent in January from a year earlier - while its rivals' sales rose by over 37 percent.

Tesla's market capitalization has dropped 45 percent since hitting an all-time high of $1.5trillion on December 17, erasing most of the gains the stock made after Musk helped finance Trump's election victory.

In an effort to turn that around, Trump showcased the electric vehicles from the White House last week - and even purchased one of his own.

Meanwhile, Musk is continuing his efforts to slash the federal budget - teaming up with the US Postal Service to cut 10,000 staff members.

He has insisted that America is not a true democracy if judges who attempt to block Trump's cost-cutting agenda are permitted to keep their spot on the bench.
Anthony Albanese's plan to subsidise Australian steel and aluminium manufacturers risks inflaming the trade war with Donald Trump, an expert has warned.

The Prime Minister last week announced a new $750million program designed to 'boost development of new technologies to ensure our metals manufacturers remain globally competitive'.

'We want to see more Australian workers make more things here,' Mr Albanese said.

'That's why we are allocating funding to back our local metals manufacturers to seize the opportunities of the future.'

The announcement was made on Friday, two days after 25 per cent tariffs were slapped on Australian steel and aluminium exported to the United States.

This was also after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick accused Australia of dumping aluminium at below cost on the American market.

Dr Naoise McDonagh, a senior lecturer in geopolitics and international trade at Perth's Edith Cowan University, said Trump could argue Australia's new subsidies on steel and aluminium was an attempt to undercut the prices of US manufacturers.

'Trump can certainly weaponise the announcement and superficially it could hold some potential merit,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Anthony Albanese 's new plan to subsidise Australian steel and aluminium manufacturers risks inflaming the trade war with Donald Trump (the Prime Minister is pictured at the BlueScope steelworks in Port Kembla)

'Although Trump does not really need evidence to apply tariffs, many of his justificatory claims are false, misleading or a mixture of both.'

Dr McDonagh said the Australian government looked likely to disguise price subsidies as environmental programs, with the announcement including green aluminium production credits.

South Australia's troubled Whyalla steelworks, now in administration, will also be propped up with taxpayer funding.

This could potentially spark complaints to the World Trade Organisation.

'More broadly, green subsidies, whether genuine or being used duplicitously for industrial gain, will become ever more contentious in today's febrile geoeconomic environment,' Dr McDonagh said.

The trade expert said Australian governments would be more likely to subsidise metal manufacturing as the likes of China tried to make other nations dependent on its products.

'Pressure on Australia's government to adopt a more aggressive industrial policy for industries of strategic importance will only grow,' he said.

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the state government would now be more inclined to buy Australian steel and aluminium for projects like train manufacturing rather than importing cheaper product from China, as the previous Coalition government did.

The announcement was made on Friday, two days after 25 per cent tariffs were slapped on Australian steel and aluminium exported to the United States (pictured is President Donald Trump)

New South Wales Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the state government would now be more inclined to buy Australian steel and aluminium for projects like trains manufacturing rather than importing it from China, like the previous Coalition government did to save money upfront

'You can buy Australia if you're a patriot, you can also buy Australia if you want world class steel,' he told the ABC's Q+A program on Monday.

'And we talk down the quality of our steel industry but BlueScope Steel in the Illawarra does an amazing job of producing steel for renewable energy but also for trains.

'We are adopting a policy that says, "We are looking to buy steel from Australia, we're looking to buy aluminium with Australia".

'We are equally wanting to use our purchasing power to put Australia into global supply chains, yes using train manufacturing.

'That is a sound response to the policies that the Trump administration's put in place.'

Mr Mookhey said Australian steel and aluminium was of better quality and argued it would be cheaper to source spare parts locally if something broke.

'What we're learning as a state government is that when it does come to things like trains, once you factor in everything you pay, having local manufacturing is really helpful when, for example, trains break and you need to repair them,' he said.

'The fact that you can bring in the same sort of steel, rather than have to ship it from the other side of the world, is actually a real cost saving.'

While the World Trade Organisation frowns on subsidies, it considers them acceptable if they are focused on research and development rather than simply reducing prices, and provided they are available to both local and foreign firms.

'R&D subsidies are universally used by all governments and may not distort global markets, hence may not breach WTO rules,' Dr McDonagh said.

The latest $750million in government funding for metals manufacturers comes from the $1.7billion Future Made In Australia Innovation Fund, announced last year in the 2024-25 Budget.
The deadly Eaton Fire that tore through the hills of Los Angeles for several days in January may have been started by a defunct 'zombie' power line - one that was no longer carrying electricity or even connected to the grid.

Southern California Edison is now scrambling to determine whether the idle transmission line which sparked the fire that destroyed the neighborhood of Altadena, where 17 people lost their lives, somehow reawakened in the night.

Scientists believe that a phenomenon known as induction whereby a current is formed through electromagnetic force that is generated by other high-voltage transmission lines running close by.

Even an idle power line can be affected as it absorbs small amounts of electricity.

For days, investigators at the power company Southern California Edison (SCE) were convinced that their power lines hadn't caused the catastrophe.

The company had scoured the area examining their active lines and found no evidence of downed wires, broken equipment, or faults in the electrical system.

It seemed like an open-and-shut case but then, something unsettling emerged a photos and videos began circulating, showing flames licking at the base of a power line.

But the line was a relic and had been out of service for 53 years without any connection to the power grid, yet the 'zombie' line appeared to have come back from the dead.

The deadly Eaton Fire that tore through the hills of Los Angeles for several days in January may have been started by a 'zombie' power line - one that was no longer carrying electricity or even connected to the grid

Debris is seen at the site of a home that burned down during the Eaton wildfire - one of more than 6,000 homes

A home burns during the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California. Powerful Santa Ana winds pushed the fire across more than 10,000 acres in less than 24 hours

'We certainly have a lot of attention and focus on the induction theory,' Edison International Chief Executive Pedro Pizarro said to the Wall Street Journal. 'Because it was not connected to anything, then induction ends up being a leading hypothesis.'

Investigators are now looking into whether this forgotten power line unwittingly became the cause of the catastrophe.

The Eaton Fire ignited on January 7, in the wooded hills of Eaton Canyon, just east of Altadena.

The winds were howling that night as dry desert air flowed into the area.

But in the moments before the first flames were sparked, something strange happened.

A live transmission line outside the canyon suffered a disruption resulting in a sudden surge of electricity.

That surge may have amped up the electromagnetic field surrounding the idle power line, creating a deadly, invisible chain reaction.

The grounding equipment designed to keep that dormant line harmless had suffered damage - although how and when remains unknown.

A view of flames at the mountain as seen from Topanga Canyon near Pacific Palisades in Topanga, Los Angeles, California, United States on January 9, 2025. A fast-moving wildfire has forced 180,000 people to evacuate, with officials warning that worsening winds could further escalate the blaze. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Firefighters water down smoky embers as the fire ravaged a school in Altadena, California, where the devastating Eaton Fire caused widespread damage

But what is clear is that soon after, flames burst to life beneath the idle line.

Videos obtained by lawyers representing the fire's victims show eerie flashes of light near one of the line's support towers, just moments before the inferno exploded across the canyon.

The footage may have captured the exact moment the line came alive and a lifeless wire suddenly sparked that set 14,000 acres ablaze destroying over 6,000 homes.

'It's time to be able to do more specific analysis of the equipment itself,' Pizarro said to WSJ. 'If we see something that gives us that missing link, we're going to say so right away.'

Driven by gale-force winds the the Eaton Fire it leapt across dry brush and into neighborhoods within minutes, giving families almost no time to react.

Some barely escaped with their lives but others were not so lucky.

When the smoke finally cleared, 17 lives had been lost and an entire community reduced to smoldering rubble.

The staggering loss made the fire the second-most destructive in California history.

SCE, a subsidiary of Edison International, is now bracing for the lawsuits ahead.

The company could be forced to dip into California's $21 billion wildfire liability fund but only if it can prove to regulators that its maintenance of the idle power line met industry standards. If not, it could be left to shoulder the astronomical costs alone.

Adding to the pressure, Los Angeles County has already filed a lawsuit to recover what could be hundreds of millions of dollars in fire recovery costs.

Lawyers are actively recruiting fire victims with lawsuits are mounting by the day.

SoCal Edison transmission towers stand in an area which burned during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit last week alleging that Southern California Edison's electrical equipment caused the Eaton Fire, which left 17 people dead

Flames are seem emanating from a mountain, as seen from Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles

Firefighters work the scene as an apartment building burns during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles county, California on January 8, 2025. 17 people were killed

An Army Corps of Engineers team clears debris from a home that burned down during the Eaton wildfire as recovery efforts continue in Altadena, California, pictured last week

Perhaps most worryingly of all is that there is no known figure on just how many more 'zombie' power lines are still out there.

SCE alone has more than 465 miles of transmission lines that are no longer in use, and there has been no regulatory mandate to remove them.

Many were left standing simply because dismantling them was too expensive.

Others were kept in place under the assumption they might someday be used again.

But after the Eaton Fire, the industry is waking up to the reality that these forgotten power lines may not be as lifeless as they seem.

California regulators have been here before. In 2019, the massive Kincade Fire in Northern California was sparked by a decommissioned PG&E transmission line that should have been removed but wasn't.

6,000 homes in Altadena were destroyed in the Eaton fire

More than 9,000 structures are believed to have been razed in the Eaton fire alone

Energy company Edison International is being sued over a possible link to one of the wildfires

In that case, the line was still technically connected to the grid. The oversight cost PG&E dearly, leading to a $40 million fine.

'We probably didn't see insights there at that point in time that would have led to different steps here with our de-energized idle lines,' Pizarro admitted. 'Now that we've gone through this experience, we are taking a look at that.'

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is also conducting its own independent investigation but it may take months before a formal conclusion is reached.

SCE has also announced the immediate inspections of its idle lines, desperate to prevent another catastrophe.
A judge has slammed a lawyer representing the Trump administration for ignoring his order to turn around a planeload full of illegal immigrants en route to El Salvador.

More than 200 suspected gang members from the feared Tren de Aragua who were illegally living in the United States were sent to El Salvador on Sunday after Trump invoked the wartime Aliens Enemies Act.

US District Judge James Boasberg had issued an order to temporarily halt the deportations, telling Trump's lawyers in court that any plane already in the air must turn around and return to US soil.

But a later written ruling was less specific about those details, and the Trump administration claims it followed that, rather than the oral directive given in court.

In a tense hearing on Monday, Boasberg slammed that excuse, instead summarizing the administration's position as: 'We don't care, we'll do what we want.'

Justice Department attorney Abhishek Kambli said the administration 'believes that we've complied with the order.'

Boasberg hit back, saying an order is an order regardless of whether it is written or provided orally in a court room.

'You're saying that you felt that you could disregard it because it wasn't a written order,' Boasberg said.

More than 200 suspected gang members from the feared Tren de Aragua who were illegally living in the United States were sent to El Salvador on Sunday after Trump invoked the wartime Aliens Enemies Act

They were already in international airspace when a federal judge abruptly blocked the Trump administration's use of an 18th century law to deport the alleged gangsters

El Salvador's leader, in a meeting last month with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, offered to house prisoners from the United States in his country

He called the Justice Department's argument 'a stretch.'

Kambli was ordered to answer a series of questions about the incident, including how many people were in the air at the time his order was handed down, but he refused.

Kambli cited national security concerns, saying: 'I am only authorized to say what we have said.'

The judge ordered Kambli turn over answers by noon Tuesday, including an official explanation about why he would not disclose the information on Monday.

In a savage takedown, he said he would put these requests in a written order after the court proceedings ended, 'since apparently my oral orders don't appear to carry much weight.'

To alleviate any stress about national security concerns, Boasberg is willing to seal the administration's response, 'in part... if necessary.'

The government had made efforts to remove Boasberg from the case, accusing him of endangering national security with his questions.

In a letter, lawyers argued: 'The Government cannotand will notbe forced to answer sensitive questions of national security and foreign relations in a rushed posture without orderly briefing and a showing that these questions are somehow material to a live issue. Answering them, especially on the proposed timetable, is flagrantly improper and presents grave risks to the conduct of the Government in areas wholly unsuited to micromanagement supervision by a district court judge.'

In a tense hearing on Monday, Judge Boasberg (pictured) slammed that excuse, instead summarizing the administration's position as: 'We don't care, we'll do what we want'

Trump had celebrated as a plane carrying suspected members of the notorious Venezuelan gang touched down at a prison in El Salvador despite the judge's order.

The migrants were brought to a maximum security Terrorism Confinement Center under an agreement between Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Photos and videos Bukele shared online showed several men in handcuffs and shackles being transferred from a plane to a heavily-guarded convoy.

Once at the prison, they were seen shackled on the ground as prison guards shaved their heads.

When the plane then landed on Sunday and the gangsters were seen being led into their prison cells, Trump blamed his predecessor and the Democratic party for letting them into the country into the first place.

'These are monsters sent into our Country by Crooked Joe Biden and the Radical Left Democrats. How dare they!' the president posted on his Truth Social page Sunday night.

'Thank you to El Salvador, and in particular President Bukele, for your understanding of this horrible situation, which was allowed to happen to the United States because of Democrat leadership,' he continued.

'We will not forget.'

President Donald Trump hailed the sight of migrants arriving at a notorious Salvadoran prison on Sunday, calling them 'monsters'

The migrants were brought to the Terrorism Confinement Center under an agreement between Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and Secretary of State Marco Rubio

The president blamed Democrats for the gang's arrival in the United States

Rubio had also 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.'

Of those now being held at the maximum security prison, 137 are suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang who were deported just moments after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, declaring that the US was facing an 'invasion' from a criminal organization that has been linked to kidnapping, extortion, organized crime and contract killings.

It had been invoked only three times before during major international conflicts.

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.

The act was also used during World War I and the War of 1812.

Trump claimed he is justified in invoking the act to deport Tren de Aragua members because he claims the gang has ties to the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Under his order, 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.'

Salvadoran police officers escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center

Gang members are pictured being taken to their cells on Sunday

The directive also notes that the notorious gang 'has engaged in and continues to engage in mass illegal migration to the United States to further its objectives of harming United States citizens.'

He contended that the gang 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.

'Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organizations, including TdA,' Trump said in defense of his order.

'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 United States sent over 130 suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang

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, organized crime and contract killings

An alleged member of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua being shaved upon his arrival at the Terrorism Confinement Centre

How the saga unfolded

Saturday March 15: 5pm Court hearing begins Saturday March 15: 5.25pm First deportation flight departs Texas Saturday March 15: 5.45pm Second deportation flight departs Texas Saturday March 15: 6.45pm Judge verbally orders Justice Department to turn around any planes carrying deportees under the Alien Enemies act. According to a transcript, he said: 'Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States this is something that you need to make sure is complied with immediately.' Saturday March 15: 7.26pm Brief written order is issued which references a temporary halt on removing noncitizens under the act, but does not reference turning planes around Saturday March 15: 7.36pm Third deportation flight departs Texas Saturday March 15: 7.36pm - 9.32pm The first two deportation flights land in Honduras. They will continue on to El Salvador. The third flight lands directly in El Salvador. Sunday March 16: 3.26pm Justice Department submits a memo with the judge informing him 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 Court's second order.' Advertisement

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 Trump administration has since designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel and six other criminal groups as global terrorist organizations.

But Boasberg ruled the Alien Enemies Act 'does not provide basis for the president's proclamation' to deport suspected gang members 'given that the terms invasion, predatory incursion really relate to hostile acts perpetrated by any nation and commensurate to war.'

At the prison, the suspected gang members will now spend 23 and a half hours locked in overcrowded cells, with just 30 minutes to stretch - chained in the middle of the hallway.

It 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.

Every pavilion also has its own windowless cell where unruly prisoners are sent.

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.
Agents from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency are accused of breaking into the nonprofit US Institute of Peace on Monday night as it continues to take a chainsaw to waste, fraud and abuse in Washington.

The organization's CEO, George Moose, said, 'DOGE has broken into our building' after having been turned away on Friday.

'President Trump signed an executive order to reduce USIP to its statutory minimum. After noncompliance, 11 board members were lawfully removed, and remaining board members appointed Kenneth Jackson acting president,' a spokesperson for Donald Trump told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'Rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage. The Trump administration will enforce the President's executive authority and ensure his agencies remain accountable to the American people.'

The US Institute of Peace says on its website that it's a nonpartisan, independent organization 'dedicated to protecting US interests by helping to prevent violent conflicts and broker peace deals abroad.'

The nonprofit says it was created by Congress in 1984 as an 'independent nonprofit corporation,' and it does not meet US Code definitions of 'government corporation,' 'government-controlled corporation' or 'independent establishment.'

The institute has been in DOGE's crosshairs after a February 19 executive order, titled Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, called for the 'dramatic' downsizing of the federal government.

The breach comes despite protests from the nonprofit that it is not part of the executive branch and is instead an independent agency.

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency broke in to the nonprofit US Institute of Peace on Monday night as it continues to take a chainsaw to waste, fraud and abuse in Washington

It was not immediately clear what the DOGE staffers were doing or looking for in the nonprofit's building, which is across the street from the State Department in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood

Police cars reported to the Washington building Monday evening, a senior US Institute of Peace official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

It was not immediately clear what the DOGE staffers were doing or looking for in the nonprofit's building, which is across the street from the State Department in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood.

President Donald Trump went after the organization and a few others in a February 19 executive order that aims to shrink the size of the federal government.

The order also targeted the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation, and The Presidio Trust, and said they should be 'eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law,' the outlet reported.

The administration has since moved to fire and cancel programs at some of those organizations.

The African Development Foundation, which also unsuccessfully tried to keep DOGE staff from entering its offices in Washington, went to court, but a federal judge ruled last week that removing most grants and most staff would be legal.

The president of the Inter-American Foundation sued Monday to block her firing in February by the Trump administration.

DOGE has expressed interest in the US Institute of Peace for weeks but has been rebuffed by lawyers who argued that the institute's status protected it from the kind of reorganization that is occurring in other federal agencies.

President Donald Trump went after the organization and a few others in a Feb. 19 executive order that aims to shrink the size of the federal government. The order also targeted the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation, and The Presidio Trust which overseas presidio National Park (pictured)

Musk's DOGE team estimated the cuts savings to have reached $55 billion in a message from the official doge.gov website

On Friday, DOGE members arrived with two FBI agents, who left after the institute's lawyer told them of USIP's 'private and independent status,' the organization said in a statement.

Musk's DOGE team estimated the cuts savings to have reached $55 billion in a message from the official doge.gov website, citing data since February 17.

The efforts to reduce government waste continue to capture the headlines as Democrats and government workers are protesting in the streets about the cuts.

Trump has defended Musk's efforts, telling Fox News host Sean Hannity that they talk frequently about the efforts by Democrats and the media to drive them apart.

'It's obvious, they're so bad at it. I used to think they were good at it but they're bad at it, because if they were good at I wouldn't be president,' he said.

Last month, the White House clarified in court papers that Musk's title was 'senior adviser to the president' and that he is 'not the US DOGE Service Administrator.'

'In his role as senior advisor to the president, Mr. Musk has no greater authority than other senior White House advisors,' the court filing noted, adding that he had 'no actual or formal authority' to make government decisions by himself.

Trump has endorsed Musk's work as a result of his election mandate to cut government spending and reduce the federal workforce.

'We got elected to, among other things, find all of this fraud, abuse, all of this horrible stuff going on,' he said.
Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is blasting a report alleging that Donald Trump offered her the chance to rest in the bed on his campaign plane if she didn't tell Melania.

She slammed it as 'distasteful' and 'gross.'

Luna, who was pregnant when the incident took place, detailed what really happened in a lengthy post on X.

She said she was experiencing pre-eclampsia symptoms when she was traveling on Trump Force One in the summer of 2023.

She said that Trump 'being the gentleman and good person that he is, said if I did not feel well, I could use the back room. He did this in a respectful way and in front of my husband, of which we thanked him. He also assured me that they had a medical team on board in case anything happened and they were aware of how pregnant I was.'

She was responding to a tweet from the Daily Beast that published a report from Axios reporter Alex Isenstadt's book Revenge: The Inside Story of Trumps Return to Power, which comes out Tuesday.

U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Republican of Florida, holds her son as the House of Representatives meets to elects a new Speaker of the House

Isenstadt discussed the book on DailyMail's Welcome to MAGAland podcast on Monday.

An excerpt of the book published by the Daily Beast reported Trump offered the pregnant Luna, 35, the chance to lay down on the bed aboard his campaign plane if she needed to rest.

He also asked Luna to keep the offer hush-hush and joked that his wife doesn't like for other women to be in his bed, the website reported.

'If you need a bed to lay down in, there's one here on the plane. If you feel sick and you need to lay there, you can lay on it,' Trump told the MAGA newcomer, according to Isenstadt's retelling.

'Just don't tell Melania. She doesn't like other women on my bed,' he added.

Luna, a darling of the MAGA world and close friend of Trump, said she was responding to the because it was 'attacking @POTUS, his marriage, our first lady, and frankly implying something distasteful about me.'

'This was the most compassionate thing that couldve been done at the time. I find it disgusting that the author fails to recognize that,' she wrote on X.

'The author of this book never reached out to me for comment. Which means that this book is likely going to be a s*** hit piece. If people in POTUS orbit are talking to this author, they need to be cut off immediately. This is gross,' she added.

The Daily Beast took its version from excerpts of Isenstadt's book published by Axios.

'In our report, Axios correctly portrayed and contextualized comments made by President Trump during an interaction that he had with Rep. Luna, an interaction she confirmed in her statement did in fact happen,' Axios said in a statement.

Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (left) is a strong supporter President Trump (right)

Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna during her pregnancy

Luna and her husband Andrew welcomed a son in August 2023.

Since then she has championed the rights of new mothers.

Luna recently proposed a resolution that asks the House to allow its members who are new mothers to be able to vote by proxy  remotely from home  during the first six weeks of their babies' lives. She has bipartisan support on the matter.

The House did allow proxy voting during the COVID pandemic but removed that option when infections died down.

In addition to the preeclampsia, Luna said she developed other complications after her son's birth, including mastitis. She had to go onto antibiotics and blood pressure medications.

The delivery and subsequent complications meant Luna could not reliably attend House sessions to vote at a time there was a series of high-stake issues being debated, including the federal budget and the first-ever ouster of a House speaker.

The Florida Republican campaigned for Trump last year and remains close to him.

She even proposed legislation that would direct the secretary of the Interior to carve the Trump's figure on Mount Rushmore.
A Napa Valley mother was allegedly driving while intoxicated when she crashed her car Sunday morning, killing her two young children.

Yesica Barajas, 31, has been arrested on suspicion of DUI-related charges for the crash that took the lives of her son, 10-year-old Damien Montanez, and daughter, nine-year-old Aaliyah Montanez.

Authorities say her 2006 Nissan sedan veered off the eastern edge of the Highway 29 off ramp at around 7am, then crashed into a tree 20 to 30 feet below an embankment, the Press Democrat reports.

The impact of the crash caused the airbags to deploy, and both children were pronounced dead at the scene, according to KTVU.

Meanwhile, Barajas was taken to a local hospital to be treated for unspecified major injuries.

She was still in the hospital recovering as of Monday, and will remain in California Highway Patrol custody until she is medically cleared for booking into the Napa County Jail.

Exact charges are pending depending on the evidence collected and Barajas' previous DUI history, but authorities say she is likely to face at least one felony DUI charge noting that alcohol, drugs and speed are all suspected factors in the crash.

Damien Montanez, 10, and Aaliyah Montanez, nine, were killed in a car crash on Sunday

Authorities say their mother, Yesica Barajas, 31, was driving her 2006 Nissan sedan when it veered off the eastern edge of the Highway 29 off ramp at around 7am, then crashed into a tree 20 to 30 feet below an embankment

Barajas is now being held in California Highway Patrol custody on suspicion of DUI

Family members were left reeling from the news on Monday.

'Everybody is still in shock,' Angela Villasenor told KRON. 'No one is prepared for something like this to happen. The family right now is devastated.'

She added that the children 'will be missed,' as she created an online fundraiser for their funeral expenses.

It describes Damien and Aaliyah as as 'sweet, loving [and] full of life.'

'They touched everyone they met,' the GoFundMe reads. 'They were always helpful and loved camping in Lake Tahoe, where they often went with their grandparents.'

As of Monday evening, the fundraiser had already netted more than $21,000 for Damien and Aaliyah's funeral expenses.

Meanwhile, the Napa Valley Unified School District said it will provide support services for all students and staff affected by their sudden passing.

'Our hearts go out to the family as we grieve with our community and offer support during this difficult time,' a spokesperson for the district said.
Repairing the potholes in Britain's pockmarked roads would cost 17billion, figures show.

And efforts to repair the nation's transport network lack strategic planning and only amount to a 'short-term' solution, according to the Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (Alarm) report, commissioned by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA).

The survey found that one in every six miles of the local road network in England and Wales  or 34,600 miles in all  will lack 'structural integrity' within five years.

Meanwhile, projections indicate more than half  or 106,000 miles  of local roads will be in disrepair in 15 years' time.

The annual report says the one-off cost needed to bring the network up to a condition that would allow it to be managed cost-effectively is 17billion  an increase of 16 per cent.

The findings come despite 20billion being spent on road repairs over the last decade, and one pothole being filled in on average every 18 seconds for the last ten years.

Repairing the potholes in Britain's pockmarked roads would cost 17billion, figures show

The estimated cost to repair roads in England and Wales has increased 46% in a decade, rising from 11.5bn in 2016 to almost 17bn in 2025, according to the AIA

Conservative transport spokesman Gareth Bacon said: 'It is clear that over many years governments of any colour have neglected Britain's roads.

'Motorists are getting a raw deal. Drivers contribute in excess of 30billion a year in motorist related taxes, including fuel duty, but only a fraction of that is spent on maintaining our roads.

'If we ever want to get out of this problem, there needs to be some decisive action taken.'

David Giles, of the AIA, said nearly all local authority highway teams reported 'no improvement to their local network over the last year'. He added: 'There needs to be a complete change in mindset from short-term to longer-term funding commitments.'

The hard-hitting report's key findings are that local authority budgets would need to double over the next ten years to maintain their roads  equating to an extra 7.4million each year.

Conservative transport spokesman Gareth Bacon (pictured) said: 'It is clear that over many years governments of any colour have neglected Britain's roads. Motorists are getting a raw deal'

The Daily Mail has been campaigning for an end to the pothole plague (pictured), which is costing drivers millions in repair bills

The RAC says the report highlights the 'continued misery for local road users' in England and Wales.

Its head of policy Simon Williams said: 'Once again, these figures paint a bleak picture of the state of the nations roads and confirm what a majority of drivers have known for a long time  that in far too many parts of the country, road surfaces are simply not fit-for-purpose.

'The lack of investment in our roads is a false economy as it just leads to bigger repair costs in future  something local authorities can ill-afford.

'In the meantime, all road users continue to pay the price with uncomfortable journeys, avoidable breakdowns and repair bills that they only incur because potholes are so bad.'

Edmund King, the president of AA, added: 'The UK is nowhere close to getting out of this rut.'

He is calling on Sir Keir Starmer's Government to ring-fence increased funding for road repairs over a five-year period.

The Daily Mail has been campaigning for an end to the pothole plague, which is costing drivers millions in repair bills.

A spokesman for the Department of Transport, which is responsible for allocating funding for road maintenance, said: 'For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague, which is why we're investing 1.6billion to help local authorities resurface local roads and fix the equivalent of up to seven million extra potholes over the next financial year.'
A gangland lawyer will be allowed to travel overseas for a family holiday despite allegedly being linked to crime syndicates by the global AN0M sting operation.

Sarah Tricarico, 38, fronted a Melbourne court where she responded to being charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Tricarico, who has represented many big names including jailed drug lord Tony Mokbel, was arrested and charged by specialist police on March 13.

The prominent criminal lawyer had appeared in court on behalf of Mokbel the same day she was arrested.

Tricarico, of Maribyrnong in Melbourne's inner west, was charged alongside co-accused Youssef Raffoul, 33, from Coburg.

The Melbourne mother was represented by top barrister Dermot Dann KC who told Tuesday's hearing that his client 'maintained her innocence'.

Mr Dann also said Tricarico was a 'practising solicitor' but her licence was suspended after being charged and allegedly linked to organised crime gangs.

The top barrister also said his client would be meeting with the Victorian Legal Services Board in a bid to keep practising while she fights to clear her name.

Melbourne lawyer Sarah Tricarico, 38, fronted court after being charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice

Tricarico has represented many big names including jailed drug lord Tony Mokbel (pictured entering the Supreme Court)

Tricarico was able to secure relaxed bail conditions so she could take a planned overseas holiday with her mum and son.

Neither the prosecution nor police opposed Tricarico's bid to keep her passport to leave the country. Mr Dann told the court his client would also travel interstate if she was allowed to practise law again.

The court denied a prosecution application for more time in handing over the brief of evidence.

Prosecution lawyers had sought the extra time because the police informant was about to go on leave but Mr Dann opposed it because his client was keen to get back to working as a lawyer.

Victoria Police Criminal Proceeds Squad detectives arrested Tricarico and Raffoul after information was allegedly 'uncovered' in the worldwide 'Operation Ironside' investigation.

The major police operation involved investigators from several countries including the United States, the UK and Australia which worked together and delivered crime syndicates a hammer blow in June 2021.

The FBI, Australian Federal Police and other authorities teamed up to smash global criminal networks with an elaborate sting involving 'AN0M' branded phones and the encrypted messaging app.

The gangs used the tech without realising police could easily intercept and read their communications.

Tricarico was arrested after information was allegedly uncovered in the worldwide Operation Ironside AN0M investigation

Operation Ironside authorities sensationally carried out the Australia's biggest ever organised crime bust

Criminal gangs had been duped into using the FBI designed technology for three years prior to the mass arrests which took down drug syndicates, bikie gangs and other major crooks globally.

Across Australia, authorities sensationally carried out the country's biggest ever organised crime bust, announcing 224 people had been arrested on day one.

In Australia alone, the mammoth bust saw 4,000 officers storm the underworld after gangsters were monitored for a protracted period.

Since then many more alleged criminals have been arrested and charged, including Tricarico and Raffoul, and Operation Ironside remains ongoing.

During the initial stages of the covert operation, detectives allegedly foiled 21 murder plots - saving the lives of a family of five - and shut down gun distribution and mass drug trafficking rings, with mafia bosses, bikies and reality TV stars among those arrested.

The app gained currency in the underworld after being promoted by criminal figures including Comanchero bikie and suspected drug lord Hakan Ayik.

Ayik, once touted as the FBI's most wanted man on earth after he fled Australia in 2010, spruiked the app to criminal colleagues after it was first distributed to police informants.

The suspected drug boss was one of dozens of underworld figures who were arrested by Turkish cops in Istanbul in November 2023.

Hakan Ayik (pictured) was one of dozens of underworld figures who were arrested in Istanbul in November 2023

Ayik, also known as 'Big Hux', has yet to be extradited to Australia.

Tricarico had recently been working on Mokbel's appeal following the disclosure that his lawyer, Nicola Gobbo, was the police informant Lawyer X.

Mokbel appeared at court on Thursday, represented by Tricarico, in his ongoing bid to be released from jail over the Lawyer X revelation in March 2019.

An appeals court will determine Mokbel's fate later this year.

Gobbo had acted for many of Melbourne's high-profile crooks, including Mokbel and the now-deceased gangster Carl Williams.

Williams was bludgeoned to death in jail before he even got a chance to see his former lawyer implicated in the scandal.

Mokbel has already enjoyed several legal wins over Gobbo's role in his affairs.

A 2006 conviction for cocaine importation was quashed in 2020 due to the Lawyer X scandal.

Mokbel with his former lawyer Nicola Gobbo leave a Melbourne court in the early 2000s

In 2023, his 2012 sentence for drug trafficking was slashed from 30 years' jail with a minimum term of 22 years to a total of 26 years with a non-parole period of 20 years.

The Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants, handing down its findings in 2021, revealed more than 1,000 crooks could be released or earn retrials because of Gobbo's unlawful informing to Victoria Police.

Commissioner Margaret McMurdo AO concluded that the convictions or findings of guilt of 1,011 people may have been affected by Victoria Polices use of Gobbo as an informant.

'She told police about Mr Mokbels properties, finances, contact numbers, associates, and the vehicles and code names he used,' Commissioner McMurdo said then.

'She divulged the defence strategies and tactics used by Mr Mokbels legal team, both in his criminal trial and his extradition proceedings.'

Tricarico and Raffoul both had their bail extended to front court at a later date.
Lucy Letby and former hospital chiefs want the public inquiry into her crimes halted.

Lady Justice Thirlwall, overseeing the inquiry, yesterday revealed she had received a letter from the 35-year-olds solicitor requesting the hearings be immediately suspended due to compelling evidence that her convictions are unsafe.

Kate Blackwell KC, who represents former senior management at the Countess of Chester Hospital, including ex-chief executive Tony Chambers, medical director Ian Harvey, director of nursing Alison Kelly and HR director Sue Hodkinson, is expected to make similar submissions for the inquiry to be paused in her closing speech today.

The news emerged as around 40 demonstrators spent an hour outside Liverpool Town Hall, where the inquiry is taking place, holding placards and chanting Free Lucy Letby.

Letby was found guilty of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospitals neo-natal unit between June 2015 and June 2016.

She has twice tried and failed to appeal against those convictions.

Last month a panel of 14 experts claimed to have found alternative natural explanations for the deaths and unexpected collapses of the children. They say Letby has been the victim of a miscarriage of justice. The report has been lodged with the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) and her new defence team want her case sent back to the Court of Appeal for a third time.

According to the letter sent to Lady Justice Thirlwall by Letbys solicitor, Louise Mortimer, of Bhandal Law, the judges final report would not only be redundant but likely unreliable unless the inquiry was paused.

Lucy Letby (pictured) was found guilty of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospitals neo-natal unit between June 2015 and June 2016

The entrance to the Countess of Chester hospital in Cheshire. Letby and senior management from the hospital have asked for the public inquiry into Letby's crimes to be halted

Lady Justice Thirlwall (pictured), overseeing the inquiry, yesterday revealed she had received a letter from the 35-year-olds solicitor requesting the hearings be immediately suspended due to compelling evidence that her convictions are unsafe

The letter states: It is estimated that over 10million has been spent so far on the inquiry.

It is now clear there is overwhelming and compelling evidence that Lucy Letbys convictions are unsafe.

For the inquiry to be effective and for taxpayer money not to be wasted, we urge that the inquiry be suspended and to wait for the outcome of the review to take place.

But Andrew Kennedy KC, representing the Countess of Chester Hospital, told the hearing that the hospital did not agree that the CCRC referral warranted the inquiry being stopped.

He said Letbys convictions stand, they have been tested in two unsuccessful appeals and pausing it would only serve to delay desperately needed recommendations being implemented in the wider NHS.

He added that any decision to postpone was for Health Secretary Wes Streeting to take in consultation with Lady Justice Thirlwall as the inquiry chairman.

Cheshire Constabulary has been investigating corporate manslaughter at the Chester hospital and the probe has now widened to include gross negligence manslaughter on the part of several individual employees.

A separate police inquiry into the deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neo-natal units of both the Chester hospital and the Liverpool Womens Hospital during Letbys time as nurse between 2012 to 2016 is continuing.
An RAF officer groped his colleagues wife, telling her Id only need five minutes, a court martial has heard.

Flight Lieutenant Jonathan Gwynn allegedly told the woman on the dance floor at a Battle of Britain dinner he wanted to have sex with her, to which she responded: Well, my husband would have something to say about that.

Prior to the alleged incident, the officer was said to have tried to throw sweets down her cleavage. They later danced together and he is accused of pressing himself against her and grabbing her bottom, leaving her shocked, a panel was told yesterday.

Gwynn was so drunk by the time his alleged victim left shortly after that he was asleep on the floor at the officers mess, Prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Chris Adair told the court.

The father is on trial at Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, after pleading not guilty to one count of sexual assault.

RAF officer Flt Lt Jonathan Gwynn arriving at Bulford Military Court Centre

Gwynn is on trial at Bulford Military Court after pleading not guilty to one count of sexual assault

In a video statement shown to the court, the woman said: It was intentional, it was borderline aggressive. He leaned in and said to me I want to f*** you, I want to f*** you hard. He was pushing himself, his groin area into me while he did it... I was just shocked by it. She added he was clearly drunk by this point, saying: I dont even know if he would remember it.

She said that before the assault, she had trusted the officer as he dressed up as an elf for the Christmas family happy hour, and supported families on the RAF base where they were situated.

Lt Col Adair told the court Gwynn strongly denied touching her in any way and denied he was drunk.

The trial continues.
Israel has been accused of ending the ceasefire after dozens of people including children were killed in a series of air strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza.

A senior Hamas official said Israel unilaterally overturned the ceasefire that began on January 19.

Unverified reports from medics say hundreds of people have died as a result of the strikes.

The Israeli army did not provide more details about the 'extensive strikes' but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement saying the military had been instructed to 'take strong action against the Hamas terrorist organization'.

'This follows Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators,' the statement added.

'Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.'

Three houses were hit in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, a building in Gaza City, and targets in Khan Younis and Rafah, according to medics and witnesses.

Footage being shared on social media claiming to be of the aftermath of the strikes show fires illuminating palm trees and debris as smoke billowed into the sky.

The picture was shared on social media and claims to show the impact of Israel's renewed air strikes in Gaza

Photos have emerged of people reportedly moving dead bodies in southern Gaza after the strikes - said to have killed dozens

More than 150 are said to have been injured in the blasts - said to have come after Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas

The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said there were at least 35 airstrikes on Gaza, with its ministry of health saying at least 44 people have been killed and dozens more injured in the strikes.

The Gaza health ministry later said that toll had risen to more than 200.

The White House was consulted by Israel prior to the strikes, Fox News reports.

The strikes come after nearly two months of a ceasefire to pause the 17-month long war where dozens of hostages were released for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

But talks have stalled due to a disagreement between Israel and Hamas on how to sustain the three-phase ceasefire that began in January.

Arab mediators, backed by the United States, haven't been able to hammer out differences between the two warring parties in talks held over the past two weeks when the ceasefire was due to enter the second phase.

This came as Israel announced on March 2 it would be suspending the entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza over a dispute around the timing of the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

When the 42-day first phase of the ceasefire drew to a close in early March, Israel gave its backing to an extension it said was put forward by Witkoff, which would cover the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover.

The Israeli army did not provide more details about the strikes but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's (pictured) office released a statement saying the military had been instructed to 'take strong action against the Hamas terrorist organization'

This picture supposedly shows the aftermath of the 'extensive' Israeli air strikes on Gaza

Reports of a heavy bombardment of Gaza were also shared on social media

Palestinians look at the car that became unusable as a result of the Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahia, Gaza on March 15, 2025

Palestinians wait in line to receive hot food, at Jabalia refugee camp on March 4, 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced two days earlier that he had decided to stop the entry of all humanitarian aid supplies into the Gaza Strip

Hamas has repeatedly rejected an extension, instead favouring a transition to the truce deal's second phase, which would see the release of all remaining hostages and a more permanent end to the fighting in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

'Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided that, from this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will be suspended,' his office said in a statement earlier this month.

'Israel will not accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas persists with its refusal, there will be other consequences,' it added.

Hamas slammed the move, saying in a statement that the 'decision to suspend humanitarian aid is cheap blackmail, a war crime and a blatant coup against the (ceasefire) agreement'.

On Saturday night, Netanyahu announced that Israel is prepared to continue ceasefire talks based on a US proposal for the release of 11 living hostages and half of the deceased.

In a statement on X, his office said: 'Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an in-depth discussion this evening on the issue of the hostages, with the participation of the negotiating team and the heads of the security establishment.

'Following the discussion, the Prime Minister instructed the negotiating team to prepare for the continuation of the talks as per the mediators' response to the Witkoff proposal for the immediate release of 11 living hostages and half of the deceased hostages.'

On Friday Hamas said it would release the last living American-Israeli hostage and the remains of four other dual-national hostages after receiving a proposal from mediators to continue negotiations on the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal.

Edan Alexander, 21, who has been held for 525 days, will be released along with the bodies of four other hostages who died in captivity, Hamas has claimed.

On March 15, Hamas said the release will only happen if Israel implements their ceasefire agreement, calling it an 'exceptional deal' aimed at getting the truce back on track.

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 would also need to stop barring the entry of humanitarian aid and withdraw from a strategic corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt.
A body has been found during the search for a young man who was reported missing after he fell into the Brisbane River from a pontoon on the weekend.

Patrick Meafua Jr, 23, was celebrating a 21st birthday with family and friends when he fell into the river at the Jindalee Boat Ramp at 5.40am on Sunday.

A search was launched for the man, and emergency services located a body downstream at 8.30am on Tuesday.

It is understood the Mr Meafua was not able to swim.

Friends and family members had jumped into the Brisbane River to try to rescue him at the time but were unable to locate him.

A man in his 20s injured his shoulder diving into the waters in an attempt to help.

Acting Inspector Shane Thow said there was 'no indication that (the group) was mucking around' on Sunday.

He said it was unclear whether the group had been drinking prior to the accident.

Patrick Meafua Jr, 23, was celebrating a 21st birthday with family and friends before he slipped into the Brisbane River on Sunday morning

A search began immediately after the 23-year-old slipped into the water and ended with the discovery of a body on Tuesday

Insp Thow thanked nearby boat-owners for offering assistance within minutes of police arriving.

'We're most grateful for their efforts,' he said.

The operation involved crews attached to the Water Police, Dive Squad, general duties police, Marine Rescue, SES, aerial assets and other partners.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Serbian security forces reportedly used a military-grade sonic weapon to end a huge peaceful anti-corruption rally last weekend.

Hundreds of thousands of people descended on Serbia's capital Belgrade on Saturday to protest over the deaths of 15 people at a railway station canopy collapse on November 1.

Almost daily demonstrations that started in response to the tragedy have shaken Mr Vucic's decade-long firm grip on power, with many blaming the crash on rampant government corruption.

Footage from the rally shows people standing during a 15-minute silence for the rail station victims when a sudden piercing sound triggers panic and a brief stampede. Protesters were seen quickly clearing the road and running to the sidewalks.

An Associated Press photographer at the scene said people started scrambling for cover, leaving the middle of the street almost empty as they fell over each other.

Those exposed to the weapon experience sharp ear pain, disorientation and panic, security experts say. Prolonged exposure can cause eardrum ruptures and irreversible hearing damage.

Many who say they were in the epicentre of the alleged attack complained on social media about strong headache, nausea and disorientation.

Some security experts have alleged that a US-made long range acoustic device (LRAD) - a specialised sound-emitting tool capable of delivering high-frequency sound waves over significant distances - was used at the protest.

Footage from the rally shows people standing during a 15-minute silence for the rail station victims when a sudden piercing sound triggers panic and a brief stampede

People were seen quickly clearing the road and running to the sidewalks. An Associated Press photographer at the scene said people started scrambling for cover, leaving the middle of the street almost empty as they fell over each other

This aerial photograph shows protesters holding up their mobile phones to light up the night sky in memory of those who died in the Novi Sad roof disaster, as they take part in one of the largest anti-corruption demonstrations, in Belgrade on March 15, 2025

Their claims cannot be independently verified.

The noise that caused people to disperse sounded like a 'plane was landing from the direction of the presidency building', one protester, Dusan Simin, was quoted as saying by the Telegraph.

'We couldn't run away from it, we didn't know what to do. People must have instinctively thought something was coming down the street, so they started running to the side and we all fell over each other,' he added.

Serbian rights groups and opposition officials allege that such a prohibited sonic weapon that emits a targeted beam to temporarily incapacitate people was used on crowds at the protest on Saturday.

They said they will file charges with international and domestic courts against those who ordered the alleged attack.

Serbia's authoritarian and pro-Russian President Aleksandar Vucic again on Monday denied that the crowd-control device was deployed, calling it a 'wicked lie' aimed at 'destroying Serbia'.

He said he will soon invite the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and also Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) to investigate the claims.

'It is important for history to see how they lied,' he said, referring to those who claim the sonic weapon was used.

Thousands of protesters hold up their mobile phones to light up the night sky in memory of those who died in the Novi Sad roof disaster while marching into Belgrade on March 15, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia

Riot police officers set up positions during the student-led rally in Belgrade, Serbia, 15 March 2025

Protesters burn flares as thousands of people from all over Serbia gather to take part in one of the largest anti-corruption demonstrations on March 15, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia

Serbian officials have indirectly admitted that the police had about two years ago added the crowd control weapon to their arsenal, but insist that it was not used during Saturday's rally.

In its online petition signed by more than half a million people, the opposition Move-Change movement asked international authorities for an independent investigation 'into the use of a sound cannon on March 15 against peaceful protesters in Belgrade'.

The petition demands that the investigation 'includes the medical, legal and technical aspects of its impact on health and human rights'.

Former Serbian president Boris Tadic also said he 'will ask for international help to determine the truth about the events that caused grave violation of public safety and endangered health and lives of the Serbian citizens at the protest on Saturday'.

British NGO Earshot, which investigates the use of sonic weapons, told the Telegraph that it had received several videos of the incident at the rally that allegedly involved a sonic weapon.

'Four of these videos contain a sound consistent with the noise produced by a vortex ring gun or vortex cannon,' the NGO told the newspaper.

'As this weapon pushes gas out of its cylinder at speeds of 185mph, its expulsion produces a howling noise which has been compared to a jet engine.'

Mr Vucic, who says that the university students-led protests are part of a Western ploy to topple him from power, has warned that all those who spread disinformation will be held accountable in courts.
Peter Dutton is pressing ahead with a possible referendum on kicking out criminal dual citizens if he becomes Australia's next leader.

The Opposition Leader is planning to seek constitutional changes to permit a Coalition government to deport immigrants who spread hate, in response to the footage uploaded by Israeli influencer Max Veifer where two Bankstown nurses allegedly claimed they would kill Israeli patients who sought help at their hospital.

The pair have since been charged by police.

At issue is how serious hate crimes need to be to result in deportation. Currently dual citizens can only be stripped of their Australian nationality and deported if they commit terrorist acts resulting in a prison sentence of three or more years. But even that is now in question following a recent High Court ruling.

The issue took centre stage again on Tuesday when Dutton told Channel Seven's Sunrise program: 'My argument is if you betray your allegiance to our country you should expect to lose your citizenship.'

The constitutional amendment, which requires a referendum, would be designed to bring certainty to what grounds the government has the right to expel dual citizens and revoke their Australian citizenship.

On Tuesday, the Sydney Morning Herald tried to claim 'this masthead revealed Dutton was considering an election pledge on changing the Constitution to allow ministers to cancel the citizenship of people guilty of serious crimes', despite the revelation being reported nearly a full month ago.

Last month Dutton told a conference in Adelaide 'we have laws which allow the stripping of citizenship from people who commit terrorist attacks, but the High Court has limited the application'.

While Dutton's proposal might be more popular than the Voice referendum turned out to be, it would certainly be divisive. And there is no guarantee he would secure a majority of votes in a majority of states, which is required to amend the Australian Constitution, writes PVO

'I think the Constitution is a barrier... if we need to amend the Constitution, then I think that's a debate that our country is mature enough to have.'

The Albanese Government has dismissed the idea as 'bizarre', and Sunrise host Nat Barr questioned the Opposition Leader's priorities by asking him: 'Do you really want to send voters to another referendum poll?'

Anthony Albanese sought to amend the Constitution to impose an Indigenous Voice to Parliament as a central plank of his 2022 election campaign, only to see the referendum held a year after he won office be defeated in every state with a 61 percent national 'No' vote.

The referendum failure sparked a collapse in Labor's primary vote and the PM's personal support plummeted.

The Government still trails the Coalition in the polls with the next election due in about six weeks' time.

While Dutton's proposal might be more popular than the Voice referendum turned out to be, it would certainly be divisive. And there is no guarantee he would secure a majority of votes in a majority of states, which is required to amend the Australian Constitution.

Plus, any such debate could become a distraction during an election campaign expected to centre around economic management and how best to address the cost of living crisis that has engulfed Labor's first term.

Nevertheless, Dutton has reaffirmed his intention to press ahead.

The Voice referendum failure sparked a collapse in Labor's primary vote and the PM's personal support plummeted.

'What we're proposing here is a discussion about whether we have adequate laws, whether the Constitution is restrictive and ultimately what I want to do is keep our country safe and community safe,' he told Sunrise.

While the alleged anti-Semitic comments by the Bankstown nurses sparked this debate, at least one of them isn't even a dual citizen.

Ahmed 'Rashid' Nadir, who featured in the video alongside Sarah Abu Lebdeh, is believed to only hold Australian citizenship after arriving in Australia as a refugee.

You can't render an Australian citizen stateless by revoking their nationality if they don't have anywhere else to go, even if they weren't born here.

It is unclear how Dutton would seek to deal with such situations.
A Dominican woman previously convicted of dealing deadly opioids wept when was arrested last week by federal law enforcement.

Virginia Basora-Gonzalez, 36, was taken into custody in Philadelphia thanks to a joint operation undertaken by agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the US Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

ICE issued Basora-Gonzalez, who was first deported more than four years ago, a notice of intent to reinstate a final order of removal on March 12.

On that same day, the agency obtained an arrest warrant and a criminal complaint from a US magistrate judge before turning her over to the US Marshals.

She will be remaining in federal custody pending charges for reentry after deportation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Basora-Gonzalez's first brush with the law came in June 2019, when the Drug Enforcement Administration charged her with attempted possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Court records show two other men were charged with the same crime along with her, with one of them also later being convicted of possession with the intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.

On March 12, 2020, Basora-Gonzalez pleaded guilty to the fentanyl charges and was sentenced to 12 months in prison and four years of supervised release.

Basora-Gonzalez was seen weeping throughout her arrest. She remains in federal custody as her case moves through court

Before she could serve out her full sentence, ICE lodged an immigration detainer and deported her back to the Dominican Republic on October 6, 2020.

It's unclear when she returned to the United States, but according to an affidavit filed with the court, a confidential source let ICE know she was back in the country on March 7, 2025.

ICE deportation officer Alec Brown said this source told him that Basora-Gonzalez worked as a cook at La Tierra Del Caribe Restaurant in North Philadelphia and arrived there at around 8am every day.

ICE agents approached her after confirming she matched the physical description provided by the source, according to the affidavit.

Virginia Basora-Gonzalez, 36, is pictured during her arrest on March 12 for illegally reentering the United States after she was deported in March 2020

They then arrested her and compared her fingerprints to the ones on file for her in the FBI database, and they matched.

Basora-Gonzalez's court appointed attorney said she shouldn't be detained prior to her trial, arguing that the illegal reentry charge did not mean she was a flight risk.

In a Monday filing, the government responded by saying that her prior drug trafficking convictions 'cements the conclusion that pretrial detention is required here.'

The government also mentioned that Basora-Gonzalez told ICE that she has no spouse, children or any other sort of community ties in Philadelphia.

'This case is appropriate for detention...because of the defendants criminal record, lack of community ties, status as an irremediable flight risk, and lack of regard for prior court orders,' prosecutors wrote.
A young woman has lashed out at the 'shameful' behaviour of male eshays at Sydney's Ramadan night markets, and called for a women-only version.

Waad Taha, 23, said in a TikTok video she was horrified by the gross behaviour toward women at the Ramadan night markets in Sydney.

'I just can't with the youth of Sydney,' she said.

'I'm actually scarred.'

Ms Taha said she had also seen young women at the markets wearing disrespectfully revealing clothes which failed to meet traditional Muslim standards.

She said it it was breach of the modesty rules which the Muslim community is expected to follow during the celebration period.

'[Girls] were wearing a jumper that could potentially cover their bums,' she said.

'But they were literally lifting the jumper up.'

Ms Taha said the disrespect was made even worse by eshays asking the same girls for interviews in the revealing outfits to post on their social media.

'It's disgusting and it's shameful,' she said.

'[There's] nothing to go to in Ramadan. We can't actually indulge in the nice food.'

Ms Taha said the anti-social behaviour was ruining the night markets and highlighted that some people 'actually go there for the food, and not to do laps'.

'Someone make a girls-only one,' she said.

'I'll be the first one that goes.'

Commenters on the video said they had similar experiences.

'Unfortunately it turned into fitna market shame,' one user wrote, using the Arabic word for strife or a trial.

Waad Taha (not pictured) said anti-social behaviour from young Sydneysiders is ruining night markets (stock image)

'Im not even Muslim and I was so embarrassed for the girls there,' another said.

'My sister was wearing tights and we went in a store and bought an abaya for respect.'

One commenter said: 'Yeah its embarrassing, hey... I agree with you 100 per cent.'

During Ramadan there are several night markets across Sydney, where members of Muslim communities can end their dawn-to-dusk fasting and religious observance to have a social gathering.

In her TikTok post, Ms Taha tagged Lakemba, the western Sydney suburb that hosts a 'Lakemba Nights' market during Ramadan.

At least 60 per cent of the Lakemba community is Muslim, according to the 2021 census, and the 2024 market drew a crowd of 1.5million attendees.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the market's organiser, the City Council of Canterbury and Bankstown, for comment.

Ms Taha also tagged Auburn which hosts a Ramadan Street Food Festival. Daily Mail has reached out for comment.
Jack Schlossberg has launched a vile attack on Joe Rogan just hours after Donald Trump announced he was releasing all of the documents relating to the former president's assassination.

Schlossberg took aim at the podcaster for his 2023 interview with his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, in which the now Secretary of Health and Human Services peddled the idea that John F. Kennedy was killed by America's intelligence agencies.

'I'm aware of that danger,' RFK Jr. said at the time. 'I don't live in fear of it, you know, at all. But I'm not stupid about it and I take precautions.'

Trump appeared on the same podcast months later and vowed to release all of the documents related to JFK's November 22, 1963 assassination if he were to be elected president.

Those documents are now set to be released on Tuesday - and Schlossberg, who is John F. Kennedy's only grandson, says he hopes they will quell all of the theories about what really happened.

'Are you going to go through all the JFK assassination files tomorrow with your little butt buddy Bobby,' Schlossberg asked Rogan in a video posted to Instagram Monday night. 'You better.'

'After you spread all those lies, you're not going to make sure that they're true?' he asked rhetorically.

In a caption for the video, Schlossberg also goaded Rogan to have him on his show.

John F. Kennedy's only grandson, Jack Schlossberg, launched an unhinged attack on Joe Rogan Monday night, after President Donald Trump announced he would be releasing all of the remaining documents related to the JFK assassination

Schlossberg took aim at Rogan (pictured in November) for his 2023 interview with his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, in which the now Secretary of Health and Human Services peddled the idea that John F. Kennedy was killed by America's intelligence agencies

'Just kidding, you're too scared to talk to someone who doesn't agree with you,' Schlossberg said.

The federal government has maintained that the 35th president of the United States was killed by a lone gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, who was killed days later by Jack Ruby.

But questions emerged shortly after Kennedy's death played out on live television, especially after the federal government claimed that only one bullet struck Kennedy in the back and exited through his throat.

Many have since posited that there must have been a second shooter - something federal officials have long denied.

Then, when Trump took office for the first time in 2017, he vowed to release all of the files the federal government has on the assassination.

More than 2,800 documents were released that year, with President Joe Biden releasing additional documents in 2021 and 2022.

The National Archives then released additional documents on June 30, 2023.

Still, thousands of documents remained under seal, claiming in his October interview with Rogan that there was a 'national security' risk.

Trump had claimed that a number of people in the federal government, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, did not want him to release the files

The federal government has long maintained that Kennedy was killed by a single gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, on November 22, 1963

He said at the time that a number of people in the federal government, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, did not want him to release the files.

'They called me. They said, sir, [we] would rather have you not. After, and I did open them, but I was asked by some people not to open them,' Trump told Rogan.

He added that there is also a file on Martin Luther King Jr. 'that they'd like to see.'

'But if I win, I'm going to open them up,' he vowed.

'I can't tell you whether or not they're going to find anything of interest,' Trump added, noting that he did 'partially open' up the documents.

'I think I've opened 50%, but I was asked not to do it. And I thought that was a reasonable ask, but now I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it very soon. There's a lot of interest in it.'

Just days after taking office for the second time, Trump signed an executive order directing intelligence agencies to work with the White House on a plan to release all of the documents.

Finally, on Monday Trump said he would release all of the remaining documents, which he called 'interesting' without giving any hint of what could be in them.

Trump announced Monday he would release all of the remaining documents, which he called 'interesting' without giving any hint of what could be in them

'We are tomorrow announcing and giving all of the Kennedy files...people have been waiting for decades for this,' he said from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.'

'That's going to be released tomorrow. We have a tremendous amount of paper. You've got a lot of reading.'

He added: 'I don't believe we are are going to redact anything. I said just don't redact. You can't redact. But we're going to be releasing the JFK files.'

The substance of what might come out of the trove of new documents remains unclear. But they could include files on a CIA spy chief with a murky role in the affair, it emerged last month.

According to Jefferson Morley, a leading expert on the assassination, the new documents could also include files on George Joannides, who was chief of covert action at the CIA's station in Miami in 1963.

The CIA man based in Miami funded a group of Cuban exiles, which assassin Lee Harvey Oswald tried to infiltrate weeks before he shot the president in Dallas on November 22, 1963.

Axios reported in February that the FBI had unearthed 2,400 new documents that could shed light on the enduring mystery of JFK's death.

Yet Schlossberg has repeatedly denied there was anything interesting about his grandfather's death.

'The truth is a lot sadder than the myth - a tragedy that didn't need to happen. Not part of an inevitable grand scheme,' he wrote in January, following Trump's executive order.

'Declassification is using JFK as a political prop when h's not here to punch back. There's nothing heroic about it,' he claimed.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Rogan's publicist for comment.
A Brazilian cruise ship passenger has been charged with smuggling $3million worth of cocaine into Australia after the huge haul was allegedly found in his cabin.

Adriano Gustavo Leonardi Thiem, 48, was arrested when the liner arrived in Sydney Harbour on Saturday after departing from Argentina.

Australian Border Force agents boarded the cruise ship to allegedly find 28 individually wrapped packages of cocaine hidden inside the ceiling cavity of the man's cabin.

They allege the packages amounted to about 10kg of the drug.

Agents also allegedly uncovered 'body packing material' in the ceiling and the wardrobe.

The materials are alleged to be the same as ones typically used by drug mules to carry cocaine across borders and through security checkpoints.

Border agents called Australian Federal Police after initial inspections of the substance allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine.

The AFP then reviewed the Brazilian's phone and allegedly found evidence relating to drug trafficking.

A Brazilian cruise ship passenger has been charged with smuggling $3million worth of cocaine into Australia after the huge haul was allegedly found in his cabin

Australian Border Force agents boarded the cruise ship to allegedly find 28 individually wrapped packages of cocaine hidden inside the ceiling cavity of the man's cabin

They charged the Brazilian with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, and one count of possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug.

Both charges carry maximum penalties of life imprisonment.

AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said the cocaine would have been worth about $3million to criminals.

'Drug traffickers are motivated by greed, they do not care about the harm they cause,' Det Supt Cressy said.

'This amount of cocaine could have been sold in the community as 10,000 individual street deals of 1 gram for about $3 million.

Between 2022 and 2023 there were 985 cocaine-related hospitalisations nationally, more than two each day on average, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

ABF Superintendent Matt O'Connor said the arrest was the result of his officers 'unrelenting' focus on protecting Australia's ports.

Adriano Gustavo Leonardi Thiem, 48, was arrested after the liner arrived in Sydney Harbour on Saturday after departing from Argentina (stock image pictured)

'The cruising season brings with it additional opportunity for criminal syndicates to attempt to smuggle illicit drugs into the country,' Supt O'Connor said.

'However Border Force officers are very attuned to their pivoting tactics.

'Our ABF officers process and border clear thousands of passengers and crew members on every international cruise ship which arrives into Sydney, and are ready to respond to any threat which may present itself.'
Treasurer Jim Chalmers was forced to halt a keynote speech about the nation's finances when environmental protesters twice crashed the stage.

Dr Chalmers had just begun his speech at the Queensland Media Club on Tuesday afternoon when a man appeared behind him carrying a sign which read: 'No new coal or gas'.

The Treasurer appeared to almost jump in fright as he spun around to see who was approaching, and broke off his address.

'Australia cannot afford any more climate disasters... When will the Labor Party stop funding more coal and gas projects?' the protester shouted.

Regaining his composure, Dr Chalmers said 'thank you mate, off you go' as a security staffer bundled the man off stage.

However Dr Chalmers had only just re-started his speech when another protester appeared on stage moments later carrying the same sign.

'Mr Chalmers, I went eight days without power,' the female protester said as she was shepherded off the stage.

'Young people in this nation are going to suffer for the rest of their lives. When is Labor going to stop funding and approving new coal and gas?'

Dr Chalmers had just begun his speech at the Queensland Media Club on Tuesday afternoon when a man appeared behind him carrying a sign which read: 'no new coal or gas' (pictured)

Regaining his composure, Dr Chalmers said: 'Thank you mate, off you go'' as a member of security bundled the man off stage

But Dr Chalmers had just re-started his speech when another protester appeared on stage moments later (pictured)

The usually-unflappable Dr Chalmers let out a nervous laugh as he resumed reading from the autocue.

His speech warned that the clean-up costs and the impact on the economy from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred could hit GDP by up to $1.2 billion.

Dr Chalmers' also sought to downplay expectations of any major policy changes in next week's pre-election budget, as most of the policies 'have already been announced'.

These include the $8.5 billion investment in strengthening Medicare, the $7.2 billion for upgrades to the Bruce Highway and wiping up to $19 billion in student debt for up to three million graduates.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had been widely tipped to call the election for April 12, before storm Alfred scuppered those plans.

It will now be held in May, meaning next week's budget must be handed down - a situation an April election would have avoided.

The government had already announced most of its spending measures, on the understanding that it would not need to hand down a budget.

'This is more than wed typically unveil before the Budget,' he said on Tuesday.

'And therell be provisions in the Budget for policies we will announce in the campaign, not next week.

'All this means there will be fewer surprises on Budget night.'
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Sunday embarked on a visit to Brazil to participate in the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum where he is scheduled to prese ...


A high society kleptomaniac turned drug dealer has been released from rehab to live at her parents' palatial mansion in one of Australia's most prestigious neighbourhoods as she awaits sentencing for drug supply.

Elisha Dalah, 38, returned to her wealthy parents harbourfront home in Point Piper in Sydney's well-heeled eastern suburbs after her latest 90-day stint in rehab.



On her first day of freedom, dressed in activewear, the mother-of-one carried a tote bag from Coles supermarket as she clutched a vape and wandered along her parents' tree-lined street.

Her trouble began last September when she was charged with one count of supplying heroin in a small quantity.

She pleaded guilty in February.

On Monday Ms Dalah was represented by solicitor Carla Velasquez in Downing Centre Local Court where she appealed for a review her bail conditions to transfer her to her parents home.

'She has finished the 90-day rehabilitation program, and will be transitioned to the outpatient program,' Ms Velasquez said.

The barrister told the court Ms Dalah will have the added condition of an 8pm to 6am curfew, unless 'attending a Narcotics Anonymous meeting'.

on Tuesday Elisha Dalah was seen walking to her parents home in Point Piper

The petite mother-of-one carried a Coles tote bag

Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge granted the change and remarked: 'It's good that she's doing so well.'

Ms Dalah is due to return to Downing Local Court for sentencing on her drug charge on April 22.

Last September she made headlines after she was photographed with disgraced game show host Andrew O'Keefe outside her parents home.

He too has had a long history of substance abuse.

She is the elder sibling of Fishbowl restaurateur Nathan Dalah and sister-in-law to Victoria's Secret model Georgia Fowler.

Her parents are ex-rag trader and former Elizabeth Bay Marina co-owner Michael Dalah and his wife Michelle. As well as Nathan, her brother Jordan is a celebrated designer and sister Sophie is an actor.

Her latest troubles come three-years after she was banned from Westfield Bondi junction after stealing luxury face creams and designer clothing.

At the time, Waverley Local Court heard she used a 'de-tagger' to steal a $249 Tommy Hilfiger jumper and a $170 'Youth Lift' face cream from Sephora at Westfield Bondi Junction on July 14.

Plain clothes police observed her leaving Tommy Hilfiger and stealing the face cream before arresting her and charging her with shoplifting and breaching her ban on entering the shopping centre.

Ms Dalah had only recently finished a parole term for other shoplifting offences when she was arrested.

She is the older sister of Nathan Dalah and sister-in-law to Victoria's Secret model Georgia Fowler

She is residing in her parents palatial waterfront home in Point Piper

She made headlines after being photographed with disgraced gameshow host Andrew O'Keefe

At one point she was seen clutching a vape

'I'm sorry, I have a problem, can I pay for the items now  I don't know why I steal, I don't need to steal, I work, I just can't help myself',' she told police, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Dalah's troubles started when she began using drugs at 14 and had shot up heroin after learning of her former partner's cancer diagnosis before the thefts.

The court heard she had been sober for eight months, attended rehab twice, and continued to engage in substance abuse and psychological counselling and had not offended since being charged.

Magistrate Milledge said while sentencing her: 'Everything I've read suggests you see yourself as a victim  you are not a victim.

'You've said 'I'm a kleptomaniac, I act on impulse'  you are calculating and manipulative and deceitful, and your family knows that because they have been dealing with that side of you for years and years and years.'

She was sentenced to a 20-month intensive correction order as well as serve 200 hours of community service.

Ms Dalah was also ordered to pay a $500 fine for entering Westfield Bondi Junction while banned.
Immigration remains at elevated levels under Anthony Albanese even though permanent and long-term departures have hit a record monthly high.

In the year to January, 432,400 foreign migrants arrived in Australia on a net basis, based on arrivals minus departures, despite a record number of people leaving the country.

This figure, covering skilled migrants and international students, was well above the 340,000 level forecast for 2024-25 in Treasury's revised Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, released in December.

Just seven months earlier, the Budget papers had forecast 260,000 arrivals for this financial year.

Labor politicians have continually blamed lower departures for the high net overseas migration figures, but in January a record 85,160 people left Australia on a permanent and long-term basis.

This was the highest monthly number in Australian Bureau of Statistics data going back to 1976.

Just last week, Health Minister Mark Butler suggested net immigration levels would moderate if more people left Australia for good, after a Q+A audience member told the ABC panel he couldn't afford the rent.

'We have been working very hard to get migration levels, immigration levels, down to something we think the country can manage,' Mr Butler said.

Immigration remains at elevated levels under Anthony Albanese even though permanent and long-term departures have hit a record monthly high (the Prime Minister is pictured in Sydney at a Hindu festival)

'And what we've found after those efforts is that arrival numbers have returned to about pre-Covid levels, but we're not managing the exits  the people returning back home if they've been here studying or they've been here for short-term skilled work.

'And we're working very hard on that.'

This was after Q+A audience member Morgan Cox blamed high migration for his $180 a week rental increase on the NSW Central Coast, north of Sydney.

'I recently got a rent increase notice for an additional $180 a week, which works out to be about $10,000 a year,' he said.

'I tried to find a cheaper place and there just aren't any. What little is available, there's dozens of people lined up.

'Lots of them are immigrants and they have plenty more money than I can possibly get.'

Trouble is, the monthly arrival figures are still at high levels with the permanent and long-term intake of 128,410 in January the highest since February 2024.

Australia's monthly arrival numbers have been in six figures on six occasions since early 2023, before departures were factored in.

In the year to January, 432,400 foreign migrants arrived in Australia on a net basis, based on arrivals minus departures (pictured is Sydney's Pitt Street Mall)

When the record-high monthly departure rate of 85,160 was factored in, Australia had a high monthly net arrival level of 43,250 new migrants in January.

Morgan Begg, the director of research with the Institute of Public Affairs think tank, noted the net arrival figure for January 2025 was still the second highest January on record, and was more than double that month's building approval rate of 16,579.

This is worsening Australia's housing shortage crisis.

'The federal government is simply refusing to listen to community concerns about the effects of its unplanned and out-of-control migration program,' Mr Begg said.

'It is setting Australia up for an economic and humanitarian disaster.

'There is no way to get Australia's housing crisis under control until the federal government faces the reality that the impact an out-of-control migration intake has on housing, as well as services and infrastructure.'

Interstate migration, rather than overseas migration, seems to be a bigger factor driving up house prices, based on CoreLogic data.

Perth had the biggest annual increase of 13.9 per cent in the year to February, taking median house prices to $840,400.

Sydney's annual house price growth was more subdued at 1.3 per cent, as the city receiving the most new overseas migrants but also having the biggest interstate exodus.

But the mid-point house price of $1.464million is by far the highest among Australia's capital cities.

Melbourne, another city receiving a big overseas influx, saw its mid-point house price fall by 3.1 per cent over the year to $916,763, as the Victoria government's investor tax turned off prospective buyers.

A weaker Australian dollar, now worth 63 US cents, is also encouraging more holiday visitors, with 710,040 tourists arriving in January, marking a 17.6 per cent increase.

The Chinese made up 16 per cent of short-term visitor arrivals, making 114,660 trips, ahead of New Zealand on 96,250 and the United States on 72,090.
It was a warm summer night in January 2001 when a 13-year-old boy crept into a house to steal computer games from a neighbourhood kid he didn't like very much.

He instead found the boy's three-year-old sister, Courtney Morley-Clarke, sound asleep in the NSW Central Coast home.

After removing her nappy, he carried her outside and stabbed her through the heart with a steak knife.

The crime shocked the nation: a toddler was robbed of her life, a family of their beautiful little girl, and an entire community was left traumatised.

But for the past 24 years, the twisted psychopath, known only as SLD, has maintained he doesn't regret the murder.

In fact, he insists he will kill again and has clocked up multiple additional violent offences while behind bars.

Now a free man, SLD's psychologists have issued a grim warning and revealed a 'blueprint' for his next murder: who his victim will be, his motive for the attack, and where it will take place.

With SLD's true identity shrouded in mystery because of lifetime anonymity granted due to his age at the time of the offence, the public is forbidden from knowing his name, what he looks like or where he is living.

Courtney Morley-Clarke was just three years old when she was murdered

Prior to his release last week, SLD attended a two-day hearing in the NSW Supreme Court where multiple psychologists gave evidence on their independent evaluation of the killer.

Before setting him free, the court heard SLD, now 37, had grown into a very dangerous man, who holds grudges and is obsessed with losing his virginity.

He has attacked prison staff, stabbed guards and tried to choke a nurse.

He has had years added to his sentence for repeatedly committing violent crimes with weapons he's fashioned out of sharp metal, pens and even razor blades.

But in what was possibly the most terrifying part of the proceedings, each medical professional outlined the most likely scenarios in which he will kill again - going into shockingly specific details.

'The most likely scenario for a serious sexual offence would involve a female who has rebuffed his overtures of a relationship,' said his treating psychologist Dr Richard Parker, adding that the victim would likely be between 15 and 17 years old.

'Behaviours would also suggest that he would try to strike up a relationship. In the event he forms a relationship, then his lack of empathy and lack of relationship experience is highly likely to lead to tensions.'

A second psychologist, Dr Kerri Eagle, referred to a previous test where SLD scored high for being a psychopath.

The monster known as SLD walked free from Long Bay Correctional Centre on Saturday morning. We have been forced to blur out his face for legal reasons

SLD, an angry, bitter 37-year-old virgin with a propensity for extreme violence, carried his bag of belongings to a waiting car upon his release on Saturday morning

'Given his history of violent behaviour, which has involved the use of weapons, and planning, he is at risk of engaging in violence of high lethality which could be considered a serious violence oence,' she stated in her report.

'He is most likely to react violently to a perceived slight or provocation or plan violence as a revenge or retribution, and that violence could include sexual violence if the antagonist is a female.'

The court also heard evidence from Dr Patrick Sheehan, who noted his concerns around SLD's 'rape fantasies', and believes SLD may attack a woman if he dislikes a man in her life.

'His risk arises primarily through a process of paranoid ideation, grievance, righteousness, violent revenge fantasy and distorted perception that he has no other option than to proceed with violence,' Dr Sheehan explained.

'His pattern of weapon use, lack of restraint and fantasies of extreme violence extend to a serious violence offence as defined in the Crimes (High Risk Offenders) Act 2006.

'In my view, the evidence suggests that concerns about [SLD's] potential for harmful sexual behaviour are genuine.

'His risk also extends to sexual violence through an interest in rape fantasy. He may plan to sexually offend against a female who is connected to a person [against] whom he holds a vendetta.'

Dr Sheehan also believes the victim would be a teenager due to SLD's poor capacity to judge if someone is over 18.

'He has shown obsessiveness in his sexual interest and is at risk of stalking behaviours in the past. He is at risk of not recognising or responding to distress or withdrawal of consent in sexual partner relationships.'

Murderer SLD, who later boasted about the killing on the Central Coast (the crime scene is pictured in 2001), was released on Saturday

Aged 13 years and 10 months, SLD snatched Courtney in the middle of the night and stabbed her through the heart before leaving her body in long grass 300m from her home (pictured)

Prior to his heinous crime, SLD's childhood was marred by trauma. He was in foster placements from the age of one, state wardship from the age of three and then adopted by the age of six.

SLD had a history of disturbing behaviour, including lighting fires and cruelty to animals. He was diagnosed with a personality disorder and had a continued expression of homicidal thoughts.

He was living with his adoptive family in their quiet suburban street in Point Clare the night he cut his neighbours' screen door open and took Courtney.

But that night was not his first attempt at an abduction.

Just months prior, while staying at a holiday resort with his family, SLD broke into a nearby holiday unit at night and abducted a six-year-old girl using the ruse that her mother wanted to speak with her.

In a recorded interview, the girl said the defendant pulled her away from the house and when she cried, he tightly covered her mouth, saying she would die if she did not keep quiet.

At one point, he agreed to take her home if she would 'show my private'. She pulled down her pants and 'he touched it' and then took her home.

A detective said that when he asked the defendant about the incident, he replied: 'It was a trial run.'

SLD has previously admitted he would be prepared to kill again if something 'big' took place'.

In a chilling warning, he added: 'If I kill someone, it won't be a child.'

Yet despite the facts and mounting evidence he is a danger to the community, SLD was released - because keeping him locked up wasn't working anyway.

'Remaining in a correctional environment is unlikely to change his risk profile, and may actually increase his risk,' Dr Eagle expanded later in her report.

This sentiment was echoed by her peers.

SLD is currently under a Supervision Order where he is forbidden from approaching anyone under the age of 18, must wear an ankle monitor, and is supposed to remain in the line of site of his support worker.

However, after SLD was last released in September 2023, he was back behind bars just a few weeks later when he was caught approaching women with young children at Bulli Beach in Wollongong, NSW, asking them for a date.

He was spotted by an off-duty prison officer who noticed his electronic monitoring anklet and called the police.

SLD held a worrying grudge against that officer for more than a year, later threatening to harm him and his family as his revenge.

He was also found to be accessing pornography online and joining dating sites.

Psychologists have warned he has become obsessed with losing his virginity after growing up in jail.

Justice Mark Ierace, who agreed to his release, said the situation was unusual.

'It goes without saying this is a very challenging case,' he said. 'He has only been out in the community for four months since he was only 13 years old.'

SLD breached the conditions of his last release in September 2023 by approaching mothers with children at Bulli Beach (pictured) near Wollongong

SLD is on listed and pictured on dating apps hunting for a partner

A caged monster: SLD's timeline of terror

September 2003: Aged 16, SLD was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after he put a female nurse in a headlock. Her screams alerted a person outside who caught SLD holing a metal instrument that he had sharpened.

October 2004: Aged 17, he stabbed a juvenile justice worker in the neck and on his ear lobe with a pen while being restrained, following a threat by him to 'stab the first boy that comes out of his room'.

June 2011: Aged 24, he gave a letter to his then-treating psychologist, threatening to torture and kill him. He claimed to investigating police it was written by an alter-ego named 'Thorn'. Afterwards, he was transferred into a segregation area of the prison.

August 2011: Also at 24, he grabbed an officer's wrist through the food hole of his cell door and slashed it with a razor in a planned attack. He had dismantled a disposable razor to make his weapon.

October 2019: Aged 32, SLD commenced the Violent Offender Therapeutic Program (VOTP). His participation in the program was suspended four months later due to intimidating behaviour by him towards a female staff member.

May 2020: Aged 33, he intimidated a female staff member and in June 2020 he refused a drug test.

May 2023: Aged 36 and out on a supervision order, a routine search of his mobile phone and tablet revealed he had breached his conditions by downloading a search engine that allowed users to search online in incognito mode.

July 2023: Aged 36, he was charged with possessing a razor blade.

October 24, 2023: He attended Bulli Beach and approached several women, one of whom was showering her 15-month-old son. SLD asked if his dad was around. An off-duty Community Corrections Officer, referred to as witness X, noticed the defendant was wearing an ankle bracelet and contacted police who arrested him.

February 23, 2024: While in custody and speaking with his Departmental Supervising Officer, SLD said he believed [witness X] was fabricating his evidence and that he intended on exacting revenge on the witness upon his release from custody.

March 13, 2024: Age 37, a jail cell search uncovered a piece of paper with handwritten notes containing witness X's name. The court heard SLD had made various threats towards witness X and his family. He admitted to planning revenge daily, even mentioning he would get his address from an AVO once granted.
The wing of a Delta Air Lines plane collided with the runway as it was landing at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The plane's 'left wing struck the runway while landing' at approximately 10:10pm, which was when pilots 'executed a go-around,' the FAA said.

A go-around, considered to be a safe and routine aviation procedure, is when a pilot ditches a landing and climbs into the air to attempt another approach at the runway.

The plane, a Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft, was traveling from Jacksonville, Florida, to New York City, according to Delta.

On air traffic control audio, the controller was heard telling the Delta pilot: 'Somebody saw some sparks from one of your wings, you guys feel anything?'

'We didn't, but we'll check it,' the pilot said.

All 76 passengers, including the two pilots and two flight attendants, were unharmed and suffered no injuries, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees the three major New York City area airports.

The incident did not impact airport operations, according to the Port Authority.

The wing of a Delta Air Lines plane (stock image of a Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft) collided with a runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York City while landing on Sunday evening. No one was injured

The incident did not impact airport operations at LaGuardia, according to the Port Authority

'We apologize to our customers for the experience,' Delta said in a statement.

The airline announced that the plane would be taken out of service so maintenance teams can diagnose any potential problems. The company didn't say when the aircraft was expected to fly again.

The flight was operated by regional airline Endeavor, the Delta subsidiary that also operated the plane that crash-landed and flipped upside down at Toronto-Pearson Airport last month.

That plane, also a Bombardier CRJ-900, was carrying 80 passengers and crew.

Horrifying videos showed the aircraft bursting into flames and billowing smoke as it skidded to a stop.

Passengers reported vomiting and suffering anxiety attacks during the dreadful ordeal, which required many of them to make a daring escape from the burning plane.

Twenty-one passengers were injured during that flight and have all since been released from the hospital.

Sunday's incident at LaGuardia marks yet another aviation mishap since an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided on January 29 near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

Pictured: The upturned plane at Toronto-Pearson airport on February 19, 2025. This aircraft was also operated by Endeavor and was also a Bombardier CRJ-900

Pictured: The moment an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport in January

All 67 victims, including world champion figure skaters from the US and Russia on board the passenger plane, were killed in the fiery crash.

It was later revealed that one air traffic controller was simultaneously monitoring plane and helicopter movements at Reagan Airport the night of the American Airlines crash.

The helicopter and airplane responsibilities were combined and assigned to one person an hour earlier than normal, per Federal Aviation Administration rules, The Wall Street Journal first reported.

Just 20 minutes later, the collision happened above the Potomac River, which caused a visible explosion on airport security cameras.

Following this January's crash, FAA officials finally tightened the rules for controllers at Reagan, including mandating that a stand-alone employee monitor helicopter traffic and not be given additional responsibilities on top of that.

An FAA spokesperson told the Journal that deviating from this new policy now requires a higher-level approval from the tower's facility manager.

At one point, only senior facility managers at Reagan had that authority.

But the FAA later allowed lower-ranking employees to decide if the helicopter monitoring position to be combined early, as long as they considered factors like traffic levels, weather and VIP departures or arrivals.

On January 31, a small jet carrying six passengers crashed along Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia, killing seven and injuring more than 20 people

A long string of near misses, crashes and mishaps have followed the deadly Washington, D.C. crash in January.

On January 31, a small jet carrying six passengers crashed along Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia, killing seven and injuring more than 20 people.

Valentina Guzman Murillo, 11, and her mother Lizeth Murillo Ozuna, 31, of Mexico were been identified as two of the victims on board.

The young pediatric patient had just undergone life-saving medical treatment in the US and was heading home to Mexico with her mother on the Learjet 55 air ambulance that left from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

In early March, another plane crash happened in Pennsylvania, with it being a small propeller plane this time.

The Beechcraft A36TC erupted in flames in the parking lot of a retirement home in Manheim Township. Five people were rushed to the hospital.

And last week, a person piloting a Cessna CitationJet that took off from Mesquite Metro Airport in Texas died in a fiery crash.

There have also been at least two instances of commercial jets nearly colliding with one another on runways, one occurring at Boston Logan International and the other at Chicago's Midway International Airport.
Weary-looking Brittany Higgins and husband David Sharaz have been pictured pushing their newborn boy in a pram on the streets of Brisbane.

The new parents enjoyed the sunshine on Tuesday but the strain of the first 16 days caring for a baby seemed evident on their faces in some of the images.

Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz were first spotted in public with their unnamed baby last Friday, celebrating the birthday of the former political staffer's mother, Kelly.

Cradling the infant while clutching a baby bottle, Ms Higgins appeared to be holding court while her mother dazzled in a bright red dress.

In the latest images, first-time parenthood seemed to being taking its toll on the couple as Ms Higgins appeared exasperated.

She was seen in another loose-fitting white dress with sandals.

Mr Sharaz swapped his maroon t-shirt for a white Lacoste t-shirt and jeans and replaced Friday's sneakers for leather slip-on loafers.

He looked the more exhausted of the pair, running his hand through his hair and later appearing drained with his hand resting on his back.

Weary-looking Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz have been pictured pushing their newborn boy in a pram on the streets of Brisbane

The couple enjoyed the sunshine on Tuesday but the strain of the first days caring for a baby seemed evident on their faces in some of the images

Ms Higgins and her ex-journalist husband were flooded with high-profile messages of support after announcing the birth of their son on March 2

Friday's outing, exclsuively revealed by Daily Mail Australia, had taken place on Kelly's birthday, which Ms Higgins also celebrated on social media.

In a Instagram post the same day, Ms Higgins praised the 'world's most supportive mum (and now grandma)'.

'She's been our unsung hero and the ultimate rock behind-the-scenes for the past few years.

'My mum has shown up and been there - every court case, every time I was admitted to hospital, to celebrate every win and has been the most hands on grandparent ever since our baby boy was born.

'Thank you for everything you do.'

Ms Higgins and her ex-journalist husband were flooded with high-profile messages of support after announcing the birth of their son on March 2.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Marie Claire editor Georgie McCourt, The Block judge Shayna Blaze and Olympic swimmer Leisel Jones were among the well-wishers.

The heartfelt messages were well-earned, following what Ms Higgins in October described as an 'acutely stressful' pregnancy.

At the time, Ms Higgins shared the results of a second trimester blood test which, she said, revealed a 'high possibility of a genetic disorder'.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Marie Claire editor Georgie McCourt, The Block judge Shayna Blaze and Olympic swimmer Leisel Jones have all wished the couple well

Ms Higgins has described an 'acutely stressful' pregnancy. In October, she shared the results of a second trimester blood test which revealed a 'high possibility of a genetic disorder'

Ms Higgins said the genetic disorder itself wouldn't have concerned the couple, but meant the baby might be 'incompatible' with life beyond the pregnancy.

Compounding the stress were an ongoing defamation trial brought against Higgins by her former boss, Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds, and the death of her grandmother.

After moving into a French chateau in late 2023, the couple were forced to list the property for sale to cover the costs of the defamation suit.

In January, they lowered the listing price for their French chateau to 367,500 (AUD $620,000) from an initial listing price of 420,000 (AUD $722,000).

Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz bought the three-bedroom estate after settling a suit against the federal government for $2.4million.

Ms Higgins said she held onto about $1.9million after fees and taxes.

The couple now reportedly plan to live in Melbourne's east after marrying last year on the Gold Coast.

The payout came after the rape trial of her former colleague and fellow ex-political staffer Bruce Lehrmann was thrown out in response to juror misconduct in 2022.

After moving into a French chateau in late 2023, Mr Sharaz and Ms Higgins were forced to list the property for sale to cover the costs of the defamation suit

After moving into a French chateau in late 2023, the couple was forced to list the property for sale to cover the costs of Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds's defamation suit

The charges were later withdrawn altogether following concerns relating to Ms Higgins's mental health.

Last year, Lehrmann lost a multimillion-dollar defamation suit against presenter Lisa Wilkinson and the Ten Network over a 2021 interview with Ms Higgins.

Federal Court Justice Michael Lee dismissed the case after finding that Lehrmann had, on the balance of probabilities, raped Ms Higgins.

As a result, the 29-year-old was ordered to pay $2million in costs to the Ten Network.

Earlier this month, within days of the birth of Ms Higgins' child, Lehrmann filed submissions with the Federal Court in which his lawyer laid out the grounds of his appeal of Justice Lee's decision.

Lehrmann has since been committed to stand trial in a Queensland rape case surrounding an incident alleged to have taken place in Brisbane's west in 2021.

He has always maintained his innocence in both matters.
Donald Trump announced a massive reversal to decades of American environmental policy on Monday as he vowed to 'immediately' open coal-fired power plants.

The United States has been moving away from coal-dependency since the early 2000s when it was discovered that the coal-burning process emits carbon dioxide - which scientists say is primarily responsible for climate change.

In the decades since, many Americans have turned to renewable alternatives and cheap natural gas for power, as federal regulations raised the operational cost of coal production.

Now, coal accounts for just about 15 percent of all power generated in the United States - down from more than 50 percent in 2000, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

But in a Truth Social post late Monday, Trump announced that America's trove of coal-burning power plants will once again be operational.

'After years of being held captive by Environmental Extremists, Lunatics, Radicals and Thugs, allowing other Countries, particularly China, to gain tremendous Economic advantage over us by opening up hundreds of all Coal Fire Power Plants, I am authorizing my Administration to immediately begin producing Energy with BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN COAL,' he wrote.

Trump's announcement came as 120 coal-fired power plants are scheduled to shut down over the next five years, in part due to environmental regulations that the America's Power trade group said made them uneconomic, Bloomberg reports.

Keeping those power plants online could help lower energy coasts and supply energy to power-hungry data centers and artificial intelligence, administration officials have argued.

President Donald Trump announced a massive reversal to decades of American environmental policy on Monday

Trump vowed in a post on Truth Social to he 'immediately' open coal-fired power plants

The president had even campaigned on the premise of bring back the coal industry when he first ran in 2016.

In fact, one of his first actions as president was to sign an order directing the Environmental Protection Agency to scrap an Obama-era regulation that sought to wean the nation's electrical grid off coal-fired power plants.

It now appears that the president is continuing with those efforts, with Interior Secretary Doug Bergum telling Bloomberg Television last week that the administration was considering using emergency powers to bring back coal-fired plants that have closed and stop others from shutting.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright also said earlier this month that the Trump administration was working on a 'market-based plan' to stem the closing of US coal fire power plants.

His comments suggest that Trump may move forward with a plan to force grid operators to buy electricity from struggling coal plants.

Meanwhile, Environmental Protection Administration head Lee Zeldin announced a series of measures last week to roll back significant environmental regulations in what he called the 'most consequential day of deregulation in American history.'

In total, Zeldin said he was rolling back 31 environmental regulations - including some that limited the pollution that can be emitted from coal-burning power plants.

The EPA chief also vowed to strike down the 'endangerment finding,' a 2009 scientific conclusion which found that gases leading to global warming pose a threat to public health and welfare.

Trump's announcement came as 120 coal-fired power plants are scheduled to shut down over the next five years, in part due to environmental regulations that the America's Power trade group said made them uneconomic

It is believed Trump is now ramping up his deregulation of coal-fired power plants in an effort to compete with China.

The country has relied on coal-fired power to surge manufacturing on an array of goods and drive its economic expansion.

Yet even as China's annual Gross Domestic Product, in US dollars, jumped from around $361 billion in 1990 to around $14.7 trillion in 2020, its coal consumption quadrupled and carbon dioxide emissions more than tripled, according to Bloomberg.

Still, at least one person celebrated Trump's decision - West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who hailed it as 'outstanding news.'

'West Virginia is Americas energy state, and we stand ready to work with Donald Trump to lead our nations energy resurgence,' he posted on X.

'President Trump digs coal, and West Virginia digs President Trump!'
Locals are celebrating the imminent departure of a US family who listed their New Zealand farm for sale after environmental restrictions were imposed on the site.

Curt and Tricia Zant moved to Hawke's Bay in 2015 where they planned to settle indefinitely following the $1.7million purchase of a sheep and beef breeding farm.

In 2021, the Central Hawke's Bay District Council classified a site within the farm property as an 'Outstanding Natural Feature'.

The stretch of Kairakau coastline protected by the determination was one of 11 reclassified sites.

Mr Zant appealed the decision on the basis it would negatively impact the value of their land and would infringe upon their ownership rights.

After a hearing panel rejected their application, the Zants appealed to the Environment Court last year where they were again unsuccessful.

Judge Melanie Dickey along with two commissioners said the reclassification did not 'constitute an unreasonable fetter on their rights'.

'It is an appropriate response to the work undertaken to identify outstanding natural features and landscapes in the district.'

Curt and Tricia Zant have listed their New Zealand farm for sale after an environmental ruling

The couple is reportedly considering offers of $6million for the property after paying $1.7million in 2015

The Zants have since listed their property for sale with offers of over $6million being considered, according to Stuff.co.nz.

They have since reportedly purchased a cattle farm in Missouri and intend to divide their time between the two properties pending the sale.

Last month, the court ordered the Zants to pay $12,680 to the council on the basis their legal application had 'unnecessarily lengthened proceedings and constituted an abuse of the court's processes on a number of occasions'.

Ms Dickey claimed their application as founded on an 'entirely philosophical basis to which the council could not properly respond, and on which the court could not have possibly decided in their favour'.

She added their submissions were 'ill-founded and without merit'.

Central Hawke's Bay Council Chief Executive Doug Tate said the council sought costs in order to avoid burdening rate payers 'for a case the Environment Court described as an abuse of court process, and Council was a "captured party" in that it had no choice but to participate in the appeal.'

'We note that Judge Dickey outlined in her decision that standard costs, or the comfort level, the Court usually has in awarding costs is between 25 and 33 per cent, except in exceptional situations, and this case was considered to be an exceptional situation.

'This was one of nine appeals we had on our Proposed District Plan. The other eight we either fully or partly resolved through discussions between the parties to the point where our Plan is now operative in part.'

Central Hawkes Bay District Council classified part of the farm an Outstanding Natural Feature

The Zant's will now relocate in the US six years after moving to New Zealand with plans to settle indefinitely

Mr Zant told New Zealand's Stuff news website that he believed the government had been operating on a 'socialist agenda'.

'I don't have any problem with protecting the environment,' he said. 'I'm an organic farmer. I've farmed all my life.

'I am the epitome of the environmental farmer, but to have an environmental government, local and national, steal your property rights because they think you don't have the common sense to run your farm in an environmentally-friendly way.

'They use that as an auspice to literally convert the nation into socialism so they can control everything.'

Mr Zant said the government had removed the 'foundational core rights of a free nation, which [are] property ownership and the rights that are connected to it'.

He added the decision had set a 'terrible precedent'.

Social media users have been largely unsympathetic , joining in calls for the couple to 'f*** off back to Trumpland'.

'Don't let the door hit you on the way out,' one X.com user commented.

Commentator Simon O'Connor, on the other hand, said he had been 'quite struck' by Mr Zant's comments.

'If council or government are going to put impositions on your private land, then should they compensate you? I personally think yes.'

New Zealand MP Simon Court cited the Zant's legal battle as an example of local environmental legislation having overstepped.

'I think of Curt and Tricia Zant whose Hawke's Bay farm was slapped with an 'Outstanding Natural Feature' classification in the council's plan, restricting their ability to invest time, care, and capital into their land to drive the growth we're seeking, without any compensation for their loss,' he told an All-of-Local-Government Forum in February.

'Should they be the ones to pay the price of someone else's decision that the landscape their property sits on is 'outstanding' to look at?

'What incentives does this this create for making sound decisions about what is outstanding when it is costless to the decision maker?'

Mr Tate siad the council had followed existing resources legislation in reaching its determination.

'The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) sets out that we are required to manage the use, development and protection of natural and physical resources in our district.

'Council met its legal requirements of the RMA through identifying and protecting Outstanding Natural Features, including Kairakau Cliffs.'

'The District Plan Review was a priority identified in Project Thrive in 2017 and was a major focus for Council as it sought to update a plan that was nearly 20 years old.

'We went beyond the formal consultation requirements and included early community engagement when drafting the district plan and then releasing a draft district plan for community feedback before commencing the legal process.

'We took these steps to ensure the plan best reflected our communitys aspirations they wanted for a future Central Hawkes Bay.
Earning a six-figure salary won't guarantee Australians a decent rental home as the housing crisis escalates both for people in cities and in rural areas.

Renters now need to earn $130,000 a year to afford an average unit, according to data published today by Everybody's Home.

'Rental stress is no longer confined to those on lower incomes,' spokesperson Maiy Azize said.

'It's affecting professionals, essential workers, and middle-income families who simply can't keep up with soaring rents.'

Everybody's Home, a campaign to address the housing crisis, said the median income in Australia is $72,592 and median weekly asking rent is $566 for a unit.

Alarmingly, the report found people earning $70,000 per year would have to spend more than half of their income on a unit which demanded they pay the average national rent.

The report looks at rental affordability for Australians earning between $40,000 and $130,000 per year.

It reveals that capital cities are facing a 'particularly dire' situation in the rental market, with Sydney and the Gold Coast among the most unaffordable regions.

Gold Coast and northern WA are the worst areas when it comes to how much salary goes towards rent (stock image)

The research shows Australians on a salary of $100,000 are struggling in both cities and regional areas

Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Canberra are also seeing worsening affordability, the report said.

West Queensland, Kangaroo Island, and Northern SA were exceptions, with the 'most affordable' rent.

However, rent of an average unit still took up 25 to 38 per cent of a $40,000 per year income.

'Our research shows people on [a $100,000 salary] are struggling in both cities and regional areas because rents are so staggeringly high,' Ms Azize said.

She said those on lower incomes, such as people earning $40,000 per year, face rents that are up to 119 percent of their income.

'This crisis is stopping people from being able to live and work in their communities, leading people to delay major life choices, and threatening social cohesion.'

Ahead of the federal election, Ms Azize said housing must be treated as a top priority, with more Australians at risk of being priced out of affordable home.

The campaign is calling on parties and candidates to scrap investor tax handouts, like negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, and boost social housing.

Data from January reveals Australia's rental crisis shows no signs of easing, with the vacancy rate declining to one per cent in January (stock image)

For those earning $40,000 a year, rent accounts for 82 per cent of an Australian's income

Australia's rental crisis shows no signs of easing, with the vacancy rate declining to one per cent in January, according to SQM Research.

The total number of rental vacancies fell sharply to 31,822 - a significant drop from December's 47,336 figures.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Clare O'Neil has said housing is a critical issue for the government.

'I want people to know that I really do understand the pressure that this housing crisis is putting on people, whether they need social housing, are renting, or looking to buy a home,' she told ABC.

'I'm dedicating every day to turn this housing crisis around.

'We are also working hard with states and territories to make renting more affordable and overall a better experience.'

Shadow Housing Minister Michael Sukkar has criticised the government's speed at building new homes.

If elected, the Coalition has said it would set up a $5billion fund to increase infrastructure development, with the target of building 500,000 new homes.
A family that raised money after a husband and father-to-be suddenly died has been told to hand back the funds because of his sexual assault conviction.

Stuart Jackson, 40, had been riding his e-scooter in Highland Park on the Gold Coast on February 21 when he fell off, suffered critical injuries and died at the scene.

Jackson was due to welcome his first child in a matter of weeks and a relative set up a GoFundMe to help with 'funeral arrangements,' and financial support for his pregnant wife Kellie.

But now his grieving family are facing a backlash with demands to refund the $18,000 in donations after it was revealed Jackson pleaded guilty to sexual assault and making recordings in breach of privacy in 2014.

At the time, Jackson claimed he was drunk and high on ecstasy tablets when he went clubbing in Brisbane.

At 5am on April 12 he followed two male friends and a 22-year-old woman back to an apartment where the woman passed out drunk in the bedroom.

While the other two friends left to call a taxi, Jackson used his mobile phone to photograph the woman in indecent poses and filmed himself kissing and caressing her semi-nude body.

The horrified friends caught him in the act and called police who confiscated Jackson's phone and uncovered the photos and a video recording.

Stuart Jackson, 40, had been riding his e-scooter in Highland Park on the Gold Coast when he fell off and suffered critical injuries

Jackson's previous crimes were posted to a popular Facebook group

He was later handed a nine-month suspended jail sentence.

After his death, family member Leesa Kenyon said the couple had been trying for a child for several years and had recently bought a home together.

'Everything is so overwhelming at the moment. We are all trying to stay strong for Kellie in this heart-wrenching time,' Ms Kenyon told Daily Mail Australia.

'The accident is one you would never want anyone to have to deal with, let alone being four weeks off having a baby. It breaks my heart.'

The page describes Jackson as a 'fantastic, loyal, caring, hard-working husband... in his prime preparing to introduce his baby girl-to-be into the world'.

'Words can not describe the heartache of this tragedy for all family and friends.'

But when previous articles about his shocking crime started to circulate on Facebook page Offenders Exposed, hundreds of people left angry comments outraged by the amount raised.

'Go to the website and report it, also let them know that he is a sex offender,' urged one person.

'I cant believe $18,000 was raised for his GoFundMe before it stopped accepting donations. They originally aimed for $10k then moved it to $20k,' added another.

Jackson was due to welcome his first child in a matter of weeks

'I guess it's mostly for his unborn child. But still they shouldn't be posting him as a "nice guy".

'Maybe the money would be better switched to his victim,' added a third.

Others said the money raised was not for him, but his wife and baby, who had committed no crime.

'Give it to his wife and baby. Help them set up a better life without him,' commented one group member.

'Or a trust fund for bubba when she is older? Either way the mother has lost an income and will likely struggle. Kids are expensive.'

At his hearing 10 years ago, Jackson had expressed his remorse and shame for his intoxicated behaviour.

'He realises he has brought shame on both himself and his family,' his lawyer Ron Frigo said.

Mr Frigo also told the court his client had a clean history and had not intended on sharing or uploading the indecent recordings.

There was a bitter backlash to the fundraising efforts with many commenters expressing their anger

But Magistrate Paul Johnstone said neither Jackson's clean history nor his excuse of being intoxicated could save him from a criminal conviction.

'This is just yet another example of a man taking advantage of a woman who found herself in a very vulnerable situation,' Magistrate Johnston said.

Jackson was convicted and sentenced to nine months' jail, suspended for two years.

A passerby found Jackson unresponsive after his e-scooter crash, and despite paramedics' efforts he was declared dead at the scene.

The Forensic Crash Unit are investigating the circumstances of the incident and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has relevant footage to come forward.

At the time of writing the GoFundMe page was deactivated.
A message on a mobile billboard being driven around one of Australia's wealthiest areas has been met with a mix of outrage, humour and bemusement.

The billboard spotted in Mosman on Sydney's exclusive lower north shore, features a young blonde woman in her underwear with a short message.

'Are you rich, old and lonely? I'm looking for a sugar daddy,' it says, followed by a phone number and the name Shianne Foxx.

'Did anyone see this going up and down Military Rd? Totally unacceptable that this is allowed,' a furious woman posted on the Mosman Living Facebook page.

'My seven year old read it out loud and then asked me what it meant. What has this world come to!! Can anyone advise if there's a way to report this to the council?'

But other commenters dismissed the concerns and laughed it off.

'Well done for giving her a wider audience reach that she'd have otherwise,' wrote one.

'Meals on wheels?' another said, referring to the fact that Mosman has one of the country's oldest age profiles.

A message on a mobile billboard (pictured) being driven around one of Australia's wealthiest areas has been met with a mix of outrage, humour and bemusement

The billboard was spotted in Mosman (pictured) on Sydney's exclusive lower north shore

Others referred to how well off Mosman is, being the 11th wealthiest suburb in the country, with an average taxable income of $266,050 per year.

'I suppose they chose their target area with some thought,' one joker wrote.

Another person having a laugh posted: 'I can't quite make out the number... can anyone help.'

The woman behind the billboard also calls herself the Bikini Tradie, and recently called out the double standards between men who can work shirtless on building sites on hot days and women like her who can't.

She works as a landscaper in Sydney and slammed her boss for saying it would be a 'distraction' for her to work topless on very hot days.

Ms Foxx said this was an unfair 'double standard' that needed to be addressed in the industry.

She expressed her views in a short TikTok video on the way home from work.

'It's a f***ing 40 degree day today and I'm the one who has to wear my shirt. All the boys on the site don't have to wear theirs,' Ms Foxx said.

Ms Foxx (pictured) also calls herself the Bikini Tradie

'It's a double standard, it's sexist and I'm actually really over it.

'I just want to be topless like the boys but no, I will "distract them".'

Most of the comments on the video supported her, with many telling her to take it up with the boss.

'It ain't the lads you work with that would be complaining, direct the hate towards those running the show,' one person wrote.

'Sure there'd be comments and looks for a week or so but then it really wouldn't matter.'

But some others feared workplace injuries would go 'through the roof' if too many of her co-workers got distracted in that first week should the rules change.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Foxx for comment.
Volkswagen, FAW to launch 11 new models in China from 2026

Xinhua) 10:12, March 18, 2025

WOLFSBURG, Germany, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Volkswagen Group and China's First Automobile Works (FAW) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to introduce 11 new models in China from 2026, including ten new energy vehicles (NEVs), the German automaker said on Monday.

According to a press release from Volkswagen, the new models include six battery electric vehicles (BEVs), two plug-in hybrids, and two range-extender electric vehicles. The move is part of the company's "In China, for China" strategy to strengthen its position in the world's largest auto market.

Volkswagen said the Jetta brand will also launch its first electric model by 2026, targeting China's growing entry-level BEV segment. The company aims to roll out about 40 new models in China between 2025 and 2027, with over half being electrified.

Ralf Brandstaetter, board member of Volkswagen AG for China, highlighted that the partnership with FAW remains a "strong pillar" of its China strategy and that the company will leverage local research and development capabilities to enhance its products with intelligent connected vehicle technology.

Chen Bin, deputy general manager of FAW Group and General Manager of FAW-Volkswagen, said the agreement marks a "significant milestone" in FAW-Volkswagen's pursuit of high-quality development. "The global automotive industry is facing both opportunities and challenges. FAW and Volkswagen Group will continue to leverage over 30 years of partnership to drive strategic synergy and innovation," he said.

The FAW-Volkswagen joint venture plans to introduce BEVs on Volkswagen's locally developed Compact Main Platform and upgrade models on the global MEB platform with advanced software features. Volkswagen's China Technology Company and software subsidiary CARIAD China will play a key role in development, aiming to cut time-to-market by 30 percent and reduce costs by 40 percent.

Additionally, FAW-Volkswagen will unveil a concept car at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show, showcasing the new design direction of Volkswagen-brand vehicles in China.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Israel has warned that it will 'show no mercy' on Hamas if the Israeli hostages are not returned as it unleashes a series of air strikes on Gaza.

At least 330 Palestinians are dead, according to Hamas, after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out 'extensive' strikes in Gaza overnight after talks to extend the ceasefire had failed.

At least four Hamas officials - including Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister and highest-ranking Hamas security official in Gaza - were among those killed in the strikes, sources affiliated with the terror group have claimed.

Witnesses in Gaza say that Israel unleased a 'fire of hell' on the region, alleging that 'bodies and limbs are on the ground' and the 'wounded cannot find any doctor to treat them', AFP reports.

The Israeli military, which reported it hit dozens of 'terror targets' early on Tuesday, said the attacks would continue for as long as necessary.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says the fighting will continue 'as long as the hostages are not returned and all our war aims are not achieved'.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has previously vowed to 'destroy' Hamas, said Tuesday that Israel will 'from now on act against Hamas with increasing military strength'.

His office also accused Hamas of 'repeated refusal to release our hostages' and rejecting proposals from US President Donald Trump's Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.

Hamas has issued a statement accusing Israel of treachery for breaching the terms of the truce agreed on January 19 and warned that Netanyahu's decision to launch widespread strikes on the Gaza Strip amounts to a 'death sentence' for the remaining hostages held there.

This picture was shared in the aftermath of the extensive Israeli air strikes on Gaza

Residents look at the remains of their homes, destroyed in an Israeli strike, at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on March 18, 2025

In hospitals strained by 15 months of bombardment, piles of bodies in white plastic sheets could be seen stacked up as casualties were brought in

Strikes were reported in multiple locations overnight, including northern Gaza, Gaza City and the Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah in central and southern Gaza Strip. Officials with the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry said many of the dead were children.

In hospitals strained by 15 months of bombardment, piles of bodies in white plastic sheets could be seen stacked up as casualties were brought in. People were rushing stretchers with wounded people, including young children, to the Nasser Hospital.

Footage shared on social media in the aftermath of the strikes shows pummels of smoke billowing from a fiery orange pit as people's homes lie in ruins.

Witnesses in Gaza said Israeli tanks shelled areas in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, forcing many families who had returned to their areas after the ceasefire began to leave their homes and head north to Khan Younis.

A United Nations staffer in the Gaza Strip said it was 'very tough night' for everyone in Gaza, revealing that she woke to the sound of 'very loud explosions' and that once the strikes subsided, she heard 'people yelling, people screaming and ambulances.'

'The bombardments have continued throughout the night,' said Rosalia Bollen, a communications specialist with the UN children's agency. 'The whole night, there's been just the constant buzzing of drones and planes flying over.'

She said the strikes hit tents and structures housing displaced families. 'We're seeing, as of this morning, at least several dozen children killed,' she added.

The IDF has issued evacuation orders to residents living on the edges of Gaza Strip, an area it has now designated as 'dangerous combat zones'. Col. Avichay Adraee, in a post on X, advised Gazans to flee from the towns of Beit Hanoun, Khuza'a, and the Abasan suburbs of Khan Younis.

'The IDF has launched a strong offensive against terror organizations. These designated areas are considered dangerous combat zones,' he tweeted, also sharing a map of the communities included in the danger area.

'For your own safety, you must evacuate immediately to known shelters in western Gaza City and in Khan Younis.'

He warned that remaining in the impacted region 'puts your lives and the lives of your family members in danger.'

The picture was shared on social media following the impact of Israel's renewed air strikes in Gaza

Smoke rises after Israel breaks the ceasefire at the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza Strip on March 18, 2025

People displaced by conflict and fleeing from Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip arrive with their belongings in Gaza City on March 18, 2025

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Netanyahu and Katz ordered the strikes on Tuesday morning, according to the Prime Minister's Office. The plan for the air strikes 'was presented by the IDF over the weekend and approved by the political leadership'.

'This follows Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators,' a statement from Netanyahu's office said.

'Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.'

In Washington, a White House spokesman said Israel had consulted the US administration before it carried out the strikes, which the military claimed targeted mid-level Hamas commanders and leadership officials.

'Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war,' White House spokesman Brian Hughes said.

The main group representing the families of hostages held in Gaza has slammed the decision to return to fighting, saying the move shows the government 'chose to give up on the hostages.'

The Hostages Families Forum said 'military pressure endangers hostages.' It asked the government in a post on X why it 'backed out of the agreement' with Hamas that set out a release of all the living hostages in exchange for an end to the war.

'We are shocked, angry, and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas,' the group said.

The group, which says the 'hostages are in grave danger', has issued an 'emergency call' to protest and is headed to Jerusalem to demonstrate today.

'There is nothing more urgent than this! With each passing day, the danger to the hostages grows. Military pressure could further endanger their lives and complicate efforts to bring them home safely,' the statement added.

Negotiating teams from Israel and Hamas had been in Doha as mediators from Egypt and Qatar sought to bridge the gap between the two sides after the end of an initial phase in the ceasefire, which saw 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais returned in exchange for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

With the backing of the United States, Israel had been pressing for the return of the remaining 59 hostages still held in Gaza in exchange for a longer-term truce that would have halted fighting until after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday in April.

However Hamas had been insisting on moving to negotiations for a permanent end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, in accordance with the terms of the original ceasefire agreement.

'We demand that the mediators hold Netanyahu and the Zionist occupation fully responsible for violating and overturning the agreement,' the group said.

Israel announced on March 2 it would be suspending the entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza over a dispute around the timing of the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

In a recent attack, Israel targets tents housing displaced Palestinians in the Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties on March 18, 2025. The strikes rendered many of the tents uninhabitable

People displaced by conflict and fleeing from Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip arrive carrying their belongings in Gaza City on March 18, 2025

Palestinians mourn loved ones who were killed in the Israeli air strikes overnight as the bodies of the deceased are taken from the Nasser Hospital morgue in Khan Yunis on March 18, 2025

Each side has accused the other of failing to respect the terms of the January ceasefire agreement, and there were multiple hiccups during the course of the first phase. But until now, a full return to the fighting had been avoided.

Israel had blocked deliveries of aid from entering Gaza and had threatened on numerous occasions to resume fighting if Hamas did not agree to return the hostages it still holds.

The army did not provide details about the strikes carried out in the early hours of Tuesday but Palestinian health authorities and witnesses reported damage in numerous areas of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands are living in makeshift shelters or damaged buildings.

A building in Gaza City, in the northern end of the strip was hit and at least three houses were hit in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza. In addition, the strikes hit targets in the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah, according to medics and witnesses.

Among those killed was senior Hamas official Mohammad Al-Jmasi, a member of the political office, and members of his family, including his grandchildren who were in his house in Gaza City when it was hit by an airstrike, Hamas sources said.

The terror group has also named Head of Government Work Follow-up Issam al-Dalis, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice Ahmed al-Hatta, and Director General of the Internal Security Service Abu Sultan among the deceased.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels denounced the Israel's 'resumption of aggression against the Gaza Strip' and vowed to escalate their own operations, indicating a possible renewal of the Houthis' strikes on shipping in the Red Sea.

'The Palestinian people will not be left alone in this battle, and Yemen will continue its support and assistance, and escalate confrontation steps,' a statement from the group's Supreme Political Council said.

The US launched new airstrikes over the weekend targeting the Houthis in Yemen in retaliation for its attacks on shipping. At least 53 people were reported killed.

Trump on Monday warned Iran would 'suffer the consequences' for any further Houthi attacks, threatening to widen the conflict further.

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025

A woman searches through the rubble of her home, destroyed in an Israeli strike, for salvageable items at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on March 18, 2025

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025

Men transport items they salvaged from the rubble of their homes, destroyed in an Israeli strike, in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip

A man carries items he salvaged from the rubble of his home, destroyed in an Israeli strike, as he walks through the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip

Netanyahu has come under mounting domestic pressure, with mass protests planned over his handling of the hostage crisis and his decision to fire the head of Israel's internal security agency.

He also faces demands from his hardline allies not to allow any deal in Gaza that falls short of Hamas' destruction. Negotiations with Hamas over a second phase could have brought pressure for compromises over how Gaza will be ruled in the future.

Much of Gaza now lies in ruins after 15 months of fighting, which erupted on October 7, 2023 when thousands of Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israeli communities around the Gaza Strip, killing some 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and abducting 251 hostages into Gaza over the continued occupation of Palestinian land.

The Israeli campaign in response has killed more than 48,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, and destroyed much of the housing and infrastructure in the enclave, including the hospital system.
Jury in Ms Cordingley's murder trial has been discharged

A hung jury has ended the trial of a former hospital nurse accused of murder after a young woman was fatally stabbed on an isolated beach.

The jury was on Tuesday discharged after it was unable to reach a verdict following days of deliberations, more than six years after Toyah Cordingley's body was discovered.

Ms Cordingley, a 24-year-old organic food store worker, was found buried in sand at a beach outside Cairns, far north Queensland, on October 22, 2018.

Rajwinder Singh, 40, from nearby Innisfail, had pleaded not guilty to murder.

The jury had begun deliberating on Friday after being shown graphic autopsy photos during the 13-day trial in the Supreme Court in Cairns and hearing from hundreds of witnesses.

Justice James Henry earlier told jurors the prosecution would present a case based on circumstantial evidence because there was no direct witness to the alleged crime.

Ms Cordingley took her dog for a walk at Wangetti Beach, a long and isolated stretch of sand about a 40-minute drive north of Cairns, on October 21, 2018.

Her boyfriend Marco Heidenreich called triple zero to report her missing after he found her vehicle in the beach car park and was unable to reach her by phone.

The jury in 24-year-old Toyah Cordingley's murder trial was discharged on Tuesday

Rajwinder Singh, 40, had previously pleaded not guilty to murder

Ms Cordingley's father, Troy, found the body while investigating a mound of sand at the beach.

Her dog Indie was found unharmed and tied to a nearby tree.

Crown prosecutor Nathan Crane told the jury nobody witnessed Ms Cordingley being killed or saw the murderer get away.

DNA and mobile phone evidence was presented by the prosecution, who told the jury Singh left his family, quit his job and flew to India the day after Ms Cordingley's body was found.

He was not seen again until November 2022 when he was found and extradited to Australia, the jury was told.

Singh was an Indian national who had lived in Australia since 2009.

Lead defence barrister Angus Edwards told jurors they could not convict Singh unless they could reject all other reasonable suspects for the killing.

'This whole trial comes down to one issue: could it only have been Rajwinder Singh or is he just one of several possibilities,' he said.

Ms Cordingley, a 24-year-old organic food store worker, was found buried in sand at a beach outside Cairns, far north Queensland , on October 22, 2018

DNA and mobile phone evidence was presented by the prosecution, who told the jury Singh left his family, quit his job and flew to India the day after Ms Cordingley's body was found

Crown prosecutor Nathan Crane told the jury nobody witnessed Ms Cordingley being killed or saw the murderer get away

He told the jury police went to great lengths to examine Singh's clothes, movements, associates and car.

'My question to you is did they do the same thing with the other suspects?' Mr Edwards said.

The defence claimed investigators 'protected' Mr Heidenreich because his stepdad was a former Cairns police officer.

Mr Heidenreich testified he had no involvement in Ms Cordingley's death.

After more than two days of deliberating, the jury issued a note saying it was deadlocked and could not reach a verdict.

It was discharged by Justice Henry who adjourned the case until next week to set a date for a retrial.

Ms Cordingley's family reportedly made no comment outside court.
Ministers are bracing for a ferocious Labour backlash today as they finally unveil billions of pounds of benefits cuts.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is set to lay out moves to save around 5billion amid fears spiralling costs are 'unsustainable'.

Disability and incapacity benefits are expected to be the focus, with eligibility tightened and ongoing checks ramped up. Those with mental health complaints could also face more obligations to seek jobs, while disabled people will be incentivised to try work with guarantees they will not lose out if it proves impossible.

However, Sir Keir Starmer is facing stubborn Labour resistance to the proposals even before they are formally announced, with critics branding them 'shameful'.

The idea of freezing Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in cash terms already appears to have been ditched in the face of a mutiny on the Left.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is set to lay out moves to save around 5billion amid fears spiralling costs are 'unsustainable'

The benefits bill has been rising and is forecast to continue going up

Cabinet is signing off the long-awaited welfare package this morning before Ms Kendall makes a statement to the House of Commons at lunchtime.

While the Government has been making the 'moral' case for the overhaul, it could be critical for Rachel Reeves as she struggles to balance the books at the Spring Statement next week.

The Chancellor is thought to have a 15billion black hole to fill in the finances after economic growth slumped and debt interest costs spiked. She has ruled out more borrowing and significant tax rises, leaving spending cuts her only option.

However, even if the Government does manage to find 5billion of savings from health and disability benefits, Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts suggest that will only mean spending rising by 20billion by the end of the decade, instead of 25billion.

The biggest ticket item is expected to be limiting entitlements to PIP - which is not related to work status, but paid to support people with extra living costs due to their disability.

There are reports that people will need to show they have serious difficulty with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing and eating.

That could make it much harder for those with mental health issues to claim.

However, those with serious degenerative disabilities could be exempted from needing reassessments altogether.

Meanwhile, the work capability assessment for the incapacity element of Universal Credit could be replaced with a tougher system. The highest rates of those handouts could be reduced in real terms.

Many MPs believe around 1billion of the savings will be recycled into helping claimants get into work.

And there will be action to remove the perverse incentive against those on incapacity benefits trying work. Currently, if a job proves impossible and has to be abandoned, people can go back to lower payments.

Official figures released today showed a total of 3.66million claimants in England and Wales were entitled to PIP as of January 31.

That was up 12 per cent from 3.27million in the same month a year earlier.

At the end of January 2020, before the pandemic, the figure was 2.14million.

It then rose to 2.36 million by the end of January 2021, 2.57 million by January 2022 and and 2.93 million by January 2023.

The current total of 3.66million is 71 per cent higher than the equivalent figure five years ago.

The most common disabling condition among those claiming PIP in England and Wales was psychiatric disorders, with 1.4million people in the category.

General musculoskeletal disease was cited for 691,000, neurological disease 467,000 and specific musculoskeletal disease 437,000.

Disabling conditions involving psychiatric disorders accounted for 38.4 per cent of claimants in January 2025, up from 35 per cent five years earlier.

General musculoskeletal disease accounted for 18.9 per cent, down from 20.6 per cent, and neurological disease accounted for 12.8 per cent, down from 14.4 per cent.

The proportion of PIP claimants under the age of 30 has spiked from 14.5 per cent of the total in January 2020 to 16.4 per cent in January 2025.

People aged 30-44 made up 18.8 per cent of the total for England and Wales in January 2020 and 20.9 per cent in January 2025.

By contrast, the proportion of claimants who are aged 45-59 has fallen from 36.3 per cent in January 2020 to 30.1 per cent in January 2025.

The figure for 60 to 74-year-olds is broadly unchanged, rising very slightly from 30.5 per cent to 30.9 per cent.

The Tories pledged to slash 12billion off the benefits bill before the election, although the figures they presented were hotly disputed.

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden argued that the UK was the only major economy where inactivity had not fallen back to pre-Covid levels.

He confirmed reassessment reforms would be among the changes, and insisted that the Cabinet is 'united' around the need to trim costs.

Asked whether support for people with mental health conditions should be 'time-limited', Mr McFadden told Times Radio: 'We do think it requires support, but we don't think it renders people permanently reassessments will be part of the package announced today.

'We want people, if they're on long-term sickness benefits, not to languish there forever, but to be reassessed.

'There have been too few reassessments in recent years.'

Labour Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham warned yesterday that changes to eligibility and support while leaving the system as it is would 'trap too many people in poverty'.

Speaking on BBC Newsnight, former frontbencher Baroness Chakrabarti suggested what she had been hearing about the contents of the green paper was 'wrong in principle'.

She also laid into briefings about the proposals, insisting: 'Shame on those people playing politics, those spin doctors and special advisors who've been playing this game at the expense of people's mental health.'

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Keir Starmer is facing stubborn Labour resistance to the proposals even before they are formally announced, with critics branding them 'shameful'

The Chancellor yesterday dismissed the idea of borrowing more to keep benefits the same as 'not serious'

Ms Kendall has sought to reassure MPs that the reforms would ensure 'trust and fairness' in the social security system and make sure benefits are available 'for people who need it now, and for years to come'.

Ministers insist that reform is necessary, given the number of people in England and Wales claiming either sickness or disability benefit has soared from 2.8million to about 4million since 2019.

The Chancellor yesterday dismissed the idea of borrowing more to keep benefits the same as 'not serious'.

'Every day an additional 1,000 people are going on to Personal Independence Payments, disability benefits. That is not sustainable,' she said.
This is the moment a sneaky bag thief uses his foot to swipe a woman's bag from right under her nose in just 22 seconds.

Aziz Chibani, 32, pretended to be on the phone as he slowly inched the rucksack from under a table where the victim was enjoying a chat with a friend.

Still on the phone, he then makes it look like his own bag as he picks it up and leaves the pub in London.

The shocking theft saw the woman lose 1,600 worth of stuff she had with her in the bag.

She had been completely oblivious to what had happened as she continued to talk with her pal.

Meanwhile Chibani had picked up the rucksack, walked down some stairs and out into the street - but little did he know the entire encounter had been caught on CCTV cameras.

Chibani pleaded guilty to theft and was given a 12-week sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Aziz Chibani, 32, pretended to be on the phone as he slowly inched the rucksack from under a table where the victim was enjoying a chat with a friend

Still on the phone, he then makes it look like his own bag as he picks it up and leaves the pub in the London

City of London Police are urging people to keep their property safe and secure when they're out.

A spokesperson said: 'Criminals will use any opportunities to take bags, so always make sure you know where your valuable items are at all times.

'If you see any suspicious activity, please report it to bar staff and call 101 or 999 in an emergency.

'With your help we can detect thieves and take them off the streets.'
The Princess of Wales has let slip what she really thinks about her husband's beard saying 'these things come and go' and it depends on if he's is wearing uniform.

Kate Middleton made the comments on Prince William yesterday as she attended the Irish Guards' annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Speaking to a group of servicemen, the future Queen said: 'Every time he has his uniform on it's like "definitely no beard".'

She also admitted to being unsure how long her husband would keep his facial hair as 'these trends come and go'.

A soldier interjected and said he thought he personally spent more time looking after his beard than he would do shaving it.

The lighthearted conversation then turned to more serious matters as the Princess asked if any of the servicemen had been away recently.

It comes as she enjoyed a glass of Guinness as part of the day's festivities, making an emotional return to her own regiment on St Patrick's Day during a solo engagement.

Someone joked on X - formerly Twitter - that Kate felt Prince William's beard had 'a countdown'.

Speaking to a group of servicemen, the future Queen said: 'Every time he has his uniform on it's like "definitely no beard"'

William and Kate pictured as they attended the Ceremonial Welcome at Horse Guards Parade during day one of The Amir of the State of Qatar's visit to the United Kingdom in December

The Princess of Wales smiles as she joins the Irish Guards, their families and young cadets from Northern Ireland at a special St Patrick's Day parade

Another person said: 'Something says the presence or absence of it depends only on her mood.'

Someone else went further, claiming they could tell Princess Kate wasn't a fan.

They said: 'I love William with a beard. I dont think Catherine likes it, but she needs to get over it. Clearly William enjoys having a beard and she should support his choice.'

But another person concluded: 'I simply love how she listens and doesnt try to interject. The Princess of Wales is a breath of fresh air.'

Prince William, 42, first debuted his rugged stubble in August last year when he appeared in a clip alongside Kate congratulating Team GB on their successes in the Paris Olympics.

Although it was met with a mainly positive reaction, many wondered what Kate thought of his unshaven appearance.

One of William's closest confidants, Jason Knauf, who used to work as an advisor for the Waleses, took royal fans one step closer to the answer in February, during an interview with Australian TV programme, 60 Minutes.

'If she didn't like it, it wouldn't be there. I can tell you that,' he said when asked by a journalist whether she was a fan of his beard.

A formerly clean shaven Prince is pictured in 2023 attending a pre-campaign launch event, hosted by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood alongside the Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales has let slip what she really thinks about her husband's beard saying 'these things come and go'

The Princess of Wales dressed in festive green today as she was saluted by Irish Guards' at the St Patrick's Day parade before sipping on a pint of Guinness

Probed on whether he personally liked William's beard, he said: 'I love it, I think it's great, but I've talked to him about it or tried to talk to him about and he's like "It's here, I have a beard, no further conversation".'

However, it didn't go down so well with other members of the royal family.

The father-of-three previously said that his daughter Princess Charlotte, nine, 'burst into tears' when she saw him with facial hair for the first time in the summer of 2024.

The young royal was so upset that William decided to shave it off, however he then decided to try and win her round.

The Prince of Wales said at the time: 'The beard! Well Charlotte didn't like it the first time.

'I got floods of tears the first time I grew a beard, so I had to shave it off. And then I grew it back. I thought, hang on a second and I convinced her it was going to be okay.'

The beard marked a departure from typical royal protocol, which usually sees members of the family clean shaven.

Kate handed out sprigs of shamrocks to soldiers from the Irish Guards at Wellington Barracks yesterday morning before attending a parade to celebrate Ireland's patron saint.

Princess of Wales presents traditional sprigs of shamrock to Officers and Guardsmen of the Irish Guard

The Princess of Wales joins Guardsmen and families in the Junior Ranks dining Hall, during a visit to the Irish Guards for their St Patrick's Day Parade at Wellington Barracks in London

She missed the Guards' celebrations last year after being diagnosed with cancer and apologised last summer for missing a key rehearsal for the annual Trooping the Colour.

In light of her recovery progressing, Kate Middleton, 43, has gradually returned to her public royal duties over the past several months, including attending Monday's parade.

While chatting to Irish Guardsmen and their families in the Sergeants Mess at Wellington Barracks, the Princess told Corporal Adam Hamilton, an Australian reservist: 'George finds it fascinating that he has been to Australia and New Zealand.

'I would like to go back there with them now. Its finding time to do that. But I love to travel  yes, its a long flight. But I love the Middle East because thats familiar to me (from) growing up. There are so many opportunities now to travel, I think its brilliant to experience it.

We tend to go further afield when its official visits, its being able to carve out time to experience these countries in a more private capacity. Because otherwise you end up seeing lots of insides of amazing buildings but you dont get to meet that many.. people

'Its making sure that you can combine a bit of work with the children. I might see you down there!'
French riot police clashed with migrants and their supporters today as they cleared a Paris theatre occupied by hundreds of homeless Africans.

Violence broke out outside the Gaite Lyrique  one of the French capitals most historic arts venues  soon after dawn on Tuesday morning.

Mainly young men have moved in since last December when the management gave them free tickets to a Refugees Welcome in France conference.

Performances were soon cancelled  losing the theatre thousands in revenue  as makeshift beds were placed around the stage and auditorium.

Until today there were 446 people living inside illegally, most of them claiming they are minors under the age of 18 who deserve permanent housing.

CRS (Republican Security Companies) officers armed with tear gas and batons gathered outside the theatre at 5am on Tuesday, and then moved in at 6am.

There were immediate clashes with protesters who were shouting at them, and trying to stop them getting into the theatre, said a local resident who was at the scene.

Police responded with tear gas and baton charges, and there were some injuries.

A handful of migrants stood outside the theatre as the police arrived with suitcases in hand.

Some 200 other agitators surrounded the theatre chanting shame on this government that wages war on vulnerable people.

A judge at the Paris Administrative Court ordered the evacuation of the building on February 13, but the council initially refused to involved the police

The number of migrants occupying the theatre rose to around 440 before it was raided

Until today there were 446 people living inside illegally, most of them claiming they are minors under the age of 18 who deserve permanent housing

The 1800-seat building that houses the current Gaite Lyrique was built in 1862 and became celebrated for staging operettas by Jacques Offenbach

French police enter the Gaite Lyrique cultural center after evacuating unaccompanied minors from the site, in Paris, France, 18 March 2025

Migrants sit on the ground as people gather against police eviction of migrants from the Gaite Lyrique theatre after more than three months of their occupation, in Paris, France, March 18, 2025

People gather against police eviction of migrants from the Gaite Lyrique theatre after more than three months of their occupation, in Paris, France, March 18, 2025

Many of the migrants refused to board the bus laid on to take them there claiming they were settled in the capital.

One young man, Adama, from the Ivory Coast told the AFP news agency: I am 15 years old. I need to go to class at 10am today.

I dont know what to tell my teacher. I need to leave a message saying that I wont make it.

He added: We havent killed anybody, we dont steal. We came here to become integrated.

Daniele Simonnet, a Left-wing Paris MP, attacked the violent police intervention in a tweet published on X.

Law and order officials pledged action after those who run the theatre complained of untenable promiscuity inside the theatre leading to increasing violence.

Management have already abandoned the building, because of fears about fire safety, security, hygiene and cleanliness, maintenance, and waste collection.

In a statement, they warned of an explosive and undignified situation that was increasing in severity.

Beyond fights breaking out because of sexual tensions, migrants have been seen dealing and using drugs.

Staff have been acting as on-site security guards, even though this is neither their skill set nor their job, says the statement.

Despite this, the statement said staff have also been welcoming and sheltering the occupants.

The theatre is owned by the City of Paris, which is dominated by Socialists and Greens.

Mainly young men have moved in since last December when the management gave them free tickets to a Refugees Welcome in France  conference

Police clashed with protesters in the streets of Paris

Daniele Simonnet, a Left-wing Paris MP, attacked the violent police intervention in a tweet published on X

Law and order officials pledged action after those who run the theatre complained of untenable promiscuity inside the theatre

Management had already abandoned the building, because of fears about fire safety, security, hygiene and cleanliness, maintenance, and waste collection'

Local businesses complained of losses due to the occupation

Violence broke out outside the Gaite Lyrique  one of the French capitals most historic arts venues  soon after dawn on Tuesday morning

A judge at the Paris Administrative Court ordered the evacuation of the building on February 13, but the council initially refused to involved the police.

The migrants were being supported by political activists even more Left-wing than the theatres management.

Calling themselves the Collectif des Jeunes du Parc de Belleville  after a Parisian park  they view the occupation as being part of the anti-racist and anti-colonial struggle.

But local businesses complained of losses due to the occupation.

The owner of the Bistrot de la Gaite restaurant, Elia Cordier, told MailOnline she is close to going bust and dared not speak out against the issue as she has received death threats from the anarchist agitators.

She told MailOnline: 'This political stunt is ruining me. I am losing thousands of euros every day.

'On a normal Saturday I would clear 2,500. Today I'll be lucky if I make 200. If this carries on, I will be bankrupt within one or two months.

Previously she told The Times how the anti-social behaviour of the migrants had ruined the area.

Ms Cordier said: 'They hang around outside my terrace, smoking joints and fighting among themselves.

'Not only do we no longer get theatregoers because the theatre is shut but we don't get passers-by either. They're being frightened away by all these young men.'

Other local businesses claim the usually tranquil park in front of the theatre has become a venue for drug dealing and other anti-social behaviour.

And local residents claim the occupation threatened the very essence of French culture.

'What is happening here is putting French culture at risk,' businessman David Bayard told MailOnline.

'Paris is the centre of French culture. This theatre is important to French culture. We used to go to this theatre often. Now this occupation has taken that away from us.

'There are hundreds of hotel rooms that are empty across Paris. Surely it is not too difficult to put these young people in them.'

His wife Tiffany, 39, added: 'Why can't the state find a safe place for these people to sleep. Closing down this theatre is an act of cultural sabotage.'

The bistrot next to the 19th-century venue, a popular spot for theatregoers to eat and drink before and after shows, has reported 30,000 in lost revenue so far.

The 1800-seat building that houses the current Gaite Lyrique was built in 1862 and became celebrated for staging operettas by Jacques Offenbach, the German-born French composer, in the 19th Century.

CRS (Republican Security Companies) officers gathered outside the theatre at 5am on Tuesday, and then moved in at 6am

An isolated minor sitting on a chair and sleeping with his arms on a table during the occupation

Pictures from inside the theatre show people sleeping on tables in cramped conditions

On November 1, France reinforced its borders with six of its neighbouring Schengen members - Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland - with increased checks.

The controls were applied to travellers entering France via land, sea and air routes from all six nations and will last until April 1, 2025 - but authorities have said they could be extended further.

A French government statement declared the checks were introduced due to 'serious threats to public policy, public order, and internal security posed by high-level terrorist activities... criminal networks facilitating irregular migration and smuggling, and migration flows that risk infiltration by radicalised individuals'.
Audi will cut up to 7,500 jobs in Germany by 2029, as the premium carmaker becomes the latest European auto industry player to reduce costs.

The Volkswagen-owned manufacturer on Monday announced its new measures, which it said should save the firm 1 billion euros (842.5 million) per year in the medium term.

'The economic conditions are becoming increasingly tougher, competitive pressure and political uncertainties are presenting the company with immense challenges', Audi said.

A worldwide lack of demand has hit the electrical vehicle industry and in November the boss of Ford's UK arm warned that Britain's car industry is in crisis because of insufficient demand.

The German firm, which is headquartered in the Bavarian city of Ingolstadt, added that it was investing a total of 8 billion euros (6.7 billion) in its German sites in the next four years.

The premium carmaker plans to make a new entry-level electric model at its Ingolstadt plant, and is considering a further model in its second German site of Neckarsulm, it said, a soothing sign for German labour representatives nervous about carmakers opting to produce EVs in cheaper countries.

Gernot Dollner, Audi's chairman, said: 'We are setting Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm up to be robust and flexible for the challenging transition to electric mobility.

'Audi must become faster, more agile, and more efficient. One thing is clear: this cannot be done without personnel adjustments. Together, we will match the personnel measures to the scope.'

Audi will cut up to 7,500 jobs in Germany by 2029, the firm announced Monday

Image shows Audi's headquarters in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany

The German carmaker said the newest measures will save the firm 1 billion euros (842.5 million) per year. Picture shows Employees of Audi's Brussels plant gather at the main entrance for last time after the production at the factory is completely shut down in Brussels, Belgium on February 28, 2025

The cuts at Audi bring layoffs currently planned across the Volkswagen Group to just under 48,000.

It comes as Volkswagen recently unleashed a cost-cutting programme involving around 35,000 job cuts.

Automobile manufacturer Porsche, also owned by Volkswagen, plans to cut 3,900 jobs, while software unit Cariad aims to slash around 1,600.

The Audi brand has fared poorly in recent years, with its operating margin crashing to 4.5% in the first nine months of 2024 from 7% in the same period of the previous year due to weak sales in its key markets and the cost of ceasing production, opens new tab at its struggling Brussels plant.

Audi has already cut around 9,500 production jobs since 2019, a move it said at the time should free up billions of euros to fund its shift to EVs and boost margins to 9%-11%.

Last month, one of Audi's factories in Brussels shut production for good, costing 3,000 employees their jobs.

The Audi factory was billed as the 'cradle' of the German carmaker's electric drive.

Audi first said it would restructure the plant in July, with suggestions that it was considering an early end to production there sparking huge protests in the following months.

Last month, one of Audi's factories in Brussels shut production for good, costing 3,000 employees their jobs. Employees of Audi's Brussels plant pictured outside factory last month

Workers at the site launched a prolonged strike to try to prevent the closure

The firm gave several factors for closing the Brussels plant, the largest private employer in the Belgian capital.

The company had switched to producing EVs in 2018 after 70 years of making combustion engine models.

But it said a global fall in demand for high-end electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) had tanked demand for its Q8 e-tron, to which the site was exclusively dedicated.

It also cited long-running structural issues at the former Volkswagen factory, saying it suffered from high logistics and production costs.

Workers at the site launched a prolonged strike to try to prevent the closure, with some blaming Audi for being too slow to make the pivot to electric, and then for focusing on a prohibitively expensive model.

Also this month, Czech car making giant Skoda announced plans to make drastic cuts to keep up with the expensive EV rollout.

Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer told Automobilwoche, a German automotive newspaper, that job cuts will occur because of natural fluctuation.

He said it would 'do Skoda good' to introduce another battery electric vehicle and the Octavia could be a top seller.
An United States man accused of messaging with an Australian family whose delusional beliefs contributed to them killing three people has objected to Queensland police testifying at his trial.

Arizona man Donald Day Jr, 60, was arrested by FBI agents in December 2023 and charged with making threats to public figures and law enforcement agents and with illegal firearms possession in the US.

Day entered pleas of not guilty to all charges in the Arizona District Court in May 2024.

Day allegedly sent messages about a 'Christian end-of-days ideology' known as premillennialism to the members of the Train family in Queensland between May 2021 and December 2022.

Brothers Nathaniel, 46, and Gareth Train, 47, used high-powered rifles during an ambush to kill Constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, at a remote property at Wieambilla west of Brisbane, on December 12, 2022.

Nathaniel Train joined Gareth and his sibling's wife Stacey, 45, to fatally shoot neighbour Alan Dare, 58, soon after killing the two constables.

Day's lawyer Jon Sands filed a pre-trial motion in the US District Court of Arizona earlier in March asking certain evidence be found inadmissible, including testimony from eight Queensland police officers put forward by the prosecution.

'Carefully controlling the admissibility of evidence about the Trains and the shooting - acts for which Mr Day bears no responsibility - is the only way to ensure that Mr Day receives a fair trial,' Mr Sands said in his motion.

Arizona man Donald Day Jr, 60, has filed to not have Queensland Police give evidence in his US criminal trial after he allegedly messaged cop-killers before an ambush slaying

Stacey and Gareth Train ambushed and killed the two constables at a remote property at Wieambilla west of Brisbane, on December 12, 2022

Gareth's brother, Nathan, helped the pair fatally shoot their neighbour Alan Dare, 58, soon after the two constables had been slain

All three Trains were shot dead by specialist police officers hours after the ambush in December 2022.

They had refused to negotiate or surrender.

Mr Sands accused Australian authorities of targeting Day for actions and speech legal in the US because all the actual suspects were dead.

'The court should limit the evidence admitted about the Wieambilla shooting to a stipulated statement of facts,' Mr Sands said.

'This approach ... provides all the context necessary for the government to prove its case, without requiring the emotionally charged testimony of Australian law enforcement officials.'

A coronial inquest into the shootings in 2024 heard the Trains had paranoid beliefs including that the authorities were 'demons' who would transform the family into mindless slaves.

Mr Sands said US federal prosecutors would try to claim Day and the Trains had similar isolated lifestyles and anti-government beliefs.

'The government has indicated that it intends to introduce at trial a large volume of evidence related to the Trains and the Wieambilla shooting,' Mr Sands said.

Constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, were shot dead by a doomsday cult family that Day Jr had been talking to in 2022

Day Jr allegedly sent messages about a 'Christian end-of-days ideology' to the members of the Train family before the fatal shooting (scene pictured)

Queensland Police has submitted to the US court witness statements from eight officers.

One is from a Counter Terrorism Command security investigator who reviewed the alleged online and social media interactions between the Trains and Day.

The witness statements also contained allegations Queensland police used forensic software to hack into iPhones found at the Trains' property and discovered messages exchanged with Day on video-sharing websites.

Day is due to stand trial in the US District Court in late April.
The Prince of Wales has paid a moving personal tribute to John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot who has died at the age of 105.

Writing on social media, Prince William said: 'I was sad to hear about the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway this morning, the last of "The Few".

'We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them. W'

In 1940 Mr Hemingway was one of the extraordinary band of brothers who stood between Britain and enemy invasion from Germany.

Sir Winston Churchill called it the country's 'finest hour'.

Group Captain Hemingway, who retired from the Royal Air Force in 1974, served throughout the Second World War, from the first day to the last.

He died in a care home in Dublin, modest to the last about his extraordinary achievements, sparking a wave of tributes.

Prince William also served with the RAF, training as Search and Rescue pilot in 2009, a role he held for three years.

The Prince of Wales has paid a moving personal tribute to John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot who has died at the age of 105

Last night, Mr Hemingway's son, Brian, told the Mail his father had been 'happy' and 'in fighting form' to the end at the care home which had been his home for the last few years.

'He never felt that there was anything special about him,' Brian said.

'He thought the special ones were the friends who never returned. And now he is back with his squadron. It is very sad but his is a life to be both celebrated and mourned.'

The airman served all through the Second World War, from the first day to the last, emerging from an astonishing series of near-death experiences almost unscathed.

In his last newspaper interview, with the Mail's Robert Hardman, he attributed his grand old age to being 'a lucky Irishman'.

That he departed this world on St Patrick's Day seems entirely in keeping with the extraordinary story of his life.

He was shot down four times, survived a plane crash and was even saved by a tree when his parachute failed to open.

There is no question that he enjoyed more than his share of good fortune.

Writing on social media, Prince William said: 'I was sad to hear about the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway this morning, the last of "The Few"

Prince William also served with the RAF , training as Search and Rescue pilot in 2009, a role he held for three years. Above: Prince William, Prince of Wales attends the Sovereign's Parade on behalf of King Charles III at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell on September 12, 2024

Scrambled on the very first night of the Second World War and despatched to France a week later in September 1939, he saw his squadron decimated even before the start of the Battle of Britain ten months later.

All through those bloody months of 1940, he was one of that small number of exhausted and impossibly brave young men defending Britain from wave after wave of enemy attacks. Even at the end of the battle, he was still only 21.

After most of his contemporaries had either made the ultimate sacrifice, suffered dreadful burns or deservedly moved on to other duties, 'Paddy' Hemingway was still volunteering to be in the thick of the action.

His last brush with death came right at the end of the war in April 1945, when he was shot down over Italy, evaded capture and made it back through enemy lines, dressed as a peasant, with the help of a ten-year-old Italian girl.

During the war, he flew both Hurricanes and Spitfires, refusing to take sides in that age-old dispute over which was the better plane.

He called the former a 'marvellous' aircraft, 'a gentle old lady, comfortable and old-fashioned' and a 'very stable platform for combat'.

He would always be among the first to point out that this was the workhorse of the Battle of Britain, destroying more enemy planes than any other.

The stronger, faster Spitfire was 'wonderful - except you had to be very careful landing. If you were not careful with a Spitfire, you would get into all sorts of trouble'.

In 1940 Mr Hemingway was one of the extraordinary band of brothers who stood between Britain and enemy invasion from Germany. Above: The pilot aged 21

As for aerial combat, the Hemingway advice to fighter pilots was clear: 'Stay busy amongst the enemy bombers, shoot as many targets as possible and don't wait to confirm any results beyond the most immediately obvious ones.'

There was a similar sense of collective loss after the death of Harry Patch, the last fighting 'Tommy' of the First World War, in 2009.

John Hemingway's family will remember a much-loved father of three, a grandfather and a great-grandfather who was always faintly bemused by any fuss.

He was not remotely religious, to the extent that he had no wish for a funeral ceremony.

His response to those who might ask about his life was a genuine note of surprise.

'Is anyone remotely interested?' he would reply. The Kent Battle of Britain Museum at Hawkinge certainly was.

Their new, life-size statue of Mr Hemingway (ready for action and looking to the sky) will be on display when the museum reopens next month.

A memorial service, however, will be held in due course.

John (second from left) aged 22 with Squadron Leader Peter Townsend (with cane) and other RAF comrades. He retired from the RAF in 1974 as a Group Captain, having also been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross

A life-size statue of Mr Hemingway, ready for action and looking to the sky, will be on display at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum next month

The war hero believed his efforts during the Battle of Britain in 1940 were simply part of the job

John 'Paddy' Hemingway at his home near Dublin

As with the passing of Harry Patch, that should be a moment to thank and honour not just Mr Hemingway but all his comrades, in this case all 2,927 airmen - mostly British but including nearly 700 from the Commonwealth and Allied nations - who were awarded the Battle of Britain clasp.

Come May, we will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe - VE Day.

Were it not for those who fought the Battle of Britain five years earlier, there would have been no VE Day in the first place.

One by one, they have left us and so it is Mr Hemingway who goes down in the annals as the very last of those whom Churchill exalted in one of the most famous lines of the 20th century: 'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.'

Not that Mr Hemingway remembered it quite that way, of course. 'Just doing the job,' he would say  though he was touched by Churchill's sentiment.

As he put it to Mr Hardman: 'When all your friends who love you most are gone, and somebody says that, it means something.'

His commitment to 'the job' never faltered.

In 2019, a team of aviation historians recovered the wreckage of a Hurricane from a stretch of coastal mud in Essex.

It was the aircraft from which Mr Hemingway had bailed out in August 1940, at the height of the Battle of Britain, after his engine was hit and caught fire.

Not only were the Browning machine guns still operational (and had to be decommissioned) but the control column was still in one piece.

The gun button, the recovery team discovered, was still set to 'FIRE'.
A mixed race Ralph Lauren stylist whose boss compared her to the 'United Colours of Benetton' has won more than 11,000 in a racial harassment payout.

Rikki Grey worked at luxury designer brand Club Monaco in Sloane Square, London - which was owned by Ralph Lauren before its sale in 2021.

Her 'offensive' boss Nathan Rickerby likened her mixed ethnicity to the Italian fashion brand - known in the 1980s for it's multi-racial advertising campaigns.

The part time worker, whose mother is Jamaican, was left 'traumatised' by the incident and said it had made her see the world in a 'different way', an employment tribunal heard.

She went off sick with work-related stress as a result and launched legal proceedings, making claims of racial discrimination and harassment.

Miss Grey has now been awarded 11,286.95 in compensation after a judge ruled her boss had used language 'patently related' to her mixed heritage.

The tribunal in central London heard Miss Grey started working for the luxury clothes brand store in London in November 2015 as a sales associate stylist and worked 16 hours a week.

In June 2019, Mr Rickerby became the store manager.

A mixed race Ralph Lauren stylist whose boss compared her to the 'United Colours of Benetton' has won more than 11,000 in a racial harassment payout

Her 'offensive' boss Nathan Rickerby likened her mixed ethnicity to the Italian fashion brand - known in the 1980s for it's multi-racial advertising campaigns

Miss Grey was off sick from August and was issued with an unauthorised absence letter by bosses in September after failing to follow the return to work procedure.

The panel found their relationship had become 'fraught and freighted with mutual distrust', as Mr Rickerby became frustrated with her being absent, AWOL or late, while she felt 'singled out'.

In November 2019, Mr Rickerby called Miss Grey into his office to complete an online training course.

When she was unable to log in and the pair waited for help from the IT desk, he asked her about her 'night out' the evening before.

The tribunal found he then said: 'Oh look at that Rikki Grey EU*you're the European Union aren't you, being mixed race and all.

'You're the United Nations - you're the United Colours of Benetton.'

Later giving evidence in a grievance investigation, Miss Grey said Mr Rickerby had 'obviously' been referring to her mother being Jamaican and said the racial abuse had been 'scary'.

He denied making the comments, but the panel found he had made them.

Rikki Grey worked at luxury designer brand Club Monaco in Sloane Square, London - which was owned by Ralph Lauren before its sale in 2021

Giving evidence at the tribunal he admitted 'UN' had 'racial connotations'.

The panel concluded it 'implausible' for him not to have known about United Colours of Benetton - a well-known high street fashion brand - as also having 'racial connotations'.

The tribunal heard she had been 'one of the best sales performers in his team'.

After failing to attend work in December 2019, Miss Grey was invited to an investigation meeting in January - which was changed to a grievance meeting by HR after raising the 'discrimination' she claimed she had been subject to.

However, as a result of 'stress-related to work' and bereavement later in the year, Miss Grey was off work until July 2020.

In August 2020, Miss Grey formally submitted a grievance about the racial abuse the previous November and was placed on paid leave while the investigation was ongoing.

In a meeting later that month, Miss Grey said she had been 'traumatised' by the incident and had 'made me see the world in a different way'.

She added: 'This world is not a nice place when you're dealt with in a certain way because of the colour of your skin.'

In September, her grievance was not upheld as her claims had been 'unsubstantiated in the absence of any corroborative evidence'.

Her appeal was also dismissed.

She has been signed off work since January 2022 due to 'work-related stress', it was heard.

At the tribunal she made a series of claims of race discrimination which were dismissed. However, the tribunal found Mr Rickerby's comments were racial harassment.

After hearing Mr Rickerby refer to a 'mix of colours' to refer to mixed heritage, Employment Judge David Khan said: 'We conclude that Mr Rickerby was capable of using language in relation to race which was not only clumsy and careless but offensive.

'The language that we have found Mr Rickerby used was patently related to [Miss Grey]'s mixed heritage.

'Because of the nature of this language, we conclude that it had the purpose of creating the environment and of violating her dignity.

'We find that it is likely that the impugned conduct we have upheld contributed to her extended period of absence in 2020.

'We find that the language used by Mr Rickerby was sufficiently grievous to create the proscribed effect objectively.

'We also take account of the fact that Mr Rickerby was not another colleague or peer of [Miss Grey]'s but was the store manager and in a position of power and authority over her.'
A school teacher tragically killed herself by deliberately driving into the path of an HGV lorry while experiencing symptoms of the menopause, an inquest has heard.

Jacqueline Potter - known as Anne - was experiencing a number of stresses in her life and an inquest heard the menopause contributed to her mental health decline and made her underlying anxiety worse.

She left her home on the morning of December 5, 2020, and drove along the A303 in Somerset before purposefully swerving into the path of the HGV.

Her heartbroken family described Ms Potter, 54, - who taught languages at Bishop Fox's school in Taunton for a decade - as 'fiercely loyal and sweet'.

They said at the time of her death: 'She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and daughter and was loved and cherished by us all.

'A kind, sweet and fiercely loyal person, we can't put into words how much we will miss her. She always gave the best advice and had a brilliant sense of humour.'

The family added she was a 'well respected teacher' with 'an amazing talent for languages'.

'The loss to our family and friends is immeasurable and she will always be with us in our hearts.'

Jacqueline Potter, 54 - known as Anne - had been treated for declining mental health before she killed herself in December 2020

Ms Potter drove along the A303 (pictured) at Podimore, Somerset, and deliberately drove into the path of the HGV tank lorry on the opposite carriageway

The inquest was told that after suffering from declining mental health, in late September 2020 Ms Potter took an overdose of painkillers and was given treatment at Yeovil hospital in Somerset.

On discharge she was released with daily mental health support.

But the grandmother was later found wandering in traffic and absconding from her home, prompting her to be detained under the Mental Health Act for several weeks.

On December 3 she had a day out with her family in Bristol and was allowed to stay overnight at home on the 4th - but the inquest heard her family did not receive appropriate information to help them keep her safe during the overnight stay.

On the morning of December 5 Anne used keys to leave the house and drove off in a car.

She drove along the A303 at Podimore, Somerset, and deliberately drove into the path of the HGV tank lorry on the opposite carriageway.

Married Anne, of Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset, died from multiple wounds.

Breaking the sad news to pupils and parents at Bishop Fox School, headteacher Kerry Tonkin wrote in a letter: 'It is with tremendous sadness and regret that I have to inform you of the death of Mrs Potter, a teacher of French and Spanish, and a Year 8 tutor at Bishop Fox's School.

The inquest was told that in late September 2020 Ms Potter took an overdose of painkillers and was given treatment at Yeovil hospital in Somerset (pictured)

'Unfortunately, we have been informed that Mrs Potter was involved in a fatal road traffic accident.

'Mrs Potter was a valued and very experienced member of our school community and this is a real shock to us all.

'She has attended numerous school trips, most recently to France in the summer term, and supported her tutor group in Okehampton last year.

'We all will sorely miss her passion for teaching languages, being a great tutor and her sense of humour.'

She added: 'Our thoughts are with Mrs Potter's family and friends at this sad time. We ask all in our community to respect the family's privacy and sensitivities, particularly in relation with posts on social media.'

The senior Somerset coroner Samantha Marsh recorded a suicide conclusion at the inquest held at Wells.

Dr Andreas Papadopoulos, associate medical director for mental health and learning disability services at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'We want to send our deepest condolences to Mrs Potter's family for their tragic loss.

'We have listened to the coroner's comments, and we are now working to develop a clearer single document that includes risks and a safety plan, that will be shared with families when a patient has leave from our mental health units.

'We also carried out our own investigation, together with the family, and from this we are developing plans to improve our colleagues' knowledge on the wider implications of the menopause, as well as improving the process of allocating a named nurse to individual patients.

'We're also reviewing our colleague training around approaches to trauma-informed care.

'We will now take time to review the coroner's comments to understand what further steps we need to take.'

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Ikea has confirmed an opening date for its long-awaited new London flagship store in the West End after buying the site for 378million more than three years ago.

The Swedish furniture retailer will welcome customers into the outlet at 214 Oxford Street from May 1 after converting the Grade-II listed former Topshop store.

Ikea bought the site, once the jewel in Sir Philip Green's retail empire Arcadia Group, in October 2021 and an original opening date of autumn 2023 had been given.

But renovations faced an 18-month delay caused by issues including water leaking into the basement - while builders also installed new insulation and heat pumps.

The retailer previously revealed it was taking longer than expected to renovate the more than 100-year-old building, and the planned opening was pushed back twice.

Now, Ikea has confirmed the new store will have a total retail space of 62,400 sq ft (5,800 sq m) and will be open daily from 10am until 8pm, generating 150 jobs.

The store is seen by retail and council bosses as a crucial part of restoring Oxford Street to its former glory as one of the world's premier shopping destinations.

The area has become blighted by crime and homelessness in recent years having fallen into disrepair with empty shops, littered streets and falling visitor numbers - with poor quality US 'candy stores' and souvenir shops at the centre of concerns.

Ikea has confirmed an opening date for its new London flagship store at 214 Oxford Street

The popular Swedish furniture retailer has converted the Grade-II listed former Topshop store

Ikea has confirmed the new store will have a total retail space of 62,400 sq ft (5,800 sq m)

Major retailers to have closed in recent years in addition to Topshop have included House of Fraser, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams.

Locations of the 21 existing Ikea UK stores Belfast

Bristol

Cardiff

Edinburgh

Exeter

Gateshead

Glasgow

Lakeside

Leeds

London - Croydon

London - Greenwich

London - Hammersmith

London - Wembley

Manchester

Milton Keynes

Nottingham

Reading

Sheffield

Southampton

Warrington

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Problems reached a peak in August 2023 when West End stores were forced to lower their shutters and lock customers inside after large groups of mainly young men responded to a call on TikTok to join a 'Oxford Circus JD robbery'.

But the area was boosted when HMV reopened its old flagship store in November 2023, and Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan now wants to pedestrianise 0.7 miles of the street as part of the regeneration despite warnings this could make it a crime-ridden 'no-go area'.

The new Ikea store will include a showroom featuring examples of rooms, a market hall with home furnishings accessories, planning appointments and a Swedish deli.

Ikea said the restaurant would have 130 seats and serve its signature meatballs with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and cream sauce for 4.95, or hot dogs for 75p.

The store will span three floors of the seven-storey building, comprising the ground and two lower ground floors. Some 3,500 products will be available to take away, with a further 2,500 to order.

Ikea added that customers can take home smaller pieces of furniture in one of its Frakta bags, but they can also order them to be delivered or for collection at a pick-up point elsewhere.

The firm opened a pop-up concept store next to the site called 'Hus of Frakta' themed around its famous bag last November, but this will close on March 23.

Ikea said it received 3,730 applications in just five days for the 150 jobs at the store when it began recruiting earlier this year.

Ikea UK chief executive Peter Jelkeby said: 'Whether a local Londoner or a tourist passing through, Ikea Oxford Street aims to inspire home dreams for everyone  offering beautifully designed, functional furnishings at prices affordable for as many people as possible, ensuring visitors leave with ideas and solutions that make everyday life at home a little better.'

NOVEMBER 2024: Ikea launches a pop-up concept store on Oxford Street around its Frakta bag

AUGUST 2023: An installation representing an Ikea bag is unveiled as the renovation continues

OCTOBER 2021: People walk past 214 Oxford Street after Topshop's flagship store was closed

The firm said the opening follows a three-year renovation, with the building set to accommodate three other retail outlets and offer four floors of office space.

It comes after cosmetics retailer Space NK confirmed last week that it would taking some of the space for its own flagship in the same building.

Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ikea UK's parent company and owner of the building, has overseen the works  which include replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps and installing secondary glazing for better insulation.

Workers have also cleaned and restored the building's facade, created a new lighting scheme and refurbished the fourth floor's original Victorian roof lantern.

Mr Jelkeby added: 'We have worked carefully to ensure we maintain the character of this historic building whilst creating a modern retail environment for customers to explore and be inspired.

'London is an iconic shopping destination, and we are thrilled to now have a home in its centre.

NOVEMBER 2020: People walk past the closed Topshop on Oxford Street during the pandemic

APRIL 2014: Crowds outside Topshop on Oxford Street waiting for model Kate Moss to arrive

APRIL 2016: Sir Philip Green with Kate Moss at a launch event at Topshop on Oxford Circus

APRIL 2006: Crowds of shoppers rush down escalators at the Topshop store on Oxford Circus

'Ikea Oxford Street's location complements our network of stores in London  and beyond  and allows us to be closer to where our customers live, work and shop, while importantly being easily accessible by foot or public transport. We look forward to welcoming you in.'

Ikea was founded in Sweden in 1943, and opened its first UK store in Warrington, Cheshire, in 1987  before its first London store in Wembley one year later.

The chain now has 20 'full-sized' stores in the UK, one 'city' store in Hammersmith, one 'order and collection' point, and three 'plan and order points'.

Last October, Ikea UK revealed a slump in sales for the previous year as under-pressure shoppers held off buying bigger-ticket items.

It added that the fall was also partly driven by price reductions to keep attracting customers hit hard by the higher cost of living.

The company revealed that retail sales dropped by 6.8 per cent to 2.3billion for the year to August 2024, compared with the previous financial year.
Hamas has warned that Israel's return to war has imposed a 'death sentence' on the remaining hostages held captive in Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza overnight, ending the fragile two-month ceasefire as Benjamin Netanyahu vows to use more force to free hostages held by Hamas.

At least 413 Palestinians were killed in the strikes, including Hamas prime minister Issam al-Da'alis, the terror group has claimed. At least four other Hamas officials were reportedly killed in Israel's attack.

Medical facilities in the region are 'overwhelmed' as hundreds of injured people seek care. A surgeon working at Gaza's Nasser Hospital accused Israel of unleashing 'utter carnage and destruction' on Gazans, which he said is to be expected 'when you drop bombs on tents'.

'I did six operations overnight. Half of them were small children, probably six and below,' Dr Feroze Sidhwa told Sky News Breakfast presenter Wilfred Frost. 'Most of them are going to die, unfortunately.'

The Israeli military said it hit dozens of targets overnight and warned the attacks would continue for as long as necessary and extend beyond airstrikes, raising the prospect that Israeli ground troops could resume fighting.

Netanyahu has ordered Israeli forces to take 'strong action' against Hamas and threatened terror chiefs with 'increasing military strength'.

His office accused Hamas of rejecting ceasefire proposals and 'repeated refusal' to release the remaining hostages in Gaza. The terror group still holds 59 of the 250 or so hostages seized in its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Hamas has accused Israel of breaching the terms of the ceasefire agreement and claimed to be 'working with mediators' to stop the bombardment. The terror group also blamed what it described as 'unlimited' United States for giving the 'green light' for the attack and alleged America 'bears full responsibility' for the Gaza 'massacre'.

Smoke billows behind a cemetery during Israeli strikes west of Gaza City on March 18, 2025

Israeli tanks manoeuvre on the border with northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Palestinians search through the rubble of their houses in Khan Yunis, Gaza, where the Israeli army launched a series of air strikes overnight, end the ceasefire agreement

Israel vowed on Tuesday to continue fighting in Gaza until all hostages are returned as it unleashed its most intense strikes since a ceasefire.

Hamas accused Netanyahu of deciding to 'resume war' after an impasse in truce negotiations, and warned that the return to fighting could be a 'death sentence' for hostages still alive in Gaza.

The strikes were by far the biggest and deadliest since a truce took effect in January. Hamas has not responded to the strikes so far.

Netanyahu warned Hamas this month of consequences it 'cannot imagine' if it does not free hostages still in Gaza, and Israeli media reported on plans aimed at ramping up pressure on Hamas dubbed the 'Hell Plan'.

The White House said Israel consulted US President Donald Trump's administration before launching the wave of strikes, which the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said killed mostly women and children.

Netanyahu's office said the operation was ordered after 'Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators'.

'Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,' the statement said.

'We will not stop fighting as long as the hostages are not returned home and all our war aims are not achieved,' Defence Minister Israel Katz said.

This picture was shared in the aftermath of the extensive Israeli air strikes on Gaza

The picture was shared on social media following the impact of Israel's renewed air strikes in Gaza

Palestinians make their way to flee their homes in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighbourhoods

Hamas said the head of its government in Gaza, Issam al-Da'alis, (pictured in April 2023) was among several officials killed in the strikes

Apart from the release of the remaining hostages, Israel's other main war aim is to crush Hamas.

In a statement, Hamas said Israel had 'decided to overturn the ceasefire agreement'.

'Netanyahu's decision to resume war is a decision to sacrifice the occupation's prisoners and impose a death sentence on them,' it said.

Hamas said the head of its government in Gaza, Issam al-Da'alis, along with several other senior officials, was killed in the strikes.

Among those killed was Mohammad Al-Jmasi, a senior member of Hamas' political office, and members of his family - including his grandchildren who were in his house in Gaza City when it was hit by an air strike, Hamas sources and relatives said.

It also named Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the highest-ranking Hamas security official in Gaza, and senior officials Ahmed al-Hatta and Abu Sultan among the deceased.

The terror group has accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire and jeopardising efforts by mediators to secure a permanent truce.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels denounced the Israel's 'resumption of aggression against the Gaza Strip' and vowed to escalate their own operations, indicating a possible renewal of the Houthis' strikes on shipping in the Red Sea.

'The Palestinian people will not be left alone in this battle, and Yemen will continue its support and assistance, and escalate confrontation steps,' a statement from the group's Supreme Political Council said.

The US launched new airstrikes over the weekend targeting the Houthis in Yemen in retaliation for its attacks on shipping. At least 53 people were reported killed.

Trump on Monday warned Iran would 'suffer the consequences' for any further Houthi attacks, threatening to widen the conflict further.

Egypt, one of the mediators in the ceasefire deal agreed in January, called for restraint and urged all parties to work towards a lasting agreement.

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An Israeli soldier directs a tank near the border with Gaza on Tuesday in southern Israel

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a residential building, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on March 18, 2025

Strikes were reported in multiple locations overnight, including northern Gaza, Gaza City and the Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah in central and southern Gaza Strip.

The IDF has issued evacuation orders to residents living on the edges of Gaza Strip, an area it has now designated as 'dangerous combat zones'. Col. Avichay Adraee, in a post on X, advised Gazans to flee from the towns of Beit Hanoun, Khuza'a, and the Abasan suburbs of Khan Younis.

'The IDF has launched a strong offensive against terror organisations. These designated areas are considered dangerous combat zones,' he tweeted, also sharing a map of the communities included in the danger area.

'For your own safety, you must evacuate immediately to known shelters in western Gaza City and in Khan Younis'.

He warned that remaining in the impacted region 'puts your lives and the lives of your family members in danger'.

Airstrikes hit houses and tent encampments from the north to south of the Gaza Strip overnight and Israeli tanks shelled across the border line into the east and south of the enclave.

In Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, footage showed people rushing stretchers with wounded people, including young children, to the Nasser Hospital. Bodies covered with white sheets were also taken to the hospital's mortuary.

Gazans have shared how they experienced a 'night of hell' that was reminiscent of the 'first days of the war'.

'I thought they were dreams and nightmares, but I saw a fire in my relatives' house,' said one Palestinian who was sleeping in a tent near his destroyed house in Khan Yunis when he was woken by huge blasts.

'They unleashed the fire of hell again on Gaza,' local resident Ramez Alammarin, 25, said of Israel, adding that 'bodies and limbs are on the ground, and the wounded cannot find any doctor to treat them.'

Palestinians struggle to survive their daily lives in makeshift tents among the rubble of buildings destroyed by the overnight Israeli attacks in Beit Lahia, Gaza

Israeli airstrikes overnight were launched near tents housing displaced Palestinians in the Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties on March 18, 2025. The strikes rendered many of the tents uninhabitable

Palestinian children walk past rubble as people make their way to flee their homes in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza are now pleading with Netanyahu to 'stop the killing and disappearance' of their loved ones, and have called for a protest in front of the premier's residence.

The Hostages Families Forum criticised the decision to return to fighting, saying the shows the government 'chose to give up on the hostages'.

The group asked the government in a post on X why it 'backed out of the agreement' with Hamas that set out a release of all the living hostages in exchange for an end to the war.

'We are shocked, angry, and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas,' the group said.

'There is nothing more urgent than this! With each passing day, the danger to the hostages grows. Military pressure could further endanger their lives and complicate efforts to bring them home safely,' the statement added.

The UN human rights chief Volker Turk said he was horrified by the Israeli bombardment.

'This will add tragedy onto tragedy,' he said in a statement. 'Israel's resort to yet more military force will only heap further misery upon a Palestinian population already suffering catastrophic conditions.'

Israel has halted aid deliveries into Gaza for over two weeks, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis.

Israeli media said Israel was opening shelters in multiple areas in commercial hub Tel Aviv to prepare for possible retaliation from Hamas or Yemen.

Israel's renewed intense pressure on Hamas came as tensions flared elsewhere in the Middle East, which has seen the Gaza war spread to Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.

Israelis call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and say the resumption of fighting in Gaza puts their loved ones at risk as they protest outside the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem on Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Palestinians protest against renewed war on Gaza, in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on March 18, 2025

The overnight attacks were far wider in scale than the regular drone strikes Israel has said it has conducted recently against suspected militants - and follow weeks of failed efforts to agree an extension to the truce agreed on January 19.

Witnesses in Gaza said Israeli tanks shelled areas in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, forcing many families who had returned after the ceasefire to leave their homes again and head north to Khan Younis.

In Washington, a White House spokesperson said Israel had consulted the US administration before it carried out the strikes.

'Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war,' White House spokesperson Brian Hughes said.

US envoy Steve 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.

Hamas had said it was ready to free Alexander and the remains of four others.

Witkoff said Hamas had provided 'an unacceptable response' and that 'the opportunity is closing fast'.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it was concerned by reports of 'major casualties among the civilian population'.

Palestinians ride on a truck as they flee their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighbourhoods

Palestinians flee their homes in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday following heavy Israeli strikes which prompted evacuation orders from the Israeli army

Negotiating teams from Israel and Hamas had been in Doha as mediators from Egypt and Qatar sought to bridge the gap between the two sides after the end of an initial phase in the ceasefire, which saw 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais released in exchange for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

With the backing of the US, Israel had been pressing for the return of the remaining hostages in exchange for a longer-term truce to halt fighting until after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday in April.

However, Hamas has insisted on moving to negotiations for a permanent end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, in accordance with the terms of the original ceasefire agreement.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua said Tuesday that communication with mediators was ongoing, and the group was keen to complete the implementation of the original Gaza ceasefire deal.

Much of Gaza now lies in ruins after the war, which erupted on October 7, 2023 when Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israeli communities, killing some 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and abducting 251 hostages into Gaza.

The Israeli campaign in response has killed more than 48,000 people in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities, and destroyed much of the housing and infrastructure in the enclave, including the hospital system.
A teenager tragically died after doctors failed to spot she was having her first ever asthma attack and 'inappropriately' discharged her back home.

Billie Wicks, 16, was rushed by her concerned parents to the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, north London, last September, but doctors did not carry out observations or reviews that would probably have saved her life, a coroner found.

It was a busy night in the A&E department at the hospital, and the coroner noted how the department was 'understaffed' on the night Billie was there.

Instead, NHS staff 'safety netted' the teenager, reassuring the family as they discharged her in the early hours of the morning that they could bring her back in 'if they had any concerns'.

However, this advice meant that when her condition later deteriorated, Billie's parents' 'natural instincts' to seek medical help were 'blunted', the coroner said.

The teenager died the following day on September 15, 2024, and an inquest into her death was opened two days later.

Mary Hassell, coroner for Inner North London, has now written to the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead warning that more people could die unless action is taken.

The inquest was told that Billie was taken to the hospital's A&E in September 2024 just before midnight on the night before her death with an asthma attack.

Billie Wicks, 16, died after doctors failed to spot she was having her first ever asthma attack and 'inappropriately' discharged her back home

A coroner looking into the teenager's death found that doctors did not carry out observations or reviews that would probably have saved her life

She had never suffered from the condition before, the inquest was told.

'A first presentation of asthma at the age of 16 years without any family history is unusual, and it was a busy night in the accident and emergency department,' Ms Hassell wrote.

'Billie was inappropriately discharged at approximately 3.30am without adequate repeat observations or senior clinical review, and so her asthma was not diagnosed or treated.

'If it had been, she probably would have survived.'

At the inquest, Ms Hassell recorded a narrative conclusion that Billie died from 'infective exacerbation of asthma'.

In her Prevention of Future Deaths report, she raised a number of concerns.

'At inquest, I heard repeatedly that on the night Billie attended, the Royal Free emergency department was understaffed, and that it remains understaffed of doctors, nurses, and even a healthcare assistant who could take basic observations,' she wrote.

'Billie should have had observations every hour. If she had had these observations, the emergency registrar who discharged her would have recognised that she was not as well as he thought, and would have sought senior medical review.

The coroner also mentioned the case of four-year-old Daniel Klosi - who died from sepsis at the Royal Free Hospital in 2023

The coroner noted in Daniel's case a lack of observations within the emergency department at the Royal Free Hospital

'That senior medical review would have changed the course of her management and saved her life.

'The registrar who saw Billie the night before her death prescribed an antibiotic, but he was not in the habit of giving the first dose in the department and he did not on this occasion.

'This meant that Billie's infection was not tackled as quickly as it could have been. This seems to indicate a training and potentially a guideline need.

'At the time of Billie's presentation, the registrar was unaware of the possibility of adult onset asthma. This seems to indicate a training and potentially a guideline need.'

Meanwhile, Ms Hassell also mentioned the case of Daniel Klosi, 4, - who died from sepsis at the Royal Free in 2023.

Daniel was taken to hospital four times in the week running up to his death, and a report into the circumstances surrounding his death also raises concern about observations.

'Following the inquest touching the death of Daniel Klosi, I wrote to you on August 16 2024 about a lack of observations in the emergency department of the Royal Free.

'Although the circumstances were different, there is a theme,' Ms Hassell said.

In a statement, the Royal Free said it expressed its 'heartfelt condolences' over Billie's death

Ms Hassell additionally raised concerns about the NHS practice of 'safety netting' - where information is given to a patient or their carer about actions to take if their condition fails to improve.

'I heard that Billie was safety netted when she was discharged,' she wrote. 'Her parents were told to bring her back if they had any concerns.

'I have heard this safety netting advice being described many, many times in different inquests.

'What worries me about it in this context is that Billie's parents had brought her to hospital because they were concerned. They were then reassured by hospital staff.

'It is therefore difficult to see how this particular advice could be a meaningful instruction.

'In reality, her parents' initial concern was well placed and they had responded to it appropriately by bringing Billie to hospital.

'When Billie began to deteriorate again, her parents' natural instinct had been blunted by their first visit to the hospital.

'In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe that you have the power to take such action.'

As well as the Royal Free, Ms Hassell addressed her concerns to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

They have until the May 12 to respond.

A spokesperson for the Royal Free London said: 'We would like to share our heartfelt condolences with Billie's family and to say how sorry we are that she died while under our care.

'Following an investigation into the care provided to Billie, we have taken steps to increase staffing levels in the children's emergency department during nights and weekends and improve the process for alerting senior clinicians when an abnormal test result is received.

'We will carefully review the coroner's findings and respond to all the matters she has raised.'
Ryanair is renewing its calls for a pre-flight drink limit after a topless man who missed his flight went on a rampage through Dublin airport yesterday after missing his flight.

Footage shared online showed the man, believed to have been 'intoxicated' with a face covering pacing around Terminal 1 and launching items back and forth as bemused passengers looked on.

Dublin airport later confirmed that a passenger had been arrested after causing 'significant damage to our airport', as many travelled to celebrate St, Patrick's Day.

Budget airline Ryanair told Irish outlet Newstalk that following Monday's incident, it will impose a 10-year ban on the passenger and has renewed its call for a two drink limit at airport bars. MailOnline has reached out to Ryanair for comment.

Lukas Kaunietis, who unleashed a wrecking spree at the airport yesterday was 'quickly apprehended' by Airport Police before being arrested by An Garda Siochana, they said in a statement.

He was later charged with a number of counts of criminal damage.

'We hope the justice system deals with him appropriately and also that we never see him at Dublin Airport again.'

Shocking video showed a man attacking and throwing furniture around the terminal

At point point he appeared to pick up a stool from a nearby cafe

Dublin Airport confirmed that a man was detained by airport police and then An Garda Siochana

In another clip circling on social media, the man was seen trying to pull wires from built-in pieces of airport equipment around a section of Terminal 1 used for short-haul flights by budget airlines like Ryanair.

It was unclear which flight he had missed.

He struggled to pull a large metal box out of position before throwing it to the floor.

At one point the man flexed his muscles and bounced in his stride as he noticed he was being filmed.

He was also seen throwing chairs and tables attached to a cafe near the gate, BelfastLive reports.

At one point he kicked over a Ryanair baggage weight checker.

Airport furniture was later shown strewn across the terminal as the man was detained by airport police with his arms behind his back.

Gardai confirmed they had arrested a man in his 20s in connection with an incident of criminal damage at the airport.

Back in January, Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary said placing a limit on the amount of alcoholic drinks served to passengers would result in a 'safer travel experience for passengers and crews'.

Ryanair has said that ollowing Monday's incident, it will impose a 10-year ban on the passenger and has renewed its call for a two drink limit at airport bars

Ryanair's call for a two-drink limit was first made by O'Leary in August last year, as he reported an increase in disorder on flights

A Ryanair spokesperson also condemned European governments for 'repeatedly' failing to 'take action when disruptive passengers threaten aircraft safety and force them to divert'.

He went on: 'It is time that European Union authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports.

'Airlines like Ryanair already restrict and limit the sale of alcohol on board our aircraft, particularly in disruptive passenger cases.

'However, during flight delays, passengers are consuming excess alcohol at airports without any limit on purchase or consumption.'

Ryanair's call for a two-drink limit was first made by O'Leary in August last year, as he reported an increase in disorder on flights.

O'Leary admitted that the budget airline saw a 'spike' of violent disorder among its passengers over the summer, adding that flights to party hotspot Ibiza were often the rowdiest.

'If the price of putting a drink limit on the airport, where the problem is being created, is putting a drink limit on board the aircraft, we've no problem with that', he told Sky News.

'The real issue is how do we stop these people getting drunk at airports particularly as, like this summer, we've had a huge spike in air traffic control delays.

Ryanair's recent remarks on drink limits came after the carrier announced that it was starting to take legal action to recover losses against disruptive passengers, as part of a 'major misconduct clampdown'.
The derelict Great Pyramid of Stockport is to get a new lease of life as it is turned into the world's largest curry house.

The 86,000 sq ft site is being transformed by Royal Nawaab, and will eventually have room for up to 1,500 diners at a time.

The iconic blue building, which has been empty for years after previously housing Co-op Banking in 2017, has become an intrinsic part of the Stockport landscape and sits next to the M60.

The new 15 million development will see a 360-seat restaurant and buffet open on the ground floor.

Seating for a further 680 people will be available on the first floor, with floors above that holding more dining rooms, an office and storage space.

With a total capacity of 1,500 diners, the mega restaurant is expected to provide jobs to at least 150 people.

Founder of the curry chain Mahboob Hussain told the BBC he was 'thrilled' after being granted planning permission for the transformation in 2023.

He added: 'I liked taking on this challenge and after working on a historical building in London.

The iconic blue building, which has been empty for years after previously housing Co-op Banking in 2017, has become an intrinsic part of the Stockport landscape

Founder of the curry chain Mahboob Hussain (pictured inside the pyramid) told the BBC he was 'thrilled' to take on the challenge

'I'll be proud to have this as a Royal Nawaab. There were a lot of challenges we came across because it's a different shape of a building, but it's interesting.

'That's why it's called iconic and is a historical building. We've had some issues but we've resolved them, and now we're nearly there.'

He previously told fans of the curry chain the new venue would include 500 parking spaces and 40 electric chargers.

According to the restaurant's Facebook page, it is taking bookings from next month, including for big events such as weddings.

No official opening date has yet been announced, but it's thought it could be just weeks away.

In a sign the restaurant is nearing completion, the old 'Co-operative' letters at the top of the building have been removed and replaced with 'Royal Nawaab'.

Previous pictures released to show what the final renovation is expected to look like give a luxurious insight to banquet spaces, water features and intricate decor.

The pyramid's construction was completed in 1992 by developers who went bust before they could build several other similar properties in the surrounding area.

According to the restaurant's Facebook page, it is taking bookings from next month, including for big events such as weddings

The pyramid's construction was completed in 1992 by developers who went bust before they could build several other similar properties in the surrounding area

Images posted by Royal Nawaab show what visitors should expect the inside of the pyramid to look like

As well as plentiful dining areas, the pyramid is also set to have striking water features and decor

The building will have space for 500 cars to park, 40 of which will be electric plug-ins

It was taken over by the Co-op in 1995, and remained a call centre for the company until 2017.

Royal Nawaab already has restaurants in Perivale and Ilford, and prides itself on providing an 'unrivalled dining experience'.

An excerpt from its website reads: 'Over the past 10 years, Royal Nawaab has developed into a well-oiled machine that can cater for more than a thousand people in one night whilst retaining the personal touch that makes the experience all the more enjoyable and relaxing.

'More than just a restaurant, Royal Nawaab has the space, amenities, logistics and manpower to handle large corporate events, parties and awe-inspiring weddings.'

The restaurant typically charges 28.95 for an all-you-can-eat buffet for anyone older than 11.
A Tesla driver is believed to have staged the world's biggest anti-Elon Musk protest - by raking a 250m-long 'Don't buy a Tesla' message into the sand on a Welsh beach.

The driver, named only as Prama, carved out the words - alongside a silhouette of the now infamous 'salute' billionaire Musk gave on Trump's Inauguration Day.

British political campaign group Led By Donkeys staged the protest on Black Rock Sands - Traeth y Greigddu - near Porthmadog, Wales.

It was made by attaching a huge rake to the back of a Tesla Model 3, which was driven around the beach to create the 250m x 150m message.

The group claims it is the 'world's biggest anti-Elon Musk protest' and that the driver is now selling her Tesla in response to the CEO's political views.

A spokesperson for the group said: 'Like thousands of others, Prama is selling her Tesla in response to Musk's embrace of the global far-right.'

Explaining why she has put the car on the market after six years, Prama said: 'When he started getting on to the ticket of the extreme far-right, that's when I started thinking I'm not sure I should be driving a Tesla.

'Please, don't buy a Tesla.'

The protest comes following a wave of attacks targeting Tesla vehicles across the world due to their connection with Musk - who owns the company.

A Tesla driver is believed to have staged the world's biggest anti-Elon Musk protest - by raking a 250m long 'Don't buy a Tesla' message into the sand on a Welsh beach

Musk and Donald Trump showcased Tesla vehicles at the White House last week following a spate of attacks

British political campaign group Led By Donkeys staged the protest on Black Rock Sands - Traeth y Greigddu - near Porthmadog, Wales

One Cybertruck owner in New York City was left stunned as he watched a man deface his vehicle with a swastika in protest against Musk.

Avi Ben Hamo was just across the street when Michael Lewis, 42, appeared to scrawl something on the side of his $80,000 electric truck.

Photos and video from the scene show he had written 'Elon' and drew a swastika on the drivers' side door.

But Ben Hamo, 45, jumped in front of Lewis's Subaru to block his getaway.

'Where are you going?' he asked Lewis as he dialed 911, according to video taken at the scene.

At that point, Lewis decided to ditch his vehicle in the bike lane and ran away.

When he returned about an hour-and-a-half later to retrieve his car, Lewis was confronted by four police officers who handcuffed and arrested him - charging him with aggravated harassment.

Musk himself even commented on the situation, suggesting that Lewis is 'crazy.'

'Naturally, he drives a Subaru,' Musk wrote.

Meanwhile in Belfast on Sunday, a Tesla dealership was attacked with vandals accused of damaging around 20 cars.

The image was made by attaching a huge rake to the back of a Tesla Model 3, which was driven around the beach to create the 250m x 150m message

Musk gestures while speaking during an inauguration event at Capital One Arena on January 20 in Washington DC

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

The vehicles were found with broken wing mirrors, smashed windows and bodywork dents.

In a statement issued on Monday, Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: 'The damage is believed to have occurred at some point in the last 24 hours.

'Approximately 20 vehicles have been targeted. Most have had their wing mirrors knocked off, while others have also had windows smashed or received dents to the bodywork.

'Inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.'

Officers have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward.

Earlier this month, a dealership in France was set ablaze destroying 12 vehicles worth a staggering 550,000 in what authorities are treating as a deliberate attack.

The fire broke out around 3:15am on Monday March 3 at the dealership in Plaisance-du-Touch, near Toulouse, according to the local prosecutor's office.

In the United States, Molotov cocktails have been thrown at cars and Tesla charging stations have been destroyed.

Protests against Elon Musk popped up at Tesla showrooms across the country this month. Pictured: Demonstrators in California earlier this month

A Tesla showroom in Salem, Oregon, was shot at with an AR 15-style rifle in February. Suspected vandal Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, is also accused of causing major damage at the same store with Molotov cocktails in January.

Similarly, four Tesla cybertrucks were set ablaze overnight at a storage lot in Seattle's industrial SoDo neighborhood, KING-TV reported.

In more peaceful forms of protests, thousands of Americans have demonstrated outside Tesla showrooms across the country.

The spike in vandalism against Tesla prompted President Trump to describe the attacks as 'domestic terrorism'.

Speaking outside the White House alongside Musk - who is the head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency - Trump announced plans to punish anyone that went after the company.

Trump said: 'I'm gonna stop 'em if we catch anybody doing it because they're harming a great American company.'
A street racer who was involved in a crash which orphaned a set of young twins has died in jail.

Kyle Harrison, 25, was found unresponsive at Maple Street Correctional Center in Redwood City, California on Saturday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

He was serving an eight year sentence for his role in the crash which killed parents Greg Ammen, 44, and Grace Spiridon, 42, as their traumatized then-seven-year-old girls Madison and Olivia watched from the back seat.

Harrison's cause of death has yet to be released by the San Mateo County Coroners Office, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

An autopsy was due to be carried out on Monday. His attorney Tennille Duffy, said Harrison had served half his sentence and was talking about paying restitution to Madison and Olivia, with the deadly crash said to have 'devastated' him.

Harrison was racing his BMW against then-17-year-old Cesar Morales in November 2022 when Morales slammed into the family.

The family was just five minutes from their San Carlos home when Morales careered into their Chevrolet Bolt.

Street car racer Kyle Harrison, who was involved in a crash which orphaned a set of young twins, has died in jail

Greg Ammen, 44, and Grace Spiridon, 42, were killed when their Chevrolet Bolt was hit by a teen racer in November 2022

The men, who were strangers, had been street racing at speeds of up to 80mph when the collision occurred.

Harrison fled the scene of the crash. He pleaded no contest to two counts of felony vehicular manslaughter and one count of felony street racing that resulted in death or great bodily injury.

Morales was given 90 days of electronic home monitoring after a stay in a juvenile detention center pending trial.

During his two years in Juvenile Hall, Morales completed high school and took classes through Skyline College.

He is also said to have received therapy, had access to yoga and meditation as well as guitar and DJing lessons, according to the Chronicle.

Gregg's brother Michael Ammen commented: 'He gets to visit his parents, the twins don't. At the end of the day, any comparison you make is totally unfair.'

San Mateo County prosecutors had sought to charge Morales with two-counts of second-degree murder and requested he be moved to adult court.

If convicted he would have faced up to 42 years to life behind bars for their deaths, but Judge Susan Etezadi denied that request last June.

Cesar Morales had been behind the wheel of a silver Mercedes, seen here, at the time of the collision

Morales had been driving at speeds of 80mph before he collided with the family, killing Greg and Grace

The family had filed a lawsuit against Morales and Harrison, as well as their parents and the passengers for what they call 'recklessly racing' in the killing of Greg and Grace

Olivia and Madison have suffered from night terrors in the years since, recordings of which were played out in court as Morales was sentenced

In the wake of the tragedy, the orphaned girls were taken in by their aunt Liza Spiridon and her husband Jeff Hodde.

Speaking with the San Francisco Chronicle, Liza recalled how the two girls had coped with the sudden deaths.

According to her, one of them sketched a woman's face with red splotches, recalling it was the final memory of her dying mom, covered in blood.

The two girls suffered from night terrors also after the crash, which Liza said would last for up to 15 minutes.

As Morales' sentencing was handed down, Liza played a slideshow of family pictures which caused some police officers in the room to tear up.

Sarah McLachlan's 'I Will Remember You' played throughout the montage, which was then cut with a young voice shouting: 'Oh my god!' and loud shrieks.

The family had recorded one of the twins' night terrors, and cut it into the soundtrack.

Morales did not react to the aural onslaught.

His attorney Kevin Nowack said: 'I hope someday that [the twins] can sit down with (the defendant) and see that the person who caused their parents deaths is not this monster that they imagine, but a young man who made a terrible mistake.'

The family had filed a lawsuit against Morales and Harrison, as well as their parents and the passengers for what they call 'recklessly racing' in the killing of Greg and Grace.
A luxury apartment in the mansion where the designer of the Titanic was born could be yours - if you have upwards of 450,000 to spare.

The flat in Ardara House in County Down, Northern Ireland, which was divided into six apartments in 1984, boasts a 'breathtaking' entrance hall and renovated kitchen.

Built in 1871, it was the childhood home of naval architect Thomas Andrews Jr, who died on the Titanic when it sank after hitting an iceberg in April 1912.

Andrews had gone below deck with Captain Edward Smith to investigate the damage, before calculating how long it would take the ship to sink.

The designer, who was portrayed by Victor Garber in James Cameron's hit 1997 film, helped to rescue passengers and crew before he was last seen staring at the wall in shock in the empty stateroom.

The property he grew up in stands on the outskirts of the town of Comber and is approached through cast iron gates that open onto a sweeping tree-lined driveway.

The three-bedroom apartment on offer also features an ornate staircase leading to the first floor and an 'exquisite' drawing room with a period marble fireplace.

A luxury apartment in the mansion where the designer of the Titanic was born could be yours - if you have upwards of 450,000 to spare. Above: Ardara House in County Down, Northern Ireland

Thomas Andrews Jr died on the Titanic when it sank after hitting an iceberg in April 1912. The designer, who was portrayed by Victor Garber in James Cameron's hit 1997 film

The bathroom features original listed Victorian tiles and a white suite.

Andrews was born at the property in 1873. His father, also called Thomas, was a member of the Privy Council of Ireland.

He studied at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution before beginning an apprenticeship at shipbuilder Harland and Wolff, which his uncle was part owner of.

Andrews rose to become managing director of the firm. He oversaw the design and construction of the Titanic and its sister ships, the RMS Olympic and RMS Britannic.

The married father of one set off on the Titanic's maiden voyage from Southampton to New York along with a group of skilled men who were called the 'guarantee group'.

The 'breathtaking' entrance hall in the apartment in Ardara House in County Down

The 'exquisite' drawing room with period marble fireplace

The three-bedroom apartment on offer also features an ornate staircase leading to the first floor

A hallway in the property. The mansion was divided into six apartments in 1984

Their task was to look for any minor jobs that needed doing to make sure the ship was up to standard.

At its launch, the luxurious Titanic - the largest ship in the world - was touted as being 'unsinkable' and was carrying some of the planet's wealthiest people, including property tycoon John Jacob Astor IV.

At just before midnight on April 14, 1912, the Titanic hit an iceberg.

Within three hours, the ship sank. Andrews was among more than 1,500 passengers and crew who died.

One of his Andrews' final acts was to save women and children by stewardess putting them into lifeboats.

The floor plan of the apartment at Ardara House, where Thomas Andrews Jr grew up

A book-lined study in the property, which could be yours for upwards of 450,000

One of the three bedrooms inside the ornate home

Another of the bedrooms inside the apartment that is for sale

At just before midnight on April 14, 1912, the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg while travelling on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. Within three hours, the ship had slipped beneath the waves of the freezing Atlantic Ocean, killing more than 1,500 people

One of those he saved was stewardess Mary Sloan.

In 2019, a letter sent to Andrews' grief-stricken mother by another member of the family who had visited Sloan after her ordeal was sold at auction.

It read: 'My dearest cousin Lizzie, I came here to meet Miss Sloan - the little Stewardess who was on Tommie's ship...and I have sent a letter to poor wee Nellie to tell her how Miss Sloan can talk of no one but Tommie.

'She says he was just noble, just as he always was grand fellow, so un-selfish and so calm and so brave though he knew the hopelessness of all from the first.'

The letter sold along with the engagement ring that Andrews gave to his wife Helen - who was known as Nellie - before they married in 1908.
A massage therapist who sexually assaulted women while carrying out treatments on them is facing jail.

Alistair Bennie, 61, left 10 victims frozen in fear as he took advantage of them in their own homes and his own property.

All of the women, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, contacted Bennie through his Alpha Holistics company and arranged for treatment - but he used the sessions to violate them.

His firm offered a range of services including Swedish massage, hot stone therapy and Indian head massage.

A police probe was launched after two women complained about his conduct which led to others coming forward.

Two friends told how they had booked Indian head massages for 120 but were left shocked when he touched their breasts.

Another woman was attacked during an appointment at his home while a fourth woman was assaulted while her husband was in another room of her house.

Bennie, of Strathaven, Lanarkshire, denied sexually assaulting the women between September 2017 and June 2022.

A jury took less than an hour to find Alistair Bennie guilty of 10 charges at Hamilton Sheriff Court

He went on trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court where a jury took less than an hour to find him guilty of 10 charges.

One victim told the jury she was meant to be having a massage on her calves but Bennie touched her private parts.

She said: His hand went up and underneath my pants and I juddered.

He left and I told my husband, I think he has just touched me inappropriately and I told him he hadnt touched my calves and that I felt really uncomfortable.

I felt really, really violated.

Another woman told how Bennie had rubbed against her body during a massage.

She added: I didnt say anything, I was just frozen in the moment. It was the last thing I expected to happen.

In evidence Bennie repeatedly denied he had sexually assaulted the women.

He added: I have made an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth and from my point of view that is what Im doing.

I cant understand why this has come about and I didnt do any of these things.

Depute fiscal Neil Thomson told jurors: This was a course of conduct persistently pursued by Alistair Bennie against people he was meant to be giving massage therapies to.

Sheriff Linda Nicolson deferred sentence on first offender Bennie until May for reports and continued bail.

She told him: The charges which you have been convicted of are obviously very serious and I have to say that at this stage custody is uppermost in my mind as a disposal in this matter.

Bennie was placed on the sex offenders register and banned from carrying out massage on members of the public.
Dominican authorities investigating the disappearance of spring breaker Sudiksha Konanki may have already obtained an arrest warrant for American Joshua Riibe, a leading criminal lawyer exclusively tells DailyMail.com.

Riibe, the last person to see University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha alive, issued a stunning challenge to prosecutors Monday when his attorneys filed a writ of habeas corpus.

They will try to persuade a judge that it was unlawful to snatch the 22-year-olds passport and ban him from leaving Punta Cana when he wasnt under arrest or charged with a crime.

But the pivotal hearing, scheduled for 2pm Tuesday, will be moot if the former high school wrestler from Rock Rapids, Iowa has been charged with an offense by the time it begins.

High-profile civil rights attorney Felix Portes is not involved in the case but hes sparred with Yeni Berenice Reynoso, the glamorous and highly regarded Attorney General of the Dominican Republic, on numerous occasions.

She likely has more cards to play  including the possibility of a criminal negligence charge which carries a two-year jail sentence - before the high stakes court showdown, predicts Portes.

They said they were treating him [Riibe] as a witness, but in reality, he's a person of interest.

You don't take a witness's passport away and you don't keep your witness in a room guarded by police, explained Portes, best known to American audiences for representing rapper Tekashi69 after he was arrested in the Dominican Republic for a 2023 assault.

PHOTO CREDIT: El Diario Libre

Sudiksha Konanki vanished from the Riu Republica resort in Punta Cana last Thursday

High-profile civil rights attorney Felix Portes is not involved in the case but hes sparred with Yeni Berenice Reynoso, the glamorous and highly regarded Attorney General of the Dominican Republic, on numerous occasions

The prosecutor is trying to show the world that he's there voluntarily but that's not the case. His liberty has been restricted so he's not free.

The judge is going to be presented with these arguments by the defense and if he agrees, Riibe will walk free immediately. Take it to the bank, thats what will happen.

Ive dealt with the Attorney General for 15 years and I dont think shes going to want to look bad in front of the international media.

Im pretty sure she already has an arrest warrant. She probably wanted to wait for the investigation to evolve before she executes it. Once she does so, she only has 48 hours before he has to be arraigned.

Tuesday's hearing comes after Sudiksha's parents asked Dominican authorities to formally declare their daughter dead 11 days after her disappearance.

Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konanki said in a letter to the National Police: 'While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory.'

In the letter they noted that Riibe has fully cooperated with police and believe there is no evidence of foul play.

Following the family's request Loudon County Sheriff Michael Chapman stated: 'The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki is tragic, and we cannot imagine the grief her family has been feeling.

Joshua Riibe is seen being questioned by authorities in Punta Cana. The 22-year-old has had his passport confiscated, but is yet to be named a suspect

New footage Sudiksha Konanki in the hotel lobby hours before she vanished. The missing Pittsburgh student hasn't been seen since the morning of March 6

'Sudikshas family has expressed their belief that she drowned. While a final decision to make such a declaration rests with authorities in the Dominican Republic, we will support the Konanki family in every way possible.'

But Dominican officials fear a worst-case scenario where they let Riibe leave the country only to locate Sudikshas corpse with signs of foul play.

The US and Dominican Republic have an extradition treaty but there would be little prospect of Riibe, a senior at St Cloud State University in Minnesota, being dragged back to face trial.

If he is let go and he goes to the United States, thats it, says Portes, managing director of the Portes Nunez & Asociados law firm.

We have sent many people to the United States but there has never been a citizen of the United States extradited to the Dominican Republic to face criminal charges.

The United States is simply not in the habit of sending its citizens abroad to be judged by a foreign justice system.

Riibe remains under police surveillance in his room at the Riu Republica mega resort, where pre-med student Sudiksha, 20, vanished from a beach in the early hours of March 6.

Over the course of six or seven interviews he has recalled how the spring break sweethearts waded into the ocean after drinking and kissing before they were hit by a massive wave.

He says he dragged Sudiksha back to shallower, knee-deep water but lost sight of her as he vomited and passed out on a sun lounger.

After vomiting, I looked around. I didn't see anyone. I thought she had grabbed her things and left, he told prosecutors, according to a transcript leaked to local outlet Noticias SIN.

An 11-day search by land, water and air  the biggest missing person inquiry in the history of the Dominican Republic - has failed to find any trace of her.

If Reynaldo does decide to arrest Riibe rather than risk him walking free Tuesday, she could opt for some sort of negligence charge, according to Portes.

Article 319 of the Dominican Republic penal code makes it a crime punishable by between three months and two years in prison for someone who through clumsiness, negligence or failure to observe regulations, commits manslaughter.

Surveillance video footage obtained by Dominican Republic news outlet Noticias SIN showed Joshua Riibe (left) and Sudiksha Konanki (second from left) following their friends to the beach at the Riu Republica Hotel before Konanki disappeared March 6

Portes told DailyMail.com: When you cause damage or take someone's life because of your negligence that can result in up to two years in jail.

But its hard to predict the charge because I dont know what evidence they have gathered.

It's a difficult and complex case due to the fact that there's no body. If theres no body, you cannot have an autopsy.

The autopsy is the only way you can determine if it was a natural death or if it was an intentional, criminal death. The videos don't show any assault.

When he gave those interviews, he didn't want to answer eight or more questions. And he was very incoherent in some of the responses.

It shocked me, for example, that he says he played the hero and brought somebody back to the shore but didn't finish the job.

Nevertheless, the burden of proof is on the prosecutor  always.

Meanwhile, a never-before-seen photo showed the person of interest in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki being questioned by authorities at a Dominican Republic police station.

Riibe, 22, wore a colorful short-sleeve button down shirt while he stared at the camera in a picture that was obtained by El Diario Libre newspaper.

The release of the shocking picture comes as Riibe is fighting for his freedom after having his passport confiscated in the Dominican Republic.

The outlet reports that authorities have also been analyzing the surveillance camera systems of hotels near the Riu Republica Hotel as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of the 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh junior.

Riibe's attorneys filed a writ of habeas corpus with a court in the province of La Altagracia, demanding to go before a judge to challenge his detention.

A hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday.

It was initially reported that Riibe was going to visit the Attorney Generals Office in Higuey to be interviewed by Claudia Garrido, the interim prosecutor for the province of La Altagracia.

However, Noticias SIN outlet indicated that Garrido would question the St. Cloud State University student at the hotel, where he is holed up.

Riibe has not been charged, nor has he been formally named a suspect in Sudiksha's disappearance.

But his confusing and contradicting statements to police about what happened on the night Konanki vanished have led to raised eyebrows.

Riibe was the last person to be seen with Sudiksha shortly before 5am on March 6th. They had gone to the beach after a night of drinking with friends.

He told police that the pair went for a swim and were knocked out by a large wave. He claimed he used his lifeguard training to drag her back towards the shore, but that the last time he saw her she was waist deep in water.

He managed to get out and passed out on a sun bed, he said. Sudiksha was never seen again.

Experts say the story is unlikely and that her body would have washed up by now if she'd drowned.

In a statement to NBC overnight, Riibe said: 'I'm just trying to help them out. The ocean is a dangerous place.'

'The Rock Rapids community stands behind and supports Joshua Riibe and his family,' the statement said. 'The Riibe family moved to town in 2015 and has been active in various school and community events and organizations.

Sudiksha Konanki disappeared from a beach at the Riu Republica Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on March 6. Authorities in the Caribbean country believe she may have drowned

'They are well known and loved.'

The statement, which was released by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office on behalf of the family's friends, described Riibe as being devoted to 'his faith' and always 'showing kindness to others.'

'He exemplifies the values of compassion, respect and integrity that are fundamental to our church and our community.'

Surveillance camera footage from the all-inclusive five-star hotel showed both Riibe and Konanki vomiting at a bar at 4:05 am on March 6 before they walked to the beach.

A second camera spotted 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.

Riibe was peppered with over 50 questions last Wednesday and told a prosecutor that he and Konanki had kissed in the ocean before they almost got swept away by a wave.

He also said he saved her from drowning while almost losing consciousness.

But under the guidance of his attorneys, Riibe refused to reply to several questions, with the prosecutor probing him over how they could be sure what he was saying was truthful.

Riibe was also questioned if he knew if Sudiksha 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.

Each time he replied: 'My lawyers advise me not to answer that question and I follow their advice', before going silent.
Elon Musk has lauded DOGE's clean-up of a Social Security database which had millions of impossibly-aged Americans still on file.

The Department of Government Efficiency, headed by the billionaire 'first buddy,' discovered last month that the system for the U.S. Social Security Administration included millions of people above the age of 120, and even some over 200.

Musk jokingly called the efforts to delete these records a clearing of the 'dead people database.'

The DOGE X account posted overnight that the team has over the last two weeks marked as deceased 3.2 million people who were listed over the age of 120.

There are still millions, however, listed as living in that age bracket that the team is working to delete.

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has so far marked 3.2 million people in the Social Security database as dead who were previously in the system as living

DOGE found that the U.S. Social Security Administration had millions of people in its database for benefits eligible individuals who were over the age of 120

The 150-159 age range within the database on March 8 had 1,357,967 people marked as living.

By March 17, the count in that category decreased by 186,415 to a total of 1,171,552.

In that two week time span in March, DOGE was able to mark 3,261,057 people as dead who were previously in the Social Security system records as part of the 'living count' between the ages of 120 and 159.

'More work still to be done,' the cost-cutting group noted.

While the millions of clearly dead people are still in the system as eligible for benefits, that doesn't necessarily mean that money is being distributed to those individuals.

Since President Donald Trump was inaugurated in January, his newly created DOGE has cut billions in government contracts to private industry, thousands of federal jobs and even obliterated whole agencies  like USAID.

Musk has promised to make even more cuts and to reduce government waste, fraud and abuse.

Elon Musk says DOGE is 'cleaning up the dead people database' in the Social Security systems and has so far marked 3.26 impossibly-aged individuals as dead

During an interview released on Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's podcast this week, Musk said most of the problem his group is identifying in the federal government is a general sense of waste of taxpayer dollars and not an intentional misuse of money.

'What is the waste to fraud ratio?' Musk said in the sit-down with the Republican senator.

'In my opinion it's like 80 percent waste, 20 percent fraud,' he revealed. 'But you do have these sorts of gray areas.'

'An example would be  so we saw a lot of payments going out of Treasury that had no payment code and no explanation for the payment.

'And then we're trying to figure out what that payment is and we'd see that okay, that contract was supposed to be shut off, but someone forgot to shut off that contract, and so the company kept getting money,' he noted.

'Now is that waste or fraud?' Musk asked.

Cruz replied that it was 'both.'
Keir Starmer has urged Donald Trump to put Ukraine in the 'strongest possible position' ahead of his crunch call with Vladimir Putin.

The PM spoke to the US president ahead of the conversation he is due to have with the Russian leader later.

Mr Trump has voiced confidence he can get a deal between Moscow and Kyiv three years after Putin's full-scale invasion.

Downing Street said Sir Keir used his call with the president last night to say that a strong approach was needed to get a 'just and lasting peace'.

'The Prime Minister updated the president on his coalition of the willing call with international leaders that took place on Saturday,' the premier's spokesman told a briefing this morning.

Keir Starmer spoke to Donald Trump ahead of the conversation he is due to have with the Russian leader later

Donald Trump has voiced confidence he can get a deal between Moscow and Kyiv three years after Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion (pictured meeting in 2019)

'He reiterated that all must work together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to secure a just and lasting peace.'

The discussions between Mr Trump and Putin are expected to go on for hours today.

'We can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace and I think we'll be able to do it,' Trump told reporters overnight.

In a post on his Truth Social site, Mr Trump said 'many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains'.

'Thousands of young soldiers, and others, are being killed. Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW.'

'I look very much forward to the call with President Putin.'

The White House is not ruling out any option to get its deal - whether it's conceding to Russian wishes to hold onto Ukrainian territory or threatening the Kremlin with sanctions.

'All options are on the table,' National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News Sunday. 'Absolutely.'
Two beloved sheriff's deputies in Texas tragically died of apparent suicides within days of each other, police have confirmed.

Harris County Deputy Sheriff Christina Kohler, 37, died on March 13 in Houston after being reported missing a day earlier.

Houston police are investigating her death as an apparent suicide and awaiting the results of an autopsy for confirmation.

Just three days later, former Harris County Deputy Sheriff Maria Vasquez, 42, also died by apparently taking her own life in Montgomery, about an hour outside of Houston.

Vasquez had left the sheriff's office in December.

No other information was immediately available.

'Heaven has gained two beautiful angels,' the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HSCO) Community Engagement Division posted on Facebook Monday featuring a photo of the two deputies.

'May their memory be a blessing, inspiring strength and comfort to their friends, family and coworkers during this challenging time.'

Texas police are investigating the tragic deaths of two beloved sheriff's deputies. Harris County Deputy Sheriff Christina Kohler, 37, died on March 13, while Deputy Sheriff Maria Vasquez passed away within days of Kohler's death

Kohler, who joined the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) in 2018, and most recently worked as a court bailiff, went missing on March 12

Kohler joined the Harris County Sheriff's Office in 2018 and most recently worked as a court bailiff. She went missing on March 12, according to a statement from the Texas Center for the Missing.

The alert emphasized that her disappearance posed 'a credible threat to her own health and safety.'

'Her name, her life, absolutely deserves to be remembered for her commitment to our profession,' HCSO Constable Mark Herman wrote in a heartfelt tribute to Kohler on Facebook.

The pair's deaths sparked discussion about those grappling with their mental health within the police force.

'Please, if you are struggling, reach out to someone, anyone. You are needed and you matter, even when you feel your lowest,' wrote HCSO Constable Sherman Eagleton.

'Our brothers and sisters in blue, take care of each other. Don't carry the burden alone, your family is here for you.'

With nearly 5,100 employees and 200 volunteers, the HCSO is the largest sheriff's office in Texas and the third-largest in the US.

The community has been mourning both losses, with many still in shock by the timing of each.

The HCSO said in a statement on Tuesday that it is 'offering mental health and peer support services to Deputy Kohler's colleagues as they grieve her tragic loss.'

Kohler's death sparked a discussion about mental health awareness within the police force

Kohler's colleagues described her as a great person to be around and a diligent police officer

Kohler's loved ones will gather to celebrate her life on Wednesday for a visitation and for her funeral on Thursday.

Her friends and colleagues shared fond memories of the deputy sheriff on her memorial website.

'Christina, you were a beautiful, funny, and sweet person...You are loved by so many and I hope you knew that. I'll miss you forever my friend,' one wrote.

Others praised Kohler for being an outstanding mother.

'She was a great mom, always made sure her kids were safe, even if she would travel,' another said.

'Kohler was one of us. Funny, quick on her toes, and always willing to face a challenge head on. She will be missed,' added a third, who posted a photo of her with fellow officers.
Melinda Gates 'rolled her eyes' when told her ex-husband Bill said their divorce was a mistake that he regretted most.

The former tech power couple, who tied the knot in 1994, welcomed three kids into the world but divorced after 27 years of marriage under the cloud of the Microsoft co-founder's working relationship with pedophile sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

In an interview with Elle, the 60-year-old was asked about recent comments by her ex husband, 69, that said their divorce was 'at the top of the list' of his failures.

'You've clearly Googled more than I have', she told the magazine before reportedly rolled her eyes.

'Look, divorces are painful, and its not something I would wish on any family,' she added.

'But again, I knew when I got divorced, I would be okay on my own. And I think that was the most important thing.'

The apparent shade comes after her husband told the Times in January that there were 'other' mistakes he'd made in the past but didn't matter, but that his divorce was 'the mistake I most regret'.

'The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years', he said, adding that their marriage had kept him 'grounded' as he brought his company to life.

Melinda, seen here in 2021, reportedly rolled her eyes when asked about Bill's comments on their divorce

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder told the Times in January that the divorce was his biggest mistake

Bill Gates is pictured at Epstein's Manhattan mansion in 2011

The pair are now amicable, but rumors of infidelity plagued Bill in the immediate aftermath of the divorce announcement.

'I certainly made mistakes, and I take responsibility,' he said in 2023, without expanding.

Bill said they see each other often at family events and gatherings as they share three kids, Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22, and two grandchildren.

'Melinda and I still see each other - we have three kids and two grandchildren so there are family events. The kids are doing well. They have good values,' Bill said.

Melinda said time apart during the COVID-19 pandemic gave her clarity on the state of their marriage.

'It gave us the privacy to do what needed to be done in private,' she said during a June 2024 interview.

Like her ex-husband, she admitted the divorce was the 'lowest moment' in her life but that it was the 'healthier choice' for her family.

She has since moved on with tech mogul Philip Vaughn.

Melinda Gates and Bill Gates attend The Robin Hood Foundation's 2018 benefit at Jacob Javitz Center on May 14, 2018 in New York City

Previously, Gates has said that she and Bill are not friends but are 'friendly' and work together, while hinting that he had more than one affair throughout their marriage.

'Those are questions Bill needs to answer,' she said when asked about reports he cheated multiple times. He previously acknowledged one affair.

'I believe in forgiveness. I thought we had worked through some of that,' Melinda said of his 2000 affair with a Microsoft employee.

'I gave every single piece of myself to this marriage. I was committed from the day we got engaged to the day I got out of it.'

Gates' spokeswoman confirmed he had a sexual relationship with a female staff member in 2000.

He resigned as an investigation into the relationship was being conducted by an external law firm on behalf of the company board.

The New York Times also reported that Gates asked out a Microsoft employee in 2006 after watching her make a presentation.

He reportedly told the employee in an email: 'If this makes you uncomfortable, pretend it never happened.' She said she took his advice.

Melinda said time apart during the COVID-19 pandemic gave her clarity on the state of their marriage. They are seen here in New York City in 1998

The pair married in 1994 and separated secretly in May 2020. They announced their split the following year. They are pictured in 2000

A couple of years later, he allegedly asked out an employee with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to dinner, while the pair were in New York for a trip.

Both instances where while he was still married.

During a 2022 interview with TODAY's Savannah Guthrie, Bill divulged his guilt and took responsibility for his action.

'I certainly made mistakes, and I take responsibility,' he said, adding, 'I don't think delving into the particulars at this point is constructive, but yes, I caused pain, and I feel terrible about that.'

Intermixed with Gates' extramarital liaisons is scrutiny around his relationship with Epstein, the pedophile financier who took his own life in 2019 while jailed on charges of sex trafficking minors.

Bill insisted that the pair never had 'any business relationship or friendship' and their meetings were solely to discuss philanthropic ventures.

Bill Gates is pictured at Epstein's Manhattan mansion in 2011, from left: Jes Staley, at the time a senior JPMorgan executive; former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers; Epstein; Gates and Boris Nikolic, who was the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's science adviser

Bill Gates was pictured with his girlfriend Paula Hurd at this year's so-called billionaire's summer camp in Sun Valley, Idaho, in the summer

But Melinda said her ex-husband's closeness to the predator put considerable strain on the marriage.

'I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, no. I made that clear to him,' she told American television personality, Gayle King in 2022.

'He was abhorrent. He was evil personified,' Melinda said of the convicted felon.

The Gates' divorce settlement is America's second-most expensive ever after Jeff Bezos' $38.3billion split with ex-wife MacKenzie Bezos.

Melinda has been dating tech mogul Philip Vaughn since October 2024, after she was spotted with the Seattle-based entrepreneur as they went to dinner in New York City.

Despite going through an 'unbelievably painful' divorce with Bill, Melinda put tensions aside when it came to Philip, who used to work at her ex's company.

Bill has been dating Paula Hurd since 2023. Hurd is the widow of former Oracle co-CEO and president Mark Hurd, who died at the age of 62 in 2019 after a reported battle with cancer.

Once a tech executive herself, Hurd is now an event planner and organizer, and philanthropist.
David Lammy vowed to 'upgrade' Britain's relations with Brussels ahead of his meeting with the EU's foreign affairs chief today.

The Foreign Secretary, together with Defence Secretary John Healey, was due to hold talks with Kaja Kallas in London on Tuesday.

Their discussions were expected to focus on European security, as military chiefs scramble to put together a plan to enforce a potential peace deal in Ukraine.

They were also due to discuss efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia and ensure the Kremlin pays for the damage Vladimir Putin's invasion has caused.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has made deepening the UK's defence and security relationship with the EU a key aim of his 'reset' of post-Brexit relations.

Mr Lammy and Mr Healey's talks with Ms Kallas - the former Estonian PM who is now the EU's high representative for foreign affairs - were set to include discussions on how to tackle cyberattacks, election interference and rampant Russian disinformation.

Meanwhile, as Ms Kallas travelled to London, a group of Labour MPs headed to Brussels for 'partnership' talks with MEPs about future UK-EU ties.

Stella Creasy, the national chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, posted a 'selfie' of the group on social media this morning, writing: 'Labour MPs assemble!'

David Lammy vowed to 'upgrade' Britain's relations with Brussels ahead of his meeting with the EU's foreign affairs chief today

The Foreign Secretary , together with Defence Secretary John Healey, was due to hold talks with Kaja Kallas in London on Tuesday

Meanwhile, as Ms Kallas travelled to London, a group of Labour MPs headed to Brussels for 'partnership' talks with MEPs about future UK-EU ties

The Walthamstow MP has been a fierce critic of Brexit and demanded that Sir Keir drop his 'red lines' over his 'reset' of relations with Brussels, in order to move back closer to the EU's single market.

Ahead of his talks with Ms Kallas in London today, Mr Lammy said: 'A strong and secure Britain is a foundation of our plan for change.

'This cannot be achieved without strengthening our shared European security and coming together with our partners to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

'More than three years on since Putin's illegal full-scale invasion, we are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for our continent.

'It's vital we upgrade our partnership with the EU and work together to bring an end to this war and deliver security of all of our citizens.'

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the chief of the defence staff, was due to host Ms Kallas for a briefing on efforts to train and support Ukraine's armed forces.

Mr Healey said: 'This Government is stepping up on European security; deepening our defence relationship with our EU and NATO allies is vital during this critical period. European security starts in Ukraine.

'The UK and EU are united in our resolve to back Ukraine with the military firepower they need to stand up to Russias illegal invasion and secure a lasting peace.'

Sir Keir is set to host EU leaders at a summit in London on 19 May, at which the PM hopes they will be able to detail the outline of his Brexit 'reset'.

As well as a defence and security deal, the PM also hopes to agree a new veterinary pact, mutual recognition for professional qualifications, and help for British artists to play across Europe.

Yet he has been hit by EU demands for the UK to back down on post-Brexit fishing rights, as well as to agree a youth mobility scheme, in exchange.

The EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly in Brussels this week is allowing MPs and MEPs to 'exchange views' on the future of Britain's foreign and security ties with the bloc.

The talks were also set to discussions on trade, 'youth opportunities', customs, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

More informal talks were due to be held on AI and data protection, climate and energy cooperation, and regulatory cooperation in financial services.
More than a million Brits face losing large sums in benefits after Liz Kendall defied Labour fury to impose cuts - but was warned she has not gone far enough.

In a highly-anticipated Commons statement, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall laid out moves to save 5billion amid fears spiralling costs are 'unsustainable'.

Eligibility is being tightened for the main Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit, with handouts stopping unless people are unable to cope with basic daily tasks such as going to the toilet unaided.

The Resolution Foundation said between 800,000 and 1.2million people will lose up to 6,300 per year by 2029-30 as a result.

Reassessments are also being ramped up, while benefits specifically for being unable to work will be done away with altogether - something that the IFS said might affect 600,000 current claimants.

Those with mental health complaints could face more pressure to seek jobs, while the disabled will be incentivised to try work with guarantees they will not lose out if it proves impossible.

The government wants to bar young adults from getting the health-related element of Universal Credit, worth up to 419 a month, until they are aged 22. That potentially covers 66,000 people and might raise up to 330million.

However, the idea of freezing PIP in cash terms has been ditched in the face of a mutiny on the Left.

And the initiative is only set to slow the alarming increase in overall health and disability benefits spending forecast for the coming years.

Ms Kendall said the measures in the Green Paper were slated to save 5billion by 2029/2030, after 1billion is reinvested in support for work. But she batted away calls to publish the full impact assessment before the Spring Statement.

That would still leave health and disability spending 15billion higher than this year, based on OBR forecasts from last Autumn.

The problem was underlined today as figures showed numbers receiving PIP have risen 71 per cent over the past five years.

The Tories warned that the proposals were 'too little too late' with the benefits bill running out of control.

Ms Kendall faced anger from left-wing Labour MPs in the Commons, with a slew of backbenchers challenging the Cabinet minister over her package of measures.

John McDonnell, Labour's ex-shadow chancellor who had the party whip suspended last year for rebelling over benefits, warned today's reforms would cause 'immense suffering'.

Debbie Abrahams, the Labour chair of the Commons' Work and Pensions Committee, said the Government should not be balancing its finances 'on the back of sick and disabled people'.

In the blizzard of changes to the welfare system:

Ms Kendall said the 'complex and time-consuming' work capability assessment element of Universal Credit is being scrapped from 2028. Everyone will be shifted to a new single assessment based on the test for PIP;

To get the daily living element of PIP - worth up to 108 a week - claimants will need to show they have serious difficulty with at least one basic task, such as washing themselves;

The government is pledging to reintroduce reassessments for incapacity benefits, with exceptions for those who will never work and special rules for end-of-life care;

Ms Kendall announced plans to raise the Universal Credit Standard Allowance above inflation by 2029/30, adding 775 in cash terms. That is intended to get rid of the perverse incentive for people to apply for the health element, which has been worth twice as much;

Ms Kendall said she 'absolutely agrees' that encouraging more young people join the Armed Forces could boost employment.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is laying out moves to save around 5billion amid fears spiralling costs are 'unsustainable'

The benefits bill has been rising and is forecast to continue going up

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At a glance: What's in Labour's benefits crackdown Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and Employment Support Allowance (ESA) to be merged into a time-limited unemployment insurance

Work capability assessments for Universal Credit to be scrapped from 2028

A new 'right to try' will allow claimants to try employment without the risk of losing their benefits

Vow to tackle 'perverse financial incentives' for claiming welfare

Health top-up rate of Universal Credit cut for new claimants - but standard rate to increase

Those aged under 22 will no longer be able to access the health element of Universal Credit

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) won't be frozen following backlash from Labour MPs

But eligibility for PIP will be narrowed

Plans being trialled for GPs to refer people to employment advisers, rather than sign them off sick

Government hopes reforms will save 5billion by 2029/30 Advertisement

Cabinet signed off the long-awaited welfare package this morning before Ms Kendall made her statement to the Commons.

While the Government has been making the 'moral' case for the overhaul, it could be critical for Rachel Reeves as she struggles to balance the books at the Spring Statement next week.

The Chancellor is thought to have a 15billion black hole to fill in the finances after economic growth slumped and debt interest costs spiked. She has ruled out more borrowing and significant tax rises, leaving spending cuts her only option.

However, the 5billion of savings is still swallowed by the wider rise in spending - which had been due to reach 100billion by the end of the decade. Some of the reforms will be phased in, easing the immediate impact on claimants.

Ms Kendall said the green paper - which will now go out for consultation - sets out 'decisive action' to 'fix the broken benefits system'.

The Work and Pensions Secretary said it would create 'a more proactive, pro-work system for those who can work, and to be protected for those who cannot work now and for the long term'.

Ms Kendall continued: 'Under this Government, the social security system will always be there for people in genuine need. That is a principle we will never compromise on.

'But disabled people and people with health conditions who can work should have the same rights, choices and chances to work as everybody else.

'That principle of equality is vital too, because far from what members opposite would have you believe, many sick and disabled people want to work with the right help and support, and unlike the Conservatives that is what we will deliver.'

Ms Kendall said nearly four million people are in work, despite having a work-limiting health condition, and 300,000 stop work ever year. Chances of people returning to work are five times higher within the first year of them being signed off.

Ms Kendall said the Government needed to do 'far more' to help people stay in work and get back to work. She cited giving statutory sick pay to the lowest-earning workers, and more rights to work from home would help people stay in jobs.

She said plans are being trialled for GPs to refer people to employment advisers rather than signing them off sick.

Ms Kendall said the Keep Britain Working review lead by former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield will help establish what employers can do to keep people in work.

She said: 'So we help more employers offer opportunities for disabled people, including through measures like reasonable adjustments, alongside our green paper consultation on reforming access to work so it is fit for the future.'

The biggest ticket item is thought to be limiting entitlements to PIP - which is not related to work status, but paid to support people with extra living costs due to their disability.

People will need to show they have serious difficulty with at least one everyday task such as washing, dressing and eating.

That could make it much harder for those with mental health issues to claim.

How is PIP assessment changing? Personal Independence Payment will remain an 'important non-means tested benefit' for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, the Government said. But ministers warned the rate of increase in PIP claims and Government spending on the benefit was 'not sustainable' and 'outstripping' the growth in the prevalence of disabilities. As part of its welfare crackdown, Labour will introduce an additional eligibility requirement before claimants are granted PIP. This means, from November next year, claimants will need a minimum of four points to be scored on one of the 'daily living activities' used to assess PIP claims in order to receive the daily living element of the benefit. Daily living activities are classed as 'preparing food', 'taking nutrition', 'managing therapy or monitoring a health condition', 'washing and bathing', 'managing toilent needs or incontinence', 'dressing and undressing', 'communicating verbally', 'reading and understanding symbols and words', 'engaging with other people face to face', and 'making budgeting decisions'. Currently, if you get between 8 and 11 points in total, you'll get the daily living componment of PIP at the standard rate. If you get at least 12 points in total, you'll get the daily living component at the enhanced rate. But Labour aims to restrict entitlement to the daily living component to only those who are more severely disabled. For example, to score four points on 'washing and bathing', a claimant 'needs assistance to be able to wash their body between the shoulders and waist'. The Government said their planned changes would mean 'that people who only score the lowest points on each of the PIP daily living activities will lose their entitlement in future'. Advertisement

However, those with serious degenerative disabilities could be exempted from needing reassessments altogether.

Ms Kendall said the Government will bring in a 'permanent, above-inflation rise' to the standard allowance of UC as well as legislating to 'rebalance' payments for the benefit.

She said that would equate to a 775 annual increase in cash terms by 2029, describing it as a 'decisive step to tackle the perverse incentives in the system'.

The Government will consult on merging jobseeker's allowance and employment support allowance.

The new benefit would be a time-limited unemployment insurance which is paid at a higher rate.

Claimants would not have to prove they are unable to work in order to receive it.

Ms Kendall said: 'So if you have paid into the system, you'll get stronger income protection while we help you get back on track.'

Louise Murphy, Senior Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: 'The package of measures announced in today's Green Paper should encourage more people into work.

'But any living standards gains risk being completely over-shadowed by the scale of income losses faced by those who will receive reduced or no support at all  irrespective of whether they're able to work.

'Around one million people are potentially at risk of losing support from tighter restrictions on PIP, while young people and those who fall ill in the future will lose support from a huge scaling back of incapacity benefits.

'The irony of this Health and Disability Green Paper is that the main beneficiaries are those without health problems or a disability.

'And while it includes some sensible reforms, too many of the proposals have been driven by the need for short-term savings to meet fiscal rules, rather than long-term reform. The result risks being a major income shock for millions of low-income households.'

The IFS pointed out that 600,000 people currently getting the health element of UC but not PIP will be 2,400 worse off when the work capability assessment is ditched in 2028.

Officials confirmed that has not been scored as a saving yet because the future system has not been designed. However, it could be worth more than 2billion.

IFS associate director Tom Waters said: 'This package is a fundamental break from the past few decades of welfare policy.

'The increase in basic out-of-work support, while not very large, is the biggest permanent real terms rise since at least 1980.

'With it is promised even higher support in the period shortly after job loss in the form of contribution-based unemployment insurance.

'At the same time the health-related benefit system will be tightened, cut, and entitlement will no longer depend upon whether you can work or not.

'The hope is more employment and fewer people in the disability and incapacity benefit system. The risk is that it's precisely the individuals receiving health-related benefits that are least responsive to financial incentives to work, and perhaps most in need of extra financial support.'

Official figures released today showed a total of 3.66million claimants in England and Wales were entitled to PIP as of January 31.

That was up 12 per cent from 3.27million in the same month a year earlier.

At the end of January 2020, before the pandemic, the figure was 2.14million.

It then rose to 2.36million by the end of January 2021, 2.57million by January 2022 and and 2.93million by January 2023.

The current total of 3.66million is 71 per cent higher than the equivalent figure five years ago.

The most common disabling condition among those claiming PIP in England and Wales was psychiatric disorders, with 1.4million people in the category.

General musculoskeletal disease was cited for 691,000, neurological disease 467,000 and specific musculoskeletal disease 437,000.

Disabling conditions involving psychiatric disorders accounted for 38.4 per cent of claimants in January 2025, up from 35 per cent five years earlier.

General musculoskeletal disease accounted for 18.9 per cent, down from 20.6 per cent, and neurological disease accounted for 12.8 per cent, down from 14.4 per cent.

The proportion of PIP claimants under the age of 30 has spiked from 14.5 per cent of the total in January 2020 to 16.4 per cent in January 2025.

People aged 30-44 made up 18.8 per cent of the total for England and Wales in January 2020 and 20.9 per cent in January 2025.

By contrast, the proportion of claimants who are aged 45-59 has fallen from 36.3 per cent in January 2020 to 30.1 per cent in January 2025.

The figure for 60 to 74-year-olds is broadly unchanged, rising very slightly from 30.5 per cent to 30.9 per cent.

The Tories pledged to slash 12billion off the benefits bill before the election, although the figures they presented were hotly disputed.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately told the Commons: 'Fundamentally, this is too little, too late. The fact is 5billion just doesn't cut it. With a bill so big, going up so fast, she needed to be tougher.

'She should be saying no more hard working taxpayers funding the family next door not to work.'

Mr McDonnell asked Ms Kendall in the Commons after her statement how she would monitor loss of life as a result of changes to PIP.

'There are decisions made in this House that stay with you for the rest of your life. This is one of them,' the former shadow chancellor told MPs.

'The reality is trying to find up to 5billion worth of cuts by manipulating, by changing the PIP rules, the criteria will result in immense suffering and  we've seen it in the past  loss of life.

'So what monitoring  independent monitoring  will take place that will be reported to this House and what threshold of suffering will it take to take an alternative route to supporting disabled people?'

Ms Kendall said the Government was 'overhauling our safeguarding processes', adding: 'My objective is to improve the lives and life chances of sick and disabled people  for those who can work, to support them to get into work.'

Ms Abrahams said the Government should not be balancing its finances 'on the back of sick and disabled people'.

'I implore my party to try and get our reforms to bed in first before we look to making the cuts,' she added, as she highlighted previous Tory cuts to welfare.

'There's so much evidence of the averse effects that the party opposite had with the cuts in support, and the restrictions in eligibility criteria when they were in government, including the deaths of vulnerable people, and we can't have a repeat of that.'

Labour backbenchers Clive Lewis and Dawn Butler also criticised the Government's action in the Commons.

Mr Lewis said benefits cuts would cause 'pain and difficulty' to the most vulnerable.

'This 5billion cut is going to impact them more than I think her department is giving credit for, and I would like her department to be able to look my constituents in the eye when I go back to them to tell them that this is going to work for them,' he added.

'Because as things stand, my constituents, my friends, my family are very angry about this and they do not think this is the kind of action that a Labour Government takes.'

Ms Butler said it was 'rather crass' to present welfare reforms as a way of saving money, as she urged the Government to tax millionaires instead.

Ms Kendall also faced a backlash from trade unions and charities.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'The government is in danger of making the wrong choices. We must be protecting the most vulnerable in society and not pitting the poorest against the poorest.

'Before cutting benefits, the government should be introducing a wealth tax, so that the very wealthiest in society begin paying their fair share.'

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: 'Targeting the most vulnerable with benefit cuts to meet arbitrary fiscal rules is an immoral choice at any time, but at a time of rising poverty, long NHS waiting lists and when the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite is abhorrent.'

She said the union, whose members include staff working in Jobcentres, would be 'campaigning with allies to oppose these cruel cuts'.

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Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is set to lay out moves to save around 5billion amid fears spiralling costs are 'unsustainable'

National Education Union chief Daniel Kebede said: 'It is hard to conceive of a Labour Government treating the most vulnerable members of society any worse.

'For pensioners who have lost the winter fuel allowance, parents coping with the two-child benefit cap, and now the targeting of disabled adults, cruelty is becoming a hallmark of this Government. It is simply indefensible.'

Dr Sarah Hughes, chief executive of Mind, said Labour's action would 'only serve to deepen the nation's mental health crisis'.

'While the increased investment in employment support will go some way in helping the many people with mental health problems who can and want to work, this risks being undermined by a short-sighted approach - slashing people's benefits at the same time,' she added.

'Benefits like PIP are a lifeline, helping people with a mental health problem to enter and remain in work.

'Without this support, people risk being plunged in poverty and seeing a deterioration in their health, which will ultimately lead to more people falling into unemployment.'

Charles Gillies, senior policy officer at the MS Society, said: 'These immoral and devastating benefits cuts will push more disabled people into poverty, and worsen people's health.

'These harmful changes to PIP will make it even harder for disabled people  including many with MS  to manage the overwhelming additional costs of their condition, from wheelchairs to visits from carers.

'And any targeted cuts to disabled people on Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance will largely hit those who are unable to work and rely on these benefits to survive.'

The Green Paper pointed to the 'Youth Guarantee' goal of ensuring all 18 to 21 year-olds in England have 'access to employment, education and training opportunities'.

'Delaying access to the UC health element would remove any potential disincentive to work during this time,' the paper said.

'Proceeding with this change would be on the basis that resources could be better spent on improving the quality and range of opportunities available to young people through the guarantee, so they can sign up to work or training rather than long-term benefits.

'Such a change could further support the objective for a distinct and active transition phase for young people, based on learning or earning for all.'

The document said 'special provisions' could be put in place for young people 'where engagement with the guarantee is not a realistic prospect'.

'We are consulting on whether to delay access to the health element of Universal Credit within the reformed system until someone is aged 22,' the paper said, noting that as of September last year there were 66,000 people in that category.

PIP scoring is being made tougher in the changes. Assessments, conducted by a health professional, currently consider an individual's ability to undertake 12 daily living and mobility tasks 'safely, repeatedly, in a timely manner and to an acceptable standard'.

The daily living component of PIP is worth up to 108.55 a week.

The paper said that PIP 'will remain an important non-means tested benefit for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions'.

'However, the rate of increases in claims and expenditure is not sustainable, outstripping growth in disability prevalence,' the document said.

'To better control spend on the welfare bill, we will make changes to PIP to focus it more on those with higher needs.

'We will introduce a new, additional eligibility requirement so that a minimum of 4 points must be scored on one daily living activity to receive the daily living element of the benefit.

'This means that people who only score the lowest points on each of the daily living activities will lose their entitlement in future.'

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden argued that the UK was the only major economy where inactivity had not fallen back to pre-Covid levels.

He confirmed reassessment reforms would be among the changes, and insisted that the Cabinet is 'united' around the need to trim costs.

Asked whether support for people with mental health conditions should be 'time-limited', Mr McFadden told Times Radio: 'We do think it requires support, but we don't think it renders people permanently reassessments will be part of the package announced today.

'We want people, if they're on long-term sickness benefits, not to languish there forever, but to be reassessed.

'There have been too few reassessments in recent years.'

Labour Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham warned yesterday that changes to eligibility and support while leaving the system as it is would 'trap too many people in poverty'.

Keir Starmer is facing stubborn Labour resistance to the proposals even before they are formally announced, with critics branding them 'shameful'

The Chancellor yesterday dismissed the idea of borrowing more to keep benefits the same as 'not serious'

Speaking on BBC Newsnight, former frontbencher Baroness Chakrabarti suggested what she had been hearing about the contents of the green paper was 'wrong in principle'.

She also laid into briefings about the proposals, insisting: 'Shame on those people playing politics, those spin doctors and special advisors who've been playing this game at the expense of people's mental health.'

The Chancellor yesterday dismissed the idea of borrowing more to keep benefits the same as 'not serious'.

'Every day an additional 1,000 people are going on to Personal Independence Payments, disability benefits. That is not sustainable,' she said.
An active US airman has been arrested for the murder of a woman on a South Dakota military base.

Quinterius Chappelle, 24, was charged with second-degree murder for the killing of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait, whose decomposed remains were found on March 4 about 37 miles from the Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City.

Sangrait, who was Native American, was reported missing in August by her family.

A missing person's poster said she had been staying with a friend in Eagle Butte, about 160 miles northeast of the Air Force base.

The poster added that Sangrait had left for Box Elder, just a few miles from the base, to pick up some items before heading to California.

It's not known if she ever made it to Box Elder; her family says they did not hear from her after she left Eagle Butte.

Officials have not revealed when or how Sangrait died.

An active US airman has been charged with the murder of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait

Police say Quinterius Chappelle, 24, killed the woman in the Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City

Because the alleged murder happened at the air base, pictured, the murder case will be tried in federal court

The nature of her relationship with the alleged killer also remains unclear.

Officials said they believe Sangrait was killed on the base, which means the case will be prosecuted by federal courts.

'We hold airmen accountable for their actions, and if service members are found in violation of military or civilian law, they will be punished,' Ellsworth Air Force commander Col. Derek Oakley told The New York Times.

Chappelle, originally from Washington state, joined the US Air Force in 2019.

He was an aircraft inspection journeyman assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Chappelle is being held at the Pennington County jail on no bond.

He is expected to be transferred to into federal custody.

As noted by the NYT, indigenous people in South Dakota amount to 60 percent of missing persons cases.

Sangrait, who was native American, was reported missing in August by her family

Chappelle, originally from Washington state, joined the US Air Force in 2019. He was an aircraft inspection journeyman assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

A GoFundMe for Sangrait has raised more than $500 of its $10,000 goal.

In it, her family accuses police of dropping the ball in her case.

'South Dakota police failed her when they failed to take several attempts of missing person reports stemming from August 2024-February 2025,' the page's description reads.

'Stolen sisters should not be ignored.'
A convicted Romanian rapist living in Britain - who is wanted in his homeland for a driving offence - has claimed it would be 'unjust' to send him back because he was previously abused in prison there.

The sex offender, whose identity has been withheld by the courts, arrived in Britain in December 2018 after serving almost seven years for rape.

The man, known only as ZA, applied for settled status on the basis he had a partner here, but did not tell authorities about his convictions.

When he visited Bucharest in 2021 he committed a driving offence before returning to the UK.

An arrest warrant was issued by the Romanian courts and he faced serving an extra two years in jail for the new offence - he was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police five months later.

The man then faced an extradition hearing in London where a judge ruled it was in the public interest to deport him.

But before he could be returned home, ZA - who was no longer with his partner and had children in Romania - claimed he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and used Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights to challenge the ruling.

He said the abuse he had previously suffered in prison caused him panic attacks and that the 'physical or mental condition... is such that it would be unjust or oppressive' to extradite him.

A convicted Romanian rapist living in Britain - who is wanted in his homeland for a driving offence - has claimed it would be 'unjust' to send him back

Appearing at High Court in London it was said that ZA had suffered abuse and ill-treatment during his time in jail in Romania.

It was said that he was raped, burnt with hot metal, stabbed with pieces of metal, bitten by another prisoner and punched, causing a broken nose and two lost teeth.

A doctor who assessed him for PTSD said ZA would need 'considerable medical knowledge to fabricate the symptoms of PTSD'.

He said: 'Returning him to a Romanian prison is likely to significantly aggravate symptoms of PTSD given that it would mean returning him to an environment where he experienced the trauma that caused symptoms of PTSD to develop.

'I think there is a possibility that he will become overwhelmed with distress and thoughts of suicide, leading to a significant risk that he will attempt to end his life.'

It was deemed 'likely impossible' that the treatment given in a Romanian prison would alleviate his anxiety.

The man said the abuse he previously suffered in prison caused him panic attacks and that the 'physical or mental condition...is such that it would be unjust or oppressive' to extradite him

In allowing ZA's appeal, Mr Justice Martin Chamberlain concluded: 'The reports presented make a decisive difference to the outcome of the case.

'I must decide for myself whether extradition would be oppressive and incompatible with Article 8 of the ECHR. To both questions, the answer is yes.

'It would, in my judgment, be oppressive to extradite the appellant to Romania to serve a two-year sentence for driving without a licence.

'In this case, the offence is, on any view, at the lower end of the scale of seriousness, particularly where - as here - the appellant has already served three years and four months under curfew.'
Neighbours of the Paris theatre that was formerly occupied by over 400 migrants have shared their relief at the end of the months-long 'nightmare'.

The Gaite Lyrique  one of the French capitals most historic arts venues - was taken over mainly by young migrants last December after the theatre's management gave them free tickets to a Refugees Welcome in France conference.

Performances were soon cancelled  losing the theatre thousands in revenue  as makeshift beds were placed around the stage and auditorium.

In an early morning raid today, CRS (Republican Security Companies) officers armed with tear gas and batons forced their way in and removed the 446 people living inside illegally, most of them claiming they are minors under the age of 18 who deserve permanent housing.

In the wake of the police raid, the venue's neighbours have expressed how glad they are that the migrants have been made to leave.

Elia Cordier, the owner of the nearby Bistrot de la Gaite, was seen weeping as she spoke to French media about her experience owning a foot-traffic heavy business on the doorstep of the makeshift migrant shelter.

She said: 'It's a relief - it's your life that's changing. We were plunging into a nightmare, and finally, that nightmare is ending.'

She said she was now scared of receiving threats in the coming days, but is expecting to reopen the brasserie today.

Earlier, she told MailOnline she is close to going bust and dared not speak out against the issue as she has received death threats from the anarchist agitators.

Police clashed with protesters in the streets of Paris

In an early morning raid today, CRS (Republican Security Companies) officers armed with tear gas and batons forced their way in and removed the 446 people living inside illegally

Isolated minors sleep lying on and under ping pong tables during the occupation of the Gaite Lyrique building by homeless isolated minors in Paris France on December 11 2024

Elia Cordier, the owner of the nearby Bistrot de la Gaite, (pictured) was seen weeping as she spoke to French media about her experience owning a foot-traffic heavy business on the doorstep of the makeshift migrant shelter

She told MailOnline: 'This political stunt is ruining me. I am losing thousands of euros every day.

'On a normal Saturday I would clear 2,500. Today I'll be lucky if I make 200. If this carries on, I will be bankrupt within one or two months.

She set up a GoFundMe page which has so far raised 65,890 (55,000) to prevent her business going under.

The page reads: 'In three months, Elia has lost everything. Customers have fled the place, her restaurant's revenue has collapsed, and she can no longer pay her rent. Neither the town hall nor the prefecture have heard Elia's heartfelt plea, leaving her alone to face this desperate situation.

'Worse still, she fears for her safety: insulted daily by members of certain associations, threatened with rape and death by certain migrants, this mother of three children is desperate.'

But not everyone in France had sympathy for the business owner.

Clemence Guette, a French politician from the left-wing La France Insoumise party, said on X today: 'Police violently evacuated La Gaite Lyrique in Paris, where young unaccompanied minors had taken refuge.

'Bravo to those who were there in humanity. The state owes everyone a roof over their heads rather than being beaten with batons.'

And David Robert, spokesperson for the Gaite Lyrique, told local media: 'I cannot be satisfied with the fact that it is likely that most young people will be sleeping on the streets tonight.'

A handful of migrants stood outside the theatre as the police arrived with suitcases in hand.

Violence broke out outside the Gaite Lyrique  one of the French capitals most historic arts venues  soon after dawn on Tuesday morning

Management had already abandoned the building, because of fears about fire safety, security, hygiene and cleanliness, maintenance, and waste collection'

Local businesses complained of losses due to the occupation

Mainly young men have moved in since last December when the management gave them free tickets to a Refugees Welcome in France  conference

Migrants sit on the ground as people gather against police eviction of migrants from the Gaite Lyrique theatre after more than three months of their occupation, in Paris, France, March 18, 2025

The 1800-seat building that houses the current Gaite Lyrique was built in 1862 and became celebrated for staging operettas by Jacques Offenbach

Until today there were 446 people living inside illegally, most of them claiming they are minors under the age of 18 who deserve permanent housing

A judge at the Paris Administrative Court ordered the evacuation of the building on February 13, but the council initially refused to involved the police

Some 200 other agitators surrounded the theatre chanting shame on this government that wages war on vulnerable people.

Many of the migrants refused to board the bus laid on to take them there claiming they were settled in the capital.

One young man, Adama, from the Ivory Coast told the AFP news agency: I am 15 years old. I need to go to class at 10am today.

I dont know what to tell my teacher. I need to leave a message saying that I wont make it.

He added: We havent killed anybody, we dont steal. We came here to become integrated.

Daniele Simonnet, a Left-wing Paris MP, attacked the violent police intervention in a tweet published on X.

Law and order officials pledged action after those who run the theatre complained of untenable promiscuity inside the theatre leading to increasing violence.

Management had previously abandoned the building, because of fears about fire safety, security, hygiene and cleanliness, maintenance, and waste collection.

In a statement, they warned of an explosive and undignified situation that was increasing in severity.

Beyond fights breaking out because of sexual tensions, migrants have been seen dealing and using drugs.

Staff have been acting as on-site security guards, even though this is neither their skill set nor their job, says the statement.

The number of migrants occupying the theatre rose to around 440 before it was raided

An isolated minor sitting on a chair and sleeping with his arms on a table during the occupation

Law and order officials pledged action after those who run the theatre complained of untenable promiscuity inside the theatre

Daniele Simonnet, a Left-wing Paris MP, attacked the violent police intervention in a tweet published on X

French police enter the Gaite Lyrique cultural center after evacuating unaccompanied minors from the site, in Paris, France, 18 March 2025

Despite this, the statement said staff have also been welcoming and sheltering the occupants.

The theatre is owned by the City of Paris, which is dominated by Socialists and Greens.

A judge at the Paris Administrative Court ordered the evacuation of the building on February 13, but the council initially refused to involved the police.

The 1800-seat building that houses the current Gaite Lyrique was built in 1862 and became celebrated for staging operettas by Jacques Offenbach, the German-born French composer, in the 19th Century.

On November 1, France reinforced its borders with six of its neighbouring Schengen members - Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland - with increased checks.

The controls were applied to travellers entering France via land, sea and air routes from all six nations and will last until April 1, 2025 - but authorities have said they could be extended further.

A French government statement declared the checks were introduced due to 'serious threats to public policy, public order, and internal security posed by high-level terrorist activities... criminal networks facilitating irregular migration and smuggling, and migration flows that risk infiltration by radicalised individuals'.
A snorkeler was nearly strangled by an octopus after he disturbed the creature's home while on a dive off the coast of far-eastern Russia.

Now-viral video of the encounter shows the moment the diver provoked the octopus while exploring the seabed near Primorsky Krai earlier this month.

The diver used a pole to poke at the marine mollusc's burrow, before he grabbed the octopus, removing it from its home.

But the octopus quickly retaliated by releasing a cloud of ink and then wrapping its tentacles around the diver's hands.

The octopus seemingly strengthened its grip and began to strangle him around his neck, squeezing hard as it climbed towards his face.

The diver, in a panic, tried to yank the angry octopus away from his neck, but failed. He then swam to the surface and continued to pull the creature away.

He managed to escape the octopus' tentacles after several minutes, according to reports. It is unclear if the snorkeler was injured during the incident.

The mollusc involved in the incident is believed to be a common octopus, scientific name octopus vulgaris, which is not known to be dangerous to humans. The creature is poisonous, although its venom is not lethal.

A diver provoked an octopus vulgaris - or common octopus - while exploring the seabed near Primorsky Krai, far-eastern Russia earlier this month

The diver used a pole to poke at the marine mollusc's burrow, before he grabbed the octopus, removing it from its home

But the octopus quickly retaliated by releasing a cloud of ink and then wrapping its tentacles around the diver's hands

The dramatic video of the encounter went viral on Instagram, attracting more than 3.3million views and hundreds of comments, as reported by What's The Jam.

Social media users, however, were quick to criticise the diver, alleging that he deserved the attack for disrupting the octopus' habitat.

'Good lesson taught, let's leave them in peace,' one person wrote.

Another added: 'Respect the ocean, dude. Also, it seems that the diver p****d off the cameraperson too. He just shot the whole thing without helping him.'

'What's the cameraman doing? Help him,' echoed another.

One user said: 'Karma is an Octopus.'

Another added: 'Catch the octopus, bring it to the boat, cook it and enjoy it.'

Octopus attacks on humans are rare and usually only occur when the creature feels threatened.

The octopus seemingly strengthened its grip and began to strangle him around his neck, squeezing hard as it climbed towards his face

The diver, in a panic, tried to yank the angry octopus away from his neck

The diver then swam to the surface and continued his attempt to remove the creature

The mollusc involved in the incident is believed to be a common octopus, scientific name octopus vulgaris, which is not known to be dangerous to humans. The creature is poisonous, although its venom is not lethal

An octopus vulgaris - or common octopus - can grow up to 1.3 meters in length and weigh anywhere from 6.6 to 22lbs, according to National Geographic.

The common octopus is easily identifiable thanks to its massive bulbous head, large eyes and eight distinctive tentacles.

It is known for its ability to camouflage itself to match the colours, patterns and textures of its surroundings, a defence mechanism to stay protected from predators.

If an octopus vulgaris is detected by a predator, it will release a cloud of ink to obscure the attacker's view and dull their sense of smell.

The common octopus is also a fast swimmer and has the ability to squeeze its body into small cracks and crevices.
A Louisiana death row inmate has used his Buddhist beliefs as an excuse for why he shouldn't be executed with nitrogen gas, just hours before it is set to take place.

Jessie Hoffman Jr., 46, is scheduled to be put to death Tuesday evening using nitrogen gas for his conviction of the brutal 1996 rape and murder of 28-year-old accounting executive Mary 'Molly' Elliott.

It would be the state's first execution in 15 years and the first time Louisiana has ever used the controversial method, which deprives the body of oxygen needed to maintain bodily functions.

His attorneys claim the method is unconstitutional and violates his Eighth Amendment right that prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

They also said it infringes on Hoffman's freedom to practice religion, specifically his Buddhist breathing and meditation in the moments leading up to his death.

'Mr. Hoffman sincerely believes that he must practice his Buddhist breathing exercises at the critical transition between life and death,' his lawyers said, reported USA Today.

'He believes that if he has traumatic final moments, they... can lead to a negative rebirth.'

After a series of court battles this month, his lawyers have turned to the United States Supreme Court to halt the execution.

Jessie Hoffman Jr. (pictured), 46, is scheduled to be put to death Tuesday evening using nitrogen gas

He was convicted of the brutal 1996 rape and murder of 28-year-old accounting executive Mary 'Molly' Elliott (pictured)

However, last year the court declined to intervene in the nation's first nitrogen hypoxia death row execution.

On Monday, Hoffman's attorneys filed a slew of additional challenges in state and federal courts as a last-ditch effort to stop the execution.

A state judge will consider one of the new challenges on Tuesday morning - just hours before Hoffman is scheduled to be put to death.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill criticized the move as 'an attempt to see what will stick.'

She argued in court filings that nitrogen gas doesn't pose 'a substantial risk of severe pain' and cited a court case that found that 'every method of execution involves a period during which the inmate experiences psychological pain because he realizes death is imminent.'

'That does not automatically render his execution unconstitutional,' she wrote.

Nitrogen gas has been used just four other times to execute a person on death row in the country, all in Alabama - which is the only other state where there is a protocol for the specific method.

Under Louisiana protocol, which is nearly identical to Alabama's, Hoffman will be strapped to a gurney and have a full-face respirator mask - similar to what is used by painters and sandblasters - fitted tightly on him.

The controversial method deprives the body of oxygen needed to maintain bodily functions

Pure nitrogen gas will then be pumped into the mask, forcing him to breathe it in and depriving him of the oxygen needed to maintain bodily functions.

The nitrogen gas will be administered for at least 15 minutes or five minutes after his heart rate reaches a flatline indication on the EKG, whichever is longer.

The state has maintained that the method is seemingly painless, thought Hoffman's attorneys argue that the method is torturous.

Each inmate put to death using nitrogen in Alabama has appeared to shake and gasp to varying degrees during their executions, according to media reports.

The reactions are involuntary movements associated with oxygen deprivation, state officials have said.

Molly's husband, Andy Elliott, said he has become 'indifferent' towards the death penalty, but wants a decision to because he has grown weary of reopening wounds every time the discussion of Hoffman's death sentence comes up.

'His death will not provide closure,' he said. 'Anyone who has experienced a tragedy of this magnitude will recognize the absolute truth  Molly's and my families and friends lost a great human being to a senseless series of crimes, the reasons for which we still don't know. The pain is something we simply have learned to live with.'

'All we want is finality, so we can stop dreading the reminder of the tragedy every time the subject of his execution re-emerges.'

Molly's husband, Andy Elliott (left), said he has become 'indifferent' towards the death penalty

On the night before Thanksgiving Day in 1996, Hoffman kidnapped, robbed, and raped Molly, according to court documents.

Molly left work and was heading towards her car in parking garage where a then 18-year-old Hoffman worked as an attendant.

He forced her to withdraw money from an ATM, raped her, and then walked her 'down a dirt path which was overgrown with vegetation and in an area full of trash used as a dump.'

'Her death march ultimately ended at a small, makeshift dock' on Middle Pearl River, where Hoffman 'forced [her] to kneel' and 'shot [her] in the head, execution style.'

She was discovered the next day when a duck hunter came across her body on the dock.
The owner of a greasy spoon cafe in Belfast that provoked a storm of criticism by branding morbidly obese people 'fatties' has shrugged off a public outcry and the disapproval of health and disability campaigners.

The furore erupted after a post on the Facebook page of Belfast Breakfast Baps took aim at obese people.

'If youre in one of these because youre morbidly obese please know you are not disabled, youre fat and probably not very useful,' read the post, which was accompanied by a photo of a mobility scooter. 'IT MOST DEFINITELY IS YOUR FAULT.

'Thyroid issues are workable and you are taking away resources from those who actually deserve not [sic].

'How about park the mobility scooter and walk, fatty, and maybe even eventually run.'

The comments have drawn widespread criticism, not least because the business offers a breakfast challenge that appears only to encourage overeating.

Customers who succeed in consuming the shop's 35 titanic breakfast bap, which includes eight eggs, eight pieces of bacon, eight sausages, eight black puddings, beans and mushrooms, are allowed to eat free - so long as they do within 45 minutes.

'Such a horrible statement to make,' wrote one commenter, 'considering you have a Belfast bap challenge that would feed a family of four.'

Belfast Breakfast Baps, owned by 39-year-old bodybuilder Mark Young, offers a titanic breakfast bap - free to anyone who can consume it inside three-quarters of an hour

A post on the shop's Facebook page, accompanied by a photo of a mobility scooter, has branded morbidly obese people 'fatties' - and provoked a storm of criticism

BBC Northern Ireland broadcaster Stephen Nolan visited the establishment on Tuesday morning to ask Young about the controversy. He was reportedly thrown out by Young

'Seems you're not aware, but there are disabled folks who've gained weight due to their disability, not laziness and the likes, but from pain and the inability to keep on top of exercise because of it,' another user remarked. 'Some require those scooters.'

But Mark Young, a 39-year-old who is listed at Companies House as a gym instructor and the company's sole director, has played down the commotion caused by the post.

'Its a free world, and critics are welcome to abuse away, its not doing me any harm really,' said Young.

In common with other health campaigners, however, Professor Paul Gately, the head of Obesity UK, offered a rather different view.

'Fundamentally, its incredibly discriminatory and it really feels its attention-grabbing at the expense of people suffering from a disease,' said Gately.

'People living with obesity face discrimination every single day. This demonstrates the way in which some people judge people living with obesity, when for many countries across the planet obesity is identified as a disease.

'I just dont see that as an appropriate form of business at all.'

That view was echoed by Dermot Devlin, founder of Omagh-based disability rights organisation My Way Access.

'For this company to come out and laugh, mock and abuse people that are overweight and use mobility scooters is a disgrace,' Devlin told the Belfast Telegraph.

'Ive seen people challenging it and he was putting up more posts mocking them. He has got loads of engagement from that.

'We feel more and more isolated and are now becoming the butt of jokes. People are mocking and laughing.'

With many social media users calling for a boycott of the cafe, BBC Northern Ireland broadcaster Stephen Nolan visited the establishment on Tuesday morning to ask Young about the controversy. He was reportedly thrown out.

'Nolan is two stone off a mobility scooter himself,' the presenter claimed one of his colleagues was told.
Dramatic footage caught the moment Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents broke a car's window when alleged Tren de Aragua members refused to come out.

The suspected gangsters were arrested in Spokane, Washington, on March 10.

Kayla Somarriba, who filmed the incident, was inside the vehicle with her husband Jeison Ruiz-Rodriguez and his brother Cesar Ruiz-Rodriquez when they were stopped by ICE.

Somarriba, who is pregnant, said they did not see a warrant and did not think they had to exit their car, because they 'knew their rights.'

Ice agents shattered he car's window and opened the door to forcibly remove the men.

The brothers were on their way to a court hearing to 'fight' a felony harassment charge, Jeison's lawyer told Komo News.

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office says the brothers threatened to kill someone and fired a gun into the air outside an apartment complex in December.

But Jeison's public Defender Kyle Madsen claims the police story is inaccurate and called the agents' actions 'horrific.'

ICE agents shattered a vehicle's window in order to remove two undocumented migrants who refused to exit

ICE says the migrants are members of the Tren de Aragua gang, but the migrant's lawyer says they are gangsters and are not even from Venezuela, where the gang hails from

Brothers Cesar Ruiz-Rodriquez and Jeison Ruiz-Rodriguez say they were on their way to fight the accusations when they were violently detained

'We had begun our own investigation. We had talked to some of the witnesses. It was clear that whatever was reported that night was not exactly the full story,' Madsen said.

'We had gathered additional information, and we were planning to either set this case for trial or work out an immigration safe resolution.'

ICE said in a statement that the migrants 'failed to obey a lawful order to exit a vehicle, which resulted in forced entry by I.C.E officers.'

The agency said both men are suspected members of Venezuela's notorious Tren de Aragua crime gang.

Jeison's lawyer denies this and says his client is Nicaraguan, not Venezuelan.

'Absolutely not, based on what I have seen, what I understand about him, and based on all the information that the state has given me as a part of discovery, it appears that he has no prior contacts with law enforcement, certainly nothing meaningful,' Madsen said.

Madsen said he believes local police gave ICE information about Jeison and filed a motion to dismiss the case on those grounds, arguing the Keep Washington Working Act was violated.

The act limits local police from assisting federal immigration officers.

Trump labeled the Tren de Aragua an invading force on Saturday when he invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a little-used authority from 1798 that allows the president to deport any noncitizen during wartime.

Hours later, the Trump administration transferred hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador even as a federal judge issued an order temporarily barring the deportations. Flights were in the air when the ruling came down.

The Trump administration has not identified the more than 200 immigrants deported, provided any evidence they are in fact members of Tren de Aragua or that they committed any crimes in the United States.

From the heartland to major cities like New York and Chicago, the gang has been blamed for sex trafficking, drug smuggling and police shootings, as well as the exploitation of the nearly 1 million Venezuelan migrants who have crossed into the U.S. in recent years.

Trump told Congress this month that a Venezuelan migrant found guilty of murdering 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus was a member of the gang.

The size of the gang is unclear as is the extent to which its actions are coordinated across state lines and national borders.
Donald Trump is again urging illegal immigrants to leave the U.S. on their own volition.

In a minute-and-a-half video, the president details how those in the country illegally who remove themselves voluntarily will be able to return in the future through legal pathways.

But, Trump said, if they refuse to do so then those deported by the government will never be allowed to return to the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has repurposed the CBP One app used by Joe Biden's administration to allow migrants to create appointments for officials to hear their asylum claims.

Now the app has been renamed CBP Home and Trump says it provides 'an easy way to leave now and self-deport voluntarily.'

'If they do, they could potentially have the opportunity to return legally at some point in the future,' Trump said in his straight-to-camera remarks from the Oval Office.

President Donald Trump said illegal immigrants who decide to self-deport will be able to reenter the U.S. through legal channels

It comes amid a massive deportation effort by the Trump administration to remove all those living in the U.S. without legal documentation

He continued: 'But if they do not avail themselves of this opportunity, then they will be found, they will be deported, and they will never be admitted again to the United States, ever, ever again  you're never coming in.'

Meanwhile, some federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are under fire for surrounding a vehicle and breaking the window during an operation in Spokane Valley, Washington this month.

After a video of the incident went viral and led some to question whether their agents actions were legal as the women, her wife and her brother-in-law repeatedly asked why they were being stopped and if there was a warrant.

Trump's latest self-deportation announcement, posted by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and the White House on Tuesday, comes days after roughly 250 gang members and leaders with Tren de Aragua (TdA) and MS-13 were flown out of the U.S. to El Salvador.

El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele agreed to let these gang members be imprisoned at the notorious maximum security mega-prison Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT) in his country.

Trump said the CBP One app is being repurposed as the CBP Home, which he claims will provide 'an easy way to leave now and self-deport voluntarily'

It comes after a recent ICE raid has raised alarm bells over the legality of their activity when they surrounded a vehicle and broke the windows during a stop of three individuals

Additionally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) and local law enforcement partners are carrying out raids across the country to arrest and deport those in the U.S. illegally.

The new CBP Home initiative provinces undocumented immigrants an alternative option to take themselves out of the U.S. and return through legal channels.

'The CBP Home app is now available free across all mobile app stores, and I encourage those who have violated our laws to use this option today,' Trump said in his video.

He warned: 'Do it right and come back into our country, do it wrong and you'll never be back again.'
President Donald Trump was asked by Israel before it launched a wave of attacks against Hamas targets across Gaza, the White House revealed.

'The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks on Gaza tonight,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News.

And she had a word of warning for terror groups around the world.

Leavitt said: 'As President Trump has made clear - Hamas, the Houthis, Iran - all those who seek to terrorize, not just Israel but the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose.'

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt (left) said President Donald Trump was consulted by Israeli before it launched its attack on Hamas in Gaza

The Israeli attack killed more than 400 people, according to Palestinian authorities. And it threatened to return the region to full scale war after talks to release the remaining hostages failed.

Trump had previously issued a similar warning, saying Hamas should release all hostages in Gaza or 'let hell break out.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the attacks after Hamas failed to release the hostages or accept U.S. proposals for a permanent ceasefire.

'From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force,' the prime minister's office said.

Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official said Israel had unilaterally overturned the ceasefire agreement, indicating all-out fighting could return soon.

And the group warned that Israel's return to war has imposed a 'death sentence' on the remaining hostages held captive in Gaza.

The strikes were by far the biggest and deadliest since a truce took effect in January. Hamas has not responded to the strikes so far.

Hamas said the head of its government in Gaza, Issam al-Da'alis, along with several other senior officials, was killed in the strikes.

Also among those killed was Mohammad Al-Jmasi, a senior member of Hamas' political office, and members of his family - including his grandchildren who were in his house in Gaza City when it was hit by an air strike, Hamas and relatives said.

It also named Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the highest-ranking Hamas security official in Gaza, and senior officials Ahmed al-Hatta and Abu Sultan among the deceased.

Smoke billows behind a cemetery during Israeli strikes west of Gaza City on March 18, 2025

This picture was shared in the aftermath of the extensive Israeli air strikes on Gaza

Meanwhile, the US launched new airstrikes over the weekend targeting the Houthis in Yemen in retaliation for its attacks on shipping. At least 53 people were reported killed.

The Houthis, in response, said on Tuesday they carried out their third attack on American warships in 48 hours, following US strikes on the Iran-backed rebels that sparked mass protests in areas under their control.

The group claimed they fired missiles and drones at the USS Harry S. Truman, calling it the 'third in the past 48 hours' on the fleet in the northern Red Sea.

But a U.S. defense official said the Houthis 'continue to communicate lies and disinformation', adding the Iran-backed group is 'well known for false claims minimizing the results of our attacks while exaggerating the successes of theirs'.

US Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich told reporters it was 'hard to confirm' the attacks claimed by the Houthis as the rebels were missing their targets 'by over 100 miles.'

Trump on Monday warned Iran would 'suffer the consequences' for any further Houthi attacks, threatening to widen the conflict further.
A male nurse in Germany has been accused of ruthlessly murdering nine helpless patients in a hospice ward so that he could have quieter shifts.

The unnamed man, 44, is said to have tried to kill a further 34 patients between December 2023 and May 2024.

Prosecutors say the nurse injected his victims with massive overdoses of sedatives and painkillers in the palliative ward for the of the Rhein-Maas Klinikum in Wurselen in western Germany.

Several victims, say prosecutors, had suffered several attempts on their lives and others were due to leave the ward after recovering from their conditions.

Prosecutors, who are still investigating further claims, believe the case at Aachen Regional Court, which will start on 24th March, could be the biggest medical murder trial ever heard in the country.

A prosecution spokesman explained: 'The nurse wanted to have quiet night shifts with little trouble from the patients.'

The court will be told how the nurse carried out his macabre murder spree at the clinic, with investigators expecting more cases to emerge in the coming weeks,

Hospital officials began to suspect the unexplained rapid death rate on the ward and called in police who exhumed the victims' bodies and found unexpectedly high levels of sedatives.

A nurse in Germany is accused of murdering nine patients after injecting them with painkillers and sedatives

The unnamed hospital employee is believed to have attempted to kill a further 34 people, but investigators say the figure could be even higher

The nurse was arrested in July 2024 after suspicions grew around the unusual rise in patient deaths and incidents during his shifts, and has been in custody ever since.

The trial has chilling similarities to the 2024 case of Berlin doctor Johannes M. accused of killing 10 patients but suspected of murdering up to 50 more for the 'thrill of it'.

The medic, a specialist in palliative care for the terminally ill, dosed his victims with a cocktail of painkillers before setting their homes on fire.

It comes as former British nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven infants, yesterday called for the public inquiry into her crimes to be halted.

Letby, 35, was found guilty of murdering seven children and attempting to murder eight more between June 2015 and June 2016 while working in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital (COCH), making her Britain's most prolific serial child killer of modern times.

The nurse has failed with a number of appeals, but medical experts have since publicly challenged the evidence on which she was convicted, casting doubt on whether the babies were murdered.

Her lawyer has now applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which examines potential miscarriages of justice, to have her convictions re-examined.

'There now appears to be a real likelihood that there are alternative explanations for these deaths and unexplained collapses, namely poor clinical management and care and natural causes,' Kate Blackwell, lawyer for the senior managers at the COCH, said in written submissions to the inquiry, set up to determine how the killings went undetected.

The nurse was arrested in July 2024 after suspicions grew around the unusual rise in patient deaths and incidents during his shifts at Rhein-Maas Klinikum in Wurselen

She asked for the inquiry to be paused until there was clarity as to Letby's involvement.

'If there is evidence to indicate that there are alternative explanations, then it would be wrong for the inquiry to ignore it because it is inconvenient.'
A Texas mom was escorted out of a school board meeting for giving the middle finger to a board member while opposing a plan to bring Bible lessons to the classroom.

A public workshop hosted by the board in Sugar Land, just outside Houston, Monday saw strong opposition from parents over the proposed Bluebonnet curriculum, which would incorporate Bible references in reading classes.

The curriculum, which includes teachings like the 'Golden Rule' and other Biblical lessons, was approved by the state's Board of Education in November.

Of the nine parents who signed up to speak at the meeting, all of whom shared concerns over the curriculum, one mother descended into a profanity-laced attack against a board member.

'You can't choose to elevate one religion over another, and that's what this Bluebonnet curriculum does. It puts Christianity over anybody else,' said the woman, who described herself as a lawyer, calling the proposal as 'deeply anti-American.'

'If you vote for this you have already failed your children,' she added. 'Stand up for the kids in this district that come from all religions, all walks of life, our diversity is our strength here.'

As she concluded her time, she turned toward one member while flipping the bird, saying, 'ban this you fascist little b***.'

One of the parents opposing the proposed curriculum flipped off one of the board members and called him a 'fascist little b***'

The board meeting on Monday night saw strong opposition from a group of parents over the proposed Bluebonnet curriculum, which would incorporate Bible references in reading classes

'You can't choose to elevate one religion over another, and that's what this Bluebonnet curriculum does. It puts Christianity over anybody else,' the mother said. 'If you vote for it, you're voting for un-American values'

In response, the school board's president announced that the women had to leave. She refused, and security was summoned to escort her out.

Other speakers at the workshop expressed similar concerns their opposition to the curriculum.

'Let's leave religion to families, let's keep lessons of Christianity to Sunday Schools and private Christian schools,' one speaker said.

'We are living in a time when vouchers are presented as a parents' right to choose, but parents' rights to decide what religion their children are exposed to is being stripped away,' another stated.

'The curriculum is a blatant intrusion of religious dogma where it does not belong,' a third said.

Schools have not been required to adopt the new curriculum, but those that do would receive a $60 per student incentive, KHOU reported.

Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers union, told Fox 7, said that the curriculum 'does seem to potentially put us in conflict with our code of ethics.'

'First and foremost, our teachers are going to push back, and they always have no matter where the curriculum comes from when they're given information from the school district or the state that provides inaccurate information.'

school board President Kritsin Tassin told the Houston Chronicle: 'In order for the administration to even be able to review it, we have to say, "Yes, go ahead order a sample set." That's what we're voting on. It doesn't make us fascist, doesn't make us Christian national, doesn't make us any of these things'

Capo and other organizations argued that the religious aspects violate the separation of church and state.

'We are opposed to the fact that there's a bit - we're a bit too preachy in this curriculum for out taste,' he continued. 'This is a public school, not Sunday school.'

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, however, defended the choice schools have in using the curriculum.

'The passage of Bluebonnet Learning is a critical step forward to provide the best education in the nation,' he said in a November statement.

'These educational materials are voluntary and free for schools to use. We'll ensure young Texans have access to high-quality curricula.'

The school board, which oversees 86 schools in the greater Houston area, has not decided whether it will be adopting the curriculum.

'In order for the administration to even be able to review it, we have to say, "Yes, go ahead order a sample set." That's what we're voting on,' school board President Kritsin Tassin told the Houston Chronicle.

'It doesn't make us fascist, doesn't make us Christian national, doesn't make us any of these things.'
Raging residents of an upscale Oregon town filed a slew of hilarious complaints after a judge ordered them to open their famous 'private' lake to the public.

Snooty locals living around Lake Oswego have expressed anger over the court order issued earlier this month, which put an end to a 12 year-long legal battle.

'You cannot live in the Governor's mansion just because you want to, and you think it is your right,' John and Kathy Willis fumed in a letter to the council, obtained by Oregon Live.

'None of us can live in the White House just because we feel we are entitled to do so because we are taxpayers in this country.

'When those who work the hardest must give to those who did not make the same commitment, you have socialism.'

Mark Dunham, a 30-year resident who works as an airline pilot, angrily suggested Lake Oswego would take on a downmarket vibe thanks to the ruling.

'The fountain area below Millennium Park, which is now a serene area to view the lake, will become nothing short of a carnival act on a hot summer day, with paddleboards and inner tubes prepping to go in the water,' Dunham wrote.

'The last thing the city (and taxpayers) need is public access to the lake, which will ultimately spoil the lake, the Millennium Park area, and strain the city's resources.'

The residents of a ritzy Oregon town which has been ordered to open up its 'private' lake for public access have hit over the ruling

Lake Oswego local Mark Dunham complained allowing the public to use the lake would turn it into a 'carnival act on a summer's day'

Prior to the ruling, access had largely been limited to those who own private docks at the grand mansions lining the lake's 12-mile shoreline.

Many of the residents are also members of the Lake Oswego Corporation, which manages the lake and was sued for denying access.

A Clackamas County Circuit Court judge ruled earlier this month that the City of Lake Oswego must immediately remove no trespassing signs and other obstacles currently blocking the body of water.

But residents aren't letting the ruling go without a fight.

Ashley and Charles Miller raged that it is 'appalling' that 'any non-resident can now use it for free', after the Lake Oswego Corporation spent 'thousands' of dollars over the last decade to maintain the lake.

While frequent lake user and public safety enthusiast Neil Potter claimed it would, 'only be a matter of time before a member of the public is seriously injured, or dies' now that it was being opened up.

The opponents are largely residents of the affluent town, where the median house price was $1.2 million last month, according to Redfin.

Before the ruling, the only people with access to the lake were mainly owners of the posh homes lining the lake's shore

The ruling overturns the current situation at the lake which means that only residents of the ritzy private homes lining the lake's shoreline get access to the water

Their uproar comes after Judge Kathie Steele ruled in favor of open water enthusiast Todd Prager who has been campaigning to open the lake up.

'(The city) is ordered to take steps necessary to provide for reasonably safe public access from the Millennium Park Plaza property within 120 days,' Steele said.

'I'm thrilled that the public has finally regained access to this unique and important public resource,' Prager told The Oregonian.

'I hope the public responsibly enjoys their immediate right to access the lake.'

The Lake Oswego Corporation had attempted to argue that the lake had been altered so much over the year by dams and canals that it could technically be reclassified as a dam.

However, another judge ruled that the original body of water was public when Oregon was settled, which mean public access doctrines are applicable.

Steele's decision comes after previous rulings including a jury trial also sided with the plaintiffs.

Opponents have been quick to voice their disapproval, with one even accused of going as far as keying the car of a kayaker who was out enjoying the newly opened lake earlier this month.

Mark Kramer (pictured) was one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. He said his vehicle was scratched up on Saturday while he was enjoying kayaking on the newly-opened lake

Lake Oswego Police said an 'unknown suspect' damaged Kramer's vehicle in a public parking lot on Foothills Road, south Portland , on Saturday afternoon. The car was scratched multiple times

Mark Kramer's vehicle was left badly marked when he returned from kayaking on Saturday afternoon, with more than a dozen scratches blemishing the paintwork on one side.

A woman in an expensive Range Rover was accused of the crime.

She denied being responsible for the keying after being tracked down by police and no further action was taken.

Kramer is a local attorney who was also among the plaintiffs who successfully secured public access to the picturesque waterside
Elon Musk and his alleged baby mama Ashley St. Clair will battle over custody of their son behind closed doors following a move to seal the case from the public.

MAGA influencer St. Clair, 26, had sued the Tesla CEO and X owner, 53, seeking sole custody of their son that she says they share, and that he take a paternity test.

In a new document filed on Friday, an order for sealing was seemingly granted in the case.

Filings that had been publicly available have now been sealed, with any hearings in the case to be held behind closed doors.

Musk has also appointed a lawyer to represent him in the suit after he was previously accused of causing 'unnecessary distress' for not accepting the filing.

The notification for sealing was filed by his attorney, Alyssa Rower, on Sunday according to New York courts online service.

Musk had been set to appear in court in late May in the legal dispute over St. Clair's son, who goes by R.S.C. in the court docs, but that will now be held in private.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, St. Clair's attorney Karen Rosenthal said: 'The courtroom will be closed and the Record sealed. Other than that, I have no comment.'

MAGA influencer St. Clair, 26, had sued the Tesla CEO and X owner, 53, for sole custody of their son

Elon Musk speaks during an event with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington

Rosenthal had previously said that Musk had demonstrated 'unnecessary gamesmanship' after he failed to acknowledge the suit or appoint a lawyer.

The child was born in September 2024, and St. Clair says in her filing for the paternity test that she and Musk started a 'romantic relationship in or about May 2023'.

St. Clair says that Musk has only met the boy three times and that she is the only parent to make decisions on the child's behalf.

She claims that Musk was not present for the birth of their child and hasn't expressed any interest in having custody.

According to the court documents, St Clair says she believes child was conceived on the island of St. Barts.

In her custody suit, St. Clair writes that it is in the best interests of the child that she have sole legal and physical custody.

She claims that the Musk first met the boy on September 21, 2024, in New York City, where she resides, for two hours.

The three are then said to have spent one hour together the following day, followed by a trip to Austin, Texas, in which he met the boy for 30 minutes.

As part of the exhibits for the paternity petition, the conservative firebrand shared a picture of Musk holding her son.

St. Clair is a conservative firebrand who has previously courted controversy by fraternizing with the far right

The new child with conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair would extend Musk's brood to 13

Pictured: Musk holding the baby he allegedly shares with St. Clair, as seen in an exhibit of her paternity lawsuit

Alleged text messages from after the child's birth were also added in the suit, which includes one from the day the boy was born.

St. Clair had sent Musk a picture of her clutching the newborn in the delivery room.

'All well?' Musk replied. To which, she responded 'He is perfect.' Musk replied: 'I look forward to seeing you and him this weekend.'

In another, St. Clair sent him a selfie of her and a friend, to which Musk replied: 'Hi cutie.' She then texted him back, saying: 'Hi, see u soon.'

The Tesla boss and 'First Buddy' followed up with a shocking reply: 'I want to knock you up again'.

Other messages show Musk talking about a credible death threat on his life, saying he was '#2 after Trump for assassination'.

He told her: 'Wake up. This is not the time for sentiment at the expense of safety. If I make a mistake on security [REDACTED] will never know his father.'

St. Clair responded saying: 'That's why the father spot on his birth certificate is blank right, E. Any he has my last name.'

In her custody suit, St. Clair writes that it is in the best interests of the child that she have sole legal and physical custody

St. Clair had sent Musk a picture of her clutching the newborn in hospital seemingly on the day he was born

In another, St. Clair has sent him a selfie of herself and a friend, to which Musk replies: 'Hi cutie' before telling her he wanted to 'knock her up again'

Musk added: 'Necessary for now. Only the paranoid survive' before St. Clair responded saying that 'incredible discretion' had been used and would continue to be.

The Space X CEO then continued: 'The threat level will reach insane levels until the election is decided. Loose lips sink ships.'

In another text exchange, St. Clair said she felt their relationship 'broke down' when Musk's fixer and right-hand man Jared Birchall allegedly 'got involved'.

She claimed: 'He said a lot of pretty horrible things to me that he attributed to you and I feel as though there was never a rift in our relationship before that.

'If you are in New York or if you'd like me to come to DC I really would appreciate being able to speak to you in person.

'I care about you deeply and feel as though third parties have put a major rift in our relationship that I truly wish was better for the sake of our son.'

Musk responded: 'Hmm ok', to which she replied with a GIF of Jim Carrey's character Ace Ventura saying his trademark phrase 'Alllrighty then'.

Other messages show Musk talking about a credible death threat on his life, saying he was '#2 after Trump for assassination'

In another text exchange, which is undated, St. Clair says she feels their relationship 'broke down' when Musk's fixer and right hand man Jared Birchall 'got involved'

To that, he then added: 'Well, we do have a legion of kids to make'.

She announced the baby in a post on the evening of Valentines day, saying: 'Five months ago, I welcomed a new baby into the world. Elon Musk is the father.

I have not previously disclosed this to protect our childs privacy and safety, but in recent days it has become clear that tabloid media intends to do so, regardless of the harm it will cause.

I intend to allow our child to grow in a normal and safe environment. For that reason, I ask that the media honor our childs privacy, and refrain from invasive reporting.

Soon after the announcement, Musk penned a cryptic post to X in reply to a fan who said making 'another baby' was yet another of Musk's 'side quests'. Musk reacted with crying laughing emoji.

DailyMail.com revealed that St. Clair moved about a year ago into a swanky Manhattan apartment near City Hall, costing around $12,000 to $15,000 per month.

St. Clair said Musk first 'slid into my DMs' in May 2023, and that she met him at an interview he did that month with her then-boss Seth Dillon, CEO of right-leaning satirical news site Babylon Bee in San Francisco.

In an interview with the New York Post the day after she went public about her baby, St. Clair said Musk followed up his meeting with her in San Francisco with an invite to join him on an impromptu trip to Providence, Rhode Island.

'After the interview, I got a text from him saying, 'Feel like going to Providence [Rhode Island] tonight?' she told the Post.

The DailyMail.com had been investigating claims that the two were in a romantic relationship, weeks before St. Clair publicly claimed she had Musk's baby.

Musk has always wanted to have a large family and he once claimed that 'civilization is going to crumble' if people don't have more children.

So far, the billionaire has fathered 12 kids with three different women. His latest with St. Clair would be his 13th.

Musk's lawyer in the case was approached for comment.
Few would argue with Labour's claim that the welfare system is 'broken'.

The rapid rise in the benefits bill in recent years is startling and the projections for future increases are terrifying for anyone who cares about the state of the public finances.

Yet today's proposed solutions look like a sticking plaster at best.

Liz Kendall's proposals will trim 5 billion from the welfare budget, prompting predictable howls of anger from the Labour benches.

But the current official forecast for spending on sickness and disability benefits predicts a rise from 65 billion today to 101 billion by the end of the decade. Five years ago, the figure was 55 billion, meaning it is on course to almost double in a decade.

One in 10 people of working age now claim sickness or disability benefits. New claims for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are running at more than 1,000 a day. One in eight young people  more than a million  are not in employment, education or training.

In this context, 5 billion barely scratches the surface.

No wonder that Sir Iain Duncan Smith, whose welfare reforms cut a much lower benefits bill by more than 30 billion, describes Labour's plans as 'peanuts'.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is laying out moves to save around 5billion amid fears spiralling costs are 'unsustainable'

Graph shows how the benefits bill has been rising and is forecast to continue going up

Sir Iain Duncan Smith (pictured), whose welfare reforms cut a much lower benefits bill by more than 30 billion, has described Labour's plans as 'peanuts'

At a glance: What's in Labour's benefits crackdown Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and Employment Support Allowance (ESA) to be merged into a time-limited unemployment insurance

Work capability assessments for Universal Credit to be scrapped from 2028

A new 'right to try' will allow claimants to try employment without the risk of losing their benefits

Vow to tackle 'perverse financial incentives' for claiming welfare

Health top-up rate of Universal Credit cut for new claimants - but standard rate to increase

Those aged under 22 will no longer be able to access the health element of Universal Credit

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) won't be frozen following backlash from Labour MPs

But eligibility for PIP will be narrowed

Plans being trialled for GPs to refer people to employment advisers, rather than sign them off sick

Government hopes reforms will save 5billion by 2029/30 Advertisement

Ms Kendall told MPs that ministers 'will not shy away from the decisions we believe are right'. Yet, that is exactly what has happened.

A plan to freeze PIP payments was abandoned following a backlash that included not just the usual suspects in the unions and the Labour Left, but senior members of the cabinet, such as Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband and Lucy Powell.

When the health secretary Wes Streeting sparked another row by mildly suggesting that there had been an 'overdiagnosis' of some mental health conditions, Downing Street refused to back him up.

To misquote the late Labour chancellor Denis Healey, when the PIPs squeaked, Starmer retreated.

There are some sensible measures in today's package. Cutting the health payments 'top-ups' for those on Universal Credit will help reduce the perverse incentive for people to have themselves written off as being incapable of work.

Barring young people from claiming the top ups at all until they are 22 should help break a depressing pattern that sees thousands of youngsters go straight from school to a life on benefits.

Raising the bar for those seeking to claim PIP should at least reduce the rate of growth in what is now the main disability benefit.

Increasing the frequency of assessments for those who might one day be able to work should curb the number of people left to a life on the dole.

The result of these decisions will be tough for those who lose access to benefits they had previously felt entitled to. No-one on a low income will find it easy to make do with less.

But the reforms fail millions more working people who will continue to pick up an ever-increasing bill for a system Ms Kendall herself concedes is broken.

Keir Starmer (pictured) is facing stubborn Labour resistance to the proposals even before they are formally announced, with critics branding them 'shameful'

Your browser does not support iframes.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is seen arriving in Downing Street on Tuesday

As she faced angry attacks from Labour MPs today, Ms Kendall made the startling admission that spending on benefits 'will continue to rise it is not a cut'.

'I am not interested in being tough,' she added.

Ministers have the parliamentary majority to drive through truly radical reform, regardless of the protests on Labour's backbenches. The situation certainly demands it.

But faced with a backlash from their friends they have bottled it.
A pensioner has been prosecuted over 35 of unpaid car tax just weeks after his wife's death under the controversial Single Justice Procedure.

The 82-year-old in sheltered housing was convicted after the DVLA found he had not paid the bill on his Ford B-Max in September 2024.

He wrote to the court, which heard the case last month, explaining that his wife died on August 6, 2024 and that he was 'preoccupied'.

'I paid the tax as soon as I became aware that I had forgotten,' he added.

Due to the way the Single Justice Procedure (SPJ) operates, the DVLA does not routinely look at the evidence presented and defendants do not have to attend court.

As prosecutor DVLA could have decided to withdraw the prosecution on the grounds it wasn't in the public interest.

But because of the fast-track design of the SPJ, this was not considered.

Court papers seen by the Standard reveal that the pensioner, who lives in the Saffron Walden constituency, was prosecuted after the previous car insurance expired on July 21 last year.

The 82-year-old in sheltered housing was convicted after the DVLA found he had not paid the bill on his Ford B-Max in September

Due to the way the Single Justice Procedure (SPJ) operates, the DVLA does not routinely look at the evidence presented

He received a letter September 7, a month after his wife's death, and after there was no reply the DVLA said a criminal prosecution followed.

The pensioner pleaded guilty in writing to a charge of keeping a vehicle without a valid vehicle licence and he was given a three-month condition discharge.

What are Single Justice Procedures? The SJP was set up in 2015 to allow magistrates to decide on minor offences, such as using a television without a licence or driving without car insurance, without defendants going to court. A single magistrate, supported by a legal adviser, hears the cases and defendants can enter pleas online. Magistrates can see other details online and outcomes are recorded digitally. SJPs handle 40,000 criminal cases a month and 3,102,392 criminal cases were received into Single Justice Service platform between April 1 2019 and September 30 2023. Advertisement

He was also ordered that the 35 of unpaid tax be settled and now has a criminal conviction on his record.

The government launched a consultation with the view to making amendments to the SJP system last month.

Proposed changes include making it an obligation for prosecutors to read mitigation letters and making it compulsory for agencies like DVLA to engage with potentially vulnerable defendants.

The consultation is expected to conclude on May 8, but the SJP system will continue to operate until then.

SJP proceedings deal with offences such as driving without insurance, dodging train fares and not paying for a TV licence, and defendants do not have to attend court.

The SJP was set up in 2015 to allow magistrates to decide on minor offences, such as using a television without a licence or driving without car insurance, without defendants going to court.

Since being established, there have been a number of incidents where members of the public have been prosecuted.

In February a pensioner with severe dementia who stopped driving two years ago was prosecuted by the DVLA under the controversial Single Justice Procedure.

The 83-year-old kept his classic red 1975 MG in his garage despite giving up driving two years ago. He had been moved into a care home and the very next day he was accused by the DVLA of 'letting his car insurance lapse'.

The SJP was set up in 2015 to allow magistrates to decide on minor offences, such as using a television without a licence or driving without car insurance, without defendants going to court

In response to the Single Justice Procedure, his daughter sent a letter to the court explaining her father's health and also advising that he was living in a care home.

Due to the way the court procedure operates, the DVLA did not look at the evidence presented by his daughter and he eventually received a criminal conviction.

The Magistrates' Association - representing Justice of the Peace across England and Wales - held a major intervention last March to demand an overhaul of the 'secretive' SJP, which has led to vulnerable people being prosecuted behind closed doors in absentia or without legal representation.

The MA said 'there are concerns' that cases are being brought before magistrates without prosecutors, such as the DVLA or TV Licensing, reading mitigations.

A DVLA spokesperson said: 'We urge anyone who receives a letter about potential enforcement action to get in touch with us if there are mitigating circumstances we need to know about.

'A Single Justice Procedure notice will only be issued when we have exhausted all other enforcement routes, including issuing multiple items of correspondence, to which the customer can respond to DVLA with their mitigation.

'Once progressed to SJP, any defendant can request a hearing in open court, but for those pleading guilty via SJP, including those with mitigating action, are considered by a magistrate. These can be referred back to DVLA but whether or not to do so is a decision taken by the magistrate.'
Claims that Prince Harry received special treatment when he emigrated to the United States are false, the Trump administration said Tuesday.

A lawyer from the Department of Homeland Security said that Harry's application followed all the 'applicable rules and regulations'.

The statement was made in heavily redacted documents that were made public on Tuesday after a lawsuit by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank, which was seeking to prove that Harry lied about his drug use on his visa papers.

But despite a judge vowing to release as much material as possible, Harry's actual immigration file has remained private.

The six documents that were released contain page after page of blocked out type, meant to protect Harry's privacy and stop him being subjected to 'harassment'.

The partial release of the material will be met with relief by Harry as it appears to be the end of a case which began last year when Heritage sued DHS  and led to speculation the Duke might be deported by Donald Trump.

DHS had refused a Freedom of Information request from Heritage for Harry's visa files on the grounds that he may have lied about whether or not he was a drug user.

In his memoir, 'Spare', and his Netflix TV series Harry talked about using cannabis, cocaine and magic mushrooms.

Prince Harry did not get special treatment when he emigrated to the United States, the Trump administration has claimed

A lawyer from the Department of Homeland Security said that Harry's application followed all the 'applicable rules and regulations'

The claim was made in documents that were made public on Tuesday after a lawsuit by the Heritage Foundation, a right wing think tank, which was seeking to prove that Harry lied about his drug use on his visa papers

Had he mentioned that on his immigration forms when he moved to the US in 2020, the prince could have been denied entry or faced further questioning.

The released documents include a declaration from Jarrod Panter, chief FOIA officer at DHS, who said that the agency determined it was not possible to release 'any portion' of Harry's records as anyone with a familiarity with immigration law could easily determine Harry's status.

The Duke, 40, has not publicly revealed his status in the US after immigrating in 2020 with his wife Meghan Markle, 43, with whom he has two children.

Panter wrote that US immigration 'routinely protects from disclosure the nonimmigrant/immigrant status sought by third parties who do not have permission from the beneficiary to receive this information'.

He said: 'To release such information would potentially expose the individual to harm from members of the public who might have a reason to manipulate or harass individuals depending on their status in the United States'.

Making such information public could subject Harry to 'reasonably foreseeable harm in the form of harassment as well as unwanted contact by the media and others'.

Panter rejected the idea that Harry had been given 'preferential treatment'.

He wrote: 'This speculation by (Heritage) does not point to any evidence of government misconduct.

Despite Judge Carl Nichols vowing to release as much material as possible, Harry's actual immigration file has remained private

The six documents that were released contain heavy redactions to protect Harrys' privacy and stop him being subjected to 'harassment'

'The records, as explained above, do not support such an allegation but show the regulatory process involved in reviewing and granting immigration benefits which was done in compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act and applicable rules and regulation'.

Panter's declaration contains a seven page long list of documents that were identified in the case  but all of them are redacted.

Four of the other documents are declarations from records officers at DHS and they have heavy redactions too.

The sixth document is a partial transcript of an in camera hearing from April 30th 2024 in which both sides discuss the case.

There is a fleeting reference to the musician Sting and one person - it is not clear who - says: '...In whether Prince Harry or Sting or anyone else you can think of who is prominent has a particular visa status'.

The files were released after a u-turn by Judge Carl Nichols, who sits in Washington and is overseeing the case.

In September, Judge Nichols had refused the request from Heritage to release all the documents because the Duke had a right to privacy.

But after a hearing he reconsidered and said he wanted to reveal the 'maximum amount' that he could.

In September, Judge Nichols had refused the request from Heritage to release all the documents because the Duke had a right to privacy

The released documents include a declaration from Jarrod Panter, chief FOIA officer at DHS, who said that the agency determined it was not possible to release 'any portion' of Harry's records as anyone with a familiarity with immigration law could easily determine Harry's status

DHS has previously argued that the records at issue are 'particularly sensitive' because they would 'reveal Harry's (immigration) status in the United States'.

Releasing them would amount to a 'fishing expedition', DHS argued.

The case has led to speculation that Donald Trump might kick Harry out of the country as the President said last year he 'wouldn't protect him'.

But last month Trump changed his tune and said he wouldn't deport Harry  because his wife is 'terrible'.

Speaking to the New York Post, the President said he was giving Harry a break because 'he's got enough problems with his wife'.

Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at The Heritage Foundation - the Washington think tank which is behind the legal fight to get Harrys visa documents made public - spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com following the document release on Tuesday.

These documents do not in any way alter the big picture which is that Harrys visa application needs to be released to the American public in full,' he said.

The American public deserves to know how he entered the country and if he did so legally.

The documents are so heavily redacted by the Biden-era Department of Homeland Security they offer no answers at all.

I believe these documents will only reinforce calls for the release of the full Harry visa file.

The American public deserves to see Harrys records if there is nothing to hide.

These documents were written under Joe Biden's administration and offer a complete lack of transparency and accountability.

President Trumps administration has consistently promised transparency and accountability, especially on the subject of immigration.

There is a very strong possibility, in my view, that the Trump administration will release Harrys visa file in a full, unredacted and complete way.'

Harry's representatives have declined to comment on the case.
Encouraging more young people to join the armed forces could help cut the youth unemployment rate, the Work and Pensions Secretary suggested today.

Liz Kendall said she 'absolutely agrees' with calls to ensure more young people join the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and British Army, which are suffering from a manpower crisis.

She went on to pledge to put a 'plan into action' following talks with the Ministry of Defence.

Ms Kendall's remarks came after Conservative MP Mark Pritchard highlighted that youth unemployment stood at 642,000 in October to December last year.

This figure was 136,000 more than the previous year and the unemployment rate for young people was 14.8 per cent, up from 11.9 per cent from the year before.

Mr Pritchard asked in the Commons: 'She mentions earlier in her statement 'earn and learn', does she agree with me that one way of perhaps attracting some people back into work is for her to have discussions with her colleagues in the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Secretary?

'And would she agree with me that getting more young people into His Majesty's armed forces  air force, navy, army  would be a starting place?'

Ms Kendall replied: 'I absolutely agree with the honourable gentleman.

Liz Kendall said she 'absolutely agrees' with calls to ensure more young people join the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and British Army.

She went on to pledge to put a 'plan into action' following talks with the Ministry of Defence.

Britain's Armed Forces have shrunk by almost 200,000 personnel since the Cold War ended.

'Indeed, before I was appointed to this position in opposition, as a constituency MP, I have discussed with my local jobcentre and the armed forces recruitment precisely these issues because of the really exciting careers and opportunities that are available, I think are really important for young people in my constituency and the one that he represents.

'And I will certainly be having more conversations with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence to make sure we put this plan into action.'

Britain's Armed Forces have shrunk by almost 200,000 personnel since the Cold War.

The RAF now has one of the smallest combat fleets in history, while the British Army looks set to drop below 70,000 for the first time since the Napoleonic era.

Meanwhile, the Royal Navy fleet - once the crowing jewel of Britain's military might - now has barely enough active warships to field a single carrier strike group.

Ministers are braced for a ferocious Labour backlash today after billions of pounds of benefits cuts were finally unveiled.

In a highly-anticipated Commons statement, Ms Kendall laid out moves to save 5billion amid fears spiralling costs are 'unsustainable'.

'The social security system we inherited from the Conservatives is failing the very people it is supposed to help and holding our country back,' Ms Kendall said. 'Today we say ''no more''.'

Eligibility is being tightened for the main Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit, with ongoing checks ramped up.

Those with mental health complaints could also face more pressure to seek jobs, while disabled people will be incentivised to try work with guarantees they will not lose out if it proves impossible.

Young adults could be barred from getting the health-related element of Universal Credit until they are 22 - potentially affecting 66,000 people.

However, the idea of freezing PIP in cash terms has been ditched in the face of a mutiny on the Left.

And the initiative is only set to slow the alarming increase in overall health and disability benefits spending forecast for the coming years.

Ms Kendall said the measures in the Green Paper were slated to save 5billion by 2029/2030, after 1billion is reinvested in support for work.

But that would still leave health and disability spending 15billion higher than this year, based on OBR forecast from last Autumn.

The problem was underlined today as figures showed numbers receiving PIP have risen 71 per cent over the past five years.
The Trump administration told a federal judge it had given the axe to 24,500 recently hired workers, in the first accounting of the fate of 'probationary' employees.

The government is now rushing to put the workers on leave and find ways to bring them back after the judge ruled that the firings, just part of a massive purge of the bureaucracy, were illegal.

Federal agencies provided data on just how many probationary workers got fired. They are considered easier to fire because they lack some of the worker protections of long tenured employees.

Most of the agencies said they had fired a few hundred workers. The Treasury Department terminated about 7,600 people, the Department of Agriculture about 5,700 and the Department of Health and Human Services more than 3,200, according to the filings.

The filing in the case came after federal workers from across the government detailed how they were cutting back on groceries, canceling nights out with friends, and even cutting back 'healthcare for my pets.'

That gave the case a multi-state economic element that was part of the argument put forward by impacted states.

The Trump administration said agencies were working to bring all of them back after a judge ruled that their terminations were likely illegal.

Individual agencies told a court how many 'probationary' employees had been fired amid a multi-state lawsuit

The filings made in Baltimore, Maryland, federal court late Monday include statements from officials at 18 agencies, all of whom said the reinstated probationary workers were being placed on administrative leave at least temporarily.

The mass firings, part of President Donald Trump's broader purge of the federal workforce, were widely reported, but the court filings are the first full accounting of the terminations by the administration.

U.S. District Judge James Bredar on March 13 said the mass firings of probationary workers that began last month violated regulations governing the mass layoffs of federal employees, and ordered them to be reinstated pending further litigation.

Probationary workers typically have less than one year of service in their current roles, though some are longtime federal employees.

Still to be determined is whether many of these same workers  having been fired and then rehired  will be fired once again during a broader Trump Administration-ordered 'Reduction in Force' that is coming down the pike.

The mass firing of NOAA employees brought protests outside the weather agency's headquarters

Workers said they were told of poor performance despite getting strong reviews

Fired workers said they no longer went to bars and restaurants

Firing letters tell employees their working is not 'in the public interest'

Demonstrators hold signs in solidarity with the American Federation of Government Employees of District 14, as they protest in support of federal workers at the Office of Personnel Management in Washington, DC, on March 4, 2025

Bredar's ruling came in a lawsuit by 19 Democrat-led states and Washington, D.C., who said the mass firings would trigger a spike in unemployment claims and greater demand for social services provided by states.

The office of Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, which is spearheading the lawsuit, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

The Trump administration has appealed Bredar's decision and on Monday asked a Richmond, Virginia-based appeals court to pause the ruling pending the outcome of the case.

Hours before Bredar issued his ruling, a federal judge in San Francisco had ordered that probationary workers be reinstated at six agencies, including five also covered by Bredar's order and the U.S. Department of Defense. The administration has also appealed that decision.

In the filings late Monday, agency officials said they had either reinstated all of the fired employees or were working to do so, but warned that bringing back large numbers of workers had imposed significant burdens and caused confusion and turmoil.

The officials also noted that an appeals court ruling reversing Bredar's order would allow agencies to again fire the workers, subjecting them to multiple changes in their employment status in a matter of weeks.

'The tremendous uncertainty associated with this confusion and these administrative burdens impede supervisors from appropriately managing their workforce,' Mark Green, deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of the Interior, wrote in one of the filings. 'Work schedules and assignments are effectively being tied to hearing and briefing schedules set by the courts.'

Bredar has scheduled a hearing for March 26 on whether to keep his ruling in place pending the outcome of the lawsuit, which could take months or longer to resolve.
President Donald Trump berated a reporter from Atlantic Magazine after she requested an interview.

Trump is revisiting his frustration with the publication after it dedicated itself to stopping his second term.

'Ashley Parker is not capable of doing a fair and unbiased interview. She is a Radical Left Lunatic, and has been as terrible as is possible for as long as I have known her,' Trump responded on social media.

He additionally noted that Parker 'doesnt even know that I won the Presidency THREE times,' in an effort to again challenge the 2020 election results.

'If you have some other reporter, let us know, but Ashley is not capable or competent enough to understand the intricacies of High Level politics,' he continued.

Parker, a former Washington Post journalist, joined the Atlantic along with another former Washington Post reporter Michael Scherer, who Trump also criticized.

'Likewise, Michael Scherer has never written a fair story about me, only negative, and virtually always LIES,' he added.

The president also ripped the Atlantic Magazine as 'Third Rate,' recalling the election-era story claiming he described members of the military killed in World War II as 'suckers and losers.'

'The Atlantic is doing terribly, losing a fortune, and will hopefully fold up and be gone in the not too distant future. It has absolutely no credibility, and would be far better off, in terms of journalism, to cease publication,' he continued.

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting in the Oval Office

Journalist Ashley Parker from The Atlantic Magazine

Trump did not entirely rule out an interview with the magazine, but demanded to hear from a different journalist.

'[W]hen you have a writer with intelligence, competence, and fairness, please let me know!' he concluded.

Trump's relationship with the Atlantic Magazine has always been fraught.

In early 2024, the magazine published an entire issue in warning of the disastrous consequences of Trump's reelection.

'Our team of brilliant writers makes a convincingly dispositive case that both Trump and Trumpism pose an existential threat to America and to the ideas that animate it,' editor Jeffrey Goldberg wrote, pleading with American voters to stop Trump from winning again.

The next Trump presidency will be worse.



For our January/February 2024 issue, @TheAtlantic is closely examining Donald Trumps 2024 bid for reelection, and the potential ramifications of a second term: https://t.co/8lSX9cjZg6 pic.twitter.com/F0qXTREI2M  The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) December 4, 2023

Laurene Powell Jobs photographed at The Atlantic Festival in Washington, D.C. in September 2019

Goldberg remained shocked and horrified over a 2015 comment that Trump made about one of his critics, former Sen. John McCain.

'I couldnt understand his soul sickness: How does a person come to such a rotten, depraved thought?' Goldberg mused in a lengthy opinion article condemning the idea of Trump returning to office.

'America survived the first Trump term, though not without sustaining serious damage. A second term, if there is one, will be much worse,' he continued.

President Trump has long criticized The Atlantic Magazine for its unprecedented opposition to his political career.

In 2020, Trump ripped Lauren Powell Jobs for funding the magazine, helping keep the publication alive.

'Steve Jobs would not be happy that his wife is wasting money he left her on a failing Radical Left Magazine that is run by a con man (Goldberg) and spews FAKE NEWS & HATE,' Trump wrote in September 2020.
A major welfare system overhaul will see reforms to a disability benefit claimed by more than 3.6million across Britain, in a plan announced by the Government today.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall revealed Ministers will legislate for a change to the assessment for personal independence payment (Pip).

Pip is aimed at helping disabled people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with the increased cost of living associated with their conditions.

But applicants will need to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living element of the benefit from November 2026.

Separately, the Government is looking at scrapping the Work Capability Assessment for Universal Credit - the process currently used to determine eligibility for incapacity benefit payments based on someone's fitness for work.

It will instead be replaced from 2028 by a single assessment considering the impact a person's disability has on daily living, rather than their fitness to work.

Here, MailOnline looks at what Pip is and how the assessment is going to change as Labour lays out its moves to save 5billion:

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall (pictured at Downing St today) said the current social security system is 'failing the very people it is supposed to help and holding our country back'

What is Pip?

Personal Independence Payment (Pip) is a tax-free benefit aimed at helping the disabled with the increased cost of living associated with their conditions.

Pip is currently paid to 3.6million across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, a similar benefit is called the Adult Disability Payment.

Who can get Pip?

Pip is available to those who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability as well as difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition.

Pip can be paid even to people who are working, have savings or are getting most other benefits. It is not means tested.

What is changing to Pip?

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed today that the Government will legislate for a change to the assessment for the benefit.

She said people will need to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living element of the benefit from November 2026.

Ms Kendall also promised to consult with disabled people and organisations representing them, to ensure the process is 'fit for purpose now and into the future'.

But she added that the Government will not freeze Pip, as had been rumoured.

Some of the criteria for the Pip assessment under the 'washing and bathing' section

How does Pip work?

There are two parts to Pip  1) the daily living part, if someone needs help with everyday tasks; and 2) the mobility part, if they need help with getting around.

Whether they get one or both parts and how much they get depends on how difficult they find everyday tasks and getting around.

Anyone nearing the end of life such as from a life-limiting illness will automatically get the daily living part  but the mobility part depends on their needs.

How much can you get from Pip?

There is a lower and a higher weekly rate for the daily living part, which is 72.65 and 108.55 respectively.

For the mobility part, the rates are 28.70 for the lower and 75.75 for the higher.

Pip is normally paid every four weeks.

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What points number will you need to score for Pip?

From November 2026, claimants will need a minimum of four points to be scored on one of the 'daily living activities' used to assess Pip claims in order to receive the daily living element of the benefit.

What are the criteria for Pip assessment? The Government states that people might get the daily living part of Pip if they need help with: preparing food

eating and drinking

managing your medicines or treatments

washing and bathing

using the toilet

dressing and undressing

reading

managing your money

socialising and being around other people

talking, listening and understanding Advertisement

Daily living activities are classed as 'preparing food', 'eating and 'drinking', 'managing your medicines or treatments', 'washing and bathing', 'using the toilet', 'dressing and undressing', 'reading', 'managing your money', 'socialising and being around other people' and 'talking, listening and understanding'.

Currently, someone who receives between eight and 11 points in total will get the daily living part of Pip at a standard rate.

If they get at least 12 points, they get the daily living component at an enhanced rate.

But Labour aims to restrict entitlement to the daily living component to only those who are more severely disabled.

For example, to score four points on 'washing and bathing', a claimant 'needs assistance to be able to wash their body between the shoulders and waist'.

The Government said their planned changes would mean 'that people who only score the lowest points on each of the PIP daily living activities will lose their entitlement in future'.

There will also be no changes to eligibility for the mobility part.

How is the assessment done?

The Department for Work and Pensions assesses how difficult someone finds daily living and mobility tasks, and will look at four areas for each task.

These are 'whether you can do it safely', 'how long it takes you', 'how often your condition affects this activity' and 'whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment'.

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How is the assessment changing?

The Government said it will increase face-to-face assessments for Pip to 'improve the quality of assessment decision while ensuring we continue to meet the needs of those with who may require a different method of assessment'.

Ministers also intend to set out broader reforms to the assessment, after carrying out a review involving experts and stakeholders to adapt and improve it.

What about those who will lose Pip?

The Government said Pip will now be targeted more on those with higher needs by requiring a minimum of four points on one daily living activity, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria.

The Department for Work and Pensions will work with Department of Health and Social Care on the changes.

They say they want to ensure that 'existing people who claim Pip who may no longer be entitled to the benefit following an award review under new eligibility rules have their health and eligible care needs met'.

The Government added that it is now consulting on how best to achieve this.

The benefits bill has been going up and the Institute for Fiscal Studies expects this to continue

Why is Pip being changed?

The number of people receiving one PIP has risen rapidly over the past five years and the Government believes this is now becoming unsustainable.

The number of working-age people receiving Pip has more than doubled from 15,300 to 35,100 a month since the pandemic.

The number of young people aged 16 to 24 receiving Pip per month has also skyrocketed from 2,967 to 7,857.

The Government believes that over the next five years, if no action is taken, the number of working age people claiming Pip will increase from 2million in 2021 to 4.3million, costing 34.1billion annually.

What has been the reaction?

Groups representing disabled people condemned the 'cruel' changed as 'immoral and devastating' as they argued the changes will 'push more disabled people into poverty, and worsen people's health'.

MPs on Labour's left and the party's trade union backers have also hit out at the plans, arguing they would punish the disabled and the poor.

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What is happening to Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a payment to help with someone's living costs, and they may be able to get it if they are on a low income, out of work or they cannot work.

The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is the process currently used to determine eligibility for incapacity benefit payments under Universal Credit based on someone's fitness for work.

But the Government said it plans to scrap this in 2028, to be replaced by a single assessment considering the impact a person's disability has on daily living, rather than their fitness to work.

Those applying for extra financial support for health conditions  including Pip, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit (Health) - will instead therefore only face one assessment, based on the existing Pip system.

There will also be an above-inflation rise in the standard allowance for Universal Credit by 2029/30 - adding 775 in cash terms annually.

Ms Kendall also said there will be 'an additional premium for people with severe lifelong conditions that mean they will never work to give them the financial security they deserve'.

But new claims from April 2026 will see the rate of the health element almost cut in half, from 97 a week to 50 and those already claiming having their amount frozen at 97 per week until 2029/2030.

The Government is also consulting on delaying access to the health top-up in Universal Credit until someone is 22 years old 'so every young person is earning or learning, and on a pathway to success'.

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What else is changing?

There is also going to be a consultation on raising the age at which young people can move to Pip from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children, from 16 to 18.
This is the incredible moment a Spanish boy who was seen dangling from a ski lift left unharmed after quick-thinking passersby banded together to save him.

Footage shows the terrified child clinging to the chair lift barrier at the Valdesqui ski resort near Madrid this weekend, as his legs dangle in the air.

The clip then shows how a group of around 10 skiers gathered beneath the child as they held an orange makeshift cushion to catch him.

The boy is then seen taking his skis off before he jumps into the make-shift cushion and lands unharmed.

Skier Pedro Jose Ruiz Tamaral, 47, told of the moment he heard someone screaming for help before spotting the young boy hanging from the ski lift.

Pedro immediately alerted staff, who immediately halted the lift.

'After about 20 meters, they eventually stopped the ski lift.

'One man removed the protective padding from the poles that support the chairlift - normally there to prevent people from hitting them - and they used it as a makeshift cushion.

A group of skiers banded together to save a child who was dangling from a chairlift

Footage shows the terrified child clinging to the chair lift barrier at the Valdesqui ski resort near Madrid

The boy is then seen taking his skis off before he jumps into the make-shift cushion and lands unharmed

'At the same time, they were giving instructions to the child to remove his skis and let himself fall safely', Pedro said.

The terrifying incident at the Spanish ski resort comes after dozens of people were injured when a chair lift derailed at a ski station in Spain back in January, flinging its riders 50 feet from their seats.

The horrific incident occurred at Astun Ski Resort in the heart of the Aragon Valley in north-eastern Spain, leaving several people trapped as emergency services rushed to the scene to rescue those caught up in the horror.

Five helicopters and a dozen ambulances were dispatched to the resort to ferry the injured to nearby hospitals, local media said.

One of the survivors, who gave his name as Oscar, told a Spanish TV station today: 'A pulley wheel appears to have broken or come loose and the cable started to jump around and every time it happened we went up and down.

'We were lucky in that we didn't hit the ground but there were people in front of us who did hit the ground and received blows to their faces and other parts of their body.'

One skier who witnessed the drama said: 'Thank God we haven't fallen but others have and there are lots of people injured.'

Another witness said people were flung into the air as the chairlifts bounced up and down.
UK steel customers are cancelling orders after being 'spooked' by Donald Trump's tariffs, manufacturers warned today.

Bosses at Tata Steel UK and British Steel said they are seeing the impact of the White House's protectionist move against US metals imports to try to prop up its own industry.

They spoke to MPs today as the Business Secretary travels to Washington to make the case for exemptions for Britain's steel industry in talks on a new UK-US economic deal.

Jonathan Reynolds will advance 'pragmatic and positive' discussions on transatlantic trade as he meets his White House counterpart, the Government said.

It comes after the US president told reporters aboard Air Force One there would be no exceptions to a 25 per cent tax on global steel and aluminium imports.

Tata's UK chief executive Rajesh Nair outlined how bad the situation is today, as he was quizzed by the Business and Trade Committee.

'The customers are spooked and the customers are wanting to go to other suppliers to make sure that they don't get caught in the tariff warfare,' he said.

'So customers are already talking to us and wanting to cancel orders and in some cases are asking us for compensation for potential orders.'

Tata's UK chief executive Rajesh Nair outlined how bad the situation is today, as he was quizzed by the Business and Trade Committee.

Bosses at Tata Steel UK and British Steel said they are seeing the impact of the White House's protectionist move against US metals imports to try to prop up its own industry.

Jonathan Reynolds will advance 'pragmatic and positive' discussions on transatlantic trade as he meets his White House counterpart, the Government said.

Mr Nair added that the damage to sales and profits will be 'significant'.

Allan Bell, chief commercial officer at British Steel, said the group supplies around 50,000 tonnes of steel into the US market.

He said where there is a domestic producer in the US for the same products supplied by British Steel, they have had to 'exit that business immediately'.

He added: 'We've got customers that are concerned about the impact of the tariffs and, at the moment, are considering order cancellation.'

Mr Reynolds will hold the first in-person talks with US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and US trade representative Jamieson Greer to take place under the new administration.

Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump discussed the situation in a call on Monday night, Downing Street said.

'The leaders discussed the Business and Trade Secretary's visit to Washington today to progress talks on a wider economic deal,' the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) said Mr Reynolds would 'represent the interests of key industries including the UK steel sector and will kick off talks on securing a wider economic deal' on the visit.

Unlike the EU, which announced counter-measures on a range of American goods, the UK Government has resisted taking immediate retaliatory action against the tariffs but says 'all options' remain on the table to respond in the national interest.

Speaking ahead of the talks, the Business Secretary said: 'Protecting and growing the industries that power the UK and play a key role in delivering our Plan for Change is a priority for this government.

'Today's visit to Washington DC is the latest step in our pragmatic and positive engagement with the new administration to agree a wider economic deal in both our interests.

'The UK and US share a fair and balanced relationship, one that has benefited both sides for many decades, and we will both benefit as we strengthen this relationship further.'

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden told broadcasters Mr Reynolds would argue that free trade is in the interests of both the UK and US.

'We are in roughly trade balance with the United States and so my colleague, Johnny Reynolds, the Business Secretary, is there to speak to the Commerce Secretary to argue that it's in both our country's interest to have free trade between us,' he told Sky News.

The Government said around 5 per cent of UK steel exports and 6 per cent of aluminium exports by volume go to the US, although trade bodies for both industries claim that is an underestimate of the scale of shipments across the Atlantic.

The move is the latest blow to a steel industry, which has seen thousands of job losses in recent years due to issues including global competition, high energy costs and the shift to cleaner technologies.
A beautiful California housewife's picture-perfect life is in tatters after her secret job as a sex worker saw her charged with murdering a Saran wrap fetishist.

Michaela Brashaye Rylaarsdam has been charged over the death of Michael Dale, 55, who asphyxiated after allegedly asking Rylaarsdam to wrap him in the plastic covering, 'like a mummy'.

Police said the incident took place two years ago, during a consensual BDSM session after Dale contacted Rylaarsdam, 31, through an online advert for an escort business.

The married mother, who runs a stripper agency and OnlyFans with her husband Brandon, told investigators it was the first time she had engaged in fetish behavior.

As part of the encounter on April 17, 2023, Dale asked her to glue women's boots to his feet and put his head in a plastic bag according to an affidavit obtained by The San Diego Union Tribune.

Evidence suggests that Rylaarsdam was paid more than $11,000 in exchange for her services, investigators said.

The shocking alleged crime is in marked contrast to the life Rylaarsdam presents on one of her social media profiles.

Dressed in white and wearing simple, tasteful makeup, the stunning mother of three beams for the camera alongside husband Brandon, who's dressed in complementary colors.

But Rylaarsdam, whose porn name is Asshley Sincal, lived a much seedier life in private, with the full knowledge of her husband who helped run their 'business'.

Disturbing video obtained from the accused's phone showed Dale inside the bag for around eight minutes, as well as other clips of him struggling to breathe after duct tape a plastic bag and Saran wrap were placed over his mouth, the filings state.

Dale's arms and legs had been bound with plastic meaning he was unable to remove the bag or wrappings from his head, according to the affidavit.

Michaela Brashaye Rylaarsdam (right) has been charged with murder over claims she smothered a man with Saran wrap during a consensual session filmed for her OnlyFans page. Pictured: Rylaarsdam with husband Brandon

Rylaarsdam is pictured with husband Brandon. The couple run an agency that lets people hire strippers. Michael Dale, 55, died during an encounter with Rylaarsdam in April 2023

A grab from Rylaarsdam's OnlyFans page. She presents a picture perfect family life on one of her Instagram profiles - and an altogether sexier image on another one

Rylaarsdam is pictured with husband Brandon and the couple's three young children. Brandon referred a request for a comment about his wife's alleged crime to their lawyer

As he lay unresponsive, Rylaarsdam was performing a sex act nearby by for her OnlyFans page, prosecutors allege.

The clip was taken moments before she called 911 and began CPR on Dale, according to the affidavit.

Dale was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brain dead the next day.

His cause of death was linked to deprivation of oxygen to the brain according to the coroner.

'The evidence showed that he hired her to perform bondage acts and fetish acts,' said Deputy District Attorney David Jarman told the San Diego Union Tribune.

'There is no indication that he asked her to obstruct his breathing, asked her to put tape over his mouth, asked her to put a plastic bag over his head.'

Rylaarsdam denied placing a bag over Dale's head and has pleaded not guilty to the second-degree murder charge.

Her attorney Dan Cohen said his client did not mean to kill Dale, noting that while consent is not a defense it it is 'certainly a mitigating factor.'

Rylaarsdam and Brandon pictured together on vacation. She now languishes in a jail cell awaiting trial over claims she put a bag over Dale's head and left him to suffocate

Another glamorous photo of Rylaarsdam, who goes by the name Asshley Sincal on her OnlyFans

Police said the incident took place two years ago, during a consensual BDSM session after Dale contacted Rylaarsdam through an online advert for an escort business

Rylaarsdam's attorney says the fact the sex act that killed Dale was consensual means that she should not have been charged with murder

'I think there was no intent to kill and no attempt to cover this up,' he said. 'And she acted appropriately when she realized this was a problem.

'There is definitely a consensual element  not only something he consented to, something he was actively seeking.'

He also questioned the cause of death, claiming Dale had alcohol and prescription drugs in his system at the time.

Rylaarsdam is a married mom-of-three who moonlights as an adult entertainer under the pseudonym Asshley SinCal.

Her husband Brandon appears in one of her promotional videos posted on X for her OnlyFans account.

He declined to comment to DailyMail.com when approached and directed inquiries to their lawyer.

Rylaarsdam is currently being held in jail without bail pending her trial.
Chief Justice John Roberts has issued a stunning rebuke of Donald Trump in an explosive row over the deportation of migrants and attacks on judges.

It came after Trump called for the impeachment of a judge who had blocked his bid to send people he said were members of a violent Venezuelan gang to El Salvador.

Trump attacked the federal lower court judge as a 'radical left lunatic' in a wild tirade on social media.

But Roberts took the rare step of intervening and publicly slapping down the president.

'For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision,' Roberts said in a curt statement issued by the Supreme Court. 'The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.'

By that, Roberts meant that if the Trump administration has a problem with a judge's ruling, it should appeal and fight the issue in court  rather than savage a Senate-confirmed judge in public.

Any ultimate appeal would end up before Roberts' own body, in which conservatives hold a 6-3 majority and have backed Trump in the past.

The blast from the usually circumspect justice comes at a time when some liberal legal scholars say a constitutional crisis is looming, or already here, over a crush of court orders that would rein in constitutional authority Trump claims is his alone.

Although Roberts used language that was legalistic  and did not identify Trump by name  the public comment came just a few hours after Trump attacked a 'radical left lunatic' judge who had issued a temporary order barring the deportation of alleged gang members who the White House termed 'heinous monsters.'

The ruling, from federal Judge James Boasberg, came after a fiery hearing where he demanded the government declare when it thinks his own orders on the deportations took effect  after the administration said the deportation flights were underway and over international waters when it learned of the order.

Trump posted on his Truth Social site Tuesday morning: 'This Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, was not elected President - He didnt WIN the popular VOTE (by a lot!), he didnt WIN ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, he didnt WIN 2,750 to 525 Counties, HE DIDNT WIN ANYTHING!'

Chief Justice John Roberts slapped back at threats to impeach judges, just hours after President Trump tore into a federal judge he termed a 'radical left lunatic'

'I WON FOR MANY REASONS, IN AN OVERWHELMING MANDATE, BUT FIGHTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MAY HAVE BEEN THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR THIS HISTORIC VICTORY. Im just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! WE DONT WANT VICIOUS, VIOLENT, AND DEMENTED CRIMINALS, MANY OF THEM DERANGED MURDERERS, IN OUR COUNTRY. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!'

After Roberts' rare statement, Trump was asked during an interview with Laura Ingraham taped Tuesday for the Fox News Channel's The Ingraham Angle what he made of the justice issuing one.

'Well, he didn't mention my name in the statement. I just saw it quickly. He didn't mention my name,' Trump responded.

The 78-year-old commander in chief also argued 'many people have called for his impeachment, the impeachment of this judge. I don't know who the judge is, but he's radical left.'

Trump's billionaire DOGE head and advisor Elon Musk has also been rallying to impeach judges who ruled against the administration on federal worker firings.

On Friday, in an extraordinary speech at the Justice Department, Trump praised Judge Aileen Cannon, a federal judge who ruled in his favor in the classified documents case. An appeal got withdrawn after Trump won the November election.

Trump said of Cannon: 'I did appoint her federal judge and these fake lawyers these horrible human beings were hitting her so hard.'

All federal district court judges must be confirmed by the Senate in order to serve.

Last week, a federal judge in California ruled that the administration must reinstate thousands of fired 'probationary' employees.

Another federal judge in Maryland, U.S. District Judge James Bredar, also an Obama nominee, has also ruled that terminations of probationary employees was illegal.

House Republicans have taken up Musk's call to impeach judges who have ruled against Trump.

Trump railed against judges who ruled against him during the campaign. He greeted Justice Roberts on the day of his speech to Congress earlier this month

Trump tore into Boasberg and 'crooked' judges after a clash over the timing of his order to halt deportations of more than 200 people

Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) said he would be 'filing Articles of Impeachment against activist judge James Boasberg this week.'

'Necessary,' wrote Musk on his X site.

Nevertheless, the conservative New York Post editorial board wrote that Musk was 'way out of his lane' on the matter.

The ruling that set off the fury came when Boasberg issued the temporary ruling that blocked the deportations of more than 200 people after the administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

The White House said Monday that the people deported to El Salvador were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, but has refused to provide the names of the people now incarcerated in El Salvador.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. paid the country $6 million to accept them.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Steven Miller teed off on the judge at the White House on Monday when asked about his statement that the judge's order was 'illegal.'

'The idea that a single district court judge has the authority to direct, as though they were the president, the movement of airplanes around the globe is ... the most outrageous thing I've seen from a district court judge in my lifetime, frankly, going back multiple lifetimes.

Earlier this month, the American Bar Association issued a statement warning against attempts to 'cow our countrys judges, our countrys courts and our legal profession.' It said intimidation 'cannot be sanctioned or normalized.'

The ABA said it would not 'stay silent in the face of efforts to remake the legal profession into something that rewards those who agree with the government and punishes those who do not.'

Trump railed against judges who ruled against him in his four criminal trials throughout the campaign.

But in February and March, Musk began touring into judges using his powerful online platform.

'We are witnessing an attempted coup of American democracy by radical left activists posing as judges!' Musk wrote Feb. 11.

"There need to be some repercussions above ZERO for judges who make truly terrible decisions," Musk continued.

On Feb. 25, he posted: 'When judges egregiously undermine the democratic will of the people, they must be fired or democracy dies!'

The bar for impeaching an Article III federal judge is high. Only through a vote to impeach in the House and a two-thirds vote of the Senate can they be removed.

Another House Republican, Rep. Andy Ogles, introduced a resolution in February to impeach Judge John Bates after his order to federal health agencies to restore online data amid a Trump Administration crackdown on 'gender ideology.'

Ogles, who issued a statement attacking 'predators' like the judge, a George W. Bush appointee, was unbowed by Roberts' warning.

'Respectfully, Mr. Chief Justice, both James Madison and Thomas Jefferson disagree with you. So does the Constitution. We are going to keep the impeachments coming,' he wrote.
Two British warships were deployed to escort a pair of Russian military vessels from the English Channel, it has been revealed.

The RAF said today that the Royal Navy had deployed HMS Cattistock and HMS Somerset to the waters near Folkestone and Dover to escort the Russian destroyer Severomorsk and landing ship Aleksandr Shabalin away from UK territory.

The air force said its P-8 Poseidon Force detected the threat yesterday, adding that the Royal Navy had sent out the British warships that day.

Belgium's military said its navy had detected the Severomorsk in NATO waters during 'the night of 15 to 16 March.'

The Severomorsk, which is more than 530ft long and 20ft wide, has a top speed of 35 knots (40mph).

It is stocked with eight anti-aircraft and naval cannons, 72 anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles and 44 anti-submarine torpedoes and rocket launchers. It is crewed by a complement of 300 people, and on top of this, it can carry up to two Ka-27 military helicopters.

The Aleksandr Shabalin, meanwhile, is 369ft long and 49ft wide. It has a top speed of 18 knots (20mph), and is armed with two gun mounts and six missiles.

But it can carry up to 500 tonnes of armoured vehicles and 225 marines.

Russian destroyer destroyer Severomorsk (pictured, background) and landing ship Aleksandr Shabalin were both seen in British waters

The Severomorsk is stocked with eight anti-aircraft and naval cannons, 72 anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles and 44 anti-submarine torpedoes and rocket launchers

The RAF said today that the Royal Navy had deployed HMS Cattistock and HMS Somerset to the waters near Folkestone and Dover to escort the Russian warships from British waters

This isn't the first time the Aleksandr Shabalin has been seen in British waters.

In January, the landing ship was seen stalking the English Channel. The RAF said it used a a P-8A Poseidon plane from RAF Lossiemouth to track its movements.

It is not currently known why the two Russian warships were seen near the UK.

But their appearance comes just weeks after another Russian military vessel was seen escorting a sanctioned Russia-linked cargo ship through the English Channel.

Armed personnel were seen manning machine guns on the Boikiy, a 343ft-long Russian corvette that can carry up to 99 men at a time.

The warship moved in step with the large cargo ship sanctioned by the U.S. in 2022 for transporting weapons for Russia, which has been getting bolder on the world stage in recent weeks as tensions in Ukraine reached a boiling point and the US rendered British Storm Shadow missiles useless.

The Baltic Leader was this time carrying a shipment of military hardware from a Russian base in Tartus, Syria, where Kremlin operations are being wound down in the wake of the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad.

James Droxford, of the intelligence consultancy Droxford Maritime, said: 'The recovered military hardware onboard Baltic Leader could be used to reinforce Russia's combat capability in Ukraine, or to replenish military stocks in other key Russian military regions.'

The Boikiy's escort mission began at 5am on March 3, south of Torquay.

The convoy slowly travelled across the English Channel, before it was followed by two vessels, HMS Somerset from the Royal Navy and Belgian Navy vessel BNS Crocus.

The Baltic Leader was then seen leaving the English Channel on March 4 at 2pm.

Armed officers in flak jackets stand aboard the Russian warship earlier this month

The HMS Somerset stalked the ships through the North Sea and English Channel

The warship was seen escorting the Baltic Leader cargo ship earlier this month

A Russian naval officer brandishes what appears to be a MTPU pedestal 14.5 machine gun

Somerset, which is bristling with its own array of weapons - including anti-ship missiles and a 4.5-inch naval gun - stalked the ships through the North Sea and English Channel.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: 'The British Type 23 frigate utilised its powerful sensors and radars to report on Russian movements, launching her Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron to gather valuable information from the sky.

'The ship worked hand in hand with UK patrol aircraft and allied Nato forces during the operation, providing constant watch on the task group.'

Somerset was scrambled on March 1 as the Russian warship headed south through the North Sea and English Channel to meet Baltic Leader, the Royal Navy said.
An abandoned century-old oil well has wreaked havoc on a remote Texas town and made a family-owned ranch 'unstable.'

A gigantic sinkhole has formed around an oil well on the Kelton Ranch in the Permian Basin - measuring 200 feet in diameter and 40 feet deep.

Radford Grocery #17 was drilled as an oil well in the 1950s, but was later transformed into a saltwater disposal well, according to state records obtained by The Texas Tribune.

The well was later plugged in 1977, but at some point the plug failed and created a connection between the oil reservoir and the water table - severely contaminating the Kelton family's water supply.

The Kelton's purchased the ranch in 1963 and use it as a place to store their cattle, but because they don't have mineral rights to oil underground, there is not much they can do to fix the pressing issue.

Also, because the oil well was previously plugged off, there is no company for the family to run to for help about the monstrous sinkhole.

Bill Kelton, who not only owns the property with his family but is also an oil and gas attorney in Midland, expressed his frustration with the situation.

'This area is unstable. I have a problem with people coming out here because the sinkhole is getting bigger and I don't want anyone to fall in,' Kelton told Odessa American Online.

'This thing has been brewing for 50 years. It's a mess,' he added.

An abandoned century-old oil well has caused a huge issue for Kelton Ranch in Texas after creating a massive sinkhole. (Pictured: File photo of oil wells pumping in the Permian Basin)

The Texas Railroad Commission regulates all gas and oil drilling in the state, and after filing two complaints to the agency, employees visited the site but no solution was made. (Pictured: Christi Craddick, the current railroad commissioner, with Senator Ted Cruz)

'The Texas Railroad Commission needs to do an assessment and tell us what's going on and what we need to do.'

The Texas Railroad Commission regulates all gas and oil drilling in the state, and after filing two complaints to the agency, employees visited the site but no solution was made.

'It can be fixed. But it's not going to be cheap,' Hawk Dunlap, who ran for Railroad Commissioner last year as a Libertarian, told The Texas Tribune.

In order to fix the issue, another well would have to be drilled and would cost at least $5 million to do so, he said.

Despite that, Kelton said he and his family have no idea what can be done to solve the issue, which has also created a horrible crude oil smell in the area.

He also fears that other factors could come into play if something isn't done about the growing hole on the property.

'Five-Mile Creek runs from near the edge of the draw to the Pecos River and if we have hard rain there is oil standing on the water that I assume would wash down the draw,' he explained.

The enraged ranch owner said oil wasn't initially present in the gaping hole, but it quickly appeared, causing more concern.

A recent Republican-backed bill was introduced to legislation that would require a timeline for operators to plug inactive oil wells, but the Kelton Ranch well has sparked its own challenges. (Pictured: Stock image of Great Plains in Texas)

'There is an oil zone that the water has communicated with. There are no producing wells on our ranch,' he continued.

He thinks there is enough oil underground that another well could be brought in to fix the issue.

Meanwhile, Dunlap said the Railroad Commission 'lacks the competence' to fix the well site and might even have to hire a third party for help.

Christi Craddick is the current railroad commissioner. She has been with the commission since November 2012.

Dunlap, who got more than 285,500 votes in last year's election, lost to her, but he plans on running again, this time as a Republican.

Upton County - where the ranch is located - is one of the leading oil production counties in all of Texas.

Hawk Dunlap (pictured), who ran for Railroad Commissioner last year as a Libertarian, said the oil well can be fixed, but it will take at least $5 million to do so

The Railroad Commission has long plugged 'orphan wells,' or unused sites that weren't plugged by a previous operator, or do not have a current owner.

The agency received a large amount of funding while former President Joe Biden was in office.

A recent Republican-backed bill was introduced to legislation that would require a timeline for operators to plug inactive oil wells, but the Kelton Ranch well has sparked its own challenges.

Because the well was already plugged and there is no active operator, it is not considered an 'orphan well' and would not be supported.

DailyMail.com contacted the Texas Railroad Commission for comment.
Joy Reid is reportedly plotting revenge against MSNBC after she was fired over poor ratings.

Reid, 56, is 'ready to burn the house down,' according to a report by Radar Online that claims the pundit is 'livid' and ready to reveal everything she knows about the innerworkings at MSNBC.

'MSNBC wants her to sign an NDA, but that's not going to happen. If they think they are going to silence her, they better think again,' a source told Radar Online.

DailyMail.com has reached out to MSNBC for comment on the NDA claim.

Reid was fired from the network last month after her ratings plummeted and her style upset executives.

Status News reported that Reid's constant progressive, anti-Trump rants unsettled MSNBC bosses who are seeking to foster a less biased-sounding liberal news network during the second Trump administration.

Reid's commitment to promoting ultra progressive causes 'offered an easy target to attack MSNBCs editorial stances' as the network tries to overhaul its programming and recover from bad ratings, Status reported.

The writing was reportedly on the wall for Reid as early as last year, when her five year contract with MSNBC ended and she was only offered a one year extension.

Joy Reid is reportedly ready to launch revenge against MSNBC after she was fired last month

Reid, 56, is 'ready to burn the house down,' according to a report by Radar Online

MSNBC boss Rebecca Kutler insisted in a meeting with the Read Out's staff that Donald Trump was not a factor in the decision and the network's changes were made based on 'data analysis and programming strategy" that she believes will "best position MNSBC for the year ahead.'

MSNBC boss Rebecca Kutler summoned Reid's staff for a meeting on Sunday that quickly grew 'tense and emotional'

She said the show's cancellation was part of a 'broader slate of programming changes that will be laid out' on Monday.

After her firing, Reid held a summit with Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O'Donnell and Nicole Wallace, all of whom praised Reid and expressed how sad they were that the show was ending but refused to criticize their bosses.

Reid broke down as she explained that she's not sorry for having gone 'hard on so many' progressive issues like Black Lives Matter or immigrant rights on her primetime slot.

'Whether its talking about any of these issues and, yes, whether its talking about Gaza and the fact that we as the American people have a right to object, to have a right to object to little babies being bombed,' Reid went on.

'And and where I come down on that is Im not sorry. I am not sorry that I stood up for those those things because those things are of God.'

Reid's three decade broadcasting career has been marred by multiple controversies - with her downfall sparked in 2017 when homophobic posts she had penned about ex Florida governor Charlie Crist from 2007 to 2009, emerged.

In 2018, anti-gay remarks were found on her old blog from posts in 2006, which she blamed on hackers at the time.

Joy Reid wept as she broke her silence after being fired from MSBNC

Other 2006 blog posts then came to light, including one that stated 'current iterations of Islam are largely incompatible with Western notions of free speech and expression, and thus, I'd say, with the Bushian dream of Western style democracy for all.'

In 2020 she angered many by comparing radicalized supporters of President Trump to the way Muslims act' - causing Trump to call for her firing.

Following Donald Trump's assassination attempt last summer, Reid was slammed for taking to X and sharing conspiracies, including that he may not have even been shot at all.
A British ISIS fighter in Syria admitted that he is now 'bearing the brunt' of his mistakes as he languishes in a tuberculosis-ridden jail under the Syrian Democratic Front (SDF).

Hamza Parvez, from London, was the first Briton to publicly admit his allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014, and was dubbed 'Hungry Hamza' when he posted on social media about missing fast food.

From a cell of some two dozen prisoners in al Hasekah, northeastern Syria, he told Sky News that 'a lot of mistakes were made' and that he was 'bearing the brunt of those mistakes'.

Parvez, who has been held since U.S.-backed coalition forces ousted ISIS from its strongholds in 2019, gave a chilling response when asked about his involvement in the group's atrocities.

Asked whether he took part, he 'grinned' coyly: 'I can't say. Just take my smile.'

Parvez acknowledged that the group 'did stuff to terrorise the world' and said he does not 'defend' its actions: 'We had one chance, and we didn't do exactly as it should be done.'

The Londoner left his home in 2014 and became one of the first Britons to join the terror group as it took over parts of Syria and Iraq. He surrendered to Kurdish forces after ISIS were crushed in 2019, and was transferred to a prison in Syria.

Hamza Parvez, pictured in 2025, was among the first jihadis to join ISIS in 2014

Today he is languishing in a disease-ridden prison in northeastern Syria

Hamza was dubbed Hungry Hamza after moaning about missing the food in Britain

Parvez is today held in the Panorama Prison, still under the control of the SDF following the lightning offensive by HTS and other opposition groups in December to tackle the Assadist regime.

Sky News reported from Syria that the prison remains guarded by armed checkpoints and thick bomb blast walls topped with razor wire.

A senior Kurdish soldier from the SDF told the outlet that attacks by the last vestiges of ISIS have 'doubled' since the fall, with swathes of the country still contested.

Hamza Parvez is among around 10,000 alleged ISIS fighters still locked up in northern Syria, as of February 2025.

Many were captured on the battlefield as ISIS fell apart in 2019, later moved to 28 jails in the SDF-controlled regions.

Parvez, then 26, was stripped of his British citizenship and left in prison after surrendering to Kurdish forces.

His family urged the government to reconsider.

'If he needs to be punished for his crime then so be it,' a relative told MailOnline at the time.

'But we want him to be prosecuted here so he gets a fair trial. Also if he goes to prison in Britain, at least we can visit him.'

Hamza Parvez moved from his comfortable life in West London to join ISIS in 2014

Parvez shares a cell with 'about 25 others', Sky News reported from Panorama Prison

The prison recently suffered an outbreak of tuberculosis, the outlet reported

Muhammad Aleen, 33, from Canada, told Sky News during the visit to Panorama Prison that he was forced to fight with ISIS, claiming 'we have zero rights' detained in Syria.

'This is not justice,' he said. 'We've just been left here... None of us are a threat to our country.'

Alex Crawford reported for Sky News that 'disease is rife' inside the prison, and said there was an outbreak of tuberculosis in the prison when they visited.

ISIS also gave out few luxuries to its jihadi fighters.

Parvez said he had lost nearly five stone while fighting for ISIS, and criticised the group over how they distributed food.

He appeared on an ISIS recruitment video after joining the jihadis in 2014, telling British Muslims to follow his example, but was mocked online for moaning about having to give up his favourite KFC and Nando's meals.

He told the BBC's Quentin Sommerville at the time: 'I didn't know there was something waiting for me like that. Most foreign fighters say 'We would never have come if we had know the realities of ISIS'.'

He added: 'Many kids passed away from malnutrition... I blame ISIS for it.'

Hamza Parvez travelled to Syria in May 2014, telling his family that he was going to Germany

Parvez said he had lost nearly five stone while fighting for ISIS, and criticised the group over how they distributed food

Somerville said Parvez 'lied extensively' during their interview and the full extent of his crimes are unlikely to be uncovered.

He questioned Parvez on why he didn't just leave the group if he hated it so much.

Parvez said: 'There was many times where I thought time to pack up and leave and there's many times I did try to pack up and leave but the reality was that it wasn't as easy as it sounds.

'It's a small group of very big fish [in ISIS] which make all the decisions for all the people.'
This is the chilling moment a smirking killer bought a gun just hours before he murdered his mother and two siblings in a merciless rampage at his family home.

Wannabe school shooter Nicholas Prosper, 19, gunned down Juliana Falcon, 48, his brother Kyle, 16, and sister Giselle, 13, in Luton last September.

The teenager who 'wanted to be famous' as the biggest mass murderer in the world, was captured on CCTV calmly purchasing the deadly weapon in a car park.

In the newly released footage, Prosper can be seen meeting with a man, who waved to him as he approached with a large black bag.

The pair then shook hands and the 19-year-old killer picked up the shotgun from the boot of the man's car.

Smirking Prosper was later seen in a separate CCTV clip chatting in a lift - as he clutched the bag that now had the deadly weapon inside.

Five months before the killings, the teen became a member of Gun Trader UK, an online marketplace for buying and selling weapons.

Prosper, who had a fake shotgun licence, then offered the seller 600 for a shotgun and cartridges  150 more than the asking price.

This is the chilling moment a smirking killer bought a gun just hours before he murdered his mother and two siblings in a merciless rampage at his family home

Teenage serial killer Nicholas Prosper menacingly poses with the plank of wood as though it is a firearm while playing around in his bedroom before the triple killings

In the newly-released footage, Prosper can be seen meeting with a man, who waved to him as he approached with a large black bag

Appearing in court for his sentencing today, Prosper showed no emotion as the hearing was told he craved notoriety and wanted to 'kill all'.

The teen had a sordid dream of outdoing the death toll of the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre in the US, in which 32 people were murdered, the court heard.

After gunning down his family, Prosper set off towards his old primary school armed with a loaded shotgun, a kitchen knife and a bag of ammunition, to continue his killing spree.

He intended to shoot at least 30 of the youngest pupils and teachers at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School as the school day started at 9am.

But Prosper was stopped by police by chance as he was on his way to carry out the school massacre, his hands still covered in blood.

The killing spree took place on September 13 last year. The defendant first gunned down his mother Juliana, shooting her with a single shot to the top of her head as she attempted to fight off her son, with her bloodied body later found in the hallway.

Prosper's next victim is believed to be his younger brother Kyle. He was found close to his slain mother, having been stabbed over 100 times - with knife wounds piercing his lungs, arms and legs, before the 16-year-old was shot in the head.

Ruthless killer Prosper then turned his attention to his sister Giselle, shooting her in the eye while she cowered under the dining room table in the living room.

In a video filmed before the killings, the serial killer had warned 'my sister's face will be mutilated further than is necessary'.

Prosper, 19, is seen carrying the bag containing the weapon into a lift before the killings

Smirking Prosper was seen on CCTV chatting in a lift - as he clutched the bag that now had the deadly weapon inside

Left to right: Giselle Prosper, 13, Juliana Prosper, 48 and 16-year-old Kyle Prosper were all killed in their own home. Each suffered shotgun wounds to the face, while Kyle was also stabbed more than 100 times across his body before being shot

In a harrowing victim impact statement, the Prosper's father Raymond said: 'The pain of our loss will never be healed. This includes my whole family; our lives will never be the same.

'For me personally, when I heard the horrific news on that day, part of my soul died too.

'This is a lose-lose situation for us all and we have lost four family members.'

During the defendant's first court appearance, Mr Prosper had shouted at his son: 'I still love you, son. It's not your fault, okay?'

In his opening statement, prosecutor Timothy Cray KC said Prosper 'desired to be famous or infamous as a mass killer' and intended carrying out the biggest school shooting that the world had ever seen.

He told Luton Crown Court: 'What drove him on most was the desire to be famous or infamous as a mass killer. This was killing for the sake of killing.'

He continued: 'The defendant planned to kill his family.

'The killing of his family was to be first step in an even more shocking mass killing.

'That same Friday morning, he had planned to kill at least 30 of the youngest pupils and two of their teachers at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Luton.

'This is the school he attended as a child. It is about three-quarters of a mile from his home.

Prosper pictured in Luton Crown Court on Tuesday in an artist's impression

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'He had been preparing these killings for months. His planning was cold, deliberate and without sympathy or emotion towards the actual victims or potential victims.'

He added: 'In summary, it comes to this. The defendant's main wish was to achieve lasting notoriety as a mass killer.

'Specifically, he wanted to imitate and even surpass other mass killers around the world. He had conducted in depth internet research on shootings in the United States of America, Norway, Australia and New Zealand.

'He understood his plans, if realised, would bring about the greatest number of deaths in a school or other mass shooting in the United Kingdom and possibly even in the United States of America. He wrote a note saying that this would be, "One of the biggest events ever". The note contained a diagram of the early years' classroom at St Joseph's and an arrow pointing to a second classroom .

'Beside the first classroom he had written, "Kill all".

'His wish to attain this type of infamy was reflected amongst other things, in the day he chose for the killings (Friday 13th), the distinctive outfit that he planned to wear and the order and selection of his targets.'

Prosper's bloodthirsty plans were later revealed in February, after he decided to change his plea to guilty at the last minute.

During the hearing, the teen admitted three counts of murder, as well as to purchasing a shotgun without a certificate, possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life and possession of a kitchen knife in a public place.

In chilling footage, played out in court today, Prosper was seen menacingly posing with a plank of wood as though it was a firearm while playing around in his kitchen. He was also wearing the yellow and black outfit he intended to be in for his rampage.

In a chilling foreshadowing of the horrors that were to come, Prosper, wearing his distinctive yellow bucket hat, filmed himself pretending a piece of wood was a shotgun

Prosper (pictured), 19, had previously denied murder but he dramatically entered guilty pleas during a six-minute hearing at Luton Crown Court last month

A timeline of terror: How Nicholas Prosper slaughtered his family and tried to gun down children at a school Triple killer Nicholas Prosper had been planning his morning of murderous mayhem for more than a year, it was today revealed. The 19-year-old murdered his mother, sister and younger brother at their home, before fleeing. He then planned to execute dozens of children at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Luton, which he and his siblings attended when they were younger. The horror started at 5.50am on September 13. Prosper attacked his mother Juliana Falcon, 48, first, shooting her once in the head with a shotgun he had illegally obtained the day before. The killer teen then launched a savage attack against his younger brother Kyle Prosper. He stabbed the 16-year-ol 100 times before shooting him in the chest and head. Prosper then chased down his sister, Giselle Prosper, 13, shooting her in the eye as she hid under a table. From here, Prosper fled the Leabank building, hiding in a woodland. He was spotted by police lurking in Bramingham Road at 7.50am, when he was eventually arrested. He had planned to burst into the school at 9am to begin his killing spree. But the court heard he had been planning the mayhem for more than a year. He had previously booked a session at a Hertfordshire shooting range in August 2023 but failed to turn up. The teen later said his plans stalled at that stage because he could not work out how to get hold of a firearm. By April 2024, he had put together a black and yellow uniform that he wanted to wear for his killing spree. On August 30, he forged a fake firearms licence. Less than two weeks later, on September 12, Prosper purchased a shotgun. He went on to kill his family the following day. Advertisement

Prosper launched his killing spree at 5.30am, when neighbours living next to the family home in Leabank Court, were awoken by the sounds of a disturbance followed by gunshots.

When officers arrived, they discovered a scene of carnage, with the killer leaving his bloody handprints everywhere.

Prosper had dumped a series of bloody knives in the kitchen after stabbing his brother more than 100 times slashing his hands, arms, legs and piercing his lungs before shooting him in the head a close range.

In a matter of minutes, the teenager shot his family six times after carrying out a test shot on a teddy bear.

Describing the grisly scene police encountered, Prosecutor Mr Cray said: 'They forced entry to number 82 and saw the lifeless bodies of the three victims.

'Juliana Falcon was found in the hallway. Kyle Prosper was also found in the hallway.

'Giselle Prosper was found underneath a dining table in the living room, as if she had been trying to hide there.'

After leaving his relatives face down in a pool of blood, the teen fled the apartment and uploaded a video on Facebook at 6.22am.

In the clip, which he had recorded the day before, Prosper threatened to shoot his sister in the face.

He said: 'On June 30 my sister decided to make the incorrect choices on episode one of season one of the Walking Dead games, and for that her face will be mutilated further than necessary.'

Police believe Prosper had become obsessed with the violent video game, based on the hit TV series of the same name.

Mr Cray said Prosper had spent a year planning his shotgun rampage which he hoped would make him notorious.

'His stated purpose was to achieve national and international notoriety as one of the largest single incident murderers in criminal history,' he said.

But his plan to carry out a school shooting that day were thwarted by 'chance and circumstance alone' after local police officers spotted Prosper lurking in the street at 7.50am on September 13 last year less than a mile from the school, just hours after he killed his family.

The court heard Prosper managed to obtain a shotgun the day before on September 12 by creating 'a high-quality forgery of a shotgun certificate or licence' which he used to fool a private gun seller, claiming he just wanted it to go clay pigeon shooting.

He had downloaded a blank firearm certificate and made multiple downloads of real firearms certificates in order to make a fake copy.

Prosper, seen in the white shirt, was filmed on CCTV purchasing the shotgun he used to murder his family less than a day later

Prosper is seen in a court sketch, flanked by a prison guard during his sentencing hearing

Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Mrs Justice Cheema Grubb while Prosper is in the dock at Luton Crown Court, Bedfordshire, on Tuesday

Prosper included his own name, a photograph and his real address on his bogus firearms licence, the court heard.

The defendant also inserted the signature of a Bedfordshire Police firearms sergeant on to the forged document on August 30 2024.

On the same day, Prosper messaged a private seller who had advertised a shotgun on gunstar.co.uk for 450, and offered to pay him 600 if cartridges were included, prosecutor Timothy Cray KC said.

The seller then agreed to drop the gun off to the defendant on September 12, prompting the Prosper to say in a message: 'I look forward to meeting you.'

Police later discovered the teen had been 'thinking about mass killing for over a year', spending his time researching 'notorious murderers and rapists' and 'pictures of numerous school mass shooters and research as to their manifestos or beliefs' including looking at the Manchester Arena bombing.

Mr Cray said he had spent months researching local schools as potential targets and he became preoccupied with 'images and audios that showed deep alienation from normal life and interest in the darkest sides of humanity, including people being killed or seriously injured and violent video games.'

When the teen killer was arrested, he was wearing a yellow and black tracksuit reminiscent of Uma Thurman's hit movie, Kill Bill.

He had stashed his shotgun and ammunition in some bushes about 200m away from where he was found in Bramingham Road.

After he was taken to the police station, the warped serial killer made comments in his cell, including asking: 'Are you capable of what I have done?'

Prosper is pictured in his police mugshot after being arrested by officers in September

He also said: 'There was no choice, I had to do it', and again referred to the fake shotgun licence.

A few days later on September 17, he told prison nurse Tatenda Muketiwa: 'I wish I had killed more.'

During their investigation, police uncovered Prosper's sickening obsession with death, with the evil teen having spent his time trawling the internet for chilling slaughter videos.

His disturbed ramblings online were so depraved that he was kicked off a gore website  where millions of users share and comment on videos of people being killed  because of his warped stance on child abuse.

Prosper's content was uploaded under a pseudonym and featured his distinctive accent.

His videos have been deleted from YouTube in the wake of his appalling crimes, although the Mail has been able to view them.

They include a clip recorded hours before the massacre, believed to be filmed in his family's flat in Luton, in which Prospect vowed to mutilate the face of his sister 'further than necessary' for making an incorrect choice' in the Walking Dead game.

In the video, the 19-year-old also ranted that he was 'chosen' to protect a fictional character called Clementine in the zombie survival game, in a sign he struggled to differentiate between the real world and make-believe.

Prosper said he was 'chosen' to protect a fictional character called Clementine in zombie video game The Walking Dead, in a sign he struggled to differentiate between the real world and make-believe

The teenager spent so much time on the internet in his bedroom that neighbours had no idea he even existed  despite them being on friendly terms with his mother and siblings.

One woman previously told the Mail: 'I've lived here for 15 years and I never saw him once. Juliana and the other kids I saw, usually by the lifts.

'She would often say hello and chat, she was so nice. I saw all the other siblings but never Nicholas  ever. One lady who lives on their floor said she never knew he even existed.'

Prosper peppered online forums with his repulsive ideas, many relating to children and including the sexual abuse of dead bodies.

His rants were so revolting he was banned from a gore website for repeatedly 'sexualising minors'.

One moderator told the Mail: 'There were multiple comments by him either in support of or arguing for child-adult sexual interactions that made it clear this was not in jest or a careless attempt to play devil's advocate.

'We do not know what sort of person Mr Prosper was, other than someone unwilling or incapable of following our site's rules and therefore someone we would not allow on our platform.'

In another video, Prosper sarcastically suggested that child sexual abuse was blamed for 'virtually every mental disorder and issue'.

Apologising for his 'slurred' speech, the teenager said: 'Who knows, maybe in a few years we'll see Aids, rectal cancer, increased chance of stubbing your toe, every single problem you face in life is because you touched a winky [penis] when you were six.'

Police were called to the high-rise block in Luton, following reports that shots had been fired

While caged in prison, awaiting his first court hearing, Prosper wrote out his mass murder plan, in a document found by a prison officer.

The twisted note was discovered in the teenager's trainer sole during a cell inspection on November 13, last year.

Part of the notes read: 'I was right in predicting no-one would've called the police had I killed them in their sleep. 3 shots under 30 seconds.

'The only known phone call to police that day was made by the bitch at the door as a result of my BITCH mother waking them up and it being turned into a long struggle.

'My plan wasn't 'stupid'. I was f****** right. MY MOTHER IS A STUPID F****** COW.'

The notes continued: 'But why so early? So I'd have time to cannibalise my family, and rape a woman at knife point before the shooting.'

There was also a step-by-step guide to the planned school shooting, including Prosper leaving the flat at 8.40am on his mother's bike and arriving at the school for 9am.

The guide said he would 'shout that this is a robbery and for everyone to get down' before shooting the two teachers and killing the children.

Fresh details about the troubled teen's school life were also revealed in court today.

Prosper had been a quiet 'geeky' boy with a small group of friends who were into computers, up until Year 11 when he was 16.

Problems began to emerge when he started sixth form, which the court has already been told he did not want to do but said he felt pressured by his mother to continue school.

Pictured is the scene of Prosper's home where he gunned down and killed his family

Tributes were left outside the Leabank building after the triple killing in September last year

He was referred for mental health support but refused to engage.

Dr Iain Kooyman, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, found that: 'Almost all of the abnormal aspects of Mr Prosper's mental state and behaviour can be explained by autism. The only aspects which can't fully be explained by autism are Mr Prosper's extreme lack of empathy and remorse.'

These could be described as psychopathic tendencies, the court heard.

'People with autism are capable of experiencing empathy and guilt, but the defendant has extreme deficiencies with these emotions,' prosecutor Timothy Cray KC told the court.

David Bentley, KC, defending, said Prosper was not a psychopath, but a 'socially impaired' teenager with 'autistic traits'.

He added: 'He is a young man who has gone down effectively an internet wormhole he was living to some degree in a fantasy internet world. '

The killer, now 19, rocked back and forth as his lawyer said Prosper's actions were 'incomprehensible' and something had 'gone very wrong' in his life.

Mr Bentley said the judge should consider a 30-year term as a starting point, rather than a whole life sentence.

Although Mr Bentley acknowledged that 'if his mental state stays the same, he may never be released'.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said she would sentence the triple killer tomorrow.

Prosper, wearing a green t-shirt and trousers, was seen smirking as he left the dock.
Vice President JD Vance revealed the details of a strange conversation he had with a multi-billionaire technology CEO on Tuesday during a speech to the American Dynamism Summit.

Vance detailed a dinner event he and his wife Usha had in 2017 with a powerful group of Silicon Valley business leaders where they talked about the societal concerns of replacing workers with artificial intelligence.

One of the wealthy CEOs, Vance recalled, told him that he was not worried about putting people out of work, asserting that they would find a new sense of purpose through 'digital fully immersive gaming.'

'You would know his name if I mentioned it, he was the CEO of a multibillion dollar company,' Vance said, without revealing the identity of the person who made the comment.

'My wife texted me under the table and said, "We have to get the hell out of here, these people are f-ing crazy,"' he continued.

The vice president argued that American companies had become too reliant on cheap foreign labor, urging them to bring jobs from overseas back to the United States.

'Cheap labor is fundamentally a crutch and it's a crutch that inhibits innovation, I might even say that it's a drug that too many Americans firms got addicted to,' he said.

Separating the design phase of development of technology with manufacturing, he argued, only robbed companies of innovations that could help their companies.

US Vice President JD Vance join by his wife Usha Vance for a speech about the economy

US Vice President JD Vance waves as he arrives to speak at the American Dynamism Summit

'It turns out that the geographies that do the manufacturing get awfully good at the designing of things,' he said.

Vance said that both economic populists and the technology industry should have a common goal in growing and expanding their companies in the United States.

'The solution I believe is American innovation, because in the long run it's technology that increases the value of labor,' he said.

The vice president argued that Americans and Western countries should not engage in a 'race to the bottom' on issues regarding conditions for workers.

U.S Vice President JD Vance speaks during the 2025 American Dynamism Summit

U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance

'America is not going to win the future by ditching child labor laws or paying our workers less than Chinese and Vietnamese workers,' he said.

Vance concluded that President Donald Trump was 'dead serious' about rearranging the economy and using tools like tariffs to bring jobs back to the United States.

He vowed that the Trump administration would lower taxes and regulations for American companies and lowering the costs of energy to make them more competitive with foreign countries.

'We want people to invest in America and we're going to make sure the tax code reflects that,' he said.
The parents of a man who is believed to have fled the country after the body of his wife was found in the boot of a car in east London have reportedly been arrested in India.

Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old from India who lived in Corby, Northamptonshire, was discovered strangled to death last November.

Police believed she was murdered by her husband Pankaj Lamba, 23, with whom she entered into an arranged marriage in August 2023.

Lamba's parents have now been arrested by police in India and charged with causing her death by subjecting her to cruelty and harassment in connection with a demand for dowry, the BBC has reported.

The arrests, which are understood to have followed a complaint from Ms Brella's family, were made under India's 'dowry death' law.

The law decrees that when a woman dies 'otherwise than under normal circumstances' within seven years of marrying, and there is evidence she suffered 'cruelty or harassment by her husband or any relative of her husband' in relation to a demand for dowry, the husband or relative 'shall be deemed to have caused her death'.

Ms Brella had previously tried to flee from her husband. She first went to police claiming to have been the victim of domestic violence last August, following which she was identified as being at high risk of domestic abuse.

She was subsequently placed in a refuge and Lamba was issued with a domestic violence protection order while investigations were carried out.

Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old from India who lived in Corby, Northamptonshire, was found strangled to death last November. Her body was discovered in the boot of a car in east London

Police believe she was murdered by her husband Pankaj Lamba, 23, with whom she entered into an arranged marriage in August 2023. Lamba's parents have now been arrested in India

CCTV image showing Pankaj Lamba and Harshita Brella at Corby Boating Lake on Sunday, November 10, at about 6.30pm

But her sister, Sonia Dabas, said she felt police 'did not do enough to help her or protect' Ms Brella.

While police in Northamptonshire continue to investigate, Satbir Singh, Ms Brella's father, told the BBC following the latest developments that he felt the inquiry was finally progressing.

Ms Dabas has previously said her sister met Lamba for the first time three days before moving to the UK with him, describing her younger sibling as 'very innocent, so kindhearted but just a kid'.

Videos on social media of Ms Brella's wedding in India showed her panting for breath, placing a hand on her chest, with the caption: 'That nervousness after becoming a bride.'

She had spent 300 on make-up and an elaborate wedding lehenga skirt.

'Our world has been turned upside down,' Ms Dabas said in the immediate aftermath of her sister's death. 'We're calling on the UK and Indian governments to capture him.'

An image released following Ms Brella's death showed her walking with Lamba at Corby Boating Lake in Northamptonshire around 6.30pm on November 10.

Investigators working on the case suspect Ms Brella was murdered in Corby that evening, with her body then transported to east London by car.
'Prisoner in paradise' Joshua Riibe expressed his desire to return home and reunite with his family, in a dramatic plea to a Dominican judge on Tuesday.

The American college student, 22, made his first court appearance in Higuey, Dominican Republic, to learn whether local authorities probing Sudiksha Konanki's disappearance can continue to hold him under de facto house arrest.

Addressing the court in an emotional but composed tone, Riibe revealed he had spoken to Sudiksha's mother who hugged and thanked him for dragging her daughter from the ocean prior to her baffling disappearance.

'Before the family of Sudiksha left the hotel they came up and they gave me hugs and the mother even said thank you very much for helping save my daughter the first time.

'I'm just doing what I can but at this point there is nothing more I can do .. I'm ready to go home and go back to my life,' he said, with surprising composure.

Riibe said he was stripped of his passport and his phone on Saturday March 8, two days after Sudiksha, 20, vanished.

He wanted to go home the following day but has instead spent barely an hour outside of the Riu Republica resort in the past 12 days.

'Ever since the day I lost my phone and passport I have been solemnly alone' he said.

Joshua Riibe appeared in a Dominican Republic court on Tuesday to learn whether local authorities probing the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki can keep him detained in the country

The American college student, 22, was met with scenes of chaos has scores of reporters pushed and shoved one another to try and get a glimpse of the last person to see Sudiksha alive

Sudiksha Konanki, 20, disappeared from a beach at the Riu Republica Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on March 6

The college senior said he was shadowed by police minders who watched his every move, watched him eating his lunch and, on one occasion, 'got angry' when he asked if he could go.

He said he and his father notified investigators that they had a meeting at the American embassy but they were forced to wait for hours because the prospect of them leaving the hotel 'freaked out' his minders.

'The main thing is that we can't leave our room because in the morning they come and get us for interviews and we have no method of communication. They expect us to wait in the room until we are summoned,' Riibe told the judge.

'I can't go anywhere. I really want to be able to go home, talk to my family, give them hugs and say that I miss them.'

Mike Riibe also took the stand saying he had flown to Punta Cana to 'be with my son during this time.'

Asked when he was planning on returning to Iowa, he replied: 'When my son is allowed to return to the United States.'

Riibe, the last person to see University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha alive at a five-star Punta Cana resort, issued a stunning challenge to prosecutors Monday when his attorneys filed a writ of habeas corpus.

The filing served as an audacious ultimatum to Dominican Authorities: charge me with something or let me go home.

Riibe sat silently in the courtroom as a raucous back-and-forth between the government and his lawyers descended into furious arguing

The college senior was immediately swarmed by reporters and photographers as he made his way to courtroom at the Palacio de Justicia

Micenis Beatriz Santana Hernandez, Riibe's lawyer, argued it was absurd to claim the American tourist was free to go when authorities had his passport

His lawyers have argued today that it was unlawful to snatch the 22-year-old's passport and ban him from leaving when he is merely a witness.

After nearly five hours of shouting over one another, the bickering attorneys wrapped up their arguments and huddled at the judges bench before a recess.

Magistrate Delgado returned to court and upheld the Americans habeas petition, ordering investigators to cut back on the constant surveillance.

However Riibes stay in the Dominican Republic could drag on for at least another 10 days after Delgado scheduled a further court hearing for March 28 where he will reveal full details of his ruling.

It was unclear whether Riibe was allowed to leave and return in the interim, or whether he would be given his passport back.

Santana Hernandez had summed up by casting her client as a victim as she implored the judge to restore his liberty.

She told the court the father and son were not free to come to her house that evening for dinner, adding: That is not freedom.

It was unclear whether Riibe was allowed to leave and return in the interim, or whether he would be given his passport back.

Reporters clambered on benches and screamed questions at Riibe during the rowdy court hearing

Upon his arrival in court earlier on Tuesday, Riibe was met with scenes of chaos as scores of reporters pushed and shoved one another to try and get a glimpse of the last person to see Sudiksha alive.

Wearing jeans and a black button down-shirt, Riibe looked around in disbelief as a phalanx of armed cops kept the crowds from getting too close to him and his dad Mike, 46.

Reporters clambered on benches and screamed questions as Magistrate Edwis Rijo Delgado began furiously banging his gavel to little effect.

Minutes later he had seen enough, bellowing out in Spanish to clear the court of cameras and video journalists to restore a semblance of order to the stifling courtroom at the Palacio de Justicia.

The fireworks continued as it was the turn of the opposing lawyers to shout and point angrily at one another across the packed courtroom.

Prosecutors argued that habeas corpus didn't apply because Riibe was a witness and not a prisoner.

Magistrate Edwis Rijo Delgado began furiously banging his gavel to little effect

'He can go to the beach, he can go to the bar, he can come to court,' scoffed prosecutor Eduardo Velasquez.

'It's false, it's false. He walked into court without shackles.'

Micenis Beatriz Santana Hernandez, Riibe's lawyer, countered that it was absurd to claim the scruffy, unshaven vacationer was free to go when authorities had his passport.

She said he had been collaborating for the past 11 days and given multiple interviews.

'He isn't being treated like a normal witness. Given his high profile, he doesn't have the ability to leave the resort with guarantees for his safety,' she insisted.

The lawyer also asked why what appeared to be a mugshot of Riibe had been leaked to the Dominican media.

Joshua and his dad Mike, wearing a stripy blue polo shirt, sat listening in stunned silence, neither able to understand a word of Spanish.

A member of their legal team did his best to translate as the raucous back-and-forth descended into furious arguing.

On Monday Sudiksha's devastated parents SreeDevi and Subbarayudu - who traveled to DR from Virginia - submitted a formal written request to the National Police for a 'legal declaration of death'

The couple believe their daughter likely drowned and want to move on to honoring their her memory, even though her body has not been found

The distraught parents submitted a formal written request to the National Police for a 'legal declaration of death'

Yards away, a Dominican police officer pressed against the courtroom door as locked-out media members repeatedly tried to barge back in.

Riibe has spent the past 12 days holed up in a quiet corner of the sprawling Riu Republica mega resort, a virtual prisoner in paradise, only leaving his room for round after round of interviews.

The senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, was seen on hotel CCTV with his arm draped around Sudiksha as they headed to the resort's beach around 4am on March 6.

The cameras spotted him walking back alone at 9:55am. Sudiksha's gal pals reported her missing at around 4pm.

On Tuesday, Sudiksha's distraught parents said they now believe it's likely their daughter died by drowning and that Riibe was not involved in her death.

'Both sides of the authorities have shown us how high the ocean waves were at the time of the incident, and both sides of the authorities have clarified the person of interest was not a suspect from the beginning,' her father Subbarayudu Konanki told The New York Post.

'It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we are coming to terms with the fact our daughter has drowned,' he said. 'This is incredibly difficult for us to process.'

They have since asked that Riibe be allowed to leave the island country and return back to home.

Joshua Riibe is seen being questioned by authorities in Punta Cana. The 22-year-old has had his passport confiscated, but is yet to be named a suspect

Surveillance video footage showing Riibe and Sudiksha together the night she vanished had emerged in the wake of her disappearance

Earlier, DailyMail.com reported that Sudiksha's grieving parents have asked Dominican authorities to formally declare that she is dead.

A source with direct knowledge of the investigation told DailyMail.com on Monday that Sudiksha's family has accepted the 'deeply painful' reality that she won't be found alive, 11 days after she vanished in the early hours of March 6 while on spring break in Punta Cana.

Her disappearance sparked an intense multi-agency search, despite authorities warning early on that she'd likely tragically drowned in the rough surf.

Now, her devastated parents Subbarayudu and SreeDevi have submitted a formal written request to the National Police for a 'legal declaration of death.'

'Following an extensive search, Dominican authorities have concluded that Sudiksha is believed to have drowned. Her clothes were discovered on a beach near where she was last seen,' the letter states.

'While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory.'

They also wrote that the young person last seen with their daughter, 22-year-old Riibe, has fully cooperated with police and believe there is no evidence of foul play.

Over the course of six or seven interviews with the Ministerio Publico, Riibe recalled how the spring break sweethearts waded into the ocean after drinking and kissing before they were hit by a massive wave.

Riibe was seen leaving the prosecutor's office for the province of La Altagracia last week after he was peppered with over 50 questions about the disappearance of Pitt student Sudiksha Konanki

Sudiksha Konanki, 20, disappeared from a beach at the Riu Republica Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on March 6. Fellow spring breaker Joshua Riibe has come under intense scrutiny after it was revealed he was the last to see her alive

He says he dragged pre-med student Sudiksha back to shallower, knee-deep water but lost sight of her as he vomited and passed out on a sun lounger.

'After vomiting, I looked around. I didn't see anyone. I thought she had grabbed her things and left,' he told prosecutors, according to a transcript leaked to local outlet Noticias SIN.

An 11-day search by land, water and air  the biggest missing person inquiry in the history of the Dominican Republic - failed to find any trace of her.

Speculation mounted Monday that Yeni Berenice Reynoso, the glamorous and highly regarded Attorney General of the Dominican Republic, could hit Riibe with charges to keep him in the country.

Dominican officials feared a worst-case scenario whereby they let Riibe leave only to locate Sudiksha's corpse with signs of foul play.

But the prospect of charges receded late Monday when Sudiksha's anguished parents Subbarayudu and SreeDevi wrote to local authorities asking them to officially declare her dead.

Crucially for Riibe, they appeared to accept that her death was a tragic accident and there was no evidence of 'foul play.'

'Following an extensive search, Dominican authorities have concluded that Sudiksha is believed to have drowned.

Military personnel in the Dominican Republic have been seen surveying the beaches and surrounding areas amid the search for Konanki's body

A pair of Spring Breakers or tourists are pictured indulging in drinks and sunshine as authorities during the search operation

General views of the beachside resort in the Dominican Republic

'Her clothes were discovered on a beach near where she was last seen,' they wrote.

'While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory.'

The US and Dominican Republic do have an extradition treaty but there would be little prospect of Riibe being dragged back to face trial.

'If he is let go and he goes to the United States, that's it,' said Felix Portes, a high profile Domincan lawyer and managing director of the Portes Nunez & Asociados law firm.

'We have sent many people to the United States but there has never been a citizen of the United States extradited to the Dominican Republic to face criminal charges.

'The United States is simply not in the habit of sending its citizens abroad to be judged by a foreign justice system.'
A young woman killed by a van that was 'briefly airborne' before smashing into multiple pedestrians had been sitting on a bench with friends outside Kings' College London - as the driver is arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

A woman in her 20s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene after the collision on The Strand in central London, with two other people taken to hospital.

The Met said one of those injured is in a 'potentially life-threatening' condition, while the other has only minor injuries. A fourth person was treated at the scene and discharged.

In a statement, the force said a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving and careless driving.

Police said the incident, which happened at around 11:50am close to the entrance to King's College London and Somerset House, was not terror related.

Witness Josh, of Cadogan Tate, was working metres from the incident and said the van was so out of control it was briefly airborne before it ploughed into multiple people.

He told the Sun: 'The iron gate collapsed as the van was coming out of the service yard. It was still going at speed and it ended up clipping a planter before going through the air.

'It hit the girl as she was sitting on the bench with one of her mates.

A woman in her 20s has died after a van ploughed into pedestrians on The Strand in central London

The van is pictured behind a police cordon, along with a blue forensic tent and nearby police officers

Photographs from the scene show at least one person being treated by paramedics on the ground

'You could hear screams and people were running towards her to help. Another guy was injured by the actual gate coming down.'

He added he heard a 'bang' and 'screams' at the time of the accident.

'We all went over there and then obviously one of my mates, he went in there, grabbed some first aiders and came out, we tried to get people away and all that,' he said.

Photographs taken at the scene showed paramedics at least one person on the floor. Multiple ambulances and police cars, as well as the air ambulance, rushed to the site.

The London Fire Brigade was also in attendance, and said two fire engines and 10 firefighters are currently at the scene.

Witnesses have reported that the van collided with a group of pedestrians, with some saying this was a group of young women.

A dark blue van with a smashed headlight and a dent on the front right corner remained by the police cordon on Tuesday afternoon.

King's College was briefly put on lockdown with no access for students following the crash.

In a statement, the Met Police said: 'Police are on scene and dealing with a collision close to The Strand, WC2.

Witnesses have reported that the van collided with a group of pedestrians made up of young women

A screen is erected by emergency services at the scene in central London

Paramedics have been seen appearing to load one person on a stretcher into an ambulance

Emergency responders are pictured at the scene after police set up a wide cordon

Paramedics, police officers and firefighters were all scrambled to the scene just before lunchtime on Tuesday

'Officers were called at 11:41hrs on Tuesday, 18 March following a collision involving a van and pedestrians.

'Three pedestrians suffered injuries, with a woman in her twenties sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Two pedestrians have been taken to hospital, one has potentially life-threatening injuries, and the other has minor injuries.

'The driver of the van, a 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion causing death by careless driving and driving with concentration of specified controlled drug above specified limit.

'He remains in custody. Enquiries are ongoing and a crime scene is in place.

'This collision is not being treated as terrorism-related.'

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called today (Tuesday 18 March) at 11.39am to reports of an incident in The Strand, WC2.

'We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, an incident response officer, a clinical team manager and London's air ambulance.

'We treated four people at the scene. Sadly, despite our best efforts one person died. We took two people to hospital and a fourth person was discharged.'

A blue forensics tent is pictured at the scene of the crash - the driver has been taken into custody

Shocked witnesses were seen sitting on the ground as they were supported by police officers

A woman is comforted near the scene of the crash, which occurred just before 12pm on Tuesday

Two fire engines were initially sent to the scene of the crash, but have now understood to have been stood down

The crash happened outside Bush House North at King's College London's Strand campus

The priest of the church in the Strand next to where the woman was killed offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

Priest-in-Chare of St Mary's le Strand Peter Babington spent the day offering help and support to the police and other emergency services as they worked at the crash site.

The transit-style van came to a halt by the church - outside Kings College London - after colliding with a group of young people apparently sitting on a bench.

This evening the priest said: 'I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers to the victims and their and the families involved in this terrible incident.'

The Strand is currently shut to traffic from Surrey Street westbound to Waterloo Bridge.

Bus routes 9 and 23 have also been affected.

A forensics blue tent has been erected close to the crashed van, and police officers were seen with a large quantity of tarpaulin.

Students at the university were left horrified by the inicident. Ali, a PhD student at King's College London, was leaving class when he saw emergency services gathered near the scene in central London where a woman in her 20s has died after being hit by a van.

The 28-year-old said he initially thought emergency services were there for a protest outside the university, until he saw ambulance workers carrying stretchers.

'I was just walking out of class... at first I was disoriented, I thought it was a protest because it usually happens, but it's something else entirely,' he said.

'[Now knowing a woman has died] is so sad and hard to process - my thoughts go out to her family and friends.

'We walk by that crossing all the time and it's pedestrianised, barely any vehicles pass.'

A police officer guards a cordon on The Strand in central London on Tuesday afternoon

The van crashed into a flowerbed after hitting pedestrians and came to a stop in front of King's College London flags

Police officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward

A statement for LFB added: 'Firefighters attended a road traffic collision on The Strand.

'A van collided with pedestrians. Sadly one woman died at the scene. Two pedestrians have been taken to hospital.

'Two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from Dowgate and Lambeth fire stations were in attendance.

'Crews assisted our emergency service partners from the Met police and London Ambulance Service at the scene.

'The Brigade's 999 Control officers were alerted to the incident at 1151 and it was over for the Brigade by 1304.'

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 2771/18MARCH.
Governor Gavin Newsom has sent major California business owners secret cell phones with his direct number programmed on them.

Approximately 100 leaders of state-headquartered companies received packages containing the phones and personal notes from the Democrat governor in recent months.

'If you ever need anything, I'm a phone call away,' said one note received by an unnamed tech CEO obtained by Politico.

Newsom's office confirmed they sent out the phones, but did not specify who has received them.

'This was the governor's idea to connect more directly with business leaders in the state. The feedback has been positive, and it's led to valuable interactions,' Izzy Gardon, the governor's communications director, told KCRA.

Gardon claimed the gift is meant to show Newsom's support of the California business community, maintaining the state's global economic dominance, creating jobs and expanding industries.

The California State Protocol Foundation, a non-profit organization that has helped cover costs for the governor's ceremonial events, paid for the phones.

The Golden State has been hemorrhaging its prized millionaires amid soaring living costs, unrelenting wildfires and a bitter political climate.

Newsom's office confirmed they sent out the phones claiming the gift is meant to show his support of the California business community

Approximately 100 leaders of California-headquartered companies received packages containing the phones and personal notes from the Democrat governor

The inflated cost of living and highest income tax in the country has sent Bernadi, along with some of the country's biggest names including Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, Mark Wahlberg, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Timberlake fleeing California, the Los Angeles Times reported.

An analysis of the approximately 750,000 people who have bid farewell to the West Coast over the last three years revealed that thousands more high-earning, well-educated workers have left the Golden State than have moved in.

While most cite the unbearable cost of living, others have expressed fears over ongoing environmental concerns and California's 'lackluster' governor.

Last week, Newsom was blasted for secretly paying for his own monument at San Francisco City Hall to commemorate his time as mayor.

Newsom's payments show three private organizations donated to the nonprofit earmarked for 'Mayoral Bust at San Francisco City Hall.'

Two of the companies are companies owned by Newsom. Balboa Cafe Partners and PlumpJack Management Group are the Newsom-owned organizations, donated combined $10,000 to the $97,000 bust fund, the book reports.

But the governor's office disputed the claim.

'To imply the Governor personally funded or proposed this effort is categorically false,' Brandon Richards, Newsom's Deputy Director for Rapid Response told DailyMail.com.

The Golden State has been hemorrhaging its prized millionaires amid soaring living costs, unrelenting wildfires and a bitter political climate

The California governor is considered a contender to run for president in 2028 after his time as a surrogate for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris despite his liberal Golden State record.

Newsom has been facing criticism over his podcast and his handling of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

While the Golden State is in the midst of recovering from the horrific wildfire disaster, which left at least 29 people dead and more than 18,000 structures destroyed, the Democratic governor was accused of having his focus on other issues, as he has promised that his new venture will be 'anything but the ordinary 'politician' podcast.'

Newsom has even attempted to reach out to conservatives by launching a podcast, where he's interviewed Charlie Kirk, Michael Savage and Steve Bannon.

He shocked the politics world when he debuted his podcast with Kirk, where he showed he is ready to break ranks with liberals on issues like transgender women in sports.
One of the CIA's most powerful and infamous spymasters is at the center of potential new revelations about the John F Kennedy assassination.

Among the 80,000 pages Donald Trump says he will release today are a dozen concerning former counterintelligence chief James Jesus Angleton.

Angleton, who died in 1987 aged 69, ran the powerful arm of the agency that roots out enemy spies trying to infiltrate the US, from 1954 to 1975.

Such was his mystique that he was nicknamed 'Mother' within the agency and 'the spider' by many of his critics as he ruined careers obsessively hunting traitors.

He was a brilliant agent, but was intensely polarizing within the CIA as his power grew, and became increasingly paranoid to the point where he was forced to resign.

One of the documents that could be revealed in full is a 113-page transcript of an Angleton's June 19, 1975, testimony before a Senate committee.

The hearing was concerning his department's surveillance of JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald in the four years before he murdered the president, including his three years living in the Soviet Union.

Among other revelations, the unredacted transcript could reveal whether foreign agents were used to monitor Oswald.

James Jesus Angleton, who died in 1987 aged 69, ran the powerful arm of the agency, which roots out enemy spies trying to infiltrate the US, from 1954 to 1975

US President John F Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and others smile at the crowds lining their motorcade route in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Minutes later the President was assassinated as his car passed through Dealey Plaza

Another 12 documents in the trove of known JFK files concern Angleton in some way.

They include a summary of CIA surveillance operations monitoring Oswald in Mexico City before the assassination that could give insight into how the agency spied on him for six weeks before he shot Kennedy dead on November 22, 1963.

The secrecy around the JFK assassination and subsequent investigation has spawned conspiracy theories including that the CIA - perhaps even Angleton himself - had the president killed to protect its interests.

Angleton's descent into paranoid madness over the nearly 12 years between JFK's assassination and his testimony was in part driven by its aftermath.

The CIA received two prominent defectors in 1961 and 1964 - Anatoliy Golitsyn and Yuri Nosenko - who had completely different intelligence on Oswald.

Golitsyn span an audacious tale to Angleton of a 'monster plot' by the Soviet KGB to so thoroughly penetrate American intelligence agencies that much of the information it received would be planted.

Angleton called his new asset 'the most valuable defector ever to reach the West' and believed his warning - sending him on a decade long 'mole hunt'.

Crucially, Golitsyn claimed that fake defectors would soon arrive to discredit him, at the behest of the Russians.

Angleton's department conducted surveillance of JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald in the four years before he murdered the president

Anatoly Golitsyn and his wife Svetlana at Coconut Grove in Los Angeles in 1961 soon after his defection to the US

So when Nosenko showed up three years later, Angleton was intensely suspicious and believed him to be a KGB plant until proven otherwise.

This included Nosenko's claim that he had been Oswald's case officer and the KGB had nothing to do with JFK's assassination, and in fact considered Oswald too unstable to be any use to them.

Distrustful of Nosenko, the spymaster may have come to believe that Oswald was part of the overarching Soviet plot.

Angleton had Nosenko held in solitary confinement for more than three years, much of it in abominable conditions at CIA black sites.

He spent 16 months in a small, windowless attic without furniture, heating, or air conditioning, with all human contact banned except for numerous interrogations.

The defector was allowed only one shower a week and no books, TV, radio, exercise, or even a toothbrush.

Nosenko spent another four months in 10ft by 10ft concrete bunker. Throughout his confinement, he was told he would be there 25 years if he didn't confess to being a Soviet double agent.

Angleton's superiors finally freed him, judging him to be legitimate, and he became a longstanding CIA source.

Yuri Nosenko at the Geneva Disarmament Conference in February 1964, a few days before he defected to the US

Typed CIA report on an interview with Soviet defector, Yuri Ivanovich Nosenko, regarding KGB interaction with Lee Harvey Oswald during his stay in the Soviet Union

The seeds of Angleton's paranoia, that led to a rampage through the CIA ranks as he obsessively searched for a mole, were planted early in his career.

Angleton, born in 1917 in Boise, Idaho, spent much of his childhood in Europe before studying at Yale and Harvard.

Some of his many eccentricities were his love of poetry, often reading and writing it during his World War II service, and growing orchids for relaxation.

He and his Yale roommate Reed Whittemore, a future US poet laureate, started the literary magazine Furioso.

Indeed, his shared interest in poetry, literature, and history with Golitsyn was one of the reasons he became so enamored with his favorite defector.

Two years after graduating Yale, Angleton was recruited by a professor to the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner to the CIA during the war.

He served mostly in Italy during the war and rose to the rank of major, then was instrumental in preventing a communist takeover of the country in the 1948 elections.

Upon his return to the US he eventually acquired control of the Israel desk, helped by the extensive contacts there he built in Europe, and kept until his last years in the CIA.

His close ties with Mossad helped form a 'special relationship' that holds to this day, and at the time yielded vast intelligence on Soviet military hardware.

Angleton was also instrumental in catching Soviet spy Rudolf Abel, who was later exchanged for American U2 pilot Francis Gary Powers, as depicted in the film Bridge of Spies.

Probably his biggest coup, soon after getting the counterintelligence chief job, was obtaining Nikita Khrushchev's secret speech to the 20th Congress of the Communist Party in 1956, where he denounced Josef Stalin.

Angleton (left) chatting with CIA Director William Casey at a formal OSS dinner

The seeds of Angleton's paranoia, that led to a rampage through the CIA ranks as he obsessively searched for a mole, were planted early in his career

But arguably more significant than any of that was his close friendship with MI-6 agent, and Soviet double-agent, Kim Philby.

The pair met in London in 1944, before Angleton's second Italian posting, and stayed close until Philby, rapidly rising through the ranks, was sent to Washington DC in 1949.

Over regular liquid lunches at Harvey's Restaurant, they exchanged information as part of Anglo-American intelligence sharing.

But Philby, who held longstanding communist sympathies, had long since crossed to the other side.

He was one of the 'Cambridge Five' of Englishmen recruited by the Soviets more than 15 years earlier, through his Communist Party wife Alice 'Litzi' Friedman in 1934.

The marriage didn't last long, and his colleagues and friends didn't find out until he reported it to his bosses in 1946 when he planned to marry his longtime girlfriend Aileen Furse - and was still married to Friedman.

Philby 'explained that, as an impetuous youth, he had married a left-wing Austrian, whom he now planned to divorce in order to make an honest woman of Aileen'.

Angleton got the same explanation, and everyone, for a time, swallowed his cover story.

Various former spies have claimed they warned Angleton of his friend's communist sympathies, and that he kept it to himself and ignored the red flags.

It wasn't until 1951 that Philby came under suspicion when Angleton and others uncovered two of the other Cambridge Five.

Before they could be nabbed, Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean escaped to Moscow and Philby, their old university pal, was suspected of tipping them off.

Angleton defended Philby and though nothing was proven, he was stripped of his position and moved to Beirut where he worked as a freelance journalist.

Arguably the most significant event in Angleton's career was his close friendship with MI-6 agent, and Soviet double-agent, Kim Philby (pictured in 1967 after fleeing to Moscow)

Philby at his home during his press conference held after he was cleared of involvement in Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean's defection. He was stripped of his position anyway

Finally, in 1962, he was uncovered following intelligence from Golitsyn, and the next year partially confessed and fled to Moscow.

There he described Angleton as a 'a brilliant opponent' who seemed to be 'catching on' before his double-agent status was revealed.

Many have theorized about how much Angleton knew, and ignored, about his friend's defection, but the betrayal appeared to cut him so deeply it fed the paranoia that marred the rest of his career.

If his close friend was a traitor, under his nose, all along... anyone could be.

Angleton saw enemies everywhere, fearful that every recruit and defector could be sent by Moscow to burrow deep into the agency.

He even accused world leaders from Canada to Sweden and even British Prime Minister Harold Wilson of being Soviet assets.

Angleton cut a swathe through the CIA ranks, investigating at least 40 agents and considering 14 serious suspects - impeding their advancement and ruining many of their careers entirely.

Years later, the CIA was made to pay compensation to three of them under what staff called the 'Mole Relief Act'.

His obsessive mole hunt became so disruptive that his critics argue it did lasting damage to the agency's ability to function.

Angleton's demise only began when William Colby was promoted to CIA director and reorganized the agency to limit his power, and he was forced to resign after revelations in the press of questionable activities against anti-war protesters.

Such was his hatred for Colby that in 1978 he tried to cajole dirt on his nemesis out of a reporter about his dealing with Vietnamese spy David Truong.

Angleton's demise only began when William Colby (pictured) was promoted to CIA director

The CIA went through a huge upheaval after Angleton's ouster. The counterintelligence staff was cut from 300 to 80 and redirected away from human intelligence to reliance on electronic surveillance.

Only later was this proved to be an overreaction, with Angleton's supporters claiming his was vindicated soon before his death.

'James Angleton lived long enough to serve his country before, during and after World war II. He was the architect of the best counterintelligence the United States ever had,' Senator Malcolm Wallop said days after his death.

'In the mid-1970's, Angleton went out of fashion, but he lived long enough to see time and events vindicate him and show how little his accusers understood of the difficult and inherently thankless business of counterintelligence.'
There are calls for a special national service to honour Battle of Britain pilots after the last surviving member of The Few died.

The Prince of Wales led tributes to John Paddy Hemingway, who the Mail revealed passed away on Monday aged 105.

William said Britons owe so much to the former fighter pilot who was one of the small band of brothers who kept the Luftwaffe at bay in 1940. They were dubbed The Few by Winston Churchill who hailed their extraordinary air campaign as 'our finest hour.

With Group Captain Hemingways death, there are calls to honour him and all of the Battle of Britain pilots at a national service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

The idea was backed by retired military chiefs including Lord West, the former First Sea Lord, who said: A service in Westminster Abbey would be a very good way of recognising that the last of The Few has gone, and to remind new generations of the time when a handful of very brave men stepped up to the mark.

It was a seminal period in British history, when there was us standing alone against a great tyranny  and there might be a lot of reflections today with Russia having a go at Ukraine.

Lord Dannatt, a former Chief of the General Staff, added: A service to honour the memory of The Few would be very appropriate. When Britain stood alone in 1940, our Army having been defeated in France, it was The Few of the RAF who fought and won the Battle of Britain.

'That gave Winston Churchill the confidence to say we would fight on - to eventual victory. That victory in Europe came on 8th May 1945. This year we can celebrate 80 years on - as we mourn and honour the last of The Few.

John 'Paddy' Hemingway at his home near Dublin

Writing on social media, Prince William said: 'I was sad to hear about the passing of John "Paddy" Hemingway this morning, the last of "The Few".'

The war hero believed his efforts during the Battle of Britain in 1940 were simply part of the job

Group Captain Hemingway, originally from Dublin, joined the RAF as a teenager before the Second World War. He served every day of the war, somehow surviving an astonishing series of near-death experiences including being shot down four times, surviving a plane crash and being saved by a tree when his parachute failed to open.

On July 1, 1941, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and in September that year he was mentioned in despatches by senior officers. He went on to serve as an air fighter controller during D-Day operations, and in 1945 he joined the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces with 324 Wing.

In a statement shared to social media, signed 'W', Prince William said: I was sad to hear about the passing of John Paddy Hemingway this morning, the last of The Few.

We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered.

We shall never forget them.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added: Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the Second World War.

They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its Allies, risking their lives.

He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the Lucky Irishman, a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation.

Lord West, the former First Sea Lord, said: A service in Westminster Abbey would be a very good way of recognising that the last of The Few has gone'

John (second from left) aged 22 with Squadron Leader Peter Townsend (with cane) and other RAF comrades. He retired from the RAF in 1974 as a Group Captain, having also been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross

The Prince of Wales has paid a moving personal tribute to John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot who has died at the age of 105

Former Chief of the General Staff Lord Dannatt said: A service to honour the memory of The Few would be very appropriate'

Prince William also served with the RAF , training as Search and Rescue pilot in 2009, a role he held for three years. Above: Prince William, Prince of Wales attends the Sovereign's Parade on behalf of King Charles III at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell on September 12, 2024

Despite his sacrifice, he would tell stories of the joyous memories he made and moments he shared with his peers, many of whom never returned home.

Their sense of duty and service secured our freedom, and we shall never forget them.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: Paddy came from a generation who understood the importance of freedom and sacrificed so much to achieve it.

The last known Battle of Britain pilot, he embodied the deep courage of that incredible generation.

Mr Hemingway's son, Brian, told the Mail his father had been 'happy' and 'in fighting form' to the end at the care home which had been his home for the last few years.

'He never felt that there was anything special about him,' Brian said.

'He thought the special ones were the friends who never returned. And now he is back with his squadron. It is very sad but his is a life to be both celebrated and mourned.'

In his last newspaper interview, with the Mail's Robert Hardman, he attributed his grand old age to being 'a lucky Irishman'.

That he departed this world on St Patrick's Day seems entirely in keeping with the extraordinary story of his life.

Scrambled on the very first night of the Second World War and despatched to France a week later in September 1939, he saw his squadron decimated even before the start of the Battle of Britain ten months later.

All through those bloody months of 1940, he was one of that small number of exhausted and impossibly brave young men defending Britain from wave after wave of enemy attacks. Even at the end of the battle, he was still only 21.

There are calls for a special national service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London to honour Battle of Britain pilots after the last surviving member of The Few died

A life-size statue of Mr Hemingway, ready for action and looking to the sky, will be on display at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum next month

After most of his contemporaries had either made the ultimate sacrifice, suffered dreadful burns or deservedly moved on to other duties, 'Paddy' Hemingway was still volunteering to be in the thick of the action.

His last brush with death came right at the end of the war in April 1945, when he was shot down over Italy, evaded capture and made it back through enemy lines, dressed as a peasant, with the help of a ten-year-old Italian girl.

During the war, he flew both Hurricanes and Spitfires, refusing to take sides in that age-old dispute over which was the better plane.

He called the former a 'marvellous' aircraft, 'a gentle old lady, comfortable and old-fashioned' and a 'very stable platform for combat'.

He would always be among the first to point out that this was the workhorse of the Battle of Britain, destroying more enemy planes than any other.

The stronger, faster Spitfire was 'wonderful - except you had to be very careful landing. If you were not careful with a Spitfire, you would get into all sorts of trouble'.

As for aerial combat, the Hemingway advice to fighter pilots was clear: 'Stay busy amongst the enemy bombers, shoot as many targets as possible and don't wait to confirm any results beyond the most immediately obvious ones.'

There was a similar sense of collective loss after the death of Harry Patch, the last fighting 'Tommy' of the First World War, in 2009.

John Hemingway's family will remember a much-loved father of three, a grandfather and a great-grandfather who was always faintly bemused by any fuss.

He was not remotely religious, to the extent that he had no wish for a funeral ceremony.

His response to those who might ask about his life was a genuine note of surprise.

'Is anyone remotely interested?' he would reply. The Kent Battle of Britain Museum at Hawkinge certainly was.

Their new, life-size statue of Mr Hemingway (ready for action and looking to the sky) will be on display when the museum reopens next month.
MAGA world is practically giddy after a poll showed progressive Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was viewed as the person who best reflects the Democratic Party's 'core values.'

In the latest CNN poll, Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independent were asked which one person best reflects the core values of the Democratic Party today.

The open ended question found the progressive New York lawmaker was viewed as the one person that best reflected the party.

She beat out the former Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris as well as other Democrats who've been floated as potential 2028 contenders.

Ocasio-Cortez, 35, came in first place with ten percent while Harris was second with nine percent.

Senator Bernie Sanders came in third with eight percent while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was in fourth place with six percent.

Former President Barack Obama and Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett were tied for fifth with four percent.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer were all tied at two percent.

A CNN poll shows Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) as the person Democrats view as best reflecting the party's core values

Another fifteen Democrats including some lawmakers and governors each received one percent as Democrats are largely split on the who best reflects the party values.

A whopping 26 percent of respondents had no opinion as Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress.

Trump allies in MAGA world greeted the results of the poll as good news as the progressive Democratic congresswoman closely aligned with Sanders has long been accused of being to too far left by some in the moderates in the party.

Republicans posted a series of giddy reactions on X sharing the poll results. They suggest with AOC viewed as the Democratic Party leader, Republicans could win elections for years to come.

Others claimed her being viewed as the Democratic leader would lead to more men abandoning the party.

Conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro was among the Trump allies to shared the poll on his show.

He called the results 'brutal' for Democrats. He claimed the New York Congresswoman is 'totally out of touch with most Americans.'

Ocasio-Cortez has strong support from the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, but conservatives appear to believe having her in leadership would result in moderates turning away from the party

Ocasio-Cortez leading the pack comes as she has been one of the fiercest critics of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for caving to Republicans last week over the government funding bill.

The New York congresswoman said Democrats are feeling a sense of 'betrayal' after Schumer and nine other Senate Democrats voted to advance the House GOP bill without extracting a single demand.

But the CNN poll found Democrats have their lowest approval ever recorded in the polling as more Democrats are disapprove of their own party.

It showed more Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents want their party doing more to fight back against the Trump agenda rather than work with Republicans.

The results are a major shift from the beginning of Trump's first term and signals more Democrats are aligned with AOC's approach than Schumer's from last week's funding showdown.

The survey conducted March 6-9 included 1,206 respondents and has a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points.
A teenager who killed his own mother in a ferocious attack, raining 29 blows to her head with a claw hammer, has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.

Frederico Canuzo, then 17, developed paranoid schizophrenia after a history of cannabis use and set upon Chintzia McIntyre outside the family home  thinking she was part of a conspiracy against him.

The violence triggered a motion sensor on the Ring doorbell camera, sending video footage to Mrs McIntyre's husband and Canuzo's stepfather, Stephen McIntyre, who could only watch helplessly.

The teenager  on leave from a mental health unit at the time of the attack  jogged away from the scene leaving his 48-year-old mother lying on the ground with the hammer embedded in her head.

Liverpool Crown Court heard Canuzo, now 18, and who believes he is 'special' and has schizophrenia with 'paranoid persecution beliefs', admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Sentencing today, Judge Brian Cummings, KC, said: 'This is both a horrifying and tragic case.

'My heart goes out to all of those affected but particularly to Stephen McIntyre, the defendant's step-father, who on top of everything else suffered the torment of actually seeing the footage of the attack when alerted by his Ring doorbell notification.'

The court heard Canuzo had been due to return to the mental health unit on the day of the killing, in Warrington, Cheshire, on August 29, 2023.

Frederico Canuzo, then 17, developed paranoid schizophrenia after a history of cannabis use and set upon Chintzia McIntyre (pictured) outside the family home  thinking she was part of a conspiracy against him

Forensics officers work at the scene of the fatal attack in Warrington after Ms McIntyre's death

Prior to the deterioration in his mental health, the youth was described by friends as 'one of the nicest people you could meet'.

But the court was told Canuzo had been admitted to a unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital after travelling alone to London to report his suspicions about his family to MI5 and police called for his parents to take him home.

His barrister Tim Clark, KC, said that the medication he received at that hospital was insufficient for his condition.

Canuzo was admitted to Ancora House in Chester on August 13 after the trip to MI5.

He was allowed home from the unit on August 24 despite his perceptions about his family.

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust, which runs Ancora House, has been contacted for comment.

Mr McIntyre did not provide a victim statement and the family did not comment after the case.

Defence expert, consultant forensic psychiatrist Navdeep Malik told the court that Canuzo is currently on two 'heavy grade' medications but he continues to be severely ill. It was believed his mental health problems had developed over a year and rapidly deteriorated.

The teenager  on leave from a mental health unit at the time of the attack  jogged away from the scene leaving his 48-year-old mother lying on the ground with the hammer embedded in her head

The violence triggered a motion sensor on the Ring doorbell camera, sending video footage to Mrs McIntyre's husband and Canuzo's stepfather, Stephen McIntyre, who could only watch helplessly (stock image)

Dr Malik said Canuzo 'believed he was going to be killed and was under threat' adding the defendant has 'grandiose' ideas and impaired decision making and sees imaginary people.

Dr Malik added: 'He lives in an imaginary world where he is special.'

The doctor said that Canuzo thought his food in the hospital was being poisoned and that 'the doctors and family members, including his parents, were part of the conspiracy and wanted him dead'.

He added: 'In order to save his life he believed the only way was not to go back to the hospital. When leaving the house to return to hospital the offence occurred.'

Mr Clark said the defendant, who used to smoke cannabis and had a limited history of cocaine use, was described as a 'polite and lovely lad and never aggressive' before his illness.

The barrister said: 'It is a tragic case. The need for treatment is greater than the need for punishment.'

Gordon Cole, KC, prosecuting, described the horrific moment Mr McIntyre was confronted with the gruesome footage of his step-son's attack.,

Mr Cole said: 'Stephen McIntyre opened the App on his phone and saw that he had received three clips from the camera at his home address. He was at the time working away in Leicestershire.'

Emergency services rushed to the scene but sadly Ms Mcintyre was pronounced dead

Canuzo had been a voluntary patient at Ancora House in Chester, a specialist inpatient unit for young people with mental health issues

The prosecutor said: 'The claw hammer was actually used something in the region of 29 times, primarily to the head of Chintzia McIntyre, but also blows struck her back and her right hand.'

Mr McIntyre immediately called 999 and the emergency services arrived at the family's home in Phoenix Place, Warrington, at 9.51am.

Despite intense medical treatment, including use of an air ambulance, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meanwhile Canuzo was seen on CCTV boarding a train at the town's Bank Quay station to London, and was arrested at Euston Station.

A post mortem examination found that Chintzia had sustained injuries including complex skull fractures, bruising and brain damage.

The pathologist also found bruises to her upper back and defensive injuries to her right hand and described the cause of death as multiple blunt force head injuries.

Canuzo remained silent when interviewed by police and has been detained in secure mental hospital since his arrest.
Top secret files on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy have finally been released.

The documents were published on the website of the National Archives on Tuesday.

It came roughly 24 hours after President Donald Trump announced that a trove of 80,000 pages of new material would be revealed.

The trove of documents include hand-written notes as well as typewritten reports.

In many cases, the scanned documents are old, faded and blurry making parts of them illegible. Others have scratched out written information.

Despite the promise there won't be redactions, some are heavily redacted with thick black bars across the pages.

Historians reacting to the document dump signaled they did not expect any major revelations that change the the circumstances of the assassination, but the release could provide additional details.

Some of the documents hold information on Lee Harvey Oswalds activities prior to the assassination including his contacts with Cuban and Soviet intelligence.

One document noted that Oswald was considered a 'poor shot.'

The release also contained a letter from a Russian in which he claimed he warned U.S. officials in August 1963 that Oswald was preparing to kill the president.

President John F Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy moments before the president was shot in Dallas on November 22, 1963 as his car passed through Dealey Plaza

The Dallas Police Department mug shots of Lee Harvey Oswald following his arrest over the JFK assassination. Oswald claimed he was a 'patsy'.

The massive document release had JFK sleuths and conspiracy theorists scouring the National Archives website Tuesday night for any new juicy morsels of information.

Leading up to its release, the White House said that Americans would be 'shocked' by revelations in the documents and Trump said it would be 'interesting.'

'We are tomorrow announcing and giving all of the Kennedy files...people have been waiting for decades for this,' Trump said on Monday. 'We have a tremendous amount of paper. You've got a lot of reading.'

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The new JFK assassination files could include the home video shot by bystander Oliver Nix, according to expert Jefferson Morley.

President Donald Trump said while at the Kennedy Center on Monday that 80,000 pages of JFK files would be released the on Tuesday, March 18 in keeping with another campaign promise

He added: 'I don't believe we are going to redact anything. I said just don't redact. You can't redact. But we're going to be releasing the JFK files.'

'It's a lot of stuff, and you'll make your own determination,' Trump said of the contents, adding that he saw them before their release.

Americans have long waited to get their eyes on the documents.

The release of files on the 1963 assassination of JFK are part of a bigger GOP promise to make public government secrets  like what is known about pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, UFOs, origins of COVID-19 and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, U.S., January 23, 2025.

Trump was for releasing the JFK files during his first term in office but thousands remained under seal.

During his 2024 campaign he vowed to make them public as part of his overall effort to increase government transparency.

He signed an executive order in January to declassify the remaining files.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna was tapped earlier this year by the House Oversight Committee to head up its newly formed Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets.

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Boxes of documents and evidence related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy were presented at a news conference in Dallas, Texas on February 18, 2008

The panel is meant to focus on declassification of government secrets and federal transparency.

This includes releasing files related to the late disgraced financier and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and JFK's brother Robert F. Kennedy.

Luna's group also seeks to expose what the government knows about UFOs, the origins of COVID-19 and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Last month, Luna made the bombshell revelation that she believes there were 'two shooters' in JFK's assassination in 1963.

'I believe that there were two shooters, and we should be finding more information as we are able to,' she said.
A grief-stricken mother told an inquest she felt 'let down' by authorities after her mentally ill daughter killed herself.

Louise Fender's 26-year-old daughter Rosie Fender was scared of going outside, had trouble sleeping, and was hearing voices when she died in February 2022 after laying down on a railway track near Romsey, Hampshire.

She had been living in multiple locations after moving out of her family home aged 18, initially to stay with her former IT teacher, Nicholas Haines, who Ms Fender said had 'groomed' Rosie as a schoolgirl.

The inquest heard Haines had been jailed due to the relationship, which began after he gave Rosie private guitar tuition from the age of around 14.

In the months before she died, Rosie was drinking to excess, would clean obsessively, and was convinced she was going to meet and marry broadcaster Bear Grylls.

The talented dancer's family and Haines said NHS community health provider Southern Health offered virtually no support to Rosie, in spite of the level of need.

Rosie's mother broke down in tears when she recalled being 'passed from pillar to post' seeking support from authorities.

She said: 'I felt powerless. No one would listen or take me seriously. I felt no-one understood her or understood her or how ill she was. I felt seriously let down, and I can never forgive them for that.'

Louise Fender's 26-year-old daughter Rosie Fender (pictured) was scared of going outside, had trouble sleeping, and was hearing voices when she died in February 2022 after laying down on a railway track near Romsey, Hampshire

The inquest in Winchester heard Rosie was so paranoid about germs that she showered for up to eight hours at time, often refused to go outside or let people into wherever she was living, and drank glasses of water through a straw due to her fear of contamination.

Rosie told her mother an 'evil entity' was stopping her from sleeping, and she told her mother daily that she was suicidal.

Ms Fender said: 'Her mental health felt more like that of a 13-year-old. She missed so much because of her relationship with Nick, she was completely isolated from her family and she had no friends.'

She added: 'Although I didn't approve of the relationship, I couldn't do anything about it.'

Mr Haines described himself to the coroner as 'a friend of Rosie's' who 'looked after her for many years'.

He said Rosie was one of his students and that one day 'she opened up and said she had been through a lot in her life'

He said: 'We started seeing each other, we both knew it was stupid. It was something that should never have happened. Massive regret about what happened.'

Haines said he met up with Rosie again after she turned 18 and he served his sentence, and the pair started a relationship.

She had been living in multiple locations after moving out of her family home aged 18, initially to stay with her former IT teacher, Nicholas Haines, who Ms Fender said had 'groomed' Rosie as a schoolgirl

They moved to various parts of the UK, and that her OCD started getting worse.

He said she began keeping 'notes on herself and Bear Grylls' and said 'she worked out she was going to meet him on a specific day at a specific time - when she didn't meet him she was so down and suicidal.'

He said Rosie moved to Southampton when the 2020 lockdown hit, which he said 'came at the worst possible time' because she was no longer able to socialise.

She later went to see a 'witch', and Rosie then made her own ouija board. He said it was at this point she started hearing voices.

Haines said he was no longer in a relationship with Rosie when she died, but continued to visit her daily and care for her as a friend.

He denied any suggestion he prevented Rosie from seeing her family.

He said: 'I was always saying you need to see your family, I needed the help - but she only let me. I felt people didn't believe her, what she was going through. She needed urgent help.

'I needed more help, but it was difficult when for so long she was refusing the help. With her OCD, I think Rosie thought she would get over it herself.

'If she had got support, she would have had something to fight for. She needed someone from the mental health team or just a professional to tell her it was going to be alright rather than just (giving her) a pill.'

The inquest heard Haines had been jailed due to the relationship, which began after he gave Rosie private guitar tuition from the age of around 14. In the months before she died, Rosie was drinking to excess, would clean obsessively, and was convinced she was going to meet and marry broadcaster Bear Grylls

He said she was constantly given 'negative news' about waiting lists and delays when it came to involvement with medical professionals.

The inquest heard Rosie moved again, to Eastleigh, shortly before she died.

This meant she was no longer within the geographical boundary that covered her mental health services team, and she had not registered with a new doctor's surgery.

Her previous GP Dr Bram Ganesan said: 'It does seem there is a strict cut-off for the boundary issue, and she wanted to stay with the team.'

He said it seemed that 'bureaucratic dictation got in the way'.

Rosie's mother broke down in the witness box as she described how her life ceased to be 'in technicolour' since her daughter's death, adding: 'Every day when I wake up, it's like I'm in a kaleidoscope of hell.

'My life is completely hollow now that Rosie has been taken away from me.

'I felt my daughter has been failed. She was individually let down by people who were meant to help her.'

The inquest before area coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp is due to conclude next week.
Dramatic video footage captured the moment a row of Tesla cars exploded into flames as a spate of attacks against Elon Musk's electric vehicle company spread across the country.

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force joined the investigation after an arsonist used Molotov cocktails to fire bomb five Teslas before firing rounds into the burning vehicles at a dealership in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tuesday morning.

Police said the unknown suspect, who was seen at the scene in all black, managed to completely burn out two of the cars while damaging three others.

Video shows large sparks flying from the hood of one of the vehicles, as strong flames and thick black smoke consume the vehicles.

Officers in Sin City also said that the word 'resist' had been painted on the door of the facility, with three gunshots also fired into the vehicles.

Speaking at a press briefing, Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren told reporters that they had increased security at Tesla locations.

Koren also said that while it was too early to call it an act of terrorism, it had 'some of the hallmarks [of a] potential political agenda'.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk later responded to footage of the blaze, sharing it to his X profile and captioned it: 'This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong.'

The unknown suspect set the three cars ablaze on Tuesday morning at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas , Nevada

Officers in Sin City also said that the word 'resist' had been painted on the door of the facility, with three gunshots also fired into the vehicles

Several of the vehicles were left burnt out following the attack

He added: 'Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks', in another post Musk said: 'Terrorism'.

The incident is also now being probed by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, with agents on the scene on Tuesday.

Spencer Evans, the special agent in charge for the FBI's Las Vegas field office, said: 'It's a federal crime.

'We will come after you, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.'

In a similar fashion, the FBI in Kansas City said on Tuesday that they are investigating an incident that happened at a Tesla dealership in the city, alongside the ATF.

In a statement, they said: 'The FBI and ATF are working with the Kansas City, MO Police Department to investigate an overnight incident in which Cyber Trucks at a Tesla Dealership in south Kansas City were damaged.

'Similar incidents have occurred in several states and the FBI and ATF are coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to gather information.'

The latest attacks are part of a series of attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations which has been happening across the nation.

Tesla CEO and DOGE Chief Elon Musk shared his thoughts on the clip to his social media

The word 'resist' had been painted on the door of the facility on Tuesday morning by the arsonist

Elon Musk walks to the White House after landing in Marine One on the South Lawn with President Trump on March 9, 2025 in Washington, DC

Protests have also been staged at dealerships in direct response to Musk's involvement with President Trump and his running of DOGE.

Last weekend, roughly 250 activists gathered outside a showroom in New York City, holding anti-Musk placards.

Some of them 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 demonstration and one was taken into custody for resisting arrest, obstruction and violation of local law.

There have also been more than a dozen acts of vandalism against Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations since Donald Trump's inauguration, according to police and local reports.

In Oregon, a showroom was even shot up with an AR-15 style-rifle in February.

Suspected vandal Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, is also accused of causing major damage at the same store with Molotov cocktails in January.

Trump speaks in front of a Tesla Model S with Elon Musk outside of the White House last week

Seven Tesla charging stations were intentionally set on fire in Littleton, Massachusetts, last Monday. No injuries were reported

The protests against Musk and Tesla have ramped up since the billionaire and DOGE began firing thousands of federal workers, including veterans, as it pushes to downsize the government.

Those who have been affected by the cuts have said they can no longer afford necessities, travel and health care.

Many also said they are no longer pumping into local economies by going out to dinner.

Musk's political postures also appear to be coming at a price for Tesla, whose sales in Europe tumbled 45 percent in January from a year earlier - while its rivals' sales rose by over 37 percent.

Tesla's market capitalization has dropped 45 percent since hitting an all-time high of $1.5trillion on December 17, erasing most of the gains the stock made after Musk helped finance Trump's election victory.

In an effort to turn that around, Trump showcased the electric vehicles from the White House last week - and even purchased one of his own.

Speaking alongside his 'First Buddy' at a press conference, Trump also said anyone enacting violence against Teslas and the dealerships would be labeled 'domestic terrorists'.
A Texas midwife was arrested for allegedly providing illegal abortions out of a network of unassuming clinics.

Maria Margarita Rojas, 48, was charged with performing abortions and practicing medicine without a license at several clinics in the Houston area - many of which are simple concrete facilities with minimal signage, while others are located in strip malls.

An investigation into Rojas was launched in January when an anonymous one-sentence complaint was submitted to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, reported the Houston Chronicle.

'Hello. I wanted to file a complaint of a clinic in Texas that is offering abortions,' the complaint said.

'I know 1 person that they charge 1,300 for the abortion and as of right now [redacted] is there to get an abortion as well.'

The tipster identified the clinic as Clinica Waller LatinoAmerica - one of the three offices Rojas is accused of owning and operating.

The Waller County District Attorney's office launched the investigation, then referred the case to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office.

'In Texas, life is sacred. I will always do everything in my power to protect the unborn, defend our state's pro-life laws, and work to ensure that unlicensed individuals endangering the lives of women by performing illegal abortions are fully prosecuted,' said Paxton.

Maria Margarita Rojas (pictured), 48, was charged with performing abortions and practicing medicine without a license at several clinics in the Houston area

An investigation revealed that Rojas owned and operated multiple clinics including Clinica Latinoamericana Telge in Cypress (pictured)

'Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable.'

The investigation revealed that Rojas owned and operated multiple clinics under the names Clinica Waller Latinoamericana in Waller, Clinica Latinoamericana Telge in Cypress and Latinoamericana Medical Clinic in Spring.

Paxton claimed these facilities unlawfully employed unlicensed individuals who falsely presented themselves as licensed medical professionals to provide medical treatment.

Rojas has been a licensed midwife since 2018, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Two of Rojas employees - Jose Ley and Rubildo Labanino Matos - were also charged in connection to the investigation.

Ley was charged with performing an abortion and practicing medicine without a license, and Matos is facing a conspiracy to practice medicine without a license charge.

It is unclear how investigators determined Rojas was providing illegal abortions at the clinics, but a second email from the tipster identified two women who terminated their pregnancies at her facilities.

An investigation was launched when a tipster identified Clinica Waller LatinoAmerica (pictured) in a complaint about illegal abortions

Texas AG Ken Paxton (pictured) claimed these facilities unlawfully employed unlicensed individuals who falsely presented themselves as licensed medical professionals

'I know that this been occurring for a long time about the facility and I know that in Texas abortions [should] not be performed,' the email said.

'Both abortions were not for any medical complication they were both made for irresponsibility of not wanting to protect themselves using birth control.'

Texas has heavily restricted abortion since the federal right to the procedure was overturned in a Supreme Court ruling in 2022.

The Lone Star State is one of 12 states currently enforcing a ban on abortion at all stages of pregnancy.

Texas' ban allows exceptions when a pregnant patient has a life-threatening condition.

The charge of illegal performance of an abortion carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison while the charge of practicing medicine without a license carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Paxton's office also announced they are seeking a temporary restraining order to shut down Rojass network of clinics to prevent further illegal activity.

Rojas was arrested on Monday and is being held in the Waller County Jail as of Tuesday, with her bond set at $1.4 million, according to jail records.
An expert on maternity care deaths lambasted hospitals for a culture of 'defensiveness' and a refusal to accept mistakes have been made when things go wrong.

Dr Bill Kirkup CBE, who led an inquiry into the deaths of 11 babies at Morecambe Bay hospitals, called for more 'openness and candour' instead of a tendency to underreport and play down incidents even when babies have died.

Her was speaking at the inquest into the death of Ida Lock who suffered a brain injury due to lack of oxygen at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary in Lancashire in November 2019.

A coroner in Preston has heard of a series of failings at the time of her birth including a delay in calling a crash team, midwives giving baby Ida 'ineffective CPR' and medics having to crawl under the bed in the cramped delivery room.

Ida's mother Sarah Robison, then 38, had been in a birthing pool as she prepared for delivery and there were serious delays in evacuating her while her baby's heartbeat had dropped significantly over the previous 15 minutes.

Ida was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital, a tertiary centre providing specialised treatment, but died six days later.

Dr Kirkup told the inquest: 'A baby that is healthy at 37 weeks ought to be healthy and going home at 41 weeks.'

Highlighting one of the problems that cause under reporting of such incidents he said the fact that tertiary centres deal with seriously ill babies meant no-one was addressing the problem of how they ended up there.

Sarah Robison and Ryan Lock's baby Ida was born at Royal Lancaster Infirmary in November 2019

Dr Bill Kirkup CBE, who led an inquiry into the deaths of 11 babies at Morecambe Bay hospitals, called for more 'openness and candour' instead of a tendency to underreport and play down incidents even when babies have died

He was also severely critical of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust which runs the Lancaster Hospital where, he said, staff had been unwilling to accept responsibility for Ida's death.

A report commissioned by the hospital itself had found little wrong in the care and treatment of the baby and staff had refused to accept a report from the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch - now known as the Maternity and Newborn Safety Investigation.

The HSIB criticised procedures and highlighted failures at the hospital but staff continued to believe they had done nothing wrong.

Dr Kirkup said: 'They accepted the recommendations but disagreed with the reasons behind them.

'The HSIB report is the definitive report. It is not open to dispute rather like an air accident investigation is not.

'That was deeply hurtful and unhelpful for the family.

'The hospital's own internal investigations were of poor quality, superficial and defensive of staff involved to the point of obscuring the significant learning that should have been drawn from what had happened.

The Morecambe parents' baby died just seven days later at Royal Preston Hospital

'While the desire to protects staff can be understood, it should never take precedence over either the trust's duty to those harmed or its responsibility for understanding the causation and preventing recurrence.'

Dr Kirkup is the author of the Kirkup Report, an investigation into UHMBT set up by then health secretary Jeremy Hunt in 2015 after the deaths of 11 babies at the trust's Furness hospital.

Asked by coroner Dr James Adeley how he felt that he was now being asked questions about the same hospital, he said: 'It is deeply disappointing. There are echoes of the 2015 investigation in the poor quality and defensive response that is likely to reflect a deep seated culture within the organisation.'

Addressing the failure of hospitals to monitor failures properly, he added:'I am not in favour of punishing people for clinical errors. They are a fact but it is the denial of things going wrong that leads to families being denied the truth and everyone is denied the chance to learn from mistakes.

'Someone once said that punishing staff when things go wrong is the biggest obstacle to patient safety and to deny some thing has gone wrong simply perpetuates a cover up.'

'We are still seeing the same things happening that were happening 20 years ago. That is a very saddening fact'.
An international student at Columbia University, who self-deported to Canada, has broken her silence on the government's claims that she supported Hamas.

Ranjani Srinivasan, 37, of India, entered the United States on an F-1 student visa as a doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, but last week the student fled to Canada after having her visa revoked.

The Fulbright scholar was accused by the Department of Homeland Security of supporting Hamas, a terrorist group, during a student-led Pro-Palestine protest at the ritzy New York City university.

However, Srinivasan said that's not the truth and she never participated in the protest at all.

'I was on my way back home when I saw barricades and police,' she told CBS Mornings.

The doctoral student claimed she was at a department picnic when other Columbia students began protesting elsewhere on campus and didn't know it was happening until she was on her way back to her dorm.

Srinivasan was arrested for obstructing the sidewalk and failure to disperse. The charges were later dropped.

The Department of Homeland Security later said she never included those charges in her application to renew her visa, which the Department of State revoked on March 5.

Ranjani Srinivasan, 37, of India , entered the United States on a F-1 student visa as doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, but last week the student fled to Canada after having her visa revoked

The Fulbright scholar was accused by the Department of Homeland Security of supporting Hamas , a terrorist group, during a student-led Pro-Palestine protest at the ritzy New York City university. However, Srinivasan said that's not the truth

'I never meant to conceal anything,' she told CBS Mornings. 'I've been in complete compliance with my visa. I would like a chance to clear my name.

'If I made a mistake, I'd be happy to clarify that with the state.'

She said she fled the country after ICE knocked on her door while she was in a Zoom meeting with an advisor at the international students advising office, who was telling her she'd be safe.

After her visa was revoked, she feared she'd be detained indefinitely.

The Department of Homeland Security obtained video footage of Srinivasan using the CBP Home App to self-deport on March 11.

It also accused her of attending a handful of protests and liking and sharing posts related to Palestine and Gaza on social media, according to CBS.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said she was 'glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathizers use the CBP Home app to self-deport.'

'It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live & study in the United States of America,' she said.

'I was on my way back home when I saw barricades and police,' she said. The doctoral student claimed she was at a department picnic when other Columbia students began protesting elsewhere on campus and didn't know it was happening until she was on her way back to her dorm

President Donald Trump has slashed $400million in federal funding for Columbia University over its handling of anti-Israel campus protests last year. He is threatening to pull all federal funding from the Ivy League school

CBP Home is an overhauled cellphone app once used to let migrants apply for asylum, turning it into a system that allows people living illegally in the U.S. to say they want to leave the country voluntarily.

The renamed app, announced Monday and now called CBP Home, is part of the administration's campaign to encourage 'self-deportations,' touted as an easy and cost-effective way to nudge along President Donald Trump's push to deport millions of immigrants without legal status.

'The app provides illegal aliens in the United States with a straightforward way to declare their intent to voluntarily depart, offering them the chance to leave before facing harsher consequences,' Pete Flores, the acting commissioner for US Customs and Border Protection, said in a statement.

President Donald Trump has slashed $400million in federal funding for Columbia University over its handling of anti-Israel campus protests last year.

The president launched the dramatic move 'due to the schools continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students,' his administration said.

It represents only a first round of canceled funds and additional cuts are expected.

The president is threatening to pull all federal funding from the Ivy League school unless certain conditions are met. The school has until Wednesday to respond.
Health authorities have issued an urgent warning after a traveller returned from Vietnam and spent time in Sydney while they had measles.

Anyone who was on Jetstar flight JQ62 from Ho Chi Minh to Sydney at 10.40pm on March 9, and at Sydney Airport's baggage area from 11am the next day, has been told to check for symptoms.

The person with measles also went to Ooshman Maroubra at Pacific Square and 169 Cafe in Randwick on March 10.

Between March 13 and 15, they went to the Matraville Medical Complex, Healthsave Pharmacy and the Prince of Wales Emergency Department.

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health Dr Vicky Sheppeard said anyone who was at the above locations at the same time as the infectious case could be at risk.

'Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,' Dr Sheppeard said.

'Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

'It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 2 April 2025.

Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash

'If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.'

There is an ongoing measles outbreak in Vietnam, with almost 40,000 cases this year.

This is the second infectious case arriving in New South Wales from Vietnam in as many weeks, with another traveller with measles also touching down at Sydney Airport on March 10.

In Victoria, meanwhile, several new cases are believed to have been contracted in Bali.
A U.S. federal judge ordered the Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk to stop dismantling USAID and that the effort to shut it down likely violated the U.S. Constitution.

Maryland District Judge Theodore Chuang granted a preliminary injunction on Tuesday to temporarily block the administration from closing the agency.

'The Court finds that Defendants' actions taken to shut down USAID on an accelerated basis, including its apparent decision to permanently close USAID headquarters without the approval of a duly appointed USAID Officer likely violated the United States Constitution in multiple ways,' Chuang wrote.

He wrote the actions not only harm the plaintiffs but also the public interest 'because they deprive the public's elected representatives in Congress of their congressional authority to decide whether, when and how to close down an agency created by Congress.'

Chuang not only blocked the further dismantling of the agency but also ordered it be partially restored including some computer systems be reinstated and the agency be able to reoccupy its headquarters in Washington, DC.

But Trump responded in an interview on Fox News that USAID is a 'whole big scam' and accused the said 'a judge like that is so bad for our country' as he continues to attack judges who have blocked components of his agenda.

Demonstrators holding signs outside USAID headquarters in Washington, DC on February 28 to support employees after Elon Musk and DOGE closed the agency and fired most of its employees

The order is the latest in a series of blows the Trump administration and Musk's DOGE team have been dealt in court as they look to slash spending and shrink the federal government.

A group of current and former USAID employees and contractors filed a lawsuit against Musk and DOGE after they moved to shutter the agency.

In the weeks after Trump took office DOGE aggressively moved to shut down the United States Agency for International Development.

By February 3, employees were barred from the agency headquarters in Washington, DC and signage for the congressionally created agency was removed from building.

The USAID website was also shutdown, and the email accounts of some 2,000 employees were deactivated.

By the end of the first week of February, more than 2,000 agency employees had been placed on administrative leave.

As February came to a close, there was an emotional scene outside USAID headquarters as employees were given just minutes to return and clear their desks of personal belongings.

U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang temporarily blocked the Trump administration from closing USAID and ordered it be partially reinstated. He wrote Musk and DOGE's effort to dismantle USAID likely violated the U.S. Constitution in multiple ways

The lawsuit was filed by a group of former and current USAID employees and contractors against billionaire Elon Musk and his DOGE team. The judge wrote Musk and DOGE had 'effectively eliminated' USAID but the independent agency could not be dismantled or reorganized without congressional approval

While employees were plunged into confusion, Musk over the past two months has publicly attacked the agency online as 'evil' and demanded it be shut down. Trump also signaled USAID was being dismantled.

As it moved to dismantle USAID, the Trump administration made Secretary of State Marco Rubio its acting head.

Earlier this month, Rubio announced that the administration had officially canceled 83 percent of USAID foreign aid contracts. He said that the remaining 1,000 or so contracts would be administered by the State Department.

In the opinion on Tuesday, Chuang wrote Musk, DOGE and other government officials 'acted swiftly to shut down, dismantle and effectively eliminate the USAID as an independent agency.'

But he noted that Congress made clear in law that USAID was an independent agency that could not be abolished or substantially reorganized without congressional approval.

Chuang was appointed by President Obama to serve as U.S. District Judge in 2014. He was confirmed in the Senate 53 to 42.
A Delta Airlines flight headed for New York's JFK Airport declared an emergency and turned around over the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday afternoon.

Flight DAL4 left London Heathrow Airport at 4.24pm local time Tuesday and was expected to land in New York City at 9.23pm eastern time, according to FlightAware.

The Boeing 767-400, with 129 passengers, three pilots and nine flight attendants onboard, was diverted to Ireland's Shannon Airport after crew noticed a 'mechanical issue with flight deck window heat,' Delta Airlines told DailyMail.com.

The airline said that 'captain followed standard procedure' and made sure to 'divert to the nearest suitable airport.'

Everyone onboard was evacuated safely after the plane landed in Ireland.

Delta flight DAL4 headed for New York's JFK Airport declared an emergency and turned around over the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday afternoon. (Pictured: Stock image)

'We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel plans. As nothing is more important than safety, the crew of Delta flight 4 followed standard procedures to divert to Shannon, Ireland after observing a mechanical issue,' the airline said.

'The flight landed safely and customers deplaned at an arrival gate.'

News of this airline emergency comes just a day after at least 12 people, including a US citizen, died after a small plane plunged into the Caribbean Sea.

The fatal crash took place minutes after the mainland-bound Jetstream aircraft took off from the Honduran island of Roatan on Monday night.

The Lanhsa airline flight was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members, according to the country's transport minister, who said the wreckage was found about 0.6 miles off the island's coast.

At least 12 people were killed after a Jetstream aircraft operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa plunged into the Caribbean Sea Monday night

A dozen people were killed and five more were rescued after an 'apparent mechanical failure' sent the plane spiraling into the sea, CBS reports.

Civil aviation official Carlos Padilla described how the aircraft took off and 'made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water'.

A fisherman below told HCH television he narrowly avoided being struck.

'The plane almost fell on us. I was fishing,' he explained.

Among those killed was popular Honduran musician and politician Aurelio Martinez.
Journalist Tucker Carlson revealed Tuesday who he believed would be the next president of the United States after Donald Trump, predicting the results of the 2028 Republicans primary.

The famous ex-Fox News host spoke about Trump's successor in a conversation with radio show host Vince Coglianese, who replaced broadcaster Dan Bongino on his show after he was appointed to serve as the Deputy Director of the FBI.

'I don't see any other, at this point, as of today, any other conceivable option. I think JD Vance will be the nominee,' Carlson revealed.

President Trump will be prevented from running for a third term, thanks to the 22nd Amendment allowing a president to only serve two terms.

Carlson, who was supportive of Trump's decision to appoint Vance as his vice president appeared impressed with his performance so far.

"I think his loyalty is without question and his service to Trump has been profound," Carlson said.

He questioned whether any other Republican had risen to a similar level as Vance.

'There's no one else,' he said. 'Already it's a tough gig for any vice president ... but I think JD Vance has already been a powerful partner, subordinate partner, but he has been a powerful partner for Trump.'

Tucker Carlson and U.S. President Donald Trump

US Vice President JD Vance speaks at an event about the Trump economy

Vance addressed the idea of succeeding Trump in an interview with NBC News on Friday.

'You know, if I never go further in politics, Im totally fine with that, but we get a really good opportunity to do a lot of really good sh*t in the next four years,' he said. 'If I do really well for the next four years, everything else will take care of itself.'

Carlson, who frequently hosted Vance on his media platforms, said that Trump also really appreciated his vice president.

'He's sincere. And he's thought it through and he's not afraid and he rises to the occasion. But he actually believes something, he's not kidding. I don't think you could pay JD Vance to say certain things,' he said.

Carlson added that he believed Vance was 'legit smart, not pretend smart' and principled.

'For a politician to have actual principle is unusual,' he said.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks with Tucker Carlson at a live event

Tucker Carlson revealed

Carlson also gave Vance rave reviews for interjecting in the meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

'I revere him for what he did to Zelensky,' he said.

But Carlson warned that there were powerful political forces who were opposed to Vance for that reason, who would work to stop his political career.

'They hate him for that,' he said.

Carlson remains committed to the idea of President Donald Trump and the United States working to make peace between Russia and Ukraine, and has also opposed any military action in Iran.

On Monday, Carlson urged all of his followers to oppose the idea of a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, warning that it would result in 'thousands of American deaths' at military bases in the Middle East.

'The cost of future acts of terrorism on American soil may be even higher. Those arent guesses. Those are the Pentagons own estimates,' Carlson wrote on X. 'A bombing campaign against Iran will set off a war, and it will be Americas war. Dont let the propagandists lie to you.'
Massive DOGE cuts are hitting both war and peace this week.

A day after Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency decapitated the U.S. institute of Peace, a congressionally funded independent nonprofit group, the Defense Department made moves to slash the Pentagon's civilian workforce.

Pentagon leaders are looking to slice between 50,000 and 60,000 civilian jobs from the agency.

So far, fewer than 21,000 took the government up on Musk's 'fork in the road' email offer allowing employees to take 'deferred resignation,' according to a senior defense official.

Pentagon officials say Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wants to ensure cuts don't jeopardize U.S. military readiness. He was one of a handful of agency heads who told employees to hit pause when Musk last month asked 2 million federal workers to write an email about five things they did last week.

To reach the goal of a 5% to 8% cut in a civilian workforce of more than 900,000, the official said, the department aims to slash about 6,000 positions a month by simply not replacing workers who routinely leave.

A key concern is that service members may then be tapped to fill those civilian jobs.

Pentagon leaders are looking to slice between 50,000 and 60,000 civilian jobs from the agency

Cuts are already reshaping the military's leadership as well, including the elimination of most of the top female officers.

The cuts are part of the broader effort by the Department of Government Efficiency Service, including billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk, to slash the federal workforce and dismantle U.S. agencies.

Acknowledging that 'some' military veterans will be among the civilians let go, the official would not estimate how many but agreed it could be thousands. They make up about a third of the civilian workforce.

Word of the civilian cuts come after the U.S. launched weekend attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea. President Trump is seeking to find a negotiated solution to Russia's war on Ukraine, although there was ambiguity in the immediate results of his Tuesday call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Israel has launched renewed attacks on Gaza, in yet another hot spot that the U.S. military must monitor and prepare for.

Firings of veterans have brought some political pushback on Capitol Hill, even as slashing cuts in areas like foreign aid have brought little opposition from elected Republicans.

The department is using three ways to accomplish the workforce cuts: voluntary resignations, firing probationary workers and cutting jobs as employees routinely leave.

However federal judges have deemed some early steps against probationary workers to be illegal. The feds are now rushing to rehire 24,500 probationary employees fired across government agencies.

Another judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump Administration must stop dismantling U.S.A.I.D.

The official said the military services and Pentagon officials are going over the personnel on a case-by-case basis to ensure cuts don't affect critical national security jobs.

Plans to cut probationary workers - which the Pentagon said targeted about 5,400 of the roughly 54,000 in the department - are already on hold due to court challenges.

The official added that Hegseth is confident the staffing cuts can be done without negatively affecting military readiness.

In other Pentagon news, the Department has restored web pages of a black Medal of Honor winner and others honoring Japanese American servicemen and women, saying it had happened accidentally using an automated system.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended efforts to scrub DEI from the Pentagon.

'I think the president and the secretary have been very clear on this  that anybody that says in the Department of Defense that diversity is our strength is, is frankly, incorrect. Our shared purpose and unity are our strength,' he said. 'And I say this as somebody who led a combat platoon in Afghanistan that was probably the most diverse platoon that you could possibly imagine.'
More than half of Australians blame Anthony Albanese for their soaring electricity bills, a new poll has found.

The polling by RedBridge showed about 53 per cent of voters strongly agreed or agreed that Labor's renewable energy policy had pushed their power bills up.

It also found Opposition leader Peter Dutton's pro-nuclear stance had failed to win voters over, with the number of Aussies who believe nuclear is unsafe increasing from 35 per cent to 39 per cent over the past year.

However the proportion of voters who believe Australia's future production of nuclear energy would reduce electricity prices edged up from 37 per cent to 38 per cent.

The polling comes after it was announced last week power bills would increase by almost 10 per cent from mid-year in another blow to Aussies who are already battling a cost of living crisis.

Electricity and gas bills have skyrocketed in the past three years despite Labor promising at the 2022 federal election it would lower power bills by $275 by 2025.

In the latest poll of 2,000 voters, Labor came in slightly ahead of the Coalition on a two party preferred basis, 51 to 49.

RedBridge director Tony Barry said the Coalition needed to 'own the economic narrative' to win voters ahead of the election.

The polling by RedBridge showed about 53 per cent of voters strongly agreed or agreed that the Labor government's renewable energy policy had pushed their power bills up

'The Coalition needs to move the conversation back to its key equities of economic management and they can't allow Labor to own economic management for free,' Mr Barry told the Herald Sun.

'If the Coalition is going to get to 76 seats (in the House of Representatives) it needs to own the economic narrative, they can't expect to critique their way into government.'

Kosmos Samaras, a RedBridge director and a former Labor strategist, said promises that switching to renewables would deliver cheaper electricity have been proven wrong and the public was disillusioned.

'Basically people are blaming governments and it doesn't matter who is in government they are going to wear the brunt of voters stressed about power bills,' Mr Samaras said.

The former strategist predicted a complex election where the two main parties are both losing support, leaving most seats to be determined by preferences, and with a strong likelihood the 'winning' party will need crossbench support to govern.

At the 2022 federal election, more than 130 of the 151 seats were decided by preferences, and that number is likely to be repeated in 2025.

'It's going to be the most complicated federal election since federation, so it's going to be interesting,' Mr Samaras said.

The poll also revealed 57 per cent of Labor voters believed Australia was headed in the right direction, while 72 per cent of Coalition voters believed the country was heading in the wrong direction.
A Minnesota State Senator was arrested for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution in a police sting.

Justin Eichorn, 40, was caught by the Bloomington Police Department Monday after he allegedly arranged to meet up with who he thought was a 17-year-old girl to have sex.

Bloomington Police said a detective arranged to meet with the married father-of-four near the 8300 block of Normandale Boulevard.

He was observed arriving in his pickup truck - before being arrested without incident outside of his vehicle by uniformed officers.

'As a 40-year-old man, if you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someone's child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up,' Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said.

He was booked into the Bloomington Police Department jail and will be transported to the Hennepin County Adult Detention Center.

Felony charges of Soliciting Under 18 Year Old to Practice Prostitution are pending from the Hennepin County Attorney's office.

Eichorn is a Republican State Senator who was first elected in 2016, according to his senate biography.

Justin Eichorn, 40, was caught by Bloomington Police Department detectives Monday after allegedly arranging to meet up with a teenage girl for sex

The Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus swiftly condemned his arrest and called for Eichorn to resign

He is from Grand Rapids and shares four children with his wife Brittany.

The Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus swiftly condemned his arrest and called for Eichorn to resign, according to the Star Tribune.

'We are shocked by these reports, and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation. Justin has a difficult road ahead, and he needs to focus on his family,' the caucus said.

State House Republican leadership also called on Eichorn to resign after the news of his arrest broke.

'Given the seriousness of the charges, Senator Eichorn should resign. While he is entitled to due process, we must hold legislators to a higher standard,' they said.

Minnesota Democrats also condemned his actions and called him a danger to the public.

'No one who solicits children belongs anywhere near public office or the State Capitol,' said Minnesota DFL executive director Heidi Kraus Kaplan.

'The facts presented by [police] make it clear that Senator Eichorn is an immediate danger to the public and must resign immediately.'

'The felony allegation against Senator Eichorn is deeply disturbing, and raises serious questions that will need to be answered by the court, as well as his caucus and constituents,' read a statement from Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy.

He is from Grand Rapids and shares four children with his wife Brittany (pictured)

Eichorn is a Republican State Senator who was first elected in 2016

Eichorn made headlines earlier this week after proposing a bill that would add 'Trump derangement syndrome' to the state's definition of mental illness, according to USA Today.

The bill defines the 'syndrome' as 'the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of (Trump.)'

Symptoms could be 'verbal expressions of intense hostility' towards Trump or acts of aggression and violence towards his supporters and symbols.
Well, at least John Swinney knows what a woman is. Thats something, I suppose.

Anyone whos paid the slightest attention to Scottish politics over the past five years would have been forgiven for thinking the First Minister had no idea what qualified somebody as female.

He was, after all, a key figure in the government of Nicola Sturgeon which tried desperately to erase womens sex-based rights.

While Ms Sturgeon defamed feminist opponents of her crackpot plan to allow men to self-identify as woman and enter female-only safe spaces as bigots and racists, Mr Swinney was her stoutest defender.

As Ms Sturgeons deputy, the current First Minister was fully committed to his partys insane position that womanhood was a feeling, not a material reality.

Now, that tower of dangerous, post-modern nonsense has begun to collapse.

Each week brings shocking new revelations of the consequences of the Scottish Governments obsession with gender ideology.

In recent days, weve learned that a male-bodied trans prison officer has been permitted to search female visitors and that young girls in care are expected to share rooms with boys who declare themselves trans or non-binary.

John Swinney said his party does not have a problem with women, despite 14 female SNP MSPs planning to stand down at the next election

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon introduced controversial gender ID legislation

These stories and others - like that of nurse Sandie Peggie, currently suing NHS Fife after being disciplined for complaining that women were being forced to share a changing room with a trans-identifying male doctor - have cut through the political bubble and horrified voters.

All of this adds real heft to the case that the SNP has completely lost touch with the public and that women are considered by the party as second-class citizens.

On Monday, as it emerged that 14 of the 24 SNP MSPs who plan to stand down at next years election are female, Mr Swinney said his party did not have a problem with women.

The First Minister accused others of creating the climate of misogyny that poisons our national debate.

There were, he said, big issues about how women feel in public life because of the treatment they receive.

Mr Swinney went on to accuse Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, who recently attacked the record of Nicola Sturgeon, of using the Holyrood debating chamber to hurl abuse at a woman. The First Minister wont be ashamed of that because its abundantly clear his moral compass is irreparably broken, but he should be.

Mr Findlays criticism of the legacy of Scotlands longest serving First Minister was not abuse, it was entirely legitimate and justified. Ms Sturgeons obsession with breaking up the UK and her enthusiasm for acceding to the demands of trans activists derailed her political career. She damaged her party, eroded womens rights, and left a county more bitterly divided than the one she inherited from Alex Salmond.

Psychologists call it projection, the tendency of some people to attribute their own thoughts to others. Mr Swinneys attack on Mr Findlay is a classic example of the phenomenon.

Nicola Sturgeon was not a victim of abuse by Mr Findlay and to suggest otherwise is to trivialise the real abuse women face.

And its impossible for Mr Swinney to deny that much of that abuse has, over the past few years, been - at best - ignored and - at worst - sanctioned by the party he leads.

Take the horrendous way in which former MP Joanna Cherry was treated by the SNP for refusing to sign up to Ms Sturgeons gender self-ID plans.

For the crime of asserting that womens hard-won sex-based rights would be completely undermined by a law that allowed men to enter female safe-spaces, Ms Cherry received a torrent or abuse and threats.

In 2021, then SNP member Grant Karte was given a community payback order and told not to contact Ms Cherry after being convicted sending her threatening messages.

And while this was happening, Mr Swinney was part of the leadership team that cut Ms Cherry adrift.

There were no calls from her colleague to express concern or solidarity when she was in fear of her safety. Rather, those at the top of the SNP treated their colleague with contempt.

Perhaps its for the best that our First Ministers moral compass is broken because if he took the time to truly consider his culpability in creating the culture which saw Ms Cherry abused and abandoned then he might never sleep again.

More than three quarters of female MSPs who responded to a recent survey by Holyrood magazine said that online abuse had become worse since they were first elected. Rape and death threats are part and parcel of political life for women.

Against this backdrop, the First Minister wishes us to believe that he is a great champion of women in politics.

He wanted, he said on Monday, to encourage women to participate in public life and in politics and to come forward for election and for us to benefit from their contribution.

There is no evidence that women should take Mr Swinney at his word.

Whatever the reason for his continued adherence to gender ideology - and the only two options seem to be that he either doesnt care about the harms it causes to female rights or that he does care but not as much as he cares about preserving the reputation of Nicola Sturgeon - the First Minister has no credibility as a champion of women in politics.

The Scottish Governments ridiculous position that a woman is anyone who says theyre one has unleashed a tsunami of misogyny from self-identifying progressive men.

Women who dare to question the logic or safety of allowing males to enter single-sex spaces are denounced as bigots by angry men parroting the language of that great feminist icon, Nicola Sturgeon.

Mr Swinney clearly - and foolishly - believes that he can ride two horses on the matter of womens rights, claiming to be a champion of equality while also supporting trans ideology. Of course he cannot achieve this feat.

With a Scottish Parliamentary election just over a year away, the First Minister really must make his mind up on whether women should have rights based solely on their biological sex.

John Swinney this week insisted his party doesnt have a problem with women. In doing so, he unwittingly confirmed his party has a problem with men like him.
The protocol surrounding the death of the Queen and the state funeral that followed had been meticulously planned over decades.

Codenamed 'Operation London Bridge', it included a massive document which detailed every possible variation of what could happen on her death.

And though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had chosen to leave the Royal Family at the beginning of 2020, they too had made plans for the sombre day.

The couple had always planned on going to the Queen's deathbed together, according to a royal book.

But, when the Queen died unexpectedly at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, only Harry made the journey to be with his family.

Although he and Meghan were already in the UK to carry out charity events, the Duchess of Sussex did not go to Scotland.

This wasn't always the intention. A spokesman for the Sussexes said at the time that the couple would be travelling to see the Queen together, but Meghan was later dropped due to an unspecified 'change of plans'.

Reports suggested Meghan was asked to stay away by then-Prince Charles to let Harry visit his grandmother alone, with the understanding that the same was also asked of Kate.

But a recent biography of King Charles has claimed that Kate had not been asked to stay at home as previously thought, but had chosen to do so instead.

King Charles didn't want Meghan to come to the Queen's deathbed at Balmoral because he wanted to avoid family conflict, according to a royal book

Queen Elizabeth waits in the Drawing Room of Balmoral to receive Conservative party Liz Truss. She died two days later

Queen Elizabeth, Meghan and Harry watch a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 2018

The distinguished Daily Mail writer Robert Hardman's book Charles III: New King, New Court, The Inside Story, claims that Kate decided to stay in England because she felt she needed to support her three children as they began to attend a new school.

It is alleged Kate wanted to stay behind with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, on the important day when they started at Lambrook School.

Her decision was then allegedly used as an excuse and, out of sheer luck, it helped calm Prince Harry down when he was informed Meghan was not welcome at Balmoral.

After all, at that point Charles believed the Queen still had days, not hours, to live, and he wanted the royals to concentrate on their final goodbyes and not engage in petty infighting.

He had simply wanted Meghan to stay away to avoid family conflict, according to the 2024 book.

Charles had called both his sons personally, urging them to travel up to Scotland as soon as possible in order to say their goodbyes.

In his memoir Spare, Harry said the news that Kate would also not be attending seemed to instantly calm him down.

Charles had called both of his sons personally, urging them to travel up to Balmoral Castle in Scotland as soon as possible in order to say their goodbyes

Kate (pictured with Meghan in 2018) never came to Balmoral because she wanted to stay behind with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as they were starting a new school, according to a book

Meghan on her first joint engagement with the Queen in June 2018

Prince William gets off the plane in Aberdeen as members of the Royal Family gathered at Balmoral on the day she died in September 2022

Prince William drives Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie, now Duchess of Edinburgh, into Balmoral on the day of the Queen's death

He wrote: 'Meg and I looked at flight options. The Press started phoning; we couldn't delay a decision any longer. We told our team to confirm: We'd be missing the WellChild Awards and hurrying up to Scotland.

'Then came another call from Pa. He said I was welcome at Balmoral, but he didn't wanther. He started to lay out his reason, which was nonsensical, and disrespectful, and I wasn't having it. "Don't ever speak about my wife that way".

'He stammered, apologetic, saying he simply didn't want a lot of people around. No other wives were coming, Kate wasn't coming, he said, therefore Meg shouldn't. "Then that's all you needed to say".

'By now it was midafternoon; no more commercial flights that day to Aberdeen. And I still had no response from Willy. My only option, therefore, was a charter out of Luton. I was on board two hours later.'

Harry had to charter a plane out of Luton as the offices of the other members of the Royal Family seemed unable to coordinate with his.

Hardman wrote in his book that moments like the death of the Queen were 'precisely the sort of situation when different royal teams talk to one another to get things done'.

But a senior Kensington Palace source told him the Sussexes' aides made no call to Prince William's camp that morning, despite them having 'all the numbers'.

By this point, William was estranged from his brother, and there was no direct contact made between the pair as the Queen died or it seems in the days after.

Hardman wrote: 'Clearly, Prince William did not regard this as the appropriate moment for the intensely difficult conversation he needed to have with his brother.'

The author added that feelings about the Sussexes' March 2021 Oprah interview and the various claims against them were still raw.

The royals were still upset about the Sussexes' March 2021 Oprah interview and the various claims that were made against them

Royal writer Robert Hardman (right) wrote about Charles' decision not to invite Meghan to Balmoral in his book Charles III: New King, New Court. The Inside Story (left)

He wrote: 'There could be little scope for dialogue until its contents were known. The sense of reckless betrayal following the Sussexes' interview with Oprah Winfrey the year before, and its vague, unanswerable half-claims of institutional racism and hostility towards Meghan, still lingered.

'Some of the family were probably ready to give him a piece of their mind, says one of those in the midst of this fast-moving turn of events.'

When it came to the phone call showdown between Charles and Harry, Hardman wrote it would have been difficult for gentle Charles to order Meghan away.

He wrote: 'We can easily imagine the dread with which the Prince of Wales approached that call.

'The Sussexes' capacity for taking offence was well known and everyone was conscious that any conversation could end up in the public domain  as, indeed, this one did three months later.'

Royal biographer Omid Scobie wrote in his 2023 book Endgame: 'Charles had cited "protocol", but the reality was that Kate chose to stay back to pick up the children from their first day at a new school.

'They just didn't want Meghan there,' a former Palace aide told the Sussex-friendly author. Meghan, a friend added to him, 'could sense she wasn't wanted'.

The royals attend the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham in 2018

William, Kate, Harry and Meghan outside Windsor Castle, two days after the Queen's death

Prince Edward's wife Sophie, regarded as one of the Queen's favourites, came to Balmoral alongside her husband.

Charles' wish to avoid Meghan's presence was perhaps understandable, as it would have been an intensely emotional and private situation for the Royal Family.

By the time the Queen passed away at 3.10pm, only Charles, Camilla, and Princess Anne had been able to see her before her passing, as they were already in Scotland for prior engagements.

However, only Anne was present when their mother passed away as Charles had momentarily left her bedside to clear his mind and had gone out to gather mushrooms.

Hardman's account details how Anne, looking visibly distressed, was offered a hug by a senior member of staff as she waited to greet her brother outside the castle.

She smiled wryly and said, in typical no-nonsense style: 'That is the last time that's going to happen.'

Charles was informed of her death while driving back to Balmoral after his senior aide received a call. He pulled over and for the first time was addressed as 'Your Majesty' - indicating that he was now King.

Buckingham Palace announced at 12.50pm that William, Andrew, Edward and Sophie had begun their journey to Scotland, but they unfortunately did not arrive until over an hour after her death.

Charles, who had gone out to gather mushrooms and clear his head after seeing his mother, received the news that she had died as he was driving back to Balmoral

Prince Harry, on the other hand, departed from Luton airport on a private jet at around 5.30pm and he was still airborne when the announcement of the Queen's death was made at 6.30pm.

When he arrived, his father and brother had already left and he reportedly had no further contact with William in the days that followed.

But although things were already bad between the brothers, relations between them got worse in the months following the funeral.

In December Harry and Meghan released their tell-all Netflix docuseries and in January 2023 the duke published his revealing memoir Spare.

And although details from around the time of Queen's death were fairly light in both accounts, perhaps if Meghan had come to Balmoral on the day of her death, there would have been more to tell.
Once dismissed as 'the wrong side of the tracks,' West Palm Beach is now booming with luxury developments, high-end restaurants, and major business investments.

The transformation is being fueled by an influx of financial firms, warm weather, and Floridas tax-friendly environment, attracting both Palm Beach residents and remote-working New Yorkers.

The city, located 70 miles north of Miami, was once known for its aging multi-family homes in disrepair, run down apartments and overgrown lawns.

A literal train track separates West Palm Beach from the upper crust Palm Beach, where Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate is located. Many Palm Beach residents have long relied on West Palms workforce for household staff and services.

But West Palm is now being dubbed 'Wall Street South,' with over 300 hedge funds and private equity firms with offices there.

'West Palm Beach has become one of the hottest real estate markets due to a combination of economic growth, lifestyle appeal, and investment activity,' says Christie Di Lemme, who works at Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage.

The expansion is also being attributed to a post-pandemic recovery that saw many people relocate to West Palm full-time after working there temporarily.

In 2020, Ken Griffin, the founder and chief executive officer of Citadel, one of the world's leading alternative investment firms, started running its hedge fund from the Palm Beach Four Seasons during the COVID lockdown.

What followed was a wave of financial firms including Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, and Point72, opening offices in the city.

'Office space demand is growing, driven by hedge funds, private equity firms, and startups relocating,' Di Lemme says. 'These companies are bringing high-paying jobs and attracting wealthy professionals.'

Office space demand is growing, driven by hedge funds, private equity firms, and startups relocating

The expansion is also being attributed to a post-pandemic recovery that saw many people relocate to West Palm full-time

Christie Di Lemme is a realtor in West Palm

A tech boom

The city is also seeing an increase in tech companies and startups, creating new job opportunities and drawing millennials and Gen Z professionals to the area.

'West Palm Beach is evolving into a younger, more vibrant city with career opportunities, affordability, and a high quality of life,' Di Lemme says.

'It's a perfect mix of work, lifestyle, and investment potential, which is why younger generations are making the move.'

According to Di Lemme, over the past five years, Palm Beach County, which includes West Palm Beach, has attracted approximately 140 companies, resulting in over $1.12 billion in capital investment and the creation of more than 13,100 jobs.

A better commute

The Brightline high-speed rail provides an easy commute to both Miami and Orlando

There is a high demand for homes near the train station, which is giving downtown a boost

West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James says the train has helped the city become a major hub

Better transportation is also helping the city.

The Brightline high-speed rail provides an easy commute to both Miami and Orlando. The train is also increasing demand for properties near the station, making downtown condos more attractive.

According to West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, the train has helped the city become a major hub.

'Traveling into and out of West Palm Beach is quite convenient. The high-speed rail station in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, connects West Palm Beach to other major cities in the region, including Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, and to Orlando,' James tells Daily Mail.

Fine dining

Eataly is bringing its famous Italian food hall to CityPlace in West Palm Beach

People are also being drawn to the luxury retail and dining that are expanding, with high-end brands and Michelin-starred restaurants opening in West Palm.

A growing number of fancy restaurants are opening or have opened outposts in West Palm, including Nobu at the Palm House Hotel, Pastis at the Nora Hotel, and Milos at One Flagler.

There's a Swifty's, a Sant Ambroeus, Tutto Mare, Bellini Cafe, Bellini Restaurant, and the Bellini Rooftop Lounge. Eataly is set to open an Italian food hall in the fall at CityPlace.

Green living

The South Flagler buildings will focus on luxury apartments that are eco-friendly and green

The rise of smart homes and more green and sustainable developments is also enticing for people. Developers are focusing on eco-friendly and green luxury homes, incorporating smart-home tech and energy-efficient features that people want in their homes.

Mayor James says there is no shortage of housing options in the city.

'There is a tremendous diversity of housing options in West Palm Beach, from gated communities, lovely historic neighborhoods, luxury high-rise condominiums, and modern apartments and condos in its urban core,' he says.

The cultural scene is growing

Mayor James describes West Palm 'is a sophisticated city with world class cultural and dining options, yet still has a small-town charm.'

Street murals, sculptures and art galleries line downtown. West Palm also features an annual celebration called MOSAIC (Month of Shows, Art, Ideas and Culture) which focuses on the local arts scene.

CityPlace has a state-of-the-art AMC and from there residents can walk to shows at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Historic Clematis Street has nightspots and a trolley system that connects to CityPlace.

Outdoor living

Many of West Palm residents own a boat or know someone who owns a boat

Fishing charters, sunset cruises, beaches, parks and walking paths are all part of life in West Palm.

Preserves, trails, and wildlife refuges are throughout the area.

Or residents can spend the day at one of the public beaches, preserved dunes, or mangrove forests.

On average, over the course of a year, the temperature typically varies from 59 degrees F to 89 degrees F.

Looking forward

The boom can be credited to Related Ross developer and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross

Much of the boom can be credited to Related Ross developer and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, a real estate visionary who took a big chance on the once underdeveloped city becoming a business and cultural hub.

On March 12, his company, Related Ross, held a groundbreaking ceremony for two new commercial office towers which will total one million square feet of office space. Ross' existing West Palm portfolio totals 1.7-million-square-feet.

Near the new buildings will be a graduate campus for Vanderbilt University. Cleveland Clinic is also set to open a state-of-the-art hospital.

Mayor James says he expects continued growth for West Palm Beach.

'West Palm Beach will be even more attractive to businesses in the tech, financial services and money management sectors due, in no small part, to the establishment of the Vanderbilt graduate campus which will house programs in business, applied computing, cybersecurity, AI, and engineering,' he says.

'The Vanderbilt campus will service 1000 students per year. That talent pipeline will prove quite attractive to businesses considering establishing a footprint in West Palm Beach.'
READ MORE: Incredible map reveals how white skin evolved in Europe

Scientists have discovered a 'hidden chapter' in human evolution - and it suggests our history is much more complex than we thought.

While scientists know humans (homo sapiens) emerged in Africa around 300,000 years ago, before this monumental event much of our history has been hazy.

Now a team from the University of Cambridge has found humans descended from not one, but at least two ancestral populations.

These ancestral populations - referred to as Group A and Group B - split around 1.5million years ago.

This was possibly due to a migration event where one group trekked thousands of miles to new terrain.

But around 300,000 years ago, the two groups came back together, before breeding and eventually spawning homo sapiens.

Group A contributed 80 per cent of the genetic makeup of modern humans, while Group B provided 20 per cent.

MailOnline's graphic below shows this 'hidden chapter' in human evolution spanning from 1.5 million years ago (top) until the modern-day (bottom).

Scientists have discovered a 'hidden chapter' in human evolution - and it suggests our history is much more complex than we thought

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For the study, the team used data from the 1000 Genomes Project, a global initiative that sequenced DNA from populations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

The method relied on analysing modern human DNA, rather than extracting genetic material from ancient bones  letting the scientists infer the presence of ancestral populations that may have otherwise left no physical trace.

For decades, it's been thought Homo sapiens first appeared in Africa around 200,000 to 300,000 years ago having descended from a single lineage.

Although the new study does not contest the time of Homo sapiens' emergence, it does show that there were two lineages, not one.

Around 1.5 million years ago, a small population (A) diverged from the main group (B) and slowly grew in size over a period of one million years.

'A divergence event is when a population splits into two or more genetically distinct populations, [but] it is not necessarily a migration event,' lead author Dr Trevor Cousins told MailOnline.

Interestingly, Group A seems to have been the ancestral population from which Neanderthals and Denisovans emerged around 400,000 years ago.

Around 300,000 years ago, Group A and Group B came back together  although exactly how this happened is unclear.

Group A seems to have been the ancestral population from which Neanderthals and Denisovans emerged around 400,000 years ago. Pictured, a recreated head and pieced-together skull of Shanidar Z, a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal skeleton

Where did Group A and Group B live? It's unclear where exactly Group A and Group B lived. But according to the authors there are three possible scenarios (although scenario 1 is more likely): Scenario 1: Groups A and B both originated and stayed in Africa Scenario 2: Group A stayed in Africa and Group B migrated into Eurasia Scenario 3: Group B stayed in Africa and Group A migrated to Eurasia Advertisement

From then on, the two reunited groups evolved and eventually spawned modern humans  non-Africans, west Africans and other indigenous African groups, such as the Khoisans.

Where exactly this all happened, however, is a matter of speculation.

Dr Cousins said it's 'likely' that groups A and B both originated and stayed in Africa, but there are other possibilities regarding location.

For example, group A may have stayed in Africa while group B migrated to Eurasia, or B stayed in Africa while A migrated to Eurasia.

'The genetic model can not inform us about this, we can only speculate [but] in my view there are valid arguments for each scenario,' he told MailOnline.

'Due to the diversity of fossils found in Africa, perhaps scenario one  A and B both originated and stayed in Africa  is the most likely.'

The study authors do not know the identity of the ancient species that make up the A and B groups, although fossil evidence suggests that species such as Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis lived both in Africa and other regions during this period.

This makes them potential candidates for these ancestral populations, although more evidence will be needed to confirm this.

Fossil evidence suggests species such as Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis lived in Africa and other regions during the period of Group A and Group B. Pictured, the most complete skull of an Homo heidelbergensis ever found

Homo erectus (depicted here) was the first hominin to evolve a truly human-like body shape

'It is not even clear that they would correspond to any species currently identified through fossils,' Dr Cousins told MailOnline.

'We speculated at the end of the paper what species that may belong to  but it is just that  speculation.'

The new results, published in the journal Nature Genetics, reveal an intriguing hidden chapter in human evolution.

Beyond human ancestry, the researchers say their method could help to transform how scientists study the evolution of other species, like bats, dolphins, chimps and gorillas.

'Interbreeding and genetic exchange have likely played a major role in the emergence of new species repeatedly across the animal kingdom,' added Dr Cousins.
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NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore have finally returned home after spending more than nine months stranded on the International Space Station (ISS).

The spacecraft undocked from the ISS at approximately 1:05am ET (5.05am GMT) on Tuesday.

Williams and Wilmore, along with NASA's Nick Hague and Russia's Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashed down off the coast of Florida today at 5:57pm ET (9.57pm GMT).

The pair were only supposed to spend eight days on the floating laboratory when they launched aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 5.

But numerous technical issues with their ship, including thruster failures and helium leaks, drove NASA to send Starliner home without its crew in September.
The nine-month-long space saga for two NASA astronauts is nearing an end as the pair are finally on heading back to Earth.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded in space since June 2024.

Amid mechanical issues, launch delays, and claims of political interference, the astronauts' journey has captured the public's imagination for nearly a year.

Now that four new astronauts have arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) to take their place, Williams, Wilmore, and two other astronauts on board are finally free to pilot the SpaceX's Crew-9 Dragon capsule home.

So, there's just one question left: Who are Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore?

First, let's look at how the journey began. The two were chosen as part of NASA's 2015 effort to start sending American astronauts into space from rockets launching on US soil - something that hadn't happened since NASA retired the space shuttle program in 2011.

The space agency teamed up with Boeing and SpaceX for the Commercial Crew Program and ultimately started sending astronauts back to the ISS from the US in 2020.

The first eight missions used SpaceX rockets and crew capsules, but the Crew-9 mission carrying Williams and Wilmore was the first to use Boeing's Starliner - and that's where the trouble started.

Sunita 'Suni' Williams (left) and Butch Wilmore (right) were stranded on the International Space Station in June 2024

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft took part in the ninth crewed mission to the International Space Station as part of the Commercial Crew Program. The other 8 to that point were handled by SpaceX

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft was plagued by technical issues even before in launched on June 5. NASA ultimately deemed it unsafe to return its crew to Earth

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

Numerous technical issues with Boeing's Starliner, including thruster failures and helium leaks, drove NASA to send the capsule home without its crew in September 2024.

Although a SpaceX capsule was successfully launched to replace it that same month, Suni and Butch had no one to replace them if they left.

Another series of setbacks in launching Crew-10, including NASA and SpaceX scrubbing a March 12 mission with the astronauts sitting on the launch pad, pushed back the duo's return even further.

However, a long trip to space was nothing new for Williams and Wilmore, two NASA veterans with a wealth of experience between them.

Suni Williams was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998. She had already been a member of two space expeditions in 2006 and 2012 - spending 322 days on the ISS before the Crew-9 mission.

Before heading into space, the 59-year-old graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1987 and retired from the service at the rank of captain.

While in the Navy, Williams was a test pilot and helped certify new systems for aircraft. She logged more than 3,000 flight hours in over 30 different aircraft.

During her distinguished career, she received several honors, including the Legion of Merit, the Navy Commendation Medal twice, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

NASA picked her for the Commercial Crew Program in 2015, and by 2018, she was assigned to Starliner's first operational mission.

According to her NASA biography, Williams was born Euclid, Ohio and now makes her home in Needham, Massachusetts.

Suni is married to her husband Michael and when she's back on Earth they enjoy 'hanging out with their dogs, working out, working on houses, working on cars, working on airplanes, hiking, and camping.'

Sunita Williams recently admitted that she has forgotten how to walk after spending over 200 days in microgravity

The retired US Navy captain had previously spent over 300 days on the International Space Station during two other NASA missions

The 59-year-old currently makes her home in Needham, Massachusetts with her husband and their dogs

Meanwhile, her Starliner co-pilot Barry 'Butch' Wilmore was also a US Navy captain prior to joining NASA.

The 62-year-old spent 178 days in space on two prior missions before getting stranded on board the ISS in 2024.

During one of those missions, Wilmore spent 167 days in space and completed four spacewalks before returning to Earth in 2015.

He was also a Navy test pilot who accumulated more than 8,000 flight hours and conducted 663 carrier landings, all in tactical jet aircraft.

During his Navy career, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, The Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Meritorious Service Medals, five Air Medals, and six Navy Commendation Medals.

Barry 'Butch' Wilmore is a decorated Navy veteran that spent 178 days in space on prior NASA missions before getting stranded on the International Space Station

At the start of the mission, six-foot-tall Wilmore weighed more than 210 pounds, a source said. It's unclear how much weight he's lost since boarding the ISS

Wilmore (front left) posed with the other members of the Expedition 72 crew for a photo posted on October 4

Wilmore was Selected as an astronaut by NASA in 2000, and has since received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and two NASA Space Flight Medals.

Wilmore is from Tennessee and is married with two daughters, Daryn and Logan.

In recent weeks, his daughter Daryn made news after discussing the lengthy delays that have kept her father in space for months on social media.

She is expected to be reunited with the NASA veteran just a few hours after the capsule carrying Wilmore and Williams returns to Earth on Tuesday.
NASA's stranded astronauts are finally on their way home after a brutal nine months in space.

After months of tense anticipation, Sunita Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) at 1.05am ET (5.05am GMT) on the Dragon spacecraft made by Elon Musk's SpaceX.

The pair, along with NASA's Nick Hague and Russia's Aleksandr Gorbunov, will now make the 17 hour descent back to Earth and, if all goes according to plan, should splash down off the coast of Florida at 5.57pm ET (9.57pm GMT).

'Crew nine is going home,' Hague, the commander of departing Crew Dragon, said from the spacecraft moments after they began their journey.

'On behalf of crew nine, it was a privilege to call space home... to live and work... in cooperation for the benefit of humanity. To our colleagues and dear friends who remain on the station, we know the station is in great hands. We're excited to see what you guys are going to accomplish and we'll be waiting for ya [sic].'

NASA livestreamed the extraordinary mission, documenting every key development from the moment the duo were secured in the spacecraft and the hatch door was closed - which took place two hours prior to departure.

Wilmore was strapped in on the far left of the hatch with Williams secured on the far right, both blowing kisses at the screen as the reality set in that they were finally returning home.

There was a slight mishap as Takuya Onishi, one of four new astronauts replacing Williams and Wilmore, reported finding specks of dust on the hatch seals between the craft and the space station before takeoff.

Wilmore was strapped in on the far left of the hatch with Williams secured on the far right

They were both blowing kisses at the screen as the reality set in that they were finally returning home

Pictured: SpaceX Dragon capsule 'Freedom' docked at the International Space Station ahead of take off

Williams and Wilmore are returning to Earth in SpaceX 's Crew-9 Dragon capsule, which was already docked to the ISS. The pair will be accompanied by NASA's Nick Hague and Russia 's Aleksandr Gorbunov, who flew to the space station in the Crew-9 Dragon in September

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Those specks needed to be entirely removed - which Onishi did - before takeoff to ensure the seal remained air tight.

Beyond that, all systems were reported working smoothly and the space suits had passed the required leak test, with forecast clear skies and 'pristine weather' ahead of splashdown on Tuesday.

The duo are unlikely to be able to walk on their own and will almost certainly be stretchered to the hospital, making for dramatic scenes.

Williams and Wilmore were only supposed to spend eight days on the floating laboratory when they launched aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 5.

But numerous technical issues with their ship, including thruster failures and helium leaks, drove NASA to send Starliner home without its crew in September.

Their unexpectedly long space mission became a political flashpoint following comments from President Donald Trump and Musk, who both said the Biden administration 'abandoned' the Starliner crew in space for 'political reasons.'

During a February appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, Musk claimed he offered to bring the pair home eight months ago, but the Biden Administration shot it down because it would have made Trump 'look good' in the presidential race against Kamala Harris.

Williams and Wilmore are en route back to Earth in SpaceX's Crew-9 Dragon capsule, which docked to the ISS late last week.

NASA livestreamed the extraordinary mission, documenting the moment the Dragon unhooked and began its return to Earth

'Crew nine is going home,' commander Hague said from the aircraft moments after they began their journey

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

The pair are joined by NASA's Hague and Russia's Gorbunov, who flew to the space station in the Crew-9 Dragon in September.

Four new astronauts have taken their place after arriving on the ISS over the weekend. The incoming Crew-10 is composed of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan's Takuya Onishi, and Russia's Kirill Pesko.

Typically, a departing ISS crew shares the space station with the incoming crew for about five days in what's known as a 'handover period.'

This allows them to get the new crew up to speed on space station operations and ensures a smooth transition between teams.

But this time, NASA decided to shorten the handover period to just two days to conserve food on the ISS and open up more undocking opportunities for the Starliner crew in case the weather interferes with their targeted return date.

When they splash down on Tuesday, the frail duo will be placed on stretchers and immediately taken for medical evaluations.

NASA is due to give a press conference at 7.30pm ET (11.30pm GMT) and it is highly unlikely the astronauts will attend.

The duo were in high spirits as they prepared to farewell the space station

Dr Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist and Air Force veteran told DailyMail.com the crew will begin their rehabilitation program the very same day they return to Earth, with the first phase focusing on walking, flexibility and muscle strengthening.

The astronauts could need up to six weeks of rehabilitation to regain their strength, which will include guided exercise and a nutritional plan, he added.

The duo have been praised for their work under less-than-ideal conditions in the space station.

They completed 4,500 orbits while stranded for 286 days.

Rob Navias, from the NASA communications department, said: 'For the statistical freaks out there, we can tell you that Williams and Wilmore... they will come home with 286 days in space... just to put it into context, not the longest in space history.'

'It's not a record-breaking mission.'

NASA had moved up the return mission by two weeks after after President Trump told Musk to 'go get' Williams and Wilmore, saying Biden had 'abandoned' them in space.

There was a slight mishap as Takuya Onishi, one of four new astronauts replacing Williams and Wilmore, reported finding specks of dust on the hatch seals between the craft and the space station

Pictured: The moment the SpaceX Dragon capsule undocked from the station with the astronauts on board

Before the president's request, the astronauts were not coming back earlier than March 26.

Musk claimed the Biden Administration shot down his earlier offer to collect the astronauts due to his links to Trump.

The billionaire SpaceX founder backed Trump during the 2024 presidential race, donating $288 million to his campaign and appearing at several MAGA rallies

NASA officials have not directly addressed these claims, but during a press briefing earlier this month, one of its senior administrators shed light on the situation.

Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of the agency's Space Operation Mission Directorate, said SpaceX has been working with NASA to develop a backup return plan for the Starliner mission since last July.

'The SpaceX folks helped us with a lot of options for how we would bring Butch and Suni home on Dragon in a contingency,' Bowersox said.

He also admitted that there 'may have been conversations' in the White House about delaying the return for political reasons, but he was not part of the discussions.

The mission was only meant to take 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 incoming Crew-10 is composed of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan 's Takuya Onishi, and Russia 's Kirill Pesko

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.

The Dragon capsule docked at the ISS just after 12:04am ET after a more than 28 hour journey.
The two stranded NASA astronauts are finally on the way back home after departing the International Space Station early Tuesday morning.

While their historic space odyssey is coming to an end, the reasons for their nine-month stay on board the ISS are still being fiercely debated here on Earth.

In fact, the problems began before Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore even left on their mission in June 2024 - a trip that was only supposed to last eight days on the ISS.

Crew-9 was the first crewed trip to the ISS using Boeing's Starliner capsule - the first eight used SpaceX technology and rockets to deliver NASA's astronauts.

However, Boeing's spacecraft suffered from long delays, including the CST-100 Starliner's first uncrewed flight to the ISS in 2019 ending in failure.

In 2022, the gumdrop-shaped capsule finally completed its first test flight to the orbital laboratory without humans aboard. However, it would be another two years before Williams and Wilmore would get the green light to head to space.

That's because of several setbacks both with the rocket and the astronaut's capsule, costing Boeing both time and money.

Once the mission aboard Starliner took off on June 5, another set of issues with the craft would leave Williams and Wilmore with no way of getting back to Earth.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were both blowing kisses at the screen as the reality set in that they were finally returning home

A full timeline of Boeing's Starliner program, from the singing of their massive contact to the incident that left two astronauts stranded aboard the ISS.

By the time Boeing's Starliner reached the ISS, five of its 28 reaction control system thrusters had failed.

As a result, Starliner's first attempt to dock to the space station was waived off. Ultimately, the spacecraft successfully docked and Williams and Wilmore safely boarded the ISS.

Starliner also suffered helium leaks that ultimately drove NASA to send the ship home without the astronauts in September 2024.

NASA officials decided it was too risky to bring Williams and Wilmore home on the faulty spacecraft, fearing a catastrophic accident could occur.

As for whether Boeing's propulsion issues have been resolved, 'I would say no,' Harvard University astronomer and astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell told DailyMail.com in September.

Although NASA and Boeing have identified overheating as a likely source of the issues, 'they still don't really fully understand why the thrusters are behaving the way they are, and so that means that they can't say for sure that they're not going to act up again,' he said.

After the incident that stranded the astronauts, SpaceX sent up a replacement spacecraft piloted by two astronauts which has been docked at the ISS since September.

However, there was no one to replace Williams and Wilmore if they had simply left the station at that time.

It wouldn't be until this month that Crew-10, carrying four replacement astronauts on board another SpaceX Dragon capsule, that NASA had the personnel in place to swap out Williams, Wilmore, NASA's Nick Hague, and Russia's Aleksandr Gorbunov.

Crew-10 arrived at the International Space Space over the weekend, allowing Williams and Wilmore to begin their return to Earth Tuesday morning

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 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 on March 16 after a more than 28 hour journey.

Their arrival came after several setbacks for the SpaceX relief mission, the most recent of which saw the flight scrapped at the eleventh hour on March 12, 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 SpaceX owner Elon 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 also been left languishing in space for political reasons.

Musk said he offered to bring the astronauts home after just one month into their stay on the ISS, 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.

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.

Since the 2024 election, President Trump has repeatedly claimed that the former president abandoned the two astronauts there rather than let Musk's company take the credit for rescuing them.

The incoming Crew-10 is composed of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan 's Takuya Onishi, and Russia 's Kirill Pesko.

Elon Musk claimed that he offered to rescue the two stranded astronauts eight months ago, but was turned down by former President Biden because it would have scored political points for soon-to-be President Donald Trump

Meanwhile, even after the failures at Boeing which stranded Williams and Wilmore, the US Air Force awarded a $2.56 billion contract to the scandal-plagued aerospace giant for two prototype aircrafts in August.

However, the new projects won't go towards fixing Boeing's space technology. The funds will help develop the new E-7A Wedgetail rapid radar plane, set to be delivered in 2028 and mature to a fleet of 26 about four years later.

The effort will see specific USA mission systems integrated into the aircraft, which is based on the 737-700 airliner.

Attorneys for the families of the passengers killed in two, fatal Boeing 737 MAX commercial jet crashes have directly linked the firm's lucrative NASA and US defense contracts to what they describe with as 'this sweetheart deal' guilty plea.

With its guilty plea, Boeing agreed to pay a $243.6 million fine over two, fatal Boeing 737 MAX passenger jet crashes in 2018 and 2019: tragedies that have heralded waves of congressional hearings and exposes on the company's failings.

NASA's Office of the Inspector General has called for 'financial penalties' over the Starliner debacle, which it attributed to Boeing's 'noncompliance with quality control.'

Inspection teams had discovered five different leaks within Starliner's propulsion system before the June launch undermining the craft's ability navigate back to Earth.

Nevertheless, Pentagon officials said they found no reason these evolving scandals would impact their existing contracts with the aerospace firm.

'We will be working in a coordinated fashion,' the Air Force's assistant secretary for acquisition, technology and logistics, Andrew Hunter, said in July, 'to understand what implications there might be from the plea deal.'

'But I don't anticipate at this point that it is going to [...] lead to significant disruption of our contracting,' the Air Force procurement official stated.
It is one of the world's leading tech companies but, unlike its rivals, Apple is yet to reveal its own folding phone design.

Now, a possible release date for the long-rumoured foldable iPhone has leaked online - and it suggests tech fans don't have long to wait.

According to reports from Apple analysts, the foldable iPhone could be launched before the end of 2026.

The rumours also suggest that Apple's latest innovation won't come cheap, with an expected price tag of $2,299.

That would make the 'iPhone Fold' almost twice the price of Apple's current most expensive smartphone, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199 (UK price 1,199).

Despite the eye-watering price, experts predict that the foldable phones' release could save Apple from a sales slump after the disappointment of Apple Intelligence.

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.7-inch inner display, making it about the same size as an iPad Mini when unfolded.

Apple's biggest innovation is expected to be a new technology that allows the screen to fold without a crease.

Leaked details now suggest that Apple could be preparing to release a folding iPhone by mid to late 2026. Pictured: a render by YouTuber ConceptsiPhone of a possible folding iPhone design

Although Apple is one of the world's leading tech companies, they are yet to reveal a folding smartphone device like so many of their competitors

The rumoured release date comes from two independent analysts who have access to Apple's manufacturers in Asia.

The first, Jeff Pu of GF Securities, wrote in a note to investors seen by 9to5Mac that Apple is currently working on two folding devices.

The first is an iPhone-like device which is supposedly planned to enter mass production in the second half of 2026.

Mr Pu adds that this device 'remains on track' to enter an early stage of prototyping next month.

In addition to the foldable smartphone, Mr Pu also claims that Apple is working on a foldable device with an 18-inch screen.

This larger option may end up becoming a new Mac or iPad device but the exact details are currently unknown.

Mr Pu's reports match reports from veteran Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who suggested earlier this month that Apple was preparing to launch their first foldable smartphone in 2026.

According to Mr Kuo, the folding device will feature two rear cameras, one front camera, a high-density battery, and a Touch ID button instead of Face ID.

Analyst reports suggest that the folding iPhone is 'on track' for early prototyping next month and should be ready to enter mass production by the middle of next year. Pictured: Conceptual render by ConceptsiPhone

Rumours suggest that the folding iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch main screen and a 5.5-inch external display. The phone is expected to be 4.5mm thick when unfolded, and between 9mm and 9.5mm when folded. Pictured: A ChatGPT rendering of a possible folding iPhone design

What do rumours suggest about the folding iPhone? Display size: A 7.8-inch main screen and a 5.5-inch external display. Thickness: 4.5mm when unfolded, and between 9mm and 9.5mm when folded. Cameras: Two rear cameras and a single front camera. Other features: Touch ID button rather than Face ID. Price: $2,000-2,500 Release date: Late 2026 Advertisement

The second report comes from Tim Long of Barclays, who claimed in an investor note seen by MacRumours that a foldable iPhone would be on its way.

However, after meeting with hardware manufacturers in Asia Mr Long believes that the foldable iPhone would be Apple's most expensive smartphone to date.

Mr Long claims that the foldable iPhone would start at $2,299 which, although extremely expensive, reflects the premium cost that folding phones typically command.

For example, the folding Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 costs $1,899 (1,799) about double the cost of the lower-range Samsung Galaxy S25 which starts at $799.99 (799).

Although Mr Long believes that the price tag might put off some customers, analysts are confident that the folding iPhone will be enough to revitalise Apple's sales.

According to Mr Pu's note to investors, Apple's failure to deliver Apple Intelligence features like an enhanced Siri voice assistant has dampened customers' interest in newer iPhones.

Since the iPhone 16 was billed as a phone built specifically for Apple Intelligence, Mr Pu says customers didn't see the point in upgrading to the pricier model with such lacklustre features.

However, Mr Pu says that the company will 'recover in 2026' regardless of its progress with Apple Intelligence thanks to the release of folding devices.

An Apple patent, titled 'Flexible Display Devices,' filed on October 12, 2018, showed off what appears to be a folding phone (above). A new report now claims two different-sized prototypes are in the works, code-named 'V68'

Apple now faces increasing competition from other folding designs such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (pictured) which costs $1,899 (1,799). However, analysts expect the folding iPhone to be much more expensive, starting at $2,299 (1,768)

Once a niche market, Apple now faces serious competition in the foldable space from manufacturers including Samsung, Google, and Chinese phone makers like Xiaomi and Huawei.

The Mobile World Congress (WMC) earlier this year was dominated by increasingly wacky folding devices including phones, tablets, and even laptops.

While Apple has so far shown little interest in folding devices, the success of rival products might be spurring the tech giant into action.

It is important to note that these reports are based on discussions with manufacturers and sources in the supply chain and the details could be subject to change.

Likewise, Apple has remained tight-lipped about any possible devices in the works and did not respond to MailOnline's request for comment.

But if these rumours are true, it may mean that Apple fans can get their hands on a revolutionary folding iPhone before the end of next year.
Police have revealed the secret code your child might be using online, following the release of Netflix's thrilling drama, Adolescence.

One of the central themes of the show is the sinister meaning behind common emoji.

From kidney beans to love hearts, innocuous symbols are revealed to hide a surprising code that most adults would never be able to spot.

But emoji aren't the only characters that parents should be wary of.

An extensive list released by Nottinghamshire Police reveals how several words, hashtags, and acronyms should also raise alarm bells.

The list is divided into three categories - warning flags, terms to keep an eye on, and fun.

Some of the terms - such as NSFW (not safe for work), basic, and DM (direct message) - should be pretty familiar for computer-savvy parents.

But would you know what CD9, GNOC, or IWSN stand for? Here's what the teen code really means, and what to do if you spot it on your child's phone.

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Warning flags

According to Nottinghamshire Police's list, 52 words, hashtags, and acronyms should raise alarm bells for parents.

Unsurprisingly, several 'warning flags' are related to drugs and alcohol.

This includes 420 (marijuana), crow (cannabis), Molly (ecstasy/MDMA), pre-ing (pre-drinking), wavey (drunk or high), and wired (drug induced paranoia).

Others focus on mental health, including #ana (anorexia), #deb (depression), #sue (suicide), #svv (self-harming behaviour), and #thinsp (thinspiration).

However, the most common theme within this group is sex.

Acronyms to be aware of include CU46 (see you for sex), FWB (friends with benefits), FYEO (for your eyes only), GNOC (get naked on camera), IWSN (I want sex now), and NIFOC (naked in front of computer).

Meanwhile, sex-related words and phrases flagged by the police include 'Down in the DM' (plans in their social media or texts for an upcoming sexual hook-up), hooking up (having sex), smash (casual sex), and thirsty (desperate).

According to Nottinghamshire Police's list, 52 words, hashtags, and acronyms should raise alarm bells for parents (stock image)

What the emoji in Adolescence mean Red pill - incel

- incel Dynamite - incel

- incel 100 - incel

- incel Kidney beans - incel

- incel Red heart - love

- love Purple heart - horny

- horny Yellow heart - I'm interested

- I'm interested Pink heart - I'm interested, but not in sex

- I'm interested, but not in sex Orange heart - you're going to be fine Advertisement

Terms to keep an eye on

While not as concerning as the 'warning flags', Nottinghamshire Police has also revealed 60 words, hashtags, and acronyms that parents should keep an eye on.

Most of these are acronyms - several of which you might already know.

AF is code for 'as f**k', while DM stands for 'direct message', ILY for 'i love you', YOLO for 'you only live once', and JK for 'just kidding'.

However, there are also several less well-known acronyms that you should keep an eye on.

TMB stands for 'tweet me back', while VSF is 'very sad face', SWAK is 'sealed with a kiss', TBR is 'to be rude', PAP is 'post a picture', and WTPA is 'where's the party at?'

Other terms to be on the lookout for are those related to potential cyberbullying.

If someone 'airs' your child, it means they're ignoring them, while 'parring' suggests that someone has accused them of being disrespectful.

Meanwhile, 'salty' means to be bitter about something or someone, 'slipping' means messing up, and 'preeing' means looking at someone online.

Fun

Thankfully, the majority of code words used by children online are classed as 'fun' by Nottinghamshire Police.

Harmless acronyms that you might see on your child's screen include AFAIK (as far as I know), CBA (can't be bothered), DWBH (don't worry be happy), FWIW (for what it's worth), HAND (have a nice day), and RAK (random act of kindness).

Words that you rest easy about include bruh (a casual nickname for 'bro'), cray (crazy), dench (fantastic/cool), gassed (happy), safe (reliable or good person), swear (are you serious?), and wagwan (what's up?).

Meanwhile, several phrases might sound dangerous, but are likely harmless fun.

'Buck me' simply means 'give me', 'I'm weak' translates to 'that was funny', and 'straight fire' means that something is hot or trendy.

What to do if you're worried about the code your child is using

Police have revealed the secret code your child might be using online, following the release of Netflix 's thrilling drama, Adolescence. One of the central themes of the show is the sinister meaning behind common emoji

Speaking to MailOnline, Rani Govender, Policy Manager at NSPCC, called the themes portrayed in Adolescence 'deeply disturbing.

'The deeply disturbing themes portrayed in Netflix's "Adolescence" highlight the unacceptable risks many young people face in today's online world,' she said.

'This drama powerfully illustrates how children can be exposed to harmful content without adequate protections.'

If you have children and are worried about the secret codes they're using online, the NSPCC has provided five top tips:

1. Create an open, judgment-free environment: Ensure your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences without fear of punishment or device removal. This encourages them to come to you when they encounter concerning content or situations.

2. Be curious about their digital world: Take an interest in the apps, games, and platforms that your children use. Ask them to show you how they work and what they enjoy about them. This creates natural opportunities for safety discussions.

3. Address harmful content directly: Have age-appropriate conversations about the types of content they might encounter online, including violent, pornographic, or hateful material. Discuss what to do if they come across something concerning.

4. Help manage the content they see online: Parental controls and privacy settings can help you manage how your child spends time online and help to keep them safe. Make sure to talk to your child first before implementing any new settings and explain to them how they help to keep them safe.

5. Share youth facing help and support: Make sure your child knows about services that can help like Childline. You could start by sharing the online safety advice content and the Report Remove tool created by the IWF and Childline.
Most people have at least a few embarrassing photos from their early childhood - and the universe is no different.

Scientists from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) collaboration have reevaled the 'baby pictures' of the cosmos, revealing the clearest images of the universe's infancy.

These stunning images measure light that has travelled for more than 13 billion years to reach Earth, showing the universe as it was just 380,000 years after the Big Bang.

That is the earliest cosmic time accessible to humanity and is equivalent to a baby photo taken just hours after birth.

This has given scientists their best look yet at the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) - the leftover radiation from the Big Bang which fills the entire observable universe.

What looks like clouds of light are actually hills and valleys light-years across in the boiling sea of hydrogen and helium which filled the early universe.

Over millions to billions of years, these more or less dense regions were pulled together by gravity to form the structure of the universe we see today.

Professor Suzanne Staggs, a physicist from Princeton University and director of the ACT, says: 'We are seeing the first steps towards making the earliest stars and galaxies.'

Scientists have revealed the 'baby pictures' of the cosmos, showing how the Universe appeared just 380,000 years after the Big Bang. This image shows the vibration directions of the radiation produced by helium and hydrogen for the first time

On the left is part of the new half-sky image from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. Three wavelengths of light have been combined together to highlight the Milky Way in purple, and the cosmic microwave background in grey

After the Big Bang, the cosmos was filled with a superheated soup of plasma.

For the first few hundred thousand years, that plasma was so dense that light couldn't move through it, making the universe essentially opaque.

But after about 380,000 years, the universe had spread out enough for the radiation from those hot gases to start spreading out through space.

That radiation is still visible as an extremely faint afterglow filling every part of the universe, which scientists call the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB).

The CMB is essentially the fossilised heat of the infant universe, allowing scientists to see the cosmos at its very first observable moment.

To capture an image of that extraordinarily faint signal, scientists at the ACT used a very sensitive telescope to take a photograph of space with a five-year exposure time.

In 2013, the Planck space telescope captured the first high-resolution images of the CMB, but those captured by the ACT reveal even more detail.

Dr Sigurd Naess, a researcher at the University of Oslo and a lead author of a paper related to the project, says: 'ACT has five times the resolution of Planck, and greater sensitivity.'

These images show the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), the oldest energy observable in the universe. The scientists' observations are even more detailed than those captured by the Plank space telescope from 2013 onwards (pictured)

To record the extremely faint light from the Big Bang the researchers used the sensitive Atacama Cosmology Telescope in Chile to take an image of the sky with a five-year exposure time

These images don't just show the light and dark areas within the CMB but also capture the polarisation - the direction of oscillation - of light in the early universe.

This polarisation allows the researchers to actually see the movements of the helium and hydrogen gases.

Professor Staggs says: 'Before, we got to see where things were, and now we also see how they're moving.

'Like using tides to infer the presence of the moon, the movement tracked by the lights polarization tells us how strong the pull of gravity was in different parts of space.'

The subtle variations in density and movement are what would go on to determine the formation of the first galaxies and stars as the clouds of gas collapsed into themselves under gravity.

Just as you might learn more about how someone grew up by looking at their baby photos, these images are also helping scientists unpack the development of the universe.

Professor Jo Dunkley, an astrophysicist from Princeton University and ACT analysis leader, says: 'By looking back to that time when things were much simpler, we can piece together the story of how our universe evolved to the rich and complex place we find ourselves in today.'

By studying these images, the researchers have confirmed that the observable universe extends almost 50 billion light-years in every direction around us.

This cosmological sky map shows the levels of radiation in the very earliest moments of the universe. Orange areas show more intense energy and blue shows less intense, revealing the different areas of density in the cosmos. The zoomed-in portion shows an area of sky 20 times the moon's width as seen from Earth

The standard model of cosmology suggests that the universe started off expanding rapidly, then slowed down thanks to the gravitational pull of so-called dark matter  before finally speeding up again thanks to the mysterious force of dark energy

What is the standard model of cosmology? The standard model of cosmology is the conventional wisdom about the underlying physics of the universe. Often called the Lambda-CDM theory, this suggests the universe has three major components: matter, dark matter, and dark energy. This explains the existence and pattern of the cosmic microwave background, the lingering echo of the Big Bang, and the distribution of galaxies. However, it doesn't align with new observations of the Universe's rapidly accelerating expansion. Advertisement

These findings also show that the universe contains as much mass as 1,900 'zetta-suns', a unit equivalent to 10^21 suns, or almost two trillion times the mass of our sun.

Of those 1,900 zetta-suns, conventional matter, which we can see and observe, makes up just 100.

The remaining mass is made up of another 500 zetta-suns of mysterious dark matter and the equivalent of 1,300 zetta-suns of 'dark energy' - a form of energy which fills the cosmic void and accelerates the universe's expansion.

Of the conventional matter in the Universe, almost three-quarters is hydrogen and around a quarter is helium.

These new images have also helped scientists confirm the age of the universe.

As matter in the early universe collapsed in on itself it produced soundwaves which spread out through space like ripples on a pond.

By measuring how big those ripples appear in the CMB image, scientists are able to work out how far the light has travelled to reach the telescope and, therefore, how long ago the Big Bang occurred.

Professor Mark Devlin, ACT deputy director and astronomer at the University of Pennsylvania, says: 'A younger universe would have had to expand more quickly to reach its current size, and the images we measure would appear to be reaching us from closer by.

These latest measurements of the CMB show that the universe's expansion has accelerated since the Big Bang. The lack of a rival theory that fits with the ACT data suggests that the current standard model of cosmology is still the best explanation

'The apparent extent of ripples in the images would be larger in that case, in the same way that a ruler held closer to your face appears larger than one held at arms length.'

The ACT's new measurements confirm that the universe is 13.8 billion years old, with an uncertainty of only 0.1 per cent.

Additionally, these new images have helped to support the standard cosmological model, our current best theory about the universe's formation, by measuring the speed of the universe's expansion.

The ACT image shows that the universe was expanding by 67 to 68 kilometres per second per Megaparsec 380,000 years after the Big Bang.

That matches other observations of the early universe and suggests that the expansion of the universe has been accelerating over time due to the presence of an unknown force labelled 'dark energy'.

By comparing their findings to other possible models, the researchers found that no other explanation would fit the data better than the current standard model.

Dr Colin Hill, assistant professor at Columbia University and lead author of one of the new papers, says: 'We wanted to see if we could find a cosmological model that matched our data and also predicted a faster expansion rate.

'We have used the CMB as a detector for new particles or fields in the early universe, exploring previously uncharted terrain. The ACT data show no evidence of such new signals.'
Email signatures are key features in many people's day-to-day messages.

But this seemingly innocuous tool could soon be cancelled - that is, if one woke scientist has anything to do with it.

Dr Joshua Pearce, an IT professor at Western University in Canada, has dramatically claimed that email signatures are harming the planet.

In a recent study, the expert looked at the impact of including gender pronouns in email signatures.

According to his results, these additions to your sign-off could prove deadly.

Writing for The Conversation, he said: 'In Canada, where about 15% of people include gender pronouns in emails, the resulting carbon emissions from this small change (three extra words) may contribute to the premature deaths of one person a year.'

Based on the findings, Dr Pearce is calling for email signatures to be banned entirely.

'If you receive an email with a long signature, you might consider asking the sender to switch to a hyperlink instead, or eliminate their signature all together,' he suggested.

Email signatures are key features in many people's day-to-day messages. But this seemingly innocuous tool could soon be cancelled - that is, if one woke scientist has anything to do with it (stock image)

According to the expert, email signatures put an extra, unnecessary strain on IT infrastructure that burn energy 24/7 to be able to operate.

This results in more energy requirements and in turn more greenhouse gas emissions.

And the longer an email, the bigger its so-called 'carbon footprint'.

'The environmental harm and human mortality caused by this seemingly minor digital habit is evident,' he said.

'We should take the easy steps of cutting wasteful energy use in our communications and it can start with eliminating email signatures.'

Dr Pearce's study specifically looked at the environmental impact of two bits of information in email signatures  gender pronouns and land acknowledgements.

According to Inclusive Employers, gender pronouns are a way for the person receiving the email to understand the preferred way for them to address you.

But some critics have described adding gender pronouns to your email signature as 'jumping on the woke bandwagon'.

According to the expert's research, email signatures put an extra, unnecessary strain on IT infrastructure that burn energy 24/7 to be able to operate (stock image)

Do email signatures harm the planet? Emails are stored in the vast online space known as the cloud, powered by millions of computers known as 'servers'. Servers are required to make the internet work, but they require huge amounts of energy 24/7. That energy often comes from burning fossil fuels, which leads to harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Generally, if your email has more text, or contains attachments/images, it contains more 'data' which in turn needs more energy, resulting in more emissions. Advertisement

Similarly, Dr Pearce points out that historically, gender pronouns would've been seen 'largely as unnecessary as people's genders could be determined from their names'.

Meanwhile, land acknowledgements notes of the second most recent people to occupy a territory claimed by violence - are becoming more common in email signatures from senders in the US, Canada and Australia.

'It has become fashionable in some corporate and academic circles to reputation signal by amending pronouns and/or land acknowledgements to email signatures,' Dr Pearce says in his paper.

The researchers analysed the additional carbon emissions resulting from the extra characters resulting from gender pronouns and land acknowledgements.

It referred to the '1,000-ton rule', which estimates that for every 1,000 tons of CO2 released into the atmosphere, one person dies prematurely.

According to the results, adding only three words to emails to identify gender (e.g. they/them/their) may contribute to the premature deaths of one person a year.

Extra information in emails has 'environmental and social impacts including climate-related human mortality', the academic says

Likewise, if Canadians all used land acknowledgements in their emails roughly 30 people would be 'sacrificed annually', Dr Pearce says.

The academic claims that email signatures are largely 'redundant', as we tend to email the same people repeatedly and our name is at the top anyway.

He also takes aim at even larger blocks of information at the end of emails, such as lengthy legal disclaimers, as well as attachments, images and logos.

He adds: 'Images and logos, which contain even larger amounts of data, cause more emissions and deaths still.'

Lastly, he also points to the ongoing issue of spam emails  unsolicited and unwanted junk email sent out in bulk often by bots.

'Spam accounts for over half of all emails and, despite having lower carbon emissions per email (since many are deleted without being opened), spam accounts for far more emissions-producing data,' Dr Pearce adds.

His warning comes shortly after a study by OVO Energy found that the millions of unnecessary messages sent every day are pumping thousands of tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere.

This is all down to the power they consume, and contributes more than 23,000 tonnes of carbon a year to the UK's footprint.

While emails are an integral form of communication, if we all cut back on just one 'thank you' email per day could save over 16,000 tonnes of carbon a year.

This is the equivalent of 81,152 flights from London to Madrid or taking 3,334 diesel cars off the road.
NASA's stranded astronauts may have endured nine uncertain months in space.

But the real challenge begins now that they have returned to Earth.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore may have lost up to half of their muscle mass in low gravity, and almost a fifth of their bone density.

Former astronauts have found that it can take up to 1.5 times the length of the mission to recover. That means the pair may need more than a year before they feel entirely themselves again.

Williams and Wilmore were initially scheduled to spend just eight days aboard the ISS when Boeing's Starliner launched on June 5. But a series of technical issues drove NASA to send Starliner back to Earth without them in September.

Williams, 59, and Wilmore, 62, were immediately helped onto stretchers and taken for medical checks after splashing down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida at 5:57pm ET Tuesday evening.

Their long road to recovery begins now, with their rehab split into three phases.

Dr Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist and Air Force veteran, said the astronauts are likely to need up to six weeks of rehab to get back into basic shape after living in low gravity for so long. This will include a multi-phase exercise program and guided nutrition plan.

But bone and muscle loss aren't the only health challenges they will have to face.

Living in the harsh environment on the International Space Station (ISS) may have also increased their risk of eyesight impairment, skin issues and blood clots, according to British astronaut Tim Peake.

Sunita Williams (pictured) and Butch Wilmore may have lost up to half of their muscle mass in low gravity, and almost a fifth of their bone density

Sunita Williams (pictured here in the center) sparked health concerns over her 'visibly thin' appearance as she and Butch Wilmore finally returned to Earth after nine months in space

Doctors raised concerns about Williams hours after splashdown when NASA shared an image of the astronaut looking noticeably frail.

The medical experts particularly pointed to Williams' 'visibly thin' wrists, which they told DailyMail.com could be a sign of rapid weight loss, muscular wasting in her arms, and bone density loss.

The experts also noted the IV sticking out of Williams' wrist is 'most likely' to help restore hydration and electrolytes, as microgravity tricks the body into eliminating necessary fluids, causing dehydration.

Striking before and after pictures of Williams show her with noticeably grayer hair, deeper wrinkles, and a more gaunt face.

But experts suggest the fact that the duo are already walking less than 24 hours after returning is promising - some feared they may not regain that ability for days.

Dr John Jaquish, a biomedical engineer in at Jaquish Biomedical, told DailyMail.com: 'That amount of time in space is crushing.'

Williams and Wilmore are also feared to face 'chicken legs, 'baby feet' and increased risk of cancer due to radiation exposure.

Beyond looking unusual, this buildup of fluids in the head can also lead to serious medical complications.

Wilmore is pictured here with what looks to be an IV in his arm

As pressure builds up in the head it presses on the eyes and on the optical nerves causing something called Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS).

Over time, microgravity even causes changes in the shape of the eye including swelling of the optic nerve, flattening of the back of the eye, and the development of folds in the retina.

SANS causes blurry or fuzzy vision in about 70 percent of all astronauts who go into space.

NASA astronauts who return from long ISS missions complete a 45 day rehabilitation program that requires them to exercise for two hours per day, seven days per week.

The program is tailored to the specific needs of each astronaut, according to NASA.

Phase one

Phase one of a NASA astronaut's post-mission rehabilitation plan focuses on regaining strength, flexibility and the ability to walk.

This may include gait training exercises, range of motion exercises and obstacle training.

Gait training exercises are movements designed to improve strength, balance and coordination during walking. Examples include squats, straight leg raises, standing on one leg and seated marching.

To improve their range of motion, the astronauts may perform ankle pumps, which involve sitting or lying down while flexing the feet. They may also do stretches to loosen the calves, quadriceps and hamstrings.

Astronauts may have to navigate an obstacle course or step over and around objects to improve their coordination.

Phase two

After making some improvement during phase one the astronauts move on to phase two, which adds proprioceptive exercises and cardio reconditioning.

To maintain some of their strength, astronauts exercise for at least two hours per day on the ISS. Pictured: Sunita Williams uses the space station's stationary bike during her 2012 mission

Sunita Williams runs on the ISS treadmill during her 2012 mission

Proprioceptive exercises strengthen the body and improve the mind's perception of its movement and position.

Examples include reverse lunges, banded toe taps and sumo squats with leg raises.

Some of these exercises are more complex. Astronauts may be asked to pick an object up off the floor while standing on one leg, which requires them to hinge at the waist and maintain their balance as they bend down.

As for cardio training, the astronauts may use a treadmill, elliptical or stationary bike to get their endurance back to pre-flight status.

Phase three

Phase three, the longest phase, focuses on returning the astronaut to their optimal level of physical performance through functional development training.

This training helps astronauts regain the skills and abilities they need in order to do their jobs and fully participate in their daily lives with ease and efficiency.

It may include more high-intensity exercises, such as jump squats and jump lunges, mountain climbers, planks and dead lifts.

Most astronauts return to their re-mission fitness level after the 45 days, according to NASA.

But it can take months or even years for some to recover, and research has shown that many astronauts never fully restore their bone density.

Dr John Jaquish, a biomedical engineer, told the Daily Mail they could still recover their pre-flight bone density if they use osteogenic loading, but it won't be easy.

This involves exercises that strengthen bones by putting stress on them, such as squats, lunges or jumping.

But in order to stimulate bone growth, the astronauts' bones will have to bear a load 4.2 times their body weight, Dr Jaquish said.

For reference, 'the world record squat is only four times body weight, so the minimum [weight] you need is more load than the world record holders,' he said.

Sunita Williams and the rest of the ISS crew performed Olympic events on the space station last summer

Wasted muscles

To combat the effects of living in low gravity, astronauts exercise for at least two hours per day on the ISS.

But this still isn't enough to stop muscle and bone loss, doctors told the Daily Mail.

Astronauts who spend long periods of time in low gravity 'lose musculature, they lose bone density,' Dr Jaquish said.

'The human body needs the Earth's gravitational pull, and in an absence of that, a lot of things are not functioning correctly.'

Research has shown that a 30 to 50-year-old astronaut who spends six months in space loses about half their strength.

This not only leaves them physically debilitated when they return to Earth, but puts them at greater risk of bone fracture and premature osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones as people age.

To reduce these impacts, astronauts work to make sure they are in peak physical condition before they embark on an ISS mission and continue to workout on the space station to maintain their fitness.

But 'the reality is, they're effectively getting a fraction of the sort of exercise that we all take for granted just by walking in [Earth's] gravity,' Dr Gupta said.

'Invariably, despite them doing all the right things (which I know they are) you're going to see a decrease in muscle mass and strength  no question.'

Heart health

It's not just their muscles and bones taking a hit. Low gravity impacts their cardiovascular health too.

This is because blood and other bodily fluids shift upwards towards the head, which means the cardiovascular system doesn't have to work as hard to maintain blood flow to the brain.

This can result in reduced blood volume and reduced function of the heart and blood vessels, according to NASA.

Extreme radiation

Williams and Wilmore will also have been exposed to extreme levels of space radiation during their extended ISS mission.

In just one week on the ISS, astronauts are exposed to the equivalent of one year's exposure on Earth. This may increase their risk of developing cancer, central nervous system damage, bone loss and some cardiovascular diseases, according to NASA.

'If I was their physician, I would think about a more proactive strategy for cancer screening,' Dr Gupta said.

'We want to take a different approach here, given that they had such a unique exposure history,' he said.

In addition to bone and muscle loss and cancer risk, Williams and Wilmore could be facing other debilitating health issues too.

NASA astronaut Raja Chari performs strengthening exercises after returning from a 177-day-long ISS mission

'We're still finding out about the long-term effects of spaceflight,' European Space Agency astronaut Tim Peake previously told LadBible. 'But we also know that our skin ages, our eyesight changes and [that] we're more prone to blood clots.'

'These are relatively new things that we've found out. I guess the longest effect is the radiation dose, as that's hard to quantify what the effects will be,' he said.

In December 2015, Peake became the first British astronaut to visit the ISS. He completed his six-month mission aboard the floating laboratory in June 2016.

Skin problems

Studies have shown that spending six months on the ISS wreaks havoc on the skin.

One team of researchers found that astronauts' epidermis gets thinner by nearly 20 percent in space, perhaps due to low gravity, which may dysregulate the skin's ability to grow and repair itself.

Another study found that skin rashes are the most frequently reported clinical symptom during six-month ISS missions, occurring 25 percent more frequently than they do for the general US population on Earth.

These rashes may result from irritants or allergens found inside the space station, and the weakening effect that low gravity has on the immune system. Skin lesions also take longer to heal in space, according to NASA.

Fears over eyesight

Low gravity also damages astronauts' eyesight during long-term ISS missions, sometimes leading to Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS).

According to NASA, SANS results from bodily fluids shifting toward the head due the lack of gravity, and symptoms include swelling in the optic disc (where the optic nerve enters the retina) and flattening of the eye shape.

Astronauts' eyes typically return to normal once they return to Earth, studies have shown.

The upward fluid shift their bodies experience on the ISS also increases astronauts' risk of blood clots, specifically through the development of a condition known as Spaceflight Venous Thrombosis (SVT).

Some astronauts who develop SVT completely recovered after returning to Earth, but others need additional treatment, according to NASA.

Williams and Wilmore spent more than nine months on the ISS, much longer than a typical long-term mission.

This could mean that the health impacts they have experienced, and now must recover from, will be more severe than the average astronaut's.

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the Starliner crew is suffering from vision loss, skin lesions or SVT. But this is not out of the question.
The teen daughter of stranded NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore has hit back at critics who blamed President Donald Trump for her father's extended stay in space.

Wilmore and his crewmate, Sunita Williams, splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday at 5:57pm ET after their eight-day mission turned into a grueling nine-month fiasco.

Wimore's daughter Daryn, 19, begun posting about the ordeal on social media in recent weeks, blaming 'negligence' for leaving her father stuck on the International Space Station (ISS).

In the comment section of one of her TikTok videos, a user told Daryn she should 'blame Trump' for what happened to her father, to which the astronaut's daughter responded: 'Its not Trumps fault a rocket didnt work.'

She has previously suggested that 'politics' also played a role.

Wilmore and Williams were left in space after Boeing's Starliner capsule, which brought them to the ISS, malfunctioned, forcing NASA to return the craft without the crew.

The astronauts are now just hours away from splashing down in a space capsule made by Elon Musk's SpaceX and Daryn told Dailymail.com that she plans to give her dad 'a big ole hug' and eat a pecan pie she baked. 'It's his favorite dessert,' she said.

'Im truly elated and thankful that hes coming back today,' Daryn said. 'The Lord has blessed us in this time, and we know hes in control of it.'

Butch Wilmore's daughter, Daryn (left), told DailyMail.com that she baked a pecan pie for her dad to eat as soon as he gets home

Wilmore left behind his wife Deanna (left) and two daughters Daryin (center left) and Logan (center right) when he launched into space on June 5. Pictured: the Wilmore family attend the New York premier of 'A Beautiful Planet' in New York City in August, 2016.

She previously said that her father being away has 'been hard,' noting that it was 'less the fact that he's up there' and 'more the fact of why.'

'There's a lot of politics, there's a lot of things that I'm not at liberty to say, and that I don't know fully about,' Daryn said in a TikTok video.

The video came just weeks before Elon Musk said said the Biden administration left them in space for 'political reasons.'

During a February appearance the Joe Rogan Experience, Musk claimed he offered to bring the pair home eight months ago, but the Biden Administration shot it down because it would have made Trump 'look good' in the presidential race against Kamala Harris.

Daryn did not provide details about specific politics in her video, but said: 'There's been issues. There's been negligence.

'And that's the reason why this has just kept getting delayed. There's just been issue after issue after issue.'

Williams and Wilmore, along with NASA's Nick Hague and Russia 's Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashed down, following a 17-hour journey through space.

Daryn said in February that her father 'has been bummed but he's chillen [sic]' amid his delayed return.

'I talk to my dad all the time,' she said, adding that she calls him every day or every couple of days. 'That makes things really nice.'

Wilmore (left) and Williams (right) along with NASA's Nick Hague (second right) and Russia 's Aleksandr Gorbunov (second left), are in the middle of the 17-hour descent back to Earth.

Daryn added that she misses her dad 'so much' and is looking forward to him seeing her take the stage in an upcoming theater performance and see Logan graduate high school this spring.

While stuck in space, Wilmore also missed most of his 16-year-old daughter Logan's senior year of high school and Daryn's college theater performances.

Logan has been open about missing her dad as well.

In a video posted in August, she shared a clip of her father getting ready to board Starliner followed by another of her hugging him, with the caption: 'Not dead, just stuck in space. I'm not worried at all, just miss him!'

Another video in October served as a heartwarming tribute to her dad, featuring a slideshow of photos of the two of them together.

But the sisters have been able to keep in touch with their dad through regular video calls.
British travellers will not need a 'euro-visa' until April 2027 at the earliest.

'Euro-visas' or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) has been postponed because of delays in the Entry/ Exit System (EES).

The EES was supposed to replace the requirement for the 'wet-stamping' of passports in airports for Brits visiting the European Union and wider Schengen Area.

But for now, British tourists will continue to have their passports stamped and biometrics taken, extending queues at border control.

Only six months after the EES is working at all Schengen Area borders can the 'euro-visa' system take effect.

In documents issued in Brussels, it was revealed that EES will not be fully functioning until April 2026, The Independent reported.

The EES was initially due to launch across all Schengen frontiers on November 10, 2024.

However, the plan was scrapped one month before the deadline because the central database and member states weren't ready.

'Euro-visas' or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) has been postponed because of delays in the Entry/ Exit System (EES)

The Entry/ Exit System (EES) was initially due to launch across all Schengen frontiers on November 10, 2024

The Schengen area includes all EU nations except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

And the frontiers are land borders from the Norway-Russia crossing in the Arctic to the Greece-Turkey frontier in southeast Europe, and every airport with direct flights from the UK and other non-Schengen nations.

Despite more information promised 'within weeks' the revised plan has only just become clear.

In information published by the EU Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, it has been proposed that the system be rolled out gradually.

In order for this to happen new regulation must be passed in Brussels.

Brussels has proposed 'a progressive start of operations of the EES,' saying: 'This would give border authorities and the transport industry more time to adjust to the new procedures.'

The plan has been endorsed by Home Affairs ministers and the European Commission, who want to set a specific date in October 2025 for the new EES to begin.

However, at the start, as few as one in 10 frontier posts will be connected to the central database and biometric elements  face and fingerprints  will be optional for the first two months.

Only six months after the Entry/ Exit System (EES) is working at all Schengen Area borders can the 'euro-visa' system take effect

The hope is that by April 2026 the ESS will be working across the Schengen Area.

The EU says once the ESS has been fully functional for six months, 'euro-visas', will be introduced.

The 'euro-visa' will cost seven euros (6) and be valid for three years, or until a passport expires.

Brits between the ages of 18 and 70 will be able to use the visa waiver for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Once it has been bought, Britons will get their fingerprints and photograph taken when they enter Europe  just as they do when arriving in the US.

But they will only be made compulsory by April 2027 at the earliest.

The EU says: 'Starting six months after EES, some 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.'
The charming Paris district of Montmartre has been completely swamped by tourists after featuring in Emily in Paris and, a bit further back, cult movie Amelie.

The picturesque area has panoramic views over Paris but its residents have complained of being overwhelmed by hordes of visitors.

France's hatred of Netflix series Emily in Paris has been well publicised after the popular series unleashed a tirade of selfie-hunting visitors on the country.

Furious locals scrawled angry graffiti across the shutters of a cafe used in the hit show, while an editorial in Le Monde, a French daily newspaper, even bore the headline: 'They think they own the neighbourhood! Emily In Paris  an invasive neighbour.'

And now new traffic restrictions threaten to push them over the edge.

Residents are stressed that families will be forced out, along with small bakeries, butchers and other small businesses.

'We'll be left with places selling crepes and tacos to tourists and nothing for locals,' one protester said.

The group Vivre a Montmartre, or Montmartre Living, estimates that there are 423 tourists in Montmartre for each local.

Swamped by tourists: Residents in the charming Paris district of Montmartre have complained of being overwhelmed by hordes of visitors thanks to featuring in Netflix show Emily In Paris

The 'Emily effect' is driven by the hugely popular Netflix series starring Lily Collins as a quirkily dressed American marketing executive who tries to build a life for herself in the French capital without speaking a word of French. Pictured: Crowds gather at Sacre-Cur Basilica

France 's hatred of Netflix series Emily in Paris has been well publicised after the popular series unleashed a tirade of selfie-hunting visitors on the country

Anne Renaudie, the head of Vivre a Montmartre, told The Times that the population is 26,000 but there are 11 million visitors each year.

Fans of Emily in Paris seek out sites such as La Maison Rose, a restaurant featured in the show.

Twenty-four years on, fans of the cult 2001 movie Amelie still flock to the Cafe des Deux Moulins, where scenes were filmed.

Renaudie said: 'A lot of people say Montmartre has been cursed twice, once by Amelie and then by Emily.'

She added that locals don't object to tourists but they want their home to still be liveable.

Banners with slogans that read 'Montmartre under threat. Residents forgotten' now hang from balconies.

Some are purposefully written in English, 'so tourists know we're not against them'.

Tourists are descending, in astonishing numbers, on small Gallic streets, parks and squares, iPhones in hand.

Graffiti reads: 'Emily get lost, South Paris is not yours'

The Montmartre neighbourhood's famous street, Rue de l'Abreuvoir, where some of Emily in Paris is filmed at La Maison Rose

Art imitating life: Lily Collins, left, French President Emmanuel Macron's wife Brigitte Macron, center, and Thalia Besson pose for a selfie in the series

And it's not only Emily's fault, as there are still walking tours offered for fans of the French film classic Amelie (pictured)

L'Esprit de Gigi in the series (pictured) is in real life is an Italian bistro called Terra Nera in Montmartre, where tourists have flocked to visit

Place Dalida in Montmartre is another location that features in the popular Netflix show

The 'Emily in Paris pilgrimage' follows a route hitting all the spots from the show.

They all stop at a rustic family bakery in the Latin Quarter, which has doubled pain au chocolat production to keep up with demand.

Then there's the restaurant next door, whose 15 rickety tables are constantly occupied by tourists drinking kir royales and photographing its red frontage.

A few blocks away, there's the art gallery where rents have soared due to hordes of visitors coming to take pictures of the building, without going inside.

A nearby bistro is deluged daily by giggling young women in berets.

The 'Emily effect' is driven by the hugely popular Netflix series starring Lily Collins as a quirkily dressed American marketing executive who tries to build a life for herself in the French capital without speaking a word of French.

In Paris it's become known as 'l'invasion des imbeciles', which translates as 'the invasion of the morons'.

Graffiti with the words 'Emily Not Welcome' has been scrawled in angry red on the side of one building.

And it's not only Emily's fault, as there are still walking tours offered for fans of the French film classic Amelie.

Released in 2001, it stars Audrey Tautou and went on to be nominated for five Oscars.

Set in the Montmartre quarter of Paris, it still brings tourists flocking to that part of the capital to pay homage to the movie they love.
The study looks at the cost of flights, eating out, coffee and local beer

A new study has revealed the world's best-value holiday destinations for Britons.

According to the new report from Mintel and eurochange, an eastern European country is the cheapest option for holidaying British tourists in 2025.

The experts looked at the cost of flights, a three-course meal and a beer to find the best-value holiday hotspots.

1. Bulgaria

Bulgaria is officially the best option for Britons looking to stretch their pounds the furthest this year.

A three-course meal for two comes in at 27.08 while a domestic beer is just 1.42 on average.

With return flights to Sofia from the UK starting from 28, the destination offers great-value for budget-conscious Brits.

Laura Evans Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, says: 'Bulgaria is slowly becoming a holiday hotspot for UK travellers. Research shows an 8.8 per cent year-on-year increase in British tourists visiting Bulgaria in 2024.

A new study has revealed the world's best-value holiday destinations for Britons. Bulgaria is officially the best option for Britons looking to stretch their pounds the furthest this year. Pictured above is Nessebar

Turkey just misses out on the top spot, but still offers great value for bargain-hunting Brits

'With incredibly reasonable prices and utterly stunning views, it's easy to see why. Here you'll find terracotta-tiled rooftops and beaches very reminiscent of Croatia, with a much smaller price tag.'

2. Turkey

Turkey just misses out on the top spot, but still offers great value for bargain-hunting Brits.

A three-course meal for two costs just 26.71, while a domestic beer comes in at 3.03.

And return flights to the seaside resort of Dalaman from the UK start from just 52.

Laura reveals: 'A firm favourite with British tourists, Turkey has so much to offer as a holiday destination.

'Whether it's a relaxed beach holiday, a hiking trip or a city break in Istanbul, Turkey has it all. Your money will really go a long way here too.'

3. Portugal

Laura says: 'Portugal is one European destination where your cash can go further'. Pictured above is the Algarve

Portugal is the best-value choice in Western Europe with a three-course meal for two priced at 42.64.

A local beer costs just 2.30 while a coffee comes in at 1.74. Brits can nab return flights for 28 from the UK to Faro.

Laura says: 'Portugal is one European destination where your cash can go further.

'With very reasonable flight and accommodation prices, the Algarve is a brilliant holiday destination for the whole family.

'There are many family-friendly resorts, particularly in Albufeira. If a city break is more your thing, Lisbon was recently ranked as one of the least expensive cities in Western Europe.'

4. Hungary

Landing just outside the top three, Hungary is another of Europe's best-value holiday destinations for Britons.

A three-course meal for two comes in at 35.69 while a domestic beer is just 1.78. Return flights from the UK to Budapest start from 28.

Laura explains: 'The Hungarian Forint is one of the best value currencies in Europe against the pound.

'For 10, you can buy at least four beers and a coffee will cost you less than 2.'

5. Thailand

Although return flights from the UK to Bangkok start from 476, a three-course meal for two in Thailand costs just 18.43

Britons looking to travel further afield will find the best deals outside Europe in Thailand.

Although return flights from the UK to Bangkok start from 476, a three-course meal for two costs just 18.43.

A domestic beer costs just 1.82 while Brits can pick up a coffee for just 1.39.

Laura adds: 'It's no secret that Thailand is incredibly good value for money for British travellers. However, sometimes it is overlooked with it being a long-haul destination.

'Even when factoring in flights and accommodation, a week in Thailand can cost around 900 including spending money, whereas a week in Spain can cost upwards of 800 per person during peak season.'

6. South Africa

South Africa comes in as sixth cheapest for Brits with a three-course meal for two costing just 25.46.

Return flights from the UK to Cape Town are pricier, starting at 452, but Laura claims that cheap prices in South Africa mean Britons will 'make up for it' once there.

South Africa comes in as sixth cheapest for Brits with a three-course meal for two costing just 25.46

Laura explains: 'Whether it's a beach holiday, a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip, or a trip to its iconic wine regions, South Africa has so much to offer. A three-course meal for two, costs just 12.50 each, the price of a starter in most UK restaurants.'

7. Costa Rica

Its name might translate as 'Rich Coast' but Costa Rica is one of the world's best-value destinations for Britons, according to the research.

A three-course meal for two costs 38.97 while a domestic beer costs just 1.95.

Laura comments: 'Costa Rica is increasing in popularity among UK travellers. In fact, the UK is Costa Rica's third largest European source market and visitor numbers from the UK increased by 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.'

8. Montenegro

An 'up-and-coming' European destination, Montenegro is one of the continent's best-value hotspots for Britons.

A three-course meal for two comes in at 38.61, while a domestic beer costs just 2.32.

Montenegro is one of Europe's best-value hotspots for Britons. A three-course meal for two comes in at 38.61, while a domestic beer costs just 2.32

Laura adds: 'A less crowded alternative to Croatia, it offers similar quaint towns, gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline, but it is around 20-30 per cent cheaper.'

9. Poland

Poland is another great choice for bargain-seeking Britons with a three-course meal for two costing just 33.76.

A domestic beer comes in at around 2.45 while return flights from the UK to Gdansk cost just 26.

Laura says: 'A city break in Poland can cost as little as 200 including flights, accommodation and spending money.'

10. Sri Lanka

Another long-haul destination, Sri Lanka rounds off the top 10. A three-course meal for two comes in at just 15.33 while a domestic beer costs as little as 1.43.

Return flights from the UK to Colombo are more expensive at 636 per person but Laura explains that Britons will get 'value for money' once in Sri Lanka.

She adds: 'Sri Lanka has an incredibly diverse mix of stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, lush tea plantations, ancient ruins, amazing wildlife viewing opportunities and lush cuisine - all within a relatively compact area.'
British holidaymakers can pick up a bottle of wine for under 4 in Europe's cheapest destination for a boozy break.

The bargain booze comes with a side of some of the continent's best beaches and sunniest weather.

And it won't cost you much to get there with cheap direct flights widely available from the UK.

So where is Europe's best-value destination for wine?

According to new research from Drinks Merchants, Portugal is the place to go for cheap plonk, with the average bottle costing just 3.91.

That's far less than the price of a bottle in the UK, which costs 9.36 on average, according to Drinks Merchants.

And bargain-hunters will want to avoid Iceland, the most expensive destination in Europe, where the average price of a bottle is a whopping 15.

With such cheap options on offer, it's hardly surprising that Portugal is the world's largest consumer of wine per capita, with 45 litres consumed per 1,000 people.

Portugal is the cheapest destination for wine, with the average bottle costing just 3.91. And it's also home to some of Europe's best beaches, such as Praia da Falesia (pictured above)

With such cheap options on offer, it's hardly surprising that Portugal is the world's largest consumer of wine per capita, with 45 litres consumed per 1,000 people

The country is also the third largest wine producer in the world, with around 4,700 wineries.

Portugal even has its own wine 'theme park'.

Located in Porto, the 'World of Wine' is home to seven museums, several restaurants, bars and cafes and even a wine school.

At the attraction's Pink Palace, guests will enjoy an 'extravagant and eccentric' experience with a pink ball pit and five different types of rose to try, all included in the 25/21 ticket price.

Visitors can also opt for the Wine Experience, which gives guests an 'immersive' adventure and the chance to sample three Portuguese wines for just 20/16.82.

And it's not just alcohol that's affordable in Porto.

A recent study by Mintel and eurochange revealed Portugal to be the best-value destination in Western Europe with a three-course meal for two priced at 42.64, a local beer costing 2.30, and a coffee coming in at 1.74.

And the Daily Mail visited Porto for a budget break and found hotels for less than 100 per night while Ryanair flights start from 15 one way.

Portugal is also the third largest wine producer in the world, with around 4,700 wineries

Prefer to be by the sea?

The country has some of the best beaches on offer too.

Praia da Falesia, in Portugal's sunny Algarve region, was recently named the fifth-best beach in the world by Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards.

So tourists can enjoy their bargain Portuguese booze on the shores of some of Europe's best beaches.
A popular food reviewer forked out a whopping 265 to try the UK's most expensive coffee - but he wasn't overly impressed.

Carmie Sellitto visited Shot in Mayfair where coffee lovers, who have a few hundred pounds to spare, can order an espresso, macchiato, flat white, americano, cappuccino or latte using topica beans shipped in from Japan's 'island of eternal youth'.

The 26-year-old was sorely disappointed by his 'weird' experience sampling the high-end iced latte and rated it a low five out of 10 due to the 'cheap' ice cubes diluting the coffee.

Viewers were shocked at the eye-watering price tag and dubbed the boujee beverage 'crazy' and 'wasteful'.

Carmie had his 265 latte served to him in a tall glass with a gold straw by a gloved waiter and was sceptical of the price before he had even taken his first sip.

'Apparently they have to wear these specific kinds of gloves when serving this coffee because it's so expensive,' he said in a TikTok video.

'I have never experienced anything like this. It just looked like a normal iced latte, but at least the straw was made out of gold. I think I've seriously wasted my money here.'

The coffee was described as having a 'bright acidity and fruity, juicy notes' on Shot's menu and Carmie was taken aback by the flavours on his first sip.

Carmie Sellitto visited Shot in Mayfair to try the UK's most expensive coffee that sets customers back 265 - and he wasn't impressed

Viewers were shocked at the eye-watering price tag and dubbed the boujee beverage 'crazy' and 'wasteful'

'The amount of flavour I had going on in my mouth right now really caught me off guard. I have never tried something like this before,' he said.

'I got goosebumps - it tasted crazy, it didn't even taste like coffee, it tasted like some sort of fruit.'

However, remembering the price of the coffee started to mar Carmie's experience then he said the ice started to dilute the flavour.

'Then it hit me, I actually broke after this. Each sip I was taking was probably 25,' he said.

'Considering the coffee was so expensive, the ice just seemed cheap and it was melting so quick it kind of ruined the coffee,

'So, I did the right thing and started downing my drink before it started tasting like tap water.'

Carmie said trying Britain's dearest coffee was one of the weirdest experiences he's ever had in his life.

He said he especially 'didn't feel good' after being hit with the 270.70 bill which included the latte and a service fee.

'I'm going to rate the coffee a five out of ten,' he said.

Carmie had his 265 latte served to him in a tall glass with a gold straw by a gloved waiter and was sceptical of the price before he had even taken his first sip

Carmie was put off the boujee drinks by the 'cheap' ice cubes he said diluted the 'bright acidity and fruity, juicy notes' of the coffee

The clip caused a stir among Carmie's followers online with one asking: 'How do they get away with this?'

'That's crazzzzzy, you could fly to Italy and have coffee there and money in your pocket for that,' another said.

'For 265 coffee I'd assume the caffeine is top tier and you're wide awake for months?' joked a third.

One user wrote: '270?? I'm taking the cup, straw, and chair home' and someone agreed: 'For 270 I better get a coffee machine as well'.

'I hope you're able to poop gold after drinking a coffee that expensive,' another laughed.

'That's my car insurance for the year,' a commenter added.

'No coffee is worth that much. Even if it were to be the rarest coffee, it is a crime to dilute it with water and milk. So double no,' someone said.

The coffee is made from typica beans, a higher quality version of the arabica beans, and have been shipped in from the Nakayama estate based on the Okinawa Island in Japan.

At Shot, the high priced beverage can be made into any form of coffee found in a high-street cafe. Ordering a 1kg bag of the special beans used to the UK will set back baristas 1,480

Ordering a one kilogram bag of the special beans from the estate to the UK will set back ammeter baristas 1,480 - with delivery cost not included - suggesting there is a mark-up on the cup served in London.

At Shot, the high priced beverage can be made into any form of coffee that would be found in a high street coffee shop. It is available as an espresso, macchiato, flat white, americano, cappuccino or latte.

According to baristas working in the influencer-haven, the coffee is reportedly ordered 'two to three times a week' and is most often ordered by 'true coffee lovers'.

Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, a UK barista champion and founder of Colonna Coffee, told the Telegraph that 'hardly anyone grows coffee in Japan' because of the difficult climate.

He speculated that this may be the reason for the extreme cost of the beans.

Mr Colonna-Dashwood told the paper: 'Rarity is obviously sought-after in coffee, and most of the 'fancy' coffee people drink is all arabica.

'Typica, which is what is used here, is not the most sought-after variety of arabica  I've never seen a typica that expensive before  which suggests the value is coming from the fact that it's grown in Japan.'

He added that it was the most expensive coffee he had ever seen, explaining that these expensive collector item coffees are usually sold in bags rather than for individual establishments.

The price of a cup of coffee has been driven up by a third in three years, research has shown

Pret sells a substantial number of coffees through its Club Pret subscription, which costs 30

And Pret isn't the only one, with there being similar increases at competitors. File photo

Shot's coffee has exceed the price of the Queen of Mayfair, which previously declared to have 'the most expensive cup of coffee in the UK'.

It was served for 50 - more than a fifth of the price of Shot's coffee - and was made from the Cup of Excellence from Ethiopia.

The unveiling of Shot's coffee comes as the average person is grappling the rocketing prices on high street chains.

Prices have driven up by a third in the past three years - attributed to rising rents and supplier costs.

A medium latte at the main big coffee chains has risen by up to 30 per cent from 2021 to the beginning of this year.

Research by manufacturer UCC Coffee found that the price of a medium latte at Pret in Buckinghamshire cost 2.75, but cost 3.60 at the beginning of 2024 - with the current price being 3.70.

In Starbucks, the same drink in the same county cost 4 and 3.90 in Costa.

The increase of bean prices is said to be due to climate change in countries like Brazil and Ethiopia.

Coffee farmers in Colombia's Sierra Nevada mountain range say warming temperatures are forcing them to plant their crops on higher ground.

Meanwhile increasingly unpredictable rainfall cycles are affecting growth and harvesting logistics.

The region used to be free of coffee plant diseases but farmers say climate change means their plants are increasingly vulnerable to rust, brown eye spot or borer insects, further hitting their yields.

Production in the area has shrunk by 35 per cent in the last five years, according to the Latin American and Caribbean Fairtrade Network (CLAC).
Married At First Sight saw tensions come to a head between Ryan Donnelly and Jacqui Burfoot on Tuesday night, leaving the bride storming off in tears.

The couple sat down for an explosive meet-up with the groom's friends Adam and Karla during Homestays Week at Ambarvale Hotel in southwest Sydney.

The pair confronted Jacqui, 29, about her Honesty Letter from the week before, in which she questioned Ryan's manhood and financial stability.

As the four of them sat down, with Jacqui's friend Jet there for support, Karla almost immediately brought up the offending letter in a tense confrontation.

'Ryan told us [about the Honesty Letter]... Obviously, we need to be filled in here, but there were some things that were quite appalling to me,' she said.

'It was quite a long time ago, so I can't remember exactly what I said. But I'd like to hear what you were appalled about and then I can try to address it,' Jacqui replied.

Married At First Sight saw tensions come to a head between Ryan Donnelly and Jacqui Burfoot (pictured) on Tuesday night, leaving the bride storming off in tears

'Just subtle attacks to his character and his financial capabilities. Stuff like that,' Adam jumped in.

Jacqui attempted to explain the letter was written in response to a challenge which asked her to admit to Ryan, 36, concerns she had about their future together.

'One of the concerns I had is Ryan's career path is unstable, financially,' Jacqui explained, but Karla was having none of it.

'The whole point of being in a relationship is that you need to compromise and you need to bring out the best in each other,' she said.

Jacqui responded by rolling her eyes and looking away, leading Karla to fire-up with: 'Don't look away from me when I'm talking to you.

'There are points in your relationship where one needs to lean on the other in order for you both to bring out the best in each other.

'So for that to be a concern is a red flag on my end.'

At this point, Jacqui and her friend Jet decided to leave the table to let tempers cool, before returning with a round of drinks for everyone.

The couple sat down for an explosive meet-up with the groom's friends Adam and Karla during Homestays Week at Ambarvale Hotel in southwest Sydney

The pair confronted Jacqui, 29, about her Honesty Letter from the week before, in which she questioned Ryan's manhood and financial stability. Pictured: Karla

However, the conversation quickly devolved once more when Ryan asked Jacqui to talk about her claims that she 'never had a disagreement' with her ex boyfriend.

'I had really healthy relationships where we didn't disagree or fight. Honestly, this drama and the fighting and the arguments is not what I like,' Jacqui said.

'If you're not arguing than you're not in a healthy relationship,' Karla argued.

Jacqui hit back with: 'That's not true... I don't think you need to have arguments. You can communicate.'

'So why do you and Ryan have that issue all the time?' Karla asked, to which Jacqui responded by shifting the blame to her groom and his 'defensive' ways.

At this point, Karla had enough and lashed out with: 'Don't blame him, Jacqui. You're quick to point the finger at him but you're not willing to take accountability.'

Ryan added: 'I didn't come here to be lectured and have my character and my identity torn apart in a letter.

'It does stick with me, Jacqui, because I've never had anyone see me in that way before.'

As the four of them sat down, with Jacqui's friend Jet there for support, Karla almost immediately brought up the offending letter in a tense confrontation. Pictured: Adam

'Ryan told us [about the Honesty Letter]... Obviously, we need to be filled in here, but there were some things that were quite appalling to me,' she said

'Maybe no one has communicated that with you,' Jacqui suggested.

'That's not true, Jacqui, because we've been in his life for a very long time,' Karla shouted.

'Everything you tells us goes completely against the character we know as Ryan.

'I think you're overreacting because everything I tell you is against his character,' Jacqui said.

The pair then began bickering and shouting over the top of one another, with Jacqui saying: 'You're talking over me, Karla.'

'Well, you did that to me last time, hon. How does it feel?' Karla remarked, referring to the moment she first met Jacqui during Friends and Family Week.

As the arguments continued among the group, with Jacqui backed into a corner, she bemoaned to Ryan: 'You want me to be silent.

'You don't want me to voice my concerns. You take issue with me voicing my concerns.'

'It was quite a long time ago, so I can't remember exactly what I said. But I'd like to hear what you were appalled about and then I can try to address it,' Jacqui replied

However, the conversation quickly devolved once more when Ryan asked Jacqui to talk about her claims that she 'never had a disagreement' with her ex boyfriend

'Do you not do that to him?' Karla said.

'You do express yourself in very strong ways. If I don't agree with you immediately, I am defensive, I am deflecting. I can't win in the conversation,' Ryan said.

Karla agreed, adding: 'I saw it last time sitting with you guys at the table. You called him a gaslighter.'

'Because he's lying,' Jacqui said, to which Karla shouted: 'He is not a liar... You were rolling your eyes and laughing every time he spoke.'

'Because he was lying,' Jacqui repeated.

'That doesn't f***ing excuse your behaviour,' Karla said in a heated moment.

'You're 29, you should not be rolling your eyes and laughing... Regardless of your issues you should still respect your partner in front of other people.'

Adam then jumped into the conversation to back up his partner and friend, saying Jacqui has done nothing but 'throw dirt' on Ryan this entire experiment.

Jacqui stood up and stormed out with her friend, breaking down in tears as she told producers she wasn't there to be 'yelled at'

He added the final jab: 'You've been absolutely gypped on this experiment, Ryan, by being with her.'

At this point, Jacqui stood up and stormed out with her friend, breaking down in tears as she told producers she wasn't there to be 'yelled at'.

'I didn't sign up to this experiment to be yelled at while visiting my partner's hometown. It's not the kind of behaviour that should be tolerated at all,' she said.

Married At First Sight will return on Wednesday at 7.30pm on Nine and 9Now.
American fans of Netflix hit Adolescence are only just learning what 'nonce' means - and have been left open-mouthed.

The four-part crime drama hit the streaming service on March 13.

The show explores the story of a 13-year-old boy called Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is accused of murdering his female classmate.

Adolescence has received rave reviews over the past week, for bringing to light important current issues in society.

During episode four, fans see Jamie's dad Eddie (Stephen Graham) share his frustration after someone vandalises his plumbing business van with the word nonce.

And viewers over in the US have had their minds blown after realising what it actually means.

American fans of Netflix hit Adolescence are only just learning what 'nonce' means - gasping 'this has got me reconsidering everything!'

Adolescence has received rave reviews over the past week, for bringing to light important current issues in society

The four-part crime drama, written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, hit the streaming service on March 13

The Cambridge Dictionary states that the word nonce means: 'A person who commits a crime involving sex, especially with a child.'

Meanwhile Merriam Webster Dictionary says that in America it means: 'The one, particular, or present occasion, purpose, or use.'

One wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: 'I was today years old, after watching Adolescence, when I understood what Brits mean when they call someone a "nonce".'

Another replied to them with: 'I thought it just meant a thicko.'

A third said: 'I just thought it was an idiot til recently.'

'"Ta, mate." "Nonce." "Gaffe." Adolescence is teaching me so much about how people speak in England,' a fourth confessed on the social media platform.

Meanwhile others were confused about why his van had been vandalised with the word.

One stated on the social media platform: 'This nonce thing got me reconsidering everything.'

Stephen Graham (pictured) plays the role of Jamie Miller's dad Eddie - and he also wrote and created the series

A second wrote: 'Just finished #Adolescence. Im unsure why Eddie was being labelled a nonce? Did I miss something? Brilliant television. Even despite E3 feeling a bit long-winded. Wow. Proper television we dont get enough of these days.'

A third tweeted: 'Im so confused. Why are they calling him a nonce??'

Another reason why fans have praised the series is because of the fact it was filmed in one continuous shot.

The director, Philip Barantini, 44, has recently opened up about the challenges that the crew faced while doing so.

He told The Independent: '[Tech rehearsals] would be an opportunity for the sound team to put the booms where they needed to be.

'And, we had all the support and the runners and ADs all dressed in police uniforms in the first episode and teachers in the second episode, so they could be on camera and cueing things.

'It was technically challenging, but a huge collaboration... sort of a dance really.'

Adolescence is written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham.

The show stars Stephen, Owen, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Mark Stanley and Jo Hartley.

The programme was filmed in July 2024 and finished in October.

It was show in the areas of South Kirkby South Elmsall, Sheffield and Yorkshire.

Stream all episodes of Adolescence on Netflix now.
In recent years, Leonardo DiCaprio's well-deserved fame for his Oscar-winning acting has almost been eclipsed by his reported penchant for dating women under the age of 25.

In fact, the 50-year-old's allegedly strict criteria  or 'Leo's Law'  has become so notorious it's said to be a running joke in Hollywood circles.

That was until 26-year-old Italian model Vittoria Ceretti came along.

For Leo's current girlfriend  soon to be 27!  has seemingly broken this hard and fast rule.

Despite her young age, Vittoria has been married once before  to Matteo Milleri, 36, an Italian-American DJ who goes by 'Anyma'  and an insider claims she's in no rush to walk down the aisle again.

That apparent dismissal of marriage means she's avoiding putting any pressure on Leo to escalate things, the insider explained, which has allowed their age-gap relationship to flourish past its expiration date.

In recent years, Leonardo DiCaprio's well-deserved fame for for his Oscar-winning acting has almost been eclipsed by his reported penchant for dating women under the age of 25

Italian model Vittoria Ceretti (picutred), who turns 27 in June, has seen her relationship with the actor flourish because she's not putting pressure on him to propose

Indeed, despite DiCaprio's many high-profile relationships across his five decades - including with the likes of actresses Blake Lively and Camila Morrone, as well as models Nina Agdal and Gisele Bundchen - he has resisted ever tying the knot.

'With previous relationships he felt a certain pressure to make it official with talk of marriage, but there is no rush to change what [he and Ceretti] have right now,' the insider told the Daily Mail.

'She is the realest girlfriend he has ever had, and she makes him feel genuinely loved. You can see that they both appreciate what they have,' the insider added. '[She] understands that his schedule can change, and she never shows any jealousy.'

Indeed, DiCaprio often finds himself surrounded by beautiful women, whether while on his favored summer yachting holidays or on film sets.

'He appreciates that so much, because it is important to him to have his own life alongside his life with Vittoria, who also has the space to concentrate on her own successful career,' the source continued. 'It just works, and friends believe she will be the one, because she isn't pressuring him into marriage.'

Of course, it's not lost on those friends that Ceretti was born in 1998, a whole year after James Cameron's iconic movie Titanic launched a then 23-year-old DiCaprio to global stardom.

But despite that gaping age gap, our insider insists 'Vittoria loves being Leo's best friend'  a position she perhaps would not have filled had she been around in the 1990s, when DiCaprio hung out with his so-called 'p***y posse', whose members included fellow actors Tobey Maguire and Lukas Haas. The group were famed for their wild nights out.

In 2014, DiCaprio admitted to Esquire magazine that women struggled to fit in with his nomadic lifestyle, saying: 'Six months of being on location or being off in Morocco or someplace like that is not the best thing for a relationship.'

Now, he's seemingly more settled than ever with globetrotting Ceretti, who has amassed 1.8 million Instagram followers - and who seems more than happy to accompany DiCaprio on his various travels.

'Vittoria loves being Leo's best friend,' said one source. 'It just works, and friends believe she will be the one, because she isn't pressuring him into marriage'

Many had thought DiCaprio would marry actress and model Morrone, who he was with for four years between 2017 and 2022.

She opened up about their long-term relationship to the Los Angeles Times in 2019.

'There's so many relationships in Hollywood  and in the history of the world  where people have large age gaps,' she gushed. 'I just think anyone should be able to date who they want to date.'

But in August 2022  shortly after Morrone's 25th birthday  they reportedly ended their romance.

It was part of a pattern. In 2005, he had split from Bundchen when she was 25. In 2011, an on-off six-year fling with model Bar Refaeli (then 25) came to an end. Blake Lively dated DiCaprio for a five months when she was 24. And in 2017, he broke up with Danish model Nina Agdal two months after she hit the quarter century.

'She is the realest girlfriend he has ever had, and she makes him feel genuinely loved. You can see that they both appreciate what they have,' the insider said

All of which makes it so much more astounding that 26-year-old Ceretti has got away with it.

As another insider told the Daily Mail, the Catch Me If You Can actor 'has been tamed, and his friends feel Ceretti may be the one' because 'he only has eyes for her.'

Even his family is said to adore Ceretti  and she has the approval of DiCaprio's 82-year-old mother, Irmelin Indenbirken, who he is especially close with. An only child, and without a wife, DiCaprio often takes his mother as his red-carpet date to premieres.

It certainly also helps that Ceretti shares DiCaprio's passion for environmental causes. According to Elle magazine, for her past three birthdays, she has asked 100 to 200 party guests to plant a tree via the organization Treedom.

And so in June, as Ceretti celebrates her 27th birthday, she can also raise a glass to locking down Hollywood's most irrepressible leading man.
U.S. has no right to interfere in China-Thailand cooperation on combating cross-border illegal, criminal activities: FM spokesperson

Xinhua) 10:36, March 18, 2025

BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Thailand working together as two sovereign nations to crack down on human smuggling and other cross-border crimes is in line with domestic laws of both countries as well as international law and common practices. The United States has no right to interfere in such cooperation, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to a query regarding moves by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who announced sanctions including visa restriction policy that will apply to Thai government officials involved in the deportation cooperation.

Noting the 40 Chinese nationals, under wrong influence, illegally crossed the border and ended up stranded in Thailand, where they were detained for over a decade, Mao said the Chinese government has the obligation and responsibility to protect its citizens and help them reunite with their families and resume normal lives.

By politicizing this issue, the United States is in nature applying double standards and trying to suppress others, Mao said, adding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported the removal of over 270,000 noncitizens to 192 different countries during the 2024 fiscal year, marking the highest level of deportations since 2014.

The United States on the one hand engages in indiscriminate deportation against illegal immigrants, yet on the other points fingers at and smears other countries' legitimate law enforcement cooperation, and slaps sanctions and put pressures on others, said the spokesperson. "This is typical bullying."

She said China strongly condemns all ill-intentioned vilification and illegal sanctions against China and Thailand, and firmly opposes the United States manipulating Xinjiang-related issues under the pretext of human rights, interfering in China's domestic affairs, and disrupting the normal law enforcement cooperation between China and relevant countries.

"China will continue to enhance communication and coordination with relevant countries on the basis of mutual respect and equal-footed consultation, protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens and work for stronger international law enforcement cooperation," Mao said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Below Deck Down Under stars Harry Van Vliet and Brianna Duffield have become this season's favorite boatmance.

Last season, fans watched as the 25-year-old had a brewing boatmance with stewardess Margot Sisson, which, in the end, turned into a special friendship.

This season, for season three, Harry is back and is taking a 'slower' approach when it comes to finding love on the superyacht.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, the deckhand opened up about his 'brewing' relationship with Brianna, 23, who was introduced as a new stewardess.

'I definitely think season two I kind of opened the gates very quickly, you know, I let all my feelings flood out at once and it didn't really work for me.

'So this season, I'm kind of, as everyone can see, I'm like kind of taking it slow,' he spilled, referring to his relationship with Brianna.

Harry Van Vliet spoke exclusively with DailyMail.com on March 12 where he dished all things season three of Below Deck Down Under

Fans watch as the 25-year-old deckhand has a budding boatmance with Brianna Duffield, 23

He added, 'Whether it pays off or not, we'll see,' before joking, 'It doesn't really look like it's paying off. I'm doing the wrong thing again!'

The Sydney, Australia native went on to say that he and the New Jersey-born yachtie are 'kind of working ourselves out.'

Harry teased that there's sparks 'flying' between them and that there's 'definitely something' brewing.

'Brie and I, we match each other's energy so well, so it's definitely something that is brewing and I think the sparks are flying,' he revealed.

Without giving away what's to come, he said, 'It's definitely going to, hopefully, lead to something. But yeah, we'll have to wait and see what happens.'

Although he was unable to confirm whether or not they are an exclusive couple post-filming, he reiterated, 'We definitely match each other's energy and sparks are definitely flying.'

It's no surprise Brianna and Harry fell for each other during filming the show in the Seychelles, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa.

'Being on a boat in such small quarters, living and working with people, you build very strong quick connections with them.

Harry, who was part of season two of Below Deck Down Under, said that this time around, he's 'kind of taking it slow' when it comes to relationships on board

Harry teased his relationship with Brianna, 'It's definitely going to, hopefully, lead to something. But yeah, we'll have to wait and see what happens'

He added, 'Brie and I, we match each other's energy so well, so it's definitely something that is brewing and I think the sparks are flying'

'That's why the boatmances happen as easy as they do. I think you're basically on top of one another, you know, just to work,' he explained.

'But I definitely think that's a good thing for certain types of people with personalities [and] working on boats, if you've got that personality and that mindset, it's fantastic.'

Harry joins the other yachties this season, including Captain Jason Chambers, Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph, Anthony Bird, Lara Rigby, Wihan Du Toit, Johnny Arvanitis, Adair Werley and Marina Marcondes de Barros.

The reality star said about working with Captain Jason Chambers, 52, again, 'It's fantastic. Jason's a great bloke to work for.

'Second time around, we're just getting closer and closer. You know, he's basically a dad to me. We get on so well. I know what he wants, I know how to give him what he wants, so we just get in and get the job done.'

Jason has become a heartthrob to Below Deck fans and has even caught the eye of some reality stars, including the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Sutton Stracke.

The father-of-one remains single, which Harry believes is because he's prioritizing his 10-year-old daughter, Saskia, who he shares with his ex-wife Fuchsia Quinn.

'I honestly think Jason just focusing on his family. He's got a daughter, a young daughter. He's prioritizing that and he's probably just waiting for the right person,' Harry reasoned. 'He's definitely a catch!'

Harry told DailyMail.com about working with Captain Jason Chambers, 'Second time around, we're just getting closer and closer. You know, he's basically a dad to me. We get on so well'

Harry told DailyMail.com that he looks up to Jason and even worked hard in between filming season two and season three to get his Yachtmaster and Captain's license in hopes of moving 'up the ranks' and eventually becoming captain of his own yacht one day.

'I want to be a captain one day. I love being on the water,' he shared.

'The rocking of the boat puts me to sleep at night so I don't see myself leaving anytime soon.

'The only time I would leave is if say that special person comes around and I want a family then I need to be land-based.'

The Bondi Beach native started sailing when he was six years old and has been in yachting for the past six years.

He noted that it's 'tough living on a boat' while being away from family and missing special occasions such as 'birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.'

Fans have already seen some wild moments ever since season three premiered on February 3, including jet skis flipping over and Harry's painful thumb injury.

Harry had a traumatic experience this season when he had to pay a visit to the local hospital to take X-rays on his thumb after he nearly lost it while working

Harry said that there's other wild moments this season with the cast that have yet to air (pictured are Adair Werley, Brianna Duffield, Lara Rigby and Marina Marcondes de Barros)

Harry had to pay visit to the local hospital to take X-rays on his thumb after he nearly lost his finger after it got caught in jet ski equipment, leaving it a bloody mess.

Harry recalled, 'It was awful. I wasn't happy that day. I just instantly thought that I was going to have to leave the boat. Like a deckhand on a superyacht who can't get his finger wet isn't much use, is he?'

He added that he was 'so grateful' that the Captain allowed him to do other things on board, such as 'help make the beds [and] clean the bathrooms,' while he was advised by medical experts to allow 10 days for recovery.

He said that now, months later, his thumb is 'back to normal' and he finally got a finger nail again.

Despite the traumatic experience and drama that's unfolded so far, Harry said that he would 'absolutely do another season' of Below Deck Down Under.

He spilled, 'Absolutely, definitely. I mean, I love working with Jason. I love seeing the world, meeting new people, guests, crew, all the above.'

As far as what's next for him, he said that he's going to continue sailing around the world and eventually, buy a boat that he's able to live on and see the world.

There's still a lot to come this season when new episodes of Below Deck Down Under drop every Monday at 8pm ET on Bravo.
Gene Hackman's two dogs, who endured weeks of hell in a house of death, have begun their own road to recovery after finally being placed in new loving homes, DailyMail.com has learned.

But 7-year-old German Shepherd Bear and Nikita, an Akita-shepherd mix, have lost each other's companionship as they have been split up following their ordeal.

Joey Padilla, the owner of Santa Fe Tails who'd been caring for the pooches at his doggie daycare center since last month's tragic deaths of the Oscar-winning actor, his wife and a third dog, told DailyMail.com Sunday that he just got back from dropping off one of the dogs out of state and said the other pet has been moved to a local home.

He said he was not allowed to share where they ended up, only that they were placed in separate homes.

Padilla later issued a statement noting that the couple's estate lawyer had signed off on the decision.

'It is with great joy that, with the consent of the estate attorney, I and my staff at Santa Fe Tails have successfully found homes for the Hackmans' surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita,' he wrote.

Betsy Arakawa with her dogs Zinna, left, and Bear, in Santa Fe. Zinna passed away tragically from starvation and dehydration when she was left in her crate after Betsy had suddenly died

DailyMail.com has learned that after two weeks of torment for the dogs when Betsy and Gene Hackman passed away, their surviving dogs Bear and Nikita have been rehomed

Their trainer and friend Joey Padilla, 42, was the one who set the dogs up with a new home. He said the actor provided financial support to Padilla's daycare Santa Fe Tails and invested in his bowling center, The Alley, that he owned with his late wife Hannah

'We went through stringent efforts to ensure the best homes were found and the dogs have already begun settling into their new lives.

'We are all thankful for the concern and well wishes Bear and Nikita have received during their transition,' he added.

'It is our hope that everyone continues to wish them the best and honor their privacy so they can continue to heal.'

Padilla, 42, had forged a close bond over the years with the legendary actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who took exceptional care of their three dogs, using his training and daycare services as well as those of an animal chiropractor who'd give them adjustments every few weeks.

'Gene and Betsy had so much love for her dogs,' he told DailyMail.com on Thursday when the animals were still staying at his facility.

'There was nothing they would not do for those dogs.'

Padilla said the couple took exceptional care of their three dogs

Padilla got called to the house on February 26 after the bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found in their home, along with Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mixed breed

Padilla waited to decide what to do with the dogs until he heard back from Hackman's estate to see if any family members wanted to take in the two

The couple also provided financial support at Santa Fe Tails and invested in The Alley, a bowling center Padilla owns elsewhere in town.

'I wouldn't have what I have without them,' he told DailyMail.com.

On February 26, Padilla got called to the house after the bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, had been found in their home, along with Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mixed breed.

'That was actually the first time I'd been to their home,' Padilla said. 'It's absolutely devastating, absolutely devastating.'

Zinna, who had recently undergone a medical procedure, was found dead in a crate in the bathroom, the same room where Arakawa was found.

Bear and Nikita were running free and survived.

Padilla broke the unfortunate news that the two dogs were rehomed separately with one going out of state while the other stayed local

Padilla explained that when he arrived, Bear had already been grabbed by Santa Fe County Animal Control. However, it took him setting up a trap overnight to get Nikita who was especially skittish after the ordeal

Padilla said that over the past few weeks, dog lovers from across the nation have offered to take the couple's dogs, as have locals

Authorities, after finding Arakawa, were unable to immediately locate Hackman. During their search one of the dogs constantly ran up to them barking and running off, leading them to his body in the mudroom.

Padilla explained that when he arrived, Bear had already been grabbed by Santa Fe County Animal Control. However, Nikita was proving elusive.

'There were officers everything, and there was obviously a lot of chaos in Nikita's mind,' Padilla told DailyMail.com.

'She was running around the property, scared. She didn't know what to do. I tried luring her with treats, but it didn't work.'

He left a cage with a trap and, overnight, Nikita stepped inside. Padilla grabbed her the next morning and took both her and Bear to Santa Fe Tails.

'They're adjusting to their new life,' Padilla said on Thursday when the dogs were still at the center.

Padilla's doggy daycare, Santa Fe Tails. The trainer and businessman was close with Hackman and his wife who used his training and daycare services

According to a search warrant, Arakawa was found lying on her side in the bathroom with a space heater next to her head, while Hackman was discovered lying on the ground of a mud room just off the kitchen with his sunglasses and cane nearby

Hackman and Arakawa are pictured with Hackman's daughters Elizabeth and Leslie at a Beverly Hills movie premiere in 1996

Padilla said that over the past few weeks, dog lovers from across the nation have offered to take them in, as have locals.

He clarified at the time that he was holding off a decision as he waited to hear back from a representative for the Hackman and Arakawa on whether the couple had expressed their wishes for the animals.

It was unclear whether family members expressed a desire to take them in.

If the family wasn't interested, Padilla was thinking a local family might be preferable given that's where Hackman and Arakawa had chosen to make their home.

'I've had people from all over the country reach out,' he said. 'But I think we would go locally and quietly find these dogs homes with whoever is the best fit.'

The State Department of Agriculture's veterinary lab has determined that Zinna died from dehydration and starvation, The Associated Press reported on Saturday.

Arakawa had picked up the dog from a Santa Fe veterinarian on February 9, which could explain why the animal was found inside the encasement.

Arakawa was found to have died just two days later, on February 11, while Hackman died on February 18, suffering advanced Alzheimer's and likely unaware that she was gone.

Their deaths were ruled to be due to natural causes.

Arakawa was an apparent victim of the rodent-borne hantavirus, a rare disease that produces flu-like symptoms and has a 38 percent death rate.

The Oscar-winning actor is believed to have died from heart disease and showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer's disease.

Both were found decomposed and partially mummified.

Hackman won the award for Best Actor for his role in The French Connection. The movie itself won Best Picture

Hackman with his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven. The gruff-but-beloved Hackman was among the finest actors of his generation

Hackman shared three children with his first wife Faye Maltese. He and Arakawa, a classical pianist, had been married for the last three decades.

The gruff-but-beloved Hackman was among the finest actors of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.

He was a five-time Oscar nominee who won for his roles in The French Connection in 1972 and Unforgiven two decades later.

Hackman met Arakawa, who grew up in Hawaii, when she was working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s.

They soon moved in together, and by the end of the decade had decamped to Santa Fe.

A naturally private man, Hackman was labeled a recluse as he remained out of the public eye for years on end following his retirement from the movie industry. He retired from acting in 2004.
Her boyfriend is one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

But Channing Tatum's new ladylove Inka Williams appears to still be getting used to the limelight.

The model, 25, looked like she was shooting daggers at a camera as the new couple mingled with other guests in the VIP Ferrari suite at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne over the weekend.

In the clip, Channing could be seen animatedly chatting as his girlfriend stared into the camera before taking a sip her drink.

Channing, 44, jetted into Melbourne on Friday to be reunited with his new Aussie girlfriend, 25, only to fly out again on Monday.

Before his arrival, Inka attended several events for the global sporting event, including Glamour on the Grid and an intimate Moet & Chandon soiree to celebrate the Champagne house's return to Formula 1 podiums.

Channing Tatum's new ladylove Inka Williams looked like she was shooting daggers at a camera as the new couple mingled with other guests in the VIP Ferrari suite at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne over the weekend

In the clip, Channing could be seen animatedly chatting as his girlfriend stared into the camera before taking a sip her drink

Before his arrival, Inka attended several events for the global sporting event, including Glamour on the Grid and an intimate Moet & Chandon soiree to celebrate the Champagne house's return to Formula 1 podiums

'I feel like Im dating the king of England  actually hes way better,' Inka told the Herald Sun on Wednesday, as she got the full-glamour treatment in the Crown styling suite ahead of an appearance at Glamour on the Grid.

'I am very happy,' she added.

Channing and Inka have been the talk of the town since going public with their relationship a few weeks ago.

Rumours swirled about the pair after they were first spotted at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel back in January.

However they only confirmed their romance in February as they left the CAA pre-Oscar party in Los Angeles hand-in-hand.

A source told People that the couple are 'seeing' each other on romantic terms.

'They met through friends. She's great. She's young, but seems older.'

'Channing's doing well. [Inka] makes him happy,' the insider continued.

'I feel like Im dating the king of England  actually hes way better,' Inka told the Herald Sun on Wednesday, as she got the full-glamour treatment in the Crown styling suite ahead of an appearance at Glamour on the Grid

The Blink Twice actor split from ex Zoe Kravitz in October after three years of dating

Inka, who was born in Melbourne and raised in Bali, balances her successful modelling career with her fashion brand She Is I

'He's reuniting with Zoe later this spring for another movie project. It shouldn't be too awkward - they ended things on okay terms.'

Inka, who was born in Melbourne and raised in Bali, balances her successful modelling career with her fashion brand She Is I.

She has previously discussed growing up in Bali, telling by charlotte that it made her a 'very compassionate person'.

'I feel so connected to the culture and energy of this island. It's so sacred and deep. I think that's reflected in my day-to-day life and way of living,' she said.

Inka also explained how modelling from such a young age helped her 'build resilience and strength'.
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Married At First Sight's Jacqui Burfoot has been caught out in an embarrassing Homestays Week lie.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that the luxurious Manly property she welcomed Ryan Donnelly into on Monday night was actually a rented Airbnb.

The 29-year-old jewellery store owner returned to the Northern Beaches for the episode and was filmed rolling her suitcase through the front door of what was supposedly her home.

However, the property was in fact a $200-a-night Airbnb rental.

A voiceover described the residence as 'Jacqui's home', but in reality it was a two-story rental arranged by producers.

The deception didn't end there either, as it was also a completely different home from the one shown during her wedding backstory.

Married At First Sight's Jacqui Burfoot has been caught out in an embarrassing Homestays Week lie

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that the luxurious Manly property she welcomed Ryan Donnelly into on Monday night was actually a rented Airbnb

According to a production insider, Jacqui's actual living situation was deemed 'too small' and impractical for filming.

'She had roommates living at her house and it was in a messy state, and she didn't feel comfortable with it,' a source tells Daily Mail Australia.

'Ryan and Jacqui were instructed not to make any mention that it was a fake house and just to pretend that it was actually Jacqui's.'

The source added the decision was ironic given Jacqui's later criticisms of Ryan's real home.

'Which is pretty hypocritical because when they went to Ryan's, Jacqui was given full freedom to attack his living conditions,' they said.

What's more, MAFS fans have also claimed that the fake home was filled with Kmart furnishings after Jacqui continued to describe herself as 'high class'.

Homestay week is designed to offer a glimpse into the daily lives of MAFS contestants, leading viewers to believe they are staying in their actual homes.

The property was in fact a $200-a-night Airbnb rental.

The deception didn't end there either, as it was also a completely different home from the one shown during her wedding backstory

Meanwhile, tensions are set to reach new heights when Jacqui travels to Ryan's home in Campbelltown, in Sydney's west

However, due to Jacqui's real living situation - a small shared apartment in Manly -producers opted for a more visually appealing alternative.

'Her real bedroom was tiny, and the camera crew couldn't fit in her apartment. Her roommates' stuff was everywhere and they would've had to be asked to leave for filming,' the insider added.

Despite the controversy, the episode still managed to deliver its fair share of drama.

Jacqui and Ryan clashed over his facial hair, reigniting their ongoing disagreement over why he refused to shave his beard.

The argument escalated in the backyard, proving that even in a dreamy Northern Beaches setting, their issues couldn't be escaped.

Meanwhile, Daily Mail Australia can reveal that tensions are set to reach new heights when Jacqui travels to Ryan's home in Campbelltown, in Sydney's west.

Ryan had serious reservations about her visit, fearing her 'elitist attitude' would take centre stage.

'He told her, "Look, if you come here, maybe think about what you're going to say and try not to be too judgmental, because my house is clean,"' the insider claimed.

However, that didn't stop Jacqui from nitpicking every detail of his home. She allegedly 'walked through pointing out everything she didn't like' and even wrote a to-do list for Ryan on a whiteboard.

'She literally wrote a list - like a teacher scolding a student,' the source said.

Her criticisms didn't stop there. Jacqui reportedly mocked Ryan for only having expired two month old eggs in his fridge, ridiculed his artwork, and even insulted his souvenir collection, likening his home to 'an old person's house'.

But perhaps the biggest insult of all?

'She ripped into him for having just one pillow on his bed. Ryan had actually bought her a brand-new pillow before she arrived, but it still wasn't good enough,' the insider revealed.
The attorney for Blake Lively's It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni sounded defiant when he was asked about the possibility of a settlement during a recent podcast.

On the latest episode of Matthew Belloni's podcast The Town, the host sat down with Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman to discuss the dueling lawsuits his client and Lively, 37, have filed against each other, and how they met finally be resolved.

Although a settlement to the lawsuits would be a common resolution in similar situations, Freedman appeared to suggest that Baldoni, 41, was willing to take his lawsuit all the way to a final verdict.

Lively previously filed a sexual harassment lawsuit in December against Baldoni, who also directed their hit romantic drama It Ends With Us.

Baldoni later followed up by launching a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her publicist and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

He also filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against the New York Times for its reporting on Lively's allegations.

The attorney for Blake Lively's It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni sounded defiant when he was asked about the possibility of a settlement during a recent podcast; Lively is pictured February 16 in NYC

On the latest episode of Matthew Belloni's podcast The Town, the host sat down with Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman to discuss the dueling lawsuits his client and Lively have filed against each other, and how they met finally be resolved

Both Lively and Baldoni have denied each others claims, and the New York Times has denied Baldoni's accusations and requested that his lawsuit against the paper be dismissed.

During the podcast, Belloni broached the possibility that Baldoni might ending up offering a settlement in Lively's lawsuit against him.

'I do not believe there will be a trial in this case,' Belloni opined, via Us Weekly. 'I just think that the potential for the circus and the damage to both sides here will ultimately win out and you guys will settle.'

He then asked why the two sides would hypothetically drag out the lawsuit  and the negative publicity that comes with it for bother parties  any longer than was necessary.

'What is the number?' he asked, referring to the amount Baldoni would be willing to settle for. 'What would it require for this to go away?'

But Freedman seemed to push away talk of a settlement by circuitously disagreeing with Belloni's framing of the situation.

'You keep referring to it as a circus and I get it. You see a lot of cases. You see a lot of things, but the reality is this is not a circus when you go through an experience like this,' he replied.

'Ive represented a lot of people in the worst moments of their career, the worst moments of their life. Justin has been destroyed by this,' he claimed.

During the podcast, Freedman (pictured in NYC on February 3) said a lawsuit was the only way Baldoni could clear his name, so settling early might not vindicate him

'Ive represented a lot of people in the worst moments of their career, the worst moments of their life. Justin has been destroyed by this,' he claimed; seen in August in NYC

Freedman characterized Lively's accusations against Baldoni as a 'really serious thing,' and said it was a necessity that they be interrogated in court; seen with Reynolds on February 16 in NYC

Freedman characterized Lively's accusations against Baldoni as a 'really serious thing,' and said it was a necessity that they be interrogated in court.

'In this day and age, the only way that you can truly get back is to prove your innocence and thats what were actively working to [do],' he declared. 'That may only be able to be done in a courtroom.'

Freedman also clarified Baldoni's controversial decision to create a website full of documents with his allegations about Lively's alleged defamation, as well as his denials of her claims that he sexually harassed her on set.

According to the lawyer, all of the documents have been entered into the court record, and the website is simply an easier access point for interested fans following the lawsuit's progress.

'The website is actually a culmination of public pleadings that are publicly accessible and had been filed and they are easily accessible,' Freedman claimed. 'Its a place where you can find things.'

He added that he thought the website was a particularly important tool for his client, as it pushed back against Lively's accusations that were featured in a blockbuster New York Times story  which prompted prompted Baldoni to sue the newspaper.

The minute the New York Times story came out, Justin was done for all intents and purposes,' Freedman said.

'The court of public opinion was against him. There was no side that he had in this. There were no facts that were on his side It was really important to come out with real, true facts,' he claimed.

Freedman also clarified Baldoni's controversial decision to create a website. He claimed it only has public court pleadings, which makes them easier for interested fans to access; Baldoni seen in December in NYC

Lively recently filed amended version of her complaint alleging she has corroboration of her original claims, and a spokesperson for the actress claims 'other women confided in Blake about their discomfort'; Baldoni seen in May 2023 in Hoboken, New Jersey

Last month, Lively unleashed a new salvo in her ongoing legal back-and-forth with Justin Baldoni by claiming that she was not the only woman he made uncomfortable on the set of It Ends With Us.

An amended version of her complaint filed late in New York federal court alleged that she has corroboration of her original claims, and a spokesperson for the actress claimed that 'other women confided in Blake about their discomfort,' according to People.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Balondi's attorney Freedman said: 'Our clients have been transparent in providing receipts, real time documents and video showing a completely different story than what has been manipulated and cherry picked to the media. Our clients have taken this matter and these issues very seriously notwithstanding the jokes made publicly by the plaintiff and her husband.

'Her underwhelming amended complaint is filled with unsubstantial hearsay of unnamed persons who are clearly no longer willing to come forward or publicly support her claims,' he continued. 'Since documents do not lie and people do, the upcoming depositions of those who initially supported Ms. Livelys false claims and those who are witnesses to her own behavior will be enlightening. What is truly uncomfortable here is Ms. Livelys lack of actual evidence.'

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Lively's attorneys Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb said her amended complaint against Baldoni 'provides significant additional evidence and corroboration of her original claims.'

They added that it 'includes previously undisclosed communications' Lively had with Sony Pictures, Baldoni's production company Wayfarer Studios and 'numerous other witnesses.'

The new version of the complaint reportedly includes an added defamation claim against Baldoni that was not part of the initial document, which was filed on New Year's Eve.

According to Hudson and Gottlieb, Lively is suing for defamation 'based on the repeated false statements the defendants have made about Ms. Lively since she filed her original complaint...'

They add that it 'includes previously undisclosed communications' Lively had with Sony Pictures, Baldoni's production company Wayfarer Studios and 'numerous other witnesses'; Baldoni pictured December 9 in NYC

Lively's revised complaint adds a defamation claim against Baldoni for 'repeated false statements ... about Ms. Lively since she filed her original complaint...' according to her attorneys; Baldoni and Lively seen on It Ends With Us set in New Jersey in January 2024

It claims Baldoni's 'false narrative crumbles' because Lively 'was not alone in complaining about Mr. Baldoni...' and that she 'raised her concerns contemporaneously as they arose,' instead of waiting until shortly before the film was released; still from It Ends With Us

She has also expanded her complaint to add Jed Wallace and his Texas-based crisis PR firm Street Relations, Inc., as a defendant.

Wallace, who has denied playing any part in a smear campaign against the Gossip Girl star, previously filed a $7 million lawsuit against her in response to Lively's allegation in her initial complaint that his firm 'weaponized a digital army' against her on behalf of Baldoni.

She had requested Wallace be deposed in her initial complaint, though he revealed in his subsequent lawsuit earlier in February that the request had been rescinded.

Lively's new filing alleges that others on the set of It Ends With Us can corroborate her claims.

It claims that Baldoni and his co-defendants' 'false narrative crumbles under the indisputable truth' that the actress 'was not alone in complaining about Mr. Baldoni...'

The filing also tries to establish that she 'raised her concerns contemporaneously as they arose in 2023, not in connection with some imagined power play for control of the film in 2024.'

According to a spokesperson for Lively, the amended filing 'details the corroboration that backs up Blakes original sexual harassment and retaliation concerns.'

They allege that the document proves that 'other women confided in Blake about their discomfort and fear of coming forward, and their concern about the current public vitriol.'

Lively and Reynolds recently made light of the situation when they returned to the spotlight at the SNL50 anniversary special in February

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler began by asking, 'How's it going?' Reynolds nervously responded, 'Great. Why, what have you heard?' Lively then looked up at him with a painfully over-the-top expression of concern, before relaxing into her normal smile

Despite the escalating legal battle between the two parties, there's no end in sight for Lively or Baldoni.

In January, a judge scheduled a trial date for their lawsuits in March of 2026, and both parties have already decided to skip any attempt at mediation.

Lively and Reynolds recently made light of the situation when they returned to the spotlight at the SNL50 anniversary special last month.

In one segment featuring questions from the star-studded audience, Reynolds alluded to the dueling lawsuits.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler set off the exchange by calling on it and asking, 'How's it going?'

'Great. Why, what have you heard?' the Deadpool star responded nervously while clasping his hands together.

Lively then looked up at him with a painfully over-the-top expression of concern, before relaxing into her normal smile.

Insiders later told DailyMail.com that some attendees of the SNL anniversary special were 'apprehensive' about chatting with the A-list couple.

Baldoni's attorney Bryan Freedman later slammed the joke, despite the fact that it never explicitly referenced the Jane The Virgin actor

Earlier this month, Lively's legal team subpoenaed multiple cell carriers as it attempts to gather proof that Baldoni launched a smear campaign against her; Reynolds and Lively seen February 16 in NYC

Some producers were concerned that the show was being used to endorse Blake and Ryan because they seem desperate to prove that theyre still in with the Hollywood crowd, the insider continued.

Their team worked with SNL to create the joke but the truth is, people there werent really feeling it. To many it felt like cheap damage control. But it was included as the network knew the appearance would grab ratings and make headlines.'

They continued: 'Some people thought it was weird that they were so eager to crack jokes about it because the accusations are serious. It felt like Ryan was desperate to stick with the funny guy act which was almost at the expense of Blake. She seemed on edge backstage.'

Baldoni's attorney Bryan Freedman later slammed the joke, despite the fact that it never explicitly referenced the Jane The Virgin actor.

'Im unaware of anybody, frankly, whose wife has been sexually harassed and has made jokes about that type of situation,' he said on an appearance on Hot Mics with Billy Bush.

'I cant think of anyone whos done anything like that. So it surprised me.'

Earlier in February, Lively's legal team sent subpoenas to the cell carriers to produce 'receipts for her legal battle against Baldoni.

'Ms. Lively has initiated discovery that will expose the people, tactics, and methods that have worked to "destroy" and "bury" her reputation and family over the past year,' her attorneys Hudson and Gottlieb told Deadline.

'We will now receive all of the receipts that, unsurprisingly, are nowhere to be found on Mr. Freedmans website, and like Ms. Lively, those "receipts" will have their day in court,' they added, referencing Freedman's allegation that Baldoni's team had 'receipts' backing up his claim that Lively had been a bully on the set of It Ends With Us.

Baldoni's legal team later said the subpoenas went 'flagrantly overboard' in a letter to US District Judge Lewis J. Liman.

'If they have so many receipts why are they so afraid to produce them,' Lively's attorneys responded in a statement to People.
While some Married At First Sight fans may be finding it hard to understand some of Adrian Araouzou's actions, it seems producers are struggling to understand what he is actually saying.

The controversial groom is the only cast member from season 12 to have their dialogue accompanied by subtitles.

Instagram account MAFS Funny shared a screenshot from Monday night's episode that showed Adrian chatting to the camera during his home visit with bride Awhina Rutene.

The caption that ran alongside Adrian's dialogue read: '...what her sister Cleo done wrong that day.'

The original poster commented that they were quite tickled with the lack of grammar in the subtitles.

'I love the fact they're no longer correcting his grammar in the subtitles,' the caption over the image read.

While some Married At First Sight fans may be finding it hard to understand some of Adrian Araouzou's actions, it seems producers are struggling to understand what he is actually saying. Pictured

Captioning the post, MAFS Funny hinted that producers had finally given up trying to understand the reality groom's accent

'The person doing the subtitles has admitted defeat hahahaah,' they wrote.

Viewers were quick to comment on the post, with many MAFS fans taking the chance to have a not-so-subtle dig at Adrian.

'They need to introduce a special award at the Logies for the poor subtitles person who had to cope with this nong,' one fan commented.

Another chimed in with a similar: 'Is it weird that now he's being an a** again, I can't understand him again?'

'What school did he go to as a child. They have a lot to answer for,' one viewer questioned while another replied with, 'He speaks the good English.'

Summing up the sentiment of many, another added: 'Omg can't they at least get grammar correct? Drives me crazy!!!'

MAFS fans were also quick to issue their surprise over the use of subtitles on Adrian's voice following the show's first dinner party in February.

Instagram account MAFS Funny shared a screenshot from Monday night's episode that showed odd subtitles

'The person doing the subtitles has admitted defeat hahahaah,' MAFS Funny wrote in the caption

'I used more brain power trying to understand what Adrian is saying than I did in my 9 hour shift as a pharmacist,' one person posted to TikTok.

'Did anyone else not have subtitles when he was talking at the dinner party? Hurt my brain trying to understand him,' another commented.

'The subtitles were saving me,' a third said, while another wrote: 'And he's the only one with subtitles as well.'

'I thought it was just because I was from US! So it isn't an accent/dialect issue?' one person asked.

'I needed English subtitles when Adrian talks and still I can't really understand,' another added.

Former MAFS star Dean Wells also shared a video to his Instagram, echoing a similar sentiment.

'I think the way he speaks, he is the first MAFS contestant to ever have subtitles,' he told his followers.

In a recent interview on the MAFS Funny podcast, Adrian explained his accent.

'They need to introduce a special award at the Logies for the poor subtitles person who had to cope with this nong,' one fan commented

Summing up the sentiment of many, another added: 'Omg can't they at least get grammar correct? Drives me crazy!!!'

'I'm from Sydney, and where I grew up is a multicultured community,' he said.

'I grew up around a lot of islanders, Aboriginals, Europeans and Australians, a bit of everything, and it's just my accent, bro.'

While admitting that he can be prone to mumbling, Adrian was quick to take aim at viewers criticising his accent.

'I do mumble, 100 per cent. Sometimes I mumble, that's just me, bro,' he said.

'At the end of the day, when anyone says, ''You've got subtitles, bro'', I'm still on the biggest show in Australia.

'What are you doing? You're watching me and reading those subtitles.'
UK pop star Dua Lipa kicked off her Australian tour in style this week, paying homage to an iconic Aussie band.

The One Kiss hitmaker, 29, kicked off her five night stay at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Monday.

As a bonus for her Aussie fans, Dua ripped into a rendition of the AC/DC classic Highway To Hell.

Instagram account LipaFans shared a clip of the hitmaker performing the tune to a packed arena.

Offering a much more soulful take than the rough and ready delivery of legendary front man Bon Scott, Dua brought down the house with the surprising cover.

Wearing a lacy black body suit and red hot pants, Dua looked very much in her element belting out the classic track.

UK pop star Dua Lipa (pictured) kicked off her Australian tour in style this week, paying homage to an iconic Aussie band

She added an extra element of rock and roll swagger to proceedings with a large white feather boa that she wore while strutting around the stage.

The song choice definitely resonated with fans, with one commenting, 'Dua doing an ACDC song? I love her even more now'.

Dua Lipa's Australian tour will continue with four more shows at Rod Laver Arena from Wednesday, March 19 to Sunday, March 23.

She will then hit Sydney for three shows at Qudos Bank Arena before flying to Auckland for two shows at Spark Arena.

Following the tour's announcement, and subsequent addition of shows, many fans were left cold by the shock prices.

One person shared a screenshot to X which showed their tickets costing $349.90, writing: 'Nawt Dua Lipa/Ticketek turning on premium pricing for her Aus shows [sic].'

'Why are Dua's ticket prices so disgusting like why the f*** is it $460 EACH? That's disgusting,' another commented.

Dynamic pricing has long attracted the ire of concertgoers as ticketing platforms across the world continue to roll out the system on their websites.

As a bonus for her Melbourne fans, Dua ripped into a rendition of the AC/DC classic Highway To Hell at Rod Laver Arena on Monday night

Instagram account LipaFans shared a clip of the hitmaker performing the tune to a packed house

The strategy sees tickets sellers adjust the cost of tickets based on demand rather than setting a fixed price, leading to exorbitant ticket prices.

It comes after Dua and her rumoured fiance Callum Turner stepped out after enjoying a romantic dinner at Dorian restaurant in London's Notting Hill.

The loved-up pair attempted to keep a low profile as they made a hasty exit from the Michelin-starred restaurant following their meal together.

It is thought the happy couple reportedly got engaged over Christmas.

Dua and Callum first sparked romance rumours in January, 2024 when both attended a Masters Of The Air afterparty in London.

Prior to making her relationship public, the Dance the Night songstress revealed during promotion for her album Radical Optimism that she had to find her 'confidence' again after previous relationships had gone awry.

Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, she revealed: 'In terms of relationships, I needed to get to this place in order to find what I really needed.

'You have to be in the act of forgiveness and growing and learning, and being okay with the past in order to move on with what's to come next.

Offering a much more soulful take than the rough and ready delivery of legendary frontman Bon Scott, Dua brought down the house with the surprising cover

Highway To Hell was released by AC/DC, on the album of the same name, in 1979

'So it's, for me, Happy for You is a beautiful, happy song, because it's so reflective of my journey,' she continued.

'I think with every relationship, with every experience you learn about yourself, you learn about things that are hurtful to you, what you expect, what you should be ready to give as well.

'I think, again, it goes back to that exchange of vulnerability.

'I think I've had relationships which have been really hurtful, especially earlier on, where I feel like I've been made to feel like not good enough or have made me lose my confidence and I've had to find that again.

'You learn about your own non-negotiables. I think that's an important thing. It's of course the right person, but it's really about the right relationship.

'You find that in friendships and in love relationships as well, of your non-negotiables.'
Married At First Sight's Awhina Rutene has spoken out about her tumultuous homestay experience with groom Adrian Araouzou.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the 30-year-old single mum reflected on her emotional return to Perth, her decision not to introduce Adrian to her son and her twin sister Cleo's brutal takedown of their relationship.

For Awhina, going back to Perth should have been a joyous moment, but instead it was filled with mixed emotions.

'I was quite fortunate that I got to go home a few times throughout the experiment and usually I'd be so excited, even if it was just for 24 hours,' she explained.

'But this time was different. I imagined bringing my partner home, introducing him to my son, my family, my friends, but because of where we were at in the relationship that just wasn't going to happen.'

Awhina made it very clear from the start that Adrian would not be meeting her child and now she has explained exactly why.

Married At First Sight's Awhina Rutene has spoken out about her tumultuous homestay experience with groom Adrian Araouzou

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the 30-year-old single mum reflected on her emotional return to Perth , her decision not to introduce Adrian to her son and her twin sister Cleo's brutal takedown of their relationship

'I think everyone can agree that Adrian and I have had a tumultuous journey so far,' she said.

'And even though we were in a good spot for us within the experiment, that was only because we'd pushed aside a lot of our issues. We never resolved them, we just agreed to disagree and moved on.'

She added that their relationship was simply too uncertain to bring her son into it.

'You don't just introduce someone to your child when you don't even know where the relationship is going. It wouldn't have been a safe environment,' she said.

During Homestays Week, Awhina's twin sister Cleo didn't hold back in her assessment of her relationship, calling it fake, and surprisingly, Awhina agrees.

'She has a point,' Awhina admitted.

'Cleo's not in the experiment, so she can see it from the outside.

'When you're in the experiment you're living in a fake world - it's not reality. You wake up every day and do random challenges, stay in an apartment all day and just watch movies with your partner. That's not real life.'

'In reality, I have a son, a job, school drop-offs, after-school sports, friends, a schedule and Adrian has his own life in Sydney. We weren't having those conversations about what life would look like outside the experiment. So yes, Cleo was right. It wasn't real yet.'

During Homestays Week, Awhina's twin sister Cleo didn't hold back in her assessment of her relationship, calling it fake, and surprisingly, Awhina agrees

'She has a point,' Awhina admitted. 'Cleo's not in the experiment, so she can see it from the outside'

One of the biggest ongoing tensions in their relationship has been Adrian's reluctance to take responsibility for his actions - something Awhina has now confirmed.

'Adrian struggles with accountability, we can all agree on that,' she said.

She believes that some contestants think if they don't own up to something on camera, it might not make it to air.

'I think people in reality TV believe that if you don't say, "Yes, I did this, I'm in the wrong," then maybe it won't play out that way,' she explained.

'But I would have really loved for Adrian to stop, take a second, and just say, "Hey, this is real. My partner is real. Our feelings are real." If he had just had some genuine accountability we could have moved on.'

One of the most controversial moments of Homestays was when Adrian openly admitted he was only there for the food, completely disregarding the importance of the trip.

However, Awhina has defended her groom.

'I think that's a little taken out of context,' she said.

'Adrian struggles with accountability - we can all agree on that,' she said

'He actually got along with my mum really well. He even said off-camera that my mum was really cute and that the food she made was amazing. He did say some lovely things about my family.'

But despite his kind words, Awhina admitted: 'Yes, he struggles with accountability. And yes, that comment about being "just there for lunch" wasn't great.'

Cleo grilled Adrian relentlessly at lunch, refusing to back down and while some may expect Awhina to feel caught in the middle, she actually stood by her sister's tough questioning.

'I don't feel like I was caught in the middle,' she said.

'The last time Cleo saw Adrian, I had been crying non-stop and I felt like I was hitting a brick wall. I was trying and it was going nowhere.

'Cleo saw that effort in me and she told me to go home because it wasn't worth it. So, when I stayed and said we were in a great place, of course she wanted to understand how we got there.'

Throughout the Homestay, Adrian repeatedly pushed for an apology from Cleo - something he never got.

And according to Awhina, he never deserved one.

'Absolutely not,' she said flatly.

Cleo grilled Adrian relentlessly at lunch, refusing to back down and while some may expect Awhina to feel caught in the middle, she actually stood by her sister's tough questioning

'I made it very clear - I didn't want to hear about this apology ever again.'

Awhina refused to introduce Adrian to her child, but looking back does she think he would have handled himself well if her son had been present?

'It's a hypothetical situation,' she said.

'My son wasn't in the room and I guess we'll never know.'

As the experiment heads into its final stretch, Awhina teased that the last task will be a defining moment for every couple.

'It's a make-or-break task for some couples, I'll tell you that,' she said ominously.

When asked if it affected her relationship, she simply replied: 'I reckon it affected every relationship.'
Married At First Sight's Dave Hand has broken his silence on the backlash surrounding his relationship with Jamie Marinos, admitting he feels like he's in a 'no-win situation'.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the towering tradie opened up about his struggles on the show, his difficult homestay experience and the brutal grilling he received from Jamie's sister Georgia.

Dave admitted her felt overwhelmed by Georgia's tough questioning during their lunch.

'Jamie articulates herself very, very well in high-pressure situations and I just don't,' he admitted.

'It was just the same questions again and again. Like, I had hope and I do have hope, but I just struggle to articulate myself in those moments.'

Dave said the constant demand for a clear-cut answer about his feelings made things even harder.

Married At First Sight's Dave Hand has broken his silence on the backlash surrounding his relationship with Jamie Marinos, admitting he feels like he's in a 'no-win situation'

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the towering tradie opened up about his struggles on the show, his difficult homestay experience and the brutal grilling he received from Jamie's sister Georgia

'The answers aren't always black and white. Relationships aren't a simple yes or no. You have to put in the work, figure things out and navigate it,' he said.

In a bombshell twist, Dave admitted that his homestay with Jamie wasn't accurately portrayed on TV.

'The edit made it look like we stayed in separate places the entire time, but that's just not true,' he revealed.

'She did come to my place, but she just wasn't impressed. My dog wasn't even there because I knew she wasn't a fan, but she still found some dog hair and left.'

He admitted the experience felt 'pretty bizarre' and wasn't at all how it was played out on-screen.

Dave pushed back on criticism that he should have already fallen in love with Jamie, insisting that love takes time.

'People are forgetting - I said from the start that I was looking for a deeper connection. Jamie on the other hand wanted to be love bombed. We have two totally different love styles and that's why we clash,' he said.

'I know people want a yes or no answer, but that's not how relationships work. I see glimpses of more, I see the potential, but it's a process.'

Dave admitted her felt overwhelmed by Georgia's tough questioning during their lunch

Despite their differences, Dave insisted that he still had hope.

'This is what a real relationship is like, especially in this experiment. Just because I'm not where she's at emotionally, you don't just give up and go home. We both really do like each other.'

'I Could Have Lied - But I'm Being Honest'

Dave also hit back at claims he's leading Jamie on, pointing out that he could have easily faked his feelings.

'It would have been the easier option to just say "I love you, Jamie" and ride the wave,' he said.

'But I'm actually digging deep and being honest with how I feel, which is something people should respect.'

He acknowledged that Jamie has been hurt by the situation, but wants people to understand his side too.

'Yes, I know she's hurt, but that doesn't mean people can't try to understand where I'm coming from. There's so much pressure in this experiment and I feel like I'm getting backlash for simply being real about my emotions,' he said.

In a bombshell twist, Dave admitted that his and Jamie's homestay wasn't accurately portrayed on TV

With the final weeks of the experiment looming, Dave admitted that he still doesn't know where their relationship stands, but he's not ready to walk away just yet

One of Dave's most significant moments on the show was introducing Jamie to his father - something he says meant a lot to him.

'That was a super, super special moment for me,' he said.

'My dad had a lot on his plate at the time, so I didn't even tell him what I was going through on the show. I just wanted a nice moment with Jamie.'

Unlike some of the tense encounters throughout their journey, Dave said this felt natural and genuine.

What's Next for Dave and Jamie?

With the final weeks of the experiment looming, Dave admitted he still doesn't know where their relationship stands, but he's not ready to walk away just yet.

'I just want to go back to having fun with Jamie,' he confessed.

'There was a lot of stress on us and I think that's a big part of how I connect with someone - having fun. And we just weren't doing that as much towards the end.'

When asked if there's anything he wishes he could say to Jamie, Dave said: 'I still care about Jamie. I regret that she had to go through this situation. She's an amazing person and this was just a tough, tough spot for both of us.'
Kanye West was encouraged to make music and 'have some f*****g fun' in a jail phone call from Sean 'Diddy' Combs, amid his drama with Kim Kardashian.

West, 47, recently featured daughter North, 11, in a new song, Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine, which also included Diddy, 55, who's currently in jail awaiting trial on charges including sex trafficking, and his son Christian 'King' Combs.

Kim, 44, who shares joint legal custody of North, Saint, nine, Chicago, seven, and Psalm, five, with Kanye  who called himself a Nazi and praised Hitler last month  objected to the move.

Amid the drama, Diddy advised Kanye to 'get behind the mic' and 'get back to smiling' in a recorded phone call obtained by the Shade Room on Monday.

'When I get out there, man, I want to see you f****g tear down the stadiums. I need to see you back on that stage, f*****g actually rapping and f*****g performing and everything. I be dreaming of that s**t,' Diddy told West.

It's unclear when the phone call between Diddy and Kanye  who recently threatened to go 'to war' with Kim  took place.

Kanye West, 47, was encouraged to make music and 'have some f*****g fun' in a jail phone call from Sean 'Diddy' Combs, 55; Kanye and Diddy seen in 2016

It comes amid his drama with ex-wife Kim Kardashian, 44. Kim objected to West featuring their daughter North, 11, in a new song alongside Diddy, who's currently in jail awaiting trial on charges including sex trafficking; Kim and North seen in 2024

At the start of the recorded portion of the call, Diddy was heard telling Kanye: 'Tell you real from the front line. This sh**t is wicked, wicked, wicked, so you be careful.'

'You can't do nothing for just... I need you out there, you hear me?' he asked.

'I hear you, yes, sir,' Kanye answered.

'And have some f*****g fun. Get behind the mic, have some fun. Chop up them samples, get back on your hit man vibe. Have some fun, get back to smiling,' he advised, as Kanye cracked a smile.

'F**k these other motherf*****s. They are wasting your time. Wasting your motherf*****g time.'

He added, 'So, put that love in your heart, man, and enjoy yourself.'

Kanye replied: 'Yeah, it's time for me just to grab the mic and get back on. I love, I love music again.'

He went on to say, 'It was a time where everything was so frustrating. I can't explain it.'

Diddy responded: 'Jump into your bag. We gonna have years and decades to fight these motherf*****s. Right now, enjoy your life.'

'This is coming from me, from God to you. Enjoy your life. Fall back in love like when you was making the beats in the Chi... just chop them s**t up, bring that SD1200 out.'

'Have a good time and say "f**k the world and all the bulls**t", man.'

Amid the drama, Diddy advised Kanye to 'get behind the mic' and 'get back to smiling' in a recorded phone call obtained by the Shade Room on Monday; they are seen in 2007

'When I get out there, man, I want to see you f****g tear down the stadiums. I need to see you back on that stage, f*****g actually rapping and f*****g performing and everything. I be dreaming of that s**t,' Diddy told West; pictured in 2016

Diddy also spoke of his legal woes, telling Kanye: 'This s**t is f*****g sad. I'm Puff Daddy in jail. This s**t is f*****g sad as a motherf****r'; pictured 2019

Diddy then thanked Kanye for taking care of his seven kids, claiming that nobody has reached out to them or called them since his arrest; (pictured in 2022)

Diddy added: 'I love you man, I appreciate you. And thanks again. I'm gonna see you soon, man.'

Kanye replied: 'Yes, sir. That's how it's gonna be. You gonna definitely beat this s**t. And that's it.'

Diddy then touched on his upcoming trial, telling Kanye he will be 'touching in to tap into your energy or something. Play me some s**t over the phone. Give me some f*****g life.'

He spoke of his legal woes, telling Kanye: 'This s**t is f*****g sad. I'm Puff Daddy in jail. This s**t is f*****g sad as a motherf****r.'

'The devil is a liar,' Diddy added.

He then told Kanye to 'keep doing everything you're doing,' adding 'you got that f*****g freedom.'

'When I get out and I get that f*****g freedom, woo. I am not caring about nothing but motherf*****g being happy. And I want you to feel that.'

Diddy then thanked Kanye for taking care of his kids and taking them under his wing, claiming that nobody has reached out to them or called them since his arrest.

Diddy adopted 33-year-old son Quincy Taylor Brown (whose biological father is Al B. Sure) during his on/off 13-year relationship with Kim Porter who passed away, at age 47, from pneumonia in 2018.

Kim was reportedly left furious over the weekend after Kanye released a song by Diddy which features North's voice

The track called LONELY ROADS STILL GO TO SUNSHINE also featured Diddy's son Christian 'King' Combs

The Harlem-born hip-hop star fathered son 'King' Christian Combs, 26; and twin daughters Jessie and D'Lila Combs, 17; with Porter.

Diddy fathered three more children - son Justin Combs, 30; daughter Chance Combs, 18; daughter Love Sean Combs, 2 - with Misa Hylton, Sarah Chapman, and Dana Tran.

Diddy later warned Kanye to 'be careful' adding 'they definitely trying to end us.'

'I'm gonna beat this s**t and get next to you,' he added.

He then appeared to speak of his time in jail, saying, 'It's like being left for dead. And only one person coming to do anything to get you. That's the level of appreciation that I have for you.'

Kanye then shared he 'looks up to' the relationship Diddy has with his kids.

Meanwhile on Monday new light was shed on Kim and Kanye's legal drama after the rapper included their daughter North in a song with Diddy - much to the KUTWK star's objections.

In screenshots of a supposed conversation between Kanye and Kim, the reality star appeared to reveal she that she held the copyright to their daughter's name and was using it to try to prevent North from being included in a track with Diddy - provoking a furious reaction from her ex.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office reveals that several of North's trademarks have expired, with the 11-year appearing to have just one active trademark, which covers toys.

The expired trademarks are currently marked as 'dead' and 'abandoned', and all of them - including the active trademark - have 'Kimsaprincess Inc.' listed as the owner.

Kim was reportedly left furious over the weekend after Kanye released a song by Diddy which features North's voice, with the rapper also sharing - then deleting - threatening texts with the reality star where he threatened to 'go to war' with her.

After the song was uploaded, a source has shared that Kim has sought legal action to prevent its release and have it taken down from X.

The rapper also shared - then deleted - threatening texts with the reality star where he threatened to 'go to war' with her

After learning that Kim holds the copyright to their daughter's name, Kanye seemingly texted her: 'Amend it or I'm going to war And neither of us will recover from the public fallout'

The song opens with what sounds like Diddys voice thanking Kanye for his support, mentioning that no one else has reached out to him while he remains in jail awaiting trial on charges including sex trafficking.

Kanye responds by calling Diddy a father figure, even before they knew each other personally. North makes a brief but noticeable appearance, rapping, 'When you see me shining, then you see the light,' while Christian Combs delivers his own verse.

A source exclusively informed DailyMail.com that Kardashian took legal action to prevent the track's release and is now 'working to get the song down off of X.'

Shortly before the track was released, West posted - then deleted - screen-grabs allegedly showing a vicious text exchange between him and Kardashian in which he threatened to go 'to war' with her.

The supposed conversation makes it appear that Kim holds the copyright to North's name and was using it to try to prevent the 11-year-old from being included in a track with Diddy - provoking a furious reaction from West.

In the grabs, West texts Kardashian: 'I'm never speaking with you again,' along with a snippet of what appeared to be a legal document, including the phrase: 'participation in this project,' presumably in reference to the new song.

Kardashian allegedly shoots back: 'I asked u at the time if I can trademark her name,' alleging: 'You said yes,' and adding: 'When she's 18 it goes to her.'

The grabs then show her evidently admonishing West to 'stop,' saying: 'I sent paper work over so she wouldn't be in the Diddy song To protect her'.

Kardashian, who is an aspiring lawyer, allegedly continues: 'One person has to trademark! We agreed when they were born i would get all of our kids names and trademarks So no would else would take them.'

West is seen to be unmoved, purportedly retorting: 'Amend it or I'm going to war And neither of us will recover from the public fallout,' then darkly declaring: 'You're going to have to kill me.'

Kim and Kanye, pictured 2019, were married for eight years and share four children together

In the wake of the song's release, a source exclusively informed DailyMail.com that Kardashian 'will do whatever it takes to protect her kids from the hateful speech that Kanye continues to spur at this time.'

The insider added that Kardashian 'has requested through a judge to not allow the kids to be around that type of behavior.'

According to insiders, North recently spent time in the studio with Kanyetheir first visit in weekswhere she recorded vocals for the track, via TMZ.

Kanye allegedly told her that participating in the song would lead to the release of his upcoming Sunday Service.

After learning about the track, sources claim Kardashian sent cease-and-desist letters demanding that Kanye not move forward with its release.

Kardashian is said to be particularly concerned about North's involvement due to the ongoing legal troubles surrounding Diddy, who is currently facing federal sex trafficking allegations.
New cell phone data has called into question when exactly Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa died.

The Santa Fe medical examiner claimed a post-mortem examination showed Arakawa died of hantavirus, a rare rat-borne respiratory disease, on February 11  a full week before her Oscar-winning husband died of heart failure combined with Alzheimer's disease.

But in a stunning development, police have confirmed Arakawa, 65, made multiple phone calls to a health clinic on February 12 - a day after she was initially believed to have died, according to BBC.

The calls came to light after Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office's obtained Arakawa's cell phone data.

Arakawa called Cloudberry Health, a local personalized concierge medical practice, seeking medical treatment three times on February 12. A fourth call was also made to Arakawa from the clinic, according to BBC.

The clinic told BBC she never received the medical care.

New cell phone data from Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa has shed more light on their mysterious deaths and shifted the timeline in their passing; pictured 1991

Authorities added they had not reported an official date of death for Arakawa but had merely noted her last known activity took place on February 11.

Officials added that Arakawa communicated with a massage therapist via email, went to the grocery store, a pharmacy, and pet store. She made it back home at approximately 5:15PM that day, according to garage clicker data.

Dr Josiah Child, a former emergency care specialist who now runs Cloudberry Health in Santa Fe, New Mexico, told the BBC that Arakawa had contacted them for medical advice but neither she or her husband had been treated at the clinic.

'She called and described some congestion but didn't mention any respiratory distress, shortness of breath, or chest pain,' he said.

Dr. Child also told The Mail on Sunday that Arakawa had called his private clinic 24 hours after police claim she died.

'Mrs Hackman didn't die on February 11 because she called my clinic on February 12,' he said.

'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. She made an appointment for herself for February 12. It was for something unrelated to anything respiratory.'

He added that two days before she was due to see him, she cancelled her appointment, saying her husband was not well.

The calls came to light after Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office's obtained Arakawa's cell phone data; pictured 1989

Dr Child said: 'She called back on the morning of February 12 and spoke to one of our doctors who told her to come in that afternoon.

'We made her an appointment but she never showed up. She did not show any symptoms of respiratory distress. The appointment wasn't for anything related to hantavirus. We tried calling her a couple of times with no reply.'

The doctor's revelation that Mrs Hackman could have been alive for at least a day longer than the coroner has claimed casts further mystery over her death.

The 65-year-old was found on the bathroom floor of the couple's isolated Santa Fe home surrounded by pills with her husband on the floor of a utility room 20ft away.

The Santa Fe medical examiner claimed a post-mortem examination showed Betsy died of hantavirus, a rare rat-borne respiratory disease, on February 11 - a week before her husband

His pacemaker showed he died on February 18. A post-mortem examination revealed there was no food in his stomach, and investigators believe his Alzheimer's meant he may not have realised his wife of 34 years had died.

One of their three dogs, which was in a crate recovering from surgery, died of starvation and dehydration.

Mrs Hackman, a pilates-loving 'fitness fanatic', was ruled to have died from hantavirus, which is contracted by inhaling rat or mice faeces.

Dr Child added: '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.'

An LA-based doctor told The Mail on Sunday: 'Medical professionals are all scratching their heads over hantavirus as the cause of death.

The Oscar-winning actor died of heart failure combined with Alzheimer's disease last month (Pictured: Hackman and Arakawa in New Mexico in March 2024)

'Respiratory failure is not sudden  it is something that worsens over several days.

'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.'

Mrs Hackman was last seen 'running around' Santa Fe on February 11, visiting a chemist, pet food store and supermarket.

Mystery also surrounds who will inherit the $80 million Hackman fortune. The actor had three children but his estate was tied up in a private trust.
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Married At First Sight's most controversial couple to date, Ryan Donnelly and Jacqui Burfoot, may have finally called it quits after weeks of drama.

The pair were spotted arriving separately to this week's Dinner Party in Sydney, sparking speculation their tumultuous relationship has reached breaking point.

Photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia show Ryan, 37, looking dapper in a tailored grey suit, stepping out of a black Audi Q7.

The Sydney-based project manager appeared focused, adjusting his blazer as he prepared for what could be the most explosive dinner party yet.

Meanwhile, Jacqui, 29, made a striking entrance in a vibrant lime-green asymmetrical dress, shielding herself from the rain with a clear umbrella as she stepped out of another vehicle.

Her facial expression was far from happy, further fuelling speculation that the couple's relationship is hanging by a thread.

Married At First Sight's most controversial couple to date, Ryan Donnelly and Jacqui Burfoot, may have finally called it quits after weeks of drama

The pair were spotted arriving separately to this week's Dinner Party in Sydney, sparking speculation their tumultuous relationship has reached breaking point

The shocking sight comes after a disastrous Homestays Week, where Ryan and Jacqui's differences boiled over in what insiders describe as a 'relationship-ending disaster'.

A source close to production told Daily Mail Australia that Ryan was already dreading Jacqui's visit to his Campbelltown home and had warned her to 'leave her elitist attitude at the door'.

However, tensions escalated immediately, with Jacqui allegedly criticising every inch of his house, from his artwork to the two eggs left in his fridge.

'She literally walked around pointing out flaws like a real estate agent doing a bad review,' the insider revealed.

'She even wrote a list of things he needed to change on his whiteboardlike she was grading him!'

Things hit rock bottom when Jacqui met Ryan's beloved dog, Freya.

Ryan was excited to introduce them, but disaster struck when Jacqui refused to follow his instructions on walking the pup.

'She let the leash out completely and Freya nearly tripped them over,' the source said.

Photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia show Ryan, 37, looking dapper in a tailored grey suit, stepping out of a black Audi Q7

Meanwhile, Jacqui, 29, made a striking entrance in a vibrant lime-green asymmetrical dress, shielding herself from the rain with a clear umbrella as she stepped out of another vehicle

Her facial expression was far from happy, further fuelling speculation that the couple's relationship is hanging by a thread

'Ryan asked her to just do it his way, and she flat-out refused.'

Frustrated, Ryan reportedly snatched the leash from Jacqui's hands, calling her out for her behaviour.

'That was the final straw for him,' the insider continued.

'He started listing every insult she had thrown at him, from mocking his beard to calling his home outdated. He realised then and therethis relationship wasn't going to work.'

If things weren't bad enough, Ryan's closest friends, Adam and Carla, confronted Jacqui later that evening, questioning why she was even with him.

Elsewhere, fan favourites Dave Hand and Jamie Marinos appeared to have put their home visits drama behind them, looking loved-up as they arrived at Wednesday's Dinner Party

Similarly, Teejay Halkias and Beth Kelly were seen looking very happy as they arrived at the warehouse

Adrian Araouzou and bride Awhina Rutene didn't let their dramatic trip to Perth get in the way of their relationship

Likewise, Paul Antoine and Carina Mirabile's trip to Perth proved to help them form a greater connection

Last but not least, Rhi Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels were seen looking very cosy as they made a grand entrance to the second last dinner party

'They said, 'You've done nothing but criticise him. Why are you here?''

Instead of responding, Jacqui allegedly fired back with more insults, accusing Ryan of being a 'liar'.

'Adam lost it. He told her, 'You clearly can't stand him. Why don't you just leave?''

Moments later, Jacqui stormed out, leaving Ryan sitting there stunned.

Married At First Sight continues Wednesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine.
The Golden Bachelor is well underway with filming and this year's lucky ladies met silver fox Barry 'Bear' Myrden for the first time last Tuesday.

And the cast of senior women starring in the inaugural series went all out for the big night.

One bold woman went so far as to arrive on set at the Sydney mega-mansion on a horse in an effort to woo the 50-something infrastructure engineer.

The silver-haired glamazon ensured she made an unforgettable entrance as she slipped into her traditional riding clothes with a full face of makeup to boot.

She sat tall astride her black pony, which was very well-behaved as she trotted up to the mansion to greet Barry.

Meanwhile, her love rivals chose extravagant gowns to catch the eye of the widowed father-of-three, with one woman arriving in a sizzling red ensemble which clung to her figure.

The Golden Bachelor is well underway with filming and this year's lucky ladies met silver fox Barry 'Bear' Myrden for the first time last Tuesday

The cast of senior women starring in the inaugural series went all out for the big night

One bold woman went so far as to arrive on set at the Sydney mega-mansion on a horse in an effort to woo the 50-something infrastructure engineer

Others opted for sparkling silver gowns while some went with a traditional black dress.

One woman rocked a bright pink frock, while another turned heads in a maxi dress in the same shade.

Crew members milled around the contestants, leading them one at a time to meet Barry, while the others waited in a tent for their turn to shine.

Some staff members could be seen helping the women adjust their dresses.

It comes after one of Sydney's historic waterfront gems was unveiled as the secret filming location of Channel Nine's dating series The Golden Bachelor.

The grand Tresco mansion in the harbourside suburb of Elizabeth Bay, designed by colonial architect Thomas Rowe and constructed between 1867 and 1883, has long been a symbol of elegance.

Originally Thomas private home, it later served as the official residence for Navy rear admirals for nearly 90 years before being sold into private hands in 1997 for $9million.

The lavish 1860s sandstone villa, featuring high ceilings and spacious rooms, has recently become a hive of activity with filming equipment discreetly set up on its sprawling 3300sqm grounds.

The silver-haired glamazon ensured she made an unforgettable entrance as she slipped into her traditional riding clothes with a full face of makeup to boot

She sat tall astride her black pony, which was very well-behaved as she trotted up to the mansion to greet Barry

She tucked her silver tresses beneath a riding helmet

Her love rivals chose extravagant gowns to catch the eye of Barry, with one woman arriving in a sizzling black and silver ensemble

She curled her grey hair for the occasion

Another woman rocked a bright pink frock

Crew members milled around the contestants, leading them one at a time to meet Barry, while the others waited in a tent for their turn to shine

Others opted for sparkling silver gowns while some went with a traditional black dress

Contestants could be seen waiting in tents

One woman opted for a bedazzled off the shoulder black dress

She was all smiles as she waited for her turn to meet Barry

While sightings of host Samantha Armytage at the residence remain unconfirmed, local residents were quick to notice the sudden presence of production equipment.

The breathtaking property boasts a rich history that includes a notable $11million transfer in 2004 to Janette Waterhouse, wife of entrepreneur David Waterhouse.

Today, it stands as a seven-bedroom, four-bathroom estate and serves as David's registered address on ASIC documents.

Its breathtaking location, which is close to a variety of amenities and gorgeous oceanside views, makes it the perfect filming location for Channel Nine's new series.

Last year, the property was listed on the market for a jaw-dropping price between $110million and $120million.

Sydney City Council was seemingly caught off guard by the development, and has initiated inquiries despite the project falling within the purview of private property regulations.

A council spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph while filming on private grounds does not necessitate council consent, it does require a comprehensive filming management plan.

This includes detailing logistical specifics like crew size, temporary structures and potential impacts on the surrounding area.

Unlike The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, which feature young men and women, The Golden Bachelor is targeted at a more mature audience eager to watch how those who have already experienced great love and loss are chasing companionship.

Some staff members could be seen helping the women adjust their dresses

One woman arrived with a very voluminous hair-do

Another woman put on a racy display with a plunging neckline in her frock

She could be seen sitting in a vehicle as she waited to be driven to the front of the mansion

Some women put on leggy displays, thanks to high splits in their dresses
Pamela Anderson just landed her first major role since making her triumphant acting comeback in The Last Showgirl, and it involves a certain Oscar winner playing her mother.

The 57-year-old Baywatch alum confirmed via Instastory on Monday that she'll portray two-time divorcee Molly in Kornel Mundruczo's upcoming drama Place to Be.

Pamela's character is reportedly resistant to any plan to move her elderly mom Brooke - played by Ellen Burstyn - to a retirement facility.

The 92-year-old Law & Order: Organized Crime star's no-nonsense character travels from Chicago to New York to return a lost racing pigeon home while bonding with discombobulated divorce Nelson played by Oscar-winning screenwriter Taika Waititi.

'I really love Pamela  she's such a versatile actress, and her most recent performance in The Last Showgirl was unbelievable,' the Hungarian 49-year-old filmmaker gushed to Deadline on Monday.

'She showed such bravery, and I'm tremendously excited to work with her.'

Pamela Anderson just landed her first major role since making her triumphant acting comeback in The Last Showgirl, and it involves a certain Oscar winner playing her mother (pictured February 23)

Both of Anderson's sons - Brandon, 28; and Dylan, 27 - from her three-year marriage to Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee proudly reacted in the comments of Deadline's Instagram post.

Last Wednesday marked the fourth day of shooting on Place to Be on the Sydney, Australia set - and the production was five years in the making.

The Canadian-American beauty received the best reviews of her career for playing seasoned showgirl Shelley Gardner, who must plan for her future when her Las Vegas revue abruptly closes after a 30-year run, in Gia Coppola's indie drama shot in 18 days.

'This role saved my life - the catalyst to a new beginning,' Pamela - who boasts 4.9M Instagram/Facebook followers - wrote on February 24.

'And to Shelly You will hold a place in my heart forever. I love you, I wont let you down.'

On January 5, Anderson lost the best actress in a motion picture drama trophy to I'm Still Here star Fernanda Torres at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards.

On February 23, Glamour's Woman of the Year lost outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role trophy to The Subtance star Demi Moore at the 31st SAG Awards.

But Pamela did receive acting prizes from Winter IndieWire Honors, Miami Film Festival, San Sebastian International Film Festival, SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Sun Valley Film Festival, and Zurich Film Festival.

The 57-year-old Baywatch alum confirmed via Instastory on Monday that she'll portray two-time divorcee Molly in Kornel Mundruczo's upcoming drama Place to Be

Pamela's character is reportedly resistant to any plan to move her elderly mom Brooke - played by Ellen Burstyn (pictured September 23) - to a retirement facility

The 92-year-old Law & Order: Organized Crime star's no-nonsense character travels from Chicago to New York to return a lost racing pigeon home while bonding with discombobulated divorce Nelson played by Oscar-winning screenwriter Taika Waititi (pictured February 8)

Both of Anderson's sons - Brandon, 28; and Dylan, 27 - from her three-year marriage to Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee proudly reacted in the comments of Deadline's Instagram post

The Canadian-American beauty received the best reviews of her career for playing seasoned showgirl Shelley Gardner, who must plan for her future when her Las Vegas revue abruptly closes after a 30-year run, in Gia Coppola's indie drama shot in 18 days

On January 5, Pamela lost the best actress in a motion picture drama trophy to I'm Still Here star Fernanda Torres at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards

On February 23, Anderson lost outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role trophy to The Subtance star Demi Moore at the 31st SAG Awards

But Glamour's Woman of the Year did receive acting prizes from Winter IndieWire Honors, Miami Film Festival, San Sebastian International Film Festival, SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Sun Valley Film Festival, and Zurich Film Festival

Pamela currently hosts the eight-episode vegan cooking show Pamela's Cooking With Love, which airs Mondays on Food Network Canada (pictured with chef Andy Baraghani)

Anderson also has an upcoming mystery role opposite Liam Neeson (R, pictured June 10) in Akiva Schaffer's reboot of The Naked Gun, which is scheduled to hit US/UK theaters August 1

Anderson currently hosts the eight-episode vegan cooking show Pamela's Cooking With Love, which airs Mondays on Food Network Canada.

The 15-time Playboy cover girl also has an upcoming mystery role opposite Liam Neeson in Akiva Schaffer's reboot of The Naked Gun, which is scheduled to hit US/UK theaters August 1.

And last September, Pamela was hard at work on the Spanish set of Karim Ainouz's dark satire Rosebush Pruning for Mubi alongside Elle Fanning, Callum Turner, Riley Keough, Jamie Bell, and Lukas Gage.
Belinda Vickers has posted to her social media with a series of racy snaps in which she can be seen flaunting her lithe figure in a barely there g-string bikini.

The 31-year-old former Married at First Sight bride left to the imagination in the blue two-piece which featured an under boob-revealing strapless bralet and high cut bottoms.

In the saucy picture the gorgeous redhead can be seen posing waist deep in what appears to be a pond.

Posting to Instagram Belinda also including an intimate shot of herself in the arms of fiance Hayden Burbank who was seen stripped to the waist and smiling broadly for the selfie.

Calling her gallery 'Summer Snaps' Belinda's share also included a video of herself kayaking through a small set of rapids.

She also posted images of herself doing rope training, surfing, bush walking, and dining al fresco at a Vietnamese restaurant.

Former MAFS bride Belinda Vickers (pictured) has posted to her social media with a series of racy snaps in which she can be seen flaunting her lithe figure in a barely there g-string bikini

The 31-year-old left to the imagination in the blue two-piece which featured an under boob-revealing strapless bralet and high cut bottoms. Pictured with her fiance Hayden Burbank

Several pictures have Belinda packing on the PDA with her millionaire husband-to-be.

Belinda and Hayden announced their engagement in 2024.

'She's been phenomenal for me, the most beautiful, kind soul I've ever met,' Hayden told the Herald Sun at the time.

'I had tears rolling down my face as I got down on one knee.'

Hayden added his public proposal caught the attention of the public, who burst into applause after Belinda said yes and accepted his dazzling engagement ring.

'It was always yes. It was 12 months after MAFS that we met and it really led me to him and opened up new people for me meet,' Belinda said.

The pair met in Melbourne through mutual friends in 2022.

In 2021, Burbank was jailed for three months after breaking Covid rules during the height of the pandemic.

Calling her gallery 'Summer Snaps' Belinda's posted images of herself doing rope training, surfing, bush walking, and dining al fresco at a Vietnamese restaurant

Several pictures have Belinda packing on the PDA with her millionaire husband-to-be

He hopped the border into the Northern Territory before travelling to Western Australia to watch Melbourne Demons win at Perth Stadium.

Hayden owns the trendy Morris Jones bar in Melbourne, which is a hotspot for reality stars and glamorous influencers.

Their relationship blossomed after the bar owner spent 90 days behind bars at WA's maximum security Hakea prison, which earned him the jailhouse nickname of 'border breacher'.

Burbank described his experience at one of Australia's toughest jails as 'the ultimate game of Survivor'.

'You have to form alliances and not do anything stupid and get through each day by day,' he told the Saturday Herald Sun in March 2022.

'They are the longest days of your life. I'm not built for jail. Nobody is built for jail.'

The Chapel St bar owner shared a cell with one of the prison's top dogs, a bikie, who would wake him up each morning and taunt: 'Border breacher, border breacher'.

Belinda found fame on season eight of Married At First Sight.

She and her on-screen husband Patrick Dwyer were deemed the 'golden couple' of the series but split up after nine months.
Rumer Willis looked glamorous as she headed out for a playdate with her daughter Louetta in Los Angeles on Monday.

The actress, 36, wore a plunging metallic jumpsuit and carried Louetta, 20 months, in her arms.

She teamed the bronzed one-piece with a black blazer and topped off her outfit with a pair of studded stilettos.

Louetta was dressed in an adorable baby pink dress, which tied in a bow at the back, and was barefoot.

Rumer welcomed Louetta by a natural home birth in April 2023 with her ex boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas.

The two had been dating since the autumn of 2022 and went Instagram official in November of that year.

Rumer Willis looked glamorous as she headed out for a playdate with her daughter Louetta on Monday

The actress, 36, wore a plunging metallic jumpsuit and carried Louetta, 20 months, in her arms

Rumer announced her pregnancy in December 2022 on social media and later announced they had split in August 2024.

Last month, she gave a rare health update on her famous father Bruce Willis as she made an appearance on Loose Women.

Hollywood legend Bruce has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, a communication disorder that typically affects speech.

Rumer told ITV viewers that the Die Hard star, 69, is 'doing great' after their family have 'rallied around each other' and become a strong unit.

Speaking to panelists Kaye Adams and Judi Love after becoming the new Global Creative Partner for Pura, Rumer said: 'He's doing great. I think, obviously as many people in California, the thing we're all kind of the most scared, dealing with is just fires and wanting to make sure everything is okay.

'Because my family, we're all so close, I think what's so beautiful is the way that we rally around each other, [it's] so lovely, because we really are a unit.'

The actress, who is also the oldest daughter of Demi Moore, revealed what she is most 'grateful' for after her parents split up.

'I think the thing I'm most grateful for is that even when they split up, they created such a beautiful foundation of prioritising my sisters and I, that I never felt like I had to choose or like, they never played against each other,' she said.

She teamed the bronzed one-piece with a black blazer and topped off her outfit with a pair of studded stilettos

Louetta was dressed in an adorable baby pink dress, which tied in a bow at the back, and was barefoot

Rumer welcomed Louetta by a natural home birth in April 2023 with her ex boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas

Last month, she gave a rare health update on her famous father Bruce Willis as she made an appearance on Loose Women

Hollywood legend Bruce has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, a communication disorder that typically affects speech

She continued: 'We were a family, and we still are very much a family no matter what And not only did I feel like that has set me up in my life to have such a beautiful foundation of my own family, but now, as I'm working through co-parenting as well, I feel deep gratitude for the example they've set.'

Discussing her childhood, she explained: 'Growing up especially, it was the rise of the internet. It was the rise of a lot of celebrity bloggers kind of tearing people down and you know, having to go through an awkward phase in the public eye as you're still discovering yourself, it's definitely challenging. It taught me a lot.'

Bruce and Demi were wed from 1987 to 2000 yet still maintain an amicable relationship.

During their time as a couple, the Hollywood icons welcomed three daughters: Rumer, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30.

Bruce's family first revealed his FTD diagnosis in February 2023, following his retirement from acting due to aphasia, a brain disorder that affects speech and language comprehension.

Since then, the Hollywood icon has been showered with love and unwavering support from his family.
Love Island All Stars winner Gabby Allen looked to be loving life outside the villa on Monday as she treated herself to a pamper day in Parsons Green, London.

The ITV2 star was all smiles as she reunited with her co-star Tina Stinnes as they headed to trendy Blush and Blow hair and beauty salon.

Gabby turned heads during the outing as she tucked a dark graphic T-shirt into a stylish ripped denim skirt.

She added inches to her frame in a pair of brown leather cowboy boots and opted for a matching blazer.

The influencer, who found love in the villa with Casey O'Gorman, toted her belongings in a white handbag and accessorised with a purple scarf and gold hoop earrings.

Meanwhile Tina coordinated with Gabby as she flashed her toned midriff in a puff denim skirt and matching cropped waistcoat from Rita Ora's Primark collection.

Love Island All Stars winner Gabby Allen looked to be loving life outside the villa on Monday as she treated herself to a pamper day in Parsons Green, London

The ITV2 star was all smiles as she reunited with her co-star Tina Stinnes as they headed to trendy Blush and Blow hair and beauty salon

The reality star showed off her incredible figure in the double denim ensemble which she layered with a white top, navy hoodie and a 36 brown suede bomber jacket from Primark.

Tina wore a pair of chocolate suede knee high boots and accessorised with a pair of sunglasses and a black handbag.

The pals were all smiles as they arrived at the salon arm in arm before Gabby had her long blonde tresses blown out and put in pin curls.

Gabby was later seen applying her lipliner while Tina took the seat next to her in the salon to have her hair done.

The pair made sure to have a proper catch up as they enjoyed a stroll in the sunshine before chatting away on a park bench.

Gabby and Tina later headed for a bite to eat at a cafe where they sipped on orange juices and coffee.

That evening, Gabby reunited with her new partner Casey, for dinner as she slipped into a sexy silver draping minidress.

The latest series of All Stars came to a dramatic conclusion when Gabby, 33, and Casey, 28, were crowned the winners in a shock victory over long-time frontrunners Grace Jackson and Luca Bish.

Gabby turned heads during the outing as she tucked a dark graphic T-shirt into a stylish ripped denim skirt

She added inches to her frame in a pair of brown leather cowboy boots and opted for a matching blazer

The influencer, who found love in the villa with Casey O'Gorman, toted her belongings in a white handbag and accessorised with a purple scarf and gold hoop earrings

Meanwhile Tina coordinated with Gabby in a puff denim skirt and matching cropped waistcoat flashing her toned midriff

The reality star showed off her incredible figure in the double denim ensemble

Tina wore a pair of chocolate suede knee high boots and accessorised with a pair of sunglasses and a black handbag

She layered a white top, navy hoodie and a brown suede bomber jacket over the denim ensemble

The pals were all smiles as they arrived at the salon arm in arm

Gabby had her long blonde tresses blown out and put in pin curls

Gabby was later seen applying her lipliner while Tina took the seat next to her in the salon to have her hair done

The couple bagged the whopping 50,000 prize during the final after beating runner ups Luca and Grace.

Casey finally got his happy ending with blonde bombshell Gabby after appearing on the show three times previously.

The couple had flown under the radar in the leadup to the finale, with bookmakers never placing them as favourites to clinch the 50,000 prize.

Nonetheless, they managed to storm to victory during the live final - pipping longtime frontrunners Luca and Grace to the post while Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Curtis Pritchard finished in third.

Some even questioned if the result was rigged, with Gabby and Casey having been devoid of public sentiment online - SlotsCalendar's data revealed that only six percent of tweets about the couple since they paired up had been positive.

While social media users were baffled at the result, it has resulted in bookmakers paying out thousands, because of a third of the stakes were placed on the underdogs.

William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps told MailOnline: 'Gabby and Caseys Love Island All Stars victory last night may have appeared a shock on paper, but the result ended up being a big loser for us, with the couple accounting for over a third (35 percent) of stakes throughout the series.'

He continued: 'While the pair started out as an unlikely 10/1 towards the end of January, our punters appeared to have their heads turned in early February and their price dropped to as low as 4/7 at one point  the shortest odds offered at any stage of the series.

'Gabby and Casey entered last nights finale as 6/4 second favourites but proved to be the real bombshells of the series, stealing the crown from Luca and Grace (1/2).'

For weeks, season eight's Luca, 25, and season 11 star Grace, 26, had been the bookies' frontrunners to win the show - garnering a strong online fanbase.

The pair made sure to have a proper catch up as they enjoyed a stroll in the sunshine before chatting away on a park bench

Gabby and Tina later headed for a bite to eat at an outside cafe where they sipped on orange juices and coffee

Gabby and Tina caught up after leaving the villa

Tina was seen checking her phone as she walked down the street

Gabby won All Stars with Casey O'Gorman beating frontrunners Luca Bish and Grace Jackson

Gabby and Tina enjoyed a girls day out together

Tina showed off her amazing figure in a double denim ensemble

The pair were all smiles during the outing

Gabby beamed as she had her hair done

The duo showed off their new looks and reapplied their lipstick before departing the salon

Later that evening, Gabby joined partner Casey for dinner as she slipped into a sexy silver tasseled minidress

During the final, as Maya interviewed the final two couples, Gabby reflected on making friends with her ex Marcel.

She admitted: 'I never thought I would be friends with him. I can unblock him on Instagram now, we can be friends.'

And when asked whether he really 'chases the clout,' Casey joked: 'Can we not mention that word ever again please?'

Before Maya revealed the winners, last year's winners and Casey's best pal Tom Clare and Molly Smith joined via video call to wish them the best of luck.

Confirming they can't wait to go on double dates when Casey and Gabby return home, Molly and Tom had nothing but joyful things to say about the new couple.

The final garnered mixed reaction from fans on X, with some viewers over the moon with the winners while others not some happy with the outcome.

Some wrote: 'SOOOOOOO happy gabby n casey won!!! LOVE THEM #LoveIsland #LoveIslandAllStars #AllStars',

'So happy for WINNERS ... #GabbyAndCasey They had our votes. Really want this to be a #LoveIsland Happy Ever After!',

'You know what I aint even mad at Casey and Gabby winning',

'Well done Casey and Gabby. The only couple that didnt look like they were trying too hard and seemed to have a truly natural connection with each other. All the best. Hope it works out'.
A TV star looked unrecognisable as she shared a throwback snap to mark 45 years in the industry on Monday.

The presenter and author, 67, looked fresh faced and youthful in the image that was taken when she was just 23 and first starting out in her career.

She penned in the caption: '17 March 1980 I joined Westward Television in Plymouth as a continuity announcer.

'45 years ago today! I was 23 and really didn't think I'd last more than 45 minutes.'

Fans shared kind messages in the comment section as they congratulated her on her career achievements.

But can YOU guess who it is?

Fern Britton looked unrecognisable as she shared a throwback snap to mark 45 years in the TV industry on Monday

The presenter and author, 67, looked fresh faced and youthful in the image that was taken when she was just 23 and first starting out in her career

Fern went on to co-present Breakfast Time in the 1980s and hosted the cookery game show Ready Steady Cook between 1994 and 2000 on BBC Two

That's right, it's Fern Britton!

Fern went on to co-present Breakfast Time in the 1980s and hosted the cookery game show Ready Steady Cook between 1994 and 2000 on BBC Two.

The star also then presented ITV's This Morning programme from 1999 to 2009.

It comes after late last year Fern opened up about what lockdown was really like for her after she underwent a trio of traumatic events.

The presenter found herself entering an 'era of indolence' after the UK was plunged into a national lockdown following the deaths of both her parents and the breakdown of her marriage.

The TV star lost her mother Ruth in April 2018 before her dad Tony Britton also passed at the end of the following year.

Then in 2020 she announced her split from husband Phil Vickery after almost 20 years together.

Speaking to The Mirror, Fern candidly explained: 'My mum died and a year later my father died and the next year my marriage died.

'I fell into this era of indolence I call it, where I just started just lying in bed later and later and later.'

Fern revealed she soon found herself struggling to find the point of getting out of bed and began smoking, drinking and eating badly.

The star, who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother last year, then noticed the physical side effects starting to have an effect on her health as she realised she had gained weight and was having problems breathing.

The star also went on to present ITV's This Morning programme from 1999 to 2009 (pictured in 1983)

The presenter and author, 67, looked fresh faced and youthful in the image that was taken when she was just 23 and first starting out in her career

She added: 'Looking back I was in a very bad place and gradually I started to pull myself out of it.'

Fern even revealed that one night it all came to a head as she decided to quit smoking after too many cigarettes led to her pulling over mid car ride to throw up in a field.

Feeling much more herself almost five years on from the start of the 2020 lockdown, the star now has regular therapy sessions and is exercising again.

Fern recently revealed that she wants to find love again - four years on from her divorce from her chef husband Phil.

Appearing on Lorraine, Fern told Christine Lampard: 'People say to me: "Are you dating? Are you doing this, are you doing that."

'The answer is no. I'm not dating at all. I'm not looking for anything, but - although I'd never want to get married again, or live with anyone again - I'd like just a bit of romance.

'A little bit of going out to supper or maybe having a bit of a holiday. Someone to talk to at the end of the day to run things past. That would be nice.'

Fern appeared on Celebrity Big Brother last year

She finished: 'I don't need it. But it would be nice.'

Fern and Phil met on BBC Two's Ready Steady Cook and share one child together, daughter Winnie, 23, and Fern announced on Twitter that they had split.

In a statement she wrote at the time: 'After more than 20 happy years together, Phil and I have decided to go our separate ways.

'We will always share a great friendship and our lovely children. We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time. Thankyou for your continued kindness and support.'
Zara McDermott is believed to have met Louis Tomlinson through his sisters, according to hs die-hard fans.

On Monday, the pair's romance was confirmed after they were spotted on a romantic date at a hotel in Aldeburgh, Suffolk.

Zara and Louis' date came just days after fans fuelled speculation that they were an item on Reddit, with some noticing that they follow each other on Instagram. He only follows 336 accounts and Zara is one of them.

And after their theories were confirmed to be true, their other other hypothesis could now hold some weight to it as users questioned the link between Zara and the One Direction hunk's siblings.

At the time, fans claimed that as well as himself, Louis's sisters, including make-up artists Lottie Tomlinson , and twins Daisy and Phoebe, follow Zara too.

While another theory is that the girls could be working on an undisclosed documentary with the Love Island star, which is a way Zara could have been been introduced to Louis.

Zara McDermott may have met Louis Tomlinson through his sisters, according to fans, following the confirmation of the pair's romance

After the romance theories were confirmed to be true, their other other hypothesis could now hold some weight to it as users questioned the link between Zara and the One Direction hunk's siblings [Louis pictured with sisters Daisy and Phoebe in 2017]

One fan penned: 'Ive heard about the link with a documentary as well. Zara has been involved in a recent change in the law as its now illegal to threaten to share images without someones consent. I can see something like that appealing to Louis, even though its revenge porn that is the basis of Zaras law change.'

Another said: 'I also heard rumors that she's part of the rumored series the twins are trying to get going, so fingers crossed it's more about that.'

'I think there is a documentary about the Tomlinsons being produced since the sisters are interested in being Englands version of the Kardashians. Zara has worked on documentaries, maybe she is involved with that', commented a third user.

A fourth said: 'I think its more of a business thing than anything else (for the twins, theyre well into reality tv and Zara was on love island) so if it is a stunt itd be quite ridiculous, especially since Louis openly criticises love island.'

With another adding: 'His sisters have been following her for quite some time. If they are gonna stunt, we will know, because you know, the purpose of a stunt is to be visible and in your face. It is more likely that she is helping the twins with their Kardashians style show which has been in the talks for a while now.'

Zara has been making a name for herself as a documentary maker and has brought a range of thought-provoking and critically acclaimed documentaries to the BBC over the last few years.

On Monday, Zara shared Instagram snaps of herself filming outside a police station as she revealed she was in the last week of shooting a new film about stalking.

She wrote alongside the images: 'Honestly its been one of the most eye opening, emotional films Ive ever made. Ive learnt so much about the strength of victims / survivors through this process some of these women are the strongest Ive ever met.

'Stalking is one of the most isolating crimes out there. The pure determination of the women Ive spoken to, to continually put one foot in front of the other every single day, is nothing short of inspirational.

On Monday, the pair's romance was confirmed after they were spotted on a romantic date at a hotel in Aldeburgh, Suffolk (Zara seen earlier this month)

The One Direction star, 33, is said to have planned the date, which saw him take Zara, 28, to a hotel in Suffolk (Louis seen in 2023)

As well as himself, Louis's sisters, including make-up artists Lottie Tomlinson , and twins Daisy and Phoebe, follow Zara too [Lottie's Instagram pictured]

Another theory is that the girls could be working on an undisclosed documentary with the Love Island star, which is a way Zara could have been been introduced to Louis

After detailing the strength of one woman she'd been working with, Zara added: 'I am so grateful to do the job that I do; to be able to hopefully make a difference in this world and make some positive change alongside the incredible people I am working with. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

'This documentary series has been 18 months in the making, from development to where we are now. Its been a long process of finding a careful balance because of the sensitivity of this programme, but I hope it opens up conversations at home, in schools and in society.'

Meanwhile last month, Zara posted a bikini-clad photo after she wrapped filming for new TV series in Thailand.

The TV personality had been in Southeast Asia to work on the upcoming documentary series that is set to air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer in 2025.

While in July 2024, she delved into the world of trolling for a new BBC documentary, and discovered the true faces of the people who have been abusing her online.

In the documentary, Zara looked into just what a perpetrator of online abuse looks like - as it's revealed almost one in four adults in the UK have experience trolling.

At the time, the former Love Island favourite had presented six documentaries for the BBC with topics ranging from revenge porn to missing people, in a career change after her reality show appearance.

It comes as a fellow diner at the hotel spotted Zara and Louis enjoying a romantic meal and they can be seen beaming in photos obtained by The Sun.

L-R Phoebe Tomlinson, Daisy Tomlinson and Lottie Tomlinson pictured in May last year

Zara has been making a name for herself as a documentary maker and has brought a range of thought-provoking and critically acclaimed documentaries to the BBC over the last few years .

On Monday, Zara shared Instagram snaps of herself filming outside a police station as she revealed she was in the last week of shooting a new film about stalking

While in July 2024, she delved into the world of trolling for a new BBC documentary, and discovered the true faces of the people who have been abusing her online

The pair looked besotted as they giggled and held hands while enjoying fish and chips and cocktails - before apparently spending the night at the hotel.

The publication reported that the pair have been on a number of low key dates over the past few weeks and have been speaking for a while.

A source told the publication: 'Louis whisked Zara away for a break in Suffolk and he absolutely charmed her, it's clear he thinks she's drop-dead gorgeous too.

'Louis is a proper gentleman so this trip was something he planned and put on for Zara. He was really thoughtful and wanted to make it special.'

The source added that the pair are taking things slow and a similarity they share is how close they are with their families.

A guest at the restaurant said they saw the pair looking relaxed as they touched each others' hands over the table.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Louis and Zara for comment.

MailOnline revealed Zara had split with Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson December after five years together, with the Strictly star revealing shortly after that she had moved out of their Chelsea home.

A fellow diner at the hotel spotted the pair enjoying a romantic meal and they can be seen beaming in photos obtained by The Sun

MailOnline revealed Zara had split with Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson December after five years together, with the Strictly star revealing shortly after that she had moved out

In January, she shared a TikTok documenting her day filming for Morning Live, where she confirmed she was living somewhere new, with clips of her in bed and glimpses of her room while getting ready.

While earlier this month, Zara set tongues wagging with Lucien Laviscount after they were spotted getting cosy at the BRIT Awards.

The newly single star was seated next to the Emily in Paris heartthrob, 32, for the entire ceremony and lapped up the attention she received from him.

An insider said: 'Lucien was making his move. He was chatting her up all night, whispering in her ear and dancing with her.

'He seemed really smitten. Zara clearly enjoyed his company as she couldn't stop smiling and laughing.'

Awkwardly ex Sam was seated just a few tables away from the Love Island beauty, as she dazzled in a stunning white gown with feather detailing which boasted a daring thigh high split.

He was joined on the Hits radio exclusive table with his best pal Pete, former Love Islander Olivia Attwood, and actress Gemma Atkinson.
In an unlikely celebrity encounter, actress Rebecca Gibney has crossed paths with Married at First Sight bride Jamie Marinos - in New Zealand.

The Packed to the Rafters star, 60, posted to her stories on Tuesday with a snap of herself posing with the 28-year-old MAFS favourite.

Jamie, wearing her blonde locks in a bun, can be seen dressed in a smart white jacket and matching white top that showed off her taunt mid-drift.

Rebecca, meanwhile, also looked glamorous in a dark shirt and matching top.

And from Rebecca's message to fans it appears that the meet up took place purely by chance since the pair were staying in the same hotel while Jamie, who is based in Australia, was on a visit to Aotearoa.

'The people you bump into in the lobby,' Rebecca said in the caption, adding: ('And yes she's a real sweetheart.')

In an unlikely encounter, actress Rebecca Gibney has crossed paths with Married at First Sight bride Jamie Marinos - in New Zealand. The Packed to the Rafters star, 60, took to her stories on Tuesday with a snap of herself posing with the 28-year-old MAFS favourite (both pictured)

The New Zealand born actress continued to gush in the post 'Lovely meeting absolute MAFS favourite.'

While in NZ Jamie has appeared in the media to spill behind-the-scenes secrets about MAFS.

On Tuesday she appeared on radio network ZM to talk about her time on the show with 'husband' Dave Hand and Kiwi-born bride Jacqui Burfoot.

During the chat Jamie put paid to the long-standing rumour that MAFS was 'scripted'.

'If that is the case, Im a bloody good actress. Sometimes, I think people like Jacqui and Ryan wish they could say it was scripted, but that was them,' she said during an appearance on the Fletch, Vaughan and Megan show.

Elsewhere in the interview she said that the often raucous and outrageous dinner parties were not fuelled by alcohol. Producers in fact actively 'monitor' the intake of intoxicating beverages.

'Im a high-functioning alcoholic because I work in a nightclub,' she joked.

It comes after Rebecca recently took to her social media to show off her new trimmed down figure.

From Rebecca's message to fans it appears that the meet up took place purely by chance since the pair were staying in the same hotel while Jamie, who is based in Australia, was on a visit to Aotearoa. Pictured: Jamie on MAFS

Rebecca is preparing for her upcoming role on Dancing with the Stars

In her caption alongside the image, the blonde stunner credited her training for Dancing With The Stars for her new look.

'Dancing - not only great for the soul - I'm fitter than I've been in years - but also helpful when donning a swimsuit for the first time this summer' she wrote.

Rebecca has already been already proving that she'll be the fan favourite to beat on the upcoming season of the dance contest.

The star sent pulses racing on Wednesday by sharing a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at her dance training for the reality TV competition.

'Who would have thought I would ever get close to doing the splits again at my age,' the New Zealand-born actress humbly captioned the candid photo.

In the image, Rebecca appears to be practising a tango with her dance partner Ian Waite, who holds her leg outstretched well above his hip.

Rebecca sold the sultry emotion of the dance as she tucked her head into Ian's embrace  with only the dancer's arms around her lithe frame keeping the Logie Hall of Fame member aloft.

She recently freely admitted filming DTWS is 'the most challenging thing' she's ever done.

'Will I come out of it a pro dancer? No. Has there been tears? Yes. Lots' she said on social media.

'But it's also the most rewarding, amazing thing I've ever done,' Rebecca added.

'To be learning a new skill and being taught by one of the best in the world who is also such a beautiful human is an experience I will never ever forget. Thank you Ian and DTWS.

'More shows this week. Let's gooo.'

Rebecca stays active by walking every morning and doing yoga, and is also a dedicated meditator, saying she 'wouldn't survive' without her daily practice.
Lila Moss showed off her jaw-dropping figure in an array of stylish outfits as she posed up a storm for a string of Instagram snaps on Monday.

The model, 22, looked incredible as she showed off her modelling credentials while working on her campaign with phone case brand Wildflower Cases.

In one snap, Lila showed off her toned midriff in a cropped white shirt and a matching low-rise skirt as she posed holding a floral phone case while lying on the grass.

Styling her long blonde tresses loose, Lila then slipped into a white semi-sheer lace minidress and thigh high socks as she took a phone call on a large bed.

The daughter of supermodel Kate Moss put on a leggy display as she sat in an arm chair holding the floral phone case.

Lila gushed she had 'so much fun' shooting the campaign and she was so happy with the 'team bringing her ideas to life'.

Lila Moss showed off her jaw-dropping figure in a white crop top and a matching low rise skirt as she posed up a storm for Instagram snaps on Monday

The model looked incredible in the two-piece as she sat on the grass holding a phone while promoting her new campaign with Wildflower Cases

She wrote: 'Play your cards right with me & @wildflowercases.

'Thank you Devon & Sydney for making this so much fun, the whole process was so special and this case means so much to me! I love you & everything you do!

'I couldn't have asked for a better team to bring my ideas to life @morgan.maher you're perfect in every way, @natasha.colvin you just get me and I love your mind, @kalikennedy & @laurapolko thank you for giggling with me all day.'

Lila is the daughter of Kate and Dazed Media CEO Jefferson Hack, 52, who the supermodel was in a relationship with in the early 2000s.

She has followed in Kate's model footsteps and nabbed her first modelling gig at the age of 15 with a Marc Jacobs Beauty campaign - just a year older than her mother was when she entered the business.

Despite her mother being one of the famous models in the business, Lila revealed that Kate was keen to deter her from following in her footsteps.

'My mum always put me off [modelling],' Lila said. 'She was always like, 'If you want to do it, you can, but I wouldn't recommend it.'

As well as her flourishing career, Lila's love life has been thriving as she has been dating Yoni Helbitz, 23, for roughly 18 months.

In August 2023, MailOnline exclusively revealed that Lila's boyfriend was Yoni, with the pair seen out in London frequently together over those summer months.

Styling her long blonde tresses loose, Lila then slipped into a white semi-sheer lace minidress and thigh high socks as she took a phone call on a large bed

The daughter of supermodel Kate Moss put on a leggy display as she sat in an arm chair holding the floral phone case

Lila gushed she had 'so much fun' shooting the campaign and she was so happy with the 'team bringing her ideas to life'

She stunned as she leaned over the edge of the bed holding her phone in one sensational shot

As well as her flourishing career, Lila's love life has been thriving as she has been dating Yoni Helbitz, 23, for roughly 18 months

Last year a source confirmed the couple, who were first pictured together as friends in 2021, had been dating for around a year.

Yoni's official job title is e-commerce coordinator/ fashion marketer for fashion brand Self Portrait.

Before that, he worked as an e-commerce co-ordinator for James Lakeland Ltd and he also had a six months stint as an estate agent.

The happy couple had kept their romance relatively under wraps, yet Instagram posts by Yoni reveal they have been enjoying each other's company for quite some time.

The fashion marketer's page features several snaps of himself enjoying dinner dates and days out with Lila amid their blossoming romance.

Though Yoni is happy to share images of his famous girlfriend on social media, Lila keeps her page relatively professional.
Eiza Gonzalez looked nothing short of sensational on Monday night as she attended the premiere of her new film Ash held at the Vista Theatre in Los Angeles.

The Mexican actress, 35, highlighted her figure in a slinky silver gown which featured long sleeves and an embellished swirl pattern at the bottom.

Eiza boosted her height with a pair of matching silver heels and completed her look with silver rings and simple diamond studs.

The beauty, who swept her brunette locks into a long plait, looked in great spirits as she happily greeted crowds while arriving at the event hosted by RLJE Films + Shudder.

Inside, Eiza was in good company as she mingled with co-star Aaron Paul.

The Breaking Bad star, 45, cut a dapper figure as he rocked a brown suit paired with a patterned shirt for the occasion.

Eiza Gonzalez looked nothing short of sensational on Monday night as she attended the premiere of her new film Ash held at the Vista Theatre in Los Angeles

The Mexican actress, 35, highlighted her figure in a slinky silver gown which featured long sleeves and an embellished swirl pattern at the bottom

The duo certainly let their hair down as they enjoyed a giggle together on the carpet.

They then joined the rest of the cast and crew for a selection of snaps as they celebrated the film.

The movie follows Riya (Eiza) who wakes up on a mysterious planet to discover her crewmates have been slaughtered.

When a man named Brion (Aaron) arrives to rescue her, an ordeal of psychological and physical terror ensues.

The premiere comes shortly after Eiza put on a stunning display at the RLJE Films + Shudder SXSW Party at Whisler's bar in Austin alongside her co-star Aaron on Sunday.

The brunette beauty slipped into a form-fitting white top teamed with a slinky black leather midi skirt as she posed up a storm for the cameras.

She boosted her height with black heels and styled her brunette locks into luscious curls for the occasion.

The 3 Body Problem star appeared in great spirits as she larked around with Aaron whom she stars with in the upcoming movie Ash, as well as record producer Flying Lotus, 41.

Eiza boosted her height with a pair of matching silver heels and completed her look with silver rings and simple diamond studs

The beauty, who swept her brunette locks into a long plait, looked in great spirits as she happily greeted crowds while arriving at the event hosted by RLJE Films + Shudder [pictured with Aaron Paul]

Inside, Eiza was in good company as she mingled with co-star Aaron Paul, who looked dapper figure as he rocked a brown suit paired with a patterned shirt for the occasion

The duo were seen sharing a giggle on the carpet

Aron and Eiza were seen posing alongside Flying Lotus

Eiza put on an animated display at the premiere

Kate Elliot, Eiza Gonzalez, Aaron Paul, Beulah Koale, and Flying Lotus [L-R] posed together

The group posed up a storm for the camera

Aaron opted for a smart-casual look for the bash, opting for a denim jacket, green shirt and black trousers teamed with smart black shoes.

The star finished off his look with dark sunglasses as he posed for several cool snaps.

The fun party was to celebrate the release of the movies Ash, Clown in a Cornfield and Descendent.

Eiza is known for her roles in Baby Driver (2017), Godzilla vs. King Kong (2021), and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024).

In 2025, her action thriller In The Grey, directed by Guy Ritchie and also starring Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal, will be released.
Kanye West has claimed 'the man has the final say over his kids' as he lashed out at Jewish people and the French in a bizarre social media rant.

The rapper, 47 had previously shared - and deleted - threatening texts with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian where he threatened to 'go to war' with her, after releasing a song by Sean 'Diddy' Combs which features North's voice.

Diddy is in jail awaiting trial on charges including sex trafficking, and after the song was uploaded a source shared that Kim has sought legal action to prevent its release and have it taken down from X.

In his latest rant, Kanye was furious to learn his collaborations with fellow rapper Playboy Carti had been left off Carti's new album and he was also displeased to learn Carti had asked Kim to get their daughter North to send him some songs.

Taking to X, Kanye shared several unhinged posts where he insisted North would not be working with Carti and that, as her father, he had the final decision.

He wrote: 'I DECIDED NORTH WONT BE DOING ANY SONGS WITH CARTI, HOW IT LOOK FOR ME TO GET LEFT OFF THE ALBUM AND THEN HE ASK KIM TO HAVE VOCALS FROM MY DAUGHTER I DONT A F**K ABOUT NONE OF THIS INDUSTRY S**T AND HOW IT'S A SKIMS LINE IN THE FIRST PLACE AND I DONT GIVE A F**K WHAT NO COMMENTS. THE MAN HAS THE FIRST AND FINAL SAY OVER HIS KIDS.'

In another post, he wrote: 'THE MAN MAKES THE FINAL DECISION'.

Kanye West has claimed 'the man has the final say over his kids' as he lashed out at Jewish people and the French in a bizarre social media rant

Kanye was displeased to learn rapper Playboy Carti had asked his ex-wife Kim to get their daughter North to send him some songs (Kim and North pictured together)

Kanye was furious to learn his collaborations with fellow rapper Playboy Carti (pictured) had been left off Carti's new album

Kanye then shared photos of himself hugging several people including Travis Scott and Drake. Launching into an anti-semitic rant, he wrote: 'ALL TURNED THEY BACK WHEN I SPOKE THE TRUTH. THE JEWS PUNKED YALL OH AND THE FRENCH.'

He also shared screengrabs of posts saying 'I support my Jewish friends and the Jewish people' and wrote alongside them: 'REMEMBER WHEN EVERY B***H A*S CELEBRITY POSTED THIS I MEAN PEOPLE THAT WAS NO WHERE NEAR ME IN YEARS MEANWHILE THEY GET F****D BY THE JEWS.'

Further lashing out at Playboy Carti for asking Kim to send his 'niece' North music, Kanye wrote: 'HEY NORTH YOUR DAD GAVE ME MY BIGGEST SONG AND CO SIGN AND I LEFT HIM OFF OF MY ALBUM BECAUSE OF HIS TWEETS OH BUT NORTH YOU MY NIECE I GOTTA USE YOUR VOCALS.'

Kanye has made numerous anti-semitic remarks in the past and in February, the Yeezy website crashed amid a fierce backlash against the rapper using the Super Bowl to sell swastika-branded T-Shirts in a disturbing advert.

Kim was reportedly left distraught after Kanye dragged their daughter North, 11, into the Diddy scandal with a new song which features her voice.

Kanye posted the new song on X last week, called LONELY ROADS STILL GO TO SUNSHINE, apparently featuring Diddy, Diddy's son Christian 'King' Combs and North.

Taking to X, Kanye shared several unhinged posts where he insisted North would not be working with Carti and that as her father, he had the final decision

Kanye shared photos of himself hugging several people including Travis Scott and Drake and wrote: 'ALL TURNED THEY BACK WHEN I SPOKE THE TRUTH. THE JEWS PUNKED YALL OH AND THE FRENCH'

He also shared screengrabs of posts saying 'I support my Jewish friends and the Jewish people' and wrote: 'REMEMBER WHEN EVERY B***H A*S CELEBRITY POSTED THIS'

Further lashing out at Playboy Carti for asking Kim to send his 'niece' North music, Kanye wrote: 'HEY NORTH YOUR DAD GAVE ME MY BIGGEST SONG AND CO SIGN AND I LEFT HIM OFF OF MY ALBUM'

Following Kim's response, Kanye then blasted the 'Kardashian mob' in his latest X tirade.

He hit out at the Kardashians as he compared getting visitation rights to see his four children to being 'in jail'.

He also claimed that his 'rights have been taken away by the Kardashian mob, Hulu and Disney, and branded any stars with opinions on him as 'slaves to the Jews'.

He added: 'Yes I have beef with people that froze my account, took my kids away and have tried to put me in jail and ITS STUCK;

'I DON'T WANT TO JUST ''SEE'' MY KIDS. I NEED TO RAISE THEM. I NEED TO HAVE SAY SO OF WHERE THEY GO TO SCHOOL AND WHO THEIR FRIENDS ARE AND WHOSE HOUSES THEY SLEEP OVER WHETHER MY DAUGHTERS WEAR LIPSTICK AND PERFUM.

'ALL THESE RIGHTS HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM ME BY THE KARDASHIAN MOB, HULU AND DISNEY AND THE BIGGEST AGENDA TO USE THE SELECTIVELY BRED BLACK CHILDREN TO BE PLATFORMS TO INFLUENCE BLACK PEOPLE.'

'JUST SEEING MY KIDS IS LIKE VISITATION ITS LIKE IM IN PRISON ''SEEING'' MY KIDS I DONT CARE IF I LIVE OR DIE OR IF IM IN JAIL OR FREE AND I ESPECIALLY DONT CARE ABOUT WHATEVER THESE P***Y ASS CELEBRITIES GOT TO SAY THAT ARE SLAVES TO THE JEWS.'

MailOnline contacted representatives for Kim Kardashian, Hulu and Disney for comment.

Shortly before the track was released, Kanye posted - then deleted - screen-grabs allegedly showing a vicious text exchange between him and Kim in which he threatened to go 'to war' with her.

Kim was reportedly left distraught after Kanye dragged their daughter North, 11, into the Diddy scandal with a new song which features her voice (pictured with North in 2023)

The track called LONELY ROADS STILL GO TO SUNSHINE made its debut on West's X account on Saturday

Returning to X, Kanye hit out at the Kardashians as he compared getting visitation rights to see his four children to being 'in jail'

The rapper had shared - and deleted- threatening texts with the reality star where he threatened to 'go to war' with her, after releasing a song by Diddy which features North's voice

The supposed conversation makes it appear that Kim holds the copyright to North's name and was using it to try to prevent her from being included in a track with Diddy - provoking a furious reaction from Kanye.

In the grabs, Kanye texts Kim: 'I'm never speaking with you again,' along with a snippet of what appeared to be a legal document, including the phrase: 'participation in this project,' presumably in reference to the new song.

Kim allegedly shoots back: 'I asked u at the time if I can trademark her name,' alleging: 'You said yes,' and adding: 'When she's 18 it goes to her.'

The grabs then show her evidently admonishing Kanye to 'stop,' saying: 'I sent paper work over so she wouldn't be in the Diddy song To protect her.'

Kim, who is an aspiring lawyer, allegedly continues: 'One person has to trademark! We agreed when they were born i would get all of our kids names and trademarks So no would else would take them.'

Kanye is seen to be unmoved, purportedly retorting: 'Amend it or I'm going to war And neither of us will recover from the public fallout,' then darkly declaring: 'You're going to have to kill me.'

In the wake of the song's release, a source exclusively informed DailyMail.com that Kim 'will do whatever it takes to protect her kids from the hateful speech that Kanye continues to spur at this time'.

The insider added that Kim 'has requested through a judge to not allow the kids to be around that type of behavior'.

Kanye and Diddy are pictured in September 2019

Shortly before the track was released, West posted - then deleted - screen-grabs allegedly showing a vicious text exchange between him and Kardashian

Diddy is currently in jail awaiting trial in May on sex trafficking charges (pictured in court on Friday)

According to insiders, North recently spent time in the studio with Kanyetheir first visit in weekswhere she recorded vocals for the track, via TMZ.

Kanye allegedly told her that participating in the song would lead to the release of his upcoming Sunday Service.

After learning about the track, sources claim Kim sent cease-and-desist letters demanding that Kanye not move forward with its release.

An emergency hearing reportedly took place, which Kanye did not attend, where he allegedly agreed to hold off on dropping the track.

Kim is said to be particularly concerned about North's involvement due to the ongoing legal troubles surrounding Diddy.

Insiders say she has been working behind the scenes to keep North out of the situation.

Shortly before releasing the track, Kanye posted an alleged text conversation with Kim, hinting at a brewing conflict by telling fans, 'We're going to war,' per TMZ.

With the song now out, that battle seems to have officially begun.
Stephen Bear has caused yet more outrage after setting up what appears to be an internet 'scam' to raise funds towards an implausible 30 metre high statue tribute in his honour.

The disgraced reality star, 35, was cancelled in 2023 when he was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment for sharing a sex tape of his Love Island ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison.

Since being freed from HMP Brixton last January after serving half of his sentence, he now makes a living as an adult content creator on X-rated subscription site OnlyFans, selling explicit videos of himself for $20 each.

While he no longer boasts the same amount of fans he had in his reality star heyday, the former Celebrity Big Brother winner still boasts 193,000 Instagram followers, where he encourages fans to subscribe to his podcast and various other outlets.

Bear - who claims to be a millionaire - shocked followers when he begged them to donate to a GoFundMe campaign for the implausible task of building the statue - which he claimed would rival Brazil's famed Christ The Redeemer.

He claimed to 'be a man of God' and said God had told him that he needed to 'bring luck' to the people of Brazil - where he is currently living with his girlfriend.

Stephen Bear has caused yet more outrage after setting up what appears to be an internet 'scam' to raise funds towards an implausible 30 metre high statue tribute in his honour

He claimed to 'be a man of God' and said God had told him that he needed to 'bring luck' to the people of Brazil - where he is currently living with his girlfriend

On his fundraising page, he penned: 'Hi, my name is Stephen Bear. I have been chosen from God to bring you good luck and positive energy.

'I am looking to build a statue in Brazil named 'Christ The Bear' I want Christ the Redeemer to have a twin brother.

'The statue I would like to build would be the exact same size and weight as Christ the Redeemer. I would find it disrespectful for my statue to be exactly the same, so my statue of 'Christ the Bear' would be made in a gold colour.

'Not real solid gold as that material would be too hot to touch in the Brazil climate. Everyone who would come to visit my statue in Brazil would get good luck.

'I would also be a tourist attraction for everyone around the world so I would be good for the economy. The local people will help construct 'Christ the Bear' so I will also create jobs.

'Donate what you can. As you know I am a man of the people so join me on my project to save the world. Stay cool baby.'

At the time of reporting, Bear had raised 20 of his 7,500 goal from three donations, one of them being himself after kicking off the fundraising with 5.

His followers were left in shock at the scheme, commenting on Instagram: 'You have hit rock bottom. Good'; 'Didnt you just win millions? Why do people need to fund this if youre so rich? Another day another scheme.';

'Bear youre playing a dangerous game brother youre good ppl but Jesus is a stretch ppl dont play about that'; 'Ain't nobody going to be investing in this you mug'.

While it seems impossible that even with funds Bear could erect a 30 metre high statue in Brazil, it is not clear if the fundraiser violates GoFundMe's rules.

Their policy states 'it is not permitted to lie or intentionally deceive donors on GoFundMe for financial or personal gain.'

MailOnline has contacted GoFundMe and Bear's representatives for comment.

At the time of reporting, Bear had raised 20 of his 7,500 goal from three donations, one of them being himself after kicking off the fundraising with 5, and shocking his followers

As well as causing outrage with his fundraising efforts, Bear also shocked when he mocked his revenge porn trial with Love Island star ex, Georgia Harrison

In a YouTube video, Bear was answering questions from fans, with one being his opinion on revenge porn

He continued: 'So my opinion on revenge porn...' before launching into a pretend mimed rant but not speaking aloud, leaving his followers disgusted

As well as causing outrage with his fundraising efforts, Bear also shocked when he mocked his revenge porn trial with Love Island star ex, Harrison.

In a YouTube video, Bear was answering questions from fans, with one being his opinion on revenge porn.

Imitating a cat meowing, Bear laughed: 'woo, spicy! We finally got a really juicy question, get your popcorn ready it's going to be a banger.'

He continued: 'So my opinion on revenge porn...' before launching into a pretend mimed rant but not speaking aloud.

In 2023, Bear, from Loughton, Essex, was jailed after a jury found him guilty of voyeurism and disclosing private, sexual photographs and films.

He was also ordered to pay the 22,305 that prosecutors estimated that he earned from illegally sharing the footage on OnlyFans.

Harrison, who waived her right to anonymity as she campaigned for stricter laws around revenge porn, told the Proceeds of Crime hearing at the time: 'I had to live in fear that this was going to come out and my family were going to know about it.

'It was just like the worst feeling you can ever possibly imagine. I felt violated, I felt embarrassed - I hated myself for a really long time.'

The criminal trial heard how Harrison and Bear had consensual sex at his home in Loughton but the Love Island star did not know they were being filmed nor consent to the film being shared.

Bear did not show any remorse for his crime, instead making the outlandish claim that his trial was 'fixed'.

In January, Bear revealed he had relocated to Brazil with his new 18-year-old girlfriend, boasting: 'The police can't catch me now'

In January, Bear revealed he had relocated to Brazil with his new 18-year-old girlfriend, boasting: 'The police can't catch me now.'

In a grim video shared from the beach, he bragged: 'Life's good. I thought I'd come on here guys and say I love you all, simple as that. I love you all.

'Stay true, because this year I'm fully active, I'm off licence. The police, they could still be after me, but I'm in Brazil. They can't catch me now. Catch me if you can.'

Swigging a beer, he added: 'I'm just chilling out, licence is finished, police is finished. I can be completely left alone, ready to enjoy my life now. All my conditions are just lifted. Now I can post on social media, that was the main condition, watch this space.'

Bear also boasted about being on the beach in Brazil with his much younger girlfriend at 3.40pm in the afternoon.

Panning the camera around to his girlfriend, he said: 'I'm in Brazil, I don't know if you've heard. This is my 18-year-old Latina girlfriend, say hello baby.

'We just chilling, I got eight music videos I got to shoot while im in Brazil. Thinking of looking at some property while I'm over here.'

Blowing a kiss to the camera, he added: 'As they say in Brazil, te amo, ciao. That means I love you, goodbye.'
It's the two hundred-million-pound movie that has been plagued by controversy from replacing dwarf actors with CGI and its lead star panning the original Disney cartoon for its 'sexist' romance plot.

And now woke Snow White has struck again as trigger warnings such as A woman is deliberately poisoned and a girl is surrounded by ominous trees have been issued for audiences.

The British Board of Film Classification has slapped a hefty list of disclaimers on the live-action Disney remake starring Rachel Zegler, 23, as Snow White and Gal Gadot, 39, as the Wicked Witch.

The $270million remake of the 1937 classic will debut this week but has been beset by multiple controversies including reimagining the Seven Dwarfs as a diverse group of 'magical creatures' of all heights, gender and race.

Less than a week before the film is released, MailOnline can reveal the bizarre trigger warnings issued by the BBFC.

Viewers are told: A couple gently kiss and are teased about being in love, a character threatens to shove something up anothers backside during a comic exchange and skeletal remains lie on the floor of a dungeon.

A warning that Characters drink alcohol briefly at a party has also been issued and when it comes to violence it is established, A man is shot in the chest with an arrow.

There are also brief sword fights and a woman is deliberately poisoned.

The two hundred-million-pound movie that has been plagued by controversy from replacing dwarf actors with CGI and its lead star panning the original Disney cartoon for its 'sexist' romance plot

Now woke Snow White has struck again as trigger warnings such as A woman is deliberately poisoned and a girl is surrounded by ominous trees have been issued for audiences

Meanwhile, a feud is also ongoing between the West Side Story actress and her co-star, Gal Gadot. Pictured: With Marc E. Platt at the film's premier

The $270million remake of the 1937 classic will debut this week but has been beset by multiple controversies including reimagining the Seven Dwarfs as a diverse group of 'magical creatures' of all heights, gender and race

The new movie musical Wicked, adapted from the popular stage show starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, was hit with a similar level of trigger warnings including discrimination against a green-skinned woman and persecuted talking animals.

The warning issued to viewers by the BBFC states: 'A green-skinned woman is mocked, bullied and humiliated because of her skin colour.'

The writer Simon Evans mocked the decision.

He told the Mail: Trigger warnings are ridiculous and counterproductive at the best of times, dampening excitement, destroying creative, dramatic tension and creating a muffled atmosphere appropriate to an HR seminar than a movie.

But with this one, theyve really (Warning: Comment contains dangerous aquatic threat!) jumped the shark.

Meanwhile, Ziegler who stars as Snow White previously revealed she refused to sing the beloved song Some Day My Prince Will Come from the 1937 classic, stating it was 'weird' that the movie focused on Snow White's 'love story with a guy who literally stalks her'.

'We didn't do that this time. I was scared of the original version. I think I watched it once and never picked it up again,' Zegler told Variety in 2022.

Ziegler said her character is 'not going to be saved by the prince. She's not going to be dreaming about true love. She's dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be,' when she spoke at the Disney expo last year.

Viewers are told: A couple gently kiss and are teased about being in love, a character threatens to shove something up anothers backside during a comic exchange and skeletal remains lie on the floor of a dungeon

Trigger warnings to the film also include brief sword fights and a woman is deliberately poisoned

A warning that Characters drink alcohol briefly at a party has also been issued and when it comes to violence it is established, A man is shot in the chest with an arrow

'She's dreaming about becoming the leader that her late father told her she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave and true,' she later gushed to Variety as her co-star Gadot smiled beside her.

Zegler has also criticised David Hand's 1937 original animated film as 'extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power' and admitted she has only seen it once.

'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.' The 'guy' she is referring to, Andrew Burnap, plays a man named Jonathan.

'All of Andrew's scenes could get cut, who knows? It's Hollywood, baby!' Ziegler joked.

Meanwhile, a feud is also ongoing between the West Side Story actress and her co-star, Gal Gadot.

Sources have claimed the pair have 'nothing in common', citing their age gap - Ms Zegler is 23 and Ms Gadot is 39 - and differing political views.

Ziegler who stars as Snow White previously revealed she refused to sing the beloved song Some Day My Prince Will Come from the 1937 classic, stating it was 'weird'

Ziegler further said that the movie focused on Snow White's 'love story with a guy who literally stalks her'

Zegler has also criticised David Hand's 1937 original animated film as 'extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power' and admitted she has only seen it once

The Wonder Woman star was also absent from the 155million film's secret Spanish premiere last week.

According to People magazine, 'Gal is a mother of four, while Rachel is in a completely different stage of life. On top of that, their political views differ, adding to the tension'. Israeli-born Ms Gadot, who served in the

IDF, has publicly supported the release of Israeli hostages, while Ms Zegler has used her platform to voice support for Palestine amid the conflict in Gaza. This divide has reportedly further fuelled their feud.

After a series of PR nightmares, Disney scaled back the Snow White premieres to host a 'handful' of tightly controlled events.

This was the case on Saturday, with only a select number of photographers invited to the Hollywood Premiere. And 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.

At the screening Ms Zegler, who starred in the 2021 remake of West Side Story, briefly addressed the backlash around the film, which has been branded 'woke' for adapting the original storyline of Disney's first feature-length movie, released in 1937.
Gwyneth Paltrow has landed another cover of Vanity Fair magazine.

In her latest interview the 52-year-old Oscar-winner shared her thoughts on a variety of subjects as she posed for the cover in a see-through lace top and miniskirt.

The Iron Man star touched on Montecito neighbor Meghan Markle and her new Netflix series. In the past, Markle has been accused of copying Paltrow's GOOP brand.

There was even a mention of her ex-fiance Brad Pitt whom she was with from 1994 until 1997.

And the wife of Brad Falchuk also touched on how her relationship with ex-husband Chris Martin, and how their kids Apple and Moses are doing in college.

As far as the current political climate she says it has affected her mental health: 'I am riddled with anxiety My nervous system is so f***ed.'

Gwyneth Paltrow has landed another cover of Vanity Fair magazine

In her latest interview the 52-year-old Oscar-winner shared her thoughts on a variety of subjects as she posed for the cover in a see-through lace top and miniskirt; shoot by Ned Rogers

Gwyneth was polite when it came to Meghan as she said she has met her but they are not really friends.

She shared, 'I don't know Meghan and Harry I mean, I've met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don't know her at all. I was raised to see other women as friends, not foes think there's always more than enough to go around.

'Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try.'

Meghan has been accused of trying to copy Gwyneth, but the movie star seems to take it in stride.

As far as Coldplay frontman Martin, with whom she has two kids, Gwyneth said they are close.

'It's not quite brother, but we are complete family He is there for me through anything, and vice versa,' she shared.

And she said of her kids: 'Look, theyre the children of two super-famous people, and so they understand what comes with that. Theyve grown up in it You would be surprised at how lovely and unassuming and down-to-earth they are.'

She had nice things to say about Brad Pitt, her '90s beau: 'Hes a very intriguing character Its like having dated, I dont know, Prince William or something. Thats always going to come up.'

On the negative press around the future of Goop after they laid off 18 per cent of their staff in 2024 Gwyneth said: 'Maybe I would care if it was true that we're doing it because business wasn't good, but I'm very clear. We are not doing this because the business is faltering.'

The Iron Man star touched on Montecito neighbor Meghan Markle's new Netflix series and her powerhouse brand GOOP

Gwyneth was polite when it came to Meghan as she said she has met her but they are not really friends. She shared, 'I don't know Meghan and Harry I mean, I've met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don't know her at all.' Seen in 2017

She had nice things to say about Brad Pitt, her '90s beau: 'Hes a very intriguing character Its like having dated, I dont know, Prince William or something. Thats always going to come up.' Seen in 2024

She explained: 'We're doing this because I need to optimize EBITDA My business is a good business and it's a strong business and the brand is strong Case in point, we're still here. We just had our best year.'

EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and measures a company's financial health.

And Paltrow weighs in on the MeToo movement and if it had an impact.

'I think so there are no meetings set up in hotel rooms [anymore], from what I understand, or if there are, it's multiple people in the room. That bubble has definitely burst I'm sure people still abuse power in Hollywood because they do everywhere, but it has definitely changed,' she said.

She feels that she is meant to be a trailblazer.

She said, '[I]t might just be that my role is to pave the way By some instinct or curiosity or desire, I go somewhere and I hack through the path and I get the scratches of hacking through, but I make space for other people, then, to do it. [T]hat's the point of my life, maybe?'
Matthew Perry's disgraced doctor who's been charged in connection to the late actor's death was spotted at his California clinic.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42, who was charged along with Dr. Mark Chavez in connection with the death of the Friends star, was seen outside his Malibu Canyon Urgent Care clinic on Monday in photos obtained by DailyMail.com.

He donned an all black outfit and blue sneakers as he looked toward the ground outside his office. Plascencia is listed as a 'trained' medical professional in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics on the clinic's website.

Perry suffered a fatal ketamine overdose in October 2023 after he was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home by his assistant Kenneth Iwamasa.

It's alleged Chavez sold ketamine lozenges to Plasencia, who is accused of then providing them to Perry.

Although both physicians were charged for their roles in his death, Plasencia and Chavez have 'zero restrictions' on their licenses and 'can prescribe serious medications to anyone,' TMZ previously reported.

The California State Medical Board confirmed in a statement, obtained by the outlet, that 'both licenses are current and active and the Board has not imposed any restrictions on them.'

Plasencia is accused of texting Chavez 'I wonder how much this moron will pay' when he learned Perry was seeking ketamine. He has pleaded not guilty to his charges.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42, who was charged in connection death to Matthew Perry's death, was seen outside his Malibu Canyon Urgent Care clinic on Monday in photos obtained by DailyMail.com

Perry suffered a fatal ketamine overdose in October 2023 after he was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home by his assistant Kenneth Iwamasa

In one instance, Plascenica worked with Chavez to charge Perry $2,000 for a vial of ketamine that cost $12, after he became increasingly desperate to get his hands on the drug.

Meanwhile, Chavez, 54, entered a guilty plea for his role in the overdose in October. He faces up to 10 years in prison, even with a plea deal. He is set to be sentenced on April 2, 2025.

Prior to his court appearance, Chavez agreed to stop practicing medicine, and handed his passport to authorities.

Prosecutors offered lesser charges to Chavez and two others in exchange for their cooperation in going after other targets they deemed more responsible for the overdose death.

Jasveen Sangha, 41, better known as the 'Ketamine Queen' of north Hollywood, has been identified as the alleged dealer who supplied the fatal drug.

Plascencia realized the actor could die when he saw him 'freeze up' from an overdose just days before his death, prosecutors claimed.

He soon realized the 17 Again actor's life was hanging by a thread when he suffered a seizure during an overdose a mere 16 days before he died.

'Let's not do that again,' Plascencia told Perry's assistant nervously.

His assistant, Iwamasa has since admitted he was the one who administered the fatal doses to the actor, after being trained how to deliver them by Plascencia.

He donned an all black outfit and blue sneakers as he looked toward the ground outside his office. Plasencia was charged along with Dr. Mark Chavez

Plascencia is listed as a 'trained' medical professional in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics on the clinic's website. (Pictured: Malibu Canyon Urgent Care)

It's understood Chavez sold ketamine lozenges to Plasencia, who is accused of then providing them to Perry

On October 4 of that year Iwamasa reported that he had successfully injected Perry, noting that he 'found the sweet spot but trying different places led to running out' of ketamine.

The affidavit claims that Perry spent $55,000 on ketamine supplied by Plascencia in the two months before he died, and that Iwamasa injected Perry with 27 shots of ketamine in just five days.

Iwamasa would relay Perry's requests in coded language, referring to bottles of ketamine as 'Dr Pepper', 'cans', and 'bots' via encrypted messaging apps.

At one point he asked if he could pay with 'something besides cash' because 'it's hard to get to the bank on the fly with all that's going on which happens so fast now.'

But the doctors struggled to keep up with demand and Iwamasa turned to a friend of the actor, Eric Fleming, 54, to source extra supplies.

He in turn went to Hollywood's alleged 'Ketamine Queen', who told Iwamasa 'She only deals with high end and celebs. If it were not great stuff she'd lose her business.'

Plascencia (pictured with his wife) has pleaded not guilty to his charges

Meanwhile, Chavez, 54, entered a guilty plea for his role in the overdose in October. He faces up to 10 years in prison, even with a plea deal. He is set to be sentenced on April 2, 2025

Sangha sold dozens of vials of the drug to Iwamasa via Fleming and was so pleased with the size of his orders that she threw in some lollipops made of ketamine as an 'add on'.

But she was well aware of the drug's risks, prosecutors claim, after allegedly selling it to client Cody McLaury, just hours before his overdose death in 2019.

'The ketamine you sold my brother killed him,' a furious relative told her in a text message. 'It's listed as the cause of death.'

Iwamasa had originally relied on Plascencia to inject Perry in meetings which would usually take place at Perry's home.

But on October 10 the three men met at a car lot in Long Beach where Plascencia injected Perry inside a parked car.

Two days later Plascencia issued his warning after Perry's near-fatal overdose  but then handed Iwamasa with more bottles before leaving.

As the assistant's expertise developed, Iwamasa was injecting Perry up to six times a day before finding him dead in his hot tub.

And as news of the beloved actor's death filtered out that evening, Sangha ordered Fleming to 'delete all our messages'.

Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who found him dead in the hot tub, has since admitted he was the one who administered the fatal doses to the actor, after being trained how to deliver them by Plascencia. (Pictured: Iwamasa and Perry on August 28, 2023)

In his last post to his Instagram Perry shared images of himself at home in the hot tub where he would soon be found dead

Jasveen Sangha, 41, is better known as the 'Ketamine Queen' of north Hollywood. Prosecutors say she is the lynchpin for a 'broad underground criminal network' which supplied the Friends star the fatal dose

But police were on her trail and secured permission to raid her 'drugs emporium' home in March this year.

Agents found 'significant quantities of illegal drugs, including approximately 1,978 grams of orange pills that field tested positive for methamphetamine, 79 bottles containing a clear liquid that field tested positive for ketamine, and various other suspect narcotics' a court filing claims.

Prosecutors said Sangha was a 'large volume drug dealer' previously identified by the DEA, LAPD homicide detectives and the US Postal Inspection Service.

The actor had been using the drug through his regular doctor in a legal but off-label treatment for depression that has become increasingly common.

Perry struggled with addiction for years, dating back to his time on 'Friends,' when he became one of the biggest stars of his generation as Chandler Bing.

He starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on NBCs megahit sitcom.
Teddi Mellencamp is getting some comforting support from a hunky reality star as the pair were spotted out together on Monday in Los Angeles.

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 43, who has admitted to going through a 'hard time' following surgery to remove a brain tumor, looked in good spirits as she exited an Encino area eatery with Southern Charm star Shep Rose.

Interestingly, Shep, 44, is recently single having just split up from his girlfriend only two weeks ago.

Mellencamp, who had to shave her head for recent brain surgery, has also been receiving support from her ex-husband Edwin Arroyave with rumors that their divorce may not be going ahead.

For their casual date outing, Teddi was dressed chic in neutrals, stepping out in a boxy beige sweater over a white T-shirt and wide leg jeans and white sneakers.

Rose looked relaxed in a long sleeve gray sweater with a zip at the neck and a pair of brown corduroy pants.

The restaurateur placed an orange billed hat over his light brown hair and sported a scruffy beard.

Teddi Mellencamp, 43, and Shep Rose, 44 caught up for lunch Monday in the Encino area of Los Angeles amid the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star's cancer battle

'As soon as i saw Teddi and gave her a hug, then argued about where to sit' he wrote in a sweet social media post, adding that their time together was 'more laughs than anything'

Rose shared some sweet details of their meeting on social media.

'In case you all didnt know my hometown friend @teddimellencamp recently had several tumors removed from her brain,' he wrote sharing a photo of the two of them together.

'Theres still lots to battle but we decided to meet up if she was up for it. We met in Encino, a magical village in the valley,' he said.

'As soon as i saw Teddi and gave her a hug, we argued about where to sit.

'She then rather bluntly announced I almost died and I still might - make a decision for once Shepard.'

Rose shared that the two longtime pals 'love dark humor and Teddi is the queen of it.'

After sharing they had ordered chicken parmesan pasta and some bread and oil, the pair seemed to enjoy, 'More laughs than anything.'

The still single RelationShep star wrote that Mellencamp 'has a keen interest and derives much pleasure in my misadventures. Which i think means that she loves me.'

Rose's last relationship with Sienna Evans ended in Fall 2024, but the relationship is being explored on season 10 of Southern Charm, which began airing in December 2024.

Rose's last relationship with Sienna Evans ended in Fall 2024, but the relationship is being explored on season 10 of Southern Charm, which began airing in December

Mellencamp and Rose revealed in an Instagram Live session they had never been romantically involved. 'I'm one of the only people in Hilton Head Island, SC that did not make out Shep,' she told viewers

In an Instagram Question and Answer session Monday, the two pals spoke about growing up together in Hilton Heard, South Carolina, and revealed that there had never been any sparks between them.

'I'm one of the only people in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina that did not make out Shep,' she told viewers.

'That's true,' the charming Southerner replied.

'It's very unfortunate, I know it's one of your biggest regrets,' he joked.

The reunion came as Mellencamp was scheduled to begin receiving radiation for her cancer in addition to the immunotherapy she will be receiving every three weeks.

Teddi braced for the worst ahead of her brain tumor diagnosis in February.

The star reunited with Tamra Judge, 57, for a new episode of their Two Ts In A Pod podcast on Thursday and spoke in detail about her health crisis.

Judge remembered Mellencamp texting her after doctors discovered multiple tumors on her brain just weeks ago: 'You said to me, 'You all thought I was mental, but actually I'm on my deathbed.''

Teddi confirmed, 'I remember feeling like this is actually it.'

Tamra responded to Mellencamp's text message by telling her, 'No, you're not [on your deathbed], because if you're on yours, then I'm on mine because I can't live without you.'

The effects of the growing tumors were present for six months before the star, who is the daughter of musician John Mellencamp, finally sought medical attention.

Mellencamp braced for the worst ahead of her brain tumor diagnosis in February

She reunited with Tamra Judge, 57, for a new episode of their Two Ts In A Pod podcast on Thursday and spoke in detail about her health crisis

She'd been suffering from migraines but ignored the pain and kept pushing forward as she dealt with other things happening in her life.

Teddi announced her divorce from her husband of 13 years, Edwin Arroyave, in November.

'I didn't want to face any of it. And I was like, I just need to keep moving forward. And if I keep moving forward, then everything's going to be fine,' she explained about her mindset at the time.

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star then detailed her difficult recovery as she spoke about being discharged from hospital after her February 12th brain tumor surgery.

She told viewers that she was forced to take 'disgusting sodium pills' because, in order to be discharged, she had to urinate.

'I couldn't pee, guys. I do not know why I could not pee,' Teddi said.

The sodium pills proved tough on Teddi's system as she revealed that they made her throw up '85 times' in a single day.

'One day, I remember I had just thrown up, like, 85 times from the stupid salt pills,' she confessed to Tamra.

Judge remembered Mellencamp texting her after doctors discovered multiple tumors: 'You said to me, 'You all thought I was mental, but actually I'm on my deathbed.'' Teddi confirmed, 'I remember feeling like this is actually it'

While 'things were a lot better' once she was out of hospital and staying at a hotel with full-time nurses there to assist her, Teddi said that she 'got really, really sad.'

She said the sadness came from her realizing the severity of her situation.

'Once I understood, then I got really sad,' she told Judge.

Elsewhere in the episode, Teddi continued: 'I can say I've had some of my darkest, saddest days since [February] 12th when this happened.'

She recalled, 'I was at a horse show. I remember going to my friend Nicole like, 'I have the worst migraine I've ever had in my entire life.' I remember not being able to remember how to say certain words.

'I started shaking really bad and I didn't know where I was.'

Despite taking migraine medication, the symptoms persisted and even got worse.

'I remember being in such extreme pain. I could barely walk. I couldn't see. I didn't wanna do anything,' the mother-of-three told listeners.
Gwyneth Paltrow has dished on the loves in her life with Vanity Fair magazine.

The 52-year-old GOOP founder had a special comment for each one of her Romeos in the wide-ranging interview.

On top of the list is ex-fiance Brad Pitt whom she was with from 1994 until 1997.

She had nice things to say about Pitt, whom she worked with on the film Seven: 'He's a very intriguing character,' said the daughter of Blythe Danner.

The Emma star then compared Brad to a royal: 'It's like having dated, I don't know, Prince William or something. That's always going to come up.'

Pitt is now dating jewelry executive Ines de Ramon after divorcing Angelina Jolie.

As far as Coldplay frontman Martin with whom she has two kids, she said they are close. 'It's not quite brother, but we are complete family He is there for me through anything, and vice versa,' she shared.

Chris is dating Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson's movie star daughter Dakota Johnson.

Gwyneth Paltrow has dished on the loves in her life with Vanity Fair. The 52-year-old had a special comment for each one of her Romeos in the wide-ranging interview. On top of the list is ex-fiance Brad Pitt whom she was with from 1994 until 1997

She had nice things to say about Brad Pitt, her '90s beau: 'He's a very intriguing characterIt's like having dated, I don't know, Prince William or something. That's always going to come up.' Seen in 1996

Paltrow has landed another cover of Vanity Fair magazine. In her latest interview the 52-year-old Oscar-winner shared her thoughts on a variety of subjects

And things are going swimmingly with her current husband Brad, a TV and movie producer. She enjoys a blended family with Brad's kids. 'It's actually quite beautiful,' Paltrow said. 'It continues to evolve.'

Falchuk's ex Suzanne Bukinik recently stayed with Paltrow and Falchuk in Montecito, California when she was evacuated during the fires.

'It feels much better when everybody can be together and people can let go of the more difficult, painful parts of what led to a divorce and focus on the things that led to the marriage in the first place,' Paltrow said.

'Once you fully let go of "We used to sleep in the same bed" vibes, a world of possibility opens up.'

The Iron Man star also touched on Montecito neighbor Meghan Markle and her new Netflix series. In the past, Markle has been accused of copying Paltrow's GOOP brand.

Gwyneth was polite when it came to Meghan as she said she has met her but they are not really friends.

She shared, 'I don't know Meghan and HarryI mean, I've met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don't know her at all. I was raised to see other women as friends, not foes think there's always more than enough to go around.

'Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try.'

Pitt seen left and Prince William seen right

The siren seen in a stunning photo shoot by Ned Rogers for Vanity Fair

Brad with ex-wife Jennifer Aniston (left, in 2004) and with Angelina Jolie (right, in 2014)

Paltrow comments about 'more than enough to go around' has to do with Markle's attempts at creating her own GOOP-style lifestyle brand.

Meghan has been accused of trying to copy Gwyneth, but the movie star seems to take it in stride.

And she said of her kids: 'Look, they're the children of two super-famous people, and so they understand what comes with that.

'They've grown up in itYou would be surprised at how lovely and unassuming and down-to-earth they are.'

On the negative press around the future of Goop after they laid off 18 percent of their staff in 2024 Gwyneth said, 'Maybe I would care if it was true that we're doing it because business wasn't good, but I'm very clear.

Gwyneth with first husband Chris Martin (left in 2003) and her current husband Brad Falchuk (right in 2019)

Meghan, Prince Harry, Prince William and Catherine in 2018

'We are not doing this because the business is faltering. We're doing this because I need to optimize EBITDAMy business is a good business and it's a strong business and the brand is strongCase in point, we're still here. We just had our best year.'

EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and measures a company's financial health.

As far as the current political climate she says it has affected her mental health: 'I am riddled with anxietyMy nervous system is so f***ed.'

And Paltrow weighs in on the MeToo movement and if it had an impact.

'I think sothere are no meetings set up in hotel rooms [anymore], from what I understand, or if there are, it's multiple people in the room. That bubble has definitely burstI'm sure people still abuse power in Hollywood because they do everywhere, but it has definitely changed,' she said.

She feels that she is meant to be a trailblazer.

he said, '[I]t might just be that my role is to pave the wayBy some instinct or curiosity or desire, I go somewhere and I hack through the path and I get the scratches of hacking through, but I make space for other people, then, to do it. [T]hat's the point of my life, maybe?'
Coleen Rooney looked stunning as she shared a series of glam behind the scenes snaps from her recent trip to Ireland.

The WAG, 34, put on a stylish display in a long-sleeved ruched burgundy top and long brown pencil skirt.

The mother-of-four looked worlds away from her WAG days of bold outfits, blingy jewellery and big hair.

Coleen headed to Dublin earlier this month to promote her new health and wellness range with Applied Nutrition.

And the star tried her hand at pulling pints during the trip as she joined Westlife star Nicky Bryne for a cheeky Guinness as she added a sachet of her collagen powder to the Irish beverage.

Tipping in a packet of the strawberry flavoured collagen, the pair revealed their plans to 'split the G' as Coleen confessed: 'This is new to me, when I arrived yesterday and we went out for dinner and all the lads were talking about it.

Coleen Rooney shunned her WAG look once and for all as she put on a stylish display in ruched burgundy top in behind the scenes snaps from her new health range

The mother-of-four looked worlds away from her WAG days of bold outfits, blingy jewellery and big hair (pictured with Victoria Beckham in 2006)

'I had a go but I wasn't successful, it is a lot.'

The pair raised a toast with a pint of Guinness at Nicky's house in Dublin, marking the exclusive arrival of Coleen's new supplement collection at Holland & Barrett stores across the country.

Pouring her pint, Coleen joked: 'There we go, get me in the Rovers!'

Embarking on the challenge the pair then attempted to 'split the G' with Coleen coming out on top as she beat Nicky to the challenge.

'I've got brain freeze,' joked Coleen as she boasted: 'Oh well I got closer than you. It's hard work that!'

Nicky agreed: 'Yeah you absolutely hammered me.'

Coleen's popular Applied Nutrition Marine Collagen Powder has been in huge demand since it was reported Coleen used it during her time in the I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! jungle.

'I've had so many lovely messages about my skin since leaving the jungle and how I managed to stay looking so fresh despite some of the most horrendous challenges!' said Coleen.

'I'm so excited to finally be able to share the range I have been working on with Applied Nutrition through Holland & Barrett in Ireland, and I hope that everyone finds it as beneficial as I have when you combine the right supplements and high-quality ingredients to manage your hair, skin, sleep, and overall wellness as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.'

She kept her makeup subtle and swept her brunette locks out of her face in a classy up do

Coleen headed to Dublin earlier this month to promote her new health and wellness range with Applied Nutrition

She wasn't afraid to opt for a bold print or colourful ensemble back in her younger days when Wayne was playing (pictured in 2008)

The star tried her hand at pulling pints during the trip as she joined Westlife star Nicky Bryne for a cheeky Guinness as she added a sachet of her collagen powder to the Irish beverage

Embarking on the challenge the pair then attempted to 'split the G' with Coleen coming out on top as she beat Nicky to the challenge

The range, which includes Coleen's signature Collagen Powder, Debloat, and Immunity supplements, is designed to promote a healthier lifestyle with a focus on skin, hair, and overall wellness.

It launched in the UK in January and has been a massive hit. Coleen, and partners at the global nutrition brand Applied Nutrition, are hoping it will be as popular in Ireland.

Known for her active lifestyle and passion for wellness, Coleen has long been dedicated to supporting her health and appearance, which she attributes to high-quality supplements.
Tiger King star Joe Exotic has made President Donald Trump a sensational new offer as he attempts to secure a pardon from the White House.

Exotic, 62, is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2019 of hiring hitmen to kill his zookeeper rival Carole Baskin.

During his first term, Trump, 78, told a reporter that he would 'take a look' at the tiger trader's case, but nothing ever came of it.

He instead went on to pardon and commute the sentences of 143 people, including rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black.

Nevertheless, Exotic publicly endorsed Trump in the 2024 election and is still trying to attract the president's attention to his case.

Now Exotic, who announced his engagement to his fellow inmate Jorge Marquez in October, has put forward a startling new proposal in exchange for his release.

Tiger King star Joe Exotic has made President Donald Trump a sensational new offer as he attempts to secure a pardon from the White House

In a new post on Exotic's X account, the tiger keeper is pictured with Marquez, whom he is now referring to as his 'husband.'

'You could deport him at some point, but if you let me go, we'll both go to Mexico, which will save you the cost of deporting him and allow you to take care of me,' Exotic argued. 'No matter what happens, he's my husband, and we'll never abandon each other. This bond is that strong.'

He previously married one Dillon Passage in 2017, but they announced their separation in 2021 while Exotic was behind bars.

This January, a few days after Trump's inauguration, Exotic furiously denounced both the new president and Joe Biden for neglecting to get him out of prison.

The tiger keeper, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, claimed he would have a better chance of a commuted sentence if he 'broke in the [Capitol]' or was 'related to the Bidens,' in a post on Instagram.

'If I was a crack dealer, maybe if I broke in the capital or even have been related to the Bidens. I might have gotten some relief on being in prison innocent,' fumed Exotic.

'Hell the guy who killed 2 FBI Agents even got a pardon today. I can't even get a new trial based on admitted perjury testimony.'

After failing to secure a pardon during Trump's first term, Exotic sought clemency from President Biden, but his efforts there were similarly unsuccessful.

Exotic put his proposal to Trump on X, along with a picture of himself and his fellow inmate Jorge Marquez, whom he announced his engagement to in October

During his first term, Trump told a reporter that he would 'take a look' at the tiger trader's case, but nothing ever came of it; Trump is pictured last week on the White House's South Lawn

The former zookeeper, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, claimed he'd have a better chance of a commuted sentence if he 'broke in the capital' or was 'related to the Bidens,' in an Instagram post on Tuesday (pictured)

He watched in dismay as Trump used his first days back in the White House this January to pardon around 1,500 January 6 rioters.

The 47th President also used his new power to pardon two members of the Proud Boys and the founder of the Silk Road, Ross Ulbricht.

He also commuted the sentences of five other members of the far-right group as well as nine members of the Oath Keepers militia.

In a barrage of follow-up posts, the convict further pleaded with his followers - all 369,000 of them - to help him reach Trump by tagging him on social media.

'President Trump what is going on? Pardon Joe Exotic!' he added in another post.

Carole Baskin (pictured) had a long-running feud with Joe Exotic and has since taken over control of his zoo following his conviction

'Justice for Joe! No one should spend 21 years in prison for bad haircuts and worse friends. #freejoeexoctic" one user wrote on Instagram.

'I hope he takes a look at your case carefully and makes the right decision! Hang tight Joe!! He is still working!!' another commented.

Another chimed in: 'Im not a big fan of the way pardons are being thrown around like candy. But, since they are, might as well throw one your way!'

'Thats it Joe, keep the faith! Dont say anything that you will regret. Trump is a fair and just man. He is very busy right now so just be patient.

'We wont stop fighting for you!' another wrote.
Line Of Duty's Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar reunited for a St Patrick's Day drink on Monday - as they continued to tease fans with another series.

The three main actors who played officers Kate Fleming, Steve Arnott and Ted Hastings in the beloved BBC series have remained good friends since the show last aired in 2021.

And fans desperate for a seventh instalment of the action may well see this a clue that they could be filming another series soon.

Sharing the snap Martin, 40, penned in the caption: 'St paddy's day with one of Erin's finest the gaffer. Vicky's here as well.'

Fans wrote under the post: 'Season 7 please!', 'Can't wait for the new series.', 'Name a more iconic trio...I'll wait!'

Martin recently opened up on the possibility of a new series of Line Of Duty, as he admitted he'd 'like to pull his waistcoat out again'.

Line Of Duty's Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar reunited for a St Patrick's Day drink on Monday - as they continued to tease fans with another series

The three main actors - who played officers Kate Fleming, Steve Arnott and Ted Hastings - in the beloved BBC series have remained good friends since the show last aired in 2021

In an interview with The Times, Martin was asked the question on everyone's minds, and hinted that viewers could be in luck.

He reasoned: 'I just don't know. I'm busy next year. Vicky's ridiculously busy, so's Adrian. If there's a story Jed (Mercurio) wants to tell, he'll come to us.

'As soon as there's some news we'll let you know, but right now there's nothing there. I'd like to pull my waistcoat out again.'

Martin joked: 'I like a waistcoat but I can't wear them now; it's like putting on Steve's character.'

The actor, who starred as Detective Inspector Steve Arnott for six series of Line of Duty between 2012 and 2021, recently appeared on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X.

Host Chris, 50, asked the question on everyone's lips to find out if it's coming back any time soon.

Throwing another hint, Martin replied: 'I love that people ask and the love that people have.

'When people stop asking about it it'll be a sad day. I do love that but, you don't want to give fans false hope because people get excited.'

Sharing the snap Martin, 40, penned in the caption: 'St paddy's day with one of Erin's finest the gaffer. Vicky's here as well'

Martin recently opened up on the possibility of a new series of Line Of Duty , as he admitted he'd 'like to pull his waistcoat out again'

He added: 'We're not planning anything immediately. We'd love to do another one at some point but we're all working next year on other stuff.'

Chris joked: 'Well stop working on other stuff, stop being so selfish.'

Despite there being nothing set in stone, Martin seems to be hopeful about the future.

Martin later confessed: 'I'm hopeful and sure we'll get to it at some point, but honestly once we're going to do it you'll hear it from us first.

'We'd be delighted to tell people!'

Martin's co-star Adrian also recently appeared to 'confirm' the show's return.

The Irish actor, 66, has played Superintendent Ted Hastings in Line of Duty from the very start of the series.

He opened up about his character's hilarious sayings on the show, such as 'Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee donkey' and 'There's only one thing I'm interested in and that is catching bent coppers.'

During an interview with Virgin Radio UK, he told Ryan Tubridy: 'The one I didn't get in, which is kind of a really good Irish one about not stopping things happening is, 'Don't stall the digger'.

'That's a good one, isn't it? Like, you know, 'You've got to keep going'' That's going in the next season.'

Not only that, he also explained that Jed Mercurio has been working on it.

He added to the radio host: 'He is writing We haven't got a script on the desk yet.

'We know that Dr. Mercurio is out there doing something, Jed is writing. But as to when it's going to happen, we don't know.'

Last November, the stars of the show reportedly reunited three years after the underwhelming finale of the hit BBC show to thrash out details for another new series.

He reasoned: 'I just don't know. I'm busy next year. Vicky's ridiculously busy, so's Adrian. If there's a story Jed (Mercurio) wants to tell, he'll come to us'

It's understood that Vicky, Martin and Adrian joined the show's creator Jed for dinner - and the main topic of discussion was a seventh series.

The three stars previously struggled to commit to a new series because of conflicting schedules.

According to The Sun the quartet often met up for dinner after filming for the sixth series of the show wrapped but this is the first time they discussed reuniting for the hit show.

A source told the publication: 'Jed is close with Vicky, Martin and Adrian and they often meet for dinner  this time it was different.

'A topic of conversation was how they could align their schedules in 2025 to ensure Line of Duty 7 happens. The ambition is filming could start next year, with it on screens by early 2026.'
Beloved Hallmarks star Lyndie Greenwood has revealed she is battling for her life.

The 42-year-old actress, best known for her role in Sleepy Hollow, revealed on social media Monday she has breast cancer.

The Holiday Heritage star looked regal as she reveals her hairless head while posting for a picture at her home in Joshua Tree, California.

'Hey there, friends,' the Shelved star wrote. 'I havent posted in a while because Ive been dealing with some real life stuff.

'The big C is a doozy!' she exclaimed adding that the disease is 'complicated and ever-changing.'

She added: 'Im sending out big love and hugs to you all!! Xox,' and referred her fans to her Substack where she has been blogging about her experience.

Beloved Hallmark star Lyndie Greenwood, 42, revealed on social media she has been diagnosed and undergoing treatment for breast cancer, sharing a photo of herself from her home in Joshua Tree, CA

Seen during healthier days in Mammoth Lakes, California

In her blog, the Toronto native explained she had received a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. It is a type of breast cancer that originates in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding tissue.

The versatile actress shared she was in Vancouver, Canada prepping to begin 'an indie road trip movie' when her doctor called to reveal her diagnosis.

Greenwood said she stayed to finish the movie, calling it 'one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of my life as a creative person.'

She said the 'timing worked out perfectly for when I could make an appointment with my new oncologist and cancer surgeon.'

Although she was told that her type of cancer was an 'oncologist's bread and butter,' thing hadn't been going 'as easy peasy as we had all hoped,' and February had ended with a bald head and many scars, 'some of them visible.'

For her treatment, the SWAT actress was taken off birth control which she had been taking for acne since she was 15 and had undergone a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.

She must receive a total four chemotherapy treatments every three weeks and afterward will begin taking hormone blocking pills for the next 10 years or so.

'My prognosis is very good,' she said, in spite of some bleeps along the way.

Greenwood is perhaps best known for her work on the show Sleepy Hollow which ran for four years on Fox

She also has a recurring character on S.W.A.T. during seasons one and four

Greenwood did not say which stage of the cancer she had been diagnosed with. The American Cancer Society reports 'the 5-year relative survival rate for localized invasive ductal carcinoma is 99%.'

However, 'If the cancer has spread into nearby tissue or has metastasized into other areas of the body, the 5-year survival rate begins to decrease.'

After sharing her health update, Greenwood was inundated with love from her friends and fans.

On her Substack blog, Greenwood revealed she had been diagnosed in September 2024 with invasive ductal carcinoma. It is a type of breast cancer that originates in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding tissue; Pictured in Pasadena, CA in February 2024

The actress said her treatment included a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery

She must receive a total four chemotherapy treatments every three weeks and afterward will begin taking hormone blocking pills. 'My prognosis is very good,' she said on Substack, in spite of some bleeps along the way; Pictured in North Hollywood, CA in February 2018

'Omg sending you all the love and healing energy I can. Im so sorry youre going through this. , actress Felicia Day told her friend.

Girlfriends star Jill Marie Jones commented, Love You Sis!!! Sending you strength and healing energy. '

One fan echoed that sentiments, 'Sending love light strength and faith. Youre a warrior get well soon .'

'Love & Light to you, Sis!' wrote another, adding, 'You look amazing & Keep Fighting!'
Gigi Hadid looked amazing as she flashed her long legs in new images shared to Instagram on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old New York resident is the new face of Havaianas flip flops from Brazil.

The Hadid announcement was made on Monday with new images being released the next day by an overjoyed Hadid.

Gigi even spoke about how thrilled she was to be a part of the brand in a new video shared to Instagram. 'To be the Havaianas global ambassador is a dream and a bit nostalgic because I can remember growing up a beach kid with Havaianas,' said Gigi on social media. 'I love that Havianas is making a fashion comeback.'

This comes after Forbes said she is the number two highest-paid model in 2025, taking the place of 44-year-old Gisele Bundchen.

The list is: Kendall Jenner, Gigi, Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, Liu Wen, Gisele and Ashley Graham, according to CEO Today magazine.

Gigi Hadid looked amazing as she flashed her long legs in new images shared to Instagram on Tuesday

The 29-year-old New York resident is the new face of Havaianas flip flops from Brazil . The Hadid announcement was made on Monday with new images being released the next day by an overjoyed Hadid

Hadid and Havaianas are on a campaign to make flip-flops feel like high fashion

Gigi added she loves the 'casual' style if Havaianas while adding she would make them work in Paris.

She also wrote in her caption: 'So happy to be @havaianas' new global ambassador  I'm a lifelong fan of these Brazilian icons !! on & off the beach @havaianaseurope @havaianas.us.'

Gigi said she was photographed by her 'mermaid sister and fellow enthusiast @lilmami_lani.'

'Are you ready? Because @gigihadid is here to make havaianas work from Paris, to NY to the beach! We're so excited and honored to bring the fashion icon as our new global ambassador. Welcome to the team, Gigi! ,' wrote Havianas on Tuesday.

She told Elle magazine this week: 'Whether it's my shorts to go to volleyball practice, or jeans to go get a smoothie, or a dress, it feels like to put on Havaianas,' she said, calling the brand 'iconic for a reason.'

Gigi also told Elle what she likes to do with her daughter Khai, four, when in NYC.

'[Khai and I] love the Museum of Natural History and the Slime Museumthat's a big hit for her. I love FAO Schwarz, even if it's even if it's just to go walk around and try out the demo toys together. That's really fun. I love Son Del North burritos.

'My favorite [shops in NYC] are young and independent, like designers that have great little showrooms. A couple of those being LilyEve, who takes blankets and makes jackets out of them and Susan Alexandra.

Gigi even spoke about how thrilled she was to be a part of the brand in a new video shared to Instagram

'She's popping off now, but I love her store and everything she makes. Haricot Vert has a little shop, too.'

When in LA she likes to go to Malibu with friends.

'In Malibu, my favorite burrito is from Lily's, near Point Dume. That's my favorite breakfast burrito on planet Earth. There's not a better one. Someone needs to go check that out and second me on this,' she said.

The siren, who dates Bradley Cooper, also talked packing for trips.

'I am a carry-on girl, through and through. When I'm going on quick work trips, I really pack basics. I'll pack: a pair of blue jeans, a pair of gray jeans, a legging, a cashmere sweatpant, a sweater, a black T-shirt, a white T-shirt, a graphic T-shirt, socks, a loafer, a flip-flop, a flat, maybe a kitten heel. Then I'll wear one of those pants, an extra T-shirt, and maybe a big leather jacket [during travel], and I can make a few outfits with those things.'

It comes after Gigi finally broke her silence on her 'very happy and romantic' relationship with actor Cooper.

'To be the Havaianas global ambassador is a dream and a bit nostalgic because I can remember growing up a beach kid with Havaianas,' said Gigi on social media. 'I love that Havianas is making a fashion comeback'

She told Vogue that being with the actor has helped to give her a 'normal experience of dating' as they regularly enjoy low-key nights together at the movies.

Bradley and Gigi were first linked back in October 2023, and while they are 'very happy' in their relationship, sources have said they are in 'no rush' to get engaged.

Gigi said: 'Bradley has opened me up to going to the theater more, and that's something that's so nice to bring back into my life

'You want to give yourself a normal experience of dating and even for my friends who aren't public figures, that's hard. Where do you go? And, what? You just start talking to people?'

She went onto hint that being in a relationship with Bradley may not have been something that would have come around earlier in her life.

Gigi added: 'I think just getting to the point where knowing what you want and deserve in a relationship is essential, and then to find someone that is in a place in their life where they know what they want and deserve and you both do work separately to come together and be the best partner that you can be.

This comes after Forbes said she is the number two highest-paid model in 2025, taking the place of Gisele Bundchen . The list is: Kendall Jenner , Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid , Adriana Lima , Liu Wen, Gisele Bundchen and Ashley Graham. Gisele in 2005

This comes after news that Gisele is said to be feeling 'freer' since beginning her relationship with Joaquim Valente.

The 44-year-old supermodel ended her marriage with Tom, 47, in 2022 after their 13-year marriage after they had two children  son Benjamin, 15, and 12-year-old daughter  and a source has now said she 'felt like she lived in Tom's shadow for a long time'. An insider made the comment to Page Six.

Gisele and Joaquim, 37, started dating in June 2023 and have kept a low profile since they had their first child together in early February.

A source added to Page Six Gisele is 'grateful for what she had' with former New England Patriots quarterback Tom.

But the insider stressed the Brazilian model 'feels freer' with her jiu-jitsu trainer boyfriend and 'is absolutely loving this new chapter' in her life.
Diddy could be heard speaking to Kanye West in a leaked conversation between them following the release of their controversial song.

In audio of a recorded phone call between the pair, obtained by The Shade Room on Monday, the disgraced rapper, 55, who is currently behind bars in Brooklyn awaiting trial since his September 2024 arrest on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, urged his pal, 47, to 'get behind the mic' and 'get back to smiling.'

'When I get out there, man, I want to see you f****g tear down the stadiums. I need to see you back on that stage, f*****g actually rapping and f*****g performing and everything. I be dreaming of that s**t,' Diddy, who has denied all of the accusations against him, told West.

At the start of the recorded portion of the call, Diddy was heard telling Kanye: 'Tell you real from the front line. This sh**t is wicked, wicked, wicked, so you be careful.'

'You can't do nothing for just... I need you out there, you hear me?' he asked.

'I hear you, yes, sir,' Kanye answered.

Diddy could be heard showering Kanye West with praise in a leaked conversation between them jail following the release of their controversial song (seen in 2016)

'And have some f*****g fun. Get behind the mic, have some fun. Chop up them samples, get back on your hit man vibe. Have some fun, get back to smiling,' he advised, as Kanye cracked a smile.

'F**k these other motherf*****s. They are wasting your time. Wasting your motherf*****g time.'

He added, 'So, put that love in your heart, man, and enjoy yourself.'

Kanye replied: 'Yeah, it's time for me just to grab the mic and get back on. I love, I love music again.'

He went on to say, 'It was a time where everything was so frustrating. I can't explain it.'

Diddy responded: 'Jump into your bag. We gonna have years and decades to fight these motherf*****s. Right now, enjoy your life.'

'This is coming from me, from God to you. Enjoy your life. Fall back in love like when you was making the beats in the Chi... just chop them s**t up, bring that SD1200 out.'

'Have a good time and say "f**k the world and all the bulls**t", man.'

In audio of a recorded phone call between the pair, obtained by The Shade Room on Monday, the disgraced rapper, 55, who is currently behind bars in Brooklyn awaiting trial since his September 2024 arrest on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, urged his pal, 47, to 'get behind the mic' and 'get back to smiling' (pictured in 2019)

Diddy added: 'I love you man, I appreciate you. And thanks again. I'm gonna see you soon, man.'

Kanye replied: 'Yes, sir. That's how it's gonna be. You gonna definitely beat this s**t. And that's it.'

Diddy then touched on his upcoming trial, telling Kanye he will be 'touching in to tap into your energy or something. Play me some s**t over the phone. Give me some f*****g life.'

He spoke of his legal woes, telling Kanye: 'This s**t is f*****g sad. I'm Puff Daddy in jail. This s**t is f*****g sad as a motherf****r.'

'The devil is a liar,' Diddy added.

He then told Kanye to 'keep doing everything you're doing,' adding 'you got that f*****g freedom.'

'When I get out and I get that f*****g freedom, woo. I am not caring about nothing but motherf*****g being happy. And I want you to feel that.'

Diddy then thanked Kanye for taking care of his kids and taking them under his wing, claiming that nobody has reached out to them or called them since his arrest.

Diddy adopted 33-year-old son Quincy Taylor Brown (whose biological father is Al B. Sure) during his on/off 13-year relationship with Kim Porter who passed away, at age 47, from pneumonia in 2018.

The Harlem-born hip-hop star fathered son 'King' Christian Combs, 26; and twin daughters Jessie and D'Lila Combs, 17; with Porter.

Diddy fathered three more children - son Justin Combs, 30; daughter Chance Combs, 18; daughter Love Sean Combs, 2 - with Misa Hylton, Sarah Chapman, and Dana Tran.

Diddy later warned Kanye to 'be careful' adding 'they definitely trying to end us.'

'I'm gonna beat this s**t and get next to you,' he added.

He then appeared to speak of his time in jail, saying, 'It's like being left for dead. And only one person coming to do anything to get you. That's the level of appreciation that I have for you.'

Kanye then shared he 'looks up to' the relationship Diddy has with his kids.

Diddy also thanked Kanye for taking care of his kids and taking them under his wing, claiming that nobody has reached out to them or called them since his arrest ( pictured 2019)

Meanwhile on Monday new light was shed on West and his ex-wife Kim Kardashian's legal drama after the rapper included their daughter North, 11, in a song with Diddy - much to the KUTWK star's objections.

In screenshots of a supposed conversation between Kanye and Kim, the reality star appeared to reveal that she held the copyright to their daughter's name and was using it to try to prevent North from being included in a track with Diddy - provoking a furious reaction from her ex.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office reveals that several of North's trademarks have expired, with the 11-year appearing to have just one active trademark, which covers toys.

The expired trademarks are currently marked as 'dead' and 'abandoned', and all of them - including the active trademark - have 'Kimsaprincess Inc.' listed as the owner.

Kim was reportedly left furious over the weekend after Kanye released a song by Diddy which features North's voice, with the rapper also sharing - then deleting - threatening texts with the reality star where he threatened to 'go to war' with her.

After the song was uploaded, a source has shared that Kim has sought legal action to prevent its release and have it taken down from X.

The song opens with what sounds like Diddy's voice thanking Kanye for his support, mentioning that no one else has reached out to him while he remains in jail awaiting trial on charges including sex trafficking.

Diddy adopted 33-year-old son Quincy Taylor Brown (whose biological father is Al B. Sure) during his on/off 13-year relationship with Kim Porter who passed away, at age 47, from pneumonia in 2018 (pictured in 2022)

Kanye responds by calling Diddy a father figure, even before they knew each other personally. North makes a brief but noticeable appearance, rapping, 'When you see me shining, then you see the light,' while Christian Combs delivers his own verse.

A source exclusively informed DailyMail.com that Kardashian took legal action to prevent the track's release and is now 'working to get the song down off of X.'

Shortly before the track was released, West posted - then deleted - screen-grabs allegedly showing a vicious text exchange between him and Kardashian in which he threatened to go 'to war' with her.

The supposed conversation makes it appear that Kim holds the copyright to North's name and was using it to try to prevent the 11-year-old from being included in a track with Diddy - provoking a furious reaction from West.

In the grabs, West texts Kardashian: 'I'm never speaking with you again,' along with a snippet of what appeared to be a legal document, including the phrase: 'participation in this project,' presumably in reference to the new song.

Kardashian allegedly shoots back: 'I asked u at the time if I can trademark her name,' alleging: 'You said yes,' and adding: 'When she's 18 it goes to her.'

The grabs then show her evidently admonishing West to 'stop,' saying: 'I sent paper work over so she wouldn't be in the Diddy song To protect her'.

Kardashian, who is an aspiring lawyer, allegedly continues: 'One person has to trademark! We agreed when they were born i would get all of our kids names and trademarks So no would else would take them.'

West is seen to be unmoved, purportedly retorting: 'Amend it or I'm going to war And neither of us will recover from the public fallout,' then darkly declaring: 'You're going to have to kill me.'

West and his ex-wife Kim Kardashian are currently feuding after the rapper included their daughter North, 11, in a song with Diddy

In screenshots of a supposed conversation between Kanye and Kim, the reality star appeared to reveal that she held the copyright to their daughter's name and was using it to try to prevent North from being included in a track with Diddy - provoking a furious reaction from her ex

Kim was reportedly left furious over the weekend after Kanye released a song by Diddy which features North's voice

In the wake of the song's release, a source exclusively informed DailyMail.com that Kardashian 'will do whatever it takes to protect her kids from the hateful speech that Kanye continues to spur at this time.'

The insider added that Kardashian 'has requested through a judge to not allow the kids to be around that type of behavior.'

According to insiders, North recently spent time in the studio with Kanyetheir first visit in weekswhere she recorded vocals for the track, via TMZ.

Kanye allegedly told her that participating in the song would lead to the release of his upcoming Sunday Service.

After learning about the track, sources claim Kardashian sent cease-and-desist letters demanding that Kanye not move forward with its release.

Kardashian is said to be particularly concerned about North's involvement due to the ongoing legal troubles surrounding Diddy, who is currently facing federal sex trafficking allegations.
Wendy Williams responded tellingly to questions about her latest court hearing Monday, amid her guardianship battle.

The 60-year-old presenter has been waging a public war against the guardianship, which she claims is so restrictive she feels 'like I am in prison.'

In a dramatic development last Wednesday, Coterie - the assisted living facility she lives in - 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 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 defiantly told an interviewer during the excursion.

This Monday, Williams attended a hearing in connection to her guardianship, then stepped out that night to dine at the luxurious Pendry Hotel with Finnie.

When she emerged onto the sidewalk, Williams was asked about the court date but replied with silence, in footage obtained by DailyMail.com.

Wendy Williams was spotted using a mobility scooter in New York on Monday, hours after a court hearing amid her guardianship battle

Williams, who suffers from both Graves' disease and lymphedema, used a mobility scooter Monday as she has on other recent occasions.

Her decision to keep mum about her hearing comes after it was claimed the judge handling her case has become exasperated with Williams' propensity to discuss the guardianship issue with the media, via TMZ.

Judge Lisa Sokoloff allegedly sent an email to Williams' lawyer saying: 'I have always contended that [Williams] will be given the independence she can handle. I question how well she has handled the independence she has been given.'

In another email to Williams' counsel, the judge is said to have written: 'Tell your client that if she wants a jury she should refrain from trying to poison the jury pool.'

Last Wednesday, when Coterie called the police on Williams' dinner outing with her niece Alex Finnie last Wednesday, Finnie and Williams 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.

This Monday, Williams attended a hearing in connection to her guardianship, then stepped out that night to dine at the luxurious Pendry Hotel with her niece Alex Finnie

When she emerged onto the sidewalk, Williams was asked about the court date but responded with silence, in footage obtained by DailyMail.com

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.'

'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.'
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Molly-Mae Hague has been rocked by a 'fake messages' storm after being accused of arranging a date with another boxer.

The Love Island star, 25, is currently enjoying a holiday with Tommy Fury and their daughter Bambi, two, as they confirmed their reconciliation with the trip.

However, their picture-perfect getaway has been dampened as boxer Chase DeMoor has alleged that Molly-Mae exchanged a string of flirty messages with him.

The former TV star has claimed that he set up a date with Molly-Mae in a video shared to TikTok, which features screenshots purporting to show their conversation.

While he says the messages are real, many fans have called the screenshots 'fake' and insisted the language was out of character for Molly-Mae.

Sources close to Molly-Mae also told MailOnline that the messages are 'fabricated'.

Molly-Mae Hague has been rocked by a 'fake messages' storm after being accused of arranging a date with another boxer

Their picture-perfect trip has been dampened as boxer Chase DeMoor has alleged that Molly-Mae exchanged a string of flirty messages with him

Chase said he leaked the messages after a dispute with Tommy's brother Roman over their scheduled Misfits boxing match.

In the messages, Chase wrote: 'Hey beautiful, I'm in the UK, I know we didn't really get a chance to see each other last time but I want to make it up to you.'

Molly allegedly replies: 'Oh yh? How's that babe?'

While Chase replies: 'I'm thinking let's get some Sushi and see where it leads.'

Molly asks: 'You think it's just going to be easy? But what dates? If I'm around, let's do it. I've never been out with an American before. Think that's where I'm going wrong x'

Chase's final message reads: 'You won't regret it, I promise', with Molly ending the conversation by saying: 'we'll see'.

MailOnline has contacted Molly-Mae's representatives for comment.

It comes after Molly admitted she has 'been craving a getaway' with Tommy as she confirmed their reunion during a family Dubai holiday with daughter Bambi.

The Love Island star, 25, is currently enjoying a holiday with Tommy Fury and their daughter Bambi, two, as they confirmed their reconciliation with the trip

The former TV star has claimed that he set up a date with Molly-Mae in a video shared to TikTok , which features screenshots purporting to show their conversation

As well as boxing, Chase is known for his stint on Netflix's Too Hot To Handle

Chase said he leaked the messages after a dispute with Tommy's brother Roman over their scheduled Misfits boxing match

The influencer gushed that she 'hasn't been this excited for a trip in a long time' as she updated her 2million followers in her latest YouTube Vlog.

Filming the day before jetting off, Molly couldn't contain her smile as she explained that she 'needed to escape' and revealed that she has learned to 'stand up for herself'.

She said: 'I'm going on holiday to Dubai with Bambi and we are going for a little holiday. I feel like I'm going to have some nice time off. It's needed this trip.

'I'll still post a bit though. I am very much a home girl, I'm very content at home but recently I've been craving a getaway and feel like I need to escape.'

She added: 'I'm all packed for holiday, I'm so excited, I haven't been this excited for a trip in a long time, my bones need it.'

Elsewhere in the video, Molly explained that she is 'no longer Mrs Nice Guy' as she has learned to 'stand up for herself' after spending years of being 'afraid' to share how she feels.

The Maebe founder said: 'I had a really awkward phone conversation which was so out of character for me and it was really not a nice part of my day.

'You guys would be so proud of me I really stuck up for myself, no more Mrs Nice Guy.

In the messages, Chase wrote: 'Hey beautiful, I'm in the UK, I know we didn't really get a chance to see each other last time but I want to make it up to you.'

Meanwhile, Molly and Tommy, who shocked fans when they announced their split in August, shared a glimpse into their lavish getaway as they spent quality time together with their two-year-old little girl, hailing Dubai their 'happy place'

Molly recently admitted she has 'been craving a getaway' with Tommy Fury as she confirmed their reunion during a family Dubai holiday with daughter Bambi

The influencer gushed that she 'hasn't been this excited for a trip in a long time' as she updated her 2million followers in her latest YouTube vlog; pictured Tommy and Bambi during the holiday

'I've spent so many years being a mouse and being to afraid to like open up and speak about what I'm thinking and feeling. Today I was like no, I saw some unfairness and I didn't like it and I was like no, not today.'

Despite not directly revealing she is with Tommy in her vlog, it has since been confirmed they are together after being pictured at Manchester airport and the pair have shared Instagram photos from the same resort.

Molly and Tommy, who shocked fans when they announced their split in August, shared a glimpse into their lavish getaway as they spent quality time together with their two-year-old little girl, hailing Dubai their 'happy place'.

Molly 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.

Molly 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.

Molly and Tommy once again fuelled rumours they are back together after they were spotted together at Manchester airport on Thursday flying to the United Arab Emirates.

She said: 'I'm going on holiday to Dubai. I feel like I'm going to have some nice time off. It's needed this trip. I've been craving a getaway and feel like I need to escape'

She added: 'I'm all packed for holiday, I'm so excited, I haven't been this excited for a trip in a long time, my bones need it'

The former Love Island stars announced their shock split in August.

However, 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: 'don't 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.'

Keeping it low key, Molly's blonde locks were swept off her face in a ponytail as she wore black tracksuit bottoms and a leather jacket.

Meanwhile Tommy looked to be wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a black jacket as he held hands with Bambi.

In Molly's doc Behind It All, she revealed the couple had been working through their problems following Tommy's shock confession that he became 'addicted to alcohol'.

And now the pair are said to be timing an announcement that they are indeed back together to coincide with the final episodes of Molly's series.

Earlier this month eagle-eyed fans have spotted a clue that the exes had reunited for another weekend as they spotted what looked like Molly's black G Wagon in the background of snaps

Yet fans have already suspected the Love Island favourites have reunited over the last few months.

The pair reportedly reunited on a secret five-star getaway on Valentine's Day as they splashed the cash for a stay at Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire, which costs a whopping 600 a night.

They were reportedly seen 'canoodling' over the holiday and 'looked very loved up' which has 'confirmed' to their friends that they have continued with their relationship.

A source told the Sun on Sunday: 'Molly and Tommy were seen canoodling over Valentine's Day, looking very loved up.

'It confirms what friends have been saying for a while, that they're officially back together.

'It's a place they have visited before and one of Molly's most loved getaways. They have precious, positive memories there.'

It is believed that the couple were happy to spend time together at the spa because taking pictures are forbidden.
Kim Kardashian was seen heading out for ice cream in Calabasas, California on Monday evening amid a very difficult time for her family.

The reality TV star kept her head down as she wore a fur vest with ripped leather slacks, which must have given PETA a headache.

The 44-year-old siren had her black hair pulled back as she was made up nicely in plum tones with black eyeliner.

The SKIMS founder was comforting herself with a large scoop of ice cream from Handel's Homemade Ice Cream as she was seen with friend Natalie Halcro.

This sighting comes just after she was reportedly considering changing her custody agreement with ex-husband Kanye West.

It was claimed Kim was upset after the rapper released a song featuring their eldest daughter, North West, without her approval.

According to TMZ, Kardashian is seriously debating taking West, 47  who now goes by Ye  to court to request a judge strip him of joint legal custody.

Kim Kardashian was seen heading out in Calabasas, California on Monday evening amid a very difficult time for her family

The SKIMS founder was comforting herself with a large scoop of ice cream from Handel's Homemade Ice Cream as she was seen with friend Natalie Halcro

The former couple, who married in 2014, settled their divorce in 2022, agreeing to joint physical and legal custody of their four children.

Their kids are North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and five-year-old Psalm.

Physical custody is reportedly not an issue, as Kanye rarely sees his children, and Kim still wants them to have a good relationship with their father.

However, decision-making regarding the children has become a point of contention, TMZ's report said.

The former couple's divorce agreement states they must attend a private hearing with a judge if conflicts arise regarding their children.

Kim requested an emergency hearing with their lawyers, a mediator, and a judge after learning Kanye planned to release a song featuring North and rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs.

Although Kanye skipped the meeting, he reportedly agreed not to release the track, titled 'Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine'.

The reality T V star kept her head down as she wore a fur vest with ripped leather slacks, which must have given PETA a headache. The outfit could have been faux fur and leather, however

This sighting comes just after she was reportedly considering changing her custody agreement with ex-husband Kanye West

Recently, West released a song featuring their eldest daughter, North West, without Kim's approval

However, the rapper released the song on X the following day, declaring men 'make the final decision'.

He also shared a text exchange with Kim, in which she opposed their daughter's involvement with Combs, who is currently facing legal issues.

Kim apparently texted Kanye: 'I asked you at the time if I can trademark her name. You said yes. When she's 18, it goes to her. So stop.

'I sent paperwork over so she wouldn't be in the Diddy song to protect her.'

Kanye responded by asking Kim to 'amend' the legal papers or risk 'going to war'.

He added: 'And neither of us will recover from the public fallout. You're going to have to kill me.'

Kanye later posted a lengthy rant on X, accusing the 'Kardashian mob' of restricting his parental rights and likening their custody arrangement to 'visitation' in 'jail'.

According to TMZ, Kardashian is seriously debating taking West, 47  who now goes by Ye  to court to request a judge strip him of joint legal custody

The former couple married in 2014 and settled their divorce in 2022

They had agreed to joint physical and legal custody of their four children

An insider told Page Six: 'Kim's priority is the well-being and safety of her children and to protect them from being around Kanye's controversial behavior.'

Kim and Kanye were married between 2014 and 2022 and they are parents to North, 11, Saint, nine, Chicago, six, and Psalm, five.

This comes afterOJ Simpsons estate has rejected Kims $15,000 offer to purchase her late father Robert Kardashians inscribed Bible, according to its administrator Malcolm LaVergne.

Reality TV veteran Kim reportedly approached Mr LaVergne in an attempt to secure the Bible before it went to auction.

But the estate apparently opted to proceed with the public sale rather than accepting her offer  with the book currently listed online with a bid of $9,800.

The book contains a handwritten note from Robert Kardashian to Simpson.

Their kids are North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago , 7, and five-year-old Psalm. Physical custody is reportedly not an issue, as Kanye rarely sees his children, and Kim still wants them to have a good relationship with their father

However, decision-making regarding the children has become a point of contention, TMZ's report said. The former couple's divorce agreement states they must attend a private hearing with a judge if conflicts arise regarding their children; Kim and North in 2024

Kim requested an emergency hearing with their lawyers, a mediator, and a judge after learning Kanye planned to release a song featuring North and rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Although Kanye skipped the meeting, he reportedly agreed not to release the track, titled 'Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine'. Kim and Kanye in 2019

Mr LaVergne told People: The amount is why I had no choice, because why would I spend $15,000 of estate money  why would I spend $15,000 in attorneys fees  to sell it to Kim for $15,000?

Thats a zero-sum game. Thats a bad business model. If Kim had offered $150,000 for it, we wouldve been in court getting this approved outside of the auction.

He added: She may even get it cheaper than the 15 grand, so who knows.

The Bible carries an inscription dated 18 June 1994, the day after Simpson was arrested and accused of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.

Robert Kardashians note says: O.J., this book will help. God loves and he will speak to you with his words. Read this book every day. God has a definite plan for your life. You are his child and he will use you again. I love you and God loves you.

Robert Kardashian, who was 59 when he died of oesophageal cancer in 2003, was a close friend of Simpsons and served on his defence team during the 1995 trial.
Jodie Foster was spotted out with a male companion in New York City on Tuesday.

The 62-year-old actress  who attended the SAG Awards with her son  grinned while she and her friend strolled with their arms around each other.

At one point he affectionately kissed the top of her head.

For her part, Jodie  whose wife is Alexandra Hedison  wore faded, straight-leg blue jeans, a gray sweater, a patterned coat, and a dark blue scarf.

She carried a black leather purse over her torso, crossbody style, and she wore a pair of dark, round eyeglasses.

Foster's guy friend was dressed in a suede, camel-colored coat, khaki-hued trousers and a striped, light-colored scarf was wrapped around his neck.

Jodie Foster was spotted out with a male companion in New York City on Tuesday

At one point he affectionately kissed the top of her head

The Panic Room star completed her look with a pair of black sneakers and she toted her phone in a red case.

She and her 26-year-old son Charlie, whom she shares with ex Cydney Bernard, made a rare appearance together at the 2025 SAG Awards in Los Angeles in February.

In addition to her older son, she also shares 23-year-old son Christopher, also known at Kit, with her 71-year-old film producer ex.

Jodie was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series for her role in True Detective: Night Country at the SAG Awards.

She modeled a beaded, plum-hued, floor-length gown and accessorized with a simple gold cuff bracelet while wearing her blonde-highlighted locks in a wispy bob with a side part.

Charlie looked handsome in a black tuxedo, white shirt, and black bowtie as he sported his strawberry blonde locks in a shaggy chop.

In January Jodie made a rare statement regarding her family while giving an acceptance speech at the Golden Globes.

'I just want to thank my family. Because Kit, my scientist son, and Charlie, my actor son who's starting his career, hopefully you understand the joy, such joy, that comes from doing really hard, meaningful, good work,' she gushed.

Foster has been married to Alexandra Hedison since 2014; pictured in 2024

She was joined by her 26-year-old son Charlie Foster at the SAG awards in LA in late February

'So my boys, I love you, and this, of course, is for you,' added the former child actress who was in films like Taxi Driver when she was very young.

In September 2024, Foster told People magazine that her older son is focused on a career in show business.

She revealed that they are 'at that age where they're starting their careers,' noting that they are 'pretty insecure about what's gonna happen.'

'Every time they get a joy, like I got an "A" or I got this job or I got an audition, my heart just fills up 14 times because I have this memory of a beautiful career that's built on doing meaningful work, and I know that's the recipe for happiness,' she said at the time.

'So I'm just thrilled for them, for the future.'

Foster married Hedison, a photographer/director/actress, in 2014, after dating for a year.

While they generally keep their relationship private, Alexandra has been seen with Jodie at red carpet events, including the 2024 Academy Awards.

Alexandra occasionally shares photos of Jodie on social media, and publicly wished her a happy birthday on Instagram in November 2023, writing, 'Loving you is easy as cake.'
Rebel Wilson has shocked fans with her dramatic transformation in the adrenaline-pumping trailer for her upcoming action-comedy film Bride Hard.

The veteran actress, 45, posted a clip of the new movie to social media on Wednesday, which shows her in a role that breaks away from her comedic roots.

The Bridesmaids star stuns in a striking low-cut red dress as she uses a variety of martial arts moves and improvised weapons to overpower a legion of assassins.

One scene has Rebel striking a bad guy repeatedly with a cake as they fight in a commercial kitchen and another shows her brawling with gunmen at a wedding.

Known for her comedic talents in films like Pitch Perfect and Isn't It Romantic, Rebel's shift into the action genre marks a bold career evolution.

She plays a secret agent who takes on the role of Maid of Honour at her best friend's wedding.

Rebel Wilson has shocked fans with her dramatic transformation in the adrenaline-pumping trailer for her upcoming film action-comedy film Bride Hard. Pictured

The veteran actress, 45, posted a clip of the new movie to social media on Wednesday, which shows her in a role that breaks away from her comedic roots

But when a group of ruthless mercenaries crash the celebrations and take guests hostage, it's up to Rebel to save the day.

The movie is helmed by Con Air director Simon West and also features Rebel's Pitch Perfect 3 co-star Anna Camp.

She captioned the footage with some exciting words: 'I've got a lot of FIGHT in me! BRIDE HARD. Save the date! June 20th'.

It wasn't long before the footage was inundated with comments.

'That's my girl!' gushed Rebel's wife Ramona Agruma.

'Luv it. Epic scene, I know how much goes into that! Fabulous,' added film director Chrys Phillips.

In December, Rebel married her wife Ramona Agruma for a second time in Australia.

The star confirmed the news on social media, sharing a series of photos of the couple after they legally tied the knot in her hometown.

The Bridesmaids star stuns in a striking low-cut red dress as she uses a variety of martial arts moves and improvised weapons to overpower a legion of assassins

One scene has Rebel striking a bad guy repeatedly

'My sister Liberty officiated our legal wedding in Sydney!' she wrote at the time.

'It meant my 94-year-old grandmother could come which was very special to us to have her included and just felt right to do it in my hometown at this glorious time of the year!'

Rebel and Ramona first tied the knot in Sardinia, Italy, on September 28, and daughter Royce was their flower girl.

It was the perfect fairytale location for the couple to exchange vows as they notably holidayed in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, just days after going Instagram official with their romance in 2022.

The couple, who first met in 2021, went on to welcome their daughter Royce Lillian via surrogate in November 2022.
For film fans of a certain generation, few actresses possess the class, talent and sophistication of the legendary Catherine Deneuve.

Once described as the world's most elegant woman, the star is widely considered to be the epitome of French chic.

But it appears a contender from California has emerged to challenge the ice maiden's crown  in the shape of 52-year-old Gwyneth Paltrow.

In a cover shoot for next month's Vanity Fair, Ms Paltrow is a deadringer for the Belle de Jour actress, echoing the European star's sultry poses and swept-back mane of hair.

In a wide-ranging interview with the magazine, she remained diplomatic as she commented on her Montecito neighbour the Duchess of Sussex: 'I don't know Meghan and Harry...

'I mean, I've met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don't know her at all. I was raised to see other women as friends, not foes... I think there's always more than enough to go around.

For film fans of a certain generation, few actresses possess the class and sophistication of the legendary Catherine Deneuve - but it appears a contender in the shape of Gwyneth Paltrow

In a cover shoot for next month's Vanity Fair, Ms Paltrow is a deadringer for the Belle de Jour actress, echoing the European star's sultry poses and swept-back mane of hair

'Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try.'

Like Ms Deneuve, Ms Paltrow has been in a string of relationships, and has revealed her regret at not ending some of them sooner.

Without mentioning names, she said on her Goop podcast: 'I wish I could go back to those circumstances and say the hard things...

'Even now, saying the hard thing is so difficult  especially if you want to bow out of something.

She has been married to Hollywood producer Brad Falchuk since 2018 and has a history of high-profile relationships, including with Ben Affleck and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, to whom she was married for 13 years and with whom she has two children.

Ms Paltrow told Vanity Fair that dating Brad Pitt from 1994 to 1997 was like being with royalty, saying he was 'a very intriguing character... It's like having dated, I don't know, Prince William or something.'

Despite their divorce, she described Martin as 'not quite brother, but we are a complete family... He is there for me'.

Ms Deneuve, 81, has been married once, to photographer David Bailey, but is said to have dated a string of actors including Clint Eastwood, Burt Reynolds and John Travolta.

In a wide-ranging interview with the magazine, she remained diplomatic as she commented on her Montecito neighbour the Duchess of Sussex: 'I don't know Meghan and Harry..'

Like Ms Deneuve, Ms Paltrow has been in a string of relationships, and has revealed her regret at not ending some of them sooner (Seen in 2023)

Ms Paltrow, who is filming A24's Marty Supreme alongside Timothee Chalamet, said 'we have a lot of sex in this movie', describing the 29-year-old star as a 'thinking man's sex symbol'.

She said she does not agree with Blake Lively's belief that it is 'critical to have an intimacy coordinator' on set.

While the Gossip Girl star, 37, has been outspoken about why she feels it is necessary that actors work directly with professionals to choreograph intimate scenes, the Goop founder has a very different mindset about the matter.

The Oscar winner, who was doing three to five films a year at the height of her acting career, admitted that having an intimacy coordinator on the set of Marty Supreme, alongside Mr Chalamet, was a big change for her.

'Theres now something called an intimacy coordinator, which I did not know existed,' she said. 'I was like, "Girl, Im from the era where you get naked, you get in bed, the cameras on."'

Ultimately, Ms Paltrow revealed that she ended up asking the intimacy coordinator to take a step back.

Ms Paltrow, who is filming A24's Marty Supreme alongside Timothee Chalamet (Pictured), said 'we have a lot of sex in this movie

'I dont know how it is for kids who are starting out, but if someone is like, "OK, and then hes going to put his hand here," I would feel, as an artist, very stifled by that,' the mother-of-two explained.

Ms Paltrow also noted she and Mr Chalamet's character, Marty Mauser, 'have a lot of sex in this movie.'

After the interviewer asked if there are 'a lot of vulnerable positions' between she and Kylie Jenner's boyfriend, Ms Paltrow answered: 'Beyond.'

Read the full story by Michelle Ruiz in Vanity Fair's April issue here and on VanityFair.com
A Hollywood intimacy coordinator has weighed in on Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's previously friendly working relationship, before things took a drastic turn.

In the new television documentary, He Said, She Said: Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni, which aired on Monday, Mia Schachter pointed out the former coworkers clearly had 'what felt like a friendship' before she accused him of sexual harassment, which he denies.

'From reading their text messages, I do get the sense that, at one point, there was genuine affection between them,' Schachter, who did not work on the It Ends With Us set, claimed.

'In my experience, when an actor says, "I don't need to meet the intimacy coordinator until we're shooting," as much as it hinders my process, it does typically indicate that they trust their scene partner,' Schachter noted. 'And those texts made me think that at one point, she did feel a lot of trust with him.'

Schachter also reviewed raw production footage of the stars slow dancing for a scene, which Lively alleges shows Baldoni leaning forward and slowly dragging 'his lips from her ear and down her neck.'

In her lawsuit, her attorney alleged: 'None of this was remotely in character.'

A Hollywood intimacy coordinator has weighed in on Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's friendly on-set dynamics, before their working relationship took a drastic turn (the pair seen on the It Ends with Us set)

Additionally, Lively claimed that she suggested to Baldoni they just talk in the scene, in order to avoid kissing him.

Baldoni, however, denied in his countersuit 'that this scene was filmed in any manner other than pure professionalism' and claimed Lively was 'consistently unable to take direction' and 'continued to break character' while shooting.

'His team seemed to be accusing Blake of trying to direct that scene and undermine his creative vision. I dont see that,' Schachter said. 'I see an actress trying not to kiss her coworker and instead of saying, "I dont want to do that," shes making other suggestions.'

Schachter said Lively was 'actually pretty considerate' to suggest they talk instead of possibly 'humiliating' him by asking Baldoni to 'stop trying to kiss' her.

In December, Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, who also directed their hit romantic drama It Ends With Us.

Baldoni later followed up by launching a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her publicist and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

He also filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against the New York Times for its reporting on Lively's allegations.Both Lively and Baldoni have denied each others claims, and the New York Times has denied Baldoni's accusations and requested that his lawsuit against the paper be dismissed.

Last month, Lively unleashed a new salvo in her ongoing legal back-and-forth with Justin Baldoni by claiming that she was not the only woman he made uncomfortable on the set of It Ends With Us.

In the new television documentary, He Said, She Said: Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni, which aired on Monday, Mia Schachter pointed out the former coworkers clearly had 'what felt like a friendship' before she accused him of sexual harassment

'From reading their text messages, I do get the sense that, at one point, there was genuine affection between them,' Schachter, who did not work on the It Ends With Us set said; pictured last year

An amended version of her complaint filed late in New York federal court alleged that she has corroboration of her original claims, and a spokesperson for the actress claimed that 'other women confided in Blake about their discomfort,' according to People.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Balondi's attorney Freedman said: 'Our clients have been transparent in providing receipts, real time documents and video showing a completely different story than what has been manipulated and cherry picked to the media. Our clients have taken this matter and these issues very seriously notwithstanding the jokes made publicly by the plaintiff and her husband.

'Her underwhelming amended complaint is filled with unsubstantial hearsay of unnamed persons who are clearly no longer willing to come forward or publicly support her claims,' he continued. 'Since documents do not lie and people do, the upcoming depositions of those who initially supported Ms. Livelys false claims and those who are witnesses to her own behavior will be enlightening. What is truly uncomfortable here is Ms. Livelys lack of actual evidence.'

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Lively's attorneys Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb said her amended complaint against Baldoni 'provides significant additional evidence and corroboration of her original claims.'

They added that it 'includes previously undisclosed communications' Lively had with Sony Pictures, Baldoni's production company Wayfarer Studios and 'numerous other witnesses.'

'In my experience, when an actor says, "I don't need to meet the intimacy coordinator until we're shooting," as much as it hinders my process, it does typically indicate that they trust their scene partner,' Schachter noted. 'And those texts made me think that at one point, she did feel a lot of trust with him' (seen in 2024)

The new version of the complaint reportedly includes an added defamation claim against Baldoni that was not part of the initial document, which was filed on New Year's Eve.

According to Hudson and Gottlieb, Lively is suing for defamation 'based on the repeated false statements the defendants have made about Ms. Lively since she filed her original complaint...'

She has also expanded her complaint to add Jed Wallace and his Texas-based crisis PR firm Street Relations, Inc., as a defendant.

Wallace, who has denied playing any part in a smear campaign against the Gossip Girl star, previously filed a $7 million lawsuit against her in response to Lively's allegation in her initial complaint that his firm 'weaponized a digital army' against her on behalf of Baldoni.

She had requested Wallace be deposed in her initial complaint, though he revealed in his subsequent lawsuit earlier in February that the request had been rescinded.
Eastern Suburbs 'Pilates Queen' Bernadette Sukkar (nee Fahey) has shared a heartbreaking detail about her life in an article about having a deep connection to death.

Bernadette, 35, who has her own successful wellness business Body by Berner and recently tied the knot with Buildcorp COO Jordan Sukkar in a star-studded wedding, revealed her father died two weeks before she was born.

In an article for the Financial Review, she explained he passed away after a battle with lung cancer while her mother was pregnant with her.

'My father passed away two weeks before I was born, so death has always been something Ive been deeply aware of,' she wrote.

'My father had a stethoscope that I used to love playing with.

'Looking back now, its interesting that I was drawn to it, especially since he ultimately passed away from lung cancer. It feels like a poignant connection.'

Eastern Suburbs 'Pilates Queen' Bernadette Sukkar (nee Fahey) has shared a heartbreaking detail about her life in an article about having a deep connection to death

Elsewhere in the article, Bernadette said she would like to be cremated when she dies and have her ashes spread in the ocean.

She went on to write she hopes her family remember her 'as someone who brought love and light to others'.

Bernadette and her husband Jordan married in a star-studded ceremony at Scots College in Bellevue Hill, Sydney.

The bride stunned in a sleeveless satin gown from Steven Khalil with layered skirting and delicate lacy detailing at the bodice.

Among the A-list guests was Dina Broadhurst and Jade Yarbrough.

While it is not known exactly how long the couple have been together, they went Instagram official in May.

The couple returned from their honeymoon in Europe last month.

They spent weeks soaking up their newlywed status in France and Italy.

Bernadette, 35, revealed her father died two weeks before she was born. She is pictured here with her mother

Bernadette and her husband Jordan were married in a star-studded ceremony at Scots College in Bellevue Hill, Sydney earlier this year

She kept her followers updated on their lavish ski resort getaways, sharing fun clips of the couple goofing around as they tried on various ski gear.

She also revealed they hit the slopes at the exclusive Santa Cristina resort in Italy's snow-capped mountains.

Bernadette flaunted her figure as she received a private lesson from a ski instructor while sporting designer $2,100 Louis Vuitton snow goggles.

The couple looked delighted to spend their time together on their unforgettable honeymoon, which is estimated to have cost over $100,000.

Throughout the trip, the newlyweds looked utterly smitten as they basked in the joy of their honeymoon.

Bernadette is known for being the fitness instructor to some of Sydney's most high-powered socialites and famous faces, including Jade Yarbrough and model Madeleine Holtznagel.
A once prominent newspaper has been pulled back from the brink after winning over President Donald Trump.

The New York Sun, which nearly shut down for good a few years ago, is seeing a boost in subscriptions and renewed prominence on the back of attention from Trump.

It was a once-prominent newspaper and competitor of the New York Times but slipped into obscurity until being taken over by Dovid Efune four years ago.

Efune pivoted the title's editorial line to the right, allowing it to benefit from the rise of populist movements in the US that are boosting right-wing media ratings.

Trump has praised the outlet's journalism, reposted its articles on his Truth social platform and been spotted holding the print edition in the White House.

'It's not lost on us that the president has taken a lot of interest in the Sun,' Efune told the Financial Times.

'He posts our articles regularly on Truth Social. He sent handwritten notes to our writers... and I certainly think that there is a growing perception, and there's a lot of truth to it, that we are a newspaper that the White House reads and takes seriously,' he told the publication.

The New York Sun currently has around 1 million average monthly online page views and 613,000 unique viewers, according to analytics company Similarweb.

The New York Sun has seen its finances tipped into the black following a recent boost

Its finances have tipped into the black with the help of tens of thousands of paid subscribers.

Efune, 39, said his tactic of putting 'principle over politics and people over party' as well as less criticism of Trump would help boost the paper's popularity.

'To be clear we firmly maintain our independence and have come out on different sides than the White House has on a number of issues... editors take editorial positions on the basis of principle,' Efune explained.

It comes as the new administration has removed certain publications seen to be critical of Trump from the White House pool of reporters.

The British publisher has made efforts to push the New York Sun's reporting beyond city events in to covering Washington as well as Europe and Israel.

Efune is an outspoken supporter of Israel and began his career at the conservative Jewish paper The Algemeiner Journal.

He came to prominence after entering the bidding race for the British newspaper The Telegraph but the proposed deal appears to have stalled, according the the Financial Times.

The New York Sun was founded in 1833 as one of the city's first penny papers credited with bringing news consumption to the working classes.

Dovid Efune bought the publication four years ago and it has since grabbed Trump's attention

In 1950 the paper folded into the New York World Telegram and the title was dormant until it was resurrected in 2002.

The publication was made in to a conservative-leaning broadsheet by new owner Seth Lipsky.

Efune is now attempting to bring the paper back from the precipice of oblivion to its former glory.

'The valley of death might be longer and deeper than for other enterprises, but to have passed out of that... and very much on the front foot as a strong, viable, long-term journalistic enterprise is very exciting,' he told the Financial Times.
Former King Gyanendra Shah, backed by the royalist Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has launched a bold campaign to reclaim relevance. His recent high-profile return to Kathmandu has ignited political tensions

Returning to Pokhara, Nepal, during the current weather-fickle Holi season what struck me was the reignition of the debate on the revival of monarchy in a carefully orchestrated campaign driven by the royalist Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), other royalists and former King Gyanendra Shah. Not since the republic replaced monarchy in May 2008, has the debate and movement been so intense. The Republicans have hit back in Parliament and outside it. For the royalists, RPP parliamentary party leader Rajendra Lingden, vice president RPP Rabindra Misra and sister party stalwart, Kamal Thapa along with dissident CPN UML leader Durga Parsain, joined by members of civil society are backing Gyanendra. A battle royal is brewing between the two sides.

Gyanendra returned to Kathmanduas Tribhuvan International Airport in a helicopter from Pokhara on March 9 greeted by tumultuous crowds, according to one estimate of around 100,000 supporters. The Royal convoy took nearly three hours to reach Gyanendraas Nirmal Niwas. Earlier on Democracy Day (February 19) he broke his silence through a video message on the restoration of the monarchy. Speaking directly to his countrymen in the third person awea, he urged for their support for the progress and prosperity of the country.

aNow we are ready to sacrifice anything for the country. We have decided to solve the national problema. Gyanendra has taken the horse by the bit.

Royalists say the monarchy was removed by aforeignersa and that the 2015 constitution was backed by aforeignersa. One implied foreigner is India. Banners showing UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were prominently displayed on March 9. The House of Shahs, the royal dynasty began nearly 400 years ago and has an abiding connection with Gorakhnath Peeth whose founder Guru Gorakhnath blessed Prithvi Narayan Shah, founder of modern Nepal. Yogi Adityanath, is still its presiding priest and had in 2015 in Kathmandu publicly advocated the return of Nepal as a Hindu Rashtra. I am frequently asked here if India supports the revival of the Hindu state and monarchy in Nepal. I have said that India does not officially support either institution for Nepal. RPP has 14 seats in Parliament and secured 60,000 votes (out of 14 Million electorates) in the 2023 elections. Even in the local elections, their performance was below par. I met some well-wishers from Nepal at the Holi get-together in my village Anpu. Former Havaldar Durga Bahadur Gurung told me that during the monarchy, aall the moneya went to the Kingas coffers; there were no avikasa. Now there is round development but amoney goes to several ministersa. But avikas is essential and necessarya. After the monarchy ended Nepal became secular, democratic and a republic enjoying the freedom of speech and people free to indulge in legitimate pursuits of happiness.

What Royalists forget is that monarchy was dismantled following a peopleas revolution (Jan Andolan) of 2006 a which was the culmination of the civil war, the 10-year-long Maoists insurrection that cost 17,000 lives and several thousand were victimised through disappearances and displacement. Further, Gyanendra had led a coup in 2005 dismissing Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. He deleted democracy aspiring to return to absolute monarchy. It is therefore naAve to think of turning the clock back.

The debate in and outside Parliament is continuing. Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai who has started a new party Nepal Samajbadi Party, had said after Gyanendraas Democracy Day speech, that he should be arrested. Prime Minister KP Oli has asked Gyanendra to start a political party and fight an election. The discussion in the lower House has been civilised. Outside it, former prime minister and leader of the opposition, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda the pathfinder of the republic, has said that the former King has found voice at this time due to the misgovernance of the ruling CPN UML and Nepali Congress alliance government. He has also accused Gyanendra of murdering his brother Birendra and a statue smuggler. NC General Secretary Gagan Thapa has asked the government to withdraw Gyanendraas privileges. Gyanendraas alleged role in the 2001 Palace massacre has resurfaced. There are calls for a fresh enquiry into the royal tragedy; the initial enquiry was done hastily. Conspicuously Gyanendra and his notorious son Paras were among the few survivors of the tragedy.

On March 16, a royalist rally on the Durbar Marg between the main gate of the palace and the statue of King Mahendra ( Gyanendraas father) carrying a banner demanding the return of King Gyanendra for the third time to his throne. On March 28, republicans led by smaller Left parties will stage a counter-rally. And this duel will continue until governance and delivery improve which wonat be any time soon.

How will the former Kingas clarion call resonate in India, and how will it resurrect the political fortunes of the royalists? Only elections and time will tell. The King will be pleased with his direct call, to the Nepali Janta to help him reclaim his throne. History will record February 19 and March 9, 2025, as dates of Gyanendraas riposte to return to Narayanhiti Durbar. Mr Shah will keep himself relevant to the discourse on monarchy at a time when many challenges confront Nepal not the least corruption which is at the heart of peopleas grievances. Unfortunately, the eight-month rule of the so-called stable alliance of two major parties has little to show to cheer Durga Bahadur.

(The writer, a retired Major General, was Commander, IPKF South, Sri Lanka, and founder member of the Defence Planning Staff, currently the Integrated Defence Staff. Views expressed are personal)
This Thursday, Feile invites the community to gather at Creggan Country Park to celebrate the Spring Equinox.

The event, which will run from 8:30am to 9:30am, will feature choral performances from Allegri, Momentum, and Holy Child Primary School.

The spring equinox in 2025 occurs at 09:01am on March 20, marking what is officially the first day of spring. This is the vernal or spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the point in the year when day and night are the same length.

For millennia, the spring equinox has represented longer days, new beginnings, seeds, a rebalancing of light and dark, celebration, and the birth of animals and colourful flowers all around the world. For ancient cultures, these astronomical phenomena were a reliable way to record the yearly/seasonal cycle and were incorporated into their cultural and religious practices.

The equinox, or Conocht an Earraigh in Gaelic, has held a special place in Ireland for thousands of years. Some speculate that the close proximity of the spring equinox to St Patricks Day is due to a merging of ancient Celtic traditions with more modern Christian rituals.

A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
The Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Derry have described overnight events in Gaza as 'criminal and grotesque.'

The group were responding after Israel began to once more launch huge waves of airstrikes on Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was targeting what it called "terror targets" belonging to Hamas.

Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister in Gaza and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in the territory, has reportedly been killed in a strike.

This is the largest wave of airstrikes in Gaza since the ceasefire began on January 19. Talks to extend the Gaza ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement.

Derry IPSC spokesperson Catherine Hutton has called on the people of Derry to join a protest in the city centre on Sunday, March 23: "We woke this morning to the news that over 300 people died after being bombed from the air by Israel.

"These are people without even the protection of a building to shelter in. These are people who have been made refugees multiple times due to Israeli aggression.

"Israeli bombs dropped on the most vulnerable people in the world, massacring children to further the genocidal aims of Israel, USA and Britain.

"Anyone who has a shred of decency and compassion has woke up horrified, angry and utterly dismayed at the new slaughter carried out by Israel.

"We call on the people of Derry to come out and howl with rage and solidarity at the Al Quds Day - Stand With Palestine event on Sunday, March 23 at 12.30pm in Guildhall Square.

"From this event we will send a clear message that we stand in unshakeable solidarity with the Palestinian people, with refugees and the victims of war."
For Derry man Mark Owens, a prestigious US Scholarship did more than just open doors  it completely transformed the trajectory of his life.

Twenty-eight years ago, he left Derry on a life-changing journey to study at John Carroll University in Ohio through the Study USA programme. Today, he not only thrives in his career in the US but also works passionately to promote Northern Ireland across the Atlantic, strengthening ties between Northeast Ohio and home.

Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Study USA programme has had a profound impact on thousands of Northern Ireland students by providing a unique opportunity for study, cultural exchange, and professional growth. Launched in 1994 as the Business Education Initiative (BEI), the programme, which is delivered by British Council Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for the Economy, has since sent over 2,500 students to the United States for a year at a US college or university.

Over the years, many alumni have returned to Northern Ireland to contribute to its economy and society, while others have made the US their home while maintaining strong ties to their roots.

Mark participated in the programme from 1998-1999, when he was studying for a BSc in Fashion and Production Management at Belfast Metropolitan College. He initially saw the programme as an opportunity to enhance his CV and open doors to career advancement in Derry - but what started as a brief nine-month stay in the US soon became a turning point, sparking a future in the US that he had never anticipated.

He said: It was never my intention to stay long-term in the US. I was working at the Desmonds clothing factory and hoped to leverage the programme to advance my career in Derry. Halfway through the year, I saw the opportunities here and knew I wasnt just preparing to go back homeI was creating a future in the US.

When I returned to Derry, the American dream was always on my mind. I started interviewing for jobs in the US, and I was lucky enough to land a role at Enterprise Rent-a-Car. It turned out to be one of the best jobs Ive ever had. They enrolled me in their management training programme, and it taught me everything about business  setting the foundation for a career in leadership. From there, I kept progressing, and there was no looking back.

Mark met his wife, Maria, in the US, and together, they built a life in Cleveland, Ohio, where they are raising their two children, Eamon and Lillian. Over the years, Mark became deeply involved in the Irish community in Cleveland.

He said: I got roped into playing for the local GAA club, Cleveland St. Pats, and even started hosting an Irish radio show for a few years. It was something I never expected, but over time, I became more involved in Irish culture and traditions. One of my biggest regrets is not learning the Irish language.

The university I attended  John Carroll University  had an amazing alumni programme, which had a lasting impact on me. In fact, its the first place I took my daughter for her first college visits. Shes a junior in high school now and starting to think about her college options.

In 2023, Mark achieved another significant milestone when he was appointed the first-ever Honorary Consul of Ireland for Ohio. Between that and his job for Team NEO (Northeast Ohio Region) he now works to foster business and cultural ties between Ireland and Ohio, demonstrating his dedication to strengthening the transatlantic bond. This includes an upcoming trip to Belfast in April 2025, where he will lead a delegation exploring business opportunities between Northeast Ohio and Northern Ireland.

Derry man Mark Owens

Even though I became a US citizen in 2011, I still feel more Irish than ever. I introduce myself as Irish, and Ill always fly the Irish flag first, said Mark. I make it a point to return to Northern Ireland regularly, and Im constantly looking for ways to connect Ohio with home.

I was just back in Derry for Christmas with the family, and I flew back for the weekend for the FAI Cup final in November. It's always a great time when I go back. My daughter Lilian loves it thereshe's been over probably a dozen times. She even plans to have her 18th birthday in Derry next November.

Ill always miss bits of home, whether its a chicken curry or a Tayto sandwichits the little things that remind me of Derry.

Marks journey is just one example of the lasting impact the Study USA programme has had on alumni. The programme has shaped the lives and careers of many, helping them build bridges between the US and Northern Ireland. As the programme celebrates its 30th anniversary, its alumni continue to carry with them the invaluable lessons learned and connections made.

Mark said: Looking back, the Study USA programme was life-changing. It wasnt just a year abroad  it was the catalyst for everything that followed. I never intended to stay in the US long-term, but that experience gave me the chance to see the world differently and altered the course of my career.

As the Study USA programme marks its 30th year, it continues to open doors for young people in Northern Ireland, providing them with the opportunity to experience new cultures, expand their horizons, and shape their futures.

Speaking about Study USA, Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland said: Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Study USA programme has significantly impacted Northern Ireland students, providing invaluable opportunities for academic, cultural, and career growth.

"Alumni, now ambassadors, innovators, and future leaders, continue to shape both local and global communities. Many remain deeply connected to Northern Ireland, using their international experiences to foster business, education, and cultural ties back home. As global connections become increasingly vital, the programme's alumni play a crucial role in building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating lasting opportunities for future generations in Northern Ireland.

British Council Northern Ireland is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Study USA with "30 Years: 30 Stories." which launch today (Monday, 17 March) to mark St. Patricks Day. Explore how the programme has positively impacted and transformed the lives of alumni over the decades. To read all 30 of these stories, visit their website: https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/celebrating-30-years-study-usa-alumni-stories

Applications for the Study USA programme will open in the Autumn. The programme continues the British Councils work to foster connection, understanding, and trust between the UK and the world through education, arts, and English language teaching. To learn more about their work in Northern Ireland, visit https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/ or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Derry Magistrates' Court heard today how after items were stolen from Fraser's shop in Foyleside police found a bag containing a phone, drugs and teeth believed to belong to the alleged thief.

Robert Barry Crossan (48) of Creggan Heights in Derry appeared charged with the theft of 596 worth of items from Frasers on March 16.

He was also charged with the theft of food items from Iceland also in Foyleside on the same date.

Crossan also faced a range of drug charges including possessing drugs with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of drugs and possessing drugs on dates between October 8, 2022 and November 8, 2022.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.

The officer said it was 'a convoluted case' and told the court that following reports of the thefts on March 16 police responded and after finding the bag with the drugs, phone and teeth went to an address where they found Crossan.

He was said to have been 'unresponsive' and had allegedly consumed some of the foodstuff stolen from Iceland.

Other items were found in the freezer.

The officer said that there was evidence hat Crossan was involved in the supply of drugs and if released will re-offend in order to feed his addiction.

The officer described Crossan as a repeat offender who would reoffend and breach bail if released.

Defence solicitor Caoimhe McDaid said if released Crossan would seek 'immediate assistance' for his drug problems.

She said that Crossan was 'quite remorseful' after being charged.

Deputy District Judge Brian Archer said the defendant had a 'terrible record' and he was concerned if released he would commit further offences.

He refused bail and said a period in custody would be 'beneficial ' to Crossan.

He was remanded in custody to appear again on April 10.
After CCTV operators reported a man in a Christmas jumper assaulting another man in Shipquay Street in Derry police found him nearby the local Magistrate's Court heard today.

Callum Conwell (23) of Sycamore Heights in Derry admitted charges from the incident on December 23 2024.

The court heard that police were alerted in the early hours of the morning after a man in a red Christmas jumper was seen knocking a man out in Shipquay Street and walked away.

The defendant was identified and located in Waterloo Street and arrested and while in custody a quantity of suspected cocaine was found in his mobile phone case.

Conwell told police the drugs were for personal use.

READ NEXT: Derry public urged to support Food Waste Action Week 2025

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that there had been an earlier incident between her client and the injured party but said Conwell 'accepted' he should not have aggravated the situation.

She said the defendant was living in Australia and had come home for Christmas.

Conwell was fined 250.
There was a full house and a fantastic reception in the Museum of Free Derry on International Womens Day for the Derry launch of Roseleen Walshs new book My Internment: A Womans Story.

Speaking to The Derry News, Roseleen, who has written more than 40 plays, said the challenge to have them staged led to her forming her own company - Commedagh Productions.

I now have a great set of actors around me and Bill Tierney, who does lighting and sound, and I finance it, costumes and scenery and whatever else is needed, ourselves, said a determined Roseleen.

We have had good success with the plays, most of which would be political. We usually have something of meaning in the play. I wrote The Vigil about [Hunger Striker] Kieran Doherty and Death of an IRA man about Sean McDermott from Andersonstown who was shot dead.

About five years ago, an actress called Roseanne Doran suggested I should write about my time in prison. I was interned in 1973 / 1974 for 13 months and two weeks. I didnt think it would much of interest but I did it and it was of great interest. We did it five consecutive years in The Felons Club, in Belfast.

From that my daughter, Aine, encouraged me to write the book My Internment which I did.

The thing about the play and the book is when I was imprisoned, I kept all my correspondence - my cards, my letters - so that provided me with a diary. It was over 50 years ago now and to remember small details would be almost impossible, so the letters gave me the memory I needed to write accurately, said Roseleen.

Roseleen said people who have read My Internment told her repeatedly how it brought them back.

People said to me, I found parts of it very sad whereas I didnt because, while we were travelling daily through The Troubles, each day we got more accustomed to terrible things, Roseleen recounted.

Pre-Troubles we were just ordinary people trying to make our way through life and then suddenly The Troubles seemed to be dropped on us. It was hard at first all this violence, which in the beginning was house raids. You didnt matter at all to the British system. Roseleen said.

It was confirmation we didnt matter. We sort of knew it but couldnt articulate it being a young person but we soon caught on that we really dont matter to the British.

You hear all the talk about colonies, this really was a colony and the thing about it was, we didnt know. We as children didnt know. We didnt know until we went out to work.

At 15, Roseleen began working in Woolworths. On her first day, one of her workmates asked what school she had gone to. When she answered, St Teresas Roseleen was subsequently subjected to such sectarian abuse and isolation she left after a few weeks.

This was a cultural shock for me but, again, I couldnt actually articulate what had happened. I knew then if I had told my mammy what was happening on a daily basis, she would have gone down and jumped the counter, said Roseleen.

However, when The Troubles exploded we were all in it together to do whatever we felt was right at the time. That is mainly what My Internment is about.

The end of the book, I am looking back on the journey Ive made and, hopefully, peace will reign.

Roseleen said she found it strange there were no women from Derry interned.

All the women but one were from Belfast. The only woman not from Belfast was a young married woman with two children called Brenda Casson, from Armagh.

I tried to think, and especially Derry where you had so many Republicans, so many young people fighting the Brits, you have to ask, Why were none from Derry interned? There must be a reason. It must be a strategic reason from the Brits point of view.

IN PICTURES: "My Internment" book launch by former Republican prisioner Roseleen Walsh

Maybe they thought the price of interning Derry women would have been too great? There had to be a reason because the Derry girls and the Belfast girls were fighting the same battles, fighting the same war, said Roseleen.

Describing her internment, Rosaleen said to have her freedom snapped from her was terrible.

She added: We were all young girls. When I was in, the conditions in Armagh were not particularly bad. The girls werent treated badly before internment. However, after internment, when political status was removed the girls were treated really badly.

When I was in, the governor was Mr Cunningham and he was a good man. After I got out and he was held hostage in the prison because of the burning of Long Kesh, he did not press charges against anyone. He was a decent man, so the authorities soon got rid of him and brought in people who would do their dirty deeds for them, when the girls had strip searching and cells wrecked. They had a terrible time.

When I was in, I remember one day counting 133 women, the majority of whom were young. The prison regime, from our point of view, ran very smoothly. Eileen Hickey, a Belfast girl, was OC and she was blessed with a lot of commonsense and she was able to handle every situation. She was able to organise and discipline us, which was to our advantage, said Roseleen.

My Internment: A Womans Story has been well received on both sides of the Atlantic.

Roseleen was at pains to point out the book was written from her point of view.

As I said, 50 years ago is a long time to remember. I focused the book on myself because if you write about other people, my memories wouldnt be the same as theirs, she explained.

The thing about my internment is, I met really fascinating people, all sorts and all ages and I think that was the good thing about it. I still see some of the girls. I met some of the Derry girls, Sheila Breslin, Lynn OConnell, Rose Sheerin at the launch and it was great.

A lot of the girls have died since I got out and that is sad but it was a very interesting experience. The one thing I couldnt believe was we were locked up after 8pm at night.

At home you were used to neighbours coming in. There were no telephones as such, so everything had to be word of mouth. Neighbours would come in and say what they knew and what they saw and my mammy and daddy would be sitting. Somebody would make the tea and toast. This was every night for many years, at the beginning of The Troubles.

Our lives all changed dramatically. One day everything was as it was the day before and the next day, I remember my sister and I, we worked in the same place, we got up, got dressed, went to go out to go to work and our front field - Commedagh Hill - was littered with Brits. There must have been thousands. Everything just changed after that. It was a new way of life, dinner time was never the same again.
A police investigation into the shooting of an IRA man in Co Down was wholly inadequate and lacked independence and rigour, a watchdog has found.

Colum Marks, 29, was shot by an RUC officer, known as officer B, on April 10 1991, in Downpatrick. The Newry man died later in hospital.

Two years ago, Northern Irelands Public Prosecution Service decided not to pursue any charge against officer B, determining there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.

The shooting happened during an intelligence-led counter terrorism operation designed to thwart a planned IRA mortar attack on passing security forces and to arrest suspects.

Mr Marks family lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (PONI) some 10 years ago.

The family said new evidence contradicted the polices version of events. The bereaved relations said Mr Marks was not armed and was posing no threat when he was shot in the back as he ran away.

In 2017, the watchdog commenced an examination into the investigation of the shooting, which was headed up by the RUCs Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

Ombudsman Marie Andersons review of available documentation included the interviews given by officers involved in the police operation that night, as well as an interview under caution with officer B the day after the fatal shooting.

During this interview, he was asked only five questions, two of which related to distance and lighting between two points on a map.

Ms Anderson said that approach by CID, given the seriousness of the incident, was wholly inadequate in a number of important respects.

Officer Bs interview failed to adequately examine his actions or mindset at the time of the incident, and lacked the necessary depth and rigour expected in light of the fact that this was a fatal police shooting, she said.

The anti-terror operation was undertaken by the RUCs south region tactical co-ordinating group (TCG).

The ombudsman found most of the records detailing the management of such covert TCG operations have been destroyed, including those related to the incident on St Patricks Avenue in Downpatrick.

Ms Anderson said the absence of such records severely hampered her investigation.

She said evidence that was available, including radio transmission logs of the operation, showed Mr Marks was seen carrying what appeared to be a mortar at 9.29pm on April 10 1991.

A few minutes later he was seen in the driveway of a house in St Patricks Avenue and the mortar was confirmed as having been assembled in the driveway at 9.46pm.

At 9.47pm officers were instructed to arrest the man, who then fled the scene across a recreation ground at which point the shooting occurred.

The ombudsman said the lack of records limited her ability to fully assess opportunities that may have been presented to arrest Mr Marks prior to his sighting at St Patricks Avenue with the mortar.

I am unable to conclude, therefore, whether there was an opportunity to disrupt the planned mortar attack, to arrest Mr Marks before that evening or to arrest him prior to the first recorded sighting of him by police officer B at 9.29pm, she said.

However, from the evidence which is available, there was a short window of opportunity to arrest Mr Marks on that evening between 9.29pm, when he was first observed carrying the mortar, and 9.47pm, when the instruction was given to arrest him.

It is clear that police intended to arrest suspects in circumstances that connected them to the weapon, and the intent to commit an unlawful act, rather than possession of the weapon alone.

In the presence of what was described as a viable explosive device, it is my view that this was a high-risk strategy on the part of police, whose primary duty was to protect life.

While the RUC had the ability to refer itself to the Independent Commission for Police Complaints For Northern Ireland (ICPCNI), the ombudsman said there was no record of it ever doing so.

Mr Marks widow subsequently made a complaint to the commission in November 1991 in an effort to secure an independent investigation into her husbands death.

Her complaint was then investigated by RUC Complaints and Discipline (C&D) under the ICPCs supervision. As a result, a further interview of officer B was conducted under criminal caution.

Ms Andersons team located a list of questions that police intended to put to the officer during interview but were unable to find a transcript of the interview itself. Original documentation generated by the ICPC was also absent.

No criminal proceedings were directed against any police officer for any offence arising out of the fatal shooting.

Mrs Anderson said she was surprised that the opportunity was not taken to refer the death of Mr Marks to the ICPC.

While the family of Mr Marks have claimed there was a conspiracy involved in his death, the ombudsman said she could find no evidence of one.

Family members have also expressed concerns that Mr Marks was not given medical attention or taken immediately to hospital, and that he was not moved by ambulance.

Ms Anderson found that first aid was provided at the scene and Mr Marks was taken to hospital around 15 minutes after the shooting occurred. The ombudsman said she considered that timeframe to be as soon as was practicable.

While the watchdog probe found he had been transported in a police car, Ms Anderson said that was likely to be the quickest way of getting him there at that time.

The ombudsman also addressed questions as to whether a mortar had been found at the site on the evening of the shooting. She concluded, based on witness statements and scene photographs, that the mortar was present.

An allegation that Mr Marks was shot in the back was considered by the ombudsmans investigation. An independent forensic scientist was commissioned to examine his clothing and a virtual reconstruction of the incident was also created.

The ombudsman determined that a criminal offence may have been committed and forwarded a file of evidence to the NI Public Prosecution Service in 2021.

In May 2023, the PPS concluded that there was no reasonable prospect of a conviction of officer B based on the evidence.

The ombudsman also conducted a parallel investigation related to the incident prompted by a referral from the PSNIs chief constable in 2017. It related to allegations that officer B had sent a text message to another police officer claiming he was asked to lie about his debrief after Mr Marks death.

Interviewed under caution by Police Ombudsman investigators, officer B accepted that he had sent the message.

He claimed that although he had been asked to lie about the post-incident debrief and procedures, because these had not been carried out correctly, he had never been subject to a debrief process.

He insisted he had not been asked to lie about the events of the incident itself.

The ombudsman found there was insufficient evidence to conclude that officer B had been asked to lie by his supervising officers.

Reflecting on the overall case, Ms Anderson acknowledged that examining historical matters is challenging due to the passage of time and unavailability of relevant witnesses and documentation.

In their complaint, the Marks family sought clarity as to the events of April 10 1991, she said.

Regretfully there remain unanswered questions due to the absence of records and in particular information about the TCG operation. The effect of the practice of destruction of these records is that the TCG operation has not been subject to independent examination and scrutiny.

However, I am critical of aspects of the initial RUC CID investigation, particularly the initial under caution interview of police officer B on April 11 1991.

I am also concerned that this matter was not referred to the ICPC by the Chief Constable given its gravity.

In consequence I conclude that the initial police investigation lacked sufficient independence and was not afforded the scrutiny and rigour that a fatal shooting of this nature warranted.

A solicitor for the Marks family said the ombudsmans findings supported their long-held view that the RUC did not properly investigate the fatal shooting.

Gavin Booth from Phoenix Law said: Its clear from the findings that there was time to arrest Colum prior to the shooting and this was not acted upon by the RUC at the time. We now know that for three days the RUC knew about this and opportunities clearly existed to arrest.

The ombudsman was clear that Colum was unarmed, unmasked and not posing a threat when he was shot several times.

Its wholly disappointing that much of the evidence was destroyed by the RUC and some former officers did not co-operate with this investigation.

Finally, it was accepted by PONI and the PPS that many questions remained unanswered.
An inquest for a former IRA commander could be hit by a delay because of police diverting resources to support the Omagh bomb inquiry, a court has heard.

A preliminary hearing in the case of Jock Davison was told that it was not yet possible to set a date for the substantive inquest as a result of outstanding matters related to the disclosure of police files to the coroner.

Mr Davison, 47, was shot dead in the Markets area of Belfast as he walked to work in May 2015.

He had been involved in a personal dispute with other republicans.

Three months after Mr Davison was killed, former IRA man Kevin McGuigan was murdered in a shooting in nearby Short Strand.

Coroner Patrick McGurgan held a preliminary hearing on Tuesday to seek an update on the disclosure process.

The PSNI is seeking to withhold certain sensitive files from the inquest on the grounds of public interest immunity (PII).

Barrister John Rafferty, representing the PSNI, said some of the material that will be subject to a PII application had been prepared and was ready for him and fellow barrister Peter Coll KC to review before providing a formal opinion on the proposed redactions.

However, Mr Rafferty said it was unclear when the remainder of the material would be ready for counsel to review.

He explained that police were having to divert resources to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry, which began substantive hearings in January.

The inquiry is currently adjourned but is due to resume in the summer when significant police evidence related to the 1998 dissident republican bombing is likely to feature.

Addressing the coroner, Mr Rafferty said: One issue which arises at the moment, your honour, is that, in relation to the PSNIs concentration of its resources in respect of the Omagh bomb inquiry, as to whether or not it will be feasible in the very short term for Mr Coll and I to attend PSNI and complete our opinion, he said.

So we are seeking instructions on that, given that at least some of the material is ready for the opinion to commence, and Im afraid I cant say anything further at the moment in respect of our ability to do that, but we have sought instructions.

The barrister added: I hope your honour will understand that this is something which seems to be moving relatively quickly, and is a recent development and is being reacted to almost on a case by case basis to see what the updated instructions are.

But it is something were obviously focusing on in this case and instructions have been sought.

Mr Rafferty said he would update the court within 14 days on how the issue was set to impact on the PII process timeline.

Counsel to the coroner Siobhan McCrory told Mr McGurgan that it was not possible to set a date for the inquest while the issues over disclosure remained outstanding.

At this stage were not in a position to set a date for the substantive hearing, she said.

The coroner listed the case for another preliminary hearing on May 8 when he will receive a further update on the disclosure process.
China to allocate 66.74b yuan in employment subsidies in 2025

10:49, March 18, 2025 By Yin Yeping ( Global Times

China will allocate about 66.74 billion yuan ($9.22 billion) in employment subsidies as part of efforts to support local governments in assisting businesses to create more jobs, an official of the Ministry of Finance said on Monday.

The remarks were made at a press conference held by the Information Office of the State Council, the cabinet, during which officials introduced government efforts to boost consumption in 2025.

Speaking at the press conference, Fu Jinling, director-general of the Department of Economic Construction of the Ministry of Finance, said that the new subsidies will be used to help local governments implement employment and entrepreneurship support policies, coordinate relevant funds and resources, promote full employment and improve job quality.

In a further note, Fu Jinling stated that the subsidies will be used to enhance the training of skilled workers and address structural employment imbalances. The official pledged to continue efforts in improving employment opportunities for key groups, such as university graduates, and encouraging enterprises to hire more workers.

"Employment is the very foundation of people's well-being," said Chen Yongjia, an official of the employment promotion department of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, at the press conference, stressing the significance of employment in the nation's social development.

To strengthen job stability through burden reduction, the government will continue implementing phased policies to lower unemployment and work-related injury insurance rates, said Chen, noting that financial institutions will also be encouraged to innovate special loans for job retention and expansion, among other measures.

In January and February, China's national average urban surveyed unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, roughly the same as the same period last year, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday.

"Overall, the unemployment rate is still within the normal range of fluctuations, and the overall stability of the employment situation has not changed," said Fu Linghui, the NBS spokesperson, at a separate press conference on Monday.

Stabilizing and expanding employment this year will still require strenuous efforts, Fu Linghui said, noting that the current international environment is complex and challenging, and the foundation for the domestic economic recovery remains unstable.

Over the course of the year, there will be 12.22 million fresh college graduates, the scale of employment for the population lifted out of poverty will need to be maintained at more than 30 million, and stable employment must also be ensured for a considerable number of rural migrant workers, according to the NBS spokesperson, noting that all these factors call for solid efforts to stabilize employment.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
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The last surviving pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain, Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway, has died aged 105.

Born in Dublin in 1919, Mr Hemingway enlisted in the RAF in 1938 and soon became one of the young pilots who fought in the Battle of France.

Two years later, he was among the men known as The Few, coined by Winston Churchill to describe Britains Battle of Britain pilots.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was saddened to hear of Mr Hemingways death, adding: Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the Second World War.

They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its Allies, risking their lives.

He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the Lucky Irishman, a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation.

Despite his sacrifice, he would tell stories of the joyous memories he made and moments he shared with his peers, many of whom never returned home.

Their sense of duty and service secured our freedom, and we shall never forget them.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: Paddy came from a generation who understood the importance of freedom and sacrificed so much to achieve it.

The last known Battle of Britain pilot, he embodied the deep courage of that incredible generation.

Tonight, we remember and give thanks for the extraordinary life of John Paddy Hemingway DFC, the last of The Few. pic.twitter.com/DQg11HVT3X  John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) March 17, 2025

In 1940, Mr Hemingway was recorded as destroying a German airliner and the following day he downed a German Luftwaffe plane, but his Hurricane fighter was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he had to make a forced landing.

He then became one of the frontline members of 11 Groups response to daily attacks by German aircraft, which went on to be known as the Battle of Britain.

Mr Hemingways logbook records up to five daily sorties he and the other pilots undertook in defence of the UK.

In August 1940, amid intense dogfights, he was forced to bail out of his Hurricanes twice, landing once in the sea off the Essex coast and the other time in marshland.

On July 1 1941, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and in September that year, he was mentioned in despatches by senior officers.

Mr Hemingway went on to serve as an air fighter controller during D-Day operations, and in 1945 he joined the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces with 324 Wing.

Chief of RAF Air Staff Sir Rich Knighton passed condolences to Mr Hemingways family and friends.

I am thankful that I was able to meet and spend time with him in Dublin, most recently in January this year, he said.

Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force.

His son Brian told the Daily Mail his father had been in fighting form at his Dublin care home in recent years.

He never felt that there was anything special about him. He thought the special ones were the friends who never returned. And now he is back with his squadron, he said.

It is very sad but his is a life to be both celebrated and mourned.

Mr Hemingway was stationed in Italy towards the end of the war and commanded 43 Squadron. During this period, he was forced to bail out for a fourth time.

While attacking enemy forces near Ravenna in April 1945, his Spitfire was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire.

He parachuted into enemy territory and managed to contact local partisans who helped him return to his squadron.

In 1966, he became Officer Commanding RAF Leconfield and eventually attained the rank of Group Captain.
Irish premier Micheal Martin does not represent the people of Ireland, Conor McGregor has claimed, after being criticised by the Taoiseach.

It came after Irish political leaders said the mixed martial arts fighter does not speak for Ireland as he visited the White House for a St Patricks Day meeting with US President Donald Trump.

McGregor praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the President described him as fantastic.

The Dubliner told reporters in the West Wing that he was going to voice concerns about immigration issues in Ireland when he spoke to Mr Trump.

McGregor, who has previously stated an intent to run for the Irish presidency, claimed the Irish Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand. McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the meeting between Mr Trump and McGregor was a very sinister event.

Ms Morrogh characterised the engagement as an attempt to normalise sexual violence and rebuild McGregors reputation.

She told RTEs News At One that she was writing to the US embassy over what she said was a really callous indifference to every survivor of sexual violence.

In response to McGregors comments to reporters in the White House briefing room, Irish premier Micheal Martin later said his claims were wrong and did not reflect the views of the Irish people.

Deputy premier Simon Harris said that McGregor was not in the US to represent Ireland and did not speak for the people of Ireland, and has no mandate to.

Asked about Mr Martins criticism, Mr McGregor told Sky News: I am an employer of over 200 people, almost 300 people in the country of Ireland. Hes an employer of none.

Every available metric available to us has shown that the Government of Ireland currently has failed the people of Ireland.

In 10 years, Dublin City Centre has gone from one of the most safest cities in Europe, to one of the most dangerous.

So, shame on him for saying that, speaking down on an Irishman. I wont speak about him personally, throw a jab  I could, I could throw many jabs at him, I could throw jabs handily at them.

However, I speak on the metrics, and the metrics show they failed the people of Ireland. They do not represent the people of Ireland.

Asked how he would respond to people who said it is inappropriate for him to attend the White House, he walked away after saying: God bless Ireland and God bless America.

During a meeting with Mr Martin in the Oval office last week, Mr Trump described McGregor as great when asked who his favourite Irish person was.

The US president said the MMA fighter had the best tattoos Ive ever seen.

Conors great, right. But you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually, great fighters, he said.

Irelands always had a lot of good fighters.

You know why? Because theyre tough people, theyre smart people and theyre passionate people.
Conor McGregors visit to the White House has exposed Micheal Martins cowardly approach to US president Donald Trump, an opposition TD has said.

Mr Martin met Mr Trump at the White House on Wednesday, where the two leaders engaged with members of the press for roughly 50 minutes.

During the exchanges, the US president praised McGregor when asked who he would regard as his favourite Irish person.

Days later, the mixed martial arts fighter also met Mr Trump in the Oval Office.

McGregor, who has set an ambition to become president of Ireland, criticised the Irish government on a range of issues, including immigration.

He claimed the Irish Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand. McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

On Tuesday, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy said McGregors attendance at the White House on St Patricks Day was scandalous given his abhorrent views on a whole range of issues and the verdict of the jury in the civil trial.

He said: I think its abhorrent by the Trump administration to have promoted Conor McGregor in this way.

Mr Murphy criticised Mr Martin for taking a quiet approach to Mr Trump during his engagement.

The Taoiseach had characterised his own meeting with Mr Trump as very positive, and later said that McGregor does not reflect the views of Irish people.

Mr Murphy said: I do think that the so-called quiet diplomacy of Micheal Martin [] which was lauded by many commentators as being very smart, no longer looks very smart.

Because the truth is that while Trump was praising Conor McGregor, Micheal Martin  while sitting in a room with him  didnt say a single word to contradict him.

Micheal Martin praised Trumps unrelenting focus on peace. We know that overnight, about 350 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in assaults, a new wave of air attacks that have been authorised and agreed by the administration.

So I think you know clearly the very cowardly, bootlicking approach of Martin now is exposed for just that.

Asked about McGregors presidential ambitions, Mr Murphy predicted that the fighters campaign would receive support on X, the social media site operated by Elon Musk  a key ally of the Trump administration.

However, he said he did not think he would go very far in winning actual public support.

He added: Conor McGregor is not a beloved figure in Ireland, for all the reasons that people know.

So I dont think thatll get off the ground in reality.

It might exist in Donald Trumps head and Elon Musks head and their various promoters over here. But I dont think it will fly.
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A Louth student at Dundalk Grammar School, Chucks Kpaduwa has been announced as a finalist of the ActionTalks speech writing competition.

The competition, run by ActionAid Ireland, invited students all over Ireland to write about the leadership role of women during emergencies, conflict and climate disasters and the impact of climate change on womens rights. ActionAid Ireland works with women and girls all over the world supporting them on achieving equality and human rights, and holding power to account.

The competition, now in its eleventh year, was open to students across Ireland. This year ActionAid received 90 entries from 23 schools across 12 counties. The six finalists will win a 50 voucher and proceed on to the final which will be held in Dublin in April. This year the overall prize is a 500 voucher for the winner and a 100 voucher for their teacher.

CEO of ActionAid Ireland Karol Balfe said: In these challenging times, the ActionTalks competition continues to shine a light on the genuine passion and deep engagement young people have for critical global issues, giving us great hope for the future.

"Selecting finalists was particularly difficult this year, with exceptional entries from across the country demonstrating sophisticated understanding of women's rights and global justice. We encourage those who didn't advance to the final to maintain their commitment to these vital causes.

She continued: ActionAid's work, supported by Irish Aid and ultimately by Irish citizens, makes a significant global impact in eliminating violence against women and girls and this competition reflects our core mission. We wish Chucks the very best of luck in the final, knowing that all participants have already contributed to a more just and equitable world.

This competition is supported by Irish Aid (Department of Foreign Affairs), which funds ActionAid's Women's Rights Programme, a programme that works to eliminate violence against women and girls. Irish Aid programmes are funded by Irish citizens and play an important global role in supporting women and girls.
A sharp drop in the number of Gardai stationed in Dundalk is bad news for the town and the community, Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu has said.

Commenting on figures presented in the Irish Independent today, the Dundalk TD said it was not good enough that Dundalk had 25 fewer gardai at the end of 2024 compared to the start of the year.

He said that Fianna Fail and Fine Gaels failure to address the problem of too few gardai to meet the needs of an increased population was a dereliction of duty, that Minister Jim OCallaghan must now tackle this issue seriously as a matter of urgency, and that this would only be done by increasing the training capacity of An Garda Siochana.

Deputy O Murchu said: "Fianna Fail and Fine Gaels failure to address policing numbers is Dundalk exposed and putting communities here at risk. The lack of gardai has very serious consequences in terms of deterring crime, investigating crime and ensuring that people feel safe.

"Successive Fianna Fail and Fine Gael governments have failed to properly plan for and address this issue for more than a decade. This is a dereliction of duty, and communities in Dundalk and right across the state are now paying the consequences.

"There is a serious problem in terms of garda visibility, particularly in terms of the lack of community gardai. It is unacceptable that almost a quarter of stations saw a drop in garda numbers over the course of 2024."

The Louth TD added that, "until there is a significant increase in the training capacity of An Garda Siochana, this problem will not be fixed. Sinn Fein has called for Garda numbers to be increased to 16,000. Minister Jim O'Callaghan, as a matter of urgency, must put a plan in place to achieve this to ensure that every community has a sufficient amount of gardai assigned to their local stations.
The Irish Construction Excellence Awards (ICE Awards) have announced the 2025 season finalists, with two projects completed in Dundalk nominated across four categories.

Established in 1993, the ICE Awards have become the premier recognition of performance excellence for construction in Ireland, highlighting innovation, quality, and dedication within the sector.

The 3D printed homes project at Grange Close completed by Harcourt Technologies Ltd has been nominated in three categories: Innovation in Construction, Residential Social & Affordable and Specialist or Specialist Services Contract.

Meanwhile the Duiche Roden project in Dundalk completed by OHare McGovern with van Dijk / Cluid / Sonas has been nominated in the Residential Social & Affordable category.

The ICE Awards cover a broad range of categories in such areas as Residential, Civil Engineering, Commercial, Industrial, Healthcare and Education, and associated industry awards for Health, Safety & Wellbeing, Construction Product, Third-Level Course, Industry Contribution and introduced for 2025 a Future Leader category which highlights emerging talent in the industry.

The finalists were selected by an expert panel of judges assembled from various construction disciplines, including construction management, engineering, architecture, construction technology and cost management.

The judging process included an interview stage in the Convention Centre Dublin in February for selected categories, where finalists presented their projects and engaged in Q&A sessions with the Judges, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process.

Experts from across the AEC disciplines have been assembled to judge the entries. The ICE Awards Judging Process is multi-level with a team of judges reviewing every entry and scoring with their expertise in mind.

Read Next: Ducks and moorhens return to the Ramparts River in Dundalk following maintenance work

The ICE Awards are also inviting the public to participate in selecting the 'Project of the Year.' Voting is now open and will close on March 24, 2025.

The winners will be announced at the ICE Awards Gala Event on May 1, 2025, at The Convention Centre Dublin. The event will be hosted by Neil Delamere, one of Ireland's top comedy acts.

Colin Walsh, ICE Awards Media Director said:

"The Irish Construction Excellence Awards continue to highlight the remarkable talent and innovation within the construction industry. This year's finalists have set new benchmarks in quality and sustainability, reflecting the dynamic nature of Irish construction. We encourage everyone to participate in the 'Project of the Year' voting and join us in celebrating Ireland's best building projects."
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.
Investore Property Limited (Investore) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an unconditional agreement to divest Woolworths Mount Roskill, 112 Stoddard Road, Auckland, for a sale price of $25.0 million. This represents a premium to book value for this property of 11% (gross) or $2.5 million with a passing yield of 5.85%. Settlement is scheduled for late March 2025.

The property is fully tenanted by Woolworths and following the divestment of this property, the tenant weighting of Woolworths will decrease from 62.5% to 61.7% of the total portfolio by Contract Rental.

The transaction demonstrates that strong investor demand remains for defensive large format retail properties and is supportive of Investores portfolio valuations. The proceeds of the sale will initially be used to repay bank debt, with an intention to recycle into strategic investment opportunities over time to further enhance Investores rental growth profile.

Mike Allen, the Investore Chair, commented The Board is pleased to continue to deliver on its strategic pillar of portfolio optimisation. We will continue to explore options to recycle the capital from the divestment of Woolworths Mount Roskill into other well-located, high quality assets with strong underlying growth in the medium to long term.

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A man picked up a 100 wooden bench and walked out of a store without paying for it and now he has pleaded guilty to carrying out the theft.

Francis OConnor, aged 54, of no fixed address admitted carrying out the theft when he appeared at Cork District Court.

The wooden bench was stolen at Homesense, Grand Parade, Cork, and he was escorted back into store moments after carrying out the offence on January 29.

Shane Collins-Daly said that the accused had an addiction to prescription tablets which he took without prescription.

Judge Aine Clancy convicted and fined him 100 for the offence.
Improved infrastructure, quicker access to novel drugs, and a better uptake of screening are the main things Ireland could improve on in order to achieve better cancer outcomes, a Cork oncologist has said.

It comes as the European Commissions country cancer profile 2025 report, which compares Irelands performance in several areas to other EU countries, was published recently. Consultant medical oncologist in Cork University Hospital, Richard Bambury, told there was good and bad highlighted in the report.

Overall the report is relatively positive, Dr Bambury said. Ireland is at or above level of most European countries in terms of cancer care, treatment and outcomes.

The high instance of cancer diagnosis in Ireland compared to the European average might be due to an ageing population, Dr Bambury continued.

Our life expectancy is higher than many other countries and one of the main risk factors for cancer is age.

As people get older, they are more likely to get cancer at some point.

Our developed screening programmes for breast, cervical and bowel cancer lead to a higher diagnosis rate also which can skew outcomes, but we are hopefully catching more cancers before they can become a problem.

Dr Bambury said that in terms of cancer outcomes, in Ireland in the 90s there was a 40% five year survival rate for all cancer patients, in the noughties that increased to 50-55%, now its up to 65%.

But as always, theres things to improve, he said.

Theres room for improvement from our perspective in the uptake of screening for bowel cancer, its lower than it should be.

People dont like the idea of testing stool for blood or having a colonoscopy, so the screening levels are low.

Thats something the public would do well to be aware of, because the screening detects bowel cancer but also pre-cancerous legions.

The screening age has decreased to 59, but in the USA, they recommend to start screening at 45 so theres definitely room to expand the programme further in that regard.

Improving Irelands access to novel drugs is also important, as new medications, once approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), can take two, three or four years to become available because of the lengthy reimbursement process that has to go on between the HSE and the companies that make the drugs.

Theres some patients that can go abroad or pay themselves out of pocket, or their health insurance could cover them, but some people cant get them which does lead to inequalities, Dr Bambury explained.

For example, I treat patients with bladder cancer, and theres a new treatment regimen that can bring many more years of survival, but its not yet available in Ireland for public patients.

Another thing Dr Bambury said is badly in need of improvement is infrastructure.

Cancer remains the number one cause of death in our population.

In order to improve cancer care in Cork for the growing and ageing population we need to invest in appropriate infrastructure to include endoscopy and scanning facilities, pathology laboratories, operating theatres, day facilities for the manufacture and administration of chemotherapy and cellular therapies.

We also need modern cancer care wards, he said.

For example, in Cork University Hospital the wards for patients needing to stay in hospital overnight were built in the 1970s so we are working with hospital management on a plan for urgent replacement.

Once off windfall funds going to the public exchequer from sources such as corporation tax would be well spent on once-off modern infrastructure projects like these to provide long term benefit for our population.
The Taoiseach Micheal Martin has described as wrong remarks made by Conor McGregor during a visit to the White House just days after Mr Martins own Oval Office meeting with the US president.

Mr McGregor answered questions from reporters as he joined US press secretary Karoline Leavitt in the West Wing briefing room ahead of a meeting with Donald Trump.

The MMA fighter told the media he was going to speak about immigration in Ireland, and said the illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country.

Mr Martin said on X:

Conor McGregors remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St Patricks Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.

During his exchange with reporters yesterday, Conor McGregor criticised the Irish Government on immigration issues.

Im here to raise the issues the people of Ireland face. It will be music to the people of Irelands ears, he said.

Never on the main stage has the issues the people of Ireland faced been spoke.

Our Government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland and its high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland. What is going on in Ireland is a travesty.

Our Government is the government of zero action with zero accountability.

Our money is being spent on overseas issues that is nothing to do with the Irish people.

The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country.

There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop, so issues need to be addressed and the 40 million Irish Americans, as I said, need to hear this because if not there will be no place to come home and visit.

Tanaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris, who is currently in the US, said that Mr McGregor was in the US as a personal guest of president Trump and had no mandate to speak for the people of Ireland.

Its for president Trump to invite whoever he wants to his home, and hes perfectly entitled to do whatever he wishes in relation to who he decides to invite to the White House, Mr Harris said.

But let me be very clear, Conor McGregor is not here in the United States representing Ireland or the people of Ireland. Hes here in a personal capacity.

He doesnt speak for Ireland. He doesnt speak for the people of Ireland. He has no mandate to do such.

My views on him are very clear, well established, previously articulated, long standing and on the public record.

Last week, US president Donald Trump described McGregor as great when asked who his favourite Irish person was.

Mr Trump said the MMA fighter had the best tattoos Ive ever seen.

Conors great, right. But you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually, great fighters, he said.

Irelands always had a lot of good fighters.

You know why, because theyre tough people, theyre smart people, and theyre passionate people.

Mr McGregors visit to the White House comes months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.
A burglary at the Deep South pub in Cork city earlier this month saw a man being remanded in custody on charges until tomorrow, March 19.

Joe OSullivan, aged 38, was remanded in custody by Judge Aine Clancy until that date for DPP directions, on the application of Sergeant John Kelleher.

Mr OSullivan, of Cork Simon Community, faces charges stating that on March 7 at Deep South, Grand Parade, Cork, having entered that building, he committed a theft offence at the premises.

He faces a related charge of causing criminal damage to a glass window of the premises on that date.

The accused is to appear at Cork District Court by video link from prison tomorrow.
A new wheelchair swing which will be accessible without restrictions is now in place in the playground in Clonakilty following a campaign by a local disability rights activist.

Evie Nevin, who stood for Labour in Cork South West in the last general election, has welcomed the funding and thanked a number of local organisations who supported the campaign to get the new swing.

Last year, Ms Nevin had expressed her concern about what she described as the exclusion of children using wheelchairs from the wheelchair access swing which had been put in place as it could only be accessed with a special radar key which was available to borrow from some local venues.

This key could also be purchased for 20 from a Dublin locksmith, with an additional 14.50 for delivery, through a system set up by the Irish Wheelchair Association.

The new swing, which was secured after funding totaling 65,000 was secured from the Community Recognition Fund, is now in place and is accessible without a key.

This is a fantastic step forward for accessibility in Clonakilty, said Evie.

A big thank you to all the parents and children I consulted with to find the perfect piece of equipment.

I also want to express my gratitude to the volunteers of Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce, Clonakilty Access Group and the Clonakilty Playground Group for joining the call for better accessibility, and to Jackie Mansfield of Cork County Council, who worked with me to secure the Community Recognition Fund which will pay for the new swing.

The activist said she hoped the example set in Clonakilty would be repeated across the county.

This isnt just about a swing, she said. Its about ensuring that disabled children feel just as welcome in their community playground as anyone else.

Im thrilled that this is finally happening and I look forward to seeing accessibility improve for all children across the county."
Songwriter and performer Myles Gaffney is returning to the stage at Cyprus Avenue on Friday, April 4 to record a live album, accompanied by a seven-piece band.

Speaking ahead of the gig, Mr Gaffney said that he has always wanted to make a live album in his hometown of Cork.

The support I have got over the years from my fellow Corkonians is truly remarkable and I thank the people sincerely.

I myself listen mostly to live albums and performances when Im listening to music and its always been an ambition of mine to record my own live album.

This live album is 10 years in the making, Mr Gaffney said.

I have taken my best and most popular songs from my three previous albums to perform on the evening, along with four brand-new tracks never heard in public before and, of course, some of my favourites, such as Back Home in Derry and other Irish classics.

Feedback

Mr Gaffney said he thrives off live performance and audience feedback.

I love a good old-fashioned sing song and when Im on stage and the audience joins in on the songs, its an amazing feeling.

I want to capture these moments live as this gig is not only being recorded for audio, its also been recorded for visual content.

Hearing his followers and supporters voices in the album is important to Mr Gaffney, who will be joined on the evening by fellow Cork songwriter Kelvin Long.

Mr Gaffney, mainly a folk and ballad artist, has received Grammy nominations for his music.

The Knocknaheeny native has previously said his music is rooted in his working class background.

Tickets for his upcoming gig are available from Eventbrite, Cyprus Avenues website, or on all of Mr Gaffneys social-media platforms.
Several Cork schools received the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark in recent days, recognising their work over an 18-month period to foster LGBTQ+ wellbeing and inclusion for their students.

Among the 44 schools nationally honoured were Carrigaline Community School, Carrigtwohill Community College, Nano Nagle College, St Vincents Secondary School, Terence MacSwiney Community College, and Gaelcholaiste Mhic Shuibhne.

They were presented with their awards at an event in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, which was hosted by social media influencer and TV presenter James Kavanagh.

Survey

The accreditation initiative was developed by Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland in 2022, following a school climate survey by Columbia University revealing that 76% of LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland do not feel safe in post-primary schools.

Since the pilot programme, over 100 Irish schools and Youthreach centres have embarked on the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark journey to improve the lives and experiences of their LGBTQ+ students.

This is done through a host of practical, proactive actions such establishing an LGBTQ+ and allies club for students, training whole-staff teams on supporting LGBTQ+ students, and promoting the representation of LGBTQ+ families and identities in classroom teaching.

Significant challenge

Speaking about the awards, Belong To CEO Moninne Griffith said that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia remain a significant challenge for LGBTQ+ students across the country.

In Ireland, compared to the general youth population, LGBTQ+ students are four times more likely to suffer verbal harassment and five times more likely to be physically harassed.

I want to congratulate all for the actions that they have taken throughout the process and hope that they feel extremely proud to stand with the students and young people from their school or centre today, knowing what a huge impact their work has had and will continue to have on the lives of so many.
With the number of Irish people living with dementia expected to more than double over the coming two decades, Cork County Council library and arts service has invited writers to submit short stories on the subject of reminiscence.

The library and arts service is compiling stories for the second volume of Come Sit Awhile, a compilation designed for people living with dementia and for their carers.

Following the success of the first volume, this latest edition will again offer simple, uplifting stories that are easy to follow and encourage reminiscing.

Shortlist

The top three stories, along with a shortlist of additional stories, will be included in the collection of dementia-friendly readings which will be published as part of the library and arts services age-friendly programme.

Copies of the book will be available to borrow from branch and mobile libraries across the county later this year.

There are currently 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland and this number is expected to reach by 150,000 by 2045.

Some 63% of people living with dementia live in the community and want to be active and included in daily life as much as possible.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Fianna Fail councillor Joe Carroll, said research shows that reading poems and short stories as well as reminiscing can offer comfort and joy to those with dementia.

The first volume of Come Sit Awhile was very well received by those in the community, carers and medical professionals.

I have no doubt that this next edition will be just as special and successful, he added.

Story submissions should be no longer than 800 words and easy to follow, with a beginning, middle and an end.

Stories that evoke positive memories and support reminiscing are particularly welcome.

Entries must be accompanied by an entry form, which is available from your local library or by emailing corkcountylibrary@corkcoco.ie.

Submissions should be posted to Cork County Library, Carrigrohane Rd, Cork T12K335 or emailed to corkcountylibrary@corkcoco.ie before the closing date of March 28.
Non-profit organisation, Young Social Innovators (YSI), wrapped up the Cork leg of its Speak Out tour last week with a special event at City Hall.

The event, which took place across two days, saw 80 teams of teenage students from across Munster present projects developed under the YSI Activate Programme.

The programme is aimed at teenagers between 15 and 18 years of age who are in second-level schools, Youthreach centres, or youth organisations.

Working in teams, the students explore issues of concern and take creative and collaborative action on one that they are passionate about. Issues include climate change, sustainable living, gender equality, mental health, racism, and sexual consent.

Students involved in the programme had the opportunity to meet the Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle, who spoke with the students about their social innovation projects.

The Speak Out roadshow will continue from Cork to Sligo, Drogheda, and Kilkenny.
Mention of Corks light rail plans is often met with a tut and an eye roll.

Many are cynical that the crowd up in Dublin that is the government will ever drop 2-3 billion on 17 kilometres of a tram system connecting Ballincollig to Mahon Point.

But instead of dismissing it, we should be asking ourselves: Can Cork afford not to invest in public transport?

Nobody wants to waste their lives sitting in traffic listening to the local drive-time DJs announcing that traffic is bumper to bumper and total gridlock- I know fella, Im sitting in it.

Getting people out of their cars and into rapid and efficient public transport is a priority for the city. Cork is growing, car numbers are rising, and our roads are already struggling to cope.

Project designs for the Cork Luas (the Cluas?) will be submitted for planning later this year, and I believe Corkonians should embrace such a project wholeheartedly. In fact, to do otherwise would be a colossal, missed opportunity.

A Colossal Missed Opportunity

That was the stark title of the latest report from the Climate Change Advisory Council, the independent body that assesses and gives feedback on Irelands climate action progress.

The report got plenty of press attention because it warns that Ireland faces between 8-26 billion in EU compliance fines by 2030 for failing to meet our emissions targets.

Thats money that could have transformed public transport systems, cut energy bills, and made homes cheaper to heat in Ireland - and Cork!

Instead, it will simply disappear -sent abroad to buy carbon credits from other countries because we dragged our feet.

Weve been here before. Failing to foresee whats coming down the tracks and then forking out loads of money to dig us out of a hole.

In the early 2010s, Ireland spent 41 billion bailing out the banks - a staggering sum, wasted due to poor planning, foresight, and oversight by the government.

Were still dealing with the social and economic consequences of the financial collapse and bail-out today, with housing shortages, hospital overcrowding, and a generation locked out of homeownership.

The last of those bail-out repayments to Europe wont be made until 2042.

Now, were staring down another massive, unnecessary bill.

The worst part? This was entirely preventable. But just like the banking crisis, the warning signs were ignored for too long. As Roy Keane has said, fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

But we can still largely avoid the higher end of fines if we move very fast.

Investing in public transport now isnt simply good urban planning; its financial common sense.

Every euro spent improving Corks, and Irelands, public transport system is a euro we wont have to pay in fines.

Pay for Progress? Or Pay for Fines?

The Climate Change Advisory Council strenuously recommends splurging on measures that will lower emissions (and therefore fines) quickly and will set Ireland on a sustainable footing.

So, 7 billion on upgrading Irelands national energy grid, 4 billion on lowering the cost of electric cars to 15,000 and ramping up the charging network, and 1 billion on planting trees and re-wetting peatlands are no-regret spends that will slash emissions and reduce fines to between 3 and 12 billion (still a shameful waste of taxpayers money).

Build It and They Will Come

The public are ready to get on board with climate action measures - if it makes sense beyond just lowering your carbon footprint.

Since the roll-out of new BusConnects routes in Dublin, passenger numbers in some areas have surged by 48%.

The introduction of half-price fares for young people also proved wildly successful, showing that when public transport is affordable and efficient, people will use it. The bonus side-effect is fewer transport emissions.

Other rich countries are able to cut emissions and keep their economies going.

The UKs emissions fell by 3.6% in 2024, driven primarily by a massive reduction in coal use. UK emissions reached their lowest level since 1872!

The Germans managed to cut their emissions by 3.4% in 2024 and the country is on track to meet its 2030 climate targets.

Why not us?

Corks Wasted Chances

If you are a Cork GAA fan, youll be familiar with the phrase wasted chances when it comes to Cork performances. Alas, we are not unfamiliar with major moments where we came within touching distance of success but fell short.

We saw it in last years All-Ireland hurling final, when a long-awaited victory slipped through our fingers in the dying minutes.

Outside the sporting arena we see it with the long-promised, still undelivered Events Centre, which was supposed to be a world-class 6,000-seater arena for major events but instead cost millions without delivering any physical progress.

When it comes to Corks light rail project, we simply must seize the opportunity and not waste the chance to have a light rail system like other successful European cities.

The choice is simple: we either embrace and implement efficient public transport, or we resign ourselves to longer commutes, congestion and a city choking on its own success.

We either pay for progress, or pay with wasted time and wasted fines.

Corkonians have an unshakeable pride in the city, but even with our rebel red tinted glasses on we can see that it can function better.

Cork is among 100 EU cities that is participating in the EU Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030.

Its time to raise our ambition - not see climate action as a burden, but as an opportunity.

If we wait, we will end up paying billions for nothing, just as we did after the banking crisis.

If we act, we can build a city, and country that is cleaner, cheaper to live in, and easier to get around.

The choice is ours - but the bill is coming either way.
By Jessica Coates, PA

Tuesday's front pages focus on a range of stories from Pharma firms pressuring Ireland to resist EU reforms to Russian and Chinese influence networks sending more than 7,500 posts about Ireland last year.

The Irish Times reports pharmaceutical companies were disappointed and concerned at the lack of support offered by the Government to the sector as it pushed back against proposed European Union reforms, correspondence shows.

The Irish Examiner reports known Russian and Chinese influence networks sent more than 7,500 posts about Ireland on social media in the last year, according to a European intelligence report.

The Echo meanwhile focus on the 3,ooo participants of the Cork St Patrick's Day parade on Momday.

Here's the front page of today's Irish Independent pic.twitter.com/FUkoc0rl4J  Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) March 18, 2025

Every Tuesday is Good Health day in the Irish Daily Mail. pic.twitter.com/793H0QRcZJ  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) March 18, 2025

Today's front page of The Irish Sun pic.twitter.com/lJLYLLlexd  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) March 18, 2025

Morning, readers  Here's the front page of today's Belfast Telegraph  Stick with us for all your breaking news.https://t.co/BkuijEBFmy pic.twitter.com/9WnylIdz0A  Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) March 18, 2025

In the UK, continued debate over proposed cuts to disability benefits dominates the front pages on Tuesday.

The Guardian says the Government is expected to announce drastic cuts to disability benefits, while the i Paper reports Cabinet sceptics are yet to be won over.

The Guardian: London to Lviv - How Trumps new

world order has shaken Europe #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/MqmpeTRD2Q  George Mann (@sgfmann) March 17, 2025

Tuesday's front page: Disability benefit cuts: Reeves still scrambling to win over Cabinet#TomorrowsPapersToday



Read more on this story: https://t.co/RHSBT4MXXJ pic.twitter.com/jQ9SlGCVcj  The i Paper (@theipaper) March 17, 2025

The Daily Mirror leads on comments from unions warning British Prime Minister Keir Starmer against targeting poor and disabled people.

Meanwhile, The Times says those claiming sickness will face increased checks on their status.

The Times: Checks on sick benefit claimants to increase #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/rT0r6Q03Vu  George Mann (@sgfmann) March 17, 2025

The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail both splash on comments from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who says trying to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is impossible and will bankrupt the economy.

The front page of today's Daily Telegraph:



'Badenoch: Net zero by 2050 is impossible' pic.twitter.com/8OKfSjFNkU  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 18, 2025

Daily Mail: Kemi- Net zero by 2050 impossible #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/nkRvC9Vn6n  George Mann (@sgfmann) March 17, 2025

And the Daily Express says critics of Chancellor Rachel Reeves autumn budget have labelled the financial plan a disaster.

Daily Express: 40bn Tax Raid 'disaster' is killing growth #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/JgUiQSxfZc  George Mann (@sgfmann) March 17, 2025

The Financial Times writes that British hedge fund manager Crispin Odey is set to be banned by the financial watchdog and fined 1.8 million after he faced allegations of sexual harassment and assault.

Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Tuesday 18 March https://t.co/o9rONVAxXy pic.twitter.com/YY1b4VVQOM  Financial Times (@FT) March 17, 2025

Metro writes fixing the nations pot-holed roads could cost up to 17 billion and take 12 years to complete.

Metro: 17bn needed just to fix the roads #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/iKgB5L5cBt  George Mann (@sgfmann) March 17, 2025

The Daily Star reports Disneys Snow White remake uses CGI dwarves instead of actors as protests against the decision are planned.

Lastly, The Sun says One Directions Louis Tomlinson is dating Strictly Come Dancing star Zara McDermott.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Peruvian mountain farmer and mountain guide Saul Luciano Lliuya comes to the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany for his climate lawsuit hearing against energy company RWE on March 17, 2025. Rolf Vennenbernd / picture alliance via Getty Images

A lawsuit filed by a Peruvian farmer against major German energy company RWE began on Monday.

The claim, which argues that global heating fueled by the firms greenhouse gas emissions poses a risk to the farmers home, could set a new precedent for climate litigation, reported The Associated Press.

We have waited 10 years for this day, this decisive day, said Saul Luciano Lliuya, as supporters cheered outside the courthouse. Im very excited; I hope that everything goes well.

The lawsuit, filed in the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, western Germany, makes the case that RWEs historical emissions have contributed to the global warming that has accelerated glacial melt near Lliuyas hometown of Huaraz. This has caused Lake Palcacocha to rise to dangerous levels, raising the risk of disastrous flooding in the community.

Standing in front of photographs of glaciers shaped like mountains, Lliuya said that the lakes, glaciers and mountains give us water, give us life, as Euronews reported.

[T]he glaciers are melting, are disappearing bit by bit. Some lakes, lakes like Palcacocha  its a risk to me, to more than 50,000 people who live in the zone at risk, Lliuya said.

RWE does not operate in Peru and denied legal responsibility, saying there are many contributors to the global problem of climate change.

Lliuya first challenged RWE following a Carbon Majors Study from 2013 that said the company was responsible for 0.5 percent of post-industrialization climate change.

Huaraz is asking the energy company to pay roughly 0.5 percent of how much it will cost  an estimated $18,562  to protect Huaraz from imminent flood risk and the overflow from the nearby lake.

What I am asking is for the company to take responsibility for part of the construction costs, such as a dike in this case, Lliuya told reporters in early March, as reported by Euronews.

Lliuya originally filed a lawsuit against RWE that was dismissed by an Essen court. An appeal to a higher court in 2017 led to the current hearing.

Roda Verheyen, lead lawyer in the case, said she was calm but hopeful, The Associated Press reported.

[T]here is no time to be lost, because the glaciers are melting every day, Verheyen said.

Saul Luciano Lliuya visits the lake Palcacocha in Huaraz, Peru on May 23, 2022. Angela Ponce for The Washington Post via Getty Images

RWE said it has complied with government greenhouse gas emissions guidelines and has a target of being carbon-neutral by 2040. However, its historical contribution to global heating has brought attention to corporate responsibility for climate change in addition to cross-border legal accountability.

RWE is still one of the biggest emitters of CO2 in all of Europe, Verheyen said. This is only a very first step  a trampoline for further cases of this kind.

According to nonprofit research group Zero Carbon Analytics, there are more than 40 ongoing climate damage cases worldwide.

Flood risk from Lake Palcacocha is a real concern for the residents of Huaraz, reported NPR. A 1970 earthquake in the valley triggered a deadly landslide that took the lives of approximately 25,000 people.

In addition to the risk of flash flooding, avalanches and landslides, glacial melt is also interfering with the availability of drinking water for many communities. As ice sheets melt away, local streams have become toxic and discolored from recently exposed rocks containing heavy metals.

The regions seasons are also affected, hindering agriculture.

It is scary, the risk from climate change. For example, it has been raining. Even the rivers that pass through the city have risen, Lliuya told NPR. There is a lot of fear and the lakes levels have risen. People are very worried.

The case is being litigated near the head offices of RWE in Hamm and is expected to last several weeks.

We want Saul and the people of Huaraz to live in safety. No one should live in fear of losing their home due to the climate crisis. Polluters have to step up and pay the true price of their business model, said Francesca Mascha Klein, a Germanwatch lawyer who is working with Lliuya on the case, as NPR reported.
Standing at the podium inside Elizabeth City State Universitys Fine Arts Center, Judge J.C. Cole wasnt just delivering a speechhe was honoring the institution that had been a backdrop to his childhood. At the convocation ceremony for the institutions 134th Founders Day, Judge Cole took the audience on a journey, not just through his own life but through the changing landscape of Elizabeth City itself. Though not an ECSU graduate, Coles roots still run deep.

I am not a graduate here, but I am deeply rooted in the legacy of this school, he said.

Judge Cole began his speech with reflections and gratitude, not of an ECSU alumnus, but of a little boy who grew up on a farm in Weeksville, riding the school bus past ECSU on his way to Pasquotank Elementary, and watching the world beyond his familys farm unfold in new and fascinating ways. To an attentive audience, he recalled the old drive-thru movie theater that once stood where the Fine Arts Center is now.

Something caught his eye as he passed the Coast Guard base on those early morning rides to school. Cole wanted to fly. He envisioned himself as a pilot with the hum of engines and the blue sky calling him toward a future in aviation. He even took steps toward that dream, traveling to Florida for flight school.

Yet life, as it often does, charted a different course. The skies did not become his home, but the courtroom did. Instead of aviation, law became his calling, shaping a career dedicated to justice and service. As he stood before the ECSU community, he reflected on the irony and beauty of lifes twistshow the very university he once passed as a child now boasts an aviation program of its own.

ECSU has transformed into an institution that embraces both its proud past and its forward-thinking future. One of the cornerstones of this future is the robust development of the universitys aviation program. Thats why this aviation program is so near and dear to my heart. It prepares students for aviation management, flight training and aerospace technology careers, Cole said.

Honoring the Legacy

The spirit of legacy was alive in more ways than one. The families of the founders of Elizabeth City State University were present. Among them was Donnice Elizabeth Brown, the great-granddaughter of Dr. John H. Bias, one of ECSUs earliest leaders who served from 1928 to 1939.

Her words were simple yet profounda reminder that the foundation laid over a century ago is still being built upon today. Continue with the legacy of education. Continue to shine bright,

Elizabeth City State Universitys Founders Day reflects its rich history and continued growth. Established in 1891 through the efforts of Hugh Cale, an African American legislator from Pasquotank County, ECSU began as Elizabeth City State Colored Normal School with a mission to train teachers for North Carolinas common schools. Under the leadership of its first principal, Peter W. Moore, and later John Henry Bias, the institution expanded from a two-year normal school to a four-year teachers college, eventually becoming Elizabeth City State University in 1969.

Today, ECSU offers over 30 academic programs in business, aviation, education and health care, equipping students with the skills needed for the global workforce. The university remains committed to academic excellence, technological innovation and student success. Founders Day highlights this legacy while reinforcing the importance of continued support and investment in ECSU and other HBCUs to sustain their impact on future generations.

Judge Coles final words gave life to this mission the ECSUs founders established.

Their vision was bold to establish a place of learning that would uplift individuals, strengthen communities and open doors to a brighter future. For over a century, ECSU has honored that vision and has served as a beacon of knowledge. Many of these students have walked onto this campus as eager learners and left as leaders, educators and entrepreneurs carrying the Viking spirit wherever they go, Cole said.

Concluding the Founders Day weekend, the 18th Annual Founders Day Scholarship Gala took place Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the K.E. White Graduate Center. This black-tie affair celebrated ECSUs enduring legacy and honored alumni and community leaders who have significantly contributed to the universitys rich history. Proceeds from the event supported the ECSU Foundations General Scholarship Fund.

In her opening remarks, Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds stated, As we celebrate our shared legacy, let us also look ahead to the future with a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we will continue to foster an environment where knowledge is nurtured, ideas are challenged, and lasting impact is made on our state, country, and the world.

While many things established 134 years ago have seen better days, ECSU continues to thrive and prove that its legacy is enduring, and on a foundation built to last.
Several Department of Commerce bureaus are said to have told staff not to use DeepSeek's AI chatbot on government devices. "To help keep Department of Commerce information systems safe, access to the new Chinese based AI DeepSeek is broadly prohibited on all [government-furnished equipment]," one bureau told staff in an email, Reuters reports. "Do not download, view, access any applications, desktop apps or websites related to DeepSeek."

The extent of any DeepSeek ban within the government as a whole is not yet known. Several states  including New York, Texas and Virginia  have banned DeepSeek from government devices. Some members of Congress and state attorneys general have pushed for legislation to prohibit the generative AI app on federal devices amid concerns over privacy and the security of government data.

The emergence of DeepSeek in January as a lower-cost and open-source AI model that can compete with those from the likes of OpenAI and Google saw US tech stocks take a significant hit. The DeekSeek app soared to the top of Apples App Store rankings at that time .
Sony has apparently formed a new first-party studio for PlayStation called Dark Outlaw Games, and it has already started hiring personnel for it. Jason Blundell, who worked on several Call of Duty titles under Treyarch and who's perhaps best known for co-creating CoD's Zombies mode, has revealed that he's heading up the studio in an interview with Jeff Gerstmann for his podcast. As for why Sony Interactive hasn't announced the new studio yet, Blundell said that they've been "working away in the shadows for a while" and that they'll "step out into the light" when they have something to talk about.

Presumably, that means Sony will make an official announcement once Dark Outlaw is ready to reveal its first game. Blundell didn't say if he and his team have already started developing their first title or if it even already has a project lined up. All he said was that the studio is currently "staffing up" and that he's "getting the team to gel, getting the ideas clicking right" and then testing them.

Blundell worked as a programmer and a producer for Activision before joining Treyarch to work on Call of Duty. For Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, he directed and produced the Career and Zombies experiences. Blundell left Treyarch in 2020 and founded Deviation Games, which he also left in 2022 before the studio shut down two years later. According to Dark Outlaw Games' LinkedIn account, the PlayStation studio was founded in 2024, is based in Los Angeles and has a team size between 11 and 50 persons.

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It hasnt happened yet, but if rumors are to be believed, Microsoft may be finally working on an Xbox-branded gaming handheld. In a lot of ways, portable PCs represent a perfect evolution to the companys consoles. But with Microsoft arriving late to the party, there are a few things this device needs to get right.

Between Microsofts 20-plus year history making consoles and the Surface divisions expertise in engineering laptops and other mobile devices, youd think creating a portable PC with a built-in screen and attached controllers would be as easy as sticking an AFK opponent with a nade in Halo. And after the Steam Deck built a fort on Valves top sellers list since its release in 2022, theres an obvious financial incentive for Microsoft as well. Hell, weve even heard about how much Xbox CEO Phil Spencer likes traveling with his Legion Go, so its not like this is a foreign concept to the folks in Redmond.

Regardless, aside from the Xbox-branded gaming laptop that well probably never get (MSFT please?), a handheld console makes so much sense. The Nintendo Switch has already proven that theres a massive appetite for a device you can easily connect to a TV but still take on the go. But more importantly, Spencer has been out there for years saying I dont want my teams focus on console sales. The primary outcome of all the work that we do is how many players we see, and how often they play. That is what drives Xbox. And right now, theres no better way for the company to grow its user base than by making its first handheld console. Not only could a portable Xbox play games locally, it could also stream titles from the cloud (via Game Pass Ultimate), serve as another home for social features like the friends list, activity feed and so much more.

According to Windows Centrals Jez Corden, the device  codenamed Project Kennan  will feature a design similar to existing handhelds like the ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go (though it probably wont have detachable controllers). While it appears Microsoft wont be making the device itself, the company is said to be tapping ASUS (or possibly another OEM) to build it instead, which makes a lot of sense given the latters experience with the Ally and Ally X. From there, Microsoft is expected to add some Xbox-y twists like support for the Xbox Game Bar, Play Anywhere functionality and of course Game Pass Ultimate.

Unfortunately, there isnt concrete pricing or a specific release date, but its possible that this device could come out before the end of the year for between $499 and $599. But again, those numbers are mostly speculation, and theres not much info regarding its screen size, processor or any other special features it might have.

But lets be real, the specs for this rumored portable Xbox arent all that important. Right now, there are a seemingly endless number of handhelds available from companies like ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, Ayaneo and GPD, with even more on the way. So if Microsoft comes out yet with another option that doesnt address the flaws of current devices, it wont make that big of an impact. Thats because, for my money, the Steam Deck still feels like the best portable gaming machine on the market.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

While the Decks performance is often eclipsed by its Windows-based rivals, Valves machine offers a more polished and intuitive experience, thanks in large part to its purpose-built OS. When I use it, I dont have to deal with annoying notifications or pop-ups that force me to awkwardly switch between various control schemes just to get into a game. On the Deck, I never have to use desktop apps (unless I want to), as Steams Big Picture mode (unlike Windows) was designed around a simple UI that can be navigated using joysticks instead of a mouse.

The most important thing Microsoft can do for its upcoming handheld is to remove or sidestep the clunkiness you run into on practically every Windows-based device. This is something the company has tried to do before via improvements to the Windows Game Bar and may revisit again with its rumored Project Bayside, which could provide a standardized framework that would allow for a more streamlined UI. But what does this actually look like in the real world?

When its all said and done, Microsofts goal should be to make it so that gamers can boot up the system, log in and install or launch a title without ever needing to move their hands away from the joysticks and face buttons. That means no shifting your fingers to tap a prompt on its touchscreen or needing to pull up a virtual keyboard/touchpad. And no add-on apps like ASUS Armoury Crate or Lenovos Legion Space, either. Those are simply Band-Aids that cover up the core issue of Windows 11 not being properly optimized for portable gaming PCs. If the company can do that, everything else will fall into place. Only then does it need to worry about specs and features.

That said, I would like to see a portable Xbox include an OLED display with support for variable refresh rates that go up to either 120Hz or 144Hz. A microSD card slot is also a must, as it has become a standard component across gaming handhelds (especially as the size of AAA games continues to balloon). Id also like to see Hall Effect sensors powering its joysticks (and triggers) for increased responsiveness and durability. A dock for connecting it to a TV or monitor would be a nice accessory too. And while its not an absolute necessity, I think some sort of built-in touchpad (or two, like on the Steam Deck), would go a long way toward making traditional mouse-and-keyboard games much more enjoyable on a handheld device.

Honestly, the case for an Xbox handheld seems so obvious its kind of surprising Microsoft didnt announce one years ago. Granted, its possible that the company has been waiting for the next version of its OS (i.e. Windows 12) to make a major concerted push on both traditional PCs and handhelds. But every month that goes by without a true first-party streamlined portable Xbox gaming machine feels like a wasted opportunity.

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Sarah Wynn-Williams joined Facebook in 2011 when it was very much in its move fast and break things era. A former United Nations diplomat, she had aspirations of helping Facebook boost its standing on the global stage.

Over nearly seven years at the company, she had a front-row seat to some of Facebooks most consequential (and controversial) moments. Last week, she published Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism, a memoir about her time at the company and how she slowly became disillusioned about Facebooks role in the world.

Since it was announced, Meta has thrown the full weight of its PR machine against the book. The company initiated arbitration proceedings, which resulted in a ruling that now prevents Wynn-Williams from promoting her own book. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the arbitrators decision affirms that Sarah Wynn Williams false and defamatory book should never have been published. He said that urgent legal action was made necessary by Williams, who more than eight years after being terminated by the company, deliberately concealed the existence of her book project and avoided the industrys standard fact-checking process in order to rush it to shelves after waiting for eight years.

Her publisher, Flatiron Books, said in a statement it was appalled by Metas actions, noting that the arbitrator's order makes no reference to the claims in the book, which went through a thorough editing and vetting process.

After reading the book, its easy to see why Meta PR has made such a fuss. Wynn-Williams worked closely with the companys top executives, traveling around the world with Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg as they met with foreign leaders and shaped the policies that would define Facebook. She also delivers many firsthand accounts of what Zuckerberg, Sandberg and current Chief of Global Affairs Joel Kaplan did and said behind closed doors. Much of it isnt pretty.

Here are some of her most shocking claims:

Zuckerberg requested to be gently mobbed during a visit to Asia

Wynn-Williams was often tasked with organizing the meetings various Facebook executives took with heads of state and other government officials. One of the more bizarre details is Zuckerbergs request ahead of a three-week long trip to Asia. According to Wynn-Williams, Zuckerberg requested that she arrange either a peace rally or a riot during his visit. Facebooks CEO never explains the request, but Wynn-Williams speculates he wanted "to test out how effective his product is in turning Facebooks online tools into offline power.

At first, I think he's joking. Peace rallies are not my area of expertise, and-to be frank-I've never been asked to organize a riot before. Especially one for a tech CEO. I assume something has been lost in his communication-that it's some sort of mix-up. "Riot" and "peace rally" are such completely different things. Then Debbie emails to say that she ran into Mark and he told her that he wants a peace rally or a riot and we need to come up with some ideas that will enable him to be surrounded by people or be "gently mobbed."

Zuckerberg refused to take meetings before noon, even with heads of state

Zuckerberg apparently had a strict policy about not taking any meetings before noon. This policy applied not only to internal meetings with others at Facebook, but heads of state. Wynn-Williams recounts how Zuckerbergs refusal to take morning meetings almost derailed a planned meeting with the president of Colombia. That same year, she said she was forced to reschedule Zuckerbergs address at the UN to a later time slot because, according to Wynn-Williams, the United Nations isnt important enough for Mark to do an event before noon.

Meta built Zuckerberg a special room to protect him from Zika

Facebook took extreme measures to protect Zuckerberg from Zika during a visit to Peru for the APEC conference. To protect the CEO, who was apparently hoping to soon conceive his second child, the company opted "to build a controlled structure on the site of the APEC conference center where ventilation, exposure to others, and bug mitigation can be overseen by Facebook. Wynn-Williams dubbed it operation perfect sperm.

Zuckerbergs desperate attempts to talk to Xi Jinping

Wynn-Williams spends a lot of time delving into Facebooks plans to bring the social network to China. She also details Zuckerbergs attempts to get face time with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In 2015, Zuckerberg flew to Seattle for a longer than normal handshake with Xi (who was in the city for a tech summit Zuckerberg was not invited to). He later caused a diplomatic crisis when he posted a photo of that handshake, which only shows the back of Xis head.

The following year, Zuckerberg and his team hoped to surreptitiously get the CEO in front of Xi at APEC in Peru. Facebook arranged for Zuckerberg to give a speech directly before an appearance by Xi, which meant the two men would be in adjacent dressing rooms. The goal, according to Wynn-Williams, was to engineer a spontaneous encounter during which Zuckerberg could make his pitch to get Facebook into China.

But when Xi arrived, he was flanked by dozens and dozens of men in military uniforms who created a barrier such that, according to Wynn-Williams, Xi didn't even have to risk making eye contact with Mark. She says that Zuckerberg was hurt by the demonstration.

Sheryl Sandberg wanted Facebook to promote organ donation

Not long after starting at Facebook, Wynn-Williams says she was told that Facebooks first proactive initiative to build relationships with governments around the world will be organ donation. The idea was apparently Sandbergs, who ran into a former Harvard friend and transplant surgeon and offered to help him source donors.

But when Wynn-Williams brought up the logistical and legal issues that generally make it difficult to transport organs between countries, she says Sandberg was indignant.

Do you mean to tell me that if my four-year-old was dying and the only thing that would save her was a new kidney, that I couldnt fly to Mexico and get one and put it in my handbag?

Facebook would later add organ donation to the life events users could add to their profiles.

Sheryl Sandberg and the plane crash that wasn't

In 2013, an Asiana flight from Seoul to San Francisco crash-landed on a runway, killing two people and injuring more than 100 passengers. Sandberg, who was promoting her book Lean In at the time, was also traveling from Seoul to San Francisco that day. Following the crash, she posted on Facebook that she and several Facebook colleagues were originally meant to be on that flight but had switched to United so we could use miles for my family's tickets.

Sandbergs supposed near-miss generated multiple headlines, which isnt surprising, as Wynn-Williams claims Sandberg was personally briefing reporters about the incident. Wynn-Williams was baffled by these reports. She writes that the Facebook COO always flies United and never considered Asiana. In her recollection, she and another colleague remarked to each other how weird it was for Sandberg to do this.

Why Zuckerberg and Sandbergs Facebook posts get so much engagement

Wynn-Williams heavily implies that there may be some behind-the-scenes manipulation of Zuckerberg and Sandbergs Facebook posts. She doesnt offer any proof that this has happened, but says that a meeting attended by someone from Marks personal communications team raises the possibility.

According to Wynn-Williams, Sheryls assistant describes his job as managing engagement for Mark and Sheryl's social media using all of Facebook's tools. When Wynn-Williams asks directly if they are gaming the sites algorithm, she says the assistant replies that you dont want to know.

Joel Kaplan needed a geography lesson

Some of the most telling anecdotes in Careless People involve Kaplan, who joined Facebooks policy team in 2011 and was promoted to Chief Global Affairs Officer earlier this year. She writes that Kaplan, who was a deputy chief of staff in the George W. Bush White House, was surprised to learn Taiwan is an island and that often when we start to talk about pressing issues in some country in Latin America or Asia, he stops and asks me to explain where the country is.

Kaplan slow-rolled Facebooks response to problems in Myanmar

By now, Metas failures in Myanmar, where hate speech and misinformation on Facebook helped incite a genocide, are well documented. Wynn-Williams, who early in her tenure flew to Myanmar to try to sell officials there on the companys connectivity projects, describes her futile attempts to get more resources for content moderation in the country.

She blames Kaplan in particular. She says she started this long process of trying to hire someone for Myanmar in 2015 and found a human rights expert who fit the bill in May 2016, but Kaplan blocked her from making the hire in February of 2017. He allegedly told her to move on and get over it. She later concludes that when it came to Myanmar, those people just didnt matter to him.

(Meta had broadly labeled Wynn-Williams claims about Facebooks actions in Myanmar as old news, saying in a statement that the facts here have been public record since 2018, and we have said publicly we know we were too slow to act on abuse on our services in Myanmar.)

Kaplans alleged harassment

Wynn-Williams also accuses Kaplan of harassment and other inappropriate behavior. After complications while giving birth left her in a literal coma, she writes that Kaplan asked her over one of their regular calls during her maternity leave where are you bleeding from and got angry when she didn't answer. Later, when she returned to work, he gave her an unofficial performance review on her first day back, saying that she wasnt responsive enough.

Wynn-Williams eventually reports Kaplans behavior and an investigation is opened, but that very quickly it seems to switch from an investigation of Joel, or the facts, to an investigation of me. Shes fired at her next performance review.

Meta has disputed Wynn-Williams' allegations. This book is a mix of out-of-date and previously reported claims about the company and false accusations about our executives," a spokesperson said in a statement. "Eight years ago, Sarah Wynn-Williams was fired for poor performance and toxic behavior, and an investigation at the time determined she made misleading and unfounded allegations of harassment."

Update, March 18, 2025, 1:57 PM PT: Wynn-Williams describes her tenure at Facebook as lasting seven years, beginning in 2011. But, according to a Meta spokesperson, she was fired in "late 2017." This story has been updated to reflect that she worked at Facebook for "nearly" seven years.
March 17, 2025: Russia, long a major exporter of grains and other food crops, has seen its food exports disrupted by the Ukraine War and the resulting economic sanctions. Russian food exports are not subject to sanctions. For many countries that require imported food, Russian grains are a major part of the supply chain. In 2024 Russian exported 72 million tons, but 2025 exports are expected to be 42 million tons. Normally the grain exports bring in 15 to 16 billion dollars a year. Over the past year, bad weather and government refusal to allow imported seeds caused grain harvests to fall by about a third. A related problem was the failure to maintain enough grain storage facilities. The government paid for some of this, but the money has been diverted to war related activities. This resulted in nearly 10 million tons of grain rotting. Then there is the labor shortage, caused by the military taking so many men, including farm workers. Many men simply left Russia to avoid the increasing number of aggressive army recruiters. Service is supposed to be voluntary, but the recruiters have orders to obtain more soldiers any way they can.

Russian efforts to disrupt Ukrainian agricultural exports had some success. Before Russia invaded in 2022, Ukraine grain and other agricultural exports represented ten percent of such exports worldwide. Most of these agricultural exports left by ship from Ukrainian Black Sea ports before the 2022 Russian invasion. Then most were stopped by a Russian blockade. Russia offered to allow renewal of Ukrainian grain exports to get economic sanctions on Russia lifted. Before 2022 Ukraine exported about 33 million tons of grain and other agricultural products a year. Since the war began, that has declined to 13.5 tons a year. Russia normally exports nearly three times more grain and other agricultural goods than Ukraine.

The more Ukrainian food exports Russia can block, the more Russia receives for its grain. In the 2022r Russia shipped 60 million tons of food and received above average prices for it. Unlike Ukraine, which only ships grain from Black Sea ports, Russia has other options. Russia has lost a lot of support from African and Middle Eastern countries that depend on Ukraine and Russian grain exports. Russia assures these nations that it will supply the grain but does not mention that prices will be higher because of the Russian disruption of Ukrainian food exports. Many of the nations Russia exports food to are relatively poor countries for whom the higher prices are a burden.

The United States is one of the five major wheat exporters. The other top five are Russia, Australia, Canada, and Ukraine. Together these nations export over 115 million tons of wheat a year worth nearly $32 billion. Food importing nations have noted that the Western economic sanctions on Russian exports have deliberately excluded food. Russian efforts to block Ukrainian grain exports increase the price of exported grain and Russian benefits while nations purchasing this grain must pay or go hungry.
MBC's popular variety show, "Good Day," has announced that it will edit out all scenes featuring actor Kim Soo Hyun following a growing controversy.

On March 17, the production team released a statement addressing the situation, acknowledging the concerns of viewers and providing clarity on their actions moving forward.

The controversy, which involves Kim Soo Hyun's alleged relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, has led to significant backlash.

According to Pinkvilla, the production team decided to remove Kim's footage from the show as a response to these issues. "We sincerely apologize for causing concern to those who have been watching Good Day," the statement read.

"We are fully aware of the gravity of the situation and are continuing production while prioritizing the reactions of our viewers."

Since "Good Day" is pre-recorded, and episodes are typically finalized one to two weeks before airing, the team faced a challenge.

Episode 5, which aired just days before the announcement, had already been submitted for translation and distribution. Despite this, the team swiftly removed Kim Soo Hyun's scenes from the show, reducing the length by approximately 10 minutes.

"Good Day" production team has decided to remove Kim Soo Hyun's footage.



Crdt by:Philippine Concerts#KimSooHyun #KimSaeRon pic.twitter.com/6rmes9I0cy  kpop (@Lapis5648) March 17, 2025

Good Day Adjusts Schedule Amid Kim Soo Hyun Controversy Delays

The situation became even more complicated during a March 13 recording session. The production team had been waiting for an official statement from Kim Soo Hyun's agency, GOLDMEDALIST.

However, the agency informed them that the statement would not be released until the following week, creating uncertainty for the filming schedule.

After considering their options, the team proceeded with the recording but took special care to minimize Kim Soo Hyun's interaction with other cast members. They also made sure that any segments featuring him could be easily edited out later.

One of the most impacted segments is the "Good Day General Assembly," which initially featured Kim Soo Hyun and was intended to span multiple upcoming episodes, IndiaToday said.

To address this, the team has decided to reduce or remove his appearances altogether from future broadcasts. Additionally, any individual recordings from the March 13 session will not be aired.

The production team expressed regret over the unexpected changes, acknowledging that some viewers might notice inconsistencies in the most recent episode. However, they emphasized their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the program.

"We will do our utmost to ensure that the remaining episodes bring joy to our viewers," the team reassured. They also extended gratitude to the fans for their support and promised to keep "Good Day" enjoyable and free from controversy.

This controversy has also affected Kim Soo Hyun's career outside of "Good Day." The actor was recently dropped as a brand ambassador for Prada after facing backlash from fans.

Kim Soo Hyun's relationship with Kim Sae-ron, which allegedly began when she was a minor, has led to severe criticism, especially after her tragic death in February.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on a historic state visit to Italy and the Vatican from April 7 to 10, with plans to meet Pope Francis despite his ongoing health issues.

The royal couple's visit, which coincides with their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9, will include engagements in Rome, Ravenna, and Vatican City. It will mark a significant chapter in the relationship between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.

King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, are expected to travel to the Vatican on April 8, where they will join Pope Francis in celebrating the 2025 Papal Jubilee, a special year of reconciliation and prayer within the Catholic Church.

In a first for a British monarch, King Charles will also visit the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul's Outside the Walls, a place of historical importance and ecumenism between the Christian faiths, BBC said.

The trip is seen as important for both personal and diplomatic reasons. King Charles privately items to Pope Francis following the latter's recent health concerns, sending his web estimates for recovery.

A palace spokesperson mentioned that the royal couple hopes and prays that the Pope's health will allow the visit to proceed as planned.

Britain's King Charles III's planned state visit to the Vatican in early April will go ahead despite Pope Francis's hospitalization for pneumonia, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday.



Read more at: https://t.co/QflY0cbXU8#DailyTribune #PopeFrancis #kingcharles pic.twitter.com/92UKT9Wi24  Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) March 18, 2025

King Charles to Address Italian Parliament in Historic First

The visit will emphasize the ongoing collaboration between the UK and Italy. King Charles will become the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament.

The royal couple will also engage with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

According to People, King Charles and Queen Camilla will also attend a black-tie state banquet hosted by President Mattarella at the Palazzo Quirinale and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Rome.

Additionally, the couple will honor the 80th anniversary of Ravenna's liberation from Nazi occupation with a reception in the city.

Sustainability, an issue close to King Charles' heart, will feature prominently in the visit, particularly in Ravenna.

The royal couple will showcase the region's Slow Food movement and meet local farmers whose crops were devastated by recent floods. The visit will also celebrate Italy's cultural contributions, including its rich literary history and efforts to preserve ancient architecture.
President Donald Trump announced, in a controversial move, that he would remove the Secret Service protection for former president Joe Biden's children, Hunter and Ashley move.

The announcement was made on Trump's Truth Social platform and has sparked significant backlash from various quarters.

According to U.S. law, Secret Service protection for a president's family ceases once they leave office.

However, children of former presidents are entitled to protection until they reach the age of 16. Additionally, former presidents and their spouses receive lifetime protection.

Trump's four children and their spouses received a six-month extension on their security details, a move that is consistent with previous administration practices.

Trump's Announcement Faces Harsh Critics

Critics have responded sharply to Trump's announcement, expressing concern about the potential safety risks posed by publicizing the removal of security for the Bidens, especially while one of them is traveling abroad.

"This could be a safety issue," remarked one user on social media. "Announcing the removal of protection while a former president's child is in a foreign country seems reckless."

Another commenter added, "He's basically putting a target on their backs. This is not just petty; it's dangerous." Many users highlighted the implications of such a public announcement, suggesting it could incite unwarranted attention or hostility toward the Biden children. "This action feels like a personal vendetta rather than a legitimate policy decision," another online observer noted.

Several political analysts weighed in on the situation as well. "This behavior shows how preoccupied he is with revenge," commented one analyst.

"It's alarming to see such disregard for the safety of others based on personal grievances."

Another expert added, "By making this announcement so publicly, Trump is not only challenging the norms of political decorum but also raising serious questions about the implications for family safety in political discourse."

Trump supporters defended his stance, with one writing, "Taxpayers shouldn't have to fund security for former presidents' families forever. It's time to draw the line."

Another supporter stated, "If they can afford to live the life they do, they can afford their own security."

This perspective reflects a broader belief among some segments of the population that public figures should not indefinitely rely on taxpayer-funded protections.

The announcement has likewise brought back conversations about the implications of political rivalries on private security and safety measures for high-level politicians.

"This entire situation underscores how toxic our political environment has become," remarked a Washington-based political strategist.

"When political attacks extend to family members, it illustrates a troubling trend that could have long-lasting repercussions."
If Kim Kardashian does seek sole custody of their four children, a source revealed that Kanye West is ready to "fight" her.

The rapper's frustrations have reached a boiling point as tensions between the former couple continue to escalate.

West, 47, took to X over the weekend to express he felt that the Kardashians had taken his rights away as a parent. At the time, he was also promoting the release of his song "Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine," which features both his 11-year-old daughter, North West, and Christian "King" Combs, along with audio from Diddy, who's currently facing sex trafficking charges.

Prior to the release of the track, West shared and later deleted text messages purportedly with Kardashian, in which he warned to "go to war" amid her efforts to prevent the song from being released.

Kardashian's lawyer said that during a mediation session, West agreed to withhold another song from release; he did so anyway.

A source connected with him told The Sun, "Kanye will fight Kim all the way. He and North are very close, and she loves him. People kind of egg him on or tell him it's okay."

Kardashian and West, who officially divorced in November 2022, share four children: North, 11; Saint, 9; Chicago, 7; and Psalm, 5.

The SKIMS mogul has allegedly been trying to keep things as civil as possible with the kid's dad, but that may change now. She may end up fighting for full custody, as a source told the publication.

"The fear is Kim may go for full custody," the source added. "Even though she's tried to keep things civil, a lot has changed, and she has to protect the kids. If Kanye escalates things further, I don't think he'll ever come back from that."

Ye shares a text convo with Kim Kardashian about Kim owning all the rights to North Wests name & trademarks. pic.twitter.com/F8Sb8GLlDG  Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) March 15, 2025

As part of their divorce agreement, West was to pay Kardashian $200,000 a month in child support and be responsible for half of the kids' education and security expenses. However, they waived spousal support and set up a mediation process for co-parenting disagreements.

Still, West has repeatedly expressed objections to where the kids go to school and other parenting choices. In his most recent social media posts, he seemed to vent his frustration at Kardashian and her family.

"I don't want to just 'see' my kids. I need to raise them," he wrote. "I need to have say-so on where they go to school, who their friends are, and whose houses they sleep over."

West also accused the Kardashian-Jenner family  and corporate media companies like Hulu and Disney  of profiting off his children. The "Donda" rapper launched into antisemitic comments in the same tirade reminiscent of previous controversies that have sparked a significant backlash.

Mental Health and Public Perception

West has allegedly been behaving erratically of late, which his acquaintances say has raised concerns over his mental health over the recent months in light of his continuous, impulsive public comments and business moves.

His wife, Bianca Censori, is reportedly doing the best she can, the first source revealed.

"Everybody's trying to help him, but people also egg him on or tell him it's okay. If you say no to him, he finds somebody else."

Although West has discussed his bipolar disorder diagnosis in the past, he recently stated he had been misdiagnosed and ceased medication. He implied that his wife thinks that he might have ADHD. It has also been claimed he has "exacerbated his issues" by using nitrous gas during dental visits.

"He's basically feral," an insider said. "It's like caring for a wounded animal, but they keep running away. He doesn't have the boundaries of regular people. There's nothing to stop him, and he still has millions in the bank."
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March 17, 2025: While Ukraine has dozens of countries supplying military and economic aid, Russia has only Iran and North Korea. These two nations have been under economic sanctions for decades while Russia has had to deal with sanctions for only eleven years. Iran has long been a supplier of missiles, drones and other military material. Last year Iran suffered heavy losses from Israeli air strikes. Iran was forced to abandon its operations in Syria and Lebanon because a surprise attack on Syria by forces of former Islamic terrorists ousted its Assad regime. For Russia this meant Iran had little to sell, other than some Saheed drones.

North Korea had more weapons, munitions and even soldiers that Russia could have, for a price. During the first year of the war, North Korea only provided weapons and ammunition. In the last year Russia was able to obtain about 11,000 North Korean soldiers. This seemed like a good idea at the time. Russia hired 12,000 North Korean soldiers. These soldiers were deceived by their own government, which told the Russians that these soldiers were expendable and they could do whatever they wanted with them. By the end of the year the North Korean soldiers were in combat and currently half of them have been killed, wounded or captured. There were no deserters. A portion of the North Korean force consisted of special operations troops who were there to advise and train the North Koreans as well as ensuring that none of them deserted.

North Koreans were ordered to kill themselves rather than be captured and many wounded North Koreans were seen doing this. Others did not, sometimes pretending to be unconscious until the Russians came along to collect the wounded. At that point the North Koreans felt safe from their own superiors who had orders to kill the wounded if they did not kill themselves.

Russia agreed to treat any wounded North Koreans but when hundreds of wounded North Korean soldiers were taken to Russian military hospitals it was discovered there were few, if any interpreters who could translate for the medical personnel to treat wounds. This complicated treatment led to many avoidable deaths. There were few translators in combat, which led to at least two incidents of North Korean and Russian troops firing on each other. To the North Koreans the Russians and Ukrainians looked similar, spoke similar languages and wore similar combat uniforms. The lack of interpreters led to the North Korean troops becoming a liability to the Russians as well.

The North Koreans operated in their own units, which were two or three brigades. There were some Russian and North Korean bilingual officers and troops attached to the staffs of these brigades. That helped the brigade commanders to understand what the Russians wanted done, but there were problems getting that information to the North Korean soldiers in a timely and useful manner.

One thing the Russians did notice was that the North Koreans were far more professional than Russians. Their attack tactics were more disciplined and, unlike the Russians, the North Koreans took their dead and wounded off the battlefield. Russians also discovered that North Korean battlefield medical care was superior to what Russia offered. North Korea had also agreed to treat seriously wounded Russian soldiers in North Korean hospitals. The Russian patients noted that the care was far superior to what they would encounter in a Russian hospital.
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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. President Trump defended the deportations, commenting 'these were bad people.'
Accelerating Behavior Modification

For several weeks legacy and social media have been screaming about Trump's supposedly reckless tactics of threatening draconian tariffs on everyone including our staunch allies, Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU). What no one mentions is that this bombastic verbiage is historically communicated behind closed doors.

Trump has promised transparency and has delivered it masterfully. Trump has refreshingly laid bare to the public the real politik that global trade is nothing more than a street fight of commercial existential importance devoid of diplomatic soft language which is now being streamed live.

The purpose of Trump's tactics is to accelerate behavior modification of countries and organizations that are experts at dragging their feet until a more "amenable" US leadership assumes office in order to continue to avoid responsibility and accountability to their agreements.

Unlike actual military wars, these trade issues can be resolved with a stroke of a pen to be effective or suspended immediately.

US Exports to China

Mainstream and social media incessantly harp on the preponderous amount of goods that we import from China, but rarely how much and which products the US exports to China.

The link to the following chart entitled Which Products Does the US Export to China, provided by the US International Trade Administration, gives an overview and changes since 2023.

U.S. IMPORTS

The European Union

The link to the following chart entitled Share of EU Imports by State from the EU provided by the Census Bureau and CNBC, indicates that in 2024 the goods imported by the EU was $600 billion. A comprehensive US dollar breakdown can be found in the aforementioned link.

The following states depend on almost 50% of EU imports: Puerto Rico, Indiana and North Carolina.

The top 3 EU imports are:

Motor vehicles

Pharmaceuticals: critical items include surgical & medical instruments, medical devices (CRT Machines), vaccines, hearing aids and artificial joints

Crude oil

Present-day the US is battling high EU tariffs whose main components include:

Unfair taxation of US firms

Europe's Value Add Tax (VAT)

Potential digital services taxes are under consideration

This explains why there are few, if any, new significant American business investment in Europe even for American mega-corporations, that has persisted for decades.

Mexico & Canada

The link to the following chart entitled U.S. Import Dependence on Canada and Mexico, provided by the US International Trade Administration (ITA), an agency in the US Department of Commerce indicates the shared percent of imports from Canada and Mexico.

U.S. TRADE LEVERAGE

The US's biggest trading partners are China, Mexico and Canada and receives 43% of our total annual imports from these three countries. Not surprisingly resource-rich Canada and Mexico share our border and are easily accessible. As the world's largest importer makes it a critical market for China, the largest manufacturer and exporter in the world with low-cost labor.

The mainstream media presents a macro-perspective on potential trade wars and tariffs with selective high-profile commodities and goods.

A GAME OF LEVERAGE

The following charts provide a more detailed and nuanced visual of how each state is impacted by trade with the EU, Canada, Mexico and the rest of the world.

The link to the following chart entitled How Much Leverage Does the US Have in the New Trade Wars provided by UN Comtrade.

POLITICAL SIDE EFFECTS

Political Popularity Boosts

Ironically Trump's draconian tariff talk has triggered strong nationalist unity across the political spectrum in many countries. For example, recently Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum received a massive approval boost for "standing up" to Trump.

Nonetheless, foreign leadership is well aware that the Trump administration's tariff threats is a wake-up call to change their practices to match the agreed upon trade agreements which they've flouted for years.

Domestic Market Impacts

Perhaps it's coincidence or a favorable byproduct for Trump, but the rough trade war talk and the unconventional statement by Trump that the possibility of a recession is not out of the question, shocked the markets into correction territory.

The market correction has deflated a frothy market in order to bring the bond & equity markets more in line with the economic fundamentals. A market which closely hews to the fundamental establishes a normal baseline rather from speculative-driven Icarus-level heights.

Because of the market's precipitous decline, Trump's political adversaries suffered large financial losses. Their unusually massive personal financial portfolios had grown exponentially compared to their modest high-level government salaries.

Rapid Resolution

The application of tariffs, like sanctions, don't have an immediate economic effect. There's a delay in which there are adjustments at each stage of the supply chain. The same applies when tariffs are lifted in the form of residual price effects with goods in inventory and enroute.

Think of it as commercial scar tissue resulting in soft costs and additional insurances in contractual terms & conditions remain.

However, I believe Trump's tariff wars are more akin to skirmishes, more war of words; in other words short-term. A protracted trade war does not serve the Trump administration well. His tactics are carrot & stick on steroids.

By fall, all this tumultuous mainstream chatter will be a memory as the administration tackles other pressing problems.

Conclusion & Takeaways

Trump's "shock & awe" tariff tactic is a gamble that countries will either adhere to earlier agreements or to renegotiate quickly to a "fair & reasonable" re-negotiation.

The US has the overwhelming economic upper-hand since these foreign countries are in a position of political and economic weakness whose threats of counter-measure tariffs are merely a beau geste in face of American economic superiority.

European leadership walks a tight rope by standing up to the US (albeit with speeches) yet risk alienating their constituency and losing already weak legislative support if they fold to American pressure.

With respect to China, although President Xi has a firm grip, he faces severe deflation which has triggered growing social unrest. For this reason, numerous economic indicators are no longer published and the remaining ones provide questionably growth figures. Most importantly for Xi, he can ill afford to lose face of which Trump is well aware. This is why I believe that trade talks with China will proceed amicably.

 Copyright 2025 Cerulean Council LLC

The Cerulean Council is a NYC-based think-tank that provides prescient, beyond-the-horizon, contrarian perspectives and risk assessments on geopolitical dynamics and global urban security.
Can a single judge unilaterally thwart the president of the United States?

Thats the contentious question the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to resolve last week in response to court orders blocking its effort to curtail birthright citizenship, and after a slew of decrees requiring the president do everything from halting major actions on DEI and domestic spending to disbursing billions in foreign aid.

At issue is a legal remedy, universal injunctions, that allows any of the nearly 700 federal judges to prevent the president from enforcing policies not only against those bringing a case but anyone, everywhere. Universal injunctions were rare until the first Trump administration, when their usage exploded as Democrats and progressives turned to the courts to block many of his policies.

In the early days of Donald Trumps second administration, courts have issued such injunctions at a historic pace and with growing potency, notably over the weekend with a suspension in deportations of Venezuelan gang members without a hearing. During the month of February alone, district court judges, most nominated by Democrats, ordered 15 such injunctions  more than Joe Biden faced during his first three years as president. Courts from Washington, D.C., to Washington State have issued injunctions in epidemic proportions, now not only governing the whole nation but the whole world, the administration says.

The injunctions come in response to the 100-plus lawsuits that, critics argue, blue states, progressive nonprofits, and ex-government officials have deliberately brought before sympathetic judges  a tactic known as forum shopping or judge shopping that both parties have employed.

Democrats and progressive legal scholars argue these injunctions are a necessary brake because Trump is creating what they call a constitutional crisis by pushing the bounds of his office. Thankfully, Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Democrat Dick Durbin has said, the judiciary is performing its duty to check the executive.

The universal injunctions ordered so far have not only hamstrung the president but raised myriad legal and practical questions, some of which the administration raised in its applications to stay the birthright citizenship injunctions filed last week. These include whether a courts authority is limited to ruling on cases and controversies concerning the parties before it; if its reasonable for the federal government to have to run the table over months of litigation in multiple courts of appeals to have any chance of implementing its policies; and to what extent the Supreme Court wishes to see conflicting circuit court opinions as to universal injunctions legitimacy persist.

So far, the nations highest court has been unwilling to resolve these questions, despite past pleadings from Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch and the Biden administration. The Supremes reticence was brought into stark relief earlier this month when a 5-4 majority issued a one-page opinion involving a D.C. district courts universal injunction halting the Trump administrations pause on foreign assistance. The ruling neither grappled with the merits of the case nor the ability of the trial judge, Amir Ali, to, in critics eyes, micromanage a president.

Alito 'Stunned'

In a blistering, seven-page-plus dissent, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that he was stunned that the courts majority had asserted that "a single district court judge" has the unchecked power to compel the Government of the United States to pay out (and probably lose forever) 2 billion taxpayer dollars.

The court's reluctance to weigh in as such cases have worked their way through the lowers courts has left all three branches of government in limbo, and increasingly at each other's throats. As the Trump administration accused liberal district court judges of abusing their power to unilaterally block the presidents basic executive authority, frustrated congressional Republicans are moving to pass legislation to curtail universal injunctions while making it harder to judge shop. Some are even pursuing the more extreme measure of impeaching judges perceived to have overstepped their authorities  recently drawing the ire of at least two federal circuit court judges.

The dueling clashes between Democrats and a president they see as overreaching in pursuit of his agenda, and Republicans and a judiciary they see as overreaching while the Supreme Court sits idly by, come months after Chief Justice John Roberts issued a report hailing judicial independence and fretting over purported threats to it.

The 'No Rogue Rulings Act of 2025'

Scholars differ over when courts first started issuing universal injunctions, some dating them back to the Progressive Era and others to the 1960s. Congresss concern with such decrees appears to have begun escalating during the first Trump administration  when their usage exploded  with panels in both houses holding hearings on the practice.

No matter what the Supreme Court decides in the case brought by the Trump administration, congressional Republicans are addressing the issue.

On March 5, the day Alito issued his dissent, Rep. Darrell Issa, a California Republican, brought his No Rogue Rulings Act of 2025 before the House Judiciary Committee. The legislation would prohibit district courts from issuing injunctive relief beyond the party seeking it in court.

Issa argued that while Democrat and Republican presidents have both been stymied by universal injunctions, none has found himself nearly as constrained as Trump. He spoke while introducing his bill flanked by a chart showing the number of decrees issued against each administration from that of George W. Bush onward.

According to an April 2024 Harvard Law Review article, courts slapped the first Trump administration with 64 universal injunctions, more than half of all such injunctions entered between 1963 and 2023  that is, over six decades. Democrat-nominated judges issued 92% of these orders.

In notable instances, the 45th president prevailed on appeal  as in Trump v. Hawaii, a case overturned at the Supreme Court concerning his executive order restricting travel from nations posing terror threats  but often only after months of litigation.

Justice Clarence Thomas laid out his argument against the use of universal injunctions in a concurrence in that 2018 case, calling them legally and historically dubious and inconsistent with longstanding limits on equitable relief and the power of Article III courts.

If federal courts continue to issue them, this Court is dutybound to adjudicate their authority to do so, Thomas concluded  a position Justice Gorsuch, too, would adopt.

The first Trump administration would oppose their usage in public remarks and official guidance, but the court never took up the question, and the injunctions persisted. Ranking Judiciary Committee Democrat Jamie Raskin shot back at Issa over the chart that the implication  is that somehow the courts have done something wrong rather than Donald Trump having done something wrong.

The courts have targeted Trump, Raskin argued, because he is trampling the lawmaking and spending powers of the Congress of the United States. Hes violating the Civil Service Rights of federal workers. And hes betraying the federal law in every particular way.

Advocates of such injunctions contend that, beyond constraining an overreaching executive, by covering non-parties to a case, they protect those who might lack the resources to bring suit; reduce needless litigation; and are at times practically necessary, while promoting uniformity.

Raskin, who voted against the legislation alongside his fellow Democrats, did not respond to RCIs inquiries in connection with this story.

The Biden administration took a different position when courts issued universal injunctions against its favored policies. In December 2024 it asked the Supreme Court to stay one such injunction halting enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act. Therein, the departing president endorsed both Thomass and Gorsuchs criticisms of the practice, and called on the Court to consider ruling on their legality. It did not.

Issas bill passed out of committee with an amendment permitting a three-judge panel to issue a universal injunction should a case be brought by two or more states located in different circuits. He characterized this as a middle ground, something thats fair to protect presidents, regardless of party.

He anticipates his bill will come to the House floor relatively quickly and pass.

Hours after the markup, Republican Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley of Iowa took to the Senate floor to express concern about some of the recent orders from individual district judges, issued on an expedited basis with very broad nationwide impact.

In a statement to RealClearInvestigations, Sen. Grassley said, Allowing a single district judge to unilaterally micromanage the executive branch should raise eyebrows, to say the least. I have serious questions about district courts recent use of [generally non-appealable] temporary restraining orders [which Justice Alito argued deserved scrutiny] and universal injunctions to put a leash on the executive branch, and I think Congress ought to closely examine the issue.

Grassleys committee colleague, Utah Republican Mike Lee, is working on a bill to curtail the practice. The Constitution empowers Congress to address this issue by limiting jurisdiction and, in some cases, through impeachment," Senator Lee said. "I am drafting legislation to establish a [three-judge] panel that would expedite Supreme Court review of such blanket injunctions.

Checkered History of Reform

Whether and to what extent a bill to curtail injunctions can pass through the Senate is unclear, though Rep. Issa told RCI he was optimistic. Similar legislation has languished in past Congresses  though notably, federal law called for three-judge panels to preside over cases dealing with injunctions against federal statutes until its repeal in the 1970s.

Democrats and Republicans alike have also previously sponsored legislation aimed at combatting the related practice of forum- or judge-shopping, only for those bills to die. While considered a first cousin to the issue of nationwide injunctions, Issa said there will be legislation forthcoming to deter it. He touted a companion bill that would require disclosure of third-party funding of cases.

The California congressman also told RCI he would be raising matters of judiciary reform before the Judicial Conference of the United States  which held its biannual meeting Tuesday  while noting that he believed Attorney General Pam Bondi would be making a similar pitch.

The Justice Department did not respond to RCIs inquiries in connection with this story.

The conference, chaired by Justice Roberts, meets twice per year to consider administrative and policy issues affecting the federal court system, and to make recommendations to Congress concerning legislation involving the Judicial Branch.

The organization, which has previously issued nonbinding guidelines concerning judge shopping, Rep. Issa says, may serve as a venue to fix some of these things sooner rather than later.

For its part, the Trump administration recently availed itself of its own tool to ensur[e] the democratic process remains intact by curbing activist judges and holding litigants accountable.

It published a memorandum last Tuesday requiring parties seeking injunctions against it to cover the costs and damages incurred if the Government is ultimately found to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained. This, it has argued, would deter frivolous litigation by creating risks for [a]ctivist groups filing meritless lawsuits.

The White House did not respond to RCIs inquiries in connection with this story.

A March 13th order from U.S. District Court Judge James Bredar in Maryland illustrated the limits of this effort. In directing the administration to reinstate federal workers fired across 18 agencies, Bredar imposed an injunction bond of a mere $100 per plaintiff.

One Sen. Lee aide has indicated that Congress could look to pass legislation, perhaps as part of a package limiting universal injunctions, to ensure injunction bonds meet certain standards  a law that would presumably combat judicial efforts to demand artificially small bonds.

Musk: 'A Wave of Judicial Impeachments'

Injunctions aside, as Sen. Lee suggests, there is a more extreme remedy for taking on justices whose jurisprudence is perceived to be beyond the pale: impeachment.

Elon Musk has called for an immediate wave of judicial impeachments, not just one, as he put it, in a quote tweet referencing D.C. District Judge John D. Bates. The judge had ordered federal health agencies to restore certain pages removed from their websites pursuant to President Trumps executive order on gender ideology and extremism.

Some GOP House members concur. They have introduced articles of impeachment against Bates, one of three such judges threatened with the ultimate sanction, generally on grounds of abuse of judicial power.

Another is Judge Paul Engelmayer, a Southern District of New York judge who originally prohibited President Trumps chosen personnel  from DOGE staffers to senior appointees, including even Secretary Scott Bessent himself  from accessing Treasury Department payment systems.

D.C. District Judge Amir Ali is the third judge to have been hit with articles of impeachment to date. He issued the temporary restraining order halting the administrations foreign aid pause that drew the rebuke of the Supreme Courts minority.

With his weekend directive halting President Trump's effort to remove Tren de Aragua gang members from the U.S. via invocation of the wartime Alien Enemies Act, Chief Judge of the D.C. District Court James Boasberg is poised to join his colleagues as the fourth judge to face articles of impeachment this year. Hours after Chief Judge Boasberg issued his directive, House Judiciary Committee member Brandon Gill, a Republican from Texas, announced on X that he would be filing such articles this week.

Republican Congressman Andrew Clyde of Georgia told RCI, If any judge can weaponize their power to usurp the presidents legitimate Article II authority and defy the will of the American people, then we no longer have a constitutional Republic.

In response, he and GOP Reps. Eli Crane of Arizona and Andy Ogles of Tennessee, sponsors of such articles of impeachment, have launched a Judicial Activism Accountability Task Force. We encourage members who are passionate about ending abusive judicial overreach, upholding the separation of powers, and defending the U.S. Constitution to join our effort, Rep. Clyde added.

Congress has impeached only 15 federal judges in U.S. history, convicting eight  almost always on grounds of corruption. Three left the federal bench before impeachment proceedings concluded.

Despite the rarity of such efforts, Rep. Crane told RCI, Our Founders gave us the power to impeach, and we cannot take stands based on what the Senate is allegedly going to do. We owe it to the American people to use every tool at our disposal.

Following the Judicial Conferences biannual meeting, it hosted a call with reporters in which two circuit court judges, Jeffrey Sutton and Richard Sullivan, condemned these efforts.

Threats to judges are threats to judicial independence, Sutton said, acknowledging the calls for impeachment. One thing worth keeping in mind is if we dilute the standards for impeachment, thats not just a problem for judges, thats a problem for all three branches of government.

Sullivan added that Impeachment is not  shouldnt be  a short circuiting of th[e judicial] process, and so it is concerning if impeachment is used in a way that is designed to do just that.

Clyde told RCI that beyond impeachment, I certainly think other remedies to combat judicial activism are worth pursuing, and I anticipate thats an avenue our task force will explore.

While myriad cases make their way through the courts, Democrats have suggested the Trump administration is going to lose patience and seek out a more dramatic showdown.

Chairman Grassleys remarks on the Senate floor came in response to a speech from Ranking Member Durbin regarding a resolution calling on the Senate to affirm the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review.

The Illinois senator and other Democrats insinuated, based on recent remarks from the president, vice president, and others in and around the administration, that it might defy a court order, necessitating the resolution.

In a rejoinder, Grassley argued that Democrats had repeatedly threatened the court for ruling in ways that they did not like and remained mum while President Biden flouted the Supreme Court in response to its positions on policies like the CDC eviction moratorium, student loan debt relief, and affirmative action.

Now that we have a Republican President, my Democratic colleagues appear to have a newfound respect for the courts, Grassley said, calling Durbins resolution nothing but a partisan messaging statement.

In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday, Grassley defended the Trump administration, noting:

In the few weeks since hes been in office, President Trump has been overwhelmed by decisions from individual district judges that encroach on his core constitutional powers. Nevertheless, he and his administration have worked diligently to abide by those orders, no matter how outrageous, by appealing them and challenging their scope and reach. And the President has been explicit about his views. Hes said, I always abide by the courts, always abide by them. And well appeal.

Nevertheless, invoking the Dred Scott decision and other landmark decisions, the chairman noted, Our history teaches that, in extreme cases, there may even be grounds to defy a court decision.

Just days later, it appeared to some that such an extreme case might have arisen.

Critics of the Trump administration and many in the media were quick to claim it had defied D.C. District Chief Judge Boasberg's Saturday universal injunction halting the president's Tren de Aragua deportation effort. That's because several hundred members of the designated terrorist organization, apprehended and ticketed for deportation to El Salvador pursuant to the policy, landed there reportedly hours after Chief Judge Boasberg issued his directive  and despite his oral demands in a hearing just prior that any such flights be turned around.

In a notice to the court on Sunday, the administration indicated the members "had already been removed from U.S. territory" when the order came down. Citing this point, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt would issue a statement indicating that "The Administration did not refuse to comply with a court order. ... The written order and the administrations actions do not conflict."

"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. A single judge in a single city cannot direct the movements of an aircraft carrier full of foreign alien terrorists who were physically expelled from U.S. soil, she added.

The administration would formally argue that Chief Judge Boasberg's order constitutes a "massive, unauthorized imposition" and "unprecedented intrusion upon the Executive's authority" in an emergency court filing that same day. Consistent with Chairman Grassley's remarks, it came in a motion to stay the order  while the president appeals it, and, per his administration's notice, as it uses other unchallenged authorities to target Tren de Aragua.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has called on the plaintiffs in the birthright citizenship cases to file their responses to the administration by April 4th.
A town hall inviting Montanas congressional delegation is scheduled for Friday in Bozeman, but its unlikely any of the three invitees will show up.

Hosted by Bozeman Indivisible, a grassroots organizing group focused on fighting for progressive democracy issues, the town hall is to be from 12:451:45 p.m. at the Bozeman Public Library.

Whether or not they show up, we will be there, a press release from Bozeman Indivisible said. If they choose not to attend, well use this time to share our thoughts, discuss key issues, and make sure our voices are heard.

A spokesperson for Sen. Steve Daines told the Chronicle he listened to the groups concerns and would not be attending.

Indivisible is a far-left group funded by the radical wing of the Democrat party and does not dictate the senators schedule, the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Sen. Tim Sheehy, who was appointed to the United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors on Tuesday by President Trump, had similar concerns, saying, This is not a town hall, it is a left-wing political rally.

Sen. Sheehy will not be attending the Indivisible event because he does not support and does not want to be associated with Indivisibles radical policies defunding police departments and abolishing ICE.

During the recent national election, Indivisible Bozeman vocally supported former Vice President Kamala Harris and the larger national Indivisible groups website says it works to resist the Trump agenda.

Representatives for Rep. Ryan Zinke didnt respond to a request for comment.

Town halls and lack of Republican representation has been a national topic, with The Associated Press recently reporting that House Speaker Mike Johnson told Republicans to skip town halls due to protestors.

Weve seen this movie before, Johnson said. Theyre professional protesters ... so why would we give them a forum to do that right now?

In Bozeman, a separate petition launched on Change.org recently requested a town hall but with all four congressional delegates, including Rep. Troy Downing.

Fridays event is not related to the petition, but Trey Alvey, who started it, says he has similar ambitions as Indivisible Bozeman to schedule a town hall with the delegates.

Overall, Alvey said he supports Indivisible Bozemans attempt.

As of Monday, 1,690 people had signed the petition.

Indivisible Bozeman didnt return a request for comment.
A farming roundtable has met with the Food Security Minister to explain the "crushing impact" of Defras decision to close the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

The discussions, which was organised by the NFU, also raised the urgent need for transparency from the government on why it made its controversial decision.

Representatives from the UK farming unions and industry bodies called on Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner to provide more information on what happens next.

Following the meeting, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said the unexpected and sudden closure of the SFI was a "devastating shock" for farmers across the country.

He warned that it would leave farms "on a knife edge", particularly following deeply unpopular changes to inheritance tax announced in October's autumn budget.

We made it clear that this decision threatens the livelihoods of farmers, but also undermines the ability of farm businesses to deliver environmental work.

Our recent farm business confidence survey results show that farmer confidence has reached an all-time low.

"The uncertainty caused by this abrupt policy change will erode any confidence that was left in the farming community," Mr Bradshaw said.

The post-Brexit agricultural scheme, launched by the previous Conservative government, has 50,000 farms taking part, with them delivering sustainable food production and nature recovery.

The largest of these schemes, SFI24, has more than 37,000 multi-year live agreements.

The Labour government said that it had "inherited an uncapped scheme, despite a finite farming budget" and that "now is the right time for a reset".

But farming representative called on Defra to undertake impact assessments, looking at what the decision would mean for the post-Brexit agricultural transition.

They also said that the government must build trust in the farming industry by being transparent about the agriculture budget and its allocations.

Mr Bradshaw said that the decision to shut the SFI had "crushed all trust in Defra: It is vital Defra provides urgent clarity on the future of SFI and starts being transparent about its budget," he added.

"As a start, the minister could ensure that those farmers who feel abandoned, the people that have started applications and done the work, are able to enter into agreements."

The meeting follows the NFU releasing the results of its annual farmer confidence survey, showing that short-term confidence has collapsed this year by 10 points to -35.

Meanwhile, mid-term confidence has dropped by 16 points to a worrying -38, an all time low since the union launched the survey 15 years ago.
A new survey of Welsh farms participating in the Breeding Bird Survey has revealed encouraging signs for several bird species of conservation concern.

The survey identified 49 different bird species across the farms that participate in the Farming Connect Our Farms Network, with an average of 29 species per farm.

The project connected volunteers with farms participating in the Welsh government-funded initiative to monitor and survey farmland birds.

It aimed to provide farmers with data to inform their understanding of species on their farms and promote biodiversity across Wales' agricultural landscape.

Crucially, eight of these species are classified as farmland birds of conservation concern in the UK: House Martin, House Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Partridge, Mistle Thrush, Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit, and Cuckoo.

Their presence on these farms highlights the potential importance of farmland in providing valuable habitat and how farmers play a vital role in contributing to biodiversity.

Reports produced following the survey aim to offer a clear picture of which bird species are present and their abundance, as well as a deeper understanding of wildlife within the farmed landscape.

These baseline reports also aim to help farmers understand which species are present on their farms and how they might adapt their practices to safeguard these species or encourage new ones.

The data collected will contribute to a broader understanding of wildlife populations within agricultural settings across Wales.

"With approximately 90% of Wales consisting of farmland, farming practices play a crucial role in the future of many UK wildlife species," said Lynfa Davies, Farming Connect biodiversity officer.

"The results of this survey are encouraging and demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts between farmers and volunteers.

"We hope this information will inspire farmers to provide additional habitat on their farms as they identify actions that they can participate in within the new Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales."

The Volunteer Monitoring Farmland Wildlife (VMFW) group said that surveys such as this are imperative for both farmers and environmental organisations.

A spokesperson said: "It is a crucial time for farmers to understand the state of biodiversity in their landscape, as both farms and wildlife are facing changes in climate and agriculture.

"Having a wildlife survey empowers the receiver to act by knowing which species are present, why they are present and how they can be encouraged to thrive.

Surveys also enable projects such as VMFW to understand what resources are required for farmers to be inspired and informed to take action for wildlife."

It comes as farmers across the UK took part in the recent Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC), a separate initiative which takes place every year in February.

The count aims to provide a snapshot of the bird population on British farms, with figures showing that species have fallen by 63% since 1970.

Results of this year's count are set to be released in the coming months.
March 18, 2025: Russia recently established the 7th Separate Unmanned Systems Reconnaissance Strike Regiment. This unit consists of 1,300 personnel who operate 41 drone attack units and 61 reconnaissance units. Each unit consists of several drones. The regimental personnel contain electronic, communications, medical and hardware support specialists. Eventually

By September of this year Russia will have converted the 7th Regiment into a regiment with a headquarters, an attack drone battalion and three reconnaissance/attack drone battalions. This organization had its origins in a late 2024 decision by the Russian general staff to convert these informal drone units into regular army organizations.

This is part of a Russian effort to duplicate the success of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces. In 2024 Ukraine established the Unmanned Systems Force or USF. Ukraine built 1.5 million drones in 2024 and are in the midst of building four million drones in 2025. The Ukrainian USF does not control the drones Ukrainian forces use regularly but instead develops new drone models and organizes mass production for those new models that are successful. Russia is emulating the Ukrainian approach but using different names and slightly different characteristics. A major problem for both sides is obtaining enough drones to make these new ideas work.

NATO countries have been producing drones and sending them to Ukraine. In 2025 Ukrainian drone production will mean that any NATO donations are a very small part of the drone supply Ukrainian troops have. Drones have been an unexpected development that had a huge impact on how battles in Ukraine's current war are fought. Drones were successful because they were cheap, easily modified, and expendable.

The growing number of longer range drones enable Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russia. These attacks now include drones dropping guided bombs that glide many kilometers. This way the bombs strike Russian targets unexpectedly.

All this has been catastrophic for Russia, which denies that the Ukrainian drones are doing much damage and that Russia shoots most of them down. The truth, as revealed by satellite photos, and FPV videos released by Ukraine and some Russian soldiers shows major damage inside Russia. On the internet, WhatsApp sometimes shows these attacks in real time.

Both Russian and Ukrainian forces are sending in quadcopter drones controlled by soldiers using FPV/First Person Viewing goggles to see what the day/night video camera on the drone can see. Most FPV drones carry half a kilogram of explosives, so it can instantly turn the drone into a flying bomb that can fly into a target and detonate. This is an awesome and debilitating weapon when used in large numbers over the combat zone. Drone operators can also call in artillery, rocket, or missile fire, or even an airstrike. Larger, fixed wing drones are used for long range operations against targets over a thousand kilometers inside Russia.

A major limitation to the expansion of drone operations was the need for trained drone operators. These operators need dozens of hours of training before they are able to start operating these drones, and even more hours of actual use before they are able to make the most out of the system.

These small drones are able to complete their missions most of the time, whether it is a one-way attack or a reconnaissance and surveillance mission. The recon missions are usually survivable and enable the drone to be reused. All these drones are constantly performing surveillance, which means that both sides commit enough drones to maintain constant surveillance over a portion of the front line, to a depth, into enemy territory, of at least a few kilometers.

This massive use of FPV-armed drones has revolutionized warfare in Ukraine and both sides are producing as many as they can. Earlier in the Ukraine War Russia used Iranian Shahed-136 drones that Iran sold for about $200,000 each. Russia now has a factory, built with Iranian assistance building a Russian version of the original Shahed-136 drone. Ukraine demonstrated that you could design and build drones with similar capabilities at less than a tenth of what the Shahed-136 cost. The Iranian drone was more complex than it needed to be but the Russians needed more drones and the new factory was one way of filling the need.

Ukrainian drone proliferation began when many individual Ukrainians, or small teams of them, designed and built drones. The drones served as potential candidates for widespread use and mass production. This proliferation of designers and manufacturers led to rapid evolution of drone capabilities and uses. Those who could not keep up were less successful in combat and suffered higher losses. Each month several hundred thousand drones are built in Ukrainian factories or home workshops. Russia has tried to copy this method but has had less success than the Ukrainians.

Military leaders in other nations have noted this and are scrambling to equip their own forces with drones. Not having enough of these to match the number the enemy has in a portion of the front means you are at a serious disadvantage in that area. These drones are still evolving in terms of design and use and are becoming more effective and essential.

One countermeasure that often works for a while is electronic jamming of the drones control signal. Russia pioneered this approach and still has a lead over Ukraine in this area. Drone guidance systems are constantly modified or upgraded to cope with this. Most drones have flight control software that sends drones with jammed control signals back to where they took off from to land for later use. The jammers are on the ground and can be attacked by drones programmed to home in on the jamming signal. Countermeasures can be overcome and the most popular one is to control a drone via a fiber optic cable.

Ukrainians had the advantage of material and intellectual support from NATO countries. In the end the winner of any stage of the war was the side that was the most resourceful and innovative. This process has been present in warfare for centuries but during the last century the changes and innovations came so quickly that the process was visible. This disrupted the long-established missions each of the military services had established. Israeli forces are now using a variety of drones in combat that are similar to what the Ukrainians are using. The United States is equipping its infantry with more drones for reconnaissance and attack. American troops began using drones over twenty years ago and are now using more of them because of the heavy usage in Ukraine.

NATO countries are producing drones and sending them to Ukraine. Drones have been an unexpected development that had a huge impact on how battles in Ukraines current war is fought. Drones were successful because they were cheap, easily modified, and expendable.
US apparel imports from Europe decreased by 12.37 per cent in 2024. The imports came down to $3.031 billion in the last year in comparison to the imports of $3.459 billion in 2023. However, total apparel imports by the US increased by 2.65 per cent during the same period.

According to Fibre2Fashions market insight tool TexPro, apparel imports by the US inched up to $83.705 billion in 2024 from $81.542 billion in year 2023. But, Europes share declined from 4.56 per cent to 4.33 per cent in 2024.

US apparel imports from Europe fell by 12.37 per cent in 2024, dropping to $3.031 billion, while total US apparel imports rose by 2.65 per cent to $83.705 billion, as per TexPro. Asia-Pacific's share grew to 72.83 per cent, while Europe's fell to 4.33 per cent. Italy remained the only European country in the top ten suppliers, but its exports to the US declined by 3.12 per cent.

The Asia-Pacific region, which comprises major textile and clothing exporting countries, remained largest contributor in the US imports of apparel. The regions share improved to 72.83 per cent in 2024 from 71.44 per cent in 2023. The inbound shipment from the region increased 4.65 per cent to $60.966 billion in 2024.

As per TexPro, Italy was the only European country among the top ten suppliers of apparel to the US in 2024. The country was the tenth largest supplier with a share of 2.62 per cent in US imports. But Italy too, showed a declining trend, and the US imports from Italy decreased by 3.12 per cent to $2.194 billion last year from $2.264 billion in 2023.

The 2024 trade data suggests that jerseys were the most prominent apparel in US imports. US imported jerseys of $524.022 million from European countries in 2024, which was 16.50 per cent of its total apparel imports. Dresses imports from Europe were valued at $504.082 million, and were the second most dominant apparel with a share of 15.88 per cent in total imports. The imports of trousers & shorts from Europe were $409.801 million (12.01%), jackets & blazers $381.288 million (12.01%) and shirts $344.087 million (10.84%).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 17, 2025) - Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) ("Zodiac Gold" or the "Company"), a West- African gold exploration company, is pleased to announce that it has received an extension from the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") with respect to the duration of its previously announced non-brokered private placement on February 6, 2025, (the "Offering"). The outside date of the Offering has been extended until April 14, 2025. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to launch our Phase III infill drill program at the Arthington target, advance exploration across the Company's three exploration licenses, and for general working capital purposes.

The terms of the Offering remain the same, with the Company intending to issue up to 14,285,715 Units at a price of C$0.07 per Unit (the "Issue Price") for gross proceeds up to C$1,000,000.05. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of C$0.12 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months following the closing of the Offering.

Hold Period

The securities issued pursuant to the Offering shall be subject to a four-month plus one-day hold period commencing on the day of the closing of the Offering under the applicable TSXV policies.

Finders Fees

Finders' fees may be paid in connection with the Offering to finders as determined by mutual agreement between the Company and the finders, subject to the approval of the TSXV. The finders' fee shall consist of a cash fee of up to seven percent (7.0%) of the gross proceeds of the Offering raised by the finder and up to 7.0% in finders warrants (the "Finder Warrants") of the aggregate number of Units placed by such finders. Each Finder Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at the Issue Price and will be exercisable for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Offering.

Insider Participation

Certain directors of the Company are expected to acquire Units under the Offering. Such participation will be considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under the policies of the TSXV and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company anticipates relying on exemptions from the minority shareholder approval and formal valuation requirements applicable to the related-party transactions under section 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the Units to be acquired by the participating directors for the consideration to be paid by such directors is anticipated to exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

About Zodiac Gold

Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) is a West-African gold exploration company focused on its flagship Todi Project situated in Liberia-an underexplored, politically stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction hosting several large-scale gold deposits. Strategically positioned along the fertile Todi Shear Zone, Zodiac Gold is developing a district-scale gold opportunity covering a vast 2,316 km2 land package. The project has undergone de-risking, showcasing proven gold occurrences at both surface and depth, with five drill- ready targets and high-grade gold intercepts.

For further information, please visit the Zodiac Gold website at www.zodiac-gold.com or contact:

Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation.

Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/244936

SOURCE: Zodiac Gold Inc.
California-based companies accounted for over 50,000 jobs in Ireland

A new West Coast company establishes operations in Ireland on average every 4 weeks

Anthropic, Crusoe AI, and OpenAI are among the latest companies to build up operations in Ireland

IDA Ireland, the foreign direct investment arm of the Irish government, announced it is deepening its West Coast presence in extending its 40-year presence in California by moving its office to Palo Alto, at the heart of Silicon Valley and American innovation.

The FDI sector, established and embedded in Ireland, is a national asset that has been transformative for the economy and the people of Ireland, accounting for 11% of total national employment and expenditure of over 38bn in the Irish economy annually. Ireland is viewed internationally as a center for value and knowledge creation, exporting over 420bn ($440bn) in goods and services globally per year.

IDA Ireland's West Coast Territory division oversees investment from 13 U.S. states and Mexico and is now operating out of Palo Alto, California, with secondary offices in Irvine, California and Seattle, Washington. IDA Ireland has maintained a presence in California for over 40 years and California is one of the largest single source locations of FDI, accounting for over 50,000 jobs in Ireland.

"Over the past year, our collaboration with companies on the U.S. West Coast has been pivotal in advancing long-term investments and innovation. We are dedicated to strengthening their competitive edge and productivity through transformative talent development. Together, we harness cutting-edge innovation, drive sustainable change, and maximize regional opportunities to navigate a dynamic global economy and shape a future that's green, digital, and prosperous," said Ivan Houlihan, SVP West Coast U.S., IDA Ireland.

IDA ended 2024 with 290 West Coast-headquartered companies with active operations in Ireland, employing over 67,000 people. Three of the largest 5 international employers in Ireland hail from the West Coast: Amazon, Microsoft and Apple.

ServiceNow, the leading digital workflow company, opened a new office in Dublin. The expansion of ServiceNow's Irish real estate footprint comes after the company announced its intention to create a further 400 new roles.

Microsoft selected Ireland as a key location for industrial AI and cybersecurity research investments, adding 550 new Irish roles to pioneer the development of new AI technologies.

Crusoe Cloud, the industry's first vertically integrated AI infrastructure provider, announced its European headquarters in Dublin and expects to grow its workforce in Ireland to nearly 100 people over the next three years. Crusoe's new European headquarters will allow the company to deepen its customer and partner relationships across the region.

Workvivo by Zoom launched its flagship engagement hub in the heart of Cork, Ireland. The state-of-the-art engagement hub follows the blueprint of Zoom's other hubs around the globe, marking a shift from traditional office spaces towards a technology-first experiential working hub designed for hybrid working. The company also plans to create 100 Irish jobs to enable its next phase of growth.

The new office in Palo Alto reaffirms IDA Ireland's commitment to North America. At the end of 2024 there were over 970 U.S. client company operations employing over 210,000 people directly in Ireland with U.S. corporations accounting for over 70% of total inward investment employment in Ireland. IDA Ireland announced its new growth and innovation strategic plan, with the aim of creating more than 75,000 new jobs across priority sectors of growth and opportunity over the next five years.

IDA Ireland will be focused on four drivers of strategic growth and investment in Ireland: digitalisation and AI; semiconductors; health; and sustainability, which will lead to a range of intersecting and connected opportunities across IDA Ireland's core sectors of focus Life Sciences, International Financial Services (IFS), High Value Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology and Content Consumer Services.

About IDA Ireland

IDA Ireland is the country's inward investment promotion agency, responsible for attracting and developing foreign investment in Ireland. With a proven track record of facilitating international companies, IDA Ireland offers a range of services to support businesses in establishing and expanding operations on the island. Our expert team works closely with companies across various industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and more, providing tailor-made solutions to meet their needs.

As a gateway to Europe, Ireland offers a competitive corporate tax rate, a young and highly skilled workforce, and a robust business environment, making it an ideal location for global companies looking to innovate and grow. Headquartered in Dublin, with a network of offices worldwide, IDA Ireland is committed to driving economic growth and job creation by fostering a vibrant and sustainable business ecosystem. For more information, visit www.idaireland.com or follow us on Twitter @IDAIRELAND.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250317334798/en/

Contacts:

ida@missionnorth.com

+353 1 603 4000
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / March 17, 2025 / Gold Mountain Mining Corp. (TSX:GMTN)(OTCQB:GMTNF)(FRA:5XFA) ("Gold Mountain" or the "Company") announces that it is changing its financial year-end from January 31 to March 31.

The Company is changing its financial year-end to better align the Company's financial statement and continuous disclosure requirements with its industry peers, as well as its other external reporting obligations. As a result, the Company expects to file its annual disclosures in late June 2025 for the 14 months ended March 31, 2025, including audited financial statements and in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102").

Further details regarding the change in financial year-end, including the Company's interim reporting procedures, will be available in the Company's Notice of Change of Financial Year- End, prepared in accordance with section 4.8 of NI 51-102, which will be filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Gold Mountain Mining

Gold Mountain is a British Columbia based gold and silver exploration and development company focused on the Elk Gold Project, a producing mine located 57 KM from Merritt in South Central British Columbia. Additional information is available at www.sedarplus.ca or on the Company's website at www.gold-mountain.ca.

For further information, please contact:

Gold Mountain Mining Corp.

Email: info@gold-mountain.ca

Website: www.gold-mountain.ca

Twitter: www.twitter.com/goldmtnmine

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to those in respect of the Company's future financial reporting. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation or intent to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE: Gold Mountain Mining Corp
PRESS RELEASE

US Energy Dominance Faces Long-Term Challenges, Wood Mackenzie Report Finds

US oil and gas production to plateau and decline between 2035-2040

LONDON / HOUSTON / SINGAPORE, 17 April 2025 -While the United States currently dominates global oil and gas production, it faces significant challenges to maintaining the same level of leadership in the coming decades, according to the latest Horizons report from Wood Mackenzie.

According to the report "Tough at the top: The threats to US energy dominance", oil and gas fuels 52% of the world's primary energy. Wood Mackenzie models suggest that this share of supply will remain above 50% for another 20 years.

Currently, the US is the world's largest producer of oil and gas, accounting for 20% of global oil production and 25% of global gas output. But even if demand for oil and gas remains robust for decades, the idea of "US energy dominance" as positioned by the Trump administration, becomes challenging long-term. US production is set to decline in the 2030s and the rise of low-carbon energies across the globe, particularly in China, could potentially leave the US exposed.

"The US has achieved remarkable success in oil and gas production over the past two decades," said Robert Clarke, vice president, upstream research at Wood Mackenzie. "However, maintaining this dominance will require addressing several key challenges, including resource maturation and an ongoing global shift towards lower-carbon energy sources."

Top 10 global oil and gas producers, 2025

Source: Wood Mackenzie Lens; liquids include oil, condensate and NGLs.

The report highlights that US oil and gas production is projected to decline by about 1.7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day between 2035 and 2040. But if demand expectations erode prior to this and a drop towards US$50/bbl becomes embedded for crude, declines would occur much sooner and be more severe.

This decline could have far-reaching implications for the industry's ability to raise capital and maintain export relationships. It would also mean a different value proposition for US upstream that prioritizes value capture from late-life assets, said Clarke.

Simultaneously, China is rapidly advancing in low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, battery storage, and solar cells. The report notes that China's global market share in these technologies is now greater than the US share in oil and gas production.

Despite the challenges, the report highlights several ways the US could preserve and prolong its energy leadership.

Fostering innovation collaboration, particularly in shale technology

New technology initiatives in the Permian Basin are tight oil's current wildcard. Innovative subsurface diagnostics and reservoir models - including artificial intelligence (AI) - are focused on lowering the cost of supply by redesigning wells and pads in nearly real time to eliminate non-productive capex. If successful, lower unit costs will open new tranches of undrilled inventory for greater resource recovery.

"If new digital tools can lower breakevens by US$5/bbl, which we think is possible, future tight oil projects will remain as competitive as any other global supply source and extend the Permian Basin's production profile," said Clarke.

Reinvigorating grassroots shale exploration

Exploration is needed to replenish top-tier well inventory and the sector's exploration spending has been falling precipitously, down 65% since 2012. Within 10 years, Wood Mackenzie models suggest the industry will have drilled nearly half of all its remaining low-cost tight oil locations.

"Play-opening projects in the Utica, Uinta and deeper Permian benches have had good results, but more can be done," said Clarke. "Derisking, delineation and midstream investment are needed to make the size of these new opportunities as material as existing assets."

Implementing supportive regulatory and fiscal policies

The Trump administration has embarked on reform of federal permitting frameworks, with the aim of creating a faster path to infrastructure expansion, which could help relieve constraints on long-haul interstate pipeline expansions and boost the profitability of high potential supply projects.

Despite opportunity to extend US oil and gas production, the report concludes that an over-reliance on upstream for too long could leave the US exposed if the world moves towards low-carbon energy.

"The future of US energy sector isn't as clear as it could be," concluded Clarke. "While its oil and gas dominance is likely to continue in the near term, the industry must prepare for a changing global energy landscape. Excitement over the US upstream growth story should not mask the reality that the world does not stand still. Balancing continued hydrocarbon production with investments in low-carbon technologies will be crucial for maintaining America's energy leadership in the long run."

Read the entire report here.

ENDS

For further information please contact Wood Mackenzie's media relations team:

Mark Thomton

+1 630 881 6885

Mark.thomton@woodmac.com

Hla Myat Mon

+65 8533 8860

hla.myatmon@woodmac.com

Chris Boba

+44

The Big Partnership (UK PR agency)

woodmac@bigpartnership.co.uk

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About Wood Mackenzie

Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. Driven by data. Powered by people. In the middle of an energy revolution, businesses and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. That's why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years' experience in natural resources. Today, our team of over 2,000 experts operate across 30 global locations, inspiring customers' decisions through real-time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership. Together, we deliver the insight they need to separate risk from opportunity and make bold decisions when it matters most. For more information, visit woodmac.com.
UNTERFOHRING (dpa-AFX) - Im Ringen um eine Losung fur die verzwickte Situation mit dem Partner General Atlantic will der ProSiebenSat.1 -Aufsichtsrat Insidern zufolge einen im Raum stehenden Deal uberarbeiten lassen. Bei dem Vorhaben, bei dem der US-Finanzinvestor bis zu zehn Prozent der Anteile am Medienkonzern in Form von Wandelanleihen bekommen konnte, solle der Vorstand einige Kriterien neu prufen, sagten mit der Angelegenheit vertraute Personen der Finanz-Nachrichtenagentur dpa-AFX am Montag. Details wurden nicht genannt. Zuvor hatte die Nachrichtenagentur Bloomberg unter Berufung auf Kreise berichtet, dass eine Mehrheit im Aufsichtsrat besorgt sei, dass eine entsprechende Transaktion zu teuer werden konnte. Eine Sprecherin von ProSiebenSat.1 und ein Sprecher des ProSiebenSat.1-Groaktionars MediaForEurope lehnten auf Nachfrage einen Kommentar ab.

Die Transaktion sieht bislang vor, dass die Amerikaner im Gegenzug fur den Verkauf ihrer Minderheitsbeteiligungen am E-Commerce-Geschaft NuCom und der ParshipMeet Group eine Wandelanleihe von ProSiebenSat.1 bekommen. Sie konnten dann bei Wandlung an den Unterfohringern beteiligt sein und so zum Groaktionar aufsteigen. Das durfte beim Berlusconi-Konzern MediaForEurope (MFE) und der tschechischen PPF-Gruppe als aktuelle Groaktionare auf wenig Begeisterung treffen. An den Deal geknupft war aber die Bedingung, dass sich ProSiebenSat.1 von Flaconi und Verivox trennt - mindestens eine dieser Beteiligungen sollte entsprechend verauert werden. Bloomberg berichtete am Montag, dass das Vergleichsportal Verivox fur mehr als 250 Millionen Euro an die italienische Moltiply Group gehen konnte./ngu/mis/nas
TOKYO, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced today a total investment of approximately JPY 1.7 billion (USD 11.4 million1) in five projects for the development of schistosomiasis diagnostics and drugs for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). 2

Investment total of approximately JPY 780 million (USD 5.2 million1) for the development of diagnostics for schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is one of 21 NTDs that affects approximately 250 million people worldwide, with 90% of cases occurring in Africa. People become infected through contact with contaminated freshwater, allowing the parasite to penetrate their skin.. Among the five species of schistosomiasis causing the disease, two are widely distributed on the African continent: Schistosoma haematobium, which infects the urogenitary tract, and Schistosoma mansoni, which infects the intestines and liver. Current diagnostics face challenges such as low sensitivity and quality issues, making it difficult to accurately assess the infection status. To address this issue, the GHIT Fund had decided to invest approximately JPY 780 million (USD 5.2 million1) in two projects to develop new diagnostics for schistosomiasis led by Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases, a nonprofit organization based in San Diego, California, USA, in collaboration with Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd., a Japanese manufacturer of clinical diagnostic kits and reagents, Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine, the Kenya Medical Research Institute, and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

The project will advance the development of a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for Schistosoma mansoni, leveraging previous research findings and evaluating the diagnostic performance of the candidate RDT in endemic regions of Africa. In addition, the project team will develop a new serological RDT for Schistosoma haematobium. These tests are expected to be used as a low-cost, easy-to-use point-of-care (POC) diagnostic to support decision-making for Interruption of Transmission/Stopping Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and for subsequent surveillance of the disease.

In addition, the GHIT Fund will invest in the following three R&D projects for a total amount of approximately JPY 932 million (USD 6.2 million1):

1) Phase I clinical trial project for dengue vaccine by VLP Therapeutics, Inc. and Nagasaki University.

2) Screening project against chikungunya by Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and Eisai Co., Ltd.

3) Screening project against Chagas disease by Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

Please refer to Appendix 1 for detailed descriptions of these projects and their development stages.

As of March 18, 2025, the GHIT Fund has invested in 35 projects, including 14 discovery projects, 12 preclinical projects and nine clinical trials.4 The total amount of investments since 2013 is JPY 37.5 billion (USD 251 million1) (Appendix 2).

1USD1 = JPY149.63, the approximate exchange rate on February 28, 2025.

2 These awarded projects were selected and approved as new investments from among proposals to RFP2023-002 and RFP2024-001 for the Product Development Platform and the Screening Platform, which were open for applications from June 2023 to July 2024.

3 WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schistosomiasis

4 This number includes projects in the registration phase.

The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world's vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.

https://www.ghitfund.org/en

Appendix 1. Project Details

ID: G2024-202

Project Title In Support of WHO Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination Programs: Progressing a TPP-compliant serological test for Schistosoma mansoni to Field Testing and Manufacturing Process Development. Collaboration Partners 1. Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD) (USA) 2. MBL, Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (Japan) 3. Nagasaki University (Japan) 4. Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kenya) 5. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (Ghana) 6. Big Eye Diagnostics, Inc. (USA) Disease Schistosomiasis Intervention Diagnostics Stage Product Development Awarded Amount JPY 472,729,041 (USD 3.2 million) Status Continued project Summary [Project objective] The overarching objective of this project is to deliver a fully TPP-compliant, easy-to-use, low-cost point-of-care test able to detect IgG1-type antibodies raised by the human host against selected S. mansoni antigens as an indicator for current or prior infection. The RDT delivered at the end of G2024-202 will have the required sensitivity and specificity to support Schistosomiasis monitoring, evaluation, and surveillance efforts in hypo-endemic areas post-MDA where stool-based or antigen-based diagnostics struggle to accurately determine disease prevalence.

[Project design]

The project team will pursue the following 6 specific objectives: -Objective 1: This first activity is aimed at defining the optimal use case(s) for our new serological test: Since serological testing is a new approach for schistosomiasis control and elimination programs, this work will be modelled in as much as appropriate on other NTDs that have already incorporated serological testing in their programmatic concepts (onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma). -Objective 2: In the predecessor project, G2023-110, MBL produced the S. mansoni antigens and positive control antibodies in R&D grade quality. The production will now be moved to larger scale and ISO/QMS grade quality. -Objective 3: Given that the two prototype tests delivered at the end of G2023-110 (one for each S. mansoni antigen) already meet the TPP criteria, only limited further optimization work will be required, which may include generating and evaluating a biplex test as an alternative to the two singleplex tests. -Objective 4: Evaluate the laboratory diagnostic performance of the candidate RDT using extended patient sample panels and compare the results with egg count, PCR, CCA and/or CAA data as available, and determine the concordance with laboratory-based serological assays (ELISA/MBA). -Objective 5: Follow the clinical study plan established in Objective 1 to evaluate the diagnostic and operational performance of the candidate RDT in both endemic and non-endemic regions of Kenya and, potentially, Ghana. -Objective 6: A ISO13485-compliant automated large-scale manufacturing process will be developed by DDTD, modeled on those we have previously put in place for other tests. BEDx will then conduct an independent validation of the manufacturing process by producing 3 pilot lots of 10'000 units each, and quantifying the inter-lot consistency. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/235/en

ID: G2024-203

Project Title In Support of WHO Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination Programs: Development of a Sensitive and Specific Serological Rapid Diagnostic Test to Detect Infection by Schistosoma haematobium. Collaboration Partners 1. Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD) (USA) 2. MBL, Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (Japan) 3. Nagasaki University (Japan) 4. Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kenya) Disease Schistosomiasis Intervention Diagnostics Stage Technical Feasibility Awarded Amount JPY 314,446,720 (USD 2.1 million) Status New Summary [Project objective] The overarching objective of this project is to deliver a fully TPP-compliant, easy-to-use, low-cost point-of-care test able to detect antibodies raised by the human host against selected S. haematobium antigens as an indicator for current or prior infection. The RDT delivered at the end of G2024-203 will have the required sensitivity and specificity to support Schistosomiasis monitoring, evaluation, and surveillance efforts in hypo-endemic areas post-MDA where other diagnostic methods struggle to accurately determine disease prevalence.

[Project design]

The project team will pursue the following 4 specific objectives: -Objective 1: Define the most appropriate use case(s) for a serological S. haematobium test and present the proposed rationale and justification to the Schisto DTAG for endorsement. -Objective 2: Express the 5-10 most promising S. haematobium biomarkers from the literature and from previous work at CDC and NEKKEN, and evaluate their performance in an S. haematobium ELISA. -Objective 3: Generate RDT prototypes for each of the biomarker candidates down-selected in the preceding Objective, and evaluate the performance of the resulting singleplex LFAs in comparison with ELISA based on LOD, sensitivity, and specificity (non-specific binding). -Objective 4: Evaluate the diagnostic performance of the prototype RDT(s) delivered in the preceding Objective using extended patient sample panels, and compare the results with those from laboratory-based serological tests (ELISA/MBA) as well as with other, non-serological diagnostic methods (microscopy, PCR, CAA-test) wherever available. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/236/en

ID: G2023-201

Project Title Phase I clinical trial of novel dengue virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines Collaboration Partners 1. VLP Therapeutics, Inc. (USA) 2. Nagasaki University (Japan) Disease Dengue Intervention Vaccine Stage Clinical Phase I Awarded Amount JPY 885,198,600 (USD 5.9 million) Status Continued project Summary [Project objective] This Phase I clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the tetravalent DENVLP vaccine. We will assess antibody titers, neutralizing antibody levels, and antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) following vaccination. Additionally, we will evaluate the efficacy of infection protection using a challenge strain of the dengue virus. Objective 1: Manufacturing the DENVLP Vaccine | We will produce a high-quality, GMP-grade of the tetravalent DENVLP vaccine using our stable cell lines for dengue virus types 1-4. We will assess quality and stability. Objective 2: Phase I Clinical Study | We will conduct a placebo-controlled Phase I trial with four groups of healthy adults (ages 18-60) to test different vaccine doses. Participants will receive three doses. [Project design]

Manufacturing and IND Submission: VLP Therapeutics (VLPT) will oversee the manufacturing and regulatory submission for the tetravalent DENVLP vaccine and design the clinical trial plan. Its group company, VLP Therapeutics Japan, will conduct GMP-compliant manufacturing of the tetravalent vaccine. After manufacturing, the vaccine will undergo quality testing before submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Phase I Clinical Trial: A Phase I clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the DENVLP vaccine. The vaccine's safety and immunogenicity will be assessed, and a six-month follow-up will be conducted after vaccination. At six months, all participants will be exposed to a dengue virus challenge strain to evaluate vaccine efficacy. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/237/en

ID: S2024-112

Project Title AI-based screening for the identification of novel compounds against Chikungunya virus Collaboration Partners 1. Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) (Switzerland) 2. Eisai Co. Ltd. (Eisai) (Japan) Disease Chikungunya Intervention Drug Stage Screening Awarded Amount JPY 23,894,400 (USD 159,689.90) Status New Summary [Project objective] The project aims to use advanced computer-assisted screening to find new compounds that can prove effective in combatting Chikungunya virus. Initially, using state-of-the-art machine learning models, a large library of Eisai compounds will be screened in silico. Thereafter, hits from the in silico screen will be tested in vitro using established assays. This collaboration brings together the power of artificial intelligence, antiviral screening, and drug development expertise from a pharmaceutical company, Product Development Partner (PDP), and academic investigators in a country where Chikungunya virus is endemic. [Project design]

The primary screening process will use an innovative two-step approach to maximize the available space for testing potential activity against Chikungunya virus. Around 50 primary hits will be chosen for further activity confirmation studies. Eisai will provide additional compounds for conducting these assays. For selected compounds, dose response curves (EC50) will be generated in the CHIKV assay, and their cytotoxicity profile (CC50) will be evaluated using the MTS assay. 5-10 confirmed active compounds will be prioritized for further profiling. To further assess their potential for broad spectrum activity within a virus family, these confirmed active compounds will be profiled against other alphaviruses. To assess specificity for the alphavirus genus, these confirmed actives will also be tested against SARS-CoV2 and mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/238/en

ID: S2024-121

Project Title Screening project between DNDi and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. Collaboration Partners 1. Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) (Switzerland) 2. Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Japan) Disease Chagas disease Intervention Drug Stage Screening Awarded Amount JPY 23,200,938 (USD 155,055.38) Status New Summary [Project objective] The primary objective of this project is to identify novel T. cruzi active series from a unique proprietary compound collection made available by Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Shionogi). [Project design]

A chemically diverse library of approx. 42,000 compounds specifically designed for this project from Shionogi's chemical library will be screened against the intracellular amastigote stage of T. cruzi at Institute Pasteur Korea in a cell-based, high-throughput screening system. A sequential single concentration followed by full dose-response scheme will be applied. Hit series meeting GHIT/DNDi criteria for potential Chagas disease treatments will be prioritized for further development. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/239/en

*All amounts are listed at an exchange rate of USD1 = JPY149.63, the approximate exchange rate on February 28, 2025.

Appendix 2. Investment Overview (as of March 18, 2025)

Investments to date

Total investments: 37.5 billion yen (USD 251 million1)

Total invested projects: 136 (35 active projects and 101 completed projects)

To learn more about the GHIT Fund's investments, please visit

Investment Overview: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/overview/en

Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfolio/en

Advancing Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/advancingportfolio/en

Clinical Candidates: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/clinicalcandidates/en

For more information, contact:

Katy Lenard at +1-202-494-2584 or klenard@burness.com

Mina Ohata at +81-36441-2032 or mina.ohata@ghitfund.org

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SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Binance, the global blockchain ecosystem behind the largest crypto exchange by trading volume, is proud to announce that it has received an appreciation award from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for its proactive contribution in the fight against cyber threats. This recognition reinforces Binance's dedication to remaining at the forefront of industry efforts to build a safe and secure financial ecosystem for all.

The award was presented by SPF's CyberCrime Command (CCC) during this year's Alliance of Public PrivAte Cybercrime sTakeholders (APPACT) networking dinner held last week on March 11, 2025. The APPACT Appreciation Awards recognize private companies for their efforts and partnership with the SPF CCC in capability building and their contributions to detecting and preventing cybercrime. This award underscores the important role that private sector players, such as Binance, play in combatting emerging cybersecurity threats in Singapore.

The Guest of Honor at the dinner, Mr Zhang Weihan, Acting Deputy Commissioner (Investigation & Intelligence) and Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of SPF, gave an opening speech where he directly expressed appreciation to various private sector entities, including Binance, for their analytical and operational support in cases handled by the Singapore Police Force.

Binance received the award this year alongside 17 other companies. Award recipients also include tech giants like Google, Mastercard, Meta, Microsoft, and PayPal.

On receiving the award, Akbar Akhtar, Binance's Head of Investigations for APAC, shared: "Receiving the APPACT Appreciation Award is an honor for Binance, and we are deeply grateful to the Singapore Police Force for recognizing our team's efforts in combating cybercrime. At Binance, we have always believed that effective security requires collaboration. That is why we are constantly looking for opportunities to directly engage with both law enforcement agencies and industry players to create a digital environment where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and protected."

This latest recognition places a spotlight on Binance's broader and ongoing efforts to combat illicit activity and build strong public-private partnerships in all parts of the world. In fact, it has been a particularly active month for Binance in Southeast Asia. Earlier this month, Binance also received an appreciation from Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for contributions to Operation Cyber Guardian. Additionally, Binance was recently honored with an appreciation medal from the Directorate of Cyber Crime of Indonesia for its long-term support for the unit.

In 2024, Binance responded to nearly 65,000 requests from law enforcement agencies worldwide. Moving forward, Binance remains committed to working collaboratively with both public and private players to ensure the digital sphere remains safe and secure for all.

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March 18, 2025: Ukraine has a Foreign Legion of volunteer soldiers from over a dozen countries. This is not unusual. It happened in earlier conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and during World War II and the Spanish Civil war. Ukrainian President Zelensky called for foreign volunteers shortly after the Russians invaded three years ago. Ukraine formed an International Legion and soon found thousands of foreign volunteers to fill its ranks.

Many had no military experience and Ukraine had to arrange training. Some NATO countries helped out by providing informal training to their citizens headed for Ukraine. Initially foreign volunteers signed six month contracts to serve. Volunteers could back out of their contract if they wanted to. In less than a year the contract was modified to prohibit withdrawal for any reason. If you had a valid family emergency, you would be released. Many of these volunteers renewed their contracts several times and many have been in Ukraine for two years or more. For volunteers who were killed, Ukraine sends the body hack home if the body can be retrieved. Wounded volunteers are given first aid by the Ukrainians but many of their home countries will take back their wounded citizens for treatment.

There is a language barrier because few of the volunteers speak Ukrainian or Russian. In combat the language barrier does not matter much because hand signals are frequently used. For pre-battle briefings a translator can be found so the volunteers know where they are going and what they are going to do. Most volunteers quickly acquire knowledge of a few dozen Ukrainian terms used by the military, which is how the German and Russian armies in World War Two were able to use so many recruits who did not speak German or Russian. Ukrainian foreign volunteers provide friends and family back home with a personal and accurate view of the war. This is often done with cellphone videos. Some of these videos and transmitted back home in real time. These videos provide proof of Russian atrocities and the generally barbaric behavior of Russian troops. The media back home cant say whatever they like because these videos get around and keep the local media honest, or at least accurate. For example, when Russian troops heard English-speaking European volunteers yelling at them from a nearby trench, the Russians claimed that NATO soldiers were actively aiding the Ukrainians. That backfired when further investigation by Western reporters revealed the presence of foreign volunteers.

There are also a large number of volunteers serving as support personnel or assisting the Ukrainians to rebuild as well as helping Ukrainian civilians made homeless by the fighting. Many of these civilians move to the west, with many planning to return when the war is over. The volunteers help the civilians with this.

Some volunteers have come to know Ukraine and its people quite well. Because of that many plan to remain after the war to help rebuild the country. They could also find a wife, because the Ukrainian casualties and potential conscripts fleeing to the West have reduced the possibility of Ukrainian women finding a husband.
MADRID, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi Solar Technology, a global leader in solar module manufacturing has signed a Framework Agreement with BNZ, a leading independent power producer (IPP) specializing in the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects. This partnership solidifies a long-standing relationship and marks a significant milestone in BNZ's commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity.

BNZ, part of the Nuveen Infrastructure portfolio managed through the Europe Clean Energy Fund III - one of Europe's largest renewable energy investment funds - will achieve more than 500 MW under operation across Spain, Portugal, and Italy this year. Four of these projects, with a combined capacity of 130MW in Spain and Italy, already utilize LONGi modules.

Building on the successful collaboration to date, BNZ has now chosen to directly procure modules from LONGi for its 2025 pipeline of solar projects in Europe, totalling 336MW.

Under the agreement, BNZ will integrate LONGi's advanced Hi-MO 7 and Hi-MO 9 modules series, the latter of which features the outstanding HPBC (Hybrid Passivated Back Contact) 2.0 technology, known for their high efficiency, bi-faciality, and superior performance maximising LCOE. These cutting-edge modules will enhance energy output, reinforcing BNZ's commitment to delivering sustainable and reliable solar power.

"In BNZ, we firmly believe in the importance of collaborating with strategic partners who share our vision for a more sustainable future," said Daniel Sanchez, Director at BNZ "This agreement with LONGi marks an important step in our commitment to delivering high-quality and efficient renewable energy solutions.

Luis Selva, Managing Director of BNZ, added: "We are committed to driving the energy transition and our collaboration reflects our strategic vision of innovation and growth in the renewable energy sector. We look forward to leveraging our combined expertise to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies."

"This collaboration marks a new milestone in our strategic partnership with BNZ. As long-term partners, we are leveraging our strengths to drive innovation, accelerate market growth, and enhance our competitive edge in the European market. We believe this is not only a new opportunity for both businesses but also a benchmark for the industry. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with BNZ and creating greater business value together!" stated Francois CUI, President of LONGi Europe.

The signing of this Framework Agreement underscores BNZ's dedication to advancing solar energy development while fostering strong industry partnerships. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, this collaboration sets the stage for a more sustainable future in Europe and beyond.

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VANCOUVER, BC, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) (OTCQB: BVAXF) ("BioVaxys" or "Company") is providing this bi-weekly update on the status of the management cease trade order granted on March 3, 2025 (the "MCTO"), by its principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). The Company announced on February 13, 2025, and March 3, 2025 (the "Default Announcement"), that it was unable to file its audited annual financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2024, the related management's discussion and analysis, and its Form 52-109FV1 CEO and CFO certifications of annual filings (collectively the "Required Filings"). Under National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations, the Required Filings were required to be made not later than February 28, 2025.

The Company is actively working with its auditor, Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP, to complete the Required Filings, which will be filed as soon as possible. As previously stated, subject to current conditions remaining the same, the Company remains confident in its ability to complete the Required Filings by March 30, 2025.

Except as herein disclosed, there are no material changes to the information contained in the Default Announcement. In addition, (i) the Company is satisfying and confirms that it intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines under NP 12-203 and issuance of bi-weekly default status reports in the form of news releases, for so long as the Company remains in default with its Required Filings; (ii) the Company does not have any information at this time regarding any anticipated specified default subsequent to the default in filing the Required filings; (iii) the Company confirms that, as of the date of this news release, that the Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings; and (iv) there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

The Company confirms that while the MCTO is in effect, the general investing public will continue to be able to trade freely the Company's listed common shares. However, the MCTO prohibits the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from trading securities of the Company for so long as the Required Filings are not filed. Additionally, the Company will be prohibited from directly or indirectly issuing or acquiring securities from insiders or employees of the Company until such time as the Required Filings have been made and all continuous disclosure requirements have been met by the Company, and the MCTO has been revoked.

About BioVaxys Technology Corp.

BioVaxys Technology Corp. (www.biovaxys.com), a biopharmaceuticals company registered in British Columbia, Canada, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patient lives with novel immunotherapies based on the DPX immune-educating technology platform and it's HapTenix 'neoantigen' tumor cell construct platform, for treating cancers, infectious disease, antigen desensitization, and other immunological fields. The Company's clinical stage pipeline includes maveropepimut-S which is in Phase II clinical development for advanced Relapsed-Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and platinum resistant ovarian cancer, and BVX-0918, a personalized immunotherapeutic vaccine using it proprietary HapTenix 'neoantigen' tumor cell construct platform which is soon to enter Phase I in Spain for treating refractive late-stage ovarian cancer.

The Company is also capitalizing on its tumor immunology know-how and creation of a unique library of T-lymphocytes & other datasets post-vaccination with its personalized immunotherapeutic vaccines to utilize predictive algorithms and other technologies to identify new targetable tumor antigens.

BioVaxys common shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the stock symbol "BIOV" and trade on the Frankfurt Bourse (FRA: 5LB) and in the U.S. on the OTC Markets (OTCQB marketplace). For more information, visit www.biovaxys.com and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "James Passin"

James Passin, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: +1 740 358 0555

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the filing of the Required Filings by March 30, 2025, and the Company's ability to comply with the provision of the alternative information guidelines described by NP 12-203, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by BioVaxys, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the risk that the Company may not be able to file the Required Filings by March 30, 2025. BioVaxys does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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EQS Newswire / 18/03/2025 / 12:13 UTC+8

In today's analysis, we dissect a Hong Kong-listed "AI healthcare transformer" - Sinohealth Holdings (02361.HK). Since the global AI hype triggered by DeepSeek's rise earlier this year leads to global investors reassessing Chinese assets, Sinohealth has delivered stunning performance in capital markets, though it has recently seen a notable pullback. The question remains: How should investors evaluate this Group's opportunities? Unlike many peers riding the AI bandwagon for valuation boosts, the Group stands out for its tangible edge in AI healthcare. While earlier moves like integrating DeepSeek into its platforms, ranking on the "2024 AI Innovation Development List," and launching a "pharmacy agent" were appetizers, the Group's recent reveal at the 10th Health Products Trade Conference - the "Medical and Healthcare Omini-Scenario Intelligent Agent" - marks a game-changing breakthrough. This could well be the holy grail of efficiency revolution in China's healthcare industry. As a 20-year veteran in healthcare data, the Group aligns its strategy with the global AI healthcare investment boom while capitalizing on China's healthcare reform and policy dividends. Investors should examine this story under a microscope. I. Strategic Positioning: The "iPhone Moment" for AI Healthcare? NVIDIA's Jensen Huang has repeatedly emphasized that the convergence of data science, AI, and automation will drive exponential improvements in biology, positioning it as the next golden frontier. The "iPhone Moment" for AI healthcare has undoubtedly arrived. In other words, the healthcare industry, with the support of AI, has reached a point of revolutionary disruption for the mobile phone industry, similar to the time when the iPhone emerged. Against this backdrop, Sinohealth is building the underlying operating system for AI healthcare with its "Medical and Healthcare Omni-scenario Intelligent Agent", ushering in a new era of healthcare intelligence. The Agent is powered by two engines: "Tiangong-No.1" and "Woodpecker" medical middleware, supported by the Woodpecker Medical Large Model. Combining high-quality data, domain knowledge, and advanced model distillation, these agents offer solutions across commercial, medical, pharmacy, health management, and R&D scenarios, enabling closed-loop operations with "intelligent decision-making, agile execution, and predictable outcomes.", assisting the healthcare industry in improving efficiency and service quality. Unlike fragmented solutions from AI healthcare competitors, Sinohealth's five agents cover the entire healthcare value chain - data - decision - execution - mirroring Tesla's vertically integrated approach. Just as Tesla is committed to building an artificial intelligence enterprise with full-stack self-developed and vertically integrated technology capabilities from cloud side to end side, chips to algorithms, and hardware to software, Sinohealth is replicating this "end-to-end integration" in healthcare: from data infrastructure to algorithm engines, scenario optimization to industry collaboration, forming an "AI healthcare gigafactory." Undoubtedly, the Group has defined a new height in AI healthcare. Under its omni-scenario empowerment, five intelligent agents including medical agents, pharmacy agents, commercial agents, health management agents, and R&D agents work together to not only promote industry efficiency, but also deeply connect the needs of patients, enterprises, and medical institutions, forming a value network of "technology - industry - user" trinity. This innovative achievement with AI technology as its core marks the official entry of the healthcare industry into the era of omni-scenario intelligence, and also provides a new paradigm for the digital transformation of the life sciences field. The core highlight of the "Medical and Healthcare Omni-scenario Intelligent Agent" is the moat composed of the "Tiangong-No.1 + Woodpecker" dual engines. Tiangong-No.1, based on leading data processing technology and mature data insights, integrates internal and external data and decision-making models through a complete master data system, algorithm system, and data security management system to help enterprises achieve optimal business decision-making. Woodpecker smart health management, based on serious medical logic, combines the world's leading AI engineering capabilities with the Group's vertical large models with unique industry application scenarios. It integrates years of technical accumulation and industry practice, aggregates life science technology solutions, achieves multi-scenario service and health management for patients, and improves the efficiency of clinical research on drugs and medical devices. The former has accumulated massive data resources, while the latter has mastered the know-how of diagnosis and treatment scenarios. The data flywheel effect generated by the two makes it difficult for later players to replicate. This is like how Bloomberg terminals are used for financial data. Without decades of deep cultivation and accumulation, it is impossible to develop the necessary service capabilities and achieve such industry penetration rates. II. Business Model Evolution: Predictable Three Catalysts for Value Acceleration The launch of the "Medical and Healthcare Omni-scenario Intelligent Agent" is of great significance to the healthcare industry and also marks a new milestone for Sinohealth. At the beginning of this wave of AI healthcare boom, the market was more focused on the prospects of the Group as a healthcare data solution provider with AI empowerment. Now, the launch of the intelligent agents means that it has officially upgraded to an AI-driven decision-making service provider. In other words, the Group's construction of the operating system for the AI healthcare era will bring about a brand-new evolution of its business model. This will lead to a triple value leap for the Group. First, the transformation from traditional data services to AI-driven decision-making services will open up higher profit margins and even create a new value-sharing model around the intelligent agents. For example, by adopting new revenue models such as "software service + revenue sharing" with pharmaceutical companies, medical product suppliers, and pharmaceutical retail enterprises, etc., this not only diversifies its revenue sources but also enables the Group to generate "recurring cash flow". Second, the "decision-making dependence" created by the intelligent agents elevates customer stickiness from the tool level to the strategic level. By deeply integrating into the core business processes of customers, it builds irreversible switching barriers. This also means that its dynamic analysis capabilities may be regarded as a necessity for pharmaceutical companies, medical product suppliers, pharmaceutical retail enterprises, etc. Such deep-seated binding will further enhance the customer lifetime value. In addition, the Group features not its data storage capacity, but the ability to refine data into reusable intelligent agents and apply them to real-world scenarios, resulting in marginal delivery costs approaching zero and perfectly aligning with the expansion logic of the software economy. The "Tiangong-No.1" commercial data smart middleware, "Woodpecker" smart health management and medical middleware can provide customers with standardized SaaS products, customized professional services, and overall solutions for different application scenarios in medicine and healthcare. This industrialized, standardized, and modular output not only has high efficiency, but also has a significant cost reduction effect due to the increase in scale. The future profit margin can be described as enormous. From a longer-term perspective, when the number of pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and pharmacies connected to intelligent agents exceeds a critical point, the Group will have access to the largest real-time decision flow data in China's medical industry. The combination of data freshness and scene thickness can bring more opportunities for it to explore and develop medical large models and build a solid industry moat. III. Valuation Reassessment: Pricing Logic for Benchmarking Global AI Healthcare Giants? Sinohealth's valuation deserves reevaluation on multiple fronts: Firstly, the Group promotes the transition of the medical industry from "partial intelligence" to "systemic intelligence" through the collaborative evolution of five intelligent agents. The valuation premium formed by this intergenerational gap can be compared to Tesla's valuation leap when it switched from an "EV maker" to an "energy ecosystem". It can be seen that currently, compared to the valuation of traditional car makers, Tesla's premium level of over tens of times is also due to its construction of a closed-loop ecosystem of "data - algorithm - energy". Sinohealth's current 3x PS resembles Tesla's early days as an EV maker. If recognized as a "healthcare intelligence OS," its valuation could re-rate toward a composite AI medical ecosystem platform. Secondly, the ecological level restructuring of the Group will bring about a new evolution to the existing business model, catalyzing future growth expectations to reach new heights. Imagine that when the five major intelligent agents form a data resonance of "diagnosis and treatment - research and development - circulation", the collaborative value generated will far exceed functional superposition, and the multiplier effect released will also be enormous. Whether it is the exponential decline in cost or the grid based reproduction of standard outputs, it will enable it to devour the AI healthcare market with near zero marginal costs. Obviously, this lifetime value has not yet been valued by the current market value. Finally, global peers like American AI medical leader Veeva (VEEV, 13.8x PS) and AI pharmaceutical unicorn Recursion (RXRX, 42.2x PS) trade at significant premiums, while domestic counterparts like Yidu Tech (02158.HK, 8.4x PS), a Chinese medical big data leader, also command higher multiples. Sinohealth's valuation appears substantially discounted. In the long run, with the continuous increase in the proportion of AI agent business revenue in the future, the Group is expected to catalyze its valuation thanks to sticky client base, stable growth rate, and high profitability. IV. Conclusion: Sinohealth Holdings' current upsurge is expected to mirror the growth path of Palantir in the US stock market. In its early days, Palantir established decision-making barriers by accumulating intelligence data of the US military through the Gotham platform. It also built two core capabilities: cross-domain data integration and in-depth adaptation to vertical scenarios, achieving a transition in its business model from "customized services" to a "platform-based ecosystem". Now, its market capitalization has reached $1.42 trillion, and in recent years, it has even seen a ten-fold increase in its stock price under the wave of AI popularity. It's not hard to anticipate that in the future, the Group's "Medical and Healthcare Omni-Scenario Intelligence Agent" will also be deeply integrated into the strategic decision-making chains of pharmaceutical companies, medical product suppliers, and pharmaceutical retail enterprises. It will occupy a core position in the ecosystem and convert its technological advantages into the power to set industry standards, creating high-level competitive barriers that are difficult to replicate. As AI healthcare transitions from hype to practicality, companies that bridge "data - scenario - commercialization" will emerge as ecosystem gatekeepers of the new healthcare ecosystem. In Hong Kong's ongoing valuation recovery, AI healthcare platforms with hardcore technology like Sinohealth could experience a "Davis Double Play", and the Group's omni-scenario intelligent agent has pressed the fast-forward button on its value reconstruction. 18/03/2025 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


Former Chairman of BlackRock's Alternatives Business and Global Head of Active Equities, and President CEO of CPPIB joins leading private markets fund servicer

The appointment of Mr. Wiseman underscores Alter Domus' position as the world's premier global alternative asset servicer

Alter Domus, the leading global provider of tech-enabled fund services for the private equity, real assets and private debt sectors today appointed Mark Wiseman as Chairman. Mr. Wiseman is the former Head of Active Equities and Chairman of BlackRock's Alternatives Business, as well as President CEO of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250317232851/en/

Mark Wiseman

Following a successful tenure, Rene Beltjens will step down as Chairman but will retain his seat on the Board.

As alternatives specialists, with $3 trillion assets under administration (AUA), Alter Domus' end-to-end servicing expertise enables asset managers to focus on investing and creating outsized returns for investors.

Alter Domus' leadership in alternatives and market share growth has been achieved by significant investments in fund administration services and debt capital market solutions. As a tech-enabled solutions provider, Alter Domus is able to address the complex data and operational challenges faced by the CFOs and COOs of private markets firms.

Mark Wiseman, Chairman of Alter Domus, said: "I'm excited to work with Alter Domus' highly accomplished global team to reap the opportunities that next generation innovation and investment offer alternative investment clients and their investors worldwide. Alter Domus is proud to be a trusted partner for its blue-chip client base, offering service excellence supported by industry leading technology capabilities."

Rory Neeson, Partner and Head of Cinven's Business Services sector team, said: "We are delighted to welcome a leader of Mark's caliber to the business. As Chairman, he will work with Alter Domus' management team and shareholders to help realize the significant potential for further growth in the next phase of its journey."

Doug Hart, Chief Executive Officer of Alter Domus, commented: "With an enviable track record of institutional investment management and experience in alternative assets, we are thrilled to welcome Mark as Chairman. Mark shares our strategic vision and commitment to the delivery of first-class client service and operational expertise."

Alongside Mr. Wiseman as Chair, the Alter Domus board will continue to draw upon the expertise of majority investor Cinven and other shareholders including Permira and the original founders of the firm.

Philip Muelder, Partner and Co-Head of Services at Permira and Rene Beltjens, former Chairman of Alter Domus, added: "Over the last decade, the tireless efforts of the supervisory board, and the first-class work of Alter Domus' leadership and teams around the globe have put the business in the strong position it enjoys today. We look forward to working with Mark Wiseman to help the company grow further in the years ahead."

About Alter Domus

Alter Domus is a leading provider of tech-enabled fund administration, private debt, and corporate services for the alternative investment industry with more than 5,700 employees across 39 offices globally. Solely dedicated to alternatives, Alter Domus offers fund administration, corporate services, depositary services, capital administration, transfer pricing, domiciliation, management company services, loan administration, agency services, trade settlement and CLO manager services.

For more information on Alter Domus please visit www.alterdomus.com and LinkedIn.

About Cinven

Cinven is a leading international private equity firm focused on building world-class global and European companies. Its funds invest in six key sectors: Business Services, Consumer, Financial Services, Healthcare, Industrials and Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT). Cinven has offices in London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York and Guernsey.

Cinven takes a responsible approach towards its portfolio companies, their employees, suppliers, local communities, the environment and society.

For additional information on Cinven please visit www.cinven.com and LinkedIn.

About Permira

Permira is a global investment firm that backs successful businesses with growth ambitions. Founded in 1985, the firm advises funds across two core asset classes, private equity and credit, with total committed capital of approximately 80bn.

Permira is one of the world's most active investors in the Services sector, having deployed c.12bn billion to partner with more than 40 companies globally. Current and previous investments from the Permira funds in the sector include: Acuity Knowledge Partners, Axiom, Cielo, Clearwater Analytics, DiversiTech, Engel Volkers, Evelyn Partners, Kroll, Motus, Relativity, Reorg, Tricor and Westbridge Advisory.

The Permira private equity funds have made approximately 300 private equity investments in five key sectors: Technology, Consumer, Services, Healthcare and Climate. Permira employs over 500 people in 16 offices across Europe, the United States and Asia.

For more information, visit www.permira.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250317232851/en/

Contacts:

Media:

alterdomus@peregrinecommunications.com
SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Optty, a B Corp-certified global payments infrastructure platform, and ekko, a sustainability platform for banks and payments companies, are partnering to make it easier for businesses to offer sustainable payment tools at scale. This collaboration enables financial institutions and their clients - across sectors like retail, mobility, or travel - to include carbon tracking into their payment experience. Consumers can see the impact of their purchases on climate and nature, and take action by supporting certified environmental projects.

Consumer demand for transparency and informed spending choices is rising. A GlobeScan survey found that 63% of consumers in 2023 viewed climate change as a serious issue (up from 49% in 2003), and 72% would like more information on how companies are making their products better for the environment ( source ). This growing awareness highlights the urgency for large scale sustainable solutions, which is why ekko and Optty are partnering to bring sustainability knowledge and action to users worldwide, seamlessly embedded in everyday payments.



Through Optty's global payment infrastructure platform, which provides access to local payment methods in over 140 countries worldwide, merchants can now add ekko's real-time sustainability tools alongside their existing payments methods. All that is needed is a simple one-click activation to switch on the service, which can be done in minutes. This partnership could redefine payments: through Optty's expansive partner network of schemes, gateways, PSPs and acquirers, carbon footprint insights will be made widely available at checkout. Consumers will also have the option to support leading environmental organisations through micro-donations, making sustainability a simple, seamless part of everyday shopping.

The product is now being rolled out with merchants globally, and already integrated into a growing number of payment journeys, giving consumers a seamless way to shop in line with their values.



Oli Cook, CEO and co-founder of ekko, said:

"This partnership is a huge moment for the future of payments. Consumers want to make more sustainable choices, and businesses are looking for ways to support them, they want to meet that demand. By working with Optty, we're making it easier than ever for companies to offer carbon footprint tracking and the option to compensate for it, without extra complexity or disruption. Together, we're turning everyday actions into positive impact."



Steven Ritchie, Interim CEO of Optty, added:

"Optty was built to simplify payments and give merchants more control, flexibility, and choice over how they integrate and accept payments; Sustainability is a natural extension of that evolution. By partnering with ekko, we're enabling businesses to embed a powerful, climate-conscious payment solution that enhances customer engagement while supporting the planet and driving real impact. As a B Corp-certified company committed to cutting-edge financial technology and responsible commerce, we're proud to be leading the charge in making sustainable payments the new standard."



With ekko and Optty working together, businesses of all sizes, all across the world, can now offer a simple, effective way to embed sustainability into payments, without disrupting their existing setup.

For more information about ekko and Optty's partnership, visit ekko.earth or optty.com .

- ENDS -

About ekko:

ekko provides a sustainability-focused tech platform for banks and payment providers, enabling them to offer their customers real-time carbon tracking to understand the environmental footprint of their purchases, and the ability to make micro-donations to leading environmental organisations like Tusk, RSPB, and Conservation International.

Integrated into everyday payment activities, ekko makes positive climate action accessible, impactful, and rewarding. Trusted by global brands like Volt, Primis, and Stubben Edge, ekko seamlessly fits into existing payment systems, making climate-conscious spending effortless.

For more information, visit www.ekko.earth , or connect with us on LinkedIn .

About Optty:

Optty is a global payments infrastructure platform for PSPs, gateways, acquirers and orchestrators that provides immediate access to 135+ payment partners in 140 countries and 120 currencies via a single integration. Optty empowers partners to provide payment innovation at scale for their merchants, enabling them to add local payment methods across nine payment types. Optty's simplified API integration, requires no further development for any payment methods to be enabled, saving thousands of development hours for partners and merchants alike. Providing a 3 level hierarchy structure for partners out-of-the-box allows transparency and control across the integration for merchants with key features of reporting, onboarding, transaction monitoring and customisable checkout widgets all available for partners and merchants to create a superior experience for their consumers.



Optty powers limitless ways to pay with unrivalled simplicity.

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DKSH Management Ltd. / Key word(s): Takeover

DKSH Technology Acquires Taqkey Science and Quantum Biotech, Two Technology Distribution Companies in Taiwan



18.03.2025 / 07:00 CET/CEST





Media release

DKSH has signed an agreement to acquire Taqkey Science ("Taqkey") and Quantum Biotech ("Quantum") in Taiwan. With these transactions, DKSH Technology further extends its scientific solutions and consumables businesses in line with the Business Units' strategy to solidify its position as a leading scientific solutions provider in Asia and Beyond.

Zurich, Switzerland, March 18, 2025 - DKSH has announced today that it signed an agreement to acquire Taqkey and Quantum, two life science reagent and consumables distribution companies in Taiwan. The distributed products encompass reagents and consumables for molecular biology, genetic engineering, and cell-based therapies. Thus, DKSH Technology further anchors its regional presence in the life science industry in Asia-Pacific.

Founded in 2002, Taqkey is headquartered in Miaoli, Taiwan. Together with Quantum, the company employs more than 60 people and generates annual net sales of more than CHF 13 million1 at good profitability and builds on successful, longstanding relationships with renowned blue-chip clients from the life science industry. The Group operates seven sales offices and three warehouses across Taiwan.

Hanno Elbraechter, Head Business Unit Technology at DKSH, said: "With Taqkey, we will further grow our consumables business in the life science industry of Asia-Pacific and thus solidify our position as a leading scientific solutions provider in the region. We are delighted to jointly leverage Taqkey's attractive client and customer portfolio, and the synergies created by our joint operations."

Jeffrey Cheung, Founder and Managing Director of Taqkey, commented: "We are excited about our shared future with DKSH, a leading technology solutions provider in Asia Pacific. As DKSH will benefit from our longstanding client and customer relationships in Taiwan, we will be happy to leverage DKSH's broad expertise and to use existing sales channels to further grow our business. We are confident this step will positively impact all our business partners as well as our valued employees."

The closing of the transaction is expected during the second quarter of 2025 and is subject to certain conditions.

1 Exchange rate 1 Swiss Franc / 36.9 TWD

About DKSH

For 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services, following its purpose of enriching people's lives. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 28,060 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2024. DKSH Business Unit Technology offers complete solutions for specialized scientific and industrial applications. With around 1,820 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 549 million in 2024. www.dksh.com/tec

For more information please contact:

DKSH Holding Ltd.



Till Leisner

Head, Group Investor & Media Relations

Phone +41 44 386 7315

till.leisner@dksh.com

Melanie Gruter

Manager Group Media Relations

Phone +41 44 386 7211

melanie.grueter@dksh.com

End of Media Release


VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced the launch of DEX+, the market's first innovative CEX and DEX hybrid product that provides a seamless, one-stop experience for both on-chain and off-chain trading. This development marks a significant milestone in the evolution of hybrid crypto trading platforms. DEX+ allows users to trade directly on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) through the MEXC app and website, offering access to a wide range of on-chain assets. The initial version of DEX+ will support the Solana ecosystem, enabling users to trade over 10,000 tokens available on Raydium and pump.fun, with future expansion to additional DEXs and blockchain networks.

DEX+ stands out by addressing many of the common pain points faced by users on traditional DEX platforms. Conventional DEX interfaces require users to navigate multi-step interactions with complex on-chain processes such as token approvals, transaction signings, and cryptocurrency swaps. MEXC's DEX+ simplifies this process entirely. Users can transfer funds directly into their DEX+ account and execute buy and sell orders without dealing with intricate on-chain operations. This approach makes decentralized trading more accessible, especially for new crypto users.

"MEXC's DEX+ bridges the gap between centralized efficiency and decentralized freedom. Despite the growing popularity of DEXs, the lack of user-friendly interfaces and high transaction fees remain a significant hindrance to widespread adoption. Through DEX+, MEXC aims to solve these issues by providing a familiar, CEX-like trading experience while retaining the benefits of accessing on-chain assets. Users can seamlessly switch between centralized exchange and DEX+ features," said Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC.

MEXC is dedicated to offering a diverse range of accessible assets through its listing strategy and innovative products, all while ensuring top-tier security for its users . MEXC delivers comprehensive custodial wallet management for DEX+ users, ensuring security at an institutional level. Additionally, the platform offers Proof of Reserves , ensuring asset integrity and exceptional transparency. Users' assets are backed 1:1, and customer fund compensation requirements are fully covered. This dual-layer protection ensures unmatched security for user assets.

Furthermore, MEXC announced its collaboration with GoPlus, an independent third-party security provider that inspects the safety of all trading pairs listed on the platform. This added measure boosts user confidence and transparency, allowing them to trade with greater assurance and peace of mind.

Moving forward, MEXC's DEX+ is expected to play a pivotal role in the continued growth of DeFi and DEX ecosystems. As more users transition toward decentralized trading platforms, integrating CEX and DEX models will become increasingly important. With DEX+, MEXC strives to stand at the forefront of this innovative trend.

To celebrate the successful launch of DEX+, MEXC is pleased to announce its incentive program: new users completing trades of 100 USDT or more on the DEX+ platform will be eligible to receive a 20 USDT reward. For more details, please visit: https://www.mexc.com/dex-rewards .

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is dedicated to being "Your Easiest Way to Crypto." Known for its extensive selection of trending tokens, airdrop opportunities, and low fees, MEXC serves over 34 million users across 170+ countries. With a focus on accessibility and efficiency, our advanced trading platform appeals to both new traders and seasoned investors alike. MEXC provides a seamless, secure, and rewarding gateway to the world of digital assets.

For more information, visit: MEXC Website | X | Telegram | How to Sign Up on MEXC

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With Finastra Kondor and managed services provided by DXC, the bank has enhanced its treasury trading and risk management capabilities, while offering modern, Sharia-compliant services

DUBAI, UAE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Finastra today announced that the successful implementation of Finastra Kondor and cloud-based managed services provided by DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider, enabled Vision Bank, a Sharia-compliant, digital bank in Saudi Arabia, to launch the pilot phase of its banking operations. Finastra's best-of-breed treasury trading system allowed the bank to upgrade its capabilities for asset and liability management, liquidity management, trading and investment, foreign exchange, capital adequacy and reserve management. The deployment of the solution on cloud also aligns with the digital bank's broader strategy of creating better user experiences while keeping pace with new demands.

"Our mission is to be a pioneer in the Saudi banking sector, relying on innovation and technology to provide seamless, Sharia-compliant banking solutions that meet our customers' needs," said Abdul Shakeel Aidaroos, CEO at Vision Bank. "To help us achieve this, we needed a robust treasury management system with cloud-based managed services that enable us to grow while mitigating risks. Finastra and DXC ensure that we can comply with current and upcoming regulations, drive business continuity and maximum availability, and scale the rollout of new products as needed. We are also contributing to the goals of the Financial Sector Development Program, one of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030."

Finastra Kondor is a best-of-breed treasury trading system that meets financial institutions' needs for sophisticated treasury functionality, while enabling growth and ensuring compliance. Renowned for its robust capabilities in supporting complex trading, risk management and operations, the solution is the backbone of numerous financial institutions, enabling them to navigate the intricate landscape of global markets with precision and agility. The successful implementation of the solution, alongside managed services provided by DXC, played a vital role in Vision Bank, formerly known as the Saudi Digital Bank, recently obtaining no objection from the Saudi Central Bank and launching the pilot phase of its banking operations.

"Vision Bank's growth ambitions and customer-centric ethos align closely to the values we hold at Finastra," said Wissam Khoury, EVP, Treasury & Capital Markets at Finastra. "The implementation of Kondor played a significant role in the bank's launch and digital transformation journey, providing the necessary agility to evolve with new demands and take advantage of the opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia's financial services sector. Working alongside DXC, it has been a pleasure to help Vision Bank reach this milestone and we look forward to its ongoing success."

"DXC is proud to have partnered with Finastra and Vision Bank to successfully deliver Kondor as the bank's fully hosted and managed treasury system," said Anthony Hammond, Global Finastra Lead at DXC. "This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving innovation in financial technology, providing a secure, scalable and future-ready solution that enhances the bank's treasury operations."

Finastra.com

About Finastra

Finastra is a global provider of financial services software applications across Lending, Payments, Treasury and Capital Markets, and Universal (retail and digital) Banking. Committed to unlocking the potential of people, businesses and communities everywhere, its vision is to accelerate the future of Open Finance through technology and collaboration, and its pioneering approach is why it is trusted by ~8,100 financial institutions, including 45 of the world's top 50 banks. For more information, visit finastra.com

About Vision Bank

Vision Bank is a Saudi digital bank regulated by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Vision Bank is reimagining banking in Saudi Arabia through an experience that is catered to our customers dynamic lifestyles. This creates a place where customers can embrace simplicity, personalization, convenience and absolute control over their financial lives. Recognizing the importance of technology in shaping the future of finance, Vision Bank aims to partner with leading fintech and technology providers to develop bespoke technologies that would differentiate them in the market and meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.

About DXC

DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) helps global companies run their mission-critical systems and operations while modernizing IT, optimizing data architectures, and ensuring security and scalability across public, private and hybrid clouds. The world's largest companies and public sector organizations trust DXC to deploy services to drive new levels of performance, competitiveness, and customer experience across their IT estates. Learn more about how we deliver excellence for our customers and colleagues at DXC.com.

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Sequana Medical announces 2024 Full Year Results and 2025 Outlook

alfapump - US FDA approval of alfapump for the treatment of recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis; US commercial launch planned for mid Q3 2025

DSR - Publication of RED DESERT and SAHARA data in peer-reviewed "European Journal of Heart Failure" highlights DSR as potential treatment for Cardiorenal Syndrome; Positive data from non-randomized cohort in US MOJAVE study, DSMB approval to start randomized cohort

Total cash position of EUR 3.8 million at the end 2024 and cash runway into Q1 2025

Financing package announced today expected to extend cash runway to the end of 2025

Ghent, Belgium - 18 March 2025- Sequana Medical NV (Euronext Brussels: SEQUA) (the "Company" or "SequanaMedical"), a pioneer in the treatment of fluid overload in liver disease, heart failure and cancer, today announces its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2024, and provides a business update and outlook for 2025 and beyond.

Ian Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer of Sequana Medical, commented: "2024 was a momentous year with US approval for the alfapump system - the result of many years of dedication and hard work by the entire Sequana Medical team. We believe that the alfapump has the potential to transform the treatment options for the US liver ascites community, who for too long have had to put up with a standard of care that dates back thousands of years. We are on track to commence sales in mid Q3 of this year through our own specialty salesforce that will target the 90 US liver transplant centers that we believe represents the large majority of our target patients and are highly encouraged by the strong interest seen from the doctors in the centers we are initially targeting.

We are excited by the publication in the European Journal of Heart Failure of our RED DESERT and SAHARA studies, highlighting DSR as a novel potential treatment for cardiorenal syndrome and diuretic resistance in heart failure. There is a clear need for better treatment options for congestive heart failure than loop diuretics that have well understood problems as well as widespread resistance, resulting in the very large number of hospitalizations and the huge cost to payers. With approval of the independent DSMB in hand, we look forward to commencing the randomized cohort of the US MOJAVE study

With the financing package that we announced today, comprising the continued support from existing investors, the share subscription facility from GEM and the extension to the repayments of our key loans, we expect our cash runway to be extended to the end of this year providing the opportunity to demonstrate the strong commercial interest we expect from our initial launch sites in the US."

2024 highlights

US alfapump liver program

US Commercial PMA approval: On 20 December 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-us-fda-approval-of-alfapump-for-the-treatment-of-recurrent-or-refractory-ascites-due-to-liver-cirrhosis/), Sequana Medical received Premarket (PMA) Approval from the FDA to market the alfa pump system for the treatment of recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis in the United States. With this major regulatory milestone, achieved earlier than market expectations, alfa pump is the first active implantable medical device in the US that automatically and continuously removes ascites from the abdomen into the bladder. The Company estimates there are approximately 70,000 patients in the US with recurrent or refractory ascites, representing a market opportunity in excess of $2 billion for the alfa pump system; this population is forecast to reach 130,000 patients by 2032, primarily driven by NASH/MASH and alcoholic liver disease 1 . The alfapump had previously received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in October 2019, this scheme was established by the FDA to support the development of devices that provide for more effective treatment of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. As well as expediting the development and FDA approval process, it provides additional benefits, particularly for Medicare reimbursement. US Reimbursement - CPT III: In January 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-granted-us-cpt-iii-reimbursement-codes-for-alfapump-system/), the American Medical Association (AMA) approved the issuance of six new CPT III codes for the alfa pump system. This was a key step in facilitating reimbursement and the US commercialization strategy, augmenting the existing ICD-10 procedure codes. This will allow healthcare professionals to submit claims for the alfa pump system, paving the way for broader adoption and supporting commercial rollout in the US. US Reimbursement - NTAP: In September 2024, the Company announced that it had submitted the alfa pump application for the NTAP (new technology add-on payment) program. CMS established this program to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to emerging technologies, recognizing that the cost of such new technologies often exceeds the existing payments under the relevant DRGs (diagnostics related groups). The Company believes that it meets all criteria for NTAP given alfa pump's FDA breakthrough device designation and the anticipated average selling price of $30,000.

Publications and presentations Poster presentation at the EASL (https://easl.eu/event/easl-congress-2024/) Congress by key investigators from the North American pivotal POSEIDON study in June 2024. The data demonstrated similar safety outcomes and significantly improved quality of life for alfapump patients compared to baseline, which is not seen in a matched cohort of refractory ascites patients enrolled contemporaneously in the prospective NACSELD3 (North American Consortium for Study of End-Stage Liver Disease) study. Poster presentation (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-strong-24-month-resultsfrom-poseidon-study-at-aasld-the-liver-meeting-in-san-diego-us-pma-alfapump-approval-expected-before-end-of-q1-2025/) at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) conference ('The Liver Meeting') in November 2024 with new data from the POSEIDON study. The new 24-month results concluded that the alfa pump system was very effective in control of ascites, virtually eliminating the need for large volume paracentesis (LVP) long term. Frequency of LVP requirement in the roll-in cohort decreased from pre-implantation to 3 months post-implant and persisted to 24 months by more than 50% (mean LVP/month 2.71.3 to 0.10.2). Ascites volume removed by LVP fell from 22.8 12.5L/month pre- to 2.6 6 L/month 3 months post-alfapump system implant. Overall survival at 24 months in the alfapump pivotal cohort was 62%.







DSR heart failure program

MOJAVE - US randomized controlled Phase 1/2a study for treatment of congestive heart failure Approval to commence randomised phase: In January 2024, the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) approved the start of the randomized cohort in MOJAVE, following review of the safety data reported from the non-randomized cohort. Study results from non-randomised cohort: On 25 March 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-three-month-follow-up-data-from-mojave-non-randomized-cohort-confirming-dramatic-improvement-in-diuretic-response-and-virtual-elimination-of-loop-diuretics-following-dsr/), the three-month follow-up data from all three patients in the non-randomized cohort of MOJAVE were announced, confirming the dramatic and durable improvement in diuretic response and virtual elimination of loop diuretic requirements.

Publications and presentations: On 28 February 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/strong-data-from-dsr-proof-of-concept-studies-in-heart-failure-accepted-for-late-breaking-presentation-at-tht-2024/), at THT 2024 (https://tht2024.crfconnect.com/), a leading international heart failure conference, presentation of a late-breaking abstract including data from the RED DESERT and SAHARA proof-of-concept studies of the Company's DSR therapy in patients with diuretic-resistant heart failure. On 3 April 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/nl/persberichten/strong-data-from-dsr-proof-of-concept-studies-in-heart-failure-published-in-european-journal-of-heart-failure/), the Company announced publication of the results of the RED DESERT and SAHARA proof-of-concept studies, in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal European Journal of Heart Failure (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejhf.3196). This highlights DSR as a potential novel treatment for diuretic resistance and cardiorenal syndrome in heart failure. On 27 November 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/publication-in-kidney-medicine-highlights-benefits-of-dsr-2-0-for-sequana-medicals-direct-sodium-removal-heart-failure-program-and-board-composition-update/), announcement of the publication in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal Kidney Medicine (https://www.kidneymedicinejournal.org/article/S2590-0595(24)00149-3/fulltext) regarding the Company's proprietary DSR 2.0, a potential therapy for the treatment of cardiorenal syndrome and diuretic resistance in heart failure. The article highlights the improved efficiency and safety of DSR 2.0 compared to dextrose-based solutions, showing a significant enhancement in sodium and fluid removal over a longer duration, building on the initial proof of concept studies with DSR 1.0.







Corporate

Financing February Shareholder Financing: On 8 February 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Press-release_announcement_8-Feb-2024_ENG_vF.pdf), announcement of the granting of an unsecured subordinated convertible loan of EUR 3.0 million by two major shareholders, Partners in Equity and Rosetta Capital, and the agreement from lenders to defer the debt service payments, alongside the decision of the board of directors to prioritize resources towards FDA PMA approval of the alfa pump as a key value inflection point for the Company. This loan was converted into equity on 10 July 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-new-share-capital-amount-and-new-number-of-shares-11/). March Equity Financing: On 21 March 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Project-Stars-Pricing-PR-ENG-FINAL.pdf), announcement of a successful equity raise of EUR 11.5 million in gross proceeds by means of a private placement allowing continued progress towards FDA PMA approval of the alfa pump, preparing US commercial launch, implementing CMC activities for DSR 2.0, as well as extending the cash runway of the Company to the end of Q3 2024. September - December Shareholder Financing: On 30 September 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Project-Focus-Anouncement-PR-ENGFinal.pdf), the Company announced an unsecured subordinated convertible loan of up to EUR 6.1 million from existing shareholders, with an initial tranche of EUR 3.05 million. This financing was subsequently increased to EUR 7.6 million through the support of additional existing shareholders and the receipt of the second tranche from all participating investors. The increased financing extended the cash runway into Q1 2025. Exploring direct financing into each of the alfapump and DSR programs: In September 2024, based on feedback from potential investors, the Company announced that it was exploring how to enable investments into each of the DSR drug and the alfapump device programs separately, which may expand the pool of potential investors and enable more effective financing of the Company's business. The Company believes that such an approach may be beneficial to Sequana Medical investors through expanding the pool of potential experienced investors, while retaining the ability to invest in Sequana Medical through the EuroNext Brussels listing. As a result of the success of the DSR development program and the data from the RED DESERT and SAHARA studies demonstrating the durability of the treatment effect, it was decided to pursue development of the DSR program without the alfapump. As a result, there is little synergy between the DSR and alfapump programs.

Board changes: to improve cost efficiency and to meet the Belgian requirements for gender diversity prior to January 1, 2025, Douglas Kohrs and Kenneth Macleod stepped down from the board on 27 November 2024 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/publication-in-kidney-medicine-highlights-benefits-of-dsr-2-0-for-sequana-medicals-direct-sodium-removal-heart-failure-program-and-board-composition-update/).

Post-period events

US alfapump liver program

Publication on January 6 2025, of "The Effects of alfa pump on Ascites Control and Quality of Life in Patients with Cirrhosis and Recurrent or Refractory Ascites" in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal, American Journal of Gastroenterology (https://journals.lww.com/ajg/abstract/9900/the_effects_of_alfapump_on_ascites_control_and.1522.aspx). The publication covered the six month data for the forty implanted patients in the pivotal cohort of the POSEIDON study, the multicenter, open-label, single arm study with a within-subject crossover design conducted in patients with cirrhosis and recurrent or refractory ascites. The authors reported that the alfa pump system effectively controlled ascites, which improved quality of life 2 , with complication rates similar to the expectation in patients with refractory ascites at six months post-implantation 3 . Results from the literature indicate that the overall survival of patients with the alfa pump was not worse as compared to TIPS and was higher than reported for standard of care (LVP) 4 .

pump on Ascites Control and Quality of Life in Patients with Cirrhosis and Recurrent or Refractory Ascites" in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal, American Journal of Gastroenterology (https://journals.lww.com/ajg/abstract/9900/the_effects_of_alfapump_on_ascites_control_and.1522.aspx). The publication covered the six month data for the forty implanted patients in the pivotal cohort of the POSEIDON study, the multicenter, open-label, single arm study with a within-subject crossover design conducted in patients with cirrhosis and recurrent or refractory ascites. The authors reported that the pump system effectively controlled ascites, which improved quality of life , with complication rates similar to the expectation in patients with refractory ascites at six months post-implantation . Results from the literature indicate that the overall survival of patients with the pump was not worse as compared to TIPS and was higher than reported for standard of care (LVP) . The Company hosted a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Webinar (https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/dgorjeyp/) to discuss alfapump US Commercial Roll-Out following FDA approval of the alfapump system. Sequana Medical management, together with Dr Saab, Professor of Medicine and Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA and Dr Pagadala, Transplant Hepatologist, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, discussed i) the clinical need in recurrent and refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis, including current treatment options, ii) the results of the alfapump POSEIDON and Patient Preference studies, and what this means for US patients and physicians, and iii) alfapump US commercial roll-out plans and market opportunity.

Corporate

Financing Conversion of EUR 4.50 million of outstanding indebtedness into equity. On 24 January 2025 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-new-share-capital-amount-and-new-number-of-shares-following-loan-conversions/), the Company announced the conversion of EUR 0.53 million under the Sensinnovat 2020 loan, EUR 1.28 million under the 2024 convertible loan with various shareholders, and EUR 2.68 million under the Kreos 2022 loan into equity, reducing net debt by EUR 4.50 million Today (https://www.sequanamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SSFA-CLA-Announcement-PR-ENG.pdf), Sequana Medical announced a financing package comprising i) the granting of an unsecured subordinated convertible loan of EUR 4.0 million (the " 2025 Convertible Loan ") by certain of its major shareholders, namely Partners in Equity V B.V. (" Partners in Equity ") and EQT Health Economics 3 Cooperatief U.A. (" EQT ") and ii) entering into a share subscription facility agreement (the " Facility ") with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS (" GEM "), a $3.4 billion, Luxembourg based alternative investment group with offices in Paris, New York and Bahamas. Pursuant to the Facility, GEM agreed to commit, subject to certain conditions, an amount of up to EUR 20 million in cash (with Sequana Medical's option to increase the commitment to up to EUR 60 million in cash, once the aforementioned EUR 20 million has been drawn down) (the " Capital Commitment "), within a maximum term of three years in exchange for new ordinary shares in Sequana Medical and subject to certain share lending arrangements being in place. In addition, the Company agreed with its existing debt providers to restructure several features of the Company's debt, subject to certain conditions. These financing arrangements are expected to extend the Company's cash runway to the end of 2025 based on the expected drawdown of the initial EUR 20 million commitment of the share subscription facility.







Outlook for 2025 and beyond

US alfapump liver program - on track for US commercial launch in mid Q3 2025: The preparations continue for the start of US sales, both in terms of product availability and the preparation of our group of launch hospitals. Production is underway of the alfapump systems for initial sales and the necessary support and logistical preparations are on track to support the launch. Training of the teams at our initial launch sites including hepatologists, interventional radiologists and their teams is underway with three sites completed and a further three planned for April. Discussions are progressing for the administrative and contractual arrangements at these sites to facilitate the purchase of alfapump systems. Sequana Medical is a sponsor of "Liver Connect", the annual conference of the Chronic Liver Disease Foundation ("CLDF") in San Antonio from March 20-22, a premier event for healthcare professionals dedicated to advancements in liver disease. Last year, over 500 participants attended the meeting. The Sequana Medical commercial and medical affairs teams will be attending.

DSR heart failure program - start of the randomized cohort of MOJAVE. The Company's phase I/IIa randomized controlled study of DSR in the US is approved by the independent DSMB, and the start is subject to additional fundraising.



Detailed financial review

in Thousand Euros (if not stated otherwise) FY 2024 FY 2023 Change Revenue 106 712 -85% Cost of goods sold (26) (164) -84% Gross margin 79 548 -86% Sales & Marketing (1,058) (1,799) -41% Clinical (3,174) (6,947) -54% Quality & Regulatory (3,243) (5,586) -42% Supply Chain (3,315) (4,724) -30% Engineering (1,683) (4,041) -58% General & Administration (6,313) (6,943) -9% Total operating expenses (18,786) (30,040) -37% Other income 484 629 -23% Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT5) (18,223) (28,862) -37% Finance income 213 1,052 -80% Finance cost (26,363) (4,288) 515% Total net finance expense (26,150) (3,236) 708% Income tax expense (280) (466) -40% Net loss for the period (44,654) (32,564) 37% Basic Loss Per Share (in Euros) (1.22) (1.22) 0% Cash position* at 31 December 3,807 2,584 47%

* Cash position only includes cash and cash equivalents.

Consolidated statements of profit and loss

Revenue

Revenue decreased from 0.71 million in 2023 to 0.11 million in 2024 due to the decision to terminate European commercial activities in Q1 2024.

Cost of goods sold

Cost of goods sold decreased from 0.16 million in 2023 to 0.03 million in 2024, in line with the decrease in revenue.

Operating expenses

Total operating expenses decreased from 30.04 million in 2023 to 18.79 million in 2024, due to the measures taken to substantially reduce the cash burn in 2024.

Sales and marketing expenses decreased from 1.80 million in 2023 to 1.06 million in 2024 due to the decision to terminate European commercial activities in Q1 2024.

Clinical expenses decreased from 6.95 million in 2023 to 3.17 million in 2024 mainly as a result of lower costs related to the North American pivotal POSEIDON study of the alfapump and the decision to postpone the randomized phase of the MOJAVE DSR study in the US.

Quality and Regulatory expenses decreased from 5.59 million in 2023 to 3.24 million in 2024, mainly due to the measures taken to reduce cash burn in 2024 and higher expenses in 2023 for external advice solicited for the preparation of the submissions for marketing approval of the alfapump in the US.

Supply chain expenses decreased from 4.72 million in 2023 to 3.31 million in 2023 largely driven by the measures taken to reduce the cash burn in 2024 and higher spend in 2023 for additional staffing and external advice for the preparation of the submissions for marketing approval of the alfapump in the US.

Engineering expenses decreased from 4.04 million in 2023 to 1.68 million in 2024, largely driven by the measures taken to reduce the cash burn in 2024 and the one off costs for test samples in 2023 required for the preparation of the submissions for marketing approval of the alfapump in the US.

General and Administration expenses decreased from 6.94 million in 2023 to 6.31 million in 2024 largely driven by the measures taken to reduce the cash burn in 2024.

Other income remained broadly unchanged at 0.63 million in 2023 and 0.48 million in 2024 and includes recognized income from Belgian Research & Development (R&D) incentives with regard to incurred R&D expenses.

EBIT

As a result of the above, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) evolved from a loss of 28.86 million in 2023 to a loss of 18.22 million in 2024.

Total net finance expenses

Net finance cost increased from 3.24 million in 2023 to 26.15 million in 2024, mainly resulting from the fair value measurements of i) the Kreos Loan (most recently amended in 2024), ii) the September - December 2024 unsecured subordinated convertible loan agreements, and iii) the different subscription rights. All of these items are non-cash items.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense remained broadly unchanged at 0.28 million in 2024 and 0.47 million in 2023.

Net loss for the period

As a result of the above, the net loss increased from 32.56 million in 2023 to 44.65 million in 2024.

Basic losses per share (LPS)

Basic losses per share remained stable, from 1.22 in 2023 to 1.22 in 2024.

Consolidated balance sheet

Net debt

Net debt6 at 31 December 2024 was 36.30 million, an increase of 21.37 million compared to 31 December 2023. The increase is mainly driven by (i) issuance of new convertible loans (September-December unsecured subordinated convertible loan agreements), and (ii) the fair value measurements of the Kreos Loan (most recently amended in 2024) and the September - December 2024 unsecured subordinated convertible loan agreements. These fair value measurements are non-cash items.

On 24 January 2025, Sensinnovat, Kreos and certain others converted some or all of their debt positions into equity of Sequana Medical NV for an amount of 4.50 million. Excluding this debt from the 31 December 2024 position, and assuming that all remaining September - December 2024 unsecured subordinated convertible loans convert, the remaining principal, accrued interest and fees at 31 December 2024 would have been 13.03 million.

Working Capital

Working capital7 in 2024 dropped 1.44 million compared to 31 December 2023. The decrease is largely driven by measures taken to reduce cash burn in 2024.

Liquidity

Although the Company received approval for the alfapump from the US FDA, the Company still has to execute on its alfapump US commercialization strategy. Furthermore, DSR is still in its development phase and further clinical trials will be required to achieve regulatory marketing approvals. Both programs incur various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the uncertainty of the development & commercialization process and the timing of achieving profitability. The Company's ability to continue operations also depends on its ability to raise additional capital and to refinance existing debt, in order to fund operations and assure the solvency of the Company until revenues reach a level to sustain positive cash flows.

The impact of macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical situation on the Company's ability to secure additional financing rounds or undertake capital market transactions remains unclear at this point in time and will remain under review by the Executive Management and the Board of Directors.

The above conditions indicate the existence of material uncertainties, which may also cast significant doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

The Company will continue to require additional financing in the near future and in 2024 i) entered into a 3.0 million mandatory convertible loan agreement in February with Partners in Equity and Rosetta Capital, ii) successfully raised 11.5 million gross proceeds in March in a private equity placement via an accelerated bookbuild offering, iii) entered into several unsecured subordinated convertible loan agreements for a total amount of 7.6 million in Q3 and Q4. With the financing package announced today, comprising the 4.0 million unsecured subordinated convertible loan from existing investors, the GEM share subscription facility of up to 60 million and the extension to the repayments of key loans, the Company expects the net proceeds from these financings, based on the expected drawdown of the initial 20 million commitment of the share subscription facility, together with the existing cash resources to extend the current cash runway to the end of 2025. The Company continues to evaluate equity and other financing options, including discussions with existing as well as new investors.

The Executive Management and the Board of Directors remain confident about the strategic plan, which comprises additional financing measures including equity and/or other financing sources, and therefore consider the financial information in this press release on a going concern basis as appropriate.

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Net cash outflow from operating activities was 20.26 million in 2024 compared to 29.06 million in 2023. The lower outflow was driven by the measures taken in 2024 to reduce the cash burn.

Cash flow from investing activities resulted in a net outflow of 0.10 million in 2024, compared to a net outflow of 0.72 million in 2023.

Cash flow from financing activities resulted in a net inflow of 21.56 million in 2024, mainly as a result of the proceeds from the equity placement and the various convertible loan arrangements, partially compensated by repayments of financial debt and interest.

The Company ended 2024 with a total cash and cash equivalents amount of 3.81 million (2023: 2.58 million).

2025 Financial Calendar

22 April 2025 Online publication of Annual Report 2024

22 May 2025 Annual General Meeting 2025

For more information, please contact:

Sequana Medical

Investor Relations

E: IR@sequanamedical.com

T: +44 (0) 797 342 9917

About Sequana Medical

Sequana Medical NV is a pioneer in treating fluid overload, a serious and frequent clinical complication in patients with liver disease, heart failure and cancer. This causes major medical issues including increased mortality, repeated hospitalizations, severe pain, difficulty breathing and restricted mobility. Although diuretics are standard of care, they become ineffective, intolerable or exacerbate the problem in many patients. There are limited effective treatment options, resulting in poor clinical outcomes, high costs and a major impact on their quality of life. Sequana Medical is seeking to provide innovative treatment options for this large and growing "diuretic resistant" patient population. alfapump and DSR are Sequana Medical's proprietary platforms that work with the body to treat diuretic-resistant fluid overload, and are intended to deliver major clinical and quality of life benefits for patients, while reducing costs for healthcare systems.

The Company received US FDA approval for the alfapump System for the treatment of recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis in December 2024, following the grant of FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2019. Sequana Medical intends to start US commercialisation early in the second half of 2025 through a small specialty salesforce that it will establish to target the 90 US liver transplant centers that perform 95% of liver transplants.

Results of the Company's RED DESERT and SAHARA proof-of-concept studies in heart failure published in European Journal of Heart Failure in April 2024 support DSR's mechanism of action as breaking the vicious cycle of cardiorenal syndrome. All three patients from the non-randomized cohort of MOJAVE, a US randomized controlled multi-center Phase 1/2a clinical study, have been successfully treated with DSR, resulting in a dramatic improvement in diuretic response and virtual elimination of loop diuretic requirements8.

Sequana Medical is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels.

Important Safety Information: For important safety information regarding the alfapump system, see https://www.sequanamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/ISI.pdf.

The alfapump System is currently not approved in Canada.

DSR therapy is still in development and is currently not approved in any country. The safety and effectiveness of DSR therapy has not been established.

Note: alfapump and DSR are registered trademarks.

Forward-looking statements

This press release may contain predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements represent the current judgment of Sequana Medical on what the future holds, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Sequana Medical expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of Sequana Medical only as of the date of this press release.

Financial information

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the EU. The financial information included in this press release is an extract from the full IFRS consolidated financial statements which will be published on 22 April 2025.

As of the date of this press release, the statutory auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Bedrijfsrevisoren BV, with registered office at Culliganlaan 5, 1831 Machelen, Belgium, represented by Peter D'hondt, auditor, has not yet completed his audit procedures on the IFRS consolidated statements as of and for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The statutory auditor has confirmed that the audit, which is substantially complete, has not to date revealed any material misstatement in the draft consolidated accounts, and that the accounting data reported in the press release is consistent, in all material respects, with the draft consolidated accounts from which it has been derived.

Consolidated statement of profit and loss

in Thousand Euros (if not stated otherwise)



Year ended 31 December 2024 2023 Revenue 106 712 Cost of goods sold (26) (164) Gross margin 79 548 Sales & Marketing (1,058) (1,799) Clinical (3,174) (6,947) Quality & Regulatory (3,243) (5,586) Supply Chain (3,315) (4,724) Engineering (1,683) (4,041) General & Administration (6,313) (6,943) Total operating expenses (18,786) (30,040) Other income 484 629 Earnings before interests and taxes (EBIT) (18,223) (28,862) Finance income 213 1,052 Finance cost (26,363) (4,288) Total net finance expense (26,150) (3,236) Income tax expense (280) (466) Net loss for the period (44,654) (32,564) Basic losses per share (in Euro) (1.22) (1.22)

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

in Thousand Euros (if not stated otherwise)



Year ended 31 December 2024 2023 Net loss for the period (44,654) (32,564) Components of other comprehensive income (OCI)

items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss: Remeasurements of defined benefit plans (105) (356) Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Currency translation adjustments (34) (64) Total other comprehensive income/(loss)-net of tax (138) (420) Total comprehensive income (44,792) (32,984) Attributable to Sequana Medical shareholders (44,792) (32,984)

Consolidated balance sheet

in Thousand Euros (if not stated otherwise)



As at 31 December 2024 2023 ASSETS Property, plant and equipment 1,774 2,316 Financial Assets 104 100 Other non-current assets 1,649 1,388 Total non-current assets 3,527 3,805 Trade receivables - 43 Other receivables and prepaid expenses 563 1,373 Inventory 2,046 2,296 Cash and cash equivalents 3,807 2,584 Total current assets 6,417 6,296 Total assets 9,944 10,101 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Share capital 4,604 2,926 Share premium 201,565 185,644 Reserves (721) (2,896) Loss brought forward (250,676) (206,022) Cumulative translation adjustment 849 882 Total equity (44,379) (19,465) Long term financial debts - 8,969 Long term lease debts 358 464 Retirement benefit obligation 754 668 Total non-current liabilities 1,112 10,101 Short term financial debts 39,698 7,818 Short term lease debts 55 269 Other current financial liabilities 7,387 2,767 Trade payables and contract liabilities 1,889 2,907 Other payables 1,693 2,257 Accrued liabilities and provisions 2,488 3,448 Total current liabilities 53,211 19,466 Total equity and liabilities 9,944 10,101

Consolidated statement of cash flows

in Thousand Euros (if not stated otherwise)



Year ended 31 December 2024 2023 Net loss for the period (44,654) (32,564) Income tax expense 280 466 Financial result 26,203 3,271 Depreciation 615 661 Change in defined benefit plan (7) (50) Share-based compensation (179) 564 Changes in trade and other receivables 592 (543) Changes in inventories 211 483 Changes in trade and other payables/provisions (2,948) (905) Taxes paid (371) (446) Cash flow used in operating activities (20,258) (29,063) Investments in tangible fixed assets (95) (711) Investments in financial assets (5) (11) Cash flow used in investing activities (100) (721) Proceeds from capital increase 11,665 15,786 (Repayments) from leasing debts (472) (414) (Repayments) from financial debts (158) (982) Proceeds from financial debts 10,682 - Interest paid (162) (929) Cash flow from financing activities 21,555 13,461 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,197 (16,324) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 2,584 18,875 Net effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents 26 33 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 3,807 2,584

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

in Thousand Euros (if not stated otherwise) Share capital Share premium Reserves Loss brought forward Currency translation differences Total shareholder equity Balance at 1 January 2023 2,460 170,324 (2,426) (173,458) 946 (2,153) Net loss for the period (32,564) (32,564) Other comprehensive income (356) (64) (420) April 2023 Equity Placement 461 15,320 15,780 Capital increase 10/23 5 0 6 Transaction costs for equity instruments (678) (678) Share-based compensation 564 564 Balance at 31 December 2023 2,926 185,644 (2,896) (206,022) 882 (19,465) Balance at 1 January 2024 2,926 185,644 (2,896) (206,022) 882 (19,465) Net loss for the period (44,654) (44,654) Other comprehensive income (105) (34) (138) March 2024 Equity Placement 794 10,706 11,500 Capital increase convertible loans to shares 824 5,108 2,853 8,785 Capital increases RSU and Retention shares 59 106 165 Transaction costs for equity instruments (393) (393) Share-based compensation (179) (179) Balance at 31 December 2024 4,604 201,565 (721) (250,676) 849 (44,379)

1 Based on US market assessment conducted by highly experienced international consulting group

2 as defined by subjective physical health (assessed by SF-36 PCS) and ascites symptoms (assessed by Ascites Q)

3 Data on file; statements from "The Effects of alfapump on Ascites Control and Quality of Life in Patients with Cirrhosis and Recurrent or Refractory Ascites" American Journal of Gastroenterology [January 2025]

4 Tan HK, James PD, Wong F. Albumin may prevent the morbidity of paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction in cirrhosis and refractory ascites: A pilot study. Dig Dis Sci 2016;61:3084-3092; b) Salerno F, Camma C, Enea M, Rossle M, Wong F. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for refractory ascites: a meta-analysis of individual patient data. Gastroenterology 2007;133:825-834.

5 EBIT is defined as revenue less cost of goods sold and operating expenses.

6 Net debt is calculated by adding short-term, long-term financial and lease debt and deducting cash and cash equivalents

7 The components of working capital are inventory + trade receivables + other receivables and prepaid expenses - trade payables - other payables - accrued liabilities and provisions.

8 Data reported in press release of March 25, 2024; mean increase of 326% in six-hour urinary sodium excretion at 3 months follow up vs baseline, and 95% reduction of loop diuretics over same period

Attachments
Tecan publishes agenda for the Annual General Meeting 2025

Board of Directors will propose the re-election of seven current members

Karen Huebscher will not be standing for re-election

Myra Eskes, Christa Kreuzburg and Daniel R. Marshak proposed for re-election to the Compensation Committee

Report of non-financial matters submitted for approval for the first time with an audit certificate

Proposal for a stable dividend of CHF 3.00 per share, reflectingsolid cash flows and ongoing positive business outlook





Mannedorf, Switzerland, March 18, 2025 - The Tecan Group (SIX Swiss Exchange: TECN) today published the agenda of the Annual General Meeting on April 10, 2025.

Karen Huebscher, who has served as a member of the Board of Directors since 2012, has decided not to stand for re-election. Lukas Braunschweiler, Chairman of the Board of Directors, commented:

I would like to express my gratitude to Karen Huebscher, also on behalf of the entire Board of Directors, for her years of dedicated service and the valuable contributions she made to Tecan's growth and development.

All other current members of the Board of Directors will be proposed to the shareholders for re-election for a one-year term: Myra Eskes, Oliver Fetzer, Matthias Gillner, Christa Kreuzburg, Monica Manotas, Daniel R. Marshak, and Lukas Braunschweiler as Chair.

The Board of Directors proposes the re-election of Myra Eskes, Christa Kreuzburg, and Daniel R. Marshak to the Compensation Committee. Subject to her re-election, it is planned that Myra Eskes will take over the Chair of the Compensation Committee from Christa Kreuzburg. Oliver Fetzer will not continue as a member of the committee.

Sustainability reporting developed further

For the second time, a report on non-financial matters will be submitted to Tecan's shareholders for approval at this year's Annual General Meeting. This report, published as part of the Annual Report 2024 on March 12, 2025, underwent a limited assurance audit by Ernst & Young AG, Zurich, for the first time, focusing on selected indicators. The audit certificate marks an important step in the advancement of Tecan's sustainability reporting, ensuring additional transparency and commitment.

Proposal for a stable dividend

Based on the solid cash flows for the full year 2024 and on the basis of an ongoing positive business outlook, the Board of Directors will propose an unchanged dividend of CHF 3.00 per share. Half of the dividend, i.e., CHF 1.50, will again be paid out from the available capital contribution reserve and is therefore not subject to withholding tax.

Key upcoming dates

A Q1 Qualitative Update will be published on May 12, 2025.

The 2025 Interim Report will be published on August 12, 2025.

A Q3 Qualitative Update will be published on October 13, 2025.





About Tecan

Tecan (www.tecan.com) improves people's lives and health by empowering customers to scale healthcare innovation globally from life science to the clinic. Tecan is a pioneer and global leader in laboratory automation. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Tecan is also a leader in developing and manufacturing OEM instruments, components and medical devices that are then distributed by partner companies. Founded in Switzerland in 1980, the company has 3,300 employees, with manufacturing, research and development sites in Europe, North America and Asia, and maintains a sales and service network in over 70 countries. In 2024, Tecan generated sales of CHF 934 million (USD 1,062 million; EUR 984 million). Registered shares of Tecan Group are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (TECN; ISIN CH0012100191).

For further information:

Tecan Group

Martin Brandle

Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications & IR

Tel. +41

www.tecan.com

Attachment
ATLAS supports the decision to modernize Board

ATLAS welcomes SES's strengthened commitment to increased shareholder returns and capital discipline

ATLAS will continue to work with management and stakeholders to increase shareholder value

ATLAS Infrastructure ("ATLAS") is a specialist listed infrastructure investor managing funds on behalf of long-term infrastructure clients. ATLAS's actively managed accounts currently hold in aggregate a greater than 10% voting interest and 12.5% economic interest in SES S.A ("SES" or the "Company").

ATLAS supports the decision from the SES Board of Directors ("the Board") to further strengthen Company governance through a modernisation of the Board structure and composition. Introducing further capital markets experience into a reduced Board of 9 increases alignment of stakeholder interests. ATLAS looks forward to continuing its engagement with the Board, the Nomination Committee and other Significant Stakeholders to assist with finding the best possible candidate during the upcoming selection process.

Further, ATLAS welcomes the decision by the Board to endorse Shareholder Resolution 22 ("Resolution on Capital Return to Shareholders") at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. The Board's strengthened commitment to prioritize the return to shareholders of at least a majority of future exceptional cashflows will enhance capital allocation discipline and help reduce the company's discount to its intrinsic value.

"We see SES as a critical component of Europe's Sovereign secure communications infrastructure and well positioned to capitalise on the significant growth in demand for digital infrastructure services and capabilities. We believe that SES is currently trading at a substantial discount to fair value, at least partly as a result of concerns over capital allocation. We strongly encourage all shareholders to support Resolution 22 which strengthens the capital return imperative while maintaining Management's flexibility to capitalize on current growth opportunities."

Rod Chisholm, Partner

ATLAS looks forward to continuing its engagement with the Board, Management and other Significant Shareholders on this topic.

Further information about ATLAS can be found here: www.atlasinfrastructure.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318107495/en/

Contacts:

For more information regarding this release please contact ATLAS Infrastructure at: info@atlasinfrastructure.com
LONDON , March 18, 2025, highlights the failings in funding urgent climate action and explores how investment migration can unlock vital resources for climate resilience in the world's most at-risk nations.

The CVF, an international organization of 70 climate-vulnerable countries representing 1.75 billion people - 20% of the global population - accounts for just 6% of global emissions yet faces the most severe impacts of climate breakdown. By 2030, these nations will require an estimated USD 500 billion annually to fund climate action, development, and nature preservation.

As CVF Secretary-General and former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, points out in the Citizenship by Investment: Sustainable Climate Finance for Governmentsreport, global climate finance remains sluggish, restrictive, and largely inaccessible to those who need it most. "While wealthy nations delay climate action and funding commitments, frontline countries are left fighting for survival. The international financial system is failing us, and we need bold solutions to shift the balance of power in climate finance. Over the past two decades, CVF countries have already lost 20% of their potential GDP growth due to climate impacts. We cannot rely on charity from industrialized nations. Urgent initiatives are needed to ensure direct and immediate access to climate finance."

Mobilizing private capital for climate resilience

Through its globally leading international government advisory practice, Henley & Partners has been providing strategic consulting to countries on the development, implementation, and management of investment-based residenceand citizenshipprograms. To date, the firm has facilitated over USD 15 billion in foreign direct investment in many states. Its most recent initiative led to the establishment of the first climate-related citizenship investment program, the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.

Commenting in the report, H.E. Hon. David W.R. Adeang, M.P., President of the Republic of Nauru, says "our program funds critical resilience initiatives - from coastal reinforcement to modernized water management and sustainable food production. Similar models have strengthened climate resilience in small island states like Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda, but Nauru's is the first to put climate adaptation at its core. The innovations we implement against rising seas can help shape global strategies for resilience."

According to the UN, Small Island Developing Statesin climate-related losses over the past five decades, despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions, and the financial burden on these nations is further exacerbated by a USD 34 billionclimate adaptation finance gap. Compounding these challenges, 70%of SIDS exceed sustainable debt levels, and climate disaster damages in these regions have surged by 90% from 2011 to 2022.

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, says "by mobilizing international investment, we can provide immediate, non-debt funding for climate resilience projects, offering a crucial financial lifeline for vulnerable nations while enabling investors to support global climate action. Rethinking how private wealth and capital intersects with public financing needs is key to bridging the climate finance gap."

From sovereign debt to sovereign equity

The report outlines how investment migration programs can be structured to create Investment Migration Resilience Funds (IMRFs) that channel private capital into critical climate resilience projects without increasing national debt. By linking these programs with natural capital endowment trusts, countries can secure sustainable revenue streams to finance coastal protection, carbon offset initiatives, and the expansion of the blue economy. Successful models of this approach include leveraging blue bonds, eco-tourism, and carbon credit markets to generate funds for climate adaptation and economic diversification.

Henley & Partners' Chief Economist Jean Paul Fabriexplains how, "effective IMRFs will operate like sovereign wealth funds, aimed at reducing economic fluctuations, funding long-term sustainability initiatives, and providing a financial cushion against climate and economic challenges. However, they differ from traditional models by incorporating climate finance, risk management, and economic development into their governance."

"For too long, climate-vulnerable nations have been told to adapt, cope, and endure - as if resilience were simply an act of will, rather than a matter of investment," insists Sara Jane Ahmed, Managing Director of CVF and V20 Finance Advisor at the CVF-V20 Secretariat. "By funding climate resilience, the world is not just aiding at-risk nations - it is unlocking markets, strengthening economies, and shaping a shared future. The future belongs not to those who wait, but to those bold enough to build it."

Read the Full Press Release

Media Contact: Sarah Nicklin

Group Head of PR

sarah.nicklin@henleyglobal.com

+27 72 464 8965
ZURICH, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) proudly presents the EAACI Congress 2025, set to take place June 13-16 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. This year's theme, "Breaking Boundaries in Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology: Integrating Planetary Health for a Sustainable Future," highlights the critical link between environmental changes and allergic diseases.

Scientific Excellence & Global Collaboration

Bringing together leading experts from across the world, EAACI Congress 2025 is the premier event for networking and collaboration in allergy and immunology. Delegates can expect cutting-edge research presentations, interactive sessions, and invaluable opportunities to connect with peers shaping the future of the field. Visit the scientific programme to learn more.

Premier Venue & Registration Details

The congress will be hosted at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), the UK's largest integrated conference and exhibition centre. Located in the heart of Glasgow, SEC offers state-of-the-art facilities and an engaging atmosphere for scientific exchange.

Glasgow, a vibrant city on the banks of the River Clyde, is known for its striking architecture, contemporary art scene, and renowned music venues, providing the perfect setting for this landmark event.

Standard registration fees are available until April 18th, with tailored rates for EAACI members, non-members, seniors, juniors, students, nurses, and lab technicians-ensuring accessibility for all professionals in the field.

Industry Activities & Exhibition

The EAACI Congress 2025 offers an exclusive platform for industry leaders to showcase innovations in allergy and immunology. The exhibition area will feature cutting-edge products and therapies, fostering interaction between delegates and industry partners through dynamic presentations and engaging activities.

Special Highlight: Allergy Run 2025

An exciting feature of the congress is the Allergy Run 2025, a community event promoting awareness of allergy, asthma, and immunology while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Stay tuned for details on how to participate!

Registration & More Information

Visit the EAACI Congress 2025 websiteto explore the full program and secure your spot. Follow EAACI on social media for the latest updates.

About EAACI

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Contact: communications@eaaci.org

+41 44 205 55 33

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/26f65a77-9d14-450a-ae0f-52c3f689ffb4
KALMAR CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 18 MARCH 2025 AT 10.00 (EET)

Kalmar and APM Terminals continue collaboration with large order for straddle carrier fleet modernisation at MedPort Tangier

Kalmar has signed an agreement with APM Terminals to modernise 32 Kalmar straddle carriersoperating at MedPort Tangier in Morocco. The large order was booked in Kalmar's Q1 2025 order intake, with the modernisation programme scheduled to begin in Q2 2025 and be completed by the end of Q1 2026.

Opened in 2019, APM Terminals MedPort Tangier is a transshipment terminal located at the Tanger Med 2 port complex. The terminal serves the major shipping routes between Europe, Africa, the Americas and the Far East and complements the APM Terminals Tangier facility at the Tanger Med 1 port complex.

The modernisation comprises a midlife refurbishment programme delivered underKalmar Modernisation Servicesoffering. The programme will extend the operational service life of the equipment, enhancing safety and optimising performance, productivity and reliability.

Keld Pedersen, Managing Director, West Med Hub Terminals, APM Terminals: "Our partnership with Kalmar at MedPort Tangier has gone from strength to strength, and our Kalmar straddle carrier fleet has played a key role in the advancement of the terminal. The comprehensive modernisation programme supports our commitment to continuous improvement and world-class customer service."

Thomas Malmborg, President, Kalmar Services: "We are delighted to continue our long-term collaboration with APM Terminals at MedPort Tangier. Reliability, safety and productivity are the hallmarks of Kalmar equipment, and this modernisation programme will ensure that the straddle carrier fleet continues to add value for APM Terminals for many years to come."

Further information for the press:

Thomas Malmborg, President, Kalmar Services, thomas.malmborg@kalmarglobal.com

Maija Eklof, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Dealer Management and Customer Insight, Kalmar, tel. +358 20 777 4096, maija.eklof@kalmarglobal.com

Kalmar







Attachments
Co-founded by Dr. Marco Colonna, a global expert in neuroimmunology and Alzheimer's research

Led by CEO Gabriella Camboni, an eminent serial entrepreneur with a track record of successful biotech ventures

BioClec, a cutting-edge biotechnology company focused on breakthrough therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD), announces its launch today. Emerging from Sofinnova Partners' 165M Biovelocita II accelerator program, BioClec is developing novel therapies targeting microglia, the brain's immune cells, to treat Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. AD, which affects millions worldwide, progressively impairs memory and cognitive functions, ultimately depriving patients of their ability to perform daily activities.

"Microglia are central to brain health, and by targeting them, we aim to revolutionize the treatment of Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Marco Colonna, BioClec's scientific founder and Professor of Pathology Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "We are pioneering a new frontier in neurodegenerative disease treatment, building on cutting-edge research to reshape the future of treatments for AD."

BioClec is supported by Sofinnova Partners' biotech acceleration fund, Biovelocita II. Still in its discovery phase, BioClec is focused on developing disease-modifying interventions that target a novel microglial pathway in Alzheimer's. The company is dedicated to addressing the urgent unmet medical needs of AD patients globally.

"Turning groundbreaking research into real-world therapies requires scientific excellence and strong collaboration," said Gabriella Camboni, CEO of BioClec and Partner at Sofinnova Partners. "BioClec sits at the intersection of discovery and patient impact, and we are committed to driving this transformative innovation forward."

Headquartered in Italy, BioClec strengthens Sofinnova's growing presence in the region and its commitment to neuroscience and biotech innovation.

About BioClec

Headquartered in Italy, BioClec is a biotechnology company developing pioneering innovative therapies for Alzheimer's disease. Focused on advancing breakthrough treatments, the company targets microglia, a critical immune cell population in the brain. BioClec is poised to make a significant impact on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, addressing the urgent unmet medical needs of patients worldwide.

About Sofinnova Partners

Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage.

Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners manages over 4 billion in assets. For more information, please visit: sofinnovapartners.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318164683/en/

Contacts:

BioClec

Gabriella Camboni

CEO

info@bioclec.com



Sofinnova Partners

Bommy Lee

Head of Communications

blee@sofinnovapartners.com

+33 (0) 6 47 71 38 11
Signadori Bio, a novel cell therapy platform, emerges from collaboration with scientific founders Dr. Jean-Luc Perfettini and Professor Nathalie Chaput

Sofinnova Partners, a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, in collaboration with Gustave Roussy, Europe's leading cancer center, announces the creation of their first pioneering biotech company.

Signadori Bio, developed with scientific founders Dr. Jean-Luc Perfettini and Professor Nathalie Chaput, is a breakthrough cell therapy platform focused on transforming cancer treatment. This milestone marks a significant achievement in their strategic partnership, aimed at accelerating biotech innovation through rigorous evaluation and development of scientific research.

Since the partnership's inception in 2023, it has rigorously evaluated 50 promising projects. This has culminated in the creation of a groundbreaking biotech venture in the cell and gene space that is set to advance innovative approaches in oncology. More information will be released as the company comes out of stealth later this year. Additionally, several other promising projects are in the pipeline, showcasing the immense potential for future breakthroughs in cancer therapeutics.

"With cancer on the rise, particularly among younger populations, it's critical that we fast-track the most promising scientific breakthroughs into tomorrow's treatments. This partnership is a powerful example of how academia and investors can work together to drive innovation through new companies," said Professor Fabrice Barlesi, General Director of Gustave Roussy. "Gustave Roussy is at the forefront of cancer discovery. With Sofinnova's expertise in company creation, we are now able to quickly translate these innovations into real-world therapies to benefit patients worldwide."

Matthieu Coutet, Partner at Sofinnova Partners and CEO of Signadori Bio, added: "Turning cutting-edge research into biotech success stories requires more than financing or scientific excellence-it demands the right ecosystem. By combining Gustave Roussy's research power with Sofinnova's proven ability to build and scale biotech ventures, we're creating a direct path from lab to the clinic."

As these ventures progress, Sofinnova Partners and its academic collaborators remain committed to fostering the next generation of biotech companies and driving innovation in cancer therapeutics. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by Sofinnova's Biovelocita II-a 165M biotech acceleration fund dedicated to identifying and developing cutting-edge scientific advancements from top institutes like Gustave Roussy. This effort is undertaken in close collaboration with the institute's technology transfer office, Gustave Roussy Transfert.

About Sofinnova Partners

Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage.

Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners manages over 4 billion in assets. For more information, please visit: sofinnovapartners.com.

About Gustave Roussy

Ranked by Newsweek magazine as the leading European Cancer Centre and fourth in the world, Gustave Roussy is a centre with comprehensive expertise and is devoted entirely to patients suffering with cancer. The Institute is a founding member of the Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster. It is a source of diagnostic and therapeutic advances. It caters for almost 50,000 patients per year, including 3,500 children and adolescents, and its approach is one that integrates research, patient care and teaching. It is specialized in the treatment of rare cancers and complex tumors and it treats all cancers in patients of any age. Its care is personalized and combines the most advanced medical methods with an appreciation of the patient's human requirements. In addition to the quality of treatment offered, the physical, psychological and social aspects of the patient's life are respected. 4,100 professionals work on its two campuses: Villejuif and Chevilly-Larue. Gustave Roussy brings together the skills that are essential for the highest quality research in oncology: 40% of patients treated are included in clinical studies. For further information: www.gustaveroussy.fr/en.

About Gustave Roussy Transfert

Created in 2000, Gustave Roussy Transfert is Gustave Roussy's subsidiary dedicated to the development and transfer of technologies. Its missions are (1) to create and identify innovations from all the research teams based at Gustave Roussy, (2) to set up and monitor translational partnerships involving Gustave Roussy, and (3) to source, promote and support Gustave Roussy's entrepreneurial projects.

Gustave Roussy and Sofinnova Partners announce the creation of a pioneering biotech company and unveil several promising projects.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318787787/en/

Contacts:

Sofinnova Partners

Bommy Lee

Head of Communications

blee@sofinnovapartners.com

+33 (0) 6 47 71 38 11



Gustave Roussy

Claire Parisel

claire.parisel@gustaveroussy.fr

+33 (0) 6 17 66 00 26



Media inquiries:

United Kingdom

Optimum Strategic Communications

Hana Malik

sofinnova@optimumcomms.com

+44 (0) 20 3922 0900



France

Strategies&Image (S&I)

Anne Rein

anne.rein@strategiesimage.com

+33 (0) 6 03 35 92 05



Italy

Havas PR Milan

Pierluigi Cavarai

pierluigi.cavaraiext@havaspr.com

+39 (0) 392 77 999 33
LONDON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tech Mahindra (NSE: TECHM), a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, announced an expanded long-term strategic partnership with Google Cloud to boost the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and lead digital transformation for enterprises globally. The partnership will enable Tech Mahindra to help enterprises worldwide achieve agility, scalability, and sustainable growth through cutting-edge technologies.

The partnership will combine Tech Mahindra's deep domain expertise with Google Cloud's powerful AI capabilities, including Google's Gemini models, AI development platform, and agentic AI technology to develop industry-specific solutions for sectors such as communications, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing, automotive, retail, and financial services. Together, Tech Mahindra and Google Cloud will help enterprises modernize their infrastructure and data architecture while optimizing the return on investment from their AI-powered cloud solutions.

Atul Soneja, Chief Operating Officer, Tech Mahindra, said, "AI's promise is undeniable, yet enterprises face significant challenges in its adoption, from ensuring compliance to driving tangible outcomes. Our expanded partnership with Google Cloud reinforces our commitment to scaling AI adoption responsibly by co-creating tailored solutions powered by Agentic AI. These solutions will empower businesses to navigate operational complexities, enhance efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities while adhering to evolving regulatory standards."

Through the enhanced partnership, both organizations will help enterprises realize the full potential of AI for business transformation and growth. The partnership will accelerate the time-to-market for new AI-driven solutions, providing customers with early access to emerging technologies. Additionally, Tech Mahindra has made substantial investments in talent upskilling and advanced delivery capabilities to enhance its partnership with Google Cloud.

Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem & Channels, Google Cloud, said, "Maximizing value from AI investments requires two things: advanced agent-building technology and deep industry expertise. Our partnership with Tech Mahindra will provide customers with the managed services needed to successfully build and deploy AI agents with Google Cloud's leading AI development platform."

The expanded partnership with Google Cloud further strengthens Tech Mahindra's position as a leading provider of innovative AI and cloud solutions, ensuring efficient solution deployment while maximizing the resources available. To support this, Tech Mahindra has established dedicated delivery centers in Guadalajara and Mexico. These centers focus on providing Google Cloud-centric solutions and assisting customers in modernizing their infrastructure. Tech Mahindra is a premier systems integrator Google Cloud Partner with 2000+ certified resources and 10,000+ trained engineers deployed across 75+ programs globally.

For more information on how TechM can partner with you to meet your Scale at Speed imperatives, please visit https://www.techmahindra.com

Our Social Media Channels: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube

For more information on Tech Mahindra, please contact: media.relations@techmahindra.com

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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ministers from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific have recommitted to exploring collaborative opportunities to accelerate a just and equitable energy transition. At two Ministerial gatherings at the SEforALL Global Forum, ministers from 28 countries also spoke of advancing climate resilience for populations in the Global South.

The Ministerial for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) saw Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, represented, and emphasised the need for urgent mobilization of climate finance to support energy transition and climate resilience agendas. The Call to Action endorsed by the ministers highlighted the need for ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans, equitable distribution of climate finance allocations, enhanced local capacity and job opportunities, and accelerated deployment of innovative technological solutions across SIDS. Further, the SIDS ministerial embraced the need for strengthening international collaboration, setting the stage for impactful participation at COP30 in Brazil

The Global Ministerial underscored the importance of enhanced global cooperation to support the growing energy needs in developing countries while addressing climate vulnerability. The ministers present endorsed the Just and Inclusive Energy Transition Principles formulated by the G20 led by the Presidency of Brazil in 2024 and released a global communique that aims to accelerate a just and inclusive energy transition that is able to leverage development finance, multilateral and bilateral, to advance actions that are in line with domestic developmental goals and global shared commitments as enshrined in the Paris Agreement. The communique also reiterated the commitments made by African heads of state in the Dar es Salaam Declaration made at the African Energy Summit in January 2025 to implement Mission 300, the initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

The ministers recognized the energy transition plans championed by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) as essential drivers of investment. These tools continue to offer strategic roadmaps for countries, highlighting opportunities for sustainable growth and energy infrastructure development.

Quotes

'The two ministerials highlight the importance of working together to bridge energy access gaps, fostering economic development, and ensuring that the energy transitions in developing nations align with global climate goals under the Paris Agreement. We now need to move from commitments to action, creating lasting change globally.'

Senator the Hon. Lisa Cummins, the Chair of the SIDS Ministerial and Co-Chair of the Global Ministerial, Minister for Energy and Business for Barbados

'The pledges made here today speak to the growing consensus on the need to ensure that the energy transition takes into account the needs of every nation to achieve energy access, participate in economic development and secure opportunities to participate in diversified supply chains. I am pleased to see that it also builds on our commitments made at the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam and implementing Mission 300.'

Hon. Wale Edun, the Co-Chair of the Global Ministerial, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance for Nigeria

'We need to work together to accelerate progress across the world on energy, climate and development. The pledges made today will go a long way in helping us close energy access gaps especially in Africa and Asia, accelerate the clean energy transition and spur greater national commitments through more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).'

Damilola Ogunbiyi is the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (UN SRSG) for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy

'Pakistan's clean energy ambitions are not just about sustainability, they are a promise to future generations for a greener, more resilient nation powered by innovation and responsibility. This is why we fully endorse the global communique to enhance greater international cooperation to transition to cleaner energy sources.'

Mr. Muhammed Ali, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan

'Fiji stands on the frontlines of climate change, not by choice, but by consequence. Our survival depends on the world's commitment to urgent and bold action. The pledges made today will set the stage for impactful participation by small island states at COP30 in Brazil later in the year.'

Amb. Amena Yauvoli, Ambassador to Indonesia, High Commissioner to Singapore and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, Republic of Fiji

'Renewables-based energy transitions can be a powerful equaliser in the world. We must see the energy transitions from different angles, to capture its profound impact on the established socio-economic, technological, and geopolitical trends around the world. The SIDS Call to Action is particularly welcome, as it will strengthen national and regional institutions to accelerate renewable energy and energy efficiency in these small island nations.'

Francesco La Camera, the Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

'To combat climate change and accelerate clean energy, we must scale up climate investment funds and turn ambition into impact. The Climate Investment Funds is available to emerging and developing countries to accelerate climate action by empowering transformations in clean technology, energy access, climate resilience, and sustainable development.'

Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF)

For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:

Sherry Kennedy, Communications Director, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)

T: +43 676 846 727 237 E: Sherry.Kennedy@SEforALL.org

Notes to Editors

About SEforALL

Sustainable Energy for All is an independent organization, hosted by UNOPS, with a global mandate to accelerate progress on the energy transition in emerging and developing countries. We work at the intersection of energy, climate, and development. We collaborate with governments and partners worldwide to end energy poverty, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy solutions, and combat climate change. Our vision is a world where everyone, everywhere, can lead a dignified life on a healthy planet, powered by sustainable energy. We promote this vision by pushing for higher ambitions, stronger policies, greater finance flows, increased localization and green jobs, and faster results toward an energy transition that leaves no one behind. For more information, visit seforall.org

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2642897/Sustainable_Energy_for_All.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2007953/5218989/Sustainable_Energy_for_All_Logo.jpg

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Landesbank Baden-Wurttemberg - Pre-Stabilisation Period Announcement

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 18

18 March 2025

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

NRW / ISIN DE000NRW0PN7

Pre-stabilisation Period Announcement

Landesbank Baden-Wurttemberg (contact: Lea-Marie Reich; telephone: +4971112727091) hereby gives notice, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilisation Manager(s) named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU/596/2014).

Securities

Issuer: The GERMAN STATE OF NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA (LAND NRW), rated Aa1 (Moody's, stable), AA (S&P, negative), AAA (FITCH, stable), AAA (Scope, stable) Guarantor(s) (if any): - Aggregate nominal amount: EUR Benchmark (current o/s EUR 1bn) Description: Tap of the outstanding 2.7%, 5th September 2034 bond, RegS, Bearer, off the Issuer's Debt Issuance ProgrammeListing: Dusseldorf (regulated market) Offer price: [XX.XXX] Other offer terms: NA

Stabilisation:

Stabilisation Manager(s): BNP / ING / LBBW / Morgan Stanley / UniCredit Stabilisation period expected to start on: 18 March 2025 Stabilisation period expected to end no later than: 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility: The Stabilisation Manager(s) may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law Stabilisation trading venue(s): Over the counter (OTC)

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time. Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

This announcement and the offer of the securities to which it relates are only addressed to and directed at persons outside the United Kingdom and persons in the United Kingdom who have professional experience in matters related to investments or who are high net worth persons within Article 12(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in the United Kingdom.

If and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, any EEA Member State before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation") (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in that Member State.

This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States.
Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - F3 Uranium Corp (TSXV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) ("F3" or "the Company") is pleased to release initial scintillometer results from the ongoing winter drill programs at the PLN and Broach Properties including drilling at JR Zone, B1, and the PW Area. At Broach Lake a new prospective area "PW" is emerging, where exploration drillhole PLN25-202 encountered six distinct zones of anomalous radioactivity, with readings ranging between 300 cps and 720 cps over a 90m downhole interval. At JR Zone, PLN25-200 returned mineralization over 20.0m, including 2.25m of high grade (>10,000 cps) containing 0.68m of off-scale mineralization (>65,535 cps).

2025 Handheld Spectrometer Highlights:

PLN: JR Zone

PLN25-198 (line 090S):

6.5m interval with mineralization between 214.5 and 223.0m, including 0.20m high-grade radioactivity (> 10,000 cps) between 220.65 and 220.85m, and

interval with mineralization between 214.5 and 223.0m, including 1.5m interval with mineralization between 228.5 and 230.0m

PLN25-200 (line 045S):

1.0m interval with mineralization between 229.0 and 230.0m, and

interval with mineralization between 229.0 and 230.0m, and 19.0m interval with mineralization between 233.0 and 252.0m, including 2.25m high-grade composite radioactivity (> 10,000 cps) between 236.0 and 238.75m

interval with mineralization between 233.0 and 252.0m, including

Broach Lake: PW Area

PLN25-202 (line 11325S):

0.5m interval with radioactivity between 272.5 and 273.0m, and

interval with radioactivity between 272.5 and 273.0m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 275.5 and 276.0m, and

interval with radioactivity between 275.5 and 276.0m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 296.0 and 296.5m, and

interval with radioactivity between 296.0 and 296.5m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 321.0 and 321.5m, and

interval with radioactivity between 321.0 and 321.5m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 359.5 and 360.0m, and

interval with radioactivity between 359.5 and 360.0m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 362.5 and 363.0m

B1 Conductor:

PLN25-196 (line 2835S):

0.5m interval with radioactivity between 336.5 and 367.0m

Sam Hartmann, Vice President Exploration, commented:

"The 'PW' area, situated on the Broach Property approximately 12 kilometers south of the JR Zone, lies just within the Athabasca Basin and represents a region with minimal historical exploration and drilling activity. No previously defined conductors had been identified in this area, largely due to the presence of a thick layer of conductive Cretaceous mudstone from the Manville Group, which locally reaches thicknesses of nearly 100 meters. Recognizing the potential of this challenging but underexplored region, we conducted a specifically designed MLTDEM ground survey (see NR February 11) which has just been completed by Abitibi Geophysics. This approach successfully delineated a number of basement-hosted conductors on the survey lines interpreted so far with lines L3200N to L4400N still outstanding (see Map 2), overcoming the interference posed by the conductive mudstones. Drillhole PLN25-202 was collared based on an initial interpretation and conductor model on L1600N, and intersected strongly altered basement lithologies, encountering six distinct radioactive intercepts across a 90-meter downhole interval. Data from this drillhole was subsequently re-integrated back into the electromagnetic (EM) model - which resulted in a lateral shift of the conductor model by approximately 100 meters. This adjustment suggests that PLN25-202 overshot the intended target yet - still encountered significant alteration and structures along with radioactivity. A follow-up drillhole is scheduled and planned to step back by approximately 100 meters to better intersect the refined target, which lies in a distinct circular gravity anomaly. While the PW Area is still in its early stages of exploration, we are highly encouraged by these strong initial results, and intend to conduct further drilling in the area before shifting focus back to the JR Zone toward the conclusion of the winter season."

Map 1. Patterson Lake North - JR Zone 2025 Scintillometer Results

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/244920_f088d21f648b2b38_002full.jpg

Map 2. Broach Lake - PW Area 2025 Scintillometer Results

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/244920_f088d21f648b2b38_003full.jpg

Table 1. Drill Hole Summary and Handheld Spectrometer Results

Collar Information

* Hand-held Spectrometer Results On Mineralized Drillcore (>300 cps / >0.5m minimum)



Hole ID Section Line

Easting Northing Elevation

Az Dip From

(m)

To

(m) Interval (m) Max CPS Athabasca Unconformity Depth (m) Total Drillhole Depth (m)

PLN25-196 2835S 589265.0 6408368.2 537.9 54.1 -67.3 366.50 367.00 0.50 390 178.4 497 PLN25-197 030S 587776.2 6410760.2 546.4 55.1 -70.7 206.50 207.00 0.50 880 189.7 251













207.00 207.50 0.50 7,600

















207.50 208.00 0.50 9,700

















208.00 208.50 0.50 5,100

















208.50 209.00 0.50 510

















209.00 209.50 0.50 360

















209.50 210.00 0.50 390

















210.00 210.50 0.50 350

















210.50 211.00 0.50 530

















211.00 211.50 0.50 1,100



PLN25-198 090S 587842.9 6410645.2 546.0 9.4 -64.9 214.50 215.00 0.50 330 191.7 299













215.00 215.50 0.50 460

















215.50 217.50 2.00 <300

















217.50 218.00 0.50 3,400

















218.00 218.50 0.50 2,200

















218.50 219.00 0.50 330

















219.00 219.50 0.50 340

















219.50 220.00 0.50 570

















220.00 220.50 0.50 450

















220.50 220.65 0.15 8,600

















220.65 220.85 0.20 22,100

















220.85 221.00 0.15 7,700

















221.00 221.50 0.50 8,100

















221.50 222.00 0.50 2,500

















222.00 222.50 0.50 4,900

















222.50 223.00 0.50 2,200

















228.50 229.00 0.50 310

















229.00 229.50 0.50 <300

















229.50 230.00 0.50 450



PLN25-199 010N 587693.2 6410748.1 545.2 54.9 -65.7 232.00 232.50 0.50 360 197.7 269













242.00 242.50 0.50 1,000

















242.50 243.00 0.50 2,900

















243.00 243.50 0.50 1,100



PLN25-200 045S 587730.9 6410712.4 545.2 53.4 -65.5 229.00 229.50 0.50 330

















229.50 230.00 0.50 360

















233.00 233.50 0.50 660

















233.50 234.00 0.50 720

















234.00 234.50 0.50 1,900

















234.50 235.00 0.50 4,900

















235.00 235.50 0.50 660

















235.50 236.00 0.50 9,600

















236.00 236.50 0.50 62,200

















236.50 237.00 0.50 13,400

















237.00 237.50 0.50 9,200

















237.50 237.65 0.15 58,200

















237.65 238.00 0.35 >65,535

















238.00 238.33 0.33 >65,535

















238.33 238.50 0.17 61,000

















238.50 238.75 0.25 22,300

















238.75 239.00 0.25 8,600

















239.00 239.50 0.50 8,400

















239.50 240.00 0.50 2,800

















240.00 240.50 0.50 5,700

















240.50 241.00 0.50 3,000

















241.00 241.50 0.50 5,400

















241.50 242.00 0.50 5,200

















242.00 242.50 0.50 5,100

















242.50 243.00 0.50 470

















243.00 244.00 1.00 <300

















244.00 244.50 0.50 320

















244.50 246.50 2.00 <300

















246.50 247.00 0.50 2,100

















247.00 247.50 0.50 740

















247.50 248.00 0.50 1,100

















248.00 248.50 0.50 480

















248.50 249.00 0.50 <300

















249.00 249.50 0.50 330

















249.50 250.00 0.50 740

















250.00 251.00 1.00 <300

















251.00 251.50 0.50 1,300

















251.50 252.00 0.50 2,100



PLN25-201 12510S 590064.4 6397263.8 568.9 45.9 -70.2 PW Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps n.a. 437 PLN25-202 11325S 589352.6 6397967.0 583.2 45.9 -63.3 272.50 273.00 0.50 330 171.6 464.5













275.50 276.00 0.50 300

















296.00 296.50 0.50 330

















321.00 321.50 0.50 320

















359.50 360.00 0.50 320

















362.50 363.00 0.50 720





Handheld spectrometer composite parameters:

1: Minimum Thickness of 0.5m

2: CPS Cut-Off of 300 counts per second

3: Maximum Internal Dilution of 2.0m

Image 1: Anomalous Radioactivity in PLN25-202

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/244920_f088d21f648b2b38_004full.jpg

The natural gamma radiation detected in the drill core, as detailed in this news release, was measured in counts per second (cps) using a handheld Radiation Solutions RS-125 spectrometer. The Company designates readings exceeding 300 cps on the handheld spectrometer (occasionally referred to as a scintillometer in industry parlance; this colloquial usage stems from historical naming conventions and the shared functionality of detecting gamma radiation with a scintillometer)-as "anomalous", readings above 10,000 cps as "high-grade", and readings surpassing 65,535 cps as "off-scale". However, readers are cautioned that spectrometer or scintillometer measurements often do not directly or consistently correlate with the uranium grades of the rock samples and should be regarded solely as a preliminary indicator of the presence of radioactive materials.

Samples from the drill core are split into half sections on site. Where possible, samples are standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample is sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK while the other half remains on site for reference. Analysis includes a 63 element suite including boron by ICP-OES, uranium by ICP-MS and gold analysis by ICP-OES and/or AAS.

The Company considers uranium mineralization with assay results of greater than 1.0 weight % U3O8 as "high grade" and results greater than 20.0 weight % U3O8 as "ultra-high grade".

All depth measurements reported are down-hole and true thicknesses are yet to be determined.

About the Patterson Lake North Project:

The Company's 42,961-hectare 100% owned Patterson Lake North Project (PLN) is located just within the south-western edge of the Athabasca Basin in proximity to Paladin's Triple R and NexGen Energy's Arrow high-grade uranium deposits, an area poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. The PLN Project consists of the 4,074-hectare Patterson Lake North Property, the 19,864-hectare Minto Property, and the 19,022-hectare Broach Property. All three properties comprising the PLN Project are accessed by Provincial Highway 955; the new JR Zone uranium discovery on the PLN property is located 23km northwest of Paladin's Triple R deposit.

Qualified Person:

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and approved on behalf of the company by Raymond Ashley, P.Geo., President & COO of F3 Uranium Corp, a Qualified Person. Mr. Ashley has verified the data disclosed.

About F3 Uranium Corp.:

F3 Uranium is a uranium exploration company, focusing on the recently discovered high-grade JR Zone on its Patterson Lake North (PLN) Project in the Western Athabasca Basin. F3 Uranium currently has 3 properties in the Athabasca Basin: Patterson Lake North, Minto, and Broach. The western side of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is home to some of the world's largest high grade uranium deposits including Paladin's Triple R and Nexgen's Arrow.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-Looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Dev Randhawa"

Dev Randhawa, CEO

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/244920

SOURCE: F3 Uranium Corp.
China urges G7 to do more things conducive to international cooperation

Xinhua) 11:12, March 18, 2025

BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- China urges the G7 to stop undermining China's sovereignty and interfering in China's internal affairs, and do more things conducive to international solidarity and cooperation, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.

Mao made the remarks when asked to comment on the Statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the G7 Foreign Ministers Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity, which made irresponsible remarks on Taiwan question and maritime issues, and expressed concerns over alleged provision of weapons and dual-use components to Russia by China, China's so-called overcapacity and military build-up, etc.

The joint statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting and their declaration are a deliberate mischaracterization of the facts and truth, which seek to vilify China and interfere in China's internal affairs, Mao said, noting that China strongly deplore and firmly reject that and have lodged serious protests with relevant countries.

"The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, which brooks no external interference. The situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. Freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea has never been an issue," said Mao, noting the G7 should stop sowing discord and provoking disputes.

China has all along been promoting talks for peace on the Ukraine issue, never provided lethal weapons to any party of the conflict and exercised strict export control over dual-use articles, she said, adding that China absolutely reject the G7's blame-shifting.

Mao said that China always maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security, and China's defense spending is necessary to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, which is open, transparent, reasonable and appropriate.

It is out-and-out double standards for the G7 to say nothing about the U.S.'s responsibility in disarmament and the risks of nuclear proliferation posed by AUKUS, and chooses to direct the issue at China instead, Mao said.

The so-called "Chinese overcapacity" narrative has been proved to be a false proposition, said Mao, urging G7 members to stop politicizing and weaponizing trade and economic ties and stop undermining the international economic order and destabilizing global industrial and supply chains.

China calls on the G7 to see the trend of history, discard the Cold War mentality and ideological bias, stop undermining China's sovereignty and interfering in China's internal affairs and stop stoking antagonism and bloc confrontation, Mao said.

Instead, she said, the G7 need to focus on major issues including addressing global challenges and promoting global development and do more things that are conducive to international solidarity and cooperation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
In collaboration with the Hellenic Medicines Verification Organisation (HMVO), Solidsoft Reply, a Reply Group company specialising in Microsoft Azure cloud-based enterprise solutions, has successfully integrated Greece's Hellenic Medicines Verification System (HMVS) within the European Hub, delivering the launch on schedule. This achievement enhances Greece's pharmaceutical landscape and protects its citizens from the growing threat of falsified medications.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318137690/en/

The HMVS now operates as part of the European Medicines Verification System (EMVS), a pan-national platform designed to prevent counterfeit medicines from entering the market and reaching patients. With this launch, Greece joins a growing network of 15 other fully operational and secure National Medicine Verification System (NMVS) platforms across Europe, powered by Solidsoft Reply.

The HMVS became fully operational in February 2025, connecting approximately 10,500 pharmacies, and 150 wholesalers across Greece. Critically, it also integrates with Greece's existing national reimbursement system. Solidsoft Reply worked closely with HMVO to ensure the system met Greece's regulatory, technological, and operational requirements, facilitating a smooth transition to full operation.

David Eccles, Partner at Solidsoft Reply, stated: "We are delighted to have assisted HMVO in meeting their critical deadline in just six months. The successful implementation of the HMVS ensures the safety and authenticity of medicines in Greece. Kudos to everyone who contributed to this achievement

Ioanna Kontomanolopoulou, General Manager at HMVO, commented: "This has been achieved with the strong support of the EMVO, and the help from our colleagues from other NMVOs, and our provider Solidsoft Reply We express our gratitude to all.

The HMVS now operates as part of the European Medicines Verification System (EMVS), a pan-national platform designed to prevent counterfeit medicines from entering the market and reaching patients. With this launch, Greece joins a growing network of 15 other fully operational and secure National Medicine Verification System (NMVS) platforms across Europe, powered by Solidsoft Reply.

This initiative underscores Solidsoft Reply's expanding role in healthcare systems integration across Europe, reaffirming its commitment to leveraging advanced technology to enhance patient safety, regulatory compliance, and the efficiency of pharmaceutical supply chains.

Reply

Reply [EXM, STAR: REY, ISIN: IT0005282865] specialises in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. As a network of highly specialised companies, Reply supports major European industrial groups in the telecom and media; industry and services; banking and insurance and public sectors in defining and developing business models enabled by the new paradigms of AI, cloud computing, digital media and the internet of things. Reply's services include: consulting, system integration and digital services. www.reply.com

Solidsoft Reply

Solidsoft Reply is a leading technology company creating award-winning solutions utilising the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. As a globally acclaimed Microsoft AI Cloud Solutions Partner, we specialise in GS1 traceability systems worldwide, crucially ensuring the authenticity, legality, and safety of our customers' products and services. Serving non-profits, NGOs, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industries, we deliver technology for positive social impact. Your products, safe in our hands.

Hellenic Medicines Verification Organisation (HMVO)

HMVO is a non-profit legal entity that will create, manage, operate, maintain, and oversee the "Greek Medicines Verification System" (HMVS). This initiative is in compliance with European Regulation 2016/161, which establishes detailed rules regarding the safety features displayed on the packaging of medicines for human use.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318137690/en/

Contacts:

Press contact:

Reply

Fabio Zappelli

f.zappelli@reply.com

Tel. +390117711594

Irene Caia

i.caia@reply.com

Tel. +39 02 535761
Record plc("Record", the "Company" or the "Group"), the specialist currency and alternative asset manager, is pleased to announce that Andreas Danzer will join as Group CIO, a newly created role, over the summer months. Andreas brings with him a wealth of valuable experience having overseen large investment teams managing institutional investment portfolios. Andreas is already highly familiar with Record and its approach to currency management, and Record is confident that all its clients will benefit from his perspective and insights. As part of his role, Andreas will travel widely to support the investment teams based across New York, London and Frankfurt as well as the Company's international client base.

Andreas has held a variety of senior positions in the investment sector, most recently as CIO of Pension Fund of Credit Suisse (Switzerland). Prior to that he oversaw the capital investment division of Asga Pensionskasse, where he was member of the executive board, after spending eight years as Head of Asset Management and Investment Committee Chair of Pension Fund of UBS. Earlier in his career, he spent several years at PUBLICA, the pension fund for Swiss public employees.

Following the appointment, Dr Jan Hendrik Witte, Record plc CEO, said:

"I am delighted that Andreas will soon join Record, allowing our clients and staff to benefit from his extensive institutional investment experience. Andreas is the ideal candidate to maintain and enhance our best-in-class suite of currency strategies and alternative products. I am confident Andreas' multi-asset class experience will be instrumental in supporting our diverse product offering."

Andreas Danzer said:

"It is a privilege to join the Company at such an exciting time. Record is well known for its expertise, and I am a firm believer in its customised approach to fulfilling the complex needs of its institutional clients, differentiating them from many in the industry. I look forward to being a part of Record's continued growth."

About Record

Founded in 1983, Record is a specialist currency and asset manager offering best-in-class bespoke products to large global investors. The Group manages over US$100bn AUM for 140 institutional clients worldwide across FX Risk Management and Alpha Solutions, EM Debt, Infrastructure Equity, and Alternative Credit. Its 90+ Group employees are spread across offices in New York, London, Windsor, Zurich, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. Record is regulated by the FCA, SEC, CFTC and BaFin.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318944442/en/

Contacts:

For further information, please contact:

Record plc

Dr Jan Witte, Chief Executive Officer

Richard Heading, Chief Financial Officer

Tel: +44 (0) 1753 852 222

investorrelations@recordfg.com

Panmure Liberum

Atholl Tweedie

David Watkins

Tel: +44 (0)20 7886 2500
The world's largest bioresource of eye images offers window into human health and serves as basis of a new AI foundation model to boost drug discovery

insitro, a machine learning-enabled drug discovery and development company, and the INSIGHT Health Data Research Hub at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, today announced a new collaboration to advance drug discovery. The collaboration will develop a novel AI foundation model to aid in genetic discovery of new ocular biomarkers for precision patient segmentation and therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative and related conditions.

INSIGHT is the world's largest ophthalmic imaging bioresource, containing 35 million eye images, including an extensive repository of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images linked to several decades of clinical information. These data include diagnostic information for various chronic disorders of aging, such as neurodegenerative, ophthalmic, and metabolic diseases. Recent peer-reviewed studies enabled by INSIGHT have shown how AI foundation models built on OCT data can predict neurological and other diseases years before symptoms appear.

"OCT data at this scale contains a treasure trove of information about human health, providing a new window into diseases of the brain, the eye, and more," said Daphne Koller, CEO and founder of insitro. "Building a world-class foundation model with INSIGHT at Moorfields will help us unravel disease biology and identify novel targets, including for our programs in neurodegenerative diseases. We are delighted to broaden our network in the UK health research ecosystem, allowing us to advance our mission of finding new and better medicines while ensuring the safe use of patient data."

The model will support insitro's neuroscience programs by identifying OCT-based signatures linked to dementia risk and disease progression. As part of the National Health Service (NHS), Moorfields Eye Hospital collects large volumes of OCTs before dementia diagnosis, enabling the development of a model that can differentiate OCTs of those who develop dementia from those who don't. The vast scale of OCT images curated by INSIGHT, linked to dementia diagnosis information, is globally unique and will enable the generation of a high-quality model for insitro to use for drug discovery.

"Working with insitro to develop a novel foundation model serves INSIGHT's mission to benefit patients, the NHS and wider society through the development of new tools for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment," said Professor Pearse Keane of INSIGHT at Moorfields. "This will be the first collaboration of its type for INSIGHT at Moorfields and represents a mutual commitment with insitro to unlocking new discoveries to improve human health using clinical data and AI. We have designed the collaboration to ensure the safety and privacy of patient data, with only INSIGHT at Moorfields researchers accessing the data, in a secure environment."

The model will support insitro's genetic discovery efforts to identify differentiated targets by being applied to research cohorts that have genetic data but contain substantially smaller numbers of OCT cases with dementia diagnosis. By learning representations of OCT data from large-scale datasets and fine-tuning on disease-specific cohorts, the model will accelerate insitro's ability to discover new biological targets supported by human genetics.

The joint work will utilize eye research data infrastructure developed by INSIGHT at Moorfields which has enabled previous pioneering work in Oculomics. This rapidly growing research field uses ocular biomarkers to detect systemic disease, underpinned by high-resolution eye imaging such as OCT and the power of data science.

Notes to editors

Foundation models

Foundation models are large-scale models trained on broad data sets that can be adapted for a wide range of tasks. These models serve as a "foundation" upon which more specific applications and models can be built. They are characterized by their scale, versatility, and ability to perform well on numerous tasks without needing task-specific training from scratch.

About insitro

insitro is a machine learning-enabled drug discovery and development company creating a new approach for target and drug discovery. insitro is uncovering genetic targets and new therapeutic hypotheses by integrating multimodal data from human cohorts and cellular models with the power of AI and machine learning to increase the therapeutic probability of success. These insights provide the starting point for discovering new molecules, which are either built with in-house, AI-enabled drug discovery platforms or with partners that extend insitro's impact. With more than $700 million in capital raised to date, insitro is building a "pipeline through platform" with a focus on metabolic disease and neuroscience. Approaching the clinic, insitro aims to deploy its AI models to run smaller, better powered trials, enrolling the patients who can benefit most. Learn more at insitro.com.

About Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the leading providers of eye health services in the UK and a world class centre of excellence for ophthalmic research and education. Moorfields main focus is the treatment and care of NHS patients with a wide range of eye problems, from common complaints to rare conditions that require treatment not available elsewhere in the UK. Moorfields unique patient case-mix in serving 23 locations across Greater London combined with the number of people treated means that the hospital's clinicians have expertise in discrete ophthalmic sub-specialties. The Trust also operates commercial divisions that provide care to private patients in both London and the Middle East. Together with the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields is recognised as a leading centre of excellence in eye and vision research.

About the INSIGHT Health Data Research Hub at Moorfields

INSIGHT is the world's largest ophthalmic imaging bioresource, with over 35 million eye images linked to clinical data. An NHS research initiative led by Moorfields in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham, INSIGHT makes routinely collected anonymised patient eye data available for approved research that could lead to improvements in diagnosis, care and treatment of eye diseases, as well as systemic disease such as stroke and Alzheimer's. INSIGHT's mission is to improve healthcare for the benefit of patients and wider society by making it simpler for researchers to use large, anonymised sets of patient data in a safe and ethical way. INSIGHT has pioneered the concept Oculomics, using the eye as a window to understanding systemic health.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318994523/en/

Contacts:

For insitro:

Gwynne Oosterbaan

gwynne@insitro.com

Dan Budwick

dan@1abmedia.com

For INSIGHT at Moorfields:

Alex Black

INSIGHT Hub Programme, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

alex.black3@nhs.net
Next-gen smart mirror integrates AI-powered health monitoring with seamless 4G connectivity for enhanced telehealth, retail, and wellness applications

TORONTO, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuralogix , a global pioneer in Affective Ai and the developer of the most widely recognized of the contactless blood pressure app, has today announced the latest evolution of its groundbreaking Anura MagicMirror. Now equipped with 4G connectivity and a sleek, enhanced design, the next-generation smart mirror expands its capabilities for real-time, contactless health monitoring across various industries, from hospitals and clinics to retail locations and corporate wellness programs.

Revolutionizing Health Monitoring with AI-Powered Insights

The MagicMirror is the first smart mirror that uses Nuralogix proprietary Transdermal Optical Imaging (TOI) technology to analyze facial blood flow and extract comprehensive health insights in just 30 seconds. Integrated with the company's cloud-based DeepAffex platform, the mirror provides over 100 health parameters, including:

Vitals: Blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate, body temperature

Blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate, body temperature Physiological: Heart rate variability

Heart rate variability General Risks: Heart attack risk, stroke risk, fatty liver disease risk

Heart attack risk, stroke risk, fatty liver disease risk Mental Wellness Indicators: Mental stress Index

Mental stress Index Physical Assessments: Body mass index and facial skin age

Body mass index and facial skin age Blood Biomarker Risks: Hemoglobin A1C risk and fasting blood glucose risk

With the addition of 4G connectivity, MagicMirror offers seamless, real-time data transmission, making it an ideal solution for healthcare providers, retailers, corporate wellness programs, and smart home integration. This ensures broader accessibility in remote areas and greater flexibility for businesses looking to leverage cutting-edge health analytics. In addition to 4G connectivity MagicMirror can already utilize WiFi and connected Ethernet enabling users to be connected wherever and whenever they need.

Designed for Versatility Across Industries

Built to support both anonymous and registered users, the MagicMirror is designed for diverse applications, including:

Clinics and Hospitals: Enables patients to have vitals and health risks assessed to streamline and speed up triage 1

Enables patients to have vitals and health risks assessed to streamline and speed up triage Retail & Consumer Health: Enhancing customer experiences in pharmacies, gyms, and wellness centers

Enhancing customer experiences in pharmacies, gyms, and wellness centers Elder Care & Assisted Living: Offering a non-intrusive solution for monitoring the well-being of aging populations

Offering a non-intrusive solution for monitoring the well-being of aging populations Corporate & Workplace Wellness: Empowering organizations to monitor employee well-being and promote proactive health management

Effortless Health Monitoring for All Users

When a user sits in front of the MagicMirror, the device automatically detects their presence and initiates a 30-second scan. This hands-free approach eliminates the need for multiple manual inputs, ensuring ease of use-especially for individuals with mobility challenges, elderly populations, and other users who benefit from a seamless health assessment experience.

Empowering a Healthier Future

"With the latest enhancements to Anura MagicMirror we are making contactless health monitoring even more accessible and efficient," said Chris Lin, Chief Marketing Officer at Nuralogix. "The integration of 4G connectivity and a refined form factor means that businesses, healthcare providers, and individuals can seamlessly access crucial health insights anytime, anywhere. This is another step forward in the NuraLogix mission to transform global health monitoring with AI-powered innovation."

To learn more about Nuralogix and the Anura MagicMirror, visit www.nuralogix.ai .

About Nuralogix

Nuralogix is a pioneer in the development of Affective Ai and the creator of groundbreaking contactless blood pressure measurement technology. The company's patented cloud based Affective Ai Platform- DeepAffex can measure over 100 health and wellness parameters using a conventional video camera and its patented Transdermal Optical Imaging (TOI) technique to extract facial blood flow information from the human face. This is demonstrated in the most widely recognized of the contactless health monitoring Anura app.

About Affective AI

Affective AI is the intersection between Affective Computing and Artificial Intelligence. It is the ability to recognize, measure, predict and simulate human affects that take the form of physiological and psychological states using AI trained models.

_____________________ 1 *In the United States, this product is for Investigational Use Only. The performance characteristics of this product have not been established.

NuraLogix Corporation Media Contact: Sarah Smith | Tandem Marketing Communications, sarah@tandemcomms.com

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LIMASSOL, Cyprus, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitrade EU, a CySEC-licensed CFD trading platform, is advancing digital transformation to improve access to financial markets. Its new streamlined, paperless Know Your Customer (KYC) process enhances efficiency and eco-friendliness while following regulatory requirements. This shift makes onboarding more intuitive for new investors while also aligning with global sustainability practices.

Traditionally, opening a CFD trading account requires extensive documentation and manual verification that can last for days or weeks. According to The Fintech Times, corporate client KYC procedures in the financial industry account for up to 40 percent of operational budgets. Meanwhile, Europe produced 77.8 million tons of paper in 2024, per the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI), underscoring the impact of paper-heavy bureaucracy.

Mitrade's adoption of digital KYC marks a step in modernising CFD trader onboarding. By integrating digital identity verification, the platform enables traders to complete authentication in real-time from any device. This reduces administrative hassle, eliminates excessive paperwork, and ensures security without compromising due diligence requirements.

"The future of trading is digital, and as a CFD broker, we are committed to enhancing onboarding with a digital KYC process that supports a greener future," said Kevin Lai, Vice President of Mitrade Group. "Through technology, we elevate trader experience while following the regulatory requirements."

Moving away from manual KYC allows Mitrade to reinvest resources into enhancing CFD trader care, refining trading platform features, and tightening spreads-reinforcing its commitment to a trader-first experience.

As digitalisation reshapes financial markets, Mitrade's approach aligns with the industry's progression towards responsible, inclusive, and eco-conscious CFD trading.

About Mitrade

Mitrade EU is an award-winning CFD trading platform licensed by CySEC (CIF438/23), and part of a group of entities that are regulated by ASIC, CIMA, and FSC. The brand democratises global market access, connecting 5M+ traders to CFDs on indices, forex, commodities, ETFs, and shares.

Powered by AI-driven technology, Mitrade offers microsecond execution, tight spreads, advanced risk mitigation, and multi-device compatibility, ensuring an intuitive trading experience tailored to investors.

CFDs?are complex instruments and entail a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading?CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how?CFDs?work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Visit https://www.mitrade.com/ for more information.

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LONDON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lord Tim Clement-Jones CBE to the position of Non-Executive Chair. Lord Clement-Jones takes over from Tom Chatfield, whose term as Chair finished in January 2025.

A longtime supporter of ALCS, Lord Clement-Jones brings to the organisation his passion for promoting writers and a drive to help ALCS further establish itself as a leading voice for writers' rights in the digital age.

Having held senior legal positions at London Weekend Television and Grand Metropolitan, as well as playing a major role in the formation of the Liberal Democrat party, Lord Clement-Jones gained a lifetime peerage in 1998. He is a Consultant on AI Policy and Regulation with global law firm DLA Piper and is the Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Intellectual Property Group, the co-founder and co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence and a long-time supporter of the All Party Parliamentary Writers Group.

With a wealth of experience in both politics and business, ALCS believe his appointment will enable it to more effectively fight for the rights of its members at this pivotal moment for writers.

Lord Clement-Jones said: "We are at a crucial time when we need to ensure that innovation in technology is not at the price of watering down creators' rights but provides them with new opportunities. I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the Board of ALCS and am very much looking forward to helping it develop and deliver a positive future facing strategy for its writer members."

Lord Clement-Jones brings a vast knowledge of technology, and AI specifically, which will prove invaluable amidst the current challenges facing writers. Last year he authored the book Living with the Algorithm: Servant or Master? - AI Governance and Policy for the Future, building upon his many years of research and expertise in this area. He is currently the Liberal Democrat House of Lords spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology, having previously held the positions as the Chair of the House of Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence.

Lord Clement-Jones has also undertaken a number of roles at educational and charitable organisations, including the role of Chair of Council at Queen Mary University of London ("QMUL") since 2016 and Chair of Council of the School of Pharmacy, University of London (2008-12) before its merger with University College London, whereupon he became an external member of the Council of University College London and Chair of its Audit Committee (2012-17).

Barbara Hayes, Chief Executive at ALCS said: "At this critical juncture in the discussion on AI, it has never been more important for ALCS to be able to stand up for the rights of writers. Having someone as experienced, knowledgeable and passionate as Lord Clement-Jones at ALCS will be key to ensuring writers are fairly compensated for their work as these technologies develop. We are delighted to be able to welcome him as our new chair and look forward to working alongside him."

Authors' Licensing & Collecting Society (ALCS)

ALCS is a not-for-profit organisation started by writers for the benefit of all types of writers. Owned by its members, ALCS collects money due for secondary uses of writers' work. It is designed to support authors and their creativity; ensure they receive fair payment and see their rights are respected. It promotes and teaches the principles of copyright and campaigns for a fair deal for writers. It represents over 125,000 members, and since 1977 has paid over 700million to writers.

alcs.co.uk

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Invests in leadership and growth across Spanish-speaking markets

BOGOTA, Colombia, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kroll, the leading independent provider of global financial and risk advisory solutions, today announced the talent acquisition of professionals from Global Project Strategy ("GPS"), a renowned international boutique consulting firm. This move significantly enhances Kroll's current capabilities in the Spain and Latin American markets, as well as globally, in international arbitration and dispute resolution; specifically, infrastructure, construction, energy and financial arbitrations, delay analysis, quantum computing, and expert witness services.

Joining Kroll as Managing Directors in Bogota and Miami are GPS co-founders, and prominent experts, Bernardo Gamboa Castilla and Carlos E. Sosa. The GPS team brings a wealth of experience, built over more than two decades. Professionals based in Colombia, Panama, the United States and Venezuela will join the more than 300 professionals that Kroll already has across Latin America, in: Argentina, Brazil, the Caribbean, Colombia and Mexico. This news underscores Kroll's commitment to strategic growth in Latin America and broader Spanish-speaking markets.

Jose Albaladejo, Managing Director, Expert Services at Kroll, shared, "The integration of GPS into Kroll strengthens our leadership in the disputes market and allows us to continue offering a first-class service in the quantification of financial and technical damages, as well as in the analysis of large-scale projects. We have worked alongside this impressive team for a long time and are delighted to welcome them to our team."

Carlos E. Sosa, Managing Director, Expert Services at Kroll, added, "We chose to join Kroll because of its outstanding reputation and commitment to excellence. By integrating our team, we can complement Kroll's service offerings in construction disputes, providing credible and authoritative testimony in complex international arbitration, offering specialized expertise in resolving construction-related conflicts, delay analysis and leading advancements in quantum computing for the Latin American market."

Bernardo Gamboa Castilla, Managing Director, Expert Services at Kroll, continued, "Kroll's global reach and innovative approach allow us to enhance how we serve our clients internationally, broadening the range of local and international services available, particularly in construction disputes and quantum computing. Leveraging our combined expertise strengthens our position as the go-to partner for clients in the Latin American market. Together, we are set to drive innovative solutions for emerging industry challenges and deliver even better solutions for our clients."

Kroll is one of the largest international disputes firms worldwide, with more than 250 experts in just the area of delay analysis and quantification of financial and technical damages alone. The firm is currently working on more than 40 arbitration proceedings in different Chambers, such as the ICC, ICSID, ICDR, and is assisting leading law firms across multiple countries, including those named above, plus Chile, Ecuador and Peru. Of particular note, was Kroll's role as an independent expert in the quantification of damages from the environmental disaster caused by the collapse of the Mariana mine in Brazil in 2015.

Graham McNeill, Global Head of Expert Services at Kroll, commented, "We're thrilled to welcome the talented professionals from GPS. Their extensive experience and technical expertise in disputes, project management, contract support, and independent engineering expand our services and capabilities. With a proven track record and over two decades of success in the oil, gas, and infrastructure sectors, they understand the complexities of foreign investment and contracts. By integrating GPS's seasoned professionals, Kroll is poised to deliver even greater value and support to its clients worldwide."

Learn more about Kroll Expert Services here: https://www.kroll.com/en/services/expert-services

About Kroll

As the leading independent provider of financial and risk advisory solutions, Kroll leverages unique insights, data, and technology to help clients stay ahead of complex demands. Kroll's team of more than 6,500 professionals worldwide continues the firm's nearly 100-year history of trusted expertise spanning risk, governance, transactions, and valuation. Our advanced solutions and intelligence provide clients the foresight they need to create an enduring competitive advantage. At Kroll, our values define who we are and how we partner with clients and communities. Learn more at Kroll.com

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PORT VILA, Vanuatu, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Markets is proud to announce its latest industry recognition at the Gazet International Magazine Annual Awards 2025, where it has been honoured with three distinguished accolades:

Most Innovative Trading Platform Global 2025

Most Trusted Broker Global 2025

Most Transparent Broker Global 2025

These awards reflect Vantage's ongoing commitment to technological innovation, trust, and transparency, as well as its dedication to enhancing the trading experience for its clients.

The Gazet International Magazine Annual Awards celebrate excellence across various industries, recognising companies that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to their clients. The judging criteria focus on achievements, customer satisfaction, innovation, integrity, operational excellence, and strategic vision, ensuring that only the best organisations receive these prestigious honors.

Winning "Most Innovative Trading Platform Global 2025" underscores Vantage's dedication to advancing trading technology. By continuously improving its trading infrastructure, enhancing platform functionality, and integrating cutting-edge tools, Vantage provides traders with a seamless, efficient, and powerful trading experience.

The title of "Most Trusted Broker Global 2025" further cements Vantage's reputation as a broker that prioritises client security and transparency. This recognition is a testament to the trust that traders place in Vantage's secure trading environment, fair pricing, and customer-centric approach.

Additionally, being awarded "Most Transparent Broker Global 2025" highlights Vantage's unwavering commitment to openness, honesty, and accountability in its services. Transparency is at the heart of Vantage's operations, ensuring that traders have access to clear information, competitive pricing, and fair-trading conditions at all times.

Marc Despallieres, CEO of Vantage Markets, expressed his appreciation for this recognition: "Winning these awards from Gazet International Magazine is a great honor and a reflection of the values that define Vantage. Innovation, trust, and transparency are the pillars of our success, and these accolades reaffirm our commitment to providing traders with the best tools, technology, and support. At Vantage, we continuously push the boundaries to provide a trading experience that is not only cutting-edge but also built on integrity and reliability. We are grateful for this recognition and remain dedicated to improving the trading experience for our clients."

As Vantage continues to expand globally, these awards serve as a strong foundation for further improvements in trading technology, client experience, and financial education. The company remains committed to delivering best-in-class solutions and fostering an environment where traders can make informed decisions and manage their trades effectively.

For more information on Vantage's award-winning trading services, visit Vantage Markets.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

trade smarter @vantage

RISK WARNING: CFD trading carries significant risks. You could lose more than your initial investment.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation of any financial products or services. The content is not intended for residents of any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. The awards mentioned are granted by Gazet International Magazine based on independent criteria and do not imply regulatory authorisation or availability of services in all regions. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions. Any reliance you place on the information presented is strictly at your own risk.

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DUBAI, UAE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year Dhamani Group choose the exquisite Al Diwan tent to host its highly anticipated annual Suhoor at the iconic Burj Al Arab, bringing together a distinguished gathering of friends, clients, and dignitaries for an unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and reflection.

"Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and reconnection with those who have supported us on our journey," said Amit Dhamani, CEO of Dhamani Group. "This Suhoor provides us with a cherished opportunity to show our appreciation to our loyal customers, friends, and well-wishers who continue to stand by our brands in the UAE and beyond."

The evening, which welcomed over 300 distinguished guests, offered an immersive experience showcasing Dhamani Group's renowned brands: Dhamani 1969, celebrated for its premium, award-winning jewelry, and Dusoul, a fine jewelry collection that resonates with the modern, aspirational millennial generation.

As a beacon of excellence in the diamond and jewelry industry across the Middle East, Dhamani Group has long been recognized for its commitment to superior quality and innovative design. Headquartered in Dubai, Dhamani Group continues to set new standards in the world of luxury jewelry, delivering timeless elegance and craftsmanship to customers around the globe.

About Dhamani Group

Dhamani Group is a prestigious luxury jewelry company with a legacy of brilliance and artistry. Known for its premium brands, including Dhamani 1969 and Dusoul, the group is a leader in the Middle East's jewelry sector, renowned for its exquisite designs, exceptional quality, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Contact Details: MARKETING TEAM, MARKETING@DHAMANI.AE, +971565205922

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MARIETTA, Ohio, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Caron Scientific, Inc., a leading provider of advanced environmental testing, incubation, and controlled environment equipment, announced today at the EU Advanced Therapies conference their newest product, the 7406 Incubator Shaker.

The 7406 is the highest capacity single chamber Incubator Shaker with the smallest footprint for cell culture environments. The vertical system allows lab and production floor space savings, while the integrated design provides optimum condition uniformity across all system levels.

To manage the potential of contamination, traditional incubators use either a high-heat decontamination cycle, which is extremely timely and requires an empty chamber, or a wet H2O2 vapor cycle, which saturates the incubator chamber with an H2O2 fog that can lead to condensation and puddling. Caron Scientific designed a dry H2O2 fogging sterilization technology, preventing condensation formation. A humidity sensor continuously monitors vapor levels, while electronic control systems regulate injections to maintain a stable, effective concentration.

"Ensuring successful suspension cell culture production runs is critical for our customers," stated Jay Abramo, Chief Commercial Officer, Caron Scientific. "Our Incubator Shaker utilizes our dry H2O2 sterilization technique, keeping the humidity level below saturation, which allows for immediate use of the incubator post-cycle, significantly reducing technician time and effort." Caron is the first company to offer H2O2 sterilization in incubator shakers, providing unmatched contamination control to help our customers avoid costly fines from regulatory agencies and prevent unwanted downtime. Unlike traditional incubator shakers, Caron's humidity control system operates without any standing water, eliminating a major challenge for GMP manufacturing processes."

The Caron Scientific 7406 Incubator Shaker with its in-unit sterilization, enables laboratories to enhance efficiency, improve reliability, and maintain a contamination-free environment with greater confidence.

Visit booth #2 at Advanced Therapies Congress or booth #1313 ASGCT to learn more about the 7406 Incubator Shaker and other environmental equipment from Caron Scientific or visit www.caronscientifc.com.

About Caron Scientific

With over 38 years in the industry, Caron Scientific specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality controlled environment equipment for the laboratory. Caron Scientific's purposeful product range includes state-of-the-art environmental test chambers, cell culture incubators, stability storage systems, and automation-supporting enclosures. Each product is meticulously engineered to ensure precision, reliability, and compliance with international standards. All team members at Caron are an integral part of the company's ecosystem, contributing to the primary goal of 'Setting the Standard in Environmental Control.' For more information, visit https://caronscientific.com.

Media Contact: Ariana Bowen, abowen@caronscientific.com, (740) 513-7153

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First Interventional Alzheimer's Drug Trial Focused on High-Risk APOE4/4 Homozygotes with Major Unmet Medical Need for an Effective and Safe Treatment

Valiltramiprosate Tablet Inhibits Formation of Soluble Toxic Amyloid Aggregates and Acts Upstream from All Late-Stage Amyloid Targeting Treatments

Valiltramiprosate Has Potential to Become the First Oral Agent to Slow Alzheimer's Pathology in Patients

Alzheon, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a broad portfolio of investigational therapies and diagnostic assays for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders, today announced it will present topline results from the pivotal APOLLOE4 Phase 3 trial of oral valiltramiprosate/ALZ-801 in patients with early AD who carry two copies of the e4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE4/4 homozygotes). The first-of-its-kind data will be presented in a symposium during the International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurological Disorders (ADPD) in Vienna, Austria.

"Results from the APOLLOE4 Phase 3 trial show promising clinical and biomarker effects for Alzheimer's patients with the APOE4/4 genotype. APOLLOE4 is the largest clinical trial conducted to date in these patients with a desperate need of new effective, safe, and accessible treatment options," said Martin Tolar, MD, PhD, Founder, President, and CEO of Alzheon. "Serious hurdles remain with currently available anti-amyloid disease modifying treatments, including appropriate patient identification, safety monitoring, access, and cost effectiveness. Due to safety concerns and restrictions, these therapies are not optimal for APOE4/4 homozygotes, the most vulnerable Alzheimer's patient population. At Alzheon we strive to address these challenges with our investigational oral molecule, valiltramiprosate, which could become the first oral agent to slow Alzheimer's pathology in patients."

The APOLLOE4 study was a first-of-its-kind Phase 3 trial focusing on APOE4/4 homozygotes and included 325 patients in the early stages of AD. APOE4/4 homozygotes represent a high-risk patient population as they are 8-12 times more likely to develop AD and more likely to progress quickly into severe stages of disease. Furthermore, the approved disease modifying therapies for AD have a boxed warning for treating APOE4/4 homozygotes, as they are more likely to develop brain swelling and bleeding.

Valiltramiprosate is an investigational oral AD treatment in Phase 3 clinical development with an upstream mechanism of action that prevents formation of neurotoxic amyloid oligomers. The 78-week APOLLOE4 trial included 325 APOE4/4 homozygotes from study sites throughout North America and Europe, and enrolled 51% females, 50-80 years old, with the majority being mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Mild Alzheimer's disease subjects. APOLLOE4 primary outcome was the 13-item Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive subscale, with two functional measures as key secondary outcomes (Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes, Amsterdam-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), hippocampal volume as the main imaging outcome and fluid biomarkers as additional outcomes.

Details of Symposium at ADPD 2025

The symposium will be held on the opening morning of ADPD 2025 and will be available to all conference attendees, both in person at the Austria Center Vienna and virtually via the following link: https://cslide.ctimeetingtech.com/adpd25/attendee.

Title: Inhibition of Beta Amyloid Oligomer Neurotoxicity with Oral Valiltramiprosate in APOE e4/e4 Homozygotes with Early Alzheimer's Disease: Results of APOLLOE4 Phase 3 Trial

Date and Time: Tuesday, April 1, 9:45 a.m. local Vienna time(CET)

Location: Hall A

Moderator:

Philip Scheltens, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Cognitive Neurology and Director of the Alzheimer Center at the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Presenters

Susan Abushakra, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Alzheon, Inc., Framingham, MA, USA

Murali Doraiswamy, MBBS, FRCP, Professor of Psychiatry and Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA

Anton Porsteinsson, M.D., Director of the University of Rochester Alzheimer's Disease Care, Research and Education Program (AD-CARE), Rochester, NY, USA

David Watson, Psy.D., CPI, CEO and Principal Investigator, Alzheimer's Research and Treatment Center, Wellington, FL, USA

About ALZ-801

Valiltramiprosate/ALZ-801 is a potential first-in-class, investigational oral agent in Phase 3 development as a potentially disease-modifying treatment for AD.1-5,7,10 Valiltramiprosate is designed to block the formation of neurotoxic soluble beta amyloid oligomers implicated in cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.1-5,7,12 In mechanism of action studies, ALZ-801 has fully inhibited the formation of neurotoxic soluble beta amyloid oligomers at the Phase 3 clinical trial dose.1,7,10,12 Valiltramiprosate acts through a novel enveloping molecular mechanism of action to block formation of neurotoxic soluble amyloid oligomers in the human brain12 associated with the onset and progression of cognitive decline in AD patients.1,2,5,7,8 Valiltramiprosate received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for Alzheimer's disease. In clinical trials, valiltramiprosate has shown potential for robust clinical efficacy and favorable safety results with no increased risk of brain vasogenic edema.3-8,11,13 The initial Phase 3 program for valiltramiprosate is focusing on Early AD patients with two copies of the apolipoprotein e4 allele (APOE4/4 homozygotes), with potential future program expansion to AD treatment and prevention in patients carrying one copy of the APOE4 gene and noncarriers.1-8

Valiltramiprosate APOLLOE4 Phase 3 Trial

An Efficacy and Safety Study of Valiltramiprosate in APOE4/4 Early Alzheimer's Disease Subjects (NCT04770220): This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, biomarker and imaging effects of 265 mg twice daily oral dose of valiltramiprosate in Early AD subjects with two copies of the apolipoprotein e4 allele (APOE4/4 homozygotes), who constitute approximately 15% of Alzheimer's patients. This double-blind, randomized trial compared oral valiltramiprosate to placebo treatment over 78 weeks. The APOLLOE4 trial was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Aging to Alzheon, with Susan Abushakra as the principal investigator.

Valiltramiprosate APOLLOE4 Long Term Extension Trial (LTE)

An ongoing long-term extension of the trial, APOLLOE4-LTE evaluates valiltramiprosate in subjects who complete the core APOLLOE4 study for an additional 52 weeks of treatment for a total of 130 weeks or 2.5 years over the core and LTE study. This LTE study is currently ongoing in the US, UK and Canada (NCT06304883).

Valiltramiprosate Phase 2 Biomarker Trial

Biomarker Effects of Valiltramiprosate in APOE4 Carriers with Early Alzheimer's Disease (NCT04693520): This trial was designed to evaluate the effects of 265 mg twice daily oral dose of valiltramiprosate on biomarkers of AD pathology in subjects with Early AD, who have either the APOE4/4 or APOE3/4 genotype and constitute 65-70% of Alzheimer's patients. The primary outcome is the change from baseline in plasma p-tau181. The trial also included evaluation of clinical efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of valiltramiprosate over 104 weeks of treatment. An ongoing long-term extension of the trial evaluates the same dose of valiltramiprosate for an additional 104 weeks of treatment for a total of 208 weeks.1,5,6

About Alzheon

Alzheon, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a broad portfolio of product candidates and diagnostic assays for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. We are committed to developing innovative medicines by directly addressing the underlying pathology of neurodegeneration. Our lead Alzheimer's clinical candidate, valiltramiprosate/ALZ-801, is a first-in-class oral agent in Phase 3 development as a potentially disease-modifying treatment for AD. Valiltramiprosate is an oral small molecule that has been observed to fully block the formation of neurotoxic soluble amyloid oligomers in preclinical tests. Our clinical expertise and technology platform are focused on developing drug candidates and diagnostic assays using a precision medicine approach based on individual genetic and biomarker information to advance therapies with the greatest impact for patients.

Alzheon Scientific Publications

1Hey JA, et al: Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Oral ALZ-801/Valiltramiprosate in a Two-Year Phase 2 Trial of APOE4 Carriers with Early Alzheimer's Disease, Clinical Pharmacokinetics 2025.

2Aye S, et al: Point of View: Challenges in Implementation of New Immunotherapies for Alzheimer's Disease, The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease2025;12(1):100022.

3Abushakra S, et al: APOLLOE4 Phase 3 Study of Oral ALZ-801/Valiltramiprosate in APOE e4/e4 Homozygotes with Early Alzheimer's Disease: Trial Design and Baseline Characteristics,Alzheimer's Dementia 2024; 10(3): e12498.

4Tolar M, et al: The Single Toxin Origin of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders Enables Targeted Approach to Treatment and Prevention, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2024; 25(5), 2727.

5Hey JA, et al: Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid, Plasma Amyloid Biomarkers, and Cognition from a 2-Year Phase 2 Trial Evaluating Oral ALZ-801/Valiltramiprosate in APOE4 Carriers with Early Alzheimer's Disease Using Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Model,Drugs 2024; 84(7), 825-839.

6Hey JA, et al: Effects of Oral ALZ-801/Valiltramiprosate on Plasma Biomarkers, Brain Hippocampal Volume, and Cognition: Results of 2-Year Single Arm, Open Label, Phase 2 Trial in APOE4 Carriers with Early Alzheimer's Disease,Drugs 2024; 84(7), 811-823.

7 Tolar M, et al: Neurotoxic Soluble Amyloid Oligomers Drive Alzheimer's Pathogenesis and Represent a Clinically Validated Target for Slowing Disease Progression, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021; 22(12), 6355.

8Abushakra S, et al: APOE e4/e4 Homozygotes with Early Alzheimer's Disease Show Accelerated Hippocampal Atrophy and Cortical Thinning that Correlates with Cognitive Decline, Alzheimer's Dementia 2020; 6(1): e12117.

9Tolar M, et al:Aducanumab, Gantenerumab, BAN2401, and ALZ-801-the First Wave of Amyloid-Targeting Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease with Potential for Near Term Approval, Alzheimer's Research Therapy 2020; 12(1): 95.

10Tolar M, et al: The Path Forward in Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutics: Reevaluating the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis, Alzheimer's Dementia 2020; 16(11):1553-1560.

11Hey JA, et al: Discovery and Identification of an Endogenous Metabolite of Tramiprosate and Its Prodrug ALZ-801 that Inhibits Beta Amyloid Oligomer Formation in the Human Brain, CNS Drugs 2018; 32(9): 849-861.

12Hey JA, et al: Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Safety of ALZ-801, a Novel Prodrug of Tramiprosate in Development for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, Clinical Pharmacokinetics 2018; 57(3): 315-333.

13Abushakra S, et al: Clinical Effects of Tramiprosate in APOE4/4 Homozygous Patients with Mild Alzheimer's Disease Suggest Disease Modification Potential, Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease 2017; 4(3): 149-156.

14Kocis P, et al: Elucidating the A42 Anti-Aggregation Mechanism of Action of Tramiprosate in Alzheimer's Disease: Integrating Molecular Analytical Methods, Pharmacokinetic and Clinical Data, CNS Drugs 2017; 31(6): 495-509.

15Abushakra S, et al: Clinical Benefits of Tramiprosate in Alzheimer's Disease Are Associated with Higher Number of APOE4 Alleles: The "APOE4 Gene-Dose Effect," Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease 2016; 3(4): 219-228.

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Contacts:

Media Contact

Nate Greene, Alzheon, Inc.

401.487.4390

nate.greene@alzheon.com

Investor Contact

Erwan de Naurois, Alzheon, Inc.

802.735.8789

erwan.denaurois@alzheon.com
The company is developing AI agents to propel the trillion-dollar CNC machining industry into the future

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LimitlessCNC, an AI-driven manufacturing startup, has emerged from stealth with a $4.1M seed round led by Grove Ventures and Meron Capital. The company is developing AI agents to automate CNC (computer numerical control) machining-a trillion-dollar industry struggling with labor shortages.

Manufacturing is shifting due to geopolitical tensions, labor shortages, and efforts to restore local production. As Western nations seek to reduce reliance on offshore manufacturing-particularly in sectors such as aerospace, defense, semiconductors, and industrial equipment-LimitlessCNC provides a solution by accelerating and automating CNC programming. The company's technology enables factories to operate efficiently when faced with a shrinking workforce of skilled machinists.

LimitlessCNC leverages physics-based AI to optimize machining processes and generate efficient production programs. This enables manufacturers to reduce CNC programming time by up to 80%, eliminating a bottleneck in production. The AI agents optimize workflows by learning from historical machining data and simulating the physics of metal cutting, ensuring precision, speed, and cost efficiency for every new production process.

"If you think about it, every product we know involves machined parts created using human-written programs, and there is vast room for improvement," said David Priev, CEO of LimitlessCNC. "From engine components in our cars to the uniquely crafted metal bodies of Apple products, the potential to reduce production time and lower costs is enormous. This is a well-established industry with a trillion-dollar annual market for machined parts."

For decades, CAM (Computer-aided Manufacturing) software has required skilled programmers with years of experience to create CNC machining instructions manually. The number of qualified professionals is decreasing due to the declining popularity of manufacturing careers among younger generations. With a complex learning curve and aging expertise, the industry urgently needs automation.

LimitlessCNC's AI-powered platform integrates with existing CAM softwares, making it easy for manufacturers to adopt without extensive retraining. The company empowers manufacturers to remain competitive by reducing programming times and automating decision-making.

LimitlessCNC was founded by David Priev (CEO), Assaf Peleg (CTO), and Shahaf Finder (Chief Scientist), a team with expertise in AI, precision manufacturing, and defense technologies. The idea for LimitlessCNC emerged during the early days of the Israel-Hamas war when Priev, serving in the military reserves, was tasked with manufacturing critical components for frontline troops. The experience exposed the inefficiencies in traditional CNC programming and reinforced the need for AI-driven automation.

"After speaking with dozens of factory managers and industry experts, we realized that entire production lines rely on knowledge that is becoming nearly impossible to find," said Priev. "In crises, manufacturing delays can have severe consequences. We knew we had to create a technological revolution to ensure critical components can be produced faster without relying on a shrinking pool of experts."

Despite being in its early stages, LimitlessCNC has already been deployed at a Tier-1 Western manufacturer operating over 250 CNC machines. The implementation of LimitlessCNC's AI-driven solution has resulted in significant reductions in programming time, enabling faster delivery to end customers.

"AI is becoming a critical asset in traditional industries. While AI has primarily been applied to language and data analytics, it is now entering the physical world and fundamentally transforming manufacturing," said Lior Handelsman, General Partner at Grove Ventures. "The future factories must embrace AI-driven automation to remain competitive in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges. LimitlessCNC is at the forefront of this transformation."

With a team of 15 employees, LimitlessCNC will expand its R&D capabilities while accelerating global market reach. The company plans to integrate its advanced platform into OEMs across industrial equipment, automotive, aerospace, defense, and medical device manufacturing industries. "AI-driven manufacturing is no longer a futuristic concept-it's an essential business strategy," added Priev. "We empower manufacturers to stay competitive in an increasingly complex world."

Media: Gila Bublick +972-54-209-6150 gila.b@limitlesscnc.ai

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BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Shares of Fraport AG were gaining around 2 percent in German trading after the airport operator reported Tuesday higher profit in its fiscal 2024 as revenues were benefited by increased traffic volumes and prices at Frankfurt Airport and across its international network of airports.



Looking ahead, for fiscal 2025, Fraport projects Group profit at previous year's level or slightly below, while EBITDA is expected to grow at moderate single-digit percentage. The company expects to see only moderate traffic growth in FRA this year due to the continued delays in delivery from aircraft manufacturers, which are particularly affecting its main customer, Lufthansa.



Fraport CEO Stefan Schulte said, 'Despite headwinds, we've achieved a solid result. .. In addition to bottlenecks in the delivery of new aircraft, excessively high regulatory costs continue to be a major factor. If no political action is taken, costs imposed by regulators will further increase in 2025, with airlines facing an additional 1.2 billion burden. On the positive side, our international subsidiary airports largely presented a better performance, with many of them achieving dynamic growth rates.'



For the 2025 fiscal year, Fraport expects Group result to reflect the non-recurrence of a one-off effect from 2024, when the sale of a minority stake in Pulkovo Airport contributed more than 40 million euros to the result. Passenger numbers in Frankfurt would reach up to 64 million.



By 2030, the company projects EBITDA to reach 2 billion euros, and Group-wide passenger numbers at fully consolidated sites to reach 187 million.



In Frankfurt, construction of Terminal 3 is continuing, with commissioning planned for after Easter 2026.



Further, the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board have again decided not to propose a dividend to the 2025 Annual General Meeting due to the continuing high level of Group debt. Instead, the company would allocate the profit earmarked for distribution to revenue reserves.



In fiscal 2024, Group result climbed 16.6 percent to 501.9 million euros from last year's 430.5 million euros. Basic earnings per share grew 14.6 percent to 4.88 euros from prior year's 4.26 euros.



EBITDA, a key earnings metric, grew 8.1 percent to 1.30 billion euros from 1.20 billion euros a year ago.



Revenue increased 10.7 percent to 4.43 billion euros from last year's 4 billion euros. Revenue adjusted for IFRIC 12 was 3.89 billion euros, up 11.7 percent from the previous year.



Despite challenges, the group-wide traffic growth was driven especially by developments at the locations in Lima, Greece, Antalya, and also Frankfurt Airport or FRA, the firm noted.



The Group-wide passenger numbers at fully consolidated sites rose by 2.9 percent year on year to 136.4 million.



Fraport welcomed around 61.6 million passengers at its FRA home-base airport in 2024, an increase of 3.7 percent compared to 2023. In Frankfurt, leisure traffic continued to dominate, while demand for business travel also continued to rise.



Cargo volumes in Frankfurt, comprising airfreight and airmail, rose 6.2 year-on-year in 2024 to around 2.1 million metric tons.



Across the Group, most of Fraport's subsidiary airports also experienced growth in 2024. Overall, passenger numbers at Fraport's Group airports outside Germany exceeded the levels seen in pre-pandemic 2019 by 1.3 percent.



In Germany, on the XETRA, Fraport shares were trading at 57.10 euros, up 1.7 percent.



For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.



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 2025 AFX News
OpenSearch with Exoscale Powered by Aiven allows A1 Austria to seamlessly move 21TB Elasticsearch workload to OpenSearch; just two A1 Austria engineers now manage the large 30 node-cluster of 21TB storage. Migration vastly improves data analytics to fuel A1 Group's ambitious cloud journey.

Aiven, the trusted data and AI platform company, announced today that A1 Austria, one of Austria's leading telecommunication providers, has used OpenSearch by Exoscale Powered by Aiven to migrate its 21TB Elasticsearch workload to OpenSearch in just one week. The large 30-node cluster with 21TB of storage is now run by just two A1 Austria engineers while delivering superior scalability and reduced management overhead. The migration, and subsequent enhancement of data analytics capabilities, sets the stage for further cloud adoption across other businesses in the parent A1 Group. Their expanded cloud vision meets the demands for peak efficiency and increased scalability in the face of rapidly expanding data workloads.

Data analytics is crucial for telecommunications companies like A1 Austria, providing valuable insights into network performance, customer behavior, and service quality. According to Precedence Research, this reflects a growing global trend, with the telecom analytics market projected to increase from USD 8.1 billion in 2024 to nearly USD 31 billion by 2034.

Before the cloud transition, A1 Austria was running on-premises clusters of Elasticsearch using Grafana dashboards for network observability. However, the system was becoming increasingly complex, siloed, and inefficient, with various users leveraging their Elasticsearch instances and putting pressure on internal IT.

Watch the video

"Elasticsearch seemed overloaded and the performance was getting worse. Our Grafana displays were often slow to load and data was sometimes missing," says Christoph Reiss, VoLTE and VoWif Acceptance Expert in A1 Austria's telco team, and a daily user of Elasticsearch. "It was frustrating."

Enter European cloud provider Exoscale

After acquiring Exoscale, a cloud provider committed to open-source technologies with an entirely European footprint in 2017, A1 Group was using Exoscale's cloud services to enable its customers to comply with privacy and data sovereignty requirements. All Exoscale's database services are delivered exclusively by Aiven, including OpenSearch, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Apache Kafka and Grafana. For this, and other reasons, Exoscale emerged as the logical partner for A1 Austria and it opted for OpenSearch by Exoscale, a managed open-source Elasticsearch alternative.

"Services from Aiven are a crucial part of our portfolio and have made a notable contribution to our growth-both the amount of data we process and the number of customers we serve. Nearly every new customer we bring onboard uses services from Aiven," says Beatrix Kemfelja, Head of CoE Sales for Austria, Exoscale. "Aiven shares our open-source ethos and helps us maintain our European data sovereignty and compliance, which is essential for many of our customers."

"The European market for telcos and communications service providers (CSPs) is exceptionally competitive due to structural, regulatory and market dynamics," says Francesco Tisiot, Field CTO Head of DevEx, Aiven. "By leveraging Exoscale's cloud platform we can efficiently develop and deploy customer-facing services that extract the full value of data and provide enhanced transparency and cost control. We look forward to replicating our work with A1 Austria and delivering a full suite of services from Exoscale powered by Aiven directly to telco customers and other industries across the US, Central and Eastern Europe. It's an exciting proposition."

Read the full case study

To meet the growing demands for efficiency and scalability while enabling the full value of data, A1 Group is significantly transforming its IT infrastructure and migrating 1,000+ on-premises applications to the cloud. It has a multi-cloud strategy, leveraging European cloud provider Exoscale who understands the complex European regulations, supports open source and offers a range of data services powered by Aiven.

About Aiven

Aiven is a global data platform company, helping organizations gain more value from their data. Aiven's multicloud platform combines open source services to stream, store, and serve data, simply, securely, and rapidly across major cloud providers. Aiven is trusted by thousands of customers, from start-up to enterprise, to create next-generation applications incorporating AI/ML confidently and quickly. Aiven is fully committed to the open source community and to helping organizations revolutionize the performance, scalability, and resiliency of their cloud data infrastructure, and streamline the work of technical teams to achieve lower costs.

Aiven is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland with offices globally in Europe, North America and Asia.

You can visit us at aiven.io and follow us on LinkedIn and X at @aiven_io

Elasticsearch is a trademark of Elasticsearch BV, registered in the U.S. and in other countries.

Apache Kafka and Kafka are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the Apache Software Foundation in the United States and/or other countries.

OpenSearch, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Grafana and Kubernetes are trademarks and property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318516679/en/

Contacts:

North American Media Enquiries

Austin Edgington The PR Network

aiven@thepr.network
The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) is hosting its 2025 Analyst Day today. Presentation materials were released on the investor relation website.

Presentations will begin at 9:30 am ET and the live webcast will be accessible at Mosaic - Events & Presentations

About The Mosaic Company

The Mosaic Company is one of the world's leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single source provider of phosphates and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. More information on the company is available at www.mosaicco.com .

Contacts:

Investors: Jason Tremblay, 813-775-4226

jason.tremblay@mosaicco.com Joan Tong, 863-640-0826

joan.tong@mosaicco.com Media: Ben Pratt, 813-775-4206

benjamin.pratt@mosaicco.com

SOURCE: The Mosaic Company
Eptura's latest research shows companies seeking to better leverage AI and data analytics to balance workplace occupancy throughout the week

Eptura, the global worktech leader, today released new research that reveals that 34% of businesses plan to increase office attendance. This trend is prompting enterprises to enhance their use of AI and cross-platform data analytics to better manage workplace occupancy and ensure a balanced employee experience throughout the workweek.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318252588/en/

34% of businesses plan to increase the number of in-office days in 2025, per Eptura's research.

Now in its third year, the 2025 edition of the Workplace Index, based on a survey of 200 operational leaders and insights from 25 million global users, uncovers a critical paradox in technology: enterprises aren't suffering from a lack of tools they're struggling with too many disconnected systems. In fact, two thirds of companies are using anywhere from 6 to as many as 40 different solutions to manage workplace operations.

"Despite the abundance of workplace technology, many organizations are struggling to harness its full potential due to disconnected systems," said Eptura Chief Executive Officer Brandon Holden. "Instead of driving efficiency, fragmented tech stacks create decision-making bottlenecks, making it harder to streamline workflows, analyze data effectively, and adapt to evolving business needs."

Among the key findings, enterprises highlighted their top operational challenges:

Disconnected tech is impeding informed business decisions: Respondents said the biggest barriers to analyzing data are multiple dashboards and gathering meaningful insights across different systems, with 37% of organizations using 11 or more full-time employees to collate, analyze, and report on worktech data. In addition, 50% of businesses are using on average 17 standalone technologies to manage workplace operations.

Respondents said the biggest barriers to analyzing data are multiple dashboards and gathering meaningful insights across different systems, with 37% of organizations using 11 or more full-time employees to collate, analyze, and report on worktech data. In addition, 50% of businesses are using on average 17 standalone technologies to manage workplace operations. Enterprises are struggling to realize the full value of AI: Over half of organizations report insufficient skill sets and cross-platform integration as the top obstacles to deploying AI. Most businesses' use of AI is at an early stage, primarily deployed for chatbots, dashboards, and diagnostics.

Over half of organizations report insufficient skill sets and cross-platform integration as the top obstacles to deploying AI. Most businesses' use of AI is at an early stage, primarily deployed for chatbots, dashboards, and diagnostics. Rising office attendance is exacerbating real estate portfolio challenges: 34% of businesses are looking to increase the number of days in the office this year, and over the past three years, the volume of visitors per location has nearly doubled. This is placing more pressure on leaders to balance workplace experience with optimizing space utilization.

34% of businesses are looking to increase the number of days in the office this year, and over the past three years, the volume of visitors per location has nearly doubled. This is placing more pressure on leaders to balance workplace experience with optimizing space utilization. Difficulty demonstrating ROI is slowing technology integration: More than two-thirds of businesses cite budgetary constraints as the key restriction to integrating workplace, buildings, and facilities technologies. Their number one challenge in securing budget is a lack of perceived value in integrated solutions.

Despite these barriers, Eptura's research highlights a clear path forward: true digital transformation comes from a unified operational approach and integrated technology across the organization.

Takeaways to optimize workplace operations:

Increase efficiency by consolidating operational data: The three key opportunities for organizations seeking to increase value across business functions are leveling occupancy across the working week, optimizing real estate portfolios, and increasing asset lifecycles.

The three key opportunities for organizations seeking to increase value across business functions are leveling occupancy across the working week, optimizing real estate portfolios, and increasing asset lifecycles. Prioritize AI to drive experiences: The top two areas businesses plan to implement AI in the next 12 months are to enhance employee experience (77% of respondents) and automate visitor management (68%).

The top two areas businesses plan to implement AI in the next 12 months are to enhance employee experience (77% of respondents) and automate visitor management (68%). Rise of the digital workplace leader: Organizations are turning to a new role to manage hybrid needs, with three quarters having hired or in the process of hiring a digital workplace leader over the last 18 months.

Organizations are turning to a new role to manage hybrid needs, with three quarters having hired or in the process of hiring a digital workplace leader over the last 18 months. Technology value increases as systems become more connected: Enterprises that progress from separate solutions to fewer vendors and integrated platforms will maximize and be better able to demonstrate value from their investments.

"This year's findings serve as a critical wake-up call," said Holden. "By leveraging AI-driven analytics and cross-platform integration, organizations can enhance workplace efficiency, optimize their real estate usage, and extend asset lifecycles ultimately driving better decisions."

Download your copy of the 2025 Workplace Index.

About Eptura's 2025 Workplace Index report

Eptura's annual Workplace Index combines independent third-party research with proprietary data from a sample of 25 million Eptura platform users. The 2025 research surveyed 200 VP and C-suite professionals: 75 from the U.S. and Canada; 80 from the UK, Germany, and France; and 45 from Australia and Singapore. Respondents represented roles in IT, operations, HR, finance, and real estate at enterprise businesses of more than 5,000 employees in the professional services, education, energy transportation, healthcare, government, manufacturing, and software technology sectors.

About Eptura

Eptura is a global worktech company that digitally connects people, places, and assets in one intelligent platform, enabling organizations to drive more value. With 25 million users across 115 countries, we are trusted by the world's leading companies, including 45% of Fortune 500 brands, to realize a better future at work. For more information, visit eptura.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318252588/en/

Contacts:

Media contacts

Erin Sevitz, erin.sevitz@eptura.com, Sidney Giguere, sidney.giguere@eptura.com
Experts discuss the impacts of restrictive beauty standards

Urges major English dictionary publishers to revise outdated definitions of beauty

Invites the public to sign the UndefineBeauty petition at change.org

Coty (NYSE: COTY) (Paris: COTY), one of the world's largest beauty companies, with an iconic portfolio of brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, skin and body care, hosted a cross-industry roundtable to discuss restrictive beauty ideals and definitions. As the next chapter of the award-winning UndefineBeauty campaign, the panel debunks beauty myths and includes perspectives on neuroscience, art, social media, sociology, and mental health, and underscores the need for collective action to drive change.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318716532/en/

Coty UndefineBeauty The Panel

"There is no valid single standard of beauty; the way we assess beauty is acquired, rather than evolutionary," says brain scientist and psychologist, John-Dylan Haynes, Professor at the Charite Medical University in Berlin.

"As a beauty company, we recognize our responsibility to reflect a diverse vision of beauty," said Sue Nabi, Coty CEO. "Our ongoing commitment to this campaign, including our latest roundtable discussion, underscore our resolve to create beauty for everyone. Our goal is to help each person feel their most beautiful self."

Coty launched the UndefineBeauty campaign in 2023 with an open letter to major English dictionaries, calling for an update of the current definition of the word 'beauty'. The sentence "she was considered a great beauty in her youth" is often cited in dictionaries to illustrate the concept; the UndefineBeauty campaign considers examples like these limiting and exclusive. To date, there has been no response from the dictionary publishers, and Coty is calling on them once more to change the definition to reflect today's society.

The power of collective action

Coty is inviting everyone to join the UndefineBeauty movement and help drive change by signing the petition on change.org.

For more information about the UndefineBeauty campaign and to sign the petition, visit coty.com/undefine-beauty.

About Coty Inc.

Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. Coty serves consumers around the world, selling prestige and mass market products in over 120 countries and territories. Coty and our brands empower people to express themselves freely, creating their own visions of beauty; and we are committed to protecting the planet. Learn more at coty.com or on LinkedIn and Instagram.

About UndefineBeauty

Launched in 2023, the UndefineBeautycampaign recognizes that the current English language definitions of the term 'beauty' are outdated and no longer reflect the values of today's society. Specifically, the examples cited under the current entries for 'beauty' across the leading English dictionaries are both limiting and exclusive. "She was a great beauty in her youth" is the phrase often cited in major dictionaries to illustrate the concept of beauty, and one whose excluding effects we witnessed in a social experiment involving 100 people from all around the world.

Since its launch, the UndefineBeauty campaign has reached over 350 million people globally, earned widespread media attention, and received recognition from leading industry awards. Its online petition calling for major English language dictionaries to revise outdated definitions of 'beauty' has attracted thousands of signatures. A-list figures including Billy Porter, Coco Rocha, Marc Jacobs, Maya Jama, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, Tom Daley, Vera Wang, and Wolfgang Joop have publicly shared their support for the campaign.

Panelist Commentary

John-Dylan Haynes, Brain Scientist and Psychologist, Professor at the Charite Medical University in Berlin

"The strong components of our beauty assessments are acquired, so I think it is very valuable that we break up these shackles and break up this idea that there is this one stereotypical definition of beauty."

Anita Bhagwandas, Award-winning Journalist and Author of the book UGLY: Giving Us Back Our Beauty Standards

"Since the age of four, as I talk about in my book, I had a concept of feeling 'ugly'. And that word 'ugly' was keeping me trapped. I think we need to be able to have control over our beauty standards because it gives us power and it sort of sets us free."

Jessica Bondy, Words Matter Charity Founder, a charity focused on improving the mental and physical health and development of children by ending verbal abuse by adults.

"Words matter. They have the power to encourage and inspire or crush and destroy. It's just so important that one builds young people up as opposed to putting them down."

Denise Schindler, Multi-medal Paralympic Cyclist, three-time World Champion

"If I had had two legs, my life would have been completely different. I think it is crucial that we have people in our life who tell us "You can." And this is something that we can do with this campaign-lift people up to speak out and to change something."

Ewa Grzelakowska-Kostoglu, Red Lipstick Monster, Beauty Influencer

"We have to normalize that all expressions of beauty are valid, that all people and all bodies are accepted."

Francisco Vidal, Portuguese-Angolan Contemporary Artist

"Beautiful comes from inside of our bodies. The beauty that we cannot see, we have this universe inside of us and there is this universe outside of us, so we need to know how to balance. We must fight to be ourselves."

Priya Srinivasan, Chief People and Purpose Officer, Coty

"The lighter the skin you are, the more beautiful you are supposed to be. So clearly with me, with my skin tone, I was out of the equation."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318716532/en/

Contacts:

For further information on Coty, the UndefineBeauty campaign, or for interview requests with expert panelists from Coty's latest UndefineBeauty roundtable listed below, please contact:



Media

Antonia Werther, +31 621 394495

antonia_werther@cotyinc.com
Perspectum today released the results of a multinational study showing that LiverMultiScan can reduce liver biopsies, lead to fewer specialist consultations, and improve the rate of diagnosis for patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The groundbreaking study was published in Nature Communications Medicine and shows that MRI for patients with MASLD is cost-effective in Europe.

"These findings support the utility of multiparametric MRI biomarkers to diagnose and improve patient management all while avoiding the need for biopsy in many patients," said Perspectum CEO, Rajarshi Banerjee, MD, PhD. "Specifically, the study showed Perspectum's LiverMultiScan improves certainty of diagnosis to allow for timely treatment, lowers costs and helps clinicians and patients to manage symptoms and reduce the impact of the disease."

In this real-world, randomized control study, 802 adults with suspected MASLD from four countries were diagnosed with either LiverMultiScan or usual care which included ultrasound and liver biopsies. The study reflected the real-life clinical practice of providers in each of the countries, and the participants were monitored for up to one year. To measure cost-effectiveness, the authors compared access to health care practitioners, patient assessments, and number of patients with a diagnosis at the end of the trial. Liver fat (PDFF) and disease activity (cT1) were used to identify patients not requiring biopsy in the imaging arm.

Key findings of the RADIcAL-1 study showed:

The use of non-invasive multiparametric MR images (LiverMultiScan) is a cost-effective tool that achieved an Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained of 4,929 (USD$ 5,369).

Diagnosis rates were improved by approximately 10 percent compared to the current standard-of-care.

The need for specialist consultations were reduced including 7 percent fewer hospital appointments, 7 percent fewer visits to general practitioners, and 29 percent fewer ultrasound procedures.

Importantly, the study avoids 50 percent of unnecessary biopsies, offering a safer, pain-free alternative without increasing liver-related health care use.

The economic burden of chronic liver diseases is rising globally. MASLD affects approximately 30 percent of the population in North America and Europe. The cost of managing MASLD is significant, with direct annual medical costs estimated at $103 billion in the U.S. and 27 billion in Europe.1 With the introduction of the first ever drugs to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), such as Rezdiffra (resmetirom), an alternative to liver biopsy is essential. Liver biopsy is an invasive diagnostic involving significant health risks and discomfort, including a 2.4 percent risk of significant complications. The new study results illuminate the clinical performance of multiparametric MRI when used to identify and monitor patients prescribed the new classes of MASLD therapeutics.

"In addition to being more patient friendly and faster, this study shows non-invasive pathways are more cost-effective than liver biopsy. The evidence in the study may also provide policy makers and practitioners with a greater understanding of how scaling LiverMultiScan into standard of care can be a win-win for improving diagnosis and managing costs associated with care," said Dr. Banerjee. "The RADIcAL-1 study points to the promise of multiparametric MRI as a cost-effective tool to identify and manage MASLD patients with fewer specialist appointments and interventions, offering patients an alternative to biopsy."

Henry Chang, Executive Director of the Fatty Liver Foundation, commented, "This study demonstrates that multiparametric MRI is a cost-effective, non-invasive diagnostic tool that can enhance MASLD detection, reduce dependence on liver biopsies, and improve overall healthcare efficiency. Diagnostic innovations that streamline clinical workflows while minimizing patient burden, are essential to advancing MASLD care, particularly given the increasing prevalence of the disease."

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 719445.

About Perspectum:

Perspectum, a global medical technology company, with offices in the U.S and U.K, delivers leading digital technologies that help clinicians provide better care for patients with chronic metabolic disease, multi-organ diseases, and cancer. With a strong focus on precision medicine using advanced imaging, our vision is to empower patients and clinicians through quantitative assessments of health enabling early detection, diagnosis, monitoring, and targeted treatment. With a diverse team of physicians, biomedical scientists, engineers, and technologists, Perspectum offers a way to manage complex health problems at scale.

About LiverMultiScan:

LiverMultiScan is a commercially available, FDA cleared software medical device (SaMD) intended for diagnosis, monitoring, and clinical management of patients with liver diseases. It is a non-invasive, non-contrast, and safe technology that assesses the liver disease activity, fat, and iron using existing MRI infrastructure and provides visually enhanced patient friendly results. Various research studies and peer reviewed publications demonstrate the clinical utility of LiverMultiScan in the diagnosis and monitoring of liver diseases such as MASH/MASLD, auto-immune hepatitis, and viral hepatitis.

About MASLD:

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a spectrum of liver diseases where there is excess fat in the liver (steatosis). MASLD is a growing global public health problem, fueled by the prevalence of obesity and related metabolic disorders. MASLD remains drastically underdiagnosed, often placing patients at risk for complications. Early diagnosis and intervention, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatments, are crucial in managing MASLD and preventing serious liver complications.

1 Younossi ZM et al. The economic and clinical burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the United States and Europe. Hepatology. 2016; 64:1577-1586.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318805633/en/

Contacts:

For further information, please contact:

Sandy Max

Director of Government and Corporate Affairs

Perspectum, DC Office

sandra.max@perspectum.com
For families considering a move abroad, Golden Visa programs offer a practical and secure way to gain residency in some of the world's most desirable destinations. These programs are particularly attractive for families because they allow spouses, children, and in some cases, even parents and grandparents to be included under a single application. Beyond residency, they provide access to top-tier education, high-quality healthcare, and greater global mobility, making them an excellent choice for families looking to expand their opportunities and secure a better future.

For those seeking a European home base, the Portugal Golden Visa stands out for its flexible residency requirements and clear pathway to citizenship after five years. Families benefit from Portugal's excellent international schools, affordable cost of living, and family-friendly culture, making it a welcoming place for those relocating with children. Greece's Golden Visa is another strong option, requiring a relatively low 250,000 real estate investment, with no mandatory stay requirements - ideal for families who want European residency while maintaining flexibility. Additionally, visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone means families can explore multiple countries with ease.

If a vibrant economy and long-term security are priorities, the UAE Golden Visa offers up to 10 years of residency, along with access to world-class healthcare, education, and business opportunities. This program is particularly appealing to families who value stability, safety, and a modern lifestyle, with excellent private schools and a tax-free environment. Meanwhile, Spain and Malta provide Golden Visa options that prioritize family inclusion, granting residency with access to some of the best healthcare and educational institutions in Europe.

What makes these Golden Visa programs truly family-friendly is their focus on long-term stability, flexibility, and quality of life. Many allow dependents to study and work, offer multigenerational residency options, and create pathways to permanent settlement or citizenship. Whether prioritizing education, security, or global mobility, these programs offer a structured way for families to relocate while ensuring a stable and promising future.

To explore these programs further, Ingwe Immigration is hosting a YouTube Live event on Thursday at 11:30 AM ET. Immigration expert Reza Motalebpour will break down the top Family-Focused Golden Visa programs and answer questions in a live Q&A. Join at http://www.youtube.com/@INGWECanada.

About:

Ingwe Immigration Inc. is a Toronto-based consultancy specializing in global residency and citizenship solutions. They assist professionals, families, and investors in over 20 countries, offering tailored strategies for tax relief, passport access, and wealth preservation.

Contact: Reza Motalebpour, 647-370-0101, media@ingwe.ca

SOURCE: INGWE Immigration Inc.
Innovative New Dominion Harbor Enterprises Subsidiary To Provide Access to Cutting-Edge Technologies for the Automotive Industry

Bunker Hills Technologies Acquires Substantial Portion Of V2X Patents Portfolio From Industry Leader Shanghai Langbo Communications Technology

Industry leading patent transaction and advisory firm Dominion Harbor Enterprises (DHE) (www.DominionHarbor.com) has formed Bunker Hill Technologies (BHT), a subsidiary established to serve as a specialized automotive patent aggregator of advanced technology solutions for vehicle manufacturers and technology suppliers on a global scale.

Under the Bunker Hill Technologies banner, the new Dominion Harbor subsidiary will develop and monetize a robust portfolio of high-value automotive technology patents encompassing critical innovations in key areas such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, vehicle sensors, memory storage systems, video capture technologies, and advanced lighting systems.

"Bunker Hill Technologies is poised to empower automobile manufacturers and technology suppliers with access to cutting-edge innovations essential for the development of next-generation vehicles," said David Pridham, Chairman and CEO of Dominion Harbor Enterprises. "We are extremely pleased to launch Bunker Hill Technologies as a dedicated platform for the delivery of pioneering automotive technologies to the industry."

Marking the new division's launch, Bunker Hill Technologies has successfully completed the acquisition of a substantial portfolio of V2X patents from Shanghai Langbo Communication Technology, a recognized leader in wireless communications. The portfolio acquisition enhances Bunker Hills Technologies' capabilities in the V2X communication sector, which is vital for the evolution of connected and autonomous vehicles.

"The acquisition of Langbo's V2X patents is a significant milestone in our commitment to building a comprehensive portfolio that addresses the automotive sector's most pressing technological challenges. By aggregating these patents, Bunker Hill Technologies will become an invaluable resource for companies striving to implement the latest advancements in automotive technology. The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving with the integration of sophisticated technologies, and our extensive patent collection will enable manufacturers and suppliers to accelerate innovation and enhance their competitive position."

Yang Lin, CEO of Langbo Communication Technology, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: "We are delighted to have closed this transaction with Dominion Harbor. Their esteemed reputation in intellectual property management, combined with their strategic vision in the automotive field, is unparalleled. Partnering with them ensures that our innovations will reach the manufacturers and suppliers who can effectively leverage them to revolutionize mobility and connectivity on a global scale."

Key Areas of BHT's Patent Portfolio include:

Communication: Patents encompassing vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems, including C-V2X, integral to connected car technologies.

Sensors: Advanced sensor technologies critical for autonomous driving and enhanced safety features.

Video Capture: Patents related to imaging systems, including cameras and image processing for driver assistance systems.

Memory: Innovative memory technologies essential for data storage systems in modern vehicles.

Illumination: Cutting-edge advancements in lighting systems designed to improve safety and visibility.

"With the establishment of BHT, Dominion Harbor continues to expand its influence in facilitating the commercialization of innovative technologies across various sectors. BHT is dedicated to collaborating with automotive companies worldwide to license these technologies, fostering innovation and driving the future of automotive development," added Pridham.

About Dominion Harbor Enterprises, LLC:

Dominion Harbor Enterprises (DHE) is a premier intellectual property transaction and advisory firm, renowned for its unmatched transactional expertise and comprehensive IP services. DHE provides clients with unparalleled access to targeted and credentialed licensees, maintaining industry leadership through its proprietary IPedia patent intelligence solution and its thought-provoking podcast, IP...Frequently.

About Langbo Communications Technology Company Ltd.:

Langbo Communications Technology Company is a pioneer in 5G technology, specializing in the creation and identification of standard-essential patents for 4G and 5G. With high-profile inventors from global R&D powerhouses such as Sony, Huawei, Intel, and Bosch, Langbo is dedicated to building robust patent portfolios and advancing innovation in wireless telecommunications.

# # #

CONTACT: SSA Public Relations

Steve Syatt steve@ssapr.com

(818) 222-4000

SOURCE: Dominion Harbor Group
Dynacor Group Inc. (TSX-DNG) ("Dynacor" or the "Corporation"), today announced unaudited gold sales of $22.5 million in February, a 11.9% increase compared to February 2024. All figures are in US dollars unless otherwise indicated.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318946411/en/

Monthly Highlights

Gold sales reached $22.5 million (C$32.2 million1)in February 2025, compared to $20.1 million (C$27.1 million) in February 2024.

The increase in sales of $2.4 million or +11.9% versus February 2024 results from an increase in the sales price (+33.3%) offset by a decline in volume (21.4%).

In February, the selling price of gold averaged $2,894 per ounce, compared to $2,032 per ounce, a 42.4% increase over February 2024.

The Veta Dorada plant operated at full capacity, processing close to 13,500 tonnes of ore in 28 days in February 2025 versus 14,000 tonnes in 29 days in February 2024.

Year To Date Highlights

Cumulative gold sales reached $51.2 million at the end of February 2025, compared to $47.0 million for the same period of 2024, a $4.2 million increase or +8.9%.

In 2025, the selling price of gold averaged $2,803 per ounce, compared to $2,032 per ounce in 2024, a 37.9% increase.

The Corporation will release its 2024 annual financial results at the end of March.

About Dynacor

Dynacor Group is an industrial ore processing company dedicated to producing gold sourced from artisanal miners. Since its establishment in 1996, Dynacor has pioneered a responsible mineral supply chain with stringent traceability and audit standards for the fast-growing artisanal mining industry. By focusing on fully and part-formalized miners, the Canadian company offers a win-win approach for governments and miners globally. Dynacor operates the Veta Dorada plant and owns a gold exploration property in Peru. The Corporation plans to expand to West Africa and within Latin America.

The premium paid by luxury jewellers for Dynacor's PX Impact gold goes to Fidamar Foundation, an NGO that mainly invests in health and education projects for artisanal mining communities in Peru. Visit www.dynacor.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in the preceding may constitute forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Dynacor, or industry results, to be materially different from any future result, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance as of the date of this news release.

1 Sales are converted using the average monthly exchange rate.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318946411/en/

Contacts:

For more information, please contact:

Ruth Hanna

Director, Investor Relations

T: 514-393-9000 #236

E: investors@dynacor.com

Website: https://dynacor.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!
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd. (CSE: SXTY) (FSE: 2F40) (OTC Pink: SXNTF) (the "Company" or "Sixty North Gold") Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd. is mobilizing crews to Yellowknife starting this week to drill test a number of Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) targets on its wholly-owned Mon Gold Property. These targets were derived from geological, geochemical and geophysical surveys completed over the property recently. A video on our website presents most of this VMS information and can be found here https://sixtynorthgold.com/investors/videos/.

"Dr. Webb, President & CEO of the Company reports, "The VMS targets are exciting and very well defined as large, strong conductors within a magnetically depressed series of pelites and rhyolites. Exposed massive and semimassive sulfides in these horizons incudes our 5656 Zone where trench samples grading 1.0 gpt gold, 203 gpt silver, 0.59% lead and 0.96 zinc over 0.45 m were identified (see NR November 6, 2018). Twenty-two and twenty kilometres to the south within the same Kam Group volcanics respectively, the Likely Lake deposit was drilled yielding 7.6 metres of 2.5 gpt gold, 204 gpt silver, 6.0% lead, 10.8% zinc, 0.6% copper, and the Homer Lake showing was drilled yielding 4.9 metres of 10.0 gpt gold, 209 gpt silver, 5.0% lead and 0.1% zinc. (Gold Terra NI 43-101. Armitage, 2021)."

The Archean Yellowknife Supergroup at this location includes a sequence of tholeiitic mafic volcanics (Kam Group) overlain by a calc-alkalic volcanic package with inter-formational turbiditic sediments (Banting Group). These are overlain by an extensive turbidite sequence. Massive sulphide horizons occur in the area of the Mon Property where an 8 m thick massive sulphide unit is hosted within the Mac Tuff near the base of the calc alkaline volcanics. A one km long geochemical anomaly extends to the south of the Company's 5656 Zone where a composite VTEM Plus  TDEM anomaly (E, F, and G) occurs under a lake and swamp covered area within the Mac Tuff horizon as well as in the overlying quartz porphyry and crystal tuffs of the Sito Lake volcanic rocks. These anomalies have modeled conductivities from 1 S/m to >4,500, >500,000, and >500,000 S/m respectively (Napier S., MIRA Geoscience, 2020), widths >30 m thick and individual strike lengths >200 m. A zone of magnetic destruction encompasses these conductors and a barium-enriched sequence including iron sulphide and iron oxide-rich rocks caps these to the east.

Dave Webb Ph.D., P.Geol., P.Eng., President & CEO of the Company, is the Qualified Person for the purposes of this release and has reviewed and approved its technical content."

About the Company

The Company is developing mining operations for gold on its 100%-owned Mon Gold Property, 40 km north of Yellowknife, NWT. Past production of the A Zone extracted 15,000 tonnes at 30 gpt gold from this vein (Company Technical Report, August 3, 2023, on SEDAR or https://sixtynorthgold.com/projects/technical-report/). The Yellowknife gold camp hosts two mines that averaged 30 gpt gold or better (Discovery and Sixty North Gold's Mon Mine), and two that averaged 15 gpt or better for a total production of over 14 million ounces of gold (Con Min and Giant Mine) (ref. Sixty North Gold NI 43-101, August, 2023).

Other targets on the property include silver and gold-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) targets, as well as partially-exposed shear zone-hosted gold mineralization.

For more information, please refer to the Company's public filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under the Company's profile.

Statements about the Company's future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks inherent in mineral exploration and development, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any projected future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Further details about the risks applicable to the Company are contained in the Company's public filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under the Company's profile.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/244928

SOURCE: Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd.
ExaGrid, the industry's only Tiered Backup Storage solution with Retention Time-Lock that includes a non-network-facing tier (creating a tiered air gap), delayed deletes and immutability for ransomware recovery, today announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Andy Walsky, ExaGrid's Vice President of EMEA APAC Sales, to the highly-anticipated 2025 CRN Channel Leaders list for the APAC region.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318899549/en/

"I am honored to be named to this list, and grateful to CRN for its coverage of the APAC region," said Andy Walsky. "Working with channel partners is the key to success for any company and must be treated with the highest priority. My channel philosophy is to treat the channel as you would want to be treated yourself, always be fair and keep your word. Developing trust with channel partners is critical-it takes time to build, but it can be quickly ruined. I have deep respect for the work our channel partners do every day and they should be rewarded accordingly."

ExaGrid works with resellers and distributors worldwide. The ExaGrid programs are designed to be easy for partners, with support from the ExaGrid sales team and without milestone commitments. ExaGrid is known for having a Tiered Backup Storage system that "just works," is not oversold or undersized, and provides its customers with the best customer support industry from an assigned level 2 technical support engineer, ensuring that partners' customers are well taken care of. ExaGrid provides its reseller partners with a registration program to protect accounts and margins, and SPIF incentives.

The CRN Channel Leaders list recognizes IT vendor and distribution executives who lead channel strategies for their companies and drive innovations across channel initiatives in APAC. The annual list honors channel leaders who are dedicated to building and evolving strategies that drive success for their channel partners and customers.

"The Channel Leaders we've recognized are dedicated to creating new channel possibilities and building partner programs that benefit solution providers across the APAC channel landscape," said Aaron Raj, Editor, CRN Asia, The Channel Company. "They are uniquely skilled at establishing partnerships that transform companies, drive successful results, and advance innovations across the channel."

CRN's 2025 Channel Leaders Asia list has been published on the CRN Asia website: https://www.crnasia.com/series/channel-leaders-asia-2025

About ExaGrid

ExaGrid provides Tiered Backup Storage with a unique disk-cache Landing Zone, long-term retention repository, scale-out architecture, and comprehensive security features. ExaGrid's Landing Zone provides for the fastest backups, restores, and instant VM recoveries. The Repository Tier offers the lowest cost for long-term retention. ExaGrid's scale-out architecture includes full appliances and ensures a fixed-length backup window as data grows, eliminating expensive forklift upgrades and planned product obsolescence. ExaGrid offers the only two-tiered backup storage approach with a non-network-facing tier (tiered air gap), delayed deletes, and immutable objects to recover from ransomware attacks.

ExaGrid has physical sales and pre-sales systems engineers in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Benelux, Brazil, Canada, Chile, CIS, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nordics, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and other regions.

Visit us at exagrid.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. See what our customers have to say about their own ExaGrid experiences and learn why they now spend significantly less time on backup storage in our customer success stories. ExaGrid is proud of our +81 NPS score!

ExaGrid is a registered trademark of ExaGrid Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world's top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

Follow The Channel Company: LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

 2025 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318899549/en/

Contacts:

The Channel Company Contact:

Kristin DaSilva

The Channel Company

kdasilva@thechannelcompany.com

ExaGrid Contact:

Mary Domenichelli

ExaGrid

mdomenichelli@exagrid.com
Cloud-based Elite platform to roll out to Roche's laboratory network across 50+ countries and a target 1,000 installations over five years.

BASEL, Switzerland, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tecsys Inc. (TSX: TCS), a global leader in supply chain management solutions, announced that Roche, the world's largest biotechnology company and global leader in in-vitro diagnostics, has selected Tecsys' Elite platform for implementation across Roche's network of core laboratory sites in over 50 countries, with a target of a thousand installations over the next five years. Tecsys' cloud-based solution drives streamlined inventory management, enabling increased efficiency and visibility in laboratory operations.

Optimized to scale across a global network of core laboratories and clinics, Elite provides an intuitive and easily configurable platform that simplifies operations and reduces training overhead. With integration into Roche's SAP backend, the Tecsys solution automates the full inventory lifecycle for laboratory reagents and consumables, ensuring centralized real-time inventory visibility, usage tracking and automated replenishment workflows.

Roche's laboratory inventory management requires operational simplicity on a global scale, and Tecsys' solution supports this need with agility and precision. With deployment taking just a few days per site, Tecsys provides a scalable platform without the typical complexity of enterprise software. Elite enables efficient inventory management with minimal training and deployment time, allowing Roche to focus on delivering life-saving diagnostic solutions to patients.

By deploying this solution across core laboratories, Roche will benefit from a robust, cloud-native system hosted on AWS infrastructure, offering scalability and security. Laboratories using reagents and consumables now have access to a fully automated inventory management solution that monitors usage, triggers reorders and supports efficient lab operations - while reducing manual effort. Tecsys' technology is the backbone of Roche's navify Inventory, which is part of the navify portfolio, an ecosystem of applications and digital solutions driving operational excellence.

"We are proud to support Roche in providing cutting-edge inventory management solutions to hospitals and laboratories around the world," said Peter Brereton, president and CEO at Tecsys. "Their trust in our solution is a testament to the transformative impact of modern supply chain technology."

Roche's adoption of the cloud-based Elite platform further demonstrates Tecsys' role as a trusted partner for complex supply chain environments. With innovative solutions like Elite, Tecsys continues to equip organizations to meet the demands of today's dynamic healthcare landscape.

About Tecsys?

Tecsys is a global provider of advanced supply chain solutions. With a commitment to innovation and customer success, the company equips organizations with the essential software, technology and expertise needed for operational excellence and competitive advantage. Its cloud solutions serve a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, distribution and converging commerce, across multiple complex, regulated and high-volume markets. Built on the Itopia low-code application platform, Tecsys' offerings include enterprise resource planning, warehouse management, consolidated service management, distribution and transportation management, supply management at the point of use and order management solutions. Tecsys provides critical data insights and control across the supply chain, ensuring that organizations are agile, responsive and scalable.

Tecsys is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TCS. For more about Tecsys and its solutions, please visit www.tecsys.com .

Copyright  Tecsys Inc. 2025. All names, trademarks, products, and services mentioned are registered or unregistered trademarks of their respective owners.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/732655/TECSYS_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tecsys-expands-global-reach-with-roches-adoption-of-elite-for-laboratory-inventory-management-302403872.html
Novotech, a global leading full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO), and Acrostar, a provider of Site Management Organization (SMO) services have entered into a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kyungpook National University Hospital (KNUH). The partnership will support clinical trials across KNUH's prestigious institutions including the Advanced Clinical Trials Center, the KNUH main campus, and the Chilgok KNUH in South Korea.

This collaboration is a key milestone for the advanced clinical trials in South Korea, strategically aligning with the amendments to the Advanced Regenerative Bio Act. This agreement builds upon the recent inauguration of KNUH's Advanced Clinical Trials Center opened in November last year, marking its first official partnership post-amendment of the Bio Act.

The amendments to the Advanced Regenerative Bio Act expanded the scope of advanced regenerative medicine, allowing the use of investigational therapies in clinical trials and expanding the number of authorized regenerative medicine institutions. Previously limited to severe, rare, and incurable diseases, regenerative medicine applications will now extend to a broader range of conditions, including general diseases.

Patients outside of clinical trials will also gain access to regenerative medicine services, while the range of applicable technologies-including cell and gene therapies (CGT) and tissue engineering-has significantly expanded.

Under the previous framework, CGTs required formal drug approval for clinical application. With these regulatory changes, CGTs in clinical trials can now be utilized upon review committee approval, streamlining access to innovative therapies.

The partnership creates a comprehensive framework across KNUH's network with early-stage clinical trials primarily conducted at the Advanced Clinical Trials Center, while late-stage trials will be managed with the KNUH's hospital system itself.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Hyungran Yoon, Director of the Advanced Clinical Trials Center, spoke about the benefits of the collaboration, "The Advanced Clinical Trials Center will oversee trials for all diseases treated at KNUH, strengthening our role as a leader in clinical research and regenerative medicine. The partnership agreement with Novotech will expand their capacity to offer innovative treatment opportunities both domestically and internationally."

Dr. Yooni Kim, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific at Novotech, highlighted the strategic advantages. "This partnership combines Novotech's global expertise with KNUH's specialized capabilities to offer cutting-edge treatment solution and streamlined trial operations. By leveraging this synergy, we aim to boost South Korea's position on the global stage in regenerative medicine and enhance clinical trial excellence worldwide

This partnership also marks a significant milestone for Acrostar, Novotech's SMO services provider. Daniel Kim, Director of Acrostar Asia-Pacific, shared his excitement about the partnership, "This is Acrostar's first partnership in South Korea. Through this collaboration, we will actively support the site and ensure the smooth progress of clinical trials from a site management perspective.

This strategic partnership means a shared commitment to advancing clinical research in South Korea and contributing to the global development of regenerative medicine and advanced clinical trials.

About Novotech Novotech-CRO.com

Founded in 1997, Novotech is a global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) focused on partnering with biotech and small to mid-size companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase.

Recognized for its industry-leading contributions, Novotech has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Fierce CRO 2024 Excellence Award in Clinical Trial Management and Global Operations, Frost Sullivan 2024 Global Biotech CRO of the year award, Clinical Trials Arena 2024 Excellence Awards in Business Expansion, Innovation and Marketing, 2024 Employer of Choice, 2024 Great Place to Work in the US, 2024 Brandon Hall Gold Award, CRO Leadership Award 2023, the Asia Pacific Cell Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Excellence 2023, the Asia-Pacific Contract Research Organization Company of the Year Award since 2006.

The Company offers a comprehensive suite of services including laboratories, Phase I facilities, drug development consulting, regulatory expertise, and has experience with over 5,000 clinical projects, including Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials and bioequivalence studies. With a presence in 34 office locations and a dedicated team of 3,000+ professionals worldwide, Novotech is a trusted end-to-end strategic partner of choice.

For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250317570511/en/

Contacts:

Media

Toyna Chin

mediacontact@novotech-cro.com

USA: +1 415 364 8135
ICBC Berlin Is the First Large-Scale Cannabis Industry Event in Germany Since the Historic Transformation of Its Industry

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) announced today details of its upcoming 2025 flagship conference in Berlin. The April 29-30 event at the iconic Estrel Berlin hotel will include an expo, a conference and major networking opportunities for business leaders and entrepreneurs, with Germany moving to the forefront of the global cannabis industry spotlight after its passage of transformative law reforms.

"Europe is currently by far the most exciting place in the world for cannabis policy, global access and investor opportunity, and Germany is leading the continental revolution and creating opportunities on an unprecedented scale," said Alex Rogers, CEO and Founder of ICBC. "The German cannabis industry is currently estimated at nearly 1.2 billion, and a recent study by The Niche Research forecasts that the German market will reach an estimated value of 4.4 billion by 2034. However, if the medical cannabis sector in Germany continues to grow at its current pace, this forecast may be too conservative."

Germany is deservedly in the spotlight of the global cannabis industry. Since medical cannabis was removed from the narcotics list last year, there has been a rapid increase in the number of patients who are able to access their medicine from pharmacies (often de facto dispensaries) with an easily obtainable prescription available via telemedicine. Most pharmacies also offer delivery of their products. Adults are also now permitted to cultivate, possess up to 25 grams and consume cannabis for recreational use. Local cultivation societies of up to 500 people with licenses from the relevant authorities are spurring an ancillary market. Also of note: Cannabis can be smoked wherever cigarette smoking is allowed, with the exception of areas near schools.

Over 5,000 cannabis industry leaders from more than 80 countries are expected at ICBC Berlin 2025, including key representatives from all sectors-hemp, medical cannabis, pharma, CBD, pilot projects, cannabis clubs, home cultivation-as well as international cannabis policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors and industry service providers.

Further Links: Speakers Tickets Schedule Exhibitors Media Kit

About ICBC

The ICBC is a conference series for the cannabis industry. Events have been held in the United States, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, and Germany. Additional locations for future events are currently being evaluated. The flagship of the conference series is the annual event in Berlin, Europe's largest and longest-running cannabis B2B event. ICBC events feature discussions with the world's most prominent cannabis speakers and thought leaders from politics, business, and science. Additionally, the ICBC serves as the premier international platform for innovators to showcase their cannabis inventions and concepts.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318593322/en/

Contacts:

Press Contact:

Moritz Forster

MJ Content Communications UG

moritz@mjcomms.de
JERICHO, N.Y., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In an increasingly uncertain and volatile global landscape, businesses, governments, and investors face a growing array of challenges that demand immediate attention and innovative solutions. Verdantix, in their Green Quadrant: Enterprise Risk Management Consulting Services (2025) report, benchmarks 15 of the most prominent enterprise risk management (ERM) advisors, identifying global consulting firm J.S. Held among the leading companies based on capabilities and momentum.

Company capability, plotted on the vertical axis of the Green Quadrant graphic, assesses the breadth and depth of its services approach, its differentiators against other providers, and its proven experience in seven areas, including:

Risk advisory

Risk strategy and governance

Regulatory compliance and ESG

Internal control and assurance

Financial risk

Operational risk and resilience

Risk data and analytics

The momentum dimension of the analysis, plotted on the horizontal axis of the Green Quadrant graphic, compares each firm based on its vision, strategy, and organizational resources; its ERM consulting client base; and its ERM consulting revenue.

Verdantix Analysts Observations

"By combining tailored risk management, advanced technology, and a client-centric approach, J.S. Held empowers organizations to achieve sustainability goals and operational excellence as efficiently as possible while addressing security, finance, and other aspects of risk."

An "extensive global footprint allows J.S. Held to provide localized expertise while leveraging international best practices to provide clients with effective support regardless of their geographic location."

"The firm's professionals have experience in various sectors, such as energy, manufacturing, technology, and financial services, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and problem solving."

J.S. Held's multidisciplinary experts educate and inform on business risk, sharing their insights and perspectives with peers at industry conferences, with journalists and news outlets, and with governments to shape informed decision-making. This commitment to thought leadership and knowledge-sharing extends to the January release of the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report, which explores five interconnected topics that organizations must consider in managing risk and opportunity in the year ahead, including Sustainability Investments & Headwinds; Global Supply Chain Challenges; Crypto & Digital Asset Intensification; Artificial Intelligence, Data & Digital Regulatory Response; and Cybersecurity Complexities.

John Peiserich, Esq., Executive Vice President, observes, "Our experts' deep understanding of the external factors related to business threats that keep CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CLOs, and Boards of Directors up at night drives the curated insights shared in the 2025 Global Risk Report and helps clients navigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the year ahead."

"As demonstrated in the Verdantix report, the depth and breadth of J.S. Held's work in the insurance market since 1974 provides a strong foundation in risk assessment, data analysis, global awareness, regulatory compliance, technological adaptability, and risk mitigation. Collectively, these skills better equip the firm's experts to assess business risk across diverse geographies, geopolitical landscapes, compliance frameworks, and digital advancements," observes J.S. Held President and Chief Operating Officer, Lee Spirer.

Executive Vice President, Greg Esslinger adds, "The Verdantix report highlights our multidisciplinary approach to client engagements, a hallmark of the J.S. Held value proposition in support of companies and their counsel as they manage enterprise risk and execute on strategy." The report demonstrates deep technical competencies combined with a scientific approach to financial risk management, which is informed by specialized expertise in business intelligence, climate & energy, cyber & digital, ESG & sustainability, and tangible & intangible asset management.

"In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, there is a need for something solid you can hold onto," observes J.S. Held Chief Executive Officer Jonathon Held. "Our name is our promise," he adds. "Our role as strategic advisor is emblematic of this promise, even in the face of the most daunting risks to the enterprise, clients have the expertise and guidance to act with confidence."

"J.S. Held agile, collaborative, and creative client-centric teams provide solution-forward advisory to our clients across the globe, no matter the scope or complexity of a project; the recognition of J.S. Held by Verdantix is reflective of the trusted advisor role we have earned over the last 50 years," noted Lee Spirer.

J.S. Held's strength in providing strategic advisory is built upon five decades of experience in the most rigorous venues - state, federal, and international courts - and spans more than 150 industry segments.

To learn more about the J.S. Held approach to enterprise risk management and to connect with a custom-curated team of experts, email RiskAdvisory@jsheld.com.

About J.S. Held

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

More than 1,500 professionals serve organizations across six continents, including 81% of the Global 200 Law Firms, 70% of the Forbes Top 20 Insurance Companies (85% of the NAIC top 50 Property & Casualty Insurers), and 65% of the Fortune 100 Companies.

J.S. Held, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not certified public accounting firm(s) and do not provide audit, attest, or any other public accounting services. J.S. Held, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not law firms and do not provide legal advice. Securities offered through PM Securities, LLC, d/b/a Phoenix IB, a part of J.S. Held, member FINRA/ SIPC or Ocean Tomo Investment Group, LLC, a part of J.S. Held, member FINRA/ SIPC. All rights reserved.

Media Contact

Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held, +1 786 833 4864, Kristi.Stathis@JSHeld.com, JSHeld.com

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Joint solution enables Aiosyn's AI algorithms to run at the edge within Pramana scanners, allowing for rapid diagnosis and radically improved operational workflow

Aiosyn, a pioneering pathology software company specializing in AI-powered solutions for cancer and kidney disease, and Pramana, an industry leader in automated digital pathology solutions, announced a collaboration to deliver inline detection of kidney structures in histology whole-slide images (WSIs). Leveraging the industry's first and only digital pathology scanners with integrated Edge AI computing technology from Pramana, Aiosyn's NephroPath platform* streamlines renal biopsy and resection assessments.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318129255/en/

Technology integration between Aiosyn and Pramana enables the analysis of digital pathology scans as soon as the scanner begins image acquisition. Aiosyn's AI analysis runs within the edge compute infrastructure that's integrated to the Pramana digital scanners and starts before the full slide scan is completed. As opposed to existing solutions that depend solely on cloud-hosted AI analysis of fully scanned whole slide images, this collaboration not only accelerates workflows but also strengthens data privacy and security by minimizing the need for transferring large WSI files to external systems.

"Aiosyn has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by integrating our NephroPath platform with Pramana's unique scanning technology," said David Tellez, CTO of Aiosyn. "With Edge AI computing, we enable real-time tissue structure detection, eliminating delays and privacy concerns. It's a big step toward seamless AI integration in pathology, enhancing diagnostic precision and efficiency."

Through the NephroPath platform, Aiosyn's AI algorithms offer an automated assessment of kidney tissue, identifying and quantifying key structures such as healthy and sclerotic glomeruli, tubuli, arteries, capsule, and the interstitium. Since NephroPath AI analyzes the sample as it is scanned, Pramana's system can acquire the image at multiple focal planes for each glomerulus, tubule, and other structures. Pathologists are not only able to access the detections of the AI model but also browse through the digital z-stack.

"Edge AI compute is opening possibilities for a future generation of digital pathology, where Pramana pioneered the concept of autonomous scanning with built-in quality assurance," said Prasanth Perugupalli, Chief Product Officer at Pramana. "Our partnerships with leading AI solution providers like Aiosyn offer industry-leading solutions to unique problems that were simply not possible to tackle before."

Moving forward, Aiosyn and Pramana plan to expand their capabilities by integrating the detection and quantification of additional tissue structures. This joint solution will be showcased at USCAP 2025 in Boston, Mass., March 22-27. Visit booth #220 to see the technology in action and learn more about this collaboration. For additional information, please contact Aiosyn at contact@aiosyn.com or Pramana at info@pramana.net.

About Pramana

Pramana is a health tech company accelerating the adoption of digital pathology across labs, hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. With Pramana's AI-powered imaging solution, pathologists achieve industry-leading image quality and unprecedented accuracy. Built-in AI algorithms and automated quality control eliminate up to 70% of manual workflow steps while capturing previously undetectable tissue features, radically improving clinical diagnostics and research. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. For more information, visit pramana.ai.

About Aiosyn

Based in the Netherlands, Aiosyn develops precision pathology software for breast cancer and kidney disease, integrating its solutions into standard pathology workflows. Aiosyn has been built upon more than 20 years of research experience in the field of pathology and is rooted in pathology practice.

*Note: Aiosyn's NephroPath platform is currently designated for Research Use Only and should not be used for diagnostic procedures

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318129255/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

Pramana, Andrea Sampson

asampson@sampsonprgroup.com

Aiosyn, Anna Correas

anna.correas@aiosyn.com
Jason Keller to offer insights on bank compliance considerations amidst current regulatory volatility

Jason Keller, Director, Market Strategy, Compliance Analytics for Wolters Kluwer Financial Corporate Compliance (FCC), will participate in a panel discussion, "Benchmarking CRA Performance: Setting the Standard for Excellence," as bankers navigate evolving Community Reinvestment Act compliance standards on Tuesday, March 18 at the Consumer Bankers Association's CBA LIVE national conference in Orlando, Fla.

The panel will explore how financial institutions can establish robust benchmarks for evaluating Community Reinvestment Act performance amid regulatory changes and market uncertainties. Coming shortly after significant CRA modernization efforts and just as banks are implementing new assessment frameworks, this discussion is particularly timely. Keller will join representatives from M&T Bank, Synchrony Bank and KeyBank to discuss strategies for leveraging data analytics, implementing peer comparisons, and ensuring strategic alignment to achieve excellence in CRA performance.

"Financial institutions face significant challenges in measuring and demonstrating CRA compliance effectiveness, especially during periods of regulatory transition," said Keller. "This session will provide actionable insights for banks to develop meaningful benchmarks that align with both regulatory expectations and their strategic business objectives."

Keller brings extensive experience in banking regulation and compliance, specializing in Community Reinvestment Act implementation. Before joining Wolters Kluwer, he served as a vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where he led community development and policy initiatives across a five-state region. His expertise encompasses regulatory compliance, fair lending, and community development finance. Keller is a recognized thought leader on CRA modernization and regularly contributes articles to leading banking publications, including his recent piece in American Banker on evolving compliance standards.

Wolters Kluwer Financial Corporate Compliance provides financial institutions, corporations, small businesses, and law firms with solutions to help meet regulatory and legal obligations, improve efficiency, and produce better business outcomes. The company's CRA Wiz solution is an industry-leading platform for CRA compliance and analytics, helping financial institutions manage their community development portfolios and optimize their assessment area performance.

For more information about Wolters Kluwer, please visit www.wolterskluwer.com.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions, and services for professionals in healthcare, tax and accounting, financial and corporate compliance, legal and regulatory, corporate performance, and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2024 annual revenues of 5.9 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,400 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube,and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318231239/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

David Feider

Associate Director, External Communications

Financial Corporate Compliance

Wolters Kluwer

Office +1 612-246-9454

david.feider@wolterskluwer.com
2025 Cato CTRL Threat Report includes demonstration of technique against ChatGPT, Copilot, and DeepSeek

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cato Networks, the SASE leader, today published the 2025 Cato CTRL Threat Report, which reveals how a Cato CTRL threat intelligence researcher with no prior malware coding experience successfully tricked popular generative AI (GenAI) tools-including DeepSeek, Microsoft Copilot, and OpenAI's ChatGPT-into developing malware that can steal login credentials from Google Chrome.

To trick ChatGPT, Copilot, and DeepSeek, the researcher created a detailed fictional world where each GenAI tool played roles-with assigned tasks and challenges. Through this narrative engineering, the researcher bypassed the security controls and effectively normalized restricted operations. Ultimately, the researcher succeeded in convincing the GenAI tools to write Chrome infostealers. This new LLM jailbreak technique is called "Immersive World."

"Infostealers play a significant role in credential theft by enabling threat actors to breach enterprises. Our new LLM jailbreak technique, which we've uncovered and called Immersive World, showcases the dangerous potential of creating an infostealer with ease," said Vitaly Simonovich, threat intelligence researcher at Cato Networks. "We believe the rise of the zero-knowledge threat actor poses high risk to organizations because the barrier to creating malware is now substantially lowered with GenAI tools."

The growing democratization of cybercrime is a critical concern for CIOs, CISOs, and IT leaders. The rise of the zero-knowledge threat actor is a fundamental shift in the threat landscape. The report shows how any individual, anywhere, with off-the-shelf tools, can launch attacks on enterprises. This underscores the need for proactive and comprehensive AI security strategies.

"As the technology industry fixates on GenAI, it's clear the risks are as big as the potential benefits. Our new LLM jailbreak technique detailed in the 2025 Cato CTRL Threat Report should have been blocked by GenAI guardrails. It wasn't. This made it possible to weaponize ChatGPT, Copilot, and DeepSeek," said Etay Maor, chief security strategist at Cato Networks. "Our report highlights the dangers associated with GenAI tools to educate and raise awareness, so that we can implement better safeguards. This is vital to prevent the misuse of GenAI."

Resources

Download the 2025 Cato CTRL Threat Report. It is the inaugural annual threat report from Cato CTRL, the Cato Networks threat intelligence team. The key theme for this year's report is AI.

Read the blog for Cato CTRL's AI predictions for 2025.

To learn more about the 2025 Cato CTRL Threat Report, register for SASEfy 2025 (Cato's global virtual event on SASE and AI) on Tuesday, April 15 at 12 p.m. ET.

Follow Cato CTRL's new account on X.

Visit Cato's AI and ML page and AI safety policy page.

Methodology

The 2025 Cato CTRL Threat Report summarizes findings from Cato CTRL's analysis of 1.46 trillion network flows across more than 3,000 enterprise customers globally in 2024.

For Cato CTRL's LLM jailbreaking research, the team conducted its analysis in a controlled test environment.

About Cato CTRL

Cato CTRL (Cyber Threats Research Lab) is the world's first CTI group to fuse threat intelligence with granular network insight, made possible by Cato's global SASE platform. By bringing together dozens of former military intelligence analysts, researchers, data scientists, academics and industry-recognized security professionals, Cato CTRL utilizes network data, security stack data, hundreds of security feeds, human intelligence operations, AI (Artificial Intelligence), and ML (Machine Learning) to shed light on the latest cyber threats and threat actors.

About Cato Networks

Cato Networks delivers enterprise security and networking in a single cloud platform. The SASE leader creates a seamless and elegant customer experience that effortlessly enables threat prevention, data protection, and timely incident detection and response. With Cato, organizations replace costly and rigid legacy infrastructure with an open and modular SASE architecture based on SD-WAN, a purpose-built global cloud network, and an embedded cloud-native security stack.

Want to learn why thousands of organizations secure their future with Cato? Visit us at www.catonetworks.com.

Media Contact

Cato Communications

press@catonetworks.com

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London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Reuters Events today announced the release of the timed agenda for The Future of Insurance Europe 2025, scheduled for May 7-8 in Amsterdam. The conference will address critical challenges and opportunities within the European insurance sector, including accelerating AI integration to reduce costs and navigating increasing cyber risk, alongside evolving customer expectations.

Expert Keynote Panel Speakers: Future of Insurance Europe 2025

The event will feature a diverse group of industry leaders sharing insights through panels, roundtables, workshops, and presentations. Key themes to be explored include:

Digital Transformation & AI-Powered Innovation: Examining how technologies like GenAI and advanced analytics are revolutionising core insurance functions.

Customer-Centric Strategies & Product Development: Exploring innovative approaches to develop transparent and simple insurance products that meet diverse customer needs.

Risk Management & Resilience: Discussing strategies for addressing emerging risks and exploring sustainable product development.

Talent & Workforce Evolution: Examining strategies to attract, retain, and upskill professionals in the insurance industry.

Featured sessions include:

Keynote Panel Lay the Groundwork: A Step-by-Step Guide to GenAI Success

Transform GenAI concepts into lasting impact by establishing use-cases across critical business functions and developing a phased approach for seamless integration Led by: Tapoly, Allianz Commercial, Helsana & ERGO Group

Presentation From Overwhelmed to Opportunity: Master Today's Technology Landscape

Navigate today's technology landscape by aligning solutions with your organisation's mission, optimising digital investments, and fostering a culture of continuous adaptation Led by: Vienna Insurance Group

Panel Build Responsible GenAI Transformation

Collaborate with regulators, maintain human oversight, and implement robust compliance frameworks to ensure ethical, transparent, and unbiased AI solutions Led by: Allianz Partners, Tryg, AXA & more 

Hackathon How Do We Solve Insurance's Greatest Challenges with Advanced Analytics?

Unleash your creativity and collaborate with industry peers to revolutionise insurance through advanced analytics, tackling challenges in underwriting, claims, and CX Led by: Alchemy Crew Ventures



Insurance executives are invited to download the full, timed agenda and attendee snapshot to discover all sessions and plan their personalised event experience and gain actionable insights into GenAI implementation, risk mitigation, and customer engagement. Download here: https://shorturl.at/WWlyO

Ends

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/245051

SOURCE: Reuters Events
Newport Beach, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - NB Tech Acquisitions ("NB Tech"), a leader in technology innovation and investment, is excited to announce the launch of "Big Engine," an AI-first platform set to revolutionize its operational ecosystem. This cutting-edge development marks a significant leap forward for NB Tech, empowering its ecommerce and crypto ventures-including ECOM Fund 2 and DX1 Fund-with advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities designed to drive smarter, faster, and more profitable decisions.

The "Big Engine" platform represents a transformative milestone for NB Tech, integrating predictive analytics, automation, and a unified infrastructure to enhance the company's growing portfolio. By harnessing AI-driven insights and a cloud-native architecture, NB Tech is poised to redefine efficiency and scalability across its operations, from ecommerce product launches to algorithmic trading in emerging cryptocurrency markets. This platform will serve as the technological backbone for NB Tech's ambitious vision of a lean, adaptive, and tech-driven organization.

This launch underscores NB Tech's dedication to staying ahead of industry trends through innovation and agility. The "Big Engine" delivers a trio of powerful advantages:

AI-Driven Predictions: The platform synthesizes data from diverse sources to provide real-time insights, such as identifying top-selling ecommerce products-like predicting the next bestselling t-shirt on Amazon-or pinpointing high-potential altcoins poised for a price surge.

The platform synthesizes data from diverse sources to provide real-time insights, such as identifying top-selling ecommerce products-like predicting the next bestselling t-shirt on Amazon-or pinpointing high-potential altcoins poised for a price surge. Unified Infrastructure: From evaluating new ecommerce opportunities to streamlining multi-channel inventory with robotic process automation (RPA) or executing trades in the DX1 Fund, "Big Engine" creates a cohesive system for analyzing, prioritizing, and automating workflows.

From evaluating new ecommerce opportunities to streamlining multi-channel inventory with robotic process automation (RPA) or executing trades in the DX1 Fund, "Big Engine" creates a cohesive system for analyzing, prioritizing, and automating workflows. Cloud-Native & Scalable: Built for the cloud, the platform eliminates traditional infrastructure bottlenecks, enabling rapid rollouts and swift responses to market shifts, ensuring NB Tech remains agile in a competitive landscape.

Eric Liboiron, Founder and acting CEO of NB Tech Acquisitions, shared his excitement about the platform's potential: "The 'Big Engine' is a game-changer for NB Tech, amplifying our ability to innovate and scale across our ecommerce and crypto initiatives. This AI-first approach not only accelerates our decision-making but also solidifies our commitment to building a future-ready organization that delivers exceptional value to our stakeholders and investors."

While full details remain under wraps for strategic reasons, the "Big Engine" is already integrated into NB Tech's ecommerce funds and emerging crypto ventures, driving operational excellence and profitability. This launch aligns with NB Tech's broader mission to pioneer dynamic, technology-led business models that outpace traditional firms and thrive amid evolving market conditions. With "Big Engine" as its beating heart, NB Tech is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in online retail, cryptocurrency, and beyond, setting new standards for performance and innovation.

About NB Tech Acquisitions

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Newport Beach, California, NB Tech Acquisitions is a private holding company and technology incubator specializing in acquiring and scaling groundbreaking startups across sectors such as artificial intelligence, ecommerce, and cybersecurity. Through strategic investments and innovative solutions, NB Tech drives transformation and creates exceptional value for its stakeholders.

SAFE HARBOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, NB Tech Acquisitions is hereby providing cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements (as defined in such act). Any statements that are not historical facts and that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, indicated through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimated," "intends," "plans," "believes" and "projects") may be forward-looking and may involve estimates and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, our expectations concerning our ability to attract investors.

We caution that the factors described herein could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements we make, and investors should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our results of operations or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

This press release does not constitute an offer of any securities for sale.

SOURCE: NB Tech Acquisitions Corp.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/245048

SOURCE: NB Tech Acquisitions Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Sweet Poison Spirits Inc. (CSE: SPS) (FSE: N7S) (the "Company" or "Sweet Poison") announces the company has agreed to purchase up to an additional ten (10) ultra efficient crypto mining rigs from Goodwin Ventures Corp. to be focused on Mining the ALEO token with the following specifications:

ABOUT THE MINING RIGS BEING PURCHASED

Goldshell AE-BOX II ("Goldshell") is an ASIC miner designed for zkSNARK algorithm, specifically targeting ALEO (Aleo). The Goldshell AE-BOX II delivers an average hashrate of 54Mh/s while consuming 530W of power, resulting in an energy efficiency of 0.01j/kh. Goldshell is an industry-leading technology company, that was founded in 2017.

Brian Gusko, Director stated "These particular mining rigs have been carefully selected in preparation for what the company believes is the upcoming next leg of the 'crypto bull-market' while focusing on profitability during the current market pull back."

ABOUT ALEO

Aleo was born from a desire to achieve the impossible - to build a user experience on the web that is both truly personal and truly private. Aleo is the first platform to offer fully private applications. Aleo achieves this by leveraging decentralized systems and zero-knowledge cryptography to protect user data on the web. At its core, Aleo offers users and application developers unbounded compute with absolute privacy. By architecting Aleo as a blockchain that is private-by-default, open-source, and built for the web, Aleo believes Aleo is uniquely positioned to address the shortcomings of blockchain adoption.

As of March 14th, 2025 Aleo has a market capitalization of USD $96.2 Million and has a 24-hour trading volume of $7.3 Million. Aleo hit an all time high market cap of approximately $9.3 Billion on September 24, 2024 with a 24-hour trading volume of $24.57 Million. Aleo trades on over 20 crypto currency exchanges according to Coinmarketcap.com.

The Company will take delivery of one (1) initial unit prior to completing the balance of the purchase in order to test delivery times and performance of the equipment.

EXISTING EQUIPMENT OWNED BY SWEET POISON

The Company currently owns 150 SC200 SiaCoin mining rigs. The Company is currently working towards lower cost power solutions to make these particular rigs more economical.

About SiaCoin

Siacoin (SC) is the native utility token of Sia, a blockchain-based distributed, decentralized cloud storage platform. Sia acts as a secure, trustless marketplace for cloud storage in which users can lease access to their unused storage space. Agreements and transactions are enforced with smart contracts, and Siacoin is the medium of exchange for paying for storage on the network. The main goal of the project is to become the "backbone storage layer of the internet." Sia was originally announced in May 2014 before being revised and re-announced a year later in May 2015. It officially launched in June 2015. Learn more about Siacoin at Sia - Decentralized data storage

As of March 14th, 2025 SiaCoin has a market capitalization of USD $173 Million and has a 24-hour trading volume of $22 Million. SiaCoin hit an all time high market cap of over $2.4 Billion on January 5th, 2018 on 24-hour trading volume of over $94 Million. SiaCoin trades on over 57 Centralized crypto exchanges according to Coinmarketcap.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

(Sgd.) "Robert Eadie"

Robert Eadie, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking" statements and information ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, management's expectations and the potential of the Company's projects, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company's management and reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/245000

SOURCE: Sweet Poison Spirits Inc.
Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Guizhou Tyre Co., Ltd. (GTC) successfully organized GTC Visionary Night 2025 at The Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore, bringing together global distributors, partners, and industry leaders. Under the theme "Accelerating the Future, Globally," the event celebrated GTC's outstanding achievements in innovation, sustainability, and global expansion, while reaffirming its commitment to technological advancements, green production, and digital transformation.





GTC Visionary Night 2025: Charting the Future with Global Distributors

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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During the event, GTC shared its latest milestones with global distributors. GTC became the first Chinese tire manufacturer to receive the prestigious Lighthouse Factory Award, recognizing the company's leadership in AI-driven manufacturing and digital transformation. Additionally, GTC was awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal, underscoring its excellence in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. These achievements highlight GTC's long-term investment in intelligent manufacturing and sustainable development, reinforcing its confidence in shaping the future of the industry.

A major highlight of the evening was the official launch of the 2026 PCR Program, marking GTC's entry into the global passenger car tire market. This strategic initiative is backed by a world-class intelligent manufacturing system with an annual production capacity of six million tires. With a strong emphasis on automation, high production efficiency, and premium quality, the program aims to bridge market gaps and elevate GTC's presence in the global tire industry.

Key executives from GTC delivered insightful speeches at the event. Wang Kun, General Manager of Guizhou Tyre Co., Ltd.; Liu Bin, General Manager of ADVANCE TYRE (Vietnam) Co., Ltd.; and You Jie, General Manager of Guizhou Tyre I/E Co., Ltd. shared GTC's strategic vision for future growth, international market expansion, and the latest trends in smart manufacturing and sustainability, providing valuable insights for their global partners.

Beyond business discussions, the event featured captivating performances, including a saxophonist, a dance group, a violinist, and a live band, seamlessly blending business networking with cultural appreciation and creating a unique and unforgettable experience for attendees.

During the night, Wang Kun, General Manager of Guizhou Tyre Co., Ltd., outlined the company's roadmap for future growth. GTC will accelerate its global market expansion, strengthen localized partnerships, and enhance its international brand presence. The company remains committed to advancing its intelligent manufacturing project with an annual capacity of six million passenger car tires, aiming to fill market gaps and explore new growth opportunities.

Additionally, GTC is actively planning its second overseas production facility, a strategic move to enhance supply chain resilience and drive long-term sustainability. Wang Kun emphasized that GTC will continue to deepen its global market strategy, pioneer innovations in smart manufacturing, integrate AI technology, and uphold its commitment to sustainability.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/244823

SOURCE: Plentisoft
Partnership combines award-winning data risk management and e-discovery software suite with elite-level data discovery and document review services

FRISCO, Texas and AUSTIN, Texas, March 18, 2025, the global leader in providing data risk management software solutions for e-discovery, digital forensics, and data privacy, security, and governance professionals, and Integreon , a leading global provider of tech-enabled legal solutions, today announced a strategic partnership delivering managed e-discovery and document review services.

Together, the two industry leaders now provide enterprise customers with a best-in-class managed e-discovery solution that combines Exterro's cutting-edge software with Integreon's deep expertise in managed document review. By utilizing a comprehensive solution from Exterro and Integreon, organizations can effectively manage risk while enhancing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and defensibility in their e-discovery and document review processes.

For organizations involved in multiple litigation matters, Exterro's single-instance storage solution multiplies the savings as documents can be reviewed a single time and leveraged across any number of cases. By leveraging the managed e-discovery solution from Exterro and Integreon, enterprise clients will benefit from:

Cost Reduction & Efficiency: Minimize expenses by consolidating vendors while streamlining legal workflows to boost productivity.

Minimize expenses by consolidating vendors while streamlining legal workflows to boost productivity. Risk Mitigation & Compliance: Ensure defensible, industry-leading compliance across litigation, regulatory responses, and internal investigations, reducing legal risk and potential fines.

Ensure defensible, industry-leading compliance across litigation, regulatory responses, and internal investigations, reducing legal risk and potential fines. Enhanced Accuracy & Speed: Improve data processing speed and accuracy, enabling quicker, more informed legal decisions.

Improve data processing speed and accuracy, enabling quicker, more informed legal decisions. Simplified Management: Remove the complexity of managing multiple software and service providers with a fully integrated solution.

"With the exponential growth of electronically stored information and evolving state and federal regulations, organizations must be more proactive than ever in managing risks - including cyber threats, regulatory compliance, data privacy and legal exposure," said Bobby Balachandran, Exterro Founder and CEO. "By combining Exterro's cutting-edge technology with Integreon's proven expert services, organizations can effectively find, analyze and protect against these risks, staying ahead of emerging threats."

Exterro's AI-driven technology is continuously evolving, providing smarter, actionable insights and automation that many competitors lack. When combined with Integreon's global team of legal experts, organizations benefit from a uniquely scalable and defensible e-discovery framework that is tailored to their specific needs.

"Our clients require sophisticated, technology-enabled solutions to meet the evolving demands of litigation, investigations, and regulatory compliance," added Phil Goodin, Executive Vice President, Litigation Services at Integreon. "This holistic approach positions Exterro and Integreon as the gold standard in managed e-discovery and document review services, providing an integrated solution that ensures superior results while reducing the burden on in-house legal teams."

About Exterro

Exterro empowers organizations to manage data risks with a complete platform for e-discovery, data privacy, cybersecurity and governance, and digital forensics. Unlike any other software provider, Exterro makes it easy for organizations to understand their data and take swift action. Exterro's AI-driven solutions provide accurate, actionable insights, enabling businesses to ensure compliance, reduce risks, and streamline operations while lowering costs. With Exterro, organizations gain the clarity and confidence needed to address their most critical data challenges. For more information, visit www.exterro.com.

About Integreon

Integreon is the trusted, global provider of legal, creative and business outsourced solutions to corporations and law firms seeking to expand their capabilities and transform their performance. The company's 4,000+ professionals provide expert support across a range of managed services-from creative design, content delivery and administrative support to legal and compliance. With global delivery centers on three continents, Integreon delivers round-the-clock service in 70+ languages and is deeply committed to client success, consistently delivering innovative, tech-enabled solutions that improve agility and efficiency to drive business performance. Integreon is owned by EagleTree Capital, a leading New York-based middle-market private equity firm with over $5 billion of assets under management.

For more information about Integreon's range of services, email info@integreon.com , visit www.integreon.com and follow Integreon at LinkedIn , X , and Facebook .

Press Contact:

For Exterro

Hazel Ramirez

hazel@plat4orm.com

570-975-9261

For Integreon

Meg McEvoy

meg@limelightgrowth.com

434-409-0050
Customers can tap into insights from Cloudflare's global network one of the largest in the world which blocked an average of 227 billion cyber threats each day during Q4 2024

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the leading connectivity cloud company, today launched the Cloudforce One threat events platform to provide real-time intelligence on cyberattacks occurring across the Internet. Based on telemetry from Cloudflare's massive global network, Cloudforce One's threat events platform helps security teams get more done with the same resources by spotting issues faster, responding to threats quickly and staying one step ahead of how cybercriminals operate and what systems they target.

Every day, cybercriminals change tactics, finding new vulnerabilities to exploit and ways to overwhelm their victims. What's more, cybercrime costs are projected to reach $10.5 trillion in 2025. For organizations to keep up, they need to understand the threat landscape they face. However, traditional threat intelligence feeds often lack meaningful or complete context for why a threat event was placed on the feed-similar to getting a warning without an explanation or path to resolution. Optimal threat intelligence feeds need to cut through the noise to deliver specific, actionable information about cybercriminals, emerging risks, and indicators of compromise (IoCs) that directly impact an organization's security posture.

"Not all threat feeds are reliable or timely. The industry is plagued by insights that are stale or fragmented, significantly increasing organizations' chances of falling victim to hackers," said Matthew Prince, co-founder and CEO, Cloudflare. "Cloudflare has built one of the world's largest global networks, which positions us to be one of the only companies that has access to the most complete and accurate threat intelligence. Our unique robust visibility makes our threat events platform the most comprehensive option to move the needle."

Built on Cloudflare Workers AI, the threat events platform is designed to both scale and maintain resiliency during surges in data that reflect the unpredictable nature of attacks on the Internet. Starting today, the Cloudforce One threat events platform can help organizations:

Gain a single view of the constant attack stream across the Internet: Now, organizations will have access to an attacker timelapse view powered by threat insights no one else has, designed to answer strategic questions and drill down into the details of an attack. This approach ensures that users have access to the most relevant information at their fingertips.

Now, organizations will have access to an attacker timelapse view powered by threat insights no one else has, designed to answer strategic questions and drill down into the details of an attack. This approach ensures that users have access to the most relevant information at their fingertips. Take action against today's sophisticated threat actors: Security teams can tap into personalized information for a specific environment, industry or region. Threat events provide users with actionable IoCs and event summaries, including the associated threat actor group, with profiles that break down methods and map tactics.

Security teams can tap into personalized information for a specific environment, industry or region. Threat events provide users with actionable IoCs and event summaries, including the associated threat actor group, with profiles that break down methods and map tactics. Boost efficiency and reaction speed of security teams: Threat events provide valuable context around the data gathered, allowing security teams to prioritize activity and focus limited resources on the most pressing threats. Businesses can significantly improve their threat intelligence ecosystem and overall security posture by routing and integrating the right threat intelligence into cybersecurity tools.

"Organizations need actionable threat intelligence to understand the scale of threats they are up against, and how the aggression and techniques of hackers are evolving," said Blake Darche, Head of Cloudforce One, Cloudflare. "Most industry tools flood security teams with threat intelligence that's irrelevant, often leading to false positives and/or negatives. Cloudforce One's threat events platform keeps customers focused on the most pressing threats to their direct environment, from trivial risks up through complex use cases like the exploitation of CVEs or insider threats."

To learn more, please check out the resources below:

Blog: Unleashing improved context for threat actor activity with our threat events platform

Cloudforce One: Threat events platform

About Cloudflare

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) is the leading connectivity cloud company on a mission to help build a better Internet. It empowers organizations to make their employees, applications and networks faster and more secure everywhere, while reducing complexity and cost. Cloudflare's connectivity cloud delivers the most full-featured, unified platform of cloud-native products and developer tools, so any organization can gain the control they need to work, develop, and accelerate their business.

Powered by one of the world's largest and most interconnected networks, Cloudflare blocks billions of threats online for its customers every day. It is trusted by millions of organizations from the largest brands to entrepreneurs and small businesses to nonprofits, humanitarian groups, and governments across the globe.

Learn more about Cloudflare's connectivity cloud at cloudflare.com/connectivity-cloud. Learn more about the latest Internet trends and insights at https://radar.cloudflare.com.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "explore," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cloudflare's expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the capabilities and effectiveness of the Cloudforce One threat events platform, as well as Cloudflare's other products and technology, the benefits to Cloudflare's customers from using the Cloudforce One threat events platform and Cloudflare's other products and technology, Cloudflare's technological development, future operations, growth, initiatives, or strategies, and comments made by Cloudflare's CEO, Cloudflare's Head of Cloudforce One, and others. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in Cloudflare's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Cloudflare's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 20, 2025, as well as other filings that Cloudflare may make from time to time with the SEC.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Cloudflare undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Cloudflare may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in Cloudflare's forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on Cloudflare's forward-looking statements.

2025 Cloudflare, Inc. All rights reserved. Cloudflare, the Cloudflare logo, and other Cloudflare marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Cloudflare, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318221852/en/

Contacts:

Cloudflare, Inc.

Daniella Vallurupalli

Vice President, Head of Global Communications

press@cloudflare.com
BERLIN, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From March 4-6, 2025, ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show-kicked off in Germany, gathering over 5800 exhibitors and industry leaders from 170 countries. This year's theme, "The World of Travel Lives Here" highlighted the digital transformation shaping the future of global tourism. As a leading enterprise payment provider in the airline and travel industry, YeePay showcased its one-stop global enterprise account solution, demonstrating how seamless payments are at the heart of a connected global travel ecosystem.

At ITB Berlin, Hua Lei, Senior Vice President and Head of International Business at YeePay, shared insights into how evolving visa-free policies are boosting inbound tourism to China, unlocking new business opportunities.

"Payments serve as the bridge, connecting businesses, distributors, and travelers. We are dedicated to creating efficient and secure payment solutions that facilitate seamless transactions between China and global travelers, as well as between Chinese and international businesses," said Hua Lei.

During the event, YeePay engaged with global airline and travel companies, system providers, and payment technology firms, exploring collaborations to drive digital transformation across the travel industry. YeePay introduced its one-stop global enterprise account solution, designed to streamline complex cross-border transactions with low costs, competitive exchange rates, and fast processing speeds. By leveraging a comprehensive global collection, payment, and FX management system, YeePay enables travel businesses to efficiently handle international payments, foreign exchange management, and financial settlements. All within a single account.

As the travel industry embraces digitalization and globalization, YeePay is accelerating its global expansion to further enhance collaboration and co-innovation with travel businesses worldwide. The company remains committed to driving the evolution of global payment services, making transactions smarter, more seamless, and more efficient.

At ITB Berlin, YeePay not only showcased the strength of China's payment technology but also reinforced its vision of fostering open, collaborative, and innovative partnerships to support the global travel industry. As the event's theme suggests, "The World of Travel Lives Here"and YeePay is helping connect the world's travel ecosystem through payments.

About YeePay

Founded in 2003, YeePay is a leading enterprise payment service provider in China, offering secure, innovative, and intelligent transaction solutions across industries such as airlines & travel, retail, fintech, and cross-border commerce. With a focus on financial inclusion and technological innovation, YeePay empowers businesses with seamless digital financial services.

For more information on YeePay, visit https://global.yeepay.com.

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Strengthening its position as a digital banking leader, Grasshopper expands its team to drive growth and enhance its financing solutions

Grasshopper , the client-first digital bank built for the business and innovation economy, today announced the addition of numerous strategic hires to its lending team. As a forward-thinking digital bank, Grasshopper has spent the last three years redefining the banking experience for small- and medium-sized business (SMBs) , startups , financial technology (fintech) companies , and the venture capital and private equity community . Recognized for its award-winning digital banking solutions , the Bank has set a new standard for seamless, tech-driven depository banking.

Now, Grasshopper is making its next strategic move - expanding and digitizing its lending operations in 2025. This includes strengthening its Small Business Administration (SBA) lending program, introducing new small business loan options for SMB clients, entering the consumer lending market through its proposed acquisition of Auto Club Trust (ACT) , and leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI-driven solutions to streamline processes.

In conjunction with this digitization effort, Grasshopper has recently welcomed several new team members to help drive the success of these lending programs:

Steve Kerr , Chief Credit Officer: With 25 years of experience in credit and risk management, Kerr possesses deep expertise in commercial and specialty finance, ensuring sound credit decisions that support sustainable growth. His background includes developing advanced credit modeling and risk assessment frameworks, having built proprietary machine learning-driven credit decision algorithms at 5^C Credit/Lassen Capital and led loan recovery and loss given default modeling at Standard & Poor's. He previously served as Regional Chief Credit Officer at Bank Luemi USA and Head of U.S. Credit Risk Management & Restructuring at Scotiabank.

Dawn Gillette , Head of Digital Lending: Gillette brings over 20 years of experience in fintech leadership, most recently serving as Senior Vice President at NBT Bank, leading the bank's national residential solar and speciality lending businesses, and previously as Chief Financial Officer at Direct Capital Corporation. She also served on the boards of Sungage Financial, Stratyfy, Inc. and Mendon Venture Partners.

Brennan Quenneville , Head of SBA Lending: Quenneville brings over 12 years of experience in commercial finance, with a focus on SBA, USDA, and renewable energy project finance. He previously led underwriting teams at Pathward, National Association.

Andrew Simon , Head of SBA Digital Lending : Simon brings a wealth of experience in business development and digital strategy, having led transformative initiatives at Velocity SBA, Exos, Lendistry, and Ready Capital.

David Menoian , SBA National Sales Manager: Menoian, with over 10 years of experience in SBA and USDA lending, brings strong acumen in renewable energy finance and credit management. He most recently served as Senior Managing Director, Business Development at Pathward.

Justin Whitson , Business Development Officer: Whitson, a seasoned business development professional with a decade of experience in commercial finance, previously held a key role at Pathward and will be instrumental in expanding the bank's lending reach and strengthening client relationships.

"Investing in top talent and cutting-edge technology has been one of the biggest drivers of Grasshopper's success," said Mike Butler, President & CEO at Grasshopper. "Expanding our capabilities and digitizing the lending process will further cement our position as a leading digital bank, and we look forward to continuing to deliver innovative, frictionless experiences to our clients."

To learn more about Grasshopper and its growing team of industry experts, please visit www.grasshopper.bank .

About Grasshopper Bank

With total assets of approximately $867.5 million, Grasshopper is a client-first digital bank serving the business and innovation economy. Grasshopper replaces the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to banking with a suite of products and services tailored to specific industries, and a passionate team of experts with deep expertise in their fields. Grasshopper's banking solutions cover small business, venture-backed companies, fintech-focused Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and commercial API banking platforms, SBA lending, commercial real estate lending, and yacht lending. Headquartered in New York City, the bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is an Equal Housing/Equal Opportunity Lender. For more information, visit the bank's website at www.grasshopper.bank or follow on LinkedIn and Twitter .

Media Contact:

Heather Valle-Theobald

Caliber Corporate Advisers

heather@calibercorporateadvisers.com

SOURCE: Grasshopper
DUBUQUE, Iowa, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eagle Point Software, creators of Pinnacle Series learning solutions, is partnering with Guardian, a BIM management tool for Revit, to integrate Guardian's training content into Eagle Point's Pinnacle Series learning management system.

Through this collaboration, Guardian will supply premium training content to Eagle Point's Pinnacle Series platform, further enhancing the learning experience for users worldwide. Integrating Guardian's training content into Pinnacle Series will streamline the learning process for Guardian Administrators and end users. The videos help design teams quickly understand and adopt Guardian's features, ensuring consistent BIM standards and improved modeling practices.

"At Eagle Point Software, we're focused on providing Pinnacle Series users with access to the training resources they need to succeed," said Steve Biver, COO at Eagle Point Software. "By partnering with leading software vendors like Guardian, we are bringing their training materials into Pinnacle Series alongside our existing content to create one centralized platform. This gives AEC professionals the ability to easily access the most relevant, up-to-date content from multiple sources, saving them time and effort. This initiative benefits the entire industry by streamlining training, ensuring users have the right tools to stay ahead of evolving technologies, and allowing organizations to invest in continuous learning with confidence."

The partnership aligns with both companies' missions to empower professionals with industry-leading knowledge, ensuring organizations have access to cutting-edge training resources. Guardian's specialized content will seamlessly integrate into Pinnacle Series, providing users with expanded, high-quality learning materials tailored to their needs.

"Our partnership with Eagle Point Software underscores our shared dedication to help Revit users reach their full potential," said Chris Shafer, Director of Operations. "By integrating our training content into Pinnacle Series, we are enhancing accessibility and usability of Guardian, ensuring that professionals across the industry have the knowledge they need, right when they need it."

Phase one of this partnership began this month with the initial content release in Pinnacle Series, with additional content to come.

For more information on Eagle Point Software and Pinnacle Series, visit www.eaglepoint.com. To learn more about Guardian, visit www.getguardian.tech.

About Eagle Point

Pinnacle Series creator Eagle Point Software has helped AEC and manufacturing companies work more efficiently since 1983. Based in Dubuque, Iowa, the Pinnacle Series team is comprised of industry experts who deliver the leading development and productivity platform to more than 500,000 global AEC and manufacturing professionals. Pinnacle Series offers a robust library of on-demand software training content, plus knowledge capture and sharing capabilities that ultimately increase efficiency. http://www.eaglepoint.com

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STOCKHOLM, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tobii Dynavox, a part of Dynavox Group and the world leader in assistive communication, is today joining Microsoft's Ability Summit, to demonstrate how Microsoft's AI-powered Neural Voice is leveraged in Tobii Dynavox's assistive communication solutions, to empower people with disabilities with a voice they choose.

Within the event section "Future-Ready Tech: AI and Accessibility", Tobii Dynavox will exhibit how AI can benefit people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, ALS, or autism by enhancing personalization and speed of communication when using alternative access methods, such as eye gaze.

Tobii Dynavox will present a real use case of how Microsoft's Neural Voice is controlled with the eyes by an individual with cerebral palsy. It will be demonstrated in multiple languages on the Windows OS-based communication aid TD I-Series. Microsoft's Neural Voice, a capability of Azure AI Speech, is available in Tobii Dynavox apps TD Talk and TD Phone, where they together offer numerous Neural Voices, in over 50 languages.

"We are delighted to build on our longstanding work with Microsoft by presenting the latest advancements within assistive communication and AI at the Microsoft Ability Summit," said Markus Cederlund, Chief Product & Development Officer of Dynavox Group. "Together, Microsoft and Tobii Dynavox keep developing innovative solutions to empower individuals with disabilities with more choices for communicating and expressing their unique identities."

"At Microsoft, we believe AI has the power to transform the lives of people with disabilities by enhancing communication, accessibility, and independence. Our work with Tobii Dynavox on Neural Voice is a prime example of our commitment," said Mary Bellard, Accessibility Innovation Architect at Microsoft. "With Neural Voices available in over 50 languages, we're making sure everyone can benefit from this technology."

Tobii Dynavox and Microsoft have worked closely together on accessibility for many years. The joint presentation will cover some of the latest advancements within assistive communication and AI:

Discover how AI is used in phrase prediction in the software TD Talk to speed up communication and make it more intuitive

Explore the recently launched See-Through Mode in TD Talk that turns the person's screen transparent to enable more natural face-to-face communication

Learn how a selection of Tobii Dynavox's library of over 80 000 PCS symbols are used within Microsoft's Immersive Reader to facilitate symbol-based communication

Discover how the custom-built operating system Windows Accessible IoT offers enhanced personalization and extended support for users

Contact:

Anders Lundin, Senior PR & Communications Manager, Tobii Dynavox, phone: +46 (0)733 27 87 61, email: anders.lundin@tobiidynavox.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/dynavox-group/r/tobii-dynavox-shows-how-ai-empowers-people-with-disabilities-at-microsoft-ability-summit,c4120235

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/11919/4120235/3326412.pdf Press release_Tobii Dynavox shows how AI empowers people with disabilities at Microsoft Ability Summit https://news.cision.com/dynavox-group/i/td-i-series-communication-aid-user,c3387954 TD I-Series communication aid user https://news.cision.com/dynavox-group/i/communication-aid-td-i-series,c3387935 Communication aid TD I-Series https://news.cision.com/dynavox-group/i/td-i-series-with-td-phone-app,c3387936 TD I-Series with TD Phone app

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Membership in non-profit association allows SCS to stay on top of European standards and Product Category Rules

SCS Global Services (SCS), an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, has joined ECO Platform, a global non-profit organization focused on promoting and contributing to sustainable development of a low-carbon economy and resource efficiency in the construction sector.

ECO Platform's goal is mainstreaming life cycle assessment (LCA) for buildings and infrastructure projects by providing reliable product data in an affordable and effective manner. The organization provides critical information on current developments, networking amongst industry experts, development and maintenance of verification guidelines for Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) tools, the alignment of content, rules, quality and format for life cycle product data and more.

Joining ECO Platform will allow SCS to better serve its clients with business in European markets. Conducting LCAs and EPDs in Europe has additional requirements that many in North America are unfamiliar with. By joining ECO Platform, SCS can stay current on the latest standards and product category rules (PCRs) in Europe, and in turn provide more accurate and compliant assessments for its clientele.

SCS has been completing LCAs for over 30 years for many major industries, NGOs and governments using a variety of recognized methodologies. SCS prides itself on its international recognition for its work with global entities and has spoken extensively on the topic at many national and international forums. Therefore, pursuing membership with ECO Platform is a natural progression in expanding its international standards knowledge-base.

"With our extensive experience in LCA/EPD verification, we realized that adding ECO Platform to our portfolio of association memberships will further elevate the level of expertise and service we can give to those organizations seeking compliant EPDs and LCAs in Europe," said Keith Killpack, Technical Director of SCS' Environmental Certification Services. "ECO Platform's mission in promoting sustainable development and resource efficiency in the construction industry closely aligns with SCS' values. We are excited to be a member of this important organization."

"We're pleased to have SCS Global Services on board. Their expertise in LCA and EPD verification strengthens our network, and we look forward to their active contribution in our working groups" said Christian Donath, Managing Director, ECO Platform.

SCS' experienced LCA team has a diverse technical background that utilizes the latest software and databases in its work to ensure that the LCAs are complete, accurate, and cost-effective. Its expertise also includes standards development, participating in the development of ISO LCA standards, as well as developing Product Category Rules through a multi-stakeholder process.

Read More

About SCS Global Services:?

SCS Global Services?is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating over 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit ?www.SCSGlobalServices.com.?

Media Contact:

Stephanie Flynn

Marketing Manager, SCS Global Services

sflynn@scsglobalservices.com

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SCS Global Services on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: SCS Global Services

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/scs-global-services

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: SCS Global Services
In September of 2024, MRCOOL publicized the expansion of their brand with the establishment of their first franchise location. Today, MRCOOL is eager to announce its second franchise location - Dasen Construction Inc. in Los Angeles, California. Taisen Zhang founded Dasen Construction Inc. in 2019 as a bridge between the general public in need of HVAC and the engineering side of the industry. Taisen has a wealth of experience as an HVAC engineer, as he ran two factories before establishing what is now the most recent MRCOOL franchise location.

Taisen Zhang at the MRCOOL Booth at AHR Expo



Taisen became a MRCOOL dealer in 2020, drawn to the company's innovative product lines as well as the elevated quality of the systems. The unique installation of the MRCOOL DIY Mini-Split and the efficient performance of the Universal Systems stood out to the retired engineer in particular. Taisen said "Innovation is driven by passion. I'm grateful to have found MRCOOL, where I can share my passion for making HVACR more accessible to customers."

Taisen went on to say that they already work with a team of experienced contractors and that they "hope to provide training for the next generation to install contractor grade products all throughout southern California."

MRCOOL has assisted Dasen Construction Inc. in the search for and purchase of a new warehouse in a highly strategic location. Mia Hu, Franchising Coordinator, believes that this branch of the MRCOOL franchise will be more contractor-focused due to Taisen Zhang's history in the industry. "With a new warehouse and a wealth of experience in the industry, we're prepared for Taisen and the company to change the landscape of HVAC in California."

Nathan Rowton, President of MRCOOL Franchising, LLC, is "incredibly excited to bring MRCOOL Franchising to the Los Angeles and greater California market-an area that perfectly aligns with our commitment to energy efficiency, smart technology, and customer-driven solutions. With our new franchise opportunities, we're not just expanding our footprint; we're empowering local entrepreneurs to play a key role in delivering cutting-edge HVAC solutions to one of the most dynamic regions in the country."

Looking toward the future, Taisen said that they hope to be a great asset to MRCOOL as a distributor in an ideal location, as California is currently the state with the highest number of MRCOOL sales. Nathan agreed, saying that "this is a major step forward in our mission to make high-quality, energy-efficient climate control accessible to more homes and businesses across California."

The franchise is located at 17440 Railroad St, City of Industry, CA 91748, and you can reach them at 626-250-0336. If you are interested in more information, or in becoming a MRCOOL franchisee, please visit https://www.mrcoolfranchising.com/ or email support@mrcoolfranchising.com.

Legal Disclaimer: This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Franchise offerings are made by Franchise Disclosure Document only.

Contact Information

Rebekah Quarles

rebekah.q@mrcool.com

270-366-0457





SOURCE: MRCOOL
The growth of the therapeutic apheresis market is driven by rise in prevalence of chronic and autoimmune diseases, technological advancements in apheresis devices, and favorable government initiatives and reimbursement policies.

WILMINGTON, Delaware, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Therapeutic Apheresis Market by Product Type (Devices, Consumables, and Software), Procedure Type (Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), Photopheresis, Low Density Lipid Removal, Stem Cell Harvest, and Other Procedures), Application (Hematology, Neurology, Oncology, and Others), and End User (Hospitals, Blood Centers, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2035". According to the report, the "therapeutic apheresis market" was valued at $1.3 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $2.8 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2035.

Request Sample of the Report on Global Therapeutic Apheresis Market 2035 - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A281407

Prime determinants of growth

The growth of the therapeutic apheresis market is driven by rise in prevalence of chronic and autoimmune diseases, technological advancements in apheresis devices, and favorable government initiatives and reimbursement policies. However, high cost of apheresis procedures and lack of skilled professionals and limited awareness are significant restraining factors for the growth of the therapeutic apheresis market. On the other hand, high growth potential in emerging countries provides lucrative opportunities for the market growth.

Report coverage & details

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2024-2035 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $1.3 billion Market Size in 2035 $2.8 billion CAGR 6.7 % No. of Pages in Report 360 Segments covered Product Type, Procedure Type, Application, End User and Region. Drivers  Rise in prevalence of chronic and autoimmune diseases  Technological advancements in apheresis devices  Favorable government initiatives and reimbursement policies Opportunity  High growth potential in emerging countries Restraints  High cost of apheresis procedures  Lack of skilled professionals and limited awareness

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The consumables segment held the largest market share in 2023

By product type, the consumables segment held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for more than two-thirds of the therapeutic apheresis market. This is attributed to high demand for disposable apheresis kits, anticoagulants, and filters, which are essential for each procedure. The recurring need for consumables in every treatment session drives the segment growth.

The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) segment held the largest market share in 2023

By procedure type, the therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) segment held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for more than half the therapeutic apheresis market owing to its widespread use in treating neurological, hematological, and autoimmune disorders. The high efficacy of TPE in rapidly removing harmful antibodies and toxins from the bloodstream drives its adoption.

The hematology segment held the largest market share in 2023

By application, the hematology segment held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for more than three-fifths of the therapeutic apheresis market. The same segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to rise in prevalence of hematological disorders such as sickle cell disease, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and leukemia, which require apheresis-based treatments.

The hospitals segment held the largest market share in 2023

By end user, the hospitals segment held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for around three-fifths of the therapeutic apheresis market, owing to the high patient inflow for apheresis procedures in hospital settings, driven by availability of advanced medical infrastructure and specialized healthcare professionals.

North America held the largest market share in 2023

Region-wise, North America held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for more than two-fifths of the therapeutic apheresis market due to rise in prevalence of hematological and autoimmune disorders, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and strong reimbursement policies. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.8% from 2024 to 2035 owing to the rise in prevalence of hematological and autoimmune disorders, increasing healthcare expenditures, and growing awareness about therapeutic apheresis.

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Leading Market Players

Asahi Kasei Corporation

Terumo Corporation

Kaneka Corporation

Miltenyi Biotech

B. Braun SE

Baxter International Inc.

Medica SPA

Haemonetics Corporation

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Fresenius SE And Co. KGaA

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the therapeutic apheresis market. These players have adopted strategies such as product launch, agreement, collaboration, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to highlight the competitive scenario.

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Get an access to the library of reports at any time from any device and anywhere. For more details, follow the link: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access

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BANGALORE, India, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Used Semiconductor Equipment Market is Segmented by Type (300mm Used Equipment, 200mm Used Equipment, 150mm and Others), by Application (Refurbished Deposition Equipment, Refurbished Etch Equipment, Refurbished Lithography Machines, Refurbished Ion Implant, Refurbished Heat Treatment Equipment, Refurbished CMP Equipment, Refurbished Metrology and Inspection Equipment, Refurbished Track Equipment).

The Global Used Semiconductor Equipment Market was valued at USD 3272 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 8491 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 15.3% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

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Major Factors Driving the Growth of Used Semiconductor Equipment Market:

The Used Semiconductor Equipment Market continues to expand as industry players seek agile responses to fast-evolving technology cycles. Pre-owned systems offer reliable performance and significant savings, appealing to both large fabs looking to optimize budgets and smaller entrants aiming to establish a foothold. Environmental concerns, cost pressures, and supply chain demands further reinforce the value of refurbished tools. Additionally, a thriving support ecosystem provides spare parts, maintenance services, and upgrades, ensuring extended operational lifespans. As the semiconductor landscape broadens beyond traditional hubs, refurbished equipment enables global participation in chip manufacturing. Overall, this trend reflects a strategic shift toward sustainable, inclusive growth, underscoring the enduring relevance of used semiconductor equipment in a competitive industry.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE USED SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT MARKET:

300mm used equipment drives growth in the Used Semiconductor Equipment Market by providing a cost-effective option for fabricators transitioning to advanced wafer sizes. As demand for high-volume production of complex chips rises, manufacturers often seek pre-owned machinery that supports 300mm wafer processing without incurring the expenses of brand-new systems. These refurbished tools maintain quality standards and reliability, enabling operators to quickly scale capacity. By purchasing used 300mm equipment, companies reduce capital expenditures and redirect resources toward research or facility upgrades. Additionally, access to second-hand platforms accelerates market entry for smaller players, fostering healthy competition. This availability of upgraded yet affordable solutions helps extend the lifespan of machinery, making 300mm used equipment a cornerstone for sustained semiconductor industry growth and innovation.

200mm used equipment remains integral to the Used Semiconductor Equipment Market by catering to niche and mature node applications. Many manufacturers, particularly those producing analog, power management, or MEMS devices, still rely on 200mm wafer processes for cost-effectiveness and established production lines. Acquiring second-hand 200mm tools offers a budget-friendly alternative to upgrading to larger wafer sizes, preserving existing expertise and infrastructure. This approach fosters stable supply chains, especially for industries that require reliable chip output without cutting-edge specifications. The availability of refurbished 200mm systems mitigates component shortages and lowers entry barriers for emerging players. Additionally, robust aftermarket support, including spare parts and technical services, further extends the operational life of these tools, underlining their importance in diverse semiconductor segments worldwide.

Refurbished etch equipment plays a pivotal role in the Used Semiconductor Equipment Market by allowing fabrication plants to refine patterning processes at reduced costs. Through specialized etching steps, chips achieve precise geometries essential for advanced performance. By opting for refurbished systems, manufacturers capitalize on proven technology at significantly lower capital investment. These tools undergo rigorous testing and updates, ensuring compatibility with evolving production demands. The availability of spare parts and dedicated service providers further supports long-term functionality. This approach benefits smaller facilities seeking to expand capabilities without the expense of new etch platforms. Refurbished etch solutions also help large-scale fabs maintain flexibility, swapping out or upgrading lines swiftly. Consequently, they propel a balanced, cost-efficient approach to semiconductor manufacturing and growth.

Cost reduction strategies significantly influence the Used Semiconductor Equipment Market, as chipmakers aim to minimize capital expenditures while maintaining production efficiency. Second-hand tools help companies avoid steep investment in new machinery, enabling them to allocate resources toward research, development, or facility upgrades. By purchasing used equipment, smaller firms can enter the semiconductor industry with lower barriers, stimulating competition and innovation. Larger manufacturers also benefit by adding capacity without overextending budgets, particularly when demand fluctuations occur. These cost savings support more agile business models, where producers can rapidly adapt to shifting technological requirements. Consequently, the appeal of pre-owned systems grows, reinforcing a circular economy in semiconductor manufacturing that extends tool life and reduces overall financial risk across diverse product lines globally.

Environmental sustainability is a crucial driver in the Used Semiconductor Equipment Market, as repurposing machinery lowers the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new tools. The semiconductor industry consumes substantial energy and resources, making resource optimization a top priority. Refurbished equipment prolongs the lifespan of existing systems, reducing waste and raw material extraction. This eco-friendly approach aligns with growing corporate social responsibility policies, appealing to stakeholders who value environmental stewardship. Additionally, governments encourage green initiatives through tax incentives or grants, supporting reuse practices in high-tech sectors. By reconditioning tools rather than discarding them, companies showcase commitment to sustainable operations. This emphasis on reducing electronic waste enhances a company's public image, while simultaneously driving the market for second-hand semiconductor equipment and growth.

Supply chain resilience underpins the Used Semiconductor Equipment Market, especially during periods of global uncertainty or component shortages. Procuring pre-owned machinery allows manufacturers to circumvent lengthy lead times linked to newly produced tools, stabilizing production schedules. By stocking refurbished equipment, companies mitigate risks arising from sudden demand spikes or trade restrictions. This approach also lessens dependence on a small pool of original equipment manufacturers, promoting diversity in sourcing. With flexible deployment options, pre-owned machines can be installed or relocated quickly, maintaining operations despite disruptions. Furthermore, an active secondary market encourages standardized maintenance practices, making it easier to source spare parts. In challenging market conditions, supply chain resilience through used semiconductor equipment strengthens overall industry adaptability and competitiveness across global regions.

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SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT MARKET SHARE:

North America and Europe, with established semiconductor infrastructures, form robust secondary markets driven by frequent equipment upgrades.

In Asia-Pacific, rising chip demand and extensive manufacturing bases fuel consistent interest in pre-owned tools, particularly among emerging economies.

The global key companies of Used Semiconductor Equipment include Lam Research, Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), KLA Pro Systems, ASML, CAE Online, SurplusGLOBAL, Nikon, GMC Semitech Co.,Ltd, Kokusai Electric, etc., ASM International, Wuxi Zhuohai Technology, Jiangsu Sitronics Semiconductor Technology, PJP TECH, Shanghai Lieth Precision Equipment, Ichor Systems, TEL (Tokyo Electron Ltd.) , Hightec Systems, SGSSEMI, Russell Co., Ltd, Axcelis Technologies Inc, and Ebara Technologies, Inc. (ETI), etc. In 2023, the global top ten players had a share approximately 71% in terms of revenue.

In terms of equipment size, currently the 200mm used equipment are the largest segment of used equipment, driven by mature nodes demand from MEMS, IoT, power semiconductor devices and car chips, etc. Over the past few years, the 150mm used Equipment are widely used in the compound semiconductor, driven by the demand of SiC power devices used in electric cars.

Key Companies:

EquipNet

Genes Tech Group

SurplusGLOBAL

Intel Resale Corporaton

Hightec Systems

ASML

KLA Pro Systems

Lam Research

ASM International

Kokusai Electric

Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT)

Ichor Systems

Russell

PJP TECH

Maestech Co., Ltd

Nikon Precision Inc

Ebara Technologies, Inc. (ETI)

iGlobal Inc.

Entrepix

Axus Technology

Axcelis Technologies Inc.

ClassOne Equipment

Canon U.S.A.

TEL (Tokyo Electron Ltd)

ULVAC TECHNO, Ltd.

Screen

DISCO Corporation

Metrology Equipment Services, LLC

Semicat

Somerset ATE Solutions

SUSS MicroTec REMAN GmbH

Meidensha Corporation

Intertec Sales Corp.

TST

Bao Hong Semi Technology

DP Semiconductor Technology

E-Dot Technology

GMC Semitech Co.,Ltd

SGSSEMI

Wuxi Zhuohai Technology

Shanghai Lieth Precision Equipment

Shanghai Nanpre Mechanical Engineering

EZ Semiconductor Service Inc.

HF Kysemi

Joysingtech Semiconductor

Shanghai Vastity Electronics Technology

Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing

Macquarie Semiconductor and Technology

Moov Technologies, Inc.

AG Semiconductor Services (AGSS)

Jiangsu Sitronics Semiconductor Technology

Dobest Semiconductor Technology (Suzhou)

Jiangsu JYD Semiconductor

AMTE (Advanced Materials Technology & Engineering)

CAE Online

Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.

Hangzhou Yijia Semiconductor Technology

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DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS!

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- Semiconductor Equipment Trading market was valued at USD 9853 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 15610 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Semiconductor CVD and PVD Equipment Market was valued at USD 11130 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 16510 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.

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- Plastic Parts for Semiconductor Equipment market was valued at USD 456.4 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 644.2 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

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viemaa tribe: A Revolutionary Hair Care Community Dedicated to Empowering Healthy, Beautiful Hair

CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / viemaa is more than just a hair care brand-it's about empowerment. The brand is committed to helping women feel confident in their skin, with the understanding that hair reflects health, self-expression, and style. viemaa products deliver visible results, allowing consumers to celebrate their unique hair textures while benefiting from cutting-edge science.

We are excited to announce the official launch of viemaa tribe, a dynamic community focused on empowering individuals to take control of their hair care journey. Whether you're seeking expert advice, natural hair care tips, or a supportive space to share your hair stories, viemaa tribe is here to provide a welcoming environment for all hair types and textures.

viemaa tribe is more than just a community-it's a movement towards healthy, sustainable, and beautiful hair. With a shared passion for hair wellness, the tribe connects people who want to learn, share, and grow their hair care knowledge together. From tips on maintaining healthy strands to in-depth natural hair care routines, viemaa tribe is a space where everyone can feel confident and inspired.

The viemaa Difference: What Makes viemaa tribe Stand Out?

Expert Advice & Resources : Members gain access to exclusive content from leading hair care professionals, including video tutorials and blog posts that cover everything from basic care routines to advanced styling techniques.

A Welcoming, Inclusive Community : viemaa tribe celebrates all hair types and textures, embracing diversity while providing a space to share personal hair journeys.

Product Recommendations & Reviews : Discover the best hair care products with honest, community-driven reviews based on real experiences.

Supportive Networking: Whether you need someone to chat with about hair struggles, share product suggestions, or celebrate your latest hair milestone, the tribe is built for connection and mutual support.

Founder's Vision for viemaa tribe

viemaa is uplifting, uniting and simplifying haircare for all women, ethnicities, and hair types - an aspiration embodied by the signature viemaa leaf. "Our vision for the viemaa tribe is to create a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported in their hair care journey," said Eunice Opoku, founder of viemaa tribe. " Women are less concerned with achieving "perfection" and more about expressing their personalities through their hair choices. We're here to empower our members with the knowledge and confidence to embrace their natural beauty, regardless of their hair texture or type."

How to Join viemaa tribe

Joining viemaa tribe is simple! Visit www.viemaatribe.com to sign up and start connecting with other hair care enthusiasts today. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking for guidance, viemaa tribe welcomes everyone to be part of this exciting, growing community.

About viemaa tribe

viemaa tribe is a vibrant, community-driven platform for individuals seeking to improve and celebrate their hair care routines. Focused on promoting healthy hair, natural products, and self-care, the tribe offers a space where members can access expert advice, share their stories, and build lasting relationships with like-minded individuals. Through exclusive content, product recommendations, and a supportive network, viemaa tribe is set to revolutionize the way people approach hair care.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Contact Information

Eunice Opoku

Founder and CEO

eunice@viemaahairlife.com

SOURCE: viemaa
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!
CMG Home Loans, the retail arm of the well-capitalized and privately held mortgage lender, CMG Financial, announced today the opening of a new branch in Nevada. Leading the Vegas location is Branch Manager J. Cole Boren (NMLS ID# 384591), a seasoned mortgage professional with nearly 30 years of experience, assisting homeowners in and around the Silver State as well as the majority of the states in the west.

Boren launched his career in 1997 as a Certified Mortgage Planner, later serving as Nevada Area Manager at HomeBridge and VP of Lending at Guaranteed Rate. Notably, he is also a former CMG Financial team member, having served as a Sales Manager from 2016 to 2020 before most recently working as an Area Manager at FBC Mortgage. His return to CMG marks a full-circle moment, bringing his extensive expertise and client-first approach back to the organization. With a deep understanding of the Nevada market, Cole has built a reputation for managing some of the most successful mortgage branches in the country and will help bolster CMG's presence in that region.

"I'm excited to be back at CMG," said Boren. "I already know so many people here, and there is such a great culture that exists here. Everyone is willing to jump in to help and make sure we're a successful team. I'm looking forward to the products and options that I can offer our clients compared to other places I've worked."

"We are exceptionally pleased to bring Cole Boren back to CMG," added Chip Larson, Senior Vice President, Retail Sales Executive. "Over the past few years, we've had other top producers return to the company - seems the grass is not always greener. Cole has a proven track record both in the Las Vegas market but also with builder business throughout Nevada and neighboring states. We look forward to continued growth as Cole and his team leverage the ongoing success and strategies of CMG."

If you're interested in working with Cole and his team or want to learn about other career opportunities at CMG, click here.

About CMG Financial

CMG Financial is a well-capitalized mortgage lender founded in 1993 by Christopher M. George, a former Mortgage Bankers Association Chairman. CMG makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels: retail lending, wholesale lending, and correspondent lending. CMG also operates seven joint venture companies with builder & realtor partners, holds an impressive MSR/servicing portfolio, and serves the capital markets of fixed income trading & sales through CMG Securities. CMG currently operates in all states, including District of Columbia, and holds approvals with FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA. The company is consistently recognized as a top-producing lender and top mortgage employer, and it prides itself on helping clients achieve the dream of homeownership through product innovation and streamlined servicing.

SOURCE: CMG Financial
EnvisionWare, a leading provider of self-service and library efficiency solutions, was recognized by the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) as winner of the Robert Motter Vendor Appreciation Award. The award was presented to EnvisionWare at the Oklahoma Library Association's 118th Annual Conference in Norman, Oklahoma.

The Vendor Appreciation Award is given to a library partner who has longevity in attending the conference, made significant contributions to the support of the association and provided an outstanding level of service and support to Oklahoma libraries. EnvisionWare Sales Consultant John Himes was attending the conference and received the award on behalf of EnvisionWare.

"A good relationship with a library vendor is built on mutual trust, clear communication, and shared goals to support the library's mission of serving its community. It involves providing reliable, high-quality products and services tailored to the library's need," said Gail Oehler, President, Oklahoma Library Association and Executive Director, Southern Oklahoma Library Association. "The partnership I have had with John Himes of Envisionware is marked by responsiveness, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit. Moreover, the Oklahoma Library Association deeply values our strong relationship with John and Envisionware whose consistent support as a conference vendor has played a vital role in our success and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!"

"Oklahoma libraries deliver essential services and programs to their communities and the Oklahoma Library Association plays a pivotal role in strengthening and promoting their member libraries," said EnvisionWare General Manager John Dexter. "We're proud to support OLA and its members and are honored to receive this prestigious award."

SOURCE: EnvisionWare
Predictiv AI Inc. (TSXVNEX:PAI.H)(OTC PINK:INOTF)(FSE:71TA) ("Predictiv AI", "PAI" or the "Company")announces that further to the news releases of August 8, 2024 , October 2, 2024 and February 14, 2025 , it has entered into an amended letter of intent (the "LOI") to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Shift Technologies Canada Inc. ("Shift") and HouseStack Holdings Inc. ("HouseStack"). The LOI outlines the principal terms and conditions of a business combination by way of a share exchange, amalgamation, or other similar form of transaction (the "Proposed Transaction"), which will result in Shift and HouseStack becoming wholly-owned subsidiaries of Predictiv AI, or otherwise combining their corporate existence with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

Predictiv AI intends for the Proposed Transaction to constitute a reverse-takeover transaction pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The trading in the common shares of Predictiv AI ("PAI Shares") will remain halted pursuant to the policies of the TSXV. It is anticipated that trading will remain halted until the completion of the Proposed Transaction. It is anticipated that the reporting issuer resulting from the Proposed Transaction (the "Resulting Issuer") will qualify as a Tier 2 Technology Issuer pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV. Unless otherwise indicated, any capitalized term contained in this news release that is not defined herein has the meaning ascribed to such term in the policies of the TSXV.

Proposed Transaction Summary

Predictiv AI will acquire all issued and outstanding shares in the capital of both Shift and HouseStack (the "Target Shares") in exchange for 82.5% (previously 70%) of the PAI Shares immediately prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction (but not including the Financing described below). In connection with the closing of the Proposed Transaction, the Company expects to consolidate the PAI Shares on a ratio of 1 new share for each 12.5 old shares (the "Consolidation"). Based on the number of PAI Shares currently issued and outstanding of 128,500,616, it is expected that the Company will have approximately 10,280,049 post-Consolidation PAI Shares outstanding immediately prior to closing of the Proposed Transaction, resulting in the Company issuing approximately 63,000,000 PAI Shares post-Consolidation basis) to the shareholders of Shift and HouseStack on closing of the Proposed Transaction.

In addition to the issuance of PAI Shares, on closing of the Proposed Transaction, Suman Pushparajah ("Pushparajah") will receive (i) a cash payment of $250,000; (ii) a promissory note (the "Note") issued by the Resulting Issuer with a principal amount of $250,000, accruing interest at an annual rate of 12%, and repayable upon the Resulting Issuer achieving positive cash flow for two consecutive years. Pushparajah shall have the option to convert the principal amount of the Note into PAI Shares at the issue price under the Financing (as described below); and iii) any additional funds beyond the above $500,000 advanced by way of a loan from the Pushparajah into Shift and/or HS shall be converted into PAI Shares at the issue price under the Financing.

Private Placement Financing & Timing

As part of the Proposed Transaction, Predictiv AI will complete an equity financing (the "Financing") for gross proceeds of up to $1,750,000 through the issuance of subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.10 per Subscription Receipt. The funds from the Subscription Receipts will be held in escrow until the closing of the Proposed Transaction and the satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions (collectively, the "Release Conditions"). Each Subscription Receipt, upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions, will automatically convert into one (1) post-Consolidated PAI Share and one half (1/2) of one (1) transferable share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"), subject to adjustment in certain events. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one post-Consolidated PAI Share at an exercise price of $0.15 per share for a period of 12 months from the closing date of the Proposed Transaction, provided that, if, following four months and a day after the closing date of the Proposed Transaction, the volume weighted average price of the common shares on the TSXV is equal to or greater than $0.30 for any 10 consecutive trading days, Predictiv AI may, upon providing written notice to the holders of Warrants, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to the date that is 30 days following the date of such written notice.

The Financing will be conducted on a non-brokered private placement basis and finder's fees may be paid on all or a portion of the Financing. Closing of the Financing is anticipated to occur on or around April 30, 2025, or such other date as may be determined by the Company. The Financing remains subject to acceptance by the TSXV.

Closing of the Proposed Transaction will be subject to a number of conditions precedent, including, without limitation:

(a) receipt of all required regulatory, corporate and third-party approvals, including TSXV approval, and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and conditions necessary to complete the Proposed Transaction;

(b) completion of satisfactory results from due diligence investigations for each of the parties;

(c) completion of the Financing; and

(d) other mutual conditions precedent customary for a transaction such as the Proposed Transaction.

The Proposed Transaction is not a Related Party Transaction under TSXV Policy 5.2, and it is not expected that the Proposed Transaction will be subject to approval by PAI's shareholders. There are no Non-Arm's Length Parties of PAI that are Insiders, officers or shareholders of Shift or HouseStack.

About Shift Technologies Canada Inc.: AI-Driven Fleet & Asset Management Platform

SHIFT is an AI-powered fleet and asset management platform designed to optimize vehicle operations, access real-time asset tracking, reduce downtime, and enhance workforce productivity across multiple industries. By leveraging real-time data, predictive analytics, and AI automation, SHIFT provides enterprise businesses and government entities with a comprehensive solution to manage fleets and assets efficiently.

Key Features of SHIFT:

Real-Time Asset Tracking - Monitor movement and utilization of fleet and assets with live updates.

AI-Powered Inspections - Automated damage detection and compliance checks across all assets.

Driver & Operator Behavior Monitoring - AI-driven insights into performance, safety, and efficiency.

AI Dashcams & Assistance - Real-time video analysis, alerts, and risk mitigation.

Intelligent Routing & Automation - AI-enhanced route planning, dispatch, and data-driven optimization.

Work Order Management & Optimization - AI-powered work order scheduling, compliance tracking, and operational efficiency.

Predictive Maintenance - AI-driven analytics to reduce downtime and optimize maintenance cycles.

Learn more at www.shiftfleet.ai

About CloudRep: AI Agent Workforce for Business Automation

CloudRep is transforming workforce automation with AI-powered voice and text agents designed to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and optimize business workflows. Our AI agents integrate seamlessly with enterprise data, enabling businesses to automate complex tasks while improving efficiency and customer engagement. CloudRep offers both AI Voice Agents and AI Chatbots, delivering intelligent automation for customer interactions, call management, and enterprise workflows.

Key Features of CloudRep:

AI Agent Creation - Train AI agents using company documents, industry regulations, and structured data.

Call Management - Automate inbound/outbound calls, handle customer inquiries, and streamline workflows.

Automated Notifications & Transfers - Send SMS/email follow-ups and enable seamless call transfers.

Calendar & Appointment Scheduling - AI-powered scheduling, rescheduling, and event coordination.

CRM & ERP Integration - Embed AI agents into enterprise applications for data-driven automation.

Learn more at www.cloudrep.ai

About HouseStack Holdings Inc.: Real Estate Intelligence Platform

HouseStack is transforming the real estate industry with Real Estate Intelligence Platform which includes AI-driven Automated Valuation Models (AVM) and a next-generation digital brokerage platform. By leveraging advanced machine learning and big data analytics, HouseStack empowers buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals with instant property valuations, predictive market insights, and a seamless digital transaction experience.

Key Features of HouseStack:

HouseFax - Instant, data-driven property valuations for accurate pricing.

Market Intelligence & Predictive Analytics - AI-driven insights into pricing trends, market shifts, and investment opportunities.

LiLA Conversational AI Chatbot - AI-powered chatbot to help users search, compare, and analyze real estate listings.

Learn more at www.housestack.ai

Further Information

The Company intends to issue a subsequent news release in accordance with the policies of the TSXV providing further details in respect of the Proposed Transaction, including information relating to the transaction structure, the definitive agreement, descriptions of the proposed

Principals and Insiders of the Resulting Issuer, as well as the Financing. In addition, a summary of Shift's and HouseStack's financial information will be included in a subsequent news release.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PredictivAI/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/predictivai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/predictivai/

Company Contact:

Jim Grimes, Chairman & CEO

Phone: 416-500-7117

Email: jgrimes@predictiv.ai

About Predictiv AI Inc.

Predictiv AI Inc. ("Predictiv AI" or "PAI"), www.predictiv.ai, is a technology company which has helped businesses and organizations make smarter decisions using advanced artificial intelligence, deep machine learning and data science techniques. The Company's R&D division, AI Labs Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAI, has developed new products that solve real-world business problems.

Cautionary Note

Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the Proposed Transaction and certain terms and conditions thereof, the ability of the parties to enter into a definitive agreement and complete the Proposed Transaction, the Consolidation, the Name Change, the Resulting Issuer's ability to qualify as a Tier 2 Technology issuer, the TSXV sponsorship requirements, shareholder, director and regulatory approvals, obtaining TSXV approval, completion of the Financing, the duration of the halt in respect of the PAI Shares, planned future press releases and disclosure, and other statements that are not historical facts. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the financial markets generally, the results of the due diligence investigations to be conducted in connection with the Proposed Transaction, the ability of the Company to complete the Proposed Transaction or obtain requisite TSXV acceptance and, if applicable, shareholder approvals. As a result, the Company cannot guarantee that the Proposed Transaction will be completed on the terms described herein or at all. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

SOURCE: Predictiv AI, Inc.
TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Representatives from 59 nations converged in Taipei Tuesday (March 18) for the 12th Smart City Summit & Expo and 3rd Net-Zero City Expo (SCSE), showcasing Taiwan's ambitious "Smart Nation 2.0" initiative amid a flurry of international collaboration. The landmark event, jointly organized by the Taipei Computer Association, Taipei City, Kaohsiung City, and the National Development Council, has transformed the Nangang Exhibition Center into a global hub where mayors, technology experts, and industry pioneers are crafting the blueprint for tomorrow's digitally integrated, environmentally sustainable urban centers.

SCSE Boosts Global Opportunities for Taiwan's IoT Solutions

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Paul S.L. Peng, chairman of the Taipei Computer Association emphasized, that SCSE has become an internationally renowned event, attracting a rapidly growing number of overseas visitors. This year, 569 mayors and representatives are attending to further engage with Taiwanese cities and industries. Notably, a delegation from 11 Ukrainian cities is visiting the exhibition, and the organizers have arranged events such as "Rebuilding Ukraine with Taiwan: Innovation, Partnership, and Progress," as well as international matchmaking sessions to explore how Taiwan's ICT enterprises can assist Ukraine's reconstruction through smart technology.

Chairman Peng also praised delegations visiting from various countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the United States, and Japan, along with 83 industrial and commercial chambers or technology associations. This year, the matchmaking activity has transformed into the "Global Business Matchmaking Event," focusing on four sectors: AI, IoT, smart transportation, and smart energy. Delegations from Thailand, the United States, and Ukraine are organizing matchmaking events to facilitate business collaboration with global professionals, with an estimated 1,000 business meetings planned.

Taiwan Executive Yuan Launches "Smart Nation 2.0" Initiative

Deputy Minister Kao Shien-Quey also announced that the government (Executive Yuan) will launch the "Smart Nation 2.0" initiative this year. This plan aims to leverage technological innovation and digital infrastructure to establish Taiwan as a leading smart technology island and implement a digital society. The initiative will focus on forward-looking technological research, strengthening essential digital infrastructure, and advancing various fields, including education, healthcare, smart transportation, fintech, net-zero carbon emissions, and smart cities, all to enhance the quality of life.

Cynthia Chen, secretary-general of the Taiwan Smart City Solutions Alliance, indicated that the exhibition will facilitate several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on cooperation between cities, industries, and companies. Noteworthy collaborations include agreements between Taipei City and Montgomery County, and the Taipei Computer Association with the City of Cordoba, Argentina, RECIA (The Network of Smart Cities in Argentina), the ROTA Association (The Alliance in Romania), and the Paris East Marne & Bois of Greater Paris.

Among other highlights, Taiwan's Smart Automation and Robotics Association has partnered with the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Association in Vietnam. Companies will sign MOUs with partners in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand to collaborate on carbon inventory, carbon rights development, emergency response centers, and smart aquaculture, expanding the global impact and opportunities for smart and net-zero cities.

AI Applications Across Multiple Industries Featured at 2025 SCSE

Charles Huang, senior deputy secretary-general of the Taipei Computer Association, pointed out that AI is a key highlight of this year's exhibition. Taiwan plays a crucial role in the global AI hardware supply chain, and this exhibition will showcase AI applications across various industries.

This year's major trend is global co-creation development, where Taiwanese companies collaborate with overseas partners to showcase operational applications of smart solutions. For example, Chunghwa Telecom is partnering with NTT of Japan, Singtel of Singapore, AIS of Thailand, and the IOWN Global Forum to exhibit all-optical networks, smart streetlights, and smart city applications. Other companies are showcasing cybersecurity applications with Middle Eastern partners and demonstrating 5G applications in Jakarta's shopping malls.

Local Governments Deeply Involved In Digital And Net-Zero City Developments

This year's key feature is the deep participation of local governments in the digital and net-zero city transformation. A total of 12 local city governments, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Nantou, and Hualien, will set up themed pavilions showcasing their visions and achievements in smart and net-zero cities.

More importantly, the National Development Council will host the 3rd "Net Zero City Leaders Summit," with Taipei City organizing the "2025 Taipei Smart City Summit," and Kaohsiung City organizing the "AI City: AI Empowering Future Urban Living" and "Innovating for Climate-Neutral Cities with the Power of Community." Mayors from cities worldwide have been invited to these city-level forums, further strengthening Taiwan's global partnerships.

The timing proves particularly relevant as global attention focuses on shifts in climate policy. Tech enthusiasts and sustainability advocates can explore cutting-edge AI applications for sustainable development at Taipei's Nangang Exhibition Center (March 18-21) and Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (March 20-22).

Keywords:

Smart City Summit, Taiwan, IoT solutions, digital transformation, Smart Nation 2.0, AI applications, net-zero cities, international collaboration, local governments, Memoranda of Understanding

Meta Description:

The 12th Smart City Summit & Expo and the 3rd Net-Zero City Expo opened in Taipei, bringing together representatives from 59 countries to discuss digital transformation and smart city initiatives, including the launch of Taiwan's "Smart Nation 2.0" initiative.

Contact Details:



Company Name: Taipei Computer Association



Smart City Promotion Team Manager

Betty Lin bettyL@mail.tca.org.tw



Smart City Promotion Team Senior Coordinator

Nicholle Chen nicholle@mail.tca.org.tw

Photo accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13902ff5-eb26-498b-ad9c-5daba51c2553

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62134347-623f-45ec-8a4a-0dfd96e007da

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0b9c93b5-eaff-4de2-8450-c61c63d1a7af
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY) ("Dryden Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has notified Alamos Gold Inc. ("Alamos") (NYSE: AGI) that the Company has fulfilled its remaining obligations under the Option Agreement, dated April 20, 2022, between Dryden Gold and Manitou Gold Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Alamos. (the "Option Agreement").

Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Dryden Gold has paid Alamos a total of $2,000,000 payable as to $1,000,000 in cash and has issued an aggregate of 8,568,980 common shares (the "Shares") (the "Share Issuance") at a deemed price of $0.1167 per share to Alamos to satisfy the remaining $1,000,000 on its Dryden Gold Property located in Northwest Ontario (the "Dryden Property"). The Shares were issued based on twenty days of trading in the Company's stock on a volume-weighted basis (the "20-day VWAP") for the period ending March 12, 2025. The proposed Share Issuance was previously disclosed in the Company's TSXV Form 3D2 Filing Statement dated December 27, 2023, (the "Filing Statement") a copy of which was filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca on December 27, 2023. Please refer to the Filing Statement for a detailed description of the Dryden Option Agreement and the Dryden Property. All of the Shares will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

Dryden Gold has also completed the required $1,400,000 in firm work commitments on the Dryden Property and will now own a 100% legal and beneficial interest to the Dryden Property subject to a 1% Net Smelter Returns ("NSR") royalty to Alamos and other permitted encumbrances.

Prior to the Share Issuance, Alamos holds an aggregate of 14,434,346 common shares of the Company, representing a security holding percentage of 9.58%. After the Share Issuance, Alamos will hold an aggregate of 23,003,326 common shares of the Company representing 14.44% of the outstanding shares of the Company making them Dryden Gold's largest single shareholder.

EARLY WARNING REPORT BY ALAMOS GOLD INC.

An early warning report in respect of the Share Issuance will be filed in accordance with applicable securities laws and will be available on Dryden's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.To obtain a copy of the early warning report, once filed, please contact Alamos at Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 3910, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2T3, Attention: Scott K. Parsons, 416-368-9932 x 5439.

Alamos advises that it is not aware of any plans nor has it any future intentions which relate to or result in any of items referred to in paragraphs 5 (a) to (k) of the early warning report, except pursuant to the Option Agreement whereby Alamos may receive additional common shares of the Company. In accordance with applicable securities laws, Alamos may, from time to time, acquire additional shares and/or other equity, debt or other securities or instruments (collectively, "Securities") of the Company in the open market or otherwise, and reserves the right to dispose of any or all of its Securities in the open market or otherwise at any time and from time to time, and to engage in similar transactions with respect to the Securities, the whole depending on market conditions, the business and prospects of the Company and other relevant factors.

ABOUT DRYDEN GOLD CORP.

Dryden Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY") and on the OTCQB marketplace ("DRYGF"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition and consolidation, exploration success, and mergers and acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominant strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys collaborative relationships with First Nations communities and benefits from proximity to an experienced mining workforce.

For more information go to our website www.drydengold.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the acquisition of the Property, receipt of corporate and regulatory approvals, issuance of common shares; future development plans; future acquisitions; exploration programs; and the business and operations of Dryden Gold. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings including receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval for the acquisition of the Property; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in Dryden Gold's and the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward--looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Dryden Gold and the Company do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from Dryden Gold's and the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/245082

SOURCE: Dryden Gold Corp.
Commercial vehicle rental company SIXT van & truck to integrate Geotab's industry-leading OEM data solutions into 6,500 vans and lorries across the UK, unlocking predictive maintenance and enhancing operational efficiency

Accurate mileage tracking and near real-time vehicle data to help SIXT van & truck ensure contract compliance and optimise fleet efficiency

A successful pilot programme demonstrated the value of Geotab's technology, including the recovery of stolen vehicles

Partnership will streamline SIXT van & truck's vehicle return process, supporting optimised contract management with OEMs and end-customer services

Partnership with SIXT van & truck marks another key milestone for Geotab in the rental and leasing sector, reinforcing its growth and expanding collaborations in the industry

As Mobile World Congress 2025 spotlights the future of connectivity, Geotab will be in Barcelona showcasing its industry-leading expertise in connected transportation

LONDON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Geotab Inc. ("Geotab"), a global market leader in connected transportation solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with SIXT van & truck. The landmark collaboration aims to enhance SIXT van & truck's fleet management capabilities and elevate customer service standards for the company across the UK market.

SIXT van & truck will incorporate Geotab's advanced telematics solutions into 6,500 commercial vehicles within its UK-wide fleet. This integration, which will roll-out across the next 12 months, will leverage Geotab's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) integrated data to facilitate predictive maintenance and efficient Service, Maintenance and Repair (SMR) operations. By utilising Geotab's highly precise mileage tracking and vehicle data solutions, SIXT van & truck aims to ensure seamless contract compliance with OEMs while improving vehicle efficiency and performance.

The decision to form a long-term partnership follows a successful pilot programme, during which SIXT van & truck successfully recovered two stolen vehicles, further underscoring the value of Geotab's telematics solutions in boosting fleet security and operational competence.

David Saint, Managing Director SIXT van & truck UK, said: "Partnering with Geotab allows us to harness cutting-edge telematics technology to enhance our fleet operations in the UK. The ability to access accurate, real-time vehicle data enables us to perform predictive maintenance, reduce downtime and offer an improved experience to our customers."

Rental and leasing organisations have traditionally engaged in bulk purchasing agreements with OEMs, involving complex contracts to sell vehicles back to manufacturers under specific detail-driven conditions, including precise mileage limits and vehicle standards. By integrating Geotab's technology, SIXT van & truck is set to streamline such opaque processes, providing the company with comprehensive management of vehicle data to uphold contract terms and deliver superior service to customers.

Geotab's extensive OEM network and robust market coverage empower leasing and rental companies such as SIXT van & truck to integrate diverse fleet data. This advanced and unmatched capability not only supports predictive maintenance but also ensures compliance with contractual obligations, ultimately leading to cost savings and customer satisfaction.

Implementing predictive maintenance allows rental companies to anticipate and address vehicle issues before they escalate, thereby minimising unexpected breakdowns and reducing operational costs. By having the capability to analyse real-time data thanks to Geotab's innovations, SIXT van & truck can schedule maintenance during optimal periods, ensuring maximum vehicle availability. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of fleet vehicles but also helps contribute to cost savings by preventing major repairs and reducing downtime.

"We are delighted to be working with SIXT van & truck, delivering an innovative telematics solution to their commercial vehicle fleet across the UK," said Christoph Ludewig, Vice President, EMEA. "Geotab will provide SIXT van & truck UK with actionable insights that improve efficiency and elevate service quality. This collaboration not only reinforces our commitment to supporting partners in achieving operational excellence but also marks a key milestone in our continued growth within the rental and leasing space. As we forge new alliances and strengthen existing relationships, we remain focused on delivering telematics solutions that drive real value."

Real-world applications of Geotab's advanced telematics solutions have shown significantly enhanced fleet operations for rental and leasing organisations. By integrating Geotab's connected vehicle technology, a rental company last year achieved 100% fleet connectivity in the UK and 67% across six core European markets. This comprehensive data integration has led to improved vehicle recovery rates, real-time collision detection and remote monitoring of vehicle metrics such as odometer readings and fuel levels. These breakthrough advancements have also collectively optimised fleet management and elevated customer service standards.

As part of the partnership, SIXT van & truck will explore opportunities to integrate Geotab's advanced telematics solutions into its rental services, providing end customers with added value.

About Geotab:

Geotab is a global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, empowering fleet efficiency and management. We leverage advanced data analytics and AI to transform fleet performance, safety, and sustainability, reducing cost and driving efficiency. Backed by top data scientists and engineers, we serve over 55,000 global customers, processing 80 billion data points daily from more than 4.7 million vehicle subscriptions. Geotab is trusted by Fortune 500 organisations, mid-sized fleets, and the largest public sector fleets in the world, including the US Federal Government. Committed to data security and privacy, we hold FIPS 140-3 and FedRAMP authorisations. Our open platform, ecosystem of outstanding partners, and Marketplace deliver hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions. This year, we're celebrating 25 years of innovation. Learn more at www.geotab.com/uk and follow us on LinkedIn or visit our blog.

About SIXT van & truck:

SIXT van & truck: Power, Flexibility, and Premium Service

SIXT van & truck combines the strength of an industry leader with the dedication of a family-run business, delivering seamless commercial vehicle solutions across the UK. With a diverse fleet-from small to large vans, trucks, HGV's and 4x4s-every transportation need is covered.

A commitment to transparency and flexibility ensures clear, customised rental plans to suit every business need. Through direct manufacturer partnerships, SIXT van & truck offers a modern fleet with the latest technology, competitive pricing, and tailored solutions to optimise efficiency.

With expert industry knowledge and a UK-wide operation, SIXT van & truck provides exceptional choice, value, and service.

For more information, visit sixtvanandtruck.com or follow SIXT van & truck on LinkedIn

Media contacts: jamesp@influenceemobility.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sixt-van--truck-turns-to-geotab-for-predictive-maintenance-for-its-uk-fleet-302404747.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Xineoh Technologies Inc. ("Xineoh" or the "Company"), announces a transaction to improve its financial position in light of financial difficulties that it is facing.

The proposed transaction (the "Transaction") involves the assignment of a consulting contract (the "Transaction Agreement") with an affiliate of a financial services company (the "Counterparty") to Xineoh PTY Ltd. ("Xineoh SA") in consideration of:

Xineoh SA shall forgive the outstanding receivable due from Corporation to Xineoh SA in the amount of US$28,500.

Xineoh SA shall pay, on behalf of Corporation, the server maintenance costs supporting Corporation's technology until June 30, 2025.

Xineoh SA shall assume all costs of its operations, including outstanding accounts payable, which will no longer be charged to the Corporation.

In the event that the Transaction Agreement is extended beyond September 30, 2025 (the "Term End Date"), or new agreement is entered into with the Counterparty or an affiliate for a term that extends beyond the Term End Date, Xineoh SA will pay to Corporation on a monthly basis, 10% of the gross proceeds received from such contract after the Term End Date. Such payment shall be due within 15 days of the end of each month for proceeds received in the prior month.

In addition, the Board of Directors has determined to conduct a process to attempt to find a buyer or strategic partner for the technology that has been developed for and is owned by the Corporation.

Xineoh SA is owned by Mr. Vian Chinner, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technical Officer and a director, and is considered to be a "related party" of the Corporation within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protections of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Transaction with Xineoh SA constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of MI 61-101. MI 61-101 regulates transactions that raise the potential for conflicts of interest, including transactions involving parties who are "related parties" to the reporting issuer, as that term is used in MI 61-101. Among other things, MI 61-101 requires, in certain instances, that unless an exemption is available or discretionary relief is granted by applicable securities regulatory authorities, a reporting issuer proposing to carry out a related party transaction is required to: (i) engage an independent valuator to prepare a valuation of the affected securities (and any non-cash consideration being offered therefore) and provide to the holders of the affected securities a summary of such valuation (the "Formal Valuation Requirement"); and (ii) obtain the approval of a majority of the "minority" shareholders (as that term is used in MI 61-101) (the "Minority Approval Requirement").

The Corporation intends to rely on the exemption from the Formal Valuation Requirement of the instrument for any "related party transaction" by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 (Issuer Not Listed on Specified Markets), as no securities of The Corporation are listed or quoted on a stock exchange.

Additionally, the Corporation is exempt from the Formal Valuation Requirement and Minority Approval Requirement as it is relying on the exemption contained in sections 5.5(g) and 5.7(1)(e) (Financial Hardship) (the "Financial Hardship Exemption") of MI 61-101 on the basis that: (i) the Corporation was (and continues to be) in serious financial difficulty; (ii) the Transaction was designed to improve the financial position of the Corporation; (iii) paragraph 5.5(f) (Bankruptcy, Insolvency, Court Order) of MI 61-101 was not applicable; and (iv) the Corporation's board of directors, acting in good faith, and at least two-thirds of the Corporation's independent directors, acting in good faith, determined that: (A) the Corporation was (and continues to be) in serious financial difficulty and the Transaction was designed to improve the financial position of the Corporation, and (B) the terms of the Transaction were reasonable in the circumstances.

In the event that the Corporation cannot find a buyer or strategic partner for its technology before June 30, 2025, it intends to cease operations. The Corporation also does not have sufficient funds at this time to pay down its outstanding accounts payable.

In addition, Mr. Abdul Khaleck Ismail has resigned as a director and Chair of Company.

In addition, as required pursuant to National Instrument 62-104, the following entities are providing disclosure as a result of the wind-up of the Cicero Family Trust (the "Wind-Up Transaction") that has resulted in changes to their respective ownership of securities of the Company.

Vian Chinner the Company's Chief Executive Officer previously filed an early warning report with respect to the securities of the company held through the Cicero Family Trust. Mr. Chinner is a beneficiary to the Cicero Family Trust. Prior to the Wind-Up Transaction, Cicero Family Trust held 51,840,000 common shares of the Issuer representing 38.86% of the Issuer issued and outstanding common shares. As a result of the Wind-Up Transaction Cicero Family Trust has disposed of 51,840,000 common shares of the Issuer and Cicero Family Trust's ownership has decreased to less than 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Issuer. The common shares were disposed of at a deemed price of Cdn$0. 000000036 (US$0.0000002) per share for aggregate deemed proceeds of Cdn$1.85 (US$1.27). Cicero Family Trust no longer has any ownership or control over any common shares or other securities of the Issuer. The Company is not listed on a stock exchange and these transactions occurred privately. The address of Mr. Chinner is 29A Marlborough Ave, Johannesburg, South Africa.

On March 5, 2025, as a result of the Wind-Up Transaction, Ciciero Trading (Pty) Ltd has acquired 27,957,737 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of Cdn$0. 000000036 (US$0.0000002) per share for aggregate deemed proceeds of Cdn$1 (US$0.69). The common shares were acquired from Cicero Family Trust in a private transaction as a result of the Wind-Up Transaction. Mr. Chinner maintains control over the common shares held by the Ciciero (Pty) Ltd. As a result of these transactions Ciciero Trading (Pty) Ltd, has ownership or control over 27,957,737 common shares of the Company representing 20.14% of the Company's currently issued and outstanding common shares. Mr. Chinner also directly owns 266,666 common shares and was also granted restricted share units to acquire 3,333,333 common shares of the Company. Assuming the exercise of the restricted share units held by Mr. Chinner, he would control 31,557,736 common shares of the Company representing 22.74% of the common shares of the Company. The acquisition of these shares in the Company was for investment purposes. Ciciero Trading (Pty) Ltd and Mr. Chinner have no current intention to acquire additional shares in the Company, but may decide from time to time in the future to increase or decrease its ownership of common shares of the Company. The address of Ciciero Trading (Pty) Ltd is 29A Marlborough Ave, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.

Early Warning Reports for Ciciero Trading (Pty) Ltd and Vian Chinner will be filed with the applicable Canadian securities commissions and will be available at www.sedar.com. For further information concerning the foregoing or a copy of the Early Warning Reports referred to in this release, please contact: Vian Chinner, Tel: (604) 681-8030.

About Xineoh Technologies Inc.:

Additional details are available on www.xineoh.com

**Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information**

This news release discusses items that may constitute forward-looking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and that involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements include those with respect to the details of the Transaction, future prospects, its inability to pay its accounts receivable, the potential to find a buyer or strategic partner and intention to cease operations. Although the Company believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they can give no assurances that those expectations will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements and information. Such assumptions, which may prove incorrect, include the following: (i) the Company will succeed in obtaining any necessary future financing to fund its ongoing operations or finding a buyer or strategic partner, (ii) no material obstacles, technical or otherwise, will hinder the Company's operations, and (iii) the Company will be able to generate cashflow from operations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include (i) the Company's failure to make effective use of its available funds, (ii) the failure of the Company's commercialization strategy for technical, logistical, labour-relations or other reasons, (iii) an increase in the Company's operating costs above what is necessary to sustain its operations, (iv) cybersecurity issues, labour disputes or the materialization of similar risks, (v) a deterioration in capital market conditions that prevents the Company from raising the funds that it requires on a timely basis, and (vi) generally, an inability of the Company to develop and implement a successful business plan for any reason. These factors and others are more fully discussed in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/244959

SOURCE: Xineoh Technologies Inc.
Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate Offers Strategies to Prioritize Human Skills and Activate District Frameworks for Workforce Success

With 70% of employers prioritizing durable skills over technical abilities, today's graduates need more than academic knowledge to succeed. Recognizing this shift, Wayfinder, a leader in purpose-driven education solutions, has released a new white paper, Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate: Why Human Skills Matter More Than Ever.

Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate

The new white paper bridges the gap between Portrait of a Graduate frameworks and truly preparing students for the future

This research-backed report provides PreK-12 education leaders with concrete strategies to turn Portrait of a Graduate frameworks into action-helping students develop the interpersonal, cognitive, and self-leadership skills that will set them apart in an unpredictable workforce.

"In a world where career paths are increasingly uncertain, the most future-proof skills are those that foster human connection, resilience, and adaptability," said Patrick Cook-Deegan, Founder + CEO of Wayfinder. "This white paper underscores the critical role that K-12 education plays in developing these durable skills, ensuring students are not only career-ready but also prepared to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives."

Key insights from the white paper:

Human Skills Outrank Technical Skills in Career Readiness : Research from McKinsey, Google, and Harvard Business Review confirms that interpersonal, cognitive, and self-leadership skills are the most valuable professional assets.

States and Districts Are Prioritizing Durable Skills : Many states have integrated critical human skills into their graduation frameworks, ensuring students develop competencies like problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and civic responsibility.

Schools Must Implement Frameworks with Intention : Schools can ensure their Portraits of a Graduate are actionable by developing strategies to embed future-ready skills across grade levels, measure their impact, and align them with career readiness initiatives.

Wayfinder's New Alignment Tool Bridges the Gap: Wayfinder's new Portrait of a Graduate feature helps schools seamlessly integrate and track skill development, ensuring students graduate with the competencies they need to thrive.

To further support future-ready education, Wayfinder has partnered with Roadtrip Nation-a leading nonprofit that helps students explore careers through real-world storytelling-in their programming and on this white paper. Together, they have integrated hundreds of hours of career-focused content into Wayfinder's lessons, helping students connect their strengths and interests to meaningful career paths.

Education leaders, policymakers, and district administrators are encouraged to download Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate: Why Human Skills Matter More Than Ever and explore how Wayfinder's innovative tools can support their schools in embedding durable skills into everyday learning.

Download the White Paper:

Access the full report here.

Contact Information

Kat Clark

Senior Director of Marketing

marketing@withwayfinder.com

SOURCE: Wayfinder
Stim2Go is one of the many healthcare enhancing products included in the neurology/neurorehabilitation portfolio of German firm Pajunk GmbH, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Pajunk USA (pronounced pie-yunk) announced today it has chosen Enable Me, a VELA Medical company, to be the north American distributor of its portable, app-controlled Stim2Go functional electrical stimulation system, which can improve motor function, assist in muscular re-education, pain treatment and the reduction of spasticity.

Marco Wohnig, President of Pajunk USA, said Enable Me was selected for its 25-year track record of providing high-quality rehabilitation, mobility enhancing and related products and services to the rehabilitation industry, its unmatched client and customer service and its established connections in the industry nationwide, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.

"We've found the perfect partner in Enable me," commented Wohnig. "And we are super excited to be working with them to market such an innovative product in the U.S."

Stim2Go is one of the many healthcare enhancing products included in the neurology/neurorehabilitation portfolio of German firm Pajunk GmbH, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Wohnig explained that the clear advantage of Stim2Go is its flexibility. "It can be used both in clinical settings and at home, ensuring that patients have access to high-quality rehabilitation wherever they are.

"Stim2Go is a breakthrough in functional electrical stimulation because it gives users complete freedom. There is no need to be tied to a specific bike or rowing machine. This level of independence is a game-changer for both clinicians and patients."

Mike Laky, President of Enable Me, said his firm welcomes another partnership with a European healthcare-related research, development and manufacturing firm known for its focus on excellence in everything it does.

"Stim2Go aligns perfectly with Enable's mission to enhance patient care and rehabilitation," Laky declared. "We look forward to employing it widely here to enhance the quality of life for the many people in need of this unique system of in-home or clinical care."

Media Contact:

Andrew Bowen, APR

404-822-3309

ab@clearviewcom.com

SOURCE: Enable Me LLC
Accelera by Cummins, the zero-emissions business segment of Cummins Inc. [NYSE: CMI], hosted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and other government officials at its state-of-the-art electrolyzer manufacturing facility in Guadalajara, Castilla-la Mancha, Spain. The visit highlighted Accelera's important role in enabling the European Union (EU) and Spain's energy transition toward a sustainable future. Following Prime Minister Sanchez's visit, Accelera held a meeting with top industry executives to explore opportunities for advancing the Spanish green hydrogen market together.

The Government of Spain is committed to the green transition, with green hydrogen as one of its pillars. The decisive policies promoted by the Executive have allowed 20% of green hydrogen projects in Europe to be promoted in Spain.

Prime Minister Sanchez toured the 260,000 square-foot proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer manufacturing facility, one of the largest in Spain, and met with Accelera employees to celebrate their work in building the nation's green hydrogen economy. The energy-efficient electrolyzer facility began production in April 2024 and has created 91 highly skilled jobs, with the potential for more as production expands.

Accelera is one of Spain's leading electrolyzer manufacturers, and with one of the largest economies in the EU and its low cost of renewable energy, the country offers a strong environment for the expansion of hydrogen and electrolyzer production and export.

"We are honored to have Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visit Accelera's electrolyzer manufacturing plant in Guadalajara," said Amy Davis, President of Accelera. "Our partnership with the Spanish government is key to developing the necessary infrastructure to continue scaling and innovating hydrogen technologies to achieve a zero-emissions future. Together, we are committed to advancing Spain and the EU's green energy transition."

Accelera recently announced its largest electrolyzer project to date a 100-megawatt (MW) system for bp's green hydrogen plant in Lingen, Germany and production for the electrolyzer system is underway at the facility in Guadalajara. With an immediate 500MW of capacity, scalable to 1-gigawatt (GW), Accelera has plans to increase onsite manufacturing in the future, bringing more hydrogen production to Spain and further establishing the country as a hydrogen industrial hub in Europe.

After the Prime Minister's visit, Accelera hosted a high-level meeting with Spain's green hydrogen leaders to explore collaboration opportunities to accelerate Spain's position as Europe's hydrogen hub and meet the ambitious decarbonization targets set by both the country and the EU. This dialogue focused on establishing a framework for ongoing industry partnership to maximize Spain's ability to be a leader in green hydrogen production and technology development.

During the discussions, participants emphasized the importance of domestic electrolyzer production in Spain, including Accelera's plant in Guadalajara. This production is crucial not only for reaching Spain's target of 12 GW of installed electrolyzers, but also for creating jobs and strengthening Spain's industrial base.

Attendees included:

Olvido Moraleda, President of bp Spain and Vice President of bp group

Arturo Gonzalo Aizpiri, CEO of Enagas

Millan Garcia-Tola, Global Hydrogen Director of Iberdrola

Jose Manuel Martinez, CTO of Moeve

Amy Davis, President of Accelera by Cummins

Andreas Lippert, Vice President of Electrolyzers for Accelera by Cummins

Electrolyzers leverage renewable energy sources to produce green hydrogen, which is vital for accelerating the clean energy transition. Accelera is a leader in large-scale hydrogen production using PEM electrolysis and has deployed more than 600 electrolyzer units worldwide, powering some of the most advanced PEM electrolyzer systems operating globally. This includes a 20MW facility in Quebec, Canada, and a 25MW system in Florida, U.S.

About Accelera by Cummins

Accelera by Cummins provides a diverse portfolio of zero-emissions solutions for the world's most economically vital industries, empowering them to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. Accelera, a business segment of Cummins Inc., is both a components supplier and integrator, focused on batteries, e-axles, traction systems, integrated powertrain solutions, hydrogen fuel cells, and electrolyzers. Accelera currently has operations in North America, across Europe, and in China.

Cummins, a global power solutions leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute, and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), Cummins has approximately 69,900 employees and earned $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024. It operates a robust distribution and support network in more than 190 countries and territories.

To learn more about Accelera by Cummins, visit accelerazero.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318352856/en/

Contacts:

Melinda Koski Director, External Communications

melinda.koski@cummins.com

+1-812-377-0500
Report calls for more cohesion between stakeholders to ensure jobseekers have essential tech skills

MUMBAI, INDIA and TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has issued a report on closing the digital divide in Canada by ensuring jobseekers have the skills needed to succeed in a business world being transformed by AI. Entitled "The Digital Skills Imperative in Canada," the report is based on insights from a recent roundtable event in Toronto and is available on the TCS Digital Empowers Insights page.

At the roundtable, experts from TCS and the Dais, a public policy and leadership think tank at Toronto Metropolitan University, met with Canadian employment, business, and education stakeholders. They discussed crucial factors necessary to support individuals at risk of being left behind due to the rapid advancement of technologies like AI and the shortage of relevant skills.

Examining trends affecting the demand for skilled workers, the report explored challenges and opportunities for jobseekers -- from the rapid advent of new technologies to the increasing pace of change in industries. Calls to action include:

Higher education and the private sector should be more transparent about the specific skills needed for job roles

Large employers should reskill workers to benefit from employee loyalty and encourage new skills to make the Canadian workforce more competitive

Institutions offering micro-credentials - short courses offering qualifications in specific subject areas -- can enhance their impact by partnering with employers to design relevant coursework

For more information, download the full report here.

About TCS Empowers

TCS is building greater futures by connecting people to opportunities in the digital?economy. Through innovative and collective knowledge, TCS helps create equitable,?inclusive pathways for all, especially women, youth and marginalized groups.?Visit on.tcs.com/csr and follow TCSEmpowers on social media.?

About Tata Consultancy Services

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world's largest businesses in their transformation journeys for over 56 years. Its consulting-led, cognitive powered, portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions is delivered through its unique Location Independent Agile delivery model, recognized as a benchmark of excellence in software development.

A part of the Tata group, India's largest multinational business group, TCS has over 607,000 of the world's best-trained consultants in 55 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and is listed on the BSE and the NSE in India. TCS' proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the MSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. For more information, visit www.tcs.com.

TCS media contacts:

Corporate Communications & India

Email: corporate.communications@tcs.com

Email: saxena.kritika@tcs.com | Phone: +91 22 6778 9999

Email: kimberly.solomon@tcs.com | Phone: +91 22 67789098

Canada

Email: tiffany.fisher@tcs.com | Phone: +1 416-999-2140

###

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Tata Consultancy Services on 3blmedia.com

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Tata Consultancy Services

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/tata-consultancy-services-tcs

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Tata Consultancy Services
Tomorrow, March 19, 2025, at 4:30 PM, the conference "How Colourblind People See" will be held at the Martini Hall of MAR Ravenna's Museum of Art. This event is dedicated to raising awareness about colour blindness and the challenges of colour perception. Speakers will include Stefano De Pietro, President of the Italian Association "How Colourblind People See", and Sandor Breznay, President of the Breznay-Ganoczy Foundation (Agno, Switzerland) and the Paolina Brugnatelli Foundation (Milan).

Colour blindness affects approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women, with over 300 million people worldwide experiencing this condition-2.5 million in Italy. While those with normal colour vision can distinguish over a million shades, individuals with colour vision deficiency see only about 10% of those hues. As a result, colours may appear dull or even indistinguishable. This initiative aims to increase public awareness and make cultural and educational experiences more accessible for those with colour blindness.

The event, promoted by the Rotary Club Ravenna and Lions Club Ravenna Host, represents another step forward in Ravenna's commitment to perceptual inclusivity. During the conference, the Rotary Club will donate a set of EnChroma colourblind glasses to MAR, allowing colourblind visitors to borrow them for a more inclusive visual experience. Additionally, the Lions Club Ravenna Host will donate another set of glasses to the Nervi-Severini Art High School, integrating colour blindness awareness into art and education.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Rotary Club Ravenna, Lions Club Ravenna Host, and the Academy of Fine Arts of Ravenna (ABA)

This initiative is part of a broader project that establishes Ravenna as the first Italian city accessible to colourblind individuals. Last summer, several UNESCO sites in Ravenna, famous for their extraordinary mosaics, began offering EnChroma glasses to visitors, allowing them to perceive the vibrant colours of the artwork more accurately.

A standout effort in this movement is the "ColoRaMi" project, launched by Ravenna Mosaici, which provides colourblind visitors with EnChroma glasses to experience the city's stunning mosaics more colourfully. This project includes major UNESCO monuments such as the Basilica di San Vitale, il Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, la Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo e il Battistero Neoniano. This initiative ensures that Ravenna's artistic heritage is accessible to an even wider audience. More details on the project can be found here.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318458916/en/

Contacts:

For More Information:

Paolina Brugnatelli Foundation

+39 3428234246

info@fondazionepaolinabrugnatelli.org

EnChroma

Cecilia Gerosa Marketing and PR Manager

+39 3387854590

cecilia@enchroma.co.uk
As previously seen on the CSRHub blog.

By Bahar Gidwani

The EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is evolving.

The EU has announced that it will ask most companies that do business in Europe to comply with its Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The exact timing of when this law will be put in force and who will be covered has been changing. The list of indicators that must be reported is also changing. But, the general direction is clear-the EU wants companies who operate within its borders to capture and report sustainability information so that they can be evaluated based on their social performance.

The EU recently released an Omnibus revision to CSRD. This is only a proposed set of changes-but they are extensive. This article from Silver Regulatory Associates gives a nice summary of what may change for both CSRD and for several other EU regulatory schemes.

CSRHub's Contribution: The CSRD Readiness Calculator

CSRHub's contribution to this process has been to build a CSRD Readiness Calculator that ties CSRHub's outside-in measures of social performance to CSRD's 35 top-level topics. This Calculator will launch soon with both a free trial and professional version.

CSRHub produces comparable measures of social performance for virtually every large company and organization in the world. CSRHub ratings are based on a broad range of sources, so it can provide a stable, fair base for scores for each CSRD topic.

Bahar Gidwani is CTO and Co-founder of CSRHub. He has built and run large technology-based businesses for many years. Bahar holds a CFA, worked on Wall Street with Kidder, Peabody, and with McKinsey & Co. Bahar has consulted to a number of major companies and currently serves on the board of several software and Web companies. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree in physics and astronomy. He plays bridge, races sailboats, and is based in New York City.

About CSRHub

CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of Consensus ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, information, and tools. CSRHub's business intelligence system measures the ESG business impact that drives corporate and investor sustainability decisions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers 57,528 public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on over 38,833 companies from 134 industries in 156 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 967 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance. Interested in learning more about CSRHub? Click here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CSRHub on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: CSRHub

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/csrhub

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: CSRHub
MARIJUANA INC. (OTCPINK:MAJI), dba Exousia Pro, Inc., a clinical-stage biotech company using exosomes in the treatment of cancer and other maladies, is pleased to announce it has successfully renegotiated the license agreement it acquired with Progenicyte of Japan.

Exousia Pro has reduced its licensing fee from 50% to 30% equity position in exchange for worldwide licensing rights to Progenicyte's ground-breaking Exosome DNA loading patent and all future technologies Progenicyte may develop for Exosomes. The patent, initially filed in Japan, has also been filed in the US, Canada, Europe, and China.

The initial agreement executed between Exousia AI and Progenicyte called for Progenicyte to receive 50% of the equity in the Company as a license fee. After Exousia Pro acquired Exousia AI, the Company began negotiating with Progenicyte to restructure the terms of the agreement. Exousia Pro will compensate Progenicyte $16,667 per month during the life of the agreement as an operating fee. Progenicyte will continue to develop new uses and devices for Exosomes that will be licensed exclusively to Exousia Pro per the current agreement.

"The reduction in our license fee further demonstrates our commitment to building a strong company without sacrificing our shareholders with unnecessary dilution," stated Mike Sheikh, CEO of Exousia Pro, Inc. "This is a very valuable license because the loading of an exosome represents a major bottleneck in the scaling of exosome manufacturing. There are only 10 clinical trials using exosomes and close to 10,000 active clinical trials, which means there is a lot of growth potential. We now hold the keys to the widespread adoption of targeted exosome loading. Once we demonstrate our first case study in Glioblastoma, we believe the number of applications could mushroom and eventually exceed the existing market of monoclonal antibodies in the long term. Over 30% of pharmaceutical sales are monoclonal antibodies. They are expensive to make and have several limitations compared to exosomes. Our manufacturing technology is capable of disrupting this massive market. We believe we have the best delivery vehicle in gene therapy and cannot wait to show the world our capability."

About us

Exousia Pro is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing new ways to exploit the therapeutic potential of exosomes, initially focused on oncology.The company's patented manufacturing process utilizes plant-based materials to create exosomes used in a number of commercial applications from dermatology to dentistry. The company's proprietary loading technology can infuse a range of molecules from drugs to DNA.

For more information, please visit: www.exousiapro.com

SAFE HARBOR

Forward-looking statements in this release are made under the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Ludwig Enterprises Inc.'s forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance. This news release includes forward-looking statements concerning the future level of business for the parties. These statements are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements due to certain risk factors that could cause results to differ materially from estimated results. Management cautions that all statements as to future results of operations are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and events that may be beyond the control of Ludwig Enterprises, Inc., and no assurance can be given that such results will be achieved. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability to procure, appropriately price, retain, and complete projects and changes in products and competition.

CONTACT:

Marijuana, Inc.

www.Exousiapro.com

Twitter: @Exousia_Pro

Investor Relations

ir@exousiapro.com

SOURCE: Marijuana Inc.
Louvain, BELGIUM - March 18, 2025 - 6:30 PM CET, Oxurion NV (Euronext Brussels: OXUR), a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Leuven, announces the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) for the planned acquisition of a majority stake in a Contract Research Organization (CRO) specialized in clinical data management and biometric analysis. This planned acquisition aligns with Oxurion's strategy to expand its expertise by developing an integrated offering for pharmaceutical and biotech players.

An acquisition to equip Oxurion with new expertise

The target company, based in France and active for over 15 years, is recognized for its expertise in biometrics applied to clinical trials and advanced data management in the healthcare sector. It operates across the entire clinical data lifecycle, from collection to submission to health authorities, integrating advanced validation processes and regulatory analysis. The company supports more than 20 industrial and academic partners across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, and non-health products. It offers comprehensive solutions for clinical data management, statistical analysis, and regulatory submissions, ensuring seamless compliance with international standards (CDISC[1], MedDRA, WHO-Drug).

The company excels in data validation and standardization, as well as in producing actionable regulatory reports to ensure compliance and acceptance of clinical trials by health authorities such as the EMA and FDA.

Its strength lies in a multidisciplinary team of data managers, biostatisticians, and experienced project managers, who ensure optimized clinical trial management. The company provides full supervision of trials, from protocol development strategy and methodology to patient modeling and randomization, as well as optimizing regulatory submissions. The CRO also integrates advanced artificial intelligence mechanisms, enhancing data quality and relevance through sophisticated validation algorithms. These technologies are developed under a strict ethical framework, ensuring regulatory compliance while maximizing the reliability of results.

A strategic eCRF platform for clinical trial optimization

Additionally, the CRO has developed a proprietary electronic Case Report Form (eCRF) platform, a strategic digital tool that accelerates and simplifies clinical trial management.

In a context where data standardization and regulatory rigor are essential, this platform ensures patient data traceability, enhances clinical result quality, and speeds up regulatory submissions to health authorities (EMA, FDA).

Its architecture is designed to optimize clinical trial processes by integrating advanced features, including:

Secure data entry compliant with CDISC standards

Automated management of randomization and blinding

Real-time report generation and visualization of inclusion trends

A mobile-friendly, multilingual interface facilitating patient monitoring and communication with investigators

This eCRF could thus become a major differentiating factor for the group formed by Oxurion, leveraging this tool to conduct smoother, more efficient clinical trials in full compliance with international regulatory requirements.

This acquisition would allow Oxurion to integrate a profitable and growing business, with stable revenue over the past three years at 1 million[2] and a positive net result.

Transaction structure

Oxurion plans to acquire 70% of the target company's share capital.

The transaction values the target company at 650,000 on a 100% basis.

Although Oxurion's management will maximize the use of non-dilutive instruments, the transaction will have a dilutive effect on shareholders, the extent of which remains to be determined. The objective of this potential transaction is to offset dilution through value creation for shareholders. As of today, Oxurion has not yet secured the financing for this transaction.

The signing of the final documentation is expected by the end of June 2025 at the latest.

The transaction is subject to due diligence (financial, legal, technical), set to begin in March 2025, with completion expected by the end of April 2025. It also requires the agreement of the involved parties on legal documentation and, where applicable, the fulfillment of legal conditions (such as worker information procedures and foreign direct investment procedures for strategic French assets).

Oxurion has been granted an exclusivity period until June 30, 2025, during which the target company and its sellers commit not to engage in discussions with third parties regarding any competing transaction.

A strategic lever for Oxurion's growth

De target aims to double its revenue over the next three years by strengthening its commercial capabilities and expanding its client network. The company plans to accelerate its business development and expansion efforts through a dedicated sales team and an optimized marketing strategy to enhance its market positioning.

"With this acquisition, Oxurion could strengthen its position in clinical trial management and biometric analysis. Integrating this CRO into our ecosystem would allow us not only to optimize the collection and analysis of clinical data but also to accelerate and enhance the regulatory submission process. With its advanced capabilities in statistical analysis and data modeling, this new technological asset will enable us to produce actionable results faster while ensuring their reliability and compliance with international regulatory standards. This strategic advantage could position Oxurion as a key player in supporting biopharmaceutical companies in accelerating their clinical developments," said Pascal Ghoson, CEO of Oxurion.

This target complements ongoing discussions since July 2024 with a CRO active in Beta cell research. Oxurion is also in advanced discussions with several French targets that have shown interest in its strategic project.

Oxurion will provide regular updates on the progress of these transactions and keep the market informed of the next steps.

About Oxurion

Oxurion (Euronext Brussels: OXUR) is engaged in developing next-generation standard of care ophthalmic therapies for the treatment of retinal disease. Oxurion is based in Leuven, Belgium. More information is available at www.oxurion.com.

Important information about forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking". Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of Oxurion in any jurisdiction. No securities of Oxurion may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws.

For further information please contact:

Oxurion NV

Pascal Ghoson

Chief Executive Officer

Pascal.ghoson@oxurion.com

[1] Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium$

[2] Closing at the end of May of each calendar year.

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Tariq Mushtaq Khatri has rewritten the rules of digital marketing, achieving an unprecedented milestone in cost-efficient influencer advertising. His record-breaking social media ad campaign, executed over 90 days, has set a new global benchmark, proving that Indian digital marketers can deliver unmatched ROI.

This achievement was officially unveiled during a high-profile press conference at the Bombay Press Club on February 28, 2025, where journalists, industry leaders, and marketing professionals witnessed Tariq Khatri's groundbreaking success in real time.

A Campaign That Broke the Internet

Tariq Khatri's high-impact digital campaign, consisting of 183 Meta ads, achieved:

Total Views: 56.6 million

Total Engagements: 25.7 million

Total Reach: 26 million people

Reach Growth: 245.3% increase

Engagement Rate: 99% -a figure rarely seen, even among the world's biggest influencers

Beyond engagement, the campaign shattered cost-efficiency records, demonstrating:

Cost per engagement: INR 16.24 (~ USD 0.19)

Cost per million views: INR 7,370 (~ USD 88)

Total Ad Spend: INR 417,420 (~ USD 5,000)

Public Reaction

Although there was no official announcement from the Indian government yet, Indians took to X and forums celebrating Tariq Khatris's achievement!! Tariq Khatris's world record Headlines were covered by Shiv Sena's official newspaper Saamana and India's topmost News site India today, more than 150 Newspapers in India and internationally have carried the story! Yahoo Finance has also carried the story!

Setting a New Global Standard

When compared with top international influencers, Tariq Khatri's campaign emerges as a game-changer. While global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and MrBeast achieve high engagement, their campaigns require significantly higher investments. Tariq's success proves that Indian digital marketing talent can deliver better engagement at a fraction of the cost.

"This isn't just about breaking records-it's about proving that Indian influencers can compete on the global stage and even outperform the biggest names in terms of efficiency and ROI." - Tariq Khatri

Recognition and Industry Impact

Major Indian news outlets highlighted this achievement as a historic milestone for India's digital marketing sector. Official government recognition is awaited, as India has recently prioritized influencer-driven marketing in its digital economy strategy.

"Tariq Khatri's campaign is a wake-up call for global brands. It proves that smart digital marketing is not about big budgets-it's about strategic execution and audience understanding." - Ravi Malhotra, Chief Digital Strategist, Global AdTech Solutions

Official Submission to Guinness World Records

This landmark achievement has been submitted to Guinness World Records for verification. If recognized, it will be the first-ever world record for cost-efficient influencer marketing, setting a historic precedent in digital advertising.

"Tariq Khatri's campaign is a wake-up call for global brands. It proves that smart digital marketing is not about big budgets- it's about strategic execution. His achievement will change how brands approach influencer marketing worldwide." - Ravi Malhotra, Chief Digital Strategist at Global AdTech Solutions

India's Digital Economy on the Rise

Tariq Khatri's success marks a turning point for India's digital marketing industry, reinforcing the country's position as a global hub for high-ROI advertising. His achievement has the potential to:

Attract international brands to India for cost-effective marketing solutions

Create new opportunities for Indian influencers and digital marketers

Redefine global advertising strategies with data-driven efficiency

"This is just the beginning. I want to empower more Indian creators to reach global heights. India's digital marketing industry is ready to lead the future." - Tariq Khatri

What's Next? Expanding the Impact

Following this historic achievement, Tariq Khatri is set to:

Partner with global brands, offering next-level advertising solutions

Mentor aspiring Indian influencers, helping them dominate the digital space

Scale India's influence in international digital marketing

A Call to Global Brands: The Future is in India

With higher engagement rates and lower advertising costs than Western markets, India is now the most attractive destination for global digital marketing investments. Tariq Khatri's record-breaking campaign is proof that brands can achieve massive impact at minimal cost by leveraging Indian influencer talent. "Tariq Khatri's world record proves that data-driven marketing can rewrite the rules of digital engagement. The future of advertising belongs to those who innovate, and India is leading the charge!" Mayur M. Gunjal (Head of Communication)

Media Acknowledgment & Thank You Note

"We extend our deepest gratitude to all journalists and media professionals who attended the press conference and helped share this historic milestone. Your role in bringing India's digital marketing revolution to the global stage is invaluable."

For further updates, exclusive insights, and upcoming collaborations, connect with Tariq Khatri:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tariq_khatri_aka_prince2/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tariqkhatri2019/?_rdr

Email: tariqk2011@yahoo.com

SOURCE: Tariq khatri
Temas Resources Corp. ("Temas" or the "Company") (CSE:TMAS)(OTCQB:TMASF) is pleased to announce that Temas President and CEO, Tim Fernback will be attending and presenting for the first time at the prestigious Swiss Mining Institute Investment Conference, taking place March 18 - 19, 2025, in Zurich, Switzerland.

Mr. Fernback will present the Company's titanium dioxide exploration strategy, recent project milestones, and what's ahead in the 2025 calendar for Temas. This is a unique opportunity for European and global investors to gain direct insights into Temas' high-quality portfolio of Canadian titanium dioxide assets and metallurgical IP and the Company's vision for 2025.

Mr. Tim Fernback, the Company's President and CEO states "We're excited to showcase Temas on this global stage, connecting with some of the top minds in mining investment. The Company recently completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment demonstrating a CAD6.6 billion project value at our strategic La Blache titanium project in Canada. With titanium supply and refining capacity controlled globally by both China and Russia, Temas is well positioned at the forefront of North America's titanium critical mineral on-shoring strategy."

About Swiss Mining Institute

The Swiss Mining Institute ("SMI") is one of Europe's premier mining investment events, organized by Bally Capital Advisors SA. SMI is known for bringing together over 1,000 leading Portfolio Mangers, Asset Managers, Fund Managers and other professional investors from all around the world. This invite-only, exclusive event highlights over 100 selected mining companies and offers unparalleled insights into the global resource sector.

About Temas Resources

Temas Resources Corp. is focused on the advanced La Blache and Lac Brule Iron-Titanium-Vanadium projects in Quebec. The critical metals the Company is exploring for are key to our national mineral independence. Additionally, the Company invests in and works to apply its green mineral recovery technologies across its mining portfolio to reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of metal extraction through advanced processing and patented leaching technologies.

All public filings for the Company can be found on the SEDAR+ website www.sedarplus.ca. For more information about the Company, please visit www.temasresources.com.

For further information or investor relations inquiries:

Tim Fernback

President and CEO

tfernback@shaw.ca

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information under the provisions of Canadian securities laws including statements about the Company's plans. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of beliefs, assumptions, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Temas Resources Corp.
Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Cydcor, a leading provider of outsourced sales solutions, has been recognized by Fiserv for its outstanding contributions to the growth of Clover - Fiserv's leading point of sale and business management platform for small and mid-sized businesses. Measured against hundreds of competitors, Cydcor achieved the highest overall revenue, as well as the most revenue in Fiserv software and Duo products sold.





Cydcor Receives Outstanding Revenue Performance Recognition



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10205/245147_05f3c40374c10a87_001full.jpg

Known for delivering quality, long-term customers, Cydcor's ability to outperform competitors in both volume and integrity of sales has positioned it as a trusted leader in outsourced sales. With a strong track record of exceeding expectations, Cydcor plays an important role in in expanding Fiserv's customer base and increasing market presence.

"Cydcor consistently delivers impressive results at scale while maintaining quality," said Brian Green, Country Head at Fiserv. "Their commitment to excellence, integrity, and a great customer sales experience makes them a key driver of our growth. We rely on Cydcor to expand our customer base and market reach, and they exceed expectations year after year."

With deep expertise across multiple sales channels-Cydcor helps brands like Fiserv expand market reach and create meaningful connections with customers.

"We are honored to be recognized by Fiserv for our contributions to the Clover platform," said Vera Quinn, CEO of Cydcor. "Clover is a powerful tool that helps businesses streamline operations, enhance payment processing, and better serve their customers. At Cydcor, we take pride in delivering solutions that drive sales for our clients, enabling them to scale and succeed.""

Fiserv's Clover platform offers businesses a robust suite of merchant services, including flexible payment processing, software integrations, and hardware solutions designed to streamline operations. Cydcor's expertise in customer acquisition has been a key contributor to Clover's continued success, providing business owners with the tools and services they need to operate efficiently and grow.

About Cydcor

For three decades and counting, Cydcor has provided customer acquisition solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging companies in a wide range of industries. Cydcor has mastered the power of building relationships with consumers while leveraging the advantages of technology to acquire, grow, and retain customers for its clients. Founded in 1994, the privately held company is based in Agoura Hills, California. For more information about Cydcor, visit www.cydcor.com.

About Fiserv

Fiserv is a global fintech and payments company that enables money movement for thousands of financial institutions and millions of people and businesses in more than 100 countries. The company offers solutions for banking, global commerce, merchant acquiring, billing and payments, and point-of-sale. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Fiserv helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a focus on their needs.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/245147

SOURCE: Cydcor LLC
AI-powered pump design optimization now available to engineers worldwide evaluate thousands of designs in seconds

SimScale, the leader in cloud-native engineering simulation, today announces the launch of the world's first foundation AI model for turbomachinery simulation. Built with NVIDIA PhysicsNeMo and seamlessly integrated into SimScale's cloud platform with NVIDIA Blueprint, the model reinforces SimScale's commitment to bringing Physics AI, Engineering AI, and cloud-native simulation into one platform. The combination of SimScale's cloud simulation architecture, AI surrogate models, NVIDIA Warp and NVIDIA Omniverse for interactive visualization, and cutting edge NVIDIA Blackwell hardware allows engineers to discover optimal pump designs in seconds instead of days-revolutionizing simulation-driven engineering.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318043077/en/

Image: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of a centrifugal pump design, optimized with SimScale and NVIDIA PhysicsNeMo and rendered with NVIDIA Omniverse

Unlocking a New Era of Engineering Innovation

This physics-informed AI model, trained on thousands of validated simulations, enables engineers to:

Optimize pump designs instantly explore thousands of design points in real-time, speeding simulation runs by ~2700x using AI surrogate models developed using PhysicsNeMo.

explore thousands of design points in real-time, speeding simulation runs by ~2700x using AI surrogate models developed using PhysicsNeMo. Reduce computational costs eliminate reliance on costly on-premise simulation tools

eliminate reliance on costly on-premise simulation tools Enhance accuracy efficiency AI-powered results that match traditional CFD fidelity

AI-powered results that match traditional CFD fidelity Scale globally via the cloud accessible to engineers everywhere, from startups to enterprises

"This is a game-changer for engineering teams," said David Heiny, CEO of SimScale. "By combining SimScale's cloud-native CAE platform with NVIDIA PhysicsNeMo, we're focused on delivering ready-to-use AI models that eliminate simulation bottlenecks and unlock new levels of speed and efficiency for engineers."

A Leap Forward for AI-Powered Engineering

NVIDIA PhysicsNeMo, an advanced Physics AI framework, powers the AI-driven simulation by leveraging NVIDIA accelerated computing.

"AI and accelerated computing are transforming engineering design," said Tim Costa, senior director of CAE and CUDA-X at NVIDIA. "With NVIDIA PhysicsNeMo and SimScale's cloud-native approach, we're bringing AI-driven predictive simulation directly to engineers, empowering them to innovate faster than ever."

Join the Future of AI-Powered Simulation

The AI model is now available to customers within SimScale's global community of 600,000+ engineers.

Sign up here to request access to the model and start optimizing your pump designs instantly.

Join SimScale NVIDIA's live webinar to see the AI model in action and hear from industry experts. Register here.

About SimScale

SimScale is the world's first cloud-native engineering simulation platform, offering powerful and accessible computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), electromagnetic and thermal simulations. With SimScale, every engineer has access to the power of simulation without the need for expensive hardware or software. SimScale is trusted by >600K engineers worldwide to make informed decisions, optimize designs, and innovate faster. Visit simscale.com for information.

SimScale is a registered trademark of SimScale GmbH. All other trademarks not owned by SimScale GmbH are the property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318043077/en/

Contacts:

marketing@simscale.com
by Ed Simon

Impossible to know which one of those perennial evergreen subjects  love or death  poetry considers more, but certainly verse can be particularly charged when it combines those two. Love and death, the only topics worthy of serious contemplation, where anything else worth orienting the mind towards is merely an amalgamation of that pair. Maybe that seems counterintuitive, or worse still as mere sophistry, to claim that love and death are ineffable in the manner of God, for after all there are clear definitions of love and death, and furthermore everyone has an experience of them. But its their universality that makes them ineffable, because both are defined by paradox. Death, after all, is the one commonality to all of life, the only thing that absolutely every person will experience, but also that which nobody currently alive can say anything definitive about. A paradox, death. Love, though sadly not as universal as death, would seem to be less paradoxical, and yet genuine love is marked by a desire for personal extinction (not unlike death), a submerging of the self into the being of another. An arithmetic not of addition, but of multiplication. Of one and one equaling one.

In American modernist Edna St. Vincent Millays effecting Dirge Without Music, a free verse four-quatrain poem written in an alternate rhyme scheme that evokes a ballad first published in 1928, death is read in light of love in a manner that provides a glimpse of comprehension as regards those things which are ineffable. Her poem explores the tensions in love and death, not least of all in the title of the poem which is a paradox. A dirge, by definition, is composed of music, so that to have a dirge without music is nonsensical, like a sculpture without shape or a story without narrative. Yet thats also precisely what death is, an experience of life  perhaps the sine qua non of life which gives it meaning  but also something that cant be experienced in life since it marks the termination of existence. That particular aspect of death has long been remarked upon, a favored argument of the Stoics and Epicureans in ancient Greece meant as a comfort regarding the fear of extinction. Such an argument maintains that if eternity follows death than the later isnt really death, and if death is marked by the obliteration of the self than we never really experience it, since experience requires a self. All well and good in terms of the logic, but not quite adequate to the phenomenological question of what death feels like, for what does it mean to experience something defined by an inability to feel (as if listening to a dirge without music)?

Millay inverts the expectations of the memento mori tradition, which the poem clearly is partaking in, by gesturing towards the carpe diem tradition, those two ways of approaching finality forever intertwined in poetic history. This is a poem that, true to memento mori, looks squarely within the vacant black eye-sockets of the skull, where she describes how as regards our departed beloveds, Into the darkness they go (from the first stanza), how they will be one with the dull, indiscriminate dust (second stanza), how They are gone to feed the roses, (in the third stanza), and that Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave/Gently they go (Millays final stanza). True to the memento mori perspective, there is an acknowledgement of death, of the finality of the grave, for as Millay says So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind, all of that phrased in a sort of temporal Hebraic parallelism which recalls nothing so much as the King James Translation of Ecclesiastes. If there is a carpe diem approach, and that Cavalier attitude is nothing if not memento mori as seen through a mirror darkly, its in the narrators steadfast refusal to give death dominion. I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground, she writes, I am not resigned.

Like Robert Herrick, like any of the Cavaliers who contemplated the sepulcher, Millay is concerned with issues botanical. This is a poem replete with lilies, laurel, and most of all roses, the last one being that which one should gather while they may. Yet when it comes to the conflation of the floral with the moral, Millay steadfastly refuses consolation. Though the departed may be Crowned/With lilies and with laurel they go; but I am not resigned. If the dead have gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled. Fragrant is the blossom, than Millay still refuses. More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world, she writes. This is a poem that in its own way turns cliche against itself, which makes a refusal when it comes to the empty palliative of thought-terminating answers quick and keen. For those who trumpet the universality of demise into the darkness of the grave, this final resting place for the beautiful, the tender, the kind. The intelligent, the witty, the brave, Millay says she does not approve, as surely as she doesnt approve of the idea that the dead exist as fertilizer for the beautiful. Nor do the dead live on in any more than a figurative sense, only as a fragment of what you felt, of what you knew, /A formula, a phrase.

Soothing to believe the dead endure in this way, but Millay doesnt countenance it; in her understanding the best is lost. Repeatedly Millay professes knowledge of this reality, of deaths universality and the ways in which the living can remember those whove died despite their absence, but hers is an utterance athwart the reality of extinction, impossible to stave it off but admirable in its obstinacy. In this way, the work is a profoundly sad poem; but its also a tremendous statement of love, certain in the understanding that unallayed grief remains the most complete and honest measure of devotion.

Ed Simon is the editor of Belt Magazine, an emeritus staff-writer for The Millions, a columnist at 3 Quarks Daily, and Public Humanities Special Faculty in the English Department of Carnegie Mellon University. The author of over a dozen books, his upcoming title Relic will be released by Bloomsbury Academic in January as part of their Object Lessons series, while Devils Contract: The History of the Faustian Bargain will be released by Melville House in July of 2024.

***

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AI for Product Design: Neural Concept's Engineering AI platform now fully integrates NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint for real-time digital twins and NVIDIA's latest GPUs, bringing interactive visualization to generative optimization and accelerate product development time by 75%

Industry Applications : Over 70 OEMs and Tier 1s are using Neural Concept's Engineering AI platform to innovate product design including EV electronics cooling systems, aircraft aerodynamics, and improved vehicle safety in case of collision.

Experience Neural Concept's Co-pilots at NVIDIA GTC : Attendees can experience Neural Concept's Studio used to train and deploy Neural Concept's AI copilots and real-time digital twins powered by NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint at Booth 218

Neural Concept General Motors Present at GTC: Watch the joint presentation "Revolutionize Pedestrian Safety: AI-Powered Crash Worthiness" on March 20 at 3:00pm PDT

Neural Concept, the leading AI platform for engineering design, will demonstrate its copilots for multi-physics simulation and product development at NVIDIA GTC (March 18-21). Now fully integrated with the NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint for real-time digital twins and NVIDIA's latest GPU hardware, the Neural Concept platform is trusted by over 70 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 engineering teams to accelerate product development by up to 75%.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318178936/en/

Neural Concept is demonstrating its integration with the NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint at NVIDIA GTC, allowing attendees to run real-time simulations and optimize the SP80 racing boat's hydrofoil.

For decades, OEMs in automotive, aerospace and microelectronics have relied on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools to enhance product development. Traditional engineering processes are characterized by innovation by 'trial and error' which results in prolonged, costly development cycles and suboptimal product performance. By embedding Neural Concept's AI-based engineering copilots within the design and simulation environment, Neural Concept shifts engineering processes from intuition-driven to knowledge-driven, accelerating time-to-market, reducing costs, and enhancing cross-functional collaboration to create sustained competitive advantages.

By using Neural Concept's Engineering AI platform, now integrated with Omniverse Blueprints and NVIDIA's latest GPU hardware to run multiphysics design studies at massive scale, OEMs can get real-time predictions on performance, explore thousands more design variations than traditional methods allow, and compare design iterations according to virtual experimentation in a highly realistic environment. While over 90% of OEMs are now using AI-driven simulation, only 5% have successfully scaled it across full product development cycles. Neural Concept bridges this gap-enabling engineering teams to deploy AI-driven workflows enterprise-wide, unlocking new product innovations and driving faster go-to-market.

At Neural Concept's GTC booth, attendees will be able to use the platform's newest application to run their own digital twin simulations of the SP80 racing boat. Attendees will be able to optimize a hydrofoil design in a realistic simulation environment with the goal of improving the boat's speed and stability.

In addition, in GTC's conference stream on 20 March at 3:00pm PDT, Neural Concept and General Motors will be presenting on how OEMs can "Revolutionize Pedestrian Safety: AI-Powered Crash Worthiness." Together, they will present groundbreaking approaches to pedestrian crash simulation, leveraging deep learning models trained on NVIDIA GPUs to predict impact physics in seconds rather than days.

Simon Xu, Tech Fellow for Vehicle Optimization and ML at General Motors said; "At General Motors, we are actively exploring the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in vehicle design and engineering. Through our collaboration with Neural Concept, we've been able to evaluate the significant value and high potential of AI-driven workflows, particularly in accelerating design processes and predictive modelling. This collaboration is helping us to structure and define a roadmap that will enable us to integrate these innovative methodologies effectively across our organization, ensuring we can fully leverage their capabilities to enhance efficiency in engineering workflows, enabling faster exploration of design possibilities."

Neural Concept's 70+ OEM and Tier 1 customers including Bosch, OPMobility, General Electric, and Subaru benefit from lower development costs, AI-optimized product innovation and lightning-fast time to market. Neural Concept's customers have used the platform across a range of applications, including the design of:

Thermal efficient EV electric cooling systems that improve vehicle range by up to 20km

Better turbine designs for energy production, powering hundreds of thousands of additional households

Winning F1 racing cars

Futureproof car designs that enhance crash safety

Tim Costa, Senior Director for CUDA-X and CAE at NVIDIA, said: "The integration of Neural Concept's Engineering AI platform with the NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint for Real-Time Digital Twins is enabling product teams to accelerate design with interactive simulation. We're excited to see Neural Concept transform OEM's CAE workflows, bringing together engineering expertise with powerful AI-driven insights."

Pierre Baque, CEO and Co-founder at Neural Concept said: "AI-driven engineering transformation is no longer a futuristic vision, it's a matter of OEM survival and our ability to solve global challenges. We are witnessing a paradigm shift and the emergence of a new symbiotic collaboration between human expertise and AI's analytic speed and power. With Neural Concept, leading engineering teams are now combining generative AI, physics-based simulation, and real-time collaboration bridging the gap between human creativity and AI-driven optimization to push the boundaries of product design."

Join the Live Demo at GTC : attendees are invited to the Neural Concept booth (#218 in the Design and Simulation pavilion) to run real-time simulations and optimize the SP80 racing boat's hydrofoil inside Neural Concept Studio.

: attendees are invited to the Neural Concept booth (#218 in the Design and Simulation pavilion) to run real-time simulations and optimize the SP80 racing boat's hydrofoil inside Neural Concept Studio. Watch Neural Concept and General Motors' GTC presentation titled "Revolutionize Pedestrian Safety: AI-Powered Crash Worthiness" live on Thursday, March 20 at 3:00pm PDT

Neural Concept will offer insights on their integration with NVIDIA Omniverse and "Advancements in Physical AI" during a joint session at NVIDIA GTC on Thursday, March 20 at 11:00am PDT

Experience Neural Concept: Engineers are invited to apply for the NC Spark Session a hands-on 4 hour guided exploration of AI-driven engineering on the NC platform:

Notes:

Also announced at GTC: NVIDIA Blackwell Accelerates Computer-Aided Engineering Software

About Neural Concept

Founded in 2018, Neural Concept provides a leading end-to-end platform which places AI at the center of the product development process to revolutionize the way engineers conceptualize, design and validate products. Neural Concept's flagship technology empowers engineering teams with 3D generative engineering, predictive analysis, and collaborative AI workflows, helping world class engineering teams reduce development times by up to 75%, improve product characteristics including efficiency, safety, speed, and aerodynamics, and empowering engineers to accelerate their work by 10x. The Company works with 40% of the largest European and Asian OEMs and 25% of the world's top 100 Tier-1 suppliers. Neural Concept was spun-out from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and is backed by world-renowned investors including Forestay Capital and the D. E. Shaw group. For more information, visit https://www.neuralconcept.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318178936/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

For images, interviews and briefings, contact ThoughtLDR for Neural Concept

neuralconcept@thoughtldr.com gavin@thoughtldr.com

+44 (0)7553600128

GTC Meetings Bookings: contact Ariane Grandjean, Marketing Director at Neural Concept at ariane.grandjean@neuralconcept.com
Humanoid robotics, GB300 NVL72 infrastructure & digital twins scaling out AI factories

TAIPEI and SAN JOSE, Calif., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hon Hai Technology Group ("Foxconn") (TWSE:2317) today unveiled the first comprehensive look at its progress toward humanoid robotics, unrivalled infrastructure for the next generation NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 platform, and digital twins accelerating AI factories of the future, at the premier conference on artificial intelligence, GTC 2025 .

The world's largest electronics manufacturing service provider, this year in San Jose, brings a tour de force with more than double the delegation size from last year and participation in 6 GTC sessions , unpacking expertise from frontier AI to hybrid and nursing robots to the deployment of advanced physical AI and simulation solutions built on NVIDIA Omniverse and the Mega Omniverse Blueprint in sparking innovation around autonomous driving, smart manufacturing and digital healthcare.

"You know Foxconn as the biggest manufacturer of the most advanced AI servers running on the planet's fastest superchips. We do more than that. At GTC we are showcasing how our Tier-1 excellence extends to Smart City, Smart Manufacturing and Smart EV," said Foxconn Chairman Young Liu, leading a corporate delegation of more than 70 engineers and executives. "This stellar event brings together great partners to exchange insights on where AI is heading. We are delighted to once again support NVIDIA."

On rare display at Foxconn's GTC Booth 323, a model of the next generation GB300 NVL72 server rack, designed and developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, visually demonstrates the AI infrastructure behind the training and inference of trillion-parameter large language models (LLMs), serving as the computational engine of the AI Factory. From the manufacturing of the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 to GB300 NVL72 platforms, Foxconn is committed to ensuring optimal computing performance and is qualified as a PBR (Pilot Build Request) Partner by NVIDIA. The advanced superchip ecosystem is accelerated by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and Foxconn subsidiary Ingrasys ' superior liquid cooling solutions, which utilizes digital twin simulation solutions built on NVIDIA Omniverse to optimize server cooling and data center designs to ensure efficient and stable operations.

Foxconn's optimization of smart manufacturing excellence is happening across its large global footprint, complemented by NVIDIA AI solutions including the NVIDIA AI blueprint for video search and summarization (VSS) for operations and safety monitoring. Alongside real-time simulations of factory layouts and fleet operations on the exhibit floor to showcase how AI drives real-world scenarios, the GTC session - How to Use NVIDIA Omniverse on Smart Factory Design: The Fii Omniverse Digital Twin Project on NVIDIA GB200 Grace Blackwell Superchip Production Line - will tease out the possibility of how Foxconn's sustainable lighthouse factories can be replicated and exported to industry partners as solutions to scale out AI factories of the future.

Foxconn, a Diamond sponsor this year, has also set up a Robotics Zone to exhibit its Hybrid Robot that supports semiconductor and automation needs with advanced vision recognition and precision mobility. The GTC session - Reinventing Smart Manufacturing: How Foxconn Builds and Deploys an AI Workforce - will detail how the AI Factory can deliver agentic AI and physical AI applications like Factory GPT and embodied intelligence robots. Foxconn's Nurabot is debuting at GTC; it is a nursing collaborative robot that optimizes medical workflows and enhances patient care and is scheduled to be deployed later this year into partner hospitals in Taiwan. During the on-demand GTC session - Transform Patient Care With Digital Twins and Nursing Collaborative Robots - senior Foxconn executives will detail for the first time at a major conference the first digital twin of a busy hospital ward in Taiwan.

In another first, GTC session - From Open Source to Frontier AI: Build, Customize, and Extend Foundation Models - will detail FoxBrain, the first Traditional Chinese Large Language Model (LLM) with reasoning capabilities that is expected to become an important engine to drive the upgrade of Foxconn's three major platforms: Smart Manufacturing. Smart EV. Smart City.

Meet a cool avatar at the on-demand GTC session - Improving Road Safety with GenAI, Metropolis, and NVIDIA Omniverse - and pick up a unique chocolate token at our GTC Booth 323. Information on exhibit hall and hours can be found here .

More on Foxconn's GTC sessions here .

How to Use NVIDIA Omniverse on Smart Factory Design: The Fii Omniverse Digital Twin Project on NVIDIA GB200 Grace Blackwell Superchip Production Line (Presented by Foxconn) [S74429] Reinventing Smart Manufacturing: How Foxconn Builds and Deploys an AI Workforce [S72841] From Open Source to Frontier AI: Build, Customize, and Extend Foundation Models [S74035] Improving Road Safety with GenAI, Metropolis, and NVIDIA Omniverse [S74446] Transform Patient Care With Digital Twins and Nursing Collaborative Robots [S74078] Physical AI for the Next Frontier of Industrial Digitalization [S73232; panel session]

About Foxconn here .

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2613004/Foxconn_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hon-hai-technology-group-foxconn-unpacks-artificial-intelligence-progress-at-nvidia-gtc-302404871.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00) ("Goldshore" or the "Company") announces that the British Columbia Registrar of Companies has granted the Company an extension to hold its annual general meeting of shareholders for 2025 (the "AGM"), which it was originally required to hold by April 23, 2025. The Company is now required to hold the AGM by October 23, 2025.

About Goldshore

Goldshore is a growth-oriented gold company focused on delivering long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through the acquisition and advancement of primary gold assets in tier-one jurisdictions. It is led by the ex-global head of structural geology for the world's largest gold company and backed by one of Canada's pre-eminent private equity firms. The Company's current focus is the advanced stage 100% owned Moss Gold Project which is positioned in Ontario, Canada, with direct access from the Trans-Canada Highway, hydroelectric power near site, supportive local communities and skilled workforce. The Company has invested over $60 million of new capital and completed approximately 80,000 meters of drilling on the Moss Gold Project, which, in aggregate, has had over 235,000 meters of drilling. The 2024 updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate ("MRE") has expanded to 1.54 million ounces of Indicated gold resources at 1.23 g/t Au and 5.20 million ounces of Inferred gold resources at 1.11 g/t Au. The MRE only encompasses 3.6 kilometers of the 35+ kilometer mineralized trend, remains open at depth and along strike and is one of the few remaining major Canadian gold deposits positioned for development in this cycle. Please see NI 43-101 technical report titled: "Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moss Gold Project, Ontario, Canada," dated March 20, 2024 with an effective date of January 31, 2024 available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.goldshoreresources.com).

Peter Flindell, PGeo, MAusIMM, MAIG, Vice-President, Exploration, of the Company, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/245138

SOURCE: Goldshore Resources Inc.
Commerce Resources Corp. (TSXV:CCE)(FSE:D7H0)(OTCQX:CMRZF) (the "Company" or "Commerce"), is pleased to announce that it has granted (the "Grant") an aggregate of 2,500,000 incentive stock options (each, an "Option") to purchase up to 2,500,000 common shares of the Company (each, a "Share") to certain officers and consultants under its Equity Incentive Plan. The Options are exercisable for a period of three years from the date of Grant, expiring on March 18, 2028, at a price of $0.12 per Share. The options all vest immediately.

Commerce's Interim President and CEO Jeremy Robinson said: "As we finalise our plans to complete a dual listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and progress the Ashram Project to the next stage, it is important that we retain and incentivise the people that have discovered this world-class deposit and advanced it to where it is today."

All Options and the Shares underlying such Options are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

ABOUT COMMERCE RESOURCES CORP.

Commerce Resources Corp. is a junior mineral resource company focused on the development of the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit located within their Eldor Property, in northern Quebec, Canada. The Ashram Deposit is characterized by simple rare earth (monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime) and gangue (carbonates) mineralogy, a large tonnage resource at favourable grade, and has demonstrated the production of high-grade (more than 30 - 45% TREO) mineral concentrates at high recovery (more than 60 - 75%) in line with active global producers.

The Ashram Deposit also has a fluorspar component which makes it one of the largest potential sources of fluorspar in the world and could be a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets. The Company is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth producers globally, with a specific focus on being a long-term supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide to the global market.

Additionally, Commerce is committed to exploring the potential of other high-value commodities on the Property such as niobium and phosphate minerals, which may help advance Ashram by reducing costs through shared development.

For more information, please visit the corporate website at www.commerceresources.com or email info@commerceresources.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

COMMERCE RESOURCES CORP.

Ian Graham

Chairman

Phone: 604.484.2700

Email: info@commmerceresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which includes any information about activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the expected listing on the Australian Securities Exchange; the continued advancement of the Ashram project to development; that Ashram's fluorspar component which makes it one of the largest potential sources of fluorspar in the world and could be a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets; that the Company is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth element producers globally, with a focus on being a long-term global supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide; and that the Company may explore the potential of other high-value commodities on the Ashram Property. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these events, activities or developments from coming to fruition include: that the Company may not complete a listing on the Australian Securities Exchange; that the Company may not be able to fully finance any additional exploration on the Ashram Project; that even if the Company is able raise capital, costs for exploration activities may increase such that the Company may not have sufficient funds to pay for such exploration or processing activities; the timing and content of the proposed drill program and any future work programs may not be completed as proposed or at all; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumptions based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous deposits that, with further test work, may not be comparable; testing of our process may not prove successful or samples derived from the Ashram Project may not yield positive results, and even if such tests are successful or initial sample results are positive, the economic and other outcomes may not be as expected; the anticipated market demand for rare earth elements and other minerals may not be as expected; the availability of labour and equipment to undertake future exploration work and testing activities; geopolitical risks which may result in market and economic instability; and despite the current expected viability of the Ashram Project, conditions changing such that even if metals or minerals are discovered on the Ashram Project, the project may not be commercially viable. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Commerce Resources Corp.
The premier event is designed to advance the industry with hands-on generative AI experiences, expert-led sessions and opportunities to connect with today's leading legal data innovators

SYDNEY, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Relativity, a global legal technology company, will welcome the APAC community to the very first Relativity Fest Sydney on Tuesday, 8 April. The annual user conference reinforces Relativity's investment in the region, empowering users with cutting-edge AI solutions to collectively drive the future of the legal industry. Thought leaders from APAC's prominent law firms and corporations will come together for a full day of breakout sessions, educational opportunities, live learning labs, immersive experiences using generative AI, and community connection.

"As the global legal landscape shifts and our industry steps up to meet the moment, we couldn't think of a more ideal time for the APAC community to connect in a bigger and better way than ever before," said Phil Saunders, CEO of Relativity. "Relativity Fest Sydney is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our relentless commitment to supporting the ongoing transformation of our partners' and customers' businesses through the combined strength of advanced AI and the indispensable expertise of the humans wielding it."

Setting the standard for AI-driven innovation across the legal data intelligence community

As generative AI steadily transforms legal workflows, the ANZ community is navigating the delicate balance between innovation and exercising precautions to ensure proper safeguards. According to Generative AI in Legal 2024, an IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Relativity, APAC respondents had a significantly higher interest in generative AI's impact on data privacy and governance than their European and North American counterparts. To address these concerns head on, Relativity is delivering best-in-class solutions that put security at the forefront.

Relativity aiR, the company's generative AI product suite, is revolutionising how users solve legal data challenges, providing faster, more accurate and cost-efficient results while keeping security, responsibility and defensibility top of mind. Relativity's document review and privilege review solutions were made generally available in 2024, and its case strategy solution is expected to become generally available later this year.

Leaning into the capabilities of generative AI to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in document review, Gilbert + Tobin, a leading Australian law firm, integrated Relativity aiR for Review, the company's generative AI-powered document review solution. Through the powerful addition of aiR for Review, Gilbert + Tobin combines human expertise with machine power to meet the evolving needs of their team while maintaining the highest standards of data security.

"One of the most powerful benefits of using aiR for Review within RelativityOne is that our data is securely housed in Microsoft Azure, a trusted environment for both us and our clients," said Adrian Agius, Associate Director at Gilbert + Tobin. "This integration addresses a major concern with AI tools."

Based on findings from Generative AI in Legal 2024, automating basic tasks is the top reason respondents use generative AI. One professional services network recently reported saving approximately 110 human-days of unnecessary manual review and a near 80% reduction in overall review time with the use of aiR for Review, enhancing both efficiency and client confidence.

Consistently evolving alongside the thriving APAC region

Relativity remains committed to investing in product enhancements that help customers in the APAC region address a variety of legal data management needs and ultimately aid the transformation of their businesses. In the past year, processing speeds doubled in RelativityOne, with plans to double again to speeds of over 200 gb/hour for large jobs this quarter. Additionally, Relativity continues to streamline PDF workflows with key functionality such as MDB load file support in Import/Export, granular PDF permissions, and full PDF production support.

The APAC legal landscape is increasingly shifting away from legacy software and on-premise technology. According to Gartner's annual global survey of more than 2,400 CIOs and technology executives, 79% of respondents expected to invest the second largest amount of new or additional technology funding on cloud platforms in 2024, ranking only behind investments in cybersecurity. This trend has been reflected in RelativityOne adoption, with 80% of the top 10 law firms in Australia, based on revenue, currently using RelativityOne, and half of these top firms making the move to the cloud platform in 2024.

Recognising the benefits of cloud-based platforms, global law firm Ashurst set out to find an end-to-end solution which could provide enhanced efficiencies for its team and clients, while seamlessly integrating into established workflows to manage large datasets and expedite review processes. Ashurst transitioned to RelativityOne, drawn to its scalability, roadmap and generative AI capabilities.

"Since implementing RelativityOne, we have seen notable efficiency improvements in our document review and data management," said Hilary Goodier, Partner and Global Head of Ashurst Advance. "The solution's automated workflows have significantly reduced the need for manual intervention, and the speed of data transfer and processing enables us to be more agile when responding to clients' time-sensitive requests, getting documents in front of our lawyers at a much faster pace."

The Relativity Fest experience makes its way to Sydney

At Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, members of the legal technology community will explore industry trends, experience the latest generative AI solutions for legal data challenges, and connect with peers. Relativity today revealed the full list of speakers participating in its APAC-focused legal data and tech conference. Register here to secure a spot alongside subject matter experts from some of the largest law firms and companies in the region.

In the opening keynote, Relativity CEO Phil Saunders, Managing Director of International Sales Georgia Foster and Chief Product Officer Chris Brown will discuss pivotal transformations shaping the industry.

Attendees can expect to dive into the evolving regulatory landscape in the region, the impact of generative AI on the legal industry, the transformative power of technology in advancing social justice, and more. View the full agenda here for more information.

About Relativity

Relativity makes software to help users organise data, discover the truth and act on it. Its SaaS product, RelativityOne, manages large volumes of data and quickly identifies key issues during litigation and internal investigations. Relativity has more than 300,000 users in approximately 40 countries serving thousands of organisations globally primarily in legal, financial services and government sectors. Please contact Relativity at sales@relativity.com or visit www.relativity.com for more information.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Canada One Mining Corp. (TSXV: CONE) (OTC Pink: COMCF) (FSE: AU31) ("Canada One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Maria Mockova, as an independent director.

Dr. Mockova holds a doctorate in Microeconomics with a Masters in Economic Diplomacy from the Prague University of Economics and Business, having spent three earlier years at the University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia with a focus on accounting.

Early in her career, Dr. Mockova worked exclusively in Europe for advertising agencies specializing in international branding. She later held executive corporate and marketing positions for a global beverage company, in which she oversaw both the Czech and Slovak offices.

With a strong background in accounting and operations, she has served on the board of private companies throughout her career and most recently extended her knowledge and expertise into the public market domain with an emphasis on early-stage juniors.

In addition to her professional accomplishments Dr. Mockova speaks English, Slovak and Czech.

Mr. Berdusco, President and CEO of the Company commented: "Dr. Mockova is an excellent addition to our board. Her wealth of experience with early-stage companies and their operations is a great benefit to Canada One and will enhance the team's capabilities as it continues to develop the Copper Dome project. We welcome her to the company."

The Company also announces the resignation of Rodney Stevens from the board of directors. The Company would like to thank Mr. Stevens for his years of dedicated service as an independent director and wish him well in his future endeavours.

About Canada One

Canada One is a premier resource exploration company operating in Canada. From exploration to discovery to resource development, the Company is focused on creating growth and generating value for its investors and communities as it meets the growing global demand for critical metals. Copper Dome is the Company's flagship project with its northern border situated 1.5kms from Hudbay Mineral's Copper Mountain Mine deposits.

About the Copper Dome Project

The Project lies within the lower portion of the Quesnel Trough porphyry belt, a well-established mining district. The belt extends north from the Copper Mountain Mine, through the Elk, Brenda, Craigmont, Highland Valley, and New Afton mines. Previous drilling on the property has confirmed the presence of high-grade copper associated with northeast running geological structures similar to those seen at the Copper Mountain Mine:

Past exploration has identified the presence of palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt) and gold (Au) mineralization on the Property

Multiple zones of mineralization have been discovered on the Property to date

Excellent infrastructure provides year-round access with low-cost exploration and low jurisdictional risk

Past exploration includes, airborne magnetics flown over the entire Project, 51km of induced polarization (IP) surveyed over areas of interest, Airborne Magnetics and electro-magnetics (EM) surveyed over half of the Project area, 2,253 soil and 378 rock samples collected, over 8900m of diamond drilling and over 1km of trenching

The Company also announces it has terminated the Abitibi East and Nellie option agreement, first announced October 18, 2023. There are no outstanding liabilities or obligations associated with the termination.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

CANADA ONE MINING CORP.

Peter Berdusco

President and Chief Executive Officer

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: statements relating to the anticipated timing thereof and the intended use of proceeds. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing, completion and delivery of the referenced assessments and analysis. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

TSX Venture Exchange Disclaimer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/245173

SOURCE: Canada One Mining Corp.
Comments on Remainder of Board's Continued Entrenchment Actions and Recently Adopted Poison Pill

Believes Paragon Stockholders Deserve a Highly Experienced Board Whose Interests are Aligned with Stockholders'

Slate Includes Director Candidates with Significant Ownership including Paragon's Largest Stockholder and SEDC's Visionary Leader

Contends that His Director Candidates Are Best Positioned to Continue Paragon's Path to Significant Growth and Profitability while Enhancing Corporate Governance by Separating Chairman and CEO Roles

Hesham "Sham" Gad is the largest stockholder of Paragon Technologies, Inc. (OTC PINK:PGNT) ("Paragon" or the "Company"), owning approximately 28.4% of the Company's outstanding shares. Today, Mr. Gad issued the below open letter to stockholders regarding his nomination of five highly qualified candidates for election to the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting").

The full text of the letter is set forth below:

Dear Fellow Paragon Stockholders:

In August of 2024, the then Paragon Board announced my removal as Chairman and CEO, a strategic plan initiative and the termination of a costly activist campaign.

Today, nearly eight months later, there has been no strategic plan delivered to stockholders and no clear plan outlined for Paragon's future. Instead, stockholders have witnessed significant stockholder money being expended on adopting and defending entrenchment devices and actions - a breathtakingly ironic situation considering Mr. Weiser cited the Company's past activist expenses as one of the reasons for the drastic management changes back in August.

Further, in late September 2024, stockholders representing approximately 53% of the Company's outstanding shares delivered signed written consents removing Messrs. Weiser and Jacobs from the Board. Rather than respect the clear directive of a majority of the Company's stockholders, the remaining then-serving Board members rejected the written consents on a technicality and the following business day Messrs. Weiser and Jacobs amended the Company's bylaws to directly impede stockholders' ability to act by written consent in clear violation of the Delaware General Corporate Law (the "DGCL"). After having to commence litigation and incurring legal expenses, Messrs. Weiser and Jacobs tacitly admitted the bylaw amendments violated the DGCL and Delaware law, and reversed their bylaw amendments. Later in December 2024, the Company, apparently under Mr. Weiser's direction, announced the appointment of three new directors and the subsequent retirement of Jack Jacobs.

Today I am writing to announce that I have nominated five uniquely qualified directors with significant stockholder alignment, product innovation, business turnaround, capital allocation and extensive industry experience for election to Paragon's Board at the upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting. This was not a decision I made lightly, as I had hoped to work constructively with the new members of the Board appointed in December 2024 and that they would not be beholden to protecting Mr.?Weiser. However, my hand has been forced, because despite the serious concerns I raised privately to the newly constituted Board regarding Mr. Weiser's apparent history of self-serving decisions and pattern of entrenchment, the remainder of the Board seems intent on continuing its current wasteful spending path defending these actions and pursuing new entrenchment actions.

The remainder of the Board's disregard for the Company's stockholders and good corporate governance was made particularly evident this week by the majority of the Board's latest decision to adopt a stockholder rights plan or "poison pill" a mere two weeks after I submitted my nomination notice. If triggered, the poison pill would significantly dilute the stock ownership of any person who acquires 10% or more of Paragon's outstanding stock (or 20% for passive investors). Worse yet, the pill can be triggered and such stockholders diluted if the Board determines a shareholder "indirectly acquired" such stock, not by buying shares, but by simply having certain agreements, arrangement or understandings with other stockholders, who when added together, would hold in excess of ten percent. I believe this second prong to be an egregious abuse of a Board's power that massively stifles stockholder communications, specifically, between any stockholder who currently owns over 10% (including myself) or between any other stockholders who currently own close to 10% - for fear that such conversations, at the Board's?determination could be misconstrued as an "understanding" that triggers the poison pill,?causing?drastic negative economic consequences for the triggering shareholders. This poison pill continues a pattern of entrenchment and disregard of the rights of the true owners of Paragon - its shareholders.?

I believe the Company's contention that the poison pill was created to protect stockholders from other stockholders seeking control without paying a control premium is simply an excuse for what the remainder of the Board really wants to accomplish - to isolate stockholders and stifle their communications, thereby restricting our ability to make fully informed decisions about the Company's future.

In my view, the adoption of the poison pill with its severe restrictions on stockholder communications is clearly the act of a desperate and entrenched Board who is more concerned about protecting their board seats than the Company's strategy or proper corporate governance. This becomes all the more apparent when considering the fact that the poison pill places little to no restrictions on the remainder of the Board's ability to communicate with stockholders, as these four directors that directly own a de minimis amount of the Company's outstanding stock are not in any real danger of triggering the poison pill. Yet still, they could always, of course, grant themselves an exemption to triggering the pill, something on which no other stockholder can rely.

This is truly unfortunate, as I have enjoyed my conversations with my fellow Paragon stockholders over the past several months as they have shared with me their appreciation for what Paragon has accomplished, but more importantly their constructive comments and views as to what would best ensure that Paragon continues to be a long-term creator of shareholder value.

I took that feedback into account when assembling my slate of candidates. To that effect, if elected, my slate of director candidates would:

Bring a new layer of independence to Board, with a majority of nominees who have been wholly uninvolved with the recent and unfortunate corporate governance controversies and litigation at the Company;

In the spirit of best corporate governance practices, intend to work to separate the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles and terminate the poison pill; and

Commit to not implementing any equity incentive plans. I believe that insider ownership of Paragon stock should be result from open market purchases, just as I have acquired the overwhelming majority of my shares in the open market. My nominees and I intend to implement a reasonable stock ownership commitment under which our directors would acquire Paragon shares through open market purchases.

To correct this Board's entrenched and self-serving mindset and set the Company back on the path of best governance practices, I have nominated five highly qualified individuals who have the necessary expertise and independence to seamlessly move Paragon forward. My nominees are:

David Duquette

Mr. Duquette is an experienced CEO. He is currently the CEO of Littoral Power Systems, a company he founded that designs, manufactures, sells, and installs marine energy equipment and energy projects. Mr. Duquette brings extensive experience in corporate finance, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, asset management and capital allocation.

Extensive Experience Managing a Cyclical Business Across All Phases of Growth: Prior to his current role as CEO, Mr. Duquette served as Executive VP and General Counsel at Semandex Networks, Inc., a software firm that develops semantic database applications for intelligence, defense, and financial sectors that he helped successfully navigate during the financial crisis in 2008.

Experience Selling Products Through the Entire Sales Cycle: Mr. Duquette brings deep knowledge in design, manufacturing, selling, and installation of equipment and systems, a significant value add to our automation business.

James Kaufman

Mr. Kaufman is a highly seasoned financial executive that will bring a positive track record of value creation, an independent voice, as well as strategic change.

Finance and Capital Markets Expertise: Mr. Kaufman has over 20 years of experience as Senior Partner at Ernest Young where he was involved in some of the firms most significant projects in Latin America and the U.S, including one of the largest IPO's in U.S history and the largest ever utility IPO in American Water Works. Prior to that, Mr. Kaufman served as Director of Group Audit at Diageo plc.

Elodie Leoni

Ms. Leoni is an inspiring and dynamic leader with significant experience in project management, process optimization, and resource management that will bring a fresh, independent voice to the Boardroom.

Experience Driving Organizational Change: Ms. Leoni has nearly a decade of experience managing cross-functional teams, implementing and improving workflow efficiencies and fostering collaboration among global stakeholders.

Expertise in Leveraging Consumer Data and Insights to Drive Growth: Ms. Leoni has a proven track record of analyzing consumer insights to refine client experiences and optimize growth marketing strategies for a worldwide professional organization operating in 186 countries worldwide. She helped lead a series of groundbreaking initiatives which have significantly contributed to her organization's growth and innovation.

Ronell Rivera

Mr. Rivera is the current President of SEDC, Paragon's largest and most valuable subsidiary with an outstanding record of value creation and has extensive experience building and scaling high-performing businesses.

Proven Value Creator with Deep Knowledge of SEDC: Mr. Rivera founded and established SEDC in 1997 and he has overseen multiple turnarounds at SEDC. After Paragon acquired SEDC in 2016, Mr. Rivera has more than doubled annual revenues to nearly $120 million1 and delivered a consistent track record of growing profitability.

Strong Alignment with Stockholders: Mr. Rivera has steadfastly represented Paragon stockholders' interests by safeguarding and managing SEDC, widely viewed as one of the most efficient and highly regarded technology products distributors in the region with one of the strongest profit margins amongst its peers. Mr. Rivera also understands a stockholder's perspective, owning a 20% equity interest in SEDC, a significant financial stake on par with a large equity investment in Paragon.

Hesham Gad

Mr. Gad is a long-tenured director of Paragon and its former CEO, with a vast and intimate knowledge of the Company's businesses.

Stockholder Perspective with a Clear Understanding of Paragon's Businesses: As the former Chief Executive Officer of Paragon, Mr. Gad drove the operational and acquisition strategy decisions at Paragon. He has been instrumental in the successful reorganization of Paragon's wholly owned subsidiary, SI Systems, beginning in 2016, and the renegotiation of substantially all of Paragon's legacy contracts and overseeing and implementing Paragon's acquisition and growth strategy.

Strong Alignment with Stockholders: As Paragon's largest stockholder with an overwhelming majority of shares acquired in the open market, Mr. Gad's interests are aligned with stockholders' interests. He will not only bring a stockholder's perspective to the boardroom, but will also be laser-focused on driving value for all stockholders.

I strongly believe that my nominees' highly effective and complementary skillsets will help ensure that a refreshed, independent and deeply experienced Board will work constructively to identify the biggest and most compelling opportunities for Paragon's future growth and use those insights to enhance the Company's corporate governance to reignite the Company's growth, profitability and market value. Most importantly, this reconstituted Board will work tirelessly for the benefit of Paragon's true owners - its stockholders.

I continue to believe that it is in the best interest of all stockholders for the remainder of Paragon's Board to cease its wasteful spending through the adoption and defense of questionable entrenchment measures that seek to impede the will of Paragon's stockholders and/or restrict the free communication between stockholders to make their own free and fully informed choices as owners about the future of the Company. That is certainly the overwhelming message I have previously heard from my fellow stockholders. Clearly, with the recent adoption of the poison pill, the Board continues to go down a self-serving path that unnecessarily squanders resources to defend those who are most responsible for the current calamity. I am reviewing the poison pill and reserve all rights with respect to it and its adoption and waive none.

I look forward to letting Paragon stockholders decide the future of our Company at the Annual Meeting in summer of 2025.

Sincerely,

Sham Gad

CONTACT:

hmgad78@gmail.com

SOURCE: Sham Gad
Blueprint Enterprises, a Toronto, Canada-based company dedicated to acquiring and growing Canadian businesses, has launched.

Blueprint plans to make majority investments in established Canadian businesses with a long-term ownership horizon. As experienced operators and investors, the team will provide capital, operating expertise, and strategic resources to these companies to accelerate growth.

Led by CEO Damian Creber, and David Mowat, President, Blueprint Enterprises is a family-backed holding company dedicated to acquiring and growing exceptional Canadian businesses. It invests capital, time, expertise, and resources to accelerate growth in its companies while preserving each of their legacies. Its preferred ownership period is forever, and we can make investments up to $100M.

VCWire

18/03/2025
LEFT TO RIGHT: Shahaf Finder, Co-Founder & Chief Scientist; David Priev, Co-Founder & CEO; Assaf Peleg, Co-Founder & CTO. Credit: Oron Kaplan

LimitlessCNC, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based AI-driven manufacturing startup, raised $4.1M in funding.

The round was led by Grove Ventures and Meron Capital.

Founded by David Priev (CEO), Assaf Peleg (CTO), and Shahaf Finder (Chief Scientist), LimitlessCNC leverages physics-based AI to optimize machining processes and generate efficient production programs. This enables manufacturers to reduce CNC programming time and eliminate problems in production. The AI agents optimize workflows by learning from historical machining data and simulating the physics of metal cutting, ensuring precision, speed, and cost efficiency for every new production process.

LimitlessCNC has already been deployed at a Tier-1 Western manufacturer operating over 250 CNC machines.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its R&D capabilities while accelerating global market reach. LimitlessCNC will expand its R&D capabilities while accelerating global market reach. The company plans to integrate its advanced platform into OEMs across industrial equipment, automotive, aerospace, defense, and medical device manufacturing industries.

It has a team of 15 employees.

FinSMEs

18/03/2025
Holmdel, United States, March 18th, 2025, FinanceWire

The AI-powered sales agent enhances sales processes while assisting merchants in making informed decisionsNowutalk AI is now live.

Nowutalk AI has set to transform online shopping with the first voice-driven sales agent for Shopify stores, bringing the ease of in-store conversation to digital shopping. Unlike traditional chatbots, Nowutalk AI goes beyond answering questions by actively facilitating sales.

With a simple voice command, customers can browse products, get instant recommendations, and complete purchases hands-free. But its not just about voicebehind every interaction, Nowutalk AI gathers real-time intelligence to help merchants make data-backed business decisions.

E-commerce owners struggle with data overload. We dont just automate saleswe help them understand their customers better, in real-time, said Serge Beck, CEO of Nowutalk AI. We built a voice agent that does more than just talkit learns, adapts, and helps businesses grow.

LIVE on Shopify & Protected by a Patent

Merchants can install it on Shopify and start converting voice interactions into sales. The technology is also patented, making it a first-mover in voice-driven e-commerce intelligence.

Real Traction & Influencer Backing

Strategic partnerships are rolling out to integrate Nowutalk AI into more high-traffic e-commerce platforms.

60% of the team are engineers, ensuring a product built for scale.

Why This Matters for E-commerce Owners

Increased Conversions: Customers shop faster with conversational commerce.

Data-Driven Sales: Merchants receive intelligence reports to optimize inventory & marketing.

Seamless Integration: Works instantly with Shopifyno complex setup.

Getting Involved

Merchants can install Nowutalk AI on Shopify App Store

can install Nowutalk AI on Shopify App Store Investors can join the Wefunder campaign

can join the Wefunder campaign Media/Press can contact the team at [email protected]

can contact the team at For more information, users can visit www.nowutalk.ai

About Nowutalk AI

Nowutalk AI is transforming digital interactions with next-generation AI-powered voice sales agents. The company delivers human-like conversations that convert browsers into buyers by integrating core Intelligence, natural language processing, and adaptive learning. As a leader in voice-first AI technology, Nowutalk AI is setting a new standard for customer engagement and sales automation in e-commerce.

Testing the waters legal disclosure.

We are testing the waters to gauge investor interest in an offering under Regulation Crowdfunding. No money or other consideration is being solicited. If sent, it will not be accepted. No offer to buy securities will be accepted. No part of the purchase price will be received until a Form C is filed and only through Wefunders platform. Any indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind.

Contact

Nowutalk Team

Nowutalkai, Inc.

[email protected]

This is a paid press release and is distributed for general information only and is not intended to constitute investment advice.


Beauty and Personal Care Brand Pilgrim Secures 200 Crore Funding, Elevating its Pre-Money Valuation to 3,000 Crore (PRNewsfoto/Pilgrim)

Pilgrim, a Mumbai, India-based clean beauty brand, raised 200 crore in a new funding round, at approximately 3,000 crore pre-money valuation.

The round is a mix of primary and secondary capital.

Backers included existing investors Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office, Vertex Ventures SEAI, and Mirabilis Investment Trust, alongside new investors Vertex Growth Fund and Anicut Equity Continuum Fund.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its growth and market expansion in India and beyond.

Led by Gagandeep Makker, Pilgrim is a digital-native beauty brand leveraging a world ingredients-focused approach. Its philosophy centers on discovering global beauty secrets, and combining them with science to deliver accessible products. Its diverse portfolio, spanning skincare, haircare and colour cosmetics caters to a nationwide audience through its website, app, and major e-commerce platforms.

The company has a gross Annual Run Rate (ARR) exceeding 800 crore.

FinSMEs

18/03/2025
VIA, a Somerville, MA-based provider of a data and identity protection platform, raised $28M in Series B funding.

The round was led by Bosch Ventures, with participation from BMW i Ventures, MassMutual Ventures, and Sentinel Global.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the development of its platform for governments and enterprises.

Led by CEO Colin Gounden, VIA specializes in decentralized, enterprise-scale data and identity protection. The U.S. Department of Defense and Fortune 100 companies worldwide use it to provide security technologies to safeguard their critical assets. Backed by 18 issued patents, its decentralized identity management, combined with end-to-end quantum-resistant encryption, ensures access and privacy for authorized parties, with enterprise-scale, auditability, and control.

FinSMEs

18/03/2025
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 read more

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.

And now, producer Karan Johar spoke about the trolling at the trailer launch of Akaal.

Responding to the journalist who asked the question about the film. Johar said, Bas yehi kahoonga purane gaane ka yeh alfaaz hai kuch to log kahenge logo ka kaam hai kehna chodo bekaar ki baatein kahin beet na jaaye raina bas yehi kehna chahoonga aur kya kahoon.

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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.

When asked about the negative reviews Nadaaniyan getting, Mahima, who appeared at the IIFA 2025 in Jaipur last weekend, told DNA, The negative reviews are okay. The audience is divided. Whether it was Animal or any other film in the past, they were criticised. Some people like real cinema, some like make-believe. I sometimes wanted to watch real cinema. Sometimes I want to watch something easy. It will always be divided.
Salman Khan, who has always won hearts with his immense talent and humility, continues to redefine the meaning of true stardom with his latest musical hits, Zohra Jabeen and Bam Bam Bhole from his upcoming film Sikandar read more

During the promotions of Bharat back in 2019, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif gave an interview to Bollywood Hungama and when asked about an alternate profession for the actress, the actor quipped jokingly, She should get married and produce children.

If I was not an actor what profession would I be, hes asking. Would I be a doctor, would I be an engineer? she said.

Salman Khan, who has always won hearts with his immense talent and humility, continues to redefine the meaning of true stardom with his latest musical hits, Zohra Jabeen and Bam Bam Bhole from his upcoming film Sikandar. These songs not only captivate audiences with their vibrant rhythms and soul-stirring melodies, but they also stand as a testament to the actors deep respect for all cultures and traditions.

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With the new release Bam Bam Bhole, an energetic and color-filled anthem for Holi, The songs infectious beats and lively visuals have brought out the fun, exuberance, and vibrant colors of this traditional festival, with Salman Khans swag dance moves.

The song is a splash of colours with upbeat and electrifying music by Pritam along with the voice of Shaan, Dev Negi and lyrics by Sameer.

Salmans fans have taken to social media,expressing their admiration for the star, emphasizing how his music bridges communities. From heartfelt comments on Instagram to enthusiastic tweets, fans are applauding his efforts to create content that resonates with people from all walks of life, irrespective of their faith or background.
An uneasy calm pervades Nagpur, as a curfew has been imposed after the city experienced violent clashes on Monday (March 17). At least nine people have been injured, several cars have been torched and houses have been vandalised amid protests by the VHP and Bajrang Dal, who demand that Mughal ruler Aurangzebs tomb be removed from the state of Maharashtra read more

A man walks past damaged two-wheelers in front of a house in the aftermath of violence that erupted on Monday, in Nagpur. Violence erupted in central Nagpur on Monday with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the Quran was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. PTI

Aurangzeb, the longest reigning Mughal Emperor, died in 1707. Years and years later, his final resting place  his tomb  has become a hot topic and a cause of violence in the city of Nagpur in Maharashtra.

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the city after violent clashes took place in which several houses and vehicles were vandalised and burnt and nine persons, including three policemen, were injured.

Maharashtras Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed for peace, saying the police are managing the situation. Nagpur is a peaceful city where people share in each others joys and sorrows, which has always been Nagpurs tradition. Do not believe any rumours.

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But what exactly occurred on Monday? How is it linked to Aurangzebs tomb? We get you these answers and more.

How violence broke out in Nagpur

On Monday (March 17), violence erupted in central Nagpur in the Chitnis Park area around 7.30 pm with some individuals hurling stones at the police, injuring three police officials. Then another clash broke out in the Hansapuri area near the Old Bhandara Road between 10.30 pm to 11.30 pm.

An unruly mob burnt several vehicles, and vandalised houses and a clinic in the area.

Sharad Gupta, a resident of Hansapuri, told PTI news agency that the mob appeared between 10.30 and 11.30 and threw stones and torched vehicles. He added that he was injured in the attack and the mob also vandalised a neighbours shop.

Charred remains of two-wheelers lie on a roadside in the aftermath of a violence that erupted on Monday, in Nagpur. PTI

Another resident recounted that the mob came to their home at around 10.30 pm and burnt their vehicles parked outside the house and a fire also broke out as they torched vehicles and properties. We doused the fire by putting water from the first floor of our house before the fire brigade came, she said.

According to one CNBCTV18 report, explosions could also be heard from vehicles that had been torched in the Mahal area.

The violence prompted the police to fire tear gas at the mob. Speaking on the violence, Archit Chandak, the deputy commissioner of police, Nagpur, said: Stone pelting was taking place, so we displayed a show of force and also used tear gasA few vehicles were set ablaze, we doused the fire by calling the fire brigade A few police personnel were injured, and I too sustained a little injury in my leg during stone pelting. But we urge everyone to maintain peace.

VIDEO | Visuals from Nagpur where violence erupted on Monday as stones were hurled at police. The city saw several incidents of stone-pelting and arson.



(Source: Third Party)#NagpurViolence pic.twitter.com/sr37c1dxxE  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 17, 2025

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The authorities added that the stretch from Chitnis Park to Shukrawari Talao was most affected by violence and some four-wheelers were set ablaze.

Following the violence, the authorities have taken nearly 60 to 65 rioters, while another 17 people have been detained, reported India Today. Furthermore, additional personnel, including Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF)  have been deployed to prevent further unrest.

Nagpur Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Singal added that Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (empowering magistrates to issue immediate preventive orders in urgent cases to prevent obstruction, danger to human life, public disturbance, or riots, and can be directed at individuals, specific areas, or the general public) has been imposed in the city.

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Women security personnel keep a vigil in the aftermath of violence that erupted on Monday, in Nagpur. Several houses, vehicles and a clinic were vandalised in violence in Nagpur. PTI

Authorities on Nagpur clashes

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds Home portfolio for the state, has appealed for calm and urged people not to fall for rumours. Everybody should maintain peace. The administration is taking all necessary measures.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who also represents Nagpur at the national level, also appealed for peace and calm in the area. In a video message posted on X, Gadkari said a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur due to certain rumour.

I assure you all that the government will take action against those who have committed mistakes or engaged in illegal activities. The chief minister has already been informed about this situation, so I request everyone not to pay attention to rumours, he added.

Fellow Maharashtra minister and state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule also urged residents to prioritise peace. He emphasised that while an investigation will determine the cause of the violence, people should support the police in their efforts to maintain order. Bawankule called on political parties and leaders in Maharashtra to unite in promoting calm and reassuring the public that those responsible will be identified. He cautioned against politicising the incident, stressing the need to uphold Nagpurs reputation.

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VIDEO | Nagpur Violence: Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule (@cbawankule) says, "Strict action should be taken against those responsible for the situation in Nagpur. The police administration is monitoring the situation. Some police personnel have also been injured. pic.twitter.com/1J1OkcISzM  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 17, 2025

Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan termed the violence as unfortunate and added that those responsible were not locals but outsiders who came to create unrest. This is a very unfortunate incident, and such violence should not have happened in Nagpur, a place known for its saints. During Ram Navami, Muslims here set up tents to welcome Hindus. There is a Dargah where people from all religions  Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians  come to pray, said Khan.

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He alleged that the violence was caused by anti-social elements from outside the city. The people involved in this violence are not from Nagpur. Some anti-social elements came from outside and created unrest, he further claimed.

However, the opposition has slammed the state machinery, questioning the law and order situation. Shiv Sena(Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Aditya Thackeray called it the collapse of state machinery in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss hometown. He wrote on X, The law and order of the state has collapsed like never before. Nagpur, the home city of the CM and home minister, is facing this.

Congress leader Pawan Khera also weighed in, saying, Riot broke out in the Mahal area of Nagpur, the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister. Nagpur is a 300-year-old city. In those 300 years of history, no riot has occurred in Nagpur. We should all ask why such a situation formed. BJP is in power in both the Centre and State. If VHP and Bajrang Dal organised a protest demanding the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb, did the Government make no arrangements to maintain law and order?

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Aurangzebs tomb  cause of the violence

But what was the cause of the violent clashes in Nagpur and how is Aurangzebs tomb connected to it?

The immediate cause for Mondays violence was rumours that spread like wildfire that those opposing Aurangzebs tomb in the city  namely the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal  were burning the Quran. Videos of the Bajrang Dal demonstration quickly went viral on social media, leading to outrage among members of the Muslim community.

Bajrang Dal and VHP workers take part in a protest, demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzebs tomb, in Nagpur on Monday. PTI

However, the bigger reason for the clashes is the demand from right-wing groups to demolish Aurangzebs tomb, which is situated in Khuldabad, in Aurangabad, now named as Sambhajinagar. It all began when earlier this month, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi claimed in the Maharashtra Assembly that some elements of the Vicky Kaushal-starrer film Chhaava , which depicts Chhatrapati Sambhajis battle with Aurangzeb, were incorrect and that Aurangzeb was, in fact, a good administrator.

But its not just right-wing groups that are calling for the demolition of the tomb. Leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, have also called for the tomb to go. For instance, Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji, called Aurangzeb a thief, and called for the tomb to be razed, asking people who like to visit the tomb to take it to their homes. Last week, Naresh Mhaske, an MP from Shindes Sena, made the same demand in the Lok Sabha.

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Security arrangements at the tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb after Bajrang Dal and VHPs protest demanding removal of the tomb from Maharashtra. PTI

And last week even Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis supported the call to demolish the tomb of the Mughal king. He, however, said this has to be done through the law since the previous Congress government had protected the tomb by handing it over to the Archaeological Society of India (ASI).

We all also want the same thing, but you need to do it within the framework of the law because it is a protected site. The site was put under ASIs protection during the Congress regime some years back, the chief minister said.

Incidentally, this isnt the first time that such calls have been made to raze Aurangzebs tomb from Khuldabad. In May 2022, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi visited and offered flowers at the tomb, after which the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) called for the structure to be demolished.

With inputs from agencies
With the US seemingly going down the America First route, Europe appears to be coming to the realisation that it is on its own. During a session of Firstposts Ideas Pod at Rasina Dialogue 2025, Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans called on the continent to get its act together. Lets take a closer look at whether Frances nuclear umbrella is the answer to its security needs read more

Editors Note: The tenth edition of Raisina Dialogue, Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, is now underway in Delhi. Firstpost_, which has partnered with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) for the summit, brings you this piece_

Can Frances nuclear umbrella protect Europe?

With the US seemingly going down the America First, Europe appears to be coming to the realisation that it is on its own.

However, Europe has been slow to act thus far.

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Now, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Netherlands defence minister Ruben Brekelmans noted that the United States is shifting its focus to Asia.

Brekelmans also called for Europe to get its act together.

But can Europe seek shelter under Frances nuclear umbrella?

Lets take a closer look:

Frances nuclear arsenal

First, lets place this into its proper context.

Russia and the US have the two biggest nuclear arsenals in the world.

The two nations have around 10,000 nuclear warheads between them.

Meanwhile, France and the UK are the only two countries in Europe that possess nuclear weapons.

France has around 300 nuclear warheads, while the UK has around 250 such weapons.

As per BBC, France has developed its own nukes, while the UK relies on technical know-how from the US.

France can deploy these warheads via submarine, fighter jets or bombers.

France has an arsenal that is considered autonomous, Christophe Wasinski, professor at the Centre for Research and Studies in International Politics at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), told Euro News.

The UK, on the other hand, needs help from the US.

Great Britain developed its arsenal in collaboration with the United States and it needs the infrastructure and assistance of the United States to be able to operate its nuclear arsenal, Wasinski added.

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A number of experts consider that if the United States were to oppose its use, Britain could not easily use its warheads.

As per Euro News, France has vowed to use nuclear weapons only if its vital interests are threatened.

As per The New York Times, French President Emmanuel Macron has also spoken about Frances national interests having a a European dimension.

He also announced a strategic debate on using our deterrence to protect our allies on the European continent.

ABC also quoted Macron as saying Europes future does not need to be decided in Washington or Moscow.

Which means France seems to be open to the idea of taking Europe under its nuclear umbrella.

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Other countries seem receptive to such a plan.

Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said his country is talking seriously with France regarding the subject.

Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Reuters

Friedrich Merz, who could very well be Germanys next chancellor, also said his country was ready to have the same talks.

In view of the threats to our freedom and peace on our continent, the rule for our defence now has to be, whatever it takes, Merz said.

It is crucial that Europeans make the greatest possible efforts to ensure that we are at least capable of defending the European continent on our own.

We need to have discussions with both the British and the Frenchthe two European nuclear powersabout whether nuclear sharing, or at least nuclear security from the UK and France, could also apply to us, Merz said in February, as per CSIS.

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What do experts say?

They say Frances number of warheads arent a deterrent per se.

As Lukasz Kulesa, director of proliferation and nuclear policy at the Royal United Services Institute, told ABC, If you just compare the numbers, then of course the conclusion may be that it is not enough, especially when you compare it to the current position where you have to rely on the US and their capabilities.

If the idea is to be able to credibly threaten unacceptable damage to the other side, then the French and UK potential may be enough.

Kulesa said France has a huge advantage over the UK.

The French leadership is very clear that they maintain independence and sovereignty when it comes to the decision to use nuclear weapons, he said.

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This decision would be made by the French president alone, Kulesa added.

Experts also say that France will need to have a rethink on its nuclear doctrine.

We have a pretty good idea what the French will not do, but not such a clear understanding of what they are willing to do, Claudia Major, head of trans-Atlantic security studies for the German Marshall Fund, told The New York Times.

But how far does that European dimension go? Major asked. The French wont define it and of course dont want Russia to know.

Haroche said France being willing to use nuclear weapons in defence of Europe changes the political situation entirely.

If the US is to be less present, then European countries will be depending much more on each other. Our strategic world becomes more horizontal, Haroche said.

Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans. Firstpost

In this new world it is important to build trust and confidence among ourselves. For France to signal it is prepared to take on risk in support of others  that helps create a solid front.

Others warn of unintended consequences.

If we extend the nuclear umbrella, it means that we are prepared to use nuclear weapons to potentially protect a European state or a NATO state. But it also means that, in return, we are exposing ourselves to the risk of retaliation by a state, Wasinski told Euro News.

So, in a way, France would also be hostage to what it was proposing, he added.

They also say this is the first time other countries seem to be really open to it.

In the past when France has made overtures [about extending nuclear protection], other countries were reluctant to respond, Pierre Haroche of the Catholic University of Lille told BBC.

They didnt want to send out the signal that they did not have complete faith in the US and Nato.

But Trump has clarified the debate, Haroche added. Its not that the Americans are talking of removing their nuclear deterrent  lets be clear, that does not seem to be on the table right now.

But the credibility of US nuclear dissuasion is not what it was. That has opened the debate, and led the Germans to look more favourably on the idea of coming under a French and/or British umbrella.

However, others remain sceptical about France ever replacing the US when it comes to protecting Europe.

Brekelmans, speaking at Raisina Dialogue, told Harsh V Pant, its good that we have discussions among ourselves, you know, if the United States is also changing their focus, whether the role of France and the role of the UK could change.

However, he added that given the spectrum of nuclear weapons available to the US compared to France and the UK, they will never be able to replace the nuclear umbrella of the United States.

With inputs from agencies
Dr Rasha Alawieh, a Brown University assistant professor and doctor was deported on Friday from Boston to Lebanon despite having a valid H-1B visa and a court order halting the deportation. The move comes after authorities found photos of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on her cell phone read more

Demonstrators gather in support of Dr Rasha Alawieh, a kidney specialist and assistant professor at Brown University who was refused re-entry to the United States despite holding an H1-B visa, in Providence, Rhode Island, US. Reuters

A Brown University assistant professor and doctor was deported on Friday from Boston to Lebanon despite having a valid H-1B visa and a court order halting the deportation.

The US authorities on Monday said they deported Dr Rasha Alawieh after discovering sympathetic photos and videos of Hassan Nasrallah, the former long-time leader of Hezbollah, and Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in her cell phones deleted items folder.

As the fight continued, hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the Rhode Island State House lawn to show their support.

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Lets take a closer look.

Who is Rasha Alawieh?

Dr Rasha Alawieh is a Lebanese citizen who was living in Rhode Island and worked at Brown Universitys medical school, Division of Kidney Disease and Hypertension, since July 2024, as per India Today.

According to The Times of India, quoting Dr George Bayliss, the transplant divisions medical director, she assessed possible kidney transplant candidates and monitored patients after the procedure.

She was appointed as an assistant professor at Brown Medicine.

Alawieh was approved for an H-1B visa, which was sponsored by Brown Medicine. The solicitor, who manages immigration matters for the universitys doctors, said her visa was valid till mid-2027.

According to NBC, she completed her residency at the American University of Beirut Medical Centre three years after graduating from American University in Beirut in 2015.

Before entering Brown Medicine, she completed J-1 programmes at Yale Waterbury Internal Medicine, Ohio State University, and the University of Washington.

Also read: How US immigration authorities tried to hunt down Indian student Ranjani Srinivasan and her escape to Canada

Detention and deportation

According to CNN citing a court statement, Alawieh travelled to Lebanon in February for what she believed would be a short trip but was delayed in her return while attempting to obtain documentation from the US Consulate in Beirut.

As per the complaint, Alawiehs documents were authorised on March 11; nevertheless, upon her arrival at Boston Logan International Airport on Friday, she was detained immediately and informed that she would be deported to Lebanon the next day.

She was first taken to Paris, according to her lawyer, and then on a second flight to Lebanon, where she arrived on Sunday.

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After her cousin filed a lawsuit to stop her deportation, US district court judge Leo T Sorokin issued an order prohibiting the deportation without giving the court 48 hours notice. However, she was still deported.

Ahead of a hearing that was supposed to take place on Monday, the judge on Sunday ordered the Donald Trump-led administration to respond to serious allegations that his order was wilfully violated.

The cousins lone lawyer requested that the hearing be postponed on Monday when attorneys from the pro bono firm Arnold and Porter Kaye Scholer withdrew, citing further diligence over the rapidly progressing case.

Also read: Could Prince Harry be deported from the US over past drug use?

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US authorities on Monday said they deported Alawieh to Lebanon last week after discovering sympathetic photos and videos of Hezbollah slain leader Nasrallah, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah and militants in her cell phones deleted items folder.

She also told agents that while in Lebanon she attended Nasrallahs funeral last month, whom she supported from a religious perspective as a Shiite Muslim.

According to a transcript of that interview reviewed by Reuters, she told CBP she did not support Hezbollah but had high regard for Nasrallah because of her religion. Im not a political person, she said. Im a physician. Its mainly about faith.

Based on those statements and the discovery of photos, the Justice Department said CBP concluded that her true intentions in the United States could not be determined. A visa is a privilege not a right - glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be denied, U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. This is commonsense security.

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The US Department of Justice provided those details as it sought to assure Sorokin that US Customs and Border Protection did not wilfully disobey an order Sorokin issued on Friday that should have halted Alawiehs immediate deportation.

According to the lawyer, she went to the airport on Friday and showed a CBP officer a copy of Sorokins order on her laptop before Alawiehs Air France flight took off. In a declaration on Monday, another CBP official stated that he was informed of the incident prior to escorting Alawieh to the boarding area. However, according to the Justice Department, the notification had to be received by the agencys legal counsel and through the proper channels for their assessment and direction, which never happened.

CBP takes court orders seriously and strives to always abide by a court order, Justice Department attorneys wrote.

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Western governments, including the US, designate Hezbollah as a terrorist group. The Lebanese terrorist group is part of the Axis of Resistance, a coalition of organisations supported by Iran throughout West Asia.

In a separate statement, foreign nationals going to the US with a visa are not assured entry, according to US Customs and Border Protection, which also stated that border patrol officers have the last word over who is allowed access after security inspections.

Foreign nationals who promote extremist ideologies or carry terrorist propaganda are inadmissible to the US, plain and simple," CBP spokesperson Hilton Beckham told CNN yesterday.

The fight continues

Outside of court, Stephanie Marzouk, the attorney for Yara Chehab, Alawiehs cousin, told reporters they were not going to stop fighting.

Our client is in Lebanon, and were not going to stop fighting to get her back in the US to see her patients, and were also going to make sure that the government follows the rule of law, she said.

Hours later, hundreds of demonstrators, including some of her colleagues from the hospital, gathered on the Rhode Island State House lawn in Providence to show their support.

They carried signs saying, Her visa was valid, She did nothing wrong, and Stop mass deportation now, according to Reuters.

Brown University said that it was looking for further information about what transpired.

After learning of Alawiehs deportation, the institution released guidelines telling its academics, staff, and foreign students to think about delaying personal travel outside of the US out of an abundance of caution.

Her expulsion also comes at a time when US President Donald Trumps administration is trying to increase immigration arrests and severely restrict border crossing.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump will hold a telephone conversation with Russias Vladimir Putin today, where they are likely to discuss the ceasefire with Ukraine. Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are set to return to Earth after nine months in space. In India, the second day of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 will be held read more

US President Donald Trump (left) is set to dial Russia's Vladimir Putin (right). Representational image

It is set to be a busy Tuesday with several events lined up for the day.

Firstly, US President Donald Trump is set to hold a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Zelenskyy today. Meanwhile, Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will be returning to the Earth after more than nine months in space.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to host French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin today. Meanwhile, Prince Harrys US visa documents are set to be made public today.

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In India, the Raisina Dialogue will enter its second day while Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar will hold a high-level meeting today.

Here is all that is likely to take place today.

Donald Trump to dial Vladimir Putin

US President Donald Trump is set to hold telephonic conversations with Russias Vladimir Putin today to discuss the Ukraine War. Confirming the news on Monday, Trump said, Ill be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of works been done over the weekend.

Sources close to the matter suggest that Trump and Putin are likely to touch upon several critical topics, including the state of US-Russia ties, geopolitical issues and ongoing international conflicts specially the Russia-Ukraine War. The call is expected to draw significant attention given the complex dynamics between the two leaders during Trumps presidency and the current global political climate.

Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore to return to Earth

Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will be returning back to Earth today along with another Nasa astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The journey will take place aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday (March 16).

Originally on the ISS to test the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on its first crewed flight, the duo has remained there since June due to propulsion issues that prevented the spacecrafts return to Earth.

Nasa astronauts Barry Butch Wilmore and Sunita Suni Williams. File image/AFP

Live coverage of NASAs SpaceX Crew-9 return to Earth from the ISS will be provided, beginning with Dragon spacecraft hatch closure preparations at 10:45 pm EDT Monday, March 17 (around 8:30 am on March 18 in India).

Germanys Scholz to host Emmanuel Macron

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to host French President Emmanuel Macron on March 18 for high-level bilateral talks in Berlin. The meeting is expected to focus on deepening Franco-German cooperation amid growing challenges in the European Union and global affairs.

Key topics on the agenda include joint defence initiatives, economic strategies, energy security and the European Unions (EU) approach to current geopolitical tensions. According to sources, the two leaders are also expected to address issues surrounding climate policy, industrial competitiveness and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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Day 2 of the Raisina Dialogue to commence

The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue will continue into its second day on March 18 in New Delhi. The Raisina Dialogue is Indias flagship multilateral foreign policy and geoeconomics conference.

Organised by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, this years event has drawn high-profile participation from global leaders, diplomats, scholars and policymakers.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Raisina Dialogue 2024. File image/PTI

The second day is expected to feature a series of critical sessions addressing pressing global issues such as strategic partnerships, climate change, cyber security, and the evolving world order. Delegates will also discuss multilateral cooperation, economic resilience, and technologys growing role in international affairs.

High-level CEC meet on linking Aadhaar with voter ID

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has called a high-level meeting on Tuesday to discuss the linking of the voter identity card with the Aadhaar card, reported the New Indian Express. The meeting will see Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Legislative Department Secretary Rajiv Mani and UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar in attendance.

The scheduled Tuesday meeting is occurring against a backdrop of serious allegations, brought forward by the Opposition, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Congress, concerning the duplication of voter ID numbers and the manipulation of electoral roll data.

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Prince Harrys visa records to be made public

Prince Harrys US visa application documents are set to be made public today. The development follows a US judges March 15 order for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release redacted copies of the files.

At the heart of the issue is his own admission of past drug use in his memoir Spare, where he openly spoke about experimenting with cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms. The records could reveal whether Harry disclosed his drug history when applying for entry into the country.

On this day

Birth anniversary of actor Shashi Kapoor

Birth anniversary of actor Eknath Solkar

Birth anniversary of actor Navin Nischol

Birth anniversary of swimmer Rebecca Soni

Cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov, leaving his spacecraft Voskhod 2 for 12 minutes, became the first person to walk in space in 1965

American Express was founded by Henry Wells and William Fargo in 1850
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed on Tuesday (March 18) after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unleashed its most intense strikes since January on the Gaza Strip, killing over 300 people, including women and children. But what does this mean for the hostages being held captive by the militant group? read more

A child sits amid rubble as Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Reuters

It was meant to bring peace to the region, but it didnt last too long. We are talking about the truce that Israel and Hamas had decided upon, which has now collapsed after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched dozens of strikes throughout Gaza, killing more than 300 people.

Incidentally, the IDFs actions come just a day shy of two months since the truce between the two sides began on January 19.

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But what does this mean for the remaining hostages held by Hamas? What does this mean for West Asia? Heres what you need to know.

What do we know of IDFs strikes on Gaza?

On Tuesday (March 18), Gaza woke up to carnage as the IDF unleashed its most intense strikes on the Gaza Strip since the January ceasefire, with rescuers reporting that so far at least 330 people have been killed.

According to reports, the strikes were reported in multiple locations, including northern Gaza, Gaza City and the Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah in central and southern Gaza Strip.

The IDF said it was targeting what it called terror targets belonging to Hamas in the Strip.

An ambulance carrying victims of an Israeli army strike arrives at the hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. AP

Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister in Gaza and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in the territory, has also reportedly been killed in a strike.

People inside Gaza recounted the moment that terror rained down on them. Mohammed Jarghoun, 36, was sleeping in a tent near his destroyed house in Khan Younis when he was woken by huge blasts. I thought they were dreams and nightmares, but I saw a fire in my relatives house. More than 20 martyrs and wounded, most of them children and women, he told AFP.

Ramez Alammarin, 25, described carrying children to a hospital southeast of Gaza City as Israel unleashed its strikes. They unleashed the fire of hell again on Gaza, he said of Israel, adding that bodies and limbs are on the ground, and the wounded cannot find any doctor to treat them.

They bombed a building in the area and there are still martyrs and wounded under the rubble fear and terror. Death is better than life.

A Palestinian woman gestures as people inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a tent camp housing displaced people, in Al-Mawasi area, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Reuters

But why did Israel decide to launch these attacks now? Netanyahus office said the decision to resume strikes shortly after midnight on Tuesday followed Hamass repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US special envoy to the Mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators.

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In a statement, the Jewish nation said, Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength. An Israeli official further told AFP the military operation would continue as long as necessary and was expected to expand beyond air strikes.

Reacting to the strikes, a US official said that Israel had consulted the Donald Trump administration before the strikes. Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war, White House spokesperson Brian Hughes said.

The strikes prompted varied reactions from within Israel. Israeli hardliner, Itamar Ben Gvir, who quit his post as national security minister over the ceasefire welcomed the strikes. The existence of Hamas cannot be tolerated, and it is our duty to bring about its collapse, he said on Telegram. However, Democrats party chief Yair Golan slammed Netanyahu for the resumption of hostilities.

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What does it mean for hostages held by Hamas?

Shortly after the IDF began its strikes in Gaza, Hamas said that Israel had unilaterally ended the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The Palestinian-based group added that it also left the 59 remaining hostages to an unknown fate.

A top Hamas official told AFP that Israel had sacrificed its remaining hostages by re-launching military operations. Benjamin Netanyahus decision to resume war is a decision to sacrifice the occupations prisoners and impose a death sentence on them, said Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq, adding that the Israeli leader was using the fighting as a political lifeboat to distract from internal crises.

A mourner reacts as people gather near the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, at a hospital in Gaza City. According to Palestinian officials, over 300 people were killed in Israels strikes on Tuesday. Reuters

Hamas also called on people in Arab and Islamic nations, along with the free people of the world, to take to the streets to protest the assault. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) armed group accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging all efforts to reach a ceasefire.

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However, Hamas has stopped one step short of declaring a resumption of war, instead calling on mediators and the United Nations to intervene.

But how did it come to this?

The strikes on Tuesday come as ceasefire negotiations broke down. Hamas and Israel have been unable to agree on how to move into the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas wanted to enter Phase Two, which would have seen Israeli troops fully withdraw from Gaza and the release of all living hostages held by Hamas. Israel instead pushed for an extension of phase one, without committing to end the war or withdraw troops.

Last week, Hamas said it would 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, however, accused the group of waging psychological warfare on the families of hostages.

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A man looks on as Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Reuters

What happens next?

Israels strikes, which are its deadliest since January, come at a time when West Asia is already seeing an escalation of violence. Many note that it could also plunge the region into further uncertainty.

For instance, the Donald Trump administration has ordered decisive military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Theres also the deadly cross-border attacks between Lebanon and Syrias new Islamist-led government.

Moreover, Israeli strikes in Gaza would also hit Gazans hard. As CNN noted, any breakdown of the ceasefire would spell even more hardship in the struggle to survive for Gazans, with the enclave already in desperate need of critical supplies.

Earlier, Israel had blocked the supply of food and other humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, as part of the truce, trucks carrying food and hygiene supplies had made their way into the Strip. But, a return to the war would lead to an immense tragedy, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last month.

With inputs from agencies
Five Republican lawmakers in Minnesota have proposed a bill to make Trump Derangement Syndrome a mental illness. The term has been widely used by Trump and his MAGA supporters to mock and discredit their critics. If passed, the so-called illness will be acknowledged officially in legal and medical discussions read more

For years, Trump and his supporters have used the so called- 'derangement syndrome' to mock and discredit critics. File image/ Reuters

Do you find yourself getting irrationally angry at the mere mention of Donald Trump? Do his policies, tweets, or even his voice send you into a spiral of frustration? If so, Republicans say you might have what they call Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Now, five Republican lawmakers in Minnesota want to take this label beyond political banterby officially recognising it as a mental illness.

A bill introduced by Senators Eric Lucero, Steve Drazkowski, Nathan Wesenberg, Justin Eichorn, and Glenn H. Gruenhagen has been submitted to Minnesotas Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday for a review. If passed, it would acknowledge the so-called illness in legal and medical discussions.

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But what exactly is Trump Derangement Syndrome? Where did the term come from? We explain.

Being Trump-sick

According to the Minnesota bill, Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) is described as the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J. Trump.

Journalist Fareed Zakaria has defined it as an intense hatred of President Trump so strong that it impairs peoples judgment.

But how does one know if they have it? The bill outlines the supposed symptoms, calling it Trump-induced general hysteria, which produces an inability to distinguish between legitimate policy differences and signs of psychic pathology. This, it claims, manifests as verbal hostility or acts of aggression against Trump and his MAGA supporters.

BREAKING: Minnesota Senate Republicans just introduced a bill to classify Trump Derangement Syndrome as a mental illness. pic.twitter.com/SIPBbdQh6g  Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) March 15, 2025

For years, Trump and his supporters have used the phrase to mock and discredit critics.

In 2018, Trump deployed the term after his controversial RussiaUnited States summit in Helsinki, stating: Some people HATE the fact that I got along well with President Putin of Russia. They would rather go to war than see this. Its called Trump Derangement Syndrome!

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The phrase resurfaced in 2024 as Trump prepared for his return to the White House. His former attorney Alina Habba told Fox News that jurors in his hush money trial should have been sequestered to prevent them from catching TDS and forgetting all sense of reality.

In October, Trump dismissed his former chief of staff, John Kelly, as having TDS after Kelly called him a fascist and claimed he had a disturbing admiration for Adolf Hitler.

Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) is described as the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J. Trump. File image/ AFP

Even Elon Musk has joined in. During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Musk claimed he used to be adored by the left until they were infected with TDS.

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While Trump Derangement Syndrome has become a widely used phrase in recent years, it wasnt originally coined to describe his critics.

The term first appeared in 2003, when late political commentator Charles Krauthammer introduced Bush Derangement Syndrome to describe extreme reactions to President George W. Bush.

The Minnesota bill uses the same language Krauthammer once did, defining Bush Derangement Syndrome as the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal people in reaction to the policies, the presidencynaythe very existence of George W. Bush.

Also read: Will US get a $250 note featuring Donald Trump?

What happens next?

The bill faces an uphill battle. With Democrat-aligned parties holding a narrow one-seat majority in the Minnesota Senate, it is unlikely to pass. Meanwhile, the Minnesota House of Representatives is evenly split, with both the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) and Republicans controlling 67 seats each.

The DFL and other local parties have strongly criticised the proposal.

They argue that TDS is not a recognised medical condition, and no clinical data supports its existence. Instead, they say, it is a political label used to dismiss criticism of Trump. Some even suggest that TDS could apply to die-hard Trump supporters who defend him without question, regardless of facts or consequences.

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Also read: Will Donald Trumps birthday become a federal holiday in the US?

A DFL spokesperson told USA TODAY: 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.

With input from agencies
In a heartbreaking development, the parents of missing Indian-American student Sudiksha Konanki have asked Dominican authorities to formally declare her dead, saying they have accepted the deeply painful reality. This comes after an extensive multi-agency search failed to find the 20-year-old read more

Despite a massive multi-agency search effort, including an Interpol Yellow notice, there has been no sign of the missing University of Pittsburgh student. Image courtesy: X

It has been almost two weeks since Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-American student, disappeared while on a spring break trip with her friends to the Dominican Republic.

Despite a massive multi-agency search effort, including an Interpol Yellow notice, there has been no sign of the missing University of Pittsburgh student. Now, in a heartbreaking turn, her parents have asked Dominican authorities to formally declare her dead.

According to MailOnline, citing a source, her family has accepted the deeply painful reality that she will not be found alive. Their request for closure comes as the investigations continue, with the last person to see her, Joshua Riibe, still under police watch in the Caribbean country.

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But why have her parents given up hope? What really happened that night? And what have investigators uncovered so far? Heres a closer look at the case.

Parents plea for closure

Sudiksha Konankis parents, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konanki have formally requested Dominican authorities to declare their daughter legally dead, National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira confirmed the development to NBC News.

In their letter, the grieving parents acknowledged that no foul play is suspected in their daughters presumed death after she vanished from a Punta Cana beach.

Following an extensive search, Dominican authorities have concluded that Sudiksha is believed to have drowned. Her clothes were discovered on a beach near where she was last seen, the request states.

Their decision comes after days of agonising uncertainty, as authorities have struggled to find solid leads despite deploying drones, helicopters, and multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and US Department of Homeland Security.

While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honour her memory, the letter adds.

The family also expressed faith in the ongoing investigation, noting that Joshua Riibethe last person to see Sudiksha alivehas cooperated with authorities.

Initiating this process will allow our family to begin the grieving process and address matters related to her absence, the letter concluded.

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#BREAKING: Here is the heartbreaking letter of #SudikshaKonankis parents along Dominican authorities to declare their daughter dead.  pic.twitter.com/1WDhOjLdl5   LEGCY  (@iamlegacy23) March 18, 2025

According to sources quoted by ABC News, the Konankis are aware of the legal formalities required to process their request and are prepared to comply with all necessary procedures.

What did Joshua Riibe tell investigators?

Despite the ongoing investigation, US authorities have classified Konankis case as a missing persons case rather than a criminal matter.

Dominican officials have also stated that no one is considered a suspect in her disappearance. However, they have confiscated the passport of Joshua Riibe, the last known person to be with Konanki before she vanished in the early hours of March 6 and named him a person of interest, CNN News reported.

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Riibe, a 22-year-old from Rock Rapids, Iowa, and a senior at St Cloud State University in Minnesota has been under police surveillance in the Dominican Republic. Over the weekend, he was questioned for more than six hours and has been taken in for further interrogation multiple times, according to a statement from his parents.

An Iowa native, Riibe is a senior at Minnesotas St. Cloud State University, where he is currently pursuing a land surveying degree. Image Courtesy: @iamlegacy23/X

A source close to the investigation has indicated that the questioning is likely to continue with a local prosecutor overseeing the case.

Riibe told investigators that he and Konanki were in waist-deep water, talking and kissing a little when a strong wave suddenly pulled them out to sea. As a trained pool lifeguard, he said he attempted to hold Konanki under his arm while swimming back to shore, ensuring she could breathe. However, he struggled to stay afloat, saying, I took in a lot of water.

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Once they reached shallower waters, he said he placed her in front of him and saw her walking at an angle in the water. He last asked if she was okay, but did not hear her response as he began vomiting seawater. When he recovered, she was gone. Thinking she had already left, he blacked out on a beach chair. He said he was later surprised to hear of her disappearance.

While Riibe has not been declared a suspect, authorities have not clarified why his passport was seized. His legal team has since filed a petition for his release, with a court hearing scheduled for March 18.

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Who is Sudiksha Konanki?

Sudiksha Konanki, an Indian citizen with permanent residency in the US, is described by her father as an ambitious student with aspirations of studying medicine.

She travelled to Punta Cana on March 3 with five other female students from the University of Pittsburgh, hoping to enjoy a short break before resuming her studies, according to the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office.

Riibe told investigators that he first met Konanki at their hotel, where he and a friend introduced themselves to her group. The two groups later went to a bar together, drinking until, as Riibe put it, someone suggested we go to the beach.

Surveillance footage captured them at the club before heading to the beach around 4:15 am. Most of Konankis friends left by 5:50 am, leaving her alone with Riibe. She went missing an hour later.

Her family has pointed out inconsistencies, noting that her belongings, including her phone and wallet, were left with her friends, even though she was known to always carry her phone.

Dominican authorities initially stated that she likely drowned in the rough waters. However, Konankis father urged officials to expand their investigation, considering the possibility that she may have been kidnapped or fallen victim to human trafficking.

Despite an extensive search operation using drones, helicopters, and detection dogs, 11 days later, authorities are still finding answers to her mysterious disappearance.

With input from agencies
The Netherlands is increasing its defence budget by 2.4 billion annually, nearly doubling its 2022 spending. Plans include reinstating a tank battalion with around 50 Leopard 2 A8 tanks, acquiring six additional F-35 fighter jets and purchasing more anti-submarine warfare frigates. The government is also promoting civilian preparedness, urging citizens to maintain 72-hour emergency kits amid rising geopolitical threats read more

_Editors Note: The tenth edition of Raisina Dialogue, Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, is now underway in Delhi. At the Firstpost Ideas Pod at Raisina Dialogue organised by Observers Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans held a conversation with Harsh V Pant. This piece talks about Europes defences and the Netherlands role.

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The Netherlands is making significant investments in strengthening its defence capabilities as geopolitical tensions in Europe continue to simmer.

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The Dutch government has announced an increase in defence spending by 2.4 billion annually, bringing the total budget to approximately 24 billion per year  nearly double the amount allocated in 2022.

This increase includes 1.5 billion specifically earmarked for bolstering combat power, reflecting a broader commitment to reinforcing home defence and preparing for potential large-scale conflicts.

The shift in policy follows Russias invasion of Ukraine, which has highlighted the need for Nato members to be prepared for the possibility of direct confrontation. The Dutch defence paper explicitly outlines scenarios in which Russia could attack a Nato member, such as Lithuania or Poland.

The Netherlands, it states, must be ready to fight a war of necessity rather than engage in wars of choice, which have characterised past decades.

The ruthless aggression shows that an attack on the Nato alliance is no longer unthinkable, Defense News quoted Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

The Netherlands must step up to protect our security. We have to get to work to deter our enemies, guard Natos external borders and prevent further war in Europe. We have no time to lose in this.

Brekelmans also stated that, while the Netherlands may appear to be at peace, the reality is that the country is already under constant threat in a gray zone between peace and war. Digital infrastructure, companies, ports, and power grids are regularly targeted by cyberattacks and espionage.

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The Dutch government has determined that it can no longer selectively choose where it engages in conflicts but must instead be ready to defend its own territory and critical assets at all times.

This is not just a small change, Dutch Chief of Defence Gen. Otto Eichelsheim stated, according to Defense News. It is a turning point in the history of the Dutch armed forces, and it requires a fundamentally different way of thinking. Instead of meticulously preparing and planning every single mission, in the near future our military, our civilians must simply be ready every day, permanently ready for a large-scale conflict. Because deterrence only works if we are credible.

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To solidify this new commitment, the government plans to enshrine a minimum defence spending level of 2 per cent of GDP into law.

The 2024 Dutch defence budget has already been increased to 21.4 billion, or 1.95 per cent of GDP, compared to 15.4 billion in 2023 and 12.9 billion in 2022.

How Netherlands is strengthening its defence

As part of its effort to enhance military preparedness, the Netherlands is re-establishing a tank battalion after having sold its last Leopard 2 tanks in 2011 due to budget cuts.

Since 2015, the country has leased 18 tanks from Germany, but Nato has urged the Netherlands to strengthen its land-based military presence, including with heavy armour. In response, the government is now considering purchasing around 50 new Leopard 2 A8 tanks.

According to reports submitted to parliament, maintaining a tank battalion over a 15-year period would cost between 260 million and 315 million per year, including costs for purchasing the tanks, maintenance, spare parts, operations, and personnel. The government is also exploring the use of unmanned systems to complement manned tank operations, reported Defense News.

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Additionally, the Dutch Armys Boxer armoured personnel carriers will be upgraded with heavier cannons and anti-tank weaponry to increase battlefield firepower.

In the air, the Netherlands is acquiring six additional F-35 fighter jets, adding to the 52 already ordered. The expanded fleet will improve operational availability and firepower, enabling the Dutch Air Force to sustain longer missions and enhance deterrence capabilities.

For the Royal Netherlands Navy, the government has approved the purchase of two more anti-submarine warfare frigates, in addition to the two already ordered from Damen and Thales for 1.9 billion.

This investment is intended to bolster maritime security and counter underwater threats, including the protection of critical subsea infrastructure. The naval expansion also includes additional NH-90 helicopters and unmanned vessels to enhance maritime operations.

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Recognising the importance of sustained military engagement, the Netherlands will continue its international deployments in key regions, including Iraq and the Red Sea, while maintaining strong military support for Ukraine.

To further improve operational readiness, the Dutch government is investing heavily in ammunition stockpiles, spare parts, logistics, medical support, and intelligence.

It is not only crucial that we can bring more combat power to the table, but also that we can sustain the fight longer, Brekelmans stated. This is an important lesson from the war in Ukraine, which has now been going on for two and a half years, with no end in sight at this time. Putin is discouraged only when he knows that he is losing not only the first battle, but the entire war.

How Dutch civilians are being prepared in case of conflict

As part of a broader national security strategy, Dutch Justice and Security Minister David van Weel has urged citizens to take greater responsibility for their own safety in the event of a crisis.

The government has updated its long-standing recommendation for emergency preparedness, advising households to maintain a 72-hour survival kit  an increase from the previous 48-hour guideline. These kits should contain essential supplies such as cash, canned food, water, and batteries, reported Euro News.

A recent Ipsos I&O study found that a quarter of the Dutch population now owns an emergency kit, a notable increase from 2024, when only 15 per cent had one.

However, Van Weel stressed that this level of preparedness must continue to rise. Back then we knew what to do the moment the air alarm would go off, he said, drawing parallels to the Cold War era.

He warned that, in the event of a major conflict, the Dutch government would be primarily focused on military operations, meaning citizens must be prepared to function independently for some time.

To further strengthen national resilience, the Dutch government is prioritising five key sectors: food and water supply, electricity, healthcare, infrastructure and governance.

Should Netherlands consider conscription

With military recruitment struggling to meet targets, the Dutch government is exploring new methods to encourage enlistment.

Then Dutch Defence Minister Christophe van der Maat had proposed a system similar to Swedens, in which all 17-year-olds receive a military service questionnaire to assess their willingness and suitability to serve. In Sweden, failure to complete the questionnaire carries a fine.

Although mandatory conscription in the Netherlands was abolished in 1997, all citizens between 17 and 35 remain registered for potential military service in an emergency.

In 2023, the Dutch military introduced a voluntary one-year service programme, but only 140 conscripts signed up. By 2028, the government aims to recruit 3,000 to 4,000 service-year participants annually, in addition to the regular intake of 4,500 professional personnel.

Public sentiment on conscription is shifting, with 58 per cent of Dutch citizens now supporting its reintroduction  up from 44 per cent a year ago. However, despite growing approval, over half of those eligible to serve say they would seek to avoid military duty, according to a recent EenVandaag survey.

According to Dutch News, Lieutenant-General Martin Wijnen reinforced the need for societal preparedness, stated, The Netherlands must take the threat of a war seriously, and our society needs to be prepared for it.

With inputs from agencies
Swedens defence exports surged to a record 29 billion kronor ($2.9 billion) in 2024, marking a 63 per cent increase from the previous year. Now a full Nato member, Sweden is deploying Gripen jets to Poland, stationing 550 troops in Latvia and expanding its defence budget to 142 billion kronor ($14.6 billion) for 2025, with plans to reach 186 billion kronor ($18.4 billion) by 2030 read more

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson speaks during a press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (not pictured), in Rome, Italy, February 26, 2025. File Image/Reuters

Editors Note: The tenth edition of Raisina Dialogue, Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, is now underway in Delhi. Firstpost, which has partnered with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) for the summit, brings you this piece on Swedens defence preparedness amid discussions on changing world order at the gathering

Swedens military equipment exports reached an all-time high in 2024, totalling 29 billion kronor ($2.9 billion), marking a 63 per cent increase from the previous year.

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The surge in exports reflects the escalating security concerns following Russias invasion of Ukraine, according to data from the Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP).

Approximately 70 per cent of Swedens defence exports went to the 39 countries that maintain security and defence partnerships with Sweden. The United Arab Emirates emerged as the top recipient, followed by the United States and Brazil.

Sweden also significantly increased state donations and industry sales to Ukraine, doubling the number of permits granted for military aid.

Saab AB, the countrys leading defence contractor and manufacturer of Gripen fighter jets and Globaleye airborne early warning systems, has been a primary beneficiary of the rising global demand for military equipment.

As the Raisina Dialogue 2025 kicks off in New Delhi, we take a look at how Sweden as the newest Nato member is changing and boosting its defence landscape vis-a-vis its responsibilities to the security alliance and the war in Ukraine.

How Swedens defence is changing as a Nato member

In its first year as a Nato member, Sweden has taken decisive steps to integrate with the alliances defence strategy. For the first time, Swedish Gripen combat aircraft will be deployed outside national borders, stationed in Poland to support Nato air defence missions.

The Swedish Air Force (SwAF) will participate in two missions in Poland: one focused on protecting Natos Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), and another supporting Natos Enhanced Air Policing (eAP) efforts over Polish airspace.

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The Gripens will be supplemented by airborne and maritime surveillance assets, including the Saab 340/ASC 890 Erieye early warning aircraft and the Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules transport aircraft.

Additionally, Sweden has reinforced Natos presence on its eastern flank by deploying 550 troops to Latvia as part of a multinational battalion led by Canada. The deployment is designed to strengthen Natos deterrence against potential aggression in the region.

This force is one of eight forward-deployed battalions stationed along Natos eastern flank, four of which were established following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In September 2024, Sweden also announced plans to establish a forward land force presence in Finland, assuming the role of framework nation for Nato forces there.

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This marks a significant expansion of Swedens military commitments and reflects its close defence relationship with Finland. While details of the deployment are still being finalised, the forces are expected to be operational within the next one to two years.

How Sweden is expanding its defence spending and production

Sweden has rapidly increased its defence budget in response to heightened security threats. The 2025 budget stands at 142 billion kronor, nearly twice the allocation of 2022. Of this, 60 billion kronor is designated for procurement of military equipment and infrastructure.

By 2030, Swedens defence spending is projected to reach 186 billion kronor, though experts anticipate further increases due to evolving security challenges.

Currently ranked as the 13th-largest arms exporter in the world, Swedens defence industry is expanding production at an accelerated pace.

At its Karlskrona-based Kockums shipyard, Saab is constructing two A26 Blekinge-class submarines, designed for operations in the Baltic Seas shallow waters where US submarines face limitations.

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Swedens defence capabilities extend beyond naval and aerial assets. The country is also a leader in satellite manufacturing and hosts Esrange Space Center, Europes only orbital launch site, further enhancing Natos strategic positioning.

Sweden plans to spend about 2.4 per cent of its GDP on defence in 2025, with an increase to 2.6 per cent by 2028, writes Jason C Moyer, program associate & research director, Transatlantic Security, Global Europe Program, in an article for Wilson Center.

This spending surge places Sweden among Natos top contributors, with real-dollar expenditures surpassing all other Nordic countries. Estimates suggest that by 2024, Sweden will rank as the eighth-highest defence spender in the alliance.

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How Sweden has given Nato capabilities in the Arctic

Swedens accession to Nato has fundamentally reshaped the alliances northern defence strategy. With all five Nordic nations now Nato members, regional defence coordination has strengthened significantly. The integration of Sweden has allowed Nato to enhance strategic planning, particularly in the Arctic and Baltic regions.

Following recent sabotage incidents targeting undersea infrastructure, Sweden has committed three additional warships to bolster Natos presence in the Baltic Sea. The Swedish Navy is actively engaged in hybrid threat deterrence, leveraging its expertise in Baltic operations.

Moreover, Sweden is contributing to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Forces new operation, Nordic Warden, aimed at securing critical undersea infrastructure and countering Russian activities in the region.

As an Arctic nation, Sweden also brings new capabilities to Natos operations in extreme climates. In December 2024, Sweden participated in record-breaking Nato cold-weather exercises, demonstrating the alliances readiness for Arctic defence scenarios.

With Sweden serving as a logistical hub for operations in the Baltics and Finland, Natos northern defence posture has been significantly strengthened.

Additionally, Swedens geographical position enhances Natos logistical capabilities. The countrys road and rail networks provide critical infrastructure for moving troops and equipment between Northern Europe and the Baltic states in the event of a conflict. This role is crucial for reinforcing Natos deterrence posture against potential Russian aggression.

Sweden will also provide over 1.4 billion Swedish kronor ($137.7 million) to Ukraine for reconstruction, development and urgent humanitarian assistance. Described as Swedens largest-ever civilian aid package, the funding will support rebuilding damaged infrastructure, mine clearance efforts and training for healthcare workers.

With inputs from agencies
The Trump administration has taken a wrecking ball to US-Europe ties  it has clearly indicated that Washington can no longer be counted on for Europes security and waged a trade war against the region by imposing tariffs. Analysts believe that China could use these fraying ties to their advantage. Heres how read more

_Editors Note: The tenth edition of Raisina Dialogue, Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, is now underway in Delhi. Firstpost, which has partnered with the Observer Research Foundation for Raisina, brings you this piece ahead of the session on Europe and its fraying ties with the US on day 2.

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The United States and Europe have been closely aligned through the years. More so after Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. But Donald Trumps return to the White House has upended this world order. Tensions between the US and Europe have hit something of a low in recent weeks  mainly over the Ukraine war and a threat of a 25 per cent tariff on European goods.

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This situation, many geopolitical experts believe, has China rubbing its hands with glee. In fact, a clear indication of this was Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yis remarks at the Munich Security Conference last month where he said, China has always seen in Europe an important pole in the multipolar world. The two sides are partners, not rivals.

Lets examine this situation.

Trumps shock to Europe

Prior to the Trump presidency, former US President Joe Biden fostered closer transatlantic coordination with Europe, aligning with Brussels in viewing Beijing as a military challenge and an economic threat.

However, the US-Europe partnership began to see tensions with the return of Trump to power. Europe was already wary of the US president and rightly so  during his first tenure, he called the EU one of the biggest foes of the United States.

And things havent changed much since he returned to the White House. He recently stated that the European Unions mission was to screw the US, while his Vice President JD Vance stunned everyone with his lecture in Munich on what he perceived as Europes flawed democracy.

US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron leave at the end of a joint press conference in the East Room to the White House in Washington in February. File image/AFP

But its not just Trump and Cos inflammatory remarks. The Trump 2.0 administration has also thrown a wrecking ball at its European relations. First off, Trump has given a clear indication that Europeans can no longer count on Washington to have their back. The US president has refused to provide any security guarantees when it comes to the Russia-Ukraine war. Moreover, Trump launched direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, sidelining not only Ukraine but the rest of Europe.

He also engaged in a bitter showdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky at the White House, which eventually led to the US pausing military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. Fortunately, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, which led to the resumption of US aid deliveries to the war-torn country on March 12.

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But, even on the economic front, Trump is pushing against his European allies. The US presidents 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium imports has come into effect from March 12, sparking an immediate response from the European Union which said it will impose counter tariffs on billions of euros of US goods.

In fact, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc would impose a series of countermeasures from April 1 in response to the unjustified trade restrictions from the United States. We deeply regret this measure, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, adding that the countermeasures we take today are strong but proportionate.

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As the US are applying tariffs worth $28 billion, we are responding with countermeasures worth the equivalent in euros, she said.

She further added, Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business, and even worse for consumers. These tariffs are disrupting supply chains. They bring uncertainty for the economy.

The European Union must act to protect consumers and business. The counter-measures we take today are strong but proportionate.

Enter, China

And as Trump pursues a more aggressive America First approach, China is sensing an opportunity and trying to capitalise on the situation.

For instance, at the Munich Security Conference in February, Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi callied for greater cooperation between China and Europe. China has always seen in Europe an important pole in the multipolar world. The two sides are partners, not rivals. This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. Taking this opportunity, China is willing to work with the European side to deepen strategic communication and mutually beneficial cooperation, and steer the world to a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress, said Wang at the Conference.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, southern Germany. File image/AFP

Moreover, Beijing has voiced its criticism of Trumps treatment of European allies, calling it appalling. When you look at how the Trump administration has implemented a brazen and domineering policy toward Europe, treating its allies in this way, honestly, from a European perspective, its quite appalling, the South China Morning Post quoted Chinas special envoy for European affairs, Lu Shaye, as saying.

Moreover, Chinese diplomats have embarked on a charm offensive across Europe, softening their language and offering to cooperate in general terms without making specific offers.

China, the big winner

If Trumps protectionist policies continue, experts note that China will emerge as the big winner. Firstly, the EU may look at Beijing as their next big trading partner, if Trump persists with his tariffs. As Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote: China may offer market access opportunities that may entice Europe to soften its approach toward Beijing.

Ali Wyne, Senior Research and Advocacy Adviser at the International Crisis Group in Washington, DC, also told Business Insider that a rupture in the US-EU ties will present China with a good opportunity. The ongoing rupture of the transatlantic alliance affords China an opportunity to present itself once more as a partner to many European countries.

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Moreover, these developments lend to the Beijings narrative that the East is rising, while the West is in inevitable decline, reports The Diplomat.

As US pulls out of various funding programmes and multilateral forums, smaller European nations will look to China for assistance, which will only further strengthen Beijings position on the global stage.

Chinese flags are seen on buildings in the Huangpu district in Shanghai. File image/AFP

Concerns for Europe

However, experts note that it is highly unlikely that Europe will do a full pivot on China.

This is because Europeans wont forget Xi Jinpings massive support for Vladimir Putins war against Ukraine over the past three years, which includes the delivery of technologies to Russia, the increased Sino-Russian trade and strong declarations by President Xi Jinping towards his  partner without limits.

Also, Europe is aware that it cant give up its dependence on one partner only to heavily rely on another. As a Chatham House report noted, Reducing exposure to dependencies on one actor should not be traded for further entrenching dependencies on another. Old problems in the ChinaEU relationship have not gone away simply because the world around it has changed.

Additionally, Europe also has to keep in mind that an increased reliance on Beijing presents significant national security risks. China also continues to target Europe through increasingly brazen cyber and other hybrid incursions.

It would also undermine Europes role as the remaining stronghold of a more values-based international order.

Katja Bego, Senior Research Fellow in Chatham Houses International Security Programme explained it best; Europe has to proceed with caution despite strategic openings in its relations with China.

With inputs from agencies
Today (March 18), US President Donald Trump will hold a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. The talks will focus on the 30-day truce that Washington has got Ukraine to agree to amid the war. However, Kyiv and Moscow both have red lines that is making these negotiations challenging read more

US President Donald Trump is expected to hold a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to get him to agree on a 30-day pause in the Ukraine war. File image/AP

The United States has proposed a 30-day truce in Russias three-year-old war in Ukraine, which Moscow must accept as a confidence-building move before the two sides can work out a longer-term peace plan.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin will try to stall such a short-term truce by imposing limitations intended to deflect the peace process and prolong the conflict.

Notably, Ukraine was under pressure to accept the ceasefire after US President Donald Trump halted military aid and intelligence sharing to the war-torn nation. Kyiv anticipates that the US president will threaten additional sanctions on Moscow to pressure Putin into agreeing to the agreements.

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Trump and Putin are set to hold talks today (March 18) and the topic of ending the war includes land and power plants, which he referred to as dividing up certain assets.

However, despite the temporary truce, both parties have red lines and they appear unwilling to make significant compromises to one another.

Heres a closer look at the matter:

Russias demands

When Putin launched a full-scale offensive on February 24, 2022, he called for Ukraine to reject Nato, drastically reduce its army and preserve the Russian language and its culture in line with Moscow.

Now, he has called on Kyiv to remove its troops from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, the four areas Moscow unlawfully annexed in September 2022 but never completely occupied.

Russian officials have also stated that other American and EU sanctions should be lifted as part of any peace agreement, along with the release of Russian assets that were frozen in the West. The Trump administration has suggested considering easing sanctions.

Putin has also made repeated calls to remove the root causes of the crisis a reference to the Kremlins insistence on reversing a Nato military buildup close to Russian borders that it claims poses a serious danger to its security.

He also says Zelenskyy is not legitimate to sign a peace agreement because his term ended last year. According to Kyiv, elections cannot be held during a conflict. Trump has mirrored Putins stance by stating that an election in Ukraine is necessary.

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Moreover, Russian authorities have stated that Moscow will not accept any Nato members soldiers as peacekeepers to oversee a potential truce.

Ukraines demands

Ukraine has retreated from calling for the return of its state borders to pre-2014 lines due to setbacks along the 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front, as it lacks the military power to achieve that.

Kyiv wants a peace agreement backed by security assurances from partners abroad that will prevent another invasion by Russia.

Parallel negotiations led by France and Britain are forming what those guarantees may look like in lieu of Nato membership, which Kyiv has long desired but seems almost unachievable without US support.

A coalition of the willing envisions European boots on the ground and a strong military response if Russia were to launch a new offensive.

In an expensive undertaking that will need prompt and steady assistance from foreign friends, Zelenskyy has demanded that the Ukrainian army be bolstered to repel future Russian offensives.

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Another key demand is for a weapons stockpile that might seriously damage Russian assets. Kyiv wants to strengthen the countrys arms sector and reduce its dependence on allies, which has caused Ukrainian troops to regress during the conflict.

Ukraine also has important demands from Russia. Even in areas that are partially seized, Kyiv is refusing to give Moscow any more land.

It also wants thousands of people held in Russian prisons and children who were unlawfully transported to Russia to return.

Also read: Ukraine war: How Trumps peace initiatives are challenging both West and Russia

Red lines that cannot be crossed

Negotiations are very difficult since both sides have boundaries that cannot be crossed.

According to the US, both parties need to compromise.

The destiny of the fifth of Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia is probably going to be the primary focus.

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The existence of Nato members as peacekeepers or as a reassuring force outside the alliance framework is a red line for Moscow. However, Moscow has made no mention of any particular concessions.

For Ukraine, which is in a weaker position, the matter of Russian-held territory that it does not have the military means to retake is important. It is both a red line and a possible compromise for Kyiv.

According to Zelenskyy, his nation will never acknowledge the region as Russian.

Although this will always be Kyivs official stance, Ukrainian officials acknowledge that the occupied regions will probably continue to be ruled by Russia for some time.

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Partners know our red lines  that we do not recognize the occupied territories as the territories of the Russian Federation, and we do not recognize them, Zelenskyy told journalists recently. This is my political will as president. And this is the political will of our people. This is a violation of international law and the Constitution of Ukraine.

Ukraine also opposes limitations on its militarys size and capabilities as well as limits on its access to global alliances like the European Union and Nato.

With inputs from AP
US astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are set to return to Earth after being stranded in space for nine months. They are on their way back aboard SpaceXs Crew Dragon spacecraft, which will have a splash down off the Florida coast at 3:27 am IST on Wednesday. But why is the capsule landing on water rather than dry land? read more

Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams, left, and Butch Wilmore are on their way back to Earth. File Photo/AP

Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore are finally on their way back to Earth after spending nine months in space. The duo departed the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX capsule along with two other astronauts on Tuesday (March 18).

The Crew Dragon spacecraft undocked from the space station at 10:35 am IST, marking the beginning of the 17-hour trip back to Earth. The capsule is expected to splash down off the Florida coast at 3:27 am IST on Wednesday. After their return, the two US astronauts will have to adjust to life with gravity which comes with its own challenges.

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They're on their way! #Crew9 undocked from the @Space_Station at 1:05am ET (0505 UTC). Reentry and splashdown coverage begins on X, YouTube, and NASA+ at 4:45pm ET (2145 UTC) this evening. pic.twitter.com/W3jcoEdjDG  NASA (@NASA) March 18, 2025

But what is splashdown and why is it the preferred method to bring astronauts back from space? We will answer for you.

What is splashdown?

Splashdown refers to the landing of spacecraft on a body of water through parachutes. It is a popular tactic to get astronauts home safely from space.

A spacecraft heading back to Earth has to be slowed as it has a lot of kinetic energy.

Drag is generated as the spacecraft hits air particles in the Earths atmosphere, creating friction that slows it down. The friction transforms the spacecrafts kinetic energy into thermal energy or heat.

All this heat radiates out into the surrounding air, which gets really, really hot. Since re-entry velocities can be several times the speed of sound, the force of the air pushing back against the vehicle turns the vehicles surroundings into a scorching flow thats about 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit (1,500 degrees Celsius), Marcos Fernandez Tous, Assistant Professor of Space Studies, the University of North Dakota, explained in a piece for The Conversation last year.

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There is not enough time during splashdown for a vehicle to reach such a velocity so as not to crash. So, space agencies opt for other methods to safely land a spacecraft.

Nasas Orion Capsule is drawn to the well deck of the USS Portland after it splashed down following a successful uncrewed Artemis I Moon Mission on December 11, 2022 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. File Photo/Reuters

Nasa uses parachutes to decrease the speed of a spacecraft and ensure the safe landing of the crew aboard. Its Orions parachute system, which has 11 parachutes, is deployed at 9,000 feet in altitude and a vehicle speed of 130 mph. The main parachutes slow down the crew module to a landing speed of 17 mph, as per the US space agency.

But even with parachutes the spacecraft cannot crash against a hard surface and needs something to absorb the impact. Water is a good shock absorber and this is how splashdown came to be.

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Why landing on dry land isnt preferred

As Tous wrote for The Conversation, water has low viscosity and quite lower density than hard rock which makes it suitable for landing spacecraft. Moreover, he said that there is a higher chance of the vehicle hitting a water body while falling from space as the liquid covers 70 per cent of the planets surface.

Landing on dry land is not ideal as if it is an uneven surface, the spacecraft could overturn or even roll down a slope. It is also a pretty bumpy ride for the crew.

Its kind of like a series of explosions followed by a car crash, Michael Lopez-Alegria, a former Nasa astronaut who returned from the International Space Station on the Russian spacecraft Soyuz in 2007, told Smithsonian Magazine. After seven months in space, it doesnt feel great.

In 1976, the Soyuz witnessed a near-fatal accident when, upon re-entry, the capsule blew off course and came down on a partly frozen lake. The crew was lucky to survive.

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However, there are also cons of a watery crash landing. Ken Bowersox, another Soyuz landing veteran, told Smithsonian Magazine that he believes land is safer than water. On land, you can have a little bit of a rough landing and still crawl out of the vehicle, he noted. If things dont go well on water, it can get exciting pretty fast.

The Soyuz re-entry in 2003 saw the capsule land more than 200 miles (322 km) away from its intended target of the steppes of Kazakhstan.

But we just waited a few hours, Bowersox recalled. Out on the water, it would have been a lot less comfortable. He compared the impact to the aircraft carrier landings he practised as a US Navy pilot. It gets your attention, but its not worse than a carnival ride, he added.

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As for what astronauts see when they look out the spacecrafts window during re-entry, just a wall of fire, says Nasa.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump has announced that his predecessor Joe Bidens pardons are void and vacant because he allegedly used an autopen. He also insisted that the former president did not know anything about these orders signed during the end of his presidency. But is the Republican right about Bidens pardons being null and void because of autopen? read more

US President Joe Biden signs an executive order, aimed at addressing a global semiconductor chip shortage, as Vice President Kamala Harris stands by in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, US, February 24, 2021. File Photo/Reuters

United States President Donald Trump is claiming that his predecessor Joe Bidens pardons are void because he allegedly used an autopen. With these allegations, the Republican is also questioning the former presidents fitness at the time of granting the pardons.

Trumps claims stem from a similar argument by the Oversight Project, an offshoot of the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank. In a post on X last week, the group asked whether Biden had the mental capacity to order the use of an autopen for his signature.

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As the focus shifts on the use of autopen by a US president, does Trumps claim that Bidens pardons are invalid hold water?

Lets understand.

What is autopen?

An autopen is a machine that allows people to sign a document without being physically present. The printer-sized machine has an arm to hold a pen that can be used to reproduce signatures.

According to the US firm The Autopen Company, which makes these autopens, the devices have been used by universities, government agencies, and other institutions for more than 60 years.

The Autopen has long been a tool for the worlds most influential leaders, allowing them to more effectively apply their time and attention to important issues without compromising the impact of personalised correspondence, it writes.

What has Trump said?

Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday night that a series of last-minute pardons issued by former US President Biden is void.

He particularly targeted the pardons granted to members of the bipartisan House committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

The Pardons that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen, Trump wrote on his social media platform.

In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them! The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden, he further alleged.

The Pardons that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen. In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more  Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) March 17, 2025

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Speaking to reporters on Air Force One later, the US president said courts will decide whether Bidens pardons have legal force.

Its not my decision, that would be up to a court, he said, as per New York Times (NYT). But I would say that theyre null and void, because Im sure that Biden didnt have any idea that it was taking place.

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Who did Biden pardon?

Towards the end of his presidency, Biden granted a series of pre-emptive pardons to members of his family and other people he thought would face Trumps political retribution.

On January 19, the then-US president issued pardons to people who were not charged with a crime yet.

It included members of Congress on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, the committees staff and the police officers who testified before the panel.

Trump has previously said that former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, who was a member of the House committee, should go to jail along with the rest of the panel.

Biden also pardoned some of Trumps most high-profile rivals like General Mark Milley and Dr Anthony Fauci.

Are Bidens actions really void?

No, legal experts say.

While Trump has claimed without evidence that Biden used an autopen to sign important documents, it is not unusual for White House occupants to deploy the device.

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Former presidents including John F Kennedy, Jimmy Carter and Richard Nixon have used autopen to sign correspondence and other documents, as per NPR.

Barack Obama was the first known US president to sign an official document with an autopen in 2011. He faced scrutiny after ordering an aide to use autopen on his behalf to sign legislation passed by the US Congress extending the Patriot Act for four more years.

As per NBC News, Biden has also used an autopen to sign official documents. But it is unsure whether he used the device to sign some pardons. BBC Verify found that the former US president signed pardons by hand and not autopen in several instances.

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US President Joe Biden speaks prior to signing an executive order intended to reduce bureaucracy around government services for the public, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, December 13, 2021. File Photo/Reuters

Trump has himself acknowledged using the device. After his post on Truth Social, when reporters asked him on Air Force One if he had ever used an autopen, the US president replied: We may use it, as an example, to send some young person a letter, he said, pointing out that White House receives many letters from children and people who are ill. But to sign pardons and all of the things he signed with an autopen, is disgraceful.

Legal experts say the US law does not say anything about official documents signed by US presidents with an autopen being invalid.

The Constitution doesnt even require that the pardon be written, so the idea that the signature is by autopen rather than by handwritten signature seems not relevant to the constitutionality because Article II just says that the President has the power to pardon, Bernadette Meyler, a Stanford Law School professor and constitutional law expert, told Time magazine.

Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, states the pardon only needs to be accepted by its subject to come into force.

The US Constitution also does not provide authority to a president to overturn his predecessors pardons.

Speaking to NPR, Jay Wexler, a professor of constitutional law at Boston University School of Law, said that he believes the autopen issue is a nonstarter and a distraction.

The argument that the pardon fails because it was signed by an autopen fails at the get-go, because theres no requirement that the pardon even be signed, he added.

Andrew Moran, a politics professor at London Metropolitan University, told BBC that earlier presidents have used autopen. On lower-level importance documents, its not unusual for an autopen to be used.

But I would have thought that with something as serious as a pardon Biden would have actually signed it [by hand], he said.

According to a 2005 memo by the Justice Department during the George Bush administration, the President is not required to physically sign a bill for it to become law. The President need not personally perform the physical act of affixing his signature to a bill he approves and decides to sign in order for the bill to become law, it read.

Rather, the President may sign a bill  by directing a subordinate to affix the Presidents signature to such a bill, for example by autopen, the document said.

Even if Trump were to challenge Bidens pardons in court, he may not win.

Speaking to BBC, Professor Erin Delaney, director of the Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism at UCL, said that Trumps efforts to revoke Bidens pardons would be a violation of unwritten constitutional norms.

Experts say that if Trump tries to prosecute someone who received a presidential pardon, the case is expected to reach a court where it would not stand. I cant imagine the court saying that it wasnt a valid pardon because of the autopen issue, Meyler told Time magazine. Biden made statements regarding these pardons, so it would be hard to show that they werent a decision of the President.

On Monday afternoon, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, was asked whether administration lawyers had told Trump that he had legal powers to rescind Bidens pardons signed using an autopen.

To this, she replied that the US president was just begging the question whether his predecessor was even aware of the pardons that were signed. She went on to postulate that Biden may not have known about some pardons but admitted that she had no evidence to prove it.

For now, it is unclear what legal path Trump plans to take to undo Bidens orders.

With inputs from agencies
A 45-year-old woman in Kolkata has been diagnosed with human coronavirus or HKU1. According to a report, the woman had been suffering from a persistent fever, cough, and cold for the past 15 days. HKU1 is a type of virus that mainly affects the lungs and respiratory system read more

Human coronavirus HKU1, commonly known as Betacoronavirus hongkonense, is a type of virus that mainly affects the lungs and respiratory system. Representational Image

A 45-year-old woman in the West Bengal capital, Kolkata, has been diagnosed with human coronavirus or HKU1.

According to a report, the woman had been suffering from a persistent fever, cough, and cold for the past 15 days.

At the moment, she is in a private hospital in South Kolkata under medical monitoring, and her condition is stable.

The hospital has said that this is an isolated case.

However, they have advised staying cautious and preventing its spread.

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Heres all we know about the virus.

What is human coronavirus HKU1?

Human coronavirus HKU1, commonly known as Betacoronavirus hongkonense, is a type of virus that mainly affects the lungs and respiratory system.

It was first discovered in 2005 and is part of the same family as SARS, MERS, and Covid-19, as per The Times of India.

HKU1 (Hong Kong University) can affect both humans and animals.

Common human coronaviruses (HCoVs), a class of viruses different from COVID-19 that have been circulating in human populations for decades, have come back into the spotlight as a result of the case.

Even though they are not thought to be harmful, they still cause seasonal respiratory infections and need to be addressed, especially in the fall and winter months when these illnesses are more common.

Image used for representative purpose/ Pixabay

Also read: Is HMPV similar to Covid-19? Should you be worried?

How is it different from Covid-19?

Common human coronaviruses, including NL63, OC43, HKU1, and 229E, are not to be confused with Covid-19. Covid-19 killed millions of people, shredded economies and crippled health systems.

In contrast to Covid-19, a novel virus, HKU1 is typically a milder form of respiratory illness and does not have the potential to produce a pandemic, according to reports.

Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, tells The Indian Express that coronaviruses are of several kinds, and COVID-19 was a novel virus that caused the global pandemic, bringing the world to a halt. Unlike COVID, HKU1 is not a novel virus and most people come in contact with it at some point in their lives, which lasts for a limited period.

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So there is no need to panic over it," he said.

What are its symptoms?

HKU1s symptoms are similar to regular flu symptoms.

These include runny nose, fever, coughing, wheezing, headache and sore throat, as per US-based Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, in some cases, especially when left untreated, human coronavirus can result in bronchiolitis and pneumonia, since it infects cells along the airways, it can descend to the lungs.

Also read: German intelligence concluded Covid virus came from Chinese lab, govt blocked findings: Report

How is it transmitted?

The virus spreads like other coronaviruses.

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets are released into the air, and contaminated surfaces are touched before the sick persons face, mouth, or nose is touched.

Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with immune-compromised conditions or with co-morbidities need to be cautious of its severity.

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Also read: New XEC COVID variant spreads across the world: How contagious is it?

How can it be prevented?

Human coronaviruses do not have a vaccine or particular treatment. However, symptom management can facilitate a comfortable recovery.

It is a self-limiting illness that goes away on its own.

Another option is to bring back the Covid time regimen, which entails stringent guidelines like washing your hands, wearing a mask in crowded places, covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze, avoiding touching your face if your hands are dirty, eating healthily, and drinking plenty of water.

To lessen fever and sore throat, doctors advise rest, fluids, and over-the-counter drugs.

Congestion can also be reduced by taking a hot shower or using a room humidifier.

However, if your symptoms worsen or you do not feel better in a few days, it is advised to consult your doctor.

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With inputs from agencies

Also read: China finds new coronavirus that can infect humans just as Covid-19 did
Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights the Wests hypocrisy in trying to dominate global diplomacy. He gave the example of how the West transformed Pakistans invasion of Kashmir into a territorial dispute, while addressing the complex situation in Afghanistan at the Raisina Dialogue read more

At the Raisina Dialogue, Indias External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, spoke candidly about the need to work for establishing an international order in the same way as governments try to maintain domestic order. He gave examples of the Wests hypocrisy in dealing with problems, particularly of the Global South, explaining how an invasion of Indian territory by Pakistan was converted into a territorial dispute between the two countries.

Speaking on the Wests approach to the Kashmir issue, Jaishankar said India has the presence of the longest illegal presence or occupation of a foreign power in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh  where territories were illegally occupied by Pakistan through invasion in 1947, only two months after India was partitioned at Independence, and by China through the decades of 1950s and 1960s.

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He also spoke about the Wests geopolitics of convenience with regard to Afghanistans turbulent political landscape in the view of Talibans rise, fall and rise over the past few decades. Jaishankar emphasised the role of the West in shifting the narrative of Pakistans invasion of Kashmir from an act of aggression to a diplomatic dispute. He said, We went to the UN over what was an invasion. It was turned into a dispute Attacker and victim were put on par. Who were the culpable parties? Australia, Canada, Belgium, the UK and the USA

Jaishankar pointed out the hypocrisy in international diplomacy, noting that countries like Australia, Canada, Belgium, the UK, and the USA were complicit in this misrepresentation. He recalled how Indias appeal to the United Nations was met with an equalisation of culpability, despite the clear aggressor being Pakistan.

In his comments on Afghanistan, Jaishankar also criticised the Wests inconsistent approach, drawing attention to the paradoxical situation where the same Taliban leaders who were welcomed in the Doha and Oslo processes are now being denounced for Afghanistans deteriorating situation. He quipped about how the Taliban, once considered extremists, were now dressed in suits and ties, yet still regarded as a serious international concern.

Jaishankars remarks brought attention to the ongoing contradictions in global politics, where nations often wear a diplomatic veneer over unresolved issues.
We believe in freedom of speech within legal boundaries. We expect protests to be lawful. If there are violations, our police enforce the law. We understand Indias concerns but also uphold our democratic values. Any actions must comply with New Zealands legal framework, said New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon read more

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Tuesday reaffirmed his countrys commitment to upholding freedom of speech within legal boundaries as he addressed Indias concerns regarding the rising Khalistani activities in his country.

In an exclusive interview to Network 18s Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Luxon said, We believe in freedom of speech within legal boundaries. We expect protests to be lawful. If there are violations, our police enforce the law. We understand Indias concerns but also uphold our democratic values. Any actions must comply with New Zealands legal framework.

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https://youtu.be/rOLt2gtVghM?si=gxmfxTIFkQ4obepO

Luxon described his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as really warm, highlighting a strong personal rapport and shared objectives aimed at delivering results for their respective populations.

I think weve got a very strong personal relationship. I really enjoy his company. We think very similarly about our objectives and how to deliver results for people. There is a lot of complementarity in this relationship, said the New Zealand Prime Minister.

Luxon said both India and New Zealand want to deepen defence and security ties, economic and trade ties, and people-to-people connections.

We spent quite a bit of time in our bilateral meetings talking about the opportunities in education and sport, which help build better societal connections. We both want peace and security in the region because security enables prosperity, he added.

Talking about trade, Luxon acknowledged the momentum in discussions, although he refrained from linking it directly to global shifts, including the impact of Donald Trumps tariff policies.

We started wanting to change the relationship when I came to power 16 months ago. Even in opposition, I was committed to improving ties with India. I appreciate that the global environment has changed, but there was always a real commitment to deepening this relationship. We moved quickly to build relationships, which led to my state visit and the kickoff of comprehensive FTA agreements. We know there will be sensitive issues, but we are determined to move as quickly as possible, said Luxon.

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When questioned about his remark that New Zealand is an attractive destination for anyone looking to take shelter from the global storm and whether it was aimed at Trump, he clarified, It was just an acknowledgment that the world is more volatile and uncertain. New Zealand is open for trade and investment, a safe haven in a volatile world, and a country that wants to grow. We recently hosted investors from 16 countries, representing $6 trillion in capital, to showcase our investment opportunities. People see New Zealand as a great place to invest.

Luxon outlined his plans for collaboration with India on Indo-Pacific security, emphasising that while India is positioned on one side of the Indo-Pacific, New Zealand complements that presence from the other end.

India is on one side of the Indo-Pacific, and New Zealand bookends it on the other. We have strong Pacific and Southeast Asian relationships and close ties with Australia. There is much more we can do in defence and security. We are leading the Command Maritime Force 150 programme, with India as deputy commander. We have a frigate coming to Mumbai this week. Joint exercises and training will help build stronger defence cooperation, added Luxon.

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When asked what sort of threat does the Chinese military pose to regional peace as tensions have built up in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, he said, Weve seen increased activity, including a Chinese flotilla in the Tasman Sea and an ICBM missile landing near Tahiti. Weve lived in a benign environment, but thats changing. Security is necessary to ensure prosperity. We urge all sides to avoid tensions because conflict causes economic pain and suffering. The war in Ukraine has shown the far-reaching consequences of instability.

Speaking about his experience in India so far, Luxon described the visit as absolutely fantastic and highlighted his warm rapport with PM Modi.

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Meeting Prime Minister Modi, he and I have hit it off very well, said Luxon.

Luxon emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between India and New Zealand.

Ive brought the largest delegation thats ever accompanied a New Zealand Prime Minister overseas. It has business leaders, community leaders, and also our Indigenous kapa haka Maori performing arts team as well. Were having a lot of fun, seeing a lot of people, and learning a lot in the process, which will help us set up for the future that we want to see between these two great countries, he added.

Reflecting on his long-standing admiration for India, Luxon recounted his early exposure to the country while working for Unilever, where he developed a deep respect for the talent emerging from India.

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He praised Indias dynamism and innovation, observing the remarkable progress made over the past three decades, particularly in reducing poverty.

When you think about, as I said yesterday, 250 million people lifted out of poverty  thats not just a statistic. It represents a real impact on individuals and families, giving them a different set of choices about how they live their lives. Thats what our job as political leaders is  to create opportunities so people get to live better lives. Whether youre in New Zealand or India, its the same challenge, said the Prime Minister.

Luxon concluded by underscoring the critical role of India as a regional and global player, asserting that the potential for collaboration between the two countries is immense. We need to move it from neutral into gear and get it moving, he said, highlighting the shared challenges both countries face in creating opportunities for their citizens.
Beijing meeting on Iran's nuclear issue backs rule of law, multilateralism: Iranian official

Xinhua) 11:24, March 18, 2025

TEHRAN, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The recent Beijing meeting between China, Russia, and Iran on the Iranian nuclear issue has helped lay the cornerstone for backing the rule of law at the international level and promoting multilateralism, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday.

"In the meeting, the cornerstone was laid for a constructive and fruitful process for the three countries as well as supporting the rule of law at the international level and promoting multilateralism," Baghaei told a weekly press conference.

Expressing gratitude to China for hosting the meeting and to Russia for its participation, Baghaei said such meetings will continue in the future.

China always plays a "constructive and contributing" role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and as part of the negotiation processes pertaining to the Iranian nuclear issue, he added.

On Friday, deputy foreign ministers of China, Russia and Iran held a meeting in Beijing in a fresh bid to strengthen communication and pave the way for the resumption of talks concerning the Iranian nuclear issue.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the three countries emphasized the necessity of terminating all unlawful unilateral sanctions, and reiterated that political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect remains the only viable and practical option.

China and Russia welcomed Iran's reiteration that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes, and not for development of nuclear weapons, and also welcomed Iran's commitment to full compliance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement, supported Iran's policy to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and stressed the need to fully respect Iran's right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy as a State Party to the NPT.

In July 2015, Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with six major countries -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United States, accepting restrictions on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

However, during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term of office, the United States withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Three years later, it does look like Im the one that got egg on my face because clearly, the policy has meant that India has actually a prime minister who can hug both the president of Ukraine and the president of Russia two weeks apart, Tharoor said read more

Shashi tharoor reflected on his stance on the position India took on the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, in the countrys parliament, was one of the most vocal opponents of the stance India had taken on the Russia-Ukraine war back in 2022 when the conflict began.

Now, over three years down the line, he admitted at the Raisina Dialogue forum that it looks like he has egg on his face from taking that position.

In 2022, Tharoor had accused the government of going silent on the Russia-Ukraine war.

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Russia is a friend and there could be some legitimate security concerns but for India to go suddenly silent on it will be seen as a disappointment by Ukraine and its friends. Its a pity that India has gone silent, he had said.

Egg on my face

At Raisina Dialogue 2025, Tharoor was asked whether, given the state of play right now with Russia-Ukraine war and US President Donald Trumps position, he was glad that India took the position it did?

Tharoor responde, Im still wiping the egg off my face because I was the one person in the parliamentary debate who actually criticised the Indian position back in February 2022 on the grounds that there was a violation of the UN Charter that there had been a violation for the principle of the inviolability of borders, of the sovereignty of a member state, namely Ukraine, and that we had always stood for the inadmissibility of the use of force to settle International disputes and all of those principles. I said these have been violated by one party and we should have condemned it.

Tharoor went on to admit, Three years later, it does look like Im the one that got egg on my face because clearly, the policy has meant that India has actually a prime minister who can hug both the president of Ukraine and the president of Russia two weeks apart.

He highlighted that due to that policy, India is in a position where it can make a difference to a lasting peace.

Distance helps. The fact that were not in Europe and were not directly one way or the other threatened, and that we dont benefit from any change in territorial borders, for example, that helps.

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Will India send peacekeepers to Ukraine?

Tharoor was also asked whether it was possible that India would send peacekeepers to conflict-hit zones, including Ukraine.

He mentioned that that decision would be dependent on a variety of factors.

The fact that the two parties seem to be ready to agree to peace, the fact that there would presumably be some very serious International backing for an international peacekeeping venture All of those things have to be borne in mind. For an Indian government person making such a decision, those considerations would really have to be uppermost before they say yes or no.

However, he did exude optimism regarding the matter. I can see it entirely possible that in these circumstances that India would say yes.

He went on to mention that India has got a quarter of a million peacekeepers around the world in its history. New Delhi has participated in some 49 peacekeeping missions, he said. So this is a country with an extensive record of having gone out to places far removed from Indias direct interest in order to serve the cause of peace. So why not?

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New Zealands Luxon spoke at Firstposts IdeasPod as part of the Raisina Dialogue, explaining his countrys concerns in a fast-changing world and expressed optimism about a stronger relationship with India read more

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has shared his optimistic vision for his countrys future, stressing the importance of global collaboration and the immense opportunities available for growth. Speaking at Firstposts IdeasPod as part of the annual Raisina Dialogue organised by Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Luxon highlighted New Zealands potential to strengthen ties with India, emphasising the shared benefits of their partnership.

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Were in a world of opportunities, and New Zealand is blessed, Luxon remarked, referencing Indias remarkable achievement of lifting 250 million people out of poverty. The Prime Minister pointed to the digital revolution, which has transformed the global landscape, and noted that the shift towards powerspanning economics to securityfurther underscores the need for countries to have the freedom to choose their own paths.

Luxons personal connection to India runs deep. Having spent his younger years here, he has developed a profound respect for the country. India is significant for business, but the talent that has emerged from India is the most profound. I have huge respect and admiration for India. India and New Zealand should be really close friends, Luxon expressed.

He even spoke of plans for a future six-month tour of India after his retirement, a testament to his strong affection for the nation.

He said, India is a country I got to know well in my young years. India is significant for business, but talent that has come out of India is the most profound. I have huge respect and admiration for India. India and New Zealand should be really close friends. I love India.. After retiring, I have discussed with my wife, [about] a 6-month tour of India.

Luxon outlined the potential areas for collaboration between India and New Zealand. With New Zealands thriving AI sector and a robust technological environment, Luxon sees opportunities to work together in space, renewable energyespecially wind and solarand in sports. Sport has a huge benefit for young people, he said, recognising its potential to build stronger people-to-people connections.

Luxon is in New Delhi for bilateral meetings and to participate in the Raisina Dialogue, the annual gathering of world leaders to discuss geopolitical and geoeconomic aspects of the world. As part of his India tour, Luxon will also be holding meetings in Mumbai, Indias financial capital.

On this tour, Luxons focus has been on deepening relations with the Indian government. He said the bilateral ties are not just about diplomacy; the two nations must work harder to foster stronger connections between their peoples. We need to work even harder to get the people-to-people connection growing, he stressed.

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India and New Zealand can collaborate on space. New Zealand has an AI environment and a good tech world. We can also offer the transition to green energy with wind and solar, he said.

While New Zealand is geographically isolated, Luxon reaffirmed the countrys commitment to sovereignty and global participation. We may be a small country, but we stand up strongly for sovereignty. We have a 15-year defence plan and are actively involved in the region, Luxon said, citing the presence of military ships from Australia and other nations in the region.

On the topic of New Zealands role in the Indo-Pacific, the Prime Minister emphasised the countrys strategic position as a bridge between Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America. Despite its smaller economy, New Zealand is contributing significantly to advancements in space, renewables, and AI. We may be a small economy, but we have a lot to offer the world, Luxon affirmed.

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When asked about New Zealands potential to become a global hub for innovation and ideas, Luxon was enthusiastic: It would be brilliant to have a Raisina Dialogue in New Zealand. We have a lot to offer.

With the geopolitical situation changing fast with China becoming increasingly assertive in the Indo-Pacific and US President Donald Trump pressing the reset button to rejig the long-established world order, New Zealand looks to navigate its place on the global stage. Recently, Chinas naval live drills near New Zealand triggered a security concern for both New Zealand and Australia. Both countries expressed dismay in the manner China held its naval live drills. Against this backdrop, Luxons vision for a stronger, more influential country is likely to resonate well with India which also looks to see a promising future growth and collaboration with the countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

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India and New Zealand aim to sign a free trade agreement in the next two months, New Zealands Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Tuesday, a move that could expand bilateral trade in agricultural, aerospace and renewable energy sectors read more

Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal speaks in the final hours of negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) biennial gathering of ministers, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on March 1, 2024. Reuters File

New Zealands Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Tuesday said India and New Zealand are set to sign a free trade agreement within the next two months.

This agreement could boost bilateral trade in sectors such as agriculture, aerospace, and renewable energy.

Negotiations for the trade pact resumed after a decade-long pause, following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Luxon during his visit to India.

Lets drive this relationship forward, and I look forward to signing that agreement with Prime Minister Modi in 60 days, Luxon told a gathering of business leaders.

Negotiations are taking place amid rising global trade tensions, following US President Donald Trumps decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on imports from several countries, including India.

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In response to US policy, India is ramping up efforts to secure trade agreements with the European Union and the United Kingdom.

According to data from Indias trade ministry, bilateral trade between India and New Zealand increased by over 30% year-on-year, reaching $1.2 billion in 2024.

Indias Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal indicated that a proposed free trade agreement with New Zealand could significantly enhance bilateral relations in sectors such as agriculture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and tourism, with the potential for trade to grow tenfold within a decade.

The huge amount of opportunity in innovation that comes out of New Zealand can reach the whole world through India, Reuters quoted Goyal as saying.

Manufacturing (and) producing in India for the world at competitive prices can help us take this partnership to greater heights, he added.

However, analysts warn that trade negotiations could face delays due to differences over tariffs on dairy products and non-trade issues.

Indian negotiators have resisted pressure to lower tariffs ranging from 30% to 60% on agricultural products, particularly dairy, in free trade talks with several partners including the European Union and New Zealand, arguing it could threaten the livelihood of millions of small farmers.

Goyal said both countries plan to accelerate negotiations while respecting each others sensitivities.

Ive always said that no free trade agreement is ever negotiated with a gun on anybodys head, he said.

Luxon said New Zealand expected an enhanced partnership with India in the fields of aerospace and renewable energy, among others.

With inputs from agencies
Nepals Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, along with other international leaders, including New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, is attending the Raisina Dialogue read more

Nepals Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba on Monday stated that Nepal is concentrating on a closer relationship with India by expanding commerce and collaborating on global concerns.

We are focussing on closer relationships, vis a vis trade, especially energy trade and trade of our goods and maybe legalising our borders and working together on global issues also we hope to be working together. Deuba stated.

Arzu Rana Deuba, along with other international leaders, including New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, is attending the Raisina Dialogue.

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Tanja Fajon, Slovenias Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, stated that she had a fruitful discussion with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Speaking with ANI, Fanjon said that Slovenian companies are interested in investing in the Indian market.

We had a very fruitful discussion. India and Slovenia developing cooperation in the fields of science, innovation, technology, and energy, so we discussed bilateral issues, but also geopolitics because India is a very important partner to Slovenia, the European Union. Slovenia is a non-permanent member of the Security Council, so we are really trying to build to secure future in the world. So we need like-minded countries, Fanjon said.

There is a huge interest of companies from the Slovenian side and also India to invest. In Slovenia, we have most North Adriatic port Cooper, which is the shortest maritime way to reach European markets from Asia. And not only that, for example, we had recently had very good cooperation in the field of science, she added.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Mongolia to India, Ganbold Dambajav, highlighted the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Our two countries have a long history We consider India as our most important neighbour in this region. As of today, we commemorate 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and India. Both nations are enjoying strategic partnership relations I am confident that in the future we will have a good and robust economic cooperation, Ganbold Dambajav

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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 inaugurated the Dialogue on March 17.
Nearly 3,700 attendees and over 800 speakers and delegates from around 130 countries worldwide will attend the Raisina Dialogue read more

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with his Netherlands counterpart Ruben Brekelmans in Delhi on Tuesday. Before the meeting, the two leaders shook hands and warmly greeted each other.

Brekelmans is on a visit to India to attend the Raisina Dialogue, which is underway in New Delhi from March 17. Raisina Dialogue 2025 is being hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF). It is Indias premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community.

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Also Read: Europe must get its act together: Netherlands warns of post-Ukraine security threats

Nearly 3,700 attendees and over 800 speakers and delegates from around 130 countries worldwide will attend the Raisina Dialogue. The participants include serving and former heads of state, ministers and lawmakers, diplomats, policy planners, military leaders, heads of multilateral institutions, business chiefs and eminent thinkers. The theme of this years Raisina Dialogue is Kalachakra: People, Peace, Planet.

Earlier this month, Netherlands Ambassador to India, Marisa Gerards, said that India and the Netherlands have a very strong bilateral relationship.

We have a very strong bilateral relationship. We go back a long way. We were one of the first countries who recognised the independence of India. We have a lot of trade and investment, she said.

Speaking to ANI, Gerards said that the Netherlands is 4th largest foreign investor in India, and 300 different Dutch companies are active here.

We are the 4th investor in your country. About 300 different Dutch companies are very active. Also the other way around, we have quite some Indian companies who are also investing in the Netherlands. What were working on right now is a strategic partnership to see how we can do more on trade and investment. How we can do more on security, for example, but also do more on innovation and research, and then we have a wide range of different sectors where we work together like on water management, health, agriculture, very important on energy, ports and logistics and climate, and in all these different sectors, innovation and high tech research, its all key. And this is, I think, the overview, and its a very strong relationship, she said.

However, Gerards still feels that there is a lot more to do. She said that they will do more work in the green energy sector.

I think theres a lot of room to do more. Green energy, green hydrogen is very high on our agenda as well. Were also working together with the union government, but also here in Gujarat. We have quite some companies who are working in your ports, Port of Rotterdam, which is the gateway to Europe, the biggest port of our continent, is also very keen and very interested to see how we can do more in this area of green energy and green hydrogen as well, she said.

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Perus Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo on Tuesday said that Peru and India have gravitational attraction and that this natural affinity should be formalised through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) read more

Perus Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo on Tuesday said that Peru and India have a gravitational attraction and that this natural affinity should be formalised through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Salcedo expressed enthusiasm about the evolving relationship between India and Latin America, particularly with Peru, and highlighted the potential for increased collaboration in areas such as trade, security, and critical minerals.

He noted that Peru and India, both cradles of ancient civilizations, are currently negotiating an FTA, which he believes will pave the way for further joint initiatives.

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Speaking at Firstposts IdeasPod as part of the annual Raisina Dialogue, Salcedo said, We have, if you allow me, Peru and India have a gravitational attraction to themselves and this ought to be strengthened and formalised by FTAs, said Salcedo, adding that Peru and India, both cradles of ancient civilizations, are currently negotiating an FTA, which he believes will pave the way for further joint initiatives.

Salcedo noted that Peru has successfully navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and is now experiencing significant economic growth, reporting a GDP increase of 3.3% annually.

Concerning Peru, in the economic aspect, I have to say that after the pandemic, which was a down for every single country in the world, we have recovered quite well. Then we had a two or three years of a stalled economic growth, but now we are growing at at a pace which is one of the best, 3.3 % GDP yearly in growth. One of the better numbers of Latin America. So we are working hard, he said.

He described Perus diversified export economy, which is heavily reliant on minerals and agricultural products, including blueberries and asparagus, and acknowledged the persistent challenges of poverty that require both wealth generation and equitable distribution.

We have a very diversified export economy which is basically based in minerals, several minerals amongst them, many of these so-called critical minerals and of course Agri business. We are now world leaders in two or three agricultural products, like for example blueberries or asparagus, or even artichokes. So I think we are doing quite well. We of course need to grow much more. The needs in Peru are still large. We have roughly under 1/3 of the population living under so-called poverty line, which we of course didnt have to do two things, generate wealth, generate richness, and then distribute this richness, this worth accordingly. That is what we are now doing. added Perus Foreign Minister.

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Discussing Perus involvement in various trade agreements, Salcedo mentioned the countrys participation in APEC, CPTPP, and Mercosur, which collectively account for 94% of Perus trade.

We have 23 agreements signed with many countries of all parts of the world that cover basically 94% of our trade. So in this sense, unless theres something very, very serious going on, we have a very stable scenario for our products. That doesnt mean that we are actively looking for alternatives that in one case we have we should we have problems or there would be problems in one or two areas, how can we reconduct those those products. Luckily enough, Peru is basically a prime matter or commodity exporting country. We are striving to become also an exporting country of more specialised products. But right now our products can be easily reconducted in one or the other areas. Should one of these third area have a problem, he said.

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On the geopolitical front, Salcedo addressed concerns regarding increasing competition between the US and China in Latin America.

He argued that while some perceive a rivalry, Peru remains focused on development and maintaining an active neutrality. With trade between China and Peru currently surpassing that with the US, Salcedo pointed to substantial investment opportunities in Perus infrastructure and mining sectors, inviting Indian investors to participate.

As discussions turned to critical minerals, Salcedo highlighted Perus reserves of zinc, copper, and lithium, expressing a desire to increase local processing capabilities to retain value within the country.
I believe that diplomacy is always the first thing to do, violence is never the right answer. I had a phone call with President Putin, and I told him, that to start a war is easy, but to end a war, thats leadership, said Luxembourgs Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel read more

Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel in conversation with ORF India's Chairman Sunjoy Joshi at Firstpost's Ideas Pod as part of the Raisina Dialogue on Tuesday. Image Courtesy: Firstpost

Luxembourgs Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel on Tuesday said that during his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin he told him that to start the war is easy but to end it requires true leadership.

Speaking with ORF Indias Chairman Sunjoy Joshi at Firstposts Ideas Pod as part of the Raisina Dialogue, Bettel said, I believe that diplomacy is always the first thing to do, violence is never the right answer. I had a phone call with President Putin, and I told him, that to start a war is easy, but to end a war, thats leadership.

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Expressing strong support for Ukraine, Bettel said that no decisions about the war-torn country should be made without its involvement.

We cannot decide peace without Ukraine around the table. So how do we get back to the table? Every possibility to have talks and to come to a ceasefire is the first step. But we cannot decide what is the future of Ukraine without Ukraine. We all want peace. Your Prime Minister (PM Modi) wants peace. President Trump wants peace. And believe me, the one who wants the most peace are the Ukrainians, he added.

On ties with India, he said Luxembourg is looking forward to a trade agreement with New Delhi, and the two countries can collaborate more on space exploration.

Bettel said that Luxembourgs success has stemmed from collaboration with various partners, including India, particularly in sectors like health and space.

We are also now active in space, in space mining, where we even work together with India, he said.

He said that India is Luxembourgs 36th or 37th trading partner and expressed a desire to strengthen these relations further.

Bettel underscored that trade agreements should create win-win situations, opposing the populist view that only focuses on the negatives of globalisation.

With inputs from agencies
Flagging the threats that might arise in the absence of an international order, he said, Its not just big countries who will benefit if there is no world order. Any country which will have extreme positions will use disorder to its advantage, Jaishankar said read more

On the second day of Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, Raisina Dialogue, a high-powered panel that included Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar touched on various topics, including the need for a global order and threats posed by risky countries, even if they are relatively small in size.

While taking part in a panel discussion on the theme Thrones and Thorns: Defending the Integrity of Nations, Jaishankar mentioned Pakistan in the context of the global order.

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The minister mentioned that an international order is necessary for the world similar to how a domestic order is crucial for a nation.

Risky country status not dependent on size

Flagging the threats that might arise in the absence of an international order, he said, Its not just big countries who will benefit if there is no world order. Any country which will have extreme positions will use disorder to its advantage, he said, in what appeared to be a dig aimed at Pakistan.

He mentioned clearly that to be a risky country, one does not need to be a big one as is evidenced in the case of Pakistan, which India says continues to sponsor terrorism (despite dwindling resources).

While speaking about the inconsistencies int he present international order, and the need to audit it, he also used the example of Pakistani aggression to illustrate his point.

After second World order, the longest standing illegal occupation by another country pertains to what we saw in Kashmir. When we went to the United Nations, what was an invasion was made into a dispute. The attacker and the victim were put on par.

Jaishankar mentioned that UK, Canada, Belgium, Australia, USA were the culpable parties. We speak today of political interference. When West goes into other countries it is democracy in danger. When others come to West, its malign interference! Its important to audit the working of the world, he said.

The double standards of rule-makers, rule takers

Further critiquing the old international order that has existed in more or less a similar form since the end of the Second World War in 1945, he said [it] was a product of its times. The rule-makers and rule-takers had somewhat different perspectives. If it suits your interest somebody is good or not good. And you apply that order for same issues differently.

Afghanistan ruled by Taliban 1.0 was welcomed in Oslo. One British General described them as a country boys with their own honour code. You have extremists with suit and tie and thats okay, Jaishankar said.

Former Prime Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt, Liechtensteins Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dominique Hasler

Juraj Blanar, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Slovak Republic

Dubai Abulhoul, Founder, Fiker Institute, United Arab Emirates

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The increasing alienation of the Baloch population due to deprivation of democratic and economic rights, use of force to suppress protests and growing incidents of enforced disappearances has fuelled anger, particularly among the youth read more

On March 11, while the Jaffar Express, a train that travels once a week from Quetta to Peshawar, was travelling through the rugged mountains of Balochistan, it suddenly came under attack in the Bolan Pass. Amongst its passengers were military personnel of 12 Corps and Pakistans prestigious Staff College, who apparently travel in civilian clothes for fear of being targeted.

Members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) exploded an IED and brought the train to a halt before storming the carriages and taking passengers hostage. Thereafter, Pakistans security forces were locked in a tense standoff with the terrorists in one of the most brazen attacks Pakistan has ever witnessed.

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Under Operation Green Bolan, which lasted over 36 hours, Pakistans militarys media wing claimed that 354 hostages had been rescued while 33 terrorists involved in the attack were killed. However, 26 hostages lost their lives, including 18 military and Frontier Corps personnel, three railway employees, and five civilians.

The casualty count could rise, as 37 of the rescued hostages sustained injuries and are being treated at hospitals, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.

As per their reports, the hostages were released in three phases: first, a group of Baloch locals was freed by the terrorists after ethnic profiling, in what the Director General of ISPR termed a deceptive perception manoeuvre.

The second group escaped when Frontier Corps snipers created an opportunity for them to flee, although a couple of passengers lost their lives when terrorists fired at them.

The third and final group was rescued during the clearance operation by the Special Services Group (SSG), which successfully neutralised the remaining terrorists aboard the train. No hostages were killed during the final assault, he said.

Then again, on March 16, Baloch insurgents attacked a military convoy in Pakistan; as per the BLA, as many as 90 military personnel were killed in this attack.

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The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 now ranks Pakistan as the worlds second most terrorism-affected country, after Burkina Faso. According to the report, terrorism-related deaths surged by 45 per cent in 2024 to 1,081, while attacks more than doubled from 517 to 1,099.

Groups such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and separatist outfits such as the BLA have intensified their campaigns, exploiting the nations deepening economic instability and political turmoil following the ouster of former premier Imran Khan in 2022.

The fall of Kabul in 2021 and the subsequent return of the Taliban to Afghanistan have emboldened terror outfits, including the TTP, while also fuelling violence from the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). At the same time, Pakistans growing alliance with China has strained its relations with the US, leading to a decline in American support.

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Recent Incidents

However, this is no isolated incident, with several others standing out for their scale, sophistication and lethality. The escalating insurgency has exposed Pakistans weakening grip over its restive provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as both terrorists and separatist groups grow bolder.

On March 4, two suicide bombers affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a North Waziristan-based terror outfit, drove vehicles packed with explosives into a military base in KPs Bannu District. The attackers subsequently stormed the compound, resulting in at least eighteen deaths, including five soldiers, and numerous injuries. A day earlier, on March 3, a female suicide bomber of the BLA targeted a security forces convoy in Balochistans Kalat, leading to the death of a paramilitary soldier and injuring four others.

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Before that, the Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), an umbrella grouping of Baloch insurgent organisations, announced plans to intensify the blockade on all important highways of Balochistan to disrupt the logistical, economic, and military interests of the state.

Last month, a suicide bombing targeted a mosque within the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Nowshera District, an institution historically linked to the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan. The attack killed six, including the seminarys vice principal and former senator Maulana Hamidul Haq. On February 19, seven labourers hailing from Punjab were killed aboard a bus en route to Lahore.

These are some of the major incidents that made headlines in the last month alone, which reflect the evolving tactics of terror outfits, their growing brazenness, and their increasing operational capabilities.

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Baloch groups, particularly the BLA and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), have significantly escalated their insurgency in 2024, targeting Pakistani security forces, infrastructure, and foreign investments. Their operations have intensified, with attacks surging from 116 in 2023 to 504 in 2024, while deaths quadrupled from 88 to 388, according to the terrorism index.

The Usual Statements

A day after the hijacking of the Jaffar Express ended , Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif went to Quetta to take stock of matters he reiterated the need for national unity at this time of crisis, and acknowledged that the lack of development in Balochistan was an obstacle to eliminating terrorism. The Foreign Office, meanwhile, reaffirmed the militarys earlier assertion that the train hijacking had been coordinated from Afghanistan, while notoriously adding that India is  sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan, which New Delhi rightly rejected as a claim without any proof and asked Islamabad to introspect.

Earlier, Pakistan had repeatedly been raising concerns about the Afghan Talibans lack of action regarding Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Now, it feels that BLA terrorists are being allowed to entrench themselves across the border and plan attacks on Pakistan. The Pakistani government blaming the Taliban has stated that unless action is taken against all anti-Pakistan terrorists on Afghan soil, bilateral ties will not improve.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained due to frequent border skirmishes and Islamabad repeatedly demanding that Kabul take action against the banned TTP for using Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan. Kabul denies the allegations. Though there is no doubt the pullout of the US from Afghanistan has resulted in weapons falling into the hands of these groups.

Speaking during the UN Security Council (UNSC) on 14 March, Pakistans Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Munir Akram stated: Pakistan will continue to take all necessary measures to eliminate the terrorist threats to our national security in accordance with our right to self-defence.

Akram said that the Taliban had failed to address the threat posed to the region and beyond by other terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaeda, the TTP and Baloch terrorists, including the BLA and the Majeed Brigade, which are present in Afghanistan. The TTP also receives external support and financing from our principal adversary, the envoy said in an apparent reference to India, again a move by Pakistan to cover up its own failures.

Lt Gen Sharif, the DG ISPR, linked the attack to Afghanistan, stating that the hijackers were in constant communication with their handlers across the border but also said that in this terrorist incident in Balochistan, and others before, the main sponsor is your eastern neighbour. He, of course, offered no proof to support the accusation.

The Indian government has categorically rejected Pakistans allegations. We reject the baseless accusations made by Pakistan. The whole world knows where the epicentre of global terrorism is. Pakistan should look within itself instead of blaming others for its internal problems and failures, Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Afghanistan also denied any connection between the attackers and its territory. Pakistan should focus on its security and resolving its internal issues instead of making irresponsible statements, a statement from Kabul read.

What Fuelled the Growth of Baloch Militancy

While there is unanimity regarding the states right to the use of force to fight terrorism. But there is also a need to look at the roots of the political unrest that feeds insurgency.

Pakistan has failed to address the true needs and aspirations of the tribal population. A lack of genuine engagement led to the rise of additional armed separatist groups, which now not only target Pakistani security forces and Chinese interests but also attack migrant workers.

In fact, the increasing alienation of the population due to deprivation of democratic and economic rights, use of force to suppress protests and growing incidents of enforced disappearances has fuelled anger, particularly among the youth. This has provided the separatist groups with increasing sympathisers and recruits. There is no doubt that failure to address the genuine demands of the people has resulted in the rise of such attacks.

Tariq Khosa, a police officer who served in Balochistan and was the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency, wrote an article on how state atrocities turned Dr Allah Nazar, a gold medallist from Bolan Medical College, into a dissident and the manner in which the leadership of Baloch dissidents passed on from tribal sardars like the Marris, Mengals and Bugtis to the lower-middle- and middle-class youth.

The policy of persecution turned a young doctor, Mahrang Baloch, whose father was murdered, into a leading human rights activist against alleged enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Her increasingly vocal Baloch rights-based movement, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC or Baloch Unity Committee), comprising mainly of women activists, is gaining in popularity. Opposing violence, she has said that the solution to the Balochistan conundrum lies in the rule of law, which those in power dont want because chaos strengthens their grip on power.

Pakistan has a strange relationship with democracy, including foisting an unrepresentative government on its people. Mandates are denied, winners declared losers, and even court judgements are flouted to stop one party from gaining its rightful share. This is having an impact and leads to a strong sense of alienation.

It is apparent that the Baloch militants now seem to have a stronger support base that allows them to operate effectively. In June, Pakistan launched Operation Azm e Istehkam, a counterterrorism operation; the present violence is being seen as a retaliation. Pressing ahead with a militarised security approach to address the crisis is an indication that lessons from the past have not been learnt. Alienation and apathy from the state can lead to disastrous consequences.

Conclusion

With terror networks expanding and state authority eroding, Pakistans security challenges are reaching a breaking point. Pakistan, while feeling the pinch of terrorism in its west and making cliched and baseless statements alleging the role of India, has fuelled the terrorism in its eastern border with India in J&K and Punjab.

The question now is whether the government can reclaim control or whether the insurgency will further spiral out of hand. Instead of showing any empathy and compassion to the Baloch people, Pakistan has gone for a hammer-and-tongs approach.

While there is a visible security angle to the Balochistan crisis, at its heart it is a political problem, which needs a political solution. Anything that allows the ranks of separatists to increase as a result of recruiters exploiting state-created circumstances also needs to be addressed.

The current round of insurgency in Balochistan has raged for almost two decades and was triggered by the regime of General Pervez Musharraf, who had announced, They wont know what hit them. Unfortunately, Pakistan does not know what has hit them.

The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
How much of Ukraines territory that Russia currently holds remains with it permanently could be the focus of the Trump-Putin talks. Putin is unlikely to surrender an inch read more

With the ball now in Trumps and Putins court, Europes role may be limited. Representational image/Reuters

United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to speak on the phone on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Will the two leaders find a way to end the debilitating conflict now in its fourth year?

Trump responded aboard Air Force One on his way to Washington: Maybe we can, maybe we cant, but I think we have a very good chance.

A division of land and assets, including power plants, could be on the agenda in the Trump-Putin call. Putin will be a hard nut to crack for Trump. He will use a chess Grandmasters tactic of the Queens Gambit to checkmate Ukraine while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his European allies seethe on the sidelines.

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Russia wants a permanent solution to the conflict, not a 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine could use to regroup and rearm with US and European weaponry.

Moscow also wants to highlight the root cause of the conflict. The provocation for Russias invasion of Ukraine lay at several inflection points between 1989 and 2022.

In 1989, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed to demolish the Berlin Wall and reunify West Germany with East Germany.

In 1991, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev received the following pledge from US President George H. Bush and his Secretary of State James Baker III: once the Soviet Union is dissolved, and the Warsaw Pact Powers abolished, NATO will not move an inch eastwards from West Germany.

That promise was broken almost immediately.

Within years of taking office as US president in January 1993, Bill Clinton began planning NATOs future expansion. The Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary became NATO members in 1999.

Between 2001 and 2009, under President George W. Bush, nine more countries were admitted to NATO: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Albania and Croatia.

In order to placate Russia while planning NATOs expansion, the West in 1997 made Moscow a member of the exclusive G7 club, renamed the G8 to include Russia. Putin, who took office as Russian President in 1999, saw through the artifice but played along, hoping that NATOs eastwards expansion would now stop.

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It didnt. By 2009, NATO had doubled from 16 members in 1991, when the Soviet Union was dissolved, to 32 members in 2025. Two countries (Finland and Sweden) joined NATO during the current Russia-Ukraine war, taking Western missiles to the doorstep of Russia.

Putin had warned Western political and military leaders at the 2007 Munich Security Conference that NATO expansion was provocative and unacceptable. Russia, he said, would respond.

The West, confident in the status of the US as the worlds sole superpower, ignored Putins 2007 Munich warning. It had helped dismember Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Without authorisation of a UNSC resolution, NATO bombed Serbia for 78 continuous days in 1999. The US and the UK invaded Iraq, again without UNSC authorisation, on the false pretext that it possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

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In February 2014, the US organised a CIA-led coup in Ukraine to overthrow pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Putin had by now seen enough. He annexed Crimea in March 2014 and sent troops into ethnic Russian-majority eastern Ukraine a month later.

Not one inch eastwards

For over 30 years, from the 1990s to the 2020s, NATO expanded not just one inch eastwards but thousands of miles eastwards, brazenly breaking the solemn pledge President Bush (senior) and James Baker III had given President Gorbachev.

It was this betrayal that brought NATO to the doorstep of Russia. By 2022 only Ukraine remained a buffer.

Had Russia placed ICBMs in South and Central America gradually over 20 years, from Chile and Venezuela to Colombia and Guatemala, the US would have created a second Cuban Missile crisis before the Russian missiles had even reached their silos.

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President Trump, unlike President Joe Biden, has publicly acknowledged that NATOs eastwards expansion is the root cause of the conflict in Ukraine. He has, unlike Biden, publicly ruled out Ukraines future membership of NATO.

To agree to a truce, however, Russia will seek the following:

One, freezing the Ukrainian battlefield with 20 per cent of the territory Russia holds in eastern Ukraine to remain a permanent Russian buffer zone.

Two, a formal treaty with the West that bars Ukraine from NATO membership.

Three, a permanent truce, not a 30-day ceasefire that helps Ukraine regroup and rearm.

Four, an end to the supply of Western weaponry to Ukraine.

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Five, a fair division of land and assets.

For Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, these conditions are deal-breakers. He has the backing of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. But neither Britain nor France has the army to fight Russia without America. The British army, for example, is down to 74,000 soldiers. Thats less than the number of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers killed every year in the three-year war.

Zelenskyy had agreed to a ceasefire three years ago at a meeting in Istanbul in March 2022, within a month of the Russian invasion. But President Biden rushed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Kyiv to urge Zelenskyy to fight on. The idea was to weaken Russia militarily on the battlefield and economically with sanctions. That would complete the Wests agenda to end Russias great power status.

The last time America intervened to stop Britain and France from imperial overreach was in 1956 when it stopped the two European powers from militarily seizing the Suez Canal from Egypt.

With the ball now in Trumps and Putins court, Europes role may be limited. Putin has rejected European troops as peacekeepers. He will seek UN peacekeepers in a demilitarised buffer zone.

How much of Ukraines territory that Russia currently holds remains with it permanently could be the focus of the Trump-Putin talks. Putin is unlikely to surrender an inch.

The writer is an editor, author and publisher. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
G7 meetings have traditionally been more consensual than confrontational. A failure to present a united front could have emboldened China and Russia to exploit divisions among the Western bloc read more

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly speaks during the G7 foreign ministers meeting in La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada March 13, 2025. Alongside Joly are European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. SAUL LOEB/Pool via REUTERS

Canada hosted the recent Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers meeting, skilfully managing the evolving dynamics of US foreign policy on key international issues, particularly Ukraine and Gaza. This diplomatic achievement is even more significant given that Canada navigated this complex landscape amidst its own governmental transition at the time of the meeting.

Concerns were raised that shifting US positions and attitudes towards Canada, the host nation, might impact the success of the meeting. Such concerns echoed past G20 summits where consensus was hard to achieve. However, G7 meetings have traditionally been more consensual than confrontational. A failure to present a united front could have emboldened China and Russia to exploit divisions among the Western bloc.

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Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly prioritised unity while facilitating rigorous discussions on contentious topics. Notably, US Secretary of State Marco Rubios participation raised questions about whether his positions accurately reflected those of the White House, highlighting concerns over potential American unilateralism.

A significant point of contention was the US approach to Ukraine. Washington sought to insulate its ongoing diplomatic efforts with Russia and Ukraine, conducted in Saudi Arabia, from broader G7 deliberations. Similarly, in the context of the Middle East, the US was cautious about allowing G7 discussions to interfere with its engagements involving Israel and Arab states.

Another major divergence was the US reluctance to criticise Russias shadow fleets, used to circumvent sanctions by transporting energy to buyers. Ultimately, this issue was addressed in a separate statement on maritime security rather than in the main communique. Additionally, the US advocated for stronger language regarding China in the final G7 statement.

The G7 communique explicitly opposed any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through coercion, a stance likely to be welcomed by Taiwan. A dedicated session on the Indo-Pacific allowed ministers to exchange views on regional security and economic challenges. The G7 consensus now recognises the increasing interconnection between European and Indo-Pacific security. Japans leadership in promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific received strong backing from the G7.

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Beyond the Taiwan Strait, the G7 expressed concerns about North Koreas nuclear and missile developments, cyber warfare, and cryptocurrency-related challenges. A separate session on strategic cooperation examined North Korean troops joining Russia in the Ukraine conflict, illustrating the widening impact of North Koreas actions beyond East Asia. The discussion underscored how North Koreas activities, traditionally a concern for Japan, now pose broader threats, including to Europe, particularly given incidents of submarine cable sabotage and disinformation campaigns.

Canadas initiative on maritime security was well received, reinforcing alignment among European, Canadian, and Japanese perspectives. The G7 members unanimously supported the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a notable stance given that the US itself is not a signatory.

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The broader discussion on maritime security led to a dedicated G7 Foreign Ministers Declaration, which underscored the link between international security, economic prosperity, and sustainable marine resource use. The declaration made it clear that Chinas actions challenge these priorities and must be addressed.

The final G7 communique dedicated seven of its 22 paragraphs to the Ukraine crisis. It notably identified Chinas provision of weapons and dual-use components as enabling Russias war effort, highlighting the need to counteract these actions. Regarding the Middle East, four paragraphs addressed regional instability, emphasising Irans role in exacerbating tensions and stressing the necessity of curbing its nuclear ambitions.

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In the Indo-Pacific, six paragraphs articulated serious concerns about the East and South China Seas. The G7 opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo, particularly by force or coercion. Specific criticism was directed at Chinese coast guard manoeuvres and the use of water cannons against Philippine and Vietnamese vessels, tactics aimed at asserting control over key maritime routes. The communique reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and rejected unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force. Additionally, the G7 expressed support for Taiwans meaningful participation in international organisations.

The G7 also voiced unease over Chinas growing military capabilities, particularly its expanding nuclear arsenal. The statement called for Chinese engagement in strategic risk reduction negotiations conducted transparently. Furthermore, the G7 highlighted concerns about Chinas efforts to undermine democratic institutions, its non-market economic policies that distort global markets, and its restrictive export control measures that threaten supply chain stability.

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Despite these criticisms, the G7 asserted that its stance was not aimed at curbing Chinas economic growth. The group maintained that a prosperous China, operating within international norms, aligns with global interests. However, the G7s latest position on China reflects a shift toward a more assertive approach, aligning closely with the Japan-US perspective. Unlike past statements, this one omitted reference to One China policies and earlier commitments to maintaining constructive and stable relations with China.

Compared to the G7s November 2024 foreign ministers statement, the latest communique introduces a new focus on Chinas nuclear buildup while simultaneously omitting previous references to human rights violations in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. Additionally, prior reassurances regarding non-decoupling and maintaining open economic ties with China were removed.

Overall, the G7s evolving stance suggests a harder line on China, particularly in security matters. While some European members may prefer a more balanced approach due to economic dependencies on China, the overall trajectory reflects growing alignment with the tougher US-Japan position.

In response, China dismissed the G7 statement, claiming it ignores facts and Chinas solemn position, grossly interferes in Chinas internal affairs, and blatantly smears China. This reaction underscores the widening gap between China and the G7, particularly as Western nations adopt a more critical stance towards Beijings policies and international conduct.

The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
There will be no concessions on territory, sovereignty, claims Ukrainian FM Sybiha but his nervousness is evident read more

Its not a good time to be the Ukrainian foreign minister. Ukraine has its back to the wall, it has already lost 20 percent of its territory to Russia, and Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from all but a sliver of land in Russias Kursk region, where it had made some gains in the hope of using it as a bargaining chip in negotiations.

Donald Trump famously told Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House that he has no cards, and well may the Ukrainian president put up a brave face and military analysts sympathetic to Ukraine portray otherwise, the situation looks increasingly grim.

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Ukraine cant get enough men at the frontlines, Russia is slowly making inroads, and Ukraines biggest benefactor has told them very simply that the war must end, for which Ukraine must make concessions. Ukraine may choose to ignore the Trump-led US, but without American funds, military support, intelligence and Starlink support from Trump ally Musk, theyd be sitting ducks before Russian forces, European hand-wringing notwithstanding.

So, when the Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha sat down with Firstpost managing editor Palki Sharma for a conversation at Firstposts IdeasPod during the ongoing Raisina Dialogue, he understandably sounded defensive.

Ukraine has reluctantly agreed to a temporary ceasefire and the minister kept repeating that his country wants just, comprehensive, lasting peace and demands a response from Russian side for unconditional ceasefire.

Just, comprehensive, lasting peace is the other way of saying that Ukraine wont make any territorial concessions, but the trouble is, Ukraine is in no position to make any demands.

Putin, on the other hand, is. He has already clarified to the US, that is pushing the Russians to accept the ceasefire deal, that it sees the temporary pause as nothing but a chance for Ukraine to strengthen its ranks, and any ceasefire discussion must follow his terms and conditions, that include suspension of arms and military equipment to Ukraine, security guarantee for Russia, addressing broader territorial disputes to ensure lasting peace, neutral status for Ukraine, monitoring of ceasefire violations, and a formal decision to bar it from joining security alliances such as NATO.

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Thats a difficult package of terms for Ukraine to swallow, and it wasnt surprising to see Sybiha take a maximalist position when pushed on the issue.

He accused Russia of not wanting to recognise Ukraine as an independent state, and added, Ukraine will never accept restriction on the military. There is no possibility of (anyone) restricting our choice to become a member of any union or any alliance. There will be no compromises of our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ukraine will never recognise any part of territories occupied by Russians. These things are crucial and fundamental in our peace process.

It is not clear, however, whether this maximalist position has any pragmatic basis. To a question on what leverage Ukraine has to make Russia accede to its demands, the foreign minister took recourse to rhetoric.

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I believe in our strength, our people, our soldiers. Our morale is strong. We need support of international community because it is about principles.

Its going to take something more tangible than just morale to turn the tide. At the time of writing, Trump is scheduled to speak to Putin over the phone later on Tuesday, and the fate of the ceasefire hinges on the deal that both leaders make, regardless of Ukraines objections.

This is a staggering display of power play between two big actors and is indicative of the harsh geopolitical climate that lies ahead where Ukraine is more of a chess piece on the board than a player of any consequence.

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It was interesting to see the Ukrainian foreign minister alternate between bravado and despair during the chat. He claimed that Ukraine has prevailed despite Russia being 26 times bigger than Ukraine and has nuclear capacity, and stated that we prevailed and managed to liberate 50 per cent of occupied territories. We managed to establish the grain corridor in the Black Sea and to restrict the capacities of the Russian Black Sea fleet. Our economy works and Russia has not occupied any strategic area.

And yet, asked if Ukraine is at its weakest now, Sybiha admitted, this war is not about Ukraine, but UN charter territorial integrity. We need the support of international community and partners  diplomatic support, economical support, and humanitarian support  because it is in the interest of all countries to prevent the same development in other geographies.

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Though Trump has framed Ukraine as the responsible actors behind the conflict, and has sought to strike a deal behind its back with the Russians, Sybihas admission that Ukraine still needs American support and leadership betrays the desperation behind the bravado.

The Ukrainian foreign minister said that his country has diplomatic tools to make Russia comply, and claimed, we believe diplomacy will work. Lets give a chance to diplomacy. Despite the maximalist positions in public, the occasional nervousness does slip by.

The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, has urged Zelenskyy to sit across the table with Putin to end the war. Ukraine should pay attention to his wise counsel.
The Indian foreign minister at the ongoing Raisina Dialogue called the old order a product of its times and indicated that those extolling its virtues were the rule makers whose perspective would always be different than the rule takers or those who are on the receiving end of the application of those rules read more

S Jaishankar is a hard man to be cornered. His recent comments to London-based Financial Times, that the virtues of the old world order are exaggerated, has expectedly stirred controversy and offended the defenders of the post-1945 order. The trouble with the defenders  the Europeans, for instance, who are still pining for the rules-based order despite Donald Trumps savaging of it simply because the setup had been profitable for them  is that they are not ready to accept the bias that is baked into the system in their favour.

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It easy for the Europeans, from that vantage point, to therefore assume absolutist positions such as Carl Bildt did at Tuesday mornings panel at the ongoing Raisina Dialogue. To the former Swedish prime minister, the world must support Ukraine and take a position against Russia because Ukraine is about international law, not just European valuesrespecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to him, Russias invasion violated this principle.

The issue with these normative positions is that the positions become untenable in absence of consistency. For Europe to be taken at its word, it must be consistent in its approach in applying the principles of territorial integrity, but these so-called normative powers are experts at bending the rules in accord with their self-interests when it suits them.

Trust Jaishankar to cut through the narrative. He called the old order a product of its times and indicated that those extolling its virtues were the rule makers whose perspective would always be different than the rule takers or those who are the receiving end of the application of those rules.

His message to the normative powers was stark. If you capriciously you know If it suits your interests somebody is good, not good and you apply that order to the same country on the same issues differently.

I havent seen too many from the Indian side in recent times cite Kashmir as the example of the Wests duplicity on international laws and territorial integrity, but the foreign minister pulled no punches.

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We all speak of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Its a vital principle, a bedrock of global rules. After the Second World War, the longest-standing illegal occupation of a territory by another country pertains to India, what we saw in Kashmir."

When we went to the UN, what was an invasion was made into a dispute. So, the attacker and the victim were put on par. Who were the culpable parties? UK, Canada, Belgium, Australia, USA. So, pardon me, I have some question marks on that one I can give you many more. We speak today of political interference. When the West goes into other countries (for interference), its apparently to preserve democratic freedoms. When other countries come into the West, it is malign intention.

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The minister also gave the example of Western deceit on Taliban. The same Taliban which was an outlier, was welcomed in the Doha process, welcomed in Oslo at that time people were okay with it. Today again we are saying, Taliban is doing all these not so good things You had a British general describing the Taliban once as country boys with their own honour code. Now, so when it suits you to deal with the Taliban, they are okay. When it is not, they are not okay. You are an extremist today, you wear a suit and tie, you are okay (referring to Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of the US-designated terrorist outfit Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, currently in power in Syria). You know, I think I have a problem with that all," said Jaishankar.

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Calling for a strong UN, the external affairs minister said, we need a strong UN, but a strong UN requires a fair UN. A strong global order must have some basic consistency of standards. We have military crews to our east in Myanmar. They are no-no. We have them even more regularly to the west. You know where? They seem to be okay. I think its important to audit the working of the world for the last eight decades and be honest about it We need a different conversation.

To a question from the moderator, Ashok Malik, on how India sees itself, the minister laid out Indias self-perception in four dimensions. To him, India is a member of the Global South because it is impossible to appreciate Indias position without being cognisant of Indias colonial history".

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India also sees itself as a democracy and a market economy, and according to Jaishankar, our choice to become a democracy in the 1940s drew on our own traditions".

Third, he said in a way we have navigated, adapted to a world which has not always been kind to us, we have developed a certain skill (dexterity). We have a five-year, ten-year, long view of things.

The fourth character that defines India, as the fifth largest economy and the most populous country, is an advocate for a multipolar world, where India is concerned to think how to become a leading power.

The writer is Deputy Executive Editor, Firstpost. He tweets as @sreemoytalukdar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Africa is now positioning itself at the forefront of the Web3 revolution, charting a path that diverges sharply from the deregulation-driven models of the West read more

Representations of the Ripple, Bitcoin, Etherum and Litecoin virtual currencies are seen on a PC motherboard in this illustration picture. Source: REUTERS.

Despite having been around for quite some time, cryptocurrency is still a nascent field. It is often viewed as a financial sector limited to those with either deep knowledge or deep pockets.

The fact that almost all discourse around crypto has been so West-centric has not helped this perception.

But what if that wasnt the case anymore? What if the Global South had its own trailblazer to look up to?

This is not a far-fetched idea. Africa is ready to cinch this position and lead the way.

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The continent is now positioning itself at the forefront of the Web3 revolution, charting a path that diverges sharply from the deregulation-driven models of the West.

A different kind of regulation

The key, according to leaders like Del Titus Bawuah of Web3 Africa, is not to rebel against government institutions but to collaborate with them.

Del Titus Bawuah, CEO of Web3 Africa Group speaks to Firstpost on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2025.

A well-structured regulatory framework is better than no regulation at all, Bawuah told Firstpost while speaking at the IdeasPod as part of the Raisina Dialogue 2025. Neither crypto nor government can exist in isolation.

Rather than stifling innovation, clear guidelines on taxation, compliance, and security could create an environment where businesses and consumers feel safe using crypto for everyday transactions.

It is a perspective that runs counter to the prevailing crypto ethos in much of the world, where many see government oversight as an impediment to innovation. But Africas digital finance pioneers are betting that a hybrid approachone that fosters collaboration between policymakers and Web3 entrepreneurswill provide the stability needed for long-term adoption.

Taxation, for instance, is a key concern in discussions with African central banks. Governments need to reclaim revenue, Bower notes. Crypto adoption shouldnt just benefit entrepreneurs it should provide financial sovereignty to nations, allowing them to reinvest in infrastructure, education, and innovation.

Building for inclusion, not just speculation

In places like Ghana, Web3 Africa has taken a hands-on approach, working alongside the Central Bank of Ghana to create a policy framework that supports cryptocurrency adoption without destabilising financial institutions. Unlike Western economies, where cryptocurrencies have often been perceived as speculative assets, the focus in Africa is on utility. The goal is to integrate blockchain technology into everyday transactions in ways that are as seamless as swiping a credit card or using mobile banking.

Africans already use digital financial systems in their daily lives, Bower explains. Mobile money is the backbone of financial transactions on the continent. Crypto just needs to be the next logical step.

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Education as the foundation

One of the most radical elements of Africas Web3 strategy is its emphasis on education. Recognising that long-term adoption requires widespread digital literacy, Web3 Africa is working to integrate blockchain education into school curriculums. We need to start now, Bower insists, so that in ten years, todays students will be the creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals shaping the industry.

The initiative is not limited to formal education. Web3 Africa has partnered with financial institutions to offer certification programs that help individuals and businesses navigate the crypto ecosystem. By providing accessible learning tools, the hope is to make blockchain technology an intuitive part of economic life.

Looking ahead, Bower envisions a future where cryptocurrencies are seamlessly embedded in Africas financial ecosystem. Well see stablecoins facilitating trade, decentralized digital assets becoming the norm, and KYC (Know Your Customer) processes revolutionized by blockchain.

Africas regulatory-first, inclusion-driven approach to Web3 could serve as a global model for how emerging economies can leapfrog traditional financial barriers while maintaining economic stability.

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Tulsi Gabbard mentioned that even in the four years that President Trump was not in office, he and PM Modi continued to build upon the close friendship that they had inculcated read more

The United States Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard hailed the friendship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

Answering a question by Observer Research foundation (ORF) President Samir Saran on the direction of India-US relations, Gabbard said, I think what we saw with PM Modis early visit to Washington was a reconnection of of two old friends.

In February this year, PM Modi had met President Trump during an official visit to Washington. Conversations had spanned trade, defence cooperation, and immigration, among other pertinent bilateral issues.

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Tulsi Gabbard mentioned that even in the four years that President Trump was not in office, he and PM Modi continued to build upon that friendship.

Gabbard went on to say, Obviously, thats a personal friendship but its one that is indicative of their approach to leadership and their priorities of listening to the needs of their respective people and setting policy, and taking action towards serving their best interests.

She said that the US administration under President Trump has been engaging with their international partners from day one, including with allies in partnerships like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). With regards to quad and the other relationshipsboth he [Trump] and his team, our cabinet, has already been engaging really from day one with our partners, she said.

Gabbard clarified that the new administrations America First approach should in no way be understood as America alone. She highlighted that Washington values its international partners and places importance on events like Raisina Dialogue, which present an opportunity to sit down and talk to people face-to-face to work on common bilateral concerns.

I can speak for myself, within 12 hours of being sworn in as the director of National Intelligence. I was on a plane and headed to Munich for the security conference there, where I had the opportunity to meet with Close to 30 of my counterparts from different parts of the world. And what Ive enjoyed and appreciated about being able to be here is to join all of you, she said.

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During a conversation with Lukhanyo Neer, Chief Operating Officer, of Thabo Mbeki Foundation, former Prime Minister of Mali Mousa Mara said that the continent needs to prioritise its own interest first read more

Former Prime Minister of Mali Mousa Mara said that the countries in Africa should build strong democratic institutions so that no one can take advantage of the regions resources. The remarks from Mara came during his conversation with Lukhanyo Neer, Chief Operating Officer, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, South Africa, at Firstpost IdeasPod. The panel also included Comfort Ero, President and Chief Executive Officer, of International Crisis Group, the United Kingdom.

When asked about the rising mineral diplomacy and how External actors are taking interest in the resources Africa has to offer, both Mara and Ero emphasised that the countries need to strengthen their government and political institutions before getting involved with global actors.

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If a state is weak, external forces will take advantage. That is why we must build strong, democratic institutions capable of managing our resources, former Mali Prime Minister averred. I am not against resource deals, but Africa must prioritize its interests in the short, medium, and long term. We should work with whoever respects our sovereignty and benefits our people, he added.

Referring to her experience working in the region, Ero recalled that the continent has witnessed several resource-driven conflicts. Africa has always been subject to resource-driven conflicts. When I started my career, Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia were embroiled in conflicts fueled by diamonds and timber, she said. When weak governance and external interests collide, conflicts emerge, she added.

Global order & Africas position

With the two wars raging on in the world, West has been increasingly distracted by crises in Europe and the Middle East. When asked about what would happen to the continent it Western nations withdrew from peacekeeping and mediation efforts, Ero noted that the US is not withdrawing from the continent, it is redefining its engagement.

The US is not withdrawingit is redefining its engagement. It wants to renegotiate the terms of its global influence. The real question is, who will step in to fill the vacuum? she asked. China is not ready to take on this role. Other nations may try to dismantle global structures that do not serve their interests. The real issue for Africa is whether our institutions and leaders are prepared to take responsibility.

For too long, African leaders have talked about African solutions for African problems but have failed to take real action. These conflicts have international consequences, and the global community cannot just step back and expect Africa to handle them alone. she furthered.

The need for African Unity

Mara emphasised that to make an impact at the global level, the continent needs to unite. Look at how African nations voted on Ukraine at the UNsome supported it, some opposed it, and some abstained. As long as Africa remains divided, we will not have a strong voice on the global stage, he said.

We must speak with one voice, especially on major issues like climate change and UN reforms. Unity is the key to seizing this moment, the former Mali premier added. Ero said that the continent can bring long-lasting speech to the region by committing to the African Union.

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We need real commitment to implementing the African Unions Constitutive Act. If it were followed properly, we would see a very different continent, she explained. Leadership is the answer. Five to seven key African countries must take chargeNigeria, South Africa, and others must step up. Nigeria, in particular, should not be inward-focused but should lead West Africa and even the continent, Mara added.

When asked about ECOWASs inconsistent approachsuspending countries, then lifting suspensions, the former prime minister said: The problem with military rulers is that they are not fit to govern. They do not understand the complexity of governance. They only know how to use force.

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We must talk to them, pressure them, and use civil society to demand their withdrawal from leadership. Military rule cannot solve Africas crises, he added. ECOWAS was once a model for regional security, making the critical decision to prioritize security for economic integration. But today, we see a reversal of fortunes. The multilateral bodies on the continent are struggling to respond effectively, even though they have all the necessary information, Ero averred.

Its not about missing warning signsits about political will. Its about deciding that these crises require immediate attention rather than rushing to peacekeeping, she concluded. Both delegations emphasised that the foundation of governance in African nations needs to strengthen before one talks about regional stability.

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Latvia Foreign Minister Baiba Braze said China was not identified as a threat in Europe, adding that the designation was only reserved for Russia for now. She added it was important to have respectful dialogue with China read more

Marcos Perestrello, president of NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Latvia Foreign Minister Baiba Braze at Raisina Dialogue event in New Delhi

Marcos Perestrello, president of NAthe TO Parliamentary Assembly and a member of the Portuguese Parliament, said Tuesday (March 18) that China was a partner for everybody and we need to deal with it.

Perestrello was speaking alongside Latvia Foreign Minister Baiba Braze at Firstposts IdeasPod as part of the annual Raisina Dialogue organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Calling China an important supplier, he said it would always be an important market but cautioned we cant depend on it.

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Its a strategic competitor, he said.

Not a threat

Meanwhile, Latvia Foreign Minister Baiba Braze said China was not identified as a threat in Europe, adding that the designation was only reserved for Russia for now.

Russia has been identified officially as a threat for Euro-Atlantic security because of its aggression against Ukraine. So, from our perspective, its pretty straightforward, she said.

She added it was important to have respectful dialogue with China with regards to Europes economic partnership with Beijing.

She highlighted the huge trade deficit between Europe and China in the latters favour, saying it was difficult for European companies to enter Chinese markets.

The EU has been pretty open about opening its markets and letting countries and their products compete, but in the same time, entering Chinese markets, its very difficult, she stated.

Security aspect

Braze also spoke about Chinas growing military muscles and called for more transparency about objectives.

She said Chinas nuclear ambition and capability would soon reach the level of the US and Russia. She stated that it was challenge for the whole world that Chinas nuclear warheads are growing rapidly.

I think its crucially important to have transparency about objectives, to have transparency about possible verification, to have those talks, to have those sort of strategic balance, engagements, she suggested.
Since returning to office, Trump has intensified tariffs on Chinese goods over trade imbalances and fentanyl. His actions have resulted in the worlds two largest economies getting locked in a cycle of tit-for-tat tariffs read more

Donald Trump hints at Xi Jinping visit to Washington amid trade tensions

US President Donald Trump has suggested that his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, will visit Washington in the not too distant future, as speculation mounts over a potential summit between the two leaders.

The remark comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the worlds two largest economies, which have been locked in a cycle of tit-for-tat tariffs.

Trump hints at meeting with Xi

Trump made the comment on Monday (March 17) while discussing urban beautification efforts in the US capital, describing Washingtons highways as old and bad. He argued that the city should be cleaned up ahead of Xis potential arrival, particularly by addressing homelessness and graffiti.

Here its really bad[]and it looks terrible, Trump said.

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Reports earlier this month suggested that Trump could visit China as soon as April, although no official dates have been confirmed.

According to the South China Morning Post, Trump had hoped to host Xi at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where they previously met in 2017. However, Beijing is believed to prefer a more formal diplomatic setting, either in Washington or by inviting Trump to China.

The Wall Street Journal has also reported that officials from both sides have discussed a possible birthday summit in June, the birth month of both leaders.

Despite Trumps past assertions that he and Xi got along very well during his first term, relations between the US and China soured amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

More recently, Trump has spoken of the potential for the two nations to solve all of the worlds problems together. Nevertheless, his administration has continued to escalate trade tariffs against Beijing.

During his first term, Trump launched a trade war with China, accusing it of unfair economic policies. In 2018, he signed an executive order imposing tariffs of up to 25 per cent on Chinese imports worth $300 billion. The US trade deficit with China peaked that year at $419 billion and stood at nearly $300 billion in 2023, a 5 per cent rise from the previous year.

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US-China trade war under Trump 2.0

Since returning to office, Trump has intensified tariffs on Chinese goods while also targeting Mexico and Canada over trade imbalances, immigration, and the fentanyl crisis. While Mexico City and Ottawa have sought negotiations, Beijing has responded with countermeasures, imposing 10-15 per cent tariffs on American agricultural products and sanctioning certain US companies.

Chinas foreign ministry struck a defiant tone earlier this month, warning that Beijing was prepared for a prolonged confrontation. If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, were ready to fight till the end, a spokesperson said.

With diplomatic tensions running high, a meeting between Trump and Xi could mark a pivotal moment in US-China relations. Whether it leads to a thaw in trade hostilities, however, remains to be seen.
Gabbard, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a three-day visit, spoke about the ideology of an Islamic Caliphate and how extremist elements and terror groups globally aim for such an outcome read more

Professor Muhammad Yunus interim administration criticised US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbards remarks on the alleged persecution of minority populations in Bangladesh, claiming that her views were not based on any evidence or specific allegations.

They (Gabbards comments) paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush, the chief advisers office stated in a verified Facebook post just after midnight Monday.

It said that Gabbards comment to an Indian television channel was misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh, a nation whose traditional practice of Islam has been famously inclusive and peaceful and that has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism.

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The US spy chief, now in India, earlier on Monday said the longtime unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration."

In an interview with the TV channel, Gabbard alleged persecution and killing of religious minorities in Bangladesh and that the threat of Islamic terrorists in the country was rooted in the ideology and objective to rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate.

She said US President Donald Trumps newly begun talks with Bangladeshs interim government on the issue while The talks are just beginning between President Trumps new cabinet coming in and the Government of Bangladesh, but this continues to remain a central focus area of concern".

But the chief advisers office said groundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an Islamist caliphate undermined the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who were committed to peace, stability, and progress.

It said Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of Islamist caliphate.

Political leaders and public figures should base their statements, especially about the most sensitive issues, on actual knowledge and take care not to reinforce harmful stereotypes, to fan fears and potentially even stoke sectarian tensions, Yunuss office said.

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Gabbard, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a three-day visit, spoke about the ideology of an Islamic Caliphate and how extremist elements and terror groups globally aim for such an outcome.

The Chief Advisers office, however, said Bangladesh, like many countries around the world, faced challenges of extremism, but it has continuously worked in partnership with the international community, including the US, to address these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other counterterrorism efforts".

In support of our shared global efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, the Interim Government of Bangladesh remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue based on facts and on respect for the sovereignty and security of all nations, the statement read.

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Hun Sen ruled Cambodia with an iron fist for nearly four decades, shutting down multiple independent media outlets, and the kingdom places near the bottom of international press freedom rankings read more

Cambodias Hun Sen has backed US President Donald Trumps move to axe Voice of America and other US-funded broadcasters, which have long been critical of the influential former strongman.

Hun Sen ruled Cambodia with an iron fist for nearly four decades, shutting down multiple independent media outlets, and the kingdom places near the bottom of international press freedom rankings.

Trump signed an order on Friday freezing VOA, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe and other outlets as part of his sweeping cuts to federal government spending.

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Hun Sen welcomed the move, praising Trump for his courage to lead the world in combating fake news, starting with news outlets funded by the US government.

This is a major contribution to eliminating fake news, disinformation, lies, distortions, incitement, and chaos around the world, coming from the propaganda machine that President Trump has stopped funding, Hun Sen said in a statement issued late on Monday.

The veteran leader, who handed power to his son Hun Manet in 2023, has been the subject of critical reporting by VOA and Radio Free Asia.

Hun Sen said he told Trump during an ASEAN-US summit in the Philippines in 2017 that the lack of trust in the United States by some countries also stems from the US media, which misleads those countries into believing that it is the position of the US government.

Critics accused Hun Sen during his time in power of using intimidation and legal tactics to wipe out all opposition to his rule.

Press freedoms have long been under attack in Cambodia, with The Cambodia Daily shuttered in 2017 and a score of outlets closed the following year ahead of the 2018 elections.

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In February 2023, online Khmer and English-language outlet Voice of Democracy (VOD) one of Cambodias last independent media organisations  stopped broadcasting in the country.

Hun Sen ordered its licence revoked over what he said was an erroneous report about his eldest son.

High-profile Cambodian reporter Mech Dara, who won an international award for uncovering alleged cyber scams, quit journalism in November, saying he had lost courage after being arrested by the authorities.

Another Cambodian journalist, Chhoeung Chheung, died in December after he was shot while investigating illegal logging in the countrys northwest.

Concerns over press freedoms in Cambodia were further fuelled earlier this year when a British journalist with US-based conservation news website Mongabay was blacklisted and barred from re-entering the country.

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Since 1994, at least 15 journalists have been killed in the Southeast Asian country, according to the Cambodian Center for Human Rights.
Ruben Brekelmans said that steps must be taken to stop the Russian aggression but they should not be rewarding to Russia because a scenario like that would cause more hostility that would not only affect Ukraine but also the rest of Europe read more

Ahead of the much-anticipated Putin-Trump talks on the Ukraine war, the Netherlands has warned Europe to get its act together as negotiations are underway to bring peace to the country.

Talking to Harsh V. Pant, Vice President of Observer Research Foundation (ORF) at Firstposts IdeasPod as part of the annual Raisina Dialogue organised by ORF in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said that the European Union is in touch with both the US and Ukraine. He, however, added that we need to get our act together as a bloc.

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When asked what Europe thinks about the negotiations that seem to suggest that each side has to make concessions and how the bloc is responding to the truce talks, Brekelmans said, We are working hard to come up with a proposal on how a military engagement by European countries could look like. I think its very important that we do this homework quickly because otherwise we know we will not have a seat at the table. But we are now working on this and I think were making progress on this.

Europe needs to do more for its security

Commenting on US President Donald Trumps shifting focus, the Netherlands Defence Minister said that Europe needs to improve its defence for its own security.

I think whats fundamental is that we keep our defence and deterrence in order. So any Russian demands on troops pulling back from former Soviet states is unacceptable because we in NATO and in the EU, decide on our own defence, he said.

#RaisinaDialogue2025: Speaking at the Firstpost Ideas Pod at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, Ruben Brekelmans (@RubenBrekelmans), Minister of Defense, The Netherlands talked about the future of the European Union as a security actor.



Catch the full coverage on Firstpost: pic.twitter.com/hpor0PedyN  Firstpost (@firstpost) March 18, 2025

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Brekelmans added that Europe should be more self-reliant and invest more in its security. We need to do more as European countries ourselves, so we need to invest more. There are also some strategic capabilities in which we are fully dependent on the United States. What we need to do is create a common road map with them so that we can also show overtime how we are taking over some of the responsibilities so the United States can put their attention and some of their strategic resources elsewhere.

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Cant reward Russia

Brekelmans said that steps must be taken to stop the Russian aggression but they should not be rewarding to Russia because a scenario like that would cause more hostility that would not only affect Ukraine but also the rest of Europe.

So what we should do in the short term is make sure that we keep supporting Ukraine, that they will hold the line and they will have a stronger position at the negotiation table. We need to create peace through strength, which means that we need to create robust security guarantees in Ukraine so that Russia is not able to regroup itself and to prepare for future aggression in Ukraine.
Despite its military might, the United States lacks the capability to sustain a two-front war, making simultaneous conflicts against Russia in Europe and China in the South China Sea an unsustainable endeavour read more

A panel discussion on The Continent Debates: Europes Role in the World at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi on March 18, 2025

Europes role on the global stage is undergoing a transformation. As a new America emerges, shifting its focus to domestic priorities and unilateral strategies, Europe is reassessing its trajectory. The continent is investing in security, technology, and infrastructure to bolster its influence in an increasingly multipolar world. The key question remains: how can Europe redefine its strategic role while ensuring a balanced partnership with a changing United States?

Strengthening Europes strategic influence

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The discussion at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 on Tuesday in New Delhi highlighted the urgency for Europe to step up as a decisive player in global affairs. Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg, emphasised that Europe must act with unity and resolve, particularly on the issue of Ukraine.

Nothing on Ukraine without Ukraine, Bettel asserted. It cannot be that leaders sit around the table making decisions for Ukraine while it remains on the menu rather than at the discussion table. He highlighted Europes historical lessons, drawing a parallel to World War II, when outside forces attempted to dictate the continents fate. He drew attention to the necessity of supporting Ukraine while maintaining a firm commitment to international rules.

Path toward a European defence framework

The necessity of reinforcing European defence cooperation was a major point of discussion. Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, championed the idea of a coalition of the willing, stressing the importance of flexible partnerships instead of waiting for consensus among all 27 EU member states.

European countries should do more in terms of defence, Brekelmans said. We need to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions. A group of like-minded nations can accelerate defence capabilities by pooling resources and setting up joint production lines for essential military equipment.

His remarks resonated with the ongoing EU discourse on increasing strategic autonomy. While collective defence under Nato remains crucial, a growing number of leaders acknowledge the necessity of Europe developing its own operational capabilities.

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Economic sustainability amid defence expansion

Diego Martinez Belio, Spains State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs, addressed concerns regarding the financial strain of increased defence spending. He dismissed fears of excessive burden, framing it as a vital investment for the continents security.

If a starving person is asked whether eating more food puts a strain on them, the answer is obvious, Belio remarked. Europes economy is ten times the size of Russias. If we are unable to increase our military spending slightly to counter a relatively smaller economy, then we have an existential problem.

His statement aligned with the broader consensus that Europes economic strength allows for strategic defence expansion without undermining financial stability. Moreover, aligning investments in defence industries with technological innovation can stimulate economic growth rather than strain budgets.

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Technological innovation: A cornerstone of Europes global standing

Beyond security and military strategy, technological prowess remains a pillar of Europes global influence. The panelists emphasised the need for Europe to harness its digital expertise and innovation capacity to remain competitive alongside the United States and China.

Bettel pointed to the success of European collaborative efforts in industries like aerospace, where multi-national cooperation has yielded world-class enterprises. If we look at the success of Airbus, it is not a national company, but a European oneGerman, French, British and Spanish efforts combined. This model must be replicated across other strategic sectors, he said.

Europes next steps: Unity, action and global leadership

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The discussions at Raisina Dialogue 2025 highlighted a Europe determined to shape its own destiny. The overarching message was clear: unity and decisive action are paramount. Whether through bolstering defenxe capabilities, strengthening economic resilience, or spearheading technological advancements, Europe has the means to assert its leadership in a world undergoing rapid geopolitical shifts.

The continents commitment to security, economic stability and technological progress presents an opportunity to redefine its place in the global ordernot as a passive player but as a force capable of shaping the future. The task ahead is not without challenges, but the direction is clear: Europe must act now and it must act together.

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The 56-year-old National Rally (RN) leader, who leads polls for the 2027 presidential vote, accuses prosecutors of seeking her political death by asking judges to bar her from office if convicted - effective immediately even if she appeals read more

French far-right leader and member of parliament Marine Le Pen, President of the French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National - RN) party parliamentary group. File image/ Reuters

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who in two weeks will learn her fate in an embezzlement trial, says prosecutors demanding she face an instant five-year public office ban have waged an unheard-of assault on her presidential hopes.

The 56-year-old National Rally (RN) leader, who leads polls for the 2027 presidential vote, accuses prosecutors of seeking her political death by asking judges to bar her from office if convicted - effective immediately even if she appeals.

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That, she says, is completely disproportionate compared to other cases.

However, ever since the passage of the Sapin II anti-graft law in 2016, a growing number of politicians convicted of corruption have received such bans, which may worry Le Pen as the March 31 verdict approaches.

These precedents show that judges are in no way inhibited, said Philippe Petit, a lawyer who has represented several disbarred politicians. The same thing can happen to her.

Le Pen, the RN and some two dozen party figures are accused of diverting over 3 million euros ($3.27 million) of European funds to pay staff in France. They say the money was used legitimately. RN spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli did not respond to a request for comment for this article.

Prosecutors Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barrets request for an immediate five-year bar on Le Pen, via the so-called provisional execution measure, electrified French politics.

Typically in France, sentences for non-serious crimes, or those committed by first-time offenders, are not applied until the appeals process has run its course. However, if judges apply a provisional execution, the sentence begins immediately.

Judges can adopt, modify or reject the prosecutors request.

At the request of a disbarred Mayotte councilman, Frances constitutional court is analysing the legality of provisional execution in cases of ineligibility. A first hearing is on Tuesday with a final ruling due before April 3. A favourable decision would mean Le Pen stands little chance of being barred.

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However, if convicted and given a five-year provisional execution ban, her only hopes of running will rest on her conviction and sentence being overturned before 2027.

Neyton and Barret said they sought a provisional execution against Le Pen and her co-accused for repeated efforts to play for time in a probe stretching back nearly a decade. An immediate ban would prevent repeat offences, they argued.

Judicial overreach?

Their push has led to accusations of judicial overreach by Le Pen allies and criticism from some mainstream politicians, including Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. It has also led to the prosecutors and a judge receiving death threats, Reuters reported, part of growing global frictions over judicial efforts to police politics.

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Romanias top court recently barred far-right politician Calin Georgescu from running for president, prompting criticism from U.S. President Donald Trumps team.

Sapin II aimed to align Frances anti-corruption rules with those of its peers and correct a widespread perception of impunity for Frances graft-stained political class. The law made ineligibility an automatic punishment for all politicians convicted of corruption.

Ineligibility is not restricted to corruption and is also applied for other crimes including sexual offences, fraud and terrorism. In 2023, more than 16,000 people were ruled ineligible, up nearly 1,000% since 2019, according to Justice Ministry data.

Reuters could not ascertain how many politicians had been barred from office, as the data does not distinguish between elected officials and other professions.

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Three disbarred politicians and lawyers told Reuters that prosecutors are increasingly demanding provisional execution ineligibility sentences, with judges often complying.

Brigitte Bareges, a right-wing former mayor of the southern town of Montauban, was convicted of embezzlement in 2021, and given a fine, suspended prison sentence and five-year political ban with provisional execution.

It was violent, brutal, she said. I was so ashamed because all my life Ive fought against corruption.

Bareges, who was acquitted on appeal, described her provisional execution sentence as a hit-job by a politicized judiciary. She said Le Pen has good reason to fear leftist judges who may overstep objectivity  to eliminate a presidential candidate who could well be elected.

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The Justice Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Confrontation looms

Eric Landot, a lawyer who has written about the Le Pen trial, said if she is convicted, judges will struggle to strike a balance between showing the law is the same for everyone, while also avoiding accusations of political meddling.

Robin Binsard, a lawyer who represents disbarred politician Patrick Balkany, said whatever decision the judges make, they will be strongly criticized.

But he said French lawmakers had struck an own goal by passing Sapin II: They gave judges the tools to significantly encroach on executive power.

A senior RN source said Le Pens powerful wingman, 29-year-old Jordan Bardella, would run in 2027 if she cannot, but added they believed she would not be barred.

For years, the RN has been seeking to cleanse its image by shedding anti-Semitic and racist elements, while also underlining its institutional bona fides. If Le Pen is barred, it could usher in a Trumpian era of confrontation between the RN  the largest party in parliament - and Frances institutions.

The risk with this kind of thing is that by constantly attacking the people, one day the people will rise up, said Paul Baudry, the former mayor of Bassussarry in southwest France, who was convicted of graft in 2020, and given a 10-year provisional execution ban.
The report said that Israeli intelligence and security forces observed a sharp increase in Hamass activity in Gaza, signalling that the group may have been trying to ramp up attacks on Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) or attempt an incursion into Israeli territory read more

Hamas terrorists arrive in a pick-up truck to the site of the hand over of hostage Agam Beger to the Red Cross at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City, Thursday Jan. 30, 2025. ( File Photo: AP)

Palestinian militant group Hamas had been preparing to launch another October 7-like invasion into Israeli territory during phase 1 of ceasefthe ire with Israel, Jerusalem Post has reported citing N12. The report said that Israeli security cabinet convened for an urgent meeting on Monday (March 17) to discuss several alerts hinting that Hamas could be preparing for deadly raids targeting Israeli civilians.

The report claimed that Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday also discussed the matter with the Otef Israel Forum, a group comprising Israelis living near the Gaza border.

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There are constant preparations being made by Hamas for an invasion [into Israel], similar to October 7, Katz reportedly said in the meeting. We must strike them and completely finish the job through both offense and defence, Katz added. This is the goal that drives me.

Hamas regrouping rapidly

The report said that Israeli intelligence and security forces observed a sharp increase in Hamass activity in Gaza, signalling that the group may have been trying to ramp up attacks on Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) or attempt an incursion into Israeli territory.

It added that the IDF launched several strikes targeting Hamas over the past few weeks because the militant group was misusing ceasefire to plant explosives near IDF locations in Gaza.

Hamas denies allegations

Hamas on Tuesday denied the allegations, calling them baseless and merely flimsy pretexts to justify its return to war and escalation of its bloody aggression."

The report comes as Israel on Tuesday launched a series of deadly strikes across Gaza, killing over 400 people, including Mahmud Abu Watfa, head of the interior ministry; and Bahjat Abu Sultan, director-general of the internal security service.

The latest strikes mark a full-fledged resumption of war in Gaza after a two-month ceasefire, as Hamas continues to shy away from releasing more hostages and agreeing to ceasefire proposals.

However, Israel has publicly confirmed its strikes came in response to Hamass refusal to release remaining hostages and agree to extend ceasefire.

In a statement, Israel PMO said the decision to resume strikes was taken following Hamass repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US special envoy to the Mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators.

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(With inputs from agencies)
While speaking to Mihir Swarup Sharma, Director of the Centre for Economy and Growth Programme, ORF at Firstposts IdeaPod, El Khatib said that Egypt and India are two of the worlds greatest civilisations read more

Egypts Minister for Investment and Trade of Egypt, El Khatib said that the trade between India and Egypt is small compared to its potential. While speaking to Mihir Swarup Sharma, Director of the Centre for Economy and Growth Programme, ORF at Firstposts IdeaPod, El Khatib said that Egypt and India are two of the worlds greatest civilisations.

The conversation took place on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the 2025 Raisina Dialogue. During the interview, El Khatib emphasised that India and Egypt should talk about tripling or quadrupling trade volume, not just increasing it by 10-20 per cent, insisting that trade and investment are the lifeblood of economies.

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First, let me say that India and Egypt are two of the worlds greatest civilizations. I have visited India as a tourist in the past, and I see a lot of interest from Indians in visiting Egypt. When I come here, I feel at home, Khatib told Firstpost.

However, when we talk about trade between our two countries, it is small compared to its potential. This is something I discussed with Indias Minister of Trade. We need to talk about tripling or quadrupling trade volume, not just increasing it by 10-20%. Trade and investment are the lifeblood of economies, he added.

El Khatib emphasised that food and energy security are two sectors India and Egypt can collaborate strongly. Regarding food security and energy security, these are major issues. Egypt aspires to become a green energy hub. We are discussing this with multiple players, including Indian and European companies. Egypt has plenty of land, sunshine, and strong winds along the Red Sea. We plan to add 65 GW of energy between now and 2040, 85-90% of which will be green energy. This does not include our green hydrogen potential, which could match or exceed that number once the industrys pricing challenges are resolved, he said.

Energy security and economic resilience are what matter most going forward. We need agility, as global events are moving faster than government policies. Artificial intelligence and other disruptions will affect every economy and every individual, the Egyptian minister furthered.

How Egypt is navigating the current world order

When asked how Egypt is navigating the world order, where US President Donald Trump is threatening tariffs on numerous countries and other nations taking a protectionist approach. El Khatib said, Globalization, as weve lived it for the past three to four decades, is fading away.

Were opening a new chapterone highlighted by nationalism, borders, protectionism, and tariffs. This is not new. We saw it during President Trumps first term, and were seeing it in Europe with nationalist movements gaining momentum over the past ten years. Looking at projections for elections in major European cities, this trend seems set to continue. he said.

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El Khatib made it clear that Egypt focuses on being as competitive as possible given the region it is located. For an economy like Egypt, in a neighbourhood that is not the easiest, our focus as a government is very simple. We want to be as competitive as possible. We want to create a business environment that is conducive for the private sector to prosper and invest. We want to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) and maximize the return on what weve invested in infrastructure over the past ten years, he said.

He recalled that after two revolutions (2011 and 2013), Cairo embarked on major programs to stimulate the economy We built a massive network of roads, 24 new cities, expanded our ports on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, developed major power projects (including renewable energy), and expanded public transport, he explained.

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Dealing with a turbulent neighbourhood

While Egypts economy takes stride, the situation in the continent it is part of remains turbulent. When asked about his take on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, Khatib put forward an optimistic outlook. Africa is a major focus for us. We have trade agreements that provide access to 70 markets, including the EU, the Arab Free Trade Agreement, and the Agadir Agreement. We also have two major agreements in Africathe COMESA (22 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa) and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, he said.

However, Khatib said that Africa has its own share of challenges in transportation, logistics, credit guarantees, and export guarantees. the cost of shipping is a major deterrent. We are working on solutions, including ship lines, airline connectivity, and logistical hubs. For example, Chad has massive livestock resources but only one slaughterhouse and poor road connectivity. We are discussing building a road from Egypt to Chad to facilitate trade, he averred.

Trade with Africa must be balanced. We need to understand what we can import from Africa and focus on industrialization within the continent, rather than just exporting raw materials, El Khatib concluded.

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For Erdogan, securing peace would be a legacy-defining achievement, bringing stability and economic development to Turkeys southeast while bolstering Ankaras influence in Syria and Iraq. Yet, his government has given no clear roadmap read more

Turkeys pro-Kurdish party has accused President Tayyip Erdogans ruling alliance of failing to outline clear steps toward advancing the peace process, despite closed-door talks on Monday (March 17) following a pledge by Kurdish militants to disarm.

Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit, deputy parliamentary group chair for the DEM Party, said that while government officials spoke in broad terms about a terror-free Turkey, they did not provide concrete commitments on how they would address democratic demands raised by the Kurdish movement.

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The meetings in Ankara between DEM, the ruling AK Party (AKP), and its ultranationalist ally, the MHP sought to build on last months ceasefire declared by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a militant group that has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state for more than 40 years.

The ceasefire was called in response to an appeal from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who is serving a life sentence on an island prison and has been barred from legal visits for years.

A one-sided peace process?

Kocyigit, speaking to Reuters on Monday, said that while Ankaras ruling bloc appeared receptive to the idea of a political resolution, there was no specific roadmap or clear commitment on what actions they were willing to take in response to the ceasefire.

They used phrases like a terror-free Turkey and the country must swiftly rid itself of this issue, she said. They suggested that if weapons are silenced and the PKK dissolves, the democratic space in Turkey will expand.

But for the DEM Party, which facilitated Ocalans call for disarmament, the governments vague assurances are insufficient. The party has pushed for urgent reforms to Turkeys anti-terror laws, penal code, and judicial system, as well as an end to the controversial practice of appointing state trustees to replace elected Kurdish mayors.

Confidence-building measures, such as halting military operations and improving Ocalans prison conditions, were also raised in the talks, but according to Kocyigit, Ankara appears reluctant to take any immediate steps.

The government does not see this as a matter of political momentum, she said.

Erdogans historic opportunity

Turkeys latest peace discussions come amid shifting dynamics in the region, with implications beyond its borders. The PKK operates primarily from bases in northern Iraq, while Kurdish forces in Syria are consolidating their role in negotiations with the Damascus government.

A breakthrough in Turkeys Kurdish question could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

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For Erdogan, securing peace would be a legacy-defining achievement, bringing stability and economic development to Turkeys southeast while bolstering Ankaras influence in Syria and Iraq.

Yet, the president has made clear that any failure to comply with the ceasefire terms will be met with renewed military action.

A familiar pattern of delay?

Turkeys past attempts at peace have ended in failure. A ceasefire between 2013 and 2015 collapsed into renewed violence, and since then, Turkeys approach to the Kurdish issue has been defined by military crackdowns, mass arrests, and sweeping counterterrorism laws.

For the pro-Kurdish movement, the concern is that history may repeat itself that Ankaras reluctance to take the first step could lead to another breakdown in talks.

Nonetheless, discussions remain ongoing. A congress meeting of the PKK is expected to be held in northern Iraq in the coming weeks or months to formalize the groups decision on disarmament.

But with the AKP remaining firm that the PKK must completely lay down its arms before any concessions are considered, the question remains: is Turkey truly ready for peace, or is it simply running down the clock?

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With inputs from agencies
Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deciding to resume war after a deadlock on extending the truce, and warned that the return to fighting could be a death sentence for hostages still alive in Gaza read more

A man walks through the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli airstrikes at the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip, as the war between Israel and Hamas militants continues. AFP

Israel vowed on Tuesday to continue fighting in Gaza until the return of all hostages as it unleashed its most intense strikes since a ceasefire, with the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reporting more than 330 people killed.

Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deciding to resume war after a deadlock on extending the truce, and warned that the return to fighting could be a death sentence for hostages still alive in Gaza.

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The White House confirmed that Israel consulted US President Donald Trumps administration before launching the wave of strikes, which the health ministry said killed mostly women and children.

Netanyahus office said the operation was ordered after Hamass repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, said the statement.

We will not stop fighting as long as the hostages are not returned home and all our war aims are not achieved, Defence Minister Israel Katz said.

Apart from the release of the remaining hostages, Israels other main war aim is to crush Hamas.

An Israeli official told AFP the military operation would continue as long as necessary and was expected to expand beyond air strikes.

In a statement, Hamas said: Netanyahu and his extremist government have decided to overturn the ceasefire agreement.

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Netanyahus decision to resume war is a decision to sacrifice the occupations prisoners and impose a death sentence on them, it said, accusing the Israeli prime minister of using the conflict as a political lifeboat to stay afloat amid domestic crises.

Two Hamas sources told AFP that a stike on Gaza City killed general Mahmud Abu Watfa, who headed the groups interior ministry in the territory.

Farther south, in Khan Yunis, AFP footage showed people rushing stretchers with wounded people, including young children, to the Nasser Hospital. Bodies covered with white sheets were also taken to the hospitals mortuary.

Mohammed Jarghoun, 36, was sleeping in a tent near his destroyed house in Khan Yunis when he was woken by huge blasts.

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I thought they were dreams and nightmares, but I saw a fire in my relatives house. More than 20 martyrs and wounded, most of them children and women.

Ramez Alammarin, 25, described carrying children to hospital southeast of Gaza City.

They unleashed the fire of hell again on Gaza, he said of Israel, adding that bodies and limbs are on the ground, and the wounded cannot find any doctor to treat them.

They bombed a building in the area and there are still martyrs and wounded under the rubble fear and terror. Death is better than life.

Hell will break loose

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 Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

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That first phase ended in early March, and while both sides have since refrained from full-blown war, they have been unable to agree on the next steps for truce talks.

Israel has also carried out occasional strikes on Gaza, but not on the scale of Tuesdays operation.

In a post on Telegram in the early hours of Tuesday, the Israeli army said it was conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip.

Mohammed Zaqut, head of the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, said at least 330 deaths had been recorded, most of them Palestinian women and children.

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He said there were hundreds of wounded, dozens of them in critical condition.

Israel ordered all schools near the Gaza border to shut.

US envoy 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.

Hamas had said it was ready to free Alexander and the remains of four others.

Witkoff said Hamas had provided an unacceptable response and the opportunity is closing fast.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trumps administration had been consulted ahead of Israels Tuesday operation.

As President Trump has made it clear, Hamas, the Huthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorise not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay  all hell will break loose, she said in the televised interview.

Deadlock

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.

Former US president Joe Biden had outlined a second phase which would involve the release of remaining living hostages, the withdrawal of all Israeli forces left in Gaza and the establishment of a lasting ceasefire.

Israel, however, seeks to extend the first phase until mid-April, insisting 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 have been deadlocked, and Israel has cut aid and electricity to the territory.

Its so hard for me to think about what theyre (hostages) going through right now because I know that feeling, freed Israeli captive Omer Shem Tov said in a recently released video.

Its a terrible feeling and it has to stop as soon as possible.

Hamass October 2023 attack resulted in 1,218 deaths on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, while Israels retaliatory response in Gaza has killed at least 48,572 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the two sides.
Strikes were reported in a number of sites, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah in the middle and southern Gaza Strip read more

The Israeli military claimed it targeted targets in Gaza early Tuesday, breaking a weeks-long standoff over prolonging the truce that ended hostilities in January, with Palestinian health ministry officials claiming at least 100 deaths, according to Reuters news.

Strikes were reported in a number of sites, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah in the middle and southern Gaza Strip. According to officials from the Palestinian health ministry, several of the fatalities were minors.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the raids due to stalled discussions to prolong the ceasefire. It was unclear whether the operation was a one-time pressure tactic or a full resumption of the 17-month-old battle.

This comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators, Netanyahus office said.

Taher Nunu, a Hamas official, criticized the Israeli attacks. The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza, he said.

The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Fox News interview.

As President Trump has made it clear - Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose, the White House spokesperson said.

Trump had previously publicly warned using similar words, saying that Hamas should release all hostages in Gaza or let hell break out.

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Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire, but instead chose refusal and war, White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes told The Times of Israel.

In Gaza, explosions could be heard at various locations and ambulances were arriving at Al Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza.

Palestinian medics in Gaza reported dozens of people were killed in the aftermath of a series of the most violent air attacks by Israel on the Palestinian enclave since a ceasefire was reached on January 19 between Israel and Hamas militants.

A senior Hamas official said Israel had unilaterally overturned the ceasefire agreement.

The strikes came two months after a ceasefire was reached to pause the war. Over six weeks, Hamas released roughly three dozen hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

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But since the first phase of the ceasefire ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward with a second phase aimed at releasing the nearly 60 remaining hostages and ending the war altogether. Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to resume the war, and early this month cut off the entry of all food and aid deliveries into the besieged territory to put pressure on Hamas.

The war erupted with Hamas Oct 7, 2023, cross-border attack, which killed some 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage. Israel responded with a military offensive that killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced an estimated 90% of Gazas population. The territorys Health Ministry doesnt differentiate between civilians and militants, but says over half of the dead have been women and children.

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Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Netanyahus office said.

The ceasefire had brought some relief to Gaza and allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to resume to what remained of their homes.

But the territory is coping with vast destruction, with no immediate plans to rebuild. A resumption of the war threatens to reverse any progress made in recent weeks toward halting Gazas humanitarian crisis.

While the ceasefire largely halted the fighting, Israel has left troops in Gaza throughout the past two months and continued to strike targets, claiming that Palestinians were trying to carry out attacks or approaching troops in no-go zones.

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A number of strikes earlier Monday killed a total of 10 people, according to Palestinian officials.

Two strikes in central Gaza hit around the urban refugee camp of Bureij. One struck a school serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinians, killing a 52-year-old man and his 16-year-old nephew, according to officials at nearby Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where the casualties were taken. The Israeli military said it struck militants planting explosives.

An earlier strike killed three men in Bureij. The Israeli military said the men were trying to plant an explosive device in the ground near Israeli troops. Gazas Hamas-led government said the men were collecting firewood.

In Syria, meanwhile, Israel seized a zone in the south after the fall of longtime autocrat Bashar Assad in December. Israel says it is a preemptive security measure against the former Islamist insurgents who now run Syria, though their transitional government has not expressed threats against Israel.

Strikes in the southern Syrian city of Daraa killed three people and wounded 19 others, including four children, a woman and three civil defense volunteers, the Syrian civil defense agency said. It said two ambulances were damaged. Other strikes hit military positions near the city.

The Israeli military said it was targeting military command centers and sites in southern Syria that contained weapons and vehicles belonging to Assads forces. It said the materials presence posed a threat to Israel.

In Lebanon, Israel said it struck two members of the Hezbollah militant group in the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor, who it said were observation operatives. Lebanons state news agency reported two people killed in the strike and two wounded.

The military later said it carried out further strikes on Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, without specifying where. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect in late November ending the 14-month war between the two sides, and each side has repeatedly accused the other of violating the deal.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza began in mid-January, Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military says approached its troops or entered unauthorized areas.

Still, the deal has tenuously held without an outbreak of wide violence. The ceasefires first phase saw an exchange of some hostages held by Hamas in return for the freeing of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate the next steps in the ceasefire.

Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Hamas instead wants to follow the ceasefire deal reached by the two sides, which calls for negotiations to begin on the ceasefires more difficult second phase, in which the remaining hostages would be released and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza. Hamas is believed to have 24 living hostages and the bodies of 35 others.

With inputs from agencies
In January, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels former National Security Minister, threatened to quit the government over disputes on the Gaza truce deal read more

Itamar Ben-Gvirs far-right Otzma Yehudit party will rejoin the Israeli government, two months after it quit over the Gaza truce agreement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office announced on Tuesday.

Likud and Otzma Yehudit have agreed that the Otzma Yehudit faction will return to the Israeli government today, and the ministers of Otzma Yehudit will return to the government, said the statement.

Israel on Tuesday launched a deadly attack on Gaza, its first widespread attack since the January ceasefire agreement, as it vowed to continue fighting until all hostages are returned as it unleashed its most intense strikes since a ceasefire.

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Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Netanyahu of deciding to resume war after an impasse in truce negotiations and warned that the return to fighting could be a death sentence for hostages still alive in Gaza.

In January, Ben-Gvir, Israels former National Security Minister, threatened to quit the government over disputes on the Gaza truce deal. The deal that is taking shape is a reckless deal, he said adding it would erase the achievements of the war by releasing hundreds of Palestinian militants and withdrawing from strategic areas in Gaza, leaving Hamas undefeated.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei called the strikes a continuation of the genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Palestinian territories, and accused the United States of direct responsibility in the attack.

Meanwhile, Egypt, which has played a key role in mediating between the two warring parties, also condemned the attacks, saying the strikes constitute a dangerous escalation which threatens to bring serious consequences for the stability of the region.

It also called on the international community to act immediately to halt the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip in order to prevent the region entering a new spiral of violence and counterviolence.

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With inputs from agencies
Calling Asias emerging power the continents return, Kishore Mahbubani said that during his conversations with various American political scientists, many said that the next world war would happen in Asia and that Asias future will be Europes past read more

Asias influence in the world is growing with India on its way to reaching the top spot. The world is witnessing an Asian century as economic power shifts rapidly from the West, said Kishore Mahbubani, a senior fellow at the Asian Research Institute and a former president of the UN Security Council.

Talking to Harsh V. Pant, Vice President of Observer Research Foundation (ORF) at Firstposts IdeasPod as part of the annual Raisina Dialogue organised by ORF in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Mahbubani said, The world is psychologically preparing for the Asian century. Data shows very clearly how economic power is shifting rapidly. If you compare China to the US in the year 2000, the US was eight times bigger than China. Today is 1.5 times bigger. In the year 2000 again the UK was in the top five. Today India is in the top five and the UK falling out of the top ten.

Calling Asias emerging power the continents return, Mahbubani said that during his conversations with various American political scientists, many said that the next world war would happen in Asia and that Asias future will be Europes past.

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But weve had a long piece, 46 years of no major wars in Asia. And by contrast, you see the Yugoslav wars, the Ukraine war, the wars are happening on the fringes of Europe. So Asia is getting some things right, he said.

ASEAN is the most diverse region on earth

Highlighting the membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Mahbubani called the bloc most diverse.

ASEAN is by far the most diverse region of planet Earth. Among the 700 million people, you have 250 million Muslims, 115,000,000 Christians, 115,000,000 Buddhists, Mahayana Buddhists, Yayana Buddhists, you have Taoists, you have Confucianists, you have Hindus, and youre lots of communists in Southeast Asia. Theres no other region in the world that is as diverse as Southeast Asia, he said.

Being the most peaceful and prosperous corner of the world, ASEAN has registered more economic growth in the past decade than the European Union did, he added.

Want India to join

Mahbubani, a Singaporean diplomat, said that the country, one of ASEANs founding members, has opened the doors for India to join the bloc.

We wanted India to join. The door is always open for India

to come and join, he said.
Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha asserts at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 that peace cannot come at the cost of sovereignty urging strong diplomacy and international support to counter Russian aggression read more

Speaking at the prestigious Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi on Tuesday, Ukraines Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, delivered a strong appeal for international unity in resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Addressing the panel titled The Peace Tableau: Actions and Aspirations, Sybiha emphasised the evolving diplomatic landscape and the necessity of sustained efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.

Complex path to peace

Reflecting on the past three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sybiha noted that conventional assumptions about diplomacy, military deterrence and regional stability have been fundamentally altered. He highlighted that peace in Ukraine is not just a national concern but a matter of global interest.

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So let me start by quoting the first woman who was Indian President of the General Assembly: The more we swear in peace, the law, we believe in war. Ukraine is the country most invested in achieving a long-lasting, comprehensive peace. This war is not just about Ukraine; it is a global imperative to secure a just and sustainable resolution, Sybiha stated.

He highlighted the significance of the recent Jeddah meeting, which he described as a turning point that provided new momentum and opportunities to end the war. Yes, after Jeddah we got another speed, new additional opportunities to end this war this year, and we are ready for this. We are not the obstacle to achieving peace. Lets see what the response from the Russian side will be to settle a ceasefire.

Ceasefire and confidence-building measures

Sybiha confirmed Ukraines support for the US-proposed 30-day temporary ceasefire stressing that a frozen conflict scenario must be avoided at all costs. Ukraine supported the US proposal for a ceasefire because it is very important not to have this perception of a frozen conflict. We are talking about a ceasefire that would make our peace efforts much more effective. Of course, we need confidence-building measures.

He also threw light on the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in ensuring the success of these peace efforts. Once again, this meeting in Jeddah between the Ukrainian and US delegations sped up the process. We are ready to start implementing the outcomes of Jeddah. We do really expectand here we need joint efforts and strong international supportthat the Russian side will agree to an unconditional ceasefire, Sybiha said.

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Geopolitical implications and Ukraines red lines

Touching upon the shifting global dynamics, Sybiha noted the significance of upcoming political developments, including a potential conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to public statements, we could expect a telephone conversation between President Trump and President Putin today. We do really hope that we will get a clearer situation after this conversation.

He reiterated Ukraines firm stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity, making it clear that no external forces would dictate Ukraines future alliances. Returning back to our position, which we share with our American friends and European allies: Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, nothing about Europe without Europe. No compromises at the cost of Ukrainian territorial integrity and sovereignty. No restrictions on our military capacities. And no third country has the right to block our will or our way to participate in any union or alliance, Sybiha said.

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Sybiha emphasised that Ukraine would never recognise any territory occupied by Russia. At this stage, approximately 20 per cent of our territories are under Russian occupation. But the truth is that Russia has failed to achieve any of its strategic goals in Ukraine. Yes, they have made some advances on the battlefield due to various reasons, but strategically, the situation remains under control.

Call for strong diplomacy and international leadership

While acknowledging the military situation, Sybiha strongly advocated for diplomacy as the most viable solution moving forward. Now is the time for diplomacystrong diplomacy. We truly believe that with the leadership of President Trump, we could achieve a long-lasting, just peace. It is crucial not to manipulate the term just and long-lasting peace when it comes to Ukraine.

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He urged the international community to uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter. This is about principles. It is about respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. It is about restoring the global order based on the rule of law.

A defiant stand amid uncertainty

As discussions at the Raisina Dialogue continue, Sybihas remarks reinforced Ukraines unwavering stance on peace negotiations. With shifting global alignments and high-stakes diplomacy shaping the trajectory of the conflict, Ukraines call for strong international support remains at the forefront of its strategic vision for a secure future.

The world now watches for the next diplomatic moves as Ukraine insists that peace must come on just termswithout compromising its sovereignty or security.

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Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to take strong action against Hamas in a bid to build pressure on the Gaza-based group. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed Israel had consulted with the US before launching the fresh attacks read more

The body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli airstrike is brought to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Source: AP

Hamas on Tuesday (March 18) confirmed that several top officials of the Palestinian militant organisation were killed in a series of deadly Israeli strikes.

Among the killed were Mahmud Abu Watfa, head of the interior ministry; and Bahjat Abu Sultan, director-general of the internal security service, according to a statement.

These leaders, along with their families, were martyred after being directly targeted by the Zionist occupation forces aircraft, read the Hamas statement.

The latest strikes mark a full-fledged resumption of war in Gaza after a two-month ceasefire, as Hamas continues to shy away from releasing more hostages and agreeing to ceasefire proposals.

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According to media reports citing Hamas-run health ministry, at least 404 Palestinians were killed and more than 560 wounded in Israeli strikes across Gaza.

Netanyahu vows to act against Hamas using military strength

Earlier, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to take strong action against Hamas in a bid to build pressure on the Gaza-based group.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Israeli PM Office said in a statement.

It added that the decision to resume strikes was taken following Hamass repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US special envoy to the Mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed Israel had consulted with the US before launching the fresh attacks.

Hamas, on the other hand, has been pressing for starting negotiations for phase 2 of the peace deal, as was originally decided. The phase 2 was supposed to see Israeli forces withdraw fully from the besieged strip and permanently end the war in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages.

As Israel backed out from holding talks for phase 2, US special envoy Witkoff proposed to extend the phase 1 truce for several weeks in exchange for five living hostages. However, later Witkoff accused Hamas of making impractical demands.

Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire.

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United Nations humanitarian coordinator for the region, Muhannad Hadi, later criticised Israels move and called for immediate reinstatement of the ceasefire.

Waves of airstrikes occurred across the Gaza Strip since the early hours of the morning This is unconscionable, Hadi stated in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)
At Firstposts IdeasPod during the Raisina Dialogue 2025, experts highlighted AUKUSs two pillarsnuclear-powered submarines for Australia and advanced capabilities like AI and quantum computing. The discussion covered political transitions, with optimism about continuity under Trump, AUKUSs role in countering regional instability particularly amid Chinas assertiveness. read more

At Firstposts IdeasPod during the Raisina Dialogue 2025, key figuresBernard Phillip, first assistant secretary from Australia and Abe Denmark, former senior advisor to the secretary of defence for AUKUS discussed the progress, challenges and future of the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Excerpts:

AUKUS: A strategic partnership

AUKUS, signed in 2021 is a landmark defence agreement to enhance security cooperation among the three nations. Abe Denmark outlined the two pillars of AUKUS. Pillar 1 focuses on helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, the first time the US has shared its naval nuclear propulsion technology since the 1950s. Pillar 2, on the other hand, emphasises advanced capabilities such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare with the potential for additional partners like Japan to join specific projects.

Highlighting Australias strategic rationale for joining AUKUS, Bernard Phillip cited the Indo-Pacific regions increasing unpredictability and higher risks. As an island continent surrounded by the Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans, Australia places a premium on naval capabilities that offer speed and endurance. The partnership with the US and UK, he said, provides Australia with a unique edge in addressing its strategic challenges.

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When asked about the UKs contribution, Denmark emphasised the UKs longstanding partnership with the US in submarine technology and its robust defence industrial base. While Phillip said that the UKs historical collaboration with Australia, particularly through the Royal Navy makes it a natural partner in this trilateral effort.

Regarding progress, Denmark noted that Pillar 1 has seen significant advancements, including investments in industrial capacity and regulatory harmonisation. However, Pillar 2, while making strides in areas like undersea vehicles and quantum navigation, lacks a tangible, headline-grabbing capability. Both speakers agreed that while foundational work has been strong, the alliance needs to deliver more visible outcomes in Pillar 2 to demonstrate its value.

Surviving political transitions

AUKUS has weathered political changes in all three countries, including the transition from the Biden to the Trump administration in the US. Denmark expressed confidence in the Trump administrations support for AUKUS, citing statements from key officials. He acknowledged potential debates over the US shipbuilding industry but remained optimistic about the alliances continuity.

Phillip echoed this sentiment, emphasising Australias strong commitment to AUKUS despite domestic debates and concerns over costs. He highlighted the complexity of the project, which includes training personnel, establishing a nuclear regulator, and building sustainment capabilities. Australia has already supported visiting US Navy submarines in Perth, a sign of progress in Pillar 1.

Broader implications for the Indo-Pacific

The discussion also touched on AUKUSs role in shaping the Indo-Pacifics balance of power. Denmark argued that AUKUS is part of a broader US strategy to modernise alliances and strengthen partnerships across the region, particularly in response to Chinas assertive behaviour. He noted that while AUKUS has faced criticism, its strategic logic remains robust and aligned with regional security interests.

Phillip emphasised Australias broader regional engagement, including partnerships with Pacific Island nations, Japan, India, and ASEAN. He highlighted the Quads growing role in maritime security, with Australia prioritising collaboration in this area.
At the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, European leaders debated how to redefine the continents strategic role as US priorities shift. From security and trade to technological innovation, the discussion highlighted Europes urgent need for stronger alliances, economic resilience and independent defence capabilities read more

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Romania's Interim President Ilie Bolojan, Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attend the European leaders' summit to discuss European security and Ukraine, at Lancaster House in London, Britain, March 2, 2025. File Image/Reuters

On the second day of the Raisina Dialogue, an esteemed panel convened to deliberate on The Continent Debates: Europes Role in the World.

This session brought together prominent European leaders and thinkers to discuss the continents strategic direction in a rapidly changing world order, moderated by Vanessa Ghanem, Arab affairs editor at The National from the United Arab Emirates.

In recent years, Europes position on the global stage has undergone significant scrutiny and transformation. The re-election of US President Donald Trump has introduced a more inward-focused US administration, prompting Europe to reconsider its strategic autonomy and global partnerships.

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This shift has raised questions about the durability of traditional alliances and the need for Europe to assert its influence independently.

The panel comprised Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Luxembourg; Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden; Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defence, Netherlands; Diego Martinez Belio, State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs, Spain and; Florence Gaub, Director of the Research Division, NATO Defense College, Italy.

The transatlantic alliance, once the bedrock of Western security, now faces unprecedented challenges. Trumps critical stance on Nato and unpredictable foreign policy moves have led European leaders to question the reliability of US commitments.

This scepticism has accelerated discussions within Europe about enhancing its own defence capabilities and reducing dependency on external powers.

Europes role in relation to a New America

The panel explored how Europe can recalibrate its strategic objectives to establish a balanced partnership with the US, considering the latters shifting priorities. Stenergard acknowledged, The US is right that Europe has not done enough for its own security.

She highlighted Swedens proactive measures, stating, We have doubled our defence and many other countries are doing the same. This sentiment reflects a broader European initiative to bolster defence capabilities.

Brekelmans stated the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility, referring to the Coalition of the willing, it is very clear that European countries should do more in terms of our defence and we should do more with the coalition of the willing.

He also noted the potential volatility within EU alliances, remarking, You can have an election outcome that can change the position of a country, referencing recent shifts in political narrative in European nations.

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How to sustain the transatlantic alliance

The sustainability of the transatlantic alliance hinges on Europes ability to tackle internal political, economic, and social challenges. The rise of far-right parties and differing national interests pose significant hurdles to a unified foreign policy.

Bettel highlighted the importance of unity when it came to the recent US-brokered peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, asserting, There is no decision about Ukraine without Ukraine.

He also stressed the urgency of conflict resolution, stating, It is important to have the ceasefire because everyday people are still dying. Bettel praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys commitment to peace. Highlighting the recent Oval Office incident between Zelenskyy and Trump, he noted that not many leaders would admit mistakes and seek a fresh approach, indicating a serious approach to achieving peace.

Belio echoed the sentiment, stating, This is a matter of urgency. He advocated for engaging with pivotal regional players, saying, We should engage with them (Turkey) in the matter of Ukraine.

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Turkey has played an important role, particularly in securing grain routes through the Black Sea," said Brekelmans. Turkey is the only Nato ally that has been able to confront Russia.

Belio also expressed support for Turkeys potential EU accession, contingent on a merit-based approach.

How to revitalise Europes economy

With substantial state aid fuelling technological advancements in the US and China, Europe faces the imperative to rejuvenate its economy. Strategies to bolster innovation, support key industries, and enhance competitiveness were central to the discussion.

Stenergard advocated for open markets over protectionism, stating, I believe in trade deals, talking about deals, not in tariffs, which are actually taxes.

She highlighted the potential of strengthening ties with emerging economies, asserting, Europe should do more trade with countries such as India.

Defending Swedens commitment to global development, Stenergard said, We spent 0.7 per cent of our GDP on development aid, which she believes helps prevent extremism among other issues.

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Advocating for a collective EU-backed defence policy, Bettel addressed the challenges of protectionist tendencies within Europe, noting, Everyone wants to say to their voters that we are protecting the national industry.

He also raised concerns about future humanitarian crises, cautioning that tomorrow we might face climate refugees.

Concurrently, Europes economic landscape is being reshaped by global competition. The US and China are heavily investing in frontier sectors, prompting Europe to rethink its economic strategies to remain competitive.

Balancing openness with economic security has become a pressing concern for the European Union, especially as it seeks to protect its technological innovations and critical industries.

EUs distrust in Russias promise

Europes prowess in technology and digital sectors presents opportunities to amplify its global influence. The panel deliberated on how to harness these strengths to assert Europes position alongside other global powers.

Gaub discussed the evolving dynamics within Nato, suggesting, It is time to be creative. I think NATO is already engaged with many global leaders. She noted that Europe needs to think strategically beyond immediate challenges: Europeans have a critical security vulnerability which will become worse over time.

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Putting a spotlight on the North Korean troops aiding Russia in Ukraine, Stenergard justified the reason EU was looking for new allies, with Sweden tapping into a renewed defence framework.

Bettel pointed to Europes potential in technological advancements while cautioning against complacency: We have more countries wanting to join the EU than they are those wanting to leave. And if the Brits could decide again..well.., suggesting that Brexit may have been an impulsive decision with long-term consequences.

Speaking about possible intentions by Russian President Vladimir Putin to gain more territory in eastern Europe, Brekelmans pointed to the Baltic borders that Nato shares with Russia. Our intelligence says that it will take Russia only one year to reassign its troops across Nato borders, and any major military exercise by Russia on these borders can create a lot of panic.

While challenges remain, the consensus among panellists was clear: Europe must take a more assertive and strategic approach to secure its place in the world.

Raisina Dialogue is a premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with Indias Ministry of External Affairs.

The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 17, featured New Zealands Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as the chief guest and keynote speaker.
On the second day of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, global leaders and experts convened to debate the future of peace-building in an increasingly fractured world. With wars on the rise and institutions losing trust, the panel explored lessons from past peace efforts and the evolving role of diplomacy in conflicts from Ukraine to Mali read more

A Russian contract soldier listens to instructions of an officer while training onboard a T-72 tank during military drills held at a firing range amid Russia-Ukraine conflict, in the southern Krasnodar region, Russia, December 2, 2024. File Image/Reuters

On March 18, 2025, the second day of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi is underway.

Among the days crucial sessions was Waging Peace: Looking Back to Look Ahead, moderated by Yalda Hakim, lead world news presenter at Sky News.

The panel explored several critical questions pertinent to contemporary peace processes. The discussion saw panellists reflecting on past peace agreements, from Mali to Colombia, highlighting the commonalities and unique challenges of each process.

With current raging conflicts in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine war, peace is the word at the tip of the tongue, yet it hasnt materialised.

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Key factors such as economic investment, political will, and sustained international support were identified as crucial to long-term peace.

The panel comprised, Moussa Mara, Former Prime Minister of Mali and member of the club de Madrid; Stephen Harper, Former Prime Minister of Canada; Espen Barth Eide, Norways Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament in Indias Lok Sabha and chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs and; Comfort Ero, president and CEO of the International Crisis Group from the United Kingdom.

The session commenced with a scene-setting address by Dag Nylander, Director of the Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution (NOREF). Nylander, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in mediation, notably led Norways facilitation of the peace process between the Colombian government and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) from 2010 to 2016.

Malis internal struggle

Mara spoke on Malis long history of conflict and peace agreements. He remarked, Our country has signed at least three peace agreements in the last 30 years, highlighting the complexity of maintaining long-term stability.

Malis struggles have been compounded by external interventions, including the now-defunct UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA, which was one of the most dangerous peacekeeping deployments in UN history before its termination in 2023.

Addressing the presence of Russian military influence in Mali, he stated, Dealing with Russia in a military issue, they feel they need to empower the military to get victory.

However, he stated the need for local solutions, saying, In our case, it is to focus on our situation first, to try and find internally, to solve our own problem through our own means.

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Mara also highlighted the role of international institutions, noting, Institutions like Club de Madrid can help in solving situations in African nations.

A Canadian PM weighs in

Harper underlined the distinct nature of different conflicts, arguing, Conflict of mediating Sudan or Colombia is very different from the Russia-Ukraine conflict or the conflict in the Middle East, where big power players are involved.

He highlighted that conflicts where superpowers are directly engaged require different frameworks than those involving regional disputes.

Discussing the recent shift in power and priority as projected by the administration led by US President Donald Trump, he remarked, The reality is that the United States remains the worlds preeminent power by quite a distance. What you are seeing is a shift in the US role in the world.

While acknowledging potential disruptions in US foreign policy under Trump, he said, There may be with President Trump a discontinuity there, but I think this trend will continue.

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Harper also commented on international tariffs by the US, particularly in the context of US-Canada relations, noting that a tough but strategic approach is necessary when dealing with American tariffs: I think it wouldnt be easy. I think it is necessary for Canada to have a plan vis-a-vis the US. There is a difference between taking a hard position than just shooting insults back.

Norway: The old guard of peace makers

Eide provided insights into peace negotiations, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. There is no table, he said bluntly, referencing the lack of active diplomatic engagement between all parties.

He stressed the necessity of European engagement, arguing, We strongly believe there should be significant European contribution, because this is war in Europe.

Norway, historically a key mediator in global conflicts, has been instrumental in peace processes in West Asia, Sri Lanka and Colombia. However, regarding Ukraine, he admitted, We cannot take that role in Ukraine, because we are not impartial.

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Eide reinforced the principles of international law, stating, The rules-based order is only over if we want it to be over. He also highlighted the need for balanced criticism in global conflicts, asserting, We criticise Russias violations in Ukraine, but we also criticise Israels use of force in Gaza. It is when we also criticise our friends that there will be uniformity.

India as a peacekeeping force

Tharoor put a spotlight on Indias longstanding contributions to peacekeeping. Our not being engaged in the conflicts of the Cold War was actually a major asset in the peacekeeping, he noted, referring to Indias neutral stance and extensive participation in UN peacekeeping missions since the 1950s.

With over 250,000 Indian troops having served in UN peacekeeping operations, Tharoor highlighted Indias credibility in global peace efforts. Look beyond Europe for your peacekeeping, that is where India could come in, he suggested.

He also pointed out Indias diplomatic strength in engaging with both Russia and Ukraine. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Russia as well as Ukraine, remarking, India has a PM that can book it to in Russia and Ukraine two weeks apart.

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Tharoor further highlighted historical instances of major powers violating international norms, citing the 1956 Suez Crisis as an example: Within 11 years, the UK and France invaded Egypt, illustrating inconsistencies in adherence to international law.

But who do you look up to now?

Ero spoke about the growing distrust in global governance institutions. We are in an era where wars are rising, but more critically, the institutions that manage these issues are not trusted, she observed, pointing to the weakening influence of multilateral organisations.

She particularly criticised the UN Security Council, describing it as polarising and sometimes toxic.

Addressing Trumps remarks about Panama and Greenland, she warned of dangerous precedents in international affairs, remarking, I do take seriously what Trump is saying about Panama, because it green-lights and allows other countries to jump on the bandwagon and it normalises an agenda which I frankly think is dangerous as well.

Ero also stressed the need for consistency in international law, saying, There is a lack of consistency in how the rules are applied.

Throughout the session, the importance of inclusive dialogues, adaptable frameworks and sustained international support was highlighted as vital to the success of peace initiatives.

Raisina Dialogue is a premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with Indias Ministry of External Affairs.

The event, inaugurated by Modi on March 17, featured New Zealands Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as the chief guest and keynote speaker.
For more than a decade, Hungarys government has pursued policies that closely resemble the ideological stances that propelled Trump to the White House in 2016, Hungarys Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter Szijjarto, said read more

Hungary has emerged as an outlier within the European Union (EU), whether it be about aid for Kyiv or its stance on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato).

For Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjarto, who spoke to Firstpost on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2025, Brussels trajectory has been consistent and clear. He says Hungary was Trump before Trump.

This assertion is not just rhetoric; it is meant to highlight Hungarys alignment with key aspects of Trumps worldview on migration, family values, and the role of Nato.

Trump before Trump

For more than a decade, Hungarys government has pursued policies that closely resemble the ideological stances that propelled Trump to the White House in 2016.

If you look at the policies of the Hungarian government for the last 15 years now you see that basically we were Trump before Trump. We were always against illegal migration, we were always in favour of the families, we were always against the aggressive LGBT propaganda, Szijjarto said.

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He added that in the last few years, for the period of the war, we have been in favour of peace. Sovery similar to President Trump. Thats why we were happy that he won the elections in the US.

These positions have often put Hungary at odds with mainstream EU leadership.

A standout approach to Nato

Hungarys approach to international alliances like Nato has also been a cause of friction.

Within Nato, the Hungarian government has taken a pragmatic stance, opposing efforts to expand the alliances military footprint beyond its traditional defensive role.

Szijjarto warns against any attempt to involve Nato in conflicts outside its territory. It [Nato] has not been created as an attack alliance. It has been created as a defence allianceSo any kind of attempt to drag Nato into a war outside of Natos territory is unacceptable for us.

This echoes Trumps long-standing view of keeping Ukraine out of Nato.

Strengthening India-Hungary relations

Speaking about the India-Hungary relationship, Szijjarto said, We value our relationship with India pretty much because we understand the similarities among our leaders and among our governments.

So the Hungary-India relationship looks very, very promising. And of course, that determines a lot of our Indo-Pacific relationship as well, to which we attach a great significance. And so far, it has proven to be successful, I guess, he said.
In a session on climate-proofing the Indo-Pacific, Nilianjan Ghosh, the Director of Observer Research Foundations Centre for New Economic Diplomacy, said that the Middle East has some best agricultural practices when it comes to Middle East read more

Middle East has some of the best agricultural practices when it comes to climate adaptability, according to Nilianjan Ghosh, the Director of Observer Research Foundations (ORF) Centre for New Economic Diplomacy.

Speaking at a session titled Climate-proofing the Indo-Pacific: Food, Water, Economic Resilience at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, Ghosh said that Israel and Jordan have some of the best agricultural practices where farmers have adapted to the dry conditions and grow crops that use less water. He said that the notion of water budgeting is used in the region where water is used judiciously.

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Ghosh said that there are numerous other benefits as well in addition to saving water.

Ghosh said, First of all, when you are releasing more water in the stream by using less water, shifting to less water consuming crops, you are enhancing the ecosystem services because the water left is providing support and other provisioning services of the ecosystem. Moving towards regenerative agriculture or other forms of agriculture enhances soil health and enhances the sustainability of the of the agri-ecosystem. On the other side, you are producing more nutritious crops given the fact that this has led to a more sustainable food production practice. At the same time youre creating a sustainable value chain, youre enhancing farmers incomes.

Citing an experimental study conducted in the Upper Ganges Canal in India, Ghosh said that the adoption of a practice called the environmental closed regime, which uses less water and releases more water in streams, increased farmers incomes by almost 25 per cent.

Ghosh said that farmers need to be given incentives to adopt such practices. Stressing the importance of governments incentives, Ghosh said that the hiked minimum support price (MSP) for water-guzzling crops like paddy, wheat, and sugarcane led to a meteoric rise in their acreage.

In the past few years, the Narendra Modi government has incentivised the cultivation of crops like millets that dont use too much water. However, experts on the panel noted that it takes around five-six years for a change in policy to reflect in practice on the ground. In the next few years, they said it would be seen whether the government intervention has been succesful.

Experts also deliberated on climate financing, with Lise Breuil, the Country Director for Agence Francaise de Developpment, saying that there is no magic money and both public and private institutions need to their bit to address the issue. She said that every dollar invested in resilience today saves four dollars in the long run.

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This means that to some extent we have to provide incentives to to the private sector as well as farmers to adopt climate-adaptable agriculture, said Breuil.
On Day 2 of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, a high-level panel debated the growing Sino-American rivalry and its impact on global stability. With nations in the Global South pushing for strategic autonomy, experts discussed how regional alliances, multilateralism and non-alignment strategies could help counterbalance great-power competition without being drawn into a G2-dominated world read more

China and US flags are displayed alongside a miniature worker in this illustration picture taken November 7, 2024. Representational Image/Reuters

The second day of the 10th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi is underway.

Among the days pivotal sessions was Multipolar Disorder: No Takers for a G2, moderated by Steve Clemons, Editor-At-Large of the National Interest from the United States.

The session addressed the escalating concerns surrounding a world increasingly dominated by Sino-American rivalry and the political shift that has occurred in the West with major changes in Washington.

The panel comprised Saeed Khatibzadeh, President of the Institute for Political and International Studies, Iran; Dino Patti Djalal, Founder of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia; Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman of the Observer Research Foundation, India; Nada Al Hajjri, President of the Yemen Information Center; and Almut Moller, Director for European and Global Affairs at the European Policy Centre, Germany.

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The importance of strategic autonomy by the Global South was highlighted. Rather than aligning with either major power, these nations are putting more weight on flexible trade partnerships, technology transfers and alternative financing mechanisms.

This approach includes strengthening cross-regional partnerships and South-South cooperation to counterbalance great-power competition.

Global Souths strategic autonomy

Saeed Khatibzadeh, who also serves as the deputy foreign minister of Iran, highlighted Irans experience in manoeuvring through geopolitical pressures, highlighting the countrys long history of sanctions and strategic diversification.

Iran has been sanctioned for more than four decades, he pointed out. He further stressed that the world was no longer solely defined by US-China rivalry. There are other countries, other players that are probably equally important. The world is not anymore about the rivalry between the US and China, he remarked.

Discussing Irans strategic approach, Khatibzadeh noted that while Tehran has sought to expand its ties, Europe has not been ready for any.

Instead, initiatives like BRICS are emerging as alternatives. BRICS is the response to this chaotic world. BRICS and other initiatives are the response to the G2 problem.

He also pointed to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, stating, What we are seeing now is the United States trying to change the world order from everywhere, from Denmark, Canada, etc.

Indonesias balancing act

Dino Patti Djalal, also the former Indonesian ambassador to the US, put a spotlight on his countrus role in maintaining regional stability while navigating great-power tensions.

With or without the US, we will move on. If the US wants to engage, then we will engage; if they do not, then we move on, he asserted.

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He stressed that nations who are part of the Global South prioritise pragmatism. That is exactly the strength of many countries in the rest of the world because we are willing to be pragmatic.

On the shifting global order, he noted, The strongest ones are the US and Europe because they are well structured, but now it is crumbling because of strained ties.

Speaking about recent nations joining BRICS, he clarified, It is not a policy shift; its about adding options to our foreign policy. However, he warned, What is important is that BRICS does not become a geopolitical organisation because of its economic value.

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Indias moment in the sun

Sunjoy Joshi provided Indias perspective, discussing its independent approach to global affairs.

He dismissed notions of US disengagement, stating, The US is not checking out. There is a new sheriff in town, and the new sheriff wants to do things his way. Joshi stressed that India is well-positioned in the current order: For India, the advantage for the next 10-15 years is Indias moment in the sun.

Reflecting on the challenges of a multipolar world, Joshi noted, A multipolar world is a difficult world. It is difficult to set. The ideas of the G7 will be a problem. But engaging in bilateral relations and talks  whether that will work or not  is the big question.

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He also remarked on global realignments, stating, Globalisation is not dead. Instead, one head has a hundred. There will of course be a pushback. It has become a coalition of interests.

Managing major power pressures in West Asia

Nada Al Hajjri provided insights into how West Asian countries are navigating external influences. The rivalry between the US and China has been detrimental to institutions. The WTO has been rendered ineffective; the ability to solve disputes is no longer a mechanism, she stated.

Highlighting Omans diplomatic approach, she explained, Oman has maintained an image of mutual respect that adheres to international law and uses cultural diplomacy to deal with the US and China.

Al Hajjri also remarked on the broader shift in global power dynamics. The big powers do not care anymore  yes. China wants to keep being considered a developing country, which the US and Europe think is unfair; they want China to comply with specific WTO rules.

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A new reality for Europe

Almut Moller discussed Europes response to geopolitical shifts, particularly in light of Russias actions and Trumps cold shoulder. Europe is coming together decisively to respond to Russias war of aggression, she stated, highlighting the urgency of reinforcing security.

The Europeans have to invest fast to make their citizens safer. We see an urgency on every single conversation that we have. It is an all-hands-on-deck moment.

While acknowledging divisions within Europe, she cautioned against overstating them. There are divisions in Europe, but lets not overemphasise those. Things will fall into place. Regarding countries reluctant to align with broader European efforts, she warned, History is not on their side.

A new coalition of interests'?

Regional alliances have become instrumental in shaping countries responses to the intensifying Sino-American rivalry. Organisations have sought to maintain unity and neutrality, though internal divisions have emerged due to external pressures.

The strategic competition between the US and China has, at times, compelled nations in the Global South to make either-or choices, challenging the blocs cohesion.

The jostling between these two great powers has significant implications for the future of multilateralism and international institutions. The contrasting economic visions and governance models offered by the US and China reflect an ideological dimension to their rivalry, reminiscent of past geopolitical tensions.

Some nations, particularly in the Global South, are pursuing strategic nonalignment, reminiscent of the Non-Aligned Movement, to maintain autonomy amidst Sino-US and US-Russia rivalries.

Raisina Dialogue is a premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with Indias Ministry of External Affairs.

The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 17, featured New Zealands Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as the chief guest and keynote speaker.

Firstpost has partnered with the Raisina Dialogue to bring exclusive content to its viewers and readers.
Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and two other Crew-9 members will return to Earth on the SpaceX Dragon spaceship read more

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams pose for a picture at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, ahead of Boeing's Starliner-1 Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to the International Space Station, in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S. File image/ Reuters

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, two NASA astronauts, are wrapping up an extraordinary nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station.

Their return to Earth is set for today, March 18, when they will disembark from the station.

Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and two other Crew-9 members will return to Earth on the SpaceX Dragon spaceship.

Crew 10 Dragon vehicle arriving! pic.twitter.com/3EZZyZW18b  Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) March 16, 2025

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Originally scheduled for a quick eight-day test voyage aboard Boeings Starliner spaceship, their stay was prolonged due to unanticipated aircraft technical issues. Due to previous technical challenges with the Boeing Starliner aircraft, the astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) had to stay for an extended period of time.

Their expedition, which began in June of last year, was originally designed as an 8-day test flight for Boeings Starliner. However, propulsion issues on the Starliner made it risky for their return flight, necessitating a change of plans. The astronauts were subsequently added to the Crew-9 mission.

The astronauts are now returning to Earth as part of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, following a prolonged stay in orbit where they conducted over 150 scientific experiments. The Crew-10 mission, which arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on March 17, made the crew exchange possible.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, together with astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov, will return on the SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceship. The 17-hour voyage will end with a splashdown off the Florida coast at 3:27 a.m. IST on March 19.

This concludes their almost nine-month journey, and they will now prepare for the obstacles of readjusting to Earths gravity, according to NASA.
At Raisina Dialogues The Iran Factor: Crisis, Convergence, Competition session saw an intense discussion on how important a rapprochement between Iran and influential Arab states is for a lasting peace in West Asia read more

Broken pictures of Iranian spiritual leaders Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini lie on the floor at the Iranian embassy after opposition forces took control of the city in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. AP

The outrageous October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel triggered a major crisis in West Asia with different countries looking for its role in conflict mediation or support. The toppling of the Syrian government led by Bashaar al Assad by rebel forces led by Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, now the interim president of the country, left many wondering if the country would be able to transition smoothly or if factional disputes within the rebel groups would push it back to chaos.

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At the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, experts monitoring the changes in West Asia gave their take on the overall situation. In the The Iran Factor: Crisis, Convergence, Competition session, the panel discussed how important a rapprochement between Iran and influential Arab states is for the success of a ceasefire in Gaza.

And how West Asia is tackling the influence of the United States and China on their regional issues. The panel comprised Vahan Kostanyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armenia; Seyed Mohammad-Kazem Sajjadpour, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Institute for Political and International Studies and Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Iran; Manish Tewari, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha; Hind Kabawat, Director, Interfaith Peacebuilding, George Mason University Center for World Religions, Diplomacy, & Conflict Resolution, United States of America; and Maha Yahya, Director, Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, Lebanon.

The delegation discussed how Tehran has re-engaged the Arab world and sought new political and diplomatic ties within the region and with the Global South, it also touched upon the Dramatic changes that have unfolded in Syria and gave their takes on the US and Europe being back as key players in regions fractious politics.

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Iran before and after the October 7

When asked about Irans role in West Asia before and after the October 7 attack, Sajjadpour said that the concept of the state of Iran is becoming weak. The adviser to the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasised that Iran focuses on defending itself and the country is not dependent on any external source. Security.

He said that the current situation in West Asia in the context of Iran can be seen as ABCs.

A - He emphasised that the Analytical framework of the current order should be revised.

B - Building hegemonic desires is an impossibility. I think any global hegemony which neglects the realities of the region, including Europe, is doomed to failure. Any regional hegemony that ignores Iran is also doomed to failure, Sajjadpour averred.

C - Sajjadpour noted that the Context of the region is dynamic and in this context, we have a set of issues. He outlined two issues to understand the context. The first one is that the Palestinian issue is not an artificial issue and the second is the imaging issue in which one cannot picture the entire region of West Asia as one single concept.

When it comes to Irans influence in the other West Asian nations, the panel discussed the fall of the Assad regime and how Iran lost an ally in Damascus. While commenting on the matter Kabawat recalled the devastation Syria has been witnessing since 2011. When you say Iran is not an object, Syrian people are not an object, she remarked.

But the reality is because of Hezbollah backed by Iran, the Syrian people paid a very expensive price, she said.

Kabawat insisted that Iranians have been using Hezbollah as a proxy and its vision and ambition to have influence in the country might not be the course. Adding to what Kabawat noted Maha Yahya said that West Asia today is witnessing a reconfiguration.

In terms of Iranian strategic influence, yes, that has been weakened. However, it still is a very important factor that one cannot ignore, she said.

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The other actors

Over the years Armenia has faced the effects of West Asian Crisis. While speaking on how the country operates in the region. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vahan Kostanyan, said that Armenia tends to get trapped in geopolitical games.

Kostanyan said that at the heart of Armenias policy is the country doesnt want to take a site in a Middle Eastern conflict, but also calls for peace and reconciliation in the region.

While talking about Indias ties with both Iran and Israel, Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari said that India is not picking sides as well. We would want a peaceful, progressive & stable Middle East, he said.

However, Tiwari noted that if India can play a role as a facilitator, we are happy to do that.

The panel spoke about international actors who are playing key roles in the region and what they can do to ensure peace. When it comes to China, Yahya said that China plays an important role in West Asia on the economic front it doesnt put the money where the mouth is on the political front. Tiwari also cautioned about ties with China, saying Chinese efforts come at a cost.

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Yahya noted that the European Union also plays a key role in conflict resolution in West Asia, pointing to the fact that how the body is dealing with Syria in the transitional phase. When asked if India can take an active role in the region. Tewari emphasised that India has been a non-interventionist power, but insisted that the country would be happy to play a catalyst in the peace process.

The Syria question

On the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue, Kabawat spoke to Firstpost about the situation in Syria. Kabawat emphasised that these conferences are important so that Syria can start engaging in open-day diplomacy.

We had been close for 14 years because of the dictatorship, so we were all hoping to have a new era, to have a good diplomatic relation with others, she said.

Kabawat was part of the Syrian National Dialogue which was hosted by the countrys Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. When asked how Syria can be prevented from falling into the hands of the extremists again, Kabawat said that the erstwhile rebel group leader has taken several concrete steps.

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He introduced a temporary constitution and is trying to be as inclusive as they, she said.

He has started to surround himself with people who are not radical so that he can prove to the world that he is not.

At the end of the discussion, the panel expressed hope that the situation in West Asia would improve.

Hope for a diplomat is what courage is for soldier & water for fish, Sajjadpour concluded.
Along with the 59 aircraft, nine Chinese warships and two balloons were also detected in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT), the defence ministry said read more

Taiwan detected 59 Chinese aircraft around the self-ruled island, the defence ministry said on March 18, 2025, the highest tally since a record in October and days after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called China a "foreign hostile force". AFP

Taiwan detected 59 Chinese aircraft around the self-ruled island, the defence ministry said Tuesday, the highest tally since a record in October and days after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called China a foreign hostile force.

China insists democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.

Beijing has ramped up the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty, which Taipei rejects.

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Taiwan also accuses China of using espionage, cyberattacks and disinformation to weaken its defences.

Along with the 59 aircraft, nine Chinese warships and two balloons were also detected in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT), the defence ministry said.

It was the highest number of Chinese aircraft registered since a record 153 were reported on October 15, after China staged large-scale military drills in response to Lais National Day speech days earlier.

Of the aircraft detected in the past 24 hours, 54 had taken part in joint combat patrols, the ministry said in separate statements.

The Chinese foreign ministry said Monday the actions were a resolute response to external forces wilful connivance and support for Taiwan independence and a stern warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces.

China also repeated its criticism of a US decision to remove a reference to the status of Taiwan from the State Department website.

The United States does not diplomatically recognise Taiwan but remains its main security backer and in February removed a line from a State Department fact sheet that stated: We do not support Taiwan independence.

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This is another egregious example of the US deliberately pursuing the policy of using Taiwan to contain China and condoning and supporting Taiwan independence, the ministry said.

Last Thursday, Lai branded China a foreign hostile force, as he proposed measures to combat deepening Chinese infiltration in the island.

The number of people prosecuted for spying for Beijing has risen sharply, with retired and serving members of Taiwans military the main targets of Chinese infiltration efforts, official figures show.

Taipeis top policy body on China, the Mainland Affairs Council, said Tuesday that Chinas aggressive military expansion threatens peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region.

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It has already become a universally recognised and undeniable troublemaker, MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng said.
Highlighting that $380 billion were spent on the Ukraine war in the past three years, the foreign minister argued the money could be used to solve Africas infrastructure crisis read more

Ghanas Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Tuesday (March 18) came down heavily on Western nations for funnelling funds and global resources to support wars and putting the pursuit of development on the backburner.

Ablakwa made these remarks while speaking at Firstposts IdeasPod as part of the annual Raisina Dialogue organised by Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The minister said the focus of the Western nations was no longer on achieving the goals of the G20.

Highlighting that $380 billion were spent on the Ukraine war in the past three years, the foreign minister argued the money could be used to solve Africas infrastructure crisis.

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Ablakwa said G20 was meant to champion industrialisation, create, economic wealth, and expand trade opportunities but he complained the lots of funds is being moved away from international development into the Ukraine war.

It is all because of this approach that there is a breakdown of trust between African nations and Europe, the US and even the UN where vetoes are often misused, the foreign minister said.

Theres a vacuum in global leadership

Ablakwa also batted for a stronger leadership role for African nations.

There is a vacuum in leadership, trusted leadership, he said, adding that since the Cold War era, African nations like South Africa, along with India, have championed the cause of non-alignment.

Theres no winner in the war and that its better that we come together, said Ablakwa.

External threats

The foreign minister also touched upon the external threats looming large over Africa as he said some actors were taking advantage of a divided continent using the divide and rule strategy.

Its always about our resources, its always about the uranium or about the gold, about the diamond, the bauxite, you know, the timber.

He warned that African nations must position themselves in a way so that they dont become vulnerable to these threats.

When asked about who these external actors were, Ablakwa responded by saying, We have a fair idea of who they are, from slavery to colonialism and all of that Africa has been at the receiving end of all of these.

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He added that neo colonial actors would do everything to divide our ranks to exploit Africas resources.
The Kremlin said the highly-anticipated phone call between Putin and Trump will take place between 1300 GMT and 1500 GMT on Tuesday and that Trump and Putin will discuss Ukraine and the normalisation of US-Russian ties read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump are scheduled to hold talks on Tuesday in an attempt to get support for a U.S. ceasefire plan that Trump believes might pave the way for the end of Russias catastrophic war on Ukraine.

The White House is confident that peace is within approach, even if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is doubtful that Putin is doing much more than paying lip service to Trump as Russian soldiers continue to pound his nation.

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The engagement is only the latest development in significantly altering US-Russia relations, as Trump has prioritised fast resolving the conflict, even if it means hurting relationships with long-time American allies who want Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

Its a bad situation in Russia, and its a bad situation in Ukraine, Trump told reporters on Monday. Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it.

The Kremlin said the highly-anticipated phone call between Putin and Trump will take place between 1300 GMT and 1500 GMT on Tuesday and that Trump and Putin will discuss Ukraine and the normalisation of US-Russian ties.

It will indeed take place from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Moscow time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. There is a large number of issues from the normalisation of our relations and the Ukrainian issue, all of which the two presidents will discuss.

In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff met last week with Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

Ukraines foreign minister on Tuesday urged Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and Washington, ahead of a telephone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.

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It is time for Russia to show whether it really wants peace. Ukraine supported the US proposal for a temporary ceasefire for 30 days. We expect the Russian side to unconditionally agree to this proposal, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said.

The U.S. president said Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.

Trump, who during his campaign pledged to quickly end the war, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russias unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Zelenskyy of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since World War II.

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Trump has said that swaps of land and power plants will be part of the conversation with Putin.

Witkoff and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that U.S. and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia power plant in southern Ukraine.

The power plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. The U.N.s International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about the nuclear power plant, Europes largest, fueling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The nuclear power plant is a significant asset, producing nearly a quarter of Ukraines electricity in the year before the war.

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I can say we are on the 10th yard line of peace, Leavitt said. And weve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the president, as you know, is determined to get one done.

But Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, questioned whether Putin is ready to end the war or will hold out for potential further concessions as Trump grows impatient.

After a disastrous Feb. 28 White House meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine. It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administrations 30-day ceasefire proposal.

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The U.S. has been consistently offering in some form preemptive concessions that have been weakening the American and Ukrainian negotiating position, Bowman said. I think theres a real danger here that the administrations approach is boiling down to sticks for Ukraine and carrots for Putin.

Zelenskyy in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Putin is ready for peace.

Now, almost a week later, its clear to everyone in the world  even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years  that it is Putin who continues to drag out this war, Zelenskyy said.

In his dealings with Zelenskyy and Putin, Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage. Putin has the cards and Zelenskyy does not, Trump has said repeatedly.

Trump, who has long shown admiration for Putin, has also made clear hed like to see the U.S.-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.

The president during his recent contentious meeting with Zelenskyy grumbled that Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, a reference to the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position. He said Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region  amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials thats been refuted by Zelenskyy.

Ukraines 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 and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Zelenskyy has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on their back foot but refutes Russian claims that they have encircled his troops in Kursk.

Trump suggested that hes taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer, Trump said.
Trumps allies like billionaire Elon Musk have previously proposed impeaching judges who attempt to block the administrations anti-immigration efforts. But its the first time that Trump has publicly derided a judge, who attempted to prevent the government from deporting the alleged gang members under the Alien Enemies Act read more

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (March 18) blasted the judge overseeing his administrations deportation of suspected Venezuelan gang members, calling for his impeachment in a first such public attack on judiciary.

Without naming the judge, Trump on his Truth Social platform called for impeaching radical left lunatic James Boasberg, the Washington DC-based justice who was appointed by Barack Obama.

This is what Trump wrote in his post:

This Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, was not elected President - He didnt WIN the popular VOTE (by a lot!), he didnt WIN ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, he didnt WIN 2,750 to 525 Counties, HE DIDNT WIN ANYTHING! I WON FOR MANY REASONS, IN AN OVERWHELMING MANDATE, BUT FIGHTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MAY HAVE BEEN THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR THIS HISTORIC VICTORY.

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Trump further stated that he is doing what his voters wanted him to do and any judge forcing him to appear before the courts must be impeached.

Im just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! WE DONT WANT VICIOUS, VIOLENT, AND DEMENTED CRIMINALS, MANY OF THEM DERANGED MURDERERS, IN OUR COUNTRY. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!

Trump Truth Social post

First such attack on judiciary

Trumps allies like billionaire Elon Musk have previously proposed impeaching judges who attempt to block the administrations anti-immigration efforts.

But its the first time that Trump has publicly derided a judge, who attempted to prevent the government from deporting the alleged gang members under the Alien Enemies Act.

Alien Enemies Act

The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 is one of the oldest US laws concerning national security and immigration. It was originally enacted alongside other Alien and Sedition Acts during heightened tensions between the US and France.

The law grants the president the authority to detain or deport nationals of foreign nations deemed hostile, without the need for court proceedings.

Historically, the law has been used only during periods of declared war. It was invoked during the War of 1812, World War I and World War II to detain or deport noncitizens from enemy countries, including Germans, Austro-Hungarians, Italians and Japanese.

The Trump administration had invoked the law labelling Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan criminal organisation, as invading force and accusing it of carrying out irregular warfare against the US at the behest of the Venezuelan government.

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 US soil, Trump said.

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Perestrello highlighted that when Covid-19 pandemic broke out in 2019, Europe suddenly discovered that they were overdependent on China. Drawing a comparison, he said the Trump challenge has led to the realisation among EU politicians that they are heavily dependent on US on strategic matters read more

Marcos Perestrello, President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, speaks with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma at annual Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi

Marcos Perestrello, President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, said Tuesday (March 18), that the challenges posed by the Donald Trump administration of the US were an opportunity for the security alliance to become stronger and bridge the spending gap.

Perestrello was speaking alongside Latvia Foreign Minister Baiba Braze at Firstposts IdeasPod as part of the annual Raisina Dialogue organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

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Perestrello highlighted that when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2019, Europe suddenly discovered that they were overdependent on China. Drawing a comparison, he said the Trump challenge has led to the realisation among EU politicians that they are heavily dependent on US on strategic matters.

He said it was an opportunity for Europe to become more autonomous on strategic matters.

He also called for increased defence spending among European nations and developing new partnerships.

We need also to find new partnerships, new bridges of dialogue, said Perestrello, hinting at strengthening relations between Europe and India.

That is an opportunity to, to make, to strengthen the relations, for instance, between Europe and India, he remarked.

Challenge that we are facing with the new US administration approach as an opportunity to become stronger and more, and with the Alliance more, more, coherent and stronger, he stated further.

Can smaller European economies tackle the challenge?

When asked whether European nations with smaller economies can tackle the challenge of increasing defence spending, Perestrello said, it was more expensive to fight a war than not to.

To keep peace we need strength, he said.

He also highlighted that the main problem with European defence was not spending but capacity building.

He stressed the need to develop real capacities that actually serve the needs of European nations.

He argued that even though European nations increased spending in the last decade, but that did not achieve stronger capacities.

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So the decision that we need to make in the Hague next June is what capacities do we need? he stated.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering recognising Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Russian territory in a possible future peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, according to a report read more

The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering recognising Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Russian territory in a possible future peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, the Semafor news website reported.

Semafor, citing two people familiar with the matter, said US officials had also discussed the possibility of having Washington urge the United Nations to do the same.

Reuters could not independently confirm the report. Semafor said the White House had declined comment.

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Semafor said Trump had not formally made any decisions, and that the possible Crimea moves were among various options being floated.

Trump was due to speak with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to try to convince the Russian president to accept a ceasefire in his countrys war with Ukraine and move towards a more permanent end to the three-year-old conflict.

Crimea is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine by most countries, and Kyiv has said it wants the Black Sea peninsula back even though it has recognised that returning it by force is unrealistic for now.

The Kremlin has repeatedly said that Crimea, where Russias Black Sea Fleet is based and whose pre-annexation population was mostly Russian speakers, is already formally part of Russia, a question it says has been closed forever.
The call comes amid concerns in Kyiv and European capitals that the 78-year-old Republican will cede too much ground to Putin, a leader for whom he has repeatedly expressed admiration in the past read more

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold a bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan June 28, 2019. (Photo: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin began a critical phone call on Tuesday, with the White House saying the talks on securing a ceasefire in Moscows invasion were going well.

Trump has already made clear that he is ready to discuss what parts of occupied Ukraine that Russia will be allowed to keep, saying at the weekend Moscow and Washington are talking about dividing up certain assets.

The call comes amid concerns in Kyiv and European capitals that the 78-year-old Republican will cede too much ground to Putin, a leader for whom he has repeatedly expressed admiration in the past.

President Trump is currently in the Oval Office speaking with President Vladimir Putin of Russia since 10:00am (1400 GMT) deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino said on X almost an hour later.

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The call is going well, and still in progress.

A ceasefire is still far from guaranteed. Kyiv has agreed to halt fighting for 30 days and enter talks with Russia more than three years into Moscows invasion, but Putin has set a string of conditions.

Trump said on his Truth Social network late Monday that many elements of a final agreement have been agreed to, but much remains to be settled.

The talks were getting down to a very critical stage, Trump added.

Putin speech

Putin gave a hardline anti-Western speech Tuesday before the call, saying the West would still try to undermine Russia even if it lifted sanctions imposed over its invasion of Ukraine.

He mocked the G7 to wild applause from the audience, saying it was too small to see on a map.

Kyiv said it expected Moscow to unconditionally accept to the ceasefire.

It is time for Russia to show whether it really wants peace, Ukraines Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Putin does not want peace and is trying to achieve a better position militarily ahead of any halt in fighting.

Russia has attacked Ukraine with near daily barrages of drones and missiles for more than three years, occupying swathes of southern and eastern Ukraine and pressing a grinding advance in recent months.

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Putin has said that a ceasefire only benefits Kyiv and not the Russian army, that he said was advancing.

Moscow has also made clear that it would not accept NATO troops deployed as peacekeeping forces in Ukraine and has said it was against the US arming Ukraine  demands that he could put forward to Trump.

The push towards a ceasefire began in February when Trump announced last month that he had spoken to Putin  a surprise call that broke Western efforts to isolate the Russian leader while his invasion continues.

As Trump upended years of US policy he then had a televised shouting match with Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28, which led to the United States temporarily suspending its billions of dollars in military aid to Kyiv.

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End NOW

On Sunday Trump said he would discuss issues of land and power plants with Putin  a likely reference to the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europes largest that fell to Russia in the first days of its invasion.

Zelensky said over the weekend that any discussions over territory should take place at the negotiating table only after a ceasefire.

Trump is intent on delivering on an election pledge to end fighting in Ukraine, blaming his predecessor Joe Bidens policy on Russia for fueling the war.

It must end NOW, he said on Truth Social.

As Washington and Moscow prepared for the talks, authorities in Russias Kursk region were evacuating several hundred civilians from areas retaken from Ukraine last summer.

The Kremlin has hailed Moscows quick offensive there last week as a major success, with Putin calling for Ukrainian soldiers to surrender or be killed.

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Russian pensioner Olga Shkuratovas husband was killed last week during fighting as Russia ousted Ukrainian troops from her village of Goncharovka.

A shell hit. Everything was blown apart in a second. No house, no garage, no barn, the 62-year-old told AFP as she was taken to safety by volunteers.
President Putin told US counterpart Donald Trump in a phone call that the conflict in Ukraine could only be resolved if the West halts military and intelligence support for Ukraine. read more

This combination of pictures created on March 18, 2025 shows President Donald Trump (L) on the phone on January 28, 2017 in Washington, and Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) on the phone Moscow on December 27, 2023. Image- AFP

US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday agreed to a 30-day energy and infrastructure ceasefire in the Ukraine war and that broader truce talks should begin immediately, the White House said.

These negotiations will begin immediately in West Asia, the White House said in a statement, also citing a huge upside for economic and geopolitical goals if Russia and the United States improve their relations.

Tuesdays agreement would represent a genuine de-escalation in the three-year war if implemented. The Kremlin made no mention of Ukraines specific stance on the temporary halt in the targeting of energy infrastructure, but said Trumps proposal had spoken of a mutual refusal.

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The agreement fell short however of a wider agreement that the U.S. had sought, and which was accepted by Ukraine, for a blanket 30-day truce in the war.

During the conversation, Donald Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from striking energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding command, the Kremlin said in a statement.

On the proposed wider truce Putin reiterated concerns that he had raised last week, according to the Kremlins readout.

The Russian side outlined a number of significant points regarding ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire line of combat contact, the need to stop forced mobilisation in Ukraine, and the rearming of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, it said.

Russian President Putin also set out conditions for a ceasefire during a phone call with US counterpart Donald Trump, including that Ukraine not be allowed to rearm, the Kremlin said Tuesday.

The Russian side has outlined a number of essential points concerning effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire contact line and the need to halt both forced mobilisation in Ukraine and the rearmament of the Ukrainian armed forces, the statement said.

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With inputs from agencies
A Trump administration lawyer argued both that the judges initial oral ruling to block the flights was superseded by a more sparsely written order issued later, and that the government had the legal right to continue with flights once they had left U.S. airspace read more

Salvadoran police officers escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison, as part of an agreement with the Salvadoran government, at the El Salvador International Airport in San Luis Talpa, El Salvador, in this handout image obtained March 16, 2025. Reuters

A federal judge on Monday gave the Trump administration a Tuesday deadline to provide details about plane loads of Venezuelans it deported after being ordered not to, in a brewing showdown over presidential power.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg on Saturday issued an order blocking the deportations, which President Donald Trump justified under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, but the flights continued anyway and 261 people were removed from the United States and taken to El Salvador.

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Trump claims the deported Venezuelans are members of the prison gang Tren de Aragua, which he designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The White House on Saturday published a Trump proclamation that invoked the Alien Enemies Act to declare that Tren de Aragua was conducting irregular warfare against the U.S.

A Trump administration lawyer argued both that the judges initial oral ruling to block the flights was superseded by a more sparsely written order issued later, and that the government had the legal right to continue with flights once they had left U.S. airspace.

While Boasberg did not say whether the government violated his order, he questioned the Trump administrations rationale for not returning the planes to the U.S.

He repeatedly pressed the Justice Department attorney, Abhishek Kambli, to provide details on the timing of the flights that transported the Venezuelans to El Salvador, including whether they took off after his order was issued.

Why are you showing up today without answers? Boasberg asked.

Since taking office in January, Trump has sought to push the boundaries of executive power, cutting spending authorized by Congress, dismantling agencies and firing thousands of federal workers.

He has challenged the historic checks and balances between the U.S. branches of government in the past, and in this case asked that Judge Boasberg be removed.

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said there were 261 people deported in total, including 137 who were removed under the Alien Enemies Act and more than 100 others who were removed via standard immigration proceedings. There were also 23 Salvadoran members of the MS-13 gang, she said.

Relatives of suspected deportees were desperate to know what happened to their loved ones.

The Trump administration has variously described the deported Venezuelans as gang members, monsters, or alien terrorists, but has not provided evidence to back up its assertions.

Although Tren de Aragua is a feared criminal organization that trafficks in humans in South America, there has been little documented evidence of large-scale operations in the United States.

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National security cited

Kambli, the government lawyer, told the judge the Trump administration was resistant to sharing information because, There is a lot of operational national security and foreign relations at risk.

The White House has asserted that federal courts have no jurisdiction over Trumps authority to expel foreign enemies under the 18th-century law. In the hearing, the government argued the courts jurisdiction was limited by the statute.

Boasberg pressed Kambli about why the Trump administration did not appeal or address any disputes in court rather than let the deportation flights continue. Isnt the better course to return the planes to the United States? the judge asked.

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At another point, Boasberg said it was a heck of a stretch for the Trump administration to argue that his oral order issued on Saturday to return the planes was not in effect because he had not repeated as much in the written order.

Several legal experts said the deportations amounted to the Trump administration defying the judges order.

In the end, Boasberg ordered the government by midday on Tuesday to provide details such as the timing of flight departures and arrivals in foreign countries, the number of people deported, and why the government does not believe it can make that information public.

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Mondays session was prompted by an emergency hearing on Saturday in which Boasberg granted a request by the American Civil Liberties Union to issue a two-week temporary block on Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act to carry out the deportations.

ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt raised the idea of whether the Trump administrations actions could trigger a constitutional crisis, saying in the hearing, I think were getting very close to it.

Gelernt further questioned Trumps assertion that the deported immigrants belonged to Tren de Aragua, saying: This has been a habit of the Trump administration to overstate the danger of the people theyve arrested.

With a Republican-controlled Congress largely backing Trumps agenda, federal judges have often been the only constraint on his executive actions, putting many orders on hold while they consider their legality.
The talks will coordinate cooperation on Ukraine and discuss efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia, UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement on Monday read more

European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. File image/Reuters

Britain and the European Union will ramp up pressure on Russia and boost defence initiatives, as the EUs foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, meets British foreign minister David Lammy and defence minister John Healey in London on Tuesday.

The talks will coordinate cooperation on Ukraine and discuss efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia, UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement on Monday.

The discussions will also include stepping up action against hybrid threats such as cyberattacks, election interference and rampant Russian disinformation, the statement said.

Kallas and Lammy will also set review efforts to boost European defence spending through innovative initiatives and military readiness in support of NATO.

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Its vital we upgrade our partnership with the EU and work together to bring an end to this war and deliver security of all of our citizens, Lammy said about the war in Ukraine.

Conditions demanded by Russia to agree to a ceasefire show that Moscow does not really want peace, Kallas told reporters in Brussels on Monday.

Earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would speak to Russias Vladimir Putin on Tuesday morning about ending the Ukraine war.

Trump has been trying to win Putins support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine accepted last week.
Israel has vowed to continue fighting in Gaza until all hostages are returned as it unleashed its most intense strikes since a ceasefire. Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deciding to resume war after an impasse in truce negotiations read more

A mourner reacts as people gather near the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, at a hospital in Gaza City. According to Palestinian officials, over 400 people were killed in Israel's strikes on Tuesday. Reuters

Hamas on Tuesday blamed the US behind Israels attack on Gaza, saying that the fact that Washington was aware of the deadly bombardments caused the deaths of nearly 400 Palestinians. Fighting resumed in Gaza weeks after the first phase of the ceasefire expired and talks on a new one faltered.

White Houses acknowledgement that it was consulted ahead of the attack exposes the blatant American complicity and bias with the occupation. With its unlimited political and military support for the occupation, Washington bears full responsibility for the massacres and the killing of women and children in Gaza, Hamas said in a statement.

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Israel has vowed to continue fighting in Gaza until all hostages are returned as it unleashed its most intense strikes since a ceasefire. Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deciding to resume war after an impasse in truce negotiations and warned that the return to fighting could be a death sentence for hostages still alive in Gaza.

Iran, Egypt condemn attacks

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei called the strikes a continuation of the genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Palestinian territories, and accused the United States of direct responsibility in the attack.

Meanwhile, Egypt, which has played a key role in mediating between the two warring parties, also condemned the attacks, saying the strikes constitute a dangerous escalation which threatens to bring serious consequences for the stability of the region.

It also called on the international community to act immediately to halt the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip in order to prevent the region entering a new spiral of violence and counterviolence.

Hospitals overwhelmed

The Red Cross said many Gaza medical facilities were overwhelmed following the deadly attack in Gaza while the World Health Organization reported medicines running short.

Colleagues in the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) were reporting early Tuesday that many medical facilities are literally overwhelmed across Gaza, Tommaso Della Longa, spokesman for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said at a briefing in Geneva.

With inputs from AFP
According to estimates by the United Nations, nearly 450,000 Palestinian refugees already reside in Syria. Israel currently occupies a buffer zone along the border in Syria and regularly conducts strikes across the country read more

Israel and the US are quietly working on a plan to permanently resettle Gazas two million residents in Syria, CBS News has reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

US President Donald Trump earlier set the cat among the pigeons by declaring his intention to take over Gaza and oversee a clean-up and development project in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Despite rejection by most of Americas Arab allies, Israel and the US still seem to be working to realise this ambitious project.

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According to estimates by the United Nations, nearly 450,000 Palestinian refugees already reside in Syria. Israel currently occupies a buffer zone along the border in Syria and regularly conducts strikes across the country.

While Syrias interim leader, former jihadist leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, often condemn these strikes, he has refrained from issuing a direct threat to Israeli forces themselves. Ahmed al-Sharaa has also objected to Israels continued military presence in Syria but to no avail.

Sudan, Somalia also being approached

The CBS report claimed that the Trump administration of the government of Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu have also engaged governments in Sudan and Somalia for relocating Gazans.

The Times of Israel quoted an Israeli official as saying that such initiatives were being taken by the US primarily.

Associated Press reported that US and Israeli officials also reached out to the breakaway region of Somaliland.

Trump proposed his Gaza plan following a ceasefire mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, which ended 15 months of war in the Gaza Strip. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas led an attack on southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 251 abductions, primarily of civilians.

The war caused widespread destruction in Gaza, increasing the urgency for a comprehensive reconstruction plan. Israel has insisted that any rebuilding efforts must involve replacing Hamas with a new governing administration.

Egypts plan

After USAs Arab allies were spooked by Trumps proposal, Egypt hurriedly readied its own plan, involving an independent committee of technocrats running Gaza for a six-month period before handing off control of the Strip to the Palestinian Authority.

Egypts plan also dropped Trumps idea to resettle Gazans outside of the territory.

While the US hasnt shown interest in adopting Egypts proposal, it has signalled a softening of its stance. For instance, Trump last week said his plan for Gaza doesnt involve expelling the residents.

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(With inputs from agencies)
At a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is sticking to his maximalist demands, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that his country wants an unconditional ceasefire with Russia but is willing to resist if Russia rejects the proposal on the table read more

Hours ahead of US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putins scheduled talks, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Friday that his country wants an unconditional ceasefire with Russia and is willing to resist if Russia does not accept the proposal on the table.

In a conversation with Managing Editor Palki Sharma at Firstposts IdeasPod during the Raisina Dialogue, Sybiha said that Ukraine wants to end the war this year but will not compromise on some fundamentals, such as the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

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We believe the war will end this year  we really want the war to end this year. All of us are united by this strategic goal to achieve just, comprehensive, and long-lasting peace. Ukraine supports the US proposal for a ceasefire  temporary ceasefire. We are expecting the Russian response to accept the unconditional ceasefire. It will be a huge step forward to make this peace closer, said Sybiha.

In the US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia last week, Ukraine accepted a US-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. Even as Trump has urged Putin to accept the proposal, he has not accepted it unconditionally. Instead, he has made maximalist demands which repeat some longstanding demands and some new ones as well.

The war is to restore international order

Sybiha said that Ukraines war with Russia was not just the nations war but a war for the restoration of the international order based on international law.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 22, 2022, and the two countries have been at a war since. It was the second Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2014, Russia invaded and annexed Ukraines Crimea region. During 2014-22, Russia also sponsored a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

Sybiha said that it is in the interest of all nations to support Ukraine to discourage other actors on the world arena to act the same way as Russia.

ALSO READ: Ahead of talks with Putin, Trump hints at seeking land concessions from Ukraine for ceasefire

This war is about restoration of the world order based on respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty  the UN Charter. Thats why we need support of international community  diplomatic support, economical support, and humanitarian support. It is in the interest of all countries that in Ukraine just and comprehensive peace will be settled to avoid and to prevent the same, said Sybiha.

We wont compromise territorial integrity: Sybiha lists Ukraines red lines

While Sybiha said that Ukraine wants to end the war this year and that the country prefers diplomacy over fighting, he said that the ceasefire will not come at the cost of countrys capitulation. He said that that Ukraine will not compromise with the countrys territorial integrity.

At a time when Russia is on the offensive in the Kursk province, where Ukraine had occupied large swathes of the province, Sybiha said that Russia has so far not been able to achieve any of its objectives. He, however, admitted that Ukraines position could be stronger than what it is.

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In August 2024, Ukraine made an incursion into Russias Kursk and neighbouring Bryansk province and occupied large swathes of territories. The idea was that these occupied territories would be used in any peace talks with Russia to swap territories controlled by Russia. However, in recent days, in an offensive that coincided with the Trump administrations suspension of intelligence-sharing and military aid, Russia has retaken most of those territories and foiled the plan of exchanging those in lieu of Russia-occupied territory in eastern Ukraine.

ALSO READ: Ukraine cornered, Russia gets upper hand as Trump primes Saudi talks for peace in Europe

Russia didnt achieve any strategic goal in Ukraine. We have probably the strongest army on the European continent  approximately 1 million soldiers with combat daily experience there, said Sybiha

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As for the presently disadvantaged position on the battlefield, at least in Kursk, Sybiha said that Russia is 26 times bigger than Ukraine and has nuclear capacity.

Despite such a difference, Ukraine has prevailed so far, said Sybiha.

We prevailed and managed to liberate 50 per cent of occupied territories. We managed to establish the grain corridor in the Black Sea and to restrict the capacities of the Russian Black Sea fleet. Our economy works and Russia has not occupied any strategic area said Sybiha.

While Putin has reiterated his maximalist demands in the wake of the ceasefire proposal being discussed currently, Sybiha listed Ukraines own red lines.

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Sybiha said, They demanded our capitulation and they didnt change their approach. They dont want to recognise us as an independent state. Ukraine will never accept restriction on the military. There is no possibility to restrict our choice to become a member of any union or any alliance. There will be no compromises of our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ukraine will never recognise any part of territories occupied by Russians. These things are crucial and fundamental in our peace process.

For years, Putin has demanded Ukraine formally declares neutrality and distances from the West. In the Istanbul Protocol that emerged when Ukraine and Russia briefly engaged in direct peace talks in 2022, Russia demanded significant limits on Ukraines military. After Ukraine and the United States asked Putin to accept the temporary ceasefire proposal, Putin said he would accept such a ceasefire only on his conditions.

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Putin demanded that Ukrainian troops in Kursk would not be allowed to withdraw and they would need to surrender in case of a ceasefire. He further demanded that Ukraine would not receive weapons during the ceasefire and would neither mobilise nor train soldiers during the ceasefire. He further said that he wanted terms that lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis in an apparent reference to his longstanding demands, such as Ukraine formally ruling out joining Nato, recognising the territory under Russian occupation as Russian sovereign territory, including Russian language in formal business, among other demands.

In his concluding comments, Sybiha summed up the situation that Ukraine faces. When asked if Ukraine would continue fighting if no ceasefire is reached, Sybiha said that the country does not have any other choice.

We are ready to resist. We do not have a choice. This war is existential to us, said Sybiha.
Article 1 of Nato sets down the framework to solve any disputes that may arise between the members of the alliance themselves. he Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Espen Barth Eide, explained what would happen in detail at Raisina Dialogue 2025 read more

Greenland's flag flies in the Igaliku settlement, on July 5, 2024. In recent weeks, Donald Trump has said time and again that he wants to acquire Greenland, the world's largest island. Reuters

United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his intention to take over the worlds largest island, Greenland, and make it a part of the US.

His comments had sparked a wave of concerns among politicians and general citizens alike. The anxiety was especially heightened after Trump refused to respect the statement of the Greenland government, which clarified they do not wish to be a part of either the US or Denmark (of which the island is an autonomous territory).

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One way or the other, were going to get it, the Republican had said sparking worries that the use of force by US military was on the cards.

That created quite an uncomfortable situation for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), which both Denmark and the US are signatories of.

Natos Article 5 states that an attack on one is an attack on all. That measn that meaning that if any member nation is attacked, the others will respond as if a war had been declared on them as well united defence.

But what happens when one Nato member attacks another?

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Espen Barth Eide, was posed this exact question in the context of a potential US effort to annex Greenland at Raisina Dialogue 2025.

Oh well, Ill tell you the secret, Eide said humorously. Those of you who know Nato and I think most people have heard about article 5, which is the collective commitment to defence against external threats. But theres actually also an Article 1.

He went on to explain that Because Nato was set up in 1949, only four years after the UN Charter[]some of the same people wrote the Atlantic treaty. So, the first thing you say is that we will reframe from use of force or even threat to use the force among ourselves. You know, we will be good citizens in our club.

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Article 1 of Nato states that the signing parties undertake, as set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, to settle any international dispute in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered, and to refrain, in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

Eide suggested that Nato binds its members, including the US, to never get embroiled in an armed conflict with each other.

However, what would happen in case the US decides to breach the agreement, or pull out of Nato and then attack Greenland, remains unclear.

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During one of the most active flu seasons in recent memory, infectious disease experts at Fred Hutch Cancer Center say many of the public health lessons learned during the COVID-19 epidemic still apply: wear well-fitting masks in crowded indoor poorly ventilated spaces, practice good hand hygiene and get vaccinated. There are three vaccines available to protect against respiratory viruses: flu, COVID-19 and RSV. And no, its not too late to get vaccinated this season.

This is one of the busiest flu seasons in a decade if not longer, said Steven Pergam, MD, MPH, medical director of infection prevention at Fred Hutch. There is lots of flu out there and a number of early reported deaths.

In February, local hospitals saw a higher volume of patients with flu compared to what was observed in recent years, said Catherine Liu, MD, associate director of infection prevention at Fred Hutch. Cancer patients are particularly at risk of contracting infections. In 2024, Fred Hutch teamed up with Vanderbilt University on a study examining whether transplant patients should get two doses of flu vaccine instead of one.

This study found that patients who have had stem cell transplants and are within one year post-transplant should get one dose and follow that a month later with an additional dose, said Pergam. We have changed our practice as a result.

On the COVID-19 update front, immunocompromised people and those over 65 should get a COVID-19 vaccine every six months rather than annually due to waning immunity, said Liu.

The RSV vaccine is a newer offering that is now recommended in a single dose for everyone over 75 and for people 60 and older with underlying conditions, a category that includes people with cancer, lung disease, asthma and kidney disease. The vaccine is also recommended for pregnant people.

Bird flu  which has killed more than 150 million chickens and infected dozens of people nationally, including one who died  is also making headlines. Four bird flu vaccines have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, although the vaccines remain in the national stockpile and have not been distributed. In February, it was reported that federal health officials are reevaluating the multi-million-dollar federal contract funding the development of another novel bird flu vaccine.

The avian flu virus continues to infect wild bird populations and backyard chickens and cattle. There have been no cases of human-to-human transmission, but there is potential if someone has seasonal flu, then also gets bird flu. Then the worry is reassortment, said Liu.

Reassortment happens when more than one virus infects the same cell and the viruses swap genetic material, giving rise to new genetic combinations that can spur the creation of new viruses.

Cancer patients should avoid eating undercooked eggs and raw milk. Those who work on farms or have backyard chickens should call public health officials if their chickens get sick.

If you are immunosuppressed, have someone else step up to help care for sick chickens, said Pergam.

A data vacuum

Pergam notes that its particularly challenging to evaluate whether this years flu vaccine is a good match for the circulating flu strains because the data typically collected and published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is being limited by the federal government.

Were not getting good data from the CDC right now, but we do know there is lot of flu in the community and a lot of people who are unvaccinated and seeing complications, he said. Any time we lack access to information, the more vulnerable we become. When we decrease our ability to share data across state lines and across levels of government, it increases the risk of major outbreaks and epidemics.

Without comprehensive data on a national level, states are operating in silos to protect public health. We really rely on this data, said Liu, who referenced CDC data daily during the COVID-19 pandemic.

States are being left to make their own decisions without CDC data. Here at Fred Hutch, we are relying on other sources like the Washington State Department of Health and Seattle & King County Public Health Respiratory Virus Dashboard. Its hard to know what data are missing, she said. Are there data we cant access that is important for us to make decisions in the best interests of our patients?

Amid the uncertainty, Nancy Davidson, MD, executive vice president of clinical affairs and a breast cancer specialist, urges patients to pursue commonsense infection control practices. Davidson holds the Raisbeck Endowed Chair for Collaborative Research.

Providers at Fred Hutch are once again required to mask because flu activity is so high.

We have not required masking of patients or family members although they also often embrace it, she said. Just as we did pre-COVID, we are working with patients to minimize risk and maximize vaccination strategy.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
The picture of how an alleged white supremacist was invited to speak at Colorado Mesa University is becoming clearer.

The news that the student-run Western Culture Club invited Jared Taylor, an alleged white supremacist, to speak on campus spread like wildfire earlier this month.

CMU president John Marshall sent an email to students on March 7 regarding the speaker. Marshalls email skirted naming Taylor and the Western Culture Club as to, according to emails later obtained by The Daily Sentinel in an open records request, not give them free PR.

Now, organizers of the speech are emerging as community uproar continues.

I think the idea of using free speech to allow him to speak here is kind of a cop out. Its an easy way to dismiss peoples very real concerns, said senior student Olivia Donahue. The universitys guidelines do explicitly say that hate speech is protected speech. But they also say that speech that incites harassment or violence is not permitted on campus. And I would argue that white supremacist views are inherently violent.

Full Statement from Cultural Inclusion Council Having a speaker like Jared Taylor is not a pleasant situation to be in; knowing a white supremacist is coming to campus, especially given this was a student request, is disappointing. However, we understand the university's position in protecting all students first amendment right and not having the grounds to deny this request. We see this continuing to be an issue as we face more and more tough situations and decisions. With that being said, it is disheartening to know there are students on campus who share Jared Taylors mentality and idolize him. This only reinforces the importance of the work we do as CIC. We need to continue growing our presence on campus and supporting our students of color, minorities, and all of those who share our disappointment with the situation. We are currently working on ideas on how CIC will be involved in the protests. While we are unsure of how much involvement CIC will have, we do hope to have involvement in some capacity, whether as individuals or as a larger organization. For those who share Jared Taylors mentality, we ask you to put yourself in the shoes of those being incriminated, generalized, and deemed less than. Do you truly believe that is the full story? Remember those being villainized are human as well and deserve the same respect and dignity as any other person.

Taylor will speak at 6 p.m. on March 27 in room 213 of the University Center.

Max Applebaugh is listed as the Western Culture Clubs president. Applebaugh is the secretary for the Colorado Mesa chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization active on college campuses across the U.S.

The CMU chapter of TPUSA posted on its Instagram denouncing Taylors views. In a comment, the chapter confirmed that Applebaugh is still the secretary and wrote that it did not support the event but did support Applebaughs free speech in pursuing the event.

On the day of Marshalls email, the Western Culture Club was listed as having five members on its page on Presence, a portal website that offers information on student-run clubs on campus. On Monday, membership was up to 25  more than TPUSAs 20 members.

TEXAS LAWYER CHIPS IN

The man who offered to cover Taylors speaking fee is Jason Lee Van Dyke, a Texas-based attorney who has represented members of the right-wing extremist group Patriot Front, represented the Proud Boys  a right-wing extremist group  and the neo-Nazi group the Aryan Freedom Network. Though Taylor waived his speaking fee fee, Van Dyke donated $1,000 to help run the event.

Van Dyke, who will speak at the event, said that the Western Culture Club approached him for financial support.

According to a case summary in a July 2019 edition of Colorado Lawyer, a publication from the Colorado Bar Association, Van Dyke was suspended from the Texas Bar Association for one year in 2019 after he made threats of physical violence to a complainant.

That incident raised red flags for a federal judge in Cleveland in August 2024 when Van Dyke was representing Christopher Uthe, an alleged member of the neo-Nazi group White Lives Matter Ohio. That stemmed from a lawsuit in which members of White Lives Matter Ohio were accused of firebombing a church for hosting drag queen story hour events, according to reporting from The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Van Dyke has not been suspended or accused of misconduct since.

Van Dyke is a defense attorney with the firm Manana & Van Dyke in Denton, Texas. Van Dyke was an active conservative activist in college, he said.

He told the Sentinel that he aims to represent and support issues that pertain to the First Amendment.

This is not about the law of the First Amendment  it could end up that way, well see  its about the culture of free speech, Van Dyke said. ...What matters is that for free speech to work, if this group and this man dont have first amendment rights, if they dont have the right to free speech, then nobody else does either.

Applebaughs online presence is slightly more scant. He is listed as a Colorado representative of Campus Reform, a right-wing organization that exposes leftist bias and abuse on the nations college campuses, according to its mission statement.

STUDENTS RAISE CONCERNS

An open records request shows that CMU leadership, particularly Marshall and the Board of Trustees, have been inundated with emails regarding Taylors presence. (See Wednesdays Sentinel for a full story breaking down the open records request.)

The common theme through those emails and student interviews is that worries are persisting about the safety of students in vulnerable communities.

A change.org petition urging the Board of Trustees to condemn Taylors presence had 1,030 verified signatures as of press time.

Taylor may distance himself from the white supremacist label but he is broadly referred to as one, and as a white nationalist, by experts. The views he expresses, such as the racist pseudoscience of race science, are widely accepted as being racist. He is an editor for, and founder of, American Renaissance, a publication associated with white supremacists and neo-Nazis.

Marshall has been clear that he finds Taylors views abhorrent. He said, though, that it isnt the universitys job to dictate who can be invited by student clubs. However, students and community members alike see the university response as performative and enabling to man whose presence and views could threaten the safety of students in minority groups.

Students are organizing counter-demonstrations and a campus unity party in direct response to Taylors invitation.

Isenia Fregoso is the director of Colorado Mesas Cultural Inclusion Council, which essentially aims to support inclusion and equity on campus. Seven cultural alliances fall under the CIC  Asian Student Association, Black Student Alliance, Genders and Sexualities Alliance, Hoolokahi Polynesian Alliance, International Student Alliance, Latino Student Alliance and the Native American Student Association. She sent an email to The Daily Sentinel on March 12 with a statement on behalf of the CIC.

The CIC said it understands the Universitys position in the matter.

With that being said, it is disheartening to know there are students on campus who share Jared Taylors mentality and idolize him, the statement reads. This only reinforces the importance of the work we do as CIC. We need to continue growing our presence on campus and supporting our students of color, minorities, and all of those who share our disappointment with the situation. We are currently working on ideas on how CIC will be involved in the protests.
Grand Junction resident Ted Juntilla said he felt pressured to buy a solar system for his home by a sales associate who provided incorrect information.
Seabees prove their versatility by constructing, innovating, supporting JTF-SG

By ShaTyra (Reed) Cox March 17, 2025

NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba -- Operating with precision, efficiency, and self-sufficiency, the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 embodies a spirit of tirelessly building, repairing, and sustaining the infrastructure that keeps Joint Task Force Southern Guard (JTF-SG) running.

"From the moment Operation Southern Guard began, the NMCB 133 Seabees have been an indispensable force, working behind the scenes on projects both big and small," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dexter Buchanan, JTF-SG deputy engineer. "Whether constructing essential facilities, repairing infrastructure, or fabricating solutions on the fly, these naval engineers are the foundation of mission success."

Much like worker bees sustaining a hive, the Seabees have created their own fully functional operational hub within Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Their lightweight water purification system allows them to generate their own potable water, reducing logistical strain and ensuring sustainability in remote environments. Their on-site material liaison ensures they have the resources they need without relying on external support.

"The ability of the Seabees to operate independently has significantly eased the burden on JTF-SG's engineering and logistical resources," said U.S. Navy Lt. Alexander Watson, NMCB 133 detachment officer in charge. "This autonomy allows for an increased operational tempo, enabling the JTF to focus on its own sustainment while simultaneously providing assistance for the Seabees with Class IV. We are able to focus on mission-critical tasks without relying on external assistance."

Additionally, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Tanner Robinson, the team's sole medical professional, serves as the first line of medical care for the Seabees, handling everything from minor injuries to routine health concerns.

"I'm the only one here who can provide medical care for our team," Robinson said. "I can administer medications, conduct physical exams, test water quality, and I'm on call 24/7. If a Seabee needs medical attention, I'm the first stop."

Equipped with surgical tools and minor surgical kits, Robinson can perform sutures, apply Dermabond, or use staples depending on the location and severity of an injury. However, for more advanced care such as X-rays or specialized treatments, he works closely with the 36th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS)-operated Role II medical facility.

"If it's something beyond my scope, the MCAS personnel step in to facilitate advanced care," Robinson said. "I recently had to use their services, and they were incredibly accommodating. We have a great working relationship, and it ensures that our Seabees get the care they need."

Beyond their independent projects, the Seabees have seamlessly integrated with U.S. Army units, demonstrating the true meaning of joint operations. Working alongside Soldiers from the 119th Inland Cargo Transfer Company (ICTC), the two units have developed a strong working relationship built on mutual support and cooperation.

ICTC Soldiers have been assisting the Seabees by using their Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs) to move heavy equipment and supplies across the installation, ensuring that materials are delivered efficiently to project sites. In return, the Seabees have used their expertise to enhance the quality of life for the ICTC Soldiers, constructing gym weight racks so they can maintain their physical readiness while deployed.

"The partnership between our unit and the Seabees has been incredible," said Cpl. Rashaun Dorsey, a cargo specialist assigned to the 119th ICTC. "We communicate well and help each other accomplish our goals. We're making it work as much as we can."

The Seabees' ability to contribute beyond their traditional mission speaks to their adaptability and dedication, not just to construction and engineering but also to fostering teamwork and camaraderie across the joint force. For the ICTC Soldiers, having a gym setup closer to their work site has been a game-changer.

"A lot of us work out regularly, but we're constantly working and don't have time to travel across the bay every day to get to the gym," Dorsey said. "Since they built the gym racks, we've been able to keep up with our training routine without missing a beat."

According to U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Ryan McPhall, NMCB 133 operations chief, this is not the first time the Seabees have used their skills to improve the well-being of their fellow service members in a joint environment.

"It's been a 'scratch my back, I scratch yours' kind of relationship," McPhall explained. "Every deployment, we help out by building something small, and in return, they open up opportunities for us like going on morale flights or using their Fit Boxes. It's a way to support each other, and it's what makes joint operations work so well."

This spirit of mutual support strengthens inter-service relationships, ensuring that all troops have what they need to stay mission ready. By working together in austere environments, they are not only constructing facilities and moving equipment but also building a culture of cooperation that enhances the overall effectiveness of the mission.

They've also been involved with improving the field living accommodations for troops, ensuring they have functional, comfortable spaces to rest after long shifts while supporting DHS-led migrant operations.

"One of the most impactful areas has been the improvement of utilities for blue forces and illegal aliens (IAs). We've established containerized shower and latrine facilities as well as repaired significant damage to existing hardstand facilities," said Watson. "We've been able to provide essential services that meet the growing needs of the influx of Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and IAs. Without these critical infrastructure improvements, the camps would not be able to properly house and sustain personnel, severely hindering JTF-SG's ability to carry out its mission effectively."

Throughout Operation Southern Guard, the Seabees have taken on projects of all sizes, proving time and again that their versatility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills are second to none. Where others see obstacles, the Seabees see opportunities to innovate.

"The Seabees' unique capabilities have enabled them to tackle complex engineering challenges with ease, making them a critical component of JTF-SG success in engineering requirements," said Buchanan. "Their contributions have been instrumental in driving the success, and JTF-SG relies heavily on their expertise to get the job done."

The Seabees have embraced this mission as more than just an opportunity to showcase their expertise. It's also a chance for professional development. While working on critical infrastructure projects, the Seabees are using this deployment as a training ground to advance their careers by completing the Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist (SCWS) qualification course.

The SCWS program ensures that Seabees gain a deeper understanding of expeditionary construction, combat engineering, and operational readiness in joint environments. For many, this deployment serves as a real-world extension of their training, allowing them to apply their skills in an active mission setting.

"The best way to master our craft is by applying our skills in real-world operations," said U.S. Navy Utilityman First Class Seth Grace, NMCB 133 camp czar. "With the SCWS, one of our criteria is going through a field exercise. This has served as our field exercise. You can talk about it all day, but seeing how the camp is set up and run is different, it makes the training real."

Earning the SCWS badge is a significant milestone in a Seabee's career, demonstrating proficiency in tactical and technical skills, weapons handling, construction operations, and leadership. By completing the qualification while deployed, Seabees are not only contributing to the mission but also refining their capabilities for future assignments.

"Everything we do in the homeport training phase prepares us for missions like this," Grace added. "The overall mission for Seabees is to be able to support major operations. Deployments like this help sharpen our skills so if a war ever kicks off, we'll be ready to deploy and build."

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Justice Department Announces Launch of Joint Task Force October 7

Monday, March 17, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

The Justice Department today announced the leadership team and membership of Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7), an initiative that will seek justice for the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel and address the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and its affiliates.

"The barbaric Hamas terrorists will not winand there will be consequences," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "As Attorney General, I have had the solemn honor of meeting with several families of U.S. citizens whose loved ones were kidnapped by Hamas on that dark day. This task force will strengthen the Department's resolve to achieve justice for these families and their loved ones as we continue to fight antisemitism in all its forms."

The Attorney General established JTF 10-7 on her first day in office, demonstrating the high priority the Justice Department is placing on honoring the memories of the approximately 1,200 people murdered by Hamas in the attack, including 47 U.S. citizens, and supporting the approximately 250 additional people that Hamas abducted, including 8 U.S. citizens.

JTF 10-7 will focus on targeting, charging, and securing for prosecution in the United States the direct perpetrators of the October 7 attack  the terrorists on the ground that day who murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians. JTF 10-7 will also assume responsibility for the pending charges against Hamas leadership relating to the October 7 attack and other acts of terrorism, and to bring those criminals to the United States to face justice for their reprehensible role in these atrocities. Finally, JTF 10-7 will investigate acts of terrorism and civil rights violations by individuals and entities providing support and financing to Hamas, related Iran proxies, and their affiliates, as well as acts of antisemitism by these groups.

"The victims of Hamas's decades-long violent campaign of terrorism against Israel will always have the support of the U.S. government, and the Department will no longer permit illegal support of Hamas on our campuses and elsewhere in the homeland," said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Antisemitic acts of terrorism - whether here or abroad - will never go unpunished. This task force represents our unyielding commitment to those who have suffered at the hands of these brutal terrorists."

"The FBI is committed to establishing the Joint Task Force October 7 to continue the FBI's investigative and victim assistance efforts related to the horrific acts of terror committed by Hamas," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "Working with our federal and international partners, this task force is a collaborative initiative between agencies, and together we will work to accomplish our vital counterterrorism mission."

JTF 10-7 will be led by a senior counterterrorism prosecutor from the Justice Department's National Security Division (NSD), a senior FBI Special Agent as the Task Force Commander, and an FBI Intelligence Analyst as Deputy Task Force Commander, all under the supervision of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. JTF 10-7 will also include trial attorneys from NSD, the Civil Rights Division, the Criminal Division's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, and other detailees, with additional dedicated support from the Department's Office of International Affairs.

JTF 10-7 will be supported by dedicated FBI agents, analysts, forensic accountants, data scientists, and linguists who are mostly co-located in Virginia. These professionals will contribute to JTF 107's expertise in investigating and prosecuting domestic and extraterritorial terrorism cases, including terrorism-financing matters, and serve as points of contact with the FBI's Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell and Victim Services Division.

The FBI will coordinate with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies on JTF 10-7 activities, as well as foreign counterparts through the FBI's Legal Attache office in Israel. FBI agents will be embedded with Israel's National Bureau of Counter Terror Finance, which has already been a tremendous partner in the ongoing investigations.

These efforts will build on the Justice Department's ongoing investigations into the perpetrators of these heinous acts and demonstrate the Department's commitment to degrading and dismantling Hamas, holding Hamas supporters accountable, achieving justice for victims, and fighting terrorist-led antisemitism.



Topics: Counterterrorism

National Security

Components: Office of the Attorney General

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

Office of the Deputy Attorney General

Press Release Number: 25-267

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Democratic Republic of the Congo: EU lists further nine individuals and one entity

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

17 March 2025 15:17

Today, the Council imposed restrictive measures on nine individuals and one entity responsible for acts that constitute serious human rights violations and abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and exploiting the armed conflict through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources.

These restrictive measures have been adopted in view of the escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC related to the renewed offensive of the March 23 Movement(M23) / Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) supported by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

The EU has listed fivesenior leaders of the M23, a UN sanctioned non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC, which sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, in particular through inciting violence, and is responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses. The M23 related listings include: the movement's president Bertrand Bisimwa, the head of recruitment and propaganda Desire Rukomera, colonel John Imani Nzenze, the deputy chief of finances and production of M23/ARC Jean-Bosco Nzabonimpa Mupenzi, and Joseph Musanga Bahati, who was appointed governor of North Kivu within the new illegal "administration" imposed by the M23 in violation of Congolese sovereignty.

Today's listings also include the commander of the Special forces of the RDF Ruki Karusisi, RDF major general and commander of the 3rd division Eugene Nkubito, and RDF brigadier general and commander of the 2nd division Pascal Muhizi. Due to their roles in the RDF, they are responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

Lastly, the EU listed Francis Kamanzi a.k.a Erasto, chief executive officer of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) who, due to his leading position in the RMB, is responsible for exploiting the armed conflict through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources - in this case conflict minerals. The EU also listed Gasabo Gold Refinery, based in Kigali and responsible for illegally importing gold from M23-controlled regions in the DRC, thus also exploiting the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC.

Altogether, EU autonomous restrictive measures in view of the situation in the DRC now apply to a total of 32 individuals and 2 entities. Those designated are subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze. Furthermore, EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them.

The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Background

EU autonomous individual restrictive measures in view of the situation in the DRC were adopted by the Council for the first time in 2016 in response to serious human rights violations and the obstruction of the electoral process.

On 5 December 2022, the Council decided to amend the designation criteria to allow for the application of individual restrictive measures against natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that sustain, support or benefit from the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC, as well as those responsible for inciting violence, or exploiting the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, including through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources.

On 25 January 2025, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the EU expressing its deep concern at the latest escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC, aggravated by the renewed offensive of the M23 armed group supported by the RDF, and the consequent undermining of African-led efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. In the statement, the EU stressed it would consider all the tools at its disposal in order to hold accountable those responsible for sustaining armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

The 34 EU autonomous listings complement the current 53 UN listings adopted in view of the situation in the DRC.

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Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas after the meeting

European External Action Service (EEAS)

17.03.2025

Brussels

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

We had a very intensive Foreign Affairs Council - a lot of talks, very important topics. That is why we are also running over time, so sorry for that. Then, we have the Syria conference coming, so unfortunately, I cannot take a lot of questions. I will try to be brief so there is more room for questions.

First on Ukraine: there is broad political support for [the] defence initiative of []40 billion. Of course, right now the discussion is in the details. [In the] last European Council we had the wording that we need to move swiftly with this initiative, and we have done some more work on this. So, hopefully I will be able to really move on because everybody understood, around the table, that we should really show our resolve right now and support Ukraine so that they can defend themselves.

Then, of course the Jeddah talks. Everybody welcomed the results of the Jeddah talks. And now the ball is in Russia's court than what we see right now that Russia really does not want peace. Also, what was [the] understanding around the around the table is that Russia cannot really be trusted. They will seize this opportunity to present all kinds of demands. And what we already see, they are presenting demands that are their ultimate goals. So, let's see how this develops further.

Then, we discussed the Middle East; and particularly the situation in Gaza, but also Syria and Iran. So, on Gaza, everybody condemned the politicisation of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian aid has to reach the people in need in Gaza, and we were also welcoming the Arab peace plan or Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza. Of course, there are elements that need to be discussed further. What is very important for the EU is that Hamas does not have any future role in the rebuilding of Gaza.

When it comes to Syria, we have the 9th Syria Brussels conference today, where we will hear a lot of pledges, and of course we were discussing the situation and the violence against the people in Syria. This is a very worrying development. And so, we had the intelligence brief: how to really read the situation? So basically, there we have the possibility to either continue with the ease of sanctions because if the people are not able to work and develop their prosperity there, it is going to create chaos in Syria and chaos could create civil war. So, this is our position right now that we are helping Syria to move further. Of course, we want to see that the current leadership base is taking very seriously holding accountable those who were responsible for the violence and we also want to see the inclusiveness of government build up because Syria has a lot of different groups.

On Iran, the regional destabilisation is worrying for us and also the military aid that Iran is giving to Russia is of great concern. We were discussing also the hostage policy that Iran has, and how we can all, then, [in a] unified manner deal with this, and the big question is the nuclear programme and how we can proceed there. Of course, there we have the E3 countries which have a very specific role, but it is important that we all are on the same page. So, these were, in broad, the discussions we had.

We discussed also our relationship with the United States, but it was very much focused on the tariffs and the trade relations. So, we had Commissioners Sefcovic who was also giving us the overview on what is the current state of play, [and it was] important that we are all on the same page here.

Thank you, I am ready to take questions.

Q&A

Q:Could you tell more about results of negotiation in Jeddah? It was initiative to include EU in negotiation. The President of Ukraine already formed its negotiation group. The United States has its negotiation group. When will we see EU's negotiation group or some idea of how you could be involved in this negotiation?

We are discussing these matters with the different interlocutors, and it is right now really shuttle diplomacy because there is no negotiation table. Of course, last week also had the meetings with the American counterparts. [We] also voiced our worries about different elements that could be brought up by the Russians and what to take into account. But right now, as we see, there is no negotiation table yet because Russia is not coming to the negotiation table. Thank you.

Q: High Representative, you have spoken about further sanctions relief for Syria - the idea of that - but is there actually any appetite among ministers to go further than what has already been agreed in terms of sanctions relief? For example, could you consider allowing remittances to be sent to Syria via the traditional banking sector? And if so, when? I know many Syrians would like to know that, here in Europe. And then just quickly: you have condemned the violence we have seen in coastal areas. Concretely, if something like that happens again, what will you do? Will you put the break on sanctions relief? Thank you.

Yes, thank you very much for this question. So yes, the discussions are [on] whether we have this step-for-step approach. If we see the right steps from the Syrian side, we are also ready to make steps from our side. So, now the question was whether this violence is actually showing that we should take a step back. But the discussion among the ministers was that at this moment, if we want to prevent further violence, we need to give the people hope in Syria. And giving the people hope is also access to the banking services. That means that salaries can be paid, so that means that the companies can invest in and develop all this life in Syria further. And that is why right now we are going with our plan to relieve the sanctions. But of course, we are keeping a very, very close eye on the actions taken by the Syrian new leadership: how they are reacting and prosecuting the people who conducted this [violent] massacre in the coastal areas. I think this is very important to see, but also what are the further steps from their side. And why I have to rush from here, is because actually, I am meeting the foreign minister of Syria also to raise all these issues. But currently we are in this position. Of course, in April we decided that we will revert to this issue and again, look what is happening and whether we have to take steps back, but right now the position is such.

Q: My question is about Radio Free Europe. I know that you are supposed to discuss it today. Do you think that there is any opportunity to find some funding for Radio Free Europe, keeping in mind that they played a very important role fighting disinformation? And do you think that it is possible to give Russian journalists who work in there [some] kind of temporary protection status, because they cannot go back to Russia of course, but also, if they lose their contracts, they can be obliged to leave the EU in three months.

Thank you. Yes, this issue of Radio Free Europe was raised and, I mean, also coming from the other side of the Iron Curtain, actually, it was by the radio that we got a lot of information [about] what is actually going on. So, it has been a beacon of democracy and very valuable in this regard. Of course it is sad to hear that the US is withdrawing its funding. Now the question for us is, can we come in with our funding to fill the void that the US is leaving. The answer to that question is: not automatically; because we have a lot of organisations who are coming with the same request to us, but there was really a pushed from the foreign ministers to discuss this and find [a] way. So, this is the task [on] our side; to see what we can do.

Thank you.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-269047

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Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas ahead of the meeting

European External Action Service (EEAS)

17.03.2025

Brussels

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Hello,

We have the Foreign Affairs Council today. I have different topics. So first, of course, we are going to discuss Ukraine, and we really welcome the Jeddah talks and then the results of it. Now we need to really see that the ball is in Russia's court and what kind of conditions they are presenting, which is [a] big question whether they want peace.

Then of course, we are going to discuss Middle East and the developments in Gaza. We welcome the Arab reconstruction plan - Gaza reconstruction plan - and try to help as much as we can.

And then on Syria, the violence outbreak is very worrying, and it shows that the hope in Syria is really hanging by a thread. This shows that we need to do more in order to really show that Syria is going [in] the right direction.

We need to work with our regional partners when it comes to Syria. And we also have today the Syria conference where we also discuss what can we do that Syria will be stable and peaceful.

Thank you.



Q&A

Q. Any commentary on the conditions of Russia for ceasefire?

Those conditions that they have presented it shows that they do not really want peace, actually. Because what they are presenting as conditions all their ultimate goals that they want to achieve from the war.

Q. [inaudible]

Of course, it is a very difficult discussion because what we want to see, what we see is really the Syria leadership taking accountability or holding accountable those people who have done these massacres and what it shows is really that we need to continue with the lifting of sanctions because you know if there is hope for the people then there is also less chaos. And for the hope to [grow] for the people you need also the services to be provided. For example, banking services. We are definitely going to discuss this, but right now we are moving ahead with the lifting of the sanctions.

Q. [inaudible] the new Syria constitution also without the Kurdish. What is your view? Are you concerned about that?

Of course, [on the] new constitution I think the developments are good and what we want to stress is that there is inclusiveness of all the groups that are in Syria. Also, today we will have representatives from the civil sector to really explain what is going on. I think we need to see that these things are going to the right direction and also help them where we can.

Q. On the new package of Ukraine, on which stage is the EU prognosis? Could there be a compromise?

There is a broad political support for that initiative, which is good, but there are a lot of details that need to be worked out, because there are also defence ministers that need to have a say - and we have a meeting of defence ministers. But it is important that the [European] Council said that we need to move swiftly and that is what we are doing.

Q. How do you expect Hungary to react to the proposal?

The proposal already counts in that we have to take those countries who want to work with it.

Q. On US - EU retaliation on tariffs and trade war, are you engaging on some discussion to find a solution?

It is not going to be discussed at Foreign Ministers level because we have the trade Commissioner who is dealing [with] that. But of course, the proposals are there on the table for everybody to discuss. [For] the Member States it is clear that if the trade wars are started against us, we will also react and protect our interests, but it is not something that we want to do.

Q. What about Georgia? Is it today on the table the discussion about the country?

On the 'any other business', this will definitely come up. We are very concerned about the detentions, the arrests of the people. We have been putting pressure also on the people who are actually conducting the violence against the peaceful protesters.

Thank you.

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Germany Federal Foreign Office

17.03.2025 - Press release

The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), chaired by Germany, issued a statement on the situation in eastern DRC.

The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes, including representatives from Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, fully supports the call by the President of Angola and Chair of the African Union Joao Lourenco for a cessation of hostilities in eastern DRC starting at midnight on 16 March 2025.

The International Contact Group calls on all parties to respect the ceasefire and engage sincerely in the political peace process and implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025).
Israeli drone attack kills 3 Palestinians

Mar 17, 2025

Three Palestinian citizens have been killed in the Gaza Strip in an Israeli drone attack, news outlets reported.

Several other Palestinians were injured in the drone attack, which was carried out on the Gaza Valley area in the Gaza Strip, Al Jazeera reported.

On Saturday, the Israeli army carried out an attack using a drone on the city of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, which resulted in the death of nine Palestinians, including three journalists and several cameramen.

These attacks are taking place at a time when, according to agreements between Hamas and the Israeli regime, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip should have been in its second phase. The agreements have not proceeded due to violations by the Israeli regime.

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U.S. threats complicate Gaza ceasefire efforts, warns Hamas

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 17, 2025

The spokesman for Hamas has reacted harshly to the words of U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff after the Palestinian resistance movement rejected his new Gaza ceasefire proposal.

"These threats will only lead to complicate the matters further," Hazem Qassem said in an interview with Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed on Monday in response to Witkoff's remarks that the U.S. attacks on Yemen should serve as a warning to Hamas.

Trump's envoy labelled a proposal put forward by Hamas last week for the release of an American-Israeli prisoners and the bodies of four others as "unacceptable".

"I would encourage Hamas to get much more sensible than they have been," he further said on Saturday after Hamas suggested a counteroffer to his ceasefire proposal.

Hamas argued that there is already an agreement signed by all parties and reached through the mediation of the U.S. and its envoys, including Witkoff.

"Talking about new proposals is not in the interest of implementing the agreement, and these threats will lead to more complicated matters and will not provide a suitable ground for achieving peace in the region that everyone is seeking," said Qassem.

He continued that the agreement includes three stages and what clearly needs to be done is to adhere to its implementation by moving on to the second stage.

The negotiations began in Doha and later transferred to Cairo are still ongoing, the Hamas spokesman said, adding that the Israeli regime is afraid of entering the second stage of the agreement, so it is creating obstacles to the negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main fear is the dissolution of his coalition cabinet and the withdrawal of right-wing parties from it, he added.

Despite rejection of the updated proposal presented by Witkoff, negotiations through mediators have not ceased. Hamas insists that the only way to free all prisoners, both living and dead, is to bind the Israeli cabinet to the clauses of the agreement that went into effect on January 19.

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Yemen informs the U.N. and other international bodies about a ban on Israeli ships

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 17, 2025

Yemen's Foreign Minister Jamal Ahmed Ali Amer has written to the United Nations and several regional and international organizations about the country's decision to ban Israeli ships transiting strategic waterways.

According to Yemen's September 26 news website, the letters are addressed to the U.N. Secretary-General, the presidents of the Security Council and the General Assembly, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, the European Union's Special Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and all U.N. member states.

Ali Amer noted that Yemen's ban is in response to the Israeli regime's failure to implement a ceasefire agreement with Hamas and halt humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

"Given the inconsistency of the Israeli regime and the lack of progress in the negotiations in Doha, this ban came into effect on Tuesday night (March 11, 2025)", he said, adding that any Israeli ship that passes through the declared operational zone, including the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden will be targeted.

Earlier this month, Leader of Ansarullah movement Abdul-Malik al-Houthi issued a four-day ultimatum to Israel to either allow aid into Gaza or face a naval blockade, which expired on March 11.

The top Yemeni diplomat, in his letters, made it clear that "the ban will continue until Gaza crossings are reopened and humanitarian aid is allowed to enter the besieged Palestinian territory."

The U.N. calls for utmost restraint

Amid the Yemeni ban on Israeli ships, the United States conducted dozens of airstrikes on multiple locations across the country at the weekend, which left 53 people dead, including civilians, according to the Health Ministry in Sana'a. That prompted retaliation from Yemen that pounded the U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman, with two separate missile attacks in the Red Sea within 24 hours.

On Sunday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to all military activities and demanded all parties show exercise restraint.

"An additional escalation could exacerbate regional tensions, fuel cycles of retaliation that may further destabilize Yemen and the region," Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the secretary-general said in a statement.

"We call for utmost restraint and a cessation of all military activities," said Dujarric, adding that the UN emphasizes that international law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected at all times.

The U.N. spokesman also emphasized the great humanitarian risks facing Yemen and warned that an escalation of the conflict could severely impact the current critical situation there.

Regional concern after U.S. aggression against Yemen

Oman also said it is following with great concern the ongoing developments, the humanitarian consequences and civilian casualties resulting from attacks on Yemen.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the continuation of military operations that increase the suffering of the Yemeni people and instability in the region.

Several regional countries, including Iran, also warned against the consequences of the continuation of the U.S.-led attacks on Yemen.

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Yemeni forces pound U.S. carrier for second time in 24 hours

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 17, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Yemen says it has targeted the U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman, in the northern Red Sea for the second time in 24 hours, in response to deadly American airstrikes that targeted several Yemeni provinces.

The Yemeni armed forces, in a statement early on Monday, said they had targeted the American aircraft carrier with a number of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, in an engagement that lasted several hours.

"The Yemeni Armed Forces successfully thwarted a hostile attack that the enemy was preparing to launch against our country," the statement read. "Enemy warplanes were forced to return to their launch points after a series of missile and drone strikes targeted the aircraft carrier and several of its accompanying warships."

The Yemeni armed forces also vowed to continue to confront the United States' "criminal aggression" and "meet escalation with escalation."

On Sunday evening, the Yemeni forces said they had targeted the USS Harry S. Truman with 18 ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as a drone, in response to the "blatant aggression against our country."

At least 53 people, including five children and two women, were killed and 98 more injured on Saturday night after the U.S. conducted 47 airstrikes against the Arab country, targeting multiple locations in the provinces of Sana'a, Sa'ada, Al-Bayda, Hajjah, Dhamar, Ma'rib, and Al-Jawf.

US strikes hit confiscated Israel-linked ship in Yemen

Meanwhile, Yemeni news outlets reported early on Monday that American warplanes had hit the command tower of the confiscated Israeli ship Galaxy Leader off Yemen's coast.

The official Saba news agency, citing a military official, reported that the U.S. military hit "the command post of the detained Israeli ship Galaxy Leader" on the Red Sea port of Hudaydah with two air strikes.

The Yemeni army confiscated the Galaxy Leader in November 2023, right after it began to carry out military operations in the Red Sea against Israeli-linked ships in retaliation for the occupying regime's devastating war on Gaza, which had begun a month earlier.

The ship, owned by a British company that is partially owned by Israeli tycoon Abraham Ungar, has remained in the Hudaydah port, while its crew members were released in January after the Gaza ceasefire came into effect.

Last week, with the Gaza ceasefire coming to an end, Yemen set a four-day ultimatum for Israel to lift its siege on Gaza and allow humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory or face a ban on its vessels passing through the Red and Arabian seas. With the deadline expiring on Tuesday, Yemen pledged to go ahead with what it called a naval blockade on Israel.

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One killed in Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 17, 2025

One person has been killed in an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire being in place between the two sides.

The Lebanese citizen was killed on Sunday evening after a car was targeted in the Israeli drone strike in the town of Meiss El Jabal, Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported, citing the Ministry of Public Health's Emergency Operations Center.

According to the report, Israeli forces shot and injured a Lebanese citizen in the town of Ramyeh, also located in southern Lebanon, on Sunday evening.

There were no further details about the two incidents which are the latest cases of violations of the ceasefire deal by Israel.

The fragile truce came into force in late November 2024, ending 14 months of clashes between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement, which escalated into a full-scale conflict in September.

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Ansarullah leader: Yemen will use more options if U.S. aggression continues

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 17, 2025

Leader of Yemen's Ansarullah movement Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has warned the United States that there are more options which the country will use should Washington continue its attacks on Yemen, after the Arab country targeted an American aircraft carrier in the Red Sea.

Al-Houthi issued the warning on Sunday night, hours after the Yemeni army said it had targeted USS Harry S. Truman and its accompanying warships with 18 ballistic and cruise missiles and a drone in retaliation for dozens of airstrikes the U.S. launched a day earlier on multiple locations across Yemen.

The U.S. launched the "blatant aggression" after Yemen pledged several days ago that it would ban the passage of any Israeli-linked in the Red and Arabian Seas unless the regime lifts its siege on Gaza, which it imposed on March 2 to pressure Hamas to accept its own terms of conditions for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Ansarullah leader said that the U.S.'s attacks on Yemen are aimed at supporting Israel, emphasizing that Washington will fail to achieve its goal of pressuring Yemen to abandon its "moral commitment" towards Gaza, Yemen's September 26 news website reported.

Yemen will reciprocate if it faces an escalation of attacks, and will respond to the U.S. by targeting its aircraft carriers and warships, and blocking the passage of the "enemy's vessels," al-Houthi warned.

"We will use more options if the U.S. aggression continues," he stressed.

Al-Houthi also warned about the United States' attempt to "turn the seas into a battlefield," which he said will impact international shipping.

The Ansarullah leader described the U.S. and the Israeli regime as the root causes of menace and threat for the entire West Asia region and the world, saying that all countries should understand who is threatening maritime transport.

He further said that Yemen's decision to block the "Zionist enemy's vessels" is aimed at supporting the Palestinian nation, and specifically targets Israeli ships in order to pressure the regime to open crossings and allow humanitarian aid into the strip.

The Yemeni resistance leader deplored what he called the weak stance of many Islamic countries, particularly in the Arab world, regarding the issue of Gaza. He said that those countries have not taken any practical measures to prevent the hunger imposed on Gaza residents by the Israeli regime that is now seeking to deny them water as well.

Warning about significant plots and aggressive projects by the U.S. and Israel against the Islamic world, al-Houthi said that Americans and Israelis pursue their colonial, cruel, and criminal objectives.

The U.S. intends to force the entire region to submit to the Israeli enemy, impose its influence, and violate the sovereignty of the Muslim nations, he said, emphasizing that Yemen cannot accept these conspiracies.

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China, India should be partners contributing to each other's success: spokesperson

Xinhua) 13:10, March 18, 2025

BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- China and India should be partners that contribute to each other's success, and this is the only right choice for both sides, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily news briefing when responding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent positive remarks on China-India relations.

Noting that the successful meeting in Kazan between the leaders of the two countries in October last year provided strategic guidance for improving and developing bilateral relations, Mao said both sides have earnestly followed through on the important common understandings of the two leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes.

As the two largest developing countries, China and India have a shared task to achieve respective development and revitalization, and should understand and support each other, and help each other succeed, Mao said.

This serves the fundamental interests of over 2.8 billion people in the two countries, meets the common aspiration of regional countries, follows the historical trend of the Global South growing stronger, and is conducive to world peace, stability, development and prosperity, according to the spokesperson.

China stands ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the two leaders, and take the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations as an opportunity to promote exchange and cooperation in various fields and at all levels and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development, Mao added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Four military exercises of the National Armed Forces and allied armed forces to be held in Latvia

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence

03/17/2025 - 16:47

In Latvia

International cooperation

Military exercise

Information prepared by Media Relations Section

On Tuesday, March 11, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the participation of units of the National Armed Forces in four joint military exercises with units of allied armed forces in the territory of the Republic of Latvia.

"The conduct of international exercises in Latvia confirms the presence of our allies and their readiness to strengthen our defence capabilities. These military exercises allow our soldiers to train in combat readiness, cooperation with our allies and the ability to respond to security challenges. We are united and determined to defend Latvia, which is NATO's external border," said Minister of Defence Andris Spruds.

It is planned that the "SOLAR ECLIPSE", "CRYSTAL ARROW", "SWIFT RESPONSE" and "BALTOPS" military exercises will each involve units of the National Armed Forces and more than 500 soldiers from allied countries.

"SOLAR ECLIPSE" is a tactical field exercise for Combat Support Specialists focusing on indirect fire support during fighting in depth, which will improve their skills. The National Armed Forces will train brigades to fight in depth, involving reconnaissance, artillery, anti-tank and command management functions.

The military exercise "CRYSTAL ARROW" is training for the multinational brigade in Latvia and the headquarters and units of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces focused on improving command management, planning and conducting operations, and conducting defence operations in conditions as close to reality as possible. During the exercise, the National Armed Forces will train in defence operations, as well as the integration of combat support and logistic elements in the execution of brigade-level operations.

"SWIFT RESPONSE" is an exercise organised by the U.S. Army Europe and Africa to develop intelligence capabilities of the National Armed Forces, their support to allied infiltration operations and counter-landing operations.

"BALTOPS" is an annual NATO exercise in the Baltic Sea region, involving full-spectrum maritime warfare operations in five operational theatres - sea, land, air, cyberspace and space. By participating in the exercise, the National Armed Forces will promote mutual cooperation, strengthen their ability to react rapidly using all types of forces, and demonstrate NATO's commitment to regional stability and readiness to defend the Baltic Sea region if required.

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Serbian delegation visits NATO AIRCOM

NATO Allied Air Command

Mar 17 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- A Serbian delegation visited NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) from 11 to 13 March, reinforcing cooperation and enhancing mutual understanding between NATO and Serbia. The visit, organised by NATO's Military Liaison Office in Belgrade and AIRCOM, aimed to foster dialogue and increase awareness of NATO's role among the Serbian public.

General James Hecker, Commander of NATO Allied Air Command, hosted the delegation at AIRCOM's headquarters in Germany. The group included Colonel Nenad Milojevic, Serbia's Military Attache in Germany, as well as journalists and representatives from Serbian non-governmental organisations. The visit offered a comprehensive insight into NATO's operations, highlighting Serbia's engagement as a Partnership for Peace (PfP) nation and the opportunities for cooperation between Serbia and NATO.

A key moment of the visit was the participation of retired Serbian Air Force Brigadier General Sreto Malinovic, who considered the visit a significant personal milestone, having long wished to see NATO operations firsthand. The delegation received briefings on NATO's core tasks, AIRCOM's mission, and the experiences of member nations in their transition to full NATO membership. The visit also included an introduction to NATO's Mobile Training Team, which supports partner nations through flexible training programmes.

During a press conference, General Hecker underscored the value of Serbia's engagement in the PfP programme since 2006, stating: "When you joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP) - that got our relationship going. Since then, we've done hundreds of different activities, enabling a dialogue."

One of the benefit of being a PfP-nation is the potential for increased interoperability with NATO-countries. He also highlighted the strategic advantage of interoperability, citing Serbia's procurement of the Rafale fighter jet as an example of enhancing compatibility with NATO air forces.

"The most important thing when acquiring the Rafale is to start engaging bilateral relationships with your neighbors," General Hecker said. "Buying the Rafael, we have several countries in NATO that have the aircraft. So you're automatically interoperable, just buying that piece of equipment. "We'd like to engage with you as much as we can and exercise with you as much your politicians will let us," he added.

The delegation also learned about NATO's robust Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) capabilities, discussing strategies to counter aerial threats such as one-way attack drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Insights gained from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine were shared, showcasing evolving defence techniques to improve cost-effective countermeasures against drone threats.

"Air superiority is crucial," General Hecker emphasised. "By demonstrating our ability to control the skies, we deter adversaries and reinforce NATO's defensive posture."

The delegation then had a unique opportunity to visit the NATO Space Centre. They also received an exclusive tour of NATO's Airborne Warning & Control System aircraft (AWACS), hosted by the unit's Commander, Brigadier General Kristen Thompson; and a C-130J tour from the 86th Airlift Wing, showcasing how airlift aircraft could be used for aeromedical evacuation in the region if needed.

On their last day in Germany, the Serbian delegation visited the U.S.-led Inter-European Air Forces Academy (IEAFA) at Kapaun Air Station, Germany. The academy is NATO-accredited and students from Serbia have previously attended courses there. The final part of their visit to IEAFA included a special opportunity to participate in 'Project X', where the delegation and NATO members worked together to solve problems and obstacles, facilitated by IEAFA course instructors. 'Project X' is intended for students to strengthen their leadership skills. The activity fostered camaraderie and relationships between the Serbian delegation and NATO members, built over time during their visit.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

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Enhancing Ammunition Safety: OSCE Fosters Regional Co-operation in Central Asia

OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

17 March 2025

On 12 March 2025, a regional seminar on methods for testing ammunition propellants, aimed at enhancing ammunition safety and strengthening regional co-operation, took place in Bishkek. Organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek in partnership with the Ministry of Defence of the Kyrgyz Republic and with support from the Ministry of Defence of Austria, the event brought together officers from the Ministries of Defence of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Participants discussed best practices for conducting stability testing of ammunition using the Qualitative Propellant Analysis Kit (QPAK), a Level 1 mobile laboratory. Experts from the Ministry of Defence of Austria shared their expertise on assessing propellant stability and mitigating the risks of accidental explosions at ammunition storage sites.

Konstantin Bedarev, Head of the Politico-Military Department of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, highlighted the importance of regional co-operation: "Strengthening co-operation between our countries will help develop effective solutions that contribute to increased security and sustainable ammunition management in the region."

This initiative is part of an ongoing series of activities within the extra-budgetary project "Improvement of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Conventional Ammunition (CA) Life-Cycle Management Capacity of the Ministry of Defence of the Kyrgyz Republic," supported by Austria, France, Germany, Norway, and Switzerland.

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Explainer: Facts about latest U.S. attacks on Yemen's Houthis

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:23, March 17, 2025

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.

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.

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Poland's Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski takes part in Foreign Affairs Council meeting

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

17.03.2025

Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and in Syria, Iran, and EU-US relations were the main points of a Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels on Monday. The session was chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

The discussion on Russia's aggression against Ukraine started with a standard call with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha on the outcome of Ukraine-US talks in Jeddah, among other issues. Minister Radosaw Sikorski underlined that the decisions which are being made now will impact not only the future of Ukraine but also the global position of Europe. He noted Poland's firm position on Ukraine: European Union must maintain sanctions pressure as well as political, economic, and military support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian invasion. An important element of support for Ukraine is enhancing Europe's own defence capacity, in line with the decisions of the European Council of 6 March.

Poland's top diplomat also called on Hungary to unlock accession talks with Ukraine, which was backed by many other member states.

In a discussion on the Middle East, the heads of diplomacy voiced their concerns over both Israel and the US rejecting a post-war reconstruction and management plan for Gaza, presented at the League of Arab States summit in Cairo in early March.

As regards Syria, Minister Sikorski supported the policy of gradual lifting of sanctions and establishing constructive relations with the country's new authorities. Syria's stability is currently the top priority. He also stressed the importance of protection of rights of all citizens, whatever their ethnicity or religious affiliation.

In light of Iran's increasing cooperation with Russia, the head of the Polish MFA indicated that Iran remains a source of regional tensions, but Poland and the EU should maintain open channels of communication with Iran in order to de-escalate them.

In a discussion on EU-US relations, the head of Polish diplomacy referred to the significant change in US rhetoric and actions towards Ukraine and Europe and pointed out that it was necessary to strengthen the EU's position on the international stage, which would be helped by the implementation of the European Council's guidelines on increased security and defence spending.

After the Council session, Brussels IX Conference was held on: "Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition".

Minister Sikorski also met with the Foreign Ministers of Syria Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, Lebanon - Youssef Raggi, Jordan - Ayman Safadi, and of Spain - Jose Manuel Albares.

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One million children in Gaza 'struggling to survive', UNICEF warns

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 7:04 PM

The United Nations agency for children, UNICEF, has warned that "one million" Palestinian children in Gaza are "struggling to survive" amid Israel's blockade of aid shipments and power supply to the besieged strip.

"One million children in Gaza are struggling to survive without basic necessities," UNICEF said in a post on X on Monday.

The UN agency noted that hundreds of thousands in Gaza "lack clean water and sanitation services."

Noting that desalination plants are operating at a much reduced capacity, UNICEF said water is a "basic human right that no one should be denied."

Speaking from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, UNICEF regional director Edouard Beigbeder said "it is urgent to allow at least some water and electricity" into the strip.

UNICEF said only "a lasting ceasefire" and "unrestricted" aid access can truly save lives.

Last week, Israeli media said the regime's energy and infrastructure minister Eli Cohen ordered the Israel Electric Company to stop transmitting electricity to Gaza "immediately."

Power has already been cut off for over 16 months, since the start of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023.

The UN's special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese, warned of Israel's decision to cut the flow of electricity to Gaza, saying it will impact water supply to the besieged strip.

The Israeli decision means "no functioning desalination stations, ergo: no clean water", she said.

Israel launched the campaign of genocide in Gaza on October 7, 2023. It has killed at least 48,577 Palestinians there so far.

In January, the Israeli regime was forced to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas given the regime's failure to achieve any of its objectives, including the "elimination" of the Palestinian resistance movement or the release of captives.

The 42-day stage of the truce, which was marred by repeated Israeli violations, expired on March 1, but Israel is refraining from stepping into talks for the second stage of the agreement.

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Lebanese national killed in Israeli drone strike in south despite ceasefire

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 3:03 PM

In the latest violation of a fragile ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, an Israeli drone has carried out an attack in the Arab nation's southern province of Nabatieh, killing a person and wounding three others.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that an Israeli drone fired a guided missile at a motorbike transporting two people on the Hay al-Baydar road in the town of Yohmor al-Shaqif on Monday afternoon, hitting the motorbike directly.

The report added that a van that was passing in the area was hit by shrapnel from the missile before going up in flames.

A blaze also broke out in a supermarket after being damaged by the airstrike.

The Israeli military later said in a statement that it attacked two members of the Hezbollah resistance movement, who were "serving as observation operatives and directing operations" in the Yohmor al-Shaqif area.

This came hours after an Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of the southern town of Ainata, killing two people, as an Israeli Apache helicopter bombed three prefabricated houses in the southern border town of Kfarkela.

Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz said the military targeted Ainata after "a stray bullet from a Hezbollah operative's funeral" hit the windshield of a vehicle at Avivim moshav in the northernmost part of Upper Galilee region.

Soon after, the Israeli military said it attacked a headquarters of the Radwan force and Hezbollah buildings in south Lebanon, as a helicopter attacked Yaroun's outskirts for a second time.

Israel had to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah following significant losses incurred over nearly 14 months of conflict, failing to achieve its goals in the offensive against Lebanon. The ceasefire took effect on November 27.

Since the commencement of the agreement, the occupying forces have been carrying out near-daily assaults on Lebanon, breaching the ceasefire, which includes airstrikes throughout the Arab nation.

On January 27, Lebanon declared its decision to prolong the ceasefire with Israel until February 18.

Despite the February 18 deadline having passed, Israel persists in its occupation of five critical areas in southern Lebanon, which include Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, located near the border.

Lebanon has denounced the ongoing presence of Israeli military personnel, which constitutes a breach of the ceasefire agreement and the stipulated withdrawal timeline. High-ranking officials in Beirut have stated their intention to "employ all measures" necessary to expel the occupying forces from the Arab country.

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Yemen warns US: Even one million raids won't break nation's resolve; aggressors ultimate losers

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 10:19 AM

Yemen's Ansarullah popular resistance movement has reasserted the country's unyielding determination to resist and confront foreign aggression aimed at forcing the Arab country to stop its pro-Palestinian operations.

"Sana'a was not broken by 200,000 raids, and its steadfastness will not be broken by a million raids," Abdulrahman al-Ahnoumi, director of the Yemeni General Corporation for Radio and Television said.

The official was referring to the Arab Peninsula nation's coming under numerous incessant aerial assaults by a Saudi Arabia-led military coalition, which invaded the country in 2015, as well as ongoing American, British, and Israeli attacks against the Yemeni people.

He made the remarks as the United States claimed to carry out major airstrikes across Yemen on Sunday night, hours after the Ansarullah resistance movement warned that the Yemeni Armed Forces will target the American aircraft carrier, and warships in the region.

"The Yemeni people will not abandon Gaza, even if we are all martyred," he told Palestine's Shehab news agency, pointing to the Palestinian territory that has endured more than 15 months of a heavily-US-backed Israeli war of genocide.

Under the authority of Ansarullah's leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, Yemen's Armed Forces began targeting key Israeli sites in October 2023 after the regime launched the brutal war and significantly tightened its restrictions on the entry of essential supplies such as food, medicine, and other crucial resources into the coastal sliver.

The strikes, along with other operations against Israeli ships carrying military and commercial supplies to the occupied Palestinian territories, severely impacted the Israeli economy.

Yemeni forces halted their operations in January following a ceasefire agreement between Tel Aviv and the Gaza-based Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.

However, the Israeli regime has repeatedly breached the agreement, causing deadly and devastating consequences for Gaza's population. It has also blocked humanitarian aid from entering the territory in an effort to pressure Hamas into handing over remaining Zionist captives in Gaza.

Al-Houthi recently issued a four-day ultimatum to Tel Aviv, demanding the opening of Gaza's crossings so aid supplies could reach the impoverished territory's two-million-plus population.

After the regime ignored the deadline, Yemen's Armed Forces resumed enforcing their ban on Israeli vessels passing through the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

In response, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Saturday, sanctioning deployment of "overwhelming lethal force" towards forcing Sana'a into lifting the ban. According to the Yemeni health ministry, the escalation has so far claimed the lives of scores of non-combatants, targeting purely civilian targets.

Al-Ahnoumi emphasized that the ongoing aggression against Yemen, primarily led by the United States and the United Kingdom, would ultimately fail. He asserted that Yemen's principled stance against Israeli occupation and aggression would be victorious in the long run, despite the Western atrocities.

"The Yemeni people are adhering to their firm position in supporting Gaza, despite threats and aggression," he said, asserting that under al-Houthi's leadership, the country would continue with its retaliatory measures until the siege on Gaza was lifted and the Israeli regime's assault against the Palestinian territory came to an end.

'US threats equal psychological warfare'

The official dismissed Trump's threats as "psychological warfare" designed to intimidate the Yemeni people and weaken their resolve.

"These threats, along with the airstrikes, are nothing but propaganda aimed at dissuading us from our support for Gaza," he said. "They repeat the phrase: 'Your time is over...,' but, thank God, such rhetoric does not frighten us or deter us from our duty of jihad (struggle) for the sake of God and Palestine."

The Yemeni forces have, meanwhile, been responding firmly to the American escalation.

On Sunday, spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced that the troops had successfully targeted a US aircraft carrier for the second time in 48 hours, besides thwarting a hostile enemy attack against the Arab country.

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Child killed as Syria's HTS militants shell civilians in eastern Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 6:48 AM

A child has been killed and four other civilians injured as militants aligned with Syria's ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime launched a volley of rockets at a residential neighborhood in Lebanon's eastern province of Baalbek-Hermel.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that rockets fired from Syrian territory had landed in the Lebanese village of Qasr near the border.

The Lebanese al-Mayadeen television news channel said a rocket launched by HTS militants struck a house in Hawdh al-Assi district.

A child was killed and four other individuals were wounded in the shelling.

This was followed by a Lebanese Army reconnaissance drone patrolling the skies over the Hermel district and border areas near Syria.

A Lebanese security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said tensions began after three Syrian militants crossed into Lebanese territory at the village of Qasr, where they were shot at by local gunmen.

The source said the reason why they entered was unknown.

Syria's HTS administration on Sunday accused Lebanon's Hezbollah of abducting three soldiers to Lebanon and killing them there. The resistance movement roundly dismissed the allegation.

Hezbollah denies involvement in border clashes

Hezbollah in a statement denied any involvement in clashes with HTS forces or in Syrian territory.

The group said it "categorically denies any connection to the events taking place today on the Lebanese-Syrian border."

It added that it "reaffirms its previous announcements that Hezbollah has no relation to any events within Syrian territory."

The Lebanese National News Agency later reported that the bodies of three Syrian militants had been handed over to Syria via the Lebanese Red Cross.

Last month, more than 10 people were injured after shelling from Syria's Qusayr countryside targeted border towns in Lebanon's Hermel region.

Amid rising tensions, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Syria's de facto leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani agreed in a phone call on Friday to coordinate efforts to stabilize the border and prevent attacks on civilians.

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Israeli settlers, forces attack Palestinians in new West Bank raids

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 6:31 AM

Israeli settlers and the regime forces have attacked Palestinians and their homes in new raids across the occupied West Bank.

The WAFA news agency reported on Sunday that a group of settlers, backed by the occupation soldiers, assaulted Palestinians in Wadi Hilweh, an area in the East al-Quds neighborhood of Silwan.

Citing local activist Aref Jaber, WAFA also reported settler attacks in the Jaber, as-Salaymeh, and Wadi Nasara districts of al-Khalil's Old City.

The activist said a 64-year-old Palestinian man, Abdul Aziz al-Shantir, sustained head injuries after Israeli settlers stormed his shop in al-Khalil's Old City.

In Wadi al-Hussein, east of al-Khalil, settlers threw stones and empty bottles at Palestinian houses.

Meanwhile, the occupation forces raided the village of Nabi Saleh northwest of the city of Ramallah, firing live ammunition at a parked vehicle.

The Israeli military launched its offensive against the occupied West Bank on January 21, claiming that it was targeting the resistance fighters of the Jenin Battalion.

Israel has ramped up West Bank violence since October 7, 2023, when it launched its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Since then, at least 935 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 7,000 others injured in the attacks by the Israeli soldiers and settlers across the West Bank.

The raids have so far uprooted at least 40,000 people, the largest displacement since the 1967 war that led to the Israeli occupation of the territory, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

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Yemeni military again targets US aircraft carrier while thwarting enemy attack: Spox

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 2:15 AM

The Yemeni Armed Forces succeeded in thwarting a hostile enemy attack against the Arab country while targeting a US aircraft carrier for the second time in 48 hours.

Army spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said on Monday morning that American warplanes were forced to return from their launching point after firing many missiles and drones at the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman in the northern Red Sea and several of its warships.

For the second time during 24 hours, Saree said that the Yemeni Armed Forces targeted USS Harry Truman with several ballistic and cruise missiles and drones in retaliation for the latest aggression against the Arab nation.

He stated that the Yemeni Armed Forces were confronting America's criminal aggression and responding to escalation by escalation.

Saree said that the Armed Forces will continue to ban the passage of Israeli ships through the zone of operations until the blockade on the Gaza Strip is lifted.

This came as the United States claimed to carry out major airstrikes across Yemen on Sunday night, hours after the Ansarullah resistance movement warned that the Yemeni Armed Forces will target the American aircraft carrier, and warships in the region.

On Saturday night, the US carried out large-scale military strikes on the Yemeni capital Sana'a and multiple other provinces across the country, leaving dozens of people, including women and children, killed and injured.

American and British warplanes launched 47 airstrikes on several sites in Yemen's capital, Sana'a as well as on areas in the northern province of Sa'ada, the central province of al-Bayda, and the southwestern province of Dhamar.

At least 31 people, mostly women and children, were killed in the aerial and naval attacks ordered by US President Donald Trump.

The large-scale aerial attacks, which began on Saturday and continued into the early hours of Sunday, came after the Yemeni Armed Forces threatened to resume their retaliatory operations against the Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea over the Tel Aviv regime's blockade on Gaza.

In response, the leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement on Sunday night warned the United States that the aggression against Yemen will be met with escalation.

"The aircraft carrier and American warships will be targets for us, and the navigation ban will include the Americans as long as they persist in their aggression," Abdul Malik al-Houthi said.

"We will respond to escalation with escalation, and we will strike at the American enemy by targeting its aircraft carrier, warships, and imposing a blockade on its vessels," he said.

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Latest Israeli attacks kill 14 Palestinians in central Gaza

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 1:47 AM

The Israeli regime presses ahead with its blatant violations of the Gaza ceasefire, as the regime's forces kill and injure more civilians across the besieged territory.

In attacks on Sunday, a young Palestinian woman died due to injuries she suffered after her home was bombed in the Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Her brother and father had been killed in earlier Israeli strikes.

A young Palestinian man also succumbed to injuries he sustained after a drone strike hit a vehicle in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza.

Separately, an elderly man lost his life in an Israeli drone strike in the town of Juhr Al-Dik, in central Gaza.

The new fatalities were part of 14 Gazans killed in the latest Israeli strikes.

According to the health ministry, 15 bodies were also recovered from the rubble, and 51 injuries were reported in a matter of 24 hours.

Meanwhile, two back-to-back Israeli airstrikes on Saturday killed at least nine people in Beit Lahiya, according to Gaza's civil defense.

A UK-based aid organization confirmed eight of the nine victims of Israel's attack were staff members who were carrying out charity work.

Several people were also critically injured as the strike hit a car, with casualties inside and outside the vehicle, health officials told Reuters.

The Israeli forces claimed they were targeting "terrorists" operating drones "under the cover of journalists" in an area under the control of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement.

The death toll from the US-Israeli genocide is now approaching 48,600, with over 112,000 others injured.

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Chinese media, Hun Sen celebrate White House order to close US-funded news outlets

Asian dissidents, activists voice dismay over funding freeze to Radio Free Asia.

By RFA Staff 2025.03.17 -- Representatives of closed Asian societies without free press on Monday welcomed the U.S. administration's decision to halt broadcasts by Voice of America and freeze funding to Radio Free Asia, while democracy activists and dissidents expressed disbelief and dismay.

China's state-backed Global Times published an editorial focusing on VOA which it called "a lie factory" and "a thoroughly biased propaganda poison."

"The so-called beacon of freedom, VOA, has now been discarded by its own government like a dirty rag," it said.

In a Facebook post, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is Senate president and the father of the current premier, called the closure of U.S.-funded "propaganda" outlets "a major contribution to eliminating fake news, disinformation, lies, distortions, incitement, and chaos around the world."

Meanwhile, human rights activists in some of the world's most repressive countries spoke out in support of what they see as "beacons of hope" and upholders of the truth.

"There's something I will remember forever ... When my mother was told I'd be released after having served my sentence, she was sitting outside on the patio the whole day to wait for me. The first sound of my voice she heard was on Radio Free Asia and that made her cry out loud," Le Quoc Quan, a Vietnamese dissident lawyer who served 30 months in prison and who now lives in the United States, recalled on Facebook.

'Significant setback for the democracy'

Another Vietnamese democracy activist, who spent seven years in jail on subversion charges, said RFA and Voice of America had freed his thinking from the strictures of communist rule before he was imprisoned.

"These two stations played a pivotal role in helping me break free from the propaganda and indoctrination of the Communist Party of Vietnam, shaping my beliefs and actions," Nguyen Tien Trung wrote from exile in Germany.

The discontinuation of RFA and VOA "represents a significant setback for the democracy and human rights movements in Vietnam, China, Asia, and globally," he wrote.

"Communist parties in China and Vietnam will dominate narratives unchallenged, preventing Asian audiences from hearing alternative perspectives - stories of democratic progress, freedom, and the dignity that comes from respecting human rights."

An executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump late Friday called for the reduction of non-statutory components of the United States Agency for Global Media, or USAGM, the federal agency that funds RFA, VOA and several other independent global news organizations that broadcast in more than 60 languages.

VOA Director Michael Abramowitz wrote Saturday that virtually the entire staff had been placed on administrative leave.

Staff at RFA were still working Monday and the Washington-based news organization has yet to announce how the funding freeze would impact operations.

Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said it was "devastating to lose Radio Free Asia from the media landscape in Asia."

"RFA has many courageous reporters who shone a light on rights abuses that authoritarian governments would prefer to hide," she said in a social media post. "This is a gift to abusive governments in the region."

RFA covers some of the countries in Asia where press freedom is the most restricted, including China, North Korea, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. It sends news in 10 languages through text, social media, radio and television.

Chinese journalist and human rights activist Gao Yu said in a post on X that authorities had warned her against talking to VOA and RFA.

"This made me realize that these two American media outlets are what the Chinese Communist authorities fear the most," she said. "This is undoubtedly a moment that the Chinese Communist regime will celebrate."

A fan of RFA's Cantonese service, the main language spoken in Hong Kong, where opposition politicians and Western governments say political freedoms have been severely curtailed, expressed disappointment about the possible closure.

"I read your RFA Cantonese news every day. You're doing a great job! It's such a pity for it to end like this. I hope there's a turnaround. Keep going!" said the poster, identified as Lukacat Lime.

Messages of support from Cambodians, Burmese

Thousands of messages of support for RFA and VOA flooded Khmer-language internet forums, with readers and listeners expressing their dismay.

"Khmer people need help because if there is no RFA or VOA we don't know which news we can listen to," a woman named Sokra wrote.

The United States and other countries have criticized the suppression of democracy in Cambodia in the years since the U.N.-organized an election in 1993, hoping to heal the decades of conflict and genocide after Cambodia became embroiled in the Vietnam War.

"The news of the potential shutdown is devastating," said Viriya Lim, another RFA Khmer listener.

"Your reporting has been a crucial source of truth and information for so many. Please know that your efforts have made a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your service," Lim wrote on RFA Khmer's Facebook.

In Myanmar, where successive generations have struggled to throw off military rule, people expressed their appreciation for RFA.

"Because my father listened to RFA early in the morning and late at night since I was young, so I knew about the dictatorship, democracy, civil society organizations and different countries," Moe Aung wrote on Facebook.

"I will always give thanks to RFA. I pray you continue to stand."

In South Korea, Ha Tae-kyung, a three-term lawmaker and vocal critic of North Korea's woeful human rights record, said it felt as if Washington was undermining its standing by shutting RFA and VOA.

"These organizations have been dedicated to North Korean human rights and democratization for decades," said Ha. "It takes decades to build a well-constructed tower but only a single day to bring it down."

Beijing's criticism

The Chinese government did not immediately react to Friday's executive order. But the Global Times editorial took aim at VOA, claiming that its independence and credibility "have long been questioned and criticized."

"Known for stirring up conflicts, inciting social divisions, and even participating in regime change efforts, VOA is widely recognized as Washington's carefully crafted propaganda machine for peaceful evolution, earning itself a notorious reputation on the global stage," the Global Times said.

It mentioned RFA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, too, saying that the organizations' primary function is "to serve Washington's need to attack other countries based on ideological demands."

Hu Xijin, a top Chinese propagandist and former Global Times editor, praised the decision, calling RFA "malicious toward China" and the funding cut "greatly satisfying." He shared his remarks on his WeChat channel, which quickly spread across Chinese state-owned media outlets like iFeng.com and other Chinese social media platforms.

Those remarks were amplified on social media by China's army of nationalistic "little pink" commentators, who have started targeting VOA's Chinese and Taiwanese journalists, posting their photos and accusing them of doing "dirty work" and being "yellow-skinned with white hearts."

On Monday, an op-ed from Beijing Daily, a state-owned media outlet, mocked the shutdown of RFA, RFE, and VOA declaring, "The 'beacon of freedom' has collapsed." and "U.S. Hegemony will eventually perish under global condemnation.

Some journalists working for Chinese media, such as Andy Boreham at the state English-language newspaper Shanghai Daily, said the prospect of RFA having to lay off staff over funding cuts was "excellent news."

The New Zealand-born journalist labelled RFA "one of the U.S.'s most insidious anti-China propaganda outlets."

RFA is funded by the U.S. Congress but retains full editorial independence from the government. All editorial staff are expected to conduct themselves professionally and ethically and promote the highest standards of journalism.

Edited by RFA staff.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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What's Fueling Protests In Georgia, Hungary, Romania, And Serbia?

By Ray Furlong, RFE/RL's Georgian Service, RFE/RL's Hungarian Service, RFE/RL's Romanian Service and RFE/RL's Balkan Service March 17, 2025

Large crowds have been taking to the streets in Tbilisi, Budapest, Bucharest, and Belgrade for months in succession.

RFE/RL's Georgian, Hungarian, Romanian, and Balkan services have been reporting on the demonstrations and the root causes driving them.

Georgia

In Georgia, the protests began in October after the ruling Georgian Dream party claimed victory in parliamentary elections that international monitors said were marred by vote-buying, double-voting, physical violence, and intimidation.

Since then, there have been protests every day. On March 16 -- day 109 of the protests -- small crowds blocked Rustaveli Avenue, one of Tbilisi's main arteries.

More protests were scheduled for March 17.

The numbers oscillate from a few hundred to thousands. Protesters have targeted state TV, which is resolutely pro-government, as well as court and government buildings.

Security forces have responded to the peaceful gatherings with brutal violence and mass arrests, drawing condemnation from the United States and the European Union.

Recently, the government tightened laws to make the crackdown even harsher. Fines for blocking a street rose tenfold, for instance.

The authorities have been surveilling participants with Chinese-made cameras with facial-recognition capabilities.

Hungary

A crowd of more than 50,000 people took to the streets of Budapest on March 15 to support the opposition Tisza party, which is threatening to break the mold of Hungarian politics.

Tisza is led by Peter Magyar, a former ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban who gained national prominence when he resigned from senior positions in state-owned enterprises and a bank in February 2024.

Magyar, now 43, said he was entering politics to combat corruption and cronyism under Orban, and shortly afterward became leader of Tisza.

At that point Tisza was a small opposition party. But under Magyar's leadership, it finished second in the June 2024 European parliamentary elections with nearly 30 percent of the vote.

The party's support has continued to grow, and Magyar is now likely to challenge Orban in next year's parliamentary elections.

Support for Tisza has grown despite Orban's almost total dominance of the media, which has been widely criticized internationally.

Human Rights Watch has said that media freedom has "been under attack in Hungary" since Orban took the reins in the country.

Hungary's faltering economy, plus voter fatigue after 15 years of Orban's rule, have boosted the opposition.

Romania

Romania has been rocked by political tensions since presidential elections in November.

Nationalist-populist Calin Georgescu came from nowhere to emerge as the leading candidate after the first round of voting, with two million votes despite having spent next to nothing on his campaign.

Romanian authorities annulled the results amid accusations of Russian meddling in the campaign.

Russia has denied backing Georgescu, a vocal critic of NATO and an opponent of continued support for Ukraine.

Georgescu's supporters were boosted when US Vice President JD Vance used his speech at the Munich Security Conference in February to criticize the decision to annul the election.

This was followed by a spy scandal in which six men have been charged with treason over an alleged Russian-backed coup plot.

There were violent clashes between Georgescu supporters and police following a decision to bar him from running in new presidential elections scheduled for May.

This decision was subsequently upheld in a unanimous Constitutional Court ruling.

Serbia

Serbia has seen months of student-led mass protests following the deadly collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad in November.

On March 15, the protests were the biggest yet, with estimates of around 300,000 people on the streets of Belgrade.

Aerial footage captured the scale of the gatherings.

The students are demanding accountability, amid reports that corrupt practices led to shoddy construction at the railway station. Fifteen people died.

As the protests tapped a broader mood of discontent, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned in January.

Now, President Aleksandar Vucic has moved ahead with an official procedure that could lead to snap presidential elections. Like Orban, he's a long-standing leader, serving as president since 2017 after serving as prime minister from 2014.

Meanwhile, his opponents have accused him of increasing pressure on the students, civil society, and opposition with arrests and smear campaigns.

More protests are planned.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/tbilisi-budapest-bucharest- belgrade-protests-political-unrest-2025/33350353.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Georgian Ex-President Saakashvili's Sentence Extended To 12.5 Years

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service March 17, 2025

A court in Tbilisi has found jailed former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili guilty of illegally crossing the country's border, sentencing him to an additional four years and six months in prison.

Since Saakashvili had already been sentenced to nine years in previous cases, Judge Mikheil Jinjolia in the Tbilisi City Court ruled that the former president would now serve a total of 12 years and six months behind bars.

According to this ruling, Saakashvili will remain imprisoned until April 1, 2034.

Speaking via video link from the Vivamedi clinic in Tbilisi during a separate trial, Saakashvili strongly condemned the ruling.

"This verdict is meant to destroy me in prison, to eliminate me physically," he said.

He declared that he remained a threat to his political opponents, whether behind bars or even in death.

"You cannot destroy the idea of Georgia's freedom or the soul of Saakashvili. We are fighting and will win," the former president declared.

Saakashvili had been wanted by Georgian authorities and secretly returned to Georgia on September 29, 2021, after years of self-imposed exile. Two days later, on October 1, he was arrested. Prosecutors charged him with illegal border crossing.

Last week, the Tbilisi City Court's Judge Badri Kochlamazashvili sentenced Saakashvili to an additional nine years in prison for the large-scale embezzlement of public funds. He ruled that the term would be served concurrently with the six-year prison term Saakashvili was already serving for abuse of power.

Saakashvili, president of Georgia from 2003 to 2013, has consistently denied all the charges.

His steadfast denial of his guilt, echoed by the opposition United National Movement and several other political groups, has garnered sympathy and support among many Georgians. Many argue that the case was driven by political retribution.

Governor In Ukraine

Saakashvili's presidency was marked by ambitious reforms to curb corruption and modernize the country, including significant changes in the police force and the judiciary.

After leaving office, he became involved in Ukrainian politics, serving as the governor of Odesa from 2015 to 2016 before falling out with Ukrainian authorities.

He had been convicted in absentia on charges related to abuse of power, including granting a presidential pardon to individuals involved in the murder of banker Sandro Girgvliani and the beating of opposition lawmaker Valeri Gelashvili. These charges are part of a series of legal battles he has been facing since leaving office.

Since his arrest, he has been held in detention and is currently receiving medical treatment at the Vivamedi Clinic.

Additionally, Saakashvili is still facing trial for his role in the crackdown on protests on November 7, 2007. The trial is seen as a continuation of the legal challenges he has been facing since leaving office.

The arrest of Saakashvili, a key Western ally and a symbol of democratic reforms in Georgia, has sparked international concern over his health and treatment in detention.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trial-georgia-tbilisi- city-court-saakashvili-sentence-politics/33350502.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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US Strikes On Yemen's Houthis A Message To Iran

By Kian Sharifi March 17, 2025

The United States has launched extensive air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming to curb their threat to shipping while also signaling a warning to Iran.

In a statement announcing his directive on March 15, US President Donald Trump also warned Iran to "immediately" end its support for the Houthis and vowed to hold Tehran "fully accountable" if it threatened Americans or shipping lanes.

On March 17, Trump turned up the heat, posting on his Truth Social platform that "the hundreds of attacks made by the Houthi, who are hated by the Yemeni people, emanate from, and are created by, Iran."

"Any further attack or retaliation by the 'Houthis' will be met with great force, and there is no guarantee that the force will stop there," he wrote.

The strikes come as Iran is weighing its response to a letter by Trump on direct talks over Tehran's nuclear program, and possibly its regional activities and missile development.

Michael Horowitz, head of intelligence at the Bahrain-based Le Beck International consultancy, said he believes the attack on Houthi targets may well have something to do with Iran's opposition to direct talks with the Trump administration.

"There is a message being sent in the type of weapons used, including sea-launched missiles," he told RFE/RL. "Nuclear negotiations haven't started, and Trump is threatening to use force if diplomacy doesn't work. This is a way to show that he is serious."

How Are The Attacks Different From Past Strikes?

Designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the Houthis, who are formally known as the Ansarallah movement, seized power in Yemen in 2014 by toppling the internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government.

Soon after the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Houthis began launching attacks on Israel and targeting ships in the Red Sea believed to be sailing to or from Israel. The group said this was in solidarity with the Palestinians.

The attacks stopped after a fragile cease-fire went into force in January, but the Houthis have threatened to resume their attacks if aid does not flow into Gaza.

Last year, US and British militaries carried out multiple air strikes against the Houthis, but the new wave of attacks seems to be different.

Horowitz said the administrations of former US President Joe Biden was focused on defensive and pre-emptive strikes, targeting weapon depots and weapons just before they were launched.

"Trump appears to have widened the scope of those strikes to include Houthi officials and offices. I would not discount that we'll even see a campaign of targeted assassinations," he added.

The Houthis have vowed to retaliate and claimed to have launched 18 drones and missiles against USS Harry S. Truman on March 16. The United States has not commented on the claim, but reports citing unnamed US officials say the drones were intercepted and the missiles did not reach the warship.

The Yemeni group claims US strikes have killed dozens of people, including children. But White House national-security adviser Mike Waltz said on March 16 that the United States "took out" multiple Houthi leaders.

How Has Iran Responded To The US Air Strikes?

The X account of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on March 16 posted a quote from the top Iranian decision-maker dating back to 2020, in which he insisted that the "nation of Yemen is definitely victorious."

"The only path is that of resistance. That which has caused the US and its allies to panic today is the fact that the Muslim nations are standing firmly and that this resistance will prove to be effective," the post read.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized the Trump administration for demanding that Tehran cut ties with the Houthis, saying that US government "has no authorities or business dictating Iranian foreign policy."

Meanwhile, Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), rejected assertions that Iran influences the Houthis, insisting that Tehran "has no role" in the Houthis' decision-making process.

The Houthi movement is a key member of the Iran-led "axis of resistance," a network of non-state actors that has suffered major setbacks over the past year. The movement has particularly risen in stature as a defender of the Palestinian cause since it started hitting Israel and alleged Israeli-linked vessels.

Horowitz said the Houthis' rising profile within the axis of resistance gives them some level of autonomy, but they are ultimately an Iranian proxy.

"They are still extremely dependent on Iran for weapons they use regularly so they will follow Iran's lead in my opinion," he added.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-airstrikes-houthis-yemen- iran-tensions-2025/33350545.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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EU To Look Into RFE/RL Funding As Europe Slams Cuts

By Rikard Jozwiak March 17, 2025

The European Union is looking into the possible support of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after the US government moved to cut the broadcaster's funding, sparking concern over the silencing of pro-democracy media.

At the initiative of the Czech Republic, a meeting of foreign ministers from the bloc's 27 members in Brussels on March 17 addressed the issue with the future of RFE/RL unclear due to the cutting of its Congress-approved funding by the administration of President Donald Trump over the weekend.

A diplomatic source with knowledge of the discussion told RFE/RL that the Czechs, along with Poland and the three Baltic countries -- Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania -- immediately expressed support for the idea saying a halt in RFE/RL's operations would "be a gift to Europe's adversaries" and its dissolution would be "irreparable for democratic aspirations around the world."

"It has been a beacon of democracy and very valuable," Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, told journalists after the meeting.

"It is sad to hear that the U.S. is withdrawing its [RFE/RL's] funding. Now the question for us is can we come in with our funding to leave or fill the void that US is leaving?" Kallas added.

Kallas said that the question of funding doesn't have an automatic answer, but that there was "really a push from the foreign ministers to discuss this and find the way."

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said he sensed "a certain interest" from other EU members in his country's initiative, and that "it is our responsibility to seriously deal with this issue."

Lipavsky's Polish counterpart, Radek Sikorski, also voiced support for RFE/RL, recalling how his father listened to the station as well as the Voice of America broadcaster during the Cold War.

"It's how we learnt the basic facts about our own countries because communist propaganda was so tightly controlled." he told reporters. "And these institutions continue to do similar work for autocracies today."

Sikorski also voiced support for Lipavsky's initiative to seek alternative avenues of funding for the US broadcasters.

"We will take a look at what can be done," he said. "We are at the stage of brainstorming, but clearly these are worthy institutions whose mission should continue."

Trump signed an executive order late on March 14 that aims to reduce seven federal agencies -- including the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and other federal broadcasters.

The order, which also targets agencies that deal with homelessness, labor disputes, and community development, gave the heads of each governmental entity named seven days to submit a report confirming full compliance.

Hours after the executive order was published, a letter from the USAGM said the Congress-approved grant that funds RFE/RL, headquartered in the Czech capital, Prague, had been terminated.

RFE/RL President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Capus said canceling the grant agreement would be "a massive gift to America's enemies," a point that was echoed by many media rights watchdogs, democracy advocates, and politicians.

Added U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee: "The Trump Administration's latest effort to dismantle entities established and funded by Congress that provide accurate, unbiased information to hundreds of millions of people in countries where press freedom is under attack undermines the U.S. commitment to democracy."

"If President Trump gets his way, those who depend on U.S. supported independent media as alternatives to Chinese and Kremlin run media outlets and those living under authoritarian regimes will lose a critical lifeline."

Belarus opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya is one of those who has seen first hand how an authoritarian regime works to negate unbiased and fact-based news from outlets such as RFE/RL.

In an August 2020 presidential election, her husband Syarhey Tsikhanouski, announced he would run as an opposition candidate to authoritarian ruler Aleksandr Lukashenko. He was jailed before the campaign even started and eventually sentenced along with four others to lengthy prison terms.

She ran in his place and claims, along with most Western governments, that she won. Election officials, however, declared Lukashenko as the winner, touching off peaceful mass protests that turned deadly when security forces launched a brutal crackdown.

"For us, nations living under tyranny, RFE/RL and VOA News are symbols of the free world -- voices of truth," Tsikhanouskaya, who fled her country fearing for the safety of her family, said in a post on X.

"Many, like [RFE journalist] Ihar Losik, are in prison for working with them. For the United States, they are powerful tools of soft power, making America stronger & safer. Losing them would be a grave mistake."

Losik, a blogger and contributor to RFE/RL's Belarus Service, was convicted in December 2021 on multiple charges, including "organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order," and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

He is one of four RFE/RL journalists and contributors -- Vladyslav Yesypenko, Nika Novak, and Farid Mehralizada are the other three -- currently imprisoned on charges related to their work.

Last year, the Russian government designated RFE/RL an "undesirable organization," a label that effectively banned the broadcaster from working in Russia while also exposing anyone who cooperates with the outlet to potential prosecution.

"We urge the EU to stand up for media freedom by supporting Radio Free Europe," Renew Europe, a pro-European and centrist political group in the European Parliament, said in a statement.

The USAGM is an independent US government agency that oversees the broadcasting of news and information in almost 50 languages to some 361 million people each week.

The total budget request for the USAGM for Fiscal Year 2025 was $950 million to fund all of its operations and capital investments.

This includes media outlets such as RFE/RL, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio Marti), Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) and the Open Technology Fund.

"We see these media outlets really as beacons of truth, of democracy, and of hope for millions of people around the world. And of course, at an age of unmoderated content and fake news, journalism, freedom of press...are critical for democracy, and this decision risks benefiting our common adversaries," European Commission spokesperson Audia Paula Pinho said on March 17.

Trump, who has taken several moves to slash government spending since taking office for a second term in January, clashed with the USAGM over editorial independence and the direction of programming during his first term.

He has reiterated those concerns again since retaking office. Supporters of the broadcasters say they are an important arm of US diplomacy.

In addition to the USAGM, the order targets Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; and the Minority Business Development Agency.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/czech-eu-rfe-funding-europe- slams-trump-cuts/33350379.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Briefing by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini to the European Parliamentary Committees on Foreign Affairs and Development, 17 March 2025

UNRWA

17 Mar 2025

Brussels, 17 March 2025

Distinguished Chairs,

Members of the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Development,

Thank you for the invitation to brief you.

Since we last met, UNRWA's operations have been undermined further, with implications for regional, and international, peace and stability.

I echo the Secretary-General's call at the Arab Summit in Cairo, for the immediate, unconditional and dignified release of all hostages; the dignified release of Palestinian detainees; and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

During the summit, Arab States rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians; reaffirmed their commitment to a two-State solution; and approved a plan for the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.

The Cairo Declaration also reaffirms the essential role of UNRWA.

This is a recognition that the Agency is an asset for a viable political transition.

Distinguished Chairs,

UNRWA is facing significant operational challenges due to the Knesset laws, condemned by the European Union and Arab States.

One law prohibits UNRWA's operations in what the Government of Israel considers its "sovereign territory" - this includes occupied East Jerusalem.

The other law prohibits contact between UNRWA representatives and Israeli officials.

We were compelled to evacuate our headquarters compound in occupied East Jerusalem.

The lack of visas has effectively expelled international staff from the occupied West Bank.

It is only thanks to the dedication of our Palestinian staff that UNRWA schools and health clinics remain open, providing essential services to Palestine Refugees.

In Gaza, a core team of international staff remains, but Israel no longer facilitates their entry or exit via Kerem Shalom.

We have asked Egypt if international staff can enter and exit via Rafah.

UNRWA is committed to staying and delivering its mandate until we can no longer do so in a principled manner.

Members of the Committees,

The ceasefire brought much needed respite after 15 months of brutal warfare.

It enabled the return of hostages and Palestinian detainees to their families, and a 10-fold increase in the flow of humanitarian aid.

This shows what is possible when there is a political will.

It is, however, highly concerning that humanitarian aid is no longer allowed into Gaza, endangering civilian lives.

During the war, UNRWA provided a platform for all humanitarian assistance.

Since the ceasefire, we have significantly scaled up our response, providing food to two million people, and clean water to nearly half a million.

We have opened nearly 40 new emergency shelters and provided tents for more than 60,000 people.

We provide some 17,000 medical consultations every day.

Nearly 2,000 UNRWA personnel vaccinated an estimated 200,000 children in the latest campaign against polio.

UNRWA is also resuming education for as many children as possible through temporary learning spaces and remote learning activities.

The appetite for learning is huge - more than 260,000 children are registered on the Agency's online learning platform.

Curtailing UNRWA's operations now - when needs are so high, and trust in the international community is so low - is counterproductive.

It may even sabotage Gaza's recovery and plans for a political transition.

Distinguished Chairs,

The violence in the occupied West Bank is alarming.

Since January, nearly 40,000 Palestine Refugees have been displaced by air strikes, armored bulldozers and controlled detonations.

This is the longest security operation since the Second Intifada and the largest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since 1967.

The large-scale demolition of buildings, including homes, is new.

People cannot return, and the demography of camps is being permanently altered.

Palestinian armed groups are increasingly active in the north, deploying improvised explosive devices, including near UNRWA facilities and civilian infrastructure, in violation of international law.

Members of the Committees,

This is a time of tremendous geopolitical uncertainty.

For UNRWA, the status quo is no longer an option.

There is a choice to make.

The Agency can be left to implode due to the Knesset legislation and financial uncertainties.

UNRWA's collapse would create a dangerous vacuum in the occupied Palestinian territory, in the absence of alternatives.

It would send shockwaves through Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, where the Agency is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Palestine Refugees.

An environment in which children are deprived of education, and people lack access to basic services, is fertile ground for exploitation and extremism.

Alternatively, UNRWA can be supported to progressively conclude its mandate within the framework of a political process like that championed by the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

This would allow the Agency to transition its public-like services to empowered and prepared Palestinian institutions.

Distinguished Chairs,

I must stress that the rights of Palestine Refugees to protection and assistance are not derived from UNRWA's mandate.

They exist independently of the Agency.

If UNRWA ceases to protect and assist Palestine Refugees, their rights will remain, and there will be much greater emphasis on the right to return or to be resettled, for which UNRWA has no mandate.

Members of the Committees,

I must underscore UNRWA's longstanding commitment to neutrality.

Following grave allegations last year that 19 UNRWA personnel participated in the abhorrent attacks of October 7, I immediately terminated their contracts.

The Secretary-General swiftly tasked the United Nations' highest investigative body - the Office of Internal Oversight Services - to conduct an independent investigation.

He also commissioned an independent review of UNRWA's adherence to the principle of neutrality.

The Colonna Report found that UNRWA has the most robust neutrality framework of any comparable entity.

It also stressed that UNRWA, like all UN agencies, depends on Member States, including Israel, for protection from military and security-related neutrality risks.

We will continue making every effort to investigate credible allegations against the Agency and its personnel.

We recently learnt from the media about allegations that a released hostage was held at an UNRWA facility.

We requested additional information from Israel but have not received a response.

I must reiterate that UNRWA was forced to evacuate many of its 300 premises in Gaza on IDF military orders.

Our premises have been misused by both the Israeli Forces and Palestinian armed groups on multiple occasions.

I have repeatedly called for an international investigation to establish the facts and hold all perpetrators accountable.

Last year, following close engagement with the European Commission, UNRWA agreed and fulfilled conditions for releasing EU funds and reinforcing the Agency's neutrality framework.

UNRWA has enhanced the vetting of staff, reinforced its internal investigation department, and undergone an audit commissioned by the European Commission.

As a result, all EU contributions for 2024 were released, including additional funding requested by this Parliament.

I am deeply, deeply grateful for the continued support of this House.

Distinguished Chairs,

I must also address the disinformation campaign portraying UNRWA as a terrorist organisation, and our staff as terrorists or terrorist sympathizers.

Billboards and ads accusing UNRWA of terrorism have appeared in major cities.

Google ad campaigns promote websites replete with disinformation about the Agency.

Disinformation poses a real threat to our staff, especially those in the occupied West Bank and in Gaza - where 275 personnel have been killed.

To tackle disinformation, we must insist that independent, international media can enter and report from Gaza.

Members of the Committees,

UNRWA's financial situation is dire.

We have placed more than 600 local staff on Leave Without Pay.

We may have to suspend payments to more staff and scale back critical services.

An erosion of UNRWA operations will degrade the capacity of the United Nations.

***

I would like to conclude with one request, which reflects the uncertainty of the present moment:

Sustain UNRWA until the political direction of travel is clear.

That is, until the international community considers the Gaza Recovery and Reconstruction Plan and the proposal of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

If we do not embed the Agency in a political process, it will collapse, with consequences for security and stability in the region and beyond.

As a steadfast supporter of Palestine Refugees and UNRWA for decades, the leadership of the European Union is urgently needed.

Thank you.

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Mission in Afghanistan, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2777 (2025)

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9880th Meeting (AM)

SC/16021

17 March 2025

The Security Council today decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 March 2026, also welcoming its ongoing efforts in the implementation of its mandated tasks and priorities.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2777 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2777 (2025)), the Council stressed the importance of the Mission's continued presence and called on all relevant stakeholders to coordinate with it to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel throughout the country. The 15-member organ also requested that the Secretary-General report every three months on the situation in Afghanistan and the implementation of UNAMA's mandate.

Speaking after the adoption, Afghanistan's representative expressed support for UNAMA's vital role, adding that the text rightfully acknowledges his country's multifaceted challenges, which range from a devastating economic crisis to rampant human rights violations. Further, it highlights "the heartbreaking reality" that Afghan women and girls continue to be deprived of their most basic rights. The presence of UNAMA and other UN agencies is essential for humanitarian aid and delivery, human rights protection and facilitating dialogue.

"The Taliban's continued failure and unwillingness to address the situation to establish a just, inclusive and representative system of governance" has impeded his country's prospects for peace and isolated it, he added. Highlighting the need to fight terrorism and strengthen the banking and financial systems, he said it is vital to enable the use of Afghanistan's Central Bank assets through a legitimate Government. After over three years of political stalemate, initiating an inclusive political dialogue remains a priority, alongside other aspects of the Mission's mandate, he added.

Council members who spoke today welcomed the unanimous adoption, with the representative of Denmark, Council President for March, who spoke in her national capacity, observing: "In one united, strong voice, we showed the Afghan people that we have not forgotten them." As the Taliban continues to systematically persecute women and girls, she said, it was important for her delegation that the text reflect their deteriorating human-rights situation.

Somalia's delegate, also speaking for Guyana, Sierra Leone and Algeria, said the renewal reflects the Council's united commitment in fostering stability and prosperity in Afghanistan. He encouraged the international community to enhance coordination to address the various challenges Afghanistan faces.

The representative of the Republic of Korea drew attention to the "three key elements" his delegation wanted to see reflected in the renewal, welcoming that all are present in today's text. First of these was the preservation of UNAMA's robust, comprehensive mandate. Additionally, updated preambular language reflecting the Council's views on the various challenges facing Afghanistan "marks the first update of its kind since 2022", he noted. He also expressed hope that new language on natural hazards will assist UNAMA in addressing the wide-ranging, destabilizing impacts of climate and environmental challenges. Lastly, he emphasized the importance of "maintaining the Council's vigilance on the situation in Afghanistan through quarterly reporting".

The text, China's delegate said, captures the Council's "positions, expectations and concerns" regarding the current multiple challenges in Afghanistan "in light of the evolving circumstances". Further, it notes the problems confronting Afghanistan  such as insufficient economic and humanitarian funding, as well as blocked aid  and reiterates the necessity to help rebuild the national banking and financial system. It also emphasizes that women should enjoy equal rights in public life. Underlining the need for "more engagement" with the interim Government to "achieve positive interactions", he also expressed hope that such Government will respond to the international community's "legitimate concerns".

The representative of Pakistan recalled a recent attack on a passenger train in his country, and emphasized: "Throughout the attack, the terrorists were in direct contact with their handlers in Afghanistan, from where the attack was planned and directed." The Taliban Government "has not been effective" in eliminating Da'esh, has tolerated several other terrorist groups "and is complicit in the cross-border attacks against Pakistan by the TTP [Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan], together with the BLA [Balochistan Liberation Army] and the Majeed Brigade", he stated.

Noting that the text just adopted expresses concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and demands that the country's territory not be used to threaten any State, plan or finance terrorism or shelter or train terrorists, he said the Council and its counter-terrorism machinery must secure implementation of such decisions.

The representative of the United States said this adoption ensures that UNAMA remains a partner for the people of Afghanistan. "It is up to the Taliban to demonstrate they are willing to take the necessary steps to meet their counter-terrorism commitments and respect Afghanistan's international legal obligations," she added.

The representative of the Russian Federation, however, stressed the need to maintain pragmatic cooperation between the Mission and the de facto authorities. Describing the text as "a collective product emphasizing support for the Afghan people", she said it was the result of efforts to find "compromise solutions with due regard for the reality on the ground". "The main thing is that the tasks of UNAMA remain unchanged", she added.

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Death toll soars past 300 as Israel launches massive airstrikes across Gaza

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 4:21 AM

The Israeli military has killed at least 342 Palestinians, mostly children and women, throughout the Gaza Strip's entire expanse during a large-scale violation of Tel Aviv's ceasefire agreement with the Gaza-based resistance movement Hamas.

Reports said those killed in included at least 77 people in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and at least 20 people in Gaza City in the north.

Hundred of others were also wounded during the rampant bloodletting, Palestinian news agency Sama reported on Tuesday.

According to the agency, the raids did not spare any part of the already war-battered and mostly devastated coastal sliver, targeting residential structures, schools, and refugee centers.

Reporting on the fresh deadly escalation, Qatar's Al Jazeera television network reported that explosions had rang out throughout Gaza's northeastern areas, where the regime's spy aircraft and warplanes have been engaging in extensive overflight.

The ceasefire took effect in January in the hope of ending the regime's 15-month-plus war of genocide against Gaza that began after Hamas and its fellow resistance groups from the Palestinian territory launched a historic operation against the occupied Palestinian territories.

The operation saw the fighters venture deep inside the territories, encircling strategic Israeli bases and ensnaring 240 Zionists, including some American-Israelis.

Since initiation of the ceasefire deal, the regime has been routinely violating it besides blocking the entry of vital aid items into Gaza, including foodstuffs, medicine, and water, in an attempt to pressure Hamas into releasing those of the captives, who remained in the group's captivity, in one batch.

Hamas has released 25 living captives and the remains of eight others in exchange for more than 2,000 Palestinian prisoners during the implementation of the first phase of the deal.

The movement has denounced Tel Aviv's efforts at sabotaging the agreement, urging that release of the remaining captives is conditioned upon implementation of a second phase.

Earlier, the regime's Ma'ariv newspaper reported, citing its sources, that Tel Aviv had turned down a proposal for, what it called, "selective release" of the American captives.

The sources said the regime has told the United States that diplomatic efforts towards enabling release of the remaining captives had ended.

They also said the regime's so-called "security cabinet" had allowed its prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and minister for military affairs Israel Katz to determine the time for resumption of the genocide.

Netanyahu's office, meanwhile, alleged that the regime had resumed its military attacks on Gaza after, what it termed as, Hamas' turning down Washington's proposals for extension of the ceasefire.

This is while Hamas has been constantly engaging with Qatari and Egyptian mediators towards keeping up the ceasefire, despite the disruptive Israeli efforts.

More than 48,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have perished during the genocide in addition to hundreds more who have been killed as a result of the Israeli violations of the deal.

Trump's green light

The White House says Israel consulted with US President Donald Trump's administration before launching its overnight wave of strikes in Gaza.

"The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Hamas: Israel exposes captives to 'unknown fate'

Reacting to the most recent massacres, Hamas voiced reprehension over Netanyahu and his "Nazi" administration's resuming their aggression and genocidal war against defenseless civilians in the Gaza Strip.

"We hold the criminal Netanyahu and the Nazi-Zionist occupation fully responsible for the repercussions of the treacherous aggression on Gaza, and for the defenseless civilians and our besieged Palestinian people, who are subjected to a brutal war and a systematic policy of starvation," it added.

The regime, the group lamented, had decided to "overturn the ceasefire," exposing the captives to an "unknown fate."

Hamas has previously reported the death of scores of the captives as a result of incessant and indiscriminate Israeli bombardments of Gaza.

"We demand that the mediators hold Netanyahu and the Zionist occupation fully responsible for violating and overturning the agreement," the group asserted.

Hamas also urged the Arab world, including its major institutions, as well as notable international organizations to take a firms stance concerning the aggression.

The United Nations and its Security Council has to press Tel Aviv into abiding by the UNSC Resolution that mandates an end to the Israeli aggression against Gaza and complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the territory, the group underscored.

It finally called for global protests, urging that "the free people of the world have to raise their voice in rejection of the resumption of the Zionist war of extermination against our people in the Gaza Strip."

Netanyahu's lifeline to escape internal crises

Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said, "Netanyahu has decided to resume the genocidal war, considering it a lifeline to escape his internal crises."

"The enemy will not achieve through war and destruction what it failed to achieve through negotiations."

He added that, "Mediators are required to reveal the truth about Netanyahu's betrayal of the ceasefire agreement and to hold him solely responsible for fueling the fire in Gaza and the region."

Al-Rishq asserted that, "Military pressure and brutal aggression will not break the will of our people and our resistance."

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Historic Armenia-Azerbaijan Deal Seen As 'Real Opportunity' For Peace

By RFE/RL's Armenian Service, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service and Abubakar Siddique March 18, 2025

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union more than three decades ago, rival South Caucasus neighbors Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars that have killed tens of thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands more.

Now, their leaders appear set to sign a peace treaty aimed at ending hostilities over Azerbaijan's mostly ethnic-Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which Baku retook from Armenian separatists in September 2023 following a lightning offensive.

"This announcement signals a real opportunity to finalize and sign the long-awaited bilateral treaty," said Richard Giragosian, head of the Regional Studies Center, an independent think tank in Yerevan.

Baku and Yerevan announced last week that they had finalized the text of the historic peace deal, though it remains unclear exactly when their leaders would sign it.

The deal is seen as a significant breakthrough to end a grueling conflict in a region where the United States, Russia, the European Union, Turkey, and Iran jostle for influence.

Under the deal, the two neighbors would establish formal relations, with Yerevan recognizing Azerbaijan's sovereignty over Karabakh after resisting it since 1991.

Constitutional Changes

The two sides have reportedly agreed on the sticky issue of removing a reference in Armenia's constitution to its 1991 declaration of independence that endorses Yerevan's territorial claims over the region.

But an amendment to the Armenian Constitution would require a national referendum that could potentially delay the agreement's conclusion.

Giragosian argues, however, that in the absence of any last-minute disputes, the deal "offers a chance to move beyond the deadlock in diplomacy between Armenia and Azerbaijan."

The constitutional changes could not be implemented before June of next year, he said.

Some analysts see the issue as a potential stumbling block. Azerbaijani political analyst Rauf Mirgadirov said this time frame would likely prevent the peace deal from materializing soon.

"If the document does not guarantee mutual recognition of territorial integrity, then it is not a true peace agreement, regardless of what it is called," Mirgadirov said.

He said a comprehensive peace deal "requires unconditional recognition of each other's territorial integrity."

International Optimism

News of the agreement was welcomed with optimism internationally.

Washington praised Baku and Yerevan for concluding talks on a "historic peace treaty."

"This is an opportunity for both countries to turn the page on a decades-old conflict in line with President [Donald] Trump's vision for a more peaceful world," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a March 14 statement.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the development "should pave the way for a lasting peace in the South Caucasus."

European Council President Antonio Costa called the deal "a decisive step towards the full normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the opening of the region."

In Yerevan and Baku, residents expressed mixed feelings about the agreement, with lingering distrust and skepticism clouding their hopes for peace and a new beginning.

"It won't change anything," a man who declined to give his name told RFE/RL's Armenian Service in Yerevan. "What agreement has ever been more than just words on paper? Why would this one be any different?"

"If there is peace, it will already be good for the people," a woman in the Armenian capital, who also asked not to be named, said. "There will be no war. It will be better."

One elderly woman in Baku said they would be very happy if the agreement achieves lasting peace.

"Let mothers not be afraid, let children not be afraid," she told RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service.

One man in Baku said Azerbaijanis have little trust in Armenia's commitment to a peace deal.

"We hope for the best, but it is very difficult," he said.

Written by Abubakar Siddique based on reporting by RFE/RL's Armenian and Azerbaijani services

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-azerbaijan-historic- peace-deal/33350574.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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US deports hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador despite court order to stop

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 3:13 PM

The administration of US President Donald Trump has transferred a large number of immigrants to El Salvador, even as a federal judge issued an order that bars the deportation.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele confirmed on Sunday that the deportees had arrived and were being kept in a maximum-security prison.

"Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, arrived in our country," Bukele stated in a posting on X.

In a February meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Bukele had offered to take back all Salvadoran MS-13 gang members currently in the States.

Trump has promised to drastically slash immigration and has issued a flurry of executive orders aimed at achieving that goal.

Rights groups have responded with lawsuits challenging the legality of Trump's orders.

To be able to deport suspected "terrorists" from the United States, Trump invoked an 18th-century wartime law known as the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

Following a petition by human rights activists challenging the 1798 law, last used during World War I and World War II, a US federal judge ordered a 14-day suspension of any deportations on March 15.

However, the White House announced on Sunday that the three planes transporting the suspects had already departed when the court order was issued.

"The government did not 'refuse to comply' with a court order. This decision, which has no legal basis, was issued after the foreign terrorists of the TdA (Tren de Aragua) were removed from the country," the US presidency said in a statement.

"Oops... too late," President Bukele posted Sunday on X in response to the news about the court ruling, along with a laughing-crying emoji.

In the meantime, the alleged gang members have been sent to El Salvador's maximum security Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a mega-prison on the edge of a jungle 75km southeast of San Salvador with a capacity for 40,000 prisoners.

Prisoners at this high-security facility are packed in windowless cells, sleep on metal beds with no mattresses and are forbidden to have visitors.

"El Salvador has agreed to hold [deportees] in their very good jails at a fair price that will also save our taxpayer dollar," the US top diplomat said in a post on Sunday.

The US sent them "2 dangerous top MS-13 leaders plus 21 of its most wanted back to face justice in El Salvador," Rubio noted.

Washington is to pay $6mn to El Salvador to house the deportees.

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United States Marines return to the Top End for 2025

The Hon Richard Marles MP

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Defence

17 March 2025

Australia is proud to welcome the 14th rotation of the United States Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D), to the Northern Territory today.

The 2025 rotation of United States Marines to the Top End continues 15 years of training and collaboration with the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Approximately 2500 US Marines and sailors will work alongside the ADF and other regional partners throughout this rotation to participate in combined training exercises across Australia and the Indo-Pacific, including Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.

Since the inaugural rotation in 2012, the MRF-D program has grown in size and complexity, and has seen participation from a range of regional partners including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

The annual MRF-D rotation is a significant component of Australia's force posture cooperation with the United States. This is a hallmark of our Alliance and enhances Australia's capacity to deter coercion and maintain a secure and stable region.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

"The power of our Alliance with the United States is a testament to our shared dedication to fostering a secure, stable, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

"Past rotations have shown us the value of improving the capability and interoperability of our defence forces through joint exercises and activities, and in 2025, we're excited to continue building on this momentum."

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2025, Colonel Jason C. Armas:

"The Marines and Sailors of this year's rotation look forward to training with our Australian counterparts and regional partners, building upon decades of shared tradition and operational experience.

"The shared experiences during this deployment will strengthen our collective ability to address regional challenges and promote stability across the Indo-Pacific."

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer Headquarters Northern Command, Group Captain Melissa Neilson:

"I'm delighted to extend a warm welcome to the 14th iteration of MRF-D here in the Top End.

"These rotations not only strengthen the interoperability between the ADF and the US, but they also promote greater regional cooperation with our partner nations in the Indo-Pacific.

"Over the next six months, the ADF and United States Marine Corps will engage in a wide range of training activities together, including humanitarian assistance, security operations, and live-fire exercises.

"These activities will better equip our forces to respond promptly and effectively to any contingencies that may arise. I'm confident that these rotations will continue to build interoperability between the ADF and the US."

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Albanese Government purchases more guided missiles as part of future made in Australia

The Hon Richard Marles MP

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Defence

17 March 2025

Australia will manufacture missiles at home from 2025, thanks to another step forward by the Albanese Government, with Australia and the United States signing two memoranda of understanding.

The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Co-Assembly agreement enables the assembly of a first batch of this critical munition in Australia in 2025 and represents a key milestone towards co-production of viable volumes of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) in Australia for global consumption.

The 155mm Ammunition Co-Production MoU authorises the transfer of United States intellectual property, and aligns production standards for 155mm artillery ammunition, enabling greater cooperation on munitions between the Australian Defence Force and the United States Army and Marine Corps.

The Albanese Government has moved quickly towards establishing a local guided missile manufacturing facility through Defence's partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia, creating hundreds of new jobs.

The announcement of the two MOUs comes as the United States has also granted Congressional approval for the Foreign Military Sale of more than 300 GMLRS rounds to Australia.

The FMS approval is a $147 million investment from the Albanese Government and is part of our commitment to manufacturing GMLRS and supporting jobs in Australia from this year.

Under the Government's plans, a new facility will also be constructed, capable of manufacturing up to 4,000 GMLRS a year from 2029.

At the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations 2023, the United States affirmed its support for Australia's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise and our plan to produce viable volumes of GMLRS for global consumption, establish a sovereign Australian solid rocket motor capability, and manufacture future guided weapons.

The United States also acknowledged Australia's GWEO Enterprise provides a pathway for the co-development, co-production and co-sustainment of critical longrange fires and the component supply chains for both nations.

These projects are part of the Albanese Government's acceleration of longer-range strike capabilities in line with the 2024 National Defence Strategy and underpinned by tens of billions of dollars, including the $16-21 billion investment to establish the GWEO Enterprise and sovereign munitions manufacturing capabilities in Australia.

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles:

"The Albanese Government has been utterly determined to see the local manufacturing of guided missiles in Australia - it's good for our ADF and it's good for Defence industry and jobs.

"This is something that Minister Conroy and I have been determined to deliver, and prove that our actions match our words when it comes to GWEO."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy:

"This announcement delivers on the Albanese Government's commitment to a future made in Australia. It not only makes Australia safer but takes us towards being more self-sufficient while creating hundreds of well-paid, skilled jobs for locals.

"The Albanese Government is committed to reprioritising Defence capabilities in line with the National Defence Strategy, including developing the ADF's ability to precisely strike targets at longer range.

"This is an important step towards the establishment of domestic guided weapons manufacturing in Australia. It will complement the acquisition of long-range precision-strike capabilities and strengthen the ADF's ability to protect Australia and its interests."

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Prime Minister Carney meets with President of France Emmanuel Macron

Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney

March 17, 2025

Paris, France

The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today met with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to Paris to strengthen the economy and security of both of our countries.

Prime Minister Carney and President Macron discussed their intention to build stronger economies and defence and commercial ties between Canada and France - including in the areas of responsible and safe artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and clean energy - and to defend rules-based free trade.

The Prime Minister and the President highlighted the launch of a new bilateral partnership on intelligence and security. The partnership will focus on enhancing cybersecurity and intelligence sharing on significant threats. Key topics will include economic security, violent extremism, counter-proliferation, interference, espionage, sabotage, and threats associated with advanced technologies.

Prime Minister Carney and President Macron reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia's unjustifiable war of aggression. The Prime Minister thanked the President for his leadership in organizing several important meetings regarding Ukraine over the past few weeks.

The leaders emphasized the rich and strong relationship between Canada and France, rooted in a shared history and common language, strong ties between our cultures and our peoples, as well as shared values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

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New footage of alleged Chinese 6th-gen fighter emerges, appears to show smooth progress: expert

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Mar 17, 2025 10:58 PM

An alleged Chinese sixth-generation fighter jet that first appeared in December last year apparently has conducted another flight test recently, according to videos and images on social media on Monday. A Chinese military affairs expert said the footage, if authentic, showed that the flight tests of the new aircraft are progressing smoothly.

One of the videos on Sina Weibo was reposted by Naval & Merchant Ships, a popular Chinese magazine on military affairs that also ran a cover story about China's sixth-generation fighter jets for its March edition.

The aircraft, nicknamed by netizens as the "ginkgo leaf" due to its appearance, was taken on camera this time with its landing gears retracted, with no other aircraft accompanying it. When the aircraft first emerged in December last year, it was videoed with its landing gears lowered and accompanied by a J-20S dual seat fighter jet.

The authenticity of the videos and images remains unverified. The date and location of the alleged new flight test were also not given.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday that if the footage turns out to be authentic, it would mean that the new aircraft is making smooth progress with test flights in short intervals.

Retracted landing gears could mean that the flight tested systems related to the landing gears, while also testing the aircraft's aerodynamic capabilities as the landing gears are retracted, Song said.

Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Monday that the short interval between test flights and the retraction of landing gears could show the developers' confidence in the aircraft's flight stability.

The aircraft is likely still in a very early phase in testing its flight performances, Wang said, expecting further tests on other functionalities to gradually take place in a considerably lengthy period.

Wang's magazine also featured sixth-generation fighter jets as a cover story in March.

China has not officially announced the development of next-generation fighter jets, but there have been some hints.

As early as 2022, during that year's Airshow China held in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China displayed a concept model of a next-generation fighter jet, which had a tailless design similar to the "ginkgo leaf" aircraft.

On January 1, a music video released by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command featured a scene showing a ginkgo leaf and a bird. This triggered netizens' associations to the alleged debuts of China's sixth-generation fighter jets that had been circulating on social media at the time.

The bird resembled another new aircraft which also became known to the public on social media in December 2024 in addition to the "ginkgo leaf" aircraft, according to US media outlet the Warzone at the time.

Wang said he believes that what people now call the sixth-generation fighter jets might be demonstrators developed to make explorations for China's next-generation fighter jet. He noted that China appears to be testing and learning from multiple demonstrators.

"From a development point of view, China appears to be determined to make explorations on next-generation aviation equipment," Wang said.

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China, Thailand combat cross-border crime under intl law; US has no right to interfere: FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 17, 2025 05:16 PM

In response to a question concerning US Secretary of State Rubio's announcement of visa restrictions and other sanctions against Thai officials for their role in deporting at least 40 Uygurs to China, as well as a statement made by the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry that emphasized Thailand has always adhered to humanitarian principles in its repatriation of Chinese nationals and the Thailand-US relationship should be built on the foundation of mutual respect, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the cooperation between China and Thailand in combating smuggling and other cross-border illegal activities is in accordance with the laws of both countries, as well as international laws and practices, and that the US has no right to interfere.

Mao said that the 40 Chinese citizens were detained in Thailand for up to 10 years after being arrested or illegally exiting their country. The Chinese government has the obligation and responsibility to protect its citizens, help them reunite with their families, and return to normal life. She also noted that the US attempt to politicize this issue is, in essence, an act of applying double standards to suppress dissents.

In fiscal year 2024, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported over 270,000 undocumented immigrants from 192 countries, marking the highest number of deportations since 2014, said Mao. While indiscriminately enforcing mass deportations, the US simultaneously unjustly accuses, attacks, smears, sanctions, and pressures other countries for their legitimate law enforcement cooperation. This is a typical example of bullying behavior, she noted.

China strongly condemns any malicious slander and illegal sanctions targeting China and Thailand, and resolutely opposes the US using human rights as a pretext to manipulate Xinjiang-related issues, interfere in China's internal affairs, and disrupt normal law enforcement cooperation between China and relevant countries, Mao said.

China will continue to strengthen communication and coordination with relevant countries on the basis of mutual respect and equal consultation, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, and enhance international law enforcement cooperation, she noted.

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Stability and security in turbulent times: Ukraine, Syria and the transatlantic relationship on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council

Germany Federal Foreign Office

17.03.2025 - Article

The EU Foreign Ministers are meeting in Brussels today to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East as well as transatlantic relations. This will be immediately followed by the ninth Brussels conference on Syria, which is set to generate crucial momentum for rebuilding the country.

The world is in the throes of change - and the EU needs to assert itself. Whether in Ukraine, in the Middle East or in relations with the US, Europe faces the challenge of taking decisive action and defending its own interests while at the same time remaining a reliable partner.

Ukraine - boosting support, tightening sanctions

Three years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU remains firmly by Kyiv's side. At today's Foreign Affairs Council meeting, taking place against the backdrop of the ceasefire negotiations between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia as well as the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Canada, the EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how to ensure Ukraine has the best possible negotiating position. Because, for the EU, only a strong Ukraine can achieve a just peace.

Alongside military support, it is also a question of substantial financial assistance. Just a few days later, on 20 March, the European Council is to decide on a multibillion-euro package of support for Ukraine. Today's meeting is preparing this decision. It will begin with a virtual appearance by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who will report on the current situation in the country.

Meanwhile, the EU aims to continue increasing the pressure on Russia. Many of the EU Foreign Ministers will today be calling for further-reaching sanctions. Another six-month extension has already been agreed for the EU sanctions regime against individuals and entities listed in connection with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Alongside these measures, it remains crucial to bolster European defensive capabilities. This is why Germany is supporting the ReArm Europe plan proposed by the European Commission in order to create new investment opportunities. In particular, the national escape clause in the Stability and Growth Pact could create the necessary leeway for defence investments in the short term.

Stabilising the Middle East, rebuilding Syria

The situation in the Middle East remains tense. Israel must urgently allow unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to alleviate the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza. The EU supports the Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza, which offers long-term stability and the prospect of peace for the region.

Also on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council is the situation in Syria. The EU is continuing its efforts to support successful reconstruction and the transition process. The gradual lifting of certain sanctions was an important first step to smooth the path for change in the country. The EU particularly welcomes the plans to integrate Kurdish Syrians into the military and civilian institutions of the central state.

The Foreign Affairs Council meeting will be followed by the ninth Brussels donor conference for Syria, which Foreign Minister Baerbock will be attending. The aim is to generate fresh momentum and lay the foundation for a peaceful chapter in Syria's history after years of war. Foreign Minister Baerbock commented ahead of the conference:

Rebuilding Syria politically, economically and socially is nothing less than a mammoth task. With the Brussels conference on Syria, we want to support the country on this difficult path. We must not miss the window of opportunity for an inclusive political transition, and at the same time we must lay the groundwork for reconstruction measures and an improvement of the economic situation. With this conference, the international community is making it clear that we will not abandon the Syrian people in this process.

At the conference, Foreign Minister Baerbock will announce additional humanitarian support for Syria worth 300 million euro.

Increasing the pressure on Iran

Iran is another important factor in the region's future. The regime in Tehran remains a destabilising force in the Middle East and a close partner of Russia in the war against Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Council is therefore seeking to continue the sanctions against Tehran. In parallel, the development of the Iranian nuclear programme is being closely monitored - the E3 countries Germany, France and the UK are aiming for a comprehensive negotiated solution by the summer and are liaising with the US on this, too.

Another key issue is the arbitrary detention of European nationals in Iran. Germany continues to vigorously campaign for the release of current detainees. New sanctions in this connection are to be introduced in April.

EU-US - preserving our partnership, strengthening our independence

The sharp turn in US politics creates challenges for the EU. The Foreign Affairs Council will today discuss what can be done to make the transatlantic relationship a constructive one in the future, too. Differences aside, it remains clear that the US is and will continue to be a key partner for Europe. The EU will seek constructive cooperation with Washington, as before, while assertively defending its interests and positions.

Today's meeting highlights Europe's growing responsibility for security and foreign policy. Whether in Ukraine, in the Middle East or in relations with the US, the EU must take decisive action and defend its own interests while at the same time acting as a reliable partner.



Info The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) is the principal decision-making body for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and is composed of the Foreign Ministers of the EU Member States. The Foreign Affairs Council is chaired by the High Representative for the CFSP and generally meets once a month. Every six months, the defence, development and trade ministers also hold meetings under the auspices of the Foreign Affairs Council. In cooperation with the High Representative and with the involvement of the European Commission, it is the role of the Foreign Affairs Council to ensure that the EU's external action is unified and coordinated.



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Indian PM Modi's recent positive remarks on China-India relations appreciated: Chinese FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 17, 2025 04:35 PM

In response to a media inquiry regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks on India-China ties in a podcast interview, in which he emphasized dialogue over discord, and also noted that differences two neighboring countries are also natural, but our focus is to ensure that these differences don't turn into disputes. That's what we actively work toward, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that Prime Minister Modi's recent positive remarks on China-India relations are appreciated.

In October last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi held a successful meeting in Kazan, providing strategic guidance for improving and developing China-India relations. In recent months, both sides have earnestly implemented the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at various levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes, said Mao.

Mao said that in the 2,000-year history of China-India interactions, friendly exchanges and mutual learning have been the mainstream, contributing significantly to world civilization and human progress.

As the two largest developing countries, China and India share the common task of national development and revitalization. They should foster mutual understanding, mutual support, and mutual achievement, which aligns with the fundamental interests of their combined 2.8 billion people, meets the shared aspirations of regional countries, and follows the historical trend of the rising Global South. This approach also benefits global peace, stability, and prosperity, said Mao.

Mao also noted that being partners in mutual achievement and realizing "a cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for China and India." China is willing to work with India to fully implement the consensus reached by their leaders, take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to advance exchanges and cooperation across various fields and levels, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-India relations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need to strengthen ties with China despite past tensions, advocating dialogue over discord and cooperation over conflict during an interview with MIT research scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman, which was released on Sunday. Modi also underscored that India and China should engage in healthy and natural competition rather than confrontation,according to Indian media reports.

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9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks held in New Delhi

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Focus on cooperation in maritime domain awareness, reciprocal information sharing, industry and science & technology collaboration

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

The ninth edition of India-Australia Defence Policy Talks was held in New Delhi on March 17, 2025. The Indian delegation was headed by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, while the Australian side was led by First Assistant Secretary International Policy Division, Department of Defence Australia Mr Bernard Philip.

Both sides welcomed sustained progress in bilateral defence cooperation, including the growing frequency and complexity of defence exercises & exchanges. It included several first-time milestones, finalisation of key agreements and participation in each other's major defence trade expositions.

The meeting reviewed defence outcomes of second Ministerial Foreign and Defence Ministers' 2+2 in November 2023, inter-sessional 2+2 consultations at Secretary-level in October 2024 and the second Annual Leaders' Summit in November 2024. The discussions focused on cooperation priorities including maritime domain awareness, reciprocal information sharing, industry and science and technology collaboration and exercises and exchanges including deployments from each other's territories. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

India and Australia are committed to working together to promote a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

The two sides agreed on priorities and preparations for the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to be held in Australia in 2025. They reiterated their commitment to work on formulating long-term vision of defence and security collaboration between the two countries as envisioned by both Prime Ministers to enhance collective strength, contribute to both countries' security and make an important contribution to regional peace and security.

Both countries also explored the possibilities of defence industry collaboration. They called upon the respective agencies on both sides for acceleration cooperation in field of defence science and technology collaboration. They also agreed to further deepen cooperation and interoperability across maritime, land and air domains, including working with multilateral partners.

Over the years, defence has emerged as an important pillar of India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic partnership. The eighth edition of Defence Policy Talks was held in 2023.

As part of the visit, the Australian delegation will visit Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai. The Australian co-chair will call on Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on March 18, 2025.

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2111839)

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Raksha Mantri meets US Director of National Intelligence in New Delhi

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Both countries explore avenues for collaboration in cutting-edge defence innovation & niche technologies

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a productive meeting with the Director of National Intelligence of the United States Ms Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi on March 17, 2025. Drawing from the Joint Statement issued after the recent meeting of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with US President Mr Donald Trump, the discussions reaffirmed the growing strength of the India-US bilateral defence partnership.

Both leaders emphasised that strategic security remains a vital pillar of the comprehensive global strategic cooperation between the two nations. Shri Rajnath Singh and Ms Tulsi Gabbard reviewed the significant strides made in the areas of military exercises, strategic cooperation, integration of defence industrial supply chains and information-sharing cooperation, especially in the maritime domain, between India and US.

The two leaders explored avenues for collaboration in cutting-edge defence innovation and niche technologies, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing mutual strategic interests. Additionally, they addressed key areas such as enhancing interoperability and fostering greater integration of defence industrial supply chains to bolster resilience and innovation.

Raksha Mantri expressed gratitude to the US Director of National Intelligence for her steadfast goodwill and admiration for Indian culture and heritage, noting that such sentiments further deepen the bonds of friendship between India and US.

****

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2111789)

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Deputy foreign minister says his talks with IAEA chief were constructive

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 17, 2025

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi says his talks with IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi in Vienna on Monday (March 17, 2025) were constructive.

"I had a frank and constructive conversation with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency," Gharibabadi wrote on his X account.

The deputy foreign minister said that during the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, the resolution of the two outstanding issues, the security of nuclear facilities and the latest developments surrounding the nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions.

2050

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Iran says it will respond to Trump's letter after fully reviewing it

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 17, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says Iran will give its response to a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump once the Islamic Republic completes undertaking a review of the letter.

Baqaei made the comment on Monday in a weekly press briefing of the Foreign Ministry in Tehran nearly a week after Iran received Trump's letter. The U.S. president announced on March 7 that he had written the letter to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, a month after he restored his "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, while expressing willingness to negotiate with the Islamic Republic.

Baqaei said that Tehran does not intend to publicize the content of the letter, emphasizing that what has been published in the media is mostly speculation. However, he added, the context of the letter does not differ from what the U.S. president has said publicly.

He said that Iran's "response to this correspondence will be made" through appropriate channels after a review of Trump's letter is completed, rejecting any connection between the letter and the Sunday trip by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to Oman, which he had been scheduled in advance.

The spokesperson further said that the U.S. has numerous ways to demonstrate its sincerity, but it sends contradictory messages as Washington expresses readiness for negotiations while it simultaneously imposes sanctions on Iran's trade and manufacturing sectors.

Diplomatic negotiations have their own rules that require parties to have a view based on mutual respect and interest, Baqaei said, adding that the U.S. has a poor record in honoring its commitments, and seeks to misuse negotiations as a political and propaganda tool rather than as a means to resolve differences.

U.S. attacks on Yemen

The spokesperson referred to the United States' latest airstrikes on Yemen and its threats against Iran, saying that the Islamic Republic will firmly respond to any aggression against its territorial integrity, security, and national interests.

The United States' attempt to attribute the resistance of the Yemeni people to other nations aligns with its agenda to amend its failures over the past 20 months, he said.

The people and government of Yemen independently conduct actions they deem necessary to support Palestine, which reflects their decision to back the legitimate resistance of the Palestinian nation, he said.

Baqaei condemned the U.S.'s attack on Yemen as a crime that violates international regulations and the United Nations Charter, calling for immediate action from the international community, Islamic countries, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Iran's diplomatic measures

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to fulfill its duties, including Araqchi's visit to Oman, the trilateral Iran-Russia-China meeting in Beijing, today's visit of the deputy foreign minister to Vienna for talks with officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the spokesperson said.

Regarding the Iran-China-Russia meeting, Baqaei said that the trio regularly hold discussions on issues of mutual interests as well as regional and international developments, but the latest meeting, which was held on Friday, was proposed by the Islamic Republic and held for the first time.

He said that this meeting laid the groundwork for a constructive path for trilateral support for the rule of law at the international level and the promotion of multilateralism. Representatives of the three countries discussed Iran's nuclear issue, the spokesperson said, adding that the deputy foreign ministers also discussed cooperation within the BRICS group and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Washington's Palestine stance

Further in his presser, Baqaei pointed out to the United States' decision to expel the South African ambassador to Washington, saying that it is not a covert issue that freedom of expression will be suppressed in the U.S. when it comes to supporting the Palestinian resistance and nation.

Iran views this move as a violation of diplomatic and consular rights conventions, which also demonstrates an insult to principled human rights regulations regarding freedom of speech and belief.

The U.S.'s anti-Muslim measures

Baqaei said that the travel bans imposed by the Trump administration on nationals from 43 Muslim nations, including Iran, are a clear example of racism against certain religious and ethnic communities, which violates international human rights as well.

The ban on Iranian nationals is specifically indicative of American politicians' hostility toward the Iranian nation, and is part of pressure against the country, the spokesperson said.

At the international level, the ban is a blow to the principle of interaction and understanding among nations, which promotes hatred among them.

Iran's assets case at ICJ

Asked about Iran's complaint at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the Islamic Republic's proceedings against the U.S. regarding violations of the 1955 Treaty of Amity - seeking the unfreezing and return of nearly $2 billion in Iranian assets held in the U.S. - the spokesperson said that legal departments of the president's office and the Foreign Ministry are following up on this case.

Developments in Syria

The spokesperson expressed regret over the latest military clash between Lebanon and Syria, saying that the only winner from these developments is Israel that seeks disintegration of Syria and the weakening of regional nations.

Iran hopes that Syria's rulers manage the developments in their country by taking into consideration the fact that Israel is seeking to take advantage of every opportunity to create division among Islamic countries.

IAEA's political stance

The spokesperson reiterated Iran's position that politicized approaches taken by IAEA officials would not have a positive and constructive impact on bilateral cooperation between the two sides. He also said that the deputy foreign minister's trip to Vienna on Monday is in continuation of Iran's cooperation with the agency.

Considering a recent increase in threats against Iran's peaceful nuclear sites, it is natural that the country steps up negotiations aimed at assessing related technical aspects and warning against the consequences of such threats.

Europe's JCPOA role

The spokesperson said that European states had a unique opportunity to play a key role in reviving the 2015 Iran deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but they failed to comply with their commitments under the agreement following the withdrawal of the United States in 2018.

Baqaei also warned about the repercussions of the snapback mechanism - the automatic re-imposition of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran - on other signatories to the JCPOA. He also said that there is no reason for Western countries to resort to this mechanism, adding that the goal would be only to put more political pressure on the Islamic Republic.

The U.S.'s anti-Iran pressure

Answering a question on the United States' threat to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, Baqaei said that the U.S. has a long history of adopting anti-Iran measures, including the American-British coup against the Iranian government during the nationalization of the oil industry. He emphasized that the Iranian nation is determined to overcome all challenges.

4208**4194

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Iran says committed to cooperating with IAEA based on safeguards obligations

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 2:52 PM

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi says Tehran "remains committed" to cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In a post on his X account on Monday, Gharibabadi hailed the "frank and constructive" discussion he had with Rafael Grossi, the IAEA chief, at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna.

"While safeguarding its national security and interests, Iran remains committed to cooperating with the IAEA within the framework of the agency's Safeguards obligations," he wrote.

He said both sides discussed the Iran-IAEA cooperation, the resolution of two outstanding issues, the security of nuclear facilities, the latest developments surrounding the nuclear issue, and the lifting of sanctions.

The Iranian official added that the long-standing record of cooperation between Iran and the IAEA enables them to resolve the few remaining differences.

Gharibabadi, however, emphasized that the settlement of the remaining issues requires the elimination of external political pressure on the IAEA and the agency's adoption of an "independent, technical, impartial, and professional" approach.

Currently, Iran and the IAEA are in a dispute triggered by the agency's claims of "uranium traces" found at "undeclared nuclear sites" in Iran.

Iran has categorically rejected the accusations regarding undeclared nuclear activities or materials. Tehran maintains it is prepared to cooperate with the IAEA to settle disputes.

In May 2023, the IAEA announced it had decided to close the file on traces of what is claimed to be nuclear material at one of these alleged "undetected" sites in Iran following progress in cooperation between Tehran and the nuclear watchdog.

For his part, Grossi wrote in his X account that he held a "timely" meeting with the Iranian deputy foreign minister.

He added that cooperation "is indispensable to provide credible guarantees of the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program."

Earlier Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the meeting between Gharibabadi and Grossi was in the "continuation of our interaction and cooperation with the agency."

Iran has repeatedly announced that the "political stance of the agency's officials and the director general himself will have no positive or constructive effect on cooperation between Iran and the agency."

The Vienna meeting comes after Gharibabadi took part in talks with his Russian and Chinese counterparts in Beijing on March 14.

He described the Iran-Russia-China meeting in Beijing as an important step in resolving the nuclear issue, adding that putting an end to "illegal and unilateral" sanctions against Iran was among key issues of the talks during the tripartite meeting and its joint statement.

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Iran vows 'decisive, definite' response to any aggression against its integrity, security

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 11:19 AM

Tehran will give a "decisive and definite" response to any act of aggression, says the spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, amid US threats against the Islamic Republic over its support for Yemen.

At least 53 people, mostly women and children, were killed and 101 others wounded after the US carried out the first attacks against Yemen since President Donald Trump took office in January. The US launched its large-scale military strikes on the Yemeni capital Sana'a and multiple other provinces across the country on Saturday night.

"We will respond decisively to any aggression against Iran's territorial integrity and its national security and interests. There is no doubt about this," Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters at his weekly press conference on Monday.

Trump, in a statement on Saturday, said the US holds Iran "fully accountable" for its support for Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement. He said support for the movement must "end immediately," warning that Washington will hold Tehran fully accountable.

Baghaei added that the Yemeni government and people independently make decisions about the measures they deem necessary to support the legitimate resistance of the Palestinian people.

He condemned the US act of aggression against Yemen Yemen as a violation of all the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

The Iranian spokesman called on the international community, Muslim countries, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take swift action regarding the US attack.

'Very contradictory' messages

In response to a question about Trump's letter to Iran, Baghaei said the US sends "very contradictory" messages.

"Simultaneously with its expression of readiness for negotiations, the US imposed extensive sanctions on various Iranian commercial and manufacturing sectors," he said.

Washington's words do not match its actions, he said, referring to the Treasury Department's latest sanctions on Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and some vessels that are part of a fleet involved in the Iranian crude oil exports.

The Iranian spokesman reiterated that the US has failed to remain committed to its obligations over the past 10-15 years, adding that Washington raised the issue of talks just as a political means and psychological warfare and not as a way to solve disputes.

"Our response is clear," Baghaei asserted, adding that Iran currently has no intention to publicize the details of Trump's letter, dismissing speculations in this regard.

Iran would respond to the letter through the appropriate channels after completing the reviews, the diplomat said.

He rejected any link between the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's short "pre-planned" visit to Oman on Sunday and the US letter, saying regional countries should hold intensive consultations given the very hasty developments in the region.

'US racism'

Baghaei further said the Trump administration's possible travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries, mainly Muslim states, clearly shows the US's racism and racist discrimination based on religion, ethnicity and nationality.

"The travel ban on Iranian nationals to the United States is also a clear sign of hostility and animosity of American politicians and policymakers towards the Iranian nation," he emphasized.

He added that the move is part of the US pressure tactics against Iran that have been implemented in various forms at different times.

Meeting with IAEA chief

Baghaei also said Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi will meet UN nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi at the agency's headquarters in Vienna on Monday.

He noted that, "The meeting with is part of our ongoing engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency."

Gharibabadi took part in talks with his Russian and Chinese counterparts in Beijing on Friday.

Baghaei said, "As threats against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities have increased, it is natural for us to intensify consultations with the IAEA."

Israel 'main beneficiary' of regional tensions

Asked about military tension between Lebanon and Syria, Baghaei said it is truly regrettable that such confrontations are occurring among the countries of the region and among neighbors following regional developments.

"We believe that the only beneficiary of these developments is the Zionist regime (Israel), which has no intention but to disintegrate Syria and weaken the neighboring and regional countries," the Iranian spokesperson emphasized.

He expressed hope that Syria's ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime would manage the incidents and attitude correctly to prevent their reoccurrence.

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Iran committed to regional diplomacy; neighbors our 'top priority': FM Araghchi

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 6:54 AM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed Iran's commitment to regional diplomacy, emphasizing that neighboring countries remain a top priority for the Islamic Republic.

"Our neighbors are our priority," the top diplomat wrote in a post on X on Sunday.

He also stated that he had met with his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, in the Omani capital Muscat earlier to discuss key bilateral and regional issues.

"Our commitment is to diplomacy in defense of peace and stability, and I am always delighted to engage with my Omani counterpart in pursuit of these aims," he wrote.

The comments were made as Iran is further enriching its relations with its neighbors in the West Asia region, including Oman, with which the Islamic Republic has long enjoyed close ties, focusing on engaging in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions among other things.

Araghchi's Muscat visit came amid heightened regional tensions stirred up by the Israeli regime's United States-backed genocidal atrocities in the Gaza Strip and escalated deadly aggression elsewhere throughout the region, including Syria and Lebanon.

It also coincided with the US's increased military buildup and deadly violence targeting Yemen that has so far claimed the lives of close to 20 civilians.

Iran has been vocal in condemning both, urging stronger collective action from the regional Muslim nations to counter bellicose Israeli and American policies.

The Muscat visit, Araghchi added in his post, was a follow-up to discussions held during a recent Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Jeddah.

The extraordinary meeting took place earlier this month on the Islamic Republic's initiative to address US President Donald Trump's earlier remarks, during which he had said Washington sought to "own" the Gaza Strip and force its two-million-plus Palestinian population out.

At the session, Iran's delegation, which was being led by the foreign minister, strongly denounced the Israeli regime's ongoing genocidal atrocities, and Washington's outright support for the aggression.

Araghchi also reiterated Iran's rejection of the so-called "two-state solution" as a supposed means to secure Palestinian rights, emphasizing during the summit that the Islamic Republic's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause of liberation from US-backed Israeli occupation and aggression remained steadfast under all circumstances.

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Myanmar children, monks among dozens killed in heavy airstrikes

Attacks in Shan state and Mandalay region aimed at civilians, rebels say.

By RFA Burmese 2025.03.17 -- Myanmar's military killed 40 civilians, including Buddhist monks and children, in airstrikes in northern Myanmar as it tries to pound its enemies into submission, insurgents told Radio Free Asia on Monday.

Myanmar's rising toll of civilian casualties comes as a humanitarian crisis is looming and a major food aid agency announced it will have to cut support because of a funding shortfall.

Myanmar has been engulfed by conflict since the military overthrew an elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, with thousands of civilians killed, villages razed and some 3.5 million people displaced by war and natural disasters.

Forced onto the defensive by unprecedented opposition from young people from the majority Barmar community teaming up with ethnic minority insurgents, the military has increasingly turned to its air force to unleash devastation, often on civilian areas, rights groups and insurgents say.

"We can say they are purposefully attacking civilians," said Lway Yay Oo, spokesperson for the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, an ethnic minority insurgent force in Shan state, which is on the border with China.

Junta airstrikes on the Sein Yadanar monastery in Shan state's Nawnghkio town on Sunday, killed 13 civilians, including six monks, four of them young novices, said Lway Yay Oo.

Seventeen people were wounded in the air attack, 13 of them monks, she said, adding that the military was trying to force the TNLA back into peace talks that China, with extensive economic interests in Myanmar, is trying to broker.

The Myanmar army has a long record of trying to overcome insurgencies by undermining their civilian support, often by attacking villagers, rights investigators say.

Lway Yay Oo said there was no question the military was targeting civilians.

"They're deliberately attacking religious buildings in Nawnghkio and they also bombed the hospital .... We've also seen that they're burning and destroying homes."

The spokesperson did not say anything about prospects for talks with the military, which is keen to roll back insurgent gains over the past year as it prepares for an election, due by January, which it hopes will bolster its legitimacy at home and abroad.

Myanmar's military rarely releases information about the fighting, which has erupted in almost all corners of the country, and attempts by RFA to reach the junta spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, by telephone were not successful.

Blood on road to Mandalay

On Friday, a junta air attack on Let Pan Hla village, on a main road 70 kilometers (45 miles) north of Mandalay city, killed up to 27 people, according to a spokesperson for a pro-democracy insurgent force operating in the area.

"They attacked for no reason and deliberately targeted the public. They were targeting customers and vendors in a busy street near the village market," said Mandalay People's Defense Force spokesperson, who goes by the one name Osman.

The People's Defense Force, or PDF, captured the area in July and junta forces have been on the attack ever since, he said.

The PDF commander, Soe Thu Yazaw, said in a social media post that six children were among the dead and many people were wounded.

"The bombing targeted people going about their daily activities at the market, so the number of injured is also high," he said. "Long distance buses often stop in Let Pan Hla for food and a break, so it's busy."

The death and destruction from the fighting is compounding a dire humanitarian outlook in a country where the U.N. says a "staggering" 15.2 million people are unable to meet their minimum daily food needs and some 2.3 million people are facing emergency levels of hunger.

The U.N. food agency has warned that more than one million people will be cut off from its food assistance from April due to critical funding shortfalls.

"The impending cuts will have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable communities across the country, many of whom depend entirely on WFP's support to survive," Michael Dunford, representative and country director of the World Food Programme, said in a statement.

Internally displaced people in Rakhine state, where fighting has been particularly heavy, would be hard hit, the WFP said.

Aid agencies helping in Myanmar have been under pressure since a January order by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to freeze all global aid until a review was completed.

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by RFA Staff.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Russian-Tajikistani talks

Talks were held in the Kremlin between Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, who is on an official visit to Russia.

March 17, 2025

14:55

The Kremlin, Moscow

The talks between the leaders of the two countries began in a tete-a-tete format.

They discussed prospects for expanding bilateral relations of strategic partnership and alliance still further, with a focus on trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They exchanged opinions on key regional issues.

Following the international consultations in an expanded format, a ceremony was held to exchange the documents signed following the talks. Intergovernmental agreements on cooperation in the rehabilitation of the territories of the Republic of Tajikistan affected by uranium mining and ore mining operations and on the creation of an Industrial Park in the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan were signed. In addition, the Strategic Partnership Programme of the two countries' Defence Ministries for 2026-2030, the Agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan on cooperation in the industrial sector, as well as interdepartmental memorandums on cooperation in improving the financial literacy of the population and in the field of digitalisation and information technology were signed.

In addition to this, the presidents of Russia and Tajikistan made statements for the press.

* * *

The beginning of Russia-Tajikistan talks in a restricted format

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President,

I am delighted to welcome you to Moscow.

Before we start our conversation, I would like to congratulate you and all people of Tajikistan on the upcoming Nowruz holiday, due to be celebrated on March 21. I would like to wish you and all our friends in Tajikistan, as well as every family, all the best.

On March 2, elections were held in Tajikistan and the party you head scored a landslide victory. This confirms once again that the people of Tajikistan support you. We hope very much that citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan also support your line to maintain neighbourly and friendly relations of strategic partnership between Tajikistan and Russia. I am confident that we will continue to work jointly in this manner.

We are expecting you in Moscow on May 9. We have agreed on this, and you have accepted our invitation to take part in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Russia is a key and vital trade and economic partner of Tajikistan. Our relations continue to develop. Last year, bilateral trade increased by over seven percent and reached $1.5 billion. Investment volumes are just about the same and even more, totalling $1.6 billion. Eighty regions of the Russian Federation maintain relations with their partners from Tajikistan's regions.

You and I are engaged in ensuring security in our region, the zone of responsibility of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation. Tajikistan is working actively in this organisation. Today, we are set to sign the relevant documents, including in this sphere.

We are very happy to see you. We have many topics for discussion, and all of them have been prepared in advance. Of course, as always, it will probably be necessary to discuss some issues additionally at the level of ministries and agencies. Both sides have well-trained teams. We are delighted to see you.

Welcome.

President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon: Thank you very much, Mr President.

First of all, thank you for your invitation, for the warm welcome and hospitality.

Tajikistan and Russia have been strategic partners and allies for a long time. It is good to see our relations progressing. Interstate dialogue is actively developing. Russia is a leading trade and economic partner of Tajikistan, and cultural and humanitarian ties are also developing successfully.

Security holds a special place on our bilateral agenda. I am ready to discuss all of this with you today: the current state and prospects of our relations, as well as international and regional issues.

I would like to once again thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

<...>

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Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin meets with Lieutenant General Emomali Sobirzoda, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan

17.03.2025 (16:45)

Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin, the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, met with Lieutenant General Emomali Sobirzoda, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan.

During the meeting, they discussed the current military and military-technical cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia and agreed on plans to develop it in the near future.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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EU pledges 2.5 billion to support Syria and the region

European Commission

Press release

Mar 16, 2025

Brussels

Today, in a pivotal moment for Syria's transition, the European Union hosted the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference "Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition."

Amid renewed hope and significant challenges after the fall of the Assad regime, the EU alongside EU Member States, regional and international partners, as well as, Syria's transitional authorities, reaffirmed its support for an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led transition.

In a clear demonstration of the EU ongoing support, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is committing nearly 2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026 to aid Syria's transition process and the country's socio-economic recovery, while also addressing the urgent humanitarian needs, both within Syria and in the host communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkiye.

For 2025, the EU increased its pledge made at the eighth Brussels Conference, from 560 million to 720.5 million, to support the population inside Syria, as well as Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities across Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Additionally, the EU committed 600 million for 2026 for these countries; and pledged 1.1 billion to support Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in Turkiye for 2025 and 2026.

The ministerial event featured a political session chaired by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and two pledging sessions chaired successively by Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and Commissioner Dubravka Suica.

Members of Syria's civil society participated in the Conference, offering invaluable insights from the ground. The conference also served as a platform to reaffirm the EU's commitment to safeguard a prominent and inclusive role for civil society  in all its diversity  in the post-Assad Syria.

The Conference aimed at fostering efficiency and coordination among international partners and UN entities, ensuring that assistance meaningfully supports Syria's socio-economic recovery - an effort that must be both Syrian-led, and Syrian-owned.

Background:

The EU has remained steadfast in its commitment to support Syrian people, including through the organisation of the annual Brussels Conference over the past eight years. Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilised nearly 37 billion in humanitarian and resilience assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region.

Quote(s)

Of course, the path to reconciliation and recovery is still long, but for the first time in decades, Syria's hope can become reality. Syria can become a country where everyone can speak their mind. With equal rights and representation for all - men and women alike, beyond faith, ethnicity and ideology. A country with no place for sectarian violence. The future of Syria is for all Syrians to build. Those who always fought for freedom, and those who just discovered hope. Those who fled and those who stayed. This must be the promise of the new Syria. And we will do everything we can so that it can be fulfilled.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Today marks a pivotal moment in Syria's journey. This conference is more than pledges. It is a message of collective support for a peaceful, inclusive Syrian led and Syrian owned transition in Syria. It is a show of international commitment to a safe future for all Syrians. Justice, reconciliation, and reconstruction are fundamental parts of this. The people of Syria have lived through decades of horror. It's high time that all Syrians can live safely in peace.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission

Today marks a new chapter for Syriaone of inclusivity, commitment, and progress. The EU stands in unwavering solidarity with the Syrian people, reaffirming our shared goal of a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led transition, grounded in human rights and international law. Our increased pledges and renewed engagement reflect a steadfast commitment to stability, recovery, and a brighter future for all Syrians.

Dubravka Suica, Commissioner for Mediterranean

Today the international community has reaffirmed its strong solidarity with the people of Syria in all its diversity. The pledges made at this conference are more than financial commitments  they are a lifeline for millions. Syria's future must be one of dignity, opportunity, and peace, and the support pledged today brings us closer to that vision. The European Union will continue to stand by the Syrian people, not only in responding to urgent humanitarian needs but in helping to build a just, inclusive, and stable future. Together, we are not just offering aid  we are investing in hope, resilience, and a path toward lasting peace.

Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management

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Speech by President von der Leyen at the 9th Brussels Conference on Syria

European Commission

Speech

Mar 16, 2025

Brussels

"Check against delivery"

Secretary-General Guterres, dear Antonio,

Dear Kaja,

Minister al-Shaibani,

Ministers,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the past ten years, we have met in Brussels to stand with the people of Syria. Even in the darkest moments of the war, when the Assad regime was dropping chemical weapons on its people, and there seemed to be no possible solution to the conflict, we gathered at the Brussels Conference to keep the hope alive.

One of the first Conferences was opened by the words of Farah - a six-year-old Syrian girl living in the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan. Thanks to our collective support, she could go to school and keep working for a better future. Today, Farah is a grown-up girl. She wants to become a journalist in her native Syria. But for the first time ever since we have theses conferences, her wish is not just a dream. It is a real possibility. Because Syria is a new country. Today the dreams and aspirations of the Syrian people are no longer on hold. For the first time in decades, Syria's hope can become reality.

Of course, the path to reconciliation and recovery is still long. On the one hand, we see very encouraging steps. The agreement between the central authorities and the Kurdish SDF, for instance, is nothing short of historic. As is the signing of a constitutional declaration by interim President al-Sharaa. On the other hand, the attacks on security forces and the violence against civilians in Syria's coastal region show that the situation remains fragile. Once again, we have seen Syrian mothers weep for their lost children, and old wounds reopen. The Syrian authorities' commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice, to protect minorities, and form an inclusive government - all of this is vital for reconciliation.

From our side, we must do everything in our power to support these goals and a successful transition. This is why we gather here today. We want the Syrian people to know that we will be with them every step of the way. And this is why it is so important that, for the first time, we are joined by Minister al-Shaibani. In the past, we have always worked for Syria and for Syrians. But today, we can finally work with Syria. And this gives new meaning to our Brussels Conference. We would like to hear from you about the needs of your people, and your plans for rebuilding State institutions. For every new step you take towards an inclusive political transition, we are ready to move forward with you. Europe is ready to do its part. And this is what I would like to focus on.

First, we will continue to address the most immediate and humanitarian needs. Second, we want to support socio-economic recovery. And third, we want to support an inclusive political transition.

On the first point. Since the start of the conflict, we have provided over EUR 37 billion in support of Syrians. Now that Assad has fallen, this support is even more important. According to the UNHCR, 1.5 million Syrians might return to their country already this year. And two more million people, who are currently displaced within Syria, could potentially return to their homes. Today we are working with the host countries and UN agencies to support them along the way. Basic services must be restored. Electricity is only available for a few hours per day. There is not enough drinking water. Syrian children must be able to go back to school. All this is vital to re-build a normal and dignified life. Syrians need greater support - whether they are still abroad, or they decide to go home. This is why today the European Union is increasing its pledge for Syrians - in the country and in the region - to almost EUR 2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026. And we call on all who are here today to do the same. Because at this critical time, the people of Syria need us more than ever.

But as we tackle the immediate needs of Syrians, we must also start looking to the future of the country. This is my second point. There are entire cities to rebuild, and a whole economy to restart. This is why we have suspended our sanctions on key economic sectors, including energy, transport, and the financial transactions that are linked to them. And we are ready to do more to attract the necessary investments for reconstruction, as the political transition advances towards a credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian government. As long as progress continues, we are also willing to scale up our support for recovery and reconstruction - together with our partners in the region and across the world. Syria used to be one of the economic powers of the Middle East. And we want to be partners for recovery and growth of a new Syria.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the old Syria, a dictator controlled all political and economic power. But in the new Syria, power can go back to where it belongs - that is, to the people of Syria. And this is the third issue where we can be of help. Here at the Brussels Conferences, we have always hosted Syria's civil society representatives - both from inside the country and in exile. Some of them were banned by the Assad regime because of their ideas. But now they can finally be heard. I am proud to announce that this year we are planning to hold the civil society dialogue of the Brussels Conference in Damascus. Because all Syrians deserve to take their future into their hands.

Syria can become a country where everyone can speak their mind. With equal rights and representation for all - men and women alike, beyond faith, ethnicity and ideology. A country with no place for sectarian violence. The future of Syria is for all Syrians to build. Those who always fought for freedom, and those who just discovered hope. Those who fled and those who stayed. This must be the promise of the new Syria. And we will do everything we can so that it can be fulfilled.

Thank you. And long live Europe.

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Syrian crisis: Switzerland pledges CHF 60 million to support future of Syria and countries in region

Swiss Government

Bern, 17.03.2025 -- The direction of future developments in Syria remains uncertain since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on 8 December 2024. In view of the scale of needs there, Switzerland reaffirms its support. At the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria, held by the EU on 17 March 2025, the director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Patricia Danzi, announced a contribution of CHF 60 million.

Following 13 years of war and the recent events, Syria remains severely affected by the consequences of armed conflict. In response to this grave situation, Switzerland is continuing to support Syria by contributing CHF 60 million. In doing so, it is responding to the needs of the populations in Syria and neighbouring countries, and stands ready to respond to any new needs that may arise. This funding will be allocated to Switzerland's multilateral and bilateral partners, as well as to Swiss expert missions and projects. In the interest of ensuring consistent support, this amount matches the amounts allocated in 2023 and 2024.

The aim of the Ninth Brussels conference was to mobilise international support for an inclusive and peaceful transition. The objective was to raise funds for humanitarian and non-humanitarian aid, in order to ensure sustained support for Syrians, both within the country and in the communities hosting refugees in the region.

Responding to basic needs and strengthening resilience

In view of the current situation, Switzerland calls on all parties to guarantee the protection of civilians and infrastructure and to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid throughout Syria.

Since the Syrian crisis began, Switzerland has provided assistance throughout the country based on the population's needs, regardless of conflict lines. The scope of this assistance makes it one of the largest humanitarian operations in the SDC's history, which has had a humanitarian office there since 2017. The SDC is continuing its activities in close collaboration with international and local actors.

A political transition is vital

The FDFA has been closely following developments since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Switzerland supports the aspirations of the Syrian people to live in freedom, security and dignity. It also supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Syria with a view to a rapid political transition process, set up and led by the Syrian people. Switzerland firmly believes that only a peaceful and inclusive political transition will allow the Syrian people to live in peace, security and dignity, and stands ready to support the country on this path.

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Joint press release by the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development on the ninth Brussels conference on Syria

Germany Federal Foreign Office

17.03.2025 - Press release

Ninth Brussels conference on Syria: Germany pledges support for an inclusive and peaceful transition process in Syria

The ninth international Brussels conference on Syria is taking place today.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued the following statement:

Three and a half months after the fall of the Assad regime, the people of Syria have a historic opportunity for a better, more peaceful future. Closely bound up with this, however, are concerns about a relapse into renewed violence and instability. The terrible massacres perpetrated against the Alawite community a week ago demonstrate how urgent it is to take concrete steps towards political inclusion - for all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender. These steps include the transitional government addressing the recent escalation of violence, effectively preventing further violence and acts of revenge, and developing a viable plan for a transitional judiciary. Only if all population groups are sufficiently involved in the national transition process will it be possible for Syria to enjoy peace in the long term. Rebuilding Syria politically, economically and socially is nothing less than a mammoth task. We want to support the country on this difficult path with the Brussels conference on Syria. We must not miss the window of opportunity for an inclusive political transition. At the same time, we must lay the groundwork for reconstruction measures and for the improvement of the economic situation. With this conference, the international community is making it clear that we will not abandon the Syrian people in this process.

Development Minister Svenja Schulze issued the following statement:

The Syrian transitional government has taken a lot of steps in the right direction, but the situation in the country is still very fragile. A key thing for making the transition process a success now is to quickly organise improvements for the population. Together with other donors, Germany has stated clearly that the support for Syria is linked to the expectation that the new Syria involves all social and religious groups in the country. The unforgiveable massacre of civilians just over a week ago must be investigated and the perpetrators held accountable. Syria now has a historic opportunity to set the course for peaceful und stable development. Notwithstanding the risks, it would be wrong not to do everything we can to support Syria in embarking on such a development path.

More information:

The ninth international Syria conference, entitled "Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition", is taking place in Brussels today. Germany is represented by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Around 80 delegations are expected to attend, including from countries in the region, representatives of the United Nations and, for the first time, the Syrian transitional government.

The Brussels conference on Syria is the fourth high-level political conference on support for Syria after the fall of the Assad regime and also the ninth annual European Union donor conference on the Syrian crisis. In addition to the continuing high level of humanitarian need in Syria and neighbouring countries, the focus now is on supporting a transition to a stable, peaceful and inclusive Syrian state following the overthrow of dictator Bashar alAssad on 8 December 2024.

The security situation in the country and the humanitarian situation in Syria continues to be tense. The crisis in Syria also remains one of the world's biggest refugee crises. There are still 4.6 million refugees in neighbouring countries and 7.4 million internally displaced persons in Syria who need to be provided for. The country's economic recovery and the start of reconstruction are important prerequisites in order for stabilisation to succeed and for the various groups in Syrian society to be able to coexist peacefully and on an equal footing.

Under its interim budget rules, Germany is pledging funds for the entire region totalling around 300 million euro, of which 168 million euro is to be contributed by the Federal Foreign Office and 133 million euro by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. More than half of the funds provided benefit people in Syria. In addition, Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey are receiving support. All measures in Syria are being implemented not with the Syrian transitional government, but exclusively via UN aid organisations and NGOs.

The Federal Foreign Office funds comprise 131 million euro for humanitarian assistance and 36 million euro for stabilisation and peacebuilding measures. Here, international organisations and NGOs will be providing support throughout the country in the provision of food, healthcare services and emergency shelters, as well as implementing measures in the areas of water and hygiene, and protective measures for particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children and victims of political persecution. In addition, civilian engagement in the Global Coalition against Daesh is being promoted, alongside measures to document, investigate and prosecute crimes committed by the Assad regime and socalled IS. The implementing partners include GIZ and international and local nongovernmental organisations such as the Syrian civil defence (White Helmets).

The funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development will be used to give children and young people access to education and psychosocial support. Drinking water and electricity supplies are being restored in neighbourhoods and villages that have been cut off, and refugees and internally displaced persons are being given the opportunity to earn their own income thanks to employment measures. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development is also supporting Syrian civil society in its efforts to promote the rights of all Syrians as well as peaceful coexistence. The package also includes support for hospital partnerships and food security, which have been approved by the budget committee.

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Norway funds shipment of grain from Ukrainian to Syria

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 17/03/2025

'Russia's war on Ukraine has exacerbated global challenges related to food security. Through our support for the 'Grain from Ukraine' initiative, Norway helps ensure that food grain reaches those who need it most while also supporting Ukraine's economy', said Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust.

From 2022 to 2024, Norway has contributed NOK 175 million to the Ukrainian initiative "Grain from Ukraine" to support food security in conflict-affected countries. In December, President Zelenskyy announced that Syria would be among the recipient countries of this aid. So far, 4,349 tons of wheat flour have been milled and delivered to people in need in Syria. Norway has contributed USD 4,6 million to this shipment of wheat from the WFP's Ukrainian stockpiles in Turkiye.

'Our efforts for global food security continue. Grain from Ukraine has been crucial in ensuring that Ukrainian food reaches the global market and helps combat hunger in countries like Syria', said Mr Aukrust.

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Norway contributes NOK 400 million to Syria

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 17/03/2025

Norway will contribute at least NOK 400 million (approximately  35 million) to Syria this year. The funds will finance humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, and healthcare.

Norway's support is announced at an international donor conference hosted by the EU in Brussels today, where State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik is participating on behalf of Norway.

'Syria stands at a crossroads. It is crucial to give the Syrian transitional authorities the opportunity to succeed. This is vital for the long-suffering Syrian population and for stability across the Middle East. Developments in Syria also have significant implications for Europe. At this critical stage, the international community must provide both financial support and capacity-building assistance to Syria', said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

After 14 years of civil war and decades of oppressive and authoritarian rule, the situation in Syria remains dire. 90% of the population lives below the poverty line. 70% of the population depends on humanitarian aid. More than seven million Syrians are internally displaced. Large parts of the country's infrastructure and public services, including water supply, electricity, healthcare, and schools, have been destroyed.

'There is much that could go wrong in Syria in the coming months. It is essential that Syrians themselves lead the transition process. The transitional government must be inclusive, the security situation must improve, and the rights of all Syrians must be safeguarded. It is crucial that international sanctions are lifted', said the Foreign Minister.

Following the violent clashes in Western Syria on 8-9 March, which reportedly claimed the lives of several hundred civilians, Foreign Minister Eide expressed deep concern and emphasised the need to protect civilians.

For several years, Norway has been a significant donor to the Syrian people and has followed developments in the country closely. Both Foreign Minister Eide and State Secretary Kravik have visited Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in December last year.

In conjunction with today's conference, Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust announced that Norway has also contributed an additional NOK 49 million (approximately  4,3 million) to purchase wheat flour from Ukraine, which has been sent to Syria.

'Through our support for the 'Grain from Ukraine' programme, we are helping to combat hunger in Syria while also ensuring that food produced in Ukraine reaches the global market', said Minister of International Development Aukrust.

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Turkish airstrike kills nine, including five children, in Syria's Hasakah: War monitor

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 6:32 PM

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) says at least nine civilians, including five children, have lost their lives when Turkish warplanes carried out an attack on an area in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah.

The Britain-based monitoring group said the airstrike hit the home of a farming family in an area between the villages of Qomji and Barkh Botan, south of the Kurdish-populated town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab, on Monday.

The aerial attack also left two people seriously injured, who were rushed to hospital for treatment.

The Observatory for Human Rights strongly condemned the deadly airstrike, urging the Turkish government to "immediately halt the killing of Syrian civilians and its military offensives in northern Syria."

It called the latest Turkish attacks "unprecedented," as Ankara seeks to impose a new reality on the ground amidst increasing international calls for the cessation of hostilities.

The SOHR said 651 combatants and civilians have been killed in Turkish shelling, airstrikes and clashes between the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed militants since the beginning of military escalation in Manbij city and countryside on December 12, 2024.

Hours earlier, Turkish forces shelled grain silos in Sarrin town south of Kobane.

On March 13, the Turkish military resumed airstrikes on SDF positions near the Tishrin Dam, just one day after an agreement was announced between commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces Mazloum Abdi and Syria's de facto leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.

The move suggested a reversal of the agreement, and signaled Ankara's dissatisfaction with its terms.

According to Kurdish sources, Turkey views itself as a party harmed by the agreement, as it granted clear local recognition to the SDF and acknowledged their role in Syria's political system.

They further explained that "Ankara reviewed the accord but was dissatisfied with much of its details."

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Over 1,500 academics, scholars have fled Syria under HTS rule

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 11:20 AM

A new report says hundreds of university professors and academics have fled Syria amid the growing wave of abductions and killings targeting various individuals in the Arab nation under the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rule.

Al-Maalomah news agency quoted sources as saying security situation within Syrian cities, particularly in the capital Damascus and other major cities, remains chaotic in the wake of escalating violations by HTS militants and their allies.

They added that the violations include arrests and direct assaults, as well as the dismissal of a large number of professors and lecturers from universities under the pretext of affiliation with the toppled government of Bashar al-Assad.

The sources highlighted that "more than 1,500 university professors and prominent academics left Syria following the downfall of the Assad government on December 8, with the pace of migration increasing further following the massacres perpetrated by HTS militants in the western coastal region."

Dozens of doctors, engineers, and teachers lost their lives as a result of bloody clashes between HTS militants and armed opposition groups loyal to Assad.

The sources noted that "these massacres sent a horrific message to their colleagues in other cities, prompting many to leave the country and head to neighboring countries, especially Lebanon, in an attempt to secure their lives and professional future."

The sources explained that the security situation has become increasingly uncertain, given the lack of security control and the growing influence of extremist groups seeking to alter the civilian character of Syrian society.

This is compounded by the increasing number of foreign fighters of various nationalities attempting to impose their extremist ideology on the local population.

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UK pledges up to 160 million to support Syria's recovery and stability in post-Assad era

The UK government has pledged up to 160 million in aid to help stabilise Syria following the fall of the Assad regime.

17 March 2025

The UK will pledge up to 160 million in critical aid at humanitarian Syria conference in Brussels.

UK aid, delivered through trusted UN and NGO partners, will provide life-saving support to millions of Syrians, including refugees across the region, to help them to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

Ensuring long-term stability in Syria is essential for regional and UK security - the foundation of the Government's Plan for Change.

The UK government has committed today to play a leading role in Syria's post-Assad recovery. Millions of Syrians are set to benefit from lifesaving aid from the UK and international partners, supporting them to rebuild their lives and stabilise the country following the fall of the brutal Assad regime late last year.

Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, will today pledge up to 160 million of UK funding - delivered by trusted UN and NGO partners on the ground - to help provide Syrians with critical water, food, healthcare and education in 2025 at the Annual Syria Pledging Conference, hosted by the EU in Brussels.

Ensuring stability in Syria and the wider region is critical for UK national security, which is the foundation of the government's Plan for Change.

In his speech at the conference, which will be attended by members of the international community and the Syrian interim authorities, the Minister will urge the Syrian authorities to ensure the recent violence witnessed in Syria never happens again, reiterating the importance of a properly representative and inclusive political transition.

Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer said:

A stable Syria is vital for ensuring our security at home and abroad, which is critical for delivering our Plan for Change. Today's pledge of up to 160m underlines our commitment to helping Syrians stabilise and rebuild their country, as well as provide lifesaving aid for Syrians hosted generously in partner countries. This is a critical moment for Syria. The violence in coastal areas earlier this month was horrific. The interim authorities must demonstrate their intent to promote stability, protect minorities and govern in the interests of all Syrians. We welcome the ceasefire agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim authorities as an important step in this direction.

At the conference, the Minister will welcome last week's ceasefire agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim authorities, as well as the authorities' commitment to destroy Syria's chemical weapons stockpile.

Notes to Editors:

The UK's pledge covers support to Syria and the wider region for 2025.

Today's visit follows the recent decision to lift asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities. These entities were previously used by the Assad regime to fund the oppression of the Syrian people, including the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy companies. This reaffirms UK support to the Syrian people in re-building their country and promote security and stability.

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Funding shortages risk undermining a 'watershed moment' for Syria

By Vibhu Mishra

17 March 2025 - Fourteen years of war have left Syria's people in desperate need - but international support is dwindling, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Monday, calling for urgent investment in the country's recovery.

In a video message to the conference Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition, organized by the European Union in Brussels, he underlined the gravity of the situation.

"This is a watershed moment," said the UN chief, stressing that the future of Syria depends on ensuring access to food, shelter, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods.

Over two-thirds of the population requires humanitarian assistance. However, critical aid efforts are in jeopardy due to severe underfunding.

The $1.25 billion UN-coordinated humanitarian response for the country is only 12.5 percent funded, with vital sectors such as shelter, non-food relief, water and sanitation, and agriculture and nutrition suffering from lack of resources.

Reconsider funding cuts

Mr. Guterres underscored the need for support from the international community.

Donors must urgently expand humanitarian support and reconsider funding cuts, he said. They must also invest in Syria's recovery - including addressing sanctions and other restrictions - alongside helping an orderly and inclusive political transition.

"Let us work together to help the people of Syria as they take these momentous next steps in their journey towards a free, prosperous and peaceful future," he added.

Commentary aside

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher reinforced the Secretary-General's call for action, warning that humanitarian operations face a severe funding gap.

"The people of Syria do not need us to be commentators and problem observers - they need us to move with urgency," he said.

Despite these challenges, the UN has expanded its reach, delivering aid to millions, including areas previously inaccessible due to conflict.

More humanitarian convoys have entered Syria from Turkiye this year than in all of 2024, and assistance is now reaching former frontline areas in rural Idlib, Latakia and Aleppo. However, ongoing funding cuts threaten these gains, with essential services at risk of collapse.

"After so long waiting for hope, the people of Syria...expect us to meet this moment with decisive action, with generosity and with solidarity. The price of failure will be much greater for all of us than the cost of success," he warned.

Refugees returning, but to what?

Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, highlighted a significant shift - the return of Syrian refugees.

Since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, more than one million displaced Syrians have returned home, including 350,000 from neighbouring countries. Surveys suggest that up to 3.5 million more could return in the coming months.

However, Mr. Grandi cautioned that without adequate support, these returns may not be sustainable.

"If we fail to help them stay in Syria, make no mistake: the impact will be disastrous," he said, warning that refugees unable to rebuild their lives may be forced to leave again.

Healthcare, protection for women at risk

Meanwhile within Syria, the humanitarian crisis remains acute, especially for women and girls.

Having concluded a mission to the country, Shoko Arakaki, Humanitarian Director at the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) highlighted the devastating impact of war on Syria's healthcare system, with four in ten hospitals damaged or destroyed.

Lack of resources have further complicated the situation and recent funding cuts have forced the closure of over 100 UN-supported health facilities in northwest Syria.

She warned that gender-based violence has become "normalised" after years of conflict, but financial constraints may force UNFPA to withdraw support for protection efforts such as safe spaces for women.

"Women and youth in Syria still need our support," she stressed, urging donors to invest in healthcare, protection, livelihoods and education.

Hope amid the apprehension

"These are deeply uncertain times for Syria," she said, adding that in the midst of apprehension, she sensed a feeling of hope.

She noted her meetings with "extraordinary women" providing lifesaving reproductive health services, protecting survivors of violence, offering vocational training - even while they themselves are vulnerable.

"[I felt] hope in the Syrian people who are defying the odds to help each other, despite immense hardship," she added.

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Secretary-General's video message to the Ninth Annual Brussels Conference "Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition"

United Nations Secretary-General

Brussels, Belgium

17 March 2025

Excellencies, distinguished guests,

I thank the European Union for hosting this Conference.

This is a watershed moment for Syria.

Syrians are on the threshold of a historic opportunity to realize their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future.

But the road ahead is a rocky one.

After 14 years of war, Syria's economy has lost out on an estimated $800 billion in GDP.

Infrastructure for critical services has been devastated.

And millions of Syrians  inside and outside Syria  continue to need massive levels of support for food, shelter, basic services and livelihoods.

This includes the thousands of Syrians who have returned since December.

And it includes the five million Syrian refugees in neighboring countries who are deciding their next step.

In all, over two-thirds of the population require humanitarian assistance, making Syria one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.

But funding for the humanitarian response continues to fall short.

The international community must move with urgency to invest in Syria's future,

By expanding humanitarian support and reconsidering any cuts to funding at this critical time.

By investing in Syria's recovery, including addressing sanctions and other restrictions.

And by supporting efforts to ensure an orderly and inclusive political transition, along with the creation of institutions that serve, reflect and protect all Syrians.

The future of Syria is a matter for Syrians to determine, and my Special Envoy is working with them to help shape that future.

The United Nations remains committed to helping Syrians build a country where reconciliation, justice, freedom, and prosperity are shared realities for all.

This is the path to sustainable peace in Syria.

A Syria for all Syrians.

A prosperous and thriving Syria.

A Syria  finally  at peace.

Let's work together to help the people of Syria as they take these momentous next steps in their journey towards a free, prosperous and peaceful future.

***

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Taiwan protests rep office name change on South African gov't website

ROC Central News Agency

03/16/2025 10:07 PM

Taipei, March 16 (CNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Sunday that it had lodged an official protest over the "unilateral" change to the name of Taiwan's representative office on a South African government website.

The update to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) website -- now listing the "Taipei Liaison Office" as the "Taipei Commercial Office" -- is the latest salvo in a yearlong dispute that has seen Taiwan's representatives ordered to leave South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria.

According to MOFA, the South African government has sought to "downgrade" the representative office and recategorize it as a "trade office" based in the commercial capital Johannesburg.

South Africa has set a deadline of the end of March for Taiwan to change the name of its representative office and relocate.

In a statement last year, DIRCO said that "relocating what will be rebranded as Trade Offices both in Taipei and in Johannesburg, which is standard diplomatic practice, will be a true reflection of the nonpolitical and nondiplomatic nature of the relationship between the Republic of South Africa and Taiwan."

However, MOFA has said that per an agreement signed the year before diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name, and South Africa ended in 1998, Taiwan is permitted to operate a liaison office in Pretoria.

According to MOFA, any changes to the office's location and its name are not to be made until both sides reach an agreement on the issue following official negotiations.

Asked for comment Sunday, MOFA said it had lodged protests via Taiwan's office in Pretoria and directly with the South African representative office in Taipei over the "unilateral" name change.

DIRCO's claim that it is following U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 is "unreasonable and unacceptable," MOFA said.

Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, resulted in the People's Republic of China (PRC) replacing the ROC as China's representative at the United Nations.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ASG

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St. Kitts and Nevis foreign minister visits Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

03/17/2025 02:40 PM

Taipei, March 17 (CNA) Denzil Douglas, foreign minister of one of Taiwan's diplomatic allies Saint Kitts and Nevis, is visiting Taiwan for the third time in that capacity and will meet with top-level government officials during his five-day stay, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Monday.

Douglas and his delegation were welcomed on arrival Monday morning by Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi () at Taoyuan International Airport, MOFA said in a press release.

Douglas, who served as prime minister of the Caribbean ally from 1995- 2015, is scheduled to meet with President Lai Ching-te () and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (), MOFA said.

During their five-day stay, Douglas and his delegation will also visit the Ministry of Economic Affairs, while he will give a presentation on investment opportunities in his country, MOFA said.

In addition to foreign affairs, Douglas' portfolio also includes international trade, industry, commerce and consumer affairs, and economic development and investment.

He is being accompanied on his current visit to Taiwan by Kaye Bass, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Adina Richards, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Economic Development; Sean Lawrence, director in the Ministry of International Trade; Jonathan Kelly, energy transition manager at St. Kitts Electricity Company; and Trevor Blake, president of the SKN Chamber of Industry & Commerce.

Taiwan, officially named the Republic of China, established official diplomatic ties with Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1983.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/pc

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Prosecution of Taiwan-based publisher used for CCP propaganda: MAC

ROC Central News Agency

03/17/2025 10:23 PM

Taipei, March 17 (CNA) The case of a Taiwan-based publisher who was put on trial in the People's Republic of China (PRC) on "separatism" charges last month is being used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for propaganda purposes, according to Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).

In a statement released Monday, the MAC said the trial of Li Yanhe (), a Chinese national who ran Gusa Publishing (), is "aimed at suppressing Taiwan's publishing, academic and cultural circles" and creating "a chilling effect."

The case "demonstrates the nature of the Chinese Communist Party's dictatorship system," the MAC said, warning that Taiwanese people should be "aware of the risks" of traveling to the PRC.

As editor-in-chief of Gusa, an affiliate of Taiwan's second-largest publisher Book Republic Publishing Group, Li published multiple books over the years that criticized the CCP, and, according to the MAC, made "significant contributions" to Taiwan's publishing industry.

Born in 1971 in China's northern Liaoning province, Li moved to Taiwan in 2009 and founded Gusa the same year. He is married to a Taiwanese woman.

Li, also known by his pen name Fu Cha (), was detained by police in Shanghai in March 2023 on suspicion of "engaging in activities that jeopardize national security," according to China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO).

The TAO said on Monday that Li was tried for "the crime of inciting to split the country," and the "public verdict" was given at the Shanghai First Intermediate People's Court on Feb. 17, 2025.

The TAO's statement -- exactly one month after the verdict was supposedly handed down -- is the first time the Chinese authorities have specifically mentioned a trial in Li's case.

The length of Li's sentence is still not publicly known.

The MAC statement said that the outcome of the trial was decided in advance, and the TAO's suggestion that Li was afforded legal rights under the PRC's judicial system was "a complete lie."

The MAC also said it has "full knowledge" of the case, but is refraining from sharing more details due to the wishes of Li's family.

Later on Monday, a support group for Li said it was "disappointed and shocked" by news of the trial, and described the secretive legal process that Li faced in China as a "black box."

(By Wu Po-wei and James Thompson)

Enditem/ls

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Taiwan refutes China 'cyberattack' allegation

ROC Central News Agency

03/17/2025 06:24 PM

Taipei, March 17 (CNA) Taiwan's Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM) on Monday rejected an allegation by China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) that it launched cyberattacks targeting China's Internet infrastructure to push a "Taiwan independence" agenda.

In a post on the social networking app WeChat, the MSS accused ICEFCOM of being the lackeys of "Taiwan independence separatists," overseeing cyberattacks that included sending a large number of phishing messages and propaganda and spreading fake news on "mainstream social networking platforms."

It is evident that the actions orchestrated by ICEFCOM were blatant attempts at pushing the Democratic Progressive Party's "Taiwan independence" agenda, according to the post.

In the post, the MSS said it recently uncovered dozens of online platforms used by ICEFCOM to launch cyberattacks and identified four members of the command who it said were "ringleaders" of those attacks.

The post included the headshots of four members of the Taiwanese military, their names, positions, National Identification Card numbers, and birthdays.

"Taiwan independence is a road to ruin, and those who engage in such separatist activities shall be subjected to any necessary punishments as defined by the law," the MSS said.

In response, ICEFCOM said China took pictures from the public domain to back up its assertion that the four Taiwanese service members were behind the alleged cyberattacks.

This is an ungrounded fabrication aimed at intimidating the Taiwanese public, it said.

In its statement, ICEFCOM noted that its mission is to maintain information relating to national defense and ensure cybersecurity, just like its counterparts in other democratic countries.

However, China has not only escalated tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world with its warplanes and vessels but also carried out "gray zone" activities -- provocative or aggressive actions that fall just short of open conflict -- including cyberattacks, that have drawn criticism from the international community.

ICEFCOM said it will continue its mission to combat cyberattacks by enemies through enhanced military cybersecurity, thereby boosting national security.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/AW

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Mainland discloses four members of cyber force linked to Taiwan secessionist authorities; disclosure serves as a stern warning: expert

Global Times

By Wang Qi and Xu Yelu Published: Mar 17, 2025 10:10 PM

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Monday revealed four members of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" (ICEFCOM) of Taiwan island linked to Taiwan secessionists authorities, operating cyber activities against the Chinese mainland.

Spokesperson of Chinese State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said ICEFCOM's "reliance on the internet to seek independence" and its provocative actions will be severely punished. Analysts approached by the Global Times also noted that the MSS's unveiling serves as a "stern warning" against Taiwan secessionist forces and it shows the mainland's firm determination and strength against provocations of the secessionists.

In an article posted on its WeChat account Monday, the MSS posted the pictures, dates of birth and Taiwan local ID numbers of the four members of ICEFCOM and warned them that "Taiwan independence" separatist activities are a dead-end road. The MSS urged them to abandon the illusion of "Taiwan independence" separatism, refuse to become cannon fodder for "Taiwan independence," and cease their cybercriminal activities of splitting the country.

The revealed members are Lin Yushu, born in 1979, head of the Network Environment Research and Analysis Center of the ICEFCOM, and Cai Jiehong, born in 1993, team leader of the center, as well as Nian Xiaofan, born in 1982, and Wang Haoming, born in 1990, who are active personnel at the center, according to the MSS. The MSS also revealed with their photos and Taiwan ID numbers.

Since The ICEFCOM was established in June 2017, it has acted as a pawn of the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, resorting to all means to carry out cyberattacks and infiltration activities against the mainland, according to MSS.

The common tactics of ICEFCOM's cyberattack forces include infiltrating key information infrastructure in the mainland, such as water, electricity, gas, heating, communication and networked cameras. Also, they have targeted key units of the Party, government, military and enterprises in the mainland by sending phishing and propaganda emails.

Meanwhile, after they gained control of network livestreaming platforms, networked electronic displays, IP network intercom systems and portal websites by stealing login credentials, they inserted audios, videos or images, including content against national reunification on them, MSS said.

Since 2023, they have used aliases like "Anonymous 64" to spread disinformation on social media, attempting to bolster the DPP authorities' pursuit for "Taiwan independence," MSS disclosed.

Commenting on the MSS' latest revealing, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said on Monday that the state security authorities have exposed despicable tactics of ICEFCOM of Taiwan island and issued a warning to deter them in September 2024, however, ICEFCOM has shown no signs of repentance, continuing to act as pawns for the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. Chen added that the ICEFCOM's "reliance on the internet to seek independence" and its provocative actions are completely overestimating its capabilities, and will be severely punished.

In an article published in September 2024, MSS disclosed a so-called civil hacker organization called "Anonymous 64," which it found is actually cyber force closely tied to the secessionist DPP authorities. The organization is a cyber-environment analysis center under the ICEFCOM, MSS said then.

ICEFCOM was restructured in 2022 as a direct agency of the "defense department" of the island. It primarily handles electronic warfare, information warfare, cyber warfare, and military line maintenance, serving as the main force for the island of Taiwan's cyber operations against the mainland, said MSS in 2024.

It was very rare for the mainland to reveal the names, photos, dates of birth, and local ID numbers of secessionists, Wang Jianmin, a research fellow at the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday.

In light of recent increasingly rampant provocative actions by the Taiwan regional authorities that have worsened cross-Straits relations, the mainland's move undoubtedly serves as a serious and stern warning, said Wang.

On March 13, Taiwan's regional secessionist leader Lai Ching-te portrayed the mainland as a "hostile external force" and outlined 17 strategies to counter so-called threats facing the island, sparking strong concerns on the island of Taiwan. Chen Binhua denounced Lai for instigating separatist sentiment on the island and for blocking cross-Straits exchange, warning that anyone seeking "Taiwan independence" is doomed to fail, according to Xinhua.

The mainland has sent a clear and unmistakable signal: whether it's cyber force, armed groups, or individual separatists, anyone who dares to take reckless risks on secession will inevitably face punishment, Zheng Jian, director of the Graduate Institute for Taiwan Studies of Xiamen University, told the Global Times.

Non-traditional domain

Also on Monday, Global Times has learned from the Chinese cybersecurity company QI-ANXIN Technology Group Inc (QAX) that APT organizations from the island of Taiwan have been persistently using various cyber weapons in large-scale attacks against the mainland recently.

Through years of surveillance and tracing, the firm has identified "Poison Vine group" (APT-Q-20), a Taiwan-based group, as actively targeting government, military and defense authorities, and scientific research institutions in the Chinese mainland. This group employs spear-phishing emails and watering hole attacks, among other methods, to carry out APT attacks.

A recent report released by QI-ANXIN revealed that from 2018 to 2025, the APT-Q-20 has engaged in large-scale imitation of the most used social media, email systems, as well as government agency websites, military websites, and university websites on the Chinese mainland, so as to amass personal data for subsequent intelligence theft, the report stated.

According to the QI-ANXIN, with rising geopolitical tensions, the frequency of APT attacks aimed at espionage and intelligence theft is expected to increase, and the mainland must remain vigilant against the ongoing threat posed by Taiwan-based APT organizations.

A new development has emerged in the confrontation between mainland and Taiwan secessionists in the era of AI, with increasing complexity, said Wang.

"From the recent detailed information by the mainland about secessionists, it is evident that the mainland has a firm grasp of the disruptive activities of these cyber force," Wang noted, adding that the mainland's capabilities in countering electronic information warfare, cognitive warfare, and cyberattacks are remarkably strong.

Some Taiwan-based netizens have voiced their support of the mainland's revealing more details of the DPP cyber force. With the release of comprehensive data on these cyberattack forces, some netizens in Taiwan have also started to cast doubt on the true capabilities of the DPP's cyber operatives.

Wang said that it cannot be ruled out that the mainland will progressively disclose more information regarding secessionist cyber force of Taiwan authorities.

The cyberattacks launched by the DPP authorities against the mainland pose a dangerous risk of escalating cross-Straits tensions, Zheng said.

Yet, the greater this threat becomes, the more it highlights the critical importance of the mainland's persistent efforts to foster cross-Straits exchanges in strengthening emotional ties between the two sides and dismantling the DPP's deception of the people of Taiwan with reality, Zheng said.

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Ministry of State Security discloses members of 'internet army' in 'Taiwan independence' forces

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 17, 2025 11:36 AM Updated: Mar 17, 2025 01:06 PM

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) released a statement on Monday, revealing details about four members of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" linked to "Taiwan independence" forces and warning that the internet is not beyond the reach of the law. They must recognize the situation, abandon the fantasy of "Taiwan independence," refuse to become cannon fodder for "Taiwan independence," and cease their cybercriminal activities that undermine national unity, the MSS said.

The revealed members include Lin Yushu, born in 1979, head of the Network Environment Research and Analysis Center of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command", and Cai Jiehong, born in 1993, team leader of the center, while Nian Xiaofan, born in 1982, and Wang Haoming, born in 1990, are active personnel at the center, according to the MSS. The MSS also revealed with their photos and Taiwan ID numbers.

In recent years, national security agencies have closely monitored and investigated cyber infiltration activities by Taiwan island's "internet army." They have identified multiple individuals involved in the planning, commanding, and executing these activities, according to the MSS.

The "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" was established in June 2017 as the "fourth branch" of the Taiwan authorities and was restructured in 2022 as a direct agency of the "defense department" of the island. It primarily handles electronic warfare, information warfare, cyber warfare, and military line maintenance, serving as the main force for the island of Taiwan's cyber operations against the mainland, according to MSS.

Since its inception, the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" has served as an instrument of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, orchestrating cyberattacks and infiltration against the mainland. China's national security agencies are firmly committed to resolutely combating their cyber espionage activities, thoroughly investigating the masterminds behind these actions and eliminating potential threats, the MSS said.

The "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" has specifically hired hackers and cybersecurity companies as external support to execute the cyber warfare directives issued by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities. Their activities include espionage, sabotage, and propaganda.

Common tactics employed by them include infiltrating critical information infrastructure in the Chinese mainland, such as water, electricity, gas, heating, communication, and networked cameras; sending phishing and propaganda emails to key party, government, military, and enterprise units in the mainland; stealing login credentials for online streaming platforms, networked electronic displays, IP network intercom systems, or portal websites, and after gaining control, broadcasting counterpropaganda audio and video or posting propaganda images; lurking on mainstream social media platforms, nurturing a large number of "bot" accounts to spread false information, manipulate public opinion, mislead the perceptions of the people from the island and the mainland, and monitor and suppress dissenting voices on the island, the MSS noted.

Since 2023, they have used aliases like "Anonymous 64" to spread false information on social media, attempting to bolster the DPP authorities' push for "independence."

The so-called internet army continues to exaggerate its achievements, fabricating non-existent platforms to bolster its claims. In their cyberattack activities, they extensively uses open-source tools such as AntSword, IceScorpion, Metasploit, and Quasar. Recently, national security agencies have traced and seized dozens of cyberattack platforms used by the "army," discovering new trends in their attacks and espionage against important sectors in the Chinese mainland, and have thoroughly verified and dealt with these issues, cutting off the "black hands" of espionage, the MSS said.

Under the pretext of enhancing "asymmetric warfare capabilities," the DPP authorities have funneled taxpayer money into building a cyber army aimed at attacking, infiltrating, and spying on the mainland, an effort that will ultimately prove futile, the MSS stated.

Meanwhile, behind the blind expansion of the "Taiwan independence" cyber army lies internal chaos. Senior officials are greedy for achievements and engage in infighting, viewing frontline personnel as "cannon fodder," appropriating the "merits" of their subordinates, and even handing over "meritorious individuals" for legal action. The individuals were not only pocketing funds under the guise of executing tasks, inflating expenses, colluding with external forces to "earn the difference," but also were exaggerating, misrepresenting, and fabricating the "results" of cyberattack activities to claim credit and obtain performance rewards, according to the statement.

The MSS warned that "Taiwan independence" is a dead-end road. National security agencies remain steadfast in protecting national sovereignty, security, and development interests and will take all necessary punitive measures against "Taiwan independence" separatists in line with relevant legal provisions.

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FM refutes Japan's claim of the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement does not have legal binding force

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 17, 2025 06:11 PM

When asked to comment on a recent claim by the Japanese government that the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement does not have legal binding force and doesn't impose restrictions on local Japanese legislators' visits to and activities in Taiwan, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on Monday that in 1978, China and Japan signed the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, in which both sides confirmed that the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement serves as the foundation for the peaceful and friendly relations between the two countries.

Mao emphasized that the principles outlined in the Joint Statement should be strictly adhered to, and the treaty was signed by the governments of China and Japan, officially coming into effect after being reviewed and approved by the legislative bodies of both countries. This legally affirms the principles and content of the Joint Statement, which naturally carries legal binding force, Mao said.

There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing the whole of China, and China firmly opposes any form of official exchanges between countries that have diplomatic relations with China and the Taiwan region. The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-Japanese relations, said Mao.

Mao stated that in 1972, the governments of China and Japan signed the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, in which the Japanese side made clear commitments. The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and the Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this position of the Chinese government and adheres to the stance of the Potsdam Proclamation's Article 8.

Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation reaffirms that the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out, and the Cairo Declaration stated in explicit terms that territories Japan had stolen from China, such as the four northeastern provinces in China, Taiwan island, and the Penghu Islands, shall be restored to China.

"The aforementioned documents not only confirm the fact that Taiwan belongs to China but also serve as the legal basis for the Allies of World War II and Japan to end the state of war and construct the post-war international order in the Asia-Pacific, and they certainly have legal binding force," said Mao.

Mao said that it has been 80 years since Taiwan was back under China's sovereign jurisdiction. The Japanese side's attempt to obscure historical facts on the Taiwan question seriously misleads the Japanese public, severely violates the Japanese government's commitment to the one-China principle, challenges the political foundation of China-Japan relations, and sends a gravely wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces.

China firmly opposes this, and we solemnly urge the Japanese side to abide by the principles and spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, earnestly fulfill relevant legal obligations, exercise caution in words and deeds on the Taiwan question, and take concrete actions to honor and uphold the commitment to the one-China principle, Mao said.

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Related military activities taken by China necessary, justified, says Chinese FM on inquiry of military exercises around Taiwan Straits Monday

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 17, 2025 05:39 PM

In response to a question that it is learned Chinese military conducted military exercises around the Taiwan Straits on Monday, which some believed are related to the recent changes in the US State Department's wording on its Taiwan policy and the provocative actions of "Taiwan independence" forces, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the related military activities taken by China are necessary, lawful, and justified measures to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. They serve as a firm response to the deliberate indulgence and support of "Taiwan independence" activities by external forces, and a stern warning to the separatist actions of the "Taiwan independence" forces.

Mao said that the US has recently taken a series of erroneous actions regarding the Taiwan question, particularly by changing the content on the US State Department's website related to its relations with Taiwan island and removing the previous statement that the US "does not support 'Taiwan independence'." This represents a serious regression in the US position on Taiwan-related issues. It is yet another example of the US deliberately promoting the strategy of "using Taiwan question to contain China" and condoning support for "Taiwan independence," sending a seriously erroneous signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Mao emphasized that the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and the one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US relations. If the foundation is not solid, the ground will shake and the mountains will tremble. "Taiwan independence" is incompatible with peace across the Taiwan Straits and engaging in "Taiwan independence" separatist activities is a dead end. Using Taiwan question to contain China will only get burned, Mao said.

We urge the US to strictly adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, honor the solemn commitments made by successive US administrations on the Taiwan question, cease provocative actions that cross the line, handle the Taiwan question with utmost caution, and avoid causing further serious damage to the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits and China-US relations, Mao added.

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Chinese FM warns DPP's attempt to rename overseas offices, urges certain countries to recognize malicious intentions behind

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 17, 2025 04:35 PM

Commenting on a reporter's inquiry concerning that Taiwan regional authorities attempt to set up new overseas offices in certain countries or rename existing offices named after Taipei to Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the one-China principle is a universally recognized norm of international relations and a prevailing consensus of the international community, serving as the political foundation for China to establish and develop relations with other countries. The Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is never a country, not in the past, and never in the future.

Mao pointed out at the Monday press conference that for some time, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have been using the pretext of exchanges and cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, science, technology, culture, and education, desperately attempting to breach the ironclad international commitment to the one-China principle. They seek to expand their so-called international space by resorting to tactics such as so-called "dollar diplomacy", bribery, coercion, and inducements, enticing certain countries to overstep boundaries or play ambiguous games on the Taiwan question, thereby undermining China's relations with those countries.

We sternly warn the DPP authorities that the complete reunification of China is an unstoppable trend, and pursuit of "independence" is ultimately a dead end, the spokesperson said. It is hoped the relevant countries recognize the malicious intentions of the Taiwan regional authorities and take concrete actions to strictly adhere to the one-China principle, safeguarding the political foundation of bilateral relations, Mao added.

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Symposium on Anti-Secession Law draws high attention from Taiwan

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:45, March 17, 2025

TAIPEI, March 15 (Xinhua) -- A symposium held in Beijing on Friday to mark the 20th anniversary of the enforcement of China's Anti-Secession Law has drawn significant attention from Taiwan.

Multiple media outlets in Taiwan reported that the symposium highlighted the Chinese mainland's stance on opposing "Taiwan independence" and punishing separatist forces, emphasizing its complete control and initiative in handling cross-Strait relations.

In an article published Saturday, the Taipei-based China Times highlighted the call made at the symposium that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait must work together to overcome interference, break down obstacles, and promote exchanges and cooperation across the Strait.

The United Daily News, in an article published on the same day, mentioned the guidelines issued by the Chinese mainland last June on imposing criminal punishments on diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists. It noted that the rollout of further measures depends on whether Lai Ching-te chooses confrontation with the mainland or cooperation.

The Chinese mainland's red line is clear, with a firm resolve to oppose, curb, and punish "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and its capability to do so continues to strengthen, according to a commentary on Taiwan-based website China Review.

The symposium signaled the mainland's strengthened efforts in leveraging legal tools to punish "Taiwan independence," said Chang Wu-ueh, director of the Center for Cross-Strait Relations at Tamkang University.

Chao Chien-min, a professor at the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, noted that the Anti-Secession Law not only opposes "Taiwan independence" but also promotes reunification, viewing the two as closely interconnected.

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Chinese FM, Taiwan Affairs Office address PLA exercises around Taiwan Straits

Global Times

By Li Yawei Published: Mar 18, 2025 12:56 AM

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office both responded on Monday to inquiries regarding military exercises around Taiwan Straits, with foreign ministry spokesperson saying Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, and "if the foundation is shaken, whatever above it cannot stand."

In response to a question that it is learned that the Chinese military has conducted drills near the Taiwan Straits, which some believe this has something to do with US State Department's recent revisions to the statements on its Taiwan policy on its website and "Taiwan independence" forces' unconscionable acts, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China's relevant military operation is necessary, lawful and legitimate in order to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. It's a firm response to external forces who are hellbent on abetting and aiding "Taiwan independence," and a warning to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces' unconscionable acts.

Mao said that the US has recently taken a series of wrong steps on the Taiwan question. In particular, the US State Department removed important statements that show the US is committed to the one-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence" in the fact sheet of its so-called relations with Taiwan on the website, which shows the US gravely backpedaled on its position on Taiwan-related issues. This is another egregious example of the US's intention of using Taiwan to contain China, and its move to abet and aid "Taiwan independence", which sends a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Mao emphasized that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests and the one-China principle is the bedrock of the political foundation of China-US relations. If the foundation is shaken, whatever above it cannot stand. "Taiwan independence" and cross-Straits peace and stability are as irreconcilable as fire and water. The pursuit of "Taiwan independence" will lead nowhere. Those who attempt to use Taiwan to contain China will get burned for playing with fire, she said.

On the same day that Mao addressed the matter, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, also responded to media inquiries on Monday evening, noting that the PLA's exercises near the island of Taiwan serve as a resolute punishment for Lai's continuous promotion of the separatist fallacy of "Taiwan independence" and the escalation of cross-Straits confrontation.

Chen said that the exercises are a powerful deterrent against the provocations of the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, a stern warning against external forces interfering and causing trouble, and a legitimate and necessary action to defend national sovereignty and maintain peace in the Taiwan Straits.

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Monday that China's military exercises are activities arranged within the scope of its sovereignty and in accordance with its own policy agenda, unaffected by external rhetoric or actions. These exercises demonstrate China's resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and express its unwavering commitment to national reunification, he noted.

The US has long interfered in China's internal affairs, pursuing a strategy of "using Taiwan to contain China," aimed at delaying or even indefinitely prolonging China's reunification, said Li. Such actions violate United Nations resolutions, the fundamental principles of international relations, and the consensus of the international community. Li noted that ultimately, they will only tarnish the US' reputation, undermine global security and stability, and expose the US as a disruptor of the international order.

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Mainland warns stern punishment for Taiwan's cyberattackers

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:44, March 18, 2025

BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- A mainland spokesperson on Monday said that Taiwan's Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM) has overestimated itself while carrying out cyberattacks against the mainland, warning that such provocations will face a stern punishment.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry after the Ministry of State Security disclosed information about four members of ICEFCOM responsible for cyberattacks against the mainland in an article earlier on Monday.

Chen said that following instigation from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, ICEFCOM serves as an accomplice to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and spares no effort in launching cyberattacks against or infiltrating the mainland.

Chen expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots can clearly recognize the malicious intent of and grave harm caused by the DPP authorities' stubborn adherence to their separatist "Taiwan independence" stance, their relentless provocations that aim to seek "independence," and their acts to escalate cross-Strait confrontation.

He added that it is imperative for Taiwan compatriots to resolutely oppose any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and to genuinely safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as their own security and well-being.

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Taiwan Is Watching Ukraine And Trump. Here's What It's Learning.

By Reid Standish and Sashko Shevchenko March 18, 2025

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Just a few days after US President Donald Trump sparred with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a televised spat in the Oval Office, the self-governing island of Taiwan took a different approach to deal with the American leader.

While Zelenskyy left the White House without signing a planned minerals deal and with future US support for Kyiv's defense against Russia hanging in the balance, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, the world's largest manufacturer of microchips, announced on March 3 a massive $100 billion investment plan in the United States involving new plants, packaging facilities, and a research center.

Standing in the White House, TSMC CEO C.C. Wei said customer demand rather than political pressures drove the company to announce the chip investment. But Trump told a news conference the deal meant TSMC would avoid the industry-wide 25 percent tariffs being deployed to bring more manufacturing to the US market.

"Taiwan's main item to offer is chips and when Trump talks about us, he nearly always talks about chips," Jason Hsu, a former Taiwanese lawmaker and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told RFE/RL. "This is a way to get out in front and keep him close."

While Kyiv has since gone on to mend its ties with Washington, the contrasting episodes highlight the differing approaches taken by Kyiv and Taipei, and how Taiwan is learning from Ukraine's experiences on and off the battlefield.

As China showcases its military dominance and exerts growing diplomatic pressure on Taiwan to submit to Chinese rule, analysts, military planners, and Taiwanese officials who spoke to RFE/RL say that the lessons from the Ukraine war for the island of 23 million people are widespread, ranging from how to prepare a society for conflict to how to - and how not to - deal with the US president.

What Is Taiwan Learning From The Ukraine War?

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Taipei has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv, which the Taiwanese government sees as similar to its own geopolitical position where Beijing has long threatened to invade and annex island if it refused to peacefully accept unification.

For both Ukraine and Taiwan, their first line of support has come from the United States. Diplomatic backing for Kyiv, along with military aid and intelligence cooperation - which were recently restored following a pause after the Oval Office clash - has been crucial in giving Ukraine the tools to resist Russia.

Similarly, Taiwan relies on US military and political support. Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself against a possible attack by China.

But Trump's recent rhetoric has cast uncertainty over the future of US-Taiwan relations, particularly his repeated accusations of the island "stealing" the US semiconductor industry, a claim that has been disputed, while also saying that Taiwan should pay the United States for "protection."

"What happened with Zelenskyy is a reminder of the tightrope that's being walked," said Hsu. "The number one principle that Taiwan needs to recognize is that Trump is a transactional politician who wants to do deals and always wants something in return."

But Taiwanese officials say there are far broader takeaways for the island from the war in Ukraine.

Wu Chih-chung, Taiwan's deputy foreign minister, told RFE/RL that the biggest lessons learned so far from Ukraine is that the island and the wider international community can't "be naive" about Chinese leader Xi Jinping's ambitions for Taiwan the same way many were about Russian President Vladimir Putin in the years leading up his invasion of Ukraine.

Wu says that the country's current leadership is following a "not today policy," designed around building up Taiwan's relations with partners, including across Europe, and deterring Beijing by showing that any Chinese military moves would be too costly.

How Is Taiwan Preparing For A Potential Crisis?

Part of that policy is making society more resilient amid Beijing's mounting pressure towards the island, which it regards as a rogue province.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te launched the Whole of Society Defense Resilience Committee in 2024, which is designed to prepare the country to face natural and human-made disasters, including the threat of blockade or invasion by China. This move has coincided with a rise in the number and membership of so-called civil defense organizations in Taiwan that teach everything from first aid to evacuation planning, and in some cases, how to navigate combat.

Those steps to better prepare the island and raise awareness among citizens took a step forward on March 14 when Lai labelled China a "foreign hostile force" and announced ramped-up national security measures in the face of growing threats and a string of spying cases, including in Taiwan's military.

"China has been taking advantage of democratic Taiwan's freedom, diversity, and openness to recruit gangs, the media, commentators, political parties, and even active-duty and retired members of the armed forces and police to carry out actions to divide, destroy, and subvert us from within," Lai said in a televised speech to the nation.

Philip Yu, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council who is a retired rear admiral in the US Navy, told RFE/RL that "among the many lessons that Ukraine can offer Taiwan is the importance of protection of critical infrastructures, along with civil defense preparedness."

While the early days of Moscow's full-scale invasion saw scenes of Russian tanks pushing towards Kyiv, a crisis around Taiwan could come in a variety of forms.

Taiwanese policymakers must contend with deterring an outright invasion of Taiwan, but China could also launch a blockade of the island designed to choke off trade and supplies until it submits to Beijing.

Another scenario would be what security analysts called a quarantine, which means that China could restrict air and maritime traffic into Taiwan and tighten its control over the flow of commerce using its coast guard and other law-enforcement forces, rather than its military.

Such a move could lead to difficulties in mobilizing international support for Taiwan and leave the island vulnerable before a response could be launched.

"As an island nation reliant on maritime imports for about 97 percent of its energy needs, Taiwan faces acute risks and vulnerabilities," Yu said.

What's Taiwan's Strategy For Trump?

Trump has yet to detail his policy toward Taiwan and has said that he won't state whether he would send US forces to defend Taiwan in a crisis or not.

On the campaign trail, Trump also called for Taiwan to spend more on its own defense - even saying that it should be spending 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) - and the island has taken notice.

Taiwan has increased its military spending in recent years and extended the duration of mandatory military service to one year from four months. But military spending currently sits at 2.45 percent of GDP and Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai said that raising the island's defense spending to 10 percent of gross domestic product was infeasible.

Adding to that pressure is that Taiwan's opposition-controlled legislature approved cuts to government spending in January, complicating the path for bigger military-spending increases.

Against that backdrop, Taiwan's government is looking to head off any newfound skepticism out of Washington.

As ways to appeal to Trump's dealmaking, Taipei continues to hint at big-ticket weapons purchase plans, and the possibility of boosting imports of gas from the United States is also being explored. Some researchers have argued that gas, which would require US ships and processing terminals, could offer Taiwan additional protection from Chinese interference.

But Taiwan's strongest card to play may be its strategic semiconductor industry. TSMC, which announced the large deal earlier this month, produces more than 90 percent of the world's advanced semiconductors, which power everything from smartphones and artificial intelligence to weapons.

Few industries are as critical - or as concentrated - as semiconductor manufacturing and TSMC and other Taiwanese chip makers have top US brands like Nvidia as their partners.

The recent $100 billion investment has faced some pushback at home, out of fears that moving more manufacturing to the United States could leave Taiwan vulnerable as its key role as a chipmaker for the global economy is seen by some analysts as a form of protection against a possible Chinese attack.

It's still unclear if TSMC will be making its most advanced chips in the United States or not, but Hsu, the former lawmaker, says that leveraging Taiwan's dominant position is the correct move to make.

"It's give-and-take. It's an important lesson for us to learn," Hsu said. "This is a different America than four years ago and it's certainly a different world than four years ago. We need to be pragmatic."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/lessons-ukraine-war-invasion- xi-putin/33347992.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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War in Ukraine - The arms and military equipment Germany is sending to Ukraine

Germany - Federal Government

Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.

Monday, 17 March 2025

This list provides an overview of military assistance provided by the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine. This military assistance is delivered in two different ways: on the one hand there are the Federal Government funds for security capacity building, which are used to finance deliveries of military equipment and other material from industry. On the other hand, there are deliveries from Federal Armed Forces stocks. In total, the Federal Republic of Germany has so far provided or committed for future years military assistance with a value of approximately 28 billion euro.

Funds for the security capacity building initiative in 2024 alone for military assistance to Ukraine amount to approximately 7.1 billion euro. From these also Germany's contributions to the European Peace Facility of the European Union (EPF) are financed. From the EPF expenditures for military assistance to Ukraine can be re-imbursed to EU member states1. In addition to that there are authorisations to enter commitments in the following years currently amounting to approximately 6 billion euro.

So far already approximately 5 billion euro (2023) and approximately 1.6 billion euro (2022) were spent on military assistance to Ukraine. Additional approximately 2.9 billion euro have been committed in the first two years of the war for deliveries, which will arrive only in the years 2025 to 2028.

Since the beginning of the Russian armed attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022 Germany has delivered material from Federal Armed Forces stocks amounting to approximately 5.2 billion euro reflecting estimated replacement values. Also, more than 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers have received military training in Germany. Expenses for this training so far amount to approximately 282 million euro. Additional expenses, not calculated here, result from medial treatment of injured soldiers.

Delivered military support to Ukraine:

(Changes compared to the previous update in bold)

Armoured fighting vehicles

203 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP)* (before: 179)

ammunition for main battle tank LEOPARD 1*

ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles MARDER*

103 main battle tanks LEOPARD 1 A5* with spare parts (joint project with Denmark)

ammunition for main battle tank LEOPARD 2 (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

140 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER with spare parts (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

78 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)*

11 All Terrain Tracked Carrier Warthog (command vehicle)*

158 MG3 for LEOPARD 2, MARDER and DACHS

5 All Terrain Tracked Carrier Warthog (repair and recovery vehicle)*

66 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC)*

18 LEOPARD 2 A 6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts (German share in joint project with further LEOPARD 2 operators)

50 MRAP vehicles DINGO

54 M113 armoured personnel carriers each with 2 MG and spare parts* (systems of Denmark, upgrades financed by Germany)

Air defence

60 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD with spare parts (before: 57)

292,000 rounds ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) (before: 282,000)

IRIS-T SLM missiles*

IRIS-T SLS missiles

6 air defence systems IRIS-T (SLM/SLS)*

12 Kinetic Defence Vehicle (Diehl Defence)*

4 PATRIOT launchers (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

16 air surveillance radar TRML-4D*

AIM-9L/I-1 Sidewinder missiles

Sea Sparrow missiles

3 air defence systems PATRIOT with spare parts

PATRIOT missiles

2 air defence systems SKYNEX with ammunition*

4,000 rounds practice ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns

500 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STINGER

2,700 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STRELA

Artillery

427,000 rounds 155mm ammunition (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) (before: 422,000)

23,000 rounds 122mm ammunition* (before: 21,000)

6 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway)

25 self-propelled howitzers Panzerhaubitze 2000 with spare parts (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

7 howitzer tubes M109 155mm*

21,000 rounds 155mm smoke/illuminating ammunition

ammunition for multiple rocket launchers MARS II

3 multiple rocket launchers HIMARS

155mm precision guided ammunition* (SMArt, VULCANO)

5 multiple rocket launchers MARS II with ammunition (German share in joint project with USA and Great Britain)

20 rocket launchers 70mm on pick-up trucks with rockets*

counter battery radar system COBRA*

10 laser target designators and portable fire control modules for VULCANO artillery ammunition*

Drones and anti-drone systems

549 reconnaissance drones VECTOR with spare parts* (before: 499)

30 tracked unmanned ground vehicles Gereon RCS*

49 drone detection systems * (before: 19)

900 strike drones HF-1*

684 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN*

211 reconnaissance drones SONGBIRD*

46 reconnaissance drones HORNET XR*

60 reconnaissance drones Golden Eagle*

2 reconnaissance drones VT-4 Rochen*

70 unmanned surface vessels*

200 mobile drone jammers*

88 anti-drone sensors and jammers*

70 frequency range extensions for anti-drone devices*

180 RF 360 fieldkits - drone detection systems*

93 drone sensors*

18 reconnaissance drones Primoco ONE*

1 LUNA NG reconnaissance system*

10 anti-drone guns*

12 electronic anti-drone devices*

Military Engineering Capabilities

61 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1 with spare parts* (before: 59)

200 portable mine clearing systems H-PEMBS* (before: 100)

79 mine ploughs* (before: 77)

material for explosive ordnance disposal (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

25 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems*

27 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER with spare parts*

90 mine detectors*

12 armoured engineer vehicles DACHS with spare parts*

6 High Mobility Engineer Excavators

22 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2 with spare parts*

500 tool kits with blasting material*

19 heavy and medium bridge systems and 12 trailers

5 bridges for bridge-laying tank BEAVER

2 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 3

12 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann*

Protective and Special Equipment

1,321 laser range finders * (before: 765)

255 infrared binoculars*

287 border protection vehicles* (before: 285)

230 field glasses*

15 air assault vehicles Caracal*

15 AMPS self-protection systems for helicopters*

45 underwater scooter*

52 mobile antenna mast systems*

82 ground surveillance radars*

58,000 combat helmets

331SatCom terminals*

750 night vision goggles*

IT equipment*

2,000 LED lamps*

84 outboard motors

400 IR cameras*

3 Satcom surveillance systems*

1 naval mine clearance system*

2,667 Crypto Phones*

90,600 safety glasses (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

1 PCB printer*

1 antenna hub station

1,288 binoculars

5 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE*

10 radio jammers*

40 laser target designators*

1 radio frequency system

3,000 field telephones with 5.000 cable reels and carrying straps

1 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems*

6 mobile decontamination vehicles HEP 70 including decontamination material

10 HMMWV (8x ground radar capability, 2x jamming/anti drone capability)*

1 high frequency unit with equipment*

Logistics

262 trucks Zetros*

78 tankers Zetros*

24 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh*

473 vehicles (trucks, minibuses, all-terrain vehicles) (from

Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

181 Pick-ups*

40 protected vehicles*

90 truck tractor trains 8x8 HX81 and 90 semi-trailers*

25 trucks MAN TGS*

40 load-handling trucks 8x8

34 load-handling trucks 15t*

6 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 21 roll of containers*

14 tracked and remote controlled infantry vehicles THeMIS*

Combat Readiness and Survivability

34,000 120mm mortar ammunition * (before: 26.000)

5,000 assault rifles MK 556* (before: 4,905)

4,750 assault rifles HK 416 * (before: 3.410)

1,420,000 first aid kits* (before: 655,000)

467,000 rounds ammunition 40mm*

450 machine guns MG5*

484 precision rifles HLR 338 with 314,000 rounds ammunition*

881 rifles CR 308*

73 assault rifles AK-47

more than 60 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

88.400 wool blankets

14,766 sleeping bags

343,400 tourniquets

370,000 chest seals*

19,480 anti-tank mines (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

220 grenade launchers GMG*

200 machine guns MG4*

emergency power generators

250 tents

1 million trauma bandages*

16,000 man-portable anti-tank weapons RGW 90*

3,500 pistols SFP9*

110 machine gun MG3 with 500 spare barrels and breechblocks

2 field hospitals*

93,000 smoke grenades*

100,000 m detonating cord and 115.000 detonators

rescue boats*

6.132 camouflage nets (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

6,000 ponchos*

450 snow chains

205,000 single module group rations

medical material

10 All Terrain Tracked Carrier Warthog (ambulance)

49 ambulances*

30,000 winter clothing sets

27,477 backpacks

1,202 Infusion kits

8 dental sterilizers

2 hangar tents*

8 lift trucks*

295 generators

168 mobile heating systems*

Mi-24 spare parts*

spare parts for heavy machine gun M2

116,000 winter jackets

80,000 winter trousers

240,000 winter hats

320,000 pre-packaged military Meals Ready

67 fridges for medical material*

3,000 anti-tank weapons Panzerfaust 3 with 900 firing devices

50 Bunkerfaust with 15 firing devices

100,000 hand grenades

5,300 explosive charges

350,000 detonators

100 auto-injector devices

15 palettes military clothing

1,200 hospital beds

18 palettes medical material, 60 surgical lights

protective clothing, surgical masks

1 field hospital (project jointly financed with Estonia)*

Diesel and gasoline*

10 tons AdBlue*

500 medical gauzes*

MiG-29 spare parts*

Military support to Ukraine in planning/in execution

(due to security concerns, the Federal Government abstains from providing details on transportation modalities and dates until after handover)

Armoured fighting vehicles

25 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER*

9 AiTO30 FDC (wheeled infantry fighting vehicle RCT-30 with mobile fire direction center)*

221 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP)*

22 LEOPARD 1 A5 main battle tanks* (inter alia joint project with Denmark and the Netherlands)

ammunition for main battle tanks for LEOPARD 2*

ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles MARDER*

Air defence

2 PATRIOT launcher*

4 Kinetic Defence Vehicle (Diehl Defence)*

10 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD*

2 air defence systems SKYNEX with ammunition*

IRIS-T SLM/SLS missiles*

6 air defence systems IRIS-T (SLM/SLS)*

GEPARD ammunition*

Artillery

more than 200,000 projectiles 155mm*

54 wheeled self-propelled howitzers RCH 155*

19 self-propelled howitzers Panzerhaubitze 2000*

more than 100,000 projectiles 122mm*

10 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway)

Drones and counter-UAV systems

21 anti-drone sensors and jammers* (before: 11)

3,100 strike drones HF-1

21 reconnaissance drones VECTOR*

332 reconnaissance drones SONGBIRD*

40 drone detection systems*

Helicopter

6 Sea King Mk41 multi-role helicopters with spare parts

Military Engineering Capabilities

9 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2*

material for explosive ordnance disposal*

2 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann*

Protective and Special Equipment

279 laser range finders * (before: 23)

1,660 combat helmets*

4 AMPS self-protection systems for helicopters*

10,000 safety glasses*

10 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE*

113 border protection vehicles*

11 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems*

Logistics

20 Zetros refrigerator trucks*

1 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 7 roll of containers*

2 tractors and 4 trailers*

Combat Readiness and Survivability

84,000 rounds ammunition 40mm*

39 CR 308

1 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms*

3.420 anti-tank mines PARM*

16 precision rifles HLR 338*

11,000 man-portable anti-tank weapons*

* Deliveries from industry stocks financed by German funds for security capacity building. Some of the deliveries require upgrades or productions is ongoing; also training measures take place.

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Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the second anniversary of ICC's arrest warrant for Putin and Lvova-Belova

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

17.03.2025

Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the second anniversary of ICC's arrest warrant for Putin and Lvova-Belova.

"Today marks two years since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for the crime of deporting Ukrainian children to Russia and their illegal adoption. By now, Putin and his accomplices have deported tens of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia and Russia-occupied areas, robbing them of their childhood and systematically destroying their Ukrainian identity.

The arrest warrant by the ICC shows that the international community is condemning Russia's aggression and the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the course of the aggression, and demands that the perpetrators are brought to justice. There can be no peace as long as Ukrainian children remain in the hands of the aggressor. We must continue pressuring Russia on the international arena to stop its war machine and allow every single Ukrainian child to return home to their families. If these perpetrators escape without an appropriate punishment, it would only encourage future aggressors. I commend the International Criminal Court for its work and activities, including for issuing a warrant for Putin's arrest. It is a specific step, an example to follow, and countries should comply with it and cooperate with the court."

The International Criminal Court was established in The Hague on 17 July 1998 with the aim of processing the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Estonia is a state party and active supporter of the ICC since 2002.

On 17 March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued warrants for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for perpetrating the deportation of Ukrainian children and their illegal adoption. The warrant obligates all state parties to the ICC to detain Putin or Lvova-Belova and extradite them to the ICC if they enter their territory.

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Parliamentary Secretary Artjoms Ursulskis at the EU Foreign Affairs Council: further pressure must be exerted on Russia; EU sanctions policy has a significant impact on peace talks

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

17.03.2025

"Working together, we must do more and act faster to provide Ukraine with strong and comprehensive support and to give Ukraine a better position both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table, where Ukraine's biggest supporter, the EU, must also be present. The outcome of the war will affect the security situation across Europe and the transatlantic space, and EU unity is crucial at this time. We must continue to coordinate and communicate as actively as possible with the United States, our strategic ally. We must put even greater economic pressure on Russia, including strengthening sanctions - they are working, and the EU's sanctions policy against Russia has a significant impact on the peace process. We must also be able to finally find the ways and legal solutions for the confiscation of all the immobilised assets of the Russian Central Bank in order to channel them towards support and reconstruction of Ukraine. It is also necessary to significantly accelerate the process of Ukraine's accession to the EU, which is important for the security of both Ukraine and the EU," the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Ursulskis, underlined at the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Belgium, on 17 March 2025.

The members of the Foreign Affairs Council also expressed strong and unwavering support for faster progress with Ukraine's integration with the EU. Following the Foreign Affairs Council, a meeting on a more rapid eurointegration of Ukraine was also held in the NB6 format (the three Baltic states, Finland, Sweden and Denmark).

The Foreign Affairs Council took stock of progress with the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, the establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, and the EU's support for the Ukrainian civil society.

Work is currently underway on the 17th package of sanctions. Latvia's priorities lie with strengthening sanctions against the sectors that are still the largest sources of Russia's income - the energy, transport, and logistics sectors. Even broader sanctions against the shadow fleet ships must continue. Russia must also be denied any access to Western technologies.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also participated (remotely) in the EU Foreign Affairs Council discussion on Russia's aggression against Ukraine: "The war in Ukraine must be stopped immediately, while achieving a just solution. Ukraine's territorial integrity is a priority. The EU must definitely participate in peace talks and continue to put pressure on Russia. Increased military support for Ukraine is urgently needed straightaway."

Foreign Minister Sybiha offered thanks and expressed support for the initiative of the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas with the aim of providing increased military assistance to Ukraine. Artjoms Ursulskis emphasized that Latvia will continue to support Ukraine in accordance with the Latvia-Ukraine agreement on long-term support and security commitments signed in April 2024, which includes allocating at least 0.25% of GDP to military support at least until 2026. Support planned for 2025 amounts to approximately 110.94 million EUR.

In a discussion on relations between the EU and the U.S., ministers focused on the EU's foreign and security policy priorities and pursuing interests that are common with the U.S. administration, especially in the areas of trade and security. "The U.S. has been, and will remain the main strategic ally to the EU and Latvia. It is important to continue close transatlantic cooperation with the U.S. administration at all levels to promote support for Ukraine and constrain Russia. The EU must prove that it is a strong and resolute ally with a concrete plan and contribution - the EU must take the lead in its own security and defence by significantly increasing defence investments and developing its military industry," Parliamentary Secretary Ursulskis underlined.

The Foreign Affairs Council approved the inclusion of another legal entity in the sanctions regime against ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida. In a discussion on developments in the Middle East, ministers reviewed recent events in Syria, Iran's activities and the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, including the Gaza reconstruction plan prepared by the Arab States, the situation in the West Bank, and the EU's engagement in talks with the Palestinian Authority, through arranging a high-level dialogue at the April EU Foreign Affairs Council. As for the future sanction regime against Syria, in view of the recent mass killings of civilians in the coastal regions of Syria, easing sanctions is currently not on the agenda. On the whole, the meeting expressed support for a gradual approach, keeping the possibility of re-imposing sanctions in the event of backslide or lack of progress. It is also important to stop Russia's destabilizing activities in the region. The discussion on Iran covered the cases of detention of EU citizens in Iran, Iran's nuclear programme, regional influence, as well as the Iranian-Russian cooperation.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council was followed by the Ninth Brussels Conference, "Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition", with the aim of mobilising funds for the reconstruction of Syria and supporting Syria's neighbouring countries.

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Budrys in Brussels: there is no place for peace in Putin's imperialist plan

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2025-03-17

Today, on 17 March, in Brussels, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kestutis Budrys, is attending the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council's meeting, which focuses on urgent military support and security guarantees for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and ensuring the aggressor's accountability.

Before the meeting, the head of Lithuania's diplomacy told journalists that now is a strategic moment for Europe. Budrys believes the decisions of today will shape the security for tomorrow.

The Foreign Minister insisted that Ukraine is under pressure to make concessions, while Putin keeps coming up with new demands.

"Ukraine is being pressured to negotiate under any conditions, while from Putin we hear only demands that reveal his true intentions. There is no place for peace in Putin's imperialist plan. The Kremlin's actions speak louder than words," said Budrys.

According to the Minister, Europe, the US, and Ukraine must work together to achieve a just and lasting peace. Budrys identified five elements of the security guarantee package: military support, US-backed European troops in Ukraine, pressure on Russia through sanctions and confiscation of its frozen assets, ensuring the aggressor's accountability, including through reparations, and accelerating Ukraine's EU membership process.

The arrival and doorstep by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Kestutis Budrys: https://newsroom.consilium.europa.eu/events/20250317-foreign-affairs-council-march-2025/148146-doorstep-lt-budrys-20250317

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Trump administration to exit body probing 'aggression against Ukraine'

Iran Press TV

Monday, 17 March 2025 6:00 PM

The administration of US President Donald Trump is set to withdraw from a European body investigating the "aggression against Ukraine."

According to sources cited by the New York Times on Monday, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) will withdraw from the EU-led International Center for Prosecution of Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA).

The body has been established to investigate Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Iran for alleged crimes against Ukraine.

The Trump administration, which is aiming to normalize bilateral relations with Russia, decided to pull out of the center.

In regard to sealing a deal, Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, will likely hold talks Tuesday on how to reach a truce in Ukraine, according to US special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Trump's special envoy, who met with Putin for four hours on March 13 in Moscow, said on Sunday that he had arranged the talks between the two leaders.

In an interview with CNN, Witkoff said his meeting with the Russian leader had been "positive."

He said the talks were part of the administration's efforts to reach a quick ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

He claimed Putin, who he said shared the same "philosophy" as Trump, had categorically agreed on a ceasefire to end the Ukraine war.

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Trump Sets March 18 Call With Putin In Search Of Cease-Fire In Ukraine War

By RFE/RL March 17, 2025

US President Donald Trump said he plans to speak by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18 as he bids to bring about a cease-fire in the war in Ukraine that has drained both sides of soldiers and resources.

"I'll be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of work's been done over the weekend," Trump told reporters late on March 16 during a flight back to Washington from his resort in Florida.

"We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can't, but I think we have a very good chance," Trump said.

When asked about possible concessions that might be required to secure a cease-fire, Trump said that "we'll be talking about land. We'll be talking about power plants."

"I think we have a lot of it already discussed very much by both sides, Ukraine and Russia. We're already talking about that, dividing up certain assets."

The Kremlin did not immediately comment.

Trump has made a priority during the first months of his second term in office to bring about a cease-fire agreement in the three-year war in Ukraine.

After holding talks in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian and US officials announced on March 11 that Kyiv had agreed to a 30-day cease-fire proposal, contingent on Russia's agreement.

Moscow has so far reacted coolly to the idea, with Putin suggesting additional conditions, including a freeze on US weapons supplies to Kyiv.

Meanwhile, a top Russian official said Moscow will insist Ukraine not be allowed to join NATO and remain "neutral" in any peace deal -- conditions Kyiv has long rejected.

One of the Kremlin's original grievances in justifying its February 2022 invasion continues to be one of Kyiv's central demands: NATO membership.

On March 14, Putin had said any agreement should lead to long-term peace that addresses the "root" reasons for the war -- an apparent reference to NATO expansion and other developments Putin claims have put Russia's security in jeopardy.

In remarks published on March 17, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko told the Russian daily Izvestia that "we will demand that ironclad security guarantees become part of this agreement."

"Part of these guarantees should be the neutral status of Ukraine, the refusal of NATO countries to accept it into the alliance," he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has often stressed that for Kyiv to accept any peace deal it must come with security guarantees for Ukraine from its Western partners, including eventual NATO membership.

"I have insisted [on Ukraine's membership in] NATO, but you know what the answers have been," he said in February, suggesting that the path to joining the Western military alliance remains obstructed.

On March 16, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a CBS interview that a final peace accord would "involve a lot of hard work, concessions from both Russia and Ukraine," adding that it would be difficult to even start such talks "as long as they're shooting at each other."

Separately in March 17, French President Emmanuel Macron and new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met in Paris and "reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia's unjustifiable war of aggression," according to a joint statement.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy on March 16 shook up his military leadership, appointing Major General Andriy Hnatov as Ukraine's new chief of the General Staff, replacing Lieutenant-General Anatoliy Barhilevych, as Kyiv looks to speed the pace of reform and reorganization.

"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," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said

The statement said Barhilevych, who was appointed to the post in February 2024, will now serve as inspector general of the Defense Ministry. Barhilevych replaced Lieutenant General Serhiy Shaptala when he took the post on the General Staff in 2024.

On the battlefield, Russian forces launched what appeared to be a major drone strike on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on March 16 as explosions were heard in various districts.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said air-defense units were attempting to knock out the drones and warned residents to "stay in shelters."

In the Sumy region, authorities said one person was killed and two injured when explosive devices dropped from a Russian drone and mortar fire hit an apartment building in the Bilopillia community.

In Russia's Kursk region, Russian forces continued their drive to force Ukrainian troops from territory they had captured in a stunning cross-border offensive last August.

Latest estimates put the area under Ukrainian control at about 110 square kilometers, down from a peak of nearly 1,400 square kilometers last year. Fierce battles raged in the region, making it difficult to confirm any claims by either side.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-zelenskyy- trump-putin-witkoff-rubio-kursk-hnatov/33350113.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Andriy Yermak Discusses Peace Negotiation Process with Civil Society Representatives

President of Ukraine

17 March 2025 - 23:23

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting with representatives of civil society organizations to discuss the negotiation process for achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Andriy Yermak briefed the representatives of civil society on a constructive meeting between the Ukrainian and U.S. delegations in Jeddah.

"It was a great working meeting in a spirit of partnership, where we discussed concrete and substantive issues," he noted.

In particular, Ukraine supported the U.S. proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and proposed, as one of the first steps toward peace, the POW exchange, the release of civilians, and the return of Ukrainian children. This would serve as a demonstration of Russia's genuine willingness to engage in negotiations.

According to the Head of the Presidential Office, expert work is now crucial, particularly regarding the monitoring of the ceasefire regime.

He also emphasized Ukraine's "red lines." According to him, Ukraine does not discuss neutral status or the reduction of its Armed Forces. Ukraine will never recognize any temporarily occupied territories as Russian. Additionally, clear and effective security guarantees remain a matter of utmost importance.

Andriy Yermak and the meeting participants also discussed the further reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The meeting was attended by Oleksandr Sushko, Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation; Alyona Getmanchuk, Director of the New Europe Center; Hanna Hopko, Chairwoman of the Board of the National Interests Advocacy Network ANTS; Maria Berlinska, Head of the Victory Drones project for strengthening Ukraine's security and defense forces; Lyuba Shipovich, President of the Dignitas Charitable Fund; Mykola Bielieskov, Senior Analyst at the Come Back Alive Foundation and Chief Consultant at the National Institute for Strategic Studies; Oleh Honcharuk, Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a participant in the Russia-Ukraine War; Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the Center for Civil Liberties.

Also participating in the discussion were Pavlo Palisa and Ihor Brusylo, Deputy Heads of the Office of the President; Olha Kobylynska (Reshetylova), Presidential Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel; Yulia Marushevska, Head of the Office for Support of Changes at the Ministry of Defense; Kateryna Chernogorenko, Deputy Minister of Defense for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitalization; Anna Gvozdiar, Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries; Oleksandr Karasevych, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

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Presidents of Ukraine and France Coordinate Positions to Advance a Just and Lasting Peace

President of Ukraine

17 March 2025 - 22:12

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron to coordinate their positions.

The Ukrainian President expressed gratitude for France's support and joint efforts in achieving a just and lasting peace.

The parties specifically discussed the outcomes of the online meeting of leaders regarding support for Ukraine, held on Saturday under the joint chairmanship of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. The Presidents of Ukraine and France noted that the number of countries willing to contribute to advancing peace is growing.

A separate topic of discussion was the U.S. proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine immediately agreed to it, but for its implementation to begin, Russia must stop setting conditions.

Additionally, the leaders paid special attention to the work of their teams on formulating clear security guarantees. Ukraine supports France's position on this matter.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron also coordinated their next steps and contacts with partners.

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There Is Good News Regarding Long-Range Drones: Our 3,000-Kilometer-Range Drone Has Successfully Passed Testing - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

17 March 2025 - 20:49

I wish you health, dear Ukrainians!

Today, I held a Staff Meeting. Several issues were discussed, but the key topic was drones - all types that we need. There is good news regarding long-range drones: our 3,000-kilometer-range drone has successfully passed testing. I am grateful to the developers and manufacturers. We are advancing a line of long-range capabilities that will help guarantee the security of our state. There was also a report on the use of Ukrainian missiles - the long Neptune, and we can say we are satisfied with the strike results. However, we need to produce more missiles, more drones, and this week, we will discuss this with our partners. Ukraine's defense production capacity, combined with partner investments - primarily from Europe - forms a reliable foundation for a new security architecture that will inevitably be established on our continent. There is no alternative to this. Security is essential, and it is only a matter of time before everyone on the continent realizes that the old security architecture will no longer work. New solutions are needed. Sufficient modern technological weaponry. Sufficient defense spending. Sufficient investment in defense production. And most importantly - motivation. Motivation to defend one's home. And this means contingents that have relevant combat experience, and that are trained by those who have already gained such experience.

Today, I held a meeting with the new Chief of the General Staff, Andriy Hnatov - together with Ukraine's Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, we outlined the top priorities. In particular, this concerns the corps system, which must be implemented as quickly as possible. In the near future, there will also be meetings with partners in Europe - specifically to work out the practical details of the future security system in Europe and the partner contingents ready to help secure peace in Ukraine. I expect a report from the Defense Minister on our preparations for these meetings. I also spoke today with President Macron of France. We coordinated our positions - both ahead of the conversation between President Trump and Putin and the upcoming meetings in Europe. I want to thank Emmanuel and all of France for their support.

It is very important that tomorrow marks one week since the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the sky, at sea, and on the front lines has been on the table. The implementation of this proposal could have begun long ago. Every day in wartime is a matter of human lives. Now, almost a week later, it's clear to everyone in the world - even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years - that it is Putin who continues to drag out this war. For a week now, Putin has been unable to squeeze out 'yes' to the ceasefire proposal. He's saying whatever he wants, but not what the whole world wants to hear. The unconditional ceasefire proposal is essentially about saving lives, allowing diplomats to work on ensuring security and a lasting peace - the proposal that Russia is ignoring. Pressure is needed to finally make Moscow accept that their war must be brought to an end.

Today, I also spoke with Argentine President Javier Milei. I informed him about the situation on the front line and in the negotiations. I told him that we are close to taking the first steps toward ending the war. And I called for Argentina's voice to be heard confidently enough, as always, for the sake of peace.

And one more thing - about our life, our future, which will be secured despite everything Russia is trying to do to our country. Ukraine will preserve its independence. We will provide everything necessary for the development of our country and our people. I thank everyone who is already working toward this - for the sake of our resilience, Ukraine's progress, Ukrainian education, and Ukrainian children. Today, together with the First Lady, I took part in the opening of the Mathematics Museum here in Kyiv - a modern, specialized educational space. And it is a task for the Ministry of Education, the Government as a whole, and regional authorities - to take this example of an educational space and expand it across the regions. Such opportunities and spaces should not be limited to Kyiv alone. Children across Ukraine need equal access to education and all educational opportunities. Right now, in wartime conditions, this is extremely difficult - but achievable. And after the war, it must be ensured even more so. I am grateful to everyone who advances science and education in Ukraine. To all who develop new educational initiatives and keep our entire educational infrastructure running. Teachers in schools, professors in universities, founders and staff of all Ukrainian educational projects - I am grateful to you! And we will certainly continue to support teachers, education, and new educational projects in Ukraine. Life must prevail. A just peace must be achieved.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Holds Phone Conversation with Javier Milei

President of Ukraine

17 March 2025 - 19:41

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with President of Argentina Javier Milei.

The Ukrainian President expressed his condolences to Javier Milei and the people of Argentina over the flooding that claimed 16 lives and left thousands of families homeless. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine stands ready to help Argentina in protecting lives and providing any necessary assistance.

The President thanked Argentina for its support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and briefed Javier Milei on joint efforts with partners to achieve a just and lasting peace.

In particular, he shared the details of the March 11 meeting between Ukrainian and American teams in Jeddah, where Ukraine supported the U.S. proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. However, Russia is now setting conditions and, in fact, rejecting this proposal. Ukraine is counting on Javier Milei's voice to help bring peace closer.

The leaders of Ukraine and Argentina also discussed the development of bilateral relations, particularly trade and economic cooperation.

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Andriy Yermak Meets with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization

President of Ukraine

17 March 2025 - 18:10

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met with Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization Arsenio Dominguez. Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva also participated in the meeting.

Andriy Yermak thanked the IMO for its support of Ukraine in the face of Russia's full-scale invasion.

"The International Maritime Organization has always stood by the principles of international law. This is extremely important for us. We highly appreciate your position," he emphasized.

The Head of the President's Office informed Arsenio Dominguez about the agreements reached between the Ukrainian and American delegations in Jeddah, particularly regarding a 30-day ceasefire. He noted that Ukraine expects IMO's assistance in monitoring the ceasefire at sea and ensuring free navigation.

Andriy Yermak also highlighted the continuous Russian attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure in the Odesa region. He stressed that Russia's strikes destabilize global supply chains and threaten food security. He called on the IMO to regularly inform the world about Russia's crimes against Ukraine's port infrastructure.

Additionally, Andriy Yermak called for the implementation of stricter measures to counter Russia's shadow fleet.

The parties also discussed the functioning of the Black Sea "grain corridor" amid ongoing attacks by the aggressor state.

Arsenio Dominguez reaffirmed that the IMO would continue to uphold the principles of free navigation and the safety of crews in the Black Sea.

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Andriy Yermak Met with the Head of the Federal Chancellery of Germany

President of Ukraine

17 March 2025 - 12:11

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, met with the Head of the Federal Chancellery and Federal Minister for Special Tasks of Germany, Wolfgang Schmidt. Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Ihor Zhovkva, also took part in the meeting.

Andriy Yermak expressed gratitude for Germany's support in countering Russian aggression, particularly highlighting the Federal Republic of Germany's leadership in Europe in providing military assistance.

The Head of the Presidential Office outlined the results of the meeting with the U.S. delegation in Jeddah. According to him, coordination efforts are ongoing to establish a 30-day ceasefire, agree on an effective mechanism to monitor its observance, and develop security guarantees.

Andriy Yermak emphasized that Ukraine's "red lines" include the refusal to recognize Ukraine's territories occupied by Russia, reduction in the size of the army, and neutral status.

"Ukraine wants peace more than anyone. But we cannot accept peace at any cost. We will not agree to any compromises that are not supported by Ukrainian society. Ukrainians support the idea of an interim ceasefire but will not accept a frozen conflict without security guarantees," the Head of the Presidential Office noted.

He also expressed hope for continued support from Germany.

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What Will Trump's Game Plan Be In High-Stakes Call With Putin?

By Todd Prince March 18, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Mainstream Washington has often fretted over encounters between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin.

The US leader has shown an affinity for the authoritarian Kremlin ruler that has stumped critics and even some allies, leading many to wonder whether the crafty former KGB colonel may use flattery and other means to get his way on issues.

Now, as Trump prepares to speak with Putin in a high-stakes call on March 18 about ending the war in Ukraine, the world is waiting to see whether he will stand his ground and demand an unconditional temporary cease-fire or acquiesce to some Russian demands.

For Ukraine, much is at stake, including its territorial integrity.

"It is important that President Trump stick to his guns and insist on a clean cease-fire. And if the Russians don't, he needs to be ready to implement the promises he made to increase pressure on Moscow," John Hardie, the deputy director of the Russian Program at Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told RFE/RL.

Ukraine on March 11 accepted Trump's proposal for a 30-day, unconditional cease-fire, putting the ball for halting the more than three-year full-scale war squarely in Putin's court.

In a news conference in Moscow three days later, the Russian leader sought to politely punt the ball over to Trump, telling the world that while he agreed with the US president's proposal in principle, he wanted certain issues addressed before agreeing to any deal.

Putin said he is concerned Ukraine could use the pause in fighting to mobilize, train, and rearm at a time when his forces have the advantage on the battlefield.

He also questioned how the more than 1,000-kilometer front would be monitored during a cease-fire and wanted peace talks to consider the "reality on the ground," namely Russia's control of Ukrainian land.

Experts have been warning for some time that Putin is only interested in ending the war on his terms, including fully occupying four Ukrainian territories Russia claims to have annexed in 2022, disarming Kyiv, and keeping the country out of NATO.

Trump has made ending the war as soon as possible a top priority for his administration and, with Moscow and Kyiv so far apart in their demands, some fear Trump could pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make more compromises than Putin.

Prior to starting cease-fire talks, the US president said he objected to Ukraine's NATO membership and said Kyiv will have to forfeit land -- seemingly conceding to Putin on two key demands -- though Trump has not agreed to them as a precondition for the cease-fire deal.

The Russian leader believes he is winning the war and that time is on his side, so he will seek to drag out talks on a cease-fire rather than reject the proposal outright so as not to irritate Trump, experts have said.

Nonetheless, Trump has expressed optimism about the upcoming call, telling reporters late on March 16 that "a lot of work's been done over the weekend" to achieve a cease-fire.

Trump dispatched his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow to meet with Putin last week in preparation for the March 18 call.

Trump said he would be discussing with Putin both "land" and "power plants," the latter a possible reference to Europe's largest nuclear power plant that Russia controls in Ukraine.

"I think we have a lot of it already discussed very much by both sides, Ukraine and Russia. We're already talking about that, dividing up certain assets," Trump said.

"I think we have a very good chance" to bring the war to an end, he said.

John Herbst, the former ambassador to Ukraine from 2003-06 and an analyst at Atlantic Council, told RFE/RL that the rhetoric coming from the Kremlin doesn't jibe with the upbeat view from the White House.

Russia hasn't given any signs it is ready to make concessions, Herbst said.

'A Good Thing'

Ian Bremmer, the founder of political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said in a March 17 video statement posted on X that Trump's push for a cease-fire was an "important thing to do" considering Ukraine's struggles on the battlefield

Russia has been on the march in eastern Ukraine since late 2023 -- following Ukraine's failed counteroffensive -- despite large-scale losses in men and material. With Russia possessing a significant manpower advantage, some military experts say they don't see a path for Ukraine to regain its territory.

"We would be better off today had [former President Joe] Biden been more willing to push Zelenskyy and push the European allies and show that America recognized that Ukraine was weakening in their position vis-a-vis Russia, and that the war was only leading to more expense and more lives being lost on both sides," Bremmer said.

Using Trump's terminology, Bremmer said the US president with the backing of allies holds the cards in these negotiations but cautioned that Putin can play a weak hand well.

Hardie shared that concern, saying Putin will try to use the call "to shape" Trump's views of the conflict with disinformation. He pointed out that Trump last week repeated Putin's exaggerated claim that Ukrainian forces in Kursk were surrounded by Russian forces.

It wasn't the first time that Trump uttered a Putin talking point following conversations with the Kremlin leader.

At the same time, Trump has also talked tough on Russia. He has threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on the country if the Kremlin did not agree to the cease-fire. But he has not publicly stated a time frame, giving the Kremlin some wiggle room to negotiate.

Chief among the tools in his box are oil sanctions, Hardie said.

Trump could lower the $60 price cap imposed by the US and EU in 2022 on Russian oil exports shipped using Western vessels or insurance. The US president could also sanction more of Russia's own oil tanker fleet. Oil exports fuel Russia's economy and defense spending, accounting for about a third of federal budget revenues.

Trump heavily criticized US military aid to Ukraine on the campaign trail, potentially limiting his ability to use weapon deliveries as leverage should Russia refuse the cease-fire proposal.

But Trump could tap the $3.8 billion for military support to Ukraine remaining from the $61 billion aid package passed last April, Hardie said. The US president could also structure aid as a loan, he said.

Trump has said he would impose sanctions and tariffs on Russia should the Kremlin not agree to a cease-fire. However, he never gave deadline for them to agree.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-russia-call-putin- ukraine-zelenskyy-ceasefire/33351268.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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TORONTO and PERTH, Western Australia, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

HIGHLIGHTS:

Cygnus strategy to create shareholder value by growing the overall Chibougamau Resources and upgrading more tonnes to Indicated category is delivering strong results

Recent infill drilling results at the Corner Bay deposit have reconciled positively with the model. Significant intersections include: 7.3m @ 3.1% CuEq from 492.2m (2.7% Cu, 0.5g/t Au & 9.7g/t Ag) (CB-24-104), Including 3.3m @ 5.6% CuEq

Corner Bay, which is the primary deposit at Chibougamau, has Indicated Mineral Resources of 2.7Mt at 2.9% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 5.9Mt at 3.6% CuEq 1

Corner Bay has also demonstrated resource growth potential with up to 9.7% CuEq intersected in Cygnus first drill hole of 7.3m @ 4.6% CuEq; This hole was outside the Corner Bay resource (see ASX release 23/01/25)

(see ASX release 23/01/25) At the new Colline target, recent exploration drilling intersected shallow mineralisation; First results include: 8.6m @ 2.3% CuEq from 95m (1.9% Cu, 0.3g/t Au & 19.0g/t Ag) (S3-25-002) Including 2.6m @ 4.4% CuEq and 2.2m @ 3.7% CuEq

Colline was identified as a priority target through Cygnus ongoing review of historic drill logs with last drilling occurring in 1987; Significant historic drill intersections from Colline, dating back as far as the 1950s, include: 14.9m @ 2.9% CuEq from 157.3m (DQ-35); 9.1m @ 3.5% CuEq from 56.4m (S-19); 11.1m @ 4.4% CuEq from 109.0m (S-13); and 6.1m @ 3.2% CuEq from 95.4m (S3-84-2).

Colline is completely outside existing mineral resources, sits less than 4km from the Chibougamau Processing Facility and highlights the potential to grow the high-grade Chibougamau Resource, comprised of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 3.6Mt at 3.0% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 7.2Mt at 3.8% CuEq1



______________________________

1 The Mineral Resource estimate at the Chibougamau Project is a foreign estimate prepared in accordance with CIM Standards and is not reported in accordance with the JORC Code. A competent person has not done sufficient work to classify the foreign estimate as a mineral resource in accordance with the JORC Code, and it is uncertain that following evaluation and/or further exploration work that the foreign estimate will be able to be reported as a mineral resource or ore reserve in accordance with the JORC Code.

Cygnus Executive Chairman David Southam said : This is just our second batch of drilling results at Chibougamau and the potential to grow is already clear.



The main Corner Bay deposit is demonstrating excellent continuity and grade as well as exploration upside, as shown by our earlier drilling results of up to 9.7% CuEq outside the resource.



Exploration has also delivered a new target with excellent results that are near-surface and within 4km of the 100 per cent-owned central processing facility.



The latest exploration results stem from the ongoing review of historic data, including drill logs that have not been looked at in over 30 years and never before in modern 3D software.



This makes it a highly efficient and effective way to establish new areas of mineralisation in this substantial mining camp. We look forward to uncovering more areas like Colline as part of our strategy to grow our high-grade copper-gold portfolio.



Cygnus Metals Limited (ASX: CY5; TSXV: CYG, OTCQB: CYGGF) (Cygnus or the Company) is pleased to announce more strong drill results from both infill and exploration drilling as the Company executes its resource growth and conversion strategy at the Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project in Quebec, Canada.

Latest results from infill drilling at Corner Bay include intervals of up to 5.6% CuEq and point to an updated resource classification. This is in addition to resource growth opportunities with up to 9.7% CuEq intersected in Cygnus first drill hole returned from outside the Corner Bay resource (see ASX release dated 23 January 2025).

Ongoing exploration drilling has also returned significant results from a new target area called Colline, with high grade results, some of which are less than 100m from surface. Results include up to 8.6m @ 2.3% CuEq from 95m with higher grade including intervals of 2.6m @ 4.4% CuEq and 2.2m @ 3.7% CuEq. Colline is located within 4km of the 100% owned central processing facility.

Drilling with two rigs is ongoing while follow up downhole electromagnetics (DHEM) is being utilised to define follow up targets.

About Infill Drilling Results at Corner Bay

Drilling at Corner Bay is targeting both resource conversion and resource growth opportunities. Recent results from Corner Bay are from infill drilling that targeted the southern extent of the upper main vein. Significant results from this drilling include:

7.3m @ 3.1% CuEq from 492.2m (2.7% Cu, 0.5g/t Au and 9.7g/t Ag) (CB-24-104); Including 3.3m @ 5.6% CuEq

from 492.2m (2.7% Cu, 0.5g/t Au and 9.7g/t Ag) (CB-24-104); 3.7m @ 2.7% CuEq from 390.4m (2.5% Cu, 0.2g/t Au and 8.5g/t Ag) (CB-24-105); Including 1.8m @ 3.3% CuEq and

from 390.4m (2.5% Cu, 0.2g/t Au and 8.5g/t Ag) (CB-24-105); 2.5m @ 3.2% CuEq from 572.5m (3.0% Cu, 0.1g/t Au and 10.9g/t Ag) (CB-24-103) Including 1.2m @ 5.0% CuEq

from 572.5m (3.0% Cu, 0.1g/t Au and 10.9g/t Ag) (CB-24-103)

Overall results have reconciled positively against the block model as well as improving an area of lower grade. These results and ongoing drilling highlight the potential to update the resource classification alongside increasing the global resource through exploration drilling.

Exploration upside was highlighted with the previously released first hole of the program (CB-24-100) intersecting a potential new subparallel lode with a high-grade drill result of 7.3m @ 4.6% CuEq (4.2% Cu, 0.3g/t Au & 16.6g/t Ag) from 317.1m, which includes 2.5m @ 9.7% CuEq (9.1% Cu, 0.5g/t Au & 31.4g/t Ag). Drilling at Corner Bay is ongoing executing this dual track growth strategy.





Figure 1: Location of Corner Bay recent drill results and new target Colline just 4km from the central Processing Facility with results of up to 8.6m @ 2.3% CuEq, less than 100m from surface.

About the Exploration Drilling Results at Colline

Colline was identified as a priority target at the Chibougamau Project with near-surface mineralisation identified during the ongoing review of historic hardcopy drill logs going back as far as the 1950s.2 The last time the area was drilled was in 1987, when copper prices were substantially less than today. Historically significant drill intersections include (refer Appendix C and ASX release dated 15 October 2024):

14.9m @ 2.9% CuEq from 157.3m (DQ-35);

from 157.3m (DQ-35); 9.1m @ 3.5% CuEq from 56.4m (S-19);

from 56.4m (S-19); 11.1m @ 4.4% CuEq from 109.0m (S-13); and

from 109.0m (S-13); and 6.1m @ 3.2% CuEq from 95.4m (S3-84-2).

The Colline area has never been mined and is outside the current Mineral Resources, presenting an opportunity for potential near-surface resource growth within 4km of the 100%-owned Chibougamau Processing Facility.

Cygnus recently completed a small, targeted drilling program aiming to confirm and extend at depth the historic mineralisation while also providing a platform for follow up DHEM. Results received to date from this program include the following significant intersections:

8.6m @ 2.3% CuEq from 95m (1.9% Cu, 0.3g/t Au,& 19.0g/t Ag) (S3-25-002) Including 2.6m @ 4.4% CuEq & 2.2m @ 3.7% CuEq

from 95m (1.9% Cu, 0.3g/t Au,& 19.0g/t Ag) (S3-25-002) 7.2m @ 1.5% CuEq from 269.4m (1.3% Cu, 0.2g/t Au & 6.7g/t Ag) (S3-25-005) Including 2.0m @ 2.6% CuEq

(1.3% Cu, 0.2g/t Au & 6.7g/t Ag) (S3-25-005)

These results confirm mineralisation to a depth of 250m below surface, remaining open, with assays pending for the remaining holes of the program. DHEM will now be applied to confirm further potential extensions at depth and provide follow up drill targets.

Ongoing Drilling

In line with the Companys growth strategy, drilling is continuing with two diamond drill rigs. This initial program is focussing on resource growth and conversion opportunities surrounding some of the existing deposits as well as brownfield exploration opportunities, aiming to build upon the existing high-grade mineral resources. The Company looks forward to a high volume of news flow during 2025 with ongoing drilling updates and results.

Figure 2: Results from Colline less than 100m from surface, with up to 8.6m @ 2.3% CuEq (refer Appendix B). Refer to Appendix C and ASX release dated 15 October 2024 for previously announced drilling results.

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Cygnus.

David Southam

Executive Chair

T: +61 8 6118 1627

E: info@cygnusmetals.com Ernest Mast

President & Managing Director

T: +1 647 921 0501

E: info@cygnusmetals.com Media:

Paul Armstrong

Read Corporate

T: +61 8 9388 1474



About Cygnus Metals

Cygnus Metals Limited (ASX: CY5, TSXV: CYG, OTCQB: CYGGF) is a diversified critical minerals exploration and development company with projects in Quebec, Canada and Western Australia. The Company is dedicated to advancing its Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project in Quebec with an aggressive exploration program to drive resource growth and develop a hub-and-spoke operation model with its centralised processing facility. In addition, Cygnus has quality lithium assets with significant exploration upside in the world-class James Bay district in Quebec, and REE and base metal projects in Western Australia. The Cygnus team has a proven track record of turning exploration success into production enterprises and creating shareholder value.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and projections regarding estimates, resources and reserves; planned production and operating costs profiles; planned capital requirements; and planned strategies and corporate objectives. Such forward looking statements/projections are estimates for discussion purposes only and should not be relied upon. They are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Cygnus control. Cygnus makes no representations and provides no warranties concerning the accuracy of the projections and disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements/projects based on new information, future events or otherwise except to the extent required by applicable laws. While the information contained in this release has been prepared in good faith, neither Cygnus or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors give any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information, opinions and conclusions contained in this release. Accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted by law, none of Cygnus, its directors, employees or agents, advisers, nor any other person accepts any liability whether direct or indirect, express or limited, contractual, tortuous, statutory or otherwise, in respect of the accuracy or completeness of the information or for any of the opinions contained in this release or for any errors, omissions or misstatements or for any loss, howsoever arising, from the use of this release.

End Notes

The Mineral Resource estimate at the Chibougamau Project is a foreign estimate prepared in accordance with CIM Standards. A competent person has not done sufficient work to classify the foreign estimate as a mineral resource in accordance with the JORC Code, and it is uncertain whether further evaluation and exploration will result in an estimate reportable under the JORC Code. Refer to Appendix D for a breakdown of the Mineral Resource Estimate. Sources for historical drilling at Colline: Diamond Drill Record. GM 00640-B, 1950. 75 pages and 13 plans by Dallaire, J.R.; Diamond Drill Sampling Record. GM 00971, 1952. 391 pages and 1 plan by Dallaire, J.R.; Journaux de Sondage au Diamant, Mines Northgate Inc. GM 46635, 1988. 116 pages and 2 plans by Gervais, D., Larouche, V., Blais, A., and Larouche, C.

Qualified Persons and Compliance Statements

The scientific and technical information in this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Mr Louis Beaupre, the Quebec Exploration Manager of Cygnus, a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The Exploration Results disclosed in this announcement are also based on and fairly represent information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr Beaupre. Mr Beaupre holds options in Cygnus. Mr Beaupre is a member of the Ordre des ingenieurs du Quebec (P. Eng.), a Registered Overseas Professional Organisation as defined in the ASX Listing Rules, and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity which has been undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Beaupre consents to the inclusion in this release of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which they appear.

The Company first announced the foreign estimate of mineralisation for the Chibougamau Project on 15 October 2024. The Company confirms that the supporting information included in the original announcement continues to apply and has not materially changed, notwithstanding the clarification announcement released by Cygnus on 28 January 2025 (Clarification). Cygnus confirms that (notwithstanding the Clarification) it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the original announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. Cygnus confirms that it is not in possession of any new information or data that materially impacts on the reliability of the estimates or Cygnus ability to verify the foreign estimates as mineral resources in accordance with the JORC Code. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.

The information in this announcement that relates to previously reported Exploration Results at the Companys projects has been previously released by Cygnus in ASX Announcements as noted in the text. Cygnus is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information in these announcements. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements.

Individual grades for the metals included in the metal equivalents calculation for the foreign estimate are in Appendix D of this release. Metal equivalents for the foreign estimate of mineralisation have been calculated at a copper price of US$8,750/t, gold price of US$2,350/oz, with copper equivalents calculated based on the formula CuEq (%) = Cu(%) + (Au (g/t) x 0.77258). Individual grades for the metals included in the metal equivalents calculation for the exploration results are in Appendices A, B and C of this release. Metal equivalents for exploration results have been calculated at a copper price of US$8,750/t, gold price of US$2,350/oz and silver price of US$25/oz, with copper equivalents calculated based on the formula CuEq(%) = Cu(%) + (Au(g/t) x 0.77258)+(Ag(g/t) x 0.00822). Metallurgical recovery factors have been applied to the copper equivalents calculations, with copper metallurgical recovery assumed at 95% and precious metal (gold and silver) metallurgical recovery assumed at 85% based upon historical production at the Chibougamau Processing Facility, and the metallurgical results contained in Cygnus announcement dated 28 January 2025. It is the Companys view that all elements in the copper equivalent calculations in respect of the foreign estimate and exploration results have a reasonable potential to be recovered and sold.

APPENDIX A  Significant Intersections from Recent Infill Drilling at Corner Bay

Coordinates given in UTM NAD83 (Zone 18). Intercept lengths may not add up due to rounding to appropriate reporting precision. Significant intersections to date reported above 1% Cu or 0.5g/t Au over widths of greater than 1m. True width estimated to be between 60-75% of downhole intersection.

Hole ID X Y Z Azi Dip Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) CuEq (%) CB-24-103 554721 5509893 398 115 -67 597 494.3 495.9 1.6 1.9 0.4 22.3 2.3 and 572.5 574.9 2.5 3.0 0.1 10.9 3.2 including 573.0 574.2 1.2 4.8 0.1 15.6 5.0 CB-24-104 554722 5509892 398 85 -69 603 492.2 499.5 7.3 2.7 0.5 9.7 3.1 including 493.0 496.3 3.3 4.7 1.0 18.3 5.6 CB-24-105 554726 5509910 398 103 -57 492 390.4 394.0 3.7 2.5 0.2 8.5 2.7 including 390.4 392.1 1.8 3.1 0.2 11.2 3.3 CB-24-106 554726 5509910 398 94 -63 540 412.5 414.4 1.9 0.1 2.0 6.8 2.1 and 421.4 423.0 1.7 2.7 0.3 8.7 3.0



APPENDIX B  Significant Intersections from Recent Exploration Drilling at Colline

Coordinates given in UTM NAD83 (Zone 18). Intercept lengths may not add up due to rounding to appropriate reporting precision. Significant intersections to date reported above 1% Cu or 0.5g/t Au over widths of greater than 1m. Cygnus has completed nine (9) holes totalling 2,896m. True width estimated to be 80% of downhole intersection.

Hole ID X Y Z Azi Dip Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) CuEq (%) S3-25-001 548851 5524583 368 50 -50 303.0 Pending Results S3-25-002 548851 5524583 379 20 -50 207.0 95.0 103.6 8.6 1.9 0.3 19.0 2.3 including 95.0 97.2 2.2 3.0 0.6 29.5 3.7 including 101.0 103.6 2.6 3.6 0.7 36.0 4.4 S3-25-003 548710 5524764 387 230 -50 252.0 Pending Results S3-25-004 548637 5524737 381 240 -50 210.0 Pending Results S3-25-005 548715 5524554 415 51 -53 354.8 269.4 276.6 7.2 1.3 0.2 6.7 1.5 including 273.6 275.6 2.0 2.4 0.1 12.5 2.6 S3-25-006 548715 5524554 415 50.5 -63 495.0 Pending Results











S3-25-007 548736 5524522 400 47 -51.5 381.0 S3-25-008 548736 5524522 400 47 -55 366.0 S3-25-009 549197 5524377 399 50 -50 327.0



APPENDIX C  Significant Intersections from Historic Drilling at Colline

Coordinates given in UTM NAD83 (Zone 18). Intercept lengths may not add up due to rounding to the appropriate reporting precision. Significant intersections reported above 1% copper or 0.5g/t gold over widths of greater than 1m.

Year Hole ID X Y Z Azi Dip Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) CuEq (%) 1955 DQ-35 548883 5524691 380 230 -75 184 157.3 172.2 14.9 1.5 1.8 0.1 2.9 1984 S3-84-2 548838 5524597 380 19 -59 108 95.4 101.5 6.1 0.5 3.5 0.0 3.2 1950 S-21 548884 5524690 376 193 -60 137 96.2 104.7 8.5 0.3 1.8 1.0 1.7 1955 DQ-26 548828 5524752 380 230 -58 158 117.3 130.4 13.1 0.1 0.9 0.1 0.9 1950 S-27 548851 5524574 376 15 -58 222 119.0 127.7 8.7 0.0 1.6 1.7 1.3 1955 DQ-32 548869 5524721 380 230 -44 115 101.5 109.4 7.9 0.1 1.5 0.5 1.3 1955 DQ-30 548869 5524735 380 230 -61 141 117.0 121.6 4.6 0.2 2.6 0.1 2.2 1984 S3-84-5 548967 5524415 380 2 -60 231 207.0 214.0 7.0 1.0 0.2 0.8 1.2 1950 DQ-4 548892 5524674 376 127 -73 169 105.8 109.0 3.2 0.3 2.8 1.1 2.5 1950 S-22 548884 5524690 376 233 -68 126 105.6 110.3 4.7 0.1 1.9 1.4 1.5 1950 S-10 548874 5524672 376 235 -45 78 64.0 67.1 3.0 0.6 1.7 0.3 1.9 1950 S-11 548815 5524707 379 210 -45 63 45.7 48.8 3.0 0.2 1.9 1.2 1.7 1955 DQ-33 548887 5524737 380 230 -68 211 181.7 184.7 3.0 0.0 1.0 0.5 1.1 1955 DQ-31 548876 5524685 380 230 -58 115 78.3 81.4 3.1 0.0 1.3 0.8 1.0 1950 S-23 548862 5524715 378 233 -70 154 134.1 137.2 3.0 0.0 1.3 0.0 1.0 1955 DQ-29 548867 5524677 380 230 -47 86 65.8 67.4 1.6 0.0 2.4 0.3 1.9 1986 S3-86-5 548867 5524773 378 200 -50 220 148.1 149.8 1.8 0.1 1.9 0.0 1.6



APPENDIX D  Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project  Foreign Mineral Resource Estimate Disclosures as at 30 March 2022

Deposit Category Tonnes (k) Cu Grade (%) Au Grade (g/t) Cu Metal (kt) Au Metal (koz) CuEq Grade (%) Corner Bay (2022)



Indicated 2,700 2.7 0.3 71 22 2.9 Inferred 5,900 3.4 0.3 201 51 3.6 Devlin (2022)











Measured 120 2.7 0.3 3 1 2.9 Indicated 660 2.1 0.2 14 4 2.3 Measured & Indicated 780 2.2 0.2 17 5 2.4 Inferred 480 1.8 0.2 9 3 2.0 Joe Mann (2022) Inferred 610 0.2 6.8 1 133 5.5 Cedar Bay (2018)



Indicated 130 1.6 9.4 2 39 8.9 Inferred 230 2.1 8.3 5 61 8.5 Total



Measured & Indicated 3,600 2.5 0.6 90 66 3.0 Inferred 7,200 3.0 1.1 216 248 3.8



APPENDIX E  2012 JORC Table 1

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Sampling techniques







Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. All drilling conducted by Cygnus Metals at the Chibougamau Project was completed under the supervision of a registered professional geologist as a Qualified Person (QP) who is responsible and accountable for the planning, execution, and supervision of all exploration activity as well as the implementation of quality assurance programs and reporting.

All Cygnus drilling reported is NQ size (47.8 mm diameter).

All historical drilling conducted at Chibougamau Project (as is standard practice in Quebec) was completed under the supervision of a registered professional geologist as a Qualified Person (QP) who is responsible and accountable for the planning, execution, and supervision of all exploration activity as well as the implementation of quality assurance programs and reporting.

Historic drilling at the Chibougamau Project is historical in nature dating back to the 1950s. All drilling was conducted using diamond drill rig with both BQ and NQ sized core. Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. All sample collection, core logging, and specific gravity determinations were completed by Cygnus Metals under the supervision of a professionally qualified registered geologist.

NQ core was marked for splitting during logging and is sawn using a diamond core saw with a mounted jig to assure the core is cut lengthwise into equal halves.

Half of the cut core is placed in clean individual plastic bags with the appropriate sample tag.

QA/QC is done in house by Cygnus Metals geologists with oversight from the Senior Geologist. The check samples (blanks and standards  4% of total samples with another 2% of core duplicates taken on half split core) that were inserted into the sample batches are verified against their certified values and are deemed a pass if they are within 3 standard deviations of the certified value. The duplicates are evaluated against each other to determine mineralization distribution (nugget). If there are large discrepancies in the check samples, then the entire batch is requested to be re-assayed. The samples are then placed in bags for shipment to the offsite laboratorys facility.

The remaining half of the core is retained and incorporated into Cygnuss secure, core library located on the property.

Due to the historic nature of the above reported historic results, detailed information about sample representivity is not available, therefore the data can be unreliable. Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report.



In cases where industry standard work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Industry standard sampling practices were used with sample lengths ranging from 0.3 m to 1.0 m and respected geological contacts. Sample tags were placed at the beginning of each sample interval and the tag numbers were recorded in an MS Excel database.

Sampling practice is considered to be appropriate to the geology and style of mineralisation.

Historic sampling was often conducted on smaller interval down to 0.1m, paper logs exist recording all requisite information. The sampling practice is considered to be appropriate to the geology and style of mineralisation. Drilling techniques Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). Diamond core was drilled using surface diamond rigs with industry recognised contractors Miikan Drilling. Miikan is a joint venture between Chibougamau Diamond Drilling Ltd., the First Nations community of Ouje-Bougoumou and the First Nations community of Mistissini both located in the Eeyou Istchee territory.

Drilling was conducted using NQ core size.

Directional surveys have been taken at 50m intervals.

All historic drilling conducted at the Chibougamau Project was conducted using diamond drill rig with both BQ and NQ sized core. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.



Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.



Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Diamond core recovery was measured for each run and calculated as a percentage of the drilled interval.

Overall, the core recoveries are excellent in the Chibougamau area. As a result, no bias exists. Logging







Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. All core was geologically and geotechnically logged. Lithology, veining, alteration and mineralisation are recorded in multiple tables of the drillhole database.

Historic drilling has been recorded on paper logs which have been scanned and digitised into MS Excel by Cygnus and other professional geologists. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. Geological logging of core is qualitative and descriptive in nature. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. 100% of the core has been logged. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.



If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry.



For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.



Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.



Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.



Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. The NQ diameter the core was sawn in half following a sample cutting line determined by geologists during logging and submitted for analysis on nominal 1m intervals or defined by geological boundaries determined by the logging geologist.

Each core sample is assigned a tag with a unique identifying number. Sample lengths are typically one metre but can be depending on zone mineralogy and boundaries.

This sampling technique is industry standard and deemed appropriate.

For historic drilling: the marked drill hole core sections were split using a hydraulic core splitter. Half core was put in plastic bags numbered on the outside with a pen marker. A sample tag was placed inside the bags and the bags were folded and stapled. The sample bags were then sent to the Copper Rand mine laboratory for analysis. The remaining core was retained for reference.

Samples sizes are considered appropriate to grain size of the materials being sampled. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests







The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. Sample (NQ size half core) preparation and fire assay analysis were done at Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd (BV) in Timmins, Ontario, and ICP-ES multi-elements analysis was done at BV in Vancouver, B.C.

Samples were weighed, dried, crushed to 70% passing 2 mm, split to 250 g, and pulverized to 85% passing 75 m.

Samples are fire assayed for gold (Au) (30 g) and multi-acid digestion ICP-ES finish, for 23 elements (including key elements Ag, Cu, Mo).

Samples assaying >10.0 g/t Au are re-analysed with a gravimetric finish using a 30 g charge. Samples assaying >10% Cu are re-analysed with a sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-ES analysis using a 0.25 g charge.

Historically, samples were delivered to the in-house laboratory at Copper Rand. Control samples were sent to an external laboratory. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. None used. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. At Bureau Veritas, laboratory QC procedures involve the use of internal certified reference material as assay standards, along with blanks, duplicates and replicates.

For historic assays completed at the on-site laboratory, samples were transferred into metal pans. Paper bags were prepared, and the sample numbers were recorded on them. The samples were crushed to -0.25 in (-6.35 mm) and split to keep 100 to 200g. Rejects were put back into the plastic bags and stored.

The split was pulverized with a disk pulverizer and the pulp was stored in the paper bag. A 5 g sample was weighed and put in a beaker. Trays of 35 beakers were used. The samples were dissolved using a mixture of 20 mL of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 10 mL of nitric acid. The trays were then heated for five minutes and left to sit and cool for 45 minutes.

The solution was vacuum filtered into Erlenmeyer flasks and levelled to 100 ml. The Erlenmeyer flasks were mixed for one minute. The solution was then placed into test tubes, 35 test tubes per tray, and diluted with water at a ratio of 1:15.

The test tubes were subjected to analysis by atomic absorption for copper, gold, and silver. Results were displayed on the screen of the atomic absorption analyzer. There was no electronic storage of results. Assay results were manually transcribed onto assay sheets by the operator. They were later entered into computer spreadsheets for further processing by the geology department. The handwritten assay sheets were archived in files at the laboratory. Verification of sampling and assaying











The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. Verification of sampling was made by Cygnus Metals and other professional consultant geologists.

Verification of historic original drillhole logs and assay data was made by Cygnus and other professional geologists. The use of twinned holes. No hole is twinned. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. All logging data was completed, core marked up, logging and sampling data was entered directly into the database.

The logged data is stored on the site server directly.

For historic log, all data is recorded on pdf reports much of which are filed with the Quebec government - Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests. Discuss any adjustment to assay data. There was no adjustment to the assay data. Location of data points







Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. The location of the drillholes and the aiming points for the orientation of the drillholes were indicated on the ground using identified stakes. The stakes marking the location of the drillholes were set up and located with a Garmin GPS model GPSmap 62s (4m accuracy).

Surveys are collected using a Reflex EZ-Shot single-shot electronic instrument with readings collected at intervals of approximately every 30 m downhole plus a reading at the bottom of the hole.

The location of the drillholes and the aiming points for the orientation of the drillholes are recorded on the historic drill logs and associated maps. Specification of the grid system used. The grid system used is UTM NAD83 (Zone 18).

Historically, the grid system used was the Copper Rand mine grid which has been converted to UTM NAD83 (Zone 18). Quality and adequacy of topographic control. A Digital Terrane Model (DTM) has been used to accurately plot the vertical position of the holes, which is considered to provide an adequate level of topographic control. Data spacing and distribution







Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. The drill spacing for recent drilling is considered appropriate for this type of exploration.

Due to the historic nature and mix of underground and surface drilling the drill hole spacing for historic drill results is highly variable. Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. No resource estimation is made. Whether sample compositing has been applied. No sample compositing has been applied. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure



Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. Recent drilling is orientated approximately at right angles to the currently interpreted strike of the known interpreted mineralisation.

Due to the historic nature and mix of underground and surface drilling the drill hole orientation for historic drill results is highly variable. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. No bias is considered to have been introduced by the existing sampling orientation. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. Core was placed in wooden core boxes close to the drill rig by the drilling contractor. The core was collected daily by the drilling contractor and delivered to the secure core logging facility. Access to the core logging facility is limited to Cygnus employees or designates.

Due to the historic nature of the above reported historic results detailed information about sample security is not available, therefore the data can be unreliable. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. No audits or reviews of sampling techniques or data have been undertaken, therefore information on audits or reviews is not yet available.



Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

Criteria JORC Code Explanation Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status



Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The data reported within this announcement is from the Chibougamau Project. The Chibougamau project consists of 3 properties which include: Copper Rand (1 mining license, 19 mining concession and 147 exploration claims) Corner Bay  Devlin (1 mining license, 111 exploration claims) Joe Mann (2 mining concessions, 74 exploration claims)

Copper Rand and Corner Bay  Devlin are held 100% by CBAY Minerals Inc (CBAY), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cygnus.

2732ha of the Joe Mann property is held by CBAY and 3,029.6ha held under a 65%/35% JV agreement with SOQUEM (35%).

The properties collectively making up the Project are in good standing based on the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (Ministere de lEnergie et des Ressources Naturelles) GESTIM claim management system of the Government of Quebec. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. All tenure is in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. The Chibougamau Copper and Gold project comprising Corner Bay, Devlin, Cedar Bay and Joe Mann has seen an extensive exploration history dating back to the early 1900s. The Preliminary Economic Assessment (as referred to in the Companys announcement of 15 October 2024) provides a detailed history of the exploration activities undertaken by previous explorers.

Corner Bay was first identified as a prospect in 1956 1956  1972 eight drilling programs totalling 1,463 m and various geophysical and electromagnetic (EM) surveys 1973  1981 Riocanex and Flanagan McAdam: ground geophysical surveys and 43 diamond drill holes 1982  1984 Riocanex and Corner Bay Exploration: 38 drill holes and metallurgical test work 1988  1991 Corner Bay Exploration: diamond drilling, geophysical surveys and geological characterisation with initial MRE 1992  1994 SOQUEM optioned and acquired a 30% interest, and completed diamond drilling 1994 Explorations Cache Inc and Resources MSV Inc: diamond drilling 2004  2006 GeoNova and MSV: 98 diamond drill holes and first Technical Report on the Corner Bay project reporting a MRE 2007  2009 Campbell: diamond drilling and bulk sample 2012 - 2019 CBAY / AmAuCu: diamond drilling and MRE

Devlin identified in 1972 by airborne survey flown by the MERN 1979  1981 diamond drilling, geophysical surveys 1981 development commenced

Joe Mann identified in 1950 with the commencement of mining activities occurring in 1956 The Joe Mann mine operated underground during three different periods from 1956 to 2007 In July 2012, Resources Jessie acquired the Joe Mann mine property, but conducted only surface exploration work

Cedar Bay was discovered prior to 1927 by Chibougamau McKenzie Mines Ltd From initial discovery to 2013 various surface and underground drilling campaigns and geophysical surveys undertaken by various companies

Colline was first discovered with mapping and sampling and then drilled in the 1950s with follow up drilling in 1955. In the1950s a shaft was sunk but the deposit was never mined. The deposit was later tested with three drillholes and six regional drillholes throughout two drilling campaigns in 1984 and 1986/87. Exploration at Colline has been halted historically with the discovery of and focus on other deposits in the region.

Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. Corner Bay and Devlin are located at the northeastern extremity of the Abitibi subprovince in the Superior province of the Canadian Shield and are examples of Chibougamau-type copper-gold deposits. The Abitibi subprovince is considered as one of the largest and best-preserved greenstone belts in the world and hosts numerous gold and base metal deposits.

The Corner Bay deposit is located on the southern flank of the Dore Lake Complex (DLC). It is hosted by a N 15 trending shear zone more or less continuous with a strong 75 to 85 dip towards the west. The host anorthosite rock is sheared and sericitized over widths of 2 m to 25 m. The deposit is cut by a diabase dyke and is limited to the north by a fault structure and to the south by the LaChib deformation zone.

The Corner Bay deposit consists of three main mineralized lodes (subparallel Main Lode 1 and Main Lode 2 above the dyke, and Main Lode below the dyke that make up the bulk of the deposit. The Corner Bay deposit has been traced over a strike length to over 1,100 m to a depth of 1,350 m and remains open at depth.

The mineralization is characterized by veins and/or lenses of massive to semi-massive sulphides associated with a brecciated to locally massive quartz-calcite material. The sulphide assemblage is composed of chalcopyrite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite with lesser amounts of molybdenite and sphalerite. Late remobilized quartz-chalcopyrite-pyrite veins occur in a wide halo around the main mineralization zones.

Devlin is a flat-lying, copper-rich lodes-hosted deposit in a polygenic igneous breccia that is less than 100 m from the surface. The tabular bodies have been modelled as four nearly horizontal lodes: a more continuous lower zone and three smaller lodes comprising the upper zone. Mineralization is reflected as a fracture zone often composed of two or more sulphide-quartz lodes and stringers. Thickness of the mineralized zones range from 0.5 m to 4.4 m. It has been diluted during modelling to reflect a minimum mining height of 1.8 m.

The Joe Mann deposit is characterized by east-west striking shear hosted lodes that extend beyond 1,000 m vertically with mineralization identified over a 3 km strike length. These shear zones form part of the Opawica-Guercheville deformation zone, a major deformation corridor cutting the mafic volcanic rocks of the Obatogamau Formation in the north part of the Caopatina Segment. The gabbro sill hosts the Main Zone and the West Zone at the mine, while the South Zone is found in the rhyolite. These three subvertical E-W (N275/85) ductile-brittle shear zones are sub-parallel to stratigraphy and to one another, with up to 140 m to 170 m of separation between them. These shear zones are hosted within a stratigraphic package composed of iron-magnesium (Fe-Mg) carbonate and sericite altered gabbro sills, sheared basalts, and intermediate to felsic tuffs intruded by various felsic intrusions. The Joe Mann gold mineralization is hosted by decimetre scale quartz-carbonate lodes (Dion and Guha 1988). The lodes are mineralized with pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite disposed in lens and lodelets parallel to schistosity, and occasionally visible gold. There are some other minor, mineralized structures, e.g., North and South-South Zones, with limited vertical and horizontal extensions. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes:

easting and northing of the drill hole collar

elevation or RL (Reduced Level  elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar

dip and azimuth of the hole

down hole length and interception depth

hole length. If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. All requisite drillhole information is tabulated elsewhere in this release. Refer Appendices A, B and C of the body text. Data aggregation methods







In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. For recent results and historic drilling at Corner Bay and Colline, drill hole intersections are reported above a lower cut-off grade of 1% copper or 0.5g/t gold over widths of greater than 1m. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. A maximum of 3m internal waste was allowed. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. Individual grades for the metals included in the metal equivalents calculation for the exploration results are in Appendices A, B and C of this release. Metal equivalents have been calculated at a copper price of US$8,750/t, gold price of US$2,350/oz and silver price of US$25/oz. Copper equivalent was calculated based on the formula CuEq(%) = Cu(%) + (Au(g/t) x 0.77258)+(Ag(g/t) x 0.00822) . Metallurgical recovery factors have been applied to the copper equivalents calculation, with copper metallurgical recovery assumed at 95% and precious metal (gold and silver) metallurgical recovery assumed at 85% based upon historical production at the Chibougamau Processing Facility and the metallurgical results contained in Cygnus announcement dated 28 January 2025. It is the Companys view that all elements in the copper equivalent calculations have a reasonable potential to be recovered and sold. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.



If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.



If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg down hole length, true width not known). All intersections reported in the body of this release are down hole.

For recent drill holes, holes are drilled as close to orthogonal to the plane of the mineralized lodes as possible.

For Corner Bay  true width is between 60-75% of the downhole intersection depending on the dip angle.

For Colline  true width is estimated to be 80% of the downhole intersection.

Due to the historic nature of drilling at Colline and variability of drilling orientation only. downhole length is reported and true width is not known. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported. These should include,but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. Refer Figure 1 and 2 in the body of the announcement.

Additional long section of Colline showing location of recent results and select historical drilling in Figure 3 below.

Plan map of infill drilling at Corner Bay in Figure 4 below. Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. Recent infill drilling at Corner Bay totals 4 holes for 2,232m. All results greater than 1% Cu or 0.5g/t Au have been reported at greater than 1m width.

Recent drilling at Colline totals 9 holes for 2,896m. All results greater than 1% Cu or 0.5g/t Au have been reported at greater than 1m width.

Historic drilling at Colline totals 46 holes for 8,508m. All results greater than 1% Cu or 0.5g/t Au have been reported at greater than 1m width. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples  size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. There is no other substantive exploration data. Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).



Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. The Company plans to conduct drill testing of additional mineralisation as well as step out drilling of existing lodes to further enhance the resources quoted in this release. More information is presented in the body of this report.

Diagrams in the main body of this release show areas of possible resource extension on existing lodes. The company continues to identify and assess multiple other target areas within the property boundary for additional resources.









Figure 3 - Additional long section of Colline showing location of recent results and select historical drilling





Figure 4 - Plan map of infill drilling at Corner Bay



Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f1312d86-4c5d-471d-a51e-28278158f314

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb01dd2c-0515-4144-a8ef-69ace8219d9e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc2600c5-1f2f-4e72-9064-abe787fe0954

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6214b08-c573-4361-b34e-e2a247120037
Eindhoven , March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wavesave, a Dutch leader in water management solutions, today announces a strategic expansion beyond its flagship Flood Control Solutions to include a complete suite of Drought Control Solutions, Data Analytics & Services, and Consultancy & Training.

Rooted in the Netherlands centuries-long tradition of water expertise, Wavesave broadened offering reflects the companys steadfast commitment to protecting communities against both floods and droughts while addressing the increasing challenges posed by global climate pressures.



Wavesave

Flood Control Remains at the Core

Flood Control Solutions continue to be the centerpiece of Wavesaves mission. The companys proven track record includes robust Flood Barriers and innovative Nature-Based Solutions that minimize damage in vulnerable coastal areas and river basins.

Drawing on the Dutch mastery of water management, celebrated worldwide for pioneering dike construction and advanced surge barriers, Wavesave remains at the forefront of protecting critical infrastructure and communities from devastating floods.

"Our flood defenses combine modern engineering with the expertise honed over generations in the Netherlands. We have always excelled at controlling water to prevent catastrophic floods. Now, we are applying that same innovative spirit to address drought challenges that are increasingly driven by climate pressures," says Omar Saleh, CEO of Wavesave.



Wavesave

Expanded Drought Control Solutions

Wavesaves new Drought Control Solutions directly address the growing threat of water scarcity. The portfolio now features Rainwater Harvesting, Water Storage Systems, and Irrigation Systems, all designed to help communities maintain reliable water supplies during prolonged dry periods.

"When we witnessed entire regions struggling with crop failures and dwindling water reserves, we recognized that our expertise could make a significant difference. By merging advanced engineering with efficient water collection, storage, and distribution methods, we are transforming a crisis into an opportunity for sustainable growth," explains Saleh.

Data Analytics and Services

Complementing its physical solutions, Wavesave extends its offerings into Data Analytics & Services through cutting-edge Data Collection Hardware and GIS Mapping Services. These tools provide crucial real-time insights that help stakeholders predict risks from floods and droughts and allocate resources effectively.

By delivering actionable data via satellite imagery and automated monitoring, Wavesave empowers governments, NGOs, and private organizations to take swift, informed action.

Consultancy and Training: End-to-End Support

Wavesaves integrated approach goes beyond supplying equipment. Through its Consultancy & Training Services, the company ensures that local teams acquire the skills to maintain and operate complex water management systems over the long term.

Wavesaves specialists provide Technical Consultancy, Project Management, and comprehensive on-site Training Programs, building local capacity that endures.

"True resilience is not just about deploying technology; it is about empowering communities. By training local stakeholders, we ensure that our solutions remain effective long after installation. This approach enables communities to manage their own water resources and adapt to the challenges brought about by climate pressures," adds Saleh.

Protecting Lives and Ecosystems

While the expanded portfolio marks a significant milestone, Wavesaves core mission remains unchanged: saving human and animal lives through sustainable water solutions. The company understands that water-related crises, whether from devastating floods or chronic droughts, can destabilize entire regions.

By offering a dual approach that both defends against excess water and ensures adequate supply during shortages, Wavesave creates a ripple effect of positive change across communities.



Wavesave

A Dutch Legacy with Global Impact

Wavesaves roots in the Netherlands underscore its reputation for water management excellence. Dutch engineers and hydrologists have long set the standard for effective water control, and Wavesave carries this tradition forward with innovative approaches spanning flood prevention and drought mitigation.

The companys dual focus, protecting communities from excessive water while ensuring reliable supply during dry periods, reinforces its mission to safeguard lives and promote environmental resilience amid a changing climate.

About Wavesave

Wavesave is a Netherlands-based company that delivers complete water management solutions. Originally known for its advanced flood control systems, like robust flood barriers and nature-inspired solutions, it has now expanded its expertise to address drought challenges.



Today, Wavesave offers innovative drought solutions such as rainwater harvesting, efficient water storage, smart irrigation systems, cutting-edge data analytics, and hands-on consultancy and training.



Committed to saving human and animal lives, Wavesave partners with governments, NGOs, and private organizations to create sustainable, community-centered water solutions.

Wavesave invites stakeholders, journalists, and organizations to learn more about its integrated water management solutions at https://wavesave.com. With cutting-edge expertise and a proactive response to global climate pressures, Wavesave stands ready to protect communities and ensure water security worldwide.

###

Media Contact

Omar Saleh, CEO Wavesave

Email: info@wavesave.com

Tel: +31 6 39 82 31 86

Website: https://wavesave.com





























Attachment
Sequana Medical Obtains Convertible Financing of EUR 4.0 Million from Major Shareholders and Committed Share Subscription Facility of up to EUR 60 Million from GEM

Continued support from major shareholders  new EUR 4.0 million convertible loan financing from Partners in Equity and EQT

Committed share subscription facility of up to EUR 60 million from GEM

New financing is combined with a restructuring of the Company's existing loans

Cash runway extended to the end of 2025 based on expected drawdowns of the initial EUR 20 million commitment under the committed share subscription facility

Ghent, Belgium  18 March 2025  Sequana Medical NV (Euronext Brussels: SEQUA) (the "Company" or "Sequana Medical"), a pioneer in the treatment of fluid overload in liver disease, heart failure and cancer, announces today that it has secured significant additional financing through (i) the granting of a new unsecured subordinated convertible loan of EUR 4.0 million (the "2025 Convertible Loan") by certain of its major shareholders, namely Partners in Equity V B.V. ("Partners in Equity") and EQT Health Economics 3 Cooperatief U.A. ("EQT"), and (ii) the entering into a share subscription facility agreement (the "Facility") with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS ("GEM") for up to EUR 20 million in cash (with Sequana Medical's option to increase the commitment to up to EUR 60 million in cash, once the aforementioned EUR 20 million has been drawn down) (the "Capital Commitment"). GEM is a USD 3.4 billion, Luxembourg based alternative investment group with offices in Paris, New York, and Bahamas. Pursuant to the Facility, GEM agreed to commit, subject to certain conditions, an amount up to the aforementioned Capital Commitment, within a maximum term of three years in exchange for new ordinary shares in Sequana Medical and subject to certain share lending arrangements being in place.

These financing arrangements are expected to extend the Company's cash runway to the end of 2025 based on expected drawdowns of the initial EUR 20 million Capital Commitment under the Facility. In addition, the Company agreed with its existing debt providers to restructure several features of the Company's debt, subject to certain conditions and as further described below.

Ian Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer of Sequana Medical, commented: "2025 is a landmark year for Sequana Medical with the US commercial launch of the alfapump planned for mid-Q3, following the FDA approval of our PMA for this breakthrough device in December 2024. We are very pleased with the strong feedback we have received from US hepatologists who are eager to offer the alfapump to their patients, and the potential that it offers to virtually eliminate the need for therapeutic paracentesis and transform their quality of life. Through this financing package, we have the platform to demonstrate the clear market opportunity for alfapump, and our ability to effectively access this through our small specialty commercial team targeting US liver transplant centers. We are delighted with the continued strong support from our key shareholders and lenders, as well as the new equity commitment from GEM."

About the unsecured investor financing of EUR 4.0 million

Under the 2025 Convertible Loan, Partners in Equity and EQT will grant a new unsecured subordinated convertible loan to the Company for an initial aggregate principal amount of EUR 4.0 million. In addition to the new EUR 4.0 million loan, any amounts owed by the Company to Partners in Equity and EQT as lenders under the convertible loan agreement entered into on 30 September 2024 between, among others, the Company as borrower and Partners in Equity and EQT as lenders (the "2024 Convertible Loan Agreement") will be rolled-over to the 2025 Convertible Loan together with, in accordance with the provisions of the 2024 Convertible Loan Agreement, a conversion fee of 33% on such amounts. Further, the other lenders under the 2024 Convertible Loan Agreement (the "Remaining 2024 CLA Lenders") will have the option to also accede to the 2025 Convertible Loan within 10 business days from the date of the 2025 Convertible Loan. In case a Remaining 2024 CLA Lender elects to accede to the 2025 Convertible Loan, any amounts owed to such Remaining 2024 CLA Lender plus a conversion fee of 33% on such amounts shall thus be rolled-over to the 2025 Convertible Loan Agreement. Any lender under the 2025 Convertible Loan may also at any time increase the amount of loan provided by it thereunder, up to an aggregate principal amount of new money under the 2025 Convertible Loan of EUR 14 million (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any amounts rolled over to the 2025 Convertible Loan Agreement (as described above) and excluding any interest compounded as from the date falling one business day after the date of 2025 Convertible Loan).

The principal amount and interest of the 2025 Convertible Loan can be converted (in whole or in part) by the lenders for new shares of the Company at any time before the 2025 Convertible Loan has been repaid, converted or settled, at a conversion price equal to the lower of (i) the arithmetic average of the daily volume weighted average trading price per share of the Company's shares traded on Euronext Brussels during the period of twenty (20) consecutive trading days ending on (and including) the third trading day before the date on which the Company has received the equity conversion exercise notice, minus a discount of 25%, and (ii) the issue price of the new shares issued by the Company at the occasion of the most recent future equity financing before receipt of the equity conversion exercise notice, minus a discount of 25%. A lender, however, cannot acquire more than 29.9% of the outstanding issued shares of the Company through an equity conversion.

If the Company enters into a new (subordinated) convertible loan which includes conversion or settlement rights equivalent to those under the 2025 Convertible Loan, each lender will be entitled to convert its 2025 Convertible Loan (in whole or in part) plus a conversion fee of 33% of all amounts owed under the 2025 Convertible Loan into the new (subordinated) convertible loan.

In addition, subject to certain conditions, following the hive-down of the DSR business into a separate entity set-up by the Company ("DSRCo") (which hive-down has already taken place) and in the event of a hive-down of the alfapump business into a separate entity to be set-up by the Company ("LiverCo"), if the Company obtains a potential equity investment or a convertible or exchangeable debt investment into LiverCo or DSRCo for an amount of at least EUR 15 million and EUR 7.5 million respectively (a "Hive-Down Future Investment"), each lender will have the possibility to have its loan repaid (in whole or in part) by means of a payment in kind, consisting of a transfer by the Company to the relevant lender of shares issued or to be issued by LiverCo or by DSRCo. The number of LiverCo or DSRCo shares to be transferred will be equal to (i) the relevant portion of the 2025 Convertible Loan to repaid in kind (in principal and interest), divided by (ii) the issue price of the new shares which are or will be issued by LiverCo or DSRCo at the occasion of the potential Hive-Down Future Investment, minus a discount of 25%.

Unless the 2025 Convertible Loan has been converted or repaid in kind as aforementioned, the respective loans of each lender will need to be repaid in cash in case of default or upon request subject to prior notice, provided, however, that a repayment request may only occur on or after the later of: (A) (x) the date falling one year after the date on which the hive-down of the alfapump business and the respective Hive-Down Future Investment has been completed; or (y) the date on which the Company and the lenders would determine, in good faith, that the Hive-Down of the alfapump business is not reasonably likely to occur; and (B) the date falling two years after the date of the 2025 Convertible Loan.

The 2025 Convertible Loan bears interest of 15% per annum, which shall be compounded on a monthly basis. In case of conversion or repayment in kind, the minimum amount to be converted for new shares or a new convertible loan will in any event be deemed to be 10% of the aggregate initial principal amount of the loans provided by the relevant lender (minus any compounded and accrued interest which has already been paid, converted or paid in kind to the relevant lender). The proceeds from the loan will be used to finance general working capital requirements (including, without limitation, the implementation of the relevant preparatory steps with respect to each Hive-Down).

About the GEM committed share subscription facility of up to EUR 60 million

The Capital Commitment will be released on the basis of drawdowns by the Company in the form of subscription request notices that the Company has the right to issue at its sole discretion. Each such subscription request notice shall require GEM, subject to certain conditions, to subscribe for new ordinary shares that are to be issued by the Company. The drawdown amount reflected in such subscription request notices will be determined by the Company in function of certain parameters such as the Company's trading volume during a certain lookback period preceding the relevant subscription request notice, and the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the relevant subscription request notice. The issue price of the new shares to be subscribed to by GEM upon settlement of a subscription request notice will be determined on the basis of 90% of the average volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares during a forward-looking pricing period (ranging between 1 and 20 consecutive trading days following the subscription request notice and ignoring certain knockout days), it being noted that such issue price shall not be lower than a floor price that can be set by the Company in the relevant subscription request notice (and which floor price may be different in each subscription request notice).

After the aforementioned pricing period, GEM will have to subscribe for a number of new ordinary shares ranging between a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 150% of the drawdown amount requested to be subscribed for by the Company (subject to certain corrections). GEM agreed not to hold an excess of 19.9% of the ordinary shares of Sequana Medical.

Existing shareholders Partners in Equity and LSP HEF Sequana Holding B.V. ("LSP") agreed to adhere to the Facility, and such lending shareholders will provide GEM a number of existing Sequana Medical shares for loan covering the draw down amount reflected in the relevant subscription notice request (the "Share Lending") and subject to certain additional and bilateral arrangements regarding the share lending arrangements provided for in the Facility and as set out in a share provision support agreement (the "Support Agreement"). The aforementioned lending shareholders are not compensated for providing the Share Lending to GEM, but related expenses will be covered by the Company.

In consideration for entering into the Facility, GEM is entitled to receive warrants (subscription rights) to subscribe for up to 2,620,000 new ordinary shares of the Company. The Company will seek the approval by an extraordinary shareholders' meeting ("EGM") to issue the warrants. The warrant will give GEM the right to subscribe for new shares of the Company at an exercise price per underlying ordinary share that shall be equal to the lower of (x) EUR 1.95, and (y) 117% of the average volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares during the 10 trading days preceding the date on which the warrants will be issued by the EGM. The warrants will have a term of three years as of issuance, will be immediately exercisable, and will be subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.

An affiliate of GEM is also entitled to a commitment fee of EUR 400,000, which will be settled in ordinary shares of the Company at an issue price that is equal to 90% of the average volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares during the 10 trading days preceding the trading day preceding the date on which the relevant ordinary shares will be issued. The relevant share issue will in principle occur on the business day prior to the settlement of the Company's first subscription request notice.

About the amendments to the existing loan agreements

Together with the entering into the 2025 Convertible Loan and the Facility, the Company also entered into an amendment agreement (the "Kreos Amendment Agreement") pursuant to which certain repayment and other terms of the EUR 10,000,000 loan with Kreos Capital VII (UK) Limited (together with its affiliates "Kreos", and such loan the "Kreos Loan")1 will be amended. The main amendments to the Kreos Loan can be summarised as follows (for information purposes):

All amortisation repayments required by the Company under the Kreos Loan will be postponed until 1 January 2026 (the " Amortisation Resumption Date "). On the Amortisation Resumption Date, payments shall resume in cash in full until the final repayment date of 1 April 2026 (the " Final Repayment Date ");

"). On the Amortisation Resumption Date, payments shall resume in cash in full until the final repayment date of 1 April 2026 (the " "); As from 1 April 2025 until the Amortisation Resumption Date, PIK interest will cease to apply, and cash interest will resume and will be due and payable each month at a rate of 11.5% per annum;

The (currently capitalising) restructuring fees (relating to the Kreos Loan amendments which occurred in February 2024 and October 2024) will be due on 1 January 2026;

The restructuring fee applicable to the current Kreos Amendment Agreement shall be paid by means of the retention by Kreos of the EUR 373,914.73 advanced payment deposit (which was provided to Kreos in lieu of an upfront fee and which was deducted from the first drawdown under the Kreos Loan), in order to limit the cash impact to the Company.

The Kreos Loan shall become 100% convertible (convertible at Kreos' discretion) under the same terms as the 2025 Convertible Loan.

The terms and conditions of the warrants that have been issued by the Company's extraordinary shareholders meeting of 20 December 2024 to the benefit of Kreos Capital VII Aggregator SCSp will not be amended.

The Company will also enter into amendments in relation to the EUR 4,300,000 partially convertible loan with PMV Standaardleningen NV (formerly known as PMV/z Leningen NV) ("PMV") (the "PMV Loan"). The main amendments to this loan consist of:

the extension of the final maturity date of the PMV Loan to 1 May 2026, it being understood that any and all outstanding amounts under the PMV Loan (in principal and accrued interest) shall be repaid (as a bullet payment) on 1 May 2026; and

a one-off restructuring fee of EUR 250,000, payable by the Company to PMV on 1 May 2026.

Based upon the expected drawdowns of the initial 20 EUR million Capital Commitment under the Facility, the Company forecasts this financing package will extend Sequana Medical's cash runway to the end of 2025, while continuing its search for future funding and assessment of potential other options. Sequana Medical has chosen this method of fundraising as it believes it provides flexibility in this crucial year that will be punctuated by major milestones, including the expected commencement of US commercialization in the second half of 2025 through a small specialty sales force that it will establish to target 90 US liver transplant centers.

Disclosures in accordance with Article 7:97, 4/1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code in relation to the Share Lending

The following information is provided, as far as needed and applicable, pursuant to Article 7:97, 4/1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code in connection with the aforementioned Share Lending by Partners in Equity and LSP, the related adherence to the Facility between the Company and GEM, and the entering into of certain bilateral arrangements in relation to the Share Lending between the Company, Partners in Equity and LSP through the Support Agreement.

Partners in Equity and LSP are shareholders of the Company and are represented on the board of directors of the Company. As a result, they could be considered as a "related party" within the meaning of the International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the European Union (IFRS), as referred to in Article 7:97 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code. In view hereof, the board of directors of the Company applied, as far as needed and applicable, the procedure of Article 7:97 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code in connection with the approval of the entering into of the Facility, and the adherence thereto by Partners in Equity and LSP (in the framework of the contemplated Share Lending), and the related entering into of the Support Agreement. Ids van der Weij (a director, representing Partners in Equity) and Rudy Dekeyser (a director, representing EQT/LSP) did not participate in the deliberation and voting by the board of directors in relation to the approval of the entering into of the Facility, and the adherence thereto by Partners in Equity and LSP (in the framework of the contemplated Share Lending), and the related entering into of the Support Agreement.

Within the context of the aforementioned procedure, prior to this announcement and the entering into of the Facility by the Company and GEM, and the adherence thereto by Partners in Equity and LSP, a committee of three independent directors of the Company (the "Committee") issued an advice to the board of directors in which the Committee assessed the entering into of the Facility, and the adherence thereto by Partners in Equity and LSP (in the framework of the contemplated Share Lending), and the related entering into of the Support Agreement. In its advice to the board of directors, the Committee concluded the following:

"The Committee believes that, under the current circumstances and considering the current immediate, short, and mid-term working capital needs of the Company, the contemplated entering into and execution of the SSFA, and the adherence thereto by PiE and LSP in the framework of the Share Lending (including the contemplated Capital Increases, the Share Lending, and the issuance of the GEM Warrants (although subject to shareholder approval) and the Commitment Fee Shares, which each form an integral part of the SSFA), as well as the contemplated entering into and execution of the related Support Agreement, are in the interest of the Company, its shareholders and other stakeholders.

While entailing additional and important potential dilution and value loss for the holders of shares and share options of the Company as a result of the different share issuances contemplated in the SSFA, and while the Investor's trading (in particular sales) in the Company's shares under the share subscription facility reflected in the SSFA may have a downward pressure on the trading price of the Company's shares on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels, ultimately the terms of the SSFA do not seem unreasonable and seem commensurate to the risks of investing in the Company taking into account the refinancing difficulties of the Company and the fact that the SSFA will allow the Company to access equity financing in a fast, flexible and efficient manner to fund its activities and its ongoing working capital requirements, while further assessing financing options and without the obligation for the Company to make use of the relevant share subscription facility. The Committee notes in this regard that if the Company is not able to raise further funding in order to address its funding requirements, the Company's going concern can no longer be guaranteed.

The Committee notes in particular that the Share Lending facility by PiE and LSP (who will not receive any compensation in this respect from the Company) will allow the Investor to hedge its risks against the amount that it has committed to subscribe to pursuant to the SSFA. Without the Share Lending facility and the willingness of PiE and LSP to adhere to the SSFA as Share Providers, the Investor would not have been willing to enter into the SSFA (as the Share Lending forms an integral part of the SSFA).

On balance, therefore, the Committee is of the opinion that the expected advantages of the contemplated entering into and execution of the SSFA, and the adherence thereto by PiE and LSP (in the framework of the Share Lending), and the related Support Agreement, currently exceed the expected risks and disadvantages thereof. Hence, the Committee believes that the SSFA and the adherence thereto by PiE and LSP (in the framework of the Share Lending) is in the interest of the Company, its shareholders and the other stakeholders, and that it is in any event not manifestly unlawful.

In view hereof, the Committee issues a favourable and unqualified opinion to the board of directors of the Company."

The Company's board of directors did not deviate from the Committee's favorable and unqualified conclusion. The Company's statutory auditor's assessment of the Committee's opinion and the minutes of the Company's meeting of the board of directors relating to the entering into of the Facility and the adherence thereto by Partners in Equity and LSP (in the framework of the contemplated Share Lending), and the entering into of the related Support Agreement, is as follows:

"Based on our assessment, nothing has come to our attention that leads us to believe that the financial and accounting information mentioned in the advice of the Ad Hoc Committee of independent directors dated 14 March 2025, and in the minutes of the meeting of the board of directors dated 14 March 2025, which justify the contemplated transaction in writing and in a comprehensive manner, are not, in all material respects, fair and consistent with the information available to us within the scope of our engagement. Our engagement was solely conducted within the framework of the provisions of article 7:97 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, and therefore our report cannot be used in any other context."

Disclosures in accordance with Article 7:97, 4/1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code in relation to the 2025 Convertible Loan

The following information is provided pursuant to Article 7:97, 4/1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code in connection with the 2025 Convertible Loan granted by Partners in Equity and EQT to the Company.

Partners in Equity and EQT are shareholders of the Company and are represented on the board of directors of the Company. As a result, each of them could be considered as a "related party" within the meaning of the International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the European Union (IFRS), as referred to in Article 7:97 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code. In view hereof, the board of directors of the Company applied the procedure of Article 7:97 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code in connection with the approval of the 2025 Convertible Loan. Ids van der Weij (a director, representing Partners in Equity) and Rudy Dekeyser (a director, representing EQT/LSP) did not participate in the deliberation and voting by the board of directors in relation to the approval of the entering into of the relevant loan agreements.

Within the context of the aforementioned procedure, prior to this announcement and the signing of the 2025 Convertible Loan documentation, a committee of three independent directors of the Company (the "Committee") issued an advice to the board of directors in which the Committee assessed the entering into of the 2025 Convertible Loan. In its advice to the board of directors, the Committee concluded the following:

"The Committee believes that, under the current circumstances and considering the current immediate working capital needs of the Company, the entering into and execution of the 2025 Convertible Loan Agreement is in the interest of the Company, its shareholders, and other stakeholders.

While subjecting the Company to increased debt, while entailing greater interest costs for the Company than the current financial indebtedness of the Company (other than the 2024 Convertible Loans), and while entailing additional and important potential dilution and/or value loss for the holders of shares and share options of the Company in case of settlement of the loans, ultimately the terms of the 2025 Convertible Loan Agreement do not seem unreasonable and seem commensurate to the risks of investing in the Company taking into account the refinancing difficulties of the Company. If the Company is not able to raise further funding in order to address its short term funding requirements, the Company's going concern can no longer be guaranteed.

As far as needed and applicable, the Committee has also taken into account the debt restructuring and the entering into of the Share Subscription Facility Agreement that will be announced together with the entering into of the 2025 Convertible Loan Agreement. The Committee believes that the 2025 Convertible Loan Agreement, the Share Subscription Facility Agreement, and the debt restructuring will allow the Company to extend the Company's cash runway and to strategically focus efforts and resources on raising additional and diversified equity or other financing and to implement remedial measures.

On balance, therefore, the Committee is of the opinion that the expected advantages of the entering into and execution of the 2025 Convertible Loan currently exceed the expected risks and disadvantages thereof. Hence, the Committee believes that the entering into and execution of the 2025 Convertible Loan Agreement is in the interest of the Company, its shareholders and the other stakeholders, and that it is in any event not manifestly unlawful.

In view hereof, the Committee issues a favourable and unqualified opinion to the board of directors of the Company."

The Company's board of directors did not deviate from the Committee's favorable and unqualified conclusion. The Company's statutory auditor's assessment of the Committee's opinion and the minutes of the Company's meeting of the board of directors relating to the entering into of the 2025 Convertible Loan, is as follows:

"Based on our assessment, nothing has come to our attention that leads us to believe that the financial and accounting information mentioned in the advice of the Ad Hoc Committee of independent directors dated 14 March 2025, and in the minutes of the meeting of the board of directors dated 14 March 2025, which justify the contemplated transaction in writing and in a comprehensive manner, are not, in all material respects, fair and consistent with the information available to us within the scope of our engagement. Our engagement was solely conducted within the framework of the provisions of article 7:97 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, and therefore our report cannot be used in any other context."

For more information, please contact:

Sequana Medical

Investor Relations

E: IR@sequanamedical.com

T: +44 (0) 797 342 9917

About Sequana Medical

Sequana Medical NV is a pioneer in treating fluid overload, a serious and frequent clinical complication in patients with liver disease, heart failure and cancer. This causes major medical issues including increased mortality, repeated hospitalizations, severe pain, difficulty breathing and restricted mobility. Although diuretics are standard of care, they become ineffective, intolerable or exacerbate the problem in many patients. There are limited effective treatment options, resulting in poor clinical outcomes, high costs and a major impact on their quality of life. Sequana Medical is seeking to provide innovative treatment options for this large and growing "diuretic resistant" patient population. alfapump and DSR are Sequana Medical's proprietary platforms that work with the body to treat diuretic-resistant fluid overload, and are intended to deliver major clinical and quality of life benefits for patients, while reducing costs for healthcare systems.

The Company received US FDA approval for the alfapump System for the treatment of recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis in December 2024, following the grant of FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2019. Sequana Medical intends to start US commercialisation early in the second half of 2025 through a small specialty salesforce that it will establish to target the 90 US liver transplant centers that perform 95% of liver transplants.

Results of the Company's RED DESERT and SAHARA proof-of-concept studies in heart failure published in European Journal of Heart Failure in April 2024 support DSR's mechanism of action as breaking the vicious cycle of cardiorenal syndrome. All three patients from the non-randomized cohort of MOJAVE, a US randomized controlled multi-center Phase 1/2a clinical study, have been successfully treated with DSR, resulting in a dramatic improvement in diuretic response and virtual elimination of loop diuretic requirements2.

Sequana Medical is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels (Ticker: SEQUA.BR) and headquartered in Ghent, Belgium. For further information, please visit www.sequanamedical.com.

Important Safety Information: For important safety information regarding the alfapump system, see https://www.sequanamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/ISI.pdf.

The alfapump System is currently not approved in Canada.

DSR therapy is still in development and is currently not approved in any country. The safety and effectiveness of DSR therapy have not been established.

Note: alfapump and DSR are registered trademarks.

Important Information

The information contained in this press release is for general information only and does not purport to be full or complete. This press release does not constitute, or form part of, an offer to sell or issue, or any solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for securities, and any purchase of, subscription for or application for, securities. This press release and the information contained herein are not for publication, distribution or release in, or into, directly or indirectly, the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa or any other jurisdiction where to do so would be prohibited by applicable law or require registration thereof in, such jurisdiction. Any persons reading this press release should inform themselves of and observe any such restrictions.

This press release is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. It does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities mentioned herein have not been registered and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 as amended or under the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States and may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in or to the United States, except in accordance with an applicable exemption from or through a transaction that is not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in accordance with the securities laws of the relevant state or other jurisdiction in the United States.

Furthermore, the securities mentioned in this press release have not been registered and will not be registered under any applicable securities law in Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa and may not (subject to certain exceptions) be offered or sold to or within, or on behalf of a person or for the benefit of a person who is registered, resident or located in, these countries.

The Company has not made and will not to make an offer of its securities to the public in Switzerland except that it may make an offer of securities to professional investors in Switzerland in accordance with and under the exemption of article 36(1)(a) of the Swiss Financial Services Act ("FinSA"). No application has been or will be made to admit the securities of the Company to trading on any trading venue (exchange or multilateral trading facility) in Switzerland. Neither this press release nor any of the other materials relating to the securities of the Company constitute a prospectus or a similar communication as such terms are understood pursuant to articles 35 et seqq. and article 69 of the FinSA.

This communication is not a prospectus for the purposes of Regulation 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, and repealing Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended, Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the delegated acts, implementing acts and technical standards thereunder as such legislation forms part of retained EU law as defined in the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018, or the FinSa. This communication cannot be used as basis for any investment agreement or decision. Acquiring investments to which this press release relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing the entire amount invested. Persons considering making such investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. This press release does not constitute a recommendation concerning the securities referred to herein.

No announcement or information regarding an offering, listing or securities of the Company may be disseminated to the public in jurisdictions where a prior registration or approval is required for such purpose. No steps have been taken, or will be taken, for an offering or listing of securities of the Company in any jurisdiction where such steps would be required. The issue, exercise, or sale of, and the subscription for or purchase of, securities of the Company are subject to special legal or statutory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. The Company is not liable if the aforementioned restrictions are not complied with by any person.

Any investment decision in connection with securities of the Company must be made on the basis of all publicly available information relating to the Company and its shares.

Forward-looking statements

This press release may contain predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements represent the current judgment of Sequana Medical on what the future holds, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Sequana Medical expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of Sequana Medical only as of the date of this press release.

1 BlackRock Inc. announced the completion of its acquisition of Kreos, a leading provider of growth and venture debt financing to companies in the technology and healthcare industries, on 2 August 2023.

2 Data reported in press release of March 25, 2024; mean increase of 326% in six-hour urinary sodium excretion at 3 months follow up vs baseline, and 95% reduction of loop diuretics over same period

Attachments
Austin, TX and Barcelona, Spain, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are disrupting business models and opening opportunities to drive cost-efficiencies and new revenue streams. However, few AI proof-of-concept projects actually make it to production because current software platforms lack the abstractions and building blocks to include AI components in production-grade applications in a way that is easy and scalable. Today, WSO2 is closing this gap with the next generation of its industry-leading, open-source platform, which has been reinvented for the AI era.

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AI is fundamentally changing the applications that enterprises are building, as well as how they are building them, said Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana, WSO2 founder and CEO. WSO2 is on a transformational journey across the company to help our customers use AI to boost their own productivity and deliver great digital experiences. As part of this journey, we are building on our commitment to open-source software, a key enabler of AI adoption. Were also investing in our team, and we are excited to have AI expert Rania Khalaf join WSO2 as Chief AI Officer to spearhead our company-wide strategy and roadmap for delivering on the promise of the AI era.

Supporting AI Across the Software Development Lifecycle

The modern application is AI native. The current software development lifecycle (SDLC) and software application stack are not, said Rania Khalaf WSO2 chief AI officer. What is happening is a fundamental co-evolution of bothat every level and stageas generative AI boosts developer productivity and pushes multi-modal understanding and synthesis deep into the development stack. WSO2 is positioned at the center of this shift with an open-source platform that, for the first time, brings AI-native capabilities to functions across the SDLC.

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Secure: AI agents are first-class citizens in WSO2 identity and access management (IAM) productssecuring access to agents and controlling what agents can access, as well as enabling the delegation of access from human users to the agents that are helping them get work done. The products include WSO2 Identity Manager, WSO2 Private Identity Cloud, and the Asgardeo identity as a service (IDaaS). At the same time, all WSO2 cloud offerings, including Choreo, Asgardeo, Devant and Bijira provide robust zero-trust security.

For More Information

To learn more about WSO2s AI-native capabilities, visit the WSO2 AI page and reference the press announcements synchronized with WSO2Con 2025 for WSO2s Choreo , API Management , Integration , and IAM business units.
Dublin, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035: by Application Area, Type of Product Synthesized, Type of Oligonucleotide Synthesized, Scale of Operation, Therapeutic Area, End-Users, Company Size and Key Geographical Regions" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global oligonucleotide synthesis market is estimated to grow from USD 4.8 billion in the current year to USD 13.5 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 9.9% during the forecast period, till 2035.

Oligonucleotides are one of the fastest growing segments in the pharmaceutical industry. These molecules are extensively utilized in biopharmaceutical and biotechnology fields for various applications, including research, genetic testing, forensic analysis, and other analytical methods. Currently, researchers are investigating the potential of oligonucleotides as a pharmacological approach for the treatment of a myriad of disease indications.

In addition, it is worth noting that close to 300 clinical trials have been registered across different geographical regions to evaluate various oligonucleotides for therapeutic purposes. As the oligonucleotide manufacturing industry advances, numerous automatic oligo synthesizers are being incorporated into large scale production for developing and producing oligonucleotide therapeutics.

These synthesizers can execute steps, such as molecule synthesis, removal of protecting groups, purification, desalting and lyophilization, with increased efficiency. However, the challenges associated with oligonucleotide production, including extended timelines, lack of purification techniques, lack of expertise, and regulatory and compliance-related issues among the developers, have driven drug developers to outsource key operations.

At present, over 110 oligonucleotide synthesis providers offer custom oligonucleotide synthesis, oligonucleotide modification and oligonucleotide purification services, which are intended for research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The growing oligonucleotide-based drugs pipeline, encouraging clinical trial results and extensive research activity in the domain, is likely to present lucrative market growth opportunities for custom / contract service providers, during the forecast period.

Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market: Key Segments



Currently, the Oligonucleotide Finished Dosage Form holds the Largest Share of the Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market

Based on the type of product synthesized, the market is segmented into active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms. It is worth highlighting that the majority of the current oligonucleotide synthesis market is captured by oligonucleotide finished dosage form and this trend is likely to remain same in the coming decade.

Antisense Oligonucleotide is Likely to Dominate the Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market During the Forecast Period

Based on the type of oligonucleotide synthesized, the market is segmented into antisense, DNA, siRNA and other oligonucleotides. It is worth highlighting that siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides-based therapies are likely to grow at a relatively higher CAGR, during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the rising number of approved siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides-based therapies for various rare diseases, genetic disorders and other disorders.

By Scale of Operation, Commercial Scale is Likely to Capture the Larger Share of the Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market During the Forecast Period

Based on scales of operation, the market is segmented into clinical and commercial scale. It is worth highlighting that the commercial scale manufacturing will be the primary driver of the overall market in the coming decade.

Currently, Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Companies hold the Largest Share within the Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market

Based on end user, the market is segmented into pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, academic and research institutes, and hospitals. It is worth highlighting that the revenues generated from manufacturing of oligonucleotides by pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies is expected to grow substantially in the coming decade as compared to other end-users.

By Company Size, Mid-Sized Companies are Likely to Grow at a Relatively Higher Pace During the Forecast Period

Based on company size, the market is segmented into small, mid-sized, and large and very large companies. It is worth highlighting that the majority of the current oligonucleotide synthesis market is captured by large and very large players.

Rare Diseases Segment Accounts for the Largest Share for the Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market

Based on therapeutic areas, the market is segmented into cardiovascular disorders, genetic disorders, liver disorders, rare diseases and other disorders. While rare diseases account for a relatively higher market share, it is worth highlighting that cardiovascular disorders segment is expected to witness substantial market growth in the coming years.

North America Accounts for the Largest Share of the Market

Based on key geographical regions, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. It is worth highlighting that over the years, the market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a higher CAGR.

Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market: Key Insights

Presently, over 110 synthesis providers claim to have the necessary capabilities to offer oligonucleotide synthesis services; the majority of these firms are based in North America.

Stakeholders in this domain synthesize various types of oligonucleotides, across different scales of operations; close to 90% of the players offer purification services.

In pursuit of building a competitive edge in this field, stakeholders are actively upgrading their existing capabilities and adding new competencies in order to enhance their respective portfolios.

Close to 300 clinical trials (with over 75,000 enrolled patients) have been registered to investigate oligonucleotide based-therapeutic products, across different geographies.

Since 2017, several deals have been inked between various stakeholders engaged in this domain; acquisitions emerged as the most common type of partnership model.

To keep pace with the growing demand for oligonucleotides, companies have made elaborate investments to expand their existing capacities and capabilities; this trend is most pronounced in the US and China.

Several big pharma players have undertaken various initiatives, including partnerships, expansions and funding initiatives; 48% of such initiatives were focused on the development and manufacturing of RNAi oligonucleotides.

The global, installed oligonucleotide synthesis capacity is spread across various geographies; interestingly, more than 75% of the total capacity is installed at the facilities owned by large and very large players.

Given the growing complexity of APIs, the demand for oligonucleotides has upsurged; by 2035, it is anticipated to reach around 2,200 kilograms, across clinical and commercial scales.

Considering the wide array of applications of oligonucleotides and the continuous research efforts of stakeholders in this domain, the adoption of these modalities is poised to witness steady growth in the foreseeable future.

Driven by the increasing number of chronic indications (requiring novel personalized therapies) and ongoing research on oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, this market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.9%, till 2035.

Over 40% of the market is expected to be captured by revenues generated from manufacturing drugs for rare diseases; further, oligonucleotide synthesis market in China is likely to grow at a faster pace.

Primary Research Overview

The opinions and insights presented in this study were influenced by discussions conducted with multiple stakeholders. The research report features detailed transcripts of interviews held with the following industry stakeholders:

Founder and Managing Director, BianoGMP

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Hanugen Therapeutics

Chief Scientific Officer and Managing Director, IBA Life Sciences

Chief Scientific Officer, Axolabs

Business Officer, SBS Genetech

Chem Lab Manager, Aptagen

Global Corporate Sales and Business Development, Invitek Diagnostics

Key Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market Players Profiled in the Report include:

Agilent Technologies

Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services

CordenPharma

Creative Biolabs

Ella Biotech

Eurofins Genomics

Future synthesis

Integrated DNA Technologies

Kaneka Eurogentec

LGC Biosearch Technologies

Microsynth

Nitto Avecia

Merck

Ribo Biotechnology

STA Pharmaceutical

Sumitomo Chemical

Thermo Fisher Scientific

TriLink Biotechnologies

Key Topics Covered:

1. Preface

2. Executive Summary

3. Introduction

4. Market Landscape: Oligonucleotide Manufacturers (Research And Diagnostic Applications)

5. Market Landscape: Oligonucleotide Manufacturers (Therapeutic Applications)

6. Company Competitiveness Analysis: Oligonucleotide Manufactures (Research And Diagnostic Applications)

7. Company Competitiveness Analysis: Oligonucleotide Manufacturers (Therapeutic Applications)

8. Company Profiles: Oligonucleotide Manufacturers (Research And Diagnostic Applications)

9. Company Profiles: Oligonucleotide Manufacturers (Therapeutic Applications)

10. Make Versus Buy Decision Framework

11. Big Pharma Initiatives

12. Partnerships And Collaborations

13. Recent Expansions

14. Likely Partner Analysis

15. Clinical Trial Analysis

16. Capacity Analysis

17. Demand Analysis

18. Market Sizing And Opportunity Analysis

19. Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market

20. Swot Analysis

21. Survey Analysis

22.Executive Insights

23. Concluding Remarks

24. Appendix 1: Tabulated Data

25. Appendix 2: List Of Companies And Organizations

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For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1fxma8

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Beverly Hills, California, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Tech Around and Find Out Podcast is distributed by Mission Matters Media.



In a recent episode of Tech Around and Find Out, hosted by Calvin, Aleksander "PsychOut" Larsen, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Sky Mavis, shared an in-depth look at his journey from competitive gaming to leading one of the most transformative Web3 gaming companies. Larsen provided insights into the origins of Axie Infinity, the Ronin blockchains expansion, and the evolving landscape of crypto gaming.

Larsen detailed how his early involvement in CryptoKitties led to the founding of Axie Infinity, emphasizing the need for true digital asset ownership. He recalled the companys early struggles, nearly facing bankruptcy, and the perseverance required to scale Axie Infinity into a global phenomenon. He also addressed the infamous Ronin Bridge hack, explaining how Sky Mavis refunded all affected users, reinforcing community trust.

Pain has a tendency to either break things or bring people closer together, Larsen said, reflecting on the hack. Sky Mavis and our community stuck together, and today, were in a stronger position than ever.

As Axie Infinity became a financial lifeline for many in regions like the Philippines, its Smooth Love Potion (SLP) token demonstrated real-world applications of blockchain gaming economies. Larsen discussed the importance of designing sustainable tokenomics, ensuring organic user engagement rather than short-term speculation.

Looking ahead, Ronin is positioning itself as a hub for Web3 gaming and decentralized finance (DeFi). Larsen highlighted Ronins Waypoint social login wallet, reducing onboarding friction for mainstream users. He also teased upcoming developments, including a potential Layer-2 solution leveraging ZKEVM technology and the expansion of meme coins and SocialFi applications within Ronins ecosystem.

Were opening up Ronin to more builders, Larsen explained. With DeFi, meme coins, and new gaming experiences, were entering a new phase where community-driven innovation will thrive.

With a focus on security, innovation, and fostering a robust developer ecosystem, Sky Mavis remains committed to shaping the future of Web3 gaming. As Axie Infinity and Ronin continue to evolve, the companys mission remains clearempowering users through blockchain-based digital ownership and economic opportunities.

About Tech Around and Find Out

Tech Around and Find Out is a podcast that explores the latest trends and innovations in the crypto and blockchain space. Hosted by Calvin, the show features in-depth conversations with industry pioneers, covering topics ranging from DeFi to Web3 gaming. Each episode provides valuable insights for developers, investors, and enthusiasts looking to stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of blockchain technology.

Media Communications

Mission Matters Podcast Agency distributes the Tech Around and Find Out Podcast

Inquiries: adamtorres@missionmatters.com



Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements describing future expectations, plans, results, or strategies. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those projected. Changes in product offerings, regulatory plans, and business strategies are potential factors influencing such differences.

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PERRYSBURG, Ohio, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Satelytics, a world leader in AI-powered geospatial analytics, has been named to Fast Company's prestigious annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2025. The company was ranked number seven within the Data Science category. Satelytics works with the largest energy producers across the globe and is recognized for transforming the methane leak detection and repair (LDAR) landscape of emissions from space reducing leak detection time from months to hours and cutting methane emissions for major energy providers.

The software as a service company's AI-powered platform helps energy producers to detect methane leaks as small as 1 kg/hr from spacea significant improvement in sensitivity compared to industry standardsenabling companies to reduce their methane emissions by up to 40% within six months of implementation.

"This recognition validates our mission to transform methane monitoring from reactive to predictive," said Sean Donegan, CEO of Satelytics. "We've created technology that not only detects invisible threats before they become environmental disasters but delivers actionable data within hours instead of weeks."

Geospatial analytics is an efficient and cost-effective tool for methane leak detection. Satelytics uses satellites' multispectral and hyperspectral imagery and methane algorithm to help analyze and provide alerts and qualitative results.

One major energy provider, which implemented Satelytics' technology across its natural gas infrastructure in 2024, identified 433 methane plumes in the first scan in North Carolina. Verification accuracy rates climbed from 70% to 95% as machine learning algorithms and operational protocols were refined.

The success of this initiative led to the expansion of Satelytics methane detection capabilities across the provider's five-state footprint, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio. The provider has since declared Satelytics as the cornerstone of its Net Zero strategy, fast-tracking its environmental goals by 15 years.

Data can be gathered daily and results are sent to energy producers within hours, including the specific problem, location, magnitude, and even qualitative information, which minimizes cost, impact, and operational disruption for our clients to identify potential leaks early, locate the source, and determine the level of risk to guide the critical steps to avoid a costly leak, continued Donegan.

Since 2008, Fast Company has been recognizing the organizations that are transforming industries and shaping society. With innovation more important than ever this year, Fast Company is celebrating the organizations that are moving the world forward.

For more information about Satelytics and its award-winning technology, visit www.satelytics.com .

About Satelytics

Satelytics is the leader in geospatial analytics, providing advanced AI-driven solutions for methane detection, vegetation management, water quality assessment, and infrastructure monitoring. By harnessing high-resolution spectral imagery and cloud-based analytics, Satelytics enables organizations to make data-driven decisions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Media Contact

Michele Nachum

Firecracker PR

michele@firecrackerpr.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e8b19419-d276-400c-9aa8-e21835f121fa

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e66c7504-878e-41b9-b12a-66b0be07c0fb
New York, United States, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the Latest Report by Market Strides, the global power and energy monitoring system market size was valued at USD 5.23 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 9.86 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.31% during the forecast period (20252033).

A Power and Energy Monitoring System is a technology-based solution designed to monitor, analyze, and optimize energy usage across different sectors, such as industrial, commercial, and residential environments. The system includes hardware components like meters and sensors, software for data analysis, and services for setup and maintenance.

By offering real-time visibility into energy consumption, these systems help businesses and individuals cut down on energy expenses, boost efficiency, and stay compliant with energy regulations. Additionally, they are essential for integrating renewable energy sources, improving power quality monitoring, and supporting sustainability efforts by reducing waste and enhancing overall energy management.

Download Free Sample Report PDF @ https://marketstrides.com/request-sample/power-and-energy-monitoring-system-market

Growing Adoption of Renewable Energy Sources Fuels Demand for Power and Energy Monitoring Systems

A significant driver of the increasing demand for power and energy monitoring systems is the rising shift toward renewable energy. As governments and industries work to reduce carbon emissions, the integration of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro into existing power grids necessitates real-time monitoring to maintain efficiency and stability.

For instance, Queensland, Australia, is nearing the completion of the Munna Creek Solar Farm, a 120 MW project set to provide electricity to around 41,100 homes. This project underscores the crucial role of monitoring systems in managing renewable energy distribution. Additionally, with global investments in clean energy surpassing $1.7 trillion in 2023, advanced monitoring solutions are vital to optimize energy flows, prevent grid overloads, and ensure seamless renewable energy integration into power networks.

Advancements in AI and Big Data Analytics Enhance Power and Energy Monitoring Systems

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics is revolutionizing power and energy monitoring systems by enabling predictive maintenance, real-time energy optimization, and anomaly detection. AI-driven solutions can process vast data sets to identify inefficiencies and propose energy-saving strategies.

For example, Googles DeepMind AI has successfully reduced cooling costs at its data centers by 40% through intelligent energy management. Similarly, AI-powered grid monitoring in Europe is improving the integration of renewable energy by predicting power fluctuations and optimizing distribution. As energy demands grow, leveraging AI and big data will become increasingly important in boosting efficiency, lowering operational costs, and promoting sustainable energy consumption.

Regional Analysis

North America dominates the global power and energy monitoring system market, driven by its advanced energy infrastructure, robust regulatory policies, and the widespread adoption of smart grid technologies. The regions emphasis on energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and renewable energy integration fuels the demand for real-time monitoring solutions. Notably, the U.S. Department of Energy has heavily invested in smart grid modernization, such as the North American SynchroPhasor Initiative, to improve grid reliability. In 2023, Texas deployed AI-powered grid monitoring to optimize power distribution and prevent blackouts during extreme weather, while companies like Schneider Electric and Honeywell are expanding their smart energy solutions across the region.

Key Highlights

The hardware segment dominates the market, including sensors, meters, and controllers for energy tracking.

The industrial segment leads, driven by the need for efficiency and cost savings in manufacturing.

Energy management is the largest application in the market.

North America holds the largest market share due to advanced infrastructure and smart grid adoption.

Competitive Players

Schneider Electric

Siemens AG

General Electric (GE)

ABB Ltd.

Eaton Corporation

Honeywell International Inc.

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

Emerson Electric Co.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)

Recent Developments

October 2024  Schneider Electric unveiled its expanded smart grid solutions for North American utilities. Their new energy monitoring platforms integrate advanced AI and big data analytics to optimize energy consumption and support sustainability goals. This includes tools for real-time monitoring, energy storage management, and predictive maintenance, helping reduce operational downtime and improve energy efficiency across commercial and industrial sectors.

Segmentation

By Component

Hardware

Software

Services

By End-User

Industrial

Commercial

Residential

By Applications

Energy Management

Power Quality Monitoring

Load Management

Grid Monitoring

By Regions

North America

Europe

APAC

Middle East and Africa

LATAM

Access the Comprehensive Table of Contents @ https://marketstrides.com/report/power-and-energy-monitoring-system-market/toc

About Market Strides Pvt. Ltd.

Market Strides is a global aggregator and publisher of market intelligence research reports, offering insights across a wide range of industries and sectors. We provide market sizing analysis, competition insights, growth drivers, and future outlooks. Our unique pre-onboarding strategy ensures that only validated and up-to-date reports are featured on our platform.

In addition to publishing, we offer consulting services to help clients with business expansion, acquisitions, and market studies. With a team of experts tracking reports from over 350 industries worldwide, Market Strides is dedicated to delivering the latest analyses, forecasts, and insights, helping businesses save time and money.

For more information on your target market, please contact us below:

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VANCOUVER, CANADA & Sao Jose dos Campos, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SenseNet, a global leader in early wildfire detection, protection and management, and iez! Telecom, a leading supplier of telecommunications infrastructure in Brazil announced a partnership today that provides a groundbreaking AI-based solution to detect and prevent wildfires, particularly in large areas of vegetation throughout Brazil.

This partnership marks a global benchmark in the prevention and management of wildfires, as SenseNets accurate and immediate wildfire detection solution will be powered by the advanced connectivity network provided by iez!. In Canada, the SenseNet system uses Rogers 5G national telecommunications network to provide ultra early wildfire detection to prevent wildfires to ensure a significant reduction in environmental and property damage in the more than two dozen communities where it is being deployed.

With a MESH communication network supported by an advanced private network deployed by iez!, SenseNet's technological solutions operate with the advanced integration of AI, high-precision long-range cameras and ground sensors with multiple layers of detection, such as changes in gases, temperature and humidity in the environment, providing data on initial forest fire outbreaks to predict and detect smoke signals  even at the smouldering stage - in less than a minute.

We are very excited to partner with Brazils leading telecommunications provider to provide the most technologically advanced and comprehensive ultra-early fire detection solution, adapted to Brazils unique challenges with protecting rural, agricultural lands, and municipalities, says Hamed Noori, CEO and Co-Founder of SenseNet. Sensenet's technology and the robustness of iez!'s 4G and 5G networks represent a significant advance in the fight against forest fires.

SenseNets global expertise will be immediately applied to a unique integrative fire management solution for the agribusiness segment, which occupies a third of the country's territory. Brazils states, municipalities and the private sector will be able to use the technology to protect environmental reserves, rural property areas such as plantations, pastures and critical infrastructure.

According to Diogo Camara, Executive Director of Retail and Wholesale at iez! telecom, 5G technology goes beyond traditional communication and can now also contribute to environmental and property protection, an initiative which, according to Camara, represents a strategic opportunity for various sectors of the economy.

The market is increasingly looking for intelligent solutions, and we are ready to meet this demand with a differentiated offer. This technology is not just a fire protection tool, but a real competitive advantage for companies that value operational safety, environmental preservation and the sustainability of society, said Camara.

The agribusiness sector is one of the main drivers of the Brazilian economy and responsible for a significant portion of the country's GDP; this sector demands advanced monitoring not only to protect assets, but also to ensure the preservation of surrounding environmental areas.

The commercial potential is immense, and we're only just getting started. By integrating this innovation into our portfolio, we reaffirm our commitment to taking connectivity beyond traditional communications, said Camara.

With an innovative and future-oriented positioning, iez! telecom reaffirms its commitment to combining technology and connectivity to transform challenges into real solutions. The first AI based wildfire detection solutions are already being developed for rapid deployment, with the potential for large-scale positive impact in Brazil. Companies and public bodies interested in adopting the technology in the Brazilian market can find out more at www.iez.com.br.

About SenseNet:

SenseNet is a proudly Canadian company founded in 2019. SenseNet provides the most advanced and comprehensive solution for early wildfire detection, protecting people, agriculture, critical infrastructure, and the natural environment from wildfire. Powered by an integrated AI-based platform of ground sensors, cameras, and satellite data, the solution provies ultra-early fire detection technology. SenseNets solution has been successfully implemented in several countries, helping to reduce environmental and economic damage caused by forest and structural fires. For more information, visit www.sensenet.ca

About iez! telecom

iez! telecom is a Greatek Group company, which has been operating in the national market for 28 years, supplying telecommunications infrastructure. There have been significant numbers of products supplied over the years, such as: more than 30 million signal amplifiers installed in satellite dishes across the country, as well as more than 10 million fiber optic connections made with our products. iez! is the internet and mobile operator that will bring high-speed 5G connection to cities in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo. For more information, visit www.iez.com.br.

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MAPLE GROVE, Minn., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TopLine Financial Credit Union , a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative , visited Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., March 2 to March 5, 2025, as part of the annual Americas Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference, the credit union industrys largest advocacy event.

During the conference, TopLine executives and officials, along with over 6,000 other credit union professionals, board members and Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) staff members, discussed several top credit union issues with key legislative staff members. The group met with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith as well as members of the U.S. House and their staff. Meetings focused on expanding credit unions opportunities to serve more Minnesotans, emphasizing the importance of preserving our not-for-profit financial cooperative tax status, fighting back on efforts to disrupt the interchange system, and maintaining an independent credit union regulator  all are very important to the health of the credit union industry.

TopLine spent valuable face time meeting with lawmakers and sharing members stories on how TopLine provides safe and affordable financial services to help members with all of their financial needs, from buying cars and homes, saving for retirement and investing in small businesses. These conversations emphasized the importance of preserving the tax status of credit unions, which allows credit unions to continue to do what they do best: focus on serving members and communities instead of chasing profits. Credit unions advocates shared with lawmakers that any limitation or curtailment of the tax status would have a dramatic impact on the $950 million in direct financial benefits Minnesota credit unions provide their members and over $4 billion in economic output in the state.

"The Governmental Affairs Conference united credit union champions from across the nation to discuss key policies, engage with legislators on Capitol Hill, and reinforce to lawmakers and regulators why credit unions are Americas best financial partnerprioritizing people over profits, strengthening communities, and enhancing financial well-being for all, said Mick Olson, President and Chief Executive Officer at TopLine Financial Credit Union. "TopLine representatives had meaningful discussions with our state lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of preserving our not-for-profit financial cooperative tax status. This fundamental aspect of our structure enables us to build a stronger, healthier financial future for the consumers we serve."

Americas Credit Unions is the premier national trade association serving Americas credit unions. The not-for-profit trade group is governed by volunteer directors who are elected by their credit union peers. To learn more, visit www.americascreditunions.org.

Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) is the statewide trade association that works to ensure the success, growth and vitality of Minnesota credit unions. For more information, visit www.mncun.org.

TopLine Financial Credit Union , a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesotas 9th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations  in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Pauls Como Park  as well as by phone and online at www.TopLinecu.com or www.ahcu.coop. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit unions foundation, visit www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

CONTACT:

Vicki Roscoe Erickson

Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

TopLine Financial Credit Union

verickson@toplinecu.com | 763.391.0872

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46b657cc-d617-4f18-a6af-6e6d0a03cb26
New York, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lighthouse Guild, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing exceptional services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Panek as its new President and CEO, effective April 2025. He succeeds Dr. Calvin W. Roberts, who has led the organization with distinction.

Panek brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to advancing accessibility and independence for people with vision loss. For the past decade, he has served as President and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit organization that provides specially trained guide and service dogs to individuals with disabilities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Under his leadership, the organization raised over $350 million in donations, exponentially expanding its budget, and strengthening financial reserves.

A trailblazer in accessibility innovation, Panek collaborated with Google to develop Project Guideline, an AI-driven technology enabling individuals who are blind to run independently. In November 2021, with the help of this groundbreaking technology, he completed the first-ever solo race for a blind person, a 5K race through New Yorks Central Park  without human or canine assistance.

Paneks career spans leadership roles in both nonprofit and governmental sectors. He previously served as Vice President of National Industries for the Blind, where he played a pivotal role in business development, national account management, and the Wounded Warrior Program. Additionally, he served as a Senior International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Beyond his executive experience, Panek actively serves in various advisory and leadership capacities, including as Chair of Delta Air Lines Advisory Board on Disability and a board member of Achilles International. He has served as an expert on the CDCs Vision Health Initiative and Chair of the North American Council of Guide Dog Schools. He has been featured in The New York Times, TODAY Show, Time Magazine, ABC, CBS, NPR, Runners World, Forbes, Reuters, and HBO Real Sports, and more. He has also been a guest on Lighthouse Guilds podcast, On Tech and Vision, where he discussed emerging technologies, including autonomous navigation and robotic guidance.

Panek holds both a Bachelors and Masters degree in International Studies from The American University in Washington, D.C.

We are thrilled to welcome Thomas Panek as our new CEO, said James M. Dubin, Chairman of the Board of Lighthouse Guild. His exceptional track record in leadership, advocacy, and innovation will help propel Lighthouse Guilds mission forward, ensuring that individuals with vision loss have access to the resources and technology they need to live independent and fulfilling lives.

Panek shared his excitement about joining Lighthouse Guild, saying, I am pleased and excited in becoming the President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild which is widely considered the country's preeminent pioneer for vision rehabilitation since its formation in 1905 and continuing to today. I foresee an even brighter future. I look forward to working with the dedicated team at Lighthouse Guild to expand access to critical services, harness emerging technologies, and create innovative solutions that support independence and opportunity for all.

About Lighthouse Guild

Lighthouse Guild is committed to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are blind or visually impaired to attain their goals. Through vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, mental health services, and innovative programs, Lighthouse Guild is dedicated to breaking barriers and enhancing lives. For more information, visit lighthouseguild.org.

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RALEIGH, N.C., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rural Investment Collaborative (RIC), a program of Appalachian Community Capital, has received a $150,000 challenge grant from SECU Foundation. The funding will support a two-year pilot program to improve leadership and economic opportunities for rural communities across North Carolina.

RIC was created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and is a collective of foundations, financial centers, educational institutions, and government agencies working cooperatively to enhance the workforce and economic outcomes for rural communities.

We are thrilled to provide essential funding to help the Rural Investment Collaborative expand access to needed resources and systems to foster long-term change, said SECU Foundation Board Vice Chair Mona Moon. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts as the participating groups work to address rural infrastructure, social determinants of health, access to care, disaster recovery, and healthy living in their communities.

The SECU Foundations generous support of the Richmond Federal Reserves Rural Investment Collaborative has been critical to ensuring the success of the program, said President and CEO of Appalachian Community Capital Donna Gambrell. The Foundations grant is assisting community leaders from small towns and rural areas in North Carolina to develop investment-ready project proposals and to make access to funding easier.

About SECU and SECU Foundation

A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 87 years. SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States with $53 billion in assets. It serves more than 2.8 million members through 275 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, Member Services Support via phone, www.ncsecu.org, and the SECU Mobile App. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high-impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $300 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.

Contact: Jama Campbell, Executive Director, secufoundation@ncsecu.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/720d3f26-4426-401d-9148-bf0b71d93183
New York, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) today announced it is awarding Distinguished Investigator Grants totaling $1 million to 10 senior-level scientists conducting groundbreaking research in neurobiological and behavioral science. These $100,000, one-year grants support projects exploring critical areas of mental health, including opioid use disorder, depression in pregnant women, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and the effects of psychedelics on perception and consciousness. The awards are made possible by the WoodNext Foundation. This is year two of their overall grant commitment of $5 million over 5 years to support the BBRF Distinguished Investigator Grants program.

Mental illnesses affect millions of individuals and families, yet there is still so much to learn about the underlying biology and potential treatments, said Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., President and CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. By supporting bold, high-risk research, our Distinguished Investigator Grants empower leading scientists to pursue innovative ideas that could pave the way for major breakthroughs in preventing, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric illnesses. We are deeply grateful to the WoodNext Foundation for their generous support, which makes it possible to fund these pioneering studies.

At WoodNext Foundation, we believe that bold, high-impact scientific research is essential to advancing our understanding of mental health and improving lives, said Nancy Chan, Executive Director of the WoodNext Foundation, a component fund administered by Greater Houston Community Foundation. We are honored to support BBRFs Distinguished Investigator Grants, which empower leading researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge and develop innovative approaches to mental illness.

Recipients of the Distinguished Investigator Grants are professors at research institutions in the U.S. and internationally. They were selected by a committee of the BBRF Scientific Council, comprising 192 leading experts in brain and behavior research, who review grant applications and recommend the most promising projects.

BBRF 2025 Distinguished Investigators

Eva S. Anton, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will investigate signaling molecules and processes (the signalome) engaged when the primary cilium of neurons is activated, including how it might be harnessed in the service of neural circuit modulation and correction. The hope is to establish how deregulated primary cilia signaling interferes with neural circuit dynamics and contributes to circuit malfunction.

Flavio Frohlich, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will develop and test a novel non-invasive neurostimulation approach (aperiodic tACS) designed to rapidly reduce depression symptoms in women who are pregnant. tACS, or transcranial alternating current stimulation, has been shown to be safe and effective in major depressive disorder in several pilot trials.

Rita Goldstein, Ph.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, seeks to identify reliable behavioral markers of brain function that change with treatment and predict outcomes in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The team will employ a naturalistic approach targeting spontaneous speech, which will serve as a behavioral marker of neural plasticity with treatment.

Marek Kubicki, M.D., Ph.D., Brigham and Womens Hospital, Inc., focuses on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a protein involved in conveying pro-inflammatory molecules from the periphery into the brain via the blood-brain barrier. MMP-9 blood levels are elevated in all stages of schizophrenia, The team will employ PET scanning to test a recently developed MMP-9 brain marker called [18F] MMPi in 12 individuals.

Christopher J. Pittenger, M.D., Ph.D., Yale University, investigates rare, potentially causal mutations in OCD. The team recently identified the first such mutation, in a gene called Scube1. Recapitulating this mutation in a mouse leads to repetitive behaviors and cognitive inflexibility. This project will further characterize the model, seeking insights into consequences of the mutation that can then be investigated in patients.

Sagiv Shifman, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, hypothesizes that a brain protection factor provides resistance for neurodevelopmental disorders in females, and aims to identify its neurobiological origin. The team will use mouse models of autism spectrum disorder that show social behavior problems in males. They will also use a mouse model to assess how sex chromosomes and sex hormones affect gene activity in the brain and determine what factors contribute to the protective effect in female mice.

Doris Tsao, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, aims to uncover neural mechanisms behind the effects of psychedelics on perception and consciousness. She will study these effects using macaque monkeys. By comparing how the brain represents expectations in facial perception with and without the influence of psychedelics, she hopes to be able to observe how these substances alter perception at the neural level.

Jared W. Young, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego, seeks to develop therapeutics to address cognitive deficits in bipolar disorder patients. The team will target presynaptic mechanisms related to very high dopamine levels (hyperdopamienrgia), specifically, the trace amine associated receptor-1 (TAAR1), which can catabolize dopamine at the presynaptic level. The receptor will be specifically targeted (with an agonist) in the mouse anterior cingulate cortex, on the hypothesis that it will remediate ACC hyperdopaminergia in the mice.

Venetia Zachariou, Ph.D., Boston University, aims to understand the neurochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of opioids, in order to make interventions that promote analgesia while minimizing the risk of addiction. This project identify seeks to identify novel G protein signaling cascades that control gene expression maladaptation associated with undesired action of opioids and risk for the development of substance use disorders.

Stanislav S. Zakharenko, M.D., Ph.D., St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, will elucidate cellular manifestations of auditory hallucinations in mouse models of the two strongest genetic predictors of schizophrenia, 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11DS) and 3q29 microdeletion syndrome (3q29DS). He proceeds from the teams identification of abnormal sound-associated neuronal ensembles that appear during periods of silence (SNEADS) in the auditory cortex, investigating the possibility that SNEADS might be a pathogenic event that is a cellular correlate of auditory hallucinations.

About Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) awards research grants to develop improved treatments, cures, and methods of prevention for mental illness. These illnesses include addiction, ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia, as well as research on suicide prevention. Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded more than $462 million to fund more than 5,600 leading scientists around the world. 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in research. BBRF operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants. BBRF is the producer of the Emmy nominated public television series Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, which aims to remove the stigma of mental illness and demonstrate that with help, there is hope.

About WoodNext Foundation

The WoodNext Foundation manages the philanthropy of tech innovator and Roku CEO/founder, Anthony Wood, and his wife Susan. Their philanthropic efforts are guided by their overall mission to advance human progress and remove obstacles to a fulfilling life. The WoodNext Foundation makes grants and investments in a variety of areas, including scientific and biomedical research, mental health, homelessness, education, nature conservation, disaster recovery, and economic opportunity, with a focus on addressing root causes. WoodNext supports regional, national, and international efforts. For more information about the WoodNext Foundation, please visit:

Instagram: @WoodNext

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodnext/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/woodnext/

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SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following President Donald Trump's announcement to include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA) in the newly established U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve, the cryptocurrency market has experienced significant volatility. This decision drove Bitcoin's price above $94,000, while Ethereum and other major altcoins saw substantial gains followed by sharp declines, reaffirming the market's continued short-term turbulence.

As a result, analysts predict that the cryptocurrency market will continue to experience fluctuations. In such a scenario, holding spot positions alone may not be enough to generate short-term profits. Consequently, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for experienced investors looking to maximize their returns from market volatility. To meet this growing demand, BexBack Exchange is offering unparalleled promotional incentives, including:

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Contact:

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Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector--including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining--complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.
New York, United States, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the latest report by Market Strides, The global military boots market size was valued at USD 5.43 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 8.41 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.97% during the forecast period (20252033).

Military boots are specialized footwear designed to provide durability, protection, and comfort for military personnel in various operational environments. They are also utilized by law enforcement agencies, outdoor enthusiasts, and security personnel. With features like shock absorption, insulation, and breathability, these boots enhance safety and performance in combat, training, and tactical operations.

Market Dynamics

Increased Defense Spending and Modernization Programs Propel Market Growth

A significant factor driving the military boots market is the increase in defense budgets and modernization programs worldwide. Governments are investing in advanced protective gear to enhance the safety and performance of their armed forces.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending hit $2.24 trillion in 2023, with the U.S. leading at $877 billion, followed by China ($292 billion) and India ($81.4 billion). Additionally, nations like Poland and Japan have ramped up their defense budgets due to rising geopolitical tensions.

These investments drive demand for advanced, durable military boots, creating significant growth opportunities for manufacturers.

Technological Advancements Open New Opportunities in the Market

The integration of advanced materials and technologies in military boots is creating substantial growth opportunities. Innovations such as lightweight composites, enhanced sole designs, and moisture-wicking fabrics are being incorporated to improve comfort and functionality.

A notable example is the development of self-cleaning and temperature-regulating boots by a leading defense contractor in 2025. These boots utilize nanotechnology to repel dirt and regulate temperature, enhancing soldier comfort in diverse environments.

Download Free Sample Report PDF @ https://marketstrides.com/request-sample/military-boots-market

Regional Analysis

North America dominates the global military boots market, driven by high defense spending and rising demand for advanced footwear. The U.S., a key player, invests heavily in durable, high-performance boots for its armed forces, with the Department of Defense being a major buyer. Technological advancements, such as waterproof, lightweight, and energy-absorbing materials, further strengthen the regions leadership. Local manufacturers like Belleville Boot Company and Rocky Boots play a crucial role in this growth. Additionally, increasing defense budgets in Canada and ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to fuel market expansion in the region.

Key Highlights

The global military boots market size was valued at USD 5.43 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 8.41 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.97% during the forecast period (20252033).

Based on the type of footwear, combat boots dominate the market, owing to their widespread use in military operations.

In terms of material, leather remains the preferred choice due to its durability and protective qualities.

Military personnel are the primary end-users, but there is a growing demand from law enforcement agencies and outdoor enthusiasts.

Competitive Players

NS Footwear PVT. Ltd.

McRae

Wolverine World Wide

Belleville Boot Company

Magnum Boots

Maelstrom Footwear

Bates Footwear

Rampage

Under Armour

Recent Developments

July 2024  Competence Exports, based in Hajipur, Bihar, began exporting specialized military boots to Russia. These boots are favored by Russian soldiers for their reliability across various terrains, including extreme cold conditions down to -40 degrees Celsius. This development underscores India's growing role in global defense manufacturing.

Segmentation

By Type of Footwear

Combat Boots

Training Shoes

Specialized Footwear (e.g., Snow, Tactical)

Others

By Material

Leather

Textile

Rubber

Synthetic Materials

Others

By End-User

Military Personnel

Law Enforcement Agencies

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Security Personnel

By Distribution Channel

Online Retailers

Physical Stores

Direct Sales to Government

Military Exchanges

By Regions

North America

Europe

Middle East and Africa

LATAM

Access the Comprehensive Table of Contents @ https://marketstrides.com/report/military-boots-market/toc

About Market Strides Pvt. Ltd.

Market Strides is a global aggregator and publisher of market intelligence research reports, offering insights across a wide range of industries and sectors. We provide market sizing analysis, competition insights, growth drivers, and future outlooks. Our unique pre-onboarding strategy ensures that only validated and up-to-date reports are featured on our platform.

In addition to publishing, we offer consulting services to help clients with business expansion, acquisitions, and market studies. With a team of experts tracking reports from over 350 industries worldwide, Market Strides is dedicated to delivering the latest analyses, forecasts, and insights, helping businesses save time and money.

For more information on your target market, please contact us below:

Phone: +1 646 480 7505 (US)

Email: sales@marketstrides.com
Dublin, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "REACH and RoHS Compliance: Protecting Revenues with Advanced Compliance" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



What are REACH and RoHS Compliance Training and Regulations?

REACH and RoHS have been referred to as ".one of the most complex regulations in the history of the EU." Do not miss this 2-day seminar to find out why.

This 2-day seminar will go into the specifics of the REACH and RoHS regulations, provide case studies and share lessons learned so your organization can benefit from the mistakes of others. We will review the latest on both directives and will draw out key developments and key dates (if applicable) with particular emphasis on requirements for US firms.

REACH and RoHS conformity have banned problematic toxic and environmentally hazardous elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE) in quantities not exceeding a maximum of 0.1 percent by mass in products and new phthalate additions as a 2019 amendment.

Restrictions of the use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances (REACH) are European requirements on chemicals and chemical substances used in products.

REACH is required by the EU for products containing chemical compounds. It is also required by US exporters for all suppliers exporting products to the EU. Even though you may not be an exporter, you may have to still comply with these regulations.

Companies shipping parts or products into Europe must comply with EU REACH and RoHS regulations. EU REACH creates increased risk of product recalls or bans that must be proactively addressed to ensure continued market access. Products containing harnesses, hydraulic components, rubber, or PVC are at a higher risk of containing restricted materials.

REACH applies to solvents, fragrances, metals, alloys, pigments, dyes, fertilizers, cosmetics, detergents, polymers, electronic equipment, furniture, textile toys, etc.

Objectives of Learning

Understanding your organization's liability under RoHS and REACH.

Review case studies.

Discuss lessons learned applications to ensure full compliance.

RoHS and REACH guidelines

REACH Registration of Substances

Introduction to REACH

Articles and REACH

Substances of Very High Concerns (SVHC)

Supply chain communication

Compliance enforcement

Basics of RoHS

Background and content of RoHS

Responsibility for RoHS

International requirements of RoHS

Material testing methods

Build and manage RoHS/REACH compliance programs

Reporting to management and government agencies

An introduction to Global RoHS/REACH legislation, WEEE. Conflict Minerals, Anti-trafficking regulations, and CA Proposition 65

Methods of regulatory data collection

Compliance consulting on company real world scenarios

This live training seminar includes the following for each registered attendee:

A copy of the presentation slides by download

A certificate of participation for attendee training records

Q/A Session

12.0 RAPS Credits

Who Should Attend:

Automotive

Electronics

Medical devices

Chemical

Toys

Industrial machinery

Manufacturing Professionals

Anyone new to RoHS and or REACH and need to understand the regulations

Anyone responsible for RoHS and REACH compliance

Quality Managers

Environmental Managers

Purchasers

Buyers

Key Topics Covered:

Day 1

REACH Registration of Substances

Introduction to REACH

Articles and REACH

Substances of Very High Concerns (SVHC)

Supply chain communication

Compliance enforcement

Basics of RoHS

Background and content of RoHS

Responsibility for RoHS

International requirements of RoHS

Day 2

A Process for Protecting Revenues

10 Steps to building a RoHS/REACH compliance program

Determining best practices for collecting data

Managing legacy systems and parts

Improving data collection by using Jig 101, IEC 62474, IPC 1752

Understanding 3rd party compliance software platforms

Manual and automated data collection

Building management reports for sourcing decisions

Incorporating compliance into standard business practices

Building templates for policy and procedures

Incorporating compliance processes into ISO 9001:2015 documentation

Building a documented system for proof of due diligence

Implementing a RoHS/REACH compliance maintenance program

REACH SCIP database

New UK versions of RoHS and REACH

Conducting compliance audits

Speakers:



Kelly Eisenhardt

Co-Founder and Managing Director

BlueCircle Advisors LLC



Ms. Eisenhardt is Co-Founder and Managing Director at BlueCircle Advisors LLC, a consulting firm that provides strategy and programming to address product compliance risks, sales and revenue protection, and compliance and sustainability practices throughout the supply chain.



With 20 years' experience in IT and Compliance Software Development, her former roles include: Executive Director of Environmental Programs, at Fair Factories Clearinghouse; Environmental Compliance Manager and Design for Environment programs at EMC Corporation; and Director of Product Management at PTC Corporation for Windchill Product Analytics - an environmental compliance software.



She is a journalist for industry trade publications such as 3BL, JustMeans, Social Earth, CSRwire, Ethical Performance, and CSR@Risk with a focus on trends in product compliance, supply chain transparency, and corporate social responsibility.



In 2015, she traveled with Asia Pulp and Paper to Indonesia and Sumatra to research and write about the company's zero deforestation efforts and social responsibility programs.



In May 2016, she delivered her paper on "Advancing Product Design with Environmental Compliance," at the IEEE/ISCPCE conference in Anaheim, California. She is currently on assignment with an IT infrastructure company to build Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs specializing in anti-trafficking compliance, sustainability programming and reporting, and cybersecurity compliance for supply chains.



For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6ecjx9

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Boston, MA, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Peer Health Exchange (PHE) is gearing up for its annual Spring fundraiser, A Night Out for Health, featuring Massachusetts Senator Sal DiDomenico as the nonprofits 2025 Youth Advocate. The event aims to build support for youth health education and will take place on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, at 6:00pm, at the More Than Words Bookstore in Boston.

Peer Health Exchange Peer Facilitators receive training on mental health, and/or sexual health, and/or substance use, professional development, public speaking skills, as well as on local public health resources. Gogo Eastwood is a Boston high school senior and Peer Facilitator. "My role is to teach young kids like me. Being in Peer Health Exchange has taught me the importance and power of public speaking. It has helped prepare me for real world situations like public presentations, job interviews, etc." The event will feature key champions, like Gogo, who enable the organizations critical work, and uplift young peoples stories while bringing together philanthropic, health, and youth leaders committed to improving health outcomes for all young people.

The event will also feature Massachusetts State Senator Sal DiDomenico, PHE's 2025 Youth Advocate. I am proud to be honored by Peer Health Exchange and work alongside this fantastic organization to improve health education in schools across Massachusetts, said State Senator Sal DiDomenico. Dr. Angela Glymph, CEO of Peer Health Exchange, said, We are excited to honor our 2025 Youth Advocate, Senator Sal DiDomenico, for his youth advocacy, and support of comprehensive sexual education. He is truly committed to improving health outcomes for all young people.

Peer Health Exchange provides young people with the tools they need to make healthy decisions through peer-to-peer health education on mental health, sexual health and substance use in schools and community-based organizations, as well as through its web tool, selfsea.org, a digital platform where youth can access health resources and support. For more ways to support, check out the Sponsorship Package. Tickets and event information can be found on the Peer Health Exchange website.

About Peer Health Exchange

Peer Health Exchanges mission is to build healthier communities with young people. Together, we create education opportunities for peers to share the tools and resources young people need to make healthy decisions. With our partners, we advance health for all and improve health outcomes for young people in under-resourced communities. For safe, relatable, inclusive, and engaging content on mental health, relationships, identity, and sexual health, follow Peer Health Exchange on Tik Tok, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

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CORK, Ireland, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ExoraPad , the cutting-edge AI-powered IDO launchpad on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), is quickly becoming the talk of the XRP community, with its $EXP token presale soaring past 70% of its Softcap in a fast pace.

Investors and analysts alike are speculating, could this be XRPs next explosive 100X token?

Join ExoraPad Presale

Rapid Momentum, Big Investors Eyeing $EXP

In mere days after its presale launch, ExoraPad has managed to capture the attention of XRP whales, driving significant momentum and validating its massive growth potential.

While many XRP projects struggle amidst market volatility, ExoraPads swift ascent is sending a clear message, savvy investors recognize genuine innovation when they see it.

AI-Enhanced Security and Unmatched Transparency

What sets ExoraPad apart from traditional crypto launches is its innovative use of advanced artificial intelligence to vet and launch only the highest-quality blockchain projects, Real-World Assets (RWAs), and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN).

Through rigorous predictive analytics, comprehensive risk assessment, and fraud prevention mechanisms, ExoraPad's AI provides a transparent, secure, and highly efficient investment environment.

For investors, this translates into substantially reduced risks and heightened confidence.

Why EXP Could Be XRPs Next Big Winner

ExoraPad isnt just another launchpad, its a gateway to the future of decentralized finance (DeFi) on the XRPL. Heres why industry experts predict exponential growth for $EXP:

Limited Token Supply: With a fixed total supply of just 100 million EXP tokens, scarcity ensures significant upward price pressure.

With a fixed total supply of just 100 million EXP tokens, scarcity ensures significant upward price pressure. AI-Powered Vetting: Utilizing AI, ExoraPad sets a new standard in project selection, significantly mitigating investment risks.

Utilizing AI, ExoraPad sets a new standard in project selection, significantly mitigating investment risks. Attractive Incentives: Token holders benefit from lucrative staking rewards, early project access, and exclusive governance rights.

Token holders benefit from lucrative staking rewards, early project access, and exclusive governance rights. Profit Sharing: Holders enjoy up to 70% fee-sharing from launchpad activities, creating powerful incentives for long-term holding.

Buy $EXP Token

How to Join the ExoraPad Presale Before Its Too Late

With the presale rapidly filling, investors are urged to act immediately to secure their positions:

Acquire XRP Tokens: Purchase XRP through reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken. Set Up a Compatible Wallet: Ensure your XRP is in a non-custodial wallet such as Xaman Wallet. Participate in the Presale: Visit ExoraPads official presale page , deposit XRP, and lock in your allocation of $EXP. Automatic Airdrop: EXP tokens are seamlessly distributed to your wallet post-presale.

XRPs Next 100X Gem?

As the crypto market heats up again, ExoraPad stands out distinctly on the XRPL, propelled by its sophisticated AI-driven technology, robust community backing, and impressive presale performance. Investors now have a rare chance to grab what could become XRPs most lucrative token in recent history.

With EXPs presale surpassing all expectations and XRP whales already positioning themselves strategically, the time to act is now.

Secure your spot in the ExoraPad revolution and dont be left wondering "what if?"

Stay Connected

Contact:

Noah Walsh

hello@exorapad.com

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by ExoraPad. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector--including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining--complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b3bd0898-600a-43f6-b1fb-c5e5aa90da6b
Announcement of the granting of Power of Attorney to the Board of Directors

Pursuant to announcement no 1172 of 31 October 2017 regarding Major Shareholders, The BANK of Greenland hereby announces, that the Board of Directors have received unqualified Powers of Attorney for use on The BANK of Greenlands ordinary general meeting 26 March 2025, representing 30.27 percent of the companys share capital, or 544,852 shares.

26 March 2025 upon termination of the ordinary general meeting, the right of the Board of Directors to vote in accordance with the Powers of Attorney granted shall cease.

Best regards

The BANK of Greenland

Martin Kviesgaard

Managing Director

Contact: +299 34 78 02 / mail: mbk@banken.gl

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Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses

LOS ANGELES, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Block, Inc. ("Block" or the "Company") (NYSE: XYZ) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between February 26, 2020 and April 30, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Block investors have until March 18, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 310-692-8883 or email : lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

On March 23, 2023, Hindenburg Research published a report accusing Block of exploiting the very demographics it claims to help, and of showing a willingness to facilitate fraud against consumers and the government. The report also claimed that the company avoided regulation, presented predatory loans and fees as innovative technology, and misled investors with inflated performance metrics. Additionally, it stated that Block had significantly exaggerated its user numbers while downplaying its customer acquisition costs. The report further alleged that Blocks compliance practices enabled bad actors to create fraudulent accounts for identity theft and other scams, allowing them to quickly steal funds.

In response to these claims, Blocks stock price dropped by $10.77, or 14.8%, closing at $61.88 per share on March 23, 2023, resulting in investor losses.

On August 3, 2023, Block revealed that both the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice were investigating the allegations raised in the Hindenburg report. This news caused Blocks stock price to fall by $10.03, or 13.6%, bringing it down to $63.52 per share on August 4, 2023.

Then, on February 16, 2024, NBC News reported that federal regulators were looking into claims from two whistleblowers that Cash App had failed to properly vet its users. The whistleblowers claimed that the company lacked effective procedures to verify users' identities, potentially opening the door to money laundering, terrorism financing, and other illegal activities. As a result, Blocks stock price dropped by $3.84, or 5.5%, closing at $65.64 per share on February 16, 2024.

Later, on May 1, 2024, NBC News reported that federal prosecutors had launched an investigation into Block following allegations by a former employee that the company had engaged in long-standing compliance failures across its key platforms, Square and Cash App. The former employee provided internal documents to prosecutors, suggesting that Block had neglected basic customer due diligence and had processed transactions for countries under economic sanctions, such as Cuba, Iran, Russia, and Venezuela, in addition to handling cryptocurrency transactions for terrorist organizations.

Following this news, Blocks stock price dropped by $6.16, or 8.4%, closing at $66.84 per share on May 1, 2024, leading to further investor losses.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses

LOS ANGELES, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. ("Innovative Industrial Properties" or the "Company") (NYSE: IIPR) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between February 27, 2024 and December 19, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Innovative Industrial Properties investors have until March 18, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

Innovative Industrial Properties is a self-advised Maryland corporation specializing in the acquisition, ownership, and management of properties leased to state-licensed operators for regulated cannabis facilities.

The Innovative Industrial Properties class action lawsuit alleges that throughout the Class Period, the defendants made false and/or misleading statements or failed to disclose key information, including: (i) significant declines in rent and property-management fees from certain customer leases; (ii) the potential impact on the company's ability to maintain funds from operations (FFO) and revenue growth; and (iii) the less-profitable nature of its leasing operations compared to what had been represented to investors.

The lawsuit further claims that on November 6, 2024, the company reported its third-quarter 2024 financial results, revealing a normalized FFO per share of $2.02, missing the consensus estimate of $2.03 and declining from $2.09 in Q3 2023. Revenue for the quarter was $76.5 million, falling short of the $77.5 million estimate and down from $77.8 million in the prior year. The company attributed this decline to several factors, including a $3.0 million drop in rent and property management fees tied to properties it regained possession of since June 2023, a $1.3 million decline from rent reclassification, and another $1.3 million of unpaid rent and fees. Following this disclosure, the stock price of Innovative Industrial Properties dropped more than 10%.

On December 20, 2024, the lawsuit alleges that the company announced that PharmaCann Inc., the tenant for eleven of its properties (representing 17% of total rental revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024), defaulted on its December rent payments under six of its leases across multiple states, including Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. As a result, Innovative Industrial Properties' stock price dropped nearly 23%.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
Washington, D.C, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jim Rickards, a former CIA advisor, is warning that Americas power grid is under immense pressure and faces an unprecedented challenge in meeting the energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency, and other growing industries. According to Rickards, former President Donald Trump has signaled that nuclear energy will be a major focus in securing Americas energy future. "For AI, you will need more electricity than we have right now. Youll need double the energy that we produce right now just for that one industry if we're going to be the big player".

Rickards explains that power consumption is accelerating far beyond previous projections, putting major stress on U.S. infrastructure. "In just the next few years, Americas power demands will surge at least 10 TIMES higher than what was projected only a few years ago". He warns that without immediate action, widespread blackouts, economic turmoil, and national security risks could follow.

A Power Grid on the Brink of Collapse

Rickards points out that energy shortages are already being felt worldwide. "Major technology hubs in Europe, including Amsterdam, Dublin, and London, have already imposed bans on new data centers because their power grids simply cannot handle the demand". The U.S. is rapidly approaching a similar tipping point, as AI servers, crypto miners, and critical industries put unprecedented strain on the national power supply.

Meanwhile, Rickards notes that renewable energy solutions like wind and solar have proven unreliable for industries that require 24/7 power stability. "Solar and wind sound great in theory, but they dont provide a constant, uninterrupted energy source for AI, crypto, or even essential services like hospitals and defense systems".

The Race for a Reliable Energy Future

Rickards points to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), also known as 'Nuclear 2.0,' as the key to solving Americas energy crisis. These advanced reactors are compact, factory-built, and highly efficient, making them faster to deploy and far safer than traditional nuclear plants. "SMRs are compact, highly efficient, and safer than any nuclear technology ever developed".

Unlike fossil fuels, SMRs provide a consistent power supply without emissions and require minimal refueling, sometimes running for decades at a time. Additionally, their self-regulating safety features eliminate many of the risks associated with older nuclear technology, making them "one of the most secure energy solutions available today".

Trumps Plan to Restore Energy Independence

According to Rickards, Trumps commitment to nuclear energy marks a turning point in securing Americas energy independence. "Trump has already signed groundbreaking policies to accelerate nuclear energy development, and his administration has made it clear that SMRs will be at the forefront of Americas future energy strategy".

With AI and tech industries expanding at an exponential rate, securing a reliable and scalable power source is no longer an optionits a necessity. "Without decisive action, America risks falling behind in the global technology race while facing an avoidable energy catastrophe".

About Jim Rickards

Jim Rickards is a former advisor to the White House, Pentagon, and Department of Defense, with over 40 years of experience in intelligence, economic strategy, and financial markets. He has been involved in high-level briefings, strategic planning sessions, and national security initiatives, advising on critical infrastructure risks and economic stability. A bestselling author and respected voice on global finance, Rickards continues to provide analysis on the forces shaping Americas future.
Chinese tech firm completes 2nd phase of digital connectivity project for 21 Kenyan schools

Xinhua) 13:47, March 18, 2025

NAIROBI, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese technology firm Huawei has completed the second phase of a digital connectivity project targeting 21 primary schools in Kenya to boost learning outcomes among pupils, according to a statement issued on Monday.

Through a partnership with the Kenyan government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Huawei has supported the rollout of high-speed Internet connectivity in Kenyan schools, following its long-term digital inclusion initiative, TECH4ALL.

Steven Zhang, deputy chief executive officer for public affairs at Huawei Kenya, said connectivity has improved the quality of learning in local schools, besides enabling head teachers to easily access management systems online.

"Connectivity in the classroom is making learning more interesting, fun, and effective," Zhang was quoted as saying, adding that access to high-speed internet is improving access to education resources online, whether videos, curriculum, or experts, and in schools catering for special educational needs, connectivity is helping experts to provide assessment and rehabilitation services remotely.

Phase one of the Huawei-supported DigiSchool project connected 13 schools to high-speed Internet, benefiting 6,000 students and teachers, with a thorough evaluation finding that 98 percent of learners admitted that connectivity met their educational needs, according to Huawei.

In addition, 84 percent of students said the Internet makes learning more exciting, while 71 percent said online resources make complex ideas easier to understand.

John Tanui, principal secretary in the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, said the second phase of Kenya DigiSchool Connectivity Project, which also covered six schools for children with special needs, aligns with the government's quest to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth.

Louise Haxthausen, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, said partnerships are key to boosting access to high-speed Internet in schools, ensuring that children and youth have access to equitable and quality education.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Azincourt Energy Corp. (TSXV: AAZ) (OTCQB: AZURF) ("Azincourt" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has completed the data acquisition and compilation of historic data available for its recently acquired Snegamook uranium project (the "Snegamook Project" or the "Project"), located in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

SUMMARY

The Snegamook Project contains known uranium mineralization and is strategically positioned near several major uranium discoveries, including Two Time, Moran, Kitts, and Jacques Lake.

Historical drilling by Silver Spruce Resources at the Snegamook Project (2006-2008) indicated multiple lenses of uranium mineralization over a 300-metre strike length and to a vertical depth of 200 metres, with grades ranging from 225 to 771 ppm U 3 O 8 . Some zones contain higher-grade uranium concentrations (e.g., 0.11% U 3 O 8 over 3m).

A preliminary non-NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate was completed in 2008 but never officially filed.

Azincourt aims to verify and expand historical mineralization through a new drill program, with the intention of re-evaluating the Snegamook deposit and establishing an initial resource estimate.

The Snegamook Project is strategically located to the southeast of Snegamook Lake within Labrador's Central Mineral Belt and less than 1 km south of the Two Time Zone (Indicated and Inferred resource of 5.55 Mlb U 3 O 8 , June 2008)*, formerly held by Silver Spruce Resources Inc. as part of a larger land package. The Project consists of a mineral licence block comprised of 17 contiguous claims covering 423 hectares and is located near several large-scale uranium discoveries including the Two Time, Moran, Kitts, and Jacques Lake deposits. (Figure 1)

Figure 1: Snegamook Project Location Map - Central Mineral Belt, Labrador, Canada.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6137/244991_ebaabc279448faea_002full.jpg

The Central Mineral Belt in Labrador also hosts Paladin Energy Ltd.'s recently acquired Michelin deposit (Measured and Indicated resource of 82.2Mlb U 3 O 8 ).* Uranium was first discovered in the Central Mineral Belt in 1951 and despite hosting numerous large-scale uranium discoveries, it remains relatively under-explored. Readers are cautioned that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to the Project are not necessarily indicative of the presence of similar mineralization on the Project.

Silver Spruce Resources conducted significant exploration work on the Snegamook Project between 2006 and 2008 consisting of airborne radiometric and magnetic surveys, follow-up prospecting, lake sediment and soil sampling, radon gas surveys, geological mapping, trenching, and diamond drilling. The success of this exploration program resulted in a preliminary resource estimate that has been made available to Azincourt. This resource estimate was never finalized or filed and consequently is not National Instrument 43-101 compliant.

Azincourt has made every effort to acquire all available historical data existing for the Project. Geophysical survey results for 2006 and diamond drilling results for 2007 were available through the online assessment report database from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Company was also able to acquire surveying data from Silver Spruce Resources, which included the 2008 diamond drilling data which was never filed for assessment. The digital geophysical data is not available however, the drilling data appears to be approximately 90% complete. The current dataset provides a good base on which to build.

Between 2007 and 2008, Silver Spruce completed 44 diamond drill holes in the Snegamook area, of which 35, totalling 10,017.6 m, were within the current Snegamook Project area. This drilling, to follow up a radon gas anomaly, identified the Snegamook Zone uranium occurrence located 1.3 km along strike to the southeast of the Two Time Zone. 17 drill holes intersected a 20 to 50 m wide section of uranium bearing brecciated and altered monzodiorite with moderate to strong chlorite, hematite and carbonate alteration, the same geological setting as the Two Time Zone. (Figure 2)

Figure 2: Snegamook and Two Time Zone mineralization map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6137/244991_ebaabc279448faea_003full.jpg

Four mineralized lenses were traced over a strike length of 300 meters and to a vertical depth of 200 meters. The lenses are shallow dipping and vary in width from five to 53 meters with values ranging from 225 to 771 ppm U 3 O 8 . Individual one meter sample values range from 50 to 1,110 ppm U 3 O 8 , with the widest section in drill hole SN-08-8 averaging 206 ppm U 3 O 8 over 73 meters. Mineralization and related hydrothermal alteration appear to be structurally controlled within lineaments cross-cutting the host intrusive gneissic units. The zones appear to be disrupted to the south and down dip by steeply dipping fault structures that displace the basement gneiss but remain open to the north. (Figure 3)

Figure 3: Snegamook Zone cross section.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6137/244991_ebaabc279448faea_004full.jpg

Two drill holes tested a radon gas anomaly 500 meters to the south of the Snegamook Zone. (Figure 2) They intersected nine meters (210 to 219 m) of 552 ppm U 3 O 8 and five meters (191 to 196 m) of 224 ppm U 3 O 8 . Higher grade zones, 0.11% U 3 O 8 over 3 m and 0.11% U 3 O 8 over 2 m, were located within the highlighted zone in SN-08-18.

In 2008 a preliminary resource estimate for the Snegamook Zone was prepared by Silver Spruce Resources, however it was never finalized in a report or filed. The company does not consider this resource estimate to be current or NI43-101 compliant, although it will provide a good base to assist in building a compliant estimate as the historical data is analysed, and more drilling is completed on the deposit. (Figure 4) describes the resource block model from the unpublished and non-compliant preliminary resource estimate.

Despite a recent increase in activity and discoveries in the Central Mineral Belt, the Project area remains relatively underexplored. Azincourt is currently planning a drill program to confirm and expand the historical mineralization.

"Being able to get our hands on a uranium deposit that has not seen any attention in over 15 years is exciting," commented Vice President of Exploration Trevor Perkins. "We are starting from a good position with regards to an understanding of what we may have and are excited to see if we can establish an initial resource estimate at Snegamook. The chance to improve a deposit within an emerging uranium camp is a significant opportunity for Azincourt", continued Mr. Perkins.

Figure 4: Snegamook Zone block model from 2008

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6137/244991_ebaabc279448faea_005full.jpg

*The historical interpretation and drill intersections described here in have not been verified and are extracted from news releases issued by Silver Spruce Resources Inc on April 24, 2008, and August 12, 2008, as well as annual Management Discussion and Analysis documents filed on www.sedarplus.ca, and disclosure published on the website for Paladin Energy Limited (www.paladinenergy.com.au). The Company has not completed sufficient work to confirm and validate any of the historical data from the Snegamook occurrence. The Company considers the historical work a reliable indication of the potential of the Project and the information may be of assistance to readers.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the Company by C. Trevor Perkins, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Azincourt Energy, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Azincourt Energy Corp.

Azincourt is a Canadian-based resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition, exploration, and development of alternative energy/fuel projects. The Company has been a uranium explorer for over a decade and is currently active at both its Snegamook advanced exploration project in the Central Mining Belt of Labrador and its majority-owned joint venture East Preston uranium project located in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF AZINCOURT ENERGY CORP.

"Alex Klenman"

Alex Klenman, President & CEO

For further information please contact:

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, and social risks, contingencies, and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/244991
Westgold Resources Limited (ASX:WGX) (TSX: WGX) (Westgold or the Company) wishes to advise pursuant to Listing Rule 3.13.2 that the resolution presented at the General Meeting of Shareholders held today was carried by a poll.

In accordance with Listing Rule 3.13.2 and section 251AA of the Corporations Act, the Company advises details of the resolution and the votes received in respect of the resolution are set out in the attached summary.

This announcement is authorised for release to the ASX by the Board. Investor and media relations enquiries Investor Relations Kasun Liyanaarachchi Group Manager Investor Relations & Communications

investor.relations@westgold.com.au

+61 458 564 483 Media Annette Ellis Manager Communications & Corporate Affairs Media@westgold.com.au +61 458 200 039

Westgold Resources Limited

General Meeting

Tuesday, 18 March 2025

Results of Meeting

The following information is provided in accordance with section 251AA(2) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and ASX Listing Rule 3.13.2.

Resolution details Instructions given to validly appointed proxies

(as at proxy close) Number of votes cast on the poll

(where applicable) Resolution Result Resolution Resolution Type For Against Proxy's Discretion Abstain For Against Abstain* Carried / Not Carried 1 Financial Assistance Special 624,234,940 978,884 480,123 1,417,463 624,801,615 978,884 1,417,463 Carried (99.76 %) (0.16 %) (0.08 %) (99.84 %) (0.16 %)

* Votes cast by a person who abstains on an item are not counted in calculating the required majority on a poll.

SOURCE Westgold Resources Limited
The Emily Manganese Deposit sample contains 52.0% Manganese (Mn) / 64.2% Manganese Oxide (MnO), highlighting North America's highest-grade manganese deposit

TORONTO, March 18, 2025 - Electric Metals (USA) Ltd. ("EML" or the "Company") (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is pleased to announce that a?high-grade sample from the Emily Manganese Deposit in Minnesota has been donated to the prestigious Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)mineral collection. The 52.0% Manganese (Mn) / 64.2% Manganese Oxide (MnO) sample, one of the highest-grade manganese samples in North America, was presented to the ROM on?Monday, March 3, 2025, during the Prospectors and Developers Conference (PDAC) in Toronto, Ontario.

The?ROM, Canada's largest museum and one of North America's most renowned cultural institutions, is home to a world-class collection of more than six million objects and specimens?across?40 gallery and exhibition spaces. Its mineral section, featuring meteorites, rocks, precious minerals, and gems, is recognized as one of the world's finest collections.

A Sample of Exceptional Quality

The?Emily Manganese Deposit Sample?was taken by?North Star Manganese Inc., a?wholly owned subsidiary of EML, during drilling operations at?hole NSC-23002A on February 22, 2023. The sample was taken from an interval of?230.4 ft - 232.5 ft, where the HQ diamond core, previously reported in?EML's June 27, 2023 press release, assayed at?40.9% Mn / 52.8% MnO. The specific sample presented to the ROM, analyzed using an?XRF Spectrometer by Big Rock Exploration LLC, EML's contract geologists on the Emily Manganese Project, recorded an even higher grade of?52.0% Mn by weight / 64.2% MnO by weight.

Photo: Emily Manganese Deposit sample presented to the ROM (52% Mn / 64.2% MnO)

A Milestone for North American Manganese

The presentation ceremony at the ROM featured?Dr. Henry (Rick) J. Sandri, Director of EML, who formally handed over the sample to?Ms. Katherine M. Dunnell, Manager of Collections Care, Natural History at the ROM.

Brian Savage, CEO, EML commented: "We are honored to have this exceptional high-grade Emily Manganese Deposit sample added to the ROM's prestigious collection. The Emily high grades are indeed museum quality. The outstanding grade of this deposit sets it apart-not just in North America, but globally."

Savage further emphasized: "We have multiple core samples exceeding?50% manganese, a concentration virtually unseen in North America and most of the world. This underscores the unique value of the Emily Manganese Deposit."

The Emily Manganese Deposit, Minnesota is the highest grade manganese deposit in North America. Electric Metals is poised to emerge as a low-cost producer of 100% domestically sourced, high-purity, battery grade, manganese products and chemicals, including HPMSM, for the electric vehicle battery and energy storage sectors.

About Electric Metals (USA) Limited

Electric Metals (USA) Limited (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is a US-based mineral development company with manganese and silver projects geared to supporting the transition to clean energy. The Company's principal asset is the Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota, the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America, which has been the subject of considerable technical studies, including National Instrument 43-101 Technical Reports - Resource Estimates. The Company's mission in Minnesota is to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets. With manganese playing a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations, and with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, the State of Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders.

For further information, please contact:

Electric Metals (USA) Limited

Brian Savage

CEO & Director

(303) 656-9197

or

Valerie Kimball

Director Investor Relations

720-933-1150

info@electricmetals.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions.

Such statements in this news release include, without limitation: the ability to produce battery-grade high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) and other high-grade manganese products from the Emily manganese deposit; conduct a scoping study, Preliminary Economic Assessment and Pre-Feasibility Study to evaluate the overall feasibility and design parameters; development of processing plant; other metallurgical test work, and planned or potential developments in ongoing work by Electric Metals.

These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the failure to obtain all necessary stock exchange and regulatory approvals. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, updated conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Electric Metals (USA) Limited

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Prominent Government Relations Firm to Support Almonty's Position as a Leading Allied Supplier of Tungsten to the American Defense and Technology Industries

Almonty Industries Inc. (TSX: AII) (ASX: AII) (OTCQX: ALMTF) (Frankfurt: ALI) ("Almonty" or the "Company"), a leading global producer of tungsten concentrate, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic partnership agreement ("Agreement") with American Defense International, Inc. ("ADI"), a prominent government relations and business development firm based in Washington, D.C.

This partnership represents a significant step in strengthening Almonty's strategic positioning within the critical metals sector to support the U.S. federal government as well as the American defense and technology industries. Alongside the Company's ongoing redomiciling to the United States, the collaboration with ADI will enhance engagement in the U.S. market by reinforcing the Company's alignment and support of government policies and industry priorities.

Founded in 1995 and supported by a team of former senior government officials, military officers, and congressional aides, ADI has a strong track record of assisting companies in securing key government relationships, advancing strategic initiatives, and facilitating global expansion. Representing over 100 organizations - including prominent companies such as SpaceX - across 11 countries, ADI's influence and reach will be instrumental in further positioning Almonty within the growing demand for secure and sustainable tungsten and Molybdenum supply chains to supply the needs of the U.S. defense and technology sectors.

Lewis Black, President & CEO of Almonty, commented: "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with American Defense International, which will help position Almonty as a leading allied supplier of tungsten and molybdenum for American interests. As we move to finalize our redomiciling to the United States, ADI's expertise and relationships, forged through working with industry-leaders such as SpaceX, will position us to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in a rapidly evolving global landscape. We look forward to working closely with their team in the months and years to come as we strive to create sustainable, long-term value for my fellow shareholders."

About Almonty

Almonty Industries Inc. is a diversified and experienced global producer of tungsten concentrate in conflict-free regions. The company is currently mining, processing and shipping tungsten concentrate from its Panasqueira mine in Portugal. Its Sangdong tungsten mine in Gangwon Province, South Korea is currently under construction. The Sangdong mine was historically one of the largest tungsten mines in the world and one of the few long-life, high-grade tungsten deposits outside of China, and has significant upside potential from an underlying molybdenum deposit. Additional development projects underway include the Valtreixal tin/tungsten project in northwestern Spain and Los Santos Mine in western Spain. Further information about Almonty's activities may be found at www.almonty.com and under Almonty's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Legal Notice

The release, publication, or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published, or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions.

Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. These statements and information are based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and reflect Almonty's current expectations.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Almonty to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: any specific risks relating to fluctuations in the price of ammonium para tungstate ("APT") from which the sale price of Almonty's tungsten concentrate is derived, actual results of mining and exploration activities, environmental, economic and political risks of the jurisdictions in which Almonty's operations are located and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, forecasts and assessments relating to Almonty's business, credit and liquidity risks, hedging risk, competition in the mining industry, risks related to the market price of Almonty's shares, the ability of Almonty to retain key management employees or procure the services of skilled and experienced personnel, risks related to claims and legal proceedings against Almonty and any of its operating mines, risks relating to unknown defects and impairments, risks related to the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, risks related to governmental regulations, including environmental regulations, risks related to international operations of Almonty, risks relating to exploration, development and operations at Almonty's tungsten mines, the ability of Almonty to obtain and maintain necessary permits, the ability of Almonty to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements, lack of suitable infrastructure and employees to support Almonty's mining operations, uncertainty in the accuracy of mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates, production estimates from Almonty's mining operations, inability to replace and expand mineral reserves, uncertainties related to title and indigenous rights with respect to mineral properties owned directly or indirectly by Almonty, the ability of Almonty to obtain adequate financing, the ability of Almonty to complete permitting, construction, development and expansion, challenges related to global financial conditions, risks related to future sales or issuance of equity securities, differences in the interpretation or application of tax laws and regulations or accounting policies and rules and acceptance of the TSX of the listing of Almonty shares on the TSX.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to, no material adverse change in the market price of ammonium para tungstate (APT), the continuing ability to fund or obtain funding for outstanding commitments, expectations regarding the resolution of legal and tax matters, no negative change to applicable laws, the ability to secure local contractors, employees and assistance as and when required and on reasonable terms, and such other assumptions and factors as are set out herein. Although Almonty has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results, level of activity, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and even if events or results described in the forward-looking statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Almonty. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are cautioned that actual outcomes may vary.

Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Almonty cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Almonty's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events.

Almonty has also assumed that material factors will not cause any forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF ALMONTY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD- LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE ALMONTY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318479198/en/

Contact

Company Contact

Lewis Black

Chairman, President & CEO

+1 647 438-9766

info@almonty.com

Investor Relations Contact

Lucas A. Zimmerman

Managing Director

MZ Group - MZ North America

(949) 259-4987

ALMTF@mzgroup.us

www.mzgroup.us
/NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS, ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA./

VANCOUVER, March 18, 2025 - Freegold Ventures Ltd. (TSX: FVL) (the "Company" or "Freegold Ventures"), is pleased to announce that in connection with its previously-announced best efforts private placement offering (the "Offering"), the Company and Paradigm Capital Inc. (the "Agent"), have agreed to increase the size of the Offering. The Company will now issue up to 42,492,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $ 0.85 per Unit (the "Issue Price") for total gross proceeds of up to $ 36,500,700. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Unit Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant").

Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") for 24 months from the Closing Date at an exercise price of $ 1.30 per Warrant Share. The Warrants shall be callable by the Company should the daily volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange exceed $1.30 for a period of twenty (20) consecutive trading days, at any time during the period (i) beginning on the date that is 6 months from the closing date of the Offering, and (ii) ending on the date the Warrants expire (the "Call Trigger"). Following a Call Trigger, the Company may give notice (the "Call Notice") to the holders of the Warrants (by disseminating a news release announcing the acceleration) that any Warrant that remains unexercised by the holder thereof shall expire thirty days following the date on which the Call Notice is given.

The Company will grant the Agent an option (the "Agent's Option") to sell up to that number of additional Units equal to 15% of the base Offering size, exercisable, by notice in writing to the Company, at any time not less than 48 hours prior to the Closing Date.

The Agent will be paid by the Company on closing of the Offering a cash commission equal to 6% of the gross proceeds of the Offering including on any exercise of the Over-Allotment Option (reduced to 3% on up to $1,000,000 in Units purchased by investors on the Company's "president's list").

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for general working capital and corporate purposes.

The Offering will be conducted in all provinces of Canada pursuant to private placement exemptions and in such other jurisdictions as are agreed to by the Company and the Agent. The Offering is expected to close on or about April 3, 2025 (the "Closing Date") and will be subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, including the listing of the Unit Shares and Warrant Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will have a hold period of four months and one day.

The securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with the requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor may there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Freegold Ventures Limited

Freegold Ventures is a TSX-listed company focused on exploration in Alaska and holds the Golden Summit Gold Project near Fairbanks and the Shorty Creek Copper-Gold Project near Livengood through leases.

Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programs on schedule, and the success of exploration programs.

SOURCE Freegold Ventures Limited
Hamilton, Ferrari, can speed up soon says Rene Arnoux

Former Ferrari driver Rene Arnoux tips Lewis Hamilton and the Maranello based team to bounce back from a bad start to the 2025 season in Australia.

Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, Australian GP 2025

 Ferrari

After all the pre-season hype, seven time world champion Hamilton trailed Charles Leclerc all weekend - but both of them had to fight hard even to score minor points.

Bild newspaper called it a disastrous debut in red for the famous British driver, while Der Spiegel added: A teenager who replaced him (Kimi Antonelli) stole the show from Hamilton.

Arnoux, 76, told Italian radio Rai 1 that he also noticed the radio tension between Hamilton and his new race engineer Riccardo Adami. He (Hamilton) lost a bit of enthusiasm but I understand that, said the Frenchman.

Of course he cannot be satisfied after this first race, which is where you understand the level you are at. And the two McLarens shot away like lightning.

As for Ferrari, it is the top team that has stood out from the crowd with the most fundamental concept change between the 2024 and 2025 seasons. They made a new suspension, but were unable to find the right setup for that type of track, Arnoux continued.

"Both Hamilton and Leclerc found themselves with a car that was very difficult to drive. It seemed to me that there was more water for the two Ferrari drivers than for all the others. Every time they touched the throttle, they were sideways.

The great thing, Arnoux said, is that we see three or four competitive teams at the start of this season. Ferrari cannot stay at this level and sooner or later they will catch up with the others, but I don't know when.

As for 40-year-old Hamilton, Arnoux joins those who warn that writing off the record winner of 105 grands prix is not wise.

I understand he is disappointed, but it's always difficult to change teams, he said. "Because there is no longer the possibility of doing private tests, apart from the two-three days each year.

It means that Hamilton arrived in Melbourne without really knowing the car, plus he discovered it in very delicate conditions. We need to wait 4 or 5 races to see if the car is truly competitive. But I certainly saw a very fast McLaren.

(GMM)
Republic Bank posts 37.84% growth in assets

Daily Graphic Business News Mar - 18 - 2025 , 06:57

Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC Group has delivered an impressive financial performance for the 2024 financial year, posting a 30.4 per cent growth in profit before tax, from GH252.3 million in 2023 to a record figure of GH329 million in 2024.

The banks financial performance marks a significant growth across key financial indicators, reaffirming its position as one of the most resilient banks in Ghana.

Its total assets grew by 37.8 per cent, closing the year at GH9.6 billion, underpinned by strong deposit mobilisation and short-term borrowings, which grew by 34.3 per cent.

Earnings

Earnings per share also improved significantly from GH0.16 in 2023 to GH0.24 in 2024, reflecting enhanced shareholder value.

Commenting on the banks outstanding performance, the Managing Director (MD), Benjamin Dzoboku, said "our 2024 performance is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and strategic focus of Republic Bank.

In a year, with mixed macroeconomic challenges, our team remained steadfast in executing our growth strategy, strengthened our balance sheet, and improved operational efficiencies.

We are proud to deliver these results to our shareholders, and most importantly, to our cherished customers, who continue to be at the heart of everything we do".

Mr Dzoboku added that the bank's focus on regaining market share, deepening customer relationships, and driving operational efficiency were yielding tangible results as evidenced by the sustained growth in customer deposits and transactions.

Despite the lingering effects of the economic headwinds that impacted the banking industry in the previous year, Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC demonstrated robust resilience, supported by an impressive capital base, with a capital adequacy ratio of 18.20 per cent at the end of December 2024, and a healthy liquidity position.

Future options

The MD of the bank said: "We remain optimistic about the future. Our renewed focus and strategic alignment, underpinned by our long-term vision to be a financial lighthouse in Ghana and beyond, place us on a strong trajectory to seize emerging opportunities".

As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and enhanced customer experience, Republic Bank continues to invest heavily in technology-driven solutions, aimed at delivering greater convenience, speed, and value to customers.

Looking ahead to 2025, Mr Dzoboku expressed confidence that the bank would sustain its growth momentum.

He said: "2025 promises to be an exciting year, filled with new opportunities for our stakeholders. Our journey into our new five-year strategic plan, aptly named the Republic Verse, will unlock boundless possibilities as we continue to deliver tailored financial solutions, empower our communities, and maximise shareholder value".

Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC remains dedicated to being a trusted partner for individuals, businesses and institutions, driving sustainable growth and prosperity across the nation.

Credentials

Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC is a subsidiary of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) of Trinidad and Tobago, and considered the largest and most profitable independent bank in the Caribbean.

Republic Bank Ghana is a major universal banking institution and diversified financial institution.
Next article: Amin Adam: Former Finance Minister commends Ato Forson for tax cuts but questions increased levy on mining sector

Government must explain GH16bn tax refund claims with evidence  Former Finance Minister

Mohammed Ali Business News Mar - 18 - 2025 , 10:53

Former Finance Minister Dr Mohammed Amin Adam has challenged the government to provide concrete evidence to support claims that GH16 billion from the Tax Refund Account was misapplied under the previous administration.

Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews on Monday, March 17, 2025, he dismissed allegations by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson that the funds were turned into a slush fund.

Dr Amin Adam explained that the Tax Refund Account is structured by law, with six per cent of revenue collected by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) set aside for tax refunds.

He stated that any unused portion of these funds is legally reallocated for government expenditures through the Consolidated Fund, in line with public financial management regulations.

The law allows for unused tax refund funds to be used for other government obligations. If the Finance Minister believes the funds were misused, he must provide detailed evidence, he said.

Dispute over tax refund account

The controversy began when Dr Forson, in his presentation of the 2025 Budget, revealed that over the past eight years, GH29.1 billion had accumulated in the Tax Refund Account, but only GH12 billion had been disbursed for actual tax refunds.

He claimed this left GH16 billion unaccounted for or misapplied.

Dr Forson described the account as having been turned into a slush fund, arguing that the funds were not properly channelled through the Consolidated Fund, as required by law.

He insisted that the previous administration must explain how the money was utilised and provide evidence of the expenditures.

The Tax Refund Account exists to reimburse businesses and individuals who have overpaid taxes. Instead of returning the money to taxpayers, the previous government used it for other purposes that were not legally sanctioned. We must correct this anomaly to restore fiscal discipline, Dr Forson said during his presentation.

Responding to the Finance minister, Dr Amin Adam rejected the claim that the funds were misapplied, stressing that the law allows for the unused portion of tax refunds to be used for government expenditures.

He also questioned why the Finance Minister had not provided detailed evidence of any financial mismanagement.

If Dr Forson claims that these funds were used improperly, he must specify exactly how and where they were misapplied. The Controller and Accountant General manages government funds, and every transaction is documented. Where is the evidence? he asked.

Payments to contractors and economic concerns

Dr Amin Adam also defended payments made from the account, including those to contractors and service providers such as Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML).

He insisted that all financial transactions were conducted within the legal framework and managed by the Controller and Accountant General, not the Finance Minister.

The funds were not hidden or illegally spent. Government finances operate under a single treasury account system, meaning money is moved around for various commitments. This is standard practice, he said.

He warned that the governments attempt to portray the tax refund funds as misapplied could have broader economic consequences, particularly as Ghana undergoes an International Monetary Fund (IMF) review.

He expressed concern that such claims could affect investor confidence and Ghanas credit ratings.
Significant number of nations ready for Ukraine Peacekeeping  UK

Reuters International News Mar - 18 - 2025 , 10:21 1 minute read

A "significant number" of countries are willing to provide peacekeeping troops in Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said on Monday.

Britain and France have spearheaded efforts to offer a peacekeeping plan for Ukraine after US President, Donald Trump, began talks to press for a peace deal with Russia.

More than 30 countries are expected to be involved in the so-called 'coalition of the willing' to support Ukraine, Starmer's spokesperson told reporters.

"The contribution capabilities will vary, but this will be a significant force, with a significant number of countries providing troops."

Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of soldiers from countries belonging to the NATO military alliance being stationed in Ukraine.

Asked if the peacekeeping troops would be allowed to fire back if targeted, the spokesperson said military planning meetings were taking place to go through the details.

Starmer hosted a virtual meeting last Saturday with leaders from Europe and other countries to build support for the coalition before military planners are due to meet in Britain on Thursday to discuss how a truce could be guaranteed.

Asked about Russian comments that Moscow would not accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine, Starmer's spokesperson said: "It is worth remembering that Russia didn't ask Ukraine when it deployed North Korean troops to the frontline last year."

Britain and France are both continuing to push the United States for security guarantees to deter any future Russian attacks.
400 Guards train to safeguard water bodies

Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu Mar - 18 - 2025 , 12:57 4 minutes read

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has started the training of river guards to protect the countrys water bodies against degradation.

Currently, 400 recruits, known as the Blue Water River Guards, are undergoing training at the Ezinlibo Forward Base of Ghana Navy in the Jomoro District in the Western Region.

The government intends to train 2,000 river guards across the country this year.

The Blue Water River Guard is a module under the Blue Water Initiative, one of the two pillars the government wants to deploy to resolve the canker of mining in water bodies and environmental degradation. The other one is the Tree for Life.

The trainees, will undergo intense and rigorous four-week training to be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for the adequate and timely protection of Ghanas river bodies.

The young trainees drawn mainly from the affected communities, will undergo training in swimming and other skills under the operational command of the Ghana Navys Riverine Command.

Launch

At the launch of the Blue Water River Guards Initiative on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at Ezinlibo in Jomoro Municipality, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, said: Today, under the Resetting Ghana agenda, we are proud to introduce two groundbreaking programmes: the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative and the Blue Water Initiative, which we promised to deliver in the first 120 days in power.

He underscored the importance of the River Guard initiative in the fight against illegal mining.

Our rivers are more than just bodies of water; they are the lifelines of our communities. They provide drinking water, support agriculture, sustain fisheries, drive tourism and facilitate transportation.

Yet, the selfish actions of illegal miners are robbing us of these vital resources, he said.

The minister said the Blue Water Initiative was the governments response packaged in a comprehensive strategy to safeguard water bodies and promote sustainable practices.

Mr Buah said the success of the River Guards hinged on the support of every Ghanaian, and that it was not just another government initiative; it was a national call to action.

We must all play our part in protecting our water resources.

The trainees would serve as the frontline defenders of rivers, ensuring that water bodies remain a source of life, livelihood and prosperity for generations to come.

The consequences of the illegal activities are dire - polluted rivers, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, climate change, and severe public health crises and threats to human existence, the minister stated.

Mr Buah explained that the trainees would serve as the frontline defenders of rivers, ensuring that water bodies remained a source of life, livelihood and prosperity for generations to come.

He said the consequences of the illegal activities were dire, resulting in polluted rivers, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, climate change, severe public health crises and threats to human existence.

The minister charged the trainees to see their task as a call to duty and part of history to give life back to the countys rivers, saying: Your responsibilities are absolutely critical and responsible for monitoring the health of our rivers, identifying areas of concern, and reporting on any illegal activities for timely interventions.

Bonsa Water Treatment

The Western Regional Minister, Joe Nelson, said the Western Region held one of the three water systems in the country and had the highest concentration of water polluted by illegal small-scale mining activities.

The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has had to shut down its Bonsa Water Treatment site in Tarkwa due to heavy pollution of the water bodies due to illegal mining activities, Mr Nelson stated.

He said the Bonsa headworks facility, which produced 75 per cent of potable water for Tarkwa and the surrounding communities, was forced to shut down operations after efforts to treat the heavily polluted water were practically impossible.

Also, the polluted water was flowing to neighbouring Cote dIvoire, causing agitation between both countries.

Key partner

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Emmanuel Anyimah, said the commission was proud to be a key partner in the initiative.

Established under the Minerals Commission Act of 1993, he said its mandate was to regulate and manage the utilisation of Ghanas mineral resources in ways that ensured sustainable development.

The commission, he said, would provide the necessary regulatory support, technical guidance, and oversight to ensure that the River Guards were well-equipped to execute their mandate effectively.
Next article: Some Traditional Area leaders grateful to President over support for tidal waves victims

Cartons of opioids busted at Tema Port - Said to be in transit to Niger

Benjamin Xornam Glover Mar - 18 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The combined efforts of regulatory and intelligence agencies at the Tema Port have led to the interception of opioid drugs estimated at GH20 million supposed to be in transit to Niger.

The shipment was intercepted following a joint inspection by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

The operation led to the seizure of a large consignment of opioid pharmaceuticals, including three main opioid drugs, which were laced with two regular drugs.

The busted opioid drugs included 26 cartons of tapentadol in 250-milligramme (mg) strength; 160 cartons of tafradol in 120mg strength; and 40 cartons of tapentadol in 120mg strength.

The consignment also contained 190 cartons of chlorpheniramine maleate and 320 cartons of diazole loperamide.

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, accompanied by the Commissioner of Customs, Brig. Gen. Zibrim Ayorrogo, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, Dr Delese Mimi Darko, were at the Tema Port yesterday and confirmed the development, stating that investigations were ongoing to unravel the full details of the shipment and its intended recipients.

Offence

The Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, Dr Delese Mimi Darko, said the consignment  which was in transit to Niger  had not been properly declared to Customs, thus constituting a custom offence and warranting seizure by the state.

She said the products did not include the manufacturer's name, but only had Made-in-India stated on the strips.

Investigation

Mr Akandoh said in due course, the names of the culprits, their modus operandi and their motives would be revealed.

Mr Akandoh said since Ghana was interested in facilitating trade, the nation would not allow itself to be a haven for opioids.

He said per the rules and regulations of Ghana, only two areas had been designated for the imports and exports of medication or drugs, namely the Tema Port and the Kotoka International Airport, adding that drugs were not permitted through the land borders.

"We will not allow our ports to be a transit point for illegal or unauthorised drugs," he stressed.

The minister said the government was swiftly pursuing a court order requiring the proper disposal of the seized items.

Mr Akandoh commended all the agencies for their vigilance and appealed to the public, including importers and exporters, to volunteer information that would lead to the clamping down on such illicit trade.

Writer's email [email protected]
Glaucoma blinding Ghanaians - Experts urge public to screen for disease

Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi Mar - 18 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read

Health experts and stakeholders have urged Ghanaians to take proactive steps to prevent glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness.

Speaking at a press launch of the World Glaucoma Week 2025 in Accra, the Director of Eye Care Secretariat at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Afake Honametor, revealed that Ghana had the highest prevalence of glaucoma in Africa, and pointed out that people of African ancestry were five times more likely to develop glaucoma than other races, making the condition a critical public health issue.

The statistics are alarming; nearly 60,000 Ghanaians are already blind due to glaucoma, and over 360,000 people are unaware that they have the disease, Dr Honametor revealed.

Unlike cataracts, which can be treated with surgery, glaucoma-induced blindness is irreversible. Early detection is the only way to preserve vision, he added.

The acting Technical Director and Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, Dr Hafiz Adam Tahir, also highlighted the devastating impact of glaucoma, a condition that affects over 700,000 Ghanaians.

He stressed that glaucoma was the second leading cause of blindness in the country, yet its symptoms remained largely undetected until irreversible damage had occurred.

Glaucoma is a disease that destroys the optic nerve and leads to permanent blindness if not diagnosed and managed early, he said.

It is often hereditary, but can also result from injury. We must intensify our interventions, including awareness campaigns, early detection, and improved access to affordable eye care services, he added.

Early detection

Dr Honametor stressed that many Ghanaians were unaware that they had glaucoma until they experienced significant vision loss.

He warned that if left undiagnosed, glaucoma could lead to permanent blindness, affecting individuals, families and ultimately the economy.

"We are calling on all Ghanaians, especially those above 40 years, and individuals with a family history of glaucoma, to get screened at least once a year. Glaucoma can be managed if detected early," he said.

President of the Glaucoma Patients Association of Ghana, Harrison K. Abutiate, urged Ghanaians to prioritise eye health by undergoing regular check-ups.

He warned that the risk of developing glaucoma increased with age and among people with a family history of the disease.

"We need every Ghanaian above 40 years to visit an eye specialist at least once a year. Glaucoma can be managed if detected early but we must be proactive in seeking medical advice," he said.

Awareness

Mr Abutiate also underscored the need for continuous awareness creation and advocacy.

Marking the 15th anniversary of the association, he emphasised the role of volunteer efforts in sustaining awareness campaigns.

We must remove taxes on glaucoma medications, equipment and consumables to make treatment affordable, Mr Abutiate advocated.

Our roads should be well-lit to aid those already affected, and routine eye screening must be prioritised at both public and private health facilities, he added.

The Ghana Health Service and the Glaucoma Patients Association are planning a free eye screenings exercise as part of World Glaucoma Week activities.

The event aligns with the global theme: United for a Glaucoma-Free World, aiming to foster a collective response to glaucoma prevention and management.
I will give special attention to boundary clarity - Local Govt Minister assures

Justice Agbenorsi Mar - 18 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has pledged to give special attention to internal boundary issues to foster stability and effective governance.

Addressing a delegation from the Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC), the minister recounted the significant cost that went into governments expenditure in defending the country in an arbitration in which Cote dIvoire claimed rights of portions of Ghanas maritime area, including the oil-rich zones.

He underscored the need for a proactive approach in addressing boundary issues through effective collaboration between the ministry and technical agencies to avoid disputes and conflicts.

Ghana somehow is sitting on a ticking time bomb on account of lack of clarity on our internal boundaries, leading to regional boundary disputes and district boundary disputes, and even constituency boundary disputes.

We are quick to create constituencies without taking serious consideration of how the Statistical Service, the Electoral Commission, the Lands Commission, the Surveyors Department can contribute to delineate the clear boundaries in terms of revenue collection, revenue mobilisation, among others, he said.

Visit

The visit by the delegation was led by the Commissioner General of the GhBC, Major General Dr Emmanuel Wekem Kotia.

The purpose of the visit was to congratulate the minister on his appointment and brief him on the commissions work and status of various projects, he said

As a sector minister, Mr Ibrahim gave the assurance that he would ensure that the GhBC was made an integral part of the ministrys programming to enable them to function effectively.

We must be able to do the needful, consulting the technical people and do the right thing at the right time, so that they will be able to solve the problem. Other than that, we'll sit here thinking that there is no problem. But when the issues come, even feeding of peacekeepers alone, you will feed them with GHC 2 million a day, the minister said.

Briefing

Updating the minister, Maj. Gen Dr Kotia said most of the countrys pillars along the land boundaries were weak due to both human and natural activities such as farming and erosion.

He added that the original pillars along the land boundaries were three kilometres apart, making it difficult for both locals of Ghana and Togo to identify the boundaries and conduct economic business within their territories.

To address the situation, he said the commission was embarking on what he termed as a re-affirmation project to confirm Ghanas land boundaries by building intermediary pillars 500 meters apart within the 3km distance.

So far, he said the commission had constructed 350 km of the intermediary pillars along Ghanas boundary with Togo, adding that of Cote dIvoire was expected to be constructed next month.

In addition to that, he said the commission had organised stakeholder engagements with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, as well as traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to sensitise them on boundary issues.

Maj. Gen Dr Kotia further told the minister that with funding from development partners and regional boundaries, the commission was also undertaking social intervention programmes to support communities in deprived communities.

While impressing on the minister to make the commission an integral part of the ministrys sensitisation programmes with religious groups and chiefs, he stressed the importance of sustainable funding and cross-border cooperation to help the commission discharge its mandate effectively.
Malis gold production plunges 23% in 2024

Daily Graphic Mar - 18 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

Malis industrial gold production plunged 23 per cent to 51 metric tons last year from 66.5 tons in 2023, Malis Mines Ministry said.

Mali is one of Africas top gold producers and home to industrial mines operated by international companies including Barrick Gold, B2Gold Corp, Resolute Mining and Hummingbird Resources.

A ministry document showed on Friday that the output number excludes Barrick Golds December production following the companys dispute with Malis military-led government related to a mining law introduced in 2023.

Barrick suspended operations at its Loulo-Gounkoto operation last month after authorities seized its gold reserves by helicopter.

Four of its employees have been detained since November on charges including money laundering and financing of terrorism, which the company denies.

Mining code

Malis new mining code, which raises taxes and seeks to hand over big stakes in assets to the state, makes it uneconomic to invest in new mines or buy operations in the country, several mining chief executives told Reuters this week.

Malis government says mining companies, including Barrick, have not been paying their fair share of taxes.

According to the ministry document, Malis gold production fell below 60 tons for the first time in over three years.

It would stand at 52.7 tons if Barrick met its December forecast of 1.7 tons, the ministrys monthly estimates showed.

The ministry did not explain the drop in production.

Lower output

An official from the mines ministry told Reuters the governments conflict with mining companies could be the reason for the lower output.

The sector faces a crisis of confidence after authorities demanded foreign companies migrate to the new mining code and arrested employees and executives, the official added.

According to the ministrys data, Barrick Gold remains the countrys biggest gold producer, with an output of 19.4 tons in 2024, excluding December production, followed by B2Gold at 13.7 tons and Resolute Mining at 7.2 tons.

With an estimated six tons produced in artisanal mines, Malis total gold production in 2024 is expected to reach 58.7 tons, the mines ministry said.
Use position of influence to transform society  Police Service Chaplain General

Samuel Kyei-Boateng Mar - 18 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The Chaplain General of the Ghana Police Service (GPS), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Very Rev. George Arthur, has stressed the need for Ghanaians occupying influential positions in society to use that responsibility to transform the nation without expecting any material rewards.

He said the national reconstruction programme would not succeed without the commitment and sacrifices of responsible people in society.

Very Rev. Arthur made the call at a well-attended ceremony at the Joy House of Peace Chapel International at Lashibi, near Tema, when the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, attended a thanksgiving service in appreciation to the Almighty God for his elevation to the topmost position in the Ghana Police Service.

The ceremony attracted many dignitaries, including top personnel such as all the 25 Regional Police Commanders or their representatives, the clergy, other ranks of the police service, religious groups and traditional rulers from the length and breadth of the country.

Expectation

Very Rev. Arthur advised COP Yohuno to strive to maintain the prevailing peace, unity and stability in the country.

What the police officers expect from you is to unite, and not divide the rank and file, he emphasised.

The Chaplain General enjoined the IGP to strive to improve upon the successes of the outgone administration and also correct the wrongs.

Very Rev. Arthur implored IGP Yohuno to sustain the humility, assiduity, honesty, submissiveness that endeared him to the appointing authorities, adding that he should consult past IGPs for the success of his administration.

He advised him never to forget the source of his blessing which came from the Omnipotent God, and further admonished Mr Yohuno to prove to all and sundry that he was the best choice.

In his address, Mr Yohuno expressed his gratitude to God for taking him through the difficult times in his life.

He was also grateful to President Mahama, Vice President Jane Nana Opoku Agyemang and the Council of State for bestowing such a gigantic position to him and promised to live up to expectation.

He appealed to all and sundry to pray for him to discharge his duties to the admiration of all Ghanaians.

The General Overseer of the church, Prophetess Salomey Menzo, urged all Ghanaians to pray for Mr Yohuno for his administration to be second to none in the country.

To encourage the IGP not to forget his reliance on God, the General Overseer presented a new Bible to him.
Ghana Post welcomes new leadership to drive digital and operational transformation

GraphicOnline Mar - 18 - 2025 , 07:21 2 minutes read

Ghana Post, the countrys designated postal administrator and leading courier service provider, has announced the appointment of Mrs Rita Sraha as Managing Director (CEO) and Mr Stephen Kingsley Bennieh as Deputy Managing Director, Finance & Administration (F&A).

A statement from Ghana Post on Monday described the appointments as the beginning of a new phase in the companys transformation, aimed at enhancing efficiency, expanding digital services, and strengthening its role in Ghanas logistics and postal sector.

During an official visit to introduce the new leadership, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, outlined his vision for the company. He stressed the need to position Ghana Post as a 360-degree government postal service, integrating e-commerce logistics, financial transactions, and digital services alongside traditional postal operations.

Experienced leadership to drive transformation

Mrs Rita Sraha, a Chartered Accountant and business consultant, brings expertise in finance, corporate governance, and strategic management. Her leadership is expected to strengthen financial discipline, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate digital transformation at Ghana Post.

Mr Stephen Kingsley Bennieh, the newly appointed Deputy Managing Director for Finance & Administration, will be responsible for financial planning, compliance, and administrative functions. With a background in law and academia, he is expected to reinforce governance frameworks, enhance financial oversight, and implement operational policies to improve resource allocation and corporate management.

Engaging stakeholders for a modern postal service

In the coming weeks, the new leadership will engage key stakeholders, industry partners, and corporate clients to align strategies with Ghana Posts transformation agenda.

"As the organization seeks to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving postal and logistics sector, innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction will remain at the heart of its operations," the statement added.
Ghanaians must be patientDomelevo warns against rushing corruption investigations

Mohammed Ali Mar - 18 - 2025 , 10:01 3 minutes read

Former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo has called on Ghanaians to be patient as the government investigates financial irregularities linked to the National Cathedral project and other corruption allegations.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Monday, March 17 2025, Mr Domelevo, a former member of the Operations Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, defended the Attorney-Generals (AG) approach, stressing that due process must be followed to ensure accountability.

Some people are asking, When are people going to be prosecuted? When are people going to be arrested? I think it is premature. People should understand that all we did was gather information. We have not even heard from the other side, he said.

According to him, rushing legal proceedings without thorough audits and investigations could weaken cases in court, making it difficult to hold public officials accountable.

The role of the Auditor-General

Mr Domelevo urged the government to rely more on the Auditor-Generals constitutional powers, arguing that the authority to disallow and surcharge, as provided under Article 187 of the 1992 Constitution, offers a faster and more effective way to recover public funds.

If the government is serious about recovering the loot, then more attention should be given to the Auditor-Generals mandate.

The Auditor-General can disallow and surcharge, which is a neater, faster, and less costly process, he explained.

He criticised the practice of engaging private audit firms and setting up commissions of inquiry, arguing that they have often failed to yield results.

Some are calling for a Commission of Inquiry into the financial issues, but you and I know that commissions over the years have not been very useful to the country. You remember Ghana@50? Other commissions? They release findings, a white paper is issued, and then nothing happens, he remarked.

Concerns over ongoing investigations

On the recent invitation of National Cathedral board members by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), Mr Domelevo acknowledged that some aspects of the case involved possible criminal activity and required further scrutiny.

However, he maintained that investigations should be thorough and legally sound.

If the invitation is linked to the ORAL teams work, then I believe some of the findings point to criminality. But Ghanaians must understand that these cases cannot be rushed unduly, or we will falter when we get to court, he cautioned.

He also disclosed that the Attorney-Generals office has been engaging stakeholders on the best way to handle financial irregularities.

There have been discussions with the AG, and his line of thought is very much in sync with mine. He believes we should leverage audits to establish infractions before taking legal action, he stated.

Mr Domelevo stressed the need for the government to empower the Auditor-Generals office to conduct forensic audits and enforce financial accountability.

He also urged the public to trust the legal process and allow the Attorney-General to carry out his work effectively.

The Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, and other institutions need space to do their work properly. If we want real accountability, we must follow the right steps, he said.
Stakeholders propose special military unit for forest protection

Timothy Ngnenbe Mar - 18 - 2025 , 12:57 5 minutes read

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, has called for the setting up of a special unit in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for the protection of the countrys forest reserves against illegal miners.

He said the destruction of forest reserves by heavily armed illegal miners had reached an alarming proportion, requiring the deployment of the military to safeguard the resource, about 30 of which are globally significant biodiversity areas (GSBA).

Dr Brown said the current approach where the military were deployed sparingly to flush out illegal miners from forest reserves was no longer effective because the perpetrators of the illegality had become more sophisticated in their modus operandi.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Dr Brown explained that the country had reached the point where we have armed thugs who are not miners but who make their services available to be hired by whoever is able to pay; they dress up with guns and mount barriers to prevent Forestry Commission officials from having access to forest reserves.

Many of the thugs who are causing this mayhem are from neighbouring countries; so it has become organised crime, and we need to fight it with the urgency it deserves before things get out of hand, he said.

If Ghana can send contingent across Africa and the world to keep peace, we should be able to send some soldiers to keep peace internally because we have a situation where there are external aggressors, he stressed.

Dr Brown added that the illegal mining situation in forest reserves also required permanent military deployment because it was a serious national security threat.

He said the call for military deployment was not to suggest that they should be sent to all the 288 forest reserves, but rather to hotspots for galamsey and illegal logging.

Context

Over the years, the Forestry Commission has used several strategies to protect the 288 forest reserves from destruction, including the periodic deployment of the military to flush out illegal miners and loggers.

The sustainability of that approach has been put to critical test as heavily armed illegal miners have completely taken over some of the forest reserves with impunity.

Currently, it is estimated that over 5,200 hectares of the area in 44 forest reserves have been destroyed by the illegal miners.

Against that backdrop, a former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, called for the setting up of a permanent unit in the military to protect the forest reserves.

Alhaji Dauda made the call at a conference on responsible small-scale mining organised by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on February 26, this year, for Members of Parliament (MPs) and other stakeholders to deliberate on methods to adopt to curb the galamsey menace.

The Asutifi South Member of Parliament (MP) stressed that given that illegal miners were increasingly getting weaponised and threatening the rapid response team of the Forestry Commission, it was important for the government to deploy the military as a long-term measure to secure the forest reserves.

He further said that the incessant use of sophisticated weapons by illegal miners to have their way to mine in forest reserves portended dire national security challenges, and as such the situation needed superior military approach to restore sanity.

Good proposal

In the Daily Graphics interview with Dr Brown, he said the proposal for a permanent military unit for forest protection was a progressive solution to tackle illegal mining  commonly called galamsey  in forest reserves.

He stressed that the military had superior weapons and were better trained to deal with external aggressors.

The Forestry Commission does not have the strength or fire power to match them, so we have relied on the elements of surprise and speed. Usually, when we take them unawares, they flee and we move in to demobilise their excavators and leave within one hour before they re-mobilise and come back.

They studied our strategy and decided to block our access to the forest reserves by mounting barriers so that when we are struggling with their security guys, they can move the excavators out or call for reinforcement to stop us, he said.

Resource Forestry Commission

While acknowledging that the current state of galamsey in forest reserves required immediate deployment of the military to flush out the miscreants, the Deputy National Director of A-Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, said the sustainable thing to do was to fully resource the Forestry Commission to carry out its core mandate of safeguarding the countrys forest resources.

Compliance is key, but dealing with this issue of galamsey is not necessarily about setting up a unit within the military. It requires comprehensive measures that even ensures that at the policy level, nobody acts in a way that gives people the mindset that they can mine in forest reserves, he stressed.

Mr Bosu added that any support the state had in terms of vehicles, vests, body cameras, and working gear must be given to the Forestry Commission to bolster their operations, especially the rapid response team.

We need to significantly resource the Forestry Commission in a manner that even when they see one individual enter the reserve, they can take the necessary action.

This will forestall the situation where issues fester and become pervasive to the point that make them difficult to deal with.

If the Forestry Commission is well-resourced, we will not even get to the point where we have to bring in the military, he said.
Next article: Ghana Post welcomes new leadership to drive digital and operational transformation

Labone SHS Fire: Alternative dormitories provided for affected students

GNA Mar - 18 - 2025 , 07:27 2 minutes read

Authorities of Labone Senior High School in Accra have provided alternative dormitories for students affected by Sunday afternoons fire outbreak while awaiting the next line of action.

The fire swept through three girls dormitories out of the six while students were on afternoon prep.

According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), one dormitory was completely destroyed, while two others suffered partial damage.

However, a visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the school on Monday revealed that the 155 students affected have been relocated to an extension of the girls dormitory on campus.

Spaces were created to enable others to join their mates on the ground floor of the dormitories that were salvaged, and the rest were made to occupy one of the head teachers bungalows yet to be occupied.

Mrs Vera Akpakli, the Assistant Headmistress Domestic, told the GNA that aside from those measures, students who were traumatised as a result of the inferno had been counselled.

She also noted that some parents had come for their wards even though school was in session.

Mrs Akpakli said so far, the Minister of Education, Municipal Director, Regional Director and Member of Parliament had all visited the school to offer their support.

She called for enhanced security to ensure students safety and more dormitories to house the schools over 4000 student population.

We have over one thousand day students who wish to be boarders, but because the dormitories are not enough, we cannot house all of them, she added.

Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) says it has commenced investigations into the fire outbreak.

Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO) Alex King Nartey, a member of the Public Relations team of the GNFS, said, We have commenced full investigations to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and the displaced students have been relocated temporarily, he added.
Mahama holds bilateral talks with Sierra Leones President Bio on trade and development

Graphic.com.gh Mar - 18 - 2025 , 13:49 1 minute read

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Sierra Leone for an official visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two West African nations.

The visit is expected to deepen cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and regional affairs.

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to President Mahama, confirmed the visit in a Facebook post on March 18, 2025, stating that discussions between the two leaders would cover areas of mutual interest, including economic partnerships, social infrastructure, and regional collaboration.

Ghana and Sierra Leone have a longstanding relationship, defined by mutual support in times of crisis and joint development efforts.

In January 2025, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone attended President Mahamas inauguration in Accra, reinforcing the strong ties between the two countries.

President Mahamas visit is expected to build on this relationship, promoting economic growth and stability in the region.

Both nations are key members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and their cooperation is seen as crucial to advancing peace and development in West Africa.
President Mahama commends outgoing service commanders for dedicated service

GraphicOnline Mar - 18 - 2025 , 07:42 1 minute read

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed gratitude to three outgoing Service Commanders for their dedicated service to Ghana.

The outgoing officers are Mr Isaac Kofi Egyir, Director-General of Prisons, Mr Julius A. Kuunuor, Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, and Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service.

Following a meeting with the three commanders, President Mahama acknowledged their commitment and leadership, stating: I am grateful to have met you to express my sincere appreciation for your dedicated service to Ghana. Thank you for your leadership and commitment!

The President has appointed three new Service Commanders, who are set to be sworn in on Monday, March 17, 2025.

They include Deputy Director General of Prisons (DDGP) Patience Baffoe Bonnie, who takes over as Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service; Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sarpong, who assumes the role of Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service; and Deputy Controller of Immigration (DCI) Samuel Basentale Amadu, who becomes Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service.

The appointments mark a new phase of leadership within Ghanas security and emergency services, as the newly appointed commanders prepare to take on their respective roles.
Prof. Franklin Mabe urges youth to prioritise education, career growth, and networking

Simon Unyan Mar - 18 - 2025 , 15:13 2 minutes read

The Director of the Centre for Agricultural Productivity and Policy Studies at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala Campus, Prof. Franklin N. Mabe, has urged young people to take advantage of educational and career opportunities to improve their lives.

He made this call at the End-of-Year Get-Together organised by the Konkomba Youth Association (KoYA) in Tamale.

The event brought together members of KoYA and other stakeholders to discuss youth development and empowerment within the Konkomba community.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Mabe encouraged young people to pursue higher education, emphasising that financial constraints should not be a barrier.

He highlighted the availability of numerous scholarship programmes and urged the youth to use their smartphones to search and apply for them. He noted that many of his students had benefited from such opportunities and were now studying abroad.

Prof. Mabe advised national service personnel to develop additional skills before completing their service, as many graduates struggle with job application documents like CVs, which affects their employability. He stressed the importance of presenting oneself professionally to secure employment.

He also highlighted data analysis and coding as critical skills in todays job market, particularly for students in statistics, mathematics, and economics. According to him, professionals and researchers are constantly seeking skilled data analysts, and mastering these skills can significantly increase job prospects.

Beyond formal employment, Prof. Mabe encouraged the youth to consider entrepreneurship, stressing that economic empowerment goes beyond traditional farming.

He urged them to pursue income-generating ventures with dedication and conviction, assuring them of his commitment to providing technical assistance to those seeking to enhance their skills and improve their prospects.

The Country Director of Canadian Feed The Children (CFTC) Ghana, Mr. Augustine N-Yokuni, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of networking for personal and professional growth.

He described networking as a form of social capital that cannot be acquired in a classroom or purchased. He encouraged young people to actively seek mentorship and professional development opportunities, stating that the more they network, the stronger their social capital becomes.

Mr. N-Yokuni urged the youth to attend mentorship programmes, earn professional certificates, and expand their networks, as these connections would open doors in todays competitive world.
World Vision supports GHS to fight cholera

Daily Graphic Health Mar - 18 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

World Vision Ghana (WVG), a non-governmental organisation, has donated 160,000 packets of water purifiers, 450 veronica buckets and other logistics to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to support the cholera fight.

The Interim National Director of WVG, Jean-Claude Mukadi, who presented the items to the Director-General (DG) GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, said the organisation was passionate about the health needs of people, especially in rural communities and, therefore, its commitment to help fight against cholera in the country.

He expressed his organisations commitment to supporting the government efforts at strengthening the health system against public health emergencies.

He appealed to the government to consider granting tax exemptions for gift-in-kind items from donor partners.

Such support will undoubtedly enhance our collaborative efforts to provide quality healthcare and encourage partners and donors to contribute additional resources toward supplying vital non-medical logistics for the health sector, he stated.

Receiving the items, Prof. Akoriyea said the GHS had achieved 99 per cent coverage of its target population for the oral cholera vaccination campaign, resulting in a decline in new cases.

For the past three weeks, we have not recorded any death. In some places, we do not even have anyone admitted and at other places where some are on admission, they are very mild and discharged at the end of the day.

He urged the populace not to relent on hand washing and hygiene practices to reduce exposure to the bacteria.

Should you feel any sign or symptoms, please report to the hospital immediately and it is free of charge once you are on the NHIS until we get the situation absolutely controlled.

We dont want people to stay at home and come to the hospital late so if you feel anything abnormal or that is suspicious, go quickly to the hospital, he advised.

Cholera in Ghana

Cholera is an acute diarrhoea infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with traces of human faeces.

Symptoms include frequent diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration along with abdominal cramps, fever, headache, fatigue, dry mouth and throat, as well as decreased urine output and severe cases can be fatal within hours if left untreated.

Since October last year, the country has been recording sporadic outbreaks of cholera in parts of the Greater Accra, Western, Central, Eastern and Ashanti regions.

As of February 2025, more than 700 cholera cases were confirmed with about 49 deaths.
Next article: Majority and Minority leaders clash over new Parliamentary Chamber and Hospital

Change of security heads will engender fresh ideas  Analyst

Samuel Duodu Politics Mar - 18 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The appointment of new heads for the Police, Immigration, Prisons And Fire Service is expected to bring about a strategic realignment of these institutions with the government's vision and policies, a security analyst, Dr Festus Kofi Aubyn, has said.

"Each government comes into office with a unique security agenda based on their party manifestos and how they want to address issues confronting the security sector, he emphasised.

Dr Aubyn, who is also the Head of Research and Capacity Building at the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), was reacting to the recent appointment made by President John Mahama to the security agencies in an interview with the Daily Graphic.

New heads

They are Commissioner of Police (CoP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, as Inspector General of Police; Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI), Samuel Basentale Amadu, as the Comptroller General of the Ghana Immigration Service; Deputy Director of Prisons (DDGP 3), Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, as the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, and Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO), Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, as the Chief Fire Officer.

The recent leadership changes in the security services have already been met with jubilation from some personnel, indicating a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.

Standards

However, Dr Aubyn cautioned that the success of these changes would depend on the commitment of the new leaders to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service to the public.

He stated that the appointment of new leaders would also ensure that those at the helm of affairs share in the strategic objectives and priorities of the government and must be committed to executing them effectively.

The senior researcher and lecturer on conflict and security management, terrorism and violent extremism, emphasised that the alignment was crucial for effective security governance.

Fresh ideas

That, he said, would also inject fresh ideas and perspectives into the security services.

Security institutions require reforms and adaptability to address emerging security threats and the changing nature of crimes," Dr Aubyn said, adding: Leadership changes can facilitate the essential reforms needed to respond to new threats, as well as the introduction of innovative strategies and new technologies to combat crimes.

He stressed the importance of leadership changes in fostering a culture of accountability, which could strengthen professionalism and public trust in the security services.

Changes in leadership can reinvigorate the morale of personnel, address systematic grievances, and enhance public confidence in the security services, he added.
For the first time, there will be Birria-Landia burritos. Photo: Birria Landia

Earlier this month, Jose Moreno was in Flushing when he tasted a Sichuan peppercorn for the first time. He was hovering over a bowl of fish soup, when one crunched between his teeth. He reached for some water. There wasnt any. He started to pant. The numbing spread. What saved him was a familiar taste: hibiscus tea. If you add ice to this, its like agua de jamaica, he says.

Moreno, the owner of a small fleet of Birria-Landia taco trucks, has been learning a lot about Flushing. For months, hes been in the neighborhood working on his first immobile business, a Birria-Landia taqueria opening in the Tangram mall next month. It occupies a prominent corner stall in the second-floor food court, right by the Angry Birds cafe. People who come and visit the food trucks, they have to eat standing up, he says. Now they have plenty of tables.

The location may seem like an unlikely landing place for one of the citys most popular taco purveyors, but thats why Moreno thinks its going to work. He first heard about Tangram last year, when a representative for the shopping center stopped by one of his food trucks with an offer. They wanted his birria. I thought it was a normal mall with a Macys, he says, before he learned its an $800 million development with indoor swimming pools and caviar-topped duck-skin canapes. At the same time, hed noticed an uptick in Asian customers at his food trucks over the years and agreed to a meeting. When he visited the food court, a group of Latino construction workers implored him to open. There was nowhere to eat Mexican food, he says. (No, a nearby Chipotle doesnt count.)

The new space has translated to a bigger menu, a welcome evolution for day-one fans, who have subsisted on one meat and four items for years. There are new proteins, including chicken and carne asada, and a flour tortilla option for the birria, a trend Moreno observed in northern Mexico. Meatless tacos  potato and mushroom  are on the menu, too, following requests from vegetarian customers.

Sopes will be on the menu when the stall opens this spring. Photo: Birria Landia

Finally, there will be burritos, a first for Birria-Landia, made with tortillas from Tortilleria Nixtamal, Its a skinny burrito you can hold and eat easily, says Moreno, who worked in Los Angeles before the pandemic. His criteria: whole beans, fewer ingredients inside, a quality tortilla wrapped in aluminum foil, and a manageable hand-feel: You dont need a fork and knife.

Everything has gone through rigorous testing. Before opening his first truck, Moreno fine-tuned his birria by cooking for his co-workers at Patrizias Pizzeria. His new chorizo recipe ran the same gauntlet; all of Birria-Landia has weighed in. Once, twice a week we were eating chorizo burritos, says Angel Ruiz, who helps manage the business. The winner was an uncomplicated preparation involving pork shoulder, guajillo peppers, vinegar, and salt.

Moreno will run the restaurant with his brother, Jesus, a partner from the start, along with Ruiz, a childhood friend. I never would have thought that we would be here, Ruiz says. (He and Moreno used to wash dishes together in the kitchen at Babbo, until they were permitted to cook.) By the time Moreno opened Birria-Landia in 2019, Tijuana-style birria tacos had already taken off in California, but he jump-started the movement here  birria is sold at bodegas, fine-dining restaurants, and Tacombi.

Still, Birria-Landia remains the one to beat: The business has since grown into a multi-borough enterprise with five trucks and nearly 100,000 Instagram followers. Whenever the operation expands  roughly once a year  they consider customer requests and nearby competition. They opened on the Upper West Side because the best alternative for tacos was Chipotle; they expanded to the Bronx after Instagram followers protested that Williamsburg got a food truck first. And Moreno was drawn to Flushing because there are taco trucks and tamale stands stationed along Main Street, but nowhere to sit down and eat carne asada.

This place needs it, says Guosheng Wang, from Long Island. He was considering the egg tarts and corn dogs in the Tangram food court when a bright-red bull caught his eye  the Birria-Landia logo. When I see a new Mexican restaurant open, I always check things out, Wang says. I know they have a following.
Oppo has announced the A5 Pro. Yes, again. Again. This version appeared in Indonesia and is quite similar to the global model that was unveiled in February except powered by the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 1 chipset instead of the Dimensity 6300.



Oppo A5 Pro in: Moss Green  Mocha Chocolate  Blue Silk

Crucially, the 6s 4G Gen 1 is a 4G-only chipset (hence the name) with an X11 LTE modem. It has four Cortex-A73 and four A53 based cores, plus an Adreno 610 (Snapdragon 662/680 fans might find this familiar). The Dimensity is a 5G chip with newer hardware (A76 + A55 CPU cores), so this is a downgrade. Dont worry, though, the A5 Pro 5G with the Dimensity 6300 is also available in Indonesia.

The rest is pretty much unchanged. The phone is configured with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB UFS 2.1 storage. A microSD slot is available as well.

This Oppo A5 Pro features a 6.67 LCD, a 90Hz 720p+ panel with up to 1,000 nits of brightness. Oppo used Gorilla Glass 7i and AGC DT-Star D+ glass for this phone and boasts about how durable it is with IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings (hot water jets up to 80C). It also has military grade shock resistance thanks to an aluminum motherboard cover.

The 50MP main camera has OIS but it is alone on the back, save for a 2MP depth sensor. The main is capable of 4K video recording at up to 60fps. The selfie camera has an 8MP sensor and an 80 lens and tops out at 1080p @ 30fps. Note that the Dimensity 6300 is limited to 1080p @ 30fps recording, so thats one point for the 4G model.

Inside is a 5,800mAh battery with 45W SuperVOOC charging support. Its big enough to stream video for 17 hours straight. Oppo claims that it will retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 4 years.

The Oppo A5 Pro costs IDR 3,100,000 for the 8/128GB model, which converts to $190/175/16,400. Theres also the 8/256GB model for IDR 3,500,000, which comes with a free pair of Enco Buds3 Pro (which go for IDR 450,000 on their own). The 5G model (8/256GB) sells for IDR 4,300,000. You can find both the 5G model and the new 4G one over on Oppos online store.

Source
The Xiaomi 15 just launched internationally earlier this month, but we're already talking about its successor, the Xiaomi 16, which is most likely due to be released in China in October.

This model is now rumored to have a larger screen than its predecessor's 6.36" panel. It's also once again said to boast a periscope telephoto camera, apparently an ultra-thin stacked one.

Xiaomi 15

The screen size growing and the use of an ultra-thin periscope are both in service of making the Xiaomi 16 as thin as possible. Xiaomi seems to have been inspired to join the recent trend of making ever thinner smartphones.

It's still unclear how much bigger its display's size will be. Obviously it shouldn't reach the size of the Xiaomi 15 Pro - 6.73". So it's safe to assume it will be between 6.36" and 6.73".

As for the periscope, it's been a very long time coming - both the Xiaomi 15 Pro and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra have one, and next year the 'vanilla' model will finally be getting its own.

Xiaomi 15

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. 512GB 16GB RAM  1,035.30  990.29 Show all prices

Source (in Chinese)
Biba Mes CHamoru! Biba Pulan CHamoru! In honor of CHamoru Month, Id like to focus on bilingual/multilingual language learning.

One of the most common misconceptions about exposing a child to more than one language is that it will confuse them or cause speech delays or language disorders. This is a myth and not a fact. Lets break it down together.

Myth: Exposing a child to more than one language can confuse them and cause delays and disorders.

Fact: Bilingualism does not cause delays or disorders. All kids, even those with disorders, can learn more than one language.

Myth: Kids shouldnt mix their languages or switch back and forth between languages. If they do, theyre struggling and confused.

Fact: Code-mixing is normal and shows an understanding of language rules as well as metalinguistic awareness. Research shows that bilingualism has other cognitive benefits, too!

Myth: Kids can learn another language just by hearing it used around them.

Fact: Exposure is important, but practice is, too. Kids need lots of active opportunities to use the language in order to learn.

Now that weve identified fact from fiction, lets review some methods you can use to teach your child two or more languages. If you are parenting bilingual children, its important to support your childs language learning for all languages you are teaching them.

There are many different approaches to language exposure and every family is different. Here are three different approaches to language exposure:

 One parent, one language. Each parent speaks a different language around the child.

 Time/context dependent. The language used depends on the context, situation, or environment. For example, one language for daycare and another when visiting grandparents or one language before school and one language after school.

 Mixed languages. Both parents speak both languages.

With all language learning, patience is a virtue and consistency is key. Here are some tips for bilingual language learning at home:

1. You can introduce a new language at any point. Its never too late.

2. Give your child time. Languages are complex and change over time. They need time to learn, access, and use different vocabulary and grammatical systems.

3. Dont compare. Every bilingual and multilingual family is different and language proficiency changes over time depending on their exposure, needs, and use. Its normal for your child to prefer one language over the other or experience some language loss in one as they learn the other.

4. Mix it up! Use books, games, music, videos, or even language learning programs to keep things interesting and fresh.

5. Keep it positive. Be supportive, consistent, and fun! A positive learning environment helps with learning and applying new words and experiences.

There is so much research that shows being bilingual or multilingual has many benefits including linguistic, cognitive, cultural, and professional advantages. Worry no more. You wont confuse your child, bilingualism wont cause speech or language problems, and it wont delay or impact their learning or academic skills.

Speech-language challenges can be present in both/all languages spoken by a child. If these challenges are only present in one language and not the other, then that is considered a language difference and not a disorder. Chat with a speech-language pathologist if you have concerns.

Speaking multiple languages, especially ones indigenous language, is something that should always be encouraged and celebrated! Biba Fino Chamoru!

Want more information and tips like these? Visit scoopspeech.com.
An alleged illegal bingo case will go to trial as early as Tuesday afternoon despite the defenses call for mistrial that a federal judge denied Monday.

The Hafa Adai Bingo case is connected to the Guam Shrine Club, and will continue in the District Court of Guam despite defense attempts to have the case dismissed.

Defendants Michael Marasigan, Jose Art Chan Jr., and Christine Chan face charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The trial was initially scheduled to begin Monday morning, but was delayed due to documents that were brought in from the night before from the Department of Revenue and Taxation related to the case.

Defense attorneys argued that record-keeping at DRT was dismal, citing missing evidence and incomplete records.

Their record-keeping is terrible, defense attorney William Gavras told the court. There may still be missing documents.

The defense also pointed to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 lockdown, claiming it contributed to gaps in documentation and discrepancies in the dates of permits used for the bingo operations.

In the first part of the hearing, District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood instructed the prosecution to work with DRT to acquire all relevant documentation related to the Shrine Club.

Despite the back-and-forth between the prosecution and defense, the judge allowed both sides to review relevant documents, including a logbook for permits and letters of authorization from DRT, before the trial resumes.

Defense attorney Mike Phillips called for a mistrial, but Tydingco-Gatewood denied the request.

Federal agents alleged that from March 2015 to December 2021, the defendants conspired to operate an illegal gambling business involving bingo games sponsored by the Guam Shrine Club.

Marasigan is accused of pocketing about $14 million in bingo proceeds between 2015 and 2021, while Christine Chan allegedly received about $1 million during the same period. Combined, the trio faces 61 counts of money laundering.

Other individuals indicted in connection with the scheme, including Minda San Nicolas and Alfredo D. Leon Guerrero, have already taken plea deals for their involvement.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is asking the Superior Court for authorization to appoint attorneys who would investigate and potentially prosecute Attorney General Doug Moylan and his chief deputy, Joseph Guthrie.

Leon Guerrero filed a complaint for declaratory judgment Tuesday. She wants to hire a special assistant attorney general and a special prosecutor to examine Moylans hiring of 70 unclassified employees, including his brother and fiancee.

The complaint states that while the attorney general is allowed to hire four unclassified employees, as well as victim advocates, Moylans office has more than 80 unclassified employees.

Moylan has denied wrongdoing in connection with the employees. He has said he disqualified himself from hiring and personnel matters involving his brother and fiancee.

We are too busy building a winning team of prosecutors, paralegals and support staff protecting our client (the People) against criminals to deal with this distraction. This governor who is under civil and criminal investigation is the last person who should be paying lawyers at taxpayer expense to file lawsuits against this Peoples law firm, Moylan said on Tuesday.

Moylans brother, Scott K. Moylan, is an unclassified special assistant in violation of the prohibition against Department of Administration Regulations prohibiting nepotism, according to the governors complaint.

The attorney generals fiancee, Sheenalyn Hawkins, was initially unlawfully hired as an unclassified special projects coordinator, and subsequently unlawfully promoted to an unclassified chief of staff, the complaint states. She is unlawfully paid a salary of over $127,000 in violation of Department of Administration Regulations governing salaries following promotions.

Doug Moylan and Guthrie are potentially subject to civil and criminal penalties for the illegal expenditure of public funds and official misconduct, the complaint stated.

This is an important step for our people, to hold leaders accountable for how they spend public monies, Leon Guerrero said in a statement announcing the court filing. The attorney general has evaded accountability for too long because he is supposed to be the one prosecuting government corruption, not the one committing government corruption. A special prosecutor will finally help root out the corruption in the Attorney Generals Office.

The attorney general has accused the governors office of retaliation. He said the governor has a conflict of interest because his office is challenging the Mangilao hospital project and pursuing several government corruption cases against the administration.

The attorney general has 60 days to file an answer to the governors complaint.
A CHamoru chef in Portland, Oregon is honoring his roots by fusing CHamoru flavors with a pizza to bring island cuisine to the Pacific Northwest.

Chef Ed Sablan, known for his food cart PDX671, is spreading the festivities of Mes CHamoru thousands of miles away from Guam.

He teamed up with Life of Pie Pizza to create the Hafa Adai Pie, a pizza with a creamy tinaktak-flavored red sauce, CHamoru sausage, and spicy pickled papaya topped off with green onions.

The inspiration for the dish came from asking ourselves How do we create something that would highlight specific Mariana Islands flavors while also putting us in a position to give back to our island community out here in the states, Sablan said.

Sablan has been serving CHamoru cuisine in Portland since 2010.

He said the owner of Life of Pie Pizza, Jason Kallingal, also grew up in Guam.

Marianas Festival

The Marianas Festival committee held a meeting at the pizza shop to introduce Kallingal to their community. After tossing around fundraiser ideas, Kallingal suggested a Marianas-themed pizza to donate to the festival.

A portion of the proceeds for each Hafa Adai Pie will go towards the Marianas Festival, an annual celebration of communities from the Mariana Islands in the mainland.

The August festivities will feature live performances, cultural activities, food vendors, and raffles.

Hafa Adai Hands

Sablans journey of sharing CHamoru cuisine in Portland started in 1993.

He wondered why there were no outlets with CHamoru dishes and eventually opened his food cart, PDX671 in 2010, with several features on food networks. He also opened Biba Chamoru Kitchen in 2019.

Ive watched other CHamoru restaurants and food trucks open across the U.S. and this just fills my heart with happiness, gratitude, and pride, Sablan said.

Although neither business is operating today, Sablan and his wife have been serving CHamoru dishes under the name Hafa Adai Hands and plan to open a storefront.

The main focus of Hafa Adai Hands is to be of service to our Pacific Islander community, blending cultural tradition, diversity, innovation, and environmental stewardship, he said.

Customer response has been great, he said, with several online posts and news outlets posting about the CHamoru style pizza on social media platforms.

The chef said he hopes the Portland community takes part in understanding CHamoru culture and people.

So many people out here in the states are still unaware of the Mariana Islands, and to share something, such as this pizza, just demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of our cuisine, he said.

Sablan advises those who want to share their culture in new communities to be honest and be yourself.

Remember the people you are helping, the culture youre highlighting. Be of service to others and your culture, he said. Honor all the people that came before you  its up to you to continue the narrative.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding continues at fiscal 2024 levels and there will be increased funding for the Guam Missile Defense System, but Guam no longer has guaranteed $35 million to upgrade the Ugum Surface Water Treatment Plant or $8 million for police vehicles and customs equipment.

These are based on whats included in the spending bill that President Donald Trump signed on Saturday that averted a federal government shutdown, according to Guams representative to Congress, Del. James Moylan.

Moylan on Tuesday said this funding measure will keep vital government programs running through the end of fiscal 2025, but noted funding reductions and acknowledged the deeply concerning uncertainty regarding federal funding for the island.

The delegate, in a statement and on his social media posts, highlighted provisions in the federal spending measure that impact Guam:

Continuation of SNAP funding levels from fiscal 2024

An increase in funding for the Guam Missile Defense System

Funding for Guam roadway repairs, and repair of the Glass Breakwater at Apra Harbor

A 10% pay raise of junior enlisted soldiers, the largest raise in 40 years

Moylans Tuesday release and his social media post also said:

No more guaranteed $35 million to upgrade the Ugum Surface Water Treatment Plant

No $2 million to the Guam Police Department for vehicles

No $6 million to the Guam Customs & Quarantine Agency for equipment

Trumps March 14 executive order also downsized two federal entities providing funding for affordable housing and library services that Guam relies upon.

The Trump executive order states that non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent for the following:

Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, which has provided since 2017 $43.8 million in loans and $23.9 million meant to spur community development for low-income communities, according to the fund website.

The Institute of Media and Library Services, which has provided $694,250 since 2020 to the Guam Public Library System for technology and literacy programs.

Some GovGuam agencies have also reported that they are now starting to see impacts of a slow drawdown and reimbursements of federal funds, along with more uncertainty, and loss of federally funded positions ahead over Trumps policies and executive orders.

Notify his office immediately

Moylan urges government of Guam agencies and departments to notify his office immediately should they receive any notification from their federal partners of program termination or grant funding termination or reduction.

He gave this contact information: (671) 922-6673 or james.moylan@mail.house.gov.

My team and I are working diligently to ensure that Guams local government agencies receive the information and support they need to navigate this process smoothly, Moylan said in a Tuesday statement, while avoiding media requests for interviews while he was on Guam last week.

He stopped off on Guam last week and attended several events and meetings but did not speak to local media or the public about cuts in the budget or moves to slash federal grant funding under the Trump White House before heading back to Washington, D.C.

On Friday afternoon, he told the Pacific Daily News he was headed off to a meeting with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, following a Guam Fire Department recruit graduation on the Adelup lawn.

Hours earlier, a request to interview Moylan was left with his district office.

The delegate made a brief appearance at an oversight hearing for the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs Friday morning, where he said that plans to cut as many as 83,000 employees at the Office of Veterans Affairs would not impact the delivery of benefits and health care to veterans.

Moylan also announced a new permanent director for the Guam Veterans Center, which was left without leadership last November.

According to his office, he was back in Washington D.C. as of Tuesday morning.
The Guam Waterworks Authority wants to take $62.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to install water and sewer for the Mangilao hospital and medical campus project.

GWA General Manager Miguel Bordallo, at a Tuesday morning work session of the Consolidated Commission on Utilities, presented plans to accept the funds for the new hospital.

According to Bordallo, upgrades would benefit water and sewer infrastructure along parts of Route 15 and Route 10, as well as the Barrigada Sewer Pump Station and potentially the Mangilao Pump Station.

With this authorization, we would be able to install infrastructure that it would be otherwise pretty challenging for us to put in, he told the CCU.

The new installs are needed to keep up with increasing demand from the new hospital and medical campus, but upgrades may also overlap with what GWA is required to do as part of a 2024 settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the general manager said.

CCU commissioners will have the final say on the project. Commissioners already authorized GWA to use about $750,000 worth of ARP money to start planning and survey work at the Mangilao hospital site, back in January.

Further funding for designs and construction, $62.9 million, would be provided as a sub grant through the Guam Economic Development Authority, the lead agency for the hospital project, Bordallo told commissioners on Tuesday.

GWA is up against a very difficult timeline, Bordallo said, with the ARP funds set to expire by Dec. 31, 2026, if they go unspent.

We are not sure at this point whether we can get all of it done, but we intend to structure the design and construction packages such that we can get as much of it done as possible, he said. If there are future funding requirements for any remaining work, that would be at the cost of the developer.

Besides accepting the funds, GWA also wants authorization from the CCU to take about $1.8 million worth of ARP money for design work, Bordallo said.

Design work would be added on to existing indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts GWA already has out with engineering firms, he told the CCU.

How exactly the project shapes up will depend on the design work.

Bordallo said the $1.8 million will get an estimated 30% of the design work done, enough that GWA can put the project out to a competitive bid.

He said the cheapest option for the project would be to route water and sewer through a Navy easement that connects the hospital site, off the backroad to Andersen Air Force Base, to Lalo in Barrigada.

Alternatively, Bordallo said, water and sewer could be routed down the backroad to Route 10 in Mangilao, and then up Route 10 to Barrigada.

Either way, sewage will be directed towards Hagatna, he told commissioners.

Initial design plans dont anticipate hooking up side streets along the way, but the basic infrastructure will be installed to connect them at a later date, according to Bordallo.

Design work will also determine whether a new water production source and reservoir will be needed at the site of the future medical campus.

Bordallo also noted that the hospital project may save money on work required in the 2024 U.S. EPA settlement, the partial consent decree.

For example, the partial consent decree is very clear that we need to upgrade sewer pump stations, Bordallo said.

There could be room for GWA to do a cost-share on the project, if the work lines up.

If there is an overlap and the timing matches the timing for our consent decree project, then we would have in our (capital improvement project) funding available to do some of this work, Bordallo said.

GWA late last year shared plans to spend $7.4 million to replace septic systems around the Adacao area in Mangilao, near the hospital site, with a sewer. Its a move meant to reduce nitrate-nitrogen contamination associated with septic tanks.

GPAs use of $35.4M ARP money

Late last month, the CCU approved the Guam Power Authority to use $35.4 million in ARP funding to install underground power lines and a new substation at the hospital site.

But commissioners also removed all mention of the hospital and medical campus, now the subject of a lawsuit in federal court filed by Attorney General Doug Moylan, from the resolution authorizing the project.

Commissioner Simon Sanchez moved to strike the words Mangilao Medical Campus from the resolution, and replace it with the word Mangilao, stressing the project would benefit the whole village.

Commissioner Mike Limtiaco on Tuesday asked GWA to consider similar clauses in the resolution authorizing the use of ARP money for the medical campus project.

AG Moylan has stressed that any funds put towards the illegal project of constructing a hospital in Mangilao could lead to criminal prosecution, and that vendors could see the money clawed back if they participate.

The AG is suing in federal court over several alleged illegalities related to the use of ARP money to acquire land for the hospital, and the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authoritys condemnation of private property.

GHURA and the Office of the Governor have asserted all rules were followed in the hospital land acquisitions, and are moving to have Moylans lawsuit thrown out.

GPA legal counsel Marianne Woloschuk in February advised the CCU that she did not believe a legal challenge of any merit could be raised over power installs at the hospital site.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero wants to break ground on the new hospital by this year.

Some $104 million in federal ARP money is obligated to install infrastructure at the Mangilao site.

CCU commissioners will weigh the hospital water and sewer project at their regular meeting on March 25.
Roland Junior Guzman, who had three trials on the Superior Court of Guam court calendar in March, avoided harsh jail time in his second trial in Judge Maria T. Cenzons courtroom on Tuesday.

Facing as many as 51 years jail time if found guilty on a long list of felony charges, Guzman avoided all but one charge.

A jury found Guzman guilty of family violence as a misdemeanor.

Last week, a jury acquitted Guzman on a theft by receiving charge and on the same day, his second trial, based on domestic violence, started.

During the trial, half of the charges, two counts of strangulation and one for terrorizing, were dismissed.

Attorneys closed their arguments on Monday and the jury returned a verdict on Tuesday. His charges and results:

Strangulation (two counts)  dismissed

Terrorizing  dismissed

Aggravated assault (with special allegation): not guilty

Family violence as a third-degree felony: not guilty

Family violence as a misdemeanor: guilty.

Guzman now faces up to a year in prison after his lone guilty verdict.

The above two cases, plus his impending trial, all stem from a search warrant by local and federal law enforcement around 5 a.m. Jan. 10, 2025.

Following his arrest, Guzman asserted his right to a speedy trial in all three cases.

Two days earlier, Guzman was the target in a controlled buy operation by the Guam Police Department. During that purchase, police learned of a gun on the premises, according to the complaint.

Federal agents joined local police in executing the warrant, where they found 174 gross grams of suspected methamphetamine, as well as a firearm, drug paraphernalia and one of the bills used in the controlled buy two days earlier, according to court documents.

Police found Guzman in a bedroom and found a black handgun on a cabinet next to the bed. Also on the cabinet was a GoPro case where they found 174.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, as well as a bundle of plastic resealable bags and a digital scale, the magistrates complaint states.

Guzman told police he didnt live at the residence, but did stay in the bedroom sometimes. He said his uncle owned the residence and that he didnt know his uncles last name and denied ownership of any illicit items, the complaint states.

He was arrested and charged with two counts of drug possession with intent to distribute, and firearms possession.

The third case is presided over by Judge Vernon P. Perez. Jury selection and trial are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. on March 20.
A dry trade wind pattern will remain in place across Guam and the CNMI, further increasing the already high fire danger for these islands, the National Weather Service Guam said.

NWS Guam, in its weekly regional weather outlook released on Tuesday, said the Marianas can expect only spotty light showers and moderate trades.

Seas and surf will build mid to late week as a northeast trade wind swell and a northwest swell both build across the Marianas.

The fire danger for Guam is high and will continue to climb during the period of dry weather.

NWS advised residents to be mindful of outdoors conditions such as dryness and winds before doing any outdoor burning.

Better yet  simply avoid outdoor burning in the dry season, NWS added.

In early March, the Forestry Division of the Guam Department of Agriculture said just a few weeks into what is considered Guams dry season, wildland firefighters have already responded to 37 fire calls. March is usually the driest month of the year, the agency said.

Meanwhile, a surface trough could bring more showers to parts of Micronesia. For Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Majuro, winds, seas, surf and chop will all be elevated the next few days as trade winds surge across the region.

Conditions will ease by the weekend as winds subside a bit.

Seas, surf up this time of year

Small craft and high surf advisories are in effect for some locations across the region.

Seas and surf are up across the region, as is typical this time of year.

Dont become a statistic! Know the conditions before you head out on the waters, whether transiting across a lagoon or traveling between islands. When in doubt, dont go out. Your life matters! NWS said.

It encourages everyone to always have a personal flotation device when heading out on the water.

Lets also make emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRB) popular. If you plan to travel between islands, even for what may be a short and routine distance, things happen. Have an EPIRB with you in case you experience an emergency while underway, NWS added.
Ordot-Chalan Pago Elementary School passed its annual sanitation inspection with 18 demerits, the equivalent of a grade B, according to the Guam Department of Education on Tuesday.

Thats an improvement from last years C rating with 38 demerits.

The Department of Public Health and Social Services, which inspected the school on March 4 and 5, evaluated various aspects of hygiene and cleanliness throughout the campus, including classrooms, restrooms, and dining facilities.

Tricia Moylan, principal of Ordot-Chalan Pago Elementary School, said shes extremely thankful for the teachers and staff who continue to work to improve the school environment.

Together, we were able to address previous demerits and improve our rating to a B. I want to acknowledge the support from GDOEs Facility and Maintenance team, our parents, and community partners, Moylan said in a statement. We appreciate that these inspections ensure that we remain compliant in providing a safe and healthy environment. And we thank the DPHSS inspectors for their invaluable work in protecting our school community.

Education Superintendent Erik Swanson, in a statement, said the health and safety of students and staff is GDOEs priority.

We are incredibly proud of our teams diligence and hard work that contributed to this successful inspection, Swanson added.
Sagan Kotturan CHamoru brought together hundreds of residents and visitors for its Haanen Dinana or Unity Day on Sunday, offering hands-on cultural workshops, contests, community gatherings, history lessons, and local food  all centered around honoring CHamoru traditions.

Its part of Sagan Kotturans Mes CHamoru activities.

This year, its much bigger than the last two times I attended, Dr. Marco Naguib, a radiation oncologist attending the event for the first time in seven years, said. I feel like its grown, with more people coming, including more non-CHamoru people. Its great for people to learn about other cultures.

The event is also a fundraiser for Gi Iya Sagan Kotturan CHamoru in Oka, Tamuning.

Naguib, reflecting on his return to the event, shared what stood out to him.

One thing that really stood out this year was being able to finally see the museum and spending almost four hours with the outrigger makers, he said. The women making jewelry were also amazing. Most importantly, I finally met Mama Chai, who Ive been trying to meet for years.

Rosalia Fejeran Mateo, lovingly known as Mama Chai, is one of the islands most revered yoamte, a traditional healer, for almost 70 years.

Naguib laughed as he recalled his encounter with Mama Chai and spoke highly of her warm and inviting nature.

I told her, If youre not careful, Im going to put you in my pocket and take you home.

Sagan Kotturans annual event serves as a platform for cultural exchanges and community engagement.

I was really excited to come, just to celebrate CHamoru culture, said Ally Malilay, a CHamoru-Filipino who recently moved from California. Its just a great display of culture and community.

Malilay, eager to reconnect with her roots, added, I didnt grow up here. Im from the diaspora, and its cool to see a strong identity and presence from this community center. Its just amazing to see this vibrant celebration of the culture.

Weaving to preserve culture

Her favorite part of the event was the weaving demonstrations.

Its something you can carry with you forever. I learned how to make marmar [flower crown] leis while I was in the states, and now Im teaching my friends how to do it, too, she said.

For Malilay, weaving is more than a craft; its a way to preserve culture.

Thats how I feel about weaving today, she said. Ill carry that forward and share it with others.

Malilay, who grew up in California, had limited exposure to CHamoru culture before moving to Guam.

In San Francisco, I joined a halau, but it was focused on Polynesian dancing. The Pacific Islands that are mostly known arent Micronesian or CHamoru, she said. Its cool to come here and have spaces that are elevating the CHamoru community.

Molly Chambers, a coral biologist with the Department of Agriculture, has lived on Guam for just over a year and found this years event engaging.

This is a perfect place to really learn about it and explore, she said. Its helped me understand so many different things about Guam, its history, its people, and its arts like weaving, painting, and printing.

While working to protect the islands biodiversity, Chambers has developed a deeper interest in Guams local culture.

The heart of my work is to protect the biodiversity the reefs have, and to protect the island and its people, she said. Through my work, Ive been exposed to some of the local culture and practices, and its just really piqued my interest.

Passion for learning the language, culture

Chambers also emphasized the need to preserve Guams indigenous language.

My roommate and I actually bought flashcards of CHamoru words, so weve been trying to learn them, she said. The language needs to be taught to the newer generations so that the practices and the connection between the land, the culture, and the language can be passed down for generations to come.

She believes events like Sagan Pitura play a key role in fostering that connection.

More exposure of this place and events like this would definitely help with that, she said.

Naguib, who has returned to Guam after seven years, also shared his passion for preserving Guams culture.

Everywhere I go, I encourage younger generations to learn the language, because the language is whats going to keep the culture alive, he said. But more importantly, whats making me happiest now is seeing young people carrying on the crafts, trades, and arts. Contact reporter Julianne Hernandez at jhernandez@guampdn.com or 671-483-1429.
Media in South Korea are reporting that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to visit Guam on his first trip to the Indo-Pacific, but will not visit South Korea.

Hegseth was originally supposed to visit Seoul as part of his tour, but the Pentagon scrapped the visit as political uncertainty continues in South Korea after a 2024 martial law declaration, the media there reported.

South Koreas Ministry of National Defense stated only that the visit was unavoidably postponed due to scheduling adjustments by the U.S. side.

Hegseth is expected to visit U.S. military bases and allied nations in the Indo-Pacific, with planned visits to Guam, Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines, according to media reports.

It is expected to be a high-profile trip to underscore the Trump administration's commitment to the Indo-Pacific in the face of China's growing assertiveness and North Korea's recalcitrance.

Last month, Hegseth was first reported to be considering visiting South Korea after the allies' annual Freedom Shield exercise concluded this month.

If realized, his trip was expected to be the first visit here by a Cabinet-level Trump administration official since Trump took office in January.

The report on Hegseth's potential visit gave rise to speculation that he could visit a South Korean shipbuilding company, given that Trump has expressed his interest in cooperating with South Korea, a treaty ally, to help rebuild America's shipbuilding industry.

This is not the first time that a U.S. defense secretary skipped or canceled a visit to South Korea since late last year.

Amid the political turmoil triggered by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law imposition on Dec. 3, then U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled the Korea portion of his Asia trip later that month.
While both Guam and Saipan face an overpopulation of free-roaming dogs, the formers strays are more frequently reported as aggressive and pose a greater public safety concern, according to the Guam Department of Agricultures Animal Health Division territorial veterinarian.

Packs of free-roaming dogs are known to chase children on their way to and from school, antagonize walkers and cyclists, and attack and kill owned pets, including dogs and cats. In contrast, while Saipan also has high numbers of free-roaming dogs, they are less frequently reported as aggressive toward people, said Dr. Mariana Turner.

Turner recently visited Saipan, where she conducted a two-day euthanasia technicians training.

The territorial veterinarian said while both islands free-roaming dog are relatively the sameSaipan has 21,000 free-roaming dogs (2018 estimate) to Guams 24,5000 free-roaming dogs (2014 estimate)Saipan actually has a much higher stray-to-human ratio.

Asked what has made Guams free-roaming dog population more aggressive, Turner said food availability is one major factor.

Many free-roaming dogs are regularly fed by community members, businesses, and even well-meaning rescue groups. Unlike truly feral dogs, which must scavenge to survive, these dogs have a reliable food source, making them stronger, healthier, more territorial, and reproduce at a higher rate, Turner said. This isnt to say that feeding is inherently bad, as many people provide food out of compassion.

Turner said these human actions arent inherently bad. However, without concurrent sterilization and responsible pet ownership practices, feeding alone unintentionally fuels the issue by allowing populations to thrive.

The key difference is while Saipan faces an overpopulation problem, Guams free-roaming dog situation presents a greater safety risk due to aggressive packs that are regularly fed, making them more robust and territorial, she said.

Turners office completed a dog and cat population survey in February 2025, in collaboration with Humane World for Animals, formerly Humane Society International.

An initial analysis found several contributing factors that fuel an increase in Guams free-roaming dogs.

1. High numbers of unsterilized free roaming animals: With a high percentage of intact (unsterilized) dogs and cats on the island, the population continues to grow.

The combination of uncontrolled breeding and low sterilization rates means that even a small number of unsterilized animals can quickly lead to exponential population growth.

2. The termination of United Airlines PetSafe Program: The suspension of United Airlines PetSafe program has severely impacted pet relocation options for both local residents and military service members.

Previously, United was the primary airline facilitating affordable pet transport off-island. Now, with limited and often exorbitantly expensive alternatives, many pet owners find themselves unable to take their animals with them when they leave.

As a result, many pets are surrendered or abandoned, further increasing the free-roaming population.

3. Cultural norms of allowing dogs to roam freely: In the island community, it is common practice for owned dogs to be allowed to roam.

With a high percentage of intact (unsterilized) free roaming dogs, this increases the chances of unplanned litter, as roaming dogs freely mate and contribute to the expanding population.

While we await the official survey results, it is clear that addressing the free-roaming animal population will require a combination of enforcement, information sharing, and accessible spay/neuter programs, Turner said.

The challenges posed by abandoned pets due to relocation difficulties also highlight the need for better pet transportation solutions, she added.

To mitigate Guams free-roaming animal population, she said they have initiated several ongoing initiatives aimed to address the free-roaming animal population in Guam:

Spay/neuter initiatives: The SNIP Clinic has been a key program in reducing the number of unsterilized animals. Since its launch on Feb. 14, 2022, SNIP has sterilized over 7,000 dogs and cats. This program provides low-cost sterilization services to the community, preventing thousands of unwanted litters.

Enforcement and training: Guam animal control officers continue to enforce leash laws and impound free-roaming animals to help control the population.

Early this month, Guam Agricultures Animal Health Division hosted specialized training sessions in partnership with Humane World for animals, focusing on animal cruelty investigations and animal handling best practices.

Collaboration and sustainable solutions: The Dog Population Management Task Force was recently formed to engage multiple stakeholders in tackling the free-roaming dog crisis.

Public education and outreach: Community education is critical to shifting cultural attitudes about responsible pet ownership, sterilization, and the risks of allowing dogs to roam freely.

Awareness campaigns and partnerships with local organizations help promote adoptions, responsible pet care and the importance of spay/neuter.

Guams Animal Health Division holds Responsible Pet Ownership events within the community to provide low-cost microchips, rabies vaccinations and facility pet license registration.
Our government sometimes acts like a school of fish.

Since submitting a letter to the editor suggesting that we turn 30 old school buses into homeless shelters, Ive been working to try and do exactly that.

However, the response Ive received has been less than enthusiastic, if not downright discouraging.

Ive sent many emails collectively to the governor, all the senators, and all the mayors about the project.

Ive also reached out to two senators specifically because of the committees they chair, but only one of the senators offices has responded to set up an appointment to discuss the project. Unfortunately, that meeting never happened and that contact has since gone dry.

One mayor has reached out because a family has suffered a house fire, and he wanted to find out the possibility of offering a bus to the family to use as a shelter.

Only one official from our government has shown any optimism in this project.

In a face-to-face meeting, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority Deputy Director Fernando Esteves has offered words of encouragement and several bits of advice on how to move forward to help the homeless with converted structures.

Ive suggested the Legislature form a Homelessness and Hunger committee to attack the problem with a holistic approach instead of different committees handling different aspects of the issue. Give it to a freshman senator. They dont seem to have enough to do (sarcasm.)

Ive claimed in the past that our government is like a herd of giraffes when they dont speak out about grinding issues. Giraffes have no vocal cords.

Now Im wondering, in this case, if its more that our government is like a school of fish. Everyone darted toward the center of the school to avoid being singled out about not helping the homeless.

It seems like our entire strategy to battle homelessness hinges around federal grants. But I believe that with a billion-dollar budget, we should be able to find a way to turn 30 school buses into homeless shelters.

One such federal project costs over $2 million to buy and refurbish, and another $300,000 a year to manage, just to house 16 families. Sure  as long as its the feds are footing the bill. But who would ever want to move out of this facility? So keep building more.

Soliciting volunteers from the business and private sectors coupled with the resources of GovGuam, its unconscionable that 30 families cant be helped within a reasonably short period of time and for a tiny fraction of the cost.

For one day, could we find all the ways this could happen instead of listing all the reasons it cant?

If theres an obstacle in the way, remove it, work around it, or change it  paraphrasing the very wise words of the deputy director.

Theres a little kid out there somewhere, vulnerable to the elements, that needs our help.
The islands economy is primarily driven by two significant sectors: the U.S. military presence and tourism. But as these driving forces shape the landscape, one must askare they truly aligned with the desires and needs of the local population?

In recent years, the U.S. Department of Defense has invested heavily in these facilities, contributing to both infrastructure development and local employment. In 2020, for example, the militarys economic impact on the island was estimated to be over $1.6 billion, directly and indirectly supporting thousands of jobs.

The construction and maintenance of military infrastructure, combined with local contractors involvement in military projects, provides a substantial income for the island.

However, the militarys footprint comes with complex consequences. Local communities, particularly indigenous CHamoru populations, have voiced concerns over the militarys use of land and natural resources. Issues surrounding the militarys environmental impact and land disputes remain contentious.

While some argue that the military presence helps boost the islands economy, others worry that it limits the islands autonomy and restricts the development of certain areas.

Tourism, particularly from neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, is another primary pillar of Guams economy. Pre-pandemic, tourism contributed nearly 30% of Guams GDP, with an influx of visitors supporting industries such as hospitality, retail, and transportation.

In 2019 alone, Guam saw over 1.6 million visitors, generating millions of dollars in revenue. This sector offers significant employment opportunities, with thousands of locals working in hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies.

However, the pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of this sector. With travel restrictions and lockdowns, the island saw a dramatic decrease in visitor arrivals, resulting in widespread job losses and a sharp economic downturn. Tourism remains a volatile sector that is heavily influenced by global events, making the islands economy precarious and heavily dependent on external factors.

Guams economic landscape is deeply rooted in its history as a U.S. colony. Since the Spanish-American War in 1898, when Guam was ceded to the U.S., the island has undergone significant transformations.

The early economic development was largely driven by the military, which established several bases in Guam during and after World War II. Over the years, the U.S. government maintained a tight grip on the islands economy, with limited local governance.

This external oversight has contributed to the concentration of economic power within certain sectors, notably the military and tourism.

For many years, those in charge of the islands governance were appointed rather than elected, which has led to a system where local economic decisions were heavily influenced by outside powers.

This has had a lasting impact on the accumulation of wealth on the island, where a small group of families and business owners, often aligned with military and tourism interests, control a significant portion of the economy.

For many indigenous CHamoru people, the result has been a gap between their aspirations for economic self-determination and the reality of the islands political and economic systems.

While some residents have benefited from the military and tourism sectors, many remain marginalized, with limited access to opportunities for wealth accumulation and economic mobility.

In theory, individuals in Guam have the same rights as U.S. citizens in the continental U.S. However, the reality is far more complex. While the pursuit of business and happiness may seem attainable, several factors make it more difficult for some than for others.

Guams isolation from the continental U.S. means that transportation costs for goods and services are significantly higher. This makes everyday itemsfrom groceries to building materialsmore expensive. For entrepreneurs, these logistical challenges can increase startup costs and make it harder to establish and grow a business.

In addition, while Guam has a relatively open business environment, the local government plays a significant role in regulating industries such as land use, zoning, and business licensing. This often results in bureaucratic hurdles that can slow down the process of starting or expanding a business.

Individuals who have established relationships with the government or are connected to influential sectors, such as the military or tourism, may find it easier to navigate these challenges. This creates a system where access to economic opportunities is influenced by ones connections and status.

Furthermore, the political status of Guam as an unincorporated U.S. territory means that while residents are U.S. citizens, they lack full representation in the U.S. Congress and do not have voting power in presidential elections. This unique political situation limits the islands ability to advocate for its own economic interests at the federal level.

The concentration of wealth and influence in specific sectorsparticularly the military and tourismmeans that those who are closely aligned with these forces have an easier time accessing resources, while others may face significant barriers. This creates an environment where economic freedom is not truly equal for everyone.

For example, local small business owners may struggle to compete with large, multinational corporations that have more resources and influence. Similarly, land use policies that favor large developments or military interests may make it difficult for indigenous communities to preserve their heritage and way of life.

As Guam continues to grapple with its political status and its relationship with the U.S., its important for residents to ask critical questions about the future of their island. Will the people of Guam be able to pursue true economic freedom and self-determination, or will the entrenched power structures continue to dictate their paths?

The answers to these questions will shape the islands future for generations to come.




Haiti - FLASH : Towards the integration of the diaspora in the electoral and referendum process





On Monday, March 17, 2025, Ms. J.E. Kathia Verdier, Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE), hosted key institutional stakeholders for an important meeting on the integration of the Haitian diaspora in the electoral and referendum process.



Under the leadership of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils Aime, we have placed the involvement of our compatriots living abroad at the heart of government priorities, declared the Minister. She expressed her determination to realize this vision by implementing inclusive strategies that will guarantee the diaspora an active role in Haiti's governance.



Participating in this strategic meeting were: Gracien Jean, Minister Delegate for Electoral and Constitutional Affairs (MDEC); Franck Lauture, representing the Steering Committee of the National Conference (CPCN); Patrick St-Hilaire, President of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP); Reynold Guerrier, Director of the National Identification Office (ONI); two senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office; and representatives of the Government and relevant institutions.



Minister Verdier reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to strengthening ties between Haiti and its compatriots abroad. "Together, we will build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive State."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Health : ONA Health Center creation project





On Friday, March 14, 2025, an important meeting was held at the headquarters of the National Old Age Insurance Office (ONA) in Petion-ville. Ronald Bazile, the Director General, accompanied by D'Johnson Absolus, its Deputy Director General, discussed with the institution's doctors and nurses a project to create health centers dedicated to pensioners, policyholders, employees, and the general public.



This meeting aimed to gather the opinions of ONA's healthcare professionals before officially submitting the project to the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST) and the Board of Directors of Social Security Organizations (CAOSS).



Ronald Bazile emphasized the importance of this project, emphasizing that it was fully in line with ONA's mission to strengthen social protection. He emphasized the need to enhance the skills of the institution's medical staff by providing them with a structured and better-equipped work environment.



Beyond the medical aspect, this project also responds to an economic imperative : ensuring the financial viability of the ONA through more dynamic and proactive management of its funds. With this in mind, the General Management aims to strategically invest the institution's resources to maximize their return.



The creation of health centers thus represents an opportunity for financial diversification, generating additional revenue through medical services tailored to the needs of policyholders and the general population. This investment, combined with rigorous and transparent management, aims to strengthen the ONA's sustainability and guarantee better social security coverage for future generations.



Furthermore, during this meeting, several decisions were announced to strengthen the ONA's medical service, including:



- Increasing the number of doctors and nurses in municipal and branch offices;

- The acquisition of modern medical equipment to ensure effective care for beneficiaries;

- The improvement of infrastructure and working conditions for medical staff;

- The launch of a funding program for employees wishing to pursue specialized training in Haiti or abroad.



The medical profession also took the opportunity to express its expectations. In particular, it called for a restructuring of the nursing service, better recognition of their salary scale, and consideration of their training time in their career development.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Insecurity : 4 MSF vehicles hit by gunfire during the evacuation of the Turgeau Emergency Center





On Monday, March 17, 2025, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) announced that four of its clearly marked vehicles were intentionally shot at in Port-au-Prince while its teams were evacuating the Turgeau Emergency Center in coordination with the authorities. As a precautionary measure, after violent street fighting moved closer to the center, the Emergency Center's activities were temporarily suspended since March 15. Before suspending operations, all patients at the Emergency Center were successfully transferred to other medical facilities.



MSF "strongly condemn this intentional shooting, in which our staff suffered minor injuries [...] This attack serves as stark reminder that no one is safe amidst the ongoing violence between armed groups and law enforcement," said Benoit Vasseur, MSF Head of Mission in Haiti. "Despite our precautions, we have been targeted, and this is unacceptable. We urgently call on all parties for the respect of medical staff, facilities and patients at all times."



Since the end of February, the situation in Turgeau, where MSF runs a referral and emergency center, has deteriorated significantly. During the night of March 14-15, the violence escalated further. Armed groups moved within a few meters of the hospital, threatening to turn it into a frontline.



"We had to make the painful decision to suspend activities at the MSF Turgeau emergency centre to protect our staff and patients," explains Vasseur. "it is impossible to continue operations at the hospital, but we are committed to reopening our facility as soon as the situation allows us to do so safely [...]"



This is the second time in less than four months that MSF has been forced to suspend activities at this health facility. At the end of November 2024, MSF suspended all its activities in Port-au-Prince following multiple attacks and repeated threats against medical personnel https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43676-haiti-flash-msf-forced-to-suspend-its-activities-in-the-metropolitan-area.html . Following dialogue with the authorities and assurances from all parties regarding the protection of MSF's medical mission, we have partially resumed our activities https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43839-haiti-health-medecins-sans-frontieres-partially-resumes-its-activities-in-port-au-prince.html , reopening the Turgeau hospital on January 20, 2025.



sEE also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43839-haiti-health-medecins-sans-frontieres-partially-resumes-its-activities-in-port-au-prince.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43676-haiti-flash-msf-forced-to-suspend-its-activities-in-the-metropolitan-area.html



HL/ S HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





CEP : The referendum will not take place in May

While the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) has already submitted a timetable, a budget, and a draft decree for the referendum, the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) has still not published the documents in the official newspaper "Le Moniteur", causing a delay in the process. Consequently, the CEP announces that, in the absence of these publications, the referendum will not take place in mid-May as initially planned, and that it is currently unable to set a new date. If delays continue to mount, there is a fear that the 2025 elections will no longer be possible...



Bandits control part of Christ-Roi

After intense days of clashes with law enforcement, part of Christ-Roi is now under the control of members of the criminal coalition "Viv ansanm."



At least 20 dead in the ranks of the "5 Second" gang

Although the Haitian National Police (PNH) has not released any official figures for the major operation in the territory of the "5 Second" gang led by Chief Johnson Andre, alias "Izo," on March 15, Pierre Esperance, Executive Director of the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), revealed, "At least 20 bandits were killed, several were injured, and many others fled."



New Ambassador of Haiti to the United States

Lionel Delatour was appointed, by presidential decree of March 12, 2025, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Haiti to the United States Government.



FAD'H : Funeral of the Trazil Brothers

On Monday, March 17, 2025, Presidential Advisor Edgard Leblanc Fils visited Notre-Dame d'Altagrace Church in Delmas to offer his condolences to the families of two soldiers of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd'H), brothers Elidson Trazil and Edwing Elira Trazil, killed in combat in Delmas 30 on February 25, 2025. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44366-haiti-flash-two-fad-h-soldiers-killed-in-combat.html The funeral was attended by senior army officers, relatives of the victims, and many local residents who came to pay their last respects.



Food For The Poor Suspends Operations in PAP

Following the kidnapping of two of its employees, who were held captive for three days before being released, Food For The Poor (FFTP - Haiti), which has been operating in Haiti for nearly 40 years, has announced the temporary suspension of its operations at its Port-au-Prince office. The Nippes and Nord offices are operating normally.



HL/ HaotiLibre


















(CNBC) Human resources software startup Rippling sued competitor Deel in federal district court on Monday, claiming that Deel cultivated a spy to orchestrate a trade-secret theft. The employee met with Deel executives and passed internal Rippling records to a reporter, according to San Francisco-based Ripplings complaint in the U.S. District Court for Californias Northern District. Rippling claimed in the filing Deel violated the 1970 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and misappropriated trade secrets.

To read this article:
The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights concerns over the accuracy of population estimates relied upon by governments, international organisations, and researchers.

A new study from Aalto University suggests that global population datasets may significantly underestimate rural populations, with figures potentially 53% to 84% lower than reality. These datasets, widely used for policy and planning decisions, could be misrepresenting rural demographics on a large scale.

These figures influence decisions on infrastructure, healthcare, resource allocation, and disaster preparedness.

Postdoctoral researcher Josias Lang-Ritter from Aalto University said the findings provide clear evidence that a substantial portion of rural populations is missing from global data. He noted that while these datasets have been used extensively for decades, their accuracy has not been systematically evaluated until now.

The research team analysed five of the most commonly used global population datasets, which distribute census data across a high-resolution grid. They compared these datasets with resettlement records from over 300 dam projects in 35 countries. The study focused on population estimates between 1975 and 2010, as later dam data was not available.

The map shows the location of the 307 rural areas analysed in the study. The reported populations in the graphic were found to be underestimated by between 53 and 84 percent. Photo: Josias Lang-Ritter et. al / Aalto University

The results showed that, even in 2010the most accurate year studiedthe datasets still missed between 32% and 77% of rural populations. While later datasets from 2015 and 2020 have been introduced, the researchers believe these figures are still significantly incomplete.

Lang-Ritter explained that although accuracy has improved over time, the issue remains unresolved. Because population censuses form the foundation of global datasets, the problem stems from incomplete national data collection, particularly in remote areas. Many countries lack the resources to conduct comprehensive surveys, making rural populations harder to track.

Resettlement data from dam projects provided a valuable independent comparison, as these records include precise population counts due to compensation paid to displaced communities. The discrepancies were particularly pronounced in China, Brazil, Australia, Poland, and Colombia.

With the UN and World Bank relying on these population estimates, the study raises concerns about the allocation of resources for rural communities. Lang-Ritter said that underestimating rural populations could have led to inadequate healthcare, transportation, and infrastructure planning in these areas.

While some countries, such as Finland, have reliable digital population records, others still depend heavily on global datasets. Lang-Ritter emphasised the need for a critical reassessment of how these figures are used, particularly in crisis-affected regions where accurate data is crucial for aid and development

HT
The legislation is part of a broader effort to improve road safety, including a proposed 0.5 blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for riders of electric scooters and bicycles.

The Finnish government is moving forward with a legislative proposal that would give municipalities greater authority over electric scooters and other micromobility vehicles. The proposed micromobility licence would allow cities to set operating hours, speed limits, and parking rules for shared e-scooters and bikes.

Traffic controllers would also be granted the authority to administer breathalyser tests to riders. The Ministry of Transport and Communications says these measures support Finlands long-term goal of eliminating road traffic fatalities by 2050.

The micromobility licence provides municipalities with an effective way of guiding services while considering local conditions, said Sofia Johansson, Senior Specialist at the Ministry of Transport and Communications. She noted that the new regulations would allow cities to enforce measures such as geofencing and designated parking areas to reduce clutter and improve organisation.

The legislation aims to address safety concerns that have emerged with the rapid growth of micromobility services in Finland since 2019. E-scooter rentals, which have expanded rapidly, have led to increased traffic accidents and parking problems in major cities.

In a parallel effort, Transport Minister Lulu Ranne attended an EU transport ministers meeting in Warsaw this week, where she highlighted the importance of efficient infrastructure for both civilian and military transport. Ranne said Finland plays a key role in European mobility as it sits on the external border of both the EU and NATO. She stressed that EU funding should prioritise infrastructure improvements that enhance both security and transportation efficiency.

The Finnish governments micromobility proposal was developed in response to findings from the countrys 20222026 Traffic Safety Strategy. The strategy identified challenges related to e-scooter parking and traffic accidents, prompting the Ministry of Transport to draft new regulations.

A government-appointed working group has been reviewing feedback from municipalities, industry stakeholders, and citizens. The legislation is set to be debated in Parliament before moving to committee review, with the changes expected to take effect in May 2025.

HT
According to Ilja Iljin , Deputy Commander of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District, AIS anomalies are now detected on a weekly basis.

The Finnish Coast Guard has reported a rise in ships moving through the Gulf of Finland with their automatic identification systems (AIS) turned off. The agency believes the trend is linked to efforts to bypass Russian sanctions.

"Before last summer, these cases were sporadic. Now, we estimate an average of 10 anomalies per week," Iljin told Yle.

AIS is a tracking system that allows vessels to share their location with other ships and maritime authorities. It helps prevent collisions and enables monitoring of maritime traffic. When ships turn off their AIS, they become effectively invisible to standard tracking systems.

Iljin said there are likely two reasons for the increase. Some vessels may be deliberately concealing their routes to avoid scrutiny while engaging in activities that breach sanctions. Alternatively, disruptions in the radio frequencies used by AIS in the eastern Gulf of Finland could be preventing the system from transmitting signals.

Most of the ships with AIS anomalies are in international waters, meaning Finnish authorities have limited ability to intervene. In general, the responsibility for enforcement falls to the country under whose flag the ship is registered.

The Coast Guard has urged all vessels to remain vigilant while navigating the Gulf of Finland, warning that not all ships may be visible on electronic tracking systems.

HT
In housing companies with at least five apartments owned by different individuals, tenants can join meetings when topics such as house rules, shared facility usage, or major renovations are on the agenda.

Tenants in Finnish housing companies may have the right to participate in general meetings when issues affecting residents are discussed. The law grants tenants, subtenants, and other residents the right to attend in certain cases, even though only shareholders can vote.

Katja Lauronen, a lawyer at the Finnish Real Estate Federation, explained the rules. Residents have the right to attend if the meeting covers house rules, such as changes to them, or the use of common areas like saunas and laundry rooms, she said.

Tenants may also attend when maintenance or renovations significantly impact their apartment or shared spaces. Large-scale repair projects affecting daily life are an example.

Tenants can speak but not vote

Tenants can voice their opinions in these meetings but do not have voting rights. Their ability to influence decisions is limited to speaking, Lauronen said.

If multiple tenants live in the same apartment, they must select one representative to attend. They can also bring an assistant.

Housing companies must inform tenants about meetings at least two weeks in advance. This can be done by posting a notice on the buildings bulletin board or delivering it to each rented apartment. Some companies may use both methods for clarity.

Lauronen emphasised that involving tenants benefits housing companies. It ensures that all residents needs and opinions are considered, she said.

HT
Finnish Customs has introduced a body-imaging device at Helsinki Airport to detect narcotics hidden inside travellers' bodies. The device has already uncovered five smuggling attempts in early 2025.

The imaging technology allows Customs officers to screen passengers suspected of internal drug concealment without requiring hospital transport. The most commonly smuggled drug is cocaine.

Samy Gardemeister, Director of the Enforcement Department, said the device strengthens Customs' ability to combat drug trafficking. Using this technology is part of our broader effort to protect society. It is a crucial tool in detecting smuggling, he said.

Previously, suspected smugglers had to be taken off-site for medical imaging, requiring two officers per case and straining resources. The new system enables on-the-spot screening, reducing time spent on unnecessary investigations.

Mika Pitkaniemi, Head of Airport Customs, said the device improves efficiency and acts as a deterrent. Smugglers now face a greater risk of being caught. We can focus enforcement efforts where they are most needed, he said.

The device is the first of its kind used by Finnish law enforcement. Similar technology is already in use internationally. While the device functions like an X-ray machine, it is not intended for medical use. The radiation dose is about a thousand times lower than standard medical imaging and is equivalent to the exposure from a one-hour flight.

Helsinki Airport was chosen as the location due to its role as a major air traffic hub. Customs can also bring passengers from harbours to the airport for screening when necessary.

The imaging device cost approximately 100,000, with 80% of the funding provided by the EUs Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI).

Customs may release further details on the smuggling cases once investigations are complete.

HT
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska will make an official visit to Finland on 19 March 2025. They will be hosted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb.

The visit will begin with a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, followed by formal discussions on Finlands support for Ukraine and efforts to end Russias war of aggression.
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A NINE-week course focussing on life skills will be open to Henley residents.

The programme is run by the Henley Branch of Christians Against Poverty, who are based at the d:two centre in Market Place, and will provide guidance on guidance on budgeting, spending wisely and general health and well-being.

The Life Skills course will be held in the YMCA hall in Lawson Road every Friday 10am to noon from Friday, March 28.

Free lunch will be provided and the programme is open to residents with an RG9 postcode.

For more information contact Maryanne Uwaezuoke at: 07549 132 335 or: maryanneuwaezuoke@capuk.org
Fashion designer finds inspiration in Xizang

14:11, March 18, 2025 By Yan Dongjie ( China Daily

Zhao Juan, a renowned Chinese fashion designer who served as design director and CEO for multiple companies, has seen her creations showcased at global events from the Shanghai International Fashion Expo to the Canton Fair. However, a 2016 fieldwork trip to the Xizang autonomous region transformed her understanding of fashion.

That year, she traveled there to gather inspiration for the design of a wool felt hat. "I encountered many people there dedicating themselves to building Xizang through their own efforts. Their selflessness deeply moved me," Zhao said.

Song Ming, a teacher at a handicraft school in Lhasa, capital of the region, left a profound impression on her. A 1998 graduate of Nanjing Arts Institute with a background in oil painting, Song could have pursued his artistic career in major cities such as Beijing or Shanghai. Instead, he chose to teach art in Lhasa.

In 2010, Song founded a nonprofit school to offer free education, meals and housing to underprivileged children, teaching traditional crafts such as thangka painting and bronze casting to preserve Tibetan culture and rejuvenate traditional Tibetan handicrafts. To date, the school has trained over 500 intangible cultural heritage artisans.

"I wondered  as someone in the arts  what could I contribute?" Zhao said. "Later, I met a team called Friends of Himalayan Creatures. They are doing something very interesting  giving a voice to the voiceless wildlife."

The team members recorded the stories of plateau creatures such as pikas, Tibetan antelopes and black-necked cranes through filming documentaries, presenting to audiences the grandeur and fragility of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

"Their stories inspired me a lot. At that moment, I suddenly realized that ethnic headdresses are not only aesthetic symbols but also a medium for dialogue between humans and nature," Zhao said.

Her design philosophy shifted radically. She immersed herself in Tibetan culture and ecology, integrating elements of highland wildlife into her hat designs. Her products now blend aesthetics with cultural depth and sustainability.

In Xizang, she discovered the centrality of natural storytelling in Tibetan culture, often expressed through yak wool motifs. "Hat patterns are a powerful lens to interpret these narratives," she said.

Her collections now span felt hats, yak wool dolls and brooches inspired by Tibetan culture and plateau wildlife species.

"For instance, the urdo  a traditional Tibetan woolen sling essential to nomads  was incorporated into hat designs with yak wool. These pieces gained popularity at a charity sale in August," Zhao said.

"I aim to amplify elements like wild yaks, Tibetan antelope and black-necked cranes in my work, letting these creatures 'speak' for themselves. I want more people to understand their stories and know how to protect them."

As a female designer, Zhao prioritizes the livelihoods of Tibetan women. In late 2023, she founded a workshop providing handicraft training to empower women economically while preserving cultural heritage.

"Many local women rely on government subsidies. I want to equip them with skills to improve their lives and find self-worth," said Zhao, who is also a member of the national handicraft empowerment expert group.

The workshop offers free training and distributes orders to participants, fostering financial independence. Over 500 women have been trained to date. "They're passionate. After finishing a piece, they often ask, 'What's next?'" Zhao said.

The workshop also hosts cultural immersion programs for tourists, blending craft-making with lessons on Xizang's ecology. "These items are not just souvenirs  they carry stories of harmony between humans and nature," she said.

Zhao and her team plan to add QR codes to products this year, allowing users to scan and listen to narrated wildlife tales.

Despite geographic isolation hindering visibility, Zhao's team launched livestreams in August to showcase their crafts.

"Livestreams bridge Xizang with inland audiences, fostering mutual understanding," she said.

She's also embracing artificial intelligence tools to boost efficiency and language learning. "I hope to teach these technologies to Tibetans, easing communication and skill-building," Zhao said.

As a mentor at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, Zhao integrates her philosophy into curricula. Students engage in design, production and management, grasping sustainable fashion's significance through practice. "I've mentored five groups of students. Many are inspired  one student even volunteered to teach in Xizang," she said.

Her dedication extends to her family. She frequently takes her son on fieldwork trips, sharing the values behind her designs and sparking his interest in biology and geology.

"My fifth-grader has grown to love biology, geology and chemistry, and his curiosity strengthens my determination," Zhao said.

The designer's transformation was filled with challenges, the first of which was the harsh natural environment of the plateau, pushing her body to its limits.

"When I first arrived in Xizang, I suffered from severe altitude sickness. I kept vomiting, and eventually even vomited blood, and was rushed to the hospital. There were several times when I almost gave up, but as soon as I got home and thought of the people and living beings there, I wanted to go back," Zhao said.

Her choice also faced early skepticism. "People joked, 'Why endure hardship there?'" she recalled. Yet her persistence gradually won support.

"After years of effort, even skeptics admire what we've achieved," Zhao said. Collaborations with enterprises in Beijing as well as Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces continue to expand her team's reach.

"I'll dedicate more energy to this cause. Greater breakthroughs lie ahead," she said.

Looking forward, Zhao aims to globalize her vision.

"Ethnic heritage belongs to the world. Just like the movie Ne Zha, our stories and products should transcend borders  reaching not just China but the globe," she said.

Shi Yudie contributed to this story.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Border defense troops patrol snowfield on horseback

China Military Online) 14:47, March 18, 2025

Soldiers assigned to a border defense company under the Chinese PLA Army patrol the snow-covered border area on horseback in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on March 3, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Ma Wenqing)

Soldiers assigned to a border defense company under the Chinese PLA Army patrol the snow-covered border area on horseback in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on March 3, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Ma Wenqing)

Soldiers assigned to a border defense company under the Chinese PLA Army patrol the snow-covered border area on horseback in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on March 3, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Ma Wenqing)

Soldiers assigned to a border defense company under the Chinese PLA Army patrol the snow-covered border area on horseback in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on March 3, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Ma Wenqing)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Japan is set to deploy long-range missiles on its southern island of Kyushu in response to rising security concerns. The missiles, with a range of approximately 1,000 km, will be capable of targeting North Korea and China's coastal regions.

The deployment is scheduled for next year across two bases that already house missile garrisons. The move is aimed at bolstering the defense of the strategically important Okinawa island chain and is part of Japan's broader development of "counterstrike capabilities" in the event of an attack, according to reports from Kyodo News citing government sources.

Although the deployment of long-range missiles on Okinawa, which lies within 110 km of Taiwan, is unlikely due to concerns about provoking China, the islands currently host several missile batteries with shorter ranges.

"As the threat from China and North Korea has been mounting, it is natural for Japan to counter this with more effective weapons systems," said Yoichi Shimada, professor emeritus at Fukui Prefectural University. "I think Japan should rapidly take measures such as the deployment of longer-range missiles to develop more robust security."

"We have a great relationship with Japan, but we have an interesting deal with Japan that we have to protect them, but they don't have to protect us," Trump said. "That's the way the deal reads... and by the way, they make a fortune with us economically. I actually ask who makes these deals?"

The security treaty was originally signed in 1951 when Japan was still occupied by US forces. Japan's military actions are constrained by its pacifist constitution, particularly Article 9, which was imposed by the U.S, after World War II.

Shimada believes that "proactive measures" such as the missile deployment will strengthen US-Japan ties and sees the Trump administration's calls for more reciprocal defense arrangements as "not so unreasonable."

However, Trump's broader remarks about NATO allies, including Canada and Denmark, have raised concerns in Japan regarding the US's commitment to honoring long-standing treaties.

Robert Dujarric, a professor at Temple University in Tokyo, expressed concerns over the U.S.-Japan alliance, saying, "It is clear to anyone who is watching this carefully that the U.S.-Japan alliance is in bad shape. Even if China attacked Japan, there is no guarantee that the US under Trump would do anything. That is a big problem."

Two Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) bases in Kyushu, Camp Yufuin in Oita and Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, are being considered for the missile deployment. Both bases already host missile batteries, and the new systems are expected to be upgraded versions of the GSDF's Type-12 land-to-ship guided missiles.

Dujarric noted that the deployment is part of Japan's broader military capacity increase, adding, "This is just one part of a gradual increase in Japanese military capacity." He also suggested that Japan may need to rethink its security policy in light of shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Despite Japan's pacifist stance since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 80 years ago, Dujarric warned that if Japan concludes it can no longer rely on U.S. military support, the country may reconsider its defense options, potentially sparking debate over the acquisition of nuclear weapons.
An indefinite curfew was imposed in parts of a western Indian city on Tuesday, a day after sectarian clashes erupted over a contentious demand to demolish the tomb of 17th-century Muslim Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.

The violence broke out on Monday in the city of Nagpur during a protest led by Hindu nationalist groups who called for the demolition of Aurangzeb's tomb, which lies in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), around 310 miles from Nagpur.

Maharashtra lawmaker Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed that at least 34 police officers and five other individuals were injured in the clashes. Several houses and vehicles were also damaged in the violence. Senior police officer Ravinder Singal added that at least 50 people have been arrested so far in connection with the unrest, local media reported.

Maharashtra's top elected official, Devendra Fadnavis, stated that the violence began after "rumors were spread that things containing religious content were burnt" by protesters, referring to the Quran.

The dispute over Aurangzeb's tomb is part of a broader tension surrounding the Mughal ruler, who remains a controversial figure among India's Hindu nationalists. Accusations of religious persecution during his reign in the 17th century have fueled animosity towards him, although some historians argue that such accounts are exaggerated.

Tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India have intensified under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule, with growing criticism of Aurangzeb's legacy. Modi has previously referred to the Mughal ruler in his speeches, accusing him of persecuting Hindus. These remarks have stoked anxiety within India's Muslim minority, which has increasingly become the target of violence from Hindu nationalist groups emboldened by the government's silence on such attacks.

The debate surrounding Aurangzeb has escalated following the release of the Bollywood movie "Chhaava," an action film about a Hindu warrior who fought against the Mughal emperor. Critics argue that the film feeds into divisive narratives that could further inflame religious tensions in India.

While religious tensions between India's Hindu majority and Muslim minority have existed for years, rights groups claim that attacks on Muslims have become more brazen under Modi's leadership. They also accuse his government of implementing discriminatory policies against Muslims, a claim denied by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Hindu extremists have increasingly targeted Muslim places of worship across India, asserting that many mosques are built on the ruins of temples. Legal disputes over the ownership of several prominent mosques are currently ongoing in courts.

A significant milestone in this ongoing religious discourse occurred last year when Modi fulfilled a long-standing demand from Hindu nationalists and millions of Hindus by inaugurating a controversial temple at the site of the razed Babri Mosque in Ayodhya. The mosque was demolished in 1992 by Hindu mobs who believed the site marked the birthplace of the Hindu deity Ram.
An Ohio man was sentenced to 39 years to life in prison for strangling a woman and then creating a "bed" for her to rot in, shocking the judge presiding over his case.

Kandawaswika Kahari pleaded guilty in December to murdering 46-year-old Susan Ramberg. After the murder, Kahari forced Ramberg's 10-year-old son to help him create what the boy described as a "bed" in the trunk of a car. Ramberg's body was left to rot there, and the boy was left alone at the residence with the body, ABC-6 reported.

The boy told police that in the intervening weeks between the murder and when the body was found by authorities, Kahari would drop by to check on him and bring him food, ABC-6 reported.

"He should never have to hug his dead mother, put her in the car with her murderer. He should never have to play dead while laying in his own blood so his mother's murderer will stop kicking him," Ramberg's relatives told the court during sentencing according to ABC-6. "He should never have been left alone in a house for 3 weeks where he knows his mother's body is in the garage. He should never have to live in fear, wondering if and when he would be fed by a man who tried to kill him."

Kahari strangled Ramberg in her home sometime around Feb. 16, WBNS-10 reported. Kahari pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, felonious assault and gross abuse of a corpse. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors did not seek the maximum penalty of life without parole.

According to ABC-6, the judge in the case described it as "one of the most horrific murders that I've encountered while on the bench."

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
Today, Marriott International, Inc. announced the opening of City Express by Marriott Duluth (GA), the first City Express by Marriott property in the United States. Available to book as of March 2025, the opening marks a significant milestone for the company as its official debut in the affordable midscale segment in the U.S. and Canada.

In its expansion, City Express by Marriott remains focused on delivering a seamless guest experience for both business and leisure travelers, while also offering a conversion-friendly model for owners. Each property will offer guest rooms designed to combine style and hassle-free comfort, featuring plush beds, high-speed internet access, and a complimentary breakfast to start the day right. Guests will also enjoy added convenience with 24-hour markets, pet-friendly policies, and on-site fitness facilities, ensuring that every stay is effortless and enjoyable.

"The introduction of City Express by Marriott properties in the U.S. represents a pivotal moment for Marriott International as we continue to expand our footprint in the midscale segment," says Noah Silverman, Global Development Officer, U.S. and Canada. "The value proposition that this conversion-friendly, transient midscale brand brings both to owners and guests has turned City Express by Marriott into a powerhouse in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region, and we are thrilled to deliver this same combination of value to the U.S. and Canada."

Marriott is set to accelerate the expansion of City Express by Marriott across the U.S. and Canada throughout 2025 and beyond, with over 45 total signed agreements already in place, more than a dozen of which are slated to open this year The 2025 openings will be strategically located in some of the most sought-after destinations across the region including City Express by Marriott New Orleans Northeast and City Express by Marriott Chicago Downtown expected in Q2 of 2025, along with City Express by Marriott Orlando International Drive, City Express by Marriott Port Hope (Ontario, Canada), and others scheduled to open later this year.

"The launch of City Express by Marriott in the U.S. and Canada market underscores our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all travelers," says Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, Chief Lodging Products Officer, U.S. and Canada, "Whether for business or leisure, guests at City Express by Marriott in the U.S. and Canada will now experience the same seamless, efficient stay that has made the brand a success in the CALA region. We're excited to bring this unique blend of value and convenience to new travelers and Marriott Bonvoy members."

Located a convenient 30-minute drive from downtown Atlanta, the 83-room City Express by Marriott Duluth will offer guests easy access to the energy of the city while staying in a relaxed, well-connected location, complete with its own vibrant dining scene, nearby parks, trails and lakefront escapes.

Since acquiring the City Express brand portfolio in 2023, Marriott has been strategically expanding its footprint in the fast-growing affordable midscale segment, offering tailored products that resonate with regional markets and attract new customers. Today, the company proudly features three dynamic midscale brands: City Express by Marriott in CALA and the U.S. and Canada, Four Points Flex by Sheraton in Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific excluding China, and StudioRes, an upcoming extended stay brand set to debut in the U.S. and Canada this year.

City Express by Marriott has also continued its expansion across the CALA region. This includes the recently announced planned expansion into Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru, with eight new properties expected to open over the next three years. The company also plans to expand the brand's portfolio into Brazil in the near future.

The City Express by Marriott properties in the U.S. and Canada will participate in Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program - allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay across Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio of brands.

Hotel website
Crescent Hotels & Resorts has appointed Elie Khoury as its new Chief Operating Officer. With over 30 years of operational leadership in the hospitality industry, Elie brings a wealth of experience - from asset management to engineering, brand partnerships, and more - that will be invaluable to the Crescent team. His core competencies uniquely position him to enhance service culture, maximize return on investment, and spearhead strategic developments that align seamlessly with the company's commitment to innovation.

Elie has built an exceptional career leading operations at the most respected organizations in the hospitality sector. His journey began in food and beverage, where he played a crucial role in developing successful restaurant concepts. Elie then worked at Interstate Hotels & Resorts, where he collaborated with many current leaders at Crescent Hotels & Resorts, excelling in multiple General Manager roles and overseeing increasingly complex hotels across various states and brands. As Executive Vice President of Operations at Aimbridge, Elie was responsible for overseeing operations across North America and international markets. He specialized in brand relations, guest experience, and executive leadership development, showcasing his commitment to excellence in the hospitality field. Additionally, Elie brings valuable asset management expertise from his roles at Preston Hollow Community Capital and Murphy Asset Management.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Elie is a dedicated leader in the industry. He serves as Chairman of the Board of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA), the largest state hotel association in the U.S., and is an active member of the hospitality board at California State University, East Bay.
European hotel transaction volumes surpassed 22.4bn in 2024, up 37% from last year, the highest volumes recorded since 2019

UK reclaims its status as the top destination for investor capital with 7.8bn worth of deals transacted, followed by Spain and France

Greece, Norway, and Ireland also see significant increases in investment volumes

London is the leading destination for investor activity at a city level, followed by Paris and Dublin

European hotel transactions exceeded 10.4 billion in the second half of last year contributing to a total of 22.4bn worth of deals for the whole of 2024, which is the highest 12-month volume since 2019, according to new data analysis from Cushman & Wakefield.

The 2024 total figure was a 37% increase on 2023 volumes with the UK, Spain and France leading the way as the most active hotel investment markets. Between them, they accounted for 59% of total European volumes at 13.2bn, up 38% on 2023 volumes in these three markets.

The UK reclaimed its leading status as a destination for investment with 7.8bn worth of deals transacted - an increase of 197% compared to 2023. The UK accounted for the four largest hotel transactions in 2024, all of which were portfolio deals: the sale of ADIAs Marriott portfolio (33 hotels); the Village Hotels portfolio (33 hotels); the Radisson Edwardian portfolio (10 hotels); and Landsecs Accor portfolio (21 hotels). Among the top 10 European markets, the most notable increases in investment volumes relative to 2023, were in Greece (+294%), Norway (+248%) and Ireland (+218%).

At a city level, London was the leading destination for investor activity with 4.0bn transacted, ahead of Paris at 1.6bn and Dublin at 0.6bn.

Jon Hubbard, Head of EMEA Hospitality at Cushman & Wakefield, said: The European hotel market continues to hold great attraction to investors seeking to deploy capital. The cornerstone markets of the UK, France and Spain are the principal drivers of deals accounting for more than half of all transactions between them. From an asset perspective, the upper end of the market has attracted a lot of interest and pricing should remain competitive as the supply of new accommodation slows due to development costs. We anticipate transactional activity will expand further in 2025, supported by rising debt liquidity and healthy hotel performances.

The average transaction price per room in Europe in the second half of last year was 163,000, down from 188,000 during the same period in 2023. This was driven by shifts in transaction composition, including class and location, rather than an indication of continued discounting. In fact, the analysis shows that after decompressing in 2023, yields remained stable throughout 2024, with values being supported by growing income and high barriers to entry for the top end of the market. In 2025, the improving sentiment, declining cost of financing and return of core investors are expected to put downward pressure on yields, especially in the case of prime locations and assets.

From an investor perspective, private capital accounted for the largest share of deals at 45%, reflecting a 45% increase compared to 2023. Elsewhere institutional investment represented 39% of transactions and public finance 13%, which was a large increase on 2023 (352%). Institutional (39%) and private (40%) sellers were the biggest sources of deals.

Investor focus remained on the premium end of the market, with hotels classed as Luxury or Upper Upscale accounting for a combined 42% of the volumes transacted in 2024.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2023, the firm reported revenue of $9.5 billion across its core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation and other services. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), sustainability and more. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.
Pandox acquires Pullman Cologne in Germany from Art-Invest

Swedish hotel investor Pandox AB has entered an agreement to acquire the four-star, 275-room Pullman Cologne, Germany, from German investor Art-Invest Real Estates institutional hotel funds, for 66 million (240,000 per room). The property is situated in central Cologne, around a kilometre to the west of the Rhine. The hotel includes two restaurants, a bar and 23 meeting rooms. The initial yield is approximately 6.5%, with the stabilised yield expected to be significantly higher after renovation and repositioning. French owner-operator AccorInvest is the tenant and the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.

Hong-Kong hotel investor AMTD IDEA Group has acquired the four-star, 68-room Dao by Dorsett North London, UK, from Hong-Kong-based developer Far East Consortium (FEC), for 22.6 million (332,350 per room). The transaction also includes Hornsey Town Hall for 24.5 million, bringing the total value of the deal to 47 million. The hotel is situated in northern Londons Crouch End area of Hornsey, some 6 kilometres north of Central London. It opened in Spring 2023 and is part of the Town Halls redevelopment, which also includes co-working spaces and an arts centre.

Arkea REIM acquires Hotel Begona Centro in Gijon, Spain

French asset manager Arkea REIM, on behalf of its Transitions Europe SCPI, has acquired the three-star, 233-room Hotel Begona Centro in the coastal city of Gijon in northern Spain, for approximately 14 million (60,100 per room). The property includes a breakfast restaurant and is situated some 10-minutes walk from Playa de San Lorenzo. The hotel has now reopened as the B&B Hotel Gijon Centro Begona and will be operated by the French operator under a 15-year lease agreement, with a 5 million renovation programme (21,460 per room) planned as part of the rebranding.

French real estate developers and managers CEPAC Immobilier and FINAMAS Group have acquired the four-star, 130-room DoubleTree by Hilton in Marseille, France, from French developer Constructa, in a forward sale transaction. The hotel will be located on the 6th to 11th floors of the M99 Tower, which is currently under construction near the beach in the city's second district. The hotel and its restaurant are expected to open in March 2028 and will be operated by French property manager Magora.

Austrian real estate investor CPI Europe, formerly Immofinanz, has sold the four-star, 98-room Ramada by Wyndham Prague City Centre, Czech Republic, along with the myhive Pankrac House office complex and two office buildings in Vienna. The total deal value is approximately 115 million. The property is situated in central Prague, just a five-minute walk from the National Museum. The hotel includes a breakfast restaurant and six meeting rooms. CPI Europe plans to sell additional non-core assets in the future.

PGIM Real Estate, the real estate arm of global asset manager PGIM, has acquired the 202-room Adina Apartment Hotel Hamburg Speicherstadt in Germany, from HausInvest, the open-ended real estate fund managed by Commerz Real, a subsidiary of the German bank Commerzbank AG. The hotel opened in 2017 and is situated in Hamburgs Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic red-brick warehouses and canals. The property includes a restaurant and four meeting rooms. The German arm of Australian operator Adina Apartment Hotels extended the original lease term by ten years, until 2045, during the covid pandemic.

Amundi acquires Yays Paris Issy by Numa

French real estate asset manager Amundi Immobilier, the real estate arm of European asset manager Amundi, has acquired the 38-room aparthotel Yays Paris Issy by Numa in Issy-les-Moulineaux, a south-western suburb of Paris, France. The property was converted from a former office building and is located around five kilometres south of the Eiffel Tower. Germanys Numa Group will continue operating the hotel under a lease agreement. Numa acquired the Yays Group at the end of 2023.

French hotel investment company Extendam has sold the four-star, 82-room aparthotel Residence Inn Paris Didot Montparnasse in France, to its operating partner Solanet Hospitality Management (Sohoma). The hotel includes a breakfast restaurant and is situated in Pariss 14th district, less than one kilometre from the Gare Montparnasse train station. Extendam, together with Sohomas team, originally acquired the property in May 2021 when it was operated under the Citadines brand. Following extensive renovation, the property was relaunched as a Residence Inn in June 2023.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H)announced Hyatt Place Leeds and Hyatt House Leeds opened their doors earlier this month, signaling Hyatts expanding brand footprint and ambitious growth strategy in the UK  Hyatts third largest market in EAME by portfolio size, surpassed only by Germany and Spain.

The dual-branded Hyatt Place Leeds and Hyatt House Leeds development combines the operational efficiency and contemporary design of both brands. The 217-key Hyatt Place Leeds caters to multi-tasking travelers, with a convenient guest experience. The 88-key Hyatt House Leeds is designed for extended stays, with tailored living accommodations such as a well-equipped kitchenette, apartment-style amenities, including separate living and sleeping areas. Shared amenities include a 24/7 fitness center, bar and marketplace, while the shared meeting spaces, Azotea rooftop bar and Zoom restaurant are designed to maximise total revenue by appealing to guests and locals alike.

With plans to grow its UK portfolio by more than 30% between 2025 and 2026, adding more than 1,000 rooms to the market, including the recent openings in Leeds, Hyatt continues to meet the increasing demand for purposeful service and premium guest experiences. Upcoming highly anticipated openings include Hyatt Place London Paddington and Hyatt Regency London Olympia, which are anticipated to create around 250 new UK jobs over the next two years.

Hyatt Place London Paddington : The hotel will mark the third Hyatt Place property in the capital, offering 24/7 conveniences and intuitive design, with 87 rooms ideal for todays multi-tasking traveler.

: The hotel will mark the third Hyatt Place property in the capital, offering 24/7 conveniences and intuitive design, with 87 rooms ideal for todays multi-tasking traveler. Hyatt Regency London Olympia: The property will be the fifth Hyatt Regency hotel in London and seventh in the UK. The hotel will be located in one of the citys most vibrant districts and housed within a listed Art Deco building, boasting over 200 well-appointed rooms.

Demonstrating the UK as a priority growth market within Hyatts evolving portfolio, Hyatt has more than doubled its number of rooms in the country and tripled its number of properties since 2017. Today, the Hyatt portfolio has grown to 17 hotels across 9 distinct brands in the UK, with the opening of Park Hyatt London River Thames marking the latest debut in October 2024.

The drivers behind Hyatts UK growth

Building on its organic growth in the UK market, Hyatts acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith in 2023 has given World of Hyatt members even more choice globally with more than 1,000 boutique and luxury properties now participating in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. With hotels in 20 new countries and more experiences to choose from, the acquisition has helped increase membership in World of Hyatt, which has grown to 54 million global members at the end of 2024.

Another trend fuelling growth in the UK is business travel. In Q4 2024, Hyatt saw a 5% increase, compared to Q4 2023, in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) inquiries in Europe, with UK properties accounting for more than 7,000 of these.

The UK remains a priority growth market for Hyatt. We are committed to expanding our portfolio of brands in locations that matter most to our guests, members, customers, and owners and I have no doubt the UK will continue to be a strong contributor to Hyatts growth journey in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Following the openings of Hyatt Place Leeds and Hyatt House Leeds earlier this month, and with upcoming openings in London, we are bringing our renowned hospitality to even more travelers. Sustaining momentum is key, but we want to grow sensibly and intentionally. We see great potential in locations like Oxford, Cambridge, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cardiff, York, Bath, Dublin and Belfast. Anna Corkill, Regional Vice President of Development for the UK & Ireland at Hyatt

For further information on Hyatt hotels and new openings across the globe, please visit www.hyatt.com.

The term Hyatt is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), the largest hotel owners association in the world, held its Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC) in Washington, D.C., bringing together hotel owners from across the country to engage directly with lawmakers. As part of AAHOAs year-round advocacy efforts, these national advocacy conferences take place twice a yeareach spring and fallto ensure that the voices of Americas hotel owners remain a priority in federal policymaking.

With a new administration in office, this years conference allowed AAHOA Members to focus on several critical issues, including efforts to increase SBA loan limits through the Loans in Our Neighborhoods Act (LIONS Act), support favorable tax reforms, push for the Credit Card Competition Act to protect small businesses, and address the ongoing labor shortage that continues to impact the industry.

AAHOA Members are not just business ownersthey are job creators, community leaders, and the backbone of the hospitality industry, AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel said. At SNAC, we ensured that lawmakers heard directly from those on the front lines about the challenges and opportunities in our industry. From expanding access to capital to tackling the labor shortage, these issues are critical to the long-term success of our industry, and we will continue pushing for solutions that help our members thrive.

Day 1  Advocacy Education, Keynote Speaker, Congressional Reception

This years event featured keynote speaker Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL), who addressed challenges facing small business owners, particularly the need for higher SBA loan limits.

There is currently a cap of $5 million, Bean noted. Does that even get you a hotel anymore? It does not. We need to increase that limit so you can actually finance your projects.

Bean also reflected on an AAHOA Back of the House Tour he joined in Florida, emphasizing its value in educating lawmakers.

Business owners from all over shared their challenges, he said. I encourage you to invite your state representativesyou know hospitality better than anyone. Youre flexing your muscle here and at home, and thats how you tell your story. If you dont make noise, we wont know the full impact.

AAHOA Members also heard from Hailey Borden, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Business Outreach at the White House, who discussed efforts to support businesses through deregulation, tax reform, and other policies.

You were a key component in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which helped you invest in your hotels and employees, Borden said. We want to do that againon a larger scale.

The evening concluded with a Congressional Reception, where AAHOA Members engaged in discussions with lawmakers, including Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA), Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and other members of Congress.

Day 2  Advocacy in Action

On the second day, AAHOA Members participated in hundreds of in-person meetings with members of Congress and their staff, ensuring that the hospitality industrys priorities were front and center. These discussions focused on advocating for solutions that will drive industry stability, promote competition, and support small business owners.

Key Legislative Priorities:

Expanding access to capital by supporting HR 1893 & S.901 Loans In Our Neighborhoods (LIONS) Act, which seeks to increase the maximum loan amount for Small Business Administration 7(a) and 504 loans from $5 million to $10 million. The bipartisan bill was introduced last week by Reps. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) and Mark Alford (R-MO), and on the Senate side by Sen. Thomas Tillis (R-NC).

Introducing more competition in credit card processing via the Credit Card Competition Act aims to introduce more competition in credit card processing, potentially saving businesses billions annually by reducing transaction fees.

Supporting tax reforms by providing targeted tax relief and extending critical provisions that support economic growth.

Addressing the ongoing labor shortage through the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (EWEA), a bipartisan bill that provides a new H-2C nonimmigrant classification for individuals coming to the United States.

Other key initiatives included supporting the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025, which aims to provide clarity and fairness in pricing structures for hoteliers and guests, and fighting human trafficking in the hospitality industry.

When AAHOA Members engage, policymakers listen, AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake said. This conference was about more than just discussionsit was about action. The hundreds of meetings we had with lawmakers reinforce our commitment to ensuring the needs of hotel owners are prioritized. With a new administration in place, now is the time to shape policies that strengthen small businesses, support economic growth, and ensure the future success of the hospitality industry.

About AAHOA

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA's 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation's GDP. More than 1 million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $51.3 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA's mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.
Corinthia Group, trading as IHI plc, announces that its recently formed partnership with Action Real Estate Company of Kuwait has acquired two boutique hotel properties totalling 100 keys in a prime location in Beverly Hills, California.

The acquisition of the neighbouring Maison and Mosaic Hotels by the Action Corinthia joint venture, in which IHI plc owns a minority stake, is part of a broader strategy for the Beverly Hills market.

Simon Naudi, Corinthia Group CEO, said: This is an important step forward for Corinthia. Beverly Hills is one of the worlds foremost hospitality destinations and we are determined to add value and create luxury products and services to the benefit of the local community and our Corinthia brands global positioning.

Action Real Estate Company Chairman Sheikh Mubarak A. M. Al Sabah said: We are thrilled to announce our entry into the prestigious Beverly Hills market, marking a significant milestone in our strategic partnership with Corinthia. As a company with a strong track record in global real estate and hospitality investments, this transaction represents an exciting new chapter for us. With decades of experience in markets around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, we are now expanding into the United States, which remains a key market for future growth and innovation.

The hotels will be operated in the immediate term by a specialist Los Angeles operator Palisociety under current branding arrangements, under the supervision of Corinthias development arm Corinthia Real Estate Ventures (C-REV) and its Managing Partners Marcus Pisani and Alex Chazkel. C-REV will also handle asset management and explore opportunities for future value creation.

Corinthia Group operates globally and includes investment, development and operating arms, principally focused on high end real estate projects and operations.

The Group announced last December that it had entered into a partnership with Kuwaiti-based conglomerate Action Real Estate Company to explore investment opportunities for luxury hotels and real estate at prime locations in the Americas and beyond.

More recently, Corinthia marked its entrance into North America as a hotel operator with the opening of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel in New York, which has been transformed into a signature property  featuring 100 guestrooms and suites and 14 private residences  bringing a new design and luxury experience to one of the most coveted addresses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

In other developments, the Group also recently completed the redevelopment of Brussels historic Grand Hotel Astoria following an extensive 150 million rebuild and restoration of the landmark property, and, last week, announced plans to operate a landmark 102-storey hotel and residential project under development in the heart of Dubai.

About Corinthia Group

The Corinthia Group, trading as International Hotel Investments plc, is a publicly listed company founded in Malta in 1962. The Group owns, develops, and invests in real estate and hotel assets across Europe, the USA, Africa and the Middle East. Beyond its real estate portfolio, the Group owns Corinthia Hotels, an operating company that manages luxury hotels worldwide in gateway cities such as New York, London, Brussels and a healthy pipeline of locations under development. The Groups other subsidiaries specialise in project management, design and property development.

About Action Real Estate Company

Action Real Estate Company is an international real estate developer established in Kuwait in 2004, with a primary focus on real estate development, management, and hospitality. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Action Group Holdings, a leading Kuwaiti conglomerate with diverse interests in investments, real estate, hospitality, IT, and energy.
From short trips to long stays, Chinese travelers redefine journeys

Xinhua) 16:48, March 18, 2025

KUNMING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- For travel enthusiast Miao Pengzhuo, who has explored countless destinations, the idea of settling down in one place never crossed his mind, until he discovered a village in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

"Here, the sunsets never lose their magic, and life unfolds in its purest form, drawing me in with an irresistible charm," said Miao, a Sichuan native who has lived in Haiyan, a centuries-old fishing village by Dianchi Lake, for five years.

The village's rich fishery culture, poetic landscapes, and tranquil lifestyle have kept him rooted, replacing his once-restless pursuit of new destinations with a deep sense of belonging.

Some 600 km away, atop Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er City, engineer Jiang Cheng, from the southern economic powerhouse of Shenzhen, has also found his own sanctuary.

Each morning, he opens his laptop in a traditional Blang ethnic village, working against a "backdrop" of a rolling sea of clouds. The rhythmic tapping of his keyboard blends with the distant melody of tea pickers singing in the fields.

Two years ago, he rented an old house to be his base as he worked remotely.

Miao and Jiang are among a growing number of travelers choosing to stay longer in Yunnan, immersing themselves in local life rather than rushing from one attraction to another.

Industrial insiders believe that this shift from whirlwind sightseeing to extended stays reflects a transformation in China's travel consumption.

Data shows that in 2024, nearly 4 million long-term travelers settled in Yunnan, drawn by the opportunity to have a slower, more immersive experience in the province's ancient villages and terraced fields.

Keenly recognizing this trend, Yunnan embarked on a shift toward a more diversified, experience-based tourism model from its current site-seeing approach.

"The biggest shift in tourism today is that people are no longer looking for destinations, they are seeking lifestyles," said Dai Bin, president of China Tourism Academy.

"Long-term stays are not just about travel or residence, they represent a deeper cultural engagement and a way of life," he added.

To meet this growing demand, Yunnan has launched an ambitious three-year plan to develop its long-stay tourism sector. The initiative includes establishing at least 3,000 designated villages tailored for travelers seeking wellness retreats, cultural immersion, educational programs, and senior living opportunities.

This shift is also revitalizing rural communities, creating new economic opportunities for lesser-known towns.

For instance, Yuanjiang County, which lacks any major tourist landmark, attracted 35,000 long-term visitors during this year's spring festival -- nearly half the population of the county's urban area -- thanks to its warm winter climate.

By 2025, Yunnan has set an ambitious goal of attracting 6 million long-stay visitors.

"Yunnan holds great potential for the long-stay tourism industry," said Lu Xuewei, from a cultural tourism investment company.

Yunnan's tourism sector has evolved from sightseeing to vacationing and now to long-term stays, with visitors extending their stays from a few days to several months, some even longer. This shift has significantly boosted the local economy while also placing higher demands on service quality, product offerings, and industry innovation, Lu added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
European Air Passenger Traffic Increases By +6.9% in January - Image Credit Unsplash+

European airport trade body, ACI EUROPE today released its traffic report for January 2025  the first indication of air traffic performance in Europe for this year.

Passenger traffic across the European airport network increased by +6.9% in January when compared to the same month last year. This is broadly aligned with the annual performance registered throughout 2024 (+7.4%) and reflects continued resilience in demand  for now.

Airports in the nonEU+ market outperformed the January 2025 headline figures with doubledigit growth yearonyear (+11.4%), whereas those in the EU+ market reported a more modest but still dynamic growth of +6.0%.

As was the case in 2024, the gains are markedly driven by international passenger traffic (+8.3%), with domestic passengers increasing by just +2.7% and remaining -12.5% versus prepandemic (2019) levels  a reflection of structural aviation market changes.

NATIONAL MARKETS KEEP DIVERGING

In the EU+ market, several countries achieved doubledigit passenger traffic growth in January over the same month last year, including Hungary (+16.5%), Slovakia (+14.4%), Croatia (+13.8%), Czechia (+13.8%), Poland (+13.1%), Denmark (+13.0%), and Greece (+11.4%). At the other end of the spectrum, markets which significantly underperformed the industry average included Germany (+2.1%), Ireland (+1.5%), Sweden (-1.7%), and Slovenia (-3.4%) where a mix of economic weakness, internal market struggles, aviation taxes and, in the case of Ireland, the ongoing impact of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, continue to hamper traffic gains. This negative trend is set to expand to other countries, where aviation taxation is deterring passengers from traveling, with the most recent example coming from France.

NonEU+ countries with the highest passenger traffic increases when compared to January 2024 were Israel (+77.7%), Moldova (+62.0%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (+50.1%), Uzbekistan (+23.0%), Kosovo (+19.6%), Georgia (+12.8%), Albania (+11.9%) and Azerbaijan (+10.4%). While the dynamic revival of passenger traffic in Israel is linked to the ceasefire, volumes still remain well below their prepandemic levels (-42.3% vs. January 2019).

Conversely, Montenegro (-0.1%), Serbia (-2.1%), North Macedonia (9.1%), and Russia (-9.9%) are reporting notable decreases, while Ukraines airports remain shuttered for all commercial traffic due to the ongoing war.

MAJORS TOPPED BY ISTANBUL

The Majors (airports over 40 million passengers) collectively grew their passenger traffic by +7.0% in January compared to the same month last year. Istanbul came out on top in absolute terms, serving 6.4 million passengers (+7.1% vs. January 2024).

LondonHeathrow took the second place with 6.3 million passengers (+5.3% vs. January 2024), followed by ParisCDG with 5.3 million passengers (+10.5% vs. January 2024).

Madrid (5.2 million passengers, +8.3% vs. January 2024) and Amsterdam (4.8 million passengers, +5.7% vs. January 2024) closed off the top 5 with fourth and fifth place respectively.

When looking at percentage increases, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (+16.2%) and Rome Fiumicino (+11.3%) grew the fastest in January 2025 when compared to January 2024.

BEST PERFORMANCES AT MEGA AIRPORTS

Airports with annual traffic between 25 and 40 million passengers (Mega airports) reported +6.1% growth when compared to the same month last year.

The best performances in that segment came from Milan Malpensa (+14.9%), Athens (+14.5%), Copenhagen (+13.9%), Oslo (+9.4%) and Manchester (+8.5%). Lisbon welcomed the highest number of passengers in absolute terms  2.4 million  reporting an impressive +22.1% growth above its prepandemic volumes.

SOUTHEAST AXIS OUTPERFORMS

Amongst large and medium airports (1 to 25 million passengers), those serving tourism destinations in the South and those relying on Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) demand in the East generally posted the best performances  including: Tel Aviv (+83.2%), Chisinau (+62.0%), Sarajevo (+50.1%), Trieste (+43.1%), Girona (+37.5%), Poznan (+33.2%), Budapest (+17.5%), Krakow (+15.1%), Prague (+14.1%), and Izmir (+13.9%).

The largest continental Low Cost Carrier bases also kept growing: Memmingen (+13.7%), Beauvais (+7.0%), and Charleroi (+4.7%), with the exception of Bergamo (-8.6%).

SMALL AIRPORTS STILL BEHIND PRECOVID RESULTS

Regional and small airports (under 1 million passengers) delivered the most contrasted results in January, achieving an impressive +19.7% growth in passenger traffic when compared to the same month last year  but still faring the worst when compared to prepandemic (2019) volumes (-31.9%). Their continued fragility in the new aviation market dynamics is also laid bare in the percent of fully recovered airports within their traffic category. For small airports, less than half managed to fully turn the corner on the impact of the COVID19 pandemic (46%).

FREIGHT AND MOVEMENTS

January 2025 was a slow month for freight traffic at Europes airports, with a decrease of -9.1% over the same month last year. Amongst the top 10 European airports for freight traffic only 4 posted gains yearonyear: Madrid (+6.9%), Cologne (+4.2%), Liege (+2.8%) and LondonHeathrow (+0.5%). In absolute terms, Frankfurt, Istanbul and LondonHeathrow airports shifted the biggest volumes of freight in January.

Aircraft movements were up +4.6% when compared to January 2024, at the same time still registering in the negatives compared to prepandemic (2019) levels at -7.9%.

DATA BY AIRPORT GROUPS

In January, airports welcoming more than 40 million passengers (Majors), airports welcoming between 25 and 40 million passengers (Mega), airports welcoming between 10 and 25 million passengers (Large), airports welcoming between 1 and 10 million passengers (Medium) and airports welcoming less than 1 million passengers (Small) reported an average change of +7.0%, +6.1%, +7.9%, +4.6% and +19.7% as compared to the preceding year.

The airports that reported the most dynamic growth in passenger traffic versus January 2024 are as follows:

Majors: Istanbul SAW (+16.2%), Rome FCO (+11.3%), Paris CDG (+10.5%), Madrid MAD (+8.3%), London LGW (+7.8%).

Mega airports: Milan MXP (+14.9%), Athens ATH (+14.5%), Copenhagen CPH (+13.9%), Oslo OSL (+9.4%), Manchester MAN (+8.5%).

Large airports: TelAviv TLV (+83.2%), Budapest BUD (+17.5%), Krakow KRK (+15.1%) Prague PRG (+14.1%), Izmir ADB (+13.9%).

Medium airports: Chisinau RMO (+62%), Sarajevo SJJ (+50.1%), Trieste TRS (+43.1%), Girona GRO (+37.5%), Poznan POZ (+33.2%).

Small airports: Antakya HTY (+335.4%), Bucharest BBU (+253.2%), Rodez RDZ (+216.6%), Yuksekova YKO (+216.4%), Oradea OMR (+111.3%).
City Express by Marriott Duluth, GA - Image Credit Marriott International

Marriott International has announced opening its first City Express by Marriott property in the United States, the City Express by Marriott Duluth, GA, marking the hotel company's expansion into the affordable midscale segment in the U.S. and Canada.

As part of its expansion, City Express by Marriott aims to provide a seamless guest experience for both business and leisure travelers. It offers a conversion-friendly model for owners, with each property designed to combine style and comfort. Guests can expect plush beds, high-speed internet access, complimentary breakfast, 24-hour markets, pet-friendly policies, and on-site fitness facilities.

Marriott International's Global Development Officer for the U.S. and Canada, Noah Silverman, highlighted the introduction of City Express by Marriott properties in the U.S. as a pivotal moment for the company. The brand, which has been a powerhouse in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region, offers a valuable proposition to owners and guests. Marriott is excited to bring this same combination of value to the U.S. and Canada.

The expansion of City Express by Marriott across the U.S. and Canada is set to accelerate throughout 2025 and beyond. Over 45 total signed agreements are already in place, with more than a dozen slated to open this year. The 2025 openings will be located in popular destinations across the region, including New Orleans, Chicago, Orlando, and Port Hope (Ontario, Canada).

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Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, Chief Lodging Products Officer for the U.S. and Canada, noted that the launch of City Express by Marriott in the U.S. and Canada underscores Marriott's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all travelers. Whether for business or leisure, guests can expect a seamless, efficient stay similar to what made the brand successful in the CALA region.

The 83-room City Express by Marriott Duluth, located a 30-minute drive from downtown Atlanta, offers easy access to city amenities while providing a relaxed setting complete with a vibrant dining scene and nearby recreational facilities.

Since acquiring the City Express brand portfolio in 2023, Marriott has strategically expanded its footprint in the fast-growing, affordable midscale segment. The company now features three dynamic midscale brands: City Express by Marriott in CALA and the U.S. and Canada, Four Points Flex by Sheraton in Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific excluding China, and StudioRes, an extended stay brand set to debut in the U.S. and Canada this year.

City Express by Marriott is also expanding across the CALA region, with plans to open eight new properties in Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru over the next three years. The company also anticipates extending the brand's portfolio into Brazil soon.
Hyatt Gears Up for UK Growth Surge with Over 1,000 Room Additions by 2026 - Image Credit Hyatt



Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans to expand its UK portfolio by over 30% between 2025 and 2026, signifying the company's ambitious growth strategy in the region.

In a recent announcement, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) expressed its ambitious growth strategy for the United Kingdom  the third-largest market in the Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EAME) region by portfolio size for Hyatt, only surpassed by Germany and Spain. The hotel corporation plans to grow its UK portfolio by more than 30% between 2025 and 2026. This expansion will add over 1,000 rooms to the UK market, reflecting Hyatt's commitment to meeting the increasing demand for premium guest experiences and purposeful service.

The announcement followed the successful launch of Hyatt Place Leeds and Hyatt House Leeds earlier this month. These dual-branded developments balance operational efficiency with contemporary design, offering 217 and 88 rooms, respectively, tailored to meet the needs of multi-tasking travelers and those seeking extended stays.

Further key developments in Hyatt's pipeline include Hyatt Place London Paddington and Hyatt Regency London Olympia, which are expected to create approximately 250 new UK jobs over the next two years. The former will mark the third Hyatt Place property in the UK capital, offering 87 rooms ideal for today's multi-tasking traveler. The latter will be the fifth Hyatt Regency hotel in London and the seventh in the UK, boasting over 200 well-appointed rooms within a listed Art Deco building.

Hyatt's accelerated growth in the UK is further demonstrated by the doubling of its room count and tripling of its property count since 2017. The Hyatt portfolio has grown to 17 hotels across 9 distinct brands in the UK, with the opening of Park Hyatt London River Thames marking the latest debut in October 2024.

Hyatt's growth is also fueled by trends such as business travel. In Q4 2024, Hyatt witnessed a 5% increase in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) inquiries in Europe, with UK properties accounting for more than 7,000. The acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith in 2023 has also expanded the choices for World of Hyatt members globally, contributing to the increase in World of Hyatt membership, which has grown to 54 million global members at the end of 2024.

Anna Corkill, Regional Vice President of Development for the UK & Ireland at Hyatt, stated, "The UK remains a priority growth market for Hyatt. We are committed to expanding our portfolio of brands in locations that matter most to our guests, members, customers, and owners." With upcoming openings in London and potential in locations like Oxford, Cambridge, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cardiff, York, Bath, Dublin, and Belfast, Hyatt continues to bring its renowned hospitality to more travelers.
Kate McCue - Image Credit Four Seasons Hotels



Four Seasons Yachts has appointed industry pioneer Kate McCue as the inaugural captain of its first ultra-luxury vessel, Four Seasons I. This marks a milestone as the brand prepares to welcome guests aboard in January 2026.

Four Seasons Yachts recently announced that Kate McCue will be the inaugural captain of Four Seasons I, the first in their anticipated fleet of ultra-luxury yachts. With nearly three decades of maritime experience, McCue is a seasoned leader, making history in 2015 when she became the first American woman to captain a mega-ton cruise ship.

As captain, McCue will be responsible for the safe navigation of the yacht and overseeing the onboard experience for all guests and crew members. She will work to establish an onboard service culture that offers a truly personalized journey for guests, with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1.

McCue's role will also involve charting journeys throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean. She expressed her excitement about this opportunity, stating that she looks forward to connecting with guests, leading an exceptional crew, and engaging with local communities to create unforgettable journeys and set new standards in luxury yachting.

Before joining Four Seasons, McCue spent roughly a decade with Celebrity Cruises, where she served as Captain of the Celebrity Beyond and played a significant role in increasing female representation on ship bridges to over 30% across the fleet. Her extensive maritime career includes positions with Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Line.

Tony Faso, General Counsel and Chief Talent and Culture Officer, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, Joint Owner/Operator, Four Seasons Yachts, expressed his enthusiasm regarding McCue's appointment. He noted that her selection reflects the company's mission to attract and retain a first-in-class team of exceptional crew and top talent. She stated that her experience, expertise, dedication, and passion align perfectly with their commitment to being leaders in luxury hospitality at sea.

Four Seasons Yachts is a venture that brings together the luxury yachting company Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, the acclaimed Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, and Four Seasons' luxury hospitality leadership. Their first yacht, Four Seasons I, will welcome guests aboard in January 2026. The yacht will offer 95 meticulously designed residential-style suites, setting a new sea luxury standard.
Radisson Hotel Group Expands Norwegian Footprint with Four New Hotels - Image Credit Radisson Hotel Group



In partnership with Magic Norway AS, Radisson Hotel Group is expanding its portfolio in Bergen, Norway, with four new properties, introducing the brands Radisson Individuals and Prize by Radisson to the Nordics.

Radisson Hotel Group recently announced the signing of four new conversion hotel properties in Bergen, Norway, in collaboration with Magic Norway AS. These properties, accounting for 519 guest rooms, will be part of two new brands introduced to the Nordics: Radisson Individuals and Prize by Radisson. The strategic locations of these four properties bolster the Group's existing portfolio of five properties in Bergen.

Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Radisson Individuals is a brand designed to allow hotel properties to retain and showcase their unique characteristics and personalities while adhering to the high-quality standards and services expected from the Radisson Hotel Group.

Two of the new properties, Magic Kloverhuset Harbour Hotel and Magic Hotel Bergen City Center, are members of Radisson Individuals. Both hotels have prime locations in Bergen, providing easy access to shopping areas, restaurants, public transport, and main attractions, making them attractive destinations for domestic and international tourists.

The Prize by Radisson brand offers a lifestyle midscale experience at the investment cost of an economy hotel. This brand is suitable for new builds and conversions, promising high gross operating profit margins and a lean operating model. Two new properties, Prize by Radisson, Solheimsviken Bergen, and Prize by Radisson, Xhibition Bergen City, will operate under this brand. Both hotels have strategic locations close to business districts, shopping areas, and major attractions, offering convenience for guests.

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Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, expressed excitement about this expansion in Norway and gratitude towards Magic Norway AS for their trust in Radisson's brands. Adela Cristea, Vice President of Business Development for Northern and Western Europe, Radisson Hotel Group, echoed this sentiment, mentioning the alignment of Bergen's vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes with Radisson's mission of providing exceptional experiences in extraordinary destinations.

Jon Arild Hellebust, Group Director of Magic Norway, expressed confidence in the collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group and anticipates positive results from the introduction of these new hotel concepts in the Nordic region.

Radisson Hotel Group is the leading international hotel group in the Nordics, with more than 50 hotels in operation and under development across the region. The Group's brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson, and Park Inn by Radisson.
European Hotel Market Booms: 2024 Sees Highest Transaction Volumes in Five Years - Image Credit Pexels

According to data analysis from Cushman & Wakefield, European hotel transactions surpassed 22.4bn in 2024, marking a 37% increase from the preceding year and the highest volume recorded since 2019. This surge was largely driven by increased activity in the UK, Spain, and France, accounting for 59% of European volumes at 13.2bn.

The UK emerged as the leading destination for investment, recording 7.8bn in deals, a striking 197% increase from 2023. Significant transactions included sales of portfolio deals from ADIAs Marriott, Village Hotels, Radisson Edwardian, and Landsecs Accor. Other markets with notable growth in investment volumes compared to 2023 included Greece (+294%), Norway (+248%), and Ireland (+218%).

On a city level, London led the pack with 4.0bn worth of transactions, followed by Paris (1.6bn) and Dublin (0.6bn). Jon Hubbard, Head of EMEA Hospitality at Cushman & Wakefield, highlighted the continued appeal of the European hotel market to investors, given the steady transactional activity expected in 2025 due to rising debt liquidity and healthy hotel performances.

Interestingly, Europe's average transaction price per room in the second half of 2024 was 163,000, a decrease from 188,000 during the same period in 2023. Changes in the nature of transactions, such as class and location, influenced this decline rather than a continuous discount trend. The analysis suggests that yields remained stable throughout 2024, with values sustained by growing income and high entry barriers for top-end market players.

Investor sentiment, declining financing costs, and the return of core investors in 2025 are projected to exert downward pressure on yields, especially for prime locations and assets. Private capital dominated the investment landscape in 2024, accounting for 45% of the deals, a 45% increase from 2023. Meanwhile, institutional investment and public finance represented 39% and 13% of transactions.

The premium end of the market continued to captivate investors, with Luxury or Upper Upscale hotels constituting 42% of the volumes transacted in 2024. These figures underline the European hotel market's robust health and growth potential, driven by key markets and investor confidence.
Rosewood Miyakojima Resort - Image Credit Rosewood Hotels



Rosewood Hotel Group is expanding its portfolio across three continents, introducing new properties in seven countries: Japan, the Netherlands, Qatar, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the United States, and China.

Rosewood Hotel Group continues executing its quality growth strategy through global portfolio expansion. This year, the group is debuting new properties in Japan, the Netherlands, and Qatar, along with the first standalone Rosewood Residence in the United States and fresh launches in China, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. This move reiterates the group's commitment to being a major player in key markets globally.

Currently, the group maintains over 30 properties under development worldwide. Each property is meticulously chosen for its cultural significance and potential in the market, underscoring the brand's commitment to meeting travelers' evolving desires for new destinations, cultural immersion, and luxury hospitality.

The newly launched properties include Rosewood Miyakojima in Japan, blends local craftsmanship with innovative design to offer an exclusive, sustainable, and community-driven experience. Rosewood Amsterdam in the Netherlands, set in the former Palace of Justice, elegantly combines the building's rich history with Rosewood's signature lifestyle. The launch of Rosewood Doha in the second half of this year marks the group's strategic expansion into the Middle East, offering guests a chance to experience the soul of Qatar.

Rosewood Mandarina, the group's fourth property in Mexico, is situated in the breathtaking region of Riviera Nayarit, offering guests exclusive access to diverse environments: the beach, The Flatlands, and the mountains. In the United Kingdom, The Chancery Rosewood, located in the distinguished Mayfair district of London, combines legacy and innovation, drawing on local sensibilities to augment the property experience.

In the United States, Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills marks Rosewood's first standalone residential offering, signifying a new era of elevated living where modern, personalized lifestyles harmoniously merge with timeless sophistication.

In China, New World Tongpai Hotels Group, a joint venture between New World Hotels and Resorts and Rezen Group, is adding a new property to the brand portfolio buoyed by increasing domestic tourism and growing demand for new experiences. This move highlights the brand's confidence in the market and commitment to delivering contemporary accommodations for modern business and leisure travelers.

Introducing these properties across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America signifies a significant stride in the Group's quality growth strategy. With one of the most robust development pipelines in the industry, Rosewood Hotel Group is poised for substantial growth as it continues to unveil new properties in captivating destinations worldwide.
La Concha Key West, An Autograph Collection Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

La Concha Key West, An Autograph Collection Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

La Concha Key West, An Autograph Collection Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

La Concha Key West, An Autograph Collection Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

La Concha Key West, An Autograph Collection Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

La Concha Key West, An Autograph Collection Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

La Concha Key West, An Autograph Collection Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

La Concha Key West, An Autograph Collection Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier



Premier provided interior design, architecture, procurement, corporate engineering, and project management expertise on the hotel conversion, and activated a design program inspired by Key Wests Latin tropical heritage

Premier, an end-to-end architecture, interior design, procurement, project management, and corporate engineering firm with specialization in hospitality, multi-family residential, student housing, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use development, is pleased to announce the completion of its latest boutique hotel project: the La Concha Key West, an Autograph Collection Hotel. More than a monumental hotel renovation, the project was also a significant historic conservation project that saw Premier convert the former Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel and reposition the property as the new upscale boutique La Concha Key West. Premier provided interior design, architecture, procurement, corporate engineering, and project management expertise on the project.

Premiers hotel renovation preserves and reimagines the historic Grande Dame of Key West

As part of a multi-year $35 million renovation, Premier was commissioned to historically restore and elegantly modernize the La Concha Key Wests lobby, destination bar, three-meal restaurant, cafe, 160 guestrooms, 14 suites, corridors, public spaces, hotel pool, and facade. Premiers restoration of La Concha Key West effectively restores the historic Grande Dame of Key West to its original grandeur, creating a new upscale boutique destination that authentically captures Key Wests vintage Cuban cultural heritage, and reinterprets it with luxurious modern sensibilities.

Beyond simply reflagging the property and updating its spaces, Premier also helped to improve the hotels potential by converting the propertys underutilized top floor spa into a collection of premium and individually styled rooftop villas, each uniquely blending local history with refined luxury. The Hemingway Villa, eponymously named after the famous writers frequent stays in the original hotel, features a design mused by Hemingways Finca la Vigia home in Cuba, incorporating modern rattan wing chairs, scrivener-inspired design accents including an antique typewriter and writers desk, and a bar cart stocked with Papas most cherished tipples. Similarly one-of-a-kind and locally inspired, the Tortuga Villa, named after the Dry Tortugas in the nearby Florida Keys National Park, features a nature-inspired theme rich with subtle conch, turtle, and palm patterns applied throughout the villas soft goods, while the Flagler Villa, named after Henry Morrison Flagler who built the Over-Sea Railroad to Key West, includes subtle turn-of-the-century industrial design cues including a brass tripod-mounted telescope and textiles popping with railway signal colors.

The reorganization of La Conchas top floor to accommodate the hotels new villas was made possible with the expertise of Premiers Corporate Engineering, Architecture, and Project Management teams, which expertly led the remapping of the buildings mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems to make room for the suites.

Premier expertly captures Key Wests Cuban tropical heritage in the hotels interior design

Premiers design program for La Concha Key West expertly activates a vision that seamlessly harmonizes the bygone Latin tropical charm of Key West with the luxurious expectations of the Autograph brand. Originally constructed in 1926, and listed on the Historic Hotels of America register since 1991, La Concha Key Wests iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture unabashedly inspired Premiers design across the property.

Entering the hotel through the new main entrance veranda lounge, guests are instantly immersed in La Concha Key Wests soothing yet vibrant tropical design. A palette of muted blush pink and dusty pearl  inspired by conch shell mother of pearl  serves as a harmonizing background canvas across the lobbys functional spaces. Further unifying the design, a consistent but subtly varied application of rattan furniture and wall coverings coordinated with leather and wood accents underscores the hotels Cuban tropical heritage. Drawing guests into the heart of the lobby, and serving as a community destination unto itself, the hotels Tropicado mojito bar and lounge draws inspiration from the islands lush tropical vegetation and coastal surroundings. With walls and tessellated floor tiles in a dramatically deeper palette of emerald and dark turquoise, and with the addition of wooden Spanish Colonial archways, the bar and lounge enjoy a space-defining design that instinctively sets it apart from the rest of the lobby.

In the hotels guestrooms, La Concha Key Wests Cuban tropical-inspired design is advanced even further. Guestrooms are clad with dynamic-patterned wood flooring dressed with woven jute and seagrass rugs evoked by the nearby seascape, while feature walls behind the custom rattan headboards incorporate organic palm patterns in muted pastel colors of coral, peach, and loam. Built-in furniture and fixtures in the guestrooms are capped with luxurious marble tops and are finished with rattan accents and oxidized brass hardware, replicating the styling of the built-in furniture at the reception desk and pool bar, and seamlessly bridging Premiers interior design program from space to space and experience to experience.

About Premier

Dallas-based Premier is a full-service firm with over 30 years of expertise across architecture, interior design, procurement, project management, construction development, and contract administration. With all services yielded under one roof, Premiers team is in constant pursuit of finding innovative solutions to the hospitality, multi-family, and student housing industrys increasingly complex problems. From straightforward soft goods refreshes to transformative custom designs for renovations, redevelopments, and new developments, Premiers team of professionals is dedicated to excellence across a multitude of market sectors. From concept to completion, Premier provides consultative services that are unmatched, bringing our clients vision for the built environment to life. For more information visit www.premierpm.com.
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March Ghost Tours At Ventfort Hall

LENOX, Mass.  Join Robert Oakes, author of "Ghosts of the Berkshires," who will lead a tour through the allegedly haunted historic estate.

The tour will take place on Saturday, March 22, at 7 pm. This is not an active investigation.

Admission is $30 and minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are strongly recommended as tickets are limited. Admission is $30. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit this link or call 413-637-3206.

All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event.

Robert Oakes is an author, teacher, storyteller, and performing songwriter. He has written three books, "The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires" (2023), "Ghosts of Northwestern New Jersey" (2022), and "Ghosts of the Berkshires" (2020), all published by Arcadia Publishing.

Since 2010, Robert has led tours at historic locations in the Berkshires, including Ventfort Hall and Edith Wharton's The Mount.

He has also given talks and readings and led a writing workshop at Arrowhead, home of Herman Melville. He has appeared on Syfy's Ghost Hunters, Jeff Belanger's New England Legends series on PBS, and The Apple Seed show on BYUradio and has been featured in The Boston Globe, The Berkshire Eagle, and numerous other media outlets.

Oaks has written and produced media for AAA, Canyon Ranch, and a number of other organizations and performs as part of the folk music duo Oakes and Smith. Robert has taught elementary, middle, and high school English, as well as adult workshops, and currently serves as associate director of communications at Rectory School in Pomfret, Conn.
Clark Art Kicks Off Music in the Manton Series

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Clark Art Institute presents the first of its three-part Music in the Manton concert series with Flore Laurentienne, Canadian Mathieu David Gagnon's incomparable musical project, on Friday, March 21 at 7 pm in the Manton Research Center auditorium.

According to a press release:

Flore Laurentienne comes from a happy marriage between electronic and classically influenced music. The project is committed to constantly pushing the boundaries between various genres, including ambient, experimental, and progressive rock. Flore Laurentienne has recently released a new album, 8 tableaus, available on Secret City Records. Composer, orchestrator, and musician Mathieu David Gagnon draws inspiration from the works of Canadian painter and sculptor Jean Paul Riopelle with this new offering.

This program is presented in collaboration with Belltower Records, North Adams, Massachusetts.

$10 ($8 members, $7 students, $5 children 15 and under). Advance registration encouraged. Capacity is limited. Accessible seats available. For more information, visit clarkart.edu/events. Admission to the Clark is free January through March 2025.

The next Music on the Manton concert is Sunday, April 27 at 2 pm, featuring pianist Umi G
1Berkshire and MassCEO to Host Regional Symposium

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  1Berkshire, in partnership with the Massachusetts Center on Employee Ownership (MassCEO), will host the Western MA Regional Employee Ownership Symposium at the Berkshire Innovation Center on March 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The symposium will provide information about MassCEO and employee ownership models, and will address effective succession planning, pay equity, and wealth building. Regional employee-owned firms will share their experiences. Attendees will learn about potential state and federal funding to support employee ownership and will have the opportunity to participate in a round-table discussion with subject matter experts.

The event is part of regional collaborative efforts in the Berkshires to address business succession and transition planning.
CBRSD School Committee OKs $36M Budget

DALTON, Mass.  The Central Berkshire Regional School Committee approved a gross final budget of $36,643,001 for fiscal 2026, an increase of 2.70 percent over this year.

The biggest cause of the increase is from insurances. The district's active health insurance premiums increased by 16 percent; retirees had an increase of 20 percent, and a 3 percent increase in dental, said Gregory Boino, director of finance and operations.

Another large increase was for special education transportation costs, which increased $135,000, "and it's just to meet the actual expenditures where we're living right now," Boino said.

The district's Special Education Out of District Tuition line decreased by $214,350 because students are aging out of those out-of-district placements, he said.

The Finance Committee also decreased the other post-employment benefits, or OPEB, amount by $350,000, so next year, the district will be funding it with $50,000, Boino said.

The Finance Committee discussed how there is a deep need for the community to petition the state to change Chapter 70 education aid and rural aid, School Committee member Paul Farella said prior to the budget update.

"The way that they work makes it extremely difficult for us to make a budget that is fair to towns when you have some that have high percentages of assessment and others with negative it can create a sticky situation," he said.

The district has school choice funds, and by the end of this year, they should have about $1.7 million.

The district put $350,000 in, and $200,000 is anticipated to come in next year. "So, we will be around 1.5 million or 1.6 million if things continue with school choice the way it is right now," Boino said.

If the district does not get enough rural aid, there is enough in school choice to cover those costs next year, he said.

"That's an important thing just to highlight that we need to have the reserves in school choice to offset the chance that we don't get Rural Aid, and it would be a big gamble to budget for Rural Aid and not have the school choice funds to back it up," said Michael Henault, assistant superintendent.

The biggest thing this year is the changes in the district's revenue changes, especially in its grant and revolving funds, Boino said.

"The Finance subcommittee added more [budget lines] into rural aid next year, so in [fiscal year 2025] we had about $720,000 in salaries out of rural aid. Next year in our [fiscal year 2026], we'll be using just over $1.2 [million,]" Boino said.

"The other thing we'll be using next year is some of our school choice fund. We have not done that last couple of years, but we do have $340,000 salaries out of school choice next year. So, the variance year-over-year of our grant funds for salaries did see an increase but only an increase of $99,000."

The other place the district has funds used in the budget is through circuit breaker, the special education tuition. At the end of FY26, the district will have about 600,352 in the fund, Boino said.

"We are prepaying some special ed tuition this year, about $313,000, so this leaves our gross operating budget at $32,233,498," he said.

"That is the number that needs to be appropriated either through state aid, local funds, and town assessments."

The biggest change in the revenue projections are the excess and deficiency appropriations, Boino said.

The district will use all of its excess and deficiency funds in FY26 rather than leaving $250,000 in the fund like they normally do in case of emergencies popping up in the year, he said.

"At the end of this fiscal year, there will be no money left to start the next excess and deficiency fund with what we have left this year," Boino said

"So, that leaves our town assessments at 3.97 percent year-over-year."

As the largest of the seven communities in the district, Dalton's assessment is projected at $9,547,153, an increase of $338,059 or 3.67 percent.

Other town assessments are Becket at $2,710,436, an increase of $55,594 or 2.09 percent;

Hinsdale at $2,965,083, an increase of $186,685 or 6.72 percent; Peru at $1,021,339, an increase of $77,408 or 8.20 percent; the town of Washington at $775,265, an increase of $30,188 or 4.05 percent; and Windsor at $910,159, an increase of $38,355 or 4.40 percent.

Cummington had the only decrease, of $17,345, bringing it to $637,690.

The salaries line item is anticipated to increase by $772,000, or 3.98 percent.

There are increases of $1,271,000 in the salaries line item. This includes additional positions that were added last year after the FY25 budget was approved.

These additions include one full-time school adjustment counselor who splits their time between Wahconah Regional High School and Craneville Elementary School, a half-time districtwide English language learner teacher, and a full-time special education teacher at Craneville.

There is also an addition of one full-time Bridges teacher at Nessacus Regional Middle School. The Bridges program was started last year specifically for students two to three years below grade level.

It also included 2.2 full-time equivalent paraprofessionals because of individualized education programs and student needs, Boino said.

The salaries line item also decreased by $469,000 due to reductions in positions and retirements, he said.

The district's capital budget has an increase of $299,019 because of the Becket Washington project coming off the books but also going out for bond for the Wahconah project, Boino said.
Spiders, lonely towers, ecstatic octopuses and gigantic anthropomorphic mushrooms: welcome to the visual world of Victor Hugo. While the Les Mis author must have been one of the busiest people of the 19th century, as dramatist, poet, bestselling author, active politician, and hugely controversial public figure, he also found the time to produce art that has attracted admirers as various as the founder of surrealism Andre Breton, Antony Gormley and Vincent van Gogh.

That Hugos densely worked drawings will be of considerable historical and cultural interest, and a matter of intense fascination to scholars of the Romantic movement, goes without saying. What remains to be seen is how much an entire exhibition of them will have to offer the rest of us, not least the millions who loved the Disney version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and, of course, Les Miserables the musical.

Hugo was a massively contradictory figure, a humanitarian who campaigned against slavery and capital punishment and an instinctive populist who could have taught Donald Trump a thing or two about media manipulation. And this paradoxical quality extends into his art in spades. For all his compulsion to elicit a public reaction from just about everything he did, Hugo never exhibited his drawings, barely allowing anyone beyond his family and circle of intimate friends to see them.

But if his claim that these images were made in the margins during hours of almost unconscious reverie with what remained of the ink in my pen creates an expectation of cack-handed scrawlings from which intimations of his private life and the origins of his novels could be deduced, nothing could be further from the truth.

The vast majority of images in this exhibition are camera-ready, as they say in publishing, to hit the page as illustrations to some turbulent Romantic novel or epic poetry cycle. The quirky and patently graphic The Town of Viadem Seen through a Spiders Web (1871) is just waiting for a title and author name to be emblazoned across it. Craggy castles rise out of swirling mists, vision ships capsize in terrifying storms, all deftly evoked in idiosyncratic combinations of sepia ink wash, pencil, charcoal, gouache, and masses of thickly matted black ink.

open image in gallery Jumbled fairytale roofs beneath an ethereal castle make The Town and Castle of Vianden by Moonlight (1871) feel very much of its 19th century moment ( Bibliotheque nationale de France, Department des Manuscrits )

While Hugo had no training in art, he was a dab hand with his chosen materials, overlaying clouds of dark wash with intricate pencil detail, and rubbing over found objects such as pieces of lace to create complex textures that are highly seductive and often appear strikingly ahead of their time.

Jumbled fairytale roofs beneath an ethereal castle make The Town and Castle of Vianden by Moonlight (1871) feel very much of its 19th-century moment, but the ravishing combination of textures in the architectural fantasia Hic Clavis, Alias Porta (1850)  likely a representation of Hugos mansion on Guernsey where he lived in self-imposed exile for 20 years  is so difficult to pick apart it looks almost abstract. Tremulous shadows appear to drip down the paper, offset by expanses of chalky white gouache, and what looks to be a faux-medieval fireplace, looming out of the centre of the image like some ominous idol.

Looking at The Dead City (1850), with its scratchy blur of buildings beneath an overwhelming black sky, it becomes clear why the surrealist Max Ernst was an admirer of Hugo. It immediately brings to mind one of Ernsts grattage paintings  created by rubbing paint-covered canvas over textured objects  produced nearly a century later.

open image in gallery Inside the darkness: Heaths at dusk, medieval alleyways, staircases winding to nowhere feature heavily ( Maisons de Victor Hugo/Roger-Viollet )

If much of Hugos imagery feels rooted in the early 19th-century Romantic era in which he grew up  dark heaths at dusk, medieval alleyways, staircases winding to nowhere  the treatment often looks forward to late 19th-century symbolism and even 20th-century surrealism. Tight-arsed observational drawings of castles and gothic spires give way to fantasy castles that appear to have been impulsively splashed into position but were actually created using paper stencils  which was neither a shortcut nor Hugo cheating; he could far more easily have done them by hand.

His dancing octopuses have a bonkers surreal eroticism. That giant mushroom with its haunted face peering out of the stem and sinister poisonous connotations could pass for the work of the visionary symbolist Odilon Redon, 40 years Hugos junior, while a sheet of anarchic abstract splashes and drips would make Jackson Pollock green with envy.

open image in gallery Eight-legged eroticism: Octopus by Victor Hugo ( Biblotheque nationale de France, Department des Manuscrits )

But the greatest contradiction about Hugos art is that while he is considered one of the great writers of humanity, creator of some of the most unforgettable characters in literature, his art is almost entirely devoid of human presence. Perhaps that helps explain why many of the images here dont seem entirely complete in themselves. They often feel like settings for some yet-to-be-revealed off-scene action; the fact that there are few if any references to his literary works notwithstanding.

If Hugo had never committed a word to paper, he would still be a highly interesting artist, one of those quirky figures dotted through art history who point in many directions, while remaining in their own idiosyncratic furrow. That he also happened to be a titan of global literature, gives his visual art a massive and unescapable extra hinterland  the sense that it exists in a fascinating interzone between art and literature. But you dont have to be an expert in either area to appreciate these courageous and provocative images. Their uncompromising and uninhibited enjoyment of the fantastic tugs at something that is present in all of us.

Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo is at the Royal Academy from 21 March until 29 June
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Hay Festival will partner with The Independent once again to reprise The News Review, a series of morning panels with renowned guests.

Spread over 11 days, the festival will feature an overflowing itinerary of over 600 events in Hay-on-Wye between 22 May and 1 June 2025. The star-studded lineup includes Yulia Navalnaya, Michael Sheen, Jameela Jamil and many more.

The Independent will host a session of The News Review across nine mornings, with the publications journalists exploring current affairs with leading figures from politics, science, the arts and comedy.

Joining TheIndependent to dissect the breaking news of the day will be historians David Olusoga and Kehinde Andrews, comedian Sara Pascoe, broadcasters Jon Sopel and Anushka Asthan and world-renowned philosopher AC Grayling.

Journalists Lyse Doucet and Misha Glenny will address the shifting nuances of geopolitics while the subject of climate science will be discussed by academic Friederike Otto.

Hay Festival president Stephen Fry highlighted the festivals important role in this years tumultuous social and political climate, stating: Besides the fun and joy of gathering to share stories, it is also the antidote to disinformation and division.

Geordie Greig, Editor-In-Chief of The Independent, said: Hay Festival remains the worlds greatest exchange for the best works of literature and a forum for ideas, philosophy, politics and provocative debate. I am so pleased that The Independent can once again be at the heart of this meeting of minds, bringing together our journalists with luminaries from all walks of life to discuss the pressing matters affecting us all.

The Independent has more than 20 million readers in the UK alone, many of whom are passionate about culture in all its forms. Im looking forward to a fascinating, thought-provoking series, discussing and shaping the news of the day.

Meanwhile, Julie Finch, Hay Festival Global CEO, added: Were delighted to be working with The Independent on the News Review series, gathering festival guests each morning to discuss and debate the days headlines. With the news agenda changing so quickly, this opens up a space in our programme to be reactive and keep pace with the world around us.

The full breakdown of this years News Review line-up can be found below:

Saturday 24 May 2025, 10am Wye Stage

Mike Berners-Lee, sustainability researcher and professor in the Institute for Social Futures at Lancaster University, author of There is No Planet B; Misha Glenny, geopolitics journalist, author of McMafia.

Sunday 25 May 2025, 10am  Global Stage

Friederike Otto, Senior Lecturer in Climate Science, Imperial College London.

Monday 26 May 2025, 10am  Meadow Stage

David Olusoga, historian and author of Black and British, presenter of Britains Forgotten Slave Owners; Helen Rebanks, farmer and author of The Farmers Wife.

open image in gallery David Olusoga will be appearing on The Independents News Review panel ( Getty Images )

Tuesday 27 May 2025, 10am  Discovery Stage

TBA

Wednesday 28 May 2025, 10am  Global Stage

Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Paralympic athlete and presenter; Sara Pascoe, award-winning comedian, host of BBC2s Great British Sewing Bee, author of Sex Power Money.

Thursday 29 May 2025, 10am  Meadow Stage

Kehinde Andrews, Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University, author of The New Age of Empire; Havana Marking, award-winning director of Undercover: Exposing the Far Right.

Friday 30 May 2025, 10am  Discovery Stage

AC Grayling, philosopher, founder and principal of the New College of the Humanities at Northeastern University, London; Jon Sopel, former BBC North America editor, host of The News Agents, author of Strangeland.

open image in gallery Sara Pascoe will be appearing on The Independents News Review panel ( Getty Images )

Saturday 31 May 2025, 10am  Discovery Stage

Anushka Asthana, ITVs deputy political editor, author of Taken As Red: How Labour Won Big and the Tories Crashed the Party; Lyse Doucet, the BBCs Chief International Correspondent and Senior Presenter.

Sunday 1 June 2025, 10am  Wye Stage

Sigrid Rausing, publisher of Granta magazine and Granta Books; Philippe Sands KC, Professor of Law at University College London and author of East West Street.

Special guests at Hay this year include Good Omens star Michael Sheen, The Good Place actor Jameela Jamil, artist Grayson Perry, comedian Miranda Hart, musician and author Paloma Faith, ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly and activist Katie Piper. They will be joined by British screenwriter and producer Jesse Armstrong, one of the minds behind Succession, Peep Show and Four Lions.

As well as its usual literary offerings, the Festival will launch its first cinema section with the MUBI cinema hosting screenings of Bergman Island; How to Have Sex; Fallen Leaves; Queer; First Cow; Alcarras; Dahomey; Decision to Leave; Aftersun; Priscilla; Perfect Days; Petite Maman; and The Worst Person in the World.

They will be followed by discussion and analysis by screenwriters including Hot Milks Rebecca Lenkiewicz, The Powers Sarah Quintrell, and His Dark Materials producer Jane Tranter. Conclave novelist Robert Harris will also discuss the Oscar-nominated adaptation of his work.
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Amid the praise for Quentin Tarantinos film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, one eagle-eyed celebrity viewer spotted a glaring historical inaccuracy in the blockbuster flick.

The moment occurs towards the end of the film, when Leonardo DiCaprios character Rick Dalton is reported to have arrived back in Hollywood from Europe on a Boeing 747. But it was John Travolta, who is a plane enthusiast and trained pilot, who said that this would have been impossible given the film is set in 1969.

Well, the 747 had its test flight in February 1969, but it went into service in January 1970. Theyre nine months off! He would have been on a Boeing 707! he said.

We can forgive Tarantino for that. But its hard to believe that some slip-ups  whether its Judy Garland without her ruby red shoes in The Wizard of Oz or Julia Roberts eating a croissant that gets swapped for a pancake in Pretty Woman  actually made it through the editing process.

According to the website Movie Mistakes, Captain Marvel  starring Brie Larson  features no less than 60 errors over its two-hour duration.

Is there a film where somebody hasnt screwed up?

Here, we list 29 mistakes in films that you might not have caught.

Batman (1989)

open image in gallery Batman 1989: 'Gentleman Let's Broaden Our Minds, Lawrence!'

The Tim Burton-directed superhero film has multiple mistakes, but a major one happens when Joker and his crew deface paintings at a museum. One of his gang members slaps a painting with his hands that are covered in red paint, but in the next shot, the handprints have disappeared from the artwork.

Once Upon a Time In Hollywood (2019)

open image in gallery Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt in Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood' ( Sony )

Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, flies back to Hollywood on a Boeing 747. But it would have been a 707. The film was set in 1969 and the 747 went into service in January 1970.

The Graduate (1967)

open image in gallery ( Embassy Pictures )

Dustin Hoffmans character drives in the wrong direction across the Bay Bridge in San Francisco on his way to Berkeley, California. He is travelling on the top deck of the bridge for traffic going from California to San Francisco.

Pretty Woman (1990)

There is a continuity issue at breakfast when Julia Robertss character takes a bite out of a croissant. Shes in the hotel room with her co-star Richard Gere, but when the camera pans back to her, it transforms into a pancake. Then when she takes a second bite out of the pancake, there is only one bite mark in it.

open image in gallery Pretty Woman ( Rex Features )

North by Northwest (1959)

open image in gallery ( MGM )

One of the children playing an extra in Alfred Hitchcocks film covers his ears a few seconds before Eva Marie Saints character unexpectedly fires a gun at Cary Grants character in the Mount Rushmore cafeteria.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

open image in gallery ( Rex Features )

Bullet holes can be seen in the walls of the apartment where John Travolta and Samuel L Jacksons characters go to get a briefcase, but its before the shoot-out has happened.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

open image in gallery ( Warner Bros )

John Connors Cessna plane numbers keep changing in the film. When he is in the hangar on the runway it is N3035C, but once its flying, the numbers change to N3413F.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

open image in gallery Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz ( MGM )

Judy Garland isnt wearing her iconic ruby red slippers in the scene where the trees pelt Dorothy and the Scarecrow with apples. Instead, she can be seen wearing plain black shoes.

Why do blockbuster movies cost so much to make?

American Sniper (2015)

open image in gallery

The baby that Bradley Cooper holds while adapting to civilian life after the Iraqi War is plastic. In fact, it looked so fake, even he admitted it was nuts.

Independence Day (1996)

open image in gallery ( Claudette Barius/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock )

When computer expert David Levinson, played by Jeff Goldblum, is throwing a tantrum in the hangar housing the captured alien craft, he knocks over a bin that is labelled Art Dept. Clearly, a set designer left it there by mistake.

The Fast and the Furious (2001)

open image in gallery ( Univeral Pictures )

In a scene when Jesse and Tran race, Tran is wearing a shirt with sleeves, but in the next shot hes in a tank top. Didnt anybody notice when they edited it?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows  Part 2 (2011)

open image in gallery ( Warner Bros )

We were always told that Harry Potter had his mothers blue eyes. But when we see Lily Potter as a child, she has brown eyes.

Star Wars: Episode IV  A New Hope (1977)

open image in gallery Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford in 'Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope' in 1977 ( Rex Features )

As a group of stormtroopers enter a control room, one of them accidentally bangs his head on a door. The actor responsible, Laurie Good, couldnt believe it made it into the final film.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

open image in gallery ( Rex Features )

There is a crew member wearing a cowboy hat and looking out to sea behind Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow on the pirate ship.

Quantum of Solace (2008)

open image in gallery Bond girl: Gemma Arterton with Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace (2008) ( Rex Features )

A street cleaner behind Daniel Craigs James Bond is pretending to sweep the road but is holding his broom several inches off the ground.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

open image in gallery ( Buena Vista Pictures )

When Bianca accidentally shoots a gym teacher with an arrow, an extra, who is playing a student, runs off to get urgent help  but once she thinks she is out of shot, she stops and looks back at the camera.

Braveheart (1995)

open image in gallery ( Rex Features )

There is a modern car in the background of a big battle scene. Considering the film is set in the 13th century, its hard to imagine how it stayed in the final cut.

Django Unchained (2012)

open image in gallery ( TWC )

Leonardo DiCaprio accidentally cut his hand while filming a scene in which he slams his hand on the table and breaks a glass. But rather than shout cut, he carried on in character. Tarantino liked it so much that he kept it in the film.

Captain Marvel (2019)

open image in gallery ( AP )

Many of the mistakes are related to the films 1990s time period. These include computers using a wrongly dated version of Windows and Carol Danverss memories being jogged by a Nirvana song that wasnt out until after she left Earth.

Spider-Man (2002)

open image in gallery ( Rex )

Tobey Maguires Spider-Man saves Kirsten Dunsts Mary Jane from a group of attackers. He throws them through a set of windows before he kisses her upside down in the rain. But during their romantic embrace, the windows behind her are perfectly intact.

Halloween (1978)

open image in gallery ( * )

John Carpenters slasher film starring Jamie Lee Curtis was set in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois, but all the cars have Californian number plates and there are shots of palm trees, as the film was shot in Southern California.

The Goonies (1985)

open image in gallery ( Rex Features )

At the end of the cult film, Data tells news reporters that the octopus was really scary, but this actually refers to a deleted scene. It was only added back in for the Disney Channel version.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

open image in gallery ( * )

Eagle-eyed fans have noted that Ant-Man can be seen in two places at once during the final battle scene  in the van, and in his giant form, fighting alongside the other Avengers.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

open image in gallery ( Rex )

Merry and Pippin are captured by the Orcs at the start of the film, and Pippin is seen in handcuffs. But he doesnt have them anymore in the fight scene. And then they reappear on his wrists a few moments later.

Gladiator (1999)

open image in gallery ( Rex )

Ridley Scotts epic film took place many centuries before fuel-powered vehicles. But during the Battle of Carthage, a gas canister can be seen on the back of a chariot when it flips over.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

open image in gallery ( Rex )

There is a mix up over whether it is day or night at the beginning of the stock market heist scene in Christopher Nolans film. It is clearly daylight, but suddenly, after the police chase, its pitch black.

Titanic (1997)

open image in gallery ( Rex )

When Jack (Leonardi DiCaprio) is painting a naked Rose (Kate Winslet) and tells her to go over by the bed, and then says he means the couch, it was DiCaprio flubbing his lines. But James Cameron kept it in the film because it was funny.

Jurassic World (2015)

open image in gallery ( Rex )

The blockbuster featured about 33 mistakes, including a scene in which lead actor Chris Pratt talks to co-star Bryce Dallas Howard without his mouth moving. In another scene, a phones broken screen suddenly appears fixed.
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Gal Gadots Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony has been disrupted by protesters.

A clash between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli supporters ensued just as Tuesdays ceremony was set to begin.

Several dozen individuals approached the tented-off area, Variety reported. Pro-Palestinian protesters carried signs saying Heros Fight Like Palestinians and Viva Viva Palestina, and stole a pro-Israel individuals flag, according to Variety. Police responded quickly, resulting in a 15-minute delay to the festivities.

Gadot, 39, who was born in Israel, has been an outspoken advocate for the country amid its ongoing conflict with Palestine. At just 20 years old, Gadot served as a combat fitness instructor in the IDF for two years, which included the Israel-Lebanon war in 2006.

After the events of October 7, 2023, Gadot posted in support of Israel on Instagram. I stand with Israel you should too. The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening!" she wrote at the time. She has since elaborated on her stance, telling Variety, I had to speak up. I could not be silent. I was shocked by the amount of hate, by the amount of how much people think they know when they actually have no idea.

Im not a hater. Im a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor who came to Israel and established his family from scratch after his entire family was erased in Auschwitz, Gadot continued. And on the other side of my family, Im eighth generation Israeli. Im an indigenous person of Israel. I am all about humanity and I felt like I had to advocate for the hostages.

However, being vocal in her support of Israel has attracted an influx of attention from both sides of the conflict. Protesters could be reportedly be heard chanting throughout the ceremony, which was attended by Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins and Fast and Furious actor Vin Diesel. Gadots husband, Jaron Varsano, and four daughters were also present for the unveiling ceremony.

Once she took the podium, Gadot acknowledged her humble beginnings. I'm just a girl from a town in Israel, she said during her speech. This star will remind me that with hard work and passion and some faith, anything is possible.

The Independent has reached out to Gadots representative for comment.

open image in gallery Snow White star Gal Gadot had her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony disturbed by protesters on Tuesday ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Protesters disrupted Gal Gadots Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles, California ( Getty Images )

Earlier on Tuesday, Gadot appeared on a pre-taped episode of The Drew Barrymore Show where she revealed the scary health issues she faced during her fourth pregnancy. The star had a blood clot in her brain while eight months pregnant with her daughter, Ori.

I had massive headaches that completely put me down, she said. I was in bed and I couldnt hear or see anything.

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Gadot previously shared details of the frightening ordeal on Instagram and while appearing as a guest on The Tonight Show. She said doctors were dismissive of her symptoms, attributing them to a nasty migraine. It wasnt until she was rushed to the hospital that she learned her condition was life-threatening.

open image in gallery Gal Gadot received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday ( Warner Bros )

It was the first time that I felt what it meant to be scared to death, Gadot said. And again, had I known better, they could have just put me on blood thinners and done.

Appearing on Drew Barrymores show, Gadot had a message to other women. Always advocate for your health, Gadot told the audience. Always. Listen to yourself, advocate for your heart. If anything, you just over-checked yourself, right? Thats OK.
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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawas two surviving dogs have been placed in new homes.

The bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were discovered in their sprawling Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26 by a caretaker. One of their dogs, Zinna, was found dead in a crate near Arakawa.

The couples two surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, were found on the property. The two dogs were initially placed with a local pet daycare. But now, theyve been separated, according to the Daily Mail.

Joey Padilla, the owner of Santa Fe Tails where Bear and Nikita were temporarily housed, confirmed the German Shephard and Akita-shepherd mix have been sent to new homes. Padilla couldnt share further details on the new owners but did reveal that one dog was placed in a home out-of-state after the couples estate lawyer approved the decision.

We went through stringent efforts to ensure the best homes were found and the dogs have already begun settling into their new lives, Padilla said in a statement. We are all thankful for the concern and well wishes Bear and Nikita have received during their transition.

Padilla, 42, developed a close bond with Hackman and Arakawa, who together invested in Santa Fe Tails and another of Padillas businesses, the Mail reports. He said people from around the country offered to take the dogs in after the tragic deaths of the Oscar winner and his wife rattled the nation.

open image in gallery Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, pictured in 1993, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home in February ( AP )

Arakawa collapsed in the bathroom and died of hantavirus about a week before Hackman, according to chief medical examiner Heather Jarrell. Initial reports believed Arakawa died on February 11. However, the latest update from the Santa Fe Sheriffs Office revealed that Arakawa made a phone call to Cloudberry Health to speak with a doctor on February 12.

open image in gallery Betsy Arakawa in an undated photo with two of her dogs ( AP )

Hackman was found dead in the homes mudroom, and is believed to have died on February 18. His cause of death was ruled to be heart disease, with Alzheimers as a contributing factor. Officials believe its possible he wasnt aware Arakawa had died.

A necropsy conducted by the State Department of Agriculture's veterinary lab determined Zinnas cause of death was dehydration and starvation. The 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mixed breed recently had a major surgery requiring it to be kept in a crate.

Funeral plans for the couple have not yet been made.
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Jasmine Mooney has spoken out after she was arrested by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained her.

After spending 12 days in different facilities in the Southwest, the American Pie Presents: The Book of Love actor said in an interview with CTV News at the Vancouver International Airport on Saturday that she was still processing exactly what happened to her.

I havent slept in a while and havent eaten proper food in a while, so Im just really going through the motions, she told the network.

Mooney had been detained after crossing the San Ysidro border between Mexico and San Diego on March 3. She was carrying an incomplete application for a new Trade NAFTA (TN) work visa after her first was unexpectedly revoked, according to her mother, Alexis Eagles.

Eagles said her daughter was subsequently held for three nights at the border before being transferred to the Otay Mesa Detention Centre in San Diego for three more.

She spoke to ABCs 10 News San Diego from the facility about the inhumane conditions she experienced including sleeping on a mat with no pillow or blanket with an aluminum foil wrapped over my body like a dead body for two and a half days.

An online tracking system then indicated Mooney had been released, only for it to emerge that she had been transferred to the San Luis Detention Center in Arizona.

Mooney later confirmed that she arrived home in a since-expired Instagram Story, thanking everyone who reached out to her.

Im sorry if I haven't been able to respond to everyone  just got home after what felt like escaping a deeply disturbing psychological experiment, her message began. I am beyond grateful for my friends, family, and the media who worked tirelessly to get me out  without them, Id still be there. I wouldnt wish that experience on anyone.

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She continued: 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, Im choosing to use my voice in the hope that it can help others.

Speaking to CTV News, Mooney claimed she was given no information about why she was being detained or when she would be able to leave. No one told me anything. Not once, she said. I still dont even know how Im home.

When she was asked whether or not she regretted trying to apply for a new visa, she told the outlet of course.

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, Mooney said. Im telling you, from the second I got there to now, I cant even process what just happened.

An ICE spokesperson confirmed to People on Monday that Mooney was detained on March 3 for not having legal documentation to be in the U.S. and that she was processed in accordance with President Donald Trump's Securing Our Borders executive order.

All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the U.S., regardless of nationality, the spokesperson continued.
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Sean Diddy Combs warned Kanye West to be careful and encouraged him to get back to making music in an alleged phone call from jail.

The embattled music mogul and rapper, 55, is currently being held at a federal detention center in New York City as he awaits trial for a litany of charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied all of the allegations.

This s*** is wicked, wicked, wicked. So you be careful, Combs told West, 47, in a recording of an apparent phone call shared Monday on Instagram by The Shade Room.

I need you out there, you feel me? he continued. And have some f***ing fun, because we not having no fun in in here. Get back behind the mic, have some fun, chop up them samples.

Have some fun. Get back to smiling. F*** these other motherf***ers. Theyll waste your time, he said.

So put that love in your heart, and enjoy yourself, man. When I get out there, man, I want to see you f***ing tear down the stadiums. I need to see you back on that stage, actually rapping and actually performing and everything. I be dreaming of that s***.

West concurred: Yeah, its time for me to grab the mic and get back [out there]. I love music again. There was a time when everything was so frustrating. I cant even explain it.

Alleged video footage shows Kanye West on a phone call with Diddy ( Getty Images )

Telling West to jump in [his] bag, Combs said: We gonna have years and decades to f***ing fight these motherf***ers.

He further encouraged West to return to his music roots, saying: Right now, enjoy your life. This is coming from me to God to you. Fall back in love like when you was making the beats in the Chi, referring to Wests hometown of Chicago.

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So I love you, man, I appreciate you, and thanks again. Im gonna see you soon, he said, with West replying: Yes, sir. Thats how its gonna be. You gonna definitely beat this s***.

But Im gonna call you back. Itll be good to hear your voice again. I got like 59 more days before trial, so Ill definitely be touching in to tap into your energy or something. Play me some s*** over the phone. Give me some f***ing life. This s*** is f***ing sad. Im Puf Daddy in jail.

This s*** insane, West replied, after which Combs claimed: The devil is a liar.

He again warned West to be careful out there, because they definitely trying to end us.

Im gonna beat this s*** and get next to you. We gon raise our families and become the kings that we supposed to be, Combs added.

The Independent has reached out to representatives for both West and Combs for comment.

West, who is embroiled in several controversies of his own, has been a fervant supporter of Combs, who has since been hit with a string of additional lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault, sexual abuse and harassment following his initial September arrest.

Earlier this week, the Flashing Lights rapper released a new song featuring Combs and his eldest daughter, North.

Wests ex-wife Kim Kardashian has reportedly threatened to take legal action against him for going against her wishes and releasing the song.
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Universal Music Group Recordings Inc. has filed a motion to dismiss Drakes defamation lawsuit over the recording labels release of Kendrick Lamars hit track Not Like Us.

In January, Drake accused UMG  which he is also signed to  of spreading the false and malicious narrative that he is a pedophile with the release of Lamars song, which includes the lyrics: Say, Drake, I hear you like em young.

Lamar is not named in the lawsuit; however, Drake additionally claimed that UMG knew the accusations were false but chose corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists.

Branding Drakes lawsuit a misguided attempt to salve his wounds in a new filing seen by The Independent, UMG requested the rappers complaint be dismissed without prejudice.

Plaintiff, one of the most successful recording artists of all time, lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated. Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds, reads the motion filed to the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

It goes on to recount the details of Drake and Lamars infamous rap battle, which kicked off in the spring of 2024.

Drake (left) has sued Universal Music Group for defamation over its release of Kendrick Lamars hit track Not Like Us ( Getty Images )

Over the course of approximately two months, they exchanged increasingly vitriolic and incendiary diss tracks, sometimes responding within hours of each other. Drake encouraged the feud, UMG claimed.

For example, when he felt that Lamar was taking too long to respond, Drake released a second recording in which he goaded Lamar to continue the public rap battle. Lamar did just that, and collectively Drake and Lamar released a total of nine tracks taking aim at each other. Multiple commentators declared Lamar to be the winner of the battle.

The filing further states that Drake has been pleased to use UMGs platform to promote tracks leveling similarly incendiary attacks at Lamar, including, most significantly, that Lamar engaged in domestic abuse [in his song Family Matters].

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But now, after losing the rap battle, Drake claims that Not Like Us is defamatory. It is not, it continued.

It argues that because Drakes lawsuit is almost entirely focused on Not Like Us, it disregards the other Drake and Lamar diss tracks that surround Not Like Us as well as the conventions of the diss track genre, and, thus, critically ignores the context of the dispute.

In a statement shared with The Independent, Drakes lawyer, Mike Gottlieb, called UMGs motion a desperate ploy to avoid accountability.

UMG wants to pretend that this is about a rap battle in order to distract its shareholders, artists and the public from a simple truth: a greedy company is finally being held responsible for profiting from dangerous misinformation that has already resulted in multiple acts of violence, he wrote.

This motion is a desperate ploy by UMG to avoid accountability, but we have every confidence that this case will proceed and continue to uncover UMGs long history of endangering, abusing and taking advantage of its artists.

In February, Drake settled a separate lawsuit against iHeartMedia, in which he alleged that the Texas-based radio network had received illegal payments from UMG to boost radio airplay for Not Like Us.

The Canadian rapper had similarly sued UMG, claiming it used a network of bots, in conjunction with a so-called pay-to-play scheme, to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves with Not Like Us. He later dropped the suit.

The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue, a UMG spokesperson said in a statement at the time. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.
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The mystery of the decapitated head of a King George V statue has resurfaced after it surprisingly appeared during a Kneecap gig in Melbourne, Australia.

Kneecap, the outspoken and political hip-hop group from Belfast who won rave reviews for their truth-adjacent biopic, are currently on tour in Australia, with the incident fittingly occurring over St Patricks Day weekend.

The band  which is made up of members Mo Chara, Moglai Bap and DJ Provai  shared an image of the statue's head on Instagram.

In the caption, they wrote: Well well a chairde Gael! Some madman dropped by with a huge King Georges head so he could hear a few tunes for our last Melbourne show!

Allegedly his head was cut off last year in the city... anyways he was put on stage for a few tunes and then whisked away remember every colony can fall.

The statue was decapitated and defaced in June 2024 amid a wave of anti-colonial vandalism in Australia. It briefly reappeared in an Instagram video posted in January 2025 where the head had been set on fire on a barbecue, and has remained missing since  until now.

Several historic statues were damaged in Melbourne and Canberra ahead of the Australia Day celebrations in January this year, as protests around the country showed support for Indigenous people who do not consider it a day to celebrate.

In Melbourne, a statue of John Batman, founder of the countrys second-largest city who was involved in the killing of Aboriginal people, was found sawed in half.

The words Land back were spray-painted on a memorial for Australian soldiers who died fighting in World War I. Meanwhile, in Canberra, the words The colony is falling were graffitied on a statue of King George V.

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Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives continue to investigate damage to a statue in Kings Domain last year, read a statement from Melbourne police in regards to the Kneecap concert.

Investigators are also aware that the head from what appears to be a statue appeared at a concert in Melbourne on 14 March. Detectives will investigate whether there is any link between the two incidents.

Members of Kneecap, Mo Chara, JJ ODochartaigh and Moglai Bap (Brian Lawless/PA) ( PA Wire )

This news follows after Kneecap won their legal challenge over a decision by former business secretary Kemi Badenoch to refuse them a 14,250 funding award.

The UK government was forced to concede the decision was unlawful.

The band had launched legal action claiming the decision to refuse the grant discriminated against them on the grounds of nationality and political opinion.
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Scalpers allegedly started reselling tickets for Lady Gagas upcoming concerts in Singapore at steep markups barely minutes after the presale opened on Tuesday, leaving fans frustrated.

The pop star performs at Singapores National Stadium on 18, 19, 21, and 24 May as part of her Mayhem world tour. It is her only stop in Asia.

Presale for Mastercard holders opened today. General sales begin on 21 March.

According to official ticketing platform Ticketmaster, prices range from 114 to 283. VIP packages are priced between 499 and 1038.

Fans shared their challenges with long ticket queues, with one claiming to be behind three million people, while local media reported the queue surpassed a million within 10 minutes of the presale opening.

But the real challenge fans were to face took place elsewhere as resellers turned to sites such as Carousell, Viagogo and StubHub to list their tickets at exorbitant prices, sparking outrage from eager concertgoers.

The Independent found multiple tickets available on online marketplace Carousell, starting at 144 and going to 1,503.

open image in gallery Resellers turned to sites like Carousell, Viagogo and StubHub to list their tickets at exorbitant prices ( Carousell )

The Straits Times found VIP tickets selling for between 23,100 and 29,943 before they were removed from the website.

Tickets were also available on the resale site Viagogo, selling for between 114 and 1,873. On Stubhub, the prices ranged from 122 to 2,118.

Singaporean media reported noticing tickets go for over 9,000 on Viagogo and Stubhub.

Fans who managed to secure tickets were able to do so only after waiting hours in queue.

I joined the waiting room at 8am and got my tickets only at 11.10am. It was stressful, the page was loading so slowly, and I had to refresh just to get in, Zulkynaen Muhammad, 29, who paid around 222 each for two tickets, told The Straits Times.

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It was extreme madness. I was in the queue since 9.30am and got kicked out a few times. Thankfully I got my hands on them and I know my 14-year-old self is happy, said Lisa M, who paid around 207 for each ticket.

Another fan who was only able to get one VIP ticket for about 515 said it was pricey but worth it. Money can always come back. I have been her fan since Poker Face came out in 2008, Khairul A said.

The last time she came, in 2012, I was too young to go and, now, I have adult money. I am still in shock that I managed to secure tickets.

open image in gallery Lady Gaga released her sixth studio album, Mayhem , on 7 March ( Frank Lebon )

Lady Gaga was last in the country 13 years ago during her Born This Way Ball tour with a three-night stint at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Before that, she took the stage at Fort Canning Park in 2009 and delivered two exclusive showcase performances for local telco Singtel  one at Clarke Quay that same year and another at Marina Bay Sands in 2011.

The musician released her sixth studio album, Mayhem, on 7 March to generally favourable reviews. The Independents Helen Brown described the album as a return of your Mama Monster to all her shock-horror-bop glory in her five-star review.
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Will Smith has announced his first ever headline tour, bringing his music to the UK and Europe this summer.

The 56-year-old rapper and actor will perform tracks from his upcoming album, Based On A True Story, his first full-length release in two decades.

Fans can also expect to hear classic hits like Gettin' Jiggy Wit It and Miami.

Announcing the tour on Instagram, Smith expressed his excitement, stating: "IM GOING ON TOUR THIS SUMMER!! Were hitting up UK & Europe to bring U all the hits, some new joints, and a few surprises.

All these years, Ive NEVER done a headline tour and I cant wait to see you guys!!

The UK leg of the tour kicks off on August 24 at Scarborough Open Air Theatre, followed by dates in Cardiffs Bute Park on August 25, Manchesters Victoria Warehouse on August 27, Londons Brixton Academy on August 28, and the University of Wolverhampton Halls on August 30.

The tour also includes several European festival appearances, including the Mawazine festival in Rabat, Morocco.

Smith first rose to fame as part of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, achieving a Grammy win for their hit single Parents Just Dont Understand.

Will Smith, centre, starred in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ( Rex Features )

He later transitioned to TV, starring in the popular sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.

The show sees a fictionalised version of Smith moving from West Philadelphia to live with his affluent relatives in Los Angeles.

His debut solo album, Big Willie Style, was released in 1997 and included the hit song Men In Black, which accompanied the film of the same name and peaked at number one in the UK singles chart.

Across his career, Smith has starred in dozens of films including The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006), I Am Legend (2007), and Suicide Squad (2016).

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In January, he released track Beautiful Scars, featuring rapper Big Sean, as well as a music video where they re-enacted a scene from 1999 science fiction film The Matrix.

He has released a handful of other singles that will all feature on his new album, including Tantrum with Joyner Lucas, You Can Make It featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir, and Work Of Art, which was a collaboration with rapper Russ, featuring his son Jaden.

Tickets for his Based On A True Story summer tour go on sale Friday March 21 at 10am.

His album will be released on March 28.
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The new Netflix series Adolescence has received a wave of positive reviews since it was released on the streaming service earlier this month, stunning audiences with its impressive one-shot technique.

One scene, involving a drone, has left viewers particularly stunned.

The show, which stars Stephen Graham as the father of a young boy accused of murder, is directed by Philip Barantini who uses one single shot to tell the story in each of its four episodes.

Barantini, who previously used the technique on Boiling Point, pulled off a sequence at the end of episode two where the camera seamlessly transitions from a ground shot to an aerial shot as the camera travels from a school to the crime scene.

The magic of the scene has since been revealed by writer Jack Thorne, who told Deadline: So we strapped a camera to a drone that took off over traffic lights and then suddenly youre at the murder scene. Emotionally, it kicks you in the stomach.

Netflix also shared a behind-the-scenes footage of the shot in progress, adding: A team attach the camera to a drone, which then flies a distance of 0.3 miles across the site to the murder scene, where it comes down to a camera operator and team of grips who smoothly catch the camera and transition into a close shot of Stephen Graham.

Part of that planning included two weeks of rehearsals  one week for cast and one week for tech crew. Thorne, who has worked with Graham on multiple projects, including This is England, was on hand to make changes to the script alongside the actor and director.

[Tech rehearsals] would be an opportunity for the sound team to put the booms where they needed to be. And, we had all the support and the runners and ADs all dressed in police uniforms in the first episode and teachers in the second episode so they could be on camera and cueing things, Barantini told The Independent. It was technically challenging, but a huge collaboration.

Owen Cooper in 'Adolescence' ( Courtesy of Netflix )

Barantini has previously explained that the one-shot approach to filming is an intentional device used to demand the attention of time-poor viewers.

He used the technique in Boiling Point, although the series posed a bigger challenge than the one-location backdrop of the restaurant in that movie. But beneath the clever directing and the scrupulous technicalities lies something far more terrifying. Really what it's about is looking at male rage and looking at our own anger and looking at who we are as men, says Thorne.

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Adolescence has quickly become a hit on Netflix since its release with episode one already being watched by more than two million people in the UK alone.
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Adolescence star Ashley Walters has explained why he initially regretted accepting a role on the acclaimed Netflix drama.

The four-part series, co-created by and starring Stephen Graham, has received huge praise since its addition to the streaming service earlier this month, with many blown away by the technical aspect: each carefully constructed episode consists of just one shot.

Walters stars in the series as DI Luke Bascombe, who finds himself caught up in the case of 13-year-old boy Jamie Miller (newcomer Owen Cooper) accused of murder.

He takes centre stage in the first episode of the series  a big task at the best of times, but even bigger when the entire instalment is one long continuous shot lasting for 70 minutes.

Walters was offered the role by his friend and mentor Graham, who also stars in the series playing Lukes distraught father. Walters, known by many for his role in Top Boy, admitted that he would have said yes... regardless of what the job was going to be as you never say no to Stephen Graham.

The actor said that when he turned up to set for the first time, and saw the size of the operation, he f***ing regretted it  and admitted to feeling out of his depth.

Every day, Phil [Barantini, director] will tell you, I was in tears! Every day I was going home, crying in my script. Rocking, you know.

Walters called filming Adolescence the hardest thing in the world, adding: No, no it was. I was so insecure and its a lot. I had to learn the whole script.

And I had a lot to say in that first episode. And youre leading a lot of it, as well. A lot of it is police jargon and whatever.

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Adolescence star Ashley Walters ( Netflix )

Graham co-created the series alongside Jack Thorne after reading news reports of stabbings of young girls.

In an interview with The Independent, he said: I read an article about a young boy stabbing a young girl. And then maybe a couple of months later, on the news there was [another] young boy whod stabbed a young girl, and if Im really honest with you, they hurt my heart.

He explained that the shows storyline explores a complexity of topics, adding that parents need to be mindful of the external influences working on their children.

Adolescence is available to stream on Netflix now.
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The BBC has cancelled one of its longest-running shows after 23 years, prompting an outcry from viewers.

On Tuesday (18 March), it was announced that the corporation was axing the soap River City, which is a homegrown Scottish production that airs on BBC One Scotland.

The series, which launched in September 2002, follows local residents of the fictional district of Shieldinch in the West End of Glasgow and has been viewed as a show that effectively provides Scottish actors and crew with jobs in the TV industry. Over the years, cast members have included Barbara Rafferty, Joyce Falconer and Outlander actor Sam Heughan.

After an initially lukewarm reception, the series, created by Stephen Greenhorn, rose through the ranks to generate a loyal fanbase  and in 2023, it won Best Drama at the Royal Television Society Scotland awards.

BBC Scotland Director Hayley Valentine. called the show a wonderful adventure, stating: Of course well all be sad to see it go.

She continued: The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year. But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK.

Deadline reports that the cancellation has angered many, with Equity General Secretary Paul Fleming branding the short-sighted decision as devastating for Scottish talent.

There is simply no equivalent to a regular soap for getting your foot in the door of this notoriously cutthroat industry, especially for the many aspiring actors from working class backgrounds, he said. The regular opportunities and wages simply do not exist in other show formats.

On X/Twitter, The Writer's Guild echoed this sentiment, calling it a huge blow to our members who write for River City, to loyal audiences, and another serious erosion of continuing drama.

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River City has been scrapped by the BBC ( BBC )

TV broadcaster Siobhan Synnot added: It seems a pity to axe River City, a show about and by Scots, which has given many writers, directors, actors, and craft their start in drama.

The shows official X/Twitter account apologised for the sad news, revealing River City would draw to a close in September 2026  exactly 24 years after it began.
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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.
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Millie Bobby Brown, one of the biggest stars in the history of Netflix, has revealed she refuses to pay for the streaming service as she still uses her parents account.

Brown, 21, shot to fame after playing Eleven in the hit science-fiction series Stranger Things. She has also starred in the movies Enola Holmes, Damsel and The Electric State, all of which were produced by Netflix.

Despite this, Brown, who reportedly earned $10m for starring in Enola Holmes 2, is still using her parents account as she is part of their family deal.

Speaking to Jimmy Hill on the Capital Evening Show on Monday (17 March), Brown was told that One Day and Bridget Jones star Leo Woodall also doesnt have his own Netflix account.

Hill asked: Youve done so many great Netflix projects over the years: Stranger Things, Enola Holmes, Damsel, and now The Electric State, of course, which we are talking about. But my question to you is, Millie, do you get a free Netflix account as part of this, or do you have to pay? Because I was chatting to Leo Woodall the other week  do you know the actor Leo Woodall? He said hes still using his mums account.

Brown replied: Yeah, do you know what? Im like that too. Im still using my parents account.

open image in gallery She's electric: Millie Bobby Brown and the CGI robot Cosmo (Alan Tudyk) in 'The Electric State' ( Netflix )

The British actor went on to explain: Im still using my parents account. I kind of refuse to pay for the subscription, because my parents pay and Im still a child in my eyes, and in their eyes. So yeah, Im part of the family deal.

Brown also addressed rumours that she is being lined up to play Britney Spears in a forthcoming biopic about the pop star.

Remaining coy on the subject, Brown said: I respect that, I love that. I know I think that everything is in the talks, but for me personally I, you know If its done basically with or without me, Im so, so, so excited for it, and I think its going to be a brilliant story with a brilliant core, which is, you know, Britney.

open image in gallery Millie Bobby Browns recent image transformation has been likened to Britney Spears ( Instagram /Millie Bobby Brown/Getty )

Meanwhile, Browns new 248m film The Electric State continues to be hit with bad news after being panned by critics.

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The film has achieved a paltry rating of 23 per cent on the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 22 critic reviews.

However disappointing this sounds, it is still a marginal improvement, after the film previously debuted with a rating of 10 per cent.

The number will fluctuate in the coming days as more reviews are submitted, but as it stands The Electric State will almost certainly rank among the lowest-rated films by directing duo Joe Russo and Anthony Russo.
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The Sex Lives of College Girls has been canceled at Max just months after the release of its third season.

The Independent understands that the hit coming-of-age show, co-created and written by Mindy Kaling, has been shelved by the streamer.

However, Warner Bros. TV is reportedly looking to find a new home for the series, sources told The Hollywood Reporter.

The series, which debuted in 2021, followed four college freshman roommates as they navigate their newfound freedom at New Englands prestigious Essex College.

Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Alyah Chanelle Scott, and rising pop star Renee Rapp made up the lead ensemble for the first two seasons before Rapp, 25, exited the series to focus on her music career.

In her place, season three welcomed Gracie Lawrence as the fourth roommate. British actor Mia Rodgers, Ruby Cruz, comedian Tig Notaro, and Bless this Mess alum Belle Adams also joined as new cast members.

Pauline Chalamet as Kimberly (left) and Alyah Chanelle Scott as Whitney in season 3 of 'The Sex Lives of College Girls' ( Max )

News of the cancelation has left fans utterly devastated.

A real tragedy cause last season was good, one person wrote on X.

Worst news and its only Tuesday, a second declared.

A third likened the cancelation to the feeling of gettting ghosted after three amazing dates. Make it make sense! they demanded.

Thats unfortunate, a fourth added. Their story was truly interesting, in my opinion.

This show deserves a Season 4. Come on, streaming platforms dont let us down, another argued.

Season three concluded with what co-showrunner Justin Noble previously described as a satisfying and honest happy ending, leaving some viewers to wonder if it was intentionally meant to act as an end to the series.

However, Noble insisted at the time that that wasnt the case. No one told us to, like, wrap up the show or anything like that, he told The Hollywood Reporter in January. I think just me as a creator, Im losing interest in cliffhangers.

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The Sex of College Girls was well-received by critics following its 2021 debut, with many praising its joyful tone. That sentiment shifted after the release of its latest season, amid Rapps absence.

Addressing her departure in a 2023 interview with The Independent, Rapp said that while she was forever grateful for getting cast in the series, For the first time ever now, I see myself as an artist and Im really proud of that.

Its the only thing Ive wanted in my entire life, she added of the release of her debut album.
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How do you solve the problem of today? Thats the question that therapists often pose to people experiencing the wide range of lifes traumas. Dont relitigate the past, dont attempt to fix the future, try and solve the problem of today. Its a mantra that crops up in Netflixs Adolescence, a four-part drama looking at the fallout from an unthinkable crime, and the many todays that must be solved, over and over, as a consequence.

Its 6am on an apparently normal morning. Normal, that is, until armed police, led by DI Bascombe (Ashley Walters) storm into a family home and arrest a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper). His parents, Eddie and Manda (played by Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco), watch on in horror as their little boy is dragged to the local police station, processed and placed in a cell. Jamie is suspected of murdering a schoolmate, and alongside Eddie, as his appropriate adult, and a solicitor, must face the evidence that the police have compiled against him. It is a nightmarish frenzy, transporting the Miller family from their pocket of suburban calm to the fear, recrimination and revelations of a murder inquiry.

It is a stunning opening. Each of the shows four episodes is filmed in one continuous take, a technique mastered by its star Graham (who co-created this project with extremely busy scribe Jack Thorne) and director Philip Barantini on the 2021 film Boiling Point. In real-time, we watch the Miller family from the moment the police enter their home, to the terrible presentation, less than an hour later, of the authorities smoking gun against Jamie. The confusion and tension are palpable, as is a sense of sorrow. I hate juvenile cases, a duty nurse says, after testing Jamies understanding of his situation. No one likes them, the desk sergeant replies. And yet, everyone does their job methodically, the camera swimming around the station to capture the minutiae of Jamies terminal arrival in the justice system.

That is day one. The other three episodes are spread across the next year and a half, as the investigation progresses. Bascombe and his deputy DS Frank (Faye Marsay) visit the victims school; Jamie is assessed in prison by psychologist Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty); and, finally, Jamies plea comes through on Eddies 50th birthday. None of these episodes beg the one-shot technique in the same way that the first does. Indeed, they sometimes feel stifled by it, because the criminal justice system is a glacial thing, and rarely operates in kinetic hour-long slots. This makes the series feel lop-sided: a virtuoso first episode that catches you clean in the gut, followed by three episodes that feel more instructional. After all, the first hour of Jamies incarceration is a natural starting point, but what does the creative decision to focus on day three, or months seven or thirteen, tell us about the story?

Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty) and Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) talk it out ( Netflix )

Graham and Thorne seem to want to place the accusations against Jamie into context, both familial and social. Words like incel, manosphere, and red pill are rapidly deployed (Andrew Tate shite, comes DS Franks judgment). At home, his parents deal with their guilt; a guilt focused far more on their son than his victim. He was in his room, wasnt he? Eddie despairs. We thought he was safe. It is a challenging but miserable premise, one in which no one is spared their share of the blame. Violent misogyny being fomented in Britains schools, families blind to their kids internet activities, parents handing down destructive traits. We are all part of the problem that leads to Jamies, and leads to children dead from knife wounds in bleak, empty car parks.

Coopers performance as the accused is very able, nimbly shifting the audiences sympathies for Jamie. The two-handed episode that he shares with Doherty is troubling yet compelling, and the acting throughout the series (Graham is, once again, likely the standout) is a masterclass (and thats putting aside the self-imposed constraints of the one-shot technique). The episodes themselves are more of a mixed bag: investigations at a school feel too much like a bog-standard police procedural meets Grange Hill, while the shows resolution feels calculated towards despair. It is a fine line when creating a show that fictionalises the real experiences faced by real families, between empathy inducement and misery porn. And for Adolescence, that line becomes blurry at times.

Yet there is no doubting the intensity of that first episode. It is television in its purest distillation: unflinching, pulse-quickening. It caters both to our morbid fascination with crimes at the exotic extremes, and the sense of unravelling a moral knot. The fact that the rest of the series cant quite match those heights is both a problem and a testament to the impact of that opener. Never less than well-made, Adolescence sustains a rawness that makes it a tough but compulsive watch.
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A Chinese city has introduced a range of childcare subsidies  including a daily cup of free milk for new mothers  in a bid to bolster the countrys declining birth rate.

The efforts in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, are part of a broader national trend, with over 20 provincial administrations implementing similar measures, according to state news agency Xinhua.

These subsidies have become a central focus for policymakers grappling with a shrinking population and record-low marriage rates.

China's population contracted for the third consecutive year in 2024, accompanied by a 20 per cent plunge in marriages  the steepest decline ever recorded.

This demographic crisis is largely attributed to the legacy of China's one-child policy (which ran from 1980-2015), rapid urbanisation, and the escalating costs of raising children.

Despite couples being permitted to have up to three children since 2021, the birth rate remains stubbornly low.

Premier Li Qiang underscored the government's commitment to addressing this issue during the annual parliamentary meeting, highlighting childcare subsidies and free preschool education as key strategies.

open image in gallery Mothers in Hohhot will get a free cup of milk each day ( Getty Images )

An action plan unveiled on Sunday emphasised the need to "study and establish a childcare subsidy system" to stimulate domestic consumption and, implicitly, encourage larger families.

Hohhot, a bustling northern city, said couples would receive a 10,000 yuan (1,066) one-off payment for their first child, and 10,000 yuan a year for a second baby until the child reached the age of five.

A third child would receive an annual subsidy of 10,000 yuan until they turned 10, a total figure roughly twice the annual income of local residents.

Hohhot also issued what it called the "One cup of milk fertility care action for mothers" with a cup of milk available for free each day for any mothers who give birth after March 1.

They will also be entitled to an electronic voucher worth 3,000 yuan (320) from two dairy companies.
If youre thinking of buying an electric car in the near future, you may well be tempted away from the Fords, Vauxhalls and VWs of this world by a cheaper, unknown brand from one of hundreds of electric vehicle start-ups coming out of China. Perhaps a neat little Hedgehog E400, a Zotye i-across or even an Ora Funky Cat will be a good buy.

Chinese electric cars are coming, and coming in force. The likes of Zeekr, SAIC, Geely, Great Wall, Fengon, Foton have been in China for years, and will soon become familiar sights on our roads.

Chinese automaker BYD has become the first in the world to unveil a commercial battery for electric vehicles that is capable of charging in roughly the same amount of time as it takes to fill up a fuel tank. Their new Super E-Platform offers 1,000 kW charge speeds, which is four-times quicker than 250 kW charging rates of Tesla Superchargers.

open image in gallery Charging ahead: BYD, the worlds biggest selling Chinese EV brand, has already surpassed Tesla in sales ( iStock )

Its not the first time competition in the car market has come from east Asia. In the 1960s, at a time when cars had all-British names like Triumph Herald and Hillman Avenger, imports started coming in from Japan, also with names that seemed odd to us. First came Daihatsu, then Datsun, Mazda, Honda and the one that sounded the funniest of all, Toyota.

open image in gallery BYD unveil their latest EV model called Seal, now available in the UK ( Keystone/Cyril Zingaro )

In 1969, my dad, ever keen on gadgetry as well as on a bargain, swapped his Vauxhall Victor for a Toyota Crown Estate, laden with gimmicks we had never seen before. Central locking! Electric windows! The friendly chief mechanic at the dealership in Hackney, east London, tried to talk him out of it.

They are just poor tin-can copies of British cars, made of cheaper materials. The clue is in the name  TOY-ota. Needless to say, it turned out to be a fantastic car, reliable, fast and so rare that it gathered a small crowd wherever we went. It being a mere 25 years since Japanese POW camps, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, some of those in the crowds were not well disposed to Japanese cars, either. They were also seen  correctly  as posing a threat to the still big British car industry.

Looking rather nice and packed with gadgetry, Chinese electric cars are clearly going to outsell Western brands on price  some may cost under 10,000. BYD, the worlds biggest-selling Chinese EV brand, has already surpassed Tesla and makes buses, too. There are already BYD double-deckers in London and elsewhere, albeit they are built in Falkirk.

open image in gallery BYD is responsible for producing the world's first purpose-built fully electric double-deck bus ( AP )

But however good todays BYDs, Geelys, even the cleverly re-imagined MG brand, turn out to be, theres another huge issue hanging over electric cars from China: are they four-wheeled Trojan horses packed with electronics to spy on myriad aspects of life in the West?

Former president Biden specifically raised Chinese cars and trucks as a national security threat last year and his secretary of state Antony Blinken raised the matter of China allegedly dumping cheap EVs in the West with the Chinese government last week.

The security problem that is being anticipated is that an electric car is always internet-connected, and acts like a giant, data-gobbling mobile phone. A Hong Kong-born reader of a recent New York Times article put the security objections to the new imports eloquently.

Arguing that people were buying a cheap car in exchange for national internet security he wrote: Dont any of you remember why we banned Chinese-designed Huawei and ZTE telecommunications equipment from becoming part of our phone and network infrastructure?

Now imagine thousands of internet-connected Chinese programmed computers in control of your Chinese-made cars roaming the country spying, spreading computer viruses, sending your travel history, maybe even everything you say, Alexa-style, to China.

I know that introducing Chinese programmed cars alone wont overthrow US democracy, the commentator concluded, but why deliver one more weapon into the hands of a known hostile power?

open image in gallery Former US secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Chinese president Xi Jinping in Beijing, 26 April 2024 ( AP )

The prospect of your bargain new Hedgehog being, at the same time as a cheap and eco-friendly way of getting to Sainsburys, a danger to freedom is salutary. But, as someone who has worked with Chinese companies, I wonder if this is a real threat  or a moral panic dialled up by the White House as a way for Joe Biden to signal his concern for American carmakers and their Trump-inclined workers?

Its one thing, I would argue, for the Communist Party to want and require internet-connected cars overseas to be hackable on demand. Even the threat of, say, Beijing being able to zombify half the vehicles and buses in the West at will, can be seen as a weapon. Sun Tzu, of The Art of War fame, advocated winning a war before the fighting starts.

But my experience has been that at an individual level, many, maybe most, Chinese people and Chinese businesses regard the Party and its policy-wonk functionaries as a tiresome nuisance, to be kept happy and out of your hair with the minimum possible effort.

This is not to say they are not patriotic  they overwhelmingly are. The everyday culture and attitude are also more socialist than you might imagine in such an enthusiastically capitalist society as the Peoples Republic. But for the people of that republic, I always find making money, closely followed by being with family, getting educated, having fun, dating, eating, arguing and enjoying normal, human pleasures come far, far above seeking global domination for China.

So, while it might be necessary to convince Party apparatchiks that your newest BYD model destined for Britain can be made to grind to a halt in the fast lane of the M6 at a mouse click in Beijing, the detailed programming to enable this may be done without great care or enthusiasm. And is the capacity really there?

open image in gallery Tesla CEO Elon Musk meets with Chinese premier Li Qiang in Beijing 2024. ( Xinhua )

That is not to say that Chinese entrepreneurs and engineers in the EV business, state or private, arent enthusiastic about electric cars. On the contrary, they have for 20 or more years regarded our backwardness in sustainable transport as pathetic.

A sign of the Chinese evangelism for clean transport is to be found in the entrance hall of BYDs HQ outside Shenzhen, where a giant screen displays the question, Where is Noahs ark that saved mankind? As well as being good for the planet, which matters greatly to younger Chinese people, the electric car business is also a lot more exciting to be in than most other career options. BYD is an acronym for Build Your Dreams and for ambitious young Chinese graduates mindful of the environment, that is their mission.

But would a real China expert agree with my theory that those on the front line, designing and making EVs, programming their technology to spy on and damage the West is a dreary duty worthy of rolled eyes?

open image in gallery The Ora Funky Cat EV car by Great Wall Motor at the Auto Shanghai show, April 2023 ( AP )

I contacted Dr Ilaria Mazzocco, the Mandarin-speaking senior fellow in Chinese business and economics at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC, rather expecting her to disagree. She largely didnt.

I went to the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring, and Research Center a few years ago, said Dr Mazzocco. They showed me this big screen where they had trackers on every single EV that had been registered in Shanghai and knew exactly where they were.

So, they were like, Oh, look, somebody went to Xinjiang. They were using this data to figure out how people were charging cars and how to be more efficient. But, yes, you could imagine how that data could be used for very different reasons.

Its clear that BYD has a world domination strategy, she continued. Its probably coming from the BYD headquarters. It certainly seems to be aligned with what Beijing would like as well.

However, the sort of regulation in China that expands the power of the Party is not helpful to tech companies trying to become multinationals and convince the rest of the world that theyre just profit-driven normal companies.

So in terms of the back-door capabilities, and how enthusiastic Chinese companies might be about it, my suspicion is that they would probably not be super enthusiastic, because it might cost them a lot of market share if it came out. But the real question is, would they do it? And I think the answer, we all know, is probably yes.
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South Korea told Ukraine it was ready to accept North Korean soldiers captured by Kyiv if they were willing to move to the country, state news agency Yonhap reported.

In a phone call, foreign minister Cho Tae Yul told his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha the prisoners would be considered South Korean citizens and Seoul would accept their defection if they expressed such an intention.

Ukraine estimates that North Korea deployed nearly 11,000 soldiers to aid Russias war effort, marking the first time that the isolated country has put boots on the ground in a foreign conflict.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said his forces had killed or wounded about 4,000 North Korean soldiers in Kursk, the Russian border region which Ukrainian forces entered last August in their only significant counterattack into Russian territory. Kyiv has since lost most of the territory it held there.

Moscow and Pyongyang have denied that North Korean troops are fighting in the Ukraine war even after signing a mutual defence last November that obligates each to come to the others aid in the event of an external attack.

In January, Mr Zelensky said his forces had captured two wounded North Korean soldiers from the Kursk battlefield.

He shared a video showing one of the soldiers expressing a desire to stay in Ukraine.

One of the soldiers reportedly told South Koreas Chosun newspaper that he was willing to defect to the country and asked if he would be accepted for asylum.

Alleged North Koreans soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces at an undisclosed location ( AFP/Getty )

The talks between the foreign ministers of South Korea and Ukraine came amid concerns about the fate of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine.

"If the soldiers are captured and tell information to the enemy, their families will be punished, go to a political prison camp, or worse, they will be executed in front of the people," North Korean defector Pak Yusung told ABC News.
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A woman in Taiwan has been jailed for falling asleep with a running hairdryer that severely burned her newborn babys toes, leading to amputation.

The incident took place in Taipei on 16 January 2023, when the woman, identified by her surname Wu, left the appliance on for almost three hours on her babys bed.

Wu was drying the damp sheet on the bed when she dozed off.

She called emergency medical services after noticing that her daughters foot had developed blisters from being exposed to intense heat from the hairdryer for nearly three hours.

Doctors determined the burns covered more than 15 per cent of the babys body and had led to tissue damage in three toes which needed to be amputated.

The woman told the court during trial that she had fallen asleep because of drowsiness from medication for her postpartum depression.

Wu had already moved her daughter away from the hairdryer and did not believe that it could cause such serious burns, she said.

The court said the mother should have considered the possibility of her newborn shifting position in her sleep by rolling over.

The court concluded that her mental and physical capabilities showed she possessed the basic common sense to prevent the accident.

Wu was sentenced to five months in prison for negligence that caused injury to an infant and fined the equivalent of 3,502.

Wus sentencing started a debate on Taiwanese social media about postpartum depression, a mood disorder which affects new mothers after childbirth as they suffer from sadness, anxiety and fatigue, potentially impacting their ability to care for themselves and their baby.

While many social media users questioned why the mother could not hear her babys cries while she suffered burns, some spoke about postpartum depression and how it should be taken more seriously.
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Indias wild tiger population has doubled in just over a decade, cementing its status as the global stronghold for the species. But with this success comes an urgent challenge  given their famously large ranges, where will all these big cats live?

At least one aspect of Indias answer comes in the form of new tiger reserves, with the government rapidly expanding its network of protected areas. Three new national parks have been established in just the last five months, taking the countrys total to 58. They house 3,682 tigers, according to the most recent census in 2022, up from 1,706 in 2010.

In theory that means an average of 63 tigers per park. But the problem for Indias forest officials is that their distribution is not even  the newest reserve, named earlier this month as Madhav National Park in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, was home to no tigers at all up until 2023.

That changed with human intervention  the relocation of three tigers, which led to the birth of two cubs in the forest, reported India Today. In March, another tiger was introduced, strengthening the areas credentials as a potentially vital wildlife corridor linking the more famous and established reserves of Ranthambore, Kuno, and Panna.

While Indias conservation efforts have generally been praised, experts warn that protecting tigers is not just about increasing numbers. More than 60 million people live in areas overlapping tiger habitats, leading to growing concerns about human-wildlife conflict.

open image in gallery A Royal Bengal tiger walks through a grassland at the Kaziranga National Park in Kaziranga, in India's Assam state on 5 March 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

At the same time, some reserves  especially in the eastern regions of Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh  struggle with critically low tiger populations. Conservationists believe these regions could double their tiger numbers with better protection, cooperation with local residents and stricter anti-poaching measures.

As Indias tigers multiply, officials will face growing challenges  not just to count them, but to ensure they have enough space to survive, explains Milind Pariwakam, wildlife biologist and joint director at the Wildlife Trust of India. What matters is the location of the tiger reserve, the unique habitat type it protects, he tells The Independent.

Dr Medha Nayak, a conservation sociologist at the National Institute of Technology in Odisha, explains the importance of Madhav National Parks addition to the list of tiger reserves in the country. Madhav Tiger Reserve forms part of the Kuno landscape, she says. It will facilitate wildlife movement from Kuno, Madhav and Panna. Moreover, it shall also provide connectivity to the tigers of Ranthambore in Rajasthan which is not very far, geographically, she says, referring to the popular tiger reserve in the adjoining north-western state.

Madhav Tiger Reserve is not only about securing a good habitat but also ensuring a corridor for secured wildlife movement, she says.

Indias tiger conservation efforts have come a long way since 1973 when Project Tiger was launched to counteract the alarming decline in tiger numbers due to rampant hunting and deforestation.

The initiative initially covered just nine reserves, but over the years the number has expanded to include diverse landscapes from the Shivalik Hills in the Himalayas to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans.

open image in gallery A Royal Bengal tiger crosses a road inside the Kaziranga national park in Kaziranga, India, Tuesday, 4 March 2025 ( AP )

While tigers can be found in areas outside these legally protected zones, they only thrive in large numbers near or within them, according to conservationists in the most recent 2022 Status of Tigers report for the National Tiger Conservation Authority of India.

These high-density tiger populations play a crucial role in maintaining the species by producing young tigers that then spread across the landscape, wrote the authors of the paper Qamar Qureshi, Yadvendradev V Jhala, Satya P Yadav and Amit Mallick. This movement helps connect different tiger populations, which is vital for their survival by ensuring genetic diversity and stable numbers.

Madhya Pradesh leads Indias states in terms of tiger population, boasting 785 of the big cats within its nine reserves, according to the latest government figures. Other states with significant tiger populations including the southern state of Karnataka on 563 and Maharashtra with 444. The Himalayan state of Uttarakhand has 560 tigers, with Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve  named after an Anglo-Indian hunter and author born in India in 1875  holding the largest single population with 260.

But not all states or reserves have seen such success, and 16 national parks are rated as being on the verge of local extinction, according to The Indian Express.

While overall numbers have gone up, tiger abundance and occupancy remains a concern in large parts of our forest network, says Mr Pariwakam.

Areas such as North and Western Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha have very low densities of tigers. These forests can easily help double the tiger numbers in the Central Indian and Eastern Ghats Landscape with no negative implications such as human-wildlife conflict, he says.

Even if these three states can harbour one tiger per 100 sqkm, which is a very low density, they can pack 1400 tigers in the forests available.

But the states need to focus on strengthening surveillance, as he highlights illegal hunting, forest fires, overall lack of protection and patrolling as the major challenges in these areas.

Indias economic prosperity and social conditions play a crucial role in determining where tigers can thrive, research has revealed. While some states support high densities of tigers coexisting with human populations, others have seen their big cat populations dwindle due to poverty, poaching, and habitat loss.

The study, Tiger Recovery Amid People and Poverty, published in the journal Science in January 2025, found that states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka host significant tiger populations alongside human settlements. However, in regions like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and northeast India  areas that include some of the nations poorest districts, where bushmeat hunting and poaching have historically been prevalent  tigers are either absent or extinct.

The authors suggest that economic prosperity, particularly in regions benefiting from tiger-related tourism and government compensation schemes for human-wildlife conflict, has contributed to better tiger conservation outcomes. However, they warn that development can also lead to land-use changes that harm tiger habitats.

Tiger recovery is thus constrained at opposite ends of the socioeconomic spectrum, by intensive urbanisation and poverty, the study states. Hence, adopting an inclusive and sustainable rural prosperity in place of an intensive land-use changedriven economy can be conducive for tiger recovery, aligning with Indias modern environmentalism and sustainability.
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Japan is reportedly considering deploying long-range missiles on its southernmost island, putting North Korea and Chinese coastal areas in range amid the Donald Trump administrations shaky stance on security pacts.

The land-to-ship guided missiles with a range of about 1,000km on the Kyushu island would be capable of hitting targets in North Korea and China and thus boost the countrys counterstrike capabilities in the event of an emergency, government sources told news outlet Kyodo.

The upgraded version of Type-12 missile could be deployed at two bases on the island by the end of the next fiscal year in March 2026, it said.

The likely deployment at the Yufu missile garrison in Oita Prefecture and Kengun camp in Kumamoto, however, is raising concerns among local residents who fear an escalation in tensions in the area.

This comes as security guarantees under longstanding Japanese pacts with the US come under threat in Mr Trumps second term.

Earlier this month, Mr Trump criticised the US-Japan Security Treaty saying that it bound Washington to defend Japan but did not require Tokyo to provide the same guarantees in return. We have a great relationship with Japan. But we have an interesting deal with Japan that we have to protect them but they dont have to protect us, Mr Trump told reporters on 6 March after signing an executive order in the Oval Office.

And by the way, they make a fortune with us economically, the president added. I actually asked who makes these deals?

First signed in 1951 and revised in 1960, the security treaty allows the US to station military forces in Japan in return for a commitment to defend the Asian country from attack.

The deal was signed back when Japan was still occupied by US forces to maintain a foothold against the communist bloc in Asia during the Cold War.

The treaty underpins the largest overseas US military presence, with about 60,000 personnel currently stationed in Japan.

Japans pacifist constitution bars involvement in foreign conflicts. But a decade ago, then prime minister Shinzo Abe eased restrictions, allowing the military to defend allies under attack near Japan.

The expected missile deployment is reportedly aimed at enhancing security in the southwestern Nansei island chain, which is strategically important given its proximity to Taiwan amid fears the self-ruled island can come under attack from China.
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A British backpacker is still missing after a fire ripped through a diving boat and sank off the island of Koh Tao in Thailand.

Alexandra Clarke, 26, from London, was diving in the tourist hotspot and had asked guides if she could use the toilet before the blaze broke out on board the boat, named Davy Jones Locker, at 9.15am local time on Sunday.

There were 22 people on board including 16 tourists participating in diving activities, four diving instructors, a boat captain and a crew member. All others on board were accounted for.

The boat driver, a Myanmar crew member, and six tourists who witnessed the fire reported to police that Ms Clarke had requested to surface from the water and entered the toilet facilities on the boat.

At the time the fire broke out, she was reportedly still in the toilet.

open image in gallery Ao Tanote is one of Koh Taos beaches ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

The cause of the fire was related to a malfunction which occurred while the diving tanks were being filled with compressed air, according to reports.

Captain Natthaphon Sinpoonphon, Deputy Director of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center of Surat Thani, said the blaze started around 9am 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.

"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."

Weather conditions and the strength of the blaze initially made it difficult for rescue teams to get near the boat, but it has now been towed to shore.

Koh Tao is a popular hub for divers and tourists thanks to its reefs and beaches.

The boat was operating in an area known as Kong Tum Ku, 5-6 nautical miles from Koh Tao.

When the vessel was first evacuated, it was thought that the fire could be controlled and it could be towed safely back to Ko Tao. But it suddenly sank, according to the Thai Examiner.

An FCDO spokesperson said: We are supporting the family of a British woman who is missing in Thailand and are in contact with local authorities.
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Billionaire Bill Gates is reportedly appealing to the White House to keep funding global health programs  and warning that his own foundation is unable to fill in gaps.

The Microsoft co-founder recently met with the National Security Council and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Bill was recently in Washington, D.C., meeting with decision-makers to discuss the life-saving impact of U.S. international assistance and the need for a strategic plan to protect the worlds most vulnerable while safeguarding Americas health and security, a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation, told the news agency.

Gates allegedly told officials that his foundation cannot replace the role of federal assistance, and Gates Foundation directors have also said publicly that no foundation has that ability. The nonprofits budget last year totaled $8.6 billion - a fraction of what Trump and his team have cut in foreign aid.

The Independents requests for comment from the foundation were not immediately returned.

open image in gallery Billionaire Bill Gates is reportedly appealing to the White House to keep funding life-saving global health programs ( Getty Images for Netflix )

The move comes after President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency moved to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development.

On Tuesday, a federal judge ruled that attempts to shut the agency down have likely violated the Constitution in multiple ways and temporarily blocked the Elon Musk-led department from accessing any agency systems and doing any work related to shutting down the agency. It remains unclear when the Trump administration will restore USAID.

Previous cuts resulted in life-saving health and humanitarian services for millions collapsing, including $54 billion in foreign aid contracts.

The U.S. funded 70 percent of the global response for HIV/AIDS, according to a Vox analysis. A recent report in The New York Times found that the loss of the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief had killed a 10-year-old boy in South Sudan. Without American foreign aid for HIV prevention and treatment 1.65 million people could die within a year, it said. The World Health Organization said Monday that the supply of HIV treatments has been substantially disrupted in eight countries since the U.S. paused foreign aid.

Projects under the AIDS relief plan are on a review shortlist for the administration, led by Marco Rubios State Department, a source told Reuters, with 30 projects under consideration.

Last week, Johns Hopkins University said that its nonprofit global health affiliate Jhpiego, which works to prevent and contain the spread of HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and other deadly diseases, had been affected and that the university had been forced to wind down much of its grant-related activities.

The Gates Foundation, which was established in 2000, has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to malaria research, and HIV and sickle cell treatment.

To date, we have committed more than $3 billion in HIV grants to organizations around the world and nearly $3 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the foundations website noted.

open image in gallery Gates reportedly pushed for the support of the World Health Organization during a recent meeting with officials. The director of the United Nations agency said the U.S. has a responsibility to withdraw in a humane way ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

In his discussion, a source reportedly said Gates focused on organizations aligned with foundation priorities that are on the shortlist, as well as pushing for the support of the United Nations World Health Organization. Trump signed an executive order beginning Americas withdrawal from the agency on the first day of his second term. The agencys director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has also called on the administration to reconsider its withdrawal of funding for international aid programs.

The U.S. administration has been extremely generous over many years. And of course its within its rights to decide what it supports and to what extent, Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a news conference in Geneva. But the U.S. also has a responsibility to ensure that if it withdraws direct funding for countries, its done in an orderly and humane way that allows them to find alternative sources of funding.

Experts say that this withdrawal will have long-term impacts.

The irony is that we cannot know the actual impact of the retraction of aid because the executive orders have also eliminated data collection systems like the famine early warning system, so were unable to actually calculate the effect of the retraction of humanitarian aid, Michael VanRooyen, director of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, said in a statement.

With reporting from The Associated Press
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A venomous snake with three sharp fangs has been found in an unprecedented discovery in Australia.

The death adder with a rare mutation was spotted during a venom milking programme at the Australian Reptile Park.

The Australian Reptile Park has no record of a three-fanged snake in the collection for at least 20 years. In that time, we have housed thousands of snakes and done hundreds of thousands of milkings, the park told The Independent in a statement.

The death adder is one of the most dangerous reptiles, with likely the fastest strike of any snake in the world.

The snake typically has only two fangs.

It is found across Australias Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, preying on frogs, lizards and birds.

Unlike most other Australian venomous snakes that actively search for prey, the death adder sits inconspicuously concealed in leaves, sand or gravel and ambushes prey that come to it.

open image in gallery Three-fanged death adder found in Australian Reptile Park ( Australian Reptile Park )

Before antivenom programmes began, the adders were so deadly that 60 per cent of their bites to humans were fatal.

Their large fangs, 6-8mm in length, stand out as they are more mobile than those of other venomous snakes.

One death adder that has been part of the Australian Reptile Parks venom extraction programme for about seven years has now been found to have an extremely rare third fang.

It was found next to one of the other fangs on the left side of the snake's mouth, park manager Billy Collett told Live Science.

open image in gallery Three-fanged death adder milked for venom at Australian Reptile Park ( Australian Reptile Park )

The park shared a video of the ultra-rare reptile being milked for its venom, revealing the third fang.

I was milking it one day and noticed it had two fangs on one side, Mr Collett said.

Venomous snakes are known to constantly replace their fangs, and it was initially expected that the death adder too might drop its third fang at some point.

Then I noticed that when milking, venom comes out of both those fangs. It is bizarre, Mr Collett said.

This is very rare. I have never seen a functioning third fang like that, he added. It actually makes me really nervous milking this girl.

If You See This Pretty Octopus, Never Ever Touch It

The third fang appears to enable the rare snake to produce "massive yields" of venom per bite than usual, making it even more deadly, the manager said.

"Unfortunately, we don't actually know what has caused the third fang to develop and don't currently have the facilities to run any tests, a spokesperson for the park told Live Science.

The snakes high venom yield is actually helping us save lives, Mr Collett added, even though it "might actually be the most dangerous death adder in the world".

Visitors can spot the rare snake at the Australian Reptile Park at Somersby on the Central Coast of New South Wales. The park is home to 250 venomous snakes that are milked on a fortnightly basis as part of its venom programme.
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A master of disguise dyed his hair different colours and used glasses to evade attention from security staff as part of a 28,000 shoplifting spree at Boots stores across the country.

Craig Sawyer, 51, has been banned from all shops belonging to the pharmacy chain after committing 21 theft offences in Shropshire, the West Midlands and Devon.

Sawyer would enter stores with the intention of stealing as many high value items as he could to resell for profit, said Devon and Cornwall Police Inspector James Rees. The shoplifter was jailed for 14 more weeks for five offences in Devon last week.

In January, he had been jailed for 42 weeks for 16 thefts, including 12 at Boots stores, in a prosecution led by West Mercia Police.

Boots said Sawyer was responsible for 28,000 thefts from its stores nationally.

Despite Sawyers efforts change his appearance, police said the criminal could be identified by a brown shoulder bag he always took into stores he targeted.

open image in gallery Boots said Sawyer was responsible for 28,000 thefts from its stores nationally (Alamy/PA)

Unfortunately for this master of disguise, he always took his favourite brown shoulder bag with him, earning him the nickname of Satchel Man in many of the stores he targeted, said a spokesperson at West Mercia Police.

As well as being banned from all Boots stores, Sawyer is banned from Worcestershire under a five-year criminal behaviour order issued at Kidderminster Magistrates Court in January. Last week, at Newton Abbott Magistrates Court, he was sentenced to the additional jail time while appearing via video link from prison.

He pleaded guilty to 21 shoplifting offences across the two cases.

Nearly half a million shoplifting offences were recorded by police in England and Wales in a year, the highest 12-month total on record, figures released in January showed. Levels had already reached a 20-year high last year, with the latest figures showing the crime continues to be on the rise.

Major retailers have been raising concerns about the increased cost of theft while the government has vowed to tackle low-level shoplifting and make assaulting a shop worker a specific criminal offence.

Last month, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said a new Crime and Policing Bill will give police and communities power to take back control of town centres against offences such as shoplifting.

Officers would gain new powers to act in the golden hour of investigations to search a place where stolen items have been electronically located, such as through a phone-tracking app, wifi access or Bluetooth.

On Sawyers latest conviction last month, a Boots spokesperson said: We have been investing significantly in measures that will deter and disrupt criminal activity, stop theft, protect our team members, and support the police with high-quality evidence bundles on repeat offenders, so that our stores remain a safe and respectful environment for team members and customers.

It was a great result from all involved and shows the capability of the software and benefits of collaboration."
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Two men have been found guilty over the theft of a 4.75 million gold toilet in a brazen raid from Blenheim Palace.

The fully-functioning 18-carat toilet, which had been installed as an artwork at the Oxfordshire country house where Sir Winston Churchill was born, was stolen in dramatic fashion in the early hours of 14 September 2019.

The toilet, a satirical piece by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was a star attraction in an exhibition when it was stolen.

It is believed that the distinctive toilet has now been split up and disposed of, Oxford Crown Court was told previously.

Jurors at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday found Michael Jones, 39, guilty of burglary.

Jones, from Oxford, visited the palace twice before the theft but had denied these were reconnaissance trips.

open image in gallery The damage caused when thieves stole the 18-carat solid gold toilet ( PA Media )

He previously told jurors he took advantage of the gold toilets facilities while at the country house the day before it was taken.

Asked what it was like, Jones said: Splendid.

Jurors were previously told that James Sheen, 40, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, had already pleaded guilty to burglary.

He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transfer criminal property and one count of transferring criminal property, at Oxford Crown Court in April 2024.

open image in gallery Michael Jones was found guilty of burglary ( Jonathan Brady/PA Wire )

The court previously heard that Jones had worked as a roofer and builder for Sheen from around 2018 and was effectively Sheens right-hand man, being trusted to arrange payments for his friends other employees.

Frederick Doe, 36, also known as Frederick Sines, of Winkfield, Windsor, Berkshire, was found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property.

Doe helped one of the men who pleaded guilty to carrying out the burglary, James Sheen, to sell some of the gold in the following weeks, the court heard.

Bora Guccuk, 41, from west London, was found not guilty of the same charge.

Jones was arrested on October 16 2019 and police analysed his phone. He had allegedly been searching for newspaper reports about the stolen toilet on September 20, jurors were told previously.

Doe will be sentenced on May 19. Jones and Sheen will be sentenced at a date yet to be set.
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A teenager who brutally murdered his family planned to shoot 30 early years children at a primary school in order to become the deadliest mass killer in history, a court heard.

Nicholas Prospers horrific plot, which he meticulously planned for more than a year, only failed after his unsuspecting family challenged him.

The 18-year-old had intended to shoot his mother, brother and sister as they slept with a shotgun he purchased with a counterfeit licence and lie in wait at their eighth floor flat in Luton before ambushing the 9am assembly of four and five-year-olds at nearby St Josephs Catholic Primary School.

But an extended violent struggle with his family alerted neighbours who called the police. Officers discovered their lifeless bodies following the early morning attack on Friday 13 September last year.

He was seen on CCTV fleeing the flat at 5.33am and hid nearby for around two hours as police swarmed the area.

Believing the primary school would be locked down, he eventually flagged down a passing police car and was arrested by officers, who found a shotgun hidden in a bush along with 30 cartridges.

His mother Juliana Falcon, 48, was found with a gunshot wound to he head, along with his younger sister Giselle Prosper, 13, who was sheltering under a dining table. His brother Kyle Prosper, 16, was shot in the chest and head also suffered over 100 knife wounds.

open image in gallery Nicholas Prosper admitted to murdering his mother, brother and sister at the family home in Luton ( PA Media )

Prospers actions were cold, deliberate and without sympathy or emotion, prosecutor Timothy Cray KC told Luton Crown Court, adding he wanted to imitate and even surpass other mass killers around the world.

He understood his plans, if realised, would bring about the greatest number of deaths in a school or other mass shooting in the United Kingdom and possibly even in the United States of America, Mr Cray said.

He had carried out surveillance on St Josephs, his former primary school, including capturing images of staff and pupils from the schools website and checking lesson and assembly times.

He intended to kill 30 early years pupils, two members of staff and himself in the rampage, the court heard.

He was prevented from seeing through the scheme by chance and circumstance alone, Mr Cray said.

open image in gallery (L-R) Giselle Prosper, 13, Juliana Prosper (nee Falcon), 48, and Kyle Prosper, 16 ( Bedfordshire Police/PA )

Investigators found he had researched other mass school shooters, their manifestos and had an interest in the darkest sides of humanity, including people being killed or seriously injured.

He had also researched schools near his home and selected a distinctive black and yellow uniform to help him be remembered, the court heard.

Footage played to the court showed him dressed in the outfit, complete with a yellow bucket hat, brandishing a wooden post like a gun.

The day before the attack he purchased a shotgun and 100 cartridges for 650 cash from a private seller, who delivered it to his flat in Luton, after he sent him a forged shotgun licence.

He spent the rest of the day carrying out online searches about arterial anatomy, including do you die if shot in the neck, man shoots woman in the head at close range and one relating to necrophilia.

open image in gallery Prosper selected a distinctive black and yellow uniform to help him be remembered, the court heard ( YouTube )

In a video posted to his Facebook page at 6.22am on the day of the shooting he claimed his sister Giselle had made incorrect choices while playing video game The Walking Dead and for that her face will be mutilated further than is necessary.

Referring to an eight-year-old fictional character called Clementine in the zombie apocalypse game, he added: "I am the chosen one; chosen by Clementine. I am guided as Christians are guided by Jesus Christ."

However Mr Cray said his explanations for the crime should be treated with caution, adding: The idea that he was solely or even mainly motivated by a video game does not square with the amount of research he put into researching other mass killers.

Several days later he explained his actions to a medical practitioner inside Bedford Prison, whispering to her: I wish I had killed more.

He told her he wanted to kill more than the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre in Connecticut, US, which claimed 28 lives.

He explained that he wanted to cause the biggest massacre in the 21st century as there hasnt been one, Mr Cray said.

Afterwards, he told her he was going to take his own life and join his friend Clementine from The Walking Dead.

open image in gallery Prosper is being sentenced at Luton Crown Court ( PA Wire )

Handwritten notes found in his trainer sole after a search of his cell in November 2024 detailed how he planned to shoot his sleeping family with three shots under 30 seconds and blamed his mother for waking up.

The notes continued: But why so early? So Id have time to cannibalise my family, and rape a woman at knife point before the shooting.

Why? Because I could.

There was also a step-by-step guide to the planned attack, in which he said he would "shout that this is a robbery and for everyone to get down" before firing.

open image in gallery Flowers at the block of flats in Luton where Prosper shot his mother, brother and sister ( PA )

No concerns were raised about Prospers mental health during years 7 to 11 at school, where was described as geeky with a small group of friends.

However he dropped out of sixth form after teachers noted he struggled to get any work done and was later sacked from a job stacking shelves in Sainsburys.

A consultant forensic psychiatrist concluded Prosper shows clear signs of previously undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder, however other aspects of his behaviour can be described as psychopathic traits, the court heard.

In a victim personal statement, the killers father Raymond Prosper said the family will never be the same following the tragedy.

The pain of our loss will never be healed, he said. This includes the whole of our family and our lives will never be the same.

When I heard the news of what happened that horrific day part of my soul died too. This is a lose-lose situation and we have lost four family members.

open image in gallery Footage shows Prosper holding a plank of wood like a gun as he prepared for his attack ( Bedfordshire Police/PA Wire )

In mitigation, David Bentley KC said Prosper is a young man who has gone down an internet wormhole. He said he had been living "in a fantasy world", adding: "Unfortunately, that fantasy world broke out into the real world."

He reminded the judge that he had decided not to carry out the school attack before he gestured to police, which led to his arrest.

Any suggestion that its police intervention which thwarted this planned attack is misconceived, he added.

The killer appeared wearing a grey t-shirt and glasses in the dock for his sentencing hearing on Tuesday.

Prosper, now 19, last month admitted to the three murders as well as charges of purchasing a shotgun without a license, possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life and possession of a kitchen knife in a public place.

Following his guilty plea, headteacher Maureen Murphy at St Josephs Catholic Primary School in Luton, where he and his siblings had all been pupils, said staff were very shocked to learn of the plot.

Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb is due to pass sentence on Wednesday.
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On Monday, a former Scout leader and school housemaster was found guilty of 54 child sex offences, having already pleaded guilty to 43 crimes at an earlier hearing.

Chester Crown Court heard how, between 1968 and 1995, Richard Burrows had systematically abused 24 young boys across the Cheshire, West Midlands and West Mercia areas.

But that reckoning came some 27 years after Burrows  now aged 80  had initially been due in court following his arrest in April 1997. Rather than attend his hearing that December, Burrows  who had been bailed  fled abroad under the stolen identity of a terminally ill acquaintance named Peter Smith.

For decades, Burrows lived as Peter Smith  equipped with successive British passports using the stolen name  on the Thai island of Phuket, not only evading justice, but reportedly rubbing shoulders with community leaders and officials in his new identity as a successful salesman, with one acquaintance describing the notorious paedophile as having been treated like a VIP by unsuspecting ex-pats.

He did so despite numerous police reviews of his case and four BBC Crimewatch appeals aired on national television, which included photographs of him being digitally altered to show how he could look as an old man.

But these extensive efforts to trace Burrows would ultimately prove fruitless  that is, until a fresh effort in April 2023 involving AI technology and an insider tip-off finally led to his arrest some 11 months later.

The breakthrough finally came when detectives from Cheshire Police used specialist software to search for any possible images of Burrows online, a police statement said.

After searching through billions of images, the system came back with a match for a man using the name of Peter Smith in Phuket, who had an active interest in sailing and previously worked at an advertising firm on the Thai island, where he had even featured in a local news report upon retiring in 2019, according to Cheshire Police.

open image in gallery Richard Burrows was traced to Thailand using image searches ( Cheshire Constabulary/PA )

Once his identity was confirmed, officers began the process to extradite him to the UK. But before that process had formally commenced, detectives became aware that Burrows was intending to return to the UK under his stolen identity.

According to police, the National Crime Agency then informed Thai authorities and monitored his travel back to the UK, and he was arrested as soon as he landed at Heathrow on 28 March 2024.

A report in the Daily Mail now claims that detectives were tipped off as to Burrows intention to return to the UK by one of his relatives.

Upon his arrest, detectives are reported to have found a print-out of an email exchange between Burrows and his relative, which made clear the paedophile had watched Crimewatch appeals to find him on YouTube while in Thailand.

The email reportedly concluded with Burrows  who is believed to have had developed cancer and a heart condition  telling his relative: Again, thank you so much for coming to my aid to get back to UK after almost 30 years in paradise.

open image in gallery Police used a tool to match facial features between Peter Smith and Richard Burrows ( Cheshire Constabulary/PA )

The Mail also reports that the specialist software used by detectives to hunt down Burrows was the mass facial recognition search engine PimEyes, through which they ran the mugshot digitally altered to show how Burrows may look as an older man. The Independent has approached the force for confirmation.

PimEyes has been subject to controversy in its usage among police forces, given that as an online platform it is not subject to the same controls as official facial recognition tools, whose usage is limited to watchlists of wanted people and subject to approval by senior officers.

The online software was reported in April 2024 to have been banned by the Met Police, after a freedom of information request by rights group Liberty found that the force accessed PimEyes some 2,337 times from its computers in the space of just 90 days.

More widely, Home Office data obtained by Liberty in January 2024 revealed that police forces conducted more than 300 facial recognition searches using the UKs 46 million-strong database of British passport holders in the first nine months of 2023 alone.

In recent years, police forces have also been encouraged to routinely use facial recognition technology to search the Police National Database, which according to Liberty holds around 16 million images of people who have been arrested  including hundreds of thousands who were either never charged or were cleared of an offence.

Police leaders argue that using facial recognition software expedites investigations and frees up officer time, and point to YouGov polling from 2023 in which 57 per cent of respondents said they either somewhat or strongly supported police use of the technology in public spaces, while 28 per cent were opposed.

open image in gallery ( PA )

In the case of Burrows, Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson said in the wake of Mondays verdict that she hoped his case acts as a warning to any other wanted suspects  demonstrating that no matter how long you hide, we will find you and you will be held accountable.

His offending in Cheshire occurred between 1969 and 1971 while he was employed as a housemaster looking after vulnerable children at Danesford Childrens Home in Congleton.

His victims in the West Midlands and West Mercia areas were also all young boys who were abused between 1968 and 1995, the majority through local Scout groups where Burrows worked as a leader.

In each case, police said Burrows befriended the victims by using his position of trust over them and their personal interests, such as radio communications or boating. After gaining their trust, and in many cases the trust of their families, Burrows then went on to sexually abuse the boys.

It was not until the 1990s, following revelations in relation to offences at other childrens homes and institutions, that many of the victims had the confidence to come forward, and Cheshire Police launched a large-scale investigation in 1994.

Ms Atkinson said: Following his initial charges in 1997, Burrows knew he was guilty but rather than face the consequences of his actions, he acted like a coward and fled the country using a stolen identity taken from an unwell man.

In emails that we have found since his arrest, Burrows described how he has spent the past three decades living in paradise, while his victims have all been left to suffer as they struggled to try and rebuild their lives.

Thankfully, following our determination, he has finally been held accountable for his actions and is now behind bars where he belongs.
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A young woman has been killed after a van crashed into a group of people outside Kings College London just before midday.

One person is fighting for their life after being rushed to hospital and another suffered minor injuries, the Met Police said.

A 26-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving after the van crashed on the Strand in central London.

Police said the incident is not being treated as terror-related and that a crime scene remains in place while enquiries continue.

A witness told LBC News that a few girls may have been hit. Im waiting for my friends to come out, they sound pretty shaken but I dont know what they saw, they said.

open image in gallery A young woman has been killed after a van crashed into a group of people outside Kings College London ( Yui Mok/PA Wire )

Kings College London student Miles Damone said he saw a van ram into a fence and the side of a church.

The van came from one of the side roads by the Indian embassy and then at this point - I didn't see how or when - it crashed into the people, he told the BBC.

I just saw it coming from there, made a sharp turn and just rammed into the fence. It rammed into the side of the church.

open image in gallery Fire engines and paramedics rushed to The Strand just before midday ( Yui Mok/PA Wire )

Kings College London said it was aware of an incident on The Strand and was working with police to find out more information.

A Met Police spokesperson said: Police are on scene and dealing with a collision close to The Strand, WC2.

Officers were called at 11.41am on Tuesday, 18 March following a collision involving a van and pedestrians.

open image in gallery A woman has died and two people have been injured after being hit by van in The Strand, central London ( PA Wire )

Three pedestrians suffered injuries, with a woman in her twenties sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Two pedestrians have been taken to hospital, one has potentially life-threatening injuries, and the other has minor injuries.

The driver of the van, a 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion causing death by careless driving and driving with concentration of specified controlled drug above specified limit.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: We were called today (Tuesday) at 11.39am to reports of an incident in The Strand, WC2.

open image in gallery Paramedics treated four people on The Strand this morning following the fatal crash ( Yui Mok/PA Wire )

We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, an incident response officer, a clinical team manager and London's air ambulance.

We treated four people at the scene. Sadly, despite our best efforts one person was pronounced dead. We took two other people to hospital and one was discharged at scene.

Anyone with information has been urged to call police on 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 2771/18MARCH.
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Young Britons are at risk of giving up on work, with 37 per cent of Generation Z employees saying they have seriously considered leaving their jobs in the last year, according to a new study.

PwC warned that the level of economic inactivity could rise again as 4.4 million workers - 10 per cent of the overall workforce - were on the brink of leaving the labour market.

The firm surveyed 4,000 people between the age of 18 and 64 in the UK as part of their report, as well as 311 business leaders in a separate survey.

They particularly noted that younger workers  aged 18 to 24  are particularly at risk, with mental health a major driver.

Not only had 37 per cent of 18-24 year olds considered leaving their jobs in the last 12 months, but 40 per cent of people in this age group were more likely to cite concerns with mental health as a driving factor for leaving work when compared to older respondents.

The accountancy firm warned that many employers were wary to take on people who had been out of work for an extended period, with skill and experience gaps posing a major concern.

Between October and December 2024, youth unemployment was 14.8 per cent, up from 11.9 per cent the year before, with over three million young people aged 16 to 24 classed as economically inactive, according to the Office of National Statistics.

The unemployment rate nationally is 4.4 per cent.

open image in gallery Liz Kendall is set to reveal PIP reforms on Tuesday (Aaron Chown/PA) ( PA Wire )

PwC said that not only had the UKs rate of economic inactivity surged since the pandemic, levels remained stubborn among under-35 year-olds, with an increased proportion of those out of work due to long-term sickness.

They classed the UK as the only G7 country with fewer people in work now than before the pandemic.

The big four firms report comes as Department of Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is expected to detail benefits reforms in Tuesday.

Eligibility for people applying for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) is set to tighten under these plans.

More than half of the rise in working-age disability claims since the pandemic is related to mental health or behavioural problems, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies.

Ahead of alleged changes to the benefits system, Health Secretary Wes Streeting alleged that there was an over diagnosis of mental illness which meant there were too many people people being written off.

He said: I mean mental wellbeing, illness, its a spectrum, right? And I think theres an overdiagnosis, but also there are too many people being written off.
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Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway, the last surviving pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain, has died aged 105.

Born in Dublin in 1919, Hemingway dedicated his life to service. He enlisted in the RAF in 1938 and became one of the young pilots who fought in the Battle of France.

In 1940, he was among the men known as The Few, coined by Winston Churchill to describe Britains Battle of Britain pilots.

The Prince of Wales and the prime minister have led tributes to Hemingway, with Prince William sharing a message on social media signed W.

open image in gallery John Paddy Hemingway was one of the young pilots who fought in the Battle of France ( Family handout/MoD/PA )

I was sad to hear about the passing of John Paddy Hemingway this morning, the last of The Few, William wrote.

We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them.

Sir Keir Starmer also paid his respects, saying: Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the Second World War.

They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its Allies, risking their lives.

He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the Lucky Irishman, a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation.

Despite his sacrifice, he would tell stories of the joyous memories he made and moments he shared with his peers, many of whom never returned home.

Their sense of duty and service secured our freedom, and we shall never forget them.

open image in gallery Born in Dublin in 1919, Hemingway dedicated his life to service ( PA )

His son Brian told the Daily Mail his father had been in fighting form at his Dublin care home in recent years.

He never felt that there was anything special about him. He thought the special ones were the friends who never returned. And now he is back with his squadron, he said.

It is very sad, but his is a life to be both celebrated and mourned.

Defence secretary John Healey said: Paddy came from a generation who understood the importance of freedom and sacrificed so much to achieve it.

The last known Battle of Britain pilot, he embodied the deep courage of that incredible generation.

In 1940, Mr Hemingway was recorded as destroying a German airliner and the following day he downed a German Luftwaffe plane, but his Hurricane fighter was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he had to make a forced landing.

He then became one of the frontline members of 11 Groups (Fighter Command) response to daily attacks by German aircraft, which went on to be known as the Battle of Britain.

Hemingways logbook records up to five daily sorties he and the other pilots undertook in defence of the UK.

In August 1940, amid intense dogfights, he was forced to bail out of his Hurricanes twice, landing once in the sea off the Essex coast and the other time in marshland.

On 1 July 1941, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and in September of that year, he was mentioned in despatches by senior officers.

Hemingway went on to serve as an air fighter controller during D-Day operations, and in 1945 he joined the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces with 324 Wing.

open image in gallery In 1966, he became an officer commanding RAF Leconfield and eventually attained the rank of group captain ( PA )

Chief of RAF Air Staff Sir Rich Knighton passed condolences to Hemingways family and friends.

I am thankful that I was able to meet and spend time with him in Dublin, most recently in January this year, he said.

Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force.

Hemingway was stationed in Italy towards the end of the war and commanded 43 Squadron. During this period, he was forced to bail out for a fourth time.

While attacking enemy forces near Ravenna in April 1945, his Spitfire was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire.

He parachuted into enemy territory and managed to contact local partisans who helped him return to his squadron.

In 1966, he became an officer commanding RAF Leconfield and eventually attained the rank of group captain.
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The majority of ready-to-eat popcorn, nuts or crisps could be banned from advertising under the UKs upcoming anti-obesity legislation due to their hidden salt content, according to new research.

From October 2025, the government is set to ban junk food adverts from appearing on TV between 5:30am and 9pm.

An analysis of over 1,200 crisps, nuts and popcorn snacks by Action on Salt and Sugar has found that the majority fail to meet the governments criteria due in part to excessive salt and sugars.

Products are classed as junk food under the new law if they are deemed High in Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) as per the UK Nutrient Profiling Model developed by the Food Standards Agency in 2004. The model assigns a score based on the balance of positive and negative nutrients. If a food scores a four or more it is deemed a HFSS product.

open image in gallery An analysis of over 1,200 crisps, nuts and popcorn snacks by Action on Salt and Sugar has found that the majority fail to meet the governments criteria under new advertising laws ( Getty Images )

According to the group of experts research, a staggering 77 per cent of crisps, 56 per cent of nuts, and 88 per cent of popcorn would be scored less healthy under the governments guidelines.

Its clear that voluntary efforts to improve food nutrition have largely fallen short, said Sonia Pombo, Head of Impact and Research at Action on Salt.

The Department of Health and social care has said the restrictions are set to be imposed in the hopes it will encourage the food industry to change their recipes and provide healthier options. But campaigners have said the research shows these efforts are already falling short.

Ms Pombo said it was about time the government got tough by creating mandatory, health-related targets with strong enforcement. Without this, the UKs hidden salt and sugar crisis will persist, putting consumers at risk and leaving responsible brands at a disadvantage in an uneven marketplace, she said.

open image in gallery Some healthy crisps were also found to have high levels of salt ( (Alamy/PA) )

Specialists at the organisation, based at the Wolfson Institute of Public Health at Queen Mary University of London, also found that nearly one in three ready-to-eat popcorn products are saltier than a packet of cheese & onion crisps, with 27 per cent of all of these snacks exceeding the governments voluntary maximum salt targets.

The saltiest popcorn was found to be gourmet brands Joe & Sephs Sweet & Salty Popcorn, which had 2.25g salt per 100g.

The study also found that 42 per cent of popcorn analysed also had high levels of sugars, with the worst product being Morrisons Market Street Toffee Flavour Popcorn, which had the equivalent of more than seven teaspoons of sugar per serving.

Surprisingly, some healthy crisps were also found to have high levels of salt. Eat Reals chilli and lemon lentil chips had 3.6g of salt per 100g - saltier than the concentration of seawater.

open image in gallery Many flavoured varieties of nuts are failing to meet healthier standards ahead of the ban - with nearly one in four of these exceeding salt targets ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

The study also found that many flavoured varieties of nuts are failing to meet healthier standards ahead of the ban - with nearly one in four of these exceeding salt targets.

Dr Pauline Swift, Chair of Blood Pressure UK said: Reducing salt isnt just a health recommendation  its a lifesaving necessity. Excess salt, often hidden in everyday foods, raises blood pressure, which is the leading cause of strokes, heart and kidney disease  all of which is completely avoidable.

Without urgent action to cut both salt and sugar levels, were gambling with lives. The government must step up with enforceable targets to protect public health."
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Ministers have been forced to trigger an emergency measure to house prisoners in police cells as jails run out of space.

Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood has enacted Operation Safeguard, which allows the prison service to hold prisoners overnight in police cells.

Ms Mahmood told parliament on Tuesday that the prison estate was operating at more than 99 per cent occupancy, with only 824 places remaining in the adult male estate on Monday.

The plans will free up hundreds of cells for use but could cost the government millions of pounds. When the emergency measures were activated between February and the end of July 2023, it cost 30.2 million.

Responding to the announcement, the Police Federation of England and Wales said that the use of police cells would keep officers away from their core policing duties.

Custody lead for the federation, Paul Williams, said police officers would have to face dangers they are not equipped to deal with, saying that Operation Safeguard would be an added burden on the police service which is already overstretched and overburdened.

The announcement comes after a damning report from the Public Accounts Committee found that the prison estate was in crisis due to overcrowding. They concluded that the previous governments plans to create 20,000 more prison places by the mid 2020s were completely unrealistic.

open image in gallery Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has had to trigger emergency prison capacity measures ( PA )

Thousands of outstanding spaces are expected to be delivered five years late with costs spiralling to 4.2 billion - 80 per cent more than originally planned.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said that Operation Safeguard was triggered to stop our jails from running out of cells.

They added: We have always said that would only be a temporary relief, while we build 14,000 new prison places and reform sentencing to ensure our prisons reduce reoffending, cut crime and make our streets safer.

open image in gallery Lord James Timpson, Minister of State for Prisons, Parole and Probation ( PA )

Operation Safeguard is a well-established process that will help manage temporary capacity pressures, ahead of the new 1,500 capacity HMP Millsike opening in a few weeks time.

The emergency measures are reportedly going to be used for eight weeks, although they could be extended. Ministers hope to only use around 200 of the over 400 police cells available, with capacity easing in May when the new York prison HMP Millsike opens.

David Gauke, the former Conservative lord chancellor, is currently chairing a sentencing review commissioned by Labour to look into alternative solutions to the prison overcrowding crisis. In an initial report, published last month, Mr Gauke said the the crisis had been fuelled by politicians attempts to seem tough on crime and called for a new approach from Labour.

Prisons minister Lord James Timpson has previously argued that Britain had become addicted to punishment and that jails were predominantly full of broken people.

In an interview after he took on his government role, Mr Timpson said that the reason why there were so many people in prisons is because of reoffending, adding: Youve got to get the reoffending levels down otherwise youre permanently in a state where youve got to keep building more prisons.
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Millions of benefit recipients are set to see their incomes cut or their entitlements taken away following Labours decision to slash 5 billion from the welfare spending bill.

A slate of reforms were announced by Liz Kendall on Tuesday, as expected focusing on health and disability-related benefits. The two most commonly claimed  the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit  are both set to see major changes.

The work and pensions secretary said: Theres clear evidence that shows good work is good for health and plays a vital role in recovery. Too many disabled people and people with health conditions want to work but are denied the right support to do so.

Tackling this is central to our commitment to spread opportunity and improve the health of the nation.

open image in gallery Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the current social security system was failing the very people it is supposed to help (James Manning/PA) ( PA Wire )

But preliminary analysis suggests that the changes will see around 900,000 PIP claimants worse off by 2,400 per year in 2028/29. Meanwhile, around 2.4 million families claiming the health element of Universal Credit will lose around 280 a year, the research from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) found.

And this is just the impact on those currently claiming the benefit. From April 2026, the rate of the UC health element will be cut by nearly 50 per cent, from 97 per week to 50 per week. This will be mean 2,500 less a year for new claimants, even after the 7 a week flat-rate rise to the standard UC allowance.

The government is set to release a full assessment on the impact of the changes next week, revealing exactly how many people will be affected and how.

James Taylor, Executive Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope, said: The biggest cuts to disability benefits on record should shame the government to its core. They are choosing to penalise some of the poorest people in our society. Almost half of families in poverty include someone who is disabled.

The announcement will inevitably come as a disappointment to millions of disabled people living the UK, many of whom will now be faced with a real-terms cut to their livelihoods.

There is no replacing the income that will be lost from the changes, but it can be helpful to ensure you are claiming all the support you are entitled to. Heres a guide to some of the other support available for those who are concerned about the cuts:

Think you might be eligible for health benefits? Claim now

First things first, these changes are not coming in immediately. They will be subject to lengthy consultations and a legislative process which means they will take a while to come into force.

The earliest scheduled changes are set to come into effect in April 2026, when UC rates for those in receipt of the UC health element will be frozen, and is slashed for new applicants.

This means anyone who believes they are eligible for the health element of Universal Credit should consider applying as soon as possible. This will ensure that they are able to keep the receiving the payment at the previous amount, worth a massive 2,500 a year.

It is also worth considering applying for PIP now if you think you might be eligible. It wont be until November 2026 that the criteria for the benefit is changing to make it more difficult to claim, and until 2028 that the assessment for it is combined with the one for UCs health element.

Get a local care needs assessment

For those who need help with coping day-to-day, local councils have an obligation to offer support through their social services.

Anyone can request a care needs assessment from their local council, either by calling them or online. It works similar to PIP, providing support for specific needs.

open image in gallery Millions of disabled benefit claimants will be affected by the changes announced on Tuesday ( Getty Images )

This could be things such as equipment like a walking frame or personal alarm; changes to the home, like as a walk-in shower; practical help from a paid carer; and day care for your child if either you or they are disabled.

To assess eligibility, the council will arrange an assessment with someone from their services, like a social worker or occupational therapist. They may also recommended that you be referred for a home adaptations assessment, something else you can also apply for yourself.

Over 66? Look into Attendance Allowance

Attendance allowance is a benefit for pensioners who have a disability or health condition severe enough to need someone to regularly help them. The DWP benefit can pay up to 108.55 a week, adding up to an total of 5,644.

Crucially, the payment is not means-tested, meaning anyone who qualifies will get it regardless of their income or savings.

There are many common health conditions that could qualify a person for attendance allowance. These include arthritis, blindness, heart disease, Parkinsons and asthma.

Attendance allowance is paid at two rates depending on the level of care that is needed. The higher rate is worth 108.55 a week, while the lower is worth 72.65 a week.

Other services available

Benefits support

The Trussell Trust and Citizens Advice offer a Help through Hardship helpline on 0808 208 2138. It is a free and confidential phone service that provides advice to people experiencing hardship.

Turn2Us provides a free benefits calculator to help people find out what benefits they can claim. The charity also offers a grants search service and PIP helper.

Local services for benefits and support can be found on the Law Centres website, as well as the Citizens Advice Bureau finder.

For the latest benefit payment dates and updates, you can visit The Independents regularly updated guide.

Mental health support
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Watch Liz Kendalls House of Commons statement in full as Labour announced plans to slash billions of pounds from the UKs benefits bill on Tuesday, 18 March, amid backlash from charities and trade unions, who have described them as immoral and indefensible.

The work and pensions secretary unveiled Sir Keir Starmers governments dramatic cuts to benefits, prompting fears as many as one million people could see their benefits reduced.

Anela Anwar, chief executive of anti-poverty charity Z2K accused the government of implementing "shocking and dangerous proposals".

Labour backbenchers have met the plans with fierce criticism. Veteran left-winger Diane Abbott described the overhaul as not a Labour thing to do.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden defended the plans, saying that the Cabinet is united behind the move and that people on long-term sickness benefits should not languish there forever.

Among the reforms, Ms Kendall ruled out freezing or means testing personal independence payments (PIP), but announced they will significantly tighten access to the benefit.

She announced the work capability assessment (WCA) will be scrapped in 2028, an increase in benefit claim reassessments and a new Right to try scheme to allow people to find work.

With an expected bill of 70bn per year by 2030 on disability and long term sickness benefits, Ms Kendall insisted she had no choice.
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Former prime minister Theresa May has hit back at Kemi Badenoch after the new Tory leader claimed achieving net zero by 2050 was impossible.

Launching a policy renewal as part of a major speech, Ms Badenoch drew a backlash from business leaders and former Tory ministers against her calls to unpick net zero policies.

The Tory leader claims that she was one of just a handful of MPs to raise concerns about the lack of a plan to hit the 2050 environmental targets when they were introduced by Baroness Mays government.

On Tuesday she went further, warning the targets are impossible to achieve  in a move which has received severe criticism.

Retorting that net zero by 2050 is challenging but achievable, Baroness May wrote on social media: It is supported by the scientific community and backed by the independent Climate Change Committee as being not just necessary but feasible and cost-effective.

We are already seeing the impact of climate change. From extreme weather events to supply chain disruption and increased climate-induced migration.

With every additional increment of warming the risks of climate change increase significantly, and at an increasing rate. Delaying action will only harm the next generation and increase both the economic and social costs of climate change.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is launching a policy renewal process for the party ( PA Wire )

Former Tory environment minister Chris Skidmore also took to social media platform X to highlight a speech made by Ms Badenoch in favour of net zero policies when she was business and trade secretary.

In questions after her speech, Ms Badenoch even floated the idea of dropping net zero altogether.

She said: It may be that there's a better way of delivering net zero  or it may be that we shouldnt be looking at net zero but just focusing on clean energy and energy security, and theres a different way of doing that.

In a sarcastic post, Mr Skidmore pointed to her previous comments, saying: Great speech by Kemi Badenoch on the economic importance of net zero and clean energy.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) also criticised her comments.

Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the CBI, said: Now is not the time to step back from the opportunities of the green economy. Cross-party support for net zero has underpinned international investors confidence to choose the UK for investment in the energy transition. Last year, this resulted in the net zero economy growing by 10 per cent and adding 83bn to national income.

Labours energy secretary Ed Miliband said the Tories were off to the whacky races over the shift in policy, adding that it was anti-business, anti-growth, anti-jobs and the wrong choice for Britain.

A Labour spokesperson added: Kemi Badenoch claims she's ready to deal with reality while remaining in complete denial about the reality of the Tories' appalling record in government.

The Tory leaders position is at odds with her own historic views. In government, she openly championed net zero. Its clear the Conservatives stand for nothing and have learned absolutely no lessons. They havent changed.

Environmentalists warned that Ms Badenochs intention to review net zero policies and undermine them would harm economic growth if the Conservatives win power again.

Greenpeace UKs head of climate Mel Evans said: The past few years have taught us the surest route to falling living standards is staying hooked on volatile, expensive and polluting fossil fuels.

Throwing in the towel on our climate goals means giving up on making life better for British people now and in the future. With green industries growing three times faster than the rest of the UK economy, it also means giving up on the economic opportunity of the century.

A strong majority of people in this country are concerned about the climate crisis and want to see government action. Now is not the time to step back, now is the time to take on the fossil fuel giants, end the great gas rip-off and make life easier for households across the country.

In a preview of a speech, Ms Badenoch has called lower energy costs and environmental protection noble aims but warned that the policies are largely failing to improve nature and are raising energy prices.

She said: Were falling between two stools  too high costs and too little progress. Net zero by 2050 is impossible.

I dont say that with pleasure. Or because I have some ideological desire to dismantle it  in fact, we must do what we can to improve our natural world.

She will claim that she is not making a moral judgment on net zero or debating whether climate change exists.
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A war of words has erupted over Bridget Phillipsons school reforms, with the education secretary urging critics to try leaving London for a change.

Ms Phillipson said she was being attacked by Tory shadow ministers and their friends in the commentariat all based in the capital, with many academies outside London struggling or failing altogether.

She wrote in The Daily Telegraph: Opposition shadow ministers and their friends in the commentariat should try leaving London for a change: theyll find plenty of underperforming academies which need new answers to drive up standards in their classrooms.

open image in gallery Ms Phillipson urged critics to leave London for a change ( PA )

It came after former education secretary Michael Gove and ex-Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman rounded on her over planned changes to academy schools and a review of the curriculum.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Mr Gove said Ms Phillipsons plans risked blighting the prospects of children and holding our economy back.

I am concerned that the emphasis on ambition and rigour in the education system will be diluted, he said.

Mr Gove added: Any attempt to divert and water down the commitment to excellence will be to surrender to the trade union-led war on knowledge at a time when the government at last begins to get it right on defence, welfare and health.

Labours Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to ensure all state schools  academies and those run by councils  follow the same pay and conditions framework.

Academies, which are independent of local authorities, currently have the freedom to set their own pay and conditions for staff, and some academies exceed the national pay scales for teachers.

open image in gallery Michael Gove said the education secretarys bill risked blighting the prospects of children ( PA )

But the new bill would bring all teachers onto the same core pay and conditions framework, whether they work in a local authority-run school or an academy.

It would also see academies forced to teach the national curriculum for the first time, while they would also lose the power to recruit teachers without qualifications.

Ms Phillipson is also expected to publish an interim review of the English school curriculum on Tuesday morning, the Telegraph reported.

Mr Gove said he was particularly concerned about the future of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which he introduced as education secretary so pupils would take a wide range of GCSEs including English, mathematics, science, a language and either geography or history.

Any move away from an ambitious curriculum  particularly moving away from the EBacc  will only blight the prospects of children and hold our economy back, he added.

It came a day after Ms Spielman launched her own stinging attack on Ms Phillipson, accusing her of caring more about the interests of trade unions than schoolchildren.

open image in gallery Amanda Spielman doubled down on her criticism of Bridget Phillipson ( PA )

A government official hit back, saying Ms Spielman should spend less time criticising the reforms this government is bringing and more time reflecting on her failure at Ofsted and on a teaching profession that entirely lost confidence in her as chief inspector.

But Ms Spielman doubled down, saying: Thats fascinating in itself because thats a union line.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s World at One programme on Monday, Ms Spielman said: For over 20 years now weve had a steady policy of giving schools and academy chains quite significant levels of autonomy, balanced by strong accountability, and over that time its very clear that the performance of the English system relative to others has been very strong.

Indeed we have many people looking to us and visiting, wanting to learn from whats happened in England, to take into their own systems.

So at just that point, to see a whole raft of initiatives  these academy provisions in this bill, the curriculum and assessment review, the review of teacher training standards, and several other initiatives  that seem to add up to a very significant reversal, without any analysis of whats been good and whats been less good.

Asked if the changes would damage childrens education, she said: I think its very likely they will add up to something that will  because the common thread running through seems to be they are about changes that are likely to please unions, that essentially put unions and union members ahead of children.

The National Education Union (NEU) has welcomed Labours proposals, saying they would make a meaningful difference to the lives of staff and children, but has also vowed to push for more investment.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: Our landmark Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill  alongside our new regional improvement teams and Ofsted reforms  delivers on our mission for every child to have a good, local school, will get high-quality teachers into every classroom, and [will] ensure that all schools can innovate to attract and retain the best talent.
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As Louisiana prepares for its first execution in 15 years, lawyers for a death row inmate are seeking a last-minute court order to stop the execution from happening.

Jessie Hoffman Jr., 46, is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday evening using nitrogen gas. This would be the first time Louisiana has used this method.

To date, nitrogen gas has only been used four times in the United States, all in Alabama.

Hoffman's attorneys argue that the method is unconstitutional, violating the Eighth Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.

They also claim it infringes on Hoffman's religious freedom, specifically his Buddhist breathing and meditation practices in the moments before his death.

Louisiana officials say it is time to deliver justice to the victims' families after a 15-year pause in executions. Attorney General Liz Murrill expects at least four death row inmates in Louisiana to be executed this year.

After court battles earlier in March, Hoffman's attorneys are appealing to the United States Supreme Court to halt the execution.

However, the court declined to intervene in the nation's first nitrogen hypoxia death row execution in 2024.

open image in gallery Louisiana State Penitentiary where Jessie Hoffman Jr. is incarcerated ( AP )

Hoffman's attorneys have launched a series of legal challenges in state and federal courts in a last-minute attempt to halt his execution.

A state judge is set to review one of these challenges on Tuesday morning, but with the hearing occurring just hours before the planned execution, Hoffman's legal team faces a significant time constraint.

The 19th Judicial District Court has issued a temporary restraining order, preventing the state from executing Hoffman, pending the morning hearing.

Attorneys from both sides understand that the restraining order will expire at 10:30am EST (2:30pm GMT). The execution is scheduled for the evening, several hours after the order's expiration.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill anticipates the execution will proceed as planned, stating that "justice will finally be served."

Hoffman was convicted of the 1996 murder of Mary "Molly" Elliot, a 28-year-old advertising executive, in New Orleans.

The execution method involves strapping Hoffman to a gurney and fitting him with a full-face respirator mask. Pure nitrogen gas will then be pumped into the mask, depriving him of oxygen.

The gas will be administered for at least 15 minutes, or five minutes after his heart rate flatlines on the EKG, whichever is longer.

The state asserts that this method is painless, while Hoffman's attorneys argue that it constitutes torture.

Each inmate put to death using nitrogen in Alabama has appeared to shake and gasp to varying degrees during their executions, according to media witnesses, including AP. The reactions are involuntary movements associated with oxygen deprivation, state officials have said.

Currently, four states  Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma  specifically authorize execution by nitrogen hypoxia, according to records compiled by the Death Penalty Information Center.

Alabama first used the lethal gas to put Kenneth Eugene Smith to death in 2024, marking the first time a new method had been used in the US since lethal injection was introduced in 1982.

In an effort to resume executions, Louisiana's GOP-dominated Legislature expanded the states approved death penalty methods in 2024 to include nitrogen hypoxia and electrocution. Already in place was lethal injection.

Over recent decades, the number of executions nationally has declined sharply amid legal battles, a shortage of lethal injection drugs and waning public support for capital punishment. That has led a majority of states to either abolish or pause carrying out the death penalty.

Hoffman is scheduled to be the seventh death row execution in the US this year.
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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.
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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.

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.

open image in gallery 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.

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.

open image in gallery 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.
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Missing Sudiksha Konankis parents have penned a letter requesting that authorities in the Dominican Republic declare the University of Pittsburgh student dead.

Konanki, a 20-year-old pre-med student from Chantilly, Virginia, was vacationing with five female college friends on Spring Break in Punta Cana when she vanished on a beach near the Hotel Riu Republica on March 6.

The Dominican Republic's attorney general said investigators were exploring whether Konanki drowned after her disappearance sparked an intense search involving 300 police and other officials with support from the FBI, across the Caribbean nation.

The girls parents Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konaki submitted a formal written request to officials Monday asking them to legally declare their daughter deceased, according to a copy of the letter released on X by Fox News correspondent Bryan Llenas on Monday morning.

Following an extensive search, Dominican authorities have concluded that Sudiksha is believed to have drowned. Her clothes were discovered on a beach near where she was last seen, the letter states. Initiating this process will allow our family to begin the grieving process and address matters related to her absence.

open image in gallery Suiksha Konanki vanished from a beach near a Punta Cana resort while on Spring Break vacation earlier this month ( Facebook )

It added: While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory.

Sources previously cited the letter to ABC News and Santo Domingo-based news service Noticias SIN on Sunday.

The parents acknowledged in the letter they understand that certain legal procedures must be followed to process their request and said there is no suspicion of foul play.

They also wrote that they trust the authorities investigation into the case and noted that the last person presumed to see Konaki alive, Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old college student at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, has cooperated with investigators.

Konanki was last seen entering a beach at 4:15 a.m. while her friends returned to their hotel room just before 6 a.m. on March 6. The missing girl is believed to have stayed on the beach with Riibe.

open image in gallery Military personnel and civil defense members search for Konanki on a beach in Punta Cana last week ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The man told police he went for a swim with Konanki, and the two had kissed in the water before a large wave swept her up as they both struggled against a rough tide, an interview transcript obtained by NBC News stated.

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.

Last week, the Loudon County Sheriffs Office in Virginia described Riibe as a person of interest and said it had sent detectives to assist.

On Sunday morning, Riibe was seen on the beach with investigators, his father, and an attorney, after authorities confiscated his travel documents on Friday, according to NBC News.

Riibe had been confined to the hotel since the investigation began and was being chaperoned by permanent police escort, his lawyers told the outlet. They added: He is not free to leave.

Speaking from his hotel, Riibe told the outlet that he is just trying to help them (authorities) out, before adding: The ocean is a dangerous place.
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A transgender public school teacher in New Yorks Hudson Valley says she was taunted by students, repeatedly misgendered by colleagues, and forced out of her job by the administration after parents launched a vitriolic social media campaign against her.

Tonia Daniels, who was employed as a substitute in Dutchess County, claims kids in her classes laughed at her, asked continually if she was a boy or a girl, and, in one instance, was mockingly called sir by a fifth-grader.

When Daniels reported the ongoing situation to higher-ups, her concerns were thoroughly ignored  until she was ultimately fired for candidly disclosing her gender identity to a student who had inquired about it, according to a federal human rights lawsuit obtained by The Independent.

Daniels, who worked as an educator for 35-plus years, now works cleaning houses and as a rideshare driver, said attorney Jillian Weiss, who is representing Daniels and is herself transgender .

In an emailed statement, Daniels said, I have been devoted to my education profession and my students for many years. Thankfully, I was quite successful, and spent many happy years as an educator and administrator. I wish that the School District, and the parents who pushed for my firing, could have looked beyond their bias against trans people, which trumped my many years of experience educating students. I am filing this lawsuit so no other teachers need ever face such job bias in the education profession in the future.

open image in gallery The transgender community is fighting back in response to Donald Trump's broad attacks ( Getty Images )

In her own statement, Weiss said, People used to think that only white Christian men could be effective public school teachers. We have learned as a nation through hard lessons that such stereotyping is not only morally wrong, but incorrect All Americans deserve an equal chance to work hard and earn a living for themselves and their families, without fear of being targeted for being themselves.

In an email, Arlington Central School District Superintendent Phil Benante told The Independent: Our district remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students and staff. While we do not comment on personnel matters, we are confident that the districts actions, when scrutinized, will reflect these values.

Danielss lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court, comes amid a deluge of anti-trans actions by the Trump administration, which went on the offensive against transgender and nonbinary Americans immediately upon retaking the White House.

On Inauguration Day, Trump signed an executive order recognizing only two genders, male and female, after which, among other things, the federal government leaned on states to stop private hospitals from providing gender-affirming care to trans patients, the U.S. military banned trans recruits from joining the ranks, the Bureau of Prisons began transferring trans women into mens facilities, and the Social Security Administration removed all references to trans and intersex people from its website. Trump has also vowed to bar transgender athletes from obtaining visas to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games, which are set to be held in Los Angeles.

Daniels started subbing throughout the Arlington Central School District in February 2024, according to her complaint. At orientation on her first day, she was misgendered by a member of the HR staff, but no action was taken to correct it, the complaint states.

A week later, the complaint continues, a group of students asked Daniels if she was male or female, a query which was soon followed by a remark from a school custodian who questioned her gender identity, asking, What are you doing in my building?

open image in gallery Tonia Daniels was fired shortly after truthfully answering a second-grader's question about whether she was "a boy of a girl" ( Arlington Central School District )

In mid-March 2024, Daniels was teaching at Arthur May Intermediate School when a classroom full of students laughed at her because of her gender identity and gender expression, the complaint goes on. But, it says, when Daniels told the principal what had happened, her concerns were minimized, excused and dismissed.

Danielss complaint says district policy requires teachers to empathetically respond to every prejudiced remark, each time one occurs, because if biased incidents go unaddressed it can send an unintended, yet powerful, message to all who witnessed it that that kind of behavior is acceptable to you.

Shortly thereafter, Daniels was assigned to Titusville Intermediate School, where her class included a group of unruly students who were bullying others, the complaint states. It says Daniels attempted to address the negatively charged atmosphere by relating a personal anecdote from her own childhood about coming out as trans that she hoped would create empathy for the pupils being picked on.

The next day, according to the complaint, the head of HR told Daniels she was no longer allowed to teach at Titusville, claiming parents had communicated to the principal at Titusville that they did not wish to have their children hear a story about a transgender person.

He stated that the parents asked to have her removed from her position as a substitute at the school, the complaint says, adding that parents were calling the principal incessantly and posting on social media about Ms. Daniels.

The HR head told Daniels that his main concern was to quiet the parents at Titusville by restricting her from teaching at the school, according to the complaint.

open image in gallery Parents in the school district where Tonia Daniels taught took their outrage to social media ( AFP via Getty Images )

That April, Daniels was assigned to two different schools elsewhere in the district, the complaint states.

In one, the complaint says, students in an elementary school class seemed puzzled about her gender expression, and Daniels told them she used she/her pronouns.

In response, one student, who had previously been acting out in the class, said loudly, Yes, sir, with an emphasis on the sir, according to the complaint.

Daniels asked the student if he meant to use the word sir, to which he replied that he had, the complaint states.

In the other, a young student at the Overlook School asked Daniels if she was a boy or a girl, the complaint says. It says Daniels replied that she is a girl although I used to be a boy, and that the student appeared satisfied with the answer.

At the end of the month, Daniels got a call from the head of HR, who told her she was no longer welcome to teach at any school in the district, according to the complaint.

He stated explicitly that it was because of disclosing her gender identity to the [second-grade] student, the complaint alleges. He also stated this was his decision because of parents who had repeatedly called to ask that she no longer be allowed to teach in the Arlington School District.

Daniels is now asking a judge to reinstate her to her teaching position, to permanently enjoin the school district from discriminating against trans teachers, and for compensatory damages, plus attorneys fees.
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President Trumps updated travel ban list hasnt yet been finalized, but a draft has been circulating  and one of the countries included is a bit of a head-scratcher.

The draft list divides countries into red, orange, and yellow sections. Red countries are subject to an immediate and automatic ban for all citizens. Orange countries restrict access, meaning anyone from that country who wants to enter the United States will need to attend an in-person interview before receiving a visa. Meanwhile, yellow countries are under review and are being asked to update their security systems or risk being put under the red or orange sections.

The 11 countries included on the red list are mostly unsurprising  they are countries where diplomatic relations have been strained for decades, or countries that Trump already included under his previous travel ban. Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen fit that bill. More confusing, however, is the inclusion of Bhutan.

Bhutan, a tiny Himalayan nation with a population of less than 800,000, usually only makes headlines due to its policy of prioritizing Gross National Happiness instead of GDP. It is a politically neutral country that has a policy of only passing laws if they contribute to the well-being of its citizens, and its eco-credentials are particularly high: Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world. This is partly due to its dedication to green energy and partly because of its density of forests.

open image in gallery A monk plays with a dog outside a monastery in Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan ( Associated Press )

The nation is determined to make sustainability a core part of its identity. Tourism is tightly controlled and any traveler visiting the nation has to pay a $100-per-day Sustainable Development Fee. The money is intended to balance the economic positives of tourism with a commitment to protecting the environment and cultural artifacts. Tourists werent even allowed into the country until the 1970s.

Seeking to insulate its country from external forces has been a Bhutanese priority for decades. TV wasnt introduced until 1999  at the same time as the internet  and cellphones didnt arrive until 2003.

There is a dark side to this ideological commitment to preserving cultural heritage: in 1985, the country instituted a One Nation, One People policy. Not long afterwards, Bhutanese who were not Druk Buddhists  especially Nepali-speaking Hindus in the countrys south  were subject to citizenship revocations and arrests, and many were displaced into refugee camps in Nepal. The U.S. took 85 percent of Bhutanese refugees who were forced to leave the country during that time. Most of those refugees settled in the state of Ohio.

The Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio  the largest group for Bhutanese refugees in the United States  describes the One Nation, One People policy as one that was designed to erase the cultural, religious, and linguistic heritage of the people of southern Bhutan who are minority Hindus in a majority Buddhist nation, and estimates that 28,000 such Bhutanese refugees are now settled in Ohio.

The lower-middle-income country, positioned in between India and China, is governed by a king, a prime minister, a royal advisory council and an administration.

What exactly would lead Trump to categorize Bhutan as a red country today, with its citizens subject to an outright ban? The reason is unclear, but it may be because Bhutanese citizens who have come to the U.S. on visas in the past few years have had an unusually high rate of overstay. The U.S. government is concerned about irregular migration patterns from the country, according to CNBC, as well as national security concerns.

open image in gallery A Bhutanese woman carrying her child climbs up a ladder to go outside a house near a polling station on the eve of general election in Morung village in Bhutan ( Associated Press )

According to Homeland Securitys most recent Entry/Exit Overstay Report, from the end of the fiscal year in 2023, Bhutanese nationals had a high rate of overstays on standard B1/B2 visas, at 12.71 percent  but that only works out to 23 people. In comparison, China had an overstay rate of 3.67 percent, meaning 13,805 people; Saudi Arabia had an overstay rate of 0.95 percent, which was 433 people; Russia had an overstay rate of 7.51 percent, meaning 4,057 people; and South Africa  whose white Afrikaner citizens Trump offered refugee status to in the early days of his second administration  had an overstay rate of 1 percent, which works out to 917 people.

In other words, the extremely low population of Bhutan makes it appear like huge amounts of Bhutanese refugees are entering the country and then staying on illegally, when in fact fewer than 25 people a year are doing so.

According to the Pew Research Center, there are 24,000 Bhutanese living in the United States. But the population stayed steady at 24,000 from 2015 to 2019 (the latest year the research center has data for.) And before that  in the five years between 2010 and 2015  just 5,000 Bhutanese nationals arrived.

Quoted in The Telegraph, former Bhutanese politician Karma Loday responded to news of the possible inclusion of Bhutan on the red list by saying: I feel it is unfair for whatever reason to have my beloved country enlisted with some of the countries with terrorism history. We are in no capacity to even defend our nation militarily without seeking help from others let alone wage an act of terrorism to the United States if that is a suspicion.

This isnt the first time Bhutan has found itself on the receiving end of a Trump immigration policy. In 2020, it was included in a pilot program by the first Trump administration that would require visitors from countries with over 10 percent overstay rates to pay a $15,000 bond to travel to the United States.
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A federal judge was alarmed by allegations that the so-called Department of Government Efficiency provoked a dramatic standoff this week with the U.S. Institute of Peace, culminating in what attorneys for the agency called a hostile takeover fueled by threats and harassment.

Federal prosecutors have threatened institute officials with criminal prosecution, DOGE members warned that a private security contractor would lose government contracts, and the institutes president was forcibly removed by several law enforcement agencies  events that attorneys with the Department of Justice have not disputed.

In a hearing in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, District Judge Beryl Howell asked Justice Department attorneys whether Donald Trumps administration could enforce his executive order seeking to shutter the agency without using the force of guns and threats by DOGE against American citizens.

I mean, this conduct of using law enforcement, threatening criminal investigations, using arms of law enforcement  probably terrorizing employees and staff at the institute, when there are so many other lawful ways to accomplish the goals  why? she said. Just because DOGE is in a rush?

The institute is not a federal agency but an independent nonprofit established by Congress under President Ronald Reagan. Its headquarters in Washington, D.C., is not government property, and its personnel are not federal employees. The institute employs roughly 600 people in the United States and overseas with a congressional mandate to help resolve international conflicts.

open image in gallery DOGE agents have effectively taken control of the U.S. Institute for Peace following a series of events that a lawsuit characterized as a hostile takeover fueled by threats and harassment ( AP )

On Monday, DOGE agents emptied the building and installed DOGE agent Kenneth Jackson as acting president. Jackson has been tapped to join the boards of several agencies gutted by DOGE, and he was recently nominated by Trump as a senior official at the U.S. Agency for International Development, which DOGE chief Elon Musk has threatened to throw into the wood chipper.

A lawsuit seeking to block the Trump administration from shutting down the agency describes a takeover by force that followed a dramatic series of events following the presidents executive order signaling the institutes expected termination.

The lawsuit  brought by the institute and members of its board against Trump, DOGE and administration officials  argues that the Trump administration unlawfully fired the institutes president George Moose after forcing out board members and replacing them with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, among others.

Howell, however, denied a request for a temporary restraining order that would block DOGE from taking over the institute while a legal challenge plays out, noting that its a complicated entity with an unusual structure. But she said she is offended by DOGEs conduct.

On Sunday, institute board members agreed to lock the office and suspend the buildings private security contract with Inter-Con after DOGE agents showed up last week. FBI agent Doug Silk then told the institutes security chief Colin OBrien that he was the subject of a Justice Department investigation, according to OBriens sworn statement in court documents.

OBrien said he told his wife to lock the doors of their home, fearing FBI agents would show up to question him.

On Monday, Washington, D.C.s Metropolitan Police Department said they were contacted by the U.S. Attorney's Office  now under the direction of longtime Trump ally Ed Martin  and sided with Jackson, who is described in a police statement as the institutes president, not Moose.

DOGE agents then allegedly pressured Inter-Con vice president Derrick Hanna to hand over his spare keys to get into the building by threatening to revoke the companys government contracts.

O'Brien said that when police arrived at the building around 5:30 p.m. Monday, officers were joined by Jackson and DOGE agents.

I was told by D.C. police officers to stay put and not move. I was physically blocked by a D.C. police officer from moving about the building, OBrien wrote in his statement. I asked if I could retrieve my car keys and my car, and they said no.

He said police then witnessed D.C. police retrieve lock picking equipment from a car.

open image in gallery Demonstrators in Washington, D.C. protest DOGE efforts to slash the federal workforce and shutter agencies on March 10 ( Getty Images )

During Wednesdays hearing, a deflated Judge Howell said she was offended on behalf of American citizens that the institutes staff could be treated so abominably.

And to strong-arm a private contractor? To threaten  people with criminal investigations? she asked Brian Hudak, chief of the civil division of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington. That doesnt strike you as a little offensive?

The White House has defended DOGEs actions and the removal of the institutes president and board.

President Trump signed an executive order to reduce [the institute] to its statutory minimum, deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement. Rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage. The Trump administration will enforce the Presidents executive authority and ensure his agencies remain accountable to the American people.

DOGE  under the U.S. DOGE Service  has led a crusade across the federal government to fire tens of thousands of workers and slash billions of dollars in spending, which faces an avalanche of lawsuits questioning Musks authority and the presidents alleged constitutional abuses.

On Tuesday, in a court ruling that appears to be the first to restrain Musk himself for his actions in the Trump administration, a federal judge ordered the billionaire and DOGE to reinstate access to email and payment systems for all USAID employees and contractors.

That order also blocks the administration from taking any other actions to try to shutter the agency, including firing workers or placing them on leave, deleting websites, shutting bureaus and closing buildings.
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Brown University has warned international staff and students to reconsider foreign travel after one of its assistant professors was deported to Lebanon.

In a campus-wide email, Russell Carey, Browns executive vice president for planning and policy, encouraged those intending to travel outside the U.S. to wait until more information was available from the State Department.

The advice comes after Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor on an H-1B visa, was detained after returning from a trip to Lebanon before being deported over the weekend.

Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage international students, staff, faculty and scholars  including U.S. visa holders and permanent residents (or green card holders)  to consider postponing or delaying personal travel outside the United States until more information is available from the U.S. Department of State, Careys message said, The Hill reported.

open image in gallery Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor on an H-1B visa, was detained after returning from a trip to Lebanon before being deported over the weekend. Brown University has now warned international students and staff to reconsider foreign travel ( Handout )

It added that during this period of great uncertainty, we feel its imperative to share reminders with Browns international community about travel outside the United States and to provide information about available campus resources.

Alawieh was deported despite a court order from a judge saying she was to stay in the country. The federal government argued that agents from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had not been made aware of the order before the doctor was already out of the country.

We continue to seek to learn more about what has happened, Brown University said in a statement to The Hill, noting Alawieh was an employee of Brown Medicine with a clinical appointment to Brown University.

Alawieh was detained at Bostons Logan Airport on Thursday after returning from a trip visiting family in Lebanon. CBP officers searched her phone and would not immediately admit her to the U.S., according to court documents.

open image in gallery In a campus-wide email, Russell Carey, Browns executive vice president for planning and policy, encouraged those intending to travel outside the U.S. to wait until more information was available from the State Department ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Government lawyers claimed she attended the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah while she was in Lebanon and supported him from a religious perspective and claimed to have discovered sympathetic photos and videos on her phone.

Alawieh openly admitted this to CBP officers, as well as her support of [Hassan] Nasrallah, the lawyers said.

Alawiehs deportation comes after pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a green-card holder who graduated from Columbia University in December, was detained. Donald Trump has continued to use the Alien Enemies Act to swiftly remove targets as part of his anti-immigration agenda.
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Conservative media figures are pushing Donald Trump to pardon Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who was convicted of murder in the 2020 killing of George Floyd that sparked widespread Black Lives Matter protests.

It seems the White House has taken notice.

Beginning this week, high-profile commentator Ben Shapiro will begin airing a docuseries called The Case of Derek Chauvin, part of a pardon push that began earlier this month and has now wracked up some 50,000 signatures on a petition.

A reprieve would be a watershed moment. In the aftermath of Floyds death, in which officers including Chauvin knelt on the mans back and neck for minutes as he screamed he couldnt breathe, some of the largest protests in U.S. history took place. Chauvin was later convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

A pardon would only apply to Chauvins 21-year federal sentence, leaving his 22-and-a-half year state sentence from 2021 intact.

Shapiro has argued that Chauvin, who was convicted of state murder and manslaughter charges, then pleaded guilty to federal civil rights offenses, was put behind bars on extraordinarily scanty evidence.

The broadcaster argues that Floyd may have died from some combination of underlying health conditions, drug use, and excited delirium, a now-discredited pseudo-scientific diagnosis frequently invoked in police violence cases.

open image in gallery Chauvin still would face a lengthy state sentence if he got his federal plea pardoned ( Hennepin County Sheriff )

During his state trial, the county medical examiner, who declared Floyds death a homicide, testified that it was the police restraint that ultimately killed Floyd, while drug use and heart disease were not top line causes.

Shapiro also claims Chauvin didnt get a fair trial because of public attention around the death, and points to alleged issues like a juror who it was later revealed wore a Black Lives Matter t-shirt with the words Get your knee off our necks to a 2020 march.

The Supreme Court in 2023 rejected Chauvins attempts to appeal his state conviction.

Fellow right-wing broadcasters, including Turning Point USAs Charlie Kirk, have boosted Shapiros campaign.

Kirk interviewed Shapiro recently and called the aftermath of Floyds death the gateway drug towards mass anarchy in the streets.

Its unclear where the Trump White House stands on the matter.

Earlier this month, when asked about the pardon push, Trump said, I haven't even heard about it.

White House adviser Elon Musk, meanwhile, wrote on X a pardon was: Something to think about.

open image in gallery Trump condemned Chauvin after the 2020 killing, and has said hes unaware of the pardon push ( Getty Images )

In 2020, during the first Trump administration, the president initially condemned Floyds death, which set off nationwide racial justice protests and riots, though the Republican also used controversial tactics including riot police, tear gas, and federal agents in unmarked vehicles to crack down on those same protests.

All Americans were rightly sickened and revolted by the brutal death of George Floyd, said Trump in a speech at the time. My administration is fully committed that, for George and his family, justice will be served. He will not have died in vain.

Trump, who has often framed himself as a pro-police and law and order candidate, has shown a willingness to pardon people tied to violent crime in the past.

Among his first acts in office upon was reelection was pardoning over 1,000 participants in the pro-Trump, January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, which led to multiple deaths and over 100 injured police officers.
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Chief Justice John Roberts has hit back against in a rare public statement after President Donald Trump on Monday claimed a federal judge lacks the authority to review his administrations attempts to bypass due process rights when deporting migrants who are alleged to be gang members  and called for the judge to be impeached.

In a statement issued by the court, Roberts said that impeachment isnt an appropriate response to disagreements with judges rulings.

"For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose, he said.

Roberts put out the statement after being queried about a post from Trump on his Truth Social platform in which he attacked U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, the current head of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, in response to Boasberg pressing Department of Justice attorneys on whether the government had violated a weekend order he issued to halt efforts to deport more than 200 people under the purported authority of a centuries-old law that allows the president to remove immigrants from countries with which the United States is at war.

This Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, was not elected President - He didnt WIN the popular VOTE (by a lot!), he didnt WIN ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, he didnt WIN 2,750 to 525 Counties, HE DIDNT WIN ANYTHING! I WON FOR MANY REASONS, IN AN OVERWHELMING MANDATE, BUT FIGHTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MAY HAVE BEEN THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR THIS HISTORIC VICTORY, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Im just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! WE DONT WANT VICIOUS, VIOLENT, AND DEMENTED CRIMINALS, MANY OF THEM DERANGED MURDERERS, IN OUR COUNTRY. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!

open image in gallery U.S. deports alleged members of the Tren de Aragua to be imprisoned in El Salvador ( via REUTERS )

Trumps tirade against Boasberg comes after the federal judge held an emergency hearing on Monday to inquire as to whether the government had disobeyed a Saturday evening emergency order barring deportation of any Venezuelan national targeted under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which Trump invoked late last week by claiming the country was under an invasion by Tren de Aragua, a criminal gang which the administration has declared to be a foreign terrorist organization linked to the Venezuelan government.

Boasbergs order directed the administration not to remove anyone from the country using the authority laid out in a declaration invoking the 1798 law after a group of Venezuelan nationals filed suit. The government has not deported those five named plaintiffs, but planes carrying roughly 250 others who were accused of being members of Tren de Aragua left airports in Texas during a Saturday evening hearing shortly before Boasberg had issued the order.

On Monday, at a second hearing demanded by Boasberg, the jurist became irate when the government insisted that they had urgent national security reasons for keeping the planes in the air instead of turning them around as ordered.

Any plane that you put into the air in or around that time, you knew that I was having a hearing at 5, the judge said, according to reports.

He also pressed government attorneys on what happened during an interval between when he orally ordered the administration to immediately return any plane carrying deportees under the Alien Enemies Act to the U.S. and a written order with less specific terms being issued on the court docket.

Abhishek Kambli, the deputy associate attorney general who was representing the government during the hearing, maintained that Boasbergs oral directions had no legal force.

We believe that there was no order given ... an injunction is not ordered until its in the written filing, he said.

Boasberg replied that the prosecutors contention was a heck of a stretch while rejecting claims that the planes werent under his jurisdiction because theyd crossed into international airspace.

Its not a question that the plane was or was not in United States airspace, he said, because federal courts jurisdiction does not lapse at the waters edge or the airspaces edge.

After Boasberg refused the Trump administrations request to cancel Mondays hearing, the Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to immediately remove the case from Boasbergs courtroom.

open image in gallery In this photo provided by El Salvador's presidential press office, a prison guard transfers deportees from the U.S., alleged to be Venezuelan gang members, to the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador on March 16, 2025 ( El Salvador presidential press office via AP )

He also ordered attorneys to answer a series of questions about the flights, including, critically, what time they left the United States. But Justice Department lawyers repeatedly refused to answer the the queries.

The judge also wants to know how many people were deported solely on the basis of Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, the centuries-old wartime law that Trump has applied for the fourth time in U.S. history.

Lawyers have until noon Tuesday to reply.

Boasberg is just the latest federal judge to draw the ire of Republicans for acting to put brakes on policies or actions put forth by the Trump administration during the 47th presidents tumultuous first months in office.

Already, Republican members of Congress have responded by judges blocking Trump policies by filing articles of impeachment against those judges, who like all federal jurists enjoy life tenure unless removed by a vote of two-thirds of the U.S. Senate following an impeachment trial.

One such Republican, Representative Brandon Gill of Texas, reacted immediately to Trumps post by filing articles of impeachment against Judge Boasberg and announcing the move in a post on X.

As a practical matter, its unheard of for senators to remove judges for disagreeing with an incumbent administration but judges have been removed for crimes or other misconduct in office. And the House has only voted to impeach judges for serious misconduct in the past.

The last federal judge to be stripped of his position was former federal district judge William Porteous, who was removed from office following a 2010 impeachment trial after the House of Representatives voted to impeach him on four separate charges, including perjury and making false statements as well as engaging in a longstanding pattern of corrupt conduct that demonstrates his unfitness to serve as a United States District Court Judge.

He was removed by a unanimous vote of the Senate and subsequently barred from ever holding federal office again.

Alex Woodward and Josh Marcus contributed reporting
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Elon Musks attempts to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development through his so-called Department of Government Efficiency have likely violated the Constitution in multiple ways, according to a federal judges ruling.

District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland granted a preliminary injunction that temporarily blocks DOGE from access to any USAID systems and from doing any work related to shutting down the agency.

Tuesdays order follows a lawsuit from a group of recently fired USAID workers and contractors who argued that the worlds wealthiest man  who promised to put the global aid agency in a wood chipper  was wielding unconstitutional authority under President Donald Trump to dismantle entire federal agencies and gut the federal workforce.

open image in gallery In what appears to be the first ruling aimed directly at the worlds wealthiest man for his work under Donald Trump, a federal judge in Washington, D.C. has temporarily blocked Elon Musk from any work related to slashing USAID ( AP )

The judges order  which appears to be the first to restrain Musk himself for his actions in the Trump administration  commands the billionaire and DOGE to reinstate access to email and payment systems for all USAID employees and contractors and blocks the administration from taking any other actions to try to shutter the agency, including firing workers or placing them on leave, deleting websites, shutting bureaus and closing buildings.

Within two weeks, Musk and DOGE must ensure the court that agency staff will be able to reoccupy USAIDs Washington headquarters, where signage was removed and covered in black tape following the administrations attempts to fire hundreds of workers and cut off funding that supported dozens of life-saving missions around the world.

The order stops short of reinstating workers, though legal challenges to the Trump administrations slashing of foreign aid and his purge of the federal workforce are playing out in several courts.

The ruling is an important victory against Elon Musk and his DOGE attack on USAID, the United States government, and the Constitution, according to Norm Eisen, executive chair of State Democracy Defenders Fund, which sued on behalf of government workers.

They are performing surgery with a chainsaw instead of a scalpel, harming not just the people USAID serves but also the majority of Americans who count on the stability of our government, Eisen said in a statement. This case is a milestone in pushing back on Musk and DOGEs illegality.

The Trump administration, which has repeatedly rejected court rulings against the presidents actions, has vowed to appeal.

Rogue judges are subverting the will of the American people in their attempts to stop President Trump from carrying out his agenda, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement shared with The Independent. If these judges want to force their partisan ideologies across the government, they should run for office themselves. The Trump administration will appeal this miscarriage of justice and fight back against all activist judges intruding on the separation of powers.

open image in gallery A demonstrator holds a sign outside Elon Musks SpaceX facility in California on March 1 as protesters across the country blast the billionaires DOGE cuts ( REUTERS )

Chuangs ruling determined the administration likely violated the Constitution's appointments clause and the separation of powers by effectively granting Musk unprecedented authority despite holding no official role, without Senate confirmation or appointment to an existing office, to be able to make such sweeping decisions.

The record demonstrates that, at least during the time period relevant to this motion, Musk was, at a minimum, likely the official performing the duties and functions as the administrator of the U.S. DOGE Service, the agency that Trump renamed from the U.S. Digital Service upon taking office and empowered Musk to lead.

Administration officials have insisted that Musk is not the administrator for DOGE while the president has said the exact opposite.

Musk is merely an employee of the White House, serving as a senior adviser to the president, who has no greater authority other than other senior White House advisers [have], and has no actual or formal authority to make government decisions himself, according to a sworn statement from a senior White House official, testifying in a separate case.

But in the course of the case in Chuangs court, Musk was, at a minimum, likely the official performing the duties and functions of administrator, the judge said.

The record of his activities to date establishes that his role has been and will continue to be as the leader of DOGE, Chuang wrote.

Trumps apparent appointment of a White House adviser who then exercises significant authority throughout the federal government to evade scrutiny would reduce the appointment clause to nothing more than a technical formality, according to Chuang.

Chuang also noted that Musks actions arent confined to USAID  DOGE has also targeted the Consumer Financial Protection Board and taken other unilateral actions without any apparent authorization from agency officials, including firing staff at the Department of Agriculture and National Nuclear Security Administration, among others.

Last week, DOGE was separately ordered to comply with public records requests, after a separate judge determined the agency is wielding unprecedented authority with unusual secrecy.

District Judge Christopher Cooper argued that the administration appears to be making a strategic decision to dodge questions about DOGEs operations and management, qualifying itself as an agency subject to federal law only when it is convenient, he wrote.
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President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is immediately terminating the Secret Service protection for Joe Biden's adult children, Hunter and Ashley Biden.

The former president had extended the protection to July shortly before leaving office in January.

In a social media post, Trump expressed his disapproval of what he said were 18 agents assigned to Hunter Biden's security detail during his visit to South Africa this week. Hunters wife Melissa Cohen Biden is originally from South Africa.

Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States Taxpayer, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

There are as many as 18 people on this Detail, which is ridiculous! He is currently vacationing in, of all places, South Africa, where the Human Rights of people has been strenuously questioned.

Because of this, South Africa has been taken off our list of Countries receiving Economic and Financial Assistance. Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection.

Trump also said that Ashley Biden, who he said had 13 agents assigned to her, would be taken off the list.

While former presidents and their spouses receive lifetime Secret Service protection under US law, protection for their adult children typically ends with the presidency.

Former President Joe Biden, left, stands with (from left) daughter Ashley Biden, daughter-in-law Melissa Cohen Biden, grandson Beau, son Hunter Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden ( AFP via Getty Images )

However, outgoing presidents have the discretion to extend this protection for up to six months. Both Biden and Trump, following the precedent of former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, exercised this option for their families.

There has been no immediate response from the Biden family regarding Trump's decision.

"We are aware of the President's decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden," the Secret Service said in a statement.

"The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible."

While touring the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday afternoon, a reporter asked Trump if he would revoke the protection for the former president's son.

"Well, we have done that with many. I would say if there are 18 with Hunter Biden, that will be something I'll look at this afternoon," Trump said, who added this was the first time he heard about the matter.

"I'm going to take a look at that," he said.
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A prominent activist who created a network of sanctuary spaces for migrants was detained outside her work Monday by U.S. Immigration, Customs and Enforcement agents who laughed in her face, her family said.

Jeanette Vizguerra, described as a warrior and a pillar of Denvers immigrant rights community by family, friends and colleagues, was arrested in the parking lot of a Target Monday afternoon.

She spent three years living in a church in Denver, which inspired her to become an immigration advocate and to create the Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition to protect immigrants who fear deportation.

Campaigners fear she has been targeted because of her history of activism in the state.

The mother-of-fours immigration status is not known but a petition calling for her freedom claims she is a permanent U.S. resident. She is being held at a privately-run detention facility in Aurora and campaigners fear she could be moved out of state.

My mom on Monday, March 17th got detained outside of her job at Target, and was arrested by a few ICE officers while they laughed in her face, Vizguerras daughter Luna Baez wrote on a Gofundme page. My mom has fought relentlessly for her community and it is time for all of us to now come together and show all the support for her like she has done to us, she added.

open image in gallery Jeanette Vizguerra is a prominent activist in the Denver area and founded a network of sanctuary centers for immigrants fearing deportation. She was detained Monday by ICE agents who laughed in her face, her family said ( Getty Images )

The Independent has contacted ICE for comment.

Vizguerra has lived in Colorado for 30 years, according to the petition. She was targeted for deportation to Mexico in 2009 after she was pulled over for a traffic violation. The incident triggered immigration proceedings and her fight to remain in the U.S.

Vizguerra was actively posting about the Trump administrations immigration crackdown on her Facebook page hours before she was detained.

She amplified an Instagram post Monday by another user that said: The public deserves to know more about the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda. It was accompanied by a Denver Post news headline that read: Denvers ICE field office seeks to expand detention space by nearly 1,000 more beds.

open image in gallery Vizguerra is a mother-of-four and has lived in the U.S. for 30 years. The Denver community is rallying around her in a bid to fight for her release. They fear she will be relocated to a detention facility outside of Colorado ( Getty Images )

Democratic Colorado Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet both called for the agency to release Vizguerra. There are serious concerns about ICEs actions to detain Jeanette Vizguerra, Hickenlooper said in a social media post. Targeting a mother who has been an active part of our Colorado community for nearly three decades will not fix our broken immigration system or secure our border.

Jeanette Vizguerra is a mother and pillar in her community. I am deeply concerned about ICE's actions to detain her without any due process, like a deportation order, Bennet added. ICE should ensure Jeanette has legal counsel and immediately release her.

In January, the Department of Homeland Security said that criminals would no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrests. But the move has faced resistance and lawsuits from churches and activists.

She is the latest to be targeted in the sweeping action by the Department of Homeland Security. This week a Brown University doctor, Rasha Alawieh, was deported to Lebanon despite a federal judges order she must remain in the U.S. and a German green card holder is being detained by the immigration agency after being arrested at Boston Logan International Airport. And a woman who was brought to the U.S. at eight-months-old was deported to Laos despite never having stepped foot in the country.

President Donald Trumps border czar Tom Homan said that he doesnt care what judges say or rule when it comes to immigration in an interview this week.
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President Donald Trump has ordered the declassification of all files related to the 1963 assassination of then-president John F. Kennedy - and FBI officials say they have found thousands more pages of docs ready for the public.

But should the world expect much from them?

The answer is murky, at best.

That still didnt stop Trump from signing an executive order directing the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to present a plan for the full and complete release of records related to the assassination by February 7. The executive order also calls for similar disclosure of documents related to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by next month.

The president promised to declassify all documents related to Kennedys assassination while on the campaign trail after he delayed doing so in his first term.

Heres what we know about the files  and what to expect from them:

What are the JFK files?

In the 1990s, the federal government stored all files related to Kennedys assassination in a single collection at the National Archives and Records Administration. Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed Kennedy as he rode through Dallas in his motorcade on November 22, 1963. Oswald was killed by Jack Ruby two days later as he was being transferred to a county jail.

open image in gallery John F. Kennedy pictured riding in his motorcade moments before his assassination in November 1963. President Donald Trump has yep ( Getty Images )

All documents were set to be declassified in 2017  during what became Trumps first term.

While Trump said he would declassify all documents in 2017, he still barred some from release due to national security concerns, the Associated Press reported. Former president Joe Biden went on to release another chunk of documents in 2022, but several remain classified.

Trump regretted withhold the doc for years, Axios reported, motivating him to work towards declassification during his second term.

Gerald Posner, author of Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK, told the Associated Press in November there are likely about 3,000 to 4,000 documents that havent been fully released.

open image in gallery Lee Harvey Oswald pictured shortly after his arrest. He was killed two days after assassinating the president ( AFP via Getty Images )

The FBI announced Tuesday that investigators discovered some 2,400 new documents that were previously unrecognized as related to the JFK assassination case file as they carried out Trumps executive order.

Its unclear what the records contain. The FBI now says it is working to transfer the documents to the National Archives and Records Administration to be included in the declassification process.

These newly discovered files could be relevant to a 2022 lawsuit filed by the Mary Ferrell Foundation against the Biden administration, which alleges the federal government had more documents than it was letting on related to the assassination, Axios reported.

The lawsuit claims these hidden files include recordings of crime boss Carlos Marcello, who claimed he was involved in the assassination, along with the CIA files of Officer George Joannides, Axios reports. The officer worked on a CIA-funded exile group in New Orleans that Oswald interacted with in the weeks leading up to the shooting.

What are the most common conspiracies involved in the 1963 killing?

The most prevalent conspiracy theory about the assassination is that Oswald, a former marine and communist activist who spent time in the Soviet Union, didnt act alone.

While a probe carried out by Chief Justice Earl Warren concluded Oswald was the sole person involved, academics and historians have criticized his investigation, CBS News reported.

In the wake of the Watergate scandal, the House established a Select Committee on Assassinations to reinvestigate the assassination in 1976, The Washington Post noted. The committee yet again determined Oswald acted alone, but noted there was probably a conspiracy involving a second gunman on the grassy knoll overlooking the road Kennedys motorcade was driving on, according to the Post.

While the second gunman theory has since been discredited, it has continued to fuel theories that Oswald had a partner.

Another popular theory centers around Umbrella Man, a person in the crowd seen holding a black umbrella despite it being a sunny day. Theorists have speculated man used the umbrella to shoot a dart into Kennedys neck, immobilizing him and allowing Oswald to land the deadly shot.

But that 1976 House committee found Umbrella Man: Louie Steven Witt. During a hearing, Witt revealed the umbrella had absolutely no dart- or bullet-firing mechanisms  and that he brought it to watch Kennedys motorcade to heckle the then-president, the Post reports.

Witt said it was a bad joke referencing the black umbrella carried by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, the Post reports, who argued in favor of appeasing some of Adolf Hitlers demands during World War II and was supported by the then-presidents father Joseph Kennedy.

Why are some so interested in the JFK files?

Stephen Fagin, curator of a museum about the assassination in Dallas, told the Associated Press many people are interested because they dont feel the current answers are adequate.

People want to make sense of this and they want to find the solution that fits the crime, Fagin said.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trumps pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, has previously called for full disclosure. The cabinet nominee, who is the nephew of President Kennedy and the son of Senator Kennedy, also believes both their assassinations were part of a wider conspiracy, Axios reported.

open image in gallery Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shakes hands with Donald Trump. Kennedy has claimed the assassination of his father and uncle were part of a broader conspiracy ( Getty Images )

The already-released files have also helped historians better understand the CIAs operations during the Cold War, national security attorney Mark Zaid told the Associated Press.

Who is leading the current investigation into the Kennedy assassination?

Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, is leading a Congressional task force aimed at exposing federal secrets, which will re-investigate Kennedys assassination following Trumps declassification order.

Luna doesnt believe Oswald acted alone.

Based on what Ive been seeing so far, the initial hearing that was actually held here in Congress was actually faulty in the single-bullet theory, Luna told reporters Tuesday.

Theres been conflicting evidence, and I think that even the FBI at the time reported some anomalies in the initial autopsy at Bethesda, Maryland, she added.

Her task force will also investigate the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

What to expect in the release?

Now, historians are hopeful to see even more documents that enhance their understanding of the time period  but most arent expecting any big revelations on the assassination.

If you have been following it, as I have and others have, you sort of are zeroed in on the pages you think might provide some additional information for history, Posner told the AP in November.

Anybody waiting for a smoking gun thats going to turn this case upside down will be sorely disappointed, Posner added.

But, after the FBI revealed the 2,400 new documents this week, new questions are being raised.

If they are really new assassination documents, then it raises a whole bunch of questions about how they were missed for all of these years, Posner told the Associated Press this week.
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Mobsters, a mysterious man with an umbrella, Ted Cruzs dad  and aliens.

Conspiracy theories about the assassination of President John F Kennedy on that fateful day on November 22, 1963, have swirled for decades. But experts agree that the imminent release of the long-awaited JFK files, along with unreleased documents about the killings of Robert F Kennedy and civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, is unlikely to quell the paranoia surrounding any of their murders.

President Donald Trumps deadline for officials to submit a plan for the release of the files is this weekend, according to the executive order he issued 43 days ago.

That's a big one, huh? Trump said as he signed the order in January. A lot of people have been waiting for this for years, for decades.

While conspiracy theories have implicated 214 individuals and 44 organizations in John Kennedys murder over the years, doubts also remain over the killings of RFK and King after their families remain unconvinced the true culprits were convicted.

As the deadline for the release of the files looms, The Independent revisits some of the outlandish and more compelling theories out there:

John F Kennedy assassination  Dallas, November 22, 1963

open image in gallery President Kennedy and the First Lady ride in the motorcade minutes before his assassination in Dallas in November 1963 ( Dallas Morning News/Public Domain )

The widely accepted theory

Positioning himself from a snipers perch on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building, former marine Lee Harvey Oswald fired multiple shots that killed Kennedy.

Two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby shot Oswald during a prison transfer, killing him.

One year after the assassination, President Lyndon B. Johnson assembled and tasked the Warren Commission to investigate. The commission, along with the FBI and other governmental probes, concluded that Oswald acted alone. The theory was widely accepted.

Multiple gunmen and the umbrella man

open image in gallery Lee Harvey Oswald pictured shortly after his arrest. The Warren Commission found he acted alone in killing the president ( AFP/Getty )

Things started to unravel when a Select Committee on Assassinations argued in 1979 that there was a high probability that two gunmen fired at Kennedy, with one of them being situated on an area known as the grassy knoll.

Kennedys own nephew, RFK Jr, himself a keen conspiracy theorist, has said that he believes there was more than one man behind his uncles murder.

The theory that a second shooter was situated on the knoll was disproved by several technical recreations, including by the National Academy of Sciences, which concluded: Reliable acoustic data do not support a conclusion that there was a second gunman.

Within the multiple gunmen theory came another about a mysterious figure holding a black umbrella on the day of the assassination. Curious, as the sun was shining that day. There was speculation that the umbrella contained a dart gun which was shot into Kennedys neck, giving his fellow assassins time to kill him while he was immobilized. In Oliver Stones controversial 1991 film JFK, the umbrella man featured sends signals to the other assassins.

open image in gallery It turned out that the umbrella man, sat on the far right side at the scene of the assassination, brought it with to heckle Kennedy ( Richard Oscar Bothun/Wikimedia Commons )

open image in gallery The umbrella, exhibit 405, is demonstrated to the House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1978 ( National Archives/YouTube )

The umbrella in question was exhibit 405 in the House committees probe in 1978, where its owner, Dallas life insurance salesman Louie Steven Witt, revealed its true purpose  to heckle Kennedy.

When asked by staff counsel to the committee Robert Genzman whether the umbrella ever contains a gun or weapon of any sort, Witt replied: This umbrella? No.

CIAs retaliation over failed operation

The failed Bay of Pigs CIA invasion in Cuba ordered by Kennedy in 1961 to overthrow Fidel Castros government led some Americans to link the intelligence agency to the presidents murder.

In 2017, the release of classified papers detailed plans that Kennedys administration and the CIA developed to kill Castro, including one where they would give the keen diver an exploding seashell or contaminated diving suit.

open image in gallery The CIA conspiracy theory surrounds the failed operation to overthrow Fidel Castros government ( AFP via Getty Images )

When the assassination attempt on Castro failed, some believe that the tension between the CIA and Kennedys administration led the agency to retaliate by ordering the hit. The CIA has repeatedly denied the conspiracy.

Kennedys nephew, RFK Jr, is one believer of the CIA theory. The evidence is overwhelming that the CIA was involved in the murder and in the cover-up, he told a podcast in May 2024, while on the campaign trail before he defected to Trump.

Former mobster who claims he is the true assassin

During a 25-year stint in prison for the attempted murder of two Chicago police officers, former mobster James Files converted to Christianity and owned up to a previous murder  the assassination of Kennedy.

The 83-year-old insists that he was situated behind a fence on the infamous grassy knoll and took the fatal shot, he told The Times of London.

open image in gallery Former mobster James Files claims he is the real JFK assassin. He made the confession while in prison for killing two cops ( @DocoCentral/Youtube )

His claims have been widely disregarded, but he maintains that he was working with a team of mafia hitmen, allegedly trained and recruited by the CIA. He told the newspaper that his debrief with CIA handlers ten days after the killing is buried in the agencys files.

Even the former mobster doesnt think that the files will unearth anything new. The government tells a lie, they have to live the lie. I dont think Trump will get any further than whats already been disclosed, Files told the outlet. The CIA has lied to the American public for 61 years. Does anyone really think the CIA is going to say, Were sorry, we lied to you? A hundred years from now they will still say that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and there was no conspiracy.

Ted Cruzs dad and aliens

Trump was at the center of the wild conspiracy theory that Ted Cruzs dad, Rafael Cruz, was linked to Kennedys assassination.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump peddled a photograph published by the National Enquirer tabloid that last year was confirmed to be made up. The fake photo showed his then-rivals father, a Cuban immigrant, with Lee Harvey Oswald in New Orleans in 1963 handing out pro-Fidel Castro pamphlets.

open image in gallery Ted Cruz with his father Rafael Cruz, who was linked to Kennedys murder by a tabloid which was then shared by Donald Trump ( Getty Images )

His father was with Lee Harvey Oswald prior to Oswald's being  you know, shot. I mean, the whole thing is ridiculous, Trump said on the campaign trail. I mean, what was he doing  what was he doing with Lee Harvey Oswald shortly before the death? Before the shooting?

Trump didnt apologize for pushing the conspiracy theory.

From one baseless theory to another, aliens were responsible for the murder of Kennedy, according to the late conspiracy theorist Milton William Cooper, because the president was about to expose his knowledge of a secret martian base on the moon to Congress.

Martin Luther King Jr assassination  Memphis, April 4, 1968

open image in gallery Martin Luther King Jr on the balcony of the Lorraine motel in Memphis, Tennessee, before his assassination in 1968 ( Glasshouse Images/Shutterstock )

MLK was the target of a wider plot

The death of King has been investigated by the authorities five times since he was murdered on the Lorraine motel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee.

While Congress, the Justice Department and district attorneys conclude that James Earl Ray was responsible for Kings death, the civil rights leaders own family vehemently disagrees.

In March 1997, one of King's two sons, Dexter Scott King, visited Ray in prison and said he thought he was innocent. He died in prison the following year.

Until the day she died in 2006, Kings widow Coretta believed there is abundant evidence of a major high level conspiracy, she told a 1999 press conference. The Mafia, local, state and federal government agencies, were deeply involved in the assassination of my husband...Mr Ray was set up to take the blame.

To the family and many others who lived through the civil rights struggle of the 1960s, the idea of such high-level government involvement in an assassination plot was not fanciful. King knew the FBI had been operating against him. On November 18, 1964, J. Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI, had publicly denounced him as the most notorious liar in the country.

This all laid the groundwork for the idea that King was the target of a much bigger plot, according to his family, the Washington Post reported in 2018.

open image in gallery The King family never believed that Martin Luther King Jr was murdered by James Earl Ray ( Getty )

Even those investigating the case admitted Rays version of events kept changing and theorized that he may have had help, but poured cold water on the idea that it was an inside job.

Im not saying he didnt have help, John Campbell, who investigated the case, told the newspaper. But he didnt have the FBI, the CIA, the Memphis police or the mafia.

Sharpshooting Memphis police officer fired fatal shot

No one has championed Rays innocence more than William Pepper, a civil rights activist and attorney who continued to investigate the case after Ray died.

Pepper has tracked down witnesses in Memphis to support his theory of what he believes really happened that day.

That J. Edgar Hoover used his longtime assistant, Clyde Tolson, to deliver cash to members of the Memphis underworld, that those shadowy figures then hired a sharpshooting Memphis police officer, and that officer  not Ray  fired the fatal shot, the Post reported, outlining Peppers theory.

Segregationist presidential candidate and the Ku Klux Klan

Another theory put forward by the House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1979 speculated that Ray killed King for a $50,000 bounty, offered by the supporters of presidential candidate George Wallace, a segregationist. The committee could never prove it.

Authors Stuart Wexler and Larry Hancock, meanwhile, argued in a book The Awful Grace of God that the Ku Klux Klan of Mississippi issued the bounty. FBI files of the KKK were examined by the committee but they found no evidence that these organizations had anything to do with the assassination.

Robert F Kennedy assassination  Los Angeles, June 5, 1968

open image in gallery Robert F Kennedy speaking shortly before his murder at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after winning the California presidential primary ( AP )

Killer was hypnotized

Five years after the death of his brother, Robert Kennedy had just delivered a victory speech after winning Californias Democratic primary and had momentum in primary season.

In the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Kennedy was fatally shot.

Sirhan Sirhan was convicted of the murder and jailed in 1969, but he has claimed to have no memory of what happened.

Sirhan, a Palestinian, had emigrated to the U.S. from Jordan and admitted to the crime during the trial. In the aftermath of the killing, Sirhan said he was angry at Kennedy for his support of Israel. But Sirhans testimony changed on numerous occasions and his legal team argued at one point that he had been hypnotized.

open image in gallery Sirhan Sirhan is arrested for the murder of Robert F Kennedy in 1968. He was refused parole in 2024 ( Getty Images )

The second shooter theory

Kennedys son, RFK Jr, believes Sirhan is innocent.

RFK Jr, who was 14 when his father was murdered, met Sirhan in Californias Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility just outside of San Diego in 2018 and became convinced of his innocence during their three-hour exchange.

I went there because I was curious and disturbed by what I had seen in the evidence, RFK Jr, now Trumps health secretary, told the Washington Post at the time. I was disturbed that the wrong person might have been convicted of killing my father.

RFK Jr believes the theory that there was a second shooter, implicating security guard Eugene Thane Cesar in a 2023 television interview. In 1990, Cesar said that he had gone to the Ambassador Hotel that night with the intent to kill Kennedy, but that Arab fellow shot him before I could.

Writing in The Independent last month, former intelligence officer John Kiriakou said that the files set to be released Sunday could shed light on the second gunman theory.

Sirhan fired eight shots at Kennedy with an eight-shot revolver. But Sirhan was in front of Kennedy when he began shooting. And Los Angeles County Coroner Thomas Noguchi testified that the fatal shot came from behind Kennedy, at a distance of between one and three inches, Kiriakou writes.

Furthermore, a 2006 forensic analysis of a recording of the shooting found that between 10 and 13 shots had been fired. In 2008, John Pilger, the Australian documentary-maker, who had been covering the Kennedy campaign, witnessed his assassination and maintained he had seen a second gunman.

Kiriakou said it is unlikely that the declassified documents will provide a smoking gun.

But what we do expect, he said, is that the documents will at least shed some contemporaneous light on one of the most important and tragic events in American history.
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Karoline Leavitt issued a fiery rebuke to a French politician calling for the Statue of Liberty to be returned, with the White House press secretary stating his country should be very grateful to the U.S. that its not speaking German right now.

Raphael Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and Frances center-left Place Publique party, called for the New York Harbor-based landmark to be brought home claiming that the U.S. no longer represents the values embodied by Lady Liberty after siding with tyrants.

Leavitt said that President Donald Trump would absolutely not return the statue  a gift from France some 140 years ago  and clarified the U.S.s role in helping liberate France from Nazi occupation during World War II.

My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that its only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now, she said in a briefing Monday. So they should be very grateful to our great country.

open image in gallery Karoline Leavitt issued a scathing rebuke to the French politician calling for the Statue of Liberty to be returned ( EPA )

Glucksmann made the remarks during a convention during a Place Publique movement Sunday.

Give us back the Statue of Liberty, he said, according to Agence France-Presse.

Were going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: Give us back the Statue of Liberty.

France gifted the statue, which stands 305 feet tall and weighs 450,000 lbs, to the U.S. on July 4, 1884, to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

open image in gallery The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the U.S. on July 4, 1884 ( Getty Images )

The iconic copper-clad sculpture was created by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and currently sits on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. There is a replica of the statue in the Seine River in Paris.

The U.S. likely would not have won the Revolutionary War had it not been for financial backing from the European nation. The U.S. did not return the favor when the French Revolution began in 1789.

We gave it to you as a gift, Glucksmann continued, citing the United States founding values of freedom and liberty. But apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home.

He concluded his remarks by stating France would welcome top researchers who had been fired in the cuts to the National Institutes of Health and similar organizations.

open image in gallery Raphael Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and Frances center-left Place Publique party, called for the Statue of Libertys return to France on Sunday ( AP )

Glucksmann, a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, is a staunch supporter of Ukraine.

Last month, Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of gambling with World War III during a contentious Oval Office meeting. The Ukrainian president left the White House without signing a minerals deal to secure U.S. help in ending the war with Russia.

Earlier this month, Zelensky softened his stance and said he was ready to work under Trump's strong leadership and that it was time to make things right between the two nations.

Trump is expected to hold a call with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in an attempt to convince the Russian President to accept a ceasefire and end the conflict with Ukraine.
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In order to comply with Donald Trumps executive orders to eradicate signs of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the military has removed at least 10 webpages dedicated to the famed Native American Code Talker units that used indigenous languages to transmit secret messages during WWI and WWII.

"As Secretary [Pete] Hegseth has said, DEI is dead at the Defense Department, Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot told Axios, which first reported the changes. We are pleased by the rapid compliance across the Department with the directive removing DEI content from all platforms."

"In the rare cases that content is removed that is out of the clearly outlined scope of the directive, we instruct components accordingly."

The changes appeared scattershot, with some military pages about the those in the program leading to error messages and others maintaining content about the units, which included people from at least 15 different Native American nations and who served in key battles throughout the early 1900s.

Some such sites appeared unchanged, but included a banner mentioning they had been reviewed for compliance with the Trump administrations executive orders against diversity, which have ordered agencies to cease spending, organizing, and publicizing any DEI-related efforts.

As one extant page notes, the military turned to members of the Navajo (Dine) because their unwritten language is one of extreme complexity, forming a code the Japanese never broke in WWII.

open image in gallery Members of at least 15 different Native American nations served in the U.S. military during WWI and WWII, using their native languages to transmit secret messages across the frontlines ( AP )

Its syntax and tonal qualities, not to mention dialects, make it unintelligible to anyone without extensive exposure and training, according to the Navy. It has no alphabet or symbols, and is spoken only on the Navajo lands of the American Southwest.

The unique achievements of the Navajo Code Talkers constitute a proud chapter in the history of the United States Marine Corps, another still-existing page notes. Their patriotism, resourcefulness, and courage have earned them the gratitude of all Americans.

Trump himself honored the code talkers with an event at the White House during his first term, telling a group of assembled veterans, You are really incredible people. 

And from the heart, from the absolute heart, we appreciate what youve done, how youve done it, the bravery that you displayed, and the love that you have for your country, he said at the time.

open image in gallery The Pentagon has taken down at least 10 webpages about the units, according to an analysis ( Department of Defense )

Critics were outraged over the changes.

Trumps Pentagon is erasing Navajo Code Talkers  Indigenous warriors who helped win WWII  from military websites, VoteVets, a veteran political advocacy group, said in a statement on X. This isnt about efficiency. Its about whitewashing history and erasing those who dont fit his MAGA narrative.

EJ Montini, a columnist for the Arizona Republic, writing in a state that borders large parts of the Dine reservation, argued that every elected official in Arizona from every party should be pounding on the doors of the Defense Department to reverse the idiotic DEI overreach that is trying to erase the Code Talker legacy.

Who could possibly be pleased by an effort to erase the history of a group of native men who were vital to the success of every major Marine Corps operation in the Pacific Theater of World War II, particularly America's victory at Iwo Jima, he asked.

open image in gallery Trump, who once lauded the code talkers, has since ordered the military to remove all traces of DEI, a mandate that apparently includes the history of these units ( Oliver Contreras-Pool/Getty Images )

The erasure is another historical irony in a long string of them for Americas Indigenous soldiers.

Even though the U.S Army spent decades warring with tribes as settlers flooded across the U.S., and the federal government attempted to forcibly assimilate native peoples and destroy their languages, Native Americans came to serve in the U.S. military at well above the national average, where their language skills were suddenly in high demand.

The irony of being asked to use their Native languages to fight on behalf of America was not lost on code talkers, many of whom had been forced to attend government or religious-run boarding schools that tried to assimilate Native peoples and would punish students for speaking in their traditional language, the National WWII Museum notes.

The downed websites follow reports from last week that the Arlington National Cemetery, Americas most important military cemetery, had removed web information about notable Black, Hispanic, and female veterans.

Tens of thousands of posts and photographs including people of color and women have also been removed from Pentagon files. Even photos of people whose last name was Gay and the infamous Enola Gay bomber that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in WWII (named for the pilots mother) were excised from the Pentagons historic records because they involved the word gay.
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A Minnesota State Senator who made headlines for introducing a bill to label Trump Derangement Syndrome as a mental illness, has resigned after he allegedly tried to meet up with a police officer who posed as a minor.

Senator Justin Eichorn was arrested Monday night around 6 p.m. for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution, according to a statement from the Bloomington Police Department.

Detectives were previously in contact with Eichorn, who believed he was talking to a 17-year-old female. Eichorn responded to an online advertisement for prostitution by contacting the number provided, asking for rates, availability and location, according to the criminal complaint reviewed by CBS News. The detective, while posing as the girl, told Eichorn she was 17 multiple times, prosecutors say.

They then arranged a meetup for Monday evening, during which he was arrested without incident. Police say they found two cellphones, a condom and cash after searching Eichorn and his vehicle.

Charges are now pending against the Republican politician, who, hours before he was arrested, was part of a group that introduced a bill to label Trump Derangement Syndrome as a mental illness. ( Minnesota Senate )

He is now in custody at the Bloomington Police Department jail.

As a 40-year-old man, if you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someones child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up," Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said in a statement. "I have always advocated stiffer penalties for these types of offensesWe need our state legislature to take this case and this type of conduct more seriously.

Eichorn has now been charged with prostitution and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, according to court records filed Wednesday in Hennepin County, CBS News reports. Prosecutors allege the lawmaker "intentionally hired or offered or agreed to hire an individual who [he] believes to be under the age of 18 years, but at least 16 years of age, to engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact."

The latter is a federal charge.

Eichorn submitted his letter of resignation, effective Thursday, less than an hour before the Minnesota Senate was set to take an unprecedented vote to expel him from the chamber.

This is the right thing to do for his family and the Senate, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, a Republican, said. We are ready to move on and do the important work that needs to be done at the Capitol.

With the resignation, Democrats will now hold a two seat edge in the Senate until a special election is held to fill his seat, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was one of several voices from across the political aisle to call for Eichorns resignation following his arrest.

You cannot prey on children and expect to get away with it, Walz said.

The Independent has contacted Eichorns office for comment.

On the day he was arrested, Eichorn and four other Minnesota Republican senators proposed legislation to the Health and Human Services committee that would label Trump Derangement Syndrome as a mental illness.

Their bill describes the faux syndrome as the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J. Trump.

They claim symptoms include Trump-induced general hysteria, where a person struggles to distinguish between legitimate policy and psychic pathology, which is expressed with verbal hostility or acts of aggression against Trump and his MAGA supporters.

The bill is unlikely to be approved with Democrat-aligned parties having a one-seat advantage in the state senate.

Eichorn, 40, is married and a father to four children. Police found two iPhone, an unopened Trojan condom and $129 in cash upon his arrest, according to the Guardian.

With reporting from James Liddell.
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Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate now vying to be Ohios governor, wants to follow in President Donald Trumps footsteps and rename yet another body of water.

The biotech entrepreneur was speaking to the Lucas County Republican Party last week when he pitched the idea to rename Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes, to Lake Ohio.

"I like what President Trump's done with the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of America," Ramaswamy said.

Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America last month.

"Anybody think if there's a Lake Michigan, maybe there should be a Lake Ohio around here? I'm feeling that, so we'll talk about that a little bit more as this campaign progresses, Ramaswamy continued.

open image in gallery Ohio governor hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has suggested renaming Lake Erie to 'Lake Ohio, seemingly inspired by President Donald Trumps approach to the Gulf of Mexico. ( Getty Images )

Lake Erie  bordered by Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania  is named for the Indigenous Erie people who lived along the lakes southern shore.

A spokesperson for Ramaswamys campaign later told the Cincinnati Enquirer the 39-year-old was only joking.

The audience understood it was a joke, the spokesperson said. Perhaps the media will someday get a sense of humor. Vivek is focused on real policies to Make Ohio Great Again."

His opponent for the GOP nomination, Attorney General Dave Yost, responded by noting that the lake is mentioned in the state constitution, and the governor does not have the authority to change the name, according to ABC6.

Ramaswamys gubernatorial bid follows his appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Elon Musk. Some reports indicated Musk fired Ramaswamy because the two didnt get along  but the biotech entrepreneur denied those claims.

No, we had a mutual discussion and I wish him well, were on the same page, were divide and conquer and saving the country, its not a one-man show from the top down or the bottom up, its all of the above, Ramaswamy told Fox News.

open image in gallery Lake Erie  bordered by Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania  is named for the Indigenous Erie people who lived along the lakes southern shore. ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Musk is ready to support his gubernatorial bid, too, having referred to him as Governor Ramaswamy on X.

Ramaswamy appeared confident in his bid before it even officially launched, telling the Wall Street Journal in early February that he intends to be a two-term governor.

Those eight years will go by quickly, Ramaswamy said.

Ramaswamy is running to take over the seat in 2026, when Governor Mike DeWine hits his term limit. Attorney General David Yost is facing off against Ramaswamy in the Republican primary, while the only Democratic candidate is former state health department director Amy Acton.
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The White House used a photo of a waving President Donald Trump from his McDonalds campaign stunt to mock the deported Brown University doctor.

Dr. Rasha Alawieh was deported to Lebanon, where she is a citizen, after arriving at Boston Logan International Airport at the weekend following a trip home to visit family.

In a social media post on X, the Department of Homeland Security claimed while in the country, Alawieh attend[ed] the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah  a brutal terrorist who led Hezbollah, responsible for killing hundreds of Americans over a four-decade terror spree.

Mocking Alawieh, the White House shared the departments post with a photo of Trump waving from the drive-thru window of the suburban Philadelphia McDonalds branch he visited on the campaign trail last October.

In court documents defending the doctors removal revealed Monday, government lawyers claimed she supported Nasrallah from a religious perspective. They also claimed to have discovered sympathetic photos and videos on her phone.

open image in gallery The White House shared a post on X mocking Ivy League Dr. Rasha Alawieh, who was deported to Lebanon over the weekend. The administrations official account shared the photo of Trump waving in the drive-thru window of the McDonalds. ( The White House/ X )

Alawieh openly admitted to this to CBP officers, as well as her support of Nasrallah, the department also claimed in its X post, amplified by the White House. A visa is a privilege not a rightglorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be denied. This is commonsense security.

The Independent has contacted Alawiehs immigration attorney for comment.

A federal judge canceled a hearing Monday into why Alawieh was deported at the weekend apparently in defiance of a court order that she remain in the U.S.

open image in gallery Dr. Rasha Alawieh must remain in Lebanon while attorneys prepare to fight her case. The Ivy League doctor has been in the U.S. for six years, specializing in kidney medicine at Rhode Island Hospital. ( Handout )

Government lawyers argued that border agents had not received notice of last Fridays order until she had already departed the United States. Lawyers for Alawieh also asked to postpone a hearing so new attorneys on the case have more time to prepare.

The government will have until March 24 to address allegations, and attorneys for Alawieh have until March 31 to respond to the governments motion to dismiss the case, the judge wrote Monday.

The doctor has studied and worked in the U.S. for six years. She was in the country on a H-1B visa and has been working at Rhode Island Hospital for the last year caring for kidney transplant recipients, the transplant divisions medical director Dr. George Bayliss told the Boston Globe.

After the Trump administrations allegations against Alawieh emerged, a spokesperson for Brown University told the New York Times: We continue to seek to learn more about what has happened.
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A French politician is requesting the U.S. return the Statue of Liberty in the wake of President Donald Trumps policies that appear to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Raphael Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament, made the remarks at a convention of the Place Publique center-left movement Sunday.

"Give us back the Statue of Liberty," said Glucksmann, according to Agence France-Presse. "We're going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: 'Give us back the Statue of Liberty.

open image in gallery A French official is now calling for the return of the Statue of Liberty after 140 years ( Getty Images )

France gifted the statue, which stands at 305 feet tall and weighs 450,000 lbs, to the U.S. on July 4, 1884, to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The sculpture, created by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, currently sits on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. There is a replica of the statue in the Seine river in Paris.

The U.S. likely would not have won the Revolutionary War had it not been for financial backing from the European nation. The U.S. did not return the favor when the French Revolution began in 1789.

Glucksmann, a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, is a staunch supporter of Ukraine.

Since his inauguration, President Donald Trump has berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office and suggested Ukraine started the war even though Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Zelensky was ultimately asked to leave the White House last month following the meeting.

"We gave it to you as a gift, Glucksmann continued, citing the United States founding values of freedom and liberty. But apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home.

During a White House briefing Monday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. would absolutely not send the statue back to France.

open image in gallery We gave it to you as a gift, Glucksmann continued, citing the United States founding values of freedom and liberty, Raphael Glucksmann said. But apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

open image in gallery White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. would absolutely not send the statue back to France ( AFP via Getty Images )

My advice to that unnamed, low-level French politician would be to remind them that its only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So they should be very grateful, added Leavitt, pointing to U.S. military assistance during World War II after Nazi Germany seized France.

Glucksmann concluded his remarks by stating France would welcome top researchers who had been fired in the cuts to the National Institutes of Health and similar organizations.

"The second thing we're going to say to the Americans is: 'If you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their sense of innovation, their taste for doubt and research, have made your country the world's leading power, then we're going to welcome them.
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A new $70 million contract has been awarded to extend President Donald Trumps U.S.-Mexico border and close critical openings after the Biden administration froze the project.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued the contract to Granite Construction Co., a California-based firm listed on the S&P 600.

The heavy civil construction contractor has been tasked with extending the border wall by seven miles in a section of the Rio Grande Valley Sector in Hidalgo County, Texas.

The contract, which was announced Saturday and valued at almost $70.3 million, is funded by CBP's Fiscal Year 2021 funds.

Standing at a portion of the border in Arizona, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on a video on X Sunday that the wall's construction commenced today to ensure the Trump administration can continue to make America safe again.

open image in gallery Kristi Noem announced the plans for the CBP to extend the border by seven miles in Texas while in Arizona on Sunday ( Kristi Noem/X )

Border Patrol said in a statement that the area, which was only partially built under Trumps direction, experiences large numbers of individuals and narcotics being smuggled into the country illegally.

Completing the border wall in these locations will support the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) ability to impede and deny illegal border crossings and the drug- and human-smuggling activities of cartels, it added.

Trumps promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border was a defining policy while on the campaign trail before the 2016 election. Around 458 miles of border wall was built during the presidents first term, though much replaced existing structures that already needed repairs.

The initiative builds upon Trumps immigration crackdown since returning to the White House in Janaury.

open image in gallery Construction crews replace a section of the primary wall separating San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico, in March 2019 ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Securing our Borders and Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States, were among a raft of executive orders signed at the beginning of his second term.

The president directed the Department of Homeland Security to use whatever means necessary to achieve full operational control of the southern border.

To promote Trumps hardline deportation plan, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard took an aerial tour of the border by helicopter above Eagle Pass earlier this month.

The White House hailed the Trump Effect and said that the presidents return to office has been directly linked to fewer illegal crossings.

open image in gallery Donald Trump, pictured in the Oval Office last month, signed several executive orders clamping down on immigration ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Roughly 8,300 people were apprehended last month during Trumps first full month in office, according to the presidents announcement on TruthSocial on March 2. That would put crossings at its lowest level since 2000.

The Invasion of our Country is OVER," Trump declared.

The Border Patrol made 21,593 arrests during January, down from 47,316 in December. Arrests had been falling sharply since well before Trump returned to office from an all-time high of 250,000 in December 2023.
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President Donald Trump and his allies are in the middle of a weeks-long attempt to undermine the judges overseeing an avalanche of lawsuits against them. Judges who rule against him have been cast as corrupt, impeachable or criminal, and the president is incredulous that any federal judge could strike down a command from the executive branch as unconstitutional.

The administration has already repeatedly tested how far it can defy court orders, but a legal fight over the presidents authority to deport immigrants under a rarely used wartime law is steering the United States towards a dangerous constitutional crossroads, according to legal experts.

A timeline for those deportation flights and court orders is crucial to determine whether administration officials openly defied the judicial branch.

Officials could be held in contempt of court  an impeachable offense, according to Bruce Ackerman, Sterling professor of law and political science at Yale Law School and author of We the People, a multivolume series on the constitution.

Trumps assaults on the rule of law could mean we might well once again see an impeachment, Ackerman told The Independent.

But nobody is certain what will happen next.

The administration is deploying a legal theory that would effectively grant the president limitless authority across the government and, by extension, over the courts, which have long acted as a critical check on the presidency.

The unitary executive theory is really just a way to cloak the morphing of a democratically elected president into a dictator with the appearance of legality, writes legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance.

If presidents can do whatever they want, including putting people on a plane and sending them to prisons in a foreign country with no due process whatsoever, then really, who are we? she wrote. We are inevitably headed, whether its in this case or another, to a confrontation between a president who has rejected the rule of law and a judge sworn to enforce it. We are in an exceedingly dangerous moment for democracy.

Last month, former Trump administration official Ty Cobb warned The Independent that its not a matter of whether the courts will do their job to reign in abuse under the administration, but whether they will have any effect on Trump.

Unless and until the Supreme Court intervenes, because thats the only court he seems to listen to, Cobb told The Independent.

And people should not expect that to slow down, he said. If anything, they should expect the next two years to be a frantic assault on the Constitution.

Judges can issue criminal or civil contempt orders against relevant administration officials for violating court orders, according to Ilya Somin, a professor at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School.

Whether this will work against an administration truly determined to resist to the max, is a difficult question, Somin told The Independent. Id be lying if I said I know for sure how such a confrontation would end.

open image in gallery Lawyers for Donald Trumps administration claim he has broad powers under the executive branch that are not subject to judicial review or intervention ( REUTERS )

Less than a month into the administration, a federal judge accused the government of continuing to improperly freeze federal funds and refusing to resume disbursement of appropriated federal funds despite a clear and unambiguous order to do so.

Another federal judge has had to order administration officials to lift a freeze on USAID funding at least three times after the administration seemingly ignored them. And after the administration was ordered to restore funding to refugee resettlement groups, officials abruptly canceled their contracts altogether.

Other judges have accused officials with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency of trying to evade scrutiny by failing to answer who, exactly, is running it.

But the administration has turned to appeals courts and, in at least three cases, the Supreme Court, with Trump at one point saying his administration will always abide by court rulings as he challenges threats to his agenda.

The Trump administration is now suggesting it has broad authority under Article II of the Constitution, which covers the executive branch. In 2019, he claimed it gave him the right to do whatever I want.

Administration officials argue that Article II protects Trumps actions  like sending immigrants to another country  against any court orders.

These inherent Article II powers, especially when exercised outside the United States, are not subject to judicial review or intervention, Department of Justice attorneys wrote March 17.

Three days earlier, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 for the fourth time in U.S. history to deport Venezuelans who are members of Tren de Aragua and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

The law was most recently invoked to forcibly relocate and detain Japanese Americans, including U.S. citizens, during the Second World War.

This is war in many respects, Trump said on Air Force One March 16. Its more dangerous than war because, you know, in war, they have uniforms.

Its a flagrantly illegal attempt to dispense with due process, according to Katherine Yon Ebright, counsel in the liberty and national security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.

Tren de Aragua is a dangerous Venezuelan criminal gang, but immigration law already gives the president ample authority to deport Tren de Aragua members who inflict harm on our communities, she said.

Instead, the president has falsely proclaimed an invasion and predatory incursion to use a law written for wartime for peacetime immigration enforcement, according to Ebright.

The courts should shut this down, she said. If the courts allow it to stand, this move could pave the way for abuses against any group of immigrants the president decides to target  not just Venezuelans  even if they are lawfully present in the U.S. and have no criminal history.

open image in gallery Demonstrators protest the deportation of Brown University Dr. Rasha Alawieh in Providence, Rhode Island, on March 17 after Trump administration officials were accused of defying a court order blocking her removal from the country ( AFP via Getty Images )

On March 15, the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order to block removals under the Alien Enemies Act.

Barack Obama-appointed District Judge James Boasberg in Washington, D.C., scheduled a brief hearing at 5 p.m. that same day, then adjourned 20 minutes later to allow the administration to determine whether flights carrying anyone under the Alien Enemies Act are underway. The parties were due back in court at 6 p.m.

Then, at 5:26 p.m., one of two flights chartered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement departed Texas for Honduras, according to flight records reviewed by The Washington Post. Another flight followed at 5:45 p.m. bound for El Salvador.

Roughly one hour later, the judge  verbally  blocked Trumps application of the Alien Enemies Act. His written order appeared on the docket at 7:26 p.m.

Neither of the planes had landed in El Salvador before the judges order.

And then a third flight left Texas for El Salvador 10 minutes later.

On Sunday morning, at 7:47 a.m.  more than 12 hours after the judges order from the bench and his written ruling  Bukele responded to news of the judges ruling with a post on social media: Oopsie, too late.

The message was shared by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Following Judge Baosbergs order, attorney General Pam Bondi issued a press release accusing the judge of having supported Tren de Aragua terrorists over the safety of Americans.

On social media, Justice Department chief of staff Chad Mizelle raged against an unelected federal judge who has hired more executive branch employees than President Trump.

This is a judicial power grab. Plain and simple, he wrote.

Threats to the judge soon followed.

The time has come, wrote Trump ally and Article III Project founder Mike Davis. Tell Congress to Impeach DC Obama Judge Jeb Boasberg for Keeping Terrorists in America.

Republican Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas said he plans to file articles of impeachment against Boasberg.

Moments before a hearing March 17 over questions about the deportation flights and whether administration officials ignored a court order, the Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to immediately remove the case from Boasbergs courtroom.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and administration officials have insisted that the administration didnt refuse to comply with the courts order while at the same time admonished a district judge who, she claims, cannot direct the movements of an aircraft carrier full of foreign alien terrorists who were physically expelled from U.S. soil.

This is sophistry, according to Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow with the American Immigration Council. The judges authority bound the heads of the agency in Washington, D.C. He ordered them to turn around any planes in the air and not to deport them under the Alien Enemies Act. They refused. Thats contempt of court.

We are not stopping, Trumps border czar Tom Homan told Fox News. I don't care what the judges think. I don't care what the left thinks. We are coming.

open image in gallery Salvadoran police officers escort men deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison in a photo from El Salvador officials obtained March 16 ( via REUTERS )

In court, the Trump administration has argued that questions surrounding the timing of the flights and who was on the planes are sensitive national security matters, and that Trump was no longer in the courts jurisdiction because the flights were in international waters, and that the judges verbal order didnt carry the same weight as a written one.

Leavitt claimed to reporters March 17 that there are actually questions about whether a verbal order carries the same weight as a written order  arguments that a Justice Department attorney made a few hours later in court.

Judge Boasberg and legal experts were extremely skeptical.

There are several relatively recent precedents that suggest the president is on a course that may well lead to his impeachment, including states refusal to obey the Supreme Courts order to desegregate schools in Brown v Board of Education, and Richard Nixons refusal to comply with subpoenas for incriminating evidence in the Watergate scandal, among the impeachable offenses against him, according to Ackerman.

There is also the landmark decision in 1832s Worcester v Georgia, which laid the foundation for Native American sovereignty over their territory. The court ruled that the state could not interfere with the Cherokee Nations affairs and was entitled to federal protections.

But President Andrew Jackson virtually ignored the decision, reportedly responding with the apocryphal quote: John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it. Jackson ultimately commenced with the forced removal of Native Americans, resulting in the deaths of thousands.

Are Trump's lawyers going to invoke the precedent of a death march? Ackerman told The Independent. Is that his precedent, or Brown v Board of Education, or is it Richard Nixon?
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The federal judge who blocked Donald Trumps deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act appeared taken aback by arguments from Department of Justice lawyers claiming that his order from the bench could be ignored because it wasnt written down.

Youre telling me you felt you could disregard it because it wasnt in the written order? an incredulous U.S. District Judge James Boasberg asked during a hearing in Washington, D.C. Monday.

Justice Department lawyers suggested that was the position of the Trump administration. He called the governments argument a heckuva stretch.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also appeared to make a similar argument to reporters during a briefing earlier Monday.

There are actually questions about whether a verbal order carries the same weight as a written order, she claimed.

The judge called a hearing to determine what exactly happened after three flights allegedly containing members of Venezuelas Tren de Aragua gang left the United States for El Salvador on Friday night despite his verbal  and written  orders that expressly blocked them from taking off.

A timeline is crucial to determine whether the administration is openly defying the judicial branch as critics fear the president is consolidating power in the executive branch and shredding checks and balances.

After Boasberg refused the Trump administrations request to cancel Mondays hearing, the Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to immediately remove the case from Boasbergs courtroom.

The administration really jumped the shark with this, Katherine Yon Ebright of the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University Law School said Monday of the Justice Departments attempt to take the case away from Boasberg.

Judge Boasberg is no bleeding-heart liberal or national security law skeptic; hes the former presiding judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, she wrote.

The immigrants on those flights are now jailed in a notorious El Salvadoran prison. The White House claims officials can prove they are gang members based on intelligence and men and women on the ground, Leavitt told reporters Monday.

Their hands were tied under the previous administration  they should be trusted and respected by the American public with this operation, she said.

Judge Boasberg ordered attorneys to answer a series of questions about the flights, including, critically, what time they left the United States. But Justice Department lawyers repeatedly refused to answer the the queries.

The judge also wants to know how many people were deported solely on the basis of Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, the centuries-old wartime law that Trump has applied for the fourth time in U.S. history.

Lawyers have until noon Tuesday to reply.

open image in gallery Salvadoran police officers escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison in a photo shared by El Salvador officials ( via REUTERS )

Trump is applying the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelans who are members of Tren de Aragua and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States, according to his order, which he invoked last Friday.

The next day, the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order to block removals under the act. Boasberg scheduled a brief hearing at 5 p.m., then adjourned 20 minutes later to allow the administration to determine whether flights carrying anyone under the act were underway. The parties were due back in court at 6 p.m.

Then, at 5:26 p.m., one of two flights chartered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement departed Texas for Honduras, according to flight records reviewed by The Washington Post. Another flight followed at 5:45 p.m. bound for El Salvador.

Roughly one hour later, the judge agreed to temporarily block the application of the Alien Enemies Act. His written order appeared on the docket at 7:26 p.m.

A third flight left Texas for El Salvador 10 minutes later.

On Sunday morning, at 7:47 a.m.  more than 12 hours after the judges order from the bench and his written ruling  El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele responded to news of the judge's ruling with a post on social media: Oopsie, too late.

That message was shared by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trumps border czar Tom Homan suggested on Fox News that the administration isnt stopping its operations because of a court order.

Were not stopping, he told Fox News on Monday. I dont care what the judges think, I dont care what the left thinks. Were coming.

open image in gallery White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt ( Getty Images )

In court documents and in the courtroom, Justice Department officials claimed that answers to the judges questions involve sensitive national security issues.

If what youre saying is its classified and you cant tell me, then youre going to need to make a good showing, the judge said. Why are you showing up today and not having answers as to why you cant disclose it?

Justice Department lawyer Abishek Kambli also argued that Judge Boasberg lost jurisdiction the moment that those planes were no longer in U.S. airspace.

Once they are in international waters, the president has authority outside of the Alien Enemies Act that would not have been subject to the order, he said.

The judge was skeptical.

Youre saying that the president somehow has extra powers over a plane once it enters international airspace once it leaves U.S. airspace? he said.

The parties will be back in court Friday to argue the merits of Trumps executive order itself.

Critics have expressed alarm over both the administration's underlying decisions surrounding the deportation flights and its attempts to remove Judge Boasberg from the case for questioning them.

Trump is defying court orders and abusing wartime powers to deport people with no due process, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote on X. Donald Trump is not a king. He is not above the law.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council called the Justice Departments position completely incoherent.

They say that even if they broke the order, Trump had inherent power as commander in chief to direct military assets, he wrote on X. But these were charter plane flights run by a private prison company subsidiary on a contract with ICE.
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A Wisconsin man who voted for President Donald Trump is devastated after his Peruvian wife was detained by Immigration Customs and Enforcement.

Newlyweds Bradley Bartell and Camila Munoz were on their way home after honeymooning in Puerto Rico last month when they were pulled aside by an immigration agent at the airport.

Munoz was in the process of applying for a green card after her original visa expired, USA Today reported. When asked by the agent at the airport whether she was an American citizen, she was taken into custody and is being held in a private immigration facility in Louisiana.

I knew they were cracking down. I guess I didnt know how it was going down. Bartell, an American citizen, told the outlet:

The couple, who live in the small city of Wisconsin Dells, reasoned that because Munozs green card application was ongoing, she paid all her taxes and does not have a criminal record, they would not be caught up in the Trump administrations sweeping immigration crackdown. She has been in the U.S. since 2019, working legally on a W-2 visa until it expired, according to the outlet.

They know who she is and where she came from, Bartell told the outlet. They need to get the vetting done and not keep these people locked up. It doesnt make any sense.

open image in gallery Bradley Bartell, who voted for Trump, was traveling back from his honeymoon with wife Camila Munoz when she was detained by immigration officials at the airport. She is being held in a facility in Louisiana after overstaying her visa. ( Bradley Bartell/Gofundme )

It took Bartell almost a week to track down his wife, and the two have recently spoken on the phone.

Emotionally, I'm concerned for her, Bartell 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.

All the money the couple had been saving to buy a new home for their life together has been spent on legal fees, Bartell added, and he has launched a GoFundMe page with a target of $30,000. My wife was detained at the end of our belated honeymoon while we were returning through the airport, Bartell wrote. This money will be used for legal support and the bond money for my wife.

He said that on top of legal fees, bond could run upwards of $10,000.

The Independent has contacted Immigration Customs and Enforcement for comment.

Overstaying a visa is not considered a criminal offense but is an administrative violation of the law. The Trump White House has characterized all illegal migrants as criminals even though immigration law is considered a civil matter. If an individual is overstaying their visa, they are therefore an illegal immigrant residing in this country, and they are subject to deportation, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in January.

open image in gallery Advocates warn that Immigration Customs and Enforcement agents have widened the net in who they are targeting in the Trump administration crackdown. Anyone who isnt a legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen is at risk, they warn. ( Getty Images )

Overstaying a visa can result in a 10-year ban from returning to the U.S. But if the immigrants spouse is a U.S. citizen, it can be lawfully forgiven under a waiver of unlawful presence.

Attorneys and advocates warn that anyone who isnt a legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen is now at risk under the Trump administration.

ICE is really widening the net in a really chilling way in terms of who they are going after," Jesse Franzblau, senior policy analyst for the National Immigrant Justice Center, told the outlet. People who generally dont fit the profile of who they picked up before are being picked up now.

It comes as the Trump administration also deported an Ivy League doctor specializing in kidney medicine on a H1-B visa. Rasha Alawieh was deported to Lebanon over the weekend despite a court order ruling that she must stay in Massachusetts for 48 hours.

Over the weekend, the White House announced hundreds of alleged members of a Venezuelan gang had been deported after a federal judge temporarily blocked the deportations.
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Francisco Javier Garcia Casique, one of the hundreds of Venezuelans deported by the Donald Trump administration over the weekend, has no criminal record in either the United States or his country of origin, his family has insisted.

Casique, 24, was reportedly among the 238 people believed to have connections with the notorious Tren de Aragua criminal gang that were taken to El Salvador as part of an agreement between Trump and the countrys president Nayib Bukele on Saturday.

The deportees were removed despite U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg disputing the invocation of the wartime Alien Enemies Act 1798 as the basis for the administrations actions and ordering that the planes delivering them be turned around.

open image in gallery Francisco Javier Garcia Casique ( Sebastian Garcia Casique/Instagram )

On Monday, Judge Boasberg demanded answers as to why the flights had gone ahead in defiance of his order while Trumps allies, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and his White House advisers Alina Habba and Stephen Miller hit the airwaves to rebuke the justice for overstepping his authority in challenging an executive order from the president.

Trump himself angrily lashed out at Boasberg on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday morning, calling him a radical left lunatic and demanding his impeachment.

While the legal battle rumbles on, Casique, a barber by trade, finds himself incarcerated in the maximum security CECOT mega-prison in Central America with no record of his case visible on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website, according to his distraught mother Mirelis Casique, who says his rights are being violated.

Ms Casique, who has taken to TikTok to draw attention to her sons plight, told The New York Times she had recognized him by his tattoos, his ears and his general stature in news photographs of the newly-arrived inmates and said she felt broken at the injustice of what had taken place.

She explained that her son had entered the United States in December 2023 seeking asylum, having previously spent six years in Peru cutting hair and shaving customers to support the family  a skill he taught himself by watching YouTube videos, his brother Sebastian told El Estimulo.

open image in gallery Prison guards transfer deportees from the U.S., alleged to be Venezuelan gang members, to the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, on Sunday March 16 2025 ( El Salvador Presidential Press Office/AP )

He had injured himself falling from a train in Mexico before being detained by immigration officers at the U.S. southern border, Ms Casique said, with the officers concerned enough by his tattoos  which actually read peace and listed the names of his grandmother, mother and sisters  to detain him for two months in a detention center in Dallas, Texas, while they investigated possible gang connections.

He was subsequently released by a Texas judge last April on the condition that he wore an electronic bracelet to monitor his movements before he could be repatriated to Venezuela, she said, only for ICE to arrest him again on February 6 this year.

I told him to follow the countrys rules, that he wasnt a criminal, and at most, they would deport him, his mother said.

But I was very naive  I thought the laws would protect him.

In a subsequent interview with Spanish language news channel NTN24, Ms Casique repeated that her sons only offense was entering the United States without the proper documentation.

My son isnt a criminal who should have been sent to El Salvador, she maintained.
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Republican state lawmakers are set to introduce a new bill proposing that Trump Derangement Syndrome is officially defined as a mental illness.

Five Minnesota Senators are due to propose the legislation to the Health and Human Services committee on Monday, according to Fox 9.

The bills authors Eric Lucero, Steve Drazkowski, Nathan Wesenberg, Justin Eichorn, and Glenn H. Gruenhagen, described the faux syndrome as the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J. Trump.

Symptoms include Trump-induced general hysteria, where a person struggles to distinguish between legitimate policy and psychic pathology, which is expressed with verbal hostility or acts of aggression against Trump and his MAGA supporters, according to the proposed legislation.

If passed, TDS could be added to a lengthy list of mental-health-related definitions in Minnesota. The syndrome is not recognized as a mental illness in any U.S. state.

open image in gallery Allies of Donald Trump, photographed in the Oval Office Sunday, have claimed the presidents critics have Trump Derangment Syndrome ( AP )

The bill is unlikely to be approved with Democrat-aligned parties having a one-seat advantage in the state senate.

Democrats were quick to condemn the new Minnesota Bill.

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 Minnesota DemocraticFarmerLabor Party spokesperson told the Minnesota Star and Tribune.

The highly-politicized term was coined in Trumps first term to dismiss criticism against him as liberal hysteria, suggesting that people abandon all logic and reason due to their dislike of the president.

The term Derangement Syndrome was first used more than a decade earlier in 2003 by the late political commentator Charles Krauthammer to describe critics of Republican President George W. Bush.

The Minnesota proposal pulls the same phrasing that Krauthammer used to describe Bush Derangement Syndrome, which was described as the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal people in reaction to the policies, the presidencynaythe very existence of George W. Bush.

Trump supporters had revived the pejorative phrase while the president was campaigning for the 2024 election to mock and silence his critics.

open image in gallery Elon Musk again revived the term while speaking to Fox News Sean Hannity besides Donald Trump last month ( Fox News )

In May 2024, former Trump attorney Alina Habba told Fox News that she believed the jurors in the presidents hush money criminal trial should have been sequestered over a holiday weekend to avoid them coming down with TDS and forgetting all sense of reality.

In October, Trump dismissed his former chief of staff John Kelly as having TDS after he branded the president a fascist and made damning claims about his views of Adolf Hitler.

Last month, Elon Musk revived the term and told Fox News host Sean Hannity he used to be adored by the left until they were infected with TDS.

The head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Trumps government slashing force, added that when he mentioned the presidents name at a dinner party before his return to the White House, it was like they got shot with a dart in the jugular that contained like methamphetamine and rabies.
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The image of Donald Trump as an anti-war president is crumbling in real time.

Whether winning votes or merely demotivating support for his opponent, Kamala Harris, Trump fed on American frustrations in both parties to  once again  win election victory with a promise of ending or withdrawing American support for bloody and costly conflicts around the world.

Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza (on Israels terms) and the end of billions of dollars in military aid shipments to Ukraine were his latest efforts in a campaign that began in his first run for president in 2016, with his hammering of opponents Jeb Bush and others for support of the Iraq War.

But overnight Tuesday saw the resumption of an intense U.S.-supported bombing campaign in Gaza and the end of a months-long ceasefire that, until recently, had seen the return of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinians imprisoned by Israeli security forces.

The conflicts reignition comes just three days after U.S forces began airstrikes on Sanaa, Yemens capital, in a significant escalation of armed clashes with Houthi militants that have held the city since 2014. More alarming for those concerned with the regions stability: Trumps direct threat to treat any further aggression against U.S. forces by Houthi attackers as an act of war from Iran, where the militants have long received support from the Revolutionary Guards corps (IRGC).

With a one-two stroke, the likelihood of the Middle East dissolving into chaos just ratcheted up  after the eruption of earlier similar conflicts fueled Trumps insinuation that the Biden-Harris White House was weak and could not competently manage global affairs.

That message was core to Trumps successful 2024 campaign. It remained constant through Joe Bidens withdrawal from the ticket in July. Both Biden and Harris, Trump argued, were too weak and stupid to prevent Russias invasion of Ukraine, Hamas attack on October 7, or the launch of missiles and rockets against targets in Israel by both Hezbollah and later Iran itself.

open image in gallery Donald Trump claimed during the 2024 campaign that he, unlike Joe Biden or Kamala Harris, would prevent further global conflicts from breaking out. ( Getty Images )

Now, one year later, Israel claims Hamas did not hold up its end of the ceasefire agreement  which, if true, means the group did not fear U.S. retribution. Houthi forces have resumed attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, a feat which the president claimed such groups would not have the courage to try under his watchful eye.

Ukraine now stands as a major remaining test for the 47th president. Having bragged throughout 2024 that he could end the conflict within 24 hours, Trump now stands in an uncomfortable spot  with Ukraine, blamed by him as an obstacle to peace, on board for a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, while Russia has yet to fully sign on.

On that front, Trump conducted a lengthy phone call with his Russian counterpart on Tuesday. A readout released by the White House stated that Russia would agree to a 30-day cessation of attacks against energy and infrastructure targets, and begin negotiations aimed at reaching implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not brief reporters on Tuesday, and the press corps will likely have to wait another day for more information about the exact terms of the agreement.

A readout from the Kremlin was more revelatory, and indicated that Moscow was seeking to dictate the terms of any lasting peace deal. "It was emphasized that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working toward its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be a complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv."

If the negotiations progress further and the end to a conflict which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives indeed becomes near, Trump could end up salvaging his sought-after image as a peacemaker. But theres a long way to go  and the president has already proven that preventing violence from erupting around the world isnt as easy as he made it sound.
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President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in a 90-minute phone call to begin the movement to peace in Russias three-year-old war against Ukraine, starting with a 30-day ceasefire on energy targets, according to the White House.

A White House readout of the conversation said the two leaders had agreed on an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, with talks to begin immediately in the Middle East about a full ceasefire. Separately, the Kremlin said Putin had agreed to stop strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for the next month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also said he would agree to the 30-day pause in fighting.

A separate readout issued from Moscow said the two leaders had a "detailed and frank exchange of views" on Ukraine, with Putin stressing that any resolution to the conflict must be "comprehensive, sustainable and long-term and take into account Russia's own security interests.

"It was emphasized that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be a complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv," the Kremlin added.

The White House did not immediately respond to a query on whether Trump had agreed to Putins demand to halt aid to Ukraine or whether an end to western assistance for Kyiv was a condition of the 30-day energy and infrastructure ceasefire.

The White House also said Trump and Putin spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts and further discussed the need to stop the proliferation of strategic weapons, with both agreeing that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside, including enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved.

The call between the two leaders started at 10 a.m. and, according to Russian state news agency TASS, wrapped at approximately 11:30 a.m. ET, roughly 90 minutes after it started.

A White House official confirmed that the call had been completed but would not confirm the time at which the two presidents finish speaking.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino had previously confirmed the status of the conversation in a post on X (formerly Twitter) in which he stated that the call started at 10 a.m. ET, with Trump speaking from the Oval Office.

The call is going well, and still in progress, he added.

Scavino posted again to say that the call was still in progress as of 11:32 a.m. ET, more than 90 minutes after it had begun, apparently contradicting the Russian news report. The Independent has reached out to the White House to clarify the discrepancy.

Writing for himself on his Truth Social platform, Trump characterized the call as a very good and productive conversation resulting in an agreement for what he described as immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine.

He added that many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed and said both Putin and Zelensky would like to see the war end.

That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done, he said.

The conversation between the leaders had been initially scheduled to begin an hour earlier, but was delayed while Putin was busy addressing oligarchs at a business conference. He had been talking about how Western sanctions would continue to try to exclude Russia from the global economy.

The Russian leader is infamous for being late to calls or meetings with foreign leaders  a power move intended to display dominance.

The call between Trump and Putin, the second such conversation since Trump was sworn in for a second term in the White House in January, comes as Trump has been pushing both the Russian dictator and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a 30-day ceasefire proposal that would, in theory, lead to more comprehensive negotiations to end the three-year-old war that began when Putin ordered Russian forces to invade and decapitate Zelenskys government in February 2022.

According to Bloomberg, Putin is expected to demand that Trump halt all American aid to Kyiv  and potentially push Americas European allies to halt their own aid efforts  as a precondition for Russia to honor any temporary ceasefire.

European leaders have expressed concern that such a concession would allow Russia to rearm during any pause in fighting, leaving Kyiv unable to properly defend itself.

Trump is reportedly considering offering Putin an inducement in the form of American recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, the region of Ukraine that Russian troops illegally annexed in 2014 ( AP )

In a Monday evening phone call with Trump, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned that Ukraine must be put in the strongest possible position in order to secure a just and lasting peace.

A spokesperson for the prime minister said Starmer updated the president on his coalition of the willing call with international leaders that took place on Saturday and reiterated that all must work together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to secure a just and lasting peace.

Trump is reportedly considering offering Putin an inducement in the form of American recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, the region of Ukraine that Russian troops illegally annexed in 2014.

Semafor reported on Monday that U.S. officials have also discussed the possibility of the Trump administration pushing the United Nations to recognize Russian control of the peninsula, citing a pair of administration sources. But National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes denied the reporting, telling the outlet that the administration has made no such commitments.
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President Donald Trump bashed a staff writer from The Atlantic for not being capable or competent because she doesnt know that he won the presidency three times, reciting one of his frequent falsehoods.

Ashley Parker apparently requested an interview with the president  which Trump rebuffed in a very public way. He branded her a Radical Left Lunatic who was not capable of doing a fair and unbiased interview in a Truth Social post Tuesday. His reasoning appeared to be based on what he views as her lack of knowledge about the outcome of the 2020 election.

To this date, she doesnt even know that I won the Presidency THREE times. If you have some other reporter, let us know, but Ashley is not capable or competent enough to understand the intricacies of High Level politics, the president said. Parker has won the Pulitzer Prize  three times.

Trump won the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton and 2024 election against Kamala Harris. He lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, but has repeatedly, and falsely, claimed that he was victorious.

Trump also slammed The Atlantic as a third rate magazine. Picking at another old wound, Trump once again accused the magazine of falsifying the story about his 2018 trip to a French cemetery, where he allegedly described fallen U.S. soldiers as suckers and losers.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump slams a writer at The Atlantic for not 'knowing' that he 'won the presidency three times,' in a Truth Social post that regurgitates a familiar falsehood ( REUTERS )

The 2020 article wasnt written by Parker and Trump has repeatedly denied having ever made the comments. In 2023, John Kelly, Trumps longest-serving chief of staff from his first term, confirmed that the president made those remarks.

Trump continued to bash the magazine in his Truth Social post. The Atlantic is doing terribly, losing a fortune, and will hopefully fold up and be gone in the not too distant future. It has absolutely no credibility, and would be far better off, in terms of journalism, to cease publication.

Regarding a future interview, he added: Nevertheless, when you have a writer with intelligence, competence, and fairness, please let me know!

The Independent has reached out to The Atlantic for comment. In a statement to HuffPost, a spokesperson for the magazine said: Atlantic reporters are diligent and fair and continue to pursue stories of importance to the public.

This isnt first time that Trump has lashed out at Ashley. In 2019, Ashley and Philip Rucker wrote a piece for the Washington Post titled: Trumps lost summer: Aides claim victory, but others see incompetence and intolerance.

In response, Trump wrote on X that the pair are nasty lightweight reporters who shouldnt even be allowed on the grounds of the White House because their reporting is so DISGUSTING & FAKE.

open image in gallery Tuesdays outburst is the latest in Trumps wide-ranging attack on the media since taking office, which included dismantling the Voice of Americas parent agency over the weekend. ( AP )

Trumps Tuesday comments are the latest in his administrations tirade against the media since returning to office.

The president has threatened to sue authors, publishers and the media that use anonymous sources. He barred a reporter at the Associated Press from attending events at the Oval Office after the organization refused to refer to the Gulf of Mexico by Trumps new name for it. He has also accused MSNBC and CNN of illegal reporting and branded them as political arms of the Democrat Party. His Federal Communications Commission chair ordered investigations into PBS and NPR.

He dismantled the Voice of Americas parent agency over the weekend, a move that led to 1,300 employees being placed on leave.

Even before returning to the White House, he launched legal battles against numerous news networks and suggested others broadcasting licenses be revoked. Trump has repeatedly referred to the press as fake news and the enemy of the people.
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Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News star who is deeply embedded within Donald Trumps inner circle, warned the president this week that a strike on Iran would certainly result in a war that would cost billions of dollars and lead to thousands of American deaths in the region.

The cost of future acts of terrorism on American soil may be even higher. Those arent guesses, the MAGA podcaster added on Monday evening. Those are the Pentagons own estimates. A bombing campaign against Iran will set off a war, and it will be Americas war. Dont let the propagandists lie to you.

The far-right commentators remarks came on the heels of Trumps air strikes across Yemen this past weekend that killed dozens, which were followed by an explicit threat to the Iranian government of dire consequences if the Houthis engaged in any further retaliatory attacks.

Let nobody be fooled! The hundreds of attacks being made by Houthi, the sinister mobsters and thugs based in Yemen, who are hated by the Yemeni people, all emanate from, and are created by, IRAN, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Monday. Any further attack or retaliation by the Houthis will be met with great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there.

The president continued: Every shot fired by 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!

open image in gallery Donald Trump speaks with Tucker Carlson during Carlsons live tour event in the fall of 2024. ( Associated Press )

Unlike the previous administration, Trump has also given the U.S. Central Command the authority to launch offensive strikes against Houthi targets whenever it deems it appropriate. Former President Joe Biden, on the other hand, had required White House approval for all offensive attacks in the region, though he allowed American forces to engage in defensive strikes on their own.

The presidents ramped-up rhetoric against Iran comes as the entire Middle East is once again reaching a boiling point. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that killed at least 413 Palestinians this week represented the deadliest wave of attacks in months and shattered the ceasefire deal that was reached in January.

The renewed strikes by Israel also laid bare Trumps failure to live up to his promise of quickly ending the war with Hamas, one former Israeli hostage negotiator told CNN. Additionally, Israel called on Trump to ramp up pressure against Iran last month as it warned that a military option was required to prevent the republic from building a nuclear arsenal.

With all that said, could Carlson perhaps pull the president away from his game of brinksmanship with the Islamic Republic and reverse the escalation to a war with Iran? Its entirely possible, at least based on the last time Trump reached this point.

During Trumps first term in office, Carlson  who has positioned himself as the leader of the American rights isolationist wing when it comes to foreign policy  split from the rest of his Fox News cohorts and sharply criticized the presidents decision to authorize the killing of Irans top general Qasem Soleimani.

Is Iran really the greatest threat we face? And whos actually benefiting from this? And why are we continuing to ignore the decline of our own country in favor of jumping into another quagmire from which there is no obvious exit? By the way, if were still in Afghanistan, 19 years, sad years, later, what makes us think theres a quick way out of Iran? Carlson said on his then-primetime Fox show in early January 2020.

Nobody is thinking like that right now, Carlson continued, steering clear from condemning Trump directly. Instead, chest-beaters like Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska are making the usual war-like noises, the noises they always make.

Following Iranian counter-attacks, Carlson hosted a show that appeared to be laser-focused on convincing the president to refrain from escalating the situation with the Middle Eastern country. I continue to believe the president doesnt want a full-blown war, Carlson declared. Some around him might, but I think most sober people dont want that.

Fourteen hours later, Trump told the nation in a televised address that he would not be retaliating against Iran over its missile strikes. According to sources close to the president at the time, Trump had indeed watched Carlsons program the night before. Furthermore, the president told confidants that Carlsons strong advocacy not to escalate the situation in Iran played a role in his decision-making regarding Iran at the time, according to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, the night of Trumps announcement that he wouldnt be pursuing military action against Iran, Carlson expressed relief that were back from the brink before praising the president for saying the pause in hostilities was a good thing. Thats a big claim, but in this case, it is not an overstatement, the conservative host stated.

Since Carlsons unceremonious firing from Fox News in 2023, the far-right commentator has only seemed to draw closer to Trumps orbit  and his influence on the president has appeared to grow. Carlson was a major presence at last years Republican National Convention and helped convince Trump to choose JD Vance as his running mate.

Since Trumps electoral victory, Carlson has continued to serve as something of an informal adviser to the president and his personal documentarian. The influence of the former Fox News host, who has long taken a pro-Kremlin approach to the Ukraine War, is evident in the presidents own aggressive stance towards Ukraine and sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin amid peace negotiations. In the meantime, with Trumps administration chock full of Fox personalities, Carlsons son Buckley was hired to be part of Vances press team.

Carlson urging the president to not bomb Iran has also earned him some plaudits from anti-war progressives and the isolationist right, while at the same time prompting hawkish conservatives to blast him.

I hate to say this but Carlson is 100% correct here, Zeteo founder Mehdi Hasan tweeted.

Reality Check: The Pentagon has NEVER released any public estimate or study about the impact of strikes against Irans nuclear program, former State Department advisor on Iran Gabriel Noronha groused about Carlsons remarks. This is pure fantasy and fearmongering. Just like the radical left fearmongered that Trump taking out Qassem Soleimani would lead to WWIII.
White House rejects demand for Statue of Liberty's return to France

Xinhua) 16:50, March 18, 2025

WASHINGTON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Monday rejected a French politician's demand for the return of the Statue of Liberty to France.

"Absolutely not," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a televised press briefing, in response to the demand by French member of the European Parliament Raphael Glucksmann.

"My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it's only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now," Leavitt said, seemingly referencing the American-French alliance during World War II against Nazi Germany.

Glucksmann on Sunday said he does not think that the United States represents the values of the Statue of Liberty anymore and called for its return to France.

The statue was officially unveiled on Oct. 28, 1886, in New York, gifted to America as "a symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope," according to the monument's official website.

The statue, situated at the New York Harbor, was later seen as a symbol of welcome by immigrants arriving by sea. Today, it is a top tourist site in New York City.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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Republicans are already eying JD Vance to succeed Donald Trump in 2028 despite the president recently stating it was too early to endorse the Vice President as his heir apparent.

The one-time never Trump guy turned MAGA stalwart was selected by Trump to be his running mate while on the campaign trail in July 2024. Eight months on, Trumps longtime aides and allies have begun throwing their support behind Vance for a possible run at the presidency in 2028.

I think it's inevitable at this point that Vance will be the [GOP] nominee in 2028, Indiana Senator Jim Banks told Axios.

Vance won a straw poll of potential 2028 GOP nominees at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February, with 61 percent, beating former Trump advisor Steve Bannon who placed second with 12 percent. Bannon himself has argued he wants a term-limited Trump in office again in 2028.

Jim McLaughlin, the GOP pollster who conducted the survey, said that the former Ohio Senator won due to his perception as the closest thing to Donald Trump.

open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance is finding support for his presidential run in 2028 already ( AFP via Getty Images )

Jack Posobiec, a conservative media star who previously called civil rights activist unhumans, regularly refers to Vance as 48  the 48th U.S. president.

Since ascending to the top of the GOP ticket in July, Vance found favor with Trumps base in the build-up to Election Day for his combative style, spending much of his time sharply criticizing Democrats and reporters.

He has also displayed truculence in the face of the presidents adversaries  including his recent dressing down of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky  and has become a staunch supporter of the Trump administrations America First ethos.

A day after Vance was selected as Trumps VP pick, Donald Trump Jr, the presidents eldest son, told the New York Post that there very high chance he would become president in 2028.

open image in gallery Indiana Senator Jim Banks said that Vance will inevitably be at the top of the GOP ticket in 2028 ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

A person close to Don Jr told Axios that he is over the moon with JD's performance so far, after the political scion lobbied for his father to pick Vance as his running mate.

The source added that he feels completely vindicated for spending his political capital last summer pushing his dad to pick Vance as vice president.

After Trump told Fox News host Brett Baier on February 10 that it was too early to endorse Vance for the next election, the vice president agreed that the presidents remarks were exactly right.

There will be a time to focus on politics, of course  [like] the midterms, he told the Daily Mail. And then well worry about presidential politics at the appropriate time.

Trump has, however, repeatedly entertained the prospect of serving an unconstitutional third term as president.

Last month, he asked a crowd of supporters at a White House reception celebrating Black History Month whether he should run again, which saw him bask in chants of four more years.

The 22nd Amendment of the Constitution says that presidents can only serve up to two full terms.
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A 54-year-old veteran who was escorted out of a town hall meeting following a shouting match with a North Carolina congressman stood by his decision to speak out, saying he wasnt going to be silenced, according to a report.

During a town hall meeting at Ferguson Auditorium in Asheville Thursday, Jay Carey confronted Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards on his support for President Donald Trump administrations proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs and potential changes to Social Security, WLOS reported.

Do your job! Carey can be heard shouting at Edwards, interrupting his opening remarks, in the now-viral video. Im a veteran and you dont give a f*** about me! The crowd cheered and clapped as Carey was escorted out of the forum.

When the heckling began, Edwards said into his microphone: And you wonder why folks dont want to do town halls anymore?

"I was seeing red," Carey told the outlet, reflecting on his outburst. "I was angry, and I wasn't going to be silenced."

open image in gallery A man who was escorted out of a town hall held by North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards says he wasnt going to be silenced ( Getty Images )

He took issue with the Trump administrations potential cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

"Social Security is the lifeblood of this country; veterans are the lifeblood of this country," the veteran said.

"I spent over 20 years fighting for this country," Carey continued. "I earned those benefits as well as my fellow veterans I watched my friends die in war, I bled for my country."

The veteran told WLOS that he had lost all of his belonging to Hurricane Helene, and that he doesnt believe he is getting the support he deserves.

Trump has insisted hes not going to touch Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, but Musk, a White House senior adviser and Department of Government Efficiency boss, last week suggested he was considering targeting the Social Security Administration for future cuts.

open image in gallery Rep. Chuck Edwards speaks to a crowd during a congressional town hall meeting on March 13, 2025 in Asheville, North Carolina, where he was heckled ( Getty Images )

Most of the federal spending is entitlements, he told Fox Business Network. Thats the big one to eliminate. Musk has also previously branded the Social Security Administration as the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is expecting to slash its workforce by 15 percent, or 80,000 workers, an internal memo from earlier this month laid out. Doug Collins, the departments secretary, said in a video that the VA has been a punching bag among veterans, Congress and the media for decades, adding that many have been asking for a more efficient, accountable and transparent for years.

At the town hall, Carey also accused Rep. Edwards of being a puppet.

He's not thinking for himself," the veteran said. "He is doing exactly what Trump says; he's not making any decisions. He can't make any decisions; he's afraid too  he's a coward."

Speaking to CNN over the weekend after the the heated town hall, Congressman Edwards said he "enjoyed the lively conversation. He added: "I believe it's part of the democratic process, even though it might be uncomfortable from time-to-time, I think town halls are necessary.

VA Press Secretary Peter Kasperowicz said in a statement to The Independent: We regret when anyone loses their job, and its extraordinarily difficult for department leaders to make those types of decisions. But the federal government does not exist to employ people. It exists to serve people. At VA, we are focused on serving veterans better than ever before, and doing so requires changing and improving the organization.

He added that employees who were laid off were not in mission-critical positions, like doctors, nurses and claims processors, and opted to turn down the Fork in the Road offer. Supervisors of terminated employees were also given the ability to request that employees be exempted from probationary removal.
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Hundreds of corellas have been discovered either dead or in a critical state in New South Wales, Australia, in what is suspected to be a mass poisoning.

Dozens of distressed birds were seen falling out of trees on Monday, the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority said as they launched an investigation. The affected birds were in the Newcastle, Carrington and Hamilton areas.

Many birds were found disoriented, bleeding, or in distress, with more than 60 euthanised by a local vet. They were found in parks, shopping centres, on ovals and in front yards.

There are fears that more birds may be affected in the coming days.

Corellas, a kind of small cockatoo, often come into conflict with farmers as they cause significant damage to farms, orchards, and sometimes even buildings.

Jason Gordon, the Environment Protection Authoritys executive director of regulatory operations, described the situation as distressing and said the corellas also suffered from paralysis and an inability to fly.

The misuse of pesticides, whether deliberate or unintentional, is completely unacceptable and carries heavy penalties, he said.

Hunter Wildlife Rescue said that the incident was likely the result of poisoning.

They are all over the neighbourhood. We are getting calls from members of the public who are finding them in their front yards, they are being found on ovals, the rescue organisations head, Kate Randolph, said. Everyones working together. Its a heartbreaking situation.

Dr Tania Bishop, a vet with Australias largest wildlife rescue organisation Wires also said that mass poisoning was a likely explanation. However, she told the Guardian that toxicology results identifying potential poisons could take weeks.

Testing will include ruling out bird flu and inspecting impacted locations for evidence of potential pesticide misuse, the Environment Protection Authority said.

Were also contacting several vets across the Newcastle area to confirm the numbers of sick and dead birds, and where exactly theyve been found.

A practitioner at the Hamilton Veterinary Clinic told the Newcastle Herald he had never seen anything like this in his 13 years there.

They are in agony, he said. They spread their wings and look at you as if to say help me. Its absolutely horrible.

The incident has caused outrage in the community. This is absolutely disgusting! These creatures are our Native Australian birds and have as much right as we do to this earth! We are here to protect them, one resident posted on Facebook. I hope the perpetrators are caught and held accountable and rot!

Another wrote: What sick human would do this.

This is just too sad, said another. What is wrong with some people. These are living breathing animals. We share, not own this planet.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported in 2023 that farmers in Victoria were using eagles and falcons to deter corellas and other nuisance birds in a humane, non-lethal way to protect their crops. The trained raptors would fly over the affected areas, scaring the corellas without attacking them.
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A mysterious foam has washed up on south Australias beaches, coinciding with fish deaths and surfers falling ill with symptoms like coughing, sore throat and blurred vision.

The foam has covered hundreds of metres along Waitpinga Beach, about 15km southwest of Victor Harbor.

Several people who visited the beach over the weekend experienced cold and flu-like symptoms afterwards.

Parsons Beach, another popular surfing spot just west of Waitpinga, is also affected.

Scores of marine animals, including seahorses, fish and octopuses, have washed up on the sand, and visitors have noticed a visible slick on the water.

The Department for Environment and Water has temporarily closed both Waitpinga and Parsons, nearly 80km south of Adelaide, citing a possible link between the foam and a microalgal bloom, likely triggered by hot temperatures, stagnant water and an ongoing marine heatwave.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is investigating the fish mortality event.

A department spokesperson said that its role in this type of incident is to investigate the cause of the fish kill to rule out infectious and notifiable animal diseases, establish the cause, and coordinate a response where necessary.

Fish kill events can be brought on by a variety of causes including environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall (or lack of) and water quality including salinity or oxygen levels, or by disease or pollutants.

A local surfer, Anthony Rowland, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that he visited Waitpinga on Saturday morning with a few friends.

While we were out there, we started coughing, he said. We came in and we kept coughing after walking up the hill, and a few people in the car park came over and they said that theyd experienced the same coughing and they hadnt even hit the water yet.

Mr Rowland said he experienced sore eyes, sore throat and coughing which continued all day.

After he posted about his experience on social media, many people responded that they had experienced similar symptoms after visiting the beach.

Lots of people reached out, he said, so many people have said they have had exactly the same symptoms.

Its quite overwhelming. Id say that pretty much every single person that went in the water at Waitpinga, bar one young fella that had a quick half-an-hour surf, has reported the same symptoms.

After speaking with other people, Mr Rowland said, he estimated there were more than 100 people affected.

Another surfer, identified by local media as Andy from Middleton, said he visited Parsons on Saturday morning and afterwards received messages from several friends reporting sore eyes and feeling unwell.

They had coughs, they had breathing difficulties when they were driving home back to Adelaide, he told ABC Radio Adelaide.

A lot of people come down here on the weekends to surf from Adelaide and I had 30 or 40 messages with the same symptoms and they actually said their friends had it as well.

Some people reported a bit of a slick on the water too. A couple people said they saw a lot of green on the beach, but yesterday there was a lot of foam, a lot of brown on the beach as well. Theres lots of different theories going around at the moment.

South Australia Health principal water quality adviser David Cunliffe told Nine News that exposure to algae can trigger allergic reactions, including respiratory and eye irritation or skin rashes, while ingestion may lead to stomach upsets or flu-like symptoms.

These symptoms disappear when the exposure stops or following washing in clean water, he said. People should avoid contact with discoloured fresh or marine water. If they do enter this water they should take care to wash in clean water afterwards.

Ocean Watch Australia states on its website that most sea foam is not harmful to humans and is often an indication of a productive ocean ecosystem. But when large harmful algal blooms decay near shore, there are potential for impacts to human health and the environment.

During blooms popping sea foam bubbles are one way that algal toxins become airborne. The resulting aerosol can irritate the eyes of beach goers and poses a health risk for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
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The jury in the murder trial of a man accused of stabbing a woman at least 26 times has been discharged, paving the way for a retrial.

Organic food store worker Toyah Cordingley, 24, was found dead on the remote Wangetti Beach in Queensland on 22 October 2018.

She was out walking her dog when she was stabbed at least 26 times in what was called a frenzied, brutal and sadistic attack. Her body was found half-buried in sand dunes by her father.

Rajwinder Singh, 40, a former hospital nurse at nearby Innisfail, fled to India hours after Cordingleys body was found, leaving behind his wife and three children. He was arrested by police in Delhi and extradited to Australia in 2023.

The jurors in the Supreme Court in Cairns were unable to reach a unanimous decision in deliberations that began on Friday and continued until Monday.

They then issued a note to Justice James Henry informing him that they were deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous decision while there were no further questions or evidence to consider.

"I thank you for your diligence," the judge said as he discharged the jury.

A hung jury is dismissed under Queensland law if they are unable to reach a unanimous or majority verdict, paving the way for a retrial with a new jury.

open image in gallery Delhi police escort Rajwinder Singh after his arrest in relation to Toyah Cordingleys murder in Australia ( AFP via Getty )

Justice Henry said a hearing would take place on 26 March to set a retrial date, adding that further delay in the case "would be a sad thing for all concerned".

Mr Singh's defence counsel, Angus Edwards, said that he could go for a different legal representation during the retrial.

Mr Singh, originally from Buttar Kalan in northern Indias Punjab state, had been living in Australia since 2009.

At the time of Cordingleys murder, he was living in Innisfail, two hours away from where her body was located.

There were no eyewitnesses to Cordingleys death or the subsequent hiding of the body even though several people visited the 4km beach the day she was killed.

The three-week trial saw many of those people tell the court they saw a suspicious man staring at them, but did not actually witness the murder.

open image in gallery Toyah Cordingleys mother Vanessa Gardiner speaks in Cairns, Australia, in November 2022 ( AP )

The prosecution produced cellphone data suggesting the victims phone moved in the same direction as Mr Singhs blue Alfa Romeo sedan on the day she went missing.

The court was also told that a DNA sample taken from a stick in the victims shallow grave was likely a match for Mr Singh. In addition, Mr Singhs hurried escape to India was presented as evidence in the trial.

Mr Singh denied any wrongdoing. I did not kill the woman, he had told a Delhi court after his arrest in India.

After his return, he said he would reveal all the details to an Australian court and told reporters that there were two killers and two victims.

Mr Singh was arrested by Delhi police based on intelligence shared by the international policing organisation Interpol as well as Australian police. The Queensland government had offered A$1m (563,000) for information that could lead to his arrest, making it the largest reward offered in the history of the state.
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The Antarctic researcher accused of threatening to kill colleagues trapped in a remote research station has apologised.

Scientists at the Sanae IV base in Vesleskarvet, Queen Maude Land sent an urgent email back to South Africa late last month pleading for rescue, claiming a member of the nine-person team had attacked someone and was issuing further threats.

The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said in a statement on Tuesday that the alleged assault between two members of the overwintering team was reported on 27 February, and the accused has shown remorse.

The DFFE said it was also investigating alleged sexual harassment but reports of sexual assault were not correct.

The alleged perpetrator has willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, has shown remorse and is willingly cooperative to follow any interventions that are recommended, the department said.

He has written a formal apology to the victim and is willing to verbally apologise to all members at the base. The department has also implemented a longer term sustained intervention process through trained professional counselling services in order to restore the relationships and build a healthy working environment.

Conditions on Antarctica are difficult, and the DFFE says it undertakes rigorous testing to ensure team members can cope ( AP )

The department said the minister, Dr Dion George, and the departments director-general, Nomfundo Tshabalala, have personally taken charge of the management process.

The department immediately activated the response plan to engage the individuals involved through trained professionals in order to mediate and restore relationships at the base, the DFFE said.

This process has been ongoing on an almost daily basis in order to ensure that those on the base know that the department is supportive and willing to do whatever is needed to restore the interpersonal relationships, but also firm in dealing with issues of discipline.

The team is located 4,000 kilometres from South Africas nearest point on the base where temperatures can reach -40C and wind speeds can near 150mph during winter.

In a leaked email, a researcher said one team member had created an environment of fear on the South African base, making the researcher deeply concerned about their own safety and that of others.

The DFFE said it follows a very detailed and thorough process when it recruits staff who are prepared to live in such confined and testing living conditions.

Each team member goes through independent and professional psychometric analysis to ensure they are able to cope with the isolation, the DFFE said, and that they are able to work and live with others in the confined space of the bases.

Only candidates who do not have any negative outcomes from all the background evaluations will be considered for appointment, the DFFE said.

The appointed overwintering team members are afforded the opportunity to undergo team building and training together in order to build relationships prior to the departure of the SA Agulhas II [ship], which is the main mode of transport to the scientific bases.

The department added: Even though all of the assessments and evaluations show no areas of concern, it is not uncommon that once individuals arrive at the extremely remote areas where the scientific bases are located, an initial adjustment to the environment is required.
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Those who have joined a growing movement across Europe and Canada to boycott U.S. products say its the only way they know how to protest President Donald Trump's policies.

The terms Boycott USA, and Boycott America showed a spike in searches as Trump announced new tariffs, according to Google Trends, with the top regions including Denmark, Canada and France.

Retired Danish police officer Ivan Hansen says he now carefully checks each product at the supermarket to avoid buying anything made in the United States - which means no more Coca-Cola, California Zinfandel wine or almonds.

The 67-year-old said hes furious about Trump's threat to seize the Danish territory of Greenland, but it's not just that. There are also the threats to take control of the Panama Canal and Gaza and Trump's relationship with Elon Musk, who has far-right ties and made what many interpreted as a straight-armed Nazi salute.

On his recent shopping trip, Hansen returned home with dates from Iran. It shocked him to realise that he now perceives the United States as a greater threat than Iran.

Trump really looks like a bully who tries in every way to intimidate, threaten others to get his way," he said.

I will fight against that kind of thing.

A growing boycott movement across Europe

Thousands across Europe and Canada are joining Facebook groups where they exchange ideas about how to avoid U.S. products and find alternatives.

Feelings are especially strong across the Nordic region  and very possibly strongest in Denmark given Trump's threats to seize Greenland.

At the same time, a global backlash is also building against Tesla as the brand becomes tied to Trump, with plunging sales in Europe and Canada. In Germany, police were investigating after four Teslas were set on fire Friday.

Elsebeth Pedersen, who lives in Faaborg on the Danish island of Funen, just bought a car and made a point of not even looking at U.S. made options.

Before Elon Musk started to act like a maniac a Tesla could have been an option. And maybe a Ford, she said.

open image in gallery Denmarks largest supermarket chain, the Salling Group, created a star-shaped label this month to mark European-made goods ( Bo Amrstrup / Ritzau Scanpix )

French entrepreneur Romain Roy said his solar panel firm has bought a new Tesla fleet each year since 2021 but cancelled its order for another 15 to take a stand against Musk's and Trumps policies.

Describing the United States as a country closing in on itself, he cited Trumps withdrawal from the Paris climate accord and Musks arm gestures. He said he was instead buying European models, even though it would cost an additional 150,000 euros.

Individual consumers, society, our countries, Europe must react, he told broadcaster Sud Radio.

Responding to consumer demand, Denmarks largest supermarket chain, the Salling Group, created a star-shaped label this month to mark European-made goods sold in its stores. CEO Anders Hagh said it's not a boycott, but a response to consumers demanding a way to easily avoid American products.

Our stores will continue to have brands on the shelves from all over the world, and it will always be up to customers to choose. The new label is only an additional service for customers who want to buy goods with European labels, he said in a LinkedIn post.

I have never seen Danes so upset

For Bo Albertus, "when Trump went on television and said he would by political force or military force take a piece of the Danish kingdom, it was just too much for me.

The 57-year-old said he felt powerless and had to do something. He has given up Pepsi, Colgate toothpaste, Heinz ketchup and California wine, and replaced them with European products.

He is now an administrator of the Danish Facebook page Boykot varer fra USA (Boycott goods from the U.S.), which has swelled to more than 80,000 members.

Drink more champagne, one user posted after Trump threatened 200 per cent tariffs on EU wine and Champagne.

Albertus, a school principal, told the AP he really misses the strong taste of Colgate. But he's been pleasantly surprised at finding a cola replacement that is half the price of Pepsi.

Trump's policies have brought the Danish Viking blood boiling, said Jens Olsen, an electrician and carpenter. He is now considering replacing $10,000 worth of U.S.-made DeWalt power tools even though it will cost him a lot.

open image in gallery Trump's policies have brought the Danish Viking blood boiling, some say ( Bo Amrstrup / Ritzau Scanpix )

He has already found European replacements for an American popcorn brand and California-made Lagunitas IPA beer, which he calls the best in the world.

Ive visited the brewery several times, but now I dont buy it anymore, he said. He has mixed feelings because he is a dual Danish-U.S. citizen, and has spent a lot of time in the United States. But he can't contain his anger.

Im 66 years old and I have never seen the Danes so upset before, he said.

Michael Ramgil Sthr has cancelled a fall trip to the U.S. and is among many choosing to buy Danish instead of American-made, though he cannot pinpoint the exact moment he made the decision.

Maybe it was when (Trump) announced to the world press that he intended to take Greenland and the Panama Canal, and if necessary by military force. That and the gangster-like behaviour towards the Ukrainian president in the White House, the 53-year-old Copenhagen resident said.

The man is deadly dangerous and is already costing lives in the developing world and Ukraine, added Sthr, who works helping disabled war veterans, many of whom got injured serving alongside U.S. troops in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. He himself served in Bosnia.

Rising anger in France, too

Edouard Roussez, a farmer from northern France, launched an online group, Boycott USA, Buy French and European! that in just two weeks has attracted over 20,000 members on Facebook.

Roussez believes a boycott of U.S. companies is a good way to express opposition to Trumps policies, especially the commercial and ideological war he believes Trump is waging against Europe.

First of all, these are the companies that financed Donald Trumps campaign, he said on state-owned LCP television channel. Im thinking of Airbnb, Im thinking of Uber, Im thinking of Tesla of course.

The irony of it all? The group is on Facebook. Roussez said only the American online social media platform could give him the reach he needed. But he is working to migrate the group to other platforms with no U.S. funding or capital.

Some choices are harder than others

Some are also including U.S. services like Netflix in their boycotts.

Simon Madsen, 54, who lives in the central Danish city of Horsens with his wife and 13-year-old twins, says the family has given up Pringles, Oreos and Pepsi Max. Not so hard, really.

But now they're discussing doing without Netflix, and that is a step too far for the kids.

He also wonders whether he should keep buying Danish-made Anthon Berg chocolate marzipan bars, which are made with American almonds.

It's important, he said, for people to use the power of the purse to pressure companies to change.

Its the only weapon weve got, he said.
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Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday called for pragmatism to prevent an EU-US dispute over tariffs from escalating into a full-scale trade war, and expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trumps efforts for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Speaking to the Italian Senate ahead of a meeting of EU leaders this week, Meloni made her first wide-ranging comments touching on Trump policies that have shaken Europe in the two months since he took office.

Meloni struck a diplomatic tone on tariffs and expressed favor for Trumps moves to establish a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine as a possible pathway to end the war in Ukraine. She also ruled out sending Italian troops to Ukraine, and spoke against the proposal for a security force by Britain and France. And she pledged to forge ahead with a controversial and stalled plan to vet migrants outside of the EU borders in Albania.

On Ukraine

We support the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump in this sense,'' she said, adding that the proposed ceasefire deal is a first significant step in a path that must lead to a justice and lasting peace for Ukraine."

Meloni also ruled out sending Italian troops to Ukraine, saying it is not on the agenda.

"We believe that the dispatch of European troops proposed in a draft by Britain and France is a very complex, risky and ineffective option,'' she said.

On tariffs

Meloni said she hoped that a trade war with the United States can be avoided, after the EU responded to U.S. tariffs on steel with tariffs on American whiskey and spirits. Italian winemakers, whose exports to the U.S. last year grew to 2 billion euros, are among those bracing for threatened tariffs of up to 200% should the EU tariffs take effect on April 1.

I am convinced that we need to work concretely and with pragmatism to find common ground and avoid a trade war that would not benefit anyone, not the United States, and not Europe, Meloni said. She warned against retaliatory tariffs that become a vicious circle where everyone loses.

On migration

Meloni said Italy is determined to operate centers in Albania that it built last year to screen asylum seekers, saying she has received support for the project from other EU governments. The project has been stalled after Italian courts refused to approve deportation proceedings, which has been referred to the EU Court of Justice.

I hope that the court will avoid the risk of compromising the repatriation policies not only of Italy, but all EU member states,'' she said, adding that it would undermine the very stability of Europe."
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Hungary's parliament has passed a law banning the annual Budapest Pride march, citing potential harm to children.

The move comes just days before a key EU summit in Brussels and amid a surge in support for a new opposition party challenging Prime Minister Viktor Orban's leadership ahead of the 2026 elections.

The bill, introduced on Monday and swiftly approved on Tuesday, follows criticism of the LGBTQ+ community from Mr Orban.

His party said the march, which was due to celebrate its 30th birthday in June, violated Hungarys child protection legislation.

The controversial law bans the depiction or promotion of homosexuality to those under 18.

Mr Orban has also vowed to clamp down on foreign funding for independent media and NGOs within Hungary.

The ban has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Budapest's liberal mayor.

open image in gallery Smoke flares were set off inside Hungarys parliament during the vote ( Reuters )

During the parliamentary vote, lawmakers from the opposition party Momentum staged a protest, deploying smoke flares and scattering manipulated images of Mr Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Despite the ban, Pride organisers have confirmed their intention to proceed with this year's march.

This latest move by Mr Orban adds to a growing list of controversies as he navigates both domestic political challenges and his role on the European stage. He also backed a resolution opposing joint EU borrowing for defence spending.

Parliament also passed a resolution opposing joint European borrowing for defence, after Mr Orban said last week that Hungary should take part in common European defence policy and contribute funds to it, but should not agree to joint borrowing.

The European Commission proposed earlier this month to borrow up to 150 billion (126 billion) to lend to EU governments under a rearmament plan.

For approval, the proposal requires a qualified majority, or the backing of at least 15 of the EU's 27 countries, representing at least 65 per cent of the bloc's population. Hungary alone cannot block the plan.
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Kenya is hosting the Netherlands king and queen as allegations of human rights abuses are mounting, with Kenyans writing hundreds of emails and petitioning the Dutch royals to cancel their visit.

Kenyas government has been accused of arresting and detaining critics, especially after the June 2024 anti-government protests during which demonstrators stormed the parliament and torched a section of it angry over new taxes passed by legislators.

Along with cracking down on demonstrators and curbing free speech, the country also saw state-linked abductions of young men for social media posts deemed offensive to the president. In December, during protests against widespread kidnappings and abductions, dozens of peaceful protesters were arrested.

More than 20,000 Kenyans signed the petition on Change.org asking Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima to reconsider their visit. The Dutch government last month said it received more than 300 emails asking for the cancellation but that the state visit would proceed as scheduled.

The Dutch royals arrived on Monday night for a three-day visit. King Willem-Alexander was honored with a 21-gun salute and inspected an honor guard President William Ruto s government office on Tuesday morning.

Amnesty International on Saturday asked Kenya and Netherlands to place human rights at the heart of the visit, address human rights violations and commit to accountability for all victims following the recent brutal crackdown on human rights in the East African country.

Kenya was among several African countries elected to the U.N human rights council in October 2024 and human rights groups have been urging the government to prioritize human rights.
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Troops outnumbered by as much as six to one on the battlefield, the main supply route cut off and swarms of drones attacking vehicles and soldiers retreating across the border back into Ukraine. That is the picture painted by a senior Ukrainian army officer as Kyivs forces are pushed back from their foothold in Russias Kursk by Vladimir Putins troops.

Russian forces, with the help of thousands of North Korean troops, have been upping the pressure on Ukraines ranks for the last two weeks  as Kyiv looks to hang onto the land it audaciously seized last summer.

The colonel, with connections to the General Staff of Ukraines army  who has not been named in order for him to speak to The Independent freely  said that his countrys troops were outnumbered by three to one at a minimum, but that became six to one in some areas.

He added that the number of drones used by the Russians to target soldiers had grown in recent weeks. Huge swarms of Russian drones hover above the main retreat route for the Ukrainians, he said. They are being operated by more skilled Russian drone pilots than weve seen previously, especially FPV [first person view] pilots.

So Ukrainian armoured vehicles, thin-skinned vehicles like pickups and ambulances, artillery and other equipment are having to run a relentless gauntlet as they head south towards the Ukrainian border.

He said that withdrawing vehicles make easy targets in daytime  less so at night  although Russian drones with night vision or heat-seeking systems can still pinpoint Ukrainian targets.

open image in gallery Russian service members walk past a destroyed building in the town of Sudzha ( via Reuters )

There has always been only one major route into Kursk from Ukraines Sumy region, which saw Kyivs forces roll in against feeble opposition in August. That road, along which The Independent travelled with Ukrainian forces in the wake of that assault, was the most important conduit for its weapons and ammunition replenishments, food, water, medical supplies and evacuation.

The colonel said that this single road was also always the major weakness for Kyivs forces, which the Russians are now exploiting.

However, the colonel was at pains to point out that while Putin has boasted that Ukrainians are in mass flight with thousands surrounded by his troops, the withdrawal had not descended into complete chaos. Its not a rout and our troops are mostly withdrawing in a disciplined way rather than fleeing in disarray, the colonel said.

He added that although Kyivs forces are being beaten back, large Ukrainian formations have not been surrounded, as the Russians claim, but some small units may have lost contact and might be in danger of being encircled.

Moscows forces have said in recent days that they have taken control of Sudzha, the largest town Kyivs forces had seized. But the colonel said that Ukraine still held positions beyond the town and would keep fighting as long as possible.

open image in gallery Vladimir Putin in Kursk ( KREMLIN.RU/AFP via Getty Images )

He said: Ukrainian forces are still fighting hard and holding positions to the northwest and west of Sudzha. They will fight as long as possible because we still hope to use the remaining Russian territory we hold to trade for Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine in any future negotiations.

Putin, who visited Kursk last week, has threatened that the Ukrainian soldiers he claims are surrounded will face death unless they surrender. The colonel said that Ukrainian forces do not believe that surrender guarantees staying alive, citing a video flagged by the Ukrainian parliamentary commissioner for human rights, Dmytro Lubinets, which Mr Lubinets alleged shows Ukrainian prisoners of war being executed. The colonel suggested that footage came from Kursk.

The colonel said: A video has emerged of five Ukrainian prisoners in Kursk being executed... Those executions are not random. We know Russian commanders are ordering their men to execute Ukrainian prisoners and the number of such executions is growing.

So nobody believes Putins promises to spare lives and you can expect that Ukrainian soldiers will put up fierce resistance, he added.

Over the weekend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there were signs Russian forces were preparing to cross over from Kursk into Ukraines Sumy region. The colonel said that small groups of Russian troops had crossed into Sumy from several points along the border but were being repelled by Ukrainian forces which had prepared for that possibility.

Moscow has stepped up attempts to regain all of its Kursk region and occupy more Ukrainian territory along the 600-mile frontline ahead of any potential ceasefire agreements. President Donald Trump has said he will speak with Putin on Tuesday about a 30-day ceasefire across the frontline that has already been agreed by Ukraine and the US.
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Pope Francis, in a letter published on Tuesday, said the illness which has left him hospitalised for a month has made him more aware of the absurdity of war.

Writing from Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he has been treated for a lung infection and pneumonia since February 14, the 88-year-old pontiff shared his renewed conviction in diplomacy and the need for stronger international organisations.

The letter, published in Italian daily Corriere della Sera and addressed to the paper's editor-in-chief Luciano Fontana, reveals how Francis's health struggles have sharpened his perspective.

His illness had helped to make some things clearer, including the "absurdity of war", he wrote.

"Human fragility has the power to make us more lucid about what endures and what passes, what brings life and what kills."

Francis also underscored the power of language, urging the media to recognise the profound impact of words.

"They are never just words: they are facts that shape human environments," he wrote, advocating for responsible communication that fosters unity and truth, rather than division and manipulation.

He called for a "disarming" of words to achieve peace both in minds and on Earth.

open image in gallery The Vatican released a photo of the Pope on Sunday, the first new image released since he was hospitalised on February 14

The Pope's letter comes amid signs of improvement in his health and as Vatican officials dismiss speculation about his potential resignation.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, firmly rejected such suggestions, indicating Francis's continued commitment to his papal duties.

Absolutely no, Cardinal Parolin told journalists on Monday.

Meanwhile, preparations continue for his meeting with King Charles III scheduled for April 8.

Cardinal Parolin has visited Francis twice during his hospitalisation, most recently on March 2, and said he found Francis better then than his first visit on February 25.

Francis is now able to spend some time during the day off high flows of oxygen and use just ordinary supplemental oxygen delivered by a nasal tube, the Holy See press office said.

Doctors are also trying to cut back on the amount of time he uses a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night, to force his lungs to work more.

While those amount to slight improvements, the Vatican is not yet providing any timetable on when he might be released from hospital.

However, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that King Charles III was scheduled to meet with Francis on April 8 at the Vatican.

Such state visits are always closely organised with Parolin's office, suggesting that the Holy See believed the pope would be back home by then, barring any setbacks.
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An international effort to trace and rescue tens of thousands of children kidnapped from Ukraine to Russia and prosecute those responsible has been crippled by the US state departments deletion of evidence.

The Trump administration cut funding to Yale Universitys Humanitarian Research Lab, which was compiling a database of alleged Russian war crimes, including the abduction of an estimated 35,000 children from occupied areas of Ukraine, last month.

Using satellite imagery and other surveillance systems provided through the US government, the Yale researchers were monitoring 116 sites in Russia.

A Yale source said the US state department deleted the evidence which would have been used as part of rescue efforts to get the children home to Ukraine. It would also have been used to prosecute those behind their abductions  including Russian president Vladimir Putin.

It is unclear whether it was by accident or intent, but it may reveal or it may cause potential criminal liability for the Trump administration, given international prohibitions against the destruction of war crimes evidence, the Yale insider told The Independent.

open image in gallery Yale insiders claims the US state departement deleted details on an arrest warrent for Russian president Vladimir Putin ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Further liability could be attached to the Trump administration for the destruction of evidence in the prosecution of Putin, who has been indicted by the International Criminal Court.

Researchers and lawyers working with the Yale project have also had to stop sharing the data with the European Union which is also investigating the abduction of children through EUROPOL.

They [the state department] deleted the crime base on the arrest warrant on Putin... whether they did it by accident, or they did it on purpose it's a hell of a favour, the Yale source told The Independent.

The worst part of this is not that it screws up prosecution, that's bad. The worst part is that it screws up our active efforts to try to get the kids back across the front line, physically, they added

The team works closely with SaveUkraine, a charity that has repatriated 610 Ukrainian children so far  and the Ukrainian government.

Trump held talks with Putin on Tuesday over the future of Ukraine. Since his inauguration he has consistently taken a strongly pro-Russian position on Ukraine and derided its democratically elected president Volodymyr Zelensky as a dictator.

open image in gallery Zelensky endured a difficult trip to Washington to meet Trump in February ( AP )

Mr Zelensky has made the return of his countrys young people from Russia a priority in ceasefire, and longer term peace negotiations between Ukraine, the US, and Russia.

The Yale university project had been one of the US state departments most important contributions to international law and the prosecution of alleged war crimes. It had produced 16 major reports on Ukraine and contributed to six indictments at the ICC against Russians.

Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, his commissioner for childrens rights, are among those facing an international arrest warrant issued by the ICC as individually responsible for unlawful deportation and the unlawful transfer of children from parts of Ukraine captured by Russia. Lvova-Belova has claimed to have adopted a Ukrainian orphan.

Russia has illegally annexed four Ukrainian provinces it has captured large parts of, has issued Russian passports to its residents, and is forcing young men into its army to fight their own country under the Kremlins banner.

Moscow has also tried to eradicate the Ukrainian language from the school curriculum in the occupied areas. And has forcibly transferred large numbers of children deep into Russian territory. Mass murder and forced removals of Ukrainians under Stalin resulted in a genocide known as the Holodomor, when more than three million people were starved to death in the early 1930s..

Details of alleged war crimes were held on a highly secure database code named Caesar, several Yale sources said.

The 1996 Jones War Crimes Act, a federal criminal statute, prohibits all violations of the Geneva Convention as part of US criminal law. It is a war crime under Geneva to destroy evidence of a war crime, the Yale expert told The Independent.

The US State Department has been contacted for comment.
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Russian military agents set fire to an Ikea store in Lithuania last year because Ikeas colours are the same as Ukraines flag, prosecutors alleged, labelling the attack an act of terrorism.

The arson attack in Lithuanias capital, Vilnius, came just days before a shopping centre in nearby Poland was also torched.

Arturas Urbelis from the Lithuanian prosecutor generals office said the Ikea store was not chosen at random.

Ikeas colours are the same as Ukraines flag  this has strong symbolic meaning, The Telegraph reported him saying. We regard this act as an act of terrorism with serious consequences, he added in The Guardian.

Investigators have linked the attack from May last year to Russian military intelligence, through a chain of more than 20 intermediaries, Mr Urbelis told reporters.

The chain includes the organisers, then more organisers for certain goals, then more intermediaries, all down to the perpetrators. It is a multi-stage, very complex system, he said in The Telegraph.

The suspects who carried out the attack were two Ukrainians, Mr Urbelis said, who had agreed to set fire to and blow up shopping centres in both Lithuania and Latvia for 10,000 (8,400).

It is obvious that the persons we have identified, the perpetrators and the intermediaries, are also linked to the criminal acts committed in Poland, Mr Urbelis added. Just three days after the attack on Ikea, a separate arson attack destroyed Warsaws largest shopping centre.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the Lithuanian investigation confirmed Polands suspicions that Russia was behind the attacks.

Dear allies, the investigation of the Lithuanian prosecutors office has confirmed our suspicions that responsible for setting fires to shopping centres in Vilnius and Warsaw are the Russian secret services, he wrote on X. Good to know before negotiations. Such is the nature of this state.

Polish prosecutor Przemyslaw Nowak said in the Guardian there were several organised groups that plan and carry out acts of sabotage.

After Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we have indeed observed an increase in the activity of foreign services in Poland, including primarily the services of Russia, he said.

The revelations come after Britain and its allies uncovered a staggeringly reckless campaign of Russian sabotage across Europe last year.

The head of MI6 Sir Richard Moore accused Russia of behaving in a dangerous and beyond irresponsible way in a speech last year, in which he outlined Moscows plans to sabotage countries who have aided Ukraine.

We have recently uncovered a staggeringly reckless campaign of Russian sabotage in Europe, even as Putin and his acolytes resort to nuclear sabre-rattling to sow fear about the consequences of aiding Ukraine and challenge western resolve, he said in November.
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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.
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Since returning to the White House in 2025, US President Donald Trump has dramatically reshaped US policy toward Russia, adopting a markedly softer stance on Vladimir Putin and the ongoing war in Ukraine. This approach has included cutting military aid to Ukraine, and pressuring Kyiv to accept unfavourable terms to end the fighting.

Trump is also weakening Americas negotiating position by repeatedly and prematurely signalling the concessions the US is willing to make.

Historically, Russia has responded to strength, not appeasement. As US diplomat and historian George Kennan famously stated in his 1946 Long Telegram, the Soviet Union understood only the language of power. He was proven right  throughout and since the Cold War, Western concessions have often invigorated rather than calmed Russian aggression.

Trumps transactional approach to diplomacy is reinforcing this established pattern, emboldening Moscow, and diminishing any prospect of a just resolution to the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Undermining US leverage

Since February, President Trump has taken several actions that align with Russian strategic interests. These have included:

Cutting military aid to Ukraine, despite bipartisan warnings that reducing support could shift battlefield momentum in Russias favor

Blocking Nato membership and refusing security guarantees for Ukraine, signalling that territorial expansion can be rewarded rather than deterred

Blaming Kyiv for the war while downplaying Russias responsibility and ignoring the indisputable reality that Russia invaded Ukraine, a stance that echoes Kremlin propaganda narratives

Criticising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for postponing elections under martial law, despite Ukraines constitutional justification

Siding with Russia, North Korea and Belarus to vote against a UN resolution condemning Moscows actions and supporting Ukraines territorial integrity.

This approach mirrors historical examples of Western appeasement, from Neville Chamberlains 1938 Munich Agreement to the weak enforcement of President Obamas red line in Syria in 2013. By preemptively offering concessions, Trump has weakened US leverage, removing any incentive for Putin to negotiate in good faith.

Unlike Western democracies, Putins Russia operates on power dynamics rather than diplomatic courtesies. Trumps early giveaways  such as suggesting the recognition of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories  will therefore be seen in Moscow as a show of weakness, not goodwill. This weakens the US leverage in negotiations, and by extension that of its allies too.

open image in gallery Since February, President Trump has taken several actions that align with Russian strategic interests ( Sputnik/AFP/Getty )

20th century history confirms that Russia only responds to forceful deterrence. The Reagan administrations Cold War military buildup undeniably contributed to the Soviet Unions economic collapse, and Nato expansion in the 1990s and early 2000s deterred Russian ambitions in Eastern Europe. More recently, the weak US response to the 2014 annexation of Crimea paved the way for Russia to launch its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Trumps diplomatic overtures, unaccompanied by credible enforcement mechanisms, project weakness rather than pragmatism. This only encourages Moscow to escalate rather than compromise.

Alienating Americas allies

While Trump attempts to broker a deal with Putin, European allies are growing increasingly wary of US commitment to transatlantic security.

His administration downplayed Russias threat at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, shocking European leaders. US disengagement has now pushed the continent toward urgently building an independent defence strategy, potentially weakening Nato cohesion.

The aforementioned voting alongside Russia at the UN on a Ukraine-related resolution will have further fractured Americas alliances.

Trumps policies risk creating a strategic vacuum, forcing Europe to act alone while simultaneously emboldening Russia and China to expand their geopolitical ambitions.

Putin will not compromise

Recent peace talks in Saudi Arabia illustrate Russias strategic approach to negotiations. Moscow actively blocked the participation of US special envoy Keith Kellogg, showcasing its attempt to manipulate the diplomatic process.

This follows a classic Russian negotiating tactic of prolonging talks while making unrealistic demands. In Saudi Arabia, these included keeping occupied Ukrainian territories, limiting Ukraines military capabilities, and forbidding foreign peacekeepers.

open image in gallery Putins Russia operates on power dynamics rather than diplomatic courtesies ( AP )

As analysts have pointed out, Putin does not intend to stop the war, only to reshape the battlefield on his terms. Trumps miscalculations therefore leave Russia free to continue its offensive in the knowledge that US pressure on Ukraine will weaken any resistance.

A fragile ceasefire, as is currently under negotiation, will allow Russia to regroup and launch new attacks, and could be broken at any time.

China will also be watching closely. If Trump hands Putin a win, Beijing may feel emboldened to escalate its military efforts in Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Trumps credibility crisis

A recent poll found that over half of Americans believe Trump is too close to Russia. His willingness to publicly signal diplomatic compromises, such as preventing Ukraine from joining Nato, reveals a weak negotiating style that undermines US credibility on the global stage.

Trumps approach echoes his past diplomatic missteps, which some have described as cowboy diplomacy  a strategy that prioritises personal deal-making over structured policy, ultimately leading to strategic blunders. Far from strengthening US leverage, his premature openness about concessions gives Putin room to dictate the terms of engagement.

Trumps misreading of Putins playbook is leading to a weaker US position, a more vulnerable Ukraine, and a divided Nato. History clearly shows that Russia only respects power, not appeasement, yet Trumps diplomacy appears to offer unilateral concessions with little strategic gain.

Unless the US reverses course and reasserts its leadership in defending Ukraine and deterring Russia, Trumps policies will not end the war but ensure that it drags on, only with Moscow instead of Europe or the US dictating its terms.

Christo Atanasov Kostov is an Associate Professor of History and International Relations at IE University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
 Close Zelensky condemns Russian strikes on hometown: Diplomacy means nothing to them

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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.
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Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have agreed to shackle Ukraine after hours of talking on the telephone over ceasefire terms, which wont work but are intended to further divide Ukraine and Europe from the White House.

The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace, the White House said in a statement about the call.

The Kremlin added: It was emphasised that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be a complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv.

So there has not been a Russian agreement to a ceasefire. But if there is to be one, then all foreign military and intelligence assistance has to stop.

That means the Anglo-French efforts to create a coalition of the willing to back Ukraine and support a long-term peace with military muscle must stop. US assistance must stop, again. All intelligence sharing, by both the US and other Nato members, must also be ended. Ukraine, Russia has demanded, must be hog-tied, muzzled and blinded before substantial talks can begin.

The terms set out by the conversation will lead to talks being started almost immediately in the Middle East.

Neither the White House nor the Kremlin has mentioned any concessions on the part of Russia ( Reuters )

Who will attend them is a tricky question to answer as Ukraine cannot accept the Kremlins demands. And Europe has already set about dividing itself from the American security structures after Trumps infidelity to Americas allies.

In what initially looks like an olive leaf, the Kremlin said that Putin had immediately issued orders to his forces to end attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure. Kyiv, Washington and Moscow may believe, should do the same.

This suits the Kremlin tactically. Ukraine has been staggeringly effective in attacking the energy infrastructure of Russias military. A pause in those long-range assaults on gas lines, pool refineries and other energy nodes is essential for Russia while it sets about reinforcing its efforts to continue to plough into Ukraine.

Neither the White House nor the Kremlin has mentioned any concessions on the part of Russia.

Worse still, from Ukraines point of view, is continued talks  between Russia and the US  on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.

Ukraine has largely won the battle for the Black Sea. It sunk the Moskva, Russias greatest battleship, and has driven its fleet out of the area where it skulks in Russian ports. A ceasefire in the Black Sea will give Russia time to manoeuvre its fleet into an attacking formation, without fear.

Ukraine and Europe will reject the results of these talks but welcome the continued process. Its nothing but a distraction and will buy time for Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia and much of the civilised world to put together enough support for Ukraine to allow Kyiv to continue to defend democracy in the West  without America.
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In the early hours of Tuesday, families in Gaza were shaken awake by the return of ferocious bombardment from the air and land. The tense calm of a fragile ceasefire  brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt and in place since January  had been shattered.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the renewed offensive, vowing that Israel will from now on act against Hamas with increasing military strength, blaming the group for its repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals.

It comes just two weeks after he ordered Israel to cut off all food, medicine, fuel, electricity, and other supplies to Gazas two million people to try and put pressure on Hamas to accept a new deal.

Mr Netanyahu has seemingly refused to bow to pressure from the families of the hostages to continue the truce and bring their loved ones home.

On Tuesday morning the largest faction representing hostages families said their greatest fear has come true  the Israeli government has chosen to abandon the hostages.

They warned that resuming fighting will cost more hostages their lives, before saying: We must stop the fighting and immediately return to the negotiation table.

Hamas militant group, meanwhile, accused Netanyahu of upending the ceasefire agreement and in a veiled threat, said the fighting exposed the remaining hostages to an unknown fate.

open image in gallery A man treads through rubble in Gaza City as the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is broken ( AFP via Getty )

So what happened?

The ceasefire was supposed to consist of three phases, the first of which expired two weeks ago and saw Hamas hand over 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Phase two, which is yet to be fully negotiated, was supposed to pave the way to a long-term ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of all hostages taken by Hamas in its attack on Israel that started the war in 2023.

However, ending the war and withdrawing from the besieged strip has been fiercely rejected by the extreme-right flank of the Israeli government, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, minister of national security, who resigned in protest when the initial Gaza ceasefire began in January.

In fact, hardline cabinet members have, at several points, threatened to bring down Mr Netanyahus fragile coalition if he does not return to the fighting.

One concern in Israel is that Mr Netanyahu is more preoccupied with satisfying his far-right partners ahead of a budget vote next week and saving his political skin while he is on trial, than bringing his citizens home and building peace.

Israeli media reported on Tuesday morning that Ben-Gvir was poised to return to the heart of government, possibly within days.

As Amir Tibon, a correspondent for left-leaning newspaper Haaretz, put it on X (Twitter): Netanyahu had a choice return the hostages to their families or return Ben-Gvir to the government to pass a budget. And he chose Ben-Gvir.

open image in gallery Benjamin Netanyahu attends his ongoing trial on corruption charges at the district court in Tel Aviv last month ( EPA )

Mr Netanyahu was also due to appear in court on Tuesday to testify in his ongoing corruption trials, which have cast a long shadow over the embattled premiers terms of office and future.

The Israeli leader has vehemently denied the charges and portrayed the legal proceedings as a political witch hunt.

He has frequently, and unsuccessfully, requested that his hearings be cancelled so he can focus on the war in Gaza. His wish was apparently temporarily granted on Tuesday  the latest session has been postponed due to the renewed hostilities.

Another theory in Israel is that the decision to return to war in Gaza is related to fierce criticism Mr Netanyahu has faced over his decision last week to oust his domestic intelligence chief, Ronen Bar.

Israeli media has reported that he fired Bar to thwart planned investigations into how Hamass 2023 attack happened and into Israeli connections with funding streams to the militant group.

All of this has provided a fraught backdrop to already messy and muddy negotiations for a lasting truce in recent days, with all sides  Hamas, Israel, or Donald Trumps top negotiator Steve Witkoff putting forward unsuccessful proposals.

Mr Netanyahu has made it clear that he does not want to move to phase two and instead suggested an extension of phase one which would require Hamas to release half of its remaining hostages  the militant groups main bargaining chip  in exchange for a ceasefire extension and a promise to negotiate a lasting truce.

However, Israel has made no mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners, a key component of the first phase.

Hamas is adamant phase two must begin but suggested their own temporary proposal, which involved releasing a living American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four dual nationals who had died in captivity  but this was also rejected, with Mr Netanyahu calling it manipulation.

open image in gallery Both Israel and Hamas rejected a bridge proposal made by US envoy Steve Witkoff ( AP )

Mr Witkoff, a long-time friend of Trump who got the January deal over the line, has reportedly spent multiple hours with Qatari negotiators in Doha in the last week and may have even okayed the first direct talks between US and Hamas officials. He put forward a slightly different bridge proposal that apparently has also not been embraced.

Israels renewed offensive has already killed hundreds of civilians in Gaza, with medics saying that the strips destroyed healthcare system, crippled by aid blockade, cannot cope with the influx of wounded.

In Israel, families of hostages fear their loved ones have simply been forgotten and will also perish in the bombardment.

A complete return to war in Gaza could once again trigger regional conflict, dragging in the Houthis in Yemen and the Iranians into the mix  especially after Trump ordered strikes on the Yemeni capital Sanaa and Red Sea region this week.

Peace in the region is at stake.
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Doctors in Gaza described scenes of armageddon as they struggled to tend to hundreds of dead and wounded, including children with severed limbs, as Israel launched some of its deadliest-ever strikes, shattering the relative calm of a ceasefire.

The ferocious bombardment came after Israel had imposed a two-week blockade on aid, supplies, and electricity, crippling the emergency responses. It pounded swathes of the strip early Tuesday morning, bringing an already struggling healthcare system to its knees.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the strikes because of Hamass rejection of a new ceasefire proposal. He vowed that Israel would from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.

Palestinian health officials said that in just a few hours alone, over 400 people had been killed, the vast majority women and children.

open image in gallery Catherine Russell, from UNICEF, said: Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed, including more than 130 children, representing the largest single-day child death toll in the last year ( AP )

Doctors told The Independent they could not cope with the injured and dying, as a total blockade on supplies meant they lacked basic necessities, including diesel for generators and essential surgical items like gloves, swabs, and syringes. Gaza Health Ministry officials said that only seven of the territory's hospitals were providing services.

Dr Muhammad Abuafash, director of Palestinian Medical Relief, who rushed to treat those at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, said the few medics available struggled to decide who to treat first, as patients and bloodied bodies intermingled on the floor.

The vast majority of the wounded are children. Were talking about large numbers of children with severed limbs, he said in desperation, adding that emergency workers were still pulling the wounded and the dead out from under the rubble.

There are not enough medical facilities or supplies, nor are there enough medical personnel. The doctors deal with injuries without preference, unfortunately.

Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan, a paediatric intensive care physician working with Medical Aid for Palestinians inside Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, described being woken before dawn by an airstrike frenzy.

The ER was just chaos, patients everywhere on the floor, she said in a voice recording, adding that the paediatric intensive area unit beds were full and in the first couple of hours, more than 70 bodies were brought in and taken immediately to the morgue.

There were probably three men, and the rest were all children, women, the elderly  it was everybody caught in their sleep, still wrapped in their blankets. Terrifying, a level of horror and evil that is hard to articulate. It felt like armageddon.

Dr Mohammad Qishta, a Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) emergency doctor at Nasser Hospital, said the emergency department was disastrous.

We received no less than 400 cases in less than two hours. We received many bodies and parts of bodies, most of them children and women, he continued.

Palestinian civilians and international aid workers described being shaken awake at 2am by the sound of heavy bombing as Israel launched some of the strongest attacks in the 15-month war.

open image in gallery A Palestinian girl sits among the rubble of the Qrayqea family house ( AFP via Getty )

It was one bomb after the other, sometimes with just a few seconds between them. I could see the sky lighting up, said Rosalia Bollen, at the UNs childrens agency Unicef, from al-Muwasi camp, a coastal area Israel has said is a protected humanitarian zone.

Everyone was yelling, and I heard ambulances. We knew that some of those bombs hit tents and schools that were shelters for people. We know there were dozens of children killed and scores more injured. The sound of drones and the rumbling of planes has been uninterrupted.

Catherine Russell, executive director of Unicef, added: Reports and images emerging from the Gaza Strip following todays attacks are beyond horrifying. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed, including more than 130 children, representing the largest single-day child death toll in the last year.

Mr Netanyahus office released a statement that the army had been instructed to take strong action after Hamass repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all proposals it has received from US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators.

The Israeli military said it had started to strike what it claimed were targets belonging to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, including weapons stockpiles and launch posts.

The attack, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, could signal the full resumption of a war that has already killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza. It also raised fears about the fate of around two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the 7 October attacks on southern Israel, who are believed to still be alive.

open image in gallery Relatives of the hostages calling for their release and expressing concerns that the resumption of fighting in Gaza puts their loved ones at risk ( AP )

A senior Hamas official said Mr Netanyahu's decision to return to war amounts to a death sentence for the remaining hostages.

In Israel, families of the hostages expressed their desperation, with the largest faction of the families saying: Our greatest fear has come true  the Israeli government has chosen to abandon the hostages.

Resuming fighting will cost more hostages their lives, they said as they announced a wave of rallies in Israel. We must stop the fighting and immediately return to the negotiation table to reach a comprehensive agreement for the return of all hostages.

Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq accused Mr Netanyahu of launching the strikes to try and save his far-right governing coalition and called on mediators to reveal facts on who broke the truce. Hamas said at least four senior officials were killed in Tuesdays strikes.

In Israel, many have also accused Mr Netanyahu of putting domestic politics first, ahead of an important budget vote next week, and also amid multiple trials where he is accused of corruption.

The ceasefire was first drafted to consist of three phases, the first of which expired two weeks ago and saw Hamas hand over 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Phase two, which is yet to be fully negotiated, was supposed to pave the way for a long-term ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of all hostages.

However, the extreme-right of the Israeli government including Itamar Ben-Gvir, minister of national security, who resigned in protest, have fiercely rejected ending the war and withdrawing from the besieged strip.

open image in gallery Palestinians carry a body pulled from the rubble of the Qrayqea family house, destroyed by Israeli strikes ( AFP via Getty )

Mr Netanyahu needs to meet an end-of-the-month deadline for passing a budget or his government will collapse and the country would be forced into early elections. He has struggled to reach an agreement with coalition partners.

Following Tuesday's strikes, the far-right Jewish Power party of Mr Ben-Gvir announced it was returning to Mr Netanyahu's coalition.

Mr Netanyahu was also due to appear in court this week to testify in his ongoing corruption trials, which have cast a long shadow over his terms in office. The Israeli premier has vehemently denied the charges and portrayed the legal proceedings as a political witch hunt.

He has also frequently, and unsuccessfully, requested that his hearings be cancelled so he can focus on the war in Gaza. His wish was apparently temporarily granted on Tuesday  the latest session has been cancelled due to the renewed hostilities.

The renewal of the campaign against Hamas, which is supported by Iran, came as the US and Israel stepped up attacks this week across the region. The US launched deadly strikes against Iran-allied rebels in Yemen, while Israel has targeted Iran-backed militants in Lebanon and Syria.
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Israels military has launched dozens of strikes on targets across the Gaza Strip, shattering a ceasefire with Hamas .

Health officials in the Hamas -run strip said more than 400 Palestinians have been killed in the strikes , which started early on Tuesday and continue. More than 600 people have been injured.

The Israeli military said in a statement: This preemptive offensive will continue as long as necessary, and will expand beyond air strikes.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the strikes were just the beginning and any further negotiations would continue only under fire.

Heres what we know about the strikes, and what could happen next.

Why did Israel launch the attacks?

The war in Gaza was triggered by an attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, during which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 people were taken captive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said the strikes were ordered after Hamass repeated refusal to release our hostages.

The strikes came two months after a ceasefire deal was brokered to temporarily halt the conflict, with Israel's retaliatory offensive inside Gaza having killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to the Gazas health ministry, and laid waste to the territory home to 2.3 million people, who face severe shortages of medicine, fuel and food.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Mr Netanyahus office said in a statement. Hamas still holds 59 hostages.

open image in gallery A woman mourns as she identifies a body in the Al-Ahli hospital ( AP )

The Israeli military said it launched a series of preemptive strikes targeting mid-ranking military commanders, leadership officials and terrorist infrastructure belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation.

In a statement issued shortly after strikes began, Israel Katz, Israels defence minister, said the gates of hell will open in Gaza and that Hamas would be hit with a force it has never seen before if it did not release all remaining hostages it holds.

Key Hamas figures were killed in the attacks including Essam al-Da'alis, head of the Hamas government and the most senior figure of authority in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said.

Other political leaders and ministers were killed, as well as many women and children, according to medics and Palestinian officials in Gaza.

The Israeli military said it was prepared to spread out in all areas, including through increased personnel at borders and the Aerial Defence Array.

In the wake of the new strikes, Hamas accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire and jeopardising efforts by mediators to secure a permanent truce.

open image in gallery A body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli army airstrikes is brought to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday ( Copyright 2025, The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

What has happened to the ceasefire?

The ceasefire agreement involved a three-phase plan. Under the first, six-week phase, Hamas returned 25 living hostages and the bodies of eight others, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Israeli troops also withdrew from some buffer zones in Gasa allowing displaced Palestinians to return home to northern Gaza.

Negotiations over phase two were meant to lead to a long-term ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the return of all hostages taken by Hamas during the 7 October attack.

But since that ceasefire ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward with a second phase aimed at releasing the 59 remaining hostages, 35 of whom are believed to be dead, and ending the war altogether.

open image in gallery Palestinians inspect a destroyed area of Al Tabien school on Tuesday morning following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City ( EPA )

Israel has cut off all aid to Gaza in a bid to pressure Hamas to accept a new proposal  the return of all remaining hostages in exchange for further prisoner releases and a 30- to 60-day truce.

Hamas has refused such a proposal, which does not mention any release of Palestinian prisoners, and has accused Israel of trying to sabotage the existing agreement. Hamas instead wants to follow the ceasefire deal reached by the two sides, which calls for negotiations to begin on the ceasefire's more difficult second phase, in which the remaining hostages would be released and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.

What has the White House said?

The White House confirmed it had been consulted by Israel ahead of the strikes, and blamed Hamas for the attack .

National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said Hamas "could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.

US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff , who had aided mediation efforts, had earlier demanded Hamas release the remaining live hostages or pay a severe price.

Mr Netanyahu's office also said that Hamas had "rejected all offers it received from the US presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators."

open image in gallery Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Natanyahu said Israeli must fight Hamas ( via REUTERS )

Is any peace deal now over?

Mr Netanyahu said the country would continue to target Hamas after the group has refused offer after offer to release our hostages.

So, I want to assure all our friends around the world, Israel will fight and Israel will win. We will bring our people home and we will destroy Hamas, he said in a statement on Tuesday evening.

We will not relent until we achieve all these vital goals and we will not rest until we give our country a future of peace, prosperity and hope."

Earlier on Tuesday a senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Risheq, said Mr Netanyahu's decision to return to war amounts to a "death sentence" for the remaining hostages

The families of Israeli hostages said their greatest fear had been realised, saying the conflict risked the lives of their loved ones and urged an immediate return to a ceasefire.

The lives of our loved ones hang by a thread and cannot endure much longer. After surviving months in captivity against all odds, they are now in critical danger, a statement from the families said.

The families also urged mediators to put pressure on Hamas to release the hostages.

The window for saving our loved ones is closing. They cannot survive much longer. The time for action is now, they said.

Hamas has urged mediators to hold Israel "fully responsible for violating and overturning the agreement."

open image in gallery People displaced by conflict and fleeing from Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Stri ( AFP via Getty Images )

What will happen next?

Israels military has ordered an evacuation of parts of eastern Gaza. The evacuation orders, which cover the northern town of Beit Hanoun and other communities further south, suggest that Israeli troops may launch renewed ground operations.

A return to war would allow Mr Netanyahu to avoid the tough trade-offs called for in the second phase of the agreement and the thorny question of who would govern Gaza. It would also shore up his coalition, which depends on hardline populist parties who want to see the war continue until Hamas is completely destroyed.

Danny Danon, Israels ambassador to the United Nations, said the strikes on Gaza will continue.

The Security Council will convene tomorrow to discuss the situation in Gaza. It is time for the countries of the world to take seriously our unwavering commitment to bring back all our hostages home and defeat the enemy, he wrote on X.

Nothing will stop us from fighting to free our hostages who have been held in brutal Hamas captivity for 527 days. We will show no mercy against our enemies while our hostages languish in Hamas terror tunnels.

But Mr Netanyahu will face pressure over the remaining hostages. Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken part in mass demonstrations calling for a ceasefire and return of all captives.
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President Donald Trump gave the green light for Israel to begin an onslaught on the Gaza Strip that killed at least 400 people early Tuesday, according to a report.

The latest Israeli airstrikes have been described by officials as the most intense attack since the agreed ceasefire came into effect in January.

The president gave Israel the go-ahead after Hamas failed to hand over the hostages, an Israeli official told the Wall Street Journal. Israel then gave the Trump administration a heads up before it carried out the attack, according to the outlet.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump was consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza, she told Sean Hannity on Fox News.

As President Trump has made it clear, Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose, Leavitt said.

Her words echoed Trumps warning at the weekend that he would let hell break out if Hamas failed to release all the hostages.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump reportedly gave the green light for Israel to carry out fresh airstrikes. According to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry, at least 400 people have been killed in the bombing during the early hours of Tuesday. ( AP )

National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.

Earlier, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff  who was leading mediation efforts  had demanded Hamas release the remaining live hostages or pay a severe price. Israels defense minister Israel Katz warned that the gates of hell will open in Gaza if the hostages were not returned.

Israels bombardment targeted dozens of locations across the enclave, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah. Israels military called them preemptive strikes targeting mid-ranking [Hamas] military commanders, leadership officials and terrorist infrastructure, while Palestinian health officials claimed most of the dead were women and children.

Israel said it would continue its operations for as long as necessary and that the offensive would extend beyond airstrikes, raising the prospect of a renewed ground assault.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes due to the lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations, calling the operation open-ended, raising fears of a full resumption of hostilities in the 17-month war. The first phase of Januarys ceasefire expired on March 1, with the understanding that a second phase would be agreed upon by both sides.

Netanyahus office warned: Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.

open image in gallery Trump gave Israel the go ahead to carry out the airstrikes, according to a report. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the Trump administration was consulted before the bombing started. ( AP )

The number of deaths reported by local hospitals and health officials steadily rose throughout the day as rescuers searched the rubble for the dead and wounded, and sporadic airstrikes continued.

The escalation shattered a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and deepened concerns about the fate of hostages still held in Gaza. Hamas accused Israel of violating the truce and putting the captives "at an unknown fate.

Hamas also called on mediators to hold Israel "fully responsible for violating and overturning the agreement."

A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Risheq, accused Netanyahu of launching the strikes to try and save his right-wing coalition government and called on mediators to reveal facts on who broke the truce.

Hamas said at least four senior officials were killed in Tuesday's strikes.

How Hamas would react to the bombardment remained unclear. There were still no reports of retaliation by the group later on Tuesday, indicating it still hoped for a resumption of the ceasefire deal.

In Khan Younis, Palestinian witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke and bodies covered in bloodied sheets as overwhelmed hospitals struggled to treat the injured. The Palestinian Red Crescent said its teams had counted at least 86 dead and 134 wounded, while dozens more were brought to hospitals by private vehicles.

open image in gallery The first phase of Januarys ceasefire expired on March 1, with the understanding that a second phase would be agreed upon by both sides. Negotiations have now broken down as violence returns to Gaza. ( AP )

Some of the wounded were brought to Nasser Hospital, where patients lay on the floor screaming. A young boy sat with a bandage around his head as a health worker checked for more injuries, and a young girl cried as her bloody arm was bandaged, the Associated Press reported.

At least 17 members of one family, including 12 women and children, were killed in a strike on a home in the southern city of Rafah, according to the European Hospital, which received the bodies. The dead included five children, their parents and another father and his three children.

Many Palestinians had anticipated a return to hostilities after ceasefire talks stalled in early February. Instead of resuming negotiations, Israel imposed a blockade on food, fuel, and aid deliveries in an attempt to pressure Hamas into accepting an alternative proposal.

open image in gallery Palestinians make their way to flee their homes following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip on March 18 ( Reuters )

That new proposal would have required Hamas to release half its remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension and a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Israel made no mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners  a key component of the first phase.

"Nobody wants to fight," said Gaza City resident Nidal Alzaanin. "Everyone is still suffering from the previous months."

During the first six-week phase of the truce, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and returned the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Second phase talks had aimed to secure the release of the remaining 59 hostages  35 of whom are believed to be dead  and bring an end to the war. Hamas has insisted that all its captives will only be freed in exchange for a complete Israeli military withdrawal and a formal end to hostilities. Israel has refused these terms, stating it will continue its offensive until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are recovered.

Netanyahu has come under mounting domestic scrutiny over his handling of the hostage crisis.

open image in gallery Palestinians carry a body pulled from the rubble of the Qrayqea family house, destroyed in the latest Israeli strikes. The White House said All hell will break loose if Hamas does not return the hostages. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Families of those still held in Gaza expressed concern on Tuesday for their loved ones. "We are shocked, angry, and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas," the Hostages Families Forum said.

But he has also faced demands from his hard-line allies not to allow any deal in Gaza that falls short of Hamas' destruction.

His office on Tuesday said Hamas had repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the US presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators.

A return to war would allow Netanyahu to avoid the tough trade-offs called for in the second phase of the agreement and the thorny question of who would govern Gaza. It would also shore up his coalition, which depends on far-right lawmakers who want to depopulate Gaza and re-build Jewish settlements there.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels denounced the Israeli strikes, saying that "the Palestinian people will not be left alone in this battle"  indicating a possible resumption of the groups strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The U.S. launched its own airstrikes over the weekend targeting the Houthis in Yemen in retaliation for those attacks on shipping. At least 53 people were reportedly killed.

Trump warned Monday that Iran would "suffer the consequences" for any further Houthi attacks.

Additional reporting by agencies
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A new study of 263 galaxies has provided fresh evidence to support a theory that our universe is the interior of a black hole.

Using data from Nasas James Webb Space Telescope, researchers at Kansas State University in the US discovered that the majority of the galaxies were rotating in the same direction.

This goes against previous assumptions that our universe is isotropic, meaning there should be an equal number of galaxies rotating clockwise and anticlockwise.

It is not clear what causes this to happen, but there are two primary possible explanations, said Lior Shamir, associate professor of computer science at Kansas State University.

One explanation is that the universe was born rotating. That explanation agrees with theories such as black hole cosmology, which postulates that the entire universe is the interior of a black hole.

This was the first picture of a black hole. Using the Event Horizon Telescope, scientists obtained an image of the black hole at the center of the galaxy M87. (There is a supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy  the Milky Way.) ( Nasa/Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration )

Black hole cosmology suggests that the Milky Way and every other observable galaxy in our universe is contained within a black hole that formed in another, much larger, universe.

The theory challenges many fundamental models of the cosmos, including the idea that the Big Bang was the beginning of the universe.

It also provides the possibility that black holes within our own universe may be the boundaries to other universes, opening up a potential scenario for a multiverse.

The latest findings do not provide definitive proof of black hole cosmology, with more evidence required to fully understand the implications.

Shamir noted that an alternative explanation for why most of the galaxies in the study rotate clockwise is that the Milky Ways rotational velocity is having an impact on the measurements.

If that is indeed the case, we will need to re-calibrate our distance measurements for the deep universe, said Shamir.

"The re-calibration of distance measurements can also explain several other unsolved questions in cosmology such as the differences in the expansion rates of the universe and the large galaxies that according to the existing distance measurements are expected to be older than the universe itself.

The research was published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, in a study titled The distribution of galaxy rotation in JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey.
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Cocaine didn't do anything for me, wrote the Duke of Sussex in his 2023 autobiography Spare. Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me, he continued.

Both drugs are illegal in both the UK and the US  where Prince Harry currently lives.

Nile Gardiner, director of the right-wing Heritage Foundations Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, has sought the publication of the dukes immigration files under freedom of information legislation. He says: Harry decided to move to the US and entered without apparent difficulty in under two weeks.

One would have expected that Harry's immigration application would have included the same detailed description of drug use as his book. Any omissions would be an extremely serious matter.

The case is bigger than one personit is about whether the US government is following the law.

What exactly are the rules for UK visitors to the US  and do they differ if you are rich and famous? These are the key questions and answers.

How does a person get permission to enter the US?

The vast majority of British travellers enter using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta). This automated system usually grants permission to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. The permit lasts for two years or until the passport expires.

The scheme came into effect in 2009 and involves paying a fee of $21 (16) after completing an online form. The official site is esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Be warned that a number of lookalike sites are out to catch careless applicants to search online for Esta  if anyone asks more than $21, its a scam.

What could exclude me from Esta?

Many transgressions will make a traveller ineligible for Esta. The principle is that you should not pose a threat to the welfare, health, safety, or security of the United States. There are three which are particularly likely to rule out a traveller from the fast track route to the US:

Have you ever violated any law related to possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs?

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority?

Have you traveled to, or been present in Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011?

Lets take each one of those in turn. Drugs?

Millions of British people use illegal drugs. The latest Crime Survey for England and Wales says one in 11 people aged 16 to 59 years reported using any drug in the last 12 months. Thats around 2.9 million people.

Add in people from Scotland and Northern Ireland, those under 16 and 60-plus and drug users who did not confess to the survey, and 5 million looks a reasonable figure for a year. And once those who have ever used an illegal drug are included, 20 million may well be a conservative estimate.

What are the options for drug users, past and present, for permission to visit the US?

Legally, they are ineligible for an Esta and must apply for a visa. Travellers should not provide misleading answers when applying for any permit.

In practice, many people who have used illegal drugs will tick the No box on the assumption that the US government will never find out about a youthful indiscretion.

But Nacro (the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders) warns: It may be that you decide to withhold details of you criminal record and successfully travel to, or via, the US under the Visa Waiver Programme. It may then be the case that at some point in the future you need to apply for a visa to the US  perhaps because you take on certain employment  and you need to travel there for longer than 90 days, or you decide to emigrate.

In order to apply for the visa, you will need to supply a copy of your Police Certificate which may disclose details of your criminal record which you had previously withheld. The US Embassy will retain details of your previous Visa Waiver and this may then give them grounds to refuse your new visa application for having previously lied about your criminal record.

If I do admit to using illegal drugs, can I get a visa?

Probably not. The US authorities say an alien is ineligible to receive visas and ineligible to be admitted to the United States if the have violated any law or regulation of a state, the United States, or a foreign country relating to a controlled substance. There is some tolerance for an alien who committed only one crime, but plainly the Duke of Sussex broke the law at least twice  with cocaine, and with marijuana.

However, the law is focused on drug crimes for which the traveller has been convicted. Public admissions of use of illegal drugs constitute a grey area.

Are the rules ever waived for the rich and famous?

Of course. Just ask Sir Mick Jagger, convicted in the UK in 1967 for possession of amphetamines (yes, that was nearly six decades ago, but the US never regarded convictions as spent).

Sir Paul McCartney spent nine days in a Tokyo prison for marijuana possession in 1980. Four years later, same offence, different location: the Beatles star was fined $100 for possession in Barbados.

The Rolling Stones made a 10-week tour of the US in 2024, while Sir Paul toured for eight weeks in the US in 2022.

Ed Sheeran, rather less of a geriatric, told Rolling Stone about his former drug habit in 2023. The following year he toured the US, and is rumoured to be returning in 2026.

What about being arrested or convicted for a crime?

If it resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority, you must declare it  even if you were never actually convicted.

This is one Esta condition that has been softened over the years; initially it applied for any arrest of conviction.

Nacro says: This question relates to moral turpitude offences. Moral turpitude is a legal term in the US that includes offences relating to crimes against the person such as murder, manslaughter, rape, gross indecency, serious assaults, kidnapping; crimes against property such as arson, burglary, theft, robbery, fraud, receiving stolen property; and crimes against government authority such as benefit fraud, tax evasion, bribery, perjury.

And previous visits to those nine countries?

According to the Esta form, you are ineligible if you have been present in one of the so-called state sponsors of terrorism  Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen  since the start of March 2011. Of these, Cuba is the only recognised holiday destination, and welcomes more British holidaymakers than all the rest put together.

The Independent understands that, in fact, the test for Cuba is whether you have been there since 12 January 2021.

As none of these countries would pass details of foreigners visits to the US authorities, many people who have been one or more of them will simply tick No. If, though, there is any evidence in a passport of such a visit, and it is discovered by a US Customs and Border Protection officer, you are likely to be sent back at barred from future visits.

Many UK visitors have circumvented the rule by laundering evidence of a visit to Cuba  obtaining a new, clean passport. Again, though, providing misleading information is a serious offence.

Any other QTWTASBNs  questions to which the answer should be no?

Do you currently have communicable diseases such as cholera, diphtheria or yellow fever?

Do you seek to engage in or have you ever engaged in terrorist activities, espionage, sabotage, or genocide?

Have you ever committed fraud or misrepresented yourself or others to obtain, or assist others to obtain, a visa or entry into the United States?

Are you currently seeking employment in the United States or were you previously employed in the United States without prior permission from the US government?

Have you ever been denied a US visa you applied for with your current or previous passport, or have you ever been refused admission to the United States or withdrawn your application for admission at a US port of entry?

Have you ever stayed in the United States longer than the admission period granted to you by the US government?

How much of a pain is it to obtain a US visa?

You must fill in a much more detailed form and schedule an appointment in London or Belfast, as well as paying $185 (143)  which is not refunded if you are turned down.
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Carnival Cruise Lines brand ambassador has issued a request for travelers who are unsatisfied with their experience onboard  file a complaint.

John Heald, who has 600,000 followers on Facebook and blogs about his career as a cruise director, is known for answering questions about the cruise industry and addressing guests issues. However, he recently addressed a common mistake he sees in passengers in a since-deleted Facebook post.

In the post, he explained that he normally receives complaints from passengers after their cruise is over and when the ships crew can no longer do anything to resolve the problem. I read comments where people tell me what was wrong with the cruise, his Facebook post read. I get that, it's my job to listen and I want people to tell me these things because as someone once said a complaint is a gift and it is.

However, what drives me absolutely stark raving bonkers is when every day, and yes it is every day, that when I investigate with the ship and follow up with a guest comment the Hotel Director/Guest Services Manager/Dining Room Manager/Luigi the Plumber write back to me and say Ummmm, there are no reports here from the guest.

Heald explained that these situations also upset the crew as by the time they are alerted about the complaint the passenger is at home in Cleveland, Ohio and there is sod all they can do to help them now.

He then provided two complaints he had recently received and how the crew members would have been able to help the guests. The first complaint was from someone who said the chocolate lava cake they ordered repeatedly was overcooked.

John Heald, brand ambassador for Carnival Cruise Line, advised passengers to address their complaints at the time rather than waiting till they get home ( AFP via Getty Images )

Heald pointed out that nothing was said to the waiter, who could have alerted the chef to make him another cake.

Another complaint was from a guest who couldnt use their balcony because the person below them was smoking, claiming the crew did nothing to stop her.

The crew didnt do anything to stop her because they didn't know, Heald responded. Having checked with the ship there were no reports made by this guest or indeed any guests from cabins around the area. If this lady or anyone is caught smoking in the cabin or on the balcony there would be serious consequences for them. It is forbidden for very important safety reasons as well as the discomfort it gives those around you.

The brand ambassador said he understands some people may not like confrontation, but the staff members on the cruise are there to help the guests and to make their stay more enjoyable.

If you see something you do not like, say something. I am not trying to get everyone to find something wrong, but if something really is troubling you, please give the crew a chance to make it right, his post concluded.

Carnival Cruise Line announced last month that they were updating their passenger policy with new age restrictions that could affect young travelers.

As of February 1, passengers under the age of 21 were no longer allowed to travel alone on excursions departing from the U.S.

Travelers younger than 21, the legal drinking age in the country, must be accompanied by a relative or a guardian. The guardian, however, does not have to be a legal guardian.
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Japan will introduce a 4,000 (or about 20 ) entry fee for all four main trails of Mount Fuji starting this summer to tackle overcrowding.

Previously, only the Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi prefecture had a 2,000 (or about 10) fee. Now, Shizuoka prefecture will also charge for its three trails, which were previously free. Shizuoka is home to three of Mount Fujis four main climbing trails  Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba.

The entry fee will charged from this summer after local authorities passed a bill on Monday, The Japan Times reported. Yoshida Trails entry fee will double.

Japans iconic mountain has seen a surge in tourists in recent years, sparking concerns over overcrowding, pollution, and disruptive behaviour by tourists.

Last year, Japan started collecting entry fees of 2,000 (10) per head from people climbing the famous volcano to limit the number of trekkers to Mount Fuji. A gate was installed at the entrance to the Yoshida Trail, also known as the fifth station, on the Yamanashi side of Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776m.

The gate began collecting fees from climbers starting 1 July last year, marking the beginning of the years climbing season.

The implementation of this fee collection was aimed at managing overcrowding near the summit of the mountain, the Yamanashi prefectural assembly said at the time.

Climbers were required to allocate as much as 3,000 (or 15.60) per person for their climb, which included a voluntary contribution of 1,000 (or 5) dedicated to the conservation efforts of the mountain, recognised as a Unesco World Heritage site.

For the 2024 season, up until mid-September, the newly installed gate operated with limited hours also, closing at 4pm and reopening at 3am the next day.

Due in part to the new restrictions implemented last year, the number of climbers on Mount Fuji dropped to 204,316 last year from 221,322 in 2023, according to environment ministry data.

While this remains below pre-pandemic levels, officials note that 200,000 hikers is still huge, officials say.

Natsuko Sodeyama, a Shizuoka prefecture official, said: There is no other mountain in Japan that attracts that many people in the span of just over two months. So some restrictions are necessary to ensure their safety.

For centuries, Mount Fuji has been a sacred site for Shinto and Buddhist pilgrims, with a shrine at its summit dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the mountains Shinto goddess.

Last year, to deter crowds from gathering for photos, the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi installed a large black screen along a pavement, obstructing a popular view of Mount Fuji. The black mesh screen was installed after locals grew frustrated with foreign tourists littering, trespassing, and violating traffic rules in pursuit of the perfect social media photo.

The official climbing season lasts from July to September, with over 200,000 hikers attempting the summit annually. Many make the overnight trek to witness the sunrise from the peak.

According to the World History Encyclopedia, dreaming of Mount Fuji is considered a sign of good fortune in Japan. Beyond the shrines on the mountain itself, more than 13,000 shrines across Japan are reported to be dedicated to Mt Fuji. Many feature small-scale replicas of the mountain, allowing those unable to climb the real peak to make a symbolic pilgrimage.
Gangs of London is back for a brutal third season, and we sat down with stars Michelle Fairley, Richard Dormer, and Andrew Koji to break down what fans can expect from the latest chapter.

They discuss the shows signature violence, shocking character deaths, and the intense choreography behind its most brutal stunts.

Koji also reveals how his martial arts background helped shape his deadly character, while Fairley and Dormer weigh in on whether theyd return for a Game of Thrones reboot.
The last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway, recalled the moment he was shot down in 1940 in an interview that has resurfaced following his death aged 105 on Monday, 17 March.

Mr Hemingway was born in Dublin in 1919. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force, becoming one of the young pilots who fought in the Battle of France.

Two years later, he was among the men Winston Churchill called The Few to describe Britains Battle of Britain pilots.

Paying tribute, Sir Keir Starmer said: He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the Lucky Irishman, a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation.
If all goes to plan, Donald Trump will oversee the release of the final remaining classified documents related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The US president ordered the release of all records on his second full day back in the White House, a demand that prompted the discovery of 2,400 hitherto overlooked files.

But the biggest mystery is why it has taken so long.

Congress mandated the documents declassification and release in 1992, and yet every president since George H. W. Bush has declined to do so.

However, as someone who has worked for the CIA as an intelligence officer  and who was jailed for 23 months for blowing the whistle on interrogation techniques  I would posit that there is nothing interesting about the JFK assassination left to be released.

Far more interesting will be the classified files about the assassinations of his brother, senator Robert F. Kennedy.

The conventional wisdom is that the CIA has long objected to the release of the JFK files  some 10,000 or so pages  as they likely cover its surveillance activities leading up to the assassination in November 1963.

The documents are expected to show that Lee Harvey Oswald  the 24-year-old Marine veteran apprehended for shooting at the presidential motorcade in Dallas, but who was himself killed while being escorted by officers  had been under CIA surveillance in Mexico City prior to the assassination; and that the CIA did nothing to stop him, engage him, or otherwise disrupt his planning.

Another theory is that, at the time of the shooting, the CIA had been preoccupied with tailing American mafia members in Mexico.

open image in gallery President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Arrive in Dallas shortly before the assassination, on 22 November 1963 ( JFK Presidential Library )

I know how the CIA works. If there had ever been documents implicating the CIA, even indirectly, in JFKs murder, they would have been destroyed years ago or else they would have been released already. They wouldnt have sat in a filing cabinet for the past 62 years with CIA officials hoping against hope that they wouldnt be forced to release them.

Instead, the CIA likely is trying to protect sources and methods, the holy grail of spycraft, even if the information is more than six decades old. The agency simply doesnt want anybody to know who its officers were following in Mexico  or, conversely, that they were asleep on the job and not following anyone at all.

Instead, I believe that the most interesting documents to be released will relate to the assassination of Kennedys brother.

On June 4, 1968, New York senator Robert F Kennedy, who had been JFKs closest adviser and his attorney general, won the California Democratic presidential primary. Around midnight, he gave a victory speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles and, with three private bodyguards and several friends, entered the hotel kitchen to depart through a back exit. Sirhan Sirhan, a 24-year-old Jordanian of Palestinian origin, was in the kitchen and opened fire on Kennedy.

In 1969, Sirhan testified that he had shot Kennedy with 20 years of malice aforethought, citing Kennedys support for Israel. Sirhan was quickly convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. That sentence was commuted to life in prison in 1972. He has since been denied parole 17 times. He now claims that he has no memory of the killing, and his attorneys argue that he was framed.

It is easy to dismiss Sirhan as a madman. He has alternated over the years between confessing his pride in killing Kennedy, to denying that he did it, to saying that he cant remember and even blaming the CIA for either drugging or hypnotising him to do it. I doubt that the documents will make his mental state, either on the night of the murder or subsequently, any clearer. But thats not the interesting part of the case.

open image in gallery Lee Harvey Oswald pictured shortly after his arrest ( AFP/Getty )

The interesting part is that the new documents could shed light on the second gunman theory.

Sirhan fired eight shots at Kennedy with an eight-shot revolver. But Sirhan was in front of Kennedy when he began shooting. And Los Angeles County Coroner Thomas Noguchi testified that the fatal shot came from behind Kennedy, at a distance of between one and three inches.

Furthermore, a 2006 forensic analysis of a recording of the shooting found that between 10 and 13 shots had been fired.

In 2008, John Pilger, the Australian documentary-maker, who had been covering the Kennedy campaign, witnessed his assassination and maintained he had seen a second gunman.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the senators eldest son and now Donald Trumps health secretary, said in a 2023 television interview named security guard Eugene Thane Cesar as the second shooter. Cesar, in a television interview in the 1990s, said that he had gone to the Ambassador Hotel that night with the intent to kill Kennedy, but that that Arab fellow shot him before I could.

It is unlikely that the declassified RFK documents will provide a smoking gun that says, There was a second shooter, or Cesar did it, or that Sirhan was a Manchurian candidate, someone who had taken part in MK-Ultra, the CIA's covert mind-control research programme in the early years of the Cold War, and been brainwashed into being an unwitting assassin.

Nobody expects that. But what we do expect is that the documents will at least shed some contemporaneous light on one of the most important and tragic events in American history.

Former CIA officer John Kiriakou is author of Doing Time Like A Spy (Rare Bird Books, 8.79) and host of CIA Declassified on UnifydTV (unifyd.tv)
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
Amazon.ie launches in Ireland with price cut for Prime subscribers

The online shopping service has cut the price from 11 to 7 for Prime subscribers, which includes access to its online video service

Adrian Weckler Tue 18 Mar 2025 at 08:19

Amazon has launched Amazon.ie in Ireland after three years of planning.
Mayo cattle dealer loses case against solicitor over alleged legal failings in mart credit dispute

High Court rules that Finbar Tolans case was doomed to fail as judge backs original decision in favour of marts  and urges auctioneers not to let overdrafts build up for any customer

Balla Mart  one of the marts where Finbar Tolan ran up credit. Photo: Brian Farrell

Ciaran Moran Tue 18 Mar 2025 at 03:30

A cattle dealers High Court case against his former solicitor has been dismissed, with the High Court ruling that his claim lacked merit and was doomed to fail.
The Irish Independent met Ludmila Paleckova (23), Irena Minarikova (21) and Ondra Slansky (37), from Prague, travelling Ireland in a Transit van last Summer and this year they joined forces with Dubliner, Darragh Price (38), to create Pragues biggest St Patricks Day event.

Three friends who travelled across Ireland in a Transit van - Ceili dancing as they went - have helped organise the biggest ever St Patricks Day parade in Prague, along with their new friend, a Dubliner.

Best friends, Ludmila Paleckova (23), Irena Minarikova (21) and Ondra Slansky (37), from Prague in the Czechia, met while learning Irish dancing in Prague and fell in love with Irish culture.

The trio hired a Transit van, saving around 3,000 on hotels and toured Ireland last summer.

And this St Patricks weekend, theyve been busy helping organiser Darragh Price (38) from Portmarnock, North Co Dublin and Irish dance teacher, Tereza Macoszek Jindrova, create Pragues biggest ever St Patricks parade.

The whole weekend has been full of Irish events, Mr Slansky told the Irish Independent. We are Irish dancers, so we closely cooperated with the (CIBCA) Czech-Irish Business and Cultural Association.

Ms Paleckova previously told how the friends had bonded through Irish dance and music years ago and it definitely had a part in deciding where to travel

We always go to Irish dance Ceilis in Prague, in Erlangen in Germany and Basingstoke in the UK, but this was our first time going to a ceili in Ireland, and it was great.

Ludmila Paleckova (23), Irena Minarikova (21) and Ondra Slansky (37), from Prague, travelled around Ireland in a Transit van last summer and this year they joined forces with Dubliner Darragh Price (38) to create Pragues biggest St Patricks Day event

Businessman Mr Price said of the Prague parades growth: In late 2023, we thought the St Patricks parade needed to be restarted after a covid break, so we started working with the CIBCA in Prague, as well as the local embassy. They gave us the full support to get the parade back up and running.

In autumn last year we got to know Ondra Slansky and friends, who were fanatics for Irish culture and dancing and they were just back from their tour of Ireland in a van.

We exchanged contacts and with their help and their colleagues at the TJ Irish Dance Academy, we got to work on the 2025 parade and cast the net out across the Czechia to see if there was an appetite to join the parade this year and we got over 1,000 in the parade, with over 50 Irish cultural organisations, dance companies and bands participating.

The Czechs love the Irish and Ondra and his Czech friends would give any native Irish dancer a run for their money. Theyre simply incredible and love Ireland and everything about it.

The Czech trio and Mr Price, as well as his wife, Martina Price (36) who is the vice president of the CIBCA and the rest of the organising committee, are really spreading the cultures of Irishness in Czechia and next year they are planning to make the event even bigger.

The Prices moved to Prague just before the covid lockdown in March 2020. The couple have two children, Maddox (6) and Penelope (3). Mr Price said: Were extremely lucky to live in this city, which is so open to new cultural events.
Irish former priest to be honoured for his heroism in defying Argentinas junta

Pat Rice was held captive by death squads in wake of 1976 military coup

Pat Rice in 1982

Ralph Riegel Tue 18 Mar 2025 at 03:30

The daughter of an Irish former priest whose heroism in the face of Argentinas military junta and death squads earned him worldwide fame is to honour his memory over St Patricks week.
Conor McGregor visits US Present Donald Trump in the White House on St Patricks Day

The McGregor family with Donald Trump and Elon Musk in the Oval Office in the White House. Photo: The White House/X.

Conor McGregor "does not speak for the people of Ireland" Tanaiste Simon Harris has said.

The mixed martial artist has been condemned by the most senior figures in Government after he criticised the Government on a range of issues during a meeting with US President Donald Trump on St Patrick's Day.

McGregor praised Mr Trump's work ethic as "inspiring" as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the President described him as "fantastic".

The Dubliner told reporters in the West Wing that he was going to voice concerns about immigration issues in Ireland when he spoke to Mr Trump.

McGregor, who has previously stated an intent to run for the Irish presidency, claimed the Irish Government was one of "zero action with zero accountability".

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who had met Mr Trump days earlier, and Tanaiste Simon Harris have described McGregor's comments as wrong and not representative of Ireland.

The Taoiseach said McGregor's comments were wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patricks Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.

While Tanaiste Simon Harris said: Its for President Trump to invite wherever he wants to his home, and hes perfectly entitled to do whatever he wishes in relation to who he decides to invite to the White House.

But let me be very clear, Conor McGregor is not here in the United States representing Ireland or the people of Ireland. Hes here in a personal capacity.

He doesnt speak for Ireland. He doesnt speak for the people of Ireland. He has no mandate to do such.

My views on him are very clear, well established, previously articulated, long standing and on the public record. Mr Harris said McGregor represents the very worst of toxic masculinity and I think we need to be very clear on that."

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Nikita Hand speaking to the media outside the High Court in Dublin after winning her civil case against Conor McGregor. Photo: PA

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had "conclusively determined" that McGregor had raped Ms Hand.

McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said his "heart fell" when he saw that McGregor had been invited to the Oval Office, and added that he "does not represent the men" of Ireland.

"We are trying to create a very different Ireland. Conor McGregor did not represent Ireland in his engagement with President Trump.

"We are a country that is about making the case for openness, for decency, for respect.

"For respect in terms of how men treat women, and for making the case for the progress that we have to make in that area."

Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the meeting between Mr Trump and McGregor was a "very sinister event".

Ms Morrogh described the engagement as an attempt to normalise sexual violence and rebuild McGregor's reputation.

She told RTE's News At One that she was writing to the US embassy over what she said was a "really callous indifference to every survivor of sexual violence".

Asked about Mr Martin's criticism, McGregor told Sky News: "I am an employer of over 200 people, almost 300 people in the country of Ireland. He's an employer of none.

"Every available metric available to us has shown that the Government of Ireland currently has failed the people of Ireland.

"In 10 years, Dublin City Centre has gone from one of the most safest cities in Europe, to one of the most dangerous.

"So, shame on him for saying that, speaking down on an Irishman. I won't speak about him personally, throw a jab - I could, I could throw many jabs at him, I could throw jabs handily at them.

"However, I speak on the metrics, and the metrics show they failed the people of Ireland. They do not represent the people of Ireland."

Asked how he would respond to people who said it is inappropriate for him to attend the White House, McGregor walked away after saying: "God bless Ireland and God bless America."

Conor McGregor on his visit to the White House on St Patrick's Day. Photo: Jim Watson/Getty Images

Mr Donohoe said the Government had invested in the city, the country, and the Irish police service An Garda Siochana.

He acknowledged that there are concerns around safety in the country and added: "We will ultimately make even more progress in the time ahead but we don't make our country any safer by talking in a way that adds to division.

"We don't make our country any better by talking about messages that undermine the openness and the integration that is at the heart of the progress I believe our country has ahead."

Asked about McGregor's statement, a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said it "does not comment on uninformed, third-party remarks.

"It is, however, a statement of fact that according to the Global Peace Index, Ireland is ranked second only to Iceland.

"Furthermore, Ireland ranks as the thirteenth most safe country in the world under the specific category of Societal Safety and Security."

During his meeting with Mr Martin in the Oval Office last week, Mr Trump described McGregor as "great" when asked who he considered to be his favourite Irish person.
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
Lucinda OSullivans restaurant review: China Tang in Monkstown serves up haute Asian cuisine in a setting stylish enough for James Bond

With Monkstown mainstays like Victoria Asian Cuisine and Elephant & Castle closing down, our critic was delighted to see Ryon Wen and Ian Keegans new venture filling the gap

Xiao Long Bao - crabmeat and pork soup dumplings at China Tang in Monkstown, Co Dublin. Photo: Lucinda OSullivan

Lucinda O'Sullivan Tue 18 Mar 2025 at 03:30

While there has been devastation in the industry, with over 800 restaurants closing in 2024, it hasnt deterred new places from opening. In my neck of the woods, on the Crescent in Monkstown, Victoria Asian Cuisine closed last year, as did Press Ups Elephant & Castle. Empty premises can really drag an area down, so it was welcome news that two new restaurants were replacing them  China Tang in what was Victoria Asian Cuisine and a branch of the seemingly ever sprouting Sprout & Co in E&C.
Its simple, satisfying and it can save a lot money

Farmers should know how to make their own food as well as produce it. Photo: Don Moloney

At the risk of sounding like a farmer version of Nigella Lawson crossed with Donal Skeehan, Im going to dedicate this weeks column to how to make your own yoghurt.

On one of the first days we opened the farm shop, a farmer came in and explained that her family loved yoghurt and she couldnt keep it in the house. This isnt surprising, given were the second highest consumers of yoghurt in Europe after the French.
Fionnan Sheahan: After all our blarney and kissing up to Donald Trump, The Far From Quiet Man Conor McGregor gets into the Oval Octagon

Micheal Martin is fighting by Queensbury rules, while the US president is inviting round an unelected celebrity found to have sexually assaulted a woman

US president Donald Trump and MMA fighter Conor McGregor in the Oval Office

Fionnan Sheahan Tue 18 Mar 2025 at 03:30

Jeez, youd wonder what the two men both found in courts of law to be liable for sexual misconduct discussed when they met in the White House?
Tabitha Monahan: Taoiseach returns from tricky Washington trip to find that trouble awaits him at home

Ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East, threat of an EU-US trade war and disharmony in the Dail await the Fianna Fail leader

Taoiseach Micheal Martin presents US president Donald Trump with the traditional bowl of shamrock during a reception in the White House last week. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Tabitha Monahan Tue 18 Mar 2025 at 03:30

The verdict is in and many an analysis piece has been written since Taoiseach Micheal Martin visited US president Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
Firstly, thank you, president Donald Trump, for hosting our Taoiseach last week. It was a great way to begin our St Patricks Day celebrations. We hope you enjoyed the shamrock and feel free to hold on to the crystal bowl!

By all accounts, Micheal Martin had a wonderful time in the Oval Office and its encouraging to see you extending a cead mile failte to the Irish. However, we think we need to have a quiet word with you about Conor McGregor, whom you welcomed to the White House on St Patricks Day.

Today, Fionnan Sheahan is joined by fellow Indo Daily host Kevin Doyle to look at 12 key moments in the career of Conor McGregor that might shock Americans to know, and to ask, why did Mr Trump invite McGregor to the White House for St Patricks Day?
Irish farmers were becoming easy targets. Whether it was petty crime or serious intimidation, farmers were being left defenceless and hopeless by the authorities and were forced to turn to self-defence to protect themselves and their property.

So went the rhetoric from one prolific Reddit account, which was making its many and detailed arguments about the sanctity and safety of the Irish farm around one high-profile court case: the Diarmuid Rossa Phelan murder trial.

The Irish Independent has uncovered details of an anonymous online account engaging in heated commentary around the trial, and an influence operation designed to push a sympathetic agenda towards Diarmuid Phelan. There is no evidence or suggestion that Mr Phelan was aware of this online activity or approved of it.

Mr Phelan, an accomplished barrister, well-known law lecturer and farmer, walked free from court in January after he was acquitted of the murder of Keith Conlon. Mr Conlon, a father of four, died in hospital two days after being shot in the back of the head on Mr Phelans farm in Tallaght on February 22, 2022.

Today on The Indo Daily, Tabitha Monahan is joined by Ellen Coyne, Special Correspondent with the Irish Independent, to look back on a contentious court case, and to break down the questionable online activity that surrounded it.

The Indo Daily: The mysterious online campaign that tried to make Diarmuid Rossa Phelans murder trial into a political flashpoint
Sinn Fein submitted draft legislation to close 'loopholes' after reports of potential excessive use charges

The leader of Sinn Fein Mary Lou McDonald has claimed people cant trust Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on the issue of water charges.

Ms McDonalds comments in Macroom came after it was reported last week that households could face charges for excessive water use.

Not considered a revenue raising measure, a briefing document for Housing Minister James Browne lists it as one of a number of high-level water-related priorities.

In a statement, the department said that while Minister Browne had received a briefing note on the issue, no proposal has been brought to him and such charges do not form part of the current Programme for Government.

The statement added that at this time the minister is not giving consideration to bringing in such charges.

In response to the recent report Sinn Fein has subsequently submitted draft legislation to repeal parts of the Water Services Act 2017 which it said would emphatically rule out the reintroduction of water charges by this or future governments.

Sinn Fein party leader Ms McDonald said the legislation will close down any loophole that would allow the government to introduce water charges through the back door. Eoin O Broin and I have now published legislation to close down any loophole that might allow the government to introduce water charges through the back door, which is clearly what they are trying to do.

Ms McDonald continued: They commissioned a paper. They said they are thinking about it, they now say they are not thinking about it. The truth is people cant trust Fine Gael and Fianna Fail with this issue.

Last September, Uisce Eireann published its water charges plan, under which every dwelling in Ireland will have an annual water allowance of 213,000 litres, with additional allowances depending on the household size.

Figures released by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities showed that the average amount of water used by households in Ireland is 125,000 litres per year.

Households which use more than their allocated allowance will be liable to an excess use charge, for both water and wastewater services, which will be capped at 250 each per year.

Uisce Eireann will charge 1.85 for every 1,000 litres of water usage over the threshold.

Access to water is a human right, declared the President of Sinn Fein. Remember the people spoke clearly without any equivocation, domestic water charging is not acceptable. The idea of them talking about domestic customers over using or wasting water when our infrastructure is leaking like a sieve I think the irony of that is lost on no-one.

Senator Nicole Ryan said residents in the Macroom hinterland are still afraid to drink water even though the ban was lifted in recent weeks. For the last two years Macroom has had horrendous water quality. To then come in and try to charge for it even though people are barely washing themselves with the water that is available.

They are still afraid to drink it even though the ban has been lifted. It is ridiculous that they are now trying to charge for that when lots of areas havent had adequate water infrastructure, she added.
Poignant vigil held for two brothers hit by a car in Donegal

Two brothers who were struck by a taxi being driven by a teenager after a night out in Letterkenny were laughing and joking just seconds before the devastating collision.

Brothers Anthony and Martin Gallagher, who were both in their 60s, were walking home from a night out when the tragic collision occurred at Lower Main Street, Letterkenny just before 3am on Monday morning, March 17, 2025.

The men were critically injured after being struck by a taxi being driven by a teenager.

Anthony subsequently died from his injuries.

Martin is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries at Galway University Hospital.

The driver of the car, a male aged in his late teens, was arrested at the scene but has since been released without charge.

A poignant candlelight vigil was held at the scene of the crash on Monday night.

Around 200 people attended the vigil carrying candles while flowers and tributes were left at the scene.

The vigil was organised by Letterkenny man Colm McDaid.

A minutes silence was held in memory of Anthony while prayers were said for Martins recovery.

The two men were well known in the community and Anthony Gallagher had worked as a lollipop man in the town for many years.

Paying tribute to the two Gallagher brothers in Letterkenny.

Speaking at the vigil, Mr McDaid told the crowd that a witness to the collision said the two men were laughing and joking before tragedy struck.

"Tragically Anthony lost his life 50 yards from where he worked and 100 yards from the house.

"I spoke to another person on the scene last night.

"They seen the two boys approaching. Heard them chatting, laughing. They were joking and laughing coming along.

"What struck me was the laughing and the joking of the two boys.

Anyone who knows them, knew you would have heard them coming along.

"Circumstances hadnt of been the same, the two boys would have been at the same routine tonight up the street for a few quiet pints, said Mr McDaid.

To bring the vigil to a close, a young boy, Davin McDonough, played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes in a touching tribute to the two men.

A piognant candlelit vigil was held in Letterkenny on Monday night. Pic: Northwest News Pix

Mr McDaid said it was good to see the community coming together during difficult times and asked for people to keep them and their families in their prayers over the coming days.

Mr McDaid told the crowd Martin Gallagher continues to fight for his life in Galway and had undergone surgery on Monday.

The two boys, Anthony and Martin lived a simple life, kept to themselves, and bothered nobody.

They were out for a few drinks last night and on the way home, tragedy struck and Anthony lost his life.

We are here to stand with the Gallagher family.

They give us their blessing and they sent a personal message to thank each and every one of you for coming out and to thank you for your prayers.

They will need them over the coming days, said Mr McDaid.

Cllr Donal 'Mandy' Kelly at the vigil on Monday night.

Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly said the community remains in shock following the tragic crash.

"It is great to the turnout here and it shows how highly thought of Anthony and Martin is.

"Unfortunately, the worst outcome as happened to Anthony and our thoughts and prayers are with Martin for his recovery.

It is a massive shock to the community and to Letterkenny as a whole.

"A very well known family in the area and for something so tragic to happen within 50 or 100 yards of your home, it is awful.

"These two lads walked this street nearly every night of the week and it just shows we never know our last minute.

"Our thoughts are with everyone involved, said Cllr Kelly.

Tributes left at the scene in Letterkenny.

Cllr Kelly also paid tribute to the emergency services and first responders who attended the scene during the early hours of Monday morning.

As a mark of respect, the St Patricks Day parade in Letterkenny was cancelled.

Tributes have been paid online since the death of Mr Gallagher.

A spokesperson for Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter said, Like the whole town of Letterkenny, we were deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Anthony Gallagher this morning in a tragic accident.

We are sending our thoughts also to his brother Martin who was seriously injured in the same accident.

May Anthony Rest in Peace.

Gardai continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 2.30am and 3.30am this morning, Monday, March 17, 2025 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

In particular, Gardai are appealing to anybody who was in the area between Dry Arch Roundabout and Oldtown Road at the time.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on (074) 916 7100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Scene of the crash on Dublin's M50. Pic: @DubFireBrigade

There has been a crash on the M50 southbound this morning which may cause delays for commuters.

The crash took place on the M50 northbound after Junction 4, Ballymun, and is currently blocking the right lane.

There are now delays of 5 minutes on approach.

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Irish Rail have warned commuters that Southbound dart services will be suspended until further notice between Dalkey and Bray.

An earlier announcement said that the 5.30 service between Fairview/Greystones stopped between Shankill and Bray due to vandalism on overhead lines.

A spokesperson for Irish Rail said that staff were en route and are working to rectify this matter.

More to follow...
A new sculpture in honour of past pupils who suffered abuse at the hands of the Jesuits, has been unveiled at St Francis Xavier Church on Gardiner Street in Dublin.

The sculpture, symbolising betrayal and sorrow, was created by artist Jon Coll and sits on a plinth on the church steps.

It is inscribed with the words: In tribute to all the victims of abuse by those who should have protected and nurtured you. The Irish Jesuits 2024.

Replicas of the sculpture, titled Heart Wheel, will be displayed in Jesuit schools across the country, including Belvedere, Gonzaga, Clongowes Wood, Crescent College, and Colaiste Iognaid.

As children, we learn to trust our parents to provide us with food and protection, Mr Coll said.

We learn to trust our siblings, and from that familial trust, we gradually learn how to interact with and trust others as we grow and develop.

Abuse of a child breaks that sacred trust. Breach of trust has a profound effect on the emotional and physical development of the survivor.

It affects how they see themselves, how they interact with others, and how they view the world.

As part of the restorative process initiated by the Jesuits for those affected by the abuse of Joseph Marmion SJ, the Jesuit Order felt there should be some public gesture of atonement.

I was approached by the Provincial of the Jesuits to take on this project. I agreed with some trepidation, as this was an area I was not familiar with, he added.

The final design focuses on a heart-shaped wheel symbolising the emotional lives of survivors, fractured by trauma yet still able to move forward, embodying hope and the possibility of repair.

A quote from T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral was also included: Forgive us, pray for us, that we may pray for you out of our shame.

The sculpture was created using a detailed bronze casting process, involving the creation of silicone moulds, the pouring of molten bronze, and a final patina treatment.

According to Shane Daly SJ, Irish Jesuit Provincial, the purpose of the memorial is two-fold.

The memorialising work preserves and honours the memory of those who have suffered abuse, he said.

It is also a reminder of the need for constant vigilance to ensure the safety and care that children and young people deserve as of right.
A famous face graced Galways streets this week as Hollywood star Eugene Levy was out and about mingling in the city over St Patricks Day.

The actor, known for his roles in films such as American Pie, Best in Show and Waiting for Guffman as well as the hit Netflix show Schitts Creek, was seen amongst St Patricks Day crowds and appeared delighted to be rubbing shoulders with the citys citizens.

In fact, Eugene was one of the parades first participants as the actor was one of many atop the Sightseeing Galway bus that drove through crowds across the city, behind Town Crier Liam Silke.

Eugene was surrounded by fans and media throughout the day as he soaked up the atmosphere in the City of Tribes  and appeared to be plenty charmed by its residents.

He commented on the citys warmth and beauty, telling Virgin Media Ireland: I love it. Its beautiful, its rugged  theres a warmth here. Every single person Ive met have exuded this kind of warmth.

Eugene Levy and his daughter Sarah onboard the sightseeing bus in Galway PIC CREDIT: Lally Tours

The actor was spotted speaking to his daughter Sarah Levy, who joined him on his trip to the west of Ireland. Galway West TD Mairead Farrell shared a video of the moment on her social media channel and captioned it: Schitts Creek comes to Galway!

During their tour, which was filmed as part of Eugenes TV series The Reluctant Traveller, they were hosted by Lally Tours who provided transport for the stars.

Just days earlier, Eugene was spotted again in a Galway pub as the Canadian actor dined in McSwiggans Steak House in Woodquay. The restaurant was clearly delighted to greet the screen legend as they shared a snap on social media with the star posing with an excited member of staff.

They said: When Johnny Rose stops by! We love Eugene Levy and this is why this picture is blurry. Excited! A great Canadian!
Green light for 600 MW plant after 16-year wait despite environmental opposition and political tensions

Cllr Michael Foley (Fine Gael) Listowel area Kerry County Council Photo By Domnick Walsh  Eye Focus LTD Tralee Co Kerry Ireland Mobile Phone : 00 353 87 26 72 033 Land Line : 00 353 66 71 22 981 E/Mail : info@dwalshphoto.ie Web Site : www.dwalshphoto.ie ALL IMAGES ARE COVERED BY COPYRIGHT 

The proposed New Fortress LNG Energy project on the Shannon estuary.

Planning permission has been awarded for a new power plant operated by Shannon LNG at the Tarbert/Ballylongford Landbank.

Planning was approved on Tuesday for a 600 MW power plant and for 220 kV electricity connection cables to connect the power plant to the grid by late autumn 2026.

The long-awaited LNG project has been 16-years in the making having encountered stiff opposition from environmentalists. It was also the focus of a tense agreement during the last government when the Green Party opposed it.

In September 2024, the High Court overruled An Bord Pleanalas decision not to grant planning for a power plant, battery-energy storage system, and a regasification unit on a 630-acre site between Tarbert and Ballylongford.

The latest planning decision in favour of Shannon LNG was welcomed by local politicians, many of whom have campaigned for the project since its inception.

Fine Gael Councillor Mike Foley said this will be the start of the long-awaited development of the landbank, aided by the governments decision to change their fracked gas policy which opens the door to develop a commercial LNG facility.

This is going to be a game changer for North Kerry providing employment and boosting the local economy, he said.

Minister for Children, Disability, Equality Norma Foley said the landbank in Tarbert has been ripe for development for many decades and the granting of planning permission has the potential to bring significant employment opportunities to the area.

Fianna Fail TD Michael Cahill described the building of a commercial LNG plant within the next 18 months as fantastic news for Kerry.

This project has been backed by this government and is the correct way forward for Ireland given the circumstances that prevail in Eastern Europe, Deputy Cahill said.

He said thousands of jobs would be created during the construction phase, and approximately 50 permanent posts once the facility is up and running.

The granting of planning permission is a massive step forward for this project, which has been stalled for far too long, Deputy Cahill said.

Ireland South MEP Billy Kelliher described the decision as a victory for common sense over ideological dogma, adding that its an important milestone in ensuring Irish energy security into the future.

Too much ideological purity has led us to where we are: vulnerable to external energy shocks, said Mr Kelliher.

We need to move to a renewable future but that requires a transition. LNG is part of that transition. We can ensure that the facility is future-proofed for the use of green hydrogen from our offshore wind energy sector. This can, I believe, be a key driver in kick-starting the wind energy revolution off our west coast, he added.
Residents of a Limerick home were shocked to find their home ransacked after being out for a few hours.

Gardai have confirmed that a house in Annacotty, was left empty last Saturday afternoon, March 15 between 2pm and 5:30pm, a total of three and a half hours.

During this short time frame, the house was believed to have been entered through an unlocked rear window, with the house ransacked, according to gardai.

Sergeant Michelle OHalloran said: It is very basic crime prevention advice, but do not assume that the windows and doors are secure, check them yourself prior to leaving your home.

Gardai at Henry Street are now appealing to anyone who may have observed any suspicious activity or vehicles in or around the area on Saturday last to contact them on 061 212400.
Minister Marian Harkin TD with Irish Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ms Anne Derwin (to her right) and the Enterprise Ireland Team at The Hague for a St Patricks weekend symposium on Irish-Dutch Collaboration for a Greener Tomorrow and Future Skills.

Minister Harkin and the Irish Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ms Anne Derwin at The Hague University of Applied Sciences with university staff and members of the Irish delegation.

Minster Harkin and the Irish Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ms Anne Derwin with college staff and members of her delegation at the Technical University of Delft, The Hague.

Minster Marian Harkin joins local dignitaries and their families to enjoy the St Patricks Day Parade in Brussels.

Sligo-Leitrim TD and Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Marian Harkin, has wrapped up her visit to the Netherlands and Belgium as part of the Governments St. Patricks Day programme.

The visit focused on strengthening Irelands partnerships in further and higher education, in skills development, and sustainable innovation, reinforcing Irelands commitment to collaboration with European partners.

Speaking about the significance of the trip, Minister Harkin highlighted the opportunities it created to deepen Irelands relationships with both countries. By prioritising future skills, green innovation, and cultural exchange, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and educational progress that benefits everyone, she said.

As Minister responsible for apprenticeships, construction, and climate skills, Minister Harkins agenda was packed with key engagements. In Amsterdam, she attended an Enterprise Ireland event titled Irish-Dutch Collaboration for a Greener Tomorrow and Future Skills where she met with Irish businesses and their Dutch counterparts to explore synergies in sustainability and workforce development.

She also engaged with faculty and students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, at The Technical University of Delft and at the ROC Mondriaan School of Construction & Infrastructure.

On Sunday, March 16 attention moved to Brussels where Minister Harkin attended a St Patricks Day brunch and cabaret followed by the Brussels parade. On the big day itself, the Minister attended an event that has become known as the Greening of the Grand Place followed by a visit to LEnseignement de Promotion et de Formation Continue (Further Education Training Centre), where she examined best practices in adult education and lifelong learning.

The visit finished with an address by Minister Harkin at the St Patricks Day Reception, an annual gala event attended by ambassadors from most EU countries, a host of Brussels-based Irish businesspeople and officials, along with a wide range of local and EU dignitaries and businesspeople.

Reflecting on her visit, Minister Harkin emphasised the importance of these international collaborations:

Fostering strong partnerships is essential to driving sustainable growth and educational advancement. My engagements in the Netherlands and Belgium reaffirm the Irish Governments commitment to strengthening ties with our European education partners.
Four sixth year students from FCJ Bunclody were grinning ear to ear as they took home first place in the regional final of the Irish Maths Teachers Association Team Maths Competition.

The Team Math competition has been a long running activity of the Irish Maths Teachers Association with local rounds since 1991 and National Finals since 2005.

Team Math is a table quiz for teams of four students from Leaving Cert year with questions based on the leaving cert higher level course. Regional Rounds are held nationwide by local branches under common rules and questions with Teams qualifying for the National Final.

The association itself was inaugurated at a meeting in Newman House, St. Stephens Green, Dublin, on January 2, 1964. Eamon De Valeria, who was the President of Ireland at the time, acted as Patron of the Association in the early years.

The association aims to promote the studying and teaching of Maths in Ireland, while providing support to teachers and students alike.

Teacher Justin Kelly said that the school is not surprised by the success of students Clodagh ODowd, Lia Dunne, Niamh Cox, and Caoimhe Byrne and their accompanying teacher Ms Devlin.

"Anyone that knows these girls will not be surprised. Along with knowing their minds, they also know their maths  they did us proud! he said.

"Another huge boost is that this is the first time an all girls team has won the competition, he added.

The next step is the national final that will take place in Maynooth some time before Easter, where the girls will go head to head with regional teams from around the country.
Sean who grew up in Riverchapel and attended Gorey Community School is currently in their third year at Trinity, studying Political Science Economics Philosophy and Sociology (PPES).

Its a little bit on an in-joke that a good number of people who have held the role of Student Union President have done the same course, said Sean.

Sean had aspirations to become Student Union President but registering was somewhat of a last minute decision. They had previously worked as Student Archivist and set up the first archive for the Student Union. Their close friend Eoin Connolly acted as his campaign manager, helping them cross the finish line with 29.13 per cent first-preference votes.

The campaign period was unlike anything else really. It was incredibly busy but at the same time really good and positive because youre chatting to people daily and hearing about issues they face day to day. If nothing else, it helped strengthen my resolve to want to improve issues for people around college, said Sean.

The main issues Sean will focus on throughout their time as Student President are student services and student spaces around the university. Some places have gotten a fair bit neglected, particularly since Covid, places didnt reopen. Formerly there would have been cafes and places for students to sit around campus that just never reopened, they said.

On a larger scale, Sean wants to look further at tackling more acute problems like the housing crisis and public transport. To me that is a big problem because I commute up from Gorey to college daily, so thats a two hour commute up and a two hour commute back every day. I know people who have longer commutes than I do, its not uncommon for people to commute for an hour in and an hour out each day, they said.

Seans looking forward to taking a year sabbatical to fulfil their role as Student President and has already organised several meetings with the rest of the elected team. They thanked Eoin for all of his support throughout his campaign saying, he was the voice of reason and a very supportive friend.

This article was edited on Monday, March 25, 2025 to reflect that Sean Thim OLeary uses they/them pronouns exclusively
Since the announcement of Ballyfad National Schools closure at the end of this academic year, ideas have been swirling for what the schools building will be used for going forward.

Cllr Darragh McDonald who is a triple amputee and former board member of the Disability Federation of Ireland, has voiced his disappointment regarding the closure of Ballyfad National School but has called for a much-needed Special School to be established at the site.

"For many in the area, generations would have gone there so its tough to see but unfortunately were seeing this more and more, especially in country schools. We really need to look at our rural development to make sure these schools are viable and takes the pressure off urban centres. Its hugely important to keep those communities alive, said Cllr McDonald.

Despite several attempts to increase enrolment at the school, keeping the school open was no longer feasible as there are no students registered for the 2025/2026 year.

Following the announcement of the closure Cllr McDonald has made representations to the Government to convert Ballyfad National School near Inch into a special school.

"In a scenario where were struggling with funding, I think where we can we should take a school which is already 90 per cent there and throw some money into converting it, he said. It doesnt need to be ultra modern like many of our purpose built special schools are, but it will fill the function and give access to education for so many that need it and so many that are on waiting lists.

"Not everything needs to be the most brand spanking new, these people, these families need access to education and I think we need to just focus on that. Make sure we have the teachers, so they can get in and learn. Its fantastic if we build on that and fantastic if we can have every single best in class facility but I think we need to get realistic here and start somewhere, said Cllr McDonald.

The schools existing building is located on a greenfield site with a lot of car-parking space which could be used for wheelchair accessible vehicles or an adapted playground.

"To me, the start is get access to education on the most basic level. Then we can build on that and get more grants to build more sensory rooms. At a fundamental level, heres an opportunity to spend very little money and deliver something for the community, said Cllr McDonald.

In relation to the school being converted into a special school, a spokesperson for the Department of Education said: The property in question is not in the ownership of the Minister for Education. Nonetheless, the Department will consider whether there are any educational requirements for the use of the property and engage with the patron if appropriate.
Bridget Cullen from the WSPCA pictured recieving a cheque for 374 from the third class wellbeing committee in the Mercy School, St John's Road on Monday proceeds from their Valentine's Day donations. Pic: Jim Campbell

Helen Dryburgh from Cat Rescue Wexford pictured receiving a cheque for 374 from the third class wellbeing committee in the Mercy School, St John's Road, proceeds from their Valentine's Day donations. Pic: Jim Campbell

Tom Rossiter (right in back row) recieved a large quatity of books from the third class wellbeing committee in the Mercy School, St John's Road on Monday. Tom will be transporting the books to the childfren in Gambia. Also pictured at the handover is principal Eamonn Codd and teacher Audrey O'Sullivan. Pic: Jim Campbell

Students from The Mercy School in Wexford town have promoted empathy, friendship, and a community spirit throughout the school as part of a week-long initiative. As part of Friendship and Kindness Week the students performed two random acts of kindness each day, from sharing compliments and helping classmates, to thoughtful gestures and smiles.

Their final act of kindness was a fundraiser for local charities, Cat Rescue Wexford and the WSPCA. Pupils and their families generously donated to support animals in need, with a total of 741 being raised.

"Pupils really showed the power of kindness, compassion and generosity and their actions will make a positive impact on their community, said teacher Audrey OSullivan. Friendship and Kindness Week was a huge success, reminding everyone that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Continuing the goodwill, the schools wellbeing committee donated 400 books to Tom Rossiter as part of the Books for Africa programme. Tom organises donations of old textbooks to help children who have limited access to educational materials and received a large volume of English and Maths books from the Mercy School.

The books will now be transported to Gambia.
News

Wicklow-Wexford chair of AI committee wants it to lead public debate on new tech

Chair of the new Oireachtas committee on artificial intelligence (AI), Deputy Malcolm Byrne, has said the committee aims to lead public debate on the merits of the new technology and that it will explore the necessary guardrails to ensure its 
Wildacres from Scratenagh have been shortlisted as finalists in the Biodiversity Leadership in Business Award category.

Three businesses from Co Wicklow have been recognised as finalists in the 2025 Business and Finance ESG Awards, in association with Grant Thornton, recognising outstanding efforts in environmental, social, and governance practices.

The Business and Finance ESG Awards celebrate companies that are driving real change through innovative policies, technology solutions, and sustainable business practices, and this year saw a record number of entries.

Coillte, with a head office in Newtownmountkennedy, has been shortlisted in the Biodiversity Leadership in Business Award category, along with fellow Wicklow business, Wildacres from Scratenagh.

Wildacres are an environmental social enterprise dedicated to biodiversity restoration, protection, monitoring, and education, and includes a nature reserve and biodiversity education centre set on 17.5 acres, and bordered by the Redcross river.

Enniskerry-based CoolPlanet is a leader in industrial-scale decarbonisation and have been shortlisted in the Net Zero Carbon Award category.

The winners will be revealed at a special luncheon awards ceremony taking place at 12 noon on April 10 in the Round Room at The Mansion House, Dublin.

Tracey Carney, managing firector, Business and Finance, said: The calibre of entries for the 2025 Business and Finance ESG Awards reflects the remarkable strides taken by organisations across Ireland in integrating sustainability at the core of their business strategies.

"We are seeing a significant shift towards collective responsibility, where entire teams are driving change and delivering measurable ESG impact. The finalists announced today demonstrate how ESG principles are shaping the future of responsible business.

The prestigious ESG Leader Award will also be presented to Mary Robinson at the event, recognising her tireless dedication to sustainability, climate justice, and social equity on both a national and global scale.
The stories of the seven families who left Dingle for Wicklow almost 70 years ago will be the focus of a special evening at Templerainey Church on Thursday, March 27.

In 1956 farmers in the west of Ireland were having a tough time. Their farms were small, their fields were scattered and they were still suffering the effects of the penal laws where, when a Catholic farmer died, his lands had to be divided among all his sons, leaving many unsustainable holdings.

The Land Commission wanted to decongest these farms and so when they got possession of the Shelton Abbey Estate in Wicklow, they decided to offer a swap to seven families living in the Dingle area. This meant they would have larger, more productive farms and better land and it also gave them the chance to remain in Ireland instead of emigrating.

They were settled in Kilbride, between Arklow and Avoca, and their lives changed forever.

Many of the families had never set foot outside their own parish, most of them didnt speak English and they had little knowledge of where they were going. In a Raidio na Gaeltachta programme put together by Helen Ni She, one man tells a story about a Kerry farmer looking for a map of the world because he was moving to Arklow.

The talk in Templerainey Church will be given by Muiris OSullivan, professor emeritus of archaeology at UCD, who was one of the Dingle children who came to Wicklow. He recalls how there was a great sense of being welcome but when they turned the key in the door, it was a very lonesome moment.

Kathleen OShea was only six years old when she came to Wicklow.

I didnt understand a word. We were to make our First Confession. Im not sure how the teacher found out, but I told her I didnt have any of the prayers in English because at home by night wed be saying the rosary and I had all the prayers in Irish.

"The day of my First Confession, I went into the priest and I told him that I had seven mortal sins. The priest asked if I had killed someone, or what!.

The Dingle families and many of their descendants became a part of the fabric of life in the area but, as Muiris OSullivan said: If Kerry are playing in Croke Park, for example, were all there. Not only are we there ourselves but the younger generation and children are there as well. They follow Kerry as well. We are still Kerry people, there is no doubt about that.

This look back at Wicklows Kerry community will be held in Templerainey Church, which has recently undergone extensive renovations to combat the damage done by weathering over the years. This was carried out through a programme of extensive fundraising by the people of the area.

At one point, Parish priest Fr Michael Murphy was obliged to place buckets around the church to catch the rainwater. It is hoped that the renovations to the three churches in the parish will mean they can be used for community events like this in the future.

Entry to the event is free and refreshments will be served. It starts at 7:30pm.


Staff at Reflections salon in Kilcoole, Jackie Helena, Jessica Murphy, Aoife Campbell, Lucina Byrne and Jenny Louis Frauley, who have signed up for 'Your Finest Hour fundraising campaign. Photo: Conor McCabe Photography.

Staff at a Wicklow hair salon are coming together to support a unique fundraiser for their local hospice and are encouraging employees right across Ireland to do the same.

The team at Reflections hair and beauty salon, in Kilcoole, are handing over an hour of their pay next month in the Your Finest Hour for Hospice fundraising drive, organised by Together for Hospice, the national fundraising body for the 24 specialist hospice and palliative care providers.

We are so fortunate to have Our Ladys Hospice and Care Services, Wicklow Hospice on our doorstep, said salon manager, Lucina Byrne. Their work provides so much comfort, dignity and support to families at such difficult times. We wanted to do something to show our solidarity and by donating just an hour of pay next month, other workers across Ireland, in whatever sector, can make a huge difference.

Employers are asked to treat staff to something special, such as an office takeaway, a wellbeing hour or simply an hour off work in April, and in exchange, employees are encouraged to donate an hour of their salary to the hospice charity.

The 24 hospices nationwide that make up Together For Hospice need to raise approximately 20m each year. With the population over 65 set to triple over the next 30 years, demand for services continues to grow, and in 2023 alone, hospice and specialist palliative homecare providers across Ireland cared for over 14,000 patients and made over 87,000 homecare visits.

Employers can register for the initiative at finesthour.ie, where donations can also be made.
Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow has defended the Duchess of Sussex setting up a lifestyle brand, saying that everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try.

The actress turned wellness guru, 52, runs the lifestyle brand Goop, which has has products including egg-shaped stones and unusually-titled candle products.

Meghan has recently launched the new lifestyle brand As Ever in tandem with her show With Love, Meghan  which has been met with savage reviews from critics but proven a hit for Netflix, reaching the streaming giants top 10 programmes globally last week.

The former Suits actress first products, which are not yet on sale, are a small selection of jams, herbal tea, ready-mix baking mixes and flower sprinkles.

The Duchess of Sussex in an episode from her show (Netflix/PA)

Paltrow, who lives in Montecito, California, near where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to after giving up their royal duties, told Vanity Fair that she does not know Meghan well, but she seems really lovely.

The actress, who put out the Netflix series The Goop Lab With Gwyneth Paltrow about her company, also said that she has not seen the series, but thinks when theres noise about certain women in the culture, I do have, always, a strong instinct to stand up for them.

I was raised to see other women as friends, not foes, Paltrow added.

I think theres always more than enough to go around. Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try.

She also said her mother told her that another woman is never your competition, and what is right for you will find you.

Earlier this month, Meghan revealed she is starting a new podcast called Confessions Of A Female Founder that will have candid conversations with amazing women about the success and struggles of their businesses.

Gwyneth Paltrow. (Ian West/PA)

Paltrow also spoke about how having an empty nest is so demoralising, as her children, Apple and Moses  with former husband Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, have left home.

She says that she and her husband, the TV producer and screenwriter Brad Falchuk  who she worked with on the American musical show Glee and Netflix drama The Politician, are free birds, adding that if you embody that, then you have this much more energised, optimistic feeling.

Paltrow also said that she does feel the stares, when she goes to her childrens colleges, and she suggested there had been bad experiences for Apple.

She added: Look, theyre the children of two super-famous people, and so they understand what comes with that.

Theyve grown up in it. You would be surprised at how lovely and unassuming and down-to-earth they are.

Paltrow wed British musician Martin in 2003, and they announced in March 2014 their conscious uncoupling, remaining close after their divorce was finalised in 2016.

She reportedly met Falchuk on the set of Glee and they married in 2018.

Paltrow  known for the Iron Man franchise, Shallow Hall, and Sliding Doors  won an 1998 Academy Award for period drama Shakespeare In Love along with Dame Judi Dench for her supporting role.
Trump and Putin speak by phoneUkraine has agreed to US-proposed 30-day truceUS sought Putin's commitment to ceasefire proposal

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday to temporarily stop attacking Ukrainian energy facilities but declined to endorse a full 30-day ceasefire that President Donald Trump hoped would be the first step toward a permanent peace deal.

Ukraine said it would support the scaled-back agreement, which would require both countries to hold off on firing on each other's energy infrastructure for 30 days. Experts said Putin avoided making significant concessions in what could be a play for time as Russian troops advance in eastern Ukraine.
Members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces prepare to fire a mortar towards Russian troops near the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region. Photo: Reuters

US president Donald Trump said he would speak to Russias Vladimir Putin today 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.

We want to see if we can bring that war to an end, Mr Trump told reporters on Air Force One during a flight to the Washington area from Florida. Maybe we can, maybe we cant, but I think we have a very good chance.
LIVE | This is just the beginning  says Netanyahu as he defends the resumption of airstrikes in Gaza

The surprise attack shattered a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of RamadanIsraels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire between Israel and HamasThe White House sought to blame Hamas for the renewed fightingTaoiseach and Tanaiste hit out at new airstrikes

Israeli air strikes have killed at least 326 people in Gaza, officials say

Irish Independent Newsdesk Tue 18 Mar 2025 at 20:18







Israel launched a surprise barrage of airstrikes overnight, killing hundreds of people in Gaza.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Indias Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: What Businesses Need to Know

India is considering a major legislative reform that could transform the countrys immigration framework. On March 11, 2025, the central government introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha.

The proposed legislation seeks to modernize and consolidate the existing legal framework by replacing four outdated, pre-independence era laws, including the Foreigners Act of 1946 and the Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920.

On March 11, 2025, Indias central government introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha of the parliament. The introduction of this bill marks a major policy shift designed to align Indias immigration framework with its economic ambitions. With a strong emphasis on ease of doing business, attracting global capital and talent, and streamlining mobility, the bill is positioned to play a pivotal role in boosting foreign direct investment (FDI), supporting startups and innovation, and enabling cross-border trade and workforce movement.

Policy objectives and strategic rationale

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, has been formulated in response to a rapidly evolving global context, where immigration intersects with national security, labor market dynamics, and international mobility. Indias growing prominence as a hub for global business, skilled migration, education, and tourism has underscored the need for a modern, technology-driven immigration system.

Key objectives of the bill include the digitization of visa issuance, registration, and monitoring processes; comprehensive tracking of the movement of foreign nationals, particularly at land and sea borders; enhanced deterrents against illegal immigration and overstaying; and the simplification of visa procedures to facilitate easier travel and residence for tourists, students, business professionals, and skilled workers.

The bill proposes the and consolidation of legacy laws into a unified framework that governs immigration, registration, surveillance, detention, and deportation. The legislation also seeks to unify and update older statutes, such as:

The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920

The Foreigners Act, 1939

The Foreigners Act, 1946

The Immigration (Carriers Liability) Act, 2000

This is intended to create procedural clarity and legal consistency across central and state enforcement mechanisms.

Structural reforms and salient features

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 is structured into 36 clauses distributed across six chapters, each addressing critical aspects of immigration governance in India. The chapters cover a wide range of subjects, including definitions and general provisions, the regulation and registration of foreigners, enforcement mechanisms, visa categories and conditions, the establishment and functions of key immigration authorities, and legal procedures for detention, deportation, and appeal.

A key structural reform under the bill is the establishment of the National Immigration Authority (NIA), a statutory apex body responsible for immigration policy formulation and implementation. The NIA will manage a centralized digital database of foreign nationals, coordinate with state-level authorities and law enforcement agencies, and provide policy guidance on visa and border control protocols.

Digitally enabled immigration management

The bill mandates the development of an Integrated Immigration Management System (IIMS). This system will employ biometric identification, artificial intelligence-based monitoring tools, and inter-agency databases to track and manage the movement of foreign nationals. It will be integrated with airport immigration counters, land border checkpoints, and registration offices, facilitating real-time verification and enhanced mobility control.

New visa framework under the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

Under the proposed bill, India has a restructured visa regime with new categories including:

Business visa plus : For long-term business travelers with fast-track clearance and simplified compliance.

: For long-term business travelers with fast-track clearance and simplified compliance. Startup visa : For entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovation-driven enterprises in India.

: For entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovation-driven enterprises in India. Skilled talent visa : For professionals in priority sectors such as AI, biotechnology, renewable energy, etc.

: For professionals in priority sectors such as AI, biotechnology, renewable energy, etc. Investor visa : For foreign nationals committing substantial capital to Indian enterprises or infrastructure projects.

: For foreign nationals committing substantial capital to Indian enterprises or infrastructure projects. Transit visa and digital nomad visa: Recognizing the evolving nature of global travel and remote work trends.

Mandatory registration and foreigners registry

Foreign nationals residing in India for more than 180 days will be required to register digitally with the National Foreigners Registry (NFR). This new digital registry is intended to replace the current Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) system, offering a more streamlined and accessible platform for compliance.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of state governments in setting up Immigration Facilitation Centers (IFC) and collaborating with national intelligence agencies. This intergovernmental coordination is designed to improve surveillance, identify overstays, and disrupt trafficking and suspicious travel networks.

Mandatory reporting obligations for institutions

As outlined in Chapter 3 of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025Matters Related to Foreignersthe legislation places specific reporting responsibilities on various institutions in India. All universities, educational institutions, and other entities admitting foreign nationals are required to provide relevant information to the designated Registration Officer (RO).

The RO refers to an official designated by the central government or the appropriate authority to oversee the registration, tracking, and documentation of foreign nationals residing or staying in India.

Similarly, medical establishments such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities offering lodging or inpatient treatment are mandated to report details of any foreign national receiving indoor medical care. This obligation also extends to attendants accompanying the foreign nationals and availing of lodging or sleeping arrangements within the premises. These provisions aim to ensure accurate tracking and documentation of the presence and movement of foreign nationals within the country.

Stringent penalties for non-compliance under Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

The bill introduces robust punitive measures for violations of immigration norms. Under Chapter 5: Offences, Penalties and Appeal, individuals arriving in India without valid documentation may face imprisonment for up to five years along with a fine of INR 500,000 (US$5,776.6). The use of forged or counterfeit documents could attract imprisonment ranging from two to seven years, accompanied by fines between INR 100,000 (US$1,155.3) and INR 1 million (US$11,553.2).

Those who overstay their visa or breach visa conditions may be penalized with a jail term of up to three years and a fine of INR 300,000 (US$3,465.97). Additionally, individuals found transporting foreigners lacking proper documentation may incur a fine of INR 500,000 (US$5,776.6) and risk having their vehicles confiscated.

The bill also clarifies that foreign nationals holding dual citizenship will be recognized as citizens of the country corresponding to the passport used for entry into India.

Implications for business and investment climate

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 is expected to positively influence Indias business environment by improving immigration processes and fostering investor-friendly policies. By centralizing immigration procedures and introducing a single-window clearance system, the legislation addresses a critical concern raised by foreign enterprisesnamely, procedural and regulatory difficulties in India. The faster processing of business and investor visas is likely to facilitate smoother market entry and expansion for foreign firms.

A significant benefit of the bill lies in its potential to attract global talent. The Skilled talent visa aims to bring in highly qualified professionals from critical growth sectors such as digital infrastructure, green energy, and cybersecurity. This will not only enhance the domestic talent pool but also support business scalability, particularly for multinational companies and tech-driven startups.

Support for startups and innovation-driven growth

The Startup Visa provision is designed to enable foreign entrepreneurs to establish and grow ventures in India. This aligns with Indias ambition to become a global innovation hub and will strengthen the countrys position in cross-border technology transfer, research collaboration, and venture funding. The policy is expected to fuel new business formation, promote international partnerships, and support the broader objective of the economy.

Investor confidence and long-term capital engagement

The bill offers greater clarity and stability in immigration law, which may help improve investor confidence. The Investor visa, as mentioned in the bill, provides a path for long-term residency to individuals committing substantial investments in India. This could further boost FDI in Indias key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy, and real estate. The simplified procedures and reduced compliance burdens may also encourage deeper capital flows from institutional investors such as pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and private equity firms.

Facilitation of business mobility and trade

The digitization of the immigration system is set to enhance business mobility within the country by enabling quicker movement of personnel across borders. This is particularly beneficial for industries with high levels of international collaboration, such as logistics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and energy. Multinational corporations operating regional supply chains from India are likely to benefit from the improved mobility infrastructure.

Growth opportunities for mobility service providers

The reforms introduced under the bill are also expected to create new avenues for immigration consultancies, legal services firms, HR outsourcing providers, and compliance technology platforms. As businesses adapt to the new immigration landscape in India, there will be increased demand for advisory services, legal representation, documentation support, and digital compliance tools.

Regional and sectoral development impact

The new bill intends to stimulate regional economic growth by allowing greater participation of state governments in implementing immigration policies and establishing facilitation centers. States with emerging industrial hubs, special economic zones (SEZ), or technology parks stand to benefit from enhanced access to international expertise and investment. This, in turn, can accelerate growth in high-potential sectors such as electric vehicles (EV), smart cities, green infrastructure, and digital services.

Conclusion

Indias Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 presents a pro-business and investment-friendly reform, aimed at aligning its immigration infrastructure with global standards. By facilitating legitimate mobility, attracting global capital and talent, and reducing friction in business travel, the bill enhances Indias competitiveness in the global economic arena.

(US$1 = INR 86.55)
Big Ben OTT Release Date: Anu Mohan and Vinay Forrt recently headlined a mystery thriller which was released last July in theatres. After a long delay, the Malayalam saga is now ready to make its digital debut. Written and directed by Bino Augustine, get ready to stream Big Ben on Sun NXT starting March 28, 2025. This Kailas Menon musical is edited by Rino Jacob.

Big Bens cast and crew

The thriller also stars Vijay Babu, Aditi Ravi, Miya George, Jaffer Idukki, Chandhunadh, Biju Sopanam, Nisha Sarangh, Shebin Benson, Baby Hannah and Bitu Thomas among others. Produced by Prajay Kamat, Eldo Thomas and Siby Aranjany under the banner of Braintree Productions, Big Ben is cinematographed by Sajad Kaakku and choreographed by Pranav Sasidharan.

Big Bens plot summary

Jean Antony, a police officer from Kerala, travels to the UK with his wife, Lovely, who has gone there for a job. Once in the UK, Jean gets into a confrontation with Wilson, a colleague at Lovely's office, which leads to his arrest. Soon after, child welfare authorities take away their young daughter because they believe the couple isn't properly caring for her.

The story focuses on their journey to reunite with their daughter, overcoming the difficulties caused by their lack of knowledge about the laws in the UK. Will they be able to win the legal battle and bring their family back together? The movie explores their emotional and legal struggle, showing how they face a crisis in a foreign land. Big Ben was largely shot across the UK itself.

A part of the Times Now review read, Big Ben is a well-written and well-made film with some notable performances and offers an entertaining narrative with a nail-biting finish that has the audience constantly wondering what comes next.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Adolescence on Netflix: If you use social media enough then you probably know that people are going gaga over the show which was released on Netflix recently. The plot, direction, and casting combined to create the most incredible show to be released in a long time. Fans were even more impressed when the creators recently disclosed that the episodes were produced in "one shot." Netflix has now released a video where the creators explain how they made the camera fly for "that" scene shot across the street. We know you know which scene were talking about, right?

Adolescence on Netflix filmed in one take - but that one scene!

As the school day draws to a close in episode 2, we see children crossing the street while using their phones. After that, we see the camera go across the street and arrive at the murder scene, where Stephen Graham's character Eddie is shown paying his respects. Although it may appear to be just a drone shot, it's not.





How was it shot?

When the school day is coming to a conclusion, the DOP carries the camera and follows a student to the traffic lights in a wide view. A team attaches the camera to a drone before she crosses the street. The drone then flies 0.3 miles across the site to the murder scene, where a camera operator and a group of grips expertly grab the camera and cut to a close-up of Stephen Graham.

Q: How did they film the drone shot at the end of Ep 2?



The DOP carries the camera and follows a school pupil to the traffic lights with a wide shot as she goes at the end of the school day. Before she crosses the road, a team attach the camera to a drone, which then flies a pic.twitter.com/kKk7ocLCkU  Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) March 15, 2025

On a side note (consider it mandatory), watch Adolescence on Netflix. You wont be disappointed.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Nothing Phone 4a pro concept to launch next year: It looks like the Nothing Phone 4a Pro will revolutionize the market for mid-range smartphones. According to rumours, it might have a 50MP primary camera, a huge 5500mAh battery, and a Snapdragon 8s Gen CPU, making it a strong challenger.

It is anticipated that Glyph illumination and Nothing's distinctive transparent design will be upgraded, improving appearance and use.

The Phone 4a Pro's 120Hz OLED screen enhanced AI capabilities, and quicker charging could revolutionize high-end smartphones that are still affordable.

Will it distinguish itself from competitors such as the iPhone SE 4 and Pixel 8a? Here is what we know about the Nothing Phone 4a Pro's concept, anticipated features, and leaks!

Nothing Phone 4a pro concept expected launch timeline

The Nothing Phone 4a Pro, which is expected to go on sale in March 2026, is creating excitement due to its combination of cutting-edge technology and affordability.

Nothing Phone 4a pro concept expected specifications

Nothing 4a pro concept expected specs | Credit: Nothing Community

It is positioned as a mid-range smartphone that appeals to both tech fanatics and regular consumers with its svelte appearance, strong performance, and amazing camera system.

Design and Display: The Nothing Phone 4a Pro is anticipated to include a 6.82-inch AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, guaranteeing fluid images and an engaging viewing experience. With smooth action and less blur, this high refresh rate is especially useful for gaming and watching videos. The device will be offered in Black and White versions, preserving Nothing's design philosophy's basic style.

Performance and Storage: Rumor has surfaced that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 CPU and 8GB of RAM will power the Nothing Phone 4a Pro. This combination ought to provide seamless program performance and effective multitasking capabilities. The gadget is anticipated to have 256GB of internal storage, which will be enough room for media files, programs, and pictures. Users can expect a clear and simple user interface as it runs on Android 16 with Nothing OS.

Camera Capabilities: The camera configuration on the Nothing Phone 4a Pro may appeal to photography aficionados. The back is anticipated to contain a triple camera system with 64MP, 50MP, and 50MP sensors. This adaptable setup should support various shooting situations, including ultra-wide-angle and high-resolution photos. A 50MP camera is expected to be on the front, guaranteeing clear and detailed selfies.

Battery and Charging: The Nothing Phone 4a Pro is anticipated to have a 5500 mAh battery to keep users connected all day. The gadget is also said to feature 80W rapid charging, enabling speedy recharge and little downtime.

Connectivity: 5G connectivity is expected to be supported by the Nothing Phone 4a, allowing for seamless streaming and fast internet access. Additional anticipated features include dual stereo speakers for a rich music experience and an under-display fingerprint sensor for increased security.

Nothing Phone 4a pro concepts expected price

Nothing Phone 4a pro concept expected price | Credit: Nothing Community

With its anticipated starting price of Rs. 29,999 in India, the Nothing Phone 4a will be positioned as a mid-range, cost-effective gadget. It is a formidable competitor among the next generation of smartphones because of its combination of high-end features and affordable price.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
NEET PG 2025 exam: The National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced that NEET PG 2025 will be held in two shifts on June 15, 2025. The first shift will be from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and the second shift will be from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM. But many medical aspirants are unhappy with this decision.

Imagine you prepared well for neet pg 2025 and 4 days before exam you got to know from admit card that you have 2nd shift.

The mental state out of hand.#neetpg2025 #neetpg #Notodoubleshift  Dr. Shumayel Khan (@Dr_Shumayel) March 18, 2025

They have taken to social media to demand a single-shift exam, citing issues with last years normalisation process. Medical groups, including the Unified Doctors Front (UDF), have also urged the authorities to reconsider the decision.

NEET PG 2025 exam schedule and format

NEET PG 2025 exam will be conducted on June 15, 2025, in two shifts.

NEET PG 2025 Exam Date: June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025 NEET PG 2025 Exam Format: Computer-based

Computer-based NEET PG 2025 Exam Shift 1: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

9:00 AM to 12:30 PM NEET PG 2025 Exam Shift 2: 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM

NEET PG 2025 in Two Shifts: Candidates Urge Return to Single Shift



The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced that NEET PG 2025 will be held on June 15, 2025, following a two-shift format, similar to last year. The official notification, pic.twitter.com/jLe26oYWuU

 Medical NEET PG/SS/MDS/ INICET (@MNeetpg) March 18, 2025

NEET Aspirants oppose normalization process

Last year, the NEET PG exam was also held in two shifts, but it faced many problems with the normalization process. Many candidates felt that the way scores were adjusted between the two shifts was unfair and biased.

The normalization process uses mathematical methods like the Z-score method or percentile-based adjustments to make scores fair. However, if one shift is harder than the other, these methods may not work properly and can give an unfair advantage to some candidates. This is why many aspirants are worried about the two-shift system in NEET PG 2025.

A doctor on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) wrote,

"NBEMS has announced NEET PG 2025 in two shifts despite the normalization mess in 2024! Why repeat the same mistake?"

Another aspirant criticized the system, stating,

"The government can conduct 'One Nation, One Election' but cannot conduct 'One Nation, One Exam' for fairness?"

Doctors and Medical groups call for a single-shift exam

The Unified Doctors Front (UDF) has officially written to the authorities, urging them to conduct NEET PG 2025 in a single shift. Many candidates argue that a one-shift exam would ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.

A medical aspirant also explained how normalisation is mathematically unfair:

If Shift 1 is tougher (mean score of 120, standard deviation 30) and Shift 2 is easier (mean 140, standard deviation 20), then:

A candidate scoring 150 in Shift 1 would get a Z-score of 1.

A candidate scoring 160 in Shift 2 would also get a Z-score of 1.

NEET PG 2025 should be conducted in a Single Shift Exam.

Kindly take necessary action regarding this.@PMOIndia @NMC_IND @NMC_IMA_IND @MoHFW_INDIA @JPNadda @ANI #neetpg2025 #notodoubleshift

 Rushit Nar (@RushitN63558) March 18, 2025

This means that despite Shift 1 being more difficult, both candidates get the same normalised rank, which aspirants believe does not reflect true merit.

Why candidates are against the two-shift NEET PG 2025 exam

Many aspirants believe that conducting NEET PG 2025 in two shifts is unfair and lacks transparency. Their main concerns are about fairness, the normalization process, and the stress it creates. Heres why medical aspirants are opposing it:

1. Fairness and Transparency Issues

The difficulty level of the exam may be different in each shift, which can affect candidates' scores and rankings.

2. Problems with the Normalisation Process

Methods like Z-score and percentile-based adjustments may not work well if one shift is harder than the other.

Last years NEET PG had major issues with normalisation, which led to legal challenges and complaints from aspirants.

3. Increased Stress and Anxiety

Candidates feel extra pressure because they don't know if their shift will be easier or harder than the other.

4. Practical Concerns

Many believe that conducting NEET PG in one shift is possible and would remove the need for normalisation.

A single-shift exam would ensure that all candidates face the same level of difficulty.

5. Comparison with Other Exams

Other medical entrance exams like NEET UG, AIIMS, and INI-CET are conducted in a single shift.

Candidates question why NEET PG cannot follow the same format.

Will the NEET PG 2025 exam be conducted in a single shift?

As the demand for a single-shift exam grows, aspirants are waiting for NBEMS to reconsider its decision. With concerns over fairness, transparency, and merit, many candidates hope that the authorities will listen to their voices and take necessary action.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.




Beawar-Bharatpur Expressway: The Beawar-Bharatpur Expressway, a 342 km greenfield road project in Rajasthan, has received official approval. It is designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance traffic flow between Beawar and Bharatpur.

Currently, the journey takes around 7 to 8 hours, but the new expressway is expected to make travel faster with fewer turns and bypassing crowded areas. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has started the survey work. It will be completed in 18 months, after which construction will begin.

Rajasthan Government is planning to build 8 new greenfield expressways in the state:



 Kotputli-Kishangarh: 181 Km

 Jaipur-Bhilwara: 193 Km

 Bikaner-Kotputli: 295 Km

 Beawar-Bharatpur: 342 Km

 Jalore-Jhalawar: 402 Km

 Ajmer-Banswara: 358 Km

 Jaipur-Phalodi: 345 Km pic.twitter.com/cIgT0xtzmR  Infra News India (INI) (@TheINIofficial) September 1, 2024

Beawar-Bharatpur Expressway: Part of Rajasthans Vision 2047

The Beawar-Bharatpur expressway is part of Rajasthans Vision 2047. It is a long-term development plan to improve the state's infrastructure. This project will enhance connectivity not only between Beawar and Bharatpur but also benefit nearby cities and towns by improving trade and transportation facilities.

The expressway will begin at NH-58 in Beawar and connect to NH-21 in Bharatpur, passing through towns like Gulabpura, Kekri, Todaraisingh, Uniara, Tonk, and Niwai.

Right now, traveling from Beawar to Bharatpur takes about 7-8 hours. The new expressway will make the journey much faster by avoiding crowded areas and having fewer turns, allowing vehicles to move quickly.

The government plans to acquire 3,175 hectares of land for construction.

Beawar-Bharatpur Expressway: Economic and Social Benefits

The new expressway is expected to provide multiple benefits, including:

Better Connectivity: Faster movement of goods and people between different parts of Rajasthan.

Faster movement of goods and people between different parts of Rajasthan. Reduced Traffic: A dedicated route that will decrease traffic on existing roads.

A dedicated route that will decrease traffic on existing roads. Economic Growth: Improved transport facilities can lead to better trade opportunities and job creation.

The Beawar-Bharatpur Expressway is one of nine new expressways announced in Rajasthans 2024 budget as part of the Vision 2047 plan. Five of these, including this one, are set to be completed by 2030. The main plan is to improve fast travel within Rajasthan and connect better with nearby states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, and Delhi.

The Beawar-Bharatpur Expressway is a major step towards improving Rajasthans road network. With better connectivity and reduced travel time, it will benefit both travelers and businesses. As the project progresses, it will bring new opportunities for economic and social development in the state.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Aadar Jain is done playing nice! After his infamous "time pass" comment during his wedding with Alekha Advani sent the internet into a frenzy, the actor is finally addressing the controversy head-on. Yep, the guy's had enough of the gossip, and he wants to set the record straight!

Aadar Jain spills the tea on his time pass comment, and it's not what you think!

In case you missed it, Aadar's "time pass" remark, made during a heartfelt wedding speech, became the hot gossip of the town. Many speculated that it was a sly jab at his ex, Tara Sutaria. The clip showed Aadar saying, I have done time pass for four years of my life. But now I'm with you, baby. This was enough for the internet to assume he was shading Tara, whom he dated for a few years before their split in 2023.

Fast forward to March 2025, Aadar finally decided to break his silence during a conversation with Times of India. He bluntly called out the twisted narratives, saying that people have been quick to judge without any fact-checking. He expressed frustration over how his innocent words were morphed into a whole new saga, dragging in not just him and Alekha, but also Tara and their families.

"People have taken 10 seconds of my words and made it a whole new story," Aadar reportedly said, sounding genuinely tired of the drama. He added that people are way too eager to make their own assumptions, and it's unfair that families have to bear the brunt of this baseless chatter.

Alekha Advani joins the chat

Turns out, Alekha isn't sitting silently either. She also pitched in, echoing Aadar's sentiments. Alekha claimed that the rumors were "not really fair or nice" and that Tara herself knows the truth  there's no beef, no drama, just a whole lot of speculation.

And Aadar? He didn't hold back, stating that just because a relationship didn't work out doesn't mean you start throwing shade at your exes. Things don't work out for a reason. That doesn't mean you start saying things about people, he asserted, subtly shutting down the haters.

The wedding speech that sparked it all

For those still curious, the infamous speech went something like this: Aadar expressed his deep love for Alekha, calling her his dream girl while humorously mentioning the "20 years of time pass" he had to endure before they finally got together. While the line was supposed to be a playful expression of his long-standing feelings, it somehow spiraled into a dramatic scandal.

The aftermath

Aadar and Alekha, who tied the knot in February 2025, have been in the spotlight ever since. But it seems like Aadar's finally drawing the line. As much as we love a juicy Bollywood scandal, it might be time to let this one rest.

As for Tara Sutaria, the actress has stayed silent about the whole fiasco, and honestly, who can blame her? Looks like it's time to close the chapter on this time pass drama and let Aadar and Alekha enjoy their happily ever after  minus the noise.
In a plot twist that sounds straight out of a cross-border rom-com, Seema Haider, the Pakistani woman who defied boundaries for love, has just become a mom  again! On a quiet Tuesday morning in Greater Noida, Seema welcomed her fifth child, a baby girl, with her Indian husband, Sachin Meena. Yes, the same Sachin she met online while playing a game of PUBG that eventually led her to cross borders, face arrests, and spark endless debates.

Journey of Seema Haider and Sachin Meena - From PUBG to parenthood

This new addition to their unconventional family has brought a wave of happiness to the Meena household. The whole "meet online, cross borders, get arrested, get married, and have a baby" journey might sound like a chaotic K-drama plot, but its Seema and Sachins real-life love story!

Seema and Sachin welcomed a baby girl

Seema was admitted to Krishna Hospital in Greater Noida on Monday, and by 5 a.m. on Tuesday, the sounds of a newborn's cry marked the beginning of a new chapter. According to the doctors, both mother and baby are doing well. The family is over the moon, and it's all love and laughter as they prepare to take the little one home.

Interestingly, before the baby's arrival, Seemas godh bharai (baby shower) ceremony was celebrated in full swing. The entire family participated, showering Seema with blessings for her new journey. Even AP Singh, Seemas lawyer-turned-adopted brother, has promised to secure Indian citizenship for her daughter. Now thats family goals!

How did Seema and Sachin meet

If you're still wondering how this all started  lets rewind. Seema and Sachin became friends over an online game in 2023. Their digital dosti soon blossomed into a full-blown romance, leading Seema to take the ultimate leap of faith. Crossing borders from Pakistan to Nepal and then sneaking into India, Seema's journey became national news. The couple married at Nepal's Pashupatinath Temple, embracing Hindu customs.

However, the path to their 'happily ever after' wasnt all sunshine and rainbows. They faced legal trouble, with Sachin being arrested for providing shelter to Seema. But love triumphed over all hurdles, and the couple has been living together ever since, braving societal judgments and legal battles.

What lies ahead for Seema and her little one?

With the arrival of their daughter, the family faces new challenges. Seema's fight for a permanent place in India continues, but with her newborn in her arms and Sachin by her side, she seems more determined than ever. AP Singh's commitment to secure citizenship for Seema's daughter adds a hopeful note to their story.

In a world where borders often divide, Seema and Sachins story is a testament to love's power to defy limitations. Their little one might just be the symbol of a love story that broke boundaries and built a family against all odds.
The Korean YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute has shared additional evidence that raises questions about the timeline of Kim Soo Hyun's relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron. Kim Sae Ron's aunt has accused Kim Soo Hyun of dating her when she was still a minor, a claim that has been disputed by his agency. However, the agency has acknowledged that they were in a relationship once Kim Sae Ron reached the legal age of consent. Recently, Garosero shared screenshots of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron's chat, allegedly from 2018, when she was in Grade 11, further fueling speculation about the nature of their relationship.

Garosero shares 2018 screenshots of Kim Soo Hyun's chat with Kim Sae Ron

Leaked messages reveal Kim Sae Ron reaching out to Kim Soo Hyun on August 13, 2018, asking if he uses KakaoTalk (a Korean messaging app). The actor told her he had deleted KakaoTalk and asked her to reach out via Telegram instead. Then, the next morning, she sent 2 more messages to Kim Soo Hyun, asking him to accept her friend request on Telegram. The screenshot was shared on Garosero's community post.

Credit: Garosero

Sharing the post, the controversial YouTube channel once again countered the Gold Medalist's claim that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron dated from the summer of 2019 to the autumn of 2020. They said, "Actress Kim Sae Ron has explained this situation in detail to her family. So, can we say that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun have not been in a romantic relationship since 2015? Is this really just a normal conversation between a high school student and an older person?

They also added, Why was there a sudden need to delete KakaoTalk and switch to Telegram to talk on a new phone? questioning Kim Soo-hyuns intentions as he asked Kim Sae Ron to be his secret friend.

Gold Medalist refuses Kim Soo Hyun's home date with Kim Sae Ron

On March 17, a viral photo of Kim Sae Ron with a man presumed to be Kim Soo Hyun sparked controversy. Despite Chinese netizens correcting the photo's origin to 2015, Kim Soo Hyun's agency denied the claims, stating the man in the photo is not Kim Soo Hyun.

Kim Soo Hyun's 2015 picture with Kim Sae Ron resurfaces|Credit: X

The agency said it initially ignored the 'groundless' rumours but responded after Kim Sae Ron's family allegedly used the photo to claim Kim Soo Hyun visited her apartment when she was a minor. Gold medalist further accused Sae Ron's family of unlawfully disclosing Soo Hyun's private life and creating baseless allegations, urging them to stop manipulating the narrative.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Jhulasan, a small village in Gujarats Mehsana district, has an unusual story behind its name. Some believe it originates from the Sanskrit word vasana, meaning dwelling. Others say travelers, who once rested under a tree and built a swing (jula), decided to settle there and named the place Jhulasan. But who could have imagined that one day, this quiet village would be known worldwide as Sunita Williams village?

Now, as the astronaut prepares to return to Earth after an extended mission in space, her ancestral village is buzzing with excitement. The villagers are planning grand festivities: prayers, processions, and even fireworks, to welcome her back, celebrating her return as if it were Diwali.

A heros welcome awaits Sunita Williams

Sunita Williams' connection to Jhulasan runs deep. Her father, Deepak Pandya, was born here before moving to the United States in 1957. While she grew up in America, the village has always considered her one of their own. Every time she embarks on a space mission, prayers are held at Dola Mata temple, where an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) is lit for her safety. This time was no different.

#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | On astronauts Butch Wilmore & Sunita Williams finally set to return to earth after over 9 months, Sunita William's cousin Dinesh Rawal says, "... She was determined to go on this mission to serve the world, and although she faced problems in her pic.twitter.com/C2fpgvVMiv  ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2025

Her cousin, Navin Pandya, revealed that a grand procession featuring Williams' photograph will be taken through the village, with prayer chants filling the air. Once she lands safely, the Akhand Jyot will be offered to Goddess Dola Mata in gratitude. The villagers hope to invite her back to Jhulasan one day to celebrate her achievements in person.

A small village with a global presence

Though Jhulasan is a small village, it is one of the most developed in Gujarats Kadi Taluka. The majority of its population consists of Patels, with other communities like Thakors, Prajapatis, Ravals, and Rabaris also residing there. Surprisingly, around 350 families from Jhulasan have migrated to the USA and Canada. These families stay connected through reunions held every two years.

Jhulasan is also known for its majestic temples, with the Dola Mata temple being the most famous. Other significant temples include Swaminarayan Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, and Ramji Mandir, drawing devotees from around the world.

Why did Sunita Williams go to space?

Sunita Williams and astronaut Barry Wilmore embarked on an eight-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Boeing Starliner on June 5, 2024. The mission was a test flight of the new crew capsule. However, due to technical issues, their stay was unexpectedly prolonged to nine months.

On March 18, 2025, Williams and Wilmore, along with astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov, finally began their journey back to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule. With this mission, Williams has further cemented her legacy, having already spent 62 hours across nine spacewalks, holding the record for the most time spent spacewalking by a female astronaut.
Insurance companies can play a key role in the rise of retirement savings, managing the repercussions of climate change, and restraining the cost of health services, government vice-president Kostis Hatzidakis said on Tuesday, addressing the annual meeting of the Association of Greek

Hatzidakis also told insurers that the government is "examining the possibility of further tax relief, always within the framework of our fiscal policy."

The former economy minister also thanked insurance companies for their constructive role in their voluntary implementation of a code of ethics that allowed cancer survivors to be insured without prejudice. The government "recognizes the substantial contribution of insurance companies, which it considers allies in its effort to raise the Greek economy even higher," Hatzidakis said, adding that the government is committed to expanding the market of private insurance services and improving transparency and competitiveness.

   iefimerida.gr
Protesters clashed with police outside the "Aristoteleion" Theater in Thessaloniki during a demonstration against comedian Christoforos Zaralikos performance.

About 30 demonstrators, described as ultra-Orthodox Christians, gathered holding crosses and religious icons, protesting the play.

The protest followed a call from Nikos Papadopoulos, a lawmaker from the nationalist Niki party. Minor scuffles broke out as protesters attempted to breach police barricades.

Police detained four individuals.

Protesters objected to the plays promotional poster, which depicts Zaralikos wearing a crown of thorns and a robe, calling it offensive.

Niki distanced itself from the protest, but condemned the plays imagery.

Recent performances by Zaralikos in Agrinio and Trikala were canceled due to security concerns.

   iefimerida.gr
U Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, paid an official visit to the port of Rotterdam.

Tzitzikostas was also the keynote speaker at the European Cruise Summit in

Tzitzikostas from Rotterdam: Cruises are the main driving force of the European economy -  
Aegean has already invested 30 million in Volotea, following an agreement announced last September.

Aegean Airlines is in advanced discussions regarding a new investment in Volotea, as revealed by the airlines chairman, Eftichios Vassilakis, during a briefing on Aegeans 2024 financial results on Tuesday. While the exact size of the investment has yet to be determined, Vassilakis expressed satisfaction with the initial phase of the partnership, stating that negotiations are

expected to conclude within the next three months.

Aegean has already invested 30 million in Volotea, following an agreement announced last September. The first phase of the investment involved a 25 million contribution to the Spanish airlines 50 million capital increase, structured as a convertible loan. This move secured Aegean a 13% stake in Volotea, which was later increased by an additional 5 million stock purchase, raising its ownership by 4.9 percentage points.

Vassilakis emphasized that the second phase of the investment, contingent on Volotea achieving specific financial targets in 2024, includes another 50 million capital increase, with Aegean expected to contribute 25 million.

The Aegean chairman also highlighted Voloteas strong performance in the past year, noting significant growth in passenger traffic and an impressive 50% increase in EBITDA, which surged from 95 million in 2023 to 148 million in 2024.

As discussions progress, this potential investment signals Aegean Airlines strategic commitment to expanding its influence in the European aviation market, strengthening its partnership with Volotea, and capitalizing on the rapid growth of regional air travel.

#AEGEAN_AIRLINES #VOLOTEA
The Delta State Police Command has eliminated four suspected kidnappers and recovered an AK-47 rifle along the railway line in Agbarho region of the state.

SP Bright Edafe, the state police spokesperson, confirmed this in a statement issued Monday in Asaba, Delta States capital.

Operatives of the CP Special Assignment team who had earlier arrested one suspect when he was seeking to buy AK 47 rifle ammunition on March 9, 2025.

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The suspect during interrogation revealed the location where the rifle was hidden. The operatives stormed the bush along the railway line in Agbarho, where the gang members upon sighting the police engaged the team in a fierce gun duel, during which four suspected kidnappers sustained serious gunshot injuries.

READ MORE: Police Arrest Two Suspected Motorcycle Robbers Recover In Jigawa

The injured suspects were taken to the general hospital Ughelli for treatment but were later confirmed dead by the doctor. and their corpses have been deposited at the hospital morgue while the effort to trail and arrest the fleeing hoodlums is ongoing, he said.

Edafe stated that items recovered included one AK-47 and one magazine.

In a separate incident, the police spokesman disclosed the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, Abdulahi Isah, for abducting a woman in Ibusa.

He stated that an Ibusa indigene (name withheld) reported to the Ibusa Police Station that his friends wife was kidnapped on March 7, 2025. A ransom was paid, and he was the one who delivered the money along with food items to the kidnappers.

Acting on useful information provided by the said man, the DPO Ibusa Police Station swiftly mobilised the patrol team of the Ibusa division alongside vigilantes and stormed the bush where the suspect Abdulahi Isah was arrested. The suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing, he added.

He stated that the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, highlighted the commands proactiveness and public cooperation as key factors in steadily reducing crime in the state.
The Delta State Police Command has apprehended a suspected gunrunner from Kaduna after finding seven pump-action guns concealed in a vehicle he was travelling in along the Benin-Asaba Expressway on Monday.

PUNCH Metro gathered that several rounds of ammunition were recovered from the vehicle, as seen in an interrogation video shared on X by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, on Monday.

Edafe stated that police operatives conducting a stop-and-search intercepted a vehicle transporting food items. However, a thorough search led to the discovery of guns carefully hidden under the seat.

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READ MORE: Navy Intercepts 13,800 Litres Of Petrol, 71 Bags Of Smuggled Rice In Lagos

He explained that during interrogation, the suspect admitted to buying the guns at the Onitsha market and was on his way to Kaduna when he was arrested.

Edafe said, We have always continued to reiterate the importance of stopping and searching while discharging our duty. This is what we have been able to recover in the course of our duty. These are seven pump-action guns.

Today, our operatives attached to the Dragon Unit while on a stop-and-search duty along the Benin-Asaba Expressway just by the National Open University intercepted this vehicle carrying oil, rice, garri and other things and the policemen in their smartness, sighted these cartridges hidden under the seat of the vehicle. The cartridges comprised 32 rounds in a pack of 50 hidden under the seats of the vehicles.

When you see policemen going in-depth during stop-and-search, people will say they are just determined to look for offence at all costs. Imagine what these arms will do in the hands of criminals.

While being questioned, the suspect, whose face was not shown, stated that he bought each gun for N1.3 million and purchased a pack of bullets for N47,000.

The suspect added that the food items he was conveying were not meant to conceal the guns he was carrying but for another purpose.

We got the guns at the Onitsha market. Each one is N1.3m. I bought the cartridges separately at N47,000. I am taking the guns to Kaduna. I put the guns and the cartridges under the seat and I covered them with paper.

I am the owner of the oil and the garri. I bought them because I want to use them. I did not use them to conceal the guns. This is my first time doing this, he said.

The PPRO ended by advising residents of the state to avoid criminal activities.
Nigerian disc jockey and philanthropist Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has launched The Cuppy Fund at Kings College London to provide financial support for African students facing hardship.

Announcing the fund on Facebook on Monday, DJ Cuppy expressed her commitment to ensuring that African students at Kings do not have to struggle between education and financial constraints.

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Im thrilled to announce the launch of The Cuppy Fund at Kings College London. African students at Kings now have access to hardship support because no one should have to choose between education and financial struggle, she wrote.

READ MORE: VeryDarkMan Insists on Legal Fight, Dismisses PFNs Call for Reconciliation With Mercy Chinwo

The billionaire heiress and DJ highlighted the challenges many African students face in pursuing higher education, stating that financial barriers often prevent them from fully focusing on their studies. She added that her goal is to help students prioritise their education without the burden of financial worries.

Education transforms lives, but financial barriers hold too many back, especially my own people. This fund ensures students focus on learning, not just finances, she added.

Cuppy, who earned a masters degree from the University of Oxford, has been vocal about the importance of education. She noted that while getting into a London university is difficult, staying enrolled should not be a struggle.

Im so proud to invest in the next generation of leaders. Getting into university in London is hard, but staying shouldnt be! she concluded.

DJ Cuppy has long been involved in philanthropy, particularly through the Cuppy Foundation, which has supported education and child welfare initiatives across Africa. The launch of The Cuppy Fund further reinforces her dedication to empowering young Africans through education.

SEE POST:
Explosion has occurred at a pipeline located in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the development is coming, following some hours after a similar incident happened at the Trans Niger Pipeline operated by Shell in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area on Monday night.

The latest incident reportedly occurred at a manifold connecting a federal pipeline deep inside the forest.

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READ MORE: Police Nab Two Suspects As Explosion Hits Trans-Niger Pipeline In Rivers

The pipeline transports crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State.

Recall that some yet to be identified militants had called out President Bola Tinubu to warned Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike over the ongoing dispute between him and Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara.

The militants vowed to destroy pipelines in the oil rich state and ensure they shutdown the nations economy.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Ijaw youths on Tuesday blocked the Ahoada axis of the East-West Road leading to Bayelsa State in protest.

The demonstrators were spotted carrying placards in solidarity with Rivers State Governor Fubara amid his political feud with the state House of Assembly.

Some of the placards reads: We demand Wikes sack as FCT Minister and Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers have defected and lost their seats.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has claimed that the detention of leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu has nothing to do with insecurity challenge facing South East region.

Recall that the IPOBs leader had been detained by Department of State Services for about 5 years since his arrest from Kenya by former president Muhammadu Buharis administration, despite calls from different quarters for his release.

Meanwhile, many Nigerians, including civil society groups have been calling for the release of Kanu, saying that his release would reduce level of insecurity in the Southeast.

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READ MORE: Ensure My Case Is Transferred To Southeast If No Other Abuja FHC Judge Apart From Justice Nyako Wants To Priside Over It  Nnamdi Kanu Tells Counsel

Speaking on Monday during a media chat to celebrate his third anniversary, Governor Soludo said that Kanus release and unrest in the region are two different things.

He said: The release of Nnamdi Kanu for me is different from the issue of security, I separate the two, I dont link the two.

Nnamdi Kanu for me is for us to have a conversation of a long-term future for the Igbos and that is a different conversation.

For the criminals who are kidnappers, we have given them olive branch, come out, we will train you, we will empower you, we will rehabilitate you, if you dont we take you out.

A whole lot of this Simon Ekpa and some of this his band of criminals took over and turned the things into a killing spree, just killing people with reckless abandon.
The House of Representatives spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, has revealed that the National Assembly was fully consulted by President Bola Tinubu before his declaration on the Rivers crisis.

According to Rotimi, the National Assembly unanimously supported the Presidents decision to suspend democratic governance in Rivers State, this move was made in response to the ongoing crisis in the state.

According to a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, Rotimi had this to say: In response to multiple inquiries, I can confirm that the National Assembly was duly consulted by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in reaching this decision.

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The leadership of the National Assembly including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, and the House Leader, Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, met with the President and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, ahead of the broadcast.

Also in attendance were key security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.

During this meeting, they were fully briefed on Mr. Presidents intentions, and all present unanimously expressed their support.

Furthermore, Mr. Presidents formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted and will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and further legislative action debated and decided.
Peter Obi, the Labour Partys 2023 presidential candidate, has officially joined TikTok, marking a new step in his digital outreach.

The announcement came on Tuesday when Obi shared the news via his X handle, urging his followers to connect with him on the popular platform.

In his first post on the TikTok account, the former Anambra State governor uploaded a video encouraging users to follow him and join in his mission of creating a better, more viable Nigeria.

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READ MORE: Reactions As Rudeboy Mocks Nollywood Filmmakers Over Visible Soundman In Movie Scene

Obi used the platform to reaffirm his commitment to the vision of a new and prosperous Nigeria, emphasising the importance of collective action in making this vision a reality.

This is my official and only TikTok page. Kindly join me towards building a new Nigeria that is possible, Obi said in the video.

With this move, Obi expands his presence on social media, where he has already been an influential figure. His entry into the TikTok space comes as part of a broader strategy to engage with a younger, more digitally active audience, building support for his political ideals.

SEE POST:

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMBr89FTE/
Asari Dokubo has joined the chorus of Nigerians condemning the Supreme Courts recent ruling on Rivers State issues.

Dokubo strongly criticized the apex court, alleging that it overstepped its bounds by exercising powers it doesnt have. This ruling has sparked intense controversy and debate, with many questioning the courts jurisdiction.

In an interview on Monday, Dokubo shared his thoughts on the matter, emphasising that the Supreme Court has zero authority to intervene in the ongoing tussle happening in Rivers state; What is happening in Rivers State is one individual wanting to pocket Rivers State. A lot of commentators had analysed the situation in Rivers State and had called on President Bola Tinubu to step in and arrest the situation.

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I did a live broadcast on the 12th of December 2023 after the failed first Tinubus meeting which was very very bias, tinted towards supporting Nyesom Wike.

That video has become viral since after the pronouncement of the Supreme Court. Im not going to call the pronouncement of the Supreme Court a judgment, because there is nothing that the Supreme Court pronouncement said that has anything to do with the law in Nigeria.

Its a total abuse of the law of Nigeria. First of all, we all know that the Supreme Court is supposed to be the final arbiter for Nigerians since its words are final. Now the Supreme Court assumes that because their words are final they will import into these powers they do not have, proudly declare decisions that are against the Constitution and the people of Nigeria.

This is not just about Rivers state. For instance, does the Supreme Court have jurisdiction to adjudicate on issues concerning Local Government elections? Its very clear, LG election matters end at High Court.

So, where did the Supreme derive its power in making pronunciation on post elections litigations arising from the elections in Rivers state? How will the Supreme Court adjudicate judgement on a matter that was never before it.

The issue of defection (of lawmaker) was never before the Supreme Court. The issue of defection is still at the High Court. So, how did the Supreme Court get these matters before them to make pronouncement on it other than that there are people behind the scene detectating to the Supreme Court what it should say. And I think the governor was too much in a haste to have accepted that ruling.
The presence of Albert C. Barnes hovers at the Barnes Foundation on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, both in the way the art is presented as well as in this 1926 portrait of him by Giorgio de Chirico shown in a photo from May 2013. Read more

Albert C. Barnes, founder of the Barnes Foundation, was too large a character to be restrained by mortality. He and his collection have been the subject of a documentary and books, and the terms of the indenture guiding the fate of his multibillion-dollar art collection, now housed on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, has spun off numerous legal cases since his death in 1951.

Art critic Blake Gopnik spent hundreds of hours immersed in Barnes letters, writings, and other materials, and has produced a 403-page biography, The Mavericks Museum: Albert Barnes and His American Dream, being released this week on the 100th anniversary of the official dedication ceremony for the Barnes. Here we speak with him about Barnes  one of the most pugnacious and idiosyncratic figures Philadelphia has ever produced.

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The conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity.

What does this book tell us that we didnt know already?

The thing that attracted me to writing this book, I guess more than anything else, was his unbelievable archive. I wrote a giant thousand-page biography of Andy Warhol, and he kept almost every scrap of paper you could imagine. [Barnes] kept even more than Warhol. He kept the letters he sent, he kept the letters he received, often in triplicate. He kept drafts of his writings. Im not sure that we really understood the contradictions that are at the heart of Albert Barnes, the fact that he could be just an incredibly smart man and a man who was emotionally, socially incredibly stupid, a man who could be incredibly generous and just absurdly vituperative, and I think having access to that vast archive really makes a big difference in our ability to understand him as a person.

What are some of the things that surprised you about him?

I knew about his support for Black culture and Black society, but I didnt realize just how deep it ran. Hes a complicated figure in his relationship with Black America, but for someone working in the 1920s, the level of his support, at least rhetorical polemical support, was really extraordinary. Its hard to remember just how racist America and especially Philadelphia was when he was coming of age, certainly, after Reconstruction, but then well into the 20th century. So for anyone to say the things that he did in support of Black Americans was really quite extraordinary.

What attracted Barnes to art in the first place?

I think one of the most important things to understanding him is his rise from less than nothing. His rise from this neighborhood called the Neck, which Philadelphians dont seem to have any sort of collective memory of any more, but it was really most of what we now think of as South Philly and was a kind of a swamp and one of the worst slums in all of America. And the fact that he rose from that to be a person of real substance, a scientist of substance, and then a culture vulture of substance, mattered a great deal to him.

That ownership of culture really matters a great deal, and then collecting modern art, what then counted as radical, was part of his general hatred for the elites. Its part of his attack on anything that stood for business as usual in American culture.

The Barnes experience came with theories about how to look at art, how to think about art. As an art critic, what do you think about these theories?

They were cutting edge when he was advancing them. One of the things I hope my book does is point out how important he is in the history of whats called formalist art thought, formalist art criticism. Paying attention only to things like line and shape and color and ignoring subject matter, that was the dominant mode in American art criticism right until my childhood. Thats how I was raised as an art looker, and his role in that is really important. The Museum of Modern Art in New York is seen as the repository of that tradition, but I think he had a huge influence on its original director, Alfred Barr, who was less of a formalist than Barnes was when he first encountered Barnes ideas.

You write about a visit you made to the Barnes on the Parkway, and you say, The ghosts of Barnes and de Mazia barely hover. What did you mean by that?

Barnes and his lieutenant, [Violette] de Mazia, are everywhere in the sense that the presentation of the work is virtually unchanged from his death. But the big difference is now you can do whatever you want with it. Theres no one telling you how to look at the work. You can wander through and look for pictures of dogs. You can go and look for the color red. You can look at racial relationships and his views on the very important African art collection that he amassed. You can do whatever you want, and I believe that thats what art wants from you. And thats what Barnes I dont think got right in his own art theories. He saw only one way of looking at art.

Its been more than a dozen years since the Barnes moved to the Parkway from its original setting. Do you think it was a good thing? Do you think it was right?

Im not a big fan of paying too much attention to what very dead rich people want to do with their art. The art now belongs to the people of America and of the world. All art thats any good, maybe all art in general, always belongs to the people of the world. Rich people just have it for a little while in their homes. It doesnt really belong to them. And now that wonderful museum on the Parkway lets everyone use this art, and thats what art is for.

Was anything lost in it not being the authentic experience it once was? What the Barnes was in its previous incarnation was something special and quirky.

Its still pretty quirky. You go into the Barnes as it stands today, and it is not your normal museum experience. Those walls look very different from the way they look anywhere else. In fact, it wasnt founded as a museum. It was founded as an educational institution. You cant really teach a curriculum from 1925 anymore. It has all sorts of problems.

So what the institution was in 1925 shouldnt have been saved. Thats true of Harvard and Oxford and every single educational institution in the world. You would not want them to go back to what they were in 1925. Those were institutions that suited their era, and they need to be different today, as does the Barnes. But the art is still there, and its some of the greatest art in the entire world.

Blake Gopnik speaks about The Mavericks Museum: Albert Barnes and His American Dream March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Free Library of Philadelphia on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Admission is $5. freelibrary.org.

This article was updated to reflect that 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the official dedication ceremony for the Barnes.
Philadelphia Police examine the exterior of a home on the 2600 block of North Howard Street in the West Kensington neighborhood after a multiple shooting on Monday, March 17, 2025. A female was shot in the shoulder and a male was shot in the head in two different apartments in the same house. Shots were fired into the house from the outside. Read more

A man and a woman in different apartment units in the same building in Fairhill were each hit by bullets from the same shooting Monday night, police said. The woman was shot in a shoulder and the man was shot in the head, leaving him in critical condition, Philadelphia police said.

The shots were heard just after 8:30 p.m. at a residence on the 2600 block of North Howard Street, police said.

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The woman, who lives in an apartment unit on the first floor, was watching TV with her brother when a bullet came through the wall and struck her shoulder, Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore said. In a second-floor apartment unit, the man was also watching TV when he was struck in the back of the head by a bullet, Vanore said.

Both victims, whom police did not identify, were taken to Temple University Hospital. The woman was in stable condition as of Monday morning, while the man remained in critical condition, police said.

A bullet was recovered from the mans apartment and police were searching for surveillance footage of the shooting, Vanore said. Police did not release a motive, but the woman who was shot told police there was no reason she would be targeted, he said.

No arrests have been made nor weapons recovered.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police departments shooting investigations group at 215-686-8270 or to submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-8477.
Matthew Dougherty died in May 2024 at Phoenixville Hospital. His family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit, saying he was improperly restrained during a mental-health crisis and given a lethal dose of a sedative by nurses there. Read more

The last time Jenni Broadwell saw Matthew Dougherty, her longtime boyfriend, they shared dinner in his room at Phoenixville Hospital, where he had been admitted after a mental health crisis, and they were looking forward to his discharge the next day.

But later that evening, an alarm went off in a nearby room and triggered panic in Dougherty, who had schizophrenia, and he barricaded himself in his room, his family said. He ignored commands from staffers who tried to calm him and eventually called police to help restrain him, and medical staff gave him what turned out to be a lethal dose of antipsychotic medication, according to a wrongful-death lawsuit his family filed in Common Pleas Court in Philadelphia.

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Broadwell, who had been summoned back to the hospital, said she was asked to wait in the hallway outside the room as staff tried  and failed  to revive him.

They just came out and told me, Were so sorry to inform you that hes passed away, Broadwell said in an interview.

She said she didnt learn how Dougherty died until weeks later, after his family requested and reviewed hospital records that detailed his final moments.

Now, his family is reeling. Family members said hospital staff denied Dougherty the daily medication he took to treat his schizophrenia, a decision that baffles them. And they are outraged that the hospital called in police, who used a Taser to try to subdue him, according to the lawsuit.

When you take a person to the hospital, theyre supposed to get better, Doughertys sister, Marijo Marchiafava, said. Its not a prison. Youre supposed to treat them kindly. Youre supposed to help them.

Dougherty, 51, a prolific artist and former teacher in the Philadelphia School District, had been admitted to the hospital in May after getting injured during a scuffle with police at his home in Phoenixville. Broadwell called officers for help after Dougherty locked himself in the home in what his family described as a state of paranoia.

Attorneys for Tower Health, the company that operates Phoenixville Hospital, did not respond to requests for comment and had not filed a response to the lawsuit as of Monday.

Jordan Strokovsky, the Center City attorney who filed the lawsuit on behalf of Doughertys family, said the case makes clear that the hospital was ill-equipped to deal with the effects of his mental illness.

Mental health care should be treated with the same seriousness and access as physical health care, he said. Matt did not deserve this, and hopefully there will be major reforms from the hospital as a result of this tragedy.

Dougherty was diagnosed with schizophrenia after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York, his family said. At the time, he was a graduate student living in Manhattan, and often passed through the World Trade Center on his daily commute, they said. On the morning of the attacks, Dougherty was running late, missed his train, and narrowly avoided the death and destruction of the day.

In the years that followed, Dougherty developed paranoia and experienced hallucinations, telling his family the police were trying to arrest him. His delusions were controlled by medication, according to the lawsuit, and he was able to thrive as an artist and teacher, building a life for himself as he got married and had a son who remained close to him even after a divorce.

Dougherty was active in the arts community in West Chester, according to Charlot Barker, the director of the Ginkgo Arts center.

Matt just breathed life into the place, Barker said. If anyone came in to admire other artists works, he became their biggest cheerleader.

Before he was admitted to Phoenixville Hospital, Dougherty had spent the day at Ginkgo Arts, helping prepare for a forthcoming festival. Broadwell believes the pressure of that responsibility, as well as higher-than-usual foot traffic outside their house for an event in downtown Phoenixville, triggered Doughertys delusions that people were trying to kidnap him.

When he came home, Broadwell said, he locked her out of the house and refused to open the door. She said she called a crisis line for help, but was told that unless Dougherty had harmed himself or another person, they wouldnt be able to provide assistance.

Frustrated and unsure what to do, Doughertys family called Phoenixville police, who were able to force the door open. Dougherty, already paranoid that someone was trying to capture him, fought with the officers in a melee that overturned furniture and damaged the homes kitchen, the lawsuit said.

The officers used a Taser on him, and injuries from the fight landed him in the hospital, where doctors decided to keep him until he was medically cleared to transfer to a psychiatric facility.

While he was at Phoenixville Hospital, doctors stopped giving Dougherty the medications prescribed by his psychiatrist, a decision that the lawsuit described as highly improper.

Theres no world where Matt should be gone, Broadwell said. I feel like [the hospital staff] didnt take him seriously and didnt care for him. And we cant let this happen to another family.

The day before his scheduled release, when an alarm went off in a nearby room, Dougherty barricaded himself in his room with chairs, threatened staff members, and refused commands to calm down.

Security staff called police, whose appearance in Doughertys hospital room was a major trigger for him, the suit said.

The officers used a Taser on Dougherty to help restrain him, and then nurses gave him two doses of Geodon, a drug used to treat schizophrenia  40mg, a dose the lawsuit equated to administering poison.

Minutes later, the suit said, Dougherty went into cardiac arrest.
Business major Isaac Kinnard takes a selfie during a block party on campus at Community College of Philadelphia in April 2024. The school was celebrating its new branding campaign. Read more

The Community College of Philadelphia says its faculty and staff union has opposed the schools request for a third-party fact-finder to help with negotiations and that it seems more intent on striking than reaching a settlement and making sure students graduate on time.

But it is the logical next step for leadership who began advertising strike school to its members weeks before negotiations with the college even began, the college said in a news release Monday.

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The college said it is awaiting a response from the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board on its request for fact-finding, under which a neutral party would review both sides offers and recommend a solution. The union by law would not be able to strike while that request is pending or during the fact-finding if it is granted, the college said. That would allow the college to keep classes going further into the semester, if not through the end of it, if fact-finding is granted.

 READ MORE: CCP faculty overwhelmingly approve strike authorization vote

The college is very confident that our offers are fair and equitable and financially responsible so we are welcoming a neutral third party coming in to examine our positions, said Shannon McLaughlin Rooney, vice president of enrollment management and strategic communications.

But union co-president Junior Brainard said the college actually missed the deadline for filing for fact-finding, raising questions about whether it would be valid even if granted.

The real issue is that the request for fact-finding is a cowardly Hail Mary delay tactic by the college to stop the bargaining process and ignore the critical demands of faculty, staff and students for real raises, full staffing and the support students need, Brainard said.

Rooney, however, maintained that the colleges request was timely.

The dueling comments came one day after the union that represents about 1,200 full-time faculty, staff and adjuncts announced that its members by a 97% majority voted to give their negotiating team the right to call a strike if necessary. No strike date has been set.

The two sides have been negotiating for more than 14 months; previous contracts for faculty, staff and adjuncts expired Aug. 31.

The college has been offering a three-year contract with raises of 5%, 4% and 4%, while the union is seeking a four-year pact with raises of 9%, 9%, 6% and 6%, Rooney said.

The minimum starting salary for a full-time faculty member is $56,095 for the academic year, Brainard said, while the average full-time faculty salary is $79,400. Part-time faculty start at $1,671 per credit hour, or approximately $5,000 per course, while staff earn a minimum of $16.48 an hour.

The union also is seeking free transit passes for students, but Rooney said that would have cost the college about $2 million at the time it was exploring the option, which the school couldnt afford. Drexel University last year dropped out of a program that provided subsidized transit passes to faculty and staff, citing the expense. The community college said it does offer students parking for $5 a day.

Budgets reflect priorities, Brainard countered, and right now the college isnt prioritizing student success the way it needs to. He said that 1,000 students signed a petition last spring in support of free transit passes.

As for the unions request for child care, the college said its on-campus day care closed during the pandemic and that it was populated largely by non-student, non-staff neighbors.

Our students and staff come from all over the city, and have indicated they prefer to enroll their children in child care closer to their homes, the school asserted.

In response to the unions charge of a staffing crisis, the college in its news release asserted that its faculty to student ratio is at 14 to one, down from 18 to one before the pandemic. The college also is agreeing to reduce class sizes with a current maximum of 36 students to 32 and those with a maximum of 32 to 28.

Rooney said CCP has not raised tuition since the 2017-18 academic year and wants to continue that trend. A Philadelphia resident with a typical full-time load of 13 credits pays $2,684 in tuition and fees, she said.

If a strike were to occur, the college would keep student services going, including financial aid, the library and other offices, Rooney said. Whether classes could be held would depend on how many faculty chose to work, she said.

The last time the union went on strike was 2007 and classes were canceled.
Swarthmore College students in November protest the school administration's efforts to discipline students who engaged in pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Read more

Swarthmore College said it has disciplined 14 students, including suspending one, for violations of its code of conduct in connection with pro-Palestinian protest activity on campus from October 2023 to March 2024.

Other sanctions issued this month included probation, reprimands, and warnings, and all students have the right to appeal, the college said.

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None of the charges that led to these findings were for peaceful protests, nor were the charges related to the content of what was said or expressed, said college spokesperson Alisa Giardinelli. The charges that led to these findings were for specific actions and behaviors that violated the Student Code of Conduct.

 READ MORE: Should Swarthmore students use of a bullhorn constitute assault? Tensions remain as discipline from pro-Palestinian protests continue.

Among those actions was the use of a bullhorn close to staff members, some of whom sought medical treatment for ongoing hearing damage, the college said in December. Swarthmore had charged several students with assault, endangerment or infliction of physical harm in those cases.

The Swarthmore Palestine Coalition, a group of student organizations on campus, said this week that the student who received the suspension was a second-semester senior who was to graduate in two months and was sanctioned for assault that entailed the use of a megaphone indoors. The student is an independent, first-generation, low-income student who risks homelessness and financial precarity if the college does not rescind its decision, the group said.

The bullhorn charges brought complaints last semester from students and several professors who supported them. They questioned whether the noise could have harmed anyone and said the assault charges were just another tactic by the college to silence protesters.

Protests over the discipline have been held on campus, including last month, when members of Students for Justice in Palestine took over the first floor of a Swarthmore building for several hours. The college has since placed SJP on interim suspension, asserting that during the protest bullhorns were used indoors and staff members offices were broken into. School officials said students who violated the conduct code would be held accountable.

The student who was suspended is appealing, said Adi Chattopadhyay, a sophomore from California who is part of Swarthmores SJP. Other students are trying to find housing and support for the student, he said. The suspended student declined to comment. Two other students who are losing their campus jobs as a result of their sanctions also are appealing, he said.

 READ MORE: Swarthmore College will hold commencement off campus for first time since its founding in 1864

Chattopadhyay, a computer science and history major who faces an assault charge for megaphone use, said his hearing has not been held yet.

These sanctions came out literally days after the Trump tweet about federal funding, Chattopadhyay said, referring to President Donald Trumps March 4 threat to stop all federal funding for colleges that allow illegal protest. Its very clear that they are trying to align themselves with the Trump administration.

The college, however, contended that the sanctions and the timing had nothing to do with the Trump administration, adding that students were notified of their charges in May.

Swarthmore values and supports individuals rights to express their views and engage in peaceful protest and dissent, Giardinelli said. But those rights do not extend so far as to infringe on the ability of other students, faculty, and staff members to fully engage in the life of the campus, nor do they give license for protesters to disrupt the essential operations of the college.

The college, she said, informed students how to express their views without violating school rules and gave them verbal and written warnings before proceeding with disciplinary charges.

 READ MORE: Swarthmore Colleges pro-Palestinian encampment disbands after 4 weeks and stalled negotiations

Students and some professors are especially concerned given the Trump administrations recent decision to arrest a former Columbia University student who helped lead pro-Palestinian protests and place him in federal detention.

Everyone is definitely feeling that, Chattopadhyay said. Everyone sees what is happening, and the school wont go so far as to condemn ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]. Is Swarthmore College willing to turn us over to the federal government? It seems like they are.

Another student, who asked not to be named, fearing retribution, said: Putting sanctions on students and publicizing it does put Swarthmore in a very vulnerable position for the FBI to come in or the Trump administration to investigate whats going on here.

That, the student said, could expose students who were not part of the protests but are international students.

Giardinelli said the federal government has not sought information from the college on students being disciplined.

Some professors are concerned, too, about students potentially being put at risk by the colleges decision to sanction them, said Edwin Mayorga, an associate professor of educational studies.

Theres a good number of faculty who have been disappointed that the hearings persisted, he said, given what has happened at Columbia University.

He said he is very concerned about protecting students and student data.

The Trump administration already has canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia, an Ivy League institution, asserting the school failed to handle complaints of antisemitism as protests mounted on the campus last spring. Swarthmore was among 60 colleges threatened with sanctions by the U.S. Department of Education earlier this month amid ongoing investigations into antisemitic activity on their campuses.

Swarthmore students who were sanctioned are predominantly students of color, with Arab and Muslim students receiving the most severe sanctions, the Swarthmore coalition said.

Twenty-four individuals, some of whom have since graduated, received outcome letters regarding their disciplinary cases, the college said.

Some students received multiple sanctions, and there were seven cases where students were found not responsible, the college said. For minor misconduct charges, there were five probation sanctions, three reprimands, and six warnings. And for major misconduct, there were seven probation sanctions, one reprimand, and one suspension.
Advocates have sued over changes at the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights. The Philadelphia office of the DOE's Office of Civil Rights has been closed. Read more

With its workforce slashed and most of its regional offices  including one in Philadelphia  now shuttered, the U.S. Education Departments Office for Civil Rights has effectively halted investigating issues of sex-, race-, and disability-based discrimination, according to a newly filed lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed Friday by the National Center for Youth Law and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates on behalf of two parents with pending civil rights investigations, seeks to force the Department of Education to continue investigations and provide updates to a judge about its progress.

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Without even minimally adequate staffing, OCR cannot fulfill its mandate and move complaint investigation and processing forward, states the suit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. OCR has abdicated its responsibility to enforce civil rights protections, leaving students who should be able to trust and rely on their government to protect and defend their rights to instead endure discriminatory and unsafe learning environments without recourse.

Though the parents listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit are not from the Philadelphia area, the OCR cuts have also worried parents locally. Eric Lowry, a father in the Lower Merion School District who has previously filed complaints alleging that Lower Merion discriminated against his daughter based on her disability, views OCR as a needed avenue for parents seeking accountability from school systems.

Now that safety net is pretty well gone, said Lowry, whose 2022 claim was resolved after Lower Merion agreed to make policy changes. His claims included the districts failure to provide nursing support during an extracurricular activity.

 READ MORE: The Department of Education just laid off half its staff. How will that affect local schools?

Changes are being made

The action comes after Linda McMahon, President Donald Trumps education secretary, laid off about half the Department of Educations workforce and closed seven of 12 regional OCR offices nationwide, including the Philadelphia office, which investigated complaints in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware.

Trump has promised to abolish the education department, saying he wants states and parents to have more say-so. McMahon has characterized the cuts as part of the departments final mission.

But an education department spokesperson last week dismissed the notion that civil rights investigations were going away.

To better serve American students and families, changes are being made as to how OCR will conduct its operations, spokesperson Madi Biedermann said in a release. OCRs staff is composed of top-performing personnel with years of experience enforcing federal civil rights laws. We are confident that the dedicated staff of OCR will deliver on its statutory responsibilities.

Department officials said they will conduct more mediation and a quicker rapid resolution process to handle claims and that undue evidentiary burdens on both recipients and OCR staff have been removed.

There are more than 12,000 open civil rights investigations, complaints lodged against elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities.

All investigations were paused shortly after Trumps inauguration; at first, just disability related claims were unfrozen.

Even as OCR generally stopped investigating complaints from the public based on race or sex discrimination, it cherry-picked and, on its own initiative, began targeted investigations into purported discrimination against white and cisgender students, including through the establishment of an End DEI (short for End Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) portal to solicit information for use in potential investigations into programs designed to benefit transgender students and students of color, the suit filed Friday notes.

The lawyers for the plaintiffs called the Trump administrations move an assault, and said it has happened against a backdrop of explicit hostility towards students of color and LGBTQI+ students.

The changes are causing active harm, the suit said.

OCR has abdicated its responsibility to enforce civil rights protections, leaving students who should be able to trust and rely on their government to protect and defend their rights to instead endure discriminatory and unsafe learning environments without recourse, it reads.

Extremely alarming

The closing of multiple OCR offices, including in Philadelphia, will absolutely be harmful to all of our families across Pennsylvania that have turned to the Office of Civil Rights when theyre facing discrimination in their schools that is not resolved by advocacy at the school level, said Kristina Moon, senior attorney with the Education Law Center-PA, a Philadelphia group that advocates for underserved students.

The law center represented parents in a 2023 complaint filed with the OCR, accusing the Pennridge School District of creating a hostile environment for Black and LGBTQ students.

Noting the OCRs pause on non-disability-related complaints, Moon said the offices charge was to investigate all possible violations of civil rights law, not just based on disability.

It was extremely alarming that theyre suggesting to abandon any of these areas of discrimination, she said.

The law center often advises families calling its tip line that they can file OCR complaints, Moon said. Unlike in standard court proceedings, the offices investigators and attorneys specialize in civil rights education law and really have been committed to systemic resolution agreements, rather than resolving only a particular students issue, Moon said.

Moon noted that families can also file complaints with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, which investigates discrimination based on race, sex, and disability, among other areas.

Even before the OCR cuts, Maria Vetter, an attorney in Newtown Square and founder of an advocacy group that represents students with special needs, had been steering some families to file special education-related complaints with Pennsylvanias Bureau of Special Education rather than the federal office  anticipating that there could be changes under Trump.

While Vetter supports the goals of advocates trying to systematically fight the OCR cuts by continuing to file complaints, I do worry about the individual families going through all this crisis and delays in waiting for results from a weakened federal office, she said.

Vetter also noted the expertise of the laid-off OCR staff  a former employee said there had been about 30 people working in the Philadelphia office  and said some of those lawyers may be hired by education law firms. If that happens, it could be hard for OCR to rehire people with the same level of experience if the lawsuit succeeds in reversing the cuts, Vetter said.
Will Smith during the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. Smith's new album is 'Based On a True Story.' Read more

Big Willie style is back.

Will Smith has announced his return to music. The West Philadelphia born-and-raised rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1980s as one-half of the musical duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, has not released an album under his own name since 2005s Lost and Found.

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That will change next week when Smith returns as a solo artist with Based on a True Story, a 14-track album set for release on March 28 via Slang Records. The album features contributions from Smiths former partner, Jeffrey Townes, as well as Fridayy, Teyana Taylor, Big Sean, Joyner Lucas, and Smiths son, Jaden Smith.

Smith, who made his solo debut with 1997s Big Willie Style, which produced the signature hit Gettin Jiggy wit It, teased the project with the single Beautiful Scars earlier this year.

The album, with a cover that photographs Smith outfitted in a Phillies jacket and cap, will also include You Can Make It, a song he released with Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir last year.

In January, Smith told Billboard that the album was shaped by soul-searching that began during the filming of the 2022 movie The Emancipation. That reflection, he said, continued in the aftermath of the incident at that years Oscars, when he slapped Chris Rock during the broadcast after the comedian mocked his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

After the Oscars, that spiritual investigation continued and a whole world woke up inside that I didnt even know was there. Dreams, visions; parts of my inner landscape that I had no awareness of prior to three years ago, Smith told Billboard.

And that opened up this bubbling to share what Im seeing and experiencing, said Smith, who narrated the In Memoriam segment for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air executive producer and his mentor Quincy Jones, at this years Grammy Awards.

A big part of my music now is about that: the ecstatic kind of joy I remember from church when I was growing up; the ability to try to make this place more bearable. You know, Ive always had a wild imagination; thats part of who I am. But theres something new happening with me thats demanding I explore musically.

Smith has also announced his Based on a True Story Tour, which kicks off in Rabat, Morocco, on June 25 and continues through Europe over the summer, concluding in Paris on Sept. 2. North American dates have not been announced. Ticket details are not yet available, but fans can sign up for early access at willsmith.com/#tour
A vegan combo with injera at Eshkol Ethiopian Cuisine in Ardmore including (from top) key sir (beet and potatoes), gomen (collard greens), tikil gomen (cabbage), misir wot (lentils), ater kik alicha (yellow split peas), and, in the center, shiro (chickpeas). Read more

Since arriving in the United States in 1990 from her native Ethiopia, Chaltu Merga has been a nanny, a day-care worker, and the founder of a housecleaning business, as well as a mother of three boys living in Wayne.

Merga also has also been the designated caterer for her church and friends  weddings, graduations, retreats, and other large gatherings. Her husband, Tesh Gebremedhin, whom she met at the church nearly three decades ago, handled the logistics.

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With youngest son Rahobi now a senior in high school, she has followed her longtime dream of opening a restaurant.

Eshkol Ethiopian Cuisine opened last week at 36 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore, a revamp of the longtime Thai restaurant Siamese Princess. Its believed to be the first Ethiopian restaurant on the Main Line. Its a welcome addition to Philadelphia regions Ethiopian community, which estimated to number about 6,000 and mainly concentrated in West and Southwest Philadelphia, where it is served by several local restaurants, including Abyssinia and Amsale Cafe.

Eshkols quaint, 32-seat storefront, across from Ardmore Music Hall and next door to Jack McSheas Pub, has dining tables as well as one four-seat mesob  the traditional woven wicker basket that stores the spongy bread called injera and serves a communal dining table.

Merga and Gebremedhin said they realized that many customers might not be familiar with Ethiopian cuisine, so they had every dish photographed and described on the menu. Although the food traditionally is eaten with the hands using injera, theyre offering cutlery. We dont judge, Gebremedhin said.

With Merga in the kitchen, Gebremedhin and oldest son Manasseh, 23, guide customers through the dishes and spice levels. Middle son Yoni, 22, who attends West Chester University, also helps out.

The food is just what she would serve at home, said Gebremedhin, who left his job in finance in January to run the front of the house.

Dishes can be ordered a la carte. To get a taste of the menu, you can ask them to create a meat or vegan combo. Last week, the meat version ($35 for a small, $50 for a large) included ayib (a mild cottage-like cheese), doro wot (the familiar chicken stew with egg), fossolia (green beans), beg alicha (lamb), gomen (collard greens), key sir (beets), and siga wot (beef sauteed in spice butter). The vegan ($25 or $35) had the gomen and key sir, along with tikil gomen (cabbage), misir wot (lentils), ater kik alicha (yellow split peas), and shiro (chickpeas). The food is set atop injera, which gathers the juices. Extra rolls of injera are provided, as well; unfurl one and scoop.

For dessert, theres banana bread and zucchini bread. Breakfast, including the berbere-braised flatbread called hechebsa, is served Saturday but may be extended.

Alcohol is not allowed. Mergas signature beverage is a combination of honey, ginger, and seltzer. There also is Ethiopian coffee service (buna) by reservation.

The name is based on the biblical story from Numbers set during the Israelites search for the promised land, Merga said. Moses sent 12 spies to Canaan, and two returned with large clusters of grapes (eshkol, also spelled eshcol), as evidence of the lands fertility. The other spies told of the strong Canaanites there, leading the Israelites to doubt Gods promise. God then decreed that the current generation would wander in the wilderness for 40 years.

Merga said she interprets the story as an example of the blessings that faith can deliver, especially when faced with challenges and hardships of opening a restaurant.

Eshkol, 36 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore. Hours: noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, noon to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and 4 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Reservations: 484-412-8044.
David Suro (seated) with his children (from left), David Suro-Cipolloni Jr., Elisa Suro-Cipolloni, and Dan Suro-Cipolloni, at Tequilas on March 10, 2025. The Baccarat chandelier is at right. Read more

David Suro sat down to an early dinner with friends in a restaurant in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Feb. 9, 2023. Suddenly, his phone blew up with text messages from his neighbors 2,100 miles away in Center City Philadelphia.

Was everything OK at Tequilas?

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Suro checked his restaurants security cameras through his phone. Flames were roaring from the exhaust hood in Tequilas kitchen, and smoke was everywhere. His son Dan and managers were shooing patrons and staff out the door to safety. A neighbor whose apartment overlooks 16th and Locust Streets sent him video of firefighters on the roof, whacking at the vent with axes.

Suro flew back the next day. The scene at Tequilas was as bad as he feared: Though the dining rooms were mostly unscathed, the kitchen was destroyed. For nine months during the insurance companys investigation, Suro said, we couldnt touch anything in the building. He said it was determined that Tequilas maintenance contractor had not adequately cleaned the hood and vents a week before the fire.

Only after the investigation could repairs proceed on the empty building. Since 2001, Tequilas has occupied the ground floor of the Duane-Dulles House  a grand, four-story mansion built in 1864 for William J. Duane, who was married to Deborah Franklin Bache, Ben Franklins granddaughter. The bold murals in the entryway, inspired by characters created by noted Mexican political artist Jose Guadalupe Posada, and the sumptuous dining room, whose Baccarat chandelier was purportedly given to a former building owner by the heirs of Joseph Bonaparte (the older brother of Napoleon and king of Spain), were largely spared.

 READ MORE: From 2023: How David Suro leads the charge as a champion of agave spirits

As patrons will see when Tequilas reopens this week, Suro and his three children made good use of their two-year ordeal. Suro brought in craftspeople from Mexico, including cultural-heritage restorer Karla Jauregui, interior designer Sara Casillas-Pereyra, and graphic designer Paula Silva-Ruvalcaba, to bring back the chandelier and gold wall trimmings as they were in the 19th century, and to restore the restaurant using archival photos and documents as guides.

Six layers of paint were stripped away. New furniture, china, and handmade tile flooring  20 tons worth  was shipped in from Guadalajara.

Suro said that before the fire, he had been thinking about bringing in new chefs to consult. I want all restaurateurs to believe in the future, Suro said. Im not married to the idea that traditional food has to be this. Ive actually felt uncomfortable to see that most of the restaurants on both sides of the border have to be married to traditional dishes. I strongly believe that if cuisine doesnt evolve, it goes bad. He cites mole as an iconic dish that evolved: pre-Columbian mole was spicy, but the Europeans brought in sweet ingredients.

I always want to know whats going on with the chefs in Mexico, Suro said. The new generation  his own childrens ages  are doing beautiful things, and I want to do that. I see that they are evolving with respect, with vision, and with connection to the roots, and I think Philadelphia will be an amazing niche for this type of Mexican food. Its like a flashback because in 1986, what we were doing was unthinkable [to many Philadelphians].

Back then, Suro was serving traditional soft corn tortillas, deeply complex mole poblano, and Mexican tequilas in a soothing atmosphere at odds with the over-the-top cantinas of the day. Through the years, Tequilas menu morphed as Philadelphias Mexican food scene became more diverse and polished.

The reopening, Suro said, is a great opportunity to become avant-garde again. Moreno, the executive chef, has maintained such dishes as the Caesar salad  with the dressing from the original Tijuana recipe  and the carne asada. A make-your-taco section reprises Tequilas favorites such as beef barbacoa and molcajete. First courses are priced in the teens, while second courses are $25 for the vegan tinga poblana to $42 for spicy head-on shrimp served with tartar sauce, arugula, and buttered bread.

Tequilas is open for dinner only, but the Suros also decided to turn Tequilas Latimer Street side into a second restaurant: La Jefa, an all-day cafe with a nighttime bar, accessed through a door at 1605 Latimer. It is expected to open in about a month with a menu that celebrates the contemporary cooking of Suros hometown of Guadalajara, in contrast to the pan-Mexican approach at Tequilas. The Suros enlisted three Tapatios, as people from Guadalajara call themselves  Fabian Delgado Padilla, a chef, Isaac Padilla, an artist and cultural leader, and Ricky Martinez, a coffee expert. The menu, developed with Tequilas chef Eduardo Moreno, will include tortas ahogadas and tortas with pastrami de lengua.

We call it Guadaladelphia, said Dan Suro-Cipolloni, 29, the youngest of the three children, all of whom help run Tequilas.

In a partnership with South Jerseys Mortal Mines Coffee Roasters, La Jefa will serve Mexican-grown coffee from Guadalajaras Cafe Estelar. They are also working with James Beard-winning cocktail author Danny Childs on sophisticated takes on agave as well as pre-Hispanic ferments such as tepache, plus ginger beer and hibiscus soda on draft. We figured wed never have this opportunity to do all the improvements that we always dreamed of doing and let it survive for another 40 years, Suro-Cipolloni said.

La Jefa is a tribute to their mother, Annette Cipolloni, who died at age 57 in January 2021. (She and Suro had split up many years before but had a close relationship as business partners. Six years ago, he married Maria Teresa-Marite Suro.)

For years, the children  Dan, Elisa, 34, and David Jr., 39  kept a barrel of Siembre Azul aging in the basement. They call it El Pocho, slang for a Mexican who grows up in the United States and adopts the American lifestyle. A month before the fire, on her birthday, the whole staff did a toast, Suro-Cipolloni said. My mom was the second mother to a lot of people, and everybody said cheers for her and said she was La Jefa. It has a double meaning  your boss or your mother. We said that the next concept that wed do, wed call La Jefa.

Suro-Cipolloni said that as he and general manager Oscar Serrano fled the fire, my sister called me and said, I told you! It was crazy.

The anecdote dovetails into a spooky family story. I dont consider myself a superstitious person, but my mother was very into mediums and stuff like that, Suro-Cipolloni said. After she passed away, my sister visited her medium and the medium told her, You guys have to be careful. Theres going to be a fire in the restaurant. She said, Your moms trying to get in touch with you and warn you. I was just laughing it off.

Tequilas backstory

David Suro, now 64, was working in Cancun in the mid-1980s for the chain Carlosn Charlies when he met and married Annette Cipolloni, a cement contractors daughter from Southwest Philadelphia, who was there on vacation. Expecting a child in 1985, they moved to Philadelphia, where Suro got a job at El Metate, a Mexican restaurant at 1511 Locust St., where Misconduct Tavern is now.

They planned to return to Mexico after David Jr.s birth in January 1986, but decided to stay. That year, at age 24, Suro bought El Metate from owner Harry Shapiro and named it Tequilas, insisting on using Mexican ingredients and taking a high-end approach to dining. He said he had to struggle to find even cilantro, avocados, and dried chiles.

In 2001, Suro moved Tequilas to its current location and bought the building. Previous occupants included the French restaurant La Panetiere from 1971 to 1984, and the Cajun-Creole destination Magnolia Cafe from 1986 to 1998. Initially, Suro had renamed the restaurant Los Catrines Restaurant and Tequilas bar to separate the bar part from the restaurant, but shortly after dropped the reference to the Catrines, depicted in the lobby murals.

Suros passion has always been agave spirits, and in 2005 he founded Siembra Spirits in Guadalajara, which makes its own pure tequilas under the name Siembra Azul in Jalisco. Suro  whose book Agave Spirits, The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals, written with Gary Paul Nabhan, won a James Beard Award last year  also has been a longtime champion of the Mexican community. He works with Puentes de Salud, the nonprofit clinic that provides medical and educational help, and started the Siembra Azul Foundation to support the agave farmers known as jimadores.

Moving on and up

After the fire, the Suros generosity was reciprocated. The morning after, as Suro unlocked the door of the restaurant, chef Cristina Martinez rushed to his side with three kilos of barbacoa.

She figured that with the kitchen destroyed, anyone there had to eat. GoFundMe campaigns sprang up for the workers, who found temporary work while remaining close with the Suros.

For our family and the Tequilas family, this has been an incredible lesson  a lot of negative things, but at the same time a lot of positive things, Suro said. One of the most beautiful things was support and love from the community  not just Philadelphia. People from all over.

The support strengthened the familys resolve. There was just a shared attitude of we have to make it better, Dan Suro-Cipolloni said. It was the only option.
Demonstrators rally outside of City Hall in support of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and former Columbia University graduate student on Monday, March 17, 2025. Read more

Hundreds of people gathered Monday evening at Philadelphia City Hall to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a leader of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University who was arrested by immigration officers earlier this month.

Participants in the rally included the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and other organizations.

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Seth Anderson-Oberman, a member of Reclaim Philadelphia, said that he is the father of a college-age student who protested during the pro-Palestinian encampments, and that he was attending the City Hall rally for both Khalil and his daughters free speech.

I was so incredibly proud of the young people for standing up, and we failed them because they arrested a lot of those young people and they criminalized a lot of that dissent, and not enough of us raised our voices at that moment, Anderson-Oberman said.

He said Khalils arrest was a turning point.

It doesnt matter what your opinion is, this is a fight for everybody who cares about free speech and whether or not we have it in this country, he said.

Khalil, 30, who has a green card and has not been charged with a crime, is a permanent legal resident of the United States and a recent graduate student at the university.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman in New York ordered that Khalil not be deported while the court considers legal challenges brought by his attorneys.

Khalil was born in Syria and is the grandson of Palestinians who were forced to leave their homeland, his lawyers said.

He and his wife are expecting a child this spring and were living in a university-owned apartment complex near campus when he was arrested March 8.

In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order against antisemitism that targeted what he described as Hamas sympathizers on college campuses. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Khalils arrest was the fulfillment of Trumps executive orders prohibiting antisemitism.

The Trump administration says the nationwide protests in solidarity with Gaza are antisemitic rather than First Amendment-protected demonstrations.

Columbia University became a focal point of the pro-Palestinian protest movement that swept across college campuses last year.

At City Hall, Daniel Rohe said he had voted for U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, but was protesting with a sign that called Fetterman a coward after learning of the Pennsylvania Democrats support for deporting pro-Palestinian activists.

The idea that he would be so threatened by this mans speech is ridiculous to me, Rohe said. It was maybe easy to overlook his stated support for Israel, but now its gone beyond just being a supporter of Israel and into a campaign of warfare against freedom of speech, and thats not right.

State Sen. Nikil Saval, a Philadelphia Democrat, urged members of Congress to take a stand against the Trump administrations action.

The members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate who are complicit in his march toward authoritarianism should be ashamed, Saval said, calling on other government officials to speak against Khalils arrest.

As a son of immigrants, he said, it was his duty to protest. And he accused the administration of playing politics with Khalils case.

We cannot accept this. We must stand together and show them we see through their attempt. We must demand Khalils return, Saval said.

Brian Jordan, another rally participant, said he was fighting for freedom of speech and for immigrants rights.

They say they are Christian, but this isnt very Christian of the administration. They forget that Jesus was an immigrant, too.

Adrianna Torres-Garcia, deputy director of the Free Migration project, addressed the crowd in Spanish and English.

If we allow the government to decide that some of us have less rights than others, then we are all at risk, Torres-Garcia told a cheering crowd.

As protesters shouted viva viva Palestina, Torres-Garcia urged them to call their representatives to advocate for Khalil.

The only thing that will keep us safe is each other, Torres-Garcia said.
Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal during the recent budget address to City Council by Mayor Parker. Read more

The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, Philadelphias fiscal watchdog, voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend the abolition of the citys embattled sheriffs office and the register of wills.

The resolution, introduced at PICAs monthly board meeting, calls on City Council and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to eliminate the two independently elected row offices and to consolidate the functions of such officers into the appropriate agencies.

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Parker did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment. City Council President Kenyatta Johnson said he would review the boards recommendations but had no immediate plans to take action.

Sheriff Rochelle Bilals spokesperson said her office vehemently disagrees with the PICA resolution and said the boards analysis relied on outdated and inaccurate information.

The vote is largely symbolic. The five-person board was created by the state during a 1991 fiscal crisis to oversee city finances. While PICA does approve the mayors five-year budget plan, it does not have the authority to independently abolish municipal offices.

Tuesdays vote was 3-0 for the resolution; two members were absent.

PICA first called for the merger of the citys so-called row offices in a 2009 report that argued that the colonial-era offices  which to some extent operate outside City Halls jurisdiction  had outlived their usefulness, and that money could be saved by folding them into the city government.

Only one row office, the 300-plus-year-old position of clerk of quarter sessions court, was abolished by voters in a 2010 through a ballot referendum.

Further reform stalled  but appears to be gaining traction again.

At last months meeting, PICA reexamined its 2009 analysis, and Tuesdays resolution cites more recent reports by both the Philadelphia City Controllers Office and The Inquirer documenting a lack of internal accounting controls and troubles with the sale of tax-delinquent land during Bilals tenure. It refers to ongoing and serious operational and financial mismanagement in the sheriffs office, and noted that Bilal and her staff declined to meet with the PICA board about those issues.

Separately, the resolution cites lawsuits related to chronic patronage hiring inside the register of wills office, run by John Sabatina Sr., an estate lawyer and a Democratic ward leader. Sabatina, through a spokesperson, said he disagrees with the PICA resolution. He said no one from the board reached out to him or his staff.

The city could fold these offices into the city and save money  [so] we didnt think there was a reason not to vote on this, PICA board chair Kevin Vaughan said after the meeting.

Other board members were more direct.

The fact that we had no sheriff sales for a long time tells you everything you need to know, board member Michael Karp said before the vote.

The vote followed months of increasing pressure on Bilal, who was elected in 2019 and has struggled to manage the offices core functions, from court security and prisoner transport to the administration of sheriff sales .

PICA became the second group in under a week to publicly call for the abolition of the sheriffs office. The Committee of Seventy, a good-government group, also released a report documenting decades of mismanagement spanning five Philadelphia sheriffs.

The report cites, among other things, roughly $40 million in uncollected taxes that had piled up since 2019 as Bilal failed to hold auctions of tax-delinquent properties. It also reiterates the committees support for converting the office into an appointed, rather than elected, role.

The current situation is not serving the City, the report reads. Tax dollars are under-collected and improperly used. The continuous reporting about bad acts by the office undermines the publics trust. Real people are being harmed, and change is needed.

Lauren Cristella, the Committee of Seventys president and CEO, said in response to the PICA vote: The ongoing mismanagement of Philadelphias row offices has serious costs for Philadelphia, from lost revenue due to a lack of sheriff sales to paying settlements to former employees in the Register of Wills office.

We welcome the PICA Boards recent resolution calling for the city to incorporate these important functions into city government, Cristella said. We hope Council and the Mayor will give this action the consideration it deserves and take steps to meaningfully reform these offices.

Meanwhile, Bilal has faced two recent court orders from a panel of judges that oversees the citys court system that demanded she improve security in court buildings. Although she reassigned some deputies to comply with the judges December order, a second order this month faulted the sheriff for failing to resolve the underlying deputy shortage.

The Philadelphia Bar Association previously issued a statement in support of the judges demands: Attorneys, court staff and the public must feel safe working and conducting business in our court buildings, Jen Coatsworth, chancellor of the bar association, said in December.

Amid the dual orders  and an unfounded social media rumor last week that City Council planned to abolish the office  the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, which represents uniformed sheriffs personnel, reassured deputies in a statement that they still had union protection and that the union had their backs.

Bilal spokesperson Teresa Lundy, responding to PICAs resolution, said that its board failed to acknowledge tangible progress and systemic improvements in the office.

Over the past five years, the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office has undergone comprehensive upgrades in policy, procedure, technology, and operational efficiency to enhance transparency, accountability, and service to the public, Lundy said in a statement.

Despite many complaints from the public about the offices well-documented failures, Bilal, a Democrat, has faced little criticism from City Council. Some members have praised her work, even amid reports that her office is steering millions of taxpayer dollars to an internal slush fund and preventing the citys land bank from protecting community gardens and repurposing blighted land.

Vincent Thompson, a spokesperson for Johnson, the Council president, said in a statement: Council respects the role of independently elected offices and the leadership of those offices that were elected by the citizens of Philadelphia.

Ahead of Tuesdays PICA meeting, Bilals political campaign sought to rally supporters to oppose the vote in an email.

This attempt to abolish the Sheriffs Office represents an attack on democratic principles and voters rights, reads an email circulated on Sunday. We need your immediate action.

Bilals campaign email said administrative challenges facing the office had been deliberately mischaracterized to justify abolition.

Several speakers appeared in advance of the PICA vote.

One of them, Stanley Crawford, of the Black Male Community Council of Philadelphia, argued that eliminating the elected office would strip city voters of their rights. He suggested PICA should instead abolish itself.

We vote for the sheriff. This is not a Pennsylvania election, its a Philadelphia election, he said. For this entity to even entertain abolishing this office, you need to look at yourselves.

One of the few lawmakers to call for change in the sheriffs office has been State Rep. Jared Solomon, a Democrat from Northeast Philadelphia, who said Tuesday he welcomed PICAs vote.

When local government institutions dont work, people lose faith in all levels of government, he said. The decades-long failures of the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office have only accelerated under the current sheriff and we need reform now.
To hear prosecutors tell it, the three Philadelphia homicide detectives beat a false confession out of an innocent man, gave untruthful testimony that put him behind bars for a quarter-century, and then lied about it, even after DNA evidence eroded their case.

In the eyes of defense attorneys, Detectives Martin Devlin, Manuel Santiago, and Frank Jastrzembski were simply following the evidence as they sought justice in a 1991 rape and murder case. And the fact that a jury later exonerated Anthony Wright, they said, does not mean the detectives  now being tried on charges of perjury and false swearing  lied on the witness stand.

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The detectives attorney, Brian McMonagle, went so far as to suggest in court Tuesday that Wright got away with murder.

The perjury trial for the three men opened with conflicting accounts of the homicide investigation at the heart of the case. The trial marks the first time in city history that police officers have been criminally charged for their roles in securing a wrongful conviction.

It also marks the third criminal trial to stem from the rape and killing of Louise Talley, a 77-year-old widow who lived in Nicetown and was beloved by her neighbors. The first jury convicted Wright in 1993. The second acquitted him in 2016 after DNA showed that another man had raped Talley.

This week, the jury will be asked to decide whether District Attorney Larry Krasners office has enough evidence to prove that three now-retired detectives lied under oath during the retrial and in civil depositions in a lawsuit that followed.

Assistant District Attorney Brian Collins told jurors in his opening statement that DNA evidence in the Wright case exposed a lie in the official police account given by Devlin and others.

These defendants shattered the trust that we seek to place in the criminal justice system, he said, adding that the trial was an opportunity to reverse that.

Defense lawyers, by contrast, painted a picture of a methodical murder investigation that led to Wrights conviction, but was undone by a lack of witnesses at his retrial 23 years later.

Criminal cases are not like fine wine, McMonagle told jurors. They do not age well.

As lawyers for both sides launched into what is expected to be a weeklong trial, they focused on the homicide that started it all, a crime that took place in a struggling section of North Philadelphia at the height of the crack epidemic.

In his opening statement, McMonagle described a time when crack was turning men into monsters. People were fleeing Philadelphia in droves, he said. But Talley, who took pride in her home on the 3900 block of Nice Street, was among those who stayed.

One afternoon in October 1993, police went to Talleys home after neighbors reported concern for her whereabouts. There, they found the longtime resident naked on the floor of her bedroom, stabbed to death.

Police had a lead on a man named Tony, and said they interviewed multiple witnesses who put Wright at the scene.

Within a day of the murder, detectives questioned Wright, and he signed a confession that was later key to his conviction.

In his statement, which detectives have long maintained was voluntary, Wright admitted to the rape and killing. He also admitted to wearing a black-and-red Chicago Bulls sweatshirt, suede-adorned blue jeans, and white Fila sneakers  clothes that Jastrzembski later said he found in Wrights home.

Wright later testified that detectives threatened him with violence in the interrogation room and refused to let him read what he said he had signed under duress. In court Tuesday, he again denied having confessed.

I feared for my life, Wright, now 53, told the jury. I was in there crying like a baby for my mother.

A jury convicted him two years later, based largely on his confession and the testimony of witnesses. He appealed, and in 2014, his lawyers uncovered DNA evidence that implicated another man. Wrights conviction was overturned, but then-District Attorney Seth Williams retried the case, saying Wright still could have been an accomplice to the crime.

In 2016, a jury acquitted Wright at a retrial and sharply criticized the district attorney for retrying the case on thin evidence. Wright filed a federal civil rights lawsuit, and the city later settled the case for nearly $10 million.

While Wrights innocence is not on trial this week, defense attorneys nonetheless maintained that police had the right man all along, and said that the jury would soon see holes in the exonerated mans story.

Just because Tony Wright got away with murder doesnt mean [these] men lied about the case, McMonagle said, pointing to his clients.

Santiago and Jastrzembski each face three counts of perjury and three counts of false swearing. Devlin faces two counts of each crime.

The trial, which drew a packed gallery on its first day, including family members of the detectives, former police officials, and other exonerated men who support Wright, is expected to last until Friday.

Wrights testimony is expected to continue Tuesday.
Early Philadelphia streets were named after trees, later branching out to include historical figures, civil rights activists and certain places. Some streets even leaned into religion.

At least that is what a Roxborough reader noticed about the streets in her neighborhood.

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She asked Curious Philly, The Inquirers forum for questions about the city and region: Is there some history to why so many streets such as Hermitage, Monastery, Rector, Cathedral, and Hermit in the Roxborough area have names related to religious people or places?

Long story short, streets closer to religious places, adjacent to churches, or with prominent devout members got their names inspired by them. But the origins arent clear for every religious-sounding street. And there were cults along the way.

Hermit Street

Hermit Street starts with an overseas group that became the countrys first doomsday cult.

In 1694, Johann Zimmerman was preparing to sail to the 13 colonies with his German Pietist sect, the Chapter of Perfection. It was no voyage of leisure; they were looking for a place with religious freedom where they could wait for the end of the world, according to Friends of the Wissahickon.

But, Zimmerman died, leaving a 26-year-old scholar named Johannes Kelpius in charge of about 40 monks.

They called themselves The Society of the Women of the Wilderness, even though they were all men, and all celibate.

The solitude of the Wissahickon Creek provided the perfect environment for the group to live in a cave, separate from the rest of the city. That earned them the names of Hermits of the Mystic Brotherhood or Hermits of the Ridge, according to Robert Alotta, author of Mermaids, Monasteries, Cherokees and Custer: The Stories Behind Philadelphia Streets.

No amount of reclusion prevented them from trying to end their celibacy. Kelpius monks held open-air concerts to lure the Women of the Wilderness out of the woods and into their arms, Alotta wrote.

After years of no concert attendance, some monks broke their celibacy with the women of Germantown, Allota worte, creating cracks in the group. That division turned permanent when Kelpius, who, according to beliefs, was supposed to physically ascend to heaven during the end of the world, died at 35.

The cult was over, but the cave is still standing, west of Hermit Terrace.

A section of a street from Ridge Avenue to the Park at Rittenhouse Street commemorated their existence with the creation of Hermit Street in 1804, Alotta wrote.

Monastery Avenue

An 18th-century house in Wissahickon is behind the avenues name, according to Alottas book.

The three-story dwelling was built by Joseph Gorgas, a Seventh-Day Baptists church leader, between the late 1740s and early 1750s, depending on the source. The house was named the Kloster, German for monastery.

Monasteries are home to people with religious vows, particularly monks. Per the Friends of the Wissahickon website, the house was probably not used for that purpose. But, Alottas book disagrees.

Tradition has it the house was used for seclusion and religious meditation. Gorgass monks, it is said, wore long white robes with cowling, much like that of the Capuchins, Alotta wrote.

According to him, the path that led to the monastery existed before 1865, but wasnt a public street.

In 1906, part of a nearby street called Levering was renamed Monastery Avenue.

Joseph Gorgas is how Gorgas Lane got its name as well. As for the Kloster, the construction is still standing, now as Monastery Complex, including the house and stables.

Hermitage Street

By definition, hermitage is a type of secluded retreat, like a monastery or a convent. But according to Alotta, Hermitage Street is more related to Galloway Street.

Though records do not exist to certify the assumption, it is possible that Hermitage Street, from Green to Fairmount Avenue, viewed by the road jury and confirmed by Quarter Sessions Court in 1810, was on land once owned by Joseph Galloway, Alotta wrote.

Galloway was a loyalist merchant who had become a military governor during the British occupation of Philadelphia. He fled to New York, taking his daughter and leaving his wife, Grace Galloway, behind  a common tactic to prevent the siege of property.

They never reunited. Grace Galloway had to be physically carried out of her house, unwilling to leave.

The first recording of a street named Galloway was in 1858, Alotta wrote. By 1895, sections of Hermitage became Galloway Street.

But not all religious-seeming streets around the city have ties to monasteries or hermits. Christian Street, for instance, was named after Swedens Queen Christina.

Guess the namers didnt think it appropriate to put her name up on a sign. Nearby Queen Street allows her some time in the spotlight, Alotta wrote in a 2011 essay for WHYY.
The Voice of America headquarters in Washington. The global news service had been broadcasting since 1942 before President Donald Trump ordered it to close Friday. Read more

Last Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order silencing Voice of America, the venerable global news service. His administration then placed 1,300 journalists on administrative leave.

For most of its 360 million listeners in 50 languages, the radio and web service and its sister organizations are a primary source of independent news and information in countries that lack a free press, including Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and parts of Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

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The decision is a disturbing and self-defeating retreat for American influence abroad. It also portends ever more troubling repression of independent journalism right here in the United States.

To best appreciate what is at stake in a future without Voice of America, it is important to understand its past. What became Voice of America began in 1942 as a shortwave radio service, broadcasting in German behind enemy lines.

As Americas interest in advancing the cause of freedom grew, so, too, did its global news ambitions. The service now branded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty became a principal vehicle for delivering news behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.

The Office of Cuba Broadcasting launched after the Cuban missile crisis, Radio Free Asia after Beijings assault on protesters in Tiananmen Square, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks after 9/11.

Until last weekend, each of these services operated under direct supervision or with grants from the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM).

These news services depended not only on congressionally mandated funding and editorial independence but also the courage of hundreds of journalists and sources operating often at great personal risk.

Journalists, producers, and local fixers in-country now stand abandoned by the United States. U.S.-based foreign nationals  native Russian, Farsi, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Spanish speakers  may face deportation if their J-1 visas are revoked, with potentially dire consequences at home. Nine USAGM or affiliate employees who are currently jailed may be abandoned.

As recently as a few weeks ago, Trump officials placed nominally in charge of the future of Voice of America were calling for its fundamental reform rather than its wholesale destruction.

President Trump announced in January that Kari Lake, a former Phoenix local television anchor and onetime Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, was to lead Voice of America, pending formal appointment.

Lake promoted the idea that Voice of America needed new leadership, voice, and mission. Last Fridays announcements seemed to make clear the administrations decision to burn it down, rather than spruce it up. Lake pivoted to describe USAGM as a giant rot and burden to the American taxpayer, deeming the 83-year-old VOA service unsalvageable.

President Trump and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr have also made no secret of their antipathy for U.S. public media in all its forms: National Public Radio, the Public Broadcasting System, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provides funding to NPR, PBS, and local public stations for news programming, technology, and general operating support.

Like Voice of America and its allied organizations, these news enterprises are mandated by Congress to operate with editorial independence, but each has been the target of long-standing conservative criticism. Each is highly vulnerable if last weekends executive action against Voice of America is upheld, given their similar regulatory status and congressional protections.

The decision is a disturbing and self-defeating retreat for American influence abroad.

As was the case with Voice of America and its parent agency, Trump officials have called most recently for the reform of U.S. public media, although many Republicans in Congress have long sought its wholesale defunding.

If past is prologue, the Trump administration may decide it is better to try to destroy public news media that offends the presidents sensibility rather than recast or rebuild it. If so, the implications for U.S. public media are dire indeed.

Thankfully, most NPR and PBS stations in America operate with multiple revenue streams, including local support. CPBs federal funding is typically on the order of 10%-20% of a given stations income, although its benefits are most pronounced in support of signature news programming like Frontline, PBS NewsHour, Morning Edition, and All Things Considered, and the proportion of federal support is greatest for smaller stations in more rural areas.

The domestic threat to U.S. public media has become even more apparent as the administration chooses to shutter American media abroad. In silencing Voice of America, President Trump could hardly have broadcast his intentions more loudly.

Jim Friedlich is CEO and executive director of the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, the nonprofit, noncontrolling owner of The Inquirer. @jimfriedlich
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker at the end of her budget address to City Council on Thursday. While more aggressive tax cuts would be nice, the city is at least finally moving in the right direction  provided it sticks with the plan, writes the Editorial Board. Read more

Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers budget has some welcome proposals when it comes to reducing taxes that have long hurt the city. But questions and concerns remain around her plan to spend $800 million on housing initiatives, as well as the fallout from the Trump administrations assault on federal spending.

After dodging efforts to address the citys exorbitant tax burden last year, Parkers proposed $6.7 billion budget calls for reducing the much-maligned Business Income and Receipts Tax, or BIRT, over the next 13 years.

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Over time, Parkers plan would cut the tax rate on business profits in half, and eliminate the gross receipts tax by 2039. The cuts will cost the city $9.2 million a year  not a big loss in a budget of nearly $7 billion.

While more aggressive cuts would be nice, the city is at least finally moving in the right direction  provided it sticks with the plan. The tax cuts should boost confidence in the business community and lead to more job creation.

The same goes for reducing the highest-in-the-nation wage tax, which Parker proposed lowering from 3.75% for city residents to 3.70% in fiscal year 2025, before eventually falling to 3.39% by 2030.

Efforts to reduce the wage tax began under then-Mayor Ed Rendell in the 1990s and were instrumental in the citys revival. But the cuts have been too small and too slow in coming. Even worse, they were stopped during different financial crises under Mayors Michael Nutter and Jim Kenney.

 READ MORE: Overburdened taxpayers wont find a break in Mayor Parkers budget | Editorial

Study after study has shown how the citys onerous tax burden  especially the wage tax  has been a job killer.

Parkers plan puts the city back on the right track toward being competitive at a time when remote work has made it easier for many workers to relocate to more affordable areas.

But a big question hanging over Parkers budget plan is how the Trump administrations reckless and irresponsible cuts to state and local funding will impact the citys finances. Not to mention whether Trumps tariffs and other federal layoffs and funding cuts will lead to a recession.

Parkers other bold plan calls for borrowing $800 million to invest in bolstering the citys existing housing stock and funding new construction of more affordable housing. This is key to Parkers campaign promise to add 30,000 homes in the city.

As with any big new spending initiative, there is concern this could turn into a costly boondoggle that largely benefits connected cronies. After all, City Hall has a richly deserved reputation for corruption and half-baked financial plans. (See: DROP and borrowing to fund the pension plan.)

That is why Parkers housing plan needs safeguards and oversight to ensure the funds go to proven and effective programs that provide a real return on the sizable investment of taxpayer money.

Parker plans to provide more details about her proposal early next week. Much of her success and legacy is riding on the housing initiative, which is all the more reason why it must be done right.

 READ MORE: Council is right to cut taxes and help spur economic growth | Editorial

As usual, a large portion of the citys budget is slated to fund the police. The $872 million for the police department is in line with last years allocation, and wisely includes expanded funding for crime-fighting technology and officer recruitment.

A new police forensics lab will help solve crimes, while increased recruitment efforts should address chronic staffing shortages. But hiring quality officers is more important than quantity, so lowering standards is not a smart solution.

Parker and Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel deserve credit for the steep drop in homicides and shootings last year. However, crime rates across the country have dropped back to pre-pandemic levels. While its unclear how much Philadelphias crime-fighting strategies made a difference, there has been welcome leadership and attention on public safety.

But to make a lasting impact, the mayor should use the upcoming labor negotiations to push for real reform in a police department that has long been plagued by inefficient use of officers, costly misconduct, exorbitant overtime spending, and a need to train officers in de-escalation tactics.

Dramatic improvements in the citys pension fund  thanks mainly to the Kenney administration  are helping to provide budget flexibility. The pension fund is expected to be fully funded by 2033, which will free up $433 million in annual debt service payments that can be spent on city services and lowering taxes.

If executed properly, Parkers plan to reduce crime, lower taxes, and increase affordable housing could set up the city for success.
President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he was ending the security details for Hunter and Ashley Biden effective immediately. Trump also publicized Hunter Bidens vacation whereabouts.

Trumps declaration came a day after the New York Post  an outlet he follows and reposts articles from often  published an opinion piece criticizing Hunter Bidens vacation in South Africa and the cost of his security detail. Secret Service protection for former President Joe Bidens adult children was supposed to last through July.

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Former U.S. presidents and their spouses retain lifelong protection from the Secret Service, while their children have protection until they turn 17. But the services are often extended for children, along with grandchildren and other immediate family members, once a presidents term has ended. Outgoing Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush extended protection for their families, and Trump extended his childrens and grandchildrens protections when his first term ended in 2021.

The move by Trump to end the Biden childrens Secret Service protections is unsurprising to those familiar with his longtime focus on Joe Biden and his family, especially his son, Hunter.

In 2020, Trump reportedly fantasized about having a special prosecutor investigate Hunter Bidens business dealings. Trump appointment David C. Weiss was in charge of the ongoing investigations and was ultimately named special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe. Hunter Biden was found guilty of federal gun charges last year.

As the New York Times phrased it, Trump has been on a revenge tour since his return to the Oval Office and has exerted his power on multiple occasions to revoke Secret Service protection from his perceived enemies. Such concerns are part of what motivated Joe Biden to issue an unconditional full pardon for Hunter Biden at the end of his presidency in January.

Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection, Trump wrote Monday on Truth Social. Likewise, Ashley Biden  will be taken off the list.

The news comes about a week after the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency said it was canceling a lease for a Philadelphia apartment used by the Secret Service to provide security details for Ashley Biden. The move was one of DOGEs 700 terminated agreements, the agency said, as part of an effort to cut the size of the federal government.

 READ MORE: DOGE cancels Philly apartment lease for Secret Service agents guarding Bidens daughter

But the alleged lease cancellation has discrepancies. The Secret Service said last week it was unaware of changes to the Philadelphia lease or changes to Ashley Bidens protective detail.

As for the legitimacy of Trumps cancellation of the Biden childrens protective detail, as president, Trump has the power to end Secret Service assignments. When Trumps first term ended, Biden extended protections to Trumps adult children for six months.

A Biden family representative did not respond to a request for comment.

We are aware of the Presidents decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.

Guglielmi declined to comment on specifics, including timelines or additional details surrounding the status of the apartment for Ashley Bidens security.
The 69th Street bridge over Market street in Upper Darby in Delco in 2021. Delco native Chris Pierdomenico was was inspired to get into filmmaking when he saw Kevin Smith's "Clerks" in high school. Now he's revving up for his biggest production to date - Delco: The Movie which far surpassed its crowd fundraising goals. Read more

Upper Darby residents are suing to block a newly approved local income tax, arguing, once again, that procedural errors invalidate the ordinance.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, continues a struggle between the Democratic-led council and a group of residents that has persistently raised concerns, and lawsuits, about the boards adherence to policy.

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Many of the recent fights have focused on the boards push for a new 1% income tax for residents of the township.

Were against the earned-income tax. We dont feel that the elected representatives really gave any explanation other than well, we want your money, we want the revenue, said John DeMasi, a Drexel Hill Republican who is the lead plaintiff on the suit. And once again, theyve made some glaring errors in passing the ordinance.

Last year the same group of residents successfully blocked Upper Darbys attempt to approve a 1% earned-income tax, arguing in a lawsuit that the council had improperly passed that ordinance, and another limiting public comment, during a work session of the council rather than a meeting intended to approve policy.

That suits success blew a $15 million hole in the townships approved 2025 budget, forcing the council to approve a new budget in late February.

After enacting the budget last month, Upper Darby Council approved an ordinance intended to enact the 1% earned-income tax in July.

The tax, councilmembers argued, would provide a needed revenue source for the township, helping to keep local property taxes in check or allowing the township to lower them. The tax would be automatically withheld from residents paychecks, like state and federal taxes.

In a statement Monday, Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown said he was disappointed to see yet another lawsuit from a small group focusing on technicalities, rather than addressing the core sustainability issues in the township.

We are confident in the legality of our actions and will strongly defend the Councils right to implement the EIT as passed, Brown said.

In the lawsuit, filed without an attorney, the residents argued Monday that the latest attempt to pass the tax violated state statutes.

I dont know if it was incompetence or on purpose, but they didnt enact it properly, DeMasi said.

The suit claimed that the council incorrectly enacted the tax immediately, failed to correctly repeal prior ordinances, and improperly included language directing courts to interpret the ordinance liberally.

As a result, the suit argued, the entire ordinance should be thrown out.

Despite the lawsuits claims that the ordinance was immediately enacted, Brown said the tax was not set to take effect until July.

The anticipated revenue from the tax is not currently factored into the townships budget. While local officials are likely to try again if it is thrown out, the suit wont force immediate changes to the townships spending plans for the year.

Upper Darby officials have been contemplating a new earned-income tax for years, and Brown reiterated in his statement that the income was necessary to maintain township services and that more than 2,000 Pennsylvania municipalities already charged income tax.

The EIT offers a more sustainable and fair revenue stream that would reduce pressure on property taxpayers and also ensure that certain nonresidents who work within the Township contribute, he said.
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While most doctors charge appropriately, we know an increasing number of Australians have been charged exorbitant fees by specialist doctors, including more than $950 for first appointments with psychiatrists, said PHA chief executive Dr Rachel David. Some anaesthetists have also allegedly waited until the day of procedures to disclose their fees, leaving patients powerless to contest how much they were being charged out of fear of procedures being cancelled. We need to stamp out this sort of price gouging, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
Although younger Australians are planning to spend the most on their travels, they also note as a key worry having insufficient cash while away. This highlights the importance of travel insurance for this cohort if something unexpected happens overseas, McHugh said.
Outside of this major deal for Insurtech Insights, which is Emeralds first major transaction for 2025, the holding company also reported revenues of US$106.8 million for Q4 2024, marking a 5.2% increase from Q4 2023. Full-year revenues totalled US$398.8 million, up 4.2% from 2023.
Djordjevic said the new program enhances Origins offerings in the hospitality and restaurant segment. To have it backed not just by any carrier but by one with the reputation and credibility of Zurich supports our ambition to be a market leader in segments where we choose to play, he said. We strive to offer our insureds, agents and brokers and everyone in the value chain the best possible service and solutions.
Proposed changes to New Mexicos Fair Plan

Matt Hunton, president and chief executive officer of Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico, said insurers may reconsider their presence in the state if required to assume risks beyond their capacity. He said that as for-profit businesses, insurers will withdraw from the market if forced into unsustainable practices.
For residents beginning the recovery process, APCIA advised contacting their insurer as soon as it is safe to do so to file a claim. Homeowners should take necessary measures to prevent further damage or theft and document losses by creating an inventory of lost or damaged items and photographing the destruction for the insurance adjuster.
Judge Krissa M. Lanham rejected the argument, holding that the defendants had failed to demonstrate that their use of the name constituted an advertisement or advertising idea as defined by the policies. The judge noted that the claims clearly arose from the alleged unauthorized use of a registered trade name, which is an intellectual property right expressly excluded under the policies terms.
When Congress pushed ahead last year with adding 10 new daily flights to Washington D.C.s Reagan National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration had data showing an unnerving number of near misses in the already-crowded skies  something lawmakers apparently did not know.

The FAA, which manages the nations airspace and oversees aviation safety, had data on dozens of incidents that experts said documented a safety concern. That data didnt prompt any action before Januarys deadly midair collision between an American Airlines jetliner and a military helicopter that killed 67 people.

Why someone was not paying attention to those numbers and those events are questions yet to be answered, said James Hall, a former National Transportation Safety Board chair during the Clinton administration. What not to do is to ignore that many incidents.

Data collected by the FAA shows close calls were far more frequent than travelers and outside aviation experts knew at Reagan National, which was built to handle 15 million passengers a year, not the 25 million traveling through it annually.

Now, safety experts and family members who lost loved ones in the Jan. 29 crash are asking why action wasnt taken earlier.

The NTSB said airplane pilots were alerted to take evasive action to avoid hitting helicopters at least once a month from 2011 through 2024, citing data compiled by the FAA, and that there were 85 near misses when aircraft were within a few hundred feet (meters) of each other during recent years.

How does that happen in this day and age and somebody doesnt do something about it? asked Doug Lane, whose wife, Christine Conrad Lane, and their 16-year-old son, Spencer, died in the crash.

Pilots have long worried about the congested and complex airspace around Reagan National, near the heart of the capital, where flights must maneuver around military aircraft and restricted areas. It was no secret there had been previous close calls, but the numbers found by the NTSB were alarming.

FAA officials have not yet addressed who inside the agency saw the data and whether it prompted discussions about possible changes. Messages seeking comment were not immediately returned Thursday.

Current NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who oversees the FAA, both said they were angry that the number of close calls were not recognized earlier by the FAA.

If someone was paying attention, someone was on the job, they would have seen this, Duffy said. He also announced he will move forward with banning some helicopter flights around the airport, a move that was temporarily made after the crash.

Safety advocate Mary Schiavo, a former inspector general of the U.S. Transportation Department, said that while there was plenty of blame to go around for the midair collision, the FAA was shockingly complacent.

They literally wait for a disaster, she said. I cant even fathom how the families of those lost in this crash can even deal with this. I mean this would be so maddening to hear.

In Kansas, some officials also argue the FAAs data should have been readily accessible to the public. State Rep. John Carmichael, from Wichita, where the airliners flight started, said Thursday that its not enough for people to get data through Freedom of Information Act requests when that can take months.

The public absolutely needs to know about statistics like that because we all put our lives in the hands of pilots and air traffic controllers every time we get on a plane, said Kris Kobach, the states attorney general. Im hopeful that the Trump administration will make this kind of information available to the traveling public.

Commercial passenger airlines are authorized to make a total of 864 landings and departures from Reagan National from 6 a.m. to midnight each day, or 48 an hour, according to the airports website. Of those, 64 have been added by Congress since 2000. Local airport authorities have objected to the increases.

The crowded airspace around Washington drew attention last year when Congress debated an aviation safety bill that allowed 10 more flights a day at Reagan National, despite strong objections from Virginias Democratic senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.

Squeezing in more flights would only increase the risks, they warned, calling a near miss between two planes on a runway last April a flashing red warning light.

While Congress did OK the extra flights, they had not started as of the deadly January collision.

Kaine told reporters Thursday he was troubled by the number of near misses and the lack of action by the FAA. What were they doing with the information if they werent making the changes that needed to be made? he said.

The FAA limits arrival and departure slots at three of the nations busiest airports where demand exceeds the airports capacity: Reagan National and New York Citys LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports.

But Congress has a history of directing the FAA to add slots at Reagan, even though Washingtons other international airport, Dulles, has capacity to handle them. Reagan is closer to the capital and most federal departments and therefore more convenient, particularly for lawmakers.

Mike McCormick, coordinator of the Air Traffic Management program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said the congestion at Reagan National clearly contributed to the midair collision because the American Airlines jetliner, which was on a newly added route from Wichita, Kansas, was diverted to a different runway closer to the helicopter flights.

In this instance, the sole reason for doing it was because they were too busy, McCormick said. This is something that controller has probably done thousands of times.

The flight from Wichita to Washington began operating in early 2024, the first direct flight from Kansas largest city to Reagan National. It was not among the 10 added last year, but announced by American Airlines and Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran separate of any congressional action in July 2023. Moran said it was vital to link the nations capital with the city, which has a long history as an aircraft manufacturing hub.

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat who serves on an aviation subcommittee, said the cause of the accident and the congestion at Reagan National are for now, two different conversations.

I understand, the desire for us all to be able to connect these dots, she said. Right now that is not a connection that has been made by the NTSB.

___

Associated Press reporters Michael Casey in Boston; Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas; and Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Aviation
A former state correctional officer from Baltimore has been sentenced in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County for felony theft of $25,000 to $100,000 and ordered to pay $50,251.66 in restitution, announced Attorney General Anthony G. Brown.

Prosecutors showed that between May 2018 and June 2021, Raquel Davis submitted 18 fraudulent claims under short-term disability and accident supplemental insurance policies that she had purchased with the American Family Life Assurance Co. of Columbus (AFLAC) while she was working as a correctional officer with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

Prosecutors said Davis submitted disability claims with fraudulent documentation from doctors that she had either never seen or who had not indicated that she was disabled during the periods indicated in her claims. Davis also submitted fraudulent documentation from her workplace indicating that her disability leave was approved.

On November 21, 2024, Davis pleaded guilty to a single count of felony theft in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. Last week, the judge sentenced Davis to 10 years of incarceration, suspending all but six months. After her release from custody, Davis will be on supervised probation for five years. She is required to pay $50,251.66 in restitution to AFLAC.

Topics Fraud
Donald Trumps executive order dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion efforts is making waves at international companies in Europe, Asia and beyond  but only on the surface. Quietly, many businesses are standing firm on diversity initiatives.

Companies from Roche Holding AG to Nissan Motor Co. have backpedaled on DEI policies in the US. But the Swiss drug maker says it has no plans to change its inclusion efforts elsewhere, while the Japanese car maker has left its international websites untouched. Volvo AB is going further: The car company hires based on meritocracy, not quotas, its spokesperson said, adding that positive action schemes such as its tecHER program will continue.

Its what you might call DEI by stealth  an approach that, in various forms, has started to become the new normal for global companies outside the US since President Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 20 entitled Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

US Anger Grows Over Global Reach of EUs Hostile ESG Rules

For American companies, theres a degree of uncertainty around the directive. While US federal agencies and their suppliers are required to end any form of what Trump calls illegal DEI, such as affirmative action in hiring, the order doesnt definitively say what measures companies are no longer permitted to take. And with robust federal anti-discrimination statutes still in place, its not even clear that the directive is lawful.

Outside of the US, the picture is even more complicated. Companies may wish to avoid unwanted scrutiny from the Trump administration, but complying with the spread of international diversity regulations is non-negotiable.

In jurisdictions from the UK and the EU to Australia and Hong Kong  where inclusion measures have primarily focused on gender rather than race  companies are legally required to meet targets for board diversity, gender pay gaps, pay transparency and reintegration of employees after long-term leave. Various countries have other requirements too. In Japan, top publicly listed companies must aim to promote women to 30% of director roles by 2030, up from about 16% last year. In the Netherlands, the financial sector is expected to consider accessibility to ensure older people are not cut off from basic services.

Nevertheless, few companies want to put their head above the parapet in the US, especially those with lucrative government contracts to lose. On top of the executive order, the presidents demand that US government agencies identify as many as nine potential civil compliance investigations in the private sector lit a tinderbox. No company wants to be the first to be accused of breaking the law.

More than 15 US companies have already altered language around diversity in their annual reports, while European companies are increasingly avoiding the topic on earnings calls.

Ultimately, people are trying to pivot. Theyre trying to keep up with whats going on but without losing sight of that ultimate goal of inclusive workplaces, said Zamena Ladak, senior vice president for DEI and business development at Assemble HR Consulting, a New Jersey-based talent strategy and leadership development consultancy.

Bloomberg contacted more than a dozen companies with headquarters around the world that make a significant portion of their revenue in the US about their diversity, equity and inclusion plans. Few issued a public statement. But its clear that boardrooms are under increasing pressure  from lawyers as well as staff  to work out how to tread the DEI tightrope.

Legal Obligations

Supporters argue that DEI strategies are about business survival and economic growth, as well as benefits for individual workers. Companies with more gender diversity are more likely to innovate, according to research published in the journal Innovation: Management, Policy & Practice. However, while many firms say they have recruited without bias for decades, few can boast a representative workforce  in fact, many initiatives have led to even more homogeneity, according to analysis by academics Frank Dobbin and Alexandra Kalev.

Countries where a significant portion of women are economically inactive or underactive are missing a growth opportunity, a particular problem for countries with an aging or shrinking population such as Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan and South Korea. In Japan, where a third of the population will be over 65 years old by 2040, the economy is already suffering, while Germany needs an influx of hundreds of thousands of migrant workers a year simply to prevent its labor force from shrinking.

By helping companies close the gender pay gap and finding other ways to make the workplace more equitable, DEI teams help to keep women working or increase their hours, according to a 2020 report by Mercer Inc.

They can help companies meet their legal obligations too. In the UK, companies responsibilities include avoiding discrimination in hiring and taking reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. Doing so effectively means firms need to educate staff about what discrimination, harassment and victimization  which can be subtle or inadvertent  look like. Having DEI programs helps them comply, said Georgina Calvert-Lee, an employment lawyer at Bellevue Law.

But training on controversial topics like unconscious bias has in some cases already been rebranded. Now, theres less emphasis on this idea that were all biased or terrible people, said Kate Dodd, an employment lawyer at Pinsent Masons and head of the firms Brook Graham diversity and inclusion consultancy. Instead, the focus is on using data to examine why specific minority groups may progress through a firm more slowly or exhibit higher attrition rates.

Many international companies are viewing the DEI retreat in the US through the lens of a four-year presidential term, according to Alexandra Evreinoff, managing director at INvolve, a London-based diversity and inclusion consultancy that has worked with clients such as Boston Consulting Group, HSBC Holdings Plc and Standard Chartered Plc.

Two large European multinational companies that work with the federal government told Bloomberg they wont alter DEI policies unless the executive order is enforced. The move is seen as being in the best interests of customers and staff, according to a person familiar with the matter who did not wish to speak publicly for fear of reprisals.

While Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. wiped references to DEI from its American websites, the Japanese company left its international websites untouched, describing the US changes as part of a global digital restructure after many months of planning. UBS Chief Executive Officer Sergio Ermotti said last month that the Swiss bank was making no changes to its DEI policies  but its sustainability and annual reports, published Monday, no longer refer to DE&I.

And several banks headquartered outside the US, such as HSBC, Deutsche Bank AG, Barclays Plc and Banco Santander SA, have publicly reaffirmed their commitments to DEI and workforce representation targets, even as some Wall Street banks have backpedaled. In its annual report, HSBC described having a workforce that reflects society as a strategic priority. In January, Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing called DEI integral to the company.

I know what diversity has brought us on the management board at the top reporting level, he said. Thats why we are strong supporters of these programs.

In fashion and retail  sectors where women make up an important part of the consumer base  companies including Germany-based Adidas AG, Hennes & Mauritz AB and Ikea have explicitly retained their DEI focus. Our commitments in this area remain unchanged and are closely connected with our companys purpose, a spokesperson for H&M said.

Some European pharmaceutical companies are pushing on too with a commitment to inclusive clinical trials, according to people familiar with the situation. Their position is grounded in science as well as business: Testing the efficacy and side effects of new products requires women and individuals from underrepresented groups to take part in drug trials.

We need to have a continuous focus on this, Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisk A/Ss development chief, said this month. Its also important to include patients of diverse socioeconomic status, he said.

In other sectors, the outlook is more mixed. Consulting giant McKinsey & Co. sent a carefully crafted memo to staff emphasizing that the company is still focused on inclusion, while noting that it abides by local law  a strong hint that its complying with anti-DEI measures in the US. Deloitte looked ready to drop its diversity policies globally before its partnerships in the UK and Australia said they wouldnt make any changes locally. Meanwhile, Accenture Plc was among the first non-US-headquartered companies in any sector to ditch its global DEI policies. All three have a lot to lose by defying Trump. Their combined revenues as federal government contractors were in excess of $7.8 billion in the fiscal year to Sep. 30, according to Bloomberg data.

Conservative Activism

While companies are now scrambling to find the right language to describe their plans around diversity, equity and inclusion, the presidents crusade cant have come as a total surprise. During his presidential campaign, Trump railed against anti-White racism and illegal DEI measures. A blizzard of conservative activism and lawsuits also raged in the lead-up to the elections.

In 2023, the Supreme Court effectively ended affirmative action concerning race in college admissions, after lawyer and anti-affirmative action activist Edward Blum sued Harvard. Even though the ruling didnt extend to businesses, it created a chilling effect around race-related measures in recruiting.

The Supreme Court is now hearing a discrimination case brought forward by a White woman who claims she was first denied a promotion and then later demoted because she is heterosexual. If successful, the case could pave the way for more discrimination suits from members of majority groups.

In the short term, lawyers are urging global companies with an American presence to hit the pause button on any programs in the US that might benefit specific demographics, according to INvolves Evreinoff.

Global companies are looking for a good balance between the regional approach and the global strategy, said Evreinoff, given the legal requirements they still have to meet abroad.

Even so, in the UK at least, conversations with professionals in DEI-related roles indicate a subtle shift has taken place over the past two years. The country is among the most advanced in terms of DEI development, but a worsening economic outlook has led to something of a pullback.

A 2024 survey by campaign group Reboot found that about 40% of respondents at financial services firms said budget cuts had hampered DEI efforts.

This is where we see who was really committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and for whom this was a matter of compliance, said Michael Smets, professor of management at Oxford Universitys Said Business School.

Sense of Unease

In the UK, diversity-focused roles in human resources departments, while below a peak in 2020, have remained steady since 2022, according to the job search website Indeed.

But the number of senior roles, particularly chief diversity officer, has fallen off a cliff in EMEA over the last 18 months, according to Raj Tulsiani, CEO of Green Park, a UK-based recruitment firm that specializes in more equitable leadership. And DEI teams have shrunk at many firms, according to Pinsent Masons Dodd.

Right-leaning UK newspapers such as the Daily Mail and the London-based Times have described DEI roles in public organizations such as the police or universities as wasteful spending. Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the opposition Conservative party, last month described diversity programs as the real poison of left-wing progressivism.

Given the pace of the retreat in the US, it remains to be seen what the next 12 months will look like for diversity, equity and inclusion around the world. In an interview, conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who has pressured a number of US companies to cancel inclusion programs, called DEI and ESG policies anti-Western and suggested that he has broader ambitions overseas. We pushed this out there and its our responsibility to bring it back in, he told Bloomberg.

Yet the US and other countries may be on a path to diverge further still. The British government has plans to extend mandatory pay gap reporting to ethnic minority workers, while a series of lawsuits over equal pay promises to force companies to consider gender disparity in specific roles, not just across the business. Meanwhile, companies with EU staff are gearing up for pay transparency disclosures from next summer, which will require firms to address any gaps larger than 5%.

Either way, a sense of unease remains pervasive. At one European multinational with a large US presence and a federal contract, theres a rumor doing the rounds that bots are crawling the websites of private companies, searching for DEI buzzwords that might breach the presidents executive orders.

In early February, the company tore down various DEI-related webpages, before reinstating them a few days later, absent some key phrases and terms. Still, the company has no grander plans to change its inclusion strategy.

For a lot of companies outside the US, the focus now is merely repositioning, said INvolves Evreinoff.

It would be complete nonsense to say were scrapping everything thats DEI, she said. Thats not true.

Photograph: Trump signs executive orders at the 60th presidential inauguration parade in Washington, DC, on Jan. 20, 2025. Photo credit: Anna Moneymaker/Bloomberg

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Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Europe
Trump administration workforce cuts at federal agencies overseeing U.S. dams are threatening their ability to provide reliable electricity, supply farmers with water and protect communities from floods, employees and industry experts warn.

The Bureau of Reclamation provides water and hydropower to the public in 17 western states. Nearly 400 agency workers have been cut through the Trump reduction plan, an administration official said.

Reductions-in-force memos have also been sent to current workers, and more layoffs are expected. The cuts included workers at the Grand Coulee Dam, the largest hydropower generator in North America, according to two fired staffers interviewed by The Associated Press.

Without these dam operators, engineers, hydrologists, geologists, researchers, emergency managers and other experts, there is a serious potential for heightened risk to public safety and economic or environmental damage, Lori Spragens, executive director of the Kentucky-based Association of Dam Safety Officials, told the AP.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said federal workforce reductions will ensure disaster responses are not bogged down by bureaucracy and bloat.

A more efficient workforce means more timely access to resources for all Americans, she said by email.

But a bureau hydrologist said they need people on the job to ensure the dams are working properly.

These are complex systems, said the worker in the Midwest, who is still employed but spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of possible retaliation.

Workers keep dams safe by monitoring data, identifying weaknesses and doing site exams to check for cracks and seepage.

As we scramble to get these screenings, as we lose institutional knowledge from people leaving or early retirement, we limit our ability to ensure public safety, the worker added. Having people available to respond to operational emergencies is critical. Cuts in staff threaten our ability to do this effectively.

A federal judge on Thursday ordered the administration to rehire fired probationary workers, but a Trump spokesperson said they would fight back, leaving unclear whether any would return.

The heads of 14 California water and power agencies sent a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation and the Department of Interior last month warning that eliminating workers with specialized knowledge in operating and maintaining aging infrastructure could negatively impact our water delivery system and threaten public health and safety.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also operates dams nationwide. Matt Rabe, a spokesman, declined to say how many workers left through early buyouts, but said the agency hasnt been told to reduce its workforce.

But Neil Maunu, executive director of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, said it learned more than 150 Army Corps workers in Portland, Oregon, were told they would be terminated and they expect to lose about 600 more in the Pacific Northwest.

The firings include district chiefs down to operators on vessels and people critical to safe river navigation, he said.

Their last day is not known. The Corps was told to provide a plan to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management by March 14, Maunu said.

Several other federal agencies that help ensure dams run safely also have faced layoffs and closures. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is laying off 10% of its workforce and the Federal Emergency Management Agencys National Dam Safety Review Board was disbanded in January.

The cuts come at a time when the nations dams need expert attention.

An AP review of Army Corps data last year showed at least 4,000 dams are in poor or unsatisfactory condition and could kill people or harm the environment if they failed. They require inspections, maintenance and emergency repairs to avoid catastrophes, the AP found.

Heavy rain damaged the spillway at Californias Oroville Dam in 2017, forcing nearly 190,000 residents to evacuate, and Michigans Edenville Dam breached in storms in 2020, the AP found.

Stephanie Duclos, a Bureau of Reclamation probationary worker fired at the Grand Coulee Dam, said she was among a dozen workers initially terminated. The dam across the Columbia River in central Washington state generates electricity for millions of homes and supplies water to a 27-mile-long (43-kilometer) reservoir that irrigates the Columbia Basin Project.

This is a big infrastructure, she said. Its going to take a lot of people to run it.

Some fired employees had worked there for decades but were in a probation status due to a position switch. Duclos was an assistant for program managers who organized training and was a liaison with human resources. The only person doing that job, she fears how others will cover the work.

Youre going to get employee burnout in the workers left behind, she said.

Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat who pushed a bipartisan effort to ensure the National Dam Safety Program was authorized through 2028, said, the safety and efficacy of our dams is a national security priority.

Americans deserve better, and I will work to make sure this administration is held accountable for their reckless actions, Padilla said.

Photo: The Grad Coulee Dam, the largest hydropower generator in North America is located in Coulee Dam, Wash. (AP Photo/Martha Bellisle)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Agencies
The head of the U.S. agency that enforces laws banning workplace discrimination on Monday warned 20 major law firms that their employment policies meant to boost diversity, equity and inclusion may be illegal.

The letters from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions acting chair, Andrea Lucas, seek detailed information on DEI programs at the firms, some of which have ties to President Donald Trumps political opponents or have challenged his policies in court.

Lucas said some of the firms had publicly touted their commitment to diversifying their workforces and at least two had adopted explicit numerical goals for recruiting lawyers based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Lucas said she was concerned that the firms policies may entail unlawful disparate treatment in terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, or unlawful limiting, segregating, and classifying based on race, sex, and other protected characteristics.

The letters ask the law firms for an array of information about the internships, scholarships and fellowships they offer to law students and their hiring and compensation practices.

Lucas also asked for the name, sex and race of every lawyer who has worked at or applied for a job at the firms since 2019 and whether each one participated in diversity programs or affinity groups. She asked for some of the information in a searchable Excel spreadsheet.

Some of the firms that received the letters, including Perkins Coie; Hogan Lovells; Ropes & Gray; and WilmerHale, are representing plaintiffs in current lawsuits against the Trump administration.

A spokesperson for Hogan Lovells said the firm had no immediate comment. The other 19 firms that received the letters did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Lucas said in a statement that the EEOC is prepared to root out discrimination anywhere it may rear its head, including in our nations elite law firms.

The EEOC can investigate companies employment practices and file lawsuits alleging discrimination, but only after a worker or one of the agencys five commissioners brings a formal complaint. There was no indication that Lucas had filed complaints against any of the law firms.

EXECUTIVE ORDERS

Trump, a Republican, has waged an aggressive campaign to eliminate DEI programs from the federal government, higher education and the private sector. He has also taken several actions against high-profile law firms, alarming many legal experts.

Trump issued executive orders this month targeting Perkins Coie and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, citing their allegedly discriminatory internal diversity policies and past work for his political opponents. The orders suspended security clearances for lawyers at the firms and restricted their government access and federal contracting work.

The order involving Perkins Coie also directed Lucas, the acting EEOC chair, to review the practices of representative large, influential, or industry leading law firms. The commission, like several other federal agencies, was designed to operate independently from the White House.

Perkins Coie filed a lawsuit alleging that the order against it violated its rights under the U.S. Constitution, and a judge in Washington temporarily blocked parts of it last week.

Law school diversity policies have also come under fire from the administration. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has threatened to revoke the American Bar Associations status as the government-designated accreditor of U.S. law schools, citing its requirement that schools provide full opportunities for racial minorities and have a diverse student body.

Some major companies have in the past implemented policies to encourage diversity from their outside law firms. The letters from Lucas ask law firms to identify clients that have since 2019 had diversity requirements or stated preferences for employee staffing, and the actions the firms have taken to respond to the client requirements, including producing related documents.

Law firms could argue that they cannot turn over certain information on the grounds of attorney-client privilege, and that disclosing some information could expose their clients to investigations by the administration, two legal ethics experts told Reuters.
As Oklahomans assessed the devastation from wildfires that whipped across the state, damaging or destroying hundreds of homes, officials in both Oklahoma and Texas warned of an increased risk of fire danger in the coming week.

Were going to be back into a critical area, Oklahoma Forestry Services spokesperson Keith Merckx said.

Wildfires fueled by high winds swept across the state on Friday. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said Sunday evening that over 400 homes were damaged statewide Officials said Sunday that at least four people had died because of the severe weather in Oklahoma.

Jeremy Cook was among the residents in Stillwater, a city of about 50,000 located about 65 miles (100 kilometers) northeast of Oklahoma City, who returned home Saturday morning to find that his house was gone. Cook told The Oklahoman that when his family fled Friday, they loaded up three cars with photographs, pets, books and paintings.

After returning to find his home burned to the foundation, he said he was going back and forth between laughing and crying.

At least 74 homes in and around Stillwater were destroyed by wildfires, Mayor Will Joyce said Sunday night on Facebook. Fire Chief Terry Essary said at a news conference Saturday that the fires spread rapidly and crews had difficulty containing each one because of the high winds and low humidity. He said they quickly became overwhelmed.

Nobody has enough resources to fight fires when the wind is blowing 70 mph, Essary said. Its an insurmountable task.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said on Sunday evening that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner had confirmed four fatalities related to the fires or high winds across the state. There was one death each in Lincoln, Garfield, Haskell and Pawnee counties.

Details were not given on the deaths in Haskell and Pawnee counties. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokesperson Keli Cain said the person in Garfield County was killed in a vehicle accident due to poor visibility due to dust or smoke and that a man died in Lincoln County.

Deborah Ferguson told News 9 that her husband, Allen Ferguson, was killed in Lincoln County. She said that her husband and her 15-year-old son had been fighting a wildfire in a pasture on Friday and as they fled on a four-wheeler, it crashed into a tree amid heavy smoke. She said her son was badly burned and is hospitalized.

Erin OConnor, a spokesperson with the Texas A&M Forest Service, said the region on Friday had the perfect recipe for wildfires with high winds, dry conditions and above normal temperatures. She said that less wind on Sunday had helped crews get a handle on the fires but that more fire activity was expected this coming week.

One of the largest fires in Texas currently had burned about 14 square miles (36 square kilometers) near Fredericksburg, west of Austin, but was 40% contained by Sunday, she said.

The winds that swept across Texas and Oklahoma were so strong that they turned over several tractor-trailers. Authorities have said three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm caused by high winds in the Texas Panhandle on Friday.

After touring the damage in Stillwater and Mannford, a city of about 3,000 located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Tulsa, on Saturday, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt went on to survey the damage at his ranch outside of Oklahoma City, where his home there had burned to the ground.

Well be rebuilding with the rest of Oklahoma, Stitt said in a video posted on X. You never think its going to happen to your place and these wildfires just come out of nowhere and can really take over.

Photo: This image provided by shows aerials over the damage caused by the wildfires in Logan County, Okla. (KOCO via AP)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Wildfire Oklahoma
Florida International University has long been known as a hurricane research center. Think: the famous Wall of Wind, the giant fan system that tests the effects of 157-mph winds on structures and materials. A much larger, stadium-sized testing facility for wind and waves may soon be on the way.

FIU, with its main campus in Miami, also has been recognized for its hurricane-loss modeling, often used by insurers and regulators to gauge the potential impact of storms that visit Florida annually. Under a bill approved by a Florida House of Representatives subcommittee last week, management of that modeling program and other functions would be transferred to Florida State University, part of a move to make FSU a powerhouse insurance research center.

The bill transfers all of the duties, powers, functions, funds, existing contracts, and other issues associated with or related to the public hurricane loss production model from Florida International University to Florida State University, reads a legislative staff analysis of House Bill 1097.

The changeover also would come with $5 million in recurring public funds and $1.5 million in non-recurring funding for the FSUs Florida Catastrophic Storm Risk Management Center, which has been largely unfunded since 2019, and would change the name to the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management.

We want the center to go from excellent to preeminent, said state Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland, who is sponsoring the bill. She acknowledged at the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee that she is an FSU graduate.

The center would work closely with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation on research and data, including loss modeling, consumer protection, claims handling, reinsurance and Cat Fund cost factors, and more. The program should also assist lawmakers in developing evidence-based policy options and in identifying emerging insurance issues in the state, the bill prescribes.

This would be good for independent research, said Professor Charles Nyce, chair of FSUs Department of Risk Management and Insurance. OIR could ask for research; the Legislature could ask for research.

The new center at FSU also would be required to publish a hurricane loss data summary each year, and would be tasked with developing a program to encourage more actuarial science students to work in the fields of risk management and insurance  in the public sector.

Canady and the subcommittee did not explain what prompted the bill. FIU administration officials and lobbyists did not speak at the hearing and did not return multiple phone calls and emails seeking information about the bill and the handoff to FSU if the bill passes.

Hugh Willoughby, a professor at FIUs Department of Earth and Environment, told Insurance Journal that the switch would not affect the meteorologists in his department. He noted that much of the insurance and storm research already is done at FSU, and handled very ably.

Canady suggested that separating the insurance and loss research from the material and structural analysis could benefit both universities.

If I were FIU, I might be relieved to let the number crunchers do their thing, Canady said at the meeting.

The bill does not mention how the director of the center will be named, but it does make clear that FIU and other universities that have contributed to the hurricane models will remain part of the process.

The bill mandates OIR to contract with the Center to manage the public hurricane loss model, and the Center to work with other entities and universities, including Florida International University (FIU), to develop the public model, the bill analysis reads.

Hurricane loss models are considered vitally important to carriers and regulators in preparing for reinsurance, rate increases and potential storm losses. But the models, produced by a number of academic and private researcher programs around the country, can vary considerably. In 2000, the Florida Legislature authorized the founding of a public model, spearheaded by researchers at FIU.

The public model is a complex collection of computer programs that simulate and predict how, where and when hurricanes form, their wind speeds, intensity and sizes, their tracks, how they are affected by the terrain after landfall, how the winds interact with different types of structures, how much damage they can cause to house roofs, windows, doors, and interiors, how much it will cost to rebuild the damaged parts, and how much of the loss will be paid by insurers, FIUs Hurricane Research Center explains on its website.

The Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology has accepted the public model, along with models developed by six private firms, including Verisk and Karen Clark & Co.

The new center at FSU will aim to provide improved modeling information and other data.

What were doing here is so that the Legislature can have good, independent information, Canady said.

Having passed the insurance subcommittee with no opposition, HB 1097 is now in the House Budget Committee. The full text of the bill can be seen here. A similar bill, SB 114, is in the Senate.

Related: Florida Commission Accepts Three New Flood Models

Topics Windstorm
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.

Top photo: Tommy May helps with the cleanup after a tornado destroyed the home of relatives in Tylertown. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Windstorm
The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, a non-profit advocacy group, is sounding the alarm about a Kentucky bill that was passed swiftly this month and is now on the governors desk. If signed into law, it would limit the reach of the states work safety agency, potentially leading to more workplace injuries and workers compensation insurance claims.

We cannot allow legislation that places the lives of workers at risk and fosters an environment where speaking out against unsafe conditions is not only discouraged but also dangerous, National COSH Executive Director Jessica Martinez said in a statement. What happens in Kentucky can set a troubling precedent for workers everywhere.

House Bill 398 passed the Kentucky Senate on March 13, then was approved by the House the same day by a vote of 70-20. Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has not indicated publicly if he plans to veto the bill. His staff could not be reached Tuesday morning. Even with a veto, its possible that the GOP-dominant legislature could override and force the bill into law.

The legislation comes at what could be a critical time for work safety in the United States, worker advocates have said. The Donald Trump presidential administration has begun slashing federal programs and employees, and some in Congress have urged the shutdown of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which polices worksite safety in the majority of states.

Another Kentucky bill, HB 196, also could roll back some mine safety measures by reducing the number of emergency technicians on site at coal mines, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. That bill was approved by the House and Senate this month and has been delivered to the governor.

HB 398, is sponsored by Kentucky state Rep. Walker Thomas, R-Hopkinsville, and others, and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has pushed for it. If it becomes law, it would:

Bar the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board from adopting safety standards that are more stringent than OSHA rules. If OSHA is dissolved, that could mean that the Kentucky rules are all that address site safety.

Limit the time frame to six months for de minimis violation citations issued by the board. Civil penalties would also be barred for those minor violations.

Allow a court to award attorneys fees and costs to employers in cases that are appealed, to be paid by the safety agency.

Make other changes that could limit third-party inspections; limit retaliation claims by workers; and impose penalties on the state agency for simply enforcing safety laws, National COSH contends.

Kentucky is one of 22 states that has its own, OSHA-approved workplace safety agency. And worker advocates have said the state agency has exceeded federal standards in many cases, requiring more safety measures. The passage of HB 398 threatens to dismantle these essential safeguards, NCOSHs Martinez said.

At the same time, Kentuckys workplace fatality rate of 5.0 per 100,000 workers exceeded the national average in 2023, suggesting that more safety enforcement is needed  not less, worker advocates said.

.

Topics Workers' Compensation
Teachers in Ireland report significantly more social and emotional issues in children starting junior infants than in previous years. The study authors, Dr Suzanne Egan and Dr Jennifer Pope, from Mary Immaculate College, concluded that many of these difficulties resulted from the pandemic lockdowns around the time these children were born.

Not everyone is convinced, but its not uncommon for people to believe that environmental or life events do not affect infants.

I have conducted many clinical assessments of significant family events being dismissed as unrelated to the childs difficulties because they were too young to remember that.

However, just because we cannot remember something does not mean it does not have a lasting impact.

The first 1,000 days of a childs life see extraordinary development. These early years shape the brains architecture, laying the foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional wellbeing. Secure attachment between infants and their caregivers is crucial. It influences how children regulate emotions, develop relationships, and build resilience.

Lockdowns disrupted many aspects of early childhood, which may have negatively affected childrens attachment and social and emotional development.

Attachment refers to the deep emotional bond between an infant and their primary caregiver, typically a parent.

Psychologists John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth pioneered attachment theory, emphasising that secure attachment arises when children experience adequate stimulation, consistently and predictably. This security forms the basis for emotional stability and a healthy sense of self.

The first 1,000 days are also critical for attachment formation because of rapid brain growth. At birth, an infants brain is about 25% of its adult size; by age three, it is 90%. Neural connections (synapses) form incredibly rapidly, with about one million new connections formed per second in the first three years.

Caregiving interactions heavily influence this rapid neural development. When a caregiver reliably soothes distress, engages in eye contact, and provides comfort, neural pathways associated with trust and emotional regulation strengthen. Conversely, anxious caregiving can contribute to insecure attachment, linked to difficulties in emotional regulation and relationship-building.

While lockdowns and social-distancing measures were necessary to contain the spread of covid, they also disrupted many aspects of daily life that support healthy infant-caregiver attachment.

1. General atmosphere of fear and tension

It is easy to forget how, during the pandemic, we were so worried about spreading the virus that we were washing our groceries, jumping out of the way of people while out walking, and frantically reaching for masks as soon as anyone came near us. Infants and children were not oblivious to this incredibly tense atmosphere. Even non-immediate family members wearing masks would have impeded an infants capacity to read facial expressions, on which they rely in the absence of language.

2. Increased parental stress and mental health struggles

The pandemic created uncertainty, job insecurity, and social isolation. Parents faced increased financial pressure and childcare challenges, while managing their own mental-health struggles. Parental stress significantly impacts infant attachment. If stressed and overwhelmed, they may be less emotionally available, and thus inconsistent in responsiveness. Infants are learning and developing at an accelerated rate and are programmed to be attuned to their environment, so they are sensitive to tension in the atmosphere or anxieties around them.

3. Reduced social interaction and support

Infants rely on their primary caregivers, extended family members, childcare providers, and community support systems for social engagement. Lockdowns prevented many parents from accessing in-person support groups, postnatal services, and even informal interactions with friends and family.

This lack of social support increased caregivers burden and reduced opportunities for infants to experience a range of social interactions. While we might dismiss these interactions as unimportant, they are crucial for emotional and social development.

4. Delayed interventions and healthcare access

During the pandemic, many routine paediatric check-ups, developmental screenings, and interventions, such as speech or occupational therapy, were delayed for young children during lockdowns. These early interventions are crucial in mitigating long-term challenges for children at risk of developmental delays. Missed opportunities for early intervention can exacerbate developmental difficulties, especially for infants with medical or neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities.

5. Disruptions in early learning environments

While babies primarily bond with their parents, exposure to safe, structured environments, such as daycare settings, is crucial in helping infants develop confidence in relationships beyond the home.

Some might argue that generations of children born before creches were set up developed confidence in relationships outside the home. However, there was typically far more involvement from extended family and close-knit communities back then.

Pandemic-related closures limited these opportunities, potentially affecting the social adaptability and resilience of children born around this time. Studies suggest that reduced exposure to varied social environments during early years can lead to increased stranger anxiety and difficulties in forming relationships later in life.

During the lockdowns, everyday formative experiences, like visiting grandparents and going to the shops or church, were not part of family life.

Along with the impact of social isolation, the proliferation of screen usage during that period also contributed to changes in childrens social and emotional development. Excessive screen time can reduce face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for learning social cues, empathy, and emotional regulation.

The new term technoference describes where screen exposure may interfere with bonding experiences between toddlers and caregivers, leading to potential emotional insecurity. Fast-paced digital content can make it harder for toddlers to develop patience and focus. Excessive screen exposure, especially before bedtime, can interfere with sleep quality and emotional wellbeing.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to support healthy attachment. Here are some strategies that might help:

1. Prioritise responsive and attuned parenting

Even when stressed, being emotionally present for your child is crucial. Responding to their cues, engaging in eye contact, and using soothing tones can strengthen attachment bonds.

Children need to feel safe and understood, and small, consistent moments of connection matter more than perfection. Helping children develop language skills gives them the tools to understand and express emotion, which is crucial for their social and emotional development.

2. Create a predictable environment

All small children thrive on routine and consistency. Establishing predictable feeding, sleep, and play schedules helps them develop a sense of security. Even in uncertain times, maintaining daily rituals, such as bedtime routines and family mealtimes, will provide a sense of stability for a child.

3. Encourage social interaction when possible

Providing opportunities for infants and young children to interact with other caregivers, family members, and peers is essential.

This social engagement is even more important if early opportunities to do this have been disrupted. Even brief interactions can positively impact their social and emotional development, so all opportunities for this should be capitalised.

4. Seek professional guidance

Consulting a paediatrician, child psychologist, or therapist could be beneficial if you notice signs of attachment difficulties, such as extreme clinginess, withdrawal, or difficulty regulating emotions when they are upset. Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Though pandemic restrictions are no longer in place, waiting times for healthcare supports, like developmental assessments, remain unacceptably long. We need our policymakers to acknowledge the importance of the formative years and invest in supporting parents through this critical period.

While parents play a central role in attachment, collective, broader societal support is also essential. Governments and healthcare systems must recognise the crucial importance of early childhood development and provide accessible mental-health support for parents, affordable childcare options, and funding for early intervention programmes. Policies prioritising paid parental leave and workplace flexibility also help caregivers be more present during this key developmental window.

While pandemic lockdowns disrupted many aspects of early development, understanding the consequences, as outlined in the MIC study, allows us to take proactive steps in mitigating their impact.

By fostering responsive caregiving, strengthening support systems, and advocating for policies that prioritise early childhood development, we can ensure that our children have the secure foundation they need to thrive even in times of crisis.

The fifth anniversary of the pandemic is an opportunity to reflect on its impacts.

As parents, caregivers and educationalists, we have learned that social distancing is not without consequences and developmental ramifications, even for very young children. When we invest in the first 1,000 days, we are shaping childrens childhood and their future.
Known Russian and Chinese influence networks sent more than 7,500 posts about Ireland on social media in the last year, according to a European intelligence report.

While Ireland receives less interest from Russian networks than most of the 38 European countries covered, it receives proportionally more interest from Chinese networks. Irish academics said there was an urgent need to co-ordinate Irish agencies to combat disinformation.

Separate security sources have told the Irish Examiner that the biggest threat to European democracies in the coming years will come from more and more sophisticated fake videos produced by rapid advances in AI and Generative AI.

A lot of the Russian disinformation is fairly crass, one security source said. And where of lot of disinformation was identifiable before, with AI and Generative AI it will be harder and harder to detect and the origins of it more and more opaque.

Ireland is still without a State structure to counter disinformation and foreign influence. The report of the National Counter Disinformation Strategy Working Group, which was first due to report a year ago, is still awaited.

The Department of Arts told the Irish Examiner the groups report is due to go to the Cabinet shortly and published afterwards. The Norwegian report, by its Defence Research Establishment, examined posts from known Russian and Chinese influence networks between September 2023 and September 2024.

In relation to Ireland it found:

6,058 posts sent by known Russian networks mentioned Ireland, ranking Ireland 29 out of 38 European countries;

1,538 posts from known Chinese networks mentioned Ireland, placing Ireland 16 out of the 38 countries. Ireland has the 25th largest population out of the 38 countries.

The report said the foreign networks used Facebook, X, TikTok and Telegram. The researchers found Russian profiles use an antagonistic rhetoric with extensive use of disinformation, trying to undermine support in Europe for Ukraine.

Chinese networks mainly focus on positive messaging about China and had a greater interest in Western European states than Eastern European states. It said the vast majority of Chinese posts promote China as a global leader and attractive partner in business and trade.

However, our assessment is that Chinas activity should be interpreted in context of [Chinese State] doctrineswhich are intended to help achieve Chinas goal of global, authoritarian dominance, it said.

Assistant Professor Eileen Culloty of DCUs School of Communications said the Norwegian study didnt reveal how exactly Ireland was being referenced.

But she said: It is still valuable to have public reports like this that help people monitor what is happening online. At a minimum, we need more accurate information.

Ms Culloty said there was a question about whether any of this is influential.

But its difficult to have a clear-eyed analysis of influence if we know little about whats happening online.

Social media companies keep making it harder to analyse the public content they host.

Eoin McNamara, a research fellow in global security at the Finnish Institute of International Relations, said Ireland has been much more ambivalent towards China in its foreign and trade policies than some EU countries.

China sees Ireland as a good investment for its information influence resources and can create a positive image of China despite its increasingly assertive global posture, Mr McNamara said.

He added: Irelands security mindset is problematically stuck in the past. Few should be surprised that powers aiming to compete with the West will want to interfere in Irelands affairs and/or influence its foreign policy.

Professor Ben Tonra, UCD School of Politics and International Relations, said there was an urgent need to better co-ordinate the work of Irish agencies and to centralise and strengthen analysis and to put additional resources into the field.

He said: While this is centrally about defending Ireland from malevolent efforts it is also part of a much wider picture of active hostile efforts directed against Europe - to which Ireland has to address itself.
The EUs police agency has warned of collusion by criminal gangs and hostile states to attack the security and stability of Europe.

Europol said Russia is among the states using these gangs to engage in hybrid attacks, from sabotage to disinformation campaigns, with the aim of creating chaos and undermining public trust in institutions among member states.

The agencys Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (Socta) 2025 said cyberattacks are linked to states to an increasing extent, with critical infrastructure  such as energy facilities and water systems  the target.

The document, produced by Europol every four years, outlines a wide range of trends and threats from gangland including:

Fraud across the EU is an epidemic and has reached unprecedented levels, not only in its scale and reach but also its sophistication, and it is accelerated by rapid advances in AI which is expected to outpace other types of serious and organised crime in the short term;

There is a significant rise in volume of child sexual abuse material detected online, including a proliferation of self-generated material and sexual extortion, with production and distribution expected to grow further, fuelled by AI;

The drugs trade is marked by immense profits in the cocaine market, with some indications of smaller ports being used, and smaller amounts being trafficked, to avoid seizures of multi-tonne consignments while there are also indications that legal and illegal cannabis markets will be increasingly intertwined in supply;

There is increasing violence in the drugs trade in many EU states  seen in the likes of Sweden and Belgium  with cases of children as young as 13 being paid 19,000-20,000 for contract killings, following reports of children being recruited on social media or gaming platforms for drugs and other crimes  including cyber and extremism;

Despite substantial investment in resources and laws, the confiscation of criminal proceeds in the EU has stagnated, with just an estimated 2% of profits nabbed;

And a cessation of Russias war in Ukraine could lead to a glut of firearms, ammunition, and drones on the black market, while the expertise of former soldiers and ex-military cyber experts could go on the criminal marketplace.

'Wake-up' call

Speaking at the launch, Europol director Catherine de Bolle said the report should be a wake-up call for the EU.

Organised crime is growing, evolving and becoming more dangerous, she said, "but organised crime is no longer just about making money.

We observe a growing collaboration between criminal networks and actors organising hybrid threats, exploiting geopolitical tensions and undermining our institutions

She said cybercrime is turning into a digital arms race and some cyberattacks show a combination of profit and destabilisation as they are increasingly state aligned and ideologically motivated.

The report cites collusion between some gangs and hostile states, and adds: There is an increase in politically motivated cyberattacks against critical infrastructure and public institutions, originating from Russia and countries in its sphere of influence.

Crucial infrastructure being targeted include energy, water supply, and healthcare, all with the aim of immobilising essential services, creating chaos, and undermining public trust in institutions.

The EU commissioner for internal affairs and migration, Magnus Brunner, said the recent assessment identified "something new" in that criminal networks are "working on behalf of foreign powers and foreign governments".

He said this could be seen in the "weaponising" of migration, with Russian authorities paying smugglers to bring busloads of migrants into Europe to cause destabilisation.

He also cited a recent case in Poland where the country's largest public hospital suffered a "huge cyberattack", causing very serious disruption to care and services. Authorities in the country are investigating if Russia was behind it.
Political leaders have said Conor McGregor does not speak for Ireland after the fighter visited the White House for a St Patricks Day meeting with US president Donald Trump.

The controversial mixed martial arts fighter praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday.

In return, Mr Trump hailed McGregors own work rate and described him as fantastic.

Earlier, McGregor told reporters in the West Wing that he was going to voice concerns about immigration issues in Ireland when he spoke to Mr Trump.

McGregor, who has previously stated an intent to run for the Irish presidency, claimed the Irish Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US administration could not think of a better guest to have with us on St Patricks Day.

McGregors visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand.

McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

US president Donald Trump with UFC fighter Conor McGregor in the Oval Office of the White House on Monday. Picture: X/@POTUS

In response to McGregors comments to reporters in the White House briefing room, Taoiseach Micheal Martin later said his claims were wrong, and did not reflect the views of the Irish people.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said that McGregor was not in the US to represent Ireland and did not speak for the people of Ireland, and has no mandate to.

Last week, Mr Trump, during a meeting with Taoiseach Mr Martin, described McGregor as great when asked who his favourite Irish person was.

Mr Trump said the MMA fighter had the best tattoos Ive ever seen.

Conors great, right. But you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually, great fighters, he said.

Irelands always had a lot of good fighters.

You know why, because theyre tough people, theyre smart people and theyre passionate people.

During his exchange with reporters on Monday, McGregor criticised the government on immigration issues.

Im here to raise the issues the people of Ireland face.

It will be music to the people of Irelands ears, he said.

Never on the main stage has the issues the people of Ireland faced been spoke.

Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland and its high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland.

What is going on in Ireland is a travesty.

Our government is the government of zero action with zero accountability.

Our money is being spent on overseas issues that is nothing to do with the Irish people.

The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country.

There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop, so issues need to be addressed and the 40 million Irish Americans, as I said, need to hear this because if not there will be no place to come home and visit.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt listens as UFC fighter Conor McGregor speaks with reporters in the briefing room of the White House. Picture: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Taoiseach Mr Martin later posted a response on social media.

St Patricks Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship, he wrote on X.

Conor McGregors remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St Patricks Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.

Tanaiste Mr Harris said: Its for President Trump to invite whoever he wants to his home, and hes perfectly entitled to do whatever he wishes in relation to who he decides to invite to the White House.

But let me be very clear, Conor McGregor is not here in the United States representing Ireland or the people of Ireland. Hes here in a personal capacity.

He doesnt speak for Ireland. He doesnt speak for the people of Ireland. He has no mandate to do such.

My views on him are very clear, well established, previously articulated, long standing and on the public record.

He added: Ive spoken to Nikita Hand.

I admire her bravery, her courage, and Id much rather be talking about Nikita Hand than Conor McGregor, quite frankly.

Mr Harris also said he does not see McGregor becoming the next president of Ireland.

I think its always better for elections to be decided, obviously, by those who live in a country, and by the people of Ireland.

Thats how our presidential election will be decided, he added.

I dont wish to provide free airtime here to Mr McGregor. I dont expect hes going to be the president of Ireland. We have a long and proud tradition of electing excellent people of integrity and decency at Aras an Uachtarain.

McGregor earlier described the US as Irelands big bro during his back and forth with reporters in the West Wing.

Ireland and America, we are siblings.

We consider America our big sibling, he said.

So its important for Ireland to be a peaceful, happy, prosperous country for the 40 million Irish Americans to have a place to visit, to come back to their home so we wish for our relationship with the United States to continue and we wish to be taken care of by the big bro.

The United States should look after its little bro.

And thats how we feel about Ireland and America.
Womens health has been a hot topic in Ireland over the past number of years after a long history of ignorance and neglect.

While the abortion referendum played a huge part in dragging gynaecological health into the national conversation, much of the progress is down to the doggedness and determination of the late Vicky Phelan.

Over two years after the cervical cancer campaigners passing, Ireland still has a long way to go when it comes to making the necessary changes for women to feel safe and cared for.

Yes, there are major improvements. Women aged 17 to 35 can get free contraception, six specialist menopause clinics are operational, a publicly funded Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) treatment can be accessed via regional fertility hubs, and perinatal mental health services are now provided in 19 maternity services.

Last February, Stephen Donnelly, who was at the time minister for health, said he had promised a revolution in womens health. While it is important to pause and acknowledge achievements and new systems being put in place, how can there be a revolution when women still arent being heard in their first pleas for help.

Perhaps, we should go back to the basics and focus on listening. Perhaps, thats where the revolution should start when it comes to womens health in Ireland.

A global survey from 2024 measuring how 143 nations perform in key areas of womens health and well-being found that Ireland ranked 63rd on preventive care.

In the course of researching features on this issue, I have sat down with dozens of women who told me about their health, the painful symptoms they experience on a daily basis, how they feel dismissed by their GPs, how no one seems to be taking them seriously.

They often start with the same sentence - If it was a mans issue and I think they have a point. The healthcare system in my native Belgium is certainly not perfect, but one of the things that surprised me most when I moved here is how dismissive health professionals can be - a dismissiveness women seem to experience more.

March marks endometriosis (endo) awareness month, a chronic condition that impacts one in 10 women, yet one that is still not taken seriously and is poorly researched.

Everyones experience is different, of course, but at home, I have never felt like I wasnt taken seriously whenever I brought up my pain.

March marks endometriosis (endo) awareness month, a chronic condition that impacts one in 10 women, yet one that is still not taken seriously and is poorly researched. There is still no cure for endo, although surgery can bring relief to some.

Historically, the healthcare system was made by men for men. But it would be only fair to think that in 2025, it would take womens accounts more seriously. That women would at least be heard.

Ireland's endometriosis treatment

As the Irish healthcare system fails to provide women with proper services and as the waiting time for diagnosis amounts to an appalling eight years on average, they are forced to seek alternative lines of treatment.

In Romania, women from all over the world get the help of endometriosis specialists at the Bucharest Endometriosis Center, an integrated facility for diagnosis and surgical treatments of endometriosis. Every year, between 100 and 150 Irish women flock there to get the surgeries and healthcare Ireland cannot offer them.

While treatment is available under the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive, Ireland needs endometriosis specialists. Even though the cost of healthcare abroad is reimbursed under that scheme, not everyone has the means to put this kind of money aside - and some even have to take out loans.

Some women who travelled to Romania have told me it cost them about 8,000 overall. The healthcare cost might be reimbursed, but the scheme does not cover travel expenses, accommodation and day-to-day necessities.

Some women I have spoken to found themselves in a situation where they had to travel alone, with no support system, because it would be too costly for someone else to travel with them.

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2021. Two years ago, I found myself in an ambulance on my way to UHL after suffering from intense pelvic pain and unable to move, to sit, or to stand.

I sat on a chair for about six hours before being seen by anyone, and was asked several times if I was sure I didnt have to use the bathroom, if maybe, that was the root of the problem. I had told them about my endometriosis, but no one seemed to listen.

I was appalled, but not surprised. My research had introduced me to women who waited over 10 years to simply get a diagnosis, who were misdiagnosed then found out their condition was extensive, something that could have been prevented.

Manon Gilbart: 'Two years ago, I found myself in an ambulance on my way to UHL after suffering from intense pelvic pain and unable to move, to sit, or to stand.'

I talked with women who were told to get pregnant so they wouldnt be in so much pain, and many, many women who were told it was just bad periods. Recently, I spoke with someone who was found to have endometriosis lesions near her heart, as her condition got worse  something that could have been prevented if she did not have to wait years to get properly diagnosed.

The National Framework for Endometriosis which aims to see the standard of endometriosis care improved was due in April 2024  a framework which is still to be published. While regional hubs being developed is a step forward, the lack of endometriosis specialists in the country is worrying.

The condition is often perceived as gynaecological, but it is an inflammatory disease which can be found on any organ of the body. Thats why an endometriosis hub should have a multidisciplinary team - and for that, we need more funding.

For example, in Belgiums Erasme hospital, there is a clinic dedicated to endometriosis, with gynaecologists, specialist surgeons, urologists, gastroenterologists, fertility experts, as well as sex therapists and physiotherapists.

Many women go to their GPs to get a referral letter - and feeling heard proves to be quite the challenge in itself. Perhaps, we could start there and wait times could be reduced dramatically if their pain was taken seriously from the get go.

While the abortion referendum played a huge part in dragging gynaecological health into the national conversation, much of the progress is down to the doggedness and determination of the late Vicky Phelan. Picture: Naomi Gaffey

The healthcare system wont be fixed in a click of the fingers, but hopefully, we wont have to wait for the next generation before we see more change.

During a keynote speech in 2019, Vicky Phelan said: I have a 13-year-old daughter, and that's who I'm doing all of this for.

"If I die, I want to make sure that we have a health system that is something that I can trust to leave behind, that if she develops anything over the years, if I'm not here, that there's a healthcare system that I can say with hand on heart, I've helped to make it better for her and for all of the other girls.

Its time for those words to be properly heard - and heeded.
Last week, British Labour MP Liam Conlon introduced a bill in the House of Commons to facilitate the development of what he calls Philomenas Law.

The bills title honours Philomena Lee, who spent three years in Sean Ross Abbey, giving birth to her son Anthony there in 1952. Conlon estimates that some 13,000 people eligible for redress under the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme live in Britain.

Poorest least likely to access redress

Only 5% have so far applied to the scheme. Many survivors receiving means-tested social welfare benefits have not applied because they worry that they will lose income if they accept a lump-sum redress payment.

In other words, the poorest Irish survivors of mother and baby institutions living in Britain may be the least likely to access redress.

If we focus on older survivors, relevant means-tested benefits include pension credit, which provides a supplement to those living on a low income, and housing benefit, which helps impoverished pensioners to cover their rent.

These are not generous benefits.

Pension credit ordinarily tops an individuals weekly income up to a guaranteed minimum of 218.15 (259).

Weekly pension credit payments may be reduced if an individual has more than 10,000 in savings.

Lump sums will be eaten up

This means that a lump-sum redress payment would be gradually eaten up, as the survivors benefits are reduced in proportion to the size of the lump sum while they continue to live on a punishingly low income.

As for housing benefit, an individual receiving a lump sum of 16,000 or more might lose their entitlement to that benefit altogether.

Survivors living in Britain must tell social services of any changes to their financial circumstances.

Philomena Lee in 2013. Picture: Louise Haywood-Schiefer

In theory, it is possible to avoid these means-testing rules by placing any redress payment in a personal injury trust.

This is a separate fund managed by trustees for the survivors benefit. The Magdalene Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme allowed for a payment of up to 1,000 to cover the cost of establishing such a trust.

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme currently includes no such provision.

Beware the 'disregard'

In addition, some organisations working for Irish survivors in Britain worry that it is not clear that these trusts can be used to protect payments except where they are intended to compensate for a physical or psychological injury. The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme is based on a report of a commission of investigation which did not recognise those abuses.

If passed, Conlons bill would require the British government to report to parliament on the merits of introducing an indefinite capital disregard in respect of payments from the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.

Philomena Lee in Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea, at a memorial for her son Anthony Lee (Michael Hess) who was lost to her by forced adoption in the mid-1950s. Picture: Mark Stedman/Photocall

In January 2022, similar provisions were introduced for people receiving compensation under schemes set up for survivors of historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and parts of London.

A disregard would mean that payments under the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme would not be taken into account when determining eligibility for means-tested social welfare payments or care services.

It would bring the treatment of survivors who emigrated to Britain into line with the policy the Government applies to those who stayed in or returned to Ireland.

Judi Dench as Philomena Lee and Steve Coogan as Martin Sixsmith in 'Philomena', the film based on the life of Philomena Lee. File picture: Alex Bailey/Pathe/PA

Punitive benefits system

The bill is a welcome intervention.

However, it should not be allowed to distract from the structural issues which have put impoverished British-resident survivors of Irelands mother and baby homes in such a difficult position.

Britains benefits system is notoriously punitive. Many Irish survivors of mother and baby institutions live not only with the individual impacts of abuse, but with the ongoing effects of years of austerity.

An inadequate scheme

The Mother and Baby Homes Payment Scheme is also, in itself, inadequate.

Earlier this month, it emerged that the Mother and Baby Homes Payment Scheme has spent just 7% of its budget, suggesting that it is not effectively responding to survivors needs, wherever they live.

Its eligibility criteria exclude large numbers of people affected by forced adoption and boarding out. Successful applicants may receive payments as low as 5,000.

They may not be affected by means-testing at all, but the payment will do little to relieve poverty or poor living conditions.

Finally, it is a challenge to celebrate the British parliaments support for redress for Irish survivors of mother and baby homes when there has been no state apology or redress for those affected by forced family separation in equivalent English institutions. These include women from Irish families.

Both Ireland and Britain have some distance to travel to make amends for the past.

So far, neither country has done enough.
When Youghal Carpets opened in 1954, Tom Donnelly was sitting at his desk at the towns secondary school.

A phone call came through to the headmaster from the company known locally simply as the carpet factory. They were looking for a tea boy and a go-for, he says.

The 16-year-old Tom was selected for the role and so began a career that was to span over three decades until he retired, having reached the level of production manager, in 1984.

Youghal Carpets was established on Monday, March 8, 1954, and at its peak, employed over 600 people.

The company closed in 2006 and when the factories in Youghal and Carrigtwohill shut up shop in 1984, the area was devastated. Today an Aldi store stands on the site of the Youghal building where Tom and his colleagues once wove the creations that were sent across the globe.

Tom Donnelly, third from left, started work at Youghal Carpets at 16; Jack Brown (on railway cart), Jack Smyth, John Lane, Tom Donnelly, Mikie Whyte, Harry Lumas.

Its also where he and his future wife Kay met.

Kay worked in the factorys office and the couples paths would cross as they went up and down the backstairs.

Kay and Tom Donnelly at their home in Youghal this week. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Now 88, Tom recalls how the textiles the plant produced also began to crisscross the globe, including the first-ever carpet, which was transported by the local postmans horse and dray to the train station in Youghal. From there it would be delivered ultimately to the customer, says Tom.

Forty-two hands were required to set up the loom  and famous feet were often destined to tread those threads, The factory was renowned for its high quality and carpets featured in Las Vegas casinos as well as in the Sultan of Bruneis palace, he says.

Hearsay among former workers has it that Frank Sinatra was among the clients placing orders.

For many years, Tom and his colleagues attempted to set up a museum or visitor centre  to no avail.

Kay and Tom Donnelly. Picture: Howard Crowdy

And it was Kay who was to carry the thread of Youghal Carpets story into the present.

She and Tom had safeguarded wool and memorabilia from the factory which now forms the basis for an art exhibition created by former employees, their families and the community with west Waterford artist Katie Nolan at Greywood Arts Centre in Killeagh, Co Cork. One day Kay Donnelly arrived at a workshop with a big bag of wool. I took it out of the factory when it closed, she told me, says Katie.

Artist Katie Nolan at work during the Greywood residency.

My work is driven by a fundamental interest in how human interaction with technology shapes cultural and sensory experiences.

I was experimenting and playing with the Youghal Carpet wool attempting to develop ideas or a concept that might relate to the rich and multidimensional history of this renowned textile industry.

Kay Donnelly still enjoys weaving at home in Youghal. Picture: Howard Crowdy

As well as spools of wool, Kay also gifted Katie 1970s photographs. The photographs, taken by the design team at Youghal Carpets in the 70s are of stone walls, lichen, and other elements from nature that were used to inspire the colours for the wool. So precious! adds the artist.

Over several months last year, events were organised at Greywood Arts for former workers at Youghal Carpets from both the Youghal and Carrigtwohill factories. They came armed with precious memorabilia, old wool and jute, photographs and documents from their Youghal Carpets days, says Katie.

Katie Nolan with former employees of Youghal Carpets working on the art project.

I felt compelled to honour these keepsakes and to record the workers anecdotal stories.

An initial social gathering of ex-employees in January 2024 at Greywood Arts revealed a community of workers eager to recount and share their stories and memories. The event was a celebration of shared experiences and a rekindling of connections that time hadnt eroded, adds Katie.

A papermaking workshop ensued whereby photocopies of these items along with unspun old Youghal Carpet wool were re-contextualised into new handmade sheets of paper. The recorded memories of the workers are printed onto these handmade papers, a potent gesture to embed the words of the workers within some of the original fibres from the factory, she adds.

The handcasting workshops at Greywood Arts involved 42 hands cast in plaster, to represent the role of the 42 workers that were needed to prepare the looms before the machine could weave a carpet.

My intention was to make a faithful and potent representation of the manual skill and labour that was part of the Youghal Carpet workforce. The sculptures form part of the exhibition alongside a multi-screen video installation exploring various aspects of the workers tasks, memories and experiences.

Michael O'Farrell, Glounthaune, Pat Murray, Ballincollig, Bernard O'Mahony, Carrigtwohill, Patrick 'The Rancher' McCarthy, Midleton, and Mick Glavin, Glanmire, pictured with old photos from their time at Youghal Carpets. Picture: Diane Cusack

On Friday, March 14, Greywood Arts in partnership with Katie opened the exhibition The Knot on the Fly, reflecting on the rich history and cultural legacy of the Youghal Carpets factory. The display will be at The Mall Arts Centre in Youghal until March 23.

The exhibition is the culmination of the collaborative project with former workers and their families. We wanted to explore its socio-economic, cultural, and artistic impact, says Katie.

Through video, installation, 3D prints, letterpress, printmaking and sculpture, The Knot on the Fly considers the nature of modern technology and the diminishing role of touch and manual skill in contemporary life. At the heart of the work is the concept of the human hand as technology, drawing parallels between traditional craftsmanship and the digital age.

Tom Doc Lynch at Youghal Carpets, Killacloyne plant in decades gone by.

The Knot on the Fly has been supported by Cork County Council and Creative Ireland, fostering engagement with East Corks multi-ethnic community and using textiles as an intercultural language to encourage dialogue and knowledge-sharing.

Greywood Arts creative director Jessica Bonenfant adds: Youghal Carpets was such a huge part of the local community and economy in East Cork for many decades, and its closure in 1984 had such a significant impact on the socio-economic fabric of East Cork. This exhibition celebrates the workers.

"By offering ways to reconnect with one another through workshops in papermaking and weaving, storytelling, and hand-casting, artist Katie Nolan combines their stories and shared experiences into a poignant and important creative expression. We invite everyone to come along and experience this unique exhibition.
Israel has launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 326 Palestinians including women and children, according to hospital officials.

The surprise bombardment early on Tuesday shattered a ceasefire in place since January and threatened to fully reignite the 17-month-old war.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement.

Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand.

The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israels actions.

The Israeli military ordered people to evacuate eastern Gaza, including much of the northern town of Beit Hanoun and other communities further south, and head toward the centre of the territory, indicating that Israel could soon launch renewed ground operations.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Mr Netanyahus office said.

The attack during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan could resume a war that has already killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza.

It also raised questions about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.

A senior Hamas official said Mr Netanyahus decision to return to war amounts to a death sentence for the remaining hostages.

Izzat al-Risheq accused Mr Netanyahu of launching the strikes to try and save his far-right governing coalition and called on mediators to reveal facts on who broke the truce.

There were no reports of any attacks by Hamas several hours after the bombardment, indicating it still hoped to restore the truce.

The strikes came as Mr Netanyahu comes under mounting domestic pressure, with mass protests planned over his handling of the hostage crisis and his decision to fire the head of Israels internal security agency. His latest testimony in a long-running corruption trial was cancelled after the strikes.

The main group representing families of the captives accused the government of backing out of the ceasefire, saying it chose to give up on the hostages.

We are shocked, angry and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.

Explosions and plumes of smoke in Palestine

In the southern city of Khan Younis, Associated Press reporters saw explosions and plumes of smoke. Ambulances brought wounded people to Nasser Hospital, where patients lay on the floor, some screaming.

A young boy sat with a bandage around his head as a health worker checked for more injuries, a young girl cried as her bloody arm was bandaged.

A strike on a home in the southern city of Rafah killed 17 members of one family, including at least 12 women and children, according to the European Hospital, which received the bodies. The dead included five children, their parents, and another father and his three children, according to hospital records.

Many Palestinians said they had expected a return to war when talks over the second phase of the ceasefire did not begin as scheduled in early February.

Israel instead embraced an alternative proposal and cut off all shipments of food, fuel and other aid to the territorys two million Palestinians to try to pressure Hamas to accept it.

Explosions could be heard throughout Gaza. The territorys civil defence agency said its crews were having a difficult time carrying out rescue efforts because various areas were being targeted simultaneously.

The White House sought to blame Hamas for the renewed fighting. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the militant group could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.

US envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been leading mediation efforts along with Egypt and Qatar, had earlier warned that Hamas must release living hostages immediately or pay a severe price.

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation, said Israel was striking Hamas military, leaders and infrastructure and planned to expand the operation beyond air attacks.

The official accused Hamas of attempting to rebuild and plan new attacks. Hamas militants and security forces quickly returned to the streets in recent weeks after the ceasefire went into effect.

Israels defence minister, Israel Katz, said the gates of hell will open in Gaza if the hostages are not released. We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals, he said.

Palestinians Ali Marouf and his mother Aisha cook on the roof of their destroyed house by the Israeli army's air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip, on Monday, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

The strikes came two months after a ceasefire was reached to pause the war. Over six weeks, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase of the ceasefire.

But since that ceasefire ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward with a second phase aimed at releasing the 59 remaining hostages, 35 of whom are believed to be dead, and ending the war altogether.

Hamas has demanded an end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages.

Israel says it will not end the war until it destroys Hamas governing and military capabilities and frees all hostages.

Mr Netanyahus office on Tuesday said Hamas had repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the US presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators.

The war erupted when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.

Most have been released in ceasefires or other deals, with Israeli forces rescuing only eight and recovering dozens of bodies.

Israel responded with a military offensive that killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced an estimated 90% of Gazas population.

The territorys Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants, but says over half of the dead have been women and children.

The ceasefire had brought some relief to Gaza and allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what remained of their homes.

A renewed Israeli ground offensive could also be especially deadly now that so many Palestinian civilians have returned home. Before the ceasefire, civilians were largely concentrated in tent camps meant to provide relative safety from the fighting.

The return to fighting could also worsen deep internal fissures inside Israel over the fate of the remaining hostages.

Many of the hostages released by Hamas returned emaciated and malnourished, putting heavy pressure on the government to extend the ceasefire.

The released hostages have repeatedly implored the government to press ahead with the ceasefire to return all remaining hostages, and tens of thousands of Israelis have taken part in mass demonstrations calling for a ceasefire and return of all hostages.

Mass demonstrations are planned later on Tuesday and Wednesday following Mr Netanyahus announcement this week that he wants to fire the head of Israels internal security agency, the Shin Bet.

Critics have lambasted the move as an attempt by Mr Netanyahu to divert blame for his governments failures in the October 7 attack and handling of the war.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza began in mid-January, Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military says approached its troops or entered unauthorised areas.

Still, the deal had tenuously held without an outbreak of wide violence.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate the next steps in the ceasefire.




Israels military has ordered an evacuation of parts of eastern Gaza, hours after launching a wave of airstrikes that killed more than 400 people, shattering the pause in hostilities since mid-January in the devastated Palestinian territory.

The evacuation orders, which cover the northern town of Beit Hanoun and other communities further south, suggest that Israeli troops may launch renewed ground operations within hours.

Palestinian health authorities reported a total of 404 deaths in the strikes, which Israeli military officials said targeted Hamas military commanders and political officials. More than 600 were reported injured. Both air attacks and artillery fire was reported to be continuing across much of Gaza at noon local time.

Aid officials in Gaza described a very bad night and said that hundreds, possibly thousands, were already on the move to comply with the Israeli evacuation orders. There is no resilience. People have hardly recovered from so much violence. They are in a very weak state, physically and psychologically, one aid official in Gaza told the Guardian.

Palestinians inspect the damage at Al-Tabi'in School in central Gaza Strip following an Israeli airstrike. Picture: AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi

In Washington, a White House spokesperson said Israel had consulted the US administration before it carried out the strikes.

Attacks were reported in northern Gaza and in the central cities of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. One strike was reported to have killed 17 members of a family in Rafah. The dead included five children, their parents, and a man and his three children, medics at the hospital that received the bodies said.

Another, in Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis, resulted in the deaths of 13 people.

There were also reports of other strikes on schools used as shelters for the displaced, individual apartments in tower blocks in Gaza City, and in tented encampments in the coastal zone of al-Mawasi.

Casualties included senior Hamas officials, including the most senior political leader in Gaza and ministers, as well as many women and children, Palestinian officials said.

Civil defence teams in Gaza said they were overwhelmed. The Palestinian Red Crescent said its teams dealt with 86 people killed and 134 wounded.

Officials from Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, al-Aqsa hospital in central Gaza and al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, which have all been extensively damaged in the war, said that altogether they had received about 85 dead.

Witnesses said patients lay on the floor at the hospital, some screaming, and a young girl cried as her bloody arm was bandaged.

A body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli army airstrikes is brought to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Picture: AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana

Israeli and US officials blame Hamas for the renewed violence, saying the Islamist militant organisation has refused to release more of the 59 hostages it holds in Gaza, thus breaking the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in January. Hamas said hostage releases were due only during a scheduled second phase that Israel agreed in January but has since refused to discuss or implement.

In a statement issued shortly after strikes began, Israel Katz, Israels defence minister, said the gates of hell will open in Gaza and that Hamas would be hit with a force it has never seen before if it did not release all remaining hostages.

We will not stop fighting until all of the hostages return home and all the wars aims are achieved, Katz said.

The office of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, accused Hamas of repeated refusal to release hostages and of rejecting proposals from Donald Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, for an extension of the pause in hostilities. Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, it said in a statement.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreed in January involved 25 living Israeli hostages and the remains of eight dead Israelis returned by militant groups in Gaza in exchange for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Under the scheduled second phase of the ceasefire, there would have been a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of all hostages and a definitive end to hostilities. With the backing of the US, Israel has been pushing instead been for the return of all remaining hostages in exchange for further prisoner releases and a 30- to 60-day truce, in line with Witkoffs proposal.

Earlier this month, Israel blocked deliveries of aid from entering Gaza and cut off remaining electricity supplies in a bid to pressure Hamas.

The US national security council spokesperson, Brian Hughes, said Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File Picture: Yair Sagi/Pool Photo via AP

Taher al-Nunu, a Hamas official, said the international community faced a moral test.

Either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza, al-Nunu said.

The strikes come at a tense moment in Israel domestic politics. Netanyahu said on Sunday he would fire Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet internal security service, a controversial move that immediately prompted accusations of authoritarianism and plans for major protests on Wednesday.

In his statement about the latest strikes, Netanyahu said he had approved the attacks over the weekend, suggesting the decision preceded the announcement of his intention to fire Bar.

An ambulance carrying victims of an Israeli army strike arrives at the hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Picture: AP Photo/ Mohammad Jahjouh

Much of Gaza lies in ruins after 15 months of fighting, which erupted on 7 October 2023 when thousands of Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israeli communities around the Gaza Strip, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages.

The Israeli campaign in response has killed more than 48,000 people and reduced much of the territory to ruins. Ninety per cent of houses are damaged or destroyed, and much of the population is displaced. Roads, hospitals, schools, sanitation systems and much else has been reduced to rubble.

- The Guardian, Reuters and Associated Press
US President Donald Trump is to hold talks on Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin as he looks to get buy-in on a US ceasefire proposal he hopes can create a pathway to ending Russias devastating war on Ukraine.

The White House is optimistic that peace is within reach even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains sceptical that Putin is doing much beyond paying lip service to Mr Trump as Russian forces continue to pound his country.

The engagement is just the latest turn in dramatically shifting US-Russia relations as Mr Trump made quickly ending the conflict a top priority  even at the expense of straining ties with long-time American allies who want Mr Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

US President Donald Trump, left, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP)

Its a bad situation in Russia, and its a bad situation in Ukraine, Mr Trump told reporters on Monday.

Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it.

In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff met last week with Mr Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

The US president said Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.

Mr Trump, who during his campaign pledged to quickly end the war, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Mr Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russias unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Mr Zelensky of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since the Second World War.

Mr Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that Mr Trump and Mr Putin will discuss the war in Ukraine but added that there are also a large number of questions regarding normalising US-Russia relations.

The call will take place between 1pm GMT and 3pm GMT, Mr Peskov said.

Mr Trump has said that swaps of land and power plants will be part of the conversation.

Mr Witkoff and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that US and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant  Europes largest  in southern Ukraine.

Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it

The plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after.

The UNs International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about it, fuelling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The plant is a significant asset, producing nearly a quarter of Ukraines electricity in the year before the war.

I can say we are on the 10th yard line of peace, Ms Leavitt said. And weve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the president, as you know, is determined to get one done.

But Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, questioned whether Mr Putin is ready to end the war or will hold out for potential further concessions as Mr Trump grows impatient.

After a disastrous February 28 White House meeting with Mr Zelensky, Mr Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine.

It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administrations 30-day ceasefire proposal.

The US has been consistently offering in some form pre-emptive concessions that have been weakening the American and Ukrainian negotiating position, Mr Bowman said.

I think theres a real danger here that the administrations approach is boiling down to sticks for Ukraine and carrots for Putin.

Mr Zelensky in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Mr Putin is ready for peace.

A painting created by Russian artist Alexei Sergienko showing a combination of faces of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP)

Now, almost a week later, its clear to everyone in the world  even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years  that it is Putin who continues to drag out this war, Mr Zelensky said.

In his dealings with Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin, Mr Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage.

Mr Putin has the cards and Mr Zelensky does not, Mr Trump has said repeatedly.

Mr Trump, who has long shown admiration for Mr Putin, has also made clear hed like to see the US-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.

The president during his recent contentious meeting with Mr Zelensky grumbled that Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, a reference to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position.

He said Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region  amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials thats been refuted by Mr Zelensky.

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 and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Mr Zelensky has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on their back foot but refutes Russian claims that they have encircled his troops in Kursk.

Mr Trump suggested that he has taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer, Mr Trump said.

Ms Leavitt is one of three Trump administration officials who face a legal case from The Associated Press on First- and Fifth-Amendment grounds.

The AP says the three are punishing the news agency for editorial decisions they oppose.

The White House says the AP is not following an executive order to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin discussed the Ukraine war on Tuesday in a phone call which Washington hoped would convince Moscow to accept a 30-day ceasefire and move towards a permanent peace deal.

Both sides said the talks, which began at 10am ET (2pm Irish time), had later concluded.

White House chief of staff Dan Scavino had said earlier that the call had been "going well".

Kirill Dmitriev, a Putin envoy, said that under the leadership of Trump and Putin the world had become a much safer place.

Ukraine has already agreed to the US-proposed ceasefire in Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two, in which hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or wounded, millions have been displaced and towns have been reduced to rubble.

Mr Putin, whose forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022, said last week he supported in principle Washington's proposal for a truce but that his forces would fight on until several crucial conditions were worked out.

Mr Trump hopes also to secure progress towards a longer-term peace plan, which he has hinted could include territorial concessions by Kyiv and control of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said before the call that Trump and Putin would discuss settling the conflict in Ukraine and normalising relations between Russia and the United States, and that they would speak "for as long as they deem necessary."

Mr Peskov said there was already a "certain understanding" between the two leaders, based on a phone call they held on February 12 and on subsequent high-level contacts between the two countries.

ZELENSKIY SAYS SOVEREIGNTY NOT NEGOTIABLE

Mr Trump's shifts in US policy and his overtures to Mr Putin since returning to the White House in January have left traditional US allies wary.

Tuesdays call comes after Ukrainian officials last week agreed to the American proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Ukraine and its Western allies have long described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an imperialist land grab and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Putin of deliberately prolonging the war.

Tomorrow marks one week since the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the sky, at sea, and on the front lines has been on the table. The implementation of this proposal could have begun long ago. Every day in wartime is a matter of human lives.



Now, almost a week later, its clear pic.twitter.com/bqRbA8hf7K  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) March 17, 2025

Mr Zelenskyy, who arrived in Finland on Tuesday to discuss the NATO state's support for Ukraine, says Ukraine's sovereignty is not negotiable and Russia must surrender the territory it has seized. He says Moscow's ambitions will not stop at Ukraine if it is allowed to keep the territory it has seized.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned on Tuesday that Russia had massively expanded its military-industrial production capacity in preparation for "future confrontation with European democracies."

Speaking to Mr Trump late on Monday, British prime minister Kier Starmer "reiterated that all must work together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to secure a just and lasting peace," the British leader's spokesperson said.

Russia seized the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and controls most of four eastern Ukrainian regions following its invasion in February 2022. It controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory.

Mr Putin said he sent troops into Ukraine because NATO's creeping expansion threatened Russia's security. He has demanded Ukraine drop its ambition of joining the Western military alliance.

Mr Putin has also said Russia must keep control of Ukrainian territory it has seized, that Western sanctions should be eased and Kyiv must stage a presidential election. Zelenskiy, elected in 2019, rules under martial law he imposed because of the war.

'BAD SITUATION'

The engagement is just the latest turn in dramatically shifting US-Russia relations, as Mr Trump made quickly ending the conflict a top priority, even at the expense of straining ties with longtime American allies who want Mr Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

Its a bad situation in Russia, and its a bad situation in Ukraine, Mr Trump told reporters on Monday.

Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it.

US President Donald Trump, left, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP)

In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff last week met Mr Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

The US president said Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.

Mr Trump, who during his campaign pledged to quickly end the war, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Mr Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russias unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Mr Zelenskyy of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since the Second World War.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is Europes largest (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

Mr Witkoff and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that US and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest, in southern Ukraine.

The plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after.

The UNs International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about it, fuelling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The plant is a significant asset, producing nearly a quarter of Ukraines electricity in the year before the war.

I can say we are on the 10th yard line of peace, Ms Leavitt said. And weve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the president, as you know, is determined to get one done.

But Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, questioned whether Mr Putin is ready to end the war or will hold out for potential further concessions as Mr Trump grows impatient.

After a disastrous February 28 White House meeting with Mr Zelenskyy, Mr Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine.

It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administrations 30-day ceasefire proposal.

A view of Sudzha, the biggest town in the Kursk region, after it was taken over by Russian troops (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP)

The US has been consistently offering in some form pre-emptive concessions that have been weakening the American and Ukrainian negotiating position, Mr Bowman said.

I think theres a real danger here that the administrations approach is boiling down to sticks for Ukraine and carrots for Putin.

Mr Zelenskyy in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Mr Putin is ready for peace.

Now, almost a week later, its clear to everyone in the world, even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years, that it is Mr Putin who continues to drag out this war, Mr Zelensky said.

In his dealings with Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin, Mr Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage. Mr Putin has the cards and Mr Zelensky does not, Mr Trump has said repeatedly.

Mr Trump, who has long shown admiration for Mr Putin, has also made clear he would like to see the US-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer

The president, during his recent contentious meeting with Mr Zelensky, grumbled that Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, a reference to the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position.

He said Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region, amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials that has been disputed by Mr Zelensky.

Ukraines army stunned Russia in August last year by attacking across the border and taking control of an estimated 500 square miles of land.

But Ukraines forces are now in retreat and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Mr Zelensky has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on the back foot while disputing Russian claims that his troops are encircled in Kursk.

Mr Trump suggested that he has taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer, Mr Trump said.

- Reuters and Associated Press
A police investigation into the shooting of an IRA man in Co Down was wholly inadequate and lacked independence and rigour, a watchdog has found.

Colum Marks, 29, was shot by an RUC officer, known as officer B, on April 10 1991, in Downpatrick. The Newry man died later in hospital.

Two years ago, Northern Irelands Public Prosecution Service decided not to pursue any charge against officer B, determining there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.

The shooting happened during an intelligence-led counter terrorism operation designed to thwart a planned IRA mortar attack on passing security forces and to arrest suspects.

Mr Marks family lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (PONI) some 10 years ago.

The family said new evidence contradicted the polices version of events. The bereaved relations said Mr Marks was not armed and was posing no threat when he was shot in the back as he ran away.

In 2017, the watchdog commenced an examination into the investigation of the shooting, which was headed up by the RUCs Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

Ombudsman Marie Andersons review of available documentation included the interviews given by officers involved in the police operation that night, as well as an interview under caution with officer B the day after the fatal shooting.

During this interview, he was asked only five questions, two of which related to distance and lighting between two points on a map.

Ms Anderson said that approach by CID, given the seriousness of the incident, was wholly inadequate in a number of important respects.

Officer Bs interview failed to adequately examine his actions or mindset at the time of the incident, and lacked the necessary depth and rigour expected in light of the fact that this was a fatal police shooting, she said.

The anti-terror operation was undertaken by the RUCs south region tactical co-ordinating group (TCG).

The ombudsman found most of the records detailing the management of such covert TCG operations have been destroyed, including those related to the incident on St Patricks Avenue in Downpatrick.

Ms Anderson said the absence of such records severely hampered her investigation.

She said evidence that was available, including radio transmission logs of the operation, showed Mr Marks was seen carrying what appeared to be a mortar at 9.29pm on April 10 1991.

A few minutes later he was seen in the driveway of a house in St Patricks Avenue and the mortar was confirmed as having been assembled in the driveway at 9.46pm.

At 9.47pm officers were instructed to arrest the man, who then fled the scene across a recreation ground at which point the shooting occurred.

The ombudsman said the lack of records limited her ability to fully assess opportunities that may have been presented to arrest Mr Marks prior to his sighting at St Patricks Avenue with the mortar.

I am unable to conclude, therefore, whether there was an opportunity to disrupt the planned mortar attack, to arrest Mr Marks before that evening or to arrest him prior to the first recorded sighting of him by police officer B at 9.29pm, she said.

However, from the evidence which is available, there was a short window of opportunity to arrest Mr Marks on that evening between 9.29pm, when he was first observed carrying the mortar, and 9.47pm, when the instruction was given to arrest him.

It is clear that police intended to arrest suspects in circumstances that connected them to the weapon, and the intent to commit an unlawful act, rather than possession of the weapon alone.

In the presence of what was described as a viable explosive device, it is my view that this was a high-risk strategy on the part of police, whose primary duty was to protect life. While the RUC had the ability to refer itself to the Independent Commission for Police Complaints For Northern Ireland (ICPCNI), the ombudsman said there was no record of it ever doing so.

Mr Marks widow subsequently made a complaint to the commission in November 1991 in an effort to secure an independent investigation into her husbands death.

Her complaint was then investigated by RUC Complaints and Discipline (C&D) under the ICPCs supervision. As a result, a further interview of officer B was conducted under criminal caution.

Ms Andersons team located a list of questions that police intended to put to the officer during interview but were unable to find a transcript of the interview itself. Original documentation generated by the ICPC was also absent.

No criminal proceedings were directed against any police officer for any offence arising out of the fatal shooting.

Mrs Anderson said she was surprised that the opportunity was not taken to refer the death of Mr Marks to the ICPC.

While the family of Mr Marks have claimed there was a conspiracy involved in his death, the ombudsman said she could find no evidence of one.

Family members have also expressed concerns that Mr Marks was not given medical attention or taken immediately to hospital, and that he was not moved by ambulance.

Ms Anderson found that first aid was provided at the scene and Mr Marks was taken to hospital around 15 minutes after the shooting occurred. The ombudsman said she considered that timeframe to be as soon as was practicable.

While the watchdog probe found he had been transported in a police car, Ms Anderson said that was likely to be the quickest way of getting him there at that time.

The ombudsman also addressed questions as to whether a mortar had been found at the site on the evening of the shooting. She concluded, based on witness statements and scene photographs, that the mortar was present.

An allegation that Mr Marks was shot in the back was considered by the ombudsmans investigation. An independent forensic scientist was commissioned to examine his clothing and a virtual reconstruction of the incident was also created.

The ombudsman determined that a criminal offence may have been committed and forwarded a file of evidence to the NI Public Prosecution Service in 2021.

In May 2023, the PPS concluded that there was no reasonable prospect of a conviction of officer B based on the evidence.

The ombudsman also conducted a parallel investigation related to the incident prompted by a referral from the PSNIs chief constable in 2017. It related to allegations that officer B had sent a text message to another police officer claiming he was asked to lie about his debrief after Mr Marks death.

Interviewed under caution by Police Ombudsman investigators, officer B accepted that he had sent the message.

He claimed that although he had been asked to lie about the post-incident debrief and procedures, because these had not been carried out correctly, he had never been subject to a debrief process.

He insisted he had not been asked to lie about the events of the incident itself.

The ombudsman found there was insufficient evidence to conclude that officer B had been asked to lie by his supervising officers.

Reflecting on the overall case, Ms Anderson acknowledged that examining historical matters is challenging due to the passage of time and unavailability of relevant witnesses and documentation.

In their complaint, the Marks family sought clarity as to the events of April 10 1991, she said.

Regretfully there remain unanswered questions due to the absence of records and in particular information about the TCG operation. The effect of the practice of destruction of these records is that the TCG operation has not been subject to independent examination and scrutiny.

However, I am critical of aspects of the initial RUC CID investigation, particularly the initial under caution interview of police officer B on April 11 1991.

I am also concerned that this matter was not referred to the ICPC by the Chief Constable given its gravity.

In consequence I conclude that the initial police investigation lacked sufficient independence and was not afforded the scrutiny and rigour that a fatal shooting of this nature warranted. A solicitor for the Marks family said the ombudsmans findings supported their long-held view that the RUC did not properly investigate the fatal shooting.

Gavin Booth from Phoenix Law said: Its clear from the findings that there was time to arrest Colum prior to the shooting and this was not acted upon by the RUC at the time. We now know that for three days the RUC knew about this and opportunities clearly existed to arrest.

The ombudsman was clear that Colum was unarmed, unmasked and not posing a threat when he was shot several times.

Its wholly disappointing that much of the evidence was destroyed by the RUC and some former officers did not co-operate with this investigation.

Finally, it was accepted by PONI and the PPS that many questions remained unanswered.
US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin agreed during a lengthy call on Tuesday to an immediate pause in strikes against energy and infrastructure targets in the Ukraine war.

The Russian leader stopped short of backing a broader 30-day pause in fighting that the US administration is pressing for.

The White House described it as the first step in a movement to peace it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full and lasting end to the fighting.

The White House said negotiations would begin immediately in the Middle East on those steps.

Shortly after the call between Mr Trump and Mr Putin, air raid alerts sounded in Kyiv, followed by explosions in the city.

Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Vladimir Putin:



Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the  Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 18, 2025

Local officials urged people to seek shelter.

It was not immediately clear whether Ukraine is on board with the limited ceasefire plan.

Ukrainian officials had proposed a ceasefire covering the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes and the release of prisoners at their meeting with the US delegation in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine, Mr Trump posted on social media following his call.

The Kremlin said Mr Putin welcomed Mr Trumps calls for the maritime ceasefire and agreed to begin negotiations to further work out specific details of such an agreement.

Mr Putin also told Mr Trump that Russia and Ukraine will exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday, and Russia will also hand over to Ukraine 23 badly wounded soldiers, the Kremlin said.

The phone call came as the White House pushes for Russia to sign off on its 30-day ceasefire proposal to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Trump said before the call that he expected to discuss with Mr Putin land and power plants that have been seized during the three-year war.

Tomorrow marks one week since the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the sky, at sea, and on the front lines has been on the table. The implementation of this proposal could have begun long ago. Every day in wartime is a matter of human lives.



Now, almost a week later, its clear pic.twitter.com/bqRbA8hf7K  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) March 17, 2025

Ukrainian officials last week agreed to the American proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains sceptical that Mr Putin is ready for peace as Russian forces continue to pound Ukraine.

The engagement is just the latest turn in dramatically shifting US-Russia relations, as Mr Trump made quickly ending the conflict a top priority, even at the expense of straining ties with longtime American allies who want Mr Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

Its a bad situation in Russia, and its a bad situation in Ukraine, Mr Trump told reporters on Monday.

Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it.

In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff last week met Mr Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

Mr Putin last week said he agreed in principle with the US proposal, but emphasised that Russia would seek guarantees that Ukraine would not use a break in hostilities to rearm and continue mobilisation.

He has also demanded that Ukraine renounce joining the Nato military alliance, sharply cut its army, and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscows orbit.

The US president said Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.

Mr Trump, who during his campaign pledged to quickly end the war, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Mr Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russias unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Mr Zelensky of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since the Second World War.

Mr Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that Mr Trump and Mr Putin would discuss the war in Ukraine but added that there are also a large number of questions regarding normalising US-Russia relations.

Mr Trump has said that control of land and power plants will be part of the conversation, which comes on the anniversary of Russia annexing Ukraines Crimean peninsula 11 years ago.

That bold land grab by Russia set the stage for Russia to invade its neighbour in 2022.

Mr Witkoff and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that US and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest, in southern Ukraine.

The plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after.

The UNs International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about it, fuelling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The plant is a significant asset, producing nearly a quarter of Ukraines electricity in the year before the war.

I can say we are on the 10th yard line of peace, Ms Leavitt said. And weve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the president, as you know, is determined to get one done.

But Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, questioned whether Mr Putin is ready to end the war or will hold out for potential further concessions as Mr Trump grows impatient.

After a disastrous February 28 White House meeting with Mr Zelensky, Mr Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine.

It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administrations 30-day ceasefire proposal.

The US has been consistently offering in some form pre-emptive concessions that have been weakening the American and Ukrainian negotiating position, Mr Bowman said.

I think theres a real danger here that the administrations approach is boiling down to sticks for Ukraine and carrots for Putin.

Mr Zelensky in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Mr Putin is ready for peace.

Now, almost a week later, its clear to everyone in the world, even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years, that it is Mr Putin who continues to drag out this war, Mr Zelensky said.

In his dealings with Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin, Mr Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage. Mr Putin has the cards and Mr Zelensky does not, Mr Trump has said repeatedly.

Mr Trump, who has long shown admiration for Mr Putin, has also made clear he would like to see the US-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer

The president, during his recent contentious meeting with Mr Zelensky, grumbled that Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, a reference to the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position.

He said Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region, amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials that has been disputed by Mr Zelensky.

Ukraines army stunned Russia in August last year by attacking across the border and taking control of an estimated 500 square miles of land.

But Ukraines forces are now in retreat and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Mr Zelensky has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on the back foot while disputing Russian claims that his troops are encircled in Kursk.

Mr Trump suggested that he has taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer, Mr Trump said.
There were protests on the streets of Budapest on Tuesday after a new law was passed banning Pride events and allowing authorities to use facial recognition software to identify those attending the festivities.

More than 1,000 protesters gathered hours after the vote outside Hungarys parliament in opposition to the measures.

Chanting anti-government slogans, they marched to the Margaret Bridge over the Danube and blocked traffic, drawing a big police presence.

The move by Hungarian MPs is part of a crackdown on the countrys LGBT community by the nationalist conservative party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.

MPs of the Momentum party protest with flares at the Hungarian parliament (Boglarka Bodnar/MTI/AP) via AP)

The law in Hungary, reminiscent of similar restrictions against sexual minorities in Russia, passed with a 136-27 vote.

The law, supported by Mr Orbans Fidesz party and their minority coalition partner the Christian Democrats, was pushed through parliament in an accelerated procedure after being submitted on Monday.

Opposing legislators led a vivid protest in the legislature involving rainbow-colored smoke bombs.

The bill amends Hungarys law on assembly to make it an offence to hold or attend events that violate Hungarys contentious child protection legislation, which prohibits the depiction or promotion of homosexuality to minors under 18.

Attending a prohibited event will carry fines up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (425), which the state must forward to child protection, according to the text of the law.

Authorities may use facial recognition tools to identify individuals attending a prohibited event.

Ferenc Gelencser of the Momentum party throws pamphlets from the balcony in parliament (Boglarka Bodnar/MTI/AP)

As the vote was held in Hungarys parliament in Budapest, opposition MPs ignited smoke bombs in the chamber, filling it with thick plumes of smoke.

The opposition Momentum party called for a protest outside Hungarys parliament later in the day.

In a statement on Monday after MPs first submitted the bill, Budapest Pride organisers said the aim of the law was to scapegoat the LGBT community in order to silence voices critical of Mr Orbans government.

This is not child protection, this is fascism, wrote the organisers of the event, which attracts thousands each year and celebrates the history of the LGBT movement while asserting the equal rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

Following the laws passage Tuesday, Budapest Pride spokesperson Jojo Majercsik told The Associated Press that despite Mr Orbans years-long effort to stigmatize LGBT people, the organisation had received an outpouring of support since the Hungarian leader hinted in February that his government would take steps to ban the event.

Many, many people have been mobilised, Ms Majercsik said.

Its a new thing, compared to the attacks of the last years, that weve received many messages and comments from people saying, Until now I havent gone to Pride, I didnt care about it, but this year Ill be there and Ill bring my family.

The new legislation is the latest step against LGBT people taken by Mr Orban, whose government has passed other laws that rights groups and other European politicians have decried as repressive against sexual minorities.

In 2022, the European Unions executive commission filed a case with the EUs highest court against Hungarys 2021 child protection law.

The European Commission said the law discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Hungarys child protection law also prohibits the mention of LGBT issues in school education programmes, and forbids the public depiction of gender deviating from sex at birth.

Booksellers in Hungary have faced hefty fines for failing to wrap books that contain LGBT themes in closed packaging.

Hungarys government portrays itself as a champion of traditional family values and a defender of Christian civilisation from what it calls gender madness, and says its policies are designed to protect children from sexual propaganda.
Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early on Tuesday, killing more than 400 Palestinians, health officials said, and shattering a ceasefire in place since January with its deadliest bombardment in a 17-month war with Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes, which killed mostly women and children, after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement.

In a statement on national television, he said the attack was only the beginning and that Israel would press ahead until it achieves all of its war aims, destroying Hamas and freeing all hostages held by the militant group.

All further ceasefire negotiations will take place under fire he said.

The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israels actions.

The Israeli military ordered people to evacuate eastern Gaza and head toward the centre of the territory, indicating that Israel could soon launch renewed ground operations.

The new campaign comes as aid groups say supplies are running out, two weeks after Israel cut off all food, medicine, fuel and other goods to Gazas two million Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, speaks with Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich during the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 7, 2024. (Ronen Zvulun/Pool via AP, File)

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Mr Netanyahus office said.

The attack during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan could signal the full resumption of a war that has already killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza.

It also raised concerns about the fate of the roughly two dozen hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.

The renewal of the campaign against Hamas, which receives support from Iran, came as the US and Israel stepped up attacks this week across the region.

The US launched deadly strikes against Iran-allied rebels in Yemen, while Israel has targeted Iran-backed militants in Lebanon and Syria.

A senior Hamas official said Mr Netanyahus decision to return to war amounts to a death sentence for the remaining hostages.

Izzat al-Risheq accused Mr Netanyahu of launching the strikes to save his far-right governing coalition.

Hamas said at least six senior officials were killed in Tuesdays strikes.

Israel said they included the head of Hamas civilian government, its justice minister and two security agency chiefs. There were no reports of any attacks by Hamas several hours after the bombardment.

But Yemens Houthi rebels fired rockets toward Israel for the first time since the ceasefire began.

The volley set off sirens in Israels southern Negev desert but was intercepted before it reached the countrys territory, the military said.

The body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli army airstrikes is brought to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The strikes came as Mr Netanyahu faces mounting domestic pressure, with mass protests planned over his handling of the hostage crisis and his decision to fire the head of Israels internal security agency.

His latest evidence in a long-running corruption trial was cancelled after the strikes.

The strikes appeared to give Mr Netanyahu a political boost. A far-right party led by Itamar Ben-Gvir that had left the government over the ceasefire announced on Tuesday it was rejoining.

The main group representing families of the hostages accused the government of backing out of the ceasefire.

We are shocked, angry and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.

Strikes across Gaza pounded homes, sparked fires in a tent camp outside the southern city of Khan Younis and hit at least one school-turned-shelter.

After two months of relative calm during the ceasefire, stunned Palestinians found themselves once again digging loved ones out of rubble and holding funeral prayers over the dead at hospital morgues.

Nobody wants to fight, Nidal Alzaanin, a resident of Gaza City, said. Everyone is still suffering from the previous months. A hit on a home in Rafah killed 17 members of one family, according to the European Hospital, which received the bodies.

A woman mourns as she identifies a body in the Al-Ahli hospital following overnight Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, in Gaza City, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

The dead included five children, their parents, and another father and his three children.

Another in Gaza City killed 27 members of a family, half of them women and children, including a one-year-old, according to a list of the dead from Palestinian medics.

At Khan Youniss Nasser Hospital, patients lay on the floor, some screaming. A young girl cried as her bloody arm was bandaged.

Wounded children overwhelmed the paediatric ward, said Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan, a volunteer with Medical Aid for Palestinians aid group.

Gazas Health Ministry said the strikes killed at least 404 people and wounded more than 560.

Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the ministrys records department, said at least 263 of those killed were women or children under 18. He described it as the deadliest day in Gaza since the start of the war.

The war has killed over 48,500 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced 90% of Gazas population.

The health ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants but says more than half of the dead have been women and children.

The war erupted when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.

Most have been released in ceasefires or other deals, with Israeli forces rescuing only eight and recovering dozens of bodies.
Tuesday, Mar 18th, 2025 (1:38 pm) - Score 1,200

The Essex County Council (ECC) in England has this afternoon confirmed that theyve settled their legal dispute with Abingdon-based UK broadband ISP Gigaclear, which was originally raised last summer (here) over an alleged failure by the network operator to deliver on their contracted Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) build.

Just to recap. The situation in Essex concerned Gigaclears earlier contracts under the previous Governments Superfast Broadband (SFBB) programme, which was managed at a local level by the council with support from the Building Digital UK (BDUK) agency. As we recall, Gigaclear held several of these contracts, such as Phase 2b (part of Epping Forest), Phase 3.1 (Uttlesford), Phase 3.2 (Braintree, Colchester) and Phase 4a.1 (Epping Forest).

NOTE: Gigaclear is principally owned by Infracapital, together with Equitix and Railpen. The company previously had investment commitments estimated to be worth up to around 1.1bn ( Gigaclear is principally owned by, together withand. The company previously had investment commitments estimated to be worth up to around 1.1bn ( here ) and in late 2023 also secured a 1.5bn debt facility ( here ). The network covers 580,000 premises (RFS) in rural parts of England (inc. 130,000+ customers).

However, as weve reported in the past, Gigaclear did face some sizeable delivery delays to a number of their rural broadband roll-out contracts a few years ago, which wasnt just a problem in Essex but also affected similar contracts in other counties too (e.g. Devon and Somerset  here, where the contracts were eventually scrapped). But some local authorities, like Essex, were more tolerant and accepted some delay.

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Nevertheless, the situation appeared to boil up again last summer after reports indicated that the ECC had launched court proceedings against the ISP for breach of contract, while claiming that three of their four build contracts remain unfulfilled  these were expected to bring Gigaclears FTTP network to more than 10,000 rural premises. But apparently a small portion of this had not been reached (c.400 premises in the Braintree, Colchester, Epping Forest and Uttlesford districts).

The figure of 400 premises might not sound like much, but in remote rural areas it can be extremely costly and time-consuming to extend FTTP to such premises (sometimes reaching 2-4k+ per premises). In addition, unexpected build obstacles can sometimes make it so expensive as to be economically unviable to deliver.

At the time, the ECCs Cabinet Member for Planning, Lee Scott, said the council had made every effort to resolve these issues with Gigaclear, supporting them throughout the process, before adding that it was deeply disappointing to be let down in this manner. But the good news today is that the two sides appear to have reached a settlement.

Gigaclears Statement Essex County Council and broadband operator, Gigaclear have reached a settlement agreement. This is in relation to the legal proceedings concerning broadband delivery contracts in Essex. Gigaclear has delivered ultrafast broadband to over 90,000 properties in Essex. They are committed to expanding the network across the county over the next 18 months. The Council welcomes Gigaclears continued investment and broadband rollout in the region. This news is especially positive for residents who experience a lack of broadband connectivity in the affected areas.

The announcement, while positive, appears to lack much detail on what the settlement itself actually specifies and, crucially, whether this means that the premises  those previously left unserved by the new network  will now be reached. Gigaclear have informed us that they are unable to elaborate further on the statement.
Tuesday, Mar 18th, 2025 (12:01 am) - Score 3,120

The UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, this week informed ISPreview that theyve been working hard to overhaul our mobile coverage checker in order to better match peoples real-world experiences, particularly of modern 4G and 5G (mobile broadband) services, and intend to launch the result of all their work later this year.

Ofcoms existing Mobile Coverage Checker is currently based on coverage predictions from the mobile network operators themselves (EE, Vodafone, Three UK and O2), which are generated using computer programs that simulate the way mobile signals travel from mobile masts and are blocked by any obstructions such as hills, trees, and buildings.

NOTE: The existing coverage predictions are processed into a 100 metre by 100 metre grid matrix that covers the entire UK land mass, but this is a bit too big to get a good view of individual premises etc.

However, as many of ISPreviews readers could probably attest, this sort of data doesnt always reflect real-world experiences and should thus be taken with a pinch of salt. Last year the regulator indicated that they were working to improve all of this and that work is now starting to near completion.

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A spokesperson for Ofcom told ISPreview: Our current coverage data comes from mobile network operators predictions, which we recognise may not always match peoples real-world experience at a very local level. We are working hard to overhaul our mobile coverage checker, which we expect to relaunch later this year with new and improved data to better reflect what people can expect.

The improved checker will use higher signal strength thresholds when presenting local predictions, while also providing clearer explanations of the issues and the specific functions of the web-checker. Ofcom also intends to assess predicted signal strength information at a more granular level (50 or 25 square metres, instead of the current 100 square metres) to determine if it is possible to reduce the local uncertainty to some extent.

The regulator is also examining the use of measured data, including crowdsource data, to build on these coverage predictions. Finally, once the new checker has launched, Ofcom will move to consider undertaking a larger scale performance measurement programme to complement coverage predictions and enhance their mobile reporting.
Israel Conducts Gaza Strike, Resulting in Three Fatalities, According to Local Medics

A recent Israeli air strike has resulted in the deaths of three Palestinian men in Gaza, according to medics, amid a lack of progress in renewed discussions aimed at maintaining a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The latest incident of violence highlights the precarious nature of the three-stage truce established during the Gaza conflict, with medics reporting that the men were killed near the Bureij camp in the central area of the devastated enclave by a missile launched from a drone.

In Rafah, located in southern Gaza, medics reported that three individuals were injured in a separate air strike. Residents of Rafah have noted ongoing gunfire from Israeli forces near the border with Egypt, within the city limits.

The Israeli military announced in a statement that they targeted terrorists operating in central Gaza and Rafah who were allegedly attempting to plant explosives near their forces.

He called on Israel to cease violations that he warned could undermine all efforts for de-escalation.

He indicated that the death toll of Palestinians since the January ceasefire has reached 150.

According to Israels military, they have consistently thwarted Palestinian attempts to plant explosives or pose threats to their forces.

The halt of goods entering Gaza for the past 16 days has intensified the strain on Gazas 2.3 million residents, the majority of whom have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.

This suspension, which Israel claims is intended to pressure Hamas during ceasefire negotiations, encompasses food, medicine, and fuel imports.

Closure of Bakeries

Many bakeries have recently shut down, while food prices are climbing, and electricity cuts threaten to deprive residents of access to clean water.

Israel seeks to prolong the first phase of the ceasefire, which is mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, a move supported by US envoy Steve Witkoff.

Hamas has stated that it will resume the release of hostages only in conjunction with the second phase, scheduled to commence on 2 March.

Ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas are being facilitated by Egyptian mediators in Cairo.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua asserted that while his group is adhering to the terms of the truce, Israel attempts to undermine the agreement and impose new conditions.

On Friday, Hamas announced its willingness to release American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander along with four bodies of hostages if Israel agreed to commence immediate talks on the implementation of the second phase of the agreement. Israel accused Hamas of conducting psychological warfare against the families of hostages.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that negotiators had been directed to prepare to continue discussions based on the mediators response to a US proposal involving the release of 11 out of the 59 living hostages still held and half of the deceased captives.

The most recent conflict in Gaza erupted following a cross-border raid by Hamas into southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli reports.

Israeli actions in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza health officials, displacing the majority of the population and leaving much of the territory in ruins.
US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to address the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine, following positive discussions between US and Russian officials in Moscow.

We aim to see if we can bring that war to a conclusion, Mr. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One during his return flight to Washington from Florida. Perhaps we can, perhaps we cant, but I believe we stand a very good chance.

I will be communicating with President Putin on Tuesday. Significant work has been accomplished over the weekend.

Mr. Trump is seeking Mr. Putins backing for a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine agreed to the previous week, as both sides continued to exchange heavy aerial strikes throughout the weekend, with Russia closing in on dislodging Ukrainian forces from their long-held position in the western Russian region of Kursk.

When inquired about potential concessions being discussed in ceasefire negotiations, Mr. Trump remarked: We will discuss land. We will discuss power plants We are already addressing that, dividing up specific assets.

Although Mr. Trump did not provide further details, he likely referenced the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia facility in Ukraine, which is Europes largest nuclear power plant. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused one another of endangering the plants safety due to their actions.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Mr. Putin would communicate with Mr. Trump via phone but refrained from commenting on Mr. Trumps statements regarding land and power plants.

On Friday, the Kremlin revealed that Mr. Putin had sent Mr. Trump a message about his ceasefire plan through US envoy Steve Witkoff, who had discussions in Moscow, expressing cautious optimism that a deal could be reached to resolve the three-year conflict.

In separate appearances on Sunday television programs in the United States, Mr. Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Mr. Trumps National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, underscored that numerous challenges remain before Russia would agree to a ceasefire, let alone a final peaceful resolution to the war.

When asked on ABC if the US would accept a peace agreement that permitted Russia to retain the Ukrainian territories it has captured, Mr. Waltz responded: We must consider, is it in our national interest? Is it realistic? Are we going to force every Russian off every inch of Ukrainian soil?

We can discuss what is right or wrong, but we must also acknowledge the reality on the ground, he added, noting that the alternative to reaching compromises on land and other matters could lead to endless warfare and potentially World War Three.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Friday that he perceived a good opportunity to end the Russian war after Kyiv accepted the US proposal for a 30-day interim ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with his Russian counterpart

Nevertheless, Mr. Zelensky has consistently emphasized that his nations sovereignty is non-negotiable and that Russia must relinquish the territory it has taken. Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and currently controls a significant portion of four eastern Ukrainian regions following its invasion in 2022.

Mr. Zelensky has yet to publicly respond to Mr. Waltzs comments.

Russia is seeking ironclad assurances in any peace agreement that NATO nations will exclude Kyiv from membership and that Ukraine will remain neutral, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told the Russian media outlet Izvestia, making no reference to the ceasefire proposal in his remarks.

We will demand that ironclad security guarantees be included in this agreement, Izvestia quoted Mr. Grushko as saying.

Mr. Putin claims that his actions in Ukraine aim to protect Russias national security against what he describes as an aggressive and hostile West, particularly NATOs expansion eastward. Ukraine and its Western allies argue that Russia is conducting an unprovoked war of aggression and an imperial-style land acquisition.

Moscow has insisted that Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations, that Russia maintain control over all Ukrainian territories seized, and that the size of the Ukrainian military be restricted. Additionally, it seeks to ease Western sanctions and hold a presidential election in Ukraine, which Kyiv argues is premature while martial law is in place.

The European Unions foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated that the conditions that Russia has set for agreeing to a ceasefire indicate that Moscow does not genuinely desire peace.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned on Saturday that Western allies, excluding the US, are intensifying preparations to support Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, with defense chiefs expected to solidify robust plans next week.

Both Britain and France have expressed their willingness to send a peacekeeping force to oversee any ceasefire in Ukraine.

Russia, however, has dismissed the idea of peacekeepers until the conclusion of the war.

If they are deployed there, it indicates that they are involved in the conflict zone with all the consequences for these contingents as participants in the conflict, Russias Grushko stated.

We can discuss unarmed observers and a civilian mission to monitor the implementation of specific aspects of this agreement or guarantee mechanisms. Until then, its merely idle talk.
Parts of Pennsylvania, New York, and several mid-Atlantic and southeastern US states remain under weather alerts for damaging winds and tornadoes, as the death toll from the weekend storms has risen to 36 across six states.

In a statement from the White House, President Donald Trump indicated he was keeping a close watch on the tornadoes and storms, stating, 36 innocent lives have been lost, and many more have been impacted.

Mr. Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard to Arkansas and committed to providing assistance to state and local officials.

The storms that affected the South and the Midwest have now moved eastward.

The Harmony Hills trailer park in Missouri suffered catastrophic damage from intense winds.

Robbie Myers, the emergency management director for Missouris Butler County, informed reporters that over 500 homes, a church, and a supermarket in the county were devastated. He noted that a mobile home park had been completely destroyed.

Everything around it here is really bad, said Missouri resident Rick Brittingham from Butler County. The trailer park up the street had fatalities. I mean, we dont have anything compared to that situation. I still have a home; they dont.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves reported via X that the state has recorded six fatalitiesone in Covington County, two in Jefferson Davis County, and three in Walthall County.

Preliminary assessments indicate that 29 individuals were injured statewide and that 21 counties faced storm damage, according to Mr. Reeves.

Heres my promised update on the severe storms, tornadoes, and earthquakes that impacted Mississippi over the last 24 hours based on our latest information.

First, I signed a State of Emergency tonight that allows us to mobilize state assets more effectively

pic.twitter.com/TDDjZzhGfk

 Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) March 16, 2025

In Arkansas, the states Department of Emergency Management reported three fatalities and 32 injuries.

In Sherman County, Kansas, eight deaths occurred in a multi-vehicle crash involving over 50 cars, attributed to a severe dust storm, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama reported at least two deaths related to the severe weather, stating that we have reports of damage in 52 of our 67 counties.

Dust storm-related crashes near Amarillo, Texas, led to three fatalities, as reported by the states Department of Public Safety.

According to the National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center, 39 tornadoes were reported from Friday through midday yesterday, although this number has not yet been confirmed.
03/18/2025

JACKSONVILLE  The College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences at Jacksonville State University proudly presents Kaleidoscope 2025, a month-long festival celebrating the arts and humanities. This annual event highlights the creative and intellectual achievements of Jax State through performances, film screenings, readings, lectures and more. All events are open to the public.

Kaleidoscope 2025 Highlights

Monday, March 31 | 4:00 PM

Lecture: Big Mama Thornton, Elvis Presley, and "You Aint Nothing but a Hound Dog"  Dr. Ben Wynne

Location: Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor (Room 1103AB)

Presenting Department: History & Foreign Languages

Tuesday, April 1 | 6:00-8:00 PM

Film and Discussion: River Reels and Tales with the Coosa Riverkeeper

Location: Merrill Basement Auditorium

Presenting Department: Biology

Friday, April 4 | 4:00 PM

Guest Artist Performance: Carmen Bradford, Grammy Award-Winning Jazz Vocalist

Location: Mason Hall Recital Hall

Presenting Department: Music

Saturday, April 5 | 6:30 PM

Live Reading: Southern Playwrights Competition Winning Play

Location: Mason Hall, Room 350 Recital Hall

Presenting Department: English

Wednesday, April 9 | 6:00 PM

Lecture: Body Activism  Dr. Rekha Nath, Author of Its OK to Be Fat

Location: Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor (Room 1103AB)

Presenting Department: History & Foreign Languages

Saturday, April 12 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM

Film Festival: Longleaf Studio Student Film Festival

Location: Ward Stage at Stone Center Theatre

Presenting Department: Theatre and Film

Thursday, April 17 | 6:30 PM

Film Screening and Panel: Lilly  Followed by a Q&A with Director Rachel Feldman and Guest Panel

Location: Ward Stage at Stone Center Theatre

Presenting Department: College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences

Click HERE for a full schedule of Kaleidoscope 2025 events.

Jax State invites the community to participate in this exciting festival, celebrating creativity and innovation in music, art, creative writing, history, theatre and film.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The Trump administration began bombing Yemen last weekend, when the US Air Force launched 47 air raids on at least seven provinces, killing some 53 persons. On Monday the air raids continued, hitting not only the capital, Sanaa, but also Saadeh in the north, the hometown of the movement of Ansar Allah (Helpers of God) or Houthis.

The bombing comes in response to the decision of leader Abdelmalik al-Houthi to react to Israels blockade of food and aid on Gaza, where a million minors are in danger of malnutrition, by again targeting Red Sea shipping and Israel itself. Al-Houthi said Monday, The Israeli enemys insistence on preventing aid from entering the Palestinian Strip is a major act of aggression and a terrible, horrific crime that cannot be tolerated.

That is, in order to support the total war on Gaza of the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and in order to pursue his monstrous plan to ethnically cleanse the Palestinians of Gaza, Trump is drawn into making war on yet another Middle Eastern country. Such a war is dangerous. What if the Houthis managed to kill US seamen on the naval vessels in the Red Sea that are supporting the bombing campaign? Wouldnt he have to send in troops? Does he realize how costly in blood and treasure a Yemen ground war would be?

If the extensive US air raids were intended to hurt the morale of the Houthi movement, which rules 80 percent of Yemens population, they signally failed. Tens of thousands of Yemenis rallied in the streets on Monday in Sanaa, Saadeh, Dhamar, Hodeida and Amran.

The Saudi and UAE governments led a bombing campaign against the Houthis 2015-2022 and failed to dislodge or even make any serious dents in the group. Aerial bombardment against a guerrilla group seldom succeeds unless it is paired with a substantial ground force that can take and hold territory. Even such pairings often fail, as in the US war on Vietnam. It is not clear that the US Air Force can defeat the Houthis from the air any more than the Saudi and UAE fighter jets, which are sophisticated American planes.

What the US air raids can do is kill civilians in large numbers and damage civilian infrastructure, which are war crimes.

Trump said Monday that the Houthi capabilities derive from Iranian backing, but that allegation is deeply flawed. The Helpers of God movement developed out of the Zaydi Shiite branch of Islam in Yemen, to which about a third of its people adhere. It is led by members of the al-Houthi clan. It is a Yemeni movement, and while it receives some Iranian aid and weaponry, it does not have a reporting line to Tehran and is very much an indigenous Yemeni movement. It has the support not only of most Zaydis but also of many Sunni tribes and a portion of the Yemeni national army.



Abdelmalik al-Houthi, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3 / Clip2Comic, 2025

Helpers of God leader Abdelmalik al-Houthi said at the rally on Monday that he had more painful and disturbing escalation options in replying to the US airstrikes. He added, Banning navigation for Israeli ships is a first step, but when the famine of the Palestinian people in Gaza intensifies, we cannot stand idly by and remain at this level.

Meanwhile, the 41 million Yemenis, who have a population about the same size as that of Canada, are facing an acute humanitarian crisis, as they have been since 2015.

Trump exacerbated it by putting the Houthis on the State Department terrorism list. Branding the de facto government of most of Yemen a terrorist organization makes it difficult or impossible to get aid to the innocent civilian population, since charitable organizations who deal with the Houthis to make arrangements for aid fear being charged as material supporters. Trump certainly killed thousands of Yemeni children with his macho swagger. There is not evidence that listing a government as terrorists has any impact on that government. It is just performative cruelty.

The aid organization Overcoming Hunger (Action contre la faim) writes, the number of Yemenis in need of humanitarian aid continues to grow, rising from 18.2 million in 2024 to 19.5 million in 2025. There is a cholera epidemic and food insecurity is widespread.

The US had contributed over a third of the aid for Yemen, but Trump has now cut that off. The country is ravaged not only by civil war and outside intervention but also by climate change events such as downpours and flooding. Yemen is the third most vulnerable country in the world to human-caused climate change.
( openDemocracy.net )  Trump has backtracked since meeting with Netanyahu last month

Why was Donald Trumps suggestion on turning Gaza into a Middle Eastern Riviera so helpful to Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu? To understand this, it is worth briefly looking back to earlier phases of the century-old conflict.

Israel became a state in 1948, after what it calls its War of Independence and Palestinians call the Nakba  Arabic for catastrophe.

By then, European Jews had already been migrating to Palestine for nearly half a century, aided by the expansion of political Zionism in the late 1890s, the 1916 Sykes-Picot agreement, which handed the UK control of what is today southern Israel and Palestine after the break-up of the Ottoman Empire, and the Balfour Declaration the following year, which expressed British support for creating a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.

For Palestinians, this was a never-ending disaster that came to a head with the ethnic cleansing of the Nakba, when more than 700,000 people were violently forced to leave their homes. For Israeli Jews, it was a necessity intended to ensure absolute security, particularly after the Holocaust.

In the many wars over the following decades, Israel took control of more Palestinian territory, eventually prompting the first and second Palestinian Intifadas between the late 1980s and the early 2000s. After the end of the second uprising in 2005, successive Israeli governments believed they had at last won long-term security  except for what they saw as the nagging issue of Gaza.

Why did they consider the region to be so problematic?

Around 80,000 Palestinians lived in the Gaza Strip before the Nakba, when the population then ballooned, with almost 250,000 refugees moving to the area. Most were crowded into camps, with Israel maintaining increasingly rigorous control of Gaza, including through at least four significant wars between 2008 and 2021.

Those wars cost the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) around 400 lives, but the cost to the Palestinians was hugely greater. Close to 5,000 were killed, many thousands more injured, and thousands of homes destroyed or damaged by the intensive bombardment.

Gazas land borders with Israel became highly controlled by the IDF, which used sophisticated surveillance systems backed up by ready use of firepower. So complete was the control that Israelis felt safer than they had for many years  and the evident tight occupation allowed their specialist arms corporations to easily sell many of their weapons to regimes across the world.

By the early 2020s, Gaza was little more than a giant open prison. But the strips de facto government, Hamas, was assiduously preparing for an assault on southern Israel. It caught the IDF by surprise with the attack of 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage.

The shock in Israel was visceral, akin to that in the US immediately after 9/11, and Israels right-wing coalition government responded with huge force. The defence minister described Hamas and its supporters as human animals, while Netanyahu made clear that Israel would destroy the movement, free the hostages, and never again be threatened by the likes of Hamas.

Israels war on Gaza has now continued for almost 18 months, with just two short pauses. Hamas has not been destroyed and, indeed, continues to control parts of Gaza. The Palestinian losses have been truly shocking, with over 60,000 people killed or missing beneath the ruins. Much of Gaza has been destroyed through weapons with a total tonnage greater than six Hiroshima-sized atomic bombs.

With even the IDFs Dahiya Doctrine of using massive force against an entire population having failed to dislodge Hamas, the policy has shifted to widening the war in three ways.

The first two involve creating a permanent Israeli presence in southern Lebanon and a new long-term presence in Syria, both apparently aiming to make Israel safer.

Israel plans to ignore the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon and keep its troops in five locations across the south of the country while also expanding its military presence in Syria. To this end, the IDF bombed Syrian military targets nationwide immediately after the Assad regime collapsed in December to limit the military power of any new regime, before moving its troops into what had been a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the south and building permanent bases within southwest Syria itself. Israel has also demanded the demilitarisation of the three Syrian provinces closest to Israel.



Gaza, Digital, Midjourney, 2025

The third element involves the Israelis expanding Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian West Bank while staging repeated raids on refugee camps in the area, especially in the cities of Jenin and Tulkarm. The raids have extended to evicting around 40,000 Palestinians and garrisoning the camps to prevent their return.

This plan, along with other settler violence against Palestinian towns and villages, is part of an attempt to make life in the occupied West Bank as difficult as possible for the three million Palestinians there. Israel hopes many will emigrate, initially into Jordan  regardless of what the Jordanian government thinks or wants  with those who remain forming a manageable pool of low-paid labour in an Israeli-controlled economy in the West Bank and parts of Israel.

The only problem with this plan, as far as Netanyahu is concerned, is Gaza. This is why he and his hard-right coalition partners so welcomed Trumps proposal to evict the 2.3 million Palestinian Gazans with no possibility of return. The cost to Palestinians would be appalling, but the Israeli prime minister could present this to the Israeli people, as well as the Israeli actions in Lebanon, Syria and the occupied West Bank, as a thorough response to 7 October.

Yet, there is a problem for the Israeli government: Trump is backtracking. There have been hints of this in the past couple of weeks, but it became a lot clearer this week during a meeting between Trump and Micheal Martin, the Irish Taoiseach. Responding to a question at the subsequent press conference, Trump said: Nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza.

The US president may yet change his mind on this as he does on so many issues, but the sheer uncertainty complicates the Israeli agenda on this key issue.

Around the world, the White House is already beginning to be seen as unreliable. This may well be the start of a crisis of failing expectations with wide-ranging ramifications for US policies at home as well as abroad  especially for Netanyahu and his government in Israel.

Without US backing for anything else, all Netanyahu can do is to make life as difficult as possible for the people of Gaza, hence the current cutting off of aid supplies and electricity, as well as specific policies such as the long-term assault on womens health. All this and much more will continue in the hope that eventually one man, Donald Trump, will change his mind.

Via openDemocracy.net

This article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence.
( The Times of Israel)  Could someone earn a commendation for deliberately breaking the holiest object ever created, one that was crafted and inscribed by God Himself?

According to a midrash [scripture interpretation], this is exactly what happened to Moses. In our weekly scripture reading, Exodus 30:1134:35 [Ki Tisa], Moses shatters the tablets after witnessing the sin of the children of Israel worshiping the Golden Calf, which seems to be an act of anger. While the text doesnt provide Gods reaction to the destruction, the midrash imagines God saying to Moses:

   (Yishar kochacha she-shibarta).

Well done for shattering them!

(Talmud Shabbat 87a, and Rashi on Deuteronomy 34:12)

This is where the custom of saying Yasher Koach originates  a congratulatory phrase literally meaning may your strength be firm but more commonly translated as well done!

This raises a profound question: why would Moses receive such praise for destroying the tablets, which were not only divinely created but were also inscribed with Gods very words? Whats praiseworthy about shattering, without permission, arguably the holiest object in history?

Or, was it truly holy?

In his Torah commentary called Meshekh Chokhma (The Flow of Wisdom), the great scholar Rabbi Meir Simcha HaCohen of Dvinsk (Lithuania, 1843-1926) offers a profound explanation.

He suggests that Moses actions were necessary to teach the Israelitesand all of usa crucial lesson about counterfeit holiness.

Rabbi Meir Simcha explains that at the heart of the Golden Calf sin was the Israelites misconception of holiness. They mistakenly believed that Moses himself was intrinsically holy and that his relationship with God was the foundation of their holiness. When Moses was absent, they felt compelled to create another source of holiness.



Rembrandt, Moses smashing the Tablets of the Law, 1659, Gemaldegalerie, Berlin. Public Domain. Wikimedia.

In response, Moses felt it necessary to correct this fundamental misconception. By shattering the tablets, he sent a powerful message: I am not holy in and of myself. I am just a man, like you. The Sanctuary, its vessels, and even the tablets are not inherently holy. Their sanctity is only derived from Gods presence among us. And Gods presence depends on our actions.

In essence, Moses demonstrated that if the people sin, these sacred objects lose their holiness. Even the Word of God itself, embodied in the tablets, loses its sanctity if the peoples relationship with God is corrupted. By deliberately shattering the tablets into smithereens, Moses made this truth visible to all.

Rabbi Meir Simcha extends this understanding to all aspects of lifepeople, places, and objects. Nothing in this worldoutside of Godis intrinsically holy, not even the Land of Israel. Holiness is a status earned through just and moral behavior. It can be lost when peoples actions turn corruptwhen injustice, violence, and cruelty prevail.

As the Meshekh Chokhma [The Flow of Wisdom] writes poignantly:

There is no holiness in anything created in this world, only in the Creator, blessed be He. Do not imagine that the mountain [=Mount Sinai] is a holy thing and because of it the Lord appeared on it; as we see, the Israelites when hearing the sound of the shofar, they will go up to the mountain, as it is the dwelling place of animals and cattle. Only as long as the Divine Presence is upon the mountain, it is holy, because of the holiness of the Creator, blessed be His name. For it is not the land that honors man [=land does not make one holy], but man honors the land [=peoplewith their behavior can make a land holy], and this is a noble idea.

In other words, the land becomes holy only when the people live according to Gods will as embodied in the moral commandments, fostering a society rooted in justice, equality, and compassion. To be fair, there are alternative, more mystical perspectives on the holiness of the land, such as those proposed by Rabbi Kook. However, Rabbi Meir Simcha emphatically rejects these views, emphasizing that all holiness, including that of the land, is conditional: If the peoples actions descend into oppression and injustice, the land loses its sanctity and becomes no different from any other landmerely a dwelling place for animals and cattle. To continue calling it holy regardless of the conduct of its inhabitants is the very definition of counterfeit holiness.

Reprinted from The Times of Israel with the authors permission.
VANCOUVER, BC, March 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Freegold Ventures Limited (TSX: FVL) (the "Company" or "Freegold Ventures"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Paradigm Capital Inc. (the "Agent"), in connection with a proposed best efforts private placement financing (the "Offering") for total proceeds of up to approximately $ 30 million, consisting of up to 32,295,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $ 0.85 per Unit. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Unit Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant").

Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") for 24 months from the Closing Date at an exercise price of $ 1.30 per Warrant Share. The Warrants shall be callable by the Company should the daily volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange exceed $1.30 for a period of twenty (20) consecutive trading days, at any time during the period (i) beginning on the date that is 6 months from the closing date of the Offering, and (ii) ending on the date the Warrants expire (the "Call Trigger"). Following a Call Trigger, the Company may give notice (the "Call Notice") to the holders of the Warrants (by disseminating a news release announcing the acceleration) that any Warrant that remains unexercised by the holder thereof shall expire thirty days following the date on which the Call Notice is given.

The Company will grant the Agent an option (the "Agent's Option") to sell up to that number of additional Units equal to 15% of the base Offering size, exercisable, by notice in writing to the Company, at any time not less than 48 hours prior to the Closing Date.

The Agent will be paid by the Company on closing of the Offering a cash commission equal to 6% of the gross proceeds of the Offering including on any exercise of the Over-Allotment Option (reduced to 3% on up to $1,000,000 in Units purchased by investors on the Company's "president's list").

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for general working capital and corporate purposes.

The Offering will be conducted in all provinces of Canada pursuant to private placement exemptions and in such other jurisdictions as are agreed to by the Company and the Agent. The Offering is expected to close on or about April 3, 2025 (the "Closing Date") and will be subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, including the listing of the Unit Shares and Warrant Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will have a hold period of four months and one day.

The securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with the requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor may there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Freegold Ventures Limited

Freegold Ventures is a TSX-listed company focused on exploration in Alaska and holds the Golden Summit Gold Project near Fairbanks and the Shorty Creek Copper-Gold Project near Livengood through leases.

Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programs on schedule, and the success of the exploration programs.

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS, ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
VANCOUVER, BC, March 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Galiano Gold Inc. ("Galiano" or the "Company") (TSX: GAU) (NYSE American: GAU) is pleased to report its fourth quarter ("Q4") and full year ("FY") 2024 production and financial results. Galiano owns a 90% interest in the Asanko Gold Mine ("AGM") located on the Asankrangwa Gold Belt in the Republic of Ghana, West Africa.

All financial information contained in this news release is reported in United States dollars.

During Q4, the Company produced 28,508 gold ounces at all-in sustaining costs1 ("AISC") of $2,638 per gold ounce sold ("/oz"), or $1,773/oz excluding capitalized waste stripping costs at Abore, and generated $13.8 million of operating cash flows while remaining debt free with $105.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. Operating cash flows continue to support the ramp-up of mining at the AGM's Abore deposit.

During FY 2024, the Company produced 115,115 gold ounces at AISC1 of $2,063/oz, or $1,533/oz excluding capitalized waste stripping costs at Abore, and generated $55.7 million of operating cash flows, which included a $13.1 million payment to terminate the AGM's gold sales offtake agreement.

Asanko Gold Mine ("AGM") Q4 and FY 2024 highlights

The Company completed the acquisition of Gold Fields Limited's ("Gold Fields") 45% interest in the AGM joint venture (the "Acquisition") on March 4, 2024 and as of that date, the operational and financial results of the AGM have been consolidated into the Company's results. To enable a comprehensive understanding of the operational performance at the mine asset level, year-to-date highlights for the AGM below are presented on a 100% basis for the entire year ended December 31, 2024.

Safety: The AGM recorded one lost-time injury ("LTI") and three total recordable injuries (inclusive of LTIs) ("TRI") during Q4 2024. The 12month rolling LTI and TRI frequency rates as of December 31, 2024 were improved year-on-year to 0.15 and 0.58 per million hours worked, respectively, reflecting a stronger safety performance in 2024.

The AGM recorded one lost-time injury ("LTI") and three total recordable injuries (inclusive of LTIs) ("TRI") during Q4 2024. The 12month rolling LTI and TRI frequency rates as of were improved year-on-year to 0.15 and 0.58 per million hours worked, respectively, reflecting a stronger safety performance in 2024. Mining performance : During Q4 2024, waste stripping activities at Abore continued with 8.7 million tonnes ("Mt") of waste rock mined, while ore tonnes mined from the Abore deposit totalled 0.5 Mt at an average mined grade of 1.0 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold. During FY 2024, the AGM mined 30.7 Mt of waste material and 1.9 Mt of ore from the Abore deposit at an average mined grade of 1.0 g/t gold.

During Q4 2024, waste stripping activities at Abore continued with 8.7 million tonnes ("Mt") of waste rock mined, while ore tonnes mined from the Abore deposit totalled 0.5 Mt at an average mined grade of 1.0 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold. During FY 2024, the AGM mined 30.7 Mt of waste material and 1.9 Mt of ore from the Abore deposit at an average mined grade of 1.0 g/t gold. Milling performance: During Q4 2024, 1.2 Mt of ore was milled at an average feed grade of 0.9 g/t, with metallurgical recovery averaging 85%. Mill throughput in Q4 2024 remained approximately the same as Q3 2024 due to crushing constraints as harder Abore ore was treated. It is expected that mill throughput will be directly linked to crusher circuit performance until a new secondary crusher is constructed and commissioned in Q3 2025. Mill throughput for FY 2024 totaled 5.1 Mt of ore at an average feed grade of 0.8 g/t and metallurgical recovery of 85%.

During Q4 2024, 1.2 Mt of ore was milled at an average feed grade of 0.9 g/t, with metallurgical recovery averaging 85%. Mill throughput in Q4 2024 remained approximately the same as Q3 2024 due to crushing constraints as harder Abore ore was treated. It is expected that mill throughput will be directly linked to crusher circuit performance until a new secondary crusher is constructed and commissioned in Q3 2025. Mill throughput for FY 2024 totaled 5.1 Mt of ore at an average feed grade of 0.8 g/t and metallurgical recovery of 85%. Production performance: Gold production of 28,508 ounces during Q4 2024. Gold production during the quarter was 4% lower than Q3 2024 due to lower metallurgical recoveries resulting from the blending of stockpiled Esaase ore into the mill feed, which was expected to have lower recovery. FY 2024 gold production of 115,115 ounces, below revised guidance of between 120,000 to 130,000 ounces, was impacted by lower throughput resulting from lower mobile crusher availability and harder ore processed.

Gold production of 28,508 ounces during Q4 2024. Gold production during the quarter was 4% lower than Q3 2024 due to lower metallurgical recoveries resulting from the blending of stockpiled Esaase ore into the mill feed, which was expected to have lower recovery. FY 2024 gold production of 115,115 ounces, below revised guidance of between 120,000 to 130,000 ounces, was impacted by lower throughput resulting from lower mobile crusher availability and harder ore processed. Cost performance: Total cash costs 1 of $1,426 /oz and AISC 1 of $2,638 /oz during Q4 2024. AISC 1 for FY 2024 was $2,063 /oz, in line with revised AISC 1 guidance of between $1,975 /oz to $2,075 /oz. Excluding capitalized waste stripping costs at Abore would result in Q4 2024 AISC 1 of $1,773 /oz and $1,533 /oz for FY 2024.

Total cash costs of /oz and AISC of /oz during Q4 2024. AISC for FY 2024 was /oz, in line with revised AISC guidance of between /oz to /oz. Excluding capitalized waste stripping costs at Abore would result in Q4 2024 AISC of /oz and /oz for FY 2024. Financial performance: Gold revenue of $64.4 million generated from 24,673 gold ounces sold at an average realized price of $2,609 /oz during Q4 2024. FY 2024 gold revenue of $264.6 million from 113,357 gold ounces sold at an average realized price of $2,334 /oz.

Gold revenue of generated from 24,673 gold ounces sold at an average realized price of /oz during Q4 2024. FY 2024 gold revenue of from 113,357 gold ounces sold at an average realized price of /oz. Updated mineral reserves: Reported an updated Mineral Reserve estimate of 2.1 million ounces ("Moz") (47.1 Mt at 1.36 g/t gold) for the AGM as of December 31, 2024 . Refer to the Company's news release dated January 28, 2025 for further details.

Reported an updated Mineral Reserve estimate of 2.1 million ounces ("Moz") (47.1 Mt at 1.36 g/t gold) for the AGM as of . Refer to the Company's news release dated for further details. Termination of gold offtake: Terminated the AGM's gold purchase and sale agreement with Red Kite Opportunities Master Fund Limited ("Red Kite") on December 4, 2024 for total cash consideration of $13.1 million , thereby removing the obligation to sell 100% of gold production from the AGM at prices selected by Red Kite during a quotational period. This investment allows the AGM to sell gold at market prices.

Terminated the AGM's gold purchase and sale agreement with Red Kite Opportunities Master Fund Limited ("Red Kite") on for total cash consideration of , thereby removing the obligation to sell 100% of gold production from the AGM at prices selected by during a quotational period. This investment allows the AGM to sell gold at market prices. Nkran mining contract awarded: A competitive tender process was undertaken during 2024 for the Nkran mining contract, and a preferred contractor was selected in February 2025 .

_____________________________ 1 Refer to Non-IFRS Performance Measures

Galiano Q4 and FY 2024 highlights

Consolidating ownership: Completed the transaction with Gold Fields, acquiring their 45% interest in the AGM and thereby securing 90% ownership in the AGM.

Completed the transaction with Gold Fields, acquiring their 45% interest in the AGM and thereby securing 90% ownership in the AGM. Robust liquidity: The Company ended the year with $105.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and no debt.

The Company ended the year with in cash and cash equivalents and no debt. Positive operating cash flow: The Company generated $13.8 million of operating cash flow during Q4 2024 and $55.7 million during FY 2024, which included a $13.1 million payment to terminate the gold sales offtake agreement.

The Company generated of operating cash flow during Q4 2024 and during FY 2024, which included a payment to terminate the gold sales offtake agreement. Earnings: Net income attributable to common shareholders of $0.9 million or $0.00 per common share during Q4 2024, and $6.1 million or $0.02 per common share during FY 2024. Adjusted net income 1 attributable to common shareholders of $5.1 million or $0.02 per common share and $42.2 million or $0.17 per common share for Q4 2024 and FY 2024, respectively.

Net income attributable to common shareholders of or per common share during Q4 2024, and or per common share during FY 2024. Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders of or per common share and or per common share for Q4 2024 and FY 2024, respectively. Management and board additions: During 2024, the Company welcomed the addition of Michael Cardinaels , as Chief Operating Officer, and appointed Navin Dyal (effective June 13, 2024 ), Moira Smith (effective June 13, 2024 ), and Lauren Roberts (effective January 1, 2025 ) as independent directors of the board.

"During 2024, Galiano completed the transformative transaction with Gold Fields, terminated our offtake agreement with Red Kite, and ended the year with a strong position of over $105 million in cash and no debt," said Matt Badylak, Galiano Gold's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Operationally, it was a complex year with a new contractor recommencing mining at the AGM in the Abore pit, while simultaneously stepping out to access a 45% larger reserve. The harder ore, coupled with lower availabilities in the mobile crushing circuit, ultimately led to a slight miss on our revised production guidance. That said, the challenges we faced in 2024 are not long-term and are being addressed. The mining contractor is now fully mobilized, softer ore is being delivered from Esaase, and construction of the secondary crusher is progressing to schedule. 2025 production is expected to be weighted to the second half of the year, and we are well-positioned to generate positive cash flows from operations in this favorable gold price environment."

Subsequent events after December 31, 2024

In early February 2025, the AGM concluded a competitive tender process for the Nkran mining contract and signed a mining services agreement with a preferred contractor. As of the date of this news release, the contractor has mobilized a limited fleet of mining equipment and preliminary waste mining activities at Nkran have commenced.

On February 21, 2025, the AGM processing plant was scheduled for a planned maintenance shutdown. While performing the planned maintenance work, it was identified that a key component of the SAG mill required repair, which resulted in the shutdown extending to March 6, 2025. As a result, the AGM processing plant was down for a period of 14 days, during which no gold was produced. During this period, mining activities continued and mined ore was stockpiled for future processing. Therefore, first quarter 2025 gold production is expected to be lower than management's expectations; however, the Company does not expect this to impact its 2025 production guidance for the AGM.

Asanko Gold Mine  Summary of quarterly operational and financial highlights (100% basis)

Operating and financial results are on a 100% basis for all periods presented to enable comparability with prior quarters.

Asanko Gold Mine (100% basis) Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024 Q4 2023 Mining Ore mined ('000t) 531 670 467 265 22 Waste mined ('000t) 8,698 9,726 7,427 4,877 3,415 Total mined ('000t) 9,229 10,396 7,894 5,142 3,437 Strip ratio (W:O) 16.4 14.5 15.9 18.4 155.2 Average gold grade mined (g/t) 1.0 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.7 Mining cost ($/t mined) 3.41 3.52 2.98 3.63 4.30 Ore tonnes trucked ('000 t) 685 665 503 566 657 Ore transportation cost ($/t trucked) 4.75 4.56 5.71 6.79 6.54 Processing Ore milled ('000t) 1,179 1,162 1,336 1,467 1,486 Average mill head grade (g/t) 0.9 0.9 0.7 0.8 0.8 Average recovery rate (%) 85 91 82 83 84 Processing cost ($/t milled) 15.84 12.49 11.18 10.55 9.94 G&A cost ($/t milled) 6.28 5.74 5.13 4.74 5.55 Gold produced (oz) 28,508 29,784 26,437 30,386 31,947 Financials, costs and cash flow Revenue ($m) 64.6 71.1 64.0 65.6 59.5 Gold sold (oz) 24,673 29,014 27,830 31,840 30,555 Average realized gold price ($/oz) 2,609 2,446 2,292 2,056 1,942 Total cash costs1 ($/oz) 1,426 1,247 1,271 1,180 1,352 All-in sustaining costs1 ($/oz) 2,638 2,161 1,759 1,793 2,065 All-in sustaining margin1 ($/oz) (29) 285 533 263 (123) All-in sustaining margin1 ($m) (0.7) 8.3 14.8 8.4 (3.8) Income from mine operations ($m) 21.1 26.2 23.1 23.5 8.7 Cash generated from operating activities ($m) 15.9 28.6 9.2 26.1 24.1 Free cash flow1 ($m) 0.7 2.9 (4.5) 5.8 2.3

Ore tonnes mined from the Abore deposit totalled 0.5 Mt at an average mined grade of 1.0 g/t. Ore mining rates at Abore decreased by 21% during Q4 2024 compared to Q3 2024 as mining activities in Q4 2024 focused on pushing back benches to access ore at deeper elevations.

Waste stripping activities at Abore continued with 8.7 Mt of waste rock mined at a strip ratio of 16.4:1. The strip ratio was elevated in Q4 2024 due to an increase in the size of the Abore pit shell resulting from a larger mineral reserve (refer to the Company's news release dated August 8, 2024 ). The strip ratio at Abore is expected to reduce in 2025 as the ore body of the current mining cut is exposed.

). The strip ratio at Abore is expected to reduce in 2025 as the ore body of the current mining cut is exposed. The AGM produced 28,508 ounces of gold during Q4 2024, as the processing plant milled 1.2 Mt of ore at a grade of 0.9 g/t with metallurgical recovery averaging 85%. Gold production during Q4 2024 continued to be impacted by lower milling rates as mined ore from Abore and stockpiles of harder ore both required additional crushing and grinding. The Company continues to make progress on installation of a permanent secondary crushing circuit at the AGM processing plant, which is expected to be completed in Q3 2025.

Asanko Gold Mine  Financial and operational highlights for the three months and years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (100% basis)

The following tables present excerpts of the operating and financial results of the AGM on a 100% basis for the three months and years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, allowing performance to be compared with the comparative periods.

Three months ended December 31, Year ended December 31, (All amounts in 000's of US dollars, unless otherwise stated) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Asanko Gold Mine (100% basis) Financial results Revenue 64,551 59,514 265,246 256,543 Income from mine operations 21,117 8,675 93,883 81,483 Net income 9,915 3,664 42,035 69,940 Adjusted EBITDA1 19,146 9,020 85,559 82,899 Cash generated from operating activities 15,933 24,058 79,915 100,720 Free cash flow1 669 2,285 4,905 48,373 AISC margin ($ per gold oz sold)1 (29) (123) 271 386 Operating results Gold produced (oz) 28,508 31,947 115,115 134,077 Gold sold (oz) 24,673 30,555 113,357 134,163 Average realized gold price ($/oz) 2,609 1,942 2,334 1,908 Total cash costs ($ per gold oz sold)1 1,426 1,352 1,273 1,148 AISC ($ per gold oz sold)1 2,638 2,065 2,063 1,522

The AGM sold 24,673 ounces of gold in Q4 2024 at an average realized gold price of $2,609 /oz for total revenue of $64.6 million (including $0.1 million of by-product silver revenue). Revenue was higher in Q4 2024 relative to the comparative period as a 34% increase in realized gold prices was partly offset by a 19% reduction in sales volumes.

/oz for total revenue of (including of by-product silver revenue). Revenue was higher in Q4 2024 relative to the comparative period as a 34% increase in realized gold prices was partly offset by a 19% reduction in sales volumes. Income from mine operations for Q4 2024 totaled $21.1 million compared to $8.7 million in Q4 2023. The increase in mine operating income in Q4 2024 was due to higher realized gold prices. Additionally, production costs were higher in Q4 2023 resulting from a $2.3 million provision against supplies inventory and a $5.0 million legal provision.

compared to in Q4 2023. The increase in mine operating income in Q4 2024 was due to higher realized gold prices. Additionally, production costs were higher in Q4 2023 resulting from a provision against supplies inventory and a legal provision. Reported Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $19.1 million in Q4 2024 compared to $9.0 million in Q4 2023, higher due to the provisions recorded in Q4 2023 as mentioned above.

of in Q4 2024 compared to in Q4 2023, higher due to the provisions recorded in Q4 2023 as mentioned above. Total cash costs 1 in Q4 2024 amounted to $1,426 /oz compared to $1,352 /oz in Q4 2023. The increase in total cash costs 1 was primarily driven by 19% lower gold sales volumes in Q4 2024, which had the effect of increasing fixed costs on a per ounce basis.

in Q4 2024 amounted to /oz compared to /oz in Q4 2023. The increase in total cash costs was primarily driven by 19% lower gold sales volumes in Q4 2024, which had the effect of increasing fixed costs on a per ounce basis. AISC 1 for Q4 2024 was $2,638 /oz compared to $2,065 /oz in the comparative period. The increase in AlSC 1 was mainly due to stripping costs incurred at Abore and 19% fewer gold ounces sold, as well as the increase in total cash costs 1 described above. Excluding capitalized waste stripping costs at Abore, AISC 1 for Q4 2024 would be $1,773 /oz.

for Q4 2024 was /oz compared to /oz in the comparative period. The increase in AlSC was mainly due to stripping costs incurred at Abore and 19% fewer gold ounces sold, as well as the increase in total cash costs described above. Excluding capitalized waste stripping costs at Abore, AISC for Q4 2024 would be /oz. The AGM generated $15.9 million of cash flow from operating activities in Q4 2024, which included a $13.1 million payment to terminate the gold sales offtake agreement, compared to $24.1 million in Q4 2023. The decrease in operating cash flow was due to the offtake termination fee, partly offset by higher realized gold prices in Q4 2024.

Galiano Gold Inc.  Financial highlights for the three months and years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

Three months ended December 31, Year ended December 31, (All amounts in 000's of US dollars, unless otherwise stated) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Galiano Gold Inc. Revenue 64,551 - 231,339 - Income from mine operations 21,788 - 78,010 - Net income (loss) attributable to common

shareholders 946 (5,758) 6,118 26,085 Net income (loss) per share attributable to

common shareholders 0.00 (0.03) 0.02 0.12 Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to

common shareholders1 5,096 (5,380) 42,215 26,463 Adjusted net income (loss) per share attributable

to common shareholders1 0.02 (0.02) 0.17 0.12 Adjusted EBITDA1 21,175 98 71,292 26,754 Cash and cash equivalents 105,775 55,270 105,775 55,270 Cash generated from (used in) operating activities 13,806 (1,574) 55,746 (3,634)

The Company consolidated the financial results of the AGM commencing on March 4, 2024 . As revenue and income from mine operations for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024 relate to the financial results of the AGM, refer to the discussion above on the AGM's financial results for the quarter.

. As revenue and income from mine operations for the three months and year ended relate to the financial results of the AGM, refer to the discussion above on the AGM's financial results for the quarter. The Company reported net income attributable to common shareholders of $0.9 million in Q4 2024 compared to a net loss of $5.8 million in Q4 2023. The increase in net earnings during Q4 2024 was due to consolidating the financial results of the AGM, which included a $13.1 million termination fee to buyout the AGM's offtake agreement.

in Q4 2024 compared to a net loss of in Q4 2023. The increase in net earnings during Q4 2024 was due to consolidating the financial results of the AGM, which included a termination fee to buyout the AGM's offtake agreement. Adjusted EBITDA 1 for Q4 2024 amounted to $21.2 million , compared to $0.1 million in Q4 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA 1 was due to consolidating the financial results of the AGM; whereas, in the prior quarter, the Company only recognized its 45% share of the AGM's Adjusted EBITDA 1 .

for Q4 2024 amounted to , compared to in Q4 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was due to consolidating the financial results of the AGM; whereas, in the prior quarter, the Company only recognized its 45% share of the AGM's Adjusted EBITDA . Cash generated from operating activities in Q4 2024 was $13.8 million , which included a $13.1 million payment to terminate the gold sales offtake agreement, compared to cash used in operating activities of $1.6 million in Q4 2023. The increase in cash generated from operating activities in Q4 2024 was driven by the consolidation of the AGM's cash flows.

, which included a payment to terminate the gold sales offtake agreement, compared to cash used in operating activities of in Q4 2023. The increase in cash generated from operating activities in Q4 2024 was driven by the consolidation of the AGM's cash flows. As of December 31, 2024 , the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $105.8 million and no debt.

This news release should be read in conjunction with Galiano's Management's Discussion and Analysis and the

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, which are available

at www.galianogold.com and filed on SEDAR+.

1 Non-IFRS Performance Measures

The Company has included certain non-IFRS performance measures in this news release. These non-IFRS performance measures do not have any standardized meaning and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Accordingly, these performance measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Refer to the Non-IFRS Measures section of Galiano's Management's Discussion and Analysis for an explanation of these measures and reconciliations to the Company's and the AGM's reported financial results in accordance with IFRS.

Total Cash Costs per Gold Ounce

Management of the Company uses total cash costs per gold ounce sold to monitor the operating performance of the AGM. Total cash costs include the cost of production, adjusted for by-product revenue and production royalties per ounce of gold sold.

Management of the Company uses total cash costs per gold ounce sold to monitor the operating performance of the AGM. Total cash costs include the cost of production, adjusted for by-product revenue and production royalties per ounce of gold sold. AISC per Gold Ounce and All-in Sustaining Margin

The Company has adopted the reporting of "AISC per gold ounce sold". AISC include total cash costs, AGM general and administrative expenses, sustaining capital expenditure, sustaining capitalized stripping costs, reclamation cost accretion and lease payments made to and interest expense on the AGM's mining and service lease agreements per ounce of gold sold. All-in sustaining margin per gold ounce sold is calculated by taking the average realized gold price for a period less that period's AISC per ounce. All-in sustaining margin is calculated as all-in sustaining margin per gold ounce sold multiplied by the number of gold ounces sold in a period.

The Company has also provided the non-IFRS performance measure of AISC excluding capitalized stripping costs at the Abore deposit. The Company believes that this non-IFRS performance measure provides additional insight into the costs of producing gold excluding activities associated with developing a new mining pit. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, some investors use this information to evaluate the AGM's performance and ability to generate cash flow.

The Company has adopted the reporting of "AISC per gold ounce sold". AISC include total cash costs, AGM general and administrative expenses, sustaining capital expenditure, sustaining capitalized stripping costs, reclamation cost accretion and lease payments made to and interest expense on the AGM's mining and service lease agreements per ounce of gold sold. All-in sustaining margin per gold ounce sold is calculated by taking the average realized gold price for a period less that period's AISC per ounce. All-in sustaining margin is calculated as all-in sustaining margin per gold ounce sold multiplied by the number of gold ounces sold in a period. The Company has also provided the non-IFRS performance measure of AISC excluding capitalized stripping costs at the Abore deposit. The Company believes that this non-IFRS performance measure provides additional insight into the costs of producing gold excluding activities associated with developing a new mining pit. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, some investors use this information to evaluate the AGM's performance and ability to generate cash flow. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") provides an indication of the Company's continuing capacity to generate income from operations before taking into account the Company's financing decisions and costs of amortizing capital assets. Accordingly, EBITDA comprises net income (loss) excluding finance expense, finance income, depreciation and depletion expense, and income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA adjusts EBITDA to exclude non-recurring items and non-cash items ("Adjusted EBITDA") and includes the Company's interest in the Adjusted EBITDA of the AGM joint venture for the period from January 1, 2024 to March 3, 2024 . Other companies may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") provides an indication of the Company's continuing capacity to generate income from operations before taking into account the Company's financing decisions and costs of amortizing capital assets. Accordingly, EBITDA comprises net income (loss) excluding finance expense, finance income, depreciation and depletion expense, and income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA adjusts EBITDA to exclude non-recurring items and non-cash items ("Adjusted EBITDA") and includes the Company's interest in the Adjusted EBITDA of the AGM joint venture for the period from to . Other companies may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently. Free cash flow

The Company believes that in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the Company and certain investors and analysts use free cash flow to evaluate the AGM's performance with respect to its operating cash flow capacity to meet non-discretionary outflows of cash. The presentation of free cash flow is not meant to be a substitute for the cash flow information presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measures. Free cash flow is calculated as cash flow from operating activities of the AGM, excluding one-time charges not indicative of current period cash flow performance, less cash flows used in investing activities and payments made to mining and service contractors for leases capitalized under IFRS 16.

The Company believes that in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the Company and certain investors and analysts use free cash flow to evaluate the AGM's performance with respect to its operating cash flow capacity to meet non-discretionary outflows of cash. The presentation of free cash flow is not meant to be a substitute for the cash flow information presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measures. Free cash flow is calculated as cash flow from operating activities of the AGM, excluding one-time charges not indicative of current period cash flow performance, less cash flows used in investing activities and payments made to mining and service contractors for leases capitalized under IFRS 16. Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per common share

The Company has included the non-IFRS performance measures of adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per common share. Neither adjusted net income (loss) nor adjusted net income (loss) per share have any standardized meaning and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to other measures presented by other issuers. Adjusted net income (loss) excludes certain non-cash items or non-recurring items from net income (loss) to provide a measure which helps the Company and investors to evaluate the results of the underlying core operations of the Company or the AGM and its ability to generate cash flows and is an important indicator of the strength of the Company's or the AGM's operations and performance of its core business.

Qualified Person

Richard Miller, P.Eng., Vice President Technical Services with Galiano, is a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About Galiano Gold Inc.

Galiano is focused on creating a sustainable business capable of value creation for all stakeholders through production, exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. The Company owns the Asanko Gold Mine, which is located in Ghana, West Africa. Galiano is committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and the health and safety of its employees and neighbouring communities. For more information, please visit www.galianogold.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which we refer to collectively as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: statements regarding the Company's operating plans for the AGM and timing thereof; expectations and timing with respect to current and planned drilling programs, including at Abore, and the results thereof; anticipated production and cost guidance; performance of a mobile crushing unit installed at the Abore pit; timing of installation of a permanent secondary crushing circuit; expectations regarding cash flows from operations; any additional work programs to be undertaken by the Company; potential exploration opportunities and statements regarding the usefulness and comparability of certain non-IFRS measures; and total cash costs and corresponding cost performance relating to the Company's activities. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to: development plans and capital expenditures; the price of gold will not decline significantly or for a protracted period of time; the accuracy of the estimates and assumptions underlying mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; the Company's ability to raise sufficient funds from future equity financings to support its operations, and general business and economic conditions; the global financial markets and general economic conditions will be stable and prosperous in the future; the AGM will not experience any significant uninsured production disruptions that would materially affect revenues; the ability of the Company to comply with applicable governmental regulations and standards; the mining laws, tax laws and other laws in Ghana applicable to the AGM will not change, and there will be no imposition of additional exchange controls in Ghana; the success of the Company in implementing its development strategies and achieving its business objectives; the Company will have sufficient working capital necessary to sustain its operations on an ongoing basis and the Company will continue to have sufficient working capital to fund its operations; and the key personnel of the Company will continue their employment.

The foregoing list of assumptions cannot be considered exhaustive.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, include, but are not limited to: the mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates may change and may prove to be inaccurate; metallurgical recoveries may not be economically viable; life of mine estimates are based on a number of factors and assumptions and may prove to be incorrect; actual production, costs, returns and other economic and financial performance may vary from the Company's estimates in response to a variety of factors, many of which are not within the Company's control; inflationary pressures and the effects thereof; the AGM has a limited operating history and is subject to risks associated with establishing new mining operations; sustained increases in costs, or decreases in the availability, of commodities consumed or otherwise used by the Company may adversely affect the Company; adverse geotechnical and geological conditions (including geotechnical failures) may result in operating delays and lower throughput or recovery, closures or damage to mine infrastructure; the ability of the Company to treat the number of tonnes planned, recover valuable materials, remove deleterious materials and process ore, concentrate and tailings as planned is dependent on a number of factors and assumptions which may not be present or occur as expected; the Company's mineral properties may experience a loss of ore, and the Company may experience lack of access to its mineral properties and other issues, due to illegal mining activities; the Company's operations may encounter delays in or losses of production due to equipment delays or the availability of equipment; outbreaks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases may have a negative impact on global financial conditions, demand for commodities and supply chains and could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations and the market price of the common shares of the Company; the Company's operations are subject to continuously evolving legislation, compliance with which may be difficult, uneconomic or require significant expenditures; the Company may be unsuccessful in attracting and retaining key personnel; labour disruptions could adversely affect the Company's operations; recoveries may be lower in the future and have a negative impact on the Company's financial results; the lower recoveries may persist and be detrimental to the AGM and the Company; the Company's business is subject to risks associated with operating in a foreign country; risks related to the Company's use of contractors; the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of gold; the Company's operations are subject to environmental hazards and compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations; the effects of climate change or extreme weather events may cause prolonged disruption to the delivery of essential commodities which could negatively affect production efficiency; the Company's operations and workforce are exposed to health and safety risks; unexpected costs and delays related to, or the failure of the Company to obtain, necessary permits could impede the Company's operations; the Company's title to exploration, development and mining interests can be uncertain and may be contested; geotechnical risks associated with the design and operation of a mine and related civil structures; the Company's properties may be subject to claims by various community stakeholders; current, ongoing and future legal disputes and appeals from third parties may be successful, and the Company may be required to pay settlement costs or damages; risks related to limited access to infrastructure and water; risks associated with establishing new mining operations; the Company's revenues are dependent on the market prices for gold, which have experienced significant recent fluctuations; the Company may not be able to secure additional financing when needed or on acceptable terms; the Company's shareholders may be subject to future dilution; risks related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; risks relating to credit rating downgrades; changes to taxation laws applicable to the Company may affect the Company's profitability and ability to repatriate funds; risks related to the Company's internal controls over financial reporting and compliance with applicable accounting regulations and securities laws; risks related to information systems security threats; non-compliance with public disclosure obligations could have an adverse effect on the Company's stock price; the carrying value of the Company's assets may change and these assets may be subject to impairment charges; risks associated with changes in reporting standards; the Company may be liable for uninsured or partially insured losses; the Company may be subject to litigation; damage to the Company's reputation could result in decreased investor confidence and increased challenges in developing and maintaining community relations which may have adverse effects on the business, results of operations and financial conditions of the Company and the Company's share price; the Company may be unsuccessful in identifying targets for acquisition or completing suitable corporate transactions, and any such transactions may not be beneficial to the Company or its shareholders; the Company must compete with other mining companies and individuals for mining interests; the Company's growth, future profitability and ability to obtain financing may be impacted by global financial conditions; the Company's common shares may experience price and trading volume volatility; the Company has never paid dividends and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future; the Company's shareholders may be unable to sell significant quantities of the Company's common shares into the public trading markets without a significant reduction in the price of its common shares, or at all; and the risk factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, you are cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in, this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Canterra Minerals Corporation (TSXV: CTM) (OTCQB: CTMCF) (FSE: DXZB) ("Canterra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the strategic staking of 19 mineral claims (5km2) covering the Seal Pond Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) prospect in central Newfoundland. The newly acquired claims are located 20 kilometres ("km") east of the Company's Buchans project, a world renowned, historic, high-grade volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") critical metal mining camp.

Highlights:

Seal Pond prospect is hosted by volcanic rocks of the Mary March Group that correlate with productive rocks of the Buchans Group and host several high-grade VMS occurrences with similarities to the Buchans orebodies.

Adds more of the prospective rocks to our broader regional exploration approach to make a new discovery in this prolific massive sulphide camp

further expands Canterra's Newfoundland critical minerals project portfolio within the Central Newfoundland Mining District where Canterra's current land position is the largest in the district and is host to 7 known undeveloped deposits with current and or historic mineral resource estimates prepared in compliance with National Instrument 43-101 at the time of their estimation (see Canterra Website for details).

Drill highlights include intervals grading 2.84% Zn and 1.22% Cu, within the favourable Buchans Group rocks and associated alteration and mineralization signatures. Drilling has not taken place on the Seal Pond property since 2006 and has been limited in scope.

"Canterra's acquisition of these claims underscores its commitment to expanding its exploration footprint in proven mining jurisdictions. This staking represents further consolidation the Buchans group rocks to secure the regional potential in this belt to make a new high-grade critical minerals discovery," said Chris Pennimpede, President & CEO of Canterra Minerals. "We believe the Seal Pond prospect has significant potential and look forward to applying modern exploration techniques to unlock new discoveries in this well-endowed district."

Figure 1. Map of the Critical Mineral Bearing Buchans Group Rocks. Seal Pond, Little Sandy and Buchans Projects are largely or entirely contained within the Buchans group which hosts the past producing Buchans Mine.

Strategic Significance

Historical exploration has identified favorable lithologies and alteration signatures indicative of VMS mineralization. Historic drill results from this prospect include:

From To Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) Au (ppb) 51.55 51.75 0.54 0.04 2.84 80 100.3 100.5 1.22 - 0.08 70

Table 1. Historic drill assay results from Drillhole SP-95-1. Taken from NL report geofile 12A/15/730.

*Assays are historical in nature having been collected by previous operators other than Canterra.

Next Steps

Canterra has initiated a comprehensive review of historical exploration data and will consider follow-up field programs once this review is complete. The objective of this review and subsequent field work will be to identify drill targets and ultimately advance the Seal Pond prospect toward discovery of significant new deposits.

Newfoundland and Labrador Junior Exploration Assistance & Town of Buchans

Canterra gratefully acknowledges the financial support it may receive from the Junior Exploration Assistance Program in relation to the Company's Buchans 2025 exploration program.

Qualified Person

Paul Moore MSc. P.Geo. (NL), Vice President of Exploration for Canterra Minerals Corporation, a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the technical disclosure in this news release for accuracy and either prepared or supervised its preparation.

Corporate Update

Further to the Company's news release dated February 21, 2025, the Company confirms that Spark Newswire was granted $311,210 worth of stock options and will be granted additional stock options to meet the $340,000 worth of stock options owing under its marketing consulting and investor relations services (the "Agreement"). The Company will issue a news release when the additional options are granted, and all options will be granted pursuant to TSX Venture Exchange policies at the time of grant. The Company also confirms that, aside from stock options, Spark Newswire and its authorized person do not hold any securities in the Company, and that the Agreement is for a three-month term, with no renewal.

About Canterra Minerals

Canterra is a diversified minerals exploration company focused on critical minerals and gold in central Newfoundland. The Company's projects include six mineral deposits located in close proximity to the world-renowned, past producing Buchans mine and Teck Resources' Duck Pond mine that collectively produced copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold. Several of Canterra's deposits support current and historical Mineral Resource Estimates prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves current at their respective effective dates. Canterra's gold projects are located on-trend of Calibre Mining's Valentine mine currently under construction and cover a ~60 km extension of the same structural corridor that hosts mineralization within Calibre's mine project. Past drilling by Canterra and others within the Company's gold projects intersected multiple occurrences of orogenic style gold mineralization within a large land position that remains underexplored.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information



This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements with respect to estimated mineral resources, the opening of avenues for substantial discoveries within the belt, the Buchans Project being ripe for a modern approach with significant exploration potential for high grade VMS mineralization, the Company anticipating being strongly positioned to unveil the next mineral discovery in central Newfoundland. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects.; as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in the Company's public filings under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.
20.0m Composite Mineralization at JR Zone with 2.25m high grade Radioactivity

Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - F3 Uranium Corp (TSXV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) ("F3" or "the Company") is pleased to release initial scintillometer results from the ongoing winter drill programs at the PLN and Broach Properties including drilling at JR Zone, B1, and the PW Area. At Broach Lake a new prospective area "PW" is emerging, where exploration drillhole PLN25-202 encountered six distinct zones of anomalous radioactivity, with readings ranging between 300 cps and 720 cps over a 90m downhole interval. At JR Zone, PLN25-200 returned mineralization over 20.0m, including 2.25m of high grade (>10,000 cps) containing 0.68m of off-scale mineralization (>65,535 cps).

2025 Handheld Spectrometer Highlights:

PLN: JR Zone



PLN25-198 (line 090S):

6.5m interval with mineralization between 214.5 and 223.0m, including 0.20m high-grade radioactivity (> 10,000 cps) between 220.65 and 220.85m, and

interval with mineralization between 214.5 and 223.0m, including 1.5m interval with mineralization between 228.5 and 230.0m

PLN25-200 (line 045S):

1.0m interval with mineralization between 229.0 and 230.0m, and

interval with mineralization between 229.0 and 230.0m, and 19.0m interval with mineralization between 233.0 and 252.0m, including 2.25m high-grade composite radioactivity (> 10,000 cps) between 236.0 and 238.75m

interval with mineralization between 233.0 and 252.0m, including

Broach Lake: PW Area



PLN25-202 (line 11325S):

0.5m interval with radioactivity between 272.5 and 273.0m, and

interval with radioactivity between 272.5 and 273.0m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 275.5 and 276.0m, and

interval with radioactivity between 275.5 and 276.0m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 296.0 and 296.5m, and

interval with radioactivity between 296.0 and 296.5m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 321.0 and 321.5m, and

interval with radioactivity between 321.0 and 321.5m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 359.5 and 360.0m, and

interval with radioactivity between 359.5 and 360.0m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 362.5 and 363.0m

B1 Conductor:



PLN25-196 (line 2835S):

0.5m interval with radioactivity between 336.5 and 367.0m

Sam Hartmann, Vice President Exploration, commented: "The 'PW' area, situated on the Broach Property approximately 12 kilometers south of the JR Zone, lies just within the Athabasca Basin and represents a region with minimal historical exploration and drilling activity. No previously defined conductors had been identified in this area, largely due to the presence of a thick layer of conductive Cretaceous mudstone from the Manville Group, which locally reaches thicknesses of nearly 100 meters. Recognizing the potential of this challenging but underexplored region, we conducted a specifically designed MLTDEM ground survey (see NR February 11) which has just been completed by Abitibi Geophysics. This approach successfully delineated a number of basement-hosted conductors on the survey lines interpreted so far with lines L3200N to L4400N still outstanding (see Map 2), overcoming the interference posed by the conductive mudstones. Drillhole PLN25-202 was collared based on an initial interpretation and conductor model on L1600N, and intersected strongly altered basement lithologies, encountering six distinct radioactive intercepts across a 90-meter downhole interval. Data from this drillhole was subsequently re-integrated back into the electromagnetic (EM) model - which resulted in a lateral shift of the conductor model by approximately 100 meters. This adjustment suggests that PLN25-202 overshot the intended target yet - still encountered significant alteration and structures along with radioactivity. A follow-up drillhole is scheduled and planned to step back by approximately 100 meters to better intersect the refined target, which lies in a distinct circular gravity anomaly. While the PW Area is still in its early stages of exploration, we are highly encouraged by these strong initial results, and intend to conduct further drilling in the area before shifting focus back to the JR Zone toward the conclusion of the winter season."

Map 1. Patterson Lake North - JR Zone 2025 Scintillometer Results

Map 2. Broach Lake - PW Area 2025 Scintillometer Results

Table 1. Drill Hole Summary and Handheld Spectrometer Results

Collar Information

* Hand-held Spectrometer Results On Mineralized Drillcore (>300 cps / >0.5m minimum) Hole ID Section Line Easting Northing Elevation Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval (m) Max CPS Athabasca Unconformity Depth (m) Total Drillhole Depth (m) PLN25-196 2835S 589265.0 6408368.2 537.9 54.1 -67.3 366.50 367.00 0.50 390 178.4 497 PLN25-197 030S 587776.2 6410760.2 546.4 55.1 -70.7 206.50 207.00 0.50 880 189.7 251 207.00 207.50 0.50 7,600 207.50 208.00 0.50 9,700 208.00 208.50 0.50 5,100 208.50 209.00 0.50 510 209.00 209.50 0.50 360 209.50 210.00 0.50 390 210.00 210.50 0.50 350 210.50 211.00 0.50 530 211.00 211.50 0.50 1,100 PLN25-198 090S 587842.9 6410645.2 546.0 9.4 -64.9 214.50 215.00 0.50 330 191.7 299 215.00 215.50 0.50 460 215.50 217.50 2.00 <300 217.50 218.00 0.50 3,400 218.00 218.50 0.50 2,200 218.50 219.00 0.50 330 219.00 219.50 0.50 340 219.50 220.00 0.50 570 220.00 220.50 0.50 450 220.50 220.65 0.15 8,600 220.65 220.85 0.20 22,100 220.85 221.00 0.15 7,700 221.00 221.50 0.50 8,100 221.50 222.00 0.50 2,500 222.00 222.50 0.50 4,900 222.50 223.00 0.50 2,200 228.50 229.00 0.50 310 229.00 229.50 0.50 <300 229.50 230.00 0.50 450 PLN25-199 010N 587693.2 6410748.1 545.2 54.9 -65.7 232.00 232.50 0.50 360 197.7 269 242.00 242.50 0.50 1,000 242.50 243.00 0.50 2,900 243.00 243.50 0.50 1,100 PLN25-200 045S 587730.9 6410712.4 545.2 53.4 -65.5 229.00 229.50 0.50 330 229.50 230.00 0.50 360 233.00 233.50 0.50 660 233.50 234.00 0.50 720 234.00 234.50 0.50 1,900 234.50 235.00 0.50 4,900 235.00 235.50 0.50 660 235.50 236.00 0.50 9,600 236.00 236.50 0.50 62,200 236.50 237.00 0.50 13,400 237.00 237.50 0.50 9,200 237.50 237.65 0.15 58,200 237.65 238.00 0.35 >65,535 238.00 238.33 0.33 >65,535 238.33 238.50 0.17 61,000 238.50 238.75 0.25 22,300 238.75 239.00 0.25 8,600 239.00 239.50 0.50 8,400 239.50 240.00 0.50 2,800 240.00 240.50 0.50 5,700 240.50 241.00 0.50 3,000 241.00 241.50 0.50 5,400 241.50 242.00 0.50 5,200 242.00 242.50 0.50 5,100 242.50 243.00 0.50 470 243.00 244.00 1.00 <300 244.00 244.50 0.50 320 244.50 246.50 2.00 <300 246.50 247.00 0.50 2,100 247.00 247.50 0.50 740 247.50 248.00 0.50 1,100 248.00 248.50 0.50 480 248.50 249.00 0.50 <300 249.00 249.50 0.50 330 249.50 250.00 0.50 740 250.00 251.00 1.00 <300 251.00 251.50 0.50 1,300 251.50 252.00 0.50 2,100 PLN25-201 12510S 590064.4 6397263.8 568.9 45.9 -70.2 PW Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps n.a. 437 PLN25-202 11325S 589352.6 6397967.0 583.2 45.9 -63.3 272.50 273.00 0.50 330 171.6 464.5 275.50 276.00 0.50 300 296.00 296.50 0.50 330 321.00 321.50 0.50 320 359.50 360.00 0.50 320 362.50 363.00 0.50 720

Handheld spectrometer composite parameters:

1: Minimum Thickness of 0.5m

2: CPS Cut-Off of 300 counts per second

3: Maximum Internal Dilution of 2.0m

Image 1: Anomalous Radioactivity in PLN25-202

The natural gamma radiation detected in the drill core, as detailed in this news release, was measured in counts per second (cps) using a handheld Radiation Solutions RS-125 spectrometer. The Company designates readings exceeding 300 cps on the handheld spectrometer (occasionally referred to as a scintillometer in industry parlance; this colloquial usage stems from historical naming conventions and the shared functionality of detecting gamma radiation with a scintillometer)as "anomalous", readings above 10,000 cps as "high-grade", and readings surpassing 65,535 cps as "off-scale". However, readers are cautioned that spectrometer or scintillometer measurements often do not directly or consistently correlate with the uranium grades of the rock samples and should be regarded solely as a preliminary indicator of the presence of radioactive materials.

Samples from the drill core are split into half sections on site. Where possible, samples are standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample is sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK while the other half remains on site for reference. Analysis includes a 63 element suite including boron by ICP-OES, uranium by ICP-MS and gold analysis by ICP-OES and/or AAS.

The Company considers uranium mineralization with assay results of greater than 1.0 weight % U 3 O 8 as "high grade" and results greater than 20.0 weight % U 3 O 8 as "ultra-high grade".

All depth measurements reported are down-hole and true thicknesses are yet to be determined.

About the Patterson Lake North Project

The Company's 42,961-hectare 100% owned Patterson Lake North Project (PLN) is located just within the south-western edge of the Athabasca Basin in proximity to Paladin's Triple R and NexGen Energy's Arrow high-grade uranium deposits, an area poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. The PLN Project consists of the 4,074-hectare Patterson Lake North Property, the 19,864-hectare Minto Property, and the 19,022-hectare Broach Property. All three properties comprising the PLN Project are accessed by Provincial Highway 955; the new JR Zone uranium discovery on the PLN property is located 23km northwest of Paladin's Triple R deposit.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and approved on behalf of the company by Raymond Ashley, P.Geo., President & COO of F3 Uranium Corp, a Qualified Person. Mr. Ashley has verified the data disclosed.

About F3 Uranium Corp.

F3 Uranium is a uranium exploration company, focusing on the recently discovered high-grade JR Zone on its Patterson Lake North (PLN) Project in the Western Athabasca Basin. F3 Uranium currently has 3 properties in the Athabasca Basin: Patterson Lake North, Minto, and Broach. The western side of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is home to some of the world's largest high grade uranium deposits including Paladin's Triple R and Nexgen's Arrow.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-Looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Dev Randhawa"

Dev Randhawa, CEO
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, March 18, 2025  TheNewswire - (TSXV: PINN, OTC: NRGOF, Frankfurt: X6C)  Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp. ("Pinnacle" or the Company") is pleased to provide further details on the preliminary underground sampling program that was conducted as part of the due diligence work on the recently acquired high-grade gold-silver El Potrero property in Durango, Mexico (see Pinnacle news releases dated February 24 and 25, 2025). The Company also announces that Phase I field work has commenced on the project.

Preliminary sampling of mineralized veins containing grey-black ginguro bands (very fine grained silver-gold mineralization) in the Pinos Cuates Mine returned an arithmetic average from four chip channel samples (see Table 1 below) of 8.04 g/t gold (Au) and 146 g/t silver (Ag) (9.70 g/t Au Equivalent or 853 g/t Ag Equivalent1), consistent with the historic production grades reported verbally by the vendors, and the historic resource estimate of 45,561 tonnes at 8.0 g/t Au and 186 g/t Ag (10.1 g/t Au Eq or 890 g/t Ag Eq1). These resources are historical in nature and Pinnacle is not treating these estimates as current mineral resources as a qualified person on behalf of Pinnacle has not done sufficient work to classify them as current mineral resources.

Table 1: Mineralized Samples from the Pinos Cuates Mine

Sample Length (metres) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Gold Equivalent (g/t)1 Silver Equivalent (g/t)1 0.9 9.32 254 12.21 1,074 0.8 8.21 153 9.95 875 1.4 7.92 63 8.64 760 0.3 6.71 113 7.99 703

1Gold and silver equivalents calculated using a gold:silver price ratio of 88 (i.e. 88 g/t silver = 1 g/t gold). The metal prices used to determine the 88:1 ratio are the closing spot prices in New York on March 14, 2025: US$2,983.30/oz gold and US$33.765/oz silver.

Having just recently closed the acquisition of the staged option on the Potrero Property, we are wasting no time in hitting the ground running on this exciting project, stated Robert Archer, Pinnacles President & CEO. Not only did our due diligence sampling confirm the high-grade nature of the gold-silver mineralization, but the historic workings stretching over a 500 metre strike length and the absence of any drilling or other modern exploration implies significant potential for resource development on a strong epithermal vein system. Furthermore, we will immediately commence cleaning the processing plant in order to put together a budget and schedule to make it operational once again.

As part of Pinnacles due diligence on the property, non-systematic sampling of the main exposed structures in underground workings at the Dos de Mayo, Pinos Cuates and La Dura historic mines was undertaken during two visits in October and December of 2024 (see Figure 1). The lack of any detailed surface or underground maps and the general inaccessibility of most of the old stopes containing the mineralization underground led to the non-systematic nature of the sampling. Vein exposures underground were typically less than two metres, thereby limiting the width of the veins that could be sampled. As such, professional mining contractors are being brought in to render these areas safe for a more systematic sampling program.

Figure 1: Longitudinal section, looking southwest, of underground workings and vein projections at the Potrero Project.

Assays from the first visit indicated that the vein system is clearly gold- and silver-bearing, while the second visit allowed for the more precise identification of mineralized zones within the veins, particularly in the Pinos Cuates workings where an upper level, approximately 10 metres above the previous visit, was examined and sampled, yielding the results in Table 1 above. Values in the 35 underground samples ranged from 0.047 to 9.32 g/t Au and <2 to 254 g/t Ag. Importantly, there is no significant amount of base metals or any deleterious elements that could impact the metallurgy.

Following the cleaning of the underground workings, the vein system will be surveyed, mapped and systematically sampled in order to determine the structural controls on gold-silver mineralization as the highest grades tend to occur in shoots. Once these are better defined, a diamond drilling program can be planned to systematically test these areas for continuity. As no drilling has been conducted previously, the vein system is open in all directions.

While the underground workings are being rehabilitated, surface mapping will get underway to trace out the vein system and gain a better understanding of the geological setting. Initially, this work will focus on the area above the historic mines then work out along strike to the northwest and southeast. From observations made during the due diligence period, the veins appear to splay along strike and several parallel veins exist both on the property and on neighbouring ground, suggesting that the system may be more extensive than initially realized.

Given the importance of structure in these types of vein systems, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey is being planned for the entire property. LiDAR is a remote-sensing and laser technology that sees through overburden and maps out the rock subsurface in a way that allows for the interpretation of structural features that can be important in controlling gold-silver mineralization. This interpretation will also be used in the planning of upcoming drill programs.

Roads on the property are being rehabilitated and the campsite will be cleaned and rebuilt. In due course, discussions will be held with the federal electrical commission to extend the power line to the plant site, a distance of only about three kilometres.

QA/QC

The assay results contained in this news release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Pinnacle has implemented industry standard practices for sample preparation, security and analysis given the stage of the Project. This has included common industry QA/QC procedures to monitor the quality of the assay database, including inserting certified reference material samples and blank samples into sample batches on a predetermined frequency basis.

Non-systematic chip channel sampling was completed across the exposed mineralized structures using a hammer and maul. The protocol for sample lengths established that they were not longer than two metres or shorter than 0.3 metres. The veins tend to be steeply dipping to vertical, and so these samples are reasonably close to representing the true widths of the structures. Samples were collected along the structural strike or oblique to the main structural trend.

All samples were bagged in pre-numbered plastic bags; each bag had a numbered tag inside and were tied off with adhesive tape and then bulk bagged in rice bags in batches not to exceed 40 kg. They were then numbered, and batch bags were tied off with plastic ties and delivered directly to the SGS laboratory facility in Durango, Mexico for preparation and analysis. The lab is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017. All Samples were delivered in person by the contract geologist who conducted the sampling under the supervision of the QP.

SGS sample preparation code G_PRP89 including weight determination, crushing, drying, splitting, and pulverizing was used following industry best practices where all samples were crushed to 75% less than 2 mm, riffle split off 250 g, pulverized split to >85% passing 75 microns (m). All samples were analyzed for gold using code GA_FAA30V5 with a Fire Assay determination on 30g samples with an Atomic Absorption Spectography finish. An ICP-OES analysis package (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry) including 33 elements and 4-acid digestion was performed (code GE_ICP40Q12) to determine Ag, Zn, Pb, Cu and other elements.

Qualified Person

Mr. Jorge Ortega, P. Geo, a Qualified Person, and independent from Pinnacle, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and the author of the NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Potrero Project, has reviewed, verified and approved for disclosure the technical information contained in this news release.

About the Potrero Property

El Potrero is located in the prolific Sierra Madre Occidental of western Mexico and lies within 35 kilometres of four operating mines, including the 4,000 tonnes per day (tpd) Cienega Mine (Fresnillo), the 1,000 tpd Tahuehueto Mine (Luca Mining) and the 250 tpd Topia Mine (Guanajuato Silver).

High-grade gold-silver mineralization occurs in a low sulphidation epithermal breccia vein system hosted within andesites of the Lower Volcanic Series and has three historic mines along a 500 metre strike length. A historic resource based upon underground sampling of those three mines is reported to consist of 45,561 tonnes at 8.0 g/t gold and 186 g/t silver. The property has been in private hands for almost 40 years and has never been drilled or explored by modern methods, leaving significant exploration potential.

A 100 tpd plant on site can be refurbished / rebuilt and historic underground mine workings rehabilitated at relatively low cost in order to achieve near-term production once permits are in place. The property is road accessible with a power line within three kilometres. Surface rights over the plant and mine area are privately owned (no community issues).

Pinnacle will earn an initial 50% interest immediately upon commencing production. The goal would then be to generate sufficient cash flow with which to further develop the project and increase the Companys ownership to 100% subject to a 2% NSR. If successful, this approach would be less dilutive for shareholders than relying on the still challenging equity markets to finance the growth of the Company.

About Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp.

Pinnacle is focused on district-scale exploration for precious metals in the Americas. The addition of the high-grade Potrero gold-silver project in Mexicos Sierra Madre Belt complements the Companys project portfolio and provides the potential for near-term production. In the prolific Red Lake District of northwestern Ontario, the Company owns a 100% interest in the past-producing, high-grade Argosy Gold Mine and the adjacent North Birch Project with an eight-kilometre-long target horizon. With a seasoned, highly successful management team and quality projects, Pinnacle Silver and Gold is committed to building long-term, sustainable value for shareholders.

Signed: Robert A. Archer

President & CEO

For further information contact:

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Tel.: +1 (877) 271-5886 ext. 110

Website: www.pinnaclesilverandgold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
DDRCCC-25-075 ("Hole 75") was drilled to a length of 715.97 metres to test depth continuity of Blackjack gold mineralization and encountered over 130 instances of visible gold

Hole 75 confirms strong gold mineralization extends approximately 70 metres northeast from Hole 68

Hole 75 is the first hole to be completed as part of Sitka's fully funded 30,000 metre drill program planned for 2025, the largest drill program ever conducted at RC Gold

DDRCCC-25-076, currently in progress, is designed to test gold mineralization at deeper depths than any previous drilling

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the first diamond drill hole of its 30,000 metre drilling program planned for this year at its 100% owned, road accessible RC Gold Project ("RC Gold" or the "Project") in Yukon. DDRCCC-25-075 ("Hole 75") is the first drill hole to be completed as part of the winter phase of diamond drilling currently underway at RC Gold. Hole 75, one of the deepest holes ever drilled at the Blackjack zone, went to a length of 715.97 metres to test both the lateral and vertical extent of high-grade gold mineralization that was discovered in Hole 68 which was the best drill hole completed at Blackjack to date. Visible gold was observed over 130 times in Hole 75 and initial review of the drill core suggests strong gold mineralization extends at least 70 metres to the northeast from Hole 68.

Figure 1. Examples of instances of visible gold observed throughout hole DDRCCC-25-075. Visible gold is found in sheeted quartz veins and is often associated with bismuthinite, scheelite, and arsenopyrite. Assays for this drill hole are currently pending. Additional images of visible gold observed in Hole 75 can be viewed HERE.

"The 2025 drilling campaign at RC Gold is off to a remarkable start with the first drill hole of the year returning a multitude of visual gold occurrences," said Cor Coe, Director and CEO of Sitka Gold Corp. "Hole 75 was located to follow-up on the strong results of Hole 68 which intersected 678.1 m of 1.04 g/t gold including 93.0 m grading 2.57 g/t gold starting at 589.5 metres, the deepest and longest intersection of gold mineralization to date at the Blackjack deposit which remains open in all directions. The increasing grades at depth in Hole 68 suggest that drilling is vectoring towards the source of this impressive gold system and initial observations of Hole 75 confirm that strong gold mineralization persists at least 70 metres northeast of the high-grade intervals returned in Hole 68. We eagerly await the results from Hole 75 which will aid in further understanding the dimensions of the Blackjack zone at depth where higher gold grades may support a potential underground mining operation below the limits of the recently announced pit constrained resource of 1,291,000 ounces of gold grading 1.01 g/t gold in an indicated category and 1,044,000 ounces of gold grading 0.94 g/t gold in an inferred category at Blackjack(1). DDRCCC-25-076, currently in progress, is now being drilled from the same pad at a steeper angle than Hole 75 and is designed to test the Blackjack zone to even deeper depths than previous drilling."

(1) Simpson R. January 21, 2025. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory

Figure 2. A plan map of the Blackjack gold deposit showing the location of diamond drill holes DDRCCC-25-075 (yellow trace), DDRCCC-25-076 (green trace - in progress) and proposed holes WBJ25-B and WBJ25-C (blue traces) which are designed to further extend gold mineralization to the northeast.

Figure 3. A cross section showing the trace of diamond drill hole DDRCCC-25-075 and the location of over 130 occurrences of visible gold (yellow stars) down the hole. Hole 75 intersected mineralized intrusive rock approximately 70 m to the northeast of Hole 68 which crosses this section orthogonally. While the presence of visible gold is a good indicator of robust gold mineralization it is not a requirement for strong gold mineralization to be present, as was the case in DDRCCC-23-047, one of the best drill holes completed to date at Blackjack. While visible gold was only observed once in Hole 47 it returned 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold (see news release dated September 26, 2023). The proposed trace for DDRCCCC-25-076, currently in progress, is also shown and is designed to test gold mineralization deeper than any previous drilling.

DDRCCC-25-075

Drill hole DDRCCC-25-075 was drilled to a length of 715.97 m at an azimuth of 037o and a dip of -65o to test the horizontal continuity of mineralization intersected in hole DDRCCC-24-068 from the 2024 drill campaign. This drill hole intersected several broad zones of feldspar megacrystic, quartz monzonite cross cutting hornfels biotite schist of the Yuzesyu Formation. These intrusions, and locally the metasediments, are cut by abundant 1-2 cm sheeted quartz veins with cm scale quartz sericite alteration halos. A significant zone of strongly altered, variable textured quartz monzonite was intersected from ~350 m to 620 m. Over 130 instances of visible gold were observed in sheeted quartz veins, often associated with bismuthinite, scheelite, and arsenopyrite throughout the interval, consistent with observations of mineral associations in all previous drilling.

Figure 4. Strongly altered and variably textured quartz monzonite from 562.7 m to 571.7 m in Hole 75. Pink flagging tape marks veins where occurrences of visible gold were noted by Sitka's sharp-eyed field crew.

Figure 5. A plan map of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC) showing the updated resource areas at Blackjack and Eiger, and the six additional areas that have drill targets indicated by the mauve hatched areas. The map highlights the numerous drill targets that Sitka has outlined within the CCIC which all are connected by the road network on the project and occur in a relatively small area measuring five (5) km north-south and twelve (12) km east-west. Additional areas highlighted by strong gold in soil anomalies are being advanced to the drill ready stage with additional geological work in 2025.

About the flagship RC Gold Project

The RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine.

The RC Gold Project now has pit-constrained mineral resources that are contained in two zones: the Blackjack and Eiger gold deposits with 1,291,000 ounces of gold grading 1.01 g/t gold in an indicated category and 1,044,000 ounces of gold grading 0.94 g/t in an inferred category at Blackjack and 440,000 ounces of gold grading 0.50 g/t gold in an inferred category at Eiger. These resource estimate numbers are supported by the recently updated technical report for RC Gold, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards, entitled "Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory", prepared by Ronald G. Simpson, P. Geo., of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 21, 2025. This report is available on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.sitkagoldcorp.com).

Both of these deposits begin at surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022).

To date, 73 diamond drill holes have been drilled into this system by the Company for a total of approximately 25,851 metres. Other targets drilled to date include the Saddle, Josephine, Rhosgobel and Pukelman zones. The resource expansion drilling in 2023 at Blackjack produced results of up to 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold Including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 (see news release dated September 26, 2023) and in 2024 results of up to 678.1 metres of 1.04 g/t gold starting from surface in DDRCCC-24-068, Including 409.5 metres of 1.36 g/t gold, 93.0 metres of 2.57 g/t gold and 5.5 metres of 17.59 g/t gold (see news release dated October 21, 2024).

A planned 30,000 metre diamond drilling program for 2025 is currently underway at RC Gold.

RC Gold Deposit Model

Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the Florin Gold deposit with a current Inferred Mineral Resource of 170.99 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t (2.47 million ounces; Simpson 2021)(4); the AurMac Project with a in n Inferred Mineral Resource of 347.49 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (7.00 million ounces)(5) and the Valley Deposit, with a current Indicated Mineral Resource of 4.05 million oz gold at 1.66 g/t and an additional Inferred Mineral Resource of 3.26 million oz at 1.25 g/t gold(6).

(1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf

(2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf

(3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022.pdf

(4) Simpson R. Florin Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report. Geosim Services Inc. April 21, 2021. https://sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=24&issuerNo=00005795&issuerType=03&projectNo=03236138&docI d=4984158

(5) Thornton T., Jutras M., Malhotra D. Technical Report Aurmac Property Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada. JDS Energy and Mining Inc. February 6, 2024. https://banyangold.com/site/assets/files/5251/banyan_gold_ni_43-101_technical_report_2024_03_18.pdf

(6) Burrell H., Redmond D.J., Haggarty P., Rogue Gold Project: NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate, Yukon Territory, Canada. Snowline Gold Corp. May 15, 2024. https://snowlinegold.com

Upcoming Events

Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*:

Swiss Mining Institute - Zurich, Switzerland: March 18 - 19, 2025

121 Mining Investment - London, England: May 12 - 13, 2025

Canaccord Global Metals and Mining Conference - Henderson, NV: May 20 - 22, 2025

Yukon Mining Alliance - Dawson City, Yukon: July 9 - 14, 2025

*All events are subject to change.

About Sitka Gold Corp.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada with over $14 million in its treasury and no debt. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently advancing its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project located within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut.

*For more detailed information on the Company's properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com.

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Dessureau, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

SITKA GOLD CORP.

"Donald Penner"

President and Director

For more information contact:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions and the Company's anticipated work programs.

These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) ("Zodiac Gold" or the "Company"), a West-African gold exploration company, is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's news release dated February 6, 2025, it has closed a first tranche of its C$1,000,000 non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for gross proceeds of approximately C$404,310 (the "First Tranche"). The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to mobilize and launch our Phase III infill drill program at the Arthington target, advance exploration across the Company's three exploration licenses, and for general working capital purposes.

David Kol, CEO, commented, "The successful closing of this first tranche is a key milestone as we accelerate our Phase III infill drill program at the Arthington target. This funding allows us to advance exploration across our licenses, bringing us closer to unlocking the full potential of our Todi project. We remain committed to delivering results that create long-term value for our shareholders."

Pursuant to the First Tranche closing of the Offering, the Company issued 5,775,857 units of the Company (each a "Unit") at a price of C$0.07 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant issued in the First Tranche entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of C$0.12 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months following the closing of the First Tranche.

All securities issued pursuant to the First Tranche closing of the Offering, including Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of Warrants, are and will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day after the date of closing of the First Tranche.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Insider Participation

An insider participated in the Offering and subscribed for an aggregate of 642,857 Units for a total of approximately C$45,000. Such participation is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under the policies of the TSXV and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on exemptions from the minority shareholder approval and formal valuation requirements applicable to the related-party transactions under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101, as the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the Units acquired by the insider and the consideration paid by such insider does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report concerning the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances to complete the Offering expeditiously.

About Zodiac Gold

Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSX.V: ZAU) is a West-African gold exploration company focused on its flagship Todi Project situated in Liberia-an underexplored, politically stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction hosting several large-scale gold deposits. Strategically positioned along the fertile Todi Shear Zone, Zodiac Gold is developing a district-scale gold opportunity covering a vast 2,316 km2 land package. The project has undergone de-risking, showcasing proven gold occurrences at both surface and depth, with five drill-ready targets and high-grade gold intercepts.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation.

Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
TORONTO, March 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Probe Gold Inc. (TSX: PRB) (OTCQB: PROBF) ("Probe" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement with Canaccord Genuity Corp., Beacon Securities Limited and Scotiabank (the "Co-Lead Underwriters") on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a "bought deal" basis, 4,630,000 common shares of the Company that will qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and section 359.1 of the Taxation Act (Quebec)) (the "Flow-Through Shares") at a price of $3.24 per Flow-Through Share (the "Flow-Through Issue Price") for gross proceeds of $15,001,200 (the "Flow-Through Offering"), and 8,250,000 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares" and together with the Flow-Through Shares, the "Offered Securities") at a price of $1.82 per Common Share (the "Common Share Issue Price") for gross proceeds of $15,015,000 (the "Common Share Offering", and together with the Flow-Through Offering, the "Offering"), for aggregate gross proceeds of $30,016,200.

In connection with the Offering, the Company has granted the Underwriters an option (the "Underwriters' Option"), exercisable, in whole or in part, by the Co-Lead Underwriters, upon notice to the Company at any time up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date (as defined below) to purchase that number of additional Flow-Through Shares at the Flow-Through Issue Price and/or Common Shares at the Common Share Issue Price for additional aggregate gross proceeds of up to $4,502,430.

The Company will use an amount equal to gross proceeds from the sale of the Flow-Through Shares to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and, in respect of Quebec resident subscribers who are eligible individuals, will qualify for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining or oil and gas exploration expenses" and the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec exploration expenses" of the Company, as such terms are defined in the Taxation Act (Quebec) (the "Qualifying Expenditures"), in relation to the Company's properties located in Quebec, Canada on or before December 31, 2026. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers effective December 31, 2025.

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to advance its Novador Gold project and explore its Quebec properties, as well as for working capital. The Offering is expected to close on or about April 9, 2025 (the "Closing Date") and is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals.

The Offered Securities will be offered by way of private placement pursuant to applicable exemptions from prospectus requirements in each of the provinces of Canada, in the United States pursuant to private placement exemptions, and in such other jurisdictions as may be mutually agreed between the Company and the Co-Lead Underwriters. The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a four month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws.

The securities to be offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Probe Gold

Probe Gold Inc. is a leading Canadian company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is well-funded and dedicated to exploring and developing high-quality gold projects. Notably, it owns 100% of its flagship asset, the multimillion-ounce Novador Gold Project in Quebec, as well as an early-stage Detour Gold Quebec project. Probe controls a large land package of approximately 1835-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts in Quebec. The Company's recent Novador updated Preliminary Economic Assessment outlines a robust mining plan with an average annual gold production of 255,000 ounces over a 12.6-year mine life.

Val-d'Or properties include gold resources totaling 6,728,600 ounces in the Measured and Indicated category and 3,277,100 ounces in the Inferred category along all trends and deposits.

On behalf of Probe Gold Inc.,

Dr. David Palmer,

President & Chief Executive Officer

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, completion of the Offering on the terms and timeline as announced or at all, the Company's expected use of proceeds from the Offering, any expected qualification of Company expenses under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the Taxation Act (Quebec), the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to failure to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals for the Offering, including of the Toronto Stock Exchange, the occurrence of a material adverse change, disaster, change of law or other failure to satisfy the conditions to closing of the Offering, the inability of the Company to apply the use of proceeds from the Offering as anticipated, the failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, an inability to predict and counteract the effects pandemics or other global events on the business of the Company, including but not limited to the effects of the same on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR+. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Agreeing on the contours of the tribunal, writing the statute, and getting it approved by ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States], was the easy part, and that took three years. The hard part will be funding the tribunal, which will cost tens of millions of dollars, finding the staff, and getting it up and running, says Reed Brody, an international human rights lawyer.

Whilst there have been questions around the political will to extradite the former Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh, who is currently on a self-imposed exile in Equatorial Guinea and for whom Gambia has not yet issued an arrest warrant, what could be more challenging for the Gambian government is securing the funds to establish the court. Although it has always been considered a challenging task, now it has become even more difficult with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding freeze.

In January, during the universal periodic review, the Gambian minister of justice, Dawda Jallow, told the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva that an estimated 60 million dollars is needed for the tribunal over a period of five years. Once 16 percent of the funds is secured, he said, the court will start its operations. We urge the international community to fund the Special Tribunal and strengthen reparations programs as part of our transitional justice efforts, he pleaded.

Im sure that if the Gambia continues to show the political will, its friends in the international community, who have rightly been impressed with the Gambias transitional justice program, especially the TRRC, will be ready to help. But with the US cutting off all foreign aid, it will be particularly challenging now to find the money, Brody added.

A Special Prosecutors Office set up by June ?

On April 22, 2024, the Special accountability mechanism bill was passed by the Gambian national assembly. Under this bill are three institutions for prosecutions of the Jammeh-era crimes: the Special Prosecutors Office, the Criminal division of the High Court and the Special Tribunal in partnership with ECOWAS. Whilst the Criminal division of the High Court, which has already been set up, will try domestic crimes, the Special Tribunal will focus on crimes of international nature. In January, the minister of justice said the government plans the Special Prosecutors office to be operational by June 2025.

The Government of the Gambia has a collaborative relationship with the US department of State, the Office of global criminal justice and its former ambassadors-at-large, as well as with the USAID, said Ida Persson, the special adviser on transitional justice and head of the post-TRRC unit at the Gambian ministry of justice. Both have been providing technical and financial support since 2021. On the Special Tribunal and the Special Prosecutors Office, the Office of the global criminal justice was providing technical assistance towards the establishment and the preliminary operations of the Special Prosecutors office, which has now halted due to the new administration freeze,

The government should not depend entirely on donor funding

She added that this will result in delays in the implementation of activities and if the USAID funding freeze should persist, it would also affect the mobilization of additional funding for the Special Prosecutors Office and the Special Tribunal. Other donors that continue to financially support these processes are the UN peacebuilding funds and the European Union, through the implementing partners such as UNDP and OHCHR.

Donald Trumps decision to put a halt to US funding of foreign projects would no doubt affect such initiatives like the creation of the Special Tribunal to try former President Yahya Jammeh, but it definitely should not spell the end of the initiative, said Demba Ali Jawo, veteran journalist, victim of Jammehs regime and former chairman of the Gambia Centre for victims of human rights violations.

If indeed the government have the commitment and political will to carry on with the transitional justice process, they should not depend entirely on donor funding to implement it, he added. For instance, we understand that over a billion dalasis [about 14 million dollars] was realized from the sale of former president Jammehs assets, and there is nothing stopping the government from using some of that money to kick-start the process, rather than do nothing and wait for donor funding.

No financial help from ECOWAS

In July 2024, the ECOWAS parliament voted against its partnership with the Gambia to set up the Special Tribunal. Some of the representatives were strongly against this partnership, one of them being Liberian MP Edwin Snowe, the chair of the committee on political, peace and security. In December 2024, however, that decision no longer carried any weight when the Authority of Heads of States gave this partnership its blessings. But apart from providing technical support, it does not seem like ECOWAS will go any further.

The way its structured, the way the treaty is structured, the Gambian government will fund it, so there is nothing in there that says ECOWAS will fund it. So the role ECOWAS was to play was just to monitor, observe, mediate but the court is fully funded by the government of the Gambia, Edwin Snowe told Justice Info at his home in Banjul.

70 individuals, including Jammeh, should be prosecuted

It is unclear what the Gambias next steps are. The Gambian government has a five-year timeline to implement the TRRC recommendations, which is expected to end in 2027. The National human rights commission is the institution monitoring the governments implementation of the 263 recommendations the TRRC made in 2021.

The National Human Rights Commission has reported to the national assembly that 16 of the recommendations made by the TRRC have been fully implemented by the government and 55 have yet to commence. The remaining 192 TRRC recommendations being implemented, the minister of justice, Jallow, said at the 2024 conference on the status of the implementation of the TRRC recommendations.

As recommended by the TRRC, the Gambia government should prosecute nearly 70 individuals, including Jammeh, who has been on a self-imposed exile since 2017 in Equatorial Guinea, a country that does not have an extradition treaty with The Gambia. He has recently spoken of his return and has been actively participating in the politics of his party.

Two trials have been held in the Gambia in connection to crimes committed under the Jammeh regime. The heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Yankuba Touray, who was a former Junta member and local government minister, were tried whilst the TRRC was ongoing.

In the absence of US funding, what next?

One of the Gambias key partners is the European Union. According to the EU delegation, they have invested a total of 20 million euros in transitional justice since 2017, including security sector reform. At this point in time, our focus concerns the support of the Special Tribunal and the expansion of the High Court complex, by funding the two new courtroom facilities for the special criminal division of the High Court complex in Bakau and the construction of the Special Prosecution office. The EU has also deployed experts across key institutions including the judiciary, the ministry of justice, the national assembly and local government bodies to reinforce the work of these institutions, the delegation said to Justice Info.

On their next steps with regards to the Special Tribunal, the delegation says it is too early to identify the EUs future engagement. But we are of course, as part of the donors community, holding regular discussions with the government.

We certainly will continue with our efforts to mobilize the funds required, which include strategic engagement, both collectively and bilaterally with donors and development partners in and outside the Gambia. We believe if our supporters understand the intricacies of the plan, theyd buy into why its not only a critical endeavour to invest in for the Gambia and the sub-region, but for the world, Persson, from the Gambian ministry of justice, said.

Lack of political will in Banjul

Certainly, the failure to start the prosecution of the alleged perpetrators for more than eight years since the [current president Adama] Barrow regimes coming into power could be interpreted by some people as the governments lack of political will to implement the transitional justice process, Jawo, veteran journalist and victim of Jammehs regime, said. We have also seen that a good number of the victims have died while waiting for justice, and the longer it takes to implement the process, the less effective it is likely to become. Therefore, to demonstrate their commitment to getting justice for victims of the Jammeh regime, the government should expedite the process.
A Salvadoran ex-defense minister and two colonels will go on trial next month for their alleged role in the killings of four Dutch journalists 43 years ago, NGOs in the Central American country said Monday.

The trial will open on April 23 for ex-minister Jose Guillermo Garcia, 91, former police colonel Francisco Antonio Moran, 93, and ex-infantry brigade commander Mario Reyes Mena, 85.

Garcia and Moran are under police surveillance in a private hospital in San Salvador, while Reyes lives in the United States, from where El Salvador is seeking his extradition.

Arrest warrants for the three were issued more than two years ago.

Koos Koster, Jan Kuiper, Hans ter Laag and Joop Willemsen were killed in March 1982 in a rural area north of the capital where they were filming a documentary during El Salvador's 1980-1992 civil war.

In 1993, a UN-sponsored Truth Commission found they had walked into an army ambush planned by Reyes and other officers.

The case was frozen in 1993, after the enactment of a law pardoning war crimes.

But the law was ruled unconstitutional in 2016, opening the door for the filing of criminal complaints.

The Salvadoran Association for Human Rights and a foundation assisting the victims' families said in a statement Monday that the trial date has been set for April 23.

It will start in the absence of Reyes, who moved to the United States to serve as a military attache in the 1980s. He continues to live in Virginia.

El Salvador's Supreme Court this month gave the go-ahead for an extradition request to be sent to the United States.

The Embassy of the Netherlands in Costa Rica, which also serves other Central American nations, welcomed the announcement as a "historic moment in the fight against impunity and for press freedom."

El Salvador's civil war, which pitted the military against leftist guerrillas, left more than 75,000 people dead.
President Donald Trump declared Monday he will hold Iran directly responsible for any future attacks by Yemen's Tehran-backed Huthi rebels, who have targeted US and other foreign ships in the Red Sea.

"Every shot fired by 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," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

While the United States has been carrying out strikes on Huthi targets for months, Trump's comments were unusually pointed at Iran, which later Monday slammed the US president for making "baseless accusations."

Trump spoke after the first US strikes on Yemen of his new term killed 53 people and wounded 98 on Saturday.

In response the Huthis claimed two strikes on a US aircraft carrier and rallied thousands at protests in parts of Yemen under their control.

The United States struck the Huthis over their repeated attacks on Red Sea shipping vessels, which have put a major strain on the vital trade route.

The Huthis have said they are carrying out the attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is waging a war with US support.

"Any further attack or retaliation by the 'Houthis' will be met with great force," Trump also said in his post, adding that "Iran has played 'the innocent victim'" in the conflict.

Iran responded by scolding Trump for making "belligerent statements" and by accusing him of violating the UN Charter in a letter to the Security Council seen by AFP.

Trump and other senior US officials are seeking to "unlawfully justify the US acts of aggression and war crimes against Yemen," with their remarks, Iran's UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani wrote.

- 'Overwhelming lethal force' -

On Monday, in the Pentagon's first formal press briefing of this Trump presidency, officials said US strikes against the Huthis were continuing in order to degrade their ability to plan and conduct attacks, and that Iran was on notice from Trump.

"All options are on the table at this time," spokesman Sean Parnell told reporters when asked whether the president was considering military action against the Islamic republic.

He also said the United States will continue to use "overwhelming lethal force" until it achieves its objectives.

"There is a very clear end state to this operation, and that begins the moment that the Huthis pledge to stop attacking our ships and putting American lives at risk," Parnell said.

US Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich told the briefing more than 30 Huthi targets were hit Saturday, including "terrorist training sites" and weapons manufacturing facilities.

The weekend targets "also included a number of command-and-control centers, including a terrorist compound where we know several senior Huthi unmanned aerial vehicle experts were located," he added.

"Today the operation continues and it will continue in the coming days until we achieve the president's objectives."

Huthi media reported that fresh US air strikes on Monday targeted rebel-held Hodeida on Yemen's western coast.

Before this weekend's targeting of the US carrier group, the Huthis had not claimed attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since January 19, when a ceasefire in Gaza began.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Monday he will ask the UN to protect the rights of Venezuelan migrants the United States had sent to a prison in El Salvador, accused of being gang members.

"Today I am signing a series of communications for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, for the High Commissioner for Human Rights" and other bodies so that "human rights mechanisms are activated to protect Venezuelan men and women," Maduro said on his program on state television.

The United States on the weekend flew more than 200 alleged members of a Venezuelan gang to be imprisoned in El Salvador, after US President Donald Trump invoked wartime legislation to expel them.

The deportations took place despite a US federal judge granting a temporary suspension of the expulsion order -- apparently as planes were already headed to El Salvador -- raising questions over whether the Trump administration deliberately defied the court decision.

President Nayib Bukele said 238 members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which Trump has designated a foreign terrorist organization, had arrived in El Salvador.

He shared a video on X of men in handcuffs and shackles being transferred from a plane to a heavily guarded convoy.

The presidency also posted photos of prisoners' heads being shaved upon arrival.

Maduro, accused of stealing elections last July that saw him claim re-election to a third, six-year term, is not recognized as Venezuela's legitimate president by the opposition and much of the rest of the world.

He said Monday he would seek to have his "kidnapped" compatriots, who he insisted were "not criminals," repatriated from El Salvador.

"I will not rest until we achieve their rescue and their safe return," he added.

The head of Venezuela's parliament said Monday the expulsion amounted to a "crime against humanity."
As dusk fell on a Hong Kong beach, around a dozen Filipino migrant workers turned on their phone flashlights and placed them around the image of a clenched fist, a symbol of support for Rodrigo Duterte.

The group bowed their heads and said a prayer for the former Philippines president, who is being tried at the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity over his war on drugs.

"Please touch the hearts of President Marcos and the judges of the ICC," one of them said during the Sunday beach event, referring to current leader Ferdinand Marcos.

"Whatever (Duterte) needs to be held accountable for, we don't forget the victims, but bring him home."

ICC prosecutors allege that "potentially tens of thousands of killings were perpetrated" as part of a "widespread and systematic attack" on civilians from Duterte's years-long campaign against drug users and dealers.

But he still has pockets of strong support.

Just about a week ago Duterte was in Hong Kong, greeted by cheering fans who packed a 2,000-seat stadium and the streets outside.

His dramatic arrest upon returning to Manila stunned Philippine communities around the world, including the financial hub's 200,000 domestic workers.

His supporters did not necessarily defend his track record.

But they objected to the way he was spirited off to The Hague on the same day as his arrest -- with some believing that his extradition was inextricably linked to the spectacular fall-out between the Duterte dynasty and the ruling Marcos family.

"I'm enraged," said 43-year-old Mary Grace Dolores, who on Sunday was at Central, Hong Kong's glitzy finance district which is also a popular spot for domestic workers on their day off.

"Duterte should be tried first in the place where he was arrested... the Philippines," said Dolores, as other Filipinos around her snapped pictures with a pro-Duterte banner.

Jean Laroza, 46, put it more simply: "(The Marcos government) betrayed their fellow Filipino."

- Overseas Filipinos -

In his 2016 landslide victory, Duterte took more than 70 percent of absentee ballots -- only a small fraction of his total votes, but a testament to his popularity among his compatriots abroad.

"He understood the everyday life of overseas Filipinos," said Jean Franco, a political scientist at the University of Philippines Diliman.

During his term, Duterte doubled passport validity to 10 years and created the Department of Migrant Workers to streamline bureaucratic tasks.

The former president framed his bloody campaign against drug dealers as a "gift" to overseas workers worried about the safety of their loved ones back home, according to Franco.

"He said, 'I can protect your children,'" she added.

Marilou Mepieza, 47, declared herself "in favour of the war on drugs", saying it had struck at underlying corruption.

Mattie, who joined the beach prayer event, said Duterte was a leader who dared to take responsibility.

If his rivals want to "bring him to justice", they should do so at home, he said, declining to provide a last name.

- 'An emotional vote' -

The Philippines is gearing up for midterm elections in two months, with 83,330 registered voters in Hong Kong -- the largest overseas voter base in the Asia Pacific.

"It will become an emotional vote this May," said Jeremaiah Opiniano from the Institute for Migration and Development Issues.

The stadium rally in Hong Kong this month was an obvious attempt to galvanise the pro-Duterte base.

Originally presented as a religious event, Duterte used the end of his 50-minute speech to lobby for his party's candidates.

But migrant worker activists said they are trying to broaden the overseas electorate's view of the vote from the Philippines' traditional personality-driven politics.

"The Dutertes still have the money; the Marcoses still have the power," said Shiela Tebia-Bonifacio from the left-wing alliance BAYAN Hong Kong and Macau.

"We are the ordinary people who suffer from these two clans' clashes."

A voice of dissent among Central's pro-Duterte crowd, 51-year-old Rowena Besana was adamant that "Filipino people deserve to know the truth about the extrajudicial killings".

"These things happened: killing people without mercy, without the proper process," she said.

"(Duterte) must face the trial and he must tell the truth."
A lawyer for Rodrigo Duterte who has been speaking for the family since the former Philippine president's shock arrest and transfer to The Hague has announced plans to file for asylum in the Netherlands.

Harry Roque, who served two stints as Duterte's presidential spokesman, left the Philippines in September after being cited for contempt for refusing to attend hearings into offshore gambling sites used as fronts for criminal activities.

He re-emerged at Duterte's side last week after the ex-president was flown to the International Criminal Court to face a crimes against humanity charge tied to his bloody crackdown on drugs in which thousands were killed.

"I'm filing formally for asylum here in the Netherlands," Roque told a Facebook live press briefing Monday.

"I am confident that I can prove political persecution through unjust prosecution," he said, referencing an arrest warrant issued by a congressional committee.

Roque, one of five Philippine lawyers currently on the ICC's "list of counsel" able to represent defendants at the tribunal, has said he expects to be part of the former president's defence team.

That work would also prevent him from returning home, he told reporters.

"I cannot come home. I have to defend my president as a member of the list counsel of the ICC at the Hague," he said.

He declined to answer if he might return when the case concludes.

Presidential palace spokeswoman Claire Castro said Tuesday that Roque's asylum bid would have "no effect on the cases he is facing".

"How can there be political persecution if all the pieces of evidence are overwhelming?" she asked, citing documents allegedly tying him to the now-banned gambling sites.

Roque's briefing follows Vice President Sara Duterte announcing that Nicholas Kaufman, a veteran international lawyer, had been added to her father's legal team.

Kaufman has previously represented clients at The Hague including former Congolese rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba and Aisha Kadhafi, daughter of the deceased Libyan dictator.

While the Duterte camp has referred to him as lead counsel, Kaufman told AFP on Monday his role had "yet to be precisely determined".
Israel must evacuate all settlers from the West Bank and make reparations for decades of illegal settlement, the UN rights chief said Tuesday, describing the policy as "a war crime".

"The transfer by Israel of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies amounts to a war crime," Volker Turk said in a statement.

"Israel must immediately and completely cease all settlement activities and evacuate all settlers, stop the forcible transfer of the Palestinian population, and prevent and punish attacks by its security forces and settlers."

Violence in the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967, has escalated since the start of the war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas's unprecedented October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.

"Israel's settlement policy, its acts of annexation, and related discriminatory legislation and measures are in breach of international law, as the International Court of Justice has confirmed, and violate Palestinians' right to self-determination," Turk said.

His comments came as his office released a new report on the situation in the West Bank between October 2023 and last November.

- 'Climate of revenge' -

That timeline concludes before the Israeli military began conducting a sweeping offensive across multiple areas of the West Bank on January 21, two days after a fragile ceasefire took effect in the Gaza Strip, largely halting 15 months of war there.

The operation, dubbed "Iron Wall", has resulted in dozens of deaths, including Palestinian children and Israeli soldiers, according to the UN.

Before that operation began, the UN rights office found that a total of 612 Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces and settlers in the West Bank during the period covered by its report, amid "a climate of revenge".

During the same period, 24 Israelis were also killed in alleged attacks or clashes with Palestinians, it found.

The Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah has put the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank between October 7, 2023 and March 14 at 911.

Meanwhile, at least 32 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in that period in Palestinian attacks or during military operations, according to official Israeli figures.

Tuesday's report detailed "significant expansion of Israeli settlements" in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the first year of the war in neighbouring Gaza.

- 'Reparations' -

"Steps have been taken towards implementing plans to construct over 20,000 housing units in new or existing Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem alone," the rights office said, citing Israeli non-governmental organisations.

"Over 10,300 units within existing Israeli settlements in the rest of the West Bank are in the pipeline and an unprecedented 49 new Israeli outposts have been established," it said.

"Dozens of unauthorised roads have been paved by settlers and the army around settlements and outposts, helping to connect them while blocking Palestinians' movement and enabling further seizure of their land," the report said.

"The line between settler and state violence [has] blurred to a vanishing point, further enabling an increase in violence and impunity."

The report denounced steps taken by Israel to further militarise the settler movement, pointing among other things to the enlistment of thousands of settlers into Israeli security forces operating in the West Bank.

During the period covered by the report, the rights office found that a full 1,779 Palestinian structures were demolished in the West Bank due to a "lack of building permits", which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain.

This led to the forcible displacement of 4,527 people, the report said.

"Israel must abide by the International Court of Justice's ruling and cease immediately all new settlement activities," Turk said, demanding that the country "evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory and make reparations for the damage caused by decades of illegal settlement".
Turkey on Tuesday denounced Israel's deadly strikes in Gaza as "a new phase" in its "genocide policy", saying the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defied humanity through its breach of international law.

"The massacre of hundreds of Palestinians in Israel's attacks on Gaza... demonstrates that the Netanyahu government's genocide policy has entered a new phase," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Israel launched its most intense strikes overnight since a ceasefire took effect on January 19, with the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reporting more than 330 people killed.

Hamas has not responded to the strikes so far.

Turkey, which has often slammed Israel over its Gaza strikes, urged the international community to "take a decisive stance" against Netanyahu's government.

"At a time when efforts to achieve global peace and stability are intensifying, the aggression displayed by the Israeli government threatens the future of the region," the ministry said.

"It is unacceptable that Israel is causing a new spiral of violence," it added, saying Israel "defies humanity.. in the gravest way".
At least 65 Rohingya refugees were killed last year in clashes between rival militant groups competing for influence in Bangladeshi relief camps, a regional rights group said Tuesday.

Around a million members of the persecuted and mostly Muslim minority live in Bangladesh, most of whom arrived after fleeing a brutal 2017 military crackdown in neighbouring Myanmar.

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation and other militant groups have for years waged a deadly battle for control of the camps.

Refugee leaders campaigning against their influence have also been attacked and killed.

Fortify Rights documented 65 deaths last year along with dozens of assaults, abductions and acts of extortion blamed on "militant and criminal groups" in the camps.

The figure is down from 90 killings recorded in 2023 by the rights group.

"Rohingya armed groups are wreaking havoc in Bangladesh and Myanmar with near complete impunity," the watchdog's director John Quinley told reporters in Dhaka at the launch of a new report into the violence.

"It's not only infighting that kills members of these militant outfits. Civilians are also victims."

The report called on Bangladesh's government to investigate the violence and hold perpetrators responsible, saying that some cases amounted to potential war crimes that warranted possible prosecution by international courts.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh last week where he promised to do "everything" possible to avoid looming cuts to humanitarian aid.

Funding shortfalls announced by the UN food agency this month could lead to a cut in monthly food vouchers from $12.50 to $6.00 per person at the camps from April.

Successive aid cuts have already caused immense hardship in the overcrowded settlements among Rohingya, who are reliant on aid and suffer from rampant malnutrition.

Bangladesh has struggled for years to support its immense refugee population, and Dhaka has said it is exploring ways to secure additional aid for Rohingya refugees.
A Rohingya militant leader who directed attacks against Myanmar security forces which precipitated a humanitarian catastrophe was arrested Tuesday by police in Bangladesh.

Ata Ullah, 48, first surfaced nearly a decade ago as the charismatic leader of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), an outfit formed to wage an insurgency against the stateless Muslim minority's persecution in Myanmar.

Their attacks on police posts in 2017 sparked brutal reprisals that eventually sent around 750,000 Rohingya fleeing for their lives into squalid relief camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.

The leader was arrested alongside five associates by the elite Rapid Action Battalion force on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka, while another four of his associates were arrested in the central district of Mymensingh, police said.

Ata Ullah was believed to have personally ordered the 2017 attacks and first came to public attention soon after in videos posted online, where he was seen flanked by masked gunmen and vowing to liberate the Rohingya from "dehumanised oppression".

ARSA has been accused of killings, abductions, and torture in the refugee camps and the group's leader has been accused of ordering the murder of Rohingya civic leaders who dared to speak out against the group.

He has also been accused of involvement in the murder of a Bangladeshi military intelligence officer.

- Militants killing refugees -

Tuesday's arrest came hours after a regional rights group said at least 65 Rohingya had been killed last year in clashes between rival militant groups competing for influence in Bangladeshi refugee camps.

Ata Ullah's outfit, its chief rival the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation and other militant groups have for years waged a deadly battle for control of the camps.

Fortify Rights documented 65 deaths last year along with dozens of assaults, abductions and acts of extortion blamed on "militant and criminal groups" in the camps.

The figure is down from 90 killings recorded in 2023 by the rights group.

"Rohingya armed groups are wreaking havoc in Bangladesh and Myanmar with near complete impunity," the watchdog's director John Quinley told reporters in Dhaka at the launch of a new report into the violence.

"It's not only infighting that kills members of these militant outfits. Civilians are also victims."

The report called on Bangladesh's government to investigate the violence and hold perpetrators responsible, saying that some cases amounted to potential war crimes that warranted possible prosecution by international courts.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh last week where he promised to do "everything" possible to avoid looming cuts to humanitarian aid.

Funding shortfalls announced by the UN food agency this month could lead to a cut in monthly food vouchers from $12.50 to $6.00 per person at the camps from April.

Successive aid cuts have already caused immense hardship in the overcrowded settlements among Rohingya, who are reliant on aid and suffer from rampant malnutrition.

Bangladesh has struggled for years to support its immense refugee population, and Dhaka has said it is exploring ways to secure additional aid for Rohingya refugees.
Actress Tang Wei faced scrutiny during a recent interview regarding the controversy surrounding fellow actor Kim Soo Hyun.

The inquiry arose after allegations surfaced from the late Kim Sae Ron's aunt claiming that Kim Soo Hyun had dated the actress while she was a minor.

On March 16, Tang Wei attended the 18th Asian Film Awards. A reporter reportedly asked her if she had been following the news about Kim Soo Hyun.

She responded, "I haven't been paying attention, sorry. I think he once came to a premiere, and I saw him."

When pressed further about whether she kept in touch with him, Tang Wei replied, "Actually, I don't know..."

The reporter then asked if she would consider reaching out to inquire about his well-being. Tang Wei firmly stated, "Actually, I don't know him. Sorry."

This exchange soon went viral on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, where several Korean netizens criticized the media for trying to drag Tang Wei into the scandal.

Among the comments: "This was so unnecessary. What does this have to do with the goddess..." and "Stop asking actresses these boring questions. Nobody wants to be anywhere near a pedophile."

Still, another said, "Tang Wei has posed for photos with many people at different events, so it's understandable that she might not recognize him. Besides, he doesn't merit any interactions."






Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Blogger Aoko Otieno claims that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja swings both ways and paraded some of his alleged gay lovers.

According to Aoko, Sakaja has been funding the flamboyant lifestyles of his alleged gay lovers.

Sakajas lovers display lavish lifestyles on social media, especially on Instagram where they document their lavish vacations.

The embattled Governor, whose rumours of being gay have been swirling around for quite some time, has a private Airbnb at Skynet Apartments in Westlands, where he reportedly takes his gay lovers for escapades.

See photos.






Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, has reaffirmed his loyalty to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga despite their recent political differences.

During an interview on Ramogi FM on Tuesday morning, Babu dismissed claims of political retaliation against Odinga, insisting that the ODM leader remains his mentor and party leader.

"Our divergent political opinions will not stop me from supporting Raila Odinga because he is still my leader. As my father, I cannot fight him.

As Babu Owino, I love Raila," he stated.

His remarks come in response to Odingas endorsement of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for re-election in 2027, a move that has stirred controversy within ODM.

While acknowledging political disagreements, Babu asserted that loyalty should not be undermined.

"In a house, a father may love one child more than the other.

However, the person being supported now has never been part of our house," he remarked, referencing Sakajas UDA affiliation.

Babu urged the ODM leadership to prioritize party members before extending support to politicians from rival parties.

He emphasized the sacrifices he has made for ODM, including multiple arrests during anti-Government protests.

"I have been arrested eight times - no MP has faced more arrests than me.

I have also been abducted and detained for three days, all for my love of the party," he stated.

Odinga sparked debate among ODM loyalists on February 10th, before departing for Addis Ababa for AUC elections, when he expressed confidence in Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's leadership, stating, "I want Nairobi to remain firm and united so that my man here (Sakaja) can stay focused and deliver on his mandate efficiently.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho recently linked up with Kenyas tallest man, Bradley Gen Z Goliath, for an Iftar dinner - and lets just say, size does matter!

In a video shared online, Joho was visibly amazed by Bradleys towering 8.2-foot frame.

Attempting to match his height, the former Mombasa Governor humorously stood on a footstool, but even then, the Gen Z giant still had the upper hand.

Netizens can't get enough of the lighthearted moment!

Watch the video below.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Members of the public were treated to a dramatic incident following a heated altercation between a female traffic police officer and a kanjo lady in the Nairobi Central Business District.

In a video shared on social media, the two ladies are seen confronting each other and almost exchanging blows in broad-daylight as passersby watched.

The officer accused the kanjo lady of hurling unprintable insults at her, calling her a loose woman.

Umenizoea sana, the kanjo lady, who was fuming in anger, was heard complaining as the scuffle between the two ensued.

Watch the video.

DRAMA as a female cop and a Kanjo lady almost exchange blows in Nairobi CBD after a heated altercation pic.twitter.com/Moo0bwsXR4  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) March 18, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO, Ezekiel Mutua, has been placed on compulsory leave and Richard Sereti appointed interim CEO.

"Dear Team, I trust you are well. Please be informed that our CEO, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS, has proceeded on leave. During this period, Mr. Richard Sereti, the Legal officer, will serve as the Acting CEO and oversee all matters in the CEO's absence", the email titled CEO on Leave - Acting CEO Appointment, sent by HR and Administration Manager Joyce Nyambura stated on part.

Ms. Nyambura's email was supported by a letter sent by MCSK board chair Dr. Lazarus Muli, which stated. "Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Music Conyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) shall be away on his annual paid leave from 10th March 2025 to 24th July 2025, both day inclusive".

The letter addressed to Richard Sereti added, "You are hereby appointed to act as the Chief Executive Officer until when the substantive CEO is expected to resume work on 25th July 2025".

The ousted Dr. Mutua protested by clarifying that he is not on leave.

"I wish to clarify that I have neither applied for leave nor authorized any manager or staff member to act on my behalf. Regrettably, certain individuals influenced by the former Directors, led by the ex-Chairman, are engaging in disruptive activities. This behavior reflects the unfortunate legacy of Mr. Lazarus Muli's leadership, which nearly brought MCSK to ruin. However, his era has ended, and I am committed to restoring order within the organization," he said.

He urged staff to 'disregard any communication suggesting my absence and continue your duties confidently. I will be in the office on Monday to provide further guidance and ensure adherence to proper procedures'.

Highly placed sources blame Muli for the infightings at MCSK.

The board chair is accused of overstaying his welcome.

"Muli, who has been a major problem in the CMO and has refused to step down as Chair since 2015", the source weighed in.

Ezekiel Mutua has vowed to end Muli's long and unfortunate tenure at MCSK.






Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has urged President William Ruto's administration to uphold fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in Kenyas Constitution.

Speaking during his three-day State visit, the Dutch monarch emphasized the importance of human rights, good governance, and accountability in fostering strong diplomatic ties.

He noted that his engagements would include a meeting with Kenyan youth to understand their concerns.

The people of Kenya, like those in the Netherlands, want their rights as free citizens to be respected and their voices heard.

I'm pleased that our country's strong relationship allows us to devote attention during the visit to issues such as human rights, good governance, and accountability, he stated.

We are grateful to discuss the concerns existing in these areas.

Later this morning, we will meet young Kenyans to get their views on recent developments, he added.

Following his meeting with President Ruto at State House, the two leaders signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and a letter of intent.

The agreements focus on trade, agriculture, and tourism, with additional discussions on security and climate action.

Kenya is a self-assured nation that is proud of its economic performance, democracy, institutions, and international role.

This visit shows how interests are aligned and how close these two countries are, King Willem-Alexander remarked.

His visit comes amid growing concerns over alleged police brutality in Kenya.

According to Data from the Kenya Human Rights Commission, 29 of the 82 people reported missing since the anti-government protests began in June remain unaccounted for, raising alarm over state security operations.Top of Form

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Comfort Home Chief Executive Officer, Ezekiah Kariuki, has taken to social media to air his grievances after his former staff-turned-baby mama started blackmailing him after leaving his company.

Kariuki had employed his jilted baby mama as a manager in his real estate company and fell in love with her in the line of duty.

Their office affair resulted in the birth of a son.

The skirt-chasing CEO, whose appetite for women is well-known, later fired her.

Trouble started when she left his company.

She reportedly went with the companys data and hatched a plan to blackmail him.

She has been tainting his company's image through bloggers, inciting her former workmates, and even reported him to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over tax evasion.

KRA has launched investigations into Kariukis company over tax evasion.

She also took her former employer and baby daddy to court and sued him over child support.

The court ordered him to pay monthly child support of Ksh 12,000 and pay school fees for their kid, which he is doing diligently.

According to Kariuki, he used to pay his baby mama Ksh 400,000 per month when she was manager at his company and took care of all her bills, only for her to blackmail him.

Listen to him speak.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Comfort Homes CEO, Hezekiah Kariuki, is a troubled man after his former employee turned baby mama, Doris Wawira, plotted to bring down his business empire after leaving his real estate company.

Kariuki posted a video narrating his woes and lamented that Doris vanished with the companys data and has been blackmailing him.

She has reported him to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over tax evasion and taken him to court over child support.

According to Kariuki, Doris has made his life a living hell after he fired her.

She had employed him as a manager at Comfort Homes, where she allegedly earned a monthly salary of Ksh 400,000.

I used to pay her Ksh 400,000 and catered for all her bills, Kariuki said in a viral video.

See her photos below.

Listen to him

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Magaret Ndutas friend and salonist, Sally Njoroge, has revealed that she was full of life, excited and optimistic before she flew to Vietnam, where she was caught with over 2Kgs of cocaine.

Speaking in an interview, Sally said Nduta believed the trip to Vietnam would change her life, an indication that she had been promised a huge amount of money.

She truly believed this trip would change her life and that of her family. I straightened her hair before she left Sally said.

That was the last time Sally saw Nduta before she left for what was supposed to be a promising opportunity abroad, only to end up arrested in Vietnam on drug trafficking charges.

Sally learned of Ndutas arrest on social media.

"I learned about her arrest from social media," she said

"She never spoke of any drugs, a suitcase, or meeting anyone along the way. To me, she was just a good girl chasing a better life, she added.

Sally said Nduta had not travelled outside the country before, contrary to reports on social media.

Most of these people dont even know her. The things being said about her are unfair. No one understands what shes going through. We just hope she comes back home, she added.

Ndutas nightmare began when she was caught with over two kilograms of cocaine at Ho Chi Minh City airport in Vietnam while in transit to Laos in July 2023.

She was found guilty and sentenced to death.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Kenya continues to grapple with a surge in femicide cases, with 97 women killed in the past three months, according to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat.

The latest incident occurred in Embakasi, Nairobi, where a young woman was brutally murdered.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched investigations into the case, in which two men allegedly strangled the victim to death in the Jua Kali area.

According to the DCI, the suspects cornered the woman, believed to be in her early 20s, and assaulted her before fleeing when nearby residents, alerted by the commotion, approached the scene.

The unresponsive victim was discovered by the residents, who immediately contacted the police.

Upon arrival, detectives found her body with lowered undergarments and visible strangulation marks on her neck.

The scene was documented before the body was moved to City Mortuary for identification and a postmortem examination.

While addressing the rising cases of femicide recently, President Ruto attributed the crisis to moral decay and criminal activity.

As parents, starting with myself, we must also deal with the moral issue, he said in November.

Ruto has since formed a task force, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, to address the issue.Top of Form

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The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - President William Ruto and the First Lady Rachel Ruto hosted the Dutch Queen and King at State House ahead of their planned 4 days state visit.

Rachel Rutos mode of dressing at the state function has sparked reactions on social media.

A section of netizens, led by Cathy Mutuku, claimed that she was poorly dressed.

If there is one person who needs to be jobless in this country ni stylist wa first Lady, from clothing to shoes, she needs to get someone who understands official state dressing, Cathy tweeted.

An online search on the price of the Bally Obrien designer shoes Rachel Ruto rocked reveals that they worth 612 euros (around Ksh 86,000), even as some fashion enthusiasts claim she was poorly dressed.

See photo.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
High Court Reporters

The High Court has appointed a receiver over the salary of teacher Enoch Burke.

Mr Justice David Nolan also made a conditional order of garnishee over Mr Burke's bank account, which is a court order that enables a creditor to recover a debt and will temporarily freeze the account.

The order is up to 79,100, the sum so far incurred by Mr Burke in fines for disobeying High Court orders to stay away from the school where he was previously employed, Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath.

The school dismissed him over his conduct when he protested about what he said was a requirement to address a transgender pupil with they/them pronouns.

Mr Burke, who says he is standing up for his Christian beliefs, claims his constitutional right to religious freedom has been breached.

The outcome of an appeal related to his dismissal is awaited and in the meantime, he continues to be paid his monthly salary on an administrative leave basis by the Department of Education.

He also continues to turn up at the school despite court orders that he stay away and despite his release from his 512th day in prison before Christmas without having purged his contempt.

When he returned to the school premises after the Christmas break, the school did not apply to have him jailed again but Mr Justice Nolan ruled there should be some way of collecting the daily 700 fine for continuing contempt which had already been imposed on him. The judge also said he would increase that fine to 1,400 a day.

The Attorney General and Department of Education then sent lawyers to court to address the judge's request for some way of enforcing the fines.

On Tuesday, Brian Kennedy SC for the Attorney General, presented the case for the appointment of a receiver by way of equitable execution over Mr Burke's salary.

Mr Kennedy said previous case law stated that the touchstone for the appointment of a receiver over future salary was governed by justice and convenience. Appointing a receiver by way of equitable execution was more a question of practice rather than jurisdiction, he said.

Mr Kennedy also made an ex parte (where only one side is represented) application seeking a conditional garnishee order in relation to money in his bank account to pay the fines already imposed.

Mr Burke did not attend court on Wednesday but counsel said he had been informed of the proceedings by email and registered post.

Mr Burke's father Sean, mother Martina, sister Ammi and brother Isaac were in court.

While there had previously been repeated interruptions from family members at previous sittings, only Isaac tried to interrupt and that was when the judge began making his orders.

The judge told Mr Burke he had no right of audience before the court and unless he sat down and stopped talking he would be found in contempt of court and the gardai, who were in court, would be asked to remove him.

When Isaac remained standing without speaking, the judge said he was taking that as an indication that he was purging his contempt. Another man who was sitting behind the Burkes, but not in their company, also tried to speak but the judge told him to sit down too and continued to make his orders.

The judge then said he was satisfied to appoint insolvency practitioner Myles Kirby as receiver by way of equitable execution over Enoch Burke's salary. He also made a conditional order of garnishee over his bank account in relation to the fines already imposed and adjourned that matter for a week.

The judge said the bank should be informed of the court order immediately so that there is no attempt "to clear out the bank account". He also granted costs to the Attorney General, the Department of Education and the school's lawyers.

The judge, who said he would give a written judgment later, then rose and left as Isaac tried to say he wanted to raise the matter of his brother's constitutional rights being denied.
Louise Walsh

An Irish-based orthopaedic surgeon who lost his brother in Gaza last year is again reeling in grief after a bomb attack left his sister in intensive care and killed her four children.

Dr Mahmoud Abumarzouq woke to the news on Tuesday of the massacre in which his two-day-old grandniece is also fighting for her life in an embattled hospital intensive care unit.

His sister's husband Osama died last year in a missile attack and he also lost his 29-year-old brother Ahmed Mahmoud when an Israel bomb hit a refugee camp in Rafah.

As he waits for news of his sister Seham's uncertain fate, Dr Mahmoud is pleading with world leaders to make the carnage stop.

Dr Mahmoud Abumarzouq, centre in white T-shirt, with his nieces and nephews in Gaza. Sisters Dinna and Noor have both been killed, along with Mohamed, who is taking the photo. Their older brother, in the red T-shirt, is safe in Egypt

"I had a bad feeling when I woke up this morning and then saw all the missed calls and messages from family members," he said.

"Seham and her children were staying with their in-laws in the south of Rafah because their own home had been destroyed by missile attacks.

"Initially they thought that my sister was dead but I've since discovered that she was found alive but very badly injured and is now in intensive care.

"Her husband was killed last year and now her two teenage boys Mohamed and Refat who are 16 and 15 years old have been taken from her, alongside her daughter Dinna who had just finished a media degree. Her eldest daughter Noor who gave birth just three days ago is also dead and her baby girl Yaqout is also fighting for her life in intensive care."

"Mohamed who is still under the rubble had just finished the equivalent of the Irish Leaving Certificate. She has two more children, who are safe and living in Egypt but distraught at losing their siblings."

The deaths were among over 400 Palestinians who were killed by Israel airstrikes on Monday night, shattering a shaky ceasefire that was in place.

My heart has been completely shattered in grief and sorrow

"Her family is all gone. Ten of her in-laws were killed as well last night  all of her in-laws were wiped out. There were no survivors on that side of her family.

"I just talked to my sister yesterday and they were so happy with the new baby. They were a little worried about getting baby food but her arrival was a little bit of hope to cling to. Now they are gone and the tiny tot is clinging for her own survival.

"My dad is destroyed. He buried my brother last year and will now be burying the little ones. It is the worst thing he has had to do in his life."

Dr Mahmoud, who is based in Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, expressed his heartache on Tuesday morning, just hours after learning the horrific news.

"I could breathe a little lighter when the ceasefire was called but now the unimaginable has happened.

"There are no words. Yes, my family and children are safe here thankfully, but our souls are in Gaza and my heart has been completely shattered in grief and sorrow today.

"There is no use in words anymore. No-one is helping the Palestinians. They are being massacred. What is going on isn't human but I know my family are in a better place where there is peace now and that's all I have to hold on to."
By Cillian Sherlock and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Conor McGregors visit to the White House has exposed Micheal Martins cowardly approach to US president Donald Trump, an opposition TD has said.

Mr Martin met Mr Trump at the White House on Wednesday, where the two leaders engaged with members of the press for roughly 50 minutes.

During the exchanges, the US president praised McGregor when asked who he would regard as his favourite Irish person.

Days later, the mixed martial arts fighter also met Mr Trump in the Oval Office.

McGregor, who has set an ambition to become president of Ireland, criticised the Government on a range of issues, including immigration.

Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor and partner Dee Devlin leaving the High Court in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

He claimed the Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand. McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Paul Murphy outside Leinster House (Liam McBurney/PA)

On Tuesday, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy said McGregors attendance at the White House on St Patricks Day was scandalous given his abhorrent views on a whole range of issues and the verdict of the jury in the civil trial.

He said: I think its abhorrent by the Trump administration to have promoted Conor McGregor in this way.

Mr Murphy criticised Mr Martin for taking a quiet approach to Mr Trump during his engagement.

The Taoiseach had characterised his own meeting with Mr Trump as very positive, and later said that McGregor does not reflect the views of Irish people.

Mr Murphy said: I do think that the so-called quiet diplomacy of Micheal Martin [] which was lauded by many commentators as being very smart, no longer looks very smart.

Because the truth is that while Trump was praising Conor McGregor, Micheal Martin  while sitting in a room with him  did not say a single word to contradict him.

Micheal Martin praised Trumps unrelenting focus on peace. We know that overnight, about 350 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in assaults, a new wave of air attacks that have been authorised and agreed by the administration.

So I think you know the very cowardly, bootlicking approach of Martin now is exposed for just that.

Asked about McGregors presidential ambitions, Mr Murphy predicted that the fighters campaign would receive support on X, the social media site operated by Elon Musk  a key ally of the Trump administration.

However, he said he did not think he would go very far in winning actual public support.

He added: Conor McGregor is not a beloved figure in Ireland, for all the reasons that people know.

So I dont think thatll get off the ground in reality.

It might exist in Donald Trumps head and Elon Musks head and their various promoters over here. But I dont think it will fly.
A woman has appeared before Kilkenny District Court charged with money laundering for her part in a phone text scam that saw someone have 2,000 taken from their bank account.



Megan Carey, 51 Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, pleaded guilty to the charge, which was committed at a location unknown in the Kilkenny District Court area.



The court heard that on August 7, 2023, the injured party had received a text message to say their bank account had been compromised due to the use of a card.



Clicked link

The injured party thought there was a risk to their account, clicked on a link in the message and followed directions.

Later that day 2,000 was taken from their account and lodged into the account of Ms Carey.

She then transferred the money on to another account.



She was paid 300 for allowing her account to be used for the process.

Ms Carey cooperated with the garda investigation and admitted her role.



Solicitor Joe Farrell said his client had made admissions to gardai in an interview. She had no previous convictions, he added.

This transaction came about when Ms Carey was asked by someone she was already in contact with if she wanted to make some money. Mr Farrell said his client is of limited income but will try to collect some money in compensation if the court wished.

Judge Geraldine Carthy said the nature of the offence was one of the more serious matters she would be dealing with and told Ms Carey she would be leaving the court with a conviction.

Probation Service

The judge said she would give Ms Carey time to engage with the Probation Service and to gather money to offer as repayment to the injured party.

The matter was adjourned to a court sitting on May 13.
1 News reports:

Substack blogger Emily Writes spoke to a source with a family member at a school who claimed the child opened their school lunch yesterday, and a couple of flies came out .

The media are so desperate to report bad news on the Government they are resorting to a unverified fourth hand source.

According to this the child, told a family member who told a source who told a blogger  and this makes national news!

Sean Teddy, hautu operations and integration at the Ministry of Education said: We are aware of a complaint.

The Ministry is working with NZ Food Safety, who are looking into the matter to establish the facts.

However, given that the meal was heated for 25 minutes in a commercial oven and then transported to schools in specially insulated delivery boxes to keep them hot, we do think it is unlikely that a fly flew out of a packaged meal.
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.
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The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call Carthage police at (903) 693-3866.
Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr., flanked by other firefighters, gave an update of the Pratt Industries fire Monday afternoon at the Port of Caddo-Bossier's board meeting.
A WORKSHOP for the full membership of Laois Public Participation Network (PPN) was held online recently as part of its Climate Action Project.

Laois PPN Chairperson John Oxley welcomed the attendees and outlined how Laois PPN supports community groups with information on a wide variety of funding opportunities.

The aim of the online workshop was to provide groups with the information and skills to successfully secure funding for their projects.

The training was delivered by Ailish Irvine from Irvine Training who has extensive experience of providing training to community groups across Ireland.

As well as the workshop the Laois PPN Budget and Work Plan 2025 were ratified.

There was also a raffle held on the night which was won by Tom Gorry from Mountmellick Mens Shed who won a voucher for dinner for two at Castle Durrow.

Laois PPN Co-Ordinator Dan Bergin thanked the community groups that attended on the night and wished them success in securing funding for their projects.

Laois PPN consists of 700+ member groups from the community, social inclusion and environmental pillars. All groups registered with Laois PPN are given the opportunity to attend Laois PPN events. Any group wishing to join Laois PPN can do so by completing the application on the Laois PPN website at www.laoisppn.ie

Laois PPN has three key functions of community representation, training and capacity building and as an information and network hub.
One of the worlds largest and most impactful youth-coordinated organizations, Kiwanis Club International, will celebrate 110 years of service in March.

And Phillipsburgs community chapter will follow right behind it, finally crossing its centennial threshold at a time when many legacy service organizations are struggling to bring in new blood.

One hundred years ago, the organization had its first meeting across the free bridge in Easton at the Pomfret Club. Phillipsburgs club took an extended break starting in 1930 but resumed meetings after a nearly 50-year hiatus.

Since 1977, the Phillipsburg Kiwanis has been active in Warren County engaging to improve the lives of the countys child population and contributing to other local missions.

With over 250,000 members worldwide, spanning 5,000 clubs in 45 countries, Kiwanis Club International has become a powerhouse of service, leadership and character-building, said Phillipsburg Superintendent Gregory Troxell.

Here in Phillipsburg, our own PHS Key Club stands as a shining example of that legacy, he said.

Phillipsburg High School Key Club was founded in 1982 by roughly 20 students. Today, the student membership includes 220 members' names, making it one of the most active Kiwanis Clubs in New Jersey.

This past year Phillipsburg High School Key Club completed more than 3,000 hours of community service.

When I think of the thousands of amazing students Ive had the privilege to work with and mentor over the past 33 years, I feel nothing but honor and gratitude, said Helene Meissner, who began advising the club in 1992.

Meissner is an active member of the Phillipsburg Community Kiwanis Club, which continues to sponsor high schools in Warren County: Hackettstown High School Key Club, Phillipsburg High School Key Club and Warren Technical High School Key Club.

Kiwanis Clubs in Phillipsburg supports a number of area initiatives by coordinating its members' volunteer work. This work includes assisting at local soup kitchens, hosting nursing home parties and offering tutoring at the public library. They also contribute to community events such as Ole Town Festival, Pork Roll Palooza, the Holiday Tree lighting and coordinate donations to families in-need. The club even collaborated across the bridge with its Pennsylvania brethren.

In February, Kiwanis Phillipsburg hosted a Bingo Night to raise money for the Phillipsburg High School Drama Club.

This is an extraordinary organization, said Emily Scharf, a member of the Phillipsburg Community Kiwanis Club, currently serving as vice president of New Jersey Kiwanis Foundation.

Kiwanis Club has changed my life, she said. Scharf joined the Kiwanis Club nearly 20 years ago when she was a high school student. When she moved to Phillipsburg with her husband several years ago, and began looking for a community home, she sought out the Kiwanis Club.

Her husband joined her, and now Kiwanis meetings function also as a date night for the couple. Unfortunately, in their mid-40s, they remain among the chapters few and youngest members, she said. Her husband is one of the few men who belong to the local chapter.

We could always use younger people, Meissner added.

Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. The organization was originally called the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers. The group began admitting women in 1987.

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Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or at glenn_epps on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.
The members of the Phillipsburg Town Council will meet on Wednesday night for the second time to discuss plans and challenges facing taxpayers for the 2025 fiscal year.

The small town is contending with expectations to exceed its existing temporary budget thus far , among other fiscal health questions.

At a recent meeting, the town announced it would inquire about selling its wastewater assets to another public or private entity . Phoenix Advisors was contracted to perform financial advising and competitive contract comparison on behalf of the town.

Council members Keith Kennedy and Edward Ed Saultz were unanimously appointed to the budget subcommittee.

Were putting all our marbles in your cup, Council President Peter Marino told Kennedy and Saultz at the meeting.

In their role, theyll review and make decisions on specific aspects of the proposed budget, which is considered a first-pass review of the budget. The subcommittee plays a key role by focusing on specific spending categories and departments, then reporting their recommendations to the full council for approval.

The next budget meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 at the Phillipsburg Senior Center, 310 Firth Street.

Watch the full town budget meeting from March 8 here:

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Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or at glenn_epps on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.
Karen Read tells her side of the story in "A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read." NBC News

Karen Read is telling her side of the story in the Investigation Discovery docuseries A Body in the Snow: The Karen Read Trial.

The series documents Reads first trial for the alleged murder of her boyfriend John OKeefe, a Boston police officer. Read pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of a deadly crash.

In episode 2 of A Body in the Snow, which aired directly after episode 1 on Monday, March 17, Read recalled the moment that Peggy OKeefe, Johns mother, first implied that she killed John.

It happened the day after Johns death in January 2022, when Karen and her father, William Read, went over to Johns house to see his family. While at the home, Karen asked Johns Brother, Paul OKeefe, what John looked like when they identified his body.

My brother looked like he went five rounds with Tyson, Karen recalled Paul telling her.

And his mother leans over the kitchen island and says to me, I think he looks like he got hit by a car. He looks like he got hit by a car, Karen continued, impersonating Peggys accusatory tone. Im like, wait a minute, were you both looking at the same body?

Karens brother, Nathan Read, was also at Johns house that day. He noticed a palpable shift after Paul took a phone call.

After a couple of minutes, Pauls cell phone rang, and he left the room. The way he looked at Karen when he came back in that room, it was like time stopped, Nathan recalled in the docuseries. Oxygen left the room at that point, and there were some serious looks of guilt thrown at Karen and subsequently at my father and I.

Karen felt it too, and knew it was time to leave.

I could read the room, and I was not wanted there. I looked at my dad and said, I gotta get out of here. They think I did this, she said.

Karens first trial for Johns alleged murder ended in a mistrial in July 2024 due to a hung jury. The prosecutors alleged that Karen hit John with her car and fled the scene, while the defense claimed that Karen is being framed for Johns murder.

Karens attorneys alleged that several witnesses used their resources as law enforcement officials to cover up what really happed to OKeefe before he was found in the snow outside fellow police officer Brian Alberts home in Canton, Massachusetts.

READ MORE: How to watch A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read (for free)

After the trial, Paul OKeefe filed a wrongful death suit against Karen. A judge ruled in November 2024 to delay the civil case until after Karens second criminal trial, which will begin on April 1.

Karen addressed Peggy and Pauls belief that she killed John during an October 2024 interview with Vanity Fair.

Paul and Peg, if you think I killed John, that means you misjudged me for two years and entrusted two young family members in my care, she said, referring to Johns niece and nephew, who lived with him. Then in the blink of an eye, you now think Im a cold-blooded killer who took away your son?

Karen reacted to several key moments from her first trial in A Body in the Snows first two episodes, including Kerry Roberts testimony that Karen told her Johns dead before his body was found.

I may have said to Kerry, Im worried hes dead or something, but I didnt say unequivocally in a declarative statement, Kerry, Johns dead. And if I had killed him, why would I be saying that? It doesnt make any sense, Karen said.

READ MORE: How to watch The Trial of Karen Read (for free)

Karens legal team has claimed that several witnesses for the prosecution, including Brian Albert and Jennifer McCabe, know more about Johns death than they are letting on and are involved with a coverup.

They say that Im a drunk vengeful girlfriend, [a] scorned lover, but Im innocent. Im being set up, and these witnesses, theyre all lying, Karen said in A Body in the Snow.

Episodes 1 and 2 of A Body in the Snow: The Karen Read Trial are now available to stream on MAX. Episodes 3 and 4 will premiere on Investigation Discovery and MAX on Tuesday, March 18, at 9 p.m. EST.

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The Laois community of Clough is inviting people to help support fundraising efforts to build a community hub by buying ticket in a mega draw that has a top prize of 10,000.

Clough Vision Group say they are into the final phase of their upcoming draw, Clough 999. They held their Early Bird draw on Sunday, March 16 in Clough National School and they were very happy to declare Trevor Stanley and family the winner.

Trevor, who hails from nearby Coolfin, can claim either a break in Centre Parcs or the cash equivalent. The group congratulations him and his family.

Clough Vision Group told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that they are now looking forward to April 21 when the main draw takes place.

"That evening, one ticket will be drawn, and the winner will receive 10,000," said the Committee.

They are inviting people to get on board to support a facility that will benefit the community for generations to come.

"The draw is limited to 999 tickets. At this point, tickets are running low with about 200 left to sell," said.

Options for buying tickets BELOW PICTURE.

PICTURED: Clough NS pupils Sonny Punchihewage, Elise Ryan and Lily Punchihewage at the Clough Vision Group 999 Early BIrd Draw for a Center Parcs Voucher or 1,500 won by Trevor Stanley, Coolfin, Rathdowney. The main draw for 10,000 will be held the 21st April with tickets available from committee members. Picture: Alf Harvey.

Corporate tickets at 500 or 1,000. These will buy a business five tickets or 10 tickets respectively and a name on our Friends of Clough Community Hall sign.

Family tickets at 300. They are giving families four tickets for this price. Single tickets are available for 100.

Clough Vision Group are very grateful for all the support that they have received as they move closer to their goal of building a Community Centre for their parish. Watch this space for more news of progress.

READ ALSO: Laois community gets ready for cafe brew

To buy a ticket contact Olga on 0861730034. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Committee members, Joe Hyland, Ann Bergin, David Hyland, Olga Hyland (chairperson); Ann Peters (treasurer); John Finlay, Therese Ryan and Liz Ryan (secretary) at the Clough Vision Group 999 Early Bird Draw. Picture: Alf Harvey.

Laois County Council has already granted planning permission for the community hub. The new building will be constructed on a greenfield site beside the school. It will include a main multi-purpose hall space, meeting rooms and kitchen.

It's nearly a decade since the Clough Vision Group was established to develop and build a community space for everyone. A Community Development Plan carried out in 2020 identified a "clear need" for such a building.

It has previously been reported that that project would cost upwards of 500,000. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Fr Noel Maher (independent observer); George McGrath from Pallas Marketing and Olga Hyland (chairperson) at the Clough Vision Group 999 Early Bird Draw. Picture: Alf Harvey.

The 999 draw is the latest fundraiser organised by the committee to foot the bill. A Limerick man won a John Deere tractor worth 100,000 in a Clough Vison group raffle in 2023.
A woman who stole social welfare payments in the form of job seekers allowance was given two eleven months custody terms at a Naas District Court sitting.

Alina Korsinszki, 41, whose address was given as 14 The Way, Craddockstown Park, Naas, was prosecuted for 48 counts of theft on dates between May 2006 and April 2018, She was prosecuted in relation to two counts of forgery and one in relation to a false document on dates between 2006 and 2018.

READ NEXT Conor McGregor does not speak for Ireland, says Harris after White House visit

Most of the offences took place at the Department of Social Protection office in Newbridge.

Detective Garda Michelle Faughnan told the court the defendant attended the office in May 2021 to get a picture taken for a public services card and her facial identity matched another person, allegedly of Italian origin who did not exist but had the same address and phone number.

A subsequent search uncovered documents relating to both identities as well as a false Italian driving licence.

The garda said the defendant is from Romania and when she arrived in Ireland, restrictions were in place relating to people from that country securing employment here.

Det Gda Faughnan said the defendant was very cooperative.

The defendant came here under the guise of an Italian national, which was a false identity and this person did not exist.

The garda agreed with Mr Kennelly that the defendant was contributing to Irish society by pay of taxes and income dedication before losing her job in the recession.

It was difficult to secure a work permit so she used Italian identity. She also agreed the defendant is a decent person.

Mr Kennelly said the defendant came here from a poor background to get a better life and was sending money home and he handed in a lengthy reference from the employer. He described the case as necessity compounded by necessity. He said her crime was to be born in a country that cannot look after its people.

This is a good woman, not a criminal," he said, adding that she had 5,000 in court to pay as a charitable donation if a custody term could be avoided.

Mr Kennelly said the issue arose as a result of one of the greatest depressions ever experienced in this country. He said she did something silly and had gathered the compensation through sheer hard work.

MrKennelly said that the defendant has paid over 100,000 in taxes, contributions and levies.

The court heard that the overpayment amounted to 9,163.70 - all of which has been paid back by the defendant.

Judge Desmond Zaidan criticised the fact that the Department of Social Protection did not raise questions about the case between 2006 and 2018.

"It's embarrassing and raises a lot of questions about what measures they have in place to prevent fraud. It's mind boggling, but Im not surprised he commented.

He noted the woman had no previous convictions but it was a sophisticated fraud done with the aid of others who gave her a false identity to do this.

Leave was given to appeal.
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of an impending trade war, driven by the United States, on the local Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo.

Pat Rigney, founder of the renowned Shed Distillery, warned that escalating tensions between the US and Europe under President Donald Trump pose a threat to a critical market for the Irish whiskey industry.

Speaking on Morning Ireland on Friday, March 14, the Leitrim-based entrepreneur highlighted the dire consequences of proposed US tariffs noting, Whether it is 50 percent, which is for Bourbon, or 200 percent, you are out of the market at that level.

The comments came as Donald Trump threatens to impose 200 percent tariffs on European wines and other alcoholic products, including Irish whiskey, unless the EU drops its planned tariffs on US whiskey.

Over 800m worth of Irish drink exports to the US are threatened by the US presidents plans.

Mr. Rigney said that he felt let down by the European Union for bringing the drinks industry into the economic dispute with the US, stating that the US market is critical and constitutes 35 percent of his business.

"It's a steel and aluminium dispute; it has nothing to do with bourbon and our wine and spirits in Europe, so being brought into it by the European Commission is really disappointing," said Mr. Rigney, adding that the issue needs to be addressed "immediately."

The economic dispute between the European trading bloc and the US continues to ramp up as the two enter a tit-for-tat tariff war, which started when the US put 25 percent tariffs on European steel and aluminium imports.

The European Union retaliated by putting plans in place to impose 50 percent tariffs on a number of US products, including whiskey, which prompted the most recent threats from the US.

"We need the European Commission to reverse their proposal on tariffs for bourbon. I mean, this hasn't happened yet, there is time to resolve this," said Mr Rigney, who also owns Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, and Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka.

READ MORE: Fundraiser for Leitrim family following heartbreaking losses
Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor met with President Donald Trump in the United States on St Patrick's day with Irish people back home divided in their opinions of his speech.

Ahead of the meeting, Taoiseach Michael Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris warned that Mr McGregor's views should not represent the views of the Irish public.

"Conor McGregor is not in the US representing Ireland, he doesnt speak for Ireland, or its people," said Simon Harris.

Conor McGregor spoke out against the Irish government while in The United States, and said "this government is the government of zero action with zero accountability" and said they have "abandoned the the voices of the people in Ireland."

"Our money is being spent on overseas issues, nothing to do with the Irish people," he added, while also making comments on immigration in the country.

"There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop. The forty million Irish Americans need to hear this. If not, there will be no place to come home to visit," Mr McGregor said.

Mr McGregor said to Donald Trump, "you're work ethic is inspiring," and congratulated him on The Gulf of America which was mapped out in a chart behind him, to which Mr Trump replied, "yours is too."

The people of Ireland have expressed hundreds of mixed views on Conor McGregor's stand in Washington.

Conor McGregor speaks in the White House before his meeting with President Donald Trump.



He says he is there to raise the issues the people of Ireland face. pic.twitter.com/CZyC0BJ47S  Sky News (@SkyNews) March 17, 2025

While some agree with McGregor and said he should run for government, others have criticised McGregor due to his past controversies and scandals.

One person on X said, "Conor's word means very little anymore. I speak with people in Ireland. I have relatives in Ireland. Conor is not very popular in Ireland due to his behavior and actions. He should go out and do charity work and ask for nothing in return."

READ NEXT: Amazon.ie launches in Ireland with dedicated brands of Ireland page and exciting new benefits

While another person said, "Thank God that Ireland has a REAL MAN to stand up for them. Give Ireland back to the Irish and deport all the immigrants."

Someone else said, "I mean  really? Not everyone now deserves the podium. Not least this guy for real."

Another comment said, "Conor McGregor Prime Minister of Ireland?" while someone else replied, "If an actor can run the USA a dancer can run Ukraine a fighter is exactly who should run Ireland.".
Michelle ONeill has said she is proud of the stance she took in staying away from Washington DC last week because of the situation in Palestine.

The Northern Ireland First Minister was criticised for boycotting St Patricks Day events in the US capital by Taoiseach Micheal Martin who described it as a big mistake.

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.

Ms ONeill, along with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly led a trade delegation on a trip to North Carolina, but she returned home afterwards while Ms Little-Pengelly went on to Washington and met US President Donald Trump.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also travelled to Washington.

Meanwhile, the Alliance Party and SDLP took the same stance as Sinn Fein.

Ms ONeill was asked during questions for the Executive Office by UUP MLA Alan Chambers on Tuesday to assess the benefits of the trip to Washington.

As the member is aware, I didnt attend Washington last week because of the situation in Palestine, because of the stance of the US administration, and because I simply will not turn the other way when we see such a breach of international law and the genocide of the Palestinian people, she told MLAs.

Whenever everybody will reflect on this period in time, and therell be those that decided to look away, and those that didnt. I will be proud to say I did not look away.

Ms ONeill also said she felt she could make that principled position, but work was also done to promote Northern Ireland.

It showcases ourselves as a great place to live, to work, to invest, study, and we very much took that message when the deputy First Minister and I led a Chamber of Commerce delegation, when we went to mark the first anniversary of a memorandum with the North Carolina chamber, she said.

That itself was an opportunity for us to promote our vision for our economy, and also to say that we are such a fantastic place with such innovators and such world-leading businesses and it was a sense of pride, actually, I think, for the deputy First Minister and myself to lead such a strong delegation of local business people.

She added: As you know, the deputy First Minister then went on to Washington and carried out a whole programme of events, again, with those messages in terms of us being a great place for investment and a great place with great agility and a small community that actually can be very much world-leading in the fore of many, many areas.

Mr Chambers pressed whether Ms ONeills attendance in Washington as First Minister would have added value to the visit.

She responded: Im content with the decision that I made, as Im sure the deputy First Minister is also content with her own decision.
"What have ELWA Hospital doctors done to my kidneys and urethra that they are not functioning? Dr. Yeasu, I need answers!"
A WELL-KNOWN hardware store is to close down after almost 70 years trading in Limerick city centre.

It's the end of an era at JC Daly's Hardware in William Street, as a retirement sale kicks in this Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on 68 years in the city centre.

JC Daly's, which operates out of a double unit began life in 1957 in a much smaller space.

It was JC Daly and his soon-to-be-wife Helen O'Neill who were the founders, with the business operating as a small 80-square metre shop specialising in tools and hardware.

In the 1970s, a large lighting and electrical department was introduced.

And as demand grew, so did the store, with it eventually reaching the 300 square metres it occupies today.

Brothers Tony and Roger Daly joined the business in the early 1980s, eventually taking the reigns. Tony's daughter Alison joined up in recent years, taking JC Daly's online for the first time.

Sadly, Helen died in 2002, and JC Daly himself passed away two years ago. Up until then, he remained a regular, and very welcome, presence in the shop, keeping a watchful eye on his sons from behind the cash register.

"This isn't goodbye. It's a thank you," said Tony and Roger.

"We have been incredibly lucky to serve such a fantastic community over the years. The friendships we have made and the stories we've shared with our customers are what has made this business so special," they added.

There's no final date for the store's closure - it will be when the stock runs out.

The Daly family are hoping the retirement sale will attract customers in to not only pick up some bargains, but reminisce about the shop's legacy.
BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- China's foreign exchange market operated steadily in February, with a net inflow of cross-border capital, data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange showed Monday.

Last month, the net inflow of cross-border capital from the trade of goods reached 64.8 billion U.S. dollars, remaining relatively high compared to the same period in previous years, said Li Bin, deputy head of the administration.

Additionally, foreign holdings of domestic bonds and stocks increased by a net total of 12.7 billion dollars, according to Li.

In February, the foreign exchange settlement of Chinese banks showed a balanced trend, Li said. "Market expectations and transactions remained rational and orderly, with an overall balance of foreign exchange supply and demand in the domestic market," he added.

Looking ahead, he said the foreign exchange market will continue to operate on a stable trajectory, thanks to the country's proactive macroeconomic measures to boost consumption and investment, its commitment to high-level opening up, and the market's increasing resilience.
***READER DISCRETION ADVISED***

A PAEDOPHILE and monster who sexually abused his daughter and his sister-in-law, who was a flower girl at his wedding, will be sentenced this week.

On Friday, Limerick Criminal Circuit Court heard of his controlling, manipulative and mental abuse including rationing toilet paper - one sheet for when his daughters were urinating and two sheets for when they were going to the toilet properly.

The accused - Christopher OMahony, aged 67, of Kerrykyle, Ardagh, County Limerick pleaded guilty to 10 sample indecent assaults and one sexual assault of his sister-in-law, and seven sample counts of sexual assault on his daughter. There were a total of 54 counts on the indictment.

The emergence of the sexual abuse has caused civil war and complete fracture within the family.

OMahony can be named after his daughter Emma OShaughnessy, now aged 42, and sister-in-law Helen Costelloe, now aged 51, waived their anonymity.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda James Muldowney, of the Limerick Divisional Protective Services Unit.

Ms Buckley said OMahony entered Ms Costelloes life after he married her sister and came to live in the family home in Ballyhahill while he built a house in Ardagh.

There is a 12-year age gap between Ms Costelloe and her sister who married OMahony.

Ms Buckley said the abuse started in 1983 when Ms Costelloe was nine and continued until 1989 when she was 15.

Ms Costelloe was tasked with washing OMahonys hair. They would be alone in the bathroom. He began touching her outside of her clothes, putting her hand on his penis, and using her hand to stroke his penis.

"While she was washing his hair, he would put his hand back and touch her vagina through her clothes. He would avail of any opportunity he got to abuse her, said Ms Buckley. OMahony told Ms Costelloe, This would be our secret and Youre my girl.

Ms Costelloe called a family meeting in July 2021 after telling a number of family members of the sexual abuse.

Her niece Ms OShaughnessy was at the meeting and obviously became aware that her auntie had been abused by her father (OMahony). Ms OShaughnessy announced at this meeting that she too had been abused as a child by her father.

Despite all the evidence emerging from the two victims, some members of the family struggled to accept the truth, said Ms Buckley.

Det Garda Muldowney said there is a split in the family.

There must be some hope that the truth acknowledged by the accused will help other family members see that truth and the terrible abuse perpetrated on their family members, said Ms Buckley.

The prosecuting barrister then outlined the physical, mental and sexual abuse suffered by OMahonys daughter Ms OShaughnessy which began in 1993 when she was 10 and ended in 1996 when she was 13.

Ms Buckley said Ms OShaughnessy had a rash on her back, with her father saying it was a holy show and began acting as her physician. He used this as an excuse to bring her into the bathroom and sexually assault her.

The court heard he would take off her bra, his hands slithering in between her thighs and masturbate her. This sexual abuse progressed to OMahony inserting his fingers into his daughters vagina.

Both Ms Costelloe and Ms OShaughnessy read out their own victim impact statements, while their abuser sat emotionless a few feet away.

READ MORE: Man in hospital after traumatic incident before Limerick St Patrick's Day parade

OMahony handed himself into Henry Street garda station three days after the family meeting and the investigation commenced.

Judge Sinead McMullan remanded OMahony in custody and said she will pass judgment this Thursday. OMahony was placed on the sex offenders register two weeks ago.

See tomorrow's Limerick Leader newspaper for full court report and victim impact statements
A STUDENT from TUS Limerick, Yeshuah O'Brien Bayer, has won the Knorr Professional Student Chef of the Year 2025 competition.

After an intense two-hour cook-off, Yeshuah OBrien Bayer from TUS Moylish Campus Limerick was crowned the Knorr Professional Student Chef of the Year 2025.

This year, ten student chefs from every corner of the country took part in the competition, which was hosted at TUS Athlone Campus.

In order to win, Yeshuah and the other student chefs were challenged to prepare a two-course menu comprising a main course and dessert, inspired by this years theme, which was Good Mood Food.

For his main course, Yeshuah prepared Black Sole with Pickled Mussels, Yuzu Kabosu Beurre Blanc. And for dessert, he prepared Dark Chocolate Mousse with Cocoa Nib and Pumpkin Wafer.

READ MORE: Limerick GAA jersey presented to international music sensation ahead of 3Arena show

Winning Silver Medal was Donal Byrne from SETU Waterford while the Bronze Medal was won by Eliska Semanova from ATU Galway.

The competition aims to support the future generation of chefs, providing a vital platform for young Irish talent to showcase their creativity, build confidence, and gain real-world experience that will shape their careers.

This years judging panel was made up of award-winning chef, broadcaster, columnist and Executive Chef at the K-Club, Gary OHanlon, Executive Director of Culinary and Craft at Aramark Ireland, Derek Reilly and Audrey Crone, Executive Chef Ireland, Unilever Food Solutions.

Judge Audrey Crone said; This years theme is all about the feel-good factor. Its time to rethink healthy eating and create vibrant, nutrient-rich dishes that look stunning and taste amazing. The brief will challenge students to explore how food can nourish not just the body, but also the mind and soul, without sacrificing flavour, while incorporating bouillon as a key ingredient. Kitchens are packed with ingredients that can revive and restore  now its our turn to bring them to life!
A NEW initiative that aims to support young carers who are studying at University of Limerick has been launched.

A new resource signposting student carers to the supports available to them at UL will be disseminated across the campus.

The Student Carer infographic is the outcome of research carried out by members of the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Committee at ULs School of Nursing and Midwifery. The project is being led by Assistant Professor Breda Moloney, in collaboration with Family Carers Ireland, a national charity organisation that supports all family carers.

The project aims to raise awareness and increase support for students who are struggling to juggle their studies with their caring duties at home.

I was inspired to undertake this project following engagement with an increasing number of students involved in caring for relatives and witnessing them struggle to manage their course work alongside the demands of caring. I believe there is insufficient recognition and awareness about this issue which can lead to student drop out and in turn can have long lasting negative socio-economic implications, Assistant Professor Moloney explained.

A student carer is defined as an individual registered on a higher education institution program who also provides unpaid care for a relative with an illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction that requires their ongoing support.

According to research, there are over 15,407 student carers in Higher Education Institutions throughout Ireland.

Following a funding award by the Centre of Transformative Learning at UL, the project team hosted a World Cafe event last autumn where students, educators, and university student support departments came together to explore perspectives and experiences.

Key priorities highlighted by students included increasing awareness of student carers through university literature and related support documents, the creation of a student carer hub, lecturers acknowledgment of a students situation and openness to discussing flexibility with course work.

Top priorities for the UL staff involved in the discussions echoed the students suggestions, as well as a recommendation to define student carers in admissions documents and increasing visibility of academic, financial and personal supports for student carers.

These findings informed the co-creation of the Student Carer Infographic  an image containing information to signpost student carers to supports available to them in UL.

19-year-old Conor Curran, a second year student from ULs BSc in Science Education, was part of the student cohort who participated in the research to share his views.

Conor cares for his 17-year-old brother Daniel who lives with 22q11 deletion syndrome more commonly known as DiGeorge Syndrome  a condition which causes developmental difficulties.

I'm lucky, I'm in a situation that's a lot better than some people. I can go to college during the week and help out with caring when I go home at the weekends, he said.

READ MORE: Permission granted for major new power station on the Shannon Estuary

My brother Daniel has a certain amount of independence, but he does need help with some things - dressing, personal care, and is peg-fed through a stomach tube where he also gets all his medication.He has scoliosis, which affects his balance and coordination, and epilepsy, which can lead to him needing to be in a wheelchair at times. I help him get up and dressed. If he needs medication, I give him that. He is prone to a little bit of choking, so you have to keep an eye on him when he eats.

On an average day, although Daniel is not at the front of my mind, there is always a little part of me that always worries about him. When hes sick or is on his monthly visits to the hospital, it does play on my mind, especially when I wouldnt get to see him during the week while Im in college in Limerick.

Recognition and support at university is really important. For example, I had a situation when Daniel was rushed to hospital in Dublin and so I needed to go home to Waterford to look after my younger brother at home. I was due to attend a mandatory lab that was required to pass the module, but I knew I wouldnt be able to go. I emailed my lecturer, explained the situation and was able to re-schedule.

Ive also benefited from counselling supports from both UL and Family Carers Ireland, its nice to be able to have a chat with someone about your situation, Conor continued.

Assistant Professor Moloney emphasised that student carers are not seeking sympathy, what they want is acknowledgement, someone who will listen, reasonable accommodations with coursework. Ultimately they do not want to be othered just included.

ULs Student Affairs Services have been instrumental in supporting this initiative. They offer support to student carers in the area of wellbeing through counselling, medical support, chaplaincy and by connecting student carers with their peers. They also provide information on financial aid and advice on navigating academic difficulties.

They will disseminate the infographic on digital information screens across the campus and in the digital student handbook that is circulated to all students at the start of each semester.

Welcoming the launch of the infographic, ULs Director of Student Affairs, Rhona McCormack said:

Student carers are a group identified in the National Access Plan 2022-2028 as potentially needing additional support and guidance to successfully and equitably participate in higher education.

University of Limerick and the Student Affairs Services are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all students. By understanding where our students are at, we ensure as much as possible that students personal circumstances are not barriers to their enjoyable and effective engagement in their studies.

The production and dissemination of this infographic is an important step in recognising and acknowledging the varied life circumstances of ULs students, in supporting all students to feel part of our university community, and in assisting our students to achieve their potential.

Elayne OHara, Support Manager Young Carers with Family Carers Ireland, who partnered with UL on the new initiative said:

I am delighted to have had the opportunity to partner with the team at University of Limerick to raise awareness about Student Carers. Young Adult Carers are a largely invisible group in our communities, quietly making sacrifices and caring for loved ones while also juggling all the other stresses that come with further and higher education, home and family life.

Through raising awareness on campus, UL is taking an important step towards supporting carers in further and higher education. Many young carers feel so isolated, and it is essential that they know where they can go for support. The launch of this infographic will help so many young carers to identify the supports they can avail of both in UL and through Family Carers Ireland.

This initiative on raising the awareness of students with caring responsibilities is a vital component in UL's continuous strive for equality and inclusion and is an important component to acknowledge for every students academic and personal wellbeing, Professor Moloney added.
REVENUES at McDonald's franchise operator, Aarval, which operates three outlets in Limerick city, increased by 16% from 40.27m to a record 46.93m in 2023.

However, increased costs at Aaron Byrnes and Valerie Byrnes Aarval Ltd contributed to pre-tax profits dipping marginally from 1.645m to 1.635m.

Revenues at the Byrnes franchisee McDonald's business - which is the largest in the west and Mid-West - have grown exponentially in recent years and the 2023 revenues of 46.93m are a four fold increase on pre-Covid 19 revenues of 11.7m in 2019.

Numbers employed by the Byrne husband and wife team in 2019 totalled 245 and by the end of 2023 had increased to 937.

Aarval initially operated a McDonald's outlet in Galways Shop Street, along with two other outlets in Galway city at Westside Shopping Centre and the Headford Road, Retail Park.

In December 2020, the Byrnes expanded their Aarval business when acquiring four McDonalds restaurants in Limerick at Cruises Street in the city centre; Jetland Shopping Centre, Caherdavin; Crescent Shopping Centre and Castletroy Shopping Centre

The couple further expanded their Aarval business when acquiring McDonalds outlets in County Clare at Shannon and in Ennis in May 2021 while the Byrnes scaled back their Limerick operation in August 2023 with the closure of the McDonalds on Cruises Street.

The directors report for 2023 states that they are satisfied with the results for the year and look forward to growth in the companys activities in the coming year.

2023 was another year for expansion for the company as numbers employed increased by 89 from 848 to 937 with staff costs rising from 13.42m to 15m.

The pre-tax profit for 2023 takes account of non-cash depreciation charges of 1.45m, non-cash amortisation costs of 459,459 and interest costs of 241,547.

Profits were also hit by a loss of 491,240 on the disposal of intangible assets.

The company recorded net cash of 5m generated from operating activities in 2023 which compared to 3.11m under that heading in 2022.

At the end of December 2023, the companys accumulated profits totalled 8.48m while its cash funds more than doubled from 2.38m to 5.1m.

Pay to directors increased in 2023 from 259,808 to 271,612 made up of 199,612 in emoluments and 72,000 in pension contributions.

READ MORE: Well-known Limerick hardware store to close after 68 years

Mr Byrne is also a director of McDonald's Marketing Company of Ireland Ltd and in 2023, the company provided marketing services to Aarval totalling 1.9m on an arms length basis.

Recently, the Irish arm of McDonalds has secured planning permission for two new drive-thru restaurants in Mullingar in Co Westmeath and Waterford retail park at Butterstown, Co Waterford.

As part of its continuing Irish expansion, McDonalds also has additional planning applications for new drive-thru restaurants currently before planning authorities for sites in New Ross, Co Wexford, Thurles in Co Tipperary and Carrigaline in Co Cork.

The company is also planning a revamp of its flagship Irish outlet at OConnell Street in Dublin which first opened in 1979. All of McDonald's restaurants here are operated by franchisees.
Nearly half of all Irish goods exported in January went to the US, according to figures published ahead of expected US tariffs imposed on the EU.

There was an 81% increase in the value of Irish exported goods compared with January 2024 (worth 11.7 billion euros).

The export of medical and pharmaceutical products increased by 68% in January compared with 12 months previous, and represented 61% of total exports that month.

There is 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, including the US-linked pharmaceutical companies.

US President Donald Trump has both shared his affection for Ireland and the Irish people, and said Dublin is of course taking advantage of the US.

He has threatened a 200% tax on imported alcoholic drinks from the EU, which Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said is a big concern for the Irish drinks industry.

Figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Tuesday indicate that the US was also Irelands largest market for imports.

Jane Burmanje, CSO statistician, said: Exports of goods to the United States were 11.7 billion euro in January 2025, accounting for 48.4% of total good exports, while imports of goods from the US were 2.1 billion euro, representing 19.7% of total imports, making it the largest market for Ireland in this period.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said that while the figures were only for one month, that single month does point to a broader way in which our trade has been structured with the United States.

He added: When it comes to goods, theres a very healthy surplus, when it comes to services there is a deficit, that has meant over the last number of years our overall trade balance has been one of deficit.

There are a number of other countries in the European Union that also have a deficit.

What we need to do now is work with the United States on the issues theyve raised.

Mr Donohoe said they would make the point that tariffs will push prices up, dampen economic growth and increase unemployment in both economies.

He said they also needed to identify different ways in which we can deal with how trade is structured between the US and EU.

Mr Donohoe added: In order to do that we have to negotiate with the US and I hope the next few weeks will allow us to do that.

Janette Maxwell, a partner in tax at Grant Thornton, said it is still uncertain how Irish businesses will react to the trade uncertainty.

She said: The numerous shifts in US trade policy have been well publicised over the past few months and it remains to be seen how Irish businesses that trade with the US will react to these constant changes and where they will source imports from going forward.

It is clear that predictability is in fast decline and Irish businesses must adapt flexible strategies to remain competitive in this ever-changing trade landscape.
Mobile apps cybersecurity startup Protectt.ai said on Monday it has raised around $8.7 million at an undisclosed valuation in a Series-A funding round led by global venture capital firm Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP).

The Mumbai-based company aims to use the funds to drive global expansion, undertake product innovation and nurture talent.

Protectt.ai's clients include a mix of banks, stock exchanges and stock-related apps. We found that mobile banking and UPI applications were the most targeted by malware and threat actors. We saw adoption and early traction from these sectors," co-founder and chief executive Manish Mimani told Mint.

Founded in 2020, Protectt.ai uses artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its offerings to not just monitor cyber threats, but also to patch out vulnerabilities within apps remotely, without the need for an update. We are working on a concept of predicting cyber threats based on user behaviour and device behaviour to figure out how they'll impact mobile apps," Mimani, who was earlier the chief information officer of Aviva Life Insurance, said.

Also Read: Healthify aims for profitable India business amid US entry and AI innovations

Some of the startup's clients include the BSE, Yes Bank, IIFL Securities, Equitas Small Finance Bank and Kinara Capital.

Cybersecurity is a core area of focus for us. The digital revolution in India means that there are 900mn+ mobile phone users who depend on their smartphones for their livelihoods and financial needs. Keeping mobile phone led financial transactions secure has therefore become vital," Vishal Gupta, partner and managing director at Bessemer Venture Partners told Mint.

Protectt.ai registered its first profitable year in FY24 and is on track to do the same in FY25, according to Mimani. The company's annual recurring revenue currently stands at almost $5 million" in FY25, with a focus on doubling that in the next financial year.

While Protectt.ai does have a consumer segment to its offerings, the company aims to focus on its B2B segment right now. Over the next two years, we want to be purely focused on being a B2B cybersecurity organisation," Mimani said.

Globally, BVP has made around 30 investments in the cybersecurity space. The firm believes that India's cybersecurity ecosystem has matured enough to warrant launching a roadmap in the space, Mint previously reported. Bessemer Venture invests in companies based on road maps, the firm's investment thesis in a segment.

Currently, most mobile apps in the ecosystem are patched regularly to ensure that they stay secure. However, to do so, companies need to write out code, test it to ensure it doesn't break the user experience before finally rolling out a patch or an update. The overall lifecycle of the system ranges between one and three months.

Global expansion

Global expansion was on the cards even prior to the fundraise, and the company has already expanded into the Middle East with an office in Dubai that is expected to go live by the end of March. In the US, Protectt.ai expects to be fully operational by the first week of April. The Middle East market is currently a very vacant market. In the US, we have some competition, there are some companies working in mobile apps cybersecurity," Mimani said. However, the company believes that it is an under-penetrated sector, giving it an opportunity to tap into the market.

As part of its product innovation efforts, the company is working on building out a platform for AI security. We see organisations adopting AI, agentic platforms and large language models, but what about security," Mimani said. Protectt.ai plans to build out this new platform in a similar fashion to its mobile app one. The company is targeting a release between August and September this year.

As part of its efforts to nurture cybersecurity talent in India, Protectt.ai partnered with IIT Madras where it runs Binary Clash 360, a hackathon for professionals, cyber security enthusiasts and students.

The company was bootstrapped by co-founders Mimani and Mohanraj Selvaraj and two other partners who cumulatively put in $1 million on their own. We focused on building the right talent pool and on developing products, hence we were able to scale to this level before raising money," Mimani said.
Pet care startup Supertails is in talks to acquire Blue 7 Vets, a multispecialty veterinary clinic, as part of its strategy to expand its offline presence, two people familiar with the matter told Mint.

Supertails is executing a build and buyout strategy where it is evaluating several assets, including Blue 7, to support its offline clinic expansion while also setting up its own centres," one of the people cited above said.

The deal value could not be immediately determined with the transaction undergoing due diligence.

The transaction is currently undergoing due diligence processes and is likely to close in the coming months. This will also mark Supertails' entry into Mumbai," a second person said.

Blue 7 declined to comment, while Supertails did not immediately respond to Mints requests for comment.

Founded by Vikram Dave and Ashlesha Dave, Mumbai-based Blue 7 has two branches, in Borivali West and Altamount Road. The 24/7 multispecialty clinic specializes in complex surgeries as well as critical care, according to its official website. Blue 7 clocks about 4 crore in revenue per month, the first person quoted above said.

Supertails is likely to fund the transaction from the $15 million it raised in its series B funding round last year. The round was led by RPSG Capital Ventures and existing investors Fireside Ventures, Saama Capital, DSG Consumer Partners and Sauce VC.

The company planned to use the funds towards the acquisition of new customers, investments in technology, and the expansion of healthcare services, including Supertails Pharmacy. It will also focus on its entry into offline business strategy and build an omnichannel experience for consumers, Supertails said.

Also Read: Pet care goes smart with tech

Offline push

Last month, Supertails announced the launch of its first offline clinic in Bengaluru and plans to tap into 10 lakh pets across the country over the next two years, the company said.

Weve created a clinic that not only prioritizes high-quality care but also focuses on the emotional well-being of pets," Supertails co-founder Vineet Khanna said in a statement in February.

The clinic is designed with separate waiting areas for cats, dogs and small animals, and features on-site pharmacy, OPD, radiology rooms, grooming spaces, and a diagnostic lab.

Supertails also plans to introduce at-home care services and expand its offline presence with three additional clinics in Bengaluru.

Founded in 2021 by Varun Sadana, Aman Tekriwal, and Khanna, Bengaluru-based Supertails offers pet essentials, including food, treats, accessories, and more, while also providing access to telemedicine, online vet consultations through its website and app.

In the last three years, the company claims to have served more than 500,000 customers, launched three private labels, and embraced the quick delivery wave with same-day delivery in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, besides Bengaluru.

In FY24, Supertails revenues nearly doubled to 67.3 crore while its losses widened to 41.1 crore from 30.6 crore in FY23, according to a report by The Financial Express.

Supertails' key competitors in the pet care market include Heads Up For Tails, JUSTDOGS, and Wagr.

Indias pet care industry, currently valued at $3.5 billion, is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, according to a report by Redseer in October 2024.

As more pet parents focus on their pets well-being, the demand for premium, specialized offerings will continue to rise, the report said, adding that the markets growth trajectory presents opportunities for both established players and new entrants to tap into this dynamic sector.

Also Read: Four legged influencers are becoming pet care industrys marketing mavericks
Mumbai: TVS Group supremo Venu Srinivasans continuation in dual non-executive plus executive roles at flagship two-wheeler maker TVS Motor Co. Ltd has rolled into uncertain territory, with three leading proxy advisory firms recommending that shareholders vote against the resolution for his reappointment.

Two of the firmsInstitutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) and InGovernhave also flagged the duplication of the managing directors (MD) position in the company, with both Srinivasan and his son Sudarshan Venu holding that title. Venu was appointed MD in February 2022.

The same month, Srinivasan, who was earlier the chairman and managing director of TVS Motor, was redesignated as chairman emeritusan honorary, non-executive roleeven as he continued in the executive role of managing director. Former Jaguar Land Rover chief executive officer (CEO) Ralf Speth was appointed non-executive chairman.

The window for shareholders to vote on the resolution to reappoint Srinivasan opened on 20 February and closes on 21 March. At least three-fourths of the votes cast will need to be in Srinivasans favour for him to continue in his office. A rejection by shareholders could mean his exit from both the positions.

Also read | TVS Motor zooms in Q3 but speed bumps lie ahead

Proxy view

The three proxy advisory firmsIiAS, InGovern and Stakeholders Empowerment Services (SES)have said that as an MD, Srinivasan would get a vote on board matters even as he holds a non-executive position as chairman emeritus, leading to conflict.

The opinion of the proxy advisors is crucial as institutional investorsmutual funds, insurers and foreign portfolio investorsrely on these inputs for casting their vote. Domestic and foreign institutions hold more than 41% stake in TVS Motor, while the promoters control 50.27%.

We believe that as chairperson emeritus and managing director on the board, his current role and the board hierarchy are unclear," IiAS noted in its report, calling the two positions inconsistent with each other."

While an argument could be made that the voting power is not to chairman emeritus but to the executive director, Can this argument be accepted? Can an individual be split into two personalities?" SES noted in its report. The fact remains that Venu Srinivasan will be attending board meeting with a voting right."

As to the duplication of the managing director role at TVS Motor, InGovern said this raises the possibility of a dual power structure, which could impact the clarity of the chain of command."

A spokesperson for TVS Motor said there was clear delineation of roles and responsibilities between Venu Srinivasan and Sudarshan Venu.

Venu Srinivasan, in his capacity as chairman emeritus plays a crucial role in guiding the company, as well as he is pivotal in setting new standards in quality and innovation," the spokesperson said, adding that his leadership was instrumental in shaping TVS Motor into a globally recognized brand.

Sudarshan Venu has been pivotal in driving the companys overall growth and successfully spearheaded the growth initiatives in key markets such as Africa, Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Latin America, solidifying the companys presence in global markets," the spokesperson said.

Venu has now set his vision on transforming the company into a leading global mobility player, and has set in motion a global expansion of the company, both organically and inorganically, the spokesperson added.

The background

Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has urged the top 500 listed companies by market capitalization to voluntarily split the positions of chairperson and MD/CEO for better corporate governance.

The bifurcation of the two positions was earlier made mandatory for these companies effective April 2022, but Sebi made compliance voluntary around the same time when Srinivasan was redesignated as chairman emeritus.

With a market capitalization of 1.08 trillion, TVS Motor is the third-most valued two-wheeler company in India behind Bajaj Auto and Eicher Motors, which sells Royal Enfield branded motorcycles.

Also read | The TVS Groups nuclear family pact is path-breaking

Shares of TVS Motor gained 0.76% to close at 2,266.25 on the BSE on Monday compared with a 0.46% gain in Sensex. The stock has given over 11% returns in the past one year compared to just under 2% gain in the Sensex.
Going to Harvard just got more affordable for most of America.

The Ivy League school is significantly expanding financial aid to make undergraduate admission tuition-free for families making up to $200,000 and completely free for families making up to $100,000. Families making more than $200,000 can also qualify for aid, depending on circumstances such as the number of children in college and amount of debt they carry.

Harvard estimates that 86% of U.S. families could be eligible for financial help under the new system.

Selective universities have been dangling more money to attract middle-income families as a way to diversify campuses and tiptoe back from elitist reputations.

Schools including Stanford, Princeton and the University of Texas system cover tuition for students whose families earn close to or above six-figure salaries. Last fall brought a string of announcements from schools making their financial aid more generous, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Pennsylvania each boosting their free-tuition salary caps to $200,000.

The moves come as Harvard and other elite universities face public and political pressure over their response to student protests over the Israel-Hamas war. Alumni have withheld donations and second-guessed sending their children to their alma mater. An Ivy League degree is even becoming a turnoff for some employers.

Even so, admission to the schools remains fiercely competitive. Less than 4% of applicants to Harvard in the last admissions cycle got in.

Making schools such as Harvard more affordable will open up the socioeconomic ladder to a lot of families, and to networks that they didnt have before," said Adam Nguyen, the founder of Ivy Link, a college-admissions consulting business. Beyond the education that Ivy League schools confer, Nguyen said, graduates can expect a lifetime of connections and brand recognitionthough he has noticed the reputational hit schools have taken with alumni and employers.

Starting this fall, incoming and current Harvard students whose families earn $100,000 or less wont have to pay for tuition, housing or food, up from the prior threshold of $85,000. They will also receive extras like reimbursement for travel to visit home and winter gear.

Families making $200,000 or less will have tuition covered and could qualify for living costs. Those earning above that can work with the financial-aid office to determine whether they qualify for aid.

Even families making upward of $300,000 could receive tuition assistance, said Jake Kaufmann, Harvards director of financial aid. A family of two doctors earning $400,000, for instance, who are still paying off sizable medical school debt that has prevented them from owning a home or saving enough for college, could qualify for help, Kaufmann said. A family of eight living in Manhattan will be considered differently than a family with one child in a lower-cost city.

The goal, Kaufmann said, is to remove the ability to pay from the factors an admitted student will weigh when deciding whether to attend.

Without financial aid, attending Harvard costs $56,550 annually in tuition alone, and nearly $83,000 when room and board are included.

Student debt has saddled college graduates for decades. The amount of student debt outstanding in the U.S. has swelled to around $1.78 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve. At the same time, the amount of grants and discounts being given by colleges has also risen.

Write to Sara Randazzo at sara.randazzo@wsj.com
Even in an eventful year like this one, the noisiest crises arent always the most consequential. The war in Ukraine, the tariff spats and the continuing turmoil in the Middle East have dominated the headlines. But future historians may well say that the most important developments of our times were taking place elsewhere.

Ever since Hillary Clinton served as secretary of state in President Obamas first term, Americans have talked about the importance of pivoting to Asia. The belief that the 21st century will be driven by events in the Indo-Pacific is a bipartisan cliche. Yet as a society we find the psychological shift from our old Eurocentric habits hard to make.

The biggest beneficiary of this cultural blind spot is Chinese leader Xi Jinping. While Western attention was largely on events in Ukraine and the Middle East, China has been steadily moving toward its long-term goals.

The pressure on Taiwan continues to grow. Taiwanese authorities recently detained a Chinese-crewed cargo ship suspected of severing a strategic undersea communications cable off the islands southwest coast. More ominous still, China appears to be constructing a fleet of barges that, like the Mulberry Harbors used in the 1944 D-Day invasion of Normandy, will be able to deliver troops and battle equipment onto beaches. With Chinese forces practicing landings, the message to Taiwan could hardly be clearer.

It isnt only Taiwan feeling the pressure. Last month the Australian government reported an unsafe and unprofessional interaction" with a Peoples Liberation Army fighter aircraft in the South China Sea. Farther afield, Chinese warships held live-fire exercises in waters between Australia and New Zealand in an unprecedented display of Beijings naval ambition and reach.

Two Chinese research vessels are raising hackles in New Delhi, conducting detailed surveys in sensitive sites around the Indian Ocean. China and the Cook Islands, a Pacific island nation, announced a comprehensive partnership that significantly advances Chinese interests. Meanwhile, Chinese ships joined Iranian and Russian vessels in maneuvers off Oman.

On land, China has stepped up its support for Myanmars beleaguered junta. With Myanmar sending workers to Russia to fill manpower shortages in multiple sectors caused by the Ukraine war, a key southeast Asian country has tilted decisively in the direction of Beijing and its allies.

Thailand has been giving off similar vibes lately, deporting 40 Uyghur refugees to China, where they will face whatever retribution Beijing chooses to inflict. American diplomats had long sought to persuade Thailand to refrain from returning them to Chinese custody, but Chinas voice currently matters more than Americas in the halls of Bangkok.

Buoyed by the success of DeepSeek, the innovative artificial-intelligence company that Chinese sources claim was able to lead the frontier of AI development more quickly and for much less money than Silicon Valley competitors, China is also pushing toward what it hopes will be tech dominance. Beijing is doubling down on support to its leading tech firms, while ensuring that those firms stay close to the Communist Party. Anxious to keep its top talent at home, Beijing has directed executives and researchers involved in the tech sector not to travel to the U.S. Chinese companies are openly boasting about circumventing American sanctions and export controls.

That so much Chinese activity hasnt drawn stronger responses or more attention from the West is good news for Mr. Xi. In the old days of Deng Xiaopings hide and bide" strategy, a smaller, weaker China sought to evade hostile international scrutiny by pursuing an unambitious foreign policy. It played down threats against its neighbors, spoke of common efforts to solve territorial disputes, and muted its rhetoric against countries like Japan and the U.S.

But these days China can have it all. Because the world has become so disorderly, and because policymakers in Washington and elsewhere are caught up in addressing the burning issues of the day, Beijing can take dramatic steps that would have provoked international crises in Dengs time, and todays West hardly seems to notice.

What this means for the Trump administration foreign policy is simple: China isnt going to play nice. From Chinas perspective, American power is in rapid retreat. Our alliances are fraying, our social cohesion is weakening, and as China sees it, President Trumps style of apparently impulsive leadership, while capable of delivering an occasional unwelcome surprise, is amateurish and likely to fail.

Team Trump wants to break up the alignment among China, Russia and Iran by intimidating Iran and seducing Vladimir Putin. China will use every asset it can muster to keep the axis united and to keep its fellow revisionists pushing back against Americas international position. Chinas steady progress toward key goals in the Indo-Pacific reminds both Russia and Iran of the limits of American power, and will encourage revisionists everywhere to stay the course.
For Global companies, there is no place quite like America. As growth in China and Europe has slowed, its economy has continued expanding at a decent clip. America remains by far the worlds biggest consumer market, accounting for almost 30% of total spending, and is home to the largest stock of foreign direct investment (FDI), at around $5trn.

Yet under Donald Trump doing business in America has become a trickier proposition for foreign firms. His tariffs are making it more expensive to export their wares to the country. And his erratic way of announcing and imposing them sows uncertainty. In the days after a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico was rolled out, one-month exemptions were made for cars and other goods covered by North Americas free-trade pact. An initial levy of 10% on Chinese goods was doubled within months of being implemented. On March 11th Mr Trump announced a 50% levy on Canadian steel and aluminium, up from the 25% previously planned, only to backtrack hours later. He recently threatened a 200% tariff on wine and other booze from the European Union.

All this creates a dilemma for foreign companies selling to the American market. Do they double down by relocating a share of their production to the country to avoid tariffs and placate Mr Trump? Or do they seek new customers elsewhere?

View Full Image Chart: The Economist

Foreign investment in America has soared in recent years. The annual flow of greenfield FDI reached a record $231bn in 2024, up from $97bn five years earlier, according to fDi Markets, a data service (see chart 1). Huge subsidies offered by the Biden administration to build factories for electric vehicles and other green technology as well as semiconductors played an important part in that boom. Mr Trumps approach, however, is to wield a stick, not a carrot. He hopes that tariffs will encourage even more investment in American manufacturing while filling, rather than draining, the governments coffers.

That is particularly worrying for foreign companies that generate a large share of their sales in America but have only limited operations there. To identify the main areas of exposure, we analysed the worlds 100 biggest non-American firms by market value, excluding companies in services industries and those that publish insufficient data. We used public disclosures to gauge American revenues. To estimate costs we used reported assets, capital expenditures and employee counts, as well as data from LinkedIn, a social-media site for professionals, and a tally of firms manufacturing operations from Dun & Bradstreet, an information provider.

View Full Image Chart: The Economist

Based on our panel, four groups of foreign firms look particularly vulnerable (see chart 2). The first is drugmakers, such as Novo Nordisk and Roche. America, the worlds biggest health-care market by far, accounts for more than two-fifths of their sales but less than a third of their costs. Manufacturers of electronics, including TSMC and Samsung, also seem exposed, as do European luxury giants like LVMH. Foreign carmarkers are at risk, too, though to varying degrees. Some, such as Porsche, import all the cars they sell in America, according to Bernstein, a broker. Others, such as BMW and Mercedes, have American factories that produce suvs, many of which are sold to locals.

A number of foreign firms have already opted to shift more of their production to America. This month tsmc announced that it would increase its planned investment in the country from $60bn to $165bn between 2020 and 2030. It will build an additional three chipmaking plants, two packaging facilities and a research-and-development centre. Morgan Stanley, an investment bank, notes that a 100% levy on chips from Taiwan, which Mr Trump has talked about, would push the import price of TSMCs advanced semiconductors above the cost of making them at its factory in Arizona.

TSMC is not alone. CMA CGM, a privately held French logistics firm, recently announced a $20bn investment in America over the next four years. Siemens, a German industrial giant, plans to build two plants in California and Texas costing $285m. Asahi, a Japanese brewer, has said it will expand output at its Wisconsin plant. And some carmakers, including Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis (whose largest shareholder, Exor, owns a stake in The Economists parent company), have said that they plan to increase production in America.

Investors are having mixed reactions to the strategy. Of the six firms mentioned that have announced plans to invest in American facilities and are publicly traded, three performed better than industry benchmarks in the three days following their announcement and three performed worse. As one consulting boss notes, factories are often depreciated over 20 years, which means companies will be stuck with them long after Mr Trump leaves office, at which point the threat of tariffs could subside.

Moreover, shifting operations to America is not straightforward for many firms. During Mr Trumps first term Bernard Arnault, lvmhs boss, helped his industry avoid tariffs by expanding handbag production in America. But repeating the trick will be hard. Part of the allure of luxury products for Americans is their European cachet. The complexity of supply chains adds to the challenge. Some drugs and cars, for example, cross borders many times during the manufacturing process.

Some firms may even intend to quietly pare back their investment plans. In 2017 Foxconn, a Taiwanese maker of electronics, vowed to spend $10bn on a plant in Wisconsin that would employ 13,000 people. Mr Trump visited the proposed site, proclaiming it the eighth wonder of the world". Yet after much watering down of plans, the company said last year that it had spent just $1bn on the project, and created only 1,000 jobs.

Faced with American tariffs, some foreign companies could instead direct their attention elsewhere. That has been the case with Chinese firms, which bore the brunt of the duties imposed during Mr Trumps first term. The flow of greenfield FDI from China to America slid from $8.2bn in 2016 to $6.5bn last year. According to Morgan Stanley, listed Chinese firms generated around a quarter of their foreign sales in America in 2024, down from roughly a half in 2016. Instead, they have turned to the fast-growing economies of the global south.

If Mr Trumps objective is to encourage foreign businesses to build in America, there are more effective policies at his disposal than tariffs. On the campaign trail the president also promised to slash red tape. Tortuous planning processes have long held back American manufacturing. For foreign firms, fixing those would be far more motivating.
During the wee hours on Sunday mornings, there isnt much traffic on the Yamuna Expressway. Most people stay indoors, preferring the comfort of their homes as the mercury rises steadily. But one adventurous group has other ideas.

At the crack of dawn they set out on their bikesnot the 100cc pipsqueaks preferred by the mass market, but imported large-engine-capacity superbikes (above 600cc) that separate the boys from the men: Harley-Davidsons, Ducatis, Triumphs and BMWs. One after another the large bikes roar along the highway at high speed, causing those around them to pause and look on in wonder and envy.

Touted as Indias first superbiking group, Group of Delhi Superbikers, or GODS, was started by surgeon Arun Thareja in 1998. Across India, there has been a proliferation of such groups, formed to help bikers meet fellow enthusiasts and go for long rides in the countryside.

Superbikes are not cheap and most members are professionals or high networth individuals in the 25-50 age group. Rides usually take place on the weekend and cover distances of around 60km, culminating in breakfast, networking and peer interactions at the destination.

View Full Image Touted as Indias first superbiking group, Group of Delhi Superbikers, or GODS, was started by surgeon Arun Thareja in 1998.

If US President Donald Trump has his way, sales of superbikes will surge and many more such groups will come up in India in the coming years, perhaps even including those who are not one-percenters.

India charges us massive tariffs," a petulant Trump complained recently, threatening to impose reciprocal tariffs effective 2 April. The American president has been particularly vocal about Indias tariff policy on American automotive exports, something he decried even during his first term.

Trumps sabre rattling has already had a bit of an impactIndia has lowered import duties on motorcycles in its annual budget for 2025-26. Tariffs for engine displacements of up to 1600cc on completely built units (CBU) have been cut from 50% to 40%. Engine capacities above 1600cc will attract an import duty of 30% instead of 50% for CBUs.

Semi knocked-down (SKD) kits will see a five-percentage-point reduction to 20%. And import duties on all completely knocked down (CKD) kits have been lowered from 15% to 10%.

A further reduction could be on the cards if the US sticks to its demand for zero duty on almost all its exports except agricultural products. Trump has spoken about Indias willingness to cut tariffs way down" but the government here has been noncommittal so far.

No major impact

If there is indeed such a meaningful reduction, it could spark a discernible shift in consumer preferences in Indias niche superbike market. In the high-performance segment, barring those in Royal Enfields 650cc portfolio, almost all superbikes are imported, either as completely built units, completely knocked down kits or semi knocked down kits. But the prevailing numbers are modest.

The cuts announced in the budget are expected to boost those numbers to some extent. Som Kapoor, partner and leader-automotive, future of mobility, EY India, believes the import duty cut will give bike enthusiasts more options, especially in the 1000cc plus segment. Imports were so expensive till now that superbikes may become more competitive with locally produced bikes," he says.

Even so, it may amount to little more than a storm in a teacup, given the size of the market. In FY25, as of January, the superbike market in the 500cc plus category was pegged at 41,572 units, constituting a miniscule 0.4% of the total motorcycle market, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers Association.

Overall volumes wont see a lot of impact as premium motorcycles are a very small part of the two-wheeler market in India," says Prathamesh Chaudhari principal, automotive, at consultancy firm Arthur D Little India.

To put the size of the superbike segment in context, India was the largest two-wheeler market in 2024, edging past China, with sales of 11.6 million units.

Mint has reached out to Royal Enfield and Triumph Motorcycles to get their perspective but has not received any response from them yet.

Harleys comeback

As superbike makers jostle for space in the local market, American bike manufacturer Harley-Davidson is likely to gain.

The iconic American bikemaker, founded in 1903 by William S. Harley and brothers Arthur and Walter Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is expected to ride in with costlier and heavier bikes. At the same time it is expected to continue its partnership with Hero MotoCorp in the slightly-more-affordable midweight segment (250cc-750cc), where Royal Enfield has a runaway 88% share.

In September 2020, as covid raged across the country, Harley-Davidson, which had first ridden into India in August 2009, discontinued sales and manufacturing here due to weak demand.

The companys portfolio in its first innings featured the Fat Bob, Fat Boy, and Street Rod, all heavy and expensive bikes. The high import tariff was a constraint on these fully built bikes as their prices were exorbitant. The Street 750 was the lowest-priced motorcycle at 5.34 lakh.

Less than three years after exiting, Harley-Davidson was back. This time with a different strategy built around affordability.

In July 2023, the American bikemaker rolled out its most affordable product, a 440cc midsize bike, the X440 retro roadster, priced at 2.39 lakh. The bike has been co-developed with Hero MotoCorp and is manufactured at its plant in Neemrana, Rajasthan.

View Full Image Harley-Davidson's X440 retro roadster was launched in July 2023. (Website)

Currently, the X440 pitches in with almost 90% of Harley-Davidsons turnover in India. Until December FY25, it had sales of over 8,500 units. It is sold alongside Hero MotoCorps Mavrick 440, built on the same platform. But in January, the Harley volumes had slipped to 881 units as competition intensified.

Today Harley offers about 10 models in the Indian market. Its most affordable bike in India directly competes with Royal Enfields Classic 350, Bullet 350, Hunter 350 and Meteor 350. If Harley expands the X440 platform with new models, it could shake up the mid-premium market.

The reduced import tariffs will also open the doors for Harley- Davidson to promote its cruiser models, such as Iron 883 and Harley Forty-Eight, says Prajyot Sathe, research director, mobility, at Frost & Sullivan India. These models had been discontinued in India and were priced upwards of 12 lakh.

Harley-Davidson used to be the market leader in the 500cc-800cc class, one of the fastest growing segments, before Royal Enfield launched the 650cc Twins in November 2018. Now, with the market changing amid the reduction in import tariffs, and customers opting for heavier and more premium bikes, Harley-Davidson will be looking to regain the top position. The reduction in its prices is certain to attract some Royal Enfield buyers seeking premium options.

Made in India

If Royal Enfield is to retain its stranglehold over the mid-segment amid the expected challenge from its foreign rivals, it will have to play to its strengths: the deep penetration of its sales and service network, wider product range, and a loyal customer base.

Currently, the price difference between imported superbikes and locally made ones is huge. The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, Enfields highest priced superbike, starts at 3.94 lakh (ex-showroom) a quarter of the price of Harley-Davidsons Sportster S.

In FY24, the 500cc plus market was pegged at 35,924 units, of which Royal Enfield commanded 90%. In FY25 as of January, that share had inched up to 91%.

Even after import cuts, a Harley simply cannot match the price of an Enfield. Most superbikes cost upwards of 10 lakh. Harleys Road Glide bike is in the pricier range of 30-40 lakh, with the CVO limited edition costing upwards of 49 lakh.

The Hero-Harley and Bajaj-Triumph partnerships will now have to re-evaluate their pricing strategies, as will market leader Royal Enfield, as competition is expected to intensify in the premium motorcycle market.

Some customers who might have gone for the mid-segment (300-700cc) may now opt for high-performance motorcycles, impacting sales of local brands like Enfield," says Arthur D Littles Chaudhari. Local brands will need to accelerate model launches and reduce lead time to market.

Even after import cuts, a Harley simply cannot match the price of an Enfield.

While import tariffs make foreign superbikes prohibitively expensive, some companies have found a way around them. Britains Triumph Motorcycles, as well as Italys Ducati and Germanys BMW Motorrad, import many of their motorcycles from their Thailand plants. So do Japans Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Honda Motorcycle.

India and Thailand have a framework agreement for free trade so import tariffs are not levied on superbikes from that country, with only a minimal cess and charge imposed on them.

But the Thailand route hasnt made these superbikes affordable. For instance, a 1100cc Ducati Pannigale V4 CBU made in Thailand has an on road (Delhi) price of 33 lakh. Indeed, most Ducati superbikes come from Thailand, with 10-12 coming in from Italy in a year, says Monty Singh, dealer principal of Ducati Delhi.

Biking communities

While it is still tiny, the premium motorcycle segment recorded 42% y-o-y growth in 2024 compared to 2023 and the future of the market is on a robust growth trajectory, says Sathe of Frost & Sullivan India.

Higher disposable incomes, availability of wider product options, easy financing, evolving consumer preferences, the rise in adventure riding, and interest in exploring destinations on bikes is fuelling this growth.

On that last count, aside from lowering tariffs, Trump may have an unintended impact: an increase in the number of superbike groups riding across the country.

All biking companies have their own riding groups, which organize adventure trips and track events. Harley-Davidson, for instance, has a cult following and promotes riding activities under a separate division known as the Harley owners group. On the other hand, track and street riding enthusiasts prefer Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki and Triumph bikes.

Every motorcycle manufacturer has created its own riding community around its brand. Sale of brand accessories and merchandise such as clothing apparel, protective riding gear worn by riding enthusiasts ensures an alternative revenue stream.

View Full Image All biking companies have their own riding groups, which organise adventure trips and track events.

Divya Sandhu, 40, a biking enthusiast since her student days, runs her own group, DIWA (Divya International Womens Academy), which trains motorcyclists. India has more than 500 riding groups with subgroups within," says Sandhu.

She and her husband, Jasprit Singh, also occasionally participate in rides organised by Tharejas GODS club. The couple often go on long rides together, typically covering about 700 km in a day. All you need is riding gear, a route and a destination," says Singh.

In January, for instance, the Delhi-based couple set out on a road trip to Kanyakumari. Singh, 42, a relocation company executive who was bitten by the riding bug in his youth, was on his Triumph Rocket 3, 2500cc superbike, which he had to have after watching Tom Cruise riding it in Mission Impossible 2. Sandhu joined him in Agra on her Triumph Tiger 660.

Riding is all about being free," says Singh. Over the next four days, the couple rode south on their superbikes, covering a distance of about 3,000km. Along the way, they took in the sights in Uttar Pradesh, crossed the picturesque Vindhyas in Madhya Pradesh into scenic Maharashtra, roared through the flat Deccan Plateau in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, before reaching their destination, Kanyakumari, mainland Indias southernmost tip, and the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. A couple of days later, they were on the road again, heading home.
Grade-A office spaces are seeing a drop in vacancy levels, along with improving occupancies, as the leasing trajectory is likely to maintain the good run in the March quarter (Q4FY25), too.

Demand for commercial properties continues to be led by global capability centres (GCCs), rising traction in flexible workspaces, and IT/ITes. Plus, the floor-wise denotification and consequent leasing of special economic zones has also helped drive confidence among listed real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Vacancies at all key REIT micro-marketsOuter Ring Road (Bengaluru), Madhapur (Hyderabad), Thane Belapur (Mumbai Metropolitan Region), and Cyber City (Gurugram)have gone down over the last couple of quarters. This is also reflected in the leasing performance of all the REITs, which have witnessed 200-500 basis points improvement in occupancy in 9MFY25," said a JM Financial Institutional Securities report dated 12 March.

This could mean listed REITs will meet their FY25 leasing and occupancy targets.

Embassy Office Parks REITs commercial portfolio occupancy was at 87% in Q3FY25, and it expects the measure to be 88% by March. Peer Brookfield India Real Estate Trusts committed occupancy in Q3FY25 stood at 87% and could reach 89% by March. For Mindspace, committed occupancy stood strong at 91% in Q3FY25 and is expected to touch 92.5%-92.9% by FY25-end. The committed occupancy rate includes properties whose leases have already been signed with tenants but whose leases have yet to commence.

The IT factor

Given upbeat business prospects, REITs are in an expansion mode. For instance, Embassy and Mindspace are expanding their portfolios by 7.4 million square feet and around 8 million square feet, respectively. Plus, these companies are also trying to diversify their tenant base to lower dependence on top clients.

Also Read: How small town Jewar became a booming real estate market

So far, so good. Hereon, a key monitorable would be hiring trends in the IT sectoronce a large contributor to office leasing demand, but has been battling sector slowdown lately. Tier-1 IT companies reduced 6,000 employees (net) in Q3FY25, a reversal from the net increase of 17,000 employees in Q2FY25. However, the reduction was much lower than earlier (15,800 average quarterly reductions in the six quarters from Q4FY23 to Q1FY25)," said Kotak Institutional Equities.

That said, utilization of IT employees remains healthy at 83-86% in Q3FY25, and a continued push by large IT employers toward return-to-office, citing efficiency concerns, would further support the demand," added the Kotak report dated 5 March.

Notably, a muted supply of new office spaces in 2024 also helped vacancies drop. However, once new supply starts coming in, its impact on office rentals, vacancies, and occupancies would be critical.
Mumbai: The Securities and Exchange Board of Indias settlement mechanism, designed to offer a faster route to resolving securities law violations over longdrawn court proceedings, is facing mounting criticism over growing delays and perceived discretionary practices.

Intended to streamline enforcement and reduce litigation, the process is increasingly marred by inflated settlement amounts and stringent non-monetary terms, say experts.

Data from Sebis website reveals a significant surge in settlement amounts collected in 2024-25, reaching 851 crore as of 15 Marcha sharp increase from the 125 crore collected in FY23 and 94 crore in FY24.

Even excluding a 643-crore settlement in a case involving the National Stock Exchange, its former chief executive Vikram Limaye, and former chief technology officer Umesh Jain, Sebis collection in FY25 is considerably higher than in the previous two financial years.

To be sure, Sebi may also have been handling a backlog of settlement cases that have been piling up. While data for FY25 is not yet publicly available, the number of pending applications at the end of FY24 had increased to 289 from 137 at the end of FY23, according to Sebi data that Mint has reviewed. The number of new applications increased to 434 in FY24 from 386 in the year before.

Also read | Two friends, two rivals, a mega deal and insider trading. Heres how Sebi uncovered a financial crime

Lawyers hired for settlement proceedings say the data point to a slower resolution pace and inefficiencies in handling the growing number of cases before Sebi.

The significant increase in pending settlement applications before Sebi raises concerns about potential delays in the settlement process," said Kunal Sharma, partner at law firm Singhania & Co.

Abhiraj Arora, partner at Saraf and Partners, added that the growing backlog of pending cases suggested inefficiencies in the process. These issues may arise from stringent settlement terms, procedural complexities, and delays in processing applications."

Key Takeaways Sebis settlement mechanism, meant to offer a quicker resolution to securities law violations, is facing growing criticism due to rising delays. The backlog of pending cases surged from 137 in FY23 to 289 in FY24, signaling inefficiencies in processing applications.

The total settlement amount collected by Sebi skyrocketed to 851 crore in FY25 (as of March 15), compared to just 125 crore in FY23. Critics argue that inflated settlement figures and strict non-monetary terms, such as voluntary debarment and compliance commitments, are making the process more punitive than intended.

While Sebi follows a formula for calculating settlement amounts, experts claim that the regulator retains significant discretion, sometimes applying base values that inflate costs. The lack of transparency and flexibility in negotiations has led to concerns about fairness in the settlement process.

An arbitrary mechanism?

Another major worry about Sebis settlement mechanism is the regulators discretionary power in deciding the settlement amounts.

Despite a formula involving base amounts, base values, proceeding conversion factors, and regulatory action factors, Sebi retains the right to recommend higher amounts based on specific circumstances.

Critics argue that Sebi often applies base values that are only tangentially relevant, leading to inflated settlement figures. Also, according to the critics, the regulator is reluctant to negotiate the base values during internal committee meetings, which they said raised questions about the processs flexibility.

In Sebis settlement proceedings, an internal committee and a high-powered advisory committee evaluate settlement petitions and terms. These are then presented before a panel comprising Sebi whole-time members to be finalised.

While the internal committee comprises an officer not below the rank of chief general manager, the advisory committee includes a former Supreme Court or high court judge along with three external experts on the securities market.

Also read | Why Sebis new rules on related-party transactions are under fire

Sebi whole-time member Kamlesh Chandra Varshney has indicated that the regulator was in the final discussions" stage to draft a standard operating procedure for settlement regulations.

Varshney also said that although the settlement process often cost more than litigation, the percentage of enforcement orders coming for" settlement had increased from 10% five years ago to 45%, according to a recent report by new agency Press Trust of India.

Another major point of contention with Sebis settlement process is the increasing imposition of non-monetary terms, such as compliance undertakings and voluntary debarment, exceeding the scope of the original show cause notices.

There is a possibility that non-monetary terms can create potential legal risks for applicants. These terms may include suspension of business activities, exit from management, or other restrictions, which could be perceived as more burdensome than the initial penalties," said Arora.

Sebi did not immediately reply to Mints queries.

Also read | How Sebis serial crackdown crimped F&O volumes and crashed broking-firm stocks

What recourse for applicants?

Legal experts pointed out that applicants experiencing delays in the settlement process have limited direct recourse within Sebis framework as its regulations do not explicitly provide mechanisms to expedite individual applications.

"However, applicants can approach the (high court) with writ petition seeking directions to expedite the settlement process," said Arora.

Vasudha Goenka, partner at law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, added: In an event where the terms are not agreeable to either party, there is no compulsion to go ahead with the process. Hence, there is limited recourse for the applicant to challenge a rejection."

Experts, however, suggested that applicants could seek a judicial review if their case was rejected based on arbitrary factors, although courts generally refrain from interfering with the settlement procedure, recognizing Sebis discretion in these matters.

Also read | How Sebi's new consultation framework caused a flutter
PSU stocks have seen a heavy selloff in the past few days and the fall shows no signs of stopping. However, certain stocks continue to buck the trend. When looking for good public sector undertaking (PSU) stocks to buy, even in a bearish market, you should focus on companies with strong fundamentals and consistent performance that are resilient to economic downturns.

Here are the key factors that you should consider while evaluating such stocks:

1. Strong financials

- Look for PSUs with healthy balance sheets, low debt-to-equity ratios, and consistent profitability.

- Companies with stable cash flows and strong dividend payouts are preferable.

2. Defensive sectors

- Focus on PSUs in sectors such as utilities (power generation and distribution), oil and gas, and infrastructure, which tend to perform well even during economic slowdowns.

- Examples include NTPC (power) and Coal India (energy).

3. Government support

- PSUs benefit from government backing, especially those in strategic sectors such as defense, energy and banking.

- Check for recent government initiatives or policies that could boost the company's growth.

4. Valuation metrics

- Look for undervalued stocks with low P/E ratios and high dividend yields.

- Compare the stock's valuation with its historical performance and industry peers.

5. Market leadership

- Choose PSUs that are market leaders in their sectors, as they are more likely to withstand market volatility.

- Examples of these are Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Power Grid Corporation.

6. Dividend history

- PSUs are known for paying large, regular dividends. Look for companies with a strong track record of rewarding shareholders.

7. Sector-specific growth

- Identify PSUs in sectors with long-term growth potential, such as renewable energy (NTPC Green Energy) or infrastructure development (IRCON).

Three PSU stocks to buy today

Here are some attractive PSU stocks in the current market, based on their fundamentals and potential for recovery:

NTPC

A leader in power generation, NTPC offers consistent performance. It is also expanding into renewable energy, which makes it a resilient option.

Factors that make NTPC a strong candidate

Stable business model: NTPC operates in the power generation sector, which is a defensive industry. Electricity demand remains relatively stable, even during economic downturns, ensuring consistent revenues. Government backing: As a PSU, NTPC benefits from strong government support. This includes favorable policies, subsidies, and funding for expansion projects, which enhance its stability and growth prospects. Focus on renewable energy: NTPC is diversifying into renewable energy, including solar and wind power. This positions it well for long-term growth as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources. Strong financials: NTPC has a robust balance sheet with steady cash flows and manageable debt levels. It also offers attractive dividend yields, making it a reliable choice for investors seeking income. Capacity expansion: The company is consistently expanding its power generation capacity, including through joint ventures and new projects. This ensures future growth and strengthens its market leadership.

Also read: HDFC Life is a one-eyed king among the blind

View Full Image Source: TradingView

These pointers are validated by the chart setup as we can note that prices are stabilising around 310 after a sharp fall from the highs of September. Constant volatility in the market means trends remain challenged at higher levels. However, looking at the Relative Strength Index (RSI), the trends indicate on a larger timeframe that there is a revival in progress. This could be a good time to consider buying as larger timeframes indicate the important Fibonacci support region has been held since the start of the year. A rebound from here could help the stock scale an important value area around 370 in the next six months.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)

A key player in oil exploration and production, ONGC benefits from government backing and global energy demand.

Factors that make ONGC a strong candidate

Market leadership: ONGC is India's largest crude oil and natural gas producer, contributing significantly to the country's energy security. Its dominant position in the market ensures steady demand for its products. Government support: As a PSU, ONGC benefits from strong government backing, including favorable policies and subsidies. This support provides stability, especially during volatile market conditions. Global energy demand: Despite market fluctuations, global demand for oil and natural gas remains robust. ONGC's extensive infrastructure and international presence through ONGC Videsh position it well to capitalize on this demand. Strong financials: ONGC has a solid financial foundation, with consistent revenues and profitability. Its ability to generate cash flows even during downturns makes it a reliable investment. Dividends: ONGC is known for its attractive dividend yields and thus appeals to investors seeking regular income, especially in uncertain times.

Also read: Tile stocks are cracking as companies brace for a muted FY25 finish

View Full Image Source: TradingView

After a stellar run, ONGC is facing trouble at higher levels amid a fall in crude prices over the past few months. The sharp drop since September 2024 has caused the stock to slide into a strong support region and the constant rebound from trendline support indicates a positive outlook.

The RSI is also attempting to hold back at the neutral zone, showing intention of a reversal. Hence, this could be a good time to go long as upward potential towards the 300 zone is seen over the next six months.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

A leader in defence electronics, BEL is well-positioned to benefit from increased government spending in the defence sector.

Factors that make BEL a strong candidate

Defense sector resilience: BEL operates in the defence electronics sector, which is relatively insulated from economic downturns. The demand for defence equipment remains steady due to national security priorities. Strong order book: BEL consistently maintains a robust order book, ensuring revenue visibility for the coming years. This stability makes it a reliable choice during volatile market conditions. Government backing: As a PSU, BEL benefits from government support, especially with the Make in India initiative and an increased focus on defense indigenisation. This provides a favorable environment for growth. Financial strength: BEL has a solid financial foundation, with consistent profitability and manageable debt levels. Its ability to generate steady cash flows adds to its appeal. Growth potential: The company is expanding its product portfolio and exploring new opportunities in emerging technologies such as AI and cybersecurity, ensuring good long-term growth prospects.

Also read: Ramco Cements faces new setback as Tamil Nadu's mining tax may increase costs

View Full Image Source: TradingView

Despite the trends facing challenges at higher levels, forcing the overall market to reconsider a long opportunity at this level, this stock has managed to hold back the bearish bias and reinforce its bullish momentum.

The trends clearly indicate that the reaction into the 260 region from where it is currently rebounding is a strong Fibonacci support zone. Also, the RSI is steadily rising and this could fuel the upward momentum. A combination of positive newsflow and encouraging price action suggests more upside is possible in this counter, which could retest previous highs of 340 in the next six months.

Also read: Sun Pharma is betting big on speciality. Will it pay off?

Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
MUMBAI : Over the past few years, a new fund categorymulti-asset funds that invest in equity, debt, gold, and international stockshas taken root in India.

With renewed interest in foreign stocks and changes in taxation introduced in the 2024 budget, multi-asset funds can be an attractive proposition.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) classification rules require multi-asset funds to allot a minimum of 10% in equity, debt, and gold each while leaving it up to the fund manager to decide the maximum exposure.

Some but not all multi-asset funds also invest in international stocks.

Fund-of-funds (FoFs), which have baskets of domestic, overseas, and commodity exchange-traded funds (ETFs), also function a lot like multi-asset funds. An FoF can add an additional layer of expense capped at a maximum of 2x the expense ratio. That makes even an FoF investing in low-cost ETFs attractive.

The idea behind multi-asset FoFs or funds is that a fund manager can deliver alpha by allocating money across assets and rebalancing your portfolio. Instead of buying separate funds and switching between them or buying different funds through one's distributor/advisor, one can invest in just a few diversified funds, such as multi-asset funds, and cut the need for self-review or rebalancing.

View Full Image The advantage of this approach is tax efficiency.

When equities get overvalued, a good multi-asset manager will switch to debt or gold. The argument is similar for international equities. While there are dedicated overseas feeder funds and ETFs, you can take the same exposure via a multi-asset fund that allocates to the US market or other markets.

The advantage of this approach is tax efficiency. Rebalancing within a fund does not attract tax, unlike selling one mutual fund to buy another, which can invite capital gains tax20% for short-term capital gains (STCG) and 12.5% for long-term capital gains (LTCG).

The July 2024 budget also clarified the taxation of multi-asset funds and FoFs with less than 65% allocation to domestic equities. Previously classified as debt funds and taxed at the slab rate regardless of the holding period, gains from these funds are now taxed at 12.5% after a two-year holding period. This change frees fund managers from the earlier forced allocation of 65% gross exposure to Indian equities.

Is this the right approach?

As the Reserve Bank of India refused to increase the overseas limit for mutual funds in February 2022, multi-asset funds are one of the few avenues open for domestic investors to bet on foreign stocks. Dedicated overseas funds are mostly shut, or they open for brief periods when there are redemptions (there's some limit to utilize) and close.

A multi-asset fund is not generally closed due to the overseas allocation stoppage, but if the scheme sees a lot of inflows, there is dilutionthe allocation comes down as a percentage of assets. This is one risk.

These funds are also more tax efficient, as there is no tax on rebalancing within the fund. This makes it possible to truly hold such funds for the long term with lower volatility than pure equity. They are more fill-it, file-it, and shut-it than your average domestic-only equity funds. If Indian equities underperform assets like global equities, debt, and gold, this category will prove to be an excellent bet.

While multi-asset funds provide a workaround to access international markets despite regulatory constraints, they come with inherent limitations regarding overseas allocation percentages and dilution risk, cautioned Abhishek Kumar, a registered investment advisor, founder and chief investment advisor at SahajMoney. "So, it might work for a while, but sooner or later, these funds, too, would hit the ceiling," he said.

For investors willing to explore alternatives, Kumar suggested the liberalized remittance scheme (LRS), which allows direct investment in global stocks. However, he pointed out that direct stock investment through LRS carries its own risks, especially when done without proper research. "Small retail Indian investors looking to diversify their portfolio across geographies are caught between a rock and a hard place," he added.

On the contrary, Amit Sahita, director of Fincode Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd, highlighted the operational advantages of multi-asset funds over LRS. He noted that LRS investments above 7 lakh in a year attract a 20% tax deducted at source (TDS) and require cumbersome processes, whereas multi-asset funds allow for easy investment and redemption.

He also pointed out that global PMS requires a minimum investment of $75,000 (~ 65 lakh), making it a less viable option for most retail investors. "By investing in multi-asset funds, investors can easily invest and redeem at their convenience," he said.

Major multi-asset funds in India

One of the oldest multi-asset funds in the country is the ICICI Prudential Multi Asset Fund. Launched in 2002, it has given a substantial 21% return since inception. However, much of this history is irrelevant, as it was originally a multi-cap fund before being reclassified under Sebis 2017-18 classification rules. Notably, it has no exposure to overseas stocks or ETFs.

The ICICI Prudential Passive Multi-Asset FoF, which has a 30% exposure to overseas ETFs tracking China, Japan, S&P 500 Dividend Index, Latin America, and gold miners, also allocates 35% to Indian equities, 30% to debt, and 2% to gold ETFs.

The DSP Multi Asset Allocation Fund has a 17% overseas allocation. It invests directly in stocks such as Alibaba, Tencent, Microsoft, and Brookfield. Its portfolio includes 40% domestic equity, 28% debt, and 15% gold/silver ETFs.

Finally, the Nippon India Multi Asset Fund has a 12% overseas exposure via the iShares MSCI World ETF, but the majority of its portfolio is in domestic assets54% in equity, 18% in debt, and 16% in gold and silver.
New Delhi: India is set to take over polio surveillance activities from the World Health Organization (WHO) and hand over the responsibility to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), two people familiar with the matter said, citing directions to dismantle" the 30-year-old joint programme that was instrumental in India eradicating the disease.

Till date, Indias National Polio Surveillance Programme (NPSP) was headed by the WHO, and the country achieved its polio-free status in 2014 in strong partnership with the UN agency. The plan now is to hand over the work to Indias Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), headed by the NCDC.

Directions to this effect came from the finance ministry to the health ministry. The shift will start from 1 April and is planned to be completed within two years.

Also read | Narco plan in the works to track and trace abused drugs

The reason for the shift is to achieve self-sufficiency as the government now feels that there is proper infrastructure and enough capabilities for disease surveillance, both the people said.

Finance is not a factor, as India has been funding the WHO for polio surveillance in India.

Key Takeaways India is transitioning polio surveillance activities from the WHO to the NCDC, aiming for self-sufficiency.

This move ends a 30-year collaboration between India and the WHO in polio eradication.

The shift will begin on April 1st and is planned to be completed within two years.

The government cites improved infrastructure and capabilities as reasons for the transition.

India has been funding the WHO for polio surveillance, and this funding will now be directed domestically.

The plan has been in consideration for the last 6-7 months, and the finance ministry has directed the health ministry to make its own system technically independent.

The matter was discussed in the 31st India Expert Advisory Group meeting for polio eradication held earlier this month, where concerns were expressed that the transition should be very structured.

Government officials say India combatted the covid-19 pandemic with the help of Indian agencies, so the system is capable of taking the surveillance programme for polio.

A 30% cut in terms of manpower, technical support and surveillance activities will start from 1 April.

The move comes amid a period of uncertainty for the UN agency, with one senior WHO official recently saying the decision by the Trump administration to take the US out of the WHO could deal blow to the global fight against polio.

Also read | India now produces key drug ingredients under PLI scheme

At the same time, wild polio cases in neighboring Pakistan and Afghanistan are a matter of concern for India, given porous border with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Wild polio cases in neighborhood

Pulse Polio surveillance is very important component. WHOs unit NPSP was developed to do the monitoring and surveillance of polio and support the respective state governments. Three of our neighboring countries are having a lot of wild polio cases (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh) and our borders with some of the neighboring countries may pose a huge challenge," said a person said who attended the meeting one of the two cited above.

The department of expenditure, in the ministry of finance has given directions to the health ministry to dismantle NPSP and that the government of India and states have to take the responsibility themselves. The deadline is next two years in a phase-wise manner; however, the process of NPSP dismantling is planned to start from April 1, 2025," this person said adding that the NCDC is drawing up a roadmap how to execute this.

In 2004, the government developed the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) situated at the NCDC, Delhi, to detect and respond to disease outbreaks quickly. IDSP surveillance units are spread in all the districts of the country.

Also read | Banking on blood: Health ministry frames guidelines to curb paid donations

For Polio surveillance, WHOs NPSP was launched in 1997 to support polio eradication efforts in India. Along with polio surveillance, NPSP does measles-Rubella surveillance, vaccine preventable disease surveillance, support Indias routine immunization in the field and concurrent monitoring of Indias routine immunization coverage.

Once it is taken over from WHOs, all the activities which WHO does will be done by the Indian agency.

Routine immunization coverage (which also included polio vaccination) is looked after the health ministry.

Transition should be in a structured, phased, monitored and accountable manner

India gives 100% funds to the WHO for polio surveillance programmes and the role of the WHO is of good governance, manpower, technical support, flexibility, accountability and that is why India has achieved polio free status. The Indian government wants to make our own system technically independent and want to strengthen its IDSP," said the second person adding that this is policy-level decision focused on Indias self-reliance ambition.

"India is polio free now. Our indicators are also correct now. There are 750 districts in the country, out of which 120-125 districts (20-25%) need focus as polio surveillance indicators are not as per international standards. Extensive work is required in several districts in Manipur in Northeast, UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh etc. These inter-district variations are reflecting poor indicators in terms of Acute Flaccid Paralysis, stool collection rate and vaccine coverage which is less than 80%, but should be above 80%. The polio surveillance indicators should be 2 per 100,000 children below 15 years. But it is less than than 2 in some districts and should be 2 or above.

For country level, it should be 5-6. But there is no polio case in India. Our country is polio free now," the second person said.

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This transition should be in a structured, phased, monitored and accountable manner to ensure that at every step international benchmarks are achieved by Indian DSP and it should also IDSP as an organization should be ready to take over the responsibility, so that all the states are on board, work in harmony and with proper coordination," said the person adding that even if it is a structured transition, it may take upto 3-4 years.

What is polio?

Notably, India has maintained polio-free state since 2011 and the WHO declared India as a polio free nation in 2014. India is offering OPV-I & OPV-III to children under the age of 5 years. For OPV-2, IPV injection comprising all three serotypes is being given 6 weeks, 14 weeks and 9 months.

Experts advocate caution, given outbreaks in the region.

India has a long history of high quality polio surveillance. However, because some of our neighbouring countries still have wild polio, we need to continue to be vigilant and ensure high quality surveillance is maintained, coordination and governance are clear and monitoring and evaluation are in place," said Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former chief WHO scientist and currently principal advisor at the health ministry's for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.

"There should be a proper handholding to the Indian agencies, capacity building and training because there is a risk involved if not done in a planned way with good monitoring and evaluation plan. This is a very sensitive decision as if we have any loose ends, any time we may have outbreak," said Dr Naveen Thacker, President, International Pediatric Association.

Every year, India administers polio vaccines to around 170 million children in a week.

Queries sent to the Health Ministry secretary, Health ministry spokesperson, Finance ministry spokesperson and World Health Organization remained unanswered despite multiple reminders.
Trump administration officials are roiled in debate over how to implement the presidents pledge to equalize U.S. tariffs with those charged by other nations, with aides scrambling to meet the presidents self-imposed deadline of April 2 to debut a plan.

Officials have recently weighed whether to simplify the complex task of devising new tariff rates for hundreds of U.S. trading partners by instead sorting nations into one of three tariff tiers, according to people close to the policy discussions, who emphasized that the situation remains fluid and could evolve in the coming weeks. The proposal was later ruled out, said an administration official close to the talks, adding that Trumps team is still trying to sort how to implement an individualized rate for each nation.

Many plans have been discussed and when the president is ready to announce a plan the American people will hear from him directly," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Trump has repeatedly said reciprocal tariffs would mean what they charge us, we charge them." That would be a gargantuan task, leaving officials to customize tariff rates for hundreds of countries and territories that the U.S. trades with around the world. The plan to match levies with other nations would come on top of his other tariff threats, such as 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada for fentanyl trafficking, and certain sector-based duties such as on steel and aluminum imports.

The simplified three-tier tariff proposalwith low, medium and high rateswas discussed on Thursday at a meeting featuring the likes of chief of staff Susie Wiles, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, and Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing Peter Navarro.

Officials discussed several proposals, including the three-tier approach. But on Friday when officials huddled on the plan again, the tiered proposal was ruled out, the administration official said, in favor of an individualized approach. How to determine that tariff rate is the subject of debate and discussion among the team now, the official said.

Vice President JD Vance has taken on a larger role in Trumps trade agenda in recent weeks and helmed some policy discussions, people familiar with the matter said. There have been several lengthy meetings in recent weeks among top Trump aides, including an hourslong meeting at the Naval Observatory, the vice presidents official residence in Washington. The meetings have centered on how to create a comprehensive tariff policy that achieves Trumps goals but has more flexibility.

One official involved in the discussions said reciprocal tariffs would move forward, and the goal is to figure out how the levies would work and how to withstand legal challenges.

The reciprocal tariff plan is expected to be introduced on April 2, along with additional 25% duties on a handful of industries, such as autos, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

Officials are weighing how to move forward without overwhelming the U.S. Trade Representatives office, an agency of more than 200 people charged with devising the reciprocal tariff plan. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that imposing reciprocal tariffs unique to each trading partners duties and non-tariff barriers could take six months or more.

No matter what the administration settles on, officials expect they will take into account value-added taxes that many other nations charge on consumption within their boundaries.

In Mexico, for instance, the VAT is equivalent to a federal sales tax of 16%, although a number of basic goods and services have exemptions or lower rates. Trumps team has long viewed those taxes as discriminatory, because they are refunded to companies that export abroad, but still are paid by U.S. firms selling into nations with a VAT.

Mexico and Canada last week, during talks with the U.S., had been trying to convince Trump officials that they deserve to be in the lowest tariff rung.

One priority for Mexico, according to a person familiar with the matter, is that the difference between its tariffs and those charged on other nations is enough so that Mexico remains an attractive nearshoring destination to manufacture and export goods to the U.S. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum last week said her country would wait until April 2 and then decide whether to impose retaliation to Trumps reciprocal tariffs.

Canadian officials say that they welcomed U.S. efforts to compare countries trading relationships in a tiered system. But when Canadian cabinet officials, its ambassador to the U.S. and the leader of the province of Ontario went to Washington, D.C., last week, officials told them that tariffs are virtually certain on April 2.

Write to Gavin Bade at gavin.bade@wsj.com, Josh Dawsey at Joshua.Dawsey@WSJ.com and Vipal Monga at vipal.monga@wsj.com
In a time of great economic uncertainty, US President Donald Trump s administration quietly took a step recently that could create even more: Secretary of commerce Howard Lutnick disbanded the Federal Economic Statistics Advisory Committee (FESAC).

Shutting down an obscure statistical advisory panel may not strike anyone as a scandal, much less an outrage. But as an economist who has presented to the FESAC, I know how it improved the information used by both the federal government and private enterprise to make economic decisions. Timely and accurate government data is important.

One of FESACs official responsibilities was exploring ways to enhance the agencies economic indicators to make them timelier, more accurate and more specific to meeting changing demands and future data needs." In the US, this is an ongoing effort, not a one-time task that has been fulfilled," which was the stated reason for terminating the committee.

The panels 15 members, who were unpaid, brought deep technical expertise on economic measurement from the private sector, academia and the non-profit world. They were a sounding board for the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis, which produce most official US statistics.

If statistics fail to keep up with the changing economy, they lose their utility. When the panel last met in December, one focus was on measuring the use and production of AI. Staff shared existing findings on AI, such as from the Business Trends and Outlook Survey that began in 2022, and outlined new data collection efforts. AIs current use among businesses has nearly doubled since late 2023, and even more businesses expect to adopt AI soon.

The panel was asked what data products would be most useful. Expert feedback, including a request to harmonize the definitions of AI across surveys and align with cutting-edge research, is especially valuable at the early stages of data collection. The growth and employment effects of AI are pressing questions facing the economy, and external experts are crucial for the generation of high-quality data.

Enhancing official economic statistics under budget constraints often requires creative approaches. At its meeting last June, the panel discussed using private-sector data to create statistics on regional employment and other outcomes.

There is considerable demand among businesses and local governments to have timely geographic detail, but it is cost-prohibitive with current government surveys. FESAC members offered first-hand knowledge of the pros and cons of using private-sector data. The committee contributed far more than just twice-a-year meetings. It also created relationships with the private sector that government agencies could draw on to improve their statistics.

The US National Academies of Sciences, in discussing best practices for statistical agencies, argues that external advisory panels are a good way to engage with users of the data and obtain expert advice. Moreover, external evaluation should be part of regular programme reviews to ensure quality, relevance and cost-effectiveness. Thats exactly what FESAC did.

US statistical agencies need more, not fewer, resources to meet new challenges. During the campaign, Trump repeatedly questioned the credibility of US employment data. He claimed that the downward revisions of monthly payrolls showed political interference.

Disbanding the FESAC does not advance the administrations goal of greater government efficiency. In 2024, the panels cost was expected to be just $120,000, covering travel expenses and minimal staff support. Virtual meetings could have reduced those costs further. Regardless, its benefits far exceeded that cost. Putting a low-cost, high-value panel on the chopping block does not bode well for other investments in official statistics.

Reductions in staff and budget would likely degrade the quality of the official statistics. Even before Trump took office, all three US agencies operated in a tight budget environment.

Reduced transparency in official statistics is perhaps the most troubling aspect of disbanding the FESAC. Cutting off agency staff from external advisers creates an environment where political interference could occur easilyand go undetected. With political officials such as Lutnick arguing publicly that GDP should exclude government spending, it is especially important to have independent experts.

The FESAC is not alone. By executive order, the administration is ending several advisory panels in the federal government while reducing transparency and technical resources for agencies. Its a short-sighted approach that could undermine essential government services. Bloomberg
Mark Carney, sworn in as the 24th Prime Minister of Canada on Friday, is a newbie in the world of politics. But then, so was the late Manmohan Singh , till former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao made him our finance minister in 1991.

Indeed, the parallels between the paths taken by Singh and Carney are uncanny.

Also Read: The understated leadership of Manmohan Singh was rare and inspirational

Both pursued higher studies in Economics at Oxford University and went on to get their doctorate degree from Nuffield College: Singh in the early 1960s and Carney in the early 1990s. In age, theyre 33 years apart. Both served as the heads of their respective central banks. Manmohan Singh was the 15th governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982-85). Carney, the head of two central banks, was the eighth governor of the Bank of Canada (2008-2013) and then the 120th governor of the Bank of England (2013-2020), the first non-Briton in its history of more than three centuries to lead it.

While Singh came from Indias Planning Commission to head RBI, Carney served as deputy governor in the Bank of Canada before returning to head it after a brief stint as senior associate deputy minister at the department of finance. Carney worked in the private sectorat Goldman Sachswhile Singh was an out-and-out public-sector man.

As central bank heads, both faced challenging times. Singh oversaw the transition from a very regimented system to a more market-friendly one through comprehensive legal reforms of banking. Carney had to deal with the global financial crisis while heading Canadas central bank and then with the fallout of Brexit and the early years of covid during his tenure at Britains.

Thats not all.

Their political careers were more accidental than planned, earning one of them, Singh, the sobriquet accidental PM. But for Donald Trumps election victory in the US and his outrageous call for Canada to become Americas 51st state, Carney would probably have remained a private citizen.

Likewise, but for the elevation of Rao as the ninth PM of India, Singh might have returned to his first love, academia. As Singh reportedly told journalist Mark Tully in 2005, On the day [that Rao] was formulating his cabinet, he sent his principal secretary to me saying, The PM would like you to become the minister of finance. I didnt take it seriously. [Rao] eventually tracked me down the next morning, rather angry, and demanded that I get dressed up and come to Rashtrapati Bhavan for the swearing-in. So thats how I started in politics."

But there are differences as well.

Singh was a seasoned 71 when he became PM, Carney has just turned 60. When Singh took over as Indias PM in 2004, he did not have to worry about elections. The Congress Party was in the drivers seat, albeit in a coalition government. Although Singh remained a Rajya Sabha member throughout his political career (his sole attempt to win a Lok Sabha seat in 1999 ended in defeat), he could get down to work immediately.

In contrast, Carney has to face elections, expected to be called soon. Worse, he must lead his country through one of its toughest challenges yetan escalating trade war with its biggest trading partner, the US.

Manmohan Singh passed away in December 2024 and is now part of history. If his greatest achievement as FM was in seeing through reforms in a host of areas, his greatest contribution as PM was perhaps the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement that ended our pariah status among nuclear powers. As for Mark Carney, history is still in the making.
Although these are early days in the negotiations for a multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between India and the US , the final outcome is already being envisaged as the mother of all deals and a grand trade deal. Both countries are expected to negotiate hard for finalizing an agreement that maximizes benefits for their respective stakeholders.

Apart from tariff-related issues, how the US addresses Indias concerns on agriculture and affordable access to medicines could ultimately determine the success or failure of these negotiations. What could be the non-tariff related demands of the US in these two areas and what are Indias sensitivities?

US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has articulated Americas demand that India must open up its agricultural sector to imports from the US. While this would involve issues related to tariffs and possibly import quotas, the US could also take forward its objective of seeking changes in Indias minimum support price (MSP) scheme, especially for rice.

The 2024 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers brought out by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) includes the following: Indias excessive subsidization through market-price support has gone far beyond its domestic food security needs and has helped India secure its place as the top global exporter of rice, accounting for more than 40% of global rice exports in recent years." This view has been echoed in a recent submission to the USTR on 11 March 2025 by the USA Rice Federation, an advocacy group for all segments of the US rice industry.

Both the National Trade Estimate Report and submission by the USA Rice Federation seek to ultimately dismantle the MSP scheme for rice under implementation by India. Further, the USA Rice Federation views this as an opportunity to increase American rice exports to developing countries by $54 million each year. This advocacy group has urged the Trump administration to include the rice industrys priorities in any comprehensive trade arrangements."

If the Trump administration yields to the interest of this lobby group and includes the issue of MSP in the BTA negotiations with India, it could become a potential deal-breaker. Given the crucial role played by Indias MSP scheme in meeting the food security needs of hundreds of millions of citizens who are poor and hungry, New Delhi would find it almost impossible to meet such US demands.

Turning to the issue of access to medicines, the US National Trade Estimate Report has highlighted the restriction on patent-eligible subject matter in Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act and its impacts." What is this issue? What are the commercial objectives being pursued by the US? And what could be the implications if India is required to comply with Washingtons demands on it in BTA negotiations?

Under the current rules of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights at the World Trade Organization, generic versions of patented medicines can be introduced in the market only after their 20-year period of patent protection is over. As most generic medicines cost a fraction of the original patented product, timely availability of the former has become pivotal in making healthcare affordable for the poor and middle class in most countries.

To continue making large profits, manufacturers of patented medicines in the US have prevailed upon their government to negotiate provisions in trade agreements that delay the entry of generics to the market beyond the formulations 20-year patent period.

These stratagems, commonly referred to as evergreening of patents, compel patients to pay exorbitantly high prices for patented drugs even beyond the original 20-year period of patent protection, after which generics ought to reach the market. Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act has been effective in slamming the brakes on some of these patent evergreening strategies, thereby facilitating the timely market entry of generics.

In addition to seeking changes in Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act, US manufacturers of patented medicines can be expected to make a strong pitch for the BTA to include other provisions that would in effect undermine Indias generic drug producers.

Overall, a weakening of Indias generics industry will enhance the windfall profits of patent monopolies in the US, but also result in a surge in the cost of healthcare and burn a big hole in the pockets of the poor and sick in India. Further, some of the flagship initiatives of the central government, such as Jan Aushadhi Kendra and Ayushman Bharat, could be substantially undermined and rendered ineffective.

In conclusion, if the US gives primacy to patents over patients, it will result in a negotiating deadlock. As will be the case if it seeks to use BTA negotiations to undermine the food security needs of hundreds of millions of Indians just to add a few million dollars to its earnings from rice exports.

One can only hope that the US administration will display the requisite wisdom to desist from pushing these sensitive issues in BTA negotiations with India. If not, the vision of a grand trade deal could quickly turn into a negotiating nightmare.

These are the authors personal views.

The author is an expert on international trade issues.
A video sent to Local 3 News by a concerned parent captured the emotional gathering in the school's gymnasium, where hundreds of parents sought clarity on the school's potential charter revocation. However, many left feeling the meeting was more of a formality than a forum for transparency.
Tariffs from the Trump Administration has local business preparing for new financial strains. We talked with the owner of Chattanooga Yarn Co. about the impacts the tariffs could have on the artisan industry.
Home Instead Longford has announced that it is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its proud history of delivering high-quality home care to thousands of people across the county.



The organisation, which provides home care services to more than 7,000 clients and employs over 4,000 people nationwide, has rebranded as Dovida, marking an end to its affiliation with the Home Instead brand.



Dovida promises to bring a renewed vision and mission for home care that keeps clients at the centre of every decision.



We have been a trusted partner, proudly delivering the highest quality home care to people within our communities throughout Ireland for 20 years.

READ NEXT: Motorist who tested positive for drug driving in Longford had drugs grinder in his car

Our mission has always been to enhance the lives of ageing adults and their families by providing personalised, relationship-based care at home, Shane Jennings, Chief Executive Officer of Dovida Ireland, said.



He added, Today, that mission continues under a new name. Dovida builds on our legacy with a renewed commitment to excellence and compassion and the promise to continue providing the same exemplary care that our clients, their families, our network, and caregivers have come to rely on.



As part of its vision for the future of home care, Dovida has introduced the Circle of Care.

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This philosophy renews its commitment to person-centred care by placing the individual at the centre of a holistic support system that unites families, skilled caregivers and support teams, and the wider healthcare community.



Our renewed mission is to support, empower, and uplift the people of Longford by putting them at the heart of every decision we make.

Our caregivers approach people with curiosity and compassion, eager to understand their care needs, interests, values, and personality, Lorraine McLoughlin, General Manager of Dovida in Longford, said.



As a Dovida client, you will be empowered to live Your Life, Your Way.

We are committed to making sure that every one of our clients feels empowered to live lives of independence and dignity by delivering quality care that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences, she added.



Inspired by the Latin words for Home (Domus) and Life (Vita), the name Dovida symbolises the very core of the organisations mission: to help the people they support live the life they want in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible.

What people want from home care is changing as a new generation needs support. They want to feel more engaged and empowered to make decisions about their care, Shane Jennings explained.

Ageing adults still make up the majority of the people we support.

However, our client base is also expanding and now includes people under 65 and children under 18.

Our new brand celebrates both where we come from and where were going and allows us to adapt to the changing needs and wants of people receiving care, he added.

Our promise is simple: together with our clients, their families, and their Circle of Care, we create a care environment that is centred around the individual.

We focus every moment on forming relationships that empower our clients and help them to do the things they choose to do. Because its not just about adding years to their life but adding life to their years, he concluded.
Others, Sports & Recreation

By Long Island Published: March 18 2025

The excitement of a turkey hunt should sharpen the hunter's awareness of key safety rules.

New York State has both spring and fall hunting seasons. The most successful turkey hunters use a variety of calls (e.g., box calls, slate calls, mouth calls) to bring a bird within gun range (usually 30 yards or less). Head-to-toe camouflage helps hunters to stay undetected prior to the shot. Movement must only occur when the bird is behind a tree or other obstacle. Few hunting experiences can rival the excitement as a turkey approaches a hunter. Turkey hunters need to be extremely careful, however, before taking a shot.

The excitement of a turkey hunt should sharpen the hunter's awareness of key safety rules: Always identify the target before shooting, and be sure that no other person is in harm's way. Some people are tempted to try to stalk a wild turkey. Forget it! First, it is extremely difficult to approach a turkey undetected. You will be much more successful calling the bird to you. Second, stalking turkeys puts both you and other hunters at risk. Let the bird do the walking.

Tips for a successful and safe turkey hunting season

Don't stalk. More than half of turkey hunting injuries happen when one hunter stalks another.

Always assume any call or footsteps you hear are from another hunter. Don't shoot until you clearly see the whole turkey and know its sex.

If you see another hunter, talk to him or her clearly, and don't move. Never wave or use a turkey call to alert another hunter.

Turkeys are tough. You need to be close (30 yards or less is best). You need to get a clear head and neck shot. Do not try to shoot them in the body or when they are flying.

Smaller shot, no. 4, 5, and 6, work better than larger shot, due to denser shot patterns.

When calling, sit still with your back against a big tree, to hide you from turkeys and stalkers.

Never wear turkey colors -- red, white, or blue.

Wear hunter orange when going in or out of the woods and when walking around.

When sitting still waiting for a turkey, put hunter orange on a tree near you.

If you take a turkey or carry a decoy, wrap it in hunter orange.

Here are some rules you need to know:

You will need a hunting license and a turkey permit

You may hunt with a bow or crossbow, but you may not hunt turkey with a crossbow in the fall in the Northern Zone if you are using dogs. A crossbow may not be used in Westchester or Suffolk counties.

You may hunt with a shotgun or handgun only when using shot no larger than #2 and no smaller than #9.

You may not take a turkey with a rifle, or with a handgun firing a bullet.

You must fill out the tag which comes with your permit and attach it to any turkey you shoot immediately.

Be sure to consult your hunting regulations guide for other rules.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: March 18 2025

Manooj Heeralall allegedly directed individuals to steal from dozens of Home Depot stores across Nassau County and surrounding areas; Nearly $40,000 of alleged stolen merchandise recovered.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Baldwin man was indicted in an alleged retail theft operation that employed several individuals to steal merchandise from Home Depot stores in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn between October 2021 and December 2023. Search warrants executed on the defendants home recovered nearly $40,000 in allegedly stolen merchandise.

Manooj Heeralall, 55, was arraigned today before Judge Howard Sturim on grand jury indictment charges of Burglary in the Third Degree (a D felony); Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (a D felony); Attempted Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (an E felony); Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (an E felony); Attempted Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree (an A misdemeanor); and Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (an A misdemeanor).

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court April 7, 2025. If convicted, Heeralall faces up to 2-1/3 to 7 years in prison.

This defendant was the alleged architect of a retail theft scheme targeting Home Depot stores across Long Island and in parts of New York City, in which nearly $40,000 worth of items were stolen and later shipped to Guyana to be sold for a profit, said DA Donnelly. My office, with our partners at the Nassau County Police Department, will take down these retail theft rings and hold thieves accountable for their criminal actions.

There is no place for retail crime in Nassau County, said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder. These criminals targeting businesses and hard-working people will always be pursued and we are proud of our partnership with the Nassau County District Attorneys Office and Organized Retail Crime Task Force for bringing them to justice.

DA Donnelly said that, according to the investigation, between March and December 2023, the defendant allegedly employed individuals to steal items like circuit breakers, light switches, and other equipment from dozens of Home Depot locations in Nassau County, including Freeport, Levittown, Syosset, and Westbury, as well as stores located in Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn.

Heeralall would meet the individuals later to pick up the alleged stolen merchandise and provide payment. The defendant then allegedly stored the merchandise in his home and garage.

Search warrants executed on Heeralalls home on December 7, 2023, seized nearly 1,000 circuit breakers, valued at $15,025, from inside the home and hundreds of pieces of equipment, including circular saw blades, outlets and more circuit breakers from inside the defendants garage.

Four garbage bins were also found in the garage, containing $9,576 worth of acrylic roof coating, rock spotlights, oscillating blades for grout, and light switch wall plates.

The total value of the items seized was approximately $37,151.

NCDA thanks The Home Depot Investigations Organized Retail Crime Northern Division for its cooperation and assistance in this investigation.

Heeralall was arrested on December 7, 2023, by members of the Nassau County Police Departments District Attorney Squad.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kaitlyn Wells of the Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jeremy Glicksman and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan. The defendant is represented by Raymond Baierlein, Esq.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: March 18 2025

The Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail is a part of the States Blue Food Transformation initiative, created to reinvigorate NYs aquaculture and seafood industries.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner will join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, local restaurant owners, aquaculture and seafood industry representatives, and a number of other special guests to launch the first-ever Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail. The Seafood Cuisine Trail will promote Long Islands seafood, aquaculture, and small business industries and boost tourism in the region.

The Commissioner will cut the ribbon of the Cuisine Trail at The Snapper Inn, a waterfront restaurant and one of the first stops on the western end of the new South Shore Trail. The South Shore Trail will include 20 total locations from Bay Shore to Montauk to spotlight New Yorks seafood industry and drive visitors to locations that serve and sell locally harvested fish and shellfish.

The event will include a tasting menu of local fish, shellfish, and wine.

The Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail is a part of the States Blue Food Transformation initiative, first announced in Governor Kathy Hochuls 2024 State of the State proposal, which was created to reinvigorate New Yorks aquaculture and seafood industries and strengthen the local food system.

WHEN:

This Wednesday, March 19, 2:00 pm

WHERE:

The Snapper Inn, 500 Shore Drive, Oakdale, NY 11769

WHO:
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: March 18 2025

The incident, involving a CRJ-900 aircraft coming from Jacksonville, Florida, took place on Sunday, March 16 at approximately 10 p.m.

The wing of a Delta Airlines plane made contact with the runway while it was coming in for a landing at Queens' LaGuardia Airport, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials.

The incident, involving a CRJ-900 aircraft coming from Jacksonville, Florida, took place on Sunday, March 16 at approximately 10 p.m. As left wing of the aircraft hit the runway while making a final descent, the pilots aborted the lending attempt and instead increased their altitude. The pilots then preformed a "go-around" and were successful in their second landing attempt.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: March 18 2025

Defendant Took Advantage of Elderly Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union to Solicit Bribes from Health Care Providers and Defraud Medicare of Millions of Dollars.

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Oleg Beretsky with conspiring to commit health care fraud, violating the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and money laundering conspiracy. Beretsky was arrested this morning in Naples, Florida. He will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.

John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the arrest and charges.

As alleged, elderly individuals trusted the defendant to help them with their health care decisions. Rather than look out for the interests of some of the most vulnerable members of our community, he sold access to those who trusted him to the highest bidder, stated United States Attorney Durham. The defendant compounded his crimes by encouraging doctors and health care providers who became part of his scheme to cheat Medicare by billing for work that was not needed or never performed. My Office is committed to protecting both patients and taxpayers from this terrible form of greed.

Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to HSIs Fort Myers, Florida, office and the New York City Police Department for their assistance on the case.

Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute can divert much-needed federal health care program funds and corrupt the medical decision-making process, stated HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Gruchacz. HHS-OIG works diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations that owners and other providers engage in fraud schemes that prioritize greed over the provision of appropriate health care services to patients.

The defendant and his co-conspirators are accused of pocketing more than $12 million while exploiting the unknowing, innocent public, including victims from immigrant communities, stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. As alleged, he took advantage of people with whom he had forged relationships  only to manipulate them into using certain doctors and services for his lucrative benefit. HSI New Yorks El Dorado Task Force is unmatched in its ability to draw from the strengths and equities of all partners involved, with one unified goal being the safety and security of Americans. I commend our partners, including HHS-OIG, IRS-CI, NYPD and HSIs Fort Meyers personnel, for placing the wellbeing of the public above all else.

Millions of dollars were stolen from the American benefits system, and Oleg Beretsky is charged with the crime. He's accused of taking advantage of a vulnerable population and funneling stolen Medicare money into his and his co-conspirators' pockets. IRS-CI is charged with securing trust in the American financial system and actively investigates anyone looking to make a quick buck by stealing from the American public, stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Chavis.

As alleged in court filings, from January 2017 to April 2024, Beretsky and co-conspirators engaged in a health care fraud, kickback and money laundering scheme. Beretsky was the owner of Obest, Inc., a company in Plainview, New York, that purported to provide health care professionals with billing, consulting and support services. In reality, Obests principal business consisted of referring elderly Medicare patients to doctors and other health care professionals in exchange for kickbacks and bribes. Many of these patients were immigrants from the former Soviet Union, who Beretsky identified through an employee of a nonprofit social service agency that provided housing and other services to senior citizens in Brooklyn and Queens. Beretsky cultivated relationships with many of these patients, which he used to gain control over decisions regarding their health care providers. Beretsky then used that control to ensure that only doctors and other providersincluding social workers, pain specialists and diagnostic companieswho were willing to pay him would have access to the patients. On at least one occasion, Beretsky threatened a patient who wanted to continue seeing a provider who had stopped paying illegal kickbacks to the defendant.

The fee charged by Beretsky was typically based either on how many patients Beretsky referred to the provider or how much Medicare reimbursed the provider for services purportedly rendered to the patients. To generate more fees for himself and his co-conspirators, Beretsky often encouraged or directed providers to bill Medicare for patients who did not need the services those providers rendered, and in some cases, services that were not rendered at all. In total, doctors and providers who participated in Beretskys scheme billed more than $22 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare. Of that more than $22 million, Medicare paid more than $12.4 million in claims, which was distributed to Beretsky and his co-conspirators. To hide the illegal source of funds Beretsky received from the conspiracy, Beretsky frequently directed co-conspirators to pay his relatives in cash and transferred money to multiple accounts held in the names of his family members.

The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Beretsky faces up to up to 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy count; up to 10 years each on the health care fraud conspiracy and kickback counts; and up to five years on the kickback conspiracy count.

The governments case is being handled by the Offices Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua B. Dugan is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Liam McNett and Timothy Migliaro.
Iranian special forces conducting a drill. (IRGC-affiliated Tasnim)

The US has long labeled Iran as the worlds leading sponsor of terrorism, yet Tehrans ambitions extend beyond backing Shia and Sunni Islamist groups in the Middle East. The US Treasury Department sanctioned Swedens Foxtrot gang on March 13 for its ties to the regime, underscoring Tehrans longstanding practice of cultivating criminal networks across Europe and the Americas to assassinate dissidents and target American, European, and Israeli interests.

Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Foxtrot Network as a transnational criminal organization (TCO) for its involvement in drug trafficking and attacks against Israelis and Jews in Europe. The gangs leader, Rawa Majidknown as the Kurdish Foxwas specifically recruited by Irans Ministry of Intelligence (MOI) after fleeing Turkey for Iran in September 2023. Majid, who faces numerous Swedish charges for narcotics and firearms trafficking, worked with Iranian agents to orchestrate an attempted attack on the Israeli embassy in Stockholm in January 2024.

Foxtrot, one of Swedens most notorious criminal gangs, is responsible for shootings, contract killings, and arms and drug trafficking that contribute significantly to the countrys escalating violence. Its rival, the Rumba crime groupled by Kurdish-Swedish criminal Ismail Abdo, known as the Strawberrycarried out a shooting targeting the Israeli embassy in Stockholm at Tehrans direction in May 2024. While Iran supports both factions, Israeli intelligence uncovered that Tehran exploits the groups rivalry to advance its own agenda and shared these findings with Swedish authorities.

In January 2024, OFAC and the UK jointly sanctioned a network of individuals tasked with assassinating Iranian dissidents and opposition activists abroad at Tehrans behest. The network, led by Iran-based narcotics trafficker Naji Sharif Zindashti, played a central role in Irans transnational repression operations by carrying out assassinations and kidnappings across multiple continents under the direction of the MOI.

Operating under Zindashtis orders, Canadian Hells Angels member Damion Patrick John Ryan was recruited to assassinate Iranian exiles in the US. Ryan, who has an extensive criminal record involving firearms and drug trafficking, enlisted fellow Canadian and Hells Angels affiliate Adam Richard Pearson to carry out the killings.

The MOI is not the only Iranian intelligence branch leveraging the Hells Angels. In Germany, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) enlisted fugitive gang boss and dual German-Iranian national Ramin Yektaparast to orchestrate attacks on Jewish sites, including the attempted arson of a Dusseldorf synagogue in March 2022. After the foiled attack, Yektaparast fled to Iran, where reports suggest he was assassinated by the Mossad a month later.

According to Iran International, the IRGCs Quds Force operates three assassination squads under the so-called German Network, tasked with targeting Iranian dissidents and Jewish individuals across Europe. Citing an anonymous source, the report claimed Unit 840 of the Quds Force, which specializes in operations against Western and opposition targets, is overseeing new missions on European soil.

Beyond direct attacks, Iran uses criminal networks for intelligence gathering. UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat warned in 2023 that Tehran had enlisted British organized crime groups to surveil Jewish communities, likely as a prelude to targeted assassinations. He stressed that Iran was leveraging non-traditional sources to orchestrate threats against prominent Jewish figures.

Irans reach into organized crime spans continents, as the IRGC collaborated with an Eastern European crime syndicate to orchestrate the assassination of a US citizen of Iranian origin in New York. The operation was directed by Iran-based operative Rafat Amirov, who oversaw surveillance and an attempted hit on Iranian journalist and dissident Masih Alinejad. The US Department of Justice charged Amirov and two gang associates with murder-for-hire and money laundering in January 2023.

The Iranian intelligence apparatus has a history of attempting similar operations on US soil. The Department of Justice uncovered a Quds Force-directed plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the US using explosives in 2011. The plan involved Manssor Arbabsiar, a naturalized US citizen of Iranian origin, and senior Quds Force operative Gholam Shakuri. Arbabsiar attempted to hire a Mexico-based cartel for $1.5 million to conduct the hit, wiring $100,000 as a down payment before his arrest at JFK Airport on September 29, 2011.

Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republics regional malign influence.
Left to right: Major General Tomer Bar, commander of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, IDF chief of the General Staff, and Ronen Bar, director of the Israel Security Agency, oversee strikes on Gaza in the IAFs underground operations center. (IDF)

On Tuesday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes against Hamas and allied Palestinian terrorist groups in Gaza after negotiations to extend the first phase of a ceasefire deal reached an impasse.

In accordance with the political echelon, the IDF and ISA [Israel Security Agency] are currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip, the IDF said.

The IDF detailed that it targeted fighters, launch posts, weapons stockpiles, and additional military infrastructure used by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

Among the notable individuals Israel killed was PIJ Spokesperson Naji Abu Said, also known as Abu Hamza. An airstrike targeted his central Gaza home, killing him and members of his family, Reuters reported.

Hamas said that Israeli airstrikes killed six senior officials. Among the dead are Issam al Dalis, head of Government Work; Yasser Harb and M. Muhammad al Jamasi, both members of the political bureau; Ahmed al Hatta, undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice; Major General Mahmoud Abu Watfa, undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior; and Major General Bahjat Abu Sultan, director general of the Internal Security Service.

The Popular Resistance Committees, a terrorist organization aligned with Hamas, said that an Israeli airstrike killed Muhammad al Batran, the commander of its artillery unit and a member of the groups Central Military Brigade Council.

On Tuesday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office announced that Israel will escalate military operations against Hamas. The 42-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on January 19, led to the release of 33 hostageseight of whom were deceasedand an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The ceasefire expired on March 5 after efforts to extend it failed, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stating that Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all proposals put forth by US envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators. On March 12, Witkoff proposed a bridge agreement in Doha to extend the first phase of the original three-phase ceasefire until April 19 in exchange for the release of five living hostages and the remains of 10 deceased hostages. However, on March 15, Witkoff said Hamas had responded by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire.

In a televised address on Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Netanyahu explained that the resumption of military operations was a necessary condition to force Hamas to return hostages that have been in captivity since October 7, 2023.

At this time, there have been no reprisal attacks from Gaza against Israeli territory. However, on Tuesday, the IDF said the Israeli Air Force intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen took credit for the attack, saying they fired a Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile at the Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel and that the operation successfully achieved its objective.

The group warned that it would expand its range of fire during the coming hours and days if Israel did not stop carrying out airstrikes in Gaza. The Houthis did not provide evidence to demonstrate they fired a hypersonic missile.

Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East.
Munitions the IDF located in southern Syria in early March. (IDF)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes in southern Syria on the evening of March 17, targeting a number of sites. The strikes come two weeks after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for Syrias south to be demilitarized. Since February 25, the IDF has been widening its attacks on sites in this area and Damascus, targeting what Israel states are threats.

On March 17, the IDF said it was striking military targets in southern Syria, including command centers and military sites containing weapons and military vehicles belonging to the old Syrian Regime, which they [the new forces in Syria] are attempting to make reusable. The Israeli military noted that the presence of military assets in southern Syria poses a threat to the State of Israel. The IDF will not allow the presence of military threats in southern Syria and will operate against it. Reports from Syria indicate that a site of the former Bashar al Assad regimes 132nd Brigade near Daraa airport was struck.

The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that three civilians were killed in the airstrikes in Daraa province, and others were wounded. The Israeli operations come at a critical time for the country, after Syrians took to the streets on March 15 to celebrate the fall of the Assad regime and the anniversary of the uprising that began in Daraa 14 years ago.

The strikes also happened as Syrias new government is trying to assert itself on various fronts. It has signed a deal with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, clashed with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and recently sent security forces to Busra al Sham, a key city near Daraa.

SANA said that as part of organizing and expanding the role of the Public Security Department in enhancing security in the eastern countryside of Daraa Governorate, the Department has opened a branch in the city of Busra al-Sham in the countryside of the governorate. Busra al Sham is the hometown of Ahmad al Awda, a well-known Syrian rebel leader who backs the new government in Damascus. Jordan also opened the Jaber Border Crossing with Syria on March 18. The crossing is several kilometers from Busra al Sham.

The IDF did not elaborate on the specific targets of the strikes on March 17. However, it issued a map detailing dozens of targets hit in previous strikes in southern Syria on March 12. In those raids, the IDF used 22 warplanes and launched 60 munitions at sites that included radars and a headquarters of the former Syrian regime.

The Assad regime left behind many army posts in southern Syria when it collapsed on December 8, and the IDF also carried out wide-ranging strikes on these and other targets in the days after the regime fell. However, many military assets and various posts remain, including some old Syrian military forts near the Golan, such as the one at Tel al Hara, which the IDF struck in late February.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz spelled out some of Israels strategy on March 11 at the peak of Mount Hermon, which the IDF took after previously occupying positions lower down the mountain before December 8. Every morning when al-Jolani opens his eyes at the presidential palace in Damascus, he will see the IDF watching him from the peak of the Hermon, Katz said, using Syrian interim President Ahmed al Sharaas nom de guerre. Sharaa has distanced himself from the name and the group he led, Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), but he remains a US specially designated global terrorist (SDGT).

The Times of Israel noted on March 11 that Israels new buffer zone in Syria consists of 5 kilometers from the Golan border. The IDF has created nine small new posts in this area, which it took over on December 8. A second buffer zone is up to 15 kilometers deep into Syria, the report said. In this area, the IDF has conducted raids to remove leftover weapons from the regime. A third zone, 80 kilometers deep, includes Daraa province and reaches the Druze city of Suwayda.

The segmentation of southern Syria into zones is not entirely new in IDF doctrine. In 2018, when the Assad regime defeated Syrian rebels in southern Syria and returned to the border, Israel operated to remove Iranian threats from the area. At the time, a report suggested that Jerusalem wants Iranian troops and Shiite militia groups aligned with it to be at least 60 kilometers (40 miles) from the Golan Heights, Israels northern border with Syria. The new zone is similar to the policy dating back eight years.

Israel is widening its role in southern Syria. It has enabled Syrian Druze to visit Israel and is working on allowing those who live in or near the new border buffer zone to work in Israel. The weekly airstrikes illustrate that Israels demand for demilitarization will continue, including IDF strikes and ground operations to remove munitions. Israel has also carried out airstrikes in Damascus. On March 13, the IDF targeted the terrorist group Palestinian Islamic Jihad in a strike.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
Syrian forces preparing to enter Hawsh al Sayed Ali to fight Hezbollah. (@sanaAjel on X)

Tensions have once again flared along Syrias western border with Lebanon, following intense clashes in February when the newly formed Syrian army deployed reinforcements to Al Qusayr in western Homs to crack down on smuggling networks and militant groups. Those clashes resulted in the deaths of multiple Syrian army personnel, as well as Lebanese tribesmen and Hezbollah affiliates.

The latest round of violence erupted on March 16, with the Syrian Ministry of Defense accusing Hezbollah of infiltrating Syrian territory and killing three Syrian soldiers. Hezbollah, however, denied any involvement, asserting that it had no connection to what happened on the Syria-Lebanon border.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR)a source often criticized for its unreliabilityclaimed the clashes began when Lebanese tribesmen fought personnel from Liwa Ali Bin Abi Taleb, a unit affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Defense. According to this version of events, a tribesman was stabbed during the fight, and what followed was Syrian soldiers being lured into Lebanese territory, where they were ambushed and killedone allegedly stoned to death.

The clashes were concentrated in two key areas along the border: the region between Qasr, Lebanon, and Matrabah in Syria, as well as Hawsh al Sayed Ali, a Syrian village inhabited by Lebanese Shiites. Despite being inside Syria, Hawsh al Sayed Ali is commonly regarded as a Lebanese village under the jurisdiction of Lebanons Hermel district.

The violence escalated when the villages of Qasr, Kouakh, Sahlat Ma, and Hawsh al Sayed Ali were hit by at least 50 rockets and mortar shells, also coming under gunfire. The attacks damaged three civilian homes and a gas station, triggering a mass displacementparticularly from Qasr and Hawsh al Sayed Ali.

The Amal Movements official X account claimed that Lebanese fighterswhom it identified as tribesmentargeted five Syrian military vehicles, destroyed a tank, captured three Syrian personnel, and killed at least 22 Syrian soldiers using rifles, Kornet missiles, a drone, and other projectiles. Additionally, the Amal Movement claimed Lebanese fighters destroyed a Syrian artillery battery with mortar fire.

Lebanons Bekaa region, which borders Syria, is home to powerful Lebanese tribes that play a significant role in the areas political and social fabric. The most influential are the Hamada, Jaafar, Dandash, Zuaiter, Shamas, and Miqdad tribes. Since its rise in the 1980s, Hezbollah has steadily expanded its influence in the Bekaa by forging alliances with these tribes, leveraging their traditional hierarchies to strengthen its presence. The terrorist group has provided them with financial and military support, allowing it to establish a foothold in border regions that have long been hubs for smuggling.

Over time, Hezbollahs relationship with these tribes has deepened, particularly in illicit activities such as arms and drug smugglingkey revenue sources for the group following increased international sanctions. Simultaneously, the tribes have maintained a degree of autonomy from the Lebanese state, benefiting from weak security forces and the lack of economic development in the region. This dynamic has only strengthened Hezbollahs influence over the tribes decisions and actions. Even if the tribesmen acted independently against Syrian forces, Hezbollah likely at least provided military and logistical support.

In response to the escalating violence, the Lebanese Army announced that it had contacted Syrian authorities to maintain security and stability along the border. It also ordered troops to respond to attacks with appropriate force. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) continued to deploy reinforcements and heavy weaponry to the frontier, also conducting an airstrike on a Syrian artillery position in Hawsh al Sayed Ali.

After two days of intense fighting, a ceasefire was reached between the Lebanese and Syrian Ministries of Defense on March 17. However, the accord is unlikely to mark the end of hostilities between Syrian forces, Lebanese tribesmen, and Hezbollah-affiliated fighters. Hezbollah remains determined to maintain the supply routes that once facilitated its rearmament via Syriaroutes that have become increasingly difficult to access.

Hezbollah benefits from the Lebanese presence inside Syrian territory, which helps sustain its operations. Lebanese residents in these Syrian villages fear that increased Syrian government control over the border could eventually lead to their forced displacement into Lebanon.

The new Syrian government appears intent on asserting full control over the porous border, signaling a growing intolerance for Hezbollah and Irans broader regional project. Whether Damascus will succeed in this effort remains uncertain. Regardless, the ongoing tensions highlight the struggle between Syrias state interests and Hezbollahs ambitions to keep the border a corridor for Iranian arms shipments.

Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant.
A US Navy ship fires missiles at targets in Yemen on March 15, 2025. (CENTCOM)



US Central Command (CENTCOM) has continued its large-scale operation against the Houthis in Yemen, initially launched on March 15. Waves of US strikes have hit Houthi training sites, drone and weapons storage, manufacturing, and launch infrastructure, government buildings, and personnel, according to CENTCOM and local reports.

The US is targeting the Iran-backed terror group due to its unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other ships, aircraft, and drones, President Donald Trump posted on X and Truth Social, referencing the groups campaign since 2023 thats included 174 attacks on US warships and 145 attacks on commercial vessels. The Houthis carried out these attacks in solidarity with Palestinians during the war in Gaza begun by Hamass October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.

After the initial US strikes, Trumps social media posts warned the Houthis, THE ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DONT, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE! The Houthis responded with defiant rhetoric and unsuccessful attacks on a US aircraft carrier and its escorts. The US has subsequently continued strikes on the terrorist group.

Strike updates

Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Houthi targets struck on March 15 included terrorist training sites, unmanned ariel vehicle infrastructure, weapons manufacturing capabilities, and weapons storage facilities [] command and control centers, including a terrorist compound where we know several senior Houthi unmanned ariel vehicle experts were located.

CENTCOM also targeted additional headquarters locations, weapons storage facilities, as well as detection capabilities that had been used to threaten maritime shipping in the past on March 16, according to Grynkewich.

In addition, the US targeted Houthi leaders in these strikes. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz asserted that multiple leaders have been killed.

As of March 16, the Houthis have claimed 53 casualties from US airstrikes. Grynkewich said the US has no evidence of any credible civilian casualties but believes the number of militant deaths to be in the dozens.

Yemeni media has identified strikes in Houthi-controlled areas that include the governorates of Al Jawf, Sanaa, Saada, Marib, Dhamar, Al Bayda, Hajjah, Taiz, and Hodeidah. Over the weekend, local sources reported strikes on a government complex and military sites in the city of Al-Hazm, the capital of Al-Jawf Governorate, which is under the control of the terrorist Houthi militia. Additionally, a power station in Saada was struck, leading to power outages across the governorate.

In Sanaa, Yemens capital, Residents and sources said the airstrikes targeted what were believed to be weapons depots at Iman University in the Sitteen neighborhood, amongst other locations, according to Yemeni media.

The Houthis also claimed that the US attacked the command tower of the Galaxy Leader, an Israeli-linked cargo ship the Houthis hijacked in the Red Sea in November 2023. Yemen analysts have noted the potential for the Houthis to employ the Galaxy Leader for intelligence gathering and targeting ships.

The Houthi response

On March 18, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced that in the past hours, they [the Houthis] were able to target the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman in the northern Red Sea with two cruise missiles and two drones, and to target a US destroyer with a cruise missile and four drones. It is the third wave of attacks the group has claimed against the USS Harry Truman since CENTCOMs strikes began on March 15.

In his nightly Ramadan speech on March 17, Houthi leader Adbulmalik al Houthi stated, Their [The United States] continued aggression against our country, in support of the Israeli enemy, only pushes us to confront their escalation with additional escalation options. The Houthis have promised to continue attacking US forces in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea until the operation against the group ends.

In a Pentagon briefing on March 17, Grynkewich responded to Houthi claims of attacks against US forces. Quite frankly, its hard to tell because while were executing precision strikes, they missed by over 100 miles, he said.

The Houthis also launched a missile at Israel that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted on March 18. Another Houthi missile landed in Egypts Sinai Peninsula on March 16, possibly intended for Israel.

New US pressure against the Houthis and Iran

Before launching the latest US operation, the Trump administration re-designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) for their attacks on ships in international waters. The group was previously designated as an FTO during the first Trump administration. However, President Joe Bidens administration de-listed the group over concerns the designation hindered the flow of humanitarian aid. The Biden administration carried out limited strikes against the Houthis in response to the groups aggression against vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Unlike previous US strikes against the Houthis, Grynkewich said the latest operations will be an ongoing campaign that will continue in the coming days until we achieve the presidents objectives.

Trump has also promised to hold Iran accountable for Houthi attacks, saying, Every shot fired by 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. The Houthis are members of Irans Axis of Resistance, a group of proxy militias across the Middle East who support Tehran in achieving its regional policy objectives. Following the beginning of the operation against the Houthis, Iran made statements partially distancing itself from the groups actions.

Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis.
Luxembourg has the highest syphilis rate in Europe, at almost three times the continents average, according to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).



The latest ECDC report shows that rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been rising across Europe - noting a rise in confirmed cases of syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia in 2023. Luxembourg is not exempt and is specifically mentioned for its high syphilis infection rate.

In 2023, the Grand Duchy recorded the highest syphilis rate among 30 countries surveyed, with 24.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, well above the European average of 9.9 cases. With a total of 606 registered cases, it represents an increase of 27.5% compared to 2022.

Sharp increase in gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea cases are also increasing dramatically across the EU: around 100,000 cases were reported in 2023 - 31% more than in the previous year.



Young women between the ages of 20 and 24 are particularly affected, with the infection rate increasing by 46%. Chlamydia remains the most common bacterial STI: 1,636 cases were recorded in Luxembourg - an increase of 7.1%. Across the EU, the number of reported chlamydia infections exceeds 230,000 annually.

Syphilis mainly affects men: 72% of cases affect men who have sex with men, especially between the ages of 25 and 34. In women, on the other hand, an increase in infections has been observed across all age groups.

The decline in condom use and an increase in changing sexual partners are contributing to the increased spread of the disease Martine Deprez Minister of Health

Several factors are behind the increase in cases, Health Minister Martine Deprez said on Monday in response to a written parliamentary question from Pirate Party deputy Sven Clement.



On the one hand, there is a strict reporting obligation for STIs in Luxembourg, which has applied to both doctors and laboratories since 2018. This means that cases are systematically recorded, whereas in other European countries, reporting is often voluntary, which can lead to possible underreporting.

Less protection

Changes in sexual behaviour also play a role, said Deprez. The decline in condom use and an increase in changing sexual partners contribute to the increased spread of the disease. Men who have sexual contact with men are particularly affected - more tests are being carried out in this area, which is also leading to a higher number of reported cases, the minister said.

To counteract this development, Luxembourg is focussing on prevention and early detection. There are numerous opportunities for free and anonymous STI tests, which are offered throughout the year in various medical centres such as the Planning Familial, as well as at the CHL, LNS and CHEM.



Luxembourg also takes part in the European testing weeks in May and November, Deprez said, during which private laboratories also offer free tests to the public.

Condoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases  Photo credit: Shutterstock

The minister describes the trend among young adults aged 20 to 24 as worrying. The government is therefore planning a national education campaign for May 2025, which is aimed specifically at young people aged between 15 and 25. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of sexually transmitted infections and encourage young people to take a responsible approach to their sexual behaviour.

Close cooperation

Another health risk is the increasing resistance to antibiotics. While most STIs can still be treated successfully, there are already resistant strains of bacteria for gonorrhoea. Luxembourg is monitoring this development closely: the National Health Laboratory (LNS) regularly analyses multi-resistant pathogens and is in close contact with the health authorities, Deprez said. However, there are currently no indications of a critical situation in Luxembourg.

Also read: One in four Luxembourg teens do not use condoms, survey finds

Despite the serious situation, there is no central coordination centre for combating sexually transmitted diseases in Luxembourg. Nevertheless, the minister emphasised, there is close cooperation between doctors, hospitals, laboratories and the health inspectorate in order to be able to react quickly to changes and take appropriate measures.

(This article was originally published by the Luxemburger Wort. Translation and editing by Alex Stevensson)
LIVONIA, MICH.  Lorie Wallace earned a bachelors degree in history in 2010, while serving as co-department head at a local college. After earning several associate degrees, Wallace was drawn to Madonnas Catholic mission and values, convenient location, and classes that fit her work schedule.

Several years after graduating, Wallace returned to Madonna to pursue a masters degree in social work. However, a cervical cancer diagnosis in 2017 caused an abrupt change of plans.

Following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, Wallace underwent years of physical therapy and rehabilitation, which profoundly impacted her life. [It] instilled in me a desire to support others navigating similar challenges, Wallace explained. She began working with advocacy organizations  Cervivor, an organization dedicated to promoting awareness, support, and education about cervical cancer, and Imerman Angels, a nonprofit providing one-on-one support for cancer patients and caregivers.

Today, her driving passion involves educating individuals about cancer, self-advocacy, and how to navigate the healthcare system. In addition to guiding and supporting cancer patients throughout their journey, Wallace facilitates support groups, represents Imerman Angels at local cancer centers, and serves as a guest speaker on topics related to cancer and cancer awareness.

She serves as an Ambassador Constituent Team (ACT) Lead for Michigan's 12th Congressional District in the American Cancer Societys Cancer Action Network. In 2024, she went ACT to Washington, D.C., to advocate for increased funding for cancer research and prevention programs.

Wallace acknowledged that her Madonna degree helped hone her skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and argumentation  all very useful in her advocacy work.

As a working professional and commuter student, Wallace didnt participate in many campus activities, but her interactions with the Felician Sisters were a source of joy. The whole welcoming aspect of their presence and counsel in the life of a busy adult learner was more than I anticipated, she recalled. Additionally, the engaging and passionate teaching of history by Professors Rand Hoyer, Paul Radzilowski, and Roger Crownover also left a lasting impression on her.

Wallaces commitment to supporting marginalized communities and promoting social justice was reinforced at Madonna. The University fosters an environment that encourages individuals to strive for what is right and just.
Grammy award winning artist Ed Sheeran spent his St. Patricks Day in Boston, including a surprise performance.

The English artist, known for songs such as Shape of You, Perfect and Galway Girl, posted on social media on Monday to meet him at The Dubliner Pub in Boston.

A few hours later, he was on stage performing for guests wearing a Celtics jersey.

The bar posted a livestream on Facebook of the performance and the packed crowd. The bar also posted a few other videos and photos from the performance.

And for those who cant get enough of the performance, Sheeran posted his own video from the event on his social media.

Sheeran begins performances oversees in April.
Firefighters respond to a house fire on Carver St. in Springfield on March 18, 2025. (Aprell May Munford / The Republican) Aprell May Munford

SPRINGFIELD  Eight residents were displaced Tuesday in a mid-morning fire at 14 Carver St. in the citys Forest Park neighborhood.

Firefighters arrived on the scene, a two-and-a-half-story, wood-framed home at about 10:20 a.m. following multiple 911 calls, said Capt. Drew Piemonte, Fire Department spokesperson. The fire was wind-fed, he said, and accelerating rapidly on the blustery day.

The first arriving crews, they did a good job getting water on it pretty quickly, Piemonte said.

Video of the blaze captured by a neighbor showed flames engulfing the front of the house, sending up dark smoke, as fire trucks arrived.

Peter Tivnan, a U.S. postal carrier, said he came upon the blaze while delivering mail and he said it appeared the front porch was going up quickly.

Tivnan said after he called first responders, he started banging on doors on one side of the house. Meanwhile, an off-duty firefighter joined him.

The house was a two-unit building constructed in 1923.

No one was injured. The local American Red Cross is responding to assist those who were misplaced.

Four dogs got loose in the confusion but were recovered by their owners. None of the dogs were injured.

An investigation has just begun.
A Brockton man pleaded guilty to dragging a Massachusetts State Police trooper after a traffic stop last year, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruzs office said.

In Brockton Superior Court on Tuesday, Derek Lobo, 32, admitted to the counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer and reckless operation of a motor vehicle, Cruzs office said in a statement.

Judge Daniel OShea sentenced Lobo to two and a half years in the House of Correction, with one year to serve and the balance suspended for two years.

At around 5:56 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2023, troopers saw a Mercedes sedan without a front license plate, non-transparent tinted windows and an expired inspection sticker drive by on Montello Street in Brockton, Cruzs office said.

With their lights on, the troopers followed the sedan and stopped the car, Cruzs office said. Both troopers walked to the car, with one trooper on either side of it. While one trooper returned to their cruiser to run a computer check, the other trooper stayed with Lobo, who wore a black designer cross body-style bag on the drivers side.

The trooper at the computer found that Lobos license had expired and was non-renewable, the statement read. They returned to Lobos car and informed him of the motor vehicle violations.

When the troopers asked Lobo to get out of the car, he refused and quickly drove off with one trooper hanging onto the open door of the Mercedes, Cruzs office said. The trooper was dragged 10 feet until he let go and flew into the other lane towards oncoming traffic.

Though the trooper was injured, he and his partner returned to their cruiser and pursued Lobo, who drove at 80 mph on busy Brockton streets, Cruzs office said. The pursuit was then terminated.

Not long after, the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section went to the address Lobo gave troopers, at 79 Brentwood Ave., the statement read. Though Lobo was not home, troopers saw the same black Mercedes parked in the driveway. Inside the car, troopers saw the same bag that Lobo wore when he was stopped.

Troopers found Lobo at a home on Union Street and arrested him there, the statement read.

I am thankful that this brave state trooper was not seriously injured, Cruz said in the statement. Cases like this remind us all of the potential dangers that our first responders face every day that they put the uniform on and go out to protect us.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, located at 25 Evans Way in Boston, on June 30, 2024. Ryan Mancini/MassLive

Thirty-five years after over a dozen artworks, including works by Rembrandt van Rijn and Edgar Degas, were stolen, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston is offering up to a $10 million reward for information that leads to the works' safe return, the FBI said Tuesday.

On March 18, 1990, 13 works of art valued at more than $500 million were stolen from the Boston museum, the FBI said in a statement. The investigation into the theft determined that the artworks were separated and their location[s] could be anywhere worldwide, the agency said.

Several pieces are believed to have moved along the Eastern seaboard through the Mid-Atlantic states down south, the FBI stated. The FBI is seeking the publics assistance in recovering the stolen artwork.

The FBI is not involved in the museums reward offer.

Read more: Gardner Museum closes on anniversary of art heist after climate protest planned

We know what a special place [these artworks] hold in our society, and we are very eager to get them back, FBI Boston Division Special Agent Jodi Cohen said in a statement on X. We continue to seek the publics assistance in locating these pieces and given the passage of time we urge everyone to familiarize themselves with what they look like.

The museum was named after founder and philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner, who left her museum for the education and enjoyment of the public forever and we hope to see them returned for the benefit of all, the museum said in a statement on Tuesday.

Two thieves dressed as Boston police officers arrived at the museum on the morning of March 18, 1990, and claimed to have responded to a disturbance, the museums website stated. An on-duty guard let them into the museum and he and another guard were handcuffed and tied up in a museum basement.

After 81 minutes, the thieves made their way through the galleries and stole 13 works of art, the museum said.

These stolen works include works by French sculptor Antoine-Denis Claudet, French impressionist Edgar Degas, French modernist painter Edouard Manet, and Dutch painters Govaert Flink and Rembrandt van Rijn.

13 1 / 13 Stolen art from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston

One of these works was a self-portrait of Rembrandt, known for making a series of self-portraits throughout his lifetime. The portrait stolen from Boston was made when the artist was in his 20s.

Its so important that this Rembrandt self-portrait is still here  not only because its a masterpiece, Curator Nat Silver said in a 2020 museum audio retelling of the heist. Hes just 23 years old when he paints this. He wants to become a successful artist, and hes showing off what he can do. The light! Those textures! The velvet, the feather, and his hair. But it also has such special importance to us because in Isabella [Stewart Gardners] letters she tells us that acquiring this Rembrandt gave her the idea of moving beyond collecting for herself, and creating this museum.

Seeing that these works return to Boston remains a top priority, the museum stated. A share of its $10 million reward will be given in exchange for information leading to the restitution of any portion of the stolen artworks.

Anyone with information about the stolen artworks is asked to call Director of Security Anthony Amore at 617-278-5114 or email him at reward@gardnermuseum.org.

The FBI also asked that anyone with information about the stolen art call their toll-free tipline at 1-800-225-5324. Those with information can also contact their local FBI office, the nearest American embassy or consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

The stolen artworks include:

Eagle Finial: Insignia of the First Regiment of Grenadiers of Foot of Napoleons Imperial Guard, 1813-1814, by Antoine-Denis Chaudet

The Concert, 1663-1666, by Johannes Vermeer

Gu, a Shang dynasty ritual vessel cast in bronze from China in the 12th century

Chez Tortoni, about 1875, by Edouard Manet

Landscape with an Obelisk, 1638, by Govaert Flinck

By Rembrandt van Rijn

A Lady and Gentleman in Black, 1633

Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, 1633

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, about 1633

By Edgar Degas
As spring approaches, so too does the chance to see flowers bloom and see wildlife emerge from hibernation or through migration.

For Massachusetts, this specifically pertains to types of hummingbirds, which tend to migrate to the region in the spring. Citizen-reported observations can be logged on Journey North, a website that provides maps detailing where types of hummingbirds have been spotted across North America.

The timeframe in which they should appear in Massachusetts is between May 1 and May 15, AccuWeather stated in a March 11 report. In this timeframe, they should start to appear more across the rest of New England as well, though they could start to be seen as early as between April 15 and April 30 for Connecticut.

The earliest time to put out feeders in anticipation of hummingbirds' migratory arrival in New England is in the last week of April or the first week of May, according to MassAudobon.

As of the week of March 17 and March 21, the only sightings of ruby-throated hummingbirds on Journey North were across the South, specifically Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

The first sighting in New England in 2024 was on April 17 in Johnston, Rhode Island, according to Journey North. The following week, 16 ruby-throated hummingbirds were spotted across Massachusetts, primarily around Eastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. The earliest sighting furthest from Boston was in Granby on April 23, 2024.

Observational data collected is designed to help further scientific understanding of migratory species, including those that have lost their habitats or are impacted by the effects of climate change.

Data collected on Journey North also shows when robins are first heard singing, when tulips first bloom and when bald eagles are first spotted. This allows visitors a chance to anticipate when the signs of spring begin each year.

Visitors to the site will also find reports tracking the movements and sightings of bald eagles, Baltimore orioles, red-winged blackbirds, barn swallows and earthworms.

See something? Report it by heading over to journeynorth.org/sightings.
A New York man, who police say ran away after gunshots were heard in Lincoln Saturday night, turned himself in to authorities Monday.

Justin Warner, 20, turned himself into the Lincoln Police Department around noon, the department said in a Facebook post. He was booked and arraigned at Concord District Court on Monday, where he was ordered to be held pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

Warner faces various gun charges, including possession of ammunition without an FID card and possession of a large-capacity feeding device, according to court records.

A little before midnight on March 15, gunshots were heard near South Great Road near the Weston town line, according to the Lincoln Police Department.

During a search, police said they found a vehicle parked in a conservation lot and an AK-47, and a 9 mm handgun.

Police said they arrested a 20-year-old Lincoln resident while another suspect, later identified as Warner, ran away.

Police said they searched the area for Warner using drones and police dogs to assist them. Despite this, they could not find him.
President Donald Trump waves to the media as he leaves after a luncheon with the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Washington. (Jose Luis Magana | AP Photo) Jose Luis Magana | AP Photo

Certain voters support for President Donald Trump may cost them their jobs, according to a report on retaliatory tariffs from the New York Times.

Retaliatory tariffs from countries where Trump has imposed tariffs on, including China and Canada, would target industries in more counties that voted for Trump than in counties that voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, according to the Times.

Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on goods from another country. If a country imposed a 10% tariff on imported cars and a car is worth $50,000, for example, the tariff, or tax, would be $5,000.

The retaliatory tariffs target rural parts of the country where agriculture is produced as well as areas which produce coal, oil, car parts and other products that are manufactured, according to the Times.

The industries targeted by the tariffs are heavily concentrated in the southern and midwestern parts of the United States, according to the Times. In Pontotoc County Mississippi, where 83.6% of voters selected Trump for president, according to Politico, a total of 5,100 or 40% of the share of jobs in the county are in industries targeted by retaliatory tariffs, the Times reports.

Nearly 8 million Americans work in the industries targeted by these tariffs and a majority are Trump voters, the Timess analysis found.

Retaliatory tariffs from Canada, for example, would affect 3.7 million jobs in counties that voted for Trump compared to 2.8 million jobs in counties that voted for Former Vice President Kamala Harris, according to the Times.

The country has put tariffs on poultry producers and air-conditioning manufacturers, the Times reports.

Another country that has put retaliatory tariffs on American products is China  which targeted corn farms and car makers, according to the times.

A total of 1.1 million jobs in counties that voted for Trump would be affected by the tariffs from China while 468,000 jobs in counties that voted for Harris would be affected, the Timess analysis found.

The totals presented by the Times are the number of jobs in industries targeted by foreign countries with their tariffs and are not the number of jobs that will be lost because of the tariffs.

The number of jobs that could be lost due to the tariffs are likely to be significantly lower, the Times reports.

Trump has been a supporter of tariffs both on the campaign trail and during his first three months in the Oval Office. The president believes that by imposing tariffs on other countries, the result would be an increase in tax revenue, more growth to the U.S. economy and more manufacturing jobs throughout the country.

The most beautiful word in the dictionary is tariff, Trump told the Economic Club of Chicago in 2024. Its my favorite word.

The Trump administration has imposed a 25% tariff on all aluminum and steel imports, a 20% tariff on imports from China and a 25% tariff on some imports from Canada and Mexico, according to the BCC.

Some economists, however, such as Moodys Chief Economist Mark Zandi have argued that tariffs are detrimental towards the American economy.

During an interview on NPR published on March 4, Zandi said that American households would have to pay more a year for products. He added that the cost of housing would go up as lumber, a product America imports from Canada, would become more expensive.

Well, prices will go up. If all of the tariffs go into effect and stay into effect  and those are, you know, some big ifs, Zandi said on NPR. But if that happens, the typical American household will have to shell out $1,200 to $1,300 more a year to buy the same goods that theyre buying now.

Retaliation from other countries may also result in industries such as farming, the Times reports.

The Times pointed to Trumps first term when American farmers were targeted with tariffs by China  which caused exports on crops such as soybean to fall.

Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said that Trumps tariffs should be temporary, according to The Hill.

I hope these are temporary. I think the one thing that markets dont like is uncertainty, and theres obviously uncertainty around that tariff policy at the moment, he said.

A CNN/SSRS poll released on March 12 found that 61% of respondents disapproved of Trumps handling of tariffs, while only 39% approved.

The poll, which was conducted from March 6 to March 9, had a sample size of 1,206 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of 3.3%.

Despite potential worries about the effect the tariffs would have on the economy, Trump has continued to stick by them and said his administration is moving forward on implementing additional tariffs on April 2, according to USA Today.

They charge us, and we charge them, Trump said in regards to the reciprocal tariffs. Then, in addition to that, on autos, on steel, on aluminum, were going to have some additional tariffs.
How will the Trump administrations spending cuts and strategy shifts be felt in Massachusetts?

Were seeing early evidence with hiring freezes at the UMass Chan Medical School and Harvard University, triggered by a proposal to drop the amount that federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health pay universities and research institutions for their overhead costs. But some impacts may not have hit yet, like the Department of Energys sudden cold shoulder for sustainable power technologies, where Massachusetts has been a leader.

Last week, I sat down with Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao for a conversation about the impact of these changes on our state. We spoke on the campus of MIT, which had recently announced a hiring freeze of its own, along with reductions in the number of graduate students the university will admit.

New tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, Hao expects, will have reverberations across many, if not all, sectors of our economy.

We also touched on other subjects, like the types of jobs employers cant fill right now in Massachusetts, and a new state program to create tax incentives for summer interns enrolled at Massachusetts colleges. Hao splits her time between homes in Cambridge and Williamstown, so we also discussed her favorite food stop between those two destinations. (Hint: it involves soft serve.) This interview has been edited for length and flow.

Scott Kirsner: To me, it feels like a five-alarm fire right now. Weve been very good at attracting federal funding in Massachusetts, not just during the Biden administration, but going back 60 or 70 years. Now, it seems the federal government really wants to turn off the spigot in a serious way. Could you think of a more serious moment of threat to this knowledge economy, the education economy we have?

Secretary Yvonne Hao: No. This is a very serious threat.  If youre a businessperson, which I have been my whole life  when you go into a business, the first thing you look at is like, how are we doing? What are our winners and what are our losers? Where are we gaining market share? Where are we the number one choice for customers?

In our country, we are the worlds dominant leader in higher education. No ones saying, I want to go study in Spain, I want to go study in Singapore. They all want to come to our universities, especially in Massachusetts. We are the worlds leader in life sciences  all the drug discovery, all the amazing things happening, mostly in America and a lot in Massachusetts.

When you have a very rare disease, when you have a heart issue, youre not saying, Oh, let me please go to France to get my heart surgery. No  were the worlds leader in health care, especially in Massachusetts.

If you were running a company and you had dominant world leadership in certain places, would you then say, Let me just destroy those businesses? Let me cut all the funding to them. Let me cut [research and development.] Let me destroy them. No, this makes no business sense whatsoever. The only people happy about whats going on right now are China and our competitors. This is not a good situation for the country.

Kirsner: You dont think voters in states that dont have a knowledge economy and a biopharma economy, states that dont have a Harvard or a Columbia in them, are like, Hey, maybe this is going to help our economy?

Hao: Tell me a state that doesnt have a university. Tell me a state that doesnt have a hospital. Some of the places that are going to be hit the hardest are going to be places like Birmingham, Alabama. Their number one biggest employer is a university, and the number two employer is the hospital, and they receive a ton of [National Institutes of Health] funding. Youre going to destroy Birmingham, Alabama. So many of these red states have gotten so much more CHIPS and Science [Act funding], so much more federal funding than we have. This is not good for the country. Its not good for red states. Its not good for blue states. Its not good for Massachusetts. This is not a good situation.

Having said all that, this is the time for us to be working together as a team, to be nimble, to be creative.  We are not going to be able to fill the entire federal gap, but I think we can do some things that will be helpful.

We are playing the long game here. Whatever happens in these four years, or two years until midterm [elections], climate change is not going away. Alzheimers is not going away. These things  are massive [markets.] So were gonna stay at the course 

Kirsner: When you have a Secretary of Energy saying the things that he was saying this month about climate change, and doing a complete 180 pivot on policies that addressed global warming, it feels like startups working on climate-related technology in Massachusetts and elsewhere are going to get kneecapped by this administration, and that private investors could get spooked out of investing in the sector.

Hao: I dont think so. So much of this is branding, and how we communicate things. The words climate tech, the word green, the words climate change  lets take those out of our vocabulary.  If you say to people, would you like more affordable, accessible, always-available energy, yes, everybody wants that.

[The Trump administration] obviously doesnt support offshore wind, which is a big bummer for us. But we are still going to make investments in offshore wind.

Kirsner: In 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services chose Cambridge as one of three hub locations for a new innovation network called ARPA-H. Our hub was supposed to be focused on moving science from the lab into the market. Do we know if ARPA-H still exists under the new administration?

Hao: Its hard to know.  Each ARPA-H program manager got $100 million to play with to run their own programs. A lot of that money came out last year, before the change in administrations. We got a lot of that.  The programs that have been launched, I think, are still going. I think the real question is, Will new programs happen? So theres still some uncertainty, and a lot of that team has changed.

Kirsner: Every university now, as I understand it, has a war room, basically trying to understand what will the cuts to federal research funding mean for staffing? Whos focused on helping them address that in the Massachusetts cabinet? Because it does seem like its got to affect people more institutions than just Harvard and MIT.

Hao: Its affecting everybody.  We had a convening with all the hospital and university presidents to talk about how we can work together. As youve seen in the news, most places are doing layoffs, hiring freezes, other kinds of budget cuts. One place its impacting is graduate degrees, because those funded by a lot of these grant programs. It is not great. It is a cross-cabinet issue.

If you think about some of these graduate programs that used to have 100 people  the worlds best and brightest coming to study life sciences, for example. And now we only can fund 30. What if the inventor of the cure for cancer was in those 70 people? Its a crazy thing that were not able to invest in these things that are so important to humanity. I think were all going to just figure out how we can survive this time.

The worst part about it is that a lot of these folks [advising Trump] have been very successful businesspeople in the tech world.  They have been the beneficiaries of federal government investing in the internet, in AI, in electric vehicles  They have made incredible personal wealth on the back of taxpayer money going to these projects, and now theyre cutting those projects. It seems crazy.

Kirsner: It also feels unusual to me that Massachusetts has often had a scientist with ties here or an MIT administrator in Washington advising the president, going back to the days of World War II.

Hao: I try to not be so down. There are people that I know who are very smart, very respectable, very reasonable people who are going into the Trump administration. Some of them are waiting for confirmation, but theyve been personal friends. Ive worked with them in business contexts.

Youll also be surprised how many of our Massachusetts CEOs, how many of our Massachusetts residents, have strong relationships with people in the Trump administration. What I said to them is, Pick up the phone and call your friends, and try to make sure that they understand this is impacting so many people.

Kirsner: What are some of the jobs, or some of the industries, where employers around the state tell you, We just cant hire enough people?

Hao: We have a workforce shortage in the state. On one hand, you can say, Wow, we have really low unemployment rate.  On the other hand, we have a workforce shortage. Its across many of our leading industries. If you look at the hospitals  now, theyve done some layoffs recently  but theres still many roles in hospitals that theyve had a hard time filling, from nurses to ambulance drivers to receptionists ... In a lot of our advanced manufacturing and life sciences manufacturing, we need skilled folks to go work in manufacturing. You dont need a college degree. You need to be able to know how to operate machinery. We have shortages in construction. We have shortages in hotels and restaurants. So, across the state, in almost every sector, we need more talent.

Kirsner: You mentioned earlier today that one of your projects has been to create a new kind of front door on the states economic development website, to help people understand what resources the state offers to businesses, like grants, loans, job training programs. Is that something thats going live soon?

Hao: Its live already. We havent done the big, flashy launch yet, because we are still getting a lot of feedback. Its at mass.gov/bfd.

Kirsner: Is that Big Front Door?

Hao: Business Front Door.

Kirsner: Not the other BFD.

Hao: I think it is the other BFD, but Im not allowed to swear with media, Ive been told. Weve been working on this for the last year and a half. Its been a huge project. Our customer is all the businesses, so we want them to use it and tell us, was it helpful? Was it not helpful? Well continue to improve it over time.

Kirsner: You and the governor have focused on the issue of outmigration  people choosing to leave the state. One group we dont really seem focused on retaining is all of the students who are here for four years. It doesnt feel like its anybodys job to market to that customer base. Theyre not a business thinking of relocating here, or a tourist thinking about taking a vacation here. Is anybody working to solve that?

Hao: Ive been thinking about this for the last two-plus years Ive been in this job. That is our secret sauce  So many of our leaders came here to study and stayed here. We do not do a great job of retention. We have this thing called the THRiVE program [in the latest economic development act, Mass Leads.]  Essentially, what were doing is were funding the state to partner with universities to say, Who are your most talented international entrepreneurs who are starting businesses? We will partner with you to help them get visas. We will help pay for the legal fees. We will help them navigate the visa system. We cant change the visa system, but we will help support that.

Kirsner: Is it on the order of 100 student entrepreneurs a year, a couple hundred a year?

Hao: Right now, its starting at 30 or 40 a year. But even if one or two of those people become [the next Noubar Afeyan, CEO of Flagship Pioneering, who came to Cambridge to earn a doctorate at MIT], or any of these incredible CEOs we have, that will be huge.  Were going to try to increase funding for that over time.

Another program we put into Mass Leads, which needs [the state to hit a certain threshold of revenue collections] to get funded, is this tax credit for summer interns. So my dream  is that we make a promise to any student coming to Massachusetts that says, If you come to a Massachusetts university or college to study, we guarantee you a summer internship sometime in your four years at a Massachusetts company. Its a win for the student, a win for the college or university, and a win for our companies. And you get a tax incentive if youre the company who hires the students.

Kirsner: I was going to ask you a little bit about Williamstown and North Adams because you spend a lot of time there. It does seem like there are some struggles to get the main streets more full and more active, especially in North Adams. What is going to create jobs there and fill some of those empty spaces?

Hao: Economic development is hard, and it doesnt happen overnight. Whats so interesting about Williamstown, North Adams, is that it has all of the ingredients. You have multiple universities.  You have art, you have culture, you have food, you have mountains, you have incredible natural resources. And if you drive 45 minutes, youre at Tanglewood and Kripalu and Shakespeare & Company.

 They have all the ingredients, but everything has been building.  What I keep saying to people is that were so close to the tipping point. We just need to get a little more critical mass.  Theres things that are really exciting. What the Berkshire Innovation Center is doing. Theyre doing a partnership at Mass MoCA, doing work on robotics and AI and getting kids involved as part of that. Theres Lever, which is a nonprofit but also a venture fund, and Jeff Thomas and that whole team are funding a bunch of cool startups, trying to get them to incubate over there ... Theres Greylock Works ... Were very close, and the state can be helpful, because the state helped build MASS MoCA, and weve invested a lot in Western Mass.

Kirsner: My very last question is a softball: When youre driving out to Williamstown, whats the place that youre always excited to go to thats on the way out, or in Williamstown?

Hao: This is a very important question.  Hagers Farm Market [in Shelburne Falls.] Hagers Farm Market has the best maple soft serve ice cream  I will usually get the maple creemee with rainbow sprinkles on the way there, and also on the way back, all year-round. I have an entire collection of selfies of me and the maple creemee with rainbow sprinkles at Hagers. So 100% of time thats what I do.
A Body in the Snow: The Karen Read Trial premieres 3/17 on ID Network ID Network

Through the first two episodes of A Body in the Snow, a new docuseries chronicling the Karen Read case, it becomes clear that the schism between Read and the family of her boyfriend, John OKeefe, developed quickly in the wake of his death and her subsequent arrest.

Much of the first episode takes place before OKeefes death, charting both his and Reads upbringings and chronicling how the pair rekindled their romance in 2020.

But then it shifts, diving into the night of OKeefes death and the aftermath. The second episode picks up with a critical discovery by an expert hired by Reads defense.

Heres what we learned.

Read says she saw OKeefe walk into 34 Fairview Road

Read tells an off-screen interviewer she watched OKeefe walk up to the breezeway door at 34 Fairview Road in Canton, the home of fellow Boston Police officer Brian Albert, open the door, and walk in. Its the last time she ever spoke to him.

On the night of Jan. 28, 2022, Read met OKeefe at C.F. McCarthys in Canton around 9 p.m. after the pair fought earlier in the morning. The pair went to the Waterfall Bar and Grille around 11 p.m., where they met up with the Alberts and Brian Higgins, a federal agent Read had been flirting with.

At the bar, Jennifer McCabe, whose sister is married to Brian Albert, invited OKeefe and Read to join them at Fairview Road.

After six drinks in three hours, Read drove OKeefe to Fairview Road, which she described as dark and uninviting. She says she asked OKeefe to ensure they were welcome there, but drove off when she didnt hear from him.

What happened after OKeefe was found

Brendan Kane, a longtime friend of OKeefes, said he got a call on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022 telling him OKeefe was dead. Before OKeefes death, everyone liked Karen, he said of Read.

On the night of OKeefes death, Kane notes, Read made dozens of phone calls, but not a single one to 911.

Johnny could still be here, he said.

Tara Kerrigan, an ex-girlfriend, said the first explanation she got of what happened to OKeefe was that, Karen hit John.

Nathan Read, Karens brother, said it was surreal to see his sister paraded in front of cameras after her arrest.

Karen Read tells the camera the first and only call she made for local counsel was David Yannetti. Yannetti said he knew early on that Reads case was going to require a massive amount of work.

When I heard that an officer was killed, I knew that theres a heightened sense of importance to those cases, he said.

Reads indictment

Yannetti says he was floored when Read was indicted on charges including second-degree murder. His first thought, he says, was what do they have on her.

The series shows footage of Reads arrest on the new charges. Read, standing on her porch in pajamas, is handcuffed by Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor, who later tells his supervisor, Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik, see how crazy she is?

Proctor says Read is more concerned about what she looks like on TV.

When she was indicted, Read realized, this was for keeps.

They wanted a pound of flesh, she said.

The origins of the 3rd-party defense

The day Read was arrested, Yannetti said he received a call at his office from a man named Mike who he said had a gravelly voice.

The caller told him to look into the occupants of 34 Fairview Road on the night of OKeefes death.

It was like a holy smokes moment, Yannetti said.

Months later, an expert hired by Reads defense discovered what would turn out to be a critical issue in the case: McCabes phone says she searched on Google, hos long to die in cold at 2:27 a.m.

At the top of the second episode, Read says she believes the rush to prosecute her for OKeefes death will ultimately backfire.

Jen McCabe: its me or her, she says. Either Im going down Jen or you are.

Of Reads claims of a conspiracy, Kane says the folks that loved [OKeefe] the most are following the evidence.

The third and fourth episodes of the series air Tuesday night before the finale airs Wednesday. Those episodes coincide with Reads final scheduled court appearances before her April 1 trial date.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst: The commonwealth's flagship campus sign on Butterfield Terrace on Aug. 3, 2024. (Kalina Kornacki)

The University of Massachusetts Amherst will temporarily divert funds from strategic investments and deferred maintenance to help fill in the potential federal research cuts, according to a letter to the campus this week.

The institution has more than $150 million in research expenditures through federal grants and contracts each year, the institution said.

These funds support groundbreaking research that contributes to the future prosperity, health, and security of our nation. Under the new federal administration, the continuity of these funds and the promise of discovery and innovation they bring has become uncertain, said provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs Fouad Abd-El-Khalick and vice chancellor for research and engagement Mike Malone.

The funding will be given priority to people who could lose their jobs, including graduate students, post-doctorates, research staff and research faculty whose salaries depend on federal funding.

The announcement comes after the National Institutes of Health announced mass layoffs and their efforts to slash indirect costs or overhead costs at grant-receiving institutions.

Indirect costs are also known as overhead costs for institutions that receive grants. It can include additional facilities and staff and administrative costs.

The funds in the newly-created Research Continuity Emergency Matching Fund will be immediately available with a projected end date of August 31. Due to the magnitude of the federal funding given to the institution, the fund cant be the only way to make up for potential funding cuts.

We hope our continued collective efforts across campus, the UMass system, and the nation will help achieve sustained relief and bring more certainty to the current situation across higher education as soon as possible, the administrators said.

UMass Amherst already had a grant terminated but Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell obtained a temporary restraining order, the institution said.

University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan told MassLive last week that the university system is monitoring the federal cuts and that layoffs are possible.

UMass Amherst is also part of a list of 60 higher education institutions under federal investigation for not protecting Jewish students from antisemitic discrimination and harassment. Columbia University is also on the list and had $400 million pulled by the Trump administration, canceling grants and contracts because of what the government describes as the Ivy League schools failure to squelch antisemitism on campus.

UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester announced a hiring freeze, spending freeze and rescinded admissions for one of its biomedical science doctorate programs this week, citing ongoing uncertainty regarding federal funding.

There will also be targeted furloughs and layoffs at the medical school, according to an internal announcement.

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is requiring approval for hiring, limiting overtime and scrutinizing non-personnel expenditures, according to an internal announcement on Wednesday.

He said the UMass system has a limited budget and they are trying to limit disruptions. Each campus is taking proactive, cautionary steps to address the uncertainties that are unfolding at the federal level, Meehan said.

Were all facing uncertainty, even beyond the proposed NIH funding, Meehan said.

UMass Chan receives $200 million in National Institutes of Health funding and UMass Amherst receives $48 million, Meehan said.

I think financial management is critically important to any university, particularly in these difficult times. So we will have to do whatever we have to do to make sure that the institution is financially sound and to make sure UMass is in strong financial footing so that its here 25 years and 50 years and 100 years from now, he said.
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, wearing the Holyoke St. Patrick's tartan hat and scarf, waves to the camera while sitting next to Markie Sheehy, mayor of Tralee, Ireland. Garcia was the grand marshal of the St. Patrick's Day parade held there Monday, March 17, 2025. (Submitted photo) Sumbitted photo

Editors note: This story has been updated to state that Holyokes 72nd St. Patricks Day Parade is Sunday.

HOLYOKE  A delegation of 33 officials from Holyoke marched in the St. Patricks Day parade of Tralee, Ireland, Monday, a gesture that some hope will result in more collaboration in the future.
SPRINGFIELD  The city is continuing its efforts to upgrade its school buildings with a proposal to replace three of them, fix roofs on others and, for the first time, install greener heating systems.

The School Committee approved a dozen projects on Thursday that will now be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for funding.

Springfield brings in more money than any other community, said Patrick Roach, chief financial officer for the schools, of the reimbursements.
This event is aimed to bring the Businesses and Associations in Mayo together for a unique networking opportunity

and provide a platform to create a bond between attendees in the area that are striving to grow their operations and get their names out there as key players in the Irish and international markets.

Iarnrod Eireann, the Irish Exporters Association, and Fleet Transport magazine are hosting a Smart Move Business & Connectivity event at the Grand National Hotel, Ballina on Friday 28 March next.

PHOTOS: Colourful St Patrick's Day parade in West Mayo town

It will also enable engaging discussions on the necessary improvements and future business opportunities, explained Kasia Steyn, Senior Project Manager at Iarnrod Eireann.

The Keynote speaker is Minister for Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, joined by Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports. Sean Canney.

The event begins with registration at 9am at the Grand National Hotel, Ballina, and welcome by Mary Moyles, President, Ballina Chamber, followed by the Keynote Address by Minister Calleary. The attendees will then be bused to the Iarnrod Eireann Freight Yard nearby for the photoshoot opportunity as the freight train departs the station.

On the return to the hotel, Minister Canney will speak, followed by presentations and a panel discussion by Howard Knott; Supply Chain & Logistics Expert, Consultant for the IEA, Patrick Daly; Director Principal Consultant, Alba Logistics Consultancy, Irish Rail CEO; Jim Meade and Irish Exporters Association CEO Simon McKeever.

Among the attendees include Mayo based exporting manufacturers, Mayo Chambers, Freight Forwarders, Logistics and Supply Chain providers, Mayo County Council, Local Enterprise Office, Road Safety Authority and other organisations such as the West on Track/Western Rail Corridor.

This event will focus on sustainability, global logistics, international trade and compliance and will provide valuable industry insights, solutions, and connections to help business grow in the region and compete globally, added Simon McKeever; CEO, Irish Exporters Association.

On behalf of the organising team, we are very grateful to Minister Calleary and Minister Canney for taking time out from their busy agendas to attend and address delegates at this event.

We look forward to plenty of engagement, discussions and networking that we all can benefit from, added Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor, Fleet Publications.

To register, please go here.

READ: Mayo native Ashling Heneghan flies the county flag in America for St Patricks Day
PLANNING permission has been granted for the development of 27 dwelling houses within 500 metres of Claremorris town centre.

P McHugh and Sons Ltd has been granted planning permission by Mayo County Council to construct the houses at Mayfield, Claremorris.

The proposed development is to consist of 18 three-bedroomed semi-detached units, four two-bedroomed semi-detached units, three three-bedroomed detached units as well as one four-bedroomed detached and one two-bedroom detached unit.

READ: Mayo school beaten in All-Ireland final in Croke Park

The site, which is located approximately 500 metres from the town centre, forms part of an existing residential development consisting of 28 units, although permission was granted for 66 houses and a creche in 2005.

Five third-party objections and submissions were received by Mayo County Council in relation to the proposed development, including from the Mayfield Residents Group, who raised concerns regarding road safety as well as the density of the scheme and the lack of public space in the proposed scheme.

Planners with the local authority asked the applicant to submit a Road Safety Audit and Traffic Impact Assessment and to clarify whether the applicant is in a position to provide paths that connect to the existing footpaths.

Assessments were prepared by Tobin Consulting and submitted to Mayo County Council, and in response to queries regarding footpaths, the applicant stated that they propose to connect into the existing infrastructure.

As a result of the assessments received, Mayo County Council planners stated they were satisfied to grant planning permission for the proposed development, subject to 21 conditions.
A daughter of Mayo proudly wore the Sydney Rose sache when she marched down Fifth Avenue during the New York St Patricks Day parade.

Ashling Heneghan, a native of Westport residing in Syndey, joined Roses from around the world in the New York parade, which was attended by 150,000 people.

Ms Heneghan hit the headlines last year when she won the Sydney Rose contest. She later wore the Sydney Rose sache while flying the Mayo flag at the annual Rose of Tralee Festival in August.

In recent days, Ms Heneghan and her fellow roses were in Chicago, where the Chicago River was dyed green for St Patricks Day.

Speaking to The Mayo News hours before the New York St Patricks Day parade, Ms Heneghan said she was delighted to be taking part in the New York St Patricks Day parade.

Its such a privilege to walk alongside all of my fellow roses and escorts and all the various groups of Irish communities here in New York. The experience is incredible, she said.

Im so grateful to be able to share all of these fabulous experiences with all my family and friends. There is a great energy and vibrancy.

The roses were also by some of their escorts, including Ardagh native James Burke, who represented Mayo in the escort section of the Rose of the Tralee.

You can watch the New York St Patricks Day parade here.
A strong delegation from Mayo County Council travelled to Philadelphia to take part in the St Patrick's Day Parade.

Dignitaries Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr John O Hara, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council Kevin Kelly and Cllr Gerry Coyle participated in the second longest running parade in the United States.

A special occasion for Carolyn Wilson-Albright from the Mayo Association of Philadelphia. Her grand-mother Winifred Duffy emigrated from from Charlestown to Philadelphia in 1923.

PICTURES: Colourful St Patrick's Day parade in West Mayo town

Carolyn still has a cousin who lives in her family home:

"I typically go back every summer to visit. I have dual citizenship and hope to one day move back at least part time. After the St Patrick's Day parade we celebrate with an open house at my home, usually about 100 people. This time marked year 30!"

The Mayo Association of Philadelphia keeps the strong ties and traditions that bond the communities from across the Atlantic together.

There is Sister James Anne: "My father was born in Ballinrobe, County Mayo in 1896 and he came to the America in 1926. My mother's parents came from Foxford and Pontoon, but I am not sure of the year."

She vividly describes her latest visit to Ireland in the summer of 2023: "My cousins are in the Neale in Ballinrobe, and also in County Sligo. It was great to visit the cemetery where my grandparents are buried, and to attend Mass where my father did as a young boy and man. I also saw where my grandmother's home was (my mother's mother), which is a very nice home now. I also was able to see the house where my father's mother grew up, which is now a part of a beautiful farm. And also my father's home, which is now part of a farm. I loved my visit to Our Lady of Knock shrine, Boat tour around Cong, and many other exciting places."

WATCH: St Patrick's Day Parade in Philadelphia with Mayo dignitaries

Maureen Saxon explains how her parents immigrated to Philadelphia from Mayo between 1920 and 1922, they had brothers and sisters here. They met through family, married and had 7 children, 26 grandchildren and a great life:

"I made about 7 trips to Ireland through the years!"

PHOTOS: St Patrick's Day Parade in Mayo town

Carolyn Wilson-Albright celebrated St. Patricks Day yesterday with her immediate family and some friends. They went to Cawleys Pub, which is owned by Mayo Native Sean Cawley, which is about 10 minutes from her house:

"Ive been going to Cawleys for Paddys Day since I was 18!"

At the St Patrick's Day Parade in Philadelphia:

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council Kevin Kelly, Margaret O'Hara, Cathleen Lynskey (President of the Mayo Association of Philadelphia), Mayo Cathaoirleach John O'Hara, Carolyn Wilson-Albright, Vice President of the Mayo Association of Philadelphia, Geraldine Coyle and Cllr Gerry Coyle.

The Mayo Association of Philadelphia at a recent gathering
Brutal fighting continues as world leaders worry that Russian leader Vladimir Putin wants little to do with a potential peace deal.

The 25-year-old Aussie law student described the confronting trip as 'the most meaningful week' of his life. Source: Drew Pavlou

An Australian activist has recounted the harrowing scenes still unfolding on the front lines of Russia's brutal assault on Ukraine, as US President Donald Trump unwinds decades of American policy by taking a notably softened stance towards the Kremlin's aggression.

A potential ceasefire and deal to end the war looms, but heavy bombing continues. Aussie law student Drew Pavlou, 25, visited Ukraine for about 10 days this month, at times "embedded with the Ukrainian marines", to witness up close the atrocities of Russia's war.

Drew, a well known provocateur and influencer who has railed against foes of free speech ranging from the University of Queensland to the Chinese government, was invited to the war zone by Rob Potter, the founder of cyber warfare company Cyber Activities Group, which was conducting drone warfare research.

"We met with the head of Ukraines drone program," Drew told Yahoo News Australia. "They flew over the battlefield for us."

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Drew, who has been outspoken on the issue of Ukraine's defence, said Rob invited him because he had a spare seat and "I have a lot of Twitter followers".

While visiting shell-shocked parts of the country  at one point coming within about a kilometre of the Russian position  he filmed hours of footage and has been uploading videos to YouTube and other social media platforms showing the daily devastation in eastern Ukraine at the hands of Vladimir Putin.

Traces of shrapnel are seen on the wall of an apartment building damaged by a Russian missile strike. Source: Reuters

People stand at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike this month. Source: Reuters

Whether it's war-zone tourism, new media or something else, Drew says he just wants to get the grim reality of the situation out there. "There's a lot of Russian propaganda online," he said.

"I tried to do the independent journalist thing and record the conditions from a humanitarian point of view.

"I talked to people who personally had family members who were tortured using electric shocks and things like that," he told Yahoo.

Drew travelled to Dobropillia, just days after it was bombed by Russia on March 7, in an attack on civilians that reportedly killed 11 people and injured at least 50 others. It was described by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky as cruel and "deliberately calculated to cause maximum damage".

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"That was probably the most confronting thing I saw," Drew said.

"Two days before I was there Russia hit an apartment block with a ballistic missile And then they hit the first responders with cluster munitions."

The 25-year-old said "it was terrifying" to see the crater left behind by the bombing and the general aftermath of the attack.

THE DOBROPILLYA MASSACRE: I saw the aftermath of a Russian massacre in Ukraine. Dozens of families were murdered in their beds as a result of this ''double tap'' missile strike on March 7 - just one day after Trump suspended intelligence sharing.



Full video below - please pic.twitter.com/YnNGg9tngk  Drew Pavlou  (@DrewPavlou) March 16, 2025

Drew said he met Australians who were fighting over there and couldn't help but notice the odd Australian flag on memorials for fallen soldiers dotted around parts of eastern Ukraine. Now back in Australia, attending university classes on Tuesday, Drew called the trip "probably the most meaningful week of my life".

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"My parents are really upset that I went I didnt tell them I was going to the front line," he added.

Trump set to speak with Putin over ending the war

US President Donald Trump plans to speak to President Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, after positive talks between officials from both nations in Moscow.

"We want to see if we can bring that war to an end," Trump told reporters on Air Force One earlier this week.

"Maybe we can, maybe we can't, but I think we have a very good chance... I'll be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday [Wednesday AEST]. A lot of work's been done over the weekend."

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 throughout the weekend.

Russia is moving closer to ejecting Ukrainian forces from their months-old foothold in the western Russian region of Kursk.

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Asked about what concessions are being considered in ceasefire negotiations, Trump said: "We'll be talking about land. We'll be talking about power plants... We're already talking about that, dividing up certain assets."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Putin would talk to Trump by phone on Tuesday, US time.

The Kremlin earlier said on Friday that Putin had sent Trump a message about his ceasefire plan via US envoy Steve Witkoff, who held talks in Moscow, expressing "cautious optimism" that a deal could be reached to end the three-year conflict.

with Reuters

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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by Fern Siegel , March 18, 2025

Cactus has strengthened its senior ranks with two executive hires.

The Denver-based creative agency has added Brian OConnell as group strategy director and Jill Kelleman as executive growth director.

Previously, OConnell, a two-decade ad vet, held strategy and brand planning roles various agencies, including Fortnight Collective, SRG, CP+B, Integer/TBWA, Arnold Worldwide, and Hill Holliday. His brand strategy experience includes McDonalds, MillerCoors, Dunkin Donuts and Microsoft.

OConnells most high-profile work is the Captain Obvious strategy for Hotels.com at CP+B and Steamboat Way campaign at Fortnight Collective.

The Cactus creative department is a hit parade of sharp ideas. We all know what great creativity is and how to get to it. There's no better feeling than to hit the ground running to make immediate impact for our clients, he said.

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Jill Kelleman is now leading the agencys growth efforts  and also boasts a 20-year career in brand marketing, account management and business development.

Kelleman worked in Chicago on global brands for Havas and IPG, then moved to Colorado to lead client partnerships at CP+B, Victors & Spoils and Made.

Theres a great mix of familiar faces and fresh energy, all driven by a clear sense of purpose. The talent and ambition here are undeniable  ideas build quickly and creativity that works is always the priority, she added.

The agency uses a proprietary planning process known as Belief & Behavior Design, which employs behavior change models, behavioral economics and consumer psychology to solve business problems.

Cactus client partners include Fjallraven, Colorado Lottery, University of Miami, Cochlear Americas and UMB Bank.
by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, March 18, 2025

One show has been labeled conservative and the other liberal, so when the latter prepares to assume the time slot of the former -- but only temporarily -- a TV blogger looks for something to say about that.

The two shows are Shifting Gears, starring Tim Allen, and The Conners, not starring Roseanne Barr -- both on ABC.

Shifting Gears ends its first season Wednesday night at 8 p.m. Eastern and then awaits word on its future -- either (a) renewal or (b) cancellation.

Speculation in the trade websites is a little mixed, but leaning toward renewal based on strong seven-day results.

A week after the Shifting Gears season finale, on Wednesday, March 26, also at 8 p.m., The Conners has the first of six final episodes that will wrap up the series in May after six seasons.

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With Tim Allen as its star, Shifting Gears has taken a position on network TV as the resident right-leaning comedy.

This is mainly because some years back, Allen made comments in interviews that established him as a rare conservative in mostly liberal Hollywood.

Thus, Allen, 71, is the one you call when you want a cantankerous older white guy to rail about social/cultural issues from a back-in-my-day perspective.

He did this on his last show, Last Man Standing, and he pretty much does the same thing on Shifting Gears.

This stereotype sometimes strikes me as unfair to cantankerous older white guys in general, but I will save that for a future TV Blog (or maybe not).

By contrast, The Conners -- which rose from the ashes of the Roseanne Barr debacle in 2018 -- has long been considered liberal in tone.

This is due mainly to the fact that the real Roseanne and the fictional character she played on the short-lived Roseanne reboot were both outspoken supporters of President Trump.

But her views were balanced, if not outweighed, by the liberal bent of the shows other characters.

A TV blogger in search of an angle or a hook for an opinion piece might position the situation this way: With the liberal Conners leaving the air and the conservative Shifting Gears in position for a likely renewal, it is tempting to say ABC is easing out a liberal sitcom in favor of a conservative one in the wake of Trumps reelection.

But the accuracy of this thesis doesnt really hold water. I watched this weeks season finale of Shifting Gears and next weeks new episode of The Conners and found no political or social subjects at all.

And yet, when you go online to read about Shifting Gears, you would think the show was on par with All in the Family. News flash: It isnt.

On the left side, the same is true of The Conners. If this show is liberal in tone, then the tone eluded me, at least for this episode.

Big disclaimer: I dont watch much of either show, so I cannot say with accuracy that neither show goes very far into hot-button issues, if they go at all.

If TV is plotting more shows -- both comedies and dramas -- for the new conservative-leaning era of Trump 2.0, then that would not be surprising.

To paraphrase Bob Dylan, the TV business has never needed a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, March 18, 2025

Google's parent company Alphabet has announced the acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion in cash, in its largest deal to date.



The promise to acquire the cybersecurity company cements a deal that fell apart last year after the cloud-computing startup wanted to stay independent.

When the deal closes, Wiz will join the Google Cloud business, the companies said in a statement on Tuesday.



"Google Cloud is the foundation of most engineering revolutions in recent years, helping to redefine cloud, security and AI development," Assaf Rappaport, co-founder and chief executive officer of Wiz, wrote in a blog post. "Google Cloud innovated with its cloud-native security approach, bringing innovations like Zero Trust and Supply-chain Levels for Software Artifacts (SLSA), which now lead the path for many organizations."



It's not clear whether Rappaport and others will remain with the company, or exactly how Wiz will roll into Google Cloud.

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Wiz offers cloud-specific cybersecurity tools that work on many platforms and often in complex cloud environments. It will enable Googles cloud-computing business to compete with Amazon, Microsoft and others with new security products to offer customers.

Wiz explained in a blog post how the resources and AI expertise will significantly improve on the technology the company has created. It went on to tout Google Cloud's accomplishments such as Kubernetes, which Google Cloud invented. It has become a core part of cloud and cloud native development.



The acquisition will support customers by bringing together leading cloud security, data, and AI solutions, we will be able to offer more choices and solutions to secure their systems in any major cloud or hybrid environment. Partners will remain integral to the strategy of making Wiz open to organizations of all types and sizes.

Founded in 2020, Wiz has been supported by large financial investors such as Greenoaks, Sequoia Capital, Index Ventures, Insight Partners and Cyberstarts. The company closed a $1 billion funding round, valued at $12 billion, in May 2024.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, March 18, 2025

Bad Bunny, the worlds most-watched music star, is now the face (and body) of Calvin Kleins latest underwear campaign -- a splashy play to win back relevance and revenue in the U.S.

Shot by fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti, the spring campaign echoes Calvin Kleins long tradition of provocative star turns, with sultry video content and high-visibility out-of-home placements showing off the performers signature confidence and considerable star power.

What sets this campaign apart isnt the creative treatment but the potential reach. Previous ambassadors like "The Bear"s Jeremy Allen White, BTS Jung Kook, and Idris Elba have all turned heads. But in terms of global influence, Bad Bunny is on another level. Hes the most-watched artist on YouTube, racking up billions of views, and after three years atop Spotifys global charts (20202022), he still ranks No. 3 behind Taylor Swift and The Weeknd. He also remains the No. 1 most-listened-to Latin artist worldwide.

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The campaign video is set to his song EoE, and highlights Calvin Kleins new Icon Cotton Stretch collection, which features an upgraded Infinity Bond waistband (stitched-free for comfort), a supportive contour pouch, and improved shape retention.

For PVH Corp., which owns Calvin Klein, the campaign arrives at a strategic moment. In its most recent quarter, Calvin Klein sales declined 3% to $993.9 million. In North America, revenue fell 9%, due in part to shifts in the companys wholesale shipment calendar. But it also reflects a longer-term trend: Over the past 15 years, PVHs U.S. revenue has fallen from 90% of its business to just 30% as it sold off smaller brands and invested heavily in global expansion of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

While those international gains have been strong, the company has struggled to maintain relevance with North American consumers. PVH has failed to connect with North American consumers as well as some peers have, noted Morningstar analyst David Swartz in a recent report.

The hope is that campaigns like this one can help reverse that trend.

In addition to his chart-topping appeal, the Puerto Rican artist brings cultural and fashion credibility. He co-chaired the Met Gala in 2023, is a vocal ally to LGBTQ+ fans, and frequently challenges gender norms -- sporting pink skirts, floral accessories, or denim overalls with equal ease. His fluid, fashion-forward style aligns with Calvin Kleins ongoing effort to reassert itself as a youth-driven brand with cultural edge.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, March 18, 2025

The Federal Trade Commission is asking a federal appellate court to reject advertising and business organizations' challenge to click-to-cancel rules that aim to let consumers easily terminate recurring subscriptions to newspapers, gyms, and other businesses.

The agency argues in an appellate brief filed Monday that such subscriptions can benefit sellers and consumers, but adds that many people are enrolled unwittingly and go months or years without discovering how much money they are losing through recurring charges.

Once consumers discover the charges and try to cancel a subscription they signed up for online, they often face unnecessary obstacles from sellers who force them to endure multiple phone calls, long hold times, and countless automated menus, the FTC writes in papers filed with the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

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The agency's filing comes in response to a lawsuit brought by the Interactive Advertising Bureau, Michigan Press Association, NCTA -- The Internet & Television Association, Chamber of Commerce and other business groups that are seeking to invalidate the rules.

Among other terms, the click-to-cancel rules require companies to offer a simple cancellation mechanism, and allow consumers to cancel subscriptions through the same medium that was used to purchase them. The rules also provide that cancellation mechanisms must be at least as easy to use as the sign-up mechanisms.

In practice, the requirements mean that businesses that accept subscriptions through online platforms must also allow people to cancel through an online platform.

The regulations were passed last October in a 3-2 vote. Both Republicans on the commission, including current chair Andrew Ferguson, voted against passage.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau and other challenges argued in a brief filed with the 8th Circuit that the rules are too broad because they affect a wide swath of industries.

By definition, a Rule that targets over a billion commonplace contracts used by 220 million American consumers and businesses in every industry from newspapers to health care is not specific, the organizations argue.

The FTC counters in its new filing that nothing prevents it from passing rules that affect more than one industry, adding that it has done so in the past.

While some Commission rules are industry-specific, the Commission has consistently promulgated industry-agnostic or multi-industry rules, the FTC writes in an appellate brief filed Monday with the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The agency points to examples including the mail order rule, which provides that catalogue companies, mail-order sellers and online retailers notify consumers of shipping delays, and allow people to cancel orders due to shipping postponements.

Had Congress not wanted the Commission to maintain these cross-industry rules, it would have prohibited those rulemakings, the FTC writes.

The challengers also argued that the FTC didn't define key terms in the rules -- including the words easy and simple.

But the FTC writes that it has provided guidance on those terms -- including in a 2021 enforcement policy statement.

Earlier this year, a three-judge panel of the 8th Circuit rejected the challengers request to temporarily block enforcement of the rules. That ruling was only preliminary, and the court can still strike down the rules after considering new arguments.
Heres how to take care of your child after the MMR vaccine: manage mild discomfort, monitor for any unusual reactions, and follow your healthcare provider's advice for care.

Highlights: The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, all of which can cause severe health complications

Side effects are generally mild, such as soreness or mild fever, with serious reactions being rare

After vaccination, use a warm cloth for discomfort, watch for unusual reactions, and ensure your child gets plenty of rest

  Trusted Source

Your Child's Vaccines: Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine



Go to source Trusted Source

Did You Know?

Estimates of the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine are 99% in measles prevention after a second vaccination, over 95% in the prevention of mumps, and 90% in the prevention of rubella after a single dose. #medindia #vaccine #mmr

Estimates of the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine are 99% in measles prevention after a second vaccination, over 95% in the prevention of mumps, and 90% in the prevention of rubella after a single dose. #medindia #vaccine #mmr

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What is the MMR Vaccine?

Measles is a viral infection that starts with symptoms like a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body. This disease can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, and in rare cases, brain damage or death.

is a viral infection that starts with symptoms like a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body. This disease can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, and in rare cases, brain damage or death. Mumps primarily causes fever, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, and swelling of the glands around the neck. This condition can sometimes lead to permanent issues such as deafness, brain swelling, and, though rarely, death. It can also cause painful swelling of the testicles in males or ovaries in females.

primarily causes fever, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, and swelling of the glands around the neck. This condition can sometimes lead to permanent issues such as deafness, brain swelling, and, though rarely, death. It can also cause painful swelling of the testicles in males or ovaries in females. Rubella, also known as German measles, begins with fever, sore throat, and a rash. While mild in most people, rubella can cause arthritis, particularly in adult women. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, it can lead to severe birth defects or even miscarriage.

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When Do Kids Get the MMR Vaccine?

What Are the Possible Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine?

When to Avoid the MMR Vaccine

Currently ill with a moderate to severe condition.

with a moderate to severe condition. Has had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the MMR vaccine or to any of its components.

to a previous dose of the MMR vaccine or to any of its components. Has a weakened immune system , due to conditions such as cancer, or is undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressive medications.

, due to conditions such as cancer, or is undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressive medications. Has had a blood transfusion or received other blood products recently.

or received other blood products recently. Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss vaccination with your healthcare provider.

Taking Care of Your Child After the MMR Vaccine

When Should I Call the Doctor?

You are unsure whether the vaccine should be delayed or avoided for your child.

Any unusual symptoms or reactions occur after the vaccine, especially if your child experiences difficulty breathing, swelling in the face or throat, or signs of severe allergic reactions.

It's important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider to ensure your child receives proper care and to discuss any concerns you might have regarding the vaccination process.

Your Child's Vaccines: Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine - (https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/mmr-vaccine.html) MMR Vaccine: What You Need to Know - (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Vaccines-What-You-Need-to-Know.aspx)

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is an essential immunization for children. As with any vaccine, many parents may have concerns about its safety and the potential side effects. Understanding what the vaccine protects against and how it works can help ease these worries ().The MMR vaccine provides immunity against three highly contagious diseasesmeasles, mumps , and rubellaeach of which can cause serious health complications.Vaccination with the MMR vaccine helps to protect against these diseases for life, and widespread vaccination has dramatically reduced their occurrence globally.Children typically receive two doses of the MMR vaccine to ensure long-lasting protection. The first dose is given when children are between, and theis given at aroundof age. If children will be traveling internationally before they reach one year of age, they may receive an early dose, but they will still need to get the second dose at the recommended age.In some cases, adults or older children who have never been vaccinated or who are unsure of their vaccination status may also need one or two doses. Your healthcare provider can help determine the appropriate vaccination schedule based on your child's or your own health history.Like all vaccines, the MMR vaccine can cause mild side effects. These are generally short-lived and less serious than the diseases the vaccine is designed to prevent. Common reactions include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, and a rash that appears a week or two after the vaccination.Less common side effects may include swelling of the cheeks or neck, joint pain (especially in teenage girls and women), or fever-related seizures. In rare instances, the vaccine can lead to low platelet count, which can cause bruising or unusual bleeding. Serious side effects, including severe allergic reactions, are extremely rare.In some situations, it might be necessary to delay or avoid the MMR vaccine. Your healthcare provider will assess the risk and decide if the benefits of vaccination outweigh any potential issues. Vaccination may be postponed if your child is:After the MMR vaccine, it's normal for your child to experience some mild discomfort, like soreness at the injection site. You can help by using a warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on the area. Encouraging your child to move the arm or leg where the shot was given may also help reduce soreness.If your child develops a mild rash, there's no need for treatment, as the rash is not contagious and will disappear in a few days. For pain or fever, your doctor can advise whether it's appropriate to use pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen and the correct dosage.While side effects from the MMR vaccine are usually mild, there are a few signs that require immediate attention. Contact your healthcare provider if:In conclusion, the MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your child from measles, mumps, and rubella, all of which can lead to serious health issues. By understanding the potential side effects, knowing when the vaccine should be delayed, and having clear instructions for aftercare, you can confidently ensure that your child is protected against these preventable diseases.Source-Medindia
A routine manicure revealed early signs of skin cancer, raising concerns about UV exposure from nail lamps.

Highlights: UV exposure from nail lamps may contribute to skin damage

from nail lamps may contribute to skin damage Early detection of unusual nail changes can save lives

of unusual nail changes can save lives Protective measures like sunscreen and gloves can reduce risk

melanoma (   Trusted Source

New Study Links Gel Manicures to Increased Cancer Risk. HICCC Experts Weigh In.



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Did You Know?

UV nail lamps may increase skin cancer risk-stay informed! #skinhealth #cancerawareness #medindia

UV nail lamps may increase skin cancer risk-stay informed! #skinhealth #cancerawareness #medindia Advertisement Connection Between UV Nail Lamps and Skin Health Gel manicures have gained popularity for their durability and glossy finish. However, the process involves curing the gel polish under ultraviolet (UV) lamps, which emit UVA radiation. This type of radiation is known to penetrate the skin deeply, leading to DNA damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. 



A study by the University of California revealed that exposure to UV nail polish dryers leads to cell death and mutations in human cells, potentially increasing cancer risk. While the study emphasizes the need for further research, it raises concerns about the safety of frequent gel manicures (   Trusted Source

A systematic review of the risk of cutaneous malignancy associated with ultraviolet nail lamps: what is the price of beauty?



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Advertisement Case Study: A Manicure Uncovers Melanoma Michelle Tagliamonte's experience underscores the importance of vigilance. Noticing two black lines on her thumbnail during a manicure, she consulted a dermatologist. The diagnosis was early-stage melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Early detection allowed for prompt treatment, highlighting the significance of paying attention to unusual nail changes.



Risks of UV Nail Dryers

UV nail dryers emit UVA radiation, similar to tanning beds, which has been linked to skin aging and cancer. While occasional use may pose a low risk, cumulative exposure from regular gel manicures could be concerning. A systematic review indicated that prolonged and repeated exposure to UV nail lamps might pose a risk of skin cancer, but the available evidence is weak.





Safety Measures for Nail Care Enthusiasts For those who enjoy gel manicures but are concerned about potential risks, consider the following precautions:



Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Before using a UV nail lamp, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to protect against UVA radiation. 



Use UV-Protective Gloves

Wearing fingerless gloves designed to block UV radiation can minimize exposure during the curing process.



Limit Frequency

Reducing the frequency of gel manicures can decrease cumulative UV exposure.



Opt for Air-Drying

Choose traditional nail polishes that don't require UV light for curing, allowing nails to air-dry naturally.





Recognizing Signs of Nail Melanoma Early detection of nail melanoma is crucial for effective treatment. Be vigilant for: Dark Streaks: Brown or black lines under the nail that increase in size.

Brown or black lines under the nail that increase in size. Pigmentation: Darkening skin adjacent to the nail.

Darkening skin adjacent to the nail. Nail Changes: Thinning, cracking, or distortion of the nail. If you notice any of these signs, consult a dermatologist promptly.



While gel manicures offer aesthetic appeal, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with UV nail lamps. By taking preventive measures, you can enjoy nail beauty without compromising your health. Always monitor your nails for unusual changes and prioritize regular skin check-ups to ensure early detection of any issues.



Your health is in your handsliterally. Stay informed, stay safe, and let your beauty shine from the inside out.



References: New Study Links Gel Manicures to Increased Cancer Risk. HICCC Experts Weigh In. - (https://www.cancer.columbia.edu/news/new-study-links-gel-manicures-increased-cancer-risk-hiccc-experts-weigh) A systematic review of the risk of cutaneous malignancy associated with ultraviolet nail lamps: what is the price of beauty? - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38557455/)

Source-Medindia

Maintaining well-groomed nails is a common practice for many, but recent findings have highlighted potential health risks associated with certain manicure routines. A notable case involves Michelle Tagliamonte, a 58-year-old from Ohio, who discovered two black lines on her thumbnail during a manicure, which turned out to be an early sign of
Planning a trip to Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, or Cuba? Beware of the Oropouche virusno vaccine, no treatment, only prevention! Stay protected from this mosquito-borne disease.

  Trusted Source

Oropouche virus



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Did You Know?

Pregnant individuals infected with Oropouche virus may experience serious complications, including miscarriage and microcephaly, similar to Zika. #OropoucheVirus #pregnancy #infectiousdisease #medindia

Pregnant individuals infected with Oropouche virus may experience serious complications, including miscarriage and microcephaly, similar to Zika. #OropoucheVirus #pregnancy #infectiousdisease #medindia

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Oropouche Virus: The Emerging Threat with Flu-Like Symptoms

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Dont Let the Mosquitoes Bite: Prevent Oropouche Virus Infection

No Vaccine for Oropouche Virus: Prevention is Your Best Defense

Pregnant? Avoid Oropouche Virus Outbreak Areas

Oropouche virus - (https://www.cmaj.ca/content/197/9/E244)

Traveling south this winter? Oropouche virus (sloth fever), a new infectious disease, has been found in travelers from Canada and the U.S. after visiting Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Cuba.An article published inprovides an overview of the emerging Oropouche virus ().Similar to viruses like dengue and Zika, Oropouche virus symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. The incubation period is 310 days, and symptoms last 27 days and may recur weeks later in some people. The virus is transmitted by small biting midges and some mosquitoes.Wearing long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito nets and insect repellents containing DEET can help prevent infection.There are currently no vaccines or antivirals to prevent or treat Oropouche virus. Acetaminophen is recommended for symptom relief; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications should not be used.As with Zika virus, in pregnant people, Oropouche virus may cause miscarriage and microcephaly. Given these risks, The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travelers take precautions to avoid insect bites, and that pregnant people or people planning pregnancy consider deferring travel to areas with Oropouche outbreaks.Source-Canadian Medical Association Journal
Recently, Aamir Khan turned 60 and interacted with the media sharing stuff about his upcoming films and even his personal life where he revealed that he is currently in a relationship with a woman named Gauri Pratt from Bengaluru.

He joked, Bhuvan ko uski Gauri mil hi gayi (Bhuvan finally met his Gauri) and added, Dekha kuch bhi pata nahin chalne diya maine tum logon ko (See, I did not let you get a wind of this).

He then revealed how he managed to keep his relationship of 18 months with Gauri private. He said, For one, she lives in Bangalore, or lived there till recently. So, I would fly down to meet her, and the media scrutiny is less there. So we stayed under the radar.

When asked about the time when Gauri visited Mumbai to meet Aamir, he quipped, Mere ghar pe focus thoda kam hai. Aap log miss kar dete ho (The focus is not as much on my house. You guys miss things).
The Aussie mum was stoked to receive a gift voucher from a staff member  and it turns out she wasn't the only one.

Woolworths stores in multiple locations were handing out vouchers to their customers over the weekend. Source: Chantelle Ellem/FatMumSlim

A trip to the supermarket in recent times can prove to be a stressful exercise, with shoppers often in for a shock at the checkout. But one Aussie mum was pleasantly surprised this week by a gesture from her local Woolworths.

Chantelle Ellem, who runs the popular social media account Fat Mum Slim, popped into Woolies at Banora Point in northern NSW over the weekend when she was approached by a staff member who asked her if she wanted a gift voucher.

"I was running into the store for some last minute things before the start of a new week, and my youngest daughter and I were looking for a cookie mix so she could make cookies for school," Chantelle told Yahoo News. "One of the staff members approached us with a piece of A4 paper and asked, 'would you like a gift voucher?'

"I was a bit taken aback and made a joke, 'Nah, no thanks. We don't like free money!' He was younger so didn't get my Dad-joke, so I quickly corrected, 'Just kidding! Yes please. That would be amazing. Thank you so much'."

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When she asked why he was handing out the vouchers, he said he was directed by his boss to give them out.

"I looked at the paper and it was a $10 gift voucher." Chantelle said. "I was thrilled! At the moment, it feels like I'm bleeding money for everything so to be stopped and given a voucher (free money) it felt like a treat. Sometimes it's the small things that make a big impact."

Shoppers in NSW and Queensland shocked to receive vouchers

Other shoppers also reported receiving the $10 vouchers in both Woolworths and Big W stores in the northern NSW and southeast Queensland areas.

I got a $10 one in Big W this afternoon! So surprised! one woman wrote.

Yes I got one today at my local. It was nice and unexpected, another added.

I got one and was so emotional, a woman said. I was doing the shop to replenish all the food that got spoilt after the cyclone and power outages. I was ever so grateful after a particularly horrendous start to 2025. The man didnt realise just how much that little act could mean.

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Another customer mentioned it was a nice surprise after an expensive shop to replace the contents of their freezer after Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

As it turns out, the timing of the vouchers was not random but a gesture from the supermarket giant to those affected by the cyclone. The wild weather system caused flooding, severe winds and power outages to more than 300,000 properties over the weekend of March 8 and 9.

According to insurance group IAG, about a third of property claims from Cyclone Alfred were for food spoilage.

A Woolworths spokesperson told Yahoo the vouchers were a small way to treat their customers after the storm forced their stores to close.

"We understand Cyclone Alfred was a challenging period for our customers," the spokesperson said.

As a small gesture of thanks for their understanding during the disruption in our store operations, some of our stores have been handing out e-gift cards to customers over the weekend."

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Chantelle said she used the voucher immediately on her groceries for dinner.

"My daughter and I skipped out of Woolies on a bit of a high. It's nice when nice things happen... changes the way you see the world, even only for a little while," she said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Veterans who were fired from the federal workforce in the wave of the Trump administration job cuts called their dismissals a betrayal of their service to the nation in uniform and in the civil service, according to a report from the Disabled American Veterans service organization.

In video statements released Monday by the DAV, nine of the more than 80 veterans -- some of them disabled and some from the veterans community at large -- said in response to the DAV's "Protect Veterans" campaign, an effort to showcase the plight of fired veterans, that they were blindsided by their terminations, which have been directed by billionaire Elon Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

"It's not about me, it's about our veterans. What's happening to them is wrong, and I want to fight for them," Kara Oliver, a disabled Navy veteran who was fired from her recreational therapist job at the John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Detroit, said in her video statement.

Read Next: VA Halts Transgender Care for New Veteran Patients as Advocates Warn of Dire Consequences

"I found out I lost my job off the clock, on my day off -- without a warning, without a meeting, without even a termination letter," Oliver said.

In response to the DAV report, VA Press Secretary Peter Kasperowicz said in an email statement that "we regret when anyone loses their job, and it's extraordinarily difficult for department leaders to make those types of decisions. But the federal government does not exist to employ people. It exists to serve people."

Air Force veteran Albert Ostering, who was fired from his job at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said, "I lost my way to provide for my family, our health care, my purpose and call-to-service" when he was fired after 10 years of working at the agency.

As a result of his firing and other dismissals at the agency, "the nation will become less safe from cyber threat actors," Ostering said.

In its release, the DAV said its "Protect Veterans" campaign to solicit comments from fired veterans came from the suggestions of Republicans and Democrats at a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees last month to bring them examples of veterans who have been adversely affected by the job cuts.

"It's heart-wrenching to hear from veterans who are contacting us with fear and anxiety about the future of the benefits, services and health care they've earned," DAV National Commander Daniel Contreras said in a statement.

"But hearing from those who sustained illnesses and injuries in honorable service to our nation, only to later be arbitrarily fired via email by the same federal government they've devoted their lives to serve, is a gut punch," Contreras said.

In a phone interview, Randy Reese, executive director of the DAV's Washington headquarters, said the swiftness and aggressiveness of the job cuts coming from the Trump administration initially came as a surprise, but the DAV has since mobilized to oppose them.

"It was just a series of things -- the speed of it and how they did it," he said.

Reese said the way DOGE was going about the job cuts made it seem that its game plan was "to come in and terminate" jobs as quickly as it could and "figure out later whether it was a good decision."

Rebecca Cintron, who was fired from her job at the Department of Veterans Affairs assisting in setting up electronic health records, said the dismissal came as a shock since "we were always told how much we were needed."

"We all understand that everyone has to sacrifice, but I wish somebody understood how differently this could have been done rather than just a panic and no processes," she said.

Editor's note: This story was updated with a statement from the VA.

Related: 83,000 VA Employees Slated to Be Fired This Year by Musk's DOGE, Memo Says
An active-duty airman in South Dakota has been arrested and is accused of murdering a Native American woman on Ellsworth Air Force Base who has been missing since this summer.

Airman Basic Quinterius Chappelle, 24, was arrested and is facing a federal second-degree murder charge, the Pennington County Sheriff's Office in Rapid City, South Dakota, said in a Facebook post Saturday.

On March 4, the sheriff's office announced it had found human remains in Hill City, South Dakota, after "a hiker in the area discovered the body. The deceased was identified as Sahela Sangrait, a 21-year-old, who was last seen Aug. 10, according to a missing persons poster.

Read Next: VA Halts Transgender Care for New Veteran Patients as Advocates Warn of Dire Consequences

Sangrait was staying in Eagle Butte with a friend, who said she was going to Box Elder, South Dakota, to "get some of her things, then planned to travel to California," the missing poster said. Family and friends began to worry after not hearing from her.

The Pennington County Sheriff's Office said "it has been determined Sangrait was murdered on the base."

Sangrait's disappearance and death mark an alarming trend. A historically disproportionate rate of murders and missing persons cases are from South Dakota's indigenous communities, the state's lone representative in Washington has said in the past. It also is nearly five years removed from the disappearance and murder of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who was killed inside an armory at the Army's Fort Cavazos in Texas, then named Fort Hood.

Tech. Sgt. Levi Rowse, a spokesperson for Ellsworth's 28th Bomb Wing, told Military.com in an emailed statement that Chappelle entered the military on April 30, 2019, and served with the base's 28th Maintenance Squadron as an "aircraft inspection journeyman."

He could not be reached Monday at numbers listed for him in public records, and it was not clear whether he was being represented by an attorney.

Chappelle pleaded not guilty to the charge, a news release issued late Monday from the U.S. District of South Dakota said.

Rowse did not disclose whether Chappelle had faced any prior punishments or adverse actions, stating "a military member's disciplinary history, if one exists, is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 and is not releasable."

Chappelle is still being held at the Pennington County Jail in Rapid City, South Dakota, Rowse added. Given the alleged location of the murder at a military base, the U.S. attorney's office is prosecuting the case.

"Under the criminal justice system, this charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty; the facts and evidence in this case will be litigated before a federal judge and jury," Alison Ramsdell, U.S. attorney for the District of South Dakota, said in the news release. "At this time, our hearts are with the victim's family and friends, who after many agonizing months of searching for answers, are now grieving the tragic death of their loved one."

Eric Carpenter, a former military lawyer who is now a law professor at Florida International University, told Military.com that, in addition to the jurisdiction, the U.S. attorney's office may have also taken the case because it is better prepared to handle an alleged murder than military prosecutors.

"It's really rare for somebody in the military to prosecute two murder cases, because they're only in the job for a couple years and homicides in the military are really rare," Carpenter said. "So, there's not really a deep bench of people who've done complex murder cases, whereas in the U.S. Attorney's Office, they may have several people that have that kind of experience."

Those with information related to Sangrait's death are advised to contact the Rapid City FBI office at (605) 343-9632. Col. Derek Oakley, the 28th Bomb Wing Commander said in an emailed statement that the base is cooperating with law enforcement on the case.

"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Sahela," Oakley said in the emailed statement. "We hold airmen accountable for their actions, and if service members are found in violation of military or civilian law, they will be punished. We are working closely with the area law enforcement agencies."

Editor's note: This story has been updated with newly released information from the U.S. attorney's office for the District of South Dakota.

Related: $450 Million B-1B Lancer Crash Attributed to Crew Failures and 'Degradation of Airman Skills'
The Trump administration is taking the unusual step of deploying a Navy warship off the waters of the U.S. as part of its broader crackdown on security and migration along the Mexico border.

The destroyer USS Gravely departed for the deployment on March 15 and will have a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment aboard that will better enable it to conduct missions such as ship seizures and drug interdictions, according to a statement released by U.S. Northern Command over the weekend.

However, Pentagon officials did not offer more details as to why a Navy destroyer, and not a Coast Guard cutter, was chosen for the mission at the Defense Department's first briefing under the Trump administration on Monday.

Read Next: VA Halts Transgender Care for New Veteran Patients as Advocates Warn of Dire Consequences

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's top spokesman, told reporters that "this deployment directly supports U.S. Northern Command's mission to protect our sovereignty" and that part of the Gravely's mission will be to "secure those water routes in defense of our southern border."

Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the operations boss for the Joint Staff, who was briefing alongside Parnell, said that the ship will "be involved in the interdiction mission for any of the drugs and whatnot that are heading in."

Grynkewich added that the ship will be closely partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Unlike a Coast Guard cutter, though, a Navy destroyer is a far more heavily armed vessel -- the Gravely can carry 96 missiles, including Tomahawk Land Attack cruise missiles -- and it is moving into the area after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently wouldn't rule out conducting strikes into Mexico.

One defense official, who spoke with Military.com on the condition of anonymity, said Northern Command did notify Mexican counterparts that the ship would be off their coast through internal channels.

Another official suggested that the move was far more about the dramatic visual of a warship operating off the Mexican coast than the need for any of its more advanced weapons and capabilities.

The Trump administration has already utilized military assets for dramatic visuals on several occasions -- only to halt after concerns over cost or efficacy were raised.

Both the administration's efforts to use military flights to deport people it claimed to be in the country illegally and the use of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as a detention center have run into issues.

The flights raised questions about cost at a time when the administration was also pushing massive government cuts in the name of efficiency.

Efforts to use the naval base at Guantanamo Bay to house tens of thousands of immigrants have yet to materialize because the tents that service members were directed to set up were not meeting habitability requirements.

President Donald Trump announced plans to use Guantanamo Bay to hold around 30,000 migrants, but last week defense officials said that there were only 60 detainees on the remote military installation in Cuba, none of whom were being housed in the tents service members were recently ordered to set up.

Meanwhile, the Gravely has been back in the U.S. for less than a year.

The ship returned from a storied and dramatic deployment to the Middle East in July. While in the Middle East, the destroyer had its deployment extended twice, for a total of nine months away from home.

The Gravely faced one of the greatest threats that the Navy has publicly acknowledged during the deployment. The ship shot down a missile using its Close-In Weapon System, or CIWS -- a gatling gun system that is one of the vessel's last lines of defense -- after it came within a mile of the destroyer in January 2024.

Officials at the Pentagon and Northern Command wouldn't say how long they planned to have the destroyer patrolling the waters off Mexico.

Northern Command's statement said the ship would operate in international waters, as well as within 12 miles of the U.S. coast.

Related: Trump Wants to Detain 30,000 Migrants at Guantanamo Bay. It Can Hold Only 130 Now.
Lawmakers and veterans supporting Afghans who worked for the U.S. during the country's longest war want aid to be restored to bring these individuals and their families to the U.S., especially with a ban potentially in the works on travel to America from certain countries.

New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's ranking Democrat, wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday urging him to accelerate the immigration process for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders.

More than 5,700 SIV holders and applicants are currently in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar and Albania, where they have been in limbo while the Trump administration attempts to cut funding for foreign aid programs and cracks down on immigration.

Read Next: A Native American Woman's Body Was Found by a Hiker. An Airman Is Accused of Her Murder.

According to Shaheen, the Afghan refugees lack access to routine medical care, necessities and services as a result of the funding freeze instituted in January. President Donald Trump and senior adviser and billionaire Elon Musk -- through his so-called Department of Government Efficiency -- have set about dismantling agencies, firing tens of thousands of federal workers, and dramatically slashing foreign aid around the world since the president's inauguration on Jan. 20.

"The United States government brought them [the visa program] as part of our promise to get them to safety. But they are now stranded," Shaheen wrote. "I respectfully urge you to continue the long-standing support for these individuals and take the necessary steps to lift the restrictions preventing Afghan SIV applicants and holders from traveling to the United States."

The SIV program was created by Congress in 2009 to help relocate Afghan nationals who put their lives at risk by working as interpreters, intelligence gatherers and administrative personnel with U.S. forces during the 20-year war in Afghanistan.

The program became even more essential following the American withdrawal when the Taliban resumed control of the country.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, including Rubio, pushed for the program's expansion in the days, weeks and months after the rapid, chaotic fall of the Afghan government in 2021.

Since 2014, nearly 37,000 program visas have been issued and more than 53,000 completed applications are pending, according to the State Department's October 2024 quarterly report.

During his first days in office, President Donald Trump issued executive orders that suspended refugee admissions and froze foreign aid. The orders did not halt the SIV program, but they interrupted payments for travel, resulting in canceled flights and no funds for resettlement.

Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran and founder of #AfghanEvac, a coalition that helps Afghan allies immigrate to the U.S., said that, while a few have been able to come to the U.S. as a result of loans or private donations, most who have applied for the program have no way to pay for their own travel.

"This isn't sustainable," VanDiver said.

Complicating the effort is a potential ban on travel from certain countries, possibly including Afghanistan. Trump signed an executive order Jan. 20 that tasked his cabinet with identifying countries with "vetting and screening information so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admissions of nationals."

A report is expected to the president this week, but a draft list of recommendations that is circulating within the federal government and has been viewed by The New York Times and Reuters, named 11 countries, including Afghanistan, from which travel would be restricted.

The reports have alarmed the SIV community, VanDiver said.

"We've heard there's a carveout [for Afghan allies], but we don't know," he said. "We need to make sure that our wartime allies are exempted. We owe it to these folks."

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, when asked about the list of countries during a press conference Monday, said it was not one "that exists here that is being acted on."

"What has been touted as something that is an item through the State Department just simply isn't the case," Bruce said. "When it comes to the nature of Afghanistan and those who have helped us, the arrangements we have made already in the past, getting as many people from that conflict here, certainly those who have assisted us and worked with us, that's been a policy and a dynamic that we've worked on from certainly even the previous administration, working to try to get that happening."

VanDiver said Bruce's response has led the SIV holders he is working with to believe that they will be fine, but he said the administration's actions -- halting flights and funding -- are troublesome.

"The State Department and the White House owe it to our wartime allies, to our veterans and other Americans supporting them to speak in plain language on this," VanDiver said in a statement on X.

Another concern that Afghan SIV holders and applicants face -- especially many who are in Pakistan -- is deportation from their current location. SIV holders are supposed to have a reprieve until September, according to a congressional aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity, but Pakistan plans to start deportations of Afghan refugees this month.

Shaheen urged the administration to lift restrictions on travel quickly for approved holders.

"They risked their lives and died for us and, in return, we promised to protect them and their families. We must stand by this promise," Shaheen wrote.

Related: Trump's Funding Freeze Leaves US Allied Afghan Refugees Struggling for the Basics
TAIPEI, Taiwan  An unusually large number of Chinese military ships, planes and drones entered airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan between Sunday and Monday, the self-governing island's Defense Ministry said.

China said the drills were a response to recent statements and actions by the United States and Taiwan. Beijing launches such missions on a daily basis, seeking to wear down Taiwanese defenses and morale, although the vast majority of the islands 23 million people reject its claim of sovereignty over Taiwan.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo told legislators the drills were further evidence China was a troublemaker endangering peace in the region.

The ministry on Tuesday published on social media images of Chinese drones and ships. It said 43 out of 59 entered Taiwans air defense identification zone but that no confrontations were reported. Taiwan monitored the situation and deployed aircraft, navy ships and coastal anti-ship missile defenses in response, the ministry said.

Its unclear what prompted the large Chinese deployment. Daily figures often vary widely based on statements by the Taiwanese authorities or their U.S. partners.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that the drills were a resolute response to foreign connivance and support for Taiwan independence, and a serious warning to Taiwan separatist forces.

Chinas military actions are necessary, legal and justified measures to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, Mao said.

The United States deleted the literal expression that reflected the one-China principle and that did not support Taiwan independence on the website of the U.S. Department of State, which indicates wrong signals to Taiwan separatist forces, Mao was quoted as saying.

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te also raised Beijing's hackles last week when he said that Taiwan law designates mainland China as a foreign hostile force and said tougher measures were being taken to prevent Chinese subversion through the media and civic exchanges. Lai also warned of the danger of influential figures and current and retired military members selling secrets to China.

The Taiwan Strait is an international body of water and one of the most important channels for global trade. While China does not interfere with civilian shipping in the Strait  or in the South China Sea to the south that it claims almost in its entirety  it routinely objects to actions by the U.S. and other foreign navies in the area.

China on Saturday lashed out at accusations by top diplomats from the Group of 7 industrialized democracies who said Beijing is endangering maritime safety.

The G7 in a joint statement condemned China's illicit, provocative, coercive and dangerous actions that seek unilaterally to alter the status quo in such a way as to risk undermining the stability of regions, including through land reclamations, and building of outposts, as well as their use for military purpose.

China said the statement was filled with arrogance, prejudice and malicious intentions.

Faced with the rising threat from China, Taiwan has ordered new missiles, aircraft and other armaments from the U.S., while revitalizing its own defense industry.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war 76 years ago, but Chinese leader Xi Jinping has continued to make bringing the island to heel a top priority of his administration even as it faces economic headwinds and a race for high technology with the West.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing at least 400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to local health officials. The surprise bombardment, the deadliest in Gaza since the start of the 17-month war, shattered a ceasefire in place since January.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel's actions.

The Israeli military ordered people to evacuate eastern Gaza, including much of the northern town of Beit Hanoun and other communities further south, and head toward the center of the territory, indicating that Israel could soon launch renewed ground operations.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Netanyahus office said.

The attack during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan could signal the full resumption of a war that has already killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza. It also raised concerns about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.

The renewal of the campaign against Hamas, which is supported by Iran, came as the U.S. and Israel stepped up attacks this week across the region. The U.S. launched deadly strikes against Iran-allied rebels in Yemen, while Israel has targeted Iran-backed militants in Lebanon and Syria.

A senior Hamas official said Netanyahus decision to return to war amounts to a death sentence for the remaining hostages. Izzat al-Risheq accused Netanyahu of launching the strikes to try and save his far-right governing coalition and called on mediators to reveal facts on who broke the truce. Hamas said at least four senior officials were killed in Tuesday's strikes.

There were no reports of any attacks by Hamas several hours after the bombardment, indicating it still hoped to restore the truce.

The strikes came as Netanyahu comes under mounting domestic pressure, with mass protests planned over his handling of the hostage crisis and his decision to fire the head of Israel's internal security agency. His latest testimony in a long-running corruption trial was canceled after the strikes.

The strikes appeared to give Netanyahu a political boost, with a far-right party that had bolted the government over the ceasefire announcing Tuesday that it was rejoining.

The main group representing families of the captives accused the government of backing out of the ceasefire, saying it chose to give up on the hostages.

We are shocked, angry and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.

Wounded stream into Gaza hospitals

A strike on a home in the southern city of Rafah killed 17 members of one family, according to the European Hospital, which received the bodies. The dead included five children, their parents, and another father and his three children.

In the southern city of Khan Younis, Associated Press reporters saw explosions and plumes of smoke. Ambulances brought wounded people to Nasser Hospital, where patients lay on the floor, some screaming. A young girl cried as her bloody arm was bandaged.

Many Palestinians said they had expected a return to all-out war when talks over the second phase of the ceasefire did not begin as scheduled in early February. The second phase was broadly outlined in the original agreement, but the details had been expected to be hammered out in those talks.

Israel instead embraced an alternative proposal and cut off all shipments of food, fuel and other aid to the territory's 2 million Palestinians to try to pressure Hamas to accept it.

Nobody wants to fight, Palestinian resident Nidal Alzaanin told the AP by phone from Gaza City. "Everyone is still suffering from the previous months, he said.

Gaza's Health Ministry said at least 404 people were killed in the strikes and more than 560 were wounded after earlier saying that 413 were dead and 660 wounded. Rescuers were still searching the rubble for dead and wounded as the strikes continued.

Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the records department in the ministry, said at least 263 of those killed were women or children 18 and under. He described it as the deadliest day in Gaza since the start of the war.

The war has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced an estimated 90% of Gazas population. The Health Ministry doesnt differentiate between civilians and militants, but says over half of the dead have been women and children.

The war erupted when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Most have been released in ceasefires or other deals, with Israeli forces rescuing only eight and recovering dozens of bodies.

Israel responded with one of the most destructive military offensives in recent memory.

The ceasefire brought some relief to Gaza and allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what remained of their homes.

US backs Israel and blames Hamas

The White House sought to blame Hamas for the renewed fighting. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the militant group "could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation, said Israel was striking Hamas' military, leaders and infrastructure and planned to expand the operation beyond air attacks. The official accused Hamas of attempting to rebuild and plan new attacks. Hamas militants and security forces quickly returned to the streets in recent weeks after the ceasefire went into effect.

Talks on a second phase of the ceasefire had stalled

The strikes came two months after a ceasefire was reached to pause the war. Over six weeks, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in exchange for more than 1,700 Palestinian prisoners as agreed in the first phase.

But since that phase ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward with a second phase that was meant to free the 24 living hostages still in captivity and bring about an end to the war. Israel says Hamas also holds the remains of 35 captives.

Hamas has demanded an end to the war and full withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages. Israel says it will not end the war until it destroys Hamas' governing and military capabilities and frees all hostages  two goals that could be incompatible.

Now Israel has demanded Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Hamas instead wants to follow the original ceasefire deal reached by the two sides.

Though Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military says approached its troops or entered unauthorized areas since the ceasefire began, the deal has largely held. Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate the next steps.

A full resumption of the war would allow Netanyahu to avoid the tough trade-offs called for in the second phase of the agreement and the thorny question of who would govern Gaza.

It would also shore up his coalition, which depends on far-right lawmakers who want to depopulate Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements there. That was already in motion with the return of far-right Itamar Ben-Gvir and his party to Netanyahus government Tuesday.

Netanyahu faces mounting criticism

The released hostages, some of whom were emaciated, have repeatedly implored the government to press ahead with the ceasefire to return all remaining captives. Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken part in mass protests calling for a ceasefire and return of all hostages.

Mass demonstrations are planned later Tuesday and Wednesday following Netanyahu's announcement this week that he wants to fire the head of Israel's Shin Bet internal security agency. Critics have lambasted the move as an attempt by Netanyahu to divert blame for his government's failures in the Oct. 7 attack and handling of the war.

___

Federman reported from Jerusalem and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press reporters Mohammad Jahjouh in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip; Abdel Kareem Hana in Gaza City, Gaza Strip; Fatma Khaled in Cairo; and Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed.
GLOBALink | Foreign stone traders voice confidence in Chinese market Pub Date:25-03-18 09:43 Source:Xinhua

"I see a bright future for the Chinese market." Exhibitors attending the 24th China Xiamen International Stone Fair have voiced strong confidence in the Chinese market. Editor:Qin Shuying

Related News China records net inflow of cross-border c... GLOBALink | Paragliding boosts low-altitud... Chinese delegation visits Austria for busi... China's SF Airlines expands fleet to 90 fr...
The sludge-like foam has seen multiple beachgoers fall ill, and has killed dozens of marine life including fish, seadragons and octopus.

Waitpinga Beach has been closed to the public as authorities investigation a mysterious sludge-like foam that washed ashore, leaving marine animals dead. Source: Facebook/Anthony Rowland

A popular surf beach in the country's south has been declared off-limits to the public as authorities investigate a mysterious, murky brown foam that's blanketed the shoreline, resulting in numerous marine animals washing up dead.

Environmental authorities in South Australia have urged the public to avoid contact with the sludge-coloured foam at Waitpinga Beach, around 15 kilometres south-west of Victor Harbor in the state's southeast, as they work to determine the cause.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) confirmed it had launched an inquiry into the seemingly noxious substance, which has seen dead fish, octopus and a whole host of other sea creatures, including rare leafy sea dragons, dot the shoreline.

Local man Anthony Rowland regularly visits the spot. He was surfing with a group of friends on Saturday morning when they suddenly erupted in a coughing fit, which he said lasted the entire day. He also reported having sore eyes and a sore throat after being exposed to the foam.

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He shared multiple photos on social media showing the incredible extent of the sludge as well as dead marine life that had been affected.

Local surfer Anthony Rowland fell sick after being exposed. He also found multiple dead leafy sea dragons. Source: Facebook/Anthony Rowland

Local confusion as popular beach covered in toxic sea foam

Rowland said the discovery of multiple dead leafy sea dragons was the "most concerning" element for him. "We found a handful [of them], they're extremely rare to see washed up," he told 7NEWS.

According to PIRSA, fish kill events can occur due to a variety of factors, including environmental changes like temperature fluctuations, rainfall or drought, water quality issues such as salinity or oxygen depletion, as well as disease or pollution.

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The foam has also been observed at nearby Parsons Beach, as well as Kings Beach and Petrel Cove. On social media, dozens responding to Rowland's post reported also feeling unwell after being in the ocean.

Numerous marine animals washed ashore dead. Source: Facebook/Anthony Rowland

"Got unwell from surfing at Middleton yesterday as well," a woman said. "My partner and I were there on Friday afternoon ... approaching the car park there was a noticeable chemical-like smell," another added.

"Immediately I began coughing and felt a burning nostril sensation the whole time. Short of breath."

In Australia, sea foam has been known to sometimes cause coughing and breathing difficulties, particularly when it contains high concentrations of organic material, harmful algal bloom or pollutants.

When strong winds and wave action churn up decaying algae and other organic matter, the resulting foam can release aerosols containing irritants.

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In some cases, exposure has been linked to respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma or other pre-existing lung conditions. Harmful toxins can be released into the air, potentially leading to throat irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties.

SA's Environmental Protection Agency told 7News it appears a harmful algae bloom is behind the toxic foam, which most likely occurred as a result of a marine heatwave  higher water temperatures combined with low winds and small swells. Yahoo News Australia has sought comment from the EPA.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Its a problem that many people have run into. You have a file on your computer that cant be opened without having to purchase an expensive software program. Instead of paying the money to open one document, you look up a free file converter tool online.

You use the free software and everything seems to be fine.

However, the FBI is warning that an ongoing scheme involving online file converters actually installs harmful malware on your computer. That malware can give criminals access to your computer, and can also scrape your submitted files for information. The FBI says that means criminals may then be able to access:

Personal identifying information, such as social security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers, etc.

Banking information.

Cryptocurrency information (seed phrases, wallet addresses, etc.).

Email addresses.

Passwords.

If the cyber criminals obtain that information, it opens the victim up for costly ransomware where the computer can be held hostage until a ransom is paid.

Related story: FBI warns Gmail, Outlook email users of costly ransomware scheme

The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they dont fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place, said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. If you or someone you know has been affected by this scheme, we encourage you to make a report and take actions to protect your assets. Every day, we are working to hold these scammers accountable and provide victims with the resources they need.

While the FBI didnt list specific websites involved in the scheme, the agency says the websites are designed to look legit. They might claim to convert one type of file to another, such as a .doc file to a .pdf file, the FBI says. The websites may also claim to merge multiple JPEG files together or convert MP3 and MP4 files.

Once the target uses the free software, the malware is installed on the device before the target even knows theyve made a mistake. If you believe you have been a victim of the scam, the FBI says you should:
A French politician says the U.S. should give back the Statue of Liberty over backlash for Donald Trump's policies. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith, file) AP

PARIS (AP)  Hey, America: Give the Statue of Liberty back to France.

So says a French politician who is making headlines in his country for suggesting that the U.S. is no longer worthy of the monument that was a gift from France nearly 140 years ago.

As a member of the European Parliament and co-president of a small left-wing party in France, Raphael Glucksmann cannot claim to speak for all of his compatriots.

But his assertion in a speech this weekend that some Americans have chosen to switch to the side of the tyrants reflects the broad shockwaves that U.S. President Donald Trumps seismic shifts in foreign and domestic policy are triggering in France and elsewhere in Europe.

Give us back the Statue of Liberty, Glucksmann said, speaking Sunday to supporters of his Public Place party, who applauded and whistled.

It was our gift to you. But apparently you despise her. So she will be happy here with us, Glucksmann said.

The White House brushed back on the comments Monday, saying France instead should still be grateful for U.S. support during World War I and World War II.

Can France claim it back?

Dream on.

UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural arm that has the statue on its list of World Heritage treasures, notes that the iconic monument is U.S. government property.

It was initially envisaged as a monumental gesture of French-American friendship to mark the 100th anniversary of the July 4, 1776, Declaration of Independence.

But a war that erupted in 1870 between France and German states led by Prussia diverted the energies of the monuments designer, French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi.

The gift also took time to be funded, with a decision taken that the French would pay for the statue and Americans would cover the costs of its pedestal.

Transported in 350 pieces from France, the statue was officially unveiled Oct. 28, 1886.

Is Frances government offering asylum to Lady Liberty?

No. French-U.S. relations would have to drop off a cliff before Glucksmann found support from French President Emmanuel Macrons government.

For the moment, the French president is treading a fine line  trying to work with Trump and temper some of his policy shifts on the one hand but also pushing back hard against some White House decisions, notably Trumps tariff hikes.

Macron has let his prime minister, Francois Bayrou, play the role of being a more critical voice. Bayrou tore into the brutality that was shown to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his White House visit and suggested that Trumps administration risked handing victory to Russia when it paused military aid to Ukraine.

Glucksmanns party has been even more critical, posting accusations on its website that Trump is wielding power in an authoritarian manner and is preparing to deliver Ukraine on a silver platter to Russia.

In his speech, Glucksmann referenced New York poet Emma Lazarus' words about the statue, the mighty woman with a torch who promised a home for the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

Today, this land is ceasing to be what it was, Glucksmann said.

What is the White House saying?

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked Monday about Glucksmanns comments, and responded that the U.S. would absolutely not be parting with the iconic statue.

My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that its only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now, Leavitt said, apparently referencing the U.S. fight with allied powers to free France from Nazi occupation in World War II and alongside France during World War I. They should be very grateful.

But the debt of gratitude runs both ways. Leavitt skipped past Frances key role in supporting the future United States during its war for independence from the United Kingdom.

Leavitt is one of three administration officials who face a lawsuit from The Associated Press on First- and Fifth-Amendment grounds. The AP says the three are punishing the news agency for editorial decisions they oppose. The White House says the AP is not following an executive order to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
MACOMB COUNTY, MI  A Michigan man suspected of strangling his fathers dog has been sentenced in Macomb County.

William John Kucharski, Jr., 48, was sentenced to 63 days in jail with credit for time served and ordered a mental health evaluation after he pleaded no contest to abandoning/cruelty to an animal.

He was originally charged with third degree killing of an animal and as a fourth time-habitual offender, but the charges were dropped after a veterinarians necropsy could not determine the cause of the dogs death.

The veterinarian only determined the dog had chronic age-related issues, officials said.

When we can no longer prove the original charge beyond a reasonable doubt, the right thing to do is to dismiss the charges and add the appropriate charge, said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Upholding the integrity of the justice system means ensuring that every decision is based on truth and fairness.

The charges stem from an alleged incident that occurred when Macomb County deputies responded to a residence on Prinz Road in Richmond Township on Jan. 16.

Kucharski was accused of strangling his fathers fully grown Labrador Retriever during a dispute. The dog was found dead with Kucharskis arms around it, deputies said.

Kucharski, Jr. also had an open warrant in St. Clair County for second-degree arson, assault with a dangerous weapon and assaulting/resisting a police officer.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for March 25.
Should the U.S. give back the Statue of Liberty to France? A French politician told supporters: Give us back the Statue of Liberty." Photo by Reena Rose Sibayan | NJ.com

Its a prominent symbol of freedom, given to the U.S. as a gift from France in 1885. Now, a French politician is suggesting the U.S. give the Statue of Liberty back.

We want MLive readers to weigh in. Tell us your opinion by voting in our poll. Do you think the U.S. should give the Statue of Liberty back to France? MLive will post your results later this week.

We pose this question after Raphael Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and co-president of a small left-wing party in France suggested the U.S. is no longer worthy of the monument, according to the Associated Press.

He said in a speech this weekend that some Americans have chosen to switch to the side of the tyrants, adding, It was our gift to you. But apparently you despise her. So she will be happy here with us.

He continued in posts on X, No one, of course, will come and steal the Statue of Liberty. The statue is yours. But what it embodies belongs to everyone.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded, saying the U.S. would absolutely not be parting with the famous landmark.

The Statue of Liberty was transported to the U.S. in 350 pieces and officially unveiled on October 28, 1886.
The man was identified as Anthony Bernard Gulley of Pontiac, who is believed to be a homicide victim. Stark County Sheriff's Office

Skeletal remains found in Ohio in 2001 have been identified as a Michigan man.

Investigators in Stark County determined the remains belong to Anthony Gulley of Pontiac, who was 24 years old when he was murdered in Michigan in 1994.

His remains were discovered years later about 250 miles away on private property near an oil well on Trump Avenue in Canton Township.

The answer to this mystery may have remained lost in time if not for the tenacity of investigators and the groundbreaking power of genetic genealogy, Yost said. My heart goes out to the family and although they finally have answers, they undoubtedly still have broken hearts.

The man was identified as Anthony Bernard Gulley of Pontiac, Michigan, and is believed to be a homicide victim. At age 24, Gulley was reported missing in Pontiac on Sept. 11, 1994.

For those of us at the Stark County Sheriffs Office, we never lost sight of the fact that this unidentified man likely had a family who was missing him and didnt know what had happened to him, and that kept us motivated, Stark County Sheriff Eric Weisburn said.

We are honored to have been part of the team that gave him back his name  Anthony Gulley  and provided some answers to his family.

He is believed to have been murdered by a man called George Ricky Washington at a Pontiac hotel, officials said.

Washington later shot and killed himself following a shootout with Akron police in 1994, officials said.

The answers to when and how Gulley died  and why his body ended up in Canton only to be discovered seven years later  likely died with Washington in 1994, officials said.

Gulleys sister, Elizabeth Gulley, told WEWS-TV in Cleveland that she was relieved to get some answers decades after her brothers death.

I always said, I pray before I go, I can find out whatever happened to my brother. I wanted some answers. I wanted some closure, she said.

Investigators had been puzzled by the case for more than 20 years before sending the remains to the DNA Doe Project, which used genetic genealogy and social media searches of missing people to land on Gulley as a possible match.

The remains will eventually make their way back to Michigan.

Hes not home with us yet, one of Gulleys two daughters, Raven Williams, told WEWS-TV. When hes here, his remains are here, then maybe I can use the word closure.
A look at Lake Erie from Main Beach in Port Stanley, Ontario. Vivek Ramaswamy says since there is a Lake Michigan, maybe there should be a Lake Ohio. Photo by Susan Glaser | Cleveland.com

Theres a Lake Michigan, so why not a Lake Ohio? Vivek Ramaswamy, who launched his campaign for Ohio governor last month, just suggested one of the Great Lakes should be renamed Lake Ohio.

If this absolutely had to happen, which of the five Great Lakes would you be OK with getting a new name? Vote in our MLive poll. We will post the results later this week.

Ramaswamy, a Columbus-area Republican, speaking at a GOP fundraiser in a Toledo suburb about 13 miles away from the shores of Lake Erie, told the crowd, Anybody think if theres a Lake Michigan, maybe there should be a Lake Ohio around here? Im feeling that.

He added that, Well talk about that a little bit more as this campaign progresses.

A campaign spokesperson said Ramaswamy was making a joke, according to Cleveland.com. Ramaswamy smiled after making the comments, which received applause and scattered shouts of approval from the crowd.

Ramaswamy did not say which Great Lake he would suggest renaming.
The James W. Rutherford Parking Structure is shown in this Flint Journal file photo. (Ryan Garza/The Flint Journal) The Flint Journal

FLINT, MI -- Flints Downtown Development Authority is about to get a rush of new customers -- Genesee County government workers who are expected to start moving into new offices as early as May 1.

The deal between the authority and the county calls for the DDA to provide up to 400 parking spots in the Rutherford and Riverfront parking garages at a cost of $168,000 per year.

Both structures are located near the new consolidated office on Saginaw Street.

Employees are moving into the new office -- formerly the north tower of the old Citizens Bank complex -- from multiple buildings, including the countys primary administration office and the McCree Health and Human Services Building.

The county Board of Commissioners is expected to consider the proposed contract with the DDA during a committee meeting on Wednesday, March 19.

With the move to the tower, the ... commissioners have committed to providing employee parking, free to them, for at least the next three years, Joshua Freeman, the countys director of administration, told commissioners in a review of the proposal.

Freeman said the contract with the DDA is based on a $ 35-per-space monthly rate -- half the DDAs standard rate.

The five-page agreement also provides for the DDA to provide validated parking for up to 100 visitors per day to the county offices.

Employees are expected to move into their new offices in late May or early June.

According to information provided to commissioners in advance of Wednesdays meeting, payment to the DDA will be drawn from parking fees the county has collected at the current primary administration building across Saginaw Street from Flint City Hall.

The Rutherford Parking Garage opened in 2009 at Kearsley and Beach streets, one block west of Saginaw Street. The Riverfront garage is located at 302 Beach St. Both ramps charge a daily flat fee of $5 for parking.

The DDA captures property taxes and parking ticket revenue in an area of downtown roughly bounded by Chavez Drive on the east, East Fifth Avenue on the north, Grand Traverse Street on the west, and I-69 on the south.

It also pays for expenses and collects revenue from parking meters, lots and ramps in the same area.

The city created the organization in 1975 with the goal of improving property values, promoting economic development, and stimulating new investment in downtown.

Last year, Flint officials transferred more than $560,000 in federal stimulus funds to the DDA after parking revenues fell short of expectations.

Funding from the DDA is used by the city to make payments on the bond for the Rutherford Parking Structure, which has 388 parking slots.

MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach DDA Operations Manager Brandy Curtis for additional information on the proposed contract with the county on Tuesday, March 18.

The DDA has been without a permanent leader since the resignation of former Executive Director Kiaira May nearly two years ago.

May left the authority after City Council members questioned her credit card spending, particularly charges for dinners, nail salon fees, and souvenir hoodies.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley appoints members of the DDA Board of Directors and serves as the chairman of that board. The DDAs budget is approved by the City Council, but the agency operates without day-to-day oversight from the city.

The authority announced last July that it had stopped collecting fees at metered parking spots downtown until existing meters, which were installed in 2019, were replaced -- something that was expected to have been completed last summer but hasnt occurred.

County commissioners agreed to purchase its new office tower from the University of Michigan for $8.5 million in December 2021. The total project has been estimated to cost roughly $40 million after renovations are completed.

In January, county officials said the rehabilitation was 70% complete.

Officials have said the complex will yield future savings for taxpayers, in part, because of reduced energy and maintenance costs.

County officials have said previously that they plan to eventually sell the current county administration building, the McCree building, the county Community Action Resource Department offices, and the Donald R. Haley Building on Beach Street once workers have moved from offices there.

The Flint Mass Transportation Authority and the county have discussed the potential for the MTA to purchase the current administration building.

MTA officials have said the property could be demolished and used as its new downtown bus terminal, replacing the agencys existing terminal on Harrison Street.
The added security measure comes almost one year after the devastating stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction, in which six people were killed.

Security guards across every Westfield shopping centre in Australia and New Zealand will now be fitted with body-worn surveillance cameras. Source: Supplied/Westfield/Getty

Security is being drastically beefed up across the almost 40 Westfield shopping malls around the country, with centre staff being fitted with body-worn surveillance cameras that scan for dangerous and antisocial behaviour.

A spokesperson for Scentre Group, Westfield's parent company, confirmed to Yahoo News Australia on Tuesday the new initiative is currently being rolled out, with security guards now having the ability to "turn on the recording function" to capture audio and video of "incidents when they have reasonable concern" for their safety or welfare, or that of others.

The added security measure will be rolled out across all 37 Westfield shopping centres in Australia, as well as all five in New Zealand. It comes almost one year after the horrific stabbing attack at Westfield, Bondi Junction in which six people were killed.

"The introduction of the team safety cameras is to enhance the safety and security of our customers, business partners and team members," the spokesperson told Yahoo News.

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"Our security approach is created in partnership with law enforcement and government agencies. We invest in our security practices and continuously improve our capability, processes and peoples preparedness to respond to security incidents."

Security guards will have the option to turn on the cameras, which record both audio and video, should they detect any threats. Source: Supplied/Scentre Group

Westfield security continually being ramped up since Bondi attack

Scentre Group significantly heightened security across malls following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and further in the wake of the stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi on April 13, 2024.

"In 2024, we introduced additional personal protective equipment, including vests, for all security officers in every Westfield destination," the spokesperson said. Westfield also expanded a trial of team safety cameras across all malls.

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The group explained that audio and video of incidents recorded by team safety cameras will be collected and used by the company when responding to incidents. Access to footage is restricted and may be shared with authorities including police, to assist in their investigations.

Currently, it's a condition of entry to a Westfield centre that customers acknowledge it may collect personal information through CCTV, which includes through the use of team safety cameras.

Scentre Group said signage is displayed at the entry. The cameras can be seen in new photos tightly nestled on the jackets of security officers, beside a warning that reads "audio and video is recording".

The security upgrade comes almost a year after the horrific stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction, in which six people lost their lives. Source: AAP

Customers behave differently when they know they're on camera

In January, a University of Sydney report examined how surveillance cameras changed the behaviour of the public, once they were aware they were being recorded.

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"Research has established that people tend to behave differently when they believe they are being watched. For example, they become more generous and less likely to engage in antisocial behaviour," Kiley Seymour wrote for The Conversation.

This phenomenon, often referred to as the "Hawthorne effect" or "observer effect", suggests individuals modify their actions in response to real or perceived scrutiny.

The report explored various contexts, including public spaces, retail environments, and workplaces, where surveillance measures were found to encourage compliance with social norms.

In some cases, the presence of cameras deterred minor infractions like littering or vandalism, while in others, it influenced more significant behaviour, such as cooperation in group settings. However, the study also noted concerns about privacy and the ethical implications of constant monitoring, raising questions about the balance between security and personal freedoms.

Surveillance cameras spark debate over privacy

It's not the first time Australians have questioned the use of surveillance monitoring, particularly after major supermarket chain Woolworths introduced similar technology in 2023.

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Their use of AI-powered security cameras and facial recognition sparked widespread debate over privacy, data collection, and the extent to which corporations should be allowed to monitor customers.

Many shoppers raised concerns about how their personal data was being stored, who had access to it, and whether these surveillance measures were truly necessary. Advocacy groups and consumer rights watchdogs warned of the potential for misuse, calling for greater transparency and regulation around corporate surveillance practices.

Despite this backlash, Woolworths continued with the trial, emphasising its commitment to improving the accuracy and efficiency of the checkout process. Coles continued rolling out some surveillance initiatives too, arguing they were essential in reducing stock losses and ensuring staff safety.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
GRAND BLANC, MI - The city of Grand Blanc Police Department has crafted an ordinance to help prevent fights on school grounds.

City Council members on March 12 approved the ordinance thatll take effect on April 2.

During the 2023-24 school year, Grand Blanc police Chief Brian Lipe said there were over 82 fights on school property and another 81 altercations that were broken up before fighting occurred.

During this school year, 33 fights have been reported and another 47 were broken up.

One of my school resource officers went to a training and one of the school resource officers from out of state presented this during the training, Lipe said. This is something theyve done in other states and its had an impact on the number of fights.

If a student gets into a fight, a fine will cost $200 and can go as high as $500 for repeat offenders.

Fines will be handled on a case-by-case basis, but both parties are likely to get fined if a fight mutually occurred unless police and school officials deem otherwise and one of the parties is at no fault.

Grand Blanc schools agreed with implementing the ordinance.

The district looks forward to having this ordinance in place to deter physical altercations on campus, both during and after school, said Superintendent Dr. Trevor Alward.

Lipe said punishments count as a civil infraction and wont go on a criminal record or affect driving records.

This is something to make the student more accountable and maybe even the parents accountable to their kids actions, he said. The judge doesnt even have to make it a fine, they can order community service. Were just looking for a new way making the student responsible.

The school will still issue student discipline, Lipe said.

As far as I know, were the only ones in the county doing this, he said. I think Metro Detroit schools have done it in the past year, but not sure. These fights disrupt school and classes. Were trying to make a safe place for kids to go to school.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said officers deployed pepper spray and pepper balls to disperse large crowds of people downtown after several fights broke out this weekend.

No injuries were reported in the incident, which happened in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 15, near Commerce Avenue and Oakes Street in Grand Rapids, Winstrom said. Five people were arrested on various charges including disorderly conduct, resisting and obstructing police officers, and assault.

Police were already monitoring the area that evening due to large crowds of people that had gathered in the area, in part due to a sold-out show at a nearby music venue, he said. Officers estimated there were as many as 400 people walking around the street that evening.

At 2:25 a.m., a large fist fight broke out in the area, and nearby officers quickly worked to break up the fight and called for more backup. Numerous other fights broke out from there, which Winstrom said was fueled by warm weather, and a lot of alcohol and bad decisions.

Winstrom said officers used pepper spray to break up the fights and clear people from the area. In one of the body cam videos provided by GRPD to MLive, an officer can be heard shouting out, Youre about to get sprayed! while trying to break up a fight between several people. The officer appeared to be holding a pepper spray can and sprayed the people, causing them to disperse.

While clearing out the crowds, some of the people who were involved in the fighting refused to leave and continued to taunt the officers, Winstrom said. The officers gave five minutes of verbal warnings before they began using pepper balls, which are pneumatically operated paintball rounds with powder dispersal, to disperse the individuals, the police chief said.

Winstrom noted that pepper balls are harmless and dont hurt those exposed to it, rather creating dust clouds that make it uncomfortable for individuals to stand in the area. The pepper balls were all directed to hit the ground, not directly at people.

No complaints have been filed against the police department, although videos of the incident have been circulating on social media with some concerns about whether the officers used excessive force by utilizing the pepper balls.

Winstrom said he was alerted to the incident later on Saturday morning, when a community member notified him that there were videos of the incident online. The police chief investigated the incident, including reviewing body cam footage on the scene, and found that all the officers involved were fully in compliance of best practices and procedures, and there was no evidence of misconduct.

Winstrom said he believed the officers had shown great restraint in a violent situation that couldve ended much more violently. There were about 20 officers who responded to the incident.

I looked into the incident and saw the officers really facing a very difficult situation where they are overwhelmingly outnumbered, he told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Monday, March 17. Its chaotic, its very violent, and the officers showed great restraint, and in a matter of probably about eight minutes, brought everything to a peaceful conclusion.

Im happy that we are discussing social media video about pepper ball launchers as opposed to another young person being shot in Grand Rapids, because that incident ended with no injuries reported at all.

When Winstrom was selected as Grand Rapids' police chief in 2022, he came to the city with a commitment to restoring trust and building positive relationships between residents and the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Many community members and activists felt like police relations in Grand Rapids hit an all-time low in recent years, particularly in the wake of the April 2022 killing of Patrick Lyoya, a Black man who was fatally shot by a Grand Rapids police officer while being pinned to the ground.

RELATED: Black mans fatal shooting by Grand Rapids police very sad day for our city

Winstrom said he believes the city has made tremendous progress since then, and that residents now know that police officers will be held accountable for any misconduct.

Im glad were in a place of trust, where I think the default now is that everyone knows that the police officers who respond to 911 calls in the city all have body-worn cameras on, he said. Everyone knows that the officers are aware of the ubiquity of surveillance video, including cell phone videos. Everyone knows that I am not afraid to hold police officers accountable when they do things wrong. And so I think the trust issue has really improved.

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Portage police responded to the reports of a possible bomb threat at Crossroads Mall, 6650 S. Westnedge Ave., at 6:45 p.m. Monday, March 17. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

PORTAGE, MI  Police have determined that a bomb threat that evacuated a Southwest Michigan mall on Monday evening was fraudulent.

Authorities responded to the reports of a possible bomb threat at 6:45 p.m. Monday, March 17, at Crossroads Mall, 6650 S. Westnedge Ave., according to a Facebook post from the Portage Department of Public Safety.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- A new slew of Broadway shows are coming to Miller Auditorium.

The 2025-26 lineup features award-winning Chicago! The Musical, the longest running musical on Broadway, according to a press release from Miller Auditorium.

The shows are part of the 2025-26 Zhang Broadway in West Michigan Series.

The series kicks off with Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical from Nov. 7 through Nov. 8. The show features classics from the original animated film like Youre A Mean One Mr. Grinch.

Next, Chicago! will light up the stage with the razzle dazzle of Jazz Age Chicago from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2026. The story follows two notorious murderesses as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy. The show has won six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy.

Chicago! was last performed at Miller Auditorium for one night on Feb. 28, 2018. The performance came two years after the musicals appearance at Miller Auditorium was canceled in 2016 due to a scheduling conflict.

Next on the lineup is Clue from Feb. 4 to Feb. 5, 2026, a murder mystery based on the classic board game, and Tina  The Tina Turner Musical" on March 3 and March 4, 2026.

One of the worlds best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows were seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history, the release said.

Concluding the lineup is Beetlejuice, a musical based on the cult-classic Tim Burton film of the same name. Beetlejuice will run from May 8 to 10, 2026.

Subscriptions to The Zhang Financial Broadway in West Michigan Series can be purchased starting June 3. Subscriptions prices start at $179.

Tickets for individual shows are not yet available.

2025-26 Miller Auditorium Broadway schedule

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical: Nov. 78, 2025

CHICAGO The Musical: Jan. 20-21, 2026

Clue: Feb. 4-5, 2026

TINA  The Tina Turner Musical: March 3-4, 2026

Beetlejuice: May 8-10, 2026

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.
Bay City Mayor Chris Girard speaks 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  City commissioners on Monday, March 17, narrowly approved a resolution deeming Bay City a welcoming community for people regardless of their immigration status, a measure aimed at focusing local resources on local issues. The matter was approved after weeks of discussion; it might not yet be going away.

Mayor Chris Girard has five days from Mondays meeting to decide whether to enact his first veto as the citys leader. Were he to issue a veto on the matter, the resolution would return to the commission as the first act of business at the citys next commission meeting.
Tom Barrett claims victory speech at the Michigan Republican state watch party on election night Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Barrett is running against Curtis Hertel, Jr. for the Michigan 7th Congressional District. (Jake May | MLive.com)

LANSING, MI  A Michigan Republican is the latest U.S. House lawmaker to face a growing outcry from constituents demanding in-person town hall meetings with federal lawmakers.

An organized group of citizens announced plans later this week to deliver a petition signed by 1,500 town hall-demanding citizens to the Lansing office of Tom Barrett, a first-year Congressman representing Michigans District 7 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Along with the petition demanding an in-person town hall, the group plans to invite Barrett to a citizen-organized gathering in late April in Lansing.

A statement from the group said they hope an in-person town hall will provide an opportunity to let Barrett know how President Donald Trumps administration is hurting people right here in mid-Michigan.

The group organizing the town hall was led by Judy Daubenmier, a resident in Barretts district. She said Barretts constituents are fearful about the Trump administrations cuts to federal jobs and programs.

People are hurting right now, Daubenmier said. Theyre scared and afraid. We know more cuts are coming. They want to know their elected representative hears them. He needs to look them in the eye and hear what they have to say. The people deserve to be heard.

Daubenmier said she was helping to organize the meeting in her capacity as a resident in Barretts district, not in her role as chairperson of the Livingston County Democratic Party.

Daubenmier said organizers were providing Barrett with plenty of notice about the April meeting and scheduling the session during a planned recess for Congress.

She said she hopes Barrett will attend but his office has yet to indicate the Congressmans plans.

Barrett has not responded to questions from MLive, which first contacted his office last week about the growing calls for in-person town halls.

The Republican hosted a telephone-based town hall Monday, March 10, but some constituents voiced dissatisfaction with the format, including Daubenmier.

That session was organized as he and other GOP members of the U.S. House faced scrutiny for avoiding in-person gatherings with constituents.

House Speaker Mike Johnson earlier this month encouraged his fellow Republican lawmakers to skip town halls that have been filled with protesters decrying the Trump administrations slashing of federal government, echoing the presidents claims that the demonstrations are fueled by professional protesters.

The speakers advice came as GOP lawmakers often find themselves at a loss to explain the cuts, led by billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency.

Other Michigan congressional members have faced scrutiny for avoiding in-person town halls this month.

U.S. House Rep. Bill Huizenga hosted a town hall by phone on Friday, March 7. Earlier in the day, nearly 50 people gathered outside the Republican lawmakers Holland office in part to demand he answer constituents at an in-person gathering.

I know this may not be satisfactory to some who would like to just create a scene and be, you know, be disruptive, Huizenga said during the March 7 phone conference. But we know that this is extremely effective for reaching people.

Huizenga at the time told News Channel 3 that the outreach overwhelming his office was funded and organized by outside partisans.

Holland resident Linda Visscher, one of the protesters outside Huizengas office that day, denied the claim echoed by Huizenga and other House Republicans.

People who go to town halls are concerned citizens. And just because some of the representatives are getting yelled at or uncomfortably questioned doesnt mean that you stop doing it, Visscher said.

One day earlier, organizers in Escanaba hosted an in-person town hall in the district represented by U.S. House Rep. Jack Bergman.

The Republican, who represents the Upper Peninsula and parts of the northern half of the Lower Peninsula, did not attend the packed-house session. Attendees moved forward with the meeting regardless, keeping a seat empty for Bergman.

The gathering  organized by people frustrated by Bergmans lack of in-person town halls  was covered by national media outlets, including MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
DETROIT -- Former Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann, one of the more recognizable names still on the market with Opening Day fast approaching, has found a new home.

McCann signed a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves on Monday, according to several reports. He will be assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett, giving Atlanta additional catching depth after injuries at the position.

His arrival coincides with the departure of another former Tiger, Curt Casali, who was released by the Braves this week after failing to make the club out of spring training.

McCann, 34, was drafted by Detroit in the second round in 2011 and played five seasons (2014-18) with the Tigers before the team declined to tender him a contract following a subpar 2018 campaign. He revitalized his career with the Chicago White Sox over the next two seasons before signing a four-year, $40 million deal with the New York Mets. After two seasons in New York, he was traded to Baltimore, where he spent the past two seasons as the backup to young star Adley Rutschman.

Casali, 36, was also a 2011 Tigers draft pick but never reached Detroit. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013 so the Tigers could retain the rights to Rule 5 pick Kyle Lobstein. Casali has bounced between 11 organizations but carved out an 11-year big-league career, though he has never had more than 256 plate appearances in a single season.
A homeowner is facing a hefty bill to fix a newly built home after a tradie discovered a dodgy detail hidden in plain sight on the outside of her home which now means she cannot move in.

Prominent building site inspector Zeher Khalil spotted the unapproved building material used in the house. He has called out a 'deceptive' move where polystyrene is used in place of concrete in a bid to "cut costs". "I've had enough of these scammers," Zeher told Yahoo News. "This guy is deceiving the homeowner."

The devastating incident left Zeher with the difficult task of letting the owner know that she has been "taken advantage of" and because $420,000 worth of work was already paid for, she will need to try to claw back money from the builder in legal proceedings.

"It's going to cost $100,000 to $200,000 to fix, easy," Zeher told Yahoo of the job on the outskirts of Victoria which also has problems on the inside of the home.

Polystyrene can be seen on the outside of the home. Source: TikTok/Siteinspections

How is polystyrene used in housing construction?

Footage of the site inspection posted online left Aussies stunned, wondering why polystyrene would ever be used in the construction of new housing. "Where is that allowed on a house in Australia?" one person questioned. Surprisingly, it's fairly widespread.

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Zeher explained that polystyrene is being used in place of concrete "quite commonly now". However, the important thing to note is that it can only be used if it's outlined in the plans for the construction.

"You have to use polystyrene that's certified and has its own certificate of conformity," he explained, and builders have to show that certificate. "At the moment, he's put in this foam, we don't even know what it is, and he's coated it."

As well as on the outside of houses, polystyrene is also used when laying down foundation slabs. Polystyrene waffle pods are placed in the grid pattern to create voids where concrete is poured. The reason polystyrene is used in place of concrete is that it's "cheaper" and as the cost of materials, labour and red tape rise, many are opting to use it.

"Some polystyrene is really strong and dense, but there's a specific way to install it. It has to be installed per the stamped plan, and if not it fails," he said.

One weakness Zeher points out is that "you have to keep water away from the home". If water gets in while the slab is being laid with polystyrene "the system just fails". "If you want to go cheap, you have to be so careful and do it strictly to the engineering plans otherwise you're risking a lot," he warned.

Builders should get job right first time around, inspector says

While builders will come back and fix problems if they occur, Zeher argues that they should get it right the first time around. "Everybody's rushing to get the job done quicker because that's how they get paid quicker," he said.

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And it's not just the cost of redoing the work, but also the environmental impact. If done incorrectly, it has to be "ripped out" and they have to start again. "To make it compliant, builders have to rip out their work and throw it in the bin," he explained. "So if they follow the plans, you most likely will have no problem."

The building industry in Victoria already has a huge problem with waste and illegal dumping. Yahoo News reported on the devastating scene on the outskirts of Melbourne, where builders are under pressure to race to build enough homes to cater to a growing population.

They new-builds have been described as an "environmental disaster" by local residents who see the damaging impact of the waste they create. "Most of it ends up in the environment or in landfill," one local resident told Yahoo, who captured devastating images of polystyrene waffle pods ending up in a nearby river, causing devastating pollution.

Polystyrene waffle pods arriving to a construction site in Maddingley, Victoria. Source: Supplied

Polystyrene waffle pods are easily picked up by the wind and dispersed across the environment. Source: Supplied

Polystyrene waffle pods which have blown away from a construction site. Source: Supplied

Polystyrene which has broken up and found its way into a nearby water stream in Maddingley. Source: Supplied

'Important' advice to homeowners from site inspector

Zeher believes the corner cutting comes from "under quoting" jobs in the first place, meaning builders need to save on costs elsewhere. "That's the feeling I'm getting," he said.

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His advice to anyone building a new home is to look at previous job sites by the builder and to find Facebook groups made by previous clients. "It's good to go out there and talk, ask questions and go to the job sites," he said. "Take pictures of what they've done and other sites. You've got to do your proper research before engaging with any builder."

He also suggests not paying for stages of the build until they have been assessed by an inspector. "That's where you have the power," he explained. "It's so important to not pay unless you're really happy with the work. Get an inspector to look at it before paying that stage."

"As soon as you pay, you have to go to court. Why should you pay for work that's not compliant, not per the plan or defective?"

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
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Solar development is surging in Cayuga County, with almost 350 projects installed over the last decade and another 20 in different stages of development.

The renewable energy produced by those projects would help New York state meet a goal of becoming carbon-neutral within the next 25 years.

But, to some local residents at least, solar development comes at other costs.

For those of us that live in the area, theyre kind of an eyesore. Theyre not beautiful, Scipio Planning Board member Melissa Alford told The Citizen.

"It's discouraging to have that land swallowed up by something different."

If approved, those 20 projects would cover another 2,000-plus acres of bucolic Cayuga County land with solar panels, diminishing its natural beauty as enjoyed from back roads and back porches.

Additionally, solar development could darken the possibility of that land ever returning to its longtime use: agriculture. Cayuga is the top agriculture-producing county in New York, mostly from dairy sales.

In those ways, then, solar development may be changing the identity of Cayuga County  one shimmering blue panel at a time.

The push for clean power in New York

Before going carbon-neutral by 2050, New York wants to produce 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

The goals are part of Gov. Kathy Hochul's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which the state called "one of the most ambitious climate laws in the nation."

Solar is at the heart of reducing greenhouse gas emissions," she said last October, "and delivering substantial benefits for our health, our environment, and our economy.

Specifically, the state wants to produce 10 gigawatts of solar energy by 2030. The state Energy Research and Development Authority is optimistic after reaching a goal of 6 gigawatts, enough to power more than a million homes, a year ahead of schedule in October. That energy comes from 242,056 projects installed statewide, with 439 in Cayuga County.

Energy customers in Cayuga County can see the benefits of that development by subscribing to solar programs.

For NYSEG, the utility provider for most of the county, customers can subscribe for monthly credits based on the amount of energy produced at local projects, and on their own electricity use.

The Auburn Community Solar Project at the former city landfill, for instance, provides a 10% discount on energy bills to about 770 homes in the city.

Solar development can reduce energy bills by about 5 cents per kilowatt hour, said Michael Borkowski, president Community Power Group in Washington, D.C. He was speaking to a packed room in October in Owasco, where the group is seeking approval for a 64-acre solar project. He also said the energy produced by the project, like most, will stay local.

Making solar development more sightly

Alford raised her concerns about solar development as SunEast Development sought approval to build a 114-acre project in Scipio in 2023  including the effect on tourism.

There is a value to an area being beautiful. The Finger Lakes rivals Sonoma in terms of wine tourism and agritourism, Alford said. No one is coming to see the solar farms.

But the Cayuga County Office of Tourism has yet to see such an effect, Public Relations Manager Noah Howard told The Citizen, even as solar development has steadily intensified over the last decade. On the contrary, he believes people could come to see solar projects as renewable energy becomes more standard across the nation.

If promoted correctly, solar farms have the potential to attract environmentally conscious travelers who prioritize sustainability, he said.

While Howard understands the complaints about the unsightly metal structures being hard to miss, particularly on the countryside, he noted that they can be integrated into the landscape.

That's something Alford has appreciated about SunEast's communication with the Scipio community.

The company has bent over backward to try and accommodate our preferences, she said.

It remains to be seen how they carry it out (but) theyre working with the community to make it more palatable.

One way solar developers try to accommodate those concerns is agrivoltaics, or the use of land for both agricultural and solar production. Livestock can graze land and crops can be grown around and even below panels, not only minimizing the aesthetic impact but often achieving a kind of synergy between old and new.

Linda Garrett, regional director for the American Farmland Trust in New York and New Jersey, said at a November solar workshop at Cayuga Community College that benefits of agrivoltaics for farmland owners can include moisture retention, frost prevention, increased yields, shade for crops and livestock, and ultimately more income.

'We want to make sure there is a balance'

The availability of farmland in areas like Cayuga County has made them natural destinations for solar production, Garrett said.

Some local municipalities, such as the towns of Brutus and Sennett, have passed temporary moratoriums and laws to manage the demand by developers.

Farmers can be tempted to sell, the American Farmland Trust has found, because they often don't have a next generation or anyone else to succeed them. That's true for developers of not only solar projects but other renewable energy sources and even housing, which claimed about 250,000 acres of state farmland between 2001 and 2016, Garrett noted.

In Cayuga County, the same U.S. Census of Agriculture that showed it atop the list of producers also showed a 1% decrease in its farmland, to 222,764 acres, and an 11% decrease in its number of farms.

Organizations like the trust and the New York Farm Bureau understand this reality  but are working to minimize its impact on farmland and farmers. New York Farm Bureau manager Mark James, who oversees Cayuga County, told The Citizen he's often heard from farmers who sign leases that sound great but later reveal details they didn't anticipate.

Our policy is middle of the road. Were a strong believer in property rights. We believe its up to landowners to make that decision, he said. That being said, we have some concerns with using prime farmland of significance to cite solar projects. ... Once you convert farmland to other uses, like solar development, you could lose that forever."

James and Garrett encouraged any local farmland owners to reach out to their organizations with any questions.

We want to make sure there is a balance out there, he said. (Renewable energy) is a very viable goal, but not at the expense of placing those solar panels on prime farmland.
Audi to cut 7,500 jobs in Germany to become more efficient

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Aadar Jain reacts to his controversial 'Time-Pass remark: People make up stories, Alekha and Tara's families are....

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Abhimanyu Singh opens up about working with Pawan Kalyan for OG, I dont see much of a change in him as a person

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Director Rajiv Menon reflects on AR Rahmans journey to Islam and family pressures: 'It was music that helped him...'

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Beijing (Gasgoo)- On March 14, a China-Europe freight train (Wuhan) "Dongfeng" special train, fully loaded with Dongfeng Motor's VOYAH-branded vehicles, departed from Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province, embarking on an 8,909-kilometer westbound journey to Moscow.

Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor

The first 'Dongfeng' train carries 96 VOYAH vehicles and is expected to reach Moscow in 18 days, further supporting VOYAH's expansion into the European market.

Since initiating its global expansion in 2022, VOYAH has entered over ten countries, including Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, while accelerating its presence in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

As a key logistics corridor linking Hubei Province with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Europe freight train (Wuhan) plays a crucial role in facilitating trade between Asia and Europe. The "Dongfeng" train, a customized service for Dongfeng Motor, aims to lower overall logistics costs and enhance the efficiency of vehicle exports, accelerating the international reach of automobiles produced in Wuhan's "Auto Valley."

Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor

During the departure event, Hubei Port Group and China Dongfeng Motor Industry Import and Export Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration in logistics, multimodal transport, and supply chain solutions, further advancing Dongfeng Motors global expansion.
Hotel Body responds after Orry was booked for consuming alcohol near Vaishno Devi shrine

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Kim Soo Hyun starrer Disney+ show Knock Off likely to face cancellation due to his dating controversy with late actress Kim Sae Ron

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Shark Tank India 4: Aman Gupta on meeting Global Investors at UN Summit on Sustainability; says 'Every entrepreneur should know how it impacts the world

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Veteran music composer Ilaiyaraaja shares glimpses of his meeting with PM Narendra Modi, talks about his symphony debut

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With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

Xiaomi EV raises 2025 delivery target to 350,000 vehicles

On March 18, Xiaomi Chairman and CEO Lei Jun announced on Weibo that Xiaomi EV has been working to ramp up production capacity and has made progress. The company raised its 2025 annual delivery target to 350,000 units.

Photo credit: Xiaomi EV

Changan Automobile to hold Europe brand event on March 21

Changan Automobile disclosed via Weibo today that it would hold the "2025 Changan Europe Brand Event" on March 21. The event will mark the Chinese automaker's official entry into the European market.

EVE Energy to supply low-voltage lithium batteries for XPENG AEROHT

EVE Energy announced that it has received a supplier development notice from Guangdong Huitian Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd., confirming its role in supplying next-generation low-voltage lithium batteries for XPENG AEROHT's prototype aircraft.

Dongfeng Motor ships VOYAH vehicles to Europe via China-Europe freight train

On March 14, a China-Europe freight train (Wuhan) "Dongfeng" special train, fully loaded with Dongfeng Motor's VOYAH-branded vehicles, departed from Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province, embarking on an 8,909-kilometer westbound journey to Moscow.

Baidu Maps' LD data featured in Leapmotor's LEAP 3.5 technology architecture

Chinese new energy vehicle maker Leapmotor recently launched its LEAP 3.5 technology architecture, which features Baidu Maps' LD data. The first model equipped with this architecture, the B10, has entered mass production, offering an industry-leading end-to-end intelligent driving system and an AI-powered smart cockpit.

Li Auto unveils next-gen autonomous driving architecture MindVLA

On March 18, 2025, Li Auto's head of autonomous driving technology R&D, Mr. Jia Peng, delivered a keynote speech at NVIDIA GTC 2025, sharing insights into the company's latest advancements in its next-generation autonomous driving technology, MindVLA.

IM Motors, Alibaba-backed Banma launch IM AIOS smart cockpit

On March 17, IM Motors, the premium new energy vehicle brand jointly backed by SAIC Motor, Alibaba, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, in collaboration with Alibaba's automotive intelligence arm Banma, and food delivery giant Ele.me, unveiled the "IM AIOS Smart Cockpit," which is set for official deployment in April.

Haima Motor starts pilot operation of 7X-E BEVs in Vietnam's taxi market

On March 14, Chinese automaker Haima Motor officially introduced its 7X-E battery electric vehicle (BEV) model to Vietnam's taxi market, according to a post on its WeChat account. This initiative, in collaboration with Vietnamese partner Carvivu Vietnam Joint Stock Company ("Carvivu"), represents a key milestone in Haima Motor's strategic expansion within ASEAN's green transportation sector.

Xiaomi EV partners with NaaS to enhance charging network, user experience

Xiaomi EV, the electric vehicle arm of Xiaomi, has entered into a strategic partnership with NaaS Technology ("NaaS"), a leading new energy asset operator, to expand its charging service ecosystem, according to a press release the latter issued on March 17.

BYD unveils Super e-Platform, launches pre-sales for Han L, Tang L models

On March 17, 2025, BYD officially introduced its Super e-Platform, a groundbreaking new energy vehicle (NEV) architecture, and simultaneously opened pre-sales for its Han L and Tang L models.

CATL, NIO forge strategic partnership to co-build battery swap network

On the evening of March 17, CATL and NIO signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Ningde, Fujian, aiming to establish the world's largest battery swap network and drive standardization in the industry, according to a post on CATL's WeChat account.
Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years.

Danish Khan

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Business breaking news live updates on March 18: The IPO momentum has picked up on Dalal Street with some key listings and allotments scheduled for today and tomorrow. First up, we have the market debut of PDP Shipping IPO. Elsewhere, the US FOMC will be in huddle for the critical rate announcement. Focus will be on outlook stance, which will be shared by US Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Additionally, we are tracking the latest on the US tariff war and the voices from India and around the globe. Stay with us for latest news, updates and major corporate announcements from India and around the globe:
CCI crackdown on ad giants: What is price-fixing in advertising?

Storyboard18 is Network18's flagship platform focussed on the advertising & marketing community and a leading source of news and analyses on the business of brands.

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India may only be able to shift $3.5-5 billion worth of trade away from China, shows MC analysis

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Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years.

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How deficiencies in derivative accounting at IndusInd Bank came to the fore

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India an open market, Starlink must tick all the boxes for licence: Telecom minister Scindia

Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years.

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Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com

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SEBI gives green signal for LG Electronics India, Innovision IPOs but returns offer documents of Neilsoft

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Bajaj Finserv shares fall on deal to buy Allianz's 26% stake in insurance arms for Rs 24,180 crore

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This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

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Stocks to Watch Today: IndusInd Bank, HUL, Bank of Maharashtra, IRCON, Star Cement, Raymond Lifestyle, Shilpa Medicare, NBCC in focus on 18 March

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Varun Beverages shares extend gains by 5% on bullish views as street hopes of strong summer demand

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On March 15 local time, Michael Abramowitz, director of Voice of America (VOA), an international broadcaster whose parent agency is the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), confirmed on social media that he and "virtually the entire staff" of 1,300 had been placed on leave. A day earlier, the White House ordered budget cuts for multiple federal agencies. Funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks, which are also parts of USAGM, has also been frozen. The so-called beacon of freedom, VOA, has now been discarded by its own government like a dirty rag.

Founded in 1942, VOA became a frontline propaganda tool in the ideological confrontation of the Cold War. In recent decades, under the banner of promoting so-called freedom and democracy, it has broadcast in over 40 languages worldwide, attempting to shape the image of the US as a "moral high ground."

However, its independence and credibility have long been questioned and criticized. Known for stirring up conflicts, inciting social divisions, and even participating in regime change efforts, VOA is widely recognized as Washington's carefully crafted propaganda machine for peaceful evolution, earning itself a notorious reputation on the global stage. Similar to Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, its primary function is to serve Washington's need to attack other countries based on ideological demands.

When it comes to China-related reporting, VOA has an appalling track record. From smearing human rights in China's Xinjiang to hyping up disputes in the South China Sea, from supporting "Taiwan independence" forces to backing Hong Kong rioters, from fabricating the so-called China virus narrative to promoting the claim of China's "overcapacity," almost every malicious falsehood about China has VOA's fingerprints all over it.

A former VOA employee said that he didn't realize until he came to China that the VOA news reports he used to read out every day were completely opposite to the real situation in China. The reporter also said that some people working for VOA were dismissed because they suggested increasing positive coverage of China.

Clearly, VOA has never been a "fair and impartial" media outlet, but rather a thoroughly biased "propaganda poison." Now, in Washington, against the backdrop of reducing federal agency funding, the decision to stop funding for entities like VOA has immediately prompted some anti-China politicians in the US to label this move as "a massive gift" to China, effectively tearing off the fig leaf of VOA as a propaganda tool themselves.

Last month, Elon Musk criticized VOA on X, stating that "Nobody listens to them anymore" and that "It's just radical left crazy people talking to themselves while torching $1 billion a year of US taxpayer money." This may reflect the views of a significant portion of the American public.

Perhaps the US government has also realized that continuing to waste substantial national funds on these outdated and ineffective institutions is neither meaningful nor in the best interest of the country. In fact, the continued existence of these institutions only brings more chaos and creates more trouble for the world.

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation once publicly criticized VOA for lacking "professional ethics" and using dirty tactics to smear normal interactions and cooperation between Cambodia and China. In 2023, Kyrgyzstan ordered the closure of the local branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and last year, Russia designated Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty as an "undesirable organization."

The recent suspension of employees at VOA evokes memories of the absurd drama in which a certain anti-China think tank in Australia publicly complained about lacking funds due to cuts in US government funding. This further underscores the awkward reality of the industrial chain behind the "cognitive warfare" narrative concerning China: without financial backers, it is difficult to sustain.

As a tool of "cognitive warfare" that became active during the Cold War and has already shown numerous flaws, the positioning of entities like VOA suggests that they should not exist in today's multipolar world. Whether it is VOA or anti-China think tanks, budget reductions, layoffs, or even complete closures of these institutions are inevitable outcomes, leading them to be swept into the dustbin of history.

In the information age, the monopoly of information held by some traditional Western media is being shattered. The narrative hegemony maintained by VOA as a "lie factory" can be broken at any moment by a short video from the scene posted by a netizen. The carefully constructed "iron curtain of public opinion" they have built is also on the verge of collapse under the impact of countless media and self-media showcasing authentic content. As more Americans begin to break through their information cocoons and see a real world and a multidimensional China, the demonizing narratives propagated by VOA will ultimately become a laughingstock of the times. (Source: Global Times)


NPCIL, sole operator of India's nuclear plants, says 'renaissance' underway in journey to 50 GW capacity

Sweta Goswami

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PSU banks likely subscribed Rs 12,850 crore of CDs issued by IndusInd Bank on March 17

Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com

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Railway fares in India far less than neighbouring countries: Ashwini Vaishnaw

101Reporters

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RBI to take stock of cash being handled by ATM operator AGS Transact

J Jagannath

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Starlinks entry into India: What it means for the telecom landscape

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Naina Sood

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Rakesh Patil

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Priyanjali Ghose

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Amid tariff concerns, why Tulsi Gabbard's exposition of 'America first policy' should calm frayed nerves in Delhi

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Bengalurus second airport: Karnataka minister to visit Delhi soon for approvals

Christin Mathew Philip

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BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Ed Miliband, UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, in Beijing on Monday. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in jointly addressing climate change.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said developing stable and mutually beneficial relations between China and the UK serves the common interests of the two peoples, facilitates global economic growth, and promotes joint efforts to address global challenges.

China is ready to work with the UK to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, consolidate the momentum for improvement and development of bilateral ties, deepen cooperation in areas such as financial services, trade and investment, and low-carbon development, and jointly address climate change to better benefit the people of both countries and the world, Ding added.

Miliband said the UK government sincerely hopes to enhance engagement with China, is committed to developing a long-term and constructive bilateral relationship, and stands ready to strengthen cooperation with China on energy security and addressing climate change.
Bengaluru to get more digital boards displaying travel time on busy roads

Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_

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Siddharth Chakravorty

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'Call Naidu and Nitish first': Uddhav Thackeray's swipe at BJP amid calls to 'remove' Aurangzeb's grave

Parimal Peeyush

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Delhi govt to ink MoU with Centre on April 10 to implement Ayushman Bharat in capital

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Govt doing everything to restore normalcy in Manipur; Budget to address Imphal's concern, says FM Sitharaman in RS

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Armaan Bhatnagar

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India blasts Pakistan for comments on Jammu and Kashmir: Instead of spreading lies

Smriti Mishra

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Nagpur clashes live updates: Nagpur violence seems premeditated; mob targeted specific houses, says Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the violence in Nagpur appears to be a premeditated conspiracy and the mob had targeted specific houses and establishments.

"The mob targeted specific houses and establishments. It (the attack) appears to be a premeditated conspiracy." he said.

The chief minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, said those who attacked police personnel will not be spared.

Curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur city after a protest against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb on Monday triggered violence during which several houses and vehicles were vandalised.
Security breach at Vaishno Devi: Woman claiming to be ex-Delhi cop arrested with loaded pistol

Parimal Peeyush

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Should have offered condolences: Rahul Gandhi reacts to PM Modi's speech on Maha Kumbh

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Supreme Court talks of CBI probe into homeowners' grievances, raises concern: Thousands of people are crying

Smriti Mishra

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Vehicles burnt, cops injured: What led to violence and arson by Nagpur mob?

Parimal Peeyush

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Bhartendu Kumar Singh is in the Indian Defence Accounts Service. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

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Presidents Rule in Manipur gives BJP a chance to retrieve the situation

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Theres no case to create barriers between advocates and in-house counsels

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61-year-old fisherman rescued after drifting at sea for 94 days: 'Didn't want to die, for my mother'

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Mark Zuckerberg once asked China President Xi Jinping to name his unborn child. What happened next

Shubhi Mishra

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Sheetal Kumari

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Sunita Williams becomes the second astronaut to spend the longest time in space  who holds the record?

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Sunita Williams' Return: When, Where and How to Watch the NASA Crew-9 Splashdown Live

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Amazon employees warn customers about DeepSeeks privacy risks, promotes its own AI instead

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Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_

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Nothing CEO Carl Pei says India can become a global smartphone powerhouse

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Samsung may launch Galaxy XCover 8 Pro globally soon: All the details

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'Absolutely not': US after French politician says Statue Of Liberty should be returned

Priyanjali Ghose

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Israel is ramping up annexation of West Bank, UN rights chief says

101Reporters

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Israel launches biggest Gaza attack since ceasefire, over 400 dead as truce lies in tatters: All you need to know

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Israel launches heaviest assault on Gaza since January ceasefire, at least 330 people killed

Sonalee Borgohain

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Putin wants all arms to Ukraine halted for Trump truce

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The darkest days of space exploration: Five worst disasters in history

Pragya Trivedi

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Trump is considering recognising Ukraine's Crimea as part of Russia: Report

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US births fell in 2023 to lowest level in more than 40 years

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Why Bhutan, one of world's happiest countries, is on Trump's travel ban list

Smriti Mishra

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Xi Jinping to visit US? Donald Trump says Chinese president to visit in 'not too distant future'

Surabhi Pandey

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Yemen's Houthis won't 'dial down' under US pressure or Iranian appeals

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Reporter

Andrew Roberto was raised his whole life on Saipan. He graduated from Saipan Southern High School, holds a degree from Northern Marianas College, and a BA in English from the University of Guam. He once worked for KUAM, UNO Magazine, and the Guam Daily Post.
The Department of Public Health and Social Services is shown in Hagatna on Sept. 9, 2024.

Photo by Jonah Benavente/The Guam Daily Post
Last winter, Mercedes Wilson had a cough that just would not go away. In October, she went in for some medical scans and got the devastating news: it was Stage 4 breast cancer and it had spread to her bones, lungs and liver.

My heart dropped into my stomach, she said. I just thought, Oh no, not again.

The producer and host of 7 Life and Studio 7 at WKBW had already fought and won a battle with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2011 when she was 28 years old.

The experience didnt stop her from chalking up a string of successes  publishing books, raising four children, landing gigs on television, founding a nonprofit and starting Sadies Relish  a food line inspired by her beloved grandmothers recipes.

But this time around, Wilson knew she needed to prioritize her health and her family.

Cancer loves stress. So I said, OK, what needs to go? she said. Because we all know the life of a small-business owner is 24/7. Its kind of like motherhood, it just never ends.

Tearfully, shes shutting down production of Sadies Relish  a brand she built by hand from a YWCA kitchen and grew under the nurturing of mentors and business relationships until her products were stocked on shelves in more than 150 stores from here to Indiana. Tops and Wegmans will sell through the remaining product until its gone.

Making the difficult decision to shut down the company will allow her added time and energy to live life to the fullest, she said.

Let me think toward the future. When you hear Stage 4, people immediately think death, she said. The goal is to live.

She said she has had to put a stop to people who want to share stories about their loved ones who have died from the disease. Instead, shes seeking out women who have lived with Stage 4 cancer for as long as 30 years.

Just talking to them, that helps my mental health, she said. The mental part is the hardest because you have to make a decision when you get up that, today, Im going to do all that I can to live.

Some days, that means cuddling with her 10-year-old twins, Brooklyn and Jamaya, watching Netflix and eating Ben & Jerrys Chocolate Therapy ice cream. Every day, it means holding her faith and her family close and staying present.

If I were to start another business, trust you me, I would never go back to doing business the same, Wilson said. Id stay present. Not sacrifice my family.

Before her diagnosis, Sadies Relish dominated her thoughts whenever she wasnt at work at Channel 7. Now, its all about being in the moment with her family, with all phones down.

You are fully focused. You are learning more about each other. You are learning about what makes each other laugh, and taking those moments and living in them, not thinking about the next thing that I have to do, she said. Its stopping the world for what should be the most important thing, which is my family.

It feels good to breathe, she said.

My faith is a huge part. And just sitting still in meditation and saying to myself, Youre here, Wilson said. I recognize what stress does, so I just choose the opposite. Im breathing better than I have in years, because my mental space is in a way better place.

Earlier this month, The Buffalo News reported that Wilson could be among a round of layoffs at WKBW. Wilson declined to talk about it, but shes still working at the station and remains on the air.

She said she is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community since she went public with her diagnosis, and said the kindness of others has always gotten her through her toughest days.

When I was building Sadies, Id think, Am I doing the right thing with this? Am I doing enough? she said through tears. And then somebody would send me a photo of my relish on their dish. Its funny, it always used to come at the right time. I dont think the community knows how much they encouraged me to keep going.

Thats why, as she reprioritizes her life, she keeps kindness at the top of the list.

Take a moment, step back and say, Have I been kind to people today? she said. Because the person that you are honking at or yelling at, they could be going through exactly what Im going through, and your actions can help get them through the next hour.

In 2012, Wilson formed the nonprofit For Our Daughters, which helped thousands of young women advocate for their health and well-being.

Its kind of like the sisterhood you never want, but once you have it, you never want them to leave, she said.

But I learned that young women talking about their health or not talking about their health is more widespread than we think, Wilson said. One hundred percent of young women care about what their parents think, and if the parent is not approachable, then how are we to expect them to be able and confident to speak up when something doesnt feel right? And then how do we expect that to translate to a doctor?

Finding herself back in a battle with cancer, she reflects with pride on all that organization accomplished.

It absolutely shows the importance, she said. I didnt know how to talk to my doctor, but now I do. We did our job.

Getting the job done is Wilsons specialty, said her boss at WKBW, station manager LeAnne Markins.

She could come in and run a small country, she said. You just never have to worry about Mercedes. You know that whatever shes doing, its with all of her energy, and for the right reasons.

Markins said she was heartbroken for Wilson when she heard about her diagnosis, and impressed that she wanted to go public with it in an effort to help others.

I cant imagine handling everything with such energy, grace, passion, knowing theres this whole extra toll being taken on her body and mind, she said. But shes continued to move forward in her Mercedes Wilson way.

Wilson leads with kindness and empathy in life and in work, she said.

Its clear that she cares. She doesnt do anything just to check boxes, Markins said. Its authentic. I think that makes a difference.

Now, Wilson said she is looking forward to putting her energy into her family, and into living life to the fullest.

We cant change life, but we can live through it, staying present, Wilson said. Im trying to be around for a long time.
Update 5:25PM: The Tornado Warning has been updated for Southern Tuolumne County to extend it until 5:45 PM and includes Western Mariposa County, Southwestern Tuolumne County, and North central Merced.

The National Weather Service Update:

At 5:10 PM PDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 9 miles northeast of Delhi, or 11 miles east of Turlock, moving northeast at 20 mph.

HAZARDTornado.

SOURCERadar indicated rotation.

IMPACTFlying 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.

* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of western Mariposa, southwestern Tuolumne and north central Merced Counties.

Original: Tuolumne, CA  At 4:48 PM the National Weather Service reports the severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Hickman, or 8 miles northeast of Turlock, moving east at 20 mph. The tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of southern Tuolumne and east central Stanislaus Counties, including the town of Denair.

The tornado warning covers Southern Tuolumne County and East central Stanislaus County until 5:30 PM. The image is from our webcam looking Southwest over Downtown Sonora.

Below is the report:

The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a

* Tornado Warning for

Southern Tuolumne County in northern California

East central Stanislaus County in central California

* Until 5:30 PM PDT.

* At 4:48 PM PDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Hickman, or 8 miles northeast of Turlock, moving east at 20 mph.

HAZARDTornado.

SOURCERadar indicated rotation.

IMPACTFlying 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.

This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of southern Tuolumne and east central Stanislaus Counties, including the following locations Denair.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

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.
Sonora, CA  Some members of the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors are concerned about the amount of money that will be required, and what will actually be fully reimbursed by the state, in relation to homelessness projects in development.

In recent years, the board of supervisors purchased a building in Soulsbyville to house a navigation center, which is now operational. In addition, the county has bought the former Satellite Health commercial building at 136 Columbia Way, two homes at 720 Snell Street, and the Miners Hotel on Highway 108 in Jamestown. In addition, four homes were purchased on Parrotts Ferry Road for Behavioral Health supportive housing. Also, the Justice Center site, next to the jail, is being used as a sanctioned homeless camp.

District Three Supervisor Anaiah Kirk, along with District Four Supervisor Steve Griefer, requested that there be a deep dive into the homeless projects, indicating that the county may want to change course on some of the efforts. Griefer is a new member of the board, having joined with Mike Holland, in January.

Indicating a change in some of his earlier opinions, Supervisor Kirk explained, We were told that X amount of money would provide X amount of housing for the homeless population. What Im understanding now is that X amount of money is not going to be enough for X amount of housing moving forward. I want to have that conversation sooner than later. I think it could potentially hit us in the long run and potentially start drawing on county funds.

Supervisor Griefer added, My concern is that we have a lot of liability ahead of us. We are obviously struggling with budget cuts, and things like that. What I dont want to do is continue to spend money on buildings that we are not going to get open on time. And thats been confirmed. We will not be able to hit our target dates, which means that we would have to give money back (to the state).

District Two Supervisor Ryan Campbell supported hearing an update on the projects, but questioned some of the statements being made. Speaking after Supervisor Griefer, he said, I think that it is important that we have the same information before we start making decisions, because it sounds like you are hearing something that Im not hearing. To me, it seems really appropriate, as you guys are new on the board, and we have gone down this road with the different capital project investments with different sources of funding. I think it is entirely appropriate that we have an update.

The vote was 5-0 to request a presentation on the homelessness capital improvement projects. It will also be a time to provide any new direction if the board chooses. Interim CAO Roger Root noted that the item would come back to the board in April.
Ruby Marichalar didnt have the money to pay for her sons funeral after he was stabbed to death in September 2012. Like thousands of Californians every year, she turned for help to a state agency that was created to support survivors of crime.

The California Victim Compensation Board collects restitution and provides financial aid for crime recovery expenses such as funeral costs, income loss and mental health services to eligible survivors and their families.

It twice denied Marichalars application without ever meeting with her.

They didnt lift a damn finger to help me, she said. I didnt get a hearing. I didnt get anything.

Under California law, the compensation board is required to offer in-person evidentiary hearings for people like Marichalar, who contest a denied application. But for over a decade, a recent court order says the agency relied on an invalid regulation that allowed it to limit hearings to a written record. Now, the compensation board is scrambling to bring itself in line with the law as it works through thousands of appeals.

In a recent request to the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom, the agency asked to spend an additional $4.4 million in order to comply with the order and more quickly process its appeals.

California established the first-of-its-kind victim compensation program 60 years ago. Today, its overseen by three members: State Controller Malia Cohen; Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton; and a representative from Newsoms cabinet, Government Operations Secretary Amy Tong. The agency receives the majority of its funding through restitution fines, federal grants and the general fund.

In the last state budget year, the compensation board approved 31,214 applications. It denied 9,326 applications  roughly a quarter of all applicants. The agency refused to answer how many approved applications first went through an appeal. CalMatters filed a public records act request to obtain the information.

Survivors and advocates have long voiced concern over the compensation boards stringent criteria and discretion, which they say has locked out and revictimized people who have been harmed by violence. A 2022 report by the nonprofit organization Prosecutors Alliance California found that roughly 70% of the 700 crime survivors surveyed did not know why they had been denied compensation.

It really is sort of an insurance agency model, said Gena Castro Rodriguez, an assistant professor at University of California San Francisco who authored the study. They use the statutes and regulations as reasons why they exclude or limit who they give money to.

The number of appeals has increased by nearly 200% since 2019  from roughly 1,200 to 3,500 per year. On average, appeals take 325 days to complete  which far exceeds the six month processing time thats required by law. Thats according to the agencys recent budget request, which would allow the compensation board to hire 17 employees to its appeals unit.

Without additional staffing, (the compensation board) will remain unable to meet its legal obligations, leaving victims of crime waiting in limbo for a decision on whether they will receive services that they desperately need, the compensation board wrote in the January request.

In a statement to CalMatters, the compensation board said it does not comment on the proposed budget but want(s) to make clear that victims of crime are our focus every day.

The statement continued, (The compensation board) is committed to providing financial assistance to victims of crime to help them restore their lives.

Compensation board relied on written record

Delaney Green, clinical supervisor with the Policy Advocacy Clinic at UC Berkeley Law, said its unclear whether an increase in staffing is going to help survivors more readily access better resources.

By and large, accessing victim compensation is very, very difficult, she said. Im hoping this is starting to signal some changes that are reprioritizing the needs of survivors.

Jonathan Raven of the California District Attorneys Association said its troubling to hear that survivors have had a challenging time working with the compensation board.

The agency is going to have to comply  and thats whats important  to comply with the law to best serve our victims, he said.

Previously, the compensation board had been leaning on a regulation that allowed for resolution of the majority of appeals on the written record, according to the request. But that all changed in August 2024, when Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch found that the regulation was contrary to the statute and thus invalid.

The decision concluded a roughly three-year court battle. In 2021, Mothers Against Murder, a nonprofit organization that advocates for crime victims and their families, sued the compensation board, alleging it had resisted and doubled down on continuing to deny hundreds of applicants their right to due process and to the in-person hearing, wrote executive director Margaret Petros in her original petition.

They are using this regulation to make it easier on themselves, she said in an interview with CalMatters. It is such a blunt abuse of power.

Theyre missing the whole story

According to court filings in the Mothers Against Murder case, Marichalar was one of the first people to have been denied an in-person hearing.

On Sept. 30, 2012, her son, Junior Marichalar, and a friend arrived at a bar in San Jose. Shortly after, according to court filings, two men provoked Marichalar and challenged him to a fight.

With a background in mixed martial arts fighting, Marichalar was disciplined and trained to walk away from a challenge to fight, according to court filings. In an attempt to avoid the men, he exited the bar through a back door, but court documents stated he was again confronted in the parking lot, where he was fatally stabbed.

In February 2013, the compensation board wrote that it was denying Ruby Marichalar assistance because (her) son knowingly and willingly exited a bar with the intent to fight with the suspect which resulted in (her) sons death. Its decision was based on a recommendation by the Silicon Valley Conference for Community and Justice, a nonprofit organization that was contracted by the compensation board, according to court filings.

My son did not contribute to his murder, Marichalar wrote in appealing the recommendation. How could any reasonable person know his life will be violently taken away. A criminal stabbed him to death.

The compensation board yet again denied her request for compensation without offering her an in-person hearing.

Without the funds to pay for her sons funeral, Marichalar borrowed money from family and friends, and was forced to sell his motorcycle  one of the last remaining possessions that she had of him.

It broke my heart even more, she said.

After his death at age 28, Marichalar said she received phone calls from people Junior had met while riding his motorcycle all over the country. She described him as a big character and a stand-up guy.

Sweet as pie, she said.

The compensation board eventually reversed its denial, but only after a Santa Clara County prosecutor stepped in and objected to its decision, according to court filings. The agency later reimbursed Marichalar with $5,000  only a third of what she spent on the funeral.

Looking back on her two-year correspondence with the board, Marichalar said the opportunity to appear at an in-person hearing would have allowed the agency to see what she was going through, rather than simply reviewing paperwork.

Theyre missing the whole story without taking the time to listen to the victims, she said.

___

This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

By CAYLA MIHALOVICH/CalMatters

CalMatters


A Barcelona-based expert has noted that Chinese policymakers remain committed to their economic goals, emphasizing the role of new technologies in driving growth. #GLOBALink
Harare  Christopher Mutsvangwa, the outspoken Zanu PF spokesman, has long been one of Vice President Constantino Chiwengas most vocal critics. However, ZimLive can reveal that the animosity between the two extends beyond mere political rivalry: they are, in fact, brothers.

Mutsvangwa, who is known to harbour presidential ambitions, has recently intensified his attacks on Chiwenga, who is widely considered the frontrunner to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa as Zanu PF leader when his term concludes in 2028.

Sources familiar with the familys history suggest that Mutsvangwas anger is fuelled by a potent combination of jealousy and a long-standing family feud, which prompted his grandfather to relocate from Wedza in Mashonaland East to Mhondoro, Mashonaland West.

According to these sources, three siblings  the grandfathers of Mutsvangwa, the late defence minister Moven Mahachi, and Chiwenga  experienced a bitter falling out that fractured the family.

A source explained to ZimLive: Movens grandfather fled to Manicaland, where he adopted the surname Mahachi, while Christophers father moved west to Mhondoro and became a Mutsvangwa.

The victor, Constantinos grandfather, remained in Wedza, retaining the big surname. He did this by acquiring guns from the Portuguese at Kanyemba, then a trading post. The vice presidents name, Constantino, is from those contacts with the Portuguese.

The source opined that Mutsvangwa is driven by a desire to reclaim what he perceives as his side of the familys lost glory.

His single obsession is to be above Chiwenga in everything, an unrelenting determination to avenge his familys disgrace. He wants to be the more educated brother, the brother who allegedly had more heroic exploits during the war and the one who became president, the source explained.

The source added: Chiwenga, despite his limited education, has excelled  from commanding the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to landing the vice presidency and now seemingly with a clear shot at the presidency and this drives Mutsvangwa insane.

In his most recent outburst, Mutsvangwa branded Chiwenga as illiterate, cruel, and unelectable.

Chiwengas supporters have swiftly rallied to his defence, highlighting Mutsvangwas poor track record in elections.

The question remains: what about Mutsvangwas own presidential aspirations?

Former Zanu PF MP for Chivi South, Killer Zivhu, weighed in on X, stating: He can only be president if hes the last one standing.

As the feud intensifies, sources say that an angered Chiwenga has privately urged President Mnangagwa to rein in Mutsvangwa.

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Marondera  A brazen robbery targeting the in-laws of flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo has sent ripples of concern through the farming community of Marondera. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a gang of up to 19 heavily armed men stormed Alpha Omega Farm, making off with US$75,000 in cash and various personal items.

The incident, described as a military-style operation, has raised serious questions about the potential link between the high-profile nature of Chivayos recent lobola ceremony and the audacious attack.

The money is believed to be part of the bride price paid by Chivayo when he married Lulu Muteke during a traditional ceremony on March 8. While Chivayo was rumoured to have paid $300,000 in lobola, he publicly stated it was nearer $20,000, although he confirmed sending $75,000 to his in-laws to prepare for the ceremony.

Police were called to Alpha Omega Farm after gunshots rang out and Chivayos father-in-law Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke sent an SOS to a local farmers group. Some farmers turned up to assist but quickly retreated after realising it was a military-style operation upon seeing a large group of well armed and very organised men, ZimLive heard. A big white truck was seen parked near the property.

A Military-Style Operation

The details of the robbery paint a picture of a well-planned and executed operation. Police learnt that the farm is guarded by three armed guards from a private security company and a fourth who is directly employed by the Mutekes.

A guard from DM Security who was watchman at the southside guardroom told police that just after 1AM he was grabbed from behind by a man and he quickly noticed a group of about 19 men armed with rifles and pistols, and some carrying bolt cutters, machetes and iron bars, approaching.

The gang assaulted the guard while demanding to know where the other guards were located before his hands were tied from the back with cable ties. The gang entered the farm house yard and quickly subdued a second guard who was disarmed of his CBC shotgun.

A third guard keeping watch at the main entrance was struck several times on the head with iron bars before the gang entered the house by cutting off a padlock securing the burglar screen with a bolt cutter.

Gerald Muteke, 37, one of the occupants in the house, met the robbers in the passageway and they demanded cash. He quickly handed over $18,000, his Sarsilmaz pistol, a Samsung S21 and Samsung S24.

The invaders also opened a bedroom occupied by Vimbai Muteke, 43, who handed over $1,100, her mobile phone and keys to the safe which was stored in the main bedroom. The robbers seized $55,000 from the safe, police were told.

A brave neighbour who was informed about the raid fired two shots from distance from his 303 rifle, forcing the armed robbers to flee, firing three shots as they retreated. Police recovered an iron bar left behind by the robbers which will be examined for fingerprints.

Chivayos Response and the Extravagant Lobola Ceremony

Chivayo told ZimLive by phone on Tuesday: Im not aware (of the robbery). No-one has told me.

The robbery, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, involved a gang of up to 19 armed robbers who stormed the farm and made off with the substantial sum. The incident raises serious questions about the potential link between the high-profile nature of the lobola ceremony and the brazen attack.

The event, held in Marondera, was nothing short of spectacular, rivalling even the most extravagant celebrations seen globally. The Marondera venue was transformed into a spectacular setting, featuring a porch reminiscent of a lavish Italian villa. Renowned wedding planner Kevin Zhou decorated the space in striking burnt orange and blue hues, creating an atmosphere fit for royalty. The event was directed by popular MC Maimba Mapuranga and included performances from some of Zimbabwes top artists, including Jah Prayzah, Killer T, Enzo Ishall, and the Travellerz Band.

The events extensive publicity, fuelled by Chivayos own social media activity and the decision by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) to air the private ceremony on national television, may have inadvertently drawn unwanted attention.

Prior to the ceremony, Chivayo took to social media to update his followers on the preparations. In the morning, hours before travelling to Marondera for the lobola ceremony, Chivayo recounted sending a messenger with US$50,000 to handle the lobola negotiations, with instructions to fulfil all requirements. He received a call back from the messenger confirming that the US$50,000 had more than covered all demands, and that there was a lot of change remaining.

The businessman further revealed that he had carried an additional US$75,000 in his car as a precaution, ensuring that there would be no financial shortfalls during the ceremony. However, this supplementary cash ultimately proved unnecessary.

Chivayos Instructions to His Messenger

In a series of posts, he detailed his instructions to his messenger, saying:

Saka ndafonera munyai. Vasvika ka vanhu vaye. Saka vangotakura ka 50 thousand ndine imwe 75 mumota. Saka ndati kune munyai, unongosvika woti, mukuru havasi kuda zvekuzomiswa kana auya. Hanti mwana wenyu ndirikumuda? Ndokumbirawo musanditambisirewo time. Itai maths dzenyu mungotipawo total kuti murikuda mari. Zvekuda kumbonzi 5 hundred vhuramuromo, 5 thousand matekenyandebvu. argh argh. Maweka here? Chingotipai total mari iri mumota ingoverengwa, Chivayo said.

He added: Ndozvataura mukuwasha ati hanzi hatisikuda kuti tite setirikunetsana, isu tirikuda mwana wenyu. Mwana wenyu ndinomuda saka ndokumbirawo murudo waMwari musandinetse panhau dzemari. I have.other problems, not money. Saka, I think in thirty minutes zvinenge zvatopera, Chivayo said.

Questions and Concerns

The robbery has sparked a wave of questions and concerns. How did the robbers know about the presence of such a large sum of cash at the farm? Was the robbery directly linked to the lobola ceremony and the publicity surrounding it? What measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of farmers in the Marondera area?

The ZRP has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, and the public is eagerly awaiting answers. The brazen nature of the robbery has raised concerns about the level of security in the area and the ability of law enforcement to protect citizens from such attacks.

The incident also serves as a reminder of the risks associated with flaunting wealth and the potential for such displays to attract unwanted attention. While Chivayos extravagant lifestyle and social media activity have made him a prominent figure in Zimbabwe, they may have also made him and his family a target for criminals.

A Call for Action

The robbery at Alpha Omega Farm is a wake-up call for the community and the authorities. It is essential that the ZRP conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is also crucial that farmers in the area take steps to improve their security and protect themselves from future attacks.

The incident has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for Chivayo and his family. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are held accountable.

Social Media Reacts

Connie Sibanda: That is Wat happens when you want your life to be in the public eye we dont learn we invite trouble for ourselves.

Isheunesu Bradley Mafaune: If he genuinely loves his wife he must pay lobola again because pafeya haasati aroora kk

Lebogang Mcmars: Ndabva ndafunga umwe kwedu akandoba mbudzi yaange asungira mukadzi nayo that same night.

Khumbula Sibanda: Is it possible that Wicknell organised the robbery?

Tinashe Tinofamangwana: Wicknel anobira nyika,mbavha dzemunyika dzabirawo atezvara vake ,saka zvaenderana,apa mbavha dzacho dzaivepo musiwa waaroora.

Monica Vimbai Chatikobo: Im beggining to understand the meaning of cycle, it goes back where it came from.

Innocent Charuza: wicknell , wicknell , wicknell ka usadzose mari yako uchidaro.

Marikun Chiherafilms: 19 vanhu pa 75000.

Tawanda Munyika: Mapurisa ngaabate vanhu vese vaiva pachiitiko including varoori, roorwi navaroorererwi pane ane information.

Ratidzai Gweshe: Yakadzorerwa kwayakabva anywhere Dumbuzenene ngaabvise imwe handiti anayo stereki.

Crucial Bvuchete: Zvaiyanikwa ku whole world kut zviddii ..chero vari vapenyu kutobuda panational tv memuchit ndewese anokuombererai maokovakagona zvavo.

Taurai Zimani: Mukadzi nevabeereki matsotsi kunyeba chaiko Mirai muone.

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Behold the mighty supercarrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford. I will explain why she is likely to be among the last of the warship species we may call dreadnoughts. Strictly speaking, the term dreadnought applies to the largest battleships. The first big gun battleship carrying this name was launched by the British navy in 1906, and it revolutionized naval warfare, leading to an arms race in which the great powers sought to build many ships of this type. The word literally means fearing nothing. Today, our greatest capital ship, the supercarrier, of which the U.S. Navy has 11, has a great deal to fear.

The Death of the Battleship

The aircraft carrier eclipsed the battleship in WWII. The Pearl Harbor attack on December 7,1941 provided an early demonstration of the potency of air attacks against capital ships at anchor. The decisive encounters of aircraft against battleships at sea began three days later with the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales, and ended with the sinking of Yamato in 1945. Prince of Wales and the accompanying battle cruiser Repulse were sunk on December 10, 1941 by a force of 88 Japanese bomber and torpedo bomber aircraft. Yamato, the largest battleship in the world, was sunk on Apri l7, 1945 by 280 U.S. bomber and torpedo bomber aircraft. All of the most important naval battles of WWII in the Pacific were fought by carrier-based aircraft, with battleships mainly relegated to shore bombardment and convoy escort duty. The aircraft carrier became the dominant weapon of naval warfare.

Enter the Supercarrier

With the advent of nuclear propulsion, the U.S. navy built the most powerful aircraft carriers in the world. Starting with the USS Enterprise in 1961, and culminating with the current Gerald Ford class, these enormous ships gave the navy a dominant global reach, effectively delivering a large air force to fight in any war zone in the world. No other nation has a comparable carrier fleet. Because of the importance of the supercarrier, it is guarded by an escort flotilla of frigates and cruisers armed with missiles that provide protection from enemy aircraft, missiles, and submarines. The carrier air wing includes early warning radar aircraft capable of detecting threats hundreds of miles away, and the carriers fighter aircraft can create a protective shield over a vast area. Attack missions are conducted by carrier planes armed with a wide variety of bombs and missiles, potentially including nuclear weapons.

Carriers Are Vulnerable

Although supercarriers are stoutly constructed, you dont need to sink a carrier to achieve what is called a mission kill. If the catapults are damaged, aircraft cannot be launched. If the elevators are stuck, planes cannot be lifted from the hangar deck to the flight deck. If the ammunition hoists are disabled, weapons cannot be moved from the magazines to arm aircraft. If the carriers Hawkeye radar reconnaissance aircraft are shot down, the carrier loses its long-range defensive vision. In short, just a few missile hits can render the carrier combat-ineffective, largely nullifying the offensive potential of the entire carrier battle group. In addition to missiles, the carrier is vulnerable to submarines and flying and undersea drones. Even a swarm of fast suicide boats can threaten a carrier.

The Missile Attack Numbers Game

It is not widely understood that the Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells from which missiles are fired from U.S. frigates and cruisers are not reloadable at sea. Once its missiles have been expended, a ship must return to port to reload missiles. (The navy is experimenting with doing this at sea, but the problem of lowering a large and fragile missile into a narrow container on a vessel subject to wave and wind action is a serious obstacle.) Thus, the outcome of a missile exchange between an attacking force and the carriers escorts is a numbers game. A saturation attack that empties the VLS cells of the escorts puts the defenders out of action. Note that standard anti-missile doctrine dictates two interceptors must be fired against every incoming missile to achieve a kill probability above 90%.

Only the long-range U.S. Navy SM-6 missile is theoretically capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles, the greatest threat to the carrier. The typical U.S. carrier battle group has roughly 200 SM-6 missiles distributed across the escorting cruisers and frigates. Thus, a saturation hypersonic missile attack of 100 missiles would likely exhaust the defensive missile armament of the escorts. This would be an optimistic outcome for the defenders, assuming no technical superiority of the incoming missiles and no malfunctions of the defending missiles. A more realistic scenario would include electronic jamming, decoy missiles, terminal maneuvering of incoming warheads, and multiple attack waves, further increasing the odds against the defenders.

The Reckoning

If we calculate the cost of 100 hypersonic missiles at $25 million per round, totaling $2.5 billion, against the cost of the supercarrier at $11 billion, plus the embarked aircraft at $4 billion, plus $5 billion for the escort ships, totaling $20 billion, we get an economically favorable ratio of 1 to 8 for the attacker. Even four waves of 100 missiles each would be a favorable trade. And, of course, replacement attack missiles can be manufactured faster than supercarriers. These are crude estimates based on publicly available data, but the asymmetry is clear. War games simulating outcomes of a naval war against China in the Pacific support this pessimistic assessment.

Diminishing Potency

If supercarriers are endangered by the arsenals of major powers, what about their utility in punishing smaller nations that have offended the U.S. hegemon? In the last few days the USS Harry S Truman has launched air strikes against Houthi sites in Yemen. The Houthis have responded with drone and missile attacks against the carrier force. So far, the carrier escorts have been able to fend off such attacks, but If the Houthis obtain more advanced missiles, they are likely to inflict damage on the U.S. ships. With the proliferation of relatively inexpensive anti-ship missiles, the ability of U.S. carrier forces to strike small nations with impunity will be increasingly doubtful.

Floating Pork Barrels

Building supercarriers is a profitable franchise for Newport News Shipbuilding, the sole builder of U.S. nuclear powered aircraft carriers. Thats right, this division of Huntington Ingalls Industries is the monopoly producer of a very expensive weapons system with tremendous political and military backing. Over the last 10 years, HIIs revenues have increased from $7 billion to $11 billion, with net income rising from $400 million to $550 million, most of which comes from the construction and maintenance of navy warships. Clearly the magic of the marketplace is not working in favor of U.S. taxpayers when it comes to supercarriers.

The Fate of Naval Aviators

Apart from the dubious prospects of the ships of carrier battle groups, the cultural status of naval aviators is at risk. Celebrated as military champions by films like Top Gun, future navy pilots may be defeated by unmanned drone combat aircraft not subject to the physiological limitations of human pilots. The superb piloting skills required to achieve carrier landings will be rendered moot by drone aircraft that can routinely land faultlessly. Thus, carrier pilots may lose not only the ships from which they fly but the basis for their high status.

What Succeeds the Supercarrier?

A pragmatic naval strategy for the USN would be to retire the costly supercarrier battle groups and replace them with many smaller, lightly-crewed vessels armed with drone aircraft and missiles. Expeditionary forces could continue to use existing amphibious assault ships with a modest aircraft and drone launch capability. Advances in automation would permit very small crews to operate future vessels, and widespread deployment of such ships would sustain the global reach of the USN. The expansion of submarine capability to include the launching of a variety of drones would add an important element of stealth to the projection of naval power. The savings resulting from such a force transformation could amount to hundreds of billions annually.

Funeral Expenses

The cost burden of the U.S. supercarriers will not end with their retirement. Decommissioning these ships will be much more expensive than scrapping their conventionally powered predecessors. The cost of decommissioning each of the 10 Nimitz class carriers is estimated to be between $750 to $900 million, compared to about $50 million for a conventional carrier. Removal of the spent fuel and disposal of the radioactive remnants of the reactor is a complex and costly process. The final resting place of naval reactors is Trench 94 at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington State.

Conclusion

Like the physical inertia of a massive ship, the cultural inertia of the supercarrier as a symbol of U.S. military power is enormous. Evidence indicates that the supercarrier is no longer a cost-effective naval weapon system, and it will likely go the way of the battleship. It should be replaced by more numerous, smaller, and highly-automated warships. This change is likely to be resisted by a naval and political establishment deeply invested in carrier battle groups. Unfortunately, to borrow a term from accounting, the future of USN supercarriers may well be a sunk cost.
ECHR finds Ukraine GUILTY of 2014 Odessa massacre, orders compensation for victims

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Ukrainian authorities failed to prevent the deaths of 42 activists during violent clashes in Odessa in May 2014, citing negligence by law enforcement and emergency services.

Ukrainian police ignored intelligence and warning signs, delayed rescue efforts by 40 minutes and failed to conduct a thorough investigation, with criminal cases against suspects repeatedly discontinued.

The massacre occurred amid tensions following Ukraine's pro-Western Maidan revolution  with pro-Moscow and pro-Kyiv factions clashing violently, culminating in a fire at the Trade Unions House where protesters opposing the Maidan coup sought refuge.

The ECHR ordered Ukraine to pay 114,700 ($124,293) in compensation to victims' families, with individual claimants receiving between 12,000 ($13,000) and 17,000 ($18,421), while rejecting Ukraine's claims that Russia was solely responsible.

The ruling highlights systemic failures in Ukraine's governance and law enforcement during political upheaval, emphasizing the need for transparency, justice and accountability in addressing past tragedies.

In a landmark ruling, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has held Ukrainian authorities accountable for their failure to prevent the deaths of 42 anti-coup activists during violent clashes in Odessa on May 2, 2014.

In its decision published Thursday, March 13, the court found that Ukrainian law enforcement and emergency services neglected their duties  leading to the deadly fire in the the southwestern city's Trade Unions House. The Thursday ruling marks a significant moment in the decade-long quest for justice by victims families and survivors, who have accused Kyiv of inaction and negligence.

The 2014 Odessa massacre unfolded amid heightened tensions following Ukraine's pro-Western Maidan revolution, which ousted President Viktor Yanukovych earlier that year. Pro-Moscow and nationalist pro-Kyiv factions clashed violently in Odessa, culminating in a fire at the Trade Unions House where anti-Maidan protesters had sought refuge.

Ukrainian nationalists backed by the West torched the building, killing 42 of the 48 casualties during the massacre. Survivors and victims' families have long argued that Ukrainian authorities failed to intervene effectively, allowing the violence to escalate and delaying rescue efforts. (Related: Ukrainian trial proves 2014 Maidan massacre was a FALSE FLAG.)

The ECHR's ruling underscores these claims, stating that Ukrainian police "ignored available intelligence and warning signs" and made no "meaningful attempt" to prevent the clashes. Firefighters were delayed by 40 minutes due to an order from Volodymyr Bodelan, then head of Odessa's State Emergency Service. The court also criticized the lack of a thorough investigation, noting that criminal cases against suspects were repeatedly discontinued.

ECHR ruling exposes Ukraine's governance crisis

While the ECHR acknowledged the role of Russian propaganda in stoking tensions, it emphasized that this did not absolve Ukraine of responsibility. "Propaganda from Russia had its part," the court stated, but the negligence of Ukrainian authorities "went beyond an error of judgment and carelessness." The ruling also highlighted the flight of key officials to Russia, including Bodelan and Volodymyr Fuchedzhi, deputy head of Odessa's regional police.

Ukraine has consistently blamed Moscow for the tragedy, calling it a "pre-planned and well-financed operation" by Russian security services. However, the ECHR's decision places the onus squarely on Kyiv, ordering it to pay compensation totaling 114,700 ($124,293). Of this total, the claimants are set to receive between 12,000 ($13,000) and 17,000 ($18,421).

The ruling has reignited calls for accountability in a case that has become emblematic of Ukraine's turbulent post-Maidan era. The ECHR's findings also highlight broader issues of governance and law enforcement in Ukraine, particularly during a period of political upheaval.

The court's emphasis on the failure to conduct an effective investigation underscores the need for transparency and justice, even in the face of external pressures. Nearly a decade after the Odessa massacre, the ECHR's ruling offers a measure of closure for the victims families while exposing systemic failures within Ukraines institutions.

As the country continues to grapple with the legacy of 2014 and the ongoing conflict with Russia, the decision serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of political instability and the enduring need for accountability. For now, the question remains whether Ukraine will heed the court's call to address its past failures  or let the wounds of Odessa fester for another decade.

Visit Violence.news for more similar stories.

Watch "Burnt Alive in Odessa," a documentary that elaborates on the incident.

This video is from the Jerusalem Cats channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

CIA busy polishing its Ukraine legacy.

THE PRICE OF PEACE: Klitschko warns of chaos as Ukraine conflict nears end.

Sickening $260 million was stolen from taxpayers to fund George Soros global empire of evil.

Sources include:

RT.com

Interfax.com

Babel.ua

Brighteon.com
Remember when all Democrats and Liberals exclaimed TRUMP only gives tax breaks to ultra-wealthy  How about NO TAXES for Middle Class?

Accusation Strategy : Democrats consistently accuse Donald Trump of actions they themselves are engaged in, such as taxing the middle class while allegedly embezzling trillions through corrupt organizations and movements like USAID, FEMA, and DEI.

: Democrats consistently accuse Donald Trump of actions they themselves are engaged in, such as taxing the middle class while allegedly embezzling trillions through corrupt organizations and movements like USAID, FEMA, and DEI. Tax Policy Contrast : While Democrats are criticized for hiring 87,000 IRS agents to target conservatives, Trump is portrayed as advocating for middle-class tax relief, including proposals to abolish federal taxes for those earning under $150,000 annually.

: While Democrats are criticized for hiring 87,000 IRS agents to target conservatives, Trump is portrayed as advocating for middle-class tax relief, including proposals to abolish federal taxes for those earning under $150,000 annually. Media Bias : The text claims mainstream media ignores Trumps positive policies, such as tax exemptions for tips, overtime, and Social Security, while amplifying Democratic proposals, even if they are unfulfilled.

: The text claims mainstream media ignores Trumps positive policies, such as tax exemptions for tips, overtime, and Social Security, while amplifying Democratic proposals, even if they are unfulfilled. Swamp Drainage: Trump, alongside figures like Elon Musk, is depicted as working to reverse Democratic financial waste and corruption, saving billions and challenging the "swamp" of corrupt officials and judges.

The Democrat political propaganda playbook has been exactly the same for 12 years. Accuse Donald J. Trump of doing or planning to do exactly what the Democrats are doing to everyone every day. For starters, Democrat-Communism was disguised as Socialism and social justice while the rich got richer and the middle class got wiped out. The middle and lower class of America didnt just get taxed to death, but the Democrats in DC were hiring 87,000 new IRS agents to audit and prosecute every Conservative and their businesses in the country, in order to help create a one-party government forever  the Demonic Dems.

The Democrats always cried that Trump would give all the rich elitists all the tax breaks and tax loopholes to exploit, while raising taxes on the middle class. Meanwhile, the Democrats were printing and embezzling TRILLIONS of dollars through corrupt umbrella organizations and movements like USAID, FEMA, Climate Change, DEI, CRT, trans-whatever-fluid, proxy wars, human trafficking operations, drug running of fentanyl, and funding Middle East terrorists and the Mexican cartel.

Democrats accused Trump of taxing the middle class while they embezzled trillions of dollars through money laundering schemes, proxy wars and NGOs

Not only does Trump care about the middle class and the poor folks of America, but hes also doing everything he can to reverse the damage done by the Democrats. Right now, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick just revealed that President Donald Trump aims to abolish federal taxes for all Americans earning under $150,000 annually. How about that. No comment from Democrats there or their fake news industrial complex. Not one ounce of coverage on TV or in their bloody newspaper headlines.

Thats right. Trump didnt say no taxes for the rich, now did he? Still, fake news wont cover it at all. No good news about Trump on fake news, ever. Never. Not one single newspaper in this country will print anything about it as a headline, but if some delinquent Dem proposed it, you could guarantee EVERY newspaper headline would read the same, and every fake news TV, radio, and website would regurgitate how great its going to be, even though they would NEVER see it through. Every promise they made of something good fell through. Thats their method of operation. Promise the world everything and do just the opposite. Obama the great orator (liar and communist).

Trump, Musk and DOGE are saving the Republic billions of dollars daily that the Democrats wasted and are still wasting, with the help of corrupt judges, officials, and leftover swamp creatures. Trump also signed executive orders declaring no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, and no taxes on Social Security. How about printing those headlines, fake news?

Tune your apocalypse dial to Preparedness.news for updates on real news about surviving the Democrat-led government aggression, lies, and propaganda that comes at us every day now.

Sources for this article include:

Censored.news

NaturalNews.com

TheGatewayPundit.com
Hungarian Prime Minister demands EU expel George Soros agents to protect national sovereignty throughout Europe

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban calls for the expulsion of "Soros agents" from the European Commission and the removal of "corrupt lobbyists" from the European Parliament.

 Orban demands the EU protect national sovereignty, reject Ukraines membership, and end foreign interference in domestic policies.

 Hungary accuses Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk of being a "Soros agent" amid tensions over EU sanctions on Russia.

 Budapest continues to resist EU-mandated migrant quotas and LGBTQ+ policies, defending its Christian heritage and traditional values.

A long-standing battle against globalism

In a bold move to defend national sovereignty and traditional values, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has issued a list of demands to the European Union, calling for the expulsion of foreign agents linked to billionaire George Soros and the rejection of Ukraines membership in the bloc. Orbans demands, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, highlight Hungarys ongoing battle against what it sees as a globalist agenda threatening Europes cultural and political identity.

Orbans post urged Brussels to expel Soros agents from the European Commission and remove corrupt lobbyists from the European Parliament. He also called for a Union, but without Ukraine, emphasizing the need for peace, freedom, and unity within the bloc. These demands are part of a broader agenda that includes protecting Europes Christian heritage, banning the unnatural re-education of children, and ensuring equality before the law for all member states.

Orbans government has long been at odds with foreign-funded organizations, particularly those tied to George Soros. The Hungarian-American billionaire, known for financing liberal causes and promoting mass immigration, has been a frequent target of Orbans criticism. Soros Open Society Foundations relocated from Budapest to Berlin in 2018 after Hungary passed a law criminalizing foreign NGOs that aid illegal immigrants.

We do not want to continue paying the price for other peoples wars, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto declared in response to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusks warning that Orban would face consequences for blocking EU sanctions on Russia. Szijjarto accused Tusk of being a Soros agent, reflecting the deep ideological divide between Hungary and other EU member states.

Ukraines EU membership and the migrant crisis

Budapest has strongly opposed Ukraines rapid acceptance into the EU, citing potential harm to the blocs economy. Ukraine applied for membership shortly after the escalation of its conflict with Russia in February 2022 and was granted candidate status within three months. Orbans government argues that such hasty decisions undermine the EUs stability and sovereignty.

Hungary has also taken a hardline stance on immigration since the 2015 migrant crisis, building border fences along its southern borders with Serbia and Croatia and rejecting EU-mandated refugee quotas. These policies have drawn legal challenges, including a 200-million fine from the European Court of Justice for non-compliance with the blocs asylum rules.

Defending traditional values

Orbans government has consistently defended Hungarys Christian heritage and traditional family values. In 2020, Budapest updated child protection regulations to ban the promotion of LGBTQ+ topics in media, advertising, and educational materials accessible to minors. This move sparked outrage in Brussels, leading to legal action and the freezing of billions in EU funds intended for Hungary.

We play for the Hungarian team, Szijjarto declared, emphasizing Hungarys commitment to its national interests. We will not allow anyone to endanger the security of our energy supply, because Hungary comes first for us.

Orbans demands come at a critical time for the EU, as member states grapple with the economic and social consequences of sanctions on Russia, the ongoing migrant crisis, and the push for Ukraines membership. His call to expel Soros agents and protect national sovereignty reflects a growing sentiment among conservative governments that the EUs globalist agenda is eroding Europes cultural and political identity.

As Hungary stands firm against foreign interference and defends its traditional values, the question remains: Will other EU member states follow suit, or will they continue to bow to the pressures of globalist elites?

Sources include:

RT.com

RT.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Left outraged over DOGE and Musks crusade against government waste

Democrat lawmakers staged a protest during President Trumps joint address to Congress, holding signs reading MUSK STEALS, reflecting their opposition to Elon Musks efforts to reduce government waste through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

DOGE, led by Musk, has saved taxpayers $115 billion by cutting wasteful spending, but Democrats have criticized these efforts, accusing Musk of stealing funds they believe are theirs to control.

Critics argue that Democrats view taxpayer money as their own, opposing Musks transparency and efficiency measures that return funds to the Treasury and reduce corruption.

The Lefts resistance to DOGE mirrors past scandals like Solyndra and the Affordable Care Act, highlighting a pattern of prioritizing political power over fiscal responsibility.

The battle over DOGE represents a larger struggle between unchecked government waste and demands for accountability, with Musk and Trump symbolizing efforts to drain the swamp of corruption.

In a stunning display of political theater, Democrat lawmakers recently brandished signs reading MUSK STEALS during President Donald Trumps joint address to Congress. This childish stunt, coupled with nationwide attacks on Tesla dealerships, reveals a deeper truth about the Lefts obsession with controlling taxpayer dollars  and their utter disdain for accountability.

At the heart of this controversy is Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who has become the Lefts latest boogeyman. Musk, alongside President Trump, is delivering on a central campaign promise: draining the swamp of government waste, fraud and abuse. But instead of celebrating billions in taxpayer savings, Democrats are throwing tantrums. Why? Because, as AI & Crypto Czar David Sacks explains, they believe the money is theirs to waste.

The Lefts taxpayer entitlement complex

During a recent interview with Fox News Lara Trump, Sacks dissected the Democrats bizarre behavior. I was at the State of the Union and up in the balcony. I was looking down at the Democrats holding up these silly little signs, and the sign that I saw the most was one that said Musk Steals, Sacks said. How is Elon stealing? Hes returning money to the Treasury. Then it hit me: They actually have come to believe that this taxpayer money is theirs, and by returning it to the Treasury, Elon is stealing from them.

Sacks observation cuts to the core of the issue. For decades, Democrats have treated taxpayer dollars as their personal piggy bank, funneling funds into bloated programs, corporate handouts and outright fraud. Now, with DOGE slashing wasteful spending and saving taxpayers 115 billion  714 per taxpayer  the swamp is in an uproar.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), who leads the Senates DOGE caucus, highlighted one egregious example: The Small Business Administration gave out more than $300 million in loans to thousands of children 11 years old and younger. Thanks to DOGE, that contract was canceled, and the plants will now be watered for free. Yet, instead of applauding these efforts, Democrats are more upset about stopping waste than the misuse of tax dollars.

Musk derangement syndrome: A symptom of swamp fever

The Lefts hysteria has reached new heights, with Rep. James Comer (R-KY) dubbing it Musk Derangement Syndrome. Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, defended Musk during a recent hearing, where Democrats labeled him an unelected bureaucratic oligarch.

I find it ironic they keep referring to Elon Musk as an unelected bureaucrat  or whatever their terminology they are using  when they stood silent over the past four years when unelected bureaucrats have been running our country, Comer said. Theyve been operating their agencies without any oversight, without any accountability, and theyve been doing what they wanted to do.

Comers point is undeniable. For years, unelected bureaucrats have wielded unchecked power, wasting taxpayer dollars with impunity. Now, Musks transparency and efficiency are exposing their corruption, and they cant handle it.

A historical pattern of waste and corruption

This isnt the first time Democrats have fought tooth and nail to protect government waste. Recall the Obama-era scandals like Solyndra, where half a billion taxpayer dollars vanished into thin air, or the $2 trillion wasted on the Affordable Care Acts failed exchanges. The Lefts resistance to DOGE is just the latest chapter in a long history of prioritizing political power over fiscal responsibility.

Meanwhile, President Trump and Musk are delivering results. DOGE has already saved taxpayers $115 billion, and the savings keep growing. But instead of joining this effort to protect hardworking Americans money, Democrats are doubling down on their entitlement complex.

The stakes for Americas future

The battle over DOGE isnt just about dollars and centsits about the soul of our nation. Will we continue down the path of unchecked government waste and corruption, or will we demand accountability and efficiency?

As Sacks aptly put it, Elon isnt stealing anything. He is making sure that the federal government is taking good care of our money and that were not wasting it, its not going to corruption or fraud, and I think that just has the swamp in an absolute tizzy because he, along with the president, and at the president's direction, they are draining the swamp.

The Lefts outrage is a sign that Trump and Musk are winning. But the fight is far from over. Americans must remain vigilant, holding their leaders accountable and demanding an end to the culture of waste that has plagued Washington for far too long.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

WashingtonExaminer.com

KrebOnSecurity.com
This isnt war. Its genocide: The silent massacre of Syrias Alawite, Christian, and Druze communities continues

In the dead of night, masked men stormed villages in Syrias coastal regions, dragging families from their homes and executing them in the streets. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to smoldering ruins, and mass graves were hastily dug to conceal the evidence of unspeakable horrors. This is not war. This is genocide.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the dominant militant group in northwestern Syria, has unleashed a wave of violence against the Alawite, Christian, and Druze communities. Born out of the ashes of Jabhat al-Nusra, Al-Qaedas official branch in Syria, HTS has rebranded itself for international legitimacy but continues to carry out massacres, ethnic cleansing, and the systematic extermination of those who do not conform to its radical ideology.

Key points:

 Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group with ties to Al-Qaeda, is systematically exterminating minority communities in Syria.

 Survivors describe mass executions, burned villages, and foreign fighters carrying out atrocities.

 The international community remains silent, enabling the continuation of these crimes.

The massacre in Latakia: a night of unimaginable horror

In rural Latakia, coordinated attacks by HTS and its foreign recruits resulted in mass executions. Survivors recount masked men storming their villages, dragging families from their homes, and carrying out public executions. Those who resisted were burned alive inside their homes.

They didnt even speak our language, an elderly survivor told RT. They had no idea who we were, no reason to hate us  except that they were told to.

Satellite imagery confirms the devastation: rows of torched homes, mass graves, and ghost towns where life once thrived. Entire villages have been abandoned, their populations either massacred or displaced.

Tartus, once a thriving coastal city, has become another graveyard. HTS fighters conducted door-to-door massacres, accusing families of supporting the government or practicing the wrong faith before executing them. Those not killed on the spot were locked inside buildings and burned alive. A local journalist, speaking anonymously, described the scale of the killings: There were so many bodies that people stopped counting. They werent buried properly  just dumped into ditches.

Foreign fighters played a leading role in these atrocities. A humanitarian worker recalled speaking with a survivor: He told me he heard Chechen, Uzbek, and North African Arabic among the attackers. These werent local militants  these were imported killers, trained elsewhere and sent here to finish us off.

Jableh: the systematic erasure of a community

In Jableh, hundreds of men were rounded up, executed, and dumped into mass graves. Women and children were kidnapped, their fates unknown. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire for hours as the slaughter continued unchecked. They lined up all the men and took them away, a survivor said, his voice trembling. Later, we found their bodies piled on top of one another, shot execution-style.

One woman who escaped described her captors: They were foreigners. Some were Arab, others were not. They had dead eyes, no emotion. To them, we werent people  we were just bodies to be destroyed.

The involvement of foreign fighters suggests a well-coordinated, externally supported operation designed to systematically erase communities. Witnesses report hearing different languages among the attackers, including Western languages. These arent local fighters, a displaced resident now sheltering in Damascus said. They were trained somewhere else, then sent here to do what they do best  kill.

Intelligence sources indicate that these fighters were funneled into Syria through neighboring countries, trained in camps, and deployed to slaughter civilians.

Despite overwhelming evidence of genocide, Western and regional media continue to present the massacres as clashes between HTS and government forces, deliberately sidestepping the mass extermination of Syrias Alawite community. A Syrian human rights activist, speaking under anonymity, condemned this distortion: This isnt war. Its genocide. Yet, the worlds media avoids using that word because it doesnt fit their political narrative.

Western governments that once backed opposition forces are now reluctant to acknowledge the nightmare they helped unleash. The United Nations has remained largely passive, offering vague statements of concern but taking no meaningful action. As the world turns a blind eye, one must ask: How many more must die before the word genocide is spoken aloud?

Sources include:

RT.com

RT.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Trump administration defies court order to halt deportation of Venezuelan gang members, sparks constitutional showdown

The Trump administration defied a federal court order to halt the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members, invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1789, sparking a fierce debate over presidential power, judicial authority and national security.

Two planes carrying approximately 250 alleged Tren de Aragua gang members departed for El Salvador, despite a restraining order from U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, with the administration arguing the order did not apply outside U.S. airspace.

Democrats and civil liberties groups criticized the administration for flouting the rule of law, while conservative lawmakers supported the move, with Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) announcing plans to impeach Judge Boasberg for judicial activism.

The Alien Enemies Act, last used during World War II, grants the president broad wartime powers to deport noncitizens deemed threats, raising concerns about due process and executive overreach.

The case is expected to reach the Supreme Court, testing the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches and setting a precedent for presidential authority in matters of national security and immigration.

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing battle between the executive and judicial branches of government, the Trump administration has defied a federal court order to halt the deportation of hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members, setting the stage for a constitutional crisis. The administrations decision to proceed with the flights to El Salvador, despite a restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, has ignited fierce debate over the limits of presidential power, the role of activist judges and the governments duty to protect American citizens from foreign criminals.

The controversy centers on the administrations invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1789, a wartime law that grants the president sweeping authority to deport noncitizens deemed a threat to national security. The law, last used during World War II to intern Japanese, German and Italian nationals, was quietly invoked by President Trump on Friday night to expedite the removal of approximately 250 alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan prison gang recently designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government.

The flights that sparked a firestorm

The administrations move to deport these individuals was swift and deliberate. By Saturday afternoon, two planes carrying the alleged gang members had departed from Texas, bound for El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele had agreed to house them in the countrys notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). The flights were already en route when Judge Boasberg issued his order, demanding that the planes be turned around immediately.

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 declared during an emergency hearing. But by the time the order was issued, the planes were over international waters, and the administration chose to press ahead, arguing that the judges ruling did not apply outside U.S. airspace.

Very important that people understand we are not actively defying court orders, a senior White House official told Axios. They were already outside of U.S. airspace. We believe the order is not applicable.

The decision to proceed with the deportations has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and civil liberties groups, who accuse the administration of flouting the rule of law. Court order defied. First of many as I've been warning and start of true constitutional crisis, tweeted Democrat attorney Mark S. Zaid, suggesting that the move could lead to another Trump impeachment.

A constitutional showdown looms

The administration, however, remains defiant, framing the issue as a matter of national security and executive authority. This is headed to the Supreme Court. And we're going to win, a senior White House official told Axios. It's the showdown that was always going to happen between the two branches of government.

The official added, And it seemed that this was pretty clean. You have Venezuelan gang members ... These are bad guys, as the president would say.

The administrations stance has garnered support from conservative lawmakers, who argue that the judiciary has overstepped its bounds. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) has even announced plans to file articles of impeachment against Judge Boasberg, accusing him of judicial activism. I'll be filing Articles of Impeachment against activist judge James Boasberg this week, Gill posted on X.

Historical context: A law rooted in war

The Alien Enemies Act, part of the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, was designed to give the president broad powers to address threats from foreign nationals during times of war or invasion. Its use during World War II to justify the internment of Japanese-Americans remains one of the most controversial chapters in U.S. history. Critics of the Trump administrations invocation of the law argue that it sets a dangerous precedent, allowing the executive branch to bypass due process and deport individuals without judicial oversight.

But supporters of the administrations actions point to the unique threat posed by Tren de Aragua, a gang known for its violent tactics and transnational reach. These are the monsters sent into our Country by Crooked Joe Biden and the Radical Left Democrats, President Trump wrote on Truth Social, sharing a video of the deportees being escorted off the planes in El Salvador. How dare they! Thank you to El Salvador and, in particular, President Bukele, for your understanding of this horrible situation, which was allowed to happen to the United States because of incompetent Democrat leadership. We will not forget!

The road ahead

As the legal battle heads to the Supreme Court, the stakes could not be higher. The case raises fundamental questions about the balance of power between the branches of government and the presidents authority to protect the nation from foreign threats. It also underscores the broader debate over immigration policy and the rule of law in an era of heightened political polarization.

For now, the administrations decision to proceed with the deportations has sent a clear message: When it comes to protecting American citizens from foreign criminals, the White House is willing to push the boundaries of executive power. Whether the courts will agree remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: this constitutional showdown is far from over.

As the nation watches this drama unfold, one cant help but wonder: In the face of rising crime and transnational threats, should the presidents duty to protect the American people take precedence over judicial oversight? Or does the defiance of a court order set a dangerous precedent that undermines the very foundation of our democracy? The answers to these questions will shape the future of our nation for years to come.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

NYPost.com

BBC.com
Trump administrations UN questionnaire: A bold stand against waste or a dangerous overreach?

The administration has sent a detailed questionnaire to U.N. agencies, including UNICEF and the U.N. Refugee Agency, requiring them to disclose ties to communism, socialism, or "anti-American" beliefs, as well as their involvement in DEI initiatives, abortion-related care, and climate or environmental justice projects.

Critics argue the questionnaire is an unprecedented overreach that undermines U.S. global leadership, while supporters claim it is necessary to root out waste and ensure alignment with American values.

The Trump administration has a track record of skepticism toward international organizations, having previously withdrawn from the WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement. This move is seen as an extension of efforts to counter perceived "woke" ideology in U.N. agencies.

The administration has slashed 83% of USAID programs and reduced its workforce from 8,000 to fewer than 300, sparking legal challenges and warnings of catastrophic consequences for global stability and U.S. interests.

The administrations actions reflect a prioritization of ideological purity over pragmatic diplomacy, with critics warning of eroded global influence and potential opportunities for adversaries like China to fill the void left by U.S. retreat.

The Trump administrations latest move to demand U.N. humanitarian agencies disclose any ties to communism, socialism, or anti-American beliefs has sparked a firestorm of debate. While supporters hail it as a necessary step to root out government waste and corruption, critics argue it is an unprecedented overreach that undermines Americas global leadership. The controversy underscores a broader battle over the role of U.S. foreign aid and the ideological direction of international institutions.

The questionnaire: A deep dive into ideological scrutiny

According to documents obtained by The Associated Press, the Trump administration has sent a detailed questionnaire to U.N. agencies like UNICEF and the U.N. Refugee Agency, as well as remnants of the recently dismantled U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The survey probes whether these organizations promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, provide abortion-related care, or engage in climate or environmental justice projects.

One particularly striking question asks organizations to confirm that they do not work with entities associated with communist, socialist, or totalitarian parties, or any party that espouses anti-American beliefs. Another question frames the U.N. itself as a potential problem, asking whether projects reinforce U.S. sovereignty by limiting reliance on international organizations or global governance structures (e.g., UN, WHO).

This is not the first time the Trump administration has targeted international organizations. Since taking office in 2025, President Trump and his allies, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and billionaire Elon Musk, have slashed 83% of USAID programs and dismantled much of the agencys infrastructure. The administration argues that these cuts are necessary to eliminate waste and ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are spent in alignment with American values and national interests.

A history of skepticism toward international institutions

The Trump administrations skepticism of international organizations is not new. During his first term, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement, citing concerns over inefficiency and ideological bias. This latest move appears to be an extension of that philosophy, with a sharper focus on rooting out what the administration perceives as woke ideology infiltrating U.N. agencies.

However, critics argue that this approach risks alienating allies and undermining Americas ability to lead on the global stage. Thomas Shannon, a former U.S. diplomat who served under both President Obama and President Trump, warned that the questionnaires tone could be counterproductive. At the U.N., where you have 193 countries that represent every race, gender and language, diversity is a fact. It is not an ideology, Shannon said. It would be my hope that the United States would understand that maybe with a few exceptions, the programs at the U.N. are not designed to promote woke ideology but to address very real obstacles and challenges.

The broader implications: A battle over foreign aid

The questionnaire is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reevaluate and drastically reduce U.S. foreign aid. In February 2025, the administration announced plans to cut USAIDs workforce from 8,000 direct hires and contractors to fewer than 300, leaving only a skeleton crew to manage life-saving programs. This move has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, foreign policy experts and federal worker unions, who argue that it is illegal without congressional approval and could have catastrophic consequences for global stability.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the cuts, stating that the U.S. will continue to provide foreign aid, but only if it makes sense and is aligned with our national interest. However, critics argue that the administrations definition of national interest is overly narrow and risks abandoning vulnerable populations around the world.

The American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees have filed a lawsuit to stop the shutdown, arguing that the administrations actions are not only illegal but also harmful to U.S. interests. Government officials failed to acknowledge the catastrophic consequences of their actions, both as they pertain to American workers, the lives of millions around the world and to U.S. national interests, the suit states.

A divisive legacy

The Trump administrations latest actions reflect a deeply divisive approach to governance, one that prioritizes ideological purity over pragmatic diplomacy. While supporters applaud the administrations efforts to eliminate waste and protect American sovereignty, critics warn that these moves could erode Americas global influence and leave a void that adversaries like China are eager to fill.

As the debate over the questionnaire and USAID cuts continues, one thing is clear: the Trump administrations vision for Americas role in the world is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of U.S. foreign policy. Whether this legacy will be remembered as a bold stand against waste and corruption or a dangerous retreat from global leadership remains to be seen.

For now, the world watches as the U.S. grapples with the consequences of its choicesand as the Trump administration doubles down on its commitment to America First.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

APNews.com
Trump challenges Bidens last-minute autopen pardons, calls them void and unconstitutional

Trump declares Bidens last-minute pardons "void," claiming they were signed via autopen without Bidens knowledge or consent.

The Heritage Foundation alleges that nearly all Biden-signed documents during his presidency used an autopen, raising legitimacy concerns.

Pardons shielded high-profile figures, including Fauci, Milley, and January 6 Committee members, sparking accusations of "swamp protection."

Trumps legal team plans to challenge the pardons, potentially setting a precedent on autopen use in presidential decisions.

The scandal highlights a potential constitutional crisis, with claims unelected staffers exploited Bidens cognitive decline for controversial actions.

President Donald Trump has declared President Joe Bidens last-minute pardons void, vacant, and of no further force or effect in a bombshell declaration on Truth Social.

Trump alleges that the pardons, which shielded Bidens family members, Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and members of the January 6 Committee, were signed using an autopen without Bidens knowledge or consent at a time when he was experiencing very obvious cognitive decline. This shocking revelation, supported by findings from the Heritage Foundations Oversight Project, raises serious questions about the legitimacy of Bidens final acts as president and whether unelected staffers exploited his cognitive decline to push through controversial decisions.

The autopen scandal exposed

The controversy centers on the use of a mechanical device that replicates a signature known as an autopen to sign official documents, including pardons, during Bidens presidency. According to the Heritage Foundations Oversight Project, nearly every document bearing Bidens signature during his term was signed by an autopen. The only confirmed document with Bidens actual signature was his letter announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, which is quite telling.

Trump, in a fiery statement on Truth Social, declared, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them! The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime. This claim aligns with Special Counsel Robert Hurs report, which described Biden as an elderly man with a poor memory, unable to recall basic facts.

Pardons that protected the swamp

The pardons in question, which were issued on Bidens last day in office, targeted high-profile figures, including members of the January 6 Committee, whom Trump has accused of conducting a politically motivated witch hunt. Other recipients included General Mark Milley, who publicly criticized Trump, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, whose handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a lightning rod for controversy.

These pardons represent the kind of swamp protection that has long allowed Washington insiders to evade accountability. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has called for a Department of Justice investigation, stating, If true, these executive orders, pardons, and all other actions are unconstitutional and legally void.

What happens next?

Trumps legal team is expected to challenge the pardons in court, arguing that Bidens lack of awareness and consent renders them invalid. The case could set a precedent for the use of autopens in presidential decision-making and raise questions about the extent of Bidens involvement in his administrations actions.

As the legal battle unfolds, Trumps supporters are hailing the move as a long-overdue reckoning for Bidens legacy. This is the swamp-draining moment weve been waiting for, one MAGA influencer posted on X.

The autopen scandal has exposed a potential constitutional crisis, with allegations that unelected staffers may have wielded presidential power without Bidens knowledge. Whether the courts will nullify Bidens pardons remains to be seen, but Trumps bold challenge has thrust the issue into the national spotlight, forcing Americans to confront uncomfortable questions about the integrity of presidential authority.

Sources for this article include:

RedStateNation.com

FoxNews.com

NYPost.com

ZeroHedge.com

ZeroHedge.com
UN judge convicted of modern SLAVERY: exploitation of vulnerable woman exposes UNs unchecked corruption

A United Nations judge, Lydia Mugambe, has been convicted of forcing a Ugandan woman into domestic servitude in the U.K.

Mugambe, a Ugandan High Court judge and UN appointee, exploited her position to deceive the victim.

Mugambe confiscated the woman's passport and forced her into unpaid labor.

The case highlights the unchecked power and corruption within the United Nations and diplomatic circles, raising questions about accountability and justice.

The UN's power and privilege leads to modern slavery

In a shocking case that exposes the dark underbelly of unchecked authority within the United Nations, Lydia Mugambe, a Ugandan High Court judge and UN appointee, has been convicted of modern slavery offenses in the U.K. The 49-year-old judge, who was studying for a doctorate at the University of Oxford at the time of the crimes, lured a vulnerable Ugandan woman to Britain under false pretenses, only to force her into unpaid domestic servitude. The verdict, delivered on Thursday at Oxford Crown Court, has sent shockwaves through the international community, raising serious questions about the integrity of the UN and its officials.

Lydia Mugambe, a figure of authority in both Uganda and the United Nations, used her connections and knowledge of the law to exploit a young woman who trusted her. According to court testimony, Mugambe arranged for the victim to obtain a visa under the guise of working for a diplomat at the Ugandan High Commission in London. Instead, Mugambe brought the woman to her private residence, confiscated her passport, and forced her to work as an unpaid maid and nanny.

Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe leveraged her relationship with John Mugerwa, the then-Deputy High Commissioner at the Ugandan Embassy in London, to secure the visa. Mugerwa, who had diplomatic immunity and could not be charged, allegedly facilitated the scheme in exchange for Mugambes assistance in a separate court case in Uganda. This collusion between high-ranking officials underscores the systemic corruption that often goes unchecked within diplomatic and international institutions.

A betrayal of trust and justice

The victim, who was unaware of her rights, endured months of unpaid labor before managing to contact a friend, who alerted authorities. Thames Valley Police launched a complex investigation, uncovering the extent of Mugambes exploitation. Despite her claims of diplomatic immunity, the Office of the United Nations Secretary General waived any protections, allowing the case to proceed.

Lydia Mugambe used her position to exploit a vulnerable young woman, controlling her freedom and making her work without payment, said Eran Cutliffe of the Crown Prosecution Services Special Crime Division. Thanks to the victims courage in coming forward, it has been possible to bring Ms. Mugambe to justice and hold her accountable for her actions.

The courtroom erupted in gasps as the verdict was delivered, with Mugambe appearing visibly distressed. She was convicted on four charges, including forced labor, immigration offenses, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 2.

This case is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a larger problem within the United Nations and other international bodies. The UN, often touted as a beacon of global justice, has repeatedly been accused of harboring corrupt officials who abuse their power with impunity. Mugambes actions are a stark reminder of how easily authority can be weaponized against the vulnerable, particularly when accountability mechanisms are weak or nonexistent.

Chief Superintendent Ben Clark of Thames Valley Police commended the victims bravery, stating, Mugambe used her position of power as well as her knowledge of the law to take advantage of the victim, ensuring that she would become her unpaid domestic servant. He urged other victims of modern slavery to come forward, emphasizing that justice is possible even against the most powerful perpetrators. The United Nations, an institution founded on the principles of justice and human rights, must now confront its own complicity in enabling such abuses.

Sources include:

WND.com

ThamesValley.police.uk

APNews.com
Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher: A former sales reps wake-up call to the dangers of Big Pharma

In "Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher," Gwen Olsen provides a personal and professional critique of the pharmaceutical industry, detailing her 15-year career as a sales representative and the industry's practices that prioritize profit over patient well-being.

The tragic suicide of Olsen's niece, Meg, who was caught in a cycle of medication and mental health issues, became the pivotal moment that transformed Olsen into a vocal industry critic, highlighting the destructive potential of prescription drugs.

Olsen exposes the pharmaceutical industry's use of data manipulation, downplayed side effects and aggressive marketing tactics, which she witnessed firsthand while selling powerful drugs like Haldol, a practice she now fervently opposes.

Olsen shares her harrowing experience with antidepressants, which led to a period of severe mental distress, reinforcing her argument against the over-reliance on prescription drugs and advocating for alternative mental health approaches.

Beyond criticism, Olsen urges for a more cautious and informed approach to medication, advocating for less stigma around mental illness, greater patient education and holistic healing methods, while also calling for better regulation and transparency within the pharmaceutical industry.

In her gripping and unflinching memoir, "Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher," Gwen Olsen sheds light on the dark underbelly of the pharmaceutical industry and the profound impact of prescription drugs on American society.

The book, released in 2010, is a personal and professional account of Olsen's 15-year career as a pharmaceutical sales representative and her transformation into a vocal critic of an industry she once believed in.

Olsen, a former sales rep for major pharmaceutical companies, explains that her narrative is rooted in the dysfunctional elements that have plagued her family for generations  addiction, alcoholism, abuse and mental illness. These issues, she argues, are exacerbated by the over-reliance on prescription drugs, which have become a pervasive and often destructive force in American homes.

The catalyst for Olsen's transformation was the tragic suicide of her niece, Meg. Meg's story serves as a haunting testament to the dangers lurking in medicine cabinets across the country. Despite her talents and potential, Meg was caught in a cycle of medication and mental health issues, ultimately leading to her untimely death. This personal loss compelled Olsen to confront the harsh realities of the pharmaceutical world and to share her experiences with the public.

Olsen's journey as a sales representative provides a unique and alarming perspective on the industry's inner workings. She describes being trained to sell drugs like Haldol, a powerful antipsychotic, despite witnessing the debilitating side effects it caused. The pharmaceutical industry, she reveals, is driven by a relentless pursuit of profit, often at the expense of patient well-being. Tactics such as data manipulation, downplaying side effects and aggressive marketing are commonplace, pushing drugs that can do more harm than good.

One of the most compelling aspects of Olsen's book is her candid account of her own experiences with antidepressants. She describes a harrowing period of chemically induced madness, where the drugs meant to help her only pushed her closer to the brink. This personal struggle underscores the broader issue of the over-reliance on prescription medications and the urgent need for alternative approaches to mental health.

Olsen's book is more than a critique; it is a call to action. She urges readers to wake up to the reality of the pharmaceutical industry and to take responsibility for their health and the health of their loved ones. For doctors, she advocates for a more cautious and questioning approach to prescribing medications, considering the long-term consequences and the potential for harm. For the general public, she emphasizes the importance of education, critical thinking and demanding better from a system that often prioritizes profits over patients.

Beyond her personal and professional narratives, Olsen addresses broader societal issues. She criticizes the stigma surrounding mental illness, which often isolates those who suffer and hinders their ability to seek help. She advocates for a society that offers love, support and understanding rather than judgment and discrimination. Additionally, she calls for better regulation and oversight of the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

Olsen's journey eventually led her to explore alternative paths to healing. She turned to holistic approaches such as chiropractic care, yoga, aromatherapy and other mind-body-spirit therapies. These practices helped her reclaim her life and find a sense of peace. She highlights the importance of a therapeutic alliance, a relationship with a therapist built on mutual respect and trust, as a crucial component of the healing process.

"Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher" is a powerful and necessary read for anyone interested in the intersection of personal health, societal well-being and the pharmaceutical industry. Olsen's story is a stark reminder that the path to healing is not always straightforward and that the solutions we seek may not come in the form of a pill. As she poignantly states, "The truth is, as human beings, we are all doing the best we can with what we have under individual circumstances." But it is up to us to demand better, seek the truth and take responsibility for our own health and well-being.

Learn more about the book "Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher" by watching the video below.

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Five years later, we remember how politicians unleashed COVID tyranny

Five years ago, politicians and bureaucrats went berserk and pointlessly ravaged Americans freedom. The Covid-19 pandemic provided the pretext to destroy hundreds of thousands of businesses, padlock churches, close down schools, and effectively place hundreds of millions of Americans under house arrest. Despite all the forced sacrifices, most Americans contracted covid and more than a million were listed as dying from the virus.

(Article by James Bovard republished from Mises.org)

Pandemic Security Theater Is Self-Destructive, And Wont Make Us Safer was the headline of my first salvo against the pandemic hysteria, published on March 24, 2020 in the Daily Caller. I scoffed at President Trumps proclamations about being a wartime president at war with an invisible enemy. Wartime presidents too easily pretend theyre on a mission from God to scourge all resistance. I warned: The pandemic threatens to open authoritarian Pandoras Boxes. Permitting governments to seize almost unlimited power based on shaky extrapolations of infection rates will doom our republic.

From the start of the pandemic, the Mises Institute was in the forefront of condemning policies that eradicated prosperity in the name of public health. In a May 19, 2020 Mises piece headlined, Hacksawing the Economy, I noted, The political response to COVID-19 is eerily similar to Civil War surgeons rationales for hacking off arms and legs. As long as politicians claim that things would be worse if they had not amputated much of the economy, they can pirouette as saviors.

Living in the Washington area, I had a front row seat for many of Covid-19s biggest absurdities. After federal officials whipped up panic, I Believe in Science lawn signs popped up like mushrooms, soon accompanied by Thank You, Dr. Fauci placards. Those signs looked to me like frightful decorations of a Halloween that never ended.

Thoreau provided my lodestar for the pandemic: A man sits as many risks as he runs. I knew that isolation would make me too ornery for my own good. I had survived the flu plenty of times in prior decades and I didnt reckon covid would deliver my coffin nails. I was a co-leader of a Meetup hiking group which continued hiking almost every weekend throughout the pandemic.

But politicians made such jaunts more difficult. In February 2021, President Biden decreed that face masks must be worn in national parks. Probably 95 percent of the National Park Services 800+ million acres is uncrowded 95 percent of the time. The only evidence to justify the mandate was that many Biden supporters were frightened or enraged whenever they saw anyone not wearing a mask. The new mandate quickly became an entitlement program for junior Stasi members.

I told attendees on my hikes that masks were optional but kvetching about other hikers wearing or not wearing masks was prohibited. Bidens edict helped turn the C & O Canal Towpathone of my favorite hiking venuesinto a hotbed of self-righteousness. That Towpath was ten feet wide in most places, but it was the principle of the matter. I had numerous people furiously screaming at me because I wasnt wearing a facemask as I strolled outside. If mask hecklers were especially persistent, I would shrug and ask them: How is your therapy going?

Washingtonians pride themselves on being smarter and better educated than most other Americans (okay, maybe excepting San Francisco and Boston). They instinctively knew that total servility was the only hope for surviving the pandemic, and maximizing hatred was the key to compliance. After Biden ordered 100 million adults to get injected with the covid vaccine, Biden derided the unvaxxed as aspiring mass murderers who only wanted the freedom to kill you with covid. (The Supreme Court struck down most of that illegal vax mandate.)

Thanks to Bidens fear mongering, almost half of Democratic voters favored locking the unvaxxed into government detention facilities, according to an early 2022 Rasmussen poll. The same survey showed that almost half of Democrats favored empowering government to fine or imprison individuals who publicly question the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines on social media. The Biden administration unleashed a massive censorship campaign on social media and beyond that effectively muzzled millions of Americans who doubted the feds.

At that point, most American adults were vaxxed, but the injections were catastrophically failing against the latest covid variant. There were a million new covid cases per daymainly among the vaxxedand most covid fatalities were occurring among the fully vaxxed.

But best and brightest Washingtonians retained their absolute faith in a command-and-control response to the pandemic. District of Columbia Mayor, Muriel Bowser, decreed that anyone who was not vaccinated and carrying proof of the jab was banned from entering any restaurant, bar, gym, or meeting space in her domain. Affluent Washingtonians happily rushed to get free software apps so the government could track them and their health status. That new app had a spiffy logo that quickly became the ultimate status symbol.

I stopped hosting hikes within DC city limits: I would be damned if I would condone Bowsers biomedical caste system. But I did venture into DC in early 2022 to pay respects to an editor who was fleeing southward. Exiting at the Dupont Circle metro station, I briefly stepped out of a torrential downpour into an upscale coffee shop. Every table hosted a hefty warning sign: Masks on & Vaccine Cards out! Patrons were hectored: All cafes and restaurants are REQUIRED by the Mayors Office to check vaccine cards of dine-in customers. Thank you for helping us comply with local regulations to remain open! Why didnt that establishment just advertise the slogan: Come Sip with the Gestapo! I skedaddled before anybody asked to see a vax passport.

I was mystified why people would pay $6.50 for a coffee to be treated worse than parolees. Dupont Circle was home to many of DCs best educated residents. The more graduate degrees they amassed, the more submissive they became. Flourishing your vax card proved your moral and intellectual superiority over anyone who balked at bending over again.

But it was a different story in Anacostia, the poorest part of the city, where one of the unsung heroes of the pandemic emerged. Blacks had a much lower vaccination rate and the mayors edict effectively made many of them second-class citizens. Bowser, Fauci, and a PBS film crew pounded on front doors in Anacostia and hectored residents to get injected. A guy in his 30s came to the front door of his row house, saw Fauci and the TV cameras, and condemned the entire covid carnival: Yall campaign is about fear. You all attack people with fear. Thats what this pandemic is. He scorned the speedy vax approval: Nine months is definitely not enough for nobody to be taking no vaccination that you all came up with. Actually, the Biden White House had browbeat the Food and Drug Administration to unjustifiably grant final approval to the Pfizer vax. With the video cameras rolling, he angrily told Fauci and Bowser: The people in America are not settled with the information thats been given to us right now. Watch the PBS Fauci Vaccine Outreach Anacostia brawl here.

Fauci and the PBS film crew probably thought that exchange exemplified the type of fools who refused to submit and be saved. Fauci justified covid mandates because average citizens dont have the ability to determine what is best for them. But despite getting any and all boosters, Fauci was personally ravaged by covid at least three times. Faucis frauds began to be exposed, including his role in covertly bankrolling the reckless gain-of-function research that escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology and killed seven million people worldwide. Instead of receiving a Nobel prize, Fauci was grateful thaton President Bidens final day in officehe received a full presidential pardon for any and all of his crimes committed for the prior decade.

But what sort of savior scientist needs a presidential pardon, anyway?

A virus with a 99+ percent survival rate spawned a 100 percent presumption in favor of despotism. The government has no liability for the injections it mandates or the freedoms it destroys. The Covid-19 pandemic should teach Americans to never defer to experts who promise that granting them boundless power will keep everyone else safe. In the long run, people have more to fear from politicians than from viruses.

Read more at: Mises.org
The New Art of War: America has overextended itself in Ukraine and Israel, and could COLLAPSE if it does not retreat

Dmitry Orfov's book "The New Art of War" applies the principles of 5th-century Chinese strategist Mingxian Duizhang to modern geopolitics, offering a framework to analyze contemporary conflicts like those in Ukraine and Israel.

Orfov argues that the Ukraine conflict is a U.S.-orchestrated proxy war to weaken Russia, but he claims the strategy has backfired, with Russia gaining strength, Ukraine facing exhaustion and Western support waning.

The author critiques Israel's reliance on U.S. support, highlighting internal divisions and global isolation due to aggressive policies. He distinguishes between Judaism and Israeli nationalism, urging a separation of the two.

Orfov portrays the U.S. as a declining global power, predicting its retreat from international commitments, the collapse of NATO and the EU, and the rise of Russia and China as dominant forces in energy and technology.

In a world marked by rising tensions and shifting power dynamics, Russian political analyst Dmitry Orfov has released his book "The New Art of War," a provocative book that reinterprets the principles of ancient Chinese military strategy to analyze the modern geopolitical landscape.

The book, which centers on the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, as well as the decline of the United States' global influence, argues that the world is on the brink of unprecedented transformation. Orfov's work, blending historical context with contemporary analysis, offers a bold warning about the fragility of the current world order and the potential consequences of geopolitical miscalculations.

Orfov begins by revisiting the teachings of Mingxian Duizhang, a 5th-century Chinese military strategist whose principles of warfare are often overshadowed by Sun Tzu's "The Art of War." Duizhang's simple yet brutal rules  fight if necessary, attack when possible, defend if attack fails, retreat if defense fails, hide if retreat is impossible, surrender if hiding fails and accept death if surrender is refused  provide the foundation for Orfov's analysis of modern conflicts. These timeless principles, Orfov argues, offer a lens through which to understand the complexities of contemporary warfare, particularly in the contexts of Ukraine and Israel.

Orfov contends the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is not a standalone war but a proxy battle orchestrated by the U.S. to weaken Russia. He describes Ukraine as a "sacrificial lamb," underscored by its reliance on Western support and military aid.

According to Orfov, the U.S. strategy has backfired, with Russia consolidating its territorial gains by early 2023, while Ukraine faces exhaustion, dwindling military capabilities and waning Western backing. Orfov predicts a slow but inevitable collapse of Ukraine's leadership, leading to a desperate scramble for survival. He criticizes U.S. economic sanctions against Russia as counterproductive, pointing to Russia's growing economy, a stronger military and the sustained popularity of President Vladimir Putin as evidence of these sanctions' failure.

Orfov's analysis of Israel is equally bleak. He views Israel as a nation heavily reliant on U.S. support, which he argues is increasingly tenuous. The Hamas attack, which Orfov describes as a failure of Israeli military strategy, highlights the internal divisions within Israeli society.

He argues that Israel's aggressive policies have isolated it on the global stage, with much of the world viewing its actions with growing skepticism. Orfov also challenges the conflation of Judaism with Israeli nationalism, advocating for a distinction between the global Jewish community and the political identity of Israeli citizens.

Perhaps most striking is Orfov scathing critique of U.S. foreign policy. He portrays the U.S. as a declining empire, struggling to maintain its global influence through hypocrisy and self-destructive actions.

Orfov predicts a future where the U.S. retreats from its global commitments, leading to the dissolution of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union. He envisions a world where Russia emerges as a dominant energy supplier, while China becomes a key player in manufacturing and technology, though its insular nature may limit its global integration.

Orfov's vision of the future is both unsettling and transformative. He foresees the rise of a new Eurasian supercluster, including Russia, China and other nations, challenging the existing world order dominated by the U.S. and its Western allies. He also predicts a shift in global cultural and religious landscapes, with conservative Christianity, moderate Islam and Chinese Confucianism gaining prominence, while the influence of the West diminishes.

As the world grapples with the complexities of modern warfare, shifting alliances and the decline of U.S. hegemony, Orfov's work serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of ancient strategic principles and the importance of understanding historical context in shaping the present and future.

Watch this video discussing Orfov's analysis of the current geopolitical landscape in "The New Art of War."

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Elon Musk exposes governments shadowy financial system as Democrats push back out of spite

Tech billionaire Elon Musk revealed the existence of 14 magic money computers across federal agencies, including the Treasury, HHS and DOD, which allegedly issue payments without proper oversight or accountability, raising concerns about fiscal mismanagement.

Musks findings highlight a long-standing lack of transparency and accountability in federal spending, with discrepancies in financial reporting and trillions of dollars issued without clear reconciliation.

Musks discovery underscores decades of government inefficiency and failed attempts to curb waste, fraud and abuse, with past reforms like the ACA and Reagan-era budget cuts falling short of their promises.

Democrats have criticized Musks revelations, dismissing them as exaggerated or irrelevant, which critics argue is an attempt to deflect from systemic issues of corruption and inefficiency in federal spending.

Musks findings demand immediate action, including audits of the magic money computers and broader reforms to increase transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility in government spending.

In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through Washington, tech billionaire and government reformer Elon Musk has uncovered what he calls magic money computers  federal systems that allegedly create and distribute funds out of thin air. Musks discovery, shared during a conversation with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), has reignited concerns about government waste, corruption and the lack of transparency in federal spending. But instead of applauding Musks efforts to root out inefficiency, Democrats have launched a coordinated attack on the entrepreneur, seemingly out of spite and resistance to the uncomfortable truths he is uncovering.

This isnt just a story about bureaucratic mismanagement  its a tale of how the federal government has operated in the shadows for decades, shielded by complexity and a lack of accountability. Musks findings are a wake-up call for every American taxpayer who has ever wondered where their hard-earned dollars are going.

The magic money revelation

During a recent podcast interview with Senator Cruz, Musk detailed his teams discovery of 14 magic money computers across various federal agencies, including the Department of Treasury, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD). These systems, Musk explained, operate outside the bounds of normal financial oversight, issuing payments without clear accountability or even a verifiable source of funds.

You may think that the government computers all talk to each other, they synchronize, they add up what funds are going somewhere, and its coherent, Musk said. And that the numbers, for example, that youre presented as a senator are actually the real numbers. One would think. Theyre not. I mean, theyre not totally wrong, but theyre probably off by 5% or 10% in some cases.

When Cruz pressed Musk on how these systems work, the billionaire said: It just issues payments. Musk went on to reveal that these computers are responsible for sending out trillions of dollars in payments, often without proper oversight or reconciliation.

This revelation is not just alarming  its a damning indictment of the federal governments financial management. For years, conservatives have warned about the unchecked growth of government spending and the lack of transparency in how taxpayer dollars are allocated. Musks findings confirm these concerns, exposing a system that operates with little regard for fiscal responsibility.

A history of waste and inefficiency

Musks quest to uncover government waste is not new. For decades, reformers have sought to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in federal spending, only to be stymied by bureaucratic resistance and political inertia.

The Reagan administration, for example, famously promised to balance the budget by cutting waste, fraud and abuse. Yet, despite its efforts, the federal deficit ballooned, in part because the promised savings never materialized. Similarly, the architects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) claimed that their reforms would reduce healthcare costs by eliminating inefficiencies. Instead, the ACA led to higher premiums and increased government spending.

Musks discovery of magic money computers suggests that the problem runs deeper than anyone imagined. These systems, which operate outside the bounds of normal financial oversight, represent a systemic failure of accountability. They also raise troubling questions about how much money is being wasted  or worse, misappropriated  by federal agencies.

Democrats spiteful resistance

Rather than embracing Musks efforts to bring transparency to government spending, Democrats have responded with hostility. Critics have dismissed Musks findings as exaggerated or irrelevant, while others have accused him of overstepping his role as a private citizen.

This pushback is not surprising. Musks revelations threaten the status quo, exposing the inefficiencies and corruption that Democrats have long ignored or enabled. By attacking Musk, Democrats are attempting to deflect attention from the real issue: the federal governments inability to manage taxpayer dollars responsibly.

But the American people deserve better. They deserve to know how their money is being spentand whether its being wasted. Musks work is a step toward achieving that goal, even if it means ruffling feathers in Washington.

The path forward

Musks discovery of magic money computers is a call to action for every American who cares about fiscal responsibility. Its a reminder that the federal government operates with far too little oversight and far too much waste.

To address this problem, Congress must take immediate steps to increase transparency and accountability in federal spending. This includes conducting a full audit of the magic money computers and the payments they issue, as well as implementing reforms to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

At the same time, conservatives must continue to push back against the Democrats attempts to discredit Musk and his work. This is not about partisan politicsits about holding the government accountable to the people it serves.

Elon Musks quest to uncover the truth about government waste is far from over. But one thing is clear: the magic money computers are just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to restore fiscal sanity to Washington, you must demand transparency, accountability and an end to the culture of waste and corruption that has plagued our government for far too long.

The American people deserve nothing less.

Sources include:

X.com

WashingtonPost.com

NewBreak.com
From WWII to today: The fall of Voice of America and Americas global influence

President Trump signed an executive order significantly reducing the operations of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and other state-funded broadcasters. This has left hundreds of journalists on administrative leave and halted broadcasts in key regions like Asia and the Middle East.

VOA and RFE/RL have been critical tools of U.S. soft power since their inception, countering authoritarian propaganda during World War II and the Cold War. They provide uncensored news to millions in closed societies, addressing issues like human rights abuses and political corruption.

President Trump has long accused government-funded media, particularly VOA, of liberal bias. The White House defended the executive order, citing examples of perceived bias, while critics argue the move undermines Americas ability to combat disinformation and authoritarian narratives globally.

Critics, including national security experts and press freedom advocates, warn that defunding these outlets creates a vacuum that adversarial nations like Russia and China could exploit. They argue this decision weakens U.S. global influence and strengthens authoritarian regimes.

The abrupt shutdown of VOA and its networks marks a significant shift in U.S. public diplomacy. Legal actions are being considered to restore affected employees, while debates continue over the role of government-funded media in promoting democratic values and countering global disinformation.

In a move that has sparked fierce debate over the role of government-funded media, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday effectively gutting the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent organization of Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and other state-sponsored broadcasters. The decision has left hundreds of journalists and staff on administrative leave, silenced radio broadcasts across Asia and the Middle East, and drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the political aisle.

For decades, these outlets have served as a counterweight to authoritarian regimes, delivering uncensored news to millions in closed societies. Now, their future hangs in the balance, raising questions about the implications for Americas global influence and the fight against disinformation.

A legacy of countering propaganda

Voice of America was established in 1942 to combat Nazi propaganda during World War II. Over the years, it evolved into a cornerstone of U.S. soft power, broadcasting news and information to countries where independent journalism is suppressed. During the Cold War, VOA and RFE/RL became vital tools in countering Soviet disinformation, offering a lifeline to millions behind the Iron Curtain.

To effectively shutter the Voice of America is to dim a beacon that burned bright during some of the darkest hours since 1942, said VOA correspondent Steven Herman, who was placed on administrative leave earlier this month.

The USAGMs network of broadcasters, including Radio Free Asia and the Office for Cuba Broadcasting, reaches an estimated 420 million people weekly. These outlets have long been a thorn in the side of authoritarian regimes, providing uncensored reporting on issues ranging from human rights abuses to political corruption.

Programs like [Radio Free Asia] provide day-to-day updates on far-off regions, uphold a free press even in authoritarian countries, and ensure Americansand people everywhereare not subject to our adversaries propaganda, said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Trumps critique: Bias and irrelevance

President Trump has long criticized government-funded media, accusing outlets like VOA of harboring a liberal bias. On Saturday, he doubled down on his critique, calling the fake news media sick degenerates that have to start reporting the news correctly.

The White House defended the executive order in a press release titled The Voice of Radical America, which accused VOA of displaying a leftist bias aligned with partisan national media. The release cited two stories as evidence: one in which VOA instructed its reporters not to refer to Hamas as terrorists, and another titled, What is White Privilege and Whom Does it Help?

Elon Musk, who leads Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), echoed the administrations stance, labeling VOA and RFE/RL as radical left crazy people talking to themselves while torching $1B/year of US taxpayer money. Musk argued that nobody listens to them anymore, a claim that critics say overlooks the broadcasters continued relevance in regions like Iran, China and Russia.

A massive gift to Americas enemies

The decision to defund these outlets has drawn sharp rebukes from advocates of press freedom and national security experts. Stephen Capus, president and CEO of RFE/RL, called the move a massive gift to Americas enemies.

The Iranian Ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years, Capus said in a statement. Handing our adversaries a win would make them stronger and America weaker.

Critics warn that the shutdown of VOA and its sister networks could create a vacuum filled by state-controlled media from countries like Russia and China. Already, some international stations that relied on VOA content have begun airing news from these adversarial nations.

They have pulled the plug operationally, said David Z. Seide, an attorney representing several VOA journalists. Seide is considering legal action to restore the affected employees, while the American Foreign Service Association has pledged a vigorous defense of its VOA members.

The road ahead

The abrupt interruption of VOAs broadcasts marks a turning point in the history of U.S. public diplomacy. While the Trump administration has framed the decision as a cost-cutting measure and a response to perceived bias, critics argue that it undermines Americas ability to counter authoritarian narratives and promote democratic values abroad.

Kari Lake, Trumps newly appointed USAGM special adviser, acknowledged the challenges ahead. The peoples trust in the 4th Estate is broken, she said. We have a lot more work to do to rebuild it.

As the debate over the role of government-funded media continues, one thing is clear: the silencing of VOA and its sister networks represents more than just a budgetary decision. It is a seismic shift in Americas approach to global communicationone that could have far-reaching consequences for years to come.

In the words of Steven Herman, The Voice of America was a beacon of truth in a world often shrouded in darkness. Its absence will be felt by millions who relied on it for hope and clarity.

Sources include:

RT.com

NYPost.com

TasminNews.com
French politician demands U.S return Statue of Liberty, claims America despises freedom

French politician Raphael Glucksmann demanded the U.S. return the Statue of Liberty, claiming America no longer embodies freedom.

Glucksmann criticized U.S. policies under Trump, accusing the nation of siding with "tyrants" and cutting research funding.

The Statue of Liberty, gifted by France in 1886, symbolizes freedom and democracy, making the demand widely ridiculed.

Frances own struggles with economic stagnation, crime, and political divisions undermine Glucksmanns credibility.

The demand is seen as a political stunt targeting Trumps America-first agenda, with no realistic chance of fulfillment.

European elitism and hypocrisy was on full display when French politician Raphael Glucksmann recently demanded that the United States return the Statue of Liberty, claiming Americans no longer deserve the iconic symbol of freedom.

The center-left member of the French Parliament made the outrageous remarks during a party convention in Paris on March 16, accusing the U.S. of siding with "tyrants" and abandoning its commitment to liberty. The demand, which has been widely ridiculed, appears to be a thinly veiled retaliation against President Donald Trumps policies, including his insistence that European nations pay their fair share for defense and his cuts to federal research funding.

Glucksmanns comments, dripping with condescension, reflect the typical arrogance of European socialists who lecture America on freedom while their own nations grapple with economic stagnation, rising security threats, and internal divisions. His demand for the return of the Statue of Liberty is not only absurd but also reveals a deep-seated resentment toward American sovereignty and independence.

A gift, not a loan

The Statue of Liberty, a 305-foot-tall copper monument designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, was gifted to the United States in 1886 to commemorate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence. It has since stood as a universal symbol of freedom, democracy and hope for millions of immigrants who arrived in America seeking a better life. Glucksmann, however, claims that the U.S. no longer embodies these values.

"We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So, it will be just fine here at home," Glucksmann told cheering supporters at the convention, according to French newspaper Le Monde. He went on to accuse Americans of "choosing to side with tyrants" and criticized Trumps administration for cutting funding to research institutions and reducing support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

The irony of Glucksmanns remarks is hard to ignore. France, a nation currently struggling with economic instability, rising crime, and internal political divisions, is hardly in a position to lecture the United States on freedom or governance. Meanwhile, President Trumps policies, including his push for European nations to contribute more to NATO, have been widely praised for strengthening global security and holding allies accountable.

A political stunt rooted in resentment

Glucksmanns demand is clearly a political stunt aimed at rallying his base and criticizing Trumps America-first agenda. His party, Place Publique, has been vocal in its opposition to Trumps policies, accusing him of authoritarianism and undermining global stability. However, the French politicians rhetoric rings hollow given his own countrys challenges.

Frances economy has been sluggish for years, with high unemployment and a growing reliance on government intervention. Meanwhile, security threats, including terrorism and civil unrest, continue to plague the nation. Glucksmanns focus on the Statue of Liberty, rather than addressing these pressing issues, underscores the disconnect between European elites and the realities faced by their own citizens.

America isn't going to return the Statue of Liberty

The idea of returning the Statue of Liberty to France is, of course, ludicrous. The monument is not only a cherished symbol of American values but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and U.S. government property. As the Associated Press noted, French-U.S. relations would have to "drop off a cliff" for such a demand to gain traction.

Glucksmanns comments have sparked widespread ridicule and disbelief, with many Americans dismissing his remarks as the latest example of European arrogance. Social media users have been quick to point out the absurdity of the demand, with one user quipping, "Were not giving it back, but thanks for the offer."

As for President Trump, his response to Glucksmanns demand is eagerly anticipated. Known for his no-nonsense approach to foreign policy and his willingness to call out hypocrisy, Trump is unlikely to let the French politicians remarks go unanswered.

Raphael Glucksmanns demand for the return of the Statue of Liberty is a laughable and hypocritical attempt to criticize the United States while ignoring his own countrys shortcomings. It serves as a reminder of the disdain many European elites hold for American independence and sovereignty. The Statue of Liberty will remain where it belongsin New York Harbor, standing as a beacon of freedom for the world. As for Glucksmann and his ilk, perhaps they should focus on fixing their own problems before lecturing others.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

FoxNews.com

France24.com

APNews.com
The shadow over Chicago: How Homan Square exposes the rot of government corruption

Homan Square, a Chicago Police Department facility, has been exposed as a "black site" where detainees were allegedly subjected to torture, unlawful detention and denial of constitutional rights, drawing comparisons to CIA black sites used in the War on Terror.

New evidence reveals the DOJ was not only aware of Homan Square's operations but actively participated in investigations involving alleged torture, implicating federal agencies in systemic abuses.

Between 2004 and 2015, an estimated 7,000 people were detained at Homan Square, with only 68 granted access to attorneys or public notice of their whereabouts. Detainees reported beatings, threats and denial of basic rights, with at least one death occurring in custody.

Homan Square reflects the broader trend of police militarization in the U.S., with the facility housing military-style equipment and interrogation cells, raising concerns about the normalization of extreme practices in domestic law enforcement.

Despite widespread evidence of abuse, Homan Square remains operational, with increased federal funding approved in 2021. Activists and officials continue to demand justice, transparency and accountability to address systemic failures and restore the rule of law.

In the heart of Chicago, a city already infamous for its political corruption and violent crime, lies a facility that embodies the worst excesses of government overreach and abuse. Homan Square, a nondescript warehouse in the citys West Side, has long been a symbol of unchecked power and the erosion of constitutional rights. But new revelations suggest that the scandal runs deeper than previously imaginedimplicating not just the Chicago Police Department (CPD), but the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) itself. This is not just a local scandal; it is a national disgrace, a chilling reminder of how far government agencies will go to evade accountability.

A decade of darkness: The Homan Square scandal

In 2015, The Guardian exposed Homan Square as a black site where detainees were allegedly subjected to torture, unlawful detention and denial of basic constitutional rights. The facility, described as a domestic equivalent of CIA black sites used in the War on Terror, became a flashpoint for outrage. Activists and politicians demanded answers, but the DOJtasked with upholding the rule of lawchose to look the other way. Instead of investigating Homan Square, the DOJ launched a broader inquiry into the CPDs use of force practices, leaving the facilitys abuses shrouded in secrecy.

Now, a decade later, Homan Square remains operational, and new evidence reveals that the DOJ was not just aware of the facilitys existenceit was actively involved in its operations. This revelation raises troubling questions about the complicity of federal agencies in systemic abuses and their willingness to turn a blind eye to violations of civil liberties.

The DOJs dirty hands: A federal cover-up

One of the most damning cases to emerge from Homan Square involves Angel Perez, who alleges he was tortured by CPD officers in 2012. Perez claims he was handcuffed to a bar, shackled and subjected to horrific abuse, including the insertion of a cold metal object into his rectum. He was coerced into cooperating with a drug investigation targeting Dwayne Payne. While Perezs lawsuit initially implicated only the CPD, a 2022 court order reveals that the investigation was a joint operation with the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO), an arm of the DOJ. The DOJs Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was also involved.

This means that the DOJ not only knew about Homan Square but actively participated in investigations that allegedly relied on torture. As former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, who pushed for a DOJ probe into Homan Square, told Noir News: Then the DOJ failed the community. They failed the person who made the allegation. And they failed the country. They failed to do their job.

A pattern of abuse: Thousands disappeared

Perezs case is not an isolated incident. Between 2004 and 2015, an estimated 7,000 people were detained at Homan Square, with only 68 granted access to attorneys or public notice of their whereabouts. Detainees have reported being handcuffed for hours, denied food, beaten and threatened with violence. One man, John Hubbard, was found unresponsive in an interview room and later pronounced dead. These abuses are not the actions of a few rogue officers; they are the result of a systemic failure enabled by both local and federal authorities.

The DOJs involvement in Homan Square is further evidenced by court documents and depositions. In a 2019 court order, a U.S. District Judge noted that federal law enforcement officers regularly visited Homan Square. A deposition from a CPD officer revealed that federal agents used the facility for interrogations, often under the supervision of Assistant U.S. Attorneys. This collaboration between local and federal law enforcement underscores the extent to which Homan Square was integrated into the broader justice system.

The militarization of policing: A dangerous precedent

Homan Square is not just a local anomaly; it is a microcosm of the broader trend toward the militarization of policing in America. The facility houses military-style vehicles and interrogation cells, evoking comparisons to overseas black sites like Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib. As criminologist Tracy Siska warned, The real danger in allowing practices like Guantanamo or Abu Ghraib is the fact that they always creep into other aspects. They creep into domestic law enforcement, either with weaponry like with the militarization of police, or interrogation practices. Thats how we ended up with a black site in Chicago.

This militarization is not limited to Chicago. Across the country, police departments have acquired surplus military equipment through federal programs, blurring the line between law enforcement and military operations. Homan Square is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by this trend, particularly when combined with a lack of transparency and accountability.

A call for accountability: The fight for justice

Despite the mounting evidence of abuse, Homan Square continues to operate, and federal funding for the facility has even increased. In 2021, U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley secured $500,000 in federal funding to support enterprise investigations at Homan Square. This funding was approved years after the facilitys abuses were exposed, raising questions about the priorities of our elected officials.

The fight to shut down Homan Square and hold those responsible accountable is far from over. As Boykin aptly put it, Ultimately, we hope we get justice and we hope that those abuses arent taking place today. At Homan, or at any police facility. But justice will require more than hope; it will require a concerted effort to expose the truth, demand accountability and restore the rule of law.

A national scandal

The Homan Square scandal is not just a Chicago problem; it is a national crisis. It exposes the rot of government corruption, the erosion of constitutional rights and the dangerous collusion between local and federal law enforcement. As conservatives, we must stand against this abuse of power and demand transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law. The shadow over Chicago is a shadow over all of us, and it is time to bring it into the light.

Sources include:

TheGrayZone.com

TheGuardian.com

Justice.gov
Human intelligence in freefall: Study links cognitive decline to social media and AI

Human cognitive skills have declined since the early 2010s, coinciding with the rise of social media and passive visual content consumption.

Data from PISA and adult evaluations show reduced reasoning, problem-solving, and attention spans, especially among young people.

Reading rates have dropped significantly, correlating with declining numeracy and critical thinking skills.

Social media algorithms and AI tools encourage passive consumption, potentially "atrophying" human cognitive abilities.

Over-reliance on AI risks future generations losing independent thinking skills, with profound implications for education and work.

For decades, human intelligence was on the rise, a phenomenon known as the Flynn Effect. But a growing body of research suggests that trend has reversed, with measurable declines in cognitive skills since the early 2010sa period that coincides with the rise of social media and a cultural shift toward passive consumption of visual content.

As artificial intelligence (AI) grows smarter, humans appear to be getting dumber, raising concerns about the future of critical thinking, problem-solving, and our ability to compete with machines.

The data behind the decline

According to the Financial Times, human intellectual abilities such as reasoning, problem-solving, and information processing have been in decline since the early 2010s. This trend is supported by data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which measures the learning skills of 15-year-olds worldwide, and adult cognitive evaluations. The decline is particularly pronounced among young people, with studies showing reduced attention spans and weakening critical thinking skills.

The shift from reading to consuming video content is a key factor. In 2022, the National Endowment for the Arts found that only 37.6% of Americans read a novel or short story in the past year, down from 45.2% in 2012. This decline in reading coincides with a broader erosion of numeracy and problem-solving skills. For example, 34% of U.S. adults now score at the lowest levels of numeracy, up from 29% just a year earlier.

The role of technology and AI

While technology has brought with it some undeniable benefits, its impact on cognition is increasingly concerning. Social media platforms, designed to maximize engagement, have shifted from active participation to passive consumption. Algorithms now deliver an endless stream of bite-sized content, requiring little to no critical thought. As Financial Times data reporter John Burn-Murdoch noted, one problem is The shift from articles (longer material that requires the reader to synthesise, make inferences and reflect) to short self-contained posts (everything is pre-packaged in a few sentences, no critical thought required)."

Meanwhile, AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Elon Musk has warned that AI could surpass human intelligence within three years, a prediction that underscores the urgency of addressing our cognitive decline. Tools like ChatGPT are already performing complex tasks, but their convenience comes at a cost. Research from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University warns that outsourcing thoughts to AI can leave minds atrophied and unprepared, leading to the deterioration of cognitive faculties.

A dark future ahead?

The implications of this decline are profound. As AI becomes more integrated into education and the workplace, there is a risk that future generations will lack the ability to think independently. Studies show that students who rely on AI for assignments perform worse on tests, while employees who depend on AI tools may experience skill decay, losing opportunities to practice and refine their cognitive abilities.

The stakes are high. Human intelligence has always been what sets us apart from other forms of life. If we continue down this path, we risk becoming increasingly dependent on machines, not just for tasks but for thought itself.

While technology and AI offer incredible potential, they also pose significant risks to our cognitive abilities. To reverse this trend, we must prioritize critical thinking, encourage active engagement with information, and find ways to use technology as a tool rather than a crutch. The future of human intelligence depends on it.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

Futurism.com

Forbes.com

DailyMail.co.uk
Israel is continuing the genocide  but the UK media will not tell you

Aceasefire does not mean that Israel has dropped its goal to annihilate Gaza

(Article by Hamza Yusuf republished from MiddleEastEye.net)

The mission remains the same, and the war crimes endure, including killings - the method just shifts. Now, the textbook starvation of the enclave is the weapon of choice.

But the British public will not be privy to such details - not if they rely on the mainstream media to report them accurately.

In early March, as the first phase of the ceasefire was ending and the full withdrawal of Israel's forces from Gaza was supposed to take place, Israel decided to block all aid from entering the territory.

The media reported it but, characteristically, thinned out the details.

Israel is "stopping all aid into Gaza", reported Sky News. Israel "blocks entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza", read the online BBC headline. LBC's article stated, "Israel halts all aid and supplies coming into Gaza".

Missing from every outlet was the crucial added context: as concluded by Human Rights Watch (HRW), this was a flagrant violation of international law. Legal experts confirmed it constituted a genocidal act.

But the tried-and-tested strategy of propaganda by omission reigned supreme. Why provide the intricate details and allow readers to connect the dots about Israel's cruelty when key information can simply be suppressed?

Propaganda by omission

Within days, Israeli officials were threatening to cut off electricity and water completely, imposing a total siege on Gaza, while continuing to displace more Palestinians from northern Gaza.

The Telegraph reported this proposal as a "hell plan". Yet it apparently did not occur to journalists, researchers, or editors at the outlet to mention that Israel was threatening another complete siege of Gaza and further Palestinian ethnic cleansing.

It apparently did not occur to journalists to mention that Israel was threatening another complete siege of Gaza and further Palestinian ethnic cleansing

The best the right-wing broadsheet could muster was to call Israel's intended crime "provocative" - not because of the humanitarian catastrophe it would cause, but because it would take place during Ramadan.

Even at the supposedly progressive Independent and Guardian, the same skewed rules of engagement applied.

They could have noted that the International Criminal Court already has arrest warrants for starvation crimes against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Or they could have mentioned that deliberately starving Gaza would violate the International Court of Justice's orders to prevent genocide. Even a simple acknowledgment that Israel was committing repeat war crimes would have sufficed.

Instead, both newspapers framed Israel's latest violation of international law with a softened touch.

The Guardian's subheading presented it as a negotiation tactic to pressure Hamas into releasing more captives, as though that somehow justified or legitimised the looming atrocity.

On 9 March, Israel cut off electricity to Gaza, as planned.

In a social media post, Israel's energy minister confirmed he had signed an order to "cut off electricity to the Gaza Strip immediately". "Enough with the talk, it's time for action!" he declared.

"Israel cuts off electricity supply to Gaza", wrote the BBC. LBC's online article provided the most depth: "Israel cuts off electricity supply to Gaza, affecting drinking water, one week after blocking humanitarian aid". Yet even this article stopped short of clarifying the crime it constituted.

In both broadcast and print media, some outlets opted for headlines that framed Israel's cutting of power as a pressure tactic and amplified its justification.

"Israel cuts power to Gaza after Hamas refuses to extend first phase of ceasefire," declared Sky News.

The article included UN criticism of Israel for collective punishment - immediately followed by Israel's denial. Both were given equal weight, as if this were merely a matter of conflicting opinions rather than a documented crime.

It was to "force Hamas to return hostages", claimed The Telegraph. The Guardian described Israel's systematic starvation campaign as an "apparent effort to force the hand of Hamas".

When The Independent and The Times cited concerns from the British government about Israel's actions, the violation of international law was framed only as a possibility - as though there were still room for debate.

Obscuring war crimes

In its broadcast output, the BBC's correspondent described in vivid detail the cruelty of Israel's actions before stating that "it will add to the accusations that Israel is committing war crimes again".

By framing it as a mere accusation or allegation, the BBC introduced an element of deniability - subtly deflecting from an incontestable reality.

There is nothing to speculate about or second-guess: Israel's strategy has been clear and consistent throughout.

In December 2023, HRW concluded that Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war and committing the crime against humanity of extermination.

The Israeli human rights group B'Tselem declared that Israel was deliberately manufacturing famine, while the United Nations confirmed that Israel was knowingly imposing life-threatening conditions on Gaza's population.

The illegality of these actions - collective punishment and starvation as a method of warfare - is not up for debate.

Yet the media continued to shroud them in vague, detached language.

When Israel imposes a crippling siege and starves an entire territory, the severity of the crime must be emphasised - not the perpetrator's narrative

At first glance, this reporting may seem harmless - some might even call it neutral and impartial, the very essence of journalism.

But the meticulous, consistent whitewashing of Israel's crimes is as deliberate as it is dangerous. The public is steered towards conclusions that reflect only fragments of reality, leaving them misinformed.

When Israel imposes a crippling siege and starves an entire territory, the severity of the crime must be emphasised - not the perpetrator's narrative.

It must be made clear that Israel's ability to impose such policies stems from its status as an illegal occupying force.

These details matter - when they are obscured and artificial balance is prioritised, Israel's barbarity is subtly sanitised.

Media complicity

The linguistic tools employed by the mainstream media - amounting to propaganda by omission - shape whether the public sees Gaza as enduring genocide under Israel's colonial conquest or as merely part of a "conflict" between two warring sides.

And therein lies the fundamental goal.

After all, this is the same media ecosystem in which the national broadcaster described the murder of six-year-old Hind Rajab - killed when Israeli tanks fired 335 bullets into her car as she waited for an ambulance - as her having been "found dead".

It was Sky News that framed Israel's illegal detention, torture, and abuse of Dr Husam Abu Safiya as merely "holding" him. It was The Guardian that referred to Israeli settlers preparing to seize land in Gaza for ethnic cleansing as merely "preparing to move" there.

Now, two million Palestinians in Gaza - already starving, endlessly displaced, and without adequate shelter - are being suffocated further, denied life-saving supplies and medication by Israel's illegal blockade.

Israeli officials vowed to make Gaza "a place where no human can exist", and state policy is working as intended - all in the knowledge that the mainstream media will ensure the public remains insulated.

The iconic British-Palestinian reconstructive surgeon Ghassan Abu-Sitta poignantly remarked: "When we have a museum for the genocide, we will have a special place for the journalists who were the enablers."

Those words have never rung truer, highlighting the undeniable reality that the mainstream media is not just complicit but an active participant in Israel's oppression of the Palestinians.

Read more at: MiddleEastEye.net
Israels surprise deadly airstrikes shatter Gaza ceasefire, killing over 400 in night of hell

Israel launched deadly airstrikes in Gaza, killing over 400 Palestinians, including women and children, and breaking a fragile two-month ceasefire.

The attacks occurred during Ramadan, causing chaos in hospitals and sparking global condemnation.

Israel blamed Hamas for the ceasefire breakdown, while Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement and prioritizing politics over peace.

The international community, including the UN, called for an immediate halt to the violence, warning of a potential regional conflict.

The strikes have reignited fears of a broader war, with Gaza facing massive destruction and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Israel launched a series of deadly airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing more than 400 Palestinians, including women and children, and shattering a fragile two-month ceasefire. The surprise attacks, described by survivors as a night of hell, have drawn widespread condemnation and raised fears of an all-out war that could engulf the region.

The strikes, which targeted dozens of Hamas sites, came during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a time traditionally marked by peace and reflection. Hospitals in Gaza reported scenes of chaos as bodies piled up in morgues and emergency rooms overflowed with the wounded. People are sleeping peacefully, they set the alarm to wake up for suhoor, and they wake up to death, said Fedaa Heriz, a displaced woman in Gaza, referring to the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan.

A ceasefire in name only

The ceasefire, which had been in place since January, was already fragile, with negotiations over hostage releases and a permanent truce repeatedly stalling. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the breakdown, accusing the militant group of refusing to release hostages and rejecting ceasefire proposals. However, Hamas officials countered that Israels actions amounted to a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement and accused Netanyahu of prioritizing political survival over peace.

The Israeli military claimed the strikes were aimed at Hamas targets, but the sheer scale of the bombardmentdescribed as the deadliest since the ceasefire beganhas left many questioning Israels true intentions and only adding further fuel to accusations of genocide.

Global outrage and calls for restraint

The international community has reacted with horror to the latest violence. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was shocked by the airstrikes and called for an immediate halt to the fighting. This nightmare must end immediately, said U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk, who described the attacks as horrifying.

Egypt, a key mediator in the conflict, condemned Israels actions as a flagrant violation of the ceasefire deal and urged the international community to intervene. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas expressed fear that the resumption of fighting would put their loved ones in additional peril. Military pressure could further endanger their lives, said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in a statement.

A region on the brink

The renewed violence has sparked fears of a broader regional conflict. Tensions have already flared in Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria, where Israeli strikes have targeted militant groups aligned with Hamas. In Gaza, the destruction is staggering: entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, hospitals are overwhelmed, and thousands of displaced families are once again on the move.

For many Palestinians, the latest attacks are a grim reminder of the relentless cycle of violence that has defined their lives for decades. We thought it was over, but war is back, said Rabiha Jamal, a 65-year-old mother of five from Gaza City. It feels like the first days of the war all over again.

As the death toll continues to rise, the prospects for peace seem more distant than ever. Israels insistence on military force as a solution has only deepened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while Hamas refusal to release hostages has further complicated efforts to broker a lasting truce. As the international community grapples with how to respond, it is painfully clear that without a genuine commitment to peace from all sides, the suffering will only continue.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

APNews.com

Reuters.com

FoxNews.com
Israel unleashes fires of hell in Gaza as ceasefire collapses, killing 330 including Hamas officials

Israel resumes airstrikes on Gaza after ceasefire talks fail, killing at least 330 Palestinians, including senior Hamas officials.

Israeli Defense Minister warns of "no mercy" until hostages are returned and war aims achieved.

Hospitals overwhelmed as casualties mount, with reports of children among the dead.

Hamas accuses Israel of treachery, claiming renewed strikes are a "death sentence" for hostages.

U.S. backs Israel's actions, while families of hostages criticize the government for endangering their loved ones.

Fragile ceasefire agreement ends

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has shattered, plunging Gaza back into chaos as Israel launches what witnesses describe as a "fire of hell" across the besieged enclave. The strikes, which began early Tuesday, have killed at least 330 people, including high-ranking Hamas officials, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The Israeli military claims the attacks targeted "terror infrastructure," but the devastation has left hospitals overflowing, families displaced, and a trail of destruction that underscores the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The renewed violence comes after weeks of tense negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States failed to secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to "destroy" Hamas, declared that Israel would now act with "increasing military strength." Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, stating that the fighting would continue until all hostages are returned and Israel's war objectives are met.

A night of terror in Gaza

Witnesses in Gaza described the strikes as relentless and indiscriminate, with explosions rocking neighborhoods from the north to the south of the strip. "Bodies and limbs are on the ground, and the wounded cannot find any doctor to treat them," one resident told AFP. Hospitals, already strained by 15 months of bombardment, were overwhelmed as casualties poured in. Piles of bodies wrapped in white plastic sheets lined hospital corridors, while medical staff struggled to treat the influx of patients.

Social media footage showed plumes of smoke rising from destroyed homes and refugee camps, with families sifting through rubble in search of survivors or salvageable belongings. In the Nuseirat refugee camp, entire blocks were reduced to rubble, leaving displaced families with nowhere to turn. "We woke to the sound of very loud explosions," said Rosalia Bollen, a UN staffer in Gaza. "Once the strikes subsided, we heard people yelling, people screaming, and ambulances rushing to the scene."

The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for residents in designated "dangerous combat zones," urging them to flee to shelters in western Gaza City and Khan Younis. However, many families, already displaced multiple times, found themselves trapped with no safe haven. "For your own safety, you must evacuate immediately," warned Col. Avichay Adraee in a post on X. "Remaining in the impacted region puts your lives and the lives of your family members in danger."

Hostages caught in the crossfire

The decision to resume fighting has drawn sharp criticism from the families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. The Hostages Families Forum accused the government of abandoning their loved ones, stating that "military pressure endangers hostages." In a post on X, the group expressed outrage over the government's decision to "back out of the agreement" with Hamas, which had outlined a path to releasing all living hostages in exchange for an end to the war.

"We are shocked, angry, and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas," the group said. They issued an "emergency call" for protests, urging the government to prioritize the safe return of the hostages over military objectives. "With each passing day, the danger to the hostages grows," the statement added.

Hamas, meanwhile, has accused Israel of violating the terms of the January ceasefire agreement, which called for a phased release of hostages and prisoners. The group has demanded a permanent end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, conditions that Israel has repeatedly rejected. "We demand that the mediators hold Netanyahu and the Zionist occupation fully responsible for violating and overturning the agreement," Hamas said in a statement.

A widening conflict

The renewed violence in Gaza has also reignited tensions across the region. Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, condemned Israel's actions and vowed to escalate their own operations in solidarity with Gaza. "The Palestinian people will not be left alone in this battle, and Yemen will continue its support and assistance," the group's Supreme Political Council said in a statement. The U.S. has responded with airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, further complicating the regional dynamics.

The conflict, which began with Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has now entered its 15th month, leaving much of Gaza in ruins. Over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Palestinian health authorities, while Israel continues to face international scrutiny over the scale of its military campaign. As the world watches the latest escalation, one question looms large: Can there ever be a path to peace in a region where decades of violence and mistrust have left both sides entrenched in resentment?

Sources include:

Dailymail.co.uk

Dailymail.co.uk

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Mexicos grisly extermination camp exposes cartel horrors and government failures

A volunteer group, the Jalisco Search Warriors, uncovered a horrifying "extermination camp" in La Estanzuela, Mexico, containing cremation ovens, human remains and hundreds of personal belongings, drawing comparisons to Nazi concentration camps and highlighting Mexico's crisis of forced disappearances and cartel violence.

The site revealed three underground cremation ovens, hundreds of bone fragments and over 700 personal items, including childrens belongings, suggesting a staggering number of victims. The presence of Santa Muerte figurines and testimonies linked the site to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Mexican authorities initially raided the site in September 2024 but failed to uncover its full horrors, sparking outrage over their negligence. Critics argue that untrained volunteers conducted a more thorough investigation than the police.

The CJNG allegedly lured victims with fake job offers, abducted them and subjected them to military-style training or torture. Survivors reported that those who resisted were killed, dismembered, or burned, with some even fed to wild animals.

In a chilling discovery that has sent shockwaves across Mexico and beyond, a group of citizen volunteers searching for missing loved ones uncovered a gruesome "extermination camp" near Guadalajara, complete with cremation ovens, piles of human remains and hundreds of personal belongings. The site, located in the rural village of La Estanzuela, has drawn comparisons to Nazi concentration camps and reignited outrage over Mexicos ongoing crisis of forced disappearances and cartel violence.

The discovery, made by the Jalisco Search Warriors, a volunteer group dedicated to finding missing persons, has exposed not only the barbarity of Mexicos criminal cartels but also the apparent negligence of authorities who first visited the site months ago but failed to uncover its full horrors.

A site of unimaginable horror

The abandoned ranch near La Estanzuela was found to contain three underground cremation ovens, hundreds of scorched bone fragments and over 700 personal items, including clothing, shoes and childrens belongings such as a blue summer dress and a small pink backpack. The sheer volume of shoes  well over 200  suggests the site may have been used to process a staggering number of victims.

The number of victims that presumably could have been buried there is enormous, and it resurfaced the nightmarish reminder that Mexico is plagued with mass graves, said Eduardo Guerrero, a Mexican security analyst, in an interview with the New York Times.

The volunteers, who received tips about the site through a Facebook page, described the scene as a hell on earth. Using rudimentary methods  such as poking metal rods into the ground and smelling them for the stench of decomposing bodies  they uncovered evidence of mass killings and cremations. The site also contained eerie figurines of Santa Muerte, a skeletal figure revered by criminal gangs, often adorned with offerings of cash, alcohol and even human sacrifices.

A history of government inaction

What makes this discovery even more disturbing is the revelation that Mexican authorities first visited the site in September 2024. During that initial raid, police arrested 10 people, rescued two hostages and found a body wrapped in plastic. However, they failed to uncover the cremation ovens, bone fragments and piles of personal belongings that the volunteers later discovered.

State Attorney General Salvador Gonzalez claimed that the site was too large to fully investigate at the time, but this explanation has done little to quell public outrage. A civil-society collective, without any training in police techniques, was able to search the ranch better than the investigating experts, wrote Sergio Sarmiento, a columnist for Reforma.

The discovery has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and citizens collectives, who accuse the government of failing to protect its people from the growing power of organized crime.

Cartel recruitment and torture training

According to testimonies gathered by the Jalisco Search Warriors, the site was used by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexicos most violent and dominant criminal organizations. The cartel allegedly lured young men to the site with fake job advertisements, promising work as security guards, electricians, or farmers. Once they arrived at a bus station in Guadalajara, they were abducted and taken to the ranch.

Indira Navarro, leader of the Jalisco Search Warriors, recounted harrowing accounts from survivors. They said they arrived in the Guadalajara area expecting to meet their employers and were instead taken to the ranch and forced to undergo military-style training, Navarro told the Washington Post. Those who failed or disobeyed orders were reportedly killed, their bodies dismembered or burned in the makeshift ovens.

Navarro also shared a particularly gruesome detail: If they objected to the orders of their trainers, the recruits were sometimes fed to wild animals, like lions.

A crisis decades in the making

The discovery of the extermination camp is a grim reminder of Mexicos long-standing crisis of forced disappearances. Official records show that more than 120,000 people have vanished since 1962, with the majority of cases occurring in the past two decades as cartels have expanded their operations.

The CJNG, which emerged in the early 2010s, has become a major player in the global drug trade, specializing in the production and trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The group has also diversified into illegal logging, human trafficking and extortion, cementing its control over large swaths of Mexico.

The camps discovery comes at a time when Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum faces mounting pressure from the United States to crack down on organized crime. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs and even military intervention if Mexico fails to address the cartel problem.

A call for accountability

As authorities continue to investigate the site, the question remains: How could such a horrific operation go unnoticed for so long? The discovery has exposed not only the brutality of Mexicos cartels but also the complicity  or incompetence  of its government.

This is not a horror film; this is our reality, and people should know about it, Navarro said in a radio interview. Her words serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of Mexicos cartel violence  and the urgent need for accountability and action.

With cartels growing bolder and more powerful, the discovery of this extermination camp raises a troubling question: If such horrors can flourish in Mexico, how long before they spill across the border into the United States? The time for decisive action is now  before its too late.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

NewYorkTimes.com
These 2025 Global Vision Awards winners want to shift the way we think about travel, from the airlines we fly to the food we eat.

The act of travel can take us to the warmth of windswept beaches, the bustling tables of award-winning restaurants, and the quiet halls of the most famous art galleries in the world. But one of the most special things about travel is also one of the most often overlooked: the people we meet along the way. And some of the folks out there are transforming the way we explore the world in big waysfor the better. Read on to learn more about three visionaries changing the industry for good through food, flight, and hospitality.

Teara Fraser

Alana Paterson/Courtesy of Iskwew Air Teara Fraser, who launched Iskwew Air in 2019.

A Metis woman from Canadas Northwest Territories, Teara Fraser never planned to become a pilot. But on an aerial tour of Botswanas Okavango Delta in 2001, she had a revelation: She wanted to fly. It was one of the most pivotal moments of my life, Fraser recalls. I returned to Canada and started flight training. A year later I had my pilots license.

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Fraser was working for an aerial-survey company when the 2010 Vancouver Olympics brought global attention to Canadas First Nations peoples. She recognized that while visitors from around the world were eager to learn more about these communities, transportation to those places was limiteda significant barrier to growing tourism. Culturally, were taught to do good with the knowledge and skills weve been blessed with, Fraser says. So she embarked on a mission to connect travelers to the remote communities of northern and coastal British Columbia.

Her solution was Iskwew Air, Canadas first Indigenous-owned and woman-owned airline. Launched in 2019, Iskwew operates daily service between Vancouver International Airport and Qualicum Beach, on the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island. The airline also runs private charters to other hard-to-reach destinations in British Columbia. The name (pronounced iss-kway-yo) means woman in Cree, a language spoken by some Metis people; Fraser chose it to symbolize matriarchal leadership, a touchstone of Metis culture.

Since the launch, Fraser has continued to champion a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable aviation industry: Her nonprofit, Give Them Wings, encourages Indigenous youth to explore careers in aviation, while Iskwew Air offsets its emissions by purchasing credits from the Great Bear Forest Carbon Project. In 2023, she founded Elibird Aero, a clean aerotech company focused on innovations such as fully electric planes. Most recently, Fraser ventured into hospitality with the opening of Liberty Wilderness Lodge, a remote sanctuary in northern B.C. that she co-owns with her husband, Trevin.

I always say that getting my wings gave me wings for everything else in my life, Fraser says. It gave me courage and inspiration, and taught me the value of hard work. Gina DeCaprio Vercesi

Sarah Dusek

Courtesy of Few & Far Jacob and Sarah Dusek harvesting tea on a visit to Rwandas Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Can we build a business that helps save the planet? Thats the question Sarah Dusek is asking with her latest hospitality endeavor, the six-suite Few & Far Luvhondo, in South Africa. Its the first safari lodge for her new company, Few & Far, but its not Duseks first rodeo: Shes the founder, along with her husband, Jacob, of the glamping operator Under Canvas, which the couple sold for $100 million in 2018. Her new venture sits amid the Soutpansberg Mountains, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve thats home to wildlife including giraffes, leopards, and the endangered pangolin. An organic farm supplies the kitchen and, through the replanting of endemic flora, the project aims to eventually sequester more than 100,000 tons of carbon a year. This is a place to immerse yourself in the wilderness and let it speak to you, she says. Elaine Glusac

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This is a part of | T+L's Global Vision Awards 2025 | Read More

Vikas Khanna

Courtesy of Bungalow From left: Spice-roasted pineapple at Bungalow, in New York City; Vikas Khanna, the chef at Bungalow.

Celebrated Indian chef Vikas Khanna has written cookbooks, won Michelin accolades, and, in 2024, opened the buzzy restaurant Bungalow in New York City. But one of his greatest achievements had nothing to do with high-end dining. Soon after the pandemic beganwhile things were falling apart, as he puts itKhanna set his mind to getting meals to families in need across his home country, a project he dubbed Feed India. It started so small, says Khanna, who was directing deliveries and fund-raising remotely from New York. By the time I had to slow down to open Bungalow, which was my sister Radhikas dream project, wed delivered 84 million meals. Though his sister died after a long illness in 2022, he opened the restaurant on the day that would have been her 50th birthday. The greatest works of art have always come from broken hearts. Hannah Selinger

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Time running out for Ukrainian forces in Kursk region as Kremlin demands surrender

 Russian President Vladimir Putin offers Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region a chance to surrender in exchange for their lives.

 Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warns that time is running out, referencing Honore de Balzacs novel The Magic Skin.

 Ukrainian forces launched an offensive into Kursk in August 2024, capturing Sudzha and surrounding villages, but Russian forces have since reclaimed 86% of the territory.

 The conflict in Kursk highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with global leaders like former U.S. President Donald Trump warning of a potential humanitarian crisis.

Putin demands surrender in Kursk

The Kremlin has issued a stark ultimatum to Ukrainian forces encircled in the Kursk Region: surrender or face dire consequences. Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered the besieged troops a chance to lay down their arms in exchange for their lives, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that time is running out. Their time is shrinking like the Shagreen skin, Peskov said on Saturday, invoking a metaphor from Honore de Balzacs 19th-century novel The Magic Skin.

The Kursk Region, a historically significant area in western Russia, has become a flashpoint in the conflict, with Ukrainian forces launching a bold offensive in August 2024. The incursion, which saw the capture of the town of Sudzha and several surrounding villages, was described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a strategic move to secure leverage in future peace negotiations. However, the Russian military swiftly countered, reclaiming 86% of the occupied territory and isolating the remaining Ukrainian units, according to General Valery Gerasimov, head of the Russian General Staff.

The Kursk region: a historical and strategic battleground

The Kursk Region holds deep historical significance for Russia, particularly due to its role in World War II. The Battle of Kursk in 1943, the largest tank battle in history, marked a turning point in the war, with Soviet forces repelling a massive German offensive. For Russia, the region symbolizes resilience and victory, making its defense a matter of national pride.

For Ukraine, the incursion into Kursk was a calculated gamble, aimed at shifting the balance of power in a conflict that has dragged on for years. By crossing the internationally recognized border, Ukrainian forces sought to demonstrate their ability to strike deep into Russian territory, potentially forcing Moscow to the negotiating table. However, the swift Russian counteroffensive has left Ukrainian troops in a precarious position, surrounded and cut off from reinforcements.

The Kursk region, located in western Russia, is a historically significant area with deep cultural and political ties to both Russia and Ukraine.

Early history and Slavic roots

The Kursk region has been inhabited since ancient times and was part of the early East Slavic tribes that formed the foundation of both Russian and Ukrainian cultures.

It was part of the medieval Kievan Rus' (9th13th centuries), a federation of Slavic tribes that is considered a common ancestor of modern Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Borderland between Russia and Ukraine

After the fragmentation of Kievan Rus', the Kursk region became a contested borderland between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the emerging Muscovite (Russian) state.

By the 16th century, it was firmly incorporated into the Tsardom of Russia, serving as a frontier region against Tatar raids and later as a buffer zone during conflicts with Poland and Ukraine.

Soviet era and administrative changes

During the Soviet period, the Kursk region was part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR), while neighboring regions like Sumy and Kharkiv became part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

The administrative borders drawn during this time have had lasting effects on the region's identity and ties to Ukraine.

Cultural and ethnic identity

The Kursk region is predominantly ethnically Russian, with over 95% of the population identifying as such, according to recent census data.

There is a small Ukrainian minority, as well as other ethnic groups like Belarusians and Tatars, reflecting the region's historical diversity.

Russian is the dominant language, but there are pockets of Ukrainian speakers, particularly in areas close to the Ukrainian border.

The region shares cultural traditions with Ukraine, including folk music, dance, and cuisine, due to centuries of interaction and shared history.

The majority of the population adheres to Russian Orthodoxy, which plays a significant role in shaping local identity and allegiances.

The region is home to several important Orthodox monasteries and churches, such as the Korennaya Hermitage, which attract pilgrims from both Russia and Ukraine.

Strong ties to Russia

The Kursk region has historically been loyal to Moscow, with its population overwhelmingly supporting Russian state policies.

During the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the subsequent conflict in eastern Ukraine, the region became a strategic military and logistical hub for Russia, further solidifying its alignment with the Kremlin.

The region shares a 245-kilometer (152-mile) border with Ukraine, making it a key area for cross-border trade, cultural exchange, and, more recently, military activity.

Despite its loyalty to Russia, the region maintains familial and economic ties with neighboring Ukrainian regions, particularly Sumy and Kharkiv.

The ongoing conflict has heightened tensions in the Kursk region, with occasional reports of shelling and cross-border incidents.

The war has also led to increased militarization and propaganda efforts in the region, reinforcing pro-Russian sentiment.

Putins ultimatum and global reactions

Putins offer of surrender, framed as an act of mercy, has drawn mixed reactions. If they lay down their arms and surrender, we will guarantee them their lives and dignified treatment in accordance with international law and Russian legal norms, the Russian president said on Friday. He added that Kyiv should issue the order for its troops to surrender, placing the onus on Ukrainian leadership. However, Kyiv has refused to surrender in the Kursk region.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II, Trump wrote on Truth Social. His comments reflect growing international concern over the fate of the encircled Ukrainian forces and the broader implications of the conflict.

For Russia, reclaiming the region is not only a military objective but also a symbolic victory, reinforcing its narrative of strength and sovereignty. For Ukraine, the loss of its forces in Kursk could deal a significant blow to morale and weaken its position in future negotiations. The conflict also highlights the broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West. With global leaders like Trump expressing alarm, the situation in Kursk has the potential to escalate into a wider crisis, drawing in international actors and further destabilizing the region.

Sources include:

RT.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai

RT.com
Trump and Putin poised for ceasefire talks as envoy reports positive progress in Ukraine negotiations

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to discuss a proposed 30-day ceasefire, marking a significant step toward reducing hostilities in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Steve Witkoff, a Trump envoy and real estate mogul, played a key role in recent talks, describing his meeting with Putin as "positive" and noting progress in narrowing gaps between the warring parties.

Despite optimism, challenges remain, including Putin's concerns about implementation and Ukraine's refusal to surrender encircled forces, highlighting deep mistrust between the two sides.

The ceasefire, if agreed, would be the first major pause since Russia's 2022 invasion, which has caused massive casualties, displacement and geopolitical shifts. Critics fear a deal without security guarantees for Ukraine could legitimize Russia's territorial gains.

The U.S. and its allies remain cautious, with concerns over Trump's approach potentially favoring Russia. Ukrainian President Zelensky warns Putin may be "playing for time," while NATO membership for Ukraine appears unlikely.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss terms for a 30-day ceasefire.

The announcement came from Steve Witkoff, a special envoy to Trump, who described his recent meeting with Putin as "positive" and "solution-based." The discussions, which lasted between three and four hours in Moscow last week, mark a significant step toward narrowing the gap between the warring parties. However, questions remain about the Kremlin's true intentions and whether a lasting peace can be achieved.

Witkoff, a real estate mogul and long-time associate of Trump, has emerged as a key figure in the U.S. administration's diplomatic efforts. His visit to Moscow followed talks in Saudi Arabia, where U.S. and Ukrainian officials agreed on a ceasefire proposal.

"We had some really positive results coming out of Saudi Arabia," Witkoff said on CNN. "I describe my conversation with President Putin as equally positive. Back before this visit, there was another visit, and before that visit, the two sides were miles apart. The two sides are today a lot closer." (Related: Trump says "very good chance" for Ukraine war ceasefire after talks with Putin.)

Despite the optimism, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges. Putin has expressed support for a temporary truce but raised concerns about its implementation. He also granted Ukrainian forces encircled in Russia's Kursk Region time to surrender, promising them "dignified treatment." However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga stated on Saturday that Kyiv's forces in the region would continue their operations, underscoring the deep mistrust between the two sides.

The proposed ceasefire, if agreed upon, would mark the first significant pause in hostilities since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Europe. For Ukraine, the stakes are existential. For Russia, the war has become a costly quagmire, with Western sanctions and military aid to Kyiv eroding Moscow's strategic position.

Witkoff's diplomatic efforts come amid growing concerns that the Trump administration's approach could tilt the balance in Russia's favor. Critics fear that a ceasefire without clear security guarantees for Ukraine could legitimize Russia's territorial gains, including its annexation of Crimea and control over parts of eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought to portray Kyiv as open to Trump's plans while warning that Putin may be "playing for time."

"This is not what someone who wants a quick end to the war does," Zelensky wrote on Telegram on Sunday, referencing Russia's recent escalation, including over 1,000 drone attacks and 1,300 guided air bombs launched on Ukrainian territory in the past week.

Diplomatic maneuvering and western skepticism

The U.S. and its allies have been cautious about the terms of any potential deal. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has attempted to rally a coalition of Western nations to form a peacekeeping contingent for Ukraine, but such a mission would likely require U.S. backing  something Trump has not committed to. Meanwhile, Russian officials have repeatedly ruled out the presence of Western troops on Ukrainian soil.

Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, hinted at the complexities of the negotiations in an interview with ABC's "This Week."

"We can talk about what's right and wrong," Waltz said. "And we also have to talk about the reality of the situation on the ground." He suggested that permanent NATO membership for Ukraine was "incredibly unlikely" and questioned whether it was plausible to believe that "we are going to drive every Russian off of every inch of Ukrainian soil, including Crimea."

The upcoming call between Trump and Putin will be a critical test of whether the two leaders can bridge their differences and deliver a meaningful ceasefire. For Trump, the negotiations represent an opportunity to fulfill his long-standing promise to end the war, a key plank of his foreign policy agenda. For Putin, the talks offer a chance to consolidate Russia's gains while easing international pressure.

Watch the video below that talks about the impending ceasefire talks between Trump and Putin.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. resumes military aid to Ukraine after Kyiv agrees to 30-day ceasefire, but Russia holds the cards.

Zelensky rejects territorial concessions as Putin weighs ceasefire proposal.

Israel considers "Hell Plan" for Gaza amid ceasefire stalemate.

Sources include:

RT.com

TheGuardian.com

Brighteon.com
Trump ends Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, citing taxpayer burden

President Trump revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, citing excessive taxpayer costs and Hunters controversial international travel.

Hunter Biden is currently in South Africa, reportedly avoiding a U.S. legal deposition, raising questions about taxpayer-funded protection.

Hunters South African trip includes a 12-agent Secret Service detail, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, funded by U.S. taxpayers.

Critics argue Hunter Biden, facing multiple legal issues, should not receive taxpayer-funded protection while evading legal proceedings.

Trumps decision reflects a broader effort to reduce unnecessary government spending and reallocate resources to more pressing priorities.

President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, citing excessive taxpayer costs and Hunter Bidens controversial international travel.

The decision, announced Monday, comes as Hunter Biden is reportedly in South Africa to avoid a legal deposition in the U.S., raising questions about the appropriateness of taxpayer-funded protection for a man facing multiple legal challenges.

Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States Taxpayer. There are as many as 18 people on this Detail, which is ridiculous! Trump wrote on Truth Social. He is currently vacationing in, of all places, South Africa, where the Human Rights of people has been strenuously questioned. Because of this, South Africa has been taken off our list of Countries receiving Economic and Financial Assistance.

The move underscores Trumps commitment to reducing unnecessary government spending and reallocating resources to more pressing priorities.

Hunter Bidens South African vacation raises eyebrows

Hunter Biden is currently in South Africa with his wife, Melissa Cohen, and their young son, Beau. Investigative journalist Laura Loomer recently shared photos of the family vacationing in Cape Town, surrounded by a large Secret Service detail. According to Loomer, the U.S. Secret Service was working with the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria to provide taxpayer-funded protection for the Biden family during their stay.

I can confirm via my on-the-ground investigation that the US Secret Service is working with the US Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, to provide US taxpayer-funded protection for Hunter Biden and his wife during their entire time in South Africa, Loomer wrote on X. She added that the detail included 12 agents per day, with four agents working in three shifts.

Hunter Bidens trip to South Africa coincides with his efforts to avoid a deposition in a legal case involving Garrett Ziegler, who allegedly accessed and distributed contents from Hunters infamous laptop. Zieglers legal team has speculated that Hunter exaggerated financial difficulties to delay the deposition, opting instead for a three-month trip abroad.

Taxpayer costs and legal controversies

The cost of providing Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden has drawn sharp criticism. Hunters detail reportedly includes 18 agents, while Ashleys includes 13. The expense of maintaining these details, especially during international travel, has been estimated to run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Critics argue that Hunter Biden, who has faced multiple legal issues, including convictions for firearms charges and tax evasion, should not be entitled to taxpayer-funded protection, particularly while attempting to evade legal proceedings. American taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for a man who is actively trying to avoid the law, said one political analyst.

Under federal law, former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection, but their children are only entitled to protection until they turn 16, unless extended by the sitting president. Both Trump and Biden extended protection for their children for six months after leaving office, but Trumps decision to revoke the Bidens protection reflects a broader effort to reassess the use of taxpayer resources.

With Hunter Bidens legal troubles and international travel raising questions about the appropriateness of such protection, the move has been widely supported by those who believe government spending should prioritize the needs of the American people over the privileges of a select few.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

FoxNews.com

DailyMail.co.uk
The Wests support for Israel: A free speech crisis in the making

President Donald Trump announced on March 16, that federal funding would be cut for universities allowing "illegal protests," specifically targeting pro-Palestine demonstrations. The move has sparked widespread controversy and is seen as a significant threat to free speech and academic freedom.

Trump's announcement, supported by officials like Elise Stefanik and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., conflates pro-Palestine activism with antisemitism. The administration has also taken concrete steps, such as detaining Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestine activist, signaling a broader crackdown on dissent.

Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU and FIRE, have condemned the administration's actions as a blatant attack on free speech. They warn that the measures will suppress student protests and chill open debate on campuses, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The current suppression of dissent is compared to the McCarthy era, where fear of communism led to widespread censorship and persecution. Critics argue that the administration is exploiting concerns about antisemitism to silence criticism of Israel, eroding civil liberties.

In a startling escalation of the ongoing debate over free speech and academic freedom, President Donald Trumps recent announcement to cut federal funding to universities allowing illegal protests has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The move, widely seen as targeting pro-Palestine demonstrations, has raised alarms among civil liberties advocates, who warn that the administrations actions represent the most significant threat to free speech since the McCarthy era.

Trumps crackdown on campus protests

On March 16, President Trump took to Truth Social to declare, All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests. Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS!

The post, which obliquely referenced pro-Palestine demonstrations, was quickly endorsed by Elise Stefanik, Trumps nominee for ambassador to the UN, who tweeted, Antisemitism and anti-Israel hate will not be tolerated on American campuses.

This announcement follows a series of inflammatory statements from Trump administration officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who likened antisemitism to a spiritual and moral malady comparable to historys most deadly plagues. Kennedys remarks, which conflated pro-Palestine activism with antisemitism, were echoed by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, who accused universities of allowing unlawful encampments and demonstrations that deprive Jewish students of learning opportunities.

Critics argue that the administrations rhetoric is a thinly veiled attempt to suppress dissent against Israels policies. They are using the completely fictional narrative of antisemitism on university campuses to stomp out protests against Israeli atrocities in the United States, one commentator noted.

Civil liberties under siege

The government's actions have drawn swift condemnation from civil rights organizations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) have both issued statements denouncing the move as a blatant attack on free speech.

It is disturbing to see the White House threatening freedom of speech and academic freedom on U.S. college campuses so blatantly, said Cecillia Wang, legal director of the ACLU. We stand in solidarity with university leaders in their commitment to free speech, open debate and peaceful dissent on campus.

FIRE echoed these concerns, warning that Trumps announcement will cast an impermissible chill on student protests about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The organization pointed to the administrations 2019 executive order adopting an unconstitutional definition of antisemitism and its January 2025 order threatening to deport international students for engaging in protected expression as part of a broader pattern of suppressing dissent.

In a chilling example of the government's crackdown on pro-Palestine activism, immigration agents recently detained Mahmoud Khalil, a leader of last years protests at Columbia University. Khalil, who holds a green card, was taken from his home and placed in a detention facility in Louisiana. Trump later boasted on Truth Social, This is the first arrest of many to come.

A historical parallel: The red scare

The current climate of suppression bears a striking resemblance to the Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950s, when fear of communist infiltration led to widespread censorship and persecution of leftist activists. During that era, Senator Joseph McCarthys infamous witch hunts targeted individuals for their political beliefs, resulting in a chilling effect on free speech and academic freedom.

This seems like one of the biggest threats, if not the biggest threats to First Amendment freedoms in 50 years, said Brian Hauss, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU. Its a direct attempt to punish speech because of the viewpoint it espouses.

A call to action

The Wests unwavering support for Israel has emerged as the single greatest threat to free speech in modern society. From social media censorship to the persecution of journalists and activists, the suppression of dissent is being carried out with alarming speed and brazenness.

For those who cherish free speech, the choice is clear: oppose the suppression of dissent, even if it means challenging long-held beliefs about Israel. As one commentator put it, If you support freedom of speech, you now have an ethical obligation to oppose Israel, even if you didnt before.

The stakes could not be higher. In the words of Margo Schlanger, a law professor and former head of civil rights at the Department of Homeland Security, I teach constitutional law. And Im freaking out.

The question now is whether the American public will stand idly by as the First Amendment is dismantledor rise to defend the principles of free speech.

Sources include:

FreeWestMedia.com

TheFire.org

NYTimes.com
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"Rafael (Palmeiro) was kind and generous with his time in giving me a tour of his home. We talked baseball, of course, and he was sincerely interested in my career and my playing days. At one point, he said: 'Youll have to come back when the batting cage is finished in the basement ... take a few swings!'"
What are CDMOs and why are they important?

Key drivers behind the CDMO surge

Case studies and industry examples

Future of CDMO Partnerships

Preclinical research is crucial for the development of any novel drug. It demands significant resources that are often expensive and inaccessible to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies of all sizes.

Federal regulations like the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGAMPs) enforced by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other international organizations also set specific requirements that these companies must follow for the manufacturing, processing, and packing of a drug product, which may further constrain companies operational capabilities.

To overcome these challenges, both pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies often leverage the experience of strategic partners like contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) to bring new drugs to the marketplace.

Some of the key advantages of CDMOs include their cost efficiency, particularly when compared to the time and investment required to build this type of infrastructure in-house, as well as their supply chain resilience and regulatory compliance.

Image Credit: i viewfinder/Shutterstock.com

What are CDMOs and why are they important?

A full-service CDMO needs to provide comprehensive end-to-end capabilities that support the entire pharmaceutical development and manufacturing process.1

Recent estimates suggest that the CDMO market in the United States will reach over $278 billion by 2026, with oncology drugs accounting for about 35% of CDMO activity. Rising investments in the CDMO sector are largely attributed to greater complexity associated with the development of novel drugs and medical devices, as well as globalization and emerging markets.

Some key services offered by CDMO include formulation development, regulatory support, clinical trial services, commercial product packaging, supply chain management, quality assurance, and technology transfer solutions2.

One of the key advantages of CDMOs is that all of these services can be offered in a comprehensive package from a single organization, thereby simplifying the drug development and manufacturing process into a one-stop shop.

The effective delivery of these services is achieved through a team of staffed and highly experienced scientists and engineers who are actively involved in the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.

CDMO facilities are also equipped with highly specialized equipment and facilities that prevent companies from making large capital investments in developing this infrastructure.

Pharma CMOs: Who are they? how do they make money? and how to choose one? Play

How Process Development Enhances Drug Discovery Outcomes

Key drivers behind the CDMO surge

By serving as strategic partners and providing comprehensive drug development and manufacturing services, CDMOs can help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on the journey from discovery to commercialization and beyond.2

Bringing a new drug to market is a time-consuming process that typically takes between 10 and 15 years, with a total investment of about $2.6 billion USD. CDMOs can reduce costs by accelerating drug production timelines through the use of their expertise to solve formulation challenges and meet regulatory requirements.

The quality of a pharmaceutical product is determined by the safety and efficacy of its active ingredients and formulation, which requires appropriate manufacturing processes that produce the least amount of waste.

Various factors may negatively impact the quality of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, which can lead to wasted materials, discarded product batches, supply disruptions, and product recalls, all of which are associated with significant financial losses.

Every dollar spent in preventing poor quality is equal to $10 if the problem is taken to production without being addressed and $100 dollars if it moves to the distribution stage.3

The investment in a reliable CDMO is crucial for ensuring high-quality outcomes and reducing unnecessary costs throughout the entire pharmaceutical manufacturing process.

Partnering with CDMOs at the beginning of the manufacturing process allows pharmaceutical companies to immediately identify and resolve any issue that could lead to significant problems later.

Market Report 2025: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Case studies and industry examples

In addition to the direct savings associated with CDMOs, these organizations have also been shown to meet growing demands for pharmaceutical products during emergencies.

For example, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Moderna relied on both internal expertise and third-party CDMOs to establish production lines of their novel messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology in different regions throughout the world to ensure widespread vaccination against this highly contagious disease.

For example, a 2021 expansion in the partnership between Moderna and Rovi in Granada, Spain, facilitated the production of an additional 600 million vaccine doses every year4.

Likewise, ThermoFisher served as a critical partner for supplying raw materials and assisting in vaccine manufacturing of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to increase production capabilities.

Future of CDMO Partnerships

As science continues to advance, CDMOs are also expanding their capabilities by investing in new technologies while simultaneously increasing their capacity to produce even more products.

For example, a recent partnership between Samsung Biologics CDMO and Pfizer will involve the investment of almost $900 million USD to accelerate the production of biosimilars for oncology, inflammation, and immunotherapy indications.

Likewise, both ABL Bio and the Lonza Group CDMO have recently announced their plans to develop and manufacture a novel bispecific antibody that will be used to treat both immune-oncology and neurodegenerative diseases5.

Technological improvements in molecule stability and bioavailability enhancements enable CDMOs and their developer partners to unlock new potential medications, making treatments easier to absorb and more accessible to a broader patient base.6

References

What is a CDMO? [Online]. Available from: https://www.patheon.com/us/en/insights-resources/blog/what-is-a-cdmo.html. CROs vs CMOs, and CDMOs: Whats the difference between the three? [Online]. Available from: https://www.patheon.com/us/en/insights-resources/blog/cdmo-vs-cmo-vs-cro.html. Transforming CDMO partnerships through a holistic understanding of quality [Online]. Available from: https://www.patheon.com/us/en/insights-resources/whitepapers/transforming-cdmo-partnerships-through-quality.html. Moderna further expands CDMO partnerships to support COVID vaccine [Online]. Available from: https://www.bioprocessintl.com/facilities-capacity/moderna-further-expands-cdmo-partnerships-to-support-covid-vaccine. Top 10 Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations [Online]. Available from: https://www.genengnews.com/topics/bioprocessing/top-10-contract-development-and-manufacturing-organizations/. Building Resilience: CDMO Strategies for Drug Supply Chain Stability [Online]. Available from: https://medcitynews.com/2025/02/building-resilience-cdmo-strategies-for-drug-supply-chain-stability/.

Further Reading
A transformative study has uncovered the pivotal role of the protein Naked cuticle homolog 2 (NKD2) in regulating the differentiation of bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. This discovery opens up new possibilities in the fight against bone loss, particularly in postmenopausal osteoporosis. The research suggests that NKD2 not only promotes osteoblast differentiation but also inhibits adipocyte formation and osteoclast activity, positioning it as a potential therapeutic target for metabolic bone disorders. The study also sheds light on the intricate interplay between Wnt/-catenin and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathways, key regulators of bone homeostasis.

Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and heightens the risk of fractures, poses a significant public health challenge, especially among postmenopausal women. The disease stems from an imbalance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. While current treatments primarily aim to slow bone loss, they fall short in effectively promoting bone formation. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms governing the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into osteoblasts or adipocytes remain poorly understood. These gaps underscore the urgent need for novel molecular targets that can enhance bone formation while curbing bone resorption.



Published (DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2024.101209) in Genes & Diseases on January 12, 2024, the recent study led by researchers from Tianjin Medical University in China has identified Naked cuticle homolog 2 (NKD2) as a critical regulator of bone cell differentiation. The research reveals that NKD2 enhances osteoblast differentiation, inhibits adipocyte formation, and suppresses osteoclast activity. Through its regulation of Wnt/-catenin and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathways, NKD2 plays a crucial role in maintaining bone homeostasis, offering a promising new approach for treating osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders.



The study demonstrates that NKD2 is upregulated during the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into osteoblasts and adipocytes. Functional experiments show that overexpressing NKD2 enhances osteoblast differentiation while suppressing adipocyte formation. Mechanistically, NKD2 activates Wnt/-catenin signaling in differentiating cells but suppresses it in undifferentiated cells, underscoring its context-dependent role. The protein also interacts with tuberous sclerosis complex subunit 1 (TSC1), a key regulator of the mTORC1 pathway, further influencing bone cell differentiation. In vivo experiments on ovariectomized mice, a model for postmenopausal osteoporosis, demonstrated that transplanting NKD2-overexpressing BMSCs significantly improved bone mass by increasing osteoblast numbers and reducing adipocyte formation. Additionally, NKD2 downregulates RANKL, a crucial factor for osteoclast differentiation, leading to reduced bone resorption. These findings position NKD2 as a dual-action therapeutic target-promoting bone formation while inhibiting bone loss.



Dr. Baoli Wang, the corresponding author of the study, emphasized the significance of the discovery: "This study provides compelling evidence that NKD2 is a master regulator of bone cell differentiation. By understanding how NKD2 modulates both Wnt/-catenin and mTORC1 signaling pathways, we can develop more effective treatments for osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases."



The discovery of NKD2's critical role in bone homeostasis holds immense promise for therapeutic interventions in osteoporosis and other metabolic bone disorders. Targeting NKD2 could pave the way for treatments that not only prevent bone loss but also promote bone formation, addressing a long-standing gap in osteoporosis management. Moreover, the study's findings could lead to the development of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies. Future research will focus on translating these discoveries into clinical applications, potentially revolutionizing how we treat bone diseases.
Nearly 85% of the 1.7 million adolescents with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, along with half of the nearly 40 million people in the world living with HIV. Although the government in Uganda provides antiretroviral treatment (ART) for free, adherence to the regimen by adolescents ages 10-16 is low, increasing the potential for the virus to further spread.

Claire Najjuuko, a doctoral student at Washington University in St. Louis, saw this firsthand while working as a data manager at the International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD) in Uganda, founded by Fred M. Ssewamala, the William E. Gordon Distinguished Professor in the Brown School at WashU. Now earning a doctorate in WashU's Division of Computational & Data Sciences, Najjuuko, who is co-advised by Ssewamala and Chenyang Lu, the Fullgraf Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering in the McKelvey School of Engineering, wanted to use artificial intelligence and data science to help improve adolescent compliance with the treatment in low-resource areas. Results of the research were published online Feb. 25, 2025, in AIDS.

I have great interest in machine learning and want to apply it to problems that speak directly to me. The collaborations between the AI for Health Institute directed by Professor Lu and the International Center for Child Health and Development directed by Professor Fred are particularly enabling this kind of innovative work." Claire Najjuuko, doctoral student, Washington University in St. Louis

With support from Lu and Ssewamala, Najjuuko set out to develop a machine learning model to predict which adolescents with HIV would be less likely to adhere to antiretroviral therapy. With such knowledge, health care practitioners could implement interventions for those identified as less likely to adhere to the treatment plan.

"The current way the practice is, adolescents go to the clinic every month or two months for medication refills, and a health care practitioner checks how many pills the patient has left compared with what is expected, as well as asking the adolescent questions regarding missed doses to establish if the patient is adhering to the therapy," Najjuuko said. "This project to predict future nonadherence of adolescents can have real impact if implemented in the right way."

To train the model, Najjuuko used data from a six-year cluster-randomized controlled trial from 39 clinics in southern Uganda, a region most heavily impacted by HIV. The Suubi+Adherence dataset included adolescents between age 10-16 medically diagnosed with HIV, aware of their status, enrolled in ART at one of the clinics and living within a family. Ultimately, the models analyzed data from 647 patients who had complete data on the outcome at 48 months.

Najjuuko developed a machine learning model to predict nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy by incorporating socio-behavioral and economic factors alongside a patient's adherence history. The model accurately identifies 80% of adolescents at risk of nonadherence while lowering the false alarm rate to 52% - 14 percentage points lower than a model based solely on adherence history. By reducing false alarms, this model helps health care providers focus interventions on those who need them most, improving patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary follow-ups and provider fatigue.

Among 50 variables, which included social, interpersonal, family, educational, structural and economic factors, the model found 12 that were most predictive of an individual having poor adherence to ART. Economic factors were highly associated with future nonadherence. Other predictive characteristics were poor adherence history; child poverty; biological relationship to primary caregiver; self-concept; confidence in saving money; discussing sensitive topics with caregivers; household size; and school enrollment.

"Adolescents are the most nonadherent group across the globe," Ssewamala said. "They are moving into independence and don't want to be told what to do. As they move into the dating period, there is a lot of stigma, and they don't want to be associated with HIV."

One factor the team found was associated with adolescents with HIV adhering to the ART therapy was having a savings account.

"The theory is when people own resources, especially when they have a nest egg, they think and behave differently," Ssewamala said. "The future holds promise, so they will take care of themselves so they can live longer. When people are hopeless, they have nothing to lose."

Adhering to the treatment is difficult, Ssewamala said, because the medication must be taken with food or causes nausea. If a person with HIV doesn't have access to food or transportation to get the medication, they are less likely to adhere to the treatment.

Lu said this model could be adapted for deployment in the field to support personalized intervention strategies based on the identified risk factors, highlighting the importance of the collaboration.

"This is an excellent example of interdisciplinary research at WashU, combining AI and global health," Lu said. "By leveraging the data that Fred's team gathered from the field and their insights on complex health issues, we apply AI expertise to analyze these data and build tools to enhance health outcomes."
From his lab at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy Drug Discovery Institute, Mingfu Wu, associate professor, is offering new hope for treating heart disease by sharing his insights into the fundamental process of how the heart is formed in utero. His findings, published in Science, focus on long, thin, channels of membranes  called Tunneling Nanotube-Like Structures - that connect cells together. Wu reports the structures may be a fundamental way for cells to communicate, offering new insights into heart disease development and potential treatments.

The formation of the heart depends on critical signals exchanged between its two main layers: the myocardium (the muscle that powers the heartbeat) and the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart). This communication is essential for ensuring the heart takes shape correctly and functions effectively.

Here we characterized Tunneling Nanotube-Like Structures (TNTLs), which we found physically connecting cardiomyocytes in myocardium to endocardial cells in endocardium." Mingfu Wu, associate professor, University of Houston College of Pharmacy Drug Discovery Institute

"These structures likely help to facilitate long-distance intercellular communication essential for heart formation." Lianjie Miao, research assistant professor of pharmacology, is the paper's first author.

The signals are particularly important during development of the trabeculae, which are crucial in early heart development. Before the coronary system develops, trabeculae supply blood by increasing the inner surface area of the heart wall and enhancing the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between blood and the heart wall.

Wu and the team used genetic labeling, contact tracing techniques and advanced imaging to demonstrate the existence of the tunneling nanotubes in embryonic hearts. They found that the tubes extended across the heart's main layers and cardiac jelly, establishing direct connections that enable cells to communicate and transfer proteins that carry out important functions.

"We found that TNTLs were able to transport signaling molecules, cytoplasmic proteins, and trafficking vesicles, underscoring their role as conduits for intercellular communication and proving them essential in cardiac morphogenesis," said Wu.

"Disruption of TNTLs in embryonic hearts resulted in impaired ventricular wall morphogenesis, evidenced by loss of trabeculae and defective myocardial growth," he said.

Wu said future research should explore the molecular machinery governing TNTLs formation, the potential functions of protein transfer between myocardium and endocardium during heart formation and how adjusting or controlling these structures could lead to new ways to treat congenital heart defects and heart failure.
To tackle the inequity in medication access, a societal issue especially in developing nations, a team of undergraduate student-researchers at the University of Ottawa has developed a new biomanufacturing platform called Phytogene. It offers a sustainable - and affordable  alternative to synthesizing important peptide-based pharmaceuticals, thanks to a plant-based production system known as biopharming.

The project, led by fourth-year biotechnology and biomedical science students Victor Boddy and Teagan Thomas, aims to address medication shortages and inflated costs, improving treatment access, worldwide.

Gold medal student ingenuity

Phytogene utilizes Nicotiana benthamiana plants to produce medications such as Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists, a class of drugs that include the popular type-II diabetes, turned weight loss drug, Ozempic. This innovative approach could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and chemical waste associated with traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing methods.

Victor Boddy, team leader, explains: "Inspired by the recent Ozempic shortage, we built a proof-of-concept model system that expresses functional GLP-1 agonists in plants. We aim to create a future where people can reliably grow their own treatments at home, free from concerns about insurance, cost, or availability."

The team recently showcased their work at the iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris, where they competed against over 430 international teams. Their exceptional performance earned them a gold medal and placed them among the top 5 teams within the biomanufacturing stream.

Teagan Thomas, co-leader of the project, highlights the potential impact: "Phytogene offers a unique, sustainable approach to biotechnology by providing an environmentally friendly solution to the critical crisis of medication access. We're excited to further develop this concept into a commercially viable project with support from venture capitalists and scientific advisors."

Social entrepreneurship in action

The research team has also published an open-source biopharming toolkit on the iGEM Parts Registry, enabling other researchers to build upon their work. This toolkit includes genetic tools for rapid screening of subcellular localizations in plants and various constructs for expression in multiple cell types.

The project, which began in late 2023, involved a collaborative effort from 23 uOttawa undergraduate students across various faculties, with guidance from Adam Damry, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, and Allyson Maclean, Associate Professor, Department of Biology. The team conducted their research in the bioGARAGE laboratory space and in collaboration with other university labs.

While the project shows great promise, it's important to note that it is still in the testing phase.

"The extract has not been tested on humans," adds Boddy. The team is now working on optimizing protocols to be able to test the activity of these compounds.

We are currently analyzing blood glucose and insulin levels to assess response. We also plan to conduct bioactivity assays to test the drug's effectiveness on human cells." Teagan Thomas, student, University of Ottawa

As the world grapples with medication shortages and the environmental impact of pharmaceutical production, the Phytogene platform offers a promising solution. By harnessing the power of transgenic plants, this innovative approach could revolutionize the biopharmaceutical industry, making medications more accessible and sustainable for people around the globe.
A new study published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders highlights the potential of More Stamina, a gamified mobile health (mHealth) app designed to help people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) manage fatigue, one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of the disease.

The research, led by researcher Dr. Guido Giunti and neurologists Dr. Mervi Ryytty and assistant professor Johanna Kruger from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital in Finland, evaluated the feasibility, usability, and impact of More Stamina over a 60-day period.

Fatigue is an invisible but life-altering symptom of MS. Managing it requires more than just medication. More Stamina gives people the tools to understand their energy levels, take control of their day, and communicate their needs more effectively." Guido Giunti, digital health expert at the University of Oulu and leader of the More Stamina project

The study followed 20 participants from Oulu University Hospital, who used the app daily for two months. Findings revealed that:  Users became more aware of their fatigue patterns, enabling them to plan their days more effectively.  Higher engagement correlated with increased self-awareness, particularly among those with more severe fatigue.  The app helped facilitate discussions with family members and healthcare providers, improving mutual understanding of fatigue's impact.  Usability improved over time, though some users found data entry cognitively demanding, indicating areas for refinement.

An evidence-driven digital health solution More Stamina helps users track their daily activities and energy expenditure using "Stamina Credits", a gamified approach that visualizes energy use and helps users make informed decisions about their daily plans. Unlike many digital health solutions, More Stamina stands out for its research-driven approach at every stage, from identifying patient needs to design, prototyping, development, and testing. Each phase has been accompanied by peer-reviewed research, creating a transparent scientific trail for a mobile health solution. "Digital health solutions are only as good as their foundation," said professor Minna Isomursu, expert in user-centered design and co-author of the study. "We worked with real patients and healthcare professionals from the start to build something truly useful. That is key to creating tools that people actually find useful in their daily lives."

Bringing digital health into MS care Fatigue affects up to 80% of MS patients and has a profound impact on their quality of life. Managing fatigue is challenging, as it involves physical, cognitive, and emotional factors, often leaving patients feeling exhausted, misunderstood, and unsupported. While digital health solutions have been increasingly proposed to help manage chronic conditions like MS, few have been rigorously evaluated to ensure their effectiveness and real-world impact. Neurologists at Oulu University Hospital emphasize the potential of such solutions in complementing traditional MS care. "Managing MS fatigue has always been a challenge, as it varies from person to person," said Dr. Mervi Ryytty, neurologist at Oulu University Hospital. "Having a tool that helps patients visualize and plan their energy levels can make a real difference in how they manage their symptoms." While the study confirmed that More Stamina is a feasible and acceptable tool, researchers emphasize that larger and longer-term studies are needed to evaluate its full clinical impact. The team is now exploring ways to integrate More Stamina into broader MS care strategies: "This study reinforces the role of digital health solutions in MS care," added Dr. Johanna Kruger, neurologist at Oulu University Hospital "Now we need to refine it, expand access, and ensure that digital tools like this one can become an effective and seamless part MS care."

Empowering patients and strengthening family dialogue One of the unexpected yet powerful outcomes of the study was the role More Stamina played in facilitating conversations between MS patients and their families. Many participants reported that sharing their fatigue patterns with loved ones helped them feel understood and supported. "Invisible fatigue is hard to explain to those who don't experience it, especially since I do not always understand it myself," said Tonja Molin-Juustila, a patient representative involved in the project. "More Stamina gives you a concrete tool to look at fatigue and discuss it with the family. Instead of repeating 'I'm so tired now', it becomes 'It seems you need to rest more often'. This makes a huge difference, turning the interaction from perceived guilt into mutual understanding." More Stamina's development was not just about technology, it was about people. Active participation from patient representatives was key to ensuring that the app addressed real-life challenges. Beyond its success in MS fatigue management, by combining scientific rigor, user-centered design, and real-world testing, this project has created a blueprint for how digital solutions should be developed and integrated into healthcare. "We need to move beyond gimmicks and ensure digital health solutions are truly beneficial," said Dr. Guido Giunti. "The way we've worked with More Stamina is proof that when we bring together science, technology, and patient voices, we can create tools that actually improve lives. We hope this approach sets a new standard for future digital health solutions."

The study was funded by Business Finland, the Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra), the Riitta ja Jorma J. Takanen Foundation, and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions.
With the rising prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (MRSA), a multi drug resistant strain, treatment has become a challenge. The infection frequently involves the skin and soft tissue, but it can also cause other life-threatening systemic illnesses including endocarditis, meningitis, and toxic shock syndrome.

The known antibiotic resistance determinants, mecA and mecC, detected in MRSA isolates exhibit a broad spectrum of cross-antibiotic resistance. This study identified three functional protein families, through sequencing, that confer extensive antibiotic resistance independent of mecA and mecC. Twenty-six isolates had their DNA sequenced for mepR, mepA, mepB, and sapep genes for correlation with their antimicrobial phenotypes.

Transcriptional profiling revealed that both animal and human MRSA isolates exhibited a gene cluster mepRAB (multidrug export protein gene), encoding a MarR-like transcriptional regulator (mepR), a M20/M25/M40 metallo-hydrolase protein gene (sapep) encoding resistance to biocides and carbapenems, and a hypothetical protein gene of unknown function (mepB).

The work entitled "Genetic resistance factors and antimicrobial resistance phenotypes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates of animals and humans" was published on One Health Bulletin (published on Jan. 23, 2025).
insights from industry Olivier Negre Chief Scientific Officer Smart Immune In this interview, News Medical speaks with Olivier Negre, Chief Scientific Officer at Smart Immune, about how immunotherapy is being revolutionized, ahead of his seminar at the In this interview, News Medical speaks with Olivier Negre, Chief Scientific Officer at Smart Immune, about how immunotherapy is being revolutionized, ahead of his seminar at the 7th Annual Allogeneic Cell Therapies Summit later this year.

Please can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your research and professional background?

Hi, Im Olivier Negre, Chief Scientific Officer at Smart Immune since 2020. I now have over 20 years of experience in biotherapy and gene therapy. My journey began working on recombinant vaccines at Bioprotein Technologies. In 2000, I joined bluebird bio, where I worked for 14 years on the development of the first approved gene therapy for beta-thalassemia.

Throughout my career, I've transitioned from a Senior Scientist in France to Director of Translational Research in the USA. I then returned to France to found Biotherapy Partners and lead Smart Immunes ProTcell platform preclinical development as Chief Scientific Officer. I am also a board member of the French Society of Gene and Cell Therapy.

Image Credit: Corona Borealis Studio/Shutterstock.com

You will be presenting a seminar at the 7th Annual Allogeneic Cell Therapies Summit later this year. Can you give us a sneak peek at what youll be discussing during your talk?

Im looking forward to introducing our ProTcell therapy platforms recent advances and, more precisely, our efforts to maintain effective and diverse T-cell receptors (TCR) while ensuring safety. Our research has shown that our allogeneic T-cell progenitors, once educated in the host thymus, restore a polyclonal T-cell compartment. TCR diversity is critical to fighting infections and eliminating cancer cells expressing neoantigens.

What are some key insights from your preclinical studies on the safety of ProTcells?

Without spoiling the presentation, I can say that we have not observed any product-related toxicity such as GvHD. A protective effect against tumor challenge has been observed in our preclinical models.

Why is the thymus an important factor in this therapy, and how does it impact T-cell development?

Our cell therapy SMART101 (allogeneic blood stem cell-derived T-cell progenitors) is designed to be empowered and personalized by the patients thymus. The thymus selects and educates immature T-cells, turning only the best candidates into fully functional naive T-cells, ready to defend the body against malignant and infected cells. Interestingly, the thymus naturally expands ProTcell-derived T-cell populations by approximately 1,000-fold. We like to say that in the thymus we trust!

What are the potential medical applications of ProTcells, and what makes them particularly promising?

There are numerous reasons why our approach can address medical needs related to T-cell dysfunction. Our strategy is to use allogeneic ProTcells and harness thymic education to restore the immune system with a new, competent, and long-lasting T-cell force. It has huge potential for applications in hematology post-transplant, as we are doing now in high-risk acute leukemia, but also in other cancers, immune aging, and infectious diseases like AIDS. We are working to genetically engineer our ProTcells, to generate long-lasting, self-tolerant, and targeted therapies like HIV-resistant T-cells or CAR ProTcells.

Why have we been seeing headwinds in the allogeneic cell therapies space for the past several years?

The field is faced with obstacles that are tending to be resolved partly and progressively: safety, long-term efficacy (vs cell exhaustion), rejection, and manufacturing complexity. Smart Immune is one of the players in the field aiming at solving all these hurdles to offer off-the-shelf, accessible T-cell therapies.

What are the most exciting advancements youre seeing in the allogeneic cell therapies space that are turning the field around?

An increasing number of cellular immunotherapies is reaching the market (CAR-T, TCR-T, TILs) but they are mostly autologous and are facing several limitations such as the need to manufacture a batch for each patient, the complexity of a circular supply chain, the cost per dose and the poor quality of patient cells when harvested after several rounds of chemotherapy ...

The allogeneic approach can circumvent those limitations and is made more feasible by several improvements:

1) New methods of gene editing reducing the risk of off-target effect and genomic instability

2) The development of iPS cell lines for the virtually illimited amount of starting material

3) The refined selection of donor cells

4) Epigenetic and metabolic considerations

5) The use of T-cell progenitors to maintain the TCR while avoiding GvHD

Where do you see the allogeneic cell therapy space in the next 5 years?

The approval of Ebvallo, the first authorized allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy, paved the way for new products. Poseida Therapeutics showed that allogeneic CAR-T therapies can have strong traction for pharma with the agreement to be acquired by Roche Holdings for $1.5 billion. In the coming years, the field of cellular immunotherapy should become mature, and large-scale production of high-quality, affordable products should allow the treatment of more patients in the first line. Cell banks of allogeneic off-the-shelf products should participate in this new area for cellular therapies.

What are you looking forward to most at the 7th Annual Allogeneic Cell Therapies Summit?

The Annual Allogeneic Cell Therapies summit is the place to be to meet with experts in the field and learn about the most recent advances in allogeneic therapies. I am looking forward to attending the industry leaders fireside chat, which will discuss how to achieve allogeneic product success by aligning innovation with investor expectations. The panel discussion scheduled for the second day will be particularly interesting since ensuring long-lasting therapeutic responses is challenging for allogeneic therapies. I will be keen to discuss strategic patient selection by HLA matching.

What are the next steps for you and your research? Do you have any exciting projects coming up?

I will be able to say more about the evolution of our ProTcell programs during the conference. Our focus in the coming months will be the engineering of CAR ProTcells and the experiments supporting future clinical trials in solid tumors.

Where can readers find more information?

Smart Immune's website

Follow Smart Immune on Linkedin

More information about the 7th Allogeneic Cell Therapies Summit

About Olivier

Olivier earned an engineering degree in biotechnology from ENSTBB and a PhD in cell and molecular biology from Paris Diderot University. He has been working for more than 20 years in the field of biotherapies including the production of recombinant proteins with BioProtein Technologies and gene therapy programs at bluebird bio both in France and in the USA. Olivier is a board member of the French Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, co-president of the think tank Gene & Cell Therapy Institute, co-founder of Biotherapy Partners and currently CSO at Smart Immune.
Ashok Hinduja Eyes Bigger Stake In IndusInd Bank, Says Promoter Ready For Capital Infusion When Needed

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Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 21:45 IST

IIHL has already received in-principal approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to raise its stake in IndusInd Bank

Ashok P Hinduja, chairman of IndusInd International Holdings Ltd

Ashok P Hinduja, Chairman of IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL), stated on March 18 that it is an ideal time for the company to increase its stake in IndusInd Bank. Hinduja expressed his intention, saying, This is an opportune time as a promoter to increase stake. If this is the time at this price, we would like to increase stake," during a press conference following the completion of IIHLs acquisition of Reliance Capital.

He also stated that if necessary, the promoters are willing to inject capital into IndusInd Bank. However, at the present time, the banks capital adequacy level is satisfactory and there is no immediate requirement for additional funds.

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IIHL has already received in-principal approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to raise its stake in IndusInd Bank from 15 per cent to 26 per cent. The company is now awaiting final approval from the RBI. Hinduja commented, All communication responses have been given to the regulator. It is now left to the regulator when and how they will give us the approval."

Earlier in March, IndusInd Banks management revealed that an internal review of its derivative portfolio had uncovered discrepancies related to Other Asset and Other Liability accounts. The review was triggered by the implementation of an RBI circular, Master Direction  Classification, Valuation and Operation of Investment Portfolio of Commercial Banks (Directions), 2023, which is set to come into effect on April 1, 2024. The discrepancies could negatively affect the bank, with its net worth potentially taking a 2.35 per cent hit, according to a March 10 stock exchange filing.

Hinduja assured that if IndusInd Bank requires additional capital, the promoters will step in to infuse funds. However, he emphasized that the bank does not need extra capital at this moment, and excess capital would be unnecessary.

PwC was appointed in late February to investigate the discrepancies in detail, and their findings are expected to be submitted to the RBI by the end of March. Hinduja stated that once the PwC report is received, it will be reviewed by the board and its committees, who will determine responsibility for the issues identified over the past years.

Regarding IIHLs recent acquisition of Reliance Capital, Hinduja confirmed the deals completion on March 18. He stated, As we are speaking now, the money must be going from one escrow to the other escrow account of the deal." IIHLs resolution plan for Reliance Capital was approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in February 2024. The acquisition gives IIHL control over 42 entities, including Reliance Nippon Life Insurance, Reliance General Insurance, Reliance Securities, and Reliance Asset Reconstruction.

The total cost of the acquisition is Rs 9,861 crore, financed by Rs 7,300 crore in debt from Barclays and 360 ONE, along with Rs 2,750 crore in equity. Additionally, IIHL has invested Rs 200 crore in Reliance General Insurance as capital.

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Hinduja also shared plans to list Reliance Nippon Life Insurance and Reliance General Insurance in the next two years. While the promoter holding will remain unchanged until the listing, IIHL intends to stay invested in the asset reconstruction company, insurance companies, and securities business. However, it plans to exit from all other companies.

On Tuesday, Shares of IndusInd Bank Ltd closed at Rs 681.70, up by 0.70%.

About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 21:31 IST
Layoffs: Audi To Cut 7,500 Jobs Or 14% Of Its Workforce In Germany By 2029

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Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 07:10 IST

Audi says the layoffs, agreed by management and labour representatives, should save the carmaker 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) per year in the medium term.

Audi Layoffs.

German luxury carmaker Audi has said it will cut as many as 7,500 jobs in the European country by 2029 in an effort to improve its flagging profitability. The layoffs, which is roughly 14 per cent of the brands German workforce, will mainly affect areas like administration and development.

The layoffs will not affect factory workers, Volkswagen AGs Audi said on Monday (March 17, 2025). The carmaker plans to invest around 8 billion ($8.7 billion) in its German locations during that period.

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The planned measures, agreed on Monday by management and labour representatives, should save the carmaker 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) per year in the medium term, it said, adding it was investing a total of 8 billion euros in its German sites in the coming four years.

The cuts at Audi bring layoffs currently planned across the Volkswagen Group to just under 48,000: VW has unleashed a cost-cutting programme involving 35,000 job cuts, Porsche, plans to cut 3,900 jobs, and software unit Cariad aims to slash around 1,600.

Audi has already cut around 9,500 production jobs since 2019, a move it said at the time should free up billions of euros to fund its shift to EVs and boost margins to 9-11%.

But the brand has fared poorly in recent years, with its operating margin crashing to 4.5% in the first nine months of 2024 from 7% in the same period of the previous year due to weak sales in its key markets and the cost of ceasing production, opens new tab at its struggling Brussels plant. It is reporting its full-year annual results for 2024 on Tuesday.

Audi Chief Executive Officer Gernot Dollner, said, Audi must become faster, more agile and more efficient Whats clear is that this wont be possible without staff adjustments."

Volkswagen Chief Executive Officer Oliver Blume is pushing for cost cuts across the group to become more competitive. Late last year, the CEO struck a deal with unions to cut staff and capacity at the namesake VW brand.

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Audis deliveries fell 12 per cent last year as the premium carmaker struggled in markets including China. The reductions at the brand will happen without firings.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 07:10 IST
Stocks To Watch: Vedanta, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, Religare, And Others

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News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 08:35 IST

Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Vedanta, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, Religare, and others will be in focus on Tuesday's trade

Stocks to watch on March 18

Stocks to Watch on March 18: Domestic markets kicked off the week on a positive note, gaining nearly half a percent as the consolidation phase persists. In todays session, shares of Vedanta, Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and others will be in focus due to various updates.

Tata Motors

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Tata Motors will raise the prices of its commercial vehicles by up to 2% starting April 1, citing rising input costs. The price increase will vary depending on the model.

Vedanta

Vedantas Chairman, Anil Agarwal, reaffirmed the companys commitment to unlocking value. He stated that the four new companies created through the demerger have the potential to grow into $100 billion enterprises each.

Bajaj Finserv

Bajaj Finserv has signed a share purchase agreement (SPA) to acquire a 26% stake from Allianz SE in its insurance subsidiaries, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company (BAGIC) and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company (BALIC).

IndusInd Bank

Moodys has affirmed the ratings for IndusInd Bank and placed its baseline credit assessment under review for downgrade.

Religare Enterprises

Religare Enterprises has engaged Trilegal and Grant Thornton Bharat LLP to conduct a governance review, assessing past practices and potential misconduct involving current and former employees.

IREDA

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Authority (IREDA) has increased its borrowing limit by Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 29,200 crore for FY 2024-25. The funds will be raised through corporate bonds, banks, and international investors.

Swiggy

Swiggy Instamart has expanded its quick commerce services to 100 cities, adding 32 new locations, including Raipur, Siliguri, Jodhpur, and Thanjavur, as part of its 2025 expansion plan.

Bank of Maharashtra

The state-owned lender has received an administrative warning from SEBI for failing to hold the required NRC meetings in FY 2022-23 and 2023-24. The bank has committed to taking the necessary steps to address the issue.

IRCON International

IRCON International, in a joint venture with Badri Rai and Company, has secured a Rs 1,096.17 crore EPC contract from the Directorate of Urban Affairs, Government of Meghalaya.

Aditya Birla Real Estate

Aditya Birla Real Estate has launched a new residential project, Birla Punya, in Punes Sangamwadi area. The development will include approximately 1,000 apartments across four towers.

JM Financial

JM Financial will transfer its private wealth business to its subsidiary, JM Financial Services Ltd, for Rs 11.08 crore, with the aim of consolidating its wealth management services.

Suryoday Small Finance Bank

Managing Director and CEO Baskar Babu Ramachandran has increased his stake in the bank to 5.18% from 5.04% by purchasing 150,000 shares in the open market. The promoter groups total holding has risen to 22.44%.

NBCC India

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NBCC India has been awarded a Rs 44.62 crore project management consultancy contract for the infrastructure development at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialisation in Wardha.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More

Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18.

First Published: March 18, 2025, 08:35 IST
'A Trap': Indian PhD Student In UK Questions Value Of 1-Year MSc Degree, Shares Struggles

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News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 19:07 IST

The student claimed many international students struggle to find well-paying jobs, forcing them into part-time roles that barely cover living expenses

The student questioned the value of a UK Master's degree, arguing that it often holds less weight compared to degrees earned in India or the US (Representative/File Photo)

A PhD student from India studying Computer Science in the UK has warned potential international students, urging them to reconsider their plans to study in there. In an online post on Reddit, the student detailed the struggles faced by international students in the UK, citing financial strain, limited job opportunities, and a questionable return on investment for a one-year Masters degree.

The student claimed many international students struggle to find well-paying jobs, forcing them into part-time roles that barely cover living expenses. If youre considering coming here, please think twice- you might end up wasting your money, time, and energy. Many students force themself into part-time jobs that barely support a decent quality of life. Ive seen friends who finished their Masters and even extended their post-study visas become extremely thin, lose their hair, and eventually return to India because they simply couldnt cope," the post read.

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The issues go beyond health. The food quality, sky-high housing costs, unpredictable work hours, poor weather and even racism contribute to a decline in overall well-being. Your financial situation can also suffer, with your family often having to bear the burden," it added.

UK Masters Degree Holds Less Value In India, Says Student

The student questioned the value of a UK Masters degree, arguing that it often holds less weight compared to degrees earned in India or the US. The student also criticised the heavy reliance on take-home assignments in UK Masters programmes, suggesting a lack of rigor compared to programmes in other countries.

One more important note: In the UK, a one-year MSc is often considered equivalent to a BTech or BE in India or less in the US, which means it offers little return on investment compared to a full MS degree in the USA or a MTech, ME, MS in India," the student posted.

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The online post sparked a debate, with many international students sharing similar experiences. Some argued that UK universities prioritise profit over academic integrity, alleging widespread awareness of assignment outsourcing. However, others pointed out the value of UK two-years masters courses along with good PhD programmes.

About the Author Sukanya Nandy Sukanya Nandy is a sub-editor at News18.com. She has been writing and reporting for the education and careers section of the website since 2021. She completed her graduation in English followed PG in Journalism... Read More Sukanya Nandy is a sub-editor at News18.com. She has been writing and reporting for the education and careers section of the website since 2021. She completed her graduation in English followed PG in Journalism... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 18:45 IST
CBSE Class 10 Paper Analysis: Experts' Insights On Computer Applications, IT And AI Exams

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Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 15:42 IST

CBSE Class 10 Paper Analysis: Educators praised the well-structured papers for Computer Applications, AI and IT subjects.

CBSE conducted Class 10 exams for Computer Applications, IT, and AI on March 18, 2025. (Representative Image/ Getty)

CBSE Class 10 Paper Analysis: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the Class 10 board exams for Computer Applications, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Educators and students alike have shared positive feedback on the overall experience.

The papers for these subjects were deemed well-structured, manageable, and aligned with the curriculum, with students demonstrating solid understanding and practical application of the concepts.

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Computer Applications: A Balanced Approach

Komal Dhawan, Computer Science educator at Shiv Nadar School Noida, praised the exam for its balance, saying, The exam was well-balanced, combining probing and clarifying questions that allowed students to apply their understanding effectively." While some students found certain CSS-based questions slightly challenging, she noted that the overall paper was manageable and not lengthy." Dhawan added that the confidence and satisfaction shown by students after the exam reflected their preparation and the quality of learning sessions throughout the year.

Information Technology: Well-Prepared Students Excel

At Global Indian International School, Bannerghatta, Bangalore, Savita Srivastava, TGT in Information Technology, reported that students showcased a strong conceptual understanding and practical application of the subject. The overall difficulty level of the paper was moderate, with a well-balanced mix of theoretical and application-based questions," she said. Students found the paper to be straightforward and manageable, aligning well with the CBSE syllabus and sample papers.

Srivastava highlighted that the school is expecting 3-4 centum scores, reflecting the dedication and preparation of the students. We are confident of a 100% pass rate, which speaks to the effectiveness of our teaching methodology and the students consistent efforts," she added, congratulating the students for their hard work and success.

Artificial Intelligence: Well-Structured and Balanced

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Minakshi Ranjan, TGT in Artificial Intelligence at Global Indian International School, Noida, shared her insights on the AI exam, calling it easy and well-structured." According to Ranjan, the MCQs were simple and manageable, while the subjective questions were application-based yet aligned with the syllabus.

Students did not encounter any difficulties with the questions. Rigorous practice and the sample papers shared helped them to solve even the tricky questions with ease and accuracy," she explained. The exam, she noted, was balanced, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge without being overwhelmed by difficult or unfamiliar concepts.

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 18, 2025, 15:42 IST
Harvard Announces Free Education For These Students: Check Out The New Rule

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Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 10:29 IST

Harvard University will offer free education to students from families earning $100,000 or less annually, starting in 2025-26.

Harvard University Campus In Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Image/AFP)

Harvard University has announced a major expansion of its financial aid programme, making college more affordable for a broader range of students. The university will now offer free education to students from families earning $100,000 or less annually, covering all expenses including tuition, housing, food, health insurance, and travel costs starting the 2025-26 academic year.

In addition, students from families earning up to $200,000 will receive free tuition, with additional aid provided to cover other expenses based on individual financial circumstances. This new initiative aims to ensure that a Harvard education is accessible to even more students, particularly from middle-income families. The university estimates that approximately 86% of U.S. families will now qualify for financial assistance, as reported by The Harvard Gazette.

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Announcing the expansion of the financial aid programme Harvard University President Alan M Garber said, Putting Harvard within financial reach for more individuals widens the array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all of our students encounter, fostering their intellectual and personal growth."

Under the new policy, students from families earning $100,000 or less will also receive a $2,000 start-up grant in their first year and a $2,000 launch grant during their junior year to help with the transition beyond Harvard. This initiative will further help students pursue their academic passions and career goals without the burden of financial constraints.

The move is part of Harvards ongoing efforts to make higher education accessible to students from all backgrounds, continuing the universitys focus on fostering intellectual growth and diversity within its student body.

The expansion builds on Harvards long-standing commitment to financial aid, which has been evolving since the launch of the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative in 2004. The programme was initially designed to cover tuition, food, and housing for students from families with incomes of $40,000 or less. Since then, the eligibility thresholds have steadily increased, ensuring more families can afford a Harvard education.

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We know the most talented students come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences, from every state and around the globe," said William R. Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Harvard. Our financial aid is critical to ensuring that these students know Harvard College is a place where they can be part of a vibrant learning community strengthened by their presence and participation."

Since the inception of its financial aid initiative, Harvard has awarded more than $3.6 billion in undergraduate aid. The universitys financial aid budget for the 2025-26 academic year is projected to be $275 million, with 55% of undergraduates currently receiving aid.

First Published: March 18, 2025, 10:29 IST
India And New Zealand Strengthen Academic Ties As PM Luxon Announces Scholarships And Collaborations

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Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 20:29 IST

New Zealand has launched the New Zealand Excellence Awards 2025, providing 29 scholarships for Indian students to pursue studies at top universities.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaking at an event at IIT Delhi.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced the launch of the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025 during an event at IIT Delhi. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between New Zealand universities and Indian institutions, strengthening academic partnerships. As part of these initiatives, NZ$260,000 in partial scholarships has been introduced under NZEA 2025 to support Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand.

A Virtual Internship Programme has been launched, offering 30 IIT Delhi students an opportunity to intern remotely with New Zealand companies. This initiative will provide students with practical industry experience and insights into New Zealands work culture.

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Speaking at the event, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, "New Zealand and India share a reciprocal education partnership, built on academic excellence and cultural exchange. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, we remain committed to equipping students with the skills needed to succeed on the global stage. Through the initiatives announced today, we are fostering deeper connections and empowering future leaders and innovators."

Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi said, At IIT Delhi, we are dedicated to fostering global academic collaborations that drive innovation and research excellence. Our partnership with New Zealand through the New Zealand Centre has facilitated knowledge exchange, joint research, and student mobility. By focusing on areas like sustainability and disaster resilience, we are addressing real-world challenges with a shared commitment to innovation. The introduction of the Virtual Internship Programme and expanded research collaborations will further enhance global exposure and industry experience for our students."

Eligibility For NZEA Scholarships

A total of 29 scholarships are announced under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) which are open to Indian students who meet the following criteria:

Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

Must hold Indian citizenship and not be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia.

Some universities may have specific eligibility criteria, which can be checked on their respective websites.

The last date to apply for the NZEA scholarships is April 30, 2025.

MoUs Between New Zealand And Indian Institutions

To strengthen academic collaboration, several MoUs were signed between New Zealand and Indian institutions, focusing on student mobility, joint research, and academic exchange.

The University of Auckland signed agreements with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and IIT Kharagpur to facilitate research collaborations.

An MoU between the University of Auckland and Tech Mahindra will launch a pilot internship program aimed at bridging academia and industry. The focus will be on AI, machine learning, and quantum computing.

The University of Waikato and Bennett University signed an MoU to collaborate on study pathways and joint programmes in law, business, computer science, and engineering. They will also develop short immersive programmes for students.

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design signed agreements with the National Institute of Design (NID) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to promote faculty and student exchanges, guest lectures, workshops, and international exhibitions.

ALSO READ: Ireland Seeks Skilled Indian Professionals: Key Opportunities In Green Energy, STEM And Healthcare

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Launch Of New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship

A new New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship was also introduced to strengthen ties in innovation and entrepreneurship. The fellowship will offer participants a two-week immersive experience in Indias innovation ecosystem, allowing them to explore potential industry collaborations. The program will cover travel, accommodation, and a stipend, ensuring full participation.

About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-... Read More Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 20:28 IST
Ireland Seeks Skilled Indian Professionals: Key Opportunities In Green Energy, STEM And Healthcare

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 09:09 IST

Climate change presents not only environmental challenges but also economic opportunities, with green jobs key to powering the energy revolution.

(Representative Image/gettyimages)

As part of his official visit to India, Irelands Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, engaged with key Indian media on Monday, March 17, 2025, underscoring Irelands strong and growing relationship with India across trade, investment, and education.

Minister Lawless highlighted the increasing ties between India and Ireland during an exclusive media roundtable in New Delhi, particularly in higher education, technology, and business partnerships. When asked by News18 about the specific skills Ireland is looking for from Indian students, Minister Lawless elaborated on the demand for expertise in green energy, STEM, and healthcare sectors, emphasizing Irelands ongoing efforts to strengthen its workforce with skilled professionals from India.

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Question: You mentioned Irelands focus on green space and green energy, and how the country is working to build this sector. Along with this, you mentioned the issue of labour shortages, which may prompt Ireland to look at importing skills from India. What are the key skills Ireland needs from India that Indian students should focus on? What skills should they develop in order to contribute to the green energy sector in Ireland?

Additionally, as India is broadening its ties with Ireland and seeking global employment opportunities, it would be great to know what specific skills Ireland is looking for, especially in the green energy space.

Answer: First, I want to highlight the importance of the green skills revolution. While we often discuss climate change in environmental terms, it also presents significant economic opportunities. The green jobs of the future are essential to powering the energy revolution. My department has recently commissioned a study to identify the green skills needed, with 33 occupations identified, ranging from wind technicians to offshore engineers.

Broadly speaking, Ireland is seeking skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). We always need STEM graduatesespecially in fields like engineering, technology, and mathematics. Ireland has a strong focus on technology and sustainable engineering, so these skills are in high demand.

Additionally, there is a constant need for healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. We have a long tradition of Indian workers in these professions, but theres always a demand for more.

In terms of emerging tech, Ireland is looking for skills in areas like AI, blockchain, big data, and data protection. As the economy becomes more complex, these skills will be crucial to navigating the future.

Question: Are there any specific curricula or programs introduced by the Irish government at the school level (e.g., 10+2 or senior high) that focus on these fields? Is there a possibility for India to implement similar curricula to better prepare students for these emerging sectors?

Answer: We have an established framework in Ireland for secondary education. Students typically graduate around age 18 with state certification, and while the general structure has remained stable, there has been an expansion in subject choices. Now, for example, construction skills are being offered as a course. We are constantly reviewing curricula to ensure that we meet the needs of the future workforce. Additionally, we encourage students to pursue a balance of subjects, including languages and humanities, alongside their STEM courses.

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Question: You mentioned STEM as a key area of focus. Will there be specific policies or scholarships to encourage more women to enter STEM fields, especially through collaboration between Ireland and India?

Answer: We do have a strong push to get more women into STEM fields, and this is a priority for us. In terms of policy, we understand the importance of increasing female participation in STEM to address the growing skills gap. Women represent 50% of the population, and its crucial that we engage more women in these critical fields. In fact, one of the most socially mobile groups in Ireland today is young Indian women, and they are doing exceptionally well in the workforce.

First Published: March 18, 2025, 09:09 IST
Scholarships For Martyred Soldiers' Children, Focus On Skill Development In Haryana Budget 2025

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 13:40 IST

Haryana's 2025-26 Budget includes scholarships for martyred soldiers' children, new educational institutes and schemes to promote research.

Haryana's 2025-26 Budget proposes schemes to support women in STEM. (Image for representation: Shutterstock)

The Haryana governments Budget for the 2025-26 fiscal presented by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday proposed a scholarship scheme for the children of martyred soldiers and paramilitary personnel.

Under this scheme, students of Class 6 to 12 will receive Rs 60,000 annually, diploma or graduation level students will get Rs 72,000 each year while postgraduate students will be awarded Rs 96,000 per year, Saini said.

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The Budget also proposed the establishment of armed forces preparatory institutes in Charkhi Dadri, Hisar and Yamunanagar. Also, new Model Sanskriti Schools will be established in every 10 km radius in the state.

In line with the provisions of National Education Policy, 2020, a third language will be introduced in the curriculum for Classes 9 and 10 in the upcoming fiscal, said Saini as he presented the Rs 2.05 lakh crore budget, making various announcements with education being among the focus sectors.

"I also propose to start a dedicated helpline for soldiers and paramilitary personnel to support them with their needs and concerns," the chief minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, said.

About ex-servicemen, Saini said that under the new "Veer Udaan Yojana", 2,000 ex-servicemen will receive training to secure employment.

He also proposed to build a Sainik Sangrahalaya in Rewari.

Saini told the House that the French government has promised to support teachers of the state with quality training to teach the French language to interested students in government schools, and an MoU would be signed soon.

In another initiative announced, the Haryana government will make it mandatory for the first and second-class officers of every department to visit a government school every month and spend time engaging with students.

They will dedicate at least two to three hours to discuss with students subjects of interest, the projects of their respective departments and provide career counselling, the chief minister said.

Saini said it is a matter of concern that till now, Haryanas representation in both international and national math olympiads has been very few and there is almost no interest among government school students for these competitions.

"Therefore, to promote mathematical thinking among children, a math olympiad will be organised every year for students of Class 10 to 12 of both government and private schools.

"In this, I propose to award an honorarium of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 51,000 and Rs 25,000 to the students securing the first, second and third positions, respectively," he said.

The Budget also proposed to set up a Haryana State Research Fund with an initial allocation of Rs 20 crore to promote research by students and teachers in colleges and universities.

Pointing out that the number of girls enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses in colleges is quite low, Saini said a Kalpana Chawla Scholarship Scheme will be launched to provide an honorarium of up to Rs 1 lakh annually to girls pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in science and engineering.

He proposed to waive the tuition fees of those girls pursuing BSc courses in government colleges whose family income is less than Rs 3 lakh.

To encourage students to set up startups, entrepreneurship competitions will be organised in every district from the 2025-26 academic session and Rs 1 lakh is proposed to be provided to selected teams to help them convert their ideas into a business model.

The government also rolled out a new initiative called Mukhyamantri Kaushal Padak Samman Vijeta, which aims to motivate the youth towards skill development and promote vocational education in the state.

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Under another new scheme  Mukhyamantri Yuva Kaushal Samman Yojana  2,000 final-year graduate and postgraduate students from the state will be provided internship opportunities in reputed companies.

During this period, they will be given an honorarium of Rs 10,000 per month, the chief minister said. "This initiative will help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills, providing the youth with better employment opportunities."

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 : Chandigarh, India, India

First Published: March 18, 2025, 13:40 IST
How US Tariffs, Threats Of Annexation Have Sparked A Renewed Sense Of Canadian Nationalism | Explained

Curated By :



Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 08:59 IST

It is unclear how long Trumps tariffs will be in place or what is behind his goal to make Canada the 51st US state. But polls suggest some Canadians believe that the damage caused in the US-Canada ties is irrevocable

A recent poll showed Quebec to be the most anti-Trump province in Canada. (File Image/AP)

The US-Canada relations have soured ever since President Donald Trump took over office on January 20. With tariff threat, turned into a reality, and talks of forced annexation, angry Canadians are seeing a resurgence in nationalism, as per recent polls.

It is unclear how long Trumps tariffs will be in place or what is behind his aspirations for Canada to become the 51st US state. But according to a Reuters poll, some Canadians believe that the damage done in the bilateral ties is irrevocable.

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Let us understand the mood in Canada, how the strain in the US-Canada relations started and Canadas economic crisis.

How US-Canada Relations Became Tense

After taking office, Trump said he was committed to imposing 25% tariffs on most exports from Canada except oil and gas, which face a 10% tax.

The tariffs have prompted a strong response from the Canadian government, including implementing retaliatory tariffs of 25% on $30 billion worth of US goods that began on March 4.

Trump insisted that the US was being infested by migrants and poisoned by fentanyl, which is exported to the US from across the borders.

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has said Trumps tariffs against Canada seem motivated by something broader than just trade". They seem to generate leverage, force Canadian leaders to bend a knee, and put the rest of the world on notice that Trump is in no mood to bluff.

Canada, as a member of the Five Eyes, also helps the US intercept signals intelligence from adversaries, gathering data on foreign military systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, from a network of listening posts. Trump has briefly floated the idea of revisiting such activities, as per CFR.

Trumps Quest To Conquer Canada

Trump has been unapologetic in his quest to conquer Canada an effort he said in January would be conducted by economic force."

Earlier, Canadian officials and Republicans thought Trump was joking after they met at Mar-a-Lago in November. But it was after that visit that Trump first publicly floated the notion of making Canada the 51st state of the United States.

NBC quoted a source as saying that Trump is heavily" focused on Canada in conversations with aides, and is completely" serious about making Canada the 51st state.

A 68-page national security report Trump signed in his first term in December 2017 included only one mention of Americas northern neighbour: Canada and the United States share a unique strategic and defense partnership," the NBC said.

Trump has made it clear in a phone call with Trudeau last month that he wants to revise the boundary between the two nations set by a 1908 border treaty, as two Canadian officials said and was previously reported by The New York Times and Toronto Star.

Surge In Canadian Nationalism

The US-Canada relations have always been peaceful until Trump took office this year and announced tariffs on the country and forced annexation.

The US and Canada are farm countries. The US imports 80% of its potash  an important fertilizer  from Canada and sells some of the products that it grows back to Canada.

Thus, tariffs on various goods threaten the foundation of the Canadian economy, which is trade with its much larger southern neighbour.

In return, the premier of Ontario has threatened to put significant export taxes on electricity sent to the US, which would basically increase electrical prices for Americans.

Many Canadian tourists have cancelled their vacations. According to US government statistics, the number of Canadians crossing the border dropped 12.5% in February compared with 2024, with a particularly sharp fall-off in drivers, down more than 15% compared with last year.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had said his nation had been offended by Trumps talk, and he called on his fellow Canadians to avoid visiting the US.

A more recent Angus Reid poll showed Quebec to be the most anti-Trump province in Canada. Quebec has joined the rest of Canada in mounting a strong economic response in the trade war. According to a report in The Conversation, Premier Francois Legault has supported boycotting US products and buying local, diversifying exports and reducing barriers to inter-provincial trade.

A nationwide buy Canadian" movement seeks to avoid classic US products such as Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola and buy domestic alternatives instead. In one poll of Canadians, 42% of respondents said they would absolutely do everything" to avoid buying American products.

Meanwhile, a petition is also being circulated that calls on the Canadian government to revoke the Canadian citizenship of Elon Musk, the multibillionaire whose work for Trump makes him, it says, a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty."

About The US-Canada Trade Ties

Canada is among the biggest trading partners of the US, buying more than 17% of total US exports in 2022, while also selling the US more than $430 billion in products, according to federal statistics.

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In 2020, the US Congress passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement, and was one of the Trumps economic and political initiatives in his first term.

Experts believe that Trumps decision to impose tariffs on Canada, despite having negotiated the deal himself, raises concerns about the US reliability as a trading partner.

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 18, 2025, 08:30 IST
Why Can't Maharashtra Govt Remove Aurangzeb Tomb? ASI Protected Monuments Explained

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: News Desk



Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 14:39 IST

The Maharashtra government cannot de-notify Aurangzeb's tomb, as it is managed as a Monument of National Importance by the ASI. The power to delist any such monument lies with the Central government

Security arrangements at Aurangzeb tomb after Bajrang Dal and VHP's protesters in in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar demanded its removal, on March 17, 2025. (Photo: PTI)

A curfew has been imposed in Nagpur after violent protests took place in the city demanding the demolition of the Aurangzeb tomb in Khuldabad in Aurangabad, also known as, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said any person glorifying the ideas of Aurangzeb will face strict legal action.

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On March 17, the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) held protests in different districts of Maharashtra, including in Pune, Kolhapur, Nashik, Malegaon, Nagpur, and Ahilyanagar. During the protest in Kolhapur, the VHP destroyed a mock tomb, while the Bajrang Dal in Pune demonstrated with a hammer and slogans of Jai Shri Ram".

The Aurangzeb controversy blew up after Samajwadi Party MP Abu Azmi praised the Mughal emperor. On March 7, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Udayanraje Bhosale, who is also an MP from Satara, demanded the demolition of Aurangzebs tomb, which escalated the matter, and protestors have begun demanding its removal.

Can the Maharashtra government demolish the site, what are the centrally protected monuments and sites? Let us find out.

What Are ASI Protected Monuments?

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) 1958 regulates the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture, functions under this Act.

There are certain monuments and sites that the ASI protects, which include:

Prehistoric Sites: Locations with evidence of early human activity, such as rock shelters and stone age tools.

Rock-cut Caves: Ancient caves carved into rock, often with intricate sculptures and inscriptions, like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

Stupas: Buddhist monuments, such as the Sanchi Stupa.

Temples: Historic temples showcasing various architectural styles, like the Sun Temple at Konark and the Brihadeeswarar Temple.

Mosques and Tombs: Significant Islamic structures, including the Qutub Minar, Aurangzeb and Humayuns tombs.

Forts and Palaces: Majestic forts and palaces, such as the Red Fort and the Mysore Palace.

Churches and Synagogues: Important religious sites, like the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa.

Inscriptions and Pillars: Ancient inscriptions and pillars, such as the Ashoka Pillars.

Excavated Sites: Archaeological sites where significant discoveries have been made, like the ruins of Nalanda University.

When Was It Notified?

Reports say there is no exact date as to when Aurangzebs tomb was notified as a protected monument by the ASI. However, it was recognised as a site of historical and cultural significance and is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

Why Is Aurangzebs Tomb An ASI Protected Monument?

In 1707, Aurangzeb died in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. As per his vasihatnama (legal document outlining a persons will), he was buried in Khuldabad, near the dargah (shrine) of his spiritual guru, Sheikh Zainuddin.

The tomb is under the protection of the ASI due to its historical and cultural significance.

Historical Importance: Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal emperor, and his reign is considered a significant part of the Indian history. His tomb is a reminder of the Mughal era and its impact on the Indian subcontinent.

Architectural Value: The tomb is a simple yet significant example of Mughal architecture. Unlike the grand tombs of other Mughal emperors, Aurangzebs tomb is modest, reflecting his personal austerity.

Cultural Significance: The tomb is part of the larger complex of historical sites in Khuldabad, which includes the tombs of other notable figures and saints. This makes it an important cultural and religious site.

Preservation of Heritage: Protecting such monuments helps preserve the rich cultural and historical heritage of India for future generations.

Can The Maharashtra Government De-notify The Tomb?

No, the state government cannot de-notify Aurangzebs tomb, as the monument is treated as a Monument of National Importance by the ASI. The power to delist any such monument lies with the Central Government under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act).

During the inauguration of the first Shivaji Maharaj temple on Monday, CMs Fadnavis said it was unfortunate" that Maharashtra had to protect and care for the tomb of Aurangzeb, a person who killed thousands of people. It is protected by the ASI, so we have to abide by the law; however, I assure you only Shivaji Maharaj will be glorified. I will not allow glorification or ennoblement of Aurangzeb, asserted Fadnavis.

About Archeological Survey of India?

The Archeological Survey of India was founded in 1861 by a British Army engineer Alexander Cunnigham who is also known as the Father of Indian Archaeology.

It engages in archaeological research and conservation, and protection and preservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in the country.

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ASI regulates all archaeological activities conducted in India through the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958. It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, of 1972.

ASI has more than 3,693 protected monuments and archaeological sites of National Importance that it protects and preserves.

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 18, 2025, 12:24 IST
A Paper Trail, 27 Dubai Trips & A Smuggling Web: What DRI Has Uncovered In Ranya Rao Case

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 15:58 IST

The plan, according to DRI sources, was to import gold into Dubai, invest in Dubai, and later divert the gold to India. Rao was the primary investor, funding the company with Rs 8-10 lakh, which she did through her HDFC Bank account

Actress Ranya Rao was arrested for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai. (Photo: X,Representative)

Efforts by Ranya Rao  the prime accused in the gold smuggling case that was unearthed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)  to project herself as a mule" who was working under duress do not hold water as investigations reveal a well-entrenched nexus that has been in operation for years.

DRI sources said actors Tarun Raj Konduru and Rao allegedly operated a gold trading company in Dubai named Vira Diamonds Trading LLC and had been acquainted with each other since college. They became business associates in 2023, establishing Vira Diamonds in Dubai on a 50-50 shareholding basis.

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The Gold Trail

Konduru, named accused No. 2 in the case, was a working partner and handled the operations on Raos behalf. During Kondurus interrogation, DRI officials were able to track that Rao used her familys connections to expand her gold trade internationally.

The actor purportedly had strong ties to the gold business with important clients in Bangkok and Geneva and reportedly bought gold bars from her wholesale suppliers in Doha and Geneva, paying in foreign currencies through Dubai accounts.

The DRI is now scrutinising these overseas transactions and customs declarations to assess the scale of the alleged smuggling operation.

Raos father Ramachandra Rao, who is a serving DGP in the Karnataka Police, is expected to be questioned by the DRI. He was asked to go on compulsory leave by the Karnataka government after his name featured in the case.

Using International Connections, Hawala

The plan, according to DRI sources, was to import gold into Dubai, invest in Dubai, and later divert the gold to India. Rao was the primary investor, funding the company with Rs 8-10 lakh, which she did through her HDFC Bank account.

Sources said Raos investment helped her obtain a Dubai residence card, which allowed her visa-free access to the UAE, making frequent gold shipments easier.

The sources added that the firm was allegedly engaged in importing gold into Dubai, taking advantage of the UAEs zero-import duty on gold. From April 2024, gold imports were said to be coming primarily from Geneva and Bangkok.

Rao allegedly also took advantage of Kondurus US passport status. She would clear gold consignments in his name at Dubai Customs, as he did not need a visa. Records of trips and account activity reveal that Kondurus flights and hotel stays were often booked through Raos American Express Card.

The DRI investigation also revealed a major financial fraud in the smuggling racket. The remand application mentions an instance where a Dubai seller failed to deliver gold, making Vira Diamonds incur a loss of Rs 1.7 crore. According to DRI officials, Rao arranged this payment via Hawala from India to Dubai.

Rao, while claiming to sell gold in Dubai, record-wise seems to have been importing gold into India instead. She is said to have taken a minimum of 27 trips over the course of the last year, each trip purportedly enabling her to import gold without informing the customs.

The DRI has recovered important documents from Raos Lavelle Road residence, such as two customs declarations from Dubai dated November 13 and December 20, 2024. These documents were marked with the statement that Vira Diamonds was exporting gold to Geneva, but the investigators found out that the gold shipments never arrived at the purported location in Geneva.

Raos Mule Defence Falls Apart

During her questioning, Rao is said to have told the DRI that she is simply a mule and was being forced to move gold. She alleged that the consignment was handed to her by some stranger from a VoIP call at Dubai International Airport.

Nonetheless, the DRI has deemed her defence to be implausible, as the finances and businesses involved have comprehensive records that directly connect her to the smuggling activity. A letter was also sent by her to the DRI chief, alleging that she was being set up and stating that officials made her sign the seizure report under duress. She even alleged physical assault during questioning.

DRI investigators said Rao claimed she received calls from unknown numbers directing her to smuggle the gold. During questioning, she stated that she learnt how to conceal gold by watching YouTube videos.

Playing out her mule angle, she claimed to the investigators that she was instructed to collect the gold from Gate A of Terminal 3 at Dubai Airport, where a tall man in a gown handed it over to her and asked her to transport it. She insisted this was her first attempt and denied any prior involvement in gold smuggling.

However, the fact that Rao booked round-trip tickets from Bengaluru to Dubai using her husband Jatin Hukkeris credit card, also indicated her being in the know of things. It also raised suspicion about Hukkeris alleged involvement in the gold smuggling case.

DRI searched nine locations across Bengaluru linked to Hukkeri and his businesses. He later obtained an interim order from the Karnataka High Court restraining DRI from arresting him.

Bail Denial

The Economic Offences Court rejected Raos bail application, stating that the alleged offence has serious ramifications on the entire economy of the country", as well as poses a serious threat to genuine gold trades".

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The court stated as the facts and circumstances leading to the case on hand are detrimental to the National Security and the Revenue of the country, this court is not inclined to exercise the discretion of granting bail in favour of the accused No. 1 (Rao) at this juncture," while rejecting her bail plea.

Rao was remanded to judicial custody up until March 24, and her bail application is set to be heard on Wednesday. Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on March 3 while carrying 14.2 kilograms of gold. Later, on searching her residence, investigators found gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.

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 18, 2025, 15:58 IST
At 18.17 Crore, Over Half of Ayushman Bharat Beneficiaries Women, Govt Tells Rajya Sabha

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 16:39 IST

The data shows that the scheme is majorly dominated by women beneficiaries, with more than 2.49 crore of them in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Madhya Pradesh (2.08 crore) and Bihar (1.89 crore)

According to the data shared by the ministry of health and family welfare, a total of 23.17 crore Ayushman cards have been issued in the last three years, starting in 2021-22 to 2023-24. Representational image

Women make up more than half of the beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat health insurance, the central government informed Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

According to the data shared by the ministry of health and family welfare, a total of 23.17 crore Ayushman cards have been issued in the last three years, starting in 2021-22 to 2023-24.

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As on 12.03.2025, more than 18.17 crore Ayushman cards have been issued to women beneficiaries under AB-PMJAY," the health ministry told Parliament.

The data shows that the scheme is majorly dominated by women beneficiaries, with more than 2.49 crore women beneficiaries located in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Madhya Pradesh (2.08 crore) and Bihar (1.89 crore).

Ayushman Bharat, formally known as Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is touted as the worlds largest health insurance scheme.

It provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care for hospitalisation. OPD services are not covered under the scheme.

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The house was informed that in March 2024, a total of 37 lakh families of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) were also included in the scheme.

In October, the government expanded AB-PMJAY to provide free treatment benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to approximately 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above, belonging to 4.5 crore families, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass... Read More Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 16:29 IST
'Attack On Police Won't Be Tolerated': Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Calls Nagpur Violence A 'Conspiracy'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 12:29 IST

Nagpur Clashes: Devendra Fadnvais termed the attack on police a planned conspiracy. Clashes broke out in Nagpur's Chitnis Park area in Mahal on Monday.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Following violent clashes in parts of Nagpur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the attack on police a planned conspiracy during the Assembly session. The Chief Minister said, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a protest demanding the removal of a grave. A symbolic grave was burned, and a rumor was spread that a religious message was written on it."

Read more: Looks Like A Conspiracy: Eknath Shinde Reacts To Nagpur Clashes As Social Media Role Comes Under Lens

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Clashes broke out in Nagpurs Chitnis Park area in Mahal on Monday. Police were attacked with stones following rumours that a religious text had been desecrated during a protest by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Aurangzebs tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

What Devendra Fadnavis Said On Nagpur Clashes

Devendra Fadnavis said, A crowd of around 80 people was involved in stone-pelting. A police officer was attacked with an axe and three deputy commissioners were assaulted. Certain houses were deliberately targeted and one DCP was attacked with an axe."

Devendra Fadnavis On Rumours Triggering Violence In Nagpur

The Chief Minister also highlighted the role of rumors in escalating tensions as he stated that the violence erupted due to a rumor about a religious symbol on the symbolic grave sheet.

He said, Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt.It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands."

Following the violence, five criminal cases have been registered and prohibitory orders have been imposed in 11 police station areas, and five SRPF units have been deployed, he said.

What Eknath Shinde Said On Nagpur Violence

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Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the clashes look like a conspiracy". He stated, People should not try and incite violence between two communities. Aurangzeb should not be glorified."

He added, Strictest action will be taken against the culprits, no one will be spared. No one in Maharashtra will tolerate support for Aurangzeb."

First Published: March 18, 2025, 12:10 IST
Bhagwant Mann Claims 70% Dip In Drone-Dropped Payloads This Year, But Data Suggests 35% Rise

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 07:15 IST

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials, however, agreed that the logistical support for Pakistan's drone strategy is going down in Punjab

The data contradicts Punjab CMs claim. (PTI File)

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday told the media that Punjab has seen a 70% drop in incidents of drone-dropped consignments, but central agency data suggests that there is an upward trend.

Seizure and recoveries made by the Border Security Force (BSF) this year show that 48 drones have been recovered or seized between January 1 and March 16. In the same period last year, 31 drones were recovered. While in 2024, the seized drones carried a payload of one arm, four ammunition and about 21 kg of narcotics, this year, the BSF has recovered 28 kg of narcotics, four arms and 47 ammunition. The data contradicts the Punjab CMs claim.

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Speaking to the media, Mann said, Drones come from there (Pakistan). The BSF catches all of them. A fight against drugs has been launched. Drone influx has dropped by 70% because there is nobody here to receive it."

ARREST OF OVERGROUND WORKERS A POSITIVE TREND

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials, however, agreed that the logistical support for Pakistans drone strategy is going down in Punjab. There has been a focused crackdown on overground workers who receive the drone-dropped consignments. In the absence of receivers, Pakistani agents are recalibrating their strategy," a senior BSF official said.

In 2024, a total of 294 drones were seized by the border guarding agencies, carrying six arms, 44 ammunition and 123 kg of narcotics, as per the official data.

The interception technology has increased significantly this year. Data only reflects the drones that were brought down, but there are many UAVs which go undetected or manage to return to their launchpads," an MHA official said.

ANTI-DRONE MEASURES

A recent forensic analysis of seized drones suggests that most of these Chinese drones are launched from Lahore. Narowal and Kasur are the two other launchpads to target Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Abohar in Punjab; and Ganganagar in Rajasthan.

Intelligence agencies also suspect that Pakistan is working on human infiltration via drones.

The MHA has set up a committee under BSF DG to look at all technological options to tackle the drone measure. The Anti-Rogue Drone Technology Committee (ARDTC) is studying worldwide anti-drone technology and working to procure a solution most suitable for Indias western border.

Rifle-style anti-drone guns, drone jammers, CCTV and pan tilt zoom cameras along the fence are all anti-drone measures initiated by the Centre.

The Punjab Police, as per officials, has a Drone Emergency Response System (DERS) and also a Village-level Defence Committees (VLDCs) mechanism for on-ground intelligence on areas where payloads are dropped, the collectors and couriers.

                , BSF       70%                 ..            pic.twitter.com/RPahgxdgdD Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) March 15, 2025

MULTI-AGENCY CRACKDOWN

Intelligence agencies believe that Pakistan conspired with gangs in Punjab to smuggle narcotics, arms and ammunition for both Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir sector.

The National Investigation Agencys crackdown against gangs such as Lawrence Bishnoi, Davinder Bambiha, Tillu Tajpuria, etc has resulted in multiple arrests of possible couriers for the consignments that originated in Pakistan.

The BSF has set up drone jammers and Punjab Police has coordinated with border villagers to fight the drone menace.

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The drones would often drop their payloads inside the fields. Farmers have been made aware and now they report if a suspicious packet is found," an official said.

He, however, added that the past few years have shown that drone-dropped consignments show a spike and drop coinciding with the harvest and sowing season.

About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 07:15 IST
Bomb Threat at Trivandrums Collectorate, Bomb Squad Conducts Check

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 15:09 IST

The bomb threat was sent at the Thiruvananthapurams Collectorate via email.

Representative Image (Reuters)

A bomb threat was reported at the Collectorate office in Keralas Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum) on Tuesday.

The threat was sent via email to the collectorate.

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After receiving the threat, the bomb squad conducted checks. Further details are awaited.

Location : Thiruvananthapuram, India, India

First Published: March 18, 2025, 15:07 IST
Jaishankar Slams Pakistan, Calls Out West Over Kashmir: 'Invasion Was Made Into A Dispute'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 11:11 IST

At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, EAM Jaishankar stressed the need for a stable international order, noting that even smaller nations, like Pakistan, can pose significant risks by exploiting disorder.

EAM S Jaishankar speaks during a session at Raisina Dialogue 2025 (PTI/Video screengrab)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday called out Pakistan and some Western countries on Kashmir and said the United Nations made an invasion into a dispute". Jaishankar also stressed the need for international order and fairness, saying that a strong global order must have some basic consistency of standards.

We all speak of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Its a vital principle and a bedrock of global rules. After World War II, the longest-standing illegal presence and occupation of a territory by another country pertains to India in Kashmir," Jaishankar said while speaking during a session at Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi.

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We went to the UN (United Nations). What was an invasion was made into a dispute. The attacker and the victim were put on par. Who were the culpable parties? UK, Canada, Belgium, Australia, USA? So pardon me, I have some question marks on that whole topic," he continued.

We speak today of political interference. When the West goes out into other countries, its in pursuance of democratic freedoms. When other countries come into the West, it seems to have a very malign intention. If we need to have an order, there must be fairness We need a strong UN but a strong UN requires a fair UN," the EAM said.

A strong global order must have some basic consistency of standards. We have military coups to our east in Myanmar, they are a no, no. We have them even more regularly to the West where they seem to be okay. Its important to audit the workings of the world for the last eight decades and be honest about it and to understand today that the balances and the shareholdings in the world have changed. We need a different conversation. We need a different order." he said.

VIDEO | Delhi: Heres what External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) said speaking during a session at Raisina Dialogue 2025.The longest-standing illegal occupation of a territory of a country by another pertains to India What we saw in Kashmir. We went to the pic.twitter.com/PaRiIYpZXn  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 18, 2025

While speaking, Jaishankar referred to Pakistan and said a country does not need to be a big nation to pose risks to others.

We do need an international order, just like we need a domestic order."

We should all understand the importance of an order. Its not just big countries that would benefit if there is no order. I would argue that any country which will take risks and have extreme positions, which would test the system, will actually use disorder to its advantage."

Weve seen in our own neighbourhood, you dont have to be a big country to be a risky country. We have some smaller neighbours who have done a pretty good job at that," the EAM said, in reference to Pakistan.

#WATCH | Raisina Dialogue 2025 | Delhi: At the Thrones and Thorns: Defending the Integrity of Nations session, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, We need an international order, just like we need a domestic order Its not just big countries that benefit if there is no order. Any pic.twitter.com/AI470q2KG8 ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

The three-day Raisina Dialogue  Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, was thrown open on Monday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha were among those who attended the 10th edition of the conclave.

The Raisina Dialogue is being hosted by the leading think-tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

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 18, 2025, 10:56 IST
George Soros's OSF, Linked Entities Under ED Scanner: Searches At 8 Premises In Bengaluru

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 14:03 IST

The ED headquarters in Delhi is conducting searches at eight premises in Bengaluru to investigate the FEMA contraventions by Soros's EDF and Open Source Foundation

George Soros is under ED scanner. (File)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches against alleged beneficiaries of Open Society Foundation (OSF) founded by US billionaire George Soros, and some linked entities in Bengaluru as part of a foreign exchange violation" probe against them, official sources said. The OSF is yet to respond to it.

The premises of the beneficiaries, including those linked to some international human rights bodies, are being searched under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), the sources said.

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The case pertains to alleged foreign direct investment (FDI) being sourced by OSF and the utilisation of these funds by certain beneficiaries in alleged contravention of FEMA guidelines, they said.

UNDER THE SCANNER: WHAT ED SAID

The ED headquarters in Delhi is conducting searches at eight premises in Bengaluru to investigate the FEMA contraventions by Soros EDF and OSF.

Preliminary investigation by the ED has revealed that Soross OSF was put under Prior Reference Category by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2016, thereby restricting it from giving unregulated donations to NGOs in India.

In order to bypass this restriction, the OSF had subsidiaries in India and brought in funds in the form of FDI and consultancy fees and these funds have been used to fund activities of the NGOs which is a FEMA contravention.

The ED is also examining the end use of other FDI funds brought in by Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF) and OSF.

The ED searches also included search on M/s Aspada Investments Pvt Ltd, which is the investment advisor/ fund manager of SEDF in India and is a wholly owned subsidiary of a Mauritius entity.

BJPS ACCUSATIONS AGAINST SOROS

The ruling BJP has accused Soros, a Hungarian-American political activist, of acting against Indias interests. His utterances during the Adani-Hindenburg controversy also drew criticism from the party.

As per the OSF, it is one of the worlds largest private funders of groups supporting human rights, justice and accountable government. Its total expenditure for India during 2021 was USD 4,06,000, as per official data.

The OSF began working in India in 1999, offering scholarships and fellowships to students to pursue studies and research at Indian institutes.

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In 2014, we launched an India-specific grant-making programme, supporting local organisations that work in three areas: extending access to medicine; promoting justice system reforms; and strengthening and establishing rights, public services, and community living for people with psychosocial disabilities," the OSF said earlier.

With PTI Inputs

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: March 18, 2025, 13:30 IST
Food Poisoning Probe Into Ghaziabad Girl's Death Finds She Was Raped, Murdered By Father: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 20:40 IST

The family initially claimed the girl fell ill after eating kadhi, a yoghurt-based dish, prepared by their neighbour on 13 March

The minor's father, who allegedly fabricated the food poisoning story, has been arrested. (Representational image)

A seven-year-old girl from Ghaziabad, initially believed to have died from food poisoning, was sexually assaulted and strangled", according to her autopsy report. The minors father, who allegedly fabricated the food poisoning story, has been arrested.

The family initially claimed the girl fell ill after eating kadhi, a yoghurt-based dish, prepared by their neighbour on 13 March. They alleged that the girl never recovered and passed away the same day.

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Following these allegations, the police arrested the neighbour, Shanti Devi and charged her with culpable homicide. However, the investigation into the case soon revealed that these claims were fabricated, with the breakthrough coming from the autopsy report, which revealed the true cause of death.

Police investigations revealed that the father had devised a cover-up story to deflect attention from his crime. He allegedly manipulated his other children to create a false alibi, claiming they all had stomach infections, and even took them to the OPD of GTB Hospital in Delhi for evaluation. The children were told to tell the doctors they had stomach aches, in an attempt to support the fabricated food poisoning story.

According to the police, the father, who had been drinking heavily, raped his seven-year-old daughter in the early hours of March 13. After she began crying, he strangled her to death. The next morning, the father called a friend and told him that his daughter had become ill after eating the kadhi. He then took the girl to a local clinic, where the doctor confirmed that the child had no pulse. Despite this, he insisted on taking her to the hospital, where doctors declared her dead, The Times Of India reported.

He said he was drunk. Around 3am on March 13, his five children and wife were sleeping in one room. He lifted his seven-year-old daughter from the bed and went into another room. He raped her. When she started crying, he strangled her," Ajay Kumar Singh, ACP of Ankur Vihar, told the publication.

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The police have arrested the girls father on March 16 after he admitted to his crime and charged him with rape and murder. They are also working to secure Shanti Devis release from custody.

An FIR has been filed against the 52-year-old man, a property dealer, at Loni border police station under sections 103 (1) (murder), 65 (2) (rape of a woman under 12 years old) and relevant sections of the Pocso Act. Police will submit a report in court so that Shanti Devi gets released from jail," Singh 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

Location : Ghaziabad, India, India

First Published: March 18, 2025, 20:33 IST
Happy That Sunita Williams Is Returning: Ahead Of Gaganyaan, ISRO Chief Looks For Lessons From ISS Mission

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 12:48 IST

Ahead Gaganyaan mission, Bharatiya Antariksh station: "We ensure reliable operation of our systems. Also, learn lessons from others," ISRO chief V Narayanan told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview

(From left) Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore; V Narayanan. (PTI File)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is closely tracking the return journey of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were stuck at the International Space Station (ISS) for more than nine months.

ISRO chief V Narayanan spoke exclusively to CNN-News18, expressing hope that the astronauts will return safely. The Indian space agency chief also noted the challenges involved in a complex mission of this nature.

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When we talk about space systems, the challenges are inbuilt. There is a small leakage of the helium, and to isolate some of the thrusters, manual motors are docked. Madam (Sunita Williams) was there for almost nine months and is now returning, and it is going to be a very exciting moment like any other citizen of this country. I am happy and as a space scientist, I am confident that she will be returning safely," he said.

The ISRO chief noted the resilience shown by the astronauts during their extended stay. During the nine months, it is resilience that is required, and they have shown it, and they have carried out a lot of experiments. That is what I understand. Of course, you have to look at the outcome of those experiments, and as a citizen of this country, I am quite happy that they are returning. As a technocrat, I am quite confident in the type of efforts taken by NASA, I am looking forward to the safe return of Sunita Williams," he said.

LESSONS FOR INDIA

India is designing and executing its own Gaganyaan mission and the Bharatiya Antariksh station. ISRO would closely look at what went wrong with the Boeing Starliner that resulted in the astronauts getting stranded at the International Space Station and the redundancies that need to be built into the system.

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You know the Mars Orbiter Mission of India. We were the first country to succeed in the first attempt. Then, behind that, a lot of things are there. Number one, we ensure reliable operation of our systems. Also, learn lessons from others. Like that, we take into account all these aspects. In fact, whenever we go for our mission, we carry out an extensive survey of the information available from other space-faring nations and our own experience, whatever is there, if at all any setback during the testing, everything we take care of in order to ensure a successful mission," said V Narayanan.

The ISRO chief also highlighted the rigorous training given to astronauts that ensured that the extended stay at the space station didnt affect the astronauts mentally. That is the type of training the Gaganyaan Yatris or Astronauts are given. They are given physical, theoretical, and experimental. All the training is given, and they know how to handle it, and when there is a difficult time, they know how to manage the situation," he said.

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

First Published: March 18, 2025, 12:41 IST
High On Bribes & Scams: Delhi To Tamil Nadu, Why Liquor Policies Are Giving States A Bad Hangover

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi



Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 07:00 IST

With no central policy or goods and services tax (GST), and full state control, the opaque liquor industry thrives on rigged licensing, tweaked policies, black money and shady political-bureaucratic-business deals

Delhi's ex-chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in connection with the liquor policy scam. (PTI File)

Liquor bottles have thus become perfect vessels to launder money and carry kickbacks.

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THE CASH COW NOBODY IGNORES

Excise scams have unfolded in a strategic yet eerie pattern  politicians aim to tweak policies depending on their requirements, bureaucrats execute the fix, and businessmen and liquor mafias reap the benefits.

Central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), are currently probing at least four excise scams across states, including Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand. Delhis ex-chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and other senior cabinet ministers, including Manish Sisodia, were arrested by the ED in connection with the liquor scam; while in Chhattisgarh, the ED arrested Kawase Lakma, the states former-excise minister. The ED has been investigating the alleged involvement of Chhattisgarhs ex chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and his family.

The directorate, which is also investigating the TN liquor scam, raided offices and several premises related to the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). In connection with the TN excise policy scam, states excise minister Senthil Balaji is currently under the ED scanner.

THE COCKTAIL OF CORRUPTION

Alcohol falls under the state list, which means that each state designs its own excise policy. However, this decentralisation leads to opaque licensing rules that favour select players in some states, while some states prefer frequent policy changes to accommodate political interests, as and when the ruling party changes.

The tax structure and tender process manipulation sometimes lead to artificial monopolies. For instance, the liquor policy scam (2022) in Delhi saw the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government introduce a new excise policy that allegedly benefited private liquor businesses in exchange for kickbacks.

Since there is no GST, direct state revenue makes liquor the most crucial power tool, making up for 15-30% of their total revenue. This gives the politicians complete control over pricing and taxation and also opportunities to rig contracts for revenue-sharing with private firms.

Liquor policies are also part of financial tools to fund elections, ensuring a constant cash flow. For instance, in Chhattisgarhs Rs 4,000-crore liquor scam, officials and politicians were accused of running a parallel illegal liquor syndicate under government patronage, ensuring a steady flow of black money.

LICENSING, CARTELISATION & POLICY TWEAKS

Excise policies are often designed by state governments to suit the vested political and financial interests.

Policies are tweaked in exchange for election funding while some bureaucrats facilitate the deals by issuing licences and covering up irregularities. A section of businessmen monopolises distribution, manipulate pricing, and divert stock to the black market.

The Jharkhand liquor scam (2024) is a textbook example, where a liquor policy was allegedly changed to allow a single private company to dominate distribution, bypassing transparency norms.

Meanwhile, licensing and cartelisation often encourage bribery for securing retail and wholesale licences, and making cartels of select firms to control the market.

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Tamil Nadus liquor trade, although, is entirely state-controlled through TASMAC, even within this setup, massive corruption exists in procurement and supply chains.

The Delhi excise scam investigations, meanwhile, revealed how funds were allegedly routed through shell companies to obscure illegal transactions.

About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 07:00 IST
Home Ministry Put Soros-Backed Open Society In Prior Reference Category Over Undesirable Activities: ED Sources | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 19:37 IST

Since then, they added, Open Society Institute (previously Open Society Foundation) needs prior sanction from the ministry for sending money to FCRA-registered organisations in India. Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF) is the social impact investment arm of the OSI

The ED conducted searches on Tuesday in Bengaluru as part of a foreign exchange violation probe against alleged beneficiaries of the OSI. (File images)

The Enforcement Directorate during its investigation has found that the Open Society Institute, USA (OSI, previously Open Society Foundation-OSF) was placed under the Prior Reference Category (PRC) by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) through an order dated May 30, 2016, on account of undesirable activities, sources told CNN-News18 on Tuesday. Since then, they added, OSI needs prior sanction from the ministry for sending money to FCRA-registered organisations in India. Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF) is the social impact investment arm of the OSI.

The ED conducted searches on Tuesday in Bengaluru as part of a foreign exchange violation probe against alleged beneficiaries of the OSI. The raids were carried out under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and targeted entities, including those linked to international human rights organisations.

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According to the sources, it is seen that SEDF provided funds for various activities linked to the NGO sector in the garb of FDI or consultancy/service fee to three Indian Companies, viz M/s Rootbridge Services Pvt Ltd (RSPL), M/s Rootbridge Academy Pvt Ltd (RAPL), and M/s ASAR Social Impact Advisors Pvt Ltd (ASAR). These three companies received approximately Rs 25 crore during the period FY 20-21 to FY 23-24 from SEDF, they added.

The sources said that RSPL received Rs 18.64 crore from SEDF by issuing compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at a premium of approximately Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 2.6 lakh per share based on the DCF (discounted cash flow )method. Since SEDF could not make foreign donations directly to NGOs in India without the prior approval of the MHA, it explored alternatives to bypass the PRC restrictions, they said. The FDI in RSPL is suspected to be a colourable arrangement violating FDI norms, the sources added.

RAPL was incorporated in 2019 and is in the business of providing fundraising services to non-profit organisations. Sources said it received Rs. 2.70 crore from SEDF as commission agent services without rendering any services to SEDF, which shows that RAPL acted as an agent of SEDF to bypass the FCRA provisions for funding NGOs in India".

M/s ASAR Social Impact Advisors Pvt Ltd (ASAR), incorporated on February 26, 2016, is in the business of public engagement and outreach services, such as communications strategy development, capacity building, research, etc, to NGOs in India, said the sources. ASAR has received Rs 2.91 crore from SEDF as service fees. It appears that, prima facie, the funds received against purported service exports are nothing but donations in disguise to be used for the benefit of NGOs in India without rendering any services to SEDF," said a source.

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As per the information on record, OSI set up an investment firm Aspada Investment Company (AIC) in Mauritius to channelise funding in India, said the sources. Further, they added, Aspada Investment Advisors Pvt Ltd (AIAPL) was established in Bengaluru on February 4, 2013, to manage/advise SEDFs investment in India. It is learnt that SEDF funded more than 12 companies in India to the tune of Rs 300 crore, said the sources.

The most astonishing fact is that the investment arm of SEDF in India M/s Aspada Investment Advisors Private Limited (now Lightrock Investment Advisors Private Limited), which was advising SEDF for their investments in India during the material period was not kept in the loop," a source said.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: March 18, 2025, 19:37 IST
J&K Intel Teams Up With Social Media Service Providers To Combat Online Radicalisation | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 12:44 IST

The monitoring units, upon detecting radical activity, immediately alert security agencies, helping dismantle radical modules and identify potential threats

Acting on intelligence gathered through these monitoring units, Cyber Intelligence Kashmir apprehended Showkat Ahmad Dar, operating a radical Facebook page under the alias Shaddy Kashmir Dryfruits. (Pixabay)

Intelligence agencies in Jammu and Kashmir, responding to a surge in online radicalisation, have partnered with social media service providers to establish specialised monitoring units. These units play a crucial role in identifying and neutralising online threats, as demonstrated by the recent apprehension of a radical social media user.

Acting on intelligence gathered through these monitoring units, Cyber Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) apprehended Showkat Ahmad Dar, operating a radical Facebook page under the alias Shaddy Kashmir Dryfruits. This page was found to be disseminating extremist content, including material glorifying terrorism and inciting anti-national sentiments, particularly targeting young minds.

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Dars apprehension was the result of a well-coordinated operation, overcoming challenges posed by his frequent relocation. Digital evidence seized from him revealed access to the radical Facebook account and incriminating materials, including a video of slain terrorist commander Zakir Musa.

Dar has a history of radical activities, with prior arrests in 2019 for stone-pelting and in 2022 for online dissemination of radical content. His apprehension highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat online radicalisation and protect vulnerable youth from extremist influences.

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Investigations are currently underway to uncover the extent of Dars involvement and identify any accomplices. Further legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.

This case underscores the effectiveness of the collaborative efforts between J&K agencies and social media companies. The monitoring units, upon detecting radical activity, immediately alert security agencies, enabling swift action. This partnership has been instrumental in dismantling radical modules and identifying potential threats.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: March 18, 2025, 12:44 IST
Kumbh Photo To Ganesh Idol In ISS: Sunita Williams' Cousin Shares NASA Astronaut's Indian Connection

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 23:14 IST

Falguni Pandya expressed her excitement over Williams return, saying the family has planned a special prayer and havan at a temple to mark her return

Left: Sunita Williams' with her cousin Falguni Pandya. Right: Photo of Ganesh idol at the ISS, shared by Williams.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams cousin, Falguni Pandya, on Tuesday spoke candidly about the astronauts connection to her Indian roots.

She shared how Williams took a Ganesh idol with her to the ISS, keeping it with her throughout her stay. Williams, who has spent over nine months aboard the International Space Station, is now on her way back to Earth with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore and two other crew members.

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In an interview with News18, Pandya, speaking from New Jersey, expressed her excitement over Williams return, saying the family has planned a special prayer and havan at a temple to mark her return.

We are eagerly waiting for her return. We have planned a special prayer and havan at the temple to celebrate," Pandya said.

She also revealed that Williams had shared a picture showing the Ganesh idol floating in space on the ISS. Pandya spoke of Williams love for Indian food, adding that they plan to visit India once she returns to Earth. Sunita loves Indian food, we will visit India again once she returns," she said.

Pandya recounted her visit to India for the Kumbh Mela in February, where Williams was fascinated and eager to learn all about the festival. In a touching moment, Williams even sent a picture from space of the Kumbh Mela.

When I shared my pictures of the Kumbh Mela with her, she sent me a picture from space. It was an iconic picture of the Kumbh Mela," she said.

Pandya also mentioned that Williams and her father had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2007 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and later in the US. Sunita is a proud daughter of Gujarat, and her village, Jhulasan, is celebrating her return," Pandya stated.

In Jhulasan, the ancestral village of Williams father, residents have been praying for her safety and keeping an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) burning since her departure to space. The flame will remain lit until her safe return. A grand procession, accompanied by prayer chanting and fireworks, is planned in her honour, with her photo being carried during the procession.

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According to Williams cousin, Navin Pandya, the procession will start from a school and move to the temple where the Akhand Jyot is kept, with students joining in. We will perform a dhun (prayer chanting) at the temple," Pandya stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: March 18, 2025, 23:09 IST
Maha Kumbh Demonstrated Indias Capabilities In Front Of World: PM Modi In Lok Sabha

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 12:31 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated in Lok Sabha that organising Maha Kumbh was a collective effort showcasing India's capabilities globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking at Lok Sabha on Tuesday, said organising a huge event like Maha Kumbh was a collective effort and it demonstrated Indias capabilities on the world stage. The prime minister also said Maha Kumbh delivered the message of unity.

I had emphasised the importance of everyones effort from the Red Fort. The whole world witnessed the grand spectacle of the Maha Kumbh. This is the true form of everyones effort," he said.

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#WATCH | Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says,  I emphasised the importance of Sabka Sath Sab ka Vikas from the Red Fort. The entire world saw Indias grandeur in the form of Maha Kumbh We witness a national awakening in the Maha Kumbh, which would inspire new pic.twitter.com/hZJEAcY8Xk ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

On behalf of the house. I congratulate everybody who was important in organising the event of this magnitude and all the people of the country who went to take the holy dip," he added.

PM Modi also suggested that India should start celebrating river festivals to save and revive water bodies.

The Maha Kumbh, the worlds largest gathering, concluded in Prayagraj on Maha Shivratri, marking the final day of the festival in February end.

On the last day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared on social media that over 66.21 crore devotees had participated in the sacred bath at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers during the festival.

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From January 13 to February 26, the event saw people from across the country and beyond, including politicians, athletes, industrialists, and Bollywood celebrities, take a holy dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam.

The religious fair saw unprecedented security measures, including anti-drone systems and AI-enabled cameras, to monitor the Mahakumbh Nagar, which was set up as UPs 76th district for the event.

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 18, 2025, 12:14 IST
'Looks Like A Conspiracy': Eknath Shinde Reacts To Nagpur Clashes As Social Media Role Comes Under Lens

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 12:24 IST

Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur after demand to remove Aurangzeb's tomb, leading to stone pelting, vandalism. Eknath Shinde alleged a conspiracy behind the episode.

Eknath Shinde/Charred remains of two-wheelers in the aftermath of violence in Nagpur (Photos: PTI)

Hours after violent clashes and violence erupted in parts of Nagpur in Maharashtra on Monday evening, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday alleged a conspiracy into the episode.

His remarks came as the authorities were keeping a watch on various social media handles possibly involved with spreading rumours and inciting violence.

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Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, It looks like a conspiracy, the people are investigating more."

The Chief Minister (Devendra Fadnavis) is reviewing the situation. Police have said that many people came from outside. Petrol bombs were also hurled. It is unfortunate that the police were also attacked. Strict action will be taken in this incident. I appeal to all to maintain peace."

#WATCH | On Nagpur violence, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, The incident which occurred in Nagpur is unfortunate. Police are investigating if this was a pre-planned conspiracy. 4 DCP level officers were injured in this incident. The CM is reviewing the situation. pic.twitter.com/j0T3vfMrkS ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

People should not try and incite violence between two communities," Shinde said, adding, Aurangzeb should not be glorified."

#WATCH | Mumbai | Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, No one in Maharashtra will tolerate those who support Aurangzeb." pic.twitter.com/zKVORwWiyY ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

Such kind of a brutal incident was never witnessed before. The protestors are protesting for the pride of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Those who support Aurangzeb should read history and watch the movie Chhava. I believe that even true patriotic Muslims will not support Aurangzeb," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

VIDEO | On Nagpur violence: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde (@mieknathshinde) says, Such kind of a brutal incident was never witnessed before. The protestors are protesting for the pride of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Those who support Aurangzeb should read history and pic.twitter.com/CizmWttiJi Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 18, 2025

Violence erupted in central Nagpurs Chitnis Park area in Mahal on Monday around 7.30 pm, with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzebs tomb (located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district).

Another clash broke out in the Hansapuri area near the Old Bhandara Road between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. An unruly mob burnt several vehicles, and vandalised houses and a clinic in the area.

Nearly 40 people (33 cops and six residents) were injured, more than 50 people were taken into custody, and 15 were arrested in connection with the unrest.

The police said they had brought the situation under control.

ALSO READ | How Aurangzebs Tomb Has Become The Focus Of Maharashtra Politics, Will It Be Removed? | Explained

Speaking on how the clashes unfolded, Eknath Shinde said, There was a protest against Aurangzeb in the afternoon. This was when two communities clashed. The cops took control of the situation, but a mob gathered in the area again by evening."

Strictest action will be taken against the culprits, no one will be spared. No one in Maharashtra will tolerate support for Aurangzeb," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Also appealing for calm, Shinde said, I appeal to people that police are doing their work and anyone involved will not be spared."

ALSO READ | Mob Had Sharp Weapons, Faces Covered: Nagpur Residents Recall Horror After Clashes

A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur after the clashes.

On Monday, Shinde had said the people still praising Aurangzeb are traitors", noting the Mughal emperor had sought to conquer the state and committed various atrocities.

On the other hand, Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the divine force" who stood for valour, sacrifice and the spirit of Hindutva, Shinde said on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti.

Shinde also said that Shivaji Maharaj was not only a symbol of Hindutva and Indian pride but also the inventor of democracy".

The Shiv Sena leader also condemned Aurangzebs atrocities against Maharashtra, particularly the execution of Shivaji Maharajs son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

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Aurangzeb came to seize Maharashtra, but he faced the divine power of Shivaji Maharaj. Those who still sing his praises are nothing but traitors," Shinde said.

Shiv Chhatrapati is the pride of a united India and the roar of Hindutva. Shivaji Maharaj was a visionary leader, a man of the era, a promoter of justice, and a king of the commoners," he said.

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 18, 2025, 11:34 IST
PM Modi Is Committed To Peace Just Like President Trump: Tulsi Gabbard

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 10:55 IST

US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard stated that PM Narendra Modi is committed to peace like President Donald Trump, during the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard hold a meeting in New Delhi. (IMAGE: SOURCED)

United States National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was committed to peace just like President Donald Trump.

Gabbard, who is on a two-and-half-day trip to India, was addressing the Raisina Dialogue 2025 event in New Delhi. She said, Just like President Trump, PM Modi is committed to peace."

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She also explained that President Donald Trumps America first" pith should not be mistaken for isolation.

It shouldnt be mistaken that our President is calling for America First as an isolationist. That accusation speaks to a deeper misunderstanding or wrong assumption that the only way to engage with other countries is through conflict. He wants a legacy of being a peacemaker and a unifier."

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Key Takeaways From Gabbards Speech

Gabbard said US President Donald Trump wants a legacy of being a peacemaker and a unifier.

The National Intelligence chief said, Our goal is to provide the best timely intelligence reporting to our leadership. When PM Modi was in Washington, President Trump said there was a great opportunity for the evolving cyber security means and for artificial intelligence to strengthen our security interests."

She said for President Trump, PM Modis early visit to Washington was a personal friendship and indicative of their priorities and setting action and serving the best interests of their countries. Both he and his team and our cabinet have been engaging since day 1. I can speak for myself after being appointed I was on a plane for a security conference in Munich. Strategic cooperation is our priority," she said.

In the spirit of Aloha we come together on our shared spirit of partnership to work together honestly, we can ensure a more peaceful and prosperous future for the world. Thank you so much," she said.

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 18, 2025, 10:29 IST
BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- China's domestically developed tonne-class unmanned transport aircraft, the TP1000, has completed its maiden flight in east China's Shandong Province.

Designed and manufactured by Yi-Tong UAV System Co., Ltd, based in Yantai, Shandong Province, the aircraft flew for 26 minutes on Saturday at an airport in Shandong. Its stable performance validated its design and reliability, reported the Science and Technology Daily on Monday.

The maiden flight signifies another significant advancement for China in the field of high-end unmanned aviation equipment.

As a large cargo drone developed under China's civil aviation airworthiness procedures, the TP1000 boasts a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms, a maximum range of 1,000 kilometers when fully loaded, and a 7-cubic-meter cargo bay.

With a takeoff weight of 3.3 tonnes, it features twin-engine modular installation, a self-developed multi-redundant flight control system, and advantages in endurance, payload, and cost-efficiency.

Notably, the TP1000 is equipped with a large rear cargo door, enabling intelligent airdrop for material delivery and emergency rescue in various scenarios, according to the report.

"In addition to transporting goods, the TP1000 can be quickly modified according to customer specifications for marine monitoring, scientific exploration, resource development, and regional infrastructure projects due to its excellent flight performance, load capacity, and lower operating costs," said Yi-Tong's General Manager Jin Ge.

Yi-Tong aims to obtain airworthiness certification for the TP1000 by late 2025, with commercial operations expected to begin in 2026 after regulatory approval, said Jin.

"The TP1000's successful debut upgrades our product portfolio centered on fixed-wing and vertical takeoff composite-wing drones," said Jin.

Currently, the company's fixed-wing TP500 model, with a payload capacity of 500 kilograms, successfully completed test flights of its newly certified design in February 2025, moving into a new certification phase. Meanwhile, the TR100, a core model with a payload capacity of 150 kilograms, has also entered the trial operation stage, according to Jin.

"Compared to the TP500, which carries 500 kg over 500 km, the TP1000 offers greater payload and range. Together, they will address the booming demand for low-altitude logistics," he said.

The company has secured 30 orders from clients including ZTO Express.

This achievement aligns with China's strategic push to develop its low-altitude economy, which has been identified as a key growth sector in the country.

The Yantai Huang-Bohai New Area has emerged as a hub for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) research and development, and manufacturing, hosting enterprises and research institutes across drone production, core components, and air-land-sea applications.

Yi-Tong has established a 4,000-square-meter production line in the new area and has initiated the construction of a UAV industrial park over 20,000 square meters, said Jin.

By the end of 2025, the company aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 100 large UAVs, fostering a cluster of upstream and downstream supporting industries to help Yantai develop into a national-level UAV industrial hub, he added.
For Brick Goldman, farming isnt just his career.

Its a way of life that has been passed down through six generations.

But now, a recent round of federal cuts could threaten the 73-year-olds livelihood, causing his 250-acre Charlotte County farm to lose more than $200,000 in revenue and preventing thousands of pounds of fresh produce from reaching those in need.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture this month announced plans to cancel two pandemic-era programs that give schools and food banks money to buy food from local farms, halting more than $1 billion in federal spending. Virginia would have received an estimated $21.2 million in the next round of grant funding, according to the USDA.

Its scary. It looks like well lose all of that funding with them pulling the money, and thatll hurt us, Goldman said. Weve been out calling on other food distributors trying to pick up that business someplace else.

We havent found it yet, he added.

For nearly five years, these federal grants have gone toward shrinking the food insecurity gap for schoolchildren and families across the state. Schools and food pantries purchase and distribute fresh fruits and vegetables that families take home.

So while students are fed at school, they have goods to take home for dinners. During the summer months, this initiative has helped keep families fed and has supported the local farming community at the same time.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said it will fulfill its obligations under the existing grant agreements, which remain in effect through July 15. As of September 2024, the state agency has received $13.58 million for these programs.

Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, criticized the cuts.

In the name of reducing wasteful spending, [President Donald] Trump and [Elon] Musk are taking food out of hungry kids mouths and money out of Virginia farmers pockets, McClellan said. Going after programs that keep locally grown produce in our communities does nothing to save Virginians money and will just make it harder in areas already struggling to access healthy food.

The announcement that the next round is not coming is leaving small-scale farmers across Virginia facing revenue losses they had not planned for  and planning is a vital part of farming.

If were going to be supplying them with vegetables in July, we have to be planting those vegetables right now, Goldman said. If they decide they want to reinstate the program in July, thatll be too late for us.

Pierson Geyer, general manager of Agriberry Farm in Hanover County, stood among the dozens of rows of blackberry and raspberry bushes on his farm one morning earlier this month as he talked about how the Local Food Purchase Assistance, or LFPA, program has allowed his farm to connect students and others in need with fresh fruit.

Throughout the winter, we connect young people with apples, getting them in [Goochland, Richmond and Fluvanna schools], getting fruit down to the Petersburg area and making sure that people have ... good fruit, and also that were able to support our annual full-time team with winter revenue that lets us be a more responsible employer and have people more completely engaged in agriculture as their career, Geyer said.

He said the canceled grants are among a number of federal actions  such as tariffs  that are affecting farmers.

When you cant count on a financial commitment from an entity youve been able to count on forever, when you cant count on the policy of today matching the words of today or the words of tomorrow, when that volatility is there, businesses cant plan, Geyer said. The plan was always for [the LFPA grants] to continue.

I dont know if the people making decisions have plans and, if they do, theyre not being very well-communicated because its causing all this volatility. I just dont see any winners here.

Lulus Local Food, an online farmers market that serves as the go-between for local farmers and consumers  including food pantries and local school systems  received about $1.5 million from an LFPA grant in 2022.

Through the grant, Lulus has fed 500,000 people in need in southern Central Virginia, serving more than 700,000 pounds of food from 137 local farmers. The food goes to 38 food pantries, 12 churches and eight school divisions, among other places.

The grant runs through July, and Lulus had planned to apply for the next year of funding based on the success of the program in getting fresh food to underserved communities.

This is going to be devastating to the farmers as well as to the people who were getting food, said Molly Harris, the founder of Lulus. Come mid-July, when youre in the middle of all the tomatoes and the cucumbers and the squash and fabulous produce coming in, its all going to come to an end. Farmers have been planning for this to continue on.

Harris said her long-term goal had always been to make the program she runs more sustainable.

We were hoping that it was going to be more of a gradual transfer, rather than just jumping off a cliff, Harris said.
65 Obscene Videos, 'Sexual Exploitation' Of 30 Female Students: How UP's 'Predator Professor' Was Exposed

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 16:17 IST

Anonymous letter, 5 complaints: The UP Police has pressed in three teams to look for absconding professor Rajneesh Kumar from PC Bagla Degree College in Hathras

Rajneesh Kumar is a geography professor at PC Bagla Degree College in Hathras. (X)

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police is on the lookout for Rajneesh Kumar, 54, a professor accused of sexually exploiting more than 30 female students and filming their obscene videos on the pretext of offering jobs.

The police teams have recovered 65 obscene videos from his mobile phone and have pressed in three teams to look for the absconding professor.

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HE LURES YOUNG WOMEN: ANONYMOUS LETTER LED TO PROBE

An anonymous letter sent to the National Commission for Women (NCW) exposed the alleged sexual exploitation of female students by Kumar, a geography professor at PC Bagla Degree College in Hathras. The letter, reportedly written by one of the survivors, detailed how Kumar lured students under the pretext of academic and career assistance, only to exploit them sexually and record obscene videos.

I want to tell you that Professor Rajneesh Kumar is a predator. He has been sexually exploiting female students for years. Under the pretext of helping with exams and job placements, he lures young women, forces them into inappropriate situations, and records obscene videos. Those who resist face threats of ruined careers and public shame. His influence is so strong that even after repeated complaints, no action has been taken against him."

This desperate plea finally prompted an investigation, leading to shocking revelations.

65 OBSCENE VIDEOS RECOVERED FROM HIS MOBILE PHONE

After receiving the letter and the attached evidence, the UP Police launched an inquiry into the professors activities. Kumar was summoned for questioning, but before police could confiscate his mobile phone, he allegedly deleted all incriminating data. However, forensic experts successfully retrieved the files, uncovering 65 explicit videos, many featuring college students. Some of these videos had reportedly been uploaded to pornographic websites.

18 MONTHS, 5 COMPLAINTS: NO ACTION TAKEN

Further investigation revealed that at least five complaints had been lodged against Kumar over the past 18 months, but no concrete action was taken by the college management. Allegations suggest that despite multiple warnings, the administration either ignored the complaints or deliberately shielded the professor.

Under mounting public pressure, the college has now suspended him.

#WATCH | Hathras, UP | On PC Bagla Degree College Chief Proctor booked for alleged sexual exploitation of students, SP Chiranjeev Nath Sinha says, As per the prima facie, Rajneesh, the Chief Proctor of PC Bagla Degree College used to assault girls on the pretext of passing them pic.twitter.com/Re4o9SsUYH ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025

3 POLICE TEAMS DEPLOYED

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Hathras Gate police station, and three special teams have been deployed to track down the fugitive professor.

Superintendent of Police Chiranjeev Nath Sinha stated, We are actively pursuing the accused and questioning college staff and students. Also we are conducting raids to nab the absconding professor at the earliest."

THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE

Hathras District Magistrate Rahul Pandey said that a four-member investigation team has been formed under the leadership of SDM Sadar. The team includes the CO City, Tehsildar Sadar, and the District Basic Education Officer. He assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the investigation report.

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Superintendent of Police (SP) Chiranjeev Nath Sinha confirmed that an FIR was registered four days ago at Hathras Gate Kotwali. The accused professor is absconding, and three police teams have been deployed to arrest him. Meanwhile, college staff and students are being questioned.

The case has triggered widespread public anger, with calls for the professors immediate arrest and harsh punishment. Many have also criticised the college managements failure to act despite repeated complaints.

First Published: March 18, 2025, 15:04 IST
Ranya Rao Helped Accused Tarun Raj In Bid To Flee Country, Transferred Money For Tickets: DRI

Curated By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 18:13 IST

The DRI said Telugu actor and entrepreneur Tarun Raj tried fleeing India. On March 3 -- the day of Ranya Rao's arrest -- he travelled from Dubai to Hyderabad, and the actress had helped him book tickets

Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer DGP K Ramachandra Rao, is currently lodged in Parappana Agrahara jail. (Image: News18)

Making explosive claims in the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence said the Kannada actress had transferred money into the account of accused Tarun Raj  arrested on March 10  for his travel from Dubai to Hyderabad.

During the bail application hearing of Tarun Raj on Tuesday, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) told the court that the Telugu actor and entrepreneur tried fleeing India. On March 3  the day of Ranya Raos arrest  he travelled from Dubai to Hyderabad, and the actress had helped him book tickets, it said.

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The DRI said Ranya transferred the money to Taruns account and it had to issue a lookout circular against him when he tried fleeing the country. There was an attempt to smuggle gold to Geneva and Bangkok, it said.

Responding to this, Taruns counsel said there is no question of him fleeing the country. He was born in the US, but is a resident of Bengaluru and does not have any cases registered against him before this, they said.

Refuting this, however, the DRI said Tarun is a flight risk. He had declared in Dubai that he was carrying gold to Geneva and brought it to India, it said.

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The agency further said he travelled to Dubai on 20 different occasions and returned the same day. We have already got information about international links during the investigation," it added.

The court has reserved its order in the bail plea.

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

First Published: March 18, 2025, 17:54 IST
Seema Haider, Who Entered India Illegally From Pakistan, Welcomes First Baby With Husband Sachin Meena

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 13:35 IST

Seema Haider and Sachin Meena, who made headlines for Seema's journey from Pakistan to India for love, have welcomed a baby girl in Greater Noida. Both mother and daughter are doing well

Rumours of Seemas pregnancy first circulated in January but were denied by the couple in an interview in April. (Local18)

Love knows no borders, and for Seema Haider and Sachin Meena, their extraordinary journey has taken another joyous turn. The couple, who made headlines last year after Seemas daring journey from Pakistan to India for love, have welcomed a baby girl.

The little one arrived at 4 am on Tuesday at Krishna Life Line Hospital in Greater Noida, bringing immense happiness to the couple. Both mother and daughter are doing well. Advocate AP Singh, a close family friend, shared the news, expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of well wishes.

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True to tradition, the couple plans to involve the public in choosing their daughters name, sparking excitement on social media. Singh emphasized the significance of the babys arrival, calling it the biggest moment of happiness" for Seema and Sachin. The little one, arriving a day after her March 17 due date, is sure to be cherished by the couple and their four children.

Seema and Sachins love story captivated hearts when Seema crossed borders to be with Sachin, whom she met playing PUBG. They married in Nepal, where Seemas four children from a previous marriage also joined them. Her sons, formerly Farhan Ali (8) and now known as Raj, along with daughters Farva (6), Fariha Batool (4), and Farha (2), now Priyanka, Munni, and Pari respectively, complete their unique family.

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Rumours of Seemas pregnancy first circulated in January but were denied by the couple in an interview in April. At the time, Seema acknowledged the public interest in their lives, stating that they would share any happy news when the time was right.

I have four children, and Ive already clarified that people make up stories on their own. If theres happiness or any good news, we will announce it to everyone. But as of now, theres no such thing. People are always speculating about what will happen or what wont, but were not denying anything. We will have a child together someday, but for now, we have four children," Haider had said in an interview with ABP News.

Location : Greater Noida, India, India

First Published: March 18, 2025, 13:35 IST
Supreme Court On The Move: Legal Aid And Hope Coming To Manipur

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 20:27 IST

The visit also gains significance as it coincides with the Duodecennial Celebration of the High Court of Manipur

Nearly two years after the 2023 violence that left thousands homeless, many families are still struggling to rebuild their lives. (PTI File)

Justice isnt always about grand courtrooms and lengthy judgments. Sometimes, its about stepping onto the ground, listening to the people, and making sure help reaches where its needed most.

Thats exactly what six Supreme Court judges, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, will be doing during their upcoming visit to Manipurs relief camps.

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Nearly two years after the 2023 violence that left thousands homeless, many families are still struggling to rebuild their lives. The visit also gains significance as it coincides with the Duodecennial Celebration of the High Court of Manipur.

This visit by the Supreme Court delegation, also comprising Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh, K.V. Viswanathan and N. Kotiswar Singh, is a gesture that no voice is unheard.

Justice Gavai will inaugurate Legal Services Camps and new Legal Aid Clinics in several districts to help people access government benefits, legal documents, and other essential support.

Additionally, a team of 25 doctors from Chennai will provide medical aid for six days, ensuring relief comes not just in words but in real, tangible ways.

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The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) have already set up 273 Special Legal Aid Clinics in relief camps.

For those in the camps, this visit will be more than a formal event. It will be a reminder that justice isnt just about court orders  its about making sure no one is forgotten.

About the Author Ananya Bhatnagar Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 20:27 IST
'Vacate Indian Territory': MEA's Sharp Reply To Pakistan's J&K Remarks After PM Modi's Podcast

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 20:27 IST

The MEA said that Pakistans statements on PoK are not welcome since it illegally occupies the area while sponsoring terror to destabilise the region.

PM Modi Podcast Key Points: PM Modi appears in podcast with Lex Fridman (Photo: X/Lex Fridman)

India on Tuesday told Pakistan to vacate the area it illegally has occupied in Kashmir, also known as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), after officials there passed remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modis views on the situation which he discussed with famous podcaster Lex Fridman in an episode.

Instead of spreading lies, Pakistan should vacate Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

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PM Modis podcast went live on Sunday, gaining global attention and praise from the US to China. Pakistan too took note even as it objected to the Indian leaders remarks that every attempt to restore peace between the neighbours was met with hostility and betrayal. While claiming that the remarks were one-sided", the countrys foreign office, in a statement, also mentioned Kashmir, in another act of provocation.

We note that Pakistan has once again made some comments about the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The world knows that the real issue is Pakistans active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. In fact this is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region," Jaiswal said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman on Friday, spoke about India-Pakistan tensions. He said the issue was not due to ideological differences but due to the neighbours terrorist mindset".

He added that Pakistan has become a global hub of unrest, affecting not just India but the entire world.

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.

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The world has recognised that in a way terrorism and the terrorist mindset are deeply rooted in Pakistan".

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 traveled to Lahore in the pursuit of peace," he said, referring to his visit to Lahore in 2015.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 19:41 IST
Thailand to Reduce Visa-Free Stay from 60 to 30 Days to Crack Down on Illegal Businesses

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 18:38 IST

Thailand is reducing its visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days to curb illegal business activities, a move that could impact long-term visitors like digital nomads and retirees.

While Thailand remains a welcoming destination for tourists, the government is reinforcing stricter visa regulations to prevent prolonged stays without proper authorization.

Thailand is tightening its visa policies, reducing the maximum visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days in an effort to curb unauthorized business activities, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced. The policy change, approved in principle by multiple ministries, will affect passport holders from 93 countries who previously enjoyed extended stays.

Why the Change?

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The move comes in response to concerns from the Association of Thai Travel Agents about the rising number of foreigners engaging in unregulated work and business operations while on long-term visa-free stays, according to a Bloomberg report. Additionally, the Thai Hotels Association has linked extended stays to illegal condominium rentals, which they argue disrupt the formal hospitality sector.

Impact on Thailands Tourism Goals

Tourism plays a crucial role in Thailands economy, which is the second-largest in Southeast Asia. The country aims to attract over 40 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. As of March 9, Thailand had already welcomed 7.66 million foreign travellers, marking a 4.4% increase year-over-year.

However, the visa policy shift could affect long-term visitors such as digital nomads, remote workers, and retirees, many of whom rely on visa-free stays for extended periods. Businesses catering to these groupssuch as co-working spaces and long-term rental providersmay experience shifts in demand as visitors adjust to the new regulations.

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Whats Next?

Authorities are expected to announce an official implementation date soon, along with potential exemptions or transitional measures for affected travellers. While Thailand remains a welcoming destination for tourists, the government is reinforcing stricter visa regulations to prevent prolonged stays without proper authorization.

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

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First Published: March 18, 2025, 18:06 IST
Ordnance Factories Day 2025: History, Significance, And Key Facts

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 07:00 IST

Ordnance Factories Day in India is celebrated to honour the Ordnance Factory Board's significant contributions to the country's defence needs.

Ordnance Factories Day is observed on March 18 every year in India. (Image: Shutterstock)

Ordnance Factories Day is observed on March 18 every year in India to honour the Ordnance Factory Boards (OFB) important contributions to the countrys defence requirements. Ordnance Factories Day is a chance to honour the OFBs inventive spirit and technological innovations. To highlight the most recent advancements in weapons and manufacturing techniques, parades, exhibits, and award ceremonies are staged throughout different factories.

Across the nation, Ordnance Factories Day is celebrated annually with much fanfare and opulence. Here are some considerations to make as we prepare to celebrate the momentous day.

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Ordnance Factories Day 2025: Date

Ordnance Factories Day is celebrated on March 18 each year. The big day falls on a Tuesday this year.

Ordnance Factories Day: History

The British East India Company recognised the rising need for weapons and ammunition for the Indian army when it was a British colony. At Fort William in Kolkata, the Board of Ordnance was established in 1775.

A gun carriage factory was established in Cossipore, Kolkata, in 1787, and followed by setting up a gunpowder factory in Ishapore. It is now called Gun and Shell Factory, Cossipore.

Following Indias 1947 declaration of independence, the Indian government took control of the Ordnance Factories. On March 18, people celebrate Ordnance Factories Day, which honours the founding of the Ordnance Factory in Cossipore, Kolkata.

Ordnance Factories Day 2025: Significance

The Indian Ordnance Factories hold many events on this day to highlight their accomplishments. This day is also intended to celebrate the employees of Indian Ordnance industries who dedicate their lives to serving the country by supplying the Indian Armed Forces with the highest calibre of weapons and ammunition.

Ordnance Factories Day 2025: All You Need To Know

These days, every nation needs to have a strong supply of weapons and ammunition for its military. According to the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), the Ordnance Factories structure currently consists of 41 factories, divided into five operational divisions. Along with producing a vast array of goods for land, sea, and air systems, they also form a defence production conglomerate. Joining the Army, Air Force, and Navy as the nations four arms of defence, OFB is widely regarded and recognised.

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Ordnance Factories Day: How Is It Celebrated?

The day begins with the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem in remembrance of the OFBs noble contribution. Afterwards, every Ordnance Factory celebrates by showcasing their firearms, rifles, artillery, ammunition, and other items in displays across India.

About the Author Nibandh Vinod Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te... Read More Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te... 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 18, 2025, 07:00 IST
Top Cafes in Delhi NCR That Serve the Best Espresso

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News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 16:38 IST

Best Cafes In Delhi NCR: Whether you're in need of a quick energy boost or want to relax and savor the moment, these spots provide more than just a great coffee experiencethey offer a place to unwind, meet friends, and take a break from the busy city life

Each of these cafes brings its own charm and flavor, creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a quality espresso

Best Cafes In Delhi NCR: Coffee lovers in Delhi NCR are lucky to have a rich selection of cafes that serve up some of the best espressos in town. Whether youre a casual coffee drinker or an aficionado, finding the perfect shot of espresso is often a journey, and these cafes make that journey well worth it.

Each of these cafes brings its own charm and flavor, creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a quality espresso. Whether youre in need of a quick energy boost or want to relax and savor the moment, these spots provide more than just a great coffee experiencethey offer a place to unwind, meet friends, and take a break from the busy city life.

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Barista Coffee Company

Barista Coffee, one of Indias most beloved and established coffee chains, has been delighting coffee lovers for over 25 years. Known for its top-notch espresso, Barista is the perfect escape during those long, tiring workdays. The brand has pioneered the coffee culture in India, offering a truly Italian coffee experience with every cup. Their comfortable and inviting environment makes it an ideal place to take a break, relax, and enjoy a rich, bold espresso with friends or colleagues. Whether youre looking for a quick pick-me-up or a leisurely coffee date, Baristas espresso will never disappoint.

Tan Coffee

Tan Coffee brings a fresh twist to the coffee scene, offering a unique fusion of espresso with high-quality beans and a cozy, minimalist atmosphere. This quaint cafe has earned a reputation for its dedication to crafting perfect espresso shots that are rich and full-bodied. Located in a serene corner of the city, Tan Coffee provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle. Along with a variety of expertly brewed espresso drinks, its also a great place to relax, work, or engage in deep conversations while savoring your coffee.

AMA Cafe

Nestled in the charming lanes of Majnu Ka Tila, AMA Cafe is a gem that combines Tibetan warmth with the vibrant energy of the area. Popular among youngsters and backpackers, AMA Cafe offers more than just a place to drink coffeeits a cultural experience. The espresso here is an ideal pick-me-up after a stroll through the bustling Tibetan market. Besides its amazing coffee, the cafe is known for its hearty breakfast options and a wide array of delectable desserts that pair perfectly with a fresh cup of espresso. Whether youre looking to relax or have an engaging conversation, AMA Cafe offers the perfect setting.

Xero Degrees

Xero Degrees is another gem in the NCRs coffee scene, famous for its aesthetic interiors and a relaxing ambiance. Known for serving some of the finest espresso in the region, this cafe offers a great mix of traditional and contemporary vibes. The quality of their espresso stands out with a smooth, velvety texture and balanced flavor profile that will satisfy the most discerning coffee lovers. Whether youre meeting friends or working on your laptop, Xero Degrees creates an environment that encourages you to take your time and truly enjoy your espresso.

Beanly Coffee

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Beanly Coffee is a relatively new player on the Delhi NCR cafe circuit but has quickly gained a loyal following for its specialty espresso drinks. This cozy cafe focuses on providing an exceptional coffee experience, using only high-quality beans roasted to perfection. The rich, flavorful espresso served at Beanly is a testament to their passion for coffee. The relaxed, welcoming vibe of the cafe makes it an ideal spot for those who want to savor their espresso slowly, either while catching up with friends or enjoying some quiet time. With a variety of espresso-based drinks to choose from, Beanly Coffee is quickly becoming a favorite in the city.

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 18, 2025, 16:15 IST
Why Aurangabad Deserves A Spot On Your Bucket List  5 Best Places To Visit

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 17, 2025, 17:06 IST

Aurangabad, officially Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, blends history, culture, and spirituality. Key sites include Bibi Ka Maqbara, Ellora and Ajanta Caves, and Grishneshwar Temple.

Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or a seeker of peace, this city offers an adventure that touches both the mind and soul. (Photo: News18/Saurabh Verma)

Nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, Aurangabad, officially known as Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, is a city where history, culture, and spirituality blend seamlessly. Famous for its rich Mughal heritage, ancient caves, and sacred temples, Aurangabad promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller. Whether youre a history buff, an art lover, or a seeker of peace, this city offers an adventure that touches both the mind and soul.

Aurangabad: A Glimpse Into History

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Located on the hilly upland terrain of the Deccan Traps, Aurangabad is the fifth-most populous urban area in Maharashtra. Its history dates back to 1653 when Mughal prince Aurangzeb was appointed the Viceroy of the Deccan for the second time. He renamed Fatehnagar to Aurangabad and later, in 1681, shifted his court from Delhi to Aurangabad to conduct military campaigns in the Deccan. Chroniclers of Aurangzebs reign sometimes referred to the city as Khujista Bunyad. Today, the city reflects its deep-rooted Mughal and Nizam influences, seen in its grand architecture, ancient gates, and cultural landmarks.

Begin your journey by checking into Hyatt Place, a luxurious yet cozy hotel that serves as the perfect base for exploring the city. Conveniently located near airport and the railway station, the hotel offers modern amenities, a pool, and an array of dining options to help you recharge after a day of exploration. The warm hospitality and stylish interiors make it a perfect spot to relax and gear up for the adventures ahead.

Bibi Ka Maqbara  The Taj of the Deccan

Bibi Ka Maqbara, a monument often called the Mini Taj Mahal", was built in 1660 by Azam Shah, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb, in memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum (Rabiya-ud-Daurani). This architectural marvel resembles the Taj Mahal in Agra but holds a unique charm of its own. The white marble structure, intricate carvings, and the backdrop of the Deccan hills make it a picturesque site. Visiting during sunset adds a golden glow to the monument, making it even more magical.

Ellora and Ajanta Caves  Marvels of Ancient Art

No trip to Aurangabad is complete without visiting the world-renowned Ellora and Ajanta Caves. A short drive from the city takes you to these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ellora Caves, representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain faiths, house the awe-inspiring Kailasa Temple, a monolithic structure carved from a single rock. The scale and detail of the carvings are breathtaking.

The Ajanta Caves, known for their exquisite frescoes and sculptures, depict the life of Buddha with remarkable artistry. The craftsmanship and spiritual depth of these caves make them a must-see.

Grishneshwar Temple  A Sacred Stop

Just a short distance from the Ellora Caves lies the sacred Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built from red stone, the temples intricate carvings and peaceful ambiance create a deeply spiritual experience. Witnessing the evening aarti here, with the temple bells ringing and the scent of incense in the air, is truly uplifting.

Gates of History  The City of Gates

Aurangabad is known as the City of Gates, with over 52 historic gates that reflect the citys rich Mughal and Nizam legacy. The Kala Darwaza and Rangeen Darwaza are particularly impressive with their detailed carvings and imposing structures. Walking through these gates feels like stepping back in time, offering glimpses of the citys fascinating past. Each gate has its own story, adding layers to Aurangabads historical tapestry.

(Photos: Rangeen Gate and Delhi Gate)

A Spiritual Detour To Shirdi

If time permits, take a two-hour drive to Shirdi, the sacred town of Sai Baba. Visiting the Sai Baba Temple and experiencing the spiritual energy of the place offers a perfect blend of peace and devotion. The atmosphere at Shirdi, filled with chants and prayers, creates a sense of calm and connection.

How To Plan Your Itinerary

Heres a suggested two-day itinerary to make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Temple, and Shirdi

Start early with a visit to Ellora Caves. The site is massive, so take your time exploring the temples and carvings. After lunch, head to the nearby Grishneshwar Temple for a peaceful spiritual experience.

If youre up for it, extend your day with a drive to Shirdi in the evening. Though a bit hectic, its well worth the effort for the spiritual calm it brings. Or you can directly drive from Ellora to Shirdi and then come to Grishneshwar Temple to witness the evening aarti.

Day 2: Ajanta Caves and Bibi Ka Maqbara

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Begin your day with a trip to the Ajanta Caves. The detailed frescoes and rock-cut sculptures require time and patience to appreciate fully.

After returning to the city, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara in the late afternoon to catch the sunset glow. Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk through the historic gates of Aurangabad, soaking in the citys old-world charm.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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 : Aurangabad, India, India

First Published: March 17, 2025, 17:06 IST
Vedang Raina Gives A Peek Into His Bangkok Getaway: 5 Off-Beat Things To Do In Thailand's Capital

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News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 13:01 IST

Vedang Raina took to his social media to share pictures from his Bangkok getaway. He was seen indulging in some local cuisine and soaking in the sunset.

Vedang Raina took to his social media to share pictures from his Bangkok getaway.

Vedang Raina treated himself to a much-deserved getaway to Bangkok, and recently, he chose to share his experiences on his social media. He took to his Instagram and shared a series of pictures from his outing. The actor was seen exploring the streets of Bangkok, indulging in some drool-worthy dishes, and soaking in the spirit of the city by taking a stroll.

Taking to his Instagram, Vedang Raina shared his Bangkok pictures along with a black heart emoji, skyscraper emoji, and a noodle bowl emoji. In one of the pictures, he was seen relishing noodles. He posed against the sunset in another picture. In a third picture, he captured the stunning skyscrapers of Bangkok while he was seated in his car.

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Take a look at the pictures here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vedang Raina (@vedangraina)

Inspired by Vedants Bangkok journey, here are five off-beat things that you must try in Thailands capital.

Explore the Talad Rot Fai Market (Train Night Market): This market is a hidden gem for those looking to escape the tourist crowds. Its an eclectic mix of vintage goods, antiques, street food, and quirky boutiques. Located on the outskirts of the city, it has a cool and retro vibe.

Visit the Erawan Museum: While the Erawan Museum might not be as well-known as other attractions, it offers a fascinating experience. The highlight is the massive three-headed elephant statue, but the museum itself is filled with stunning art and antiques.

Take a Boat Ride Through the Khlongs (Canals): Skip the usual boat tours on the Chao Phraya River and instead venture into the lesser-known canals (khlongs) that snake through the city. These water pathways offer a glimpse into the local life, as youll pass by traditional wooden houses, temples, and floating markets.

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Visit the Bangkokian Museum (Ban Khrua): For a taste of local history, the Bangkokian Museum provides an intimate view of what life was like in old Bangkok. The museum is housed in a traditional home that dates back to the 1930s.

Wander Through the Artsy Soi Charoen Krung 28: This street is a hidden artistic neighbourhood filled with galleries, cafes, and street art. Its a creative area where you can stroll and discover local art, installations, and independent stores.

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 18, 2025, 13:01 IST
Fakirs From Gulbarga Helped AR Rahman Convert To Islam, Says Rajiv Menon: 'He Dealt With Family Pressure...'

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News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 10:32 IST

Born Dilip Kumar, AR Rahman converted to Islam along with his family.

AR Rahman, who recently announced separation from wife Saira Banu, was born a Hindu.

AR Rahman and director-cinematographer Rajiv Menon share a long-lasting friendship that has produced timeless music. In an interview with O2 India, Rajiv talked about their bond, which started before Roja, when he worked with a young Rahman in advertisements. He recalled how AR Rahman, born Dilip Kumar, gravitated towards Islam.

Rajiv opened up on how he helped translate when fakirs from Gulbarga visited Rahmans house to guide his family in adopting Islam. He recalled that Rahman and his family didnt know Hindi, so he translated for them. There was a period they didnt know Hindi, so I would be the translator. I have seen this period of transition and gravitation towards religion, and belief. I have seen Rahman deal with immense pressure from within the family, especially with the marriages of his sisters. It was music that helped him brave the storm," he recalled.

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Born Dilip Kumar, AR Rahman converted to Islam along with his family after the tragic loss of his father and was rechristened by an astrologer who, interestingly, was a Hindu. AR Rahman had once reflected on this transformation during a conversation with Dawn, sharing that he had always wanted to change his name, feeling a disconnect with his birth name. The truth is I never liked my name. No disrespect to the great actor Dilip Kumar! However, somehow my name didnt match the image I had of myself," he had said.

Opening up on how he got his name, he had said, Sometime before we started on our journey on the path of Sufism, we went to an astrologer to show him my younger sisters horoscope because my mother wanted to get her married. This was around the same time when I was keen to change my name. The astrologer looked at me and said, This chap is very interesting."

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 18, 2025, 10:30 IST
John Abraham Was Asked 'Kaun Ho' At Muhurat Of His Film, Amitabh Bachchan And Hrithik Let Him In: 'I Was On Bike'

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News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 07:34 IST

John Abraham recently shared a funny memory from his first film's muhurat.

John Abraham recalls his debut film.

John Abraham, who has been in the industry for more than two decades, recently shared a funny memory from his first films muhurat. He was refused entry because he arrived on a bike! The film was Aetbaar, directed by Vikram Bhatt, produced by Ratan Tata, and starring Amitabh Bachchan.

In a recent Filmfare interview, John Abraham shared a funny memory from his early career. He said, When I went for my first muhurat shot, I went on a motorcycle. The film was Aetbaar. Hrithik Roshan and Amitabh Bachchan were clapping the board for me. Hrithik and I were classmates, he is a sweetheart. I was not allowed in, because I was on a motorcycle. The gates were shut and they asked me, Kaun ho? (Who are you?) I said, The muhurut is for my film and they finally allowed me. As soon as they opened the gates, Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan were gesturing at me and saying, Come in."

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John Abraham is well-known for his love for bikes. He owns several high-end motorcycles. His garage includes notable superbikes such as the Suzuki Hayabusa, Yamaha V-Max 60th Anniversary, Kawasaki ZX-14R, Honda CBR 1000RR, Aprilia RSV4 RF, Yamaha YZF-R1, Ducati Panigale V4, and BMW S1000 RR.

In the same interview, the actor revealed that he gets upset when anyone touches his bikes. He said, If someone puts a finger on my bike, I get offended. Irrespective of the bond, I judge them. I take good care of my bikes, I nurture them."

Meanwhile, hes currently seen in The Diplomat, a political thriller film directed by Shivam Nair and written by Ritesh Shah. The film, starring John Abraham and Sadia Khateeb, is set against the backdrop of IndiaPakistan relations, exploring themes of diplomacy and the personal conflicts faced by diplomats.

The Diplomat brings a gripping real-life story to the big screen, following Indian diplomat J.P. Singh as he faces a high-stakes international crisis. When Uzma Ahmed arrives at the Indian embassy claiming she was abducted and forced into marriage in Pakistan, Singh finds himself in a tense battle of diplomacy, legal hurdles, and political pressure.

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 18, 2025, 07:34 IST
Opinion | Why Do We Know So Little About Ranjani Srinivasan?

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 08:09 IST

Even a week after her self-deportation, crucial details about her past remain inexplicably absent

Ranjani Srinivasan self-deported after her visa was revoked by the Trump administration for supporting pro-Palestine protests. (X/Reuters)

In light of the self-deportation of an Indian student to Canada before she was chucked out of the US for extreme political activism, the recent purported move by the White House to red list 41 countriesprohibiting their nationals from travelling to Americamay prove to be a boon for some nations. After all, which sane country would want its impressionable youth to be exposed to Americas radical Left campus culture and then bring it back home?

The curious inclusion of Bhutan, which has around 300 students studying in the US at presentunderlines this probability. And it also highlights the potential danger that India faces as some 330,000 desi youngsters are now in US universities. The red list travel ban does not apply only to students from those countries, of course, but the ramifications are implicit, although initial reports say that Bhutans government is shocked" by its inclusion.

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Ranjani Srinivasan, who fortuitously had a valid Canadian visa and could therefore self-deport there instead of being sent back to India, is a case in point of academia being used as a possible base for other activities. Now 37 years old she is yet to complete her PhD at Columbia University, even 8 years after she got her Masters degree from Harvard in urban planning, funded by not one but two prestigious scholarships, Nehru-Fulbright and Inlaks.

She got another fellowship from the Lakshmi Mittal South Asia Institute at Harvard in 2016 for the same Masters thesis on continuities and transformations of caste rights within extractive economies in postcolonial India", based on her familys stint at the Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka. To help her along since then she was also a researcher for the West Philadelphia Landscape Project at MIT and for international development agencies in South Asia".

It has been eight well-funded years and Srinivasans doctoral thesis is still not complete. There has been no more information about Srinivasans antecedents since she self-deported. Where did she go to school? When did she graduate from CEPT Ahmedabad? When did she first arrive in the US for a Masters programme? Available information suggests she completed that degree in 2017. That means she was then 29 years old if she is 37 now.

Indians finish Bachelors degrees at age 23 latest; it then took her six more years to finish her Masters! So when did she begin her PhD? What then could be the reason for her extended studentship? Are visas given for academic pursuits indefinite, allowing the holder to do whatever they like for as long as they like, as their universities are obligingly liberal with their grants? Is the liberal agenda to ensure that university students are drawn into activism?

It may be recalled that the 2013 petition to deny a US visa to Narendra Modi, then still Chief Minister of Gujarat to attend an event at Wharton, signed by 270 professors, students, lawyers, writers, doctors, and concerned citizens from Philadelphia and around the world had at least one-third Indian names. Not all of the Indian signatories may have been visa or Green Card holders, some may have been US citizens too, but is that their remit?

In October 2023, days after Hamas terrorists stormed across the Gaza border into Israel, slaughtered 1,200 people and took hundreds back as hostages, the Scholars of South Asia in Solidarity with Palestine" issued a statement in the US noting the longstanding affinities between Zionism, Hindutva, and US empire that are further heightened through military interdependence." Here too, the signatories were mostly Indian, mainly living in the US.

The statement went on to say, This relationship impacts ongoing Indian settler colonial violence in Kashmir as well as the widespread rise of authoritarianism across South Asia. We stand in solidarity with our fellow educators in occupied Palestine who have renewed their call for international academic institutions to stand with Palestinian people." Needless to add, these people are also well funded to carry out periodic academic research" in India and the US.

Interestingly, eight years after he signed that petition to deny Prime Minister Modi a US visa, one Indian-origin professor of social policy and practice received a Fulbright Scholarship to return to India. Besides research, the objectiveas proudly reported in his university journalwas to also connect his work to the classroom by exploring pedagogical strategies to bring together community members with students" of both the Indian and US universities.

Fulbrighters" are supposed to not only conduct cutting-edge research" but also expand their networks forged abroad to facilitate future partnerships between institutions". While they count 60 Nobel Prize and 86 Pulitzer Prize recipients and 37 world leaders, it must be remembered that Fulbright scholarships are sponsored by the State Department and funded through the US Congress. The implication of that fact must be considered very seriously.

Did Srinivasan, also a Fulbrighter fulfil that obligation to expand networks" in her home country, in lieu of a more relaxed deadline for her Masters? Networks are among people of similar ideological bent, obviously, so does it take much effort to deduce who the Fulbrighters are encouraged to facilitate partnerships with? Even a casual perusal of the activities and programmes of many such partner institutions, in India at least, are very telling.

This deafening silence on details about Srinivasanabout her life in India before going to the US, and the timeline of her academic journey thereis more puzzling than the supposed randomness of her deportation order by the US. Equally mysterious is her absence from social media. How likely is it that a person of her age has never commented on any current events, especially in a university culture riven by increasingly violent political activism?

Does the void indicate Srinivasans comments if they had remained available online would have left the world in no doubt about her stand on the issue that led to her visa being revoked? Had she been genuinely apolitical or not a Hamas supporter, surely her social media posts would have helped her case? The speed and efficiency with which all information on her has been wiped out indicates she had the support of technically savvy and thorough people.

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Given what we know (and dont know) about Ranjani Srinivasan, and increasing evidence that Indian academics abroadstudents and teachersare very much part of radical political activism in the US and can spread it back home subsequently, why would it be farfetched to consider that Bhutans government is not really unhappy about its country being put on the red list by Donald Trump? Maintaining happiness, after all, is Bhutans prime agenda.

The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 18, 2025, 08:09 IST
Right Word | How Pakistan And Turkey Are On Same Page When It Comes To Repression Of Baloch And Kurds

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 15:15 IST

There is a stark similarity between the way Pakistan as a state has subjugated the Baloch people and the way Turkey has suppressed Kurds who have raised the legitimate demand for Kurdistan

A man stands near charred truck containers torched by armed separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) at central Bolan district in Balochistan. (IMAGE: AFP FILE)

Even as the hijacking of Jaffar Express by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has brought the issue of Balochistans illegal occupation and suppression of the Baloch community by Pakistan state and its army, there is another community also that needs immediate attention.

There is a stark similarity between the way Pakistan as a state has subjugated the Baloch people and the way Turkey has suppressed Kurds who have raised the legitimate demand for Kurdistan. No wonder Pakistan and Turkey display bonhomie and back each other.

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It may be recalled that Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had made headlines recently with provocative statements directed at India, reinforcing his self-image as a global leader for all Muslim communities. During his two-day visit to Islamabad in February, he expressed support for Pakistan on various international matters, including the Kashmir issue. Demonstrating solidarity with the Kashmiri people, he called for a UN dialogue aimed at the resolution of the conflict, prompting a strong protest from the Indian government, which deemed his remarks objectionable" and unacceptable".

This was not the first time President Erdogan has targeted India rhetorically by invoking the Kashmir issue, nor the first instance of India retaliating against Turkeys actions. Particularly after Indias revocation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, and the bifurcation of the state into two union territories on August 5, 2019, Erdogan has consistently raised the matter at the UN General Assembly, framing it as a dispute between India and Pakistan and calling for its resolution under the UN framework in line with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Despite Indias repeated assertions that Kashmir is an integral part of its territory and its condemnation of Turkeys disregard for its sovereignty, the Turkish President has remained unyielding. However, despite his efforts to position himself as a champion of Muslim communities globally, his policies towards Turkeys largest ethnic minority, the Kurds, reveal a contradictory agenda.

The Kurds, constituting approximately 18 per cent of Turkeys population, are an ethnic group dispersed across Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran, with the largest population residing in Turkey. The Kurdish issue traces its origins to the aftermath of World War I, when the collapse of the Ottoman Empire fostered aspirations for an independent Kurdistan, aspirations that were ultimately thwarted when Western powers artificially demarcated national boundaries in the Middle East. The Kurds have endured political, economic, and cultural repression across these four countries, albeit to varying extents, and have engaged in numerous resistance movements, with their demands ranging from complete independence to increased autonomy.

In Turkey, the Kurdish issue has been particularly contentious. Since its establishment, the Turkish state has viewed any assertion of Kurdish identity as an existential threat, leading to harsh restrictions on the Kurdish language, dress, gatherings, and cultural expressions, while also keeping the Kurdish population socio-economically marginalised. Even efforts to voice these grievances through parliamentary channels were blocked, with Kurdish-oriented parties often being dissolved on charges of promoting separatism.

The growing frustration among the Kurds ultimately led to the formation of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) by Abdullah Ocalan in 1978, which initiated an insurgency against the Turkish state in 1984, demanding the creation of an independent Kurdish state. Since then, Turkish authorities have employed heavy-handed counter-insurgency tactics, subjecting the entire Kurdish population to pervasive security measures, arbitrary detentions, torture, and forced disappearances. Estimates suggest that the prolonged conflict between Kurdish insurgents and Turkish authorities has resulted in approximately 40,000 fatalities.

Since his rise to the Turkish political stage in 2003 as Prime Minister, and later as President from 2014, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has progressively consolidated power and significantly diminished opposition in all its forms. Leveraging populist support from Turkeys nationalist and conservative factions, he has weathered mobilisations such as the Gezi Park protests in June 2013 and the failed coup attempt in July 2016, among others. Simultaneously, he has pursued a vision of Turkey shaped by what is known as neo-Ottomanism, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the Ottoman Empire and the Islamic Caliphate. This has led him to reshape both Turkeys domestic and foreign policies, with the former exemplified by his decision to convert Istanbuls Hagia Sophia into a mosque, and the latter by his global advocacy for popular Muslim causes. His consistent focus on the Kashmir issue serves as a prominent example of this approach.

However, when examining his treatment of the Kurds within Turkey, Erdogans claims of global Muslim unity (the Ummah) and support for Muslim causes appear disingenuous. Like previous Turkish governments, and in some cases more severely, he has subjected the Kurdish population to brutalities, including drone strikes, under the guise of preserving territorial integrity and counter-insurgency. Furthermore, he has systematically obstructed Kurdish political mobilisation, denying them the opportunity to address Kurdish issues through peaceful parliamentary channels. Even when Kurdish candidates have won significant seats, they have been prevented from assuming their legitimate roles due to arbitrary state actions.

A notable example is Selahattin Demirtas, a charismatic presidential candidate often referred to as the Kurdish Obama, who secured vital seats in the 2015 elections but was charged with terrorism and has been imprisoned since 2016. In his harsh crackdown on the Kurds, Erdogan has also authorised Turkish military offensives in Syria and Iraq against the YPG (Peoples Protection Units), the armed wing of the Syrian Democratic Union Party (PYD), which has connections to the PKK.

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Viewed from this perspective, Erdogans advocacy for real or perceived Muslim causes appears hypocritical, serving as a diversion from the issues within his own country. Consequently, his disregard for Indias legitimate concerns regarding territorial integrity and sovereignty, while simultaneously perpetrating disproportionate violence in the name of Turkeys, does not go unnoticed. Erdogan must recognise this and cease focusing on the Kashmir issue, particularly at a time when the region is cautiously moving beyond past episodes of cross-border terrorism and violence. Instead, he should prioritise resolving the Kurdish issue through dialogue, negotiation, and compromise.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: March 18, 2025, 15:15 IST
A Constitutional Change, Another Gandhi In Saddle: Revival On Agenda As Congress Lands In Gujarat After 60 Years

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 09:37 IST

The meeting, essentially called with the mission of Saving the Constitution, will see the party itself bringing about changes in its internal constitution to set up an all-encompassing Election Management Committee

The constitutional change and Priyanka Vadras elevation could finally give her that formal stature in the party's power structure apart from freeing up Rahul Gandhi to focus on campaigning and Parliament duties. (PTI)

In a first in over 60 years, the Congress will hold its working committee meeting in Ahmedabad next month. Much has changed for the party in Gujarat where it once held power and has now been wiped out. However, Rahul Gandhis clarion call in Parliament, which came with a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he and his party would be defeated in his home state, has given some hope to beleaguered party workers in Gujarat.

At a meeting with his cadre recently, Gandhi tried to address the issue of workers abandoning the Congress. He also accused many state Congress leaders of being hand-in-glove with the BJP.

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At the CWC, however, the challenges for the Congress are many. The meeting, essentially called with the mission of Saving the Constitution", will see the party itself bringing about changes in its internal constitution  a move that is likely to change the dynamics in the Grand Old Party.

The Congress is planning to amend its constitution to set up an Election Management Committee. But why the need to change the constitution for the move? Thats because so far, this work was done by the organisation department as well as special committees announced from time to time.

Now, it is expected that the election committee will be given a formal and institutional shape. Likely to be filled with seniors like Mukul Wasnik and Ashok Gehlot, its being touted as Gandhis pet idea. According to Gandhi, the absence of such a body is one of the reasons behind the Congresss electoral losses. In fact, at the CWC, the revival path of the party will be discussed but Gandhi is of the view that this cannot happen as long as elections are manipulated".

The new committee will be made the most powerful body in the party, which will streamline its election management  including micro-managing campaigns, choosing candidates and alliances where needed. Till now, these decisions were taken by either the organisation in-charge or election managers and state in-charges.

There is also a huge demand for and possibility of Priyanka Vadra being given a pivotal role in the new committee. The constitutional change and Vadras elevation could finally give her that formal stature in the partys power structure. Vadra has emerged as the key trouble-shooter for the party during the Rajasthan crisis as well as the skirmishes in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. The move would also free up Rahul Gandhi to focus on campaigning and Parliament duties.

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It could also clip the wings of many powerful seniors in the party  an agenda that Gandhi has been trying to carry out for some time now.

The Ahmedabad CWC will not just be about saving the Indian Constitution but about resurrecting the party through a key constitutional change. And, possibly, putting yet another Gandhi firmly in the saddle.

About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 09:37 IST
Congress Says Rahul Gandhi 'Denied' Chance To Speak After PM Modi's 'Mahakumbh' Speech; BJP Cites Rules

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 21:50 IST

Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also voiced her concern over the lack of opportunity for the Opposition to express their views

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI file photos)

The Congress Party on Tuesday accused the central government of denying Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi the chance to speak after Prime Minister Narendra Modis address on the Mahakumbh.

Rahul Gandhi, leading the criticism, condemned PM Modi for not paying homage to the victims who lost their lives at the grand festival in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj last month.

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In a statement to the media following the Prime Ministers speech, Gandhi stressed the absence of a democratic structure" that should allow the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) the opportunity to respond.

We support what the PM said, Kumbh is our history and culture. Our only complaint is that the PM did not give Shraddhanjali to those who lost their lives in Kumbh. The youth who went to the Maha Kumbh also wants one more thing from the PM, which is employment As per the democratic structure, the LoP should get an opportunity to speak, but they wont let us. This is new India," Gandhi said.

#WATCH | Delhi: On PM Modis address in the Lok Sabha on Maha Kumbh, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, We support what the PM said, Kumbh is our history and culture. Our only complaint is that the PM did not give Shraddhanjali to those who lost their lives in Kumbh. The youth who pic.twitter.com/aTOb3Jq3q3 ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also voiced her concern over the lack of opportunity for the Opposition to express their views.

The Opposition also should have been given a chance to present their point because the Opposition also has sentiments towards it (Mahakumbh) and they should not have any problem if we expressed ourselves," Vadra noted.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal questioned PM Modis sudden statement about the Mahakumbh in the Lok Sabha. Without informing the House, suddenly the PM came and made a statement about Kumbh. What is the secrecy behind it?" he questioned.

Venugopal further criticised the denial of the opportunity for the LoP to speak, highlighting that it went against the democratic traditions of the House. The Leader of the Opposition also wanted to contribute. It is the tradition of the House. This is totally undemocratic," he said.

BJPs response

In response to Congresss accusations, BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended the governments actions, claiming that Rahul Gandhi did not understand the rules of the Lok Sabha".

#WATCH | Delhi | Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, The LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi does not know the rules of the Lok SabhaWhen the Prime Minister or the Minister addresses the house, no one is allowed to ask questions about that. He was told about that, but still, he pic.twitter.com/663jM8USvu ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

Singh further pointed out: When the Prime Minister or the Minister addresses the house, no one is allowed to ask questions about that. He was told about that, but still, he makes these kinds of statements just for the media."

Meanwhile, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya slammed Congress demand for a debate on Prime Ministers statement as another example of their ignorance getting ahead of Parliaments rules and procedures."

In a post on X, Malviya referred to Parliaments Rule 372, which states that a minister may make a statement on a matter of public importance with the consent of the Speaker, but no questions shall be asked at the time the statement is made."

ALSO READ: Maha Kumbh Demonstrated Indias Capabilities In Front Of World: PM Modi In Lok Sabha

Modis Mahakumbh Address

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Mahakumbh 2025 for strengthening the spirit of unity in the country and providing a fitting response to those who had questioned Indias ability to organise such a large-scale event.

We witnessed the enthusiasm and excitement of the Mahakumbh in India for about one and a half months. The way millions of devotees came together with devotion, rising above the concerns of convenience and inconvenience, is our greatest strength," Modi said during his speech in the Lok Sabha.

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Modi further stated that the success of the festival was a result of the contributions of countless people from the government and society.

The Mahakumbh, the worlds largest gathering, concluded in Prayagraj on Maha Shivratri, marking the final day of the festival on February 26.

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 18, 2025, 16:10 IST
'Egg On My Face': Shashi Tharoor On Opposing India's Stance On Russia-Ukraine War, BJP Reacts

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 19, 2025, 12:27 IST

Shashi Tharoor admitted he was wrong in opposing India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, now believing India's policy positions it to influence lasting peace

The Congress MP said the policy adopted by India following the outbreak of the conflict meant that the country has actually a prime minister who can hug both the president of Ukraine and the president in Moscow two weeks apart and be accepted in both places. (File photo)

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor Tuesday said he was left with an egg on his face in opposing Indias stance when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out and said due to the policy that was adopted, the country is now in a position where it can make a difference for lasting peace.

Tharoor criticized Indias position when Russia invaded Ukraine, calling for a condemnation of the aggression. The Congress MP pointed out that Indias approach to the conflict allowed the country to have a prime minister who could visit both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents two weeks apart and be welcomed in both capitals.

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During an interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, the former Minister of State for External Affairs admitted, I am still wiping the egg off my face because I was one of the few in the parliamentary debate who criticised Indias position back in February 2022."

The Thiruvananthapuram MP explained that his criticism was based on well-established principles, such as the violation of the UN charter, the principle of inviolability of borders, and Ukraines sovereignty. He emphasised that India had historically opposed the use of force to resolve international disputes, and all these principles were breached by one party, which should have been condemned.

Three years later, Tharoor acknowledged that the policy now seems to have been validated, as Indias prime minister was able to maintain good relations with both the Ukrainian and Russian leaders.

Tharoor added that India is in a unique position to influence lasting peace, given its global standing and its geographical distance from Europe. He mentioned that while he couldnt speak for the government as an opposition member, if a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine were to emerge, India might be open to sending peacekeepers.

He noted that since Russia had rejected European peacekeepers from NATO countries, other nations, like India, could play a role. Speaking as an Indian parliamentarian, I dont think there would be significant resistance to that idea," Tharoor stated, recalling the opposition in 2003 when India was asked to send troops to Iraq after the American invasion.

Tharoor clarified that he didnt foresee similar resistance for Ukraine, and if peace were reached, India might consider contributing peacekeepers. He also highlighted Indias long-standing commitment to global stability, citing the countrys participation in over 49 peacekeeping missions.

BJP Attacks Congress

Attacking Congress, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya hit out at Rahul Gandhi and said, This will likely leave Rahul Gandhi red faced, with the Congress media department scrambling to clarify that Shashi Tharoors remarks reflect his personal viewsnot the partys official stancedespite Tharoor having led the partys charge on the issue in Parliament."

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has admitted he was wrong in opposing Indias neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. He acknowledged that Indias diplomatic balance has given Prime Minister Narendra Modi the unique position of being able to engage with both Ukraine and Russia without hostility," he added.

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This will likely leave Rahul Gandhi red faced, with the Congress media department scrambling to clarify that Shashi Tharoors remarks reflect his personal viewsnot the partys official stancedespite Tharoor having led the partys charge on the issue in Parliament.Congress pic.twitter.com/zrU7xb5TYx  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 19, 2025

Tharoor remarked, Three years later, it does look like Im the one with egg on my face, conceding that Indias position has allowed Modi to embrace both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents within weeks. He noted that Indias geographical distance from the conflict and lack of direct stakes in territorial shifts contributed to the success of its neutral approach," Malviya wrote on X.

First Published: March 18, 2025, 22:21 IST
Nagpur Violence Over False Claims Of Holy Book's Desecration Premeditated, Involved Outsiders, Alleges VHP

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 12:19 IST

Speaking to News18, Alok Kumar, VHPs international president and senior advocate, claimed that some of the accused identified include people from Bengal, proving the violence was pre-planned

Charred remains of two-wheelers lie on a roadside in the aftermath of a violence that erupted on Monday in Nagpur. (PTI)

Senior functionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliate Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) have said the spate of recent violence in Nagpur, allegedly triggered by claims of desecration of a holy book, was not spontaneous but premeditated. The statement followed the imposition of curfew in Nagpur.

They also claimed that the allegation of desecrating the holy book was false and there was an involvement of outsiders who fomented trouble. While the RSS has distanced itself from the row, saying the protests were neither official nor announced, some Hindu groups have taken matters into their own hands.

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Meanwhile, the VHP vowed to continue its agitation against the veneration of Aurangzebs tomb. Speaking with News18, Alok Kumar, VHPs international president and senior advocate, said: I am sorry about the violence perpetrated by the Muslim community in Nagpur. I understand that some of the persons who have been identified include people who are not from Nagpur, and some of them are from Bengal. This shows that there was premeditation and preparation for this."

He added: The statements that a holy book has been desecrated are entirely false and being circulated by some people with vested interests, who want to create disharmony. I look forward to the restoration of peace in Nagpur. Kumar also said the organisation would continue with its movement against the veneration of Aurangzebs tomb.

In an official statement issued by the VHP, the organisation stated: VHP has demanded strict action against the jihadis who spread rumours and carried out violence and arson in Nagpur. It has also demanded that a memorial of revered Dhanaji Jadhav, Santaji Ghorpade, and Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj be built in place of Aurangzebs tomb."

Condemning the incident, VHPs central general secretary, Milind Parande, said: Homes of our youth wing Bajrang Dal workers were attacked, many Hindu households were targeted, and even women were not spared. The Vishva Hindu Parishad strongly condemns all of this in the harshest terms. It is extremely shameful that not only was a lie spread that Hindu society had burned verses (from the holy book), but also a vile attempt was made to incite violence. The strongest possible action must be taken against such anti-social, jihadi elements."

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He added: The glorification of Aurangzebs tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) must stop immediately and any plans to renovate it should not even be considered. Instead, a victory memorial should be built there to honour Shri Dhanaji Jadhav, Shri Santaji Ghorpade, and Chhatrapati Shri Rajaram Maharaj  those who defeated Aurangzeb in the Maratha empire. The Vishva Hindu Parishad is making this demand and calls for immediate and strict action against all those involved in the violence to crush such elements decisively."

Senior RSS functionaries said the programmes are not official or announced stands of the RSS. There are some Hindu groups which spearheaded spontaneous agitation and the film Chhava, reaffirmed their ideas.

About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More

Location : Nagpur, India, India

First Published: March 18, 2025, 12:13 IST
Rahul Gandhi Can't Differentiate Between Horse and Donkey: BJP MLA In Gujarat Assembly

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 23:59 IST

In a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, BJP MLA Arjun Modhwadia said the Congress leader did not even know the difference between a horse and a donkey, let alone between a racehorse and the one used in wedding processions

In an apparent reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BJP MLA Arjun Modhwadia said a leader in Delhi who inherited an entire party. (Image: YouTube/Sansad TV)

BJP MLA Arjun Modhwadia on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Gujarat legislative assembly, saying though the latter had inherited" an entire party, he cannot differentiate between a horse and donkey.

Modhwadia, who was with the Congress till last year, made the remark during the budget session of the legislative assembly. He earlier served as the Gujarat Congress president and as the Leader of Opposition in the past before he switched sides and became a BJP MLA from Porbandar in June 2024.

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Without taking Gandhis name, he said the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha could not differentiate between a horse and a donkey. In his latest interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented his vision for not only India but for the entire world. If you want to know what wisdom is, you should watch that interview. He showed the path to the entire world," he said.

In an apparent reference to Gandhi, he further said a leader in Delhi who inherited an entire party. While others received vision and moral values (sanskar) as inheritance, this leader received an entire party as inheritance. During a recent trip to Gujarat, he reiterated that he is still unsure which Gujarat party leader is a racehorse and which ones are used in wedding processions," he claimed.

I heard the same speech in 2012 when I was with the Congress. He made the same remarks after 13 years," he added.

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The BJP MLA further said Gandhi did not even know the difference between a horse and a donkey, let alone between a racehorse and the one used in wedding processions. On Rahul Gandhis statement that the Congress could sack up to 40 leaders if the need arises to clean the party in BJP-ruled Gujarat, he said, I feel bad for leaders like Amit Chavda and Tushar Chaudhary who work hard for their party, and then they get such a certificate from their leader. In such a situation, Chavda and Chaudhary should ask their leader when he wants that list of 40-50 leaders."

During his visit to Gujarat earlier this month, Gandhi had said he would not hesitate to weed out party leaders who were not dedicated to the Congresss ideology.

About the Author Oindrila Mukherjee Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st... Read More Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st... Read More

Location : Gujarat, India, India

First Published: March 18, 2025, 23:59 IST
Uttarakhand's 'Cursed' Ministerial Residence R-2 Claims Another Victim

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 16:31 IST

Premchand Aggarwal, appointed minister in 2022, resigned before completing his term after residing in R-2, continuing a trend of ministers leaving prematurely after living there

The alleged curse dates back to the state's formation. (News18 Hindi)

A seemingly ordinary government residence in Dehraduns Yamuna Colony has become a source of local intrigue, with whispers of a ministerial curse circulating among Uttarakhands political circles.

Residence R-2, home to state government ministers, has gained notoriety for an unusual pattern: no minister who has resided there has managed to complete their full term in office.

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The latest casualty of this supposed curse is Premchand Agarwal, who was recently asked to resign. Agarwal, who spent a significant portion of his time at R-2, was relieved of his ministerial duties before completing three years of his tenure. His departure on Wednesday, following his resignation on Sunday, has reignited discussions about the residences peculiar history.

The alleged curse dates back to the states formation. In 2002, Cabinet Minister Shoorveer Singh Sajwan, then Irrigation Minister, was assigned R-2. Sajwans tenure was cut short due to controversies, forcing him to resign.

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In 2012, Minister Harak Singh Rawat was allocated the infamous residence, only to rebel and resign from his post in 2016. His second stint as minister in 2017, when he was once again assigned R-2, met a similar fate.

Adding fuel to the myth, Premchand Aggarwal, appointed minister in the Dhami government in 2022, became the latest in a string of ministers who failed to complete their terms after residing in R-2.

Location : Dehradun, India, India

First Published: March 18, 2025, 16:31 IST
Ever since the North American division of a South Korean company first proposed a large-scale solar panel farm just north of the Linn-Lane County border two years ago, local farmers have been organizing against it and holding their collective breaths with dread as decision-makers in Salem have the final say.

As the application deadline looms  with none turned in so far  however, they are still holding their breaths, this time in hopes they may soon forget they ever heard the words Muddy Creek Solar Energy Park.

We're starting to feel pretty good. Pretty darn good, Dave Rogers said. He was speaking to a crowd of about 60 people who had gathered at Harrisburg High School last week to hear several representatives and guests of Friends of Gap Road, a grassroots group that formed to oppose the 1,588-acre solar farm proposed east of Junction City and southwest of Brownsville.

Hanwha Q Cells USA Corp. of Irvine, California announced in May 2023 its intention to site enough 4-by-8-foot solar panels to power a small town  around 34,000 homes  there, and its preliminary application is due May 18.

Jenny Kalez, communications director of the state Department of Energy, confirmed on Friday, March 14, that no such application has come in.

The state Energy Facility Siting Council, an independent body with members appointed by the governor  much to the chagrin of Linn County leaders who would prefer to to be in charge  is ultimately the panel that will decide if the project is a go. If members find that there is good cause for the delay, they may authorize a one-time, one-year extension of the deadline, Kalez wrote in an email.

At this time, we do not know what studies the applicant may have conducted or still needs to conduct, she said. The only materials (Oregon Department of Energy) has received from the applicant include the May 2023 Notice of Intent and supplemental, associated documents (available on our website). No preliminary application materials have been submitted.

A representative from the company did not return emailed and voicemail requests for an interview.

Because the proposed site may also be habitat of a threatened wildlife species, the streak horned lark, Rogers, a spokesperson for Friends of Gap Road, said Q Cells is also required to undertake a two-year study into the projects impact on the handsome birds.

Theyre a long ways from being able to file a real application. So again, we're feeling pretty good, he said to applause on Tuesday, March 11.

Quite honestly, said Troy Jones, one of the founders of the Friends group, he was hoping for a larger crowd: This is a rather small group tonight. I'm pleased you're all here, but I had hoped for 100 or better tonight.

Despite reason for optimism, Jones urged vigilance. We need to continue to instill in our loved ones, our friends, that we have to have a voice in this.

Friends of Gap Road registered with the state as a political action committee in May 2024. It has collected mostly small donations from Linn County locals (the largest $6,089 comes from Jones himself) and made its case against the solar farm before area city councils. Brownsville has come aboard, but Harrisburg leaders have decided to stay neutral.

Linn County commissioners have lamented it was out of their hands.

The PAC also shared on Tuesday a YouTube video that features a voiceover from actor Sam Elliott, who owns a ranch south of Brownsville, his iconic deep voice prompting a round of applause.

The group has made many claims about why its against the project, but last week, the speakers mostly focused on the threat it represents to water and soil quality and to Oregon farmland, a land use being squeezed by outside forces that covet the large, flat parcels for hotels, mansionization and other non-farm uses.

Jim Johnson, now retired from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, told the gathering that despite laws enacted to preserve farmland, the state lost 667,000 acres of farmland between 2017 and 2022 alone. And just because land remains zoned exclusively for farming doesnt mean its being used that way.

They go out and buy an old house, you know, a 400-square-foot, 150-year house, and replace it with a 10,000-square-foot house. And they're not farming, he said, showing ostentatious examples in a slideshow presentation.

Farmer Dave Neal, the event's first speaker and chair of the Linn Soil and Water Conservation District, said solar farms should be situated in cities.

I'm not sure why we're not looking at improving the infrastructure on that urbanization. Why aren't we putting more solar panels on the urbanization, not in the farmland and changing the use from ag to industrial? he asked.

Related stories:
Google Chief Sundar Pichai Thanks SpaceX For Launching AI-Powered FireSat Satellite: All You Need To Know

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 10:47 IST

Google is using the power of AI on satellites to detect wildfires in vulnerable areas before they cause devastation and losses of millions to people.

Google thought of using drones but satellites have become cheaper to deploy in 2025

Google is using the power of AI to help countries tackle the growing wildfire issue by helping them with early warning about possible events. The company is doing this with the help of FireSat satellites that were recently launched into space via the SpaceX launch vehicle.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has even thanked the Elon Musk-owned company for its efforts and talked about the new program that will help in detecting wildfires using the AI tech on board the satellites.

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We have liftoff! After a successful launch this weekend, the first FireSat satellite is now orbiting Earth  Its the first of a 50+ satellite constellation that will help detect + track wildfires as small as 55 meters, using AI. Huge thanks to partners @MuonSpace @EarthFireAll pic.twitter.com/QlaNHXOssD Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) March 17, 2025

Google FireSat AI Satellite: What It Is And How It Works

FireSat AI satellite relies on the technology to detect possible wildfires from space. Google has built the constellation of satellites with the help of the Earth Fire Alliance, the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation and Muon Space.

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The FireSat launch via SpaceX vehicle this month promises to detect wildfires early and alert the agencies within 20 minutes. Google.org has supported the initiative and the launch of FireSat constellation by offering $13 million.

Google is putting its advanced AI tech to good use for the new detection feature, using imagery of the location from previous events, and also taking help of the weather conditions to develop a pattern for the fire incidents in a region. The company had thought about using high-altitude drones for its detection support but the drastic drop in price of satellites and the right partner convinced Google to take the space route for its project.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More

News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : California, USA

First Published: March 18, 2025, 10:47 IST
Locals In Pakistan Loot Laptops, Desktops, Tech Equipments After Fake Call Centre Busted. Internet Has A Field Day

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 17:37 IST

The call centre, which was run by Chinese nationals in sector F-11, was accused of engaging in fraudulent activities.

Locals are seen stealing laptops. (Photo Credit: X)

Pakistans Islamabad witnessed a chaotic scene as locals raided and looted a fake call centre moments after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted a search operation in Sector F-11. The call centre, reportedly run by Chinese nationals, was allegedly involved in international fraud.

On March 12, the FIA, along with intelligence agencies, raided the facility, uncovering its suspected role in large-scale scams targeting victims across multiple countries. Over two dozen individuals were arrested, but several Chinese nationals reportedly managed to escape, according to FIA sources cited by Aaj English. The operation revealed that both foreigners and Pakistani locals were being used to carry out fraudulent activities.

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The detained suspects will be taken to the FIA office for further questioning.

Videos circulating on social media show men of all ages looting the premisessnatching laptops, desktop computers, monitors, keyboards, extension cables, and even tableware and furnishings in a frenzy. The scene quickly turned into a free-for-all.

Pakistanis have looted a call centre operated by Chinese in Islamabad; hundreds of laptops and electronic components, along with furniture and cutlery, were stolen during the holy month of Ramadan," a social media user shared the video on X (previously Twitter) and said.

Pakistanis have Looted Call Centre operated by Chinese in Islamabad; Hundreds of Laptop, electronic components along with furniture and cutlery stolen during holy month of Ramadan pic.twitter.com/z6vjwBRRsq Megh Updates  (@MeghUpdates) March 17, 2025

Shared on March 17, the video has garnered over 4 lakh views so far. Without a doubt, people had a field day in the comments section after the video grabbed attention.

A user wrote, Pakistan is the only country where opening a business is riskier than investing in crypto."

Another commented, Looks like they mistook a call centre for a charity drive: everything from laptops to cutlery gone!"

China looted the entire Pakistan. Pakistanis looted a few computers and printers of China," a user remarked on X.

China owned call center in Islamabad looted by Pakistanis. Bhikharistan for a reason," another user said.

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In Pakistan, such instances of public stealing are not uncommon. Hundreds of people broke into a newly opened mall in Karachi last September, stole clothing, damaged the property, and forced their way inside.

Despite the staffs desperate attempts to keep the throng under control, they poured into the store with force and quickly emptied them.

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 18, 2025, 17:37 IST
Meta Employee Says He Was Fired A Day Before Bonus Payout For 'Sharing' Internal Info With Wife

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 10:42 IST

Riley Berton described his termination as "incredibly sad and terrible and so very very silly."

Riley Berton worked as a Staff Software Engineer at Meta. (Representative Image)

A former Meta employee, Riley Berton, has alleged that he was fired for sharing an internal company update with his wife, despite the information already being public. In a LinkedIn post, the ex Staff Software Engineer called the decision incredibly sad, terrible, and so very, very silly."

Its incredibly sad and terrible when someone loses their job. You form these friendships with your colleagues, you drive each other to improve and learn and create amazing technology together, and then one day: Poof! Its like they suddenly died," Berton wrote.

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He explained in his post that on January 14, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted an update on the companys internal platform, Workplace, about getting tougher on low performers in the current performance review cycle." This information was soon leaked to media outlets like Business Insider and The Verge.

But Berton insisted he was not the source of the leak and had only shared a portion of the post with his wife.

Its clear that leaking internal company information to the press is very against the policy" we sign in our employment contracts with Meta and I would never leak information to the press like this (I dont even know any reporters). What I did do was share a portion of this post with my wife and this got me fired," he wrote.

Berton said the timing of his message shows he could not have been the one who leaked the information.

The timestamp on the BI post is right about the time I sent this post to my spouse so I cant have been the leaker" or harmed the company in any way," he continued.

He further explained that if his wife had read it over his shoulder or taken a photo, nothing would have happened.

If I took my laptop to a reporter and let them take a photo of the post, I would not be writing this," Berton added.

He claimed that his termination happened just one day before he was set to receive a bonus. He had received an Exceeds Expectations" rating for the previous year.

I had just received an Exceeds Expectations" rating for the prior year. Coincidentally, my termination date is the day before I was to receive a bonus for my outstanding performance," Berton wrote.

Berton also claimed that hundreds" of his Meta employees had been dismissed under similar circumstances.

I am also hearing stories of people who copy and pasted the text of this post into their own Notes apps on their own laptops and were fired for it because Apple Notes syncs to iCloud," he wrote.

The Verge had earlier reported that Meta fired around 20 employees for leaking confidential company information.

A Meta spokesperson, Dave Arnold, told The Verge, We tell employees when they join the company, and we offer periodic reminders, that it is against our policies to leak internal information, no matter the intent."

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We recently conducted an investigation that resulted in roughly 20 employees being terminated for sharing confidential information outside the company, and we expect there will be more. We take this seriously, and will continue to take action when we identify leaks," he added.

Meta has been increasing its efforts to track down employees who share internal details. According to The Verge, the company saw a rise in leaks about upcoming product plans and private meetings including one recently led by Zuckerberg.

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 18, 2025, 10:42 IST
Stunning Footage Of Four Snow Leopards In Pakistan Will Take Your Breath Away

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 18:16 IST

The breathtaking footage, captured by Sakhawat Ali, a gamekeeper and photography enthusiast from Pakistan, shows not one, but four snow leopards in their natural habitat.

Its believed that only about 3,920 snow leopards remain in the wild. (Photo Credit: YouTube)

Wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists are excited over a rare sighting of snow leopards in the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan. The breathtaking footage, captured by Sakhawat Ali, a gamekeeper and photography enthusiast from the village of Hushe, shows not one, but four snow leopards in their natural habitat. Its believed that only about 3,920 snow leopards remain in the wild. Ali, who tracked the pawprints of Ghost of the Mountains for two weeks, managed to film them on March 13 in the snow-covered Central Karakoram National Park, located near K2, the worlds second-highest mountain.

Speaking with CNN, Ali said, When I was on the rooftop of my house, I saw some movements in the mountains. When I looked with my binoculars, I saw one female first and then behind it were its cubs moving alongside. In the village, people in Hushe are used to seeing snow leopards, but nobody, not even the elders that I spoke to have never seen four snow leopards in one go."

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Sakhawat Ali described himself as lucky" when he spotted the snow leopards together while observing a nearby cliff. Excited by the rare sighting, he quickly grabbed his camera and recorded the moment from a safe distance of 200 meters. People in his village, Hushe are excited about the sighting. On the other hand, some villagers are also worried that these big cats might attack their farm animals like goats and sheep.

 A rare and breathtaking sight in the mountains of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan: four majestic snow leopards together in one frame!  These elusive creatures are not only a symbol of the wild beauty that graces our planet, but also serve as a keystone species in their pic.twitter.com/8TXxs8uBPw  WWF-Pakistan (@WWFPak) March 14, 2025

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The World Wildlife Fund for Nature in Pakistan is pleased about the sighting but reminded everyone that snow leopards are still endangered. They face many dangers, including habitat loss to poaching." The organisation further shared that local communities must come together to protect these rare big cats. This will help future generations to witness their splendour in the wild." They also added that by working together, people can help preserve the planets most valuable wildlife.

Reportedly, snow leopards only live in high mountain areas like the Himalayas. Although they exist in 12 countries, including China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia and Mongolia, it is very rare to see them in the wild.

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 18, 2025, 18:16 IST
Watch: Womans Joy Turns Into Shock After Ex-Husband Says No To Child Support

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 16:55 IST

The clip, originally from Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, shows Erica Mena celebrating her divorce, until she is hit with the news that Safaree will not be providing child support.

Erica Mena and Safaree Samuels share two children, Safire Majesty and Legend Brian. (Photo Credit: X)

Reality TV star Erica Mena made headlines when a video of her emotional reaction to discovering she would not receive child support from her ex-husband, actor Safaree, went viral. The clip, originally from Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, captures Erica initially celebrating her divorce and securing primary custody of her children. But her happiness quickly turns to distress upon learning, possibly from her lawyer, that Safaree will not be contributing financially. The video, now resurfacing online, shows her in tears as she processes the news, sparking a debate about child support and how its misused at times.

In the clip, she says, Im officially divorced. Im officially primary custodian of the kids." During the call, when Erica asks about child support, there is a brief pause before she appears shocked and responds, Thats crazy. Are you kidding me?" She then goes on to add that without this, the financial burden of her children falls on her. Its not fair," she adds.

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The video, posted on X (formerly Twitter), was captioned, She was happy divorcing her husband then finds out he not paying for child support."

She was happy divorcing her husband then finds out he not paying for child support Reacting to the post, a user said, Divorces a man, sues for primary custody, wins, then is distraught over not getting paid for it. Yes, you wanted the kids to yourself that badly, didnt you? Or did you not?" Another wrote, She left the marriage, but the bills stayed loyal." The child support system is one of the most abused systems and nobody cares because its usually used against men," one of the comments read. Another user stated, Sadly, in situations where there is wealth involved, primary custody is often about having their life financed. Cant fully judge that but she has wealth of her own, she just doesnt want to take away from her own money and is upset that he isnt liable to finance their lives." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all One more user added, Its obvious child support was probably one of the main reasons she pulled the trigger on that divorce." Since the video from Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta was shared on X, it has garnered over 15 million views.

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 18, 2025, 16:37 IST
Rajnath Singh Tells Netherlands Counterpart To Stop Arms Supplies To 'Terrorism Sponsor' Pakistan

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 18:55 IST

A source from the Defence Ministry told News18 that Singhs message, delivered during Berkelmans' official visit to New Delhi, was "loud and clear"

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Dutch counterpart Ruben Berkelmans in New Delhi on Monday. (Image via X)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday urged his Dutch counterpart Ruben Berkelmans to stop supplying military technology or equipment to Pakistan, citing Islamabads involvement in sponsoring terrorism" as the key reason for the request.

A source from the Defence Ministry told News18 that Singhs message, delivered during Berkelmans official visit to New Delhi, was loud and clear."

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Singh made the request during a discussion with Berkelmans on enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and the Netherlands in areas such as defence, security, information exchanges, the Indo-Pacific, and emerging technologies.

During the meeting, Singh also highlighted the Netherlands previous supply of two former Tripartite-class minehuntersHNLMS Middelburg (M858) and HNLMS Haarlem (M853)to Pakistan in 2022.

Shortly after the meeting, the Union Defence Minister took to social media platform X, stating that they had reviewed the full range of India-Netherlands defence cooperation.

Delighted to meet the young and dynamic Defence Minister of Netherlands, Mr. Ruben Berkelmans in New Delhi. We reviewed the full range of India-Netherlands defence cooperation. We look forward to further deepen and elevate our defence partnership. The areas of our discussion included defence, cyber security, Indo-Pacific and emerging technologies like AI," Singh wrote.

Delighted to meet the young and dynamic Defence Minister of Netherlands, Mr. Ruben Berkelmans in New Delhi. We reviewed the full range of India-Netherlands defence cooperation.We look forward to further deepen and elevate our defence partnership. The areas of our discussion pic.twitter.com/S4x1bXk81n  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 18, 2025

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A press release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) noted that during Singh and Berkelmans meeting, the two leaders explored potential areas for deeper cooperation in sectors such as shipbuilding, equipment, and space. They also discussed optimising the complementary skills, technology, and scale of both countries in these fields.

The two leaders also discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including defence, security, information exchanges, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

About the Author Akash Sharma Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin... Read More Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin... Read More

First Published: March 18, 2025, 18:18 IST
Continuation Of Genocide: Iran Condemns Gaza Strikes, Qatar Says Israeli Actions Could Ignite Region

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 18:07 IST

Iran condemned Israel's air strikes in Gaza, calling them genocide and blaming the US. Over 400 were killed. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Russia also urged a ceasefire.

Palestinians make their way to flee their homes, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Iran condemned Israels wave of air strikes in Gaza on Tuesday, the deadliest since a truce took effect in January.

In a statement, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei called the strikes a continuation of the genocide and ethnic cleansing" in the Palestinian territories, and accused the United States of direct responsibility" in the attack.

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Israel carried out its heaviest attacks since the start of the ceasefire overnight, with the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reporting more than 400 people killed.

Baqaei warned of the catastrophic consequences and implications of this situation on global peace and security".

Iran does not recognise Israel, which its officials refer to as the Zionist regime", and Tehran has made support for the Palestinian cause a pillar of its foreign policy since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979.

Tehran also supports the Palestinian militant group Hamas, with which Israel has been at war in Gaza since the groups October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, the ceasefire took effect on January 19, largely halting more than 15 months of fighting in the Palestinian territory triggered by the October 7 attack.

The first phase of the ceasefire ended in early March, and the two warring parties have been unable to agree on the next steps.

Ignite The Region

Gaza war mediator Qatar on Tuesday strongly condemned Israels resumed attacks that killed more than 400 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Qatars foreign ministry warns that (Israels) escalating policies will ultimately ignite the region and undermine its security and stability", it said in a statement.

Saudi Condemns Strikes In Strongest Terms

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned Israels bombing of unarmed civilians" after more than 400 people were killed in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

A foreign ministry statement voiced Saudi Arabias condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the Israeli occupation forces resumption of aggression and their direct bombardment of areas populated by unarmed civilians".

Re-establish Ceasefire

The British government called on Israel and Hamas Tuesday to implement their ceasefire agreement for Gaza in full", urging all parties to return urgently to dialogue" to end fighting.

We want to see this ceasefire agreement re-established as soon as possible," said Prime Minister Keir Starmers spokesman, adding that reported civilian casualties from Israeli strikes overnight were appalling".

Kremlin Regrets Deaths Of Gazans

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Russia on Tuesday condemned Israels renewed strikes on the Gaza strip, which killed more than 400 people according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry.

Moscow deeply regrets Israels resumption of its military operation in the Gaza Strip," the Russian foreign ministry said. Russia strongly condemns any action that leads to the death of civilians and destruction of social infrastructure."

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

Location : Tehran/London/Moscow

First Published: March 18, 2025, 18:06 IST
Trump Ahead Of Ukraine Call With Putin: 'Many Elements Agreed To, But Much Remains'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 10:01 IST

Donald Trump will speak with Putin today about ending the war in Ukraine. Ahead of the talks, Trump said that many elements of a final agreement are already settled.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin (Photo: AP)

Ahead of his scheduled talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump, on Monday night said many elements of a final agreement had already been agreed to, however, added that much remains.

He also said he was very much" looking forward to the call with Putin.

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Tomorrow morning I will be speaking to President Putin concerning the War in Ukraine. Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains," Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Thousands of young soldiers, and others, are being killed. Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW," he said.

I look very much forward to the call with President Putin," Trump added.

On Monday, Trump had said that he planned to speak to Putin on Tuesday and discuss ending the war in Ukraine after what he said had been positive talks between Steve Witkoff, his special envoy, and Putin in Moscow.

The US President said a lot of work had been done over the weekend and he thought Washington had a very good chance of bringing the Ukraine war to an end.

Trump said he would speak about land and power plants" but gave no details.

ALSO READ | PM Modi Persuaded Putin Not To Use Tactical Nuclear Weapons: Polish Minister On Ukraine War | Exclusive

The US President 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.

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Officials in the United States had also expressed optimism that a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire deal could be reached in weeks", ahead of talks between the two leaders.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed on Monday that Putin would talk to Trump by phone on Tuesday.

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 18, 2025, 09:22 IST
In Call With Trump, Putin Agrees To Pause Strikes On Ukraine's Energy Targets For 30 Days

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 23:38 IST

US President Donald Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days, to which Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed and gave immediate military orders

President Trump with Russian Counterpart Putin (Reuters/File)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day pause on attacks against Ukraines energy infrastructure as proposed by US President Donald Trump during their telephone call, which lasted more than two hours on Tuesday.

During the conversation, Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from attacks on energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Putin gave a positive response to this initiative and immediately gave the corresponding order to the Russian military.

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According to the Kremlin, Trump and Putin conducted a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine. The former expressed his gratitude to the latter for his desire to help achieve the goal of ending hostilities and human losses.

Readout of President Donald J. Trumps Call with President Vladimir Putin:Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the  Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 18, 2025

In context of the US Presidents initiative to introduce a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side outlined a number of significant points on ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire line of combat contact, the need to stop forced mobilisation in Ukraine and rearm the Ukrainian armed forces.

Serious risks associated with the inability to negotiate of the Kyiv regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements reached, were also noted. Attention was drawn to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against the civilian population of the Kursk region," the statement read.

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Here is all you need to know:

Having confirmed his fundamental commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, Putin said he was ready to work together with his American partners to thoroughly explore possible ways of resolving the conflict but asserted that it should be comprehensive, sustainable and long-term". And, of course, to take into account the absolute need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, and Russias legitimate interests in the field of security," read the statement. It was stressed that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution through political and diplomatic means should be the complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv. In connection with Trumps recent appeal to spare the lives of Ukrainian servicemen surrounded in the Kursk region, Putin said the Russian side is ready to be guided by humanitarian considerations and, in the event of surrender, guarantees the lives and decent treatment of Ukrainian soldiers as per Russian and international laws. Putin informed that on March 19, a prisoner exchange will be carried out between the Russian and Ukrainian sides  175 for 175 people. In addition, as a gesture of goodwill, 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen who are being treated in Russian medical institutions will be transferred. Putin further constructively responded to Trumps idea of implementing a well-known initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. It was agreed that negotiations will begin to further elaborate specific details of such an agreement. Putin told Trump that on March 19, a prisoner exchange will be carried out between the Russian and Ukrainian sides  175 for 175 people. In addition, as a gesture of goodwill, 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen, who are being treated in Russian medical institutions, will be transferred. Both the leaders confirmed their intention to continue efforts to achieve a Ukrainian settlement in a bilateral mode, including taking into account Trumps proposals. For this, Russian and American expert groups are being created. Putin and Trump also touched upon other issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Joint efforts will be made to stabilize the situation in crisis areas, establish cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security. This, in turn, will contribute to improving the overall atmosphere of Russian-American relations. One positive example is the joint vote in the UN on the resolution on the Ukrainian conflict," the statement read. The leaders expressed mutual interest in normalising bilateral relations between the two countries to ensure security and stability in the world. In this context, a wide range of areas in which our countries could establish cooperation was considered. A number of ideas were discussed that go towards developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the economy and energy sector in the long term," the statement read. Trump supported Putins idea to organise hockey matches in the US and Russia between Russian and American players playing in the NHL and KHL. The presidents agreed to stay in touch on all issues raised.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 18, 2025, 20:30 IST
European Leaders Push For Unified Defence Force As US Dithers On Support For Ukraine | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 16:03 IST

Fears of a potential US withdrawal, either through a policy shift under President Donald Trump or a broader NATO pullback, have driven the push for European self-reliance

French President Emmanuel Macron has also proposed expanding the nuclear umbrella to cover all of Europe. (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron is spearheading an initiative to establish a common European Defence Force, aiming to raise 650 billion within the next three to five years. The move comes amidst uncertainty about the future of US support for Ukraine in the war with Russia and aims to bolster Europes defence capabilities.

Currently, the US provides 20 per cent of Ukraines military equipment, with Europe contributing the rest. Fears of a potential US withdrawal, either through a policy shift under President Donald Trump or a broader NATO pullback, have driven the push for European self-reliance.

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Several options are on the table, including a European peacekeeping force, a joint European army fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, and a shared European arms stockpile. Each option presents challenges, from potential Russian aggression to the need for increased defence spending and industrial cooperation among EU member states.

Macron has also proposed expanding the nuclear umbrella to cover all of Europe. However, with only France and the UK possessing nuclear arsenals after Brexit, questions remain about its effectiveness without NATOs backing.

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To finance the ambitious project, the European Commission is exploring the use of the European Investment Bank for defence projects and seeks to increase private sector involvement in European defence. A common EU defence budget is also under discussion. However, with Europe facing economic headwinds, securing contributions from member states prioritising domestic interests poses a significant challenge.

In a show of support, China has signalled its backing for Europes efforts, with Chinese leaders expressing their disagreement with US proposals for a ceasefire in Ukraine without Ukrainian involvement.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : France

First Published: March 18, 2025, 16:03 IST
Israel Carries Out Major Strikes In Gaza After Ceasefire Talks With Hamas Stall, Over 400 Killed

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Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 16:02 IST

The Israeli Army struck Gaza, killing at least 400 people, including five children, amid stalled ceasefire talks with Hamas

Mourners and a paramedic move the body of a Palestinian, killed in an Israeli strike, according to medics, at Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. (Photo: Reuters)

The Israeli Army said on Tuesday that it was carrying out extensive strikes" on the Gaza Strip, as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas had stalled.

In a post on Telegram, the Israeli army said it was currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip," adding that further details would follow. Israeli Army later urged Gaza residents to move away from borders.

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Israel also promised increasing military force in Gaza. Early Tuesday morning, Israels Prime Ministers office said it instructed the army to strike Hamas across Gaza.

The statement said it was because of Hamas repeated refusals to release its hostages and its rejection of all offers it received from the US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators.

The strikes come after nearly two months of a ceasefire to pause the 17-month-long war where dozens of hostages were released for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

At least 400 killed

Gazas civil defence agency said a series of Israeli air strikes on Tuesday killed at least 400 people, including five children, with over 150 wounded transported to a hospital.

The death toll has reached over 326 martyrs and about 150 wounded as a result of a series of Israeli raids on areas of the Gaza Strip," agency spokesman Mahmud Basal told AFP.

What Hamas Said

A senior Hamas official has said Israel has decided to sacrifice" its hostages by re-launching massive strikes in the Gaza Strip, shattering a period of relative calm since a January truce.

Benjamin Netanyahus decision to resume war is a decision to sacrifice the occupations prisoners and impose a death sentence on them," Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said in a statement, adding that the Israeli premier was using the fighting as a political lifeboat" to distract from internal crises.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas called on Israel to stop its ground operation in the Gaza Strip, saying it would cause more bloodshed and complicate efforts to end the conflict, Egypts official MENA news agency reported Friday.

Isarel must stop its ground operation in the Gaza Strip," MENA quoted Abbas as saying as he addressed a group of Egyptian intellectuals and journalists in Cairo.

This operation would only lead to more bloodshed and complicate the situation and efforts to stop the (Israeli) aggression."

On Thursday, Abbas met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi amid intense diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group, Hamas, which entered its 11th day on Friday.

China Urges Steps To Prevent Humanitarian Disaster In Gaza

China on Tuesday called for steps to prevent a humanitarian disaster" in Gaza, after Israel unleashed its most intense strikes on the territory since a ceasefire.

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China is highly concerned about the current situation between Israel and Palestine," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said, calling for the parties to avoid any actions that could lead to an escalation of the situation, and prevent a larger-scale humanitarian disaster".

(With inputs from AP, AFP)

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 18, 2025, 06:45 IST
Israel Kills Palestinian Islamic Jihad Spokesperson Abu Hamza, Wife In Gaza Airstrikes

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Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 19:26 IST

Pro-Palestinian Islamic Jihad and pro-Palestinian Hamas social media accounts claimed Israel eliminated Abu Hamza, spokesperson of the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Pro-Hamas and Pro-PIJ social media handles claimed Israel killed PIJ spokesperson Abu Hamza along with his wife in an air raid on Gaza. (IMAGE: X)

Pro-Hamas and pro-Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) social media accounts on Tuesday claimed that Israel eliminated PIJ spokesperson Abu Hamza along with his wife and few other family members.

The social media handles citing Gazan news channels said that Abu Hamza was killed along with his wife Shaimaa Abu Seif, brother Ghassan Maher Abu Seif, his sister-in-law Sara Abu Seif and their children.

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The Israeli military and its air force is yet to confirm the killing of the spokesperson of the armed wing of the Palestinian militant group.

The development comes shortly after Hamas claimed that Israel has eliminated a top leader of the group along with at least 400 civilians which also included an Israeli hostage.

Among those killed in airstrikes on their homes were Essam Addalees, the de facto head of the Hamas government, Ahmed Al-Hetta, deputy justice minister and Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the deputy minister of interior and head of the Hamas-run security services, Hamas said.

The Palestinian militant group, which still holds 59 of the 250 or so hostages seized in its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire and jeopardising efforts by mediators to secure a permanent truce.

Israels Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he had told the military to take strong action" against Hamas in response to the groups refusal to release the remaining hostages and because of their rejection of ceasefire proposals.

The Israeli military described the attacks as a preemptive offensive" aimed at thwarting Hamas ability to launch attacks against Israel and to rebuild and rearm its forces. It said it targeted mid-ranking military commanders, leadership officials and terrorist infrastructure" belonging to Hamas.

The airstrikes also hit homes and tent encampments housing civilians from the north to south of the Gaza Strip and Israeli tanks shelled across the border line into the enclave, witnesses said.

It was a night of hell. It felt like the first days of the war," said Rabiha Jamal, 65, a mother of five from Gaza City.

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We were preparing to have something to eat before starting a new day of fasting when the building shook and explosions began. We thought it was over but war is back," she told Reuters via a chat app.

Netanyahu has vowed to eradicate his old foe Hamas. While the group has been weakened with relentless Israeli bombardment and ground offensives, it is still the dominant force in Gaza.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

Location : Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories

First Published: March 18, 2025, 19:04 IST
'Netanyahu Has Decided...': Hamas Issues Grim Hostage Warning As Israel Relaunches Gaza Offensive

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News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 11:05 IST

A senior Hamas official accused Israel of sacrificing hostages by resuming strikes in Gaza, breaking calm since January, and claimed Netanyahu is using the conflict to distract from internal issues.

Palestinians and Hamas militants gathering around Red Cross vehicles on the day of the release of Israeli hostages. (Reuters)

A senior Hamas official has said Israel has decided to sacrifice" its hostages by re-launching massive strikes in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, shattering a period of relative calm since a January truce.

Benjamin Netanyahus decision to resume war is a decision to sacrifice the occupations prisoners and impose a death sentence on them," Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said in a statement, adding that the Israeli premier was using the fighting as a political lifeboat" to distract from internal crises.

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The statement came hours after the Israeli Army said that it was carrying out extensive strikes" on the Gaza Strip, as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas had stalled.

In a post on Telegram, the Israeli army said it was currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip," adding that further details would follow.

Israel also promised increasing military force in Gaza. Early Tuesday morning, Israels Prime Ministers office said it instructed the army to strike Hamas across Gaza.

The statement said it was because of Hamas repeated refusals to release its hostages and its rejection of all offers it received from the US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators.

The strikes come after nearly two months of a ceasefire to pause the 17-month-long war where dozens of hostages were released for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Gazas civil defence agency said a series of Israeli air strikes on Tuesday killed at least 100 people, including five children, with over 150 wounded transported to a hospital.

What Hamas Said

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A top Hamas official said Israel decided to sacrifice its hostages by re-launching massive military operations in the Gaza Strip Tuesday, shattering a period of relative calm since a January truce.

Benjamin Netanyahus decision to resume war is a decision to sacrifice the occupations prisoners and impose a death sentence on them," Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said in a statement, adding that the Israeli premier was using the fighting as a political lifeboat" to distract from internal crises.

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 18, 2025, 10:05 IST
Pakistan Closes Universities In Balochistan Citing Security Concerns For Indefinite Period

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 19:19 IST

Officials said that the decision was made after reviewing the overall security situation and authorities have decided to switch to virtual learning until further notice.

Pakistan army soldiers stand at a tunnel where the Jaffar Express train was attacked by separatist militants, in Bolan, Balochistan, Pakistan. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Pakistans volatile Balochistan province has ordered the closure of three universities in recent weeks due to security concerns," an official told AFP on Tuesday, as separatist attacks surge in the region.

Two universities in the provincial capital of Quetta were ordered to close for an indefinite period" last week, while on Tuesday, a third was instructed to switch to virtual learning, a provincial administration official told AFP on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

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The decision was made after reviewing the overall security situation," the official said

It was decided to switch to virtual learning until further notice due to security concerns."

The decision to reopen the campuses, which will impact thousands of students, will be made after the Muslim festival of Eid, just two weeks away, the official said.

Security across the provincial capital has been heightened, with an increased number of security forces on the streets and additional checkpoints set up throughout the city following the recent surge in separatist violence.

Last week, ethnic Baloch separatists attacked a train with 450 passengers on board, sparking a two-day siege during which dozens of people were killed.

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And on Sunday, at least five paramilitaries were killed in a vehicle-borne suicide attack.

The assaults were 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.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

Location : Quetta, Pakistan

First Published: March 18, 2025, 19:19 IST
Peruvian Fisherman Survives 95 Days Adrift, Surviving On Turtles, Birds

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News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 08:52 IST

Stranded with smaller supplies, Castro was left to drift helplessly, more than 1,094 km (680 miles) from shore. His family launched a desperate search, but despite their efforts, Perus maritime patrols were unable to locate him.

Peruvian Fisherman Survives 95 Days Adrift (X)

A Peruvian fisherman has been rescued after an incredible 95 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean. Battling hunger, dehydration, and the vast loneliness of the Pacific Ocean, the 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman defied the oddsenduring rainwater, birds, cockroaches, and eventually, sea turtles.

Maximo Napa Castro initially set out with only two weeks worth of food, but his small boat was thrown off course by stormy weather just 10 days into his journey. Despite Perus navy launching a search effort, it was an Ecuadorian vessel that finally found and rescued him.

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Stranded with smaller supplies, Castro was left to drift helplessly, more than 1,094 km (680 miles) from shore. His family launched a desperate search, but despite their efforts, Perus maritime patrols were unable to locate him.

A Peruvian fisherman who spent 95 days lost in the Pacific Ocean returned home to his family on Friday.I did not want to die," Maximo Napa told reporters after reuniting with his brother, in Paita, near the border with Ecuador. I ate roaches, birds, the last thing I ate pic.twitter.com/rhV3WqJq8l  Roughneck (@Adees4795) March 17, 2025

The fishermans 95-day struggle for survival ended when the Ecuadorian patrol vessel Don F rescued him, finding him severely dehydrated and critically ill. After receiving medical attention, he was reunited with his brother in Paita, Ecuador, where he shared a tearful account of his harrowing experience.

Maximo expressed his gratitude to God for a second chance at life, revealing that thoughts of his loved ones, particularly his mother and two-month-old granddaughter, gave him the strength to persevere during his 95-day ordeal.

I thought about my mother every day. Im thankful to God for giving me a second chance," he told the local media, recalling how the thought of his loved onesespecially his two-month-old granddaughtergave him the will to push through. His last 15 days at sea were spent without food.

The fishermans daughter Ines Napa Torres thanked the Ecuadorian fishermen for saving her dads life. Thank you, Ecuadorian brothers, for rescuing my dad Gaton, God bless you," she said in a Facebook post.

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Every day is anguish for the whole family and I understand my grandmothers pain because as a mother I understand her () We never thought we would go through this situation, I wouldnt wish it on anyone, we will not lose hope, Dad, of finding you," his daughter wrote on March 3 on Facebook.

Castros incredible journey serves as a testament to the human spirits capacity for resilience and mental fortitude.

Location : Peru

First Published: March 18, 2025, 08:52 IST
Putin Sets New Condition Before Trump Talks: 'Halt Ukraine Weapon Supplies During 30-Day Truce Period'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 17:38 IST

European officials did not like the idea because they feared that Russia would use the window to re-arm itself while preventing Ukraine from doing so.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive for a joint news conference after their meeting in Helsinki. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that all weapons deliveries to Ukraine must be stopped during the 30-day ceasefire proposed by his American counterpart Donald Trump, according to a report by Bloomberg News.

The Kremlin said that leaders will hold a phone call on Tuesday evening (IST). The Russian President wants arms supply to Ukraine halted not only from the US but also from Europe but is prioritising stopping US aid to Ukraine.

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Europeans are reluctant to stop weapons deliveries, an official told Bloomberg News citing that it allows Russia to re-arm and prevents Ukraine from doing the same.

Many in Europe worry Trump  who has for years expressed admiration for Russia  will cede to Putins demands.

We see this as an effort to provide Ukrainian forces with a pause during a difficult period. The Russian army is advancing on all fronts, and under these circumstances, the ceasefire could be viewed as a way to allow Ukraine to strengthen its position," Putins aide, Yuri Ushakov, was quoted as saying by the news outlet.

Washington and Moscow have expressed optimism about recent talks but it remains to be seen if Trump can convince Putin to agree to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, more than three years into Russias invasion.

Kyiv urged Russia on Tuesday to accept to the ceasefire.

It is time for Russia to show whether it really wants peace," Ukraines Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said. We expect the Russian side to unconditionally agree to this proposal."

Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned Putin does not want peace and is trying to achieve a better position militarily ahead of any halt in fighting.

Putin has said that a ceasefire only benefits Kyiv and Moscow hinted Tuesday that it was skeptical.

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The United States has made clear that Ukraine will likely have to cede territory in any deal, with European countries worried Trump will force Kyiv into an unfair agreement.

Zelenskyy said over the weekend that any discussions over territory should take place at the negotiating table only after a ceasefire.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

Location : Moscow, Russia

First Published: March 18, 2025, 17:35 IST
Last Updated: March 19, 2025, 15:03 IST

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Nasa Astronaut Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, two veteran NASA astronauts who had been stuck on the International Space Station for nine months, returned to Earth on Wednesday as the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft splashed down off the Florida coast at 3.27 am IST.

The spacecraft covered a journey of nearly 17 hours to reach the Earth.

After a replacement crew arrived on the space station Saturday night, Wilmore, Williams, and two other astronauts undocked from the ISS at 1:05 am ET (0505 GMT) Tuesday to begin a 17-hour trip back to Earth.

Stay tuned with News18.com for the latest updates:
Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore Back On Earth: Whats Next For NASA Astronauts?

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: March 19, 2025, 07:05 IST

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will first be flown to their crew quarters for several days of health checks, per routine for astronaut returns, before flight surgeons approve they can go home to their families

Astronauts Butch Wilmore (L) and Sunita Williams (R) posing for pictures before departing from the International Space Station on March 18. (Image: NASA/AFP)

Veteran astronaut Sunita Williams set her foot back on Earth moments after she, aboard SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft, splashed down off the Florida coast on Wednesday.

Williams and Wilmore, two veteran NASA astronauts and retired US Navy test pilots, along with two other astronauts, American Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov returned to Earth after nine months of being stuck in space. They undocked from the orbiting laboratory, embarking on their 17-hour trip to Earth.

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FOLLOW SUNITA WILLIAMS RETURN LIVE UPDATES HERE

WHAT WILL NASA DO FIRST?

Williams and Wilmore will first be flown to their crew quarters at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston for several days of health checks, per routine for astronaut returns, before flight surgeons approve they can go home to their families.

This is especially because living in space for months can affect the human body in multiple ways, from muscle atrophy to possible vision impairment. Astronauts must retrain their bodies during NASAs 45-day post-mission rehabilitation programme.

Earlier this month, Williams told reporters that she was looking forward to returning home to see her two dogs and family. Its been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us," she had said.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS?

Williams and Wilmore have surpassed the standard six-month ISS rotation but rank only sixth among US records for single-mission duration. Frank Rubio holds the top spot at 371 days in 2023, while the world record remains with Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov, who spent 437 consecutive days aboard the Mir station.

According to Rihana Bokhari of the Center for Space Medicine at Baylor College, that makes it par for the course" in terms of health risks.

Challenges such as muscle and bone loss, fluid shifts, and readjusting to gravity are well understood and well managed. Other risks include radiation exposure and vision impairment, besides the psychological toll of isolation.

Folks like Suni Williams are actually known for their interest in exercise, and so I believe she exercises beyond what is even her normal prescription," Bokhari told AFP.

Still, the unexpected nature of their extended stay  away from their families and initially without enough packed supplies  has drawn public interest and sympathy. If you found out you went to work today and were going to be stuck in your office for the next nine months, you might have a panic attack," Joseph Keebler, a psychologist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, told AFP. These individuals have shown unbelievable resilience."

HOW MUCH TIME DID THE ASTRONAUTS SPEND IN SPACE?

ISS missions typically last six months, but some astronauts stay up to a year, and researchers are confident in their ability to maintain astronaut health for that duration.

Upon splashing down, Williams and Wilmore will have logged 286 days in space. The former, capping her third spaceflight, will have tallied 608 cumulative days in space, the second most for any US astronaut after Peggy Whitsons 675 days. Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko set the world record last year at 878 cumulative days.

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The two astronauts flew to the ISS in June last year, on what was supposed to be a days-long roundtrip to test out Boeings Starliner on its first crewed flight. But the spaceship developed propulsion problems and was deemed unfit to fly them back, instead returning empty.

(With agency 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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 18, 2025, 20:21 IST
'Terrorism': Elon Musk Condemns 'Evil Attacks' On Tesla Cars As Details Of Owners Leaked

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 19, 2025, 08:51 IST

Several Tesla cars were set on fire on Tuesday morning in the United States, the police said. Elon Musk has called the incident "insane and deeply wrong".

Tesla cars set on fire in Las Vegas (Photo: Reuters, X)

A number of Tesla vehicles were allegedly set on fire in Las Vegas in the United States on Tuesday, according to reports which showed videos of the cars in flames.

The videos of the alleged incident surfaced on social media, claiming that the cars were burnt and the incident took place in Las Vegas. The police are yet to issue a statement in this regard.

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CEO of the company Elon Musk reacted sharply to the incident taking place, terming it insane and deeply wrong".

Musk said that Tesla is only involved in making electric cars and does not deserve evil attacks". Elon Musk called the incident terrorism".

This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong. Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks," Musk posted on X, in response to a user who shared a video of the burning of the cars out in the open.

This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong.Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks. https://t.co/Fh1rcfsJPh  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 18, 2025

Elizabeth Helgelien, former Senator, posted the purported video of the incident taking place in her town and said that such incidents should stop immediately.

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Happening this morning in my town of Las Vegas, several Tesla vehicles engulfed in flames! This is horrific and evil, it must stop immediately!!!!" she wrote.

A doxing website called Dogequest leaked the personal information of Tesla owners, the New York Post reported. The site reveals the names, addresses and phone numbers of Tesla owners in the US. The sites operators said they would remove the details on Tesla drivers only if they give evidence of having sold their vehicles, the report said.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

Location : Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

First Published: March 18, 2025, 22:28 IST
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Trump announced the documents drop Monday while visiting the Kennedy Center, a performing arts venue in Washington named after the late president.

While were here I thought itd be appropriate  we are, tomorrow, announcing and giving all of the Kennedy files," Trump told reporters.

On January 23, Trump signed an executive order calling for the declassification of the JFK assassination documents, a case that still fuels conspiracy theories more than 60 years after his death.

People have been waiting for decades for this, and Ive instructed my people that are responsible put together by Tulsi Gabbard," Trump said, referencing his Director of National Intelligence.

The January order also covered documents related to the 1960s assassinations of JFKs younger brother Robert F. Kennedy  father of Trumps health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr  and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

While Trump did not share any details as to what new information the files released Tuesday will contain, he teased the sheer volume of documents to be published, telling reporters: We have a tremendous amount of paper, youve got a lot of reading."

I dont believe were going to redact anything," Trump added.

The US National Archives has released tens of thousands of records in recent years related to the November 22, 1963 assassination of then-president Kennedy  but thousands of documents have been held back, citing national security concerns.

It said at the time of the latest large-scale release, in December 2022, that 97 percent of the Kennedy records  which total five million pages  had now been made public.

The Warren Commission that investigated the shooting of the charismatic 46-year-old president determined that it was carried out by a former Marine sharpshooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, acting alone.

But that formal conclusion has done little to quell speculation that a more sinister plot was behind Kennedys murder in Dallas, Texas, and the slow release of the government files has added fuel to various conspiracy theories.
Trump Speaks To Putin On Ukraine War, Discusses 'Many Elements Of Contract For Peace'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 19, 2025, 00:50 IST

Donald Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin on Tuesday and held a wide-ranging discussion on an over 2-hour phone call. Ukraine war was the focus of the conversation between the two leaders.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin (IMAGE: REUTERS)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) spoke to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and the two leaders agreed for an immediate ceasefire" on all energy and infrastructure in Ukraine. After the call, Trump said that they also discussed many elements" of a contract for peace and the US and Russia will be working on a complete ceasefire soon.

The two leaders held a phone call for over two hours and held discussions over a range of issues  the primary one being the Ukraine war and a ceasefire.

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My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine," he posted on his social media platform Truth Social.

This War would have never started if I were President! Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!" Trump added.

During the conversation, Trump proposed to mutually refrain from attacking energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days, to which Putin nodded and gave an immediate directive to his military in this regard.

Mentioning the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, to which Ukraine has so far agreed, the Russian side outlined several significant points on ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire line of combat contact, the need to stop forced mobilisation in Ukraine and rearm the Ukrainian armed forces.

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Serious risks associated with the inability to negotiate of the Kyiv regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements reached, were also noted. Attention was drawn to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against the civilian population of the Kursk region," officials said.

Putin also informed Trump that both the Russian and the Ukrainian sides will exchange prisoners on March 19  175 for 175 people.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 19, 2025, 00:40 IST
Used Autopen For Signing: Trump Claims Biden Pardons For His Critics Are Void

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 07:37 IST

Donald Trump claimed he was annulling Joe Biden's pardons, citing Biden's use of an autopen. Trump provided no evidence and acknowledged the legal dispute.

US President Donald Trump. (Photo Credit: X)

Donald Trump declared Monday he was annulling pardons issued by Joe Biden to shield Trump critics from retribution, claiming that they were invalid because his Democratic predecessor had supposedly used an autopen for his signature.

It was unclear what, if any, authority Trump has to void presidential pardons issued by his predecessor.

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It is extremely rare for pardons to be revoked in US history, and doing so in this case could see Trump again testing the limits of executive power as he takes aim at his political enemies.

Trump claimed that Bidens signature on the documents had been carried out with an autopen, a commonly used device, and therefore was not valid.

The pardons are hereby declared void, vacant, and of no further force or effect, because of the fact they were done by Autopen," Trump posted on his social media account Truth Social.

However, he provided no evidence either for the use of an autopen or his contention that it would invalidate the signature.

US presidents have long used autopens, including to sign bills into law. But Trump and his supporters, such as those linked to the right-wing policy document Project 2025, have sought to turn the issue into a way to delegitimize Bidens presidency.

Biden issued pardons to former senior Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney and other members of the congressional committee that had investigated the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol by Trumps supporters and multiple attempts by Trump to overturn the 2020 election in which he lost.

The Biden pardons, issued at the end of his presidency, were effectively a blanket immunity to shield the lawmakers from Trumps repeated promises that he would take revenge against them if he won the 2024 election.

Trump appeared to acknowledge that his action entered disputed legal territory.

Asked by reporters early Monday whether everything Biden signed with an autopen should be voided, Trump said I think so. Its not my decision, thatll be up to a court."

But he said on Truth Social that the committee members should fully understand that they are subject to investigation at the highest level."

Experts who spoke to Axios media outlet pointed out that even if Trump were to lose a court challenge over the move, the damage would already have been done, with those he targets being dragged into stressful legal battles.

Biden also issued preemptive pardons to former Covid pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci, retired general Mark Milley, and  perhaps most controversially  to close family members including his son Hunter. All of them had become public targets of the incoming Republican president.

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Trump has repeatedly promised retribution" against his political opponents and threatened some with criminal prosecution, and Biden said at the time that he could not in good conscience do nothing."

On taking office this January, Trump immediately issued multiple pardons to supporters, including to about 1,500 people convicted in the storming of the Capitol building in an attempt to block certification of Bidens election victory on January 6, 2021.

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

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 18, 2025, 07:37 IST
Will Prince Harry's Old Drug Use Confession Result In Deportation From US?

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: March 18, 2025, 18:07 IST

Prince Harry faces scrutiny over his US residency after admitting past drug use. A US court ordered the release of redacted visa documents after a legal battle with the Heritage Foundation

The book also touched on Prince Harry's use of marijuana, a drug he found more helpful, unlike cocaine. (AP File)

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is facing questions about his US residency status following admissions of past drug use in his memoir, Spare. The Duke, who stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, has publicly acknowledged using cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms.

A US court has now ordered the release of redacted documents related to Prince Harrys visa application. The order comes after a lengthy legal battle between the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington DC.

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What Is Prince Harrys Visa Case

The Heritage Foundation filed a freedom of information request, arguing that Prince Harrys admissions of drug use raised concerns about potential falsehoods on his visa application.

According to a BBC report, Prince Harrys book, published in January 2023, details his experiences with drugs. He admitted to first trying cocaine at 17, an experience he said didnt bring him happiness despite seeming to do so for others.

It wasnt much fun, and it didnt make me particularly happy, as it seemed to make everyone around me, but it did make me feel different, and that was the main goal," he was quoted by BBC.

The prince explained he was looking to feel different." The book also touched on his use of marijuana, a drug he found more helpful, unlike cocaine which he said didnt do anything" for him.

US visa applications explicitly inquire about past and present drug use, and dishonesty can lead to application rejection or visa revocation. The Heritage Foundation seeks to determine if Prince Harry was truthful about his drug history and whether he received preferential treatment due to his royal status.

According to BBC, the Department of Homeland Security has until the end of Tuesday to release immigration records, as ordered by the court.

Case Reopened

Initially, a judge ruled in favour of Prince Harry, citing his privacy rights. However, the Heritage Foundation persisted, leading to a partial reversal of the decision. Judge Nichols, overseeing the case, stated, To the extent possible, I must make public everything that can be made public," prompting the order for redacted documents to be released.

Prince Harry relocated to the US with his wife, Meghan, a US citizen, in 2020 after they stepped back from their roles as senior members of the Royal Family. The specific visa Harry used to enter the US remains unclear.

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What Donald Trump Says

While President Donald Trump has the authority to intervene, he has stated he has no intention of pursuing Prince Harrys deportation. However, he has been publicly critical of both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, particularly Meghan Markle, who has been openly critical of Trump in the past.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 18, 2025, 18:07 IST
Yemen's Houthis Fire Ballistic Missile At Israel After Gaza Strikes Kill Over 400

Last Updated: March 19, 2025, 00:04 IST

This marks the first reported attack on Israel from Yemen since the ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza took effect on January 19

Israeli tanks enter Israel from Gaza, in Israel. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Yemens Houthis on Tuesday fired a missile at Israel, triggering air raid sirens in several areas of southern Israel. The rebels confirmed they used a hypersonic ballistic missile type Palestine 2" to target the Negev airbase.

The Israeli military later confirmed that the missile was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) before it could reach Israeli territory.

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A missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF (air force) prior to crossing into Israeli territory," the Israeli military said in a statement.

This marks the first reported attack on Israel from the Houthis since the ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza took effect on January 19.

Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have targeted Israel before, condemned the renewed Israeli strikes on Gaza, pledging to escalate their support for Palestinians after threatening earlier this month to attack Israeli ships in the Red Sea.

The latest wave of Israeli strikes has been the deadliest since the truce began, resulting in over 400 deaths across Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

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The Houthis, aligned with Irans axis of resistance" against the US and Israel, carried out numerous drone and missile strikes on passing ships and Israeli territory during the Gaza conflict, expressing their support for the Palestinians.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Israel

First Published: March 18, 2025, 23:22 IST
Safaricom M-Pesa announced on Monday it is partnering with Ethiopian fintech startup LakiPay Financial Technologies to enhance digital payment services in Ethiopia.

Under the terms of the partnership, Safaricom M-Pesa will integrate with LakiPays payment gateway, allowing merchants who have been onboarded on LakiPay to accept M-Pesa payments.

Safaricom said that M-Pesas integration with LakiPay would allow more businesses to leverage mobile money, reduce reliance on cash and enhance the customer experience. It also expands M-Pesas payment acceptance points.

Elsa Muzzolini, CEO of Safaricom M-Pesa Mobile Financial Services, said the partnership would help M-Pesa accelerate the adoption of digital financial services and support Ethiopias national digital economy ambitions.

This partnership with LakiPay strengthens our efforts to drive financial inclusion and digital transformation in Ethiopia by providing more options for seamless transactions, Muzzolini said in a statement.

The partnership comes less than a month after LakiPay secured its operating license from the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). LakiPay has also signed partnerships with Ethio Telecom's mobile money platform Telebirr and several local banks.

By working together with Safaricom M-PESA, we are enabling merchants to integrate mobile payments into their businesses more efficiently, said LakiPay founder and CEO Habtamu Tadesse. This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of making digital transactions more accessible and reliable for businesses and consumers alike.
Although it's difficult to put a value on education, the price is clear enough: almost $83,000 this school year at Harvard. To change that, the Ivy League announced Monday that it's slashing the cost of tuition, housing, and meals to as little as zero for many studentspart of a move that it says will that make financial aid available to up to 86% of US families, the Wall Street Journal reports. Other top schools are doing something similar, a decision that a college admissions consultant said "will open up the socioeconomic ladder to a lot of families, and to networks that they didn't have before." The idea is to take ability to pay out of an accepted student's decision-making when considering whether to attend Harvard, said its director of financial aid.

The new policy starts this fall for new and current students, per the Journal. It includes this assistance for families making up to:

$ 100,000 : No charge for tuition, room, or board, an increase from the current $85,000. Reimbursements will be provided for such expenses as travel home and winter gear.

: No charge for tuition, room, or board, an increase from the current $85,000. Reimbursements will be provided for such expenses as travel home and winter gear. $ 200,000 : No charge for tuition, and living expenses might be covered. The school encourages students to work with the financial aid office on that.

: No charge for tuition, and living expenses might be covered. The school encourages students to work with the financial aid office on that. Higher: Tuition help is possible, depending on the family's financial circumstances. Parents with a combined income of $400,000 might still receive aid if they're dealing with medical debt, for instance, the school said.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Pennsylvania are among the schools that have increased financial aid, with both making their income limit for free tuition $200,000. Universities are under political pressure over several issues, including their handling of student protests of the Israel-Hamas war. Republicans in Congress have proposed raising the endowment tax on schools including Harvard, per the New York Times, and universities have argued that might affect financial aid to students. Increasing aid makes sense for schools in light of the Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in admissions and the Trump administration's actions against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, one advocate said. "If they want racial diversity, the best path forward is to boost the chances of admissions of nonwealthy and working-class students, a disproportionate share of whom are Black and Hispanic," said Richard Kahlenber.
President Trump said Monday that he is ending "immediately" the Secret Service protection details assigned to Joe Biden's children, which the former president had extended until July shortly before leaving office in January. Trump had done the same thing for his children when he was leaving office after his first term. In a social media post, Trump objected to having what he said were 18 agents assigned to Hunter Biden's protective detail while his predecessor's son was in South Africa this week. Trump said that Ashley Biden has 13 agents on her detail and that she too "will be taken off the list," the AP reports.
Acknowledging that "it's a very atypical love story," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt opened up about her marriage during a recent interview on Megyn Kelly's podcast that is just now being widely reported. Leavitt, 27, met Nicholas Riccio, 59, in 2022, when she was running for Congress in New Hampshire (she won the Republican nomination, but lost to her Democrat opponent, People reports). After first becoming friends, they later fell in love (Leavitt acknowledged to Kelly that "yes, of course" there was a bit of hesitation based on the age gap) and were engaged by Christmas 2023. Their son was born in July 2024, days before the Pennsylvania assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Trump, and she and Riccio got married in January, days before Trump's inauguration.
The three partners behind MANTA, a new subsea cable system connecting Mexico and the USA with Central and Latin America, have announced that SubCom, which engineers, manufactures, and installs subsea fibre optic data cables, has been awarded a contract for the design, manufacture and installation of the MANTA system.

The companies involved in the project are Liberty Networks, a leading infrastructure and enterprise connectivity provider in Latin America and the Caribbean, Gold Data, a company specialising in telecommunications infrastructure and services, and Sparkle, the global operator of Italys TIM Group.

MANTA aims to improve traffic flow in the region by providing high-bandwidth, low-latency routes interconnecting major data hubs in Mexico City and Queretaro (Mexico), Bogota (Colombia), and Panama City (Panama) with the USA, utilising new landing access points in Veracruz (Mexico), and San Blas (Florida).

SubCom will manufacture the fibre optic cable and other optical components for the MANTA system at its campus in Newington in the US using Open Cable specifications, supporting up to 22 Tb/s per fibre pair (FP). All three consortium partners will access the northern portion of MANTA, connecting the USA to Mexico. Sparkle will join Liberty Networks on the southern portion, accessing Panama and Colombia.

Estimated at 5,400 kilometres in length, MANTA consists of an up to 18FP repeatered trunk segment connecting San Blas (Florida) with Cartagena (Colombia), with branches to Veracruz (Mexico), North Miami (Florida), Cancun (Mexico), and Maria Chiquita (Panama), plus a stubbed branching unit facing the Cayman Islands for future traffic expansion.
The White House is aggressively pushing back against challenges to its deportation of immigrants over the weekend. A Justice Department lawyer, for example, clashed with a federal judge in court on Monday, maintaining that the move was a matter of national security because the deportees were alleged gang members. And supporters of President Trump also seem to be relishing the fight in the public arena, with Exhibit A being deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

Miller appeared on Fox News Monday and responded to comments made by former FBI general counsel Andrew Weismann. The latter, appearing on MSNBC, called Trump's move to invoke the 1798 Alien Enemies Act invalid because we're not at war, and he accused the White House of disobeying a judge's order to stop the flights. "The doomsday scenario for this country is the idea that you would just ignore a court order," he said, per Newsweek.

Miller's response? "Andrew Weissman is an absolute moron," he said, per Mediaite. "He is a moron, and he is a fool, and he's a degenerate. ... He was involved in the Mueller coup against a democratically elected president, Donald J. Trump. Weissman should never be on TV anywhere. He should hang his head in eternal shame for what he's done to this country. And now he's up there shilling for people who rape and murder Americans. That's who Andrew Weissman is."
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, claims police illegally took his DNA. Mangione was arrested Dec. 9 at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania after a customer reported that he resembled the suspect seen in surveillance footage. But Altoona police "had no objective grounds" to detain Mangione "other than a hunch and/or unparticularized suspicion," his lawyer, Thomas Dickey, writes in a court filing, per ABC News . He says there was no "independent corroborating evidence that [Mangione] was in fact the suspect sought in New York." According to Dickey, police got that evidence illegally.

Dickey previously claimed Mangione's arrest was illegal because he wasn't properly read his rights, per ABC. After detaining Mangione on charges of providing false identification and possessing an unlicensed firearm, officers allegedly gave him a snack and a sodaa guise for obtaining a DNA sample, Dickey writes, per the New York Post, arguing any such samples should be disallowed in court as a result. He says Altoona Police also "illegally seized" Mangione's belongings, including a notebook said to contain a manifesto. Dickey says the notebook "contained numerous personal writings covering a plethora of personal experiences" and calling it a manifesto was done "in an effort to prejudice any potential jury pool."

The documents were filed in connection with the charges Mangione faces in Pennsylvania, but the allegations against police could factor into Mangione's murder case in New York, per ABC. He faces state and federal murder charges, but has yet to be indicted in federal court. He was due to appear in Manhattan federal court this week, but the hearing was unexpectedly pushed to April 18, per WLS.
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The Kremlin says Vladimir Putin agreed to immediately halt strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure after speaking to President Trump on Tuesday. After Trump presented a proposal for Russia and Ukraine to pause the strikes for 30 days as part of a partial ceasefire deal, Putin "responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding command," the Kremlin said in a statement. Putin did not, however, agree to the more comprehensive ceasefire deal that US and Ukrainian negotiators proposed after talks last week, that the Wall Street Journal reports.

White House statement. "The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace," the White House said in a statement. "These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East." It's not clear whether Ukraine has agreed to the phased ceasefire proposal, the AP reports.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have returned to Earth from a mission that was supposed to last around eight days when it began last June. A SpaceX capsule carrying Wilmore, Williams, and two others returning from the International Space Station successfully splashed down off the coast of Florida at 5:57pm Eastern, Space.com reports. A pod of curious dolphins swam up to investigate the capsule before it was pulled out of the water, reports the New York Times.

Wilmore and Williams ended up spending 286 days in space because of problems with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that brought them to the ISS, reports the AP. They were joined on the return journey by fellow NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who had been on the ISS for six months The BBC reports that after the capsule splashed down, the control center said, "Nick, Alec, Butch, Sunion behalf of SpaceX, welcome home." Hague replied, "What a ride. I see a capsule full of grins, ear to ear." The four were given brief medical checks on the capsule recovery vessel before they were taken to land by helicopter.

The four were later taken to crew quarters at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas for further medical evaluation. At a press conference, Steve Stich, manager of NASA's commercial crew program, said the astronauts would be reunited with their families in "the next day or so." Asked whether the timing of the astronauts' return to Earth would have been different if Kamala Harris had won the election, Joel Montalbano from NASA's space operations mission directorate said the agency works to carry out the directives of whoever is president, the Guardian reports. Earlier in the press conference, he said NASA was already looking at options when President Trump asked about the astronauts in January

story continues below

"Opting to extend a mission from eight days to nine months was far from ideal for NASA," says BBC science editor Rebecca Morelle. "But Butch and Suni's responseto adapt to a new situation and throw themselves into life on the space stationis part of being what an astronaut is all about. To have a planand be prepared to change it." Last month, the two astronauts told CNN they didn't feel stranded. "That's been the narrative from day one: stranded, abandoned, stuck  and I get it. We both get it," Wilmore said. "But that is, again, not what our human spaceflight program is about. We don't feel abandoned, we don't feel stuck, we don't feel stranded." This story has been updated with new developments.
ENTERPRISE-It was shamrocks and shenanigans Saturday as hundreds lined East College Street to cheer on WTVY Meteorologist Ryan Dugger as he led the 32nd Annual One-Man St. Patricks Day parade around the citys renowned Boll Weevil Monument at high noon.

To cheers, high fives, and blaring traditional Irish Jigs, Dugger kept his promise to rock the shamrock as he step-danced through the crowd-packed street carrying an oversized Irish flag overhead, grand marshaling what is billed as the Worlds Smallest St. Patricks Day Parade.

Hosted annually by the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, the parade has over the years garnered national news media attention for its small-scale celebration along the worlds shortest but liveliest parade route.

While most parades feature massive floats and marching bands, this quirky event proves that a big heart and a little Irish spirit is all it takes to celebrate St. Patricks Day the Enterprise Way, said Enterprise Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Erin Grantham, dressed head to toe in Emerald Isle green and glitter.

Meet Ryan Dugger

A Savannah, Georgia, native, serving as WTYVs First Alert Meteorologist Dugger said he was honored to be selected as parade grand marshal by public vote. St. Patricks Day has a special place in my heart going back to when I was growing up in Savannah, he said. That city celebrates with a huge Irish parade. One of my earliest memories is of me leading one of the parade floats.

Dugger said he has a strong Irish bloodline on his mothers side of the family. In fact, he learned how to Irish step dance as a child. Im extremely thankful to everyone that nominated me for this honor, he said. Growing up in Savannah I was no stranger to the buzz around St. Patricks Day and I was truly excited to bring that same spirit to Enterprise this year.

Ill be sure to put the rock in shamrock, Duger promised in his bid for votes after being nominated for the title. Cheering crowd consensus was that indeed he did.

How it all began

The one-man parade was initiated in 1993 by the late Lucy Kein, who owned Westgate Book and Gift in Enterprise, and Kathy Sauer, then-Enterprise Chamber of Commerce Director. Both of Irish descent, the women decided that their parade could never be the worlds largest and greatest, so they strove to make it known as the smallest and greatest.

Since its inception, the parade has consisted of a single person, a grand marshal, who starts the route at the Coffee County Courthouse, traveling down E. College Street, circling the Boll Weevil Monument in the middle of Main Street, and heading back to the courthouse. Here in Enterprise, we celebrate our eccentricities, Grantham said, flashing her trademark smile.

Half Pint 0.5K Race

In 2019, a Half Pint 0.5K was added to the festivities. That decimal is not a typo, said Grantham. We decided 15 minutes of fun for the parade just wasnt enough. So, we added the Half Pint 0.5K, which is a race for the rest of us, immediately following the Worlds Smallest St. Patricks Day Parade.

Youre more likely to break a sweat putting on your St. Paddys Day flair than participating in this race, Grantham said. Its more like a brisk walk around the block considering it is only 546 yards and even has free doughnuts at the half-way mark to give you the strength you need to make it to the finish line.

And because every great race deserves a reward, runners are greeted at the finish line with a celebratory drinkgreen beer for those 21 and over and sodas or juice for our younger or non-drinking participants, she added.

How to nominate

The Grand Marshal serves as the ceremonial leader of the parade embodying the spirit of St. Patricks Day, community fun, and a touch of Irish pride said Grantham, adding that nominations for grand marshal come from the public. That gives the community a chance to honor people they think deserve the spotlight, she said. When the call for nominations comes, about a month before the parade, people can fill out a nomination form at the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce website at www.enterprisealabama.com, or pick up a form from the Chamber office, located at 553 Glover Avenue in Enterprise.

Call the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce at (334) 347-0581 for more information.
TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) announced yesterday that citizens and residents can now access ID card and birth certificate eServices through the MyGov app, as part of efforts to enhance accessibility and ensure seamless transactions.

The launch marks the first phase of integrating these services into the unified digital platform.

The first phase of MyGov includes ID card services such as issuing and renewing ID cards, obtaining replacements for lost or damaged cards, and tracking application status.

These services are among the most widely used, with an annual average exceeding 700,000 transactions, both in-person and online.

Having them available in a single app for the first time allows users to complete transactions more easily.

Additionally, the app enables users to view their birth certificates, along with the ID cards of their children under 18 and domestic workers. Duaa Sultan Mohammed, Deputy Chief Executive for Statistics and Population Registry at the iGA, described the move as a significant step in Bahrains digital transformation, ensuring streamlined access to key government services.

She confirmed that future phases will expand the range of available services while maintaining international standards for customer service and user experience.

Launched by H.E. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology, MyGov is one of Bahrains flagship digital projects. The app provides secure, unified access to a variety of government services and is integrated with the upgraded eKey 2.0 system, which features biometric authentication for enhanced security.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Workforce development efforts at Missouri Western State University are getting a boost with the addition of a new staff member.

Rebecca Lobina is the university's new director of workforce development. Lobina, currently continuing professional education director at Northwest Missouri State and the regional director of the Missouri Small Business Development Center, will start at Missouri Western on April 1.

She will oversee all workforce development initiatives at the college and will work with faculty, staff and industry partners. Lobina also will implement training programming at the Houlne Center for Convergent Technology and in other areas for non-credit and for-credit continuing professional education.

Its exciting to see the direction that MWSU has been pursuing in the past few years under the leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Lobina said. Now, with the Houlne Center and this position, Missouri Western is engaging businesses directly in a way that goes beyond encouraging collaboration and instead engages both businesses and their workforce to make relevant, meaningful change as a result of an educated workforce.

Lobina who has a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Science in Administrative Studies degree from Missouri State University, has been with the Small Business Development Center since 2007. In that role, she has provided thousands of small businesses in the region with training and advice.

I am thrilled and very excited to bring Rebecca to Mo West, said Dr. Jay Johnson, provost and vice president for academic affairs. Rebecca has several years of experience and success in workforce development. She will be a major asset as we continue to invest in our future and work closely with the community and local industry to provide opportunities for our region to thrive.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo.  To help offset the shortages of dentists, the University of Missouri  Kansas City is expanding its program with a satellite location at Missouri Western State University.

UMKC has had past success with other healthcare programs in satellite locations across the state. These include the UMKC School of Medicine physician program partnering with Mosaic Life Care to address physician shortages and the UMKC School of Pharmacy having campuses at the University of Missouri  Columbia and Missouri State University in Springfield.

We had the opportunity over the past few years to visit several of the smaller towns around the Kansas City metro, UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. It was pretty obvious that there was a severe shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas in Missouri. Four years ago, we launched the medical school satellite (program) in St. Joseph and that has really flourished.

The university foresees that the rural health-focused expansion will see the number of graduates from its school of dentistry increase by 10% annually.

Currently, the program admits 109 students and the expansion would allow 10 more students to be enrolled.

Once the satellite program is underway, UMKC is open to exploring the implementation of more satellite programs across Missouri.

Its one thing, one place at a time, Agrawal said. We will see how the dental school satellite goes in St. Joseph. And if its addressing the issue, you never say never.

UMKC is working with state, federal and philanthropic leaders to raise an estimated $12 million to use for a one-time renovation and equipment costs to start the program.

A start date for the program is contingent on necessary approvals and funding being acquired. The university is aiming for the program to be fully up and running by fiscal year 2027.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  The Missouri State Highway Patrol is using a school break to inspect safety issues on buses that carry students.

Officials are making sure lights, emergency exit doors and seat belts are functioning. Last year, the patrol inspected more than 11,000 buses and other school vehicles statewide for defects.

Once a year, the Missouri State Highway Patrol inspects every school bus in the state of Missouri and were at that time of year here in Troop H where our motor vehicle inspectors are hard at work doing just that, said Sgt. Shane Hux with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Patrol officers aim to inspect buses when they are in operation when school is in session to get a true reflection of how they are maintained. Their comprehensive safety inspections cover everything on the interior and exterior of a bus including brakes, steering, electrical and all required safety equipment.

Well have about 85 to 90 buses inspected over the next four days, said Todd Berry, senior shop manager at First Student. Our goal, along with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, is to make sure we have the safest vehicles possible with the highest standards.

During the 2024 annual bus inspection for the St. Joseph School District, 83 buses were inspected. Of those, 85% passed inspection, 13% were ruled as defective and only 1.2% were taken out of service.

If a bus is marked defective, operators have 10 working days to get it fixed and reinspected by the highway patrol but students can still be transported on it. Buses marked out of service are not allowed to be used at all.

However, state troopers assure parents that buses with even the slightest issue become a priority for service.

These buses are in actually very good condition and this year is very good for them, Berry said. We just got 45 new, brand new, Thomas C2s for this location so the St. Joe Public Schools have a very good fleet this year.

While full school bus inspections occur annually, emergency exits on buses, including windows and doors are things that have to be inspected every 90 days.

When I was inside checking the emergency exits, those were actually out, said Missouri State Trooper Jason Lawrence. One actually fell apart here not so long ago because it was so old so we need to make sure those are being checked frequently.

The patrol will finalize inspections on buses used by the SJSD on Friday and expect other individual school district results to be complete by June.
Preview: Amazon S3 Tables in DuckDB

Sam Ansmink, Tom Ebergen, Gabor Szarnyas  5 min

TL;DR: We are happy to announce a new preview feature that adds support for Apache Iceberg REST Catalogs, enabling DuckDB users to connect to Amazon S3 Tables and Amazon SageMaker Lakehouse with ease.

The AWS Storage Blog also published a post on this feature, see Streamlining access to tabular datasets stored in Amazon S3 Tables with DuckDB.

In recent years, the Iceberg open table format has become increasingly popular. Major data warehouse platforms such as Databricks, Snowflake, Google BigQuery and AWS have all announced or already implemented support for Iceberg tables. These platforms also support Iceberg catalogs, which are responsible for tracking current metadata for a collection of Iceberg tables grouped by namespaces.

DuckDB has supported reading Iceberg tables since September 2023 via the iceberg extension. Today, we are happy to introduce a new preview feature in this extension, which allows attaching to Iceberg REST catalogs. This preview release coincides with two AWS announcements yesterday: support for Iceberg tables in Amazon S3 Tables and the GA release of the integration between S3 Tables and SageMaker Lakehouse (AWS Glue Data Catalog). In practice, these developments mean that DuckDB now provides an end-to-end solution for reading Iceberg tables in S3 Tables and SageMaker Lakehouse.

DuckDB's support for Iceberg REST Catalog endpoints in Amazon S3 Tables is the result of a collaboration between AWS and DuckDB Labs.

To connect to Apache Iceberg REST Catalogs in DuckDB, make sure you are running the latest stable DuckDB release (version 1.2.1). For our example steps, we'll use the DuckDB CLI client. You can obtain this client from the installation page and start it with:

duckdb

Next, we need to install the bleeding edge versions of the required extensions from the core_nightly repository.

FORCE INSTALL aws FROM core_nightly ; FORCE INSTALL httpfs FROM core_nightly ; FORCE INSTALL iceberg FROM core_nightly ;

For more information on using the core_nightly repository, please see the notes at the end of the post.

With these extensions installed, your DuckDB is now capable of using Apache Iceberg REST Catalogs. Let's find some data.

(If you already have Iceberg tables in Amazon S3 Tables, you can skip to the Reading Iceberg Catalogs with DuckDB section.)

In this post, we demonstrate how to read data from Amazon S3 Tables. To follow along, make sure that your account has s3tables permissions and create a new S3 table bucket. Note that Amazon S3 Tables is currently only supported in selected AWS regions.

If you don't have an S3 table bucket with tables already, we found the easiest way to get going is to create a table using Amazon Athena. See their instructions. For our example, we created a simple table with three columns using the Athena query editor:

CREATE TABLE duck_species ( id INT , english_name STRING , latin_name STRING ) TBLPROPERTIES ( 'table_type' = 'ICEBERG' );

Let's insert some data to the table:

INSERT INTO duck_species VALUES ( 0 , 'Anas nivis' , 'Snow duck' );

Querying S3 Tables with DuckDB is really easy. The first step is to get your AWS credentials into DuckDB. You can achieve this in two ways. First, you can let DuckDB detect your AWS credentials and configuration based on the default profile in your ~/.aws directory by creating the following secret using the Secrets Manager:

CREATE SECRET ( TYPE s3 , PROVIDER credential_chain );

Alternatively, you can set the AWS key, secret, and region values manually. For example:

CREATE SECRET ( TYPE s3 , KEY_ID ' AKIAIOSFODNN7EXAMPLE ' , SECRET ' wJalrXUtnFEMI/K7MDENG/bPxRfiCYEXAMPLEKEY ' , REGION ' us-east-1 ' );

Tip To see the secrets in your session, run FROM duckdb_secrets();

Next, point DuckDB to your S3 table bucket. You can do so by copy-pasting the S3 Tables ARN value directly from the AWS Management Console and using it in the ATTACH command:

ATTACH 'arn:aws:s3tables: us-east-1 : 111122223333 :bucket/ bucket-name ' AS s3_tables_db ( TYPE iceberg , ENDPOINT_TYPE s3_tables );

And that's all! Now, DuckDB is connected to Amazon S3 Tables. To show the available tables, run:

SHOW ALL TABLES ;

  database  schema  name  column_names  column_types  temporary   varchar  varchar  varchar  varchar[]  varchar[]  boolean    s3_tables_db  ducks  duck_species  [__]  [INTEGER]  false  

You can query tables as if they were ordinary DuckDB tables:

FROM s3_tables_db.ducks.duck_species ;

  id  english_name  latin_name   int32  varchar  varchar    0  Anas nivis  Snow duck  

You also have an alternative option to connect to S3 Tables using the Amazon SageMaker Lakehouse (AWS Glue Data Catalog) Iceberg REST Catalog endpoint. To do so, run:

ATTACH ' account_id :s3tablescatalog/ namespace_name ' AS ( TYPE iceberg , ENDPOINT_TYPE glue );

Tip If you need basic read access to tabular data in a single S3 table bucket, use the s3_tables endpoint type. If you want a unified view across all of your tabular data in AWS, use the glue endpoint type.

A key feature of the Iceberg format is schema evolution, i.e., the ability to follow changes in the table's schema. To demonstrate this, we go back to the Athena query editor and add a new column to the duck_species table:

ALTER TABLE duck_species ADD COLUMNS ( conservation_status STRING );

Then, we insert a few more duck species:

INSERT INTO duck_species VALUES ( 1 , 'Anas eatoni' , 'Eaton '' s pintail' , 'Vulnerable' ), ( 2 , 'Histrionicus histrionicus' , 'Harlequin duck' , 'Least concern' );

Let's run the query again from DuckDB:

FROM s3_tables_db.ducks.duck_species ;

The query now returns a table with the additional fourth column, which has a NULL value in the row inserted before the change in the schema  as expected.

  id  english_name  latin_name  conservation_status   int32  varchar  varchar  varchar    1  Anas eatoni  Eaton's pintail  Vulnerable   2  Histrionicus histrionicus  Harlequin duck  Least concern   0  Anas nivis  Snow duck  NULL  

The latest preview release of the DuckDB iceberg extension enables directly reading tables using Iceberg REST endpoints. This allows you to query Amazon S3 Tables and Amazon SageMaker Lakehouse (AWS Glue Data Catalog) with ease. As of today, the extension is in an experimental state and is under active development. We will publish a stable release later this year.

If you created a new S3 table bucket to follow the examples, don't forget to clean up by deleting your S3 table bucket.

The extensions used in this blog post are currently experimental, and hence they are distributed through the core_nightly repository. If you want to switch back to using extensions from the core repository, follow the extension documentation.

Note that DuckDB does not support reloading extensions. Therefore, if you experience any issues, try restarting DuckDB after updating the extensions.
During a multi-stop tour spanning Winnipeg to the home of the Crown Royal distillery in Gimli, Canada's no.1 whisky1 celebrates its Canadian roots and rallies communities to pack boxes for Harvest Manitoba.

TORONTO, March 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Crown Royal is raising a glass to the Manitoba community with an unforgettable road trip across the province. From March 25 to 27, the Crown Royal Rig  a larger-than-life, whisky barrel-inspired purple 18-wheeler  will roll through iconic locations, giving back to the communities that fuel its legacy of craftmanship and community. With each stop, Crown Royal will spread its message of generosity, celebrating the people who make it Canada's no. 1 whisky.2

The Crown Royal Rig is coming to Manitoba! Crown Royal Rig (CNW Group/Crown Royal)

True to the Crown Royal spirit of giving back, this legendary road trip isn't just about toasting to the brand's roots, it's also about supporting the community that fuels it. Each Crown Royal Rig stop will serve as a hub, rallying the community to help pack boxes with non-perishable food items donated by Crown Royal for Harvest Manitoba, a not-for-profit, community-based organization dedicated to nourishing the province.

______________________________ 1 Association of Canadian Distillers January 2025 R12M Crown Royal trademark in value and volume 2 Association of Canadian Distillers January 2025 R12M Crown Royal trademark in value and volume

The multi-stop tour will kick off in Winnipeg on March 25, with a pre-game tailgate experience at True North Square to celebrate and watch the Winnipeg Jets vs. Washington Capitals game live. On March 26, the rig will make its way to Gimli, home of the Crown Royal Distillery to connect with local community members and pack boxes for Harvest Manitoba. The rig will wrap up its Canadian journey with a tailgate at Crown Royal partner and multi-platinum country music artist Kane Brown's 'The High Road Tour' Winnipeg tour stop on March 27. At each stop, the local community is invited to check out the rig, sample complimentary Crown Royal cocktails, music, and vibes, and enter for a chance to win prizes. As part of the celebration, Crown Royal will be donating non-perishable food items to support Harvest Manitoba, and guests are encouraged to join in by bringing their own contributions to help those in need. Each experience will be open to all 18+ visitors in Manitoba.

"At Crown Royal, we are incredibly proud of our Canadian heritage," says Nadia Niccoli, head of marketing at Diageo Canada. "Our iconic distillery in Gimli, Manitoba has been the beating heart of Crown Royal for decades, and this journey is an opportunity to raise a glass to the incredible people who continue to shape our legacy, and to the Crown fans who fill our cup on the daily."

"We are very grateful to Crown Royal for their support. Their partnership is helping us make a meaningful impact in our community, ensuring that those in need have access to food and resources," says Vince Barletta, President and CEO of Harvest Manitoba. "The Crown Royal Rig tour not only raises awareness for our mission here at Harvest Manitoba, but also encourages the local community to come together and make a real difference."

Since 1968, Gimli, Manitoba has been home to Crown Royal whisky. Nestled along the shores of Lake Winnipeg, the 360-acre facility operates 24/7 with close to 80 skilled workers who craft and age more than 2 million barrels of whisky each year. For years, the people of Gimli have powered up Crown Royal with their craftsmanship and dedication, inspiring Canadians with the idea that home is where the Crown is. This road trip is an opportunity to inspire Crown fans to give back, spread generosity in our communities, and raise a glass to the incredible people who continue to shape our legacy.

Joining the road trip is TSNBarDown podcast host, life-long Winnipeg Jets fan, and proud Manitoban Jesse Pollock, who takes part in the Crown Royal Rig celebrations on March 25 at True North Square, helping to pack boxes for Harvest Manitoba and greeting fans visiting the rig.

"As a proud Manitoban and a die-hard Jets fan, I'm pumped to be part of Crown Royal's community tour," says Jesse Pollock, host of the TSN BarDown podcast. "This province holds a very special place in my heart, and it's amazing to see a brand like Crown Royal celebrate not just its Canadian roots, but also the communities that make Manitoba so unique."

Celebrating small acts of generosity is nothing new for Crown Royal. The Crown Royal Rig's community tour is part of the brand's larger Generosity platform and underscores its ongoing mission: Crown Royal live generously and life will treat you royally.

Here's How You Can Join the Celebration

Manitobans can join the Crown Royal community tour by visiting the Crown Royal Rig at any of the following stops, open to all visitors in Manitoba.

March 25  True North Square, Winnipeg : Pre-game tailgate and watch the live Winnipeg Jets vs. Washington Capitals game at True North Square from 4:30-10:00 PM

: Pre-game tailgate and watch the live game at True North Square from March 26  Gimli Recreational Centre : An opportunity to connect with local community members and pack boxes for Harvest Manitoba from 4:00-8:00 PM

: An opportunity to connect with local community members and pack boxes for Harvest Manitoba from March 27  True North Square, Winnipeg : Kane Brown High Road Tour pre-concert tailgate at True North Square 4:30-8:00 PM

For more information, visit CrownRoyal.ca

About Crown Royal

Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in Canada3 and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins  it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit crownroyal.ca. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.

______________________ 3 ACD January 2025 R12M Crown Royal trademark in value and volume

About Diageo North America

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker andCrown Royal whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

About Harvest Manitoba

Harvest Manitoba is a not-for-profit charitable organization committed to ensuring that no Manitoban goes hungry. Currently, Harvest Manitoba feeds over 110,000 Manitobans every month, 49% children, through its community food network of more than 390 food banks and partnered agencies across Manitoba including soup kitchens, schools, and daycares.

SOURCE Crown Royal

Media contact: For further information: Sophia Naprawa, [email protected]
Lilacs entice crowds for the Lilac Festival at Highland Park in Rocherster Friday, May 14, 2022. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

After a long, harsh winter, Upstate New Yorks flower festivals offer a colorful reprieve, and one has just been recognized among the best in the country.

Rochesters Lilac Festival ranked No. 4 on USA Todays best flower festival in the United States, as voted by readers.

The annual event, held in Highland Park, is the largest free festival of its kind in North America and typically attracts more than 500,000 visitors. The park features more than 500 varieties of lilac bushes, filling the air with their signature fragrance.

The 10-day festival is set to take place this year from May 9-18. Music headliners at the KeyBank Center Stage include Sir Woman, Katie Pruitt, Chayce Beckham, Cruel Summer (a Taylor Swift tribute,) The Skycoasters, Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, The Aces, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Beach Weather.

In addition to the live music and spring flowers, dont miss new events this year like the Lilac Local Farmers Market and Mothers Day VIP event.

The Mothers Day VIP event includes two ticketed packages for moms, grandmas, caregivers and more who celebrate the holiday. The Family Photo Package ($81.88) includes a professional mini photoshoot among the purple blossoms, a build your own charm keychain craft, commemorative cup, coffee voucher, Lilac Lotto Ticket, and more.

The Bubbles in VIP package ($65.87) is a day of pampering for mom, including a botox lip treatment or mini-facial, flower wall photo op, mimosas, build your own bouquet, boozy ice cream, snacks, coffee, swag, chair massages and all-day access to the VIP tent with a view of the music main stage.

In addition, there is also a festival parade, art in the park, fun runs, a senior day, and wellness events.

Rochesters Lilac Festival is just one of several nationally recognized flower events in Upstate New York. Also in Western New York, Buffalo was named one of the best places in the country to see cherry blossoms. The pale pink and white petals come into full bloom in Buffalos Delaware Park in mid to late April. The Queen City throws an annual Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate.

The Albany Tulip Festival was recently named one of the best spring tulip festivals in America by Country Living. The event takes place each May in the Capital Region.

See more details about the Rochester Lilac Festival on their event website.
Australias fintech sector is fracturing. Big players grab the funding while small startups scrape by, and small to medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, could lose out on innovative tools like payment apps or AI bookkeeping.

FinTech Australias latest Pre-Budget Submission unpacks this trend, showing how it might limit what reaches SME hands. With the federal budget due in May, heres what owners need to understand about this two-speed shift and how to navigate it.

Funding challenges for new fintechs

The numbers paint a clear picture. Deal volume in fintech fell 14 percent in the second half of 2024, according to KPMGs Pulse of FinTech Report, with cash flowing to established firms. Rehan DAlmeida, CEO of FinTech Australia, sums it up: Larger fintechs are still securing cash, but newer companies are finding it tough to attract investors. For SMEs, this is personal. Startups like Afterpay or Up Bank, now giants, began small, delivering buy-now-pay-later options or fee-free banking that small businesses relied on. If todays newcomers cant launch, the next wave of SME-friendly tech might never arrive.

Whats causing this? Investors are getting cautious, as global uncertainty makes risky bets less appealing, but red tape is a bigger hurdle. The R&D tax incentive, designed to spark innovation, bogs down early-stage founders with complex forms and delays. SMEs account for 67 percent of Australias jobs, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Business Employment Data from 2023, yet they and startups lack the resources to tackle such obstacles. FinTech Australia points to the governments 2024-25 R&D review as a chance to simplify it, but no solution is set yet. Until then, cash-strapped fintechs falter, and SMEs miss tools to manage cashflow or spot fraud.

The impact on SMEs

The timing stings. AI is surging in fintech, up 20 percent in startups last year, promising solutions like automated invoicing or financial literacy apps. Picture a retailer using AI to chase late payers or a freelancer tracking jobs instantly. These arent extras; theyre vital for SMEs with tight budgets. Compliance costs them $1.2 billion yearly, as per ABSs Business Costs from 2022, so tech that trims red tape is a lifeline. But if early-stage fintechs cant fund their ideas, those solutions stay unbuilt.

Its not all bleak. Established fintechs like Xero for accounting or Airwallex for global payments still serve SMEs well. The Consumer Data Right, or CDR, with $88.8 million from the 2023-24 budget, lets businesses use customer data for sharper loans or insights, if funding lasts. Still, the gap is stark. DAlmeida warns: Smaller, newer companies, that could become our next Afterpay or Up Bank, struggle to get off the ground. Without them, SMEs might face a fintech future built for big firms, not local shops.

The bottleneck has layers. Beyond R&D, regulatory overlap from ASIC, APRA, ACCC, and AUSTRAC tangles SMEs and fintechs alike. A tradie linking with a payment app shouldnt need to decode rules, but thats the deal now. FinTech Australia suggests streamlining this, though no fix is in sight. Meanwhile, green fintech is growing, with 15 percent of firms targeting sustainability, like carbon trackers, according to the 2024 EY FinTech Australia Census. Thats gold for SMEs chasing eco-conscious customers, but funding still leans toward the heavyweights.

For SME owners, this is urgent. Look at the Treasurys draft payday super law, released last Friday. From July 2026, super syncs with paydays, and a missed $1,000 payment could mean a $600 penalty, 60 percent of the shortfall, plus daily interest. Fintech could help, auto-calculating super, but if startups fade, SMEs are left with clunky fixes. Cashflows a top worry for 43 percent of SMEs, as per ABSs Business Conditions from 2023; this divide could make it worse.

What can SMEs do?

Start with whats available: Xero or Tyro manage payroll and payments now, so test them. Next, check your tech: wheres a startups absence hurting, like loan access? Then, stash some cash; those super fines wont wait. Push your software providers too; many are rushing updates for 2026s rules. Finally, track Mays budget. Simpler R&D or steady CDR funds could spark new tools. Super feedbacks due April 11; your say might ease the hit.

Theres a wider view to consider. DAlmeida adds: With ongoing uncertainty abroad, now is the best time to focus on our strengths and reinforce our fintech ecosystem with the correct policy settings. Hes right: Australias fintech, from tap-and-go to open banking, ranks 6th globally, according to the Global Fintech Index 2023. A policy push could turn that into exports, fueling more local innovation. But thats a slow burn; SMEs need help today.

This divide is a challenge, not a dead end. SMEs power millions of livelihoods; they deserve tech that matches their drive. Deal volume might rise in 2025 if rates ease, but dont count on it. Use whats solid now, brace for tighter rules, and watch the budget. If Canberra bridges this gap, with clearer R&D or funded regulators, SMEs could catch a fintech wave. If not, the next Up Bank might stay a dream, and small businesses will feel the drought most.

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Australias superannuation system is set for a big change. By July 1, 2026, employers will no longer make quarterly super guarantee (SG) payments.

Instead, they must pay super at the same time as wageswhether weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. The governments new payday super plan, announced in draft legislation last Friday, requires employers to deposit super into workers accounts within seven days of payday. The goal is to help workers grow their retirement savings faster and ensure employers pay on time. However, the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) warns that small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are not ready for such a quick transition.

ALSO READ: Super fund lodgers last-minute checklist

For SMEs, the new rule could create cashflow problems. Instead of setting aside super every three months, businesses must now find the money every week or fortnight. A retail shop with tight margins, for example, may struggle to cover extra costs on short notice. If they miss a payment, the penalty could be steepa $600 fine on a $1,000 underpayment, far higher than todays $20 fine. Worse, if a payment fails due to banking errors, businesses must fix it within seven days or still face penalties, even if the delay was beyond their control.

The benefits of Payday Super

For workers, this change is a big win. Getting super payments more often means they can start earning interest sooner, helping their savings grow over time. To make sure employers follow the rules, the government is introducing strict penalties. Businesses that underpay super will face a 60% penalty (compared to the current $20 fine per employee), daily interest charges, and additional fines of up to 50% for repeat offenders. The Super Guarantee Charge (SGC) will be tax-deductible, but penalties will not. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones describes it as a simpler system that will help workers retire with dignity.

COSBOA supports the idea but says businesses need more time. We support the principle of Payday Super and timely superannuation payments for employees, says COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison. However, we urge the government to allow more time to ensure businesses are ready before enforcing a strict seven-day rule. Addison points out that super payments go through multiple banking and processing steps before reaching super funds. Right now, payments can take several days to clear, and businesses need extra time to fix errors. A gradual rollout would help businesses adjust without causing problems.

The challenge for small businesses

Technology is another issue. Payroll systems need upgrades, which could take 18 to 36 months to complete. Meanwhile, super funds, which currently have 28 days to process payments, will only have three. This could lead to payment failures rising from 1.5 million to 25 million per year. COSBOA suggests easing into the system, starting with monthly payments in 2026 before moving to full payday payments later. They also want penalties to apply only when employers make mistakes, not when technical issues cause delays.

Small businesses should review payroll systems now to ensure they calculate super correctly. Budgeting for more frequent payments is keysetting up a buffer fund or line of credit could help. Businesses should also check with payroll software providers, as some may offer temporary solutions before major system updates. The Treasury is accepting feedback until April 11, so SMEs should speak up to push for a smoother transition. A phased approach, as COSBOA suggests, could give businesses the time they need to adapt.

This change is an important step for workers retirement savings. But if the rollout is rushed, small businesses could struggle with fines and cashflow issues. A careful transition could help both workers and businesses succeed. The clock is ticking, and finding the right balance is key.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
A customer at the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Allendale told police she was sexually assaulted by a massage therapist. Google Maps

A licensed New Jersey massage therapist has been charged with sexual assault and criminal sexual contact after allegedly assaulting a woman during a massage at a Bergen County spa.

Dequan Cedeno, 35, was arrested Saturday following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutors Office and the Allendale Police Department, authorities said.
A poll conducted by the Thailand-based Zanroo social listening tool, which garnered over 208 million votes, ranked actress Zhao Lusi as the most popular Chinese actress in Thailand.

Zhao received over 70 million, significantly outpacing Zhang Ruonan, who placed second with over 46 million votes. Other actresses in the top 10 include Dilraba Dilmurat, Yang Zi, Liang Jie, Bai Lu, Lu Yuxiao, Tian Xiwei, Chen Duling, and Ju Jingyi.

Zhao, 28, began her acting career in 2017 and rose to fame through leading roles in hit drama series such as "The Romance of Tiger and Rose," "Dating in the Kitchen," "Love Better Than Immortality," "Love Like the Galaxy," and "Hidden Love."

In recent months, concerns about her health have drawn public attention after a video of her being wheeled into a hospital went viral in Dec. 2024. Her team later confirmed that she had been experiencing health issues prior to her hospitalization and had paused all work-related activities to focus on recovery.

Zhao later opened up about her struggles with depression, revealing that it began several years ago. She initially ignored her symptoms, believing she was simply "weak" and influenced by others who discouraged her from "overreacting."

The actress made her first public appearance since her hospitalization in late January at an event in Chengdu, China.
Work on the 42-story Halo tower, left, has resumed after pausing for nearly a year due to a dispute between the project's developer and lender, both said last week. The Essex County Wynona Lipman Family Courts Building, also under construction, is the shorter building on the right. The photo was taken on Monday, March 17, 2025. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com

Word that work on the 42-story Halo apartment tower in Newark had resumed was good news to Caha Eldreny.

The 72-year-old Newark resident and Egyptian native owns the Amanah Muslim Merchants store across Washington Street from the incomplete skyscraper in a corner of the citys downtown that still bears pockets of blight.

Its very good for the area, Eldreny said of the 302-unit Halo tower, a skyscraper sheathed in bluish glass on all but the uppermost floors, where work stopped last spring. But, he added, the way its looking now, its ugly.

Eldreny was not the only one concerned.

The unfinished building is the first of three Halo towers planned for the site, totaling 1,075 units, 20% of which will rent for below-market rates to people earning less than the surrounding regions median income.

At 467 feet tall, including a permanent rooftop crane for maintenance, the Halos phase 1 tower is Newarks tallest building, according to its developer, edging the 466-foot National Newark Building on Broad Street.

Its yet another Newark project completed or planned that was designed by INOA Architecture, a Manhattan-based firm led by architect Murat Mutlu, whose curvaceous, often whimsical structures dot the globe from East Orange to Dubai.

With its sheer size and glistening exterior, the multi-phase project promises to brighten and extend the Newark skyline westward, beyond its already growing cluster of tall buildings concentrated farther east.

But after a fast start in 2022 that saw the Halos concrete skeleton top out at 42 stories and most of the exterior covered, work on the building all but stopped late last spring with no visible progress for the past year or so.

The cause was a dispute between the developer and the projects lender that cut off the flow of cash to pay for workers and materials. The dispute led a subsidiary of developer Acier Holdings LLC to file a lawsuit accusing the lender, Los Angeles-based Parkview Financial LLC, of failing to make scheduled disbursement totaling $40 million under terms of the $90 million loan deal.

Lender failed to timely fund Borrowers loan disbursement requests, causing significant and cascading delays in construction, stated the suit, filed in June 2024, in state Superior Court in Newark. The plaintiff is 289-301 Washington LLC, a subsidiary of Acier, which has offices in Lakewood and New York City.

But things have thawed between the parties since then.

Last week, Acier founding partner Moshe Glatzer and Parkview CEO Paul Rahimian each told NJ Advance Media they had come to an understanding that would restart work on the project. The resumption would put the phase 1 building on track for completion in the first quarter of 2026, a year later than originally anticipated.

Construction halted on the Halo tower in Newark last spring following a funding dispute between the project's developer and financier, though both parties say they have agreed to resume work on the project. The Essex County Wynona Lipman Family Court Building, also under construction but unrelated to the 3-phase Halo complex, is to the right. The photo was taken on Monday, March 17, 2025. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com

Weve had direct talks with the lender, Glatzer, whose brother Jake is also a partner, said of a lunch meeting they had with Rahimian in New York last month. We all agree that the building sitting does not help anybody.

Asked if that meant the suit would be dropped, Glatzer replied, Were heading in that direction.

Rahimians tone was likewise upbeat.

Were excited, he said. Weve had a lot of great conversations with the borrower.

It is unfortunate, Rahimian said of the halted construction, because we all lost some time here.

Glatzer and Rahimian said the first work to be resumed involves completing the exterior walls of the building to enclose the open upper floors and give the building a finished appearance.

On Monday morning, construction lights were on at the base of the building, visible above the construction fence surrounding the site. At least one Halo worker in a hard hat was at the base of the building on a break, though he declined to talk about the work going on inside.

The Halo is adjacent but unrelated to another large project also under construction on Washington Street, the new $175 million Essex County Wynona Lipman Family Courts Building at the corner of Market Street.

Before the Halos developer and financier said the project was back on track, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. expressed disappointment that the project had been stalled for so long and that the unfinished site had become an eyesore.

All the projects we have undertaken have helped lift neighborhoods up, encourage economic development and renewed pride in government, DiVincenzo said in a statement Friday. Right next to our property is this eyesore property that is not even half completed, and there has been no work done in several months.

This rendering of the 3-phase Halo project is out of date, said developer Moshe Glatzer of Acier Holdings LLC. The first phase tower, to the far right, is now well under construction and is 42 stories tall, not 38, as depicted in the rendering. The parking lot to the right of the project in the rendering is occupied by the Essex County Wynona Lipman Family Courts Building, which is now nearing completion. INOA Architecture/Acier Holdings LLC

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Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com
People with firearm access are far more likely to experience gun violence than to use their weapon for self-defense, according to a new Rutgers Health study.

Although self-defense is the primary reason most firearm owners report carrying, less than 1% of adults with firearm access surveyed by the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center used a gun for self-defense in the past year.

The research challenges the narrative that gun owners carrying around a firearm for self-defense are routinely preventing tragedies, said Michael Anestis, executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers and lead author of the study.

It certainly could happen, said Anestis. The issue is, it just happens so much more rarely than a lot of the tragedies that are not part of the narrative.

The New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center estimates approximately 97.8 million U.S adults have household firearm access. More and more gun owners cite self-defense, instead of other factors like hunting or sport shooting, as a major reason they own a gun.

However, the Rutgers Health study, which surveyed 3,000 adults with firearm access from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults in May 2024, found adults with firearm access are far more likely to be exposed to gun violence, both throughout their entire lives and in the past year.

For example, 34% said they lost a friend or loved one to firearm suicide in their lifetime and 33% said they had heard gunshots in their neighborhood in the past year.

The study also found that in the rare instances where someone reported firing at a perceived threat, those individuals were more likely to have experienced gun violence themselves.

About 60% of the instances of shooting a firearm at a threat occurred among individuals who had previously been shot, despite such individuals accounting for only 2% of the sample.

That means the majority of gun violence is happening amongst a small group of folks who have been harmed by guns, said Anestis.

The New Jersey Second Amendment Society, a non-profit, civil rights organization, condemned the study as highly biased in a statement sent to NJ Advance Media.

If this study had any validity, then we should immediately disarm all politicians, judges, and Governor Murphy for their own safety. Millions of Americans every year use firearms to safely protect themselves and loved ones against violent criminals, including women against sexual assault. The fact is: disarming the innocent is the cruelest form of violence and only emboldens violent criminals for easy victims, said President Alex Alejandro Roubian in a statement.

The study, published Friday in JAMA Network Open, is not saying guns are bad, dont get one, said Anestis. Its saying the story people are being sold by people who profit off guns isnt accurate.

What bothers me is how many people are looking through a distorted lens that doesnt help them and doesnt align with their values, which are that they want to protect themselves and keep their families safe. But theyre pursuing it in a way that is not as likely to help them as they think it is, said Anestis.

Research shows that people living in a home with access to firearms are at a higher risk of suicide and more likely to be a victim of a homicide.

Firearms also present a risk for intentional or unintentional injury to children. Data recorded during 2003-2021 by the National Violent Death Reporting System identified 1,262 unintentional firearm injury deaths among children aged 017 years, with the majority fatally injured in their own home. Approximately 67% of shooters were playing with or showing the firearm to others when it discharged.

Access to a firearm is also associated with an increased risk of intimate partner violence and domestic homicide, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, the countrys largest gun violence protection organization.

None of that is what the firearm owner intended when they purchased the gun, said Anestis. People are making decisions based off something that feels real to them and overlooking all the other risks.

New Jersey has seen a jump in the number of people seeking carry permits since a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that struck down a New York law requiring people to demonstrate a particular need for carrying a gun in order to get a license to carry one in public. Although New York was at the center of the case, the ruling immediately affected other states with similar laws, like New Jersey.

The Attorney Generals Permit to Carry dashboard shows that since the decision, 65,104 applications have been filed and all but 333 were approved. Prior to the court ruling, 1,585 carry permit applications were received between December 2019 and June 2022. Of those, 39 were denied.

Before the landmark ruling, New Jersey was one of eight states that had a concealed carry permitting processes that could deny an applicant if they have not shown a justifiable need to carry a weapon publicly. That was defined as urgent necessity for self-protection, as evidenced by specific threats or previous attacks which demonstrate a special danger to the applicants life that cannot be avoided by means other than by issuance of a permit to carry a handgun.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals is removing hundreds of New Jersey employees from its company.

The global drugmaker will lay off 427 employees from its U.S. headquarters in East Hanover, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filing with the state.

The cuts will hit between June 13 and Oct. 24.

The layoffs are aimed at supporting the growth of the companys cholesterol medication Leqvio and new products this year, according to a company spokesperson.

To support this future portfolio, we have made changes to our CV commercialization model that optimize our support for patients throughout their treatment journey and simplify and strengthen how we engage with our customers. The new structure will be implemented April 1, said spokesman Michael Meo.

The latest cuts are in addition to another 235 New Jersey layoffs announced by the company late last year.

Meo said Novartis would encourage affected employees to apply for open positions in other areas of our business.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals, whose global headquarters is in Switzerland, still employs about 3,000 people in New Jersey. Its one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, according to its website.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
A man has been sentenced to life in prison in the murder of a New Jersey high school student that went unsolved for over 20 years.

The body of 17-year-old Nancy Noga was found behind a strip mall in Sayreville on Jan. 12, 1999.

No suspects were identified until Bruce A. Cymanski, now 52, of Barnegat, was arrested and charged with her murder in 2021.

Cymanski was sentenced on Monday to life with 30 years of parole ineligibility as well as consecutive sentences of 20 and 15 years for related charges, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said in a statement.

A jury convicted him of murder, felony murder, aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose following a two-week trial last year.

Noga was a senior at Sayreville War Memorial High School when she went missing on Jan. 7, 1999. Her father reported her missing after she did not return home from her part-time job at a store in Old Bridge, which was about a 15-minute walk from their Sayreville apartment.

Five days later, a man who was walking his dog found the teens lifeless body behind the Mini-Mall Plaza Shopping Center on Ernston Road. Her body was frozen and face-down on the ground, covered in about five inches of snow.

An autopsy later determined her cause of death to be blunt force trauma.

Noga had enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was planning to start basic training after graduation, her sister, Janice Whitt, said in a 2011 interview with NJ.com.

In 1999, detectives investigating the case questioned about 500 people, according to Whitt.

Cymanski was arrested on Aug. 30, 2021, following a brief foot pursuit with detectives. He was in-part identified through the use of forensic genealogy, a complex process that uses family trees to identify unknown DNA found at crime scenes.

The technique gained national attention in 2018 when investigators used it to identify Joseph DeAngelo as a suspect in the notorious Golden State Killer case in California from the 70s and 80s. In 2020, the then 74-year-old DeAngelo was sentenced to life in prison after admitting to 13 murders and dozens of rapes.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
A Woodbridge High School student was arrested Tuesday morning after he was found to be in possession of a loaded gun, officials said.

The 17-year-old boy was taken into custody and charged with acts of juvenile delinquency equivalent to unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, terroristic threats, possession of a firearm on school property, and possession of a ghost gun, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said in a statement.

Another student received a threatening text message from the boy Monday night and reported it to school administrators at 8:07 a.m. Tuesday, authorities said. The suspect students belongings were then searched and a loaded gun was recovered, prosecutors said.

Following the arrest, district administrators shared a letter with parents, which was obtained by NJ Advance Media.

The situation was resolved safely and efficiently as a result of students communicating information directly with the school, the letter from principal Scott Osborne and superintendent Joseph Massimino said.

Approximately 1,560 students attend the grade 9-12 school, one of three public high schools in Woodbridge Township.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Englishtown New Jersey Mayor Daniel Francisco, left, poses for a photo with John Alite, who has become the borough's newest councilman after being sent to prison for being an enforcer in the New York City mafia. Daniel Francisco, provided

Flanked by five relatives, John Alite stood in a shiny navy suit and red tie last Wednesday preparing to be sworn in as a councilman in a New Jersey borough.

The oath he repeated moments later is one few might expect from a former mafia enforcer whose ties to organized crime landed him briefly in prison.

But, the mobster turned witness is a week into his new job after local Republicans in Englishtown in Monmouth County appointed him to fill a vacant council seat. Prior to being appointed, Alite, 62, frequently took on volunteer opportunities in the borough.

Alite said he wants to become an example for anyone, including young adults, whose life has been entangled in crime. Hes also not opposed to calls from Trenton or Washington to run for a higher office.

Its not about me, Alite told NJ Advance Media. I would say to them, youre going to teach every kid that did something wrong that youre never given another opportunity, and youre going to lose all these kids to the streets - to crime - to the belief that they wont have another chance after they screw up once.

An opportunity to join the council emerged in February after a short-lived council tenure by Kyle Jewusiak, who only served for about a month after winning the seat in the November. It was one of two council seats that needed to be filled. Both Alite and Patsy Fierro took the oaths last Wednesday.

Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco nominated Alite because of his interest in the community. Alite, the mayor said, developed relationships with local officials by frequently attending council meetings and being a proactive resident.

We know John just like a normal, everyday guy who does a lot of outreach work, Francisco said. For us, we know John as a neighbor.

New Jersey law doesnt bar those convicted of crimes from holding office, unless the offenses are tied to their positions in public service, according to the Restoration of Rights Project of the Collateral Consequences Resource Center, which analyzes state level laws regarding those released from prison.

Born into Albanian ancestry, Alite was an associate of the Gambino crime family, a prolific organization in the mafia, whose crimes extend past New York City. He was drawn to organized crime by John A. Gotti Jr., the former mob boss, who led the family after his father, John Gotti Sr., notoriously known as the Teflon Don, was incarcerated.

The familys mob activities, which span as far back as the mid-1980s, include crimes in New Jersey, New York and Florida, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in 2007, when Alites associates, Ronald J. Trucchio and Steven Catalano, were sentenced to prison.

Gottis mafia life was profiled in a 2018 film starring John Travolta.

Alite has admitted to roles in several homicides and upward of 40 shootings.

In 2008, he pleaded guilty to federal racketeering charges. Three years later, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison but was released early for cooperating with investigators.

Since then, hes become a motivational speaker, addressing youths across New Jersey and other states. He also hosts a podcast, using the platform to talk about politics and being a former criminal.

A parents worst fear drove him further into politics, he said.

I lost my daughter to drugs and fentanyl almost three years ago, and I wanted to make a difference, Alite said. His daughter died at 30.

Alite frequently emphasizes backing the people who arrested and prosecuted him for being a mafioso.

I understand how hard the job is to be a police officer and the safety value that the community doesnt understand about them, Alite said, adding that some of his first public talks involved support for law enforcement.

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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
Hey there New Jersey! Heres your audio update highlighting the mysterious boom that shook parts of Cape May County, five real estate markets where homes are selling fast and a consumer group says some New Jersey weed failed safety standards.

Plus, an Atlantic City beach bar has decided against building a pool on its property.

Listen by clicking the play button above.

This audio presentation is an editorially-curated selection of stories, selected by an editor, and then summarized and read aloud by artificial intelligence. Some variations in pronunciation, tone or diction may result.

We want to know what you think! All feedback is valuable. After youve listened, take our 3-question survey here to let us know what you think.

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President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to reporters in front of a red Model S Tesla vehicle on the South Lawn of the White House Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Washington. (Pool via AP) AP

Will tech billionaire Elon Musks company survive as he cozies up to President Donald Trump?

JPMorgan analysts told clients last week that they expect Tesla to report its lowest number of deliveries since the third quarter of 2022 and an 8% decline from the first quarter of 2024, according to a Forbes report. Ryan Brinkman, the analyst who leads the JPMorgan group, said Tesla is facing the acute effects of Musks more divisive new role in government, Forbes reported.

We struggle to think of anything analogous in the history of the automotive industry, in which a brand has lost so much value so quickly, the JPMorgan analysts wrote, according to Forbes.

The analysts also explained that Tesla appears to have the most to lose among car companies in the U.S. from the shifting regulatory backdrop, referring to Trumps potential rollback of electric vehicle tax credits.

Tesla dealerships around the country have been the sites of massive ongoing protests for several weeks. Police have said there have been several incidents of vandalism connected to the protests, nicknamed Tesla Takedowns.

The protests come as people speak out against Musk and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. A recent CNN poll found that 53% have a negative view of Musk, with just 35% expressing a positive view on the billionaire.

In response to the protests, Trump staged a photo op with Musk last week to showcase Tesla vehicles. Trump also railed against people who are boycotting Tesla, claiming that it is illegal to do so.

To Republicans, Conservatives, and all great Americans, 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 Worlds great automakers, and Elons baby, in order to attack and do harm to Elon, and everything he stands for. They tried to do it to me at the 2024 Presidential Ballot Box, but how did that work out? Trump wrote on Truth Social.

In any event, Im 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??? Trump added.

Forbes noted that JPMorgan is just the latest firm to slash its first quarter delivery forecasts for Tesla, as Goldman Sachs and UBS have already done the same.
FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2013, file photo, Joseph Maldonado-Passage, also known as Joe Exotic, is seen at the zoo he used to run in Wynnewood, Okla. A federal judge in Oklahoma has ordered the new owners of the Oklahoma zoo featured in Netflix's "Tiger King" documentary to turn over all the lion and tiger cubs in their possession, along with the animals' mothers, to the federal government. U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III issued the order last week in the case against Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe and the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park based on claimed violations of the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) AP

Tiger Kings Joe Exotic is begging President Donald Trump for a pardon, offering to leave the country in exchange.

Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, has been asking Trump for a pardon for months. Maldonado-Passage, a former zookeeper, was sentenced to prison in January 2020 after he was convicted of hiring two different men to kill animal welfare activist Carole Baskin. Both were featured in a Netflix series titled, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.

He suggested on social media platform X that if Trump pardoned him, he and his husband would go to Mexico.

You could deport him at some point, but if you let me go, well both go to Mexico, which will save you the cost of deporting him and allow you to take care of me. No matter what happens, hes my husband, and well never abandon each other. This bond is that strong, he wrote on X.

It would save the taxpayers both ways, he added.

He also asked controversial influencer Andrew Tate, who was charged alongside his brother with human trafficking in Romania, to call Trump and ask him for a pardon.

Please call Trump to get me out of here, he wrote on X last week.

Maldonado-Passage jabbed Trump and former President Joe Biden earlier this year for not issuing him a pardon.

If I was a crack dealer, maybe if I broke in the capital [sic] or even have been related to the Bidens. I might have gotten some relief on being in prison innocent, he said in an Instagram post.

Hell the guy who killed 2 FBI Agents even hot [sic] a pardon today. I cant even get a new trial based on admitted perjury testimony, he added, likely referring to Bidens pardon of Native American activist Leonard Peltier.
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

Elon Musk just keeps on getting bad news.

Deliveries of Tesla Cybertrucks are reportedly being put on hold as many owners report panels flying off the supposedly bulletproof electric truck, according to electric vehicle website Electrek. The report explained that Tesla Cybertruck buyers are taking to online forums and social media platform X to complain that their deliveries have been delayed.

An online forum, the Cybertruck Owners Club, has a page dedicated to owners questioning why their electric truck deliveries were delayed.

Some on the forum explained that Tesla specialists told them that there is a containment hold on their truck. According to Electrek, a containment hold generally occurs when an automaker finds something wrong with newly produced vehicles and wants to hold deliveries to fix the issue.

Electrek reported that at least eight Cybertruck buyers on the online forum have reported a delay with many more on X and Facebook reporting the same.

One user wrote on X: Why there is a hold on all cybertruck deliveries with no explanation? I was supposed to take delivery and the delivery day suddenly disappeared although my vehicle is at the dealer ready to be delivered, saying there is a hold on all cybertrucks deliveries.

At least one buyer said that the issue on the Cybertruck was related to the trim on the vehicle, according to Electrek.

There have been multiple recalls of the Cybertruck since its launch in 2023. A June 2024 recall involved a piece of black plastic trim that could fly off the truck as it is being driven, according to CNN.

The reports of delayed deliveries come as firms expect Tesla deliveries to fall in the first quarter of 2025. JPMorgan analysts told clients last week that they expect Tesla to report its lowest number of deliveries since the third quarter of 2022 and an 8% decline from the first quarter of 2024, according to a Forbes report.

Tesla stock fell about 5.3% on Tuesday, marking the latest drop for Musks company as many Americans express anger toward his role in Trumps administration.

Tesla dealerships around the country have been the sites of massive ongoing protests for several weeks. Police have said there have been several incidents of vandalism connected to the protests, nicknamed Tesla Takedowns.

Many people have also organized boycotts of Teslaa move that President Donald Trump declared illegal last week.

But the Radical Left Lunatics, as they often do, are trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla, one of the Worlds great automakers, and Elons baby, in order to attack and do harm to Elon, and everything he stands for. They tried to do it to me at the 2024 Presidential Ballot Box, but how did that work out? Trump wrote on Truth Social.

In any event, Im 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??? Trump added.

This development comes after a recent CNN poll found that 53% of Americans have a negative view of Musk, with just 35% expressing a positive view on the billionaire.
FILE - Vivek Ramaswamy speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at the Santander Arena, Oct. 9, 2024, in Reading, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) AP

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy suggested a possible name change for Lake Erie on Friday.

Ramaswamy questioned whether there should be a Lake Ohio during a local GOP fundraiser last week, Cleveland.com reported. Ramaswamy is running against Attorney General Dave Yost (R) for the chance to replace Gov. Mike DeWine (R) in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Anybody think if theres a Lake Michigan, maybe there should be a Lake Ohio around here? Ramaswamy said, according to the report. Im feeling that. Well talk about that a little bit more as this campaign progresses.

A campaign spokesperson said Ramaswamy was joking about the name change during the event, which was held about 13 miles from Lake Erie, according to Cleveland.com. The report also noted that it was not immediately clear whether Ramaswamy was referring to Lake Erie, but that is the only one of the five Great Lakes that touches Ohio.

Yost, Ramaswamys challenger, responded to his comment on social media platform X.

Lake Erie is mentioned in the state constitution and at least 94 statutes. A governor does not have the authority to change either, unlike a president. (And it means beautiful river not lake), Yost wrote on X.

Lake Erie is mentioned in the state constitution and at least 94 statutes.



A governor does not have the authority to change either, unlike a president.



(And it means beautiful river not lake)



Lake Ohio? Ramaswamy pitches new name for Great Lakehttps://t.co/FoNqTQnERT  Dave Yost (@DaveYostOH) March 17, 2025

Yost was referring to President Donald Trumps move to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America earlier this year.

Cleveland.com noted that changing the name of Lake Erie on U.S. maps would require the approval of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. According to the U.S. Geological Surveys website, there must be a compelling reason to change the name.

Ramaswamy announced his bid for Ohio governor last month, shortly after declining to run the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside tech billionaire Elon Musk. Trump announced last year that the two entrepreneurs would be co-leading the non-governmental agency.
Comedian Jon Stewart criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for backing a GOP-led bill to keep the government open.

Schumer has faced intense backlash from Democrats for instructing members of his party to vote last week for the House GOPs funding bill that will keep the government funded through September. Stewart joined the chorus of critics during The Daily Show on Monday, where he mocked the Senate Democrat for folding to Republicans.

What the f--- happened? Stewart said, noting that Schumer said the GOP bill was terrible.

You got me going, Chucky. You probably got a little something out of this, didnt you? You wouldnt have given up that powerful leverage on the budget for nothing. My guess is Chucky got some cheese, Stewart quipped before playing a clip that suggested that Schumer received no concessions from Republicans for his support.

.@jonstewart on the Dems "unified" fight against the GOP's budget bill: What the f**k happened? pic.twitter.com/eXwH1B4LM9  The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) March 18, 2025

He criticized Schumer for suggesting in an interview with The New York Times that Democrats will wait to work with Republicans until President Donald Trumps approval rating falls below 40%.

What are you doing? And for those of you who may have felt like this was a total capitulation, Senator Schumer just felt like this wasnt the moment for Democrats to press their case, because Trump is still too strong, he said.

But apparently the grand plan is Dems keep fecklessly complaining until the 48 approval comes down to 40, which is a plan, but its forgetting one crucial piece of information in Schumers popularity calculation, he added before playing a clip of Democrats approval rating sinking to 27% in a new NBC News poll.

Schumer said the spending bill was terrible but that a shutdown would have been far worse, and difficult to end, as President Donald Trump has already slashed jobs and funding for agencies across the government. A shutdown would have given Trump even more power to make cuts, Schumer said, and so many programs would be lost.

House Democrats strongly disagreed with Schumers decision and criticized him directly: We will not be complicit, Democratic leaders said in a joint statement.

The public rift among Democrats, and the onslaught of criticism toward Schumer, came after years of relative unity during Trumps first term and during President Joe Bidens time in the White House. Its a reflection of how Democrats have become increasingly frustrated with their inability to stop Trumps Cabinet confirmations and mass firings of federal workers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Juan Sotos return to Yankee Stadium in mid-May will highlight a must-watch series against the New York Mets.

But will he  or should he?  be celebrated with a tribute video when the series begins on May 16?

BUY YANKEES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER

According to The New York Posts Joel Sherman, the answer as of now, nine days before Opening Day, is no. Sherman pointed out that the Yankees have a high threshold for these thank-you videos  in 2020, Joe Girardi (manager of Philadelphia Phillies) and Didi Gregorius (shortstop of Phillies) got one, and in 2022, the Yankees played one for then-Minnesota Twins catcher Gary Sanchez and third baseman Gio Urshela.

Per Sherman:

When I asked a few Yankees executives about the two Mets, they suggested not likely for Soto because he only played one year for the team and probably a yes for (Clay) Holmes, who was a Yankee for 3  seasons.

Despite Sotos incredible 2024 campaign that got the Yankees into the World Series, he still only played one season in pinstripes. Yes, it was an incredible one: He posted a 178 OPS+ with a .288/.419/.569 line, 41 home runs and 109 RBIs in the regular season. He went 16 for 49 with four home runs, three doubles and 14 walks in 14 playoff games, giving him a .327/.469/.633 line.

That helped him land a 15-year, $765 million contract (that can reach $805 million) with the Mets and effectively reject the Yankees, who offered $760 million over 16 years.

The Mets' new right fielder is locked in and ready for the regular season: In 12 spring traning games (32 plate appearances), hes hit .357/.438/.857 with four home runs and eight RBIs. He will bat No. 2, between leadoff hitter Francisco Lindor and third-place hitter Pete Alonso.

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Update: This story has been updated with a statement from the Cantrell administration received three hours after deadline.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration missed a deadline in resolving a sexual assault allegation against the citys Office of Homeless Services and Strategy (OHSS) Director Nate Fields and has extended the inquiry's length.

The city's sexual harassment policy states, It shall be the city's objective to complete all investigations within 60 days unless compelling circumstances require additional time. An extension beyond 60 days will require a written request to the asst. CAO of the personnel division prior to the expiration of the investigation.

The city confirmed in a February press release that they received a sexual harassment complaint from a contract worker on Jan. 13. They are referring to an allegation by Mary Bonney, a contract worker with the citys homeless office, that Fields forcibly kissed her twice on the job on Jan. 6 and continued to harass her following the incident.

It has been more than 60 days since Bonney filed the complaint, but she told Gambit she has still not received an update on the investigation by the city. In a statement from the City Law Department, the administration says it has extended the deadline "to allow for the collection of additional evidence and information that was identified late in the original sixty-day period."

Bonney, who is contracted through the company Civix to do work for OHSS, said she was told not to come to the city office after members of the Cantrell administration interviewed her about her complaint. Later the city tried to move Bonney to a different office, which she declined.

Bonney said shes been taking paid time off through Civix ever since and is unsure about the status of her job with OHSS.

I feel profound disappointment at the lack of support and extreme anxiety from being in limbo, she said. This has been a very isolating experience, and Ive done nothing wrong.

Furthermore, Bonney said she has sent multiple emails to members of the administration about their handling of her complaint and other workplace concerns, including to Cantrell, that they have not answered.

Bonney previously told Gambit that the citys handling of the investigation process to be super intimidating. She said the administration has still not answered all her questions about the interview they conducted with her about the alleged assault.

I feel let down on every level, she said.
Embodied AI integrates AI into physical bodies such as robots to enable them to perceive, learn and dynamically interact with the environment like humans. Relying on computation and logical reasoning, it can continuously learn, adapt and complete tasks by perception, action and environmental feedback, thus improving autonomy and practical application in real world.

In addition to humanoid robots, other hardware with interactive capabilities, such as autonomous driving vehicles and wearable devices, can also serve as bodies of embodied AI.

Many cities in China are now funding projects that advance embodied intelligence systems, allowing AI to physically interact with the world.

A staff member conducts tests on a Walker X humanoid robot at a sci-tech company in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 26, 2024.(Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

A TORA-ONE humanoid robot demonstrates its gripping ability at a sci-tech company in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with its outstanding capabilities in research and development and solid foundation for manufacturing, serves as a fertile ground for the development of humanoid robot sector. In recent years, various vertical areas in the humanoid robot sector, ranging from basic components to system integration, have been flourishing in the Greater Bay Area. Numerous technology companies and research institutions have mushroomed here, infusing greater intelligence and dexterity into humanoid robot products, which are gradually deployed in fields of industrial operation, medical care, education and research, and others.

Yang Jun tests a quadruped robot in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

Yang Jun (2nd L) and his colleagues demonstrate a quadruped robot for clients at DEEP Robotics in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

Yang Jun, born in 2003, is an engineer on the technical support team at Hangzhou-based robotics firm DEEP Robotics. As an enthusiast of anime and mech models, he majored in computer science and technology in college and logged in his dreamed walk of life after graduation. DEEP Robotics is a high-tech enterprise at the state level, specialized in innovation and application of "embodied AI technology."

Most members of Yang's team are between 20 to 30 years old, tasked with product demonstrations, on-site installation and debugging, and post-installation maintenance for clients. As their hosting city draws steadily increased interest in the field of sci-tech innovation, Yang and his colleagues have to receive nearly 40 groups of clients and investors daily. The city is super friendly to innovations, which has attracted Yang to pursue his career here. "I enjoy the buzz atmosphere for relentless exploration at the forefront of the industry," said Yang.

Members of the R&D team of Wuhan Glory Road Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., debug the humanoid robot at the company in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

He Qi (2nd L), a member of the R&D team of Wuhan Glory Road Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., debugs the humanoid robot at the company in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Recently, the R&D team of Wuhan Glory Road Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. has been fine-tuning the strength and dynamic balance of a humanoid robot from the "Laborer" series at the robotics laboratory.

Standing 1.8 meters tall and weighing 95 kilograms, this robot utilizes a self-developed motion control algorithm, enabling it to carry loads of 40 to 60 kilograms and walk with straight legs.

A staff member displays a robot product at a robot display and experience center in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

A staff member displays a welding robot product at a robot display and experience center in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 18, 2025.(Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Tangshan has been working in recent years to promote the continuous growth of robot industrial clusters. Efforts have been made to increase investment in science and technology, push forward innovative research and development, and expand robot application scenarios.

The city is now home to 222 robot-related enterprises, and 21 robot research and development institutions at or above the provincial level. The special robots manufactured here, such as welding robots, special inspection robots, emergency rescue robots and other products, sell well domestically and overseas.

A staff member of Reacool Medical Technology Co., Ltd. demonstrates a digital surgery aided platform at a simulated operating room in the Vision Valley of China in Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024. (Photo by Xiao Benxiang/Xinhua)

A staff member of the National Intelligent Voice Innovation Center demonstrates an acoustics imager to detect equipment breakdown at the China Speech Valley in Hefei City, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024.(Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

China Speech Valley in Hefei City, the Vision Valley of China in Wuhu City and China Sensor Valley in Bengbu City, are three key demonstration zones for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry in Anhui Province.

In recent years, Anhui has been vigorously developing its AI industry with talent cultivation and capital input. Various new products and applications like industrial AI quality detection system, MEMS wafers and Al large model have been developed.

This photo taken in January 2025 shows a staff member testing an exoskeleton robot at Mount Tai in east China's Shandong Province.(Xinhua)

This image shows an exoskeleton robot designed to assist with climbing. (Xinhua)

During this year's Spring Festival, Mount Tai in east China's Shandong Province, one of the most iconic mountains in the country, introduced an innovative exoskeleton robot.

The wearable device, designed to assist with climbing, has garnered attention for its ability to make the arduous ascent at Mount Tai more accessible and enjoyable, especially for the elderly and mobility-impaired visitors.

A humanoid robot is on display in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. Ten humanoid robots of the "Chucai" series were displayed on a conference in Wuhan, showcasing a variety of abilities. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

A humanoid robot displays its weight-bearing ability in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. Ten humanoid robots of the "Chucai" series were displayed on a conference in Wuhan, showcasing a variety of abilities. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

This drone photo taken on Dec. 27, 2024 shows a smart auto-inspection drone base at a park in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. In various parks across Shenzhen, advanced artificial intelligence applications are ubiquitous, making technologies a part of daily life for the public. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

A cleaning robot is pictured at Lianhuashan Park in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 11, 2024. In various parks across Shenzhen, advanced artificial intelligence applications are ubiquitous, making technologies a part of daily life for the public. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

A robot from Galbot operates in an unattended scenario at the Beijing World of Robots in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

A visitor plays gobang with a robot at the Beijing World of Robots in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

Editor: JYZ
The Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington is inviting the community to join it in celebrating a milestone anniversary.

Half a century ago on April 11 The Plough opened its doors to bring the community together through theatre, film, art and live performance, becoming a true cultural hub for the town.

Through thick and thin, a pandemic and funding fears, the theatre has endured and in the coming weeks is hosting various shows and events to mark its 50th anniversary.

What better way to celebrate a 50th than with a rip-roaring pantomime  and Wotcha Gotcha  Pantomonium brings a hilarious three show run to the Plough on Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12.

It brings together a cast of 22 local performers in a unique and hilarious blend of Victorian, Dickensian, and Steampunk comedy - mixed with traditional British panto and a few Plough-themed surprises.

Suitable for ages from eight to infinity, the show also stars actor and writer Emlyn Harris, a veteran of 26 pantomimes and now also a Torrington resident.

Expect to see the Mad Hatter and Alice, Professor Moriarty and other Holmes-esque characters, Oliver Twist and the Artful Dodger, a fabulous panto dame and a whole host of other fantastic characters. Of course, no Plough panto would be complete without a pantomime Plough Cow

During his long career in theatre, television and radio, Emlyn Harris has appeared in pantomimes alongside a host of stars, including Fawlty Towers Manuel, Andrew Sachs, Dads Army actor Ian Lavender, comic legend Barry Cryer, Bernie Winters and Schnorbitz and Doctor Who actor Peter Davison, plus film and movie star Gary Oldman.

Above: Veteran panto dame, actor, writer and now Torrington resident Emlyn Harris will be starring in The Ploughs 50th birthday pantomime on April 11 and 12. Credit: Plough Arts Centre

Emlyn said: I moved to Torrington a few months ago and one of the principal reasons for choosing this town - apart from its delightful setting and amenities - was The Plough Arts Centre.

The range of creative workshops and opportunities it offers for people to engage with the arts is remarkable. The talented young people in the panto cast have already experienced the joys of live theatre through The Plough Arts Centres Youth Theatre and its many creative workshops for all ages and abilities.

Also on April 11, The Plough is bringing Tarka the Otter back to the big screen, offering audiences the chance to revisit the dramatic and moving story of Tarkas survival in the wild.

The Plough is calling on anyone with memories or stories about the making of this beloved film to get in touch and share their experiences  please email mail@theploughartscentre.org.uk.

A special anniversary exhibition also opens on April 11 and runs until May 31 - 50 Years of The Plough: Anniversary Exhibition chronicles the theatres journey, showcases its evolution, including film screenings, theatre productions, art exhibitions and outreach programmes.

Those who have been part of this incredible journey are encouraged to add their voices to a Story Box video installation at the venue where they can share their Plough memories.

The exhibition has a preview night on Thursday, April 10 at 6.30pm, with all welcome and entry is free.

For more information about The Plough Arts Centre and forthcoming shows and events, please visit www.theploughartscentre.org.uk.
SFF Presents has announced two adult art and music classes at Sisters Art Works beginning in April. First up is an all-day painting class with renowned local painter, Paul Alan Bennett, on Saturday, April 26, followed by a six-week bluegrass workshop with Joe Schulte every Wednesday evening from April 30 through June 4. Registration is now open for both classes at http://www.sffpresents.org/workshops-and-classes.

In Learn to Paint with Paul Alan Bennett, participants will work with water-based tempera paints on a 3 x 3 sheet of tar paper, selected because its surface takes the paint very well. Class will begin by participating in a guided pencil drawing to cover the basics of composition and expression. Bennett will cover techniques on color mixing and working with a brush before setting students loose to complete at least two paintings. To conclude the day, the class will gather to discuss their processes and share their work.

Paul Alan Bennett attended the Maryland Institute of Art and lived in Greece for six years where he taught art and got a masters degree in Greek History with an emphasis on Greek Art. Hes published three collections of his work, including HUG, Night Skies, and Pandemic Portraits. He has created backdrops for five productions for Bend Opera and is currently working on a sixth! By his own estimate, Paul has taught this kind of painting to more than 25,000 students over the years.

Students should come dressed to paint and move around. The class will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the JAM studio on the second floor of the Sisters Art Works building. All supplies and lunch will be provided, with gluten-free and vegan options available. Class registration is limited to 10 people. Participants must be 18 or older to enroll; no experience necessary.

In Jam-Ready Bluegrass: A 6-Week Music Workshop, instruction will focus on song arrangement, jam awareness, and bluegrass etiquette. Participants will learn how to take traditional bluegrass tunes commonly found in jam circles and bring them to life by finding the right key(s) to play them in, construct intros, outros, and apply other interesting arrangement ideas. Students will improve their ability and confidence in jamming and learn to take their favorite song and turn it into a tune they could bring to any jam to lead.

This is a beginner/intermediate class open to 20 pickers. Participants must be 18 or older to enroll and should have a solid ability to strum and switch between the basic and common chords on their chosen instrument. Bass, cello, or fiddle players must be able to identify some common notes and to play at least one basic scale or simple melodies.

Recommended tuition for each course is $150/person and SFF Presents is offering a pay what you can pricing model to help eliminate financial barriers. Classes will take place in the upstairs JAM Studio or Suite 101 of Sisters Art Works. For more information visit http://www.sffpresents.org/.
Tim Roth, the highly regarded principal of Sisters Middle School (SMS), has informed the school district that he will not renew his contract, as he is taking a teaching position in Europe. He will teach AP Chemistry for grades 11/12 and grade 9/10 science for a private English-speaking international school in the German-speaking area of Switzerland.

Photo by Bill Bartlett

Roth was a Sisters High School teacher from 2012 to 2017 when he took his first overseas teaching job at a Department of Defense school on a NATO base in Germany. He returned to Sisters in 2019 to serve as assistant principal at both the middle and high school. He was made principal for the middle school in May of 2021.

He and his wife, Laura - also a teacher, have one daughter in college and one who will graduate in June from Sisters High School. "We'll soon be empty nesters, and this is a perfect time to make a big move," Roth said. "It's with deep emotion that we leave. We're very excited about the opportunity to live and work overseas but will deeply miss the Sisters community and our love for the schools here."

Sisters School District Superintendent Curt Scholl values Roth's tenure.

"We are excited for Mr. Roth and his family and their next adventure," he told The Nugget. "Tim has done a great job as the leader of the middle school for the last four years. He will be missed."

A search for Roth's successor is underway.

"The position is currently posted and closes after spring break,'" Scholl said. "We are putting together an interview team from SMS and hope to have the successful candidate named by the end of April."

Roth imagines the position will attract quality candidates.

"It's a dream job," he said, waving his hands across the scenic ranch and mountain views from his office.

When asked to describe the most satisfaction from his principal's job, he struggled to find the one thing that epitomized his tenure.

"There are so many benefits to this job," he said. "The community involvement is amazing. There is such a duty to care, and we've had success both with our high yield instruction initiatives and creating a culture of wanting to come to school. As a teacher you work with one or maybe two other team members. As principal I have a team of 30 to help build a vision of making a great experience for kids."

Roth is well-liked by the teaching staff and students alike. His motto is: "Outlaws Together." He views middle school years as critical in making learning relevant, and the school experience safe for kids in their early adolescence.
Imagine a large family dinner - of 200. That would be an apt description of those who gathered last Friday night, March 14, for the annual Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Awards & Recognition Ceremony held at FivePine Conference Center.

Feted to a four-course buffet-style dinner, the attendees - almost without exception - were active or retired firefighters accompanied by spouses, life partners, family members, or close friends. As Chief Tony Prior put it: "We're one big family."

And just like big family gatherings there were stories told, good-natured teasing, and big, laugh-filled smiles punctuated with a few tears. It was a night of pride and gratitude both for those who are or who have served, and as Prior made certain that everybody knew - the family members.

Photo provided

"Those who are also awakened by the middle of the night pagers going off," he said as the room stilled.

The evening began with a presentation by the four-member Bend Fire Pipes and Drums corps followed with invocation by Chaplain Richard Ross of Central Oregon Public Safety Chaplaincy corps.

Following dinner, Chief Prior took the stage and welcomed guests and the boards and advisors of various agency partners and community support groups. One, and the evening's host, the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire and Ambulance Association, is a division of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District.

The Association is the social, civic, and charitable group of paid career personnel, operational volunteers, and Fire Corps volunteer members. Their goals are to provide opportunities for fellowship between Association members and their families; support and enhance fire service traditions through community events, educational programs, and activities; and raise funds in support of Association sponsored activities/charities, District-sanctioned events, and special projects.

Prior turned the mic over to Fire District Board President, Kristie Miller. The Board of Directors is comprised of five elected community members. The primary duty and function of the Board is to establish policies for the governance of the District. It is the policy of the Board to delegate to the Fire Chief and staff the responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the District, in a manner consistent with the policies and directions of the Board.

She was followed in succession by Association President Craig Matthews, Deputy Chief Jeff Puller, and Fire Corps Chair, Beverly Halcon.

They were all the warmup acts to the main event - the awards and recognition presentations. One-by-one Chief Prior honored the recipients to rousing applause and cheers.
Photo: https://t.me/energyofukraine/3670

Currently, the deficit of the Energy Support Fund of Ukraine in applications submitted by Ukrainian energy companies is almost $500 million, Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko said at a meeting of the Council of Energy Ministers of the EU Member States in Brussels on March 17.

"The Energy Support Fund of Ukraine is extremely important  We need to support the work of this mechanism, because it has proven its effectiveness," he said.

The minister stressed that Ukraine has experienced the most difficult winter for the energy sector, suffering large losses, in particular in electricity generation, while applying almost no restrictions on electricity supply. According to him, there is no region in Ukraine where energy facilities have not been attacked by the Russians, and the total number of damages is estimated at thousands of cases. At the same time, new destruction and damage to the energy system are added every day, the enemy is intensifying shelling.

According to Haluschenko, the most critical priority for protecting the energy sector remains air defense.

"The enemy is using increasingly sophisticated weapons. These are not only drones, but also missiles, ballistic missiles, which are becoming more difficult targets. They are modifying their weapons to more effectively destroy energy infrastructure, and are using them more massively. Therefore, we need to increase the level of protection. This is the best solution for protecting the energy sector," he noted.

Physical protection of facilities, restoration and strengthening of energy infrastructure also remains important.

The Energy Support Fund was established in April 2022 at the initiative of Minister of Energy Herman Haluschenko and European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.

As of early March 2025, the announced contributions of partners to the fund exceeded EUR1 billion. Its donors include the public and private sectors from over 30 countries, international and regional organizations.
As far as Sisters City Council and SistersCamp Sherman Fire District (SCFD) board members were aware, the March 12 workshop at Sisters City Hall was the first collaborative meeting of these two districts. The five elected members of SCFD Board of Directors were present  President Kristie Miller, Vice President Jack McGowan, Treasurer Tom Herrmann, and Directors Rodney Cooper and Bret Campbell.

The catalyst for the meeting came from the new City Councils 2025-26 goals, under Good Governance  an action to Maintain partnerships with local agencies and districts to foster collaboration for long-term priorities for the community. City Council is also collaborating with boards of the Sisters School District, Sisters Ranger District, and Sisters Park & Recreation District.

City Manager Jordan Wheeler informed the group that, based on past council goals, the Sisters Planning Commission has been moving forward on defensible space regulations for all new development, including structural additions on existing properties, a draft of which City Council previously reviewed. The Planning Committee has modeled the code changes from the Insurance Institute Business and Home Safety (IBHS) commercial and residential building codes. Wheeler told the group that City Council will be reviewing the System Development Code changes for final approval in April.

Wheeler said that the City of Sisters is actively completing a year of home hardening work on City-owned properties and structures, setting the example. Hardening describes vegetation management and building materials used to resist the intrusion of flames or embers projected by a wildfire. Hardening is applicable to new construction or retrofitting existing structures. Hardening regulations include fire-resistant roofing, siding and fencing materials, venting, minimal distances of flora from structures, etc.

The SCFD Board members were very pleased that the city was updating fire mitigation code, and to be working with the City Council to conduct public fire evacuation and educational events  possibly annually. SCFD Board Vice President Jack McGowan appreciated the invite to meet jointly, saying it has been long overdue, and hopes such meetings will continue.

Fire Chief Tony Prior shared that SCFD covers 55 square miles around the Sisters Fire Station 701 for fire emergencies and 800 square miles for ambulance emergencies. Per SCFD website, https://www.sistersfire.com, While fire suppression is a high-risk activity, only 10 percent of [their] calls are fire-related. Most of [their]calls center around medical emergencies.

SCFD employees also handle medical emergency walk-ins at the fire station, free inspection of carbon monoxide and smoke detector systems, free defensible space assessments, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, etc. The full list of services is on the aforementioned website. They also annually participate or help in local events and community activities.

Wheeler stated the City of Sisters can be proud in knowing Sisters and Ashland are the first cities in Oregon to enhance their development code with fire mitigating regulations. He stated several communities in and around Sisters have become Firewise-approved. Chief Prior shared SCFD staff have completed 65 home fire safety inspections since January and currently have 25 requests for inspections to complete. Prior stated the local volunteering within the SCFD is the largest in Oregon and perhaps on the west coast. Prior added SCFD is also looking into IBHS wildfire certification for some 16 to 20 local home candidates adding, if certification processes were arranged, the insurance companies would provide the funding.

The conversation was broad, and included SCFD possibly purchasing an air curtain burner, which intakes yard waste and discharges biomass fertilizer chips.
Since Sisters Senior Living (SSL) announced assisted living services would no longer be offered after April 24, residents and their families, as well as staff members, have been in a state of unease and insecurity about what the future holds.

Residents on Medicaid had their decision made for them. SSL will no longer serve Medicaid clients. Independent residents needing no staff services can continue living at SSL. As of May 1, they will see their monthly rent go back to what it was before rates were raised several months ago.

The residents who require any level of assistance, whether that be simply medication management or a whole range of services every day throughout the day (and night), will no longer be able to receive assistance from SSL staff. There will be no clinical staff - no nurse, no med tech - and no one checking on them, no caregivers.

If those residents want to stay at SSL, they will need to have their needs for assistance met by contracting with an outside home care or health care agency. As independent residents, their monthly rate for room and board will go down but the charges for outside services will add anywhere from hundreds, and in most cases, thousands of dollars to their monthly cost of living. Those with long-term care insurance policies that paid for their SSL assisted living charges will now have to pay for room and board out of pocket because LTC insurance doesn't cover independent living.

SSL arranged for service provider Home Instead Home Care to meet with interested residents to discuss what they could offer. One resident was quoted a monthly charge of $1,200 for assistance with showers three times a week ($100 per shower). Home Instead would not be providing any assistance at night, raising concerns about leaving some residents vulnerable. Management company Artegan CEO Warren Page told the residents at their meeting earlier in the month that if their needs couldn't be met at SSL, they would need to move elsewhere.

Families have been touring other facilities in Central Oregon for alternate placements. One of the biggest drawbacks is long waiting lists to get in. Artegan has set a hard deadline of April 24 for people to move out. One woman's family told her they were moving her out of the area, something she didn't want to do.

Many of the residents' families live nearby and are exploring alternatives, including a model of assisted living that doesn't currently exist except somewhere in Florida. It could be offered at SSL.

Former Sisters residents Bob and Cheer Papworth now live in St. George, UT, where Cheer's parents reside. Six months ago, they purchased two territory franchises from Hallmark Homecare-Central Oregon (Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties) and parts of southwest Utah and southern Nevada.

The Papworths were in Sisters last week to meet with SSL family members and residents who are looking at creating an assisted living program utilizing caregivers registered with Hallmark. Home Instead's contracts require a minimum number of hours, a particular level of service, and a two-week penalty at a higher level of service cost if care time goes 15 minutes over what was contracted for.

Hallmark allows the client to choose their personal caregiver from a pool of Hallmark-vetted contractors. Hallmark takes care of doing background checks, scheduling, and insuring contractors for liability and occupational accident. They match caregivers to clients' preferences and the client chooses the one they want, with Hallmark acting as a background advisor to both the client and the caregiver. The clients make their wishes known to the caregiver. The contractor submits their hours to a platform that also accepts payments from the clients.

Many residents and families want coverage overnight, which is not a possibility with other home care agencies. Hallmark is willing to work with families to design a new model that will meet their needs. There was a suggestion at last week's meeting that everyone, including independent residents, pay something each month to cover the cost of a nighttime rover. It was likened to an insurance policy that will be there when it is needed. To make that work, buy-in is needed from most of the residents.

Each resident needing assistance would individually contract with Hallmark for their services. Ed Owens, whose mother Alice Terril is currently an assisted living resident at SSL, said, "The Hallmark proposal is the first doable model we've seen. It is both flexible and scalable and not as expensive as others. We aren't limited to a strict set of requirements."

Hallmark charges $40 an hour, with flexibility of services offered. The rate doesn't increase as needs or complexity of care increases.

As of last Thursday, 17 families had indicated interest in utilizing Hallmark services. They began conducting interviews with residents at the conclusion of the meeting.

Owens' mother Alice, who will be 79 in April, says she "wants to stay at SSL. Living here is one of the happiest times in my life." Alice, who moved here from Lacey, Washington, almost two years ago, needs assistance as the result of a stroke which left her with compromised use of her right hand and needing a walker. Owens said Alice has received good care and that the stable staff makes a difference.

Hallmark, through their other business, Flex Force Medical Staffing, already has some of their contractors at SSL - the clinical staff and some of the caregivers. That staff could continue to be available if residents contract with Hallmark.

Robyn Holdman's dad, Ben Holdman, is 93 years old, and moved into SSL two years ago with his cat Miss Kitty after leaving his hometown of Pendleton. Ben's family have been Eastern Oregon ranchers since the 1800s. He has a long list of health conditions, which require 11 different medications, one injection, and some assistance throughout the day. Ben and Robyn have looked at several facilities in Bend. They have put down a deposit at Touchmark for a one-bedroom apartment but there is a waiting list.

"When a room comes open, we'll evaluate the situation at SSL to determine if he'll receive better and more appropriate care in a facility that will manage his medication and offer assistance 24/7. The uncertainty is very hard on him," said Robyn.

In the meantime, they are evaluating the services offered by Hallmark.

Photo by Sue Stafford

Betsy Beaver is one of the "lucky ones," in that she has been an independent living resident since July 2023 and doesn't have to make alternate arrangements at this time. However, there is uncertainty about what happens when and if she does need assistance. She had planned that the sale of her house would provide for seven years at SSL but if outside assistance is needed, the funds will be depleted faster.

Betsy, a retired attorney, came to Sisters 10 years ago to be close to her brother Frank and his wife Judy, a Sisters quilter. She lived on her own in a Hayden Homes neighborhood where she enjoyed the neighbors and interacting with the children. When she sold that house ("it tore my heart out") in one day and moved into SSL, she thought she was settling into "my last home." But now she says she is living with uncertainty. She said with people moving out, her home feels more like a hotel. She has always sat at a table with the same three women. Two have already left.

Betsy said her "900-square-foot apartment is very adequate" with its windows out of which she watches the birds at her feeder. Her kitty keeps her company, and she is right across the patio from the dining room.

Like all the other residents interviewed, Betsy had high praise for the staff at SSL.

"I love them all, but I worry they are overworked," she said.

For more information on Hallmark Homecare, contact their Central Oregon representative Kasey Nothiger at 541-647-1166.
Its only March, and 2025 has already been quite a year in the newspaper business.

The Nugget has implemented our subscription program, charging postage-only for home or mailbox delivery of the paper, while increasing around-town distribution. This is our way of addressing continually increasing postage costs while keeping the paper free to readers.

The response has been gratifying. Many, many Sisters area residents have purchased subscriptions, while at the same time were seeing our rack distribution go faster and faster. Editor Jim Cornelius is out several times through the week to replenish bundles of newspapers at the hot spots.

Thats all good news, and were grateful as always to see the community support for their local newspaper.

On the other hand, the looming prospect of 25 percent tariffs on Canadian newsprint has been a great concern. The vast majority of newsprint used in the U.S. comes from Canada. There is no realistic prospect of simply changing suppliers. Tariffs will mean immediate and potentially catastrophic economic impact on newspapers across the country  including here in Sisters. We cant simply pass the cost on to our advertisers  who are facing economic headwinds of their own. Our goal is to hold the line on our advertising prices while facing increasing costs of production and distribution.

So far, the tariffs have been imposed then deferred twice. As of now, theyve been suspended until April 2.

As reported in Editor & Publisher, we are already seeing U.S. manufacturers announce price increases. A significant increase in costs due to tariffs poses an existential threat to newspapers like The Nugget.

Co-owner Louie Mullen is on the board of directors of the National Newspaper Association. He recently told The Seattle Times: Right now, I think most of the smart publishers are reducing their page counts as much as they can... Im worried about other newspapers that are in worse shape than I am, the ones that are already on the margin of just squeaking by.

We have been mindful of page counts for some time, and are working to make sure that all of our publications are printed in the right size and numbers. We like to think that that is responsible environmental stewardship as well as a necessary business practice.

As Louie Mullen told The Seattle Times, well do our damndest to get through this storm and we believe our product is still financially viable. But we absolutely cant weather the storm without support from our advertisers and readers. If readers and advertisers value their newspaper, they have to support it financially. In our case, that makes voluntary supporting contributions from readers absolutely vital. Those supporting contributions are directly allocated to paying the freelance reporters, columnists, and photographers who fill The Nugget with engaging and thoughtful local content each week.

To those who have consistently stepped up to support local journalism, we say thank you. It doesnt take much individually to make a big difference. A buck a paper; the price of a cup of coffee a week; many folks are buying a subscription and adding on a supporting contribution. Whatever works for you will go a long ways to ensuring that we can keep Sisters covered long into the future. And supporting your local businesses is vital to ensuring a prosperous future for the community.

If we all pull together, we will, indeed, weather the storm and avoid the shoals in 2025.

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief
Tumultuous times.

Bitter partisan politics have divided a prosperous society, rupturing friendships and families beyond rehabilitation. Restrictions on commerce have been weaponized to coerce political submission. Politically motivated rioting and vandalism have provoked a harsh law-and-order crackdown. Authorities seek to restrict citizens access to arms and ammunition, and free men refuse to surrender the means to defend their liberty.

America is on the verge of an explosion...

We are approaching the 250th anniversary of the moment in April 1775, outside Boston, Massachusetts, when a decade of political turmoil and tension between the British Empire and her North American colonies stumbled irrevocably into armed insurrection and then into revolution.

The marking of this anniversary is much more muted than the Bicentennial observances of the 1970s. Thats too bad, because this history deserves to be pushed back into the foreground of our national consciousness.

Maybe its the powdered wigs and brocaded coats; maybe its the way weve turned the founding of the Republic into a kind of civic religion  the founding generation moves around in our consciousness like a bunch of animated marble statues. But the struggles of 1775 are not something out of a dim and distant past. They are with us in 2025. We tend to view the issues that brought Americans to bloody blows with their Mother Country in a legalistic light  taxation without representation; trade policy, etc. What truly animated the struggle, and made it so desperate, was resistance to arbitrary power. And that resistance is evergreen. It must be evergreen.

Since the Great Depression and World War II, every presidential administration has sought to accrete more and more power to the executive, while Congress has abdicated its role as a co-equal branch of government. The idea of a monarchical presidency was anathema to the first American President, George Washington, and it should be anathema to us. The current administration revels in the image, while conservatives who once complained that Barack Obama was behaving like a king acquiesce.

Strange days.

The radicalism of the American Revolution lies in the enshrinement of rights endowed by our Creator. Government does not give us rights, or allow us to have rights. Those rights are ours by natural law. It is as inevitable as the weather that some people will seek power to tell others what to do and how to live. The American Revolution told the world that there can and must be limits on such power. And yet there will always be pressure from all sides to erode those limits.

It is no accident that the first two amendments to the U.S. Constitution enshrined freedom of expression and the means to defend liberty.

Freedom of speech and expression are wobbling severely in Europe and the UK, and there are those in the United States who would adopt the kind of restrictions being promulgated there  if we were not protected by a Constitution created by men determined that no arbitrary power have the capacity to take our rights away. John Kerry  a former Senator and candidate for President of the United States  lamented impediments to stifling dissent over climate change  which he defines as disinformation  stating that our First Amendment stands as a major block to be able to just, you know, hammer it out of existence. Yes, Mr. Kerry, we fought a Revolution so that people like you dont have the power to be the arbiter of truth, possessed of the power to decide what is legitimate speech and what isnt so you can take a hammer to those who disagree with you.

The state of Oregon has, over the past decade, promulgated a series of gun control measures. Couched as safety measures, they are actually a calculated effort to criminalize law-abiding citizens, and to drive firearms-related enterprises out of business. The cynicism of these efforts is revealed in Oregon House Bill 3075. This proposed 2025 act seeks to create deadlines, fees, and other structure to pre-purchase permit applications under Measure 114, recently found constitutional by the Oregon Court of Appeal.

One provision of 3075 requires that any appeal be heard only in Marion County  one of a handful of counties where Measure 114 passed. Not only does the state seek to abridge the rights of legal firearms owners, it is also effectively eliminating any authentic opportunity for redress of grievance.

All of this will doubtless end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, and we can expect our rights to be vindicated. But that will take time, and meanwhile  under false pretenses and based on arbitrary criteria lawful gun owners will be treated as outlaws by the state of Oregon.

These are exactly the kinds of actions that led to a world-shaking confrontation 250 years ago.

In our current tumultuous times, Americans would do well to delve into the vivid and compelling story of the painful birth of our Republic. Building knowledge of our founding may be important homework for a citizen  but its not an onerous task. This is a fantastic story, full of drama and intensity. A good place to start is with any or all of the works of Gordon S. Wood. Nathaniel Philbrick has written outstanding, highly readable narrative histories of the revolution. Rick Atkinsons The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777 is absolutely fantastic, and his second book in a trilogy is out next month  The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780. Another outstanding resource is the Worlds Turned Upside Down podcast. Ken Burns will release a 12-hour documentary, The American Revolution in November.

What William Faulkner said about the American Civil War is just as true of the American Revolution: The past is never dead. Its not even past. Two hundred and fifty years down the line, we still must fight for the ideals that shaped us and against the tyranny of arbitrary power  no matter who seeks to wield it.
Naftogaz Ukrainy has signed a contract for the supply of almost 100 million cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) with the Polish oil concern ORLEN, the company said on Tuesday.

"Cooperation with ORLEN allows Ukraine to expand LNG import opportunities and increase energy security. We continue to work on diversifying supply sources to guarantee the reliability and availability of gas for the country. This is especially important in the context of constant Russian attacks on our gas infrastructure," said Roman Chumak, head of Naftogaz Group.

According to the company, the fuel will come from a batch of American LNG. After regasification, the gas will be transported to the Polish-Ukrainian border.

The gas will be delivered to Ukraine in April. It will be used to create a strategic reserve for the next heating season.

"Another contract for the supply of gas to Naftogaz emphasizes the competitiveness of ORLEN's offer. We continue to develop our commercial expertise and use our experience in the US market. This allows us to provide partners with attractive commercial conditions," said Ireneusz Fafara, CEO and Chairman of the Board of ORLEN.

As reported, in March 2025, Naftogaz and ORLEN signed a memorandum of long-term cooperation in the field of liquefied natural gas, within the framework of which they concluded a contract for the supply of the first 100 million cubic meters. The memorandum initiates long-term strategic cooperation between the companies and will enable Ukraine to create a more diversified gas supply system.

According to head of Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine LLC Dmytro Lyppa, Ukraine can import at least 4 billion cubic meters of gas from April to October 2025. He noted that liquefied natural gas would account for up to half of the total import volume through Europe. Most of this gas can come from the USA.
MODUS X Has Repelled Nearly 140 Million Cyberattack Attempts Since the Start of the Full-Scale War  CEO

Since the beginning of the full-scale war, IT company MODUS X has successfully repelled over 137.5 million cyberattack attempts, averaging 125,000 attempts per day throughout this period, according to the company's CEO, Dmytro Osyka.

We have strengthened our security center team, which now operates 24/7. We face millions of attacks, ranging from basic DDoS attacks and simple attempts to take down a website to more sophisticated threats aimed at stealing passwords and login credentials to cause damage. For example, since the start of the full-scale war, we have managed to repel over 137.5 million cyberattack attempts, meaning that on average, there have been 125,000 attack attempts per day during this period," Osyka stated in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

According to him, every business, especially under the current conditions, must ensure at least some level of cybersecurity protection.

He also noted that demand for cybersecurity has shifted since the beginning of the war, as many companies, seeing the number of breaches in sectors such as telecommunications, now understand the severe consequences of cyberattacks. However, the adoption of cybersecurity technologies still depends on a companys capabilities and maturity. He explained that businesses always weigh the level of risk against the required investment before making a decision.

"But while advanced cyber protection might still seem like space technology to many today, I believe that in a year or two, it will become just another routine factor  business as usual," Osyka predicted.

Cyberattacks on DTEK: No Successful Breaches, but Serious Incidents Occurred

When asked whether there had been any successful hacker attacks on DTEK, the CEO of MODUS X responded:

"Successful? No, that hasnt happened. But serious incidents? Absolutely. There were attacks so intense that we had to defend against them for an entire month. You quickly realize who you're up against. If professionals are behind the attack, you have to be prepared to operate 24/7. Thats precisely why, since the beginning of the war, we transitioned to a round-the-clock cybersecurity monitoring approach. Our teams are constantly on alert, and a key factor in our rapid response is the AI-driven technology we use for threat analysis."

MODUS X: Expanding Digitalization & Entering European Markets

In the same interview, Dmytro Osyka stated that the average digitalization project at MODUS X costs between UAH 5-8 million, which is sufficient to develop essential digital infrastructure.

MODUS X was founded in late 2022, emerging as an independent entity from the DTEK energy holding following the completion of the three-year "Modus" digital transformation program for DTEK Group. The company was established to enhance its market competitiveness both in Ukraine and internationally.

While DTEK remains the owner of MODUS X, the company now focuses on expanding its client base beyond the energy holding, targeting external clients in Ukraine and abroad. MODUS X is actively preparing to enter the European market, with Poland as its primary focus due to the presence of DTEK as a key client. However, the company is also exploring expansion into other markets, including the U.S.

Growing Client Base & Market Influence

Since March 2024, MODUS X has acquired 14 new clients outside of the DTEK Group, including major Ukrainian businesses in: Retail, Banking, Automotive distribution, Agriculture, Food production.

In the energy sector, MODUS X now holds at least a 25% share as an IT service provider. The company currently employs 700 professionals.

CEO Dmytro Osyka emphasized that MODUS X has already completed over 400 projects, primarily for DTEK Group, many of whichespecially those related to DTEK Energy and renewable energy sources (RES)can be adapted for other businesses.

The full interview with Dmytro Osyka is available on Interfax-Ukraine: https://interfax.com.ua/news/interview/1054702.html and https://interfax.com.ua/news/interview/1056624.html and will soon be published on EnergoReforma: https://reform.energy/.
The Government of Quebec has hired Becker & Poliakoff to support its government relations strategy in the US, and help it communicate more effectively with Republican elected officials and the White House.

The move comes amidst President Trumps trade war against Canada. Trump slapped a 25 percent tax on Canadian aluminum and steel, triggering Canadian counter-tariffs

Quebec accounts for about 60 percent of Americas aluminum imports.

B&P is developing an engagement strategy to enable and facilitate meetings with various US officials in the US and Florida.

It also is to ensure that meetings are held for Quebec premier Francois Legault during his missions to the US.

Legault met with Canadas new prime minister Mark Carney in Montreal following its St. Patricks Day parade on March 16. Relations with the US were on top of their agenda.

B&P has a six-month contract worth $84K with Quebec via its minister of international relations and Francophony.

Chris Berardini, B&Ps senior international & government relations director, handles the US outreach.

He is the former chief of staff for Republican Congressmen Michael Grimm (NY) and Henry Brown (SC).
A Transition Year (TY) student from Offaly is a Solicitor of the Future after successfully completing the Law Society of Irelands innovative TY Programme.

Sarah Tierney, St. Brendan's Community School, Birr, was one of 40 TY students that attended the popular week-long Solicitors of the Future programme at the Law Society in Dublin from 18 February to 21 February 2025.

The programme aims to teach students about the law and to consider a future legal career.

Facilitated by Law Society staff, trainee solicitors, and expert practitioners, the activity-based programme featured expert-led workshops, guest speakers, courtroom activities, a careers seminar and a mini mock trial. In total, 40 students from schools across 13 counties participated.

READ NEXT: ALERT: Offaly driver with clean licence told they have penalty points by insurance company

President of the Law Society, Eamon Harrington, said, Solicitors of the Future encourages TY students to consider a career in law while offering an insight into the role of a solicitor in practice. The programme is carefully planned to give students a holistic understanding of a legal career, and the many different forms this can take.

From human rights lawyers and newly qualified solicitor guest speakers to visits to corporate law firms and the Criminal Courts, students are given an overview of the wide range of avenues a career as a solicitor can take.

Places on this years programme were allocated on a lottery basis, with 20% of places held for students from DEIS schools across the country.

The programme also highlighted to students that there are many practical supports available to help you qualify as a solicitor, including financial grants such as the Law Societys Access Scholarship Programme.

It doesnt matter where you come from or what your background, a career in law is open to everyone, he said.
A Taiwanese national is being prosecuted in Tullamore amid allegations that he had two fake driving licences - a Greek one and another from the Pacific island of Vanuatu.

A GARDA told Tullamore District Court that an alleged fake licence a Taiwanese national had was the worst he had ever seen.

A hearing was scheduled for May 19 next after the prosecution of John Smith (41), Apartment 24, Block 1, Gallery Quay, Pearse Street, Dublin 2 came before Judge Andrew Cody.

Mr Smith appeared in court with his solicitor, Patrick Martin, and is denying three alleged offences at Arden, Tullamore on the N52 road on September 2 last year.

Mr Smith is accused of using a fake Greek driving licence which he knew or believed to be a false instrument.

The man, who had the assistance of an interpreter in court, is also alleged to have driven without insurance and without a driving licence.

Detective Garda David Harney told the court Mr Smith had provided him with another driving licence from Vanuatu which he said was of very, very poor quality.

It's the worst fake I've ever seen, remarked Detective Garda Harney and he said the prosecution would have to be adjourned for it to be examined.

Judge Cody viewed the licence when it was handed in to him and said that for the second time on the same day, somebody thinks it's Fools' Day.

He commented on the licence: You couldn't for a minute believe that that's real, the printing is up and down and all over.

Mr Martin said he would take instructions from his client and Detective Garda Harney said he had explained to the accused's interpreter that he believed the licence to be fake and that Mr Smith would be cautioned.

The garda said he was told the licence had been obtained in the Vanuatu Republic which Mr Martin explained was an island in the Pacific.

Prompting laughter in the courtroom Judge Cody responded: Not out near Clonbullogue or anything, no?

Detective Garda Harney said he understood the defendant was a Taiwanese national with Vanuatu citizenship.

When the court presenter, Sergeant Brendan Kearns, raised the issue of insurance, the garda said that the fake Greek driving licence had been accepted by Axa, hence the existence of an insurance policy in Ireland.

Judge Cody noted that the driving licence charge which had been brought against Mr Smith related not to a Taiwanese licence but one from a different nation.

Mr Martin said his client also had an international driving permit.

The judge indicated that he would reserve a hearing date for the matter and remanded Mr Smith on continuing bail to appear in court on May 19 next.

He said the Vanuatese licence could be given back to Mr Smith and told the man: You should be warned now that's it's a time when you stop digging.

He also told Mr Martin that Mr Smith could peddle that story at his own risk.

Mr Martin said he could get the licence examined.

Judge Cody then asked the interpreter if he had been interpreting for Mr Smith.

When the man said he had, the judge replied: I haven't seen you move your lips in the last 15 minutes.

READ NEXT: https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/offaly-live/1750895/must-pay-15-000-for-breaking-offaly-man-s-jaw-with-one-punch.html

The interpreter indicated that he had been speaking to Mr Smith prior to the court and the judge told him that if he was in court as an interpreter he would have to interpret what was being said.

Have you told him the risk of putting forward a fake licence to the court? Judge Cody asked.

Mr Martin explained the judge's question and the interpreter said the accused man was aware of the risk.

Judge Cody asked again if Mr Smith understood the risk and added: He's at risk of jail if he's spoofing to me about a fake licence.

The judge also remarked to Detective Garda Harney that he might have to travel to Vantanese or wherever it is to check it out.
Metinvest B.V. (the Netherlands), the parent company of the Metinvest mining and metallurgical group, has reduced its debt by more than $620 million since 2022.

As noted by CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov in the company's annual report, despite the anxiety and uncertainty brought by the war, the past year has seen achievements that demonstrate Metinvest's resilience and ability to adapt in challenging conditions.

"The truly global Metinvest team has shown remarkable strength and unity. We have maintained our status as a leading exporter and as a pillar of support for Ukraine and we remain among the largest donors to the country's defence efforts. In 2024, Metinvest felt the positive impact of the operational changes made possible by the reopening of Black Sea navigation. This significant development underpinned our results for the year," Ryzhenkov stated.

According to him, when the full-scale war began in 2022, the company focused on restructuring logistics and business processes. By 2023, Metinvest had adapted to the new reality, and in 2024, operational improvements exceeded $200 million.

"Even during wartime, Metinvest has continued to deleverage. Amid all the uncertainties, the Group has repaid over $620 million of debt since the start of the full-scale invasion, demonstrating a strong commitment to our partners. Together with our partners, we have also made progress in developing Project Adria, our plan to build a cuttingedge green steel plant in Piombino, Italy. It is poised to deliver substantial benefits for all stakeholders by prioritising innovative technologies and sustainable business practices," Ryzhenkov said.

At the same time, the CEO acknowledged that despite these tangible achievements, the company faced numerous challenges, including energy shortages, underutilization of some production assets, and margin pressures in the second half of the year. Moreover, as the security situation worsened in late 2024, Metinvest decided to suspend operations at Pokrovsk Coal.

"Like the rest of the world, we are closely watching the latest news, including expectations about the potential for a ceasefire. Whatever happens in the coming weeks and months, we will retain our abiding belief in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and remain dedicated to Ukraines eventual recovery. We honour our employees in the defence forces, whose number has increased to more than 8,000, including those from joint ventures," Ryzhenkov wrote in his commentary.

As of December 31, 2024, Metinvest's total debt stood at $1.705 billion, reflecting a 14% decrease compared to $1.981 billion in 2023, primarily due to a significant reduction in bond obligations and lower reliance on trade financing. Net debt to EBITDA dropped to 1.1x (down 0.5x year-over-year) and totaled $1.048 billion (a 21% reduction from $1.335 billion in 2023).
Allies in Europe asked me for a few words from the United States on challenges for peace in these trumpy times. Here they are.

The challenges in working for peace in the United States and the world, during Trump times, are mostly what they already were: overcoming a corrupt communications and education system to inform people of the necessity and possibility of peace, and overcoming corrupt governments to shut down the war machine. But the war machine is growing rapidly, and with it the risk of nuclear war, the certainty of environmental collapse, and the threats of disease, poverty, and displacement.

Extreme militarization is being normalized in the U.S. government and culture, with funding being moved further still from human needs to an even greater record-level of military spending, with resulting poverty and suffering, and with European governments obediently following the U.S. down the same path.

The silver linings, thus far, seem to include a very temporary reprieve in Gaza, leading into escalated genocide across Palestine, and the possibility of negotiating some kind of peace in Ukraine -- unlikely to be just and lasting without a great deal of effort from wiser sources, but at least possible now that the U.S. and Russia speak with each other.

The most positive developments from Trump are -- as far as we know, and this should surprise nobody, as we went through four years of Trump before -- rhetorical and at odds with actual behavior. Trump speaks of cutting military spending in half and getting rid of nuclear weapons, even while building and deploying more nuclear weapons and dramatically increasing military spending. The challenge of the peace movement is to press in the direction of the good things that have been spoken without failing to confront the reality of what is actually being done.

There is also an increased challenge swirling around people's questions of how to identify themselves and whom to associate with. While one cannot simply support or oppose Trump, since he holds multiple and opposing opinions on most topics, many will try. Even as Trump boosts military spending or NATO, others will boost military spending and NATO in opposition to things Trump has said. Not only is U.S. politics relentlessly divided into two camps and two positions, but even where slightly more complex thinking arises it is inevitably suspect. Do you support peace in Ukraine because Putin pays you? Do you want more war in Ukraine because the Democratic Party told you to? Et cetera. And, more to the point, should peace activists stand beside people who want peace in Ukraine in order to focus all hostility on China, or people who want peace in Ukraine for the same reason they want to shut down all public schools, namely because both war and schools cost money? What is gained and what is lost in partnering with racist bigots who oppose a particular war?

Property destruction is on the rise in the world of activism, presenting another challenge. People are burning Teslas and police cars, sabotaging oil pipelines, smashing windows, etc. The ever-growing awareness that there is no real political opposition in Washington, combined with the lack of deep understanding of activist strategy, plus the overworked lives and the absence of so many who are in prison, not to mention the drugging of young people who show talents for rebelliousness, never mind the difficulty of traveling thousands of miles to protest your government, all compound the desperation to create tactics that may open some eyes while likely persuading many more not to get involved.

How do we build a mass movement in an era where the rallies are very unlike what they were 10 years ago? People hold public rallies for peace and don't try to get media coverage; in fact want the media kept away. They also don't want to make their own media. They also don't want their faces photographed, and wear masks. Those a bit more frightened simply stay home. Can we dress as criminals and hide our activities while simultaneously building a mass action for peace?

Maybe we can. Far stranger things have happened. New activists are appearing hourly. People who have spent their lives saying "I'm not political" and "I don't do activism" are announcing their intention to get involved in opposing fascism -- which is what half the United States understands the Trump regime to entail. People who sat through the destruction of Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, etc., are not going to sit through the destruction of their own schools and hospitals and homeless shelters, the stripping away of nonprofit status from charitable organizations, the assaults on university students, or the normalization of hateful and bigoted speech. And with everyone -- not just peace activists -- being called traitors and enemies, the usual barrier to adding peace into the multi-issue agenda may be lowered.

The familiar challenge for the peace activist to point out to the civil libertarian that war is the root of the problem, and to the opponent of poverty that trillions of dollars have gone into war, and to the environmentalist what militaries are doing to the Earth, et cetera, may be less of a challenge as certain things worsen. Let us hope it is in time. Let us hope for some victories to celebrate together and build on.
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

Diplomats from China, Russia and Iran met in Beijing today demonstrating support for Iran. Today's meeting involved China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.

Following the talks, Ma stressed China's support for "political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on mutual respect."

He added that the relevant parties should address the root causes while abandoning sanctions, pressure, or threat of force.

China-Russia-Iran ties

Both China and Russia enjoy close relations with Iran following various energy resource deals, and all three countries are fellow members of the BRICS alliance.

A point statement by China's Ma called for termination of sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

The Trump letter

Last week, US President Donald Trump sent a threatening letter to Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proposing nuclear talks.

In an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast, Trump said "there are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal".

Trump wrote a book, "The Art of the Deal", but seemingly has not recognized that deals on the international political stage should begin with negotiations while demonstrating mutual respect between all parties.

Trump has said his goal is to end US involvement in foreign wars. Trump recognizes Israel as the most important ally in the Middle East, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been insistent that Iran should be attacked militarily. Even during the fiercest fighting in the Israel-Hamas war, and the Israeli attack on Hezbollah, Netanyahu was hinting at a major attack on Iran.

Netanyahu knows he could not carry out such an attack without direct US involvement. Trump is aware of Netanyahu's plans but wants to avoid any new US-Israeli military projects. Trump wants to make a new deal with Iran to ease tensions in the Middle East but is using scare tactics to get the negotiations started.

Trump has a working relationship with Russian President Putin, and both are involved in seeking an end to the Ukraine war. China and Russia also have close ties, so it seems natural to exploit those relationships while seeking to achieve a deal between the US and Iran.

China's past success

On March 10, 2023, China brokered a normalization agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The deal called for the reestablishment of normal relations between the two countries following seven years of severed ties.

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The Israeli regime supported by the US regime just attacked the people of Gaza strip killing 304 civilians (reported so far last night to this morning) and injuring hundreds. Men, women, children are being slaughtered again in large numbers using US weapons and support. This while not allowing humanitarian aid (2 million people denied food, medicine, water)). Is there any group that will intervene to stop the genocide? How is it that the whole global order is subservient to Zionist racism with only Yemen trying to do something. Egypt, Jordan, Europe, the UN, the US... partners in genocide. No one still believes the Zionist propaganda but politicians surrender to the Zionist lobbies and blackmail (Jefrey Epstein was Mossad).

The US regime also just expelled the the South African Ambassador (for his outspoken rejection of imperialism) and is trying to expel a lawful permanant resident (Mamoud Kalil) for speaking the truth about an ongoing genocide. The regime also got rid of Adam Boehler, US envoy who talked to Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement). The US and Israel break ceasefires they signed on in all fronts. What is horrifying as the US becomes a fully owned subsidiary of the fascist rightwing Zionists is that everything is legitimized: dehumanization, genocide, racism, shakedown of countries, blockade, might makes right. It is now so blatant in a way never seen before. The Nazis hid what they did. The alliance of Neonazis (white supremacists like Trump and Musk) and the Zionists that use them do not try to hide anything. They are openly calling for and engaged in genocide and ecocide. Much of their illegal colonial activity is funded by Arab gulf states. They will not (and must not) succeed and their strategy and tactics are even suicidal to their own. How much damage they do until empire collapses depends largely on us working harder to stop them. That is why actions like the vote of Harvard law students to divest from Israeli apartheid and the actions of Jewish Voice for Peace at Trump Plaza and thousands of others like that are so critical to fray the empire and drive us towards sustainability (of people and nature).

But what are you doing as empire frays and lashes out at the most vulnerable?

What did you do? 2040 report.

Here in Palestine we are doing our part. The March 2025 issue of This Week in Palestine, themed "Exceptional Palestinian Women," is now accessible online at www.thisweekinpalestine.com.

The struggle of Columbia university faculty and students is a struggle for all of us. The petition I shared earlier garnered 7.2 million signatures for the US (Israeli occupied) government to release Mahmoud Khalil (Columbia alumni, US permanat residents, and activist for human rights). Well it turns out that the person behind this scandal is an Israeli spy, and Jewish protesters flood Trump Tower's lobby to demand the Columbia University activist's release. Yet Trump demands and Columbia university obeys, degrees revoked. A Columbia professor's message to his fellow Jewish faculty members. Rabbi Brant Rosen: First they came for Mahmoud Khalil.

FROM THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS

[UN new report] "More than a human can bear": Israel's systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence since October 2023.

Palestine Actions around the world.

Stay Humane and keep hope alive

Mazin Qumsiyeh

A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home

Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History

Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine

facebook pages Personal Institute

French
Boston, Massachusetts - March 5, 2025 - The Boston Community Solar Cooperative (BCSC) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Solstice Community Benefit Fund. This generous grant will support BCSC's mission to bring clean, affordable, and community-owned solar energy to Boston's low-income and historically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The grant will be used to expand BCSC's innovative community solar projects, which aim to reduce carbon emissions 
Scoutgies Marketing Group Expands Global Presence, Transforming Digital Marketing Strategies Yangon, Myanmar - 18 March 2025- Scoutgies Marketing Group Company Limited, a leading provider of digital marketing, branding, and IT solutions, is expanding its international footprint, transforming how businesses engage with their audiences through data-driven strategies and innovative technology solutions. With headquarters in Myanmar and branch offices across Asia and Europe, the company is committed to delivering cutting-edge marketing solutions that 
House hunting: it's not just speed that counts Munich, March 18, 2025 - When looking for an apartment, it's not just speed that counts, but above all good preparation. This includes a complete and carefully completed tenant self-disclosure form. The real estate portal wohnung-jetzt.de now explains exactly what this involves, what data tenants should disclose and what questions landlords are allowed to ask in a clear and concise manner on its 
San Francisco, CA, US, March 18, 2025 - Acclaimed food enthusiast and culinary storyteller Vina Patel is bringing her love of global flavors to life with a special cooking demonstration at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. In celebration of her newly released cookbook, The Spice Collector's Cookbook, Vina will take home cooks on a sensory journey, showcasing the magic of seasonal ingredients and expertly blended spices. The live cooking demo will 
Ukraine's state-owned nuclear energy company, Energoatom, is in the process of finalizing an agreement to purchase reactor vessels from Bulgaria for the completion of Units 3 and 4 at the Khmelnytsky Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The company plans to secure loan financing for this acquisition, Vice President Hartmut Jakob announced.

"We are working on signing the agreement for the purchase of equipment from Bulgaria for Khmelnytsky NPP Units 3 and 4. Once we have results, we will provide an update. We are considering loan financing for this purchase and do not plan to use depreciation funds, as those are allocated for other purposes," Jakob stated during a meeting of the parliamentary working group reviewing Energoatom's financial and economic activities. The session was streamed live on the Facebook page of Oleksiy Kucherenko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada's Energy Committee.

When asked by Kucherenko whether the company's Supervisory Board had approved the purchase, Jakob responded that "investment thresholds for procurement in 2025-2026 have been approved."

According to Ukraine's law "On the Acquisition of Equipment Necessary for the Construction of Units 3 and 4 of the Khmelnytsky NPP" (No. 4231-IX, adopted on February 11, 2025), Energoatom is authorized to sign a contract with Bulgaria's state-owned National Electric Company EAD (Natsionalna Elektricheska Kompania EAD) for the purchase of equipment, including nuclear reactor vessels, components, and other related hardware required for the future construction of the power units.

Additionally, the law grants Energoatom the authority to conduct negotiations, finalize the contract, sign the agreement, arrange payments as per contractual terms, and manage the reception and storage of the purchased equipment. However, the law does not disclose the cost of the equipment from Bulgaria.

Regarding the future construction of Khmelnytsky NPP Units 3 and 4, Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with submitting a draft law to Parliament on the site selection, design, and construction of the units, as well as updating the technical and economic feasibility study.

The law explicitly states that Energoatom is prohibited from undertaking any construction-related work or signing contracts for site selection, design, or construction of Units 3 and 4 until the relevant legislation comes into force.
Portland fire crews responded to a house fire in the Hazelwood neighborhood March 17, 2025. Courtesy of Portland Fire & Rescue

Two construction workers rescued a person inside a burning home Monday morning in Portlands Hazelwood neighborhood, fire officials said.

Portland Fire & Rescue personnel responded to a residential fire around 9:20 a.m. and arriving crews found smoke coming from the eaves of a single-story home that was behind another residence.

Firefighters made their way to the back of the home and noticed a significant blaze but were able to put it out within 10 minutes.

While investigating the fire, crews heard from bystanders that two construction workers aided in the rescue prior to their arrival. The workers, who were across the street, noticed the smoke and called 911.

According to the Fire Bureau, the workers also opened the front door of the home on fire, and thick smoke rolled out over their heads. They saw a person inside through the smoke crawling toward the front door and helped the person and their dog escape.

Crews evaluated the person on scene and sent them to a hospital, where they arrived in stable condition.

 Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221- 4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X @zaeemshake
Espoir M. Kaneke, 28, was sentenced to 10 days in jail, with credit for four days already spent behind bars, during a hearing Mon., March 17, 2025. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

A Multnomah County judge this month acquitted Espoir Kaneke on 10 out of 11 charges  including second-degree manslaughter  in the two-car crash that fatally wounded Kanekes brother on Southwest Barbur Boulevard in 2023.

Kaneke, 28, was driving a 2001 two-door Toyota Scion northbound down Barbur Boulevard about 1:30 a.m. July 21, 2023, when a motorist in a Honda van tried to cut across Barbur from Southwest 22nd Avenue.
A Portland police vehicle is parked next to a home where a woman was found dead following a shooting March 17, 2025, in the 14400 block of Southeast Harrison Street. Red crime scene tape blocked the exterior of the residence. Zaeem Shaikh/The Oregonian
The Romanian WASR-10/63 semi-automatic rifle and its magazine holding 28 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition was seized by police on May 12, 2024, from Paul Kurt Mitchell's apartment. U.S. Attorney's Office

A Portland man who fired an AK-47-style rifle into the floor of his North Portland apartment, spraying bullets into an occupied family unit below him, was sentenced Monday to more than two years in federal prison.

Paul Kurt Mitchell, 41, had pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a gun.
Many of the stolen checks were large ones from the U.S. Treasury. Shutterstock

A postal carrier stole and forged about $1.6 million in checks from the mail, federal prosecutors said.

Last week, a jury convicted 44-year-old Hachikosela Muchimba of an array of fraud and mail theft charges, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia announced March 14.

Muchimba used the proceeds of the stolen checks to fund a lavish lifestyle that included international travel, stays at luxury hotels, and purchases at gentlemens clubs, the announcement said.

Prosecutors had previously offered Muchimba a plea deal that he turned down in favor of trying to flee to Zambia. He was caught at the airport with $2,000, according to investigators.

McClatchy News reached out on March 14 to Muchimbas attorney for comment on the verdict but did not immediately receive a response.

In January 2023, one customer on Muchimbas mail route in Washington, D.C., noticed that a U.S. Treasury check he was supposed to receive had been stolen and deposited in the name of his mail carrier, investigators wrote in a criminal complaint.

Investigators said they subsequently uncovered a scheme going back to 2021 in which Muchimba, aided in part by a co-worker at the post office, was stealing checks from people on his mail route, forging them and depositing them into seven different bank accounts he controlled.

Ninety out of the 98 stolen checks were U.S. Treasury checks, many of them worth tens of thousands of dollars, prosecutors said.

He deposited one U.S. Treasury check worth $415,173.53, records show.

Muchimba was captured on surveillance footage going to ATMs to withdraw the fraudulent proceeds while wearing his USPS uniform, according to the complaint.

He spent more than $14,000 at Bvlgari Resort Bali, and in at least one case, he paid his co-conspirator $1,000 for help stealing a check, according to an indictment.

In September 2021, months after the scheme began, investigators said Muchimba initiated the process of becoming a U.S. citizen by submitting an application for naturalization. He answered no to questions on the form that asked applicants whether they had ever been involved in a crime they hadnt been arrested for or whether they had ever defrauded or misled government officials.

He signed the application under penalty of perjury and became a citizen during a ceremony in May 2022, prosecutors said.

By the time he gained his citizenship, Muchimba had made himself more than $450,000 richer in the mail theft scheme, according to investigators.

Muchimba was found guilty of conspiracy to commit theft of mail and bank fraud, theft of mail; bank fraud; engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity; and unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Hes scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 8.

 2025 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.). Visit www.TheNewsTribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Authorities have released some 911 audio in the case of the four University of Idaho students killed in 2022 at their rental house. This is file photo of the house being demolished. AP

The audio of a 911 call made on the day four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death reveals confusion as the callers realized at least one of the students was not waking up.

In the audio released Friday, a woman called 911 at 11:55 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2022. She sounded very upset while saying, Something happened in our house.

She broke down crying while giving the address. At that point another woman took the phone.

One of the roommates whos passed out and she was drunk last night and shes not waking up, the second woman told a dispatcher. Oh, and they saw some man in their house last night.

The initial caller came back on the line, asking if she could tell the dispatcher what happened and saying, At 4 a.m... The dispatcher cut her off, saying she needed to know what was going on at that time and if someone was passed out.

The woman said they would go check and then said the student was still passed out and not waking up. The dispatcher told them help was on the way.

The caller or callers at that point sounded like they may have been crying and breathing heavily while telling the dispatcher that the person who was not breathing was 20 years old.

A male voice was then heard on the line saying hello and the dispatcher asked them to stop passing the phone around. The male also told the dispatcher that the woman was not breathing. The call ended shortly afterward when police arrived.

The four University of Idaho students stabbed to death in November, were Kaylee Goncalves, top left; Xana Kernodle, top right; Ethan Chapin, bottom left; and Madison Mogen, bottom right. (Moscow Police Department/TNS) TNS

Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. The students were killed in the early morning at a rental home near their campus in Moscow, Idaho.

A judge previously entered a not-guilty plea on Kohbergers behalf. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted.

Kohbergers trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 11 and expected to last more than three months.

-- The Associated Press
Washougal police have not announced any arrests in the case. File photo. The Oregonian/File

Police are investigating after someone impersonating a teacher sent explicit Instagram messages to a Washougal High School student.

The high school reported the incident to the Washougal Police Department on Feb. 12, according to a search warrant filed by police detective Sugey Lopez on March 10.
Oregon held steady in the polls after a series win at Washington.

Oregon hosts Illinois for three-game series beginning 6 p.m. Friday.
Oregon's Katie Flannery celebrates after hitting a home run during an NCAA softball game against Washington on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Seattle. Oregon won 9-0. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear) AP

Oregon has its first Big Ten softball player of the week.

Sophomore infielder Katie Flannery, who hit .692 with four home runs and 12 RBIs in a series win at Washington plus a win over Abilene Christian, earned the programs first ever Big Ten player of the week honor on Monday.

Flannery was 9 for 13 with a double, triple, and four homers, scored nine runs and had a 1.846 slugging percentage against the Huskies.

She is the fifth UO player to be recognized by the conference this season.
Talk about the Winterhawks on our off-day thread.

The Winterhawks 19-year-old midseason acquisition gets the nod. With 2 goals and 3 assists in 3 games, the Winterhawks Player of the Week for March 10 through March 16 is Alex Weiermair.

They were important goals, too: the tying goal on Saturday that started the Winterhawks on a 4-goal-in-7-minutes run, and the key shorthanded goal that gave them the lead they never relinquished.

Friday at Everett: scoreless in a 5-3 loss to the Silvertips.

Saturday vs. Seattle: 1 goal. 1 assist in a 6-1 win over the Thunderbirds.

Sunday vs. Vancouver: 1 goal, 2 assists in a 4-2 win over the Giants.

Assists on his goals: Jordan Duguay 1, Tyson Jugnauth 1, Kyle Chyzowski 1.

Goals he assisted on: Josh Zakreski 1, Kyle Chyzowski 1, Carter Sotheran 1.
The transfer of corporate rights from private shareholders of Ukrnafta, Motor Sich, and Zaporizhtransformator (ZTR) to the state at the end of 2022 was necessary for victory. However, after the war, an analysis will be needed to determine its cost and how compensation or restitution will be handled, according to Ruslan Magomedov, head of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission (NSSMC).

"It's akin to what happens when your car is requisitioned for military needs: if it remains intact, it is returned to you; if not, its fair value is compensated. This is the approach we should take. It will send a clear signal to all investors that the state respects corporate governance, adheres to stock market regulations, and is committed to restoring investor rights," Magomedov stated in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Magomedov noted that while these companies were among Ukraine's blue chips and included in index baskets before the war, corporate governance standards and treatment of minority shareholders were far from satisfactory. Therefore, state acquisition of these shares might even be beneficial for minority investors.

"It's like playing chess, only to be struck with the chessboard. And I'm not referring to the state here, but to the previous management. Now the state has taken control of the 'chessboard' and, as a responsible player, must fulfill its obligations from past periods," the NSSMC head said.

He cited Ukrnafta as an example, where selective dividend payments led minority shareholders to take legal action against the company.

"I firmly believe it is the duty of the current management to ensure that past dividend obligations are honored so that investors can see that the issuer is now truly 'playing chess' by the rules," Magomedov stated.

As reported earlier, on November 5, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff decided to temporarily nationalize shares of PJSC Ukrnafta, PJSC Ukrtatnafta (excluding Naftogaz of Ukraine's stake), JSC Motor Sich, PJSC AvtoKrAZ, and PJSC Zaporizhtransformator as military assets during the state of war. The NSSMC regulated the process, completing the transfer on November 6.

Ukrnafta's majority stake of 50% plus one share belongs to Naftogaz Ukrainy, while an additional 42% was held by the so-called "Privat Group" controlled by Ihor Kolomoisky and Hennadiy Boholiubov.

Trading of Motor Sich shares, previously owned by the company's former president Viacheslav Bohuslaiev (arrested in 2022), has been blocked since April 2018 following the sale of a controlling stake to China's Skyrizon and related entities in 2017.

AvtoKrAZ and Zaporizhtransformator, controlled by Kostiantyn Zhevaho and Konstantin Grigorishyn, respectively, were undergoing bankruptcy proceedings in the years leading up to the war.
Attorney Stephanie Marzouk, who represents deported Brown University Dr. Rasha Alawieh, speaks to reporters outside the Moakley Federal Courthouse, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) AP

BOSTON  Homeland Security officials on Monday said that a doctor from Lebanon who was deported over the weekend despite having a U.S. visa openly admitted to supporting a Hezbollah leader and attending his funeral.

The departments statement provides a possible explanation for Dr. Rasha Alawiehs deportation, which has sparked widespread alarm about the Trump administration flouting the rule of law, seeing as a federal judge ordered that she not be removed until a hearing could be held. Government lawyers have said customs officials did not get word until after Alawieh was sent back to Lebanon.

A visa is a privilege not a right  glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be denied. This is commonsense security, Homeland Security said in its statement.

Its the latest deportation of a foreign-born person with a U.S. visa, after Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who helped lead protests of the Gaza war at Columbia University, was arrested and a doctoral students visa was revoked. The Trump administration also transferred hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador even as a federal judge issued an order temporarily barring the deportations.

Stephanie Marzouk, Alawiehs lawyer, said she would not stop fighting to get the 34-year-old doctor back in the U.S., to see her patients where she should be.

Marzouk did not immediately return a request for comment surrounding Homeland Securitys allegations that Alawieh supported a Hezbollah leader.

Some court documents are sealed

The Justice Department has also detailed its reasons for deporting Alawieh in court filings, but a federal judge has sealed those documents.

News outlets that obtained those records before they were sealed reported that Alawieh had photos on her phone of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese militant group for the past three decades. The Boston Globe reported she also had pictures of Hezbollah fighters and martyrs on her phone.

According to Dr. Alawieh, she follows him for his religious and spiritual teachings and not his politics, the court documents stated.

When asked why she deleted the photos days before arriving in Boston, Alawieh allegedly told officers: Because I didnt want the perception. But I know Im not doing anything wrong. Im not related to anything politically or militarily.

Alawiehs deportation

Alawieh was granted the visa on March 11 and arrived at Boston Logan International Airport on Thursday, according to a complaint filed on her behalf by a cousin in federal court.

Alawieh, a kidney transplant specialist who previously worked and lived in Rhode Island, was detained at least 36 hours, the complaint said. She was to start work at Brown University as an assistant professor of medicine.

U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin issued an order Friday that an in-person hearing be scheduled Monday, with Alawieh brought to court.

On Saturday, the cousin filed a motion saying customs officials willfully disobeyed the order by sending Alawieh back to Lebanon.

Lawyers for the government said in a court filing Monday that U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Boston airport did not receive notice of the order until she had already departed the United States, the judge noted. They asked that the petition be dismissed.

Alawieh worked at Brown prior to the issuance of her H1B visa, the complaint said. It said she has held fellowships and residencies at three universities in the U.S.

A spokesperson for Brown said Alawieh is an employee of Brown Medicine with a clinical appointment to Brown.

Brown Medicine is a not-for-profit medical practice that is its own organization and serves its own patients directly. It is affiliated with Brown Universitys medical school.

A rally in Rhode Island

On Monday, a handful of Alawiehs colleagues stood outside Bostons federal courthouse to support her.

She is one of three transplant nephrologists in the entire state of Rhode Island, which, you know, also serves the parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut, said Dr. Susie Hu. Her absence is really detrimental to our program.

Dr. Douglas Shemin, who said he hired Alawieh at Brown Medicine, called her an outstanding clinician, physician and teacher who eagerly put in long hours without complaining.

Brown Medicine has roughly 300 to 400 patients awaiting kidney transplants, according to Shemin. Each needs regular evaluations.

More than 100 people gathered in the rain outside the Rhode Island Statehouse on Monday evening to rally in support of Alawieh, holding signs reading Dr. Rasha Has Rights and We cannot tolerate this!

Dr. Paul Morrissey, director of the organ transplantation division at Brown, said at the rally that he was shocked that Alawieh was deported and that patients will experience a delay in care because of it.

Rasha is a first-class human being  a very talented physician  and it will be Americas loss if we cant have her back in Rhode Island, he said.

Speaking at the rally, Brown University student Kai Blades called the deportation part of a broader pattern of political repression.

Were here to stand in opposition to deportations, in opposition to racism and in opposition to the fascist state terror that has been used not only against our beloved community member Rasha, but others like Mahmoud Khalil, Blades said. We are here to stay. Were going to stand up for our community and were going to be as loud as possible when theyre under attack.

Dr. Mindy Saboda, an internal medicine colleague, said Alawieh had been returning to the U.S. after visiting family in Lebanon for the first time in six years.

Her daughter, Ada Sobota-Walden, a high school student, called the deportation upsetting.

We need to stand up when things like this happen because otherwise theyll keep happening, Sobota-Walden said.

Mahmoud Khalils lawyers seek his release

Meanwhile, lawyers for Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student, requested Monday that he be released on bail or returned to New York from a Louisiana detention facility.

In papers filed in Manhattan federal court, the lawyers wrote that the treatment of Khalil meant every noncitizen must wonder whether they will face retaliation for engaging in speech on issues of public concern or critical of the U.S. government. It seemed designed to prevent Mr. Khalil  and many others  from speaking in this country at all, they added.

-- The Associated Press
The Oregonian/OregonLive Editor Therese Bottomly states that the news organizations job is to cover what is, not what one faction of society wishes for... Our mission is to present the truth, and our primary responsibility is to cover local news readers cant get anywhere else, (Letter from the Editor: We cannot abandon our role as honest broker of the facts, March 2).

Meanwhile, this past week, Vietnam sentenced one of its most influential journalists to two and a half years in prison. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that Truong Huy San, 63, was convicted and sentenced for gathering and publishing independent news, which Vietnam treats as a criminal offense.

As a Portland resident for over 20 years and longtime U.S. citizen whose family escaped Saigons fall, Im alarmed by growing pressure on media outlets about what can be reported. My mother, who survived three wars, believes deeply in Americas unique spirit.

San has described how censorship in Vietnam operates as a decentralized, invisible interplay between government, editors and journalists who self-censor to avoid unclear boundaries of acceptable discourse.

Bottomlys position reminds us to support the accurate reporting of what is. The danger in doing otherwise? Crossing an invisible line and losing our precious freedoms.

Tothu Vu, Portland

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
A 142nd Fighter Wing F-15 taxis onto the runway for night flying, September 11, 2019, Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. State officials say no requests have been made to use military facilities to hold undocumented immigrants under the Trump administration. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Steph Sawyer, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs) 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affair

Two months into President Donald Trumps return to office, there are no publicly apparent signs that federal officials are working to find a location in Oregon to detain undocumented immigrants en masse.

Speculation and concerns have been simmering in the weeks since The New York Times reported that the Trump administration was devising a preliminary plan to detain undocumented immigrants at military sites across the country, beginning in Texas. Oregon was reportedly one of 11 states with facilities under consideration.
President Donald Trump walks as he tours the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Monday, March 17, 2025. (Pool via AP) AP

In an extraordinary display of conflict between the executive and judiciary branches, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts rejected calls for impeaching federal judges shortly after President Donald Trump demanded the removal of a judge who ruled against his deportation plans.

For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision, Roberts said in a rare statement. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.

In a Tuesday morning social media post, Trump described U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg as an unelected troublemaker and agitator. Boasberg recently issued an order blocking deportation flights under wartime authorities from an 18th century law that Trump invoked to carry out his plans.

HE DIDNT WIN ANYTHING! I WON FOR MANY REASONS, IN AN OVERWHELMING MANDATE, BUT FIGHTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MAY HAVE BEEN THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR THIS HISTORIC VICTORY, Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. Im just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges' I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!

Trumps post escalated his conflict with a judiciary thats been one of the few restraints on his administrations aggressive agenda.

He has routinely criticized judges, especially as they limit his efforts to expand presidential power and impose his sweeping agenda on the federal government. But his call for impeachment  a rare step that is usually taken only in cases of grave ethical or criminal misconduct  represents an intensifying clash between the judicial and executive branches.

The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 has been used only three times before in U.S. history, all during congressionally declared wars. Trump issued a proclamation that the law was newly in effect due to what he claimed was an invasion by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. His administration is paying El Salvador to imprison alleged members of the gang.

Boasberg, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, convened a hearing on Monday to discuss what he called possible defiance of his order after two deportation flights continued to El Salvador despite his verbal order that they be turned around to the U.S.

Trump administration lawyers defended their actions, saying Boasbergs written order wasnt explicit, while an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union said I think were getting very close to a constitutional crisis.

The Constitution gives the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a slim majority, the power to impeach a judge with a simple majority vote. But, like a presidential impeachment, any removal requires a vote from a two-thirds majority from the Senate.

The presidents latest social media post aligns him more with allies like billionaire Elon Musk, who has made similar demands.

What we are seeing is an attempt by one branch of government to intimidate another branch from performing its constitutional duty. It is a direct threat to judicial independence, Marin Levy, a Duke University School of Law professor who specializes in the federal courts, said in an email.

Only one day earlier, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, I have not heard the president talk about impeaching judges.

Just 15 judges have been impeached in the nations history, according to the U.S. courts governing body, and just eight have been removed.

The last judicial impeachment was in 2010. G. Thomas Porteous Jr. of New Orleans was impeached on charges he accepted bribes and then lied about it. He was convicted by the Senate and removed from office in December 2010.

Calls to impeach judges have been rising as Trumps sweeping agenda faces pushback in the courts, and at least two members of Congress have said online they plan to introduce articles of impeachment against Boasberg. House Republicans already have filed articles of impeachment against two other judges, Amir Ali and Paul Engelmayer, over rulings theyve made in Trump-related lawsuits.

Leavitt is one of three administration officials who face a lawsuit from The Associated Press on First- and Fifth-amendment grounds. The AP says the three are punishing the news agency for editorial decisions they oppose. The White House says the AP is not following an executive order to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

____

Associated Press writer Mark Sherman contributed to this report.
On Feb. 10, around a dozen people gathered outside the Mamook Tokatee apartment complex in the Cully Neighborhood to display protest signs and sing handdrum songs before walking to the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) campus to hand-deliver a letter demanding that evictions at Mamook Tokatee be dismissed. (Photo by Jarrette Werk, Underscore Native News / Report for America) Jarrette Werk, Underscore Native News / Report for America

On Christmas Eve, Buzz Berry, a Siletz tribal elder and disabled veteran living at an affordable housing complex owned by the Native American Youth and Family Center in Portland, was served an eviction notice along with a blanket as a gift.

Two months later, after court hearings and prolonged uncertainty, he had to move out of his apartment. As a Siletz citizen utilizing Section 8 housing assistance, Berry said the experience has been destabilizing.

This article originally published Feb. 28, 2025, on the Underscore Native News site.

Its been very, very hard for me, emotionally and mentally, to where Ive almost had a breakdown from it, Berry, 66, told Underscore Native News on Feb. 10 while riding his electric bicycle on the way to deliver a letter to NAYA, before his moveout date of Feb. 26. (NAYA) is not understanding what theyre doing to us.

According to court records, Berrys case is one of at least 35 eviction notices filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court over the past year for three affordable housing complexes in Northeast Portlands Cully Neighborhood co-owned by Native American Youth and Family Center and Community Development Partners.

Thirty-three of those eviction notices were filed over a 10-month period beginning in April of last year, which equates to one-fifth of the 165 combined units receiving notices in less than a year, although in two separate cases the same tenant received multiple eviction notices. The majority came in a pronounced wave starting in October 2024 into this year.

Tenants are decrying  including at a recent public protest  what they say is a pattern of unjust eviction notices, mismanagement and neglect by property managers, according to documents reviewed by Underscore and interviews with more than a dozen current and former tenants, all of whom are Indigenous.

The properties are all managed by FPI Management, which manages 165,000 units in 23 states nationwide.

The evictions and tenant complaints, in certain ways, reflect concerns found throughout the broader affordable housing industry in an age of soaring housing costs and rising evictions across Oregon and nationwide.

But they also illuminate specific challenges associated with providing culturally affirming housing for urban low-income Indigenous populations in cities like Portland, where Native residents represent a significantly disproportionate percentage of the homeless population.

Stop the evictions. Keep Natives housed

In interviews, tenants and former tenants of the properties describe a pattern of suddenly receiving exorbitant rent bills from FPI Management after not being charged and not knowing how much they owed for months. Tenants also say repeated complaints about subpar living conditions  including plumbing issues, mold, bed bugs and more  have gone unaddressed.

Tenants currently facing evictions and nonpayment notices, as well as former tenants with similar experiences, represent a range of demographics, including mothers with small children fleeing domestic violence, young adults who are first-time renters and elders.

All the tenants interviewed identify as Indigenous, although not every tenant of the NAYA-owned complexes is Indigenous. The units are designed to meet the needs of low-income BIPOC communities; at Mamook Tokatee, enrolled Siletz citizens are given preference through a partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

The properties are designed with Indigenous residents in mind, including Native art throughout the complexes celebrating Indigenous cultures to create a more welcoming and culturally affirming environment. At Mamook Tokatee, a NAYA resident services coordinator assists with additional services, and at Nesika Illahee, Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest provides drug and alcohol support services, behavioral health services and medical resources to tenants.

On Feb. 10, a small crowd gathered outside the Hayu Tilixam apartment complex  which saw 10 evictions between October and December 2024  to make protest signs and sing handdrum songs before walking over two-and-a-half miles to the NAYA campus to hand-deliver a letter demanding that evictions at Mamook Tokatee be dismissed.

Tell NAYA to stop the evictions, one woman yelled at passing cars, while holding a sign that read, Stop the evictions. Keep Natives housed.

The letter from the Mamook Tokatee Tenants Association asked NAYA to dismiss all of the evictions filed in 2024 immediately, and that you withdraw all moveout agreements.

NAYA is supposed to help us stay housed, not evict us, the letter continued.

Its unclear how many of Mamooks six closed eviction cases  which left five still open as of Feb. 26  or the closed cases at the other two complexes resulted in the tenants removal. Berry, one of the six closed cases, had to move out by Feb. 26, and Underscore spoke with other tenants who lost their homes.

Mamook Tokatee, along with the other NAYA complexes, was established in direct response to the communitys need for housing. The goal was to provide stable, culturally respectful affordable housing for low-income Indigenous and other BIPOC residents, but tenants say mismanagement is perpetuating the same issues that the units are supposed to be countering.

Oscar Arana (Chichimeca), chief executive officer of NAYA, said on Feb. 17 that his team was reviewing the concerns outlined in the tenants association letter and would work to make sure that they are addressed and resolved.We are doing everything we can to make sure that our residents are feeling supported, Arana said, although he did not outline specific actions. What NAYA is here to do is to make sure that we create affordable housing and safe opportunities for the community.

Arana acknowledged that not everything is perfect at NAYAs housing complexes and said some of the issues are related to broader problems across the affordable housing sector.

A lot of it has to do with just the challenges that come with operating in such a heavily regulated and, in some ways, very underfunded sector, he said.

Arana added that funding challenges are exacerbated by widespread trends of workforce turnover in the industry, among both property management companies and nonprofits working in the realm of affordable housing.

Its an industry that is really faced with workforce challenges. We are familiar with those as well, Arana said. Were challenged with retention rates. Were challenged with recruitment. Were challenged with being able to pay people livable wages.

When you see that, both on the property management side and then also on the nonprofit side, again, because of the way that funding is structured, its a disservice to the tenants, he continued. Theyre the ones that are experiencing this impact, having folks come in and out and not being able to have that consistency. So thats a really big challenge.

While NAYA is co-owner of the complexes, Arana said, his organization is not responsible for collecting rent or day-to-day management. Those duties fall on FPI Management. Arana said NAYA meets regularly with its community partners and FPI management, which has managed the properties since 2023.

We do our best, within our role, to be able to hold the property management companies accountable and to work with them and to work with residents, Arana said.

An FPI Management representative declined multiple requests for comment and referred all questions to Arana.

Michelle Quick, a volunteer with Dont Evict PDX, attended the Feb. 10 walk to NAYA to offer community support, educational resources on organizing and help tenants understand their rights in eviction court. Dont Evict PDX is a collective of volunteer tenants working to prevent, delay, and reduce the harm of evictions and build tenant power.

The letter thats being delivered is not only asking to intervene in these evictions, but also about the conditions of the building, Quick said. There are some discrepancies between the stated goals of the building and the actual reality of living there day-to-day.

Housing challenges in urban Indigenous communities

More than 70 percent of Indigenous people in the U.S. live in urban areas. Portland has an estimated 58,135 Native Americans representing more than 380 tribal nations.

Adequate housing for low-income residents of these communities has long been an issue. According to the latest U.S. Census data, Indigenous people account for 1.9% of the overall population in Oregon yet are overwhelmingly represented in homeless populations. The 2024 point-in-time (PIT) count shows that Indigenous people in Oregon experienced homelessness at a rate 5.84 times higher than their proportion of the population.

NAYA, a large Portland-based service provider for Native populations, first moved into housing nearly two decades ago when it identified the need for better, culturally specific low-income housing for Indigenous residents.

In 2008, NAYA took over the Sawash portfolio, a 44-unit property, from another housing organization formerly known as Low-Income Housing for Native Americans in Portland Oregon (LIHNAPO), which closed its operations the same year due to lack of funding.

From 2010-2012, NAYA developed its inaugural affordable housing project, Kah San Chako Haws, a nine-unit module housing development in the Lents neighborhood. Kah San Chako Haws, which means East House in Chinook, was the first-ever multistory, multifamily modular housing project in Portland, and one of the first in the country.

NAYA served as a co-developer for the second project, Generations, a 40-unit affordable housing development that opened its doors in 2012 in the same Lents neighborhood, offering intergenerational townhome-style housing options in a cooperative community designed to support families of foster children by promoting permanency, community, and caring relationships, while offering a safe and meaningful purpose in the daily lives of older adults.

NAYA co-developed three more projects with partners including Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, NARA NW and CDP between 2017 and 2022, all located in the Cully Neighborhood.

Nesika Illahee, a 59-unit recovery-oriented community, was developed in partnership with Siletz and CDP between 2016 and 2020. Nesika Illahee means Our Place in Chinook. Resident services like housing assistance, mental health services and resources for drug and alcohol recovery are provided for tenants by NARA NW.

The propertys owners and FPI Management have filed 14 evictions against tenants of Nesika Illahee since 2023, including 11 since April of last year. One eviction, in 2021, was levied under the previous property manager, Viridian Management.

Mamook Tokatee opened in 2022 as a four-story apartment building offering 56 units with a mix of studios and one- to three-bedroom units with tribal and artist preference. Twenty of the 56 units at Mamook Tokatee are specifically for citizens of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, which contributed funding for the project.

In the last three months alone, 11 evictions have been filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court  including eight in a five-day span in December  against tenants, including Berry, at Mamook Tokatee.

The third Cully project, Hayu Tilixam, which means Many Nations in Chinook, opened the same year. Hayu Tilixam, a 50-unit project, was designed for low-income, Native American and BIPOC families to provide permanent supportive housing with on-site case management and wraparound services to nine of the 50 households.

The 10 evictions filed at Hayu Tilixam since October of last year represent  similar to the other two complexes  20 percent of all the units.

Together, Nesika Illahee, Mamook Tokatee and Hayu Tilixam properties provide 165 affordable housing units, with Native and BIPOC preference. NAYA, which co-owns all three properties, also opened a shelter last year for Native families experiencing homelessness called khwat yaka haws.

According to Arana, NAYA is a national leader in Native-specific affordable housing. Still, he acknowledges room for improvement.

Were learning and were applying, and were shifting, and were trying to make improvements, Arana said.

The three affordable housing developments that occurred in the Cully Neighborhood, they were very close to each other, so as one was getting done, the next one was already underway, Arana added. So it wasnt enough time to start applying that knowledge. We could have really benefited from having a little bit more time to operate, learn some lessons and definitely apply them at the next project.

While tenants have expressed displeasure with NAYA, they direct most of their ire and specific complaints at FPI Management.

Tenants perspectives

Interviews with more than a dozen current and former Indigenous tenants of NAYAs affordable housing  most of whom have received eviction or nonpayment notices  paint a picture of mismanagement, constant overturn of property management staff, rent instability and other issues.

Tenants also describe long-standing maintenance issues, including claims of mold, bed bugs, unchanged smoke alarm batteries, elders living on the fourth floor and more, with widespread criticism of managements inefficiency and lack of timely repairs.

Arana pointed to challenges such as issues related to behavioral health among tenants and tenants who are unaccustomed to maintaining property.

Some of these units are designed for homeless families, so a lot of the residents may not necessarily have the experience or the skills of knowing how to maintain or upkeep an apartment, so cleanliness might be an issue, right? Arana said.

This is not unique to Native properties, he added. This is a challenge that every single affordable housing provider is facing right now, issues of not clean units, issues of hoarding, issues of bed bugs. Anybody who is doing affordable housing development, anybody whos doing permanent supportive housing, is running into these issues. What were trying to do is, as they come up, figure out how to address them and solve them.

A young mother living at one of the properties wrote in a Facebook post that she feels lucky she hasnt received an eviction notice yet, because she has been trying for months to work with FPI to figure out her portion of the rent after a $1,200 domestic violence subsidy is applied.

I am still waiting to figure out the accurate portion of my rent due, she wrote. Every time a manager was working with me, wed almost get the accurate number and then theyd leave FPI.

Near constant overturn of property management staff is a recurring issue raised by tenants.

I live here and we cannot seem to keep anyone willing to hold the job as manager of this building, another tenant wrote on Facebook. I wonder why?

It is impossible for those of us who are disabled to get accommodations when on-site managers are rotated out of the building every few months, states the letter from Mamook Tokatee Tenants Association that was delivered to NAYA.

The letter also pointed to accusations that managers have mishandled tenants housing subsidy paperwork, causing the tenants to lose housing subsidies, in addition to management seeking to evict tenants over the amounts that would have been subsidized if management had not mishandled the paperwork.

Richard Scott, 61, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians descendant, has been living at Mamook Tokatee since July 2022. He says he had to fight back at repeated issues with incorrect nonpayment notices and an unjust eviction notice from FPI Management. He believes these mistakes are a direct result of the companys incompetence.Its an abusive pattern that needs to stop, Scott said. And, quite frankly, my hope is that by doing what Im doing, it will get (FPI Management) removed as management.

Scott said a number of payments disappeared when the switchover from Viridian to FPI management occurred. A person employed at NAYA during the time and who had knowledge of the incidents said FPI lost or misplaced rent payments.

That is part of what led to some of the problems and thats why some of the people have ended up getting evicted, Scott said. They were probably unjustly evicted.

(FPI Management) was trying to evict me when I, in fact, have been paying my rent and paying it in a timely fashion, he added.

Scott fought two separate notices from FPI management stating he was behind on rent. One notice from FPI reviewed by Underscore stated that Scott had a $1,532.06 outstanding debt. But Scott, who has meticulously kept records, provided FPI with rental receipts showing that he was up to date.

I figured, all right, now this should be the last that I hear of it, Scott said. Well, last month comes with an eviction notice for failure of payment. And Im like, all right, this is ridiculous.

The eviction notice and an outstanding debt of $680 were later corrected, Scott said, adding that he was informed he was instead owed $380 from the management company for overpayment.

So they gave me an eviction notice for paying my rent, Scott said.

According to numerous interviews with tenants and the letter that was delivered to NAYA, Scott isnt alone in experiencing these types of issues.

It is unacceptable to evict us for nonpayment of rent if you do not even know how much we owe, the Mamook Tokatee Tenants Association letter states.

It has become necessary for us to unite together into a tenant association, because NAYA has failed to appoint an adequate manager of Mamook Tokatee, and now NAYA is trying to evict 9 of us because of their own managers fault, the letter continues.

Skyrocketing eviction rates across Oregon

According to TJ Noddings, co-founder of Renters Action Network, issues within the affordable housing sector are common throughout the country, with claims of mismanagement and neglect being a recurring pattern.

Noddings co-founded Renters Action Network, a grassroots organization made up of renters, activists and organizations dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of renters across Portland. Together they work to address and fight systemic injustices in housing.

I think neglect is happening everywhere in the rental market, Noddings told Underscore. Theres just a lot being absolutely ignored, looked over.

According to Noddings, eviction rates are skyrocketing across Multnomah County, with rates in 2024 30% higher than in 2023  which was 30% higher than in 2022.

From January to December 2024, there were 28,073 eviction cases filed in Oregon, according to data from Evicted in Oregon, a Portland State University group that researches evictions. Multnomah County accounted for 11,761 of those eviction cases.

Underscore Native News requested information and documentation regarding rental agreements and eviction details at NAYA properties, among other information. FPI and NAYA denied the requests, citing confidentiality.

According to a 2024 PSU report on evictions in Oregon, nonpayment of rent is the most common cause for evictions nationwide and statewide.

The report revealed that 76% of evictions in Oregon between 2021 and 2023 were due to nonpayment. In subsidized housing, that figure was 60%, while nearly 40% were for other causes. All 21 eviction notices at Mamook and Hayu were for nonpayment; at Nesika, five were for other violations, including conduct.

An analysis of the PSU report by the Eviction Research Network and University of California Berkeley found that Oregon has among the highest eviction rates in the U.S. and that eviction case counts broke all-time state records in 2024.

The report also found that Community Development Partners was in the top 10 for subsidized housing evictors in Oregon. CDPs eviction rates, like those of other subsidized housing providers, have risen since the pandemic.

Its a really difficult time in affordable housing, said Holly Benelli, senior asset manager with Community Development Partners. After COVID, a lot of properties have struggled with operations in general for a lot of different reasons. I mean, the level of acuity and need that were seeing within the populations that we could historically serve in affordable housing properties has really shifted, and continues to shift quickly.

Benelli said CDP and NAYA work to address issues as they arise and will continue to do so.

We recognize there have been some really challenging outcomes or devastating outcomes for some of the folks, Benelli said.

While nonpayment is the most common reason for eviction, tenants at NAYA properties say they have been trying to pay their rent, but run into issues with FPI management.

Arana said the property management company, not NAYA, is responsible for overseeing the books connected to the buildings. He added that the properties are audited and that NAYA and other ownership partners like CDP are looking at the finances closely.

Whats next for tenants?

While Berry said he has secured a new place to stay, he is worried about others who might not be as lucky. He hopes no one else has to deal with what he has.

We have other people that are going to be living in these buildings, theyre going to be treated the same way, so we want to make sure that stops right here, now, Berry said. Nobody should have to go through what weve had to go through.

One first-time renter, after being evicted, said they dont know what to do now.

I come here from all the way in South Dakota, so this is my only home. Where am I going to go? they asked during an interview with Underscore. I have to go all the way back to South Dakota, and I have to figure out my housing complications from there.

Were here for community. Were here for the people, they asked. The community is here, and were asking for help, but wheres our help?
Charred hillsides in the Lookout Mountain region in eastern Oregon near Durkee, OR in July. The 2024 wildfire season burned a record number of acres across Oregon. Dave Killen / The Oregonian

State Reps. John Lively and Bobby Levy have introduced a bipartisan proposal to fund wildfire prevention and suppression in Oregon that largely mirrors a set of recommendations that emerged from a task force that met on the topic over the last year.

House Bill 3940 would create a 5-cent surcharge on bottles and cans to raise money for the Department of the State Fire Marshal, dedicate money raised by an insurance tax to pay for wildfire prevention and set aside money from the states reserves.

Lively, a Springfield Democrat, said the bill is a starting point for conversations about wildfire prevention and mitigation funding. His goal isnt necessarily to pass all of the funding streams proposed in the bill, he said, but to try and find consensus around one or more of them.

Its an unusual approach, said Sen. Jeff Golden, an Ashland Democrat, who like Lively, Levy and Sen. Fred Girod, monitored a 35-member group of lawmakers, timber representatives, environmentalists and others which debated possibilities to raise money for wildfire funding and mitigation.

The final recommendation was not a specific proposal, it was more of a menu, and thats what the bill is, Golden said. Im curious to see how Legislators react to that.

The work group was tasked with finding at least $280 million a biennium to spend on wildfire mitigation and suppression, in the face of increasingly expensive wildfires. The 2024 wildfire season burned a record 1.9 million acres and fighting the blazes cost upwards of $350 million.

The group estimated that in the 2025-2027 budget cycle:

A 5-cent bottle fee would raise $200 million

The insurance tax will raise $140 million

A set-aside from the ending fund balance equal to .5% of general fund appropriations would raise $164 million

Setting aside half of the expected 2025-27 transfer to the state rainy day fund would raise $299 million

The bill also proposes to raise forest harvest taxes that pay for wildfire and lower the fee grazing land owners pay for fire protection from the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Forestry representatives and ranchers who participated in the work group said Tuesday that they are generally supportive of the bill, though they spotted some technical issues in the drafting.

I think were heading in a good direction, said Chris Edwards, president at the Oregon Forest Industries Council.

Eastern Oregon rancher Mark Bennett said a proposal in the bill to fix the price that grazing land owners pay to participate in rural fire protection districts at 30 cents per acre would afford some relief and stability to those rural landowners.

Theres a lot of things in (the bill) that are really positive, Bennett said. It also starts to shift that the fires are not only the landowners responsibility but also all of Oregons responsibility.

Girod, a Silverton Republican, called the bill a good starting point. He hadnt seen the final bill before it was unveiled by House members and said he expects it will undergo revisions as lawmakers and stakeholders negotiate its contents in the coming months.

Theres some give and take in it, which is nice, Girod said. I think its a very good first step.

The bottle tax is a hard one for me to swallow, said Girod. But he favors diverting the existing insurance tax to fund wildfire issues.

Girod also has advocated that Oregon use money from its lottery funds to pay for wildfire needs. He has a separate bill proposing that idea, but hes not optimistic about its chances this session.

Also missing from the funding proposal is an idea by Golden, the Ashland Democrat, to hold back the kicker, a pot of state revenue that exceeds state economists' official forecast and typically goes back to voters, to fund wildfire needs. Golden has proposed this in a separate bill , but adjusting the kicker would require two-thirds of lawmakers in both chambers to back the idea, he said. That means he would need to rally all Democrats, and some Republicans, to his cause. That bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue earlier this month, but has not yet been scheduled for a public hearing.

Golden plans to keep fighting for his kicker proposal, he said Tuesday. He wants it to be an alternative for funding wildfire suppression and mitigation if House Bill 3940 doesnt get through or doesnt raise enough money. Golden is concerned that pressure on the states general fund and the looming threat of federal funding cuts could make the some of the funding proposals in the House bill really hard to pass.

My single big need is to leave this session with adequate wildfire funding. I think we are foolish and irresponsible if we dont do that, he said.

Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430.
Rep. Dwayne Yunker, a Republican from Grants Pass, sparked a small frenzy in the Oregon House Monday morning when he read aloud a book passage detailing an explicit sex scene to protest a bill that would ban book bans in schools.

His on-camera literary recitation from a young adult novel was a response to a Democratic-sponsored bill up for consideration in the Senate that would prevent schools from removing textbooks or library books due to themes of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or disability.

To protest the bill, which was not up for a vote in the House, Yunker read a passage from the young adult novel The Haters by Jesse Andrew, which some reviewers have described as raunchy. Yunker said the Three Rivers School District in his district decided to keep the book in a school library after a parent complained it was inappropriate for teens.

Before I start reading this section ... I want to highlight the rules on the floor forbidding profane and indecent language, but its okay for children to use profanities in language in public schools because the book is provided to them in the library, Yunker said at the beginning of his short remarks.

Yunker read more than a half minute of the consensual sex scene before a member of his own party, Rep. Kevin Mannix of Salem, objected, calling what Yunker was saying lascivious and obscene.

But that wasnt the end of it.

Rep. David Gomberg, a Democrat from Otis who was presiding over Mondays floor proceedings, allowed Yunker to continue speaking, reminding him that language being used here on the floor is not simply heard here on the floor, but its also heard by everyone listening of all ages and of a variety of sensitivities. (Gomberg later said that he could not clearly hear what Yunker was saying).

Yunker continued to read the explicit passage aloud, until he was again stopped by Mannix, his fellow Republican, and did not read any more.

Yunker then cited examples of teachers in Oregon sexually abusing children and cited a 2019 report in which Oregon had the highest rate of sex offenders of all states.

Meanwhile, he said, We continue to allow distribution of sexually explicit materials to children, which normalizes such behaviors. There is increasingly focus on the authorship of books, rather than evaluating whether the content is appropriate for young readers.

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan agreed with him.

What we heard today was, in fact, indecent. It was not appropriate for the House floor. And its important to recognize that it should not have been confusing, she said. What is on the shelves in our schools today does not meet the standards for this chamber. Our families, our students, deserve ... to go to school and have libraries that are appropriate to their age.

House Speaker Julie Fahey, a Democrat from Eugene, later denounced the Republicans protest, likening their tactics to those seen from bombastic members of Congress including Marjorie Taylor Greene or used by President Donald Trump.

Until now, I think weve held ourselves to a higher standard in Oregon, so to me it was really a shame to see House Republicans bring those theatrics to our chamber. Fahey told reporters Monday afternoon. I think reasonable people can have conversations about what is the best policy for our children, what is the best policy for our education system, without these kind of Trump-style gimmicks.

 Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com.

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Oregon lawmakers are considering whether to empower children conceived from donor sperm, eggs or embryos to gain access to the names of the donors who made their existence possible, similar to the rights adopted children have to learn the identities of their birth parents.

Senate Bill 163 would require clinics that collect sperm, egg or embryo donations to ask for the names, birth dates, addresses, phone numbers, emails and medical histories of donors, which would then be entered into a state donor registry where the information would remain even if the clinics went out of business. When the children born from those donations turn 18, they would be entitled to access their donors information.

Robin Pope, a Portland lawyer who specializes in assisted reproductive technology law, told the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday the idea is not that much different from the rights granted to adoptees. In 1998, Oregon voters approved Ballot Measure 58, which enables children who were adopted, upon turning 21, to receive an unsealed birth certificate that includes the name or names of their parents.

Senate Bill 163 goes a few steps farther by calling for the release of more information and at an earlier age, 18 instead of 21.

Pope said by the time children brought into the world as a result of sperm, egg or embryo donations turn 18, the donors addresses, emails and phone numbers might be outdated.

But if you have the persons name, you can usually find them, Pope told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Though some people worry that lifting the confidentiality that comes with sperm, egg or embryo donation might discourage future donors, Pope doesnt think so. As an attorney, she said, she has helped people meet their donors or surrogates. Almost everyone has wanted to connect, even if they were initially reluctant.

I think its lovely, Pope said, because then the children get answers to the questions they have.

Colorado was the first state to nation to create such a law by effectively banning anonymous donation in 2022. The law has since generated some pushback. A bill this legislative session has proposed rolling back some of the provisions.

Colorados law came about after a series of startling stories  fueled by donors anonymity or obscurity  surfaced nationally and internationally, including a Dutch sperm donor who has been determined to be the biological father of hundreds of children. In Oregon, a sperm donor sued OHSU in 2019 after discovering he had 17 offspring created from his donations. The known number later grew to at least 19.

Donor identity laws vary widely from state to state. Some have tweaked their laws to encourage the sharing of information but have not required it. Among them is Washington, which says fertility clinics shall make a good faith effort to provide adult children with their donors identifying information. But the law also allows donors to sign a form that protects their identities from being revealed.

No senators on the committee commented on Senate Bill 163, which isnt sponsored by any individual lawmakers and was filed by the committee. The committee plans to schedule a public hearing for later this month to air details of the amended bill, which was drafted based on recommendations from an ad hoc work group that included attorneys and practitioners in the field and met for more than two years.

The bill is 222 pages long and clarifies many aspects of state law regarding parents, including the legalities surrounding child support, adoption, surrogacy and use of genetic testing to determine parentage. Allowing children to learn the identity of sperm, egg or embryo donors is one area where the bill breaks new ground in Oregon.

Pope said the identity of genetic donors is no longer shielded in the way it once was, due to the proliferation of DNA home testing that can reveal the biological parents or relatives of a donor-conceived child.

In this day and age, if kids want to figure it out they do, Pope said. They just go on to 23andMe, swab their cheek and connect with people.

The bill, however, would reduce the effort it takes to identify donors. But it would be a while before that happens. If the bill becomes law and goes into effect in late 2025 or early 2026, it will be 2044 at the earliest before the first 18 year olds in the state might be able to use it.

Pope said if the proposal passes, going forward what donors will know: In Oregon, you are going to give up some of your privacy. Youre not going to be a secret anymore.

 Aimee Green is covering the Oregon Legislature this session. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or on Bluesky.

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As part of Chief Days goal of transforming the dynamic between the police and the people we serve, he has been very vocal about having sworn personnel participate in community engagement whenever possible," said police spokesperson Mike Benner. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Portland Police Chief Bob Day has temporarily stopped dispatching on-duty officers to attend town halls and other community meetings held by members of the Portland City Council, officials with the bureau said Monday.

The decision came after the presence of uniformed cops at events for Councilors Sameer Kanal and Angelita Morillo earlier this month raised eyebrows given the councilors emerging roles as critics of the Police Bureau.

Five on-duty officers showed up to Kanals Northeast Portland town hall March 2, days after the president of the citys police union publicly blasted the councilor over his proposed resolution that would make slight changes to how members of the citys Community Board for Police Accountability are selected.

The board is the citys new independent oversight system for police that grew out of the 2020 ballot measure approved by 82% of city voters.

On March 6, a pair of officers appeared at an event held by Morillo in Southeast Portland, telling the councilor that a lieutenant had directed them to attend. The officers, according to Morillo, refused to disclose the name of the lieutenant when she asked for it and quickly left.

After The Oregonian/OregonLive reported on both town hall episodes, Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney told her fellow elected colleagues that she had raised the issue directly with the police chief.

Ive asked Chief Day to check in with councilors before sending police officers to town halls and coffee meetings, Pirtle-Guiney wrote in a March 9 email.

While sending officers to community meetings is a normal course of action for Portland police, Pirtle-Guiney continued, Ive asked them to treat individual councilors coffee chats and town halls differently.

Mike Benner, a Portland police spokesperson, said that attending events is part of the departments community engagement efforts, but that Day is honoring Pirtle-Guineys request.

When this matter was brought to our attention, the chief paused our attendance until we have an opportunity to discover councilors wishes, Benner told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Monday. As these town halls occur, we will get in touch with the councilors and well attend if they wish for us to be there and resources allow for it that day.

Yet police are likely to attend a series of city-sponsored budget listening sessions that Mayor Keith Wilson and councilors from each of the citys four new council districts will host over the next few weeks, Benner said. The first listening session will take place Tuesday night in District 3 at the University of Western States at 8000 N.E. Tillamook St.

We hear constantly that our community wants to have relationships with their police, Benner said. As part of Chief Days goal of transforming the dynamic between the police and the people we serve, he has been very vocal about having sworn personnel participate in community engagement whenever possible.

No officers showed up to Pirtle-Guineys town hall Saturday at the McMenamins Kennedy School in Northeast Portland, which drew more than 50 participants.

Councilor Pirtle-Giney did not object to officers being at this weekends meeting but no one from PPB attended simply because there was so much going on in the city and our resources were tied up, Benner said.

 Shane Dixon Kavanaugh covers Portland city government and politics, with a focus on accountability and watchdog reporting. Reach him at 503-294-7632. Email him at skavanaugh@oregonian.com.

 Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221- 4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X @zaeemshake

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U.S. Rep. Bandon Gill, R-Texas, introduced articles of impeachment Tuesday against the federal judge who ruled against President Donald Trumps effort to deport people under an 18th-century law.

James E. Boasberg, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, drew criticism from Trump and his allies over an order blocking those deportations.

The United States was being invaded by a Venezuelan gang, Trump said, so he was invoking the law to remove alleged members from the country.

The articles of impeachment accused Boasberg, who presides in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, of committing high crimes and misdemeanors by attempting to seize power from the executive branch and interfere with the will of the American people.

By making a political decision outside the scope of his judicial duties, he compromised the impartiality of our judicial system and created a constitutional crisis, according to the articles.

The Constitution gives the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a slim majority, the power to impeach a judge with a simple majority vote. But, like a presidential impeachment, any removal requires a vote from a two-thirds majority from the Senate. Republicans do not have a two-thirds majority in the Senate, where they have a 53-47 advantage.

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, alluded to the steep hill facing any impeachment effort in a post on X.

Lots of noise about impeachment. We must study every ruling & act accordingly w/ everything on the table (noting: 14 Dem votes required in Senate.), Roy said. But, more fertile ground ... 1) House can pass a resolution stating there is/was an invasion, 2) we can defund radical courts.

The impeachment articles were introduced about the same time Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare statement pushing back on calls for impeaching federal judges.

For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision, Roberts said. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.

Roberts' statement followed strong criticism of Boasberg from Trump in a Tuesday morning social media post. Trump said voters returned him to the White House for many reasons but fighting illegal immigration might have been the top one.

Im just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges' I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Boasberg, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, convened a hearing on Monday to discuss what he called possible defiance of his order after two deportation flights continued to El Salvador despite his verbal order that they be turned around to the U.S.

Trump administration lawyers defended their actions, saying Boasbergs written order wasnt explicit, while an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union said I think were getting very close to a constitutional crisis.

Gill is a freshman member elected last year to succeed Rep. Michael Burgess after the longtime congressman declined to seek reelection. Gill finished far ahead of the rest of a crowded primary field that represented competing strains of conservatism.

His campaign focused on his support for securing the border and cracking down on illegal immigration. He prominently featured endorsements from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Trump.

We will not stand by as radical activist Judge James Boasberg tramples on the Constitution out of political spite for the President, Gill said in a news release announcing the impeachment articles. The American people gave us a mandate to get criminal illegal aliens out of our country, and thats exactly what we intend to do.

Gill said five co-sponsors backed his proposed impeachment articles.

Judge Boasberg has gravely overstepped his authority, usurping the constitutional power of the Commander in Chief, Gill said.

Democrats pushed back on the impeachment calls.

The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, said in a news release Trump is lashing out at judges who rule against him.

Just 15 federal judges have been impeached in the countrys history, Raskin said, and only for professional misconduct such as taking bribes, evading taxes and intoxication on the bench.

My Republican colleagues have filed Articles of Impeachment against judges not for misconduct, not for corruption, but for the crime of upholding the rule of law against Trumps plainly lawless acts, Raskin said.

--The Dallas Morning News and Associated Press contributed
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff Headquarters, which was dedicated to drones.

Today, I held a Staff Meeting. Several issues were discussed, but the key topic was drones  all types that we need. There is good news regarding long-range drones: our 3,000-kilometer-range drone has successfully passed testing. I am grateful to the developers and manufacturers, Zelenskyy said in an evening address Monday.

According to the president, Ukraine is developing a line of long-range weapons that will help guarantee the security of the state.

There was also a report on the use of Ukrainian missiles  the long Neptune, and we can say we are satisfied with the strike results. However, we need to produce more missiles, more drones, and this week, we will discuss this with our partners, the President added.
Concept art for the plaza, which will feature picnic benches, planters and a kiosk for charging cell phones. Courtesy of Heather Flint Chatto

Anyone heading to the Bagdad Theater or the nearby Powells Books this summer will find something new on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard  a pedestrian plaza, taking up a side street off of Hawthorne, with picnic tables, street murals and a solar-powered kiosk.

But its not yet known whether the addition, on 37th Avenue between Hawthorne Boulevard and Madison Street, will be permanent.

The plaza, which will cut off traffic for cars on a block-long stretch of 37th Avenue, is set to operate as a six-month pilot program. The Portland Bureau of Transportation, the Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association and the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will then assess the success and likely long-term viability of the concept, which is designed to bring more people, on foot, to the commercial stretch.

Even if the city wants to keep the plaza in place, looming budget cuts due to the citys $150 million budget shortfall could end its existence.

Still, its funded for now: half of a $46,000 grant from Venture Portland will go towards planters, a street mural and benches, and the other half will pay for the construction of the four-by-six kiosk.

Its an opportunity to bring something really positive to the street, said Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association president Pam Coven. Were doing everything with the intention to make it permanent.

Coven said that an exact opening date is up in the air, but she hopes it will be ready by May. She added that next steps include community contests to design and name the plaza.

Coven, who owned the Imeldas shoe store on Hawthorne before it closed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, said businesses on the street are still struggling. She said PBOT determined which intersection in the area made the most sense.

A design sketch of the kiosk that will occupy the planned plaza at Hawthorne Boulevard and Southeast 37th Avenue. Courtesy of Heather Flint Chatto

Heather Flint Chatto, the urban designer who pitched the idea of setting up a kiosk in the plaza, said the small structure will have places for people to charge their phones and look at maps, and there will be installations where people can read about the boulevards long history.

For decades, Hawthorne was the Main Street for the working-class neighborhood  in the 1970s it featured a butchers shop that specialized in horse meat when stagflation caused grocery staples to spike. In more recent decades, it has been perhaps the foremost commercial outpost for the citys Keep Portland Weird ethos.

Despite the uncertainty about the plazas long-term future, Geoffrey Hamlyn, of the Sunnyside Neighbourhood Association, said he has high hopes for the pilot program.

Hawthorne is one of the most iconic and visible streets in the city, he said. I think the plaza is a component of making that all the more rich.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read premieres Episode 3 and 4 tonight, Tuesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery and simultaneously on Max. You can watch live on demand with Philo.

Is Karen Read guilty?

Read was found guilty of second degree murder for killing her boyfriend and leaving him in the snow.

When can I watch the trial of Karen Read?

The first two episodes already aired on March 17, with the next two coming out tonight on Tuesday, March 18 and the fifth The Verdict episode on March 19. You can watch all available episodes for free with a trial of Philo.

What did Karen Read do?

Karen Read allegedly killed her boyfriend, John OKeefe, by running him over and leaving him to die in the snow.

 WATCH: A Body in the Snow: The Karen Read Trial for FREE with Philo (free trial). If you prefer a different streaming platform, you can also watch it on Max.

WHAT CHANNEL IS A BODY IN THE SNOW: THE KAREN READ TRIAL ON?

When: Tuesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET

TV channel: Investigation Discovery

Watch the show live streaming online: A Body in the Snow: The Karen Read Trial for FREE with Philo (free trial). If you prefer a different streaming platform, you can also watch it on Max (free trial).

Where is Karen Read from?

Karen Read is a New England native and her hometown is reportedly Taunton, Massachusetts. She also grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia, but Read graduated from a private catholic high school called Coyle & Cassidy in Taunton before going on to attend college at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

What TV channel is A Body in the Snow: The Karen Read Trial documentary series on? Is it streaming free anywhere?

The new Karen Read documentary will air on Investigation Discovery. You can find out which channel ID Network is on in your area with channel finders for popular services like Comcast / Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish

You can watch new episodes of A Body in the Snow: The Karen Read Trial for FREE with Philo (free trial). If you prefer a different streaming platform, you can also watch it on Max (plans start at just $9.99).

What is Philo? Is it any good and why is it cheaper than other TV streaming services?

As far as TV streaming services go, Philo remains the most cost-friendly and affordable TV streaming service on the market at under $30/month (you can try out Philo for seven days with a free trial). The company has built their platform by focusing on a particular kind of TV viewer. Fans of Philo tend to like popular series, documentaries, reality TV and movies, but arent as interested in things like live sports, premium channels and expensive linear cable networks that drive up the price of other streaming platforms and cable service providers. You can see the complete list of channels Philo has and more information about the platform in our complete Philo streaming guide.
Cleveland County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Monday requesting the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority resume its original plan to design and build frontage roads and access points through Cleveland County.

According to the agenda, this resolution was sought in part due to the Oklahoma Supreme Courts decision regarding the OTAs authority which will unquestionably result in the East-West connector being installed across Cleveland County.

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The resolution reads that the frontage roads and access points are necessary to provide safe and efficient transportation system for the use and benefit of Cleveland County residents.

Around 60 Norman residents appeared at the meeting protesting the approval of the resolution.

The protest was organized by Pike Off OTA, a grassroots organization that has advocated against turnpike expansion throughout the state.

In an interview with OU Daily, Dave Moore, a member of Pike Off OTA, said protesters were frustrated that public comment was scheduled to begin after the county commissioners voted on the resolution.

We kind of got thrown a curveball , Moore said. What country does that happen in, where the citizen input starts after the decisions already been made? What's the point?

Rob Norman, attorney for Cheek and Falcone, addressed the audience before the meeting began. According to Norman, the commissioners meeting is the reason Oklahomans for Responsible Economic Development had to reschedule the time they planned to file their referendum petition appeal.

The meeting

Over 60 people gathered into the conference room, most of which were protesters. Several protesters wore the color red in solidarity against the turnpike.

In August, Norman City Council voted to reject the ACCESS Oklahoma Project. During the meeting dozens of residents attended to voice their disapproval of the OTA, similarly wearing the color red.

As Commissioners Rod Cleveland, Jacob McHughes and Rusty Grissom went through the items on the agenda, the meeting was quickly interrupted by members of the audience.

I just want to know how you can subvert the Constitution? One person asked.

We voted for you! Another audience member shouted.

As the meeting continued to be interrupted, Cleveland gestured toward Undersheriff Michael Finley, who told members of the audience to silence themselves so the board could continue with the meeting.

Finley told the protesters that they would have their chance to speak later in the meeting. Finley was interrupted by several audience members who were frustrated that public comment was scheduled to occur after the resolution was voted on.

Once the commissioners reached the OTA related resolution on the agenda, several members of the audience began to plead with the commissioners to not vote in its favor.

As the commissioners approved the resolution, several audience members shouted their disapproval.

You guys will never get reelected, Russell Rice, co-owner of Norman Care-A-Vans and a member of ORED said.

Public comment

When the commissioners announced the beginning of public comment, some members of the audience began to laugh.

The commissioners prefaced the rules of public comment, saying that it will be reserved for two minutes for each person for a maximum of ten minutes.

Only five members of the public were allowed to speak due to a 10 minute hard cap. The first was Deidre Ebrey, assistant city manager for the city of Moore.

Ebrey thanked the commissioners for their awareness of the situation and resolution and said there was no better way to foster economic development in the community.

Norman said it was no longer okay for the government to exercise eminent domain just because it has the authority to do so. He then criticized the commissioners by contrasting how they operated with Norman City Council.

The city of Norman was prepared to do exactly what you did today in exactly the same manner you did today, but instead they spent a month listening to the public. They spent a month listening to Pike Off and the Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation people about why these resolutions are a bad idea, Norman said.

Tim Morris, a Cleveland County resident, said nobody wants the turnpike but it's unfortunate because it's a necessity. Morris was interrupted by members of the audience as he tried to continue speaking.

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I know it was tremendously emotional especially for people that are losing your land. I mean, I can't even imagine that, but I do also understand that the exit roads are needed, Morris said.

Morris said that commissioners were not approving the turnpike, but instead were approving the access roads, and that the turnpike was coming no matter what. Morris said what was being approved was best for the entire county.

This is something that unfortunately is coming, whether all of us in this room like it or not, Morris said.

Rick Sondag, a Norman North teacher, told the commissioners that they werent listening to the voice of the people.

I'm disappointed, Sondag said. I really am disappointed, because the OTA is not the power of the people. It's some kind of an entity that just exists and it doesn't really care about the people.

Sondag said he knows there are people who are going to benefit from the turnpike, but the overwhelming majority of residents are opposed to it being built.

Do the right thing, Sondag said. I'm not quite sure why this is happening. Does anybody know what's happening?

The last to speak was Randy Carter, communications director for Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation.

Carter pointed toward Morris and Edbrey, who both cited economic development as the reason the turnpike will follow through, and said the use of eminent domain for economic development was against the law.

Carter voiced his disappointment with the county commissioners for not continuing to fight against the OTA.

I think that we are possibly able to stop these turnpikes, and I think you guys have given up, and I don't appreciate that, Carter said.

After the meeting

In an interview with OU Daily after the meeting, Storme Jones, Cleveland County director of communications, said the county commissioners do not condone the ACCESS Oklahoma project.

According to Jones, the construction of the turnpike is likely to happen regardless of what the commissioners do, therefore the resolution they approved will allow for people to have access to the frontage roads and access points once it is built.

This is not approving the turnpike, Jones said. The Supreme Court did that in 2023 this is saying if the turnpike comes, we should have access to it. There should be on and off ramps. There should be free frontage roads for folks who want to traverse around the Turnpike,

Jones said the commissioners have heard from residents who, under the current OTA plan, would have their properties be landlocked without access points, leaving them no way to get to their properties, which would force the OTA to take those properties that aren't in the line of the turnpike.

According to Jones the opportunity to communicate this to the public did not present itself during the meeting.

It is just obviously important to acknowledge that this is a really hard deal. Any time properties are taken, good people will have their properties taken as part of this bigger project, Jones said. I think the commissioners would say that two wrongs don't make a right. So the turnpike is coming is understood to be a fact at this point.

Moore and Carter told OU Daily that they do not believe the idea that the commissioners are against the OTA and the turnpike.

For them to pass that resolution is condoning the turnpikes, and what that says to the OTA is they can do anything they want in Cleveland County. Come on down. We're open for business. We love you here, Moore said.

Background

ACCESS Oklahoma is a 15-year, $8.2 billion proposal to build new turnpikes and expand existing highways statewide, including two turnpikes that would run through Norman.

In 2023, the Oklahoma Supreme Court allowed the ACCESS Oklahoma plan to proceed after homeowners filed a lawsuit alleging part of the South Extension Turnpike is not among corridors approved in 1987.

Last week, hundreds of Norman community members expressed concern at a public town hall about the rerouting of the South Extension Turnpike, a part of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authoritys ACCESS Oklahoma plan.

On March 5, OTA Executive Director Joe Echelle announced it will reevaluate the South Extensions alignment because the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation did not allow for it to cross federal property at Lake Thunderbird.

The proposed South Extension Turnpike is an approximately 19-mile highway expansion, which would stretch from the newly constructed East-West Connector in Franklin and Interstate 35 in Slaughterville. In the original plan, the expansion would have run just west of Lake Thunderbird.

This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure and Ana Barboza.
UFP Packaging Increases Corrugated Capabilities with New Facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana

First opened in late 2024, the Jeffersonville facility will continue to scale throughout 2025 with machinery to enter new market segments. First opened in late 2024, the Jeffersonville facility will continue to scale throughout 2025 with machinery to enter new market segments.

March 17, 2025 - UFP Packaging has expanded its U.S. manufacturing footprint by opening a new 165,000-square-foot corrugated facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana, that will continue to undergo advancement and expansion throughout 2025.

The latest expansion features advanced graphics and production capabilities for retail and e-commerce markets.

"This facility represents UFP Packaging's commitment to innovation and supporting the evolving needs of our customers across diverse markets," said Nick Hoffman, Vice President of Protective Packaging.

First opened in late 2024, the Jeffersonville facility will continue to scale throughout 2025 with machinery to enter new market segments.

Corrugated capabilities coming in 2025 include:

Color Printers: Dual-sided printing and precision die cutting in one pass

Flexo Folder Gluers: High-speed machines

Flatbed Die Cutter: Handles large-format boxes

Rotary Die Cutter: Four-color die cutter with automated box separation

The facility blends a strong stock box presence and custom corrugated offerings.

UFP Packaging is a leading North American provider of industrial packaging solutions and the largest producer of wooden pallets and crates in the United States.

SOURCE: UFP Packaging
A North Carolina mother is thankful after she found her six-year-old daughter safe and unharmed under rubble following a tornado that destroyed their home.

On Monday, a tornado swept through a neighborhood in the northeastern part of the state, leaving behind a trail of destruction and sending many people to the hospital with various injuries. Officials with the Perquimans County Emergency Operations Center confirmed that the tornado damaged 13 mobile homes at Longview Estates Mobile Home Park.

Tornado Levels Homes in North Carolina

Emergency responders also stayed in the area throughout the morning to assess injuries to individuals as well as property damage. Officials said that as of Monday evening, three of the homes were completely destroyed by the tornado.

One resident of the area, Ty Wood, who has lived in one of those homes for about two decades, said that the recent tornado lifted him from inside his home and tossed him outside. He then tried to seek refuge inside his car until the disaster passed, according to 11Alive.

While Wood lost the property that he had been living in for nearly 20 years, he was still thankful to be alive after the disaster and without any significant injuries. Officials also reported that the tornado injured eight people, three of which were transferred to the hospital to get treated.

Shortly after 3:00 a.m. on Monday, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Camden, Pasquotank, Currituck, and Perquimans counties. Officials warned residents that there was a severe thunderstorm with the potential to produce a tornado moving northeast at 50 mph near Elizabeth City.

Leaving a Trail of Destruction

Residents of Perquimans County struggled to come to terms with the damage the tornado left on their homes, with many families waking up to see their residences no longer there. One resident of Longview Estates, Laquasia Hughes, and her six-year-old daughter were inside their home at the time the tornado struck, 13NewsNow reported.

The mother recalled the moment that the tornado ripped through their home, which made her feel like it was "Dorothy off The Wizard of Oz." Fortunately, Hughes' daughter was safe and remained unharmed after she was stuck under the rubble of their home.

Another resident, Jerrod Grace, was inside one of the leveled homes as the storm passed and later found his pickup truck buried underneath the rubble and debris from the home. A neighbor said that they could hear people asking for help, with one saying that a child was stuck in the house, as per News19.
Mothers and children are among those who are now losing their lives due to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) conducting cuts to various agencies and programs.

The latest development comes as care workers in African nations have long relied on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to keep their charges alive. However, Musk insisted in earlier March that "no one has died" from DOGE's freeze on USAID grants.

Elon Musk's DOGE Cuts

This is not the case as a 10-year-old South Sudanese boy identified as Peter Donde and others like him have already lost their lives. Kids like Donde were only able to survive thanks to medications disbursed through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

After Musk and President Donald Trump froze USAID, these children were left on their own without any assistance and have now started to suffer fatal consequences. Donde reportedly died of a pneumonia infection in late February, which he got after his immune system weakened without the medications, according to Futurism.

Moses Okeny Labani, an outreach worker who helped Donde and almost 150 other children stay alive, said that the deaths would not have happened if USAID was still supplying them with funds for much-needed medicine.

Before the interview about the cuts to USAID, Labani had never heard of Musk before he was given a quick overview of who he is. With regards to the Tesla CEO's claim that no one has died due to the pause in funding, Labani said that the billionaire entrepreneur is simply, "wrong."

On top of the USAID cuts, Musk's DOGE also defunded a unit that worked to help rescue Ukrainian children who were kidnapped by Russia throughout its invasion of Ukraine. The unit consists of researchers from Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), Newsweek reported.

Effects of Less Funding

A spokesperson for the university said that the government decided to cut its funding for its work on the war in Ukraine. This puts nearly 20,000 kids who have been abducted by Russian forces at risk.

Furthermore, the Tesla CEO is now considering cuts to Social Security and benefit programs as he claims that there is widespread fraud happening right now. Musk suggested that the cuts need to involve $500 billion to $700 billion in waste.

The billionaire entrepreneur argued that the majority of federal spending is entitlements, adding that it is one of the things he wants to eliminate. This comes as Musk is already facing criticism for his chainsaw-wielding approach to laying off workers and slashing programs, as per the Associated Press.
Why pay a subscription fee for Microsoft 365 when you can own Microsoft Office for life? Right now, you can get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional for just $54.97 (reg. $219.99)  cheaper than a single year of Microsoft 365.

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A Hanover Township, Northampton County physician found guilty of assaulting a female patient during multiple office visits could face jail time in coming months.

Dr. Eric Thomas Cochran, 52, of Bethlehem Township was convicted of misdemeanor indecent assault on March 5 following a three-day jury trial before Northampton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Abraham Kassis.

The jury found Cochran not guilty of felony aggravated indecent assault without consent. Court records indicate three counts of misdemeanor indecent assault without consent were withdrawn in the case.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, with whom he coordinated positions on the eve of a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

I also spoke today with President Macron of France. We coordinated our positions  both ahead of the conversation between President Trump and Putin and the upcoming meetings in Europe, Zelenskyy said in an evening address Monday.

He thanked Macron and all of France for their support.

Macron, in turn, emphasized the courage of Zelenskyy's agreement to accept the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.

"It is now up to Russia to prove that it truly wants peace. Enough deaths. Enough lives destroyed. Enough devastation. The weapons must fall silent. The atrocities and sabotage must cease. The deported Ukrainian children must be reunited with their families. These are all conditions that Russia must fulfill. And I am confident in President Trumps commitment to this cause," Macron wrote on social media X.

He stressed that Ukraine's allies must now continue to work on a concrete peace plan that would provide strong security guarantees for Ukraine, ensure lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe, and prevent Russia from attacking again.
Aurelio Martinez, a famed and beloved musician and politician from Honduras, was among 12 killed in a plane crash Monday night in the Caribbean.

According to reports, Martinez, 56, was onboard a Lanhsa airlines Jetstream plane that crashed off the coast of Roatan, Honduras. The plane had just taken off from Roatan and had reportedly suffered a mechanical failure before going down in the ocean.

There were reportedly 17 people onboard, and five survived.

BLAST reported that Martinez was a legendary Garifuna musician and politician, whose impact on Honduran culture was widely recognized. While his career began as a star musician, the site noted that he moved into politics and was serving as a representative in the Honduran National Congress.

Belizes Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade issued a statement, acknowledging his death.

Belize joins Honduras in mourning the passing of Aurelio Matinez Sauzo, one of six victims who perished in a plane crash near Roatan, Honduras, the statement on X read. Aurelio was a great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garifuna culture and music. As a renowned Garifuna musician, Aurelia was a powerful voice in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Garinagu people.

Aurelio, alongside Belizes Andy Palacio and Paul Nabor were instrumental in bringing Garifuna music to global stage and international recognition, the statement continued. His passing leaves a void in the world of music and culture, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved his art and his people.

Belize expresses out deepest condolences to the government and people of Honduras amidst this tragedy and the Garifuna community worldwide.
A 4-year-old-girl was attacked by a coyote, the latest in a string of similar attacks in a Washington neighboorhood. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) TNS

A child in Washington was only inches away from her familys front door when a coyote bit her and attempted to drag her away.

Fox News reports that the girl was attacked on March 11 in Bellevue, in a neighborhood in which five other human-coyote incidents have been reported in the same week.

Chang Tong, the girls father, told KIRO that the coyote was just walking on the mat outside of their home.

Tong told KIRO that his daughter pushed the door open and approached the animal, thinking it was a dog, only to be bitten on the hand and dragged to the ground.

His daughter was taken to the emergency room to be treated for minor injuries, as well as to receive a rabies shot.

KIRO reports that a coyote approached and tried to bite children at a bus stop in the same neighborhood earlier that day, and a backpack was stolen by a coyote the day before after a student left it on the sidewalk near the school.

Earlier that same week, a woman was bitten by a coyote while sitting on her back patio on March 6, and a man was bitten by a coyote on March 7 while in his open garage. Both were treated for minor injuries.

Officers from Washingtons Department of Fish and Wildlife have reportedly killed two coyotes they believe were responsible for the incidents.
Weathered Vineyards & Winery's newest satellite location is called Gruver Farms Tasting Room, located in northern York County. In addition to farming grapes and Christmas trees on the 36-acre property, they also grow pumpkins and other seasonal crops. Jaden Gruver

Weathered Vineyards & Winery owner Richard Woolley says he and Jaden Gruver crossed paths for the first time several years ago.

Gruver was the operations manager at Gruver Farms in New Cumberland, on the York side of the line with Cumberland County, from November 2015 through 2020 before taking over as owner. Its a location that many central Pa. residents have been visiting for decades to purchase their Christmas trees; the 36-acre working farm was founded in 1974.

Included on the property is a 3-acre vineyard, which led Gruver several years ago to place an ad to sell some of the grapes that Wooley purchased for his winery in New Tripoli, Lehigh County.

Wooley is a meteorologist and environmental engineer who has lived with his wife Dana in several prominent grape-growing climates from New York to California. The winery owners  who came up with the catchphrase Its pouring inside for the home page of their website  celebrated Weathereds 10-year anniversary in business last September.

Since their original meeting, Weathered has been sourcing grapes from Gruver Farms, laying the groundwork for this next step.

The opportunity arose, says Woolley, where we both could team up in a mutually beneficial relationship for each of our respective businesses.

Gruver Farms Tasting Room is expected to open as a satellite location for Weathered in mid-April, with a tentative date of April 12. The hours listed on the website are noon to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

It will be located, Woolley says, in the middle of the farms picturesque property, all at the top of the hill with commanding views of the countryside, and also has a large patio behind the building to enjoy sunsets and summer evenings.

Richard Woolley holds up a few bottles of wines from Weathered. He said in 2022 of the first eight years in business, 'Some of my highs are the people we have met in our journey ... the lows have often dealt with the weather ... '

They plan to offer glass and bottle sales of their wines in addition to a selection of Pennsylvania-produced beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Food will be pre-packaged, supplemented occasionally by food trucks.

The dozen wines listed on the site are a mix of red and white, mostly dry but with a couple of sweet and semisweet also available.

They have posted employment ads in several places for wine servers and barbacks, including on their website.

Hillary Gary, already making wine for Weathered in addition to her private label called Lime Hill Wines, said shes eager for this added challenge. Really excited about this lineup of wines, she tells PennLive in an email, as it was very thoughtfully curated.

The label for this line of wines will read WEATHERED Vineyards & Winery at GRUVER FARMS.

Woolley says they have been working with Gary off and on since they opened their winery, and when her services became available we jumped at the chance to bring her onboard. She is one of the top-tier winemakers in the state, in my opinion. So I am now more running the business and farming, Hillary is winemaking and my wife is taking on a very active role in marketing and social media.

Hes also in the planning stages of building a new tasting room in New Tripoli, which he says will free up production space in the existing winery so they can ramp up production. They are also looking at planting a couple of more acres of vines to support their growing sales, he said.

Weathered, at 7670 Carpet Road, is open Friday through Sunday in addition to maintaining a satellite site at The Historic Smithton Inn in Ephrata.

The Gruver Farms Tasting Room, at 255 Stetler Road in New Cumberland, will be open Friday through Sunday. A potential opening date is Saturday, April 12. Jaden Gruver

That Gruver chose the tasting room shouldnt be too much of a surprise. He has a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Temple University, with several years of experience in the hospitality industry, and also has been making wine for eight years in addition to working in multiple Pa. wineries.

I have been offered head wine-making positions in the past, but have turned them down to start my own tasting room, he says. Partnering with Weathered Vineyards to produce wine for Gruver Farms Tasting Room is a strategic collaboration, as they have a production facility and were already sourcing grapes from Gruver Farms.
By Fallon Roth, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

Hundreds of former federal employees have applied for vacancies in Pennsylvanias state government since Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order two weeks ago giving them hiring preference for state jobs amid firings and layoffs across the federal workforce.

Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro has encouraged laid-off federal workers to apply for state jobs. (Commonwealth Media Services, file) Commonwealth Media Services

As of Monday, the commonwealth has received approximately 1,100 applications from roughly 700 people with experience in the federal workforce, said Daniel Egan, a spokesperson for the Office of Administration.

The applicants are still in the hiring process, and its unclear how many of those 700 were recently unemployed by the federal government.

Shapiro, a Democrat, signed an executive order on March 5 directing state agencies to give preferential hiring treatment to fired federal workers, many of whom have transferable skills to the state government.

Individuals who worked similar or equivalent jobs in the federal government would be considered pre-qualified for a more time-efficient hiring process, Shapiro said during a news conference announcing the executive order.

The governors announcement came as federal employees have borne the brunt of many cuts made by President Donald Trumps administration and the Department of Government Efficiency created by Trump billionaire adviser Elon Musk, which has slashed federal workforces, grants and leases in Pennsylvania and nationwide in an attempt to reduce government spending.

The commonwealth has created a landing page on the states website where federal workers can view Pennsylvanias recruitment needs. The number of job openings changes from day to day as postings are added or removed, Egan said. As of Monday afternoon, there were 665 job openings on the site, and a single posting can be used to fill several vacancies of the same job title, Egan said.
A dead person killed during an Israeli army strike is taken into the hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday March 18, 2025.(AP Photo/ Mohammad Jahjouh) AP

By Wafaa Shurafa and Sam Mednick, The Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, saying it was striking dozens of Hamas targets in its heaviest assault in the territory since a ceasefire took effect in January. Palestinian officials reported at least 69 deaths.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Netanyahus office said.

The surprise attack shattered a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and raised the prospect of a full return to fighting in a 17-month war that has killed over 48,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza. It also raised questions about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.

In a statement, Hamas condemned what it called Israels unprovoked escalation and said it had put the fate of the hostages in jeopardy.

There was no immediate U.S. reaction. But over the weekend, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been leading mediation efforts along with Egypt and Qatar, warned that Hamas must release living hostages immediately or pay a severe price.

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation, said Israel was striking Hamas' military, leaders and infrastructure and planned to expand the operation beyond air attacks. The official accused Hamas of attempting to rebuild and plan new attacks. Hamas militants and security forces quickly returned to the streets in recent weeks after the ceasefire went into effect.

Israels defense minister, Israel Katz, said the gates of hell will open in Gaza if the hostages arent released. We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals, he said.

Explosions could be heard throughout Gaza, and at least 69 people were killed in the morning airstrikes, according to four hospitals that received the bodies. The territorys civil defense agency said its crews were having a difficult time carrying out rescue efforts because various areas were being targeted simultaneously.

Talks on a second phase of the ceasefire had stalled

The strikes came two months after a ceasefire was reached to pause the war. Over six weeks, Hamas released roughly three dozen hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in a first phase of the ceasefire.

But since that ceasefire ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward with a second phase aimed at releasing the nearly 60 remaining hostages and ending the war altogether.

Hamas has demanded an end to the war and full withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages. Israel says it will not end the war until it destroys Hamas governing and military capabilities and frees all hostages.

Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to resume the war, and early this month cut off the entry of all food and aid deliveries into the besieged territory to put pressure on Hamas.

This comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators, Netanyahus office said early Tuesday.

Taher Nunu, a Hamas official, criticized the Israeli attacks. The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza, he said.

Gaza already was in a humanitarian crisis

The war erupted with Hamas' Oct 7, 2023, cross-border attack, which killed some 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage.

Israel responded with a military offensive that killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced an estimated 90% of Gazas population. The territorys Health Ministry doesnt differentiate between civilians and militants, but says over half of the dead have been women and children.

The ceasefire had brought some relief to Gaza and allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to resume to what remained of their homes.

But the territory is coping with vast destruction, with no immediate plans to rebuild. A resumption of the war threatens to reverse any progress made in recent weeks toward halting Gazas humanitarian crisis.

A renewed Israeli ground offensive could also be especially deadly now that so many Palestinian civilians have returned home. Before the ceasefire, civilians were largely concentrated in tent camps meant to provide relative safety from the fighting.

The return to fighting could also worsen deep internal fissures inside Israel over the fate of the remaining hostages. Many of the hostages released by Hamas returned emaciated and malnourished and described harsh conditions in captivity, putting heavy pressure on the government to extend the ceasefire.

The released hostages have repeatedly implored the government to press ahead with the ceasefire to return all remaining hostages, and tens of thousands of Israelis have taken part in mass demonstrations in recent weeks calling for a ceasefire and return of all hostages.

Palestinians walk surrounded by the rubble of destroyed homes and building in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, Friday, March 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) AP

Mass demonstrations are planned later Tuesday and Wednesday following Netanyahus announcement this week that he wants to fire the head of Israels internal security agency, the Shin Bet. Critics have lambasted the move, saying it is an attempt by Netanyahu to divert blame for his governments failures in the Oct. 7 attack and handling of the war.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza began in mid-January, Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military says approached its troops or entered unauthorized areas.

Still, the deal has tenuously held without an outbreak of wide violence. The ceasefires first phase saw an exchange of some hostages held by Hamas in return for the freeing of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate the next steps in the ceasefire.

Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Hamas instead wants to follow the ceasefire deal reached by the two sides, which calls for negotiations to begin on the ceasefires more difficult second phase, in which the remaining hostages would be released and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza. Hamas is believed to have 24 living hostages and the bodies of 35 others.

Mednick reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. AP reporter Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus, Syria, contributed to this report.
Tom Clark, the Consul General of Canada in New York, speaks to the Pa. House of Representatives on Tuesday. Clark criticized the tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump, saying that they hurt families and communities in both countries. Pa. House Democratic Caucus

A high-ranking Canadian official told Pennsylvania House members on Tuesday that his country is feeling pretty betrayed over President Donald Trumps tariffs and threats of annexation but the state and its northern neighbor would continue working together.

Our economies are too intertwined. Our history of friendship is too long, and our futures too connected to let this weaken us, said Tom Clark, the Consul General of Canada in New York, in brief remarks to the House before its session began.
Authorities are searching for Sudiksha Konanki, who went missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. Provided

The family of a University of Pittsburgh student missing for nearly two weeks in the Dominican Republic has asked authorities there to declare her dead.

A Dominican national police spokesman told NBC News on Monday that Sudiksha Konankis family sent a letter requesting a declaration of death.
A 47-year-old Perry County man was found dead at a state prison in Centre County last week, officials said.

Kevin Byler, of Newport, was found unresponsive in his cell at State Correctional Institute (SCI) Rockview on March 14, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Its unclear what time he was discovered inside his cell.

Officials said prison staff and EMS responded and attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at 7:49 p.m.

Byler had been incarcerated at the State Correctional Institute since Jan 9, 2024. Officials said he was serving a four-to-eight-year sentence for strangulation on a Perry County conviction.

The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating while the Centre County Coroners Office will determine the cause of death.

Officials said the deceaseds next of kin has been notified.
WILLIAMSPORT  The Williamsport Area School Board is taking disciplinary action against a suspended high school teacher cleared of sexual misconduct charges in three criminal cases.

The board has charged Christopher P. Yoder, 46, a 10th-grade math teacher, with failing to comply with the school laws of Pennsylvania by his alleged misconduct.

He is accused of immorality, incompetency, intemperance, cruelty, persistence negligence of duties and willful neglect of duties.

The statement of charges that PennLive obtained through a right-to-know request detail an alleged inappropriate relationship with an eighth-grade female student who was in his class between Sept. 1, 2011, and Jan. 31, 2012.

He also is accused of sexual misconduct with other female students, between Sept. 1, 2018, and March 1, 2020, and from Sept. 1, 2020, to May 26, 2021.

Yoder was acquitted of the charges in two of the criminal cases, and in the third a district judge dismissed them following a preliminary hearing.

Christopher Yoder was acquitted of the charges in two of the criminal cases, and in the third a district judge dismissed them following a preliminary hearing.

The next step in the school district disciplinary process would be for Yoder to request a hearing. The deadline to do so has passed but the district would not say if he requested one.

A finding of guilt under the school code is by the preponderance of the evidence not beyond a reasonable doubt as required on criminal charges.

The districts statement of charges includes these allegations about Yoder in three cases in which the victims were female students:

Arranged in the classroom an after-school encounter during which he engaged in sexual touching.

Gave rides home after school during which on one occasion he performed oral sex and on another there was sexual intercourse.

Reviewed photographs of a cell phone without permission and commented on the nude and suggestive photos he saw.

Commented on the body of a female student, asked her to go into a bathroom, take a picture of it and send it to him.

Used a cell phone without the students permission and added himself to her Snapchat app.

Traced a heart on a girls bare thigh that was exposed by a tear in her jeans.

Rubbed a girls thigh while collecting a paper.

Told a girl during a discussion over what to wear to the prom, saying that she was built well enough and should wear a tight red dress with a low neckline.

Yoder was advised in the notice he has the right to a public or private hearing, be represented by an attorney and present witnesses but failure to contest the charges means termination.

Yoder, a father of five who has been a teacher in the district since 2007, did not testify in his own defense in any of the criminal cases but through his attorney denied any wrongdoing.

The charges on which he was acquitted in 2023, the most recent case, were statutory and institutional sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors.

The misconduct was alleged to have occurred in 2011-12 with the victim being then 13.

In the other case in which he was acquitted, two female students accused him of misconduct in 2021. Charges included unlawful contact with a minor, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors.

A district judge in October 2022 dismissed for lack of evidence all charges that included unlawful contact with a minor, sexual abuse of children and corruption of minors.

That was the case in which he was alleged to have talked to a female student about her body and suggested she go into the bathroom and take a picture of it. Yoder was a weight room supervisor at the time.

An internal investigation also is being conducted into suspended principal Roger W. Freed who earlier this month also was acquitted of sexual misconduct criminal charges.

Freed, who also is suspended without pay, was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a male student over seven years but the trial focused on his senior year.
Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard.

You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit!

Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | March 18, 2025

The state A.G. has opened up a criminal investigation into a pipeline leak. Last year, Pennsylvania outpaced all other states when it came to Medicaid fraud. Cannabis companies spent nearly $2 million to have a say in weeds future in Pennsylvania. Lastly, a pretty sweet bill is back on the table.

Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa.

Todays episode refers to the following articles:

If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too.
The World Health Organization (WHO) together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine will begin work on a methodology for assessing the impact of environmental damage on human health.

This became known following a meeting of the ministry team with the Director for Infectious Diseases, Environment and Health, Executive Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, Robb Butler.

"Participants in the meeting discussed the implementation of Recommendation 5 of the Environmental Compact for Ukraine, developed by the High-Level International Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of War, chaired by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Margot Wallstrom," the message on the Telegram channel said on Monday.

As noted by the Director of the Department of Environmental Assessment of the Ministry of Environment of Ukraine, Maryna Shymkus, Ukraine does not have any methodology that would clearly determine the cause-and-effect relationships between environmental destruction as a result of the war and human health. This may cause certain difficulties in proving in international courts the facts of the negative impact of the war on the environment and public health.

"We need the help of partners in developing an appropriate document that would allow us to effectively determine such relationships. WHO has significant experience in assessing the impact of various factors on human health," the message said.

In addition, as experts noted, the development of approaches to assessing the impact of war on the environment and, accordingly, human health can be useful not only for Ukraine, but also for other countries of the world.

Also during the meeting, representatives of the Ministry of Environment emphasized the need to involve the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in cooperation.

Representatives of the WHO expressed the possibility of joint work also on issues of assessing the impact of climate change on human health and the health care system as a whole.

"For example, in the UK, 6.5% of all CO2 emissions fall on the health care sector. Therefore, the country is interested in building a health care system that will have less impact on climate change. And the WHO already has a lot of experience and research in this area," the report states.

In addition, they discussed cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and the WHO in the context of the reform of environmental education in Ukraine.
A patient enters a computerised tomography (CT) scan using X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body and functioning organs on Jan. 23, 2014, at the Neurosciences Research Center CERMEP in Bron, near Lyon. (Philippe Merle/AFP via Getty Images/TNS) TNS

By Joanne Kenen, KFF Health News (TNS)

Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a professor at the University of California-San Francisco medical school, has spent well over a decade researching the disquieting risk that one of modern medicines most valuable tools, computerized tomography scans, can sometimes cause cancer.

Smith-Bindman and like-minded colleagues have long pushed for federal policies aimed at improving safety for patients undergoing CT scans. Under new Medicare regulations effective this year, hospitals and imaging centers must start collecting and sharing more information about the radiation their scanners emit.

About 93 million CT scans are performed every year in the United States, according to IMV, a medical market research company that tracks imaging. More than half of those scans are for people 60 and older. Yet there is scant regulation of radiation levels as the machines scan organs and structures inside bodies. Dosages are erratic, varying widely from one clinic to another, and are too often unnecessarily high, Smith-Bindman and other critics say.

Its unfathomable, Smith-Bindman said. We keep doing more and more CTs, and the doses keep going up.

One CT scan can expose a patient to 10 or 15 times as much radiation as another, Smith-Bindman said. There is very large variation, she said, and the doses vary by an order of magnitude  tenfold, not 10% different  for patients seen for the same clinical problem. In outlier institutions, the variation is even higher, according to research she and a team of international collaborators have published.

She and other researchers estimated in 2009 that high doses could be responsible for 2% of cancers. Ongoing research shows its probably higher, since far more scans are performed today.

The cancer risk from CT scans for any individual patient is very low, although it rises for patients who have numerous scans throughout their lives. Radiologists dont want to scare off patients who can benefit from imaging, which plays a crucial role in identifying life-threatening conditions like cancers and aneurysms and guides doctors through complicated procedures.

But the new data collection rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued in the closing months of the Biden administration are aimed at making imaging safer. They also require a more careful assessment of the dosing, quality, and necessity of CT scans.

The requirements, rolled out in January, are being phased in over about three years for hospitals, outpatient settings, and physicians. Under the complicated reporting system, not every radiologist or health care setting is required to comply immediately. Providers could face financial penalties under Medicare if they dont comply, though those will be phased in, too, starting in 2027.

When the Biden administration issued the new guidelines, a CMS spokesperson said in an email that excessive and unnecessary radiation exposure was a health risk that could be addressed through measurement and feedback to hospitals and physicians. The agency at the time declined to make an official available for an interview. The Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment for this article.

The Leapfrog Group, an organization that tracks hospital safety, welcomed the new rules. Radiation exposure is a very serious patient safety issue, so we commend CMS for focusing on CT scans, said Leah Binder, the groups president and CEO. Leapfrog has set standards for pediatric exposure to imaging radiation, and we find significant variation among hospitals, Binder added.

CMS contracted with UCSF in 2019 to research solutions aimed at encouraging better measurement and assessment of CTs, leading to the development of the agencys new approach.

The American College of Radiology and three other associations involved in medical imaging, however, objected to the draft CMS rules when they were under review, arguing in written comments in 2023 that they were excessively cumbersome, would burden providers, and could add to the cost of scans. The group was also concerned, at that time, that health providers would have to use a single, proprietary tech tool for gathering the dosing and any related scan data.

The single company in question, Alara Imaging, supplies free software that radiologists and radiology programs need to comply with the new regulations. The promise to keep it free is included in the companys copyright. Smith-Bindman is a co-founder of Alara Imaging, and UCSF also has a stake in the company, which is developing other health tech products unrelated to the CMS imaging rule that it does plan to commercialize.

But the landscape has recently changed. ACR said in a statement from Judy Burleson, ACR vice president for quality management programs, that CMS is allowing in other vendors  and that ACR itself is in discussion with Alara on the data collection and submission. In addition, a company called Medisolv, which works on health care quality, said at least one client is working with another vendor, Imalogix, on the CT dose data.

Several dozen health quality and safety organizations  including some national leaders in patient safety, like the Institute of Healthcare Improvement  have supported CMS efforts.

Concerns about CT dosing are long-standing. A landmark study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2009 by a research team that included experts from the National Cancer Institute, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and universities estimated that CT scans were responsible for 29,000 excess cancer cases a year in the United States, about 2% of all cases diagnosed annually.

But the number of CT scans kept climbing. By 2016, it was estimated at 74 million, up 20% in a decade, though radiologists say dosages of radiation per scan have declined. Some researchers have noted that U.S. doctors order far more imaging than physicians in other developed countries, arguing some of it is wasteful and dangerous.

More recent studies, some looking at pediatric patients and some drawing on radiation exposure data from survivors of the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, have also identified CT scan risk.

Older people may face greater cancer risks because of imaging they had earlier in life. And scientists have emphasized the need to be particularly careful with children, who may be more vulnerable to radiation exposure while young and face the consequences of cumulative exposure as they age.

Max Wintermark, a neuroradiologist at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who has been involved in the fields work on appropriate utilization of imaging, said doctors generally follow dosing protocols for CT scans. In addition, the technology is improving; he expects artificial intelligence to soon help doctors determine optimal imaging use and dosing, delivering the minimum amount of radiation dose to get us to the diagnosis that were trying to reach.

But he said he welcomes the new CMS regulations.

I think the measures will help accelerate the transition towards always lower and lower doses, he said. They are helpful.

2025 Kaiser Health News. Visit khn.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs of KFF  the independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism.)

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Pennsylvania lawmakers and other elected officials on Tuesday will discuss the reported detention of five members of Harrisburgs Bhutanese community, who have legal refugee status in the U.S.

The press conference, which is being held in the Capitol, begins at 10 a.m. and will be livestreamed by PennLive.

Watch below:

The lawmakers will be joined by Tilak Niroula, head of the Bhutanese community in Harrisburg.

Niroula said Monday the individuals, some belonging to the same family, were still in ICE custody.

Bhutanese immigrants have full refugee status in the United States. All Bhutanese have legal documentation, either a permanent resident card, or green card, or they are already naturalized U.S. citizens.

Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees fled the South Asian nation in the 1990s amid a harsh ethnic cleansing policy aimed at their demographic. The U.S. has granted tens of thousands of them legal refugee status.

Thousands of Bhutanese have resettled in central Pennsylvania and have established a thriving, close-knit community in the Harrisburg area.

Last month, amid a nationwide immigration crackdown ordered by President Donald Trump, Bhutanese immigrants expressed concerns that they would be swept up in the waves of raids and arrests.

Among lawmakers and officials planning to attend the press conference are: Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas; Sen. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin County; and Representatives Justin Fleming and David Madsen, Democrats who represent Dauphin County.
Nenad Pejic is an international journalist who served as Acting President and Co-CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. user submitted photo

By Nenad Pejic

After more than three years in a Belarusian prison, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalist Andrey Kuznechyk finally has been freed, thanks to pressure from the Lithuanian and U.S. governments.
Cleveland Browns safety Juan Thornhill (1) takes the field before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) AP

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing former Cleveland Browns safety Juan Thornhill. Thornhill, 29, will turn 30 this season, and has spent the last two seasons with the Browns after coming over from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Thornhill played most of his time as a single-high safety with the Browns. He will play that more so with the Steelers in their three safety packages as well. It will allow Minkah Fitzpatrick to move around the formation.

Thornhill had just four pass deflections and zero interceptions in his two seasons with the Browns. Before that, he had eight interceptions and 20 pass deflections with the Chiefs in four years.

He will replace Damontae Kazee, who was the teams third safety for the last three seasons. In addition to that role, Thornhill should see time on the teams special teams units, especially kick coverage.

Thornhill missed 12 games over the last two years with a nagging calf injury that never seemed to go away for him over the course of his tenure with the Browns.

The Browns released Thornhill in February, saving cap space and moving off a prized signing that was thought to add to a high-level Browns secondary.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has said Iran tried to avoid responsibility for the downing of flight PS752 on Monday, but failed.

Today in ICAO, we prevented Iran from escaping responsibility for the downing of Flight PS752. Iran tried to object to ICAO Council jurisdiction. But the Council ruled in favor of Ukraine, Canada, Sweden and UK, moving the case to the merits, he said on X.

Sybiha stressed that we will keep working together to hold Iran accountable.

As reported, the UIA Boeing 737-800 passenger plane, which was supposed to operate flight PS 752 on the Tehran-Kyiv route, was shot down near the Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran immediately after takeoff early in the morning on January 8, 2020. There were 167 passengers and nine crew members onboard. They all died. Among the dead there were 11 citizens of Ukraine (including nine crew members), 82 citizens of Iran, 63 citizens of Canada, 10 citizens of Sweden, four citizens of Afghanistan, three citizens of Germany and three citizens of Great Britain.

On January 11, Iranian authorities admitted that Boeing was shot down by the Iranian military mistakenly. Later, commander of Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Amir Ali Hajizadeh said that took full responsibility for the crash of the Ukrainian plane.
Yermak about meeting of Ukrainian, US delegations: Great working meeting where concrete and substantive issues were discussed

Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak told representatives of public organizations about the constructive meeting of the Ukrainian and American delegations in Jeddah, the press service of the head of state reported.

"It was a great working meeting in a spirit of partnership, where we discussed concrete and substantive issues," he noted.

According to him, Ukraine supported the U.S. proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and proposed, as one of the first steps toward peace, the POW exchange, the release of civilians, and the return of Ukrainian children. This would serve as a demonstration of Russias genuine willingness to engage in negotiations, Yermak noted.

The Head of the Presidents Office said that expert work is now crucial, particularly regarding the monitoring of the ceasefire regime.

He also noted the "red lines." According to him, the Ukrainian side is not discussing neutral status and reducing the number of armed forces. Ukraine will never recognize any temporarily occupied territories as Russian. Additionally, clear and effective security guarantees remain a matter of utmost importance, the head of the Presidents Office stressed.

Also, Yermak and the meeting participants also discussed the further reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The 2025 Merit Poker Carmen Series $2,200 Warm Up has its champion, as Dmitrii Kopyl staged a stunning late-game comeback to claim the $210,000 top prize. Entering the final table sixth in chips, the Russian player remained patient while bigger stacks battled for control. But as the field thinned and the stakes soared, he came alive at exactly the right time. With fearless aggression, well-timed moves, and a bit of luck when he needed it, Kopyl transformed from an afterthought to the one lifting the trophy inside the Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino.

With momentum on his side, he dismantled the competition one pot at a time before delivering a quick and efficient heads-up performance against Atanas Malinov to secure the biggest win of his career. While the prize money was life-changing, the trophy itself held an even greater significancea symbol of his resilience and ability to thrive under pressure. With his wife cheering from the rail and the spotlight shining bright, Kopyl etched his name into Carmen Series history in unforgettable fashion.

Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Dmitrii Kopyl Russia $210,000 2 Atanas Malinov Bulgaria $142,100 3 Daniel Abrahamsson Sweden $98,575 4 Alessio Isaia Italy $71,030 5 Erdal Gulseven Turkey $52,530 6 Atanas Pavlov Bulgaria $42,020 7 Humberto Lopes Galindo Spain $35,015 8 Giorgiy Skhulukhiya Georgia $28,015 9 Rui Querido Martins Portugal $21,010

Winner's Reaction

After lifting the trophy and celebrating with friends, Kopyl reflected on his journey, both through this tournament and his growing connection to Merit Poker.

The first time I came to Merit was in August 2022 or maybe 2021? he said with a grin. It was a big series, I played the $5,300 Main Event. Then I was at the EPT in October. My first Merit Poker Classic was in November 2023, and now I come here regularly. Why? Because everything here is top-notchgreat service, great organization.

Kopyl wasnt alone for his victory run. His wife, who often travels with him to tournaments, enjoyed the experience in her own way. While my husband grinds, I relax at the spa, enjoy the fresh air, the sea, and the beaches. I even took part in a womens training session here.

Dmitrii Kopyl

On his path to the trophy, Kopyl faced plenty of adversity, including a rough start in the event, where he fired a couple of bullets before bowing out. But on bullet number three, everything came together. I bagged just 200,000 into Day 3, coming in with 15 players left before the money, sitting 95th out of 105. But I spun it up, and from there, things ran much more smoothly.

The final table was a rollercoaster, with Kopyl short-stacked at times but never rattled. I was down to 10-12 big blinds at one point, but I was patient. Either total garbage or premium hands. Ten hands in a row of seven-deuce, then suddenly I wake up with ace-king.

Then came the key moments. Four-handed, stacks were even, I picked up acesthey got paid off. Then I got it in with king-six suited on the turn with a flush draw and binked it on the river. Heads-up, I had a solid lead, chipped up with small pots, and then the final handsevens full.

The $210,000 payday made this Kopyls biggest career cash, but the victory was about more than just the money. The trophy means a lot too. Huge field, great buy-in, big money. This win is really special for me.

Final Table Action

With Malinov, Alessio Isaia, Daniel Abrahamsson, and Humberto Lopes Galindo all starting the day with big stacks, many expected the battle for the title to come down to that quartet, while the shorter stacks fought for ladder spots. Early on, that script seemed to be playing out as planned, with Malinov quickly dispatching Rui Querido Martins after the Portuguese player made a huge mistake to become the first casualty of the final table.

Giorgiy Skhulukhiya, Galindo, and Atanas Pavlov all hit the rail in quick succession, with Pavlov's elimination leaving Malinov holding nearly half of the chips in play. At that stage, it looked like the Bulgarian was in complete control, but the momentum started to shift when Kopyl found a crucial stroke of luck to stay in contention.

Short-stacked and in need of a double, Kopyl ran jack-ten into Abrahamssons superior ace-jack, only to spike a ten on the flop to pull ahead. Abrahamsson had outs to regain the lead, but the board ran dry, keeping Kopyl alive and giving him the boost he needed to mount his late-game surge.

Alessio Isaia

Erdal Gulseven bowed out in fifth place before Isaia, who had led the final table for stretches and sits eighth on Italy's all-time money list, followed in fourth. Isaias run ended when ace-eight couldnt outrun Malinovs pocket nines, leaving just three players in contention for the title.

It was at this point that Kopyl took control, shifting gears and asserting dominance in back-to-back hands against Abrahamsson. The biggest of them saw Kopyl wake up with pocket aces and get paid off with an all-in shove on the river, vaulting into the lead. With momentum fully on his side, he never looked back, riding the wave to victory.

Daniel Abrahamsson

With Abrahamsson already on the ropes after losing a massive pot to Kopyls pocket aces, his tournament came to an end just moments later. A standard open from Kopyl saw Abrahamsson defend from the big blind, and after calling a continuation bet on the flop, he committed the rest of his chips on the turn with a pair and an open-ended straight draw. This time, Kopyl was the one drawing, holding a flush draw and an overcard, but the deck was on his side once again as a club on the river sealed the deal.

With that, Abrahamsson fell in third, and Kopyl entered heads-up play with a dominant stack, holding nearly a three-to-one advantage over Malinov. It didnt take long for him to finish the job, as Malinov shoved preflop with ace-five suited, only to run into Kopyls pocket sevens, setting up the final showdown for the title.

Atanas Malinov

A safe flop kept Kopyl ahead, though the turn gave Malinov a few extra outs to stay alive. But there was no miracle river, as the board paired once more to give Kopyl a full house and officially crown him the 2025 Merit Poker Carmen Series Warm Up champion.

Stay tuned as PokerNews brings you full coverage from the ongoing $5,300 High Roller and the highly anticipated $3,300 Main Event at the 2025 Merit Poker Carmen Series!
Day 2 of the $5,300 High Roller at the 2025 Merit Poker Carmen Series has officially wrapped up, with 39 players securing a bag for Day 3 inside the magnificent Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino.

A total of 124 new entries joined the 146 from Day 1, pushing the field to a record-breaking 270 entriesthe largest Merit Poker high roller event to date. This surge in participation generated a $1,242,000 prize pool, more than doubling the $500,000 guarantee. When all is said and done, the eventual champion will walk away with a massive $260,000 first-place prize, the biggest ever awarded in a Merit Poker high roller.

After all the bags were collected, Polands Dawid Smolka topped the chip counts with an impressive 2,700,000. With close to $1,000,000 in live tournament earnings and a third-place finish in the 2023 Merit Poker Gatsby Series High Roller, Smolka is no stranger to making deep runs in big buy-in events. Armed with both a formidable chip stack and the skills to put it to use, he will be a menace at any table tomorrow as he looks to navigate his way onto the final table.

Day 2 Top Ten Chip Counts

Place Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Dawid Smolka Poland 2,700,000 135 2 Simas Karaliunas Lithuania 2,170,000 109 3 Dmitry Kataev Russia 1,840,000 92 4 Kyosuke Nagami Japan 1,540,000 77 5 Iurii Grigorev Russia 1,220,000 61 6 Ibrahim Ghasan Lebanon 1,055,000 53 7 Charbel Salloum Lebanon 940,000 47 8 Peteris Enders Latvia 925,000 46 9 Martynas Vitkauskas Lithuania 880,000 44 10 Natan Chauskin Belarus 860,000 43

A large portion of Dawid Smolkas chips came in a massive pot against Aren Bezhanyan, where Smolka check-shoved over Bezhanyans sizable river bet. Bezhanyan quickly called with an overpair, only to be left devastated when Smolka tabled two pair, sending him to the rail. This pivotal hand propelled Smolka into the chip leada position he never relinquished as he continued accumulating chips for the rest of the day.

Trailing Smolka in the chip counts is Simas Karaliunas, who bagged 2,170,000 to enter Day 3 second in the standings. The Lithuanian collected a significant portion of his stack after eliminating Felipe Ketzer close to the bubble, after Ketzer four-bet ripped pocket fives into Karaliunas' pocket queens. Sitting in third place is Dmitry Kataev, who will return for Day 3 with 1,840,000 chips, putting himself in a strong position to make a push for the final table.

Dmitry Kataev

Once late registration closed, eliminations came at a rapid pace, and it wasnt long before tournament staff announced that play would conclude for the night once the money bubble had burst. Unfortunately for Yayun Liu, he was the last player to leave empty-handed. Liu three-bet shoved pocket tens over an open from Kataev, only to run straight into Kataevs pocket kings. With no miracle runout from the dealer, Liu was officially crowned the bubble boy of this record-breaking High Roller.

Other notables returning to the baize for Day 3 include Kyosuke Nagami (1,540,000), Mario Colavita (790,000), bracelet winner Tobias Peters (630,000), old-school poker legend Johnny Lodden (620,000), Axel Hallay (585,000), and Samuel Ju (470,000), who already picked up some silverware at this series by winning a bounty tournament yesterday. Also joining them will be Soraya Estrada (460,000), Fahredin Mustafov (425,000), and Andrey Pateychuk (390,000).

Johnny Lodden

Day 3 kicks off at 1:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, March 18, with five minutes remaining in Level 20, where blinds are 10,000/20,000 with a 20,000 big blind ante. With all remaining players guaranteed at least $7,600, the focus now shifts to navigating their way onto the final table before setting their sights on the $260,000 top prize.

Payouts

Place Prize 1 $260,000 2 $182,700 3 $131,900 4 $91,400 5 $67,040 6 $53,700 7 $44,700 8 $35,735 9 $26,800 10-12 $19,650 13-15 $16,170 16-18 $13,935 19-21 $12,320 22-24 $11,080 25-26 $9,840 27-35 $8,720 36-39 $7,600

As always, PokerNews will provide live updates from the tournament floor as players battle it out to secure a spot at the final table and beyond. Stay tuned for all the action!
Want to go?

Want to go?

WHAT: Dvoraks Serenades concert

WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23

WHERE: Amentum Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St. S.W.

COST: Tickets are $45

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit aikensymphony.com.
Photo: National Guard

Last night, the Defense Forces units shot down 63 enemy UAVs, 64 drone imitators were lost, Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk and Cherkasy regions suffered from Russian attacks, the press service of the Ukrainian Air Force reported.

"On the night of March 18, 2025 (from 19:00 on March 17), the enemy attacked with 137 Shahed-type strike UAVs and drone imitators of various types from the directions of Shatalovo, Kursk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk of the Russian Federation," the press service said on Telegram on Tuesday.

It is reported that as of 09:00, 63 Shahed-type attack UAVs and other types of drones have been confirmed shot down in Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. Sixty-four enemy drone imitators have been lost (without negative consequences).

Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk and Cherkasy regions suffered as a result of the Russian attack.

The air attack was repelled by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
Education Lab Reporter

Ian Grenier covers K-12 and higher education in South Carolina from Columbia. Originally from Charleston, he studied history and political science at USC and reported for the Victoria Advocate in South Texas before joining The Post and Courier.
Quick Response and Courts Reporter

Alan Hovorka is a breaking news and courts reporter for The Post & Courier. After graduating from Ball State University in Indiana, he spent five years covering government and education in central Wisconsin before coming to the Lowcountry.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Overcast with rain showers at times. High 84F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 72F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Cloudy with showers. High 84F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 72F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
April Santana covers Lexington County for the Post and Courier Columbia. A New Jersey native, she studied journalism and political science at Syracuse University. April has written for Lohud/Democrat and Chronicle, The Arizona Republic and Syracuse.com.
Reporter

Conor Hughes covers Greenville County for The Post and Courier. He has been reporting on South Carolina's Upstate for close to a decade, writing about everything from crime, to development, to politics during that time.
Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 86F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms developing late. A few storms may be severe. Low 73F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua

The number of armed clashes in Kursk direction over the past 24 hours as of 8:00 Tuesday increased to 18 from 14 the day before, the number of air strikes - to 30 from 11, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on Facebook.

According to the map provided in the post, the directions of attack have increased from two to six, and the territory under the control of Ukrainian forces has decreased slightly in the north of Basivka and in the west in the direction of Sudzha.

According to the map, the aggressor has resumed attacks on the border of Sumy region in the area of Novenke and has intensified them on the main bridgehead of Ukrainian troops in Kursk region from the side of Makhnovka and Cherkaska Konopelka.

The General Staff adds that in Kursk direction, 301 artillery attacks were carried out over the past 24 hours (including nine from rocket fire systems), compared to 289 (12) the day before.

According to information from the General Staff, the overall number of clashes per day by Tuesday morning increased to 155 from 112 the day before, and the number of airstrikes increased to 90 from 81.

As reported, on Monday, US President Donald Trump , despite repeated denials from the Ukrainian president, the Defense Ministry and the General Staff, once again spoke about the alleged encirclement of part of the Ukrainian military in Kursk region. He claims that he has succeeded in getting the Russian side to refrain from taking action against these Ukrainian soldiers, and will discuss this issue again with Putin during a conversation on Tuesday, which is expected later in the evening, Kyiv time.
Kingstree, SC (29556)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 84F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 71F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
Myrtle Beach, SC (29577)

Today

Tropical storm conditions possible. A steady, heavy rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High near 80F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall possibly over one inch..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain and thunderstorms. Low near 75F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
Charleston, SC (29403)

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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%..

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Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain diminishing to a few showers this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers this evening then scattered thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 74F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
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Christian spent six years in Myrtle Beach before moving to the Upstate. When he's not working, he's reading a book, making a mess in the kitchen or running around Spartanburg.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/news/all

During a working visit to Lviv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine.

"We remember each and every one of those who gave the most precious thing - their lives - for the freedom and future of our state. Eternal memory to the heroes," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel on Tuesday.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 14:10:30

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / National plaintiffs law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP encourages investors in Atkore Inc. ("Atkore" or the "Company") (NYSE:ATKR) who purchased Atkore common stock between August 2, 2022, and February 3, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period") to contact us immediately regarding a pending securities class action against Atkore. The deadline to apply to be lead plaintiff is April 23, 2025.Class Period: August 2, 2022 - February 3, 2025Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: April 23, 2025Case information: https://lieffcabraser.com/securities/atkore/ Contact us: Email or textinvestorinfo@ lchb.com or call 1-800-541-7358Atkore, headquartered in Harvey, Illinois, is a manufacturer of electrical, safety, and infrastructure products, including polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") water pipes and electrical conduit pipes.The action alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Atkore and certain of its senior executives failed to disclose to investors that: (1) the Company was engaged in an anticompetitive price-fixing scheme that kept the price of its PVC pipes artificially inflated even after COVID era supply chain issues had resolved; (2) Atkore received substantial, unsustainable financial benefits from its anticompetitive actions; and (3) the Company's poor quarterly financial results were due to it and its co-conspirators refusing to lower their artificially inflated prices even after foreign competitors were able to reenter the market and price PVC appropriately.On May 7, 2024, Atkore announced lowered guidance for fiscal year 2024, noting that "pricing environment could be challenged in the second half of 2024." On this news, Atkore's stock price fell 12.5% from its closing price of $176.40 per share on May 6, 2024, to close at $154.34 per share on May 7, 2024, on heavy trading volume.On July 23, 2024, after the market closed, Atkore announced that its Vice President, then-CFO, and Chief Accounting Officer, defendant David P. Johnson, had submitted his resignation, effective August 9, 2024.On July 24, 2024, asset management firm ManBear released a report claiming that Atkore was engaged in an industry-wide price fixing scheme which had "massively inflated pipe prices" and "appear[ed] to defy economic logic, remaining at extremely elevated levels despite normalized supply chains." On this news, Atkore's stock price declined 8.53% from its closing price of $145 per share on July 23, 2024, to close at $132.63 per share on July 24, 2024.On August 6, 2024, after the market closed, Atkore reported adjusted earnings per share that fell short of the average analyst estimate and lowered its outlook for fiscal year 2024 adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income per diluted share. In the corresponding earnings call, Atkore's President, CEO, and Director, defendant William E. Waltz Jr., stated that "[p]ricing was softer than expected due to the slower end markets, particularly for our PVC conduit business." On this news, Atkore's stock price fell 14.7% from its closing price of $118.46 on August 5, 2024, to close at $101.05 per share on August 7, 2024, on extremely heavy trading volume.On February 4, 2025, before the market opened, Atkore announced disappointing financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, reporting net sales of $661.6 million which was significantly below analysts' estimates. In addition, Atkore reduced its earnings guidance for 2025. During the Company's earnings conference call with analysts and investors later that day, Atkore CFO, defendant John M. Deitzer, revealed that Atkore's "plastic pipe and conduit product category declined mid-single digits during the quarter," and attributed the Company's lowered 2025 guidance to Atkore's PVC business, stating "roughly $75 million or 3/4 of that is on the PVC side." On this news, the price of Atkore common stock fell 19.56% from its closing price of $79.72 per share on February 3, 2025, to close at $64.13 per share on February 4, 2025, on extremely heavy trading volume.About Lieff Cabraser Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, with over 125 attorneys in offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Munich, Germany, is an internationally-recognized law firm committed to advancing the rights of investors and promoting corporate responsibility. Repeatedly recognized as a "Plaintiffs' Powerhouse" by Law360, Lieff Cabraser has litigated some of the most important civil cases in the United States, and has assisted clients in recovering over $129 billion in verdicts and settlements. For over 50 years, Lieff Cabraser has remained committed to ensuring access to justice for all.CONTACT: Sharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 15:04:38

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PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is investigating potential securities fraud claims on behalf of investors ofBigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (" BigBear.ai" or the "Company") (NYSE:BBAI).In a March 17, 2025Notification of Late Filing , BigBear.ai reported that it ". . . requires additional time to complete valuations necessary to determine the impact on the Company's historical financial statements and to disclose the impact reflective of this change as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024." BigBear.ai also reported in aForm 8-Kthat "[o]n March 17, 2025 . . . BigBear.ai's Board of Directors . . . concluded that the Company will need to restate its audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 and the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for each quarterly period in 2023 and in 2024 . . . and that the Prior Financial Statements, as well as the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, should no longer be relied upon . . ."The stock price of BigBear.ai was down more than 17% after the opening on March 18, 2025. BigBear.ai investors interested in learning more about the securities fraud investigationcan completeKehoe Law Firm's Stockholder Information Request formorsend us a messageto contact an attorney for a free, no-obligation legal evaluation.For direct inquiries, BigBear.ai shareholdersshould contact Michael Yarnoff, Esq., (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804, myarnoff@ kehoelawfirm.com , info@ kehoelawfirm.com If necessary, BigBear.ai investors should copy/paste either https://kehoelawfirm.com/stockholder-information-request/orhttps://kehoelawfirm.com/contact/into their web browser.ABOUT KEHOE LAW FIRM, P.C.Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.This press release may constitute attorney advertising.SOURCE: Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 18:25:16

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Three Supreme Court Judges Condemn Ali's "Chaos" Order as an Abusive, Lawless Act of Judicial HubrisRoberts initially entered a stay and then reversed himself without process, legal, or factual reasoningST. JOHNS REPUBLICAN LEADER CALLS ON FLORIDA'S GOP TO TAKE ACTIONNOW is the time to act. Judicial corruption is undermining our nation, and Roberts is using the U.S. Judicial Conference to block Trump from challenging unconstitutional rulingsST. JOHNS, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 /TO: Chairs of the Republican Party of Florida and Its Congressional Caucuses FROM: St. Johns Republican Presidential Executive CommitteeKey Facts: Biden's 21st-Century Midnight Judge' Judge Ali, appointed by Joe Biden on November 22, 2024, mirrors the infamous "Midnight Judges" scheme of 1800, when President John Adams attempted to entrench Federalist control over the judiciary before leaving officeThomas Jefferson crushed the Federalists' corrupt judicial expansion-now, Trump must do the same.ROBERTS: A JUDICIAL POWER GRAB WITHOUT PRECEDENTRoberts has once again bypassed constitutional norms, acting as a political enforcer rather than a neutral jurist.He reversed his own stay without issuing an official decision.He provided no legal justification for his actions.He enabled a judge with no jurisdiction to order a massive taxpayer payout.The Supreme Court itself has rebuked Roberts and Ali's actions as a dangerous violation of judicial authority.With a confidence that could rival the boldest figures in American history, Chief Justice John Roberts, with remarkable audacity, overruled Trump's decision to stop the payment of $2 billion in taxpayer money to political parties that oppose his policies. Roberts used manipulative administrative sleight of hand to rubber-stamp Judge Amir Hatem Mahdy Ali's order, which required payments unrelated to "invoices or drawn-down requests" and has "thrown what should be an orderly review by the government into chaos." Roberts initially entered an administrative stay and then reversed himself. Three Supreme Court justices emphatically agreed that Ali lacked authority to compel Trump to issue a rushed $2 billion taxpayer-funded payout. They stated that they were stunned by Roberts' and the appeals court's failures to protect the Constitution from abuse and deliberate violations of well-established case law by Ali. They pointedly wrote that Roberts "blithely discards sovereign dignity" and found that Ali's order was "an act of judicial hubris" that "imposes a $2 billion penalty on American taxpayers." If President Trump has given the People of the United States one great, undeniable gift, it is exposing the monolithic corruption that exists in U.S. courts. Judicial fraud and corruption is not new.From the beginning of our nation, Americans have had to fight to protect their liberty and property from corrupt judges. The Federalist Party, under John Adams, a Federalist lawyer, executed the greatest judicial fraud in American history-the Midnight Judges scheme. Adams executed the scheme with the help of another Federalist lawyer, John Marshall, who was both Adams' Secretary of State and Chief Justice.Marshall, sitting as Chief Justice, ruled on the very scheme he helped execute in Marbury v. Madison (1803). Thomas Jefferson crushed the Federalist scheme in the Revolution of 1800, dismantled Adams' entire judicial structure, and removed corrupt Federalist judges from power. Jefferson ignored Marshall's Marbury decision as a meaningless attempt to dictate judicial supremacy. Jefferson defeated the Federalists so decisively that the party was left for dead - and did die shortly thereafter.Roberts used his Annual Report to threaten President Trump by invoking Marbury. With no hesitation, Roberts cited a Midnight Judge's claim of judicial supremacy over the Constitution and the other branches of government as his authority. Now, Roberts has acted on his warning, using Ali-a 21st Century Midnight Judge.Ali is a Biden-appointed judge who received his commission on November 22, 2024. He became the first Muslim and Arab American federal judge to serve in D.C. He was confirmed in a 50-49 vote to join the nation's second most powerful court. During his confirmation hearing, Ali was questioned about his association with advocates of defunding the police.I am writing to you as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida's St. Johns Presidential Committee - not because the RPOF, Republican National Committee (RNC), or Governor Ron DeSantis supported me, but because the RNC, RPOF, and DeSantis tried to cancel me - and they lost. They sued four times, and I won three times; one case remains ongoing in the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Judicial Conference. Their lawsuits were strategically designed to prevent me from gaining political power, to stop you from joining me, and to block us from meeting with Trump to brief him on how:Chief Justice John Roberts controls judicial policymaking and conduct as the presiding officer of the U.S. Judicial Conference, using this power to override constitutional principles and enforce political agenda under the guise of legal oversight.The Federalist Society dictates the GOP's judiciary policy, blocking Trump from leveraging the U.S. Judicial Conduct Act to challenge Roberts' influence and expose judges who fabricate authority for political ends.Manuel P. Asensio, ChairmanSt. Johns Republican Presidential Executive Committee561-946-1000 info@ stjohnsgop.org SOURCE: St. Johns Republican Presidential Executive Committee
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 15:45:13

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / CMG Home Loans, the retail arm of the well-capitalized and privately held mortgage lender, CMG Financial, announced today the opening of a new branch in Nevada. Leading the Vegas location is Branch Manager J. Cole Boren (NMLS ID# 384591), a seasoned mortgage professional with nearly 30 years of experience, assisting homeowners in and around the Silver State as well as the majority of the states in the west.Boren launched his career in 1997 as a Certified Mortgage Planner, later serving as Nevada Area Manager at HomeBridge and VP of Lending at Guaranteed Rate. Notably, he is also a former CMG Financial team member, having served as a Sales Manager from 2016 to 2020 before most recently working as an Area Manager at FBC Mortgage. His return to CMG marks a full-circle moment, bringing his extensive expertise and client-first approach back to the organization. With a deep understanding of the Nevada market, Cole has built a reputation for managing some of the most successful mortgage branches in the country and will help bolster CMG's presence in that region."I'm excited to be back at CMG," said Boren. "I already know so many people here, and there is such a great culture that exists here. Everyone is willing to jump in to help and make sure we're a successful team. I'm looking forward to the products and options that I can offer our clients compared to other places I've worked." "We are exceptionally pleased to bring Cole Boren back to CMG," added Chip Larson, Senior Vice President, Retail Sales Executive. "Over the past few years, we've had other top producers return to the company - seems the grass is not always greener. Cole has a proven track record both in the Las Vegas market but also with builder business throughout Nevada and neighboring states. We look forward to continued growth as Cole and his team leverage the ongoing success and strategies of CMG." If you're interested in working with Cole and his team or want to learn about other career opportunities at CMG, click here.About CMG FinancialCMG Financial is a well-capitalized mortgage lender founded in 1993 by Christopher M. George, a former Mortgage Bankers Association Chairman. CMG makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels: retail lending, wholesale lending, and correspondent lending. CMG also operates seven joint venture companies with builder & realtor partners, holds an impressive MSR/servicing portfolio, and serves the capital markets of fixed income trading & sales through CMG Securities. CMG currently operates in all states, including District of Columbia, and holds approvals with FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA. The company is consistently recognized as a top-producing lender and top mortgage employer, and it prides itself on helping clients achieve the dream of homeownership through product innovation and streamlined servicing.Contact InformationAnnaugh MadsenSenior Copywriteramadsen@ cmgfi.com (667) 260-6360SOURCE: CMG Financial
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 17:25:53

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / College Hospital Costa Mesarecentlydisclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to College Hospital Costa Mesa.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On September 17, 2024, College Hospital Costa Mesa became aware of a security incident that disrupted the operations of some of its IT systems. Upon detection, College Hospital Costa Mesa launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party accessed some files on its systems between August 14, 2024, and September 17, 2024. College Hospital Costa Mesa conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals. On January 31, 2025, College Hospital Costa Mesa determined that these files contained sensitive personal information.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal information may have been compromised: name, Social Security number, and driver's license number. On March 10, 2025, College Hospital Costa Mesa filed a notice with the Attorney General of California and started the process of notifying impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from College Hospital Costa Mesa, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. 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
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 14:04:27

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Digital Offering, a FINRA member and leading boutique investment bank that provides companies with capital raising, corporate and strategic advisory services, in partnership with EquiDeFi, the premier vertical SaaS platform for securities offering management, proudly announce the successful completion of a $225,000,000 capital raise for Newsmax Inc. Utilizing Regulation D Rule 506(c), this landmark capital raise marks one of the largest private financings of its kind, entirely powered by EquiDeFi's advanced digital securities management platform.Digital Offering completed the $225 million private placement for Newsmax Inc. from over 8,000 investors, making it one of the largest Red D 506(c) offerings to date under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act. By combining its crowd-finance methodology with innovative alternative financing solutions, Digital Offering supports full-service capital solutions for high-quality private and public growth companies."We are delighted by the unprecedented success of this $225 million capital raise, stated Mark Elenowitz, Managing Director of Digital Offering. "EquiDeFi's platform was instrumental in streamlining our processes, enhancing investor engagement, and efficiently managing the complexities of a Regulation D 506(c) offering, including investor accreditation.EquiDeFi's robust SaaS technology provided end-to-end support for over 8,000 investors, from investor onboarding and compliance to subscription management and real-time analytics, ensuring an efficient, transparent, and fully compliant offering."This achievement underscores EquiDeFi's commitment to revolutionizing capital markets by empowering investment banks, broker-dealers, and issuers with sophisticated, compliance-centric technology," said Mohit Bhansali, EquiDeFi CEO. "We congratulate Digital Offering and Newsmax on this remarkable accomplishment and look forward to continuing our successful partnership." The capital raised will accelerate Newsmax's strategic growth initiatives, further strengthening its position as a leading independent news media company.About Digital OfferingDigital Offering, LLC ("Digital Offering") is a next-generation investment bank and a leader in crowd-financed public offerings. The firm partners with high-quality private and public growth companies to access U.S. capital markets and achieve their growth objectives. With a strong focus on technology and innovation, Digital Offering applies traditional investment banking best practices to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act to maximize deal awareness and connect issuers with the right investors.Digital Offering's principals have played a key role in shaping the framework for Regulation A+ crowd-financed offerings, leading the first successful Reg A+ IPO to list on a National Securities Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, with other Reg A+ offerings following the blazing trail. Interested parties can learn more at https://www.digitaloffering.com About EquiDeFiEquiDeFi is a leading vertical SaaS platform offering innovative solutions for managing capital raises and securities offerings. With a commitment to compliance, efficiency, and transparency, EquiDeFi transforms how broker-dealers, investment banks, and issuers execute capital raising initiatives.Media Contacts:Gordon McBeanCEO Digital Offering info@ digitaloffering.com Mohit BhansaliCEO, EquiDeFi support@ equidefi.com SOURCE: Digital Offering, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 13:01:46

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The Emily Manganese Deposit sample contains 52.0% Manganese (Mn) / 64.2% Manganese Oxide (MnO), highlighting North America's highest-grade manganese depositTORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Electric Metals (USA) Limited ("EML" or the "Company") (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is pleased to announce that a high-grade sample from the Emily Manganese Deposit in Minnesota has been donated to the prestigious Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)mineral collection. The 52.0% Manganese (Mn) / 64.2% Manganese Oxide (MnO) sample, one of the highest-grade manganese samples in North America, was presented to the ROM on Monday, March 3, 2025, during the Prospectors and Developers Conference (PDAC) in Toronto, Ontario.The ROM, Canada's largest museum and one of North America's most renowned cultural institutions, is home to a world-class collection of more than six million objects and specimens across 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. Its mineral section, featuring meteorites, rocks, precious minerals, and gems, is recognized as one of the world's finest collections.A Sample of Exceptional QualityThe Emily Manganese Deposit Sample was taken by North Star Manganese Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of EML, during drilling operations at hole NSC-23002A on February 22, 2023. The sample was taken from an interval of 230.4 ft - 232.5 ft, where the HQ diamond core, previously reported in EML's June 27, 2023 press release, assayed at 40.9% Mn / 52.8% MnO. The specific sample presented to the ROM, analyzed using an XRF Spectrometer by Big Rock Exploration LLC, EML's contract geologists on the Emily Manganese Project, recorded an even higher grade of 52.0% Mn by weight / 64.2% MnO by weight.Photo: Emily Manganese Deposit sample presented to the ROM (52% Mn / 64.2% MnO)A Milestone for North American ManganeseThe presentation ceremony at the ROM featured Dr. Henry (Rick) J. Sandri, Director of EML, who formally handed over the sample to Ms. Katherine M. Dunnell, Manager of Collections Care, Natural History at the ROM.Brian Savage, CEO, EML commented: "We are honored to have this exceptional high-grade Emily Manganese Deposit sample added to the ROM's prestigious collection. The Emily high grades are indeed museum quality. The outstanding grade of this deposit sets it apart-not just in North America, but globally." Savage further emphasized: "We have multiple core samples exceeding 50% manganese, a concentration virtually unseen in North America and most of the world. This underscores the unique value of the Emily Manganese Deposit." The Emily Manganese Deposit, Minnesota is the highest grade manganese deposit in North America. Electric Metals is poised to emerge as a low-cost producer of 100% domestically sourced, high-purity, battery grade, manganese products and chemicals, including HPMSM, for the electric vehicle battery and energy storage sectors.About Electric Metals (USA) LimitedElectric Metals (USA) Limited (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is a US-based mineral development company with manganese and silver projects geared to supporting the transition to clean energy. The Company's principal asset is the Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota, the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America, which has been the subject of considerable technical studies, including National Instrument 43-101 Technical Reports - Resource Estimates. The Company's mission in Minnesota is to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets. With manganese playing a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations, and with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, the State of Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders.For further information, please contact: Electric Metals (USA) LimitedBrian SavageCEO & Director(303) 656-9197orValerie KimballDirector Investor Relations720-933-1150 info@ electricmetals.com Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions.Such statements in this news release include, without limitation: the ability to produce battery-grade high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) and other high-grade manganese products from the Emily manganese deposit; conduct a scoping study, Preliminary Economic Assessment and Pre-Feasibility Study to evaluate the overall feasibility and design parameters; development of processing plant; other metallurgical test work, and planned or potential developments in ongoing work by Electric Metals.These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the failure to obtain all necessary stock exchange and regulatory approvals. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, updated conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise
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A delegation of the Swedish Red Cross visited Odesa region, where it got acquainted with the implementation of humanitarian projects.

Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society Maksym Dotsenko together with Secretary General of the Swedish Red Cross Ulrika Modeer visited Odesa region to discuss the implementation of humanitarian projects in the region, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) reported on Facebook on Tuesday.

The main attention was focused on initiatives to expand access to technical water and measures to increase the resilience of Odesa region communities. During the visit, the delegation got acquainted with the activities of the Odesa regional organization of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, talked with volunteers of the rapid response unit and psychosocial support specialists, who are the first to come to the aid of people after Russian shelling.

The Swedish Red Cross delegation also visited beneficiaries of the Home Care program to see how support is provided to lonely people, and examined the consequences of Russian shelling in Odesa region.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 13:02:01

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ANTWERP, BELGIUM / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Exalate , a leader in integration technology, announced a major leap in AI-driven integrations. Acceptance rates forAI Assist , its intelligent integration configuration tool, have surged 70% since launch, enabling businesses to implement system integrations faster and with fewer manual corrections, making complex integrations accessible to users regardless of technical expertise.The improved acceptance rates-a key performance indicator for AI-generated code-directly translate to significant cost savings and faster time-to-value for organizations connecting critical business systems."What we're seeing isn't just a technical improvement-it's fundamentally changing who can build complex integrations and how quickly teams benefit from connected systems," saidFrancis Martens , CEO at Exalate. "By significantly improving acceptance rates, AI Assist is removing integration roadblocks and helping people-whether they're technical experts or not-see immediate value through faster implementation and lower technical overhead. But this is just the beginning-our ultimate goal is to solve the integration challenge once and for all, making it as simple as pressing a button to get two systems working together exactly as needed." Business Impact of Higher Acceptance RatesFor enterprises implementing system integrations, Exalate's improved AI capabilities deliver three immediate benefits:50% Reduction in Implementation Time - Integrations now require half the setup time compared to traditional approaches.85% Decrease in Script Errors - Fewer failed integration attempts mean less troubleshooting and faster deployment.Democratized Integration Capabilities - Technical barriers have been lowered, enabling business teams to implement solutions without specialized coding knowledge.Exalate's internal analysis showed that 30% of rejected scripts were technically correct but declined because users provided unclear prompts. This finding led to improvements in AI Assist's ability to interpret user intent and generate more accurate scripts.Key Advancements Powering AI Assist's PerformanceBy reversing the logic, AI Assist now asks guiding questions instead of simply generating scripts, helping users refine intent for greater accuracy and usability. This shift has significantly improved acceptance rates and made integration more accessible to a broader range of users.Two major innovations have contributed to AI Assist's enhanced performance:Snippet Database - A curated collection of predefined code snippets that AI Assist leverages to generate more accurate sync scripts, resulting in fewer failed integration attemptsImproved Retrieval Algorithm - A reworked algorithm that has reduced script generation time by nearly 50%, allowing users to implement integrations in half the time previously requiredA key factor behind these improvements is the deep expertise and hands-on refinement provided by Exalate's team and solution engineers. Their continuous work in reviewing, curating, and optimizing AI-generated scripts has been instrumental in increasing accuracy and ensuring AI Assist aligns with real-world integration needs."Integration has historically been the domain of specialists and developers, creating bottlenecks for business transformation," explained Francis Martens. "With this breakthrough in acceptance rates, we're removing those bottlenecks and enabling enterprises to connect their systems at the speed business demands-not at the pace their technical resources allow. These advancements wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our team, whose expertise has played a crucial role in refining AI Assist and delivering real value to our users." What's Next For AI In IntegrationsThe next version of AI Assist, launching in March 2025, will introduce proactive prompts to clarify vague user requests, further refining accuracy and efficiency.Looking further ahead, the company is developing the AI Orchestrator, a unified interface that will bring together all of Exalate's AI tools, includingAI Assist and Aida(Exalate's AI-powered documentation assistant)."The future of integration is about accessibility," said Francis Martens. "With AI Assist and our upcoming AI innovations, we're fundamentally changing who can build and maintain business integrations." Commitment to Privacy and Data SecurityExalate developed AI Assist with enterprise-grade security at its core, adhering toISO 27001 standardswith full data anonymization to ensure customer privacy.About ExalateExalate delivers flexible, secure, and scalable integration solutions, enabling seamless connections between systems across enterprises. Its script-based approach offers unparalleled customization while maintaining enterprise-grade security and governance.For more information visit: www.exalate.com Exalate pr@ exalate.com SOURCE: Exalate
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 19:20:30

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Agreement Provides for Structured Settlement and Dismissal of LitigationMIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. (OTC:VINOQ), a company that includes a growing collection of e-commerce platforms with a concentration on fine wines, luxury real estate, and leather goods and accessories (the "Company" or "Gaucho Holdings"), today announced that it has entered into a settlement term sheet with 3i, LP, 3i Management LLC, and Maier Joshua Tarlow (the "3i Parties") to resolve outstanding litigation and facilitate a structured dismissal of the Company's Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings, subject to approval by the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Court.As previously reported on the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 20, 2024, Gaucho Holdings commenced an action in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware on February 16, 2024, through the filing of a complaint against the 3i Parties. The litigation pertained to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, promissory note, and ancillary agreements (the "Securities Contracts") entered into between the Company and the 3i Parties (the "Delaware Litigation").Additionally, as disclosed in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2024, the Company filed a voluntary petition (the "Chapter 11 Reorganization") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida (the "Bankruptcy Court"), seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code.On March 12, 2025, Gaucho Holdings and the 3i Parties (collectively, the "Parties") entered into a settlement term sheet under which, in exchange for the cancellation of the Securities Contracts, dismissal of the Delaware Litigation and related litigation, and a structured dismissal of the Chapter 11 Reorganization, the Company has agreed to make a cash settlement payment of $5,500,000 to the 3i Parties over a 12-month period. This settlement will be substantially secured by all right, title, and interest in the Algodon Mansion and/or the Company subsidiaries holding all right, title, and interest in the Algodon Mansion and associated intellectual property. Further, as part of the settlement, the Parties have agreed to enter into a hotel management agreement for the Algodon Mansion.The settlement term sheet is subject to review and approval by the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Court. The Company will provide updates as appropriate in accordance with its disclosure obligations.About Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc.For more than ten years, Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc.'s gauchoholdings.com) mission has been to source and develop opportunities in Argentina's undervalued luxury real estate and consumer marketplace. Our company has positioned itself to take advantage of the continued and fast growth of global e-commerce across multiple market sectors, with the goal of becoming a leader in diversified luxury goods and experiences in sought after lifestyle industries and retail landscapes. With a concentration on fine wines ( algodonfinewines.com algodonwines.com.ar) , hospitality ( algodonhotels.com) , and luxury real estate ( algodonwineestates.com) associated with our proprietary Algodon brand, as well as the leather goods, ready-to-wear and accessories of the fashion brand Gaucho - Buenos Aires ( gaucho.com) , these are the luxury brands in which Argentina finds its contemporary expression.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThe information discussed in this press release includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein concerning, among other things, changes to exchange rates and their impact on the Company, planned capital expenditures, future cash flows and borrowings, pursuit of potential acquisition opportunities, our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, are forward looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties and are not (and should not be considered to be) guarantees of future performance. Refer to our risk factors set forth in our reports filed on Edgar. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement made here.Media Relations:Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc.Rick StearDirector of Marketing212.739.7669 rstear@ gauchoholdings.com SOURCE: Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 13:01:15

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 /Grande Portage Resources Ltd. (TSXV:GPG)(OTCQB:GPTRF)(FSE:GPB) ("Grande Portage" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is initiating comprehensive environmental & cultural baseline studies for the New Amalga Gold Project located approximately 16 miles (25 km) northwest of the city of Juneau.Environmental Baseline Studies currently include the following:Wetlands Delineation - Stantec Consulting Services (Wasilla, AK)Mapping the extent of wetlands and other jurisdictional waters in the project area is a key input for the design of mine facilities to minimize impacts to federally regulated wetland areas. This work will inform future Clean Water Act - Section 404 permitting with the US Army Corps of Engineers.Surface Water Sampling - Cox Environmental (Juneau, AK)Continuation and expansion of a multi-year analysis of water quality both upstream and downstream of the potential mine facilities provides a pre-construction baseline for future Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) permitting.Archeological & Cultural Resources Review - Stephen R. Braund & Associates (Anchorage, AK)Desktop database investigation to identify any documented archeological & cultural sites in proximity to the project is the initial step in complying with the Alaska Historic Preservation Act and informs future field surveys.Meteorological & Hydrological Studies - Boreal Services (Anchorage, AK)Collection of meteorological data including temperature, precipitation, wind direction and speed as well as hydrological data such as river flow volume is of key importance for the engineering design of mine infrastructure and provides important inputs to the Alaska Department of Conservation APDES and Air Quality Control permits.Aquatic Studies -Alaska Dept of Fish & Game (Juneau, AK)Field surveys and sampling to document aquatic biological conditions in the project area are necessary to inform future ADF&G Fish Habitat Permits and other state and federal permits, as well as to support mine design protective of fish habitat and fish passage. This work will be conducted by the Alaska Dept of Fish & Game under contract with Grande Portage.As previously announced, the Company's Conceptual Mining Plan envisions the development of the New Amalga gold mine as a selective underground mining operation which would send ore off-site to be processed at a third-party facility, enabled by the project's location near tidewater and less than 4 miles (6.5km) from existing paved highway (Fig 1). This setup results in the avoidance of any chemical processing or tailings storage facilities at the site.Ian Klassen, President and CEO comments: "Offsite processing enables the project to have a dramatically minimized environmental footprint compared to a traditional setup which requires building a beneficiation plant and tailings storage facility. We will ultimately be demonstrating this through the environmental review and permitting process with state and federal regulatory agencies. The initiation of baseline studies is a critical early step in our work advancing the New Amalga project to become Alaska's next great gold mine." In addition, Grande Portage seeks to maximize the benefit of its project development investing in the local state economy. As such, the Company is very pleased that each of these environmental baseline programs is being conducted by Alaska-based contractors and specialists. The Company also intends to make a future announcement pertaining to geotechnical and hydrogeological studies.Fig. 1: Location of New Amalga Mine ProjectKyle Mehalek, P.E.., is the QP within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Mehalek is independent of Grande Portage within the meaning of NI 43-101.About Grande Portage:Grande Portage Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on advancing the New Amalga Mine project, the outgrowth of the Herbert Gold discovery situated approximately 25 km north of Juneau, Alaska. The Company holds a 100% interest in the New Amalga property. The New Amalga Gold property system is open to length and depth and is host to at least six main composite vein-fault structures that contain ribbon structure quartz-sulfide veins. The project lies prominently within the 160km long Juneau Gold Belt, which has produced over eight million ounces of gold.The Company's updated NI#43-101 Mineral Resource estimate reported at a base case mineral resources cut-off grade of 2.5 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) and consists of: an Indicated Resource of 1,438,500 ounces of gold at an average grade of 9.47 g/t Au (4,726,000 tonnes); and an Inferred Resource of 515,700 ounces of gold at an average grade of 8.85 g/t Au (1,813,000 tonnes), as well as an Indicated Resource of 891,600 ounces of silver at an average grade of 5.86 g/t Ag (4,726,000 tonnes); and an Inferred Resource of 390,600 ounces of silver at an average grade of 7.33 g/t silver (1,813,000 tonnes).ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD"Ian Klassen"Ian M. KlassenPresident & Chief Executive OfficerTel: (604) 899-0106Email:Ian@ grandeportage.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties as described in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.Please note that under National Instrument 43-101, the Company is required to disclose that it has not based any production decision on NI 43-101-compliant reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments, or feasibility studies, and
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 21:20:07

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Iguana Control, the largestiguana removal company in South Floridafor residential and commercial properties, is pleased to officially announce its expansion into the realm of fishing chum with Iguana Chum.Iguana Chumwas first supplied to charter captains to test the waters and see how well it could draw fish. The results were beyond expectations, proving it to be an excellent source of chum that brought fish in to feed. After discovering how well this chum worked, steps were taken to officially invest in Iguana Chum through warehousing, equipment, and payroll to bring it to the market at large.Distributed throughout South Florida, there has been a growing demand for the limited supply. South Florida has long been an area revered for its fishing. It has also been under siege by invasive iguanas, which is how Iguana Control was created. Iguana Control rose to the occasion to protect people, pets, and property from the threat of iguanas, growing into the largest iguana remediation company in South Florida.Iguana Control came to the rescue for theFlorida iguana problem , reducing the existing population of these lizards. Founder Tom Portuallo, concerned about the waste created from eliminating the iguanas, had the innovative idea to use these iguanas as chum. Out of his inquisitive mind, he created sister company Iguana Chum, which processes euthanized iguanas from Iguana Control into fishing chum.Setting a new industry standard for sustainability and quality, Iguana Chum takes a unique approach by turning this invasive species into a useful product. Only freshly caught iguanas euthanized on the same day are provided solely by Iguana Control and are used to create this safe, quality fishing chum that upholds environmental standards.Devoted fishermen and hobbyists have found iguana chum to be an excellent option for attracting their catches. Portuallo explained, "It is used to initiate a feeding frenzy so fish are attracted to the area." This new chum is now in high demand in the local area.Portuallo is proud to have found a way to make a huge difference in the lives of residential and commercial property owners as well as provide a way to make use of the iguanas after they have been euthanized."No other company is in the iguana remediation industry as long as we have been. No other company serves 8 counties on both the East and West coast of Florida with 30 trappers. That alone sets us apart from any other in the industry. Add to that, the Iguana Chum product, and we are entirely unique," Portuallo stated. Those interested in chumming up a feeding frenzy of their own should visit iguanachum.com to order.Iguana Control has provided iguana removal services to residential and commercial properties throughout South Florida for over 15 years. The company was featured on Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe. Since iguanas have the potential to cause extensive damage to roofs, foundations, docks, and other structures and decimate native plants and animals, professional removal is encouraged.Caution should be used when encountering iguanas as they can attack when approached. Contact Iguana Control at 954-588-3188 or visit iguanacontrol.com to get a free estimate for their services.Media Contact:Company Name: Iguana ChumContact Person: Tom PortualloPhone: (866) 878-0933Address: 1440 Coral Ridge Drive, Ste. 460City: Coral SpringsState: FloridaPostal Code: 33071Country: United StatesWebsite: https://iguanachum.com/ Link to High Resolution Photos: Iguana ChumSOURCE: Iguana Chum
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 13:01:21

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Vantage transforms media workflows from ingest to playout with unmatched speed, intelligence and precision - AI-generated metadata, native file QC, next-gen ingest/playout performance, iconik integration, and GRID transcoding.NEVADA CITY, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Telestream , a global leader in media workflow technologies, introduced key innovations and additions to its flagshipVantageplatform. The breadth and depth of the new Vantage capabilities reinforce Telestream's position as the industry gold standard for workflow orchestration, transcoding, and media processing for file-based, streaming, and live workflows. This significant update includes enhancements to compliance, quality control, MAM, and archive workflows; next-generation ingest, media processing, and playout servers, and advanced AI and cloud-native developments, bringing speed, intelligence, and flexibility to the media operation."As new business opportunities emerge, and economic pressures intensify, customers are increasingly driven to expand their content operations, adopt new standards and formats like IP and UHD, and find efficiencies in the cloud. While these transitions move them forward, they do so with new challenges in terms of complexity, cost management, and operational scalability," states Benjamin Desbois, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, Telestream. "Vantage empowers customers to strategically navigate these challenges with a flexible platform that optimizes both infrastructure and workflows-on-premise, hybrid, and in the cloud-to achieve maximum performance, scalability, cost-efficiency, and monetization." Vantage Moves and Monetizes Content More EfficientlyVantage simplifies complex media workflows for broadcast, post, sports, and corporate, through smart automation and seamless integrations. New high-impact workflow updates include:Streamlined QC Workflows On-premise, Hybrid, & Cloud: Qualify Action QC supports on-premise, hybrid and cloud deployments. It seamlessly integrates the capabilities of bothAuroraandVidcheckerto enable the full range of quality, compliance and integrity capabilities as a single Vantage action.Intelligent Automation for Captions/Subtitles, Metadata, and Content Summaries: New AI capabilities automate high-quality speech-to-text for rapid, professional quality captioning and subtitle workflows. Vantage also automates time-based metadata and summary extracts which add significant value to any content search and retrieve.Tighter integration between Vantage and DIVA: New integration betweenDIVAand Vantage streamlines archive and discovery processes. Create and act on DIVA archive objects through Vantage workflows. Additional features will support content scalability and media orchestration excellence.Leverage Cost-Efficient, Modern MAMs: Seamless integration between Vantage and powerful next-generation cloud-centric MAM solutions likeiconikenables customers to bring the latest MAM functionality to their content repository, enhancing accessibility, collaboration, and monetization.Vantage Speed, Quality, and Performance at Scale from Ingest to Playout Vantage innovations set new benchmarks for ingest, media processing and playout. Technology advancements and additions include:Advanced GRID processing: Split complex transcodes across Vantage nodes, enabling outputs to be processed up to 1/n the time. Faster task completion reduces time-to-delivery while simultaneously boosting operational capacity.Next-generation Lightspeed Live Servers for Capture: The new Lightspeed Live Servers for Capture double the recording capacity of previous models within the same 1RU configuration. New support for UHD formats and higher frame rates that were previously not possible. Local RAID storage is now expandable up to 30TB-a significant upgrade from the prior 7TB limit. Configuration options include SDI (3G/12G) and ST2110 (10/25G SR/LR). Comes standard with 2x800GB NVMe SSDs in RAID1 for OS.Higher performance Vantage Lightspeed Servers: The latest VantageLightspeed Serversdeliver up to a 30% performance boost in media processing over the previous generation. Standard features include dual 800GB NVMe SSDs in RAID1 for the OS and dual 1.92TB SSDs for media storage-in a compact 1RU form factor.NEW! Lightspeed Live Servers for Play: (Coming June 2025) Purpose-built for live production, these new servers support SDI (3G/12G) and ST2110 (10/25G, SR/LR), offering configurations of up to 8 channels in HD and 4 channels in UHD in a 1RU form factor. Feature highlights include playout of any format back to back, AMP protocol support for std control, customizable APIs for advanced integration and a 15TB-30TB SSD storage range.Discover the latest Vantage at the 2025 NAB ShowAttendees to the 2025NAB Showare invited to visit Telestream in Las Vegas, West Hall, BoothW1501from April 6-9, 2025.Schedule a meetingwith our experts to explore the world's leading transcoding and workflow automation system. Learn how Telestream's solutions can transform your operations, delivering future-ready media workflows that combine reliability, scalability and value. For a free 2025 NAB Show exhibit pass, use code NS8888 during registration. For more information about Vantage, please visit https://www.telestream.com/vantage/ About Telestream For nearly thirty years, Telestream has been at the forefront of innovation in the digital video industry. The company develops products for media processing and workflow orchestration, live capture, production, live streaming, video quality assurance, virtual events and video hosting, content management and video and audio test solutions. Available on-premises or in the cloud as well as hybrid combinations, Telestream solutions make it possible to reliably get video content to any audience, regardless of how it is created, distributed or viewed. Telestream is privately held with corporate headquarters located in Nevada City, California.Press Contact Alex MolinaGrithaus Agency(e)alex@ grithaus.agency(p) +1 (617) 834-9600####SOURCE: Telestream LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 17:25:45

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Chicago Public Schools recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Chicago Public Schools.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On February 8, 2025, became aware of a security incident involving Cleo, a third-party vendor that contains current and former CPS students' information on one of its servers. Upon detection, CPS launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to a server used by Cleo to store student data. This breach affected both current and former students dating back to the 2017-2018 school year. CPS conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals. On March 7, 2025, CPS identified persons whose sensitive data was included in the impacted data.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal information may have been compromised:students' names, dates of birth, genders, Chicago public Schools student ID numbers, medicaid ID numbers, and dates of medicaid program eligibility. On March 10, 2025, Chicago Public Schools filed a notice with the Attorney General of California and started the process of notifying impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Chicago Public Schools, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. 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
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 17:30:26

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Community Care Alliance recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals.This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Community Care Alliance.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On July 6, 2024, Community Care Alliance experienced a network disruption that affected its ability to access certain systems. Upon detection, Community Care Alliance launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. Through the investigation, it was determined that certain information may have been accessed or acquired by an unauthorized individual between July 1, 2024, and July 5, 2024. On or around January 8, 2025, Community Care Alliance conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal and protected health information may have been compromised: first and last name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, Social Security number, diagnosis/condition, lab results, medications, patient ID number, health insurance information, provider name, and/or other treatment information. On March 7, 2025, Community Care Alliance disclosed the breach to the Maine Attorney General's office, and, on March 10, 2025, began mailing notice letters to impacted individuals.Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Community Care Alliance,you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. 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
PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-18 14:02:21

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The $50 million secondary growth fund provides accredited investors access to U.S. Defense, Energy, Security and AI InvestmentsNASHVILLE, TN / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Alto , an alternative asset investment platform enabling individuals to invest in private markets using their retirement funds, today announced that Alto Securities, its affiliated broker-dealer, has addedIPO CLUB'sAMERICA 2030 Fund to the offerings available on theAlto Marketplace .AMERICA 2030 is a $50 million secondary growth fund focused on U.S. defense, energy, security, and artificial intelligence (AI) - key industries driving America's industrial and technological resurgence. The fund provides accredited investors access to high-growth private companies, capitalizing on reshoring, supply chain realignment, and government-backed initiatives."At Alto, we strive to make investing in alternative assets as seamless and accessible as possible," said Scott Harrigan, President of Alto. "By offering IPO CLUB's AMERICA 2030 Fund on our platform, we provide investors with an opportunity to gain exposure to high-growth sectors that are shaping the future of the U.S. economy." With a six-year target maturity in 2030, AMERICA 2030 acquires Series B+ venture-backed companies at speculative valuations, offering the potential for attractive returns with opportunities for liquidity through secondary transactions, subject to market conditions.Unlike traditional venture capital, which relies on IPOs or acquisitions for liquidity, AMERICA 2030 leverages the secondary market to allow more flexible exits. The fund targets approximately 30 private companies in secondary transactions, with 30% of capital reserved for follow-on opportunities in the primary market.Key investment focus areas include:Defense & Dual-Use Technologies - AI-driven surveillance, autonomous systems, and robotics.Energy Security & Industrial Reshoring - Next generation nuclear, rare earth supply chains, and energy grid modernization.Cybersecurity - Protecting critical digital and physical infrastructure.Supply Chain Resilience & Semiconductor Manufacturing - U.S.-based production supporting AI and secure communications."The U.S. is experiencing a once-in-a-century industrial transformation," said Edoardo Zarghetta, General Partner of AMERICA 2030. "Through Alto's SDIRA platform, accredited investors can now participate in this shift by using retirement funds to invest in private companies that are building America's future." Operating under Regulation D, AMERICA 2030 is designed for accredited investors, family offices, and institutional LPs seeking private market exposure with liquidity advantages over traditional venture models. By offering the fund on Alto Securities' Marketplace, IPO CLUB streamlines the investment process, making it easier for individuals to allocate retirement capital to alternative assets within their self-directed IRAs.Explore this offering on Alto Marketplace: altoira.com/marketplace About Alto Alto's self-directed IRA platform enables investors to diversify their retirement portfolios with alternative assets like private equity, venture capital, real estate, and more. As an IRA custodian for over $1.7 billion in assets, Alto supports 29,000 self-directed IRA investors and 2,000+ issuers who have raised capital through the platform. With minimal paperwork and competitive fees, Alto simplifies access to high-return, less-correlated investments. Learn more atwww.altoira.com About IPO CLUB IPO CLUB is a leading private market investment platform specializing in secondary transactions across high-growth potential, late-stage private companies. The firm focuses on sectors critical to U.S. economic and national security, helping investors access venture-style returns, while seeking greater liquidity.For more information, visitwww.altoira.comandipo.club Media Contact: Heather ValleCaliber Corporate Advisers alto@ calibercorporateadvisers.com SOURCE: Alto Solutions, Inc.
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Hillcrest Convalescent Center recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Hillcrest.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On June 27, 2024, Hillcrest became aware of a security incident on its network. Upon detection, Hillcrest launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to certain Hillcrest data. Hillcrest conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals. On February 13, 2025, Hillcrest identified persons whose sensitive data was included in the impacted data.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal and protected health information may have been compromised: name, Social Security number, address, date of birth, driver's license number, government issued ID number (e.g., passport, state ID card), financial information (e.g., account number, credit or debit card number), medical information (e.g., patient data, treatment information, health care provider information), and health insurance information. On March 4, 2025, Hillcrest filed a notice with the Attorney General of California and started sending out notice letters to the impacted individuals.Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Hillcrest Convalescent Center,you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. 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
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How a small company from New York reimagined lift rentals and is changing the future of work at heights.NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Yuriy Karpinskyy, founder and CEO of Alpha Platforms, is proof that the American Dream is alive and well. Born in Ukraine, Karpinskyy arrived in the United States in 2001 with a tourist visa, limited English skills, and a big dream of succeeding on Wall Street. Despite the odds, he earned his brokerage license within three months, learning English by translating financial textbooks with a dictionary during his commutes to various odd jobs. When he began trading stocks, he quickly realized it wasn't what he wanted. "I wasn't creating value, and the risks were uncontrollable," Karpinkskyy recalls. Truck-mount Aerial LiftsBut when one door closes, another window of opportunity opens. "I worked as a window cleaner while studying for exams," he says. "I knew I could create a business out of nothing, so I bought a bucket and squeegee and started a window cleaning business with my partner, Igor Hlushka." The duo worked relentlessly and creatively. Their business grew fast, doubling every year. By 2010, Karpinksyy wanted to scale further and take on entire buildings. However, he faced a dilemma: become part of the traditional scaffolding world or think outside the box. That's when he discovered German-made truck-mounted aerial lifts. These cutting-edge machines could reach unprecedented heights, up to 300 feet. Though they were widely used in Europe, they were virtually unknown in the U.S. Karpinskyy saw an opportunity to revolutionize height access and launched Alpha Platforms in 2013.Changing the NormsAs every building in NYC requires facade ordinance inspection every five years, Karpinskyy recognized a huge industry pain and focused on solving it. Alpha Platforms completely reimagined the inspection process. "With our lifts, an engineer can inspect an entire facade in just one day and at half the cost," Karpinskyy says. "There's no need for scheduling dozens of meetings, going through weeks of preparations, rigging plans, constantly coordinating between multiple parties, scaffolding chores, or stress and safety risks. We are just one call away, and the entire facade can be inspected in just one day! Our certified operators handle everything." The innovation has been embraced by architects and engineers, with Alpha Platforms now dominating the facade inspection market in NYC.The Future of Height AccessHaving conquered New York, Alpha Platforms is expanding along the East Coast and into new industries. Karpinskyy's next target is telecommunications. "Telecom tower work is one of the deadliest jobs in the U.S.," Karpinksyy says. Having worked as a window cleaner, he understands firsthand the danger of working at heights. "After revolutionizing city height work, we are now focusing on making telecom tower work 100% safe and triple crews' productivity," he says. Karpinksyy's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. "Impossible is nothing here. The U.S. remains the best place for entrepreneurs," he says. His vision for the future? "In 10-20 years, truck-mounted lifts will be the standard for every industry working at heights." Contact InformationYuriy KarpinskyyPresident and Founderinfo@ alphaplatforms.com 855-200-0855SOURCE: Alpha Platforms
Sybiha holds first ever meeting of FMs of Ukraine, Kingdom of Bhutan in New Delhi

Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA/5102

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Kingdom of Bhutan D. N. Dhungyel on the sidelines of one of Asias largest geopolitical forums, Raisina Dialogue, in New Delhi.

I was pleased to meet with D. N. Dhungyel at Raisina Dialogue 2025. The first ever meeting between foreign ministers of Ukraine and the Kingdom of Bhutan. I conveyed President Zelenskyys best wishes to His Majesty the King of Bhutan, emphasizing our interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, the press service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted Sybiha as saying.

As the minister noted, potential areas for mutually beneficial partnership, in particular in the field of energy and infrastructure, were also discussed at the meeting. I also thanked Bhutan for its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including at the UN, the Ukrainian foreign minister noted.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported that from March 17 to March 19, Sybiha is paying a working visit to India. The main goal of the visit is to participate in the Raisina Dialogue forum. On the sidelines of the conference, Sybiha will hold bilateral meetings with the heads of foreign policy departments of a number of countries in South and Southeast Asia and Africa.
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Updated brand reflects new offerings and global expansionDALLAS, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Milligan, a leader in tolling advisory services, is thrilled to announce the official relaunch of its brand, marking a bold new chapter in the company's evolution. With a fresh visual identity and updated company mission, vision, and values, Milligan's new look underpins its commitment to providing superior customer service. Milligan LogoThe relaunch includes anewly designed logo , anupdated website , and a refined brand voice that reflects Milligan's growth and vision for the future. Since its founding in 2012, Milligan has expanded beyond the United States with employees on four continents and customers in dozens of countries. It has also honed expertise in many disciplines, including strategy, technology, operations, market analysis, staff augmentation, and research."This relaunch is more than just a new look-it's a reflection of our dedication to our customer's success," said Matt Milligan, co-founder and managing partner. "We are growing in many ways, including the services we offer, so we wanted a new brand that will carry us through this growth." Key elements of the relaunch include:A Modernized Logo and Visual Identity - A sleek new design that captures the essence of Milligan's holistic and forward-thinking approach.Revamped Website and Digital Experience - A more thorough online platform that includes updated information on Milligan's people, experiences, knowledge, approach, and services.New Company Mission, Vision, and Values - A formalization and recommitment to the principles that make Milligan a leader in the tolling and mobility industry.Milligan will unveil the new brand at this year's International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) Technology Summit, March 22-25, in Dallas.For more information, please visit milligan.co ####About Milligan Founded in 2012, Milligan has emerged as one of the most respected advisory services in the tolling industry. The company has grown to 20-plus employees over four continents and has provided guidance to dozens of customers worldwide. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Milligan often works with public authorities, private toll operators, departments of transportation, engineering firms, system vendors, and operational service providers in the following general areas: strategy, operations, technology, market analysis, research, and staff augmentation.Contact InformationCasey SelfPress Contactcasey@ milligan.co SOURCE: Milligan
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DUBLIN, IE / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Nemysis is pleased to announce signing of a Subscription Agreement (the "Agreement") under which Avia Pharma AB has invested in the capital of the company.The proceeds from the issue of shares will be used to accelerate the commercialisation of the Company's novel and innovative oral iron supplement, Iron Hydroxide Adipate Tartrate ("IHAT"), the Group's wider commercial product portfolio and to support the completion of development and initial commercial manufacturing of Endoprotease 40, the Company's oral enzymatic therapy for the destruction of Gluten and prevention of symptomatic gluten exposure in gluten intolerant (Celiac Disease) and non-celiac gluten sensitive sufferers.This investment represents the first commitment under the Company's current funding round as well as an important endorsement by a commercial company operating in the markets of Nemysis' products and is expected to support ongoing funding discussions with private parties, as well as those resulting from the Grant First award secured by the Company under the EU's Horizon programme.Commenting on the Agreement, Danilo Casadei Massari, Chairman & CEO remarks "We are delighted to have received this interest and support form Avia, a company with strong experience operating in the markets our products target and therefore well positioned to appreciate their innovative nature and differentiated market positioning. Avia brings strong knowledge of the markets across Northern Europe, complementing our experience and expertise in the markets of Southern Europe".Jacob Calmvik, Avia Pharma AB CEO, states: "We are pleased to have invested in Nemysis and to be supporting the development and accelerated commercialisation of its importantproduct portfolio which is in line with our aims of improving health in Northern Europe. Through our shared therapeutic areas of interest, we see great potential for ongoing and future collaborations as both a shareholder and stakeholder".About Avia Pharma ABAvia Pharma AB is a Swedish pharmaceutical company with a focus on five therapy areas: women's health, urology, dermatology, allergy and everyday healthcare across Northern Europe and in particular Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany. https://aviapharma.se/ Avia Pharma ABBirger Jarlsgatan 27111 45 StockholmContact InformationDanilo Casadei MassariCEOcasadei-massari@ nemysisltd.com +35315313450SOURCE: Nemysis Limited
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / National plaintiffs law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP encourages investors in Novo Nordisk A/S. ("Novo" or the "Company") (NYSE:NVO) who purchased or otherwise acquired Novo securities between November 2, 2022, and December 19, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period") to contact us immediately regarding a pending securities class action against Novo. The deadline to apply to be lead plaintiff is March 25, 2025.Class Period: November 2, 2022 - December 19, 2024Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: March 25, 2025Case information: https://lieffcabraser.com/securities/novo-nordisk/ Contact us: Email or text investorinfo@ lchb.com or call 1-800-541-7358Novo, a Danish company with its U.S. headquarters in Plainsboro, New Jersey, is a healthcare company focused on the research, development, manufacturing, and distribution of pharmaceutical productions to address diabetes, obesity and rare diseases.The action alleges that, during the Class Period, Novo and certain of its senior executives made materially false and misleading statements and failed to disclose: (1) that Defendants created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to Novo's projected successful outcome of the REDEFINE-1 study of its new experimental weight loss drug, CagriSema, while avoiding discussions centered around dosage tolerability as it related to the CagriSema; (2) that Novo's claims that CagriSema would achieve at least 25% weight loss in the REDEFINE-1 study was not based on facts; and (3) that the REDFINE-1 study utilized a "flexible protocol" that limited the study's ability to effectively provide weight loss data on the dosage tested, suggesting either that tolerability was significantly worse than expected, resulting in patients titrating down their dosages to avoid complications, or that the patient selection process was rushed and led to the onboarding of patients who did not seek to achieve the study's 25% weight loss target.On December 20, 2024, before the market opened, Novo announced disappointing results for the REDEFINE-1 trial, noting that CagriSema had achieved only a weight loss average of 22.7% after 68 weeks. In addition, Novo revealed, for the first time, that the study used a "flexible protocol, allowing patients to modify their dosing throughout the trial" and which resulted in only 57.3% of patients reaching the full dose of CagriSema. On this news, the price of Novo's American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") fell 17.83% from its closing price on December 19, 2024, to close at $85.00 per share on December 20, 2024.About Lieff CabraserLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, with over 125 attorneys in offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Munich, Germany, is an internationally-recognized law firm committed to advancing the rights of investors and promoting corporate responsibility. Repeatedly recognized as a "Plaintiffs' Powerhouse" by Law360, Lieff Cabraser has litigated some of the most important civil cases in the United States, and has assisted clients in recovering over $129 billion in verdicts and settlements. For over 50 years, Lieff Cabraser has remained committed to ensuring access to justice for all.ContactSharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein
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Since founding construction company Omega Foundation Services in 2020, Andrew Bennett has relied on relationships to foster massive growth, increasing revenue by 2,520% in three years.SLAUGHTER, LOUISIANA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Serving clients across the Gulf South, but headquartered in Slaughter, Louisiana, Omega Foundation Services provides services spanning deep foundations, hydro excavation, and forestry. The company specializes in industrial heavy civil construction, prioritizing honest and transparent practices in safety, quality, production, and efficiency from beginning to end. And this values-driven philosophy has led to quick expansion. OmegaIn 2024, Omega was named one of the fastest growing privately owned companies in the United States on the Inc. 5000 list. This can be credited to the company's 2,520% revenue growth by 2023, a significant percentage considering the company was founded in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was wreaking havoc on businesses nationwide.If you ask Andrew Bennett, president and founder, he'll say the relationships he's built along the way made this possible."People ask me how I got here so fast, and it all revolves around relationships," says Bennett. "The relationships I've built with my clients allow me to do what I enjoy most every day. The relationships I've built with the people on my team make the best possible results a reality." A Strong FoundationBennett spent much of his childhood accompanying his father to his job at the construction company he owned. When he wasn't learning to operate equipment on job sites, Bennett was playing with excavator toys in sandboxes. While he didn't always know a leadership position was in his future, construction was in his blood.By age 15, Bennett was working full time with his father and struck out on his own by age 18, following the best opportunities available to him and growing steadily along the way. Today, he employs many talented young professionals who are hungry for their own opportunities. From his own time in the field, Bennett learned that rewarding team members and giving them avenues for advancement leads to the best results.One ongoing project that is crucial to Omega's growth is on a private pipeline project in Vidor, Texas, and Starks, Louisiana, which will transport imported natural gas along a pipeline from Louisiana to Texas. To help with the pipeline's significant expansion, Omega used amphibious equipment to replace more than 1 million cubic yards of material in challenging conditions. As the company celebrates five years of operation in 2025, Bennett and his team are looking forward to more foundational projects to add to their portfolio. Nearing $80 million in annual revenue, Bennett and his team don't plan on slowing down over the next decade.Contact InformationKyre Hymeinfo@ omega-foundations.com 225-244-6564SOURCE: Omega Foundation Services, Inc.
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Groundbreaking research evaluates the websites of Fortune 1000 companiesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Oshyn, a leading digital experience implementation agency, has released its inaugural Digital Trust Index, a comprehensive report benchmarking the websites of Fortune 1000 companies. Oshyn Digital Trust Index 2025 The cover of the 2025 Oshyn Digital Trust index report.The research examines these websites through the lenses of performance, security, and accessibility, providing a holistic R-Score that demonstrates how well each site meets its users' needs.Key findings include:The top 10 companies leading in digital trustTrends and observations in website performanceHow companies can improve their R-ScoresThe correlation between security scores and data breachesCommon accessibility errorsHow industries stack up by R-Score"With the Digital Trust Index, companies can gain a deeper understanding of their customer's digital experience with their brand and their competitor," said Diego Rebosio, CEO at Oshyn. "We hope they will use this information to improve their online interactions and build greater trust with their users." The full report is available for download at www.oshyn.com/digital-trust-index Attendees at Adobe Summit 2025 can visit Oshyn's booth, #1287, to scan their site to see how they compare. For those not attending the event in person, the tool is available at no cost on Oshyn's website atwww.oshyn.com/reliability-report About Oshyn Oshyn partners with the world's best brands and creative agencies to create innovative digital solutions. For over 20 years, Oshyn has worked closely with dozens of marketing, design, and IT teams to deliver countless compelling customer experiences. They've built a stellar reputation working with top brands, including NW Natural, Point B, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Skyworks, Promedica, ALS Global, DMC Global, Minor Hotels, Dole, UMass Global, Wolters Kluwer, NEA Member Benefits, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Volkswagen, and Aetna.Learn more by visiting www.oshyn.com Contact InformationPatrick WirzVP of Marketingpwirz@ oshyn.com 213-483-1770SOURCE: Oshyn
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 17, 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=136789&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
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Smart ERP Solutions, Inc. recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted toSmartERP.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On July 13, 2024, Smart ERP Solutions, Inc. became aware of a security incident on its network. Upon detection, SmartERP launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to SmartERP's network between July 3, 2024, and July 13, 2024. SmartERP conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals. On February 11, 2025, SmartERP completed its review and confirmed that certain sensitive personal information had been exposed.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal information may have been compromised: name, and Social Security number. On March 13, 2025, SmartERP filed a notice with the Maine Attorney General's office and began sending out notice letters to the impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from SmartERP, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. 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
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MUMBAI, INDIA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / Tariq Mushtaq Khatri has rewritten the rules of digital marketing, achieving an unprecedented milestone in cost-efficient influencer advertising. His record-breaking social media ad campaign, executed over 90 days, has set a new global benchmark, proving that Indian digital marketers can deliver unmatched ROI.This achievement was officially unveiled during a high-profile press conference at the Bombay Press Club on February 28, 2025, where journalists, industry leaders, and marketing professionals witnessed Tariq Khatri's groundbreaking success in real time.A Campaign That Broke the InternetTariq Khatri's high-impact digital campaign, consisting of 183 Meta ads, achieved:Total Views: 56.6 millionTotal Engagements: 25.7 millionTotal Reach: 26 million peopleReach Growth: 245.3% increaseEngagement Rate: 99% -a figure rarely seen, even among the world's biggest influencersBeyond engagement, the campaign shattered cost-efficiency records, demonstrating:Cost per engagement: INR 16.24 (~ USD 0.19)Cost per million views: INR 7,370 (~ USD 88)Total Ad Spend: INR 417,420 (~ USD 5,000)Public ReactionAlthough there was no official announcement from the Indian government yet, Indians took to X and forums celebrating Tariq Khatris's achievement!! Tariq Khatris's world record Headlines were covered by Shiv Sena's official newspaper Saamana and India's topmost News site India today, more than 150 Newspapers in India and internationally have carried the story! Yahoo Finance has also carried the story!Setting a New Global StandardWhen compared with top international influencers, Tariq Khatri's campaign emerges as a game-changer. While global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and MrBeast achieve high engagement, their campaigns require significantly higher investments. Tariq's success proves that Indian digital marketing talent can deliver better engagement at a fraction of the cost."This isn't just about breaking records-it's about proving that Indian influencers can compete on the global stage and even outperform the biggest names in terms of efficiency and ROI." - Tariq KhatriRecognition and Industry ImpactMajor Indian news outlets highlighted this achievement as a historic milestone for India's digital marketing sector. Official government recognition is awaited, as India has recently prioritized influencer-driven marketing in its digital economy strategy."Tariq Khatri's campaign is a wake-up call for global brands. It proves that smart digital marketing is not about big budgets-it's about strategic execution and audience understanding." - Ravi Malhotra, Chief Digital Strategist, Global AdTech SolutionsOfficial Submission to Guinness World RecordsThis landmark achievement has been submitted to Guinness World Records for verification. If recognized, it will be the first-ever world record for cost-efficient influencer marketing, setting a historic precedent in digital advertising."Tariq Khatri's campaign is a wake-up call for global brands. It proves that smart digital marketing is not about big budgets- it's about strategic execution. His achievement will change how brands approach influencer marketing worldwide." - Ravi Malhotra, Chief Digital Strategist at Global AdTech SolutionsIndia's Digital Economy on the RiseTariq Khatri's success marks a turning point for India's digital marketing industry, reinforcing the country's position as a global hub for high-ROI advertising. His achievement has the potential to:Attract international brands to India for cost-effective marketing solutionsCreate new opportunities for Indian influencers and digital marketersRedefine global advertising strategies with data-driven efficiency"This is just the beginning. I want to empower more Indian creators to reach global heights. India's digital marketing industry is ready to lead the future." - Tariq KhatriWhat's Next? Expanding the ImpactFollowing this historic achievement, Tariq Khatri is set to:Partner with global brands, offering next-level advertising solutionsMentor aspiring Indian influencers, helping them dominate the digital spaceScale India's influence in international digital marketingA Call to Global Brands: The Future is in IndiaWith higher engagement rates and lower advertising costs than Western markets, India is now the most attractive destination for global digital marketing investments. Tariq Khatri's record-breaking campaign is proof that brands can achieve massive impact at minimal cost by leveraging Indian influencer talent. "Tariq Khatri's world record proves that data-driven marketing can rewrite the rules of digital engagement. The future of advertising belongs to those who innovate, and India is leading the charge!" Mayur M. Gunjal (Head of Communication)Media Acknowledgment & Thank You Note"We extend our deepest gratitude to all journalists and media professionals who attended the press conference and helped share this historic milestone. Your role in bringing India's digital marketing revolution to the global stage is invaluable." For further updates, exclusive insights, and upcoming collaborations, connect with Tariq Khatri:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tariq_khatri_aka_prince2/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tariqkhatri2019/?_rdr Email: tariqk2011@ yahoo.com SOURCE: Tariq khatri
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 /Temas Resources Corp. ("Temas" or the "Company") (CSE:TMAS)(OTCQB:TMASF) is pleased to announce that Temas President and CEO, Tim Fernback will be attending and presenting for the first time at the prestigious Swiss Mining Institute Investment Conference, taking place March 18 - 19, 2025, in Zurich, Switzerland.Mr. Fernback will present the Company's titanium dioxide exploration strategy, recent project milestones, and what's ahead in the 2025 calendar for Temas. This is a unique opportunity for European and global investors to gain direct insights into Temas' high-quality portfolio of Canadian titanium dioxide assets and metallurgical IP and the Company's vision for 2025.Mr. Tim Fernback, the Company's President and CEO states "We're excited to showcase Temas on this global stage, connecting with some of the top minds in mining investment. The Company recently completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment demonstrating a CAD6.6 billion project value at our strategic La Blache titanium project in Canada. With titanium supply and refining capacity controlled globally by both China and Russia, Temas is well positioned at the forefront of North America's titanium critical mineral on-shoring strategy." About Swiss Mining InstituteThe Swiss Mining Institute ("SMI") is one of Europe's premier mining investment events, organized by Bally Capital Advisors SA. SMI is known for bringing together over 1,000 leading Portfolio Mangers, Asset Managers, Fund Managers and other professional investors from all around the world. This invite-only, exclusive event highlights over 100 selected mining companies and offers unparalleled insights into the global resource sector.About Temas ResourcesTemas Resources Corp. is focused on the advanced La Blache and Lac Brule Iron-Titanium-Vanadium projects in Quebec. The critical metals the Company is exploring for are key to our national mineral independence. Additionally, the Company invests in and works to apply its green mineral recovery technologies across its mining portfolio to reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of metal extraction through advanced processing and patented leaching technologies.All public filings for the Company can be found on the SEDAR+ website www.sedarplus.ca . For more information about the Company, please visit www.temasresources.com For further information or investor relations inquiries:Tim FernbackPresident and CEOtfernback@ shaw.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsNeither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information under the provisions of Canadian securities laws including statements about the Company's plans. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of beliefs, assumptions, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change, except as required by law.SOURCE: Temas Resources Corp.
Nigerian music superstar, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has made history as the first African artiste to feature on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rolling Stone is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture.

According to Rolling Stone, the Afrobeats sensation known for breaking boundaries on the global stage, is the Cover Star for the April edition of the prestigious magazine.

Mavi Records lauded the uncommon feat with a post on its official Instagram page: Rave Lorde Rema the Afrobeats Visionary, makes history as @Rollingstone USA First African Cover Star!

Following the recognition, the Heis crooner thrilled audiences with an electrifying performance at the Rolling Stone concert, performing some of his hit songs, including Dumebi, Woman and Calm Down.

This milestone has further cemented Remas place as a trailblazer for African music, as this feat is coming shortly after he was highlighted on the cover of Dazed Magazine, another major international platform.

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Rema

Rema, born in 2000 in Benin City, came to limelight in 2019 after signing with Mavin Records.

His rising profile has continued to highlight Afrobeats on global stage, as his hit song Calm Down featuring Selena Gomez became the most streamed Afrobeats track in history, earning him multiple platinum certifications.

The song also broke records as the first African-led track to surpass a billion on Spotify streams , dominating international charts.

Calm Down became number one hit on the worlds first regional streaming chart and first-ever official chart in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), earning Rema a Guinness World Record.

Among other global showcases, Rema has also made history as the first African artiste to perform at the prestigious Ballon dOr ceremony, when he thrilled the audience at the 2023 Ballon dOr ceremony in Paris, France.

(NAN)

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Photo: https://president.gov.ua/news/volodimir-zelenskij-vidvidav-lvivskij-licej-imeni-geroyiv-kr-96689

As part of his working visit to Lviv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Lviv Lyceum with enhanced military-physical training named after the Heroes of Kruty, where he spoke with students and teachers, the presidential press service reported.

"Thank you for teaching confident and strong future defenders of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. The president reportedly inspected the classrooms and one of the rooms where the students live.

Almost 450 lyceum students study at the institution every year, including children of combat veterans, fallen and missing soldiers, IDP children and war victims.
Days after former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai created a TikTok account, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has followed suit.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), created the TikTok page to engage Nigerians on political issues and his new partys activities.

However, on Tuesday, Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, announced via his X handle that he had joined TikTok.

The 63-year-old stated that he opened the account as part of his commitment to nation-building.

He said: This is my official and only TikTok page. Kindly join me towards building a new Nigeria that is possible.

TikTok

This newspaper reviewed the TikTok page, and as of the time of filing this report, the account had gained 10.7k followers.

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Mr Obis announcement video had garnered 25.3k views, 5,636 likes, and 1,680 comments.

Mr Obis creation of the TikTok page sparked a wave of reactions from netizens.

The former governors announcement received a mix of criticism and praise.

Here are some of the comments.

You copied from Malam Nasir el-Rufai?  Bashir Ahmad, OON (@BashirAhmaad) March 18, 2025

Welcome to TikTok. We have been waiting and missing you. Let me go and activate my account asap.  Nedu Ani (@Nedumcity_) March 18, 2025

Only losers in politics get tiktok account  Mayowa-David (@Mayordavid_9) March 18, 2025

I want to buy you a ring light as support, sir.  Anyafulugo (@_Anyafulugo) March 18, 2025

You are now on tik tok? Ok then, let me go and open an account there!  Ijeoma Ekenechukwu Onyeahialam (Ph.D) (@MappingReveals) March 18, 2025

Dear Obidients!!!https://t.co/JoTwCVZnwl

Lets stay connected! Follow His Excellency Peter Obi on TikTok: https://t.co/E5IwQOMDNE pic.twitter.com/zI9OyRPU1V  Nana Sani Kazaure (@NanaKazaure) March 18, 2025

Now that Peter Obi has opened a TikTok account, I would have to open. I will follow my Principal & do same.  H I I K Y A A T O R (@HiikyaaTor) March 18, 2025

Peter Obi Joins TikTok

This man go soon start to Dey shout tap tap tap 

Congratulations To The Obidient Students by the way pic.twitter.com/qCkQ8SMG7O  OKATA 001. (@MbaAdol) March 18, 2025

No that Peter Obi has joined TikTok, other politicians will follow. Sowore has been in that community for a long time and I enjoy the interactions with him there. pic.twitter.com/H99pHkwRpD  Myror (@MyrorMiller) March 18, 2025

Aside from Mr Obi and Mr El-Rufai, Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), is also active on TikTok.

As of press time, this newspaper could not confirm whether President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other politicians with TikTok accounts personally manage them or if they were created and operated by their loyalists.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the United States decision to halt foreign aid has substantially disrupted the supply of HIV treatments in eight countries, including Nigeria.

The WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus during a press conference on Monday said the countries which includes Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Ukraine could soon run out of these life-saving medicines.

Mr Ghebreyesus said the decision has caused disruptions to HIV programmes and put millions of lives at risk.

The disruptions to HIV programnes could undo 20 years of progress, he said.

He warned that this setback could lead to over 10 million new HIV cases and three million HIV-related deaths.

He noted that efforts to tackle HIV, polio, malaria and tuberculosis have been impacted by the US foreign aid pause implemented by President Donald Trump shortly after he assumed office in January.

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Funding HIV treatment

Nigerias fight against HIV/AIDS has been significantly aided by international donors, particularly PEPFAR, which has provided billions of dollars in funding over the past two decades.

PEPFAR, which provides HIV treatment to over 20.6 million people worldwide, faced a temporary funding suspension due to President Trumps executive order on foreign aid.

The order halted many overseas assistance programmes, putting millions at risk.

Two days after Mr Trumps directive, the Nigerian government, in what seemed like a nod to public demand, announced plans to strengthen its domestic HIV response.

This stance remained even after the US granted a waiver for HIV intervention.

Through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the Nigerian government announced plans to locally produce HIV-related medical tools, including test kits and antiretroviral drugs.

While this was seen as a proactive move, experts remain sceptical about Nigerias ability to fully fund and sustain the initiative.

On 3 February, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $1.07 billion to finance the healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme.

It also approved N4.8 billion for HIV treatment, according to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

As part of government efforts to address the funding gap, the Nigerian Senate also recently allocated an additional N300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget.

The additional allocation, equivalent to $200 million, will target health programmes such as TB, HIV, Malaria and Polio.

Other affected areas

The WHO Director-General highlighted the impact on TB programmes, with 27 countries in Africa and Asia facing significant disruptions.

He said these include shortages of healthcare workers, diagnostic tools, and collapsing data systems.

He noted that nine countries have already reported problems with the procurement and supply chains for TB drugs, threatening the lives of affected individuals.

Over the past two decades, US support for TB services has saved nearly 80 million lives, but this progress is now at risk, he said.

The global health body said its coordinated Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network, with over 700 sites worldwide, also faces imminent shutdown.

Mr Ghebreyesus noted that the US has a responsibility to ensure that if it withdraws direct funding for countries, its done in an orderly and humane way that allows them to find alternative sources of funding.

In a separate statement issued on Monday, WHO said funding shortages could also force 80 per cent of WHO-supported essential health care services in Afghanistan to close.

The agency said as of 4 March, 167 health facilities had shut down due to funding shortages, cutting off lifesaving medical care to 1.6 million people across 25 provinces.

It said without urgent intervention, over 220 more facilities could close by June 2025, leaving an additional 1.8 million Afghans without access to primary health care.

The US plans to exit the WHO have also forced the UN agency, to freeze hiring and initiate budget cuts.

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As part of efforts to strengthen domestic health funding, the Nigerian government has earmarked N700 billion to combat HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, while also enhancing immunisation efforts nationwide.

This development comes amid the recent halt of US financial support for developing countries, including Nigeria, which has raised concerns about sustaining critical health interventions.

The Chairman, House Committee on HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria, Amobi Ogah who disclosed this at the 2025 Pre-World TB Day press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, reaffirmed the governments commitment to addressing these health challenges.

I must commend the President Bola Tinubus led administration for injecting N700bn for the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and to improve immunisation. This was made possible with the help of our minister who is so dear to this country who believes that we can achieve it, he said.

Tuberculosis

World TB Day is commemorated on 24 March annually to raise awareness on TB, and to mobilise efforts including political commitment to resources and healthcare financing for TB towards its elimination.

This years theme is, Yes! We can end TB: Commit, invest, and deliver.

TB, an airborne disease caused by bacteria (mycobacterium tuberculosis) mostly affects the lungs. It is the second deadliest infectious killer disease (after COVID-19) and among the top 10 causes of death worldwide.

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Globally, and according to the 2024 WHO global TB report, an estimated 10.8 million people developed TB in 2023, with 1.6 million people losing their lives, and 12 per cent of the global burden affecting the most vulnerable  the children and young adolescents.

TB remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria, with the country ranking sixth globally and first in Africa.

Despite progress made in the fight against TB, the global burden of TB remains alarming, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria.

Mr Ogah said the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria Control will continue to provide legislative mechanisms and interventions to support the fight against TB in Nigeria.

He said the committee is also advocating for an increase in the Global Funds TB funding allocation from 18 per cent to 30 per cent.

The committee on HIV will ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of these funds to ensure that funds made for interventions and programmes are judiciously spent and not mismanaged, he said.

I want to assure you that we in the committee will continue to champion increase on domestic funding, that is the key.

Progress so far

In his remark, the Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Godwin Ntadom, highlighted the progress made in Nigerias fight against TB through the implementation of WHO-recommended strategies.

Mr Ntadom noted that the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme, in collaboration with partners, has significantly improved TB case detection and treatment.

The country had its highest-ever TB notification of more than 400,000 TB cases identified in 2024 out of the estimated 506,000 Nigerians with TB. This translated to about 79 per cent treatment coverage and deserves commendation, he said.

Similarly, we have made good progress in TB notification among children, increasing from just 8,293 in 2018 to about 43,000 children treated with TB in 2024.

He, however, emphasised that despite these gains, undiagnosed TB cases remain a major concern, posing a risk of continued transmission.

Mr Ntadom said each untreated patient can infect up to 15 others annually, and enrollment for drug-resistant

TB treatment has remained suboptimal in recent years.

To address these challenges, he reaffirmed the governments commitment to expanding TB screening, diagnosis, and treatment across both public and private healthcare facilities.

He said efforts are also focused on community engagement, stigma reduction, service integration into maternal and child health programmes, and leveraging digital health solutions to enhance TB response.

He assured that the government remains dedicated to meeting WHOs global End TB targets.

More domestic funding for TB

In her welcome address, the Acting Board Chair, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, acknowledged that despite advancements in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention, TB persists, particularly affecting the vulnerable and underserved populations.

Ms Ogbuji-Ladipo however, expressed optimism about Nigerias potential to eliminate TB, citing the dedication of healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and advocates, along with innovations like shorter treatment regimens and digital adherence technologies.

She further stated that Stop TB Partnership Nigeria has achieved significant milestones through dedicated advocacy and collaboration with both state and non-state actors.

Our advocacy for increased resources, health policy reforms, and service integration for TB in Nigeria remains unwavering, she said.

We will continue to push for a Nigeria free of TB through our strategies  high-level advocacy, collaboration and partnership, capacity building, and research and information dissemination.

She also noted that in light of the dwindling donor support, there is need for intensified advocacy for domestic resources now than ever.

I encourage everyone to use their voices to support this cause. Let us work together, push for stronger policies, advocate for more domestic resources, and drive initiatives that focus on TB prevention, detection, and treatment, she said.

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A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has fixed 16 April for its ruling on an application seeking the sack of 27 lawmakers of the Rivers House of Assembly over their defection.

The 27 lawmakers, led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, are loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The Labour Party (LP), which filed the suit, had prayed the court to declare the seats of the lawmakers vacant for defecting from the PDP to the APC, Channels TV reported.

Following a peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara had applied to withdraw the initial suit filed in the Supreme Court seeking the sack of the lawmakers for the defection.

The Supreme Court in February dismissed the suit after Mr Fubaras legal team, led by Yusuf Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), withdrew the appeal.

Strike out the matter

During a hearing at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Monday, counsel to the defendants (27 lawmakers) asked the court to strike out the matter, citing a recent Supreme Court judgement which dismissed the matter.

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The lawyer, presenting the Certified True Copy of the court ruling, argued that the Supreme Court had restored the Amaewhule-led leadership of the assembly.

He claimed that Governor Fubara, who initially raised allegations of defection, had withdrawn the claims at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, in his submission, counsel to the LP, Clifford Chukwu, argued that the defection of the lawmakers was a collateral matter before the Supreme Court.

Mr Chukwu urged the court not to grant the prayer, seeking the matter to be struck out based on evidence of the lawmakers defection before it.

Speaking to reporters after the ruling, the prosecution counsel said he had presented his submission and that only the ruling on 16 April would determine whether the submissions by the defendants counsel are upheld.

Background

The crisis within the Rivers State House of Assembly traces back to October 2023, following a political fallout between Mr Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT minister, Mr Wike.

On 29 October 2023, amid speculations of an impeachment move against Mr Fubara, a fire broke out at the Rivers State House of Assembly complex around 10 p.m.

However, security operatives swiftly took control of the complex while a fire truck was deployed to the scene.

The tensions escalated as Messrs Fubara and Wike fought for control of the political structure in the state.

In December 2023, the 27 lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC, triggering a constitutional debate. The Nigerian Constitution stipulates that lawmakers who defect from their original party must vacate their seats unless their defection is due to internal divisions within the party.

In response, the Rivers State High Court declared the seats of the defecting lawmakers vacant. The decision was challenged, leading to a series of legal battles.

The lower court decision made Mr Fubara sideline the 27 lawmakers by presenting the 2024 budget to four lawmakers loyal to him.

The action was challenged in court, and in October 2024, the Court of Appeal upheld the Federal High Courts decision that nullified the budget passed by the four lawmakers, stating that it lacked the required legislative quorum.

In July 2024, the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned the lower courts ruling, reinstating the 27 lawmakers and recognising Mr Amaewhule as the Speaker of the House.

But Mr Fubara appealed the ruling at the Supreme Court and continued to sideline the lawmakers, presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a faction of only three lawmakers.

The governor had been forwarding all executive communications, including bills and nominees for appointments, to the three-member faction for consideration and approval.

But in February, 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.

The lawmakers subsequently gave the governor 48 hours to re-present the budget.

The governor had vowed to implement the order of the Supreme Court despite disagreeing with the verdict.

His efforts to re-present the budget were unsuccessful as the lawmakers denied him access to the assembly quarters last Wednesday.

On Monday, the battle took a new twist when 26 lawmakers served a notice of alleged misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The notice of misconduct against the duo marks a resumption of the impeachment plot against them.

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A recent study on digital disinformation during the 2024 elections reveals that the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and other democratic institutions were primary targets for coordinated campaigns promoting false narratives.

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) research also shows how the role of network affiliations across Africa appears to be growing in importance.

Self-appointed and unaccountable online personas were found to command huge audiences and control narratives by joining forces with influencers across borders. The objective is either to share inauthentic material or game (trick) the social media algorithms that determine how content is ranked, so their posts get maximum exposure.

Interviews with some of the countrys most prominent online political influencers  some driven by ideology and others by financial gain  revealed how they were outsourcing their know-how and tactics to other African countries.

This matters because much of the public debate about information operations has focused on the role of superpowers like Russia, China and increasingly the United States (US), with little attention paid to Africas influence market.

The year-long ISS study found that key figures in South Africas influence industry were engaged in transnational coordinated campaigns. This includes so-called rage bait used to provoke a response and boost engagement.

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One of South Africas top influencers told the ISS how he engaged with the Kenyan X community before the polls using antagonistic, often nationalist-themed interactions to provoke reactions on South Africa-Kenyan rivalries. He could then appropriate networks and build his audience based on negative engagement. He said he was embarking on similar tactics in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

Such campaigns give social media audiences the false impression that discussions about a particular domestic issue are organic  the natural result of open and rigorous debate. Instead, they are due to manipulations by an external influencer stirring the pot.

Such coordinated transnational campaigns also seek to trick social media algorithms into prioritising certain narratives and drowning out others, distorting the information environment. This tactic has been seen in other settings, including Rwanda, where gaming techniques seek to muffle dissent.

Another prominent South African influencer claimed Russian agents paid him to amplify narratives aimed at destabilising South Africa during the polls. He said he was provided with pre-packaged material and paid up to R50 ($US2.7) each time he liked a post. While this cannot be independently verified, the ISS study revealed he was a leading online figure whose account was suspended in June 2024.

The research did not seek to identify foreign influence campaigns. However, key issues such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine wars were featured among the content of those amplifying South African election material.

While overt foreign influence appears to have been limited in this case, other research describes how states  notably Russia  mask their identities and shape domestic debate using local accounts. These promote a particular perspective on an issue and dress it up as a domestic debate.

More broadly, the ISS study found that the biggest influence communities online were associated with two political parties. From a sample of 1.2 million documents on X and over 177,000 on Facebook, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) parties were the loudest voices on the platforms.

Both had an outsized effect on the conversation given their final election results (MK 14.58 per cent, EFF 9.58 per cent). Furthermore, both appear to have benefitted from paid influencers including those ideologically aligned to the party.

The Democratic Alliance, the fourth biggest community in the sample, seemingly spent more resources than other parties on traditional political advertising (rather than paid online influencers). The report observed that these ads are transparent [] it is clear which political party is paying for them, allowing voters to assess the narrative in that light.

While social media enables many people to access information quickly and can be vital in holding power to account, it has also become fertile ground for spreading misleading narratives that undermine democratic processes.

During a recent conference to discuss the study, IEC and Government Communication and Information Service representatives said despite efforts to mitigate such campaigns, mis/disinformation flourished.

The conference noted that the rise of artificial intelligence and the rapid spread of disinformation would probably make such campaigns harder to track, with a noticeable shift towards smaller, localised networks such as WhatsApp.

The study found that fact-checking organisations and the traditional media played a significant role in debunking disinformation during South Africas elections. However, Meta plans to end fact-checking by third parties, so content warnings by the platform, like those of Africa Check during the election, could become history.

Aldu Cornelissen, part of the ISS research team speaking at the Cape Town conference, said since the Ukraine invasion, we are seeing the American right being pulled into influence campaigns.

Indeed, Elon Musks false narratives in early February about land expropriation and the public furore that followed may have been a clumsy stunt to justify subsequent US aid cuts to South Africa. However, it highlights that Africa is rapidly becoming a zone of online contestation between geopolitical adversaries.

While the conference called for tech platforms to take more responsibility for the material they publish, the prospect of regulation looks increasingly shaky given US President Donald Trumps recent executive order to stop government censorship on social media.

More research is needed to understand Africas rapidly expanding information ecosystem. Concerted lobbying by African leaders and their European allies of the tech giants is also vital to ensure they respond to local contexts where disinformation thrives.

Moreover, targeted digital literacy training is urgently needed. This should be considered for South Africas civil servants, journalists and non-governmental organisations to avoid them becoming unwitting foot soldiers by inadvertently amplifying mischievous messaging campaigns.

Lessons can be learnt from the cybercrime community where campaigns run by the private sector, including banks, seek to raise awareness. While not a perfect solution, it could offer South Africa some protection.

Karen Allen, Consultant, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Pretoria

(This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish).

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A Bill requiring social media platforms and bloggers operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices with verifiable addresses within the country has passed second reading at the Senate.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the passage during the plenary on Tuesday after most of the senators supported it through voice votes.

Following its passage, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security for further deliberation and a public hearing.

The committee was directed to report back within two months.

The bill also proposed that bloggers operating in Nigeria must have clear records and data of their employees.

It was sponsored by Ned Nwoko, the senator representing Delta North Senatorial District.

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Mr Nwoko, while leading debate on the blll, argued that it would ensure that digital businesses contribute a certain percentage to Nigerias revenue.

He said the bill was not proposed to attack social media platforms but a way of increasing the revenue of the country through the digital space.

The senator explained that the lack of social media platforms to have identifiable physical offices in Nigeria has led to several challenges including limited representation for resolving user complaints, managing content specific to Nigeria, increasing loss of economic opportunities, employment generation, and legal compliance

Mr Nwoko therefore called on the lawmakers to support passage of the bill.

ALSO READ: SERAP urges National Assembly to reject social media bill

Ebonyi Central Senator, Kenneth Eze, seconded passage of the bill for second reading.

After the passage, Mr Akpabio said the bill was not an attempt to regulate the social media but to increase revenue of the country.

The world has gone digital. Ive taken cognisance of the need that those who are in the business of ICT needs to have a physical address but bloggers are slightly different because they can do their business from anywhere.

While were in public hearing, people should be invited for their views. I dont want the world to misunderstand us that the Senate wants to gag social media, it is about tax. For the purpose of tax, this is a good bill, Mr Akpabio said.

Details later

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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday met with the members of the expanded Security Council at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In attendance are the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, his deputy, Ben Kalu, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff, Chiefs of Army Staff, Air Staff and Naval Staff, were in attendance.

Other heads of security agencies present were those of the States Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi, and National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.

Although, it is unclear what the agenda of the meeting was, sources said the Rivers political crisis may have been discussed.

An explosion had rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday night.

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Earlier on Monday, members of the state assembly had served Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, notice of misconduct, an indication that the lawmakers are planning to commence impeachment proceedings against the duo.

The development has increased the political tension in the oil-rich state.

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The Spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi (APC-Ekitit state), says the House of Representatives will, on Wednesday, debate the state of emergency declared on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Rotimi said President Bola Tinubu had officially written the House of his decision in line with section 305 of the Constitution.

Mr. Presidents formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted.

It will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, and further legislative action debated and decided, he said.

Following the lingering political unrest between the Executive and the Legislature in Rivers, Mr Tinubu, in a live broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in the state.

The president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

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President Tinubu appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers while the judiciary continued operations.

Following the influence of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on the political face-off, many stakeholders had threatened to embark on mass protests while others had commenced vandalising public property like oil pipelines.

Mr Rotimi, however, said that the National Assembly was duly consulted before the president declared a state of emergency.

He said that the leadership of the National Assembly met with the President and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, among other security chiefs, ahead of the broadcast.

(NAN)

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the declaration of State of emergency in Rivers State, stating that the president has no power to suspend a democratically elected governor.

The party stated this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Tuesday in Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday, in a national broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending both the legislative and executive arms of the state for six months, as part of efforts to restore peace in the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a member of the PDP.

Mr Ologunagba described the presidents action as utter violation of the 1999 Constitution.

The PDP outrightly rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine the votes and will of the people of Rivers by seeking to depose a democratic government and foist an undemocratic rule in the State.

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The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), to govern the State is a clear attack on our nations democracy.

It is an abrogation of the votes and democratic right of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution, he said.

Mr Ologunagba also described it as a clear attempt at state capture and a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said the reasons adduced by the president could not justify the declaration of a state of emergency in the state under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the declaration completely incompetent.

Mr Ologunagba said the unwarranted imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State was part of a plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate the opposition and impose a one-party State

In any case, nothing in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution relied upon by the president in the declaration grants him the exclusive powers to declare or execute the declaration of a state of emergency without recourse to the statutory approval of the National Assembly.

For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

Each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation.

Mr President should recognise that his order to an unelected individual to forthwith take over the government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for the crisis, a threat to the peace and stability of not only Rivers State but the entire nation, he said.

Mr Ologunagba said that Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years, a tenure that could not be unconstitutionally abridged.

The PDP, therefore, cautions Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and ensure that he does not take any action or step capable of derailing smooth democratic governance in Rivers State.

Nigeria is not under a military rule where the governance of a State is by appointment by a junta, he said.

(NAN)

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The All Progressives Party (APC) has said it is committed to its founding values and progressive ideals.

Felix Morka, the APC national publicity secretary, stated this in a statement on Monday in Abuja, in response to criticism of the party by former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai,

Mr El-Rufai, who recently defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stated in a recent interview that the ruling party had abandoned its progressive ideals, focusing instead on private interests rather than public welfare.

He accused the APC of straying from its original principles and transforming into a party driven by personal interests.

But Mr Morka rejected these claims, asserting that the party remained committed to its founding values and progressive ideals.

He described Mr El-Rufai as a self-serving politician, blinded by ego and driven by personal grievances.

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He said the former governors dissatisfaction stemmed from his failure to secure a ministerial position under President Bola Tinubus administration.

His assertion that he left because the APC deviated from its founding values or progressive ideology is merely a cover for his personal frustrations.

El-Rufai appears to be acting out of hurt after failing to land a ministerial post, and his attacks on the APC are fuelled by a bruised ego, he said.

Mr Morka further emphasised that in spite of Mr El-Rufais departure, the APC continued to attract millions of new members across the country, all of whom were drawn to the partys values and its commitment to transforming Nigeria.

The APC spokesperson also dismissed Mr El-Rufais claims about the failure of President Tinubus administration, calling them baseless and misleading.

He argued that Nigerians were witnessing real progress under Mr Tinubus leadership, particularly in areas such as economic reform, good governance, and the delivery of key campaign promises.

Under President Tinubus leadership, Nigeria is better off today than when he took office.

From the removal of the fuel subsidy, which now saves the country an estimated N4 trillion annually, to the unification of exchange rates, tangible progress is being made, Mr Morka stated.

He further added that the unification of exchange rates had led to a surge in foreign exchange inflows, contributing to the countrys ongoing economic improvements.

He also highlighted the countrys growing foreign reserves, the increase in non-oil revenues, and the remarkable boost in oil exports, all of which demonstrated the success of Tinubus policies.

Mr Morka urged Mr El-Rufai to move past his grievances and focus on offering constructive feedback, rather than resorting to negative rhetoric aimed at undermining the countrys progress.

El-Rufai is free to choose his political affiliation, but he should stop sulking and regain some respectability, the APC spokesperson said.

(NAN)
The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) has helped over 1,000 people from vulnerable groups find jobs and start businesses.

Today, due to the war in Ukraine, people are facing numerous challenges, including internal displacement, changing jobs or difficulties in finding employment in their profession, and the loss of businesses. To support these individuals, the Ukrainian Red Cross is implementing the Reboot: Expanding Employment Opportunities programme with the support of the Spanish Red Cross, the Communications and Marketing Department of the National Committee of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society reported.

In 2024, 942 people were trained in professions such as drivers, hairdressers, SMM managers  Another 184 participants received microgrants, totalling UAH 19 million, to start or restore businesses in all five regions where the programme operates.

"The aim of this programme is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional development and employment. In addition, the programme helps connect participants with potential employers for internships, job searches, and micro-grant support. This is a great opportunity for people who have lost their financial stability and want to improve their lives," stated Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Participants can submit applications at the service centres in Cherkasy, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Ternopil, and Vinnytsia regions to receive assistance in the following areas: employment support and micro-entrepreneurship. Additionally, residents from all over Ukraine can access the programme's services through the Reboot online platform.

It should be noted that participants can either receive employment support or apply for a microgrant to start or restore their own business. It is not possible to participate in both programmes simultaneously.

Programme participants who wish to retrain or learn a new profession can benefit from the following services: employment counseling; skills development, including CV writing, interview preparation, and networking; access to vocational training; psychosocial support; digital literacy and language courses; connecting with local employers for job opportunities, internships, or mentoring.

Assistance is provided to working-age residents of Ukraine with low or no income, including internally displaced persons registered in the region and local residents from vulnerable groups.

The Reboot programme continues to support vulnerable individuals in starting or restoring their own businesses. This includes providing microgrants, business skills development, and access to business networks. To apply, participants must submit a business plan and undergo a verification visit. Applications are assessed based on specific criteria. Business ideas can be submitted by internally displaced persons who are able to carry out economic activities within the community or by local residents who have been affected by the war in Ukraine and lost their jobs or businesses. Eligible participants are able-bodied individuals aged 18 to 65 who belong to one of the vulnerable categories.

One can find more information about the program at: https://redcross.org.ua/activities/projects/reboot/

For more information on how to participate, please contact the Ukrainian Red Cross hotline at 0 800 332 656 and press 4 (available from 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday).

The Reboot programme is supported by international partners, including the Spanish Red Cross, the Danish Red Cross, and the Swiss Red Cross.

This year, the programme will also be launched in the Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, and Lviv regions, as well as in Kyiv.
The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, said Nigerias economy would have been in complete shambles if the Bola Tinubu administration had not removed the fuel subsidy.

Mr Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, maintained that removing the subsidy was necessary to stabilise the countrys finances and ensure sustainable governance.

He said these in a statement issued by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Monday.

Running an economy indeed calls for strategic response. The strategic steps being taken are not something that will yield a positive outcome within 24 hours. If subsidy has not been removed, our economy would have been in shambles or would have been flat on the floor.

This administration has not been in office for up to two years. So much have been achieved across all strategic sectors, and diverse reforms are ongoing to further deepen the gains of the administration. If fuel subsidy is retained, only God knows what would have happened to this federation, he said.

The removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira policy have specifically led Nigeria to witness the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. Prices of essential goods and services are now more than doubled across the country.

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Thousands of Nigerians have protested against the policies and demanded immediate reversal, but nothing has been done.

Despite the increasing cost of living, the government has remained resolute in its stance. President Tinubu has repeatedly acknowledged the economic difficulties Nigerians face but insisted that subsidy removal was in the countrys best long-term interest.

While the government claims to have removed the subsidy entirely, an investigative report by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that it is still paying an average of 501.47 per litre as subsidy in at least eight cities across Nigeria. This pattern is replicated across other states.

But the government continuously denies it.

The role of 9th assembly in subsidy removal

Mr Bamidele maintained that the removal of fuel subsidy was not a sudden decision by the Tinubu administration but a necessary step based on the policy direction already set by the 9th National Assembly.

He explained that the previous legislature had only made budgetary provisions for the subsidy until May 2023, meaning that even if Mr Tinubu had not announced its removal, the policy would have naturally ended.

I was part of the 9th National Assembly. At that time, we had agreed with the executive arm that the fuel subsidy should be removed because it was no longer in the overriding interest of the country. The Tinubu administration acted based on the policy direction the National Assembly approved before his inauguration on May 29, 2023.

In the 2023 budget, the National Assembly only made provision for fuel subsidy till May 2023. Whether the subsidy was removed at his inauguration or not, there was no longer funding for the subsidy because we did not make provision for it beyond May 2023.

He (Tinubu) did not say he was going to remove the fuel subsidy. He simply said that the fuel subsidy was gone simply because the National Assembly only made provision for it till May 2023. Even if he did not say it, the fuel subsidy would have gone in two days after his inauguration, the senate leader said.

Beneficiaries of fuel subsidies ganged up against Tinubu administration

Mr Bamidele also alleged that economic saboteurs who previously benefited from the subsidy system have been actively working to make governance difficult for the Tinubu administration.

He noted that it was not ordinary Nigerians who were the primary beneficiaries of the subsidy but a powerful cabal that manipulated the system to their advantage.

I am convinced that the president did the right thing by removing the fuel subsidy, for which the 9th National Assembly made provision till May 2023. But the people that made governance difficult for President Tinubu were those benefiting from fuel subsidies.

It was not common men and women of this country who were benefiting from the fuel subsidy. It was not. It was members of the cabal who had access to the fuel subsidy. They are the ones taking away this privilege, all in the name and on behalf of the masses. And the masses did not benefit from it, he stated.

Mr Bamidele argued that while the removal of subsidies led to short-term economic difficulties, the long-term benefits are becoming evident.

How subsidy savings are utilised

The senate leader explained that proceeds from the subsidy removal are now being allocated directly to state governments to improve and stimulate economic growth.

He urged Nigerians to consider these benefits instead of focusing solely on the immediate hardships.

The proceeds realised from the fuel subsidy are now being allocated directly to the sub-national governments to drive development and boost the domestic economy. These are the points we need to emphasise in our public engagement, he added.

Stabilising Nigerias economy with 2025 Budget

Mr Bamidele assured the 2025 Budget would significantly address the nations economic challenges.

He said the budget prioritised capital expenditure rather than recurrent costs, which signals a shift towards long-term development.

What is the focus of the 2025 budget being passed? Does it address the welfare of the people? Does it prioritise the critical sector of the economy, including education? What is the scale of attention being paid to health and social welfare? What is the percentage of the budget going to agriculture?

Compared to the previous fiscal years, the federal government is devoting less to recurrent expenditure while more is being devoted to capital expenditure. That is a major shift from what had been in practice since the return to democracy. It means we are spending less on consumables.

Despite the economic challenges, Mr Bamidele commended the Tinubu administration for its commitment to stabilising the economy, providing jobs, and improving security.

He noted that security conditions are gradually improving and that displaced persons have started returning home and farmers are resuming their agricultural activities.

While it is not yet Uhuru, the security situation is fast improving across the federation today. Some of the IDPs are gradually relocating to their base. Farmers are too steadily returning to their farms. Altogether, things are improving. I am sure that things will be different very soon, the senate leader said.

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The Nigerian Army has commenced the enforcement of compliance to a curfew imposed by the Aniocha South Local Council in the Ogwashi-Uku community in Delta State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the curfew was imposed following the wave of violent kidnappings in Ogwashi-Uku community, headquarters of Aniocha South Local Government Area.

The latest development followed a general outcry by the villagers, after soldiers had stormed the community at about 9 p.m. on the night of Sunday, 16 March 2025, forcefully closing shops and assaulting villagers seen on the streets.

Army speaks

However, the Spokesperson of the 63 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Asaba, Emmanuel Onoja told the NAN on Monday night that the presence of the soldiers followed the resurgence of violent kidnappings in Ogwashi-Uku and its environs over the past three months.

What happened last Sunday night was a case of emergency. We received a distress call that there was a kidnapping incident going on in that area, so a team of soldiers responded to the emergency.

However, when they got there, because it was almost dark, so in our bid to capture the kidnappers, the suspects ran and infiltrated the streets, thereby mixing with the villagers on the streets.

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And you know as a professional army, we cannot open fire in the street where there are many villagers, so the suspects were able to escape.

So, the soldiers decided to clear the streets and send everyone inside because it was already late. We learnt there is a curfew. Just that the residents were not observing it.

The curfew is between 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., imposed by the local government council to check the rampant cases of kidnappings in the community, but the people have not been observing the curfew order.

So, following the incident, the soldiers decided to enforce the curfew so that the situation could be put under control. That is what happened, said Mr Onoja, a major.

Cry for justice

However, many residents of the community who witnessed the incident have cried out for justice over what they described as a horrible ordeal in the hands of the soldiers.

NAN gathered that most residents who were out on the streets that Sunday night sustained minor injuries as they ran for safety following the soldiers invasion.

Some shop owners complained of harassment and intimidation from the soldiers who stormed drinking bars, assaulting customers and shutting down businesses.

A community youth leader, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN on the phone that many of the villagers were not aware of any curfew in place in the community.

We were surprised by the soldiers behaviour; many residents who witnessed the attack got injured, some fell inside gutters while running, and many others received the beatings of their lives.

A friend of mine who runs a barbing saloon was flogged and he fell down begging the soldiers to allow him close his shop.

In as much as we appreciate the job the soldiers came to do, we also expect them to respect our freedom to exercise our rights, not intimidation and harassment, he said.

(NAN)

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The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abubakar Sulaiman, has called on stakeholders in the blue and maritime sector to develop solutions that will ensure maritime safety.

Mr Sulaiman made the call in Abuja on Monday at the opening of a policy dialogue on Harnessing the Potentials of the Blue and Marine Economy, organised by NILDS.

He highlighted how countries such as Singapore, Norway, and the United States had strategically utilised marine resources to drive GDP growth while ensuring environmental sustainability.

He noted that numerous studies had consistently recognised Nigerias potential in the blue economy.

Mr Sulaiman, a professor who cited data from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), reeled out the opportunities in shipping, maritime trade, and other offshore activities that could significantly boost Nigerias economic development.

While Nigeria has made progress in tapping into its maritime and blue economy potential, insights from the 2024 Maritime Day highlight that the sector remains exposed to global challenges.

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These challenges include maritime safety and security, environmental threats, and the need for sustainable shipping practices, he said.

He urged participants to engage constructively and propose innovative solutions, assuring that NILDS would ensure that the outcomes of the policy dialogue informed legislative actions shared with policymakers.

Other discussants speak on the prospects of the blue economy

The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, explained that the blue economy was not just a concept but a key driver of sustainable growth.

Represented by Mohammed Dangana, head of special duties at NIWA, Mr Oyebamiji noted that economic activities such as fishing, tourism, renewable energy, and maritime transport depended on a thriving maritime environment.

Effective policy frameworks are essential in unlocking the full potential of the blue economy.

By implementing sound regulations and promoting sustainable practices, we can create an environment where businesses thrive while ensuring the marine ecosystem remains healthy for future generations, he stated.

Meanwhile, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh, stressed that the blue economy was Nigerias easiest route to breaking free from a mono-economy, which is largely dependent on revenue from crude oil sales

Mr Jamoh identified energy supply as one of the major challenges hindering Africas economic progress, urging synergy between the power, petroleum, and marine ministries to fully harness the benefits of the blue economy.

One of the most critical issues in the blue economy is renewable energy. Nigeria and other African nations cannot develop industries without an adequate energy supply.

The ministries of petroleum and marine economy must work together to optimise marine resources, Mr Jamoh said.

He further emphasised the need for legislative backing to ensure that recommendations from such policy dialogues were implemented rather than remaining theoretical discussions.

With blue economy, an inclusive, resilient future is possible  University don

In a paper presentation, Christopher Ekong of the Department of Economics, University of Uyo, underscored the importance of harnessing Nigerias blue economy for economic diversification and sustainable development.

With strategic policies, investment in innovation, and strengthened governance, Nigeria can unlock the vast potential of its blue economy resources.

Embracing the blue economy will not only reduce the nations reliance on oil but also create a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable future, Mr Ekong said.

The dialogue concluded with a strong call for policy-driven actions, enhanced collaboration, and investment in marine innovation to transform Nigerias blue economy into a key driver of national economic growth.

(NAN)

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the declaration of emergency in Rivers State as political manipulation and in bad faith.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state for six months to contain the protracted political crisis in the state.

In a statement on his X handle, Atiku said President Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the crisis.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election added that the presidents refusal or calculated negligence in preventing the escalation of the crisis is nothing short of disgraceful.

Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the presidents desk.

Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.

It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubus watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability  undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru YarAdua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations, Atiku said.

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Read Atikus full statement

The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State reeks of political manipulation and outright bad faith.

Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers. His blatant refusal or calculated negligence in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.

Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the presidents desk.

Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.

It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubus watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability  undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru YarAdua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations.

If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and @officialABATs enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms.  AA

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The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 219 senior police officers of different ranks.

The Head, Press and Public Relations, PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The commission, on Monday, at the plenary meeting, approved the promotion of 66 senior officers.

The senior officers were 20 Commissioners of Police (CP) to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIG), 19 Deputy Commissioners (DCPs) to CP, 13 Superintendents of Police to Chief Superintendents, and 14 Deputy Superintendents of Police to Superintendents.

In continuation of the meeting, Mr Ani said the commission had approved the promotion of 26 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) to DCP and 23 Chief Superintendents of Police to ACP.

The PSC spokesperson said 170 Assistant Superintendents of Police were also promoted to deputy superintendents.

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He said the newly promoted ACP to DCP were Tarzan Tsav, Samantha Barko, Shehu Abdullahi, Ajeigbe Olayinka, Abubakar Haruna, Elisha Bawa, Ibrahim Ahmed, Williams Tawon, Elija Dangana, Bello Hamisu; Usanga Bassey and Alice Abbah.

Also promoted to DCP were Abdulaziz Aliyu, Yahaya Usman, Mohammed Abdullahi, Shehu Garba, Tukur Garba, Dankwano Wilson, Mohammed Makama, Hassan Yahaya, Charles Okafor, Raphael Aiwansosa, Frances Oshuporu, Kangiwa Ibrahim; Donald Ibanga and Andatu Magaji.

He said the commissions Chairman, Hashimu Argungu, had told the officers during the promotion examination and interactive interview that promotion examinations had come to stay in police promotion.

Mr Ani said the Nigeria Police Force must accept the reality that every public servant must be subjected to promotion examinations.

He said the commission would not promote any officer who had not gone through one form of examination or the other in line with the existing Public Service Rules.

(NAN)

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Rivers State Government has warned of avoidable calamities that would affect the people and residents of the state if the pro-Wike lawmakers continue to rebuff Governor Siminalayi Fubaras effort to end the states political crises.

Mr Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, have been locked in a protracted battle to control the political structures in the oil-rich Rivers.

The political crises split the states legislature into two factions, with 27 lawmakers loyal to Mr Wike and three to Mr Fubara. The governor had recognised the three-member faction because the others lost their seats in the assembly since they had defected from the PDP to the APC.

However, a recent Supreme Court judgement tipped the balance of power in favour of Mr Wike and his allies.

The court reinstated the pro-Wike faction as the legitimate Rivers assembly, stopped federal allocations to the state, and nullified the local elections earlier conducted by Mr Fubaras administration.

The Rivers House of Assembly has just served a notice of alleged misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

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In a notice dated 14 March 2025 and addressed to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, the 26 lawmakers, among other things, accused Governor Fubara of spending Rivers funds without approval from the state assembly and appointing people to run the government without required screening and confirmation.

The lawmakers also accused Governor Fubara of hindering or obstructing the assembly from its constitutional functions and seizing salaries, allowances, and funds belonging to lawmakers, clerk, and the assembly.

They accused the Deputy Governor, Mrs Odu, of conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation.

Rivers government reacts

Warisenibo Johnson, the states commissioner for information, called the lawmakers on Monday to retrace their steps and embrace the governors peace effort.

Should this opportunity to pull the state from the precipice fail, the people and residents of the state, without exception, are bound to suffer avoidable calamities of economic, social and political upheavals that might sink us deeper into unimaginable crises, Mr Johnson said while briefing reporters in Port Harcourt.

Mr Johnson forwarded a text of the briefing to PREMIUM TIMES.

The commissioner narrated the sequence of the crises and Mr Fubaras effort to end them, including how the lawmakers denied him access to their quarters to present the 2025 budget as ordered by the Supreme Court.

He said the governor complied with the shocking judgement of the Supreme Court by compelling the chairpersons of the local councils in the state to vacate their office and hand over to civil servants.

As if they are bent on fighting at all fronts, these lawmakers, who should be settling to the business of law-making for the good governance of Rivers State, accused the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, of age falsification, even inviting the operatives of the DSS to investigate him instead of reporting him to the Nigerian Judicial Council the only authorised body responsible for investigation and discipline of judicial officers across the federation, Mr Johnson said.

It is glaringly clear that with the current actions of the House, the dire consequences and harsh realities that the civil servants, retirees and people of the state will face UNIMAGINABLE economic hardships, as the government will be unable to pay salaries, pensions and other emoluments as well as perform other obligations at the end of the month, as both the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation have been ordered to seize revenue allocations to the state until its judgment is fully implemented.

The collateral damages of the actions of the legislative arm of government in Rivers will be so severe as non-release of warehoused revenues due the state from the Federation Account will ultimately ground the operation of all sectors of the government.

The text of Mr Johnsons media briefing did not mention the lawmakers impeachment moves against Mr Fubara, the second since the governor was elected in 2023.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on leaders of the National Assembly to uphold the sacred responsibility of leadership and to prioritise unity and national development over political divisions and partisan interests.

He spoke on Monday night when President Bola Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) at the New Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the president, VP Shettima urged lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress.

He said, In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we were able to build together. We are gathered here this evening not as adversaries in a contest for power, but as partners in the noble task of nation-building.

Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten season, the vice president called for deep introspection and a reaffirmation of commitment to Nigerias unity.

This sacred month of reflection and renewal reminds us to choose stability over strife, collaboration over conflict, and dialogue over discord. What binds us as a nation is far greater than what divides us, he said.

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The VP commended President Tinubus leadership, describing him as a man of vision and inclusivity.

According to Mr Shettima, In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have not just a leader you can trust, but a leader who trusts you. He sees you as stewards of our democracy, as voices of the people, and as partners in our shared aspiration to build a better Nigeria.

He further assured Nigerians that the governments economic policies are yielding results and explained that The economy has turned the corner. We are now on the path to sustained economic growth, and with perseverance, we will create a Nigeria where every citizen can thrive.

The vice president also lauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature.

There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. The unity within the House is a testament to our collective resolve to move Nigeria forward, he said.

VP Shettima urged the leaders to govern with empathy, fairness, and justice, reminding them that their positions are a sacred trust of the Nigerian people.

Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about service. It is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind, he said.

Earlier, Mr Tajudeen thanked Mr Tinubu for the invitation to break fast with him and for always showing respect and concern for the House of Representatives.

As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection: where were you before, where are you now and where do you want to be? I believe Nigeria, more than ever before, needs this type of reflection, he said.

Imploring both Christians and Muslims to dedicate this time to praying for the country, the speaker said Nigerians know what the Tinubu administration has achieved within just two years and this period offers a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country  prayers for the economy; prayers for improved security, prayers for the leaders and prayers for the citizens.

He assured that every member of the House is in support of the president, noting that the policies of the government are for the betterment of the people and Nigeria as a country.

On behalf of the House of Reps, the speaker donated the sum of 705,000,000 (Seven Hundred and Five Million Naira), which he said is a six-month fifty per cent deduction from their salaries to augment the humanitarian engagements of Mr President and to support vulnerable people in the country.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications

(Office of The Vice President)

17th March, 2025

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved the resumption of domestic operations by Max Air following a 90-day suspension due to safety concerns.

The NCAA disclosed this in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on Monday.

Following the successful completion of an economic and safety audit, the Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved for Max Air to resume its domestic flight operations, the statement said.

In January, Max Air suspended its domestic operations for 90 days amidst safety concerns after a series of incidents on its flights.

During the suspension period, the NCAA said it conducted a thorough safety and economic audit of the airline.

The safety audit involved a comprehensive re-inspection of Max Airs organisation, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, the statement noted.

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It said the audit took place from 26 to 28 February and that the outcome confirmed Max Airs capacity to sustain safe flight operations.

The airline will resume domestic flights, effective from midnight on March 17, 2025, the NCAA said.

According to the statement, the NCAA said it will continue to monitor Max Air closely through an enhanced surveillance program to ensure strict compliance with its regulations.

The Authority remains committed to ensuring that all airlines adhere to the highest safety standards for the continued well-being of the aviation industry, the NCAA said.

In a separate statement, the management of Max Air said the strategic pause would allow it to reinforce its commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

During this period, we worked closely with aviation authorities to ensure that all statutory requirements were met while enhancing our service delivery standards, Max Air said.

The airline said all previously booked passengers whose flights were affected will be given priority rebooking options.

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President Bola Tinubus Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has defended his controversial remarks about a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who criticised the presidents handling of the economy.

Mr Ajayi said his reference to capital punishment was misconstrued, clarifying that he had called for the highest disciplinary action permissible under NYSC regulationsnot the execution of the corps member, as some reports suggested.

I suggested that flagrant and open abuse and disregard of NYSC by-laws and established protocol should attract the full NYSC disciplinary measures, particularly regarding a corps members recent display of imprudence, he wrote in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES.

It is trite to say the maximum punishment under the NYSC protocol is expulsion; nothing beyond the established norms and laws is suggested or remotely implied.

Background

The controversy began when an NYSC member serving in Lagos, Ushie Uguamaye, posted a video on social media condemning government policies that have contributed to the rising cost of living in Nigeria.

In the video, Ms Uguamaye called President Tinubu a terrible leader, questioning his commitment to addressing economic hardship and citizens welfare.

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Reacting to the corps members video in a Facebook post, Mr Ajayi claimed she was not qualified to criticise the president or any public official because she is a corps member.

He also called for her punishment by the NYSC authorities.

Citizens can abuse a living day out of their President or any public official. It is normal. But a corp member violated her oath and code of conduct here. That is capital punishment under NYSC.

You cant abuse the country you are serving as a corp member under any guise and the symbol of sovereign authority which is the President. She should be punished to the full extent not just warning. She chose to be silly, then she should face the consequences, he wrote.

Some media reports interpreted his statement as a call for Ms Uguamayes execution, suggesting he advocated a penalty such as hanging or a firing squad. However, Mr Ajayi has denied this, accusing critics of twisting his words.

The corps member posted another video on Sunday, explaining that some NYSC officials had called to berate and threaten her to delete the video and report to her Local Government Inspector(LGI) on Monday.

During the visit, she was accompanied by the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and Human Rights Lawyer Festus Ogun. The LGI was, however, unavailable.

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More than 90% of what Denmark does for Ukraine is related to weapons and equipment - ambassador

More than 90% of what Denmark does in the area of support for Ukraine is related to weapons and defense equipment, which is a prerequisite for the survival of Ukraine as a nation, said Danish Ambassador to Ukraine Ole Egberg Mikkelsen.

"Denmark has been very active in terms of supporting Ukraine with defence equipment and weapons. I usually say that we do three things in Ukraine: weapons, weapons and weapons," he said while speaking to media on the sidelines of the U-LEAD with Europe event on Tuesday.

At the same time, the ambassador emphasized that Denmark is also implementing important civil programs.

"But more than 90% of what Denmark does in Ukraine is related to weapons and defense equipment. And this, of course, is a prerequisite for the survival of Ukraine as a nation. If you are not armed, you cannot survive. This is very important for Denmark," the diplomat emphasized.

And in addition, he recalled the implementation of the "Danish model" of support for the Ukrainian defense industry, which effectively finances the acquisition of weapons and defense equipment directly from Ukrainian manufacturers.

"And this has proven to be very, very innovative and very effective. This is something that we want to continue because we want Ukraine to stand firmly on its own two feet, including when it comes to weapons and defense equipment. And you have enormous potential," the diplomat said.

U-LEAD with Europe is a program funded by the European Union, Germany, Denmark, France, Poland and Slovenia. The main objective of the program is to support local government reform in Ukraine to bring it closer to EU standards.
Operatives of the Benin zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested an official of the Edo State Government, Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone, over alleged naira abuse.

Dele Oyewale, Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, announced the arrest in a statement on Monday in Benin.

Mr Okungbowa was the coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) before his suspension recently.

He also served as the Chairman of the Edo State Asset Recovery Committee.

Mr Oyewale said Mr Okungbowa was arrested on Monday following a viral video where he was seen spraying and mutilating naira at a bar.

According to the EFCC spokesperson, Mr Okungbowa will be charged in court as soon as investigations are completed.

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Stepped up actions against naira abuse

Similarly, on Monday, EFCC announced the arrest of popular Kano TIKTOK influencer Murja Kunya for the alleged mutilation and abuse of the naira, signalling the commissions sustained efforts, which it has stepped up against the menace in the about the last one year.

A case that has come to symbolise the efforts is that of crossdresser Bobrisky, who was arrested, following a viral video clip showing him spraying and flaunting wads of new naira notes on 24 March 2024 at the premiere of a movie, Ajakaju.

EFCC subsequently arraigned the Instagram celebrity before the Federal High Court in Lagos on 5 April, when he pleaded guilty to four charges preferred against him.

The court, after Bobrisky pled to the charges, the judge convicted him and subsequently sentenced him to six months imprisonment.

The judge said Bobriskys sentence would serve as a lesson for others from abusing the naira.

A few weeks after Bobriskys ordeal, another socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, was arraigned in court by the EFCC. The agency later dropped the charges in exchange for his forfeiture of N10 million.

Earlier in February the same year, the Federal High Court in Lagos similarly convicted an actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, of spraying and stepping on new naira notes at a wedding in Lagos.

Ms Omoseyin was apprehended on 1 February, following the viral circulation of a video clip showing her spraying new Naira notes at a wedding in Lekki, Lagos State, on 28 January.

On 2 February, the trial judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, sentenced Ms Omoseyin to six months imprisonment, but with the option of a N300,000 fine.

In one of the latest episodes of the enforcement actions against behaviour, EFCC, in January this year, invited Subomi Okoya and Wahab Okoya, the sons of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, for interrogation over alleged abuse of the naira.

The brothers were seen with a police officer holding wads of N1,000 notes in a promotional video for a new song. The video elicited outrage on social media.

On 10 January, Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), announced that the officer seen in the video had been arrested and detained.

But since then, not much has been heard about the case.

Despite EFCCs intensified crackdown against the abuse of naira, the practice is still rampant at social events.

Allegations of selective arrest and prosecution are rife, with EFCC often accused of turning a blind eye to many cases of abuse of naira at social events despite members of the public repeatedly drawing its attention to them.

(NAN)

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An explosion rocked the Rivers State community on Monday night, blowing up an oil pipeline exporting Nigeria crude oil to the international market.

The blast struck a section of the pipeline near Bodo-Bonny Road in the states Gokana Local Government Area, which is currently under construction.

In a video posted by Channels Television on Facebook, black smoke can be seen billowing up the sky.

Channels report that the Trans-Niger pipeline is a major pipeline transporting crude oil from oil fields in Rivers and Bayelsa states to the Bonny crude oil export terminal, a key route for exporting Nigerian crude oil to the international market.

The cause of the explosion cannot be ascertained at the time of this report.

It is not clear if it is connected to the political crises in the state triggered by the feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister.

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The incident occurred about a week after the Ijaw National Congress threatened to shut down crude oil exploration in Nigerias Delta region if Mr Fubara is impeached.

It also occurred a few hours after the pro-Wike lawmakers served Mr Fubara and his deputy a letter containing gross misconduct they claimed the governor had committed.

ALSO READ: Ogoni women reject planned resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland

Rivers has been enmeshed in political turmoil that has so far led to the death of two persons, including a police officer.

The Supreme Court last month restored 27 pro-Wike lawmakers as legitimate state assembly members, days after the lawmakers issued several ultimatums to the governor, including 48 hours to present the 2025 budget.

Efforts by the governor to present the budget after the expiration of the deadline have been rebuffed by the lawmakers.

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Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has sacked two of his special assistants for alleged gross misconduct.

The affected officials are Nnannna Nwangele, the special assistant to the Governor on Airport Security, and Felix Okemini, the senior special assistant to the Governor on Security (Ebonyi North).

The Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, Grace Umezurike announced the sack of the officials in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement ordered the officials to hand over government properties in their possession to the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, not later than 4p.m. today, 18 March 2025.

The officers should henceforth not be seen anywhere around Government House or participate in any Government activity, the statement added.

ALSO READ: Ebonyi governor suspends three commissioners

The sack comes less than 24 hours after the governor suspended three commissioners for absenteeism.

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The affected commissioners are Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment) and Ikeuwa Omebe(Rural Development).

The Commissioners were suspended for a month for being absent without permission during the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday.

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The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kaduna State has described the allegation by ex-governor Nasir El Rufai of siphoning of council funds as false, patently absurd, and ill-intentioned.

Mr El-Rufai had accused Governor Uba Sani of stealing local government funds to purchase property for himself in Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Kingdom in a widely circulated post on social media.

However, ALGON said the allegations are meant to mislead the public, create disaffection and ridicule the all-inclusive, pro-poor and people-oriented administration in Kaduna State.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, the spokesperson of ALGON, Muhammad Shehu, said Governor Sanis administration stands for the rule of law and due process.

Transparency and accountability are its watchwords. It supports and respects the financial autonomy of local governments. It has never tampered with local governments funds, he said.

The Uba Sani administration has been taking measures and executing programmes and projects to complement the efforts of local governments.

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Some of us served as local government chairmen when Malam Nasir el-Rufai was in office as governor. We can testify to the fact that what we have been receiving as monthly allocation since Senator Uba Sani became governor is more than double the amount we received during Malam El-Rufais administration.

Apart from enhanced monthly allocations, we have been operating in an atmosphere devoid of harassment and intimidation, unlike Malam El-Rufais era that was marked by high-handedness and coercion, he added.

During his turbulent and divisive administration, Malam Nasir El-Rufai introduced and recklessly implemented Riot Damage Deductions targeted at local governments in Southern Kaduna.

It was a policy of collective punishment for Southern Kaduna people for not supporting his administration. This ill-advised action created disharmony and deepened inter-ethnic tensions in the state. Thankfully, this divisive policy has been reversed by the Sanis administration,

Governor Sanis administrations Rural Transformation Programme has been pivotal in revitalising rural economies and giving rural dwellers a new lease of life.

Hitherto inaccessible areas have been opened up, rural agriculture has been revived, jobs are been created, and security and peace have been restored.

The ALGON spokesman further said the association expected a person of Malam Nasir El-Rufais calibre to cross-check his facts before going public, adding that the chairmen of the 23 local governments in the state had settled down to the business of governance.

We are in a hurry to address the developmental challenges facing our people. We enjoy the confidence and support of Governor Uba Sanis administration. We have never had cause to complain about the governments actions, he added.

Mr Shehu advised members of the public to disregard the statement credited Mr El-Rufai because they are wild allegations not supported by facts.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the revocation of the Right of Occupancy (RofO) to its national secretariat property by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as an attempt to stifle opposition parties in the country.

The partys National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated this in a telephone interview with journalists on Tuesday, while reacting to the revocation of the development.

Mr Ologunagba described the action as threat to democracy.

He noted that the revocation was to both buildings, Wadata Plaza in Wuze Zone 5 where the party is presently using as its national secretariat, and the uncomplicated 11 storey building permanent site at the Central Business District of Abuja.

Attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government to revoke the Right of Occupancy of the National Secretariat of the PDP is highly condemnable.

It is aimed at stifling opposition in this country and of course a drive towards totalitarianism, and it is a threat to democracy.

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The NWC is meeting now and I will get back to you shortly with the detailed response of our party to this development.

To let you know how despicable this action is; it is both property. Both the new one under construction and the one the PDP has been occupying for almost two decades- the Wadata Plaza. It is an attempt to stifle opposition.

The FCTA, under the Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land allocation for the PDP national secretariat in Abuja due to the partys failure to pay tenancy rent for 20 years.

The notice of revocation was served on the party national chairman in a letter by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Department of Land Administration dated 13 March, 2025 and signed by the Director Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze.

Mr Nwankwoeze, in the letter, stated the FCT Minister revoked PDPs rights, interests and privileges over Plot No. 243 within Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja.

He said that the minister revoked the Certificate of Occupancy in the exercise of powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, Cap. L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The revocation is in view of your continued contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Right of Occupancy by failing to pay the annual ground rents due on the property for twenty (20) years, from 1st of January 2006 to 1st of January 2025.

This is despite the many publications made by the FCT Administration since 2023 in several national dailies and on electronic media requesting all allottees of plots in the FCT to pay up every outstanding bills and ground rents on their property.

You would please note that the said breaches by PDP, national secretariat (MISC 81346) run contrary to the provisions of Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

I am to further inform you that the subject property (Plot No. 243 Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja) has thus reverted to the FCTA and the Administration will take immediate possession thereof, the letter stated.

The 11 floors storey building located in the Central Business District, initially estimated at N16 billion, had remained uncompleted since construction began in 2008 in spite of the fund raising organised by the party.

The former PDP National Chairmen, including Uche Secondus and Iyorchia Ayu had pledged to complete the project but failed to deliver.

Mr Ayu, while on a tour of party facilities in the FCT in January, 2022, promised to complete the facility, however, did not fulfil the promise before he was suspended from the party in 2023.

Mr Nyesom is a member of the PDP but serving as a minister in the APC administration of President Bola Tinubu.

(NAN)

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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has denied allegations of anti-labour practices by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

NASU had accused WAEC of reneging on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into with NASU on 10 March at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

In a press conference addressed by NASU National Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, on Monday in Lagos, union also accused WAEC of labour injustice, and victimisation of union leaders.

Mr Adeyemi claimed that WAEC had issued an internal memo halting the deduction of NASU check-off dues, a move the union views as a retaliatory act against its members for engaging in a lawful strike.

The union, therefore, threatened a nationwide strike should the examination body fail to honour the agreements and address the grievances.

WAEC reacts

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Moyosola Adesina, the examination council said it has not receded on the agreements reached on 10 March to reinstate the deduction of staff check-off dues by March.

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The council also denied plans to suspend the trade unions activities.

For the avoidance of doubt, regarding the issue raised about the unilateral suspension of union activities in the council, it was agreed by both parties that the management of the council had never done anything to put up any action to suspend trade union activities in the council.

Consequently, the issue of the non-recognition of NASU members in branch offices of the Council earlier mentioned did not hold water as the Management of WAEC declared that it recognises NASU, as a registered trade union in line with the provisions of the Trade Unions Act, the statement reads.

Regarding the threat of transfer of some of NASU executive members to other parts of the country, the examination body said the transfer of its staff to other parts of the country is aimed at career progression and for staff to gain more experience, inner-working and knowledge on the job.

Moreover, the conditions of service booklet issued to staff upon resumption of duty in WAEC clearly states that in line with the discharge of duty, staff may be transferred from one station to another during their professional career(s) in the council, it said.

Finally, the council has never disparaged NASU and will never engage with staff outside of the organisations code of conduct, thus never harbouring any intention of victimising staff.

Backstory

The dispute between both parties began last December when NASU members embarked on an indefinite strike after accusing the WAEC management of reluctance to increase workers salaries by 30 per cent, and refusal to reinstate four junior workers who were allegedly wrongfully dismissed at the Ikeja Zonal Office of the examination body.

The union suspended the strike a few days later after an agreement was reached on a 27.5 per cent salary increase across cadres.

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President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing diverse reasons such as the political impasse in the state, the implications of a recent Supreme Court judgement and the wilful destruction of oil pipelines by militants allegedly sympathetic to the embattled governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara.

The president also announced a six months suspension of the governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected legislators.

The suspended officials were replaced by Ibokette Ibas, a retired vice admiral, who will serve as Rivers administrator for six months.

Mr Ibas will essentially govern the oil-rich state for the next six months but his policies have to be approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) led by Mr Tinubu.

Tuesdays declaration followed a protracted feud between Mr Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike who is now the Minister of Federal Capital Territory.

Tinubus justifications

The president, during the nationwide broadcast, said the situation in Rivers would hinder democracy and also strip the people of the state of the benefits of democratic government.

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The feud between Messrs Wike and Fubara split legislators in the state with a majority pledging loyalty to Mr Wike, while others stood with Mr Fubara.

It got intense when some 27 lawmakers loyal to Mr Wike announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Nigerias ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while the four loyal to Mr Fubara got a court order which paved the way for them to control the state assembly.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Fubara in December 2023 demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly complex as the face-off between him and the pro-Wike lawmakers deepened. Although he gave a different reason for demolishing the building.

Mr Fubara, subsequently, presented the states 2024 budget proposal to the four-member assembly which had their sitting in the Rivers Government House.

Mr Tinubu referenced the demolition as one of the reasons that prompted him to declare the state of emergency. He lamented that 14 months after Mr Fubara demolished the complex, he had not rebuilt it.

I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis, Mr Tinubu said, adding he was aware that many other Nigerians including patriotic leaders and groups tried their best to resolve the face-off.

The matter was also taken to the Supreme Court which ruled, on 28 February, against Mr Fubara and ordered him to acknowledge the 27 member loyal to Mr Wike as valid House of Assembly members and treat them as such. The court also ruled that proper democratic and constitutional governance be restored in Rivers. It also ordered the immediate submission of the states budgets to the House of Assembly controlled by the 27 lawamkers.

In his speech, President Tinubu cited the Supreme Court judgement and accused the Fubara-led government of failing to obey the court.

Militant activities

Mr Tinubu also blamed a recent attack on oil pipelines on Mr Fubara, saying some militants issued a threat against their perceived enemy of the governor [Fubara] who has up till now NOT disowned them.

The president cited the security breach in Rivers on Monday including the vandalisation of pipelines without the governor taking any action to curtail them.

With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security, he said.

Mr Tinubu said he was compelled to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025.

By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months, he declared.

In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

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Dr Abati was a regular university lecturer in Ogun State until he joined the elite Editorial Board of the then inimitable The Guardian newspaper. That board then paraded the leading thinkers in the land, to wit: Olatunji Dare, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Okey Ikechukwu, Yemi Ogunbiyi, and others. He quickly passed as the youngest, with a groundbreaking doctoral degree from Ibadan. However, that was only in his biological age, not ideation, and perspicacity. He showed this in his double-barrel columns, one on Fridays and the other on Sundays, where he regularly captured social and political essences in stimulating inks atop power prose.

The paths of two legends crossed lately at Baze University. The first is an educationist, entrepreneur, and scholar known as Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, and the second was a scholar, journalist, writer, and TV presenter named, Dr Reuben Abati. The two are in their fifties, although the former is midway, while the latter races to sixty in a few months. Both are notable achievers, brilliant in their endeavours and often an eleven on a scale of one to ten on their beats. Not unexpectedly, they crossed paths on a typical academic turf at the upbeat Baze University, Abujas first and fourteenth-anniversary lecture.

Datti Baba-Ahmed imagined Baze University when he was about age thirty-five. He had been up and about before then as a management and research consultant and a scholar after a PhD at the University of Westminster, with a foray into the legislature. Tales had it that he was hardly taken seriously by those in the audience on his plans. The reason was that private universities were then often the brainchild of more senior citizens or faith-based organisations, deeply rooted in fortune and finance and firm in institutional features. Datti Baba-Ahmed was, therefore, going to dare where the elders treaded.

He stuck to his guns and guts, pulling through reductionist advisory barriers, conscious and unconscious nitpicking reproofs and birthed Baze University at about the age of thirty-nine. With a license at hand, a sprawling space, an echo away from the Abuja City centre, his experiment still looked jocular. However, fourteen years later, the University now sits at a commanding height of fame, bursting with enthusiastic learners and a burgeoning club of knowledge producers and sharers. Eleven convocation ceremonies after, nine faculties, and about a hundred programmes on song at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, it was just right to create a stage to stimulate thought on national issues and mark a remarkable feat.

Senator Baba-Ahmed testified: It is an honour to celebrate fourteen years of excellence, innovation, and academic distinction at Baze University, a journey rooted in the belief that education is a powerful tool for national transformation. From humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of educational excellence, the university has consistently shaped minds, nurtured talents, and produced graduates ready to impact society positively. The presence of Dr Reuben Abati, a distinguished journalist and intellectual, highlights the critical role of education in fostering leadership and national progress.

Enter Reuben Abati. Dr Abati was a regular university lecturer in Ogun State until he joined the elite Editorial Board of the then inimitable The Guardian newspaper. That board then paraded the leading thinkers in the land, to wit: Olatunji Dare, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Okey Ikechukwu, Yemi Ogunbiyi, and others. He quickly passed as the youngest, with a groundbreaking doctoral degree from Ibadan. However, that was only in his biological age, not ideation, and perspicacity. He showed this in his double-barrel columns, one on Fridays and the other on Sundays, where he regularly captured social and political essences in stimulating inks atop power prose.

He was reputed as a shaper, a repository and surveyor of goings-on, with a magisterial voice on contexts. He would later become a presidential spokesman, and then a TV presenter. Every morning as a presenter, Abati has arguably upped the ante in real-time analysis, in the reflection of researched thoughts, the showcasing of balance, and the pattern of learnedness in the narration and examination of issues. His inclination to present a case, in advance of analysis, syncs with the textbook protocol of editorialising, just as the desire to give the audience their rightful window, the outlet to make up their minds, and form their opinion, from a presenters discussion. Channels TV Dr John Momoh, a true Chevening Scholar, has been an apostle of the transmission genre. It is expositional, rather than impositional, inclusive rather than exclusive, in addition to liberalising ratiocination.

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With his wife, the ravishingly beautiful, Mrs Kikelomo Atanda Owo-Abati also in the audience, Abati mounted the podium on the back of his impressive pedigree, speaking on the seminal topic of Leadership in a Disruptive Era: Ethics, Accountability, and the Future of Governance in Nigeria. His intervention came after the critical opening of the ceremony by the university vice-chancellor, renowned educationist, former permanent secretary in multiple federal ministries, and professor of Consumer Science, Ms Jamila Shuara.

Professor Shuara paid homage to those who powered the university dream prior, concluding with worthy regard to the ultimate visioner, Senator Baba-Ahmed. As she put it, In just 14 years, Baze University has emerged as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation under the visionary leadership of its founder, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed. From its humble beginnings, the university has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding into nine dynamic faculties that offer a wide array of cutting-edge programmes tailored to meet the evolving demands of the global landscape.

She added, This strategic expansion underscores a steadfast commitment to nurturing intellectual rigour, fostering creativity, and producing globally competitive graduates. Establishing a world-class, standard hospital further exemplifies this transformative vision, positioning Baze University as a hub for academic pursuit and a centre of medical excellence and community service. The universitys trajectory is a witness to Senator Baba-Ahmeds dedication to advancing higher education in Nigeria, creating an institution that continues to set new benchmarks in quality, innovation, and societal impact.

Dr Abati thereafter began by saluting Baba-Ahmed, whose contribution can be underscored with regards to how he has dedicated himself to the task of service by giving back to his own country and helping in the education industry to build the same country that nurtured him, by devoting time and resources to the empowerment of the younger generation through knowledge and skills. I salute also the diligence and commitment of all the men and women, who in various ways have joined this enterprise of building young persons into better men and women, providing an enabling environment for the flowering of the human spirit and the ideal of the university.

He then pontificated with philosophic confidence: The entire trajectory of human survival is on the production of knowledge, epistemology and adaptability, and as man learns anew, he strengthens his capacity to live. The significant burden that man faces is that the more he learns, the more he sees that he still needs to know. In the endless search for knowledge, he expands his horizons. Man, inexorably, realises that he is not the wonderful creature that he thinks he is, but a gnat, a small part of the Cosmos, a dot in Gods design, a work in motion, who needs to adapt and innovate, reinvent himself, to remain alive and relevant in the larger canvas of things. We keep learning to live, and the university, as a place of learning, stands at a critical pathway in this process.

Zeroing in on Nigeria, the writer stressed that Nigerias governance challenges demand urgent and comprehensive reforms from all sectors of society. Transformative leadership, institutional strengthening, and ethical decision-making are crucial for the nations stability and prosperity. Policymakers must prioritise evidence-based decisions, long-term goals, and public participation, while political leaders should embody integrity and place national interests first. Civil servants must uphold professionalism, and citizens must actively hold leaders accountable. Ethical leadership is critical to addressing the nations socio-economic issues, including poverty and unemployment, and requires transparency and responsibility.

His summary: Reforms should include judicial independence, enhanced anti-corruption efforts, and digital innovations like e-governance to improve service delivery. Citizen engagement should be encouraged primarily through media, civil society, and academia. Leadership recruitment must prioritise merit, proven ability, and service over corruption and entitlement. Only through a collective effort can Nigeria establish a governance system that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to its peoples needs. The future of Nigerias governance depends on committed reform now.

No doubt some excellent submission from Abati, who graduated as the best overall student of his set at the University of Calabar, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, and he furthered his education by obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Lagos State University (LASU) and a Master of Arts (MA) from the University of Ibadan. He also earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy (MILD) from the University of Lagos, after his Doctorate (PhD) from the University of Ibadan. Abati is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE) and the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM), with an Honorary Fellowship from the Nigeria Academy of Letters. He was Hubert H Humphrey Fellow in Journalism, a prestigious programme that further honed his expertise in the field. His appearance at Baze was one icing, with more to come. For him, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, and Baze University, it was a typical case of morning yet on the day of increase.

Abiodun Adeniyi is a professor of Communication and registrar, Baze University.

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where the rotation card is played, the power which is meant to serve the people will end up in the hands of those with the most money, those who promise nothing and deliver nothing. Just come to think of it, the rotation formula takes power from us all and hands it over to a few that exercises it the way it likes. One does not have to understand Robert Michels iron law of oligarchy to realise that the power which is zoned to a region will neither be meant for, nor checked and controlled by, every individual belonging thereto.

In my humble opinion, Nigerians who are agitating for power rotation are not only aiding and abetting the cynical divide-and-rule tactics of politicians, but are also taking a short-term view of Nigerias state construction challenges, when in fact they should be thinking long-term. Power rotation is, as I see it, a pernicious ideology. It is a political dogma founded on, at best, false premises; at worst, grand deception. All power rotation does is to perpetuate poor governance practices. Instead of encouraging the emergence of leaders with vision  the Lee Kwan Yew type of leaders who are capable of turning Nigeria around within a generation, power rotation merely emboldens and recycles wheeler dealers.

Let us start with a few questions  the ones that demand categorical answers, but which have so far been constantly evaded. What is the purpose of power? When we severally and collectively surrender fractions of our rights and freedoms to one sovereign, so s/he can take decisions on our behalf, to what end must s/he expend/exercise the power? Is the power we hand over to him (or her) meant to GOVERN and serve us all well? Or is the power to be viewed as a licence to RULE over us  that is, to enable the wielder to gratify his/her basest urges, like promoting the interests of his business associates and cronies, extending favours to his immediate and extended family members, placing his former classmates in key jobs, or exploiting the opportunity to kick something back to campaign donors?

If the power we hand over to one sovereign (as in president, governor, Local Government Chairman) is meant to be exercised for our collective good, shouldnt the sovereign be thinking of how best to serve us? Shouldnt the power meant for us be expended on the search for professionally competent individuals, meaning individuals most capable of proffering solutions to stubborn challenges and delivering services of direct benefit to us, the citizens? The services I have in mind include police protection; instant tracking and apprehension of kidnappers/ritual killers/body parts traffickers; fair and expeditious dispensation of justice; provision of health and medical care; replacement of learning for paper qualifications with quality education; infrastructure upgrade and maintenance; and preservation of our rights and dignity at home, as well as our safety and honour abroad. The list of our expectations on our elected sovereign is endless. So is the capacity that is needed to perform the critical functions, and to discharge the essential services.

To the best of my knowledge, neither our mandate-seeking formula, nor our leadership selection system appears (even remotely) to recognise the enormity of the challenges facing us as a nation. Neither takes the individual and collective needs of the citizens into account. The practice till date, has been to turn a blind eye to the challenges facing the citizens and, in the quest for power, whip up ethno-religious sentiments. By ignoring real-life headaches and appealing to emotions, the power seekers coax the already distracted (and unsuspecting) electorate into making choices they prefer (the power seekers, that is).

What is the connection between mal-administration and impaired access to essential services? What have the two (maladministration and impaired access to services) got to do with power rotation? That the system is not working (and not delivering the services needed by the public) is by now beyond doubt. Anyone who argues otherwise should ask those who are overwhelmed by the burden of Nigerian citizenship, or those who cant wait to leave the country. Even the uncomplaining majority will swear that the system is not working as it should.

Anyway, where the rotation card is played, the power which is meant to serve the people will end up in the hands of those with the most money, those who promise nothing and deliver nothing. Just come to think of it, the rotation formula takes power from us all and hands it over to a few that exercises it the way it likes. One does not have to understand Robert Michels iron law of oligarchy to realise that the power which is zoned to a region will neither be meant for, nor checked and controlled by, every individual belonging thereto. The power that is treated as the birthright, entitlement, or property of a ruling house is not expected to be accounted for in a way that is meaningful to the sustenance of life and well-being of the average citizen.

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As such, it is that one election cycle after the other, we troop to the polling centres, rubber stamp choices dictated to us by tribal elders or by keepers of our partisan political or religious conscience but return to our daily routines without any visible change in our condition. Life, as we know it, continues after we cast our votes and vest the new equivalent of a ruling house with the power to rule over us. In such circumstances, elections make no difference to our life and well-being. Whoever has the power continues to RULE and the rest continue to wrestle with their daily challenges. The jobseeker will keep roaming the streets, while those with strong political connections are slotted into cushy jobs. Universities will keep proliferating, but the graduates will stay barely literate and virtually unemployable. Health and medical services will continue to be out of the masses reach. Highway contracts will be awarded at regular intervals, but rural and urban roads will remain pockmarked, and, perhaps, stay impassable. Life will continue to be at risk, as kidnappers and ritual killers team up to make a mockery of the ill-equipped and under-motivated law enforcement agencies. Corruption will continue to thrive, even when we know that it (corruption) is bad for our economic health and for our security.

Meanwhile, the new royals (members of the ruling houses inner circle) will continue living in luxury, while the commoners (including putative members of the ruling house) will keep wrestling with escalating challenges and headaches!

Where am I going with all this? What is the connection between mal-administration and impaired access to essential services? What have the two (maladministration and impaired access to services) got to do with power rotation? That the system is not working (and not delivering the services needed by the public) is by now beyond doubt. Anyone who argues otherwise should ask those who are overwhelmed by the burden of Nigerian citizenship, or those who cant wait to leave the country. Even the uncomplaining majority will swear that the system is not working as it should.

The tendency to view Nigerias challenges from a narrow, ethno-regional, angle is not unique to one region. It is a national, cross-regional pastime. Sadly, our leaders have, for selfish or, at least, non-altruistic, reasons, encouraged this myopic view of power. They constantly drum it into our ears that it is in our interest to have power in our kinsmans hands. What they forget to tell us is that this power will, in all probability, be exercised for the benefit of a few who have the wherewithal to take possession of the ruling house and rule as they please.

The system is dysfunctional because we have not got our governance and public administration equation right. One salient feature of that dysfunctional system is the focus on APPEARANCES to the neglect of the fundamentals (like the scope and magnitude of problems awaiting solutions, plans and policies for the amelioration of suffering, performance targets, delivery standards, accomplishments, and results). Like other dysfunctional systems, the focus in ours is on APPEARANCES (e.g., the ethnic origin, the religious belief, the age, and, increasingly, the media exposure) of those seeking power or those currently exercising it. So long as they pass our APPEARANCE tests, we never hold officeholders accountable for specific deliverables or pin power seekers down to specific delivery promises. We are happy insofar as the one calling, or wanting to call, the shots is one of us. In other words, we ask no questions, provided power has been rotated to us. We only start griping when power leaves our kinsmans hands and rotates elsewhere. The cry of marginalisation becomes loud and strident only when power shifts to another ruling house.

The tendency to view Nigerias challenges from a narrow, ethno-regional, angle is not unique to one region. It is a national, cross-regional pastime. Sadly, our leaders have, for selfish or, at least, non-altruistic, reasons, encouraged this myopic view of power. They constantly drum it into our ears that it is in our interest to have power in our kinsmans hands. What they forget to tell us is that this power will, in all probability, be exercised for the benefit of a few who have the wherewithal to take possession of the ruling house and rule as they please. They also fail to remind us that this power will, under the rotational arrangement, go elsewhere one day. Not only that; when power leaves our kinsmans hands and moves elsewhere, we shall be back to square one. Square one is the point at which we are obliged to pay for choices made in our collective name by a few (members of the new royal family). Among these choices are those which we had no hand in making and from which we derived no benefit whatsoever!

It goes without saying that a leader who wishes to succeed in building a strong and virile Nigerian state, and who wants to leave a legacy that cant be erased, will start, not by setting one region against the other, but with pledges to mitigate every regions suffering/headache. That requires, at the minimum, mobilising the electorate around ISSUES of concern to every part of Nigeria. The leader who will make a difference (and be favourably remembered by history) will play down tribe and tongue and instead come up with a vision of a greater, technologically advancing, and more humane Nigeria.

As it so happens, the regions interests overlap. If one region is traumatised and unstable, the rest cannot sleep soundly. By the same token, peace and prosperity in one region will, everything being equal, spill over to all parts of Nigeria. At least, if not for the present but for future generations, the time has come to evolve an ideology that takes a pan-Nigerian view of challenges, places high premium on excellence, and leaves the rotation of mediocrity where it belongs  in the past.

The African Giant has slept long enough. Now is when it should wake up and become an African Tiger.

MJ Balogun is special adviser to the President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York.

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Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has restated the commitment of the agency to supporting initiatives that promote tax policy development and build the capacity of tax administrators in the West African sub-region.

Mr Adedeji spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the opening of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) Country Correspondents conference held at Transcorp Hilton hotel.

He stressed that a well-articulated tax policy would promote economic development through effective revenue mobilisation domestically.

A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, said Mr Adedeji noted that improved tax revenue through greater efficiency in tax administration would benefit both the countries in the sub-region and their citizens.

Historically, Nigeria has always been at the forefront of promoting international tax cooperation and has been a key contributor to the development of WATAF, providing technical assistance and capacity-building programmes to member countries.

Our country has also been at the forefront of promoting regional cooperation in tax administration, recognising the importance of collaboration in addressing common challenges.

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Nigeria remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive tax policy development and capacity-building, not just in Nigeria but across the West African region. We recognise the importance of domestic resource mobilisation in achieving economic development and growth.

I encourage all participants to actively engage in discussions, leverage this gathering to build stronger professional networks, and commit to implementing the knowledge gained for the betterment of our tax systems, Adedeji told the participants.

He commended WATAF for providing a platform that fosters collaboration and build capacities of members across the West African sub-region.

Participants for the conference are from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Cote D Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Benin, Burkina Faso and the host, Nigeria.

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On the eve of the telephone conversation announced by US President Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin, the European Union is once again emphasizing the need for a just peace for Ukraine.

This was stated on Tuesday in Brussels by representative of the European Commission Stefan Keersmaecker, commenting on the relevant information at the request of journalists.

"The position of the European Union, of the Commission, is quite clear. We want a just and fair peace for Ukraine. It is very important that Ukraine is part of the solution of the negotiations," the representative of the European Commission said.

When asked about the EU's expectations regarding the call in the part regarding the ceasefire, Keersmaecker said: "I'm not going to speculate on the discussions that will or are planned to take place between President Trump and President Putin. I can only reiterate, as we have done many times, the importance of a fair, just peace. The people in Ukraine deserve this and we continue to focus our efforts and all our support on this priority, support that includes military support, support that also includes other financial assistance. So this remains really at the core of our priorities."

According to Russian media, the conversation between Trump and Putin is expected on Tuesday around 3:00-5:00 p.m. Kyiv time.
Eighteen inmates have reportedly been released from the Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State following the intervention of a federal lawmaker.

Ahmed Wadada, the senator representing Nasarawa West District, said he facilitated their release through his lawyers.

He said the inmates had spent over two years at the facility awaiting trial for minor offences or because they were unable to pay fines.

A senior legislative aide to the senator, Theophilus Ego, made this known in a statement on Monday in Nasarawa State.

As part of his commitment to serving humanity, My Principal and the Peoples Senator, Sen. Ahmed Wadada Aliyu (Sarkin Yakin Keffi), facilitated the release of 18 (eighteen) number inmates from the Keffi correctional centre with minor fines and near abandoned cases in some circumstances.

This was because the inmates had no serious complainant or case against them, but they were still kept in prison and thereby abandoned along the line.

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Those victims were kept In custody for about two years without trials. It is indeed pathetic that many were innocent yet in chains, the statement said.

Prison Congestion

According to a report by the Nigerian Correctional Service, the agencys facilities are overcrowded, holding approximately 37 per cent more inmates than their designed capacities, with a significant portion awaiting trial.

The data shows about 68 per cent of the prison population is awaiting trial, while only 32 per cent are convicts.

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Details of the owners of some of the 4,794 land titles revoked by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike have emerged.

The minister, through his aides, said Monday that the land titles were revoked over non-payment of ground rent, in some cases, for more than 40 years.

The affected land title holders, from the new details obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Independent National Electoral commission (INEC), Nigerias leading opposition party  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

They also include CONOIL Plc, Borno State Government, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National university commission (NUC), M.R.S Investment Company Limited (owners of MRS Petrol Stations) and Kaduna State Government.

Others are Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, University of Calabar, Nigerian Postal Service and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), among others.

A source, who has been fully briefed on the matter but has no permission to discuss the details with the media, told PREMIUM TIMES, asking not to be named, that most of the big names affected were owing more than 20 years ground rent.

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On Monday, the FCT ministers office announced the revocation of 4,794 land titles, over non-payment of ground rent, for more than 40 years.

In the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape, a total of 8,375 property owners have not paid ground rent in the last 43 years.

The ministers Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

It should be noted that the FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents. All these yielded little response, as several allottees failed to pay.

Mr Olayinka said lists of land titles in default of payment of Ground Rent were compiled in the 10 oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital city (FCC), which are Central Area District (Cadastral Zone A00), Garki I (Cadastral Zone A01), Wuse I (Cadastral Zone A02), Garki II (Cadastral Zone A03), Asokoro (Cadastral Zone A04), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A05), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A06), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A07), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A08) and Guzape (Cadastral Zone A09).

He added that N6,967,980,119 was owed as ground rent by 8,375 property owners.

He also said a total of 4,794 land titles were in default of ground rent payment for 10 years and above.

This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of Ground Rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith.

A grace of 21 days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of Ground Rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected titles will be revoked.

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President Bola Tinubu Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduand and all elected lawmakers of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

Mr Tinubu, who issued the declaration in a national broadcast Tuesday night, appointed Ibokette Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.

For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate, the president said.

Mr Tinubu cited as the basis for his action the disturbing violence in the state in the last 24 hours, including explosions and vandalisation of petroleum pipelines linked to the political crises in the state.

It comes a day after the 26 lawmakers in the state, served a notice of gross misconduct on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, kickstarting the process of removing him from office.

The state has seen increased turmoil since the notice signed by 26 members of the 32-member House of Assembly, who are loyal to Nyesom Wike, a former governor of the state and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in Mr Tinubus cabinet, was served on the governor on Monday.

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The development signals intensifying political battle between Mr Wike and Governor Fubara.

An explosion rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday night.

While Mr Tinubu blamed the violence on the political actors in the state, he singled out Governor Fubara for criticism for his failure to take steps to address the situation.

He also echoed aspects of the Supreme Courts recent decisions, accusing the governor of frantically working to collapse the states legislature.

The president said, In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.

Mr Tinubus suspension of elected officials in the state on the basis of state of emergency is a trend Nigeria broke with during President Goodluck Jonathans administration.

Then Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, successfully convinced President Jonathan not to remove the governors of North-east states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa when Mr Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the states in 2013 due to intense and escalating activities of Boko Haram.

Before then, then President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2006, declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State to resolve a political crisis following the impeachment of the state governor.

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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, sacking the governor, his deputy and the House of Assembly.

Mr Tinubu, in a broadcast to Nigerians, said the move was necessary due to the breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich state.

Read the full speech by the Nigerian below.

TEXT OF THE BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, DECLARING STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE ON TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025

Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.

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Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:

a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.

The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected

are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members

The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.

Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.

By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.

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The Senate, on Tuesday, constituted an eight-member ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations that the Republic of Cameroon has forcefully taken over Nigerian mangrove islands and maritime territories in Efiat, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the committees composition during the plenary after most senators supported it through voice votes.

Mr Akpabio said the committee would be chaired by Jimoh Ibrahim, the senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Other members of the are Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Kaka Lawan (APC, Borno Central), Banigo Ipalibo (PDP, Rivers West), Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North), Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South) and Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom North-East).

The Senate president directed the committee members to report to the Senate within two months with recommendations on how to address the issue.

Motion

The need to probe the forceful takeover of Nigerian mangrove islands was a sequel to a motion sponsored by Mr Bassey during the plenary.

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The senator, while presenting his motion,

said the Cameroonian government has encroached on Nigerias islands in Akwa Ibom despite the fact that the affected islands were not part of the territories ceded to Cameroon under the 1913 Anglo-German treaties or the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling of October 2002.

Mr Bassey lamented that the encroachment had significantly impacted the states economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

It is a monumental national embarrassment that foreign laws are being imposed by the Cameroonian Gendarmes on Nigerians living in the 16 ancestral villages in these areas. This encroachment is illegal and has resulted in a significant economic loss, particularly in oil and gas revenues.

This is noting that the islands in focus were not part of the territories ceded to the Government of Cameroun by the 1913 Anglo-German treaties and the International Court of Justices decision of October 2002. As such, the encroachment into these territories is not only illegal but has led to a huge economic loss of more than 2,560 oil wells and gas revenues which ought to accrue to Nigeria, he said.

He disclosed that the islands are home to approximately 2,560 oil wells, which should contribute to Nigerias revenue but are currently benefiting Cameroon due to the alleged illegal annexation.

These islands and waters are economically important to the region, as it hosts copious fishing routes and approximately over 2,560 oil wells as well as gas revenues that should accrue to the Nigerian Government but which are lost to the Republic of Cameroon as a result of the illegal annexation of the islands by the Republic of Cameroon, he added.

The senator urged his colleagues to encourage the federal government to address the issue.

Contributions

Several senators supported the motion, citing similar encroachments in other Nigerian territories and calling for urgent action.

Mr Ibrahim, who chairs the ad hoc committee, advised that Nigeria should report the issue to the United Nations.

The Senate cannot keep quiet when theres a threat to the sovereignty of our country. There is a violation of our territorial rights, which can cause environmental disaster and reduce national revenue, he said.

Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi recalled the controversy surrounding the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon under former President Olusegun Obasanjos administration, expressing concerns that history was repeating itself.

We continue to treat our people as if the communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River do not matter. The Senate should escalate this matter to President Tinubu and involve experts and diplomats to assess the situation, he said.

Mr Jarigbe, also a member of the ad hoc committee, said the issue affected his state, Cross River.

It even affects my own state. Cameroonians are still molesting our people and defiling our women. There are international judgements guiding the sovereignty of states but Cameroon have failed to adhere.

Asuquo Ekpenyong, Cross River South Senator, lamented that the issue caused untold hardship to his constituents.

Ogun East Senator Gbenga Daniel narrated a similar issue in Ipokia, Ogun State, where the Republic of Benin is claiming an island where oil was recently discovered.

Amos Yohanna, Adamawa North Senator, noted that four local government areas in Adamawa State were also experiencing illegal encroachments by a foreign country.

Following the deliberations of senators, the Senate passed the motion urging President Tinubu to take immediate steps to protect Nigerias territorial waters and secure over 2,560 oil wells within the disputed islands in Akwa Ibom.

The upper chamber also directed the federal government to explore diplomatic channels to resolve the crisis.

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Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday night in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly for six months.

The president cited the prolonged political crisis in the oil-rich state as the reason for his action.

The feud between Mr Fubara and his successor, Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, triggered the political crises in the state.

In a nationwide broadcast, Mr Tinubu announced Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as the state administrator following Mr Fubaras removal.

Brief profile of Ibok-Ete Ibas

Mr Ibas, a retired vice admiral in the Nigerian Navy, hails from Cross River State in the south-south geopolitical zone.

Born on 27 September 1960, Mr Ibas was the Nigerian high commissioner to Ghana, according to Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

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One of Nigerias most decorated military officers, Mr Ibas, is an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy and has attended courses within and outside the country.

Before being appointed the Nigerian ambassador to Ghana, Mr Ibas was Nigerias chief of naval staff, the highest office in the countrys navy.

Mr Ibas joined the Nigerian military in 1979 and was commissioned as an officer in 1983.

The new Rivers administrator retired from the military in January 2021.

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Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended three commissioners in his cabinet for alleged absenteeism.

The affected commissioners are Solomon Azi (grants and donor agencies), Victor Chukwu (environment) and Ikeuwa Omebe (rural development).

Mr Nwifuru suspended the commissioners for a month for being absent without permission at the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday.

Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press briefing on the outcome of the council meeting.

He said Mr Nwifuru warned against absenteeism and lackadaisical attitude to work by the states public servants.

Mr Okpor said the governor directed that the suspended commissioners be relieved of all the privileges attached to their offices within the duration of the suspension.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

According to him, the governor used the opportunity to advise government contractors in the state to speed up projects and deliver on time in accordance with contractual agreements.

Staff quarters, female hostel, health clinic for NYSC camp

Mr Okpor said the State Executive Council approved building staff quarters, a female hostel and a health clinic at the Permanent NYSC Orientation Camp in Afikpo.

This is in line with the governors resolve to compliment the Renewed Hope initiative of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to provide a conducive environment for both staff and corps members of the scheme, the commissioner said.

Mr Okpor further disclosed that the council approved N40 million for the Ministry of Water Resources to construct a central water store to protect the ministrys equipment and consumables.

The commissioner said the victorious Ebonyi State University Faculty of Law team, comprising Michael Agu-Ebeke, Ibor Nwamaka, and their guardian, Chioma Iteshi, which represented Nigeria at the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition held in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2024, has been admitted into the Ebonyi State Honour Awardees in recognition of their trailblazing achievement.

In one of the fiercest tests of legal brilliance in the African continent, the Ebonyi State University team emerged victorious, defeating 68 Anglophone and 15 Francophone teams in a keenly contested battle of legal knowledge, thereby becoming the first Nigerian faculty of law to do so in 33 years.

The Chairman of the council, while conferring the awardees a N3 million reward each, expressed delight at the feat and show of excellence of the recipients and expressed his administrations commitment to prioritising educational transformation in the state.

He, however, enjoined the leadership of the Ebonyi State University and other tertiary institutions in the state to embrace practical-based research to produce solution-oriented graduates in line with the demands of the contemporary society, Mr Okpor stated.

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ALBANY, N.Y., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of older New Yorkers losing more than $200 million a year to scams, AARP New York is calling on legislative leaders to join Governor Hochul to include consumer protections in a final state budget to combat an ever-growing problem of elder financial fraud in New York State.

A coalition  the state Legislature's Aging Committee chairs and other members of the Legislature, the Superintendent of the State Police and a credit union industry security expert highlighted the elder financial fraud crisis in our state during a news conference at the State Capitol today.

More than 4,300 New Yorkers age 60 and older lost a total of $203,437,635 in 2023, the fourth highest of any state, according to an FBI report released last year. That's $557,000 dollars a day  and $23,200 an hour  lost to financial exploitation. The average loss per victim in 2023 was $47,000.

"These numbers are appalling, and they're made worse by the fact that so many of the victims are people who worked their whole lives to put aside funds for their retirement only to see much of it  or all of it  stolen through a financial scam," said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. "Because older New Yorkers have accumulated savings after a lifetime of work, they're a prime target of scammers who are using increasingly sophisticated methods of gaining access to someone's bank accounts or other financial resources.

"AARP New York is calling on Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to include key fraud prevention measures in the final state budget. These safeguards would equip financial institutions to recognize and help shield older New Yorkers from being scammed out of substantial amounts of money.

"Where are financial institutions in helping to stop this crime? The big banks cannot sit idle on the sidelines. They need to work with the Governor, Legislature and AARP to make sure their own customers have the protections they need. Banks need to get on board.

"Thank you, Governor Hochul for leading the charge, Aging Committee Chairs Senator Cleare and Assemblymember Seawright for championing this effort in your respective chambers, and Assemblymember Romero for your support."

Governor Hohcul's executive budget includes a crucial safeguard  training bank tellers and employees of financial institutions to identify signs of financial exploitation. These employees could place a hold on a suspicious transaction and refer the matter to law enforcement to allow them to investigate.

One of the most common and devious financial scams targeting older people is the "grandparent scam." A criminal poses as a relative  usually a grandchild  asking for money, stating they are in an emergency. The older adult in many instances will go to their bank to withdraw cash to help the "relative." Since fraudsters often ask to be paid via cash, gift cards or money transfer, which don't always require identification to collect, the older adult may have no way of ever recovering their money.

State Senator Cordell Cleare, Chair of the Senate Aging Committee, said: "I commend AARP for their dogged focus on eradicating elder fraud. It is despicable that our beloved older New Yorkers would be targeted in this way. I believe that every proactive solution must be on the table, including legislation I already passed this year establishing the Interagency Elder Justice Task Force."

Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright, Chair of the Assembly Aging Committee, said: "Older adults already face housing, food and healthcare insecurity. It is unconscionable that so many are left further devastated by financial scams. Investing in supports for older New Yorkers must also include establishing fraud protection mechanisms. In partnership with AARP and colleagues like Senate Aging Chair Cleare, I will continue to marshal every resource to protect aging New Yorkers and the quality of life that they have earned."

Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said: "Elder fraud and financial abuse are a heartbreaking but all too common reality. I applaud AARP for fighting back to protect aging New Yorkers. New Yorkers are losing hundreds of millions of dollars to these scams  often the retirement savings they worked their whole lives to earn. I'm proud to stand up for these initiatives to protect people all across our state from predatory scams."

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said: "Our agency has witnessed a significant increase in the number of scams targeting the elderly, which have also become more sophisticated. While we diligently investigate each report, by the time we are notified, the money has already changed hands. With this legislation, the financial sector will have the authority to stop or delay payment of funds when fraud is suspected. This will prevent seniors from being stripped of their savings and give law enforcement a better chance of arresting the suspects before they can get escape with the stolen money."

NYS Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern said. "Financial exploitation of older and vulnerable adults has reached alarming levels, with the losses from cyber fraud increasing at a rapid pace. As scammers become more sophisticated, older and vulnerable adults continue to face devastating financial harm. The rise in these crimes underscores the urgent need to pass the legislation proposed by Governor Hochul that will enable financial institutions to take action to prevent consumer losses resulting from financial exploitation and make sure law enforcement can investigate these crimes."

Shane Shoemaker, President, Financial Crimes Bridge, said: "The Financial Crimes Bridge welcomes any additional tools to help better combat elder financial exploitation and to protect the members of our community from fraud, scams, and anything else that threatens their financial safety."

Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY, Facebook: AARP New York and LinkedIn: AARP New York

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

SOURCE AARP New York
ROCKVILLE, Md., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC), in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, is pleased to announce the seven recipients of the "Improving the Precision Oncology Care Pathway" Request for Proposals (RFP).

The grant program invited community hospital-based programs and physician group practices to apply for grants to develop targeted, actionable solutions, based on quality improvement methodology, to effectively address patient loss along the precision oncology care pathway.

Awardees

The following cancer programs have been selected to receive funding for their innovative proposals:

"Precision medicine requires a deep understanding of the nuances of tumor molecular testing, but also a systematic plan for implementation and integration into everyday practice," said ACCC member Stacey Cohen, MD. "Through this grant program, ACCC member programs and practices are offered a unique opportunity to explore quality improvement initiatives that expedite the implementation and sustainability of precision oncology efforts within their own health systems."

"Lilly is committed to supporting initiatives that foster the translation of scientific evidence into clinical practice and improve patient outcomes," said Kara Clinton, Senior Vice President of Oncology Global Medical Affairs, Eli Lilly and Company. "This initiative was an opportunity for Lilly to collaborate with ACCC to support community healthcare systems in addressing barriers preventing optimal biomarker-informed cancer care and ensure more patients can benefit from precision oncology."

Addressing Clinical Gaps in Precision Oncology

This grant program asked that oncology programs identify site-specific challenges and develop clear, actionable strategies to address them, with a strong emphasis on improving patient care. The funded proposals are designed to:

Analyze and address key healthcare gaps in patient outcomes, system processes, and/or healthcare provider performance.





in patient outcomes, system processes, and/or healthcare provider performance. Implement measurable interventions to reduce variation and improve care quality for patients with solid tumors.





to reduce variation and improve care quality for patients with solid tumors. Demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve long-term impact.

About ACCC

The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is the leading advocacy and education organization for the multidisciplinary cancer care team. More than 45,000 cancer care professionals from over 1,700 hospitals and practices nationwide are affiliated with ACCC. Providing a national forum for addressing issues that affect community cancer programs, ACCC is recognized as the premier provider of resources for the entire oncology care team. Our members include medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, cancer program administrators and medical directors, senior hospital executives, practice managers, pharmacists, oncology nurses, radiation therapists, social workers, and cancer program data managers. For more information, visit ACCC's website at www.accc-cancer.org . Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and read our blog, ACCCBuzz.

SOURCE Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC)
Ukrainian troops have almost completely withdrawn from Kursk region of Russia, completing the offensive that stunned the Kremlin last summer with its speed and audacity, writes BBC NEWS Ukraine with reference to the American publication New York Times.

"NYT especially emphasizes that the Russian successes and Ukrainian failures in Kursk region were greatly facilitated by the US pause in providing intelligence to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This pause fell on the critical days of the Russian army's offensive. Its journalists spoke with Ukrainian military personnel, who described an organized retreat in some places and a chaotic retreat in others," says the BBC NEWS Ukraine report.

The publication notes that in general, the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Kursk was caused by a combination of factors. Russian troops disrupted Ukraine's supply lines and began to cut off the exit routes. North Korean troops, which Moscow had attracted, also improved their combat capability. But in addition, at a crucial moment, they suspended US support, including the exchange of intelligence.

It is noted that the Ukrainian military says that they are trying to create strong defensive positions along the Russian side of the border. Andriy, a Ukrainian intelligence officer who fought near Kursk, put it more bluntly: "The Kursk operation is essentially over. Now we need to stabilize the situation."

By mid-February, Russian forces had moved within about 8 km of Ukraines main supply routes to Sudzha, allowing them to bombard the roads with swarms of dronesmany of which were tethered to ultra-thin fiber-optic cables and therefore immune to electronic warfare. Russian drones also struck pre-installed explosives to destroy bridges and try to hinder the Ukrainian troops retreat, Ukrainian military officials said. The bridges were also attacked from aircraft. Ukraines hold on Kursk region was already in jeopardy when the Trump administration announced on March 3 that it was suspending military aid and intelligence sharing.

According to intelligence officer Andriy, the sudden loss of American intelligence data for precise targeting complicated the situation. Without it, the American-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems "fell silent." The pause in intelligence provision lasted for more than a week until March 11, and it coincided with the most critical days of the Russian offensive in Kursk. "We could not allow expensive missiles to be fired at the wrong target," Andriy explained to the NYT.

On March 8, Russian troops launched a surprise attack, sneaking behind Ukrainian positions through an abandoned gas pipeline. "The Russians outplayed us a little," Andriy also said. "There was a little panic."

Around the same time, Russian troops, with the participation of North Koreans, broke through Ukrainian lines south of the small village of Kurylivka, further limiting Kyivs ability to supply its troops. While Ukrainian troops retreated along designated defensive lines, Russian troops continued to advance towards Sudzha, and the pace of attacks increased.

According to analysts, given Russias position, evacuation by transport would have been an easy target for drones. In addition, the obstacles to the retreat were also created by destroyed military equipment that littered the roads. Therefore, a significant part of the withdrawal was carried out on foot. Some Ukrainian soldiers burned their own equipment so that it did not fall into Russian hands.

On March 10, some units were ordered to retreat from Sudzha, three Ukrainian soldiers and commanders said. "It was a mixture of organized and chaotic retreat," the NYT quotes one of the Ukrainian soldiers. "Various factors influenced the nature of the withdrawal: fatigue, good or bad orders from individual commanders, poor communication or well-established coordination."

However, despite the statements of Russian President Putin and President Trump, according to Ukrainian soldiers fighting near Kursk, and even some well-known Russian military bloggers, at no time did a large number of Ukrainian troops find themselves surrounded.

Three days later, the Russian Defense Ministry said it had regained full control of Sudzha.

While the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine did not directly say that Russia had captured Sudzha, on Sunday it released a map of the battlefield showing the city outside the territory that Ukrainians control in Kursk.

While Kyiv had hoped to use control of Russian soil as leverage in future talks to end the war, Putin now appears to be using the Ukrainian retreat to try to strengthen his position in talks with the Trump administration on a ceasefire, the NYT reports.

Now, Ukrainian military officials say, they are determined to stop the Russians from advancing on Sumy.
A team led by Dr. Iswanto Sucandy, a board-certified surgeon with dual fellowship training in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, is now offering this advanced therapy to patients with these hard-to-treat cancers.

"At the AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute Tampa, we are committed to providing the most advanced treatment options for complex liver cancers," Dr. Sucandy said. "HAI therapy is a groundbreaking approach that allows us to directly target tumors in the liver while minimizing systemic side effects. By offering this leading-edge treatment, we are giving hope to patients who previously had very few options."

On March 17, Dr. Sucandy performed the first HAI pump implant surgery in the Tampa Bay area, making AdventHealth Tampa one of only six hospitals in Florida offering this kind of care for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. AdventHealth Tampa is also the first in the state to use robotic placement for this pump, which has a faster recovery time, and minimizes the risks compared to laparoscopic placement.

Dr. Sucandy's first HAI patient is 41 years old with 15 metastatic tumors on their liver and had been told surgical removal of the tumors wasn't possible. The patient is now using the implantable chemotherapy pump, a treatment that can shrink those tumors and make them operable.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and is the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women under 50. Nearly 30% of patients with colorectal cancer will develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

Clinical studies show that hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) therapy can significantly reduce tumor size, enable surgical removal of previously inoperable tumors, and improve survival rates.

"We are proud to support AdventHealth Tampa in expanding access to HAI therapy for patients who can benefit from it," said Michael Gaisford, chief executive officer of Intera Oncology. "This innovative treatment, now offered at leading cancer centers, delivers continuous therapy to the entire liver, targeting both visible tumors and hidden micrometastases that drive high recurrence rates, all while allowing patients to maintain their daily activities."

SOURCE AdventHealth West Florida Division
Industry Veteran Eric Edge to Lead Brand Strategy and Marketing for Combined Airline

SEATTLE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines today announced the appointment of Eric Edge as Vice President of Brand & Marketing for both the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines brands. In this role, Edge will oversee the marketing strategy that will deliver on the combined airline's long-term vision of connecting guests to the world with a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care and performance.

Eric Edge

This appointment comes as Alaska Airlines continues to advance its integration with Hawaiian Airlines, creating a first of its kind dual-brand model, with one combined operation, and expanding its position as Hawai'i's trusted airline. This move underscores Alaska Airlines' commitment to preserving the unique identities of both airlines while maximizing their combined strengths to deliver best-in-class experiences to guests.

Edge will be responsible for driving awareness and adoption of the combined airline's enhanced single loyalty program, premium product offerings and expansive global network. Key initiatives in 2025 include launching a new global gateway from Seattle with nonstop routes to Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Seoul Incheon (ICN), introducing a single loyalty program and premium credit card built for the global traveler, and managing an innovative dual brand approach for the combined airline.

"We're focused on strengthening the commercial levers that drive the greatest guest satisfaction, and ultimately loyalty," said Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Alaska Airlines. "Eric's proven leadership and strategic approach to building brands make him the ideal choice to guide our marketing efforts as we continue to elevate the travel experience for our guests and drive healthy revenue growth."

With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, brand strategy and digital innovation, Edge brings unique expertise from leadership roles at Postmates/Uber, Pinterest, and Facebook/Instagram. Since joining Alaska Airlines in 2022 as managing director of marketing and advertising, he has led the transformation of Alaska's premium business strategy, successfully increasing brand perception and driving double-digit revenue growth in key markets. Edge studied political science at San Diego State University and began his career in aviation as a flight attendant.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services. With our recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we now serve more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia and across the Pacific. We are committed to safety, remarkable customer care, operational excellence, financial performance and sustainability. Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance. With oneworld and our additional global partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Book travel throughout the Pacific on Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at news.alaskaair.com and Hawaiian Airlines at newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as "ALK."

SOURCE ALASKA AIRLINES
BREA, Calif., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Andea, a global leader in digital transformation, including consulting and implementation services, proudly announces its achievement of Dassault Systemes Gold Partner status. This recognition solidifies Andea's position as a trusted reseller and expert in delivering DELMIA solutions.

The Gold Partner status is awarded to partners that demonstrate exceptional expertise in reselling, implementing, and supporting Dassault Systemes solutions. Andea's deep technical knowledge, proven industry experience, and client-centric approach have been instrumental in empowering manufacturers across industries to drive operational excellence through DELMIA Apriso and DELMIA Ortems.

"Achieving Gold Partner status is a significant milestone that reflects Andea's deep expertise, dedication, and commitment to delivering world-class digital manufacturing solutions. Their proven manufacturing know-how, industry knowledge, and customer-first approach leads to success," said Guillaume Vendroux, CEO of DELMIA at Dassault Systemes. "Andea has consistently demonstrated this in implementing and optimizing DELMIA capabilities, enabling enterprises to drive manufacturing excellence, agility, and innovation. We are proud to strengthen our collaboration with Andea and look forward to the continued growth of our partnership in helping businesses transform operations with DELMIA."

"Andea was founded with the mission of helping manufacturers harness the full potential of digital transformation," said Pawel Mierzwa, VP of Sales Operations at Andea. "Achieving Gold Partner status demonstrates to the trust our clients and Dassault Systemes have placed in us. We are excited to deepen our collaboration and continue empowering manufacturers with DELMIA solutions."

Since its inception in 2014, Andea has completed over 670 digital transformation projects across more than 260 manufacturing sites, helping enterprises streamline operations to enhance their efficiency and agility. As a Gold Partner, Andea will continue to resell cutting-edge technology, offering tailored DELMIA integrations, training, and end-to-end support for clients worldwide.

With this enhanced partnership, Andea and Dassault Systemes are poised to empower more enterprises with scalable DELMIA solutionshelping them innovate, optimize, and future-proof their manufacturing operations.

About Andea

Andea is a premier global provider, integrator, and reseller of enterprise MOM and APS solutions. The company is a certified Value Added Reseller for Dassault Systemes' DELMIA Apriso and DELMIA Ortems solutions and a Dassault Systemes' Consulting & System Integrator Partner. Andea offers a wide range of services, from technical assessments and strategic manufacturing system implementations to global rollouts and ongoing support, ensuring optimized manufacturing operations for its clients. Headquartered in Krakow, Poland, Andea has strategic offices in Germany, Mexico, and USA to support the company's global operations and customer base. For more information, visit: https://www.andea.com/

About Dassault Systemes

Dassault Systemes is a catalyst for human progress. Since 1981, the company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients and citizens. With Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 350,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, can collaborate, imagine and create sustainable innovations that drive meaningful impact. For more information, visit: www.3ds.com

Contact us to learn more about DELMIA Apriso and DELMIA Ortems, discuss how Andea can help with your manufacturing challenges, and how we drive digital transformation.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Andea Corp.
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is excited to welcome Art Del Cueto to the organization as its Border Security Advisor. With more than 21 years of experience as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent, Del Cueto brings extensive firsthand knowledge of border security and immigration policy.

As Border Security Advisor for FAIR, Del Cueto will work to expand FAIR's relationships with Border Patrol officials and help establish a Border Advisory Council to respond rapidly to policy changes from the executive branch. Further, he will develop training programs for law enforcement officers across the country on how they can best work with federal immigration officials.

In addition to his policy work and law enforcement outreach, Del Cueto will be available for media appearances, including in Spanish-language outlets. He will also contribute to FAIR's growing digital presence by hosting and appearing on podcasts, authoring op-eds and engaging with audiences across platforms.

"I'm thrilled to bring my years of on-the-ground experience at the border to FAIR so I can help educate law enforcement officers and advance the organization's legislative priorities at the local, state and federal levels," said Del Cueto about his decision to join FAIR.

FAIR's Executive Director Julie Kirchner praised Del Cueto's addition to the organization, stating, "Art Del Cueto spent over two decades on the frontlines as a Border Patrol agent. He understands what it will take to achieve long-lasting border security and immigration reform. I am excited to have him join FAIR, continuing to make us the premier organization for border security and immigration reform policy."

Art Del Cueto grew up on the border and prior to joining FAIR served more than 21 years as a Border Patrol agent.

Contact: Joey Chester, [email protected] or 202-740-7355

SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)
Former Flight Attendant Brenda Phipps Grows Three Successful Batteries Plus Stores in Florida to Over $3 Million in Sales

HARTLAND, Wis., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- What started as a personal search for a particular laptop battery, has turned into a thriving, multi-million dollar business for Batteries Plus franchise owner Brenda Phipps. After nearly two decades of franchising with the world's leading consumer and business specialty battery retailer, Phipps now oversees three Florida stores to exceed $3 million in annual sales. As she takes on a larger leadership role within her own business, Phipps is proving that curiosity, dedications, and hands-on learning are the keys to success in the battery industry, regardless of background or gender.

Developing the right team to support you can make all the difference in helping your business be successful. Post this What started as a personal search for a particular laptop battery, has turned into a thriving, multi-million dollar business for Batteries Plus franchise owner Brenda Phipps. After nearly two decades of franchising with the worlds leading consumer and business specialty battery retailer, Phipps now oversees three Florida stores to exceed $3 million in annual sales. To learn more about franchising with Batteries Plus, please visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

From Flight Attendant to Franchise Success

Phipps left her career as a flight attendant shortly after September 11, 2001. Around that time, she met her husband, Rick Phipps, a multi-unit automotive franchisee who had recently sold his business. During a frustrating search for a new laptop battery, the couple discovered Batteries Plus. Intrigued by the retailer's supply of essential products and specialized niche, the Phippses decided it was time for a new business opportunity, opening their first Batteries Plus store in Lake Worth, FL in 2006.

What started as a 50-50 partnership between the couple has since evolved, with Brenda now leading operations as Rick transitions into retirement.

"In the beginning, Rick and I worked side-by-side, but now I've taken on more responsibility as he's taken a step back," said Phipps. "Running a business in a male-dominated industry was a challenge; I didn't have a background in batteries or business ownership. But upon diving in, I quickly learned that developing the right team to support you can make all the difference in helping your business be successful, and I want other women to know they can do this, too."

Achieving Sales Excellence

Phipps' stores have been recognized with Sales Achievement honors for two consecutive years, consistently hitting revenue milestones within the Batteries Plus franchise system.

While her stores serve a diverse customer base, Phipps holds a special expertise in commercial sales, particularly within the marine industry along Florida's East Coast. In fact, one of her stores is just three miles from the ocean, serving as the go-to resource of specialty batteries to power everything from deep-sea fishing boats to luxurious yachts.

Advice for Aspiring Franchise Owners

With nearly two decades in the business and a successful track record of growth, Phipps credits much of her success to a willingness to learn and adapt.

"Don't miss out on an opportunity just because you don't know anything yet," said Phipps. "When we started, I didn't know much about batteries, but I learned one product at a time. First wheelchair batteries, and then light bulbs, device repairs, key fobs, you name it. It's all about evolving with the business. The best way to learn is by doing."

As she continues to grow her business, Phipps hopes her story will inspire more women to pursue entrepreneurship, especially in industries where they're underrepresented.

To learn more about franchising with Batteries Plus, please visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS:

Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes' Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.

Media Contact: Meg Ryan, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 847.945.1300 ext. 264

SOURCE Batteries Plus
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members report high satisfaction rate,

with wait times cut significantly

CANTON, Mass., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a Point32Health company, is improving members' access to behavioral health care with high satisfaction rates and significantly reduced wait times through its Behavioral Health Service Navigation program. The program launched in 2024 and is available to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan members.

An October 2024 report found that in 2023 there was a 40 percent increase in behavioral health utilization in the United States compared to pre-Covid levels. For many, seeking behavioral health services is often met with frustration in finding a behavioral health provider and lengthy wait times for an appointment. The Behavioral Health Service Navigation program was created to address those issues by providing enhanced personalized support through a service navigator. The service navigator not only helps members find a provider but assists in scheduling timely appointments and follows-up with the member to ensure they were satisfied with the care they received.

"Our Behavioral Health Service Navigation program is a cornerstone to our whole-person care approach," said Jake Biscoglio, president of commercial business for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. "Unlike many health insurers whose navigation programs simply provide members with a list of area providers, our program takes a hands-on personal approach. It's unique in the health insurance industry as it provides members with personalized solutions that close gaps in their behavioral health care journey and has the potential to improve health outcomes."

Members seeking a behavioral health provider are assigned a locally based, dedicated service navigator. The service navigator ensures the behavioral health provider meets the members' individual needs including language, gender preference and behavioral health specialty, and follows up with members to ensure they were satisfied with their provider and arranges additional appointments with other providers if necessary. Service navigators can also connect members with the organization's Community Health Worker team, which assists members with such critical needs as transportation, housing and food insecurity.

Success highlights to date of the Behavioral Health Servicer Navigation program include:

In most cases, service navigators can assist members in securing a behavioral health appointment within a week from when the member is connected to the program, depending upon the specialty need or appointment format. Studies have shown in-person mental health visits can take up to 60 days, and telehealth visits can take more than 40 days to schedule.

If a Harvard Pilgrim Health Care member is open to a telehealth appointment, the service navigator can obtain an appointment in real time during the first call with the member.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care's behavioral health provider network has grown by more than 30,000 providers in the past year.

99 percent of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care commercial members enrolled in the program were satisfied with their behavioral health provider.

"Access to behavioral health services remains a challenge both locally and nationally due to increased consumer demand," said Bill Harlan, vice president of behavioral health for Point32Health. "While new providers are added to our network every day, we recognize the opportunity to help connect our members with the right services that meet their treatment needs and preferences. Our program has seen overwhelming success, thanks in large part to our local team and the neighbor-helping-neighbor approach that has been instrumental in our ability to help."

To access the service, eligible members can call the Integrated Member Services line on their health plan identification card. The Behavioral Health Service Navigation program is an integrated insourced approach to behavioral health care, enabling teams such as Member Services, Service Navigators, Care Management and Community Health Workers to better coordinate a member's overall care.

About Point32Health

Point32Health is a leading not-for-profit health and well-being organization dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare. Serving nearly 2 million members, Point32Health builds on the legacy of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan to provide access to care and empower healthier lives for everyone, regardless of background or circumstances.

SOURCE Point32Health
VANCOUVER, BC, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) (OTCQB: BVAXF) ("BioVaxys" or "Company") is providing this bi-weekly update on the status of the management cease trade order granted on March 3, 2025 (the "MCTO"), by its principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") under National Policy 12-203  Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). The Company announced on February 13, 2025, and March 3, 2025 (the "Default Announcement"), that it was unable to file its audited annual financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2024, the related management's discussion and analysis, and its Form 52-109FV1 CEO and CFO certifications of annual filings (collectively the "Required Filings"). Under National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations, the Required Filings were required to be made not later than February 28, 2025.

The Company is actively working with its auditor, Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP, to complete the Required Filings, which will be filed as soon as possible. As previously stated, subject to current conditions remaining the same, the Company remains confident in its ability to complete the Required Filings by March 30, 2025.

Except as herein disclosed, there are no material changes to the information contained in the Default Announcement. In addition, (i) the Company is satisfying and confirms that it intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines under NP 12-203 and issuance of bi-weekly default status reports in the form of news releases, for so long as the Company remains in default with its Required Filings; (ii) the Company does not have any information at this time regarding any anticipated specified default subsequent to the default in filing the Required filings; (iii) the Company confirms that, as of the date of this news release, that the Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings; and (iv) there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

The Company confirms that while the MCTO is in effect, the general investing public will continue to be able to trade freely the Company's listed common shares. However, the MCTO prohibits the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from trading securities of the Company for so long as the Required Filings are not filed. Additionally, the Company will be prohibited from directly or indirectly issuing or acquiring securities from insiders or employees of the Company until such time as the Required Filings have been made and all continuous disclosure requirements have been met by the Company, and the MCTO has been revoked.

About BioVaxys Technology Corp.

BioVaxys Technology Corp. (www.biovaxys.com), a biopharmaceuticals company registered in British Columbia, Canada, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patient lives with novel immunotherapies based on the DPX immune-educating technology platform and it's HapTenix 'neoantigen' tumor cell construct platform, for treating cancers, infectious disease, antigen desensitization, and other immunological fields. The Company's clinical stage pipeline includes maveropepimut-S which is in Phase II clinical development for advanced Relapsed-Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and platinum resistant ovarian cancer, and BVX-0918, a personalized immunotherapeutic vaccine using it proprietary HapTenix 'neoantigen' tumor cell construct platform which is soon to enter Phase I in Spain for treating refractive late-stage ovarian cancer.

The Company is also capitalizing on its tumor immunology know-how and creation of a unique library of T-lymphocytes & other datasets post-vaccination with its personalized immunotherapeutic vaccines to utilize predictive algorithms and other technologies to identify new targetable tumor antigens.

BioVaxys common shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the stock symbol "BIOV" and trade on the Frankfurt Bourse (FRA: 5LB) and in the U.S. on the OTC Markets (OTCQB marketplace). For more information, visit www.biovaxys.com and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "James Passin"

James Passin, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: +1 740 358 0555

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the filing of the Required Filings by March 30, 2025, and the Company's ability to comply with the provision of the alternative information guidelines described by NP 12-203, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by BioVaxys, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the risk that the Company may not be able to file the Required Filings by March 30, 2025. BioVaxys does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2415135/5221052/BioVaxys_Technology_Corp_Logo.jpg

SOURCE BioVaxys Technology Corp.
The 100% employee-owned, natural foods company joins the ranks of Waymo, Nvidia, Duolingo, and more

PORTLAND, Ore., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob's Red Mill, a leader in the healthy food movement for more than 40 years, is proud to have been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year's list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions.

Bob's Red Mill, known for its whole grain oats, baking flours and on-the-go snacks, is ushering in a new era of healthy foods, recently expanding its extensive line of products to include new flavors and easy-to-use formats that reimagine homemade meals. The company's latest offerings, including Protein Oats, Overnight Protein Oats, Instant Oatmeals and Signature Blends Baking and Pancake Mixes, focus on convenience while remaining steadfast to the company's commitment to great taste and the highest-quality, healthy ingredients.

As a 100% employee-owned company, Bob's Red Mill's innovation would not be possible without its 700 plus employee owners who are dedicated to the belief that delicious food is at the center of memorable moments and meaningful connection.

"Innovation is at the heart of everything we dofrom pioneering groundbreaking new products to revolutionizing sustainable sourcing and production. At Bob's Red Mill, we're not just keeping up with evolving consumer needs; we're shaping the future of food with quality, creativity, and purpose," says Allyson Borozan, Chief Growth Officer of Bob's Red Mill.

The World's Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company's hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company's editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.

"Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future," said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. "This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward."

The full list of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25.

Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.

ABOUT BOB'S RED MILL

Bob's Red Mill started in 1978 and has brought people together with wholesome foods made from good ingredients ever since. Inspired by the passion and expertise of founders Bob and Charlee Moore, the company is now 100% employee owned, with more than 700 employee owners dedicated to making the best whole grain oats, baking flours and on-the-go snacks. Bob's Red Mill is located in Milwaukie, Oregon, just outside of Portland. Visit www.bobsredmill.com for more information.

ABOUT FAST COMPANY

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit www.fastcompany.com.

SOURCE Bob's Red Mill
MINNEAPOLIS, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bread & Butter Ventures, an early-stage venture firm based in the "bread and butter state" of Minnesota, today announced the close of its fourth fund with a new $40 million vehicle. Their newest fund, which has already begun making investments, targets innovative seed stage tech companies across North America that are shaping the future of food technology, digital health, and enterprise SaaS. Bread & Butter Ventures has made investments to date in 66 companies across these sectors via their first three funds since 2017.

"Our thesis is rooted in the Minnesota homefield advantage - being based at the epicenter of global industries of the food system, the healthcare industry, and the highest density of Fortune 500 companies per capita in the nation," said Mary Grove, Managing Partner of Bread & Butter Ventures. "We invest across a broad geographic footprint from and then leverage our deep local expertise and corporate network to help companies commercialize and scale more quickly."

Brett Brohl, Managing Partner of Bread & Butter, shared the firm's origin and ethos as a founder-first firm. "Our team brings a unique blend of backgrounds - my experience starting and building three companies and understanding both exit and failure firsthand, combined with Mary's experience building and scaling for 14 years at Google, and Stephanie's background as both a startup operator and journalist give us the ability to roll up our sleeves and support our portfolio. We're really excited to deploy this new capital into entrepreneurs building companies that change the world."

Bread & Butter Ventures Fund IV brings together leading institutional investors including Allina Health System, Bernick's, Fifth Third Bank, F.R. Bigelow Foundation, MSP Equity Fund, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Stella, and more.

The firm's dedication to reinforcing its investment thesis is exemplified by the Bread & Butter Innovation Circle. The Bread & Butter Innovation Circle is made up of Minnesota-based companies committed to innovation who work with Bread & Butter to continually evolve their work with startups and the startup ecosystem. The private group for Minnesota business leaders helps to foster innovation and connections between industry titans and emerging startups in their sectors. Participating companies include 3M, Augeo, Cargill, C.H. Robinson, Ecolab, General Mills, Hennepin Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Twins, Schwan's, Securian Financial, Stella, Target, U.S. Bank, and more.

Over the first three funds, the Bread & Butter team made investments into companies including Hungry, Delfina, River Health, Clean Crop Technologies and Fulcrum. The team has started deploying out of the new fund and has already made investments into companies across its core sectors including Tradeverifyd, SocialCrowd, Chiyo and VoicecareAI.

SOURCE Bread and Butter Ventures
DUBAI, UAE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has partnered exclusively with the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) to host a Demo Trading Challenge & Workshop at UOWD campus. This initiative equipped students from Business Analysis, Finance, Accounting, and other business-related disciplines with practical trading knowledge, enhanced their understanding of cryptocurrency markets, and bridged the gap between academic theory and real-world trading strategies.

Bybit Partnered with University of Wollongong in Dubai to Host Exclusive Demo Trading Challenge

UOWD, the UAE's first international Australian university, is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and industry collaboration. Accredited by both the UAE Ministry of Education and Australia's Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), UOWD has played a key role in developing future business and finance leaders.

Bybit leveraged this collaboration to strengthen its ties with UOWD, increase brand visibility within the academic community, and introduce students to the Bybit trading ecosystem. Additionally, this initiative aligned with Bybit's broader strategy to identify and recruit top-tier fresh graduates, expanding its talent pipeline in the region.

The workshop provided participants with hands-on experience using Bybit's demo trading platform, allowing them to navigate market fluctuations in real time while learning key strategies from industry experts. The event culminated in a competitive trading challenge, where students applied their newly acquired knowledge in a dynamic, risk-free environment.

Attendees also gained insights from a lineup of distinguished speakers alongside Bybit's senior product managers specializing in trading bots, copy trading, and demo trading. Their expertise gave students a deeper understanding of spot and contract trading processes, market data analysis, and risk management.

"At Bybit, we believe that financial literacy and hands-on experience are key to unlocking opportunities in the digital economy," said Phoebe Peng, Head of Organization Development at Bybit. "Through this collaboration with UOWD, we empowered the next generation of professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving world of cryptocurrency trading."

This partnership underscored Bybit's dedication to fostering financial literacy and talent development within the digital asset ecosystem. Bybit continues to expand its engagement with educational institutions worldwide, creating opportunities for emerging professionals to explore the potential of Web3 and decentralized finance.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

SOURCE Bybit
US President Donald Trump is currently in the Oval Office talking with Vladimir Putin, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff of the White House Dan Scavino said.

"President Trump is currently in the Oval Office speaking with President Vladimir Putin of Russia since 10:00amEDT [16:00 Kyiv time]. The call is going well, and still in progress," Scavino wrote on X.
ST. LOUIS, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives, announced today that it will release its 2025 first quarter financial results at approximately 6:00 a.m. ET on Friday, April 25, 2025, and host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET to review the results.

Investors and other interested parties are invited to listen to the conference call by dialing 1-877-883-0383 in the U.S. and Canada; +1-412-902-6506 from abroad, including the following Elite Entry Number: 9776439 to expedite caller registration; or via a live, audio webcast on the Company's website at www.centene.com, under the Investors section.

A webcast replay will be available for on-demand listening shortly following the completion of the call for the next 12 months or until 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the aforementioned URL. In addition, a digital audio playback will be available until 9 a.m. ET on Friday, May 1, 2025, by dialing 1-877-344-7529 in the U.S., 1-855-669-9658 in Canada, or +1-412-317-0088 from abroad, and entering access code 3576793.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation , a Fortune 500 company, is a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. The Company takes a local approach  with local brands and local teams  to provide fully integrated, high-quality and cost-effective services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Centene offers affordable and high-quality products to more than 1 in 15 individuals across the nation, including Medicaid and Medicare members (including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) as well as individuals and families served by the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, http://investors.centene.com/ .

SOURCE Centene Corporation
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE OR MAY BE UNLAWFUL. PLEASE REFER TO THE SECTION "IMPORTANT NOTICE" AT THE END OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.

STOCKHOLM, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the press release issued today, Johan Lof (the "Seller"), has successfully completed the sale of 2,000,000 class B shares in RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) ("RaySearch Laboratories" or the "Company") corresponding to 5.8 per cent of the share capital of the Company (the "Placing").

Following the Placing, Johan Lof holds 3,443,084 class A shares and 68,393 class B shares in the Company, corresponding to approximately 40.5 per cent of the total number of voting rights and 10.2 per cent of the share capital of the Company.

The Placing was carried out through a book building procedure at a price of SEK 250 per share. The price per share represents a discount of 3.7% to the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's class B share during the last ten trading days (SEK 259.6 per share). The Seller has agreed Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken ("SEB") to a 500-day lock-up period with respect to his remaining shares in the Company, subject to certain customary exceptions.

SEB acted as Sole Global Coordinator and Bookrunner and Mannheimer Swartling acted as the Company's legal advisor and Baker & McKenzie Advokatbyra acted as the Seller's legal advisor.

This information is information that RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out below, at 21:30 CET on the 18 March, 2025.

For more information, please contact:

Johan Lof, CEO and Board Member

Telephone: +46 70 683 79 35

[email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTICE

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL, OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT") AND MAY NOT BE SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION WITH THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. THERE IS NO INTENTION TO REGISTER ANY SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC OFFERING OF SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN OFFER OF SECURITIES OR INVESTMENTS FOR SALE OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SECURITIES OR INVESTMENTS IN CANADA, JAPAN OR AUSTRALIA OR ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN THAT WOULD PERMIT AN OFFERING OF THE SECURITIES OR POSSESSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE ACTION FOR THAT PURPOSE IS REQUIRED. PERSONS INTO WHOSE POSSESSION THIS ANNOUNCEMENT COMES ARE REQUIRED TO INFORM THEMSELVES ABOUT AND TO OBSERVE ANY SUCH RESTRICTIONS. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE RESTRICTIONS MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH JURISDICTION.

WITH RESPECT TO THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EACH A "RELEVANT MEMBER STATE"), NO ACTION HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN OR WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO MAKE AN OFFER TO THE PUBLIC OF THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN REQUIRING THE PUBLICATION OF A PROSPECTUS IN ANY RELEVANT MEMBER STATE. AS A RESULT, THESE SECURITIES MAY ONLY BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN ANY RELEVANT MEMBER STATE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION UNDER REGULATION (EU) 2017/1129 (AS AMENDED OR SUPERSEDED, THE "PROSPECTUS REGULATION"). THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS ONLY ADDRESSED TO, AND DIRECTED AT, PERSONS IN RELEVANT MEMBER STATES WHO ARE "QUALIFIED INVESTORS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 2 (E) OF THE PROSPECTUS REGULATION ("QUALIFIED INVESTORS").

IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DIRECTED EXCLUSIVELY AT QUALIFIED INVESTORS AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE 2 OF THE PROSPECTUS REGULATION AS IT FORMS PART OF DOMESTIC LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 ("UK PROSPECTUS REGULATION'') WHO ARE (I) "INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS" FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005, AS AMENDED (THE "ORDER"); OR (II) PERSONS FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 49(2)(A) TO (D) ("HIGH NET WORTH COMPANIES, UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS ETC") OF THE ORDER, AND/OR (III) TO WHOM IT MAY OTHERWISE LAWFULLY BE COMMUNICATED UNDER THE ORDER, ALL SUCH PERSONS TOGETHER BEING REFERRED TO AS ("RELEVANT PERSONS"). UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS RELY OR ACT UPON THE CONTENTS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO, AND WILL BE ENGAGED ONLY WITH, RELEVANT PERSONS.

IN CONNECTION WITH THE SHARE SALE, SEB AND ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES ACTING AS AN INVESTOR FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT MAY TAKE UP AS A PRINCIPAL POSITION ANY SHARES AND IN THAT CAPACITY MAY RETAIN, PURCHASE OR SELL FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT SUCH SHARES. IN ADDITION, SEB OR ITS AFFILIATES MAY ENTER INTO FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS AND SWAPS WITH INVESTORS IN CONNECTION WITH WHICH SEB (OR ITS AFFILIATES) MAY FROM TIME TO TIME ACQUIRE, HOLD OR DISPOSE OF SHARES. SEB DOES NOT INTEND TO DISCLOSE THE EXTENT OF ANY SUCH INVESTMENT OR TRANSACTIONS OTHERWISE THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY LEGAL OR REGULATORY OBLIGATION TO DO SO.

SEB IS ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SELLER AND NO ONE ELSE IN CONNECTION WITH THE SHARE SALE AND WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE TO ANY OTHER PERSON FOR PROVIDING THE PROTECTIONS AFFORDED TO CLIENTS OF SEB OR FOR PROVIDING ADVICE IN RELATION TO THE SHARE SALE.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/raysearch-laboratories/r/completed-placing-of-shares-in-raysearch-laboratories-ab--publ-,c4120829

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/1102/4120829/3328658.pdf RaySearch Press Release, 18 March 2025

SOURCE RaySearch Laboratories
The lawsuit asks that Defendants be permanently barred from using NMC batteries at the facility, that defendants be required to remediate the environmental contamination, and that plaintiffs exposed to the contamination be compensated for the costs of lifetime medical monitoring.

Impact on Brian Roeder and His Community

Brian and Angie Roeder, along with their young son, had recently completed renovations on what they hoped would be their forever home in Prunedale. Since the fire, they have been living in short-term rentals without knowing when it will be safe to return.

The fire has caused Angie, a U.S. Air Force veteran, persistent respiratory distress. It has caused Brian, a local businessman, daily headaches and breathing difficulties. Brian co-founded Never Again Moss Landing; a grassroots organization committed to preventing similar disasters.

Brian initiated and funded a large-scale citizen-led surface sampling initiative. Analysis of these samples revealed elevated concentrations of heavy metals, including nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium, in regions downwind of the facility. The results, which align with findings from San Jose State University's Elkhorn Slough study, show widespread heavy metal contamination across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.

The Complaint: Holding Responsible Parties Accountable

The lawsuit alleges that Vistra Corp. and its affiliates, along with battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution and utility provider PG&E, bear responsibility for the disaster. According to the complaint:

The facility relied on lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries, known to be highly susceptible to thermal runaway, rather than safer alternatives.

The BESS was housed in a confined indoor space, significantly increasing the fire risk.

The facility's fire suppression system was inadequate and failed to contain the thermal runaway event.

The Defendants ignored prior warning signs, including two previous fire-related incidents at their site in 2021 and 2022.

Seeking Justice for the Community

Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann are committed to securing justice for the victims of this environmental disaster. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and the ongoing costs of environmental remediation.

"Our clients have built their entire lives around the beauty and tranquility of their homes and environment, and they are now suffering without any fault of their own," said Sophia Achermann, Partner of Fiore Achermann. "The Defendants' reckless mismanagement of the BESS facility has put this community's health and safety in jeopardy. Vistra, PG&E, and others ignored the risks, prioritizing profit over safety. Now, these families are left to suffer the consequences. This lawsuit seeks justice and accountability to ensure this never happens again."

About Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann

Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann are nationally recognized Northern California law firms specializing in complex litigation, including environmental disasters, mass torts, and catastrophic injury cases. Danko Meredith has a strong history of holding large corporations accountable for negligence and harmful practices, successfully securing over $1.5 billion for Northern California fire survivors. The firms are committed to pushing for accountability and compensation in cases of utility-caused fires. Specializing in representing individuals and communities impacted by California fires and environmental disasters, Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann's team of skilled litigators is dedicated to seeking justice for those harmed by corporate negligence and advocating for lasting change.

Upcoming Meetings

Fiore Achermann and Danko Meredith will be hosting a Community Town Hall Webinar on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This event will provide an opportunity for the community to engage in meaningful discussions and ask questions.

To register for the webinar, please visit:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e-jSZo9ORmOstUqIy1g-Fg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2643422/Danko_Meredith.jpg

SOURCE Danko Meredith
Through its Bold Spirits, Rise platform, DELEON is supporting creatives by providing mentorship, studio time and performance opportunities for emerging DJs

NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DELEON Tequila is proud to launch the DELEON Tequila Opening Acts Pledge, a bold initiative designed to uplift rising DJs by providing mentorship, exposure and resources to help them succeed. Building on its Bold Spirits, Rise platform launched last year to champion those who embrace their creative drive and inspire others, DELEON is teaming up with cultural leaders, including BET Media Group, to create opportunities for emerging talent. As part of this initiative, one exceptional DJ will earn the chance to showcase their skills at the BET Awards 2025 red carpet, marking a career-defining moment in front of industry icons and influential tastemakers.

DELEON Tequila teams up with Andre Power's 'Link Up' music collective to support emerging DJs. The DELEON 75 delivers bold flavors to bold personalities.

To celebrate, DELEON is giving DJs the ultimate opportunity to take their sound from the studio to the spotlight during 'Culture's Biggest Night.' Now through April 14, DJs ages 25 and up can enter HERE for a chance to perform live on the BET Awards red carpet on June 9. The winner will also take part in an exclusive content shoot on May 12, providing a platform to share their journey and connect with industry leaders and creatives.**

"DELEON Tequila is about boldness, whether in craftsmanship, creativity or culture," said Ari Anderman, DELEON Tequila Brand Director. "With the DELEON Tequila Opening Acts Pledge, we're not just supporting rising DJs, we're offering them the tools, access and platforms to take their sound further. Music is a powerful force that brings people together and we're proud to invest in the next generation of talent."

As part of this commitment, DELEON is teaming up with Link Up, the community-driven music collective founded by Andre Power, to bring the movement to cities nationwide. After launching in Houston, upcoming stops in Atlanta, Philadelphia and Los Angeles will feature local DJs taking over setlists, performing for new audiences and receiving mentorship from Andre himself to refine their artistry and take their careers to the next level.

"As a DJ, you're not just playing tracks, you're creating an experience and bringing people together," said Andre Power, Founder of Link Up. "Link Up is about giving rising DJs that shot and putting them in spaces where they can showcase their talent, connect with new crowds and grow their careers. I'm excited to partner with DELEON to go to new cities and create real opportunities for the next generation of bold creatives to rise."

In collaboration with music and creator platform UnitedMasters, DELEON is offering 1,000 subscriptions to UnitedMasters' SELECT tier, granting exclusive access to music distribution, brand-building tools and direct industry connections. Additionally, DELEON is providing 500 hours of premium studio time in Los Angeles and New York City, along with mentorship from industry leaders to help DJs perfect their sound and expand their reach.

DELEON Tequila is built on boldness, whether in craft, creativity or culture. Bold Spirits, Rise extends that spirit beyond the bottle, creating opportunities for emerging DJs to push boundaries and make their mark. Just as DELEON elevates every pour, this platform is about elevating rising talent, giving them the space, resources and confidence to own their sound and inspire the next wave of creativity.

Fans 21+ can celebrate bold creativity and self-expression at home with a simple serve of DELEON Reposado on the rocks, garnished with green grapes or in an elevated cocktail like the DELEON 75.

DELEON 75

Ingredients:

1 oz DELEON Reposado

.5 oz Agave Syrup

.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

1.5 oz Sparkling Wine

Garnish: Mint & Lemon Slice

Glass: Coup Glass

Preparation: Add all ingredients into a coup glass. Gently stir and garnish.

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be legal U.S. resident, 25 years or older and not subject to a 3rd party agreement which prevents Contest entry. Enter at https://spiritspromos.com/portfolio/dj-contest by 4/14/2025 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. Winner selected by judging of all entries (including DJ performances) by judging panel including DELEON and BET. Winner subject to background check. Winner must be able to travel to Los Angeles on 5/12/2025 AND 6/9/2025. See Official Rules at website for full details, including entry requirements, judging criteria, prize restrictions. Sponsor: Diageo Americas, Inc., New York, NY.

DELEON encourages people of legal drinking age to celebrate responsibly. Follow DELEON on Instagram and be part of the Bold Spirits, Rise conversation as it sweeps across the country, inspiring a new wave of creative celebrations and empowering the bold voices of tomorrow.

About DELEON Tequila:

At the forefront of luxury since it was first introduced to the world in 2009, DELEON Tequila was always ahead of its time with its elevated standard of aging and its bold, sleek design.

Only our finest, fully matured, 100% blue weber agave goes into our Tequila, and an ambitious, longer fermentation process allows the agave nectar to fully capture all the flavor of the Jalisco region.

And an unconventional aging process: While most tequila brands age their tequila in American Oak casks, DELEON takes it a step further. For our Reposado and Anejo variants, we combine the bold American Oak with fine, French Oak wine casks to achieve the smoothness, balanced character, and nuanced complexity of DELEON tequila.

This is Tequila redefinedmore than just a spirit, DELEON Tequila offers an unparalleled tasting experience that transcends boundaries. Imbued with a refined liquid elegance perfected through a blend of traditional and innovative processes, every sip of DELEON Tequila invites you to taste the difference. Whether enjoyed neat or as the centerpiece of a meticulously crafted cocktail, DELEON Tequila embodies the essence of luxury and sophistication. For more about the exceptional tequila, information visit: www.deleontequila.com and www.instagram.com/deleontequila.

About DIAGEO:

DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, CIROC and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DELEON and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about DIAGEO, our people, our brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit DIAGEO's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Instagram for news and information about DIAGEO North America:

@Diageo_NA. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE DELEON Tequila
Oracle Cloud Isolated Region delivers air-gapped, hyperscale cloud and AI services for Singapore's mission-critical defence applications

SINGAPORE and AUSTIN, Texas, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has signed a contract with Oracle for an Oracle Cloud Isolated Region that supports the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Oracle CEO, Ms. Safra Catz, Oracle Executive Vice President and General Manager (Japan & Asia Pacific), Mr. Garrett Ilg, Defence Science And Technology Agency Chief Executive Mr. Ng Chad-Son, and Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), Mr. Melvyn Ong

The collaboration between DSTA and Oracle will enable MINDEF and the SAF to gain access to high-performance, air-gapped, and secure sovereign cloud computing, data management, and artificial intelligence (AI) services in a secured environment. The use of Oracle Cloud Isolated Region will transform the Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) functions of the SAF, and will modernize its digital capabilities with increased scalability and performance.

Under this agreement, the Digital and Intelligence Service can use Oracle's air-gapped cloud services to accelerate innovation and deployment of AI for the SAF's missions. Oracle Cloud Isolated Region is a sovereign air-gapped hyperscale Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) region that offers the same services that are available in a public OCI region. Oracle Cloud Isolated Region is completely disconnected from the internet and provides MINDEF and SAF with a scalable, secure, and resilient environment to enhance insights and enable faster decision-making.

"The demand for secure and scalable cloud solutions is growing. It is more than just data storage and computing  it will be the foundation for a lot of innovation. Through this pilot collaboration with Oracle, we will harness advanced cloud and AI technologies to digitalise and transform our operations," said Mr Ng Chad-Son, Chief Executive of DSTA.

"Oracle has safeguarded the world's most sensitive data for decades. We are pleased to bring this expertise to support the Singapore defence community's missions," said Rand Waldron, Global Defense CTO, Oracle. "Our air-gapped, isolated cloud regions bring the capabilities of our public cloud and defense ecosystem to the world's most secure networks. Oracle is built to deliver the highest levels of security and performance for governments around the world."

Oracle delivers AI and a full suite of 150+ cloud services across dedicated, public, sovereign, and hybrid cloud environments anywhere in the world, including air-gapped infrastructure on classified networks.

Additional Resources

About Defence Science and Technology Agency

The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) is a top-notch technology organisation that drives innovation and delivers state-of-the-art capabilities to make the Singapore Armed Forces a formidable fighting force. Harnessing and exploiting science and technology, our engineers and IT professionals leverage multidisciplinary expertise to equip our soldiers with advanced systems to defend Singapore. DSTA also contributes its technological expertise to support national-level developments. To achieve our mission, DSTA excels in systems engineering, digitalised platforms, cyber, software development and more.

Visit www.dsta.gov.sg for more information.

About Oracle

Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com.

Trademarks

Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing.

SOURCE Oracle
RUST, Germany, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corp. (TSE:3706) and a leading manufacturer in server platform design, unveils its latest energy-efficient cloud and AI-driven server platforms at CloudFest 2025, Booth #H12 & H13. Featuring AMD EPYC 9005 Series and Intel Xeon 6 processors, these platforms highlight MiTAC's commitment to sustainable computing, optimized power efficiency, and high-performance cloud infrastructure.

Advancing Cloud Sustainability with Energy-Efficient Computing

Empowering Sustainable Cloud Computing: MiTAC Delivers Energy-Efficient Server Innovations at CloudFest 2025

As cloud and AI workloads continue to expand, data centers face increasing pressure to enhance performance while reducing power consumption. MiTAC Computing is addressing these challenges by designing server solutions that balance high computing power with energy efficiency, helping enterprises and cloud providers minimize operational costs and carbon footprints.

MiTAC's latest server platforms incorporate power-efficient processor architectures, intelligent workload management, and advanced thermal design, enabling organizations to scale computing resources without excessive energy consumption. By leveraging built-in acceleration technologies, optimized memory bandwidth, and high-speed connectivity, MiTAC delivers solutions that maximize performance-per-watt efficiency.

Intel-Powered Solutions: Performance and Efficiency for AI-Driven Workloads

MiTAC showcases its Intel-based lineup, including the 2U dual-socket MiTAC R2520G6, a high-performance yet power-efficient compute server optimized for AI, cloud, and enterprise applications. It supports up to 8TB of DDR5 memory, five PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, and flexible storage configurations for U.2 and E1.S SSDs, delivering scalable performance while maintaining power efficiency.

By integrating Intel Xeon 6 processors, MiTAC's platforms provide built-in accelerators for AI workloads, high-speed I/O capabilities, and optimized power utilization, ensuring sustainable, high-performance computing for modern data centers.

AMD-Based Solutions: Maximizing Compute Power with Sustainable Design

MiTAC's AMD EPYC 9005 Series-powered platforms deliver cutting-edge performance-per-watt efficiency, enabling cloud and AI providers to scale workloads with maximum energy efficiency.

The MiTAC TYAN GC68C-B8056, a 1U single-socket server, is optimized for high-density cloud and AI workloads. It features twenty-four DDR5 DIMM slots, twelve tool-less 2.5-inch NVMe U.2 hot-swap bays, and a high-efficiency thermal design to support modern cloud environments. The integration of AMD EPYC 9005 Series processors ensures industry-leading compute performance while keeping power consumption lowhelping enterprises enhance sustainability without compromising performance.

By leveraging AMD EPYC 9005 Series processors, MiTAC's solutions ensure high-performance computing with lower energy consumption, helping enterprises reduce data center power demands while maintaining processing efficiency.

Additionally, MiTAC highlights the MiTAC TYAN TD76-B8058, a 2U multi-node server designed for cloud service providers requiring high scalability. Powered by AMD EPYC 9004 Series processors, it offers four front-serviced nodes, 16 DDR5 RDIMM slots, four hot-swap E1.S drive trays, two NVMe M.2 slots, and flexible expansion via PCIe 5.0 and OCP 3.0 LAN mezzanine slots. This platform delivers strong performance while maintaining energy efficiency, making it a reliable choice for cloud and AI applications.

Visit MiTAC at CloudFest 2025 to Explore Sustainable Server Innovations

MiTAC's latest Intel and AMD-powered server platforms showcase the future of energy-efficient cloud computing, providing enterprises with cutting-edge, sustainable, and high-performance solutions.

Visit MiTAC at Booth #H12 & H13 at CloudFest 2025 to explore how these innovations enhance cloud sustainability, optimize power efficiency, and drive the future of AI and cloud computing.

About MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation

MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings, delivers comprehensive, energy-efficient server solutions backed by industry expertise dating back to the 1990s. Specializing in AI, HPC, cloud, and edge computing, MiTAC Computing employs rigorous methods to ensure uncompromising quality not just at the barebone level but, more importantly, at the system and rack levelswhere true performance and integration matter most. This commitment to quality at every level sets MiTAC Computing apart from others in the industry. The company provides tailored platforms for hyperscale data centers, HPC, and AI applications, guaranteeing optimal performance and scalability.

With a global presence and end-to-end capabilitiesfrom R&D and manufacturing to global supportMiTAC Computing offers flexible, high-quality solutions designed to meet unique business needs. Leveraging the latest advancements in AI and liquid cooling, along with the recent integration of Intel DSG and TYAN server products, MiTAC Computing stands out for its innovation, efficiency, and reliability, empowering businesses to tackle future challenges.

MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation website: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/

SOURCE MiTAC Computing Technology Corp.
HOUSTON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) will host a conference call and webcast to discuss first quarter 2025 results on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 9 a.m. Central time (10 a.m. Eastern time). Please visit the Investors/Events & Presentations page on the EOG website to access a live webcast of the conference call. If you are unable to listen to the live webcast, a replay will be available for one year.

If you have any questions, please contact Angie Lewis at 713-651-6722.

About EOG

EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE: EOG) is one of the largest crude oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States with proved reserves in the United States and Trinidad. To learn more visit www.eogresources.com.

Investor Contacts

Pearce Hammond 713-571-4684

Neel Panchal 713-571-4884

Shelby O'Connor 713-571-4560

Media Contact

Kimberly Ehmer 713-571-4676

SOURCE EOG Resources, Inc.
WYOMISSING, Pa., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FastBridge Fiber, a Pennsylvania-based leader in fiber-optic internet, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its high-speed,100% fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to Hazleton, Pennsylvania. This milestone marks the company's first venture into Luzerne County, bringing ultra-fast, reliable internet to the region.

FASTBRIDGE FIBERS 100% FIBER-OPTIC INTERNET SERVICE COMING TO HAZLETON, PENNSYLVANIA

Since launching in Berks County, Pennsylvania in November 2022, FastBridge Fiber has upheld its mission to deliver unmatched internet experiences. Following its recent expansion into Montour County's Danville and Columbia County's Bloomsburg, FastBridge Fiber is now setting a new standard in Hazleton. Residents will gain access to lightning-fast, multi-gig symmetrical internet speeds designed to transform streaming, gaming, remote work, and more.

Why Choose FastBridge Fiber?

Consistent Speeds : Enjoy symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 2 Gbps.

: Enjoy symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 2 Gbps. Transparent Pricing : Simple plans, transparent promotions, no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.

: Simple plans, transparent promotions, no hidden fees and no long-term contracts. Future-Proof Technology : A robust network built to scale to higher speeds as devices and technology evolve.

: A robust network built to scale to higher speeds as devices and technology evolve. Local Support: Customer service provided by dedicated representatives, including bilingual agents.

Investing in Community

"It will be wonderful for the City of Hazleton and the surrounding areas for this opportunity to allow us to utilize this high level of technology. It will be a great benefit to everyone in our community," said Jeffrey L. Cusat, Mayor of the City of Hazleton.

FastBridge Fiber professional installations in the Hazelton area, included with the service at no additional cost, will begin early this summer. Residents interested in service can check availability, see launch promotions with pricing plans, and sign up for service at fastbridgefiber.com/check-availability.

Hazleton joins a growing list of Pennsylvania communities benefiting from FastBridge Fiber's state-of-the-art network. By investing in advanced infrastructure, the company is narrowing the digital divide and fostering economic growth.

For more information about FastBridge Fiber and the benefits of fiber internet visit, fastbridgefiber.com.

About FastBridge Fiber

FastBridge Fiber is a forward-thinking fiber-optic internet provider, delivering faster, more reliable internet to homes and businesses through a state-of-the-art, all-fiber network. Built for the future, FastBridge Fiber's network empowers seamless experiences for streaming, gaming, remote work, and beyond. With simple pricing, local customer care, and a commitment to advancing the communities it serves, FastBridge Fiber ensures its customers are connected to what matters most.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Media Contact:

Hailey Fry

[email protected]

SOURCE FastBridge Fiber
Innovative companies including Beta Technologies, Celestial AI, Dufour Aerospace, JetZero, Joby Aviation, and Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. adopt Flexcompute powered by NVIDIA Blackwell

BOSTON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Flexcompute, the leading provider of multi-physics simulation technology, announced support for the NVIDIA Blackwell platform, marking the dawn of a new era in simulation capabilities. As a GPU-native, high-fidelity solution already known for being 100 times faster than leading simulation technologies, Flexcompute products powered by Blackwell will enable its customers to conduct high-fidelity physics simulations faster than ever before.

JetZero Simulation Using Flexcompute

"We are thrilled to offer our customers early access to our products accelerated by NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs," said Vera Yang, President of Flexcompute. "Leveraging NVIDIA's cutting-edge GPU technology to Flexcompute's industry-leading simulation platform, we are enabling engineers to solve complex real-world problems faster and more accurately than ever before. This collaboration marks a new era of simulation-driven innovation, where design cycles are accelerated, and breakthroughs become reality."

"NVIDIA Blackwell is powering a new era of computing, delivering exceptional performance for the most demanding applications. Flexcompute's adoption of Blackwell enables industries to tap into the full potential of this revolutionary technology, transforming the way simulations are created and accelerating the path from concept to reality," Tim Costa, senior director for CAE and CUDA-X at NVIDIA said.

Some of the most innovative companies in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and technology are already leveraging Flexcompute's simulation technology powered by NVIDIA Blackwell including Beta Technologies, Celestial AI, Dufour Aerospace, JetZero, Joby Aviation, Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc., and more. Customer use cases include:

Beta Technologies leverages Flow360 powered by NVIDIA's Blackwell for high-fidelity blade-resolved simulation to optimize aerodynamics.

leverages Flow360 powered by NVIDIA's Blackwell for high-fidelity blade-resolved simulation to optimize aerodynamics. Celestial AI is simulating large metasurface structures at a scale previously impossible.

is simulating large metasurface structures at a scale previously impossible. JetZero leverages Flow360 powered by NVIDIA's Blackwell to optimize its designs to reduce carbon emissions.

leverages Flow360 powered by NVIDIA's Blackwell to optimize its designs to reduce carbon emissions. Joby Aviation simulates aeroacoustic impact for their aircraft design.

simulates aeroacoustic impact for their aircraft design. Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. simulates optical amplifiers for laser diode manufacturing with speed and scale.

simulates optical amplifiers for laser diode manufacturing with speed and scale. Wisk is using Blackwell accelerated Flexcompute software to corroborate vertical descent maneuver in ground effect.

The collaboration between Flexcompute and NVIDIA marks an exciting leap forward in simulation technology, empowering companies to dramatically reduce time-to-market while ensuring the highest level of accuracy and precision in complex designs.

About Flexcompute

At Flexcompute, innovation is not just a principleit's the foundation of everything we do. Born from the minds of engineers at MIT and Stanford, we push the boundaries of what's possible in simulation technology. With our GPU-native technology, seamlessly integrated into existing workflows, we enable teams to innovate faster, reduce costs, and minimize risksbringing better products to market in less time. Our mission is to make hardware innovation as easy as software. Learn more at flexcompute.com.

Media Contact:

Stephanie McGuirk

[email protected]

(845) 269-8868

SOURCE Flexcompute
GROVE CITY, Ohio, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bobcat Company recognized Forklifts Group (Ohio) as one of its 2025 Dealer Leadership Groups, highlighting the company as one of Bobcat's highest-performing dealers in North America within the material handling category.

Forklifts Group earned this prestigious distinction through a comprehensive evaluation process assessing key performance metrics. As a part of Bobcat's extensive dealer network of over 660 enterprises across the United States and Canada, Forklifts Group demonstrated exceptional expertise, customer service and dedication to delivering top-tier material handling solutions.

"Our dealers are the face of the Bobcat brand at the local level across North America," said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. "Each dealership is integral to our work across the Bobcat portfolio, bringing expertise and customer service to their loyal customers."

As a member of the 2025 Dealer Leadership Groups, Forklifts Group will serve as a voice for the Bobcat dealer network, collaborating with Bobcat senior leadership throughout the year to provide valuable insights and feedback. "We are honored to be recognized by Bobcat for outstanding Dealer Performance," said Bill St. John, East President of Forklifts Group. "I want to thank our dedicated employees and loyal customers for this award. I look forward to being part of the Bobcat Dealer Leadership Group as we continue to find innovative solutions to improve our products and services."

About Forklifts Group: Forklifts Group comprises full-service dealerships with over 40 years of combined experience in Columbus, Ohio; Toledo, Ohio; New York, New York; Las Vegas, Nevada; and locations throughout California. Collectively, we offer a full range of products and services to meet our customers' material handling needs. Learn more at forkliftsgroup.com.

SOURCE Forklifts Group
The Polish Presidency of the European Union intends to convince Hungary that Ukraine's future membership is vital for the future of the European Union itself.

This was stated on Tuesday in Brussels after the conclusion of the EU Council meeting on general affairs, by the Polish Minister for European Union Affairs, Adam Szlapka, answering a question about a possible reaction in the event of a negative result of the referendum on Ukraine's membership in the EU, which Hungary plans to hold. Noting that the Hungarian side should be asked directly about the referendum, Szlapka noted that "nevertheless, we are going to continue our work." "We are going to work with our partners, with the member states, and we are going to convince our Hungarian partners as well that for the EU, expanding the area of stability, democracy, prosperity and security is vital. So this is what is important for the future of the European Union. That is why we will work on this," the Polish minister explained.

According to him, directly during this meeting, the ministers were focused on the preparation of a European Council meeting, which will be held with the participation of the heads of state and government of the EU member states on March 20-21 in Brussels. "Of course, during the leaders' discussion on Ukraine, there will be a part of the discussion that the leaders are going to express support for Ukraine, as we have been doing as the European Union since the beginning of the Russian aggressive war against Ukraine. As you know, Secure Europe is the motto of the Polish presidency - we see enlargement as part of security. So, enlargement is one of our priorities, and we are determined to work on it and advance this process," he explained Warsaw's position.

According to him, work on this continues in close cooperation with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
LONDON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the World Food Travel Association announced that Francesc Fuste-Forne has been named the latest recipient of the organization's esteemed Food Tourism Industry Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding individuals whose dedication and contributions have profoundly shaped the food and beverage tourism industry.

Dr. Fuste-Forne holding his award at home in Catalonia

Since its inception in 2021, the Food Tourism Industry Lifetime Achievement Award has been awarded only to those who have demonstrated unparalleled commitment, leadership, and influence in the field. Candidates are nominated by industry peers, and the WFTA leadership, in collaboration with select experts, carefully evaluates nominees to ensure that only the most deserving individuals are recognized.

Francesc Fuste-Forne, Associate Professor Serra Hunter at the University of Girona (Catalonia, Spain), is a distinguished academic and researcher with expertise in food, rural marketing and tourism, as well as the intersections of authenticity, heritage, and identity in gastronomy. Holding two PhDs, one in Tourism from the University of Girona and another in Communication from Ramon Llull University, his research has explored the relationships between food tourism, landscapes, sustainability, and social change.

His extensive body of work has influenced both academic scholarship and industry practice. Among his many achievements, Dr. Fuste-Forne co-edited 'Contemporary Advances in Food Tourism Management and Marketing' (Routledge, 2023) and the recently published 'The Food Tourist' (Emerald, 2025). His research impact was further recognized in 2024 when he was included in the Stanford University and Elsevier ranking of the world's top 2% most influential researchers. Additionally, his article, 'The way we live, the way we travel: generation Z and sustainable consumption in food tourism experiences,' co-authored with Dr. Alicia Orea-Giner and published in the British Food Journal, was awarded the Outstanding Article prize at the Emerald Literati Awards in 2024.

"Francesc Fuste-Forne's groundbreaking research and dedication to understanding food tourism's role in culture, sustainability, and media make him an exemplary recipient of this award," said Erik Wolf, Executive Director & Founder of the World Food Travel Association. "His work continues to inspire and shape the future of food tourism worldwide."

Media Contact: Erik Wolf, Executive Director, World Food Travel Association

[email protected] or via WhatsApp (+44) 7827 582 554

SOURCE World Food Travel Association
The independent, woman-owned print publication that offers a progressive take on drinks media, covering wine, beer, spirits, infused and non-alcoholic beverages, and beyond, celebrates another year of print publishing and the release of Issue No. 09Spring 2025.

BROOKFIELD, Conn., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Pour, the print magazine devoted to all facets of drinks culture, is honored to celebrate its second anniversary this month. The innovative, woman-owned magazine has pushed the boundaries of drinks media, redefining the value, quality, experience and community that independent magazine publishing can bring to consumers and social beverage culture.

Since its introduction in March 2023, Full Pour has released four quarterly issues annually, creating space as a leading equal-opportunity magazine for consumers across all categories, from wine, beer and spirits to cider, coffee, tea, infused and non-alcoholic drinks and beyond. Every issue features multiple stories within the magazine's five main coverage areas: vinified, brewed, distilled, infused, and zero-proof or non-alcoholic drinks.

The magazine works with contributors from around the globe who provide diverse perspectives, backgrounds and storytelling angles that surround drinks history, production and enjoyment as well as stunning visuals from graphic artists and illustrators. All are served by Full Pour's high-quality yet eco-friendly print production methods to create a lasting, transportive experience within each issue.

Awarded Magazine Launch of the Year in 2023 and Best Full Issue (Consumer) in the Culture/Community category in 2024 by the FOLIO: Eddie and Ozzie Awards, a prestigious program in the publishing industry that recognizes excellence in editorial content and design across print and digital media, Full Pour's mission is grounded in encouraging conscious consumption and consumer confidence, connecting with readers and partners that share its social and environmental values and building authentic community. The magazine has also received a coveted 2024 National Magazine Award, or "Ellie", nomination for General Excellence, Special Interest from the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME).

"Despite a challenging and rapidly evolving media landscape, we are incredibly proud of our accomplishments to date," says Editor and Publisher Lauren Buzzeo, a decades-long drinks- and publishing-industry veteran. "From expanded distribution to innovative community-building programs and partnerships, we are optimistic about evolving conversations around the value and importance of independent journalism and what it stands for, and remain committed in our contribution to that dialogue and raising awareness of how quality print publications can advance appreciation for the art and impact of magazine culture."

Full Pour features an innovative approach to advertising partnerships, reconsidering the traditional media-advertiser model to drive change and positive impact. The magazine's Flow Into Community Program aligns with advertising partners to mutually support nonprofit organizations and improve the food and beverage community at large in sustainable and equitable ways through promotion, visibility and monetary support. Read more about the Flow Into Community Program here, and visit the Flow Into Community giving-circle on Grapevine here.

Full Pour also proudly uses sustainable and non-toxic printing methods. The magazine's printer is a member of the international PrintReleaf program, which ensures that, for every quantity of paper consumed, an equivalent number of trees is planted. Issues are printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, 100% post-consumer-waste (PCW) recycled paper, which is also designated as Ancient Forest Friendly and PCF (processed chlorine free), and shipped in 100% compostable, biodegradable mailers. It features natural soy- and vegetable-based inks and non-toxic toners rather than heavy-metal or petroleum-based products, and no chemical laminates or plastic coatings that can affect future recyclability.

Full Pour is also thrilled to partner with Maryam + Company on a Media Trip Award to that company's Field Blends program, an immersive food and wine trip experience that seeks to empower diverse individuals in the wine industry. The 2024 experience was centered around Michigan, while Field Blends 2025 will take place in Lodi, California. The Media Trip Award winner receives the opportunity to participate, all expenses paid, in the annual Field Blends experience and share unique findings and perspectives in a paid feature-article placement for Full Pour. The collaboration underscores both companies' commitments to foster the growth and recognition of emerging talent within the field of drinks journalism.

To commemorate its two-year anniversary, ASME nomination and the release of the Spring 2025 issue, which boasts a near-exclusive female roster of contributors across words and art, Full Pour is hosting a celebration in New York City on March 19, 2025 in collaboration with SAVEUR, another ASME-nominated, women-owned independent magazine. The event will feature a discussion on women shattering ceilings and creating community in the food & beverage and publishing worlds, moderated by Full Pour Editor & Publisher Lauren Buzzeo and SAVEUR EIC & CEO Kat Craddock, and a celebration of women-made food and drinks thanks to supporting participation from event partners, including Broadbent Selections, Quintessential, Wild East Brewing Company and Barbara Sibley (La Palapa, Holiday Cocktail Lounge). To learn more about the event, email [email protected]

"It's beyond exciting to have the chance to team up with another women-owned independent magazine in the food and beverage space, especially around Women's History Month," says Buzzeo. "SAVEUR is a publishing icon, and with the recent relaunch of its print magazine under the leadership of owner and Editor-in-Chief Kat Craddock, it's clear that it maintains the same reverence and appreciation for not only the importance of independent publishing, but diverse print storytelling and human-led and -centered creative culture."

Full Pour is currently available for purchase as single-issue copies ($20) or annual subscriptions (4 issues, $76) at www.full-pour.com. The magazine is also distributed throughout North America, available at Barnes and Noble, Chapters/Indigo and a variety of independent retail stores across the U.S., as well as available worldwide at select stores and via online retailer Newsstand.

For more information or to subscribe for the latest news, please visit www.full-pour.com

About Full Pour:

Full Pour, an independent print magazine with a fresh take on drinks media, is a celebration of the diverse world of social sips and beverage culture. Launched in March 2023 by Editor and Publisher Lauren Buzzeo, a decades-long drinks- and publishing-industry vet, the magazine reports across beverage category lines for a uniquely comprehensive view of the modern social-drinks landscape. Authenticity and passion for sharing beverage information and the diverse cultures that surround drinks history, production and consumption drives every story published, with the aim to inspire new consideration, awareness, acceptance and conversation across all drink categories, for all people. With a progressive advertising model aimed to foster visibility and support for nonprofit organizations as well as environmentally friendly production measures from sourcing to printing and shipping, Full Pour aims to have everyone drink in life to the fullest, regardless of what brims your cup.

Contact Information:

Full Pour

Lauren Buzzeo; [email protected]

SOURCE Full Pour
Hitachi iQ to leverage NVIDIA AI Data Platform reference design, providing enhanced capabilities for reliability and performance and enabling a faster shift from AI to ROI

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), announced Hitachi iQ M Series, the latest addition to the Hitachi iQ portfolio of AI-ready infrastructure solutions. This new solution provides a lower entry cost with built-in adaptability and scalability as customer needs evolve. Integrating accelerated computing platforms with robust networking, Hitachi iQ M Series combines Hitachi Vantara Virtual Storage Platform One (VSP One) storage, integrated file system choices, and optional NVIDIA AI Enterprise software into a scalable, adaptable, cost-effective AI infrastructure solution.

Meet Hitachi iQ, a cutting-edge portfolio of infrastructure and solutions designed to tackle the challenges of the rapidly growing AI market. Hitachi iQ Solution Stack

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/hitachi-vantara/9261052-en-hitachi-vantara-adds-hitachi-iq-m-series-to-ai-ready-infrastructure-solutions

For more information on Hitachi iQ, please visit:

https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/solutions/ai-analytics/hitachi-iq

The rise of generative AI and the explosion in data processing power are pushing the pace of change. As more businesses adopt AI, the rapid increase in training costs and data management presents significant challenges. The Hitachi iQ M Series allows for a choice of NVIDIA accelerating computing platforms to select the most suitable GPU for specific workloads to ensure optimal performance across different AI applications. The solution allows for the scaling of compute and storage independently with the flexibility to adapt to diverse and fluctuating data sizes, data types, and workloads, meaning businesses can allocate resources efficiently, scaling compute or storage as needed rather than overprovisioning, and reducing unnecessary expenses.

Additionally, Hitachi iQ is integrating the NVIDIA AI Data Platform reference design, created to power the era of enterprise agentic AI. Using the design, Hitachi Vantara will integrate its premier enterprise-grade storage with NVIDIA's accelerated computing, networking, and AI software to enable AI agents with near real-time business insights. This ensures that Hitachi Vantara customers will benefit from the highest standard for performance and reliability, seamlessly powering their most critical AI applications and transforming their data into actionable insights. Through its continued collaboration with NVIDIA, Hitachi Vantara will continue to innovate its AI-ready infrastructure, reshaping how organizations manage and use data, closing the gap between AI agents and business knowledge.

"We're on a mission to help customers from all industries harness the power of AI regardless of the market they're in," said Jason Hardy, chief technology officer for artificial intelligence at Hitachi Vantara. "With the expansion of computing power from Hitachi iQ M Series and the high performance and reliability standards inherent in the NVIDIA AI Data Platform, we have created a unique opportunity for businesses to innovate, revamp user experiences, streamline operations, and optimize cost. This enables businesses to capitalize on AI without overburdening their teams or their bottom line."

As a part of the Hitachi iQ portfolio, M Series features flexible configurations using NVIDIA accelerated computing and a choice of a high-performance file system or a global namespace file system. There is also an optional object storage repository available within the Hitachi iQ portfolio. As a result, the M Series can handle the various data types, sizes, and workload demands, making it ideal for businesses operating in dynamic and data-intensive environments.

"Enterprises generate and store vast amounts of data, much of it unstructured and inaccessible to modern AI-driven applications," said Bob Pette, vice president of enterprise platforms at NVIDIA. "With the AI Data Platform reference design, stored data is accessible in real time on Hitachi iQ, giving applications access to full knowledge of the business and providing invaluable insights that strategically accelerate AI initiatives."

Hitachi iQ Powered by Hammerspace and VSP One

Additionally, to bolster the data orchestration power of Hitachi iQ, Hitachi Vantara has entered into a strategic resell agreement with Hammerspace, a fast-growing software company that is radically changing how data is used and preserved. Through the agreement, Hitachi Vantara has integrated Hammerspace software with the VSP One storage platform, expanding Hitachi iQ's capabilities to address different data management requirements for dataset creation, processing, governance and protection. The joint VSP One and Hammerspace solution ensures distributed data is easily and transparently accessible from anywhere for GenAI workloads. As a result, Hitachi iQ represents a complete infrastructure solution for AI, GenAI, analytics, and data lake environments across a range of industry-specific use cases.

The Hitachi iQ portfolio of AI-ready infrastructure, solutions, and services is among the most comprehensive, end-to-end AI enablement tools available today. The portfolio includes an AI Discovery Service designed to help customers identify the most valuable AI use cases, assess their data readiness, determine ROI, and create a strategic roadmap for successful AI implementation.

For more information on Hitachi Vantara, please visit: hitachivantara.com.

Additional Resources

About Hitachi Vantara

Hitachi Vantara is transforming the way data fuels innovation. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Vantara provides the data foundation the world's leading innovators rely on. Through data storage, infrastructure systems, cloud management and digital expertise, the company helps customers build the foundation for sustainable business growth. To learn more, visit www.hitachivantara.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of "Digital Systems & Services"  supporting our customers' digital transformation; "Green Energy & Mobility"  contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and "Connective Industries"  connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company's revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.

HITACHI is a trademark or registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. All other trademarks, service marks, and company names are properties of their respective owners.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Steve MacDonnell

Hitachi Vantara

[email protected]

+1 (856) 577-4914

SOURCE Hitachi Vantara Corporation
AUSTIN, Minn., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced leadership advancements for its Retail business segment.

Scott Weisenbeck Joe OConnor

Scott Weisenbeck has been promoted to vice president of marketing  Retail. Scott has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation in the bacon category and will take on an expanded role, bringing his expertise to a broader portfolio of brands.

has been promoted to vice president of marketing  Retail. Scott has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation in the bacon category and will take on an expanded role, bringing his expertise to a broader portfolio of brands. Joe O'Connor has been promoted to vice president of Emerging Brands  Retail. Joe's deep understanding of the premium consumer base, growth mindset and strong results make him well-suited to continue leading our emerging brands business, including Applegate and Justin's.

"These advancements recognize Scott and Joe's leadership, ability to deliver results and positions them to have greater impact as we continue to grow our Retail business," said Jim Snee, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. "I congratulate Scott and Joe on their new and important leadership roles."

"Scott and Joe's leadership comes at an important time as we continue to strengthen our brands and drive growth," said John Ghingo, executive vice president of Retail at Hormel Foods. "I am excited for them to bring their strategic insights and expertise to these roles, further positioning our brands and our businesses for the future."

LEADER BIOS

About Scott Weisenbeck

Weisenbeck joined Hormel Foods in 1992 as a sales representative in the Denver, Colorado, area. He advanced through various territory manager roles before becoming an associate brand manager in the company's former Meat Products division at the Corporate Office (Austin, Minnesota) in 1997. Beginning the following year, Weisenbeck advanced through brand management and senior brand management roles, then in 2005 was named group brand manager for Meat Products. He became the director of integrated marketing and planning for the Hormel brand in 2009, then assumed the role of marketing director for Grocery Products in 2013. Weisenbeck was named assistant vice president of bacon in 2022.

About Joe O'Connor

O'Connor started his career with Hormel Foods in 2006 as a sales representative in the Chicago, Illinois, market. In 2012, he served as a national category manager at the World Headquarters in Austin, Minnesota, and then became a customer business manager for metro chains and Puerto Rico in 2013. He was named director of sales in 2018, then joined the Applegate team as vice president of sales and marketing in 2020. He assumed his current role as president of Applegate and assistant vice president of Hormel Foods in 2022.

About Hormel Foods  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, JUSTIN'S, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

Contact: Media Relations

Hormel Foods

[email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The DJS Law Group announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Ibotta, Inc. ("Ibotta" or "the Company") (NYSE: IBTA) for violations of the securities laws.

DJS Law Group

INVESTIGATION DETAILS: The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Ibotta reported its financial reports for the second quarter of 2024 on August 13, 2024. The Company reported a net loss of $34 million caused by a doubling of operating expenses. The Company also provided a third quarter revenue forecast beneath analyst estimates. Based on this news, shares of Ibotta fell sharply on the next day.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, contact us to participate.

WHY DJS LAW GROUP? DJS Law Group's primary focus is to enhance investor return through balanced counseling and aggressive advocacy. We specialize in securities class actions, corporate governance litigation, and domestic/international M&A appraisals. Our clients are some of the largest and most sophisticated hedge funds and alternative asset managers in the world. The litigation claims of our clients are extraordinarily valuable assets that demand respect, focus, and results.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

CONTACT:

David J. Schwartz

DJS Law Group

274 White Plains Road, Suite 1

Eastchester, NY 10709

Phone: 914-206-9742

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE DJS Law Group LLP
PUNE, India, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global insecticides market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for effective pest control solutions across agricultural, commercial, and residential sectors. With a market valuation of USD 8.9 billion in 2022, the sector is projected to reach USD 12.4 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.80% from 2023 to 2030. The rising global population has heightened the need for higher agricultural productivity, fueling the adoption of insecticides to mitigate crop damage and ensure food security. Additionally, the expansion of urbanization and industrial activities has led to a greater focus on pest management in commercial spaces, further driving market demand.

Technological advancements in insecticide formulations, including bio-based and eco-friendly variants, are reshaping the industry as regulatory bodies impose stricter guidelines on synthetic chemicals. The shift toward integrated pest management (IPM) practices is also influencing market trends, encouraging the development of targeted and sustainable insecticide solutions. Emerging economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are witnessing robust market growth due to expanding agricultural activities and government initiatives promoting modern farming techniques. However, concerns over pesticide resistance, environmental impact, and stringent regulations may pose challenges to market expansion, necessitating ongoing research and innovation to enhance product efficacy and safety.

Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy -https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/insecticides-market

Key Growth Determinants

Rising Agricultural Demand and Food Security Concerns

The increasing global population has intensified the need for higher agricultural productivity, driving the demand for insecticides to protect crops from pest infestations. Farmers are adopting advanced pest management solutions to minimize yield losses and ensure food security. Additionally, the expansion of commercial farming and greenhouse cultivation is further fueling market growth, as these environments require effective insect control measures to maintain productivity.

Technological Advancements and Sustainable Solutions

Innovations in insecticide formulations, including bio-based and eco-friendly products, are transforming the market landscape. Regulatory restrictions on synthetic chemicals are encouraging the development of targeted and environmentally sustainable solutions. The adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, which emphasize selective and minimal pesticide use, is also gaining traction, creating opportunities for advanced and safer insecticide products.

Expansion in Emerging Markets

Developing regions, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are witnessing a surge in insecticide consumption due to rising agricultural activities and supportive government policies. Increased investments in modern farming practices, along with a growing awareness of pest control benefits, are driving market expansion in these economies. Additionally, rapid urbanization and infrastructure development are boosting demand for insecticides in non-agricultural applications, such as residential and commercial pest control.

Regulatory Challenges and Environmental Concerns

Stringent regulations on pesticide use, concerns over chemical resistance, and environmental impact pose challenges to market growth. Governments worldwide are enforcing strict guidelines on insecticide formulations to limit harmful effects on human health and biodiversity. This is prompting manufacturers to invest in research and development (R&D) for innovative, safer alternatives that comply with regulatory standards while maintaining efficacy.

Key Growth Barriers

Stringent Regulatory Frameworks

The insecticides market is highly regulated, with governments and environmental agencies imposing strict guidelines on pesticide formulations, usage limits, and residue levels. Regulatory frameworks such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union's REACH regulations have restricted or banned several synthetic insecticides due to their environmental and health risks. Compliance with these evolving regulations increases production costs and limits the availability of certain chemical formulations, posing a significant challenge for manufacturers.

Growing Environmental and Health Concerns

The adverse environmental impact of chemical insecticides, including soil degradation, water contamination, and biodiversity loss, is a critical barrier to market growth. Prolonged exposure to certain insecticides has also been linked to human health issues, leading to increased consumer awareness and a preference for organic or biological alternatives. This shift in perception is driving demand away from conventional insecticides, forcing manufacturers to invest in costly research and development (R&D) for eco-friendly alternatives.

Rising Incidence of Pesticide Resistance

Continuous and excessive use of synthetic insecticides has led to the development of resistance in pest populations, reducing the effectiveness of traditional chemical formulations. This has necessitated frequent modifications in pesticide compositions, increasing costs for both manufacturers and end users. Additionally, resistance issues drive the demand for alternative pest control strategies, such as biological control and integrated pest management (IPM), which can limit the reliance on conventional insecticides.

High Research and Development Costs

The development of new, sustainable, and compliant insecticide formulations requires substantial investment in R&D. Manufacturers face high costs in testing, regulatory approvals, and commercialization of new products, which can slow down market expansion. Moreover, the transition toward bio-based insecticides demands significant technological advancements, making it challenging for smaller players to compete with established companies that have greater financial and research capabilities.

Segmentation

By Type

Pyrethroids



Organophosphorus



Carbamates



Organochlorine



Botanicals



Other types

By Crop Type

Cereals & grains



Oilseeds & pulses



Fruits & vegetables



Other crop types

By Formulation

Wettable Powder



Emulsifiable concentrate



Suspension concentrate



Oil emulsion in water



Microencapsulated suspension



Granules



Other formulations

By Form

Sprays



Bailts



Strips

Based on region

North America

The U.S.



Canada



Mexico

Europe

Germany



France



UK.



Italy



Spain



Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China



Japan



India



South Korea



South-east Asia



Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil



Argentina



Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

& GCC Countries



South Africa



The Rest of the Middle East and Africa

Preview the report with a detailed sample and understand how it can benefit your business strategy. Request a free sample today - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/insecticides-market

Regional Analysis

North America: Stringent Regulations and Advanced Pest Management

The North American insecticides market is driven by advanced agricultural practices, stringent regulatory frameworks, and increasing demand for bio-based pest control solutions. The U.S. and Canada enforce strict regulations on chemical pesticides through agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada, encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly and organic alternatives. The rising adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques in the region has further influenced market dynamics, with a growing preference for targeted and sustainable insecticide solutions. Additionally, the expansion of urban and commercial pest control services is driving demand beyond the agricultural sector.

Europe: Sustainability and Organic Farming Initiatives

Europe's insecticides market is shaped by strict environmental policies, shifting consumer preferences, and an increasing focus on organic farming. The European Union's stringent pesticide regulations under the Sustainable Use Directive (SUD) have significantly limited the use of synthetic insecticides, promoting the growth of biopesticides and alternative pest control solutions. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK are leading the transition toward sustainable agriculture, further reducing reliance on conventional chemical insecticides. Additionally, rising awareness of biodiversity conservation and environmental health is propelling the demand for safer and eco-friendly pest control solutions across the region.

Asia-Pacific: High Agricultural Demand and Emerging Markets

Asia-Pacific dominates the global insecticides market due to its vast agricultural sector, growing population, and increasing food security concerns. Countries like China, India, and Indonesia are witnessing high demand for insecticides as they strive to enhance agricultural productivity and protect crops from pest infestations. Government initiatives promoting modern farming techniques and subsidies for pesticide use are further driving market growth. However, regulatory changes, such as India's push to phase out hazardous pesticides, are reshaping the market landscape by encouraging the adoption of safer alternatives. Additionally, the expansion of urban areas is fueling the demand for insecticides in residential and commercial pest control applications.

Latin America: Expanding Agricultural Sector and Crop Protection Needs

Latin America's insecticides market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the region's strong reliance on agriculture for economic development. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are major contributors, with increasing investments in advanced crop protection technologies to combat pest-related yield losses. The region's favorable climatic conditions also create a high demand for insecticides to control tropical pests. However, concerns over pesticide overuse and its impact on human health and the environment are prompting regulatory reviews and fostering interest in biological alternatives.

Middle East & Africa: Rising Demand Amid Climatic Challenges

The insecticides market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is expanding due to growing agricultural activities and the need for effective pest control solutions in harsh climatic conditions. Countries such as South Africa, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are investing in modern farming techniques to enhance food security, boosting insecticide adoption. However, limited access to advanced formulations, high import dependency, and regulatory barriers pose challenges to market growth. Additionally, increasing awareness of sustainable agriculture is driving interest in integrated pest management (IPM) and bio-based alternatives, signaling a gradual shift in the region's market dynamics.

Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis

The competitive landscape of the insecticides market is characterized by the dominance of key players such as BASF SE, Bayer AG, Syngenta AG, Corteva Agriscience, FMC Corporation, and Sumitomo Chemical, which leverage extensive R&D investments, diverse product portfolios, and global distribution networks to maintain their market position. These companies are actively developing bio-based and eco-friendly insecticides to comply with evolving regulations and address growing environmental concerns. Strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are prevalent, enabling firms to expand their geographic reach and enhance technological capabilities. Regional players and emerging startups are also gaining traction by focusing on niche markets and developing cost-effective, sustainable alternatives. Additionally, companies are investing in precision agriculture technologies and integrated pest management (IPM) solutions, driving innovation and differentiation in the market.

Tailor the report to align with your specific business needs and gain targeted insights. Request https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/insecticides-market

Key Player Analysis

AMVAC Chemical Corp.

UPL Ltd.

Bayer AG

BASF SE

FMC Corp.

Corteva Agriscience

Nufarm Ltd.

Bioworks, Inc.

Syngenta Group

Recent Industry Developments

2024

April: Godrej Agrovet Limited, a leading Indian insecticide and pesticide manufacturer, introduced Hanabi (Pyridaben 20% w/w WP). Developed in collaboration with Japan's Nissan Chemical Corporation, this patented formulation provides extended control against mites in apple orchards, ensuring rapid turnaround effects.

Godrej Agrovet Limited, a leading Indian insecticide and pesticide manufacturer, introduced Hanabi (Pyridaben 20% w/w WP). Developed in collaboration with Nissan Chemical Corporation, this patented formulation provides extended control against mites in apple orchards, ensuring rapid turnaround effects. November: Insecticides ( India ) Limited launched four new productsNakshatra, Opaque, Supremo SP, and Millionduring the ongoing sowing of Rabi crops.

Insecticides ( ) Limited launched four new productsNakshatra, Opaque, Supremo SP, and Millionduring the ongoing sowing of Rabi crops. November: Godrej Agrovet (GAVL) introduced Rashinban, a pest control solution for chili crops at the flowering stage. This solution incorporates patent-pending chemistry discovered and developed by Nissan Chemical Corporation.

Godrej Agrovet (GAVL) introduced Rashinban, a pest control solution for chili crops at the flowering stage. This solution incorporates patent-pending chemistry discovered and developed by Nissan Chemical Corporation. August: Insecticides India announced a 150 crore expansion plan over two years to increase its operational capacity in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

2023

January: Bayer partnered with Oerth Bio to advance crop protection technology and develop eco-friendly crop protection solutions.

2022

September: FMC launched two insecticides:

FMC launched two insecticides: Talstar Plus Insecticide , designed to protect groundnut, cotton, and sugarcane crops from sucking and chewing pests.

, designed to protect groundnut, cotton, and sugarcane crops from sucking and chewing pests.

Corprima Insecticide , which integrates FMC's Rynaxypyr insect control technology to safeguard crops from fruit borers, a major issue for Indian farmers.

, which integrates FMC's Rynaxypyr insect control technology to safeguard crops from fruit borers, a major issue for Indian farmers. April: BASF SE introduced Exponus Insecticide in India to help farmers protect crops from thrips and caterpillars, boosting productivity in pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables.

2021

March: Corteva Agriscience expanded its R&D center in Germany to enhance crop protection research and develop insect-resistant varieties.

Corteva Agriscience expanded its R&D center in to enhance crop protection research and develop insect-resistant varieties. February: Syngenta Crop Protection partnered with AI company Insilico Medicine to accelerate the discovery and development of innovative crop protection solutions.

2020

December: BASF SE launched Renestra insecticide to support soybean farmers with comprehensive pest control solutions for the 2021 growing season.

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BOSTON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - John Hancock Retirement, a company of Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, has announced the introduction of FutureChoice, a new suite of open-architecture retirement plan solutions to expand its retirement product portfolio. This advisor-centric suite of retirement plan solutions was built with direct input from advisors and third-party administrators (TPAs). The new suite will include both bundled and unbundled corporate plans as well as Taft-Hartley and multiplan solutions. It's expected the first FutureChoice offering will launch later this year.

"Our new FutureChoice suite is the latest implementation of our strategic vision and dedication to innovating the future of retirement," said Wayne Park, CEO, John Hancock Retirement. "We have been investing in our business transformation and have partnered with several industry specialists to build FutureChoice from the ground up, with novel technologies, including the integration of AI, to provide experiences that deliver even more customer insight and value-add functionality for plans."

Guided by its commitment to being the partner of choice for advisors, TPAs, and plan sponsors, John Hancock Retirement continues its multi-year investment to modernize its retirement plan ecosystem with the introduction of FutureChoice. The FutureChoice suite will include enhanced digital capabilities designed to help all participants achieve their desired retirement outcomes. John Hancock Retirement will continue to be a multiplatform plan provider and invest across its plan offerings.

Earlier this year, John Hancock Retirement introduced FutureStep, an open-architecture retirement plan solution tailored for small businesses, further strengthening its position as one of the largest plan providers in this market.1 FutureChoice continues the expansion of the John Hancock Retirement portfolio and leverages external experience to create an innovative spectrum of retirement plan offerings.

Examples of how these external partners are helping to inform the development of the new suite include designing human-centered experiences to enable purpose-driven, end-to-end customer experiences with a digital-first approach; implementing efficient, automated experiences to help configure and integrate the ecosystem; providing the core new recordkeeping platform for the suite; and enabling streamlined and efficient processes in client onboarding and participant access.

"To design FutureChoice, we worked with our partners to envision a best-in-class retirement plan experience for advisors, TPAs, plan sponsors, and participants. Using these future-focused inputs, we're building a brand-new suite of configurable offerings with new technologies that we believe will address the future needs of our clients. We couldn't be more excited to continue to grow our multiplatform portfolio with this suite," said Jack Barry, head of product development, John Hancock Retirement.

In addition, the company will also be rebranding to Manulife John Hancock Retirement beginning in April. Combining the brands of its global parent company, Manulife, and the John Hancock U.S. retirement business highlights the strength and scale of the organization's capabilities. As one of the world's largest retirement plan providers,2 Manulife partners with intermediaries to help over nine million people globally confidently save and invest for their goals, leveraging its global breadth to provide innovative product offerings, diverse investment choices, and personalized digital capabilities.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping our customers make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice and insurance for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2024, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 109,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 36 million customers. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under '945' in Hong Kong. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

About John Hancock and Manulife

John Hancock is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading international financial services provider that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better by providing financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com.

One of the largest life insurers in the United States, John Hancock supports more than ten million Americans with a broad range of financial products, including life insurance and annuities. John Hancock also supports US investors by bringing investment capabilities and retirement planning and administration expertise to individuals and institutions. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

John Hancock Retirement

John Hancock Retirement is the U.S. retirement business of Manulife Wealth & Asset Management. For more than 50 years, we've helped people plan and invest for retirement; today, we're one of the largest full-service providers in the United States.1 We take a hands-on consultative approach based on the idea that no two plansand no two plan participantsare exactly alike. We partner with plan sponsors, advisors, and third-party administrators to ensure that every plan is personal to the participant and delivers proven results.1

1."PLANSPONSOR 2024 Defined Contribution Recordkeeping Survey 2024 Asset International, Inc.," PLANSPONSOR, 2024.

As of Dec 31, 2024, John Hancock serviced over 57,000 retirement plans with over 3.2 million participants* and over $235 billion in AUMA.

* Participant Counts reflect all active participants with a balance.

As of Dec 31, 2024, John Hancock Life Insurance Company (USA) supported 51,968 plans, 1,531,682 participants, and $ 112,237,440,096.84 in AUMA. John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York supported 2,686 plans, 69,713 participants, and $ 6,102,172,935.52 in AUMA.

John Hancock Retirement Plan Services LLC supported 2,420 plans, 1,667,751 participants, and $117,112,971,072.81 in AUMA. Participant Counts reflect all active participants with a balance. Approximate unaudited figures for John Hancock, provided on a U.S. statutory basis.

2.Global Wealth and Asset Management Retirement metrics as of Q4 2024.

John Hancock Retirement Plan Services LLC provides administrative and/or recordkeeping services to sponsors or administrators of retirement plans through an open-architecture platform. John Hancock Trust Company LLC, a New Hampshire non-depository trust company, provides trust and custodial services to such plans, offers an Individual Retirement Accounts product, and maintains specific Collective Investment Trusts. Group annuity contracts and recordkeeping agreements are issued by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA (not licensed in NY), and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY. Product features and availability may differ by state. All entities do business under certain instances using the John Hancock brand name. Each entity makes available a platform of investment alternatives to sponsors or administrators of retirement plans without regard to the individualized needs of any plan. Unless otherwise specifically stated in writing, each entity does not, and is not undertaking to, provide impartial investment advice or give advice in a fiduciary capacity. Securities are offered through John Hancock Distributors LLC, member FINRA, SIPC.

The content of this document is for general information only and is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change. It is not intended to provide investment, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.

NOT FDIC INSURED. MAY LOSE VALUE. NOT BANK GUARANTEED

 2025 John Hancock. All rights reserved.

MGR0317254326893

SOURCE John Hancock Retirement
Award-Winning National Brand Plans to Establish New Standard for Premium Pet Care in Southern California

LOS ANGELES, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California's pups are about to experience the ultimate lodging experience. K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Resorts , the multi-award-winning luxury boarding and dog daycare franchise, is excited to announce the grand opening of its first Los Angeles location at 11121 Hindry Avenue, less than 10 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport.

Combining state-of-the-art facilities with five-star accommodations, the 10,000-square-foot pet hotel offers overnight boarding and daycare for more than 100 dogs. Guests will enjoy unmatched amenities, including spacious suites, premium Kuranda bedding, Microban flooring, a hospital-grade air purification system, indoor play areas with soft epoxy coatings, and large outdoor play areas with anti-microbial turf. Boarding packages start at $69 per night, with additional options for full-day daycare along with multiple-dog discounts.

K9 Resorts will host a public grand opening event on March 22nd from 11am - 2pm. The celebration will feature guided tours of the facility, special promotions, prize giveaways, and refreshments. This grand opening marks the brand's debut in Los Angeles County and is the first of 11 planned locations in Southern California being developed by franchisee Luxury Pet Hotel Investments, LLC (LPHI).

"We are excited to lead K9 Resorts' westward expansion into California. Los Angeles dogs just got a major upgrade in their care with our premium amenities and staff dedicated to providing fun and safe stays," said Nehme E. Abouzeid, EVP & CMO of LPHI. "Our location is perfect for Southern California pet parents, whether they are commuting to work or jetting out of town from LAX."

The opening of K9 Resorts Los Angeles adds 23 pet care and customer service jobs to the local economy. A highly-trained staff is a defining feature of the brand. Each team member undergoes industry-leading training and certifications to provide every canine guest with the best possible care. Beyond expertise, every K9 Resorts staff member has a profound love for dogs and is committed to treating each pet as if they were their own. This dedication creates a safe, secure, and nurturing environment that prioritizes every dog's well-being.

Starting on March 24th, K9 Resorts Los Angeles will be open daily for boarding and daycare. For more information, contact K9 Resorts of Los Angeles at (310) 935-1377 or visit www.k9resorts.com/los-angeles-lax/ .

About K9 Resorts

K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel ( www.k9resorts.com ) strives to offer the best pet care experience for all the dogs in its care and has been honored with five IBPSA Pet Care Business Excellence Awards, the highest level of recognition within the pet industry. Founded in 2005, by Steven & Jason Parker, each K9 Resort is custom-designed with hospital-grade ventilation systems, antimicrobial flooring, cage-free luxury boarding and world-class, professionally trained staff members. Steven Parker was also the recipient of the 2024 Founders Award from the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC), a prestigious recognition for making significant contributions to the industry. Recommended by numerous pet professionals and several major publications, K9 Resorts is proud to lead the way in the pet hospitality industry.

SOURCE K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE and SAN FRANCISCO, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Kindsight , the industry-leading fundraising intelligence solution, has announced the launch of Grant Writer. This new AI-powered feature is designed to help nonprofits draft winning grant applications in minutes, powered by insights from leading grant consulting firm Grants Plus . Available through engage, Kindsight's generative AI tool, Grant Writer leverages best practices in grant writing and uses a proprietary database of funding insights to apply proven strategies to maximize funding success.

Grant Writer product images featuring grant proposal draft creator and executive summary. (CNW Group/Kindsight)

"Grant writing is a demanding process. It requires a significant investment of time, specialized knowledge, and a clear understanding of funder priorities," says Ross Beattie, CEO of Kindsight. "This new offering will revolutionize the way organizations obtain grant funding. Whether they aim to streamline their efforts, enhance the quality of their proposals, or boost their success rates, they can do so without the high costs of hiring external grant consultants or dedicated staffing."

Unlike generic grant-writing templates or generic AI tools that use unspecialized information based on publicly available data, Grant Writer is powered by Grants Plus's proprietary database of funding insights from fully awarded grants. Tested and vetted by professional grant writers, its content is designed for accuracy and effectiveness, ensuring proposals are built on proven strategies rather than generic AI outputs.

"We're thrilled to partner with Kindsight on this new product offeringit's been a dream for a long time," says Lauren Steiner, founder and CEO of Grants Plus. "Our partnership combines cutting-edge AI technology with industry-leading grant writing expertise, giving nonprofits an unprecedented advantage in securing funding."

Grant Writer takes the complexity out of grant writingwhether organizations are applying for foundation, corporate, or government grantsmaking it faster and easier to secure funding. By combining AI with a proprietary database of funding insights, it helps fundraising organizations create compelling, funder-aligned proposalswithout starting from scratch. Key features include:

AI-powered proposal generation: Grant Writer automatically crafts a proposal tailored to your organization's mission and the funder's priorities.

automatically crafts a proposal tailored to your organization's mission and the funder's priorities. Data-driven winning insights: Leverages Grants Plus's proprietary database of funding insights from fully awarded grants to apply proven strategies to your grant applications.

Leverages Grants Plus's proprietary database of funding insights from fully awarded grants to apply proven strategies to your grant applications. Expert-vetted accuracy: Nonprofit professionals have tested and validated our AI-generated content to ensure accurate, relevant proposals without generic language.

Nonprofit professionals have tested and validated our AI-generated content to ensure accurate, relevant proposals without generic language. Customizable proposal sections: Customize your proposal sections to match funder requirements for a polished, structured application.

Customize your proposal sections to match funder requirements for a polished, structured application. Editing and refinement tools: Adjust word count or character limits effortlessly to meet funder requirements, with options to shorten or expand text as needed.

Adjust word count or character limits effortlessly to meet funder requirements, with options to shorten or expand text as needed. Easy-to-use interface: Complete with intuitive navigation and structured guidance, it's designed for both experienced grant writers and those new to the process.

Kindsight has also reinforced engage's privacy and functionality with a more powerful AI infrastructure, powered by AWS Bedrock. This ensures more enhanced security, agility, and reliability for engage customers.

These announcements are the latest additions to Kindsight's expansive suite of solutions that help fundraising organizations make a lasting impact within the community they serve. The suite also includes iwave, Kindsight's prospect research product powered by real-time data, and ascend, its purpose-built CRM.

Grant Writer is available as an add-on for engage Professional plans, and included in engage Premium plans.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]

About Kindsight

Kindsight builds technology that helps nonprofits make a difference. For 30+ years, Kindsight has supported fundraising organizations with purpose-built tools and the largest charitable giving database on the market. As a leader in fundraising intelligence, Kindsight leverages real-time data and emerging technologies to help organizations identify and engage with donors, and manage campaigns  at any scale. The holistic platform includes four products, iwave, engage, ascend, and connect, that work together to deliver valuable donor intel and insights, generative AI that builds campaigns and creates meaningful outreach, and a CRM that corrals your donor information and campaign tracking into one place. Connect your story to donors who care about your cause. At any scale. In real time. That's the power of Kindsight. Learn more at kindsight.io

About Grants Plus

Grants Plus is the nation's most trusted and experienced professional grant-seeking firm. Since 2007, they have assisted nonprofit leaders across the country to secure $350 million in grant funding from private, corporate, and government funders. To learn more about Grant Plus, visit grantsplus.com

SOURCE Kindsight
WELLINGTON, New Zealand, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodnature's world-first hi-tech Mouse Trap has been named one of 2025's most innovative household products by Fast Company, the influential US publication that spotlights groundbreaking design, creativity, and technology worldwide.

Fast Company's prestigious Most Innovative Companies list, released today, ranks Goodnature No. 6 in the global Consumer & Household Goods category. The recognition follows Goodnature's recent win at the 2025 iF Design Awards for excellence in household product design.

Goodnatures world-first hi-tech Mouse Trap has been named one of 2025s most innovative household products by Fast Company.

Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan says its list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future.

"This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward," he says.

Launched just six months ago, the Goodnature Mouse Trap is the first product from the 20-year-old Wellington-based company designed for indoor use. It tracks kills via smartphone, uses world-leading infrared no-touch sensors, and delivers swift, clean kills, before automatically resetting itself - without toxins. Demand for this Newtown-born innovation has taken off across the US, Europe, and beyond.

Goodnature CEO Dave Shoemack believes that the pest control industry has rested on its laurels for too long and is ripe for disruption.

"Innovation at Goodnature is about making a meaningful difference in the world while creating products that genuinely delight customers and solve real problems at scale. We want users to experience that small moment of delight because 'it just works.'"

He adds that despite being based in New Zealand, Goodnature operates globally, with over 80 per cent of their business now being exported.

"Our teams are frequently on the ground, working with our partners in key markets across the US and Europe, and with our smart technology, we get instant feedback from tens of thousands of users worldwide. That incredible data drives our innovation and guides our global export plans."

Winning these awards, Shoemack says, proves Goodnature is leading the transformation of global pest control.

"Recognition like this is a huge source of pride and confidence for our design, engineering, and manufacturing teams. We're also proud to be the only B Corp-certified pest control company in the worldour commitment to balancing people, planet, and profit is embedded in our product design."

Goodnature traps can be found online in North America at https://www.automatictrap.com/ and in stores throughout New Zealand; local and global stockist information can be found on their website . The Goodnature Mouse Trap also won two golds at the 2024 Best Design Awards .

About Goodnature

Established in 2005, Goodnature is the only B Corp certified pest control company in the world. Initially beginning its mission in the wild to eradicate pests, it's now scaling its goal of rewilding the world with the introduction of the Goodnature Mouse Trap, the first product they've designed for inside the home in 20 years. So far, their traps have killed 22 million pests globally and wiped out rat populations in four of New Zealand's most fragile ecosystems. Goodnature is also trusted by some of the world's toughest conservation groups, including the Nature Conservancy, Predator Free 2050 and the United Nations Development Program.

SOURCE Goodnature
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived on a visit to Finland on Tuesday.

"Honoured to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and first lady Olena Zelenska to Finland," President of Finland Alexander Stubb said on the X social network.

According to the President;s Office of the Republic of Finland, President of Ukraine Zelenskyy and the First Lady will pay an official visit to Finland on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The visit will be received by President of the Republic of Finland Stubb and his wife Susanne Innes-Stubb.

The official talks will focus on Finland's support for Ukraine and steps to stop Russian aggression. In addition to the presidents, the discussions will include, among others, Finance Minister Riikka Purra, Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

After the round of talks, the presidents will hold a joint press conference, after which representatives of defense industry companies will reportedly join the talks.

President Zelenskyy's program will also include meetings with Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

In the afternoon, Presidents Stubb and Zelenskyy and their spouses will meet with students at the University of Helsinki, after which the presidents will participate in a discussion session.

According to the host party, during the visit, Mrs. Innes-Stubb and Mrs. Zelenska will have a separate program in addition to the joint program. They will visit a primary school accompanied by Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz. The program also includes a meeting with the Rector of the University of Helsinki, the President of Tamper University and professors from both universities.

As reported, President Stubb and President Zelenskyy last met in London on March 2.
NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kuehn Law, PLLC, a shareholder litigation law firm, is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders.

According to a federal securities lawsuit, Insiders at Archer-Daniels-Midland caused the company to misrepresent or fail to disclose that (1) that the Nutrition segment's financial reporting and accounting practices did not provide investors with an accurate impression of ADM's performance and future prospects, including reported operating profits; (2) that the Nutrition segment's accounting practices created a heightened risk of regulatory scrutiny and adverse impacts to ADM's business; and (3) that, based on the foregoing, the Company lacked a reasonable basis for its positive statements about ADM's Nutrition segment and related financial results, growth, and prospects.

If you currently own ADM and purchased prior to April 30, 2020 please contact Justin Kuehn, Esq. here, by email at [email protected] or call (833) 672-0814. Kuehn Law pays all case costs and does not charge its investor clients. Shareholders should contact the firm immediately as there may be limited time to enforce your rights.

Why Your Participation Matters:

As a shareholder your voice matters, and by getting involved, you contribute to the integrity and fairness of the financial markets. Your investment. Your voice. Your future.

For additional information, please visit Shareholder Derivative Litigation - Kuehn Law.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contacts:

Kuehn Law, PLLC

Justin Kuehn, Esq.

53 Hill Street, Suite 605

Southampton, NY 11968

[email protected]

(833) 672-0814

SOURCE Kuehn Law, PLLC
MADRID, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi Solar Technology, a global leader in solar module manufacturing has signed a Framework Agreement with BNZ, a leading independent power producer (IPP) specializing in the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects. This partnership solidifies a long-standing relationship and marks a significant milestone in BNZ's commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity.

Luis Selva, Managing Director of BNZ, and Dennis She, Vice President of LONGi, signed the agreement.

BNZ, part of the Nuveen Infrastructure portfolio managed through the Europe Clean Energy Fund III  one of Europe's largest renewable energy investment funds  will achieve more than 500 MW under operation across Spain, Portugal, and Italy this year. Four of these projects, with a combined capacity of 130MW in Spain and Italy, already utilize LONGi modules.

Building on the successful collaboration to date, BNZ has now chosen to directly procure modules from LONGi for its 2025 pipeline of solar projects in Europe, totalling 336MW.

Under the agreement, BNZ will integrate LONGi's advanced Hi-MO 7 and Hi-MO 9 modules series, the latter of which features the outstanding HPBC (Hybrid Passivated Back Contact) 2.0 technology, known for their high efficiency, bi-faciality, and superior performance maximising LCOE. These cutting-edge modules will enhance energy output, reinforcing BNZ's commitment to delivering sustainable and reliable solar power.

"In BNZ, we firmly believe in the importance of collaborating with strategic partners who share our vision for a more sustainable future," said Daniel Sanchez, Director at BNZ "This agreement with LONGi marks an important step in our commitment to delivering high-quality and efficient renewable energy solutions.

Luis Selva, Managing Director of BNZ, added: "We are committed to driving the energy transition and our collaboration reflects our strategic vision of innovation and growth in the renewable energy sector. We look forward to leveraging our combined expertise to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies."

"This collaboration marks a new milestone in our strategic partnership with BNZ. As long-term partners, we are leveraging our strengths to drive innovation, accelerate market growth, and enhance our competitive edge in the European market. We believe this is not only a new opportunity for both businesses but also a benchmark for the industry. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with BNZ and creating greater business value together!" stated Francois CUI, President of LONGi Europe.

The signing of this Framework Agreement underscores BNZ's dedication to advancing solar energy development while fostering strong industry partnerships. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, this collaboration sets the stage for a more sustainable future in Europe and beyond.

SOURCE LONGi Solar
Brand to Celebrate and Support "Women Who Inspire" Campaign

ST. HELENA, Calif., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wine brand Menage a Trois has announced a philanthropic partnership with Dress for Success, launching this month in celebration of Women's History Month. As one of the top-selling wine brands in the U.S. for decades, Menage a Trois has become synonymous with bold, confident choicesvalues that align with Dress for Success's mission to empower women to achieve economic independence.

Courtesy of Menage a Trois Wines

Through support of the Dress for Success "Women Who Inspire" campaign, Menage a Trois will support unemployed and underemployed women as they navigate their careers and build a brighter future. Reinforced by in-store point of sale materials and a social media campaign, the wine brand will contribute to a campaign that showcases 31 honorees and their stories of determination, perseverance and success throughout the month of March. Since 1997, Dress for Success has transformed the lives of 1.3+ million women by providing no-fee career development services, a supportive community, and professional attire to help them thrive.

"At Menage a Trois, we believe confidence is keywhether it's in the glass, in the workplace, or in life," said Jennifer Hohman Siebeneick, marketing director for Menage a Trois Wines. "We are honored to support Dress for Success in their efforts to uplift and give power to women, providing them with the tools they need to achieve financial independence and reach their full potential."

About Menage a Trois

Since 1996, Menage a Trois has thrilled wine fans with its unapologetically bold persona and an equally adventurous approach to flavor. Founded by two psychiatrists in St. Helena, California, Menage a Trois launched 25 years ago with two blendsone of which was a convention-shattering blend of three red varietals. In a pace-setting move that would spark a national trend of blends, Menage a Trois fused Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon  ultimately cementing the brand's iconic status as the catalyst behind today's wildly popular Red Blend category. Please visit www.MenageaTroiswines.com to learn more.

Social Media Handles

Facebook: @MenageaTroisWines

Instagram: @MenageaTroisWines

SOURCE Menage a Trois
Welcoming Megan Ganguly as Chief Marketing and Operations Officer to Drive Our Expansion

BOSTON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mentor Collective is excited to announce its evolution from a peer-to-peer mentorship company focused exclusively on higher education to a leading mentorship provider across diverse sectors, including Fortune 100 companies, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations. This strategic expansion aims to drive meaningful change across the workforce by harnessing the transformative power of mentorship.

"Mentorship is essential for addressing challenges throughout the student lifecycle and propelling career-ready students directly into the workforce," said Mentor Collective CEO, Erin Mayhood. "The quality of human connection that mentorship provides fills the gaps left by traditional systems, better equipping students to tackle the challenges that life and work present. As they transition from 'learner to life,' students often struggle to align their academic experiences with workforce expectations. Mentor Collective aims to bridge these gaps, ensuring that learners are not only 'career ready' but also 'future ready.'"

Mentor Collective expands to bridge the gap between education and workforce success. Post this

"Our mission is to empower ALL individuals through targeted mentorship that fosters confidence, belonging, and lasting career success," Mayhood continued. "By bridging the connection between student aspirations and organizational needs, mentorship becomes a powerful tool for retention, skill development, and economic mobility."

In a move to bolster its accelerated growth trajectory, Mentor Collective welcomes Megan Ganguly as its inaugural Chief Marketing and Operations Officer. With a distinguished 15+ year career in Software as a Service (SaaS), including her recent leadership as Chief Marketing Officer at Interfolio by Elsevier, Megan will spearhead strategic marketing and operational initiatives.

"We are thrilled to have Megan on board as we expand our offerings across sectors and into the corporate space," remarked Erin. "Her expertise will be invaluable in enhancing our impact."

Megan shares this enthusiasm: "I am delighted to join the Mentor Collective team to foster scalable growth, enabling our expansion into new verticals and the creation of essential synergies between higher education and the workforce, ultimately to support all learners in realizing their full potential. I look forward to the opportunity to further shape the team and develop the market."

With over 10 years of industry experience, Mentor Collective has delivered over 1,400 unique mentorship programs, established 180 institutional partnerships, and formed half a million mentoring relationships, with that number growing daily. Its scalable mentorship models seamlessly integrate into work-based learning and career services, preparing students for real-world success.

Mentor Collective invites partners across sectors to join this mission. Together, mentorship can illuminate the path to success for countless individuals and create lasting impact throughout the workforce.

For more information on the transformative power of mentorship, visit Mentor Collective .

If you are an investor looking to partner with Mentor Collective, please schedule a conversation.

Mentor Collective is the premier mentorship provider across education and the workforce, backed by the most extensive dataset on mentorship impact. Our mission is to mobilize students into the workforce by harnessing the transformative power of mentorshipa solution for belonging, retention, and economic mobilitywhile addressing the gaps left by traditional policies, systems, and funding. With over 10 years of experience, Mentor Collective is uniquely equipped to dismantle institutional silos and align academia with corporate needs, ensuring that learners are not only 'career ready' but 'future ready.'

Our flexible mentorship infrastructure bridges the gap between student aspirations, employee goals, and organizational expectations, as demonstrated by our partnerships. We have established 180 partnerships across higher education, Fortune 100 companies, nonprofits, and professional associations. We've delivered over 1,400 unique mentorship programs and formed half a million mentoring relationships, with that number growing daily. Our scalable models integrate seamlessly into work-based learning, career services, and student success teams preparing students for real-world success through mentorship that promotes confidence, belonging, and access to opportunities.

SOURCE Mentor Collective
NEW YORK, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) between February 3, 2022 and February 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). 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.

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 [email protected] 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 firm's 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 Merck's expected revenue of $11 billion from sales of Gardasil by 2030. Defendants' statements included, among other things, confidence in Merck's 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 Gardasil's 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 Gardasil's 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 [email protected] 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 Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will conduct a live flight test of aircraft performing simulated wildland fire response operations using a newly developed airspace management system at 9 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, March 25, in Salinas, California.

As part of NASAs Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations flight tests in November 2024, Overwatch Aero flies a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in Watsonville, California. Credit: NASA

NASA's new portable airspace management system, part of the agency's Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project, aims to significantly expand the window of time crews have to respond to wildland fires. The system provides the air traffic awareness needed to safely send aircraft  including drones and remotely piloted helicopters  into wildland fire operations, even during low-visibility conditions. Current aerial firefighting operations are limited to times when pilots have clear visibility, which lowers the risk of flying into the surrounding terrain or colliding with other aircraft. This restriction grounds most aircraft at night and during periods of heavy smoke.

During this inaugural flight test, researchers will use the airspace management system to coordinate the flight operations of two small drones, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and a remotely piloted aircraft that will have a backup pilot aboard. The drones and aircraft will execute examples of critical tasks for wildland fire management, including weather data sharing, simulated aerial ignition flights, and communications relay.

Media interested in viewing the ACERO flight testing must RSVP by 4 p.m. Friday, March 21, to the NASA Ames Office of Communications by email at: [email protected] or by phone at 650-604-4789. NASA will release additional details, including address and arrival logistics, to media credentialed for the event. A copy of NASA's media accreditation policy is online.

NASA's ACERO researchers will use data from the flight test to refine the airspace management system. The project aims to eventually provide this technology to wildland fire crews for use in the field, helping to save lives and property. This project is managed at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley.

For more information on ACERO, visit:

https://go.nasa.gov/4bYEzsD

SOURCE NASA
HOUSTON, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA is heading back to the state capitol in March for Space Day Texas, a recognition of achievements throughout Texas and a look ahead to the impact future human space exploration has on the Lone Star state.

The two-day schedule of events and exhibits focusing on exploration, astronauts, and science, technology, engineering, and math education will include astronaut visits, interactive exhibits, and legislative proclamations.

NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston will share its accomplishments on the Capitol grounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT Tuesday, March 25, joining academic and commercial partners from across the state to share Texas' blueprint for expanding humanity's frontier in space.

On Monday, March 24, exhibits will feature the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars program at the University of Texas Elementary Charter school, along with NASA Johnson's Office of STEM Engagement, Orion program, and Lockheed Martin. Interactive events will feature NASA STEM engagement programs and hands-on exhibits.

At 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, proclamations celebrating NASA's 25th anniversary of continuous human presence on the International Space Station, the High School Aerospace Scholars program, and the continued progression of the Artemis campaign through NASA's commercialization of cargo, crew, landers, spacesuits, and rovers will be read in the Texas House and Senate chambers, respectively. Following the proclamations, an Artemis II crew astronaut will participate in a live question and answer session on the front steps of the Capitol.

NASA's impact in Texas is strong. NASA Johnson has served as the iconic site for some of the greatest moments in American history, from landing humans on the Moon to assembling the International Space Station.

For more than 60 years, NASA has led the world in human space exploration. Today, it is testing technologies on the Space Station that will help humanity push forward to the Moon and Mars. NASA's workforce in Texas includes more than 10,000 aerospace employees and more than $2 billion in contracts and federal salaries in 2024.

Learn more about NASA Johnson and its impact in Texas at:

https://www.nasa.gov/johnson

SOURCE NASA
Designed with pet owners' busy schedules in mind, Elm City Vet plans to offer evening and weekend hours to make accessing care easier than ever. The hospital is also part of the Pieper Veterinary network, providing clients seamless access to 24/7 emergency, urgent care, specialty and primary care services across Connecticut.

"We're excited to be a community-focused practice in the heart of New Haven," said Dr. Julia Chant, DVM, CVA, CVSMT, Elm City Vet's lead veterinarian. "Our goal is to keep your furry family members happy and healthy while being a trusted partner in their carewhether for routine wellness visits or more urgent needs."

About Dr. Julia Chant

Dr. Chant, a Connecticut native from Meriden, holds a veterinary degree from Ross University, where she graduated in 2003. She's certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy, allowing her to offer integrative care options to her patients.

Dr. Chant is deeply committed to animal welfare and serves on the board of The Feline Connection cat rescue in Vermont. She also works with Homeward Bound Humane Society, providing surgical care.

Elm City Vet: A Community-Focused Approach

Elm City Vet is proud to support and partner with local businesses and organizations. The hospital has already participated in New Haven's annual Pride celebration and co-hosted the inaugural Paws on the Promenade pet festival alongside local shop Bark and Vine on Orange Street.

"We believe in being more than just a veterinary hospitalwe want to be a valued part of the New Haven community," said Elm City Vet hospital manager Casey Miller. "By partnering with local businesses and events, we aim to strengthen the bond between pet owners and their city."

Grand Opening Event

Elm City Veterinary Hospital is delighted to announce its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 27th at 1:00 PM, celebrating the grand opening of its state-of-the-art facility in downtown New Haven. The event will feature remarks by Justin Elicker, New Haven Mayor.

Book Your First Appointment Today

Elm City Vet is now accepting new clients. Visit www.elmcityvet.com to schedule your pet's first visit today!

For more information visit www.elmcityvet.com.

About Elm City Vet:

Elm City Vet is a primary care veterinary hospital located in downtown New Haven, CT. Our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality care for pets in a convenient, accessible location. As part of the Pieper Veterinary family, we connect pet owners to a trusted network of emergency, urgent care and specialty services throughout Connecticut.

About Pieper Veterinary

Pieper Veterinary is a leading full-spectrum veterinary provider with over 170 veterinarians across ten emergency, specialty, and primary care locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Maine. All of Pieper's practices embody a veterinarian-led, patient-first philosophy, and a commitment to delivering the highest quality veterinary medicine. For more information, please visit www.pieperveterinary.com

Media Contact:

Jesse Ferguson (she/her/hers)

Director of Marketing, Pieper Veterinary

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 860-302-5992

SOURCE Pieper Veterinary
Events for High School Students in 10 States

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Founded in 2005, the Operation Prom National Network, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization that provides free prom dresses and tuxedos to students in need. Celebrating 21 years of making prom dreams come true, the organization will host a record number of events this prom season. Teens can find the perfect prom attire at no cost, in the following locations: New York (Metro NYC & Westchester County), Connecticut (Hartford), New Jersey (Jersey City), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Georgia (Baconton), Kansas (Leavenworth), Indiana (Indianapolis), California (San Diego), Louisiana (New Orleans), and Florida (Sarasota).

With the rising costs of prom, and the overall expenses students face, the demand for Operation Prom's services and resources has increased exponentially. "Our organization helps eliminate the financial stress of prom, and we make students feel confident and empowered so that they can celebrate their educational accomplishments with their peers," says Noel D'Allacco, Founder and President of the Operation Prom National Network, Inc. Last year, the nonprofit distributed over 6,000 formal wear items nationwide. She expects that number will rise this prom season.

Thanks to corporate partners, retailers, and people cleaning out their closets, Operation Prom locations across the U.S. are able to have events fully stocked with dresses, tuxedos, suits, jewelry, cosmetics, and other accessories. Students interested in attending an event can visit the organization's website for dates, times and locations.

Donations are still being accepted in many locations. Please visit www.PromNationalnetwork.org for more information.

For media and photo opportunities at events in your area, please contact:

Noel D'Allacco, Founder & President

Operation Prom National Network, Inc.

(e) [email protected]

(p) 914-803-2445

SOURCE Operation Prom
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ovation Mental Health, a wholly owned subsidiary of 3LS Ventures, is proud to announce a partnership with the Tennessee School of Beauty to provide critical mental health services for both students and staff. This collaboration aims to promote emotional well-being and create a supportive environment by offering counseling, stress management tools, and other essential resources. By integrating mental health services into their community, Tennessee School of Beauty is working to foster a culture of resilience and care that will enhance the overall educational experience.

Through this partnership, Ovation Mental Health will offer virtual one-on-one therapy sessions, provide personalized mental health support to help individuals address stress, prevent burnout, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This initiative aims to empower students and staff to thrive both academically and professionally, promoting overall well-being. Ovation's commitment to supporting emotional, mental, and professional growth is at the heart of this collaboration.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Tennessee School of Beauty to provide essential mental health support," said Gina Drobnick, CEO of Ovation Mental Health. "Our program goes beyond supporting future stylists' mental health needs; it also equips them to support their clients' needs. As stylists, they often become a trusted confidant and a listening ear for their clients."

Tennessee School of Beauty has expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. "At Tennessee School of Beauty, we are committed to the personal and professional growth of our students," said Bobbi Powell, Director of Industry Relations at Tennessee School of Beauty. "This partnership will provide the tools to help students navigate challenges and foster emotional well-being. It also ensures that our staff have the resources they need to support their own mental health, creating a healthier learning environment for all."

The partnership represents a significant step forward in promoting mental health in educational settings. By addressing the intersection of emotional well-being and career success, Ovation Mental Health and Tennessee School of Beauty are helping students and staff build resilience, manage stress, and achieve greater overall success in their academic and professional journeys.

About Ovation Mental Health

Ovation Mental Health is a premier tele-mental health company based in Nashville, TN. Recognizing the need to serve a traditionally underserved market, Ovation has developed a small business offering that allows their partners and owners to craft a personalized mental health benefits program for employees or students attending an educational institution. Ovation is a wholly owned subsidiary of 3LS Ventures, which funds early-stage behavioral health companies that are finding innovative ways to support and accelerate outcomes in behavioral and mental health well-being.

About Tennessee School of Beauty

For over 50 years, Tennessee School of Beauty has been training professionals in cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology, focusing on personal growth, skill development, and career outcomes.

SOURCE Ovation Mental Health
Chance for ceasefire to appear only in next two to three months  Poroshenko

Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/

Leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko suggests that there will be a chance for a ceasefire only in the next two to three months.

"Either it happens or it doesn't. If it doesn't happen within two to three months, then it doesn't happen at all," Poroshenko said in an interview with the German publication Bild.

According to Poroshenko, despite the fact that US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that he trusts Putin, he doesn't trust him.

"This is just Trump's negotiating style. I am absolutely sure that Trump doesn't trust Putin... I worked with Trump for three years. I know President Trump, and this is his approach," Poroshenko noted.

According to the politician, if Putin sets "conditions, preconditions, refusals," he expects a plan B from President Trump.

"And Plan B should be: first, more weapons for Ukraine; second, tightening sanctions against Russia; third, restoring transatlantic unity; fourth, financial support; fifth: the possibility of joining NATO," Poroshenko noted.

He also drew attention to the fact that Ukraine does not have enough people for assault operations on the direct front line.

"We must build fortifications. We must take care of the life of every soldier. We must forget the word offensive operation," Poroshenko said.

In his opinion, we must "stop killing people," and the highest priority should be the defense of the territory. "The use of fortifications, minefields, modern air defense against guided bombs. All these measures can stop Russia and force it to pay a higher price," the MP noted.

Poroshenko also emphasized that unity must be preserved in Ukraine, and it is unacceptable when the opposition leader is persecuted. "This must be stopped immediately. Not because it's about me, but because we must maintain unity. And unity is a decisive, very strong factor in stopping Putin," Poroshenko concluded.
Humorous PSA Highlights the Irony of Pet Owners' Willingness to Handle Dog Waste While Avoiding Their Own Screening

COSTA MESA, Calif., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, F Cancer, a non-profit dedicated to early cancer detection and prevention, is launching a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to encourage colorectal cancer screening for those 45+. Rolling out during Colon Cancer Awareness month, the campaign, titled "Pick up Your Poop," raises the point that dog owners readily pick up their animal's waste but remain squeamish about their own poopin spite of the fact that taking a simple at home screening test can provide information that could help save their lives.

Pick Up Your Poop

"Dog owners pick up their dog's poop multiple times a day without a second thought," says Heather Kun, CEO, F Cancer. "Yet, so many of us hesitate and are uncomfortable when it comes to our own health. At F Cancer, early detection is a key part of our mission; but to detect colorectal cancer you have to get screened. This campaign takes a humorous approach to an uncomfortable conversation, all with the goal of normalizing early screening and testing."

The most common symptom of early colon cancer is no symptoms at all. And colorectal cancer has no limits it can affect anyone. As colorectal cancer cases are rising among younger people and certain populations are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages1 (American Indians, Alaska Natives, Black and Hispanic Americans2), reinforcing the importance of early screening has never been more important. When caught in early stages, colon cancer is treatable in 9 out of 10 people3.

"Early detection is key to successful colorectal cancer treatment," says Dr. Fola May, Associate Professor of Medicine at UCLA. "There are a variety of convenient and effective ways for people to screen for colon cancer from the comfort of their own homes and it could provide incredibly important information. I hope this campaign helps to shine a new light on early detection and encourages more people to take control of their health."

The campaign takes a relatable, light-hearted approach to a serious conversation, all in the name of encouraging individuals 45+ to understand their risk factors and consult a doctor about screening options, including non-invasive, at-home stool tests, like the Cologuard test.

Tied to the PSA is a website, pickupyourpoop.com, that features additional information about colorectal cancer screening, including details about at-home testing options and resources provided by F Cancer. Website visitors can even personalize the experience by uploading a photo of a beloved dog and, from there, an AI generator will depict their furry friend in a shareable video, urging the recipient to get tested, creating a shareable message encouraging others in their network to get screened.

The PSA will run across various media platforms, including broadcast television, digital channels, and social media.

This campaign is sponsored by Exact Sciences, the makers of the Cologuard test, and created in collaboration with the community, a global creative agency. PR is led by Dini von Mueffling Communications.

About F Cancer:

F Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting cancer through early detection, prevention, and providing resources and support to individuals and families affected by the disease. F Cancer focuses on arming people with information and resources to take control of their health and supports colorectal cancer screening in community clinics across the country.

About Exact Sciences:

A leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, Exact Sciences gives patients and health care professionals the clarity needed to take life-changing action earlier. Building on the success of the Cologuard and Oncotype DX tests, Exact Sciences is investing in its pipeline to develop innovative solutions for use before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis. For more information, visit ExactSciences.com, follow Exact Sciences on X @ExactSciences, or find Exact Sciences on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About the community:

The community is a global creative advertising agency founded in 2000 and with offices in Miami, New York, Buenos Aires and Mexico City. The agency is the creative and business partner for the new mainstream, growing brands through culturally honest creativity, and it has been recognized as a leader in the industry across Adweek, Ad Age, Campaign, and more. For more information, please visit: https://www.thecommunityagency.com.

Media Contact:

Katie Goulding

347-463-4377

[email protected]

1 https://www.screeninghasmeaning.com/

2 https://www.screeninghasmeaning.com/

3 https://www.screeninghasmeaning.com/

SOURCE F Cancer
BEIJING, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Power Construction Corporation of China ("POWERCHINA" or "the Company") remains committed to promoting global dual carbon goals and actively participating in building a green future and global governance. Through innovative green energy projects, biodiversity protection initiatives, and social responsibility activities, the Company has recorded remarkable sustainable development achievements, further consolidating its leading position in the development of global green infrastructure and energy.

Employees of POWERCHINA Ecuador Representative Office Jointly Celebrate Quito Festival

POWERCHINA has always been committed to promoting global sustainable development. Through green development and responsible corporate actions, the Company has made important contributions to reaching global dual carbon goals. POWERCHINA has demonstrated its social responsibility and commitment deeply rooted in its corporate culture and is on its way to becoming a global leader in sustainable infrastructure and energy.

POWERCHINA's green energy projects

Through its construction projects around the world, POWERCHINA has accelerated the global energy transition, strongly supported the low-carbon energy transformation, and further strengthened its green business. POWERCHINA remains commit to expanding wind, solar, and other renewable energy initiatives worldwide in the future.

Enhancing livelihoods with active social responsibility and biodiversity projects

POWERCHINA actively supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by developing clean energy and infrastructure projects that enhance local livelihoods and promote long-term sustainability. The Company prioritizes biodiversity protection through tailored measures such as habitat restoration, species migration, and eco-friendly construction practices, including beaver habitat preservation, white crane nesting safeguards, and dedicated railway passages for small animals.

POWERCHINA has earned global recognition for its contributions to sustainable infrastructure and green energy. Projects in Zimbabwe and Indonesia won the Overseas Sustainable Infrastructure Project award. Three projects in Angola, Tanzania, and Algeria earned the Benefiting People's Livelihood Project award, while projects in Sri Lanka and Pakistan received the Low-carbon Leadership award. POWERCHINA's renewable energy projects in Pakistan and Kazakhstan were named among Top 10 International Green Energy Pioneer Projects. The Company was also honored as an ESG Annual Communication Influence Pioneer for its leadership in environmental, social, and corporate governance.

POWERCHINA demonstrated exceptional social responsibility through its impactful projects. In Iraq, the Company played a key role in the demonstration school project, addressing overcrowding and the shortage of educational facilities. 556 of 679 completed schools built by POWERCHINA will serve over 400,000 schoolchildren. In the Philippines, POWERCHINA also supported post-Typhoon Trami recovery, donating goods worth 200,000 Philippine pesos to aid victims.

Fostering local culture and positive corporate practices

The Company's"harmony, transparency, and responsibility" policy, emphasizes employee diversity and equal opportunities, with a strong focus on local employment, and continuously providing training opportunities for local employees. Through its global construction projects, POWERCHINA has created over 6,000 jobs in Ivory Coast, supporting local development through projects like the Soubre Hydroelectric Power Station. In Ecuador, the Company celebrated the Quito Festival, fostering cultural integration and strengthening ties between Chinese and local employees.

As one of the world's largest power design and contractor, POWERCHINA will continue to uphold green principles and build a sustainable future.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2644086/Employees_of_POWERCHINA_Ecuador_Representative_Office_Jointly_Celebrate_Quito_Festival.jpg
FRESNO, Calif., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization , is pleased to announce that it has once again been named to ClearlyRated's list of Best Staffing Firms for Women for cultivating an exceptional workplace environment where female employees thrive. Through dedicated support for development and leadership, PrideStaff enables women to achieve their career goals.

Fewer than .1% of staffing firms qualify for this elite designation, which is based on stringent criteria that include the following:

A firm must invite feedback from 100% of its internal staff on their overall experience within their organization.

Women must comprise at least 47% of the workforce, rate the firm highly, and be highly represented in leadership roles.

This year, PrideStaff also earned its second consecutive Best of Staffing Client and Talent 15-Year Diamond Awards from ClearlyRated for providing superior service to their clients and candidates, as well as ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Employee 5-Year Diamond Award for providing an exceptional experience for their employees.

"Being named to ClearlyRated's Best Staffing Firms for Women list for a third consecutive year is so much more than another professional accolade. This is objective proof of PrideStaff's unwavering commitment to creating a collaborative and empowering workspace," stated PrideStaff Co-CEO Tammi Heaton. "We are proud to have many women in leadership roles at all levels within our organization. This distinction makes it clear that here, each employee has the opportunity to rise to their greatest heights."

Heaton added, "The most important aspect of this award is that it's based on anonymous feedback from female employees. I'm grateful for every individual in the PrideStaff system who contributes to this welcoming, rewarding work culture. Their tireless efforts have made us a leader in client and talent service excellence and have also made PrideStaff a great place to work."

"I'm excited to unveil the companies recognized on the third annual Best Staffing Firms for Women list," stated Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated. "As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, these exceptional firms deserve applause for championing and empowering their female employees. Despite persistent challenges like pay disparity and limited advancement opportunities, these firms are at the forefront of fostering growth and elevating women in the workforce. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to these outstanding organizations for their unwavering commitment to gender diversity and equality."

About PrideStaff

PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated's prestigious Best of Staffing 15-Year Diamond Awards two years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services, or staffing franchise information, visit our website.

About ClearlyRated

ClearlyRated is the leading CX platform designed specifically for staffing & recruiting firms. We offer firms a sophisticated alternative to manual processes and basic survey tools, then pair that with world-class customer care and support. Ours is an efficient, industry-focused solution that provides data-driven insights to equip service teams with a real-time understanding of client and internal employee interactions and satisfaction.

About Best of Staffing

ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients, placed talent, and internal employees. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

SOURCE PrideStaff
FRESNO, Calif., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PrideStaff Financial , an accounting and finance staffing division of The PrideStaff Companies, announced today that it has been named to ClearlyRated's list of https://www.clearlyrated.com/blog/best-staffing-firms-for-women-2025-winners for a third consecutive year. This award highlights PrideStaff Financial's dedication to providing professional advancement opportunities and a supportive environment that values women.

Fewer than .1% of staffing firms qualify for this elite designation, which is based on stringent criteria that include the following:

A firm must invite feedback from 100% of its internal staff on their overall experience within their organization.

Women must comprise at least 47% of the workforce, rate the firm highly, and be highly represented in leadership roles.

This year, PrideStaff Financial also earned its second consecutive Best of Staffing Client and Talent 15-Year Diamond Awards from ClearlyRated for providing superior service to their clients and candidates for at least 15 consecutive years, the only staffing firm specializing in accounting and financial staffing in the U.S. and Canada to do so. PrideStaff Financial also earned ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Employee 5-Year Diamond Award for providing an exceptional employee experience.

"We celebrate the amazing contributions from each of our team members, as we embrace the honor of being named to ClearlyRated's Best Staffing Firms for Women list for a third consecutive year," stated Ashli Fernandez, Vice President of PrideStaff Financial. "At every level, from our executives, our franchise-owning Strategic-Partners, to our managers throughout the organization, we are dedicated to nurturing a culture where every individual is recognized and rewarded for their achievements."

Fernandez elaborated, "The fact that this award is based on anonymous, honest feedback from our female employees makes this distinction even more important to us. Women are at the heart of our company. They deliver an exceptional service experience for our valued clients and candidates. They are a vital part of Our Mission to 'Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most' every day."

"I'm excited to unveil the companies recognized on the third annual Best Staffing Firms for Women list," stated Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated. "As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, these exceptional firms deserve applause for championing and empowering their female employees. Despite persistent challenges like pay disparity and limited advancement opportunities, these firms are at the forefront of fostering growth and elevating women in the workforce. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to these outstanding organizations for their unwavering commitment to gender diversity and equality."

About PrideStaff Financial

A division of PrideStaff, PrideStaff Financial specializes in accounting and financial staffing. The parent company was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. They operate offices in North America to serve thousands of clients. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, headquartered in Central California, all PrideStaff brands offer the resources and expertise of a national firm with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. For more information on PrideStaff Financial services, visit our website.

PrideStaff and PrideStaff Financial's shared Mission: Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.

About ClearlyRated

ClearlyRated is the leading CX platform designed specifically for staffing & recruiting firms. We offer firms a sophisticated alternative to manual processes and basic survey tools, then pair that with world-class customer care and support. Ours is an efficient, industry-focused solution that provides data-driven insights to equip service teams with a real-time understanding of client and internal employee interactions and satisfaction.

About Best of Staffing

ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients, placed talent, and internal employees. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

SOURCE PrideStaff Financial
The hospital provides essential rehabilitative services that help patients recovering from strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions regain function and independence. Patients receive a minimum of three hours of intensive therapy for five days each week, frequent physician visits and 24-hour nursing care.

"Our talented team is excited to serve the Athens community," said Loretta Rice, CEO of Rehabilitation Hospital of Athens. "The compassionate, high-quality care we provide in our beautiful new hospital will help patients reach their rehabilitation goals and return to what matters most."

Hospital amenities include all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite, in-house dialysis suite, therapy courtyard, dining room, in-house pharmacy and dayroom areas. An interdisciplinary team of highly specialized nurses, therapists and physicians provide physical, occupational and speech therapies to restore functional ability and quality of life.

"Both Piedmont and Encompass Health have a proven track record of quality and patient satisfaction and are united in our mission of providing specialized care, close to home," said Ronnie Wagley, President of Encompass Health's South Atlantic region. "We look forward to positively impacting the lives of many in the Athens community."

The joint venture partnership between Encompass Health and Piedmont also includes Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan, Georgia; Rehabilitation Hospital of Henry, Georgia; Rehabilitation Hospital of Phenix City, Alabama; Rehabilitation Hospital of Columbus, Georgia; Rehabilitation Hospital of Atlanta, Georgia; and Rehabilitation Hospital of Augusta, Georgia. Piedmont and Encompass Health have also announced plans for a hospital in Loganville, Georgia.

"We're incredibly grateful for the strong partnership we've built with Encompass Health," said Michael Burnett, CEO of Piedmont Athens Regional. "I'm thrilled to expand our services to bring individualized inpatient rehabilitation treatment to patients in Athens and the surrounding areas."

Rehabilitation Hospital of Athens is Encompass Health's 167th inpatient rehabilitation hospital nationwide and its eighth location in Georgia. For more information about the hospital's services, encompasshealth.com/locations/athensrehab.

About Encompass Health

Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 167 hospitals in 38 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies, Becker's Hospital Review's 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare and Forbes' Most Trusted Companies in America. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, X, Instagram and Facebook.

From Fortune.  2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Fortune is a registered trademark and Fortune World's Most Admired Companies is trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Encompass Health. From Forbes  2024 Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Used under license.

About Piedmont

Piedmont is empowering Georgians by changing health care. We continue to fuel Georgia's growth through safe, high-quality care close to home through an integrated health care system that provides a hassle-free, unified experience. We are a private, not-for-profit organization with more than 12,000 donors annually that for centuries has sought to make a positive difference in every life we touch in the communities we serve. Across our 1,755 physical locations we care for more than 4 million patients and serve communities that comprise 85 percent of Georgia's population. This includes 25 hospitals, 75 Piedmont Urgent Care centers, 25 Quick Care locations, 1,875 Piedmont Clinic physician practices and nearly 3,200 Piedmont Clinic members. Our patients conveniently engage with Piedmont online, as they scheduled more than 612,000 online appointments and over 163,000 virtual visits. With more than 47,000 care givers we are the largest Georgia-based private employer of Georgians, who all came for the job, but stayed for the people. In 2024 and 2023, Piedmont has earned recognition from Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and also as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women. In 2022, Forbes ranked Piedmont on its list of the Best Large Employers in the United States. In addition, Piedmont provided nearly $390 million in community benefit programming and uncompensated care in Fiscal Year 2023. For more information, or booking your next appointment, visit piedmont.org.

Encompass Health media contact:

Polly Manuel | 205-970-5912

[email protected]

Piedmont media contact:

Sarah Teach | 404-550-6932

[email protected]

SOURCE Encompass Health Corp.
The premier event is designed to advance the industry with hands-on generative AI experiences, expert-led sessions and opportunities to connect with today's leading legal data innovators

SYDNEY, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Relativity, a global legal technology company, will welcome the APAC community to the very first Relativity Fest Sydney on Tuesday, 8 April. The annual user conference reinforces Relativity's investment in the region, empowering users with cutting-edge AI solutions to collectively drive the future of the legal industry. Thought leaders from APAC's prominent law firms and corporations will come together for a full day of breakout sessions, educational opportunities, live learning labs, immersive experiences using generative AI, and community connection.

"As the global legal landscape shifts and our industry steps up to meet the moment, we couldn't think of a more ideal time for the APAC community to connect in a bigger and better way than ever before," said Phil Saunders, CEO of Relativity. "Relativity Fest Sydney is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our relentless commitment to supporting the ongoing transformation of our partners' and customers' businesses through the combined strength of advanced AI and the indispensable expertise of the humans wielding it."

Setting the standard for AI-driven innovation across the legal data intelligence community

As generative AI steadily transforms legal workflows, the ANZ community is navigating the delicate balance between innovation and exercising precautions to ensure proper safeguards. According to Generative AI in Legal 2024, an IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Relativity, APAC respondents had a significantly higher interest in generative AI's impact on data privacy and governance than their European and North American counterparts. To address these concerns head on, Relativity is delivering best-in-class solutions that put security at the forefront.

Relativity aiR, the company's generative AI product suite, is revolutionising how users solve legal data challenges, providing faster, more accurate and cost-efficient results while keeping security, responsibility and defensibility top of mind. Relativity's document review and privilege review solutions were made generally available in 2024, and its case strategy solution is expected to become generally available later this year.

Leaning into the capabilities of generative AI to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in document review, Gilbert + Tobin, a leading Australian law firm, integrated Relativity aiR for Review, the company's generative AI-powered document review solution. Through the powerful addition of aiR for Review, Gilbert + Tobin combines human expertise with machine power to meet the evolving needs of their team while maintaining the highest standards of data security.

"One of the most powerful benefits of using aiR for Review within RelativityOne is that our data is securely housed in Microsoft Azure, a trusted environment for both us and our clients," said Adrian Agius, Associate Director at Gilbert + Tobin. "This integration addresses a major concern with AI tools."

Based on findings from Generative AI in Legal 2024, automating basic tasks is the top reason respondents use generative AI. One professional services network recently reported saving approximately 110 human-days of unnecessary manual review and a near 80% reduction in overall review time with the use of aiR for Review, enhancing both efficiency and client confidence.

Consistently evolving alongside the thriving APAC region

Relativity remains committed to investing in product enhancements that help customers in the APAC region address a variety of legal data management needs and ultimately aid the transformation of their businesses. In the past year, processing speeds doubled in RelativityOne, with plans to double again to speeds of over 200 gb/hour for large jobs this quarter. Additionally, Relativity continues to streamline PDF workflows with key functionality such as MDB load file support in Import/Export, granular PDF permissions, and full PDF production support.

The APAC legal landscape is increasingly shifting away from legacy software and on-premise technology. According to Gartner's annual global survey of more than 2,400 CIOs and technology executives, 79% of respondents expected to invest the second largest amount of new or additional technology funding on cloud platforms in 2024, ranking only behind investments in cybersecurity. This trend has been reflected in RelativityOne adoption, with 80% of the top 10 law firms in Australia, based on revenue, currently using RelativityOne, and half of these top firms making the move to the cloud platform in 2024.

Recognising the benefits of cloud-based platforms, global law firm Ashurst set out to find an end-to-end solution which could provide enhanced efficiencies for its team and clients, while seamlessly integrating into established workflows to manage large datasets and expedite review processes. Ashurst transitioned to RelativityOne, drawn to its scalability, roadmap and generative AI capabilities.

"Since implementing RelativityOne, we have seen notable efficiency improvements in our document review and data management," said Hilary Goodier, Partner and Global Head of Ashurst Advance. "The solution's automated workflows have significantly reduced the need for manual intervention, and the speed of data transfer and processing enables us to be more agile when responding to clients' time-sensitive requests, getting documents in front of our lawyers at a much faster pace."

The Relativity Fest experience makes its way to Sydney

At Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, members of the legal technology community will explore industry trends, experience the latest generative AI solutions for legal data challenges, and connect with peers. Relativity today revealed the full list of speakers participating in its APAC-focused legal data and tech conference. Register here to secure a spot alongside subject matter experts from some of the largest law firms and companies in the region.

In the opening keynote, Relativity CEO Phil Saunders, Managing Director of International Sales Georgia Foster and Chief Product Officer Chris Brown will discuss pivotal transformations shaping the industry.

Attendees can expect to dive into the evolving regulatory landscape in the region, the impact of generative AI on the legal industry, the transformative power of technology in advancing social justice, and more. View the full agenda here for more information.

About Relativity

Relativity makes software to help users organise data, discover the truth and act on it. Its SaaS product, RelativityOne, manages large volumes of data and quickly identifies key issues during litigation and internal investigations. Relativity has more than 300,000 users in approximately 40 countries serving thousands of organisations globally primarily in legal, financial services and government sectors. Please contact Relativity at [email protected] or visit www.relativity.com for more information.

SOURCE Relativity
Expanded Collaboration Provides Engineers and Scientists with Scalable, Leading-Edge Computing Resources to Accelerate Innovation

SAN FRANCISCO, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rescale, the leading cloud high performance computing (HPC) platform for AI-accelerated modeling and simulation, announced today the expansion of its global network of cloud service providers to include NVIDIA DGX Cloud via the NVIDIA Cloud Partner network, enabling customers to leverage the leading-edge architectures from NVIDIA in more locations with greater access to capacity.

Rescale logo

This collaboration expands Rescale's global network of cloud service providers to deliver unmatched access to hundreds of cutting-edge compute services and the latest architectures. By enhancing its integration with NVIDIA DGX Cloud and launching the new Rescale CAE Hub powered by NVIDIA, Rescale delivers greater availability of GPU-accelerated simulation and AI workloads to independent software vendors' customers. Rescale customers will benefit from enhanced performance, scalability, and cost savings through better access to the latest cutting-edge GPU infrastructure, such as the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 platform , which is powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and high-speed NVIDIA NVLinkTM. Through this collaboration, engineers and scientists can dramatically accelerate their simulation workflows  for example, leading high-performance CFD codes deliver up to 50x faster results when run on GPU Blackwell versus traditional architectures.

"By combining Rescale's fully integrated open ecosystem of over 1,250 simulation applications, cloud-native data management and simulation capabilities, platform features, and AI Physics, with direct access to NVIDIA's industry-leading accelerated computing technologies, we are unlocking new levels of scale, speed, and intelligence for engineers and scientists," said Joris Poort, CEO of Rescale. "Our collaboration is aimed at enabling the next era of innovation through AI-powered simulation to deliver the innovations our future depends on."

Tim Costa, senior director of CAE and CUDA-X at NVIDIA, said, "By connecting CUDA-accelerated CAE and EDA softwares through Rescale CAE Hub with NVIDIA's global network of cloud service providers, we are enabling enterprises to seamlessly adopt GPU-accelerated CAE workflows at scale. This collaboration enables engineering teams to adopt AI more easily, leveraging the intersection of AI and physics to drive breakthrough innovations."

Rescale's open platform offers the control and data planes necessary for workload orchestration across multi-cloud and multi-software environments, laying the foundations for building AI Physics workflows. This is why leading companies like Boom Supersonic, the company building the world's fastest airliner, are turning to Rescale and NVIDIA to explore new possibilities and achieve faster, more efficient innovation.

"At Boom, our mission is to make the world dramatically more accessible by making supersonic travel mainstream. We are also accelerating aircraft development with digital engineering and AI," said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO at Boom Supersonic. "Studies that used to take months and cost millions can now be done in days, thanks to cutting-edge computing and AI technologies developed by Boom, Rescale, and NVIDIA."

Working with Rescale and NVIDIA allows Boom to explore 4x more design possibilities, achieve 10x faster aerodynamic simulations, and drive 30x greater cost efficiency, accelerating innovation like never before.

By increasing access to cost-efficient, high performance computing, this collaboration expands Rescale's capabilities and enhances its ability to support customers in organizing data, developing and deploying AI Physics methods for modeling & simulation. A critical enabler of this effort is infrastructure that securely and automatically captures and pre-processes simulation data and its metadata at the point of compute to generate high-quality training datasets. By building data management into the HPC workload orchestration layer, Rescale's platform converts raw, unstructured simulation data into AI-ready training sets, accelerating innovation and deployment.

Rescale, powered by NVIDIA technologies, is driving high performance computing innovation worldwide, providing customers with tailored support and solutions to tackle their most ambitious challenges. A prime example, highlighted at last year's GTC 2024, is GM Motorsports, which leveraged Rescale's AI Physics platform and NVIDIA accelerated computing to achieve simulations up to 1,000 times faster than traditional methods, with over 98% accuracy  demonstrating the real-world potential of AI-driven engineering.

Rescale will be presenting at NVIDIA GTC this week, taking place from March 1721, 2025, in San Jose, CA. Attendees can visit Rescale's booth #216 in the Design and Simulation Pavilion for one-on-one discussions on advancements in HPC and AI-driven engineering. Additionally, a talk featuring Rescale CEO Joris Poort and SLB's Technical Advisor, Gocha Chochua, titled "Enhancing Oil & Gas Innovation: High-Fidelity Simulations & AI Surrogates with Accelerated Computing," will take place on Thursday, March 20, at 11:00 AM PDT. This session will delve into how the collaboration has accelerated the deployment of industry-specific AI models, advancing energy production operations.

About Rescale

Rescale's cloud platform for modeling & simulation and applied AI accelerates product development and discovery for any organization. Enterprises use Rescale's compute, data, and AI solutions to accelerate discovery and engineering breakthroughs. Rescale has been recognized globally as the industry leading platform providing cutting-edge AI solutions, the broadest selection of over 1,250 R&D software applications, and the largest global infrastructure footprint of 100s of advanced computing architectures. Leveraged by a majority of Fortune 500 companies to accelerate time to market, Rescale has been recognized by Gartner as a Cool Vendor for Cloud Infrastructure, by Deloitte as a Technology Fast 500 company, and by the World Economic Forum as a Global Innovator Unicorn. Learn more at rescale.com.

SOURCE Rescale Inc.
FOREST HILL, Md., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosso Service is excited to announce the first-ever winner of our Engineering Excellence Scholarship. After careful consideration from our judges, we have selected Gabriel Roberts as the recipient of the $1,000 award for the Spring 2025 semester. Rosso Service is built upon innovative technical solutions, and we are proud to support the continued education of a young engineer.

Engineering Excellence Scholarship Winner - Spring 2025

Gabriel Roberts is a current freshman at Iowa State University. Gabriel's longtime fascination with technological innovation has now become the focus of his education, as he currently studies aerospace engineering. His curiosity was fostered at a young age while bonding with his father, who he cites as his first engineering mentor. Though we received many compelling applications, we wanted to recognize Gabriel's devotion to his studies, as he will be participating in undergraduate research looking at new technology in aerospace manufacturing.

This year marks the debut of the Rosso Service Engineering Excellence Scholarship. As part of our ongoing effort to support a new generation of engineers, we open this $1,000 scholarship twice a year to high-achieving students throughout the United States. The scholarship is open to full-time engineering undergraduates maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Our next deadline for the Engineering Excellence Scholarship falls on July 9, 2025. To learn more about our eligibility and the application requirements, visit our site at https://www.rossoservice.com/scholarship .

About Rosso Service

Rosso Service has over 50 years of experience, providing repairs and maintenance to exotic automobiles including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati vehicles. Our engineers are highly qualified to diagnose and fix any issue with an exotic vehicle, as we stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge equipment and software.

If you want to learn more about the services we offer, you can visit our website at https://www.rossoservice.com/

OVC, INC.

https://www.ovclawyermarketing.com/

[email protected]

SOURCE Rosso Service
FRESNO, Calif., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rx relief, a pharmacy staffing division of The PrideStaff Companies, announced today that it has been named to ClearlyRated's list of Best Staffing Firms for Women. This is the first year Rx relief has received this recognition, signifying their dedication to creating an outstanding experience for female employees.

Fewer than .1% of staffing firms qualify for this elite designation, which is based on stringent criteria that include the following:

A firm must invite feedback from 100% of its internal staff on their overall experience within their organization.

Women must comprise at least 47% of the workforce, rate the firm highly, and be highly represented in leadership roles.

This year, Rx relief also earned its second consecutive Best of Staffing Client and Talent 15-Year Diamond Awards from ClearlyRated for providing superior service to clients and candidates, as well as ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Employee 5-Year Diamond Award for providing an exceptional employee experience.

"At Rx relief, we take deep pride in how our workplace values, supports, and empowers each team member to succeed," said Mike April, Co-CEO of PrideStaff. "Being named to ClearlyRated's Best Staffing Firms for Women list is a powerful testament to the culture we're building every day. One that champions collaboration and professional growth at every level."

Aprile continued, "What makes this recognition truly meaningful is that it comes directly from the voices of our employees. Their feedback affirms that Rx relief is not just a great place to work, but a special organization where individuals can thrive, contribute, and advance their careers. We're grateful for our incredible team and remain committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to excel."

"I'm excited to unveil the companies recognized on the third annual Best Staffing Firms for Women list," stated Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated. "As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, these exceptional firms deserve applause for championing and empowering their female employees. Despite persistent challenges like pay disparity and limited advancement opportunities, these firms are at the forefront of fostering growth and elevating women in the workforce. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to these outstanding organizations for their unwavering commitment to gender diversity and equality."

About Rx relief

A division of PrideStaff, Rx relief is a Joint Commission Certified pharmacy placement firm providing temporary and full-time pharmacy professionals for all pharmacy practice settings. The parent company was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. They operate offices in North America to serve thousands of clients. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, headquartered in Central California, all PrideStaff brands offer the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. For more information on Rx relief services, visit our website.

PrideStaff and Rx relief's shared Mission: Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.

About ClearlyRated

ClearlyRated is the leading CX platform designed specifically for staffing & recruiting firms. We offer firms a sophisticated alternative to manual processes and basic survey tools, then pair that with world-class customer care and support. Ours is an efficient, industry-focused solution that provides data-driven insights to equip service teams with a real-time understanding of client and internal employee interactions and satisfaction.

About Best of Staffing

ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients, placed talent, and internal employees. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.coman online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

Net promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.

SOURCE Rx relief
Company Seeks to Fill Key Roles Across Multiple Locations as Government Layoffs Continue

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As federal workforce reductions and voluntary buyouts continue to impact thousands of employees, Saalex Corporation is stepping up to provide career opportunities for those looking to transition into the private sector. The company today announced a nationwide job fair, taking place on April 8, 2025, across seven of its key office locations, with dozens of open positions available across multiple fields.

The open house-style events will offer attendees the chance to meet hiring managers, learn about available positions, and participate in on-the-spot interviews. With roles available in federal contracting, IT, logistics, administration, operations, and finance, Saalex aims to attract experienced professionals eager to continue their mission-driven work in a stable, private-sector environment.

"Saalex has a long history of supporting federal agencies, and we recognize the immense value that former government employees bring to our team," said Travis Mack, Chairman and CEO of Saalex Corporation. "With the ongoing shifts in the public sector, we see an opportunity to provide these skilled professionals with meaningful career paths that align with their expertise and passion for service."

Nationwide Open House Event Details:

Date: April 8, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM  6:00 PM

 Locations:

Ridgecrest, CA  206 S Richmond Rd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555

 206 S Richmond Rd, 93555

Camarillo, CA  811-A Camarillo Springs Rd, Camarillo, CA 93012

 811-A Camarillo Springs Rd, 93012

Corona, CA  495 E Rincon St, Corona, CA 92879

 495 E Rincon St, 92879

Rockledge, FL  1006 Pathfinder Way, Rockledge, FL 32955

 1006 Pathfinder Way, 32955

Lexington Park, MD  46655 Expedition Drive, Lexington Park, MD 20653

 46655 Expedition Drive, 20653

Washington, DC  1 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

 Street SE, 20003

Middletown, RI  One Corporate Place, Middletown, RI 02842

Attendees will have the opportunity to apply for positions on-site, speak directly with program managers, and gain insight into how their federal experience translates into Saalex's operations. A streamlined hiring process has been established to fast-track qualified candidates into available roles.

Saalex is offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, with a commitment to professional growth and mission continuity for former federal employees. The company is actively seeking individuals with expertise in areas such as IT & cybersecurity, engineering, logistics, program management, and technical services.

Interested applicants are encouraged to pre-register for the event via EventBrite and can visit www.saalex.com for more details on available opportunities.

About Saalex Corporation:

Saalex Corporation is a leading federal services company specializing in providing Test Range Operations, IT & cybersecurity, Engineering, Robotic Process Automation, Software Development, and Training/Wargaming Support services to defense, aerospace, and government sectors. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional value and mission-driven solutions, Saalex has been a trusted partner to government agencies for over 25 years.

Contact:

Neal Stein

Technology PR Solutions

[email protected]

(321) 473-7407

SOURCE Saalex Corporation
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/13559

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with the first lady, arrived on an official visit to Finland on Tuesday, March 18, Zelenskyy said about this in his Telegram channel.

"There will be meetings with President Alexander Stubb and First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb, Speaker Jussi Halla-aho and members of parliament, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, government officials and representatives of defense companies," according to the statement.

The president said the main subject of the talks will be assistance to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.

"Defense support, investments in Ukrainian weapons production, European integration of Ukraine. Finnish experience in creating a civil defense system and building shelters. Strengthening sanctions against Russia and coordinating efforts for a dignified end to the war. Europe should be at the negotiating table, and everything that concerns the security of Europe should be decided together with Europe," he said.

In addition, First Lady Zelenska will hold a number of meetings dedicated to expanding educational cooperation. Her program includes expanding the Coalition of Ukrainian Studies and the security of the educational space, arranging school shelters, exchanging experience on the school nutrition system, as well as meeting with business leaders, patrons and representatives of the cultural community.
Integration brings Saifr's regulatory compliance guardrails to financial services public communications created with Adobe's generative AI-first application

BOSTON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Saifr, a leading AI model compliance solution provider created by Fidelity Investments, today announced an integration with Adobe that aims to redefine how compliant content is created within the financial services industry. As an Adobe Technology Partner for Adobe Experience Cloud, Saifr's advanced AI compliance solutions provide a compliance guardrail for generative AI content and enable users to manage their risk and increase content speed to market.

"Marketers are increasingly using generative AI in their work, which can introduce business risk, particularly in regulated industries, such as financial services," said Vall Herard, CEO of Saifr. "Saifr's integration with Adobe enables marketers to take advantage of a powerful new technology's outputs in a way that prioritizes safety and can help facilitate compliance with regulatory guidelines."

The integration with Adobe expands Saifr's partner ecosystem and marks the next step in Saifr's mission to meet clients where they work, after select Saifr AI models were added to the Microsoft Azure AI Foundry model catalog last year.

"Microsoft is committed to empowering organizations through industry-specific solutions that address their unique needs," said Satish Thomas, Corporate Vice President, Business & Industry Solutions, Microsoft. "Our collaboration with leading industry partners, such as Saifr, to offer partner-enabled adapted AI models in the Azure AI Foundry model catalog gives organizations the ability to access, build and deploy AI solutions quickly and efficiently. This approach accelerates time-to-value and fosters a robust ecosystem of innovation that helps organizations across industries transform their operations and achieve new levels of success."

Saifr's Retail Marketing Compliance and Suggested Language models from the Azure AI Foundry model catalog can now be leveraged within Adobe GenStudio for Performance Marketing for a seamless, in-tool compliance review. Saifr acts like a spell-check for compliance of AI-generated content created in the financial services industry, detecting possible risks and suggesting more compliant phrasing that could better align with regulatory agency guidelines and rules such as FINRA 2210 and SEC Modernized Marketing Rule. The AI models were trained on high quality, compliance domain data reviewed by Saifr subject matter experts and can catch as much as 90% of the risks a human compliance expert would.

With this integration, Adobe users can create content faster, improve efficiency, and reduce friction by leveraging Saifr's AI to help them manage their compliance with financial industry marketing communication regulations.

About Saifr

Saifr, a RegTech within Fidelity Investments' innovation incubator, Fidelity Labs, is committed to safeguarding organizations from pervasive AI and regulatory risks. Using intelligent technology that efficiently and effectively navigates complex compliance and regulatory requirements, Saifr helps clients save time, reduce costs, and improve accuracy while protecting their firms. Our advanced, AI-powered risk prevention and management solutions include capabilities for marketing compliance review, adverse media screening and monitoring for AML/KYC, and electronic communications surveillance. Learn more at https://saifr.ai.

About Fidelity Labs

Fidelity Labs is Fidelity Investments' in-house software business incubator. Founded in 2005, Fidelity Labs has played a critical role in driving growth and innovation for the firm. The Fidelity Labs organization has a portfolio of internal capabilities and commercial businesses, and is actively exploring concepts for future Fidelity businesses to enter new markets and better serve our customers. Learn more at https://labs.fidelity.com.

Saifr models are not intended to replace the end user's legal, compliance, business, or other functions, or to satisfy any legal or regulatory obligations. Note that all compliance responsibilities remain solely those of the end user and that certain communications may require review and approval by properly licensed individuals. Saifr is not responsible for determining compliance with rules and will not be liable for actions taken or not taken based on model use.

1188710.1.0

Media Contacts:

BLASTmedia for Saifr

[email protected]

317-806-1900 ext. 139

SOURCE Saifr
ALHAMBRA, Calif., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seen Health, an innovative health care provider transforming senior care, celebrated the grand opening of its first flagship Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center in San Gabriel Valley on Saturday, March 15.

Seen Health co-founders Yang and Xing Su, alongside local and state officials, at the official opening event of Seen Health's PACE center in San Gabriel Valley.

Seen Health's celebration welcomed top officials and local leaders, including U.S. Representative Judy Chu, California Assemblymember Mike Fong, the office of State Senator Sasha Renee Perez, Alhambra Mayor Katherine Lee and Councilwoman Noya Wang, Monterey Park Mayor Vinh Ngo, San Gabriel Councilmember Tony Ding, and members of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce. Also in attendance were the co-founders of Astrana Health, Executive Chairman Dr. Kenneth Sim and Vice Chairman Dr. Thomas Lam.

Congresswoman Judy Chu praised the program, saying in her speech, "We have 12 million older adults in the U.S. struggling to find the care that they need and Seen Health's PACE center is stepping up to this challenge."

The celebration featured a speech by the first participant in Seen Health's program, Rongmei (Emma) Wang, a celebratory lion dance, a children's dance performance, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and tours of the state-of-the-art facility.

This milestone marks a major step in reimagining aging and expanding access to deeply personalized, culturally-focused care for seniorsoffering a level of quality and coordination that is unmatched by traditional healthcare options, and enabling seniors to age at home.

With California's rapidly growing senior population, the need for innovative care has never been more urgent. In San Gabriel Valley alone, over 17% of residents are 65 or older, with over 300,000 seniors in the area and approximately 30% identifying as Chinese-American. Seen Health is filling a critical gap by providing care that prioritizes whole-person health, dignity, and community.

Designed for comfort and connection, Seen Health's PACE center features open communal areas, natural lighting, and cultural elements that promote dignity and social interaction. Unlike traditional senior services, Seen Health blends expert clinical services with highly personalized social and cultural support, ensuring care feels familiar, enriching, and provided in the participants' native languages.

"We founded Seen Health to redefine what aging with dignity looks like," said Xing Su, Co-Founder and CEO of Seen Health. "Too often, seniorsespecially from underserved communitiesface healthcare systems that fail to understand their needs or honor their identities. We are changing that by building care around the people we serve, not the other way around."

Seen Health began serving seniors on January 1, 2025, delivering exceptional care and integrating deeply within the San Gabriel Valley community. In addition to coordinated medical care, participants receive daily meals prepared in partnership with beloved local restaurant brands, door-to-door transportation, and engage in cultural activities, including art classes, Mahjong, and tai chi. By integrating health care with meaningful social and cultural experiences, Seen Health has built a thriving community where seniors feel seen, heard, and supported.

"This isn't just another senior care optionSeen Health is setting a new bar for what is possible," said Co-Founder Yang Su. "For too long, seniors have had to choose between fragmented, impersonal healthcare or being forced into nursing homes when they could thrive at home. We are giving them a real alternative that is comprehensive and tailored to their lives."

About Seen Health

Seen Health is providing exceptional aging experiences by offering seniors culturally-focused, technology-enabled care built on the proven 50-year legacy of PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). The company's mission is to empower older adults to age at home with dignity, comfort, and the care they deserve. Committed to improving access to high-quality, long-term care, Seen Health proudly supports underserved senior communities so they can be truly Seen. Learn more at seenhealth.org .

SOURCE Seen Health
New remote recording capabilities for the audio industry

CHICAGO, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Source Elements announced today the release of Source-Connect 4, marking the arrival of an important update to the remote recording platform.

See what's new in this short video. Source-Connect 4's new interface

Source-Connect is professional remote audio recording and collaboration software for the broadcasting, music, and voiceover industries. It provides high-quality, low-latency audio streaming between studios, voice artists, and producers over the internet. Source-Connect 4 delivers a comprehensive feature set that covers every modern workflow when working with remote audio and video timelines, now with up to 6 participants, LTC/MTC support and automated source audio retrieval to ensure perfect recordings regardless of network conditions. With the AAC ELDv2 codec from Fraunhofer and reinforced with a private, secure, globally distributed cloud architecture, Source-Connect 4 ensures excellent streaming connectivity even in the most remote locations and supports enterprise IT requirements.

Source-Connect 4 represents a massive forward-jump into meeting the new demands of hybrid remote collaboration in the global media industry. Source-Connect 4 is redesigned and reengineered using foundational knowledge obtained from providing 20 years of service to the industry. In order to meet the new needs of today's media creators in the emerging remote/hybrid climateand their talent and their clientsSource-Connect 4 has been transformed into a true remote-collaboration platform. Multi-channel, multi-participant, multi-timeline, multi-platform and supported by modern secure network services, all aspects of the remote working experience is supported in the creation journey of real-time media.

"Source-Connect 4 is a major update, especially regarding ease of use, reliability and security, that will enhance our global collaboration capabilities", says James Shannon, head of audio technology at Splice Post. "Source-Connect 4's automated Restore and Replace features ensure that any network issues won't compromise our recordings, guaranteeing high quality audio and peace of mind during critical sessions. I expect it to have an important impact on collaborative workflows in the media industry."

With 24-channel, multi-endpoint streaming, Source-Connect 4 connects immersive production environments, as well as supporting any channel-based layout and unlocks a world of potential for mixers, directors, and stakeholders to attend next generation audio playback and mixing sessions from their preferred location or setup. The platform's strength lies in its seamless integration with DAWs and NLEs, allowing professionals to work in their familiar environments. This is complemented by standout features like timeline synchronization, guaranteed recording, and ensemble capture for up to six participants, with expanded capacity planned for future releases. Source-Connect 4 is comprehensive enough to meet all collaborator's needs, providing a simple interface for each role in the workflow at an affordable price point.

George Whittam, owner of GeorgeThe.Tech and celebrated supporter and advocate for voice actors, shares that "the long-awaited redesign of Source-Connect is very welcome by the voiceover community! Source-Connect 4 is a pleasure to use, with an easy-to-understand user interface. I love the clean interface for the talent, and the power user features for the studio. Studio engineers will totally love the built-in mix minus system that routes audio where it needs to go without very complex busing. For the talent, no need for an iLok or port mapping, and Windows users in parity with macOS at last, this is a tour de force of Tech and a big win for all of us in Voiceover production!"

Source-Connect 4 has been further recognized and awarded as a Remote Production winner in the 2024 NAB Show Product of the Year Awards. The prestigious awards program recognizes groundbreaking products and technologies presented by exhibitors and honors the most significant and promising innovations showcased at the show, highlighting the cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of the industry. Robert Marshall, co-founder and principal inventor for Source Elements, was delighted to observe the positive reception during the NAB show and expressed his gratitude for the favorable reactions from both new and existing customers who visited the Source Elements NAB booth to explore the all-new Source-Connect 4. The overwhelmingly supportive feedback about its advanced audio capabilities, forthcoming updates, and revamped interface with legacy-feature-parity, confirmed Source Elements has struck a chord with the community with our deep commitment to empowering users with innovative workflows and enhanced connectivity to close the gap of distance and physical limitations.

About Source Elements

Since 2005 Source Elements helps connect creative people around the world to collaborate in real-time production, approval, and delivery of professional quality media, for the media industry. We make what seems impossible, possible-by introducing real-time workflows to multimedia productions through a suite of software applications that enables broadcast quality production within your collaborative online environment. See https://source-elements.com for more information.

Contact:

Rebekah Wilson

CEO

Source Elements

+1 312-706-5555

[email protected]

SOURCE Source Elements
New Poll Shows 79 Percent of California Voters Support Human Operators in AVs, 86 Percent Believe Big Tech Has Too Much Power

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters proudly endorse California Assembly Bill 33 (AB 33), a bill that would require a trained human operator in any autonomous vehicle (AV) used to deliver commercial goods directly to residences or businesses. The legislation, introduced by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, comes on the heels of a new poll that shows California voters overwhelmingly support efforts to regulate driverless cars and trucks as well as artificial intelligence (AI).

"The evidence is clear: Californians are sick and tired of Big Tech's complete disregard for the impact of AI on safety, jobs, and our communities. Driverless trucks are dangerous, and delivery drivers across the state are demanding elected officials fight with us to protect good middle class jobs," said Peter Finn, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and President of Joint Council 7. "The Teamsters applaud Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry for introducing AB 33 and continuing the fight to keep our streets safe, workers employed, and Big Tech held to account."

The poll, conducted by Tulchin Research, found that 79 percent of California voters support requiring a trained human safety operator to be present in any self-driving truck or delivery vehicle operating on public roads and freeways in California. The survey also found that 84 percent of voters are concerned about AI and automation eliminating jobs and displacing workers, and 86 percent agreed that Big Tech companies have too much power and more needs to be done to stand up for consumers and workers.

The widespread deployment of AV delivery vehicles threatens to displace hundreds of thousands of hardworking Californians who rely on their good-paying jobs in the transportation and delivery sectors to support their families. By creating a balanced framework that allows for the deployment of emerging technology while protecting people, jobs, and public safety, AB 33 provides a reasonable solution for the problems automation presents to the state's workforce.

"The Teamsters will not back down as Big Tech continues to put profits over working people and public safety," said Chris Griswold, Teamsters International Vice President At-Large and President of Joint Council 42. "The regulation of driverless vehicles has overwhelming bipartisan support for a reason. AVs are dangerous and a threat to hundreds of thousands of California workers. AB 33 will ensure that Silicon Valley doesn't destroy an entire workforce during its never-ending quest to move fast and break things."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (771) 241-0015

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
LONDON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hoffman Agency announced today that it has acquired the CCGroup, a PR-led marketing firm focused on the tech sector and based in London.

"With the addition of CCGroup, we go from 'small but mighty' in London to a 'force of nature,'" said Lou Hoffman, CEO of The Hoffman Agency, who added that the two London teams would be combined to create one Hoffman UK operation.

The Hoffman Agency has acquired the CCGroup, a PR-led marketing firm focused on the tech sector and based in London. Post this

CCGroup's senior leaders, Richard Fogg and Paul Nolan, will assume the roles of Co-MD of the combined entity. They will report to Jenny Fieldgate, the agency's European MD.

"When we evaluated potential fits in the UK last year, CCGroup graded out at the top of the list," said Hoffman. "As our discussions with Rich and Paul shifted into serious mode and so many factors aligned  culture, belief in integrated campaigns, vision, ambition, dry sense of humor, etc.  joining forces seemed almost like a fait accompli."

"An independent consultancy, a strong global proposition, an appreciation of the power of sector specialism, a strategic belief in an integrated approach to marketing communications, a fantastic cultural fit, and a great reputation as a place to work and build careers  that was our bucket list for what we wanted in an acquirer. And with The Hoffman Agency, we get all that and more," said Fogg. "We're excited to offer clients access to even wider tech sector expertise and a broader service set on a truly global basis. It's going to be a lot of fun."

"This is a deal that marries powerful synergy, ideology and chemistry," said Nolan. "We won't need to change any of the things that make CCGroup special because Lou and his team share the same principles, believe in the same values and strive for the same goals. The Hoffman Agency offers us what we've always wanted, and we can't wait to get started."

The Hoffman Agency's core expertise of making sense of complexity, global reach and a high-touch ethos have proved to be a winning combination. The firm grew 14% last year, with global revenue hitting $30,328,000. Along this line, the company's multi-market proposition has gained traction, with 31% of its revenue coming from clients supported across two or more geographies (the U.S. and/or APAC and/or Europe).

"With the addition of CCGroup, we now have the scale to tackle virtually any global assignment that falls under the tech umbrella," said Hoffman. "I say tech umbrella and not tech companies because non-tech companies are now coming to us for support in telling their tech-led stories."

About CCGroup

CCGroup is a PR-led marketing agency helping brands to 'break through' and distinguish themselves in ultra-competitive B2B technology markets. We support our clients to grow their influence and market share, overcome capacity, knowledge and expertise limitations, and demonstrate marketing impact. Our integrated, channel-agnostic, audience-centric approach is tailored to address our clients' most pressing challenges.

About the Hoffman Agency

Defining communications broadly to include digital, content marketing, thought leadership, as well as traditional PR, The Hoffman Agency marches to its own percussionist. One of the few independent communications consultancies with global reach, it operates offices in Europe (London, Munich and Paris), Asia (Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta) and the U.S. (Silicon Valley, Portland and Boston). The firm supports some of the biggest brands in the world, many of which prefer to remain unnamed (the client names we have permission to share publicly are on our website).

SOURCE The Hoffman Agency
DENVER, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Under Canvas Inc. reveals a record $50 million investment in innovations and upgrades across its nationwide locations for the 2025 season, advancing their role as the leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality.

New Kids Tent

"At Under Canvas, our commitment to providing an unparalleled experience is unwavering," said Matt Gaghen, CEO of Under Canvas. "Our continued growth and evolution, from the upcoming launch of our new camps in Yosemite and the Columbia River Gorge, to the enhanced amenities and refreshed spaces across our existing locations, reflects our ongoing commitment to elevating the guest experience and finding more ways to enhance access to the outdoors."

2025 highlights include:

Two New Camps: Under Canvas will be opening two new camps in 2025, its first in California , as well as its first in the Pacific Northwest. Under Canvas Yosemite : Opening May 15, 2025 , this idyllic, 80-acre camp is set in a serene, mountainside forest surrounded by mature, Yosemite -native trees, located just 10 minutes from the west entrance of Yosemite National Park at Big Oak Flat Information Station. Guests will sleep amongst towering California Black Oak and Ponderosa Pine forests and access YART's transportation via the property's own stop, providing hassle and car-free access into the park. Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge : Opening May 29, 2025 , this camp is set on a stunning 120-acre property perched along the majestic Columbia River Gorge in Washington's White Salmon River Valley, a region only an hour's drive from Portland, best known for its towering peaks, famed waterfalls and lush forests and beautiful wineries.

Under Canvas will be opening two new camps in 2025, its first in , as well as its first in the Pacific Northwest. New Kids Tents: A new safari-style tent for kids is available at the Moab , Columbia River Gorge, North Yellowstone-Paradise Valley, and Great Smoky Mountains locations. Featuring elevated wooden decks, starry night nightlights, and enchanting string lights the new kids tents are designed to create a magical, celestial experience for even the youngest adventurers.

A new safari-style tent for kids is available at the , Columbia River Gorge, North Yellowstone-Paradise Valley, and Great Smoky Mountains locations. Featuring elevated wooden decks, starry night nightlights, and enchanting string lights the new kids tents are designed to create a magical, celestial experience for even the youngest adventurers. Under Canvas North Yellowstone-Paradise Valley Expansion: Due to high demand at this beautiful, riverfront camp, Under Canvas' North Yellowstone location will debut additional tentsallowing even more opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in a Yellowstone adventure.

Due to high demand at this beautiful, riverfront camp, Under Canvas' North Yellowstone location will debut additional tentsallowing even more opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in a Yellowstone adventure. Refreshed Spaces at Under Canvas Moab & Great Smoky Mountains Camps: Guests can enjoy refreshed tents, furnishings and expanded social spaces including new shade pods, additional fire pits and updated outdoor seating areas.

ABOUT UNDER CANVAS

The leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, Under Canvas is the ultimate outdoor destination experience. Its safari-style accommodations perfectly embrace their natural surroundings while featuring indoor luxuries, allowing guests to discover their outdoor self in comfort and style. Under Canvas operates 13 camp locations: North Yellowstone - Paradise Valley, West Yellowstone and Glacier in Mont.; Moab, Zion, Lake Powell - Grand Staircase and Bryce Canyon in Utah; Mount Rushmore in S.D.; Great Smoky Mountains in Tenn.; Grand Canyon in Ariz.; Acadia in Maine, and new in 2025 Yosemite in Cali. and Columbia River Gorge in Wa. To grant further access to the nation's most coveted national parks, Under Canvas expanded their footprint in the luxury outdoor hospitality space with the launch of ULUM, a bespoke resort brand that debuted its first location in Moab, Utah in spring of 2023. For more information, please visit www.undercanvas.com and www.ulumresorts.com .

SOURCE Under Canvas
Historic investment will expand access to world-class health care and create thousands of jobs in Utah's west side communities

SALT LAKE CITY, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Utah today announced a landmark $75 million gift from the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation to establish a new 800,000-square-foot state-of-the-art hospital and medical campus in West Valley City, marking a historic expansion of health care access for west side communities.

The gift will enable the construction of the university's first off-campus hospital in its 175-year history and its largest multi-specialty health clinic. This expansion is a vital step in increasing health care access across Salt Lake County, ensuring that the more than 725,000 residents living west of I-15 have greater access to hospital care, where currently only one in 10 hospital beds serve the area.

The new campus will anchor an innovative $855 million university initiative that extends beyond health care delivery, providing additional training, research, and educational opportunities and career development in health care while catalyzing economic development that will build local prosperity.

"This groundbreaking investment continues the Eccles family's extraordinary legacy of expanding health care access and education across Utah," said Taylor Randall, President of the University of Utah. "For 60 years, the Eccles family has offered both unwavering leadership and financial support for excellence in health care throughout the state. In fact, in 1965 a critical contribution from Spencer S. Eccles helped establish the U.'s medical library and George S. Eccles chaired the first fundraising campaign to build the University of Utah Hospital in 1975. Most recently, the family made a monumental gift to the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine in 2021. "We are so grateful to the Eccles family for their leadership in expanding access to U of U Health's outstanding medical care, ensuring more west side communities have the high-quality health care they deserve."

Located in Utah's second largest city, the new University of Utah health campus will feature approximately 100 hospital beds and comprehensive multi-specialty outpatient clinics, including heart care, orthopedics, women's health and pediatrics, in addition to general internal medicine and urgent care. With 200 exam rooms, the clinics are expected to serve more than 341,000 outpatient visits annually. The campus will also provide additional pathways for education and career advancement in medical fields, creating over 2,000 new jobs in the West Valley area.

"We're thrilled to partner with the West Valley community to expand access to high-quality health care on the west side," said Bob Carter, MD, PhD, CEO of University of Utah Health. "Currently, west side residents drive more than 12 million miles per year to access U of U Health services. This new campus is exciting because it will bring comprehensive, top-tier health care closer to home. We also see this project as key to expanding educational opportunities and helping to address our shortage of doctors, which is five times greater in western Salt Lake County than in other Wasatch Front communities."

The need for expanded health care in West Valley City is critical to addressing various social determinants of health. Current data shows that West Valley residents experience:

a life expectancy nearly 10 years lower than in east side communities;

nearly twice the rate of heart disease-related deaths compared to east side communities;

a 44% higher rate of diabetes; and

a 38% greater prevalence of stroke.

"As a family and as a Foundation, we are so thrilled about this project because this community  right here in our Salt Lake Valley  has not had access to the kind of world-class medical care that they deserve," said Spencer F. Eccles, Chairman and CEO of the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation. "Our hope is that this hospital and health campus will become an indispensable community resource, a hub for superior health care, education and training, and expanded economic opportunity. This campus will be a win-win-win for those living in West Valley and all along the Wasatch Front for years to come."

Since the hospital was publicly announced last year, the community has been actively involved in the planning process, with hundreds attending numerous stakeholder meetings.

"West Valley City is the second largest city in Utah and has a growing demand for hospital and specialty services," said West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang. "We are so excited to have this incredible commitment by the University of Utah, the Eccles family and other donors whose support make it possible. These new state-of-the-art medical facilities will be a wonderful addition for our entire community."

Construction of the new health campus is anticipated to begin this summer. The multi-specialty health clinic is scheduled to be completed in 2028, with hospital rooms expected in 2029.

The campus will be located on 22 acres in West Valley City at 3750 South and 5600 West.

About the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation

The George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation has awarded nearly $1 billion in grants since 1982, representing a significant investment in the economic vitality and future strength of Utah and the Intermountain West. The Foundation's grants span five focus areas: Arts & Culture, Community, Education, Health & Wellness, and Preservation & Conservation. Supporting health care initiatives has been a cornerstone of the Foundation's mission, carrying forward the legacy of George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles, who played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Utah's medical expertise.

About University of Utah

The University of Utah is the state's flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 36,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universitiesan invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. Ranked #1 public university in the West by the Wall Street Journal, the U strives to be a model public university in delivering unmatched value in higher education and health care while making social, economic and cultural contributions that improve the quality of life throughout the state, the nation and the world.

SOURCE University of Utah Health
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Four major U.S. producers of polypropylene corrugated boxes  CoolSeal USA Inc., Inteplast Group Corporation, SeaCa Plastic Packaging, and Technology Container Corp. (collectively, "Petitioners")  today filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions alleging that unfairly traded imports of polypropylene corrugated boxes from the People's Republic of China ("China') and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam ("Vietnam") are a cause of material injury  and also threaten further injury  to the domestic industry. The antidumping case alleges that Chinese and Vietnamese producers engaged in unfair price discrimination in the U.S. market. The Petitioners also filed a countervailing duty petition alleging that the Chinese government has provided actionable subsidies to producers of polypropylene corrugated boxes in China. The petitions were filed concurrently with the United States Department of Commerce ("Commerce Department") and the United States International Trade Commission ("USITC"), the two federal government agencies that will analyze the Petitioners' request for relief and issue preliminary and final determinations over the next 12-13 months.

The Petitioners filed the petitions in response to a surge in low-priced imports of polypropylene corrugated boxes from China and Vietnam that have injured the U.S. industry. The combined volume of imports from China and Vietnam has increased nearly five-fold between 2022 and 2024. Chinese and Vietnamese producers have massive capacity to produce polypropylene corrugated boxes and if left unchecked will continue to surge at even greater volumes.

The petitions filed by the Petitioners allege that Chinese and Vietnamese producers have injured the domestic industry by selling polypropylene corrugated boxes in the United States at unfairly low prices that significantly undercut domestic market prices. As a result of this unfair competition, the domestic industry has suffered declines in sales, production, employment, and profits. With Chinese and Vietnamese producers exporting their massive capacity to the United States, pricing in the U.S. market is quickly deteriorating, and prices are likely to continue to fall if remedial duties are not imposed.

"Surging imports of unfairly low-priced polypropylene corrugated boxes from China and Vietnam have placed significant pricing pressure on the U.S. market and caused severe injury to the domestic industry," commented John M. Herrmann, of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, Petitioners' trade counsel. "The domestic industry looks forward to the opportunity to present its case to the Commerce Department and the U.S. International Trade Commission to obtain relief from unfairly traded imports and to restore fair competition in the U.S. market."

Antidumping duties are intended to offset the amount by which a product is sold at less than fair value, or "dumped," in the United States. The margin of dumping is calculated by the Commerce Department. Estimated duties in the amount of the dumping are collected from importers at the time of importation. The antidumping margins alleged in the petitions range from 40.85 percent ad valorem with respect to imports from Vietnam, to 83.49 percent ad valorem for imports from China. Countervailing duties are intended to offset unfair subsidies that are provided by foreign governments and benefit the production of a particular good. The countervailing duty petition on imports from China does not specify an estimated countervailing duty margin. The USITC, an independent federal agency, will determine whether imports of polypropylene corrugated boxes from China and Vietnam are a cause of, or threaten, material injury to the domestic industry.

As a result of the filing of the petitions, the Commerce Department will determine whether to initiate the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations within 20 days, and the USITC will reach a preliminary determination of material injury or threat of material injury within 45 days. The entire investigative process will take approximately one year, with final determinations of dumping, subsidization, and injury likely occurring in the second quarter of 2026.

The products subject to the unfair trade petitions include all imports of polypropylene corrugated boxes, totes, or other containers from China and Vietnam  regardless of whether the merchandise is imported with or without handles, lids, tops, or reinforcing wire, and whether in a one-piece or multi-piece configuration.

The petitioning companies are CoolSeal USA Inc., of Perrysburg, Ohio; Inteplast Group Corporation, of Livingston, New Jersey; SeaCa Plastic Packaging, of Kent, Washington; and Technology Container Corp., of Desoto, Texas. The Petitioners are represented by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.

SOURCE CoolSeal USA Inc., Inteplast Group Corporation, SeaCa Plastic Packaging, and Technology Container Corp.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin agreed during a phone conversation that the movement to peace in Ukraine will start with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on the implementation of a naval ceasefire in the Black Sea, a complete ceasefire and lasting peace.

"The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on the X social network.

The White House said Trump and Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, and both leaders agreed that "this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace."

"They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people," the press secretary said in the statement following the conversation.
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US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin agreed during a telephone conversation that the future of improving bilateral relations between the United States and Russia "has huge upside," the White House reported after the talks.

"The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved," wrote White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt on the social network X.

The White House notes that Trump and Putin spoke about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts.

They also discussed the need to stop the proliferation of strategic weapons and will work with others to ensure the widest possible use.

"The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel," the report notes.
New York, March 18 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio follows through with President Donald Trump's "vision", State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce remarked when asked about Trump's pre-election statement about the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.

New York, March 18 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio follows through with President Donald Trump's "vision", State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce remarked when asked about Trump's pre-election statement about the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.

She said on Monday at her briefing in Washington, "Secretary Rubio, of course, follows through with his (Trump's) vision and the nature of the choices that are made in that regard".

Meanwhile, at the United Nations in New York, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq was asked if Guterres had raised human rights abuses of Hindus in Bangladesh during his visit to that country.

Haq said, "In his talks overall with officials, he made sure to address any concerns we have regarding human rights".

Shortly before the November election, Trump posted on X, "I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos."

Referencing it, Bruce was asked about Rubio's "assessment about the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh, and what steps he is taking to address" the concern of Trump.

While saying Rubio follows through on Trump's vision, she refused to elaborate, asserting, "When it comes to again, negotiations, diplomatic considerations, and the conversations that those involve, and what might happen ... I don't want to presume here what the outcome will be".

She added, "What I'm not going to answer is, diplomatic considerations, from government to government or attitudes and approaches when it comes to what's happening in a certain country that belongs within a diplomatic kind of conversation".

Earlier in New Delhi, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh "continues to remain a central focus area of concern" with that country.

In an interview with NDTV, she said, "The long-time unfortunate persecution, killing and abuse of religious minorities -- Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Catholics and others -- have been a major area of concern for the United States government and of course President Trump and his administration."
Kyiv, March 18 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he spoke by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of an upcoming conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We coordinated our positions ahead of the conversation between President Trump and Putin and the upcoming meetings in Europe," Zelensky said in his evening address.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to Macron and France for their support for Ukraine, Xinhua news agency reported.

Separately, Macron wrote on social media platform X that during their talks Zelensky reiterated his commitment to accepting the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.

"It is now up to Russia to prove that it truly wants peace," Macron said.

He added that France, together with its partners, must work to develop a "concrete plan" to provide solid security guarantees for Ukraine and ensure lasting peace in Europe.

Earlier in the day, US media reported that Trump said he planned to talk with Putin on Tuesday about ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Russia on Monday confirmed that a phone call between the US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will take place on Tuesday.

"Yes, this is indeed the case. Such a conversation is being prepared for Tuesday," state-run news agency TASS quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump stated that he was planning a conversation with the Russian President on Tuesday. He emphasised paying special attention to territorial and infrastructure issues within the framework of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Trump said he would speak with Putin about the war in Ukraine and added that there had already been discussions about "dividing up certain assets".

The US President further expressed hope that Moscow would agree to a ceasefire proposal.

"We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can't, but I think we have a very good chance I'll be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of work's been done over the weekend," the US President told reporters on Sunday.
Gaza, March 18 : The Hamas-run media office warned that the Gaza Strip is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis as Israel's tightened blockade entered its 16th consecutive day, preventing crucial aid from reaching the population.

In a press statement, the media office said the Israeli blockade "has led to a catastrophic deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip," with 80 per cent of the population losing access to food sources due to the suspension of aid entry.

The crisis has forced 25 per cent of bakeries to shut down amid a severe fuel shortage, with more closures anticipated in the coming days, Xinhua news agency reported.

The lack of fuel has also disrupted the operation of wells and desalination plants, leaving 90 per cent of Gaza's residents without sustainable access to clean drinking water.

The health sector is also on the brink of collapse, with severe shortages of supplies worsening the suffering of approximately 150,000 sick and wounded people. Cases of malnutrition and anemia are rising, particularly among children and the elderly, the statement noted.

The media office called on the international community to intervene urgently, demanding increased pressure on Israel to allow the immediate entry of humanitarian aid and to lift restrictions on Gaza.

It also urged Arab and Islamic nations to fulfill their commitments by working to end the blockade, opening crossings for relief supplies, and holding Israel accountable for the legal and humanitarian consequences of its actions.

In a separate statement, Hamas accused Israel of "targeting the lives of the most vulnerable Palestinians -- namely, the sick, the elderly, children, and those with special needs" by imposing the blockade.

"The US must compel the occupation to implement the ceasefire agreement as signed, instead of expanding the circle of fire," it added.

Meanwhile, Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run media office, said that the Israeli authorities continue to impose a "suffocating blockade" on the Gaza Strip by keeping all border crossings closed for over two weeks.

Al-Thawabta said in a statement that "the occupation has prevented more than 10,000 aid trucks from entering Gaza and has refused to allow the entry of 850 fuel and cooking gas trucks, paralysing the transportation sector, closing bakeries, and disrupting humanitarian work."

Israel has prevented aid shipments, including food, from entering Gaza since March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
United Nations, March 18 : The United Nations is concerned about the Houthi threat to resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea following US attacks on the Houthis in Yemen, a UN spokesman said.

"The secretary-general calls for full freedom of navigation in the Red Sea," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday. "We reiterate our concern at the launching of multiple strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen by the United States in recent days."

Haq said the Houthis reported that US airstrikes had killed 53 people and injured another 101 in Sana'a City, Sa'ada and Al Baydah governorates.

The casualty toll included civilians. The strikes also disrupted power supplies in nearby areas, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The UN calls for utmost restraint and a cessation of all military activities," he said. "Any additional escalation could exacerbate regional tensions, fuel cycles of retaliation that may further destabilise Yemen and the region and pose grave risks to the already dire humanitarian situation in the country."

The spokesman called for all parties to respect international law, including international humanitarian law, at all times. He also called for the recent Security Council resolution related to Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels to be fully respected.

"The United Nations remains committed to continuing its efforts towards broader de-escalation in Yemen as well as continued engagement with the Yemeni, regional and international stakeholders in order to secure a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict, and ultimately a better future for the Yemeni people," Haq said.

The spokesman also said the UN special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, reported over the weekend that he has been in close contact with Yemeni, regional, and international stakeholders.

"He has called for utmost restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law, and he has pushed for a refocus on diplomacy to avoid uncontrollable destabilization in Yemen and in the region," Haq said. "Further contacts are held by his office on numerous levels."

Grundberg further called for support from the international community so that the UN-led mediation efforts can deliver results despite the complexity of the regional dimension of this situation, including the situation in the Red Sea.
Damascus, March 18 : Syria and Lebanon reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire along their shared border and enhance military coordination, Syria's defence authorities announced.

The agreement, reached between the defence authorities of both countries, aims to de-escalate tensions and prevent further hostilities in the border region, Xinhua news agency reported.

The announcement on Monday follows a recent escalation between Syria and Hezbollah, after Damascus accused the group of kidnapping and executing three Syrian soldiers near the border -- an allegation Hezbollah has denied. Syria also blamed Hezbollah for a targeted attack on journalists and shelling a water station in western Homs, further fueling tensions.

Earlier in the day, Syria's defence authorities announced the launch of a security operation to clear border villages west of Qusayr, located in the Homs province, targeting Hezbollah positions accused of facilitating smuggling and illicit trade.

According to a military statement quoted by state-run SANA news agency, the military is focusing on expelling Hezbollah fighters from Syrian territories where they have been operating since the previous government's rule.

"Our priority is retaking the Syrian village of Housh al-Sayyid Ali, which has become a Hezbollah stronghold," the statement said, adding that Syrian forces will strike Hezbollah gatherings and movements in the area to support the operation.

According to Lebanese health authorities on Monday, seven people have been killed and 52 others injured over two days of clashes along the Lebanese-Syrian border.

In a statement, Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Public Health, reported that the casualties included a 15-year-old boy. It urged all hospitals, especially those near the affected areas, to admit the wounded immediately.

The Syrian military's latest push signals a growing confrontation with Hezbollah, which had long maintained a presence in strategic border areas.
Washington, March 18 : The United States has firmly rejected a suggestion by French politician Raphael Glucksmann that the Statue of Liberty should be returned to France, dismissing his remarks as unwarranted and politically motivated.

Glucksmann, a centre-left politician, recently stated that France should take back the iconic statue, arguing that the US no longer upholds the values that inspired France to gift the monument. His remarks were seen as a direct criticism of US President Donald Trump's policies, particularly regarding scientific freedom and international relations.

"Give us back the Statue of Libertya We're going to tell the Americans, who have chosen to side with the tyrants and fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom -- 'Give us back the Statue of Liberty,'" Glucksmann said.

"We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently, you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home."

The statement sparked a sharp response from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the demand outright, ridiculing Glucksmann's political stature.

"Absolutely not. And my advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it's only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So they should be very grateful to our great country," she said.

The Statue of Liberty was presented in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. Created by French artist Auguste Bartholdi, it was a present from the people of France to the United States, representing the common values of freedom and democracy.

While Paris does have a smaller replica of the statue on an island in the Seine, Glucksmann's remarks were largely seen as a symbolic political statement rather than a genuine demand for its return.

A vocal critic of Trump, Glucksmann has strongly opposed the US President's shift in foreign policy, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine.

He has also condemned far-right leaders in France, accusing them of being "a fan club" for Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
Chennai, March 18 : Tomato farmers across Tamil Nadu are facing heavy losses as prices have dropped to as low as Rs 7 per kilogram in the retail market.

With production costs exceeding returns, many farmers have resorted to destroying their crops instead of harvesting them.

R.M. Senthilnathan, a farmer from Thumpichipalayam near Kallimandayam in Oddanchatram taluk, Dindigul, said he had spent over Rs 5 lakh on fertilizers, pesticides, and fencing for his six-acre tomato farm. "For the past two months, I have been harvesting around 20 boxes of tomatoes per day, with each box weighing 14 kg. Prices ranged between Rs 200 and Rs 280 per box. However, due to a sudden influx of tomatoes in the market, prices have plummeted to Rs 7 per kg in retail," Senthilnathan told IANS.

He said, "With labourers demanding Rs 3 per box for plucking, he said harvesting has become unviable. We have no choice but to destroy the crop and prepare the field for the next cultivation."

In some areas of Dindigul, retail tomato prices have dropped further, from Rs10 per kg last week to Rs 6 per kg. Another tomato farmer, Umesh Kumar, stated that many farmers have stopped plucking tomatoes altogether to cut their losses.

M. Manikandan, a trader in the Oddanchatram market, explained the reason behind the price drop. "Last week, tomatoes were selling at Rs 170 to Rs 200 per box (Rs 10 to Rs 12 per kg). However, due to large-scale arrivals -- over 200 boxes per shop daily -- the price has now fallen to Rs 4 to Rs 5 per kg," he said.

Tomatoes are being supplied in bulk from villages such as Amarakudi, Poochukudi, Ayakudi, Reddiarchatram, Ambilikkai, and Kallimandayam, leading to an oversupply.

An official from the horticulture department explained that farmers had targeted tomato cultivation in Oddanchatram taluk due to favourable prices in October 2024. Many farmers in Vadamadurai, located in Vedasandur taluk, also took up tomato farming.

"The cool and pleasant climate has boosted production, leading to this surplus. This trend is expected to continue for the next few weeks," the official said.

The crisis is not limited to Dindigul. In Tiruppur, a 40-year-old farmer, Veerasamy R., decided to distribute his tomatoes for free to the public before destroying the rest of his crop.

"I spent over Rs one lakh cultivating tomatoes on my two-acre farmland. But with transportation costs at Rs 30 per crate and labour costs at Rs 35, the current market price makes it impossible for us to recover our expenses," Veerasamy said.

A month ago, he was selling tomatoes at Rs 25 per kg. But as prices crashed to Rs 7- Rs 12 per kg, he was forced to sell a 15-kg crate for just Rs 100. "For three days, I sold tomatoes at this low price, but after that, I stopped harvesting. I allowed villagers to pick tomatoes for free, fed some to my cattle, and finally, I destroyed the remaining crop using a tractor," he added.

Veerasamy noted that nearly 100 small and micro farmers from Karaipudur in Tiruppur have been severely affected. He emphasised the need for a minimum support price of at least Rs 25 per kg to sustain tomato farming.

A senior horticulture department official in Tiruppur acknowledged the issue, stating that high yields have led to the price drop. However, he predicted that prices might rise in the coming days.

"The government needs to take a policy decision on fixing a minimum support price to protect farmers from such losses," he said. Farmers across Tamil Nadu echoed the same demand, urging authorities to intervene and stabilize tomato prices.
New Delhi, March 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens continues to bear fruit, with his vision of providing quality healthcare at affordable prices through the launch of 'Jan Aushadhi Kendra' across the nation.

One such Jan Aushadhi Kendra has been recently inaugurated in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, where hundreds of people are already benefiting from the initiative. The centre offers high-quality medicines at prices 10 per cent to 70 per cent lower than those found in the market, providing immense relief to the local community.

The initiative aims to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their economic background, has access to essential medicines at significantly lower prices. These centres have now become a lifeline for many, especially in the lower and middle-income groups, enabling them to save substantially on healthcare costs.

Naveen Jain, a resident of Neemuch's Vikas Nagar, expressed his gratitude, saying, "At the Jan Aushadhi Kendra, medicines are available at prices 10 per cent to 70 per cent lower than the market rate. This has resulted in significant savings for us. This is an excellent initiative, especially for the lower and middle-income groups, and we hope to see more such centres in the future offering affordable medicines."

The success of the scheme is also attributed to its manager, pharmacist Govind Jaiswal, who highlighted the importance of the scheme in improving healthcare access. He explained, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a scheme that ensures the availability of high-quality medicines at affordable prices for all marking a crucial step towards affordable healthcare for all. At this centre, customers get discounts of up to 70 per cent. This initiative has been particularly helpful for senior citizens, many of whom previously spent between Rs 2,500 and Rs 3,000 on medicines each month. Now, they can purchase the same medicines for as little as Rs 1,000."

Govind also emphasised the centre's positive impact on the community, adding, "We are proud to have opened this Jan Aushadhi Kendra on Gayatri Mandir Road in Neemuch, where people can access medicines that would otherwise be unaffordable for many."

To make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings.

Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) are opened to provide generic medicines at affordable prices.

Every year, March 7 is celebrated as 'Jan Aushadhi Diwas' to raise awareness about the scheme and promote the use of generic medicines. Recently week-long events were organised across the country from March 1 to 7 to support this initiative.
Mumbai, March 18 : On his grandfather Shashi Kapoor's 87th birth anniversary, "Black Warrant" actor Zahan Kapoor remembered his "dadaji" and the late icon.

Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) On his grandfather Shashi Kapoor's 87th birth anniversary, "Black Warrant" actor Zahan Kapoor remembered his "dadaji" and the late icon.

Zahan took to Instagram, where he shared two pictures of the legendary star. The first image features Shashi Kapoor sitting in a cozy, book-filled space, possibly his home. He is dressed in a white kurta-pajama, holding a book and a pipe, appearing deep in thought. Behind him is a large portrait of a warrior, likely a nod to his cinematic or theatrical legacy.

The second picture shows the late legendary actor standing in front of Prithvi Theatre, surrounded by various posters of plays. He is dressed in a simple white kurta-pajama, exuding an effortless charm and passion for the arts.

For the caption, Zahan just wrote: "Salagirah dadaji."

Shashi Kapoor, who was feted with four National Film Awards, featured in a number of English-language international films, particularly films produced by Merchant Ivory.

He was the third and the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor. He began his career as a child actor in 1948 with his brother Raj Kapoor's maiden directorial Aag and had his first role as an adult in 1961 with Yash Chopra's political drama Dharmputra.

After establishing himself in 1965 with two blockbusters, Waqt and Jab Jab Phool Khile, he was then seen in films such as Chor Machaye Shor, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Deewaar, Chori Mera Kaam, Kabhi Kabhie, Fakira, Trishul, Suhaag, Kranti, and Namak Halaal, Junoon, Kalyug, and Vijeta. His last film was the much delayed Ghar Bazar, which was released in 1998.

The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2011, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 2014, for his contribution to Indian cinema.

In 2017 was admitted in the hospital after what was speculated to be chest infection. He died on 4 December 2017. Officially, his cause of death was attributed to liver cirrhosis. His body was cremated.
Chennai, Mar 18 : Director Prithviraj Sukumaran has now disclosed that it was Tamil superstar Rajinikanth who was the first to watch the trailer of his much-awaited political thriller L2: Empuraan, featuring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in the lead, and compliment him.

Taking to his timeline on X on Tuesday, Prithviraj posted a picture of himself with Rajinikanth and wrote, "The very first person to watch the trailer of #L2E #EMPURAAN I will forever cherish what you said after watching it Sir! This meant the world to me! Fanboy forever! @rajinikanth #OGSuperstar"

With less than 10 days to go for the film's release, the makers of the film have ramped up promotional activities.

Already, the Censor Board of film certification has cleared the film for release with a UA 16+ rating. The certified length of the film is 179.52 metres.

Empuraan is the sequel to Lucifer, which went on to emerge a huge success. Prithviraj Sukumaran, apart from directing the film, also plays the character of Zayed Masood  the mercenary commando who leads the hit force of the infamous nexus Kureshi-Ab'ram in the Lucifer franchise.

Recalling that audiences were introduced to a complex world in Lucifer, Prithviraj had in a video clip released earlier said that in the second part, that complexity would deepen even further.

"The number of characters increases. You'll witness even more settings and landscapes where the story unfolds. But through all of this, we strongly believe that the film maintains a coherant narrative. May the viewers feel the same when they watch it," he said.

Stating that when the first part of Lucifer ended, audiences, who were introduced to the Khureshi-Ab'ram underworld mega syndicate, left with the feeling that it seemed like there was no force in the world strong enough to take them on, Prithviraj said, "That was the belief we walked away with after watching the movie. But was it true? Or was it a misplaced assumption?"

Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan (L2E) is now jointly being produced by Antony Perumbavoor, Lyca Productions and Sri Gokulam Movies. The film's story has been penned by Murali Gopy and its music has been scored by Deepak Dev. The film has cinematography by Sujith Vaassudev and editing by Akhilesh Mohan.

'Lucifer', the first part of the franchise which released in 2019 and which marked the directorial debut of actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, emerged a blockbuster in just eight days. It went on to make over Rs 200 crore, making it the highest grossing Malayalam film ever.

Needless to say expectations from the sequel, which is scheduled to hit screens on March 27 this year, have soared.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ukrainian drogerie retail chain EVA (operated by RUSH LLC) has completed the installation of a 718 kW rooftop solar power plant at its Lviv distribution center and plans to expand the initiative to facilities in the Ukrainian cities of Dnipro and Brovary, the company's press service announced.

"We expect the solar power plant to cover 75-80% of daytime energy consumption at our Lviv warehouse during summer months. This will not only reduce costs but also make our company more sustainable and energy-independent," said Mykola Leonov, Chief Energy Officer at EVA and EVA.UA.

The total investment in the project amounted to UAH 18 million. The solar plant comprises 1,239 solar panels, spanning an area of 7,400 square meters.

While the current rooftop space at the Lviv distribution center allows for a potential doubling of solar generation, the company noted that the lack of efficient energy storage technology remains a limiting factor.

EVA plans to install additional solar power plants at its distribution centers in Dnipro and Brovary later this year, with an estimated total investment of UAH 34 million.

"Our goal is to make the company more resilient to external factors and contribute to reducing the load on the national power grid. Expanding our project to Dnipro and Brovary is another step toward integrating sustainable energy solutions," Leonov said.

Rush LLC, which manages the EVA network, was founded in 2002. At the end of 2024, the chain had 1,109 operating stores.

According to Opendatabot, the owner of Rush LLC is the Cypriot Incetera Holdings Limited (100%), the ultimate beneficiaries are Ruslan Shostak and Valeriy Kiptyk.
Chandigarh, March 18 : After Amritsar, the suspect, who attacked the residence of a YouTuber with a grenade-like object, was injured in a police encounter in Punjab's Jalandhar on Tuesday.

Official sources told IANS that Superintendent of Police (Rural) Gurmeet Singh inspected the encounter spot.

Further details were awaited.

On Sunday, an object resembling a grenade was thrown at the residence of a YouTuber, Rozer Sandhu, in Maqsudan, Jalandhar, but fortunately, did not cause any damage. A Pakistani gangster had claimed responsibility for the Sunday attack.

Soon after the attack incident, two videos emerged on social media -- one in which a Pakistani gangster, Shahzad Bhatti, claimed that he attacked the YouTuber for allegedly using derogatory language against the Muslim community.

Another 18-second clip purportedly shows a man sitting in a car, giving directions to throw a grenade-like object.

A day earlier, a suspect in the hand grenade attack on the Thakur Dwara temple in Amritsar on the night of March 15 was killed and a policeman was injured in an exchange of fire.

The suspect, Gursiddak, alias Siddique, was killed, while his accomplice, Vishal, fled from the scene.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav had said police teams tracked the suspects in Rajasansi, on the outskirts of Amritsar. The accused opened fire, injuring Head Constable Gurpreet Singh and striking Inspector Amolak Singhas turban.

Acting in self-defence, the police party fired back, injuring the accused. He was taken to Civil Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The other accused fled, and efforts are on to arrest him, said the DGP.

The CCTV footage showed the attackers arriving at the location on a bike. After waiting for a few seconds, one of them threw a grenade, and both fled the spot. Fortunately, a priest and his family, who were residing on the upper floor of the temple, were unharmed.

Lashing out at the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, the Shiromani Akali Dal had sought a judicial probe into the Amritsar incident, while the BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh demanded a CBI investigation to expose the forces attempting to disturb law and order in Punjab.

Expressing serious concern over the repeated grenade attacks in the region, Chugh said the AAP government, led by CM Bhagwant Mann, has completely failed to control inimical elements in the state.
Guwahati, March 18 : At least two Bangladeshi nationals were arrested and pushed back by security personnel along the international border in Assam's Sribhumi district for infiltration, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday.

Taking to X, CM Sarma wrote, "Stern action against illegal infiltration. Continuing with their strict vigil along the Indo-Bangladesh border, @sribhumipolice intercepted 2 Bangladeshi nationals and pushed them back."

"The persons were identified as Irfan Khan and Nurul Afsar. This strict monitoring by @assampolice will continue. Good job," he added.

The Chief Minister earlier argued that Hindu community people immigrated from Bangladesh 30 or 40 years ago and the rest of the people have been living in the neighbouring country for different reasons.

"Most of the Hindu community people who had the desire to cross the border and come to India had come here 30 or 40 years ago. The rest of the minority people have been living in Bangladesh despite facing large-scale atrocities in the neighbouring country. I guess they have their own reasons for staying there - maybe a love for the soil or patriotism towards Bangladesh," he said.

CM Sarma also said the Bangladeshi infiltration spiked up in the last few months due to the collapse of the textile industry in the neighbouring country leaving many jobless there.

He stated that the economy of Bangladesh has collapsed due to unrest and the majority community people were more affected than the minority section.

"So far, we have arrested around 1,000 Bangladeshi people in the last few months. They were pushed back immediately after their arrest," the CM mentioned.

He also attributed the illegal infiltration to incentives offered by a few textile industry owners in India.

CM Sarma also said that he took up the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC).

"I have discussed these things with other Chief Ministers of northeastern states," he added.
New Delhi, March 18 : Nearly four decades after it broke out, the probe into the Bofors scandal still remains inconclusive even though papers and people that can establish the truth are still out there but are still ignored and unutilised, says journalist Chitra Subramaniam.

"Yes, Papers and people. Because people feel safer to speak. Papers definitely... papers can't lie, money trails can't lie.. in the box. Then the CBI says there are boxes... what boxes? Are there two? I saw only one. You know it's very confusing what's going on..." Subramaniam told IANS in an interview to a question whether a new probe into the issue is needed.

"Suddenly you have your Rip Van Winkle moment after the book. If you really know something, say it. And Mr Joginder Singh was a very mediatic person. I don't believe he sat in the corner and opened everything. At least tell us what you know," she said, referring to the Central Bureau of Investigation chief who had been handed a large box of Bofors-related bank documents in 1997.

"I think there are papers, I think there are people who feel more confident now to speak," the veteran journalist, whose recently-released "Boforsgate: A Journalistas Pursuit of Truth" chronicles her over-decade long probe in Switzerland and Sweden to get to the bottom of the scandal.

However, Subramaniam said she would not like to be linked to a new probe but was ready to guide and mentor younger journalists who are keen.

"Kaa (her codename for a Switzerland-based Swedish arms leader who gave her some clues and acquainted her with the amoral world of arms deals) connected with me recently ... but I don't want to get involved. I've moved on... I would like the younger generation to... if they want to get in. I am very happy to mentor and very happy to speak to journalists," she said.

Subramaniam, however, stressed any new probe has "to connect with the right people".

"I don't know... we need to connect with the right people. Can you imagine that no one from India, no probing agency has spoken to Sten Lindstrom, or Sting (the then Swedish police chief, who was a key source for her)... Nobody. Does it make any sense? (CBI chief in 1987) Mr Mohan Katre went to Sweden but didn't meet him. Nobody met him...why don't you connect with him... he will guide you, he will tell you don't waste your time here, don't do this, don't do that... He'll actually save you money," she said.

"And it's his story as well. Why did he speak to me? It's an emotional story for him because the (Sweden's then ruling) Social Democrats let him down. So there is an entire story behind there."

"So do I think there has to be a probe? There definitely has to be an investigation... what the framework of that will be decided by my country. It's not for me..., As a journalist, I did my bit, now, the government should take it forward... because you can't let things hang in the air," Subramaniam told IANS.

Citing the "destruction of institutions, of people, of relationships ..." due to the blatant coverups in the initial Indian probe after the scandal erupted in 1987, she said: "My heart goes out to the army.. people in the army who are dying. And then, of course, we won the Kargil war because of the gun. But I am told that the destruction of the morale, the destruction is deep. So yes there has to be some confidence-building, confidence-building in the system, confidence-building saying yes, we are a democracy, we want to be a great power, and that I believe I say in the book, 'Give us something to dream, give us the tools to dream'."

"Don't say 'is hamaam mein sab nange hai' (all are tarred with the same brush)... that is not true. There are a lot of people who are not like that.."

Asked if she had known what she would go through, the personal impact, the frustrations, and the inconclusive evidence, she would still launch her investigation, Subramaniam emphatically said 'yes'

"Yes... Yes, but with some changes. Definitely, I would just make sure that childcare is better, I would have approached home and childcare differently, but definitely," she said.

She also had a piece of advice for women journalists.

"I am very happy to tell all the women who are listening to me, young women, that there is no magic wand. You will have to figure out how you want to handle home and your job because one will come into the other... there is no separation...," she said.
New Delhi, March 18 : A team of European researchers has in a pioneering study, released on Tuesday, found compelling evidence that maternal infections during pregnancy can have lasting effects on offspring brain function.

The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain Medicine, may have implications for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and depression.

The team from the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Slovakia investigated the impact of maternal immune activation (MIA) on hippocampal pyramidal neurons in newborn rat offspring.

The hippocampus is a crucial brain region involved in memory, emotion, and cognition. They found that prenatal inflammation significantly impairs neuronal excitability, which increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with maternal infections.

"Maternal infections are a known risk factor for conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and depression," said Dr. Eliyahu Dremencov, from the institute.

"Our research shows that early-life alterations in hippocampal neuron function could be a key mechanism linking prenatal inflammation to these disorders," Dremencov added.

During pregnancy, infections trigger an immune response that releases cytokines -- chemical messengers that can cross the placenta and impact foetal brain development.

Using a well-established animal model, the researchers induced MIA in pregnant rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -- a bacterial component that stimulates the immune system. The hippocampal neurons of newborn offspring were then assessed to see how prenatal immune activation affected their excitability.

"We observed that neurons from MIA-exposed offspring had a significantly higher threshold for activation, slower response times, and reduced firing rates," explained lead author Dr. Lucia Moravcikova, of the study.

"This suggests a disruption in glutamatergic neurotransmission, which plays a critical role in learning, memory, and emotional regulation," Moravcikova added.

Further, the team found major changes in hippocampal neuron function in newborns exposed to MIA.

They found that the neurons required a stronger stimulus to activate, suggesting impaired excitability; the neurons also took longer to respond to stimulation, affecting signal transmission.

Notably, male offspring showed a greater reduction in spontaneous neuronal activity, which may explain why conditions like autism and schizophrenia are more commonly diagnosed in males.
New Delhi, March 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently pointed out in his interview with popular American podcaster Lex Fridman, that he has already implemented measures for government efficiency by preventing the wastage of social welfare funds in India much like the goal that is envisaged in President Donald Trump's DOGE programme just introduced in the US.

PM Modi highlighted that when he came to power, he introduced the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for social welfare which eliminated fake, non-existent beneficiaries of various schemes that were resulting in massive amounts of funds being siphoned out of the system by corrupt middlemen.

"After I took office in 2014, I observed that back then, we weren't part of many global discussions, not like how President Trump and DOGE are being talked about today. But let me give you an example so you can see the kind of work that was done. I noticed that the benefits of certain government schemes, especially welfare programmes, were being exploited by so many people who never even existed in real life," PM Modi told Fridman.

According to senior officials, by March 2023, the Modi government's model of allocating social welfare funds through DBT had saved around Rs 3.48 lakh crore.

As nearly Rs 64,000 crore are being saved each year now with the plugging of leakages due to fake withdrawals by corrupt elements, the total savings now add up to around Rs 5 lakh crore, a senior official said.

Incidentally, this is what the DOGE programme led by Elon Musk has found in the US where social security benefits were being made to people who were not alive any more.

The DBT model based on Aadhaar-based direct transfers to bank accounts has eliminated middlemen and ensured money reaches directly to the beneficiaries.

According to senior officials, the savings are evident across duplicate LPG connections for claiming subsidies, fake ration cards and job cards under the MGNREGA rural employment scheme.

For instance, Rs 42,534 crore was saved by the deletion of 7.1 lakh fake job cards in MGNREGA in 2022-23. Similarly, Rs 73,443 crore was saved by the elimination of 4.15 crore duplicate, fake, non-existent or inactive LPG connections.
New Delhi, March 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the successful conduct of the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, which witnessed the participation of over 66 crore devotees.

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the successful conduct of the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradeshas Prayagraj, which witnessed the participation of over 66 crore devotees.

He expressed gratitude to the people, emphasising that through the idea of aSabka Prayasa (everyoneas effort), India has presented a remarkable example of unity to the world.

Addressing the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said, "Today, through this House, I bow down to the crores of countrymen who ensured the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all government officials, social workers, the people of Uttar Pradesh, and especially the residents of Prayagraj."

Reflecting on the magnitude of the event, he likened it to the mythical effort of bringing the Ganga to Earth.

"Just as a great effort was made to bring Gangaji to Earth, we saw a similar collective effort in organising this grand Maha Kumbh. I had emphasised aSabka Prayasa from the Red Fort, and the world has now witnessed India's strength. I thank the people of Prayagraj for making this event a global success," he said.

The Prime Minister underscored the eventas role in reinforcing national consciousness.

"The Maha Kumbh has provided a strong response to the doubts and suspicions some may have about us. Last year, during the Pran Pratistha of the Ram Temple, we felt that India was preparing for the next thousand years. Now, exactly a year later, the Maha Kumbh has strengthened this belief."

Citing the Bhakti Movement and its role in shaping India's spiritual consciousness, PM Modi mentioned figures like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whose efforts contributed to the countryas independence.

"I see the Maha Kumbh as a continuation of this sentiment, a reflection of a country becoming more self-aware. For over one-and-a-half months, thousands of devotees, without concern for personal comfort, participated with unmatched enthusiasm. This is our strength."

PM Modi also highlighted the global recognition of the event and shared that he carried the holy water of the Triveni Sangam to Mauritius during his recent diplomatic visit.

"The excitement and joy of the Maha Kumbh were not just confined to India but resonated even in Mauritius, where I had the privilege of gifting the sacred water."

Acknowledging the role of the youth in the festivalas success, he said, "India's youth are embracing our traditions with pride. The Maha Kumbh has strengthened the aAmrit of unitya -- the most important takeaway from this event."

He further elaborated on how the festival reinforces national unity.

"When people from every corner of the country come together at the Maha Kumbh, it strengthens our national spirit. There was no distinction of big or small, proving that unity is deeply embedded in India. In a world filled with divisions, India stands as a shining example of unity in diversity," he said.

PM Modi concluded by urging people to preserve and carry forward this spirit of unity. "It is our collective responsibility to sustain and nurture this feeling of oneness, which is our biggest strength."
Dunedin, March 18 : New Zealand continued their dominant run in the T20I series against Pakistan, sealing a comfortable 5-wicket win in the second match at University Oval to take a 2-0 lead in the five-game series.

In a rain-shortened 15-overs-a-side contest, Pakistan, after being put into bat, managed to post 135/9, courtesy of a 28-ball 46 from captain Salman Ali Agha, including four boundaries and three sixes. Shadab Khan (26) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (22 not out) were the other significant run-getters for the touring side. For the hosts, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy and James Neesham bagged two wickets apiece.

In reply, opening duo Tim Seifert (45) and Finn Allen (38) provided a brisk 66-run first-wicket stand as New Zealand chased down the target in 13.1 overs, losing five wickets in the process. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf claimed two wickets for 20 in three overs.

After skipper Michael Bracewell opted to bowl first, Duffy struck in the first over, forcing opener Hasan Nawaz. Ben Sears soon followed up with another crucial breakthrough, dismissing an aggressive Mohammad Haris for 11.

When captain Agha attempted to counterattack, playing some enterprising strokes to rebuild the innings, Sodhi dented Pakistanas progress as the spinner first dismissed Irfan Khan and then trapped Khushdil Shah LBW just two balls later.

Aghaas 28-ball 46 briefly threatened to give Pakistan a competitive total, but his dismissal in the tenth over to Sears left the visitors struggling. Late cameos from Shadab (26 off 14 balls) and Afridi (22 off 14 balls) helped Pakistan to post 135/9.

Chasing 136, New Zealand openers wasted no time shifting gears as Allen kickstarted the chase with three huge sixes off Mohammad Ali in the second over. Seifert joined the onslaught in the third over, taking Afridi apart with four sixes between extra cover and deep square leg. By the end of the third over, New Zealand had smashed seven sixes.

Seifertas knock of 45 from 22 balls ended in the fifth over when he miscued a slower delivery from Mohammad Ali to mid-on. Allen continued his aggression, smashing Jahandad Khan for back-to-back sixes in the seventh over before falling LBW on the next ball. His 38 off 16 ensured the Black Caps were firmly in control at 88/2 in seven overs, needing just 48 more from as many deliveries.

Then, Mark Chapman fell cheaply to Khushdil Shah in the next over with Rauf, picking up crucial scalps of Daryl Mitchell and Neesham in quick succession. However, Mitchell Hayas unbeaten 21 off 16 balls, along with Bracewellas boundary, sealed the win for New Zealand.

Pakistan 135-9, 15 overs (Salman Ali Agha 46, Shadab Khan 26, Shaheen Shah Afridi 22 not out; Ish Sodhi 2-17, Jacob Duffy 2-20, Ben Sears 2-23, James Neesham 2-26)

Brief scores: New Zealand 137/5 in 13.1 overs (Tim Seifert 45, Finn Allen 38; Haris Rauf 2-20) beat Pakistan 135/9 in 15 overs (Salman Agha 46, Shadab Khan 26; Jacob Duffy 2-20, Ben Sears 2-23) by five wickets.
Sofia, March 18 : The Bulgarian government declared Tuesday a national day of mourning for the victims of the nightclub fire in North Macedonia that killed at least 59 people.

In a statement on Monday evening, the Bulgarian government extended its condolences to the relatives of the victims.

The government said that the national flags on all state institutions will be flown at half-mast.

Earlier on Monday, the government said in another press release that 14 people injured in the fire are being treated in Bulgarian hospitals, and the country, which shares a border with North Macedonia, was ready to accept more.

It also said that the Bulgarian state also provided transportation and accommodation for the relatives of the injured people.

According to information from the Bulgarian Ministry of Health, eight of the 14 North Macedonians were taken to a hospital in Sofia, three in Varna, and three in Plovdiv, Xinhua news agency reported.

The patients, aged from 15 to 49 years, were in serious condition with burns and inhalation of hot gases, the ministry said.

Police have detained 15 people after a fire at a nightclub in North Macedonia killed at least 59 people, officials have said.

The blaze broke out around 02:30 local time (01:30 GMT) on Sunday at the Pulse club in Kocani, where about 500 people had gathered for a concert by DNK, a popular hip-hop duo in the country.

Interior Minister Pance Toskovski has said the detainees will be questioned, adding that there are "grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption" linked to the fire.

The venue, in a town around 100km (60 miles) east of the capital, Skopje, has been described as an "improvised nightclub" in the local press, having previously been a carpet warehouse.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called it a "difficult and very sad day" for the country, which had lost many "young lives".

The government has declared seven days of national mourning, and the government is holding an emergency session as part of ongoing investigations on how the incident unfolded.

North Macedonia's President, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, said she was shocked "as a mother, as a person, as a President". Addressing the bereaved directly, she added: "Your immense pain is mine too."
Bhopal, March 18 : After a lapse of two years, the authorities in India's cleanest city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday, will revive their quest to secure the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) tag for 'Ger', -- the grand procession celebrated annually during Rang Panchmi.

The initial petition for the inclusion of 'Ger' in UNESCO's register was submitted in the year 2020 for the coveted designation of a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Yet, the endeavour was thwarted by the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If UNESCO considers Ger, it will be included in the list of cultural practices, traditions, and expressions that have outstanding value to humanity and need to be safeguarded. Durga Puja of Kolkata, and Garba of Gujarat have already been inscribed in UNESCO's list.

"The fame of Indore's Ger transcends boundaries," a senior government official said, adding that documents chronicling the rich history and cultural import of 'Ger' would be compiled, and a fresh entreaty would be dispatched to UNESCO, urging recognition of this eminent tradition. The first 'Ger' was organised in a modest way some 75 years ago in the city.

Though the original undertaking in 2020 met with disappointment, renewed attempts were initiated in 2023, demonstrating unwavering resolve.

State Chief Minister Mohan Yadav himself will participate in the Ger festivities with his presence on Wednesday in Indore at Rajwada locality.

The world-famous traditional Ger to be held on Rang Panchami in Indore, the cleanest city in the country, will be taken out on Wednesday. Nearly a million litre of water and thousands of kilos of "gulaal" will be thrown on the people.

"This time three Ger and one Phag Yatra will be taken out. The Rajwada has been covered so that it does not get damaged due to colours. From the organisers to the administration, everyone has started preparations for the Ger. The police have made security arrangements by dividing the area into sectors," the official said, "every year the city observes a total Holiday."

Every year, on the occasion of Rang Panchami, a kaleidoscopic mist of brilliant hues envelops the precincts of Indore's Rajwada. Friends and strangers alike engage in spirited revelry, casting vibrant powders upon one another.

On Wednesday crimson, emerald, indigo, and saffron will paint the heavens above Indore -- one of the city's most exuberant celebrations.

Holi commences on the evening of the full moon during Phalguna, a sacred month of the Hindu calendar, which aligns with February or March. The revelry begins with the ceremonial lighting of a bonfire the night before Holi, an occasion called Holika Dahan. Around the roaring flames, devotees gather to sing, dance, and offer prayers, commemorating the vanquishment of Holika, a demoness of yore.

With this 'Ger' celebration; Holi, the ancient Hindu festival, a joyous ode to the arrival of spring comes to an end.
Mumbai, March 18 : Filmmaker Karan Johar has finally responded to the extreme criticism of his latest project "Nadaaniyan" with a witty remark, quoting a famous line from the classic song, "Kuchh To Log Kahenge." Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) Filmmaker Karan Johar has finally responded to the extreme criticism of his latest project "Nadaaniyan" with a witty remark, quoting a famous line from the classic song, "Kuchh To Log Kahenge."

Speaking to media at an event in Mumbai, Karan said, 'Bas yehi kahunga, purani film ke alfaaz hai, purane gaane ka yeh alfaaz hai, Kuch toh log kahenge, Logon ka kaam hai kehna. Chhodo bekaar ki baaton mein, Kahin beet na jaaye raina." (People will say something or the other. It's the job of people to say something. Forget all these useless things.)

"Nadaaniyan," backed by Karan Johar, marked the acting debut of Saif Ali Khan's son Ibrahim Ali Khan alongside Boney Kapoor's daughter Khushi Kapoor. Released on Netflix, the romantic drama received widespread criticism from several netizens. The film received negative reviews from critics as well, quickly becoming a topic of ridicule on social media, where users harshly criticized the performances of Ibrahim and Khushi. Coming from prominent film families, the two starkids faced intense scrutiny, with many pointing out Bollywood's ongoing nepotism issue. The trolling went beyond their acting, with some harsh remarks about their appearances as well.

Despite the onslaught of online negativity, both Ibrahim and Khushi have found support from industry insiders. Filmmakers like Vikram Bhatt, Hansal Mehta, and actor Sonu Sood have publicly shown their backing for the duo, standing up against the online abuse.

Last week, even Karan Johar posted a picture with a cryptic caption on Instagram, amid the growing backlash surrounding his latest production, "Nadaaniyan." Sharing his photo from a hotel room, he wrote, "Living on a plane..what a privilege to be an outsider from the plane and an insider to the warmth of my hotel room. I am so happy to be entitled to my own thoughts and cut off from WHYFI."

Directed by Shauna Gautam, the teen romantic comedy also stars Mahima Choudhary, Suniel Shetty, Jugal Hansraj, and Dia Mirza in key roles. Nadaaniyan premiered on Netflix on March 7, 2025.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
A single RnD hub has been created in Ukraine, which will become a platform for developing innovations and further supporting their implementation in the demining of Ukrainian territories, said Chairman of the Board of the public organization Demining Cluster of Ukraine Maksym Tkachenko at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine.

The initiators of the creation of the RnD hub were the Ukrainian National Humanitarian Demining Association, the Ukrainian Association of Humanitarian Demining, and the Ukrainian Association of Humanitarian Demining and Restoration.

According to the initiators, the main goal of the hub is to identify existing and develop new innovative solutions that will accelerate demining and become reliable assistants for the deminer. The hub will include innovators, operators, scientists, and experts in mine action.

"One of the main tasks of the Demining Cluster is to search for existing and develop new innovative solutions that can accelerate the demining of Ukraine. The RnD hub is a community whose goal is to provide sustainable financing for promising innovative developments, create an incubator of ideas and projects for the production of equipment and testing new technologies, as well as launch the Demining Market. Accelerating the demining of Ukrainian lands is realistic only by scaling up the application of innovative solutions," Tkachenko emphasized.

First Deputy Head of the Ukrainian National Humanitarian Demining Association Oleksiy Botnarenko noted that the specialists of the Ukrainian Association of Humanitarian Demining are deeply immersed in the issues of the technical component of humanitarian demining. Practice has already proven that an innovative approach plays a key role directly in field conditions. The safety of sappers during work, the quality, speed and reduction of the cost of demining depend on it.

"Our association represents the main players in the humanitarian demining market, including operators and manufacturers of specialized equipment The development of technologies in the field of demining is not just a modernization of the process, it is a strategic step towards safe, high-quality and cost-effective demining of Ukrainian territories," the expert said.

He recalled that Ukraine is today one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world, and therefore the state must not only apply the best global practices, but also become a center of innovation in this area. Young people involved in the demining process - engineers, programmers, robotic and artificial intelligence specialists - are in search of non-standard solutions that can revolutionize the methods of detecting and neutralizing explosive objects.

"Today we see promising developments by domestic startups and scientific institutions, in particular, unmanned platforms for remote demining, robotic systems that can operate in difficult conditions, and algorithms based on artificial intelligence for analyzing satellite and drone images," the expert emphasized.

Botnarenko pointed out the importance of financial and organizational support for these initiatives by the government, since Ukraine has all the prerequisites to solve the problem of mine safety and become an international leader in the field of humanitarian demining.

Among the problems of implementing innovations that exist today in the humanitarian demining market, he named the lack of funds for the development of innovations, the lack of communication between operators and innovators, the dispersion of innovative projects, and the unformed market for promising technological developments in this field.

According to him, the solution to these problems will be facilitated by the RnD hub team, which has experience in developing and implementing successful innovative solutions, national projects that work effectively in the demining market in Ukraine. The RnD hub team has already established and is working with international financial organizations and funds.

The RnD hub has a physical office in Kyiv and access to testing grounds for innovative products. Hackathons and field testing of technological solutions are planned to be held during the year.

The project initiators called on developers and scientists to join the joint work in the RnD hub.
New Delhi, March 18 : Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon visited the Akshardham temple in New Delhi on Tuesday, the third day of his ongoing March 16-20 official visit to India.

"The Hindu community in New Zealand has made a large contribution to our country. Today in Delhi, I paid my respects at a place sacred to many Kiwi-Hindus a" the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple," Luxon posted on X after the visit.

On Monday evening, the New Zealand leader visited Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in the capital along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their bilateral discussions at the Hyderabad House.

"Together, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I visited Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, a place of profound faith and history. The Sikh community's unwavering commitment to service and humanity is truly admirable across the world," stated the visiting leader.

Before wrapping up his Delhi visit and flying to Mumbai on Tuesday evening, the New Zealand PM also found time to visit India Gate.

On Monday, while welcoming Luxon and the Kiwi delegation to India, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the New Zealand PM's long relationship with India.

"We all witnessed how a few days ago, he celebrated the joyous festival of Holi in Auckland! Prime Minister Luxon's affection towards the people of Indian origin living in New Zealand can also be seen from the fact that a large community delegation has accompanied him to India," said PM Modi.

Both leaders held in-depth discussions on various areas of bilateral relations and decided to strengthen and institutionalise defence and security collaboration.

"The Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the strong connections between the people of the two countries, with Indian-origin people making up almost six percent of New Zealand's population. They appreciated the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand and their positive role in facilitating people-to-people ties between the two countries. Both leaders agreed on the significance of ensuring the safety and security of the Indian community, including students, in New Zealand, and of New Zealanders in India and visitors to India," read the India-New Zealand Joint Statement issued after the bilateral discussions between the two sides on Monday.

A high-level delegation, including several ministers, senior officials, businesses, media and members of the Indian diaspora community in New Zealand, are accompanying Luxon during the ongoing visit which is his first to the country after assuming the current role.

In Mumbai, the visiting leader is scheduled to hold interactions with Maharashtra Governor and Chief Minister besides also meeting Indian business leaders and representatives from various walks of life.

He will return to Wellington 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," stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
New Delhi, March 18 : LG Electronics India Limited on Tuesday announced that it has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch its initial public offering (IPO) which is expected to be around Rs 15,000 crore.

The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Korean giant LG Electronics Inc., had filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI on December 6, 2024.

With the final observation from the regulator, the company can now proceed with the offering, according to its statement.

The IPO will be entirely an offer for sale (OFS), where LG Electronics Inc. will sell up to 10.18 crore equity shares.

Each share has a face value of Rs 10. This means that the IPO will not raise fresh capital for the company but will allow the parent company to offload its stake.

While the company has not disclosed the total issue size, it has reportedly pegged the IPO at around Rs 15,000 crore.

The IPO will be managed by investment banks Morgan Stanley India, JP Morgan India, Axis Capital, BofA Securities India, and Citigroup Global Markets India. KFin Technologies will serve as the registrar for the issue.

LG Electronics India has been a dominant player in the Indian home appliances and consumer electronics market.

According to a Redseer Report cited in the DRHP, the company has maintained its position as the market leader in offline sales by value for 13 consecutive years, from 2011 to 2023.

Financially, LG Electronics India has performed better than several listed competitors. In the financial year 2024, the company reported a revenue of Rs 21,352 crore, up from Rs 19,868.24 crore in the previous year.

Its profit after tax also saw a rise of 12.35 per cent, reaching Rs 1,511.07 crore from Rs 1,344.93 crore. In the quarter ending June 30, 2024, the company recorded a revenue of Rs 6,408.80 crore and a profit after tax of Rs 679.65 crore.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor India launched its Rs 27,870.16 crore public offering last year, which stands as India's largest public offering to date.

The subscription window was open from October 15 to October 17, with a price band set between Rs 1,865 and Rs 1,960 per share.

The IPO was entirely an offer for sale (OFS) of 14.22 crore shares, with no fresh issue component.
Sanaa, March 18 : Yemen's Houthi group has targeted a US aircraft carrier in the northern Red Sea for the third time in the past 48 hours, as the US military launched fresh airstrikes on the Houthi-held capital Sanaa, said the group on Tuesday.

"We targeted the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the northern Red Sea with two cruise missiles and two drones," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

He also said that his group carried out another attack by launching "a cruise missile and four drones at an American destroyer" in the Red Sea.

"We affirm that we will not stop targeting all hostile targets in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea until the aggression against our country stops," said the spokesman, referring to the continuing US airstrikes on Houthi targets, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Monday, the US military conducted fresh airstrikes on targets in and around Sanaa and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, according to al-Masirah TV.

Over the past two days, dozens of military sites and residential houses have been targeted and bombed by US fighter jets across Sanaa and several other northern and western provinces under Houthi control.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to continue air attacks until the Houthis stop attacking international shipping lines and ships.

Last week, 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 the Gaza Strip are reopened and aid allowed in.

Since November 2023, the Houthi group has launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza violence. The attacks later expanded to include US and British ships after the US-British navy coalition started to intervene, launching air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group.
Bengaluru, March 18 : Nandini Nagaraj, a Congress Dalit female worker, who has lodged a police complaint against H.M. Revanna, a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging assault and threat to her life on Tuesday, questioned the Congress government on the safety of women in the state.

"If a woman is not safe at the Kumara Krupa Guest House, which is located next to the Chief Minister's residence, then there is no protection for her even in Vidhana Soudha. How will you ensure the safety of women?" Nandini asked.

Revanna is the President of the Karnataka State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee. The complaint has been lodged with the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru.

The complaint was filed on Tuesday at the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru by Nandini Nagaraj, who also submitted video evidence to the police. In the footage, Revanna is seen pushing her away.

Nandini stated, "H.M. Revanna is the Chairman of the State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee. The Congress party claims that the guarantee schemes are meant for women, yet the person leading such a committee assaults and abuses women."

"You can follow up with him. He is arrogant and behaves inappropriately with women. He is unfit to be a politician. Revanna is disrespectful towards women. As a Dalit woman, I have suffered an assault by him," she alleged.

"I am the State Finance Head in the AICC. If I can be assaulted in this manner, what about the plight of ordinary women?" Nandini said.

"He assaulted me when I questioned him about the derogatory term he had used against me earlier. It is natural to question such matters. I asked him how he could use such a word against me. I have a phone recording of it. The incident took place last November. Community leaders spoke to me, and I chose to remain silent since Revanna belonged to the same Congress party. But when I met him at the Kumara Krupa Guest House, Revanna assaulted me and verbally abused me, referring to my caste. He even tried to grab my neck and pull me," Nandini alleged.

"Senior Congress leader V.S. Ugrappa was present at that time. Ugrappa delivers big speeches on women's issues, but he did not come forward to help me. None of the senior leaders who were present there came forward to assist me. I was the only woman there," she stated.

"Somehow, I managed to get out, went to the hospital, and then lodged a police complaint. The police made me sit for hours before registering my complaint, holding meeting after meeting. Instead of filing an FIR, they only registered a Non-Cognizable Report (NCR). My finger is fractured, and I won't be able to ride. I have been advised six weeks of orthopaedic treatment," Nandini said.

In the video footage, Nandini is heard telling Revanna that she will report the matter to Rahul Gandhi and send the video to him. Revanna is seen asking her to leave the premises.

The incident is likely to spark controversy in the ongoing Assembly session as it involves Revanna, a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Responding to the allegations, former Minister Revanna claimed that Nandini Nagaraj frequently invokes Rahul Gandhi's name and creates a nuisance. He alleged that she had threatened an officer known to him and even taken Rs one lakh from him via PhonePe. "I had asked her to stop engaging in such activities," he stated.

"She is unable to accept this and is now falsely alleging that I misbehaved with a woman worker and used inappropriate language. She is even claiming that she fears for her life because of me. What would I gain by harming her? In my 40-year political career, I have never engaged in such acts," Revanna asserted.

He admitted that he did push her while she was recording the video. "If I have done anything wrong, let the party take action against me. She is misusing Rahul Gandhi's name and has been involved in financial dealings related to transfers. I will be filing a complaint with the AICC regarding this. I am deeply pained by this development," he said.

The police have taken up the matter for investigation.
New Delhi, March 18 : India is resolved to eliminating five diseases in the coming five years that include leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, measles, rubella and kala-azar, Dr V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, said on Tuesday.

Stating that India has achieved tremendous success in the direction of eliminating TB under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and is now resolved to eliminate these five diseases in the next five years.

He was speaking at the 'India Innovation Summit  Pioneering Solutions to End TB', that was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, in the national capital.

Dr Paul also underlined the need of advanced and better tools for diagnosis of drug-resistant TB and underlined the potential of AI to provide solutions for TB detection and elimination.

He further stated that for elimination of TB, technology that can be taken to scale is of high priority along with facilitation of newer technologies and their approval while ensuring funding for important innovations and identify areas for further research.

"India's efforts for TB elimination are truly global that will be beneficial globally," he noted.

Addressing the gathering, Patel highlighted India's remarkable progress in TB control and the pivotal role of innovation in this mission.

Highlighting the achievements of the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), the minister said "the Programme is steadily progressing towards the goal of eliminating TB by 2025".

"The number of missing cases has been reduced from 15 lakh in 2015 to 2.5 lakhs in 2023. The programme was able to notify 25.5 lakh TB and 26.07 lakh cases in 2023 and 2024-the highest ever," she informed.

Citing the 'WHO's Global TB Report 2024', Patel stated that "the incidence rate of TB in India has shown a 17.7 per cent decline from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh population in 2023".

"TB deaths have reduced by 21.4 per cent from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023. TB treatment coverage in India increased by 32 per cent in last eight years from 53 per cent in 2015 to 85 per cent in 2023," the minister highlighted.

She also highlighted the Energy Dense Nutritional Support (EDNS), offered to under-nourished TB patients during the first 2 months of their treatment along with drugs.

In addition, Patel also underscored the progress of the ongoing TB Mukt Bharat 100 Days Intensified Campaign. Launched on December 7, 2024, the campaign covers 455 selected high priority districts and involves a comprehensive strategy to mobilise resources, raise awareness and intensify actions against TB across all prioritised districts.

With over 1,200 participants from academia, industry, healthcare, and research, the summit aims to foster crucial collaborations.
Kolkata, March 18 : Despite his one-month suspension from the West Bengal Assembly ending on Tuesday, Leader of Opposition in the House, Suvendu Adhikari, has announced that he will not attend the remaining session.

Suvendu Adhikari said he will skip the remaining days of the second phase of the Budget Session of the Assembly scheduled to continue till March 20, as a mark of protest

His protest is against the suspension of his fellow BJP legislator Deepank Barman from Falakata Assembly constituency in Alipurduar district for the entire period of the second round of the Budget Session of the House, which was announced by Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay on March 10.

To recall, LoP Adhikari and three other BJP legislators namely Agnimitra Paul, Biswanath Karak, and Bankim Ghosh were suspended from attending the House proceedings for a month on February 17, when the first round of the Budget Session of the Assembly was on.

Officially, that one-month suspension period ended on Monday and the four BJP legislators could have attended the proceedings on Tuesday, which is the fifth day of the current Budget Session.

However, on March 10, the Speaker ordered the Marshals to escort two BJP legislators namely Shankar Ghosh and Manoj Kumar Oraon out of the House and also suspended Barman.

Protesting against that, Suvendu Adhikari will not attend the remaining days of the Budget Session.

Speaking to the media at the gate of the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government do not respect their accountability to the Assembly.

"Our Legislators have been suspended from attending the House again and again. So unable to speak within the House, we have to address the common people through you outside," Adhikari said.

He also accused the Speaker of being biased and said, "Whenever our legislators being adjournment motions within the House for discussions on crucial issues, such motions are not admitted."
Dhaka, March 18 : The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has warned that holding local government polls before the national election would delay the parliamentary polls.

Opposing the proposal to complete national and all local government polls within a four-month timeframe, the EC has stated that local elections alone take nearly a year to complete as these polls are held in phases.

The EC on Monday sent its opinions to the National Consensus Commission of Bangladesh, opposing a number of reform proposals related to the election. "Addressing Ali Riaz (Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission), we have sent our opinions, expressing different views over some proposals," EC Senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed was quoted as saying by the Bangladeshi media outlet UNB.

Country's leading newspaper Daily Star reported that EC has objected to a number of reform proposals, including those on the delimitation of constituencies, the timing of local government polls and the national election, and investigations against election commissioners.

"Additionally, the EC opposed the proposed Election Commission Ordinance 2025, which seeks to introduce criminal liability for election commissioners for failing to ensure fair elections. EC stated that this provision would erode the commissioners' independence and expose them to political pressure," the newspaper reported.

Earlier this month, the Election Commission of Bangladesh stated that it will not be possible to hold local elections before national elections. The statement came at a time when major political parties in Bangladesh were at loggerheads over which election to have first.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has also expressed doubts about the possibility of national parliamentary elections being held in December. The party's senior leaders believe that a "conspiracy" is underway to delay the polls, allegedly from within the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

Last week, the BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque accused the National Citizen Party (NCP) of creating chaos to delay the national election.

The much-flaunted unity of various political outfits in Bangladesh, which was on full display during the ousting of the democratically-elected Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, seems to be fading gradually. As the country plunged into crisis over the last seven months, several political leaders who had earlier backed Yunus are now criticising him openly, especially over the long delay that has been witnessed in holding national elections.
Ranchi, March 18 : The 12th day of the Budget session in the Jharkhand Assembly witnessed an uproar on Tuesday as BJP MLAs protested against the recent violence during Holi in Giridih.

The opposition disrupted proceedings, demanding a discussion on the incident and the stateas law and order situation, leading to the adjournment of the Question Hour.

As the session began, Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, raised the issue, alleging that the police had stopped a group of youth celebrating Holi in Ghorthamba, in the Dhanwar police station area, from passing on a road. "This reportedly led to an attack by another group using petrol bombs, bottles, and stones near a religious site. Several shops and vehicles were set ablaze during the unrest, while the police allegedly remained mute spectators," he said.

Marandi alleged that the incident was premeditated and called for a debate on the stateas law and order situation.

In response, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radha Krishna Kishore assured that the matter would be addressed during discussions on the Home Department's demand for grants. He urged members not to politicise the incident.

Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Yadav emphasised the need to acknowledge areas where Hindus and Muslims celebrated Holi together, promoting harmony across the state and nation.

Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu defended the administration, asserting that it had acted with restraint and criticized the portrayal of the incident as one-sided. However, the BJP MLAs intensified their protests, storming into the well of the House and demanding an immediate discussion, prompting Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato to adjourn the proceedings.

According to reports, the violence in Giridih erupted on the day of Holi when a section of locals objected to the Holi procession passing through their area, leading to a heated argument that quickly spiralled into chaos.

Both groups engaged in intense stone-pelting, prompting an immediate response from police.

As per reports, the Holi procession was proceeding as per tradition when it reached Ghodthamba Chowk. However, tensions flared as it moved towards the mosque street, triggering an argument that soon turned violent.

Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation lasted for about an hour before police reinforcements managed to disperse the rioters.
New Delhi, March 18 : Reiterating the government's mission to develop the city, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday invited Opposition legislators of the AAP to join the ruling BJP in meaningful discussions in the House and collective move in the direction of building a Viksit Delhi.

Delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of a two-day orientation programme for Delhi legislators, CM Gupta called the workshop an ideal opportunity to write a new chapter in the city's history and speed up development.

"We can do justice to the responsibility given to us by Delhiites only by using every minute of the legislature wisely," she said, narrating a couplet in Hindi to seek cooperation of the Opposition.

As CM Rekha gestured towards Leader of Opposition Atishi, present on the dais, while reciting the couplet there were smiles all over in the Assembly, complemented by thumping of desks by members.

"For Delhi's development, health, education and take the city forward, we all should move forward together. Every word spoken in the House reaches millions of people so we should undertake meaningful debates while respecting each other and collectively develop Delhi," she said.

The Chief Minister said that it was also imperative for all legislators to respect the House and follow its rules and regulations.

"I congratulate Speaker Vijender Gupta for organising the orientation programme, along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla," she said, hoping that the House will function in a systematic and productive manner.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition Atishi recalled the legacy of the Assembly, once chaired by Sardar Vithalbhai Patel. She said the proceedings were attended by great leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Madan Mohan Malviya when the House was known as the Central Legislative Assembly.

"The British had given the right to Indian members of the House but not to take a decision," she said.

Hailing the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar, the former Chief Minister said each of the 70 legislators represents millions of people.

"Hopefully, in the coming days all of us will be able to fulfil the public expectations," she said.

The two-day orientation programme aims to equip legislators, many of whom have been elected for the first time, 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.
New Delhi, March 18 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described the Maha Kumbh 2025 as a moment of 'awakening' for the nation and credited its success to countless contributions from countrymen, this prompted protests from the Opposition and also 'new India' jibe from Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi. The House was adjourned for the day soon after that.

Speaking in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, PM Modi said that the religious gathering in Prayagraj was a significant milestone, as it demonstrated the country's capabilities to the world.

"On behalf of the House. I congratulate everybody who was important in organising the event of this magnitude and all the people of the country who went to take the holy dip," he added.

PM Modi also suggested that India should start celebrating river festivals to save and revive water bodies.

While the Prime Minister listed the achievements of Maha Kumbh, the House witnessed pandemonium as Opposition members started protesting and asking the government to come clean on the stampede tragedy also.

Following uproar in the House, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla invoked Rule 372 from the rulebook and instructed the members to desist from creating unnecessary chaos.

"Rule 372 clearly states that the Prime Minister or any minister can make statements in the House, without taking any questions," Om Birla said and asked the members to 'educate' themselves on the rules before jumping into the Well.

The House was adjourned for the day at around 2 pm after that.

Later, speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi stated that he wanted to support the Prime Minister on Maha Kumbh's achievements, but he was denied the permission for the same.

"Maha Kumbh represents our rich culture and history. I wanted to support PM on this," he told scribes.

"This is New India," he said further taking a sharp dig at the NDA dispensation, stating that Leader of Opposition must have a say on matters pertaining to national importance.

He also criticised PM Modi for not speaking on the Maha Kumbh tragedy in Prayagraj, that resulted in the death of 30 devotees, and not paying tributes to them, in his speech.
Schneider Electric is recognized as the world's most sustainable corporation for the second time

- The first corporation to top the Corporate Knights Global 100 twice

- 14th consecutive year in the Global 100, 7th time in the top ten

- Strong results in key ESG rankings for 2024

Rueil-Malmaison (France), January 22, 2025 - Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation in energy management and automation, has been named the World's Most Sustainable Corporation 2025 by Corporate Knights and is the only company to be ranked first twice in the Global 100. For the first time, Schneider Electric topped this annual list of the most sustainable public companies with annual revenues over $1 billion in 2021. This unique achievement underscores the company's long-term commitment to sustainability and its integrated approach to achieving the best environmental, social and governance (ESG) results.

"For many years, sustainability has been at the heart of Schneider Electric's business. For IMPACT, it is not just a corporate goal, but a driving force that drives our business decisions and inspires our employees," said Olivier Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric. Being named the second Most Sustainable Corporation in the World by Corporate Knights, along with other key ESG recognitions, is a testament to the meaningful, long-term positive impact we are making.

This year's top spot for Schneider Electric reflects its leadership in sustainability, including its gender balance among executives and board members, as well as its innovative solutions for energy efficiency, electrification and decarbonization. Schneider also received high marks for its efforts to decouple energy consumption and carbon emissions from business growth, as well as for its significant investment in sustainable research and development. Corporate Knights also noted the correlation between the executive compensation system and the company's sustainability goals and ESG ratings.

The annual Global 100 index, compiled by Canadian media and research company Corporate Knights, is based on openly available quantitative data on resource use, employee and supplier policies, sustainable revenues and investments. The Global 100 methodology uses both fixed and variable key performance indicators to compare companies among their competitors. Schneider Electric has been included in the Global 100 for the 14th consecutive year and the 7th time in the top 10, a record for its electrical equipment industry.

The awarding of this title in 2021 and 2025 coincides with the beginning and end of the five-year period of the latest Schneider Sustainability Impact program. This program measures the company's progress against a number of key ESG goals set for the end of 2025 and helps maintain a sustained focus on achieving both global and local ambitions.

Schneider 's leadership in sustainability is also recognized by recent high scores from leading ESG rating providers:

See also:

- Schneider Electric latest sustainability performance reports

- Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) FAQ

About Schneider Electric

Schneider's purpose is to create impact by empowering everyone to make the most of our energy and resources, ensuring progress and sustainability for all. We call it Life Is On.

Our mission is to be a trusted partner in sustainability and efficiency.

We are a global technology leader, bringing world-class expertise in electrification, automation and digitalization to smart industries, reliable infrastructure, future-proof data centers, smart buildings and intuitive homes. Drawing on our deep industry expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end AI-enabled industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, creating digital twins to drive profitable growth for our customers.

Ourmain resource is our 150,000 employees and more than a million partners operating in more than 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We support diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.

www.se.com
Mumbai, March 18 : In a candid throwback interview, late legendary actor Shashi Kapoor opened up about his personal reflections, branding himself as "a very foolish, lazy, and sluggish person." Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) In a candid throwback interview, late legendary actor Shashi Kapoor opened up about his personal reflections, branding himself as "a very foolish, lazy, and sluggish person."

The actor, known for his immense contribution to Indian cinema, shared an honest admission about his work ethic and career aspirations. In an old interview with Prasar Bharati, Shashi Kapoor, who had always harbored an interest in direction since childhood, reminisced about his early experiences with filmmaking. He recalled working with his friend, Prayag, on direction and how other industry veterans, including the iconic Manmohan Desai and Shyam Bengal, encouraged him to explore directing. Bengal even offered to write the script for him, giving him the opportunity to step behind the camera.

In the video, the actor could be heard saying, "I am a very foolish person, first of all. Secondly, I am a very lazy and sluggish person. I have always had an interest in direction since childhood, when Prayag and I used to direct together. After that, my friends like Manmohan Desai and other friends also told me to direct something. Even Shyam Bengal sir told me that he would write the script and I could direct it."

The 'Suhaag' actor added, "But the problem is that if I'm working as an actor in someone else's film, I feel it would be wrong to direct and act in the same movie because I wouldn't be able to concentrate properly on my own film. I wouldn't be able to give enough time to my own picture."

Today (March 18), marks Shashi Kapoor's 87th birth anniversary. On the special day, Prasar Bharati Archives shared the flashback video of the actor on their Instagram handle.

Kareena Kapoor also took to social media to remember her late grandfather, Shashi Kapoor, on his 87th birth anniversary. She reshared a fan-made edit video featuring Shashi's iconic songs and some of his most memorable performances. Sharing the heartwarming video, Bebo simply dropped a red heart emoji.

Shashi Kapoor's grandson and Kunal Kapoor's son Zahan Kapoor also paid a heartfelt tribute to his 'Dadaji.' Zahan took to Instagram to share two rare pictures of the Shashi Kapoor. For the caption, Zahan wrote: "Salagirah dadaji."

In 2017, Shashi Kapoor's health began to deteriorate, and he was hospitalized due to a reported chest infection. Sadly, he passed away on December 4, 2017, due to liver cirrhosis, leaving behind an enduring legacy in Indian cinema.
New Delhi, March 18 : The Centre has allocated Rs 3,490 crore as financial assistance to the states, Union Territories, and implementing agencies for the construction of fishing harbours, fish landing centres, and modernisation and maintenance dredging of existing fishing harbours to promote seafood exports which have doubled to Rs. 60,523.89 crore in the last 10 years, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

The allocation was made in the last five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, which provides for sustainable investment in infrastructure with the objective of enhancing production, productivity, and exports and addressing key gaps including reduction of post-harvest losses in various component of the value chain, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal informed the Rajya Sabha.

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, promotes and regulates the export of marine products. The initiatives by the MPEDA for boosting shrimp exports are oriented towards production and processing.

To strengthen the export value chain, the government has also sanctioned projects adjacent to major ports namely, the modernisation and upgradation of the fishing harbours at Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Paradip, Cochin and Mumbai Port with 100 per cent financial assistance under the PMMSY in convergence with Sagarmala at a total cost of Rs 651.14 crores, Sonowal said.

During the financial year 2023-24, India exported an all-time high volume of 17,81,602 metric tonnes of seafood worth Rs. 60,523.89 crore.

The Centre is now aiming to achieve an export turnover of $18 billion (Rs 1.57 lakh crore) by 2030. The target forms a part of Vision Document 2030 for Indiaas seafood exports that has been formulated by MPEDA.

The Department of Fisheries is implementing the flagship PMMSY scheme with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore in the fisheries sector for a period of 5 years with effect from the FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 across all states and UTs which has led to the jump in exports. The scheme envisages enhancing marine exports to Rs 1.0 lakh crores in 2024-25.
Jammu, March 18 : A woman pilgrim was arrested after a pistol was recovered from her possession at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, said officials on Tuesday.

Jammu, March 18 (IANS) A woman pilgrim was arrested after a pistol was recovered from her possession at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmiras Reasi district, said officials on Tuesday.

The officials said that Jyoti Gupta, claiming to be a retired police constable, belonging to Delhi was arrested after a pistol and six rounds of ammunition were recovered from her at a checking point on the night between March 14 and 15.

aThe licence of the weapon had expired a few years back. An investigation has been started in the incident," the officials said.

J&Kas most revered Hindu shrine, the Mata Vaishno Devi temple is located atop the Trikuta Hills in Reasi district at an altitude of 1500 metres.

The cave temple is visited each year by around one crore devotees. The offerings made by the devotees in terms of cash and precious metals run into multiples of crores of rupees each year.

The temple is managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), which is headed by J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha.

The Vaishno Devi temple was in existence by 1846 when Maharaja Gulab Singh established the Dharmarth Trust to manage several temples in his territory.

Vaishno Devi temple was part of this trust. The trust remained in the hands of Gulab Singh's descendants after Independence and his descendant Karan Singh was responsible for administering the temple as the hereditary trustee until 1986.

The then J&K Governor Jagmohan passed legislation transferring the control of the Vaishno Devi temple from the Dharmarth Trust and the hereditary priests to a separate Shrine Board.

Vaishno Devi is identified with the power of Vishnu as well as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Many religious historians identify Vaishno Devi with the great Goddess Mahadevi and say Vaishno Devi contains all powers and is associated with the entire creation as Mahadevi.

Pilgrims also identify Vaishno Devi with Durga (a form of Lakshmi), many devotees also name the deity as Seranwali, athe lion ridera.

Vaishno Devi is said to be the future bliss of Kalki, who will be born as Rama's wife of Kalki. The temple is sacred to both Hindus and Sikhs. Many prominent saints such as Swami Vivekananda have visited the temple.
New Delhi, March 18 : Led by electric two-wheelers, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) incentivised under the FAME India scheme Phase-II reached 16,15,080 till March 11, the government said on Tuesday.

While 14,28,009 electric two-wheelers received incentives, 1,64,523 electric three-wheelers and 22,548 electric four-wheelers also received incentives, said Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme Phase-II was implemented for a period of five years from April 1, 2019, with a total budgetary support of Rs 11,500 crore.

The scheme incentivised the sale of electric vehicles -- e-2Ws, e-3Ws and e-4Ws.

Further, grants for the deployment of e-buses and setting up of EV public charging stations (EVPCS) were also provided under the scheme.

About 6,862 electric buses were sanctioned for intra-city operations under the FAME-II Scheme. Out of 6,862 e-buses, 5,135 e-buses have been supplied till February 28, the minister informed.

Further, the Ministry of Heavy Industries had sanctioned Rs 800 crore in March 2023 to three oil marketing companies (OMCs) -- Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) for setting up 7,432 public charging stations (PCS) at their retail outlets across the country.

The ministry also sanctioned an additional Rs 73.50 crore for the upgradation of 980 public charging stations in March 2024. In addition, 400 charging stations have also been sanctioned which were allotted through EOI to other entities in various states.

The government approved the PLI-Auto scheme on September 9, 2021, for the automobile and auto component industry in India to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities for advanced automotive technology (AAT) products with a budgetary outlay of Rs 25,938 crore.

The scheme proposes financial incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of AAT products with a minimum 50 per cent domestic value addition (DVA) and attract investments in the automotive manufacturing value chain.

The government on May 12, 2021, approved the PLI scheme for manufacturing of ACC in the country with a budgetary outlay of Rs 18,100 crore. The scheme aims to establish a competitive domestic manufacturing ecosystem for 50 GWh of ACC batteries.

The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore was notified in September last year, which aims to support electric vehicles including e-2W, e-3W, e-Trucks, e-buses, e-Ambulances, EV public charging stations and upgradation of vehicle testing agencies.

The PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme has an outlay of Rs 3,435.33 crore and aims to support the deployment of more than 38,000 electric buses, said the minister.
Rajgarh : , March 18 (IANS) The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), a government initiative providing financial security to individuals in case of accidents as with a minimal annual premium of just Rs 20, beneficiaries receive robust insurance coverage, has come a boon for this woman in Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh.

In the unfortunate event of partial disability due to an accident, the scheme offers Rs 1 lakh directly to the individualas account. In the tragic case of death caused by a road accident or any other unfortunate incident, the family or heirs of the deceased are entitled to a financial support of Rs 2 lakh.

One of the beneficiaries of this scheme is Soram Bai, a resident of Bhatkya village in the Malakhedi Gram Panchayat of Rajgarh district. Following the untimely death of her husband, Sarjan Singh, Soram Bai received Rs 2 lakh as compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. The amount was directly disbursed to her by the local Indian Bank branch.

Vikas Yadav, the branch manager of Indian Bank in Rajgarh, said that the payment of Rs 2 lakh to Soram Bai was provided as part of the PMSBY scheme, which aims to support families affected by unforeseen circumstances. On this occasion, both Yadav and Assistant Branch Manager Kirti Pant were present to assist Soram Bai with the process.

Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana has become a cornerstone of the governmentas efforts to provide financial safety to the public. The scheme was officially launched on May 8, 2015, in Kolkata. It covers all Indian residents and NRIs between the ages of 18 and 70, provided they have a valid bank account.

The scheme requires an annual premium of just Rs 20, which is automatically deducted from the account of the policyholder. It offers a one-year coverage period, running from June 1 to May 31. The policy is administered through public sector insurance companies, making it accessible to the masses.

In the event of death or full disability, the nominee is entitled to Rs 2 lakh. Full disability is defined as the complete loss of use of both eyes, hands, or feet. Partial permanent disability, such as the loss of one eye, hand, or foot, is eligible for a payout of Rs 1 lakh. However, claims are not accepted in cases of death caused by suicide, alcohol, or drug abuse. Additionally, a person must be enrolled in the scheme for at least 45 days before being eligible to make a claim.
New Delhi, March 18 : During the last 10 years, incidents of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) violence have come down by 65.7 per cent with 374 incidents being reported in 2024 as compared to 1,091 in 2014, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said in a reply in Lok Sabha that the number of deaths -- civilian and security force -- has also reduced by 52 per cent during this period from 310 deaths in 2014 to 150 in 2024.

He said there has also been a sharp decline in the number of districts affected by LWE. The LWE-affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 districts by April 2018, further to 70 by July 2021 and then to 38 by April 2024.

The MoS said to address the LWE problem holistically, a "National Policy and Action Plan" was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-prolonged strategy involving security-related measures, development interventions, and ensuring the rights and entitlements of local communities.

On the security front, the Central government assists the LWE-affected states with capacity building by providing Central Armed Police battalions, training and funds for modernisation of state police forces, equipment and arms, sharing of intelligence, and construction of fortified police stations.

Under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, assistance is provided for recurring expenditures relating to the operational and training needs of security forces, expenditures incurred by the states for the rehabilitation of the surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, village defence committees and publicity material.

During 2014-15 to 2024-25, Rs 3,260.37 crore has been released under this scheme, the MoS said.

MoS Rai said that on the development side, apart from flagship schemes, the Central government has taken several specific initiatives in LWE-affected states, with a special thrust on the expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.

He said for the expansion of road connectivity, 14,607 km of roads have been constructed and for improving telecom connectivity in LWE-affected areas, 7,768 towers have been commissioned.

With regard to skill development, 46 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 49 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional, he said.

For financial inclusion, the Department of Posts has opened 5,731 Post Offices with banking services in LWE-affected districts. Additionally, 1,007 bank branches and 937 ATMs have been opened and 37,850 Banking Correspondences (BCs) have been made operational in most LWE-affected districts.
New Delhi, March 18 : Aiming to further strengthen bilateral defence intelligence cooperation and enhance strategic engagement between New Delhi and Canberra, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General D.S. Rana will visit Australia from March 19 to 21, an official said on Tuesday.

During the visit, DIA DG will hold discussions with senior Australian Defence officials, including the Deputy Secretary, Department of Defence, Director General of National Intelligence (DGNI), Chief of Defence Intelligence and the Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).

The high-level interactions will focus on intelligence-sharing mechanisms, regional security cooperation, and avenues for further collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, said a statement.

As part of the visit, DIA DG will also visit the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQ JOC) to gain insights into Australia's operational framework and joint command structures.

He is also scheduled to interact with the Director of the Australian Geospatial Organisation.

Additionally, engagements at the Lowy Institute, a leading international policy think-tank, will facilitate discussions on strategic defence and security dynamics.

Honouring the strong defence ties and shared military traditions between India and Australia, DIA DG will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial, said a statement.

The visit will also include attending the Last Post Ceremony, a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers, symbolising mutual respect and remembrance for the sacrifices made in service towards the nation.

This visit underscores the deepening intelligence and security cooperation between India and Australia, reinforcing both nations' commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region.

Earlier last year, the third edition of joint military exercise 'AUSTRAHIND' was held at Foreign Training Node, Pune, from November 8 to 21.

Exercise 'AUSTRAHIND' is an annual event conducted alternatively in India and Australia. The last edition of the same exercise was conducted in Australia in December 2023.

The Indian contingent comprising 140 personnel was represented mainly by a Battalion of the Dogra Regiment and 14 personnel from the Indian Air Force.

The Australian Army contingent comprising 120 personnel was represented by the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade of 2nd Division.

The aim of exercise 'AUSTRAHIND' is to promote military cooperation between India and Australia through enhancement of interoperability in conduct of joint sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environment in semi-desert terrain under Chapter 7 of the UN mandate.
New Delhi, March 18 : Responding to a discussion on Manipur in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accused the Congress of neglecting violence in the state during its tenure.

She alleged that when both the Centre and Manipur were under Congress rule, hundreds were killed, but no Union Minister visited the state to assess the situation and cool things down.

Sitharaman said that Congress governed Manipur from 2002 to 2017 and led the central government until 2014. "During that time, Manipur experienced 628 shutdowns and blockades, causing a loss of Rs 2,828 crore to the state treasury," she said.

She also mentioned that in 2011, under Congress rule, Manipur faced a 120-day economic blockade that led to severe shortages of essential commodities. "Petrol prices soared to Rs 200 per litre, and cooking gas reached Rs 2,000 per cylinder then," she added.

Contrasting this with the BJP government, Sitharaman said that when the recent unrest began, Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally visited Manipur, spending four days meeting with affected communities. "He moved from one camp to another, engaging with people from various groups during the most tense period," she said.

She further noted that Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai stayed in Manipur for 23 days.

Training guns on the opposition, Sitharaman remarked, "During Congress rule, no Union Minister visited Manipur during violence. But under our double-engine government, ministers have been consistently present on the ground."

Her remarks sparked protests from opposition members, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sushmita Dev. In a heated exchange, Sitharaman criticised the TMC members, saying, "This is the Rajya Sabha, not the streets of Kolkata where you can create a ruckus, throw stones, and just run away."

When a CPI-M MP claimed that communal violence of this scale had never occurred in Manipur before, Sitharaman countered by citing incidents during the Left's rule. "The most horrific riots in West Bengal occurred under CPI-M. Violence also happened in Tripura and Kerala under their rule," she asserted.

Referring to past violence in Manipur, Sitharaman recalled that during Congress Chief Minister Rajkumar Dorendra Singh's tenure in 1993, ethnic clashes between Kukis and Nagas resulted in 750 deaths and the burning of 350 villages. Despite the turmoil, she alleged that neither the then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao nor Home Minister Shankarrao Chavan visited the state.

She also cited violence during Inder Kumar Gujral's tenure as Prime Minister in 1997-98, when 350 people died, yet no Minister visited Manipur.

Sitharaman's remarks were in response to the opposition's demand seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to violence-hit Manipur.

Earlier on Monday, Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil demanded the visit of the Prime Minister to Manipur to demonstrate solidarity with its people.
Mumbai, March 18 : Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Maharashtra Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the state government, alleging that the violence in Nagpur was a "government-sponsored incident."

He also targeted Telangana BJP leader T. Raja, demanding that he be banned in Maharashtra for allegedly inciting violence.

Addressing reporters, Wadettiwar said, "If the big-mouthed minister has come from Telangana, T. Raja should be banned in Maharashtra. He is not even acknowledged by a dog in Telangana, yet he comes here and keeps blabbering, inciting violence. So, such worthless people should be shown their place in the first place."

"This Maharashtra is a peaceful Maharashtra. It is a forward-thinking Maharashtra. Every religion is respected and honoured. In such a situation, if these businesses are done by targeting any religion, then it clearly means that the government has encouraged them. Today, when this incident happened in Nagpur, there was a BJP government both at the Centre at state. Is there a need to protest about a grave?" he said.

"If the government had stopped the big-mouthed minister immediately, then such a situation would not have arisen in Maharashtra," he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the Assembly that those responsible for rioting and attacking police personnel in Nagpur would face strict consequences.

He asserted that law and order would not be compromised under any circumstances and that individuals involved in violence would be dealt with irrespective of their caste or religion.

Fadnavis hinted at a larger conspiracy behind the riots, emphasising that the pattern of events suggested a well-planned effort to incite unrest. He stressed that the government would not tolerate attacks on law enforcement officers and urged citizens to maintain peace, especially during religious festivals.

He called upon people from all communities to act responsibly and prevent unnecessary tension.

The agitation began at 11:30 a.m. on Monday when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal organised a protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's grave.

During the demonstration, they raised slogans and set fire to a symbolic grave made of grass bundles. Following the protest, the Ganesh Peth police registered a case against the demonstrators under various Sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita and the Maharashtra Police Act, 2011. The case was officially recorded at 3:09 p.m.

Later in the evening, tensions escalated when rumours spread that the cloth used for the symbolic grave contained religious texts.

After Namaz at Attar Road, a crowd of around 250 people gathered at the site, raising slogans and allegedly threatening to set vehicles on fire.

The police force attempted to control the situation as protesters demanded action against Bajrang Dal activists. Their complaint was accepted at the Ganesh Peth police station.

The Chief Minister revealed that investigations uncovered deliberate attempts to instigate violence, with authorities seizing a large quantity of weapons and finding a trolley full of stones.

He said that 12 two-wheelers had been damaged in the violence, while larger vehicles, including a crane and two JCBs, were set on fire. Several individuals suffered attacks, including instances where swords were used.

According to Fadnavis, the clashes resulted in injuries to 33 police officers, including three of DCP rank.

Five civilians were also attacked, and one police officer sustained injuries from an axe, underscoring the severity of the situation.

The violence spread to areas such as Hansapuri and Bhaldarpura, where stone-pelting incidents left multiple individuals wounded. In response, police registered five FIRs and imposed restrictions on gatherings in 11 police station areas.

To prevent further escalation, five contingents of the State Reserve Police Force were deployed to maintain order. Fadnavis linked the unrest to the recent release of the film 'Chhavaa,' which he claimed had brought forth the true history of Sambhaji Maharaj, fueling public outrage against Aurangzeb.
Mumbai, March 18 : Shiv Sena ministers and MLAs on Tuesday staged a protest at the entrance of the Maharashtra Legislature demanding the immediate removal of Aurangzeb's grave in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Ministers Bharat Gogavale, and Prakash Abitkar, who were accompanied by the legislators, Vijay Shivtare, Santosh Bangar, Manisha Kayande, Sanjay Gaikwad among others, raised slogans to press their demand and displayed banners, saying, "Destroy the grave of Aurangzeb, who inhumanly tortured Shambhu Raja."

"Shiv Sena strongly demands the removal of the grave. Keep four shoes near the grave so that those coming and going will hit the grave with their shoes," said Minister Bharat Gogavale. Legislator Santosh Bangar criticised that those who glorify Aurangzeb have no right to live in India.

The Shiv Sena legislators' protest took place minutes after the opposition's protest demanding the removal of BJP minister for fisheries and ports Nitesh Rane for allegedly spreading hatred in the state.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the state council claimed that Aurangzeb's grave was a "stain" on Maharashtra.

He targeted the Shiv Sena-UBT over the party legislator Anil Parab's recent statement that he was tortured like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

"What torture did you undergo? I know that you also bowed down after action was taken against you. But after being released from the case, you made a turnaround."

Deputy CM Shinde said: "Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was brutally killed by Aurangzeb. His eyes were gouged out, his tongue was cut out, his skin was peeled, and salt was rubbed on it, were you (opposition) subjected to such atrocities? You accepted helplessness for power. You broke the alliance for the chief minister's chair. Also, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi government was in power, you had a plot to throw four BJP leaders in jail and break their MLAs. But I turned my back on you for the sake of the alliance and the thoughts of the Hindu heartthrob Balasaheb Thackeray. What I did, I did openly. Nearly 33 countries of the world took note of it. Who is Eknath Shinde? Searches were conducted in 33 countries."

"In 2022, I did not do anything secretly, whatever I did, I did with a bold heart. But your leaders (Thackeray group) secretly met the BJP leaders. They said they would form an alliance. But they backtracked," he claimed.

While speaking about the Nagpur violence, Deputy CM Shinde said there is evidence that it was a pre-planned one.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. The positions of the Azerbaijani Army have been subjected to fire, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense.

"From 22:15 on March 17 to 00:20 on March 18, the Armenian armed forces units from the positions in the directions of Arpa settlement of Keshishkand region, Saybali settlement of Garakilsa region and Vagan settlement of Chanbarak region using small arms periodically subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions," the Ministry's statement reads.
New Delhi, March 18 : A total of 34,019 consumer grievances out of the 1,09,962 admitted through 'e-Daakhil' platform were resolved in the last three years, the Parliament said on Tuesday.

The Minister of State (MoS), Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution B.L. Verma said in a reply in Rajya Sabha that the 'e-Daakhil' portal was launched on September 7, 2020, to facilitate electronic filing of consumer complaints and was made accessible in all states/Union Territories.

The 'e-Daakhil' portal was created in keeping with the Consumer Protection (Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions) Rules, 2020, that provide for the manner of filing of complaints electronically in National Commission, State Commissions and District Forums.

Elaborating on funds allocated for enhancing video conferencing facilities at State and District Consumer Forums, the MoS said that under CONFONET scheme video conferencing equipment for conducting hearings have been installed and made functional at 10 benches of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and 35 benches of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (SCDRCs).

Highlighting efforts for consumer awareness, MoS Verma said that the Department of Consumer Affairs has been generating consumer awareness by undertaking country-wide multimedia awareness campaigns.

The efforts are undertaken the aegis of "Jago Grahak Jago" to reach out to every consumer across the country by utilising traditional media like the All India Radio, Doordarshan, fairs and festivals, etc., as well as social media.

In response to another question, the MoS said the Department has revamped, the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), which has emerged as a single point of access to consumers across the country, for grievance redressal at the pre-litigation stage.

The helpline is available in 17 languages, including Hindi, English, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Nepali, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Maithili, Santhali, Bengali, Odia, Assamese, and Manipuri, allowing consumers from all regions to register their grievances via the toll-free number 1915.

These grievances can be submitted via the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM), an omni-channel, IT-enabled central portal, through various channels: WhatsApp (8800001915), SMS (8800001915), email (nch-ca@gov.in), the NCH app, the web portal (consumerhelpline.gov.in), and the UMANG app, offering convenience and flexibility to consumers.

The helpline operates in a dedicated manner from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all seven days of the week, except on national holidays.

To enhance accessibility further, a call-back facility is available.

An exclusive call centre has been established to ensure prompt service.

Highlighting the popularity of the helpline in Odisha, the MoS said as many as 32,378 complaints were registered on it between January 1, 2024, and February 28, 2025, of which 31,524 complaints have been disposed.
Karur, Tamil Nadu : In the heart of Tamil Nadu, entrepreneurs are crafting success stories from the ground up, thanks to the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), with the ambitious government initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to fuel entrepreneurial spirit by offering financial support to small businesses across India.

One such success story is that of Kaviyanand Bharathi, a young engineer from Karur. After completing his engineering degree, Bharathi found himself uncertain about his career path. The turning point came in 2017 when he discovered the PMMY and decided to venture into the world of business. Using the schemeas funding, Bharathi launched a company producing natural products like coconut oil and groundnut oil.

Since then, his business has flourished. Bharathi not only repaid his initial loan on time but has also secured additional funding to expand his operations. Grateful for the opportunities the scheme provided, he has become a beacon of inspiration for other aspiring entrepreneurs in his community.

"I encourage my fellow youth to make the most of PMMY and take the leap into entrepreneurship," Bharathi told IANS.

Locals, like Siva Subramaniam, have expressed their appreciation for Bharathias products, noting that they are crafted using traditional, natural methods, making them a healthier choice.

The PMMY, a key initiative of the Centre, offers loans up to Rs 10 lakh to small, income-generating businesses in sectors like manufacturing, trading, and services. It is designed to support micro-enterprises in agriculture and allied activities, such as poultry and dairy farming. Beneficiaries are classified into three categories: SHISHU, KISHORE, and TARUN, based on their businessas growth stage and financial needs.

The loans under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana can be availed through eligible Member Lending Institutions (MLIs), which include public and private sector banks, state-operated cooperative banks, rural banks from the regional sector, microfinance institutions (MFI), non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), small finance banks (SFBs), and other financial intermediary approved by Mudra Ltd.

This transformative scheme is giving countless entrepreneurs like Bharathi the chance to thrive and make a difference in their communities.
Mumbai, March 18 : Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who recently celebrated his birthday in Mumbai, made his official appearance in front of the curious media cameras with his new partner Gauri Spratt.

The superstar, who opened the Rs 100 crore club in Bollywood with his movie aGhajinia, was seen sitting in his car along with Gauri, the visuals seem to be from the Khar area of Mumbai.

The couple were casually dressed as they sat in their Toyota Vellfire, and zoomed off in the lanes of Mumbai. Gauri is the third woman in Aamiras life. The actor was earlier married to Kiran Rao and prior to that, Reena Dutta.

Aamir left the entire Mumbai media shell-shocked when he introduced his lady love Gauri to them ahead of his 60th birthday at a five star property in the Bandra area of Mumbai. This comes after the superstar and the aLaapataa Ladiesa director Kiran Rao announced their divorce in 2021 after 16 years of marriage.

Interestingly, the Bollywood superstar met Kiran on the sets of the Oscar nominated film aLagaana, which was bankrolled by him with his first wife, Reena serving as the executive producer on the film.

The superstar was married to both Kiran and Reena for 16 years each before they called it quits. The actor shares two children with Reena, Junaid and Ira Khan. Junaid made his debut last year with his streaming movie aMaharaja, and was recently seen in aLoveyapaa. Ira tied the nuptial knot last year in January with Nupur Shikhare, a fitness expert.

With Kiran, the actor shares a son, Azad, which they continue to co-parent after their divorce. The actor was also rumoured to be dating actress Fatima Sana Shaikh with whom he worked in aDangala. However, he never confirmed or spoke about it like how he officially introduced Gauri to the media.
Hyderabad, March 18 : Hyderabad police have begun the probe into a case registered against 11 social media influencers for allegedly promoting betting apps.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, West Zone, S.M. Vijay Kumar told media persons on Tuesday that an FIR has been registered against the social media influencers.

"We are checking their social media accounts to see what videos they have posted. After collecting the evidence, we will take action as per law," he said.

The police officer said social media influencers should not indulge in such an illegal activity.

The DCP said it was a fact that many youths in Telangana suffered huge losses due to online betting. Upset over the losses, some of the youth died by suicide.

The FIR registered at Panjagutta Police Station named Imran Khan, Harsha Sai, Tasty Teja, Kiran Goud, Vishnu Priya, Shyamala, Rithu Chowdhary, Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha, Ajay, Sunny, and Sudheer. They include TV anchors and celebrities.

They have been booked under sections 318 (4) of Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 3, 3 (A) and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act and 66D of Information Technology Act 2008.

The DCP said it also came to notice that Imran Khan was also posting obscene and vulgar videos on his social media accounts with the name aPareshan Boysa.

On March 16, Cyberabad police had booked YouTuber Harsha Sai for promoting betting apps.

The case was booked after a person complained that he lost over Rs 13 lakh in betting after being influenced.

Earlier, YouTuber aLocal Boy Nania of Visakhapatnam and Bayya Sunny Yadav of Hyderabad were also booked for promoting betting apps.

The police started the action after Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) Managing Director V. C. Sajjanar launched a campaign on social media against betting apps.

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.

"It starts as a game, but ends with sleepless nights, lost savings, and shattered lives. Donat gamble with your future. Say no to betting apps for yourself and for those who love you," reads Sajjanaras latest post on X.
Chandigarh, March 18 : Acceding to the request of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Working President Balwinder Singh Bhundar and former party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on Tuesday withdrew his resignation from the post.

The senior leaders, along with former minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon, visited the residence of Dhami in Hoshiarpur to appeal to him to take charge as the SGPC President following the rejection of his resignation by the SGPCas executive committee.

Dhami announced that he would take charge as President of the SGPC in the next few days.

Speaking to the media, Bhundar described Dhami as a most capable, honest and religious personality who had made great sacrifices for the apantha (spiritual path).

"We entreated to Mr Dhami that the SGPC as well as the SAD needed his religious leadership at this crucial juncture and that he should rescind his decision to resign as the SGPC President," he added.

Sukhbir Badal, while thanking Dhami for withdrawing his resignation, said in doing so he had honoured the sentiments of the entire Sikh community. Asserting that the Sikh 'qaum' was facing attacks on multiple fronts, Badal said: "At this juncture, it is of paramount importance that our agurughara and our Takhts are strengthened."

He said there was a conspiracy to weaken the Sikh community from within and that this was being done by taking over control of the Hazur Sahib, Patna Sahib and Delhi Gurdwara Management Committees, besides forming a separate Committee for Haryana. He also appealed to the community to recognise its true enemies and unite to ward off attempts to weaken Sikh institutions as well as the Akali Dal.

Last month, a delegation of the Akali Dal met Dhami and appealed to him to continue as the President of the SGPC. Amid the crisis between the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhs, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Dhami had resigned from his post after facing "criticism" from the then Akal Takht Jathedar (high priest) for removing Giani Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib.
Moscow, March 18 : Hours before the much-anticipated phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the latter's top aide on Tuesday stated that Moscow has not lost hope of a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.

"It has been a week since the ceasefire proposal. And, what do we see? The most powerful attack of APU drones on Russian territory in history. And then another attack. But, we are not losing hope. We are clinging to everything. But both the US and Russian presidents need to talk to each other," Russian Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told Kommersant about the expectations from the upcoming telephonic conversation between the two Presidents.

The top official also stressed that both leaders did not engage in any kind of conversation after the visit of Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow.

Ukraine accepted the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire following the talks in Saudi Arabia on March 11. On March 13, Witkoff held talks with Putin in Moscow to learn about his position. Putin said that Russia agrees to the suspension of hostilities, but it is necessary to agree on a lot of nuances. Trump is confident that Moscow will agree to a 30-day truce.

Russia on Monday had confirmed that a phone call between US President Trump and his Russian counterpart Putin will take place on Tuesday. "Yes, this is indeed the case. Such a conversation is being prepared for Tuesday," state-run news agency TASS quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

The Kremlin noted that talking points on all pressing issues, first of all on the Ukrainian settlement, would be prepared for the conversation to be held on Tuesday.

Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump stated that he was planning a conversation with the Russian President on Tuesday. He emphasised paying special attention to territorial and infrastructure issues within the framework of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Trump said he would speak with Putin about the war in Ukraine and added that there had already been discussions about "dividing up certain assets". The US President further expressed hope that Moscow would agree to a ceasefire proposal.

"We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can't, but I think we have a very good chance I'll be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of work's been done over the weekend," the US President told reporters on Sunday.

The last telephone conversation between both Presidents took place on February 12. During the hour-and-a-half discussion, the leaders of the two countries discussed the Ukrainian issue as well as the accumulated problems in relations between the two countries
Bhopal, March 18 : Congress MLA from Bhopal Central constituency, Arif Masood, said on Tuesday that there was no need of Waqf Amendment Bill but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government was willing to impose it "unnecessarily".

Masood claimed that the Opposition parties' members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) have suggested correction on various points on Waqf Amendment Bill-2024, however, the committee didn't pay heed to them.

Masood, a three-time MLA from Bhopal Central constituency, during an interaction with media persons also claimed that "upcoming Bill has nothing to do with Waqf Board's property", and the Muslim community will oppose it.

Earlier, Masood had also opposed the Madhya Pradesh government's decision, saying: "The BJP government is trying to impose Waqf Amendment Bill, whereas it is totally irrelevant. Muslim community is stand against this Bill and will continue to oppose," the Congress MLA said talking to reporters in Assembly on Tuesday.

Notably, Congress along with other opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, has extended their support to a protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill-2024 organised by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board in New Delhi on Monday.

Earlier, Masood had also opposed the survey of Waqf Board's properties in state, alleging that the Madhya Pradesh government has presented "incorrect" data, which may led to conflict among the stakeholders in the future.

He had also written to the JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal to oppose the survey, despite that the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board's Chairman Sanwar Patel has maintained that survey was being conducted to make the Waqf properties encroachment-free.

Patel had then told IANS that there are 14,986 properties of the Waqf Board in Madhya Pradesh, and up to 90 per cent properties have been illegally encroached.
New York, March 18 : Tech major Google on Tuesday announced to acquire Wiz, a leading cloud security platform headquartered in New York, for $32 billion in an all-cash transaction.

Once the acquisition is closed, Wiz will join Google Cloud. This acquisition represents an investment by Google Cloud to accelerate two large and growing trends in the AI era -- improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds (multi-cloud).

"From its earliest days, Google's strong security focus has made us a leader in keeping people safe online. Today, businesses and governments that run in the cloud are looking for even stronger security solutions, and greater choice in cloud computing providers," said Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google.

"Together, Google Cloud and Wiz will turbocharge improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds," Pichai added.

Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud added that Google Cloud and Wiz share a joint vision to make cybersecurity more accessible and simpler to use for organisations of any size and industry.

"Enabling more companies to prevent cyber-attacks, including in very complex business software environments, will help organizations minimize the cost, disruption and hassle caused by cybersecurity incidents," Kurian added.

Both cybersecurity and cloud computing are rapidly growing industries with a vast range of solutions.

The increased role of AI, and adoption of cloud services, have dramatically changed the security landscape for customers, making cybersecurity increasingly important in defending against emergent risks and protecting national security.

"Wiz and Google Cloud are fully committed to continue supporting and protecting customers across all major clouds, helping keep them safe and secure wherever they operate," said Assaf Rappaport, Co-Founder and CEO, Wiz.

Wiz delivers an easy-to-use security platform that connects to all major clouds and code environments to help prevent cybersecurity incidents. Organizations of all sizes  from start-ups and large enterprises to governments and public sector organisations  can use Wiz to protect everything they build and run in the cloud.
Islamabad, March 18 : Pakistan's violence-hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces continue to witness a major acceleration in targeted terror attacks against security personnel with clashes and counter-terrorism operations also resulting in casualties of militants over the past 24 hours.

As per the latest details, fresh clashes have been reported from different parts of KP and Balochistan in which police officials, constables, security personnel and others have been targeted in ambush attacks, grenade attacks and targeted incidents.

Police sources said that a policeman was killed and another injured while at least six militants were killed in various attacks in the KP province.

In KP's Bannu city, armed motorcyclists targeted the Lower Head Constable (LHC) while he was on duty at the Miranshah road. The attacks resulted in the death of the constable even as the attackers escaped the scene.

The KP police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) commandos also killed two terrorists during an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in Bannu.

"Terrorists opened fire when the policemen got close to their hideout, leading to a gun battle which lasted for half an hour. The cops seized arms and ammunition and shifted their bodies to a hospital," said a police official.

In Lakki Marwat area of KP, police officials foiled a militant attack on a police station in Serai Gambila. Police sources confirmed that the attackers targeted the police station with light and heavy weapons, adding that the police official on duty foiled the attack after a major gunbattle with the terrorists which lasted 15 minutes.

KP Police also destroyed many hideouts of terrorists in the mountainous area of Kurram Par after a two-day clearance operation. Police sources said that the operation was launched on Saturday after militants attacked Dadiwala police station and Abbas Khattak police post. This resulted in violent clashes and fierce exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and the police officials. One terrorist was killed in the clashes.

At least three militants were also killed in a shootout with security forces in the Khyber District after the security forces conducted an IBO in Tor Darra area.

In Balochistan's Khuzdar, five people were injured in a grenade attack. "The grenade exploded inside a house injuring the father of a police officer and four children of his brothers. Some portions of the house were damaged in the incident," confirmed the police authorities.

Details revealed that the attack was targeted at the house of Qadir Sheikh in Khuzdar who is the Station House Officer (SHO) of Balochistan's Hub city.

Earlier, a bomb attack on the security forces convoy in Balochistan's Nushki district claimed the lives of at least three security personnel and two civilians.

In another incident, a police officer was killed while at least six others were injured in a blast near Balochistan's Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) vehicle in the provincial capital Quetta.

The latest wave of attacks follow the Jaffar Express passenger train hijacking by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) members in the Bolan pass that resulted in the killing of at least 26 hostages, including 18 security personnel. Five security personnel were also martyred during the two-day clearance operation.
Jodhpur, March 18 : Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, during his visit to Jodhpur on Tuesday, strongly opposed BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya's statement calling for a ban on loudspeakers, describing it as "misplaced and inappropriate."

This is the first time Bairwa has responded to the demand made by the Hawa Mahal MLA. Emphasising that his party upholds values and culture, Bairwa said, "While people may hold different opinions, we do not resort to abusive language."

Balmukund Acharya had raised concerns about noise from loudspeakers, claiming it causes headaches and migraines, particularly affecting students preparing for competitive exams. He submitted a memorandum to Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju Joseph, urging action on the matter. While Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel initially supported the demand, Deputy CM Bairwa has now distanced himself from it, calling the stance "against culture and traditions."

Bairwa also dismissed allegations made by BJP MLA Revant Ram Danga, who accused the Rajasthan government of stalling his developmental projects while prioritizing those linked to Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal. Bairwa asserted that Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is ensuring equitable development across the state. "Better governance is being delivered in Rajasthan than what people could have imagined," he said.

Responding to Cabinet Minister Kirori Lal Meena's recent support for the Rajasthan policemen's boycott, Bairwa acknowledged Meena as a senior party leader but disagreed with his remarks, calling them "incorrect."

Earlier, Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasara sharply criticized Balmukund Acharya's statement on loudspeakers. "It is our misfortune that such individuals have reached the Assembly. The public did not elect them to divide Hindus and Muslims," Dotasara said.

In a video from an Advocates' conference in Jaipur, Acharya described loudspeakers as a "menace," claiming that the loud noise "five times a day" causes health issues. "I am taking this matter to the lawyers on my behalf. Many of us suffer from migraines and headaches. Please resolve this issue so that we can be free from this five-times-a-day headache," he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. On March 18, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met with a group of residents who had relocated to Hasanriz village in the Aghdara district. They also reviewed the restoration work on private houses and infrastructure, Trend reports.

The head of state met with the residents and engaged in conversation with them.

X X X

The head of state and the First Lady then lit the Novruz bonfire alongside the residents.

X X X

President Ilham Aliyev: Live here comfortably and happily. You endured pain for 30 yearsboth moral pain, which is the heaviest burden, and the hardships of being refugees and displaced persons. That word is now slowly disappearing from our vocabulary.

Resident: National Leader Heydar Aliyev once said that Azerbaijani society must be able to withstand any difficulties if necessary  precisely for the sake of independence, freedom, and a strong state. When we achieved Victory, we once again realized how profound and valuable the National Leaders words were. May his soul rest in peace.

President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, that is true. If he had not come to power at the request of the Azerbaijani people at that time, Azerbaijan could have been completely destroyed. In fact, the developments before 1993 were leading in that direction  occupation of our lands, internal strife, and civil war. The National Leader put an end to all of that, and the creation of a regular army is also linked to his name. We, his followers, have simply continued down his path, further strengthening our country, mobilizing all our resources, creating an iron fist, and crushing the enemy. And now, we are celebrating our holidays here. There can be no greater happiness than this. I congratulate you once again. Happy holidays!

Residents: Thank you very much. Good luck, and happy holidays once again!

X X X

The head of state and the First Lady then visited the Flag Square in Hasanriz village, where the Azerbaijani tricolor flag waves on a 17-meter-high flagpole. The location of the Flag Square was chosen to offer a beautiful view, not only of Hasanriz village but also of nearby villages.
New Delhi, March 18 : The Indian and French Navies will participate in a bilateral Naval exercise 'Varuna 2025', the Ministry of Defence officials said on Tuesday.

It will be the 23rd edition of the bilateral Naval exercise.

VARUNA, a testament to the enduring maritime partnership between India and France, is set to take place from March 19 to 22.

VARUNA-2025 will feature advanced air defence drills and fighter exercises, including mock air-to-air combat between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K, designed to refine tactical and operational capabilities.

According to the Indian Navy, during this exercise anti-submarine warfare exercises will provide rigorous training in underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will demonstrate synchronised manoeuvres and engagements by the Indian and French fleets.

Maritime patrol aircraft will enhance situational awareness, and replenishment-at-sea exercises will fortify logistical cooperation during the exercise.

This collaboration underscores the shared vision of safeguarding a free, open, and secure maritime environment, an MoD official said.

Since its inception in 2001, 'VARUNA' has evolved into a cornerstone of cooperation, showcasing the two nations' commitment to enhancing naval interoperability and operational synergy.

This year's edition promises an exhilarating array of maritime exercises and complex manoeuvres across the sub-surface, surface, and air domains.

The joint participation of the aircraft carriers, Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, alongside their fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, highlights the collaborative strength of both the navies.

By fostering the exchange of best practices and mutual understanding, the exercise reaffirms the ability of these two nations to operate seamlessly in even the most complex maritime scenarios.

'VARUNA-2025' stands as a powerful reminder of the deep bonds uniting the Indian and French navies in their pursuit of maritime peace and security, the official added.
New Delhi, March 18 : A court here on Tuesday turned down activist Medha Patkar's plea to introduce a new witness in her defamation case against Delhi LG V.K. Saxena.

Judicial Magistrate First Class Raghav Sharma of the Saket Courts said that Patkar's application appeared to be a "deliberate attempt to delay the trial rather than a genuine necessity".

"The present case has been pending for 24 years, and the complainant (Medha Patkar) has already examined all the witnesses initially listed at the time of filing the complaint. Notably, she had previously filed an application to summon additional witnesses u/s 254(2) Cr.PC, yet she did not mention the present witness in that application. If this witness was truly material to her case, she would have either included them in the original list of witnesses or, at the very least, mentioned them in the earlier application for additional witnesses. The fact that this witness has surfaced only now, after all of the complainant's witnesses have been examined, raises serious doubts about the genuineness of this request," the court said.

Further, it said that neither the complainant nor any of her witnesses have referred to this new witness at any stage of the trial.

"If this witness was genuinely relevant, his/her name or role in the case would have been mentioned at some point during the last 24 years of proceedings. The complete absence of any reference to this witness further suggests that it is an afterthought, possibly introduced to bolster the complainant's case artificially," the court said.

In support of her application, Medha Patkar, the leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA, contended that the complainant was well within her rights to examine any witness to prove her case under Section 254(1) Cr.PC and there is no embargo on her such right.

The complainant's counsel argued that the provision is obligatory in nature and it leads to no discretion with the court as the word "shall" has been used in the provision.

On the other hand, LG Saxena's counsel submitted that the application was filed by the complainant only with the objective of delaying the trial, adding that when all the witnesses cited by the complainant have already been examined, there was no reason as to why the name of the present witness was not mentioned in the list initially filed.

Further, it was argued that the application was filed to introduce a tutored witness as the present complaint was filed in the year 2000 and since then for 24 years the name of this witness never appeared anywhere, showing that the witness is now being deliberately induced for mala fide purpose and to delay the trial.

Dismissing the application, the court said that if the interpretation of Section 254(1) Cr.PC of the complainant's counsel is accepted, there would be no end to the trial as both the complainant and accused would keep on calling and examining the witness.

"What would stop a complaint or accused from protracting the trial if the court would not have any discretion in calling and examination of the witness? Each time a last witness is examined by the complainant or accused, he/she might just ask for the examination of another witness under this provision and would keep the trial in perpetuity. This would be an absurdity and therefore can't be the import of this provision (Section 254(1) Cr.PC)," it added.

Advocates Gajinder Kumar, Kiran Jai, Chandra Shekhar, Drishti, and Somya Arya represented LG Saxena before the Saket courts.
Kolkata, March 18 : A single-judge Bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday lifted an interim stay on the recruitment of civil judges for different lower courts in the state, who have qualified in the examination conducted by West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) for the year 2022.

The preliminary examination for the candidates for the 2022 Judiciary Bench was conducted in March 2023. The main examination followed in May 2023 and finally the interviews were held in April 2024.

However, a candidate from the Other Backward Class (OBC) category challenged the recruitment process stating that reservation rules in the said recruitment were not followed by the WBPSC. Similar petitions in the matter followed.

In December last year, the single-judge Bench of Justice Arindam Mukherjee had put an interim stay on the recruitment process, following which the recruitments of 29 judges for different lower courts were stalled.

A hearing in the matter continued and finally on Tuesday the Bench of Justice Mukherjee lifted the stay on the recruitment which was imposed by him in December last year.

While lifting the stay, Justice Mukherjee also observed that there had been absolutely no flaw in the recruitment procedure by the WBPSC and hence the stay on recruitment has been lifted.

He also observed that there were no merits in the writ petitions filed by petitioners in the matter.

Legal experts say the decision clears the decks for the recruitment of new judges to lower courts and was a welcome move considering that such courts in the state are already running short of judges.

Recently, the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, T.S. Sivagnanam had expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of infrastructure at different lower courts in the state.

The court also censored the state government over the lack of adequate staff in different courts.
New Delhi, March 18 : India and New Zealand are working to finalise a comprehensive and mutually beneficial free trade agreement, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday.

Addressing the business leaders of India and New Zealand here, Goyal emphasised the immense potential for collaboration between the two countries. He articulated an ambitious vision for the India-New Zealand partnership, targeting a 10-fold growth in bilateral trade over the next decade.

The event was attended by New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Trade and Investment, Agriculture and Forestry Todd McClay.

Prime Minister Luxon said that businesses play a critical role in both economies and in strengthening bilateral relations and emphasized the need to explore new frontiers and sectors.

"I feel incredibly optimistic about the future of both India and New Zealand. India for us is a game changer. As a smaller country in the world, India is a really consequential relationship for us. We all recognize that there is a lot more that these two countries should be doing together. When we look at the trading relationship today at $3 billion, there's a huge opportunity for us here," he said.

Goyal called on business leaders from both countries to contribute towards achieving this goal. "There are hardly any areas where we compete with each other, and the few areas of sensitivity can be navigated with mutual respect. Given our different levels of development, there are limitless possibilities for cooperation in agri-tech, dairy, food processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, critical minerals, forestry, horticulture, tourism, and sports," he pointed out.

Against the backdrop of global challenges, Goyal stressed the importance of trusted partnerships. "The world is going through a lot of problems. A defining partnership between our two nations can serve as a model for how trusted partners work together. "It's not about the size of an economy; it's about collaboration and shared values," he remarked.

He noted that India's economy, currently at $4 trillion, is poised to grow to $30-35 trillion in the next 22-25 years, presenting immense opportunities for collaboration.

Goyal highlighted the role of tourism in fostering stronger relations between India and New Zealand. He praised the Prime Minister of New Zealand for his commitment to enhancing ties between the two nations and noted that their partnership could create significant economic opportunities. "Together, we can make a significant difference to our economies. Both countries will emerge as winners through this partnership," he stated.

He also stressed the importance of education and research in bringing people closer, highlighting the potential of New Zealand's innovation to reach the world through India. He suggested that manufacturing in India for global markets at competitive prices could take the partnership to greater heights.

Speaking on connectivity, Goyal reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening financial and digital linkages, as well as facilitating swift mobility of manpower and technical talent. He noted that India produces the highest number of STEM graduates annually, with 43 per cent of them being women, showcasing the diversity and strength of India's workforce.

"Our two countries have decisive leaders, and India's young, aspirational population of 1.4 billion, combined with New Zealand's innovative spirit, will create a potent partnership that the world will look up to. Walking into the future while respecting the past - this perfectly captures the essence of our collaboration," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) President Ashwani Kumar welcomed the announcement on the launch of FTA negotiations between India and New Zealand. He said the FIEO is confident that this balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial agreement will deepen economic integration and create a more conducive environment for Indian exports.

"The FTA will open doors for Indian businesses, enabling easier and more predictable access to New Zealand's market," he added.
New Delhi, March 18 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Parliament House on Tuesday, unveiling an ambitious blueprint to transform Bastar from a Naxal-affected region into a thriving industrial hub.

The meeting also touched on preparations for Prime Minister Modias upcoming visit to Chhattisgarh on March 30. During his visit, PM Modi is expected to address a rally in Mohbhatta village near Bilha in Bilaspur district and inaugurate several key development projects.

Preparations for the event are in full swing.

Sai emphasised the state governmentas commitment to turning Bastar into an economic powerhouse, creating more jobs for the youth and uplifting tribal communities. The master plan presented by Sai focuses on developing infrastructure, industries, and tourism in areas previously impacted by Naxalism.

He highlighted the significant strides made in combating Naxalism, crediting the combined efforts of security forces and public participation. Sai noted that development initiatives have reached former Naxal strongholds, fostering trust in government policies and paving the way for progress.

The CM further discussed Chhattisgarhas new industrial policy, which includes measures like single-window clearance and tax exemptions to attract investors. These policies have already garnered interest from major companies, boosting the stateas economic prospects. Women empowerment and rural development were also key topics of discussion.

Sai outlined initiatives aimed at making rural women self-reliant through self-employment schemes. Women's self-help groups in Bastar are being strengthened, providing economic independence and livelihood opportunities. Efforts to promote minor forest produce, organic farming, handloom, bamboo industries, and handicrafts are revitalising the local economy, Sai informed the Prime Minister.

Additionally, women are being connected with startups and small industries to enhance production and marketing, enabling them to contribute to the stateas growth, he said.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his support for these initiatives, assuring the state of the central governmentas full cooperation in driving Chhattisgarhas development forward.
Agartala, March 18 : Opposition CPI-M and the Congress on Tuesday separately demanded the removal of a Tripura Minister from the state Cabinet for his "highly derogatory and seriously objectionable remarks".

Ruling BJP's ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP) also criticised the State Scheduled Castes Welfare, Fisheries and Animal Resource Development Departments Minister Sudhangshu Das for his "offensive comments".

The Tripura Insaf Parishad, a Muslim organisation, demanded legal action against the Minister for his actions.

TMP supremo and Tripura's former royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma said: "Someone who is swearing on the Constitution of India should refrain from making such statements. I am indeed shocked and condemn such language by anyone, leave alone those who hold responsible positions in the government."

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and State CPI-M's Secretary, Jitendra Chaudhury, quoted the Minister as saying "during Aurangzeb's reign, numerous Hindu temples were destroyed, and many Hindus, Marathas, and Sikhs were killed".

"Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj were brutally executed by Aurangzeb for resisting religious conversion to Islam. The opponent Political Parties, namely the Samajwadi Party, the Congress and the Leftists, endorse the same principle of Islamic brutality, fanaticism, dacoity, uncivilised barbarism and bestial violence, as practiced by Aurangzeb. It is high time for the democratic citizens to be aware of these eternal truths and acknowledge how dangerous for the country these parties are," Chaudhury said, as spoken by Minister Das in his social media posts recently.

The LoP in a letter to Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu said: "Such type of dangerously divisive and inciting communal remarks to divide and push the society towards communal instability, particularly when gets attempted by a responsible person like a member of state Cabinet, who has taken oath obeying, safeguarding and upholding the holy Constitution and constitutional spirits, values and mandates, including secularism as one of the basic salient feature of the same, does not only amounts to his or her unconstitutional, unethical and unjust activity, but it also obviously and undoubtedly amounts to an activity of criminal nature."

Demanding the Minister's removal from the state Cabinet, Jitendra Chaudhury, a former Minister, in his letter to the Governor said that this was not the first time, but Minister Das, had posted such abominable remarks in social media on many earlier occasions too, which clearly shows his habitually unconstitutional and criminal mindset.

Senior Congress leader and former Minister Birajit Sinha said that he feels the Minister's comments could potentially disturb communal peace and solidarity in the state and should be removed from the social media at the earliest.

Sinha, also a Congress MLA from Kailashahar Assembly constituency, said that being a responsible State Minister, Das's comments might disturb the peace and solidarity in the state and incite tension by referring to whatever happened during the Mughal empire.

"The Minister made similar comments on Facebook earlier too, hurting Hindu-Muslim relations. He ought to give focus on maintaining peace in the state as a responsible Minister. The stuff he is speaking about on Facebook, is highly sensitive. I feel these comments should be deleted from social media immediately," the Congress leader told the media.

The Tripura Insaf Parishad, earlier this week, lodged a case against Minister Das at the Irani police station of Kailashahar in Unakoti district, accusing him of fomenting communal hatred through social media.

The Tripura Insaf Parishad also demanded legal action against the Tripura Minister for his actions.
Mumbai, March 18 : Cinema lovers are in for a treat as the iconic romantic drama "Lamhe", starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi is getting a grand re-release on March 21, 2025.

Sharing the announcement on social media, Anil expressed his excitement, saying, "Timeless then, timeless now! Watch #Lamhe on the big screen from March 21!"

Made under the direction of Yash Chopra, the 1991 film explored the themes of love, longing, and destiny in a way that was bold and unforgettable.

At the heart of the film was Anil's impressive performance as Virena man caught between the past and present, navigating an unconventional love story.

Produced by Yash Chopra and written by Honey Irani and Rahi Masoom Raza, the project saw Sridevi in a dual role (Both as mother and daughter). The secondary cast of the movie includes Waheeda Rehman, Anupam Kher, Deepak Malhotra, and Dippy Sagoo, along with others.

"Lamhe" featured camera work by Manmohan Singh and music composed by Shiv-Hari.

It might be interesting to know that when "Lamhe" initially reached the theatres back in 1991, its bold storytelling sparked conversations but over the years, it has earned its place as one of Indian cinema's finest films.

This re-release comes at a time when Anil is gearing up for another exciting project, "Subedaar". Helmed by Suresh Triveni, the movie will feature Anil in an intense and powerful new avatar.

On March 4, 2025, Anil took to social media to wish the film's director, Suresh Triveni, a very happy birthday.

As part of his touching Instagram post, Anil shared a few behind-the-scenes pictures from the set with the director.

The post was accompanied by the caption, "Happy Birthday, @sureshtriveni_ ! Working with you on Subedaar has been an absolute privilege and emotionally enriching! Your vision, passion, and dedication to storytelling are truly inspiring. Wishing you a year filled with happiness lots of love and success. Have a fantastic one!"
Mumbai, March 18 : Malayalam superstar Mohanlal recently took to social media to announce that his upcoming actioner "L2: Empuraan," will be the first ever film from the Malayalam cinema to release on IMAX.

Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mohanlal recently took to social media to announce that his upcoming actioner "L2: Empuraan," will be the first ever film from the Malayalam cinema to release on IMAX.

Sharing the poster of the film on his Instagram handle, the actor wrote, "It gives us immense pride to announce that #L2E #Empuraan will be the first ever film from the Malayalam cinema industry to release on IMAX. We hope this is the beginning of a long and illustrious association between IMAX and Malayalam Cinema. Watch the spectacle unfold on IMAX screens across the world in selected markets from 27/03/2025! Malayalam | Tamil | Hindi | Telugu | Kannada #March27."

Interestingly, Mohanlal has been actively promoting his film on social media, engaging with fans and building excitement for its release. Through his posts, he has shared behind-the-scenes glimpses, updates, and posters, further enhancing the anticipation surrounding the film.

On March 18, Director Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed that Tamil superstar Rajinikanth was the first to watch the trailer of his highly anticipated political thriller "L2: Empuraan." In a post on his X handle, the director mentioned that after watching the trailer, Rajinikanth praised it and complimented Prithviraj on the project.

Prithviraj posted a picture of himself with Rajinikanth and wrote, "The very first person to watch the trailer of #L2E #EMPURAAN I will forever cherish what you said after watching it Sir! This meant the world to me! Fanboy forever! @rajinikanth #OGSuperstar."

The Censor Board has officially cleared "L2: Empuraan" for release, granting it a UA 16+ rating. The film's certified length is 179.52 meters. The film is the much-anticipated sequel to "Lucifer," which became a massive hit. The political action thriller also sees Prithviraj reprise his role as Zayed Masood, a mercenary commando who leads the notorious Kureshi-Ab'ram nexus, continuing his impactful character from the first film in the Lucifer franchise.

"L2: Empuraan" is scheduled to hit screens on March 27, 2025.
New Delhi, March 18 : India on Tuesday slammed Pakistan for "spreading lies" on Kashmir and said that the country which continues to actively promote cross-border terrorism should "vacate" the Indian territory held under its illegal and forcible occupation.

"We note that Pakistan has once again made some comments about the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The world knows that the real issue is Pakistan's active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. In fact, this is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region. Instead of spreading lies, Pakistan should vacate Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

The MEA spokesperson was reacting in response to media queries regarding comments made by the Pakistan Foreign Office on Monday in which Islamabad had labelled the recent remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of terror activities in the neighbouring country as "misleading and one-sided".

In a wide-ranging interview with the US-based podcaster Lex Fridman, PM Modi said that Pakistan has become the epicentre of terror, causing immense suffering not just to India, but to the entire world.

"Wherever terror strikes in the world, the trail somehow leads to Pakistan. Let's take the September 11 attacks, for example. The main mastermind behind it, Osama bin Laden, where did he eventually emerge from? He had taken refuge in Pakistan. 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 terror, not just for India but for the world," PM Modi pointed out.

Prime Minister Modi had also asked Islamabad to abandon its path of self-sponsored terrorism for the larger good of its people.

He said that the people of Pakistan deserve a future free from violence and fear and wished that the country learns from its mistakes and chooses the correct path.

"We repeatedly asked them what good could 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..." he said.

Sharing insights on his efforts to broker peace with Pakistan, PM Modi told Fridman about India's sincere efforts to establish peace and recalled his visit to Lahore and inviting the Pakistani counterpart to his swearing-in ceremony though the 'noble attempts were met with hostility'.

"When I became PM, I specially invited Pakistan to my swearing-in ceremony so that we could turn over a new leaf. 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.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 18 : The shooting dead of a tiger in Kerala's Idukki on Monday has raised questions after Kottayam Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) N. Rajesh cited self-defence as the reason, with experts maintaining that the extreme step can be taken if the animal in question has been declared as vermin.

There is a specific protocol to declare any animal as vermin and the questions, coming against the backdrop of increasing cases of man-animal conflict in the state, which has led to several fatalities too, include if there are special rules for forest officials.

According to the rules, an animal can be eliminated only if it is declared as vermin, and if this act was done by a common man under the same pretext of self-defence, a case will be registered against the person.

It remains to be seen if a case is going to be registered against the Rapid Response Team which was operating in and around the Gramby Estate for the past six days.

It was on Monday the RRTas scheme of things to capture the tiger, which was creating panic in the locality, went haywire.

The plan was to tranquilise the tiger and on Monday, the RRT spotted the elusive big cat in a tea estate.

Soon, the RRT fired a tranquiliser shot at it - and this step too has come under criticism as normally tranquiliser shots are fired from a distance, but on Monday, visuals show it was fired from close range.

After the first tranquiliser shot was fired, the tiger, which already was limping, reared up and a second dart was also fired.

It was at that time the tiger attacked the RRT and then, the armed team members opened fire at it, leading to it collapsing.

Soon the RRT officials wrapped the tiger in a net and transported it to the Thekkady wild reserve area but soon came the news that the tiger had died.

The RRT was expected to release the post-mortem report soon and then it will be known how many gunshots pierced the tigeras body.

Meanwhile, the forest officials have defended their act by saying that the team fired a 12-bore pump action gun and generally in the case of healthy animals, its fire will not lead to death, but since the tiger was weak, the shot is expected to have led to its death.

It remains to be seen if this explanation holds up.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. On March 18, at around 08:55, units of the Armenian armed forces fired at the positions of the Azerbaijani Army using small arms from their positions in the Istisu settlement of the Basarkechar district, Trend reports.

Meanwhile, from 22:15 on March 17 to 00:20 on March 18, the Armenian armed forces units from the positions in the directions of Arpa settlement of Keshishkand region, Saybali settlement of Garakilsa region and Vagan settlement of Chanbarak region using small arms periodically subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions, the Ministry of Defense said.
Chennai, March 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, lauded legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja, calling him a "musical titan" and a "trailblazer".

The Prime Minister praised the maestro's immense contributions to music and his ability to redefine excellence on a global scale.

Ilaiyaraaja met Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi shared a post on social media platform X, saying: "Delighted to meet Rajya Sabha MP Thiru Ilaiyaraaja Ji, a musical titan whose genius has had a monumental impact on our music and culture. He is a trailblazer in every sense and has made history yet again by presenting his first-ever Western classical symphony, 'Valiant', in London a few days ago. This performance, accompanied by the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, marks another chapter in his unparalleled musical journey -- one that continues to redefine excellence on a global scale."

The Prime Minister also shared several photos from his meeting with Ilaiyaraaja, highlighting the significance of the occasion.

Responding to the Prime Minister's praise, Ilaiyaraaja expressed his gratitude in a post on X, saying: "A memorable meeting with PM @narendramodi ji. We spoke about many things, including my symphony Valiant. Humbled by his appreciation and support. @OneMercuri."

The Prime Minister's remarks came after Ilaiyaraaja recently presented his first-ever Western classical symphony, Valiant, in London.

The symphony was performed with the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Eventim Apollo Theatre on March 9.

This performance, accompanied by the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, marks another chapter in his unparalleled musical journey -- one that the event was a landmark achievement, making him the first Indian film composer to present a full-length Western classical symphony in London.

The maestro has long been known for integrating Western classical elements into Indian film music.

His influence extends far beyond cinema, as he remains one of the most prolific and revered composers in Indian music history.

In a career spanning nearly five decades, Ilaiyaraaja has composed, over 7,000 songs, composed music for more than 1,500 films, performed in more than 20,000 concerts worldwide.

Nicknamed "Isaignani" (The Musical Sage), Ilaiyaraaja was conferred the title "Maestro" by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London.

Some of his notable accolades include, India's third highest civilian honour, Padma Bhushan, which was awarded to him in 2010 and country's second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan which was conferred to him in 2018.
New Delhi, March 18 : Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the country's rise over the last decade, former Australian PM Tony Abbott said on Tuesday that he would like to see India overtake China as a critical supplies chain leader and also as one of the "real leaders" of the free world.

Abbott, who is in India to participate in the Raisina Dialogue 2025, spoke exclusively with IANS on various issues, including India-Australia partnership.

"I hope that my presence here will contribute to the steady strengthening of relations between Australia and India. They have always been good but, in the past, perhaps underdeveloped. I hope they develop very strongly in the coming years and decades," the former Australian PM told IANS.

Speaking about India's rise under PM Modi's leadership, Abbott also listed his expectations on the significant role that New Delhi would be playing in future.

"My hope is two-fold. First is that India can take the place of China in the democracy's critical supply chains. And, second is that, over time, India can become one of the real leaders of the free world because as a country which has demonstrated an absolute commitment to the democracy and rule of law, I think that India can, and should, stand with its fellow democracies against the dictatorships which are currently challenging the freedom everywhere," he stated.

Abbott also praised the Raisina Dialogue, calling it one of the few "genuinely global" forums where there is a great diversity of opinion and an opportunity for real debate.

Last month, the former Australian PM had praised PM Modi's efforts and India's leadership in reviving traditional grains and promoting their global consumption.

"I am very happy to visit the millet centre at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. I appreciate that Prime Minister Modi has made millet promotion an important part of his social upliftment efforts for the people of India. I must confess, I was not really familiar with millets. In Australia, we tend to eat wheat and rice, but these various dishes were delicious and tasty. Above all, they're very healthy," said Abbott after visiting the NAFED Millet Experience Centre at New Delhi's Dilli Haat where he had explored India's initiatives in promoting Shree Anna (millets) as a sustainable and nutritious food source.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Abbott hoped that a similar programme for millets-related awareness can also be explored in Australia due to its property of being environment friendly and healthy. He also emphasised that millets are the "super food for a super country".
Taipei, March 18 : Amid growing security concern and aggressive posturing of China, Taiwan stated on Tuesday that it has detected a number of Chinese aircraft and warships operating around the country over the past 24 hours that crossed the meridian line of the Taiwan Strait and entered air defence identification zone.

According to the Defence Ministry of Taiwan, 59 sorties of Chinese military aircraft and nine Chinese naval ships operating around Taiwan were detected on Tuesday morning. It said that 43 out of 59 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwanas northern, central southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone.

The ministry stated that the Taiwan Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed Combat Air Patrol aircraft, navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities of Chinese forces.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's first-ever 'immediate combat response' drills entered the second day on Tuesday, with the Army simulating anti-landing combat to keep Chinese forces from reaching Taipei, the country's capital and main economic and political hub, local media reported.

On the other hand, the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council issued a stern warning to Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te on Monday, stating that Taiwan's provocative actions against the Chinese mainland could lead to self-destruction. This statement followed after the Chinese army conducted military exercises near the Taiwan Strait on Monday, Chinese media reported.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the related military activities taken by China around the Taiwan Strait are necessary, lawful, and justified measures to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

Regarding the US policy on Taiwan, Mao said that the US has recently taken a series of "erroneous actions", particularly by changing the content on the US State Department's website related to its relations with Taiwan island and removing the previous statement that the US "does not support Taiwan independence". This represents a serious regression in the US position on Taiwan-related issues, the spokesperson stated.

Earlier this week, Taiwan's 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.

China claims Taiwan to be a part of its territory that must be reunified with the mainland by force if necessary. 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.
Mumbai, March 18 : The Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam said on Tuesday in the Maharashtra Assembly that the state government, in order to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, would follow-up with the Union government to amend the Indian Passport Act and the Foreigners Act to make their provisions more stringent.

The Union Minister was replying to a debate on the Calling Attention Motion moved by legislators Sanjay Upadhyay, Atul Bhatkhalkar, Bhaskar Jadhav, Yogesh Sagar, Sunil Prabhu, Manisha Chaudhary, Ameet Satam and Sudhir Mungantiwar.

Minister Kadam said that strict action is being taken against Bangladeshi citizens residing and infiltrating illegally in Maharashtra.

The Minister added: "The state government and the police department have launched a special campaign against illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators in Maharashtra. Action is being taken against suspected citizens by checking them through local police stations. The Mumbai Police recently raided various areas and arrested 16 Bangladeshi citizens. All of them were residing illegally."

"Earlier, 13 Bangladeshi citizens were arrested in the Nalasopara area. These infiltrators had entered India from the West Bengal-Bangladesh border and started working as labourers in Mumbai. Cases have been registered against contractors who provided houses on rent to Bangladeshi citizens in the limits of Thane city's Nizampura, Manpada and Kasarwadavali police stations," he said.

The Minister said that cases have been registered against Bangladeshi nationals working on a construction site on the basis of fake documents under the limits of Mahad Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation police station in Raigad district.

Three Bangladeshi nationals were found working as labourers at a stone crusher in Anwa of Jalna district, and cases have also been registered against them, he added.

"Two Bangladeshi nationals were found residing illegally within the limits of Kurar police station under Circle 12 of Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate. Both of them were working at a building construction site. A case has been registered against them and investigation is underway," he said.

BJP leader Ameet Satam, while speaking on the matter, said that Bangladeshis and Rohingyas residing in Mumbai and Maharashtra often work as labourers and construction workers.

"They are involved in criminal activities to a large extent. This has come to light when a Bollywood actor was attacked at his home," he added.
Islamabad, March 18 : A crucial day-long, in-camera meeting of the Pakistan's Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) on Tuesday vowed to eliminate terror elements with full force and took some major decisions to tackle the menace of terrorism in the country. The meeting, attended by the civil and military top brass, passed a declaration condemning terrorism in all of its forms.

The committee emphasised on a unified political and strategic approach, calling on a national consensus on counterterrorism efforts. It urged all stakeholders for an urgent and immediate implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) and the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy as part of the national counter-terrorism framework to root out terror networks, disrupt their logistical support, and sever links between terrorism and organised crime.

The committee reiterated its full support for the military establishment and the armed forces of Pakistan, acknowledging their sacrifices and commitment to national defence. It also raised serious concerns over what it termed as the misuse of social media platforms by terrorists and their supporters to spread anti-state propaganda, which the committee stated is also used for recruitment and coordinating attacks.

The committee stressed and warned that no group, individual, or institution collaborating with anti-state terror elements would be allowed to destabilise the country's harmony and solidity.

The members were given a briefing about the country's security situation by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir.

It was also agreed that Pakistan will use its diplomatic outreach to engage with regional and global leaders and disseminate the challenges it is faced with in terms of security and terrorism. The committee vowed to use all resources and means to tackle the spread of anti-state activities in Pakistan, which it claimed were emanating from Afghanistan and its extended support to extremist militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

During the in-camera session, the military establishment gave a detailed briefing about the security situation in Pakistan's violence-hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces with insights into the ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Interestingly, the session was boycotted by the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which opposed any decision to carry out another military operation in the country. The absence of the PTI was criticised by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

Sharif accused the previous Imran Khan government for allowing thousands of TTP militants in the country and also releasing hundreds of militants from the Pakistani jails. He said that the National Action Plan (NAP) that was introduced as the country's strong resolve against terrorists was ignored during Khan's tenure and the country is faced with fresh security challenges due to the former PM's ignorance.

"It is because of the disastrous decision of the previous government that we are faced with the challenging situation today. It's time that we all identify the faces of all those who are responsible for working against Pakistan's national interest," said Sharif.

Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also emphasised on the need to re-strategise the country's foreign police and use it to engage the global community about the terrorism, that he said is radiating from Afghanistan.

Bhutto blasted Afghanistan as the country which he said has become the epicentre of terrorism.

"Afghanistan has become the epicentre of terrorism. Terrorism is being sponsored, supported, facilitated, harboured and being spread into Pakistan from Afghanistan," he said.

Experts reckon that the coming days may be critical as Pakistan gives open approval to the military establishment and the law enforcement agencies to use all means necessary against terrorists spreading unrest in the country.

It is expected that cross-border counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan may also be approved.
New Delhi, March 18 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday said that it is getting ready to link Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), or voter IDs, with the Aadhaar numbers of those who have provided them voluntarily.

In its reaction to the ECI's statement, Congress said, "Acknowledging the Congress party's charge of suspect voter lists, the Election Commission seeks to clean it up using Aadhaar." "Congress party welcomes a constructive solution with guardrails to not deny anyone the right to vote," said the party's eight-member Empowered Action Group of Leaders and Experts (EAGLE) in a statement. This body was set up by the Congress to maintain a vigilant oversight of elections in India and ensure the ECI upholds the integrity of the electoral process.

The EAGLE further said that the ECI's decision to link EPIC Voter-ID numbers with Aadhaar numbers is a "clear acknowledgement of the charge that the Congress party and the Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi have been making about the suspicious and dubious nature of our voter lists, as witnessed in the recent Maharashtra 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections."

"We continue to demand that the Election Commission make public the entire electoral photo rolls of Maharashtra 2024 Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections. The main charge of the Congress party was that there was an abnormal increase in new voters enrolled in just five months between the Maharashtra Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, implying that either these were fake, duplicate or ghost voters," stated the Congress' EAGLE.

It stated further that fake or duplicate voters is a problem of one person having multiple voter-IDs. "The Election Commission has acknowledged this problem of 'one person many voter-IDs' raised by the Congress party, which can be eliminated through de-duplication using Aadhaar."

The Congress party supports constructive solutions that ensure clean voter lists, in line with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's assertion made in 1949 that 'electoral rolls are most fundamental in a democracy and the independence of the elections process is a fundamental right', added the statement.

The party further remarked that it is important that no adult Indian citizen is denied the right to vote due to Aadhaar linkage. "The Congress party urges the Election Commission to consult with all political parties and stakeholders, and assure them that there are sufficient guardrails to not deny the right to vote to even a single eligible citizen as well as the privacy of any single voter is not breached through this process," the statement maintained.
Jammu, March 18 : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday told the Assembly that to address the limited accommodation at J&K House in New Delhi's Chanakyapuri, the government has acquired a 3,179.58 square metre plot on perpetual lease from the Delhi Development Authority in the national capital's Dwarka area.

Jammu, March 18 (IANS) J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday told the Assembly that to address the limited accommodation at J&K House in New Delhi's Chanakyapuri, the government has acquired a 3,179.58 square metre plot on perpetual lease from the Delhi Development Authority in the national capital's Dwarka area.

Responding to a question by NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq regarding the lack of accommodation for those visiting Delhi or Chandigarh from J&K after the transfer of the main buildings of Jammu and Kashmir House, New Delhi, to the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Hospitality & Protocol portfolio, clarified that a significant portion of the Guest House at Chanakyapuri has been allocated to Ladakh.

"Consequently, the UT of J&K has limited accommodation available at J&K House, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi," he said.

To address this issue, the government has acquired a plot at Plot No 3, Sector-19, Phase-1, Dwarka, where a J&K Bhawan complex will be constructed.

This location was chosen for its accessibility and proximity to other state bhawans, ensuring better facilities for J&K visitors.

Regarding the property in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister informed the House that J&K owns a property in Sector-17, Chandigarh, which will be modified after obtaining the necessary permissions.

He assured that arrangements would be made to provide proper accommodation for patients travelling to Chandigarh for medical treatment.

The Chief Minister emphasised that while constructing new buildings, J&Kas architectural heritage will be reflected in the designs, and traditional J&K cuisine will also be made available.

Additionally, more locals from J&K will be employed in these establishments. Clarifying concerns over asset distribution post-2019, the Chief Minister stated that the apportionment of assets between J&K and Ladakh was carried out based on the recommendations of an Advisory Committee constituted under Section 85 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, as well as a committee formed under Government Order No. 1011-GAD of 2019 dated 12.09.2019.

The CM said that the asset allocation between J&K and Ladakh was done by the apportionment of assets & liabilities committee constituted by the Central government.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister mentioned that the government is exploring possibilities of creating additional accommodation at its building at 5 Prithviraj Road to further address accommodation needs.

He also informed the House about the successful retrieval of government property at Kashmir House, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi, which had been under unauthorised occupation.

The property, measuring one kanal and 11.2 marlas, was occupied by individuals who were not duly authorized by the Estates Office, Resident Commission, New Delhi.

"Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5(1) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, the unauthorized occupants have been evicted, and the property is now in the possession of the Resident Commission, J&K," he stated.
Kabul, March 18 : Afghanistan has urged Pakistan to stop expulsion of Afghan refugees as Islamabad is preparing to expel even the holders of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) after the deadline ends on March 31.

At a meeting of the High Commission for Refugee Affairs, chaired by Afghan Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Abdul Salam Hanafi, officials emphasised the need for a coordinated and mutual strategy for the return of Afghan refugees, Afghan media outlet TOLOnews reported on Tuesday.

"Our request to neighbouring countries, especially Pakistan, is to reconsider this decision. A unilateral decision is not in their interest, nor in ours," said Abdulmutalib Haqqani, Afghan spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation.

Several Afghan refugees holding ACC in Pakistan have complained about increasing challenges in the country. They stated that despite holding these cards they are faced with forcible deportation. "Refugees holding ACC cards are not illegal. They are Afghan refugees who have been living here for the past 25 years," TOLOnews quoted Malik Awal Shinwari, one of the Afghan refugees in Pakistan, as saying.

The Pakistani government has made it clear that all Afghan refugees including the ones with legal documents have been asked to leave Pakistan before March 31, which has been set as the deadline to leave the country voluntarily. In case any illegal foreigner was found in the district, he/she would be rounded up and deported back to their home countries.

Earlier, the ruling party of Pakistan's province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) slammed the centre's policy to deport Afghan refugees back as "inhumane". Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of KP denounced the policy of Pakistan's federal government on Afghan refugees as "inhumane and oppressive", stating that his government would decide whether to follow the Centre's directives to expel Afghans residing in the province after March 31.

KP hosts the largest Afghan refugee population in Pakistan, with Peshawar accommodating the highest number. According to the United Nations, more than 800,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan since Pakistan started its repatriation policy.

Many refugees have been living in the province for decades, running businesses or working in various sectors. Afghan refugees living in KP have also urged Pakistani authorities not to force them into leaving the country by March 31.

Several media reports revealed that Afghan refugees are facing continuous harassment and abuse in Pakistan. They have called on the Afghan Government and Human Rights organisations to take action on their behalf.

Many refugees stated that despite holding valid legal documents, they face the threat of illegal detention, deportation, and discrimination. "Pakistani police have been conducting brutal raids, even in the middle of the night, storming homes and arresting Afghan refugees," said an Afghan journalist.
Imphal, March 18 : Two tribal organisations in Manipur -- the Hmar Inpui and the Zomi Council - on Tuesday withdrew the indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur district after the two settled the row over the severe assault of a senior Hmar tribal leader on March 16.

Imphal, March 18 (IANS) Two tribal organisations in Manipur -- the Hmar Inpui and the Zomi Council  on Tuesday withdrew the indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur district after the two settled the row over the severe assault of a senior Hmar tribal leader on March 16.

The leaders of Hmar Inpui and the Zomi Council held a meeting with the families of the victim and attackers and settled the dispute as per local customary law and practices.

The indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur district was called after Hmar Inpui General Secretary, Richard Laltanpuia Hmar, who was on his way home, was stopped, blindfolded, and severely beaten inside the campus of V.K. Montessori School on March 16 by the "local miscreants".

Laltanpuia Hmar is now undergoing medical treatment at a hospital due to excessive bleeding and injuries.

Tuesday's meeting between the two tribal bodies and the families of the victim and the attackers decided that "culprit family would handover Rs 50,000 to the victim's family in lieu of traditional and customary peace feast".

"The culprit family will make an initial payment of Rs 2 lakh for medical treatment expenses of Richard Laltanpuia Hmar and also pay any additional cost involved beyond the Rs 2 lakh which will be intimated later to the culprit's families. In case, any serious case arises due to the brutal attack, both parties should meet again to solve the matter. Both the parties agreed that such perpetration of violence against one another should not occur in the future," the resolution adopted in the meeting said.

After the March 16 incident, indefinite curfew was clamped in Churachandpur by the district administration following tension triggered by the vicious attack on the Hmar tribal leader.

Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner, Dharun Kumar S., in an appeal, urged all community leaders to come together to engage in peaceful dialogue. "Violence and unrest will not lead to a solution, and it is in all our best interests to find common ground through peaceful discussions and dialogues," he had said.

Various other tribal organisations strongly condemned the "heinous and cowardly assault" on Richard Hmar, who is also a member of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF).
Chennai, March 18 : Two accused in the brutal murder of a retired police officer in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli surrendered before a court on Tuesday.

The suspects, identified as Karthik and Akbar, both residents of Tirunelveli, turned themselves in before Judicial Magistrate IV over their alleged involvement in the killing of Zakhir Hussein Bijli, 64, a former Sub-Inspector of the Tamil Nadu Police.

Bijli was attacked while returning home on his motorcycle after offering morning prayers. A four-member armed gang intercepted him near Kaatchi Mandapam in Tirunelveli town and brutally hacked him to death on the spot using sharp-edged weapons.

Preliminary police investigations revealed that Bijli was an administrator of the Murtim Zarkhan Dargah in Tirunelveli and was engaged in a legal dispute over a 36-cent land parcel in the town. Sources indicate that the dispute was connected to a plot of land adjacent to Bijli's property, allegedly owned by the wife of one of the accused, Toufiq. Bijli had claimed that the land belonged to the Waqf Board and had reportedly encroached upon it by constructing a shed. However, Toufiq's family argued that the land was a private gift from his mother-in-law. The conflict had escalated over time, and police records show that Bijli had been named in a legal case filed by Toufiq's family in January 2025.

Authorities are now investigating whether this prolonged dispute directly led to his murder.

The murder has sparked intense political reactions.

Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) General Secretary S. Ahmed Navavi stated that Bijli was leading a legal battle to reclaim 36 cents of land allegedly encroached upon by private individuals.

"Bijli had raised concerns about threats to his life in a social media post in February, yet the police failed to provide him with adequate protection. Their negligence has now resulted in his brutal killing," he said. He urged the authorities to take such complaints seriously to prevent future crimes and demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved in Bijli's murder.

The incident has also drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose state chief K. Annamalai called the murder "deeply shocking" and blamed the DMK government for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

"Law and order in Tamil Nadu has collapsed to the point where even a retired police officer was threatened and murdered. The police ignore complaints from ordinary citizens while focusing on suppressing critics of the DMK government. How many more lives will be lost due to this administration's incompetence?" Annamalai posted on X.

BJP State Vice President Narayanan Thirupathy also condemned the DMK government, stating that "despite Bijli's repeated complaints of threats to his life, the police failed to act". "The Chief Minister must take responsibility and allow the police to function independently to curb crime and lawlessness. If this continues, Tamil Nadu will become a haven for criminals."

BJP MLA and Mahila Morcha National President Vanathi Srinivasan echoed similar concerns.

Meanwhile, the police have intensified their investigation to track down the remaining suspects involved in the murder. Officials are also examining Bijli's past complaints and security concerns to determine whether negligence by authorities played a role in his death.
Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. The special quarantine regime in Azerbaijan has been extended, Trend reports.

The country's Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed a decree to that effect.

Under the new decree, the special quarantine regime will remain in place until July 1.

The previous decision had extended the regime until April 1.
Bhopal, March 18 : A total of seven people, including three women and four children, have gone missing after a boat full of devotees overturned in the Mata Tila Dam located in Khaniyadhana police station area of Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district on Tuesday evening, police said.

The accident site is 110 km from the district headquarter.

The dam is constructed on Betwa river in Uttar Pradesh but it shares its border with Madhya Pradesh.

The district administration has launched rescue operation on the spot.

At the same time, eight people have been evacuated safely so far.

Fifteen people of Rajavan village were going to visit Siddha Baba temple located on the island in the middle of the dam by boat.

The boat suddenly lost balance and overturned on the way.

Many people in the boat started drowning.

The local villagers showed promptness and saved seven people, but three women and four children have not been traced yet.

"A boat carrying 15 people, including women and children, capsized in Matatila Dam near Rajawan village, Khaniyadhana, while en route to an island for Holi celebrations. Seven people, including three women and four children, drowned, while eight others swam to safety," Pichhore Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Shivdayal Dhakad, said, confirming the deaths of seven people.

"Two boats are searching the missing persons, yet none has been traced," Prashant Sharma, Pichhore's Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP), told IANS.

He is present at the spot.

The help of divers is being taken to search for the missing people.

The NDRF team is also engaged in the rescue operation.

According to the police, rescue operation is underway as it is becoming increasingly difficult to search missing people due to falling darkness.

Among the missing people are Sharda (55), wife of Imarat Lodhi; Kumkum (15), daughter of Anoop Lodhi; Leela (40), wife of Ramnivas Lodhi; China (14), daughter of Lakshniram Lodhi; Kanha (7), son of Captain Lodhi; Ramdevi (35), wife of Bhura Lodhi; and Shiva (8), son of Bhura Lodhi.

The police have yet to find them.

All the people are residents of Rajavan village, who had gone to visit the Siddha Baba temple.

As soon as the information of the accident was received, Shivpuri's District Collector Ravindra Chaudhary and Superintendent of Police, Aman Singh Rathore, left with the teams.

Those who were rescued to safety include Shivraj Lodhi, Savitri Lodhi, Jhanson, Gulab, Leela, Ramdevi, Usha and Pradeep Lodhi.
New Delhi, March 18 : Aiming to deliver its promise to provide free health insurance, the Delhi government will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Central government on April 10 to extend benefits of AB-PMJAY to city residents, said Minister Pankaj Singh on Tuesday.

Singh, who also holds the transport portfolio, said that new small electric buses  Mohalla buses -- will also start plying from April 1.

The Delhi government plans to enrol one lakh residents for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) insurance scheme within one month and offer insurance up to Rs 10 lakh to people, with provision for undergoing treatment at private hospitals, he said.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reiterated her government's commitment to fight TB in the city.

"The Delhi government will work with full commitment along with the central government in the TB-free India campaign started under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji. We pledge that while fulfilling our responsibility, we will work with full dedication to make the country TB-free," CM Gupta wrote in a post on X.

Talking about the introduction of new buses, Pankaj Singh, who also holds the portfolio of transport, said about 2,000 new buses  both 12 metre and 9 metre  will join the DTC fleet in the first week of April.

He said 80 per cent work of setting up charging stations for the new buses has been completed.

Singh said he held several rounds of talks with vendors to iron out irritants related to maximising the 'Make in India' component in the tender.

He said old buses are being phased out -- 3,000 DTC buses need to be phased out and 2,000 cluster buses are scheduled to be phased out this year.

Buses are going to get phased out in batches every month. "Many new electric buses will join the fleet as phase-out is being done every month," he said.

Assuring that women would continue to enjoy free travel on public transport buses, Minister Singh guaranteed that he would ensure a turnaround in the loss-making Delhi Transport Corporation and oversee that it starts earning profit.
Mumbai, March 18 : The audience got to see Sidharth Malhotra as the younger son of the Kapoor family, Arjun Kapoor nine years ago today on March 18.

Sidharth celebrated the latest milestone of his film "Kapoor & Sons" with a special social media post that included a video compilation of some memorable scenes from the family drama.

"Filming Kapoor & Sons was something truly special. So much fun and so many unforgettable memories. Thank you for all the love! #9YearsOfKapoorAndSons", he wrote along with the video.

Penned and helmed by Shakun Batra, "Kapoor & Sons" also stars Rishi Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Rajat Kapoor in crucial roles.

The project narrates the tale of two brothers from a dysfunctional family. After their grandfather gets a heart attack, the brothers visit their parents and grandfather in Coonoor. The brothers have a massive fallout after Arjun believes that Rahul stole his story and turned it into a bestselling novel.

Last week, Sidharth called 'Yodha' a 'truly special film' as it completed one year of release on March 15.

He took to social media to pen a special note that read, "One year of #Yodha! A truly special film with a one-of-a-kind story. Shooting high-octane action on a flight was tough but absolutely thrilling!", along with a red heart emoji.

Made under the direction of Sagar Ambre, along with Pushkar Ojha, the movie has been produced by Dharma Productions.

While Sidharth, Raashii Khanna, and Disha Patani make up the core cast of the film, Ronit Roy, Tanuj Virwani, Sunny Hinduja, Kritika Bhardwaj, S. M. Zaheer, Chittaranjan Tripathy, Farida Patel Venkat, Mikhail Yawalkar, and Sanjay Gurbaxani are seen doing supporting roles.

Up next, Sidharth will be seen in "Param Sundari", alongside Janhvi Kapoor. The film is touted to be a cross-cultural love story that centers around a love tale where two contrasting worlds collide, a "North ka munda" meets a "South ki Sundari."

The much-awaited drama is slated to release in the cinema halls on July 25, 2025.
Bhopal, March 18 : A court in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, on Tuesday, pronounced capital punishment to a man accused of raping and murdering a five-year-old girl in September 2024.

While two women co-accused, who are the mother and sister of the main accused, were awarded imprisonment of two years for misleading and hiding truth from the police after the incident took place.

Calling the incident "brutal" and "heinous", Special District Court Judge Kumudini Patel said the accused person "do not deserve to live in the society" and pronounced death punishment.

"The Court has awarded death punishment under Section 103, 66 and 64 (A). While, the accused has been awarded life imprisonment under the POCSO Act. Two women, who were also found guilty of misleading investigation, were sentenced for two years' imprisonment," Special Public Procecutor in the case, Divya Shukla, said.

On September 24 last year, a five-year-old girl went missing from Idgah Hills multi-storeyed building.

The parents of the victim had lodged a missing complaint at the Idgah police station.

Police teams carried out a search operation for more than 15 hours in the surrounding areas, including market and public places, however, the body of the victim was found in a closed flat in the same building.

The post-mortem report had revealed that the girl was strangled to death after rape.

Police had questioned the accused Atul Bhalse, his sister Chanchal Bhalse and mother Basanti Bhalse, who lived in the flat where victim's body was recovered and they confessed to committing the crime.

The accused's family kept searching for the victim along with the latter's family.

They took the victim's family all around to search her so that no one gets suspicious.
Washington, March 19 : US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday agreed to a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war with a pause on attacks on energy and infrastructure and to begin negotiations for a full ceasefire and permanent peace starting immediately.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations and the situation in West Asia in a lengthy phone call that lasted nearly two hours.

The plan agreed by them will need to be affirmed by Ukraine.

"The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace," said the White House in a readout of the call.

"These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East (West Asia)."

The two leaders "agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace".

The readout also said Trump and Putin "stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the US and Russia" and that "a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the US and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved".

They also discussed West Asia "broadly", the readout said "as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts".

Iran also figured in their discussion.

"The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel."

An hour into the phone call, Dan Scavino, the Deputy Chief of Staff to President Trump, posted on X: "Happening Now -- President Trump is currently in the Oval Office speaking with President Vladimir Putin of Russia since 10 a.m. EDT."

"The call is going well, and still in progress."

He posted an update 40 minutes later: "Update: Call still in progress..."

President Trump first announced his plans for a call late Sunday on the way back to Washington D.C. from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

The call follows talks between Steve Witkoff, Trump's West Asia envoy, and President Putin in Moscow last week.

Witkoff has said the meeting lasted three to four hours.

That meeting came on the heels of a meeting between US' Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the National Security Advisor (NSA) Mike Waltz with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Ahead of the Tuesday call, H.R. McMaster, former NSA to Trump in the first term, told Fox News that Putin's strategy is "to get Trump and the US to accept a deal that is unacceptable to the Ukrainians and then try to turn the US not only against Ukraine but against Europe".

The call marks a significant step in President Trump's efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which he has maintained would never have taken place if he was in office at the time.
Bhopal, March 19 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the victims who drowned in Mata Tila dam in Shivpuri district.

It is feared that all the seven persons who were missing till Tuesday evening are dead.

The Chief Minister in a message on his X handle expressed profound grief over the boat accident in Shivpuri district.

In this accident that happened on Tuesday evening, some devotees died untimely in the village Rajavan, Pichhor under Khaniyadhana police station, the CM said in a statement.

"These devotees were going to Siddh Baba temple near Matatila dam for a programme related to Faag. According to the information received, Shivpuri district administration has safely rescued 8 out of 15 devotees with the help of disaster forces and local citizens," the statement said.

A total of seven people including three women and four children went missing after a boat full of devotees overturned in the Mata Tila Dam located in Khaniyadhana police station area of Shivpuri district on Tuesday evening.

The accident occurred between 4.30 and 4.45 p.m. when 15 people from Rajavan village went by boat to visit Siddh Baba temple, located on the island in the middle of the dam. They were visiting the temple to celebrate an event related to the Hindu festivity of 'Faag' (Holi).

According to police, the boat suddenly lost balance and overturned on the way. Many people in the boat started drowning. The local villagers showed promptness and saved eight people, but three women and four children have not been traced yet.

While speaking to IANS over the phone, a senior officer said, it is yet not confirmed but they all might be no more. No trace of the missing person so far due to darkness and the dam reservoir is huge and deep. Initially two boats and a team of expert divers were deployed to search the missing persons. The site is 110 km from the district headquarters. The dam is constructed on the Betwa river in Uttar Pradesh but it shares its border with Madhya Pradesh.
Ludhiana, March 19 : Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that a mass movement would be launched by the Punjab government against the drug menace from April 1.

Addressing a gathering here, the former Delhi Chief Minister said on April 1 that more than three crore people of Punjab would stand against the scourge of drugs by nabbing a handful of smugglers who are ruining the generations of state for minting money.

Kejriwal said the Punjab government would launch a mass movement against drugs and he urged every resident to be a soldier in this war against drugs.

He added that every AAP worker would go to villages to eliminate the drug menace, adding this would be a decisive war against drugs.

Kejriwal also launched an anti-drug helpline number -- 9779100200 and exhorted the people to give any information related to selling of drugs in their area with the help of this number.

He said the identity of the caller would not be disclosed to anyone but exemplary action against drug smugglers will be taken.

Kejriwal said that drug census would be conducted to ascertain the extent of drugs prevalent in the state.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said as part of this census, teams will visit every household to check the extent of drugs present in the cities and villages.

He added that the identity of drug victims would be kept secret but corrective measures would be taken subsequently.

He said in order to wean away the youth from the menace of drugs, playgrounds and gyms would be opened in every village and this would help in channelising unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction and make them an active partner in socio-economic progress of the state.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that 5,000 new Home Guards are being recruited and they would be deployed in border districts of the state.
On March 10, the Unterberg Poetry Center at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan hosted a panel and readings in honor of Swedish-speaking Finnish author and illustrator Tove Jansson, whose iconic Moomin characters turn 80 this year. She created a world that is one of the most adored in modern literature, said author Makenna Goodman, who moderated the event. Goodman served as editor of Janssons memoir Notes from an Island, recently translated from the Swedish by Thomas Teal for Timber Press (Oct. 2024), and she believes that the imagination and appetite for Toves work is growing.

The discussion also featured author Alexander Chee, who contributed the introduction for Notes from an Island; Leanne Shapton, artist, graphic novelist, and art editor for the New York Review of Books; and author Kate Zambreno, who wrote a story inspired by Janssons The Summer Book for the catalogue accompanying an exhibition of the artists work in Paris in 2023.

Goodman began with an overview of Janssons oeuvre, including her Moomin comic strip and childrens books and the numerous adaptations theyve spawnedfrom television, film, and opera retellings to theme parks in Finland and Japanas well as 11 novels and short story collections for adults. Tove was constantly transforming, experimenting, and evolving her art, she said, and even today, over two decades after her death, readers continue to be moved deeply by her work, which is known and discussed more and more as a life-affirming philosophical project. Goodman also noted the utopian element of Janssons writing: She taught us that imaginative storytelling can convey deeply human, inclusive ideas, and that writing a freer world can open an important door in the collective unconscious.

After Shapton read aloud a passage from The Summer Book (NYRB, 2008, trans. by Teal)in which an aging woman and her young granddaughter explore a cave on their island in the Gulf of FinlandGoodman posed what she called the guiding question for their conversation: What is it about Tove Janssons work that makes it so captivating?

Zambreno said she was struck by the interwoven yet seemingly contradictory themes of community and isolation; the characters are alone in their own bubbles, yet they need each other. She also highlighted the collaboration between the human and the nonhuman throughout the authors books.

Chee added, I think theres a lot of tenderness, and that the stories, across categories, are created out of a tremendous intimacy. He lauded Janssons directness and precision of language. Shapton agreed, saying, I think that economy comes from knowing how to draw; she looks really closely. The Moomins provided the perfect training ground for her verbal and visual sensibility.

Next, Zambreno read an excerpt from Sun City, translated by Teal for NYRB (Feb. 2025)a satirical novel set in a retirement home in 1970s Florida. She appreciated the slowness and patience of the prose, as Jansson takes her time to conjure the atmosphere.

Goodman noticed how she writes like a naturalist, the way she collects her materials and observations, while Chee pointed to the visual and sensual quality of her writing. He suggested that the satire succeeds because its sincere.

For the evenings final reading, Chee shared an excerpt from Notes from an Island, Janssons recollections of the home she built with her longtime creative and romantic partner, artist Tuulikki Tooti Pietila, on Klovharun, an island in the Gulf of Finland. The women spent 30 summers living and working beside one another in that refuge before the elements became too difficult to endure in their old age. Zambreno commented on Janssons yearning for the sublime, which shines through her nature writing. The natural world inspired in her a sense of awe and humility; at times she felt she was not worthy of her island, Zambreno said.

Goodman framed the island as a version of the utopian fantasy presented in Moominland: a paradise of collectivism and inclusivity and freedom. Focusing the dialogue on Janssons books for young people, Shapton argued that if you can write for children, you can write anything. Its the hardest formand theres not quite an understanding of just how hard it is. She believes Jansson held the key to unlocking the power of childrens literature because she remembered what its like to be a child. Zambreno reflected on the joy and magic in childrens books and cinema, and their ability to capture big ideas through the imagination, a kind of political act.

The impact of Janssons writing was evident in the sheer volume of fan mail she received for the Moomins. Goodman said the author responded dutifully to 2,000 letters a year from readers. Finally, she became so exhausted that she handed the series over to her younger brother, Lars. Goodman wondered if that kind of correspondence is possible in the digital age.

Zambreno said, I wouldnt be a writer if I wasnt in conversation with others. All of my books come from that. Even a notebook is a correspondence in a way. Chee spoke of a close, years-long connection he has forged with one of his readers through letters. Seeing the memoir (which she edited) in a new light, Goodman said, I actually now think Notes on an Island is a kind of correspondence between Tove and Tooti, whose art accompanies Janssons prose.

As the discussion opened up to the audience, a middle school teacher said that her students respond strongly to her readalouds of the Moomins, finding the characters weird, but still relatable. Another attendee said that her son told her the Moomins gave him permission to live his gender identity; the inclusive politics of those books have become our [familys] politics.

Distilling the appreciation of Janssons craft, Shapton praised her observation and quiet patience, or, as one illustrator in the crowd put it, she sees with her heart.
Aisles were bustling at the Society of Illustrators Museum of Comics and Cartoon Arts Festival 2025, or SI MoCCA Fest, which drew almost 7,000 attendees to the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City March 1516. Independent creators sold zines, prints, minicomics, and merch shoulder-to-shoulder with small and mid-sized publishers including Drawn & Quarterly, Fantagraphics, New York Review Comics, Silver Sprocket, and Uncivilized Press.

Chelsea, where the pavilion is located, is a locus of NYC art schools, and students came out in force at a show that saw a number of art and design graduate programs take out booths to attract enrollment. The environment felt welcoming and celebratory, with stalwart indie cartoonists who have attended the show for decades reuniting with friends and colleagues and young aspiring artists encountering their professors sitting behind tables hawking their minicomics. Again this year, RisoLab, a division of fellow sponsor the School for Visual Arts, set up a demonstration allowing attendees to print their own art on one of its Risograph machines.

Headliners included Charles Burns, Jaime Hernandez, Anders Nilsen, and Adrian Tomine, who were joined by such emerging international cartoonists as Boum, Maria Medem, Chloe Wary, and Linnea Sterte, who drew the festivals poster art. The festival has always been international, said Society of Illustrators executive director Arabelle Liepold. But this year in particular, the German-born arts administrator looked to build on that reputation, bringing global voices together in what felt like a show of solidarity among artists in a fractured political landscape. Featured guests were supported by partner organizations including the French, Swedish, and Spanish consulates.

While the show offered a kind of escapism from the news, per Liepold, current events were very much a highlight of the official program. Australian-Chinese dissident artist Badiucao opened the show on a panel alongside Cuban-American political cartoonist Edel Rodriguez titled Dissidents in Exile. Often called the Chinese Banksy, per his publisher, Liz Frances of Street Noise, Badiucao spent his time outside SI MoCCA guerilla postering a bright red caricature line-up titled New World Order showing American resident Donald Trump aligned with profiles of North Koreas Kim Jong-il and Russias Vladimir Putin. At the show itself, he was on hand to promote his graphic novel debut, You Must Take Part in Revolution. The speculative tale about Hong Kong in 2035, cocreated with journalist Melissa Chan, has been pre-banned in China, Badicuao said, disappearing before his eyes on Chinese-based AI search.

As a Chinese political artist, we used to look up to the democracy in America as a kind of beacon shining the way for Chinabut witnessing whats happening in America is a huge disappointment, Badiucao told PW. Its really a peculiar time to be in America and from the perspective of a Chinese dissident, knowing the way rights are stripped away from people, to tell the American people that this time might be different. You really need to defend your democracy.

Other programs at the show ranged from sessions on comics and ecology to Color, Composition, and Emotion and varied professional development offerings programmed with SVA, such as the eminently practical Ive Graduated, Now What? The goal, according to longtime SI MoCCA programming coordinator Bill Kartalopoulos, is to maintain an intelligent, functional cultural event to get creators and readers alike thinking about comics in interesting ways, and hopefully foster productive conversations between people who are uniquely here in this same space. He added: SI MoCCA has a strong retail core, and that economic engine keeps the show going. But we also take very serious the fact that its organized by a mission-oriented nonprofit, and MoCCA as a festival is itself a cultural event that serves the community.

At an afterparty held at the SVA Flatiron Gallery on March 15, the fest announced the winners of this years SI MoCCA Arts Festival Awards of Excellence, an honor that comes with a cash prize nicknamed the M prize after the late political cartoonist Timothy Patrick M. Moynihan and funded by his former schoolmates. (A pop-up exhibit of Moynihans work greeted visitors at the mouth of this years show floor.) Though the prize is a decade running, the memorial behind it was newly brought to the fore this year during a time when political cartooning and journalism are under increasing threat of government censorship. The award is unique in that a jury comprising three judges attends the first day of the show for five hours and then convenes to select winners solely on art on display that dayprimarily comics and illustration work but in this years case also a set of felted plush toy animals.

This years winners are:

Natalie Andrewson, Dreaming in Color (Peow2)

Linnea Sterte, World Heist (Peow2)

Connie Myers, Big Gamble Rainbow Highway (Cram)

Huahua Zhu, The King's Warrior (Bulgilhan)

Lucky Pocket Press, Knapsack

Ellen Lindner, Lost Diamonds Part 3 (Birdcage Bottom)

John Vasquez Mejias, The Puerto Rican War: A Graphic History (Union Square)

Bill Roundy, The Bees Knees

Keith Knight, Keefer Madness!

Johnny Dombrowski, Over the Top

Yasmeen Abedifard, When to Pick a Pomegranate (Silver Sprocket)

Jennifer Xiao, Puff plush toys (Mango Town)

Bianca Xunise, Punk Rock Karaoke (Penguin Random House)

Christina Lee, Smart Talented Hot Personality

Michael Deforge, Holy Lacrimony (Drawn & Quarterly)

Correction: This article has been updated to clarify the setting in You Must Take Part in Revolution.
Berlin-based academic publisher Springer Nature, which went public last fall, reported that underlying revenue (which excludes the impact of companies sold in the year) increased 5% in 2024 over 2023, rising to 1.85 billion ($2.02 billon) while adjusted operating profit increased 7%, to 512 million ($559 million).

"Our strong results demonstrate our ability to consistently deliver value for our communities while driving innovation in the academic publishing industry," said Springer Nature CEO Frank Vrancken Peeters in a statement. "We publish an ever-increasing amount of high-quality open access content and invest in technology and people to ensure we consistently outperform the market while growing responsibly and sustainably."

The Research segment continues to be the main driver of Springer Nature's growth. Research saw a 6% underlying revenue growth to 1.41 billion ($1.54 billion), "primarily due to the excellent performance of the OA [Open Access] Journals portfolio," according to the publisher. In 2024, Springer Nature passed a milestone by publishing 50% of its primary research articles open access for the first time.

"This achievement underscores the company's leadership in the transition to OA, providing greater value to the research community by enhancing the accessibility and impact of scientific research," said the publisher. "OA articles on average receive significantly more downloads, citations, and attention compared to non-OA articles."

The Education segment supported overall growth, with revenue increasing 3% on an underlying basis to 235 million ($256 million), driven by strong showings in India and South Africa. The Health segments revenue was 188 million ($205 million), which the publisher said was "broadly stable on an underlying basis compared to the previous year.'

Sales by region showed that the Americas accounted for 32% of revenue, while Europe/Middle East/Africa represented 40% of sales and the Asia/Pacific region accounted for 27% of sales.

AI inevitably featured in the company's statement. "Springer Nature continued to make significant investments in technology and AI to improve and accelerate the publishing process and ensure that the research it publishes is robust and can be trusted," the publisher said, noting that in 2024 its technology related investments totaled 177 million ($193 million). The publisher stressed that it "continues to adhere to clear principles when developing and using AI tools, including making sure that any decisions are always taken by a person."

"We are pleased with our business and financial performance in 2024, which reflects our strategic focus on high-growth areas and operational efficiency," said Springer Nature CFO Alexandra Dambeck in a statement. "Our strong free cash flow and reduced financial leverage position us well for future growth and continued investment in innovation for our communities."

On the basis of Springer Natures underlying performance in 2024 and updated foreign currency rates, revenue for 2025 is expected to be in the range of 1.89 billion to 1.93 billion (around $2 billion), and the adjusted operating profit margin to be at least at the level of 2024.

Springer Nature was formed in 2015 through the merger of Nature Publishing Group, Palgrave Macmillan, Macmillan Education and Springer Science+Business Media. Prior to its successful IPO last fall, attempts to go public in the past had failed.

A version of this story first appeared in the U.K. newsletter, BookBrunch.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the inauguration ceremony of a residential complex built in the village of Sugovushan, Aghdara district on March 18 and presented the keys to villagers who moved into the new apartments, Trend reports.

The head of state and the First Lady were informed about the completed project. A total of 180 families (591 people) were registered for relocation to the village. The complex, built on a 2.3-hectare area, consists of five 5-story residential buildings. These buildings contain a total of 190 apartments, including one, two, three, and four-room units.

The head of state and the First Lady were also informed about renovations in the area, including repairs to the secondary school building, which accommodates 144 students. Moreover, two small hydroelectric power stations, " Sugovushan-1" and " Sugovushan-2," with a combined capacity of 7.8 megawatts, have been put into operation. In Sugovushan, a "recreation complex project" was completed. The complex, covering an area of 6 hectares, includes 16 cottages and a two-story hotel building, all of which underwent significant refurbishment.

The head of state engaged in conversation with the residents.

President Ilham Aliyev: Hello.

Residents: Hello, you are welcome!

President Ilham Aliyev: Hello, nice to see you!

Residents: It is nice to see you! You are welcome! Welcome, Mr. President.

President Ilham Aliyev: Happy holidays! Thank you!

Residents: Welcome, Mr. President.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you, thank you very much. You are also welcome!

Residents: Thank you for visiting us, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva.

President Ilham Aliyev: First of all, I congratulate you on the holidays.

Residents: Thank you very much.

President Ilham Aliyev: Today is the Last Tuesday. I lit a bonfire in the village of Hasanriz and congratulate you on the upcoming Novruz holidays!

Residents: We congratulate you too!

President Ilham Aliyev: I remember that lighting the Novruz bonfire in Sugovushan village in 2022 and giving instructions to create conditions for the relocation of people here. These houses have been built  your very beautiful houses. They were built from scratch and have all the amenities. I am glad that the first residents have already moved in and will live here comfortably.

Residents: Thank you very much!

President Ilham Aliyev: All living conditions are available here. The houses are beautiful, spacious and bright. Nature, of course, also adds value to this region. Living next to this beautiful reservoir, of course, is very pleasant. Therefore, there are all the opportunities for a good, comfortable life and work here, and I am glad that former IDPs are now also moving to the Sugovushan village.

This village was liberated from the invaders in the first week of the Second Karabakh War. This was one of our first major successes, one of our great military victories. As you know, for 44 days, our Army, all our Armed Forces were only moving forward, and the liberation of each village, each settlement gave more inspiration to our Army and our entire people. Moreover, the liberation of a large village from the invaders was of particular importance. Sugovushan was the first village to be liberated from the occupiers. The importance of this village is not limited to that alone. Because, as you know, it has tremendous strategic importance. Illegal armed formations and personnel of the Armenian army were stationed in all positions around this village and around the reservoir. From a military point of view, liberating this village from the invaders required both true heroism and self-sacrifice. Our servicemen fulfilled this honorable mission by sacrificing their lives and placing themselves in the line of fire. May God rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace.

Residents: May God rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace.

President Ilham Aliyev: Their dear memory will live in our hearts forever. May God grant health to all our heroes. We always appreciate our servicemen who fought for the Motherland and showed heroism. We regained our lands and expelled the invaders from our lands thanks to the heroism and courage of the younger generation.

Of course, it was a long process. First of all, the state-building process had to go on, a strong state was built. As a result, Azerbaijan today is one of a handful of countries that can pursue an independent policy. We had to embark on a path of economic development, of course. Because no one was helping us. Today, no one is helping us and there is no need for that. Therefore, proceeding from our own strength, we had to create economic opportunities so that we could have financial opportunities. We had to create a strong Army, and we did that. We had to equip our army, and we did that. Work was routinely carried out to build up the combat capability of our army. Of course, the upbringing of the younger generation. We have raised a young generation that is patriotic, loyal to the state and its people. After 30 years, they fulfilled their historic mission with dignity and showed great heroism both during the Second Karabakh War and during the anti-terror operation. You are probably aware that our successful operations are now studied in many foreign universities. Wars and bloody confrontations are becoming quite widespread in the world these days. Now, in the era of the Internet, in the era of freedom of information, everyone knows, can see and follow everything. We can see that not all countries are able to secure their interests, their just interests. Some are fighting for their territorial integrity but cannot achieve any results, or achieve some small-scale military success but cannot achieve a complete victory. In other words, if we simply look at the clashes, conflicts, and wars taking place in the world today, if we look at the wars of recent history, I can say that no one has won a victory as unambiguous and complete as Azerbaijan did after the Second World War. Some conflicts remained unfinished, some remained incomplete, wars have modified into other forms without changing their essence, and took on other forms. Our Victory is complete, and this shows both the strength of our state, our Armed Forces, and the resolve of our people. You, the people who lived in this region and their successors, know perfectly well that the enemy had built such strong fortifications during the occupation that breaking them required both heroism and professionalism. Many were even convinced that we would never be able to break through those defense lines. Because the natural terrain was on the side of the enemy, the engineering fortifications they had built over the years played into their hands. External forces, foreign countries were behind them  first of all, the OSCE Minsk Group, which supposedly received a mandate to deal with this issue. Their main goal was to make this conflict eternal, to make the occupation of our lands perpetual, to pull wool over our eyes, to deceive us, and to make us accept that reality through endless negotiations. This was the goal of all three of them, and all three of them were united around one cause. However, the current relations between these countries show that this was a very rare situation. So what did that show? That all three of them were behind Armenia, all three of them supported Armenia in various ways. One was providing weapons, one was providing political support, and one was providing economic privileges. We fought against this, we fought against exactly this. When the Second Karabakh War began, it was not known how anyone would act. I mean the great powers. In such a difficult political environment, in such a difficult natural terrain, in such heavily fortified areas, to crush the enemy in a matter of 44 days shows the strength of our people. But even then we knew, and I am sure that you knew it too, the entire nation knew that this was not the end of our work, so to speak. Because for certain reasons, the separatists had still maintained their nests in our lands, peacekeeping forces had been brought to our region, and this, as they say, gave separatists additional courage. They also believed that in such a situation their separatism could be continued. Various other events also occurred. However, they could not calculate one thing, and that was the resolve, determination, courage and self-confidence of the Azerbaijani people and state. They could not calculate this. A year and a half ago, a one-day anti-terror operation eradicated separatism, the matter was over and their book was closed. Today we are celebrating this beautiful holiday here. I congratulate you! Live happily here. You deserve it. You experienced suffering for many years, but that suffering has now been consigned to history. I congratulate you!

Residents: Thank you very much. You have brought us to our dream. May you also achieve yours! May God protect your children!

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. Let's present the keys now.

X X X

A key handover ceremony was then held.

X X X

Commemorative photos were taken.
The intricacies of the battlefields in the Ukraine-Russia war are numerous, as most military leaders and politicians continue to do nothing but complicate the situation. Coupled with a dysfunctional approach to conflict resolution, the issue of military leadership takes center stage.



From an American perspective, the origins of this war are quite clear. Russian President Vladimir Putin views the annexation of Ukrainian territory as a logical step toward reconstituting the empire that was the former Soviet Union. He has never abandoned that ambition, and if one is to believe him, he never will.



In Putins bloodthirsty quest for Soviet reconsolidation, Russian combat losses as of February 2025 are estimated to be between 600,000 and 860,000, which aligns with Ukraines General Staff claims of over 819,000 total Russian casualties (killed, wounded, captured, or missing).



As reported by The Washington Post, Capt. Oleh Shyriaev, commander of Ukraines 225th Assault Regiment whose troops crossed the border into Russia on Aug. 6, observes:

This is a story of principle for Putin, first and foremost. He threw [his] ready-made and best brigades here. These are trained, confident typesWe are fighting the elite.

Shyriaiev, whose Assault Regiment successfully destroyed Russian drone warehouses, armored vehicles, arsenals, and ammunition depots, said, We deflected 60,000 Russian troops in [the] Kursk region and we will not go anywhere.



Shyriaev is an example of several brave and clever Ukrainian military leaders to watch. He evolved from a regional police commander to the leader of the 225th Assault Regiment, acquiring numerous awards for valor in the process, including the Order For Courage, the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, and the title of Hero of Ukraine.

Addressing the North Korean troops who have been dispatched to fight for the Russian Army along their border and who Shyriaev has engaged in Dumka, a Ukrainian publication, he observed; North Koreans have been brought in to augment Russian forces. Their tactics do not differ much from those of World War II. But a crucial factor is their ideological indoctrination. For them, dying under ordersfor their leaderis like a jihadist dying for his cause.



That makes them a formidable adversary, Shyriaev said. We assess them as highly capable units, which we are currently grinding down, but it must be noted that they also grind down our troops in their assaultspurely through manpower, purely through sheer numbers.



When discussing the war influence in the eastern cities of Ukraine Kharkiv and Sumy - and effectively the entire Ukrainian-Russia warShyriaev offered a cautionary expectation, stating he didnt believe a truce was possible. This enemy is our historical enemy. We are a country that, according to their military doctrine, they consider territory to be seized. And they will not stop, he said.



With that in mind, Ukraine and its people are fighting for their very existence at a tremendous cost of blood and resources. Conservative estimates place Ukrainian casualties through February at about 46,000 killed, 50,000 lost in action and over 390,000 wounded. Additionally, estimates suggest that more than 6.9 million Ukrainians have fled the country due to the ongoing war.



While the geopolitical ramifications of the wars outcome are undoubtedly significant, the sheer inhumanity surrounding the loss of life must urgently motivate those striving to broker dignified peace for Ukraine, which requires true Ukrainian military leadership. History tells us that military leadership is a function of training and experience, while military statesmanship is predicated on charisma, a quality that cannot be acquired through experience alone.



Ukraine needs military leadership that is distinct from the post-Soviet military paradigm. Its military needs to embrace technology-driven solutions in the war theatre and deploy technology to outmaneuver the enemy.



To survive the ongoing assault by Putin against the Ukrainian people, Ukraine needs to cultivate charismatic and tech-savvy military leadership. The beneficiaries of military leaders such as that of Shyriaev will be the American taxpayers, European allies, and - especially the Ukrainian people who have sacrificed and endured so very much.

Christian Josi is a veteran political advisor and public affairs professional, and a regularly featured columnist. He is the founder and managing director of C. Josi & Company, a global communications consultancy.
Chaeryeong, a member of South Korean girl group Itzy, released a cover of Sabrina Carpenter's hit song "Please, Please, Please."

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The cover, which omits the original version's explicit lyrics, was released Monday on Itzy's official YouTube channel.

Itzy leader Yeji became the first member of the group to release a solo EP, titled Air, on Friday.

The group released two albums in 2024: Born to Be and Gold.
Lifetime / Reality TV World

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/18/2025



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

star Juan Franco has explained the real reasons why he chose to divorce Karla Juarez at the end of the show."I really, truly hate that it has come to this. It's sad," Juan began in a recent tell-all Instagram video.Juan and Karla appeared to get along great and have fun with each other on 's 18th season, resulting in fans rooting for them as a couple and wanting to see more of their dance parties and music sessions.But Juan was lacking an attraction to Karla, and she, in turn, was left craving affection and validation that simply never came. The couple therefore chose to get a divorce on "Decision Day."In response to backlash he had "robbed" Karla of a genuine experience, Juan took to Instagram and shared his side of the story.Juan explained in his Instagram video that he had signed up for hoping to "meet the love of my life" while also having "realistic" expectations his marriage to a total stranger may not last forever."The survival rate of couples on the show is like 20 percent. So there was an 80 percent chance we wouldn't make it or I'd be matched with someone I wasn't really into, and I was okay with that," Juan noted.Juan said he planned to have a great time with his wife no matter what, and he proudly stated, "And that's what I did.""People have said that I robbed Karla of the opportunity to find love on this show, and Karla didn't rob me of anything and I didn't rob Karla of anything either," Juan insisted."When you go on , you have no contractual obligation to love, cherish, respect or anything. Season after season, a person is not into the other person, and they're literally mean to them. And I never was that!"Juan went on to say he "wasn't into Karla for very obvious reasons."Juan shared, "I think she's a pretty girl, but everyone has their type and she's just not my type. Physically, she is jut not my type."Secondly, Juan said Karla let her lease run out and he helped her move all of her belongings into a storage unit."I get it, you wanted to save money while filming the show, but you know, I wasn't very fond of that. That's just not showing me responsibility, and it's now showing me stability," Juan explained.Juan said he didn't make a big deal of that on the show, but then Karla lost her job at a salon."She actually got fired from that job because she didn't see eye to eye with her boss," Juan recalled."I wasn't necessarily happy. She had no plan... She had a job that she booked in New York, which she didn't even have a rate for."Juan said he had given Karla the benefit of the doubt and chose to move forward, but as he got to know her better, he apparently realized they have very different lifestyles."I don't disrespect her lifestyle, but it doesn't align with me. I'm not into tarot, I'm not into burning of the sage and all that, and palo santo. My mom is Catholic and my brother reads tarot, but that doesn't define me," Juan clarified."I wasn't into the crystals, and it was just too much for me... And I did talk about it on the show; I'm not into that."Juan proceeded to explain how Karla also "didn't really know how to cook."Juan recalled how during one episode, Karla didn't know how to turn on the gas oven in their Chicago apartment."She didn't really help me clean the apartment much. For me, personally, those are things that are, like, core values that weren't in line with my lifestyle," Juan said."And at the end of the day, I saw no future with Karla. That's it. I don't think there's anything wrong with Karla. There is a person out there for Karla."Juan then dropped a bombshell claiming viewers were not made privy to some of Karla's alleged biggest flaws or bad habits."The worst part about this is there were a lot of things that happened behind the scenes in confidentiality, and there were things that Karla did on the show which I won't talk about because I don't want to hurt her personal integrity and reputation," Juan claimed."There are three things that Karla did when I should've just stepped away, but I didn't. I kept going out of respect and I'm never going to publicly talk about those."Juan said he had called Karla out on most of his issues with her while filming but he chose not to "make a huge deal" out of them."I just respected her and said, 'I don't agree with this, but let's have fun and let's keep going and see if we gel.' But we never gelled, period, and that's it guys," Juan noted.In a separate post on Reddit, Juan got into more detail about why Karla wasn't his type, and he revealed that he didn't like Karla's behavior off-camera."If I was just looking for someone beautiful, believe me, I've never had an issue (even with a bald spot), so I wouldn't have even went on MAFS. When I saw Karla, yes I thought she was beautiful, she has a nice face and eyes, but physically she's not my type," Juan wrote.Juan went on to state how Karla was a tree hugger who didn't even own a car. He also claimed he had done "75% of the cleaning" in their apartment."Lastly, we spent a lot of time together and there was a lot you all didn't see, but I was turned off by her attitude behind the scenes," Juan wrote.In terms of why he never had sex with Karla, Juan explained via his lengthy Reddit post, "For starters, I'm not desperate, I don't need to go on a show to get laid.""Secondly," he continued, "I did care about Karla's feelings, and allowing myself to be intimate with Karla without feeling anything at all would have complicated things between her and I."Juan added, "If I'm not emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually into you, trust me, I'm not going to be physically into you."According to @MAFSfan, Karla's sister rushed to Karla's defense after Juan posted his rant on Instagram."Ouuwee Juancho, now that you got that off your chest, do you want to tell them the REAL reason it didn't work out and the BIG secret Karla has to keep for you after only knowing you for 24 hours.... I'll sit here and wait," Karla's sister wrote.Juan replied to her, "Hey there, I never said anything about Karla on here that everyone didn't already see on TV except the fact that I wasn't fond of her attitude behind the scenes. Even that [was shown on TV] on the honeymoon."Karla's sister subsequently invited Juan to speak the truth, and she concluded, "Trying to defame Karla with your lies will not get rid of your insecurities Juanchito."Karla and Juan are clearly on bad terms at the moment. Their friendship must have fizzled out some time after they filmed the : Chicago Reunion special one year after "Decision Day."Part 1 of the MAFS reunion aired on Tuesday, March 11 on Lifetime, and Part 2 is set to air on Tuesday, March 18 at 8PM ET/PT on Lifetime.Interested in more news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group or click here to view our newspage!And click here for more updates on former cast members and info on where they are now!
Rami Malek plays a CIA code-breaker on a quest for revenge against the terrorists who killed his wife in the official trailer for The Amateur.

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The trailer, posted to YouTube by 20th Century Studios on Monday, finds Malek starring as Charlie Heller, a CIA analyst whose wife is killed in a London terrorist attack.

The film, based on the novel by Robert Littell, also stars Lawrence Fishburne as a colleague who helps Malik on his quest for revenge.

"When his supervisors refuse to take action, he takes matters into his own hands, embarking on a dangerous trek across the globe to track down those responsible, his intelligence serving as the ultimate weapon for eluding his pursuers and achieving his revenge," the movie's official synopsis reads.

The film's official poster was revealed Monday on social media.

The Amateur is directed by James Hawes and also stars Rachel Brosnahan , Caitriona Balfe, Jon Bernthal Julianne Nicholson , Adrian Martinez and Danny Sapani

The Amateur releases in theaters April 11.
Photos by David Patrushev

We crept into position along a fence line, using what little cover was available to break up the outlines of our group. Ray, a guide on the Jumping Horse Ranch near Ennis, Montana, motioned to use the structure on the near side of a cattle guard as an improvised bench while we watched the elk herd below us unconcernedly mill around.

Lasing a bull at 420 yards as he chewed the cud, we waited for him to stand up and offer a clear shot. With this many animals in the herd, there was a real chance of a pass-through hitting a second elk, and we didnt want to risk that eventuality  the other problem, that of a hundred sets of eyes scanning for danger, didnt help either. He finally stood up, I flicked off the safety on the TriggerTech trigger and loaded about 2 pounds of pressure onto the blade 

Until the advent of actions that could hold consistent, tiny tolerances, building your own bolt action rifle meant not only acquiring the necessary parts, but learning how to run a lathe also. If you werent prepared to put in the weeks required to achieve competence, then finding a good gunsmith was your only option  youd pay either with time or money.

Now, there are a wealth of manufacturers making receivers so accurately that off-the-shelf barrels can be spun up and guaranteed to headspace correctly. If youve ever assembled an AR-15, you already have the required skills, as an AR is a vastly more complicated mechanism. This was brought home on a recent visit to Aero Precision, one of the largest makers of AR-15 parts, who recently got into the bolt gun world. We took the opportunity to build a rifle for an upcoming elk hunt, starting with springs and pins, and if we can do it, anyone can.

Build Sheet

Just as you wouldnt attempt a brake job on your daily driver with nothing more than a pair of pliers, so it is with bolt guns.

Fire control basics. Firing pin, retainer, spring, and trigger unit get assembled into the Solus bolt. The action is torqued to spec, then the scope mounted and trued before test fire. If it fails in the field, youve got no one else to blame.

Thankfully, your tool list isnt all that long and you probably already have a few of them, but the specialized items include a barrel and action vise (or wrench) and a set of headspace gauges, all of which can be had for less than 500 bucks. Yes, its not an inconsequential outlay, but once you have them, theyre good for life and you can always find a willing buyer if you only want to build one rifle.

Under the expert tutelage of Doug at Aero, we got to assemble some parts, such as the bolt stop and firing pin assembly, which will already be installed if you buy an action. But its good to have that level of confidence in your own expertise, so we werent complaining.

Perhaps the most important task is ensuring correct chambering and headspace, and its here that skill with a lathe would normally come into play. Instead, using a piece of drywall tape to create more friction around the barrel, it was secured in a barrel vise and the action threaded up to it. A torque wrench was attached to an action vise and everything tightened up to the required setting before being checked with go/no-go gauges. Once that was out of the way, the rest of the components fell into place: trigger in its hanger, action into stock, action screws torqued to spec and EOTech Vudu 2-12 optic installed.

Aero has its own 100-yard indoor range, so the opportunity to check our new build was too much to pass up. Shooting off bags in the prone position, the first group came in right around 1 MOA, with the second a hair larger. Switching ammo brands resulted in a 0.23-inch group. Not bad for a new gun so fresh it didnt even have a box to be pulled from.

FIELD TEST

As pressure on the trigger built, a shot rang out from the opposite side of the pasture. Another member of our hunting party had let loose, and the herd took off, leaving a fallen comrade behind. Seeing the elk exit stage left, we anticipated they might swing around our position, so we sprinted to an irrigation pivot behind us to use a tire as both a rest and cover.

Breathing heavily, we watched as the herd milled around between 450 and 600 yards from where we were braced against the rubber. It was then that we noticed a bull at the back of the group was slower than the rest, its left foreleg flapping uselessly as it hobbled along. Evidently, a neighbor had taken a poke at it an hour ago a couple of miles away, and it sought the comparative safety of the group we were chasing. It was obvious that the original bull we were after was now no longer the priority target. This one would need to be dispatched.

We slowly backed out of position and high-tailed it back to the truck. The tires struggled for grip on the snowy ranch roads as we swung wide to get in front of the herd, seeing a hill behind them thatd give us cover for an approach. After about two miles, we silently closed the truck doors and shuffled across an open field to the ridgeline wed use for cover, then dropped to our bellies for the last 25 yards or so. As I crawled closer, I mentally went through the ballistic table prepared earlier. The Vudu featured a reticle with 1 MOA circles below the center crosshair, spaced 2-MOA apart. With a 150-yard zero, these lined up with 250, 350, 450, and 500 yards, or as close as made no difference when dialed to maximum magnification. You see him? whispered Ray. 350.

Already set up on my Javelin bipod, the sight picture was steady as a rock and the second circle covered the vital area. I replied, Yep, got him. Firing now. The 175-grain ELD-X bullet shredded both lungs, and the bull dropped where he stood.

Putting meat on the table in front of family and friends is satisfying. Doing it with a rifle you built yourself adds another dimension to the experience and is well within the reach of the average gun guy. With off-the-shelf actions and prefit barrels readily available, the only difficulty is picking the best caliber for your application.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. Azerbaijan brings to investigation an individual distributing video materials related to the country's armed forces, Trend reports via the State Security Service.

The videos were circulated in the foreign segment of social networks on March 17, 2025, that military actions were allegedly being conducted on the state border of Azerbaijan, accompanied by shots of military equipment belonging to the Azerbaijani army.

Following the investigation, a criminal case was initiated by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan, and preliminary data shows that the video was dated February 27, 2025.

Meanwhile, it was established that a citizen of Azerbaijan, Samad Rustamov, born in 2007, filmed the movement of military equipment belonging to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the Gadabay district on February 27, 2025, and shared this video, which is prohibited by law, on his TikTok page on March 15, 2025.

Subsequently, additional videos from different periods were appended to the footage and the false information was presented as the source for various misleading news stories on social media.

As a result of urgent measures, Rustamov was detained and involved in the investigation, while the mobile phone used to record the video was seized as material evidence.

It was once again emphasized that recording and spreading video footage related to the military units of the Azerbaijani Army, their dislocation, movements, combat, and mobilization readiness, weapons, and military equipment on the internet, including through social media, carries criminal liability. Legal actions will be taken against individuals who engage in such activities, under the legislation.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
IndusInd International Holdings chairman Ashok Hinduja on Tuesday announced the acquisition of Reliance Capital, completing the three-year-long resolution process of the debt-ridden company.

Photograph: Prashant Waydande/Reuters

IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL) has transferred the bid amount to the escrow account of the lender, and the takeover of the management from the Administrator will happen on Wednesday.

Mauritius-based IIHL emerged as the successful suitor with a bid of Rs 9,650 crore for the resolution of Reliance Capital (RCAP).

Later, the company paid Rs 200 crore to bolster RCAP's solvency, which was over and above the bid amount.

"The transaction from our side is over. We have worked on this deal for three years.

"As we are speaking, money is moving from one escrow to another," Hinduja said while addressing the media in Mumbai.

The journey for value creation would now begin, he said, adding that the value of Reliance Capital's insurance business on a conservative basis would be Rs 20,000 crore.

IIHL would complete the review of the entire RCAP business and take a call on the fund infusion required, Hinduja said.

Till the business meets value creation requirements, he said, capital infusion would not be an issue.

With regard to subsidiaries, he said there are about 39-40 entities of Reliance Capital and the new management would divest many of them as they are mostly small shell entities with small businesses.

Broking and Asset Reconstruction business will be retained by the new management.

RCAP, registered as a core investment company with the RBI, has several entities, including Reliance Nippon Life Insurance, Reliance General Insurance, Reliance Money, Reliance Securities, Reliance Asset Reconstruction, and Reliance Commercial Finance.

Asked about the listing of insurance companies, Hinduja said it may happen after two years of value creation.

The financial services firm has 1.28 lakh employees and the new management would protect the interest of employees to the extent possible, he assured.

With regard to branding, he said, "For three years, we can continue with the same name as per the NCLT approval but we are keen to promote the IndusInd brand and professional agencies are working on blending the brand for campaign post-acquisition."

The blending of IndusInd band may take place over 6-9 months, he added.

With the acquisition of RCAP, he said IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL) is targeting a valuation of $50 billion by 2030.

Citing the latest NCLT direction, he said it advised all parties to complete procedural issues for the ownership transfer to IIHL by March 20.

The National Company Law Tribunal, in its last hearing, had asked all parties to ensure completion of the implementation process by March 20 while posting the matter for further hearing on March 25, 2025.

In April 2023, IIHL emerged as the successful resolution applicant by winning the bid for Reliance Capital under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) with an offer of Rs 9,650 crore.

Last year, IIHL secured all requisite regulatory approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), and relevant stock and commodity exchanges.

Reliance Capital was placed under the RBI-appointed administration in November 2021 due to governance lapses and payment defaults associated with the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group.

The central bank appointed Nageswara Rao Y as the administrator, who subsequently invited bids for the company's takeover in February 2022.
Capital value appreciation outpaced rental value growth in several key micro-markets between 2021 and 2024, with Noida Sector 150 in the National Capital Region (NCR) leading the pack with a 128 per cent rise in capital values compared to rental value growth of just 66 per cent, according to a report by property consulting firm Anarock.

With the increasing migration of Indians to urban centres, the question of buying versus renting homes looms large for homebuyers.

While each option has its advantages, recent data from Anarock reveals that capital values have appreciated at a faster rate than rental values in several key markets across Indias top seven cities over the three years.

According to the report, capital values on NCRs Sohna Road rose by 59 per cent, compared to a 47 per cent increase in rental values.

In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), capital values in Chembur and Mulund grew by 48 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively, while rental appreciation was lower at 42 per cent and 29 per cent.

Similarly, Hyderabad Information Technology and Engineering Consultancy City (HITEC City) and Gachibowli saw a similar trend, with rental value growth trailing capital appreciation.

While average capital values rose faster than rental values in NCR, MMR, and Hyderabad, the reverse trend was observed in Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.

In Punes Hinjewadi, rental values appreciated by 57 per cent, compared to a 37 per cent rise in capital values.

Similarly, capital appreciation in Kolkatas Eastern Metropolitan Bypass was just 19 per cent between the end of 2021 and the end of 2024, lower than the 51 per cent rental value growth over the same period.

In Kolkatas satellite city Rajarhat, too, rental values grew by 37 per cent, outpacing capital appreciation of 32 per cent over the period.

Commenting on the divergence between capital appreciation and rental growth in these areas, Anuj Puri, chairman of Anarock group, said that home ownership is becoming more lucrative in key markets where property values are rising faster than rental yields.

For investors, this suggests strong long-term returns in Noida, Hyderabad, and MMR, where capital appreciation outpaces rental growth, he added.

Cautioning investors to align their strategies with location-specific trends, Puri added that those looking for long-term capital appreciation should target markets with high appreciation, while rental-focused investors should focus on localities where rents are rising steadily.

For homebuyers, it is extremely important to weigh property price trends against rental growth to understand whether buying or renting makes more financial sense in each location, he said.
The Meerut Conspiracy Case was aimed at curbing communist influence in India. However, it fuelled nationwide sympathy, shaping the course of leftist politics in the country, writes Utkarsh Mishra.

Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

We often hear, especially of late, that the role of non-Congress movements in the struggle for Independence has been relegated to the margins of history.

The claim holds factual validity in few cases as strongly as it does in the Meerut Conspiracy Case of 1929-1933.

On March 20, 1929, the colonial government in India arrested 32 members of the Communist Party and trade unionists, and charged them with 'conspiring to deprive the King Emperor of his sovereignty of British India'.

Among the arrested were several prominent Indian Communists and trade union leaders -- including Shripad Amrit Dange, Shantaram Savlaram Mirajkar, Sohan Singh Josh, Sachchidanand Vishnu Ghate, Puran Chand Joshi, Muzaffar Ahmad, Shaukat Usmani and others.

Some of these leaders were also arrested and jailed in the Cawnpore (Kanpur) Bolshevik Conspiracy Case in 1924.

What stood out in Meerut was the arrest of three British Communists, who were sent by the Communist Party of Great Britain to assist the party in India.

These were Phillip Spratt, B F Bradley, and H L Hutchinson.

ALSO READ: What links Aamir Khan to the Meerut Conspiracy?

Spratt was the principal accused in the case, due to his credentials for 'infusing fresh life' into the Communist Party of India by 'increasing the number of unions, holding organised demonstrations, editing newspapers, instituting youth movements, initiating and conducting strikes, and using all possible methods of propaganda' to considerably increase membership of the party.

Thus, the case was listed as 'King-Emperor Vs P Spratt and Others'.

The renowned Prof Harold Laski categorises it alongside the Dreyfus Case and the Reichstag Fire Trial. It was debated in the House of Commons in London on several occasions. Yet, even in voluminous books about the freedom movement, it is mentioned only in a few paragraphs.

Prof Laski's comparison is telling, and begets the question why, for this comparison, he preferred the Meerut trial -- where most of the convicts served relatively lighter sentences -- over others which resulted in executions or deaths during life imprisonment.

The reason, perhaps, is the abundance of evidence suggesting that Meerut was a premeditated show trial where the government manoeuvered carefully to get the accused convicted, despite the defence making compelling arguments.

Moreover, it took place during some of the most eventful years of the freedom struggle, coinciding with the assembly bombing by Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, their arrests and the Lahore Conspiracy Case, Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March in Dandi and Congress's Civil Disobedience, the hunger strike by Bhagat Singh and comrades in Lahore jail and the death of Jatin Das, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.

Yet, it deserves its own place in history as it was the turning point for the Communist movement in India, which resulted in the party and its leaders getting widespread sympathy among the people.

Prelude to Arrests

In his memoirs Blowing Up India, Spratt recalls his arrival in India in December 1926. His visit was meant to be for six months, during which he had to prepare a report for the Communist Party of Great Britain on the possibilities of a revolution in India. The turn of events, however, stretched those six months into a lifetime and Spratt never went back to his country of birth.

During the couple of years from his arrival to his arrest, Spratt worked tirelessly to build the party organisation, which had largely remained dormant since its foundation in 1925.

Although, as mentioned above, leaders like Dange, Mirajkar, Ahmad, and Ghate were already well-known for their work among the working classes, peasants and youth. After his arrival, Spratt met Communist leaders in Bombay (now Mumbai) and Calcutta (now Kolkata) and organised strikes and protests.

The government was alarmed by labour disputes rising across the country and months-long strikes in cotton and jute mills of Bombay and Bengal respectively, and the activities of Spratt and others came under heavy surveillance.

In their memoirs, Sohan Singh Josh and H L Hutchinson have also given accounts of the increased trade union activities in India during those years.

Spratt writes that the Millowners Associations of Bombay and Calcutta appealed to the government to 'rid them of the nuisance'.

Josh also writes, in his book The Great Attack, that the 'Communist movement had become a great headache to British Indian government', and says that the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Bombay Indian Merchants Association were asking the Government of India to introduce immediately an emergency ordinance to deal with the strike leaders...'

The government responded by launching the Meerut Conspiracy Case.

In his book Rebels Against the Raj, historian Ramchandra Guha cites correspondence between the governor of Bombay and viceroy of India discussing the increasing Communist influence on the mill workers. The governor expresses his inability to act strictly in the absence of empowering laws, to which the Viceroy replies that the new Public Safety Act will remove this roadblock.

The Arrests

Raids were conducted in four provinces on March 20, 1929 -- Bombay, Bengal, Punjab and the United Provinces (which is now Uttar Pradesh), and 32 people were arrested.

Spratt, Ahmad, Dharani Goswami, Gopen Chakravarti, Gopal Basak, Radha Raman Mitra, Shibnath Banerji, Shamsul Huda, Kishorilal Ghose from Bengal; Bradley, Dange, Ghate, Mirajkar, K N Joglekar, R S Nimbkar, A A Awle, G R Kasle, G Thengdi, M G Desai, G Adhikari and S H Jhabvala from Bombay; P C Joshi, Ajodhya Prasad, Gauri Shanker, Bishwanath Mukherji, Dharambir Singh, L Kadam and Shaukat Sumani from UP; and Josh, Abdul Majid and Kedarnath Sehgal from Punjab. Hutchinson was also arrested from Bombay later.

They were all taken to Meerut District Jail for a conspiracy trial which the government had carefully planned, as revealed by official documents.

Why Meerut?

The government was keen to deny these leaders a jury trial, suspecting that a jury might take a sympathetic view towards their activities. In fact, Spratt was let off by a jury earlier in when he faced trial for sedition in 1927.

Since jury trials were typically conducted in the high courts of Presidency towns like Bombay and Calcutta, the government decided to conduct this trial in Meerut, which was not a presidency town and where trials were usually conducted by a sessions judge without a jury.

Josh cites official correspondence detailing the government's meticulous preparation before launching the case to ensure convictions. The government also got it confirmed from the governor of UP that an 'offence under Chapter VI of the Indian Penal Code is not triable by a jury'.

In a briefing to the prosecuting counsel Langford James, the Home Political Department said that 'we hope to be able on the result of this case to make further communist activities both difficult and dangerous for those who wish to indulge in them.'

Clearly, the government intended it to be a lesson to intimidate people from joining the communist movement. However, as we shall see, it had an opposite effect.

Josh writes that the opposition to repressive legislations like the Trade Disputes Bill and the Public Safety Bill had fomented a unity between the nationalist leaders and the communists (notwithstanding strict directions from the Comintern against it), and the government wanted to break this unity by painting the communists in a bad light.

It was for this reason, Josh believes, that Jawaharlal Nehru was not implicated in this case despite being a suitable candidate: he travelled to Soviet Union and praised it, he used to write to League Against Imperialism in Brussels, and was sympathetic to the Third International.

He also presided over the All-India Trade Union Congress the next year and initiated efforts to form a defence committee for the Meerut accused with his father. Motilal Nehru, as its chairman.

The Trial

The trial began on June 12, 1929, and charges were framed on January 11, 1930.

On January 14, the magistrate submitted the case to special sessions judge.

The government prosecutor, Langford James, was an avowed anti-communist and given his briefing to ensure conviction, he brought mammoth material on record. His opening statement continued for 10 days.

However, both Spratt and Josh commend James for his enthusiasm and acknowledge that the trial was amusing and lively until he was arguing. Although, he died months later, and certain Mr Kemp took his place, who was 'quite dull and humourless'.

Initially, all those arrested were kept in solitary confinement under harsh conditions. But after a few days, they were shifted to barracks where they could meet and discuss their defence.

Interestingly, a few of them denied being communists, which led to formation of two groups -- communists and non-communists.

Though a defence committee was constituted for them and they were also offered legal assistance by the state, the communists decided to conduct their own defence for propaganda purposes.

An interesting outcome of their decision was that they were allowed to refer to materials used by the prosecution to prepare their defence. A lot of it was banned literature and thus, they got their hands on crucial propaganda material which was not available to them outside the prison.

Their statements and publicity of the trial gave them widespread recognition and support among the people. It was also aided by the favourable attitude of the nationalist leaders of the Congress towards them, the high point of which was a visit by Mahatma Gandhi himself.

As Spratt writes: 'On the whole, the revelation of our secret methods got people to admire us; we had done what most young men wanted to do most of what can be said in favour of Communism was said.'

The Magnitude of the Case

Despite being a show-trial that it was, the case dragged for over four years, boring even the accused.

The total number of prosecution exhibits came to 4,859 pages, while defence exhibits ran into 1,406 pages.

Josh mentions in his book, 'In the sessions court the prosecution evidence took over 13 months. The judgement delivered by the sessions judge was 676 pages in two volumes, which he took over five months to write.'

The Verdict

The sessions judge convicted 27 people.

Ahmad was sentenced to life imprisonment. Spratt, Dange, Ghate, Joglekar, Nimbkar were sentenced to 12 years in jail. Others were also given jail terms ranging 10 years to four years.

The convicts appealed to high court and, this time, decided to appoint Dr Kailash Nath Katju to represent them. He was able to get several of them acquitted while the sentences of others were reduced.

Ahmad, Dange, and Usmani had to serve three years, while Spratts sentence was reduced to two.

The sentences of Ghate, Joglekar, Nimbkar, Bradley, Mirajkar, Josh, Goswami and Majid were reduced to one year.

Thus ended the Meerut Conspiracy case.

Contrary to the government's intentions, the case ended up presenting a positive picture of the communist movement among the people.

However, on Spratt, it had the opposite effect.

In jail, he got to read a lot and started experiencing 'an emotional turn away from communism'.

He later wrote: 'Eventually, in fact, I abandoned communism not due to any personal experience, but because of a gradual loss of confidence in it, brought about mainly by reading.'
'We don't know which bus is coming next. I know for sure whatever bus comes next, it will miss that too.'

'I think India has a huge employment and employability crisis that the mainstream media is afraid to talk about.

'The problem with education in India is millions of graduates who are fit only for call center, back office and clerical jobs, all of which will be easily replaced by AI.

'So India is not looking at a demographic dividend but a disaster.'

Wrote Srinath Mallikarjunan, CEO and Chief Scientist at Unmanned Dynamics, in a viral Linkedin post.

The Unmanned Dynamics Web site describes it as 'a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers who convert innovative ideas to world class products.'

"Just having schemes and saying, let's focus on AI today, let's focus on blockchain tomorrow is not going to help," Srinath Mallikarjunan tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier in the concluding segment of a two-part interview.

Part 1 of the Interview: 'How Do Students Get 100% In Exams?'

While India moved from BPO to services to GCC, China shocked the world by coming out with DeepSeek AI.

Do you think India has missed the AI bus?

India has missed every bus; not just one bus but it has missed one bus after the other.

We don't know which bus is coming next. I know for sure whatever bus comes next, it will miss that too.

Unless...?

Unless there is a change in the education system..

Unless companies find it easy to do business...

Just having schemes and saying, let's focus on AI today, let's focus on blockchain tomorrow, is not going to help.

If your basics are right, you can choose which field you want to go to. You can't just change fields just like that.

For example in AI in India, you see most of the jobs are in classification. Would you say this is a well-paying AI job?

The problem is, there is no long-term vision in the education policy.

40% of India's population is below the age of 25. 65% of the population is below the age of 35.

Though the government says the young population is India's advantage, job creation is not happening....

Job creation is not happening, and the young population is not qualified as they should be.

So what happens is, they can only get very low-paying jobs.

Under-employment...

Yes, under-employment. The gig workers are the classic example. So many of them are college graduates.

On the other side, there are people who are over-qualified, who have understood their subjects, but they find that there are absolutely no avenue for them.

So, you have both these extremes.

IMAGE: Aspirants queue at the Rozgar Mela organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party at the Thyagaraj stadium in New Delhi, December 23, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

In 2017 when I interviewed former Infosys CFO V Balakrishnan, he remarked that job creation was not happening in India.

He also said that it meant the demographic dividend everybody was talking about, would become a demographic disaster.

In 2025, we are talking about the same thing...

It is not good for any society to have a huge number of young people without jobs or money.

Let's look at the people who are going to the US or Canada or any such country illegally giving lakhs of rupees to some agents.

These people might have felt cheated after having spent a lot of money to get a degree which they ultimately find is useless as they have not learnt anything.

They don't find a job too.

Out of desperation, they sell whatever assets their families have to go to another country with the hope that they will get a job at least somewhere else. Even by doing some manual labour, they hope to make a life for themselves.

It is not that they are fascinated by the bright lights of New York or want to be a broker on Wall Street.

What drives them is sheer desperation to save their lives.

Do you feel the political class prefers to sell just dreams rather than offering good education and jobs?

Of course, they are. Fixing the system requires deep thought and work but selling dreams is easy.

So, anyone will take the easy way out. That's why they do this.

IMAGE: Srinath Mallikarjunan IMAGE: Srinath Mallikarjunan

The demographic dividend which is much talked about will be over soon. With the fertility rate in India declining from 2-1 to 1.73, India will have more elderly people than young in no time. ..

There is a reason behind this too. When people in their 20s cannot find meaningful employment, how can they think of starting a family?

Then the fertility rate will come down.

I am sorry to say, I am not optimistic about the future because, to fix the problem, you have to acknowledge that a problem exists.

It is like a doctor prescribing paracetamol to a cancer patient and saying he will be fine tomorrow. The patient may feel happy at that moment thinking he will be fine soon. Does that cure his cancer? No.

Then, one fine day, he will realise that it is too late to treat cancer.

The only positive thing I see is, unlike a human being's lifetime which is finite, a nation's lifetime is infinite.

So, even if four generations are lost in terms of leading unsatisfied lives, if at some point someone wakes up and fixes the structural flaws, at least the fifth or sixth generation from now can be saved.

But to imagine that by 2047, we will be better than the US or China is just living in a dream world.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'As Maharashtras tiger population grows, territorial conflicts, human-wildlife interactions, and habitat pressures will only intensify. We must rethink our approach to conservation beyond just increasing numbers.'

IMAGE: A dead tiger found in the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve National Park, Uttarakhand. Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

Maharashtra lost nearly one tiger every two days between December 30, 2024 and January 22, 2025, sparking concern among wildlife conservationists over the reasons behind the deaths of 12 tigers within a span of a little over three weeks.

While Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik revealed that five of these tigers lost their lives due to injuries resulting from illnesses and territorial conflicts, four lost their lives due to electrocution from live wires installed for other wild animals, and three died due to poaching, the deaths of 12 tigers raise many questions over man-animal conflict, the success of Project Tiger, tiger habitats across various reserves in Maharashtra and measures that need to be taken to prevent such loss.

Kedar Gore, director of The Corbett Foundation that specialises in implementing wildlife conservation programmes across many wilderness landscapes of India, in an interview to Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com discusses the challenges posed, ironically, by the success of Project Tiger, the reasons behind the deaths of tigers inside and outside the forests, the measures needed to reduce man-animal conflicts, the reason why Maharashtra has succeeded in increasing its tiger population manifold and what more needs to be done to save the national animal.

We need to evolve our perspective beyond merely increasing numbers without anticipating the conflict challenges these increased tiger numbers would pose in the next two decades, says Kedar, who has over 25 years of experience in nature conservation, environmental education, human-wildlife coexistence and environment sustainability.

Recently, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik reported that 12 tigers have died across wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra, mostly in Vidarbha, within a span of less than 24 days. How are wildlife conservationists viewing these deaths?

It's deeply concerning to see so many tigers die in such a short span.

While some deaths can be attributed to natural causes, particularly territorial fights among tigers, we've confirmed at least three cases of poaching, as reported by the minister.

Deaths due to railway collision and road accidents are quite worrying too.

What's particularly troubling is that in several cases, as has been seen in the past few years, the causes remain unknown or suspicious.

There's a strong possibility that some deaths might be due to retaliatory measures by villagers, though proving such cases is incredibly challenging.

Each tiger death represents a significant loss to our conservation efforts, and the clustering of these deaths in such a short period raises serious questions about our ability to protect these magnificent creatures.

What's behind this sudden spike in tiger deaths?

Ironically, this situation is partly a consequence of our conservation success.

Maharashtra, especially in the Vidarbha region, and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh have done remarkably well in increasing their tiger populations. The Tadoba Tiger Reserve and adjacent Chandrapur Complex, comprising of Brahmapuri, Chandrapur and Central Chanda divisions, in particular, have witnessed an impressive growth in tiger numbers over the past decade.

The All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) of 2022 has recorded around 250 tigers spread over 11,171 sq km.

At the district level, Chandrapur district has the highest tiger population in the world; while Brahmapuri forest division has seen an increase in the tiger population by 1.5 times from AITE 2018 estimates. This success isn't accidental -- Tadoba provides excellent protection measures, high-quality habitat, and consistent water availability, all of which are crucial for tiger survival.

However, this success brings its own challenges. Tigers are highly territorial animals, and each reserve has a natural carrying capacity -- a limit to how many tigers it can sustain without triggering conflicts (among tigers for territorial superiority).

When the population exceeds this capacity, younger tigers must establish new territories, often leading to violent confrontations. This population pressure forces some tigers to move into adjacent forest divisions in Chandrapur district, areas that weren't traditionally managed as tiger habitats.

What happens when tigers venture beyond reserve boundaries?

This is where we encounter some of our most significant challenges.

Outside the protected reserves, the ecosystem is markedly different. These divisions are affected by encroachment and mining activities, which have led to the degradation of forest corridors. There's a notable scarcity of wild prey animals, but an abundance of livestock. Naturally, tigers begin preying on these easier targets, which inevitably leads to human-wildlife negative interactions.

The forest department's response to these incidents becomes crucial. If they can compensate villagers quickly and fairly for their livestock losses, it helps maintain community support for conservation efforts. However, when compensation is delayed or inadequate, we see a dangerous pattern emerge -- villagers might resort to retaliatory measures such as poisoning cattle carcasses or setting up illegal electrical wire traps to eliminate the tigers that have killed their livestock.

These conflict situations are particularly complex because they involve both wildlife protection and human livelihood concerns. We're essentially asking communities to bear the economic burden of conservation, which isn't sustainable without timely support systems in place.

Photograph: PTI Photo/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Tigers feeding on prey in the Sanjay Dubri National Park and Tiger Reserve in Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh.

The situation must be even more severe when tigers attack humans. How does this impact conservation efforts?

Human attacks represent the most critical escalation of the conflict, and they pose an enormous challenge to conservation efforts. It's fundamentally unrealistic to expect communities to support tiger conservation when they've lost family members to tiger attacks. The trauma and fear these incidents create can undo years of conservation work in a matter of days.

The forest department (of Maharashtra) faces significant challenges in these situations. They're bound by strict legal protocols and can only take action against tigers that have been definitively identified as deliberately attacking humans as against accidental mauling resulting in human deaths.

This may create a frustrating situation where communities feel their safety concerns aren't being adequately addressed and often leads to growing resentment and opposition to conservation efforts among local communities.

You mentioned illnesses affecting tigers. Could you elaborate on the health challenges these animals face?

One of the most significant health threats to tigers is the canine distemper virus (CDT), which can spread between different carnivore species. This becomes particularly problematic in areas where wildlife habitats interface with human settlements. The presence of large numbers of free ranging dogs in wilderness areas has posed newer conservation challenges. Dogs often act as transmission vectors for various diseases.

We've observed complex interactions where stray dogs, jackals and hyenas, feed on the same prey as tigers and leopards, creating multiple pathways for disease transmission.

In December 2024, three tigers and a leopard died due to avian influenza in Gorewada Rescue Centre, Nagpur. But the avian influenza impacting wild tiger populations is remote.

These health challenges are compounded by the stress tigers experience when living in close proximity to human settlements.

Stressed animals are more susceptible to diseases, creating a dangerous feedback loop. Additionally, when tigers move through human-dominated landscapes, they're exposed to agricultural run-off, industrial waste, and improper waste disposal, which introduce hazardous substances like pesticides and heavy metals that may compromise their health.

There's often discussion about human encroachment into tiger habitats. How do you view this issue?

The relationship between humans and tiger habitats is more complex than simple encroachment. Many villages in buffer zones have historical roots dating back decades or even centuries. These communities have traditional rights and livelihoods tied to these forests.

In some areas, proliferation of invasive species such as Lantana camara provide refuge areas for tigers close to human habitation thus resulting in frequent human-wildlife negative interactions.

Outside designated tiger reserves, there's intense pressure on natural prey populations, often due to bushmeat hunting and lack of palatable species. This creates a cascade effect where tigers are forced to seek alternatives, leading them into areas of human habitation.

Habitat degradation and fragmentation due to mining, linear infrastructure and anthropological dependency creates complex dynamics where historical human presence, modern development pressures, and wildlife needs all intersect.

What conservation measures has Maharashtra implemented to address these challenges?

The state has undertaken several significant initiatives as part of its tiger conservation programme. One major approach has been the relocation of villages from core zones (critical tiger habitat) tiger reserve. When these areas are vacated, the agricultural lands are systematically converted into meadows. These meadows that serve as grazing grounds for herbivores, increases the prey base for tigers.

While this approach has been successful in boosting tiger numbers, it comes with its own set of challenges. Village relocation is a sensitive process that requires careful handling of both human rights and conservation concerns. We need to ensure that relocated communities, post-rehabilitation, get support to rebuild their lives elsewhere with dignity and with access to basic needs of healthcare, education and employment.

Looking ahead to the 2026 census, Maharashtra recorded 444 tigers in 2022. What are your expectations for population growth?

Based on AITE of 2018 and 2022, we have seen an increase of almost 1.5 times increase (every four years) in tiger numbers in Maharashtra. Maharashtra has consistently ranked among the most successful tiger conservation states, alongside Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

However, I believe we need to evolve our perspective beyond merely increasing numbers without anticipating the conflict challenges these increased tiger numbers would pose in the next two decades.

Now that India has completed 50 years of Project Tiger and emerged as the world leader in wild tiger numbers, it is necessary to introspect and have a fresh debate to prepare a road map for the next 50 years.

The true measure of Project Tiger's success should be our ability to ensure harmonious human-wildlife coexistence with minimal conflict. This means developing more sophisticated approaches to conservation that balance wildlife protection with community needs.

We need to invest in better monitoring systems and surveillance measures, better equipped frontline forest staff to deal with mafias and violent mobs, prompt and simple compensation mechanisms, restoration of degraded habitats, develop out-of-the-box solutions, more effective strategies for managing tiger populations in human-dominated landscapes.

Finally, in the context of tiger numbers, some states face the 'problem of plenty' while some are grappling with the 'forests being empty'. The challenge is to address both these issues with urgency and with new approaches and out-of-the-box solutions.
A Dhaka court on Tuesday ordered the freezing of 31 bank accounts linked to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members and their associates over corruption allegations against them, according to media reports.

Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only.

According to the Anti-Corruption Commission, these bank accounts belonging to Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby and their related organisations hold a total of Tk 394.6 crore (INR 281.2 crore approximately), reports Prothom Alo.

The organisations whose bank accounts have been ordered frozen include Bangladesh Awami League and Jatir Janak Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Trust, according to The Daily Star newspaper.

Judge Md Zakir Hossain passed the order after ACC Deputy Director Md Monirul Islam, who is leading the inquiry team, submitted an application in this regard.

In the application, the ACC said Hasina and others are trying to transfer the money from these accounts. So, an order is needed to prevent them from doing so.

On March 11, the same court ordered the ACC to freeze 124 bank accounts of Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, five of their family members and their related organisations over corruption allegations against them.

The five other family members are Joy, Putul, Rehana's husband Shafiq Ahmed Siddiq, their family members Bushra Siddiq and Shaheen Siddiq.

The same court also issued travel bans on Hasina, Rehana, Joy, Putul, Rehana's son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, daughters Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmina Siddiq Ruponti after an application was submitted in this regard.

On December 17 last year, the ACC launched a probe into allegations of embezzlement totalling Tk 80,000 crore against Hasina and her family members from nine projects, including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

The commission on December 22 also launched an investigation against Hasina and Joy over allegations of laundering USD 300 million to the United States.

On March 10 this year, the ACC approved the charge sheets against Hasina, Rehana, and four of their family members in six cases filed against them over the alleged misuse of power to obtain plots under the Purbachal New Town Project.

On March 11, the court also ordered the confiscation of Sudha Sadan, a property registered to Sheikh Hasina's children, and immovable assets of Sheikh Rehana and Radwan Mujib Siddiq.

Hasina fled to India on August 5 last year after massive student-led protests led to the ouster of her nearly 16-year Awami League regime.
More than 50 persons have been taken into custody and curfew imposed in parts of Nagpur, a day after protests against Aurangzeb's tomb triggered violence in the city, which Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed was premeditated.

IMAGE: Heavy police present at Nagpur's Mahal area following tension over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb on Monday, March 17, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Speaking in the legislative assembly on Tuesday, Fadnavis said the Vicky Kaushal-starrer film Chhaava, based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, reignited people's emotions against the Mughal emperor and brought before them the true history of the Maratha king.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has said that it won't tolerate any attempts to glorify Aurangzeb and claimed the Nagpur violence was planned.

Five FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence, Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal said on Tuesday.

Violence erupted in central Nagpur's Chitnis Park in Mahal area on Monday around 7.30 pm, with stones hurled at the police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, officials said.

As many as 34 police personnel were injured in the violence, state Bharatiya Janata Party president and Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said after visiting the injured police personnel at a hospital in Nagpur on Tuesday.

The situation now is a little tense, but there is peace in the city with adequate police force deployed, Bawankule said.

Curfew has been imposed in areas under the jurisdiction of some police stations in Nagpur, police said.

Bahujan Samajwadi Party chief Mayawati said, It is not right to damage or break anyone's grave or mausoleum in Maharashtra because this is spoiling the mutual brotherhood, peace and harmony there."

The government should take strict action against such unruly elements, especially in Nagpur, otherwise the situation can worsen, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh said in a post on X.

Shiv Sena-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, Instigating violence, creating instability in the state, keeping the citizens busy over the past history while getting away with tough questions on the state's financial doom, increased debt burden, growing joblessness and farmer suicides.

Leader of Opposition in the state legislative council, Ambadas Danve, blamed Fadnavis and his government for the violence in Nagpur, which is the CM's hometown.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised Fadnavis and his ministers, stating, "We need to examine the statements made by the CM and ministers in recent weeks.

Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the Nagpur violence was a planned attack aimed at spreading communal unrest.

Around 2,000 to 3,000 people gathered and attacked the houses in Mominpura, Chitnis Nagar, and other areas. They pelted stones and attacked them, Shinde said.

VHP leaders on Tuesday said the administration should take stern action against those responsible for clashes and invoke National Security Act.

Talking to reporters in Nagpur, VHP Vidarbha Prant Sah Mantri Devesh Mishra rubbished claims of a chadar' with holy inscriptions being burnt during protests led by VHP and Bajrang Dal in Nagpur, which apparently triggered clashes.

The demonstrations in Nagpur were among many held across the state on Monday to demand the removal of the Mughal emperor's tomb at Khultabad near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

We won't tolerate glorification of Aurangzeb, Mishra said.

He alleged the agitations by VHP were conducted peacefully in Maharashtra, barring Nagpur "where a few followers of Aurangzeb spread rumours to instigate violence".

"Maharashtra belongs to Sambhaji Maharaj. Our issue is the torture he suffered from Aurangzeb. We don't want any symbol of Aurangzeb in Maharashtra, and VHP has decided to remove his tomb. But some people in Nagpur still glorify Aurangzeb," the VHP leader said.

Mishra alleged the violence in Nagpur was pre-planned.

He demanded slapping of stringent NSA on perpetrators and razing of houses of those named in the FIRs by the police.

He said the "movement" to remove the tomb of Aurangzeb will continue.

VHP 'Dharmprasar Pramukh' (Vidarbha Prant) Rajkumar Sharma claimed an appeal was made from a mosque in front of Chitnis Park, leading to the gathering of a mob on Monday.

He demanded action against trustees of the mosque and the maulvis concerned.

"We have requested the police commissioner and the guardian minister to book the perpetrators under the NSA Act," he said.

Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday told reporters that the BJP is "shameless" as the violence took place in the hometown of CM Fadnavis.

"Sadly, when the BJP cannot govern, they resort to violence, riots and this is their set formula in every state. They are trying to dig up the history of someone who lived 300-400 years ago, but they cannot speak about the future. They cannot speak about the present, he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. We firmly reject the statement by the Prime Ministers Office of Armenia dated 18 March 2025 that distorts the realities on the ground and the facts of border area shootings, along with absolutely unfounded claims against Azerbaijan, said Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aykhan Hajizada, Trend reports.

"Ending the border shooting cases that the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan has announced, as well as the open provocations by the Armenian military personnel also seen from video recordings that the Armenian side is aware of, is a must for the stability. Instead of demonstrating goodwill and ceasing such provocations, the Armenian sides abstract and practically impossible propositions have no validity as they were for almost 30 years during the occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan by Armenia. It reminds us of proposals made by the Minsk Group co-chairs, instead of calling to end the occupation.

If the Government of Armenia is guided by the agenda of peace as stated by the Prime Ministers Office, it would be timely to give explanations on how the massive military buildups, especially in the border areas, that also include the deployment of offensive weaponry, serve such an agenda of Armenia.

Concerning the purported goodwill of Armenia on the finalization of the text of the agreement on peace and establishment of interstate relations between the two countries, it is timely to recall the fact that it was Azerbaijan that took the first steps by proposing to work on the peace agreement back in early 2022, when Armenia, by all means, derailed the process. It is also worth reminding that despite Armenias multiple challenges in the negotiations, including its refusal to withdraw its remaining forces from the territories of Azerbaijan and promoting the regime that they established in our territories, it is due to Azerbaijans efforts and measures such an achievement in the process was accomplished.

At the same time, despite being aware of Azerbaijans long-lasting demand to amend the constitution to end the territorial claims against Azerbaijan, Armenias continuing disregard of this challenge is highly concerning. We once again reiterate our principled position that the amendment to Armenias constitution to eliminate the claims against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is a prerequisite to allow the signing of the negotiated text. Furthermore, we emphasize the necessity to formally abolish the obsolete and dysfunctional Minsk Group and related structures of the OSCE.

Armenia, as a country that has been flagrantly violating international treaties being a party to them, including arms control mechanisms for almost 30 years, engaging in aggression against Azerbaijan and concealing the majority of its military hardware and weaponry from international arms control mechanisms by illegally deploying them in our territories, has no moral right to speak about such mechanisms.

When it comes to opening up communications, Armenia despite written and signed obligations regarding the opening of communications connecting Azerbaijans western regions with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, has not fulfilled them for 4 years. Instead, they put forward proposals for essentially unnecessary, complex to execute, and practically lengthy routes that serve to divert attention away from the process and obligations. If the Armenian side is genuinely interested in the opening of communications in the region, it should not evade its obligations and must take practical steps in line with the new regional realities to facilitate the opening of communications.

Azerbaijan will continue its peace efforts in all directions, and will resolutely prevent any steps against this process," the statement reads.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor Tuesday conceded that he was left with "an egg on his face" in opposing India's stance when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out and said due to the policy that was adopted, the country is now in a position where it can make a difference to lasting peace.

IMAGE: Congress general secretary KC Venugopal (organisation) in conversation with party MP Shashi Tharoor (left) as they attend a protest organised by The Fisheries Coordination Committee against the Central government's Sea Sand Mining Project, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, March 12, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Tharoor had criticised India's stance when Russia attacked Ukraine and called for condemnation of the aggression.

During an interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, the former minister of state for external affairs said, "I am still wiping the egg of my face because I am one person in the parliamentary debate who actually criticised the Indian position at the time back in February 2022."

The Thiruvananthapuram MP said his criticism was based on the "well-known grounds that there was a violation of the UN charter, there had been a violation of the principle of inviolability of borders, of the sovereignty of a member state namely Ukraine, and we had always stood for the inadmissibility of the use of force to settle international disputes".

"All of those principles had been violated by one party and we should have condemned it. Well, three years later it does look like I am the one with the egg on my face because clearly the policy has meant that India has actually a prime minister who can hug both the president of Ukraine and the president in Moscow two weeks apart and be accepted in both places," he said during the session titled Waging Peace: Looking Back to Look Ahead.

Therefore, India is in a position where it can make a difference to a lasting peace if it was so required in ways that very few countries would be able to, Tharoor said.

India also benefits due to a number of factors including its distance from Europe, he said.

With the caveat that he cannot speak on behalf of the government as he was in the Opposition, Tharoor also said if it were necessary and if there was an agreed peace between Russia and Ukraine, there would be some willingness on the Indian side to consider sending peacekeepers.

Noting that Russians have made it explicit that they will not accept European peacekeepers who belong to NATO countries, Tharoor said one would have to look beyond Europe for peacekeepers.

"Speaking as an Indian parliamentarian, I don't think there is going to be a lot of resistance to that idea. There was resistance famously when there was a request in 2003 for India to send troops to Iraq and Parliament got together and passed a resolution, saying that in no circumstance, will Indian peacekeepers go to Iraq after the American invasion," the Congress MP said.

"I don't see that happening for Ukraine. I think if it were necessary and there was an agreed peace, I think there would be some willingness to consider. But I can't speak for the government, I am in the opposition," he said.

Tharoor said that with a record of over 49 peacekeeping missions, India's commitment to global stability is well-established.
The family of missing 20-year-old Indian student Sudiksha Konanki has asked the police in the Dominican Republic to declare her dead, according to US media reports.

Photograph: Courtesy, Sudiksha Konanki on Facebook

Konanki, a citizen of India and a permanent resident of the United States, was last seen on March 6 at the Riu Republic Resort in Punta Cana town.

She has gone missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic and US federal law enforcement agencies are working with authorities in the Caribbean country in the probe into her disappearance.

Despite an extensive search, her body has not been found.

Dominican Republic National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira said Konanki's family has sent the agency a letter requesting a declaration of death, NBC News reported on Tuesday.

The Konanki family did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night.

Meanwhile, authorities in the Dominican Republic have confiscated the passport of the man who is the last person known to have been with Konanki, according to a source close to the investigation, CNN News reported.

Dominican Republic Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso interviewed Joshua Steven Riibe, over the weekend for more than six hours and the questioning is expected to continue with a local prosecutor, the source said.

Riibe is not considered a suspect in the case and has not been accused of wrongdoing.

It's unclear why Riibe's passport was confiscated. Since Konanki went missing in the early hours of March 6, Riibe, a 22-year-old from Rock Rapids, Iowa, and a senior at St Cloud State University in Minnesota, has remained under police surveillance in the Dominican Republic. He has been taken to the police station for interrogation multiple times, his parents said in a statement.

The Konanki family sent a formal letter to authorities Monday, acknowledging there is no suspected foul play involved in Konanki's presumed death after she vanished from a Punta Cana beach in the early hours of March 6, New York Post reported.

The father and mother also wrote they trust the authorities' probe into the case and noted Riibe, the last person to see the young woman alive, has cooperated with investigators, sources said.

Konanki's parents in the same letter said that they understand that certain legal procedures must be followed for their request, but that they are prepared to comply with any necessary formalities or documentation, sources were quoted as saying by the ABC News.

Konanki, described by her father as an ambitious student who planned to study medicine, arrived in Punta Cana on March 3. She travelled with five other female students from the University of Pittsburgh, according to the Loudon County Sheriff's Office.

Riibe said he first met Konanki in the hotel when he and his friend introduced themselves to her group. The two friend groups went together to the bar, where they drank until someone suggested we go to the beach, Riibe said in his interview.

In the early hours of March 6, she was seen on surveillance footage drinking with five women and two men in the Riu Republica Hotel bar. In the video, Konanki is seen wearing a white cover-up as she hugs and talks with her friends. Riibe is seen several feet away, bent over and stumbling on the lawn outside the bar.

Then, at 4:15 am, a surveillance camera captured the group, including Konanki, entering the beach, the police said.

Just before 5 am, surveillance footage shows five women and one man leaving the beach, two sources close to the investigation told CNN. Konanki was not among them.

During his fourth interview with prosecutors, on Wednesday, Riibe described a harrowing attempt to save Konanki after they were jostled by the wave and she got tired of swimming.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have said no one is considered a suspect in Konanki's disappearance.

US authorities have said it is a missing persons case and not a criminal matter.
A war of words erupted in the Rajya Sabha between Congress and Communist Party of India-Marxist MPs from Kerala over the strike by ASHA workers in that state demanding a hike in honorarium and post-retirement benefits.

IMAGE: Kerala Asha Health Workers Association members hold a protest march to the State Legislative Assembly in support of their various demands, in Thiruvananthapuram, March 3, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Participating in a discussion on the working of the health ministry, Congress MP Jebi Mather mentioned the ASHA workers' strike and alleged that neither the CPI-M-led Left Front in Kerala nor the Union government were paying attention to their demands.

"Around 27,000 ASHA workers have been on indefinite strike for the past 37 days on the steps of the (Kerala) secretariat... Now they have announced an indefinite hunger strike from the day after tomorrow... Neither the government of Kerala nor the Centre has listened to their concerns," she said.

Informing the House that ASHA workers in Kerala get an honorarium of Rs 7,000 per month, the Congress MP claimed that even this "meagre" amount is delayed. "Can a family survive on Rs 233 a day?" she posed.

As soon as Mather concluded her speech, CPI-M MP John Brittas raised a point of order and said Kerala provides the highest honorarium to ASHA workers.

"Is it not a fact that Kerala gives the highest honorarium for ASHA workers?" he asked rhetorically and accused the Congress of colluding with the BJP to corner the Left Front government in Kerala.

"The Congress is hand in glove with BJP in Kerala... Will they have the guts to take on the BJP? the CPI-M MP asked.

Indian Union Muslim League MP Abdul Wahab, who stood up to speak next, also targeted the Left Front government in Kerala.

"These people start making points of order when we are telling the truth about the Kerala government. We don't know who is right or wrong. Brittas is saying the Centre is responsible and we are saying both the Centre and the state are responsible," he said.

Wahab also demanded that an AIIMS be set up in Kerala and sought an increase in MBBS seats in the country.

IUML is a part of the Congress-led United Democratic Front in the state.

Several ASHA workers have been protesting in front of the state secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram for over a month seeking post-retirement benefits and a hike in their honorarium. Raising similar demands, a section of Anganwadi workers also began an indefinite protest outside the secretariat on Tuesday.

According to the CPI-M-led Left government in Kerala, it has not received any cash grant from the Centre under the National Health Mission (NHM) for 2023-24 for payment towards various Centre-sponsored schemes, including for ASHA workers.

The Union government has, however, rejected the claim and contended that it has given what was due, but the utilisation certificate has not come from Kerala. It said once the certificate comes, the requisite amounts would be given to the ASHA workers and the state.

Union health minister JP Nadda had also announced in Parliament that the Mission Steering Group of NHM has decided to raise the incentives for ASHA workers.

Participating in the debate on the workings of the Health Ministry, Nadimul Haque of the Trinamool Congress urged the Union government to remove GST on life and health insurance premiums. He also said that under the Mamata Banerjee government, the number of beds in hospitals has been doubled in West Bengal.

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan raised concerns over the situation of maternal health, elderly care, and mental health.

"How can we claim progress in medical facilities when mothers bleed to death in transit and children starve? Our infant mortality is higher than countries like Sri Lanka and China and we also rank the highest in wasted and stunted children under five years," she said.

Bachchan also expressed concern over the situation of organ donations and the long waiting list.

Commenting on mental health awareness, she said, "We talk about physical health but we don't pay attention to mental ailments. India allocates less than one per cent of its total health budget to mental health.
'The LVM3 rocket will orbit one Block 2 BlueBird satellite in Low Earth Orbit.'

Photograph: Kind courtesy NewSpace India Ltd

Come May, Indian rocket LVM3 will orbit an American satellite weighing six ton in a Low Earth Orbit, said a top official of NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of India's Department of Space.

The satellite Block 2 BlueBird belongs to the US based cellular broadband network player AST SpaceMobile.

"The LVM3 rocket will orbit one Block 2 BlueBird satellite in Low Earth Orbit. The mission is slated for May this year," disclosed D Radhakrishnan, NSIL Chairman and Managing Director.

Radhakrishnan also said discussions are on for launching AST SpaceMobile's other satellites.

The company plans to launch about 50 satellites.

The American company will be the second satellite broadband customer orbiting the satellites with the LVM3 rocket.

In 2022 and 2023 Europe's Eutelsat OneWeb used two LVM3 rockets to orbit a total of 72 satellites.

AST SpaceMobile said it is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to offer broadband connectivity direct to mobile devices based on its intellectual property and patent portfolio.

The company plans to have a constellation of over 50 satellites to be launched by various rockets.

Meanwhile Indian Space Research Organisation is readying its LVM3 rocket for the May mission.

On March 15, 2025 ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan flagged off the cryogenic upper stage of LVM3 rocket from the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Tamil Nadu.

That apart, NSIL's Radhakrishnan said the company has inked launch contracts for other Indian rockets -- the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for 2026-2027 and for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) with Space Machines Company, an Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm.

The SSLV rocket will orbit Space Machines Company's second Optimus spacecraft weighing 450kg, the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft so far.

Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at venkatacharijagannathan@gmail.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
The "longest-standing" illegal occupation of a territory after World War II has been experienced by India in Kashmir, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday as he highlighted the selective application of global rules on issues pertaining to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses a session at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar/X

In an interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar batted for establishing a "strong and fair" United Nations as he raised concerns over historical injustices in dealing with certain issues.

Citing Pakistan's illegal occupation of Kashmir, the minister said the "attacker" and the "victim" were clubbed under the same bracket.

"After World War II, the longest-standing illegal presence and occupation of a territory by another country pertains to India in Kashmir," he said.

"We went to the UN. What was an invasion was made into a dispute. The attacker and the victim were put on par," Jaishankar said.

The external affairs minister said global norms and rules must be applied uniformly.

"We need a strong UN but a strong UN requires a fair UN," he said.

"A strong global order must have some basic consistency of standards," he added.
The interim government of Professor Muhammad Yunus refuted United States National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard's remarks on the alleged persecution of minority communities in Bangladesh saying her comments were not based on any evidence or specific allegations.

IMAGE: United States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on March 17, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

"They (Gabbard's comments) paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush," the chief adviser's office said on a verified Facebook post at around midnight Monday.

It said Gabbard's statement in an Indian TV channel was "misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh, a nation whose traditional practice of Islam has been famously inclusive and peaceful and that has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism".

The US spy chief, now in India, earlier on Monday said the longtime unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration."

In an interview with the TV channel, Gabbard alleged "persecution and killing" of religious minorities in Bangladesh and that "the threat of Islamic terrorists" in the country was "rooted" in the "ideology and objective" to "rule and govern with an Islamist Caliphate".

She said, The talks are just beginning between President Trump's new cabinet coming in and the Government of Bangladesh, but this continues to remain a central focus area of concern".

But the chief adviser's office said groundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an "Islamist caliphate" undermined the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who were committed to peace, stability, and progress.

It said Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of "Islamist caliphate'".

"Political leaders and public figures should base their statements, especially about the most sensitive issues, on actual knowledge and take care not to reinforce harmful stereotypes, to fan fears and potentially even stoke sectarian tensions," Yunus's office said.

Gabbard, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a three-day visit, spoke about the ideology of an "Islamic Caliphate" and how extremist elements and terror groups globally aim for such an outcome.

The Chief Adviser's office, however, said Bangladesh, like many countries around the world, faced challenges of extremism, but it has continuously worked in partnership with the international community, including the US, to address these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other counterterrorism efforts".

"In support of our shared global efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, the Interim Government of Bangladesh remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue based on facts and on respect for the sovereignty and security of all nations," the statement read.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who is scheduled to return to Earth early on Wednesday after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station, and invited her to visit India.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her father Deepak Pandya at the Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial, June 7, 2016. Photograph: MEA/Flickr

The letter, written on March 1 and sent through former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, was shared on X by Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.

"Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission," Modi said in the letter.

"After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters," the prime minister said.

Modi recalled meeting Williams and her late father Deepak Pandya during his 2016 visit to the US.

He said he had met Massimino at a programme in New Delhi and Williams's name came up during the conversation.

"During the course of our conversation, your name came up and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you," he said.

The prime minister said he enquired about Williams's wellbeing while meeting President Donald Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden during his visits to the US.

He said 1.4 billion Indians had always taken great pride in Williams's achievements. "Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance."

Modi said Williams's mother Bonnie Pandya must be keenly awaiting her return and he was sure that "Deepakbhai's" blessings were with her as well.

The prime minister also sent his warm regards to Williams's husband Michael Williams.
A special court in Bhopal on Tuesday sentenced a 30-year-old man to 'triple death sentence', convicting him under three charges for the brutal rape and murder of a minor girl last year, stating that the accused was "extremely cruel and bestial" and deserved a greater punishment than death penalty.

Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The case falls in the category of rarest of rare cases, the court said, adding that considering the demonic nature of the accused, if appropriate punishment was not given to him, then it cannot even be imagined how big a threat it will pose to the values of the society and personal life.

Special court judge Kumudini Patel, hearing cases pertaining to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, also sentenced the mother and sister of the male accused, Atul Nihale, to two-year jail term in connection with the case.

The court handed triple death sentence to Nihale, convicting him for abduction, rape and murder of five-year-old girl.

The five-year-old girl from Shahjahanabad area of Bhopal was raped and murdered in September 2024, prosecution's public relation officer Manoj Tripathi said in a statement.

This is for the first time that a person was awarded a triple death sentence in the state, he said.

As per the case details, the minor girl had gone missing after she left the flat of her uncle in Shahjahanabad on September 24, 2024. When the girl did not return home, her grandmother started looking for her. But after failing to find her, her family members approached the police.

The police used technical surveillance, roped in a dog squad, he said.

During the search, the police detected foul smell coming from the flat of accused Nihale. When police got the door opened, the accused's mother Basanti Bai and sister Chanchal told the cops that the bad odour was due to dead rats and they had just cleaned the floor with phenyl.

When the police continued to search, the two women started shouting and stopped them from doing so. However, women police personnel took them aside and the search continued.

During the operation, the police found that the smell was emanating from a white plastic water tank. On looking into the tank, the cops saw the legs of the victims.

Since the body was not coming out due to its small lid, the police took the entire tank to AIIMS, Bhopal, where doctors confirmed that she was brutally raped and her private part was badly injured, he said.

After the interrogation of the trio, the police recovered the victim's clothes and the knife used in the crime.

Nihale admitted the crime and told police that his mother and sister helped in hiding the crime.

The DNA test also confirmed that the girl was raped by Nihale, Tripathi said.

Defence lawyers presented a doctor's prescription of 2015, terming him mentally sick and failed to carry out the treatment of the same. However, the court got the examination by a panel of doctors and found the convict as mentally healthy, he added.

While awarding capital punishment to Nihale, the court said in the order that the demonic nature of the accused, the way of committing the crime, under which he brutalised the girl with a knife and when she resisted, he attacked her on other body parts and killed her, he said.

The court said that without getting disturbed in any way after violence, rape and murder of the innocent girl, he tried to dispose of the body in a planned manner, he added.

The court said that if appropriate punishment is not given to the accused, then it cannot even be imagined how big a threat it will pose to the values of the society and personal life. Looking at the nature of the crime committed by him, it cannot be imagined at all that there is any scope for any improvement in the accused. The accused is extremely cruel, ruthless, gruesome, sadistic and bestial by nature, it said.

The aggravated circumstances are more than the mitigating circumstances and it is clear that this case falls in the category of rarest of rare cases where the question of any other punishment undoubtedly ends, it said.

The judge stated that if there is any case for which the death penalty should be awarded, then it is this case, according to the prosecution's PRO.

If we cannot provide such a society to children where they can play in their own courtyard, home, school, then how can a civilized society be imagined, the court said.

The court said that while social security is a fundamental element of the Indian Constitution, does releasing such a man -vampire monster come under human rights? If there is a greater punishment than the death penalty, then the accused deserves it, it said.

Nihale was charged under various Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections, including 64 (A) (rape), 66 (causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim) and 103 (murder) as well as the POCSO Act.

Nihale's mother Basanti Bai and sister Chanchal were also convicted under BNS section 238 (A) (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) and awarded a jail term of two year each.
States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

IMAGE: Women covering themselves with scarves to protect from the heat pass on a road on a hot summer day, in Surat, March 16, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

As the country gears up for yet another scorching summer, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is planning to come up with 300 more heat action plans (HAPs) at the city level, a senior official said on Monday.

Heatwaves kicked off by February-end, sooner than expected, this year, with temperatures soaring above 40C in states like Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal and Odisha.

Heatwaves are anticipated to continue in these regions till Tuesday.

During the next four-five days, Northwest India is also likely to see a gradual rise of about 3-5C in maximum temperatures, the India meteorological department (IMD) said on Monday.

"NDMA and the ministry of home affairs (MHA) have been pushing for the creation of HAPs.

"Nearly 200 such plans have been finalised in India at the city level.

"We are now trying to scale it up to another 300," Safi Ahsan Rizvi, advisor at the NDMA, said at the Global Heat and Cooling Forum conference.

HAPs are standard operating procedures (SOPs) which states/cities/municipal bodies need to follow to tackle heat-related impacts.

The HAP is a framework developed by governments to prepare for, respond to, and recover from extreme heat events, aiming at reducing the effects on public health and infrastructure.

These plans may include emergency response activities, long-term heat preparedness and cooling interventions across sectors.

States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

Rizvi added, "Once these HAPs are in place, the big job for all of us starts -- how to push it through.

"So, getting the district magistrates oriented and bringing the HAPs down from government paper are the basic tasks that NDMA has taken upon itself over the next few years."

The earth sciences ministry, last year, informed Parliament that the 15th Finance Commission did not find much merit in the request to expand the scope of disasters eligible for financial assistance.

Hence, extreme heat is not yet considered a natural disaster or calamity eligible for assistance.

The ministry also said that heatwave deaths are falling due to better weather prediction by the IMD.

According to a UN report, India reported as many as 40,000 cases of suspected heat strokes and over 100 deaths till mid-June last year when temperatures shot up to nearly 50C, especially in East and Northwest regions.

According to data from the Met bureau, the country recorded 536 heatwave days during the summer of 2024, the highest since 2010, which saw 578 heatwave days.

Heat stress presents a substantial yet often underestimated risk, particularly in an economy where around 85 per cent of the Indian workforce is engaged in the informal sector, according to government and International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates.

Sectors most vulnerable to heat include farming (45.5 per cent), construction (9-12 per cent), and street vending (about 9 per cent).

ILO warned that over 70 per cent of the global workforce -- 2.4 billion people -- are now at high risk of extreme heat, resulting in 22.85 million injuries and 18,970 deaths annually among workers.

"Climate change, manifested through rising temperature and changing patterns of monsoon rainfall in India, could cost the economy 2.8 per cent of its GDP.

"It could depress the living standards of nearly half of its population by 2050," said a RBI report.

According to a 2022 World Bank report, India could account for 34 million of the projected 80 million global job losses from heat stress associated with productivity decline by 2030.

Further, up to 4.5 per cent of India's GDP could be at risk by 2030 owing to lost labour hours from extreme heat and humid conditions.

NDMA is also working on an earthquake mitigation plan.

"The Indian government has approved $30 billion over 5 years (2021-2026) for disaster management. Of the $30 billion, $6 billion is for mitigation.

"In the last financial year, the government approved $850 million for mitigation programmes," Rizvi added.

Heat hazards

Nearly 200 HAPs have been finalised in India at the city level

According to a UN report, India reported 40,000 cases of heat strokes and over 100 deaths till mid-June last year

According to the Met bureau data, it recorded 536 heatwave days during summer of 2024, the highest number since 2010

ILO warned that over 70% of the global workforce are now at high risk of extreme heat

According to a 2022 World Bank report, India could account for 34 million of the projected 80 million global job losses from heat stress

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
At least 413 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed after the Israeli military conducted "extensive strikes" on Hamas, ending a weeks-long deadlock over extending the ceasefire that paused fighting in January.

IMAGE: Dead bodies lie at Nasser hospital following Israeli strikes, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, March 18, 2025. Photograph: Reuters

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement.

"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu's office said.

The Israeli military ordered people to evacuate eastern Gaza, including much of the northern town of Beit Hanoun and other communities further south, and head toward the centre of the territory, indicating that Israel could soon launch renewed ground operations.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Netanyahu's office said.

The White House said the United States had been consulted about the attack and voiced support for Israel's actions.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the "Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza."

"As President Trump has made it clear, Hamas, the Houthis, Iran all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay: All hell will break lose," Leavitt told Fox News.

The surprise attack shattered a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and raised the prospect of a full return to fighting in a 17-month war that has killed over 48,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza.

It also raised questions about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the UK David Lammy has welcomed the conclusion of negotiations of a draft peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Trend reports.

"Armenia and Azerbaijan concluded negotiations on a historic peace agreement. We warmly welcome that achievement and encourage both sides to move to signature as soon as possible," Lammy said as he addressed the Parliament.

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.
Seema Haider -- a Pakistani woman who allegedly entered India illegally with her four children two years ago -- and her second husband Sachin Meena on Tuesday became parents to a baby girl, sources said.

IMAGE: Seema Haider with her husband Sachin Meena. Photograph: X

Haider gave birth to the girl at a private hospital in Greater Noida at 4 am, and both the mother and the child are safe, the couple's lawyer A P Singh said.

"Haider and Meena have become proud parents to a baby girl. She gave birth to the girl at 4 am on Tuesday. Both mother and child are safe. I invite people to suggest a name for the girl through social media," Singh said. Haider, 32, who hails from Jacobabad in Pakistan's Sindh province, took her children and left home in Karachi in May 2023 to travel to India via Nepal.

She captured headlines that July when Indian authorities found her living with Meena, 27, whom she now claims to have married, in the Greater Noida area in Uttar Pradesh.

The duo reportedly got in touch in 2019 while playing an online game.

Haider has four children from her Pakistani husband Ghulam Haider, who earlier hired an Indian lawyer to seek custody of their children.

Haider and Meena were arrested in July 2023 before being released on bail. While Haider was charged with illegally entering India, Meena was booked for sheltering the illegal immigrant.

Haider claims to have adopted Hinduism after marrying Meena.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday considered the Election Commission of India's stand to deliberate on the demand for uploading polling booth-wise voter turnout data on its website and asked the petitioners to make representations before the poll panel in 10 days.

IMAGE: Voters get their names checked in voters' lists inside a polling station during the fifth phase of general election in Howrah district of West Bengal. Photograph: Sahiba Chawdhary/Reuters

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan was hearing two PILs filed by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and NGO Association for Democratic Reforms in 2019, respectively.

The PILs sought a direction to the poll panel to upload polling station-wise voter turnout data on its website within 48 hours of conclusion of polling in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the poll panel, said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar wanted to meet and discuss the grievance.

"Here is a new chief election commissioner now. The petitioners can meet him and it may be addressed, he said.

The CJI then said, "In the meanwhile, the counsel for Election Commission states that the petitioners (the NGO and the MP) may file a representation with the Election Commission and the EC will give them a hearing and inform them in advance. Let the representation be made in 10 days."

During the hearing, advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the NGO, said there were huge discrepancies on the EVM count and the number of persons coming to cast vote at the polling stations.

"How did at the end of the day polling of 10 become 50 next morning needs to be explained. There is a discrepancy in the final list published and the ones who visit the polling station, argued senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Moitra.

The court adjourned the hearing in the July 28 week.

On May 17, the top court sought within a week the Election Commission's response on the NGO's plea.

In its affidavit, the poll panel opposed the NGO's demand contending it will "vitiate" the electoral space and cause "chaos" in the poll machinery in the midst of the general elections.

The ADR filed an interim application in its 2019 PIL seeking directions to the poll panel that "scanned legible copies of Form 17C Part-I (Account of Votes Recorded)" of all polling stations be uploaded immediately after the polls.

"Direct the Election Commission to provide tabulated polling station-wise data in absolute figures of the number of votes polled as recorded in Form 17C Part- I after each phase of polling in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections and also a tabulation of constituency-wise figures of voter turnout in absolute numbers in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections," the NGO had said.

The plea claimed that the voter turnout data for the first two phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections published by ECI on April 30 was published 11 days after the first phase of polling on April 19 and four days after second phase of polling on April 26.

"The data, as published by the ECI in its press release dated April 30, 2024 shows a sharp increase (by about 5-6 per cent) as compared to the initial percentages announced by ECI as of 7 pm on the day of polling," it added.

The petition said the "inordinate" delay in the release of the final voter turnout data, coupled with the unusually high revision of over five per cent in the poll panel's press note of April 30, 2024 raised concerns and public suspicion regarding the correctness of the data.

"These apprehensions must be addressed and put to rest...it is necessary that the ECI be directed to disclose on its website scanned legible copies of Form 17C Part- I (Account of Votes Recorded) of all polling stations which contains the authenticated figures for votes polled, within 48 hours of the close of polling," it said.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would examine the issue over the jurisdiction of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal in entertaining complaints against sitting high court judges.

IMAGE: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna addresses the Lokpal Day 2025 program, at Manekshaw Center in New Delhi, January 16, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

A three-judge special bench comprising Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant and Abhay S Oka was dealing with a suo motu proceeding initiated over the Lokpal's January 27 order on the issue.

While posting the hearing on April 15, the bench asked senior advocate Ranjit Kumar to assist it as an amicus curiae in the matter.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said the limited point was whether the Lokpal had jurisdiction.

"We will only consider the issue with regard to jurisdiction under the Lokpal Act," Justice Gavai said.

The top court on February 20 stayed the Lokpal's order, saying it was "something very, very disturbing" and concerned the independence of the judiciary.

It then issued notices and sought responses from the Centre, the Lokpal registrar and the complainant.

Mehta previously said that a high court judge would never fall within the ambit of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

The Lokpal had passed the order on two complaints filed against a sitting additional judge of a high court.

On Tuesday, the complainant appeared before the apex court and said he had filed an affidavit in support of his submissions.

"I want the honour of the Lokpal and also the judiciary to be uplifted," he said.

The bench asked the complainant whether he would engage a legal aid lawyer.

The complainant refused any legal assistance and said his submissions were already mentioned in the affidavit.

Pointing out a substantial question of law in the matter, Mehta said, "In my view, only one section of the Lokpal Act is to be examined."

When the bench said a counter affidavit was filed by the registrar of Lokpal, Mehta said it was almost a "reiteration of the order".

There was already a mechanism in place to deal with complaints against judges, the bench observed.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who is also assisting the court, said, "The fundamental issue will be, can a complaint be ever filed outside the remit of the constitutional authority."

Kumar, the bench said, would go through the complainant's submissions and other materials to have a holistic view of the matter before it decided the issue.

Mehta, who filed his written submissions, argued any high court couldn't be said to have been "established" by the Act of Parliament as the Constitution of India gave rise to each high court under the mandatory constitutional scheme.

The solicitor general, therefore, sought the Lokpal order to be set aside.

All high courts, he said, ought to be treated as constitutional courts established under Article 214 of the Constitution.

Mehta said it was a settled proposition of the law that a high court judge was a holder of constitutional office and couldn't be regarded as an "employee" of the government.

"Lokpal of India has further wrongly held in the impugned order that a judge of a high court will come within the ambit of expression 'any person' in clause (f) of section 14(1) of the 2013 Act," he added.

Referring to an apex court verdict, Mehta said it was held that a high court judge occupied a unique position and held a constitutional office.

The Lokpal order had said judges of the apex court were not amenable to Lokpal's jurisdiction since the Supreme Court was established by Article 124 of the Constitution and not under an Act of Parliament.

"The same analogy should be applied in the case of high courts, not only because of Article 214 but also because of other provisions of the Constitution with respect to high court, which are similar to the provision with respect to the Supreme Court," Mehta said.

A high court judge, he said, couldn't come within the purview of the 2013 Act.

The high court judge was alleged to have influenced a judge of the subordinate judiciary and a judge of the same high court set to deal with a suit filed against the complainant by a private company, which was to be favoured.

In its order, the Lokpal directed the complaints and relevant materials received in its registry in the two matters to be forwarded to the office of the CJI for his consideration.

Without examining the merits of the allegations, the Lokpal bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar held in the affirmative the question whether judges of the high courts established by an Act of Parliament came within the ambit of Section 14 of the 2013 Lokayuktas Act.

The order further said it would be "too naive" to argue that a high court judge would not come within the ambit of expression "any person" in clause (f) of section 14 (1) of the 2013 Act.
In a significant order, the Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to examine a PIL alleging Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu awarded contracts to his family members and asked the state government for details of the beneficiaries and inform if due process was followed.

IMAGE: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu holds a sword during the inauguration of the Inter-Tribe Festival 2025 organised by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union, in Itanagar, March 9, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan also sought responses from union ministries of home affairs, finance and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on the issue within five weeks.

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Senaa alleging all government contracts in the state were being awarded to the CM's close family members.

The bench specifically asked the state government to provide details on whether any government contract was awarded to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is party to the PIL.

Pema's father Dorjee Khandu's second wife Rinchin Drema and his nephew Tsering Tashi have been made parties to the case.

Dorjee served as the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh from 2007 until his death in a helicopter crash in April 2011.

The bench asked the state government to also give details, if any, relating to the grant of government contracts to other family members of the present chief minister.

"We want the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Home Affairs reports. We must have a clear cut answer as to who are the parties to whom the contracts were awarded and what was the process (followed). Whether tenders were not called for or not ? It must be stated. Both the ministries must come out clear," the CJI said during the hearing.

"The court went on, We need a detailed affidavit from the state of Arunachal furnishing details of parties to whom the contracts were awarded and with reference to the contracts mentioned in the plea..."

The matter would be heard in the week following July 21.

The bench said it also wanted a detailed final status report from the CAG keeping in mind the code of conduct for lawmakers and their role in awarding government contracts.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner NGOs, said the state of affairs was shocking as the state was being run like a private limited company.

All contracts have been awarded to his (CM's) wife's company, his cousins' company, etc., he alleged.

The state government opposed the plea saying it was an abuse of process of the law.

The CAG, in its report, said that Arunachal Paresh was slightly different and is doing everything it can do This is a politically motivated petition, the government counsel said.

Hundreds of crores have been looted, Bhushan alleged.

The CJI sought "clear cut" answer to the questions on the parties to whom the contracts were awarded and secondly if the process was followed.

Bhushan previously said the top court had issued notices last year to the Centre, the state government, CBI, Khandu and others on the PIL and no substantial hearing took place on the last three dates.

The plea claimed Rinchin Drema's firm, Brand Eagles, was awarded a large number of government contracts despite there being a clear conflict of interest.

The PIL claimed when there was evidence of government contracts being awarded only to the firms of family members of the chief minister and his close associates, it was reasonable to draw an inference that such favour for government contract works of vast magnitude could not have been possible without direct knowledge, consent and active support of the minister concerned.

The petition said the restoration works for flood damage were allotted by the state government's Department of Relief and Rehabilitation.

"The minister of this department was Dorjee Khandu, also former CM, till 2011 and then the charge was taken up by his son Pema Khandu, now present Chief Minister. It is a serious cause of concern in view of so many work orders executed by a few selective firms belonging to the minister himself and his family members. This goes against the principles of good governance and transparent administration....," the plea said.
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague, Butch Wilmore, on Tuesday departed for Earth after being stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for more than nine months.

IMAGE: NASAs SpaceX Crew-9 members -- Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, Sunita Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov -- pose together for a portrait inside the vestibule between the International Space Station and the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft. Photograph: NASA

Williams and Wilmore are scheduled to travel back to Earth alongside Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The spacecraft, Elon Musk-led SpaceX's Dragon, will splash down off the coast of the American state of Florida around 3:27 am IST Wednesday.

According to a NASA statement, the updated return target continues to allow the space station crew members time to complete handover duties while providing operational flexibility before less-favourable weather conditions are expected later in the week.

Mission managers will continue monitoring weather conditions in the area, as Dragon's undocking relies on several factors, including spacecraft readiness, recovery team readiness, weather, sea states, and other factors. NASA and SpaceX will confirm the specific splashdown location closer to the Crew-9 return, according to the statement.

The 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.

On Friday, SpaceX and NASA launched a mission to bring back Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the ISS, where they have been stranded for nine months.

The launch came after US President Donald Trump urged 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.

Wilmore and 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 NASA and Boeing identified "helium leaks and experienced issues with the spacecraft reaction control thrusters" on June 6 as Starliner approached the space station.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) described his telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin as "productive," stating that both leaders agreed to an immediate ceasefire on all energy and infrastructure.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russia's President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany July 7, 2017. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, said they discussed elements of a peace agreement and that the ceasefire process is now in motion.

"My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine. This War would have never started if I were President! Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!" his post read.

"It's a bad situation in Russia, and it's a bad situation in Ukraine," he said on Monday. "What's happening in Ukraine is not good, but we're going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace, and I think we'll be able to do it."

His remarks come as both sides continue to grapple with intensifying clashes, particularly in the Kursk region.

The phone call between Trump and Putin focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, during which the two leaders agreed on the necessity of lasting peace.

They also discussed a proposed ceasefire in the Black Sea and broader regional stability in the Middle East.

During the conversation, both leaders acknowledged that improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia could bring significant benefits, which could be realized once peace is achieved.

The Trump administration is pushing for an immediate halt to hostilities after Ukraine agreed to a temporary cessation of fighting, provided Russia does the same, ABC News reported

Trump has made clear his intention to mediate a resolution between the two nations, emphasising the need for a swift de-escalation of violence.

"Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people," read a statement from the White House press secretary.

"Happening Now--President Trump is currently in the Oval Office speaking with President Vladimir Putin of Russia since 10:00 am EDT. The call is going well, and still in progress," Scavino posted on X.

According to the ABC News, it is the first known call between Trump and Putin since peace talks between the US and Ukrainian officials a week ago in Saudi Arabia yielded Kyiv agreeing to an immediate, temporary stop to hostilities should Moscow do the same.

While Trump remains hopeful, Putin has been noncommittal on the ceasefire proposal. The Russian leader has expressed conditional support, seeking additional security guarantees before agreeing to pause hostilities. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Putin of deliberately prolonging the conflict and obstructing peace efforts.

A Ukrainian official familiar with the negotiations told ABC News that Kyiv is closely monitoring the Trump-Putin discussion, emphasising that Ukraine accepted the ceasefire "with zero conditions" and warning that any additional demands from Russia would not be tolerated, reported ABC News.

Trump has framed his involvement in the negotiations as a humanitarian effort, stressing the urgency of halting bloodshed. "A lot of people are being killed over there. And, we had to get Ukraine to do the right thing. It was not an easy situation. You got to see a little glimpse at the Oval Office, but I think they're doing the right thing right now. And we're trying to get a peace agreement done. We want to get a ceasefire and then a peace agreement," he said Monday.

The outcome of Trump's talks with Putin could have significant implications for the three-year-old war, which began when Russian forces invaded Ukraine. A key question remains: how far is Trump willing to go to pressure Russia into accepting a ceasefire and a broader peace settlement?

The Trump administration recently took decisive steps, including pausing some military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine following a contentious Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy. These measures were reinstated only after Ukraine agreed to the US-backed ceasefire proposal last Tuesday, ABC News reported.

Beyond the immediate ceasefire talks, broader geopolitical factors remain at play. US officials have signaled that a full Ukrainian return to prewar borders is unrealistic and have ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine. However, the administration has not imposed similar conditions on Russia. This asymmetry raises questions about the broader strategic interests at stake in the negotiations.

Trump has hinted at potential compromises involving land and power plants as part of a larger settlement. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, he said, "Well, I think we'll be talking about land. It's a lot of land. It's a lot different than it was before the wars, you know. And we'll be talking about land, we'll be talking about power plants. That's a big question, but I think we have a lot of it already discussed, very much by both sides."

Although Trump has suggested financial pressure as a potential tool to push Russia toward compliance, he expressed hope that such measures would not be necessary. "There are things you could do that wouldn't be pleasant in a financial sense," he noted last week.

"I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don't want to do that because I want to get peace."
The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Tuesday amid noisy protests by the opposition seeking to ask questions on the statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Maha Kumbh.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks on Maha Kumbh in Lok Sabha. Photograph: Sansad TV

Earlier, the House proceedings were adjourned till 1 pm soon after Modi made a statement on the Maha Kumbh and opposition members rose in their seats in protest.

They also demanded the inclusion of stampede deaths in the statement.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the prime minister should have paid homage to those who lost their lives in the stampede.

"I wanted to support what he was saying. Kumbh is our tradition, history and culture. There was also a complaint that he did not pay homage to those who lost their lives (in the stampede in the Mahakumbh)," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.



"The other thing I wanted to say is that the youth that went to the Kumbh need another thing from the PM, they need employment. The prime minister should speak on employment," the Congress leader said.

Thirty people were killed in a stampede at the Mahakumbh on January 29.

When the House reassembled, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responded to a debate on demands for grants of his ministry.

When the House took up the debate on demands for grants for the Jal Shakti ministry, opposition members continued protesting in the Well of the House, forcing the Chair to adjourn the proceedings for the day.

Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, Modi said the success of the Maha Kumbh was a result of the contributions of countless people from the government and society.

"We witnessed the enthusiasm and excitement of the Maha Kumbh in India for about one and a half months. The way millions of devotees came together with devotion, rising above the concerns of convenience and inconvenience, is our greatest strength," Modi said.

"The nectar of unity is the most sacred offering of the Maha Kumbh," he said.

"The Maha Kumbh was such an event in which people from every region and every corner of the country came together. People put aside their egos and gathered in Prayagraj with the feeling of 'we' and not 'I'," he added.

Modi said the huge display of unity at the Maha Kumbh was India's strength, particularly at a time when the world was in disarray.

"The spirit of unity is so strong that it shatters any attempts to break it," he said.

"We have always said that unity in diversity is the speciality of India and we have experienced its grand form in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. It is our responsibility to continue enriching this feature of unity in diversity," the prime minister said.

He said people speaking different languages and dialects chanting 'Har Har Gange' on the banks of the Sangam gave a glimpse of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', which increased the feeling of unity.

The prime minister likened the Maha Kumbh to important milestones in the struggle for independence when the self-esteem of the country was awakened.

"Be it the war of independence in 1857, the time of Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, the call of Chalo Delhi given by Netaji Subhas babu or the Dandi March of Mahatma Gandhi, India achieved independence by seeking inspiration from such milestones in time," Modi said.

"Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is a similar significant milestone that reflects the spirit of an awakened nation," he said.
Aimee Parnell has been on the job at the Waypoint Center for about a month, and her enthusiasm as the new executive director of the Great Fall
Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas joins others at a St. Patrick's Day Rally on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. In order to thwart attempts by Armenia to exert international pressure for the release of individuals of Armenian descent convicted in Azerbaijan for separatism and crimes committed in Karabakh since 1987, Azerbaijani diaspora organizations in Europe have sent statements to the appropriate authorities of the nations in which they work, Trend reports via the nation's State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

According to information, Mariya Atanasova-Huseynova, Chair of the "Support for the Development of Azerbaijan-Bulgaria Friendship" Public Union and Editor-in-Chief of "Akord" magazine, Taleh Qurbanov, President of the Azerbaijan Turkish Cultural Association, Ulviyya Jabbarova, Chair of the "Azr-Turk Youth Organization," Leyla Begim Cfrova, Head of the "Natavan" Azerbaijan Culture Society, Rashid Mammadov, Head of the "QALA" Greece-Azerbaijan Friendship Society, Emil Aliyev, Head of the "MADANI - The Cultural, Sports, Thought, Solidarity, and Future Opportunities Space of Azerbaijanis" organization, and Farid Amraliyev, Head of the "Land of Fire" organization, are actively working in this direction.

The statements specifically highlight Azerbaijani truths and the Khojaly genocide committed against Azerbaijanis.

The atrocities committed against Azerbaijanis during the occupation of Azerbaijani lands, which violated humanity and international law, were also emphasized in the statements.

The issue of investigating the genocide crime and ensuring that the criminals are fairly punished is also a central topic in the statements.

These actions are an important initiative aimed at making Azerbaijan's diaspora more effective in voicing the country's and people's rightful stance on the international stage.

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Since the collapse of the Soviet Union more than three decades ago, rival South Caucasus neighbors Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars that have killed tens of thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands more.

Now, their leaders appear set to sign a peace treaty aimed at ending hostilities over Azerbaijan's mostly ethnic-Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which Baku retook from Armenian separatists in September 2023 following a lightning offensive.

"This announcement signals a real opportunity to finalize and sign the long-awaited bilateral treaty, said Richard Giragosian, head of the Regional Studies Center, an independent think tank in Yerevan.

Baku and Yerevan announced last week that they had finalized the text of the historic peace deal, though it remains unclear exactly when their leaders would sign it.

The deal is seen as a significant breakthrough to end a grueling conflict in a region where the United States, Russia, the European Union, Turkey, and Iran jostle for influence.

Under the deal, the two neighbors would establish formal relations, with Yerevan recognizing Azerbaijans sovereignty over Karabakh after resisting it since 1991.

Constitutional Changes

The two sides have reportedly agreed on the sticky issue of removing a reference in Armenias constitution to its 1991 declaration of independence that endorses Yerevans territorial claims over the region.

But an amendment to the Armenian Constitution would require a national referendum that could potentially delay the agreements conclusion.

Giragosian argues, however, that in the absence of any last-minute disputes, the deal offers a chance to move beyond the deadlock in diplomacy between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The constitutional changes could not be implemented before June of next year, he said.

Some analysts see the issue as a potential stumbling block. Azerbaijani political analyst Rauf Mirgadirov said this time frame would likely prevent the peace deal from materializing soon.

If the document does not guarantee mutual recognition of territorial integrity, then it is not a true peace agreement, regardless of what it is called," Mirgadirov said.

He said a comprehensive peace deal requires unconditional recognition of each other's territorial integrity.

International Optimism

News of the agreement was welcomed with optimism internationally.

Washington praised Baku and Yerevan for concluding talks on a "historic peace treaty.

"This is an opportunity for both countries to turn the page on a decades-old conflict in line with President [Donald] Trump's vision for a more peaceful world, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a March 14 statement.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the development should pave the way for a lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

European Council President Antonio Costa called the deal a decisive step towards the full normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the opening of the region.

In Yerevan and Baku, residents expressed mixed feelings about the agreement, with lingering distrust and skepticism clouding their hopes for peace and a new beginning.

It wont change anything, a man who declined to give his name told RFE/RLs Armenian Service in Yerevan. What agreement has ever been more than just words on paper? Why would this one be any different?

If there is peace, it will already be good for the people, a woman in the Armenian capital, who also asked not to be named, said. There will be no war. It will be better.

One elderly woman in Baku said they would be very happy if the agreement achieves lasting peace.

Let mothers not be afraid, let children not be afraid, she told RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service.

One man in Baku said Azerbaijanis have little trust in Armenias commitment to a peace deal.

We hope for the best, but it is very difficult, he said.

Written by Abubakar Siddique based on reporting by RFE/RL's Armenian and Azerbaijani services
People on the streets of Yerevan and Baku, the capitals of Armenia and Azerbaijan, reacted to news that the text of a peace agreement had been agreed between the two countries. If signed, the deal will put an end to decades of hostilities between the neighboring South Caucasus nations.
European Union politicians said they are continuing their push into possible support for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after the US government moved to cut the Prague-based broadcaster's funding amid concerns its closure would be a blow to pro-democracy media.

Czech European Affairs Minister Martin Dvorak told reporters in Brussels on March 18 that several nations have supported the initiative so far but the bloc must act quickly as "it would be a big mistake to let this institution die."

"We must initiate some interest and meet with commissioners and some states. At this point, that initiative has been supported by seven other nations, and after we make the initiative public at the General Affairs Council, more countries will join us," Dvorak said, adding the issue needs to be resolved in a matter of "several weeks."

At the initiative of the Czech Republic, a meeting of foreign ministers from the bloc's 27 members on March 17 addressed the issue with the future of RFE/RL unclear due to the cutting of its Congress-approved funding by the administration of President Donald Trump over the weekend.

Czech Minister Rallies EU Support For RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:50 0:00

EU Countries Voice Their Support Of RFE/RL

While Dvorak said he did not want to reveal the names of the countries that have voiced their support for the move, diplomatic sources told RFE/RL that Germany, Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the three Baltic nations are among those who support the initiative.

"The financial challenges faced by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty put independent journalism at serious risk in regions where the free press is silenced, from Russia and Belarus to Iran and Afghanistan," Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said in a post on X.

" If RFE/RL disappears, disinformation and propaganda will fill the void. That would a direct win for those who seek to undermine democracy.... Europe cannot let that happen. Protecting a free press means protecting democracy. Access to fact-based reporting is not just a principle, it is a necessity for security and fundamental freedoms," he added.

EU Ministers Discuss RFE/RL Funding After US Grant Cut No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:18 0:00

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said after the March 17 foreign ministers meeting that he sensed "a certain interest" from other EU members in his country's initiative, and that "it is our responsibility to seriously deal with this issue."

Radio Free Europe's Cold War History

Lipavsky's Polish counterpart, Radek Sikorski, also voiced support for RFE/RL, recalling how his father listened to the station as well as the Voice of America broadcaster during the Cold War.

"It's how we learned the basic facts about our own countries because communist propaganda was so tightly controlled," he told reporters. "And these institutions continue to do similar work for autocracies today."

Trump signed an executive order late on March 14 that aims to reduce seven federal agencies -- including the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and other federal broadcasters.

The order, which also targets agencies that deal with homelessness, labor disputes, and community development, gave the heads of each governmental entity named seven days to submit a report confirming full compliance.

Hours after the executive order was published, a letter from USAGM said the Congress-approved grant that funds RFE/RL, headquartered in the Czech capital, Prague, had been terminated.

RFE/RL President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Capus said canceling the grant agreement would be "a massive gift to America's enemies," a point that was echoed by many media rights watchdogs, democracy advocates, and politicians.

Added US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee: "The Trump administration's latest effort to dismantle entities established and funded by Congress that provide accurate, unbiased information to hundreds of millions of people in countries where press freedom is under attack undermines the US commitment to democracy."

'Critical Lifeline'

If President Trump gets his way, those who depend on US-supported independent media as alternatives to Chinese and Kremlin run media outlets and those living under authoritarian regimes will lose a critical lifeline."

The USAGM is an independent US government agency that oversees the broadcasting of news and information in almost 50 languages to some 361 million people each week.

The total budget request for the USAGM for fiscal year 2025 was $950 million to fund all of its operations and capital investments.

This includes media outlets such as RFE/RL, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio Marti), Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), and the Open Technology Fund.

"Sweden has cosigned a Czech initiative to look for ways in which the EU and its member states can support Radio Free Europe and its role as a voice of freedom, where it is needed the most," Swedish EU Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz said.

Trump, who has taken several moves to slash government spending since taking office for a second term in January, clashed with the USAGM over editorial independence and the direction of programming during his first term.

He has reiterated those concerns again since retaking office. Supporters of the broadcasters say they are an important arm of US diplomacy.

RFE/RL operates in 23 countries and 27 languages across Central and Eastern Europe, the Near East, and Central Asia.
Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm drilling down on one issue: defense and the EU.

The Briefing: Could The EU Become A Military Superpower?

Only two weeks after a European Union summit where the bloc's leaders pledged to spend billions on defense in a "watershed moment for Europe," they are returning to Brussels for another meeting on March 20-21. This time, the EU's leaders aim to solidify plans for strengthening Europe's defense autonomy amid ongoing doubts about the US commitment to protecting European nations and sustaining military support for Ukraine.

In the runup to the summit, the bloc's foreign ministers on March 17 talked about EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas's latest proposal to find money for Kyiv. And on March 19, the European Commission is set to unveil a white paper on the future of European defense. The paper is expected to come up with ideas on how to create a proper integrated European defense market and to flesh out the proposal, made in the European Commission's ReArm Europe plan, where the EU executive would generate up to 800 billion euros ($872 billion) for defense spending over the next four years.

As always in Brussels, there are doubts about how credible all this really is. Diplomats I have spoken to agree that it's a good first step, but, as one senior EU official told me, "The devil is always in the details, and there are plenty of devils here."

Looking closer, it does seem that the 800 billion figure is very ambitious with lots of big ifs. If -- and how quickly -- this proposal can be translated into new weapons and ammunition. And if any of those weapons will make it to Ukraine.

The facts are clear. The EU defense commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, noted in the European Parliament last week that Europe currently has a defense shortfall of at least 500 billion euros, and is lacking "thousands of tanks and armored vehicles."

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also addressing the Strasbourg chamber, noted that, on average, EU countries contributed just short of 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense. Washington is pushing for 5 percent, whereas NATO, according to sources within the military alliance, is toying with the idea of making 3.7 percent the official target at its official Hague summit in June.

Still, even if there is a substantial and rapid increase in defense spending, privately European diplomats say it could take a decade for Europe to carry out major military operations without US help. In Europe at the moment, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance are almost all exclusively provided by the United States.

Rearming Europe?

ReArm Europe aims to address the EU's dependency on the United States by making EU nations increase their defense budgets. But will they? Of the 800 billion euros Von der Leyen is hoping to generate, 650 billion euros could be raised by relaxing defense spending regulations for EU member states over the next four years. This proposal would permit each member state to allocate an additional 1.5 percent of their GDP toward military expenditures. While this extra fiscal space is welcomed, few believe all capitals will use it.

The remaining 150 billion euros are a loan scheme secured against unused EU budget funds that 20 countries in the bloc, without triple-A credit ratings, can use. These loans should finance purchases from European defense producers, although it's not clear if all the components in such equipment need to be from EU countries, or if they could come from non-EU states such as Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey.

The problem here is that it is still a loan and many of the countries, notably in southern Europe, that need to increase their defense spending are heavily indebted. Also, some northern EU states are questioning the logic of this proposal, with the Dutch parliament recently and narrowly passing a nonbinding resolution to reject the ReArm Europe plan with the argument that it just gets the bloc into even more debt.

Then there is the third part of Von der Leyen's proposal, which would allow member states to use for defense the more than 300 billion euros funds left in the EU budget that normally would go to the bloc's poorer regions for infrastructure investment. The issue here, once again, is that it is voluntary. And that means that while it can't be blocked by Russia-friendly countries such as Hungary and Slovakia, as it doesn't require unanimity, some countries just won't bother, unless they're forced.

Bonds And Bazookas

Then there is Germany. The incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has promised a real "spending bazooka," which includes a proposal that defense spending above 1 percent of GDP be exempted from the restrictions of Germany's constitutional debt brake. At the moment, the brake limits the structural budget deficit to 0.35 percent of GDP, except in emergencies.

This could unlock a German defense splurge of billions and is something that is generally welcomed in Brussels. Not quite so much in other European capitals, where there are fears Germany will spend most of it on its own domestic firms and create something of an unfair advantage.

This could, in turn, potentially trigger renewed calls from southern European states for Brussels to issue joint eurobonds, especially for defense investment. A similar thing was done to combat the Continent-wide recession after the coronavirus pandemic. Issuing joint bonds is anathema for most northerners, notably the Netherlands and Germany, but with Berlin clearly indicating that splurging on defense is a must, the proposal may eventually fly.

Military Mobility And The Danish Model

Eurobonds, or "defense bonds" as they are now being rebranded, are likely to make it into the European Commission's white paper on the future of European defense. But the things to really look out for here are some of the nitty-gritty proposals on military mobility. It may not seem like the most urgent thing, but EU officials are pointing out how important it is to be able to quickly move military equipment from one EU member state to another.

As it stands now, that wouldn't be easy. There are no harmonized rules across the bloc on, for example, moving military vehicles from one EU country to another in the event of an emergency. Initiatives such as strengthening bridges, railways, and roads to be able to carry heavier military loads are also suggested in the paper.

Another aspect likely to be included is the idea to integrate Ukraine's defense market into the EU market as the country slowly but steadily is moving toward membership of the union. This is seen by many European diplomats as a real win for the EU, as Ukraine now in fact boasts perhaps the Continent's most capable army and is "ahead of the curve compared to the rest of us on things like military drones," as one EU official familiar with the matter told me.

The document will, in this respect, also promote the so-called Danish model of supporting Ukraine. This approach involves EU member states directly procuring defense equipment manufactured in Ukraine or establishing joint ventures with Ukrainian defense companies. The idea of training Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine and not only in the EU is also being put forward.

Helping Ukraine

But these plans are all for the future, and the question remains what Brussels can do for Ukraine right now. Kyiv has indicated that it may need as much as 33 billion euros of additional military support this year. With the United States possibly not contributing much to this, the EU needs to find most of that cash urgently.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas put forward a new plan to EU member states last week, seen by RFE/RL, which proposes a voluntary scheme that encourages participating states to "deliver military support to Ukraine in 2025 with a provisional value of at least 20 billion euros and potentially reaching 40 billion euros pending Ukrainian needs."

The text gives a deadline of April 30 for those participating to declare how they plan to meet their respective contributions and states that payments should be committed no later than June 30 to ensure deliveries by the end of this year.

The plan says this money should mainly go to large-caliber artillery ammunition, air-defense systems, missiles, drones, fighter jets, and training of Ukrainian troops. It should also support other contributions from member states, for example, sending troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal.

The paper still suggests countries should contribute based on their economic weight, meaning gross national income (GNI). This idea has previously angered France, which claims that trackers of military support for Ukraine such as the Kiel Institute for the World Economy are wrong, and that Paris does many things in secret and is also willing to send actual boots on the ground in Ukraine to safeguard a potential future cease-fire.

Looking Ahead

On March 19, the European Commission will come up with an action plan on how to help the steel industry in the European Union. This would normally not trigger too much interest, but now it's a different story as the United States on March 12 announced it was slapping a 25 percent tariff on steel (as well as aluminum) imports from the bloc. The bloc will roll out countermeasures in April, but the fear is that a full-scale transatlantic trade war will break out, causing severe damage to many sectors of the EU's economy.

That's all for this week! Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on Twitter @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org .

Until next time,

Rikard Jozwiak

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here .
BUDAPEST -- Hungary's parliament has passed an amendment that will ban the annual LGBT Pride march on the grounds that it could be considered "harmful to children."

The amendment to the country's assembly law was fast-tracked through parliament by the ruling right-wing Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban and passed with 136 votes in favor, 27 against, and no abstentions.

The amendment explicitly prohibits assemblies that violate the prohibition set out in the Child Protection Act, that "promotes and displays deviations from the gender identity corresponding to the sex at birth, gender change, and homosexuality."

Hungarys annual Pride march, which is part of the Budapest Pride Festival, usually takes place on the first Saturday of July.

The newly amended law will target not only the organizers of Pride gatherings but also participants.

Under the amended law, violators could face misdemeanor charges and fines of up to 200,000 forints (around $540). The amendment also authorizes the use of facial-recognition systems to identify participants at prohibited rallies.

During the debate in parliament, Fidesz deputies, which have a majority in the National Assembly, argued the amendment would protect children's interests and was necessary to prevent potential abuse.

Organizers Say Pride Will Still Take Place

The amendment follows a statement Orban made in February suggesting the organizers of Pride should not bother preparing this year's parade and calling it "a waste of money and time." Several officials from the ruling party, which has been in power since 2010, also called for banning the Pride parade altogether.

In response to the parliamentary amendment, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony, who is in opposition to Fidesz, declared on Facebook that "Pride will happen! It may even be bigger than ever."

He emphasized that Budapest will protect those who stand up for "their self-esteem, their community, for freedom, and for the power of love."

The session in parliament was disturbed by protests from deputies from the center-left Momentum party, who filled the chamber with red, white, and green smoke -- the colors of the Hungarian flag -- played the Soviet anthem and distributed photo-montages that depicted depicting Orban and Putin embracing.

Despite the ban, however, Pride organizers have said they are still planning to go ahead with the march.
More than 300 people were reported killed after Israel launched deadly air strikes in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and southern Syria in what it said were targeted attacks against extremists planning terror assaults, reigniting tensions that threatened to engulf the region in a new, bloody conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he instructed the military to take "strong action" against Iran-backed Hamas -- deemed a terrorist organization by the United States and EU -- in response to the Islamist group's refusal to release all remaining hostages and its rejection of new cease-fire proposals.

"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

The strikes represent the biggest escalation in the conflict since the cease-fire was reached in mid-January.

Citing medical officials under the control of Hamas, several media outlets reported that the death toll across the Gaza Strip had reached at least 326 people from the attacks.

The information could not independently be confirmed.

The United Nations' Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory called the strikes "unconscionable" and demanded an immediate reinstatement of the ceasefire.

"People in Gaza have endured unimaginable suffering. An end to hostilities, sustained humanitarian assistance, release of the hostages and the restoration of basic services and peoples livelihoods, are the only way forward," Muhannad Hadi said in his statement.

Israel's military said the Gaza strikes targeted mid-level Hamas commanders and leaders and the group's infrastructure.

Along with the strikes against Hamas in Gaza, the Israeli military said it conducted air strikes in southern Lebanon and southern Syria as well.

It said it was prepared to continue attacks against Hamas for as long as necessary and would expand the campaign beyond air strikes. Israeli tanks and soldiers operated extensively in Gaza during the previous retaliatory action.

The White House was consulted by Israel in its latest strikes on Gaza, a White House spokeswoman told Fox News.

"As President [Donald] Trump has made it clear -- Hamas, the Houthis [in Yemen], Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose," press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox.

Trump on March 5 warned Hamas that there would be hell to pay if it does not immediately release all hostages after the White House confirmed that it had conducted secret talks with the extremist group.

Reuters quoted a senior Hamas official as saying that Israel is "unilaterally ending" the Gaza cease-fire agreement and that the action put the fate of the remaining Israeli hostages in jeopardy.

The violence comes amid disputes between Israel and Hamas over ways to maintain the three-phase cease-fire that began on January 19, including the exchange of remaining hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Two weeks ago, Israel cut off all food, medicine, fuel, electricity and other supplies to the territorys around 2 million people to pressure Hamas to accept a new proposal to extend the cease-fire.

Much of Hamas's leadership was killed during Israels retaliatory campaign in Gaza following the extremist groups bloody cross-border attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Hamas-led militants' attack on settlements in southern Israel killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with 251 hostages being taken to Gaza. Some two dozen remain in Hamas control.

Israel struck back by launching a devastating war in the Palestinian enclave that has killed tens of thousands of people, according to local authorities, and displaced most of Gazas 2.3 million residents.

Following the cease-fire agreement  which led to the release of numbers of hostages and prisoners -- the Israeli military has often conducted attacks against Hamas as well as strikes against Hezbollah locations in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has also been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, while the EU has deemed its armed wing but not its political section as a terror group. Much of its leadership was also killed during Israel's 14-month war against the group prior to a US-brokered cease-fire in November.

In the renewed attacks, Israel said it struck two Hezbollah leaders in the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor. It said the men were observation operatives.

The military said other, unspecified strikes were carried out against Hezbollah sites in Lebanon.

In Syria, Israel has seized a buffer zone in the south after the collapse the brutal autocratic regime of Bashar al-Assad in December. It described the move as a preemptive measure against the former Islamist insurgents who overthrew Assad and now control Syria.

On March 17, Syrian authorities said Israeli strikes hit a residential area in the southern city of Daraa, killing three people. The report could not be verified.

Israeli said it was targeting military command centers and weapons sites in southern Syria belonging to remnants of Assads forces and that they posed a threat to Israel.

Assad fled Syria and in December and was reported to be in Russia, which along with Iran, was a major backer of his regime. Assad assumed power in 2000 upon the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad.

With reporting by Reuters and AP
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Just a few days after US President Donald Trump sparred with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a televised spat in the Oval Office, the self-governing island of Taiwan took a different approach to deal with the American leader.

While Zelenskyy left the White House without signing a planned minerals deal and with future US support for Kyiv's defense against Russia hanging in the balance, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, the world's largest manufacturer of microchips, announced on March 3 a massive $100 billion investment plan in the United States involving new plants, packaging facilities, and a research center.

Standing in the White House, TSMC CEO C.C. Wei said customer demand rather than political pressures drove the company to announce the chip investment. But Trump told a news conference the deal meant TSMC would avoid the industry-wide 25 percent tariffs being deployed to bring more manufacturing to the US market.

"Taiwan's main item to offer is chips, and when Trump talks about us, he nearly always talks about chips," Jason Hsu, a former Taiwanese lawmaker and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told RFE/RL. "This is a way to get out in front and keep him close."

While Kyiv has since gone on to mend its ties with Washington, the contrasting episodes highlight the differing approaches taken by Kyiv and Taipei, and how Taiwan is learning from Ukraine's experiences on and off the battlefield.

As China showcases its military dominance and exerts growing diplomatic pressure on Taiwan to submit to Chinese rule, analysts, military planners, and Taiwanese officials who spoke to RFE/RL say that the lessons from the Ukraine war for the island of 23 million people are widespread, ranging from how to prepare a society for conflict to how to - and how not to - deal with the US president.

What Is Taiwan Learning From The Ukraine War?

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Taipei has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv, which the Taiwanese government sees as similar to its own geopolitical position where Beijing has long threatened to invade and annex the island if it refused to peacefully accept unification.

For both Ukraine and Taiwan, their first line of support has come from the United States. Diplomatic backing for Kyiv, along with military aid and intelligence cooperation - which were recently restored following a pause after the Oval Office clash - has been crucial in giving Ukraine the tools to resist Russia.

Similarly, Taiwan relies on US military and political support. Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself against a possible attack by China.

But Trump's recent rhetoric has cast uncertainty over the future of US-Taiwan relations, particularly his repeated accusations of the island "stealing" the US semiconductor industry, a claim that has been disputed, while also saying Taiwan should pay the United States for "protection."

"What happened with Zelenskyy is a reminder of the tightrope that's being walked," said Hsu. "The No. 1 principle that Taiwan needs to recognize is that Trump is a transactional politician who wants to do deals and always wants something in return."

But Taiwanese officials say there are far broader takeaways for the island from the war in Ukraine.

Wu Chih-chung, Taiwan's deputy foreign minister, told RFE/RL that the biggest lesson learned so far from Ukraine is that the island and the wider international community can't "be naive" about Chinese leader Xi Jinping's ambitions for Taiwan the same way many were about Russian President Vladimir Putin in the years leading up his invasion of Ukraine.

Wu says the country's current leadership is following a "not today policy," designed around building up Taiwan's relations with partners, including across Europe, and deterring Beijing by showing that any Chinese military moves would be too costly.

How Is Taiwan Preparing For A Potential Crisis?

Part of that policy is making society more resilient amid Beijing's mounting pressure towards the island, which it regards as a rogue province.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te launched the Whole of Society Defense Resilience Committee in 2024, which is designed to prepare the country to face natural and human-made disasters, including the threat of blockade or invasion by China. This move has coincided with a rise in the number and membership of so-called civil defense organizations in Taiwan that teach everything from first aid to evacuation planning, and in some cases, how to navigate combat.

Those steps to better prepare the island and raise awareness among citizens took a step forward on March 14 when Lai labeled China a "foreign hostile force" and announced ramped-up national security measures in the face of growing threats and a string of spying cases, including in Taiwan's military.

"China has been taking advantage of democratic Taiwan's freedom, diversity, and openness to recruit gangs, the media, commentators, political parties, and even active-duty and retired members of the armed forces and police to carry out actions to divide, destroy, and subvert us from within," Lai said in a televised speech to the nation.

Philip Yu, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council who is a retired rear admiral in the US Navy, told RFE/RL that "among the many lessons that Ukraine can offer Taiwan is the importance of protection of critical infrastructures, along with civil defense preparedness."

While the early days of Moscow's full-scale invasion saw scenes of Russian tanks pushing towards Kyiv, a crisis around Taiwan could come in a variety of forms.

Taiwanese policymakers must contend with deterring an outright invasion of Taiwan, but China could also launch a blockade of the island designed to choke off trade and supplies until it submits to Beijing.

Another scenario would be what security analysts called a quarantine, which means China could restrict air and maritime traffic into Taiwan and tighten its control over the flow of commerce using its coast guard and other law-enforcement forces, rather than its military.

Such a move could lead to difficulties in mobilizing international support for Taiwan and leave the island vulnerable before a response could be launched.

"As an island nation reliant on maritime imports for about 97 percent of its energy needs, Taiwan faces acute risks and vulnerabilities," Yu said.

What Is Taiwan's Strategy For Trump?

Trump has yet to detail his policy toward Taiwan and has said he won't state whether he would send US forces to defend Taiwan in a crisis or not.

On the campaign trail, Trump also called for Taiwan to spend more on its own defense - even saying it should be spending 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) - and the island has taken notice.

Taiwan has increased its military spending in recent years and extended the duration of mandatory military service to one year from four months. But military spending currently sits at 2.45 percent of GDP, and Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai said raising the island's defense spending to 10 percent of gross domestic product was infeasible.

Adding to the pressure is that Taiwan's opposition-controlled legislature approved cuts to government spending in January, complicating the path for bigger military-spending increases.

Against that backdrop, Taiwan's government is looking to head off any newfound skepticism out of Washington.

As ways to appeal to Trump's dealmaking, Taipei continues to hint at big-ticket weapons purchase plans, and the possibility of boosting imports of gas from the United States is also being explored. Some researchers have argued that gas, which would require US ships and processing terminals, could offer Taiwan additional protection from Chinese interference.

But Taiwan's strongest card to play may be its strategic semiconductor industry. TSMC, which announced the large deal earlier this month, produces more than 90 percent of the world's advanced semiconductors, which power everything from smartphones and artificial intelligence to weapons.

Few industries are as critical - or as concentrated - as semiconductor manufacturing, and TSMC and other Taiwanese chip makers have top US brands like Nvidia as their partners.

The recent $100 billion investment has faced some pushback at home, out of fears that moving more manufacturing to the United States could leave Taiwan vulnerable as its key role as a chipmaker for the global economy is seen by some analysts as a form of protection against a possible Chinese attack.

It's still unclear if TSMC will be making its most advanced chips in the United States or not, but Hsu, the former lawmaker, says leveraging Taiwan's dominant position is the correct move to make.

"It's give-and-take. It's an important lesson for us to learn," Hsu said. "This is a different America than four years ago, and it's certainly a different world than four years ago. We need to be pragmatic."
The new video on the YouTube channel VMedia discusses the hypocrisy of the Armenian authorities, who are throwing a wrench in the works by keeping their scholars from digging into Turkish archives.

https://www.youtube.com/live/tAsH-fSiAz4

The video highlights that the first decree on this ban was issued by former Armenian president, war criminal, and accomplice in the Khojaly genocide, Serzh Sargsyan.

However, his successor, Nikol Pashinyan, who overthrew Sargsyan during the "barbecue revolution" of 2018, left the ban in effect.

Recently, Pashinyan caused a stir within Armenia and the diaspora with his statement about revisiting the history of the "genocide" of Armenians. According to Pashinyan, it's necessary to understand "what happened and why," "how and with whose help it was perceived," and also to "figure out why there was no 'genocide' agenda in 1939, but it appeared by 1950".

It remains unclear how Pashinyan plans to pursue this, especially given that in Armenia, where many institutions have been set up to "study the Armenian genocide", they are unwilling to hear about genuine research on the subject.

VMedia notes that preventing a historian from working in archives is akin to preventing a chemist or physicist from working in a laboratory... So, the current hysteria around Pashinyan's statement proves that a significant portion of the political establishment in Armenia and the Armenian diaspora continues the criminal tactics of the Sargsyan era because they understand that they won't find any evidence of "genocide" in Turkish archives but can explore the true picture of what happened in the eastern vilayets (provinces) of the Ottoman Empire.

As a result, Armenia, despite its "peaceful" rhetoric, remains in deep isolation in the South Caucasus. It is the only country among the former Soviet republics that has not addressed the "blank spots of history" even after the "perestroika." It's a country that criminally keeps its people in ignorance, thus fostering eternal hostility toward its neighbor.
The chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Elina Valtonen, demanded respect for Bosnia-Herzegovina's constitutional framework during a visit to Sarajevo on March 18, as a political crisis centering on the country's Bosnian Serb entity Republika Srpska deepens.

Valtonen, who is also the Finnish foreign minister, was visiting the country at a time when Republika Srpska's under-pressure, pro-Russian President Milorad Dodik appears to be pushing his territory ever closer to secession while ignoring arrest warrants for him and other top politicians issued by Bosnia-Herzegovina's Prosecutor's Office.

"I call on all political leaders to respect the constitutional framework and to refrain from any actions that could lead to further destabilization of the country. Constructive dialogue is very important for moving forward," Valtonen said.

Valtonen additionally stressed the importance of the Dayton Accords, an agreement that ended war in Bosnia three decades ago and now underpins a complicated system of governance wherein the Bosniak-Croat Federation coexists with the ethnic Serb-dominated Republika Srpska under a weak central government.

Valtonen said the country should continue to pursue reforms that she called "a fundamental element on the path to EU integration."

Dodik, a veteran of the political scene in Republika Srpska, was once seen as a moderate who advocated for cooperation with the international community and supported Dayton.

But over time he has cultivated a more nationalist image, often confronting both Bosnia's central government and the Office of the High Representative for Bosnia-Herzegovina -- a position established under Dayton in order to oversee the implementation of civilian aspects of the agreement.

Bosnia's current crisis stems from Dodik's conflict with Hans Christian Friedrich Schmidt, the diplomat who has occupied the role of high representative since 2021.

It has accelerated toward a breaking point ever since the state Bosnian Court sentenced Dodik to jail over his failure to execute Schmidt's decisions in a first-degree verdict on February 27.

Since then Republika Srpska has passed laws barring state-level law enforcement and judicial organs from the entity while adopting the draft of a new constitution for the territory.

The last of those steps is arguably the most radical of all, aiming to redefine the Serb entity as a state of the Serbian people, grant it the right to self-determination, and establish its own national army.

Valtonen was appearing in Sarajevo alongside Elmedin Konakovic, Bosnia's Foreign Minister, who blasted Dodik and Republika Srpska's Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic for escalating the standoff.

"This best describes the current state of the country: On one side, we have threats called Dodik, Viskovic, and others, and on the other side, we have opportunities to develop our economy and provide prospects for the people of Bosnia," Konakovic said, stressing the country's desire for integration with the EU.

Dodik had the right to reman in office and appeal against the February 27 verdict that sentenced him to a year in jail and barred him from political activity.

But instead he ignored a court summons, triggering the arrest warrants issued for him, Viskovic, and parliamentary speaker Nenad Stevandic by state-level prosecutors on March 12.

"We will not respond.... If they think the solution is to see Dodik in handcuffs, that is their prerogative, but that does not mean they can do it. I will do my job and I will never leave Republika Srpska," Dodik vowed at a press conference.

The OSCE said the recent moves made by the Respublika Srpska leadership directly violate the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The laws passed by the entity's parliament in recent weeks have also earned condemnation from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and several foreign embassies in the country.


Student demonstrators who gathered in Belgrade on March 15 were panicked by a loud, strange sound some described as "creepy." The audio blast, which sent them scrambling for cover, has stirred speculation: A forensic analysis suggests it could have been a Vortex weapon fired from a point near the protesters. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has said, "There is no sound cannon in the Serbian Army."
It's a cease-fire. But what kind of cease-fire?

More than three years into the Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine, the White House and the Kremlin on March 18 announced a broad agreement aimed at pausing a conflict that has killed and wounded more than 1 million men on both sides.

The contours of the deal were announced after a roughly two-hour phone call between presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin -- the second such call of Trump's presidency, and arguably the most consequential to date.

Ukraine, under intense pressure from the White House that included an acrimonious Oval Office meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had already signed on to the US proposal for a 30-day pause in fighting, with the caveat that Russia had to as well.

So What Did Moscow Agree To, Exactly?

"My main conclusion here is that Moscow is quite comfortable with Trump, but for reasons other than almost everyone discusses," Nikolai Sokov, a former Russian diplomat who is now with the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, told RFE/RL. "Moscow can bargain with Trump whereas Europe insists its position is right and should be accepted without bargaining."

Where actual military action is concerned, the agreement does nothing on the battlefield itself, where Russian troops have, until recently, been grinding down Ukrainian defenses along a 1,100-kilometer front line.

Ukraine's troops are withdrawing from Russia's Kursk region, which it invaded nearly seven months ago in a bid to relieve pressure elsewhere on the front lines, and also gain a bargaining chip for future peace talks.

Prominent in the deal announced on March 18 is the focus on energy infrastructure.

Since at least November 2022, Russia has pummeled Ukraine's power grid: power stations, transmission lines, transformers, substations -- a strategy aimed at exhausting and terrorizing Ukraine's civilian population, sometimes attributed to the former top commander of the Russian invasion whose nickname is General Armageddon.

(Attacking civilian infrastructure is also allegedly a war crime, for which the International Criminal Court has brought charges against two top Russian military officers.)

In the face of those attacks, Ukraine has struggled to keep the lights -- and heat -- on, but has managed to muddle through with a mix of local ingenuity and large-scale Western support. At the same time, Ukraine has ramped up its homegrown industry of drones, and even cruise missiles, which has increasingly used to target Russia's energy infrastructure: oil refineries, pipelines, and military facilities.

Speaking at a news conference in Helsinki, Zelenskyy, who in the past has signaled support for a cease-fire exclusive of ground actions, appeared to sprinkle cold water on the new deal.

"We always supported the idea not to hit energy targets, as well as targets at sea, food production, and transport targets," he said after the Kremlin-White House phone call was announced. "Now, we need to understand what the details of this agreement are. We don't know that."

"This could be a way to move toward a cease-fire," Zelenskyy said. "Step by step. The rest though is the statistics of the reality: hundreds of drones and missiles that keep raining not on the battlefield but all over."

The groundwork for the cease-fire was announced in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia after meetings of Ukrainian and US delegations. Two days after, Putin responded to the proposal with what amounted to a "yes, but" reply.

"During the conversation, Donald Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from attacks on energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days," the Kremlin said in its read-out of the March 18 call. "Vladimir Putin responded positively to the initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order."

A limited cessation of targeting on energy facilities in Ukraine -- and in Russia -- is a win for Kyiv.

However, it may end up being more of a win for Moscow, Sokov said.

"Note that for 30 days Russia will be building weapons and will be able to resume large-scale strikes if necessary," he told RFE/RL. "Ukraine, however, will not be able to fully fix damage to energy infrastructure, of which it has lost between one-third and one-half according to different estimates."

Left Unsaid

What was absent from the talks, at least in the public read-outs from the Kremlin and the White House, was any mention of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant -- Europe's largest -- which US envoy Steve Witkoff said might be on the table.

Nor was there mention of US recognition of Russia's claim to have annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, something else that was rumored to be possible.

Nor was there reference to Ukraine's ambitions to join NATO, something Moscow vehemently opposes, and even cited as a justification for its decision to invade in February 2022.

The White House statement did mention broader geopolitical issues, a nod toward a position Moscow has leaning into: that any deal with Washington should be a wider deal touching on issues unrelated to Ukraine.

That's a recurring theme for Putin who's used the term "root causes" as shorthand for the Kremlin's dissatisfaction with the entire post-Cold War international arrangement.

But broadening talks beyond Ukraine itself was something that Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, resisted.

"The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime cease-fire in the Black Sea, full cease-fire and permanent peace," the White House said. "These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East."

"They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application," it said. "The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel."

It was also unclear whether the subtle difference in wording between statements was significant: "energy infrastructure" per the Kremlin versus "energy and infrastructure" per the White House.

And proliferation of strategic weapons, nuclear or otherwise, has in the past been an easy goal that Washington and Moscow have shared, until distrust and political suspicions seeped into the effort.

The two countries, who hold the world's two largest nuclear arsenals, are still bound by the last major arms control treaty between them, though it's due to lapse next year and there's been no effort at all to start talks on a successor treaty.

In the end, though, broadening the scope of discussions fits into the Kremlin's wider hopes for a wider rework on international rules: Moscow's desire to be treated as an equal by the United States -- as it was during the Soviet Union.
WASHINGTON -- Mainstream Washington has often fretted over encounters between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin.

The US leader has shown an affinity for the authoritarian Kremlin ruler that has stumped critics and even some allies, leading many to wonder whether the crafty former KGB colonel may use flattery and other means to get his way on issues.

Now, as Trump prepares to speak with Putin in a high-stakes call on March 18 about ending the war in Ukraine, the world is waiting to see whether he will stand his ground and demand an unconditional temporary cease-fire or acquiesce to some of Russia's demands.

For Ukraine, much is at stake, including its territorial integrity.

"It is important that President Trump stick to his guns and insist on a clean cease-fire. And if the Russians don't, he needs to be ready to implement the promises he made to increase pressure on Moscow," John Hardie, the deputy director of the Russian Program at Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told RFE/RL.

Ukraine on March 11 accepted Trump's proposal for a 30-day, unconditional cease-fire, putting the ball for halting the more than three-year full-scale war squarely in Putin's court.

In a news conference in Moscow three days later, the Russian leader sought to politely punt the ball over to Trump, telling the world that while he agreed with the US president's proposal in principle, he wanted certain issues addressed before agreeing to any deal.

Putin said he is concerned Ukraine could use the pause in fighting to mobilize, train, and rearm at a time when his forces have the advantage on the battlefield.

He also questioned how the more than 1,000-kilometer front would be monitored during a cease-fire and wanted peace talks to consider the "reality on the ground," namely Russia's control of Ukrainian land.

Experts have been warning for some time that Putin is only interested in ending the war on his terms, including fully occupying four Ukrainian territories Russia claims to have annexed in 2022, disarming Kyiv, and keeping the country out of NATO.

Speaking at an annual geopolitical conference in New Delhi on March 18, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated Kyiv's belief that it could "achieve long-lasting, just peace" with Trump's leadership and was waiting for an "unconditional yes for a cease-fire" from Russia.

"Our approach: Now is a time for diplomacy, for strong diplomacy," Sybiha said.

In an interview with Current Time, Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko said that a potential negative outcome from the Putin-Trump phone would be if Putin persuaded Trump to exert "a new wave of pressure on Ukraine, with the aim of extracting more concessions from Ukraine before beginning the negotiations."

At the same time, said Fesenko, it will be a priority for Putin "to preserve the potential for future negotiations with Trump," giving him an incentive for talks that show progress.

"What is important to understand: political declarations about readiness for a cease-fire or the beginning of talks on a cease-fire does not mean a cease-fire itself," Fesenko said.

"For a cease-fire you dont need politicians to sit around a table and say something, but rather military representatives from both warring countries, with mediators of course, [who] should agree on the line of contact. And that is very difficult when the front is very unstable  it is changing every day in some sections."

Trump has made ending the war as soon as possible a top priority for his administration and, with Moscow and Kyiv so far apart in their demands, some fear Trump could pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make more compromises than Putin.

Prior to starting cease-fire talks, the US president said he objected to Ukraine's NATO membership and said Kyiv will have to forfeit land -- seemingly conceding to Putin on two key demands -- though Trump has not agreed to them as a precondition for the cease-fire deal.

The Russian leader believes he is winning the war and that time is on his side, so he will seek to drag out talks on a cease-fire rather than reject the proposal outright so as not to irritate Trump, experts have said.

Nonetheless, Trump has expressed optimism about the upcoming call, telling reporters late on March 16 that "a lot of work's been done over the weekend" to achieve a cease-fire.

Trump dispatched his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow to meet with Putin last week in preparation for the March 18 call.

Trump said he would be discussing with Putin both "land" and "power plants," the latter a possible reference to Europe's largest nuclear power plant that Russia controls in Ukraine.

"I think we have a lot of it already discussed very much by both sides, Ukraine and Russia. We're already talking about that, dividing up certain assets," Trump said.

"I think we have a very good chance" to bring the war to an end, he said.

John Herbst, the former ambassador to Ukraine from 2003-06 and an analyst at the Atlantic Council, told RFE/RL that the rhetoric coming from the Kremlin doesn't jibe with the upbeat view from the White House.

Russia hasn't given any signs it is ready to make concessions, Herbst said.

'A Good Thing'

Ian Bremmer, founder of the political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said in a March 17 video statement posted on X that Trump's push for a cease-fire was an "important thing to do" considering Ukraine's struggles on the battlefield.

Russia has been on the march in eastern Ukraine since late 2023 -- following Ukraine's failed counteroffensive -- despite large-scale losses in men and material. With Russia possessing a significant manpower advantage, some military experts say they don't see a path for Ukraine to regain its territory.

"We would be better off today had [former President Joe] Biden been more willing to push Zelenskyy and push the European allies and show that America recognized that Ukraine was weakening in their position vis-a-vis Russia, and that the war was only leading to more expense and more lives being lost on both sides," Bremmer said.

Using Trump's terminology, Bremmer said the US president with the backing of allies holds the cards in these negotiations but cautioned that Putin can play a weak hand well.

Hardie shared that concern, saying Putin will try to use the call "to shape" Trump's views of the conflict with disinformation. He pointed out that Trump last week repeated Putin's exaggerated claim that Ukrainian forces in Kursk were surrounded by Russian forces.

It wasn't the first time Trump uttered a Putin talking point following conversations with the Kremlin leader.

At the same time, Trump has also talked tough on Russia. He has threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on the country if the Kremlin did not agree to the cease-fire. But he has not publicly stated a time frame, giving the Kremlin some wiggle room to negotiate.

Chief among the tools in his box are oil sanctions, Hardie said.

Trump could lower the $60 price cap imposed by the United States and European Union in 2022 on Russian oil exports shipped using Western vessels or insurance. The US president could also sanction more of Russia's own oil tanker fleet. Oil exports fuel Russia's economy and defense spending, accounting for about a third of federal budget revenues.

Trump heavily criticized US military aid to Ukraine on the campaign trail, potentially limiting his ability to use weapon deliveries as leverage should Russia refuse the cease-fire proposal.

But Trump could tap the $3.8 billion for military support to Ukraine remaining from the $61 billion aid package passed last April, Hardie said. The US president could also structure aid as a loan, he said.
Balochistan, a vast mineral-rich province in southwestern Pakistan, has been the scene of a simmering separatist insurgency for nearly a quarter-century.

But a remarkable rise in violent attacks in the strategic region bordering Afghanistan and Iran and home to the marginalized Baluch minority has highlighted the region's fragility.

On March 16, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group pursuing Balochistan's secession from Pakistan, claimed an attack on security forces in the remote district of Noshki.

Pakistani officials said the attack, a suicide truck bomb, killed three soldiers and two civilians. But the BLA claimed the attack killed 90 soldiers.

Train Hijacking

Just last week, the group declared a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and others hijacked a passenger train in Balochistan's historic Bolan Pass.

The unprecedented attack, even by the standards of Pakistan's violent recent past, went on for more than 36 hours.

The BLA claimed it killed hundreds of members of the security forces traveling on the train.

The Pakistani Army, however, said it killed dozens of militants in a successful rescue operation that freed most of the hostages.

RFE/RL could not independently verify the conflicting claims of the two sides in the sparsely populated region inaccessible to journalists.

But the rising violence marked a significant escalation at a critical time for Pakistan as the Muslim nation of 250 million people reels from political turmoil, economic downturn, and an escalating insurgency by the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State-Khorasan in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

"The major drivers of the worsening conflict are changes within the BLA and the worsening political and economic crises," said Zafar Baloch, a Balochistan researcher based in Britain.

"The current outcome was predictable because the BLA has transformed," he said.

He said that during the past seven years, the BLA turned from a nationalist insurgent group into "a highly sophisticated, disciplined militant group, which now possesses sophisticated arms."

Pakistani officials have frequently blamed the easy availability of sophisticated US arms left behind in Afghanistan. Groups such as the BLA and TTP now use sophisticated night-vision goggles, sniper rifles, and other military gear possibly acquired from Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, violence by both the Baluch separatist rebels and Islamist TTP has been on the rise.

Pakistan has blamed Afghanistan's Taliban government and its regional archrival India for the rising violence. Kabul and New Delhi have rejected Islamabad's claims.

During the past year, Baluch separatists carried out 175 attacks, up from 110 the year before. These attacks killed and injured nearly 700 people, most of whom were members of the security forces.

Imtiaz Baloch, an analyst covering Balochistan for Khorasan Diary, a website tracking militant groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan, said the BLA's increasing organizational sophistication is behind the rising violence.

He said the Majeed Brigade, the BLA's suicide squad, which works under its central command led by its leader Bashir Zeb, is now capable of planning and conducting sophisticated attacks.

"Their intelligence-gathering capacity has increased, which results in meticulous planning for attacks such as taking an entire train hostage," he said.

"Now they appear capable of successfully laying traps for the security forces," he said.

Increasingly Sophisticated Attacks

In addition to the Majeed Brigade, the BLA claims to have separate guerrilla, special forces, and intelligence units that have launched increasingly sophisticated attacks against Pakistani troops and Chinese workers involved in numerous infrastructure, energy, and mineral extraction projects in Balochistan.

Baloch, the analyst in Islamabad, argues the Pakistani government's failure to win over Balochistan's alienated residents through a genuine political process and dispensing justice has harmed its legitimacy in the impoverished region where literacy and development levels are low.

"The state is unable to connect to and address the problems of ordinary citizens," he said.

Experts maintain that Balochistan's political crises have been extenuated by Islamabad's strategy of supporting figures loyal to the military over ethno-nationalist parties that hold genuine popularity among the Baluch populace.

However, these Baluch political parties, whose leaders have led most elected provincial governments since the 1970s, lost controversial parliamentary elections in February 2024.

The Baluch parties accused Islamabad of widespread rigging in the province.

Sarafaz Bugti, a Baluch politician supported by the military, promised to defeat militant groups by promoting good governance and bringing development to Balochistan.

But a year later, violence in Balochistan is mounting, which has added to public skepticism of Islamabad's promises.

"The Baluch have given up on parliamentary politics, which has increased the lure of groups such as the BLA for the youth," said Baloch, the researcher in Britain.
A Castlerea primary school has emerged as the overall winner of STEMtacular, which attracted over 500 primary school students to a showcase of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in County Leitrim.

The event culminated in an awards ceremony, where students were recognised for their hard work and creativity.

St. Pauls NS, Castlerea emerged as the overall winning school, earning a trip to the University of Limericks Chemistry Department, where they will get to engage in some fun science experiments at one of Ireland's top institutions.

Meanwhile, the AbbVie Special Class 1 and Class 3 awards went to St Michaels School, Castlerea; the Engineers Ireland Engineering Award for How do aeroplanes fly Went to Clonown NS and Ciara O Neill from Clonown NS won the Expleo Best Communicator Award.

Ballinamore was transformed into a hub of innovation and excitement for the highly anticipated STEMtacular, powered by Analog Devices.

The event brought together schools from across Leitrim, Roscommon, Cavan, Longford, Sligo, Mayo, and Fermanagh.

Students from these regions presented their own STEM projects, tackling a wide range of intriguing questions. Their projects delved into issues such as: Does warming up before sport improve performance? Does living on a farm lead to a healthier lifestyle? Does toast always land butter side down? And, perhaps most controversially, is cracking your fingers bad for you? Each group was eager to explain their findings to a panel of esteemed judges from both industry and education, who engaged with the students, asking insightful questions and offering encouragement.

While the students research projects were at the heart of the event, STEMtacular had much more to offer. The Discovery Zone, an interactive area filled with 20 fascinating exhibits, gave the young attendees the chance to engage directly with a variety of STEM fields.

In the Discovery Zone, Analog Devices, the events primary sponsor, set up an engaging series of interactive games that allowed students to explore different aspects of STEM in a fun and hands-on way. These games helped bring the world of technology and innovation to life, sparking curiosity and excitement in the young minds that participated.

Some of the other highlights was Met Eireann, Irelands National Meteorological Service, who set up a green screen that allowed students to try their hand at weather presenting, offering a fun and educational experience in broadcasting. Meanwhile, Midlands Reptile Zoo brought an assortment of reptiles, giving the students a rare opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures. Jaguar Land Rover contributed by bringing the inner rig of their state-of-the-art jeeps, where students explored the technology behind the vehicle's design.

The Marble Arch Caves set up an immersive Virtual Reality experience, enabling students to take a virtual tour of a cave, exploring its wonders without leaving the event. Other exciting exhibits included VEX Robotics, where students got the chance to engage with programmable robots and learn about robotics and engineering.

Armagh Observatory offered a glimpse into the wonders of space with hands-on activities focused on astronomy, while Geological Survey Ireland provided interactive experiences that helped students discover the science behind the Earths geological processes.
A young South Roscommon actors star continues to rise. He will soon feature in a BBC mini-series about the sinking of the Titanic.

Kiltoom man Rhys Mannion told the Herald he was delighted to be in the forthcoming series on the iconic and tragic ships first and only transatlantic voyage.

He said that the production, which has a working title of Titanic Sinks Tonight, was filmed in Belfast Harbour Studios.

Filming was so much fun, it was a really wonderful project to be on. It is a four part documentary series based on accounts from the people who were on the ship, Rhy said. So its a portrayal of what happened to the people who were there. Every word that is spoke is straight from the source.

Rhys plays a survivor called Jack Thayer who was from Pennsylvania in the US. He was 17 years old, one of the youngest members in First Class. In my opinion he was probably one of the most courageous young men onboard. He let all the women and children get on the lifeboats. At the time 14 years old was pretty much the cut-off point, you were a man after that age. He ended up jumping into the water and finding his way on to a collapsable lifeboat, and surviving. Just by sheer will power and camaraderie. It was a really powerful story to tell. I was honoured to be able to tell something like that.

The 22-year-old said that the actors were working with digital screens, allowing them to see the special effects in real time, not just having to visualise the ocean but being able to see the Atlantic and half of the boat underwater on a digital screen.

It is hoped that Titanic Sinks Tonight will be on our screens shortly. Every scene in it is just as gripping as the next. It is something that everyone involved in is very proud of. Rhys will also appear in season 4 of the comedy-drama series, Harry Wild.

I play the antagonist for that episode so it was a lot of fun, he said.

Recently he played a young CS Lewis in the film Freud's Last Session, and he continues to be very busy with work, having just finished a film, Feed, before shooting the new Titanic series.

It was filmed in Wexford and I play one of five social media influencers who go to a remote Airbnb. It ends up being the burial ground of the first ever documented story of vampirism, he said.

With a vampires ability to control minds, I guess it is the old world influencer versus the new age influencer, he joked.

That was a lot of fun. The film will be out in September, he said. It doesnt have the real, heavy gore, its more story mixed with some horror. At the end of this month Rhys, who is a student at Trinity College Dublin, will be directing a crowdfunded short film called Christopher Mouse, his first time in the directors chair.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. Court hearings on the criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen charged with torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of warfare, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued on March 18, Trend reports

The open hearings were held at the Baku Military Court and presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and a panel of judges consisting of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in the language of his choice, i.e. Russian, as well as lawyers for his defense.

At the beginning of the hearing, Ruben Vardanyan's defense attorney Avraam Berman filed a motion with the court, requesting that the court create conditions for familiarization with the minutes of the hearing and the audio recording attached to them.

The prosecution did not object to the motion.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev granted the motion and stated that the accused and his defense attorney would be provided the opportunity for further familiarization with the minutes of the hearing.

Then, the victims in the case were questioned.

Before the questioning, Zeynal Aghayev explained to the victims their rights and obligations stipulated by the legislation.

Victims Rahib Fataliyev, Sakhavat Rajabov, Farid Mammadov, Sanan Mirzaliyev, Samir Malikov, Jeyhun Khankishiyev, Alasgar Jafarov, Safa Mammadov, Alish Shamiyev, Eldar Huseynov, Elvin Taghiyev and others stated that they knew Ruben Vardanyan through the media and social networks, that they had received various degrees of bodily injuries as a result of gunfire from various weapons, including hand grenade explosions, during the Armenian military provocation while doing their military service in Kalbajar and Khojaly districts, the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan that were once occupied by Armenia.

Each of the victims asked the court to hand down the most severe punishment on the accused Ruben Vardanyan.

After the questioning, the victims answered the questions of prosecutors in charge of public prosecution about their places of service, the specific areas where the military provocations were committed, the severity and localization of the injuries sustained as a result of the incident.

Then, the conclusions of the forensic medical examination conducted on the victims who testified during the hearings on March 11 were announced.

The next court hearing is scheduled for April 1.

Ruben Vardanyan is charged with crimes under Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29,120.2.1, 29,120.2.3, 29,120.2.4, 29,120.2.7, 29,120.2.11, 29,120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation and possession of firearms, their components, ammunition, explosives and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations or groups not provided for by law) and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
James Cox

Here, we have a look at the topics likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

Widespread condemnation of McGregor/White House meeting

Taoiseach Micheal Martin's meeting with US president Donald Trump in the White House went off without any negative incidents, something Mr Martin would have been looking to avoid after the fiery Oval Office encounter with Volodymy Zelenskiy.

Mr Martin was criticised by opposition TDs over an awkward laugh when Mr Trump made a joke about Ireland's housing crisis, but other than that the visit was considered a success.

That was until it was completely overshadowed by Mr Trump's surprise visitor on St Patrick's Day, Conor McGregor.

McGregor made a number of unfounded claims about immigration to Ireland in the White House press briefing room before his meeting with Mr Trump.

He also labelled Ireland America's "little bro", adding: "We wish to be taken care of by the big bro."

McGregor praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the president described him as fantastic.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris quickly issued statements in which they said McGregor does not represent Irish people, and has no mandate to speak for the Irish public.

Opposition figures also criticised McGregor, and rieterated that he does not speak for the Irish public.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand.

McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the meeting between Trump and McGregor was a very sinister event.

Ms Morrogh described the engagement as an attempt to normalise sexual violence and rebuild McGregors reputation.

She told RTEs News At One that she was writing to the US embassy over what she said was a really callous indifference to every survivor of sexual violence.

In a strongly-worded statement on his Instagram account, former taoiseach Leo Varadkar referred to the case in which a jury found McGregor civilly liable in a case taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Mr Varadkar wrote: "Good Irish dads teach their sons to detest men like Conor and their daughters to avoid men like him. Irish America know this.

Irish exports to US

Nearly half of all Irish goods exported in January went to the US, according to figures published ahead of expected US tariffs imposed on the EU.

There was an 81 per cent increase in the value of Irish exported goods compared with January 2024 (worth 11.7 billion).

The export of medical and pharmaceutical products increased by 68 per cent in January compared with 12 months previous, and represented 61 per cent of total exports that month.

Figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Tuesday indicate that the US was also Irelands largest market for imports.

Jane Burmanje, CSO statistician, said: Exports of goods to the United States were 11.7 billion euro in January 2025, accounting for 48.4% of total good exports, while imports of goods from the US were 2.1 billion euro, representing 19.7% of total imports, making it the largest market for Ireland in this period.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said that while the figures were only for one month, that single month does point to a broader way in which our trade has been structured with the United States.

Abroad

US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin agreed during a call on Tuesday to seek a limited ceasefire against energy and infrastructure targets in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the White House.

The White House described it as the first step in a movement to peace it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full and lasting end to the fighting.

Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace, the White House said in a statement.

The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.

The White House said negotiations would begin immediately on those steps.

It was not immediately clear whether Ukraine is on board with the phased ceasefire plan.
Watford City  AgCountry Farm Credit Services is proud to announce that it has awarded the Benefit Fund of McKenzie Health $15,000 as a recipient of the Rural Community Grant Fund (RCGF). The grant funds will be placed toward purchasing a medication delivery system.

Lynn Welker-Fevold, Benefit Fund of McKenzie Health president, is pleased to accept the check and utilize the grant funds toward the purchase.

"AgCountry Farm Credit Services is proud to present grant funds that will go toward purchasing additional consoles for managing chemotherapy drugs through the Omnicell Medication Delivery System," says David Hokanson, AgCountry Farm Credit Services financial officer. The Omnicell is a machine housed in the pharmacy which dispenses drugs for the pharmacist to provide in physician prescribed dosages for patients. "The Omnicell reduces error, improves patient safety, and provides an efficient system for essential medical care closer to home," Hokanson adds. AgCountry Farm Credit Services believes it's important to give back to the community.

AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Services of Mandan, and AgriBank, established the Rural Community Grant Fund to assist in the implementation and development of projects and programs in communities and rural areas in western North Dakota which have been impacted by mineral exploration.
If you have ever felt you were not ready to be discharged from the hospital, you have options.

Speak with Your Doctor: Express your concerns to your healthcare provider. Explain why you feel youre not ready to be discharged and ask if its possible to extend your stay.

Request a Meeting with the Hospitals Social Worker: Social workers can help you navigate the discharge process and ensure your concerns are heard. They can also assist in communicating with your healthcare team.

Appeal the Discharge: If you still feel youre being discharged prematurely, you can file whats referred to as a fast appeal. You should have received a notice explaining this right when you were admitted. The notice is titled, Important Message from Medicare. If you are in the hospital more than 3 days, you should receive another copy of the same notice between 4 hours and 2 days before you are to be discharged.

The Important Message from Medicare notice will have instructions for filing a fast (expedited) appeal. This appeal will be sent to the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO), a company that is contracted to evaluate discharge appeals. For a fast appeal, you must appeal by no later than midnight on the day of your scheduled discharge. Once you file the appeal, the hospital must give you a Detailed Notice of Discharge, which must explain, in specific detail, why the hospital believes that Medicare coverage for your stay is ending, and that discharge is appropriate. You can also send additional information about why you, and your care team, if appliable, believe the discharge is too soon. The QIO should call you within 24 hours with their decision.

If the QIO agrees with the hospital that Medicare coverage of your hospital stay should end, you have the right to continue to appeal to higher levels of review. If you stay in the hospital after the QIO decision agreeing with the hospital, however, you may be responsible for the full cost of your care from the date of that decision forward if you dont win at a higher level of appeal. There are five levels of appeal and instructions for the next steps are included in each decision. Keep in mind that at each level there is a separate time limit for when you must file the appeal and when youll receive a decision.

If you need help, you can contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit the Medicare website for more information.
After four years as assistant director of Commercial Marketing of the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA), Rachael Oliver has joined the Montana Stockgrowers Association as the partnership programs manager. Her new position will allow her to bring her network of industry professionals and the relationships she made while with the RAAA over to the Montana Stockgrowers Association and hopes to grow its list of sponsors and industry partners.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association holds an annual convention in Billings, MT, the second week in December; along with two mid-year meetings that have rotating locations. Oliver will not only recruit new sponsors for these meetings and the association but work to retain and grow existing relationships with sponsors. She will be working alongside the rest of the MSGA team to make these events as productive, educational, and successful as possible.

Her goals for her position are to keep building and expand existing relationships with the Montana Stockgrowers Association, as well as broaden the spectrum of partnerships. Her biggest changes are the expansion of her range of producers, and the reduced travel the MSGA will require. While the Red Angus of America position required nationwide travel, she only worked with producers of one cattle breed. Her travel now will be within the state of Montana, but will encompass all producers and ranchers, and cattle breeds.

Oliver is looking forward to working with the Montana Stockgrowers's Association while still having the opportunity to advocate for Montana's beef industry.
Fairview resident Rob Breuer traveled to Washington, D.C. Feb. 24-March 1 as part of REAL Montana (Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership). For Rob Breuer and other members of REAL Montana Class VI, this was the fourth seminar in their two-year educational program.

Class VI focused on "Federal Policy" during their Washington, D.C. seminar. The week began with a Monuments by Moonlight tour, where their March 2026 trip to Morocco was announced. They then visited the American Farm Bureau Federation, hearing from speakers on agriculture, policy, economics, labor, and infrastructure, followed by meetings at the Embassy of Morocco and the National Mining Association. On Capitol Hill, they met with the Montana congressional delegation, received staff briefings, toured the Capitol, and observed Senate and House floor sessions. Class members organized small group meetings with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service. The group also met with the National Association of Wheat Growers and the American Petroleum Institute. The week concluded with a Gettysburg Battlefield tour, focusing on leadership lessons.

"It was my first time traveling to Washington DC and it was a great experience. Between visiting with our elected officials, visiting with multiple organizations and exploring DC it was a packed 5 days. The highlight of the trip was finding out that the class will be visiting Morocco in 2026 for our international trip."

Nineteen of Montana's top natural resource industry leaders from across the state were competitively selected to take part in REAL Montana Class VI. The program's mission is to build a network of informed and engaged leaders to advance the natural resource industries in Montana. The two-year leadership program features eight in-state seminars; a six-day national study tour in Washington D.C., and a twelve-day international trip to Morocco. Seminars include training in natural resource development, agriculture institutions and agencies, public speaking/media, economics, state and federal policy, international trade, urban/rural relationships, water issues, and other current industry topics.

REAL Montana is funded through a partnership with Montana State University Extension and private industry. Oversight is provided by an advisory board of industry leaders.

Complete program information is available at http://www.Montana.edu/REALMontana.
Appearing before a gathering of Sidney residents, Reilly Neill, candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2026, has published a weekly newspaper in Livingston, served as a Montana state legislator and promoted the Milk River Water Project. Ms Neill was in Sidney to attend the economic seminar which focused on the five -year farm bill. She asked those attending for issues of concern to them. Responses included: farmers being affected by tariffs against Canada and Mexico as reflected in the Chicago Market Exchange, the increase in the cost of medications, loss of federal dollars that Montana depends upon, cutbacks in funding for vulnerable Medicaid populations, closure of rural medical facilities, tax dollars moving from public to private schools, lack of mental health care, federal agencies and departments being dismantled with no clear path forward, the administration aligning with Russia and China while forsaking our NATO allies, including best friend and trading partner Canada, and religious beliefs being imposed by legislation.

Despite the loss of major employers: Sidney Sugars, MDU, and the Knife River Coal mine, which were interconnected through coal, the resilience of the community to switch to corn as an irrigated crop, which is sold to tariff -imposed Mexico, there are positives. The oil economy, expansion of the Sidney Health Center in areas of cancer care and obstetrics, and the quality of public education assisted by experienced teachers being retained, offer hope for the future.

What are the options of local citizens for a stronger community? Running for public office, serving on community boards, writing a letter to the editor, normalizing the partisan nature of state and national politics by being an involved citizen on the local level were suggested by those present.
The town of Fairview is in the beginning stages of the Sharbono Park Sidewalk Project, which will add sidewalks around the entire park, as well as including some that go through the park at various points. The additions will make the park more accessible to everyone, but especially those with limited mobility. Distance markers will also be placed at appropriate intervals for anyone who is trying to track their distance.

The town of Fairview is submitting an application for the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Grant through the Montana Department of Transportation by April 19, and has already applied for an AARP grant. The $1.1 million project will need about $125,000 to $150,000 in matching funds. If the town receives the TA grant, the AARP grant can be used as part of those matching funds, however, other community grants and funding will still be needed.

Town officials are currently looking for community support from individuals, organizations or businesses in the form of support letters or donations; they welcome letters from anyone, but especially those who want to access the park, but cant without designated sidewalks. They are also asking for support signatures, and currently have a clipboard at the MonDak Seniors Center, 217 5th St. West in Fairview, for anyone who would like to add their name. Letters of support can be emailed to [email protected], or dropped off at city hall. Letters can be dropped in the payment box at city hall if it is after hours. Please send support letters prior to April 1st so they have time to compile the application before the April 19th submission deadline.
Curfew Imposed in Nagpur- Protest Over Aurangzebs Grave Turns Violent

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal has issued the order, which will remain in place until further notice.

Curfew Imposed in Nagpur- Protest Over Aurangzebs Grave Sparks Violence latest news : Curfew Imposed in Nagpur as Protest Over Aurangzebs Grave leads to communal disharmony, Nagpur authorities have imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in several parts of the city after protests over the demand to remove Aurangzebs grave escalated into violence.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal issued the order, which will remain in effect until further notice. The curfew has been enforced in police station limits of Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.

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According to ANI, on March 17, around 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, demanding the removal of Aurangzebs grave. The protestors burnt a photo of Aurangzeb and displayed a symbolic green cloth reportedly filled with cow dung. This act led to tensions in the area.

Later, rumors began circulating that a religious book had been desecrated. These claims reportedly provoked anger among members of the Muslim community. That evening, a group of around 100 people gathered in Bhaldarpura, and incidents of stone-pelting and vehicle arson were reported.

In response to the escalating violence, the police resorted to lathi charge and tear gas to control the situation. So far, 50 people have been detained, and additional security forces have been deployed.

As per the official order, a communication ban (curfew) has been enforced under Section 163 to restore peace and prevent further unrest.

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"During the lockdown period, no person should go out of the house for any reason other than medical emergencies, nor should more than five people gather. Orders have also been issued to prohibit the spread of rumors and any other disruptive activities," the order states.

The order further mentions that anyone violating the curfew "remains punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)."

However, the order clarifies that it "will not apply to on-duty police officers and employees, government and administrative officers and employees, students appearing for essential exams, and personnel from the fire brigade and various essential departments."Authorities urge residents not to believe in rumors, as the rest of the city remains peaceful

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(For More News Apart Curfew Imposed in Nagpur- Protest Over Aurangzebs Grave Sparks Violence stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Return to Earth After Being Stranded for 9 Months latest news

Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorunov are also boarding back.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Return to Earth After Being Stranded for 9 Months latest news: NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, after being stuck in space at the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months, are now all set to return to Earth. According to ANI reports, the astronauts are set to undock from the ISS on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and are scheduled to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday. It will take them 17 hours to return to Earth.

Along with the two astronauts, Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorunov are also boarding back. The two astronauts arrived ISS in September 2024 as part of the Crew-9 mission.

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According to ANI, NASA will provide live coverage of the agencys SpaceX Crew-9 return to Earth from the ISS.

NASAs statement reads, NASA will provide live coverage of the agency's SpaceX Crew-9 return to Earth from the International Space Station, beginning with Dragon spacecraft hatch closure preparations at 10:45 p.m. EDT Monday, March 17."

"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. Mission managers are targeting an earlier Crew-9 return opportunity based on favorable conditions forecasted for the evening of Tuesday, March 18," it added.

NASA stated that the revised return schedule allows space station crew members to complete handover duties while ensuring flexibility ahead of worsening weather conditions later in the week.

Mission managers will monitor weather conditions, as Dragons undocking depends on factors like spacecraft readiness, recovery team preparedness, and sea conditions. NASA and SpaceX will confirm the exact splashdown location closer to the Crew-9 return.

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On Friday, SpaceX and NASA launched a mission to bring back Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded on the ISS for nine months. The Crew-10 mission lifted off at 7:03 a.m. ET aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, on Sunday, announced that the Dragon spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, successfully docked with the ISS.

The launch followed U.S. President Donald Trumps call for Elon Musk to expedite their rescue.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded on the ISS since June 5, 2024, due to technical issues with Boeings Starliner spacecraft, which experienced helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. Originally planned as an eight-day mission, their stay was extended indefinitely for safety reasons.

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During their nine-month stay, they contributed to ISS operations and research, with Williams even assuming command in September 2024. Now, they are set to return aboard SpaceXs Crew Dragon as part of the Crew-9 mission, with a planned splashdown off the Florida coast.

(For More News Apart Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Return to Earth After Being Stranded for 9 Months stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. Court hearings on the criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen charged with torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of warfare, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued on March 18, Trend reports.

The open hearings were held at the Baku Military Court and presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and a panel of judges consisting of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in the language of his choice, i.e. Russian, as well as lawyers for his defense.

The next court hearing is scheduled for April 1.

Ruben Vardanyan is charged with crimes under Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29,120.2.1, 29,120.2.3, 29,120.2.4, 29,120.2.7, 29,120.2.11, 29,120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation and possession of firearms, their components, ammunition, explosives and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations or groups not provided for by law) and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
Pakistan Tightens Security Around Hafiz Saeed After Assassination of Close Aide

Abu Qatal, one of LeT's top officials, was murdered by unidentified gunmen on March 16, 2025.

Pakistan Tightens Security Around Hafiz Saeed After Assassination of Close Aide latest news: Pakistan has made new security arrangements around Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and LeT chief, after his close friend Abu Qatal was assassinated recently. The country's intelligence agency, ISI, has reviewed Saeed's security arrangements, according to sources, resulting in a decision to convert his house into a controlled detention center, that is, a sub-jail.

Saeed's security is now a source of increasing worry following a wave of attacks against his associates. Journalist Azaz Syed confirmed that Saeed had been the subject of several attempted assassinations previously and remains at risk. Sources indicate that the ISI has tracked the situation, particularly since the death of Qatal, closely and has established stricter security provisions to safeguard Saeed.

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Abu Qatal, one of LeT's top officials, was murdered by unidentified gunmen on March 16, 2025. He was on India's wanted list for his suspected role in a series of fatal terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Qatal's assassination has further heightened the fear among other top LeT operatives, with Saeed now on the radar of international as well as domestic security agencies.

While Pakistan claims that Saeed is currently serving a term for terror funding, numerous reports indicate that he has been detained relatively infrequently in a regular prison. Instead, he has often been placed under house arrest in Lahore, where he has been allowed to move relatively unhindered despite having been designated as a global terrorist by both the United Nations and the United States.

The recent wave of targeted attacks on top LeT leaders has sounded alarm bells. On June 23, 2021, a car bomb went off close to Saeed's house in Lahore's Johar Town, killing three individuals and injuring more than 20. In 2023, two senior LeT commanders, Hanzla Adnan and Riyaz Ahmed alias Abu Qasim, were also killed in similar attacks. These attacks have sent LeT operatives into a panic, indicating increasing internal instability within the terror outfit.

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Abdul Rehman Makki, LeT's second-in-command and prime mind behind the 26/11 attacks, was eliminated in December 2024. Saeed, for fear of his life being targeted, stayed away from attending the funeral of Makki, an action widely assumed to have been taken by way of precautions arranged by the ISI. The funeral procession was led by Saeed's son, with attendance by some well-known terrorists. The ISI's efforts to keep Saeed away from such activities highlight the extent of the threat he is under.

Intelligence sources have also indicated that a number of wanted terrorists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have been shifted to safe, undisclosed locations in Pakistan. This indicates a growing level of threat to major terror handlers in the country, as Pakistan finds it difficult to manage the rising instability associated with its militant outfits.

The recent developments provide a multifaceted scenario of Hafiz Saeed's life in Pakistan. As one of the world's most wanted terrorists, he still manages to stay away from serious incarceration while his safety is always the top concern of the Pakistani government.

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With escalating attacks on senior LeT leaders and associates, it's obvious that the terror outfit's fate in Pakistan is headed towards an increasingly uncertain and dangerous route.

(For More News Apart Pakistan Tightens Security Around Hafiz Saeed After Assassination of Close Aide stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Editorial: Pakistan should learn to look into own backyard

Terrorism always gets support and support from the society where the policies of the government are against it.

Editorial: Pakistan and India continue to blame each other for terrorism incidents. Pakistan has handed over Jafar Express going from Koita to Pishawar in Balochistan to Balochistan Liberation. Kidnapping by terrorists belonging to Army (BLA) and resulting in more than 75 deaths in this operation. At first the finger of suspicion was raised towards Afghanistan.

Then the Chief of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt. It was done by General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary and Balochistan Wazir Ala Sarfaraz Bugti on Friday. In the joint press conference, Indian intelligence agency 'RAA' was informed by BLA. 'Sedhgaar' was given for his actions.

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On Sunday, BLA in Naushki district of Balochistan. Again aaa was named for the attack on the convoy of Frontier Corps (FC) of Pakistan Army. Was found guilty. It is noteworthy that in this attack, five people including three soldiers of Frontier Corps were killed and 35 others were injured. Soldiers were injured. This time, the task of blaming 'aaa' has been done by former Home Minister of Pakistan and now Minister Azam Shahbaz. Sharif's security advisor Rana Sanaullah did it.

Pakistan has been continuously blaming India for the terrorist violence on its soil, but these As evidence of the allegations, Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former Indian Navy commander, was arrested in Balochistan in March 2016. Could not present any material other than the arrest. Jadhav was sentenced to death by a military court in Pakistan, but India took the case to Hague. He is still under Pakistani detention after being taken to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Netherlands. yes yes.

Like Pakistan, Indian police force also tackles every small and big terrorist in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab or Gujarat. There have been allegations of involvement of Pakistani intelligence agency 'ISI' behind the action. ISI is behind the bomb planted outside a Thakurduara in Amritsar city two nights ago. The Amritsar Police Commissioner had made the allegation immediately after this incident.

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Within just 48 hours of such statement, Amritsar Police arrested Gursidak, a suspected culprit of this attack. Singh has been claimed to have been killed in competition. The role of Pakistani agencies in fueling Khalistani violence inside and outside Indian Punjab. India has already been presenting documentary evidence of its role in international forums. Pakistan's policy of using terrorism as a diplomatic weapon has earned it F.A.T.F. Global organizations like these were put in the dock like criminals and subjected to strict sanctions. Bangla.

Similarly, Pakistan's role in the infiltration of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and every other kind of help. No longer hidden from the rest of the world. Despite such a scenario, ISI is responsible for small acts of terrorism. Calling him guilty seems to be just an excuse for our police forces to escape from their own failure in 'intelligence'.

Terrorism always gets support and support from the society where the policies of the government are against it. There should be deep unhappiness and anger among the people against. Such an environment does not exist in Pakistan's provinces like Balochistan or Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; This has been going on for seven decades.

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The difference is that sometimes the war on Afghanistan was in the name of breaking the Russian stranglehold and sometimes in the name of Al-Qaeda. In the name of military campaigns against violent Islamic groups, America and its allies, Along with providing huge economic and military aid to Pakistan, intelligence considered top secret Keep equipping yourself with information also. This information enabled Pakistani security agencies to take timely interventions. Now in this world of chaos, western countries no longer need Pakistani help.

Therefore, he has become deprived of the help of microphone and important intelligence resources like war weapons and Even from. This has increased the morale of terrorist organizations. Instead of blaming others, we should focus on our own generation, our folk tales and people. It is an important part of traditions. Pakistan also needs to implement this principle and to some extent India also needs to follow this principle.

(For More News Apart Pakistan should look into its own backyard stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
80 years since the installation of Petru Grozas pro-communist government

The Petru Groza government, considered by historians to be one of the most harmful in Romanian modern history, is responsible for the Sovietization of Romania.

80 years since the installation of Petru Grozas pro-communist government

Steliu Lambru, 17.03.2025, 14:00

March 6, 1945, is one of the dates with a deeply negative significance in the history of contemporary Romania. On that day, following pressure from the Soviet emissary Andrey Vyshinsky, a government was installed that was formed by the National Democratic Front, an alliance led by the Romanian Communist Party, a government chaired by the lawyer Petru Groza. His government, considered by historians as being one of the most harmful, is responsible for the Sovietization of Romania and its economic, political, social and cultural transformation from a free and democratic country into a repressive and totalitarian one. Through the measures taken, the Groza government nationalised the means of production, various facilities and private homes, amended the legislation regulating the organisation of economic facilities, abolished political parties and made it easier for the courts to send hundreds of thousands of innocent people to prison.

In February 1945, groups of communists began protest actions against the government led by General Nicolae Radescu with the aim of destabilising it and creating an artificial crisis. The deterioration of the political climate at that time was described in 1976 by Constantin Visoianu, Minister of Foreign Affairs in that government, in an interview to Radio Free Europe. Visoianu recalled how Andrey Vyshinsky forced King Michael I to sack Radescu:

It was in that atmosphere and amid that turmoil that Vyshinsky arrived in Bucharest on February 26, 1945. The Soviet embassy informed me, as I was at that time the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, that Mr. Vyshinsky wished to be received by the King the next day. Although it was an improper request, I advised the King to accept it. The next day Vyshinsky had his first audience with the King, which I also attended. Vyshinsky began to explain what he thought the situation in Romania at that moment meant, saying all sorts of untrue things: that the government was not democratic enough, that it could not keep the masses under control, that it was not making enough efforts to calm the tensions. It was simply not true, but his idea was that the government was not democratic enough and that it had to be changed. He asked the King to replace the Radescu government as soon as possible. This first audience was conducted in a civilised tone.

The king tried to delay Radescus replacement to gain time. But Vyshinsky was not willing to wait. A second and less cordial visit followed, as Constantin Visoianu recalls:

On February 27, Vyshinsky again asked to be received by the king. I was present at this audience as well. Vyshinskys tone became more brutal and he declared on behalf of his government that the present situation could no longer continue. Your Majesty must intervene urgently and put an end to this intolerable state of affairs by instating a more democratic government. He even demanded that the king immediately demand Radescus resignation and install a more democratic government. The king explained to him that the government was the most democratic possible, since representatives of the most important parties were there, including the communists, and that it was supported by the entire Romanian nation. Vyshinsky insisted that the Radescu government was not democratic, without providing any justification. I intervened and explained to Vyshinsky Romanias political and constitutional system, telling him that our king could not appoint the members of government, a task that belonged to the political parties. He insisted, demanding that a peoples government be formed immediately. And with that he left.

Vyshinskys third audience with the king was the beginning of the end for Romanian democracy. Constantin Visoianu:

The next day, February 28, Vyshinsky requested a new audience with the king at 3:30 p.m. I was also present at the meeting again. This time, Vyshinskys tone was extremely violent. He said: I have come to find out Your Majestys decision. The king replied that he had informed the government of the Soviet representatives wishes and that negotiations were currently taking place with the party representatives. Vyshinsky said: That is not enough, I consider the Radescu government to be a fascist government and that it must be got rid of. He began to threaten, saying that the situation was very serious and that the new government must be installed by 6:00 p.m., that is, in two hours. He stood up, banged his fist on the table, and left, slamming the door so hard that the plaster around it cracked. And thats how the third audience ended, at which I tried to explain to Vyshinsky that the king could not dismiss the government without consulting the leaders of the parties that formed it. Vyshinsky replied with false politeness that he had not come to talk to the foreign minister but to the king. I also informed the English and the American representatives of the attitude of the Soviet representative, since Vyshinsky was speaking on behalf of the Allied Control Commission of which the Allied powers were members. Unfortunately, the policy pursued at that time by the Americans and the British was not of much help to us.

The appointment of Petru Groza to a government approved by the communists was the price that had to be paid to avoid bloodshed. But, on March 9, 1945, it also marked the return under Romanian control of Northern Transylvania, a territory ceded to Hungary in 1940 following the Vienna Diktat.
EU support for Ukraine

Romania was represented at the General Affairs Council in Brussels, by its Foreign Minister, Emil Hurezeanu

(Photo: unsplash.com)

Corina Cristea, 18.03.2025, 13:50

A new initiative regarding the provision of military aid to Ukraine, worth tens of billions of euros, was analyzed on Monday, by the EU foreign ministers who got together in Brussels, at the General Affairs Council. According to the proposal made by the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, the member states would contribute according to their economic strength, and, in order to prevent a possible veto from certain governments, participation in this initiative is on a voluntary basis, specifies a text of the EU diplomatic corps, quoted by dpa.

The idea of supplementing military aid to Ukraine is more than three weeks old, and the figure has increased along the way, now reaching approximately 40 billion euros for this year. In addition to the financial promises, the initiative also sets a target for the participating countries, to deliver two million units of artillery ammunition to Kyiv, this year. EU officials say that it is vital that Ukraine should be further supported on the battlefield, given the uncertainty over the future of US support under Donald Trump. At the same time, member states want to provide this help as quickly as possible, because they are sceptical about Russias will to stop the war. The plan would involve doubling the military aid provided to Ukraine by the EU, to support it in the war with Russia. Last year, European aid to Kyiv amounted to about 20 billion euros. But there is no unanimity in the Council.

According to diplomats, this proposal has strong support from countries in northern and eastern Europe, while some countries in the south are more reluctant. Italy and Spain have stated that they are not ready to support the proposal of the EUs diplomatic chief. The Italian and Spanish foreign ministers said that it was too early for a final position on the proposal, which would need to be discussed in depth and taking into account future developments. France has also raised several questions about the plan, diplomatic sources say. Among the East European countries, Slovakia has signalled that it will not obstruct the plan, but will refuse to contribute, while Hungary, which believes that EU military aid to Ukraine is useless and does nothing more than prolong the war, has ruled out any involvement.

Attending the talks in Brussels, the Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu voiced support for the High Representatives initiative. After the meeting, Kaja Kallas said that her proposal received broad political support, and the talks are now entering into details. The details are to be discussed including at the European Summit on March 20 and 21 in Brussels, where the discussion on Russias aggression against Ukraine will focus on how to maintain the EUs multidimensional support for Kyiv, especially military and financial assistance, in the context of the latest developments on the front and taking into account the dynamics in the perspective of peace negotiations. (EE)
March 17, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 17.03.2025, 20:00

ELECTIONS The interim president Ilie Bolojan Monday had a meeting in Bucharest with the heads of the public institutions tasked with organising the presidential election in May, including the PM Marcel Ciolacu. Logistical aspects have been addressed, and, according to the Presidency, preparations are on schedule, both in the country and abroad. At a domestic level, the relevant legislation must be enforced, without other legislative amendments and with proper coordination between institutions. Venues are being identified abroad, so that the same number of polling stations may be opened as in the previous elections. The interim president Ilie Bolojan has repeatedly promised that he will do everything in his power to ensure correct, free and transparent elections that reflect dynamic political debates and a commitment to the freedom of expression. The deadline for submitting candidacies for the presidential elections has passed. Twelve candidates have been validated so far. The final list of presidential candidates should be announced on Thursday, March 20.

EU The EU foreign ministers discussed in Brussels on Monday military aid for Ukraine of up to EUR 40 billion. Romania was represented by the foreign minister Emil Hurezeanu. The EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas said there is a broad agreement among the member states regarding the aid. The details will be decided at the EU Council meeting on Thursday and Friday, where there is a broad majority but no unanimity. The opposition comes from Hungary and Slovakia, but member states may opt for a majority vote in the Council. The EU intends to provide this aid as quickly as possible, as member countries do not trust Russias willingness to stop the war. Kaja Kallas believes that, in the talks with the United States, Russia will put forth a lot of demands and details to prevent a ceasefire. Another topic discussed was the situation in Gaza, and Kaja Kallas stated that the European Union supports the Arab plan for the reconstruction of the region and that Hamas should not be involved in this process.

FIRE North Macedonian authorities have declared 7 days of national mourning in memory of the victims of the devastating fire that broke out at a nightclub in the town of Kocani on the night of March 15. Fifty-nine people died, including 3 minors, and 150 others were injured. The North Macedonian PM Hristijan Mickoski said the nightclubs operating permit had been issued illegally by the Economy Ministry and promised that all those responsible would be brought to justice, Reuters reports. About 20 people have already been detained by police. According to North Macedonian authorities, the fire was started by sparks from pyrotechnic devices that hit the ceiling made of highly flammable material. In Bucharest, the interim president Ilie Bolojan voiced Romanias solidarity with the people of North Macedonia. In turn, the PM Marcel Ciolacu sent his condolences and said Romania was ready to provide support. The defence ministry in Bucharest announced on Monday that it had sent a medical aircraft to support the authorities in North Macedonia. The tragedy in North Macedonia is similar the one that took place in Bucharest on October 30, 2015, at the Colectiv nightclub, when a fire broke out after fireworks ignited the ceiling. 64 young people died in the fire, of whom 27 that very night, and the others in hospitals in the following weeks. 150 people were injured, most of them mutilated for life. In 2017, almost 2 years after the Colectiv fire, one of the survivors committed suicide.

NAVY The Grigore Antipa Navy diving vessel with a crew specialising in countering sea mines has successfully concluded its two-week participation in the multinational exercise ARIADNE 25 and returned on Monday to the Black Sea military port of Constanta. According to the Romanian Naval Forces, the ship performed tactical maneuvers, defence training against air and naval threats, as well as operations to identify and neutralise sea mines. The combat divers took part in specific drills to detect and neutralise underwater explosive devices together with partners from Greece and Belgium. The ship had a crew of 66 troops on board.

RATING At the end of last week, Moodys financial rating agency maintained Romanias investment-grade, although it revised its outlook from stable to negative. In the absence of additional fiscal reforms and spending cuts, the budget deficit will remain high this year  7.7% of GDP, Moodys writes. Fitch and Standard & Poors have also affirmed Romanias negative outlook. (AMP)
Candidates running in the upcoming presidential election

A complete list with the candidates admitted for the presidential election in May will be made public on March 20th

Photo: roaep.ro

Stefan Stoica, 17.03.2025, 14:00

The Central Election Bureau and the Constitutional Court worked around the clock during the weekend on candidacy files for the presidential election on May 4th and 18th.

Saturday, March 15th, was set as the deadline to submit candidacies but the validation process, which involves the study of the files and the potential challenges has not been completed yet. The definitive list with the names on the ballots will be known on March 20th. All the future protagonists of the presidential race have passed all the legal and constitutional filters.

Authorities are now keenly monitoring the process in an attempt to avoid surprising results like in December, when the pro-Russia extremist Calin Georgescu emerged as winner of the first round of the presidential election.

The election was later canceled by the Constitutional Court, also known as CCR, because of Georgescu, a favourite of Moscows and the beneficiary of its interference in the election process. Under the courts ruling Georgescu can no longer run in the election but he has a political heir, the ultranationalist and populist leader of AUR Party, George Simion.

After the election failure he suffered in 2024, Simion wouldnt have risked another election adventure, which could have jeopardized his position as a party leader, but he had to join the race after the elimination of his ideological mentor.

The countrys former Prime Minister and PSD leader, Victor Ponta, who is an admirer of the new US president, is also trying to win votes in the so-called sovereignist area. Ponta also ran in the 2014 election when he lost to Klaus Iohannis. Ponta got excluded by his party after contesting a Social-Democrat decision to join their ruling partners PNL and UDMR and support Crin Antonescu.

The former Liberal chief, whom the self-tiled sovereignists have dubbed the systems main candidate, is running for the pro-European wing.

This isnt Antonescus first attempt to win the highest position in the state. He came third in the presidential race of 2009 and didnt make it to the finals. The European wing also has two strong candidates, the independent mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, and the USR president, Elena Lasconi.

Dan announced his intention to run in the presidential election, after the political and constitutional seism caused by the toxic apparition on the political stage of Calin Georgescu. He criticized the institutions which through negligence and incompetence allowed that to happen. Elena Lasconi, who would have taken on Georgescu in the second round, has a similar discourse.

Commentators and even the supporters of the democratic camp suggest that she should have given up candidacy in favour of Nicusor Dan, who stands better chances to join a second round. However, Lasconi declared herself a fighter with real chances to make it to the finals.

(bill)
Romanian authorities prepare for presidential election

The heads of the institutions in charge with organising the presidential elections had a meeting with the interim president

Romanian authorities prepare for presidential election

Stefan Stoica, 18.03.2025, 14:00

Romanias interim president Ilie Bolojan wants everything done by the book when it comes to the presidential elections due on May 4 and 18, so that what happened in the previous elections, cancelled by the Constitutional Court over flaws in the electoral process, may not be repeated.

To this end, the head of state had a meeting with the authorities and public institutions in charge with organising the elections. The stated goal is to ensure a fair and transparent election process, taking into account both the domestic and foreign components of the ballot. Relevant institutions were represented, such as the interior and the foreign ministries, the Permanent Electoral Authority, the National Audiovisual Council, the National Communications Administration and Regulation Authority, the National Council on Combating Discrimination, the National Cybersecurity Directorate.

The main goal of the meeting was to strengthen these institutions so as to ensure that the relevant legislation is properly applied in all areas involved, with a focus on the electoral law and regulations regarding online campaigns. The participants discussed the importance of effective coordination between the institutions involved, both at a domestic level and in terms of the regulations applicable to the online environment, where measures must be implemented to address illegal content.

At international level, it was agreed that at least the same number of polling stations abroad as in the previous elections should be kept, given that some states will be holding domestic elections. The exact locations of the polling stations abroad will be decided by the end of March and communicated to the public.

A decision was also made to set up an inter-institutional task force consisting of the Permanent Electoral Authority, the Central Electoral Bureau, the National Audiovisual Council and the National Communications Administration and Regulation Authority, which will coordinate and supervise compliance with the law and will respond promptly in the event of any online rule violations.

It is essential that all the institutions involved fulfil their responsibilities in a professional and coordinated manner, in order to guarantee the smooth conduct of the elections and to ensure compliance with the fundamental principles of democracy, the Presidency pointed out.

The next steps in the presidential election process are as follows: the candidacies and campaign logos featured on the ballots are to be finalised by March 20; the campaign for the first round begins on April 4 and ends on May 3. In the country, voting will take place on Sunday, May 4, while the Romanian citizens living abroad will be able to vote over 3 days, on May 2, 3 and 4. The campaign for the second round will begin on May 9. (AMP)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. The Minister of Defense Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Vagif Mustafayev, met with a delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 18, led by Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, Zukan Helez, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

According to the Ministry, Minister Mustafayev warmly welcomed the guests and provided a detailed briefing on the development of Azerbaijan's defense industry.

The minister highlighted the military products produced in Azerbaijan, emphasizing that production enterprises are successfully operating in line with modern requirements. He also noted that Azerbaijan's defense industry has achieved significant success on the international stage.

Minister Helez expressed satisfaction with his visit to Azerbaijan and the hospitality extended to the Bosnian delegation.

He underscored the importance of enhancing ties between the two nations in the military-technical field and the value of mutual collaboration with Azerbaijans defense industry structures.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on future cooperation opportunities in the defense industry, with both sides exchanging views on various matters of mutual interest.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
South Korea will on Tuesday release February figures for imports, exports and trade balance, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

In January, imports rose 0.2 percent on year and exports added 1.0 percent for a trade surplus of $4.30 billion.

Japan will see January results for its tertiary industry activity index; in December, the index was at 7.10.

Hong Kong will provide February data for unemployment; in January, the jobless rate was 3.1 percent.

Finally, the in Malaysia are closed on Tuesday for Nuzul Al'Quran and will re-open on Wednesday.

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Economic News

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Oil futures settled higher on Monday on hopes of improved demand from China after plans to boost consumer spending, and on possible supply disruptions due to the tensions in the Middle East.

West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for April closed higher by $0.40 or about 0.6% at $67.58 a barrel.

Brent crude futures settled at $71.07 a barrel, gaining $0.49 or 0.69%.

The U.S. vowed to keep attacking Yemen's Houthis until the Iran-aligned group ends its assaults on shipping.

The U.S. has launched a "decisive and powerful" wave of air strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, citing the group's attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as the reason.

"Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft, and targeted our Troops and Allies," U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media, adding that their "piracy, violence, and terrorism" had cost "billions" and put lives at risk.

The Houthi-run ministry said at least 31 people were killed and 101 others were injured in the strikes.

Trump said OPEC member Iran will be held responsible for any future attack by Houthis. "Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN," Trump wrote in a post on social media platform Truth Social. "IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!"

China's announcement of a special action plan to revive consumption contributed as well to the rise in oil prices.

Xinhua reported authorities will provide details on policies to stabilize the stock and real estate , lift wages and boost the nation's birth rate.

Meanwhile, data showed industrial output in China grew nearly 6% in the first two months of the year from last year and retail sales rose by 4%. However, home prices and real estate investment data signaled continued weakness in the property market.

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Market Analysis
Canadian stocks turned in a fine performance on Monday as investors looked past concerns about trade war, and chose to focus on upcoming central bank meetings and economic data.

The Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan and the Swiss National Bank, are all scheduled to announce their monetary policies this week.

Energy and materials shares moved higher on firm oil and bullion prices. News about China's stimulus plans helped lift optimism about a recovery in the world's second largest .

Real estate, healthcare and financials shares were among the other major gainers in the session.

The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index ended with a gain of 231.71 points or 0.94% at 24,785.11.

TerraVest Industries skyrocketed more than 20%. B2Gold Corp climbed nearly 8.5%. K92 Mining gained 6.4%. First Majestic Silver, Storage Vault, Orla Mining, Energy Fuels, Capstone Mining, Ero Copper, Tilray, Hudbay Minerals, New Gold and AtkinsRealis surged 4 to 6%.

MAG Silver, Ivanhoe Mines, Jamieson Wellness, Seabridge Gold, Torex Gold, Athabasca Oil, Bombardier Inc., Sandstorm Gold, Whitecap Resources, Veren, Kinross Gold, Equinox Gold, Brookfield Infrastructure and Iamgold Corp gained 2.5 to 3.4%.

Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor Energy, Imperial Oil and Cenovus Energy also posted solid gains.

Agnico Eagle Mines gained about 1.5%. The company announced that it has agreed to subscribe 4.741 million shares of Collective Mining Ltd., an explorer of metals ore and mines, in a non-brokered private placement at C$11 per share for a total consideration of C$52.161 million.

Algoma Steel, NFI Group, Lundin Gold, Lightspeed Commerce, Mattr Corp., Bausch Health Companies, AltaGas, Baytex Energy Corp and Interfor Corp lost 1 to 4%.

Data from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation said housing starts in Canada decreased to 229,000 units in February from 239,000 units in January.

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Business News
Oil extended gains for a third straight session on Tuesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East as well as optimism surrounding China's plan to boost consumption outweighed concerns about a potential global glut.

Benchmark Brent crude futures jumped 1.1 percent to $71.88 a barrel in European trade, while WTI crude futures were up 1.3 percent at $68.23.

Israel has launched a wave of air attacks across the Gaza Strip, breaking ceasefire and reigniting hostilities after stalled hostage negotiations.

The air raids in the early hours of Tuesday killed more than 320 people, including many women and children.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the attacks due to a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire and secure the release of remaining captives taken by Hamas in October 2023. The White House has voiced its support for Israel's actions.

Hamas warned that Israel had breached the ceasefire and put the fate of the captives still held in jeopardy.

Elsewhere, U.S. President Donald Trump will talk to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin later in the session and discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

Investors were also reacting to optimistic signals in the world's two biggest crude consumers, with China unveiling a 30-point plan to boost consumer spending and U.S. retail sales rebounding marginally in February.

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Market Analysis
Dozens of Houthi militants were killed in a wave of U.S. airstrikes hitting more than 30 targets at multiple locations in Yemen over the weekend, the Pentagon said.

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said at his first public briefing at the Pentagon that the U.S. Central Command, at the direction of President Donald Trump, launched a series of attacks at key terrorist Houthi targets in Yemen on Saturday and Sunday.

"Over the weekend, U.S. Central Command forces initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and re-establish American deterrence".

"Houthi terrorists have launched missiles and one-way attack drones at U.S. warships over 170 times and at commercial vessels 145 times since 2003," Parnell told reporters.

"This campaign will be relentless to degrade their capability and to open up shipping lanes in the region and to defend our homeland."

Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, director for operations for the Joint Staff, said the Houthi targets that the U.S. forces attacked included terrorist training sites, unmanned aerial vehicle infrastructure, weapons manufacturing capabilities and weapons storage facilities.

"It also included a number of command-and-control centers, including a terrorist compound where we know several senior Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle experts were located," Grynkewich said.

He added that Sunday's air strikes hit additional headquarters locations as well as weapons storage facilities, and Houthi detection capabilities that were previously used to threaten maritime shipping.

The Houthis claim to have fired on the USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier based out of Norfolk, Virginia, but Grynkewich said that is hard to confirm.

Currently, there is no indication of civilian casualties from the U.S. attacks, according to the top defense official.

Reports quoting the Houthis say the airstrikes in capital Sana'a City, Sa'ada and Al Baydah governorates resulted in 53 deaths, including civilian casualties, and led to disruptions in the power supply in nearby localities.

The UN expressed concern over the continued threat posed to shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi attacks from their bases in Yemen as well as the airstrikes by the United States.

The Houthis who control large swathes of Yemen including the capital, began targeting Israeli-linked shipping in the waterway out of solidarity with Hamas, following the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023. Last week they said attacks would resume due to the continuing aid blockade of the enclave.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military will continue to tactically engage Iranian-backed Houthis until they stop attacking U.S. ships in the region.

Hegseth said Iran and its additional military proxies  including Hamas and Hezbollah  are in a "weakened state."

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Business News
US warship USS Gravely has been deployed to the Gulf of America to assist with border security operations, the Pentagon announced.

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said at a news conference that USS Gravely departed from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Virginia, and once it reaches Northcom's area of operations, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile guided destroyer will participate in drug interdiction missions.

"[USS Gravely] will go down [to] the Gulf of America and surrounding areas and be involved in the interdiction mission for many of the drugs  that are coming in," Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said, adding that the ship will be partnered very closely with the U.S. Coast Guard's drug interdiction mission.

The USS Gravely will host a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment while operating in the AOR, according to a recent Northcom press release.

"Founded in 1982, Coast Guard LEDETs carry out a variety of maritime interdiction missions, including counter-piracy [efforts], military combat operations, alien migration interdiction, military force protection, counter-terrorism, homeland security and humanitarian response," it says.

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Business News
The Justice Department has announced the leadership team and members of Joint Task Force October 7, or JTF 10-7, an initiative that will seek justice for the victims of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel and address the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and its affiliates.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi said JTF 10-7 will focus on targeting, charging, and securing for prosecution in the United States the direct perpetrators of the October 7 attack, in which around 1,200 people were murdered by Hamas, including 47 U.S. citizens, and supporting more than 250 others that Hamas abducted, including 8 U.S. citizens.

"The victims of Hamas's decades-long violent campaign of terrorism against Israel will always have the support of the U.S. government, and the Department will no longer permit illegal support of Hamas on our campuses and elsewhere in the homeland," said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

JTF 10-7 will be led by a senior counterterrorism prosecutor from the Justice Department's National Security Division (NSD), a senior FBI Special Agent as the Task Force Commander, and an FBI Intelligence Analyst as Deputy Task Force Commander, all under the supervision of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. JTF 10-7 will also include trial attorneys from NSD, the Civil Rights Division, the Criminal Division's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, with additional support from the Department's Office of International Affairs.

JTF 10-7 will be supported by dedicated FBI agents, analysts, forensic accountants, data scientists, and linguists who are mostly co-located in Virginia, the Justice Department said in a press release.

The FBI will coordinate with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies on JTF 10-7 activities, as well as foreign counterparts through the FBI's Legal Attache office in Israel. FBI agents will be embedded with Israel's National Bureau of Counter Terror Finance, which has already been a tremendous partner in the ongoing investigations.

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Business News
The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas will arrive in London Tuesday for discussions with the Foreign and Defense Secretaries on ways to dial up pressure on Russia and deliver just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

The talks, part of a new era of UK-EU relations, will coordinate cooperation on Ukraine, and discuss efforts to increase economic pressure and ensure Russia pays for the damage it is causing to Ukraine - as well as stepping up action against hybrid threats, like cyber attacks, election interference and rampant Russian disinformation.

As part of the Government's commitment to increase defense spending and ensure the British people's security, the Foreign Secretary and the High Representative will review efforts to boost European defense spending, including through innovative initiatives, and bolster wider military readiness in support of NATO.

The Chief of the Defense Staff will also host Kallas for a briefing from The Commander INTERFLEX and the EU's Liaison Officer for the Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine. Discussions will focus on around how to build on the success of Operation INTERFLEX by enhancing the training offered to Ukraine

The UK and EU - along with other international partners - have already jointly imposed sanctions on Russia, depriving its of $450 billion since February 2022. Both have also worked together to train Ukrainian soldiers through the UK's Operation INTERFLEX and the EU's Military Advisory Mission to Ukraine, training over 120,000 soldiers.

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Business News
Rhodes University's Peer Educators [PHOTO CREDIT: Alicia Khumalo]

By: Ephreeda Banda

The Peer Educators programme at Rhodes University is an initiative dedicated to student well-being, leadership development, and social impact. Established under Higher Health in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), this initiative empowers students to support their peers in navigating various challenges, including mental health, sexual and reproductive health, LGBTQIA+ rights, and gender diversity. The programme has become integral to student life by fostering a sense of community and responsibility.

The Peer Educators programme initially focused on educating students and staff on HIV/AIDS prevention and offering testing services on campus. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive, university-wide programme under Higher Health, implemented across all 26 public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. Today, the programme promotes holistic student development through Higher Health's nine pillars, which include mental health awareness, gender-based violence (GBV) education, sexual health, HIV/STI /TB screening, disability advocacy, LGBTQIA+ support, and Alcohol and Drug awareness. In 2024/5, a new Civic Soft Skills initiative was introduced, providing students with an accredited certificate in essential life and leadership skills.

Dr Christine Lewis, the Manager of Student Wellness at Rhodes University, explains, "The aim is for students to develop holistically while at university. We want well-rounded graduatesnot just individuals with a degree, but students equipped with leadership and civic engagement skills."

The Peer Educators programme aligns directly with Rhodes University's broader strategic objectives. Specifically, it supports Goal 3 of the Institutional Development Plan (IDP), which focuses on student wellness and psychosocial support. The programme ensures that students receive guidance, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities for their overall growth. Dr Lewis emphasises, "This programme fits perfectly within the university's goal of holistic student development. It provides leadership opportunities and hands-on experience beyond academics, ensuring students leave with more than just a degree."

The programme operates under the umbrella of Student Wellness, in the HIV Office at Rhodes University. The structure consists of a Programme Coordinator and Data Capturer who oversees the overall implementation and effectiveness of the programme, a Peer Educator Committee that manages the programme's day-to-day operations and consists of students holding different portfolios, such as social media manager, administration, and projects manager, and Peer Educators who are responsible for executing awareness campaigns, organising campus activations, and engaging in community outreach initiatives.

The peer educators are instrumental in organising campus-wide events, including the First Things First campaign, sexual health education, responsible alcohol use awareness activities, disability advocacy projects, and GBV workshops. They also collaborate with other university departments and community organisations to extend their impact beyond campus.

A key aspect of the Peer Educators programme is the Mandela-Sobukwe Leadership Summit, an annual gathering that brings together student leaders from across institutions. Now in its third year, the summit aims to instil leadership values drawn from historical figures such as Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe. It focuses on perseverance, civic responsibility, and the role of young leaders in driving meaningful change within their communities.

The summit allows peer educators to engage directly with policymakers, such as Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, on critical student issues. Open discussions on institutional challenges, policy improvements, and student well-being are crucial to the experience. Additionally, keynote addresses from figures such as National Assembly Speaker Thokozile Didiza and former political prisoners from Robben Island are potent reminders of the importance of resilience and vision in leadership.

Palesa Ragoleka, a Rhodes peer educator, recalls a particularly impactful moment at the summit: "Hearing the stories of former political prisoners from Robben Island was incredibly humbling. It reminded us that leadership often requires sacrifice for the greater good."

Furthermore, the success of the Peer Educators programme is strengthened through multiple partnerships. Higher health remains the primary funder, ensuring financial sustainability and programme oversight. The Department of Health supports sexual health education and HIV/STI/TB awareness initiatives, mainly through the First Things First campaign.

Additionally, the programme collaborates with local organisations such as the Eastern Cape Liquor Board to raise awareness about responsible alcohol use. Within the university, it works closely with the Health Care Centre, the Counselling Centre for mental health support, the Disability Unit for advocacy and inclusivity efforts, and the Equity and Institutional Culture Office for GBV and LGBTQIA+ awareness initiatives.

Looking ahead, the Peer Educators programme is set to expand further. Upcoming initiatives include specialised training on GBV prevention, with a particular focus on engaging men in discussions around positive masculinities. The new Civic Soft Skills programme will provide students with certified skills that enhance their employability and leadership capabilities.

Christine Lewis envisions continued growth: "The programme has gone from strength to strength, and we see it becoming even more specialised in the coming years. We want to equip students with skills they wouldn't necessarily gain in a classroom, preparing them for employment and life."

The programme's impact is evident in the transformation of participating student leaders. As the initiative gains recognition, Rhodes University Peer Educators remain committed to upholding their missionbuilding a future where students succeed holistically, academically and personally.
BYDs Super E-Platform 1000 Kw charging speeds will be two times faster as compared to Teslas TSLA.O that offers 500 kW charging speed

In a live streamed event held at the BYD headquarters in Shenzhen, founder Wang Chuanfu has announced Super E-Platform. This new charging platform supports quicker charging of 1,000 kW (1 MW), thereby allowing cars to travel upto 400 km (249 miles) on 5 minute charge. This means for every 1 second on charge, the vehicle will get over 1 km of range.

With expansive adoption of electric vehicles, charging time needs to be reduced drastically. The new fast charging technology from BYD will ensure that EV owners spend as much time at a charging station as it takes to fuel up ICE vehicles at any gas station. BYDs Super E-Platform allows for a charging speed of 1000 kW, which the company asserts will be two times faster as compared to Teslas TSLA.O that offers 500 kW charging speed.

BYDs Super E-Platform

Called Super E-Platform, this ends all concerns of EV drivers that till date have to rely on other automakers charging stations or public charging ports to charge their vehicles. This new architecture will be making its way onto two new electric vehicles, Han L sedan and Tang L SUV. Both these models are open for pre-sales with an official launch set for early next month.

Further, BYD also plans to expand their fast charging networks across the country. Plans are afoot to set up over 4,000 such super-fast charging units across China, catering to this new platform. The company will also attach energy storage facilities to ensure that this 1,000 kW charging power is available even in locations that have lower power capacities. Blade batteries will support fast charging for higher performance of electric vehicles. They allow for quicker ion transfer in the electrolyte relating to lower resistance and hence faster charging.

These batteries are 10C charging multiplier which means that the batteries can be fully charged in 1/10th of an hour, which is 6 minutes. This according to the company is the highest in the world. 1,000 kW is 1 MW  megawatt, which is a unit of charging power being used for the first time in the industry.

BYDs Fast Charging Breakthrough

BYDs Super E-Platform is a further sign of the growing impetus being shown to electric cars in China. It will also prove to be a game changer for the global electric car markets, lessening tensions of spending longer periods at charging stations. This technology will also put BYD ahead of Tesla in the race for faster charging.

BYDs new Han L EV and Tang L EV have been opened for pre-sales in China. Launch date is set for early April 2025. Coming in a price range of 270,000  350,000 yuan (Rs 32 lakh to 42 lakh). These two models receive a 1000V high-voltage system along with 10C charging facilities. It is positioned on the BYD Super E-Platform and allows for acceleration from 0-100 kmph in two seconds. Han L EV sedan receives a 1000 V platform and an 83.2 kWh LFP battery. This is the same battery pack size which is on offer with BYD Sealion 7 SUV that was recently launched in India.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. On March 18, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, visited the Sakina Khanim Mosque during her trip to Guba, Trend reports.

Mosques imam Hajihamdulla Daniyarli, provided Leyla Aliyeva with information about this place of worship. He explained that the Sakina Khanim Mosque, located in Guba, was commissioned in 1854 by Sakina Khanim, the wife of Abbasqulu Agha Bakikhanov, to immortalize her husbands memory.

Standing 27 meters tall, this historic mosque features a quadrangular design. In the 1930s, Soviet authorities closed the mosque, demolishing the surrounding madrasa and auxiliary buildings. For a time, it was repurposed as a warehouse and later housed a sewing workshop. Following Azerbaijans restoration of independence, the building was returned to its original function as a mosque. It underwent extensive renovations, including the construction of a ritual washing area and additional support structures.

Today, the Sakina Khanum Mosque is registered as a historical monument of national significance by the state.
India has implemented stricter traffic penalties from March 1, 2025, with fines increasing up to 10 times for major violations. The governments latest move aims to curb reckless driving, ensure road safety, and enforce stricter compliance with traffic laws. The revised penalties include heavier fines, potential jail time, and community service, sending a strong message to traffic offenders.

Major Traffic Violations and Their New Penalties

Drunken Driving: The penalty for driving under the influence has been raised to Rs 10,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment. Repeat offenders will face ?15,000 fine and up to 2 years in jail, a significant jump from the previous Rs 1,000  Rs 1,500 fine.

Using Mobile While Driving: Distracted driving is now taken more seriously, with fines soaring from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 for using a mobile phone while driving.

No Helmet / No Seatbelt: Riding without a helmet, previously fined at Rs 100, will now cost Rs 1,000, and your license may be suspended for three months. Not wearing a seatbelt also comes with a Rs 1,000 fine.

Driving Without Documents:

 No valid driving license  Rs 5,000 fine, possible three months in jail and community service.

 No insurance  Rs 2,000 fine (Rs 4,000 for repeat offenders).

 No pollution certificate  Rs 10,000 fine and/or six months in jail with community service.

Triple Riding & Dangerous Driving: Carrying more than two passengers on a two-wheeler will now cost Rs 1,000, while dangerous driving or racing attracts a Rs 5,000 fine.

Not Yielding to Emergency Vehicles: Blocking ambulances or emergency response vehicles will result in a Rs 10,000 fine.

Signal Jumping & Overloading:

 Jumping traffic signals now incurs a Rs 5,000 fine.

 Overloading vehicles now attracts a Rs 20,000 penalty, a drastic jump from the earlier Rs 2,000 fine.

Juvenile Offenders: Minors caught driving will lead to a Rs 25,000 fine, 3 years imprisonment, cancellation of the vehicles registration, and a ban on obtaining a driving license until 25 years of age.

With steeper fines, stricter enforcement, and harsher penalties, the government hopes to reduce accidents, promote disciplined driving, and improve road safety across India. Authorities have urged motorists to adhere to traffic laws to avoid heavy penalties and ensure safer roads for all.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. A forum titled "Turkman Heritage: Solidarity of Civil Societies" is being held at the Heydar Aliyev Center with the support of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The forum is attended by more than 30 representatives of civil society from Iraq, Syria, and Turkiye.

The guests include Ershad Saleh, head of the Turkman group in the Iraqi parliament and a public figure; Najat Shukr, representative of the Iraqi Historians Association and editor-in-chief of the "Turkmaneli" newspaper; Turkes Saleh, head of the "Tert TV" channel for Iraqi Turkman; Tark Sulo Cevizci, president of the Syrian Turkman Associations Federation; Asad Arber, founder of the Syrian Turkman Platform, and other figures.

During the forum, Turkman civil society representatives will hold discussions with local NGOs in panels titled "Common Values: Traces of History and Culture" and "Looking to the Future: New Opportunities and Initiatives."

Before the forum, on March 15-17, the Turkman guests visited Fuzuli city, named after the great Azerbaijani poet Muhammad Fuzuli, who lived and worked in Iraq, as well as other liberated areas such as Shusha, Khankendi, Khojaly, and Sugovushan. They joined festive celebrations and also visited prominent places in Baku, including the Victory Park, the Military Trophy Park, and other landmarks.

The forum continued with an artistic segment.

Following the forum, together with Turkmen guests in Baku, the Ilakhir celebration of Nowruz was observed.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the State Agency for Non-Governmental Organization Support of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Aygun Aliyeva, emphasized that the Turkmen people have successfully preserved their national identity, language, and culture:

We must, without exaggeration, state that despite the harsh trials of history and the challenges of various eras, the Turkmen have managed to proudly maintain their national identity, language, and culture. They have made a significant contribution to the development of the countries in which they live and have actively participated in promoting well-being and peace.

She further noted that, in particular, our shared values, strong national spirit, and solidarity among people who take an active civil position have brought these traditions into the present day.

"The goal of this conference is to once again emphasize the importance of the solidarity of civil societies. The shared values that belong to usour literature, epic traditions, and oral folklore, which have developed over the centuriesrepresent our great wealth."

The epics of Oghuz Khan, Dede Gorgud, and the poetry of Fuzuli reflect the spiritual world of the Turkmen and lay the foundation for our unity today. "This literature is not only a reflection of our common past but also a beacon that lights our shared future," he stated.

Iraqi parliamentarian Arshad Rashad Salehi, for his part, noted that we share a common culture, language, and history.

"Although we live in different places, we have preserved all of these values. The Turkmen have suffered greatly. The Armenians also killed Turkmen in Kirkuk. Despite this, the Turkmen recovered. Moreover, the Turkmen endured numerous persecutions."

"I am bringing this matter to the attention of the political government regarding the Khojaly massacre in Iraq. Everyone must be aware of the actions of the Armenians, whose hands are stained with blood," he added.

Additionally, Fazil Mustafa, a member of the Azerbaijani parliament, stated that the Turkmen in Iraq have faced severe oppression.

He emphasized that if the Turkmen stand strong today, it is a testament to their resilience.

"Remaining on their feet amid the ongoing processes there is an act of heroism. Now, we need to engage in discussions aimed at achieving our goals, rather than focusing on politics."

"Let us discuss together and define our roadmap," the deputy concluded.

Will be updated
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. Azerbaijan is the safest country I have lived in, the teacher Lynsay Flowers told the New Zealand publication Stuff, Trend reports.

Flowers moved to Baku from New Zealand more than eight years ago.

I knew nothing about this part of the world, but I wanted to immerse myself in a completely different culture and environment, she said.

She noted that Azerbaijan's capital city, gorgeous, clean, and ultra-safe, caught her attention.

Baku is an amazing city, she added.

According to her, although the adaptation took about a year, familiarity with local traditions, holidays, as well as a warm welcome from Azerbaijanis made the integration process much easier.

The local people are very friendly, helpful, and hospitable, Lynsey Flowers noted.

She added that this country has no real drawbacks if you keep an open mind and embrace the uniqueness of each place. It's a great country.
Astronomers using the Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) onboard the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have captured coronagraphic images of the HR 8799 and 51 Eridani planetary systems. These observations have revealed the four known gas-giant planets encircling HR 8799 and one planet around 51 Eridani. They have also revealed that all HR 8799 planets are rich in carbon dioxide.

HR 8799 is a 30-million-year-old star located approximately 129 light-years away in the constellation of Pegasus.

It hosts a massive debris disk and four super-Jupiters: HR 8799b, c, d, and e.

Unlike most exoplanet discoveries, which are inferred from analysis of data, these planets are directly visible through ground-based telescopes.

By spotting strong carbon dioxide features, we have shown there is a sizable fraction of heavier elements, like carbon, oxygen, and iron, in these planets atmospheres, said Johns Hopkins University astronomer William Balmer.

Given what we know about the star they orbit, that likely indicates they formed via core accretion, which is an exciting conclusion for planets that we can directly see.

Still hot from their tumultuous formation, the planets within HR 8799 emit large amounts of infrared light that give scientists valuable data on how they formed.

Giant planets can take shape in two ways: by slowly building solid cores with heavier elements that attract gas, just like the giants in our Solar System, or when particles of gas rapidly coalesce into massive objects from a young stars cooling disk, which is made mostly of the same kind of material as the star.

The first process is called core accretion, and the second is called disk instability.

Knowing which formation model is more common can give scientists clues to distinguish between the types of planets they find in other systems.

Our hope with this kind of research is to understand our own Solar System, life, and ourselves in the comparison to other exoplanetary systems, so we can contextualize our existence, Dr. Balmer said.

We want to take pictures of other solar systems and see how theyre similar or different when compared to ours.

From there, we can try to get a sense of how weird our Solar System really is  or how normal.

51 Eridani is located approximately 97 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Eridanus.

Otherwise known as 51 Eri, c Eridani or HD 29391, the star is only 20 million years old, a mere infant by astronomy standards.

It hosts one massive planet, 51 Eridani b, that orbits the star at a distance of about 13 AU (astronomical units)  equivalent to being between Saturn and Uranus in our Solar System.

The images of HR 8799 and 51 Eridani were made possible by Webbs NIRCam coronagraph, which blocks light from bright stars to reveal otherwise hidden worlds.

This technology allowed the astronomers to look for infrared light emitted by the planets in wavelengths that are absorbed by specific gases.

They found that the four HR 8799 planets contain more heavy elements than previously thought.

We have other lines of evidence that hint at these four HR 8799 planets forming using this bottom-up approach said Dr. Laurent Pueyo, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute.

How common is this for planets we can directly image? We dont know yet, but were proposing more Webb observations to answer that question.

We knew Webb could measure colors of the outer planets in directly imaged systems, added Dr. Remi Soummer, also from the Space Telescope Science Institute.

We have been waiting for 10 years to confirm that our finely tuned operations of the telescope would also allow us to access the inner planets.

Now the results are in and we can do interesting science with it.

The findings were published in the Astronomical Journal.

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Iguanas have often been spotted rafting around the Caribbean on vegetation and, ages ago, evidently caught a 600-mile ride from Central America to colonize the Galapagos Islands. But for long distance travel, the Fiji iguanas can't be touched.

A new analysis conducted by biologists at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of San Francisco (USF) suggests that sometime after about 34 million years ago, Fiji iguanas landed on the isolated group of South Pacific islands after voyaging 5,000 miles from the western coast of North America -- the longest known transoceanic dispersal of any terrestrial vertebrate.

Overwater dispersal is the main way newly formed islands get populated by plants and animals, including humans, often leading to the evolution of new species and entirely new ecosystems. Understanding how these colonizations happen has fascinated scientists since the time of Charles Darwin, the originator of the theory of evolution by natural selection.

The new analysis, to be published next week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that the arrival of the ancestors of the Fiji iguanas coincided with the formation of these volcanic islands. The estimated time of the arrival, 34 million years ago or more recently, is based on the timing of the genetic divergence of the Fiji iguanas, Brachylophus, from their closest relatives, the North American desert iguanas, Dipsosaurus.

Previously, biologists had proposed that Fiji iguanas may have descended from an older lineage that was more widespread around the Pacific but has since died out, leaving Brachylophus as the sole iguanids in the western Pacific Ocean. Another option was that the iguanas hitchhiked from tropical parts of South America and then through Antarctica or even Australia, though there is no genetic or fossil evidence to support this.

The new analysis puts those theories to rest.

"We found that the Fiji iguanas are most closely related to the North American desert iguanas, something that hadn't been figured out before, and that the lineage of Fiji iguanas split from their sister lineage relatively recently, much closer to 30 million years ago, either post-dating or at about the same time that there was volcanic activity that could have produced land," said lead author Simon Scarpetta, a herpetologist and paleontologist who is a former postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley and is now an assistant professor at USF in the Department of Environmental Science.

"That they reached Fiji directly from North America seems crazy," said co-author Jimmy McGuire, UC Berkeley professor of integrative biology and herpetology curator at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology. "But alternative models involving colonization from adjacent land areas don't really work for the time frame, since we know that they arrived in Fiji within the last 34 million years or so. This suggests that as soon as land appeared where Fiji now resides, these iguanas may have colonized it. Regardless of the actual timing of dispersal, the event itself was spectacular."

While sailors today can take advantage of favorable winds to reach Fiji from California in about a month, an iguana -- or more likely a group of iguanas -- would probably have taken much longer to ride flotsam through the doldrums and across the equator to Fiji and Tonga, where this group of iguanas is found. Luckily, iguanas are large and herbivorous and used to long periods without food and water. And if the flotsam consisted of uprooted trees, the raft itself would have provided food.

"You could imagine some kind of cyclone knocking over trees where there were a bunch of iguanas and maybe their eggs, and then they caught the ocean currents and rafted over," Scarpetta said.

The Fiji iguanas are an outlier

All told, there are over 2,100 species in the suborder Iguania, a large group that also includes animals such as chameleons, anoles, bearded dragons and horned lizards. What most people think of as iguanas are the Western Hemisphere family of lizards, Iguanidae, that include and mostly look like the widespread green iguana of Central and South America that Carl Linnaeus described as Iguana iguana in 1758. There are 45 species of Iguanidae living in the Caribbean and the tropical, subtropical and desert areas of North, Central and South America. These include the well-known marine iguanas of the Galapagos Islands, but also the chuckwallas of the American Southwest.

The Fiji iguanas are an outlier, sitting all alone in the middle of the Pacific. The four species on Fiji and Tonga are listed as endangered, primarily because of habitat loss, predation by invasive rats and exploitation by smugglers feeding the exotic pet trade.

Biologists had speculated, based on a few fossils found in east Asia, that an ancestral population of iguanids, now extinct, lived around the Pacific Rim and somehow made their way to the middle of the Pacific, island-hopping along the way. They may have journeyed by land and sea from America via the Bering Land Bridge and on through Indonesia and Australia or down along the Pacific coast of the Americas and through Antarctica. Or they could have rafted from South America with the Humboldt Current, gyring into the South Pacific.

Previous genetic analyses of a few genes for iguanid lizards were inconclusive about the relationship of the Fiji iguanas to all the rest. Scarpetta, while a postdoctoral fellow with McGuire a few years ago, embarked on a comprehensive survey of all genera in the Iguania to clarify the family tree of the group.

"Different relationships have been inferred in these various analyses, none with particularly strong support," McGuire said. "So there was still this uncertainty about where Brachylophus really fits within the iguanid phylogeny. Simon's data really nailed this thing."

Scarpetta collected genome-wide sequence DNA from more than 4,000 genes and from tissues of more than 200 iguanian specimens housed in museum collections around the world. As he began comparing these data, one result stood out clearly: The Fiji iguanas are most closely related to the iguanas in the genus Dipsosaurus. The most widespread of these is the North American desert iguana, Dipsosaurus dorsalis, which is adapted to the searing heat of the deserts of the American Southwest and northern Mexico. The other species in the genus is native to Santa Catalina Island in the Sea of Cortez.

"Iguanas and desert iguanas, in particular, are resistant to starvation and dehydration, so my thought process is, if there had to be any group of vertebrate or any group of lizard that really could make an 8,000 kilometer journey across the Pacific on a mass of vegetation, a desert iguana-like ancestor would be the one," Scarpetta said.

The analysis determined that the two lineages, Brachylophus and Dipsosaurus, diverged about 34 million years ago, which doesn't fit with earlier theories of the origin of the Fiji iguanas.

"When you don't really know where Brachylophus fits at the base of the tree, then where they came from can also be almost anywhere," McGuire said. "So it was much easier to imagine that Brachylophus originated from South America, since we already have marine and land iguanas in the Galapagos that almost certainly dispersed to the islands from the mainland."

With the new analysis, a South American origin can be ruled out. And because the Fiji Islands emerged from the sea also about 34 million years ago, the iguanas may have serendipitously intersected the islands not long after. Other islands aside from Fiji and Tonga could also have harbored iguanas, Scarpetta noted, but it is the nature of volcanic islands to disappear as readily as they appear. Evidence of other Pacific Island iguanas, if they existed, has probably been lost.

Scarpetta, who has been enamored with salamanders, snakes and lizards since before high school, continues to analyze genome-wide data for Iguanian lizards to learn more about their evolutionary relationships and to infer their movements and interactions through time and space.

Other co-authors of the paper are Robert Fisher of the U.S. Geological Survey in San Diego, Benjamin Karin and Ammon Corl of UC Berkeley, Jone Niukula of NatureFiji-MareqetiViti in Suva and Todd Jackman of Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Scarpetta was supported by a National Science Foundation postdoctoral research fellowship.
Trial of strength at the cellular level: cells are in constant competition with each other and so eliminate diseased or unwanted cells. Cell competition is therefore a central principle for maintaining the health of tissues and organs. Researchers have investigated the success factors of superior cells and discovered a previously unknown winning strategy in mechanical cell competition. They identified a variety in the ability of cells to exert mechanical forces onto other cells as the decisive regulator. With their results recently published in Nature Materials, the research team from Germany, France and Denmark challenges the classical interpretation of cell competition.

Winner and loser cells -- competition as a survival principle

The formation of all organisms relies on the meticulous arrangement of diverse cell types, each with distinct roles and identities. Even minor deviations from the evolutionary blueprint can cause developmental abnormalities, accelerate aging, and contribute to disease. To preserve tissue and organ integrity, cell populations employ quality-control mechanisms. One such mechanism is a set of surveillance processes known as "cell competition." Cells are able to adapt their properties in relation to their neighbors and compare their so-called fitness level to their neighboring cells. The stronger "winner" cells survive, while the weaker "loser" cells are removed from the cell structure and die. This mechanism helps to maintain a healthy and efficient cell community. Cell competition is therefore a crucial factor to maintain tissue health and is necessary for fighting pathogens. If such control mechanisms fail, tumors can develop.

New winning strategy uncovered in mechanical cell competition

The molecular factors and biochemical signals involved in cell death and the elimination of losers have already been extensively researched. Various scientific studies have further shown that cells can also be eliminated by mechanical forces. However, their exact role in cell competition remains unclear.

An international team of researchers, including experts from the Max-Planck-Zentrum fur Physik und Medizin (MPZPM), the Institut Jacques Monod (CNRS, UP Cite, France), and the Niels Bohr Institute (Denmark), has identified a previously unknown mechanism in mechanical cell competition. In their work, the scientists reveal that "winner" cells excel at exerting mechanical forces to their surroundings including neighboring cells, giving them a survival advantage over "loser" cells. The researchers demonstrated that this effect is particularly pronounced at the interface between different cell populations, where healthy cells border mutated cells. Ladoux's team observed that these active interfaces are hotspots for cell elimination and are marked by intensified mechanical force fluctuations.

The study confirms that these amplified fluctuations play a crucial role in the removal of cells that struggle to transfer mechanical stress. The results challenge the previously held belief that "winner" cells eliminate "loser" cells purely by compressing and squeezing them out of the tissue. Instead, the findings suggest that the competitive advantage of winner cells lies in their active resistance to their own elimination.

Where does the active resistance originate?

The junction protein E-cadherin plays a significant role in the intercellular force transmission in epithelia. It contributes to cells attaching themselves to each other (cell adhesions) while simultaneously connecting them mechanically to their physical environment. The precise mechanism of this mechanical coupling -- which enables cells to perceive, signal, and respond to physical changes in their environment -- is the subject of research by Prof. Benoit Ladoux, head of the division of "Tissue Mechanobiology" at the MPZPM. Ladouxs team is investigating the relationships between adhesion and mechanical and biochemical signaling for the adaptation of living cells to changes in their physical environment at diverse levels, from individual molecules to tissues.

In the study, the international team combined mechanical measurements of forces within tissue with targeted biological interventions, such as switching off individual molecules, including E-cadherin. The group collaborated with theoretical physicists from the University of Copenhagen, who created computer simulations based on the mechanical differences between the cells. This allowed them to predict how individual components, in this case mechanical fluctuations, can alter observations. The prediction was then experimentally verified.

"We were surprised to find that compressed cells were not consistently not eliminated," says Ladoux. "This observation fundamentally differs from previously known forms of mechanical cell competition, like the directed migration of winner cells toward losers. We suspected that changes in intercellular force transmission were caused by variations in E-cadherin adhesion strength, shaping the dynamics of cell competition. This insight has driven us to further investigate this direction." First author of the paper, Andreas Schoenit, Institut Jacques Monod (CNRS, UP Cite, France), adds: "With our studies, we were able to identify force transmission capability as the main regulator of the outcome of cell competition. Since cell competition is a fundamental mechanism for maintaining tissue health, this discovery could have implications for many vital biological processes, including morphogenesis, acute inflammation and even cancer."
When Jay Falk and Scott Taylor first saw the white-necked Jacobin hummingbird chick in Panama's dense rainforest, the bird biologists didn't know what they were looking at.

The day-old bird, smaller than a pinky finger, had brown fuzz all over its body. When Falk and Taylor walked closer to the nest, the chick began twitching and shaking its head -- a behavior they had never seen in birds before.

It turns out the hummingbird might fend off predators by mimicking a poisonous caterpillar that lives in the same region. In a new paper published March 17 in Ecology, Taylor, associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at CU Boulder, and his team described this unusual mimicry behavior for the first time in hummingbirds.

"We know so little about what nesting birds do in the tropics," said Falk, the paper's first author and postdoctoral fellow in Taylor's lab. "But this could be a very common thing if we had dedicated more efforts to observe and discover new things about the natural world."

A chance discovery

White-necked jacobin hummingbirds are common in Central and South America. Male birds have shimmering blue and green feathers, while females tend to sport low-key green plumage.

The tropical rainforest is a dangerous place for small birds, said Falk, who's also a researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Snakes, monkeys, birds and even insects all prey on them. Prior studies have suggested bird chicks in the tropics are more likely to be eaten by predators than those in temperate forests.

So how can tiny hummingbird chicks survive? Falk may have stumbled on the answer during a trip to Soberania National Park in Panama in 2024.

Despite the birds' frequent visits to Falk's feeders outside his research station in Panama, Falk had never seen a white-necked jacobin chick or its nest before.

But last March, co-authors Michael Castano at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Sebastian Gallan-Giraldo at the University of Antioquia in Colombia discovered a female jacobin hummingbird incubating an egg in its nest, not far from a forest trail. The nest, smaller than Falk's palm, was made of plant parts to blend in perfectly with the surrounding environment.

Over the following month, the team closely monitored the nest and witnessed a chick hatch from the egg. Unlike most hummingbirds that are born naked, the jacobin chick was covered in long brown feathers, looking nearly identical to the nest material. That's when the team witnessed the chick's unusual jerking behavior. Scientists had never reported a similar behavior in any other hummingbird species.

"I started texting a video to people and asking them, 'What does this look like?'" said Taylor. "And invariably, they said, 'That looks like a caterpillar.' It was very exciting."

On the second day after the egg hatched, the team saw a predatory wasp approach the chick when the mother was away. As the wasp hovered above the nest, the chick started to twitch its body vigorously like it had for the researchers, swinging its head from side to side. A few seconds later, the wasp flew away.

Surviving the tropical rainforest

The jacobin hummingbird chick reminded Falk and Taylor of a paper they came across previously. Another team of researchers reported that a young cinereous mourner, a songbird native to the Amazonian rainforest, might resemble toxic orange caterpillars from the region by having a bright orange coat and waving its head from side to side when disturbed.

Falk and his colleagues looked into other caterpillars in this region of Panama and found that many have similar-looking brown hairs that can give painful stings to predators and even kill them. Some of these caterpillars also shake their heads when they feel threatened, much like the chick.

Scientists refer to this survival strategy of mimicking the defensive signaling of a harmful species as Batesian mimicry. For example, some non-venomous milk snakes have developed a pattern of red, yellow and black coloring similar to that of venomous coral snakes to ward off predators.

"A lot of these really classic examples of Batesian mimicry involve butterflies mimicking other butterflies, or snakes mimicking other snakes. But here, we have a bird potentially mimicking an insect, a vertebrate mimicking an invertebrate," Taylor said.

While the study described a single observation, the researchers hope to test their theory in the future through experiments like placing artificial chicks with different looks and behaviors in nests to see which are more likely to be attacked by predators. They also hope to encourage birdwatchers and citizen scientists to document more hummingbird nests.

"Our perception of the natural world is very biased by our own thoughts about what could be possible," Taylor said. "It's incredible what we can discover, but we really have think broadly."
In 2015, an outbreak of Zika virus triggered an epidemic in the Americas. People infected with Zika, typically via a mosquito bite, may have mild symptoms, but if the person is pregnant, it can lead to severe birth defects. How does the virus pass from mother to fetus?

A team of researchers from Penn State and Baylor College of Medicine found that the Zika virus builds tiny tunnels, called tunneling nanotubes, to stealthily transport material needed to infect nearby cells, including in placental cells. It's one way the virus crosses the placental barrier, transmitting from mother to fetus during pregnancy without raising alarm in the immune system. The team also demonstrated, for the first time, that one specific Zika protein -- non-structural protein 1 (NS1) -- is responsible for the formation of the nanotubes.

The findings, published in Nature Communications, are a first step toward identifying measures to prevent infection and potential targets for antiviral therapies. This study was funded by a grant from the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, totaling nearly $4 million, received in 2024.

"For Zika to infect newborn babies, it means the virus has to pass from the mother across the placental barrier, which usually only allows select molecules to pass through, like nutrients and antibodies," said Anoop Narayanan, research professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State and senior author of the paper. "With this new discovery, we may be able to find a way in which we can stop the viruses from going from mother to fetus and control its spread."

Zika is an Orthoflavivirus member of the Flaviviridae family, which includes West Nile, dengue and yellow fever viruses, and is typically transmitted by vectors, or living organisms that carry the pathogen and infect another organism. In this case, mosquitoes are the vectors. Unlike other flaviviruses, Zika can also be transmitted between people in the absence of a vector and is the only flavivirus capable of crossing the placental barrier from infected mother to fetus.

Zika infections among adults usually aren't serious, the researchers explained. However, if a pregnant woman is infected, there's a chance the virus can affect the development of the fetus, resulting in neurological disorders and other abnormalities. Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral medication for Zika.

"Having something to prevent this infection from proceeding to a fetus is important," said Joyce Jose, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State and co-author of the study. While human infections of Zika virus have declined, Jose said the threat of future epidemic remains, especially as mosquitoes that harbor Zika virus could spread to new and different regions due to changes in climate and weather.

It was happenstance that the team discovered Zika's ability to build tiny tunnels. At Penn State, researchers were examining live cells infected with the Zika virus under a fluorescent microscope when they noticed long tube-like structures connecting neighboring cells, plasma membrane to plasma membrane. When they looked at cells infected with other viruses, like dengue and yellow fever, they didn't see any tubes. Meanwhile, researchers at Baylor also noticed that Zika induced the formation of nanotubes in placental cells. When the two groups shared their findings with each other, they conducted more tests and found that the tiny tunnels were, in fact, more prominent in placental cells.

Viruses like HIV, herpes and SARS-CoV-2 -- the virus that causes COVID-19 -- also build tiny tunnels and use them to spread to uninfected cells, but these viruses don't cross the placenta. With experiments in human placenta cells in vitro, meaning in a culture dish, the team found that placental cells infected with Zika create tunnels to uninfected cells. The cells were procured from a commercially available cell line.

The cell-to-cell connections act as conduits, allowing viral particles, proteins and RNA to be transported from infected cells to neighboring, uninfected cells.

"If a virus is outside of the cell, it can be caught by antibodies in the bloodstream. But the tubes act like an extension of the cell so the virus is protected and not neutralized by antibodies," Jose said. In other words, the virus covertly bypasses the immune system. When the team examined placental cells infected with Zika virus that can't construct nanotubes, the growth and spread of the virus was reduced.

But material doesn't just flow in one direction through the tiny tunnels. Mitochondria, the cell's main source of energy, are harvested from the uninfected cell and siphoned through these tubes to the infected cell.

"It's a two-way street," Narayanan said. "The virus is reprogramming the whole cell to enhance its growth. It collects mitochondria so it has energy to survive and spread to the uninfected cells around it."

The team also discovered that the protein NS1 is responsible for the development of the tiny tunnels. While NS1 is an important protein for flaviviruses and plays an essential role in viral replication, it does not spur the development of nanotubes in the other viruses. The researchers identified the specific area of the Zika NS1 involved in building the tubes. Shay Toner, co-author of the study and doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, identified the region as part of his undergraduate honors thesis while at Penn State. His research was a key part of unraveling NS1's role in nanotubes formation, according to Joyce.

"The Zika outbreak in 2015 got me interested in virology as a high schooler," Toner said. "Getting to work on Zika in the Jose lab at Penn State and to play a small part in a project as impactful as this while I was an undergraduate student was an amazing opportunity."

Next, the team will work to identify the specific signaling pathway activated by NS1 that leads to the creation of the tunnels. By doing so, they said they hope to identify potential drug targets for antiviral medication. They will also begin studies in a mouse model.

"This is like a detective story. We don't understand the mechanism for how these tubes are formed yet, so we are continuing to ask more questions," Jose said.

Authors on the paper from Baylor College of Medicine include Indira Mysorekar, E.I. Wagner Endowed, M.D., Chair of Internal Medicine II and professor of medicine; Rafael Michita, postdoctoral research associate; Long Tran, graduate student; Steven Bark, bioinformatics analyst; and Deepak Kumar, postdoctoral associate.

This work was supported in part by grants from the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R01AI176505), the NIH's National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01HD091218) and Penn State.
A team of scientists from Goethe University Frankfurt, University of Marburg and Stockholm University have elucidated an ancient mechanism of cellular respiration. To that end, they studied bacteria that feed on the gases carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and turn them into acetic acid -- a metabolic pathway that emerged very early in evolution. The international team has now been able to resolve the mystery of how the microbes use this process to generate energy. Their findings are also interesting for another reason: Since the microorganisms remove CO2 from their environment, they are seen as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change.

Animals, plants and many other living organisms inhale oxygen to "burn" (technically: oxidize) compounds like sugar into CO 2 and water -- a process during which the energy-rich molecule ATP is produced. Cells require ATP to power vital reactions. In the early phase of our planet's existence, however, the earth's atmosphere did not yet contain any oxygen. Nevertheless, studies of ancient bacteria that still occur today in ecosystems without oxygen, e.g. in hot springs at the bottom of the ocean, suggest that a special form of respiration could have existed even then.

These microorganisms "respire" carbon dioxide and hydrogen into acetic acid. The metabolic pathway with which they do so has been known for some time. The question that remained unanswered until now is how they use this process to produce ATP. The current study now provides an answer. "We were able to show that the production of acetic acid itself activates a sophisticated mechanism as part of which sodium ions are pumped out of the bacterial cell into the environment," explains Prof. Volker Muller, Chair of Molecular Microbiology and Bioenergetics at Goethe University Frankfurt. "This reduces the sodium concentration inside the cell, whereby the cell envelope acts like a kind of dam for the ions. Once this dam is opened, the sodium ions flow back into the cell, driving a kind of molecular turbine that generates ATP."

Cell respiration enzyme isolated just a few years ago

A conglomerate of different proteins known as the Rnf complex plays a key role in this process. These proteins are largely embedded inside the membrane surrounding the bacterial cell. "The complex is so sensitive that we were only able to isolate it a few years ago," Muller emphasizes. When carbon dioxide reacts with hydrogen to form acetic acid, electrons are transferred from the hydrogen to the carbon atom via a series of different intermediate steps, in which the Rnf complex plays a mediating role: it takes up and passes on the electrons.

In the current study, the scientists have now shown what exactly happens during this process. Structural biologist Anuj Kumar -- a PhD student in both Muller's research group as well as that of Dr. Jan Schuller at the University of Marburg -- used a sophisticated method known as cryo-electron microscopy, as part of which the purified Rnf complex of the Acetobacterium woodii bacterium was "shock-frozen" and then dripped onto a carrier plate. A thin film of ice is created in the process, which contains millions of Rnf complexes that can be observed using an electron microscope. Since they fall onto the carrier plate differently during the dripping process, it is possible to see different sides of them under the microscope.

"These images can be combined into a three-dimensional one, which gave us a precise insight into the structure of the complex -- especially those parts that are essential to the transfer of electrons," Kumar explains. The analysis of images taken at different intervals shows that far from being rigid, the individual components of the complex move back and forth dynamically. This allows the electron carriers to bridge longer distances and pass on their cargo.

Fundamentally new mechanism

The question remained: How does the flow of electrons drive the outflow of sodium ions? A molecular dynamics simulation by Prof. Dr. Ville Kaila's working group at Stockholm University provided an initial answer to this question. A key role is played by a cluster of iron and sulphur atoms located in the middle of the membrane, which, after picking up an electron, becomes negatively charged. "The positively charged sodium ions from inside the cell are drawn to this cluster, just like a magnet," explains Jennifer Roth, a doctoral candidate in Muller's research group. "This attraction in turn causes the proteins to shift around the iron-sulphur cluster, much like a rocker switch: they create an opening leading to the outside of the membrane, through which the sodium ions are once again released."
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, March 18. Azerbaijan's Khankendi now boasts high-speed internet access for over 90 businesses and 1,209 households, Aztelekom LLC press secretary Alida Mustafayeva told reporters, Trend reports.

Mustafayeva explained that, as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild and restore the region, the company has successfully extended telecommunications services, including internet, to all areas of Khankendi.

"According to the first State Program on the 'Great Return' to the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, approved by the relevant presidential decree, one of the ministry's priorities is the development of the telecommunications sector in these areas," she said.

She also noted that residents can access these services by calling Aztelekom's customer service center at "170," visiting the companys office in Khankendi, or using the official website for registration.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. Legal and physical entities of the Republic of Azerbaijan engaged in trade operations with partners in 128 nations globally, exporting goods to 75 countries and importing products from 124 countries in January 2025.

Data obtained by Trend from the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan indicates that the total foreign trade turnover of the country in January 2025, considering the estimated value of exported crude oil and natural gas, reached $4.1 billion. This figure includes exports valued at $2.1 billion (50.3 percent) and imports worth $2 billion (49.7 percent), resulting in a positive trade balance of $21.2 million.

Compared to January 2024, the foreign trade turnover in current prices increased by 25.3 percent, and in real terms, it grew by 9.3 percent. Imports increased by 50.1 percent in real terms, while exports decreased by 12.5 percent.

Non-oil and gas product exports in January 2025 amounted to $245.8 million, marking a 10.7 percent increase in current prices but a 10.4 percent decrease in real terms compared to January 2024.

Based on data from the State Customs Committee, the foreign trade turnover of the country was distributed as follows: Italy accounted for 28.1 percent, Turkiye for 9.5 percent, Russia for 8.1 percent, China for 7.5 percent, Germany for 5.6 percent, Australia for 4.5 percent, the Czech Republic for 4.1 percent, the United Kingdom for 3.8 percent, Croatia for 3.7 percent, Mexico for 3.5 percent, Romania for 2.3 percent, Portugal for 2.2 percent, Greece for 2.1 percent, Georgia for 1.4 percent, Bulgaria for 1.3 percent, the United States and Iran each for 1.1 percent, Ukraine for 0.9 percent, Brazil for 0.8 percent, Belarus for 0.7 percent, and other countries accounted for 7.7 percent.

The export shares by country were as follows: Italy received 45.9 percent, Turkiye 10.1 percent, Germany 7.5 percent, Czech Republic 6.7 percent, Croatia 6.2 percent, Portugal 3.6 percent, Romania 3.5 percent, Greece 3.2 percent, Russia 2.7 percent, the United Kingdom 2.4 percent, Georgia 2.1 percent, Bulgaria 2.0 percent, Ukraine and Switzerland each 0.7 percent, Serbia 0.5 percent, Ireland 0.4 percent, Israel 0.3 percent, and Kazakhstan, the UAE, the USA, and Belarus each 0.2 percent. Other countries accounted for 0.7 percent.

In terms of non-oil and gas exports, Russia received 33.0 percent, Turkiye 15.1 percent, Georgia 10.8 percent, Switzerland 9.0 percent, Ukraine 8.9 percent, Israel 3.3 percent, Kazakhstan 2.2 percent, the USA 2.2 percent, Germany 2.1 percent, Belarus 1.9 percent, Italy 1.8 percent, the UAE 1.6 percent, Turkmenistan 1.1 percent, and Uzbekistan 1.1 percent.
With over a million acres of rugged forests and towering peaks, the Black Hills are an adventurers dreamoffering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing and camping.

But beyond its outdoor thrills, the region is also a geologists treasure trove, its unique landscape holding secrets about Earths ancient past. While many answers have been uncovered, mysteries remainones that Trevor Waldien, Ph.D., an assistant professor of geology at South Dakota Mines, hopes to reveal with the help of a more than $900,000 National Science Foundation CAREER grant.

This is truly world-class geology, Waldien said of the Black Hills. Universities from across the Midwest bring students here to study the area.

The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the NSFs most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. Activities pursued by early-career faculty should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research.

The Black Hills are hills now, but there are multiple phases of mountain building recorded in the geology of the Black Hills, Waldien said.

The most recent phase, the uplift of the Black Hills, happened around 60 million years ago, a short time ago in geological terms. This is the topography we can see and enjoy with hiking, biking, camping and all the cool stuff we do in the Black Hills. The idea is that the Hills were uplifted, and the Badlands were the sediment removed off the top of the Hills during uplift.

Long before the uplift, approximately 1.8 billion years ago, the area was the site of another mountain building event  the growth and evolution of North America.

Disparate fragments of crust came together to make our North American continent, and the Black Hills is one of these places where two crustal blocks came together  one in the east called the Superior Block and one in the west called the Wyoming Block, Waldien said.

The project aims to study if these two mountain-building phases, happening millions of years apart, are linked.

The Black Hills are this inherent weakness in the crust from formation of North America; when the mountain building resumed to uplift the hills, did it exploit that weakness, and is that the reason the Black Hills are here instead of another place, Waldien said. We want to use the Black Hills to explain why some continents have isolated mountain ranges hundreds of miles from the coastlines where active plate boundaries typically reside.

Using modern geophysical techniques, we can image this crustal suture up through Canada, but we dont actually see the rocks at the surface anywhere except for the Black Hills, he said.

To develop an understanding of ancient fault reactivation, Waldien and his team will study the ancient faults exposed in the Black Hills to determine how those faults formed and evolved throughout the tectonic evolution of North America. The project will target specific sites in the Black Hills and use the chemistry of the rocks to determine their ages.

The history of fault motion and rock ages in the Black Hills will help determine the timing and causes of uplift, as well as whether the responsible faults formed during uplift, are older faults inherited from the growth of North America, or both.

The first step is to determine the geological structure related to the uplift. Historically, it has been described as a big fold, but there is a lot more complexity than that," Waldien said.

Next, the team will work to determine the age of the rocks by analyzing when they cooled. As you drill deeper into the Earth, temperatures rise, so when mountains form and uplift occurs, the rocks begin to cool as they are brought toward the surface. By using radioactive elements in specific minerals, we can date this cooling process, Waldien explained. This allows us to link cooling rates to particular geological structures (faults), helping us understand when they formed and how they relate to uplift of the hills.

Once this information is gathered, Waldien said they can identify the primary uplift zones, pinpoint when they developed, and gain deeper insight into the ancient geologic history largely preserved in the heart of the Black Hills, including Hill City, Custer and Nemo.

In addtion to the research, the grant focuses on educational outreach. The project will include undergraduate and graduate students who will receive training on how to perform geologic field work and help collect related data.

It will also involve local high schools.

For several years, Waldien has taken high school students on field trips throughout the Black Hills. The CAREER grant will help him expand on this and create a curriculum.

I plan to develop these field trip guides for local high schools so at the end of five years, they will be able to go out and do it themselves and hopefully lead the students to a future in geology, Waldien said.

That is what happened with Waldien.

His passion for rocks and the stories they hold began in high school. I grew up in Oregon, and I had a teacher who was a geologist. He took us on field trips to the beach, and it quite literally changed my life. Many kids dont realize that becoming a geologist is an option. This is my way of making it more mainstream and showing them that this path is possible, he said.

The project will strengthen the relationship between the local high schools and Mines, leading to increased interest in geoscience.

With the support of the NSF CAREER grant, Waldiens research will deepen the understanding of the geological history of the Black Hills while also inspiring the next generation of geoscientists.
Shore Capital on Tuesday cut its recommendation for QinetiQ from 'buy' to 'hold' following a profit warning from the UK defence contractor on Monday.

Ahead of its full-year results in May, the company announced it would take a 140m impairment charge amid persistently tough market conditions, hitting its UK and US divisions and resulting in further delays to a number of contract awards.

Management expects just 2% organic growth over the year ending 31 March, compared with Shore Capital's 6% forecast, while next year's guidance was for 3-5% growth, down from an earlier target of a high-single-digit improvement.

"QinetiQs shares had rallied by nearly 30% YTD before yesterdays profit warning, following the re-rating of European A&D companies since Trumps inauguration," said Shore Capital analyst Jamie Murray.

"However, yesterdays profit warning will erode any positive sentiment towards QinetiQ, with the business now in position where it will have to rebuild trust."

The broker has a fair value estimate of 410p for the stock, which was down 4% at 399.8p by 1607 GMT following a 21% plunge the previous session.

JPMorgan Cazenove moved to an overweight rating on Rio Tinto on Tuesday and 5,920p price target following a period of restriction during which the stock was not rated.

The bank noted that it upgraded its EMEA Metals & Mining sector view in February, reflecting its expectation for stronger China growth momentum following the annual NPC meeting on 5-8 March.

It pointed out that Rio shares are only around 3% higher over this period, outperforming the sector by around 5%, and that Rio is its only overweight among EMEA diversified miners. JPM said it expects sustained outperformance versus peers in 2025.

"We forecast 25-30% EBITDA growth versus 2024E at spot commodity prices, 2025/26E mark to market EBITDA implies circa 25% upside to Bloomberg consensus largely due to the more than 10% rally in copper year-to-date, plus Rios trading multiples are at a 10-20% discount to peers and its own trading history (4.5x 2025/26E EV/EBITDA, circa 7% free cash flow yield)," it said.

JPM said Rio has substantially the highest copper volume growth of the EMEA diversified miners at more than 30% 2024-28E.

RBC Capital Markets upgraded Anglo American on Tuesday to sector perform from underperform and lifted the price target to 2,310p from 2,200p.

The bank downgraded Anglo in January, arguing that much of the good news on restructuring had been delivered and the trickier parts remained, such as De Beers and Woodsmith.

However, it said that a flurry of positive headlines followed as the miner got a good price for its nickel disposal, signed a marketing agreement with Botswana and agreed a joint venture with Codelco.

"This all helped offset consensus downgrades of 11% year-to-date," RBC said.

It said the next key event will be the spin of Anglo Platinum, but that it does not believe it will be a significant re-rating event.

RBC said it was updating its modelling to reflect the forthcoming spin out in June, changing its valuation methodology to reflect the higher proportion of copper earnings.

The bank said that in order to be a buyer, it would need to be more optimistic on the copper or iron ore premiums outlook.
RBC Capital Markets upgraded Anglo American on Tuesday to sector perform from underperform and lifted the price target to 2,310p from 2,200p.

The bank downgraded Anglo in January, arguing that much of the good news on restructuring had been delivered and the trickier parts remained, such as De Beers and Woodsmith.

However, it said that a flurry of positive headlines followed as the miner got a good price for its nickel disposal, signed a marketing agreement with Botswana and agreed a joint venture with Codelco.

"This all helped offset consensus downgrades of 11% year-to-date," RBC said.

It said the next key event will be the spin of Anglo Platinum, but that it does not believe it will be a significant re-rating event.

RBC said it was updating its modelling to reflect the forthcoming spin out in June, changing its valuation methodology to reflect the higher proportion of copper earnings.

The bank said that in order to be a buyer, it would need to be more optimistic on the copper or iron ore premiums outlook.
Big Technologies announced the suspension of its chief executive officer Sara Murray on Tuesday, following concerns about her conduct related to ongoing litigation.

The AIM-traded remote monitoring technology company cited recent revelations that prompted further internal investigations.

It said the probe would be led by interim chairman Alexander Brennan.

The litigation in question stemmed from a claim filed in 2023 with the High Court of Justice of England and Wales.

It said the case, brought by former shareholders of Buddi Limited, a subsidiary of Big Technologies, related to its 2018 acquisition.

The company said it was continuing to review its legal position and woul provide updates as necessary.

During Murrays suspension, chief financial officer Daren Morris would assume the role of interim CEO, while chief operating officer Charles Lewinton would support him to maintain operational stability.

Despite the leadership turmoil, Big Technologies reported a strong start to the financial year, with performance aligning with market expectations.

As of February, the company held more than 100m in cash reserves.

Analysts forecast 2024 revenue between 50m and 50.2m, with a consensus of 50.1m, and adjusted EBITDA ranging from 26m to 27.1m, with a consensus of 26.7m.

The company said it was optimistic about its growth trajectory, expecting revenue expansion in 2025, aided by favourable conditions in the electronic monitoring market.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com
Shares in Computacenter soared on Monday as the IT group turned upbeat on its prospects after a strong second half that helped annual profit nudge ahead of forecasts, despite an uncertain macroeconomic environment and softer market conditions in the UK, offset by stronger performances in the US and Germany.

On an adjusted basis, pre-tax profit came in at 254m, in line with guidance provided in January, but down 8.6% on the year. Reported pre-tax profit for calendar 2024 declined by 10% to 244.6m. Gross invoiced income fell 1.6% to 9.9bn.

Chief executive Mike Norris said the company exited 2024 in a robust position, with a committed product order backlog significantly ahead of our position in December 2023, as well as at the end of June 2024. Shares in the firm were up 12% in London.

We remain mindful of the uncertain macroeconomic and political environment. In North America, following a strong performance in 2024, we continue to be excited by the growth opportunities we see ahead, he added.

Professional Services revenue grew by 11.9% on a constant currency basis and accounted for 48% of total services revenue. Germany, its biggest market in the sector grew 6.2%, with the UK increasing by 19.4% and North America by 30.2%.

Managed Services revenue declined by 5.3%, primarily driven by the loss of low-margin contracts in France and exiting of non-core activities in the UK and Germany.

UK customers exercised greater caution across the year, with purchasing decisions taking longer to conclude, the company said. This behaviour was compounded by the General Election in July and as a result of the more challenging backdrop, the competitive environment sharpened.

North America delivered another record year, supported by several significant new customer wins. Gross invoiced income increased by 8.9%, driven by a strong performance in technology sourcing against a challenging comparative, as well as services revenue growth of 27.1%.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
Fonix reported solid first-half growth on Tuesday, with gross profit rising 6.5% to 9.8m and adjusted EBITDA increasing 6.8% to 7.8m.

The AIM-traded firm said adjusted profit before tax grew 5.4% to 7.8m, while adjusted earnings per share rose 8.8% to 6.2p.

It said it maintained a strong financial position, with underlying cash of 11m at period end.

International expansion was a key focus, with Fonix securing contracts with major mobile network operators in Portugal, including a strategic partnership with NOS.

That agreement strengthened the companys position in the market, the board said, and supported the rollout of its 'Campaign Manager' product to NOS network of broadcast customers.

In the UK, Fonix launched interactive services with News UK across the talkSPORT and Virgin Radio brands and secured a two-year agreement with Bauer to remain its exclusive provider of premium SMS services.

The company also announced two new products set to launch in summer 2025 - PayFlex, a tool designed to recover failed mobile payments by integrating digital wallets, and DonationPortal, a solution for charities to enhance donor engagement.

Fonix said it maintained strong client retention, with over 99% of revenue recurring in nature, and delivered 100% platform uptime during the period.

The board declared an interim dividend of 2.9p per share, up 11.5% year-on-year, in addition to a special dividend of 3.0p per share paid in February 2025.

With a growing client base and international expansion accelerating, Fonix said it expected a stronger second half of the financial year.

The board said it remained confident in meeting full-year market expectations, adding that it saw long-term growth potential as the company expanded its product portfolio and presence in key European markets.

"We have delivered another period of strong performance, driven by our continued focus on driving revenue growth for our largest customers through cutting-edge technology," said chief executive officer Rob Weisz.

"New partnerships with major clients like News UK, alongside innovative product launches such as PayFlex and DonationPortal, highlight the increasing strength of our offering."

Weisz said the company had made "significant progress" internationally, with its expansion into Portugal marking a key milestone in continental Europe.

"With a solid financial foundation, disciplined investment strategy, and relentless focus on innovation, we are well-positioned to capitalise on new opportunities and deliver sustained value for our shareholders."

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. The Azerbaijan Caspian Sea Shipping Company (ASCO) is expanding its use of innovative technologies to reduce emissions, ASCO told Trend.

In line with its Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) strategy, the company has taken a significant step forward by implementing the EcoPilot system in collaboration with Swedish company QTAGG.

The system has been installed on the RoPax ferry "Azerbaijan" as part of a pilot project.

The first sea trial of the ferry equipped with this system has been successfully completed. It is expected that the EcoPilot system will help save fuel on each trip, reducing emissions by around 6 percent.

The EcoPilot technology uses an electronic system to optimize the vessel's route and automatically adjust its speed based on factors such as wind direction and strength, ship design, weather forecasts, and ocean currents. This contributes to lower fuel consumption and, in turn, reduced emissions," ASCO stated.
John Feinstein, "an indefatigable sportswriter" for the Washington Post and the author of more than 40 books, died March 13, the New York Times reported. He was 69. Feinstein's last column, about Michigan State men's college basketball coach Tom Izzo, appeared in the Post on the day of his death.

John Feinstein

"He called me the other night," Izzo told the Athletic last Thursday. "To be honest, I thought we were just bulls**ting. I didn't even know he was writing a column. I just answered his call because I wanted to hear what he had to say."

Feinstein's first book, A Season on the Brink: A Year with Bob Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers (1986), was a bestseller, but Knight didn't speak to him for eight years after its publication. In his column, Feinstein later wrote that the access Knight had given him helped make the book a success, "which has allowed me to pick and choose book topics for the past 38 years." The book was adapted into a TV movie in 2002, starring Brian Dennehy as Knight.

Feinstein wrote books on basketball, baseball, tennis, football, golf, the Olympics, and more. His most recent titles include two published last year: Five Banners: Inside the Duke Dynasty; and The Ancient Eight: College Football's Ivy League and the Game They Play Today. He also wrote novels for young readers, including Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery, which won an Edgar Award for best YA book in 2006.

His other works include A Season Inside: One Year in College Basketball (1988); Hard Courts: Real Life on the Professional Tennis Tour (1991); Living on the Black: Two Pitchers, Two Teams, One Season to Remember (2008); Let Me Tell You a Story: A Lifetime in the Game (2004); The First Major: The Inside Story of the Ryder Cup (2016); and A Good Walk Spoiled: Days And Nights on the PGA Tour (1995).

After graduating from Duke University with a bachelor's degree in history in 1977, Feinstein joined the Post as a summer intern in the sports department, and during his first two years at the paper worked as a night police reporter, then covered the police and the courts before returning to the sports desk.

In a guest column for the Washington Post, George Solomon, the longtime sports editor there, recalled Feinstein's drive: "One way or another, he was going to get what he was after, and if his bosses didn't always appreciate it, his readers usually did. To call him a managerial challenge would be an understatement. Often, Feinstein knew the right thing to do. Always, Feinstein believed he knew the right thing to do."

Legendary former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski told the Athletic: "We were really close friends because he never treated me like somebody he was writing about. I always thought he was brilliant. One of the great writers. Really smart. His ability to recall facts and events was incredible. It was easy to recognize early that he was just exceptional."
DEAR ABBY:

How do I politely tell people I dont like having anyone visit me in my home? My home is my safe haven. The energy of the outside world drains me, and I dont want that feeling inside my home. This includes family members, friends, neighbors, church family and anyone else who might come knocking on my door. I have anxiety and some unresolved trauma Im working through that contributes to this. Im happy to meet in a public place or visit someone in their home if we are both comfortable with it. My family cannot understand why Im like this. They think they have a right to my space simply because they are family. I dont mind anyone thinking Im weird, but how do I respond without feeling like I have to explain myself?  INTROVERT IN TENNESSEE

DEAR INTROVERT:

Do not allow anyone to make you feel defensive. If you want to get your point across, simply repeat what you told me. It is succinct, it conveys your feelings, and your feelings should be respected.

** ** **

Good advice for everyone  teens to seniors  is in The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It. To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)
Trendy fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 officially filed for bankruptcy on Sunday and has announced it will soon close all stores, including this location in the Staten Island Mall in New Springville. (Staten Island Advance) (Staten Island Advance)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Trendy fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 officially filed for bankruptcy on Sunday and has announced it will soon close all stores.

In a statement, Forever 21 operator F21 said it will implement an orderly wind down of its U.S. businesses, though stores and the chains website remain open for now.

While we have evaluated all options to best position the company for the future, we have been unable to find a sustainable path forward, given competition from foreign fast-fashion companies  pricing and margin, as well as rising costs, economic challenges impacting our core customers, and evolving consumer trends, Brad Sell, chief financial officer of F21 OpCo, noted in a press release. As we move through the process, we will work diligently to minimize the impact on our employees, customers, vendors and other stakeholders.

The brand began closing stores earlier this month, and liquidation sales have already begun at the Forever 21 store in the Staten Island Mall in New Springville, with signage indicating that all merchandise is reduced by 20% to 50%.

An employee who answered the phone at the Staten Island store confirmed the closure, but said they were unsure of the timeline, explaining that the location could be open for about another two months, maybe more, maybe less while the liquidation process continues.

Founded in 1984 and based in Los Angeles, California, Forever 21 is well-known for its trendy and affordable styles. This is the second bankruptcy filing for the store, which rebounded from its first Chapter 11 in 2019.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at approximately 5:45 when the two sought individuals entered 620 West 181 St. (Courtesy of NYPD) NYPD

The NYPD is asking for the publics assistance in identifying and locating two individuals who are wanted for questioning in connection to an odd commercial robbery that occurred last month in Manhattan.

It was reported to the police that on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at approximately 5:45 p.m., two unidentified males entered 620 West 181 St. and sprayed an unidentified substance on the floor which caused the employees to cough, and irritated their eyes.

The pair then allegedly removed various clothing items from the store, and fled without paying in an unknown direction, according to a statement released by the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Snipes, a sneaker and apparel store, is located at the address provided by police.

The NYPD released a surveillance image of one of the sought individuals.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ , or on X @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.
A man has been sentenced to life in prison in the murder of a New Jersey high school student that went unsolved for over 20 years.

The body of 17-year-old Nancy Noga was found behind a strip mall in Sayreville on Jan. 12, 1999.
Weed sold at New Jersey dispensaries from 17 cultivators and manufacturers did not meet state safety standards for things such as mold and accurate labeling, according to a consumer advocacy group that teamed up with a lab to test products.

Cannabis products are tested before they reach store shelves. The consumer advocacy group, Safe Leaf  worked with an accredited testing lab and re-tested weed sold at dispensaries. The results showed that nearly 30% of tested products failed and exceeded limits for harmful microbes. NJ Advance Media has agreed to grant anonymity to the testing lab.

There were also problems when it came to accurate labeling of THC levels, according to the data. The lab tested 25 pre-rolls from 17 different cultivators and manufacturers. Pre-rolls are cannabis blunts rolled ahead of time and sold to the consumer.

Consumer advocates suspect weed that does not meet state standards is sold to the public because cannabis cultivators and manufacturers can get their products tested at labs they believe are less likely to fail them. It is a practice known as lab shopping.

In response, New Jersey cannabis regulators have revised testing regulations, scheduled town halls on medical cannabis and plan to set up a lab that double checks industry protocols.

Having this test reference laboratory would help bolster product safety and ensure accurate labeling of reports, Cannabis Regulatory Commission chair Dianna Houenou said in a February public meeting.

Before cannabis was sold for recreational use, it was tested by the state, but its labs were simultaneously functioning at the height of COVID. When the market expanded, legislators handed the responsibility over to the private sector.

The state in July issued a recall for weed that was contaminated with human hair and insects.

Lab shopping is a national problem, said Chris Goldstein, a regional head of NORML, one of the organizations that advocated for New Jerseys cannabis legalization.

Lab shopping has been endemic in the industry, he said.

Testing controversies have arisen in other states. In New York, lab testing came under scrutiny when products were shown to have inaccurate labeling about how much THC was in a product. A Syracuse.com investigation showed cannabis contained microbial levels 10 to 250 times higher than whats allowed under the states rules for medical cannabis.

In March 2025, a judge sided with Michigan cannabis regulators after they were sued by one of the states largest cannabis testing labs over a recall. But regulators dont always win in court, Goldstein said, pointing to 2022, when Pennsylvania regulators recalled cannabis products but eventually had to return the products to shelves after losing a legal battle.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission decision to set up a reference lab was a step in the right direction and would insulate them from court challenges, the state decides to go after a company, Goldstein said.

Safe Leaf directors Andrea Raible and Michael Boone said they have plans to expand their initiative. Raible is a medical cannabis user and Boone is a teaching specialist at Stockton Universitys hemp and cannabis program.

Boone said consumer-driven shopper programs complement the market.

We create another layer of safety, another layer of protection, he said.

Consumers should get a role in what a successful market looks like beyond sales numbers, Raible said.

While there is untapped financial potential, it (cannabis) also has the potential to help so many people and it cant do that unless its clean and trustworthy, Raible said.
Jack Russo, 75, expresses concern over the potential outbreak of brush fires on Staten Island in a wooded area along Amboy Road on the outskirts of Blue Heron Park Preserve in Annadale on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley) (Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The parks and woods lining Amboy Road are graveyards for dozens of dead trees and mounds of dried out leaves.

While spring holds the promise of breathing new life into these plots of land, theres the chance that if left untamed, these stretches could be tinderboxes awaiting a spark.

Jack Russo, 75, a 50-year resident of Staten Island, is urging the city to take action and prevent the outbreak of a potentially irrepressible inferno.

Jack Russo, 75, expresses concern over the potential outbreak of brush fires on Staten Island in a wooded area along Amboy Road on the outskirts of Blue Heron Park Preserve in Annadale on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley) (Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Go from Richmond Avenue to Huguenot Avenue along Amboy Road. The amount of downed trees, branches and other burnable material is scary  its scary, Russo, who now lives in Annadale, said. Should something break out, I dont think anybody is going to be able to control it for quite some time.

Staten Island is home to a number of parks, and the South Shore in particular has plenty of destinations to soak in the serenity that comes with nature. However, as Russo warns, it could also pose risk if left unkept.

Dead trees and dry vegetation is visible in the wooded area along Amboy Road on the outskirts of Blue Heron Park Preserve in Annadale on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley) (Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Many of these parks and areas of land are littered with downed trees, branches and dried out vegetation that could serve as kindling to a fire, should Russos fears come to fruition.

The longtime Staten Islander took notice of the alarming situation as he was driving to church one day.

Jack Russo, 75, expresses concern over the potential outbreak of brush fires on Staten Island in a wooded area along Amboy Road on the outskirts of Blue Heron Park Preserve in Annadale on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley) (Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Given the recent devastation in California and wildfires in nearby Long Island, Russo found it all the more important to draw attention to the matter.

Russos hope is that the city steps up and takes action through an inter-department collaborative effort. He emphasized that hes not advocating to strip these areas of trees entirely, he simply wants to see the removal of dead trees and plants before an uncontrollable fire breaks out.

And break out they can.

Wildfire conditions on Staten Island

Bob Larson, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, shared that wildfires have recently popped up in the general tri-state area, both in Long Island and in northern New Jersey.

Dead trees and dry vegetation is visible in the wooded area along Amboy Road on the outskirts of Blue Heron Park Preserve in Annadale on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley) (Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

From Dec. 1, 2024, through March 13, 2025, New York City has seen around 73% of its historical average rainfall amount, Larson said. Typically, by this time, the city should be closing in on 13 inches of precipitation, but as of Thursday, the five boroughs had only received 9.5 inches, Larson explained.

While Larson noted that the conditions are not as dire as they were back in the historically dry October of 2024, rainfall remains below-average and poses a risk.

Thats not a good place to be as you head into spring, which is a time of year that, as I said, is often vulnerable to brush fires before the vegetation grows in and before the humidity levels really ramp up as we get later into spring and head toward summer, Larson said.

Dead trees and dry vegetation is visible in the wooded area along Amboy Road on the outskirts of Blue Heron Park Preserve in Annadale on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley) (Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Spring is often a concern for wildfires given that vegetation on trees is minimal and there could be plenty of dry brush on the ground, added Larson. The threat of wildfires is magnified if it is relatively dry, the wind is elevated, the sun is shining and humidity is low.

Its not incredibly rare for such an occasion to take place.

As recorded by the Advance/SILive.com weather station, the borough received 1.75 inches of rain on Wednesday, March 5. Just a week later, on Thursday, a 100-by-100-foot brush fire was extinguished at Oakwood Beach.

Staten Island saw a surge of brush fires in the fall of 2024 due to exceptionally dry conditions. While the city is no longer under a drought watch, the five boroughs continue to experience a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Fear of a second Black Saturday

For Russo, his concern lies in the well-being of his fellow Staten Islanders.

It would definitely spread to residences, theres no doubt in my mind, Russo asserted.

In a nightmare scenario, Russo fears that the Island could experience a disaster on par with Black Saturday, one of the largest fires in Staten Island history.

Two fires on the South Shore and one on the North  Rossville, Tottenville and Mariners Harbor -- caused more than $2 million dollars in damage, destroyed 100 houses and left more than 500 residents homeless. The day was April 20, 1963 -- but it would be remembered to Staten Islanders as Black Saturday. (Staten Island Advance)

Back on April 20, 1963, three large brush fires ravaged the neighborhoods of Tottenville, Rossville and Mariners Harbor. The flames scorched 100 houses and left over 500 residents without a home.

At the time, dry conditions and winds came together and made for a destructive recipe. To make matters worse, low water pressure to fire hydrants prevented firefighters from effectively combatting the flames, leaving the first responders to helplessly watch the fires consume their community.

Rooting out the reed problem

Much of the land which holds this dried up vegetation is overseen by the New York City Parks Department.

While Russo maintains grave concern over the uprooted trees littering these parks, a spokesperson for the department said that this wood debris is part of the structure of natural forests; its finer materials like leaves and grass that typically pose a greater risk.

The FDNY responded to a reported brush fire in Oakwood Beach on the afternoon of Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley) (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)

The spokesperson went on to share that the maintenance of 12,000 acres of New York City natural areas is guided through the departments Forest Management Framework, a 25-year plan developed by the Parks Departments Natural Resources Group in collaboration with the Natural Areas Conservancy.

Should resources allow, the department removes overabundant plants such as phragmites, otherwise known as a common reed grass. Its this type of vegetation that the spokesperson expressed concern over as they can quickly spread brush fires.

Through funding by the Staten Island Borough Presidents Office, the department has managed fire-prone areas on the South Shore by mowing dense strands of common reed since 2017, the spokesman added.

Brush fires in our parks and natural areas can be incredibly dangerous and damaging, Gregg McQueen, a Park Department press officer, said. Protecting New Yorkers  along with our vital natural areas and green spaces  is of the utmost importance.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. One of the largest projects recently undertaken in Azerbaijan, the 1280-megawatt power plant whose foundation was laid by President Ilham Aliyev in February 2023, is now nearing completion by AzerEnergy, Trend reports.

The new power plant, with its installed capacity, will not only be the largest power plant built since Azerbaijan gained independence but also the most efficient in terms of gas consumption per kilowatt-hour compared to other thermal power plants in the country.

Built on the site of the 'Azerbaijan' Thermal Power Plant in Mingachevir, this massive energy facility is scheduled to be commissioned by the end of 2025, as per the project timeline. However, work is already progressing ahead of schedule. Currently, three out of the four turbine and generator sets have been tested and connected, with the final set expected to be launched soon.

The turbines and generators for the new plant are produced by Italy's Ansaldo Energia, while the utility boilers come from Chinas Dongfang. Over the past two years, specialists from these companies have made several visits to Mingachevir, and AzerEnergy experts have attended on-site training courses in Italy and China.

At present, the Utility Boiler Training Program is underway, focusing on ensuring the full and reliable operation of the plants equipment and technical systems. It also aims to enhance the knowledge and professional skills of employees in the Boiler-Turbine department. The program is being carried out in the fields of Turbines, Generators, and Automation.

This training is being conducted by representatives of Ansaldo Energia and is organized as a course. So far, 130 employees of AzerEnergy have taken part.

In addition, a similar training course was held in January by China's Dongfang company, where specialists acquired knowledge and skills from experts based on the prescribed programs.
Police have identified David Huff, 43, as a suspect in a shooting in the 100 block of Roney Road in Syracuse that left two people dead on Monday, March 17, 2025. Provided photo

Syracuse, N.Y.  A Syracuse man has been charged with first-degree murder after being taken into custody following a double homicide in the city.

David M. Huff, 43, was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to Onondaga County jail records.

Police searched around the county for Huff overnight after he was identified as a suspect in the deaths of his 33-year-old girlfriend and his 11-year-old son.

The two were found shot dead in a home at 128 Roney Road Monday night.

Huff was taken into custody around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday after a person tipped off police, according to Kieran Coffey, a police spokesperson. The caller saw Huff walking in the area of West Seneca Turnpike not too far from the scene of the shooting.

Huff is set to be arraigned Wednesday morning.
At least 12 people, including a popular musician-turned-politician, died Monday when a plane crashed shortly after taking off from the Honduran tourist island of Roatan.

The aircraft made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water, civil aviation official Carlos Padilla said, according to CBS News.

The Lanhsa Airlines plane took off at nightfall from Roatan and was headed for the port of La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland.

The plane almost fell on us. I was fishing, a fisherman, whose name was not given, told HCH television.

The fire department said five people were rescued from the crash.

Honduran musician Aurelio Martinez, a popular member of the Garifuna music scene, was among the dead, local media reported.

The Kennedy Center said that Martinez founded the Lita Ariran ensemble, one of the first Garifuna groups to be featured on an internationally distributed album.

Martinezs virtuosic musicianship and passionate performances made him a mainstay of the La Cieba music scene, where he was best loved for his take on punta rock, the high-energy, Garifuna roots-infused pop genre that took Central America by storm in the 1990s, according to the Kennedy Center.

Martinez was also the first Afro-Honduran member of the National Congress of Honduras.

The crash, which happened about half a mile from the islands coast, was caused by an apparent mechanical failure on the British-made Jetstream 41, the police statement said.

Roatan fire captain Franklin Borjas told the Reuters news agency that survivors were taken to a nearby hospital but provided no information on their conditions. Borjas told Reuters that the search and rescue efforts were complicated by the terrain.

Its been difficult to access the accident (site) because there are 30 meters of rocks and you cant get there while walking or swimming, he told Reuters. The divers helping with the rescue have zero visibility.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Island resident Danielle Magniccari is being recognized for her dedication to court reporting with a prestigious scholarship from the National Court Reporter Foundation (NCRF).

Magniccari, a student at Plaza College in Forest Hills, N.Y., has been awarded a $2,000 Student Intern Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded annually to four high-achieving court reporting students who have completed the internship portion of their education.

Receiving the NCRF Student Intern Scholarship is an incredible privilege, said Magniccari. The National Court Reporters Foundation has played an integral role in my journey, and I am so grateful for its support. I cant wait to see what the future holds!

Staten Islander Danielle Magniccari is the recipient of a $2,000 Student Intern Scholarship from the National Court Reporters Association. (Courtesy of National Court Reporters Association) National Court Reporters Association

Recipients are nominated by their schools and must fulfill scholarship requirements, including submitting an essay on a topic of current interest.

This years essay asked, What technology tools, resources, and strategies will help you maintain your skills and well-being in your career? Explain what you believe are the keys to success."

With technology growing at an accelerating pace, which signifies a rapidly evolving environment where advancements to various fields, like artificial intelligence, are fundamentally changing how we live and work, Magniccari wrote in her essay.

This progress can bring both opportunities and challenges, so it is important to educate yourself on new machines, software, and tools to assist you in being the most efficient court stenographer you can be and showcase why your skill is superlative.

The NCRF scholarship program seeks to ensure that rising student court reporters and newly appointed court reporters receive encouragement and incentives to learn and strive for excellence.

The scholarship program was created to help foster dedication from both groups of reporters and is supported by donations.

I am heartened by the record number of student scholarship submissions this year, which speaks volumes about the impact of our Foundations mission, said NCRF Chair Doug Friend, FAPR, RDR, CRR (Ret.), from Vancouver, Wash.

Supporting both students and seasoned professionals through scholarships and grants is at the heart of what we do. Professional growth is an ongoing process, and having access to the latest tools and resources is crucial.

The NCRF is the philanthropic branch of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), the nations leading organization representing stenographic court reporters, captioners, and legal videographers.

For more information, visit their website.
Laura Corbino, a school aide at New Dorp Christian Academy, is teaching kindergarten and first-grade students about kindness and thankfulness. (Courtesy/Laura Corbino) Laura Corbino

IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A school aide on Staten Island is teaching her young students the true meaning of kindness and thankfulness through weekly activities.

Laura Corbino, who works as an aide at New Dorp Christian Academy, began kindness and gratitude projects at the start of the school year. She began the Attitude of Gratitude for first-grade students and a Kindness is my Superpower project for kindergarteners.

Hopefully, these lessons will stay with them as they grow. This can be done in any school or at home. Wouldnt it be nice to give our children the superpower to be kind and grateful? Im doing my part, but I have to say Im a little selfish  Im getting pleasure seeing them blossom and I am thankful, said Corbino.

She began by collecting books and projects to help illustrate what it means to be nice and grateful. Every Wednesday, Corbino takes a half-hour with each class to work on their topics.

For Attitude of Gratitude, first-grade students each received a journal. Corbino reads a story to students about thankfulness, discusses the story and how it can be used in their lives. Students then use their journal to write about the things that make them happy and draw a picture to accompany the entry.

She said the book that made the biggest impression was The Gratitude Tree, which is about a tree that has thank-you notes posted on it from everyone showing gratitude for what they have. It led to students creating their own tree to cover their classroom door with thank-you notes.

For kindergarten students, Corbino created a Kindness is My Superpower chat and uses stickers as a reward for doing something kind. Students even receive certificates and prizes for their efforts.

Have they learned all these lessons overnight? Of course not, it takes time. But I see good things. The telling on each other has gone down. They have learned to say sorry and to forgive each other, said Corbino.

AMAZON CAREER CHOICE INITIATIVE

The College of Staten Island (CSI), Willowbrook, hosted the Amazon Career Choice Winter Achievement Celebration in January to honor the achievements of the first cohort of graduates who successfully completed their programs through Amazons Career Choice Initiative.

The event took place at the Lorraine and Gordon DiPaolo Board Room at CSI, and featured a distinguished lineup of guests, including Amazon executives, elected officials and key members of the CSI administration, according to the college.

The College of Staten Island in Willowbrook recently honored the achievements of the first cohort of graduates who successfully completed programming through Amazons Career Choice Initiative. (Courtesy/CSI Communications) CSI Communications

The program is an education benefit designed to help Amazon employees grow their skills and advance their careers  providing tuition assistance for hourly employees to pursue degrees, certifications and skills training in high-demand fields, even outside Amazon.

The program launched with CSI in January 2022.

Among the graduating cohort were four exceptional individuals who demonstrated perseverance in balancing academics, work and personal commitments, according to CSI:

Aderemi Adeoye, originally from Nigeria, successfully completed his associate of applied science in nursing at CSI. Having worked for Amazon for over four years, he is now pursuing a bachelor of science degree in nursing while supporting his young family.

Juan Cordova, a Brooklyn resident and first-generation college student, earned his bachelor of science degree in computer science. His studies focused on artificial intelligence, software engineering and internet data communications.

Jailene Lopez, a who grew up on Staten Island, completed her bachelor of arts degree in political science with a minor in Italian. Her academic journey was marked by a diverse range of interests, including international negotiations, civil rights and comparative human rights.

Kevyn Muniz, a Port Richmond High School graduate, obtained his bachelor of science degree in computer science. Despite the challenges of hybrid learning during the pandemic, he excelled in advanced courses, such as software design, operating systems and database systems.

The recognition event began with a light continental breakfast and networking session, followed by welcoming remarks from CSI President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch and Borough President Vito Fossella. Michael Sanicola (Class of 2012), senior regional process engineer at Amazon, addressed the attendees on behalf of Amazon, highlighting the companys commitment to workforce development.

The partnership with Amazon is exactly the type of partnership we seek at the college, said Lynch. It is a partnership that values student success and puts students' needs first.

Fossella acknowledged the power of the partnership as well, stressing the importance of collaboration to support the educational pursuits of students looking to advance their education while also pursuing careers.

Amazon has invested more than $1.2 billion to provide free skills training to more than 350,000 U.S employees, and its been a true privilege to partner with CSI and the team to help make this possible, said Sanicola. We cant wait to see the amazing things the graduates will continue to do on Staten Island and beyond.

Each graduate was presented with a ceremonial stole by CSI and Amazon representatives and proclamation certificates from local representatives commemorating their achievement.

Other notable attendees were: Jennifer Cruickshank, director of public oolicy and community affairs, and Jessica Schumer, senior policy manager. Elected officials, including representatives from the offices of Sen. Andrew Lanza and Assembly Member Charles Fall, were present to acknowledge the graduates' accomplishments. Lynch and Provost Dr. Michael Steiper presented citations to the honorees.

SEND US YOUR STORIES

Do you have a story idea for the In Class education column? Email education reporter Annalise Knudson at aknudson@siadvance.com.
Democrats thirsting for leadership in President Donald Trumps second term are lashing out at a top party member for being missing in action.

Dem insiders are complaining that former Vice President Kamala Harris has vanished from the scene following her loss to Trump in last years presidential election.

Shes MIA! one told Page Six of the New York Post.

Another source said that Harris husband Doug Emhoff is telling people shes the leader of the party, but there is a clear lack of leadership.

The person you just spent $2 billion on trying to elect? Im glad shes having a good time going to a musical, and being repped by CAA said the insider, but this whole strategy of Do not do anything, or say anything, thats not the kind of leadership the world needs right now.

Harris last month signed with the CAA talent agency and has been spotted attending Broadway shows like Gypsy and A Wonderful World.

The first source said while theyre not a fan of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, at least hes out there doing stuff.

With Harris, It shows how kind of old the thinking is. Like, Well, Im not going to run [for governor] for a year and a half, so Ill go away.

The source said, One of her problems is that shes the most risk-averse person on the planet. Thats one of the reasons she lost, including doing too few interviews. There was nothing to peel the onion back for people.

A donor said, This was such a gut punch of an election for so many Democratic donors  not to mention an expensive gut punch. A number of the people Ive talked to were just like, What the fk did I burn all that money for?

A source familiar with Harris pointed out the former veep appeared at the NAACP Image Awards, is fundraising for the DNC and talking to federal and state leaders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly left President Donald Trump waiting for more than an hour for their high-stakes phone call over the Ukraine war.

The Express in the U.K. reported that Putin, who was at another event prior to the call, laughed off a warning that he was late for the call with Trump.

The Russian dictator was addressing the annual congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, including the countrys top bosses, in Moscow.

Organization leader Alexander Shokhin looked at his watch, saying that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had announced the timing of the crucial call was set for before 6 p.m. in Moscow.

Russian media reports had said the phone session between Trump and Putin would take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and it was already after 4 p.m.

Dont listen to him! Thats his job, replied Putin, showing no sign of wanting to leave.

Well, I dont know. Now we need to see what Trump says about this, said Shokhin, a former Putin deputy prime minister.

I didnt mention Trump. I was talking about Peskov, Putin said, evidently relaxed at his lax timekeeping, according to the Express.

The Putin entourage eventually left the conference venue, the Moscow International House of Music, about a 20-minute drive from the Kremlin, at close to 5 p.m.

The White House has confirmed that Trump and Putin began to speak at around 10 a.m. EST.

Trump is looking to mediate an end to the three-year war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago.

Trump is looking to secure a ceasefire and then work on a peace plan between the two nations.
President Donald Trump is pictured at the Capitol in Washington on March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP

In a puzzling move, Minnesota Republicans are trying to incorporate Trump derangement syndrome (TDS) into states list of mental illnesses.

The bill, called SF 2589, defines TDS as the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J. Trump. Symptoms may include Trump-induced general hysteria, which produces an inability to distinguish between legitimate policy differences and signs of psychic pathology in President Donald J. Trumps behavior.

The bill goes on to classify symptoms as the following: verbal expressions of intense hostility toward President Donald J. Trump in addition to overt acts of aggression and violence against anyone supporting President Donald J. Trump or anything that symbolizes President Donald J. Trump.

It is not a recognized mental illness at the time of writing.

The term has been slung at Trump detractors by the president and his following in the past, even accusing former President Joe Biden and then-Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris of having it, according to USA Today.

The posse of Minnesota Senate Republicans who proposed the bill  Eric Lucero, Glenn Gruenhagen, Justin D. Eichorn, Nathan Wesenberg, and Steve Drazkowski  have proudly touted it.

This irrational behavior is unacceptable in a civil society and suggests a deeper psychological problem. That is what this bill addresses, not mere political disagreements, Gruenhagen wrote in a post to Facebook. People of different political persuasions can differ when discussing issues. We should be able to have civil debates without demonstrating violent and unreasonable reactions, such as burning down Tesla dealerships, threatening people who wear Trump hats or committing road rage at the sight of a Trump bumper sticker on a persons car.

The controversial bill is not expected to pass according to The Hill, something that Gruehagen acknowledged.
President Donald Trump has given a deeper look into his Oval Office blowup last month with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Kyiv Independent reported Trump saying that Ukraine had to be pushed to do the right thing with regard to ending the three-year war with Russia.

A lot of people are being killed there and we had to get Ukraine to do the right thing. It was not an easy situation, Trump told reporters during a visit to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. You saw just a glimpse in the Oval Office, but I think theyre doing the right thing now, and were trying to get a peace agreement. We want to have a ceasefire and then a peace agreement.

Trump and Vice President JD Vance had an explosive encounter with Zelenskyy at the White House on Feb. 28, with Trump and Vance saying that Zelenskyy had disrespected the United States and not shown enough gratitude for U.S. war aid.

The blowup led to Zelenskyy being booted from the White House and the cancellation of the signing of a rare earth minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine.

The U.S. also suspended military and intelligence aid to Ukraine for about a week following the tense exchange.

Ukrainska Pravda reported that Trump said that the pause in aid had no consequences for the Ukrainian army in Russias Kursk Oblast.

No, not at all  really the opposite, Trump said. I think it was appreciated and we have to understand  and you have to understand  that if I see somebody doing something bad thats going to cause a lot of deathThe only reason Im involved, and this is Russia and Ukraine, but a lot of people, its humanity. Im involved for humanity. A lot of people are being killed over there.

Trump was set to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war on Tuesday.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is being urged to restore funding for two programs that helped provide healthy food from local farmers to schools and food banks. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is being urged to reverse course on its decision to cancel two programs that supported local farmers and helped feed millions of Americans.

On Monday, a group of 31 senators, including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), penned a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins demanding the restoration of the programs, which provided more than $1 billion for food banks and schools to acquire food from local farmers and producers.

The two programs, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), allowed state and local governments to purchase food from local farmers and distribute it to nearby schools and food banks.

I have grave concerns about the impact that this cancellation will have on New Yorks farmers and the families that rely on food banks, school lunch programs and child care centers for their daily meals, said Gillibrand.

The senator noted that the cancellation of these programs comes at a time when the countrys agriculture markets are already struggling.

At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products, and this move jeopardizes that access, Gillibrand added.

The USDA said that the programs, which both began during the coronavirus pandemic, no longer reflect the priorities of the department.

The COVID era is over  USDAs approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward, a USDA spokesperson told the Associated Press.

Shannon Gleave, president of the School Nutrition Association, said the impacts of the cuts could be devastating for the millions of children who rely on their schools to provide healthy meals.

In addition to losing the benefits for our kids, this loss of funds is a huge blow to community farmers and ranchers and is detrimental to school meal programs struggling to manage rising food and labor costs, Gleave said in a statement.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 18. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan has rolled up its sleeves and formed a working group to take a hard look at USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) projects, aiming to assess their alignment with stated goals, the effectiveness of fund utilization, and potential conflicts of interest, Trend reports.

This is stated in the official response from Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin to a parliamentary inquiry regarding the verification of USAID projects.

According to the document, the review will involve analyzing USAID's country strategies and its relationships with governmental and non-governmental entities.

The audit request for USAID projects came from deputies of the ruling AMANAT party and the People's Party of Kazakhstan. They demanded transparency regarding the recipients of foreign funds and their usage, emphasizing public interest in the issue.

The working group that has been created will analyze financial flows to identify potential cover-up schemes, discrepancies in fund usage, and conflicts of interest.

In Zhumangarins response to the parliamentary inquiry, it is stated that, according to information from the U.S. State Department provided to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, USAID had 28 long-term programs in Kazakhstan in 2024. Overall, in 2023-2024, USAID allocated $26.5 million to projects in the country.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during a national kurultai (assembly) meeting, noted that international organizations, under the guise of democratic values, had intervened in the internal affairs of countries, and their activities were often accompanied by financial abuses.

He expressed support for the U.S. administration under President Donald Trumps policy to combat the deep state and protect traditional values.

USAID was established in 1961 during President John F. Kennedys administration. After returning to the White House, Trump criticized the agency for corruption and misuse of funds, sharply criticizing it and immediately calling for its closure.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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McKinnon said the visual results from the third hole drilled were particularly significant, given the hole was sited in a new area along strike to the west of previous drilling conducted over the area.

The companys maiden diamond drilling program kicked off in February at the 418 square kilometre site and focussed on its Happy Valley prospect in the southeastern portion of the project.

Management revealed last month visual logging of the first hole confirmed the drilling had intersected at least three zones of sulphide-bearing quartz veining with visible gold mineralisation in all zones.

Visible gold grains were identified in an irregular patch of sulphides found in a cut section of core from 189m depth. The lowest section of veining from the zones extends for more than 3.35m with multiple occurrences of visible gold throughout the interval.

The company is expecting to receive assays for the first drill hole before the end of the month and assays from its second and third holes by mid-April. The core from hole two has been logged and cut and core from hole three is being processed.

Management is continuing the drill program and plans to test the continuity of the system by hammering the drill bit about 50m down plunge below hole two.

At Myrtleford, a 13km-long trend of gold mineralisation has been identified, known as the Happy Valley trend and the company has initially focussed on this area. The ground hosts many historic gold mines worked to only shallow depths, providing substantial exploration upside at the project.

Advance believes many of the mines are on mineralised structures extending for kilometres in length, which have not been exposed to modern exploration methods.

The overall project has a 45km strike length across historical workings and old gold mines, including the Happy Valley trend, the Twist Creek trend extending for 7km and the Magpie trend running for 16km. It lies within the renowned Lachlan Fold belt, which is responsible for some of the countrys biggest gold deposits.

Twist Creek will be subjected to shallow drilling when the companys drill program at Happy Valley is completed. Twist Creek sits at the northern end of the project and features multiple mined structures that previously averaged 31g/t gold.

Advance recently signed a binding agreement with Serra Energy Metals Corporation to acquire 80 per cent of the Myrtleford and Beaufort gold projects via a joint venture.

Advance will acquire 80 per cent of the fully paid shares in E79 Resources Pty Ltd, the legal owner of the tenements comprising the two Victorian projects.

The company will buy its stake in E79 via an initial issue of company shares, followed by three staged payments made by issuing further fully paid company shares, plus a 1 per cent net smelter royalty from gold production.

The highly prospective Beaufort project is in Victorias southwest, 145km west of Melbourne. The region has produced more than one million ounces of alluvial gold and presents a massive opportunity to discover large-scale gold deposits, given its proximity to the world-class Bendigo goldfields and the global-leading Fosterville underground gold mine that produced more than 300,000 ounces of high-grade gold in 2023.

The project consists of a 20km trend extensively mined for alluvial gold deposits. It has not been worked by modern technology, presenting a promising exploration opportunity for the company.

The Myrtleford and Beaufort projects are within the monumental Victorian goldfields, known for producing more than 80 million ounces of the precious yellow metal.

Advance is on the hunt for gold at a time of ever-rising prices, with the recent surge through the US$3000 (A$4700) per ounce barrier providing massive upside for Advance if it can find a truly eye-watering discovery, especially in this tier-one Victorian location.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
Villa Biscaya, a pale pink Spanish mission-style mansion in Rose Bay, is the kind of rarefied place regular punters only get to ogle at on their TV screens.

Villa Biscaya is the subject of a Supreme Court stoush: in the eastern suburbs, few things go together better than trophy homes and expensive legal battles.

Indeed, the pristine villa, with its lush gardens, sweeping ocean views and 1000-bottle wine cellar, has been a feature in luxury ad campaigns and reality shows such as Married at First Sight and The Voice.

And now, in true eastern suburbs fashion, its the subject of a court dispute between the black sheep of a storied horse-racing dynasty and a hard-partying Aston Martin-driving investment banker.

In 2023, art dealer David Waterhouse, a long-estranged member of that famed racing clan (his sister-in-law is trainer Gai Waterhouse) sold the Tivoli Avenue property for $26 million to Michael Rothner, principal of real estate investment management firm AsheMorgan, whose glamorous life posing for photos with the likes of Sacha Baron Cohen, Tyra Banks and Cate Blanchett made him a favourite of the celebrity pages for a time.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 18. A regular meeting of the Security Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presided over by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was conducted, Trend reports.

The outcomes of the implementation of the National Security Risk Management Action Plan for 2021-2025, adopted for the implementation of the National Security Strategy, were reviewed for the year 2024.

On the course of the meeting, the government and the leaders of several relevant state agencies presented information on the achievement of key indicators. Issues that require further elaboration were discussed, including those related to public, economic, environmental, and information security.



Throughout the meeting, President Tokayev underscored that the implementation of the National Security Strategy should be assessed based on specific results that are significant for society. At the same time, the development of almost all areas should take into account the security of citizens and the state as a whole.

During the convening, salient topics pertaining to counterterrorism and radicalization were thoroughly examined.



The discourse articulated by the Chairman of the National Security Committee, Yermek Sagymbaev, encompassed a comprehensive analysis of strategic initiatives aimed at mitigating the vulnerabilities associated with terrorist and extremist phenomena, while concurrently fortifying the frameworks of anti-terrorism safeguards.



Subsequent to the convening, delineated directives were disseminated to the jurisdictional entities.

The Security Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the body responsible for ensuring the national security of the country and coordinating the work of various state agencies in matters related to defense, internal security, counterterrorism activities, and other areas related to the security of the state.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
For two months, the neurosurgeons we owe so much to fought the meningitis infection. Dan survived, but with a permanent acquired brain injury.

Dan had been sent home from hospital twice with the advice that he should take Panadol. He collapsed on August 24 and celebrated his birthday on September 1 in the ICU.

Our family had no time for cake with candles and singing Happy Birthday for my son Dan who lay unconscious in the intensive care unit of The Alfred hospital as he turned 65 in 2023. We sat and held his hands, willing him to live.

The NDIS is very mindful about birthdays. Your 65th is very special, its the date on which you officially become aged. Im 95, so Im not sure what that makes me.

Our application to the NDIS to support his needs was rejected because although he collapsed seven days before his birthday, he missed the cut-off date for applying. We discovered that under the rules, because Dan was not formally receiving NDIS support before he turned 65, he does not qualify. Officially, hes only a candidate for aged care.

Dan was admitted to hospital with a meningitis infection just over a week before his 65th birthday.

But Dan is not aged. He has ambitions and aspirations and is enthusiastic about participating and contributing socially. He has resumed voluntary work at a library and looks forward to reading picture books to preps at the local school. Hes a charming, physically fit man, but his short-term memory is damaged beyond repair. He can recall his childhood in detail but cant remember what he ate for breakfast. He will always need to rely on carers.

The Aged Care Assessment Service determined Dan qualified for a level 4 home care package for individuals with the highest needs, but says it might be a year before one becomes available. In any case, it would not equate to NDIS funding. So, apart from his disability support pension  which is totally inadequate to cover the costs of carers and respite  we have no financial support and are using all Dans savings to keep him afloat.

Im Dans primary carer. Despite my age, like all mothers, Ill fight for justice for my family. I have appealed to my local federal member, my local state member, the Victorian health minister, the NDIS, the NDIA, former minister Bill Shorten, new minister Amanda Rishworth, her deputy Dr Anne Aly, Health Minister Mark Butler, the prime minister, and bureaucrats from a wide range of government departments.
A recent shopping trip to the supermarket included the purchase of a packet of frozen raw prawns, writes Mary Carde of Parrearra (Qld). On reading the packaging in search of their place of birth before popping the prawns into my culinary speciality, a chilli prawn pasta, I came across the following caution: For Human Consumption Only. Not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals. Now that gave me some serious food for thought.

Merilyn McClung of Forestville has another roadworthy kangaroo (C8) tale: My father was quite sceptical when I came home with a big dent in the roof of his car and explained that a kangaroo had jumped from one side of the road landed on the roof and jumped down again to the other side and went merrily on its way, but it was true.

The theory offered by Andrew Brown that goats are very smart, has another advocate in Mark Griffiths of Haberfield: Some years ago, I drove from Darwin to Sydney. I saw a lot of roadkill: Kangaroos, emus, sheep, cattle, camels (speed hump? - Granny), and a horse. East of Broken Hill there were thousands of goats grazing beside the road, but not a single dead one. Goats aint stupid.

Glenys Quirk must have been describing NSW kangaroos, reckons Murray Hutton of Mount Colah. They always head for the wide open spaces of the road. However, during a stint in northern Queensland I discovered the kangaroos up there are smarter and, therefore, more likely to survive. When a car approaches, they head away from the road towards the paddocks and/or bush.

Irish jokes exist for a reason, judging by the thoughts of Mickey Pragnell of Kiama: Did Gary Hay (C8) possibly proceed through the orange light and so didnt see what happened after the red?
For two days, two young men were allegedly held hostage and assaulted over a debt, with their alleged kidnappers demanding a ransom of almost half a million dollars to secure one of the mens release.

After a months-long investigation, NSW Police detectives have now arrested four men, Wenqiang Zeng, 23, David Wildsmith, 37, Lun Weng, 28, and Liannan Zheng, 29, over their alleged involvement in the alleged plot.

This man, arrested in Belmore, is accused of participating in the kidnapping. Credit: NSW Police

Police were first made aware of the kidnapping in November last year after one of the alleged victims, a 24-year-old man, contacted his father in Taiwan, informing him he was being held hostage and his captors were demanding the equivalent of around $480,000 to secure his release.

The Taiwanese consulate referred the reported kidnapping to NSW Police, and after initial inquiries revealed that a second man, 26, was allegedly being held hostage, the robbery and serious crime squad established Strike Force Brackley to investigate.
We are seeing babies, almost, theyre just so tiny, carrying large weapons that are almost half their body length and breaking into homes, Webb said. The police brace themselves for kids coming back out [of custody] because they know therell be another wave of crime. Operation Soteria will see 80 officers  60 dedicated and 20 supplementary officers redeployed from other stations across the state  randomly patrol nine key areas, including Dubbo, Moree, Tamworth and Newcastle. The aim is to address an escalation of violence in offenders aged 11 to 16, focusing on aggravated break, enter and steal offences and car theft. Police will also monitor social media to identify kids promoting their crime online.

Since new post and boast legislation came into effect 12 months ago, 53 people have been charged, 27 of whom were under 16. The new laws impose an additional two-year penalty for those who advertise their criminal involvement on social media. This week, a 16-year-old was sentenced to two years under the new laws after he stole a luxury car in Moree, drove it at 150 km/h and posted about it on Snapchat. Young offenders identified under Operation Soteria will be referred to programs to address youth reoffending. Our job, though, is to protect the community [and] if the community is under threat, we have to do something. It certainly breaks my heart and Im sure Im not the only police officer concerned that were in this position. Data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research indicate the number of young people proceeded against to court by NSW Police has been stable over the past two and ten years. In the year to the December 2024 quarter, there was an increase in the number of young people in court for break and enter, weapons, and non-domestic violence assault offences, but decreases in other offences. Career cop in a male hat

Webb toured NSWs central west in the lead-up to Operation Soterias announcement, meeting officers at regional stations. The region is about three hours from her hometown of Boorowa, where she chose to be formally commissioned instead of at Sydneys government house  a nod to her focus on the regions and her discontent with pomp and celebrity. Webb, in the rural town of Gulgong, meeting with children of a local officer. Credit: Louise Kennerley The Herald was invited for a behind-the-scenes look at Webbs operation  a rare opportunity to get to know a traditionally media-shy commissioner who has gone through five top media advisers in her three-year tenure. Going from a career cop to the chief executive of a 20,000-strong workforce  and becoming one of the states highest-paid public servants, with a salary topping $680,000  has been an adjustment, but one Webb said she has grown into.

However, she would not be pressed on whether shed stay past her five-year tenure: One day well wake up and say, Ive done as much as I can, and Ill let everyone know  but Ive got more work to do. As commissioner, she has overseen responses to the Bondi massacre, the alleged murders of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird by off-duty officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, and the Dural caravan terror plot now suspected to be a con job fabricated by organised criminals. Loading As the states first female commissioner, Webb acknowledges she has a different approach, moving away from a culture that can sometimes be blokey. She is apolitical, doesnt typically rub shoulders with journalists, and is not interested in self-promotion. I think I get benchmarked against men and thats difficult because Im a woman  my skills are different, she said.

Children  both as victims and perpetrators of crime  have been a long-standing focus of Webbs career, while culture is a major focus of Webbs tenure. Webb visiting Wellington Police Station in NSW. Credit: Louise Kennerley In November, she announced an independent review of police culture, with the final report due later this year. She was the first commissioner to attend the funeral of an officer who died by suicide. Shes introduced the full-time equivalent model to allow employees to work part-time or job-share, and introduced reforms to improve injured employees work and health outcomes. One of her proudest achievements was last years historic pay rise, with the force awarded a 19 per cent base pay increase over four years. Loading Shes protective of her officers but is also quick to shun those who discredit the force. Those who dont uphold the Police Act values are not one of mine, she said.
The scale of Australias reliance on US partners The US is Australias largest research partner. The US government provided $A386 million in research funding involving Australian organisations in 2024, according to the Australian Academy of Science  equivalent to 43 per cent of the funding provided each year by the Australian Research Council. A quarter of our biomedical and clinical science findings, and 40 per cent of Australian publications on the physical sciences, are made alongside US collaborators. This includes research in strategic areas including quantum science, space science and other sciences that underpin AUKUS Pillar II advanced capabilities and Australias critical technologies list, says president of the academy, Professor Chennupati Jagadish. He released a statement on Monday urging the Albanese government to safeguard Australian research from the Trump administrations disruption.

In the field of atmospheric science and extreme weather forecasting, the importance of American collaboration is huge, says the president of the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, Dr Martin Singh. Professor Chennupati Jagadish says the federal government must act on possible foreign influence by the US on Australian science. Almost everyone collaborates internationally. Our field is quite small here. Making collaboration harder will really hurt our science, says Singh, a climate scientist from Monash University. He is part of a team collaborating with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory  where modern climate modelling was partly pioneered  to predict exactly how climate change will warp future day-to-day weather.

How is the actual weather going to change? Are we going to get different types of storms? Are we going to get more storms like [Cyclone] Alfred? Thats the cutting edge of climate research right now. But with NOAA gutted by the Trump administrations job cuts and funding freezes, Singh and his team dont know if the collaboration will continue. Its just one example of thousands of potentially life-saving research projects paralysed by the chaos. Ideology trumping science US agencies have also quizzed Australian scientists at several universities on whether they have funding links to China, Iran, Russia and Cuba, The Australian Financial Review reported last week. The National Tertiary Education Union blasted the 36-question survey as blatant foreign interference. The survey prompted scientists to confirm their research had no links to diversity, equity and inclusion or climate change, and asked what the impact their work had on preventing illegal immigration to the US and combatting Christian persecution.

Sample of questions put to Australian researchers Can you confirm that your organization has not received ANY funding from the PRC (including Confucius Institutes and/or partnered with Chinese state or non-state actors), Russia, Cuba, or Iran? Can you confirm that this is no DEI project or DEI elements of the project? Can you confirm this is not a climate or environmental justice project or include such elements? Does this project take appropriate measures to protect women and to defend against gender ideology as defined in the below Executive Order? What impact does this project have on limiting the flow of fentanyl, synthetic drugs, and pre-cursor chemicals into the U.S.? If responses to the survey lead to reductions or cessation of US-Australian scientific collaborations, it will directly threaten our scientific and technological capability and diminish Australias strategic capability in areas of national interest such as defence, health, disaster mitigation and response, AI and quantum technology, Jagadish says. Professor Ian Hickie, co-director of health and policy at the University of Sydneys Brain and Mind Centre, says the future of Australian medical research is tied very strongly to what happens in the US. The general factor has been one of chaos and also intimidation, really, of staff, he says. Professor Ian Hickie, co-director of Sydneys Brain and Mind Centre, says Trumps edicts of science sparked chaos and also intimidation. Credit: Steven Siewert

Hickie says ideology is trumping science, referencing US government criticism of anti-depressants. One of Trumps executive orders demanded an assessment of the threat of SSRI antidepressants. Elon Musk has often written that common SSRIs are dangerous, but ketamine is great, and there should be more ketamine and psychedelics, Hickie, a psychiatrist, says. The idea that certain studies or lines of research will be politically driven to reach a foregone conclusion is a source of great concern. The long-term worry is that this period of turmoil could knock out a generation of scientific talent. Many people in lower level scientific positions have just had their contracts terminated directly or theyve had grants withdrawn, Hickie says. The next generation of researchers is really being directly targeted.

Exposed to deadly weather systems US agencies including NOAA and NASA are both in Trumps firing line. Australia relies greatly on the data they gather; both organisations helped track Cyclone Alfred off the east coast this month and the Bureau of Meteorology partly drew on their findings to help provide early warnings days before extreme weather struck cities. NOAAs 4000-strong fleet of floating robots, which can dive 6000 metres deep, are instrumental to our understanding of potential disasters such as Alfred. The Argo robots have tracked sea temperatures and fed that data into forecasting for a quarter of a century. SES personnel tracking cyclone Alfred in early March. Credit: Kate Geraghty But after staffing cuts of up to 20 per cent at NOAA, there are fears the floats might not be maintained. Ten per cent of the robots require replacement each year. And theres far more operational firepower at stake within the organisation.
This masthead is aware of evidence of payments made to Gatto weeks after Victorian authorities dismissed allegations about Gattos conduct which were first made to the force in October 2023. Gattos operations were targeted by the federal police last week in raids on his accountant, Charles Pellegrino, as part of an investigation into the possible use of front companies to receive suspect payments from building firms. Federal police during the raid the Northcote offices of Gattos accountant on Thursday. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Victoria Police sources said last week that it had not been briefed on the raid, nor on what had triggered it. At the centre of the raid were allegations gathered by the federal police that the companies had been used by building firms to pay Gatto and his associates to cut deals with, or win favour from, the CFMEU or to intimidate building firms.

Identical allegations were not only passed to the Victoria Polices Operation Hawk and never investigated by state police, but a victim of a building firm using Gatto on its payroll urged police to act in October 2023. Developer Joe Toscano lashed the Victoria Police for failing to thoroughly follow up the complaint, which he lodged in person and in writing in early October 2023. Joseph Toscano. Toscano made the same allegations a second time to Victoria Police in mid-2024 after the Building Bad scandal erupted and Operation Hawk was created. On both occasions, Toscano told the Victoria Police that Gatto was probably being paid for by building firm Cobolt Construction, which was in a dispute with his own company.

In October 2023, he wrote to police saying that Gatto had made veiled threats  being the action of building unions and used other intimidation tactics including taking over Toscanos building site. Toscano also gave detectives a recording of Gatto warning him that the gangland figure would cause you grief and in which Gatto claimed he could shut down any building site in Victoria: I can stop anyone doing anything, mate. Victoria Police assessed Toscanos complaint to see if they could charge Gatto with extortion offences. They made no attempt to see how and whether Gatto was being paid by Cobolt. Cobolt has previously publicly denied making any payment. All they did was tick the box to make it look like they were investigating, said Toscano. The Victoria Polices response was pretty pathetic. They made no thorough inquiries.

Toscano said he was speaking out after hearing Allan insist that the force was doing a thorough job investigating the scandal. Loading I spoke up to the Victoria Police over 18 months ago to try to get something done, he said. In the end, they did nothing of substance. Correspondence between Toscano and detectives from late 2023 also reveals Toscano was told by police to apply for a safety intervention order to protect himself. I remain unsure whether I should pursue this further, Toscano wrote to police, telling them he remained scared because Gatto had been called in to mediate and had issued veiled warnings to him.

A second complainant contacted Victoria Police in August last year alleging that Gatto had offered to secure him CFMEU support in return for a large payment. Operation Hawk detectives referred the complainant to the Fair Work Commission  which in turn referred the complaint back to Victoria Police. Its a joke. I was sent from one agency to another and the police arent serious, they said, speaking anonymously because of the fear of blowback from the underworld. Then-Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton released a public statement in November that did not name Toscano but said his allegations of intimidation had led to police assessing that no criminal offence had been committed and that the matter would be finalised within weeks.

Victoria Police also said that in respect of allegations of kickbacks relating to CFMEU, detectives had followed up and no criminal offence has been identified. This masthead has confirmed that weeks after Pattons statement, Gatto continued acting on behalf of Cobolt, and more than a dozen other building firms, including by issuing demands for payments that Watson described this week as menacing and requiring police investigation. Watson said that as recently as March this year, Gatto and his associates had been engaged in intimidatory behaviour in the industry, receiving payments from construction firms, including those on Labors Big Build. Two months after Operation Hawk ceased investigating Toscanos complaint and kickback allegations, the federal police started its own inquiry, Operation Rye.

Within weeks, it had gathered information that Cobolt and other building firms were paying Gattos accountant suspicious consulting fees. Loading The federal police assessed that the payments may be unlawful because they may allegedly involve kickbacks paid to improperly influence the CFMEU, or other alleged financial crimes, including those involving the proceeds of crime. While some of the suspected crimes identified by the federal police probe involve Commonwealth offences, several are captured by the Victorian laws enforced by state police. In a statement on Monday, Victoria Police defended its handling of the Gatto allegations, saying Toscanos complaint was fully assessed and the recordings [of Gatto] in question reviewed, however, it was determined they didnt meet the threshold of criminality.
A woman who killed her two sons  claiming it to be the greatest act of love she could have shown them  has died three weeks after being released from prison.

The Age has confirmed Donna Fitchett, 66, was found dead at a property in Prahran on Monday night.

Donna Fitchett was found guilty of murdering her two sons, Matthew Fitchett, 9, (left) and Thomas Fitchett 11. Credit: Ten News

Police said they visited after a request for a welfare check, and that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

The Age understands Fitchett left prison on February 25.
Two teenagers and a 25-year-old Perth man have been charged after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase through the citys southern suburbs in a stolen car on Monday.

The Nissan X-Trail was allegedly spotted driving with fake registration plates on Leach Highway in Palmyra about 8am, and the driver allegedly sped off when police tried to pull the car over.

Police arrest three people accused of leading officers on a high-speed chase through Perths southern suburbs on Monday. Credit: WA Police

The police air wing helicopter was called in and tracked the car as it allegedly sped through Cockburn, Bibra Lake, Murdoch and South Lake.

Footage from the police helicopter shows the car mounting footpaths, crossing onto the wrong side of the road while hurtling down narrow suburban streets, and narrowly missing oncoming traffic on major roads as the driver allegedly races away from pursuing officers.
Brittany Higgins former boss Fiona Brown, who was a key witness in the Bruce Lehrmann defamation case, is taking legal action against the Commonwealth for failing to protect her in the workplace.

The former Liberal chief-off-staffs case is the latest of more than a dozen legal claims and investigations that have come from the fallout of Higgins allegation she was raped on a ministerial couch by her then-colleague Lehrmann in 2019.

Fiona Brown, the former chief of staff to then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds, outside the Federal Court in Sydney in 2023. Credit: Steven Siewert

Brown was central to Higginss original claim on Network 10 that her alleged rape was subject to a political cover-up. Federal Court Justice Michael Lee later said Brown was a reliable witness who had been unfairly vilified as an unfeeling apparatchik seeking to cover up a crime.

In an application filed to the Federal Court on March 10, first reported by The Australian on Tuesday, Brown will argue the Commonwealth breached her general protections in a workplace. Brown will be represented by barrister Dominique Hogan-Doran, SC, who declined to comment.
The anonymous letter that was sent to residents of a quiet Melbourne suburb made a bold offer  $HK1 million in exchange for information on the whereabouts of a man called Kevin Yam.

For almost two years, Yam has been getting on with life as an exile from Hong Kong, working on his PhD at the University of Melbourne, barracking for Hawthorn in the AFL and trying to stay safe knowing the Hong Kong authorities were still pursuing him for his work as a pro-democracy dissident.

But last week, the threat reached close to home.



Kevin Yam in Australia in 2023. Credit: Oscar Colman

Kevin is wanted on suspicion of a range of national security-related offences, a letter sent from Hong Kong to Melbourne residents reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group significantly increased its financing in Croatia in 2024, reaching a record 1.24 billion euros, nearly three times more than the previous year, Trend reports.

This funding focused primarily on supporting green initiatives in transport, cities, and businesses. Of the total, 937 million euros came from the EIB, while the European Investment Fund (EIF) contributed 303.2 million euros, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps.

The financing amounted to 1.4% of Croatia's GDP, with about one-third directed towards supporting SMEs and Mid-Caps through Croatian banks. This support saw a 167% rise from 464 million euros in 2023.

Notable investments included a 400 million euro loan to the Croatian government for upgrading the country's rail infrastructure, part of a 900 million euro deal marking the EIB's largest financing operation in Croatia. Other key projects included 207 million euros for the city of Zagreb to promote renewable energy, affordable housing, and public transport, and 200 million euros for the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) to support green financing for businesses.

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwinska emphasized the bank's commitment to Croatia's sustainable growth, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering innovation. The total financing over the last five years has reached nearly 3.1 billion euros, with the average annual support since 2000 being 613 million euros.

In 2024, the EIB Group allocated 721 million euros for projects focused on climate action and environmental sustainability. Key initiatives included improvements to rail travel to reduce emissions and support regional development, as well as advisory services for five major Croatian cities to expand social housing and promote inclusive urban development.

Business financing also saw significant support, with 200 million euros provided to HBOR to help Croatian companies reduce their carbon footprint. The EIF partnered with the EIB to offer 169 million euros to Privredna Banka Zagreb and 160 million euros to Erste Croatia to expand financing for businesses, and further supported Croatias innovation ecosystem through investments in equity funds.

In total, 2024 marked a record year for the EIF in Croatia, with investments supporting a wide range of strategies from early-stage venture capital to infrastructure projects.
Opposition Leader Peter Duttons consideration of a referendum next term on deporting criminal dual nationals as part of the Coalitions plan to toughen the requirements for Australian citizenship is a step too far.

The Heralds Paul Sakkal reported that, as former prime minister Tony Abbott calls for a stricter citizenship test, Dutton and his senior MPs have held high-level talks about changing the Constitution, allowing ministers to cancel the citizenship of people guilty of crimes such as terrorism.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

Dutton doubled down on the proposal, telling Channel 7 on Tuesday: Weve got people in our country who hate our country, who want to cause terrorist attacks. My argument is, if you betray your allegiance to our country in that way, you should expect to lose your citizenship.

A special vote would be required to circumvent a 2022 High Court ruling that the ministerial power to strip citizenship was unconstitutional because it was a form of punishment in the sense of retribution. That decision followed a man who joined Islamic State claiming it was unlawful to revoke his citizenship, an argument with which the court agreed because it said powers to strip citizenship involved ministers exercising a function that should be left for judges. A similar court decision in 2023 allowed terrorist Abdul Nacer Benbrika to remain in Australia after the High Court struck down Coalition-era powers.
So many people are expected to be remanded under Victorias proposed bail laws that part of the reforms will be introduced later so that corrections staff can be hired to cope with the influx.

Shadow attorney-general Michael OBrien said the Coalition would move amendments but would not stand in the governments way, clearing the path for the bill to pass to make it harder for alleged offenders to be granted bail.

Premier Jacinta Allan with Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny and Police Minister Anthony Carbines. Credit: Chris Hopkins

We have capacity now across our justice system for the immediate changes to come into place, Premier Jacinta Allan said. Were also gearing up, Corrections Victoria are gearing up, recruiting more staff with the additional staff that we expect will be needed.

Community and Public Sector Union secretary Karen Batt said all sectors of the criminal justice system would need more staff.
Directing a young Jamie Humphreys, former coach Adam Dykes used to overhear parents and spectators commenting about the youngsters ability  and hulking physique.

Dykes, the former Cronulla playmaker, won multiple titles with the De La Salle club in the Shire  perhaps not surprising, considering his side boasted Humphreys, Sharks winger Sam Stonestreet and his own son, Cronulla fullback Kade Dykes.

When he was 11, 12 and 13, Jamie had a body like a bloody 18-year-old, Dykes told this masthead. All the kids from the Shire were these little skinny kids, but here was Jamie, built like an Adonis at 13.

Stonestreet and Humphreys will go head to head the first time in the NRL on Saturday afternoon, when the unbeaten Bunnies head to PointsBet Stadium to face the Sharks.
WARNING: THIS STORY HAS GRAPHIC CONTENT

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has finally collapsed under the weight of its contradictions. The predictability of this moment does not make it any less devastating. After two months of relative peace, Israeli bombs are again falling on Gaza and people are dying again in the hundreds. Palestinian civilians  many of whom loathe Hamas or are too young to have any political opinions  will pay the highest price for the resumption of the fighting.

I learnt of the news in a text from Asmahan Abdalraheem, a 24-year-old Palestinian accounting graduate who has been sheltering for months with her family in a tent city in Khan Younis. The war is back again now, Abdalraheem wrote at 2.22am Gaza time on Tuesday. We woke up to the sound of very violent bombing. Punctuating her WhatsApp message: two broken-heart emojis.

Three minutes later, an official Telegram alert arrived from the Israeli Defence Forces announcing they were currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas organisation in the Gaza Strip.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The highly anticipated Computech DATA x AI Tour successfully kicked off on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the JW Marriott St. Maarten, marking a pivotal moment in the regions digital transformation journey. The event brought together esteemed leaders, industry experts, and technology enthusiasts to explore the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance, business, and society.

The launch event was graced by dignitaries from both the Dutch and French sides of the island, highlighting their Visions and Initiatives embracing digital technologies. The opening addresses were delivered by the President of the Collectivity of Saint Martin, Mr. Louis Mussington, and the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina. Both leaders underscored the importance of AI adoption and the need for responsible implementation, ensuring that technological progress benefits all sectors of society.

Mr. Jean Arnell, Managing Partner at Computech, introduced the event. He articulated the vision behind the DATA x AI Tour and aligned AI's concept and implementation with the realities of St. Maarten, emphasizing its value to the government, the private sector, and the public at large.

Ms. Marlene Mhangami, a Developer Advocate at Microsoft, delivered the keynote address. Her thought-provoking perspective on the Agentic Era and the history of AI set the stage for a deeper understanding of AIs evolution and its implications for businesses and governance.

A dynamic panel discussion followed, featuring Drs. Eugene Holiday and Mr. Imran McSood Amjad shared their insights on Business strategy, Technology strategy, Organizational culture, and Data/AI Governance. The discussion offered invaluable perspectives on how leaders should align technology investments with strategic objectives while maintaining ethical, secure, and forward-thinking policies.

Attendees were treated to an engaging technical session led by Computech Cofounder Mr. Alain Roper, who provided a live demonstration on the use of agentic AI. The session captivated the audience by demystifying the concepts of chatbots, LLMs, AI agents and showcasing live demonstrations of an AI agent and its potential for transforming various sectors.

The conference concluded with interactive breakout sessions on Business Applications & AI, Cloud Infrastructure & AI, Data Analytics & AI, and Modern Work. These sessions, hosted by Computech engineers and developers, provided participants with hands-on insights into practical AI applications, equipping them with knowledge to drive AI-driven strategies in their respective fields.

The Computech DATA x AI Tour has set the stage for an exciting future, fostering data estate modernization, AI awareness, adoption, and innovation in St. Maarten. As AI continues to evolve, events like these will be crucial in ensuring the region remains competitive in the digital era.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is providing an update on the ongoing investigation into the shooting incident that occurred in the Dutch Quarter on March 14th, 2025, at approximately 11:00 PM.

On the evening of March 14th, Police Central Dispatch received multiple reports of gunfire in the Dutch Quarter area. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that two individuals had sustained gunshot wounds. Both the elderly male victim and the suspect were transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for medical treatment. The elderly male victim remains hospitalized at SMMC in serious condition.

As the investigation progressed, detectives identified two additional suspects believed to have been involved in the incident. Reports indicate that these individuals were armed and may have discharged firearms during the altercation.

On March 17th, 2025, the two additional suspects voluntarily presented themselves at the Philipsburg Police Station, where they provided statements regarding their involvement in the shooting. Following their statements, both individuals were arrested and incarcerated.

To date, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the March 14th shooting incident. The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine the motive behind this shooting.

KPSM Press Release.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 18. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed an order to create an Atomic Energy Agency agency, Trend reports.

The new agency will take over the functions and powers of the Ministry of Energy in the areas of subsoil use related to uranium mining, atomic energy use, ensuring radiation safety for the population, and the creation and functioning of the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone.

On October 6, 2024, a referendum was held in Kazakhstan regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant in the country. As many as 71.12 percent of Kazakh citizens voted in favor. The voter turnout was 63.66 percent.
China EV giant BYD soars after 5-minute charging platform unveiled



Beijing, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Shares in Chinese EV giant BYD surged to a record high Tuesday after it unveiled new battery technology it says can charge a vehicle in the same time it takes to fill up a petrol car.

The company said the battery and charging system, called "Super e-Platform", boasted peak speeds of 1,000 kW, allowing cars to travel up to 470 kilometres (292 miles) after being plugged in for just five minutes.

The new technology aims to "fundamentally solve users' charging anxiety", according to BYD founder Wang Chuanfu.

"Our pursuit is to make the charging time of electric vehicles as short as the refuelling time of fuel vehicles," he said at Monday evening's launch.

Hong Kong-listed shares in BYD jumped more than six percent to hit a fresh peak at one point Tuesday morning before paring some of the gains.

The announcement positions BYD ahead of arch-rival Tesla, whose Superchargers currently offer charging speeds of 500 kW.

BYD introduced the Super e-Platform alongside two new EV models that will be the first to feature the system: the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV.

The Shenzhen-based company also unveiled plans to build more than 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations nationwide to support the new technology.

The ambitious expansion comes on the heels of remarkable growth, with February sales soaring 161 percent to more than 318,000 electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, Tesla experienced a steep 49 percent sales decline in the Chinese market during the same period.

Separately, on Tuesday, Chinese EV maker Nio said it had signed a deal with battery giant CATL involving cooperation on a passenger car battery swap network.

Battery swapping offers an alternative to ultra-fast charging for vehicle owners worried about range, though the vast infrastructure required and standardisation issues present major hurdles.

The new cooperation will see CATL invest a maximum of 2.5 billion yuan ($346 million) in Nio's battery swap network.
Apple loses German appeal, paving way for strict control



Frankfurt, Germany, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Apple lost an appeal on Tuesday as Germany's top court sided with competition regulators, opening the door for the US tech giant to face stricter controls in the country.

The Federal Court of Justice ruled that the regulator, the Federal Cartel Office, was correct when it decided in 2023 that Apple should be considered of "paramount significance for competition across markets".

The classification opens a company operating in Germany up to closer surveillance for possible abuse of its market position, and has also been applied to Amazon, Microsoft and Google parent Alphabet.

Apple had appealed against being given the label but, in siding with regulators, the court found that the tech giant "is one of the largest, most profitable companies in the world".

"It has extraordinary financial and other resources at its disposal," according to a ruling from the court, in the southwestern city of Karlsruhe.

Apple said it disagreed with the ruling, noting that it faced tough competition in Germany.

The cartel office has for several years been investigating Apple's rules into app tracking.

Andreas Mundt, head of the regulator, said he was pleased with Tuesday's ruling, which confirmed Apple could be subjected to "stricter" oversight.

"Our inquiry into Apple's tracking rules for third-party apps is on solid ground thanks to this judgement," he said.

The regulator alleges that users are asked to consent to apps tracking their activity less often when using Apple services than when using third party apps, thereby allowing Apple an unfair advantage.

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Apple

Amazon.com

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. In the course of a business visit to Israel led by Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy, officials engaged in talks aimed at strengthening the economic relationship between the two countries, Trend reports via Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy.

Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Israel's Union Energy.

Jabbarovs visit included a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, where the two leaders underscored the long-standing historical and cultural bonds between their nations. The leaders highlighted the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Israel, a relationship that has flourished under their respective governments. Discussions centered around expanding bilateral economic cooperation and the prospects for broader multilateral engagement, particularly as Azerbaijan increasingly serves as a gateway to Central Asia.

The visit also saw a key meeting between Jabbarov and Eli Cohen, Israels Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. The two officials praised the effectiveness of their energy collaboration, noting SOCARs vital role in Israels energy security. They expressed a commitment to further enhance cooperation, particularly in utilizing Azerbaijans expertise in gas field development. Both sides also evaluated ongoing and future economic projects, with energy remaining a priority on the bilateral agenda.

In a notable development, SOCAR and Union Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the trip. The MoU outlines joint exploration efforts within Israels Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), marking SOCARs first exploration initiative outside of Azerbaijan. The licenses for exploration were presented during a ceremony attended by Jabbarov, SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf, and Minister Cohen, positioning SOCAR for expanded international influence in the energy sector.

Jabbarov also met with Israels Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, to discuss the growing scope of economic collaboration between the two nations. The ministers focused on enhancing investment opportunities, with Azerbaijan offering a favorable business climate and highlighting potential areas of cooperation in digital technology, industrial zones, and business networking.

Further discussions with Israels Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, revolved around the future of Israel-Azerbaijan strategic relations, with both parties emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic and trade ties. Additionally, a final meeting with Israels Finance Minister Zeev Elkin addressed how to improve the work of the Joint Commission between the two governments and boost bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

As Azerbaijan and Israel advance the expansion of their economic partnership, this visit has laid the foundation for a range of initiatives that are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy, trade, and investment between the two nations.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Lebanon says seven killed in clashes on Syria border



Beirut, Lebanon, March 17 (AFP) Mar 17, 2025



The Lebanese health ministry on Monday said at least seven people were killed and 52 wounded in clashes on the border with Syria that erupted the previous night.

Clashes broke out late Sunday at the Syrian-Lebanese border, with the new authorities in Damascus accusing the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah of abducting three soldiers into Lebanon and killing them.

A Lebanese security source told AFP that Syrian forces fired shells into Lebanon after the three security personnel were killed in the Lebanese village of Qasr by local gunmen involved in smuggling.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) said the border clashes resumed on Monday following fresh Syrian shelling.

The health ministry's emergency unit said that the "developments over the last two days on the Lebanese-Syrian border led to the death of seven citizens and the injury of 52 others".

It added that six people were killed on Monday, while a 15-year-old boy died on Sunday.

Earlier Monday Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that his country's forces would respond to incoming fire from neighbouring Syria.

"What is happening on the eastern and northeastern borders cannot continue," Aoun said in a post on X. "I have directed the Lebanese army to respond to the source of the fire."

The army announced that its units had "responded to the sources of fire with appropriate weapons" after the renewed shelling from Syrian territory, NNA reported.

It added that its units "are working to strengthen their defensive positions to stop attacks on Lebanese territory".

In a call late on Monday, Lebanese Defence Minister Michel Mnassa and his Syrian counterpart Marhaf Abu Qasra agreed to "implement a ceasefire" and prevent further escalation, the Lebanese defence ministry said.



- 'Smuggling' operations -



The army said earlier that it had undertaken "exceptional security measures and intensive communications" since Sunday night that had led to the return of the three Syrian soldiers' bodies to authorities there.

Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos said one child had been killed and six other people wounded by the Syrian shelling, adding that many civilians had also been displaced in the border area.

A source in Syria's defence ministry later told state news agency SANA that forces had launched a security sweep of the border areas.

"Our aim with our actions on the border is to expel Hezbollah militias from the Syrian villages and areas they use as temporary bases for smuggling and drug trafficking operations," the source said.

Earlier Monday, Syrian authorities in Homs province reported that a photographer and a journalist were wounded along the border, according to SANA.

They accused Hezbollah of "targeting them with a guided missile".

Hezbollah was a key backer of Syria's former president Bashar al-Assad before he was toppled in a lightning offensive by Islamist-led rebels in December.

Syria's new authorities announced last month the launch of a security campaign in the border province of Homs aimed at shutting down routes used for arms and goods smuggling.

Under Assad, Syria had been a key link in Iran's anti-Israel "axis of resistance", serving as a conduit for weaponry flowing to fellow Tehran ally Hezbollah.

The new authorities in Damascus have accused Hezbollah of launching attacks, saying it was sponsoring cross-border smuggling gangs.

Speaking at a donor conference for Syria in Brussels, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Damascus would "not tolerate any attempts to undermine Syrian sovereignty".

He accused "outlawed parties", including "some militias stationed on our borders with neighbouring countries", of posing a persistent threat to Syria's security and stability, without naming a particular group.
Taiwan says detects 59 Chinese aircraft around island



Taipei, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Taiwan detected 59 Chinese aircraft around the self-ruled island, the defence ministry said Tuesday, the highest tally since a record in October and days after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called China a "foreign hostile force".

China insists democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.

Beijing has ramped up the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty, which Taipei rejects.

Taiwan also accuses China of using espionage, cyberattacks and disinformation to weaken its defences.

Along with the 59 aircraft, nine Chinese warships and two balloons were also detected in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT), the defence ministry said.

It was the highest number of Chinese aircraft registered since a record 153 were reported on October 15, after China staged large-scale military drills in response to Lai's National Day speech days earlier.

Of the aircraft detected in the past 24 hours, 54 had taken part in "joint combat" patrols, the ministry said in separate statements.

The Chinese foreign ministry said Monday the actions were a "resolute response to external forces' wilful connivance and support for Taiwan independence and a stern warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces".

China also repeated its criticism of a US decision to remove a reference to the status of Taiwan from the State Department website.

The United States does not diplomatically recognise Taiwan but remains its main security backer and in February removed a line from a State Department fact sheet that stated: "We do not support Taiwan independence".

"This is another egregious example of the US deliberately pursuing the policy of using Taiwan to contain China and condoning and supporting Taiwan independence," the ministry said.

Last Thursday, Lai branded China a "foreign hostile force", as he proposed measures to combat deepening Chinese infiltration in the island.

The number of people prosecuted for spying for Beijing has risen sharply, with retired and serving members of Taiwan's military the main targets of Chinese infiltration efforts, official figures show.

Taipei's top policy body on China, the Mainland Affairs Council, said Tuesday that China's "aggressive military expansion threatens peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region".

"It has already become a universally recognised and undeniable troublemaker," MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng said.
German parliament to vote on huge spending boost for defence, infrastructure



Berlin, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



German lawmakers will vote Tuesday on a massive spending boost for defence and infrastructure proposed by chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz amid concern over the United States' commitment to Europe's security.

The hastily drawn plans represent a radical departure for a country traditionally reluctant to take on large amounts of debt or to spend heavily on the military, given the horrors of its Nazi past.

But Merz, 69, whose conservative CDU/CSU alliance won an election last month, has urged swift action as concerns grow that the United States' decades-old commitment to European defence is faltering under President Donald Trump.

In an interview with public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, Merz said the "situation has worsened in recent weeks", citing Trump's overtures to Russia to end the Ukraine war and his wavering commitment to NATO.

"That is why we have to act fast," Merz said.

Merz's plans envisage exempting defence spending from the country's strict debt rules when it exceeds one percent of GDP and setting up a 500-billion-euro ($545-billion) fund for infrastructure investments.

As well as boosting domestic investments, the spending package -- dubbed a fiscal "bazooka" by German media -- would free up an extra three billion euros ($3.3 billion) of support for Ukraine in 2025.

Outgoing Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the plans were a "strong signal that Germany is serious about its own security, about the security of Ukraine and about the security of Europe".

The massive funding boost represents "a fiscal sea change for Germany," wrote Holger Schmieding of Berenberg Bank.

He added that Merz and his team "are rising to the challenges which Germany is facing in times of almost unprecedented geopolitical upheaval for Europe".



- Political limbo -



Germany is currently in political limbo, with Merz embroiled in negotiations to form a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD) of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The conservatives and the SPD agreed the plans to boost the country's under-resourced military and ailing economy as part of their initial coalition talks in early March.

But instead of waiting until the new government is formed, the parties want to get the spending plans approved by the outgoing parliament, which remains in place until next week.

In the next chamber, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the far-left Die Linke -- which both oppose the plans -- would have the numbers needed to block them.

Even in the outgoing parliament, the CDU/CSU and SPD are relying on the support of the Greens to help them reach the two-thirds majority required to modify the debt brake.

The Greens had threatened to withhold their support, but a deal was struck late last week with Merz agreeing that 100 billion euros of the infrastructure fund will be dedicated to climate-protection measures.

Merz on Monday said he was "confident" the plans would be voted through on Tuesday.

The deal hangs on a margin of 31 votes, according to Der Spiegel magazine, which warned that "some departing parliamentarians could take the opportunity to get back at the new government with a no vote".

Ursula Muench, director of the Academy for Political Education, said there was still "significant uncertainty" around the vote.

A failure to achieve the required majority would be a "debacle for the coalition in the process of being formed... and ultimately for Friedrich Merz," she said.

The measures must also still be voted through the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament, on Friday, where they also require a two-thirds majority.

Coalition negotiations often last several weeks, or even months, in Germany. But Merz has set out an ambitious schedule to have a government in place by Easter or soon after.

If all goes according to plan, the new parliament will vote on whether to appoint him as chancellor on April 23.
Italy PM walks tightrope with EU defence spending, Ukraine



Rome, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Italy's Giorgia Meloni will set out her position on EU defence plans on Tuesday, as she seeks to balance divisions in her coalition government with support for Ukraine, while keeping Washington onside.

The prime minister will give a speech to the Senate on her approach to a European Union summit starting on Thursday, where leaders will discuss plans to ramp up military aid for Ukraine amid faltering US support under President Donald Trump.

Meloni's hard-right government has until now strongly backed Kyiv in its war with Russia, despite her coalition partners' history of warm ties with Moscow.

And her far-right Brothers of Italy party last week backed an EU plan to ramp up defence spending, after Trump withdrew military support for Kyiv and opened negotiations with Moscow.

But Meloni has also sought to avoid antagonising Trump, a fellow populist conservative who invited her to his inauguration -- while shunning other major EU leaders.

At crisis talks with European allies in London earlier this month, following Trump's Oval Office clash with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, Meloni stressed the importance of avoiding "the risk that the West divides".

She has brushed off French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of extending its nuclear umbrella to other European nations, saying it suggested "a disengagement of the US" and adding: "I would avoid this scenario."

She has also been clear that Italy would not send troops to defend any truce, including in a video call with allies on Saturday.



- Tightrope -



The European defence plan has divided public opinion in Italy, with an Ipsos survey for the Corriere della Sera newspaper last week showing 39 percent of those polled were against, compared to 28 percent for.

It also found declining support for Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, although it remains strongest amongst Meloni's voters.

The splits run through the government and opposition parties, with Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right League party, leading the charge against.

Salvini, who has in the past expressed his admiration for Russia's Vladimir Putin, has embraced the new approach from Washington.

He said earlier this month that Trump is "the only leader capable of finally bringing peace", and declared EU calls to strengthen the bloc's military as "dangerous and irresponsible".

Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, a member of the League, has also warned against the risk of further swelling Italy's enormous debt.

Italy currently spends about 1.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, less than the NATO commitment of two percent -- and well below Trump's demand of five percent.

The third party in Meloni's coalition, the centre-right Forza Italia led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, backs the plan.

Italy's opposition, meanwhile, is divided across and within parties, with the Five Star Movement against, and the centre-left Democratic Party split down the middle.

Lorenzo Castellani, political expert at the University of Luiss, said Meloni was walking a "tightrope".

"It will be difficult for her to increase military spending by what she promised -- 2.5 percent of GDP," due to the political opposition and debt issue, he told AFP.

But at the same time, "I do not expect her to break with Trump", he said.

He said he expected her to keep working with European allies while trying to "slow down the proposals of the countries most ready to support Kyiv".

ar/ams/bc
Cambodia set to open Chinese-renovated naval base



Phnom Penh, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Cambodia will inaugurate a Chinese-renovated naval base next month, an army spokesman said Tuesday, with a Japanese warship expected to be the first to dock at the site that has drawn concerns from the United States.

Washington has said the Ream naval base, located off Cambodia's southern coast, could give Beijing a key strategic position in the Gulf of Thailand near the disputed South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety.

"The first phase of the Ream base is planned to be inaugurated on April 2," Major General Thong Solimo, spokesman for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), told AFP.

RCAF's Commander-in-chief Vong Pisen told Japanese military attache officials about the schedule during a meeting on Tuesday, Thong Solimo said, adding that Cambodia would "allow a Japanese military ship to dock at the Ream base first" following the ribbon-cutting.

General Chhum Socheat, a defence ministry spokesman, told AFP that ships from "friends of Cambodia" would also be allowed to dock at Ream as long as they met conditions, adding he "did not deny" that would include a US vessel.

Cambodia has long been one of China's staunchest allies in Southeast Asia, and Beijing has extended its influence over Phnom Penh in recent years.

Under former leader Hun Sen -- Prime Minister Hun Manet's father -- China has poured billions of dollars into infrastructure investment, while Washington's relationship with Phnom Penh has deteriorated.

Since 2022, China has been funding the renovation of the Ream naval base which was originally built partly using US funds.

Chinese warships first docked at the 363-metre (1,190-foot) pier in December 2023.

In December 2024, a US warship docked in Cambodia in the first American military port call in eight years.

A senior US army commander visited Cambodia in February and met with Hun Manet to "expand bilateral defence ties".

Cambodia is set to receive two warships from China to improve its defence capabilities.

Cambodian leaders have repeatedly denied that the base is for use by any foreign power.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 18. Kazakhstans President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, held a telephone conversation with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during which they discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports.



In the course of the conversation, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the high pace of development of bilateral cooperation, which fully corresponds to the level of strategic partnership and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.



The sides confirmed their mutual intention to further deepen trade, economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian interactions. The schedule for upcoming meetings was also discussed in the midst of the phone call.

The presidents also exchanged congratulations on the upcoming spring holiday, Nauryz, wishing peace and prosperity to the fraternal peoples.



The trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reached about $4.3 billion in 2024, demonstrating growth compared to previous years.



Recently, the Ministers of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, and the Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, Arman Shakkaliev, signed a program aimed at increasing trade turnover to $10 billion by 2030.
Hospitalised Pope calls for peace, 'truth' in conflicts



Vatican City, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Pope Francis, hospitalised for a month with pneumonia, called Tuesday for an end to war in a letter to Italy's leading newspaper, and urged the media to "serve the truth".

Emphasising the need for responsible journalism in a time of conflict, the 88-year-old Catholic leader pushed for keeping a cool head, noting that the media had a duty to "feel the full importance of words".

"They are never just words: they are facts that build human environments. They can connect or divide, serve the truth or use it," Francis wrote to the Corriere della Sera, in a letter dated March 14.

"We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth. There is a great need for reflection, for calmness, for a sense of complexity."

"While war only devastates communities and the environment, without offering solutions to conflicts, diplomacy and international organisations need new life and credibility," he wrote.

The letter was written in response to a note sent by Corriere's director Luciano Fontana to the pope, who has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14.

Francis, who regularly calls for an end to conflicts around the world, noted that "in this moment of illness... war appears even more absurd".

"Human fragility, in fact, has the power to make us more clear about what lasts and what passes, what makes us live and what kills," he wrote.

Peace, the Argentine pontiff said, "requires commitment, work, silence, words".

Doctors have said Francis's condition is now stable, after a critical period marked by breathing crises that raised fears for his life. But the Vatican has not indicated when he might leave hospital.

On Monday evening, the Vatican said he was now spending short periods breathing on his own.

For at least two weeks, Francis has been alternating an oxygen mask at night with a cannula -- a plastic tube tucked into his nostrils that delivers high-flow oxygen -- during the day.

He is now shifting to a reduced flow for the first time during the day, it said.

In hospital, Francis has worked when able, while alternating rest with prayer.

Despite his progress, speculation continues that he could eventually step down due to his fragility, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

On Monday, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin told reporters that he had noted an improvement in Francis' health during a visit last week.

But asked whether the conversation had turned to the pope's resignation, he replied: "No, no, no, absolutely not."
Ceasefire mediator Egypt condemns resumed Israel strikes



Cairo, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



The Egyptian foreign ministry condemned Israel's deadly overnight air strikes on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, calling them a "flagrant violation" of the ceasefire that took effect on January 19.

The strikes constitute a "dangerous escalation which threatens to bring serious consequences for the stability of the region", said the statement from Egypt, which brokered the Gaza ceasefire alongside Qatar and the United States.

It called on the international community to "act immediately to halt the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip in order to prevent the region entering a new spiral of violence and counterviolence".

Israel's overnight strikes, which the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said killed more than 330 people, were by far the biggest since the ceasefire. Hamas has not responded to them so far.
UN chief 'shocked' by deadly Israel airstrikes in Gaza



Geneva, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



UN chief Antonio Guterres voiced shock Tuesday after hundreds were killed in the most intense Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since a fragile ceasefire took effect in January.

"The secretary-general is shocked by the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza," UN spokesman Rolando Gomez told a press briefing in Geneva.

"He strongly appeals for the ceasefire to be respected, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be re-established, and for the remaining hostages to be released unconditionally."

Israel on Tuesday vowed to continue fighting in the Gaza Strip until the return of all hostages as it unleashed its most intense strikes since a truce took effect on January 19.

The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reported at least 413 people killed in the latest strikes.

Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deciding to "resume war" after an impasse in truce negotiations, and warned that the return to fighting could be a "death sentence" for hostages still alive in Gaza.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said resuming the war would fuel "hell on Earth".

"Awful scenes of civilians killed, among them children, following waves of heavy bombardment from Israeli forces overnight," the UNRWA chief said on X.

"Fuelling 'hell on Earth' by resuming the war will only bring more despair and suffering. A return to the ceasefire is a must."

UN rights chief Volker Turk said he was horrified by the strikes.

"This will add tragedy onto tragedy," he said in a statement.

"This nightmare must end immediately," Turk said, adding that "the last 18 months of violence have made abundantly clear that there is no military path out of this crisis".

"The only way forward is a political settlement, in line with international law. Israel's resort to yet more military force will only heap further misery upon a Palestinian population already suffering catastrophic conditions," he said.

"The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. All those arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally. The war must end permanently," Turk said.

"We urge all parties with influence to do all in their power to achieve peace and avoid further suffering of civilians."

Brokered 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 Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

That first phase ended in early March, and the two sides have been unable to agree on the next steps.
Germany's Merz says new defence spending counters Putin's 'war against Europe'



Berlin, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



German chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz said Tuesday that his proposed huge spending boost for defence was needed because of Russian President Vladimir Putin's "war of aggression against Europe".

"It is a war against Europe and not just a war against the territorial integrity of Ukraine," Merz told parliament ahead of a vote on plans that also include massive new funding for infrastructure.

Merz said Russia's aggression had included cyber-attacks and espionage, arson and contract killings as well as disinformation campaigns that "attempt to divide and marginalise the European Union".

Europe today faces "an aggressive Russia" as well as "an unpredictable United States of America", said Merz, whose conservative CDU/CSU bloc won last month's general elections.

Merz's plans envisage exempting defence spending from the country's strict debt rules when it exceeds one percent of GDP and setting up a 500-billion-euro ($545-billion) fund for infrastructure investments over 12 years.

His bloc is hoping to push the measure through the Bundestag at a time when US President Donald Trump's outreach to Russia and hostility towards Ukraine have shaken Europe and cast doubt over the future strength of transatlantic ties.

"I want to make this clear: I am in favour of us doing everything we can to uphold transatlantic cooperation," said Merz. "I consider it indispensable, but we must now do our homework in Europe.

"We must become stronger. We must ensure our own security. That is our responsibility. Germany has a leading role to play in this, and I believe we should be prepared to assume this leadership responsibility."

Merz said the spending boost planned for the armed forces, expected to add up to hundreds of billions of euros in the coming years, is "nothing less than the first major step towards a new European defence community".

He said this grouping would include "countries that are not members of the European Union but are very interested in building this common European defence together with us such as... Great Britain and Norway".

Merz said new defence contracts should be awarded to European manufacturers "whenever possible".

"We must rebuild our defence capabilities," he told lawmakers, adding that this should be done with "automated systems, with independent European satellite surveillance, with armed drones, and with many modern defence systems" ordered from firms on the continent.
Iran condemns Israel strikes on Gaza as 'continuation of genocide'



Tehran, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Iran condemned Israel's wave of air strikes in Gaza on Tuesday, the deadliest since a truce took effect in January.

In a statement, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei called the strikes a "continuation of the genocide and ethnic cleansing" in the Palestinian territories, and accused the United States of "direct responsibility" in the attack.

Israel carried out its heaviest attacks since the start of the ceasefire overnight, with the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reporting more than 400 people killed.

Baqaei warned of the "catastrophic consequences and implications of this situation on global peace and security".

Iran does not recognise Israel, which its officials refer to as the "Zionist regime", and Tehran has made support for the Palestinian cause a pillar of its foreign policy since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979.

Tehran also supports the Palestinian militant group Hamas, with which Israel has been at war in Gaza since the group's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, the ceasefire took effect on January 19, largely halting more than 15 months of fighting in the Palestinian territory triggered by the October 7 attack.

The first phase of the ceasefire ended in early March, and the two warring parties have been unable to agree on the next steps.
Germany's Merz cites Russia threat in push for defence spending 'bazooka'



Berlin, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Germany's chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz on Tuesday urged lawmakers to pass a huge spending package for defence and infrastructure to strengthen the country over what he called Russia's "war of aggression against Europe".

"It is a war against Europe and not just a war against the territorial integrity of Ukraine," Merz told parliament ahead of a vote expected around 1330 GMT on what local media have labelled a fiscal "bazooka" worth many hundreds of billions of euros.

Merz's CDU/CSU and their likely future coalition partners, the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), plan to exempt defence spending from Germany's strict debt rules and to set up a 500-billion-euro ($545-billion) fund for infrastructure investments over 12 years.

They hope to push the measures through the legislature at a time when US President Donald Trump's outreach to Russia and hostility towards Ukraine have shaken Europe and cast doubt over the future strength of transatlantic ties.

Merz said transatlantic ties were "indispensable" but Europe needed to do more to ensure its own security and Germany should play a leading role.

The spending boost is "nothing less than the first major step towards a new European defence community" that could also include non-EU members like Britain and Norway, he added.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, from the SPD of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, justified the mega-spending by saying "we are facing a new era for Europe, for Germany, for NATO, and for future generations".

He argued that boosting defence on the continent will strengthen the trans-Atlantic alliance in the long term "and place it on two legs, namely North America and Europe".



- 'XXL spending' -



The hastily drawn plans represent a radical departure for a country traditionally reluctant to take on large amounts of debt or to spend heavily on the military given the horrors of its Nazi past.

But Merz, 69, whose conservative CDU/CSU alliance won February elections, has promoted what has been dubbed an "XXL-sized" funding package as concerns grow that the United States' decades-old commitment to European defence is faltering.

In the short term, he has also urged Germany to free up an extra three billion euros of support for Ukraine in 2025.

The conservatives and the SPD agreed the plans to boost Germany's under-resourced military and ailing economy as part of their initial coalition talks in early March.

But instead of waiting until the new government is formed, the parties want to get the spending plans approved by the outgoing parliament.

Even in the outgoing assembly, the CDU/CSU and SPD are relying on the support of the Greens to help them reach the two-thirds majority required to modify the debt brake.

The Greens had threatened to withhold their support but a deal was struck late last week with Merz agreeing that 100 billion euros of the infrastructure fund will be dedicated to climate-protection measures.



- Far right opposed -



In the next Bundestag, the far-right and Moscow-friendly Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the far-left Die Linke -- which both oppose the plans -- would have the numbers needed to block them.

The deal hangs on a margin of 31 votes, wrote Der Spiegel magazine, which warned that "some departing parliamentarians could take the opportunity to get back at the new government with a no vote".

Bernd Baumann of the AfD accused Merz of ignoring the will of voters by seeking to push the vote through the old parliament.

"The new Bundestag is the legitimate one" because "it has new majorities that the people want", Baumann said, charging that Merz "wants to buy himself the chancellorship from the SPD and the Greens, like in a banana republic".

Lars Klingbeil of the SPD said that the massive new spending aims to "maintain peace in Europe" but also "invest in advancing the economy and strengthening social cohesion".

He said the massive spending, "perhaps the largest package in the history of our country" would therefore also help counter "division and polarisation".

The measures must also still be voted through the upper house of parliament on Friday, where they also require a two-thirds majority.

Coalition negotiations will then continue between the two big parties, with Merz aiming to have a government in place by Easter on April 20 or soon after.

If all goes according to plan, the new parliament will vote on whether to appoint him as chancellor on April 23.
Indonesia activists condemn amendment allowing more military in government



Jakarta, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Indonesian activists on Tuesday condemned plans to change a law that would allow the army to have more government positions, a move they say could lead to "abuse" in a country long influenced by its powerful military.

The revision to a military law will be voted on Thursday in a parliament dominated by President Prabowo Subianto's coalition after the changes were approved by a key committee Tuesday.

The amendment has sparked fears of a return to the era of dictator Suharto, who Prabowo once served and who used military figures to crack down on dissent.

"That's their target, despite strong criticism by the public: strengthening the role of the army in the civilian government," Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, told AFP.

"That will create conflict of interest and abuse of power, including corruption and human rights violations that have often escaped with total impunity."

Military officers can already serve in 10 government agencies including the defence ministry.

But under the proposed changes, they would be able to serve in 16, according to a draft seen by AFP, which would include the Supreme Court, national disaster agency and attorney general's office among others.

The draft also allows for soldiers to hold civilian positions in other government institutions after resigning or retiring from military service.

The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence -- or Kontras -- rejected the latest amendment to the military bill.

"The discussion of the... bill revision has been rushed, with minimal public participation, and a lack of transparency in the drafting process," it said in a joint statement with Amnesty and the Indonesia Legal Aid Foundation.

It also claimed activists have faced intimidation for opposing the amendment.

Prabowo's office did not respond to an AFP request for comment.

The ex-general has rehabilitated his image despite allegations of rights abuses under Suharto's rule including ordering the abductions of activists.

Remodelling himself as a grandfatherly figure, Prabowo won over voters last year and took office as president of the world's third-biggest democracy.

According to Kontras, 23 democracy activists were kidnapped between 1997 and 1998, some who were never found.

Prabowo was discharged from the military over the abductions but denied the allegations and was never charged.
Huthis announce new attack on American warships, fresh US strikes



Sanaa, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Yemen's Huthis said on Tuesday they carried out their third attack on American warships in 48 hours, following US strikes on the Iran-backed rebels that sparked mass protests in areas under their control.

The rebels also condemned Israel's wave of strikes on Gaza, which the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said killed more than 400 people, vowing to escalate their own operations in support of ally Hamas.

The Huthis had targeted ships in the Red Sea after the start of the Gaza war and until a January ceasefire, claiming solidarity with Palestinians.

But last week, they threatened to renew attacks on Israeli shipping over Israel's aid blockade on the Palestinian territory, triggering the first US strikes on Yemen since President Donald Trump took office in January.

In their latest retaliation, the Huthis said on Telegram on Tuesday that they fired missiles and drones at the USS Harry S. Truman, calling it the "third in the past 48 hours" on the fleet in the northern Red Sea.

A US defence official said the Huthis "continue to communicate lies and disinformation", adding the Iran-backed group is "well known for false claims minimising the results of our attacks while exaggerating the successes of theirs".

US Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich earlier told reporters it was "hard to confirm" the attacks claimed by the Huthis as the rebels were missing their targets "by over 100 miles" (160 kilometres).



- No Huthis 'without Iran' -



Huthi media said fresh US strikes hit the Hodeida and Al-Salif regions Monday and Sanaa early Tuesday -- hours after tens of thousands demonstrated, chanting "Death to America, death to Israel!" in the capital.

There were also large crowds in Saada, the birthplace of the Huthi movement, and demonstrations in Dhamar, Hodeida and Amran on Monday.

The protests came after Washington launched its fresh campaign of air strikes on Yemen beginning Saturday, killing 53 people and wounding 98 according to the Huthi-run health ministry.

Washington has vowed to keep hitting Yemen until the Huthis stop firing on shipping, with Trump warning he will hold Iran accountable for their attacks.

"Every shot fired by the Huthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN," Trump posted on social media.

Tehran called his statement "belligerent".

In a televised interview with Fox News, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Huthis do "not exist" without Iran.

"Without Iran, there is no Huthi threat of this magnitude," he said.

"They created this Frankenstein monster, and now they got to own it."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US strikes and said Washington had "no authority" to dictate Tehran's foreign policy.



- 'Hell will rain down' -



On Saturday, the Huthi-controlled capital was hit by heavy strikes, including in northern districts frequented by the rebels' leadership.

US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz told ABC News that Saturday's strikes "targeted multiple Huthi leaders and took them out". The Huthis have not responded to Waltz's claim.

The Pentagon said on Monday it had struck 30 targets in its ongoing campaign in Yemen.

The United Nations urged both sides to "cease all military activity", while expressing concern over Huthi threats to resume their Red Sea attacks.

Before this weekend's targeting of the US carrier group, the Huthis had not claimed any attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since January 19, when the ceasefire in Gaza began.

Trump has warned the Yemeni group that "hell will rain down upon you" if it does not stop its attacks.



- Costly detour -



While the Red Sea trade route normally carries around 12 percent of world shipping traffic, Huthi attacks have forced many companies into costly detours around southern Africa.

A database set up by ACLED, a non-profit monitor, showed more than 130 Huthi attacks against warships, commercial vessels and Israeli and other targets since October 19, 2023.

The United States had already launched several rounds of strikes on Huthi targets under president Joe Biden.

Israel has also struck Yemen, most recently in December, after Huthi missile fire towards Israeli territory.

The rebels control large swathes of Yemen after ousting the internationally recognised government from Sanaa.

They have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition backing the government since 2015, a conflict that has triggered a major humanitarian crisis.

Fighting has largely been on hold since a UN-brokered ceasefire in 2022, but the peace process has stalled since the Huthis began their attacks.

burs-aya/th/kir
Estonia to up defence spending to at least 5.0% of GDP from 2026



Tallinn, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said on Tuesday his NATO country would next year raise defence spending to "at least" five percent of GDP, citing the threat from neighbouring Russia.

Estonia and fellow Baltic states Lithuania and Latvia -- all bordering Russia -- fear they could be next in Moscow's crosshairs were it to win its war against Ukraine.

"Russia has not changed its goals and imperialistic ambitions. This is a real threat to both Europe and NATO," Michal said on X.

Announcing Estonia's government decision to increase defence spending to "at least five percent of our GDP from next year", Michal said: "Our aim is clear -- to make any aggression against us unfeasible."

Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the move was "historic" for the country of 1.3 million people.

"Such a fundamental decision on raising defence spending has never been made before," Pevkur said.

Estonia's military expenditure earmarked for this year is 3.3 percent of gross domestic product.

"To go in one year from three to five percent of GDP in the defence budget is a highly important step for Estonia and Estonian people, so that Estonia can be securely defended," Pevkur said.

In January, Lithuania announced plans to spend an annual five to six percent of its GDP on defence from 2026 to 2030.

Russia's war in Ukraine has jolted NATO to strengthen its eastern flank and ramp up spending, and US President Donald Trump has demanded alliance members increase defence expenditure to five percent of GDP.

The transatlantic alliance's current minimum level for defence spending is two percent but some members already spend more.

Poland plans to spend 4.7 percent of its annual economic output on defence in 2025.
Israel army says struck artillery in south Syria near ceasefire line



Jerusalem, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Israel's military said it targeted two pieces of artillery on Tuesday in an air strike in southern Syria near a boundary established by a 1974 ceasefire.

"A short while ago, two cannons in southern Syria that constituted a threat to the State of Israel were struck by the IDF (military) in the area of Khan Arnabeh in southern Syria," a military statement said.

"The IDF will not allow a military threat from southern Syria and will operate against the threat," it added.

Khan Arnabah lies on the edge of the demilitarised buffer zone that had long separated Israeli and Syrian forces until Israeli troops deployed there after the fall of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in December.

Tuesday's strike comes a day after Israel's military said it had targeted military sites in southern Syria.

Syria's health ministry reported three killed in an Israeli strike near the southern city of Daraa on Monday.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria since the ousting of Assad by Islamist-led rebels.

Netanyahu has said that southern Syria must be completely demilitarised, warning his government will not accept the presence of the forces of the new authorities near Israeli territory.

Even before Assad's fall, during the Syrian civil war that broke out in 2011, Israel carried out hundreds of strikes in the country, mainly on government forces and Iranian-linked targets.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) will provide a 25 million euro loan to modernize air navigation systems in Serbia and Montenegro, Trend reports.

The funding will support SMATSA, the air navigation service provider for both countries, in enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and interoperability.

The project includes new software solutions aligned with Eurocontrol and the Digital European Sky strategy, improving air traffic management. SMATSA, which oversees about 9% of European flights, will upgrade control centers in Belgrade, Podgorica, Tivat, Batajnica, Kraljevo, and Nis. The improvements aim to reduce operational costs, shorten flight times, and lower CO2 emissions while strengthening regional connectivity.

Co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the initiative is part of the European Commissions Economic and Investment Plan, supporting transport modernization in the Western Balkans.

The EIB has invested 6.6 billion euros in the regions transport sector to date.
Poland, Baltics signal intent to withdraw from landmines treaty



Vilnius, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Poland and the Baltic states on Tuesday took a first step towards quitting a treaty banning anti-personnel mines, citing an increased security threat from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

The defence ministers for the four EU and NATO member states, which all share a border with Russia, said in a joint statement that military threats "have significantly increased".

The four countries have ramped up defence spending and training since Russian troops invaded Ukraine in 2022, voicing fears that Russia could target them next.

"In light of this unstable security environment marked by Russia's aggression and its ongoing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence and defence capabilities," the statement said.

"We... unanimously recommend withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention," it said, referring to the anti-landmine treaty.

"Despite our withdrawal, we will remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during an armed conflict," it added.

Poland's Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz called the move "a very strong political declaration showing how determined we are to defend our homeland."

"Finland is also considering such a decision, so I think that soon all the countries... in the northeastern region of NATO's flank will make a similar decision," Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters.

More than 160 countries and territories are signatories to the Ottawa Convention, including Ukraine but not the United States or Russia.

The treaty bans signatories from acquiring, producing, stockpiling or using anti-personnel mines, which are designed to be buried or hidden on the ground.

They often mutilate victims, who are not immediately killed, and aid groups decry their long-term impact on civilians.

Lithuania earlier this month quit another treaty banning cluster bombs citing security concerns over the threat from Moscow, sparking outrage from human rights watchdogs.

Amnesty International called the move "disastrous", while Human Rights Watch said it was "alarming", and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned it "weakens vital protections for civilians".



- 'Committed' to international law -



Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene said on Tuesday her country was already considering what type of mines -- and how many of them -- it should buy.

"I think we will certainly have a range of options: both anti-tank and anti-personnel mines have been considered," Sakaliene said.

Lithuania's parliament speaker Saulius Skvernelis said that the decision on mines was necessary "given the length of the border with countries that are not friendly to us and what is happening in Ukraine".

Lithuania shares a border with Russia and its ally Belarus.

Belarus was used by Russian troops as a launch point for the invasion of Ukraine.

"The enemy that is fighting, unfortunately, is not bound by any conventions," Skvernelis said.

Latvia in a statement said that it could produce mines but "any possible acquisition, deployment and use of unguided anti-personnel mines will be based on military logic and defence capability development priorities".

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said his country currently had no plans to use anti-personnel mines at the moment.

"Estonia and our regional allies remain committed to upholding international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, even after withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention," he added.

Withdrawal from the convention needs to be approved by national parliaments before other signatories are notified.

The withdrawal comes into effect six months after parliamentary approval.
Families accuse Netanyahu of sacrificing hostages as army resumes Gaza strikes



Jerusalem, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Relatives of Israeli hostages in Gaza said Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to return to fighting in the Palestinian territory could "sacrifice" their loved ones after the military carried out a wave of air strikes.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said it had received no response to its request to meet with Netanyahu and other officials to hear how the remaining hostages would be "protected from the military pressure".

"Now it becomes clear -- the public officials did not meet with them because they were planning the explosion of the ceasefire, which could sacrifice their family members," the campaign group said.

Of the 251 hostages seized during the unprecedented October 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the war, 58 are still held in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

The overnight air strikes were by far the deadliest since the January ceasefire, which had largely halted the fighting and saw the handover of 33 hostages, both living and dead, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza said at least 413 people were killed in the latest attacks.

The forum called on supporters of the hostages to demonstrate outside Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem, warning that "military pressure could further endanger their lives and complicate efforts to bring them back safe and sound".

"The families of the hostages will demand: Stop the killing and disappearance of the hostages now! First, return them -- then everything else."

A few dozen people turned out for the protest, where relatives of hostages who were already confirmed dead warned that "continued fighting would lead to more hostage deaths".

They "urged an immediate ceasefire and return to negotiations to secure the release" of all those still in Gaza.

The return of the hostages is a priority for the majority of Israelis.

"This morning, the moment we realised that we were going back to war, the first thing I thought about was: what about the hostages? This is a death sentence for the hostages, and it's simply terrible," said Muriel Aranov, a 62-year-old pensioner living in Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu on Tuesday took part in a security assessment with defence officials in Tel Aviv, including Defence Minister Israel Katz, his office said.

An earlier statement from Netanyahu's office said the strikes were ordered after "Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators".

"We are at an impasse, we have said 'yes' more than once to concrete proposals from the US special envoy to extend the ceasefire, and Hamas has said 'no'," foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said in a briefing.

"From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increased military intensity," he added.
Italy PM backs EU defence boost - only alongside US



Rome, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, facing divisions at home over the EU's plans to rearm, on Tuesday backed a stronger European defence but said it was "unimaginable" to build lasting security without the United States.

She was updating parliament ahead of summit of European Union leaders, who will discuss support for Ukraine and plans to ramp up defence due to faltering US support for Kyiv under President Donald Trump.

Meloni said that building a "solid European pillar of NATO" was "urgent", but added that now was not the time to divide the West.

"It is unimaginable to build effective and lasting security guarantees by dividing Europe and the United States," she told the Senate.

"It is right that Europe equips itself to do its part, but it is at best naive, at worst crazy to think that today it can be done alone without NATO."

Meloni's hard-right government has strongly backed Kyiv in its war with Russia, despite her coalition partners' history of warm ties with Moscow.

She said Tuesday this backing had "never been in question".

But MEPs from her far-right Brothers of Italy party last week failed to back a motion in the European Parliament supporting Kyiv because it unfavourably referenced Trump's approach.



- Security guarantees -



The White House briefly cut off US aid and intelligence to Ukraine before restoring it after Kyiv backed a US proposal for a 30-day general ceasefire.

Meloni backed the US ceasefire plan Tuesday as a "significant step" towards a lasting peace, but also stressed the need for "security guarantees" for Ukraine.

This could be similar to those enjoyed by NATO members, where an attack against one is considered an attack against others, she said, but added that any support given would not necessarily involve using force.

Meloni was the only EU leader to attend Trump's inauguration in January and has sought to avoid any criticism of the president -- not least as his threatened tariffs risks hitting her exporting nation hard.

She has joined European allies as they urgently debate how to respond to Trump's pivot, although sometimes appears reluctant, only taking part at the last minute in a video-call organised last weekend by London.

She made clear Italy would not send troops to defend any truce, repeating on Tuesday that it would be "risky and not very effective".

She has also brushed off French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of extending its nuclear umbrella to other European nations.



- Divisions -



Meloni is battling divisions in her own party and among the wider Italian public.

An Ipsos survey for the Corriere della Sera newspaper last week showed 39 percent of those polled were against the European plan, compared to 28 percent for.

It also suggested declining support for Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, although it remains strongest among Meloni's voters.

The charge against the plan is being led by her deputy prime minister and far-right League leader Matteo Salvini, who has in the past expressed his admiration for Russia's Vladimir Putin.

He tweeted Tuesday: "Using Italian money to pay for German tanks? No thanks."

Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, a member of the League, has also warned against the risk of further swelling Italy's enormous debt.

Italy currently spends about 1.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence -- less than the NATO commitment of two percent and well below Trump's demand of five percent.



- 'Tightrope' -



Meloni did not go into detail about Italy's future plans, but noted that "strengthening our defensive capabilities doesn't just mean buying weapons".

Italy can produce more of its own, she said, adding that security could also involve the fight against terrorism, cybersecurity and even protecting gas pipelines.

Lorenzo Castellani, political expert at the University of Luiss, said Meloni was walking a "tightrope".

"It will be difficult for her to increase military spending by what she promised," a reported 2.5 percent of GDP, due to the political opposition and debt issue, he told AFP.

But at the same time, "I do not expect her to break with Trump", he said.

He said he expected her to keep working with European allies while trying to "slow down the proposals of the countries most ready to support Kyiv".

ar/ide/phz
US warship not on mission against Mexico, its president says



Mexico City, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



The United States told Mexico in advance about a warship deployment to reinforce border security, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday, adding that the destroyer was not on a mission against her country.

The US military announced on Saturday that it was sending the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, to the Gulf of Mexico to help protect US "territorial integrity" and security.

The Mexican government was informed before the vessel departed, Sheinbaum told a news conference.

"It's not against Mexico," she said.

"They're monitoring international waters in case of drugs or any other situation," she added.

Sheinbaum has repeatedly voiced opposition to potential military action against drug trafficking groups designated terrorist organizations by US President Donald Trump, who has vowed to wage war on the cartels.

Her government has pledged to collaborate with Washington on tackling trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs.

In return for Sheinbaum deploying 10,000 extra soldiers to the frontier to border with the United States, Trump last month agreed to suspend 25 percent tariffs on Mexican goods.

He later granted Mexico another month of temporary tariff relief after speaking with Sheinbaum, who made the case that Mexican drug seizures had led to a sharp drop in cross-border fentanyl flows.
Latvia slaps traffic restrictions on Russia, Belarus borders



Riga, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Latvia will restrict traffic at its border checkpoints with Russia and Belarus, allowing only motor vehicles to enter, the government said Tuesday citing a Russia-inspired influx of people at the border.

Latvia, its fellow Baltic states, and Poland -- all neighbours of Russia -- have accused Moscow and Minsk of artificially orchestrating the influx to destabilise the region.

On Tuesday, the Latvian government approved a ban on crossings for pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles at the three border points with Russia and its ally Belarus that remain open.

"The decision to restrict the operations of these border checkpoints has been taken according to the risks of hybrid threats and migration crises," the government said in a statement.

It blamed "strategies implemented by Russia and Belarus aimed at organising migration flows detrimental to EU member states" for the influx.

Latvia's border guard service have backed the move, with its chief Guntis Pujats saying the guards were "observing organised groups" of migrants at the border.

The groups "are trying to arrive into our border stations but they own neither EU residence permits nor Schengen area visas," Pujats told Latvian TV3 on Tuesday.

The restrictions that will enter into force on Wednesday will apply to the Terehova and Grebneva checkpoints at the Russian border and the Paternieki crossing with Belarus.

The government decision does not specify when they will be lifted.

Latvia has erected a fence along the entire border with Belarus and plans to complete a similar barrier on the Russian border this year.

Once ruled by the Soviet Union, Latvia has had tense relations with Moscow following independence, and ties have further deteriorated since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Pope did not need oxygen mask overnight: Vatican



Vatican City, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Pope Francis, in hospital for over a month with pneumonia, did not need to use an oxygen mask overnight, the Vatican said Tuesday, as the 88-year-old's condition gradually improves.

Doctors at Rome's Gemelli hospital have said Francis is now stable, after a critical period marked by breathing crises that raised fears for his life -- though they have yet to say when he might leave hospital.

"There have been some slight improvements" in the pope's condition and he "did not need to use" an oxygen mask overnight, the Vatican said in an evening briefing.

Instead, Francis used a cannula -- a plastic tube tucked into his nostrils that delivers high-flow oxygen.

But the Vatican cautioned that this did not mean the pope will no longer need the mask, which he has worn overnight for most of his stay.

Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man and is prone to respiratory illnesses, is "stable" but his "clinical picture remains complex", it said.

The next medical bulletin is expected on Wednesday afternoon.

In hospital, Francis has alternated rest with prayer, as well as bits of work when he can.

That has included penning a letter to Italy's leading newspaper, published Tuesday, in which he called for an end to war and urged the media to "serve the truth".

Emphasising the need for responsible journalism in a time of conflict, the head of the Catholic Church said the media must "feel the full importance of words".

"They are never just words: they are facts that build human environments. They can connect or divide, serve the truth or use it," Francis wrote to the Corriere della Sera, in a letter dated March 14.

"We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth. There is a great need for reflection, for calmness, for a sense of complexity."



- 'Human fragility' -



"While war only devastates communities and the environment, without offering solutions to conflicts, diplomacy and international organisations need new life and credibility," he wrote.

The letter was written in response to a note sent by Corriere's director Luciano Fontana to the pope, who has been in hospital since February 14.

Francis, who has regularly called for an end to conflicts around the world since his election in 2013, noted that "in this moment of illness... war appears even more absurd".

"Human fragility, in fact, has the power to make us more clear about what lasts and what passes, what makes us live and what kills," he wrote.

Peace, the Argentine pontiff said, "requires commitment, work, silence, words".

Despite Francis's progress, speculation continues that he could step down due to his fragility, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

On Monday, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin told reporters that he had noted an improvement in Francis' health during a visit last week.

But asked whether the conversation had turned to the pope's resignation, he replied: "No, no, no, absolutely not."

Catholics praying for his speedy recovery have been leaving flowers, candles and notes for Francis outside the hospital.

One of them, Elena Pampaloni, from Tuscany in central Italy, said she had "a very beautiful bond with Pope Francis".

"I was at (St Peter's) Square when he was elected, and I saw the white smoke," she told AFP, referring to the sign that tells Catholics they have a new pope.

"Knowing that he is here at the Gemelli, and in pain, makes me and other pilgrims suffer. I hope he gets better soon", she said.
Germany voices 'great concern' after Israeli strikes on Gaza



Berlin, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday voiced "great concern" following the most intense Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since a fragile ceasefire took effect.

"We are greatly concerned about the civilian casualties in Gaza now that fighting has resumed there," said Scholz.

"Our particular concern in Germany is, of course, for the remaining hostages," he added, pointing out that several of them are German-Israeli dual citizens.

He added that "my clear call to Hamas remains: finally release the hostages".

Earlier Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had said that "the end of the ceasefire in Gaza due to heavy Israeli attacks is cause for great concern".

"The images of burning tents in refugee camps are shocking. Fleeing children and internally displaced persons must never be used as leverage in negotiations."

Baerbock stressed that "international law includes the principle of proportionality even in self-defence".

"With the resumption of fighting, the fate of the remaining hostages but also the future of the people in Israel, Gaza and the entire Middle East now again hangs on an extremely thin silk thread," she said.

Germany's top diplomat said she was appealing "in particular to the USA to use its regional influence ... now, because the security of the wider Middle East is affected by this".

She added that she was planning a trip to Lebanon on Wednesday.
'Improving' pope did not need oxygen mask overnight, says Vatican



Vatican City, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Pope Francis, in hospital for more than a month with pneumonia, did not need to use an oxygen mask overnight as the 88-year-old's condition gradually improves, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

Doctors at Rome's Gemelli hospital have said Francis is now stable, after a critical period marked by breathing crises that raised fears for his life.

"There have been some slight improvements" in the pope's condition and he "did not need to use" an oxygen mask overnight, the Vatican said in an evening briefing.

Instead, Francis used a cannula -- a plastic tube tucked into his nostrils that delivers high-flow oxygen.

But the Vatican cautioned that this did not mean the pope will no longer need the mask, which he has worn overnight for most of his stay.

Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man and is prone to respiratory illnesses, is "stable" but his "clinical picture remains complex", it said.

The next medical bulletin is expected on Wednesday afternoon.

The Vatican has yet to say when Francis might leave hospital, and declined to comment Tuesday on whether a planned visit by King Charles III would go ahead next month.

Charles, head of the Church of England, is scheduled to meet his Catholic counterpart Francis at the Vatican on April 8.

But while the visit was confirmed by Buckingham Palace Tuesday, the Vatican press office said it was standard practice to only give information on such events "a few days" ahead of time.

In hospital, Francis has alternated rest with prayer, as well as bits of work when he can.

That has included penning a letter to Italy's leading newspaper, published Tuesday, in which he called for an end to war and urged the media to "serve the truth".

Emphasising the need for responsible journalism in a time of conflict, the head of the Catholic Church said the media must "feel the full importance of words".

"They are never just words: they are facts that build human environments. They can connect or divide, serve the truth or use it," Francis wrote to the Corriere della Sera, in a letter dated March 14.

"We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth. There is a great need for reflection, for calmness, for a sense of complexity."



- 'Human fragility' -



"While war only devastates communities and the environment, without offering solutions to conflicts, diplomacy and international organisations need new life and credibility," he wrote.

The letter was written in response to a note sent by Corriere's director Luciano Fontana to the pope, who has been in hospital since February 14.

Francis, who has regularly called for an end to conflicts around the world since his election in 2013, noted that "in this moment of illness... war appears even more absurd".

"Human fragility, in fact, has the power to make us more clear about what lasts and what passes, what makes us live and what kills," he wrote.

Peace, the Argentine pontiff said, "requires commitment, work, silence, words".

Despite Francis's improvement, speculation abounds that he could step down due to his fragility, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

On Monday, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin told reporters that he had noted an improvement in Francis' health during a visit last week.

But asked whether the conversation had turned to the pope's resignation, he replied: "No, no, no, absolutely not."

Catholics praying for his speedy recovery have been leaving flowers, candles and notes for Francis outside the hospital.

One of them, Elena Pampaloni, from Tuscany in central Italy, said she had "a very beautiful bond with Pope Francis".

"I was at (St Peter's) Square when he was elected, and I saw the white smoke," she told AFP, referring to the sign that tells Catholics they have a new pope.

"Knowing that he is here at the Gemelli, and in pain, makes me and other pilgrims suffer. I hope he gets better soon," she said.
German MPs approve fiscal 'bazooka' for defence, infrastructure



Berlin, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



German lawmakers gave the green light on Tuesday for a colossal spending boost for defence and infrastructure pushed by chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz amid deep fears in Europe over the future strength of the transatlantic alliance.

The unprecedented fiscal package -- dubbed "XXL-sized" and a cash "bazooka" by German media -- could pave the way for more than one trillion euros in spending over the next decade in Europe's top economy.

The historic parliament vote signalled a radical departure for a country famously reluctant to take on large state debt -- or to spend heavily on the armed forces, given its dark World War II history.

Merz, who is expected to become Germany's next chancellor after his CDU/CSU alliance won last month's elections, argued that dramatic steps are needed at a time of geopolitical turmoil sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

European countries have been further unsettled by US President Donald Trump's outreach to Russia and signals of an uncertain commitment to NATO and Europe's defence.

Speaking to parliament, Merz cited Russia's "war of aggression against Europe" and said the funding boost would spell "the first major step towards a new European defence community".

Merz's centre-right alliance and their likely future coalition partners, the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have hammered out the package over recent weeks.

The plan would exempt defence spending above one percent of GDP from Germany's strict debt rules and set up a 500-billion-euro ($545-billion) fund for infrastructure investments over 12 years.

In the short term, Berlin looked set to soon approve an additional three billion euros in military aid for Ukraine.



- 'New era' -



After heated debate in parliament -- where the plan was opposed by the far right, far left and a small liberal party -- it cleared the two-thirds majority needed and passed by a margin of 513 to 207 votes.

It still requires approval by the upper house on Friday, but the likely future governing partners have voiced confidence it will also clear the final hurdle.

Merz, 69, had urged lawmakers to approve the measures at a time when Trump's contacts with Russia and hostility towards Ukraine have shaken Europe.

He argued that Russia's war "is a war against Europe and not just a war against the territorial integrity of Ukraine," citing cyber- and arson attacks as well as disinformation campaigns blamed on Moscow.

Merz said strong relations with the United States remained "indispensable" but that Europe needed to do more to ensure its own security and Germany should play a leading role.

The spending boost is "nothing less than the first major step towards a new European defence community" that could include non-EU members like Britain and Norway, he added.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius from the SPD justified the mega-spending by saying that "we are facing a new era for Europe, for Germany, for NATO and for future generations".

He argued that boosting defence on the continent would strengthen the transatlantic alliance "and place it on two legs, namely North America and Europe".



- 'Peace in Europe' -



European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen hailed Berlin's move as "excellent news, because it sends a very clear message also to Europe that Germany is determined to invest massively in defence".

NATO chief Mark Rutte wrote on X that "this sends a powerful message of leadership and commitment to our shared security".

And French President Emmanuel Macron on a visit to Berlin congratulated Scholz "on the historic vote of the Bundestag which is good news for Germany and good news for Europe".

Germany's two big-tent parties -- which hope to form a government by late April -- rushed the package through the outgoing parliament with support from the Greens, who had demanded several key amendments.

The ecologist party had negotiated that 100 billion of the infrastructure spending be earmarked for climate-protection measures.

In the next parliament, the far-right and Moscow-friendly Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the far-left Die Linke -- which both opposed the plans -- would have had the numbers needed to block the package.

Before the vote, Bernd Baumann of the AfD accused Merz of ignoring the will of voters by seeking to push the vote through the outgoing parliament.

Baumann charged that Merz "wants to buy himself the chancellorship from the SPD and the Greens, like in a banana republic".

Lars Klingbeil of the SPD said that the new spending aimed to "maintain peace in Europe" -- but also to "invest in advancing the economy and strengthening social cohesion" and therefore to help counter "division and polarisation".
Canada PM Carney announces deal with Australia to boost Arctic radar



Ottawa, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Tuesday a Can$6 billion (US$4.2 billion) deal with Australia to develop an Arctic radar system, warning that Canada must take more responsibility for its defence as US priorities shift.

Carney made the announcement in Iqaluit, capital of the Nunavut territory in the Canadian Arctic, on the final leg of his first official trip as prime minister since taking over from Justin Trudeau last week.

Carney -- who has previously described the United States under President Donald Trump as a country Canada "can no longer trust" -- characterized the radar deal as part of a broader effort to assert Canadian sovereignty over the Arctic.

"The world is changing," Carney said in Iqaluit, where he made a domestic stop after visits to Paris and London.

"International institutions and norms that have kept Canada secure are now being called into question. And the United States's priorities, our ally, once closely aligned with our own, are beginning to shift," he said.

"We cannot and should not look first to others to defend our nation."

Australia is a leader in "over-the-horizon" radar, an advanced system that allows for continuous threat-tracking over a vast area.

"The radar system's long-range surveillance and threat tracking capabilities will detect and deter threats across the North," Carney's office said in a statement announcing the deal.

The new network will replace an ageing Cold War-era North Warning System, which relies on radar stations from Alaska to northern Quebec that are incapable of responding to modern missile threats.

Ottawa will also invest an additional Can$420 million to boost Canada's year-round military presence in the far north.

"Securing Canada is an absolute strategic priority of this government," Carney said. "We will need to do more."

Funding for enhanced Arctic radar was announced under Trudeau, but the decision to partner with Australia was unveiled Tuesday.

Canada made Arctic security a priority before Trump returned to office, amid concern about possible Russian aggression as melting ice caused by climate change increasingly opens the region for resource extraction.

But Trump's repeated questioning of Canadian sovereignty has sparked renewed focus on national defence in Canada, which once viewed its security ties with Washington as iron-clad.

Canada's Defence Minister Bill Blair earlier this month announced plans for three new Arctic military hubs with airstrips and equipment depots.

New Canadian prime ministers typically make calling the American president a first priority after taking office, but with the countries currently fighting a trade war initiated by Trump's tariffs it remains unclear when Carney and Trump will speak.

Carney said Tuesday he would have a "comprehensive" discussion with Trump about trade "at the appropriate time."
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 18. President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, met with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, during which he was informed that the country's economy grew by 5.4 percent from January through February of this year, Trend reports.

In the course of the meeting, Olzhas Bektenov also informed the president about the socio-economic development of the country, efforts to create new growth areas, and the implementation of economic reforms.

The Prime Minister reported on the progress of tasks set by the President during the fourth session of the National Kurultai (assembly), concerning the implementation of major infrastructure and energy projects, digitalization, and human capital development.

Tokayev engaged with a briefing on hydrological mitigation strategies within the framework of the Republican Headquarters' operational initiatives. Continuous surveillance of the scenario is executed 24/7. In excess of 37,000 operatives and 13,000 assets have been strategically mobilized and readied for deployment.



Upon conclusion of the meeting, the president mandated the team to persist in their endeavors to bolster the real sector of the economy, facilitate investment influx, and enhance social policy frameworks.

Kazakhstans National Kurultai (assembly), a significant congress in Kazakhstan, convened its fourth meeting on March 14, 2025, in Kazakhstans Burabai. President Tokayev addressed the assembly, emphasizing several key initiatives aimed at fostering regional development, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting environmental conservation.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a 110 million euro senior loan to support the development of an economic zone within Morocco's Nador West Med industrial port complex, Trend reports.

This is the banks third investment in the complex, following previous financings in 2015 and 2022.

The loan is provided to Betoya Industriel and Logistic Zone (BILZ), which is backed by a sovereign guarantee. It is complemented by three investment grants: 5 million euros from the EBRD, $3 million (2.8 million euros) from the UKs High-Impact Partnership on Climate Action (HIPCA), and $2.5 million (2.3 million euros) from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The funding will be used for land development, industrial and logistics platforms, a desalination plant, wastewater treatment plants, and energy-efficient street lighting in the economic zone. This initiative will also focus on sustainable water management and energy-saving technologies to enhance the zone's climate resilience.

The project aims to boost economic growth in Moroccos Oriental region, attract foreign direct investment, and create job opportunities for the local population. The EBRD is also supporting the zones digitalization efforts by providing technical cooperation to help establish an automated one-stop-shop for future investors.

The Nador West Med industrial port complex is expected to drive significant economic development in the region. The project aligns with Morocco's efforts to attract industrial investment and create employment, with continued support from the EBRD, the UK, and the GEF.

The EBRD has invested more than 5.3 billion euros in Morocco through 112 projects since the country became a recipient of the bank's financing in 2012.
The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on the implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace, the White House said in a statement about the call. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.
We have long supported the previous governments guidance to schools to try and restrict mobile phones during the school day with, importantly, proper mitigations that teachers and headteachers can use for young carers and those with medical conditions who use their phones as a medical device and for other local circumstances that only headteachers and teachers are best placed to know.
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 King, who was wearing a red tie, perhaps a nod to the Canadian flag, and his Order of Canada pin, was pictured grinning as he shook Mr Carneys hand, with the pair also sitting together in ornate chairs either side of the fireplace.
Watching Christopher Nolans The Dark Knight sparked Majors' passion for theatre. He was particularly inspired by Heath Ledgers portrayal of the Joker, identifying with the characters internal conflict and moral ambiguity. This performance deepened his understanding of the complexities of good and evil and motivated him to pursue acting to inspire others like Ledger had inspired him.
McDermott, who has been in Thailand working on a new documentary series, posted a picture of herself in the editing room. She talked about how her confidence has grown both on and off camera as she reminisced on five years of making documentaries in the caption.
Honeyhline Heidemann was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2017, two years after she and her then-husband, Jason, froze the embryos created during a cycle of IVF. When the Heidemanns divorced in 2018, their settlement listed the embryos as property - and would be kept in storage until either the couple or a court reached a decision on what would happen to them, The Washington Post previously reported.

In 2019, Honeyhline Heidemann requested permission to use the two frozen embryos to have more children, something Jason Heidemann refused, saying it would violate his privacy and personal liberty, the judge wrote. Honeyhline Heidemann later sued her former husband for access to the embryos, saying she would prefer to be awarded both, but would also accept the court dividing the embryos "in kind" so that each ex-spouse received one.

The case previously made national headlines when a judge controversially referenced a 19th-century state law on the division of enslaved people to allow the case to proceed.

Honeyhline Heidemann, who has a biological child with her former husband and has since had two more children through donor embryos, argued that the two frozen embryos represented her last opportunity to have another biological child after undergoing cancer treatment, and said she would consent to her ex-husband not being involved in raising the new children.

Jason Heidemann, who is the primary custodian of the couple's daughter, said he did not want to become a father again, even if he would not be involved in raising the child. While on the witness stand, he also described incidents during which he felt his former wife had made poor parenting decisions.

In an opinion letter dated March 7, but first reported on Friday, Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Dontae L. Bugg dismissed Honeyhline Heidemann's lawsuit with prejudice, concluding that human embryos "do not constitute goods or chattels capable of being valued and sold" and therefore cannot be divided under Virginia law.

The case's dismissal comes as abortion restrictions in parts of the country have fueled debate over the personhood of embryos and fetuses - with significant implications for those seeking fertility treatment.

In Alabama, some IVF clinics halted their operations after the state's top court ruled last year that frozen embryos are legally children; the U.S. Supreme Court later rejected one clinic's appeal against the ruling. And in June, Senate Republicans blocked a bill to protect access to in vitro fertilization.

The court case between the Heidemanns attracted widespread attention in 2023. The previous judge in the case, Richard E. Gardiner, had rejected Jason Heidemann's argument that embryos could not be considered property, by citing a 19th-century state law that said that enslaved people could be considered "goods or chattels," separate from the land they worked on rather than part of it.

However, Judge Bugg wrote in his opinion last week that he was "not persuaded" that human embryos constituted "goods or chattels."

He added that he "takes issue" with Gardiner's reference to a version of the Virginia code that predated the abolition of slavery, and argued that the application of the law to frozen embryos "is a strained construction never envisioned" by the Virginia General Assembly, which issued a statement of "profound regret" over slavery in 2007.

He also rejected the idea of assigning monetary value to the embryos, saying that "the unique nature of each human embryo means that an equal division cannot be made."

"It is obvious that these two human embryos, if implanted and carried to term, would not result in the same two people," he wrote. "In fact, the embryos are as unique as any two people that may be selected from the population, including siblings with the same biological parents."



(COMMENT, BELOW)




BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. The Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov along with SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met with bp's Executive Vice President for Production and Operations Gordon Birrell, the country's Economy Minister wrote on X, Trend reports.

In the course of our meeting with SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf and bp's Executive Vice President for Production and Operations Gordon Birrell, we highlighted with pleasure our long-standing successful cooperation. We discussed bp's activities in Azerbaijan and new partnership priorities, as well as opportunities for cooperation in the field of decarbonization, the publication reads.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 18. Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Water Resources of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in the field of water resources for the first time, Trend reports.

The document was signed at the XII Meeting of the Kazakhstan-China Cooperation Committee, which took place in Beijing, under the chairmanship of the First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar and Vice Premier of the State Council of China Ding Xuexiang.

The memorandum was signed by the Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, Nurlan Aldamzharov, and the Deputy Minister of Water Resources of China, Li Liangsheng. The document outlines the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the rational and sustainable use of water, the introduction of modern technologies, the distribution and development of alternative water sources, as well as the exchange of experience and joint training of personnel.

"A year ago, during a working visit to China, we reached an agreement with the Chinese side on signing a memorandum of cooperation and understanding. The development of the document began immediately and was signed today. Cooperation on water resources issues will contribute to their more efficient use, the introduction of advanced water accounting and conservation technologies, and the improvement of the qualifications of water industry specialists," said the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov.

The memorandum signed between the two ministries is the first in the history of Kazakhstan and China related to mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of water resources.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 18. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Tangriguli Atahalliyev and regional governors to discuss the development of the agricultural sector, Trend reports.

During the meeting, Atahallyev provided an update on ongoing agricultural activities. He pointed out that the wheels are turning in the wheat fields, with fertilization and irrigation in full swing, while the stage is being set for the cotton sowing season just around the corner.

Particular attention is being given to increasing the production of potatoes, vegetables, and melons to meet the country's food demand. It was also mentioned that plans are afoot for a nationwide spring greening campaign, which will include massive tree planting drives.

President Berdimuhamedov highlighted the vital role of agriculture in the national economy and the importance of integrating traditional farming practices with modern agricultural technologies.

In anticipation of the forthcoming National Spring Holiday, the president mandated that relevant authorities implement robust measures to guarantee an adequate provisioning of consumables within retail outlets and marketplaces nationwide. He additionally advocated for rigorous oversight of the development of social and industrial infrastructure slated for finalization within this fiscal year.

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Romania's acting President Ilie Bolojan on Tuesday consulted with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on the agenda of the incoming European Council to be held in Brussels.

"Today I had a consultation with the Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, on the agenda of the European Council on Thursday in Brussels. We discussed the main issues on the agenda: increasing European competitiveness, simplification and de-bureaucratisation, energy, economic development, investment and the need to invest in defence. We agreed on the position we will support, so that what we take up is put into practice," Bolojan wrote on Tuesday in a social media post.

He added that, regardless of who holds the positions of president or prime minister of Romania, when representing the country abroad, he must ensure that the commitments are respected and that Romania retains its credibility.

"Only this way can we correctly represent Romania and create better conditions for citizens. Collaboration and respect between institutions are necessary conditions to achieve these objectives," said Bolojan.
Acting President Ilie Bolojan received on Tuesday, at the Cotroceni Palace, a delegation of representatives of the agri-food sector, on which several aspects related to the activity and actions of organizations in the field for the country's food security were debated, according to a press release from the Presidential Administration.

The delegation was formed by members of the following organizations: Pro-Agro, the League of Agricultural Producers' Associations of Romania (LAPAR), the National Branch Union of Cooperatives in the Vegetable Sector (UNCSV), the Farmers' Strength Association (AFF), the Forum of Professional Farmers and Processors of Romania (FAPPR), the Farmers' Association of Romania (AFR) and the Romanian Farmers' Club.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Florin-Ionut Barbu.

According to the Presidential Administration, the discussions addressed issues related to the approval of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 (MFF), the structure of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget, the external convergence process of direct payments, the MERCOSUR Agreement, the possibility of amending Regulations (EU) 2015/783, (EU) 2018/784 and (EU) 2018/785, as well as supporting the amendment of Law No. 287/2009 on the Civil Code in order to establish a lease duration of at least 7 years.

"As to the request of the representatives of the agri-food sector in Romania to have their presented proposals supported at the international level, the interim president explained the importance of aligning the issues discussed with the activity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, so that the expectations of the associative environment can be treated in a fair and efficient manner", the cited source informs.
The "Avram Iancu" International Airport in Cluj-Napoca could issue bonds through the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB), in order to attract the necessary funds for a series of investments that could reach as many as 20 million passengers annually.

"I had a discussion with the airport director, who, following the discussion with me, had a discussion with the director of the Bucharest Stock Exchange, Mr. Hanga. They met, I met with them, we exchanged accounting documents, in order to verify from the point of view of the creditworthiness and financial capacity of the airport what we could do. My wish would be that on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, in a transparent formula, we could attract financing from the private sector, through the stock exchange, for the airport. It would mean the most modern form of financing and transparency and it would be the first airport in Romania to resort to financing through the Bucharest Stock Exchange. It means that the airport would issue a number of bonds that the BVB could trade in the form of bonds through which the airport would borrow from the market in the form of bond issues bonds, and this money could be used by the airport without having to rely on the government or other projects. It is clear that the money will no longer come for the extension of the runway," the president of the Cluj County Council (CJ), Alin Tise told a press conference on Tuesday.

He also said that, in this way, the Cluj airport could attract 200-300 million euros for the development of infrastructure and the increase in capacity, for the diversion of the Somes and the extension of the runway.

Alin Tise believes that this method would be a successful one, especially since the Cluj County Council also carried out an operation last year to issue county bonds through the BVB, through which, in two or three days, it managed to attract almost 70 million euros from the market.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu had a meeting on Tuesday at the Government House with interim President Ilie Bolojan on the agenda of the European Council of March 20-21.

"Romania's voice will be heard and will matter at European level, only if we do our homework very well. I discussed today very diligently at the Government House with the interim president, Mr Ilie Bolojan, issues that will be on the agenda of the next European Council on March 20-21. We need decisions that strengthen the security of our Romania and the European Union. Romania will also reiterate its position not to send troops to Ukraine," Ciolacu wrote in a social media post.

The Presidency and the Government must work together for the good of Romania, said Ciolacu. "Only this means normality and balance. Anything else is just chaos."
Energy price capping in Romania will expire in about three months' time and I am convinced that real competition will lead to an optimisation of consumption, says energy expert Dan Dragan, a former senior state official with the Energy Ministry.

"If we look at the final consumer, we had the capping scheme. It will expire in about three months, and I am convinced that real competition will lead to an optimisation of consumption, to the implementation of dynamic prices, to the establishment of margins of deviation from the consumption forecasts, to a better load of industrial consumers on exchanges, all these things being driven by competition and prices generated by the market. On the other hand, there are two support schemes that consumers have at their disposal, the energy-intensive ones and the exemption scheme for the payment of green certificates, which has reached a threshold of EUR 750 million since it was implemented in 2015 through 2023. It follows the extension to 2030, and the exemption from support for individual consumers, a scheme that can reach up to EUR 150 million annually. I am convinced that they will lead to stability, credibility and the development of the local industry," he said on Tuesday at a specialist event.

Dragan added that "the part of certificates of origin on which the ministry has worked together with the regulatory authority will be implemented moving forward."

"And, again, very importantly, we have seen the availability, efforts and interest of the regulator to make a secondary legislation as close as possible to the market regulations. And I saw a very important step taken by the regulator - and I would refer to the market maker. I saw on the gas market side. So, we are moving towards what must be a stable market to bring all these volatilities at certain times of the price to normality. A normality, which means a sustainable price. In all the previous discussions and in the work we have carried out, not only at national level, but also at European level, we must think that not only the development of networks and additional balancing and storage capacities will bring all this predictability that we want, but we must also look at dynamic prices. And it is precisely a competitive market that will lead the consumers towards a consumption profile that is as optimal as possible from a financial point of view and for them."

A thousand representatives of solar energy production, development and investment companies are participating in Bucharest on March 18 and 19, at the Solar Energy Bucharest Summit, a technological and business exhibition dedicated to the solar industry, a field in which it is estimated that investment will reach EUR 2.5 billion by 2030.

Romania currently has a capacity of about 4,500 MW of solar panels and, according to government plans, that should reach about 8,500 MW by 2030, which calls for total investment of almost EUR 2.5 billion. The objective will require annual investment of about EUR 500 million for the development of solar parks, the installation of solar panels on farms, factories, warehouses or on residential buildings. Basically, it is about investing over EUR 1 million euros per day throughout 2030. Currently, the cost of developing one MW of solar panels is around EUR 600,000.
The restrictions imposed on Romania by the European Union concern only the movement of live animals from certain areas affected by the peste des petits ruminants virus, without affecting trade in animal products, Romania's National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) reported on Tuesday.

This measure does not affect the whole country and does not impose a general ban on the export of sheep and goats.

"Following the confirmation of an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants in Gepiu, Bihor County, on March 5, 2025, protection, surveillance and further restricted zones were established to contain the spread of the disease. Thus, the restrictions apply exclusively to the movement of live animals from Bihor and Arad counties to other European Union member states. The measure does not affect the entire country and does not impose a general ban on the export of sheep and goats," ANSVSA said in a statement.

After the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525 concerning certain interim emergency measures relating to infection with peste des petits ruminants virus in Romania ANSVSA has sent a series of clarifications, namely the export of sheep and goats to third countries, outside the European Union, continues without restrictions and is not prohibited.

"Most of these exports are directed to Arab states such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Algeria and the United Arab Emirates, etc., and these deliveries continue to be carried out, according to the specific requirements of each country of destination."

Romania can continue deliveries to EU member states for sheep and goat carcasses and meat, according to European regulations. "The restrictions imposed by the European Union only concern movements of caprine and ovine animals from certain areas affected by the disease, without affecting trade in animal products."

ANSVSA reminds sheep and goat breeders, exporters and farmers of the importance of complying with the instructions and measures communicated by it.
Romania has a strategic position and can contribute significantly to the security, stability and energy independence of Europe, the Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja says.

"Today, at The Economist Romanian Business & Investment Roundtable, we discussed Europe's energy security at a time when the challenges are very great, European states are struggling to escape energy dependence on Russia, and our country has the opportunity to be a central actor in this common effort. Romania has a strategic position and can contribute significantly to Europe's security, stability and energy independence. The advantages are on our side. We have important resources - natural gas, nuclear energy, a rapidly growing renewables sector - and we are starting to develop the energy infrastructure necessary to harness them to Romania's advantage. I recalled Romania's participation in projects such as the Vertical Gas Corridor, which will increase connections between Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, offering an alternative for the region's gas supply", the minister of energy wrote on Facebook on Tuesday evening.

He pointed out that Romania places great emphasis on the development of interconnections, investing seriously in such networks in recent years.

"However, I also insisted on the need to expand storage capacities. Storage helps prepare for difficult periods, with high consumption or price fluctuations, reducing security risks in the energy sector", Burduja said.

As to the topic of the energy transition, the minister of energy stressed that he reaffirmed Romania's commitment to continue investing in clean energy production capacities. "The 14 billion euros, non-reimbursable funds that we brought to our country for green energy projects, are testimony to this. I reiterated here that, in this process, a balance is needed, so that Europe can regain its role internationally from the perspective of its own competitiveness", Burduja also emphasized.

In his opinion, Romania has a vital role in European energy, and the interest in what the Neptun Deep project can do for the entire region "is huge." "Just as gas is for Romania the main resource for the transition to clean energy, nuclear energy remains the central element of our medium and long-term emissions reduction strategy, and this was the reason why we have made so many efforts to ensure that the modernization and expansion of the Cernavoda Power Plant is on track," the energy minister said.

Last but not least, Burduja pointed out that Europe's energy security and safety can only be achieved through close collaboration between countries.

"I remain firmly convinced that Europe's energy security and safety can only be achieved through close collaboration between countries, by expanding infrastructure and increasing production capacity, by intelligently using the resources we already have, so as not to sacrifice the competitiveness of European countries or the accessibility of energy for people and companies," Sebastian Burduja also wrote on his social media account.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. A delegation from SOCAR Downstream held a working meeting with the leadership of the Congolese National Petroleum Company (SNPC) and the CORAF oil refinery, Trend reports citing the company.

The meeting focused on potential projects aimed at meeting the country's fuel demand, analyzing the current state of the refinery, and developing a process model to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

These initiatives are being carried out under a project management consultancy (PMC) agreement signed on October 11, 2024.

The proposed projects were presented to SNPC management and received approval for implementation.
The Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) prosecutors and judicial police officers carried out 9 house searches on Tuesday in the counties of Valcea, Sibiu and Gorj, as part of an action to dismantle a group made up of Romanians and Sri Lankans, which trafficked Asian workers to Western Europe.

According to DIICOT, the group operated both before Romania's accession to the Schengen Area and afterwards, on several levels, namely the recruitment and transportation of migrants of Asian origin (especially Sri Lankan) in Romania on work visas and their preparation to be loaded onto means of transportation for fraudulent border crossing to Western Europe.

For each migrant, the group charged between 2,000 and 5,000 EUR, the sums acquired being divided by the smugglers, depending on the position held in the group's hierarchy and the degree of involvement in the criminal activity.

The hearings will take place at the headquarters of DIICOT - Central Structure.

The action benefited from the support of police officers from ITPF Oradea - Varsand Border Police Sector, the Services for Combating Organized Crime Valcea, Sibiu and Gorj and gendarmes from the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Gendarmerie.
Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) President Kelemen Hunor believes that an armistice is necessary in Ukraine, without which peace negotiations cannot be discussed.

Asked in a Digi 24 show if peace in Ukraine is close, he replied: "No. It's not. The armistice is close, I hope, but peace, which means negotiations, talks, and at some point, of course, a peace agreement, I think it's still far away. (...) Until we see in which direction things are going and what the terms of the agreement will be, I say there is still a long way to go. You need to reach the point where an armistice of 30 days or 60 days is announced."

According to the UDMR leader, until an armistice exists, peace negotiations cannot be discussed.

"How the armistice will look, what the conditions will be from one side and the other - that's another matter. But from an armistice to a peace treaty is a long way. Because here we are talking about nearly 20% of Ukraine's territory, about the presence of Russians in this territory, about the stubbornness - in the best sense of the word - of the Ukrainians not to accept giving up territory, and many, many other aspects. (...) So, we need to be aware that peace is needed, and first of all, an armistice is needed. And after that, of course, some extremely sophisticated negotiations, so that Ukraine can become a functional and sovereign state," explained the UDMR leader.

Referring to relations with the United States, he believes that Romania should have had relations in the Republican area.

"We should have had relations in the Republican area, I am talking about the Romanian state, about the state institutions, about those who have the capacity to make such efforts and explain why Mr. Georgescu's candidacy was banned. Because if you go and explain, it will be understood, as we are not talking only about a person who may say nonsense. We are talking about mercenaries, we are talking about paramilitary forces, we are talking about an issue that has nothing to do with the democratic game and has nothing to do with a conservative or progressive ideology. But we don't have, and this is acknowledged by state institutions, including the foreign minister, communication channels with the Republican area, because Romania, under Klaus Iohannis' mandate, especially in the last five years, made the mistake of not having ties with Republicans. It is an unforgivable mistake, and today it is evident that with the Trump administration, institutionally, it is hard to get in," argued Kelemen Hunor.
ST. LOUIS  St. Louis officials said they have more questions for the two developers who pitched their ideas to revive downtowns vacant Municipal Courts Building.

Curtis Schroeder, who has long sought to redevelop the property, and Alterra Worldwide, which is remaking the Jefferson Arms building a few blocks north, each submitted their pitches after the city issued a request for proposals last year.

Members of the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority selection committee said they plan to ask the developers to detail the demand for more hotels downtown, how they would secure parking for the project, whether theyd be open to incorporating other uses for the building and whether theyd be interested in working together on a redevelopment, among other questions.

The city of St. Louis for years has sought to redevelop the Municipal Courts Building at 1320 Market Street, just west of City Hall. The building has been vacant for over 20 years after criminal courtrooms and the circuit attorneys office moved to the old federal courthouse just one block east.

Schroeder signed an agreement with the city in 2017 to redevelop the property into a 149-room hotel with a courtroom-themed bar, pool and event space. But hes faced roadblocks that ultimately stalled the project  including pushback from city officials last year who claimed he lost rights to the building.

On Tuesday, Schroeder said in an interview that hes receptive to the citys suggestions, including working with Alterra on the project. But he said any deal hinges on costs.

Its a give-and-take, Schroeder said. Ive always been willing to work with the city.

Alterra is proposing to turn the courts building into the Arkitectura Hotel Bibliotheque, with 250 hotel rooms and a specialized bookstore and library space that focuses on St. Louis architectural history. A restaurant, coworking space and a book market, similar to concepts in Barcelona and Mexico City, also is part of the companys plans.

An Alterra representative, however, said the company would not work to partner with developers if chosen.

The selection committee did not disclose a timeline. The Board of Aldermen will have final approval on the winning developer.
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Former local radio stalwart Frank Absher recently picked up high ratings from the Missouri House of Representatives.

Absher was honored earlier this month with a proclamation for his work in preserving the media history of the St. Louis market.

Absher is the founder of the St. Louis Media History Foundation, which preserves records and old recordings of radio and television broadcasts.

The foundation, which now is housed at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, also maintains the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame.

In addition to his local work, Absher also started an outstate archive of radio recordings at the State Historical Society in Columbia. And through his work with the national Radio Preservation Task Force, he is sharing local radio recordings with the Library of Congress.

A resident of Lafayette Square, Absher grew up in Nashville, Illinois, about 50 miles east of St. Louis. Then he attended Westminster College in Fulton.

After college, Absher worked in radio in Sedalia, and then Alaska. In 1970, he joined the Air Force, where he worked for Armed Services Radio. After his discharge, Absher returned to this area and worked at WIBV in Belleville.

A few years later, he landed a job at KADI, an FM station that was in the mid to late 1970s was giving classic-rock KSHE a run for its money. He and Jim Doyle became the stations popular morning team.

Absher left KADI in 1979 and worked at KMOX until 1983.

The honors for Absher were spearheaded by state Rep. Marty Joe Murray, D-St. Louis.
ST. LOUIS  The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office has filed murder charges against a St. Louis County man for a shooting death in the Carr Square neighborhood.

DaJuan Mauryce Flakes, 26, is accused of killing Jordan Allen on Jan. 15. Authorities issued at-large warrants on Monday. Flakes was not in custody, as of Tuesday.

Flakes was shown on surveillance video going in an apartment in the 1300 block of North 16th Street and then fleeing after Allen was shot and killed, according to court documents.

Allen, 19, died at the scene. Allen had previously had his firearm stolen so he was unarmed on the day Flakes shot him, police said.

Since the killing, Flakes has hidden from police, authorities allege. Flakes lives in the 100 block of Monteith Circle in the Glasgow Village area of north St. Louis County.
ST. LOUIS  Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and community activists kicked off demolition of the old City Workhouse on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the end for an institution long derided as inhumane.

The workhouse is not and was not fit for human beings, Jones told a crowd of advocates and news reporters. Now, we make sure that no human being will be detained in this facility ever again.

Then the mayor offered a phone to Inez Bordeaux, an activist once held at the jail on a charge later dropped. Bordeaux gave the go-ahead to the wrecking crew. An excavators claw tore into a pod in the old womens quarters, and within minutes, the pod was in pieces.

The sound of metal meeting metal was a long-sought victory for activists who started calling for the jails closure a decade ago. On Tuesday, they greeted each other with hugs and warm smiles, saying We did it. They even broke out into an old protest chant.

The day was also a reunion of sorts for Jones and core supporters. Jones call to close the jail in 2016, when the rest of City Hall was ignoring the issue, was a big reason activists backed her runs for mayor.

She has since frustrated supporters with her handling of inmate deaths and other problems at the citys remaining jail, and her administrations suggestion that tiny homes for the citys homeless could replace the workhouse. Activists dont think anyone should be living on such a reviled site in an industrial area. Some have said they won't vote for her again.

But on Tuesday, three weeks before Election Day, Jones stood side by side with activists like Bordeaux, Kayla Reed and Blake Strode, leaders of key progressive organizations Action St. Louis and Arch City Defenders. She clapped along to the chant  Rain, sleet, snow hail, we wont stop til you close that jail.

And Bordeaux, who has been critical of the mayor at times, said Tuesdays moment could not be tainted by fights over other issues.

The mayor has always been on the right side of closing the workhouse, Bordeaux said.

The jail, officially known as the Medium Security Institution, opened in 1966 to replace a crowded and dirty South Side workhouse. It was billed as a more dignified place, with more spacious quarters and more things for inmates to do, like work repairing furniture and making concrete products for the institution.

But in 1981, the St. Louis Board of Adult Welfare described the new jail as crowded and lacking staff. Four years later, a St. Louis grand jury called the workhouses restrooms atrocious, and said inmates needed to be provided with more mattresses and blankets. Headlines in the following decades highlighted inmate escapes, guards encouraging fights among inmates, and a lack of air conditioning.

In the wake of Ferguson protests, activists started calling for its closure.

Most city officials brushed them off. Until people stop committing crimes, we need a place to house them, said Maggie Crane, spokeswoman for then-Mayor Francis Slay, said in 2016.

But Jones, then the city treasurer, wrote an op-ed in the St. Louis American calling for a full investigation of the jail  and its closure. She ran for mayor on the promise she would close it, and eventually did after winning in 2021.

The change has not been without consequences.

The city has effectively written off millions of dollars in renovations meant to improve the facility.

Inmates facing federal charges once held in St. Louis have had to be shipped to out-of-state jails, making it more difficult for family and attorneys to see them.

Critics have pounced, blaming the workhouse closure. There are so many questions no one has the answers to, said Alderwoman Pam Boyd, whose ward includes the jail. Im heartbroken for my residents.

Jones acknowledged some of the problems in her remarks Tuesday, and said she is committed to improving conditions downtown.

They can and must be better, she said.

She said the recent hiring of Doug Burris as the new jail chief will help. Burris previously oversaw the jail in St. Louis County and was credited with improving conditions there.

But Jones defended the decision to close the workhouse, recalling inmates complaints about rats, roaches, moldy air and sweltering heat in the summer.

She said the city plans to put a memorial marker on the site to remember those people by. A request for proposals was posted Friday.

Demolition of the rest of the complex is expected to continue in the coming days. Conner Kerrigan, a spokesman for Jones, said it will take some time because contractors are still clearing asbestos and other dangerous materials from some buildings.The cost of demolition is $2.24 million.

Next steps were not immediately clear. Kerrigan said the plan for tiny homes is still under consideration, along with other ideas.

But nothing has been decided, he said.

Activists have called for the land to be used for an animal shelter, a solar energy farm, or industrial work. They have also called for a new community resource hub elsewhere on the North Side.

Comptroller Darlene Green, who also supported closing the workhouse, seconded the solar farm and industrial use ideas in a statement on Tuesday.

It is my hope, Green said, that the 31 acres on the north riverfront can be repurposed into a positive resource that moves the city forward.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the outcome of the phone call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump regarding Ukraine, Trend reports.

Kazakh presidential spokesperson Ruslan Zheldibay stated, The head of state believes that the two leaders have shown a commitment to achieving lasting peace through concrete agreements, which is essential for Eurasian security.

He added that President Tokayev had previously urged all involved nations to begin negotiations on Ukraine to develop a peace formula and had supported China and Brazils peace plan at the BRICS summit.
JEFFERSON CITY  The head of the Missouri agency that for years has struggled to administer public benefit programs like food assistance and Medicaid is out.

Kim Evans, who had served as director of the Family Support Division within the Missouri Department of Social Services since 2020, announced her retirement Friday afternoon, effective immediately. She spent over two decades working for the department, including as a program eligibility specialist, manager and deputy director.

(The Department of Social Services) is grateful for her service and wishes her the best in the next chapter, Baylee Watts, the departments spokeswoman, said in an email.

The interim director will be Mandi Adams, who is currently one of the divisions deputy directors.

Evans departure last week is the latest in a series of leadership changes underway at Missouris embattled social services agency since Gov. Mike Kehoe was elected in November. A new department director, Jessica Bax, began in January, and a new director for the child welfare division, Sara Smith, was named last week.

During Evans tenure, the department faced criticism from state lawmakers, the federal government and advocacy organizations over its administration of public benefits  which affect the lives of millions of Missourians.

A federal judge last year ruled Missourians were illegally denied food aid by the state due to hourslong call center wait times for participants to receive a required interview.

Those delays  which leadership has largely blamed on call center staffing issues  translate to families struggling to feed their young children while rearranging their days to wait on hold, Missourians with disabilities who cant understand the application forms being unable to get help and some subsisting on little food while using up prepaid phone minutes on hold.

While call wait times fluctuate and have shown some improvement, the record demonstrates too little progress, the judge in that case, U.S. District Court Judge M. Douglas Harpool, wrote last year. Consequently, Missourians who suffer food insecurity have been forced to either go hungry or seek alternative sources of food when their applications are denied.

The state has been required to submit monthly reports as part of the lawsuit. The average wait time for the interview line for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was 45 minutes in January, the most recent monthly data states.

The average wait time for the general call line, which handles all other inquiries  for programs including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and non-interview-related SNAP queries  was just under one hour in January.

That case is still ongoing, and the parties are in mediation.

The department in its budget request to the Legislature asked for $11 million to hire 220 new staff in the Family Support Division to help ensure the agency complies with federal and state rules on timely processing, and maintains a reasonable wait time in the call centers, the budget request stated. The governor recommended only 55 new positions.

Asked about the call center issues in a Senate appropriations committee hearing last month, Bax was candid about the ongoing problems, stating that over 10,000 applications for SNAP were rejected solely due to failure to interview in January.

Bax told the committee the agency is looking at overall efficiencies including trying to get a shortened and condensed SNAP interview approved, and specializing some of the call center staff.

So that is where the plan is: to really kind of take back those specialized teams and then have an ability to condense that interview so that we can free up the phone lines, Bax said.

Democratic state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern of Kansas City said she continues to hear from constituents about their issues accessing aid to which theyre entitled.

This is one of the things that I continue to have very grave concerns about, Nurrenbern said at last monthss appropriations committee hearing. How long people are waiting online for essential services, and hear a lot of frustration from constituents reaching out and saying, Ive been waiting online all day and nobodys getting back to us.

So I really hope that this is something that this committee can put some emphasis on and making sure that we are being as efficient as possible with these services, she added.

Bax replied that she could not agree more.

Baxs testimony differed from prior testimony of Evans, who typically downplayed issues with wait times to legislators. At one hearing in late 2023, Evans told lawmakers she was excited the wait time was only a few minutes the morning of a hearing, though records obtained by The Independent would later show the average that month was actually over an hour.

There have also been years-long problems with Medicaid application processing, leading to issues like pregnant Missourians going without prenatal care.

Last summer, the federal Medicaid agency announced it was intervening to help bring the state back into compliance with timely processing.

Bax said last month, regarding some Medicaid cases, were about three months behind on the applications.

According to data for January, the average time to process Medicaid applications for aged, blind and disabled applications was 107 days. The federal limit is 90 days for those applications. The average for the other category of Medicaid applications was 29 days, climbing in recent months but still below the 45-day standard. Bax also said last month the department is looking at using contractors to help with annual Medicaid renewals.
ST. LOUIS  After coming in a distant second in this months primary election, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones may well be out of a job come April 15.

She could still fill one of the most important jobs in the city, though. But her administration is navigating what the mayor calls byzantine civil service rules while facing a new legal challenge that has stymied her ability to appoint an interim personnel director.

The personnel department has been without a leader since last Thursday, when Jones took the historic step of ousting former director Sonya Jenkins-Gray following weeks of public hearings detailing a July 3 trip Jenkins-Gray took to the state capital in a city car during work hours. With a never-before-used firing process that took more than half a year finally concluded, the mayor now wants to choose an interim director, using a rule change the administration pushed through the Civil Service Commission in 2022.

But Jenkins-Gray left a speed bump in the way: in November, she approved former personnel director Rick Franks September 2023 request for reemployment rights to the job he retired from in 2021.

During an emergency hearing Wednesday, St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Christopher McGraugh dealt a blow to the Jones administration, blocking the Civil Service Commission from a rule change that could have kept Frank from returning to his old job.

Frank has said his reemployment rights at least entitle him to a job interview. On Tuesday, the mayors office acknowledged that and said they planned to interview Frank for the position, even as the Civil Service Commission was planning to vote Thursday on a rule change allowing it to cancel reemployment rights for the directors position.

Hours before the city reached out to Frank to schedule an interview, Frank and the union representing St. Louis firefighters had filed a lawsuit seeking to block the Civil Service Commission from making that change. The lawsuit called the proposed rule changes unlawful political interference by Mayor Jones and her staff that would eliminate Frank from consideration and give the mayor a degree of control over the Department of Personnel that the Charter never intended for the mayor to exercise.

The union previously sued over the 2022 rule change allowing the mayor to pick an interim personnel director. That litigation is still pending.

An emergency hearing scheduled 1:30 p.m. Wednesday was canceled after the city asked for a change of judge. But the lawyer for Frank and the union, Emily Perez, was able to get her motion to block the civil service rule change in front of McGraugh later that afternoon.

Perez argued that allowing the Civil Service Commission to change the reemployment rules would immediately eviscerate Franks reemployment rights.

But Inez Ross of the City Counselors office maintained that the Civil Service Commission had broad leeway to change its rules, and regardless, the city was still planning to interview Frank.

Hes not going to be taken off the reemployment list, Ross told the judge.

But McGraugh pressed the city on why the rule change was being proposed now, shortly before the mayoral election and just as the directors position opened up.

Ross responded that the city didnt know Frank was going to take a stance that the directors job was a right.

Its not his to have, she said.

But McGraugh said the timing of the proposed rule change was a concern, and if it wasnt solely about Frank, the commission could have changed the rule months ago.

The only action that has been taken is right before you make a provisional hire, McGraugh said. The timing is suspicious to me.

He barred the commission from changing its rule for 15 days.

The ruling could leave the administrations hands tied if it wants someone other than Frank to lead the powerful personnel department, a critical job at any time but with added urgency if the mayor wants cooperation making hires in what could be the final days of her administration.

Perez told the judge that the city can only make provisional appointments to positions if there is not a certified list of job applicants. Frank is the only person on the reemployment list for director.

After the hearing, Frank, who sat next to Jenkins-Gray, embraced the fired director. He said he was gratified at the wisdom of the court and the performance of my counsel. He planned to attend a job interview the mayors office requested Thursday afternoon, and he looked forward to leading the citys civil service system to keep it free of political contamination.

City Counselor Sheena Hamilton, who came to the emergency hearing with two of her offices lawyers, declined to comment after McGraughs ruling.

The city has been trying to change the reemployment rule since November, when Jenkins-Gray approved Franks request, made more than a year prior, for reemployment rights. Franks lawsuit references testimony during Jenkins-Grays termination hearings from deputy director of personnel Sylvia Donaldson, who said the mayors office tried last year to get her to reassign Franks reemployment rights to a job at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. She refused.

Frank said he wants his old job back because he is concerned about the status of the citys civil service system under Mayor Jones. In an affidavit with the lawsuit, he said the mayors office is pushing the civil service rule change to sideline him and install a crony to run the department.

Jones and Frank butted heads over the 2021 process to select candidates for new police chief, which Frank insisted the Personnel Department would handle, a departure from former Mayor Lyda Krewsons use of a search firm for police chief. Then Frank retired. Jones restarted the police chief search.

The political and legal maneuvering underscores the importance of the personnel director, one of the most powerful positions in city government, with broad authority over hiring, promotions and discipline across the 5,000-worker bureaucracy.

Frank said the mayors deputy chief of staff, Sara Baker, emailed him Tuesday afternoon proposing a job interview Wednesday or Thursday morning, before the Civil Service Commission meeting. Frank said he told them he was busy Wednesday but he could tentatively come to City Hall Thursday afternoon, after the commission meeting. He said the mayors office told him a virtual meeting would be fine.

This just looks like a sham interview, Frank said Wednesday morning.

Frank, who served 18 years as the citys personnel director, said the mayors office appears to believe that if they interview him and dont offer him the position, I come off the (reemployment) list. It doesnt work that way.

During a mayoral debate Tuesday evening on KSDK (Channel 5), Jones opponent in the mayors race, Alderwoman Cara Spencer, called the personnel director position vital to how the city operates. Spencer, who has strong backing from the firefighters union, also criticized the proposed rule changes.

If the mayor wanted to change the civil service rules, why on earth are we waiting 19 days before an election to get rule changes in? Spencer said.

If Jones is able to make temporary pick, the person could hold the job for months, even if the mayor loses reelection. The three-member Civil Service Commission, currently made up of two Jones appointees and one vacancy, must conduct a search and test applicants before presenting a list of three candidates from which the mayor chooses a permanent director.

The civil service director is the only position in the mayors cabinet that is not filled when a new mayor takes office. As a result, past directors have served long tenures across multiple administrations. Jones was given the rare chance to hire a permanent personnel director after Frank retired. She chose Jenkins-Gray in 2022.

Since Jenkins-Grays ouster, a department critical to filling job vacancies in an understaffed city workforce has been without a leader. Many of the citys hiring functions require approval from the personnel director, including certifying lists of eligible candidates after competitive testing. Department heads use those lists of candidates to fill open positions.

Jones spokesman Conner Kerrigan said Tuesday the city is still able to hire for open positions off of the existing eligible lists. But new lists will need to wait for a new director.

In the meantime, he said the departments deputy directors are keeping the ship moving forward.

Updated at 5:38 p.m. Wednesday with the judge blocking a plan by the city to change its reemployment rules.
LEBANON, Ill.  Janet Carthy thinks she is one of the first people who noticed what happened at College Hill Cemetery. She was driving by on March 6 when she saw Lebanon city workers loading shepherds hooks into the back of a truck.

She visits her husbands grave two or three times a week, and she had never seen anything like that.

Carthy decided to check out the grave site. The bouquets she had arranged on both ends of the double headstone were gone. So was a stone she had engraved with the dates of her husbands birth and death.

She looked around, confused.

The cemetery was bare, Carthy said. I thought, I dont get it.

The city-owned College Hill Cemetery, which sits in the shadow of McKendree University, held its first burial four years before Lebanon was officially founded in 1814. More than 6,000 people are buried there, surpassing the towns population by about 1,500.

The cemetery, family members say, was an unexpectedly bright place to be. Angel sculptures and bird ornaments watched over many of the graves. Flowers hung from shepherds hooks and bloomed out of vases attached to headstones. Balloons bobbed over the granite slabs to commemorate special days.

But the first week in March, the cemetery was stripped clean. And the loved ones of the people buried there are furious.

Its theft. They desecrated a grave, Carthy said.

Over the next couple of days, she spent hours scouring dumpsters to salvage crosses, American flags and plaques that memorialized volunteer firefighters. That weekend, she turned to Facebook to try to find the items owners and learned she wasnt the only one who was shocked and angry.

Residents shared photos and offered support on social media. Many phoned city leaders to vent. At least one man showed up on an alderpersons doorstep.

Last week, the regularly scheduled Lebanon City Council meeting was overflowing. Twenty-two people were allowed inside the small meeting room in City Hall, while about the same number waited outside, on the sidewalk along St. Louis Street. Scores more connected via Zoom.

Confusion and miscommunication among city leaders, and an ordinance in need of an update, were pointed to as culprits.

Before the public comments began, the streets department superintendent, Cody Terry, who led the cleanup crew, apologized.

There was a breakdown in communication at all levels, Terry said. I was doing the job I was told I was supposed to do.

Mayor Cheri Wright also apologized. Later, in an interview, she said she was aware of the cleanup but was not advised on what it would entail.

I felt really, really bad for those people, she said.

Everybodys fault

In the past, old flowers and out-of-date holiday decor were the only items that would get thrown out by the grounds crew. Families would have cleared off their keepsakes if they had known, they said.

Ahead of the recent cleanup, notices were posted in two local newspapers: the OFallon Weekly and the Mascoutah Herald.

Decorations would need to be taken down by March 1, the notices read.

After that day, all items will be removed and discarded by the city, they warned.

At the city council meeting, about a dozen people recounted rituals they had developed, sometimes over decades, that made them feel the deceased were still part of their lives. Some would collect rocks during their travels to lay atop headstones. Others taped down notes or prayer cards. One man had gotten permission to install a small bench to sit at his late wifes side.

Kimberlee Kasperzick has multiple relatives at College Hill.

You will not stop me from decorating those graves, she told the council.

A few residents said Terry, the streets department chief, was unfairly being scapegoated.

The aldermen have thrown their employees under the bus, one woman commented.

In an interview, Alderperson George Fero said the city had made a mistake that couldnt be pinned on any one person.

It was everybodys fault, he said.

In the past, the city has contracted out cemetery cleanups  costing between $75,000 and $100,000 annually  but officials decided about a year ago that the Department of Streets, Alleys and Cemetery could handle it.

Last month, Terry asked what should be included in the cleanout. Fero gave the cemetery ordinance a cursory look, he said, and answered: Probably everything that shouldnt be there.

The ordinance, written in 1978, calls for bouquets to be removed in the days prior to Easter Sunday, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. It forbids the use of glass containers, cans, boxes and buckets to hold flowers.

No other objects are specifically mentioned.

Fero said he was as surprised as anyone about the extent of what was purged.

They really cleaned, he said. Except they went too far in a few circumstances.

Many residents have directed their ire at Fero, who is running for mayor.

Other officials said they knew nothing about the process or what was in the ordinance.

Missing angel

In the wake of the botched cleanup, city leaders have said they would study a revision of the cemetery ordinance. They also pledged to find ways to better inform people of events at College Hill.

Carthy, who hit up the dumpsters last week, has been able to return a few trinkets to families, including a placard to Victoria Cook, who lost her 11-year-old daughter to a brain tumor.

The grounds crew didnt throw away everything, the mayor said, and the city is holding shepherds hooks and cement sculptures in a shed on the cemetery property for people who want to claim them.

But an angel figurine watching over Maelynn Schwabs grave is nowhere to be located. Maelynn died at birth. She would have turned 6 last Monday, the day of the city council meeting.

Her mother, Bridgette Schwab, didnt know if she would be able to speak at the meeting. But ultimately, she decided she wanted city leaders to understand what people like her were feeling.

A cemetery is supposed to be a sacred place. It doesnt matter if they lived one day or 100 years, she told the officials. What is done cannot be undone.

Later, in an interview, she reflected on the pain of seeing the mementos swept away.

It felt like, when they threw everything away, like our loved ones were trash, she said. It brought me back to when we lost our daughter.
The storm system that pummeled Missouri on Friday spawned at least 13 tornadoes across the state, the National Weather Service says, with the total expected to rise as damage surveys are completed in coming days.

Seven of those were in the 46 counties covered by the NWS office in St. Louis. Staffers have finished surveying two routes tornadoes took during the storm and have partially surveyed at least a half-dozen other pathways across its territory of the metro area, Illinois and the Ozarks.

Thus far, the most powerful tornado to hit the area was at least an EF3, with 3-second wind gusts up to 165 mph, that struck Iron County, in the Ozarks.

Closer to the St. Louis area, initial survey findings found that a tornado rated as high as EF2 had struck Villa Ridge, while suggesting that others that registered at least an EF2 had struck places like Bridgeton and Arnold, with gusts up to 135 mph.

Across the Mississippi River, NWS teams were also surveying sites near OFallon, Illinois, and New Baden, the agency said. At the former, the teams confirmed the occurrence of a tornado that was at least an EF1, with gusts up to 110 mph, and at the latter, confirmed one that was at least an EF2.

The track length and the width of some of the tornadoes near St. Louis has been impressive, said Kevin Deitsch, a warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS local forecast office.

One track stretched off and on from about Sullivan to Alton  including a path of more than 13 miles starting near Villa Ridge, when a tornado achieved maximum estimated wind speeds of 130 mph  while surveys have shown that a tornado in Arnold was at times approaching a half-mile wide, he said.

Counting tornadoes can be particularly tricky if, for instance, some were skipping along a track of the storm, by touching down and lifting up before returning to the ground in another place.

Some of that happened Friday night, Deitsch said, at least in the lengthy storm track that stretched across north St. Louis County, blazing quite a path of up-and-down tornadoes as it approached Alton. He said tornado activity along that path lifted for several miles in places, before touching down again.

Despite the destruction left by the storm, including two fatalities, Deitsch expressed relief that there were not more deaths or injuries around the St. Louis area, and said that many people seemed to have received warnings and taken them to heart by seeking shelter or taking other precautions.

As meteorologists, thats what we hope to see, he said. Folks taking those actions is really, ultimately, what saved a lot of lives on Friday.

Southern parts of Missouri saw more severe damage and impacts from the storm, including the bulk of the at least 12 related fatalities in the state.

Statewide, there are five Red Cross shelters in operation, including in Jefferson, Franklin and St. Louis counties, said Katy Linnenbrink, a spokesperson for the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency.

She said that local damage assessments are still being evaluated and then compiled by state officials as they prepare to request a federal disaster declaration that would pave the way for types of public and individual assistance.

Missouris statewide threshold to be granted a disaster declaration is $11.6 million or more in costs tied to emergency response and public infrastructure damage, while counties must also have damages exceed certain minimum levels to be eligible for inclusion, Linnenbrink said.

Theres so much damage, Im certain well meet our threshold, she said.

Photos: Widespread damage from tornadoes in St. Louis region
A version of this story was first published on March 17, 2025. It was updated on March 17, 2025, to delete erroneous reporting that U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are very good friends. Gabbard was talking about Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

NEW DELHI  U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said President Donald Trump is committed to ensuring peace and security through realism and pragmatism, in remarks Tuesday before the U.S. leader speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Gabbard did not refer to a particular country or conflict, but said securing peace required commitment to fostering cultural and economic ties that reduce the likelihood of an escalation to conflict and courage to engage directly with both friends and adversaries alike.

Gabbard spoke at the Raisina Dialogue conference in New Delhi on a visit to India that holds special significance: She was the first Hindu elected to Congress when she served as a representative from Hawaii. In her new role she oversees and coordinates the work of more than a dozen intelligence agencies.

Trump remains unwavering in his commitment to achieving peace through a strategy rooted in realism and pragmatism, Gabbard said at the security and economics conference.

Trump will speak with Putin on Tuesday in a possible pivot point in efforts to end the war in Ukraine and an opportunity for Trump to continue reorienting American foreign policy.

Also in her address, Gabbard said there is huge opportunity in expanding the India-US relationship.

I am confident that this partnership and friendship between our two countries will continue to grow, she said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump met last month in Washington and spoke about easing tariffs, resolving trade issues and shoring up defense ties.

Gabbard also met Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday.

Singh, in a post on social platform X, said they discussed a wide range of issues which include defence and information sharing, aiming to further deepen the India-US partnership.

India is a key strategic partner of the U.S. and is seen as integral to Washingtons strategy of containing China in the Indo-Pacific region.
DEIR EL BALAH, Gaza Strip  The Israeli bombs began falling before dawn, lighting the sky with orange flares and shattering the stillness.

The surprise wave of airstrikes plunged Palestinians back into a nightmare they had hoped might be behind them.

The bombs crashed across Gaza early Tuesday, setting fire to a sprawling tent camp in the southern city of Khan Younis and flattening a Hamas-run prison. They hit the Al-Tabaeen shelter in Gaza City, where Majid Nasser was sleeping with his family.

I went out to see where the bombing was. Suddenly the second strike happened in the room next to us, he said. I heard screaming, my mother and sister screaming, calling for help. I came and entered the room and found the children under the rubble. Everyone was injured, but alive.

Palestinians tried to claw bodies from the wreckage with their bare hands. Parents arrived at hospitals, barefoot, carrying children who were limp and covered in ash. Streets and hospitals filled with bodies.

By midday, over 400 people had been killed. It was one of the deadliest days of the 17-month war, following two months of ceasefire.

During the truce that began on Jan. 19, hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza had returned to their homes, many of them destroyed. A surge of aid brought food and medicines  until Israel cut off aid two weeks ago to pressure the Hamas militant group into accepting a new proposal instead of continuing with the truce.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan had even provided moments of joy as families held communal sunset meals ending each days fast without the fear of bombardment.

Instead, the war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction was back with full force.

What is happening to us is hell. Hell in every sense of the word, said Zeyad Abed, as he stood among the blackened remains of tents in Khan Younis.

Fedaa Heriz, a displaced woman in Gaza City, said victims were killed in their sleep just before the predawn meal ahead of the daily Ramadan fast.

They set the alarm to wake up for suhoor, and they wake up to death? They dont wake up? she screamed.

Fedaa Hamdan lost her husband and their two children in the strikes in Khan Younis.

My children died while they were hungry, she said, as funeral prayers were held over their bodies.

Hospitals felt like Armageddon

Scenes at hospitals recalled the early days of the war, when Israel launched a massive bombardment of Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

Survivors on Tuesday held rushed funeral rites over dozens of body bags lining the yard of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Mothers sobbed over the bloodied bodies of children, as warplanes hummed overhead. Doctors struggled to treat the flow of wounded.

A level of horror and evil that is really hard to articulate. It felt like Armageddon," said Dr. Tanya-Haj Hassan, a volunteer with the Medical Aid for Palestinians aid group.

She described the Nasser Hospital emergency room in Khan Younis as chaos, with patients, including children, spread across the floor. Some were still wrapped in the blankets they had slept in.

Dr. Ismail Awad with the Doctors Without Borders aid group said the clinic received about 26 wounded people, including a woman seven months pregnant with shrapnel in her neck. She later died.

It was overwhelming, the number of patients," Awad said.

At the Al-Attar clinic in Muwasi in southern Gaza, medical staff said they were forced to operate without light bulbs and emergency ventilation devices.

Israel not only blocked all supplies from entering Gaza two weeks ago but also cut off electricity to the territory's main desalination plant last week. That has again created scarcities in medicine, food, fuel and fresh water for Gaza's over 2 million people.

Palestinians flee once more

New Israeli evacuation orders covering Gazas eastern flank next to Israel and stretching into a key corridor dividing Gaza's north and south sent Palestinians fleeing again.

Israels Arabic-language military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, published a map on X telling Palestinians in those areas, including highly populated neighborhoods, to leave immediately and head for shelters.

Continuing to remain in the designated areas puts your life and the lives of your family members at risk," he said.

The evacuation zone appeared to include parts of Gaza's main north-south road, raising questions about how people might travel. Palestinians nevertheless gathered their belongings and set out, hardly knowing where to go.

UNICEF spokesperson Rosalia Bollen recalled that the days before the bombardment felt uneasy. She could sense fear. Children would ask if she believed the war would start again.

This nightmare scenario has been on everyones mind, she said. Its just heartbreaking that it is materializing right now and that it is shattering the last piece of hope that people had.

Frankel reported from Jerusalem and Magdy from Cairo and Associated Press writer Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.
President Donald Trumps various degradations of Americas democratic norms have been so numerous and fast-moving since his second inauguration that its often difficult to stop and focus on just one offense.

But Trumps move last week to dismantle the Voice of America is worth focusing on because it combines two of his most ominous instincts: his utter contempt for the free press (to the point of, on Friday, labeling newsgathering he dislikes as illegal) and his complete disregard for the central role the U.S. has played in promoting democracy globally since World War II.

For the sake of democracy abroad and at home, those deeply corrosive instincts cannot be allowed to morph into a new normal.

The Voice of America is the U.S. government broadcasting service that has, for the better part of a century, beamed pro-democracy news and information into authoritarian regimes, giving those citizens what is often their only access to uncensored content.

It began broadcasting during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda and was a key tool during the Cold War to foster support for freedom behind the Iron Curtain. Until last week, it had continued to provide the flicker of democracy in authoritarian regions where it has otherwise been snuffed out.

Trump on Friday signed an executive order effectively dismantling Voice of Americas parent agency. Its the culmination of his long-held malice toward the service, based on the tired trope that its content is liberally biased.

Like so many of Trumps unilateral actions disassembling the federal government, this one is seemingly unconstitutional on its face, as the agency in question was established by Congress.

Beyond that serious constitutional issue, its an expression of this presidents rejection of Americas crucial role as leader of the free world  a rejection also being expressed through his betrayal of Ukraine, his vilification of NATO and his unprovoked trade wars against some of Americas closest allies.

Almost immediately following Trumps executive order, some of the frequencies that had carried Voice of Americas pro-democracy broadcasts in the Middle East, Asia and elsewhere simply went silent. Could there be a more chilling metaphor for what this White House is doing to Americas standing abroad  and to the free press at home?

It was also on Friday that Trump gave a remarkable speech at, of all places, the Department of Justice in which he claimed that several prominent news organizations are breaking the law merely by reporting the news.

In one of his typically self-obsessed diatribes about the criminal cases against him prior to retaking office, Trump said: The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and MSDNC (MSNBC), and the fake news, CNN and ABC, CBS and NBC, theyll write whatever (Trumps critics) say. And what do you do to get rid of it? You convict Trump.

He added, speaking directly to federal prosecutors in the audience: Its totally illegal what they do. I just hope you can all watch for it, but its totally illegal.

Trump has already demonstrated, dramatically, that his threats against the free press arent idle ones.

He has barred The Associated Press from covering presidential events because the news service has the audacity to continue referring to the Gulf of Mexico by that long-established name, declining to embrace Trumps monarchical declaration that its now the Gulf of America.

He has seized control of the previously independent White House press pool, restricting access of serious media outlets and elevating sycophantic in right-wing trolls like NewsMax and the Blaze. He has used frivolous lawsuits to harass newspapers and broadcasters for critical coverage of him.

Those in the mainstream media certainly arent perfect. In particular, the major cable news services on both the right and left have become so ideologically strident and divided in their news coverage that they are arguably contributing to Americas increasingly deep political divisions.

But none of that is the point. The First Amendment protects all media, not just responsible media  and certainly not just media the sitting president happens to like.

That principle, a cornerstone of Americas constitutional government, is one that the U.S. has promoted to the world via the Voice of America for eight decades. Trumps malicious silencing of that voice is, it should by now be clear, what he has in mind for any other voice that challenges him in the media. Which makes it more important than ever that regular Americans demand those voices remain protected.
U.S. Marines and sailors arrive at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory on March 17, 2025. (Ezekieljay Correa/U.S. Marine Corps)



U.S. Marines have arrived in northern Australia for six months of training and operating as an air-ground task force across the country and in the Philippines, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

The 2,500-strong Marine Rotational Force-Darwin is the 14th contingent to deploy to Australias Northern Territory since the rotation began in 2012, according to a Monday statement from force spokesman Capt. Johnny Fischer.

The Marines and Sailors of this years rotation look forward to training with our Australian counterparts and regional partners, building upon decades of shared tradition and operational experience, Col. Jason Armas, the forces commander, said in the statement. The shared experiences during this deployment will strengthen our collective ability to address challenges and promote stability across the Indo-Pacific.

The rotational force did not immediately respond to questions emailed Tuesday regarding the specific units and equipment involved in this years deployment.

The Marines arrival in Darwin is being facilitated by a standing coordination element in the Northern Territory port, according to the statement.

Over the next six months, the Marines will train for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, noncombatant evacuations, embassy reinforcements, expeditionary operations and rapid force deployments.

They will participate in 17 exercises, including the biennial Talisman Sabre drill, which will be Australias largest military exercise since World War II, with 19 nations set to take part, according to the statement.

In 2023, the exercise involved 30,000 troops, primarily from the U.S. and Australia, training over 14 days alongside smaller contingents from Europe and the Pacific. This years participating forces will begin moving into Australian training areas in July, according to the Australian Defence Departments website.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Australia alliance in his own statement Monday.

Past rotations have shown us the value of improving the capability and interoperability of our defence forces through joint exercises and activities, and in 2025, were excited to continue building on this momentum, he said.

Interoperability is a term militaries often use to describe the ability of a countrys armed forces to use anothers training methods and military equipment.

The start of the Darwin rotation coincides with an exercise by Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia in Singapore.

Valiant Mark, which runs through March 26, includes 200 members of the Southeast Asia rotational force training alongside more than 600 personnel from the 3rd Battalion Singapore Guards and 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade, according to Singapores defense ministry.

The exercise includes live-fire and heliborne training and will culminate in a bilateral urban operations mission, the ministry said.

The Southeast Asia rotational force is nearing the end of its own six-month deployment, which has included relief efforts after a typhoon in the Philippines and training exercises throughout the region.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 18. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov signed a law ratifying an agreement between the Kyrgyz Government and the Chinese Government on the construction of the Kyrgyz-Chinese Friendship Bridge, Trend reports via the administration of the President of Kyrgyzstan.

The agreement was signed on September 26, 2024, in Beijing. The law was approved by the Kyrgyz Parliament on February 12, 2025.

The deal lays the groundwork for a 187-meter bridge at the Irkeshtam border point, nestled along the Osh-Sary-Tash-Irkeshtam road in the Ak-Say district of the Osh region. The bridge is set to be constructed by China, and once its in the bag, the reins on the Kyrgyz territory will be handed over to the Kyrgyz authorities.

Ratifying the agreement is expected to boost trade and economic relations between China and Kyrgyzstan, meet the growing demand for passenger and freight transport between the two countries, and strengthen friendly cooperation and exchanges based on equality and mutual consultations.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
An MQ-4C Triton comes in for a landing at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, in July 2024. The Navy recently awarded a $267 million contract to Northrop Grumman for two Tritons, part of the service's plan to acquire 27 of the drones. (Alex Delgado/U. S. Navy)



NAPLES, Italy  The Navy signed a $267 million deal to acquire two more Triton drones as it moves toward purchasing dozens of the long-range surveillance aircraft.

The project awarded to Northrop Grumman last week includes an operating base and logistics package for the drones, according to a Pentagon statement.

The MQ-4C Triton is designed to work with P-8 Poseidon patrol planes by aiding their intelligence gathering and supporting search and rescue operations. The Triton also can serve as a communications relay.

In March 2024, the Navys unmanned patrol squadron, VUP-19, celebrated the deployment of a detachment and opening of a Triton hangar at Naval Air Station Sigonella on the Italian island of Sicily.

There also is a detachment in Guam, with plans for at least one more in a yet-to-be announced location, potentially at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington state or a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

VUP-19 is homeported at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Air Station Mayport in Florida.

Spare parts for Australia, which received its first Triton drone in July, also are included in the new contract, according to the statement.

As of September 2023, the Navy had five Tritons, which reached initial operating capacity that same month. The achievement cleared the way for the drone to ease into operations in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

In its 2024 budget, the service reduced the number of Tritons it planned to purchase from 70 to 27 because of a reassessment by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, according to budget documents. The Pentagon council assesses joint military strength and identifies any gaps in capability.

The Triton can fly for more than 24 hours at altitudes above 50,000 feet with a range of 7,400 miles. It has flown more than 5,000 operational hours, according to Northrop Grumman.

The Tritons crew consists of five members per ground station: a pilot, a tactical coordinator, two mission payload operators and a foreign signals intelligence coordinator, according to the Navy.

The drone recently demonstrated its ability to carry out missions in the Arctic, flying within 100 miles of the North Pole in September, the defense contractor said in a statement the same month.

Arctic regions are an increasingly important theater of operations, Capt. Josh Guerre, the Triton program manager, said in the September statement.
Ira Hayes at Marine Corps parachute school in Camp Gillespie, California, in 1942. (Department of Defense)



Until recently, a page on the Defense Departments website celebrated Pfc. Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian who was one of the six Marines photographed hoisting a U.S. flag on Iwo Jima in 1945, as an emblem of the contributions and sacrifices Native Americans have made to the United States, not just in the military, but in all walks of life.

But the page, along with many others about Native American and other minority service members, has now been erased amid the Trump administrations wide-ranging crackdown on what it says are diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the federal government, a review by The Washington Post found.

Multiple articles about the Navajo code talkers, who were critical to Americas victory at Iwo Jima and the wider Pacific theater of World War II, were also removed, along with a profile of a Tonawanda Seneca officer who drafted the terms of the Confederacys surrender at Appomattox toward the end of the Civil War.

The purge, which also targeted multiple webpages about women and LGBTQ+ service members, highlights how aggressively military leaders are pursuing President Donald Trumps anti-DEI mandate. Their actions mean that some of the most authoritative sources of public information about the achievements of minority service members, decades before government DEI programs existed, have disappeared. Some of the articles, including the piece about Hayes, remain online on websites or social media accounts for the individual branches of the military.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has vigorously supported an executive order that Trump issued on his first day in office banning DEI from federal government programs and contracts, which he claimed were immoral and wasteful. In a memo last month, a senior Hegseth aide announced a digital content refresh, requiring officials to take all practicable steps to remove articles and other media that promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the departments website and social media accounts.

In response to questions about The Posts findings, Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot issued a statement that did not mention the removal of specific websites but praised the departments rapid compliance with the directive.

As Secretary Hegseth has said, DEI is dead at the Defense Department. Efforts to divide the force  to put one group ahead of another through DEI programs  erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution, Ullyot said in the statement Monday. He added: In the rare cases that content is removed that is out of the clearly outlined scope of the directive, we instruct components accordingly.

Last week, the website Task & Purpose, which covers military news, reported that Arlington National Cemetery had removed links on its website to information about prominent Black, Hispanic and female service members, along with material on topics such as the Civil War. A Defense Department webpage about Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers, a Medal of Honor recipient who was Black, was also briefly removed, before later being restored. Axios first reported the removal of more pages, including those about code talkers, earlier Monday.

The removal of the article about Hayes is particularly notable because of the legendary status of the Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph, which the Pentagon has labeled an iconic image. The photograph, which was taken on Feb. 23, 1945, by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press, won a Pulitzer Prize and was the model for a statue that serves as the centerpiece of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

The Pentagon quickly capitalized on the images popularity, sending Hayes and other Marines who appeared in it on a national tour to sell war bonds. Hayes, who was depicted in three major movies and was the subject of a song recorded by Johnny Cash, died at age 32 in 1955 after struggling with alcoholism.

During a 1993 speech at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Carl E. Mundy Jr. paid tribute to Hayes and noted his Native American heritage, according to a report from the time. Mundy said that were Hayes still alive, Mundy would have told him that the Marine Corps was made up of people from the broad, strong ethnic fabric that is our nation, and pledged that in the future that fabric will broaden and strengthen in every category to make our corps even stronger.

The Post found full archived versions of many of the removed pages using the Internet Archives Wayback Machine. The archives confirm that several of the pages, including the article on Hayes, were active even after Trumps inauguration. Others were still active in the months before Trump entered office, but it was not possible to determine precisely when they were removed.

Each of the web addresses for the articles about Hayes, the code talkers and others now redirect to an error page where dei has been added to the original URL. In some cases, this change had the effect of appearing to describe the subjects of the articles. The address for the article on Hayes, for example, now includes deipima-indian. The URL for an article about combat medic Charles Norman Shay of the Penobscot tribe, who survived the D-Day landings in 1944, now reads deinative-american-fought-with-distinction-in-world-war-ii-and-korea.

During World War II, code talkers revolutionized military intelligence, developing a two-way communication method built on indigenous languages that were impossible for enemy soldiers to decipher. Native American troops developed the system themselves, relying on common words to describe military terms, like enemy tanks as turtles.

The Pentagons digital content refresh memo banned recognition of service members and veterans based on their immutable characteristics.

Yet those traits were foundational to how code talkers operated on the battlefield, making their purged stories even more vexing, said Ty Seidule, a retired Army brigadier general and a visiting professor of history at Hamilton College.

The reason they were chosen was based on their ethnicity, he said. Its impossible to disentangle their ethnicity from their mission success.

The Pentagons refresh memo has been the guide for public affairs staff members on what to mark for deletion among tens of thousands of webpages, according to spokespeople at the individual services.

In the Army, staff members used keywords like heritage month to find and remove pages that recognized troops in ethnic and gender categories, an Army spokesperson said, deleting pages en masse and then reviewing results to restore items that fall outside the scope of the memo.

The Air Force consulted with staff historians on their process, an Air Force spokesperson said. About 45,000 pieces of content were removed, the spokesperson said.

An Army page recognizing the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, an all-Japanese-American unit that fought in World War II, was restored Saturday after its removal led to public outcry. The 442nd is the most decorated in U.S. military history for a unit of its size and length of service, the Army page said, with soldiers fighting on two fronts, the Germans in Europe and the prejudice in America.

The page recognizing Rogers, who received his Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam, was deleted for its apparent reference to his race. As a Black man, he worked for sex and race equality while in the service, a Defense Department news story in 2021 said. The deletion, which was noted on social media, was widely criticized before the page was restored.
(Frank Praytor/Stars and Stripes)



Seoul, South Korea, April 28, 1953: Hundreds of South Koreans march through the streets of Seoul chanting to north and holding banners that read Give us unification or death, and Lets march north for the unification of the motherlands. It was the second unification demonstration held in Seoul in three days. The Korean armistice negotiations  which began in 1951  were restarted again April 6.

Looking for Stars and Stripes historic coverage? 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/
A Chinese guided missile destroyer travels through open water near Taiwan in May 2024. (Taiwan Ministry of National Defense via AP)



(Tribune News Service)  China held new military exercises around Taiwan, linking them to recent U.S. moves backing the self-ruled archipelago.

A total of 42 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait on Monday, the Ministry of National Defense in Taipei said in statements. The planes entered sensitive zones around the main island and trained with naval vessels. The number of flights was the highest since a record 111 in October last year.

Chinese military drills in the Taiwan Strait are a resolute response to foreign connivance and support to Taiwan independence and a serious warning to Taiwan separatist forces, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Mao pointed to a series of wrong actions by Washington, including the State Department deleting a phrase from a fact sheet saying the U.S. does not support Taiwan independence. China had said earlier that changing the document meant the U.S. had backpedaled on its Taiwan position. The U.S. said at the time it remained committed to peace in the region.

The drills also follow a speech last week in which Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te labeled China a foreign hostile force and unveiled measures to counter infiltration, drawing a rebuke from Beijing.

The Foreign Ministry in Taipei condemned the latest Peoples Liberation Army activity in a statement on Monday night, saying it undermined stability in the region.

Taiwan is in a complicated position in the relationship between China and the U.S., one that is already fraught over issues such as trade, technology transfers and human rights. Beijing has pledged to bring Taiwan under its control someday, by force if needed.

Washington is Taipeis biggest military backer, though President Donald Trump has suggested it should have to pay for protection.

Taipei has indicated it remains confident in the U.S. On Monday, Szu-chien Hsu, deputy secretary general of the National Security Council in Taipei, said on a trip to India that Taiwan expects the Trump administration to continue to support it in case of hostilities with China.

Taiwan regularly finds itself under pressure from the PLA. Earlier this month, Taipei detected a record 11 Chinese balloons flying over its main island and nearby waters, shortly after China held military exercises in nearby waters.

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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
South Korean soldiers stand guard during a Freedom Shield drill at a training center in Dongducheon, South Korea, March 13, 2025. (Jameson Harris/U.S. Army)



SEOUL, South Korea  U.S. and South Korean troops resumed live-fire drills with small arms Tuesday after a 12-day pause prompted by an accidental bombing that injured 38 people earlier this month.

South Koreas Ministry of National Defense, following a military-wide safety assessment, approved the resumption of training with 5.56 mm rounds to maintain readiness, it said in a news release Tuesday.

The South Korean militarys primary assault rifle, the K2, uses 5.56 mm rounds, the same caliber as the U.S. militarys M-16.

U.S. Forces Korea, which oversees 28,500 American troops on the peninsula, is in daily communication with the defense ministry and will follow its live-fire guidance, Army Col. Ryan Donald said by phone Tuesday.

Live-fire training remains suspended in Pocheon, about 20 miles south of the Demilitarized Zone, as the South Korean air force continues working on measures to prevent recurrence of the incident, according to the release. The military will resume tank and artillery live-fire drills at a later date, the ministry said.

The policy change comes nearly two weeks after two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets dropped eight free-fall bombs on a residential area outside a practice range in Pocheon, injuring 38 people.

A preliminary investigation by the South Korean military found that the pilots mistakenly input incorrect bombing coordinates and did not visually confirm the target before releasing the bombs. Both pilots have been charged with criminal negligence, according to the ministry.

On Monday, the South Korean military paused some unmanned aerial vehicle operations after a drone collided with a stationary helicopter at an army airfield in Yangju, about 15 miles north of Seoul.

The drone deviated from its course for unknown reasons as it attempted to land, striking a parked helicopter, army spokesman Col. Bae Seok-jin said during a news briefing Tuesday.

No injuries were reported, but the drone was destroyed, and the helicopter was damaged by a fire, according to the ministry.

The drone loss did not create a gap in surveillance, and Seoul continues to monitor North Korea using a variety of reconnaissance assets, South Korean army Lt. Col. Yang Seung-kwan, a Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman, told reporters Tuesday.

Yang declined to discuss the drones mission at the time of the crash or the status of the militarys UAV assets, citing operational security.

The latest mishap comes amid the 10-day Freedom Shield military exercise between the United States and South Korea. The large-scale training, which began March 10, involves 19,000 South Korean troops and an unspecified number of U.S. personnel throughout the country.

As part of the exercise, a Navy F-35C Lightning II from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, which docked in South Korea on March 2, joined a joint air drill Thursday alongside two F-35As from the U.S. and South Korean air forces, according to a 7th Air Force news release that day.
Yokota Aero Club chief instructor Jake Kadish, left, and manager Ray Brannam, center, welcome Johan Esterhuizen, a South African pilot who delivered the clubs new twin-engine Diamond DA42 Twin Star to the base in western Tokyo on March 14, 2025. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  A new $1.3 million twin-engine aircraft has joined the Yokota Aero Clubs fleet, marking a significant expansion of training opportunities at this airlift hub in western Tokyo.

Pilot Johan Esterhuizen landed the Diamond DA42 Twin Star at Yokota on Friday after a nearly week-long journey from Austria. The South African aviator ferried the aircraft on behalf of delivery company Alpha2Bravo, departing March 7 on a route that took him across the Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Theres a real satisfaction about flying a small plane across continents, he said Friday at the club. You can really see the topography flying at 10,000 feet instead of 30,000 feet.

The aircraft, purchased with non-appropriated funds, will allow the aero club to provide airline-style training, club manager Ray Brannam said shortly after the Twin Star taxied to a ramp near his office on the east side of Yokotas runway.

Esterhuizens flight, which jumbo jets can complete in under 12 hours, required multiple stops for rest and refueling. The Twin Stars journey included stops in Crete, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Okinawa before arriving in Tokyo.

Security was a concern at some points along the route. Armed guards surrounded the aircraft during a refueling stop in Karachi, Pakistan, Esterhuizen said.

The pilot also carried identification numbers to provide authorities while flying between Pakistan and India. Failure to recite the numbers over the radio could have resulted in an intercept, he said.

The four-seat, propeller-driven Twin Star has a top speed of 227 mph and can fly as high as 18,000 feet, according to its manufacturer. The cabin is not pressurized but includes an optional pulse-controlled oxygen system that can provide up to 105 hours of oxygen for one person, with less available for additional fliers.

Student pilots at the Yokota Aero Club may now train on the Twin Star to earn private and commercial multi-engine ratings, Brannam said.

We are one of the only [Air Force] aero clubs that has a multi-engine plane right now, he said.

Multi-engine training is more complex than flying the clubs single-engine aircraft, he added.

Its more of everything, said Brannam, a former United Express pilot.

The club purchased three single-engine Diamond DA40 aircraft in 2023. It also has four aging Cessna 172s, though only one remains in service, Brannam said.

The Air Force operates 17 aero clubs, which are open to service members and their dependents, Defense Department civilians, Civil Air Patrol members and retirees with base access. The clubs provide an opportunity for students to earn their pilots license, which can serve as a steppingstone to becoming an Air Force or commercial airline pilot.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight instruction for a private pilot certificate, though students typically need 50 to 60 hours before taking the flight test, Brannam said.

The cost of a private pilot certificate ranges from $10,000 to $14,000, with an additional $8,000 required for a multi-engine rating, he said.

The Yokota Aero Club is working to become a model for the Air Force, said chief instructor Jake Kadish, who was also on the ramp Friday to welcome the new aircraft.

A multi-engine aircraft is part of our ongoing commitment to provide advanced training to the Air Force community, he said.

The clubs instructors are training about 50 students, mostly from the Air Force but also personnel from other branches and civilians, Kadish said.

Most people in the Air Force arent flying planes, he said, noting that Yokota offers excellent training resources. We can call on air traffic controllers, runways and hangars.

There is a critical shortage of pilots in both the Air Force and commercial aviation, Kadish said.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland said March 18, 2025, that they intend to withdraw from a 1997 international agreement banning antipersonnel land mines. Defense chiefs from the four countries said the move is needed to protect against potential Russian aggression. (Bryan Peterson/U.S. Marine Corps)



STUTTGART, Germany  Defense chiefs from all three Baltic states and Poland said Tuesday that their countries intend to withdraw from an international convention banning antipersonnel land mines, saying the move is needed to defend against potential Russian aggression.

In a joint statement, the defense leaders said security along NATOs eastern flank has fundamentally deteriorated since their countries ratified the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

In light of this unstable security environment  marked by Russias aggression and its ongoing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community  it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence and defense capabilities, the statement said.

The anti-mine accord, also known as the Ottawa Convention, has been ratified by more than 150 countries.

Over the years, various nations, including most in western Europe, have been signatories to the agreement, which prohibits the production and stockpiling of antipersonnel mines.

Advocates for the convention cite the indiscriminate nature of the mines, which kill or injure thousands of civilians each year, often long after the wars they were used for have ended.

The United States has not ratified the pact and doesnt manufacture or normally use antipersonnel mines, but successive administrations have argued that they are necessary to defend South Korea.

In the statement Tuesday, the four defense chiefs said their countries need more options to protect their territory.

We believe that in the current security environment it is paramount to provide our defense forces flexibility and freedom of choice to potentially use new weapons systems and solutions to bolster the defense of the Alliances vulnerable Eastern Flank, the ministers said.

The Baltics have long been regarded by U.S. military leaders as a point of vulnerability for the alliance. In the event of a crisis, Moscow could seal them off from the rest of NATO by seizing the Suwalki Gap, a choke point that connects Poland to Lithuania, security analysts and military officials have said.

The ministers recommendation to withdraw from the treaty means Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland are inching closer to incorporating land mines into NATOs territorial defense plans.

With this decision, we are sending a clear message: our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our territory and freedom, the statement said.

Despite withdrawing, we will remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during armed conflict, the ministers added.
Russias heavy use of North Korean troops and equipment to nearly retake the Kursk region after seven months of Ukrainian control demonstrated the Kremlins desire to reclaim the land at any cost and prevent Kyiv from forcing a territorial exchange as part of future negotiations. Russia occupies around 20 percent of Ukrainian territory. (Eleanor Brown/Defense Security Cooperation Agency)



KYIV - A fresh supply of North Korean troops, command of the air and a crushing superiority in numbers helped Russia last week retake the town of Sudzha, Ukraines last stronghold in western Russia, according to interviews with Ukrainian soldiers and officials familiar with the battles of the last few weeks.

Russias heavy use of North Korean troops and equipment to nearly retake the Kursk region after seven months of Ukrainian control demonstrated the Kremlins desire to reclaim the land at any cost and prevent Kyiv from forcing a territorial exchange as part of future negotiations. Russia occupies around 20 percent of Ukrainian territory.

By Monday, Ukrainian troops had almost entirely withdrawn from Kursk, said a soldier familiar with drone operations in the region - who like the others interviewed for this story wasnt authorized to speak publicly - describing the parts of Kursk still under

Ukrainian control as a tiny patch, practically nothing. Just some border zones.

On a map from Deep State, a Ukrainian volunteer project that tracks changes on the front line, Ukrainian troops are now shown occupying about 10 percent of the more than 500 square miles that they once held.

Without North Korean troops, Russia cannot even hold onto its own territories with its own army, said Ruslan Mykula, the co-founder of Deep State. These were massive waves of reinforcements, much larger than our group. And the harsh reality is, we simply didnt have enough ammunition and drones to eliminate them all.

Though a combination of factors ultimately hastened Ukraines retreat including the loss of supply routes and control of the airspace, the reappearance of North Korean troops - which had withdrawn from the battlefield in January to regroup amid heavy losses - had a painful effect, said a lawmaker connected to the Ukrainian military and Korean affairs.

We are talking about well-trained and well-motivated soldiers in one particular place, said the lawmaker, who isnt authorized to speak publicly about the matter. I cannot say that the Kursk current situation happened because of North Koreans, but the effect of their participation is quite substantial.

Moscow and Pyongyang have both denied the deployment of troops from North Korea to the battlefield, despite evidence indicating otherwise, including Ukraines capture of two soldiers who are now in detention in Kyiv. Last week, a spokesman for the Ukrainian army, Dmytro Likhovy, said that North Korean troops were one of the main attacking forces of Russian troops in Kursk and were operating with greater effectiveness than they had over the winter, when they incurred heavy losses.

Military analysts said that Ukraine losing its foothold in Kursk resulted in a retreat that at times bordered on chaotic - but which was better organized than previous withdrawals, such as from Avdiivka last year.

Kursk was always going to be difficult to hold, said Michael Kofman, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. It was simply a matter of time before Russia could take back the salient.

The beginning of the end came when Ukraine lost the sky.

As December tipped into January, Russian drones peppered the skies above Kursk - piercing the calm that Vitalii Ovcharenko had previously experienced that fall on the front line. Ovcharenko, who had arrived with his unit in August, said that on New Years Eve drones swarmed six Ukrainian military vehicles as they entered Sudzha, quickly destroying them.

The Russians moved not just troops but their best UAV operators to this part of the front line, he said. We did not have enough artillery shells or missiles to hit their rear.

Entering and leaving the region became more challenging - even at night - as massive numbers of Russian troops began flanking the rear of Ukraines operation, further narrowing their territory and attempting to sever Ukrainian supply routes into Sudzha, cutting off the delivery of ammunition and reinforcements and the evacuation of the dead and wounded.

Russia controlled Ukrainian logistic lines going into Kursk, said Konrad Muzyka, director of the Poland-based Rochan defense consultancy. So for the past couple of months, Russians were able to  [make] it incredibly difficult for Ukrainians to sustain their presence in the region.

The soldier - familiar with drone operations in the Kursk region - described how Russian troops had superiority in manpower and weaponry, relying on powerful glide bombs and unjammable fiber-optic drones to disrupt logistics. But they never managed to completely encircle Ukrainian troops, as President Donald Trump falsely claimed in a post on TruthSocial last week, echoing claims made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to battlefield maps and military analysts.

We held on for as long as we could, the soldier said, describing escape routes that fell under heavy fire. Once the left flank started collapsing, all efforts should have been focused on holding it.  Its just heartbreaking to see so much effort wasted, so many lives lost, and now were losing ground again.

Once logistics were cut off, it became clear that an army without supplies would suffocate. And thats exactly what happened, Mykula of Deep State said. Ukraine didnt lose the battle on the battlefield. Our forces werent driven out. They were simply put in a position where remaining in that salient, with that number of troops and those conditions, became impossible.

Then, early last month, the North Koreans returned.

While theyd initially operated as simple rifle units, these new brigades included the 91st and 92nd Special Forces and now had their own command structures and attack plans sharpened by previous missions.

Operating in small groups on either flank, they joined elite Russian forces and outnumbered the Ukrainians by a ratio of about 2 to 1 - helping seize the key stronghold of Sverdlikovo near Ukraines main logistics routes.

Weve found their maps: hand-drawn, extremely detailed, said Artem, a soldier in Sumy who is familiar with the Kursk operation.

Every movement was written down by hand, perfectly marked. Nobody does that anymore. It felt like something from a bygone era - like a Soviet-style, ultra-structured military approach. Each line was meticulously drawn, as if by someone who had spent their entire life training for this.

The North Korean soldiers were well equipped with gear that made it difficult to spot them with night-vision goggles, said Oleksandr, 40, an officer who has overseen intelligence operations in the Kursk region since August.

They made a difference, he said. Russians have strong and good allies. They came just in time  our infantry is not as fast as it was at the beginning of the war  both of our armies are tired.

Now on the retreat, Oleksandr says he feels only relief.

While some have questioned whether the Kursk operation was worth it, at a meeting with journalists last week President Volodymyr Zelensky said that it had fulfilled its task by diverting Russian troops from other fronts, including Pokrovsk and Kharkiv.

Still, he admitted that conditions in the region were very difficult.

The nearly complete Russian operation in Kursk comes at a very symbolic moment - just ahead of the 80th anniversary of Russias Victory Day, marking the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany, celebrated on May 9.

A Ukrainian official expected a major concentration of Russias efforts to finish the operation before the big day, which will see world leaders such as Chinas Xi Jinping and Indias Narendra Modi attending the celebrations in Moscow. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov went as far as to invite North Korean troops to participate in the May 9 parade.

As Russian troops approach the Ukrainian border of its Sumy region, what happens next will depend on how Russian leadership sets its priorities, said Mykula of Deep State.

They will have to choose: Either they focus on establishing a buffer zone, securing some kind of political victory, or they reinforce their existing offensive axes to increase the territory they control and use that as leverage in negotiations, he said.

Though he didnt know what would happen next, Oleksandr said, Sumy had been well fortified with trenches and infantry. Plus, he added: All the experienced guys in Kursk will be waiting for them on Ukrainian soil.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, March 18. The National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) aims to bolster its partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in strengthening the capacity of its insurance oversight department and introducing new insurance services, Trend reports via the NBT.

The statement was made during a meeting between Firdavs Tolibzoda, Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan, and Huseyin Ozhan, EBRDs Managing Director for Central Asia and Mongolia.

The sides highlighted the importance of enhancing the countrys insurance market and reviewed the "Strategy for the Development of the Insurance System in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2025-2029."

The meeting also covered topics including the development of corporate governance in banking, the growth of monetary and capital markets, and the evolution of the nations monetary policy. Key discussions centered around green financing and expanding bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

Tolibzoda informed the EBRD delegation about the macroeconomic situation in Tajikistan, emphasizing the stability of the countrys banking system despite ongoing regional economic uncertainty.

Additionally, the National Bank of Tajikistan outlined plans to develop a unified information platform to provide stakeholders with high-quality updates on the implementation of joint projects.

The parties also discussed Tajikistans green economy initiatives, with the government recently adopting the "Strategy for Green Economy Development in Tajikistan for 2023-2037." This strategy, aimed at attracting green financing, includes significant institutional reforms and supports the principles of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, as well as addressing climate risks in financial institutions.

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A Navy aviation boatswains mate on March 13, 2025, directs an F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 11 to an aircraft catapult on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy)



WASHINGTON  U.S. strikes on Houthis in Yemen are ongoing daily and will continue until the Iran-backed terrorists stop attacking military and merchant vessels transiting shipping lanes in and near the Red Sea, Pentagon officials said Monday.

There is a very clear end state to this operation, and that begins the moment that the Houthis pledge to stop attacking our ships and putting American lives at risk, Sean Parnell, the top Defense Department spokesman, said during the first Pentagon news briefing since President Donald Trump took office for his second term.

U.S. Central Command on Saturday began attacking Houthi targets with more than 30 targets struck, according to Air Force Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, director of operations for the Joint Staff. The barrage of strikes in Yemen, Parnell and Grynkewich said, are ongoing daily.

The Houthis could stop this tomorrow, if they said were going to stop shooting at your people, but theyve clearly chosen not to do that, and so this campaign will be relentless to degrade their capability and to open up shipping lanes in the region and to defend our homeland, Parnell said.

CENTCOM forces continue strikes against Iran-backed Houthi terrorists pic.twitter.com/Ao5FD7mDHW  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 17, 2025

For years, the Houthis have targeted ships transiting Egypts Suez Canal, one of the worlds most used shipping routes as it bridges the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. But in the past year, the Houthis have ramped up their attacks, sinking two vessels in what they call acts of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel has been at war with Hamas militants, another Iranian ally.

The Houthis have launched more than 100 drone and missile attacks since October 2023, targeting American and allied ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, according to the Defense Department.

The U.S. Navy has maintained a carrier strike group in the Middle East since November 2023, when the Houthis upped their assault on military and merchant ships. Navy forces have fired more than 200 missiles against those attacks since the Houthis began their campaign in the strategic waterway in November 2023. Destroyers and cruisers also have fired more than 150 artillery rounds, said Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, commander of Naval Surface Forces.

The attacks stopped when an Israel-Hamas ceasefire took hold in January  a day before Trump took office. But last week, the Houthis said they would renew attacks against Israeli vessels after Israel cut off the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza this month.

Trump on Saturday vowed to use overwhelming lethal force until the Houthis cease their attacks and warned Iran would be held fully accountable for their actions.

At least one Houthi drone facility was targeted in the U.S. airstrikes Saturday, which killed several people, Grynkewich said.

Those were key individuals who led their unmanned aerial vehicle enterprise and were some of the technical experts in there, he said.

Grynkewich said the number of people killed in the U.S. airstrikes in Yemen during the past three days is not yet known, but he estimated it could be dozens of Houthi rebels. He said Yemenis civilians are not believed to be among the deaths.

In response to the attack, the Houthis fired 11 drones and at least one missile in a period of about 12 hours, an official told The Associated Press.

Ten of the drones were intercepted by U.S. Air Force fighter jets, and one was intercepted by a Navy F/A-18 fighter jet. The missile fell into the water far from the ship, and nothing came close to hitting either the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman or the warships in its strike group.

Parnell and Grynkewich confirmed the Houthis did respond to Saturdays airstrikes, but Grynkewich added, Its hard to tell because while were executing precision strikes, they missed by over 100 miles.

Theres also been a number of other attempts to interdict vessels in the Red Seas using [drones] and some cruise missiles, as well. All of those have been easily defeated by our fighter aircraft, Grynkewich said.

Parnell echoed Trumps social media post that the U.S. is using and will continue to use overwhelming lethal force by conducting airstrikes daily.

He did not rule out U.S. ground forces in Yemen but said operational security prohibited him from discussing the topic.

With that said, and this is a very important point, this is also not an endless offensive, Parnell said. This is not about regime change in the Middle East. This is about putting American interests first.
Carrier Air Wing 1 conducts flight operations from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman on March 15, 2025, in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy)



This story has been corrected

U.S. military attacks on Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen came with more firepower and less hesitancy to strike in populated areas than under the Biden administration, military analysts said this week.

The strikes conducted over the weekend and Monday targeted larger radar, command and launcher sites in towns, said Bryan Clark, director of the Hudson Institutes Center for Defense Concepts and Technology.

Similar actions during the previous White House were limited to isolated, rural facilities that usually were small weapons depots or minor command and sensor nodes, he said.

Although the strikes this last weekend likely resulted in civilian casualties and damage, they also likely degraded the Houthis capabilities more effectively than previous strikes, said Clark, who believes renewed U.S. efforts could prevent the Houthis from targeting shipping and resupplying their forward bases.

The Houthi militants have fired on commercial and military shipping in the Red Sea since shortly after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. They paused attacks following a ceasefire agreement in January but threatened to resume targeting ships if Israel didnt lift a blockade on aid to Gaza that began earlier this month.

U.S. forces successfully struck more than 30 Houthi facilities over three days, likely killing dozens of Houthi fighters, Air Force Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, director of operations for the Joint Staff, said during a Monday press briefing with top Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.

Yemeni citizens were not expected to be among the deaths, Grynkewich said.

Grynkewich and Parnell offered few details regarding targets and weaponry, citing the need for secrecy with an ongoing operation at the time. They did say that at least one drone facility was included in strikes Saturday that killed several people.

The U.S. strikes probably included the use of joint direct attack munitions and laser-guided bombs since the attacks involved aircraft, Clark said.

In this screenshot from a Navy video, USS Gettysburg, part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, launches a Tomahawk cruise missile during strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15, 2025. (U.S. Navy via Facebook)



They would likely need LGBs to achieve the precision to hit sites situated in populated areas and aircraft would need to use large JDAMs to destroy buried command bunkers and weapons magazines, said Clark, noting that the Houthis lack sophisticated air defenses, so aircraft could approach closely enough to use bombs.

On Monday, President Donald Trump said Houthi retaliation would be viewed as an attack from Tehran.

Every shot fired by 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 wrote on the social media site X.

The Houthis have proved resilient since capturing the Yemeni capital of Sanaa in 2014 in an ongoing civil war, weathering attacks by a Saudi-led coalition and counterattacks by U.S. forces more recently.

The strikes by superior forces have thus far been unable to deter the Houthis, said Farea al-Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham Houses Middle East and North Africa Program who focuses on Yemen and the wider Persian Gulf region.

The Houthis are an extremely reckless and indifferent group, said al-Muslimi, who added Iran was happy with Houthi actions and was unlikely to intercede against them.

Even if Iran tried, the Houthis are stubborn and unlikely to back down, he said.

Other analysts said U.S. continued strikes in Yemen are unlikely to dampen Houthi resolve.

Bombing people or groups into submission has a long record of failure, said Jan van Tol, a retired Navy captain and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in Washington. He cited U.S. actions in Vietnam, strikes against al-Qaida in the 1990s and operations against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in the 1990s and early 2000s as examples.

Houthi attacks will continue until the sponsor, the Iranian regime, is sufficiently punished, whether financially or otherwise (e.g. militarily), to cause the (Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei to judge the costs not worth the benefits of rearming the Houthis and other proxies, van Tol said in an email. The regime has a remarkably consistent record of pursuing its aims relentlessly for 45-plus years now.

Hours after the U.S. strikes in Yemen, a Houthi spokesman said the group had successfully targeted the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and its strike group. U.S. Central Command said that there have been no injuries or damage to Navy sailors or ships from Houthi actions.

An attempted Houthi attack on Saturday fell short of the groups claims, missing the target by more than 100 miles, Grynkewich said.

CENTCOM added in a Tuesday statement that the Houthis have begun seizing World Food Program food stocks from a warehouse in the governorate of Saada near Yemens border with Saudi Arabia.

Stars and Stripes reporter Lara Korte contributed to this report.
VA Secretary Doug Collins holds up his dogtags on Jan. 21, 2025, during his Senate confirmation hearing. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Veterans seeking transgender-related medical treatments will have to do so on their own dime, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said Monday, as he announced an end to health coverage for gender dysphoria.

The VA is phasing out what is known as cross-sex hormone therapy as well prosthetics for veterans with a medical diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria, the VA said. Gender dysphoria is the medical term for individuals whose gender identity does not match their biological sex at birth.

Democratic lawmakers and advocates for transgender veterans immediately condemned the decision, along with the change Friday to VA policy that ensured health-care access for transgender veterans.

Rep. Mark Takano of California, the top Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, accused VA leaders of making transgender veterans a pawn in [the] cruel political games of President Donald Trumps administration.

The Veterans Health Administration should be focused on supporting and providing quality health care to all our veterans, not furthering Republicans obsessive attacks on the rights, dignity and existence of the transgender community, Takano said.

The decisions will force our community to defer or delay care and opt out of VA services altogether, said Lindsay Church, executive director of Minority Veterans of America.

The VA did not provide numbers on how many veterans received medical treatment for gender dysphoria. But the agency said it will continue to provide transgender veterans access to other VA health care and benefits for which they qualify. The VA estimated about 9,000 transgender veterans are enrolled in VA health care, which serves more than 9 million veterans.

The VAs end to medical treatment for gender dysphoria will make the health care system align with Trumps Jan. 20 executive order that withdrew federal recognition for transgender people and directed the end to gender-affirming care, the VA said.

Titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, the order stated the sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.

I mean no disrespect to anyone, but VA should not be focused on helping veterans attempt to change their sex. The vast majority of veterans and Americans agree, and that is why this is the right decision, Collins said when he announced the decision.

Any savings from ending the medical treatments will be redirected to help defray costs of care for veterans with catastrophic injuries that include amputations and paralysis, the VA said.

Though the VA has never offered sex-change surgeries, it also will end the practice of providing clinical letters of support for veterans seeking the operations with private doctors, the VA said.

I applaud Secretary Collins decision today to refocus VAs efforts away from cross-sex hormone therapy through VA health care and toward providing health care and services to our disabled and paralyzed veteran community, said Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

Collins announcement Monday excludes veterans who already are receiving care for gender dysphoria at the VA or who receive the care from the military as part of their separation from service, the VA said.

The Defense Department in February ended funds for gender-affirming surgeries.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, March 18. With Tajikistan at the helm of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the ball is rolling on crafting the digitalization strategy for the multimodal transport corridors of its member states, Trend reports via the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan.

The Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan plans to hold an expert meeting on the subject. Experts from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) are involved in the strategy's development, along with specialists from the transport and customs agencies of CIS member states.

The first thematic expert meeting on the development of this strategy will be held during the International Forum of Operators of Dry Ports Operators, Logistics, and Multimodal Transport Services, organized by UN ESCAP, in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 26-27, 2025.

In accordance with the decision of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS from October 8, 2024, the chairmanship of the CIS for 2025 has passed to Tajikistan from January 1 of this year. The concept of Tajikistan's chairmanship in the CIS was presented on January 22, 2025, at the CIS Executive Committee headquarters in Minsk.

Additionally, Tajikistan has previously proposed the creation of a multimodal transport corridor connecting China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkiye, which would eventually extend to Europe. In 2023, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, speaking at the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit in Tashkent, emphasized that the rapid creation of a transport corridor from Turkiye to China through Central Asian countries would significantly increase cargo turnover between these states.

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Darryl Coombes (37) was in a dire financial position, court was told

A man caught with more than 6,000 worth of cocaine was in a dire financial position and made a stupid decision, a court has heard.

Darryl Coombes (37) was arrested after gardai raided a house in west Dublin and found the bags of drugs in a press, bedroom and car.

Judge Cephas Power adjourned the case at Blanchardstown District Court for the production of a probation report.

Coombes, of Gurteen Avenue, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply.

The court was told gardai observed people entering and exiting a house suspiciously at Letts Field Road, Clondalkin, on numerous occasions.

Darryl Coombes was charged with possession of drugs

Sergeant Maria Callaghan said they searched it under warrant on October 23, 2021 and found a large bag containing individual bags of cocaine in an upstairs press.

Gardai also seized another bag from a bedroom, with further drugs found in a vehicle. The total value of the cocaine was 6,009. The sergeant said the DPP consented to the case remaining in the district court on a guilty plea only, and if the judge accepted jurisdiction.

Coombes was someone who never came to any real garda attention before and found himself in a dire financial position, his solicitor David Bassett said. Coombes made a very stupid decision and it was a once-off that would not be repeated.

Deciding on the court venue, Judge Power said the value of the drugs was high, but that was only one consideration and he accepted jurisdiction.

He requested a probation report on Coombes.
Wayne Gilligan (29) of Rosebank Court, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 pleaded guilty to violent disorder on Euston Street on May 8, 2023

A man who led five others in an unprovoked attack on another man in Dublin city centre two years ago has been jailed.

Wayne Gilligan (29) of Rosebank Court, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 pleaded guilty to violent disorder on Euston Street on May 8, 2023.

Garda Chloe Rochford gave evidence yesterday that Gilligan instigated the unprovoked attack on the injured party by a group of six men at around 11.30pm.

Gilligan punched the victim several times to the head and body and caused him to fall to the ground. He then kicked the injured party while he was on the ground.

Another male kicked and stamped on the injured party, while a third male struck him with a bladed weapon, believed by gardai to be a machete.

Gilligan then kicked and stamped on the injured party again, while another male struck the victim as well.

CCTV footage of the incident was played to the court. The men fled on foot after the attack and the injured party got up, later encountering gardai on South Great George's Street.

The victim was taken to hospital. Gardai observed he had sustained a number of deep cuts, including to his head and a finger.

The injured party refused to co-operate with gardai, allow access to his medical records or provide a victim impact statement.

Gilligan was identified from CCTV. He has 137 previous convictions including for affray, assault, endangerment and drugs offences. Gilligan is currently in custody, with an earliest release date of August 2027.

The court heard Gilligan is the only one of the six men who has been identified. There is no suggestion he used or had a weapon.

Gda Rochford agreed with defence counsel that the guilty plea was valuable, but said she couldn't give evidence about whether the victim's injuries were only caused by the weapon.

It was also accepted that while Gilligan's involvement is brief, he still played a role in an incident which caused serious harm to the injured party.

Wayne Gilligan (29) of Rosebank Court, Clondalkin, Dublin

Defence counsel outlined that his client qualified as a bricklayer and has some work history, but his addiction issues took over.

He said Gilligan's offending is linked to his addiction, which he has taken steps to address. Gilligan is engaging with services, has enhanced prisoner status and is working as a cleaner in custody.

Counsel said Gilligan has completed an anger management course, and instructs he has been providing clean urine samples.

Counsel said his client wasn't a lone ranger and was one of six involved in this extremely violent incident. He asked the court not to extend Gilligan's time in custody or to suspend a portion of any sentence imposed.

Judge Martin Nolan said Gilligan led the attack on the unfortunate injured party. The judge noted the reasons behind the attack were unclear, adding the court assumes there must have been a reason.

Having considered the mitigation and Gilligan's personal circumstances, Judge Nolan said he couldn't agree to the defence's request not to extend Gilligan's time in custody, imposing a sentence of four years and three months.
Eileen Lawrence (52), her husband Patrick (54), and sons Tom (24) and John (26), who were children at the time, made personal injury claims for road traffic accidents and falls using false names

Eileen Lawrence (52), her husband Patrick (54), and sons Tom (24) and John (26), who were children at the time, made personal injury claims for road traffic accidents and falls using false names on dates between 2010 and 2016. The family all have addresses at Moyglas Glade, Lucan in Dublin.

The family instructed solicitors, attended doctors and swore affidavits using the false identities in order to pursue the claims. Most of the claims were unsuccessful but a number were paid out.

The offending came to light after an insurance company hired a private investigator.

Another member of the family, grandmother Winnifred Lawrence (74) was jailed last year for three and a half years with the final 18 months suspended for making similar claims between 2012 and 2014. She had fraudulently received 23,150 after legal expenses for her claims.

Patrick Lawrence pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to deception and attempted deception on dates between 2013 and 2018. Eileen Lawrence pleaded guilty to deception and attempted deception on dates between 2010 and 2016.

Tom Lawrence pleaded guilty to one count of attempted deception in 2016, while his brother John Lawrence pleaded guilty to deception and attempted deception on dates between 2014 and 2016.

Last Friday, Judge Martin Nolan imposed a sentence of two years on Patrick Lawrence, and one-year suspended sentences on Tom and John Lawrence.

In relation to Eileen Lawrence, Judge Nolan said there was no doubt she was involved in a serious way in the offending and he thought she did deserve to go to prison. He said the only thing stopping him was the effect her imprisonment would have on third parties.

The court had heard she was the glue that holds the family together and had a caring role for family members with additional needs.

He said he would reflect over the weekend on Eileens case and impose sentence today.

Judge Nolan said today that the Lawrence family was very industrious in the manufacture of fraudulent claims.

He said it is very serious to defraud or attempt to defraud insurance companies. He added that the court could not ignore the prospective impact on third parties, when considering the sentence to impose on Eileen Lawrence.

He imposed a three year prison sentence, suspended in full on strict conditions.

Last Friday, Judge Martin Nolan said Patrick Lawrence had his difficulties but he was satisfied that he knew right from wrong. He acknowledged his medical and mental health issues but said this was serious wrongdoing which merited a prison sentence. He imposed two years' imprisonment.

He noted that Tom and John Lawrence were children at the time and there was some evidence they were used as conduits and under pressure to some degree to commit the crimes.

The judge said they were now getting on well and it would be unjust to imprison them. He imposed one year suspended sentences on both men.

Detective Garda Ivor Scully of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau told David Perry BL, prosecuting, that the family had submitted the personal injury claims under false names to disguise the fact that they had all made previous claims and not to draw attention to the claims.

He outlined that some of the claims were paid out but the majority were not successful.

He said one insurance company engaged a private investigator to look into certain claims and the investigator took photos of the family attending medical appointments under their false names.

Gardai were alerted and the investigation unearthed correspondence from the false identities at the accused persons' address and claim money paid into a bank account of one member of the family.

The family were arrested and interviewed in 2019.

Patrick Larence made four false claims under two false names for road traffic accidents and falls, with just one claim successfully resulting in pay out of 9,370. He has six previous convictions for theft and road traffic offences.

Eileen Lawrence made five claims under two false identities. Only one claim was successful, with 15,000 being paid out to her in 2014. Another claim was withdrawn after she was identified in court by gardai. Eileen Lawrence has no previous convictions.

Tom Lawrence made an unsuccessful claim for a trip and fall in 2016 under a false name. He was 16 years old at the time. He has convictions for road traffic offences and theft.

John Lawrence made four claims under false names, with one being successful and netting a pay out of 6,155 in 2015. John was also under 18 at the time of the offending. He has convictions for theft and road traffic offences.

Roderick OHanlon SC, defending Patrick Lawrence, said his client had a number of medical and mental health issues, which required medication and occasional hospitalisations. He handed in medical reports and said he was vulnerable to severe deterioration in his mental health.

He said his client regrets the offending and has not re-offended since. He asked the court to take into account his guilty plea, which avoided a potentially difficult trial having to take place.

John Berry SC, defending Eileen Lawrence, said his client was the glue that holds the family together and was the primary carer for a son with additional needs. He handed in letters from multiple agencies outlining her sons difficulties and her caring role in relation to him.

He said she also had a caring role in relation to her husband and other family members.

Mr Berry said regarding her mother-in-laws offending, it was possible that Eileen had seen what she was doing, thought that she could do similar and it opened a door for her into this type of crime.

He asked the court to take into account the need for stability for family members she cares for.

Hugh Hartnett SC, defending Tom Lawrence, asked the court to take into account that he was 16 years old at the time. He is now married and a father himself. Counsel handed in medical references.

The garda agreed with Mr Hartnett that his client would not have had the guile or intelligence to set up the fraud himself as he was a child at the time. He was interviewed and made admissions.

Maurice Coffey SC, for John Lawrence, submitted his client was also a minor at the time of the offending and may have been used as a conduit. He said his client was not the brains of the operation and followed instructions.

He said his client has also married and settled down. His daughter has some medical issues.
Ioan Anton, who is facing a murder charge Romania. went to court to have his social welfare payments reinstated when the Department cut him off.

He's a Romanian crime boss believed to be behind a 'sex for sale' ring that netted millions of euro in Ireland.

But now it has emerged that Ioan Anton, who is facing a murder charge in his native country, also claimed more than 100,000 in social welfare payments while living here and even went to court to have it reinstated when the Department cut him off.

Today, Nicola speaks with Eamon Dillon about Anton and his criminal network.

MORE EPISODES
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, March 18. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan has welcomed the completion of negotiations on the text of the draft peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Trend reports.

The Republic of Tajikistan welcomes the completion of negotiations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia on the text of the agreement on peace and establishment of interstate relations between the two countries, the information notes.

The ministry expressed confidence that early legal consolidation of this document will be an important step towards full normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations and will contribute to the stability and development of the South Caucasus region.

The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan announced on March 13 about the completion of negotiations on the text of the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

At the same time, we once again draw attention to Azerbaijan's long-term and principled position, whereby the main condition for signing the negotiating text is the amendment of the Armenian Constitution to eliminate encroachments on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. At the same time, we emphasize the need to formally abolish the outdated and incapable OSCE Minsk Group and related structures. We are ready to continue bilateral dialogue on these and other issues related to the normalization process between the two countries, the statement says.
Billy George vows to battle allegations made by mother of man Spanish police are hunting in connection with murder

Billy George has vowed to fight allegations of harassment made against him by the mother of a man Spanish cops want to speak to about his sons murder.

He says injunctions being sought against him by two women, whose children were in Spain with his son John just before he was murdered, are based on groundless allegations and that they will rue the day they decided to take me on in court.

The 55-year-old, who has been campaigning for justice for his son John George after he was murdered in Spain last December, is also facing a similar harassment case taken by Carly Allen, the mother of Jonny Smyths partner Madison Allen.

Last week we revealed exclusive images of grieving dad Billy confronting Jonnys mum Dawn Smyth at her home in Ballyclare and that an ugly shouting match ensued.

Billy George confronting Dawn Smyth, mother of suspect Jonny

Jonny has gone on the run from his apartment in Alicante, Spain, and Spanish police want to speak to him about the brutal murder of the 37-year-old father-of-two.

Billy confirmed to this paper he had gone to Dawn Smyths luxury home as well as one of her businesses in Carrickfergus.

He further admitted he had been arrested for common assault, harassment and disorderly behaviour and had accepted a Community Resolution Notice (CRN) for common assault.

Last week Billy was listed to appear at Belfast Laganside Court in relation to harassment cases taken in the civil courts by the two mothers of the couple  Jonny and Madison  who John George had reportedly gone to Spain to visit at the start of December.

Jonny Smyth with his mum

Its understood the women are seeking injunctions which would prevent Mr George from making contact with them in any way, including by confronting them in person.

In a statement issued to the Sunday World through his solicitor Kevin Winters, Billy George says he believed he would win the court cases.

KRW Law said: We act on behalf of the father of murder victim John George who was shot dead in Spain on 14/12/24.

He continues to grieve for the loss of his son and is still trying to find some form of justice which to date remains elusive. Part of his campaign includes engaging with PSNI and the Spanish authorities on evidential lines of inquiry linked to Belfast.

That has proven to be a deeply frustrating exercise which at times has resulted in tensions with some individuals in this jurisdiction.

Those same tensions have now manifested themselves by way of separate sets of injunction proceedings issued against our client.

He wants to make it clear there is absolutely no basis for what he sees as completely vexatious proceedings.

He feels strongly that they have been taken as part of a concerted plan to try and stop him seeking the truth about his sons murder.

Speaking in advance of the injunction harassment cases, Billy George said: I welcome the chance to meet these groundless allegations head on.

Not only will they fail to do that but it will give me a chance to raise my own concerns. I feel emboldened by this latest attempt. I really think the people behind this litigation may well rue the day they decided to take me on in court.

Jonny Smyth and Madison Allen

We can reveal that Dawn Smyth has taken out harassment cases against two other people aside from Billy George, according to court papers. One of them is John Georges brother Darren, who was also present at the business premises with Billy when police were called  though Darren was not arrested.

Carly Allen is listed as taking a case against Billy George and another case against another relative of Billys.

Last Sunday we revealed Billy George was caught on CCTV at the Ballyclare home of Dawn Smyth.

He then went to her place of work in Carrickfergus and there was a further confrontation with staff there.

It has been claimed there was a heated exchange of words between Billy George and staff at that premises. Police were called and complaints made about both incidents.

He was arrested and he accepted a Community Resolution Notice for assault, requiring him to sign a document which includes the words I admit I am guilty of this offence.

He  like the rest of the George family  are desperately seeking answers and ultimately justice and believe Jonny Smyth may have information relating to Johns death and should hand himself into the police.

Billy George confirmed to us he had gone to the home of Mrs Smyth and to her workplace but claimed he was within his rights to do so given the circumstances of his sons murder.

He also made a number of allegations which we cant print for legal reasons.

Yes I did go to Dawn Smyths house... yes I did go to her business... I was arrested and I did get a caution.

Murder victim John George (37) disappeared in December in the Alicante area. His remains were found in January following extensive appeals from the family and friends who travelled out to search for his body.

He was shot and his body was left in a rural area around December 14. Johns body was repatriated to Northern Ireland on January 16 and his funeral took place on February 1.

John George

But his family remain determined to fight for justice and they are desperate for 26-year-old Jonny Smyth to hand himself in to the authorities in Spain and to tell them what he knows.

A BBC Spotlight investigation this week revealed its believed the murder could have been captured on CCTV but that the footage has since been wiped.

Johns body was discovered under a lemon tree about 20 minutes drive from Alicante after the only man to appear before a court in connection with his death, Michael Maly, took the police straight to where he had been left around three weeks earlier.

Maly, a 32-year-old former member of the French Foreign Legion from the Czech Republic, has appeared in court in connection with the murder.

John George, left, with Jonny Smyth

John George had been stabbed and beaten before being killed by gunshots to the face and chest.

A senior police officer in Spain told the BBC he believed Jonny Smyth would be arrested soon  despite claims he may have travelled as far as Thailand.

We now have a clear suspect and are hoping that he will soon be arrested. The international arrest warrants have already been issued, said Col Antonio Darder of the Guardia Civil, who is in charge of all investigative teams in the Alicante region.

Wherever he is hiding, we will use all international mechanisms available  Interpol and any other means necessary. I believe he will soon be arrested.

In the Spotlight documentary Billy George was also challenged about our story about him being arrested tens days ago after confronting Dawn Smyth and he repeated that he believed he was doing the right thing.
The 18-year-old will appear in court in Belfast in connection with an incident in which a 51-year-old man was stabbed in the Ormeau Road area of the city on March 1

A teenager is due in court on Wednesday charged with a stabbing which police are treating as Northern Irelands first possible Islamist terror attack.

The 18-year-old will appear in court in Belfast in connection with an incident in which a 51-year-old man was stabbed in the Ormeau Road area of the city on March 1.

The accused has been charged with attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon.

He will appear before Belfast Magistrates Court.

The 51-year-old victim was released from hospital and is being tended to by specialist officers.

Previously PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said a motive had not been established, but police were exploring a series of factors "including the possibility that this was a hate crime, a mental health episode or driven by religious ideology".

It is believed the accused is from north Africa and that in May 2023 he travelled to Heathrow Airport and then to Dublin.

From Dublin, he made his way to Belfast, arriving in September 2023.
Staff in the centres were permitted to work directly with young people despite not having police clearances on file

A fraudster who used altered Garda staff vetting and fake references while running care homes for vulnerable children brushed off the controversy when confronted this week, saying: How is it very serious?

Evangelical pastor Jossy Akwuobi (46) and his wife, Karen Akwuobi (40), ran Ideal Care Services, which provided emergency accommodation for children in care at centres in Carlow and Dublin and had been paid 10m by Tusla Child and Family Agency before they stopped using its services.

Tusla identified major concerns during an inspection in 2023. They discovered multiple references for employees had been fake, while Garda vetting documents for staff had also been falsified.

The company was fined 3,000 and must pay 2,000 in costs while Karen Akwuobi, with an address at Mount Garrett Rise, Tyrrelstown, was given a six-month suspended sentence.

Tusla Chief Executive Kate Duggan

The company was set up by Mr Akwuobi in 2018, and Karen Akwuobi was appointed director in 2020 while her husband remained on as company secretary and operation director.

However, Mr Akwuobi downplayed the case when the Sunday World spoke to him this week.

Nobody have fake vetting references. What they said is that it was altered, there were no fake references there.

The court heard numerous work references for employees had been fake.

Staff in the centres were permitted to work directly with young people despite not having police clearances on file from other jurisdictions; names on records were often illegible, and historical instead of current Garda vetting was used.

False vetting documents had been placed in the files of some staff members who had actually been cleared.

The Garda National Vetting Bureau confirmed the falsification of the documentation, including inconsistent fonts and serial numbers.

Mr Akwuobi owns numerous properties in Dublin but the Sunday World tracked him down this week as he collected post at a house he owns but has rented out in Tyrellstown in Dublin.

A tenant at the home claimed not to know Mr Akwuobi when our reporter called but he later pulled up in a Mercedes to collect his post

Asked if he or his wife wanted to comment on the prosecution of Ideal Care Services, he initially declined.

I dont think so, he told our reporter. Pressed further for comment, he said: I dont know. Whatever the court says that is whats there.

Care service owner Jossy Akwuobi

Tusla brought a prosecution against Ideal Care Services and director Karen Akwuobi before Dublin District Court under the Child Care (Standards in Childrens Residential Centres) regulations and the Child Care Act.

Judge Anthony Halpin heard this was the first time a case had been brought under these laws.

Judge Halpin condemned the company during the sentence hearing this week, saying: Having heard the facts in this case, I must say that the behaviour, conduct and management of the childcare facility and the defendants, in particular, were not only inadequate but it exposed vulnerable children to huge potential dangers.

He added that the unscrupulous falsification of documents, including the altering of Garda vetting documents, places this offence at the high water mark of criminality.

When our reporter put it to Mr Akwuobi that these were all very serious matters, he said: How is it very serious?

He then said: There was no care home. There was a process of registering a care home.

Asked what he meant, he said: Its the process of registering a care home, the care home was never registered everything was explained to the court; they have the details.

The court heard the provider looked after eight to 10 children, but the case was concerned with the care of two or three children in the two centres.

Karen Akwuobi (IrishPhotoDesk.ie)

Mr Akwuobi said the issue arose because of an administrative worker who had left the company before the problem was identified. Mr Akwuobi said he was unaware of the issues until the inspection.

That is why we are in court. If I know, why would we be in court?

Asked further on how the company didnt notice the issues, he said: It was not done. Im actually very busy. Im really sorry.

Mr Akuwobi, who was on Fingal County Councils Joint Policing Committee, is a director of several businesses in Ireland and the UK, may of which are related to the care industry.

He also has a masters in psychology and is a evangelical preacher. In 2019, he was convicted of insurance fraud at Dublin District Court.

He was sentenced to 200 hours community service in lieu of four months in prison after he admitted making a false insurance claim saying he was in a car when it was rear-ended by another vehicle at Tyrellstown Shopping Centre on January 21, 2017.

He claimed to have suffered injuries when a car reversed out of a parking spot into the vehicle which was parked on double yellow lines.

However, gardai later analysed CCTV evidence which showed he was not in the vehicle at the time.

He was a director of a care agency in England which was reprimanded by authorities for numerous issues, including that they did not follow safe recruitment procedures, and care workers were not sufficiently vetted to ensure they were suitable to support people who used the service.

The Sunday World then asked Akuwobi about his recent involvement with Tenda Hands Homecare Ltd in England which provides personal care to older people, people with physical disabilities, people with dementia and people with mental health issues.

The company was set up by Rita Uche Okoroba in 2018 and received a glowing report from the UKs Care Quality Commission following an inspection in 2019.

Mr Akwuobi was appointed a director of the firm in 2022 and the following year the CQC carried out another inspection and found a multitude of problems.

The service did not follow safe recruitment procedures, and care workers were not sufficiently vetted to ensure they were suitable to support people who used the service. The service did not appropriately monitor care calls, which had led to a high number of care calls being late or missed, the report said.

Other issues they found were that medicines were not always managed safely, risks to people were not always adequately assessed, and appropriate actions were not always taken after complaints.

Mr Akwuobis position as a director of Tenda Hands was terminated last year.

Asked about his issues while a director there he said: Which companies?

When our reporter elaborated, he said that he didnt want to comment.

When our reporter then asked him about his insurance fraud conviction, he said: Insurance? Ok. So what is actuallyAlan, what is your problem?

He then said he was too busy to talk on the matter.

He conceded that the prosecution was against Ideal Care was serious.

If its not serious it wouldnt be in the court, he said.

He said he would speak to us further on the matter later but did not respond to follow-up calls and messages.

While Ideal Care Services is still listed as a registered company, the court heard it is no longer trading.

Tusla Chief Executive Kate Duggan told the Oireachtas public accounts committee last year that Ideal Care Services had been paid 10m by Tusla before it stopped using its services after concerns of standards were raised.

The Sunday World asked Tusla if they carried out any background checks on Mr Akwuobi or were aware of his insurance fraud conviction while paying his company 10m to provide accommodation to children in care.

A spokesperson for Tusla said it would be next week before they could provide a detailed response to our questions.

However, the spokesperson said where concerns are identified with external companies, Tusla takes immediate and swift action to address them directly with the provider to come to a resolution that is in the best interest of the children and young people in care.

In the past year, Tusla has identified private companies who have not met the standards we expect in relation to validated staff training, qualifications, references, and vetting. As a result, the Agency subsequently ceased using the services they provide.

Jossy Akwuobi talks to Alan Sherry

In this case, our Tusla Regulatory Enforcement Team after monitoring and inspection, had concerns, and pursued this company through regulatory enforcement, to support the first successful prosecution, in the Courts.

The Agency will not tolerate breaches of standards by companies providing services to children and young people, and regulatory enforcement action will be taken where necessary.

Where we have significant cause for concern, such as a case of suspected fraud or serious wrongdoing, Tusla will refer it to An Garda Siochana.

Mr Akwuobi is still a director of another firm in Ireland called Safe Home Property Ltd, which describes its principal activity as Residential Care Activities For the Elderly and Disabled.

Latest accounts showed the company had property valued at more than 1.3m and a bank balance of more than 520,000 as of June last year.

He is also a director of a number of UK-based companies, including a takeaway burger business and a number of businesses in the care industry, including Bright Futures Haven Ltd, which works with children, young people and their families to provide support for moderate, severe and profound learning disabilities.
Known as the 'European Escobar', Edin Tito Gacanin is suspected of trafficking huge quantities of narcotics to Europe from Colombia, Peru and Ecuador

One of the key figures in an international super cartel that included members of the Kinahan crime family has been arrested in Dubai.

Dutch media outlet Ad.nl is reporting that Edin Tito Gacanin, who was described as "one of the worlds most prolific drug traffickers by the US, has been apprehended in his desert hideaway.

The Dutch State Prosecutors Office has filed criminal charges against Gacanin, who is suspected of smuggling 2,500 kilograms of cocaine, worth tens of millions of euros, into the ports of Rotterdam and Hamburg.

He was also suspected of smuggling chemicals for the production of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth.

However, it was later reported he had cut a deal with Dutch prosecutors after Gacanins defense attorneys Laura Versluis and Leon van Kleef reportedly reached plea agreements with the State Prosecutors Office.

Both sides suggested a sentence of seven years in prison and a fine of one million euros.

The court agreed with this and sentenced Gacanin in accordance with the request of the State Prosecutors Office, a report in the Sarajevo Times reads.

Now, it has been confirmed by a spokesperson for the Dutch prosecution that the drug lord was arrested in February this year in Dubai at the request of the Netherlands.

"The Netherlands has also filed a request for extradition. We expect the procedure to be carried out without any problems," the spokesperson said.

Edin Tito Gacanin

Attorney Van Kleef did not want to comment on the arrest, but previously said that the claims about his client being one of the biggest drug lords in the world were "pure nonsense."

"That's just nonsense, he said, according to the news site, Ad.nl. There's only one case against him and it's an average drug trafficking case that we have in court all the time. Nothing special.

Known as the 'European Escobar', Gacanin, a Netherlands passport holder and native of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, is suspected of trafficking huge quantities of narcotics to Europe from Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.

The US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned him in 2023, calling him the leader of the Tito and Dino Cartel  reportedly part of a super cartel of notorious criminal organisations that included the Kinahan organized crime gang, the Dutch Mocro Mafia and Italys Camorra.

Other members of the super cartel that had been operating out of Dubai, according to judicial authorities, included Ridouan Taghi, a former ally of the Kinahan Cartel who went on trial for involvement in a number of murders and attempted murders.

He was later jailed following the Marengo trial that involved leading members of the Mocro Mafia, the Dutch-Moroccan criminal organisation.

Another key member was the Italian mafia boss turned state witness Raffaele Imperiale who was extradited from Dubai in 2022.

He is now serving 15 years in Italy after becoming a pentito  a collaborator

The super cartel is said to be responsible for a third of the cocaine trade from South America to Europe,

Gacanin was one of the cartel members at Daniel Kinahans wedding in 2017 at the Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai along with mob-bosses Imperiale and Taghi.

He had been arrested in November 2022 in Dubai after his extradition was requested by The Netherlands but released some months later when the bid failed.

Last year Gacanin was described as "one of the worlds most prolific drug traffickers in an announcement by the US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Last May, Bosnia and Herzegovina dismissed their honorary consul in Panama over his suspected links to Gacanin.

The office of the countrys presidency acted on the suggestion of politician Zeljka Cvijanovic to sack Fatih Kol, who is suspected of being part of the Tito and Dino cartel.

The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina unanimously voted for the dismissal of Kol, local media reported at the time.

According to the Sarajevo Times, the Prosecutors Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina suspects Kol of being part of the organised criminal group led at the international level by Gacanin, and in the country by Adnan Smajlovic.

Kol was not in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the time of this action, so he could not be arrested, but his name is included in the proposal for detention or prohibition measures against members or collaborators, The Times reported.

The previous month we reported on how the Tito and Dino Cartel tried to gain political influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of taking over the state.

The gang were targeted in an operation led by the Bosnia and Herzegovina State Investigation and Protection Agency with the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Europol.

Police arrested 23 people, including senior law enforcement officers, as part of the operation.

Prosecutors allege that members of the cartel tried to gain political influence with the aim of taking over the state.

They said that as part of this plan they contacted local politicians and offered financial support.

They also say members of the criminal group advised setting up citizens associations to achieve political influence, and messages decrypted from the Sky messaging app showed they were often interested in the political situation.
Michael Vititoe is now facing three counts of first-degree murder, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said yesterday

One of two men arrested following a mass shooting at a Irish bar in Florida last December has been charged with murder.

Michael Vititoe had previously been arrested shortly after the shooting and was already facing charges of simple battery and a charge of accessory after the fact of a homicide.

He is now facing three counts of first-degree murder, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said yesterday, according to WPTV.

The sheriff's office added that Vititoe, who was 19 at the time of the shooting, had been apprehended and was being taken to the Palm Beach County jail.

The other suspect, Morey Pinard III, who was 23, faces three counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder, one count of shooting into building, one count of a felon possessing a firearm.

The shooting at The Rock Irish Pub in Lake Worth Beach on December 10 claimed the lives of three employees of the Old Key Lime House in Lantana.

Christopher Allen and Steven Stratis were killed the night of the shooting while Reginald Gordon (50) died later that month. A fourth man shot in the incident survived his injuries.

Staff told WPTV they were out celebrating their annual holiday party when a group of employees went to The Rock Irish Pub to pay pool.

Police at the scene of the deadly shooting last December

According to a preliminary investigation, an altercation occurred inside the pub, which led to the shooting.

It is believed the shooting occurred following a row in the bar earlier in the evening.

Allen (33) and Stratis (24), were found dead at the scene.

Following a manhunt, two men were charged after being arrested by Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBCSO).

Pinard III initially faced two counts of second-degree murder with a firearm and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, authorities said.

Vititoe (19) also initially faced charges of simple battery and accessory after the fact.

According to police, a witness said he became involved in a row with Pinard and Vititoe while taking photographs at the holiday party.

He said the men bumped into him and caused him to drop his camera.

When he asked if they were okay, they replied "Yo, you got a problem?"

Following a brief argument, Pinard and Vititoe allegedly asked the witness to step outside of the pub.

The witness claims Vititoe punched him in the face and Pinard pulled out a gun and began shooting.

Another witness reported hearing approximately nine shots and only saw Pinard firing.

Jackie Slattery explained that she and her colleagues had gone to the Rock Irish Pub after attending their Christmas party.

She said: "I stepped out for a little bit.

"When I came back I saw the police pull up, immediately ran in and saw two of our co-workers deceased on the floor, one in pretty bad condition, the other one had already ran out and found an ambulance. But four people shot," she said.

Ryan Cordero, the owner of Old Key Lime House, described the gun killer as a monster.

He said: "After a night of celebrating Christmas with each other, having, enjoying all of the fruits of life and the good times, and then this absolute tragedy happens. Some vile monster.

"The person who did this is a vile monster?" we asked him. "Absolutely, he killed two innocent people," Cordero said.

Cordero said he hoped the gunman rots in hell

"You keep feeling like you're just gonna wake up and this is just a little nightmare or something.

"It's, you can't wrap your head around it yet. It's not real yet," Cordero said.

A friend of Stratis, Tina Dearinger, had earlier paid tribute to him, saying: Were lucky to have gotten to share some time with a beautiful soul."
Police in Boston seized copious amounts of alcohol at the St Patricks Day parade even though its start time was brought forward in a bid to curb public drinking

Parade viewers wave flags and cheer on marchers during the annual St Patrick's Day & Evacuation Day Parade in Boston, Massachusetts on March 16

Police in Boston seized copious amounts of alcohol at yesterdays St Patricks Day parade even though its start time was brought forward in a bid to curb public drinking.

An earlier parade was agreed upon by city leaders to avoid the rowdiness that occurred during the 2024 event, but nine people were arrested and four others will be summonsed to face a judge after the 122nd annual celebration.

They will also face charges ranging from possession of alcohol to assault and battery, public fighting, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, assault and battery on a police officer, and destruction of property when they appear in a South Boston District Court.

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Boston police said one of the individuals is a juvenile, while the other twelve are adults.

The Police Department also revealed the efforts they made to curb underage and public drinking by shared photos of various borgs that were seized from paradegoers.

Also known as a blackout rage gallon, a borg consists of a mixed drink made in a plastic gallon jug, generally containing water, vodka, and flavoured drink mix.

Boston health experts have already raised concerns of a borg drinking trend on college campuses.

The borg is a trendy choice among college students and also for Sundays festivities, with officers collecting dozens upon dozens of jugs filled with various coloured mixtures, Boston 25 News reports.

Alcohol has been seized due to underage and or public drinking, the police department wrote in a statement. We thank the vast majority of those celebrating today for doing so in a safe and appropriate way.

MBTA Transit Police also seized alcohol from St. Patricks Day revellers at Broadway Station.

Talking to X, an almost exasperated post reads: Some folks refuse to listen and follow simple rules.

This is a small sampling of what Transit Police officers seized from people coming into the parade.

According to Boston 25 News, the annual tradition not only celebrates the rich Irish heritage in the city, but also honours the day in 1776 when British troops left Boston after a lengthy attack during the Revolutionary War.

Since 1948, the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council has been organising the parade.
These two men are very well-known in our community and it's still hard to take in that something like this has happened in our town

Garda at the scene of the incident at Lower Main St, Letterkenny. (North West Newspix)

Two men who were struck by a car in Co Donegal in the early hours of St Patrick's Day have been named as brothers who lived less than 100m from the scene of the tragedy.

Anthony and Martin Gallagher, who were both in their 60s, were walking home after a night out in Letterkenny.

The men were critically injured after being struck by a taxi being driven by a teenager at the town's Lower Main Street just before 3am.

The men were rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital to receive emergency treatment. However, Anthony Gallagher subsequently died from his injuries.

Anthony was a well-known figure in the town where he was the employed 'lollipop' man, helping schoolchildren to cross the road - less than 50m from where he was fatally injured.

The car crossed a roundabout before hitting the men and then striking the front of a local house causing some damage to the building.

His brother Martin has been transferred to Galway University Hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries sustained in the incident.

Both men lived together at the family home in the town.

A teenager suspected of driving the vehicle involved in the incident was arrested at the scene and is being questioned at Letterkenny Garda Station.

The area was immediately sealed off and a Garda forensic team later arrived at the scene of the tragedy.

Gardai are still investigating the exact circumstances of the moments leading up to the tragedy.

The vehicle involved in the incident is a Skoda Octavia estate car which is owned by a local taxi-driver.

How a teenager came to be driving the vehicle is one of the main questions being asked by Garda investigators.

Gardai continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

They have also confirmed the matter has been referred to GSOC due to an earlier interaction between An Garda Siochana and the driver of this vehicle.

A decision was later made to cancel the local St Patrick's Day parade in the town as a mark of respect. The Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce said the move was taken following consultation with An Garda Siochana and in the interest of public safety. We must prioritise the safety and well-being of those in our community, the chamber said.

Cathaoirleach of Letterkenny and Milford Municipal District, Councillor Gerry McMonagle, said a day of planned celebrations for St Patrick's Day had changed so suddenly.

He said "This was going to be a great day, a great day for Letterkenny and Donegal to celebrate our heritage and all there is to appreciate what it is to be Irish.

"Instead, we are trying to comes to terms with this tragedy and this loss. These two men are very well-known in our community and it's still hard to take in that something like this has happened in our town."

Mayor McGonagle said he supported the decision to cancel the local St Patrick's Day parade and that the thoughts and prayers of the entire community were with the victims and their family.

"I do appreciate that a lot of work and preparation went into organising the parade but I think it was the right decision to cancel it.

"These two men were very much part of the local community and the right decision was taken in my opinion," he added.

The people involved are well known  two characters and very much respected in the town.

It is a sad day for Letterkenny and a very sad day for the families involved.

Up until yesterday, there was 23 road deaths for the first three months of this year, and this has another fatality to it and that is tragic in itself.

It just puts a dark cloud over the whole town.

For the families involved in this, it is a massive tragedy for them, and our hearts and prayers go out to them today, said Cllr McMonagle.

A candlelight vigil will be held Letterkenny on Monday evening at 8pm in memory of Anthony Gallagher.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the crash to contact them at Letterkenny garda station or any garda station.
Pensioner blasts companys unreasonable penalty over driver mistake

An elderly car owner is locked in a battle with Belfast City Airport and a private parking company over a 100 fine.

June Bowers from Monkstown, Co Antrim, has been hit with a 100 fine and, having had two appeals rejected by Sheffield based Vehicle Control Services, is now being threatened with an additional 70 levy and possible legal action.

Mrs Bowers, who is 81 and in poor health, was not behind the wheel on the evening of February 8 this year.

The driver was at the airport to collect people travelling to Belfast to attend a funeral.

Mrs Bowers husband, veteran trade unionist Joe Bowers, said it is an outrage that his wife has been subjected to such intimidating behaviour.

The driver found themselves in the wrong car park when they should have been in the short stay, so had to pay to get out, then repeated the mistake and had to pay again, that was their mistake we have no issue with that, he said.

But the new layout at Belfast City is confusing and there are lots of signs, which you cant read unless you slow down. I just think its outrageous that this company can behave like this.

He said they had filed two appeals on his wifes behalf raising a number of questions including under what legislation they can access the DVLA database to identify the car owner.

The company failed to answer direct questions which included querying whether its remit extends beyond parking offences.

The car was not parked, the driver paused at the barrier to make sure they were in the right place, Mr Bowers said.

There were no other cars in the vicinity so there was no question of obstruction.

These private companies seem to be completely unaccountable they are very aggressive in their approach, its a form of intimidation, he insisted.

He said the driver on the night said there were a number of signs which they didnt know the meaning of.

VCS was not interested in any mitigating circumstances and has insisted it will try and enforce the fine.

In her letter to VCS, Mrs Bowers said the fine was unreasonable.

We do not consider it reasonable to charge a driver for due diligence in taking the time to read signage, an act which did not obstruct or affect any other drivers or access to the carpark  which is clearly evidenced by your own CCTV images which you provided with the charge notice, she wrote.

As we previously mentioned the carpark signage at Belfast City Airport is notoriously confusing and we would argue not fit for purpose. Certainly your absence of commentary on the full range of issues we raised is now causing difficulties in resolving this matter.

The letter added: Lastly, we again point out that Mrs Bowers is an 81-year-old pensioner in poor health and this matter and threat of financial hardship is causing her significant stress and anxiety.

We would be grateful if you could fully address these matters in addition to the matters already raised in our appeal of 23rd February without which we will be unable to properly advise Mrs Bowers of her rights. We again request that you use your discretion and cancel this unreasonable charge.

Joe Bowers said he suspects people finding themselves in a similar situation have been bullied into paying.

He added: How can you understand what youre supposed to do if you dont pause to read the rules?

A spokesperson for Belfast City Airport said: Drivers stopping in no stop zones present a significant hazard to other motorists and pedestrians, as well as blocking emergency vehicle access.

We have been made aware of Mrs Bowers case and are currently reviewing it alongside our partners at Vehicle Control Services Limited.
Earlier, Tanaiste Simon Harris said the MMA fighter does not speak for Ireland following his arrival at the White House for St Patricks Day

Irish UFC fighter Conor McGregor stands at the briefing room lectern, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt at his side, during a visit to the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 17, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The McGregor family with Elon Musk and US president Donald Trump. Photo: The White House/X.

Tanaiste Simon Harris has said that MMA fighter Conor McGregor does not speak for Ireland following his arrival at the White House for St Patricks Day, where he met US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk this afternoon.

White House press wrangler Allison Schuster shared photos of Mr McGregor at the podium in the White House briefing room this afternoon, where she said he took surprise questions and signed a Make Ireland Great Again hat.

He described Ireland as the little bro which should be looked after by the United States as he said he was in Washington to raise issues like an illegal immigration racket that is running ravage on the country.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said his remarks are wrong and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patricks Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.

In a post shared to X, Mr Martin said: St. Patricks Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said Mr Trump can invite whoever he wants to the White House and he is perfectly entitled to invite whoever he wishes.

The McGregor family with Elon Musk and US president Donald Trump. Photo: The White House/X.

Conor McGregor criticises Irish Government during speech at the White House

"But let me be very clear, Conor McGregor is not here in the United States representing Ireland or the people of Ireland. He is here in a personal capacity. He does not speak for Ireland, he does not speak for the people of Ireland, he has no mandate to do such.

Speaking to reporters in New York, Mr Harris said his views on Mr McGregor are long-standing and on the public record.

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The White House shared video of Mr McGregor walking from the building this afternoon saying: Happy Paddys Day, America.

It comes just days after Taoiseach Micheal Martin met with Mr Trump in the Oval Office, during which the American leader was asked who his favourite Irish person was.

"I do happen to like your fighter. Hes got the best tattoos Ive ever seen. Conors great, right? But you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually, Mr Trump said.

Mr McGregor told those gathered in the briefing room today that Ireland and America are siblings and it is important for Ireland to have a peaceful, happy, prosperous country for the 40 million Irish-Americans to have a place to visit, to come back to their home.

"We wish for our relationship with the United States to continue and we wish to be taken care of by the big bro. The United States should look after its little bro.

He added that he was in Washington to raise the issues that Irish people face, which he said have "never" been spoken "on the main stage".

"Our Government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland and its high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland.

He accused the Irish Government of having zero accountability and said Irish money was being spent on overseas issues that has nothing to do with the Irish people, adding that the illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country.

He said rural towns have been overrun and Irish-Americans need to hear this because if not there will be no place to come home and visit.

Mr McGregor posed for a photo alongside his family in the Oval Office with Mr Trump and Elon Musk, following a meeting where the fighter told Mr Trump that he loved his work ethic.

In a post shared yesterday, Mr McGregor had said he was due to land in Washington for the most important meeting of my countries (sic) future.

"I am beyond ready. The world will hear Irelands call.

The official White House account also shared a photo of Mr McGregor posed with his fists up in front of two portraits of Mr Trump and his vice president JD Vance today.

Last November, a High Court civil jury found Nikita Hand was assaulted by Mr McGregor in the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford on 9 December, 2018.

She was awarded 248,603 in damages against Mr McGregor.

The mixed martial arts fighter has lodged an appeal against the verdict in the civil rape case, which is listed to come before the Court of Appeal on March 21.

The former UFC champion instructed his lawyers to lodge an appeal directly after the verdict was handed down last November following a 12-day trial.

Speaking in New York today, Tanaiste Simon Harris said he did not want to comment on matters that may again appear before the courts, but added that he has previously spoken with Ms Hand.

"I admire her bravery, her courage and I would much rather be talking about Nikita Hand than Conor McGregor, quite frankly.

On whether he believed Mr Martin should have said something in the Oval Office when Mr Trump discussed Mr McGregor as one of his favourite Irish people, Mr Harris said: I think the Taoiseach did a very good job representing our country in the Oval Office and Im very proud of the job that he did.

Asked whether he believed a potential endorsement of Mr McGregor by Mr Trump in the Irish presidential race would amount to election interference, Mr Harris said: In general I think its always better for elections to be decided, obviously, by those who live in a country and by the people of Ireland, and thats how our presidential election will be decided.

"I dont wish to provide free airtime here to Mr McGregor. I dont expect he is going to be the president of Ireland. We have a long and proud tradition of electing excellent people of integrity and decency to Aras an Uachtarain.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. Turkmenistan could contribute to the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor, Pavel-Casian Nitulescu, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Energy of Romania, told Trend.

"Turkmenistan can make an important contribution among the natural gas suppliers for the Southern Gas Corridor and Vertical Gas Corridor projects. The plans to expand the Southern Gas Corridor are of strategic importance, as new gas suppliers are needed, especially for the Balkan and South-Eastern European countries. Romania supports the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor and believes that immediate action and concrete steps are needed to achieve this. With its significant gas resources, Turkmenistan could contribute to the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor, if a viable transport route is identified," he said.

Nitulescu pointed out that Romania appreciates the fact that Turkmenistan has become a very active player in the international dialogue on energy security projects aimed at diversifying energy supply sources for Europe, in particular Turkmenistan's desire to integrate its energy market into the international market and to engage as a competitive gas supplier for supplying the European market.

"Therefore, developments regarding transport alternatives for Turkmen gas volumes, which would allow significant quantities of gas from Turkmenistan to reach the European market, are of interest," the Secretary of State said.

According to him, Romania attaches great importance to the development of energy relations with Turkmenistan, given the long tradition in the oil and gas sector and the potential to capitalize on cooperation opportunities between the countries.

"Energy cooperation constitutes a strategic component of the bilateral dialogue between Romania and Turkmenistan. Given the existence of a real untapped potential for cooperation, direct dialogue with partners from Turkmenistan can allow the identification of new directions for cooperation in the energy sector. Romania, through its status as a member of the European Union, through its geographical position, and its participation in strategic regional energy projects, can offer long-term opportunities for access of Turkmen energy resources to the European market," he said.
The west Belfast rap trio unveiled the the solid bronze bodiless bust which went missing nine months ago

Australia police probe appearance of missing head of King George V statue at Keencap gig in Melbourne. Pic Instagram.

Australian police are investigating how the missing decapitated head of a historic statue of King George V appeared to make a cameo appearance on stage during a Kneecap gig in Melbourne on Friday night.

The west Belfast rap trio unveiled the the solid bronze bodiless bust which went missing nine months ago as fans down under booed the Royal Family during the performance.

The crowd cheered when one member of the anti-colonial group declared "he's the first royal at a Kneecap gig, and will be the last.

The hip-hop trio also shared images of the head  which was cleaved off a 2.7m tall statue in the Kings Domain park area of the city during the Kings Birthday Weekend last June  on social media.

Well well a chairde Gael [my Irish friends]! Some madman dropped by with a huge King Georges head so he could hear a few tunes for our last Melbourne show! the Instagram post was captioned.

Allegedly his head was cut off last year in the city anyways he was put on stage for a few tunes and then whisked awayremember every colony can fall.

No one has been arrested over the criminal damage caused to the statue during a series of anti-colonial acts of sabotage targeting British memorials in Melbourne.

A video of the beheading shared on social media overlaid footage of a vandal daubing the colony will fall at the statue's foot with the Sex Pistol's song God Save The Queen.

Melbourne City Council previously estimated it would cost about $10,000 (4,885) to clean the statue and even more to restore it.

Mo Chara, Moglai Bap and DJ Provai, who wears an Irish tricolour balaclava, are known for their strong republican views expressed in English and Gaelic.

Victoria police said Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives continue to investigate and are also aware that the head from what appears to be a statue appeared at a concert in Melbourne on March 14.

Kneecap have caused a string of controversies since they were formed back in 2017 and have previously been accused of glorifying the IRA.

A poster depicted Boris Johnson and Arlene Foster strapped to a rocket on top of a burning bonfire during their Farewell to the Union tour in 2020.

The latest stunt, which made headlines in Australia over the weekend, has been condemned by a DUP peer.

Lord Weir said the fact that the King George V statue was vandalised and decapitated is a disgrace and accused the group of glorying in criminal damage.

TUV vice chairman and Causeway councillor Allister Kyle also criticised the group and accused it of glorying in a mock anti-establishment image.

"Their association with vandalised stolen property is part of an act which frankly is predictable and tiresome, he added.

"There is nothing radical or edgy about a group whose every escapade is lapped up by the Guardian and the BBC.

It comes just a few weeks after Sir Elton John spoke of his admiration for Kneecaps energy and vitality and a month after the bands eponymous debut film starring Michael Fassbender picked up a Bafta for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer.
For herself and husband Prince Harry, she wrote: For us! Happy St Patrick's Day! as she served up a plain green waffle with cream and strawberries

Meghan Markle got into the spirit of St Patricks Day by whipping up some impressive green waffles to celebrate.

The Duchess of Sussex (43) shared a number of videos on Instagram showing her using a waffle maker to create some breakfast treats for the family.

We love a theme! she declared alongside the post that showed a waffle featuring a kiwi for a mouth, blueberries for eyes and whipped cream hair for five-year-old Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet (3).

For herself and husband Prince Harry, she wrote: For us! Happy St Patrick's Day! as she served up a plain green waffle with cream and strawberries.

Meghan Markle. Photo: Netflix

Meghan Markle makes green waffles for her kids and shares it on IG

Meghan filmed herself whisking the green waffle batter, before pouring it into the waffle maker, captioning her post: About this morning

Meghan also made a green glass of milk and finished her bake with a sprinkle of salt.

The Duchess did not allow poor reviews of her Netflix cookery show With Love, Meghan to stop her in the kitchen.

Critics were scathing of the show, with The Guardian describing it as a gormless lifestyle filler while The Telegraph branded it an exercise in narcissism.

It even fell foul of our own Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally who ripped into it in a hilarious take down of Prince Harrys wife.

The pair were discussing the former Suits stars new show, With Love, Meghan, in which they described her outfit as disgusting while dissing her kids treats.

I saw a bit where she was making her kids a rainbow platter of fruit, Vogue said on the latest episode of her and Joannes podcast, My Therapist Ghosted Me.

First of all, I thought I was doing well mixing Rice Krispies and Cheerios, like, you can have two cereals in one.

And she's there like, did you see the rainbow. I personally like that, but who does that?

Co-host Joanne also took issue with Meghan's outfit, saying: I can't bear a jumper round the shoulders.

Vogue agreed, saying: Yeah, yeah - it's disgusting.

Meghan's Patrick's Day waffle

Vogue who is connected to the royal family as her husband, Spencer Matthews, is brother-in-law to the Princess of Wales's sister, Pippa, said she loves the idea of being a tradwife.

I was dabbling in it, remember, I made that chicken pie a while ago, she reminded Joanne.

I'm on a journey to be a tradwife. I want to be like Lucky Blue's wife Nara. She's glam, she said, referring to the 22-year-old viral TikTok sensation and the 26-year-old supermodel.

I'm just going to dip the toe in, Vogue added. I'm not going to go full tradwife because I've got other bits that I need to do that don't involve being a tradwife.

I am obsessed with that level of perfection. But I'm like, how is she doing that? I just think it's like that bloody Angel perfume. It's so sickly sweet.

I bet you she wears Angel. Sorry to anyone who wears Angel, I just wear men's aftershave and that's very sweet to me.

This latest take down of Meghan and her new show follows that of comedian Katherine Ryan who publicly laid into her after defending her.

I liked Meghan Markle, Katherine insisted. I was rooting for Meghan Markle, though she is very Hollywood, even for me, and I don't like that in people.

I see now, and maybe it's just the projects she's choosing, it does feel like she has lied about whether she knew who Prince Harry was, and these details about her childhood change and don't add up.

Speaking on an episode of her podcast, Telling Everybody Everything, Katherine added: She said on her new Netflix show that they ate TV dinners growing up.

But then in an old interview, she was like, we would eat farm fresh. Her whole act just seems very manicured and very forced.
Papamoa is becoming a shining example of an engaged and vigilant suburb after reports of a decline in crime, and the apprehension of a burglar.

Papamoa Neighbourhood Support Coordinator Bruce Banks was pleased to hear the alleged burglar was taken into custody on Sunday.

The man was reported seen near Mangatawa Lane and Sandhurst Drive.

We had a couple of people call in reporting a man acting suspiciously in the area around 12pm, a police spokesperson said.

He was identified as a man believed to be responsible for a burglary in the same area several days ago."

He was taken into custody about 12.15pm.

As well as being part of building stronger communities, Papamoa Neighbourhood Support encourages residents within the network to report suspicious activity, which helps prevent crime and keeps the neighbourhood safer.

Papamoa

Crime-wise, Papamoa had not fared too badly of late, with just a smattering of offences reported to police, Banks said on Friday.

About 18 months ago, we had a spate of solar-powered batteries being stolen from toilet blocks and cell phone towers. An adult male was subsequently arrested for this, however, it seems that another thief is having a crack.

The new toilet block with automatic sliding doors in Taylors Reserve was burgled at 3.15am on March 5.

CCTV footage shows a male spending about three-quarters of an hour forcing the service door with a large crowbar and eventually forcing it open, Banks said.

He is then joined by a female who was obviously waiting nearby, and they both removed two of the solar-powered batteries. The amount of damage caused plus having to replace these batteries runs into the thousands of dollars and at the end of the day, we, the ratepayers, end up funding their actions.

If anyone happens to be living close to one of these toilet blocks, please keep an eye out and if you see or hear anything suspicious, ring 111.

Banks wondered if the message would finally get through to residents not to leave cars unlocked.

We had another wallet stolen and cards used from an unlocked car in Grenada St.

Despite some leaving their cars unlocked, Banks was hopeful the message was getting through to others to lock their vehicles.

Earlier in the week, one of my neighbours captured three youths on CCTV at 11.30pm trying all the doors on both their vehicles in their driveway to see if they were unlocked, Banks said.

Luckily, they were both locked and the three youths continued down the street, probably looking for another target. Did they find one? Not sure.

Capturing this on home CCTV just goes to show that there are crooks about looking for unlocked cars so that they can help themselves to your property.

He reminded people to remember to take wallets, handbags and other valuables inside when they leave their vehicle.

Papamoa East residents may have noticed fresh black wheelie and donut marks appearing in Papamoa Beach Road recently.

I am pleased to announce that a police dog unit managed to catch this perpetrator in the act and low and behold, it was a youth who had no drivers licence and had borrowed Mummys car, Banks said.

Needless to say, Mummy was not happy to find out that her car was being impounded for 28 days. He also faces driving charges and infringement notices.

Safer Plates Day

The community patrols ran a Safer Plates Day recently, at Papamoa Plaza carpark, where for a $2 gold coin donation, patrol teams fitted tamper-proof screws to cars to prevent number plate theft.

Banks said police reported number plate theft had risen 30% per cent over the past five years.

If the public continues to support Safer Plates Day, then community patrols will potentially run them some more.

Joining Neighbourhood Support

Being part of a Neighbourhood Support group offers many benefits for residents, both on a personal and community level.

A visible, connected community can deter criminals, who are less likely to target areas where people are paying attention to one another.

As well as crime prevention and emergency preparedness, Neighbourhood Support also encourages relationships, fostering a sense of community and bringing people together. Sharing resources and information can help reduce isolation and improve quality of life and wellbeing.

Banks said Papamoa Neighbourhood Support had almost 6000 member households and each neighbourhood street group usually had up to 30 member households.

To join or start a street group in Papamoa, contact Bruce Banks at nspapamoa@wbopns.org.nz
Lifetime parolee Dean Wickliffe is on day eight of a hunger strike in Springhill Corrections Facility, alleging a guard beat him up on March 6 following his recall to prison on March 5, his lawyer Annette Sykes claims.

Sykes said Wickliffe was not only assaulted but also denied his right to contact his lawyer when he was recalled to the facility.

The high-profile criminal was recalled for breaching his parole, after being found living in his car instead of at his approved address.

I am extremely worried for this kaumatua from Maketu whom I have helped over the years reintegrate back into the community, Sykes said.

He is desperately trying to spend his last few years in peace on whanau land in the Maketu, Sykes told the Herald.

He wants to build a house on it.

Dean Wickliffe claims he was assaulted in Springhill prison by guards. Photo / Dean Wickliffe

Sykes said Wickliffe was assaulted because he did not want to be double-bunked at the prison, located between Meremere and Te Kauwhata.

Kym Grierson, Acting Commissioner Custodial Services said the alleged incident on March 6 was under investigation.

A prisoner allegedly refused a request to enter his cell and, after throwing an item, took a fighting stance towards staff, Grierson said.

Following this, staff intervened and the prisoner sustained injuries while being restrained. He received medical treatment from prison health staff and was taken to hospital on Thursday evening. He returned to the prison early the following morning.

One staff member involved in the incident is not currently at work Grierson told the Herald.

Springhill Corrections Facility. Dean Wickliffe claims he was assaulted at the prison on March 6. Corrections has confirmed he was hospitalised. Photo / File

As there are active enquiries ongoing in what further information we can provide on this matter at this time.

We recognise that given the nature of our work, we must uphold the highest standard of conduct and integrity from all employees. The overwhelming majority of our 10,000 staff act with professionalism and respect. Any large organisation may encounter a few staff who cannot maintain the high standards required, and if we find evidence that our staff dont meet these standards, then we take appropriate action.

Grierson also confirmed Wickliffe remained on a hunger strike.

The prisoner is drinking liquids but declining to eat food, and our health and custodial staff are working together to support him and encourage him to resume eating she told the Herald.

His health is being monitored by staff, including registered nurses and the prison doctor, and he is being offered a range of wellbeing and support services, including contact with local kaumatua. We appreciate this is a difficult and distressing situation for the mans whanau and we will continue to ensure they can maintain close, ongoing contact with him.

Sykes said the the farm where Wickliffe had been living was recently sold and he was forced to live in his car.

After losing his accommodation, he had slept in his car with his two cats. He was arrested and taken into custody on March 5 for not residing at his approved address.

A police spokesperson said because of privacy issues, they could not discuss Wickliffe.

Police are unable to respond to queries which seek to establish whether specific individuals or organisations are, or have been, under Police investigation, the spokesperson said.

Sykes said Wickliffe told her that when he arrived at Springhill he was assaulted.

Upon arrival at Spring Hill Corrections Facility, Mr Wickliffe was badly beaten.

Dean Wickliffe photographed in 2017. He is one of New Zealand's highest-profile criminals, and the only person to have escaped Paremoremo maximum security prison twice. Photo: NZ Herald

He received black eyes and a three-inch gash on his forehead. He required hospitalisation to deal with these injuries, Sykes said.

I tried to contact Dean and couldnt get through. I was then told he didnt want to talk to me, which I found odd and I sent several emails to the prison and finally got a call from him on Friday and he described what happened.

I am appalled at this treatment. No one should ever be treated like this in prison, ever, and certainly not a 77-year-old kaumatua who had turned his life around living a peaceful life in Maketu. He was bothering no one, in fact he has huge support from his community and friends who have rallied together to help him, said Sykes.

Lawyer Annette Sykes told the Herald her client just wants to be treated with dignity. Photo/ Ben Fraser

He wants to be treated with dignity, and he wants a fair hearing when he has his liberty determined by the Parole Board on 3 April.

I truly fear for his safety. This ... raises broader questions ... about the treatment of elderly and vulnerable individuals within our correctional facilities said Sykes.

Wickliffe has a long criminal history. He is the only person to have escaped Paremoremo maximum security prison twice, in 1976 and 1991 and before being paroled in 2018 was the countrys longest serving inmate.

-Bay of Plenty Times




Western Bay of Plenty District Council is the latest council to leave national advocacy body Local Government New Zealand.

There were claims LGNZ had become extremely political, had swung far left and lacked professionalism.

Those in support of staying said LGNZ advocated for the sector and provided professional development and mental health support for councillors.

Other councils that have left LGNZ include Christchurch City, Auckland, West Coast Regional, Grey, Kaipara and Westland District.

Western Bay councillors debated the decision to resign for more than an hour at a meeting on Tuesday.

The decision to end the councils LGNZ membership passed by majority vote, six to five.

Councillor Tracey Coxhead brought the motion to council because she believed LGNZ needed to re-evaluate itself and was not committed to being under a new government.

Local Government New Zealand president Sam Broughton attended a meeting of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, which has voted to leave the organisation. Photo / LGNZ

The organisations job was to represent local government to central government to obtain the best outcomes and provide professional guidance and upskilling, Coxhead said.

Its focus is on education and professionalism. I feel that professionalism is lacking from LGNZ.

LGNZ needed to be non-partisan and, in her view, presentations at its 2024 conference were largely, although not entirely, pushing a certain agenda, for example, only one narrative on climate change.

LGNZ is ignoring the sentiment of a large proportion of the membership.

Six of LGNZs 18 submissions in the past year did not represent her views, Coxhead said.

LGNZ president Sam Broughton, who attended the meeting online, said before it sent submissions to the Government they were sent to mayors and chief executives, and councillors could also have input.

Like any membership body, it had to make decisions based on majority support, he said.



Western Bay councillor Margaret Murray-Benge. Photo / John Borren

Councillor Margaret Murray-Benge claimed LGNZ had swung so far left it was no longer a fair and open environment where decisions represented local councillors beliefs.

She said the council could advocate directly to the Government through local MPs.

It is not the first time the council debated its LGNZ membership.

Murray-Benges attempt to have it leave LGNZ in 2022 was voted down. Coxhead, then not a councillor, spoke at that meeting in support of leaving.

Councillor Allan Sole, who voted to leave in 2022, said at Tuesdays meeting he was a staunch supporter of the organisation but was not satisfied with where it was now.

I have certainly seen it become extremely political, which I hadnt seen previously.



Western Bay Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour. Photo / John Borren

Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour said the council needed to be careful not to make life unnecessarily hard for itself.

It was better to work together with LGNZ rather than trying to stand alone and wing it on your own, he said.

Mayor James Denyer said the council was already vulnerable to the whims of central government.

Divided or on our own outside of LGNZ, we have a much-reduced influence and very little voice.

The support the organisation gave elected members was vital and included training and conferences as well as free mental health support, Denyer said.

LGNZ also provided advice and information to help councils with submissions to the Government on bills, he said.

The demands of our jobs are significant, and some people have benefited greatly from the [mental health] support.

Denyer said he believed arguments in favour of leaving LGNZ were mostly pretty weak.

He said there was a financial gain from being a member.

The council paid a yearly subscription of $80,905 and $30,819 to attend the LGNZ conference.



Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer. Photo / John Borren

Denyer said $16,000 of the conference cost was not spent by the council but by community boards.

He had heard LGNZ did not represent us or espoused views people did not agree with, but it was a membership organisation.

The logical conclusion of such an argument is that we are not capable of tolerating political views that differ from our own.

I would hope that no one around our table is so intolerant of different opinions that we cant share membership of an organisation with those with whom we might disagree.

Councillor Laura Rae said she needed the support she received from LGNZs Young Elected Members network for councillors under 40.

The councils youngest councillor, Rae was elected in July after the death of Te Puke councillor Richard Crawford.

The council also discussed at length, that leaving LGNZ would risk losing the $180,000 it could receive for the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs.

LGNZ administered the taskforce fund and the council applied for $180,000 for 2025 to assist 25 young people into employment.



Western Bay of Plenty District Council chief executive John Holyoake. Photo / George Novak

Council chief executive John Holyoake said he was incredibly confident the council would receive that funding if it stayed a member.

There was no other means of accessing that funding, he said.

The councils membership will end on March 31.

How they voted:

Leave: Tracey Coxhead, Margaret Murray-Benge, Allan Sole, Andy Wichers, Grant Dally, Murray Grainger

Stay: James Denyer, John Scrimgeour, Laura Rae, Don Thwaites, Rodney Joyce

Absent: Anne Henry.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
FILE - Dave Bayley of Glass Animals performs at the Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2021. The band is nominated for a Grammy Award for best new artist. Amy Harris/Invision/AP

Glass Animals is extending their Tour of Earth with two stops in Upstate New York this summer, including a performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Springs on June 7 and another at the Darien Lake Amphitheater near Buffalo on August 2.

The Saratoga Springs show will kick off the bands 2025 leg of the tour, which includes stops across North America and festival appearances at events like Bonnaroo and Osheaga. A complete list of tour dates is available here.

Special guest Sofia Isella will offer support at the Saratoga Springs concert, while support for the Darien Lake concert has yet to be announced.

Tickets for the Tour of Earth will go on sale Friday, March 21 at 10 a.m. ET, with presale starting the day before via Ticketmaster.

Tickets are also available through secondary market platforms such as Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and StubHub, which offer verified tickets with buyer guarantees.

These resale platforms may offer below-face-value pricing and availability for sold-out shows, depending on demand.

The indie rock band is touring in support of their latest album, I Love You So F**ing Much, released in July 2024. Known for hits like Heat Waves, Gooey, and The Other Side of Paradise, Glass Animals has amassed millions of streams worldwide and earned Grammy nominations, including a nod for Best New Artist in 2022.
Washington  Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is postponing several planned events this week to promote his new book, Antisemitism in America: A Warning, after some liberal groups had planned to stage protests.

The cancellations of events in Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and other cities came amid widespread criticism from the partys liberal base over Schumers vote to move forward with Republican spending legislation last week. Risa Heller, a representative for Schumers book, said that the tour would be rescheduled due to security concerns.

Schumer said the spending bill was terrible but that a shutdown would have been far worse, and difficult to end, as President Donald Trump has already slashed jobs and funding for agencies across the government. A shutdown would have given Trump even more power to make cuts, Schumer said, and so many programs would be lost.

House Democrats strongly disagreed with Schumers decision and criticized him directly: We will not be complicit, Democratic leaders said in a joint statement.

The public rift among Democrats, and the onslaught of criticism toward Schumer, came after years of relative unity during Trumps first term and during President Joe Bidens time in the White House. Its a reflection of how Democrats have become increasingly frustrated with their inability to stop Trumps Cabinet confirmations and mass firings of federal workers.

At a news conference on Friday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries repeatedly refused to say whether he has confidence in Schumer  a rare break for the two longtime New York colleagues.

We do not want to shut down the government. But we are not afraid of a government funding showdown, Jeffries said.

Schumer and Jeffries met in Brooklyn on Sunday, according to two people familiar with the meeting. But the discontent with Schumer went far beyond House leadership, and some of the nations most influential progressive groups warned of serious political consequences.

Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, wrote on social media last week that Democratic activists planned to express their anger at town halls or other public events. MoveOn, another progressive group that claims nearly 10 million members nationwide, predicted that its activists would also demand answers from Democratic officials.

Clearing the way for Donald Trump and Elon Musk to gut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid is unacceptable. Its past time for Democrats to fight and stop acting like its business as usual, said Joel Payne, a spokesperson for MoveOn.
SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here.

Republicans have rightfully criticized Democrats in recent years for leaning on the Supreme Court in an effort to intimidate the justices into supporting a progressive agenda. Its unfortunate that some members of the GOP now exhibit a similar intolerance for judicial independence.

Five years ago, Sen. Chuck Schumer stood in front of the Supreme Court building and threatened two justices if they backed abortion restrictions. "I want to tell you, (Neil) Gorsuch. I want to tell you, (Brett) Kavanaugh," he said. "You have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price. You wont know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions."

During President Joe Bidens term, Democrats lined up to embrace court packing as a means of rigging judicial outcomes to their liking. The Senate Judiciary Committee launched "ethics" investigations focusing almost entirely on the conservative wing of the court. Some House progressives sought to impeach Justice Clarence Thomas.

Republicans roundly attacked these efforts to manipulate justice and undermine confidence in the court. "Senate Democrats have repeatedly told the American people that the entire federal judiciary exists for no other reason than to fulfill their changing political whims," Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in 2023. "Theyve threatened justices by name from the steps of the court and threatened the institution itself in unfriendly amicus briefs. In each instance, Democrats have signaled their open disdain for a body that refuses to interpret the Constitution through the lens of their partys platform."

Alas, now that Donald Trump occupies the White House, a handful of Republicans have developed brain lock over the value of an independent judiciary. Judges who have ruled against the administration have been the target of increasing vitriol. One Tennessee congressman has filed articles of impeachment against the federal judge who overturned Trumps 90-day freeze on foreign aid spending.

This is ridiculous and counterproductive  not to mention a mirror image of the regrettable intimidation tactics that the GOP denounced when used by Democrats. Expressing disagreement with a judges reasoning is one thing. Advocating impeachment as a response to that disagreement is quite another. The proper response to an unfavorable judicial ruling is an appeal. Impeachment must be reserved for cases involving serious misconduct or corruption, not trotted out as a cudgel to threaten federal jurists for doing their jobs.

Judicial review is an indispensable part of the checks and balances embedded in the Constitution as a protection against tyranny. Efforts to weaken the concept will lead to an erosion in the liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. It would be encouraging if both Democrats and Republicans kept that in mind.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
The main goal of the Eurasian Development Bank is to foster economic growth among its member states and enhance trade and economic relations through investment activities. The Bank will operate in accordance with international treaties, international law, and globally accepted banking principles. Additionally, its charter, which outlines its objectives, activities, and governance procedures, was ratified as part of the agreement.

As part of its duties, the EDB will also gather and analyze data on the economic and financial conditions of its member states, including investment opportunities, monetary policies, foreign exchange relations, and banking regulations. This will further support the development of a unified economic space across Eurasia.

By passing the law, Uzbekistan shall establish a legal framework for its full membership in the Eurasian Development Bank, ensuring that it can fully participate in its activities and contribute to the Bank's mission of fostering regional economic growth, strengthening trade, and supporting integration processes through investment initiatives.

In a prior session, the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan ratified a legislative proposal in its tertiary review to affiliate with the Eurasian Development Bank.

The Eurasian Development Bank, endowed with a charter capital of $7 billion, serves as a pivotal entity in the facilitation of financial resources for investment initiatives throughout its member jurisdictions. The initiative emphasizes sectors including sustainable economic frameworks, transportation and supply chain optimization, renewable energy solutions, digital innovation paradigms, and agronomic advancements. Since its establishment in 2016, the financial institution has deployed $15 billion in capital towards a diverse array of initiatives.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
President Donald Trump talks with Kennedy Center Board of Trustees president Richard Grenell, right, as he tours the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Monday, March 17, 2025. (Jim Watson, Pool via AP) AP

President Donald Trump toured the Kennedy Center on Monday, declaring his intention to fix the performing arts center that he said was in tremendous disrepair, and taking a shot at a smash Broadway musical in the process.

Mondays visit was the first by Trump since he had himself installed as chairman in February after replacing several board members.

Its in tremendous disrepair, as is a lot of the rest of our country, most of it because of bad management, Trump said, according to a report by The Hill.

Im very disappointed when I look around. The bottom line: It has tremendous potential. And well work with Congress.  Its a very public facility, and well do what has to be done, Trump said.

Since Trump took over as chairman of the center, several artists have canceled scheduled performances there, including Issa Rae, Rhiannon Giddens, Louise Penny and rock band Low Cut Connie. The most high-profile cancellation has been by the smash Broadway musical Hamilton, which had been scheduled for a performance in 2026.

Our show simply cannot, in good conscience, participate and be a part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center, Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller said earlier this month.

Trump did not seem bothered by the Hamilton snub on Monday.

I never liked Hamilton very much, Trump said, according to USA Today. But we are going to have some really good shows.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Trump said that the center represents a very important part of D.C. and actually our country, and I think its important to make sure that our country is represented well.  Were cleaning up Washington D.C. and this is a big part of Washington D.C.

The New York Times reported that Trump was to speak at a center board meeting on Monday; among the topics to be discussed was a proposal to give Trump more influence over the artists honored annually at the Kennedy Center Honors fundraiser.

During his first term as president, Trump skipped the annual Kennedy Center Honors events, traditionally attended by presidents, after some performers spoke out against him in 2017, according to the New York Times.

Last week, Vice President J.D. Vance was booed by the crowd when attending a show with his wife, Usha.
A long exposure of the Wave Swinger and Giant Wheel rides at the NYS Fair allows the moving lights to paint a picture Thursday, August 26, 2024, in Geddes, N.Y. (Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com) Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com

The Great New York State Fair has issued a warning about potential scams on social media.

In the symphony of excitement over our Concert Clues contest, a false note has appearedsuspected scammers are trying to mimic our melody," the NYS Fair wrote on Facebook.

Fair officials have been teasing this years free concert lineup with a variety of Concert Clues, featuring cartoon images referencing a music artist or song. Fans who correctly guess who the performer is before its announced are eligible to win prizes, such as admission tickets and a parking pass.

Hundreds of fairgoers have joined in on the fun, but fake accounts and scammers have also appeared in the comments.

They may use our images, mimicking our profile to trick followers into thinking they won a contest, the NYS Fair warned Monday. Only trust our official Facebook and Instagram accounts, which have a verified blue check mark. Ignore and report any suspicious accounts without this mark.

Any social media users who encounter a suspected fraudulent post or user is also encouraged to contact the New York State Fair directly through its official social media pages, instagram.com/nysfair (@nysfair) and facebook.com/nysfair.

The 2025 New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, Aug. 20, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. More than 40 national recording acts are expected to perform on the fairgrounds' two main stages, Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

Seven concerts have been announced so far for this years lineup, including Cheap Trick, Busta Rhymes, Kidz Bop and Hermans Hermits starring Peter Noone. All NYS Fair concerts are free to attend with admission to the Fair, which is $8 for adults and free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older.

2025 NYS Fair concert lineup

Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.: Cheap Trick at Chevy Court

Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.: Kidz Bop at Chevy Court

Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.: O.A.R. at Suburban Park

Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.: Busta Rhymes at Suburban Park

Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.: Hermans Hermits starring Peter Noone at Chevy Court

Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.: Sister Hazel at Chevy Court

Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.: Maddie & Tae at Chevy Court
FILE - The Statue of Liberty is seen from the Staten Island Ferry, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith, file) AP

PARIS (AP)  Hey, America: Give the Statue of Liberty back to France.

So says a French politician who is making headlines in his country for suggesting that the U.S. is no longer worthy of the monument, which was a gift from France nearly 140 years ago.

Raphael Glucksmann, as a member of the European Parliament and co-president of a small left-wing party in France, cant claim to speak for all of his compatriots.

But his assertion in a speech this weekend that some Americans have chosen to switch to the side of the tyrants reflects the broad shockwaves that U.S. President Donald Trumps seismic shifts in foreign and domestic policy are triggering in France and elsewhere in Europe.

Give us back the Statue of Liberty, Glucksmann told supporters of his Public Place party, who applauded and whistled, on Sunday.

It was our gift to you. But apparently you despise her. So she will be happy here with us, Glucksmann said.

FILE - Raphael Glucksmann at the European Parliament Tuesday, March 11, 2025 in Strasbourg, eastern France. (AP Photo/Pascal Bastien, file) AP

The White House brushed back on the comments Monday, saying France instead should still be grateful for U.S. support during World War I and World War II. Glucksmann, in turn, then shot back that French gratitude for Americans' wartime sacrifices is eternal, but added: If the free world no longer interests your government, then we will take up the torch, here in Europe.

No one, of course, will come and steal the Statue of Liberty, he wrote in X posts. The statue is yours. But what it embodies belongs to everyone.

Can France claim it back?

Dream on.

UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural arm that has the statue on its list of World Heritage treasures, notes that the iconic monument is U.S. government property.

It was initially envisaged as a monumental gesture of French-American friendship to mark the 100th anniversary of the July 4, 1776, Declaration of Independence.

But a war that erupted in 1870 between France and German states led by Prussia diverted the energies of the monuments designer, French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi.

The gift also took time to be funded, with a decision made that the French would pay for the statue and Americans would cover the costs of its pedestal.

Transported in 350 pieces from France, the statue was officially unveiled on Oct. 28, 1886.

Is Frances government offering asylum to Lady Liberty?

No. French-U.S. relations would have to drop off a cliff before Glucksmann found support from French President Emmanuel Macrons government.

For the moment, the French president is treading a fine line  trying to work with Trump and temper some of his policy shifts on the one hand, but also pushing back hard against some White House decisions, notably Trumps tariff hikes.

Macron has let his prime minister, Francois Bayrou, play the role of being a more critical voice. Bayrou tore into the brutality that was shown to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his White House visit and suggested that Trumps administration risked handing victory to Russia when it paused military aid to Ukraine.

Glucksmanns party has been even more critical, posting accusations on its website that Trump is wielding power in an authoritarian manner and is preparing to deliver Ukraine on a silver platter to Russia.

In his speech, Glucksmann referenced New York poet Emma Lazarus' words about the statue, the mighty woman with a torch who promised a home for the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

Today, this land is ceasing to be what it was, Glucksmann said.

What is the White House saying?

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked Monday about Glucksmanns comments, and responded that the U.S. would absolutely not be parting with the landmark in New York Harbor.

My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that its only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now, Leavitt said, apparently referencing the U.S. fight with Allied powers to free France from Nazi occupation during World War II and alongside France during World War I. They should be very grateful.

But the debt of gratitude runs both ways. Leavitt skipped past Frances key role in supporting the future United States during its war for independence from the United Kingdom.

In his subsequent follow-up, Glucksmann said that his call for Lady Liberty to travel back across the Atlantic to France had been intended as a wake-up call.

We all in Europe love this nation to which we know we owe so much, he posted. It will rise again. You will rise again. We are counting on you.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 18. Uzbekistan's Silk Avia has thrown its hat in the ring with the launch of regular flights on the Tashkent-Andijan-Tashkent route, Trend reports.

Per the directives from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Transport, the initiation of the new flight operations is slated for March 20 of the current calendar year.



The flight operations are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, facilitating optimal transit solutions for travelers navigating between the two urban centers.



Recently, Silk Avia airline initiated non-stop operations on the Bukhara-Urgench-Bukhara corridor. The flight operations are conducted on a weekly cadence every Saturday as part of the established schedule.



Moreover, Uzbekistan Helicopters, operating under the Silk Avia brand, has initiated flight operations on the Nukus-Muynak-Nukus corridor.



Air travel services are scheduled tri-weekly: specifically on the first day of the week, the fifth day, and the seventh day. Operations are conducted utilizing the LET L-410 airframe.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Minister Heydon highlights the opportunities for Producer Organisations (POs) in the organic sector

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, has launched a report on the Feasibility Study on Producer Organisations (POs) in the Irish Organic Sector. The purpose of this report, commissioned by Teagasc, is to evaluate the potential role of POs in enhancing and supporting the Irish organic agricultural sector.

Pictured launching the report were: Niall Ryan, DAFM; Amy Ward Whelan, IFAC; Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD; Jim Hogan, Organic farmer, Rathrush, Carlow; Professor Frank O Mara, Teagasc Director; Elaine Leavy, organic adviser Teagasc; Fintan Phelan, Teagasc. Photographer: Finbarr O Rourk

Launching the report, Minister Heydon said: I am delighted to launch this report which was funded under the call for promotion and development of the organic sector. This report will be available on the Teagasc website and offers insights into the positive opportunities within the supply chain for development of the organic sector and presents a unique opportunity for our family farms. Of course, there are also barriers that we have to deal with, and I would encourage stakeholders to apply for funding calls by government and agencies to support change and development in this area. I will be watching with interest the development of the new Biodistrict being established in the Midwest which was funded under my Departments Short Supply chain call last Autumn and can act as a template for others to follow.

The report shows that producer organisations can have a significant role to play in realising Irelands organic farming ambitions. Commitment is needed from all stakeholders in developing the right approach and highlighting resources available. Producer Organisations can become a cornerstone of a thriving Irish organic sector, contributing to the countrys agricultural sustainability, allowing us to achieve our environmental targets and economic success.

Professor Frank OMara Director of Teagasc said: The studys findings underscore the significant benefits producer organisations can offer to organic farmers by improved market access. Producer organisations can facilitate collective marketing efforts, enabling producers reach a larger market and negotiate better terms by uniting producers and strengthening bargaining power, leading to fairer pricing structures. Collaborative efforts will also assist in reducing costs and promoting sustainable practices.

Minister Heydon concluded: My department is deeply committed to the promotion of organic farming as one of many means of supporting farming families across Ireland. The report is a valuable guide into how producer organisations can strengthen the economic sustainability of our farmers and ensure they have the tools and supports to build a robust and sustainable organic sector in Ireland.

View the full report here

Pictured launching the report were: (Back) Elaine Leavy, organic adviser Teagasc; Fintan Phelan, Teagasc; David Leydon, IFAC; Niall Ryan, DAFM; Amy Ward Whelan , IFAC; Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD; Jim Hogan, Organic farmer, Rathrush, Carlow; Professor Frank O Mara, Teagasc Director; Marianne Mulhall, organic Adviser Teagasc, Martin Bourke, Organic adviser, Teagasc. Front; Padraic Hogan and James Hogan, Rathrush, Carlow

Photographer: Finbarr O Rourke
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Largest Flight SIM weekend in the world

You might think Flight Simulation is for little boys, wannabe pilots and nerds. These days it is a very serious hobby for just about all ages. Even if you are not necessarily interested in simulators, have a look at some of these images of what this hobby is about. Trust me, you will be amazed!



I have been interested in aviation all my life. I wanted to become a pilot or a sailor. I have poor eyesight, so the pilot career was out for me. In those days, pilots would not be allowed to wear glasses at all.



I have been visiting airshows all over Europe since I was about 14-15 years old. I was out there with the very first versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator. We are talking late 80s! Pretty soon I discovered a more amazing Flight Simulation package; Precision Simulator. It simulates only a 747-400, with no scenery. Completely different price from Microsoft, but then again it is an amazing piece of software. These days certified by the FAA as a system simulator.



https://aerowinx.com



In 2006, a bunch of PS enthusiasts were part of this very Flight Sim Weekend. Have a look, and see if you can spot an almost twenty years younger version of me!



http://www.hoppie.nl/galleries/fs-we...006/index.html



Through my PS friends, I also got to spend numerous hours on the real full-motion 747-400 Simulator of Cargolux and Lufthansa. For a non-commercial rated pilot, I have a surprising amount of 747-400 training hours on the real McCoy!



Finally, I did get my Private Pilot License and various other ratings and endorsements during the four years we lived in Kansas City.



I don't fly anymore. Neither as a real pilot nor behind the simulator. It's way too complicated for my garbled mind these days. But I do enjoy reading about it and going to these sorts of events and talking to some of the current flight sim enthusiasts



The event:



Last weekend saw the Flight Simulator Weekend at the Aviadrome in Lelystad, the Netherlands.



Quote: With world-class exhibitors and nearly 5,000 visitors each year, FlightSimWeekend is the largest flight simulation event in the world. Explore flight simulation innovations, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and embark on an unparalleled aviation adventure!



As you will see, the event is held in the Aviodrome in Lelystad. The Aviodrome is the Dutch National Aviation Museum. It used to be housed at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport but moved to this much larger location at the Lelystad Airport a couple of decades ago.



So here we go, get ready for a Simulation world that comes pretty close to the real one.



As you will see there is a huge community catering to all the needs of the true flight SIM enthusiast. There are clubs all around the world, and as you will see, the simulation is done online as well as stand-alone.











In the early days, the Flight simulator of various brands was just software on your computer. I you had the money you might an joystick. These days just about all the components from various cockpits can be bought separately and hooked up to whatever flight simulation you use.



This is a Flight Management Computer (FMC) part of the Flight Management System (FMS). At least that is how it is often referred to. Technically, It is actually a CDU so the interface unit on which the pilots provide input to the FMC. Irrespective, it is a complex bit of kit. This looks as good as the real one does,







You will see all kinds of flight SIM setups. VR is very much a part of flight simulation these days. This guy looks to be enjoying himself.







As I mentioned earlier, these days "flying" is often done online. So the airspace is simulated as well. VAT-SIM is one of these organisations that does this. To join them, you need to sit a formal exam. The whole idea is to make the whole experience as real as possible. So when you fly online, the communication with various controllers is done according to the same protocols as in real life!







Whereas there are folks who like to simulate being a pilot, there are also folks who like to simulate being a controller. Organisations like VATSIM bring all these folks together in the virtual air.



A VATSIM controller working his airspace, talking to the pilots as ATC would in real life.







I used to be a member of VATSIM. They used to organise special events. A famous one was called "Across the Pond". Dozens if not hundreds of virtual pilots would virtually cross the Atlantic Ocean. The idea was always to have as many planes in the air and in the airports to create and simulate a true hectic environment that would test everybody's capabilities to the max,



Here is a ground controller at work:







These days, this would probably be about the minum external hardware to fly. A yoke, throttle stand and rudder pedals







Notice all the different ages? This is a hobby for young and old folks. Mostly males though?







Running this flight simulation software requires more and more powerful computers. In particular, running these days, incredibly accurate scenery. There is a whole world of dedicated flight SIM desktop computer builders out there.







And any self-respecting pilot could not do without some of these of course. The mustache is not optional!







This shows the flight currently underway from this very flight SIM weekend only. As you can see, busy skies. 24/7 there are thousands of Flight SIM enthusiasts, pilots and controllers online, enjoying their hobbies!







A large part of the various stands are set up inside the museum, which gives the perfect background and atmosphere for this event!







Let's



You can buy these sorts of panels ready-made. There are two approaches in the flight SIM world. One is to buy these panels that are made specifically to interface with your home computer. Or to buy the real panels, taken from the real plane and modify them in such a way they can interface with your computer.







Anything is available to discerning flight SIM enthusiasts. Knobs, levers, chips, PCB, you name it.







I must say, these days all the panels made specifically are of an incredible quality. At face value, they look identical to the original real ones.







Part of being a Flight sM pilot also means studying and reading all the manuals. Luckily, most aircraft manuals can still be bought relatively easily.



Here is a so-called QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) of a Boeing 737. A QRH gives the pilot easy access to most of the relevant planning tables and data and all normal and non-normal checklists. These days papers have mostly been replaced by digital versions. Pilots carry an iPad these days, not a pilot case full of binders with papers.











This is a full-scale mock-up of the cockpit of a single-engine plane, A Diamond. I have flown the real one for a good number of hours. A gorgeous plane with, full glass cockpit.







Some enjoy being Fighter pilots. By and large a very different scene from the Commerical Pilots. In real and simulated life! I have never been particularly interested in fighters, but it is interesting to see. These guys in real and simulated life, live to dogfight. This guy was wearing a VR helmet/glasses and was constantly scanning his head around to see where his opponents where. You could see on a screen what he saw in his VR goggles. Very impressive, and very detailed.







These are some of the most elaborate cockpits you can find.







Introduction:You might think Flight Simulation is for little boys, wannabe pilots and nerds. These days it is a very serious hobby for just about all ages. Even if you are not necessarily interested in simulators, have a look at some of these images of what this hobby is about. Trust me, you will be amazed!I have been interested in aviation all my life. I wanted to become a pilot or a sailor. I have poor eyesight, so the pilot career was out for me. In those days, pilots would not be allowed to wear glasses at all.I have been visiting airshows all over Europe since I was about 14-15 years old. I was out there with the very first versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator. We are talking late 80s! Pretty soon I discovered a more amazing Flight Simulation package; Precision Simulator. It simulates only a 747-400, with no scenery. Completely different price from Microsoft, but then again it is an amazing piece of software. These days certified by the FAA as a system simulator.In 2006, a bunch of PS enthusiasts were part of this very Flight Sim Weekend. Have a look, and see if you can spot an almost twenty years younger version of me!Through my PS friends, I also got to spend numerous hours on the real full-motion 747-400 Simulator of Cargolux and Lufthansa. For a non-commercial rated pilot, I have a surprising amount of 747-400 training hours on the real McCoy!Finally, I did get my Private Pilot License and various other ratings and endorsements during the four years we lived in Kansas City.I don't fly anymore. Neither as a real pilot nor behind the simulator. It's way too complicated for my garbled mind these days. But I do enjoy reading about it and going to these sorts of events and talking to some of the current flight sim enthusiastsThe event:Last weekend saw the Flight Simulator Weekend at the Aviadrome in Lelystad, the Netherlands.Source: https://flightsimweekend.com As you will see, the event is held in the Aviodrome in Lelystad. The Aviodrome is the Dutch National Aviation Museum. It used to be housed at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport but moved to this much larger location at the Lelystad Airport a couple of decades ago. https://www.aviodrome.nl/en So here we go, get ready for a Simulation world that comes pretty close to the real one.As you will see there is a huge community catering to all the needs of the true flight SIM enthusiast. There are clubs all around the world, and as you will see, the simulation is done online as well as stand-alone.In the early days, the Flight simulator of various brands was just software on your computer. I you had the money you might an joystick. These days just about all the components from various cockpits can be bought separately and hooked up to whatever flight simulation you use.This is a Flight Management Computer (FMC) part of the Flight Management System (FMS). At least that is how it is often referred to. Technically, It is actually a CDU so the interface unit on which the pilots provide input to the FMC. Irrespective, it is a complex bit of kit. This looks as good as the real one does,You will see all kinds of flight SIM setups. VR is very much a part of flight simulation these days. This guy looks to be enjoying himself.As I mentioned earlier, these days "flying" is often done online. So the airspace is simulated as well. VAT-SIM is one of these organisations that does this. To join them, you need to sit a formal exam. The whole idea is to make the whole experience as real as possible. So when you fly online, the communication with various controllers is done according to the same protocols as in real life!Whereas there are folks who like to simulate being a pilot, there are also folks who like to simulate being a controller. Organisations like VATSIM bring all these folks together in the virtual air.A VATSIM controller working his airspace, talking to the pilots as ATC would in real life.I used to be a member of VATSIM. They used to organise special events. A famous one was called "Across the Pond". Dozens if not hundreds of virtual pilots would virtually cross the Atlantic Ocean. The idea was always to have as many planes in the air and in the airports to create and simulate a true hectic environment that would test everybody's capabilities to the max,Here is a ground controller at work:These days, this would probably be about the minum external hardware to fly. A yoke, throttle stand and rudder pedalsNotice all the different ages? This is a hobby for young and old folks. Mostly males though?Running this flight simulation software requires more and more powerful computers. In particular, running these days, incredibly accurate scenery. There is a whole world of dedicated flight SIM desktop computer builders out there.And any self-respecting pilot could not do without some of these of course. The mustache is not optional!This shows the flight currently underway from this very flight SIM weekend only. As you can see, busy skies. 24/7 there are thousands of Flight SIM enthusiasts, pilots and controllers online, enjoying their hobbies!A large part of the various stands are set up inside the museum, which gives the perfect background and atmosphere for this event!Let's look at some more serious hardware:You can buy these sorts of panels ready-made. There are two approaches in the flight SIM world. One is to buy these panels that are made specifically to interface with your home computer. Or to buy the real panels, taken from the real plane and modify them in such a way they can interface with your computer.Anything is available to discerning flight SIM enthusiasts. Knobs, levers, chips, PCB, you name it.I must say, these days all the panels made specifically are of an incredible quality. At face value, they look identical to the original real ones.Part of being a Flight sM pilot also means studying and reading all the manuals. Luckily, most aircraft manuals can still be bought relatively easily.Here is a so-called QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) of a Boeing 737. A QRH gives the pilot easy access to most of the relevant planning tables and data and all normal and non-normal checklists. These days papers have mostly been replaced by digital versions. Pilots carry an iPad these days, not a pilot case full of binders with papers.This is a full-scale mock-up of the cockpit of a single-engine plane, A Diamond. I have flown the real one for a good number of hours. A gorgeous plane with, full glass cockpit.Some enjoy being Fighter pilots. By and large a very different scene from the Commerical Pilots. In real and simulated life! I have never been particularly interested in fighters, but it is interesting to see. These guys in real and simulated life, live to dogfight. This guy was wearing a VR helmet/glasses and was constantly scanning his head around to see where his opponents where. You could see on a screen what he saw in his VR goggles. Very impressive, and very detailed.These are some of the most elaborate cockpits you can find. Last edited by Jeroen : 17th March 2025 at 15:55 .
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O2 is deploying artificial intelligence to combat the rising tide of scam and nuisance calls, flagging over 50 million suspicious calls every month.

Since launching its free Call Defence service in November, the company has flagged over 150 million potentially fraudulent calls.

The AI-powered system, in partnership with Hiya, analyzes call number behavior in real-time, alerting customers to suspected scam calls before they answer. This proactive approach is proving effective, claims O2, with flagged calls being answered 42% less often and 89% shorter than unflagged calls.

Scammers impersonating HMRC, Amazon, and payment providers are among the most frequently flagged. O2 is urging customers to report suspicious calls and texts to 7726, helping to improve the AIs accuracy and shut down scams faster.

With more than 50 million calls suspected nuisance and scam calls now being flagged every month, were empowering O2 customers in the fight against fraud, said Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2.

The Call Defence service is automatically rolled out to Android users and Apple customers with the latest iOS updates. O2 is the first UK mobile operator to offer this free protection.

By using Hiyas Adaptive AI to stay ahead of scammers, theyre not just making communication safertheyre restoring trust in the phone call itself, said Alex Algard, CEO & Founder of Hiya.

TOP 5 SCAM CALLS YOU NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR

Virgin Media O2 and Hiya have analysed data from scam calls reported on the network to reveal the top five scam call trends that consumers need to watch out for:

HMRC: Both live and prerecorded robocalls threatening legal action for unpaid taxes. Amazon: Scammers impersonate Amazon customer support, claiming theres an issue with an order or a fraudulent purchase. Their goal is to trick victims into providing account credentials or credit card information, often by urging them to verify details or resolve a fake problem. Payment services  VISA/Mastercard: Scammers claim theres a fraudulent charge or an issue when processing a payment. Their goal is to trick victims into providing credit card information under the guise of resolving the problem. Immigration: calls claiming to be from the immigration bureau warning of an expired visa. Mobile-related scams: calls offering significant but fake discounts on their contracts or new devices.

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In context: Akira is a dangerous, multiplatform ransomware threat that has been active since 2023. Available as a ransomware-as-a-service product to script kiddies and cybercriminals, the malware has targeted over 250 organizations and has earned up to $42 million for its unknown developers.

Yohanes Nugroho, an Indonesian programmer who works on personal coding projects in his spare time, developed a "decryptor" for the Akira ransomware. The tool employs a novel approach to solve a complex mathematical problem, exploiting the high parallelism of modern GPUs to test millions of key combinations in a very short timeframe.

Nugroho documented his journey through Akira's file-encrypting code on his personal website. He became involved with a Linux variant of Akira after a friend asked for help. Upon analyzing the code, Nugroho discovered that the ransomware uses the current time as a seed to generate cryptographically strong encryption keys.

The encryption process dynamically generates unique keys for each file, using four different timestamp seeds with "nanosecond precision." These keys are then hashed through 1,500 rounds of the SHA-256 function. Finally, the keys are encrypted using the RSA-4096 algorithm and appended at the end of each encrypted file.

The extreme precision of Akira's encryption makes decryption work complex and tedious, as the malware can generate more than a billion possible values per second. However, Nugroho's task was made easier thanks to the log files provided by his friend. With this data, he was able to determine when the ransomware was executed, allowing him to prepare encryption benchmarks to estimate how much time the decryptor would take.

Nugroho initially tried running a brute-force attack on a GeForce RTX 3060, but the GPU was too slow, processing only 60 million combinations per second. Upgrading to a higher-tier GPU (RTX 3090) didn't significantly improve the speed, so he decided to rent GPU time through cloud services RunPod and Vast.ai. By using 16 RTX 4090 GPUs in the cloud, Nugroho was able to complete the benchmark process in just over 10 hours.

Nugroho notes that the GeForce RTX 4090 would be an excellent choice for decrypting files compromised by Akira ransomware, thanks to its high number of CUDA cores and relatively low rental price. The developer has made his code available under an open-source license, encouraging "GPU experts" to explore further optimization opportunities. In its current form, the Akira decryptor can achieve around 1.5 billion encryptions per second for KCipher2 on a GeForce RTX 3090.
In brief: The Vietnamese government has just approved the construction of the country's first-ever wafer fabrication plant. It's an ambitious project with a total investment of VND 12.8 trillion (~$500 million), and construction is expected to be completed before 2030. But it doesn't end there. The country also aims to become one of the world's leading semiconductor nations between 2040 and 2050.

TrendForce reports that the facility will focus on producing specialized chips for high-tech applications like AI, defense tech, and more. It has some serious financial backing as well, with the local government pledging to cover up to 30% of the cost, plus tax incentives. A special steering committee led by Vietnam's Prime Minister will also oversee everything.

This push shouldn't come as a total surprise. Over the last couple of years, Vietnam has actively engaged in negotiations and discussions with major chip companies from the US, South Korea, Taiwan, and other leading semiconductor nations. Closed-door talks took place with prominent players like GlobalFoundries and Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor, though no deals have been made public yet.

However, the master plan extends far beyond this project. Last year, the Prime Minister signed off on Vietnam's semiconductor strategy through 2050. It's an ambitious one, divided into three phases.

Phase 1 calls for establishing at least 100 chip design companies, one manufacturing plant, and 10 packaging/testing facilities by 2030. Phase 2 will expand that footprint massively to 200 design firms, two fabs, and 15 packaging/testing sites in the 2030-2040 timeframe. Finally, Phase 3 aims to increase these numbers to 300 design houses, three manufacturing plants, 20 packaging/testing facilities, and achieve revenue targets exceeding $100 billion annually by 2050.

Achieving these targets won't be easy. Industry insiders have pointed out that building an advanced chip fab can cost $50 billion or more  making Vietnam's $500 million budget seem like pocket change. The head of the US Semiconductor Industry Association even recommended Vietnam focus on low-hanging fruit like chip packaging first, before attempting advanced manufacturing.

However, Vietnam appears intent on an accelerated approach and is reportedly aiming to leverage foreign investment and partnerships with domestic tech companies like Viettel. It will use these to rapidly scale up its semiconductor capabilities across the entire supply chain. The country already hosts nearly 175 foreign semiconductor projects, collectively worth almost $12 billion, even as they are primarily focused on the packaging and testing segments.
Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of Telegram, has confirmed that he has left France and returned to Dubai, as French authorities continue their investigation into criminal activity linked to his messaging platform.

Durov, who holds Emirati citizenship, made the announcement on his Telegram channel on Monday, stating that he had spent several months in France following an investigation involving Telegram's role in criminal activities.

In August 2024, Durov was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris and faced preliminary charges related to crimes conducted on the app, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and the distribution of child sexual abuse material, AP News said.

He was detained for questioning for several days and was subsequently barred from leaving France.

The French authorities also imposed strict bail conditions, requiring Durov to report to a police station twice a week and pay 5 million in bail.

Despite these conditions, Durov was granted permission by French authorities to temporarily leave the country.

In his Telegram post, Durov explained, "As you may have heard, I've returned to Dubai after spending several months in France due to an investigation related to the activity of criminals on Telegram. The process is ongoing, but it feels great to be home."

Durov Defends Telegram Amid Investigation into Criminal Activity in France

While in France, Durov faced scrutiny over Telegram's handling of illegal activities on its platform.

French investigators accused the messaging app of not cooperating adequately with authorities in the investigation of criminal activity.

Telegram has been under fire for its perceived lack of moderation, which critics argue allows criminal groups to exploit the platform for illicit purposes.

In his post, Durov defended Telegram, stating that the platform has consistently met, and even exceeded, its legal obligations regarding content moderation and cooperation with authorities.

According to EuroNews, He acknowledged the challenges of managing a rapidly growing platform, stating that the surge in Telegram's user base has created "growing pains," which, in turn, made it easier for criminals to abuse the platform.

The legal investigation continues, and Durov's return to Dubai does not signal the end of the case.

Preliminary charges remain in place under French law, indicating that authorities have substantial evidence suggesting criminal activity but need more time for a thorough investigation.

Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother in 2013, has become a widely used communication tool, particularly in Ukraine, where both media outlets and government officials rely on the app to share critical information, including missile alerts amidst the ongoing war with Russia.

However, the app has faced criticism in Western countries for its lenient approach to content moderation, leading to concerns about its role in facilitating criminal behavior.

Related Article: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Released From French Custody Days After Paris Airport Arrest

Originally published on vcpost.com
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 18. Uzbekistan and the European Union discussed enhancing practical and mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in the processing of critical mineral resources, Trend reports.

The news follows a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with a delegation from the European Union led by Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Sikela, who is on a working visit to Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the growing dynamics of bilateral cooperation in recent years, particularly in the political, trade, economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The meeting highlighted the vast potential and opportunities to further expand these areas of cooperation.

A key point discussed was the upcoming signing of a new agreement on extended partnership and cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU, which is expected to foster deeper collaboration. Both parties expressed a shared interest in advancing joint projects and programs in various sectors, including transport and logistics, energy, digitalization, agriculture, water management, and other priority areas.

Additionally, the parties noted the organization and upcoming first Central Asia-EU summit and the Climate Forum scheduled for early April in Samarkand. The parties also exchanged views on regional cooperation issues within Central Asia.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Kiribati eyes deep-sea mining deal with China



Sydney, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Pacific nation Kiribati says it is exploring a deep-sea mining partnership with China, dangling access to a vast patch of Pacific Ocean harbouring coveted metals and minerals.

Beijing has been ramping up efforts to court Pacific nations sitting on lucrative seafloor deposits of cobalt, nickel and copper -- recently inking a cooperation deal with Cook Islands.

Kiribati opened discussions with Chinese ambassador Zhou Limin after a longstanding agreement with leading deep-sea mining outfit The Metals Company fell through.

"The talk provides an exciting opportunity to explore potential collaboration for the sustainable exploration of the deep-ocean resources in Kiribati," the government said Monday evening in a statement.

Pacific nations Kiribati, Cook Islands and Nauru sit at the forefront of a highly contentious push to mine the depths of the ocean.

Kiribati holds rights for deep-sea mining exploration across a 75,000-square-kilometre swathe of the Pacific Ocean.

Through state-backed subsidiary Marawa Research, Kiribati had been working with Canada-based The Metals Company to develop the area's mineral deposits.

That agreement was terminated "mutually" at the end of 2024, The Metals Company told AFP.

The Metals Company said Kiribati's mining rights were "less commercially favourable than our other projects".

The firm is racing to win regulatory approval that would make it one of the first companies to mine international waters on an industrial scale.

It has partnerships with Kiribati's Pacific neighbours Nauru and Tonga.

Members of the International Seabed Authority are currently meeting in Jamaica to thrash out the rules for deep-sea extraction.



- 'Bending over backwards' -



Kiribati, a climate-threatened archipelago home to some 130,000 people, has been drifting closer to China since it severed links with Taiwan in 2019.

Chinese companies have in recent years been granted access to Kiribati's profitable fisheries -- one of the nation's few natural resources besides minerals.

A visiting cadre of Beijing police have also visited capital Tarawa to help train local Kiribati forces.

Tessie Lambourne, a leading member of Kiribati's political opposition, said China seemed to be seeking access to "our maritime space for its own interest".

"I always say that our government is bending over backwards to please China," she told AFP.

China and Cook Islands struck a five-year agreement in February to cooperate in exploring the Pacific nation's seabed mineral riches.

The deal did not include any exploration or mining licence.

Companies hope to earn billions by scraping the ocean floor for polymetallic rocks, or nodules, that are loaded with manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel -- metals used to build batteries for electric vehicles.

Nauru, Tonga and the Cook Islands believe the industry holds the key to economic prosperity in a region where scarce land is already under threat from rising seas.

But Pacific neighbours Palau, Fiji and Samoa are staunchly opposed -- pushing for lingering environmental questions to be cleared up before anyone takes the plunge.
Kiribati eyes deep-sea mining deal with China



Sydney, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Pacific nation Kiribati says it is exploring a deep-sea mining partnership with China, dangling access to a vast patch of Pacific Ocean harbouring coveted metals and minerals.

Beijing has been ramping up efforts to court Pacific nations sitting on lucrative seafloor deposits of cobalt, nickel and copper -- recently inking a cooperation deal with Cook Islands.

Kiribati opened discussions with Chinese ambassador Zhou Limin after a longstanding agreement with leading deep-sea mining outfit The Metals Company fell through.

"The talk provides an exciting opportunity to explore potential collaboration for the sustainable exploration of the deep-ocean resources in Kiribati," the government said Monday evening in a statement.

Pacific nations Kiribati, Cook Islands and Nauru sit at the forefront of a highly contentious push to mine the depths of the ocean.

Kiribati holds rights for deep-sea mining exploration across a 75,000-square-kilometre swathe of the Pacific, in a region known as the Clarion Clipperton Zone.

Through state-backed subsidiary Marawa Research, Kiribati had been working with Canada-based The Metals Company to explore the mineral deposits.

But that agreement was terminated "mutually" at the end of 2024, The Metals Company told AFP.

A Kiribati fisheries official said the nation was now exploring opportunities with other foreign partners.

The Metals Company said Kiribati's mining rights were "less commercially favourable" than other projects with Pacific nations Nauru and Tonga.

Kiribati's announcement comes as international regulators begin a series of crunch meetings that could decide the fate of the nascent industry.

The Metals Company and other industry players are pushing the International Seabed Authority to set rules allowing large-scale exploitation.



- 'Bending over backwards' -



Kiribati, a climate-threatened archipelago home to some 130,000 people, lays claim to an ocean expanse that forms one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world.

Under incumbent President Taneti Maamau it severed diplomatic links with Taiwan in 2019, forming deeper ties to China.

Chinese companies have in recent years been granted rights to harvest Kiribati's profitable fisheries -- one of the nation's few natural resources besides minerals.

A visiting cadre of Beijing police have also visited the capital Tarawa to help train local Kiribati forces.

Tessie Lambourne, a leading member of Kiribati's opposition, said China seemed to be seeking access to "our maritime space for its own interest".

"I always say that our government is bending over backwards to please China," she told AFP.

China and Cook Islands struck a five-year cooperation agreement in February to study the Pacific nation's seabed mineral riches.

The deal did not include any exploration or mining licence.

Companies hope to earn billions by scraping the ocean floor for polymetallic rocks, or nodules, that are loaded with manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel -- metals used to build batteries for electric vehicles.

Pacific nations such as Nauru and Kiribati believe the industry holds the key to economic prosperity in a region where scarce land is already under threat from rising seas.

But neighbours Palau, Fiji and Samoa are staunchly opposed, pushing for lingering environmental questions to be cleared up before anyone takes the plunge.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 18. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan put their heads together to hash out regional projects in transport and energy infrastructure, Trend reports.

The matter was revealed during a telephone conversation between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov.

During the conversation, the dignitaries engaged in a robust exchange of heartfelt accolades and earnest aspirations for tranquility and flourishing development for their respective states, coinciding with the imminent vernal equinox celebrationNavruz.



The dialogue encompassed the pragmatic execution of strategic accords, with a focus on initiatives fostering synergistic collaboration across trade, industrial partnerships, logistical frameworks, energy solutions, agricultural advancements, tourism initiatives, and other pivotal sectors.



The heads of state from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan engaged in discussions regarding the strategic preparations for the imminent trilateral high-level convening, alongside the Central Asia-EU summit and the Climate Forum scheduled in Samarkand.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
S. Africa court bars fishing to protect endangered African Penguins



Johannesburg, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



A South African court order issued Tuesday barred for at least 10 years commercial fishing at key breeding colonies for African penguins that are facing extinction in part because of threats to their food supply.

Bird conservation groups that pushed for the protection welcomed the settlement in the Pretoria High Court as a milestone in the fight to save the distinctive southern African black-and-white birds.

The order makes the waters around six key breeding colonies off limits to commercial sardine and anchovy fishing for at least a decade, according to a copy.

They include Robben Island about 10 kilometres (six miles) off Cape Town, that is most famous for its jail where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years until 1982.

Other zones are the uninhabited Dassen Island, further up South Africa's Atlantic coast, and the Stony Point nature reserve.

"This order of court is an historic victory in the ongoing battle to save the critically endangered African Penguin from extinction in the wild," said BirdLife South Africa, one of the groups that had called for the protection.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the African Penguin critically endangered in October 2024.

Conservationists say that 97 percent of the population is already lost and, at the current rate of population decrease, the bird could be extinct in the wild by 2035.

The dwindling numbers are due to a combination of factors including disturbances and oil spills, but the biggest threat is linked to their nutrition, conservationists say.

When penguins do not eat enough, preferably sardines or anchovies, they tend to abandon breeding, they say.

There were more than 15,100 breeding pairs in 2018 but this dropped to around 8,750 by the end of 2023, according to BirdLife South Africa.

Tuesday's ruling gives the environment minister two weeks to implement the closure of the six breeding sites.
Ecuador battles spreading oil slick, residents without water



Quito, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



Ecuador battled a spreading oil slick Tuesday that has reached several rivers after a spill left thousands without drinking water and triggered the declaration of an environmental emergency.

The spill in the country's northwest last Thursday was believed to have been caused when a landslide ruptured a major pipeline, releasing tens of thousands of barrels of oil.

The crude has since spread from the Esmeraldas River, where it started, to at least four other waterways.

About half-a-million people have been affected in one way or another, many cut off from potable water in a region heavily reliant on rivers for this commodity, Esmeraldas mayor Vicko Villacis told the Teleamazonas network Tuesday.

The government has declared an environmental emergency in the province, home to a wildlife refuge with more than 250 animal species.

State-owned Petroecuador, which manages the damaged pipeline, was using tanker trucks to recover as much as possible of the spilled crude from areas where many people make a subsistence living of fishing.

It has not quantified the amount spilled, but Villacis estimated it was about 200,000 barrels.

Three ships are expected to bring drinking water to Esmeraldas starting Tuesday, said Petroecuador.

Ecuador in 2024 produced about 475,000 barrels of oil per day -- one of its main export products.

The burst pipeline is part of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE), which can transport 360,000 barrels per day on the 500-kilometer (310-mile) journey from the Amazon to the Pacific coast.

In Rocafuerte, a fishing village in Esmeraldas, AFP observed several boats and their nets covered in black oil.

"If it continues like this, we won't be able to fish anymore," resident Luis Cabezas told AFP.
Blaze hits major Nigeria oil pipeline



Lagos, March 18 (AFP) Mar 18, 2025



A fire broke out at a major pipeline in southern Nigeria, Africa's largest petrol producer, police said on Tuesday, adding they had arrested two people for questioning.

The force in Rivers State gave no details about the damage inflicted by the fire, which was discovered by security officers on a routine patrol at night who then shut down the pipeline in response.

"A fire incident occurred at the... Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, located at the border of Kpor and Bodo communities," the Rivers State police said in a statement.

"Two individuals have been taken in for questioning as part of efforts to uncover any potential act of sabotage," the police statement added.

The Trans Niger Pipeline transports crude oil from the oil fields of southern Nigeria's Niger River Delta to the Bonny terminal for export.

Until last week its operator was British oil multinational Shell.

Following a takeover of Shell's onshore assets in the Niger Delta, the pipeline's management is now in the hands of the Renaissance Africa Energy consortium.

The consortium brings together Beninese-Gabonese businessman Samuel Dossou-Aworet's Petrolin and four Nigerian oil companies.

Poor pipeline maintenance and acts of vandalism lead to frequent oil spills in the region.

Armed groups, as well as local residents, regularly syphon crude from pipelines belonging to the major oil companies, which they then refine at illegal sites and sell on the black market.

In the past five years Nigeria's National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has recorded around 3,8770 oil spills in the country, most of those in the Niger Delta region.

Despite the country's vast petroleum wealth, most Nigerians live in grave poverty, while prices at the pump skyrocketed following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2023 decision to end a costly fuel subsidy.

Many in the west African country regularly accuse the major oil companies of having polluted their region without helping it develop.

Decades of oil spills have devastated mangroves and entire villages, where fishing and farming once provided the main local source of income.

The Bodo community launched legal proceedings against Shell following oil spills in 2008, in a case which the British courts have yet to rule on.

fvl/sbk/giv

Delta Air Lines
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Harvard University announced a new initiative to offer students free education if their families make under $200,000 or less a year.

Harvard College will be free for students from families with annual incomes of $100,000 or less, and tuition-free for students from families with annual incomes of $200,000 or less.

The financial aid expansion will officially go into effect for the 2025 to 2026 academic year.

Putting Harvard within financial reach for more individuals widens the array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all of our students encounter, fostering their intellectual and personal growth, Alan M. Garber, Harvard University President, said in a statement Monday.

By bringing people of outstanding promise together to learn with and from one another, we truly realize the tremendous potential of the University, he continued.

open image in gallery Harvard University will start offering students with specific financial backgrounds free tuition in the 2025 to 2026 academic year ( Getty Images )

Harvard College  the undergraduate school within the university  will be free for students with families with an annual income of $100,000 or less.

This covers all billed expenses including tuition, food, housing, health insurance, and travel costs, the announcement explained.

Each eligible student will also receive a $2,000 start-up grant for the first year and a $2,000 launch grant during their third year to help support the transition beyond Harvard.

Students whose families earn annual incomes of $200,000 or less will receive aid for billed expenses on top of free tuition according to need.

We know the most talented students come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences, from every state and around the globe, William R. Fitzsimmons, the dean of admissions and financial aid for Harvard College, told the Gazette.

Our financial aid is critical to ensuring that these students know Harvard College is a place where they can be part of a vibrant learning community strengthened by their presence and participation, he continued.

Harvard lists its annual estimated undergraduate tuition as $82,866 on its website, which includes additional expenses such as food, health and student services, and housing. Tuition alone is $56,550.

According to U.S. World News & Report, Harvard Universitys average acceptance rate for new students is 3 percent. The undergraduate school had 7,110 students in the fall of 2023.

The 388-year-old academic institution  based in Cambridge, Massachusetts  is the latest school to implement a financial expansion of this magnitude.

Princeton University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, and University of Pennsylvania are among the other schools offering similar financial aid expansions for their students with families earning les than $200,000 to $100,000 or less yearly.
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Everyone suffers from headaches occasionally and more often than not, they are harmless if not a bit of a nuisance.

But when should you worry that something more serious is happening?

It is worth knowing that there are certain warning signs that should be checked out by a doctor.

Some symptoms could even indicate a brain tumour.

March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month. To mark it, we spoke to experts.

They have shared insights on when a headache should raise concern, and the steps to take if youre feeling worried about your health.

open image in gallery Headaches are mostly harmless, but here are the signs there might be something else going on ( Alamy/PA )

Is a headache a common side effect of a brain tumour?

Headaches are a common symptom of brain tumours, occurring in about 50-60% of patients, says Dr Steven Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health.

The mechanisms by which brain tumours cause headaches include increased intracranial pressure, direct irritation and changes in blood flow, explains Allder. Tumours can occupy space in the skull, causing swelling or blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which leads to increased pressure on the brain.

Additionally, tumours may press on or stretch sensitive tissues like blood vessels or nerves, triggering pain. Tumours can also disrupt normal blood circulation within the brain, contributing to headaches.

What characteristics do brain tumour headaches have?

Brain tumour-related headaches have distinct characteristics that can help differentiate them from other types of headaches. Here are five key signs to look out for

1. Persistent, worsening headaches

Unlike typical tension or migraine headaches, brain tumour headaches tend to worsen over time, says Allder. This progression may involve an increase in the intensity, frequency or duration of the pain.

2. Morning headaches

Lying down for long periods of time can increase pressure in the brain, says Dr Peter Abel, senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, who specialises in neuro-oncology. This means that people suffering from a brain tumour might experience headaches more often in the morning, after a night of sleep.

3. Pain concentrated in one specific area

Headaches in a specific area can also signify the location of the brain tumour, due to pressure or blocked fluid, notes Abel.

4. Accompanied symptoms

Brain tumour headaches are frequently accompanied by other symptoms that suggest increased intracranial pressure or direct effects on the brain, notes Allder. These can include nausea and vomiting, as well as neurological signs such as vision changes (blurry or double vision), seizures, muscle weakness or numbness.

5. Resistance to common pain relief

Unlike typical headaches, those associated with brain tumours often do not respond well to over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin, highlights Allder. This lack of relief can be a key warning sign.

open image in gallery Seeing a doctor is important if you are worried about head pain ( PA )

When should people seek medical advice about a headache?

People should seek medical advice for a headache in several situations.

If headaches are recurring and differ from your usual pattern, it is important to consult a doctor, says Allder. Similarly, headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or speech difficulties, should be investigated.

Severe headaches that do not respond to usual pain relief also warrant medical attention.

The neurologist also advises that individuals at higher risk, such as those with a history of cancer or a weakened immune system, should seek prompt medical advice if they experience unusual headaches.

When should people seek emergency treatment about a headache?

Its important to take brain tumour symptoms seriously, stresses Abel. Emergency care should be sought out if a headache is extremely painful.

A fever, a stiff neck, photophobia (light sensitivity), and seizures are all accompanying symptoms which should prompt emergency care.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has spoken out about her 32-year age gap with her husband, Nicholas Riccio.

Leavitt, who is the youngest White House press secretary in history at 27, married Riccio, 59, in a private ceremony in January days before President Donald Trumps second inauguration.

She recently opened up about meeting her partner back in 2022, when she was running for Congress in New Hampshire. Leavitt won the Republican nomination, but ultimately lost the seat to Chris Pappas.

A mutual friend of ours hosted an event at a restaurant that he owns up in New Hampshire and invited my husband, she said during an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, which aired last month. I was speaking. We met and we were acquainted as friends. And then we fell in love.

When Kelly asked Leavitt if she had any hesitations about dating Riccio, since he was 59, she said: Of course.

I mean it's a very atypical love story but he's incredible, she continued.

open image in gallery Karoline Leavitt and her husband Nicholas Riccio welcomed their son Niko last year ( @karolineleavitt / Instagram )

She also applauded Riccio for being there for her and their son, Nicholas Robert Riccio  nicknamed Niko  who they welcomed in July 2024.

He is my greatest supporter, he's my best friend and he's my rock. He's built a very successful business himself so now he's fully supportive of me building my success in my career, she added about the real estate developer. And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life. I say, I walked into your life and it's been a circus ever since, but God bless him because he's fully on board.

She went on to detail how she balances the responsibilities of her job and motherhood.

Im so grateful to have the support system I do. Great husband, who can be very present with our child, she added. And then, of course, a wonderful mother and father and friends who chip in when I need them.

On Monday, Leavitt finally shared a few photos on Instagram of her private wedding, which took place at Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in New Hampshire. For the occasion, the press secretary wore a long-sleeved, sparkled, white gown, with her hair in an updo. Her husband wore a classic black tuxedo and bowtie.

Finally found some time to post a few of my favorite pictures from one of my favorite days! she wrote in the caption.

In July, she announced on Instagram that she was a mother, sharing a black and white photo of herself looking at her son after he was born.

open image in gallery Leavitt recently issued a scathing rebuke to a French politician calling for the Statue of Liberty to be returned ( EPA )

Its true when they say theres nothing comparable to the love you feel for your child. My heart has grown bigger than I ever imagined possible, she wrote in the caption. Babies are the ultimate blessing and Im bursting with gratitude for our beautiful, happy, healthy boy.

Days after Niko was born, Leavitt continued her work with the Trump campaign. She said she ultimately shortened her maternity leave after the assassination attempt against Trump on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania.

I had just brought my newborn, my three-day-old baby home from the hospital. And I said, Im going to turn on the television and watch the rally today, she said, referring to the event on July 13, during an interview with The Conservateur in October. I looked at my husband and said, Looks like Im going back to work.
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Melinda Gates has responded to her ex-husband Bill Gatess comments about their divorce.

Earlier this year, the Microsoft founder named his divorce from Melinda after 27 years as the mistake he most regrets.

In an interview with Elle for its 2025 Women of Impact issue published on Monday, Melinda was asked about his remarks.

Youve clearly Googled more than I have, she told the publication, which noted that she rolled her eyes at the question. Look, divorces are painful, and its not something I would wish on any family.

During his interview with The Times earlier this year, Bill said that the top of the list in terms of his biggest mistakes was his divorce. There are others, but none that matter, he said. The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.

Still, Bill said that he and his ex have stayed on good terms, and see each other often.

open image in gallery Melinda was married to Bill for 27 years before they announced their divorce in 2021 ( Getty Images )

We have three kids and two grandchildren so there are family events. The kids are doing well. They have good values, he explained. The couple tied the knot in 1994. Their three children are now adults: Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22.

He didnt go into any details about what triggered the divorce in the interview, though he admitted in 2021 that he had an affair with an employee during the marriage.

open image in gallery The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years, Bill said ( AFP via Getty Images )

Announcing their separation on May 3, 2021, Bill and Melinda said in a joint statement: Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives.

We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives.

Melinda previously spoke about her relationship with Bill in June 2024, one month after she exited the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

It gave us the privacy to do what needed to be done in private, she said during an interview with Time magazine about going through the split during the pandemic. You know, I separated first before I made the full decision about a divorce. And to be able to do that in private while Im still trying to take care of the kids, while still making certain decisions about how youre going to disentangle your life  thank God.

She acknowledged that when her split happened, both her work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and her family were on her mind.

I thought a lot about my three children, she said. But I certainly thought about the effect on the foundation. Those are the three biggest buckets: me, the kids, and the foundation. And I wanted to make sure that when we came through it to the other side  when I came through it on my side  all of those pieces were intact.
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Stanley Tucci has shared the unexpected reason his life-saving cancer treatment has continued to impact his daily life.

The Conclave actor, 64, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017. He underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatment as the tumour doctors found at the base of his tongue was too large to operate on.

Tucci  who is now in remission  revealed that, although his cancer is unlikely to return, he has been left with other health issues as a result of his radiation treatment.

Speaking on David Tennant Does A Podcast With, Tucci said he was filming his BBC series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy last year when he noticed something was seriously wrong.

I would be so tired in the afternoon, like completely exhausted by one oclock, he said. I had a blood test and I was like, I know somethings f****** wrong with me. My thyroid was non-functioning.

Tucci first suspected his stress levels had impacted his thyroid function, with doctors telling him his cholesterol levels were notably high. However, they later concluded radiation treatment had burned out his thyroid.

The actor revealed he now takes the synthetic thyroid hormone pill Synthroid and will be undergoing further blood tests in order to treat the issue.

open image in gallery Stanley Tucci has opened up about the side effects of his life-saving cancer treatment ( Getty Images )

I still get tired in the afternoon, he admitted. Literally, you cant think, you cant moveand once I started taking the pill, it made a huge difference.

But I want to get back to where I was, he added. It is normal and especially now Ive just turned 64. I mean, there are times when I dont want to do f****** anything.

In his most recent book What I Ate in One Year, Tucci revealed he thinks he has only 20 or 30 years left to live if hes lucky.

When asked if that figure made him more sad or motivated, the Devil Wears Prada star replied: A hundred percent sad, a hundred percent motivated.

open image in gallery Actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017 and is now in remission ( Getty Images )

He explained: There's a letting go. In essence, of aging, I have started to welcome that, embrace that to a certain extent with certain things and then at the same time there are things you're clinging to.

That can be a good thing, but that can also just be, let it go. It's alright. You're never going to have that thing. That's never going to work for you. That's gone.

Back in 2023, Tucci opened up about how his wife, the literary agent Felicity Blunt, helped him through his treatment for oral cancer.

Speaking about the high-dose radiation and chemotherapy he underwent, Tucci described the treatments as brutal and awful, saying: I lost 35 pounds. I couldnt eat. I had a feeding tube for six months and everything tasted like you-know-what and smelled like you-know-what.

open image in gallery Tucci and his wife Felicity Blunt ( Getty Images )

And it took months and months and months for me to finally be able to eat again and then taste properly again.

I was so afraid, but Felicity was very insistent, he said. I mean that she had to drag me, kicking and screaming, but now, I wouldnt be around if I hadnt done that [treatment].

He said: She was incredible. Still is incredible.
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The mother of a man murdered by an Arizona death row inmate says she doesnt want his killer executed this week but wants him kept alive to suffer.

I feel that he wants this execution because hes tired of being on death row, Phyllis Price Tueller, Ted Prices mother, said in an interview ahead of Aaron Gunches's execution on Wednesday. I dont want him executed. I want him to suffer.

Gunches, 53, murdered her son in 2002 and was convicted of the crime in 2008.

To Karen Price, her 40-year-old brother was on the verge of turning his life around when Gunches murdered him. The Utah native was pursuing an education to become a radiology technician after going to school in Utah, where he was from, and recently left his long-term partner.

He was enjoying his fresh start reconnecting with friends after living in Arizona. He was enjoying it, Price told USA Today. We were thrilled for him.

But to further his education, Ted Price decided it would be a good idea to attend an institution back in Arizona where he could finish his education faster. That decision would require him to move back in with his ex-girlfriend who was dating Gunches at the time.

She agreed the two could live together. The pair had been in a serious relationship and Ted Price had become a stay-at-home father to her two children for 10 years. When Ted Price arrived back in Arizona, he discovered his ex had started living in a home for drug addicts.

open image in gallery Aaron Gunches, 53, is scheduled to be executed in Arizona at 10 a.m. Wednesday for the murder of Ted Price, 40, in 2002 ( AP )

Shed developed a methamphetamine habit and in one instance took the drug with her 14-year-old daughter in front of her son. Ted did not involve himself with those kinds of activities and he probably showed up and was like, What the heck like, this is not acceptable, his sister Karen said.

It makes sense that he would be willing to protect those kids, even though the relationship wasnt the best. She thinks her brother mightve threatened to call Child Protective Services, upsetting his ex. The two got in a fight and Gunches later became involved. He drove Ted Price into the desert near Mesa and shot him four times.

Gunchess execution is scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 19 via lethal injection at a prison facility in Florence, Arizona, 23 years after the murder.

He pleaded guilty to the crime and waived his right to a clemency hearing. Since his trial, hes advocated for his death.

For Karen Price, Gunches execution is not enough. We wanted that man in solitary confinement, she told the outlet. He ought to suffer.

He ought to be the most miserable human being on the face of the Earth for what he did to our brother, and we wanted that for him.

Ted Prices family described him as a quiet and kind person. He treated everybody with kindness, his other sister, Sheila Banaszek said. When he had a chance to reinvent himself, he chose the medical field because he wanted to help people.

Gunches will be the first person killed by Arizona since 2022. In 2023, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs paused executions pending a review of the states execution procedures by an independent commissioner. Hobbs reversed the decision in 2024, three days after President Donald Trump won the presidential election.

Shortly after taking office, Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general to assist states in executing inmates on death row. Karen Price doesnt believe the execution will bring her closure.

Throughout the years, her family has tracked Gunches status and became frustrated when he was moved to better conditions, the outlet reported.

She said the majority of the family are looking forward to putting Gunches behind them. We want to be done with him, to not have to think about him anymore, to not have to get any calls from victims advocates, Price continued. We just want to be done.
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Bodycam footage shows the dramatic moment a man was freed after allegedly being held captive in a single room for 20 years by his stepmother.

The 32-year-old Connecticut native was rescued after he intentionally started a fire in the room he was locked in at his familys Waterbury home, police said. The mans identity has been kept anonymous after he was found in an extremely malnourished conditioning stemming from his inhumane treatment by his captor, authorities said.

The victim told police that his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 57, had allegedly held him captive since he was 11 years old. Sullivan was identified as a suspect and arrested by officers from the Waterbury Police Department on Wednesday.

The defendant faces assault, kidnapping, unlawful restrain, cruelty to persons and reckless endangerment charges. Her attorney has denied the allegations. She was arraigned and held at the Connecticut Department of Corrections before posting a $300,000 bond Thursday, jail records show.

Newly released bodycam footage reveals the moment emergency personnel arrived at the property just before 8:50 p.m. on February 17.

open image in gallery Bodycam footage shows the moment a man was rescued after allegedly been held captive by his stepmother Kimberly Sullivan (pictured) for two decades ( Waterbury Police Department )

Come down, Sullivan can be heard screaming from outside the house with a do under her arm. My stepson is in here Im trying to have them help him out. I have two cats.

The woman tells police her dog is shaking as she is chaperoned away from the home.

My dog, she said again referring to the pet as her stepsons limp body is recorded being carried out by a firefighter before being put in the back of an ambulance.

open image in gallery The victim, who remains anonymous, pictured being carried by a firefighter from his home last month ( Waterbury Police Department )

When probed about lighting the fire, police said the victim replied: I wanted my freedom.

Detectives determined that the victim had been held in captivity for over 20 years, enduring prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment, the Waterbury Police Department said in a recent statement.

Investigators found the victim severely emaciated after he had only been provided minimal amounts of food and water. He had not received medical or dental care during his time in captivity, police said.

Proseuctors at Sullivans arraignment said the victim had been contained in an eight-by-nine-foot room since he was in fourth grade and let out between 15 and 120 minutes a day to do chores.

open image in gallery Kimberly Sullivan was charged with kidnapping and assualt, among other offences, last week ( Waterbury Police Department )

They added that he was 5ft 9 and weighed just 68lbs at the time of rescue. He was allegedly given two sandwiches and the equivalent of two bottles of water per day while in captivity.

Some of his daily water ration was withheld and used to bathe with and pieces of his teeth would snap off when he did eat, prosecutors said.

With no access to a bathroom, the victim is said to have used a series of straws that led to a hole in a window to dispose of his waste.

The victims estranged biological mother has called for Sullivan and her family to spend the rest of her life in solitary confinement, she told NBC Connecticut. The victims biological father died last year, authorities said.

Im heartbroken. I still just cant fathom it. How can anybody treat somebody like that?, the mother, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said.

open image in gallery The 32-year-old victim was rescued on February 17 ( Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury/GoFundMe )

The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable. This case required relentless investigative effort, and I commend the dedication of our officers and the Waterbury States Attorneys Office, Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said.

Their unwavering commitment ensured that justice is served, and the perpetrator is held fully accountable for these horrific crimes.

The Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, a domestic abuse treatment center, set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the victims medical costs and integration into normal life. It had raised more than $93,000 of its $100,000 target by Tuesday morning.
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A woman has been arrested for animal cruelty after police discovered more than 20 dead cats inside her home  14 of which were inside her fridge freezer.

Police were called to the Louisiana home of Sheri Hite, 71, last Thursday afternoon regarding a welfare concern.

As they stepped towards the entrance of the Morgan City property officers noticed what was clearly a dead cat inside the residence along with a strong odor coming from inside, police said in a statement.

Hite gave officers permission to enter her home, whereupon the officers were met with an unbearable odor they traced to the dead animals. One cat was found alive and handed over to animal rescue.

open image in gallery Police were called to the property along McDermott Drive on Thursday evening after receiving a welfare concern about the 71-year-old suspect ( Google Maps )

Detectives secured a search warrant for the residence, a Morgan City Police Department statement said. On March 14, detectives with the Morgan City Police Department performed further search of the residence and discovered eight dead cats in rooms and 14 other dead cats in the freezer. Only one cat was found alive and turned over to animal rescue. The deceased cats were turned over for disposal.

Hite stated she recently picked up cats from the Baton Rouge area to take care of and explained the frozen cats were kept to be later disposed of, police added.

Hite has been charged with 23 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. She is being held in the Morgan County Jail ahead of court proceedings.
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Footage shows how a Florida man swerved through Tampas streets in an ambulance that police say he stole in a beer-fueled joyride.

Michael J. Esquilin is facing a slew of driving and theft-related charges after allegedly running rings around Florida Highway Patrol troopers Saturday. Video footage captured the Tampa Fire Rescue ambulance veering in and out of lanes, barely dodging cars, and crossing onto the opposite side of the road.

After driving for several miles, he came to a stop at the intersection between South Hubert Avenue and West Empedrado Street in Tampa Bay, where he can be seen on police dash video chugging a drink in the side-view mirror.

Police then opened the drivers door, grabbed the man from his seat and placed him in handcuffs.

The 43-year-old had been drinking for two days before the joyride and decided to steal the ambulance after emergency services personnel refused to take him home, authorities said.

open image in gallery Michael J. Esquilin appears to chug from beer can after leading cops on chase in stolen ambulance ( Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office )

Tampa Fire Rescue officials told Fox13 that Esquilin fled with the ambulance as medics were trying to transfer a patient to the HCA South Tampa Hospital.

The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol worked to chase him down and recover the emergency vehicle.

We are grateful that no one was harmed during this incident, especially given the reckless actions of the suspect, which posed a serious threat to the community, Tampa Fire Rescue said in a statement. The security of our personnel, equipment, and the community we serve remains our top priority. Tampa Fire Rescue is conducting an internal review to assess and strengthen security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Esquilins charges include: fleeing to elude high speed, DUI or subsequent violation, driving while license revoked  habitual offender, grand theft of emergency medical equipment, resisting officer without violence, burglary of an authorized emergency vehicle, and an out-of-county warrant for one count of criminal mischief.

Esquilin appeared in court Monday and prosecutors said this was not his first run-in with the law for DUI offenses.

"Your honor, he does have four prior DUIs," the prosecutor said in court on Monday. The state is very concerned by the facts of this case where there's a complete, blatant disregard for authority in this case, Your Honor. And I'm concerned by the facts and post-Miranda admissions made by the defendant."

open image in gallery After driving for several miles, he came to a stop at the intersection between South Hubert Avenue and West Empedrado Street in Tampa Bay, where he can be seen on police dash video chugging a drink in the side-view mirror ( Florida Highway Patrol )

However, his defense team pleaded to the judge that the man was in no financial position to post bond.

"Your honor Mr. Esquilin has lived in the county for 15 years," a defense attorney said. "He has extensive family in the area, and he is currently unemployed, has no income, and cannot afford bond."

Judge J. Logan Murphy said: "Based on the nature and circumstances of the offenses past and present conduct, which indicates a risk of harm to the community, not just because of the DUI, but because, as the state argued, lack of regard for authority during the fleeing to elude high speed in this particular case, and because of, again, what I find to be a risk of harm to the community based on his statements in this case, I'm imposing a screen monitor and a GPS monitor. No alcohol during the pendency of this case."

According to Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office booking records, Esquilin is being held in Falkenburg Road Jail on a $33,513 bond.
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A Florida minister is accused of getting behind the wheel drunk hours after being released from jail and getting into a car wreck that killed a mom and injured her three kids.

Nicholas Betancourt, 33, is facing a string of charges including manslaughter while DUI, vehicular homicide and reckless driving with serious bodily injury, along with drug charges, after the death of Dana Maria Rivera on February 28.

Betancourt was driving north in a Chrysler Pacifica minivan along Gunn Highway around 3:45 p.m when he suddenly entered the opposite lanes and collided with Riveras Lincoln Town car, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office says.

open image in gallery Nicholas Betancourt is facing a series of charges for an alleged drunk driving crash that took the life of a mom ( Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office )

Rivera, 36, became trapped in the drivers seat after the crash and suffered fatal injuries. Her three children - 4-year-old Gianna, 6-year-old Anna and her 15-year-old son Nick - survived but were all seriously injured. One suffered damage to the left kidney, along with a bone fracture around the eye and cuts to the leg. A second had a broken leg while the third child had chest pain, bruising and a swollen right foot.

Deputies said Betancourt appeared intoxicated when officers found him at the scene, according to a prosecutors motion obtained by Law & Crime.

Deputy Garcia made contact with Defendant on scene and observed the defendant to be on the nod with his head falling down and his eyes droopy, the motion alleged. Dash camera footage recovered shows the Pacifica operated by Defendant leaving its lane of travel and entering into the lane of travel for the Town Car at the time of the crash.

open image in gallery Rivera, 36, became trapped in the drivers compartment after the crash and suffered fatal injuries ( Legacy.com )

A test of Betancourts airbag control system inside his car suggested he had been traveling just under 60mph at the time of the crash, above the 45mph speed limit, prosecutors say.

Drug tests carried out on the suspect were positive for cocaine, amphetamines, oxycodone and benzodiazepines, according to the motion put forward for his pretrial detention.

A traffic homicide investigator also found a stash of drugs on the backseat of the ministers Pacifica, including methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, Oxycodone, Xanax, Carisoprodol, Narcan nasal spray and other drug paraphernalia, the motion added.

Further investigations found that police first arrested Betancourt for a separate alleged DUI incident on February 27 but he was released at 9 a.m. the following morning after posting a $500 bail with a suspended license.

The fatal crash took place less than seven hours later.

Hillsborough booking records listed Betancourt as a minister and his employer as a local Presbyterian church though the name was omitted.

Tributes have been paid to the mom-of-four in an online obituary that said she was kind, loving, generous, and silly and busy all of the time taking her kids to school, some after-school programs, and kept up a home for her family. She is said to have held down two jobs in hospitality at the Steinbrenner High School, and Publix deli. A funeral was held last week.

"A mother lost her life, and her children will carry that emotional scar forever, said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a statement. "Nothing will ever bring their mother back or erase the trauma these children will carry for the rest of their lives, but we want them to know they are not alone. We will stand by them.
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An OnlyFans creator in California has been charged with murder after a man died following a sexual fetish encounter that saw him have a bag duct taped over his head.

Michaela Brashaye Rylaarsdam, 31, was arrested last month  two years after the encounter which left 55-year-old Michael Dale dead after being placed on life support.

Per court documents obtained by The Orange County Register, during the encounter, Rylaarsdam allegedly wrapped a bag around Dales head and glued a pair of womens shoes to his feet  at his request.

She also allegedly recorded the interactions to use as content for her OnlyFans site. Investigators claimed that one video showed Dale in the secured bag for at least eight minutes.

Rylaarsdam has been charged with second-degree murder. She previously pleaded not guilty in Vista Superior Court.

The alleged incident occurred at a home in Escondido in April 2023, in what appeared to be a session of bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism  more commonly referred to as BDSM.

In text messages and phone calls in the weeks leading up to the encounter, Dale made some unusual requests, including that she wrap him like a mummy in Saran wrap and glue a pair of womens boots onto his feet, according to the affidavit viewed by the Register.

He also allegedly paid her over $11,000 for the encounter.

open image in gallery An OnlyFans creator in California has been charged with murder after a man died following a sexual fetish encounter with her. Michaela Brashaye Rylaarsdam, 31, was arrested last month  some two years after the encounter which left 55-year-old Michael Dale on life support ( (Rokas Tenys/Alamy/PA) )

The document alleges that when Rylaarsdam arrived at Dales home at about 6 p.m. on April 17, 2023, he appeared intoxicated. Despite that fact, Rylaarsdam decided to spend the next several hours with Dale and engaged in fetish behavior at Dales request, the affidavit states, per the Register.

Rylaarsdam called 911 around four hours later and officers reportedly arrived to find her performing CPR on Dale. She told officers it was the first time she had ever engaged in fetish behavior, according to the affidavit.

Dale was hospitalized and declared brain-dead the following day. Several days later, he was taken off life-support. Authorities allege he suffocated with his cause of death linked to deprivation of oxygen to the brain.

Rylaarsdam later handed over her phone to authorities and detectives found several troubling videos of Dale, including of him struggling to breathe, with duct tape over his mouth, a plastic bag over his head and more cling wrap around his face and head, the affidavit states.

Dales wrists were bound, his fingers were covered in duct tape and his legs were plastic-wrapped, the affidavit says. Prosecutors say he was unable to remove the bag or wrappings over his head.

It was also claimed that Rylaarsdam performed a sex act as Dale lay unresponsive nearby, apparently creating content for her OnlyFans page. The footage was shot shortly before the call to 911 was placed.

Rylaarsdam denied putting a bag over his head, police said.

Deputy District Attorney David Jarman, who is prosecuting the case, said the evidence supported a second-degree murder charge for Rylaarsdam. The evidence showed that he hired her to perform bondage acts and fetish acts, he said.

There is no indication that he asked her to obstruct his breathing, asked her to put tape over his mouth, asked her to put a plastic bag over his head.

Rylaarsdams defense attorney, David Cohen, said its clear there was no intent to kill. She acted appropriately when she realized this was a problem.
As death row inmate Jessie Hoffman, Jr., is expected to be executed at Angola tonight, a relative of his murder victim has sent a last-minute plea to Louisiana government officials asking them to grant him a reprieve and give her the opportunity to meet with him.
The U.S. Army has erased Medgar Evers from the Arlington National Cemetery website
Welcome to Oz. Say hello to Dorothy and Toto. Meet the scarecrow (with no brain), the heartless tinman and the pusillanimous lion. Of course, Frank L. Baum resisted that last adjective, since cowardly is 10 times clearer. As thats how pusillanimous translates if we break it down: pusillus is Latin for weak  the root of puerile (or childish)  while animus denotes courage or spirit, the source of animal and animate.

Animosity too, the same dislike News Corp nursed for Malcolm Turnbull last week, the former PM accused of jeopardising US trade talks. To recap, Turnbull went on Bloomberg News, depicting Donald Trump as a chaotic bully. That was Monday.

Malcolm Turnbull and Moira Schitt Credit: Artwork by Marija Ercegovac

On Tuesday, the remarks reverberating, Trump labelled our ex-PM as a weak and ineffective leader. Later that week, Turnbull joined Sally Sara on Radio National, where he was asked about the wisdom of disparaging Trump while the tariff debate hung in the air.

Malcolm bridled. Has the ABC become so pusillanimous that youre seriously suggesting that we shouldnt be free to speak the truth in Australia, for fear of Donald Trump? Is that the depths youve sunk to?
POLITICS

Perfect Victims and the Politics of Appeal

Mohammed El-Kurd

Haymarket Books, $21

Reader Alert: if you are a Zionist, you will probably not want to read Perfect Victims and the Politics of Appeal by the much-vilified and cancelled poet Mohammed El-Kurd. If you do read it, you will likely bin the book, leap onto social media, reproduce the easily accessible form letter of protest and send it to whoever you deem responsive/open to bullying/likely to be cowed into mouthing platitudes  politicians, journalists on the drip, Christian evangelists, the claque of Sky-after-dark monologists or easily intimidated booksellers. If you are searching for a dispassionate account of the Middle East conflict, an even-handed rendition of the history, this book is not for you, because there is no place for dispassion in this story.

At the age of 11, El-Kurd was chosen as the appealing protagonist of documentary about his Jerusalem neighbourhood, Sheikh Jarrah, and the repeated attempts by settlers to take over his family home. Two years later he took to the epistolary form to pen a missive: Dear President Obama, I am 14. We want our houses back and our pre-1948 land. No reply was forthcoming. He was the perfect victim  an innocent child, an appeal to the universal values the West purports to cherish. El-Kurd argues his latest book is neither a manifesto nor a critique  but it is certainly an anguished testimony, a profoundly devastating, unequivocal call to action, a refusal of passivity, denialism and apathy. It is a text bearing witness to the suffering and injustice his people have endured.

El-Kurds focus is on the uses and abuses of language: who is acceptable talent for the media, what conditions are imposed on the few allowed at the microphone to condemn Hamas, decry antisemitism, to debate the other side, to collude in the fantasy of dialogue and to overlook the privilege accorded to Jewish voices as if they were disinterested observers.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin held a phone talk, the White House said, Trend reports.

"Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.



This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.



The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application. The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.



The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved," the statement reads.
Beardsley said autistic people might avoid performances such as Beauty and the Beast because they worry about wasting money on a ticket if they need to leave  not because they dont love the theatre. People assume that autistic people wont want to go  [But] theres a high proportion of really creative autistic people who love things like drama and visual arts. On top of that, Disney is quite often a common special interest area for autistic people, the self-described Dis-nerd said. A relaxed performance of Beauty and the Beast will show in Melbourne on March 22. Credit: Daniel Boud She said the relaxed performances allowed families with autistic children to go to an event judgement free. A lot of families feel really anxious going to a general access show because  if your child starts to not cope in a theatre, people will look at you, people will judge you, she said.

In our first relaxed performance that was held in Sydney, a family came up to us at the end and said weve never been able to go out as a family before. Usually, they have to have one parent take one child somewhere, while the autistic child stays at home because he wont cope in that situation. Beardsley said another boy, who had never been to the theatre because he found walking into the cavernous space overwhelming, watched the relaxed performance from the doorway. The audience is encouraged to sing, clap and dance as desired in the relaxed performance. Credit: Daniel Boud He still got to experience the show just by being just outside the doors, and he had the time of his life, she said. Beardsley said a hidden curriculum  expected behaviours most people pick up through socialisation, which autistic people might have more difficulty with  limited access to musical theatre.

Sitting still, being quiet, clapping at the appropriate times  in the relaxed performance, none of that is expected, she said. Loading We encourage people to clap, dance, sing, boo Gaston  which is always a fun part  and behave however they want to, to feel comfortable. Beardsley said any changes to the show keep the onstage magic intact, and that a visual story  an online guide to attending the show, from what to wear, to how to find your seat, to special effects onstage  had been developed to prepare ticket-holders for both the relaxed and standard performances. [The visual story] is an easy-English, picture-based, step-by-step guide  which will give you an overview of what to expect and what youre expected to do, she said.

At the relaxed performance in Melbourne on March 22, a warning light will signal upcoming lights and noises. Scary characters and unexpected elements will be introduced before the performance  for example, the actor playing evil guy Gaston will explain he is pretending to be bad on stage. Loading Quiet rooms staffed by autistic and autism-trained staff will have water, different seating options and sensory tools for attendees to use while taking a break from the show. Beardsley said a good relationship between the owner of the musical rights, the production company, the venue and the cast and crew made the alterations achievable, including a reduced ticket price for the show. Quite often, theres a lot of reluctance to doing something like this because people think its a massive undertaking. [But] there are a lot of really small, really simple changes  that can make a really big difference, she said.
The Asian century

Is Donald Trump delusional in believing he can revitalise American manufacturing by imposing harsh tariffs on more competitive goods coming from other countries? Will any delay in re-establishing American manufacturing prowess place a burden on American taxpayers due to protectionist tariffs? Will isolating your manufacturing industry from global competition stifle your own innovation? The answer to all these questions is yes.

Manufacturing enterprises do not materialise from wishful thinking or populist slogans. They require vision and optimism plus long-term commitments  things Americans have been happy to relinquish for the past two decades to more opportunistic countries. So, is there any optimism for a renaissance in American industry and manufacturing? This time the answer is  no. In 2008 China and America, both vast countries, realised the importance of developing a high-speed rail network and began planning. Since that time China has completed 45,000 kilometres of high-speed rail networks throughout the country  America only 80 kilometres.

Tesla cars manufactured in Fremont, California, are 65 per cent more costly to produce than those in Shanghai, China. This is mainly due to lower labour and energy costs.

Of course, any threat to the rebirth of American manufacturing does not come solely from China as much of South-East Asia, South America and Africa will also be challenging Trumps chimera. Australia should stop thinking of itself as part of the global north and start living the Asian century.

Pack Raphael, Vermont The wrong animal

While I support Industry Minister Ed Husics strong protests against the nefarious, tariff outrages of Donald Trump, I am disappointed that the minister has characterised these destructively treacherous actions as a dog act.

I have been fortunate to have the companionship of dogs all my life as well as frequent opportunity to observe their service to humans in a wide variety of situations. Dogs are loyal, loving companions who selflessly make their lifes work the service of the humans they are attached to. Some indeed lay down their lives for their human pack.

I hope that the next time Husic wishes to characterise Trumps actions he picks a more suitable mammal, reptile or invertebrate, although I am at a loss to think of one that might deserve the opprobrium.

Mike Lake, Buninyong Warning was clear

That Cyclone Alfred should have travelled as far south as it did, should occasion no surprise. In 1988, the same year that James Hansen warned a US Senate hearing that global warming had begun, CSIRO published a 752-page book Greenhouse: Planning for Climate Change. This included a paper by Professor Kevin Stark that predicted that an increase in sea surface temperature of 2 degrees would extend the area for cyclones from latitude 25 degrees south to approximately 31 degrees south  a southward extension of about 600 kilometres on the coasts of Australia.

Surely enough, in February 2020 Cyclone Uesi moved far enough south to cause extensive flooding in south-east Queensland and significant damage along the northern NSW coast to as far south as Sydney. Eventually it passed over Lord Howe Island (latitude 31 degrees south) damaging buildings and ripping down trees. Starks prescient warning from 37 years ago fell on deaf ears. Despite some 40 years of climate warnings, Australian politicians have generally shown a callous disregard for the welfare of future generations.

Ian Bayly, Upwey Predictions coming true

I keep a clipping of an article published 20 years ago in The Age about predictions for worsening weather condition in Victoria, i.e: increasing frequency of heat waves, flash flooding, droughts, fewer frosts and drier springs etc. All were predicted to happen by 2030. But theres no need to wait, its happening now, and worse. And now the Coalition is talking about scaling down renewable rollouts and getting back on track. Dutton, this kind of track leads to an uninhabitable Australia.

Claire Johnson, East Brighton Crocodile comments

My jaw dropped when I read Nick OMalleys fact check of the US influencer who grabbed a wombat and made bold claims about Australia. OMalley reported: Albanese criticised Strable, but did not wish her harm. OMalley continued that the prime minister said: I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she should try some other Australian animals, maybe she should try a crocodile. As if this itself doesnt suggest harm, OMalley failed to report our PMs additional comments: Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there. Take another animal that can actually fight back ...

When our PM invokes the jaws of a predator instead of firearms or blunt instruments, it doesnt make his messaging any less violent. Australians were rightly outraged about the influencers wombat abuse, but should be equally outraged towards a prime minister suggesting this woman should put herself at risk of danger.

Katherine Wilson, Healesville

Error of his ways

Like Clare Stephens (Seven just gave a TV job to a high-profile convicted stalker. Women deserve better, 17/3), Id feel a lot better about Ben Cousins joining the Seven Networks commentary team if it was also announced that he had learnt the error of his ways in his behaviour towards women that earned him several jail sentences. It must be galling for women who are victim-survivors of domestic violence to see or hear perpetrators like Cousins on their television screens or radios as if they were redeemed beacons of virtue.

Nick Toovey, Beaumaris Cancelling Cousins

Clare Stephens writes that she doesnt want a particular retired AFL player, who was convicted of stalking on her TV. She is free to start a political party with the prime objective of cancelling forever all men convicted of a crime where a woman was the victim. Perhaps this party might sweep to power in 2028. But Stephens does not speak for all women. Margaret Atwood, for example, has noted that cancel culture exists alongside judicial punishment and that to set aside judicial processes is fraught with difficulty. The footballer did the crime, did the time, and has stayed out of the limelight for years. He has a right to earn a living. If nobody watches him, his TV career will be short.

Alun Breward, Malvern East Odd suggestion

The front page of The Age on Tuesday featured an article stating that federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is mulling a referendum on deporting criminal dual-national citizens. I very much doubt this is ever going to actually happen. Its hard enough and expensive enough to get any referendum on the drawing board in Australia, let alone an obscure and irrelevant topic such as this. You would have to wonder just what is the motivation of the opposition leader to even suggest this.

Michael Slocum, Ascot Vale Many forms of grief

Grief is complex and as your correspondent states, we need to become knowledgeable about real grief and how best to console and support people... (Letters, The language of grief, 18/3). Grief is usually associated with death. However many losses in life are associated with grief, such as the loss of relationships through estrangement, divorce and physical and cognitive changes. While many losses occur at all ages, we are an ageing population and the aged do not rate highly in popularity stakes. The griefs of growing old are many and while dementia is not a normal part of ageing, most older people with dementia require care. This can cause a protracted grief that is often not understood or recognised. Knowledge of losses of all ages and cultures is critical to support people in our community.

Pam Yarra, Heathmont Trusting politicians

How often do we read, or hear, that the community does not believe, or trust, communications from politicians? Now we have Brad Battin, a new opposition leader of less than three months, saying he is going to Queensland while not mentioning that he is also going on a cruise holiday. Apparently, many of his fellow parliamentarians were also unaware of his recreation leave. The confusing part is that most people have no problem with a person taking recreation leave. It is the lack of openness or transparency that turns it into something that appears dubious or deceitful.

Catherine Healy, Brighton

Double investigation

By all means hold a royal commission into the claims of rorting involved in the Big Build, but run a concurrent one into governments hiring consultants instead of hiring public servants. The $20 billion in one year they gleaned from taxpayers in 2020-21 makes any alleged Big Build look like small beer.

Damon Ross, St Kilda East AND ANOTHER THING Credit: Matt Golding Referendum

Could Peter Dutton and the Coalition come up with some useful policies such as how do we create a more equal society or, heaven help us, serious mitigation of climate change, instead or following the Trump playbook (Dutton mulls referendum on deporting dual citizens, 18/3)?

Jane Ross, San Remo Duttons referendum thought bubble is an effort at distracting from the gaping hole left by a lack of policy.

Joan Segrave, Healesville

Dutton is whistling in the wind with his proposal for a referendum to change the Constitution to allow for the deportation of dual citizens. Such referendums are notorious for failing because they are put up by politicians and the Australian people just do not trust politicians.

Reg Murray, Glen Iris Palmers party

Clive Palmer exhorts us to throw the politicians out (The Age, 18/3). In order to achieve what exactly? Overthrow democracy? By voting him in? Tell him hes dreaming.

Rosslyn Jennings, North Melbourne Loading If Palmers ridiculous trumpet doesnt work maybe he will use a magaphone.

Paul Cockayne, Greensborough World politics

One of Canadian PM Mark Carneys first policy moves was to order a review of Canadas plan to buy a substantial number of US-made F-35 fighter jets. It may be time for Australia to also reconsider our dependence on US weapons.

Joe Wilder, Caulfield North
A high-profile lawyer charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice will be allowed to travel overseas on a family holiday after her bail conditions were eased.

Sarah Tricarico, 38, and co-accused Youssef Samaan Raffoul, 33, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, five days after being charged as part of an international law enforcement sting.

Underworld lawyer Sarah Tricarico leaves Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Credit: Jason South

Tricaricos barrister, Dermot Dann, KC, told the court his client intended to fight the charge and also her suspension of her practising certificate by the Legal Services Board, which bans her from working as a lawyer in Australia.

Court documents released to the press show police allege Tricarico allegedly instructed Raffoul to remotely delete the contents of a mobile phone she believed another man, Patrick Succar, had been using before Succars arrest in February 2019.
Reports that Peter Dutton is considering committing a Coalition government to hold a referendum to give ministers the constitutional power to deport criminal dual nationals come as a surprise. After the emphatic defeat of the Voice in 2023, one would have thought the last thing Australians want from the next parliament is the distraction of yet another ideologically inspired constitutional referendum.

At the time of writing, neither Dutton nor any of his frontbench had confirmed any details of the story, published exclusively in this masthead. If the idea is under discussion, it is a very bad one. Dutton should rule it out, and fast.

Peter Dutton has reportedly proposed a referendum which, if carried, would give ministers the constitutional power to deport criminal dual nationals. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

The idea behind any such referendum would be to overturn the 2022 decision of the High Court in Alexander v Minister for Home Affairs, when the court ruled that amendments to the Australian Citizenship Act, enabling the minister to revoke the Australian citizenship of dual nationals, was invalid.

I have a close interest here because three of the judges who decided the case were appointed on my recommendation. When deciding on the name to take to cabinet for an appointment to the High Court, my simple criterion was to choose the most legally eminent person. I did not apply any ideological test. However, as a constitutional conservative, I only considered people whom I expected to be strong upholders of the independence of the judiciary against over-reach by the executive government.
A collapse in tobacco excise has blown a $31 billion hole in the budget bottom line as new documents reveal the federal Treasury was unprepared for the financial fallout caused by vaping and a surge in black market cigarettes.

Tobacco tax collections, which have been used by both sides of politics to paper over the nations finances, are falling at such a rate that they threaten the assumptions to be used by the government and opposition to fund their election campaign promises.

The budget bottom line has suffered a $31 billion hit from over-estimates of tobacco excise. Credit: Quentin Jones

As recently as 2021-22, tobacco excise was the federal governments fourth-largest source of revenue, with only personal income tax, company tax and the GST collecting more.

Next weeks budget will confirm it is the seventh largest, with duty on alcohol raising more money for Canberra than cigarettes.
The construction unions national secretary has secured landmark support from union delegates for his push to rid the industry of gangland players and conduct previously supported by the exiled CFMEU leadership regime in Victoria and NSW.

About 500 Victorian delegates unanimously voted at an emergency meeting on Tuesday to support CFMEU national secretary Zach Smiths calls to reject the underworlds infiltration of the construction sector and the corresponding violence against women by bikies given the job of union delegates.

CFMEU members after a crisis meeting in Melbourne on Tuesday. Credit: The Age

The meeting follows revelations from this masthead that Mick Gatto and other figures had been receiving large payments from Big Build contractors and other building firms, prompting urgent calls for law reform at the state and federal level, as well as more action from law enforcement.

The move is a boost to Smiths leadership of the embattled union and comes just days after disgraced former CFMEU Victoria boss John Setka sought to once again defend gangland figure Gatto, describing him as a gentleman on a podcast.
Either the premier and Symes misunderstood what Nugent told them about Hawk, or they were sold a turkey. The only things new about Operation Hawk are it has more allegations to follow up, courtesy of The Ages investigative journalist Nick McKenzie, and four more detectives to help with the extra work. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on Tuesday blamed Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent for giving her incorrect information relating to a police investigation into the construction sector. Credit: Penny Stephens Victoria Police, in an attempt to bridge the gap between the premiers public statements and reality, claimed it launched a newly-expanded Operation Hawk on Monday with a renewed focus and additional resources. In doing so, VicPol soiled its own nest.

Loading Every fortnight since last July, Assistant Commissioner Martin OBrien and the other steering committee members responsible for Operation Hawk have met to discuss the progress of their work. By any reasonable measure, it has been modest. Financial crime squad detectives have assessed more than 50 allegations of corrupt or criminal behaviour in the construction industry and VicPols specialist bikie-busting unit, Taskforce Echo, has been on the case. The sum total of these efforts is that one CFMEU official, Joel Shackleton, 41, has been charged with making a threat to kill and making a threat to cause injury. He has vowed to contest the charges and his matter remains before the court. There are two other matters under investigation.

Evidence against Shackleton  video footage of him allegedly telling the owners of an Indigenous labour hire company operating at a Big Build site that Ill f---ing take your soul and Ill rip your f---ing head off  was published by this masthead and provided to police. A transcript of this footage, which was taken in 2022, was also provided to Jacinta Allan, who was transport minister at the time. She took a year to respond and said it was a matter for the contractor, rather than the government. This brings us closer to understanding the governments true level of urgency when it comes to allegations of bullying, threats and intimidation at its own building sites. Another barometer is the seven-month delay between the Victorian parliament passing new laws to enable the Chief Commissioner of Police to issue Serious Crime Prevention Orders banning criminal organisations from government building sites and those laws coming into force.

Laws that target organisations rather than crimes need to be deployed with care, as successful legal challenges in other jurisdictions have shown. Before Nugent can make use of the Victorian laws, a regulatory impact statement must be prepared. Loading But, if the government and police think these laws can help to clean up corruption, they shouldnt wait until the end of August to start using them. Allan was not trying to mislead us on Monday when she mistakenly announced Operation Hawk as a new police investigation. As she has repeatedly said since, her statements at the press conference were based on the information she was provided by Nugent. The bigger issue is that, before Monday morning, neither the premier nor the minister for industrial relations had apparently ever heard of Operation Hawk.

Loading This reflects an extraordinary absence of curiosity within government about what Victoria Police has been doing since the first Building Bad stories broke. Allan has spent a lot of time talking about victims of crime. She cites their experience and concerns as the primary reason she is tightening the states bail laws to put more young offenders behind bars. When organised crimes gangs infiltrate Big Build construction sites, the government is among the victims of their crimes. The standover tactics, threats and intimidation detailed by this masthead ultimately come at a cost to projects the government funds with public money. If the premier has zero tolerance for this behaviour, as she said on Tuesday, she should be better informed about what Victoria Police is doing to get rid of it.
Hundreds of property owners are selling their units at a loss in a handful of high-density neighbourhoods, new figures show.

The apartment pain bucks the trend as most property sellers in Australia make money, CoreLogic research found.

Houses are more likely to make a profit than apartments. Credit: Peter Rae

Of the property owners who sold in the December quarter, 94.8 per cent made a nominal profit, barely down from 95.1 per cent in the previous quarter, as property values weakened, the latest Pain and Gain Report found.

Sellers made a median profit of $306,000 in the quarter, and the chance of gains was not far below the most profitable period on record  the April quarter 2004  at 97.2 per cent. The median loss was $45,000, up from $40,000 in the previous quarter.
Washington: The Trump administration has argued a judges verbal orders do not have to be obeyed as it comes under intense scrutiny over the deportation of alleged migrant criminals using an 18th-century wartime law.

In the latest and arguably most significant legal challenge to US President Donald Trumps sweeping agenda, the administration has been accused of defying court orders to halt the removal of nearly 200 migrants alleged to be members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang.

Alleged Venezuelan gang members deported from the US arrive at El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Centre. Credit: El Salvador presidential press office via AP

The orders were issued on Saturday as the individuals were already on planes bound for El Salvador from the southern Texan city of Harlingen. Trump used the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, an obscure law not invoked since World War II, to arrest and deport the migrants without the right to plead their case before an immigration court.

The timing of the events has since come under scrutiny because although the White House abhors many of the directives given by US judges, it maintains that it always obeys them.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. Niger has opted to disengage from the International Organization of Francophonie, Trend reports via an official notice sent to the country's diplomatic and consular missions abroad.

Per the communique executed by the Secretary-General of Niger's Foreign Ministry, the administration executed this resolution autonomously and apprised the entity via a correspondence dated March 7, 2025.



Diplomatic entities have been mandated to communicate with the governing bodies of the nations to which they are assigned.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Washington: US President Donald Trump has provoked the chief justice of the Supreme Court into a rare public rebuke after he called for a radical left lunatic judge to be impeached amid an escalating war against the American judiciary.

The Trump administration was enraged when the chief judge of Washingtons federal district court, James Boasberg, ordered a stop to the deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members rounded up by immigration authorities under a rarely used wartime law.

US President Donald Trump and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts. Credit: AP

Though it is just one of many legal fights under way against Trumps agenda, this battle has become arguably the most high stakes, with the administration accused of ignoring or even wilfully violating the judges order to halt the removals and turn around planes that were already in the air.

On Tuesday, following another hearing in the case, Trump urged Congress to remove Boasberg from his post, calling him a radical left lunatic of a judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama.
Dennison Watch Company, a revered name in horology with a legacy dating back to 1874, proudly unveils the A.L.D. Collection, its debut series of timepieces in the modern era

Dennison Watch Company proudly returns to horology with the launch of the A.L.D. Collection, a series of eleven timepieces that honor the brand's rich legacy while incorporating modern design elements. These watches bridge the gap between historical craftsmanship and contemporary appeal, offering a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation for watch enthusiasts.

Aventurine & Lapis Lazuli dials Dennison A.L.D. Watches, stainless steel case  Amaury Thomas / WorldTempus

Named after founder Aaron Lufkin Dennison, the A.L.D. Collection embodies the precision that defined Dennison's history, while also introducing the elegance and versatility that today's watch enthusiasts demand. The collection will be launched with an exclusive press event at the iconic Aman Hotel in New York City and will be available for online purchase on

October 22, 2024.

Designed By Celebrated Swiss Watch Designer Emmanuel Gueit

Celebrated Swiss watch designer, Emmanuel Gueit, is the creative mind behind the A.L.D. Collection. Best known for designing the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and Rolex 1908 collection, Gueit has shaped modern horology through his visionary work with brands like Rolex, Piaget, Audemars Piguet and more.

The A.L.D. Collection: A Tribute to Craftsmanship

Inspired by the renowned cushion case designs of the 1960s, the A.L.D. Collection offers a blend of historical reverence and modern aesthetics. Each of the eleven models features intentional materials and intricate detailing.

Dennison A.L.D. Watch collection  Amaury Thomas / WorldTempus

Quote from Emmanuel Gueit

"As a designer, my goal has always been to create timepieces that reflect both the past and the future of horology. With the A.L.D. Collection, I wanted to pay tribute to Dennison's incredible legacy while bringing a contemporary edge that resonates with today's watch collectors. These watches embody the best of both worlds-heritage craftsmanship and modern innovation." - Emmanuel Gueit, Designer of the A.L.D. Collection.

Malachite dial Dennison A.L.D. Watch, stainless steel case  Amaury Thomas / WorldTempus

Precision, Heritage, and Innovation

Founded by Aaron Lufkin Dennison, a true pioneer in the watchmaking world, Dennison Watch Company has a history of technical innovation and craftsmanship. Aaron Dennison revolutionized the industry with the development of the air and watertight watch case in 1872, and his influence extended beyond cases to the introduction of watch sizing systems used by both the early Roxbury/Waltham factories and Edward Howard's post-1857 company.

About Dennison Watch Company

Dennison Watch Company, founded in 1874, has long been celebrated for its pioneering contributions to the world of horology. Known as "the name behind the names," Dennison crafted watch cases for prestigious brands like Rolex, Omega, IWC, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

These innovations-ranging from air and watertight designs to revolutionary sizing systems-cemented Dennison's place in watchmaking history.

Tiger Eye dial Dennison A.L.D. Watch, stainless steel case  Amaury Thomas / WorldTempus

Today, Dennison embarks on a new chapter, launching its own collection of luxury timepieces that seamlessly blend the precision of the past with the design aesthetics of the future. The A.L.D. Collection marks the beginning of this journey, a tribute to the craftsmanship that made Dennison a household name and the innovation that will define its future. Each watch is a testament to the enduring quality and timeless appeal that has always been the hallmark of the Dennison brand.

For more information, visit www.dennisonwatch.com
CBSEs biannual board exams: reshaping learning through flexible assessment





Staff Reporter

Raipur,

In a decisive move poised to redefine academic evaluation in India, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the introduction of biannual board examinations for Class 10 students. The reform, which aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has ignited considerable discourse among educators, parents, and students alike. In an insightful tete-a-tete with The Hitavada News Editor Mukesh S Singh, Amitava Ghosh, Founder Principal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans R K Sarda Vidya Mandir, Raipur, described the shift as a thoughtfully engineered reform that seeks to balance academic rigor with student well-being. He believes the biannual system reflects CBSEs growing commitment to fostering a more holistic, student-centric learning environment  one that mitigates stress while promoting sustained engagement with the curriculum. For far too long, our education system has operated on a high-pressure, one-chance model where a single examination determines a students academic standing, remarked Ghosh.

This singular reliance on one exam cycle, he noted, often led to heightened anxiety, disproportionately affecting students who may have performed poorly due to stress, illness, or unforeseen circumstances. By offering students a second opportunity, he continued, CBSE has introduced a mechanism that encourages students to see assessment as a process of growth rather than a judgment of their abilities. This is a transformative shift that aligns Indian education with globally recognized best practices. Elaborating on the educational benefits of the new framework, Ghosh highlighted that the biannual examination model promotes continuous learning, as opposed to the traditional method that encouraged last-minute cramming. With two structured opportunities to showcase their understanding, students will develop consistent study patterns rather than resorting to haphazard preparation strategies, he explained. According to Amitava Ghosh, the biannual model is expected to foster a growth mindset, wherein students will perceive examinations as opportunities for reflection and self-improvement.

Instead of fearing failure, students will have the chance to identify their strengths and address their weaknesses, he observed. This, he noted, is a powerful tool for building resilience, critical thinking, and adaptability  essential skills for navigating the demands of higher education and professional life. Drawing from his experience as Past Chair, CII  Young Indians, Raipur Chapter, Ghosh underscored that the reforms impact extends well beyond academics. This system doesnt merely create better exam scores  it nurtures invaluable life skills such as time management, strategic planning, and reflective thinking, he asserted.

The opportunity for students to treat the first attempt as a performance benchmark, Ghosh added, will empower them to better understand their learning gaps. By identifying their areas of improvement early on, students can engage in targeted preparation, ultimately enhancing conceptual clarity and academic growth, he explained. However, Ghosh cautioned that the success of this initiative hinges significantly on how schools adapt their teaching strategies to accommodate the revised structure. He stressed that institutions must adopt a more structured and strategic pedagogical approach by integrating mock assessments, remedial support, and continuous feedback mechanisms into their academic framework.

The role of educators will be pivotal, Ghosh emphasized. Teachers will need to receive specialized training to adjust their lesson plans for multiple assessment cycles. The integration of innovative learning strategies  such as mind maps, self-quizzing, and collaborative group discussions  will be critical in reinforcing retention and improving comprehension, he added. Equally vital, Ghosh observed, is the role of parents in embracing this reform with a balanced perspective. Parents must recognize that this shift is designed to empower their children, not to overwhelm them, he noted. Instead of perceiving this as added pressure, parents must encourage their children to approach this as an opportunity to improve and excel at their own pace. While acknowledging the numerous benefits of the policy, Ghosh also highlighted potential logistical challenges.

CBSE must ensure that evaluation systems are streamlined to deliver timely results after both attempts, he cautioned. Timely result declaration will be crucial to ensuring that students are not disadvantaged in terms of academic progression. Despite the anticipated challenges, Ghosh maintained that the reform is a progressive and visionary move that holds the potential to reshape Indias educational landscape for the better. This system reflects CBSEs commitment to creating a student-centric, flexible, and competency-based framework that places learning outcomes at the forefront, he concluded.
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For a fresh look at how infantile, indolent, and insane the Hate Trump media have become, look no further than Olivia Campbell's latest finger painting in Vanity Fair.

This masterpiece of anti-MAGA madness is headlined "Trump's New Administration Is Anti-woman a Playbook from Nazi-Era Germany."

First things first: This headline writer should don a dunce cap and stand in the corner for the rest of the day. Why waste ink, kilobytes, and readers' time with "Nazi-Era Germany" when "Nazi Germany" will suffice?

This is a journalistic parking ticket compared to Campbell. She speeds her vehicle through a red light and plows right into a fire hydrant.

Campbell claims that, under Trump, "Misogyny is an integral feature of our new federal government." She adds: "As misogynist ideals invade the highest levels of government, women's contributions are being erased, their rights and roles eroded."

Apparently, Trump hates women so much, he named many of them to the commanding heights of his administration. These Cabinet members and senior advisors include:

 White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, the first woman with that responsibility.

 Attorney General Pam Bondi

 Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins

 Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-Dermer

 Secretary of Education Linda McMahon

 Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem

 Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard

 Small Business Administration chief Kelly Loeffler

 United Nations Ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik

 White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 27, is the youngest-ever American in that role.

Campbell portrays Trump as a notorious sexist. However, while presidents Biden and Obama each named numerous women to top posts, by my calculation, each of these supposedly feminist Democrats placed only four females in any of these 10 positions that Trump has filled 100% with women.

According to Campbell, Trump's view of women, about which she knows nothing, makes him  what else?  Adolf Hitler, Jr.

"At girls [sic] schools, the Reich Ministry of Science, Education, and Culture replaced an hour each of English and math with needlepoint," Campbell reports. "Women were stripped of the right to vote," Campbell adds. "They were excluded from training programs, banned from entering certain professions, and forced out of employment."

If Trump plans to push high school females into needlepoint classes, bar women from the polls, and prohibit them from working, one imagines that Trump might have mentioned this in passing sometime during his long, strange trip back to the Oval Office.

For that matter, if Trump envisioned a Fourth Reich Anti-Feminist Agenda, wouldn't he at least have hinted at such a policy in his first term? To the contrary, Trump encouraged work among all Americans  men and women. Indeed, the Trump/GOP Tax Cuts and Jobs Act unleashed a pre-COVID economic boom that saw female unemployment plunge to 3.4% in September 2019  until then, its lowest level since May 1953, under President Dwight Eisenhower.

In her fixation to graffiti a swastika on the President of the United States, Campbell air-headedly forgets this fact: Unlike Trump's co-ed Cabinet, Hitler's high command was more all-male than the Provincetown Pride Parade.

On this key point, Campbell is as lost in space as Mark Cuban. "Donald Trump, you never see him around strong, intelligent women," the billionaire investor told ABC's The View. To be fair, Cuban said this last Halloween  one week before Trump asked Wiles to lead his White House team and ahead of his recruiting these other nine aforementioned strong, intelligent women.

So, what is Campbell's excuse? Her article ran last Thursday, weeks after all the President's women had started serving the American people. A journalist with the most primitive observational tools should have noticed these developments. Perhaps Campbell is just too damn lazy to have done her homework.

Then again, maybe none of this is Campbell's fault. It's possible that she has not watched even 10 seconds of news since Inauguration Day. If so, Vanity Fair's editors should buy Olivia Campbell a TV, before she beclowns herself any further.

 2025 Deroy Murdock
Israel shattered the ceasefire in Gaza early Monday morning, just as it was about to reach its two-month mark, with a surprise wave of airstrikes that left more than 400 dead, including children and women, according to the Ministry of Health of the Hamas government in Gaza. The large-scale attack hit Deir al-Balah, Gaza City, Al Mawasi  the area that Israel had declared a humanitarian zone and urged forcibly displaced people to go to  Khan Younis, Rafah... Gazans reported numerous explosions in different parts of the Strip, while they were sleeping and in the midst of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, justifying the decision by the repeated refusal of the fundamentalist militia to renounce what it agreed to in January and release more Israeli hostages without guarantees that it will lead to an end to the war. The Israeli army says that the operation will continue as long as necessary and will expand beyond airstrikes.

Images released by local journalists (Israel has barred the press from entering Gaza since the start of the war) show several dead bodies of babies and children in the hospital, fires caused by the strikes, and screams from the population as they see the sky light up in the early morning darkness. The pace and lethality of this early mornings attacks exceeds even the daily average of the last few months of war. Netanyahu and his extremist government are making the decision to revoke the ceasefire agreement, exposing the prisoners [referring to hostages] in Gaza to an unknown fate, Hamas said in a statement.

The Israeli government also maintains a complete blockade of humanitarian aid (food, water, and medicine) and, since last week, also of electricity for the water desalination plant. Israel had already been increasing the frequency of its airstrikes for days, with nearly 20 deaths in the 48 hours prior to the massive wave at dawn on Tuesday. Dead bodies are piling up at the hospital in Khan Younis, in the south, where most of the deaths have occurred, while messages issued from loudspeakers in the minarets urged the population to perform the first prayer of the day at home because it is too dangerous to try to reach the mosques.

Injured Palestinians, including children and women, are being brought to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for treatment as Israel launches 'large-scale' air strikes across Gaza on March 18, 2025. Anadolu (Anadolu via Getty Images)

These are the strong measures against Hamas ordered by Netanyahu and his Defense Minister Israel Katz, as defined by the formers office in a statement. Netanyahu asserts that Hamas has rejected all the proposals made by Donald Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the mediators. But this is not what has transpired from the negotiations, first in Doha and this Monday in Cairo. Rather, Israel and the U.S. (on paper, one of the three guarantors of the agreement) insist on extending the first phase of the ceasefire so that Hamas agrees to release the 59 hostages it still holds in Gaza. In other words, Hamas loses its main advantage without any guarantees about the end of the invasion. The Islamist movement demanded guarantees and agreed to extend the first phase, but only to immediately begin negotiations for the second phase.

Following the wave of airstrikes, the Israeli army changed its guidelines for residents of towns near Gaza early this morning. This is something it only does when it anticipates an imminent exchange of fire. Activity has been reduced from full to limited, which means school classes have been canceled.

White House was notified

The White House has defended the airstrikes and said it was notified in advance. As President Trump has made it clear, Hamas, the Houthis, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday.

Mourners gather near the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, at a hospital in Gaza City March 18, 2025. Stringer (REUTERS)

The Israeli decision comes in the midst of Trumps threats against Iran (a war that Netanyahu desires and for which he needs the support and armament of his great ally) and after three days of U.S. strikes in Yemen against the Houthis, allies of Tehran. These attacks have already left more than 400 dead (according to the latest count by the Houthi government health authorities) and represent the countrys largest military operation in the Middle East since Trumps return to the White House in January.

It is the result of an escalation that originated in Netanyahus decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza in early March. The Houthis then gave him four days to reverse it, in solidarity with their brothers in Gaza, and last week they announced the resumption of attacks on Israeli ships in the strategic Red Sea, which they had halted since the signing of the ceasefire.

The latest episode took place on Monday, when Trump threatened retaliation directly against Iran for attacks launched by the Houthis. Every shot fired by 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, he posted on Truth Social.

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CM Sai, Amit Shah deliberate over eradication of Naxalism in Cgarh





Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai pays a courtesy call on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday.

Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

Naxalism in Chhattisgarhs Bastar region has now reached its final stage. Due to the Governments strict policies and the effective strategies of security forces, peace is gradually returning to the Naxal-affected areas. In this context, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting focused on the complete eradication of Naxalism, accelerating Bastars development, and promoting tourism and economic activities in the region. The Chief Minister apprised the Union Home Minister that Naxalism is now in its last phase and that the Government is taking decisive steps to eliminate it completely. Joint efforts by State and Central Governments have significantly weakened Naxal organisations. Now, the focus is on finalising strategies that will lead Bastar toward lasting peace.

The Governments new Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy-2025 has begun to show results. Recently, 19 Naxalites, including 9 carrying bounties, surrendered in Bijapur district, choosing to return to the mainstream. The Government is providing financial assistance and rehabilitation schemes to surrendered Naxalites to help them lead a dignified life in society.

The meeting also placed special emphasis on accelerating development projects in Bastar. The Chief Minister highlighted that the government is strengthening education, healthcare, roads, electricity, and water infrastructure in the region. Additionally, plans were discussed to promote Bastars rich cultural heritage and natural beauty at both national and international levels through tourism development. To integrate Bastars youth into the mainstream, initiatives such as skill development, self-employment, and new job opportunities are being created. The governments goal is to transform Bastar from a land of conflict into a hub of peace, development, and opportunities.
Go convergent





THE ongoing crackdown on the drug cartels operating in the country deserves kudos from every Indian. Consignment after consignment are intercepted, drugs seized, peddlers arrested. Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah has rightly spoken about no mercy for the drug cartels. While continuing with the ongoing action, there is need for the Government to adopt a convergent approach to crush the menace more effectively. There is probably no Indian district wherein parties are not organised at venues outside the major cities. Umpteen reports have appeared in media regarding busting of drug rackets near educational campuses, hostels, and also certain shady hangouts. Right from ports to airports, several drug hauls have exposed how deep-rooted is the menace.

This menace needs to be rooted out completely because it is assuming dangerous proportions. Even cursory study of the cases of drug addicts, who, fortunately, got rid of the vice grip, reveals that many of them got addicted to drugs on educational campuses or while partying out with friends. Some got addicted because of stress over something. This attracts attention towards the need for tackling the drug menace by way of preventive measures like effective de-addiction campaigns. These campaigns have to be so effective that they should not get overshadowed by the open glorification of drug addiction through films, web-series, and so-called content on social media platforms. Unfortunately, not much is happening on this front. The Government machinery implements awareness drive as a matter of formality and nothing more.

Only a few in the governance and the administration are seriously committed to the cause. This highlights need for counselling at educational institutions, and introduction of de-addiction as a mandatory part of curriculum just like environmental education. Another aspect that must be underlined here is the need for a convergent action as far as crackdown on drug cartels is concerned. Today, narcotics business has evolved beyond the Afghanistan-Pakistan-Punjab or Afghanistan-China-US or such traditional routes. They are supplemented by decentralised small-scale, often undetectable, setups producing synthetic drugs like Mephedrone, Methamphetamine etc. These elements operate shadily in closed-down pharmaceutical units or under the garb of chemical units in industrial areas. Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence need to work in collaboration with the Industries Departments of respective States to bust such units. These agencies may be required to work with Agriculture Department also, given the fact that opium cultivation has been detected in several parts of the country. Since the Revenue as well as Agriculture Departments keep track of crops, their routine inspections must involve checking for opium cultivation with reports going to NCB. Further, the digital surveillance has to be increased because the synthetic drugs are sold in what is known as dark web or dark net. With advancement of technology, dark web can be accessed with certain browsers. These dimensions, apart from drug-terror nexus, reflect new complexities acquired by the drug menace.

The situation calls for the Government to take into account new realities while continuing with the ongoing crackdown. Drug menace is a hydra-headed monster, which needs a multi-blade strategy. Through convergence in action this multi-blade strategy could be adopted and converted into a decisive action. The Government is doing a praiseworthy job. It just needs to add more edge to the conventional approach.
ITBP ASI shot dead by constable after uniform-related altercation





The Hitavada State Bureau Kharora/Raipur,

In a shocking incident at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp in Kharora, a constable shot dead an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) following a heated altercation late Sunday night. The victim, identified as ASI Devendra Singh Dahiya, succumbed to multiple gunshot injuries after being fired upon by Constable Saroj Kumar, who has since been arrested. According to preliminary investigations, the confrontation stemmed from an argument over the constables uniform turnout. Sources revealed that ASI Dahiya had allegedly reprimanded Constable Saroj Kumar for deficiencies in his uniforms appearance and reportedly hurled abuses at him during the scolding.

Initial findings suggest the altercation began after ASI Dahiya reprimanded Constable Saroj Kumar over his uniform turnout. The accused claimed he was insulted and abused, which escalated the situation, said ASP Raipur Rural Kirtan Rathore. The heated exchange took a violent turn when Constable Saroj Kumar drew his service revolver and fired approximately 18 rounds at ASI Dahiya. Fellow personnel at the camp scrambled for safety, with several dropping to the ground to avoid being hit. Despite the chaos, other ITBP personnel managed to overpower the armed constable after a tense struggle. The accused constable was restrained and tied with a rope before being handed over to the police, confirmed ASP Kirtan Rathore.

ASI Dahiya was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. Authorities are now investigating the series of events that led to the fatal confrontation. While initial reports suggest the dispute arose from uniform turnout issues, officials are examining whether there were underlying tensions between the two personnel. We are investigating all possible angles to understand what provoked such extreme violence within the camp, said ASP Kirtan Rathore, adding that psychological stress and internal disputes will also be considered during the inquiry. Constable Saroj Kumar remains in police custody as further investigation continues.
Manipur violence All cases to be tried in Guwahati: SC





NEW DELHI :

20 cases of molestation, rape, murder; 3 of loot of arms

THE Supreme Court on Monday said the trial of the Manipur ethnic violence cases, probed by the CBI, would be conducted in Guwahati, Assam, where it was transferred to earlier. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna also extended till July 31, 2025, the tenure of a committee headed by Justice Gita Mittal, the former Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

The panel, also comprising former Bombay High Court judge Shalini P Joshi and Asha Menon, former Delhi High Court judge, was set up on August 7, 2023 by the top court to oversee relief and rehabilitation of the victims of ethnic violence in Manipur. The tenure of panel was previously extended by the top court by 6 months on August 5, last year. On Monday, the bench noted the submissions of a lawyer over the fate of the trials in the cases that were transferred to Guwahati for pre-trial proceedings by the bench on August 25, 2023. We clarify that the trial of transferred cases will be held before the courts at Guwahati, the CJI said.

Keeping in mind the overall environment in Manipur and the need for ensuring a fair process of criminal justice administration, the top court transferred to Assam, 27 cases, having various offences, including the sexual assault case of the two women seen in a viral video being paraded naked. While passing a slew of directions, the top court had directed the Gauhati High Court chief justice to nominate one or more judicial officers to deal with the transferred cases. Of the 27 cases, 20 related to charges of molestation, rape, murder whereas three related to loot of weapons.

Prohibitory orders imposed in Churachandpur amidst rising tensions

IMPHAL,

Mar 17 (PTI)

MANIPURS Churachandpur administration on Monday imposed prohibitory orders across the district following clashes between the Hmar and Zomi communities, a day after a Hmar tribal leader was assaulted amidst demands from the community to identify perpetrators, police said. According to the Additional District Magistrate, the prohibitory orders have been imposed under Section 163 of the BNSS 2023. Whereas reports have been received from Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur, indicating a serious apprehension of a breach of law and order in the district, which is likely to disturb peace and tranquillity among different communities and may lead to damage to life and public property, the order stated.
Modi, Gabbard discuss strategic ties





NEW DELHI :

UNITED States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday during which Modi conveyed his greetings to President Donald Trump and said that he and 1.4 billion people of India looked forward to welcoming him to India later this year. After the meeting, Modi said both countries are committed to combating terrorism and enhancing maritime and cyber security cooperation. During the meeting, the Prime Minister warmly recalled his visit to Washington DC last month and his extremely productive discussions with President Trump, a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said. Modi also reflected on his interaction with Tulsi Gabbard during his visit to the US and appreciated her crucial role in strengthening cooperation in defence, critical technologies, counter-terrorism and addressing global challenges.

The Prime Minister noted the special significance of Gabbards visit as the first high-level visit to India from the US in President Trumps second term. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he and 1.4 billion people of India looked forward to welcoming him to India later this year, the statement said. Glad to welcome Tulsi Gabbard to India. Exchanged views on further advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both countries are committed to combating terrorism and enhancing maritime and cyber security cooperation, Modi said. Gabbard presented a Rudraksh mala to the Prime Minister, the statement said.
Nitin Gadkari, Pyare Khan urge people to stay calm





Staff Reporter :

MPCC chief Sapkal also appeals for peace

Considering tension in Mahal, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, President of State Minority Commission Pyare Khan, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshvardhan Sapkal, former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, President of Jamia Arabia Islamia Mufti Abdul Kadir Khan have appealed to people to stay calm and maintain peace. Terming the incident as unfortunate, Nitin Gadkari appealed people to not get provoked by any statement. Nagpur hardly witnessed disputes over caste or creed issue.

Administration and police are handling their responsibility so people should assist them while they are rendering their duty. People should proactively come forward to establish peace, urged Gadkari. Pyare Khan urged people not to indulge in such acts. He pointed out that people should have progressive thinking. Such incidents not only change societys atmosphere but also damages the future prospects. Police should not show mercy to the miscreants and take strict action against them. Common public should help administration in maintaining law and order, appealed Pyare Khan. Sapkal said, Nagpur is considered as city of love and peace.

Todays incident is an outcome of micreants who wanted to violate peace. In Nagpur, majority Hindus worship Tajuddin Baba. Hindu and Muslim people come together during Shri Ram Shobhayatra. Against this backdrop, todays incident is unfortunate. Mufti Abdul Karim Khan also urged people to have faith in administration and police as the action would be taken against the culprits.
Take action against Muslim bodies over protest against Waqf Bill: Hindu body





NEW DELHI :

THE Rashtriya Hindu Sangathan staged a protest at Jantar Mantar on Monday to voice its opposition to Muslim organisations who too mounted a demonstration against the Waqf Bill. Anil Chaudhary, the National President of Rashtriya Hindu Sangathan, said India risks another partition if these actions are not stopped. These people want to separate India based on religion and we have to stop immediately. We are here to request the Government to take action against them, Chaudhary said, adding, his outfit would protest in every district of the country. These groups are raising the slogan of Naare Takbeer while opposing the amendments to the Waqf Board. They are trying to create a situation similar to Shaheen Bagh here, and it is crucial to stop them, he said.

Another protester, said, In many places, these groups have encroached on our land, and no one is doing anything about it. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Monday led a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The Muslim outfit was joined by several MPs, with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi cautioning NDA constituents TDP, JD(U) and LJP (Ramvilas) that Muslims will never forgive them if they support the legislation.

The protest was against the approval of the proposed amendment to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has incorporated changes by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill. The approval clears the path for the bill to be introduced in Parliament during the second half of the budget session that started on March 10.
Barefoot to avoid getting mud on the armored vehicle. This is how the artillerymen of the 26th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire their howitzer at enemy troops trying to advance on the front at Chasiv Yar, the strategic city in the eastern province of Donetsk that has been under Russian siege for months. Military analysts and senior Ukrainian army commanders have warned that the Russian offensive has stalled in recent weeks in this region due, among other reasons, to the Kremlins diversion of troops to the Russian province of Kursk to expel the Ukrainian army from there. But the situation is not the same across the entire front. In some cities, attacks remain a constant, as Artur Polishchuk, commander of this unit, explains. Here the situation is worse because they havent withdrawn troops; theyve sent more, and theyre advancing. Little by little, but theyre getting closer, he says from his position, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the front. However, infantry recruit Igor, from an assault unit heading toward the town of Ivanivske, confirms that many armored vehicles have withdrawn. The situation is calmer. In fact, our guys should attack because the Russians have more weaknesses now.

Moscows plans for Donetsk province over the past six months prioritized the partial encirclement of Pokrovsk, another of the cities hotly contested in the past year, and the cutting of supply lines for its defenders, Viktor Tregubov, spokesman for the Ukrainian armys Khortytsya Strategic Operational Group, told EL PAIS. They also hoped to take Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, which could have helped pave the way to Sloviansk and then Kramatorsk, the capital of the Donetsk territory still under the flag of free Ukraine. All those plans went awry. They failed to take either Chasiv Yar or Toretsk, although in the latter case they officially proclaimed a nonexistent victory, Tregubov says. These cities are part of Ukraines fortress belt, a 50-kilometer line that forms the backbone of the countrys defenses in this eastern province.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy posted the following message last week: Thanks to Ukrainian forces in Kursk, a significant number of Russian troops were withdrawn from other directions. But depending on who you ask, this feeling of stopping the Russians is greater, lesser, or nonexistent, and sometimes a few kilometers make a world of difference. Mikhail and Anatoly, two infantry recruits fighting in the direction of Toretsk, say they have no sense that the situation has changed. Ivanivske, already occupied according to data from Deep State, the leading Ukrainian map of war analysis, is now calmer, according to Igor, but just nine kilometers away, in Andriivka, the reality is very different. The assaults continue constantly. There are waves and waves and waves of them, says Sid, the code name for one of the deputy commanders of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Independent Mechanized Brigade.

An AHS Krab self-propelled howitzer supplied by Poland to the Ukrainian Armed Forces fires in the direction of Chasiv Yar on the Donetsk frontline, Monday. Lola Hierro Yehor Vlasov, a gunner of the 26th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, fires a shell at Russian troops trying to advance on the Chasiv Yar front, Monday. Lola Hierro Andrii Goretskyi, battery commander of the 26th Artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Chasiv Yar front. Lola Hierro Oleksandr Strelnytskyi, driver of the howitzer AHS Krab, at his post. Lola Hierro

In line with Polishchuk are the latest reports from the U.S. think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which indicate that the Russian military is intensifying offensive operations in Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, likely to take advantage of any immediate and long-term battlefield impact of the cessation of U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Outside the armored vehicle, an AHS Krab supplied by Poland, Major Polishchuk wears boots. But both he and gunners Yehor Vlasov and Oleksandr Strelnytskyi keep their socks on when they enter, so as not to bring in more mud, which at this rainy time of year is everywhere, especially in the forest where they camouflage themselves. Lately, they spend their days running from the bunker where they live to the tank, taking off their boots and putting them back on when theyre done, because the attacks here havent stopped: on the contrary, theyre increasing. Over the last month, our positions were attacked more than 100 times in seven days, says Andrii Goretskyi, a brigade battery commander, in charge of this artillery unit and three others of the same type.

With each blast, the howitzer fires shells 10 kilometers away, into the fearsome front line where the trenches of their fellow infantrymen of the 56th Brigade are located. When enemy movement toward them is detected, Polishchuks men launch a few high-explosive 155-millimeter shells. This is to deter further advance or attack, or to take them out, in the best-case scenario for the shooter. One less Russian, one less problem. Its a huge responsibility; you have to be very focused because theres no room for error; if you dont calculate the coordinates correctly, you can shoot a comrade, explains the commander while Vlasov and Strelnytskyi resupply the armored vehicle with fresh ammunition.

Pokrovsk, another battle

Pokrovsk, a strategic city in Donbas, has been experiencing one of the fiercest offensives in this region of mud and snow since last summer. But here, the tide seems to have turned for the first time. On March 16, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine published a video of the town, reduced to rubble, but accompanied by an optimistic message: The Russians havent taken a single position in a month.

The Pokrovsk front is one of the priorities for Russian troops. However, despite their resources and large numbers of personnel, the advance has stalled here. For more than a month, they have not only failed to capture new positions, but in some places have lost previously held ones, the Border Guards message indicates. The ISW report of March 12 also records advances by Ukrainian forces in this direction.

The 26th Brigade's gunners enter the armored vehicle without boots and work barefoot to avoid filling the interior with mud. Lola Hierro

For Treguvob, the situation has become a disaster for the invading army. They launched an all-out offensive operation in January and February and failed to cut off even the relatively nearby Dnipro highway, he notes. The spokesperson for the Khortytsya Strategic Operational Group maintains that the secret of success has been the citys well-trained defenders and the effective cooperation between the infantry and drone pilots. Our guys have managed to retake some villages there, so the result of the entire Russian operation is less than meager, and yes, we are happy, he says. Zelenskiy also acknowledged this, in one of his daily messages on social media: I am grateful to all Ukrainian units for their resilience and effectiveness in destroying the occupier. The situation in the Pokrovsk direction has been stabilized. Deep State has recorded several liberated villages near this city in recent weeks.

Gunners Polishchuk, Vlasov, and Strelnytskyi share a filthy underground bunker. Four rough wooden cots, cardboard boxes on a dirt floor, and no more light than a flashlight. A camping gas stove and battlefield rations: sliced bread, ultra-processed sausages, margarine, tea bags, and Nescafe. Theyre putting the kettle on to boil when the radio crackles. Intermittent beeps, a male voice speaking in Ukrainian. Its an alert that their comrades have detected a new Russian target to fire at. Quickly, they run to their armored vehicle, take off their boots, and begin work, with barely any time to say goodbye. Outside, only Commander Goretskyi remains, issuing a final plea: The tallest building left in Chasiv Yar isnt even a meter high  thats the level of destruction. And for what? Just so Putin can put up his fucking flag. Please, dont stop talking about Chasiv Yar.

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There was a particularly tense moment at the March 11 meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations. It came when White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz laid a map of Ukraine on the table to draw a diagram of the territorial division that could be negotiated with Russia to end the war. The Ukrainian team, led by Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskiys right-hand man, asked that this matter be left for later, but his interlocutors replied that it should be done now. This has been revealed by several Ukrainian media outlets that have spoken with witnesses of the meeting, although it has not been reported where Waltzs pen passed. Donald Trump and his confidants have emphasized every day since then that Ukraine must accept that it will have to make territorial concessions.

The U.S. president has broken a taboo, perhaps the greatest in Ukraine: that of territorial sacrifices. Until Trump returned to power, whether it was his predecessor Joe Biden or Kyivs European allies, the official and unanimous position in the West was that Ukraine would decide when peace negotiations should begin and under what conditions. But neither the Ukrainian political nor military leadership has yet publicly mentioned something that now seems inevitable: that Vladimir Putin will not return everything he has occupied in the invaded country, nor will the U.S. demand he does so. Any agreement will depend on territorial concessions from Ukraine and security commitments from Russia, Waltz said.

Trump is scheduled to speak with Putin by telephone this Tuesday to discuss his proposed 30-day ceasefire. The main sticking point, the U.S. president confirmed, is the asset sharing between Russia and Ukraine. Trump reiterated that he has previously addressed this issue, both with the Kremlin and with Bankova, the Ukrainian presidential headquarters. Zelenskiy stated that he and his team will participate in peace negotiations under the strong leadership of President Trump. The initiative for the truce comes from the White House, according to Zelenskiys office, and the Americans should lead the talks with Russia.

Trumps special envoy for Russia, Steve Witkoff, met with Putin in Moscow on Friday. Witkoff explained on CNN that the meeting had been positive, that it had smoothed over differences between Russia and the U.S., and that territorial concessions had been discussed.

The loss of control over their regions is the elephant in the room in Ukraine, a truism that they are trying to ignore. Zelenskiys official position is that his country will never recognize Russias sovereignty in the occupied territories. Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiga spoke in a similar vein on RBC this Monday: There are fundamental things that are non-negotiable, that cannot be touched. First and foremost, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Ukraine will never recognize the occupied territories [as part of Russia].

But this does not negate the possibility that the invaded areas will remain under the control of the Kremlin, even if neither Ukraine, nor its allies, nor the United Nations, accept the legality of the annexation. Zelenskiy acknowledged in December 2024, in an interview with Le Parisien, that Ukraine does not have sufficient military strength to expel the occupying forces, but that, in the future and with sufficient Western support, Russia could be forced politically to return them.

The Ukrainian political establishments strategy is to avoid upsetting Trump after the rocky start to bilateral relations with Zelenskiy. Kyiv remains militarily dependent on Washington. But doubts are emerging from political think tanks. Iliya Kusa, an analyst at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future (UIF), emphasized this Monday at a conference in Kyiv that for Trump, Ukraine is not the priority, especially after breaking the historic alliance with Western European democracies: his priority is to establish a bilateral relationship with Moscow in which they share strategic interests.

Its obvious that the U.S. has broken the taboo regarding the inviolability of sovereignty not only in Ukraine, but also in Europe. Trump and Putin use the same rhetoric; the American president demonstrates this by wanting to seize Greenland, Olena Snigyr, an academic at the Robert Schuman Centre of the European University Institute, explained in a telephone interview. Snigyr believes the U.S. has broken the global order and unity with Europe, something Russia has always sought. Changing the course of events will depend on Europes reaction, she adds: Ukraine alone cannot withstand the pressure to yield; Ukraine alone will lose and disappear. But it is not in Europes interest or its security for Ukraine to fall.

The director of the UIF, Vadim Denisenko, emphasized that a factor that is under-reported is that the White House is already in talks with the Kremlin regarding preferential participation of U.S. multinationals in the exploitation of Russian natural resources. This means that Ukraine will not be Washingtons only partner in this area after the minerals agreement is signed, under which Kyiv has agreed to cede management of 50% of the revenue from the extraction of these natural resources to the U.S.

Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

In that interview with Le Parisien, Zelenskiy was specifically asked about Crimea and the Donbas region. The Black Sea peninsula was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. Parts of the two Donbas provinces, Luhansk and Donetsk, rose up against Kyiv with Moscows support. Since the 2022 invasion, all of Luhansk and 60% of Donetsk have been under Russian rule. According to Russian law, they have been part of Russia since 2022, along with the partially occupied provinces of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

Trump pointed to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on several occasions last week as one of these assets to be distributed. The most recent was this Sunday, when he indicated, although without explicitly naming it, that he also wants to discuss it with Putin. Europes largest nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian occupation since 2022, was one of the issues the U.S. delegation in Jeddah wanted to discuss with the Ukrainian side. This has been interpreted as a sign that it may be one of the elements Ukraine could recover, but the Kremlins top-level position is that nothing will be returned, and that even the Zaporizhzhia territories in free Ukraine must be handed over to Russia.

The lack of sufficient force to militarily reconquer what was lost is not Ukraines only problem. As one of the most senior officers in the Ukrainian army told this newspaper in February: After 11 years under Russian influence, our troops would be seen as the enemy if we entered Crimea or the cities of Luhansk and Donetsk. Repopulating these provinces would be a better solution, another high-ranking military officer explained to EL PAIS in 2023, but the longer they remain under Russian rule, the more generations will grow up disconnected from Ukraine.

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The institution itself acknowledges that it sounds like science fiction. A team of scientists from Pennsylvania State University has created a technique for sending sounds remotely to a specific person, without anyone hearing it along the way. In the experiment announced on March 17, the researchers fired two independent beams of inaudible ultrasound, each surrounding the recipients head on one side. When they cross in front of the face, they interact, producing the sound of the famous chorus from Handels Messiah: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! The scientists call these remote sound bubbles audible enclaves or whispering beams.

Mechanical engineer Jiaxin Zhong explains the possible applications to this newspaper, such as receiving personalized audio messages in public spaces. Museums, libraries, or exhibitions could offer personalized sound without the need for headphones, he notes. Car drivers could receive navigation instructions while passengers enjoy music without distractions, adds Zhong, one of the lead authors of the method. These personalized sound bubbles, he says, could also facilitate confidential military communications, improve the virtual reality experience, and even create silent zones in noisy environments, if the option is to selectively cancel out unwanted sound. The results of the experiment were published Monday in the PNAS journal of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

The experiment is promising, but it has significant limitations, according to Yun Jing, professor of acoustics and biomedical engineering at the Penn State College of Engineering. First, the chorus of Messiah sounds like a poorly tuned old radio. To achieve better sound quality, we will need better ultrasound emitters, because the ones we are using now are very cheap ones purchased for the proof of concept, explains Jing. His team is also exploring artificial intelligence tools to offer a clearer result.

Distance is another relevant factor. The source of the ultrasound is an acoustic metasurface, an ultrathin material capable of modifying the waves that strike it. In the experiment, the scientists placed a dummy a few centimeters from the emitter, but Jing claims they could create a sound bubble around a person standing a few meters away. The challenge is that ultrasonic waves attenuate very quickly in air, so reaching 100 meters is going to be difficult unless we have very powerful ultrasonic emitters, he explains. The advantage of their ultrasound source is that it measures just 16 centimeters in length, a compact format that would facilitate its applications.

Telecommunications engineer Juan Miguel Navarro, from the Catholic University of Murcia in Spain, collaborated with Yun Ling over a decade ago on acoustic simulations for large venues. Navarro notes that sound focusing has been used for over 20 years in security applications, such as long-range acoustic devices, considered non-lethal weapons because they emit painful sounds that incapacitate the enemy. Whats novel about this new study is that it allows us to reproduce a sound bandwidth suitable for transmitting low-fidelity vocal and musical signals, the engineer notes.

In 2017, Spanish sound engineer Marcos Simon founded Audioscenic in Southampton, England. He develops devices capable of detecting the listeners ears and transmitting focused sound. Simon applauds the new work, in which he was not involved. The methodology presented is truly innovative, and as far as I know, nothing similar has been implemented before.

The Spanish engineer, however, emphasizes that, in his opinion, there are significant technological limitations to implementing this idea. First, ultrasonic loudspeakers require very high energy levels, which implies high power consumption. Furthermore, for ultrasonic loudspeakers to emit audible sound, second-degree intermodulation products [the signals generated by the combination of ultrasonic waves] are required. This requires generating very high acoustic pressure, which raises questions about possible effects on the human auditory system, especially considering that safe exposure levels to ultrasound are not yet fully defined, warns Simon, a visiting researcher at the University of Southampton. As a research contribution, the work is very interesting and innovative. However, from a technological perspective, it still requires significant development before it can be applied in practical contexts, he concludes.

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Unrelenting rains in southern Spain have triggered flash floods and evacuation orders in the Andalusian provinces of Malaga and Cordoba, where 19 waterways are at red level for risk of flooding. One body has been found and at least three more people are reported missing.

The risk posed by by the rising waters has also led authorities to close off roads, cancel classes and suspend railroad service on three lines. In the nearby region of Murcia, in southeastern Spain, several passengers were injured after a bus overturned on the A-7 highway, while nine people were trapped inside two cars in Aguilas, a popular coastal destination.

Firefighters and police officers assist people in flooded homes near Cordoba airport on Tuesday. SALAS (EFE)

Parts of Spain have been experiencing persistently rainy weather since early March. There were isolated episodes of flooding earlier this month in the Valencia region, where residents are still recovering from the historic flash floods of late October, which also affected parts of Andalusia.

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) on Tuesday maintained an orange warning for rain in Costa del Sol, Malaga and Axarquia. Wednesday is expected to provide some respite from a storm named Laurence, although the weather service is warning that a new storm, Martinho, could hit the peninsula on Thursday.

A van dragged away by Campanillas River in Malaga province, Spain on Tuesday. Jorge Zapata (EFE)

In Malaga, the Andalusian regional government ordered the evacuation of close to 400 homes in Campanillas, east of the regional capital, due to forecasts that heavy rains could cause the river to burst its banks. Various parts of the province registered rainfall of 50 mm to 70 mm in the last 12 hours.

In Cordoba, local authorities have evacuated residents from five plots of land near the Guadalquivir River, which is at the red level, and declared a Level 1 emergency in the citys flood-prone areas. In the province of Granada, the coast experienced a night of heavy rain, which continued until almost 9 a.m. Reservoirs filled to capacity have been opened up to let out the excess water in places like Casasola. And Guadalhorce River reached its highest average level since record-keeping began.

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Parents with children as young as one have begun arriving at an immigration detention center in Karnes, South Texas. They are the first families detained by the Donald Trump administration, which has reintroduced a practice largely curtailed during the Biden administration and denounced by human rights organizations as inhumane. The families will remain in federal custody, in facilities critics have described as baby jails, until they are removed from the country under the presidents campaign of mass deportations.

More than a dozen families with children are being held at the family detention center in Karnes, a small town of about 15,000 residents located around 50 miles southeast of San Antonio. According to RAICES, a Texas-based organization that provides services to migrants at the center, the detained families include some who recently crossed the Mexican and Canadian borders, as well as others who were captured in the recent wave of immigration raids across the country. Some had been in the country for up to 10 years, the organization said.

Among those detained at Karnes are immigrants from Colombia, Romania, Iran, Angola, Russia, Armenia, Turkey and Brazil. A second center in South Texas, in the town of Dilley, 71 miles south of San Antonio, is being opened to receive hundreds of families in the coming days. In total, the two facilities, operated by private prison companies contracted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have a capacity for nearly 3,800 people.

Trump had already used this system during his first term in office in an effort to deter migration across the southern border. The George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations also did it, but Trump went a step further, forcibly separating children from their parents and holding them in detention centers that resembled jails or kennels. There, children had no access to basic services such as showers, beds, or sufficient food. The policy generated such public outrage that the president decided to reverse it, but the damage had already been done. More than 4,600 children were taken from their families, and it is estimated that, to this day, nearly 30% of them remain unaccounted for.

Family detentions were largely halted, but not abolished, during the Biden administration. The Democratic leader released some of the families detained by Trump and converted the Karnes and Dilley facilities into adult detention centers. But when border crossings reached record highs during his first three years in office, he considered reinstating the practice in 2023. However, the idea drew so much criticism that he ultimately abandoned it.

Detained children line up in the cafeteria at a detention center for immigrant families in Karnes County in 2014. Eric Gay (Getty Images)

Now, Trump  who has paid no attention to the outrage sparked by his second administrations immigration agenda, amid applause from his supporters  has put it back on track. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) itself confirmed this earlier this month, when it announced on March 7 that the two detention centers in South Texas would once again house families. In a statement, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin asserted that the detained families have final orders of removal and are in the United States illegally. This administration is not going to ignore the rule of law, she stated. The best option for illegal aliens is to self-deport. If they leave now, they may still have an opportunity to return and live the American dream, she added.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem echoed that comment in an interview with CBS News a couple of days later. When asked if she was personally comfortable with the practice of family detention, Noem insisted that families who have left their countries in search of a better life for their children, fleeing violence, repression, and poverty, have the option to self-deport if they dont want to be detained.

Everybody has an option. They have an option to be here legally or illegally, and they can self-deport as well. Weve set up a system and a website where people who are here illegally right now can register, and they can choose to go home on their own and keep their families united, said the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Immigrants at the ICE South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, in 2019. Eric Gay (AP)

An inhumane, unjust and unnecessary practice

Migrant advocates and child welfare experts have long denounced family detention. They argue that it is a practice especially harmful to children and point to the long list of allegations of mistreatment, sexual abuse, and lack of access to medical care and other basic needs in the facilities where they are detained.

Several children have died in immigration custody. In 2018, during Trumps first term, a one-year-old girl died after being released from the Dilley center, which is preparing to hold families again. Her mother alleged that the center failed to provide adequate care after the child contracted a respiratory infection there, but a jury ruled last year that the same company that continues to operate the center, CoreCivic, was not liable.

Taking away a childs freedom and deliberately putting them in these conditions is unconscionable, as is denying a parent their most fundamental role of providing their child with a loving and nurturing environment. Family detention, like all immigration detention, is inhumane, unjust, and unnecessary, said Setareh Ghandehari, advocacy director of Detention Watch Network, a national coalition advocating for an end to immigration detention in the United States, in a statement.

Pro-immigration organizations are also concerned that this practice is one step away from bringing back family separations. For now, a court order currently prohibits Trump from separating families again, so the administration has opted to deport them together, as it did with the 10-year-old girl recovering from brain cancer who was deported to Mexico last month. The child, her undocumented parents and her four siblings were detained while going to a medical appointment in Houston, Texas, in a case that has highlighted the cruelty with which the Republican administration is deporting immigrants.

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The institutional clash between the executive and legislative branches is intensifying in the United States. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has confronted President Donald Trump with a rare statement rebuking him for his attacks on Judge James Boasberg. Boasberg opposed Trumps deportations of hundreds of Venezuelans without due process, carried out under an 18th-century law intended for wartime. The conflict has escalated and threatens to spiral into a constitutional crisis.

Trump said Boasberg was a lunatic and called for his impeachment. In his highly unusual statement, Roberts emphasized that the removal of federal judges is not an appropriate response to disagreements with their rulings.

For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose, the statement read.

The Supreme Courts chief justice, a conservative appointed by George W. Bush, is known for his prudence and generally avoids intervening in political disputes, so his statement underscores the gravity he attributes to the situation.

In one of his all-caps social media posts, Trump had attacked Boasberg, the federal judge overseeing the deportation case. This Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, was not elected President, he began his tirade, suggesting that his election victory made him above the law and judges.

Im just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! WE DONT WANT VICIOUS, VIOLENT, AND DEMENTED CRIMINALS, MANY OF THEM DERANGED MURDERERS, IN OUR COUNTRY. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! the message concluded.

Roberts had previously defended the independence and professionalism of all federal judges in 2018, regardless of who appointed them, after Trump attacked a decision on his asylum policy made by what he referred to as an Obama judge.

We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them. That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for, he wrote in a statement.

In his closing remarks for 2024, Roberts once again defended judicial independence, which he said is being threatened by intimidation, misinformation, and the potential for public officials to defy court orders. He also condemned elected officials from all political parties who have raised the specter of open disregard for federal court rulings.

Attempts to intimidate judges for their rulings in cases are inappropriate and should be vigorously opposed. Public officials certainly have a right to criticize the work of the judiciary, but they should be mindful that intemperance in their statements when it comes to judges may prompt dangerous reactions by others, he wrote.

Open case

Justice Department lawyers had until noon today to respond to Judge Boasbergs questions about the flights of Venezuelans deported to El Salvador on Saturday, despite the ban he had issued that same day. These transfers were arranged under a Trump decree invoking a 1798 wartime law that allows the president to expel foreigners from an enemy power attempting to invade.

At a hearing on Monday, convened by Boasberg to determine the exact times of the flights' takeoff and landing and to examine whether the U.S. administration had committed contempt of court, government lawyers avoided answering the judges questions. Almost simultaneously, these lawyers asked an appeals court to recuse the judge, who was appointed by Obama and whom they believe is exceeding his authority.

The controversy began on Saturday when Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act in his proclamation to declare, without much evidence on the ground, that the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua was attempting to wage war against the United States. His administration claims that those deported that day were members of this gang. However, human rights organizations filed a lawsuit to block their expulsion, and Judge Boasberg issued an order late Saturday afternoon prohibiting the deportations and demanding that the flights return if they had already taken off.

The planes did not return, but instead continued on to Honduras and then El Salvador, where the deportees were detained in the notorious prison built by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for gang members.

Well do what we want

The case threatens to escalate into a constitutional showdown between the judiciary, responsible for overseeing the legality of government actions, and a Trump administration convinced that presidential powers are nearly omnipotent and should not be subject to the oversight of rogue judges. At Mondays hearing, a visibly frustrated Judge Boasberg summed up the Justice Department lawyers' position: We dont care, well do what we want.

This position reflects the prevailing sentiment across various levels of a government whose members have been chosen primarily for their loyalty to Trump. The president himself is the first to consider his authority superior to any other institution, despite the system of checks and balances  the executive, legislative, and judicial branches  that has governed the country since its independence.

In a post on Truth, his social network, he referred to Boasberg as a troublemaker and agitator. He also suggested that because he won the presidential election last year and prevailed in the seven swing states, he had greater authority than a judge to decide whether his actions were legal.

The White Houses vehemence in defending its position is similar to its approach in other cases where courts have placed limits on its actions, such as its attempt to eliminate birthright citizenship and the firing of hundreds of thousands of federal employees. It signals that the presidential office is prepared to grant itself nearly unlimited power during Trumps second term.

At least until the midterm elections, when voter intentions could change, the Republican Party  which is completely dominated by the president  holds the majority in both houses of Congress. It does not appear that a group of dissenters will emerge from its ranks. The Democratic Party is currently divided and struggling to find a strategy to confront its rival. Republican voters continue to enthusiastically support the presidents measures and applaud the administrations tough stance on immigration issues.

We are unafraid to double down, and to take responsibility and ownership of the serious decisions that are being made, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday. The president was elected with an overwhelming mandate to launch the largest mass deportation campaign in American history, and thats exactly what he is doing.

Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, also supported this argument. Speaking to CNN, he claimed that Boasberg was acting unlawfully by trying to control Trumps immigration measures. The 1798 Alien Enemies Act was written explicitly to give the president the authority to repel an alien invasion of the United States, the senior official stated, equating the Tren de Aragua with an aggression from an enemy power. That is not something that a district court judge has any authority whatsoever to interfere with, to enjoin, to restrict, or to restrain in any way.

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Yes  Significant efforts are being made

No  Much more needs to be done

Some progress  But there are still critical gaps

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The fight is on. On one side, the Trump administration, determined to demonstrate to its voters its extreme forcefulness in its immigration and deportation policies. An administration that defends the use of an 18th-century law designed for times of war to expel nearly 300 Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador without any due process, despite a judges order against it. An executive that deports or denies entry to foreigners with legal residence papers who have not been charged with any crimes. On the other side, the courts that block it. The government is entrenched in its positions, and the judges insist on demanding explanations, in a confrontation that could go all the way to the Supreme Court. On Monday, the Justice Department made an attempt to have the case reassigned to another judge after U.S. District Judge James Boasberg called a hearing to know why the federal government apparently disobeyed his orders to not deport the migrants, and the governments lawyers refused to answer his questions.

The debate on Monday focused on whether the White House disobeyed Boasbergs oral order banning the deportation of 238 Venezuelans whom the Trump administration accuses of being members of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization. The judges instructions included the return of the planes transporting them even if they had already taken off and were in mid-flight. But the planes did not return and landed in El Salvador instead. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, a Trump administration ally, appeared to mock the judge with a social media message in which he wrote in English Oopsie, too late and included a laughing emoji.

The White House has closed ranks to assert that it acted correctly and did not disobey the court order. The planes were already flying over international waters when the order arrived, so the courts "lacked jurisdiction" in the case, it maintains.

Part of the dispute centers on the fact that there were two versions of the order. Verbally, around 6:48 p.m. on Saturday, the judge banned the flights and specified that they would have to return immediately if they were already in the air. The written instruction was issued at 7:26 p.m. Data from flight tracking applications indicates the planes landed in Honduras at 7:37 p.m. and from there continued to El Salvador. The White House asserts that the administrations actions did not conflict with the written order, and that the planes took off before that document was issued. At a press conference on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt questioned whether the oral order had the same legal weight as the written order. All of the planes subject to the written order of this judge departed U.S. soil, U.S. territory before the judges written order, she said. Lawyers for the Department of Justice are following the same line of reasoning. Boasberg has given government lawyers until noon Tuesday to deliver information about the flight timelines, and how many people might be affected by the administrations proposed use of the outdated law on removals. Legal experts insist that the timing of the planes takeoff is irrelevant to the obligation to comply with the injunction.

Speaking to Fox News, White House border czar Tom Homan stated that the administration will continue with deportations, summary expulsions, and the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. This law, designed for wartime, grants the president extraordinary powers to expel non-citizens who owe allegiance to foreign powers in cases of conflict or invasion by an enemy nation. It has only been invoked three times in history: in the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom, in World War I against Austro-Hungarian citizens, and in World War II to intern people of Japanese, German, or Italian descent in prison camps. Were not stopping, Homan told Fox News in an interview. I dont care what the judges think. I dont care what the left thinks. Were coming.

The White House's entrenchment in a position that is enormously popular among its supporters, at the expense of legal proceedings and confrontation with judges, could trigger an escalation in the Trump administration's challenge to the American system of separation of powers and judicial oversight. Since coming to power nearly two months ago, government officials and their supporters have repeatedly complained about court rulings blocking their most controversial actions, from the dismissal of federal employees to the repeal of birthright citizenship.

Mark S. Zaid, a lawyer specializing in national security issues, posted on X that the events marked the start of true constitutional crisis.

In his remarks to the press aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump asserted that the expulsion of the 238 Venezuelans to Salvadoran prisons was due to a situation more dangerous than a war, an invasion by bad people.

The case of the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador is not the only one that threatens to generate a fierce court battle over U.S. immigration policy. Brown University professor Rasha Alawieh, a 34-year-old Lebanese national residing in the United States on a work visa, traveled to her home country to visit her family. Upon her return, she was denied entry onto U.S. soil and deported to Lebanon via Paris, despite a court order prohibiting such a move. Some media outlets reported that, according to the Department of Homeland Security, Alawieh had photographs of leaders of the Lebanese radical Islamist group Hezbollah on her phone.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) denounces the doctors deportation. 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 maintains.

Last week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Palestinian student Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent resident of the United States married to a U.S. citizen, and transferred him to one of its detention centers. The State Department revoked his residency permit, accusing him of being a sympathizer of the radical Palestinian group Hamas, after Khalil participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. His lawyers emphasized that the student has not been charged with any crime and denounced that their clients right to freedom of expression is being violated.

Added to these cases are the accusations by Astrid Senior, a woman who reported this weekend that her son, Fabian Schmidt, a German national with a U.S. residency permit, was stripped naked and violently interrogated upon his arrival in Boston from Luxembourg. Customs and Border Protection denies these accusations.

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A Malda-based illegal arms racketeer has been detained by the Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata Police near Sealdah Station in Kolkata, police officials said on Monday.

As per the release, on Monday morning, at around 5.30 am, based on a credible source input, STF, Kolkata police intercepted a Malda-based illegal arms racketeer near Sealdah Station, Kolkata, under the Entally Police Station area.

During the search, several arms and ammunitions were recovered from the possession of the detainee, including two pieces of improvised single shot firearms, four pieces of improvised 7mm semiautomatic pistol fitted with dual magazine, two rounds of live 8MM cartidges and six rounds of live 7.65 mm cartidges.

The detainee has been identified as Hassan Sk (42), son of Lt. Jajul Sk. He is a resident of Narayanpur village under the Kaliachak police station area of the Malda district.

Accordingly, the detainee will be arrested and prosecuted under the Arms Act, the release stated.

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As per the release, preliminary interrogation suggests that the accused person has procured this huge amount of improvised firearms and live ammunition from Bihars Khagaria.

In different incident, Delhi Police Friday that they have busted an interstate illegal arms smuggling cartel in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and arrested its three key members. The cartel was operating from Nabha Jail in Punjabs Patiala.

Delhi Police said that the cartel was involved in supplying illegal arms in Delhi, NCR, from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.

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The operation was led by Inspector Rahul Kumar and Inspector Vineet Kumar Tewatia under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kailash Singh Bisht.

Delhi Police have identified the three key accused as Aniket, Sourav and Anand Kumar. Five effective illegal pistols were also recovered from their possession.

A dedicated team of Special Cell, Trans Yamuna Range, Delhi Police, led by Inspectors Rahul Kumar and Vineet Kumar Tewatia, under the close supervision of ACP Kailash Singh Bisht busted an interstate illegal arms smuggling cartel involved in supplying illegal arms in Delhi & NCR from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar operating from Nabha Jail, Patiala, Punjab, Delhi police said.
 Three Chesterfield County (South Carolina) sheriff's deputies were charged with misconduct in office, criminal conspiracy and breach of peace, Queen City News reported.

Justin Reichard, Darien Roseau and Killian Loflin are accused of making prank phone calls to other law enforcement agencies, reporting hoax emergencies -- including the discovery of a dead body.

"The hoax calls caused emergency responses from law enforcement and/or other emergency responders," the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division reported.

Officers tracked the phone number where the calls came from to one of the former deputies.

All three are free, awaiting trial. [Queen City News, 2/14/2023]
WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump said he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday morning, expressing hope about brokering a cease-fire deal between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump told reporters on Monday that "what's happening in Ukraine is not good, but we're going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a cease-fire and peace, and I think we'll be able to do it."

Trump and his officials have been trying to persuade Putin to accept an immediate 30-day cease-fire with Ukraine.

Ukraine said last week that it was ready to accept the Trump administration's proposal.

Trump said Ukraine is "doing the right thing right now," although he added it was not easy until recently, a reference to his tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in late February.

In front of reporters and cameras in the Oval Office, Trump and Zelenskyy clashed over whether Putin could be trusted, leading the United States to suspend its provision of military aid and intelligence to Ukraine.

The United States lifted the suspension in exchange for Ukraine's readiness to accept the proposed cease-fire following hours of talks between senior officials of the two countries in Saudi Arabia last Tuesday.

During the upcoming call with Putin, Trump will discuss the issue of a "power plant," White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told a press briefing Monday, apparently referring to the Zaporizhzhia facility, the largest nuclear plant in Europe that was seized by Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine commenced in February 2022.

Related coverage:

G7 adopts tough language on China, urges Russia to halt Ukraine war

G7 foreign ministers set to condemn China's maritime actions

Trump says Ukraine returning to talks to end war with Russia
The Supreme Court on Monday granted the parents of the victim in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case the liberty to approach the Calcutta High Court, where their plea is already filed.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna allowed the deceased victims parents to approach the Calcutta High Court, noting that a single judge bench of the High Court is monitoring the case.

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The top court was hearing a suo moto case in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, which took place at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy represented the victims parents.

As per Nundy, the victims parents today had sought a clarification from the apex court about their case filed before the Calcutta HC, seeking further probe into the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case.

After granting the victims parents liberty to approach the High Court, the CJI Sanjiv Khanna-led bench disposed of their plea filed before it.

On January 29, this year, the parents of the victim in Kolkatas RG Kar rape and murder case withdrew their plea before the Supreme Court seeking a fresh investigation into the incident.

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The victims parents had filed the (now withdrawn) plea as an Intervention Application (IA) in the suo motu case, which had been registered by the top court in August last year, a few days after the infamous incident took place.

In the January 29 hearing, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna had asked Karuna Nundy whether the top court should proceed with the case, as a plea regarding similar issues had already been filed before the Calcutta High Court.

After considering the submissions made in the affidavit filed before it, the Court had warned the senior counsel to be cautious with her arguments, as there is already a conviction against the sole accused (now convict) Sanjoy Roy in the case.

The Court had suggested that Nundy withdraw the plea and file a fresh one, noting that the original plea had been filed by the victims parents before the trial and the conviction in the cases. Following a brief exchange, the parents withdrew the plea, with the liberty to file a fresh one, as per the top courts order.

Today, the top court noted that the Calcutta High Court is monitoring the case. Thus, the Court disposed of the case filed before it.

On January 20, this year, the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court convicted and sentenced Sanjoy Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of the victim in the RG Kar rape and murder case.

After the trial courts decision, there has been an uproar, especially among doctors and medical workers, who are calling for Roy to be awarded the death penalty for his gruesome act.

There are also calls for reinvestigation into the matter, as concerns have been raised regarding how the investigation was conducted.
Father of the RG Kar rape and murder case victim on Monday expressed his concerns over the investigation alleging multiple individuals are involved in both the crime and tampering of evidence.

Speaking to ANI, he revealed that his family has filed a petition in the High Court, submitting 54 questions in hopes of obtaining justice for his daughter.

The father further accused West Bengals Chief Minister of leading the evidence tampering process and stated that despite the police bringing in dog squads for the investigation, they have yet to receive any report.

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We have filed a case in the HC and submitted 54 questions. It is with the court to bring us those answers so that my daughter gets justice. Many men are involved in my daughters rape and murder. And there are many hands involved in evidence tampering. West Bengal CM is leading the process of evidence tampering. Police had brought dog squads for investigation, but we have received no report of that so far. We have faith in the courts and the courts are working fairly, as per our wishes, the victims father said,

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RG Kar victims lawyer, Karuna Nundy said, Today was extremely urgent and the reason is that it has been 180 days since the accused Abhijit Mondol, the in charge of Tala Police Station, and Sandeep Ghosh, the Principal of RG Kar Medical College, they were arrested, and 90 days after that, Abhijit Mondol, who was accused of tampering evidence was given default bail with a Rs 2000 sureity and without any strict bail conditions.

She further said that they filed a petition before the HC asking that the Calcutta HC monitor the investigation of the CBI.

Because it is a combination of our courts and the CBI that will result in the robust chargesheet. We made an application before the Supreme Court and the CJI has now allowed our application. We can now proceed with the petition in the Calcutta High Court. There were false reports that we had asked for a fresh investigation and that our plea was rejected, Karuna Nundy said.

The Supreme Court on Monday granted the parents of the victim in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case the liberty to approach the Calcutta High Court, where their plea is already filed.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna allowed the deceased victims parents to approach the Calcutta High Court, noting that a single judge bench of the High Court is monitoring the case.

On January 29, this year, the parents of the victim in Kolkatas RG Kar rape and murder case withdrew their plea before the Supreme Court seeking a fresh investigation into the incident.

The top court was hearing a suo moto case in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, which took place at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Trinamool Congress MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will raise the matter concerning issue of duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers for voters from different states and fake Aadhaar cards, in the remaining days of the Budget Session of Parliament.

In the memorandum that our delegation of MPs recently submitted to the full Bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI), we have mentioned both the issue of duplicate EPIC numbers as well as fake Aadhaar cards.

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Now, our MPs in both Houses of Parliament will be vocal on these two issues on the floor of the House in the coming days as instructed by our leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said a Lok Sabha member, who was also a part of the delegation.

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He said that the party is in favour of developing coordination with other non-BJP parties on these two issues, so that there is an orchestrated voice of the Opposition in the matter on the floor of the House.

However, he added that the Trinamool Congress leadership, including Mamata Banerjee, is not quite happy with the approach of the Congress in maintaining coordination among the Opposition parties, not just on these two issues but also on other matters.

We hope that at least on these two issues, the Congress will show greater flexibility as regards to maintaining Opposition coordination, the Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member said.

The main demand of the Trinamool Congress is that the ECI should furnish details on the exact number of EPIC cards with duplicate numbers prevailing in the country and their state-wise break-up and whether the voters having the duplicate EPIC numbers would be ultimately barred from casting votes.

The ruling party in West Bengal has already expressed its objections on why the ECI had suppressed the matter over the existence of the duplicate EPIC numbers before the issue was brought to public notice by Mamata Banerjee.

The party has stated that issuing two voters with the same EPIC number is in violation of Rule 28 of the Representation of People Act.
The Union government has set up an inter-ministerial industry committee on fintech (IMICF) to address the regulatory concerns and long-term strategy for the sector.

As per the information shared by the government, the committee will focus on how fintech has influenced the broader banking and financial services industry, identify obstacles that hinder growth, and analyse global best practices in governance and regulation.

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The inter-ministerial-industry committee will analyse the growth of the fintech sector and its contribution to the BFSI sector, understand the issues and challenges, and take stock of the regulatory and policy developments.

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Post the deliberations, it will submit its report within three months from the date of the first meeting.

The committee will be chaired by the secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS). It will bring together senior officials from key government departments, including the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY), NITI Aayog, Reserve Bank of India, Sebi, department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT).

The Finance Ministry had earlier held detailed discussions with fintech industry representatives, where they had flagged the need to address several regulatory issues that came in the way of technological innovation.
Union Minister for Railways, Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Wednesday welcomed Elon Musks affordable satellite internet service Starlink to India.

Indias leading telecom giants, Airtel and Jio Platforms, have partnered with SpaceX to bring Starlink Internet services to the country.

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Starlink, welcome to India! Will be useful for remote area railway projects, the Union Minister posted on X social media platform.

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A day after Airtels announcement about partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink internet service to India, Jio Platforms on Wednesday announced a similar pact with the US-based company.

Airtel and SpaceX will explore offering Starlink equipment in Airtels retail stores, Starlink services via Airtel to business customers, opportunities to connect communities, schools, and health centres, among many others, in even the most rural parts of India.

Airtel and SpaceX will also explore how Starlink could help expand and enhance the Airtel network, as well as SpaceXs ability to utilise and benefit from Airtels ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in India, said the company.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, said that a new era of seamless global connectivity beckons for customers. Mittal said that soon, customers will be able to carry their mobiles to the remotest part of the world, with them in the skies and blue oceans.

In his opening remark at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Mittal made a call to both the telecom and satellite players to work together, combine their strengths, and complete the mission of connecting the unconnected, covering the oceans and the skies as well as difficult-to-reach areas.

I am glad that this is being followed through with active announcements of partnerships between satellite companies and telecom operators, he said in a statement.

For the telecom industry, the addition of satellite technology should be no different from bringing new technologies to its customers.

Just like 4G, 5G, and 6G in the future, we will now have one more technology in our mix, i.e. SAT-G, said Mittal.
In a shocking double murder, an elderly couple was found dead while the cops suspect the missing servant in Pitampura area of North West Delhi, police said on Tuesday.

The incident came to light when the couples driver on Tuesday reached the house and got no answer after knocking on the door several times. He then altered his two sons, who live in nearby houses.

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Both Mapreet and Chanpreet, sons of the deceased couple, forcefully opened the door and found their parents tied with ropes and dead. Moreover, the domestic articles were scattered, ornaments including that worn by the lady were missing.

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The same was alerted to the cops who carried out an inspection of the place. As per preliminary investigation, the couple was strangled to death, said a cop.

The victims were identified as Mohinder Singh and his wife Dilraj Kaur, both around 70 years old, were discovered in separate rooms on the third floor of their house and authorities believe the murders took place two to three days ago.

He added that based on the statement of the family, they had a domestic help who attended to their old parent, however, he left the job a few days before the incident and placed another helper.

The same new attendant has been absconding since the incident. He was seen leaving at 5 am in the CCTV footage. Police suspect that the same attendant has murdered the elderly couple with the intention of robbery.

This is not the first such incident of cruelty against elders in the same area as earlier on Monday, a similar crime was reported in Ashok Vihar in Delhi wherein a group of robbers attacked an elderly couple, and stole gold jewellery from them.

After which, the accused fled from the scene in a stolen car. Identified as Om Prakash Aggarwal, the victim and his wife were at home at the time of the incident. Along with them, their maid was also there when three to four armed robbers broke in.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday inaugurated a two-day orientation program for Delhis newly elected MLAs, and urged them to make Delhi Assembly a model legislature.

In his inaugural address on the occasion, he said that the expectations and aspirations of people from the new government are very high.

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Birla said that public representatives of the national capital are accountable to the people of the city, while the entire country keeps an eye on their work.

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Urging the members to work on finding innovative solutions to the problems faced by the people, and share ideas and experiences in a competitive spirit, Birla said that the aim of legislators must be to introduce innovations in the Assembly that will solve the problems of the people and address the challenges faced by them.

He added that the solutions that emerge from Delhi will not only serve the national capital, but also set an example for other states and legislative bodies in the country.

Birla said that the members should focus on development of Delhi as a whole instead of thinking restrictively to their constituencies, observing that the national capital is a microcosm of India, where people from all states, with diverse languages, religions, and cultures, come together.

The Lok Sabha speaker said that it is the responsibility of elected representatives to meet these varied aspirations and expectations of the people.

Mentioning that legislatures are platforms for fruitful dialogues, he underlined that there should not be any deadlock within the House and dissent must be expressed in a dignified manner and through meaningful discourse.

The LS speaker urged them to maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethics in their public life.

Outlining the glorious history of the Delhi Legislative Assembly which closely witnessed the freedom struggle and the establishing of democratic setup of modern India, he urged the members to uphold that tradition and to strengthen it further.

The conduct of MLAs and their actions and discussions in the Assembly strengthen the democratic traditions of the nation, he noted.

Birla observed that public representatives must strive to be excellent listeners, as listening is equally important as speaking. He added that being a good listener is essential to become a good speaker.
Business Proposal actor Ahn Hyo Seop is contemplating headlining a new romantic comedy, tentatively titled, Sold Out, Today Too. While the actor has yet to greenlight the project, fans are excited about the potential of his comeback to the genre.

On March 17, reports surfaced that Ahn Hyo Seop will be starring in the upcoming rom-com drama Sold Out, Today Too. In response to the report, Ahn Hyo Seops agency The Present Company issued a statement. They said, Sold Out, Today Too is a project he is currently reviewing.

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The upcoming drama is going be a light-hearted rom-com that follows two individuals who pour their souls into their work every day. However, despite their efforts, they feel like something is missing and they have a void in their hearts. As their paths collide, they begin to mend each others scars and gradually romance blossoms.

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For the drama, the makers have approached Ahn Hyo Seop for the role of Matthew Lee. He is a mysterious farmer who finds himself entangled in a romantic relationship with Dam Ye Jin. She is a home shopping host suffering from chronic insomnia.

Seoul Busters director Ahn Jong Yeon is working at the helm while rookie screenwriter Jin Seung Hee is penning the script. The drama is likely to air on SBS in 2026.

Meanwhile, currently, Ahn Hyo Seop is gearing up for the release of his big-screen debut, The Prophet: Omniscient Reader which is going to hit theatres in July. In the film, Hyo Seop will essay the role of Kim Dokja.

Also Read: Kim Soo Hyuns Knock-Off may face cancellation amid controversy

The film revolves around an ordinary person whose world changes into the novel that he is reading. The film will chronicle the story of an officer, Kim Dokja. He loves reading the web novel Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse. One day the word of the novel becomes his reality and Kim knows how the story goes. With the pre-existing knowledge, he has to save the world from the impending doom. Moreover, in the film, Lee Min-ho will be taking on the role of Yoo Joong Hyuk. Jong Hyuk is the protagonist of the fictional web novel that Dokja reads. Additionally, Chae Soo-bin, Jisoo, and Shin Seung-ho play pivotal roles. Moreover, Nana, Park Ho-san, and Choi Young-joon are also a part of the film.
Aditya Dhar, the maker of Vicky Kaushals Uri: The Surgical Strike is brewing a high-stakes ensemble film. Recent reports suggest that Dhars magnum opus bears an uncanny resemblance to the recent events in Pakistan. Moreover, leaked snippets of Ranveer Singh iterate the pulse-pounding nature of the upcoming film.

Aditya Dhars film strikes a resemblance with the clandestine high-profile assassination carried out by unknown men in Pakistan. Recently, reports emerged about the mysterious killing of Abu Qatal, a key associate of Hafiz Saeed, by unidentified attackers in Pakistan. This incident has reignited the deliberation about clandestine missions, intelligence operations, and international espionage. Coincidentally, filmmaker Aditya Dhar is reportedly working on a high-stakes project that delves into the world of global conflicts and secret operatives. This raises the question of whether his upcoming project is based on the recent events in Pakistan.

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If the speculations hold, Dhars signature style of filmmaking is sure to create a riveting cinematic narrative about the unknown men puppeteering geopolitical issues. In an interview, a source close to the production said, It is not directly inspired by this incident. But anyone familiar with Adityas work knows he has a knack for weaving real-world influences into his narratives. The blueprint of how such operations unfold has been meticulously studied. Given recent events, the lines between fact and fiction seem to be blurring, making people question just how much of reality seeps into the reel.

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Moreover, the recently leaked snippets of Ranveer Singh has peaked the anticipation meter. The actor is seen indulging in high-intensity action sequences. Additionally, the films ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Akshaye Khanna, has elevated the thrill quotient.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)



Last year, Ranveer Singh took to Instagram to share the films announcement. The Bajirao Mastani actor shared a monochrome collage featuring the star-studded team, each member teasing fans with intense looks, suggesting a grand cinematic experience. In the accompanying caption, Singh wrote, This one is for my fans, who have patiently awaited something like this. I love you all, and I promise you, this time, a cinematic experience like never before. With your blessings, we embark on this great, big motion picture adventure with spirited energy and pure intent. This time, its personal.

Also Read: SRK in discussion to star as a menacing antagonist in Sukumars next
K-drama star Kim Soo Hyun is currently embroiled in a controversy involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron. Recently, the actress aunt stated that Soo Hyun was in a relationship with Sae Ron for six years. She claimed that when they started dating, Sae Ron was only 15 while Soo Hyun was 27 years old. Her aunt also accused Soo Hyun and his agency, GOLD MEDALIST of financial misconduct and not supporting Sae Ron during her 2022 DUI scandal. Now, Kim Soo Hyuns drama, Knock-Off is in troubled waters.

After a flurry of texts, posts, and statements surfaced, the actors agency issued a lengthy statement issuing clarification against the allegations. Now, word suggests that Soo Hyuns slated Disney+ drama Knock-Off might face cancellation due to the controversy. As the controversy intensifies, the apprehension around the shows future also grows.

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For details on the controversy, follow thread: Kim Soo Hyuns agency issues statement addressing allegations involving Kim Sae Ron

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Meanwhile, despite the growing controversy, Disney+ continues to maintain that the production schedule is on track as per the plan. The streaming giant initially announced that filming was going on as per the plan. It announced that the show is going to release in the first half of 2025. However, recent reports suggest that the scandal has stirred doubts over the dramas future, with discussions about a possible delay or even cancellation making way.

Kim Soo Hyuns Knock-Off will offer a realistic portrayal of the 1997 financial crisis in South Korea, also known as the IMF crisis. In the drama, the actor is playing the role of Kim Sung Joon. Sung Joon is a strong-willed man who enters the counterfeit market during the 20th-century financial crisis. Taking advantage of the situation, he quickly rises to become the king of the counterfeit goods market. Jo Bo Ah of Destined with You and Tale of the Nine-Tailed, will portray Kim Sung Joons first love. Her character works as a customs officer and adds a dramatic touch to the series.

Park Hyun Suk, acclaimed for Song of the Bandits, Stranger Season 2, and Uncontrollably Fond is working at the helm.

Amid the deepening scandal, it remains to be seen how the shows future pivots.
TOKYO - Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said he told his Group of Seven counterparts that the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports was "regrettable" during their online meeting on Monday, emphasizing the importance of global trade rules.

Kato told reporters in Tokyo after the virtual gathering, chaired by Canada as this year's G7 host, that industrial policies, including tariffs, "should ensure predictability" and that decisions must be "based on international rules."

"Given the current global situation, the G7 will lead a free, open and rules-based international economic system," Kato said, apparently referring to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pursued his "America First" principle to bolster the world's biggest economy.

Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, Trump's administration has announced a series of tariffs, such as 25 percent duties on all steel and aluminum imports, which came into force on Wednesday, triggering retaliatory moves by some of its major trading partners.

Other measures include levies of around 25 percent on imported cars, up from 2.5 percent, with details likely to be announced next month, potentially impacting Japan's auto sector. Kato said, "Japan will engage in serious talks with the United States."

Related coverage:

Japan's Iwaya calls U.S. tariffs "regrettable" in talks with Rubio

U.S. enforces 25% tariffs on all steel, aluminum imports
Assam Congress Member of Parliament Rakibul Hussain has lodged an FIR at Dhubri Sadar Police Station from New Delhi after receiving a series of death threats on social media

The complaint, filed on Monday, names Ansar Ali, son of Mostofa Ali, a resident of Sonakhuli village in Dhubri district, as the prime accused.

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According to Hussain, the threats began on January 4, 2025, during a Facebook Live session, where the accused allegedly posted an offensive comment in Assamese:

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The Lok Sabha MP, expressing deep concern over his safety, accused the government of sheltering those responsible for past attacks against him.

In February 2025, Hussain was attacked by masked assailants waving black flags at Natun Bazar in Rupahihat while en route to a Congress workers meeting in Gunabari. The attackers also assaulted his bodyguard.

Assam Police later identified ten individuals allegedly involved in the February 20 attack in Nagaon.

Following public outrage, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the details of the accused on his official X handle, assuring that strict legal action would follow.

Despite the identification, Hussain alleged that one of the primary attackers is roaming free on anticipatory bail, raising questions about the governments commitment to justice. He emphasized that the repeated threats and lack of action signify a potential larger conspiracy against him.

Hussain has formally informed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla about the threats and has officially lodged the FIR via email from Delhi to the Dhubri Sadar Police Station.
Former Kerala Director General of Police(DGP) and BJP leader Jacob Thomas has raised concern over Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan hosting Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman a breakfast meeting at Kerala House in Delhi on March 12.

Speaking to a Malayalam news channel on Tuesday, he said there is a mystery behind Pinarayi Vijayans meeting with Sitharaman. He linked the meeting to the ongoing Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) probe against the chief ministers daughter Veena Vijayan in the financial dealings between the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, a company operated by her.

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He said there is some impropriety in the chief minister hosting a breakfast meeting with the Union minister who is in charge of the Corporate Affairs Ministry, while an SFIO probe is ongoing against his daughter Veena Vijayan. He said SFIO works under the Corporate Affairs Ministry

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The former IPS officer alleged that Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar was strategically included in the discussion by the chief minister. He further said that the matter would be reported to the BJPs national leadership.

In this connection, Sangh Parivar fellow traveler Dr. Bhargava Ram said in a social media post that the meeting between the CM and Union finance minister took place at a time when the SFIO is about to initiate prosecution proceedings against the Chief Ministers daughter and the finance ministry itself is facing criticism for delaying the SFIO preedings in the matter. It is to be noted that the meeting took place not at the office of the finance minister. In an unprecedented move, the union finance minister was meeting the chief Minister by going at his place, Bharava Ram added.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala questioned the confidentiality maintained about the meeting. Even before the meeting, Union ministers and senior officials had met Kerala chief ministers. But all of that was official, Chennithala said in the Assembly on Monday.

This was but an unofficial meeting according to a PRD release, Chennithala said, holding out a copy of the press release issued by the state Public Relations Department. What was the unofficial discussion that you held with the union finance and corporate affairs minister, he asked.

Can anyone fault us if we say that the Governor has offered himself as the bridge in this deal, he added.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan denied in the Assembly that Governor Rajendra Arlekar acted as a bridge for the chief ministers recent breakfast meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi.

He told the Assembly that it was purely a friendly conversation on general issues facing the state. He clarified that the governor participated in the meeting on his request and said that the Opposition was trying to make a big issue out of it.
The BJP on Tuesday vowed to challenge the contentious 4 per cent reservation in government contracts to Muslims in court, after the Karnataka government followed up its intentions and introduced the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill seeks to amend the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, 1999, to provide the reservations announced in the state budget.

The Bill, piloted by Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs HK Patil, will be discussed as per the schedule approved by the Speaker. The government firmed up its intention to provide reservation for the minority community, which was cleared by the state cabinet on Friday. Wasting no time, the government introduced the bill, which seeks to reserve 4% of civil works contracts up to 2 crore and goods and services contracts up to 1 crore for Muslims. A similar reservation already exists for SCs (17.5 percent), STs (6.95 per cent) and OBCs Category 1 (4 per cent) and Category-2 (15 per cent).

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The bill aims to address unemployment among backward communities and enhance their participation in government projects. It proposes to reserve 4% of contracts for Category 2B (Muslims) in civil works up to 2 crore and extends similar provisions to procurement of goods and services in designated government departments for contracts valued up to 1 crore.

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The moment the cabinet gave its nod, the entire BJP leadership, from Karnataka to New Delhi, launched a frontal attack on the Congresss appeasement policy and politics.

The BJP will continue its fight in the courts, said a BJP MP in Delhi, citing previous Supreme Court observations on the issue and recalling multiple orders on the provision for granting reservations on the basis of religion.

State IT and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge countered the BJP criticism with a sharp question. If the BJP has a problem with Muslims, why have they not declared them non-citizens? Until they are declared non-citizens, it is the duty of our government to work for the upliftment of people from economically poor backgrounds, the Karnataka minister said.
Clashes broke out between two groups in Maharashtras Nagpur on Monday night after rumours spread that the Quran was burnt during a protest by right-wing outfits demanding the demolition of the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Following the violence, a curfew has been imposed in multiple areas across the city.

According to the order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal the areas that will remain under the curfew are Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.

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The curfew will remain in effect until further notice, the police order stated.

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The clashes erupted after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur demanding the removal of the tomb.

During the protest, a rumour spread that the protesters burned a copy of the Quran. Soon, a group of 80 to 100 individuals gathered in the area and started pelting stones. The unrest spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, where hundreds of people engaged in large-scale stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson.

The violence escalated further, prompting security forces to intervene. The unrest later spread to Nagpurs Hansapuri area, where shops were vandalised, vehicles were torched, and stones were pelted. Another clash erupted near Old Bhandara Road between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm, during which a mob set several vehicles on fire and damaged houses and a clinic.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal stated that while the situation was brought under control, several policemen sustained injuries during the clashes. He also informed that the police have taken over 50 people in custody and efforts are underway to identify more miscreants.

The situation is under control and peaceful in Nagpur. More than 50 people have been taken into custody. We are identifying those who harmed public property. 33 police personnel were injured in the incident. The police had done a good job. Action will be taken against all those who are being identified. All relevant sections will be applied against the violators of the law. There are police and forces deployed in Nagpur. Curfew is imposed in parts of Nagpur. To prevent such an incident from occurring again, a meeting will be held with relevant people, he said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have appealed for calm even as the Opposition held the state government responsible for the violence.

Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve said, I am clearly stating that the Maharashtra government and state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home department portfolio, are behind the Nagpur violence.

This government has made efforts for the last one month to stoke Hindu-Muslim violence in the state. Such violence would disrupt the daily lives of Hindus as well as Muslims, but (the government) wants to reap political benefits from it. The BJP and its associated organisations are trying to disrupt the harmony in the state, Danve alleged.

The entire controversy over the Aurangzeb tomb began after Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi praised the Mughal emperor, leading to severe criticism and his suspension from the state assembly.

While Azmi later expressed regret over his remarks, several right-wing groups, including the VHP and Bajrang Dal, demanded the grave of Aurangzeb in Sambhaji Nagar be demolished. They also threatened a Babri-like fate if the government failed to remove the structure.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the family of the 13-year-old student who died due to suspected food poisoning in Karnataka.

In a tragic incident that sparked concern and outrage, a 13-year-old student from Meghalaya, Khrehlang Khongtani, passed away in Karnataka after reportedly consuming contaminated food at an unauthorised hostel.

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Expressing his condolences on social media platform X Sangma said, Pained to learn the passing of another young boy from Meghalaya in Karnataka. My deepest condolences to the family. Our Government will extend ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakhs to the next of kin and also take care of the medical expenditure of all the ailing children. Our team is in Karnataka to assist the families in this difficult time. Prayers for their recovery.

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Following the tragedy, the Meghalaya government dispatched a two-member team to Karnataka to investigate the circumstances surrounding the students death.

The team comprises P Sunn, Sub-Inspector of Schools and Sub-Divisional School Education Officer, and R Kharsyntiew, District MIS, PM-POSHAN, Shillong. They are expected to thoroughly examine the conditions at the private hostel, where food safety protocols appear to have been grossly neglected.

Khrehlang Khongtani, a Class VI student from Lyndem village under Pynursla Civil Subdivision, was among 30 students who fell critically ill after consuming leftover food from Holi celebrations at an unauthorized hostel in T Kagepura village, Mandya district, Karnataka.

The students exhibited symptoms of severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, prompting hospitalisation. Tragically, Khongtani succumbed to his condition, while the remaining students were still undergoing treatment.

His body was brought back to his home village on Monday, March 17 evening, where the community mourned the untimely loss of a bright young life.
Director General Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA) Lt General DS Rana is set to embark on a two-day official visit to Australia on March 19. This visit aims to further strengthen bilateral defence intelligence cooperation and enhance strategic engagement between India and Australia.

During the visit, DG DIA will hold discussions with senior Australian Defence officials, including the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defence, Director General of National Intelligence (DGNI), Chief of Defence Intelligence, and the Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF). These high-level interactions will focus on intelligence-sharing mechanisms, regional security cooperation, and avenues for further collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.

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As part of the visit, the DG DIA will also visit the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQ JOC) to gain insights into Australias operational framework and joint command structures. Additionally, he is scheduled to interact with the Director of the Australian Geospatial Organisation (AGO). Engagements at the Lowy Institute, a leading international policy think tank, will also facilitate discussions on strategic defence and security dynamics.

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Honouring the strong defence ties and shared military traditions between India and Australia, DG DIA will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial. The visit will also include attendance at the Last Post Ceremony, a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers, symbolising mutual respect and remembrance for the sacrifices made in service to the nation.

This visit underscores the deepening intelligence and security cooperation between India and Australia, reinforcing both nations commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region.
Ahead of her return to earth from the International Space Station (ISS) where she had been stranded for nine months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a heartfelt letter to Sunita Williams, calling her one of the most illustrious daughters of India.

The letter dated March 1 was shared by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in a social media post on X.

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I convey to you greetings from the people of India. At a programme today, I met the noted astronaut, Mr. Mike Massimino. During the course of our conversation, your name came up and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you, Modi wrote in the letter.

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The Prime Minister said that he enquired about Williams well-being when he met US President Donald Trump or President Biden during his visits to the United States.

Asserting that 1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in her achievements, the PM wrote: Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance.

Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission, the letter said.

The PM also recalled meeting Deepak Pandya, the late Indian-origin father of Sunita Williams, during his US visit in 2016.

Ms. Bonnie Pandya (Sunitas mother) must be keenly awaiting your return and I am sure that Late Deepakbhais blessings are with you as well. I fondly remember meeting him along with you during my visit to the United States in 2016, the Prime Minister said.

Calling Williams one of the most illustrious daughters of India, Modi also invited her to the country.

After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters, Modi said.

The prime minister also sent his best wishes to Barry Wilmore, the other NASA astronaut returning with Williams after spending nine months in space.

Sunita Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore are on their way back to Earth after spending an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A SpaceX Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS at around 10:35 AM IST on Tuesday and is expected to splash down on Earth at approximately 3:27 AM IST on March 19.

Along with Williams and Wilmore, the SpaceX Dragon capsule is also carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who completed their six-month stay at the ISS.
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Tuesday expressed the confidence that the Indo-US partnership and the friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump will grow in the coming years.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue here, she said, Rooted in our shared values of peace and freedom, security and prosperity, I am confident that this partnership and friendship between our two nations and our leaders will continue to grow and strengthen.

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Ms Gabbard said it was a warm experience to know the rich history and the vibrant democracy of India which serves as the foundation for a special bond between the two countries. It is great for me to be back here in India. Its been too long, but its always such a wonderful and warm experience knowing the rich history of this country and the vibrant democracy that really serves as the foundation for the special bond that has long existed between our two countries, she added.

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She said she wanted to start the discussion by greeting with Aloha and Namaste as both of these words have deep, spiritual, and powerful meanings. When we greet each other with Aloha and Namaste, what it means is that I am coming to you and greeting you with respect. It is a recognition of the eternal divine spirit that exists within each of our hearts. Its a reminder that we are all connected, that we are all children of God, regardless of our race or religion, ethnicity, politics, background, where we come from, our status in society, she said.

The top US official said by greeting each other in this manner, the doors to a much more meaningful and deeper exchange are opened, which are beyond the partisanship and divisive conversations that take place. By greeting us in this manner, we are opening the door to a much more meaningful and deeper exchange that gets past the divisiveness and the partisanship that too often poisons the conversations that we have. Its a critical reminder that what we share in common is far more powerful than that which sets us apart, she remarked.

She said the theme of the conference couldnt be better  people, peace, and planet. Our shared vision for the future provides us with the opportunity to build more meaningful relationships and work together as we leave this conference towards the interests of the people, to protect our planet and to further the cause of peace, she added.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to discuss the states development roadmap. During the meeting, CM Sai presented the Bastar Development Master Plan, outlining the transformation of Naxal-affected areas into hubs of infrastructure, industry, and tourism.

Prime Minister Modi responded positively and assured full support from the central government.

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CM Sai informed PM Modi that Naxalism in Chhattisgarh is on the verge of elimination. With coordinated efforts by security forces and public participation, rapid changes are evident in affected regions. He highlighted how police and central forces have successfully extended development to former Naxal strongholds, increasing public trust in government initiatives. The states primary focus is now on developing Bastar into a new industrial and economic centre, creating employment opportunities for youth, and improving the living standards of tribal communities.

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During the meeting in New Delhi, CM Sai also elaborated on Chhattisgarhs new industrial policy and the rising interest of investors. He informed the Prime Minister that the state government has introduced single-window clearance, tax incentives, and investor-friendly policies, attracting major companies to invest in Chhattisgarh.

Emphasising women empowerment and rural development as key government priorities, CM Sai stated that self-employment initiatives are being strengthened to make rural women financially independent. Women self-help groups are being empowered, allowing them to contribute actively to the local economy.

The CM informed the Prime Minister about ongoing initiatives to make rural women in Bastar self-reliant. Through women self-help groups, thousands of women are gaining economic independence and employment opportunities. Promotion of minor forest produce, organic farming, handloom, bamboo industries, and handicrafts is enabling women to secure livelihoods while strengthening the local economy. Additionally, startups and small-scale industries are linking Bastars women to production and marketing networks, ensuring their financial independence and contribution to the states economic progress.

During the meeting, CM Sai shared the framework of PM Modis upcoming visit to Chhattisgarh on March 30. The visit will witness the inauguration of several major development projects across the state. CM Sai discussed preparations for the visit in detail and updated Mr Modi on the progress of ongoing development initiatives in Chhattisgarh.
Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), is on an official visit to India to bolster maritime cooperation and bilateral ties between the two navies. His engagements span across New Delhi and Mumbai, involving high-level discussions and operational interactions.

The visit commenced with RAdm Goldings participation in the Raisina Dialogue, a key global forum on geopolitics and security. He also paid homage to Indias fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. This was followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour and a bilateral meeting with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). Their discussions focused on enhancing naval ties, joint training initiatives, and maritime cooperation.

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During his stay in New Delhi, RAdm Golding will also meet with senior defence officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, and the Defence Secretary. These interactions will reaffirm New Zealands commitment to regional security and Indo-Pacific stability.

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Following his engagements in the capital, RAdm Golding will travel to Mumbai, where he will interact with personnel from the Western Naval Command. He is also set to visit the indigenous destroyer INS Surat, exploring opportunities for future collaboration in ship maintenance and technology exchange.

A key highlight of the visit will be the reception aboard HMNZS Te Kaha on March 20, hosted by the Prime Minister of New Zealand. This event is expected to further cement India-New Zealand maritime relations.
GENEVA - Activist Paul Watson has revealed a plan to take action against Iceland's whaling activities in June, while continuing to monitor whether Japanese ships return to the Southern Ocean to hunt the marine mammal in the area.

Speaking in a recent online interview with Kyodo News, the longtime environmental activist originally from Canada demanded Interpol retract a decision to put him on its wanted list for his alleged interference with a Japanese whaling boat 15 years ago, saying he has done nothing wrong.

"Our ongoing campaign is to stop illegal whaling activities this summer. We will be intervening against Icelandic whaling. That'll start in June," said Watson, 74.

"If Japan returns to the Southern Ocean in the fall, we will be there to meet them," he said, mentioning his group's readiness to deploy a ship standing by in Australia to protect the whale sanctuary near Antarctica.

Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, left in 2022 to launch the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, through which his current campaigns to stop whaling are organized.

Japan withdrew from the International Whaling Commission in 2019, suspending whaling in the area near Antarctica and resuming the hunt in waters much closer to the country.

In July last year, Watson was detained in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, while en route to intercept a Japanese whaling ship.

Japanese authorities obtained an arrest warrant for him in 2010 on suspicion of having conspired to forcibly obstruct the country's whaling in the sea near Antarctica the same year. Interpol later put him on its wanted list, issuing a red notice.

Denmark chose not to extradite him to Japan and released him in December after taking him into custody for five months. He currently lives in France, an anti-whaling country, as an honorary citizen of Paris.

Watson, who holds Canadian and U.S. citizenship, said he received some 6,000 letters during his detention, including "quite a few" from Japan.

"People weren't really supporting me as an individual. They were supporting the cause that I stand for, the protection of whales and the protection of the ocean," he said.

"I think I'm the only person in history to be put on the Interpol red notice for the conspiracy to trespass and to obstruct business," Watson said, adding he "didn't injure anybody and didn't damage any property."

According to Interpol, a red notice is a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and temporarily arrest a person pending extradition or legal action. Unlike an international arrest warrant, each country involved decides whether to act on it based on its own laws.

Watson was invited to a film festival on human rights in Geneva this month, but he did not come to Switzerland as he "couldn't get anything in writing from the Swiss authorities saying that I would not be detained."

Watson said he will speak at the U.N. Ocean Conference in Nice in June.

Related coverage:

Anti-whaling activist freed, Denmark denies Japan extradition request
Maharashtras opposition parties have come down heavily on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after violence broke out in Nagpur on Monday.

Speaking to the media in Mumbai on Tuesday, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Senas Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut questioned the outbreak of violence in Nagpur, which happens to be the headquarters of the RSS and is also the constituency of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is the Home Minister of Maharashtra.

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Who would have the guts to spread any violence there? This seems to be a new pattern to scare Hindus. Make their own people attack them and then incite and involve them in riots, Raut alleged.

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Shiv Senas Marathi language daily newspaper Saamna criticised BJP leaders for their calls to destroy Aurangzebs grave, labelling them as enemies of the brave tradition of Marathas.

Some neo-Hindutvawadis are loudly saying they will destroy Aurangzebs grave in the manner in which Babri Masjid was demolished. They just want to spread hatred in Maharashtra. Marathas fought Aurangzeb for 25 years, and finally, Aurangzeb, who attacked their self-esteem, was buried in Maharashtras soil. They want to erase that entire history, the Saamna article stated.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray dismissed the agitation as a mere gimmick to distract people from real issues.

Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray attacked the Fadnavis government and claimed that the BJP is trying to push Maharashtra into a Manipur-like situation. He also questioned the Fadnavis-led governments handling of the Nagpur violence and pointed at the Chief Ministers Offices (CMO) lack of response.

Why did the CMO not react when rumours of violence were spreading in Nagpur? Whenever such an incident is about to take place, the first report comes to the Chief Minister of the state and the Home Department. Did they not have any information regarding this? I think the BJP wants to turn Maharashtra into the next Manipur, Aaditya Thackeray said.

Aaditya Thackeray said that the BJP is shameless about the violence in Nagpur because the incident took place in the hometown of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Sadly, when the BJP cannot govern, it resorts to violence, riots, and this is its set formula in every state. If you look at Manipur, that is exactly what it wants to convert Maharashtra into. The BJP is trying to dig up the history of someone who lived 300 to 400 years ago, but it cannot speak about the present and the future. The irony is that the central government protects the grave, Aaditya Thackeray said.

Thackeray-led Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised the Fadnavis government and alleged that Maharashtra is being deliberately destabilised to discourage investments so that this could indirectly benefit the neighbouring state (Gujarat).

Meanwhile, Congress leader Nana Patole said that if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called the Nagpur violence a pre-planned conspiracy, then it is clear that this is a failure of the government and the police.

He (Fadnavis) himself is from Nagpur. If this incident is happening there, then it is the failure of the government. They dont believe in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Their only aim is to destroy Maharashtra. The government was involved in the incident in Nagpur, Patole alleged.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticised the Fadnavis-led government for the violence which broke out in Nagpur on Monday night. Wadettiwar claimed that the Nagpur violence was a government-sponsored incident. He also called for a ban on BJP leader T Raja Singhs movement in the state, accusing him of inciting violence. Wadettiwar accused the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti government of promoting people like Raja Singh.

In a related development, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange alleged that the Nagpur violence was sponsored by the Maharashtra government and blamed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for it.

This riot has been sponsored by the government and Devendra Fadnavis. If they want to remove Aurangzebs grave, they are in power at the Centre and in the state. If the Congress made a mistake of protecting the structure earlier, now the rulers have a chance to correct it. This (violence) is just being done to make poor people fight among themselves. People must remain alert, Patil said.

Congress MP Praniti Shinde said that the Aurangzeb tomb issue, which is 300 years old, is a diversionary tactic to divert attention from the failures of the Fadnavis government.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the Home Minister, is a big failure, and to hide it, these things are being done. Continuous efforts are being made to instigate riots in Maharashtra and the nation, but the people of Maharashtra do not listen to the BJP. They want to harm the social harmony of Maharashtra, Shinde said.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended its January 15 interim order protecting from arrest former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar accused of forging her documents to be eligible for the 2022 Union Public Service Commission examination.

Extending its January 15 order protecting Puja Khedkar from arrest, a bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma also asked the Delhi police to speed up and complete the probe fast.

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Asking Delhi police why it was not completing the probe, when Pooja Khedkar herself had stated in an affidavit that she was willing to cooperate with the investigation.

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You must track up this investigation steadfastly, Justice Nagarathna told Additional Solicitor General SV Raju (ASG Raju), who was appearing for Delhi police.

The bench posted for April 15, 2025, to hear Pooja Khedkars plea for anticipatory bail.

In the course of the hearing today, ASG Raju told the bench that police need to have a custodial interrogation of Pooja Khedkar in order to unearth the larger scam of fake documents submitted by the UPSC candidates.

Saying that the custodial interrogation of Pooja Khedkar was required to unearth the scam, ASG Raju said, We have found that this is a scam which may involve persons who are involved in giving certificates, etc. We want to investigate whether hers is an isolated case or there is a larger number of cases.

However, the bench said that the source from where Khedkar allegedly got forged certificates needs to be revealed but that does not require her to be necessarily kept in custody.

The advocate appearing for Pooja Khedkar, contested the allegations of forgery, and said that she was diagnosed with a low-vision disability only in 2018 and since then she has attempted UPSC thrice. Advocate said that her attempt as a disabled candidate has not been exhausted yet.

To this bench observed, You must have to justify your attempts.

Khedkar has approached the top court challenging the Delhi High court order rejecting her plea for anticipatory bail. On January 15, 2024, the top court had granted her interim protection from arrest and asked her to cooperate with the investigation.

Khedkar is accused of fraudulently availing reservation meant for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities in order to clear the UPSC exam.

The Delhi High Court while rejecting the anticipatory bail plea, had made strong observations against Khedkar saying its a classic example of fraud, not only with a constitutional body but also with society and the nation as a whole.

Stating that the interrogation was necessary to uncover the conspiracy involved, the Delhi High Court had noted that the father and the mother of Pooja Khedkar held a high-ranking position, thereby suggesting the possibility of collusion with influential individuals.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are on their way back to Earth after spending an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

A SpaceX Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS at around 10:35 AM IST on Tuesday and is expected to splash down on Earth at approximately 3:27 AM IST on March 19.

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Along with Williams and Wilmore, the SpaceX Dragon capsule is also carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who completed their six-month stay at the ISS.

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Williams and Wilmore arrived at the ISS in June last year as part of an experimental spacecraft mission. Initially, they were scheduled to stay for just eight days. However, technical glitches in their spacecraft left them stranded in space for over nine months.

Typically, astronauts stay on the ISS for about six months, as prolonged exposure to microgravity takes a toll on their health. However, with no spacecraft ready to bring them back, their short mission turned into an extended nine-month stay.

Last Friday, NASAs SpaceX Crew-10 mission lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission was aimed at bringing Williams and Wilmore home.

The Crew-10 mission also carried NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. The spacecraft successfully reached the ISS on Sunday, paving the way for the long-awaited return of Williams and Wilmore.
The Telangana Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed the Scheduled Caste (SC) Subcategorization Bill, ensuring the distribution of 15 per cent reservation among three subgroups. This landmark decision follows years of struggle, particularly by the Madiga community.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy hailed the day as historic, with several Dalit MLAs expressing gratitude for fulfilling what once seemed an impossible demand.

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The Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservation) Bill, 2025, aims to provide a more equitable distribution of reservations, recognizing that some SC communities, such as the Madigas, are more socioeconomically disadvantaged than others.

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During the Assembly debate, Chief Minister Reddy emphasized the significance of the move, calling it a permanent solution to a long-pending demand for classification among SC communities.

He also highlighted the Congress partys longstanding commitment to Dalit upliftment, recalling that the party had previously appointed Dalit leader Damodaram Sanjeevaiah as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh. More recently, Mallikarjun Kharge was named Congress president.

After coming to power, the Congress government presented arguments before the Supreme Courts seven-judge bench in favor of subcategorization.

Following the courts directive allowing states to frame their own laws, the Telangana government appointed the one-man Shameem Akhtar Commission to determine the allocation of the 15 per cent SC reservation among various subcastes.

Under the new framework, a total of 59 SC subcastes have been classified into three groups for equitable distribution. The Chief Minister also assured support for those who lost their lives during the long struggle for categorization, promising priority access to Indiramma Housing and Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Schemes. Additionally, he pledged to enhance the SC quota based on the 2026 census.

As the Leader of the House, I assure the entire SC community that justice will be delivered under the Indiramma government. We are committed to increasing reservations and implementing them effectively, said Reddy.

To celebrate the passage of the Bill, the Congress has planned a large public meeting to be addressed by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, positioning itself to gain political mileage from the decision. However, the BJP also played a role in advocating for SC subcategorization.

Prior to the Telangana Assembly elections, Madiga leader Manda Krishna Madiga joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally in Secunderabad, where Modi had pledged to work toward resolving the issue pending in the Supreme Court.
Photographs of residents of Wayanad in July-August 2024 lining up to cheer members of the Armys rescue team as it withdrew after successfully completing its daunting rescue task post landslides dominated social media and news networks. It was an emotional send-off from a community which lost many family members but witnessed path-breaking rescue operations. Some members of the rescue team also belonged to the region, and had close relatives who did not survive, but this did not deter them from their rescue mission.

Another recent incident was the avalanche which overran a Border Roads camp near Mana in Uttarakhand on 28 February this year, trapping 54 workers. Almost immediately, the nearest army establishments were activated and troops commenced one of their most important life-saving operations. While soldiers dug through tons of snow in sub-zero temperatures, medical teams established makeshift emergency stations hoping to save the lives of those being rescued. The Times of India stated, The cold was brutal, the darkness absolute. Snow continued to fall, covering the treacherous terrain in a deceptive, deadly stillness. Yet, the rescuers refused to rest.

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This timely intervention, executed under extremely adverse conditions, saved 46 lives. Media reports mention the Army being intricately involved in the recently concluded Maha Kumbh. The Army secured vital locations, working alongside other agencies to manage large inflow of devotees and also provided medical and logistical support. Throughout, while it was omnipresent, it remained in the background, silently assisting, while giving credit to others. Army reserve columns were spread across the region, waiting to respond to any untoward incident.

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Such is the nations trust in the Army that religious leader Mahamandaleshwar Premanand Puri stated after the stampede in Kumbh, If the Kumbh had been managed by the Indian Army, this tragedy wouldnt have happened. There are enough people willing to serve selflessly in our country. Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party leader, tweeted after the incident, it is necessary that the administration and management of the Maha Kumbh should be immediately handed over to the Army. These were also the thoughts of many devotees who were present. This is the Indian Army, quiet, always in the background, but ever ready to be there when the nation needs it.

It never seeks the limelight but is omnipresent. This is largely because of its deployment in almost every part of the country. This role of the Army, being there when the public needs its presence the most, has earned it national accolades. It is the most respected national institution today. There is no natural calamity or accident where it has not been involved in relief and rescue tasks. Indias varied geography and climate make it vulnerable to natural disasters. Almost 60 per cent of our landmass is prone to earthquakes, 12 per cent to floods, 6,000 kms of coastline susceptible to cyclones and 70 per cent of the countrys cultivable land prone to droughts. Hilly regions remain at risk of landslides and avalanches.

While India has national institutions including the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) at the central level and similar institutions at state levels, it needs additional trained troops. This flows from the Army. Indian soldiers are trained in managing natural disasters from avalanches in mountains to floods and landslides in the plains, alongside their primary role of securing the nation. In 2024 alone, the army dispatched 83 disaster relief teams across 14 states, rescuing more than 30,000 civilians, offering medical assistance to around 3,000 individuals, and providing relief materials to over 13,000 affected citizens. This assistance was across the length and breadth of the country. In Manipur, heavy floods led to thousands being rescued and evacuated to safety.

Keralas Wayanad region faced landslides, Gujarat experienced devastating floods while Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were hit by Cyclone Fengal. In every case the Army played a stellar role ensuring minimal loss of life and facilitating restoration of normalcy. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) is a training capsule which ensures that army personnel are ever ready for quick deployment. Exercises such as the multilateral mock drill, Sanyukt Vimochan 2024, brought together the army, navy, air force, coast guard, NDRF, and its affiliated state agencies. Such initiatives refine coordination, interoperability and logistics, enabling seamless responses when disaster strikes. Moreover, disaster management now forms a core part of Indias bilateral and multilateral international military exercises.

The Indian Army is increasingly collaborating with regional and global partners in HADR-focused drills, reinforcing Indias reputation as a dependable responder in crisis situations. The Army supported Nepal during earthquakes which rocked the country in 2015 and 2023. In 2023 it also deployed a 30-bed field hospital with specialists in Turkey when it faced a devastating earthquake. Modern technology has transformed the Armys approach to disaster management. Exploiting capabilities of drones, GPS systems and AIbased analytics, the Army has enhanced its accuracy and efficiency in rescue and relief operations. This was most pronounced in Wayanad.

The Armys role does not end with rescue; rehabilitation and longrecovery are integral to its disaster management philosophy. Troops reconstruct roads, rebuild bridges, provide clean drinking water and temporary shelters, ensuring communities can recover swiftly. They remain there to ensure life returns to normal at the earliest. Nowhere is this more visible than in J and K and Ladakh where the armys presence has ensured that local communities recover from natural disasters at the earliest. During the Covid pandemic, the army established hospitals in major metros and also opened its doors for the public. It led the way in organizing vaccination drives in remote areas, and ensured availability of medical supplies to remote communities.

The Indian Armys exceptional ability to respond swiftly and effectively to disasters underlines its broader role as the nations ultimate protector  not just security from external threats but also in times of peace and adversity. The Army operates alongside local administrations to establish disaster-resilient infrastructure, ensuring communities remain better equipped to handle future calamities. Each disaster response adds a new chapter highlighting the Armys indispensable role as the nations first responder. This dedication and unwavering resolve make every soldier not only a guardian of national sovereignty but a saviour in the truest sense, embodying the spirit of Service Before Self.

(The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.)
The recent passage of a Republican-led stopgap spending bill has once again highlighted the deep divisions within the American political landscape. While the bill successfully prevented a government shutdown, the contentious nature of its approval underscores broader concerns about governance, fiscal responsibility, and partisan maneuvering. The passage may have averted an immediate crisis, but it raises pressing questions about the sustainability of such short-term fixes and the political cost of compromise. At its core, the vote revealed fractures within the Democratic Party. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Sch umer and several Democrats initially allowed the bill to cross a procedural hurdle, believing that a shutdown would be a worse outcome. However, Mr Schumer ultimately voted against the final bill, reflecting the difficult balancing act he faced. Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen and independent Angus King broke ranks and voted in favour of the bill, helping Rep  ublicans push it through with a 54-46 vote. The decision to let the bill advance sparked sharp criticism from within the Democratic Party, with progressive voices calling it a betrayal of core principles.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was particularly vocal in her disapproval, calling the bill a huge slap in the face and warning that it would enable policies favouring billionaires while undercutting essential government programmes. Her frustration reflects a broader ideological struggle within the Democratic Party ~ whether to pragmatically accept compromises or stand firm on progressive values, even at the risk of economic instability. Republicans, by contrast, remained largely unified and used Democratic divisions to their advantage. The bill aligns with their priorities, increasing military spending by $6 billion while cutting non-defense allocations by $13 billion. Senator Ted Cruz dismissed Democratic objections as political theater and celebrated the bills passage, reinforcing the Republic strategy of forcing Democrats into difficult choices.

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President Donald Trump also praised Mr Schumers initial willingness to allow the bill to advance, calling it a country-sav ing move. Beyond the political maneuvering, the broader impact of this bill must be examined. While preventing a shutdown is essential, the reliance on temporary fixes raises concerns about long-term fiscal planning. Stopgap measures create uncertainty for government agencies, businesses, and citizens who depend on federal programmes. The repeated need for last-minute deals erodes confidence in the system and suggests an inability to address underlying budgetary challenges. Moreover, the financial provisions of the bill raise ethical concerns.

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Increasing military spending while slashing non-defense allocations reflects a prioritisation of security over social welfare. While national defence is undeniably important, cutting funds for critical services can have lasting consequences, particularly for lower-income communities. The decision to favour certain expenditures over others should be scrutinised, as it speaks to the values driving legislative choices. In the end, the latest episode in budget negotiations exemplifies the dysfunction that has come to define governance in America. While the crisis has been averted, the underlying issues remain unresolved. Unless lawmakers move beyond short-term fixes and engage in meaningful bipartisan dialogue, the cycle of brinkmanship and compromise will continue, leaving citizens to bear the consequences of political gridlock.
Several rallies and processions were carried out across the Sindh province in Pakistan on Monday, protesting the federal governments canal project on the Indus River. Activists, members of various political parties, civil society outfits, trade unions, and literary associations are up in arms against the government which is constructing six canals on the Indus river, local media reported.

The Sindh Bachayo Committee and Shahri Action Committee held a joint rally in Naudero town of Sindh as the protesters issued warnings, stating that the project might render the entire Sindh barren. A large number of villagers also took out a procession from Balhreji village in Sindh to Mohenjo Daro where they held a demonstration against the project.

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Meanwhile, the protesting leaders of local chapters of nationalist and federalist parties demanded that the government allocate land for Sindhs farmers, ensure fair distribution of Indus water and immediately scrap the corporate farming project. They warned that if their demands were not met, they would launch provincewide agitation and block all major highways.

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The leaders warned that the diversion of water could lead to loss of millions of acres of fertile land in Sindh.

The canal project is not just an environmental disaster for Sindh but also a potential threat to the countrys stability and security, reported Pakistans leading daily Dawn.

The Pakistan Peoples Partys (PPP) Naduero chapter held a demonstration outside the local press club on Sunday and demanded that the government shelve the plan. Earlier, reflecting a growing political fissure and conflicting stances, the coalition partner of the ruling Pakistani government, the PPP Sindh Council, rejected the Centres 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.

Last week, rejecting PPP leader and current Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardaris speech in a joint session of parliament on the construction of six new canals, the Save Indus River Movement (SIRM) announced provincewide protests against what it called unconstitutional projects. Criticising President Zardari for allegedly approving the canal projects, the SIRM leaders demanded that the PPP should quit the federal government.

The protests, echoing demands to let the water flow, have been held across the province as the citizens described such projects as anti-people policies and violation of Sindhs rights.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard met in the national capital on Monday, exchanging not just pleasantries but also gifts in the form of Ganga Jal (holy Ganga water) and a handcrafted mala.

PM Modi presented the visiting US Intel chief with Ganga Jal from the Maha Kumbh, while briefing her about the significance of worlds largest-ever religious gathering.

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This is the water collected from Maha Kumbh, where about 66 crore people took dip of faith during the auspicious period of 45 days at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, PM Modi is heard telling Tulsi Gabbard in the video.

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Thank you very much, said an exhilarated Gabbard.

The US Intelligence chief also presented a handcrafted mala to the Prime Minister, in return.

The meeting took place hours after India flagged the issue of anti-India and Khalistani terror elements to the United States.

In a meeting held earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had conveyed to the US Director of National Intelligence Indias concerns regarding anti-national elements, particularly the pro-Khalistani factions that included banned outfits like the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), active within the US.

Defence Minister Singh, according to sources, urged the US government to adopt resolute measures against the banned terror outfits.

The meeting between these two prominent figures highlighted the critical role of strategic security as a cornerstone of the expansive global partnership between India and the US, said an official statement.

Rajnath Singh and Gabbard assessed the remarkable progress achieved in joint military drills, strategic alignment, the fusion of defence industrial networks, and the exchange of maritime intelligence, the statement said.
The United States has firmly rejected a suggestion by French politician Raphael Glucksmann that the Statue of Liberty should be returned to France, dismissing his remarks as unwarranted and politically motivated.

Glucksmann, a centre-left politician, recently stated that France should take back the iconic statue, arguing that the US no longer upholds the values that inspired France to gift the monument. His remarks were seen as a direct criticism of US President Donald Trumps policies, particularly regarding scientific freedom and international relations.

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Give us back the Statue of Liberty Were going to tell the Americans, who have chosen to side with the tyrants and fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom  Give us back the Statue of Liberty,' Glucksmann said.

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We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently, you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home.

The statement sparked a sharp response from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the demand outright, ridiculing Glucksmanns political stature.

Absolutely not. And my advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that its only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So they should be very grateful to our great country, she said.

The Statue of Liberty was presented in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. Created by French artist Auguste Bartholdi, it was a present from the people of France to the United States, representing the common values of freedom and democracy.

While Paris does have a smaller replica of the statue on an island in the Seine, Glucksmanns remarks were largely seen as a symbolic political statement rather than a genuine demand for its return.

A vocal critic of Trump, Glucksmann has strongly opposed the US Presidents shift in foreign policy, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine.

He has also condemned far-right leaders in France, accusing them of being a fan club for Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 81F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

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Land prices up in half of Japan's rural areas for 1st time in 33 yrs

TOKYO - The average land price rose for the first time in 33 years in more than half of surveyed rural areas in Japan, government data showed Tuesday, as the nation's economic recovery extends to asset values.

Across Japan, land prices in all categories as well as prices for residential land and commercial land as of Jan. 1 increased for the fourth straight year on booming inbound tourism and firm housing demand sustained by low interest rates.

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Honda to procure hybrid car batteries from Toyota in U.S.

TOKYO - Honda Motor Co. plans to procure batteries for hybrid vehicles to be sold in the United States from a Toyota Motor Corp. plant in the country as part of efforts to realign its supply chain amid the threat of tariffs posed by U.S. President Donald Trump, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

The Tokyo-based company aims to buy batteries produced at Toyota's factory in North Carolina starting fiscal 2025. The plant is expected to start shipments in April.

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Court rejects plea to halt Ikata nuclear reactor in western Japan

MATSUYAMA, Japan - A district court on Tuesday rejected a request by residents to halt operation of a nuclear reactor at the Ikata power plant in western Japan, dismissing concerns over earthquake risks and a potential large-scale eruption of Mt. Aso.

The lawsuit, originally filed in 2011 and now involving about 1,500 plaintiffs, argued Shikoku Electric Power Co.'s disaster measures for the No. 3 reactor fail to address risks posed by a nearby fault line and volcanic activity. But the court ruled the reactor meets the necessary safety standards.

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Japan ruling camp tweaks budget plan after PM Ishiba's about-face

TOKYO - In a rare move, Japan's ruling coalition on Tuesday endorsed a revision to the draft budget for the next fiscal year that will require fresh lower house approval, as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shelved a hike in medical costs due to opposition and patient resistance.

The ruling camp wants the budget, totaling 115.20 trillion yen ($770 billion), to be enacted in time for the start of fiscal 2025 in April, but Ishiba faces increasing challenges in parliament following revelations that he handed out gift vouchers to new ruling party lawmakers.

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Taiwan detects dozens of China warplanes amid cross-strait tensions

TAIPEI - Taiwan said Tuesday it has recently detected dozens of Chinese warplanes operating near the self-ruled island conducting combat readiness patrols, amid a recent escalation of cross-strait tensions with both sides trading barbs over infiltration attempts.

The territory's Defense Ministry said a total of 59 Chinese military planes and nine warships were spotted near Taiwan over a 24-hour period through 6 a.m. Tuesday, following the detection of about 30 Chinese aircraft in the area the previous day.

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Japan to host foreign ministerial talks with China, S. Korea on Sat.

TOKYO - Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said Tuesday that he will host a trilateral meeting with his Chinese and South Korean counterparts this weekend in Tokyo, where they are expected to reaffirm their commitment to economic cooperation.

Iwaya also said the three-way gathering scheduled for Saturday will be followed by separate bilateral talks with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul, as well as a high-level Japan-China economic dialogue.

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Japan, Brazil eye agreement on new foreign affairs, defense dialogue

TOKYO - Japan and Brazil are considering setting up a new dialogue framework for their senior foreign and defense officials, a Japanese government source said Tuesday, as Tokyo seeks to strengthen security ties with emerging and developing states in the Global South.

Their agreement on the framework is expected to be included in an action plan that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are likely to adopt during their meeting on March 26 in Tokyo, according to the source.

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China's Xi set to visit to Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia: sources

HANOI/SINGAPORE - Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, possibly in mid-April, sources with the governments of the Southeast Asian countries said Tuesday.

Xi's decision to visit the countries comes as tensions with the United States have escalated due to President Donald Trump's imposition of higher tariffs on Chinese products.

Video: Dodgers, Cubs players prepare for MLB season opener in Tokyo
Empuraan director Prithviraj Sukumaran has revealed that they are planning an IMAX release for the Lucifer sequel, making it the first IMAX release from Malayalam cinema.

Sharing the 'landmark' announcement the Empuraan team earlier promised, on his 'X' handle, Prithviraj wrote: "It gives us immense pride to announce that #L2E #Empuraan will be the first ever film from the Malayalam cinema industry to release on IMAX. We hope this is the beginning of a long and illustrious association between IMAX and Malayalam Cinema."

The big-budget entertainer, led by Mohanlal, hits theatres worldwide on March 27, in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. A re-release of Lucifer is also happening this week, on Thursday (March 20).

It gives us immense pride to announce that #L2E #Empuraan will be the first ever film from the Malayalam cinema industry to release on IMAX. We hope this is the beginning of a long and illustrious association between IMAX and Malayalam Cinema. Watch the spectacle unfold on IMAX pic.twitter.com/Za1RecDriR  Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) March 18, 2025

Empuraan sees Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Baiju Santhosh reprising their roles from Lucifer, in addition to a host of newcomers from Indian and international cinema.

Backed by Aashirvad Cinemas and Gokulam Movies, Empuraan also sees the return of writer Murali Gopy, cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev and composer Deepak Dev, who were part of the Lucifer team as well.

The film will expand the storyline that began in Lucifer and serves as a sequel and a possible prequel to the first film that became one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever made.

The makers have announced that the early shows will commence at 6 am in India, and the rest of the world at corresponding timings.
Syrian people prepare to enter Syria from Turkiye at the Cilvegozu Border Gate in Reyhanli district of Hatay, Turkiye, March 17, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

by Burak Akinci

GAZIANTEP, Turkiye, March 17 (Xinhua) -- For years, Ahmad al-Hamwi held onto hopes of returning to Syria. Now, seated in his dimly lit apartment in the bustling city of Gaziantep, the 34-year-old refugee hesitates, his longing tempered by fear.

"We hear about economic hardships and other issues. I want to go back, but I am afraid for the moment," he told Xinhua, his Turkish fluent from years of exile.

Like many in Gaziantep's Syrian community, which hosts over 400,000 Syrian refugees in a city once famed for cross-border trade, al-Hamwi pores over news from home, weighing fragments of hope against stark realities.

"My children are safer here; they have a normal life. I don't want to take them out of the school they attend here," he explained, his voice trailing off.

The wrenching dilemma echoes across Turkiye, host to the world's largest Syrian refugee population. While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced last week that over 133,000 Syrians in Turkiye had returned home, the vast majority of the 2.8 million Syrians remain.

Their reluctance stems from Syria's fractured peace: reports of sporadic violence, crippled infrastructure, and a broken economy.

"I have to be realistic," Ibrahim Assani, who fled Syria's Aleppo in 2019 for Ankara, told Xinhua. "Conditions here in Turkiye are stable compared to Syria, where there are too many problems right now."

Assani's relatives in Syria describe a patchwork existence: homes reduced to rubble, electricity flickering on for mere hours, limited access to clean water, scarce job opportunities, and a teetery security landscape, among other hardships.

"Ultimately, our fate is in Syria. But not now," Assani said.

Analysts have warned that recovery in Syria remains distant. Metin Corabatir, head of the Ankara-based Research Center on Asylum and Migration, noted that despite efforts from the new government, the Syrian economy is still in tatters, not to mention the recent violent escalation in the country's coastal region that reveals the fragile nature of peace.

"Until Syria achieves lasting peace and economic recovery, the majority of refugees are likely to stay where they are, watching developments closely," he told Xinhua.

"Many Syrians have expressed a strong desire to return, but there are significant challenges on the ground that need to be addressed," he said.

Meanwhile, Turkiye's domestic cost-of-living crisis has led to growing concerns among the public regarding Syrian refugees, who were once welcomed as guests.

The Syrian refugee issue has electrified Turkish politics, with calls mounting for structured repatriation plans. While Ankara maintains that Syrian refugees' returns must be voluntary, the pressure continues to grow. 

Syrian people prepare to enter Syria from Turkiye at the Cilvegozu Border Gate in Reyhanli district of Hatay, Turkiye, March 17, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray took a sarcastic jibe at the BJP on Tuesday, asking the saffron party to take along its allies, too, if it wants to remove the tomb of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.

"If you want to remove Aurangzebs tomb, call Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, too. Dont just use this issue for political mileage," said the former chief minister.

Thackeray's jibe was an apparent reference to the significant Muslim population in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh and how the minority vote bank is crucial for both the JD(U) and the TDP.

#WATCH | Mumbai: On Nagpur violence, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray says, "I am not the Chief Minister, nor am I the Home Minister, ask the Chief Minister who is behind this (violence). Because the RSS headquarters is there. There is a double-engine government here; if pic.twitter.com/VUTg58l7E9  ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

Thackeray's remarks came after protests by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Aurangzebs tomb turned violent in Nagpur leading to the vandalisation of several houses and vehicles.

Hitting out at the ruling party, Thackeray said the controversy is used to deflect the public attention from the lack of developmental achievements in the state.

"The government says it cannot remove Aurangzeb's mausoleum because it is centrally protected. Then why don't you approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard?," he asked.

Thackeray also mocked the BJP's assertion that Hindus are unsafe in Nagpur.

"The RSS headquarters is there. There is a double-engine government. If the double-engine government has failed, then they (the chief minister and the home minister) should resign," he said.

Uddhav Thackeray's son Aaditya Thackeray also echoed his father's statements and alleged an "unprecedented breakdown" of the law and order situation in the state.

VIDEO | On Nagpur violence, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) says, "The BJP is shameless about it when it happened in the hometown of the CM. Sadly, when the BJP cannot govern, they resort to violence, riots, this is their set formula in every state, if you pic.twitter.com/Jo9uFn24va  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 18, 2025

Aaditya alleged that the BJP government was trying to convert Maharashtra into another Manipur.

"Sadly, when the BJP cannot govern, they resort to violence, riots, this is their set formula in every state, if you look at Manipur, that is what they want to convert Maharashtra to, today no investment, tourists go to Manipur, this is what they want for Maharashtra," he said.

The Sena (UBT) leader also challenged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to meet Prime Minister Modi and raise the demand for the removal of the tomb.

"They are trying to dig up the history of a person who lived 300-400 years ago, but they cannot speak about the present, future. The irony is that the grave is protected by Centre, if CM Fadnavis has the courage, then he should visit PM Modi, and ask for the removal of the grave. It's simple," said Aaditya Thackeray.
On March 12, the Bombay High Court rejected the plea of dalit PhD scholar Ramadas K.S., who was suspended from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, last year over allegations of misconduct and anti-national activities. Ramadas, who was getting a government grant for his PhD, had approached the court seeking reinstatement.

Speaking to THE WEEK, Ramadas, a Central Executive Committee (CEC) member of the Students' Federation of India (SFI), said that beyond being a personal setback to him, the verdict can have far-reaching consequences for students across India, particularly those from marginalised communities and humble backgrounds. Excerpts:

Q/ Did you anticipate the High Court verdict? How will it affect your PhD?

A/ The judgment is shocking. I did not anticipate or expect such a verdict from the High Court. We had presented everything, but unfortunately, it did not go in our favour.

As an individual, this decision has almost put an end to my PhD. A two-year suspension means I have already lost 11 months. I was seeking a permanent solution, for which I pursued legal action, but in vain.

There are two other crucial aspects to this. First, I have already had academic breaks due to family and health reasons. The pandemic also brought its own set of problems. Despite all these challenges, I continued. However, losing two more years now means the most critical phase of my research is gone.

Second, my fellowship, which is essential for continuing my studies, has also been stopped. The university has taken a stance that a Scheduled Caste student availing a national fellowship from the government engaging in criticism of the BJP is considered politically motivated, and which cannot be tolerated. This has serious implications not just for me, but for several others in the future.

At the core of this issue is the alarming idea that a student availing a government fellowship cannot be critical of the government. If this logic is upheld, it means that all students receiving fellowships must remain silent, effectively killing dissent and critical thought in Indian academia.

Fellowships like JRF or NFSC are not charity; they are awarded based on merit through competitive exams. These funds are a form of remuneration for research, which contributes to the nation. If universities justify silencing students under the pretext of fellowship grants, it sets a dangerous precedent where institutional rules override constitutional rights. And the most affected will be students availing fellowships and scholarships, that is mainly SC, ST, OBC, PWD and other marginalised sections. This is unacceptable and must be opposed.

Q/ The court accepted the allegation that you used your institutions name in a "politically motivated" protest. The order also stated that while you are free to have a political view, so is the institute. Do you see this verdict as a blow to political activities on campuses across India?

A/ First of all, I want to make it clear that I am not questioning the High Court itself, but I can respond to the points being discussed by the public.

To begin with, can a university have a political position? Universities are spaces where individuals, including faculty and students, may hold political opinions. But as a public institution100 per cent government-fundeda university itself cannot align with any particular political party. It must remain autonomous in academics and independent in governance. It is funded by taxpayers, not by any political partys headquarters.

While individuals may have their own views, the university as an institution should not engage in partisan politics. That is my clear position, and I completely disagree with that observation.

Secondly, did I use TISS or my universitys name at the Parliament march in Delhi last year, or misrepresent that I was officially representing the institute anywhere? No. A clear and categorical no. I do not admit to this because I did not do it. I have strong disagreements with the current administration, and I would never claim to represent them. That assumption is entirely incorrect.

Furthermore, I have clearly informed the institute in my responses that I attended the Parliament march, a public gatheringtechnically, in front of the Delhi police. I participated in my capacity as a member of the Central Executive Committee of SFI, a member of the Progressive Students' Forum (PSF), and, most importantly, as a citizen of this country. Nowhere did I claim to represent my institute.

The issue being raised is that the PSF banner was present at the protest. However, if you look at the official pamphlet of the United Students of India, which was published before the protestand which was submitted to the court both by me and the instituteyou will see that there is no mention of TISS. The official pamphlet only refers to PSF, without any connection to the university. In fact, 16 student organisations undersigned the pamphlet, and PSF was one of them.

And during the protest march there, not a single placard, poster, or banner mentioned the name of the universityneither by me nor by anyone else. If anyone wants to verify this, they can check the official pamphlet, which clearly states only "PSF". This has nothing to do with the university itself. The protest was directed at the Union government and its education policies.

Now, coming to a broader pointdoes naming an organisation with TISS" automatically mean it represents the entire university? That logic is flawed. For example, my own university has "Mumbai" in its name, does that mean TISS represents the entire city? Similarly, across India, student organisations, including ABVP, exist within universities but do not represent the official stance of those institutions; these are just geographical representations.

Q/ You are a leader of SFI, an organisation affiliated to the CPI(M). You have stated that this is not just an individual issue but one that affects the entire student community in India. How are your party and the student organisation addressing this? Are there plans for a national movement?

A/ First of all, I want to clarify that SFI is not a student wing of CPI(M). While individuals from SFI may choose to join CPI(M) or any other political party, that is their personal decision. SFI, as an organisation, is independent, autonomous and was envisioned as such.

Regarding the movement, this is fundamentally a question of campus democracy and the rights of students, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, including SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities who rely on fellowships. This issue is not just about meit has broader implications.

I understand that the movement is being taken forward nationally. A protest has been called, and on March 24, there will be another Parliament march organised by the United Students of India. This will not just be an SFI-led event but will include 16 student organisations coming together once again, I learnt.

Beyond protests by organisations and people, I am also taking the matter to the Supreme Court, hoping for a favourable verdict at the earliest.
The Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches at premises linked to American billionaire George Soros-funded Open Society Foundation and related premises for allegedly violating Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations. The searches are being conducted at the premises of the organisation in Bengaluru.

According to reports, the premises linked to OSF and some international human rights organisations are being searched for allegedly violating foreign exchange norms. The probe reportedly pertains to Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) received by the foundation and its utilisation by certain beneficiaries, violating FEMA guidelines.

The searches at premises related to Soros come amid the visit of US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard to India. The Open Society Foundation funded by Soros began its operations in India in 1999. Soros, a Hungarian-American political activist, has been accused by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre of acting against Indias interests. BJP leaders had accused Soros of trying to topple the Indian government and interfere in national affairs.

Soros, a Hungarian-American political activist, was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former US president Joe Biden. BJPs criticism against Soros came to the fore following a report by Hindenburg in 2023, accusing Indian business tycoon Gautam Adani of improperly using tax havens. The report also flagged concerns about high debt levels at Adani firms. Similarly, the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an organisation funded by Soros OSF, alleged that the Adani Group used opaque Mauritius-based funds to channel investments into its companies.

Elon Musk, a close aide of US President Donald Trump, had slammed the Biden administration for presenting Soros with the US' highest civilian award. A travesty that Biden is giving Soros the Medal of Freedom," Musk had tweeted then.
The Centre told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that every High Court judge holds a constitutional post, which means Lokpal has no jurisdiction to examine complaints against them. The limited question now before the court is whether the judges of constitutional courts are indeed public servants under the Lokpal Act.

In written submissions filed before the apex court, the Centre cited several judgements to argue that a judge of the High Court occupies a unique position and a constitutional office. It said, As has been held in the judgement of Pratibha Bonnerjea, a judge of the High Court occupies a unique position and holds a constitutional office. He would not be able to discharge his duty without fear or favour, affection or ill will, unless he is totally independent of the executive.

What was the Lokpal order?

The Lokpal held that judges of High Courts established by an act of Parliament fall within its jurisdiction. Section 14 of the Lokpal Act lays down the jurisdiction of the Lokpal. It specifies the people against whom complaints can be filed.

In its detailed order, Lokpal had cited the 1991 five-judge Constitution bench judgement in K. Veeraswamy vs Union of India which had held that a judge of any court is a public servant under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The judgement also stated that when a complaint is filed against a judge or Chief Justice of a High Court or a judge of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of India must be consulted before a criminal complaint is registered against such a judge.

Former Supreme Court Judge Justice K.M. Khanwilkar who is now heading the Lokpal bench forwarded the complaints in the present case to the Chief Justice of India for his consideration.

Though the Supreme Court already has an in-house procedure to enquire into serious allegations against judges, the Lokpal bypassed this through its order.

What was the 1991 judgement?

The judgement of 1991 had categorised judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court as public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1947. The Constitution bench had held that criminal cases against constitutional court judges could be registered only after consultation with the Chief Justice of India and in case the CJI allowed such an FIR to be registered, the government should again consult him on the question of granting sanction for prosecution.

Centre's stand

The Centre through the Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta told a special bench of three judges comprising Justices B.R. Gavai, Suryakant and Abhay S. Oka that the Lokpal has no jurisdiction to examine such complaints and maintained that the limited question was whether judges of constitutional courts were indeed public servants under the Lokpal Act.

During the brief hearing, Solicitor General Mehta said it was clear from the Lokpal Act that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the complaint and said, Only one section of the Lokpal Act is to be examined, whether Lokpal has the jurisdiction.

The submissions further stated, Lokpal has concluded that judges of Supreme Court are not amenable to the jurisdiction of Lokpal since this court is established by Article 124 of the Constitution of India and not under an Act of parliament as such. It is submitted in this regard that the same analogy should be applied in the case of High Courts, not only because of Article 214 but also because of other provisions of the Constitution with respect to the high court, which are similar to the provisions with respect to the Supreme Court. Therefore it is submitted that a judge of the high court cannot come within the purview of the 2013 Act and the impugned order ought to be set aside.

Any high court cannot be stated to be established by the Act of parliament since every High Court is established by the Constitution of India since they are mandatory when elements of the Indian constitutional scheme. It has been judicially accepted and held in various judgements of this court that high courts are constitutional courts established or constituted under Article 214 of the Constitution of India. The high courts cannot be said to be a body or an authority established by an Act of parliament, reads the submissions which added any high court in India can neither be termed as a body or authority by an Act of parliament nor judge would fall within the expression any person in Section 14 (1) (f) of the 2013 Act.

Today's hearing

The Supreme Court on Tuesday appointed senior advocate Ranjit Kumar as an amicus curiae in a case related to the validity of the Lokpals order of January 27, 2025, holding that Lokpal can examine a complaint against a sitting High Court judge while the Centre reiterated its stand that every high court judge holds a constitutional post and cant be probed.

The top court has now slated the hearing for April 15 and asked amicus curiae to assist the bench on behalf of the complainant.

On February 20, the top court had stayed the Lokpals order orally observing that it was something very very disturbing.

The top court had registered the case as suo motu and said that after the commencement of the Constitution, High Court judges are constitutional authorities and not mere statutory functionaries as the Lokpal had concluded.

What was the complaint about

The complaint before the Lokpal was filed against an additional judge of a High Court (name redacted in Lokpal order). It was alleged that the judge had influenced two other judgesan additional district judge and another judge of the same High Courtto rule in favour of a private company, allegedly a former client of the additional judge.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Netherlands counterpart Ruben Brekelmans met in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The two leaders discussed a range of topics including elevating the bilateral cooperation in areas like defence, security, information exchanges, Indo-Pacific and new and emerging technologies, said a defence ministry statement.

It said both Singh and Brekelmans explored the possibilities of collaboration in shipbuilding, equipment and space sectors, optimising the complementariness in skills, technology and scale of the two countries.

They also discussed working together in domains like Artificial Intelligence and related technologies, besides connecting the respective defence technology research institutes and organisations.

Delighted to meet the young and dynamic Defence Minister of Netherlands, Mr. Ruben Berkelmans in New Delhi. We reviewed the full range of India-Netherlands defence cooperation.



We look forward to further deepen and elevate our defence partnership. The areas of our discussion pic.twitter.com/S4x1bXk81n  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 18, 2025

Meanwhile, reports claimed that Singh urged his Dutch counterpart to not supply arms, weapon systems, platforms and military technologies to Pakistan.

Singh said India has been fighting Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in J&K and elsewhere for decades. India tells all friendly countries that they should not arm Pakistan in any way due to its state policy of fueling terrorism in other countries, the Times of India quoted a source as saying.

The Netherlands had supplied two Alkmaar-class mine countermeasures vessels to Pakistan.

After the meeting, Singh said in a post on X that both India and the Netherlands looked forward to "further deepen and elevate" the bilateral defence partnership.

"Delighted to meet the young and dynamic Defence Minister of Netherlands, Mr. Ruben Berkelmans in New Delhi. We reviewed the full range of India-Netherlands defence cooperation. We look forward to further deepen and elevate our defence partnership. The areas of our discussion included defence, cyber security, Indo-Pacific and emerging technologies like AI," he said.
Conveying the concern of Indians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams (also known as Suni Williams) about how the nation takes great pride in her achievements. On Tuesday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared the letter written by Modi to Williams earlier this month.

Stuck in space for nine months, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore embarked on their return journey to earth on Tuesday aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Prime Minister Modi has recently met American astronaut Mike Massimino and he requested the latter to hand over his letter to Williams.

As the whole world waits, with abated breath, for the safe return of Sunita Williams, this is how PM Sh @narendramodi expressed his concern for this daughter of India.

Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts, says PM Sh Narendra Modis pic.twitter.com/MpsEyxAOU9  Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) March 18, 2025

Addressing Williams as Indias daughter, Modi wrote, When I met President Trump or President Biden during my visits to the United States, I inquired about your well-being. 1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance.

The @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying four #Crew9 members undocked from the station at 1:05am ET today and is headed for a splashdown off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of America at 5:57pm. More... https://t.co/eISgbf1ngL pic.twitter.com/kHSzIlrZhP  International Space Station (@Space_Station) March 18, 2025

Modi said the people of India are praying for her good health and success. Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts, Modi said in the letter. Remembering his interaction with Williams and her family in 2016, Modi said her mother, Bonnie Pandya, must be eagerly waiting for her return.

After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters. I send my warm regards to Mr. Michael Williams. Best wishes to you and Mr. Barry Wilmore for a safe return, the prime minister wrote.

As per NASA, Crew-9 began their return journey in the early hours of Tuesday and it is expected to splashdown off the Florida coast by early evening, if weather conditions are favourable.
The Jammu & Kashmir government informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that it has no plans to provide stipends to unemployed youth in the Union Territory.

In a written response to a question from Samba MLA Devinder Kumar Manyal, Minister in charge of Labour & Employment Surinder Choudhary said that no such proposal was under consideration. Currently, there is no plan to provide a stipend to unemployed youth in J&K, he said.

The minister also revealed that 3,70,811 unemployed youth are officially registered with the government2,13,007 in the Kashmir Valley and 1,57,804 in the Jammu region.

During the 2024 Assembly election campaign, the National Conference (NC) promised one lakh government jobs for youth in the Union Territory.

So far, the party has announced the recruitment of 575 lecturers in the School Education Department. The initiative, announced by Education Minister Sakina Itoo in October last year, is part of Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs plan to create employment opportunities. The vacancies will be advertised by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC).

According to Abdullah, who also heads the General Administration Department, there are 32,474 vacancies across various government departments.

However, only 3,727 of these have been referred for recruitment since October last year. In a written reply to MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, Abdullah informed the Assembly that as of 31 January, there are 2,503 gazetted vacancies, 19,214 non-gazetted vacancies, and 10,757 multi-tasking staff vacancies.

Despite the large number of vacancies, the recruitment process has been slow. The NC had pledged to create government jobs, support entrepreneurship and revive key sectors like tourism, handicrafts, and agriculture to boost employment.

However, with the government ruling out financial aid for jobless youth, concerns are growing over how effectively these promises will be fulfilled.

Unemployment remains a major challenge for the administration, especially as J&K navigates post-Article 370 economic transitions and struggles with limited private investment.
Maharashtra Police have filed a case against some office-bearers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during a protest in Nagpur demanding the removal of the tomb of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.

The FIR against Govind Shende, VHP's secretary in-charge of Maharashtra and Goa and others were registered at the Ganeshpeth police station. No arrest has been made so far.

The police action came a day after violence erupted in central Nagpur's Chitnis Park in Mahal area during the protest. The violence was reportedly triggered by rumours that the holy book of a particular community was burnt during the protest.

Several vehicles and houses were vandalised during the violence and as many as 34 police personnel were injured.

#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: Police and security personnel conduct a flag march in the violence-hit area to instil confidence among people. pic.twitter.com/Kv0ezSFEi8  ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

Police have imposed curfew in several areas of the city, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth and Lakadganj.

On Tuesday evening, police conducted a route march in riot-affected areas of central Nagpur with the police commissioner leading the contingent.

The route march was held from Chitnis Park Chowkthe ground zero of violenceto Hansapuri Road.

#WATCH | On yesterday's clash and violence, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal says, "We have registered case and are arresting people. Our action to establish peace is continuing. Social media is being monitored and we are developing the information we are getting. https://t.co/79FNsSsGrd pic.twitter.com/eqJZxPtCyL  ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

"The main objective behind taking out route marches is to understand if there is any conspiracy to repeat violence. The route march ensures area domination so that the people do not lose confidence and know that police are committed to their safety," Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal told reporters.

He said the curfew will remain in force for the time being and the call on its relaxation will depend upon the situation.
A day after Pakistan rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks during a podcast as misleading and one-sided, New Delhi said on Tuesday that the neighbouring country should vacate the Indian territory under its illegal occupation instead of "spreading lies".

"We note that Pakistan has once again made some comments about the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The world knows that the real issue is Pakistans active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

Our response to media queries regarding comments made by Pakistan



 https://t.co/x7SE096BJD pic.twitter.com/t1fPa7OkKN  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 18, 2025

Terming it as the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region, Jaiswal said: Instead of spreading lies, Pakistan should vacate Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation."

Modi in an interaction with renowned US podcaster Lex Fridman said every attempt made by India to foster peace with Pakistan had been met with hostility and betrayal.

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.

The prime minister also expressed hope that wisdom would prevail on the leadership of the neighbouring country to improve bilateral ties.

Pakistan on Monday rejected these remarks as "misleading and one-sided". Islamabad also raked up the Jammu and Kashmir issue in its rebuttal.
Terming the Mahakumbh a symbol of cultural awakening in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged continuation of traditions across generations, highlighting how the youth of India have actively participated in the 45 days event. He said the event showcased the profound awakening of the national consciousness.

Youth are embracing their traditions, faith, and beliefs with pride, reflecting a strong connection to Indias cultural heritage. When a society takes pride in its heritage, it creates grand and inspiring moments, as witnessed during the Mahakumbh, Modi said in his statement before the Lok Sabha. Prime Ministers statement marks a conscious effort by the government to hail civilisational aspect of the cultural events.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha. https://t.co/n2vCSPXRSE  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2025

Prime Minister highlighted the countrys transformative journey as he drew a parallel between the Ram Temple opening ceremony in Ayodhya, last year, and the Mahakumbh, this year.

These events reinforce the nation's readiness for the next millennium. The collective consciousness of the nation reflects its immense potential. In his speech, Modi reflected on the historical milestones that awakened the country. He gave examples of spiritual resurgence during the Swadeshi movement, Swami Vivekananda's iconic speech in Chicago, the 1857 war of independence, Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Delhi Chalo call, and Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March. Prayagraj Mahakumbh is a similarly significant milestone, symbolising the awakened spirit of the nation, Prime Minister said.

Modi said that the successful conduct of the Mahakumbh addressed doubts and apprehensions held by some regarding the nation's capabilities. After Modis speech, the Opposition leaders also wanted to speak. As they were disallowed in the house, they staged a walkout.

The massive participation in the event had sparked off interest across the world about the cultural traditions of the country. The Modi government is now using the event to hardsell its soft power to the world. Prime Minister even used the Kumbh diplomacy to engage with the friendly countries. During his recent visit to Mauritius, Modi carried sacred water from Triveni, Prayagraj, collected during the Mahakumbh. He also presented the Sangam water to visiting US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister highlighted the outcomes: the spirit of unity; strengthening the sense of nationalism as divisions of languages, caste and creed were dissolved when the devotees took a dip in the holy water.

Modi also stressed the need to expand the tradition of river festivals, inspired by the Mahakumbh, adding that such initiatives would help the current generation understand the importance of water, promote river cleanliness, and ensure the protection of rivers.
People take care of a person injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia in Ankara, Turkiye, on March 17, 2025. Nine people injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia on Sunday have been brought to Turkiye for treatment, the Turkish Health Ministry said Monday. At least 59 people have died and over 100 others have been hospitalized after the devastating fire broke out at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

ANKARA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Nine people injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia on Sunday have been brought to Turkiye for treatment, the Turkish Health Ministry said Monday.

At least 59 people have died and over 100 others have been hospitalized after the devastating fire broke out at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia.

Three of the injured were transferred to the burn unit of Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital in Istanbul, while the remaining six were taken to Ankara Bilkent City Hospital in the capital Ankara for treatment, said the ministry in a statement.

"We are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives and injuries caused by the fire in Kocani, North Macedonia. After swift official communication, we took immediate action," Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu said on social media X.

Memisoglu said that more patients would be transferred for treatment if necessary, reaffirming Turkiye's commitment to supporting Balkan countries.

"With our principle of 'Human First,' we stand in solidarity with our fellow Balkan nations. I pray for a swift recovery for the injured and extend my condolences to the people of North Macedonia," he added. 

People transfer a person injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia at an airport in Ankara, Turkiye, on March 17, 2025. Nine people injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia on Sunday have been brought to Turkiye for treatment, the Turkish Health Ministry said Monday. At least 59 people have died and over 100 others have been hospitalized after the devastating fire broke out at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

People transfer a person injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia at an airport in Ankara, Turkiye, on March 17, 2025. Nine people injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia on Sunday have been brought to Turkiye for treatment, the Turkish Health Ministry said Monday. At least 59 people have died and over 100 others have been hospitalized after the devastating fire broke out at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was cruel and he subjected Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to inhuman torture for 40 days. Aurangzeb's tomb is a stain on Maharashtra, and the ongoing movements to erase it reflect the people's sentiments, said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Speaking to journalists at the Vidhan Bhavan premises, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "Aurangzeb came to destroy Maharashtra. A true Muslim of our country would never glorify Aurangzeb, but does the opposition consider him their relative? Those who glorify Aurangzeb should be ashamed."

#WATCH | Mumbai: On Nagpur violence, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, "...I will also say that even a true Muslim of the country will not support Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb was the enemy of Maharashtra, the enemy of the country...Aurangzeb is a traitor. The protestors are pic.twitter.com/Z6oGFMkvGZ  ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

The former chief minister further stated that Aurangzeb inflicted countless atrocities on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to force him into religious conversion. However, Sambhaji Maharaj never bowed down. He sacrificed his life for the nation and religion. Therefore, the stain of Aurangzeb should be erased from Maharashtra, as it is the people's sentiment, he argued.

"The British invaded and ruled this country, but after India's independence, their marks of rule were erased. Similarly, the stain of the cruel and tyrannical Aurangzeb should also be removed from Maharashtra," Shinde said.

He felt that Glorifying Aurangzeb is an act of treason, and Maharashtra will not forgive those who do so. A case has been registered against Abu Azmi, and he has been suspended from the session, informed Shinde. He further stated that strict action would be taken against anyone who came forward in support of Aurangzeb. He also strongly criticized Congress State President Harshvardhan Sapkal for comparing the Maharashtra Chief Minister to Aurangzeb. He questioned, "Has the state government committed atrocities against Sapkal? Has he been subjected to inhuman torture?"

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde strongly condemned the cowardly attack by anti-social elements in Nagpur. He assured that strict action would be taken against those who try to create rifts between communities. The situation in Nagpur is under control. He also urged citizens to cooperate with the police to maintain law and order in the state.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief spokesperson Atul Londhe condemned Shinde's comments and it incites violence against state Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal. He called the Nagpur violence a failure of the government and said Devendra Fadnavis has no moral right to continue as home minister.
The Neja Mela, now banned by the Sambhal administration for celebrating a cruel invader, was a three-day fair that attracted both Hindus and Muslims.

Special flags were flown at three shrines during this celebration held in memory of Syed Salar Masud Ghazi. The word neja means flag.

Ghazi was the nephew of Mahmud Ghazni and a 12th generation descendent of the prophets uncle. His mother was the sister of Mahmud Ghazni, the ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire (from 997 to 1030 AD) who invaded India 17 times and plundered Somnath for wealth, killing hundreds of thousands.

#WATCH Sambhal: On Neja Mela, ASP Sambhal Shrish Chandra says, "Neja fair has been organized in Sambhal for a long time. Its organisers had a meeting today. Some people raised objections against it. It was factually found that this fair is celebrated in the memory of Ghazi pic.twitter.com/2HAyiTmkii  ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025

One widely believed account of the 11th century Ghazis life is that he was a warrior saint, who had grown disillusioned at the plunder of Somnath, and returned to Ghazni to devote himself to a life of service to the Almighy and humankind. He was somewhat of a prodigy, having completed the highest level of education by the age of 10. His uncles fondness for him made him an eyesore for many.

His well-wishers, sensing danger to his life in Ghazni, asked him to return to India, where he had been born in Ajmer. Once back, he was offered the throne of Delhi which he refused declaring that he would only fight for the glory of the Almighty.

He would however continue to fight wars against the infidels in what is now central and eastern Uttar Pradesh. A further loss of life, including that of his teacher, drove him to give up war completely and retreat to the forests outside the town of Bahraich. Here, living a life of devotion, he attracted numerous followers. He is also considered a champion of lepers. A bath in the waters surrounding his shrine is believed to cure skin ailments.

His dargah in Bahraich, built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, has long been revered by both Hindus and Muslims. His death anniversary is celebrated for three days in the seventh month of the Islamic calendar.

The Neja Mela, which now stands cancelled, was renamed the Sadbhavna Mela two years ago as it was meant to promote communal harmony.
As Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza ending a weeks-long standoff over extending the ceasefire, the White House has confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had consulted US President Donald Trump before restarting the attack. Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that the Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight. "As President Trump has made it clear - Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose," the White House spokesperson said.

Trump too had earlier warned Hamas that "all hell will break loose" if it doesn't release hostages.

Netanyahu too cited the same reason for the renewed attack, stating he instructed the military to take "strong action" against Hamas in Gaza in response to the group's refusal to release hostages and rejection of all ceasefire proposals. "This comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators," Netanyahu's office said. "Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength."

Intense Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip with dozens of fighter jets carrying out strikes in the surprise offensive. Palestinians reporting at least 15 killed and dozens of wounded.



The ceasefire is officially over. pic.twitter.com/OflKKCud9U  Ariel Oseran   (@ariel_oseran) March 18, 2025

Defense Minister Israel Katz too instructed the IDF to "act forcefully" against Hamas after it refused to release Israeli hostages.

Meanwhile, Hamas has warned that Israel's government was responsible for an unprovoked escalation against Palestinians. It said Israel's new airstrikes early Tuesday "breached their ceasefire and put the fate of hostages in jeopardy."

"The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza," Taher Nunu, a Hamas official, was quoted by Reuters.

Gaza's Ministry of Health said at least 44 people were killed in the airstrikes early Tuesday. The urban refugee camp of Bureij in central Gaza was hit while a school serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinians was also struck. A 52-year-old man and his 16-year-old nephew died in the attacks.

The IDF claims it struck militants planting explosives in the ground near Israeli troops. However, Hamas claims the men were collecting firewood.
With Israel intensifying its strikes on Gaza, Hamas sources said some of its key leaders in the Strip were killed. In the deadliest attack on Gaza since the first phase of ceasefire was agreed upon in January, around 450 people have been killed, according to reports.

Who was Issam Da'alis

Palestinian media reported that the Israeli airstrikes killed Issam Da'alis, who is functioning similar to a prime minister in the Hamas government in Gaza. He was a member of the Hamas political bureau and the chief of the governmental acitivity monitoring committee.

ELIMINATED: Several terrorists operating under the cover of journalists in Gaza



The IAF struck a terrorist cell yesterday in the Beit Lahia area that also included a terrorist who infiltrated Israeli territory during the Oct. 7 massacre. The terrorists struck were operating a pic.twitter.com/XxKZ0elKm3  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 15, 2025

However, this is not the first time that reports about the death of Da'alis made rounds. In July 2024, Da'alis was believed to have been killed an airstrike. However, neither the IDF nor Hamas confirmed his death. Asharaq al-Awsat reported in January that Da'alis was dead.

Who else were killed in Israel airstrike?

Among Hamas leaders killed in airstrikes was Mahmoud Abu Watfa, who was the chief of the interior ministry, AFP quoted Hamas sources as saying. The ministry handles security forces that does not come under the Hamas military wing.

Watfa was responsible for leading the police and internal security services of Hamas in Gaza. Another top official in the Hamas interior ministry, Bahjat Abu Sultan, was also killed overnight.

Hamas political bureau member Abu Ubaida Al-Jamassi, who was heading the emergency committee of the militant group, was also said to have been killed.

Another Hamas official who has reportedly been kiled is Ahmad Al-Khatta, the director general of the Gaza justice ministry.
Ahead of the crucial Trump-Putin talks on Tuesday to discuss ending the Ukraine war, the US President said that many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed.

Trump's remarks came amid reports that Russia is demanding a halt to all Western arms deliveries to Ukraine as a condition for a truce.

President Donald Trump said the US and Russia are speaking about dividing assets as part of a push to end the fighting in Ukraine.



Trump is schedule to talk with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. Greg Sullivan reports https://t.co/AKIFahDnpC pic.twitter.com/vKEZri3STQ  Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) March 18, 2025

On Monday night, US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social platform that he is looking very much forward to the call with President Putin.

"Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains," he added.

Of late, Trump had hardened its stance against Russia by imposing sanctions and tariffs after the Kremlin stepped up its drone and missile attack on Ukraine. Amid efforts to achieve a peace deal, Putin stepping up attacks against Ukraine was strongly criticised by Trump.

The US had put forward a 30-day temporary ceasefire to pause the Russia-Ukraine war. Though initially Russia did not agree to the ceasefire deal, it seems the Kremlin is ready for negotiations with certain conditions including suspension of Western aid to Kyiv and a halt to Ukraine's rearmament. Meanwhile, Ukraine agreed to support the US's ceasefire deal.

The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday said that the two leaders would discuss "a large number of issues from the normalisation of our relations and the Ukrainian issue."

However, the UK and other European allies are not likely to agree to Russia's terms. European Union and Britain have stepped up their efforts to deliver fresh military aid packages to Kyiv amid the US's suspension of military aid to Ukraine.

Trump said that Russian and American negotiators had already talked about "dividing up certain assets."

He said there will be talks about dividing lands, and power plants as well.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's deputy foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, outlined Kyivs key red lines for any peace agreement, including no recognition of Russian annexations, no restrictions on Ukraine's armed forces and no Russian veto on Ukraine's EU and NATO membership.
Within hours after deporting a Lebanese doctor from Rhode Island for possessing "sympathetic photos and videos" of slain Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, the White House bid a sarcastic farewell to the Rhode Island resident.

The White House shared a post by the Department of Homeland Security with the phrase, "bye-bye Rasha". It was accompanied by a photo of Donald Trump waving from the drive-through window of a MacDonald's.

Dr Rasha Alawieh, who is a kidney transplant specialist, was an assistant professor at Brown University's medical school. The 34-year-old was an H-1B visa holder.

She was detained when she arrived at Boston Logan International Airport on March 13. The DHS claimed that Rasha openly admitted to attending the funeral of Nasrallah on February 23 when she was in Lebanon.

The authorities found pro-Hezbollah images and clips in her phone's deleted items folder that included photos of Nasrallah and Hezbollah fighters.

The DHS pointed out that a visa is a privilege and not a right. "Glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be denied. This is commonsense security," the department stated.

The DHS move comes amid a court order allowing Alawieh to remain in the US until a hearing is held. However, the government lawyers claimed that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials did not receive the order until the plane left.

Stephanie Marzouk, Alawieh's lawyer, said they will keep fighting to bring back the doctor.

Alawieh reportedly told DHS that she followed Nasrallah for "spiritual teachings" and alleged that she deleted the files in her phone to avoid any negative perception. "I know I am not doing anything wrong," she said.

This comes after an Indian student, Ranjani Srinivasan, self-deported herself after the US authorities cancelled her visa for taking part in protests supporting Palestinians. The 37-year-old was pursuing a doctoral degree in urban planning from Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP).
Indian student Sudiksha Konanki went missing in the Dominican Republic on March 6 and her parents have shocking request to the authorities: "Declare her dead".

This comes as multiple agencies searched for the missing student for the past 11 days. The authorities had earlier hinted that Konanki might have drowned in the ocean.

Konanki, 20, studying at the University of Pittsburgh, is an Indian citizen and a permanent resident in the US. She lives in Chantilly, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, DC.

#BREAKING: Here is the heartbreaking letter of #SudikshaKonankis parents along Dominican authorities to declare their daughter dead.  pic.twitter.com/1WDhOjLdl5   LEGCY  (@iamlegacy23) March 18, 2025

Konanki's clothes were found on the beach in Punta Cana, her last known location.

And now the parents, Subbarayudu and Sreedevi, have given a formal request to the National Police in Dominican Republic to declare her dead legally, saying they have accepted the "deeply painful" reality, according to sources quoted by the Daily Mail.

They pointed out that though the declaration would not "truly ease our grief", it could bring them some closure and help them honour her memory.

Talking about Joshua Riibe, 22, who was seen with Konanki before her disappearance, the family said he cooperated with the police fully, adding that they don't believe there is a foul play.

Earlier, the family had claimed that since the girl's body was not found, she might not have drowned. They urged the authorities to probe kidnapping angles and widen their search area.

Riibe who last saw Konanki told police that they were hit by a huge wave when they went for a swim. He also alleged that he used his lifeguard training to bring her back to the shore. However, he said he later passed out on a sun bed in the beach and never saw Konanki again.
US President Donald Trump spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday over the phone and discussed moves to end the Ukraine war.

Though the exact details of the conversation are not known yet, the White House confirmed the discussions and said that their "phone call was going well".

The phone call lasted about 90 minutes. Kirill Dmitriev, Putins business envoy said, Under the leadership of President Putin and President Trump, the world has become a much safer place today.

Under the leadership of President Putin and President Trump, the world has become a much safer place today!  Historic! Epic! #Russia #US #USRussia  Kirill A. Dmitriev (@kadmitriev) March 18, 2025

With the latest call with Putin, Trump is hoping to convince the Kremlin to accept the 30-day temporary ceasefire proposed by the US and find a permanent way to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Though initially, Russia did not agree to the US peace deal proposal, when Trump hardened his stance against the Kremlin by imposing sanctions and tariffs, Putin agreed to the proposal but with certain conditions.

"Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains," Trump said in a social media post on Monday ahead of the phone call with Putin.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov earlier said that there was a certain "understanding" between the two leaders as they spoke on the matter on February 12.

"But there are also a large number of questions regarding the further normalisation of our bilateral relations, and a settlement on Ukraine. All of this will have to be discussed by the two presidents," Peskov told reporters.

Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Putin of prolonging the war. He said that Moscow's ambitions will not stop at Ukraine if it is allowed to keep the territory it has seized.

Suspension of Western aid to Kyiv and a halt to Ukraine's rearmament are some of the conditions put forward by Russia inorder to agree to the temporary pause in the war.
It doesn't take much time to acknowledge the enormity of the efforts that went into Netflix's new limited series Adolescence. It's one of the most impressive titles on the streamer currently, considering every one-hour-long episode was shot in a continuous take  without any stitches or CGI trickery, as revealed by the makers.

The good news  for impatient and time-constrained viewers  is it's relatively shorter (four hours) than most titles in this category. Suffice it to say, making it longer would've been unnecessary. It's a classic case of achieving a lot with very little.

But 'little' is certainly not the word I would use to describe the efforts of everyone involved, chiefly the actors who are required to be in character, evoke different kinds of emotions for the viewer, follow the camera blocking cues, maintain scene and emotional continuity, and much more throughout the hour-long duration of each episode without being offered the respite of cuts.

This means, for one, no bathroom breaks. The actors had to be fully prepared physically in a way that didn't allow anything to meddle with filming. Can we imagine that?

Multiple questions arose in my mind: How did they pull it off? How many rehearsals did they do for it? Were they able to replicate  or enhance  in the final take the work they did in the rehearsal sessions? And what about the kids, most notably, its newcomer lead Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie, the 13-year-old boy accused of a female student's murder?

Right from the first episode, the viewer is placed in the thick of the action, following the cops as they break into the home of the boy's parents, apprehend their son, take him to the station, and subject him to every procedure from there on.

Adolescence is a top-variety procedural, utilising methods of many films or shows of the same ilk, but taking it a notch above. The four episodes are efficient and incisive, putting more onus on the reasons that led to the horrifying incident than on who did it.

The answer to the latter is given by the end of the first episode itself; it's through the probing of the mentality of insecure male adolescents, particularly the women-hating, Andew Tate-following toxic crowd gathering in the red pill communities, that the show generates maximum chills.

Even more chilling is the idea  and some of us may have reflected on this in our solitary moments  that a child doesn't necessarily have to be born into an abusive and underprivileged household to develop criminal tendencies.

A child can have the most loving parents  parents who love each other, too  and still turn into a killer. The show brings up different possibilities but doesn't provide a concrete answer as to why some dreadful events happened the way they did  and I don't mean this negatively.

Long ago, I had entertained the thought of writing a script along similar lines, but I don't think I would've done a job as good as what actor Stephen Graham has co-created here with Jack Thorne.

Graham, who has grown over the years into one of the most formidable actors in showbiz, whose work in Adolescence evokes the early work of acting heavyweights like Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro, and Daniel Day-Lewis, play the 13-year-old's father with utmost conviction.

Note the scene where his son is being strip-searched, and the camera forces us to look elsewhere, just like every other actor around Graham who does the same to make the boy more comfortable. For us, 'elsewhere' is Graham's face, a picture of extreme concern  nervous twitching, muscles tightening, quickened breathing, and so on. If I were an actor, would it have been possible for me to do all those things if I were in his place? I wondered.

Graham's character, Eddie, is not the only concerned parent here. Ashley Walters, who plays the investigating officer, Luke, is a father whose son is a student in the same school as Eddie's son. The superbly staged second episode, where we accompany Luke through the school and around it, makes a commentary on the current state of the education system, particularly the unwelcome intrusion of technology in classrooms.

"All these videos," says a disappointed Luke, who also laments the inefficiency of some teachers entrusted with putting some sense into these students when their parents are caught up with daily office troubles.

Also notable is the third episode centered on Erin Doherty's exceptional performance as the child psychologist tasked with writing a profile on Eddie's son while experiencing moments of discomfort caused by the presence of a senior officer guiding her.

When the show finally ends on a poignant note in the fourth episode, we are left with the realisation that it has just made us reflect on our own childhood, parents, the methods they adopted to bring us up, the good and bad kind of conditioning, the unhealthy patterns that we broke out of, and how some of us are glad that we weren't brought up in the age of social media when certain apps didn't warp our minds at such an early age.

But can we lay the entire blame on technology? Are parents handling their responsibilities the right way? If it's not too late, it's better to do something about it  do something more, as Luke and Eddie realise after witnessing this life-altering event.

It's a wake-up call for young parents and parents-to-be. And if you think you don't have the requisite skills to be a parent, then perhaps you should consider not being one because parenting is not... child's play.
New Delhi, Mar 18 (PTI) Following are the top business stories at 2030 hours:



PAR36 RS-BUD-LD MANIPUR

* Committed to bring normalcy in Manipur, says FM Sitharaman

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the central government is committed to bringing normalcy to Manipur and assured all support for the economic growth of the state. *



PAR28 PAR-BUDGET

* Parliament clears Rs 51,463 cr extra spending for FY25, Manipur Budget for FY26

New Delhi: Parliament on Tuesday approved the supplementary demands for grants, which entails Rs 51,463 crore additional spending in the current fiscal and the Manipur Budget for 2025-26 with the Rajya Sabha returning four bills to the Lok Sabha. *



PAR45 RS-BUD-LD MAKE-IN-INDIA

* Believe in Make In India, it is giving good results: Sitharaman to Opposition

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday brushed aside the Opposition's criticism of the 'Make in India' scheme, saying it is yielding "good results" as the government has taken multiple steps to strengthen the manufacturing sector, including defence production. *



DEL37 BIZ-RBI-MAURITIUS

* RBI and Bank of Mauritius sign pact on use of local currencies for bilateral transactions

Mumbai: Reserve Bank and the Bank of Mauritius (BOM) have signed a pact for establishing a framework to promote the use of the Indian Rupee and the Mauritian Rupee (MUR) for cross-border transactions. *



DCM74 BIZ-INDIA-NEW ZEALAND-LD FTA

* New Zealand prime minister says looking forward to ink FTA with India in 60 days

New Delhi: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Tuesday said he looks forward to signing a free trade agreement with India in 60 days, a move which is expected to increase bilateral trade by 10 times over ten years. *



DEL57 AVI-LD-MUMBAI AIRPORT-UDF

* Flying from Mumbai airport set to become costlier; MIAL proposes steep hike in user fee



Mumbai: Flying from Mumbai International Airport is set to become costlier from next financial year with the private airport operator MIAL proposing a steep hike of Rs 463 in User Development Fee for international passengers, while domestic passengers will be charged a UDF of Rs 325. *



DCM55 BIZ-LD-LIC HEALTH INSURER

* LIC to buy stake in a health insurer before March 31: CEO

Mumbai: Life insurance behemoth LIC is confident of buying a stake in a health insurer in the next two weeks, its chief executive Siddhartha Mohanty said on Tuesday. *



DEL59 BIZ-IIHL-RCAP

* IIHL completes acquisition of RCAP; mgmt transfer to take place on Wed

Mumbai: IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL) has completed the transaction to acquire debt-ridden Reliance Capital (RCAP) by transferring the entire bid amount to lenders, IIHL chairman Ashok Hinduja said on Tuesday. *



DEL46 BIZ-LD STOCKS

* Sensex jumps over 1,100 points; reclaims 75k-mark on firm global markets

Mumbai: The BSE benchmark index Sensex jumped 1,131 points to revisit the 75,000 level on Tuesday, and the NSE Nifty surged 1.45 per cent, tracking a bullish trend in global equities and intense buying in market majors ICICI Bank, L&T and M&M counters. *



DCM63 BIZ-STOCKS-WEALTH

* Two-day market rally swells investors wealth by Rs 8.67 lakh cr

New Delhi: Investors' wealth surged by Rs 8.67 lakh crore in two days of the market rally where the BSE benchmark index Sensex jumped 1,472 points amid a firm trend in global equities. *



DEL47 BIZ-GOLD-PRICE

* Gold continues record run, breaches Rs 91k level

New Delhi: Gold prices climbed by Rs 500 to hit another record high of Rs 91,250 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday driven by sustained buying by stockists and retailers amid a strong trend overseas, according to the All India Sarafa Association. *



DEL62 BIZ-LD RUPEE

* Rupee settles 25 paise higher at 86.56 against US dollar

Mumbai: The rupee appreciated for the third consecutive session and registered gains of 25 paise to close at 86.56 against the US dollar on Tuesday, amid positive domestic equity markets and a weak American currency. *
TAIPEI/BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The visit by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to China's Taiwan region this week has reignited concerns about the outflow of investments and supply chain resources from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to the United States.

Local media reported that Hobbs, who arrived on the island on Sunday, visited TSMC headquarters in Hsinchu and attended a dinner with the chip company's key Taiwan suppliers.

Discussion of the visit surged on Taiwan's popular social media platform, the PTT forum, highlighting increasing fears that the island's semiconductor industry may face systematic dismantling.

"They are hollowing out Taiwan," one post read, sparking replies such as, "What will be left in Taiwan?" and "TSMC's exodus means Taiwan is disposable."

A report by DIGITIMES, an IT industry media outlet, noted growing unease among Taiwan semiconductor firms.

Anonymous industrial insiders were quoted as saying that the push for TSMC and its suppliers to set up operations in Arizona is part of a broader U.S. strategy to establish a whole supply chain that increasingly sidelines Taiwan.

TSMC, the world's leading contract chipmaker, has been under pressure to increase its investments in the United States over the past few years.

With its first wafer fab in Arizona already in operation, the company in early March announced plans to expand its investment in advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the United States by an additional 100 billion U.S. dollars, to build three new wafer fabs, two packaging facilities and an R&D center.

Pan Hua-sheng, associate professor at Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan, said the investment is "not the optimal choice but a short-term compromise."

TSMC's investment in the United States has actually gone against its long-held principle of industrial neutrality, Pan said, adding that the semiconductor industry has increasingly become a geopolitical tool, rather than one driven purely by market competition based on quality and cost.

Jiang De-gang, a researcher at the Taiwan International Strategic Study Society, said that the authorities of Lai Ching-te are sending Taiwan's whole semiconductor ecosystem to the United States in a package.

An editorial published by United Daily News slammed Lai for deceiving the public regarding the TSMC case.

"Lai Ching-te is using TSMC as a cover for the inability of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to respond to (U.S. President Donald) Trump's tariff policies," the article said.

"He portrayed the relocation of our strategic industry to the United States as an expansion of industrial strength," said the article, adding that a security crisis is being reframed by the DPP authorities as a "historic moment" in the island's so-called relations with the United States.

An editorial in the Taipei-based China Times accused the DPP of treating TSMC as a bargaining chip to curry favor with Washington, warning that Taiwan could lose big in the process.

Despite the DPP's claim that TSMC's most advanced facilities will remain in Taiwan, people are skeptical.

"Why must the DPP insist on banking on the United States? Why shouldn't the people of Taiwan doubt the U.S. actions?" said Ho Yi-cheng, chief of Taiwan Youth Federation. "The action to hand over TSMC to the United States constitutes a genuine betrayal of Taiwan."

Lai is selling TSMC and Taiwan's semiconductor industry to Washington in the hope of gaining U.S. support for his separatist agenda seeking "Taiwan independence" and repeated provocations to the mainland, said Chen Guiqing, a research fellow of the Beijing-based Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"This has given the United States more leverage to blackmail Taiwan," Chen said. "The semiconductor industry is a pillar supporting the development of the entire economy of Taiwan. If this key industry is relocated, the next generation of Taiwan's workforce and the island's economic growth will face a bleak future." 
Colombo, Mar 18 (PTI) Five fundamental rights petitions filed against the Adani Green Energy projects in the northeastern region of Sri Lanka have been withdrawn by the petitioners.

The withdrawal comes after the Attorney General filed a motion following Adani Green Energy's notification to the Board of Investment about its decision to cancel its wind energy projects.

Last month, the Indian conglomerate announced its withdrawal from further engagement in the renewable wind energy project in Mannar and Pooneryn.

Fundamental rights petitions were filed in 2024 after the previous cabinet approved the project in May last year. The petitions pointed to the project's environmental hazards and the lack of transparency.

The Adani Group left the project after the new Sri Lankan government led by President Anura Kumar Dissanayake decided late in December to review the project and renegotiate the power purchase agreement.

The previous government-negotiated price of eight cents was considered too high, with the government aiming to bring it below six cents.

The National People's Power (NPP) government, in the run-up to the September presidential election, had vowed to annul the project. In late December, the new cabinet opted to renegotiate the purchasing price.

Speaking on Tuesday, the government spokesman Nalinda Jayathissa reiterated the government's insistence on lower unit prices.
The Trump administration fired back on Monday after a French politician suggested that the United States should return the Statue of Liberty to France, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivering a scathing response.

Absolutely not, Leavitt said during a press briefing. My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that its only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. They should be grateful.

Leavitts remarks were a clear reference to Americas role in liberating France from Nazi Germany during World War IIa pointed reminder of the historical debt that France owes the U.S. The United States has been a beacon of freedom for the world, and we will not entertain such nonsense, she added.

The White Houses comments came in response to Raphael Glucksmann, a French member of the European Parliament, who, during a political convention over the weekend, launched a dramatic call for the return of Lady Liberty.

America has chosen to side with the tyrants, Glucksmann declared, attacking Trumps hardline stance on scientific research, funding cuts, and the dismissal of public health officials. He accused the U.S. of betraying the ideals of liberty and progress that the statue represents, arguing that if America no longer upholds those values, France should take it back.

Glucksmann went further, mocking Americas recent policies on research and innovation, suggesting that if Washington no longer wants to support scientific freedom, France would gladly absorb its top researchers and institutions.

The Statue of Liberty, gifted to the U.S. by France in 1886, was meant to celebrate the shared values of democracy, independence, and the abolition of slavery. But Glucksmanns remarks signal a growing frustration among European leaders who believe Trumps policies undermine those principles.

Despite the rhetorical fireworks, France has no legal right to reclaim the statueit is U.S. government property, and any attempt to do so would trigger a major diplomatic crisis. The controversy also comes at a sensitive time for French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been working to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukrainea diplomatic effort that could be jeopardized by escalating tensions with Washington.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The State Department says South Africas ambassador to the United States, who was declared persona non grata last week, has until Friday to leave the country.

After Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was no longer welcome in the U.S. and posted his decision Friday on social media, South African embassy staff were summoned to the State Department and given a formal diplomatic note explaining the decision, department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

She said Rasools diplomatic privileges and immunities expired Monday and that he would be required to leave the United States by Friday.

South African Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said in a television interview on Monday that Rasool was still in the U.S. but would be leaving as soon as possible.

Rubio announced his decision in a post on X as he was flying back to the United States from a Group of 7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada. In it, he accused Rasool of being a race-baiting politician who hates President Donald Trump.

His post linked to a story by the conservative Breitbart news site about a talk Rasool gave earlier Friday in Johannesburg as part of a South African think tanks webinar. Rasool, speaking by videoconference, talked about actions taken by the Trump administration in the context of a United States where white people soon would no longer be in the majority.

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.

Rubios decision was the latest Trump administration move targeting South Africa. Trump signed an executive order last month halting funding to the country. It criticized the Black-led South African government on multiple fronts, saying it is pursuing anti-white policies at home and supporting bad actors in the world like the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Iran.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told reporters on Monday that Rasool would give him a report when he returned home.

Ramaphosa said his government has noted the displeasure that has been expressed by the United States, and particularly about Rasools remarks, but stressed that he believed South Africa was in the process of rebuilding its relationship with the U.S.

This is a hiccup, a hiccup we are working on straightening out, he said.

We will engage with the United States of America in a formal way, Ramaphosa said. We will do so with deep respect for them and for President Trump as well. Our relationship with the United States is going to be put on an even keel, so I would like the people of South Africa not to have sleepless nights.

Bruce said the United States expects a certain level of respect.

Weve had a decent level of diplomacy with South Africa. There are some challenges, but you want people in each embassy who can actually facilitate a relationship, she told reporters on Monday. And these remarks were unacceptable to the United States, not just to the president, but to every American.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman said South Africa intended to raise questions with the U.S. over Rubio seemingly announcing on social media that Rasool was no longer welcome in the U.S. before informing him of the decision.

Phiri said South Africa believed such matters should first be discussed through diplomatic channels. But this is the reality that we also have to contend with with this administration. That it does seem as though Twitter (X) is the preferred mode of communication, the spokesman said in an interview on the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation.

Bruce said the meeting with South African embassy staff was on Friday. Rubios post went out at 4:42 p.m. on Friday.

(AP)
Toronto police have charged a local man with 29 criminal offenses, including Advocating Genocide and Willful Promotion of Hatred, in what authorities are calling one of the most egregious hate crime cases in Canadas history.

The charges, approved by the Ministry of the Attorney General, highlight a series of alleged hate-fueled attacks that have sent shockwaves through Torontos Jewish community. The offenses, spanning from April 26, 2024, to January 3, 2025, reportedly include arson, vandalism, and direct threats targeting Jewish institutions and individuals.

The accused, 32-year-old Amir Arvahi Azar, was arrested earlier this year after an intensive investigation led by the Toronto Police Service Hate Crime Unit. Authorities allege that Azar was involved in multiple acts of destruction, including setting fires and defacing cultural properties, as well as illegally possessing firearms and other weapons.

Among the 29 charges, some of the most severe include five counts of arson, seven counts of mischief to cultural property, three counts of possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm without a license, and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number. Police have remained tight-lipped on further details due to a court-imposed publication ban, but law enforcement sources suggest the crimes were part of a broader pattern of targeted antisemitic attacks.

Deputy Chief Robert Johnson addressed the media, underscoring the gravity of the case. This isnt just about criminal actsits about a dangerous spread of hate that threatens our entire society, he said. There is a direct link between hateful rhetoric and real-world violence, and that is why we take these crimes so seriously. Johnson noted that advocating genocide is one of the rarest charges laid in Canada and is indicative of the severity of the case.

Despite the staggering list of charges, Azar was granted bail following a court hearing and appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice on Monday. His release has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among Jewish organizations and community leaders, who have demanded explanations as to why a suspect accused of such serious hate-motivated crimes was allowed back into the public.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Orthodox Jewish community, along with the broader Brooklyn South neighborhoods, is warmly welcoming NYPD Lieutenant Duran McLean as the newly assigned Community Affairs Lieutenant for Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. Lieutenant McLean brings years of experience and a deep commitment to community service to this vital role, overseeing all community affairs officers and supervisors in the borough.

Lieutenant McLeans journey with the NYPD began in 2008 when he joined as a police officer assigned to Brooklyn Transit. He was later specially assigned to Transit District 34, serving the neighborhoods of Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Sheepshead Bay, and Midwood. His dedication and skill earned him a promotion to Sergeant in 2013, where he was assigned to the 71st Precinct covering Crown Heights.

In 2021, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the 70th Precinct, which includes Midwood and Flatbushareas with significant Jewish populations. By 2022, he was designated as the Field Training Lieutenant, overseeing the 66, 70, and 71 Precincts. Now, in his current role, Lieutenant McLean oversees all community affairs officers and supervisors assigned to the Community Affairs Bureau, working out of the 60, 61, 62, 63, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 76, 78, and Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Commands.

Community leaders and NYPD clergy liaisons have expressed overwhelming support for Lieutenant McLeans appointment. NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel said, Ive known Lieutenant McLean for a few years and Ive seen him in action. He has a very strong work ethic, and hes extremely community-oriented. Were fortunate to have him in Brooklyn South, and I look forward to more great things to come.

NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor echoed this sentiment, stating, Ive known Lieutenant Duran McLean for many years and he has an exemplary reputation. Im proud to have Lieutenant McLean on our community affairs team in Brooklyn South, and I know hell work hard on behalf of the community every day.

NYPD Clergy Liaison Avrumi Brown added, Ive been working with the NYPD for decades, and its always a pleasure to work with Lieutenant McLean. He is a consummate professional, a great friend, and I look forward to accomplishing many more great things together with him.

NYPD Clergy Liaison Rafi Treitel welcomed Lieutenant McLeans return to the borough, saying, On behalf of the community, we welcome Lieutenant McLeans return to the Boro. It has been a pleasure working with him in the past, and we look forward to it once again.

NYPD Clergy Liaison Rev. Dr. Terry Lee offered high praise, noting, Lieutenant McLean to me is an unsung hero. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. He is like a star who shines in the middle of the day. Thank you, NYPD, for assigning him to this important position.

Lieutenant McLeans appointment has been met with enthusiasm across Brooklyn Souths diverse communities, including the Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods that rely on strong NYPD partnerships. On behalf of the entire community, we extend a heartfelt welcome to Lieutenant Duran McLean as our new Community Affairs Lieutenant. We thank the NYPD for assigning such a dedicated officer as a tremendous resource and look forward to working closely with him and his team to ensure the safety and well-being of Brooklyn Souths residents.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
YWN regrets to inform you of the tragic Petira of Yeshaya (Shuki) Roth zl from Flatbush/Israel, who was killed in a crash on the Palisades Parkway on Monday. He was just 30 years old.

According to reports by Monsey Scoop, the crash occurred at around 5:45PM on the Palisades Northbound heading from the George Washington Bridge toward Monsey, near Exit 1. Hatzolah and other emergency personnel responding to the scene transported him to Hackensack Medical center where he was unfortunately Niftar.

The Niftar leaves behind a wife.

Rabbi Abe Friedman, Chaplain for the Palisades Police (PIPPD), diligently worked with local and state officials to ensure proper Kavod Hames for the Niftar and timely notification of families.

Rabbi Friedman told YWN that he extends his gratitude to the PIPPD for their complete cooperation and sensitivity throughout this process.

Chesed Shel Emes was dealing with the Kavod Hames in this tragic incident.

Levaya details will be published when they become available to us.

Boruch Dayan HaEmmes

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
An unusually large number of Chinese military ships, planes and drones entered airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan between Sunday and Monday, the self-governing islands Defense Ministry said.

China said the drills were a response to recent statements and actions by the United States and Taiwan. Beijing launches such missions on a daily basis, seeking to wear down Taiwanese defenses and morale, although the vast majority of the islands 23 million people reject its claim of sovereignty over Taiwan.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo told legislators the drills were further evidence China was a troublemaker endangering peace in the region.

The ministry on Tuesday published on social media images of Chinese drones and ships. It said 43 out of 59 entered Taiwans air defense identification zone but that no confrontations were reported. Taiwan monitored the situation and deployed aircraft, navy ships and coastal anti-ship missile defenses in response, the ministry said.

Its unclear what prompted the large Chinese deployment. Daily figures often vary widely based on statements by the Taiwanese authorities or their U.S. partners.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that the drills were a resolute response to foreign connivance and support for Taiwan independence, and a serious warning to Taiwan separatist forces.

Chinas military actions are necessary, legal and justified measures to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, Mao said.

The United States deleted the literal expression that reflected the one-China principle and that did not support Taiwan independence on the website of the U.S. Department of State, which indicates wrong signals to Taiwan separatist forces, Mao was quoted as saying.

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te also raised Beijings hackles last week when he said that Taiwan law designates mainland China as a foreign hostile force and said tougher measures were being taken to prevent Chinese subversion through the media and civic exchanges. Lai also warned of the danger of influential figures and current and retired military members selling secrets to China.

The Taiwan Strait is an international body of water and one of the most important channels for global trade. While China does not interfere with civilian shipping in the Strait  or in the South China Sea to the south that it claims almost in its entirety  it routinely objects to actions by the U.S. and other foreign navies in the area.

China on Saturday lashed out at accusations by top diplomats from the Group of 7 industrialized democracies who said Beijing is endangering maritime safety.

The G7 in a joint statement condemned Chinas illicit, provocative, coercive and dangerous actions that seek unilaterally to alter the status quo in such a way as to risk undermining the stability of regions, including through land reclamations, and building of outposts, as well as their use for military purpose.

China said the statement was filled with arrogance, prejudice and malicious intentions.

Faced with the rising threat from China, Taiwan has ordered new missiles, aircraft and other armaments from the U.S., while revitalizing its own defense industry.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war 76 years ago, but Chinese leader Xi Jinping has continued to make bringing the island to heel a top priority of his administration even as it faces economic headwinds and a race for high technology with the West.

(AP)
Tesla vehicles across the United States are increasingly becoming targets of vandalism, with incidents ranging from swastikas spray-painted on car bodies to outright arson, reflecting a growing wave of hostility toward the companys CEO, Elon Musk. The attacks, which have escalated in recent weeks, highlight a striking irony: many of the same progressive voices that once championed electric vehicles (EVs) as a cornerstone of environmental policy are now linked to their destruction, fueled by anger over Musks political influence and controversial actions.

One of the most alarming incidents occurred in Las Vegas in the early hours of Tuesday, when multiple Tesla vehicles were set ablaze on a city street. According to local police, an individual was observed igniting the cars before fleeing the scene. Security footage captured the fiery destruction, with flames engulfing at least three Teslas, leaving behind charred husks. The Las Vegas Fire Department reported damages in the tens of thousands of dollars, and no arrests have been made as of yet.

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Elsewhere, Tesla vehicles and facilities have been defaced with swastikas, a symbol of hate that protesters are using to equate Musk with fascism. In Lynnwood, Washington, last week, six Tesla Cybertrucks at a service station were vandalized with red spray paint, including swastikas and expletives like [Expletive] Elon. The Lynnwood Police Department is treating the case as a potential hate crime, given the targeted nature of the graffiti. Similarly, in Meyers, California, near Lake Tahoe, Tesla chargers were daubed with swastikas a day earlier, prompting an investigation by the El Dorado County Sheriffs Department. In Ithaca, New York, superchargers were tagged with Hail Hitler and Tesla is Fascist alongside swastikas, according to local reports.

Attorney General Pam Bondi: If youre gonna touch a Tesla, go to a dealership, do anything, you better watch out cause were coming after you and if you are funding this, were coming after you.

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The vandalism extends beyond symbolic defacement. In Littleton, Massachusetts, seven Tesla charging stations were torched earlier this month, with police suspecting arson. In Salem, Oregon, a Tesla dealership faced two separate attacks: one in January involving Molotov cocktails that caused $500,000 in damage, and another in February when a man fired bullets from an AR-style rifle into the storefront. The suspect, now facing federal weapons charges, is believed to have acted out of anti-Musk fervor.

This surge in violence and vandalism coincides with Musks high-profile role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump, a position that has drawn ire for his efforts to slash federal spending and regulations. His controversial gesture at Trumps inaugurationintentionally misinterpreted by critics as a Nazi salutehas further inflamed tensions. Protesters have taken to the streets, with demonstrations outside Tesla dealerships in cities like Seattle, New York, and Pasadena, some escalating into disorderly conduct and arrests.

The irony of this backlash is not lost on observers. For years, leftist policymakers and environmental advocates pushed for EV mandates, hailing Tesla as a leader in sustainable transportation. California, for instance, once celebrated Tesla as a homegrown success story, with mandates requiring zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Now, the same ideological camp appears to be turning on the company, with acts of destruction replacing earlier praise.

Tesla has responded by bolstering security measures, including thicker supercharger cables and ink packs designed to deter vandals. Musk himself has condemned the attacks, writing on X, Damaging the property of others, aka vandalism, is not free speech! The company has also vowed to press charges against perpetrators targeting its superchargers.

As investigations continue, the vandalism wave poses a challenge for Teslas public image and bottom line. Sales have reportedly faltered globally, with a 76% drop in Germany in February compared to the previous year, and a 35% stock decline since Trumps inauguration.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The European Unions law enforcement agency cautioned Tuesday that artificial intelligence is turbocharging organized crime that is eroding the foundations of societies across the 27-nation bloc as it becomes intertwined with state-sponsored destabilization campaigns.

The grim warning came at the launch of the latest edition of a report on organized crime published every four years by Europol that is compiled using data from police across the EU and will help shape law enforcement policy in the bloc in coming years.

Cybercrime is evolving into a digital arms race targeting governments, businesses and individuals. AI-driven attacks are becoming more precise and devastating, said Europols Executive Director Catherine De Bolle.

Some attacks show a combination of motives of profit and destabilization, as they are increasingly state-aligned and ideologically motivated, she added.

The report, the EU Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment 2025, said offenses ranging from drug trafficking to people smuggling, money laundering, cyber attacks and online scams undermine society and the rule of law by generating illicit proceeds, spreading violence, and normalizing corruption.

The volume of child abuse material available online has increased significantly because of AI, which makes it more difficult to analyze imagery and identify offenders, the report said.

By creating highly realistic synthetic media, criminals are able to deceive victims, impersonate individuals and discredit or blackmail targets. The addition of AI-powered voice cloning and live video deepfakes amplifies the threat, enabling new forms of fraud, extortion, and identity theft, it said.

States seeking geopolitical advantage are also using criminals as contractors, the report said, citing cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure and public institutions originating from Russia and countries in its sphere of influence.

Hybrid and traditional cybercrime actors will increasingly be intertwined, with state-sponsored actors masking themselves as cybercriminals to conceal their origin and real disruption motives, it said.

Polish Interior Ministry Undersecretary of State Maciej Duszczyk cited a recent cyberattack on a hospital as the latest example in his country.

Unfortunately this hospital has to stop its activity for the hours because it was lost to a serious cyber-attack, boosted by AI, he said.

AI and other technologies are a catalyst for crime, and drive criminal operations efficiency by amplifying their speed, reach, and sophistication, the report said.

As the European Commission prepares to launch a new internal security policy, De Bolle said that nations in Europe need to tackle the threats urgently.

We must embed security into everything we do, said European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner. He added that the EU aims to provide enough funds in coming years to double Europols staff.

(AP)
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, is welcomed by villagers singing the grand song of the Dong ethnic group while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

GUIYANG, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of adhering to high-quality development and driving growth by further deepening reform and opening-up comprehensively, during his inspection in southwest China's Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called on the province to firm up confidence, work hard, and take steady steps to advance Chinese modernization.

On Monday afternoon, Xi visited a village of the Dong ethnic group in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture. He inspected the surroundings and local shops, stopping from time to time to chat with store owners, tourists, and villagers.

At an exhibition center, he learned about the preservation and inheritance of Dong culture. He also observed the batik-making process at a specialty industrial base.

Xi emphasized that the cultures of ethnic minority groups are an integral part of Chinese culture and should be preserved as well as creatively transformed and developed.

The Chinese president also sat down with villagers for amiable chats. As he departed, Xi expressed the hope that they can further revitalize the countryside as the Chinese modernization advances.

Xi also visited the provincial capital Guiyang, where he heard the provincial authorities report their work on Tuesday.

Xi underscored the need to strengthen innovation-driven development with the real economy as the foundation. He called for actively developing strategic emerging industries and enhancing industries such as the digital economy and new energy.

He also asked the province to protect the environment well and transform its ecological strengths into development advantages.

Xi demanded resolute efforts to eliminate local protectionism, market segmentation and "rat race" competition to create a stable, fair, transparent and predictable environment for businesses.

Calling openness "an important element" of the business environment, Xi urged Guizhou to take an active part in the country's all-around opening up drive.

Xi emphasized the need to develop modern, efficient agriculture with distinctive mountain characteristics tailored to Guizhou's local conditions, while cultivating leading industries with regional features and lasting market competitiveness.

Highlighting Guizhou's rich historical heritage, vibrant revolutionary culture, and diverse ethnic traditions, he stressed the importance of harnessing these strengths to drive economic and social development.

Xi noted that achieving high-quality development requires unwavering adherence to the Party's leadership.

He noted the launch of a Party-wide education campaign to implement the Party central leadership's "eight-point decision" on improving conduct, saying that it is a key task for Party building this year.

He asked Party organizations at all levels to encourage Party members and officials to uphold exemplary conduct and make concentrated and concerted efforts to drive development.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Dong culture exhibition center in the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspects a local base of special industry in the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sits with villagers around a firepit to discuss all-around rural revitalization at a drum tower while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sits with villagers around a firepit to discuss all-around rural revitalization at a drum tower while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves goodbye to villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves goodbye to villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for at least 90 minutes Tuesday about ending the war in Ukraine, the White House said, noting that the two leaders agreed that negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.

The two leaders also agreed to a ceasefire against energy infrastructure, both sides said.

The call began at 10 a.m. ET, according to White House spokesman Dan Scavino. The White House then said around 12:52 p.m. that the call was over, though it would not say initially exactly when each side hung up.

Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace, the White House said in a statement after the call. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.

This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace, it continued. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.

The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application. The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel, the White House also said. The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved.

During the call, Putin said a complete cessation of military aid to Ukraine was a key condition for ending the war, Russias state-run TASS news agency reported, citing the Kremlin.

Putin backed the idea from Trump of a mutual 30-day pause of strikes on energy infrastructure and gave that command to his military, according to TASS. It also reported that Russia will return 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv as a gesture of goodwill.

Trump said last night that Many elements of a Final Agreement to end the Ukraine war have been agreed to, but much remains.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Monday that the ball is now in Russias court to accept a U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal that Ukraine agreed to last week.

The U.S.-backed proposal, which includes an immediate 30-day ceasefire and guaranteed resumption of U.S. military aid and intelligence to Ukraine, was finalized during diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia last week.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The United States and Israel have reached out to three East African governmentsSudan, Somalia, and Somalilandto explore potential resettlement opportunities for Palestinians currently living in Gaza. The initiative is part of President Trumps postwar vision, which seeks to provide new opportunities for Palestinians while enabling Israel to fully eliminate Hamass influence and threats.

President Trumps approach to Gaza is ambitious: Rather than allowing the region to remain an ungovernable terrorist stronghold, the plan seeks to relocate Palestinians to more stable environments, while redeveloping Gaza into a modern, flourishing region under U.S. oversight. His proposal envisions turning Gaza into a high-value real estate zone, free from the terror and chaos that have plagued it for decades.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed the idea as a bold vision, recognizing that voluntary migration could allow for a fresh start for Palestinians while preventing future conflicts with Israel. His government, along with U.S. officials, has begun diplomatic outreach to identify possible partner countries that would be willing to accept Palestinians in exchange for economic and diplomatic benefits.

American and Israeli officials confirm that discussions with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland began shortly after Trump introduced the proposal at a White House meeting with Netanyahu last month. While none of the nations have formally agreed, the outreach demonstrates the seriousness with which the U.S. and Israel are pursuing solutions for Gazas long-term future.

Officials from Sudan and Somalia initially rejected the idea, with Somalias Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi claiming that any resettlement plan would infringe on Palestinian rights. However, discussions remain open, and incentives such as economic aid and diplomatic recognition could shift their positions. Somaliland, a breakaway region seeking international recognition, has not confirmed any talks but remains a potential partner due to its strategic interests.

Despite criticism from left-wing and anti-Israel groups, Israeli leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that any migration is voluntary. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has emphasized that Israel is actively working to create pathways for willing Gazans to relocate, partnering with countries that could offer them greater economic opportunity and security.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has gone further, announcing plans for a dedicated emigration department within the Defense Ministry to facilitate voluntary relocation efforts. Smotrich has long advocated for giving Palestinians a viable alternative to remaining in a war-torn region under Hamas control, and this initiative could provide them with new prospects for stability and prosperity.

Unsurprisingly, the Palestinian leadership, which has long sought to weaponize the issue for political leverage, has rejected the plan outright. Arab nations have also expressed opposition, preferring a reconstruction effort that would leave Palestinians in placedespite decades of failed governance and ongoing threats to Israel.

Human rights organizations critical of Israel have attempted to frame the resettlement discussions as a violation of international law, but these claims ignore the voluntary nature of the migration proposal and the humanitarian incentives it offers.

For Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, the proposal presents a unique opportunity to receive financial, diplomatic, and security support from the U.S. and Israel. Sudan, which normalized relations with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords, has been struggling with internal conflict, and economic aid could be a decisive factor in its willingness to participate.

Somaliland, which has maintained a stable government for over 30 years but remains unrecognized internationally, could benefit enormously from U.S. recognition in exchange for cooperation on resettlement. The regions strong ties with the United Arab Emirates, another Abraham Accords partner, further position it as a potential ally in this effort.

The outreach to East African nations follows the successful model of the Abraham Accords, where Trump brokered historic peace agreements between Israel and four Arab countries. His administration proved that pragmatic, interest-based diplomacy could achieve what decades of conflict and international posturing had failed to deliver.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A man claiming to be a retired colonel in the Iranian Air Force is urging Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to strike the residence of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying that such an attack could pave the way for a military-led coup against the regime.

The former officer, speaking under the pseudonym Arash, gave an exclusive interview to Israels Channel 12 while inside Iran, a remarkable breach of the Islamic Republics strict censorship and surveillance apparatus.

Netanyahu needs to order an attack on Khameneis home, Arash stated bluntly.

And we, the military, can take over sensitive political centers and officially announce Irans freedom and friendship with Israel, he added.

The interview is an extraordinary sign of growing dissent within Irans armed forces, which have long been viewed as reluctant enforcers of the regimes hardline policies. Unlike the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is fiercely loyal to Khamenei, Irans conventional militarythe Arteshhas historically been sidelined and underfunded.

According to Arash, discontent among Irans military personnel is at an all-time high, and an Israeli strike on key regime targets could provide the final push needed for an uprising.

In a claim that directly contradicts Tehrans anti-Israel propaganda, Arash insisted that an overwhelming majority of Iranians secretly supported Israels retaliatory strikes on Iranian military targets in April and October.

The regime has taken us, the people, hostage, he said.

We have this wish that Israel will go further, so that the nation will be emboldened and take to the streets, he continued. The people will tear the roots of the regime out of the country themselves.

This sentiment was echoed by another Iranian defector, Javad, a former IRGC cleric, who also called on Israel to strike the regime and aid the Iranian people in toppling their oppressors.

Arash revealed that he had been forced to resign from Irans military after he refused to train Hamas operatives in guerrilla warfare. His remarks suggest deep fractures within Irans armed forces over the regimes aggressive foreign policies.

All the soldiers in the military feel estranged from the IRGC, Arash asserted.

I can even say that 60% of IRGC soldiers hate the organization, he added, a shocking claim given that the IRGC has long been viewed as Khameneis most loyal force.

Javad, the former IRGC mullah, reinforced these claims, saying that Irans regular military is largely made up of lower-class recruits, many of whom resent the corruption and privileges enjoyed by IRGC elites.

Compared to the IRGC, the regular military despises the regime even more, he said.

Arash praised Israels recent operations against Irans terror proxies, including assassinations of top Hamas leaders and the precision strike that eliminated Hezbollahs Hassan Nasrallah.

Israel has hurt the leaders of the resistance movements, he said.

He claimed that Irans air defenses are in complete disarray, especially following Israels devastating late-October strike on Irans S-300 anti-aircraft missile silos and drone sites.

The computer systems that launch missiles at enemy planes? Theyre completely offline.

He described Irans current air defense capabilities as primitive, saying, They have nothing but the same old weapons we used in the Iran-Iraq War.

Javad revealed that Israels assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran had shocked the IRGC leadership, which was unable to respond effectively.

You can see the IRGC didnt put out a statement, he said, implying internal panic over Israels ability to strike deep inside Iran with impunity.

He also pointed to Irans recent loss of Syria, where President Bashar al-Assadonce a key Iranian allywas deposed in December and replaced with a government aligned with Israels interests.

That front has fallen into Israels hands, Javad said, calling it a fatal blow to Tehrans ambitions in the region.

Both Arash and Javad expressed hope that Israel would seize the moment and launch decisive strikes on Irans leadership, arguing that the Iranian people are ready for an uprising.

I live with the hope, Javad said, that in the coming months, Ill see Israel strike Iran.

In the end, this is in the hands of the U.S., he added, suggesting that Washingtons support would be crucial in determining whether Israel moves forward with a strike on Irans nuclear facilities.

As tensions escalate, the United States has increased pressure on Iran to halt its regional aggression. Over the weekend, U.S. forces struck Houthi targets in Yemen and warned Iran to stop supporting terrorist groups that threaten both Israel and global shipping lanes.

Meanwhile, Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejected President Donald Trumps latest offer to negotiate a nuclear deal in exchange for lifting sanctions. Trump has made it clear that the alternative to diplomacy is military action, with airstrikes on Irans nuclear facilities on the table.

Israeli officials have repeatedly hinted that they may soon take advantage of Irans weakened defenses to strike its nuclear programa move that would dramatically reshape the regions balance of power.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
With Pesach fast approaching, Israels Agriculture and Finance Ministries have announced an increase in the egg import quota to ensure theres no shortage during Pesach preparations. The new quota is now set at 105 million eggs, with 40 million already imported, ensuring that residents will have ample supply for all their Yom Tov needs.

As in previous years, quotas are adjusted in the months leading up to Pesach to accommodate the surge in demand, which typically peaks between January and April. However, this years decision to expand the quota even further comes as egg production has been hit hard by multiple factors, including the ongoing war with Hamas, extreme weather conditions, and outbreaks of bird flu.

Israels egg supply is primarily sourced from the Galil and Golan Heights, where chicken coops typically produce around 1.6 billion eggs per yearapproximately 73% of the countrys total production of 2.2 billion eggs annually. However, due to Hezbollahs continued provocations and attacks, egg production in the North has suffered, necessitating a greater reliance on imports.

Despite these challenges, the ministries assured that the price of eggs will remain steady and that with the increased quota, there is no reason to anticipate a shortage.

So while Yidden across Eretz Yisroel begin the daunting task of cleaning, shopping, and preparing for the Chag, they can hopefully rest assured that their egg supply is secure, ensuring that Pesach can be celebrated properly.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Israeli Air Force carried out dozens of airstrikes across northern and southern Gaza, catching Hamas by surprise, and ending the ceasefire. Palestinian media inside Gaza say that at least 100 people have been killed.

Israels broadcasting authority has said the wave of attacks targeted senior figures in Hamas.

Reports from Palestinian channels suggest that Hamas Major General Mahmoud Abu Watfa, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Interior in Gaza, was eliminated in tonights widespread strikes on Gaza by the Israeli Air Force.

In a statement released to the media, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz said the following:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the IDF to take strong action against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.

This follows Hamass repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators.

The IDF is, at this time, attacking targets of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip in order to achieve the objectives of the war as they have been determined by the political echelon including the release of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.

The operational plan was presented by the IDF over the weekend and approved by the political leadership.

Meanwhile, the Whitehouse confirms that they were consulted by Israel before breaking the ceasefire. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that to Shawn Hannity moments ago.

As President Trump has made clear, Hamas, the Houthis, Iran  all those who seek to terrorise not just Israel but the US  will see a price to pay, and all hell will break loose, she told Hannity.

The Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran and Iranian-backed terror proxies should take President Trump very seriously when he says hes not afraid to stand for law-abiding people and stand up for the US and our friend and ally Israel.

See video below:

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Five senior Hamas officials were reportedly eliminated in the surprise resumption of IDF strikes on Gaza overnight Monday  an operation that the IDF named as Operation Strength and Sword ( ).

The IDF said that it carried out an extensive wave of airstrikes aimed at eliminating Hamas military commanders, political leaders, and terror infrastructure in the wake of reports that Hamas and Islamic Jihad took advantage of the ceasefire to rebuild its troops and military infrastructure and was actively planning attacks in Gaza border communities.

Meanwhile, defense officials have warned in recent weeks and days that Hamas has been actively recruiting tens of thousands of new terrorists and preparing for another invasion of Israel. Defense officials estimate that Hamas currently has a force of 25,000 terrorists and Islamic Jihad has a force of 5,000 terrorists.

According to a Channel 12 report on Sunday, defense officials have also identified a sharp increase of plans by Gazan terror groups to carry out attacks on Gaza border communities and IDF soldiers stationed in Gaza.

The most senior of the five Hamas officials killed in the attack was Issam al-Daalis, a former advisor to slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. According to a Ynet report, he has served as the head of governmental oversight in the Strip, a role similar to that of prime minister of Hamas, since it took control of the Strip in 2007. He was considered one of the leading administrative and organizational figures in Hamas and held an important position in managing civilian affairs and services in the Gaza Strip.

The other officials were named as Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the head of Hamas Interior Ministry; Abu Obeidah Al-Jamasi, a member of Hamass political bureau and the administrative head of the terror group; ; Ahmed Omar Al-Hatta, the director general of Hamass Justice Ministry; and Bahjat Abu Sultan, a senior official responsible for overseeing Hamass internal security apparatus.

Reports from Gaza on Tuesday morning indicated that about 300 people were killed in the strikes. However, Hamass statistics cannot be trusted as it regularly reports false numbers and does not differentiate between the deaths of armed terrorists and civilians

The renewed IDF operation in Gaza began after Hamas repeatedly stalled negotiations in Doha over the last two weeks, refusing to release additional hostages and rejecting all proposals it received from US envoy Steve Witkoff.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDFs Home Front Command on Tuesday morning ordered Israelis to prepare shelters across the country following the resumption of airstrikes in Gaza overnight Monday.

Col. (res) Chilik Soffer told Ynet: In most areas, theres no immediate threat, but every citizen must be ready to act at a moments notice  not just in border areas, Soffer said. I recommend preparing shelters everywhere. We dont know what tomorrow will bring.

The cities of Herzliya, Rishon Lezion, Petach Tikva, Yavne, Ramat Gan, and Rechovot reported later on Tuesday morning that they opened their public shelters.

Following an overnight security assessment, the IDF ordered schools in the Gaza border area to cancel classes on Tuesday. Additionally, train service between Sderot and Ashkelon was suspended.

Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam raised the citys alert level and reinforced security teams.

The municipality stated: As of this hour, there is no change in the Home Front Commands instructions in Ashkelon and the routine in the city continues. However, it is important to continue to maintain high alertness and vigilance. We remind you that the public shelters are open and available for any eventuality.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus court testimony scheduled for Tuesday was canceled. He is scheduled to hold an urgent security meeting at 11 a.m.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Reports indicate that Israels overnight attacks on Gaza, dubbed Operation Strength and Sword, have not necessarily ended the negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Egypts Foreign Ministry issued a harsh statement against the IDF attack but at the same time, reports from Qatar indicate that senior Egyptian intelligence officials urgently summoned the Hamas delegation to Cairo.

According to Al-Arabiya, Egypt is holding frantic discussions with the mediators in an attempt to stop the escalation. Sources involved in the negotiations claim that there are efforts to reach a deal that will include the release of a number of Israeli hostages in exchange for a renewed ceasefire.

However, according to the report, Israel has clarified to mediators that until the hostages are released, the negotiations will take place under fire and also threatened to intensify strikes if genuine negotiations do not take place.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua told Reuters on Tuesday that communication with mediators is continuing and the terror group is eager to complete the implementation of the original Gaza ceasefire deal.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that the the resumption of strikes on Gaza was necessary to end the Hamas standoff after the terror group rejected two offers proposed by Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff. Saar emphasized that Israel has maintained a ceasefire for the past two and a half weeks but Hamas has not returned any hostages. This is something that Israel cannot accept, Saar stressed..

Ynet commentator Ron Ben-Yisai wrote that the IDFs operation in Gaza is intended, among other objectives, to use military pressure to break the current deadlock in negotiations regarding the release of hostages.

Experience within the IDF and Israeli intelligence has shown that such pressure is the most effective way to push Hamas toward flexibility in negotiations, he wrote.

The IDF is striking only in targeted locations that according to intelligence assessments, do not pose a direct threat to the safety of hostages.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir reached an agreement with the Likud party on Tuesday afternoon to rejoin the government following the resumption of IDF airstrikes in Gaza.

The members of the party who served as ministers will return to their positions.

A vote on the ministers return is scheduled to take place in the Knesset later on Tuesday and a swearing-in ceremony will take place in the Knesset on Wednesday.

But in a move that shocked no one, Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara has decided to once again interfere with the governments decisions and has instructed the legal counsel not to advance the resolution to return Ben-Gvir to the government, Channel 13 News reported. As a result, Ben-Gvir wont be able to return to the government until an investigation into his case takes place.

Baharav-Miara is basing her opposition on a fabricated case she launched against Ben-Gvir in November 2024 claiming that personal interests affected his leadership of the National Security Ministry.

The Otzma Yehudit party left the coalition two months ago after the government agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ben-Gvir issued a statement praising the governments decision to return to battle in Gaza.

As we said in recent months, when we quit the government, Israel must return to fighting in Gaza, Ben-Gvir stated. This is the correct, moral, ethical, and most justified step in order to destroy Hamas and bring back our hostages. We must not accept the existence of the Hamas terror organization, it must be destroyed.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
For months after Daphne Wood had spray foam roof insulation installed, she was surprised to receive cold calls every week from firms badgering her to spend thousands of pounds  to have it removed.

Her decision to have spray foam put in her loft after receiving a call from a company out of the blue appears to have triggered unsolicited nuisance calls and visits to her home.

These visits from no fewer than three rogue companies saw the 81-year-old widow and former secretary in schools and universities, from Iver, Buckinghamshire, agree to her roof being re-tiled twice and the foam removed.

The experience, Daphne admits, has left her traumatised.

Daphne is not alone. According to Trading Standards, cases like hers are on the rise after recording a 42 per cent increase in spray foam scams in 2023.

There also appears to be a link between the companies installing the spray foam and the companies that then contact customers telling them that the foam is faulty and will damage the roof.

Targeted: Daphne Wood's decision to have spray foam put in her loft after receiving a call from a company has triggered unsolicited nuisance calls and visits to her home

Katherine Hart, Chartered Trading Standards Institute lead officer for doorstep crime, scams and consumer vulnerability, said: Weve found that some firms have the same address as the company that installed the foam in the first place. Its not always the case but there certainly seems to be a rise in that.

Hart says lists of customers who have spray foam are also being traded, legally but also illegitimately.

Salesman prey on households who are fearful about rising energy bills. Some also falsely promise that work they carry out will be reimbursed by government grants when they have not been applied for or households are not eligible.

There are grants available in some cases, such as the Great British Insulation Scheme, which is administered by the energy regulator Ofgem, but it is only available to the least energy-efficient homes in the UK.

Some customers are persuaded to pay 250 over the phone for a survey that never takes place.

These people are very good at their job and theyll use any means possible to get you to agree, says Hart. Dont sign on the spot and become a victim of their high-pressure sales tactics.

Not all spray foam roof insulation needs to be removed. This type of insulation, which has been installed in 250,000 homes according to the Property Care Association, is a chemical product that when sprayed onto an area expands to fill in gaps.

Closed cell foam sets hard and is typically used to patch up roofs that are near the end of their lifespan.

Open cell, which is spongy when pressed, is used for insulation and, when carefully applied by a manufacturer-approved installer, can be an effective way to keep your house warm.

However, cowboy installers can cause damage to homeowners roofs. For example, if incorrectly installed it can lead to dampness and condensation on the underside of a roof because it forms an air barrier and stops moisture escaping.

Consequently, many mortgage lenders are reluctant to lend on these homes, making them difficult to sell. Equity release lenders, meanwhile, have a blanket ban on properties with spray foam.

Daphnes spray foam saga began in December 2022. With a four-bedroom detached 1930s house to heat and a poorly insulated roof still in place, Daphne agreed  when she was phoned by Advance Home Solutions  to have someone come to look at her roof.

A workman arrived the following day and Daphne agreed to have foam spray installed at a cost of 4,000.

She was pressured into a next-day installation  or else face an 11-week wait  and wasnt offered a 14-day cooling-off period, which experts say should be standard.

The following day one workman arrived and took just two hours to spray foam all over the inside of her loft, roof tiles and rafters.

Even the suitcases stored in there got doused. It looked like an igloo up there after hed finished, she says.

Five months later, in May 2023, another cold call from the same company. Daphne was persuaded to have a next-day review of her insulation.

The company claimed it had found two leaks in her roof that needed repairing and asked for a further 2,000 to fix them.

Daphne reluctantly agreed, but the cold calls didnt stop there. By the end of the year, she was receiving around one cold call a week from similar companies asking about her insulation and offering to remove it.

I didnt continue the phone conversations and the firms didnt say who they were, except that it was in connection with the government home efficiency scheme, added Daphne. They said they had obtained her number from shared data.

In August 2024, Daphne had her roof re-tiled by a cold caller who claimed her house had rotting rafters.

Then in January 2025, two men from a roofing company turned up unannounced on Daphnes doorstep declaring broken gutters and rotting woodwork were visible from the pavement.

Mortgage issues: Spray foam insulation is a chemical product that when sprayed onto an area expands to fill in gaps

A 300 quote for repairs soon escalated as she was told the roof would need to be re-tiled again, and it required new guttering.

A weatherproofed membrane was applied, her crumbling chimney was taken down and the spray foam was completely removed just two years after it had been installed. It had been responsible for her rotting timbers, which had been unable to breathe.

By that time, she had read that spray foam makes a property difficult to sell, so she was also keen to have it removed.

Daphne estimates that the total bill for the spray foam  including the initial installation and subsequent removal  reached around 10,000.

Im feeling a bit traumatised. Im quite a trusting person and its shaken me, she says. They look at you so convincingly and tell you theyre not ripping you off.

Chief executive of consumer group HomeOwners Alliance Paula Higgins is urging anyone with spray foam not to act on these scaremongering tactics from foam removal firms.

Dont deal with any cold callers, she says, adding that once you have used the services of a cold caller you can end up on a list of vulnerable consumers that is then sold on to other firms selling anything from windows and conservatories to roof services.

Ask yourself how they got your number in the first place; and if they say they can come around the next day, alarm bells should ring, she adds.

A proper company would need to book you in weeks or months in advance. Always demand a 14-day cooling-off period.

Unless you are planning to sell your property or take out equity release you may not need to have the foam removed at all.

However, homeowners concerned that spray foam insulation has damaged their roof can contact an independent chartered surveyor listed on the Royal

Institution of Chartered Surveyors website. They can check the condition of the roof by cutting away a section of the foam at a cost of between 150 to 250.

Or, if you have all the correct paperwork from the installer, the Property Care Association has a list of surveyors trained to check that your foam has been sprayed correctly. This could strengthen your chances of selling your home without having it removed.

If you decide to have the insulation taken out, contact three local and reputable roofing companies to ask for a quote which will involve removing all roof tiles and underfelt so the foam can be removed, which can cost between 5,000 and 8,000.

Higgins recommends you approach a roofing firm rather than a foam removal company as they are more likely to give you an impartial view on whether it should be taken out.

Carry out the usual checks, such as asking to see previous work and for reviews.

Have you been scammed out of thousands by rogue traders? Tell us at moneymail@dailymail.co.uk
The UN Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until March 17, 2026. #XinhuaNews




Buying a second-hand car can be a nerve-racking experience with many fearing they'll be ripped off.

Whether it's concerns about buying a dud that's been poorly looked after by the previous owner, a motor that's been clocked, stolen or written off, or a vehicle with outstanding finance, a used car can have a variety of hidden secrets the seller might not want to divulge.

Fortunately, vehicle history checking services can provide a safety net for buyers so they can buy with confidence.

These companies run specialist background reports on second-hand cars to ensure they don't have any of the previously mentioned skeletons in their closet.

One of these providers is CarVertical, which has analysed car history checks carried out last year to reveal which brands typically have clean records - and which don't.

And the findings will raise alarm bells for motorists considering a used luxury German car, which are among the brands most likely to have a checkered history.

CarVertical has analysed vehicle history checks carried out last year to see which brands are most and least likely to have a checkered history. Here's how they rank...

Second-hand Hondas typically have the cleanest backgrounds, according to the analysis

Hondas has the best record among the UKs leading car brands with the fewest red flags raised, according to the analysis of almost 100,000 history reports conducted last year.

Nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of the used motors from the Japanese brands had a clean history record when CarVertical ran background checks on thousands of Hondas in 2024.

It was narrowly ahead of fellow Japanese rival Toyota (70 per cent) and Volvo (70 per cent).

Minis (69 per cent), Porsches (69 per cent) and Peugeots (67 per cent) make up the top five cleanest car brands, with more impressive history records than most other cars.

However, at the opposite end of the scale is the trio of luxury German brands that are hugely popular in Britain.

Audi (56 per cent), Mercedes-Benz (59 per cent), BMW (61 per cent) and Volkswagen (62 per cent) ranked among the least likely to have clean histories of the top 20 manufacturers analysed, suggesting a premium badge doesn't guarantee it will have a polished record.

This is more worrying by the fact that VW last year was the most popular brand among new car buyers in Britain, followed by BMW in second, Audi in third and Mercedes in sixth.

Kia rounds out the bottom five manufacturers with used cars showing blotted histories, with only 58 per cent having clean backgrounds when checked by CarVertical last year.

Matas Buzelis from the history checking provider said: 'A vehicles history can highlight potential risks or warning signs for buyers to be aware of.

Brands with the cleanest history reports in 2024 1. Honda: 72.1% 2. Toyota: 70.2% 3. Volvo: 70% 4. Mini: 69.5% 5. Porsche: 69.4% =6. Peugeot: 67% =6. Fiat: 67% 8. Land Rover: 66.6% 9. Renault: 65.5% 10. Citroen: 65.1% 11. Jaguar: 64.9% 12. Ford: 63.8% 13. Vauxhall: 63.6% 14. Nissan: 63.2% 15. Skoda: 61.7% 16. Volkswagen: 61.5% 17. BMW: 60.7% 18. Mercedes-Benz: 58.8% 19. Kia: 58.3% 20. Audi 56.2% Source: CarVertical based on over 200k vehicle history check reports in 2024

'Dishonest sellers often try to mask damage, hide defects and falsify mileage in an effort to maximise their profits.

'This practice can be more common with more stylish and expensive vehicles as there is more money to be made.

'But with many people dreaming of owning a premium car, there is a risk that buyers prioritise price over due diligence, and look beyond a vehicles history in favour of getting what they think is a good deal.

'Unfortunately, once hidden defects start to emerge, owners may face surprise and unexpected costs, with major repairs driving up ownership expenses unpredictably.

'To ensure a vehicle remains reliable for years to come, buyers should always check its history report, take it for a thorough test drive, and have it inspected by a trusted professional.

'The last thing you want is the excitement of owning a new car giving way to frustration and disappointment.'
I am 81 and have been paying premiums to Domestic & General Insurance for many years to cover seven appliances, with the total adding up to nearly 105 a month or 1,260 a year.

One of those appliances covered was my Aqualisa shower which recently stopped working.

On phoning D&G I was asked to find my own repairer who was Aqualisa-conversant, have it repaired, pay the company and forward them the bill for reimbursement.

Now D&G is saying it wont reimburse the almost 3,000 bill. Please help.

A. P., Chelmsford, Essex.

Sally Hamilton replies: You were quick to shower D&G with praise over your past dealings with the firm, as claims for various repairs on other appliances it covers, including your dishwasher and washing machine and even an issue with your shower eight years ago, were always sorted without a fuss.

Denied: An insurance company told a reader to find a repairman to fix a broken shower but refused to pay the bill

But you were flummoxed by this latest response.

This particular claims experience was unusual from the start because you have never had to arrange your own repairer before  D&G normally organises the callout and repairs itself.

But since you were asked to find your own plumber, you looked online for one that covered Essex. You stumbled upon Plumbing Force.

The engineer came as arranged and was on the job for about four hours  including one hour when he went to collect a spare part from nearby Basildon.

On completing the repair, the plumber asked for your payment card so he could charge you for the callout fee and other costs and asked you to sign a tablet to confirm it has been done.

You were happy with the repair but shocked at the size of the bill  2,984. You felt you had no option but to pay it.

For that kind of money, I would have expected a new shower, redecoration and a retiling job. I looked up the purchase price online of new Aqualisa showers and struggled to find one at more than 1,000; most were far cheaper.

Although worried about the bill, you felt reassured that D&G would take care of things. But despite you sending numerous emails and making many calls, D&G declined your claim.

Your daughter stepped in because she was concerned about the strain the unmet claim was putting on your wellbeing. She got nowhere.

On your request, I asked D&G to investigate what had gone wrong. I can imagine why it would wish to resist turning on the tap for a bill that worked out at a fantastical 650 an hour. But that wasnt your fault as you had been directed to find a plumber under your own steam.

I also thought the decision to decline harsh, especially as you have been spending a fortune on its cover over the years.

As an aside, although these kinds of policies provide peace of mind for customers, I personally prefer to self-insure  that is, dip into my savings if I need to have an appliance repaired or replaced.

Once Id turned up the pressure on D&G, pointing out your loyalty and how you had complied with the instructions on arranging a tradesman yourself, it soon agreed to meet your claim in full.

A spokesperson says: We quickly contacted the customer and believe the situation has now been satisfactorily resolved. We strive for consistently high standards of customer service, so apologise for any inconvenience.

D&G says standard practice is for it to arrange callouts. But in rare cases when there are no repair agents available, there is a pay and claim service which you were advised to use.

It says the majority of engineers it works with are accredited by the appliance manufacturers, which have charging and pricing policies in place with the engineers.

A spokesman says: We dont support any deliberate overcharging by engineers that customers have had to contact themselves, and we will review our approach for these rare occasions when one has to be booked direct. For example, the customer informing us of the engineer and quote in advance so we can check the price for them.

I contacted Plumbing Force to ask it to explain your bill. It said it would only discuss it with you. At the time of going to press, the company had not provided any explanation for the high bill other than informing you it would be investigating your complaint.

Id advise anyone calling out a tradesman to always demand an estimate in advance and, if insured, then to check the cost with your insurer before going ahead with the work.

Scam Watch Households should beware a scam email that claims to sell an AI device that reduces energy bills by 92%, consumer website Which? warns. With nearly two weeks until the energy price cap increases by 6%, you may be tempted by a miracle device that reduces bills. But the devices never arrive, do not work or customers have been charged twice for buying one. The link in the email leads to a phishing website designed to steal your personal and financial information. Do not click on the link  forward the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk

Can't access mother's life insurance policy

My mother, who died last year, had a life insurance policy with Phoenix Life. Ten months on I have still not received the proceeds, around 25,000.

K. B., Hitchin, Herts.

Sally Hamilton replies: Painful as it is, insurers rightly need to see the correct paperwork such as death certificates and medical records, but ten months is an inordinate amount of time to be strung along.

Despite promises from Phoenix that the money would be sent as a matter of priority, it never arrived. You calculate that before you asked me to intervene you had called customer services 17 times.

You said that every call seemed to generate a new letter asking you for another document.

It appears the process was delayed partly because you switched banks, and on notifying Phoenix so that it could send the insurance proceeds to the right place, it asked you to complete the claim forms again.

Eventually, you asked if it could raise a cheque as you had lost faith in the money ending up in the right bank.

You were told to send this instruction with a covering letter, which you did in January. But by the end of February there was no sign of it.

On my contacting Phoenix, it pulled its finger out and the cheque for 25,768, which includes 661 of late payment interest, was soon in the post.

It has also promised 200 as apology for the delays. A spokesman for Phoenix says: We recognise we have fallen short with our service, and we are sorry for the trouble and upset this has caused during what is already a difficult time.

Straight to the point I have been with Tesco Mobile for more than ten years and have had a running 24-month Clubcard phone contract, which freezes the price for the whole period. I have had at least five of these contracts with no issue, but my current one has already risen in price and Ive been told it will now rise again. Ive tried emailing but Ive had no response. P. C., Paisley. Tesco apologises and has given you a goodwill gesture. You had not signed up to a Clubcard deal and had responded to an unmonitored email address which was the reason for the delay. *** My contract with Sky for broadband and landline ended in January this year, but a 46 payment was taken afterwards. It claims there is something stopping them paying this to me  I have phoned a number of times to chase the payment without success. K. L., Newbridge, Wales. Sky says you were mistakenly charged after cancelling the package. You have since been sent a cheque for the full amount owed after the initial attempt at processing your refund was blocked. *** Earlier this month I received an email from Nectar telling me I had spent 500 points in a Sainsburys store. I reported the fraud to the company via my account, but that left me frozen out of it. I set up the account 20 years ago so cant answer the security questions needed for Nectar staff to help me over the phone. They have assured me that the lost points would be replaced, but I cant access my remaining points. K .K., Leigh-on-Sea. Nectar apologises and has arranged for your points to be refunded to the new account with 1,500 goodwill points.
Dame Siobhain McDonagh was driving along a residential south London street when out of nowhere she was overtaken by a man on a moped that stopped right in front of her, forcing her to slam on the brakes.

She avoided hitting him but that was just the start of the drama for the MP for Mitcham and Morden.

Immediately, the driver dropped the moped and began to shout and point at me, she said. I was absolutely confused because I knew I had done no damage to his moped and he was not hurt in any way.

I just did not understand what was going on. He dragged me over, took my details and took photographs of me, of my car.

Despite the fact that there had been no collision, she later received a letter from a solicitor demanding large amounts of money to pay for his replacement bike, she said.

Only later, when she met a constituent who described a similar occurrence, did she realise that she was one of tens of thousands of victims of cash-for-crash frauds terrorising motorists.

Reckless: Moped scammers are deliberately crashing into vehicles with lone women or mums on the school run behind the wheel, before making a false insurance claims

An undercover Mail investigation has now pieced together the extraordinary network behind this ruthless scam, which involves driving into cars  usually vehicles with lone women, pensioners or mums on the school run behind the wheel  and then demanding insurance details before making a false claim against their victims.

Industry sources say these frauds rocketed 60-fold last year and are believed to be costing more than 100 million annually.

At the sharp end of this trend are some of the garages that repair the damaged mopeds.

We found that rogue operators were happy for moped drivers to make claims for non-existent damage or injuries and then take a slice of the proceeds when reputable insurance firms make payouts on behalf of innocent motorists.

Scammers can pocket a bonus of up to 1,200 from garages for making the claims  including a top-up if they claim they were hurt.

A garage benefits from commission paid by accident management companies it recommends the driver uses.

Our investigation also found:

Many claimants are fast-food delivery drivers originally from Brazil who call themselves motorboys. Some garages claim that immigration status will not be an issue by promising there will be no such checks during claims, with one saying: If you are legal or if you are a terrorist, its no problem.

The scam is an open secret among motorboys, who call repeat offenders (often using multiple names in multiple claims) stuntmen.

Garages advertise super, super bonuses for accident claims on their social media pages, with some featuring videos of successful claimants waving wads of cash or weighed down with bulging bags of money.

The scam is so well known that a Mail journalist who asked random motorboys in London about it was immediately given a crash course in how it works.

They described how the stuntmen stage accidents with unsuspecting motorists before making insurance claims that invent or exaggerate the damage done to their bike and themselves.

They keep their helmets on to avoid identification even after the accident and often work in teams.

A van may be strategically parked at a junction to block a motorists view, so that when they pull out they cannot see the oncoming moped until the last second.

Sometimes an accomplice will turn up seconds after the impact to help intimidate the car driver into handing over their insurance details.

Interior designer Helen Harris has first-hand experience of just how traumatic such an encounter can be.

She became a victim of the motorboys after a moped driver flashed his lights to let her turn right into a busy south London street.

As soon as she pulled out, however, that driver sped off and a second moped careered into the wheel arch of her front driver door.

Despite barely making contact, the driver, who kept his helmet on, started shaking his hands like his wrists were hurting, she said.

There was no damage to either vehicle, but a solicitor acting for the moped driver claimed 2,667.70 from her insurer and Ms Harris had her no claims bonus put on hold and faced higher premiums. I am furious, she said. I feel hoodwinked and stupid.

Another lone woman driver described how a motorbike accelerated into her as she turned into a major road in Battersea, south-west London.

He came straight down the middle of the road, and obviously would have seen me but only braked at the last moment, she recalls.

After the collision, he jumped off his motorbike, put it on the floor and started sort of jumping around taking photos. I had no idea what was going on. He couldnt speak English and had to use Google Translate to ask me to hand over my insurance details.

Social media: Garages advertise super, super bonuses for accident claims, with some featuring videos of successful claimants waving wads of cash

He did not give his name but, after she gave his mobile number to a south London group monitoring the scam, she discovered it had been used several times previously in suspected cash-for-crash scams.

The motorboys we spoke to were appalled by what they called a cowardly scam, but said for many of them who usually live in overcrowded shared houses earning around 500 a week, it offered an all-too-easy way to make quick cash.

Crucially, they said, the frauds were fuelled by garages offering bonuses for drivers making accident claims that would be handled by major claims management companies.

The sums per claim were worth up to three weeks regular work for a motorboy, which was enough to encourage many of those initially unwilling to take part in the scams to set aside their reservations.

The motorboys we spoke to were too scared to name the garages involved for fear of reprisals, with one explaining: Its the same as talking about drug trafficking. Its very sensitive.

But after a simple internet search, the Mail found 16 motorcycle garages that specialise in accident claims in notorious cash-for-crash hotspots advertising bonuses on their open social media pages.

At least four are known to have been used by drivers making a suspected cash-for-crash claim.

When we approached the garages posing as a driver, a representative of Brazuka Motors, which offered services across London and the Home Counties, told the reporter that in order to get the full 1,000 advertised bonus he would have to say he was hurt.

Asked what evidence was required, he responded: Theres no proof, man. At the most, theyll ask for a picture.

Later, he added: After I register your claim, they call and ask, Explain to me how it happened. Then what are you going to say? Oh that guy reversed on me when I was on my motorbike.

Then they will ask, Did you suffer an injury? Yeah I hurt my leg. Its all twisted.

You dont need to say you broke it, but you can say youre finding it difficult to walk, you hurt your leg, so you say you want to still do the medical part. Thats all you need.

OImperio Motorcycles in South Croydon went further, explaining: Even if you didnt get hurt . . . when the company calls you if you tell them, Look, I got hurt, my arm and leg, then, with the injury, I pay 1,000 as a bonus.

He added: You dont need to go to the doctor. You dont need to go to the hospital.

When the reporter asked: Does my motorbike need to be scratched? he replied: No, no, no. It doesnt need to be scratched, it doesnt need to be anything.

Another garage, which advertised a special bonus of 1,100 for accident claims, told us: Dude, with injuries were paying the price you saw there. No injuries, 800.

But he told us no proof of injury was required and, as long as the driver got dizzy or was shaking at the time of the accident, they could lock in the claim.

Cash for crash: Scammers can pocket a bonus of up to 1,200 from garages for making the claims - including a top-up if they claim they were hurt

One garage also told us it was no problem if there wasnt any sign of crash damage on the bike, explaining: We will find a little way.

All the garages offering bonuses worked with  or told the reporter their claim would be made with  McAms, one of the UKs largest management claims companies.

Some said they also used other claims companies, but one said bonuses would only be paid if the drivers claim was made with McAms.

In many cases, the garages said that these bonuses are paid as soon as McAms accepted the claim and they provided a replacement bike while it was being processed.

One garage, which pays a 1,000 bonus for successful claims if they include an injury, boasts online of having contributed to more than 1,500 successful claims with its long-term claims management partner McAms.

Another, which advertises the best bonus in the UK alongside a Union Jack, also told our reporter it pays 1,000 for successful claims for non-fault accidents that include personal injury.

In one video of the garage owner with a happy claimant, he says: One more claim approved by McAms . . . Its popping off. More than ten claims approved this week at our garage.

Liverpool-based McAms is run by barrister Alan Sellers, an expert in personal injury and credit hire cases, who is executive chairman of its parent company, Anexo.

His wife, fellow personal injury specialist and part-time competitive showjumper Samantha Moss, is also an Anexo director and runs McAms sister solicitors firm, Bond Turner, which deals with all claims made through McAms.

Anexo offers a one-stop shop for moped drivers who are involved in no-fault accidents but dont have the means to take action by providing all legal services and a replacement bike while the insurance claim is being processed.

The company says it relies on a network of introducer garages for marketing and recommendation of services and pays commission for successful claims.

It offers partner garages a team of dedicated support managers and Portuguese-speaking staff to help claimants.

While Anexo provides several non-accident claims services, the company says that is heavily weighted towards leasing replacement vehicles to people who have been involved in non-fault incidents while claims are processed.

It says it charges significantly higher rates for these than traditional hire companies and in total made profits of 23 million in 2023.

What do do if YOU fall victim Victims of suspected cash-for-crash scams are urged to gather as much information as possible at the scene and immediately report it. A key indicator that the other driver is part of a scam could be that he appears to be unfazed after the collision or seems to be exaggerating injuries. The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) urges victims not to confront the other driver and to exchange details as legally required. It also encourages them to note as much information as possible about the driver and the circumstances of the collision at the scene. This can include written information, such as registration numbers, names of anyone else involved, photographs, dashcam footage and a note of the location of CCTV cameras in the area. Documenting any vehicle damage  or lack of it  is also useful. Victims should alert their insurer as soon as possible about the incident. Report suspected insurance scams to the IFB CheatLine on 0800 422 0421 (insurance fraudbureau.org/cheatline).

In some cases, where claims are disputed and have gone on for over six months, the hire fees have hit more than 50,000 for mopeds which are only worth around 3,000 new.

The company also deals with any personal injury claims resulting from their clients accidents. Indeed, it says these are now part of most cases Bond Turner handles.

Because most of its clients are broke, the companys business model relies on it recovering all costs from the at-fault partys insurer. In 2023, it successfully settled 9,000 cases.

Ms Moss said the high bike lease rates are justified because of the extra risk and extra costs the company assumes when it takes on clients with little or no money, and several court judgments have backed the companys position.

She said the company routinely and consistently recovered hire charges by making well timed and reasonable settlement offers with insurers.

Its legitimate success in dominating the moped accident management market means many suspected cash-for-crash fraudsters inevitably try to make claims via McAms and the Anexo group.

A database set up by victims of the fraud in south-west London found that, of the 79 incidents where people shared details of the claims management company involved, 72 were being processed by McAms or other companies within the Anexo Group.

Ms Moss said it was investigating the Mails shocking and extremely concerning allegations that garages allowed fraudulent claims, something it claims it works hard to prevent. Ms Moss said it had every interest in avoiding them as they were hugely damaging for the company.

She said the company would immediately cease to deal with any garage found to be involved in fraudulent claims and had already terminated dealings with some after being contacted by the Mail.

McAms rejects over half of the claims requests it receives and undertakes paper and electronic ID checks for all clients, she added.

Back on the street, the motorboys  whose own insurance is rocketing because of the scams  warn that things are rapidly getting worse.

Its moving beyond Brazilians now, with other groups getting involved, and to all parts of the country, one said.

When theres so much money to be made so quickly and easily and so few people stopping it, what do you expect?
Close Brothers swung to a first-half loss after setting aside a higher-than-expected provision to cover mounting costs related to the ongoing motor finance scandal.

Shares in the merchant banking firm plunged on Tuesday after it posted an operating pre-tax loss of 103.8million for the six months ending January, compared to an 88.1million profit a year ago.

The group, which is scheduled to return to the FTSE 250 this month in the latest reshuffle, has previously said it would book a 165million provision to cover legal and remediation costs for customers who paid commissions when buying their vehicles.

But Close told investors on Tuesday that it now expects costs associated with handling those complaints and other legal expenses to be about 22million for the year to 31 July, compared to previous forecasts of 10million to 15million.

Close shares plummeted by 16.9 per cent to 287p in early trading.

In a landmark judgement last October, the UK Supreme Court ruled that car sellers could not receive a commission from lenders if the vehicle buyer had not given their 'fully informed consent' to the payment.

The judgement rocked the British car finance sector, with Close Brothers announcing a temporary freeze on all new motor loans, which make up a fifth of its total lending.

Last week, the Financial Conduct Authority said it would likely consult on an industry-wide scheme to compensate motor finance customers if the Supreme Court ruled that lenders and brokers should have been more transparent about commissions.

Reserved: Close Brothers has set aside 165million in relation to a motor finance scandal

Ratings agency Moody's estimates the industry could end up forking out 30billion in compensation to motorists.

However, one senior FCA lawyer believes the figure could surpass the 50billion banks paid to settle payment protection insurance claims.

The Supreme Court did grant permission for Close Brothers and MotoNovo owner FirstRand to appeal the October verdict. It has scheduled a hearing for the appeal from 1 to 3 April.

Mike Morgan, chief executive of Close Brothers, said on Tuesday: 'Our goal is to ensure that, once the motor finance commissions uncertainty has been resolved, the group is well positioned to generate strong, sustainable returns.

'Alongside a stronger capital position, delivering on these priorities will create a more efficient and resilient business, one that delivers greater value for shareholders and continues to support customers, as we have through many cycles.'

In expectations of compensation payouts, Close Brothers has suspended dividends and recently completed the sale of its wealth management division to Oaktree Capital Management in a 200million deal.

Growing expectations that the Treasury could seek to intervene on behalf of the beleaguered motor finance sector has helped to lift shares in recent weeks.

Close Brothers shares remain up 17.7 per cent since the start of the year, despite Tuesday's fall, but have still lost more than 70 per cent over the last five years.

The company additionally reported on Tuesday that its first-half operating income fell by 1 per cent to 390million owing to lower income from its banking arm and central functions.

Meanwhile, its loan book shrank by 3 per cent to 9.8billion, which the firm blamed on 'seasonality and selective lending' from optimising risk-weighted assets and boosting its capital levels.

Analysts at Peel Hunt placed Close shares under review, but welcomed a 'resilient performance in difficult circumstances'.

The broker said: 'We are not surprised that challenging circumstances are prompting downgrades and note management has flagged that current returns are unsatisfactory...and action will be taken.

'We intend to update our estimates, target price and recommendation shortly.'
Britains beleaguered steel firms are already facing cancelled orders after Donald Trump hit the industry with 25 per cent tariffs  and they have called for government action to save them. Tata Steel and British Steel bosses said the Government has been slow to act compared to the EU.

They were giving evidence to the Commons business select committee as Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds visits Washington for talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Britain is seeking an exemption from tariffs on global steel and aluminium imports. The tariffs deter US customers from buying UK steel products but an even bigger problem is cheap steel from other markets being diverted from America to Britain.

Rajesh Nair, boss of Tata Steel UK, told MPs there would be a huge impact on sales. Tata sells about 80million worth of steel a year to the US, he said, adding: Customers are already wanting to cancel orders.

Allan Bell, chief commercial officer at British Steel, said the EU was acting more swiftly than the UK to review safeguarding measures  import quotas above which tariffs are imposed.

Alasdair McDiarmid at the Community trade union warned that his members were very concerned.
SYDNEY, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A growing number of Australian children are failing to meet national swimming benchmarks, raising concerns about water safety and rising drowning rates.

A report by Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSA) found that 48 percent of Year 6 students, or 11- to 12-year-olds, can not swim 50 meters or tread water for two minutes, key survival skills recommended by Australia's national guidelines.

By Year 10, 39 percent still lack these abilities, with little improvement observed beyond Year 7, according to the report.

During the 2024-2025 summer, 104 people drowned across Australia, a 5 percent increase from the previous year, with a lack of swimming skills cited as a major factor. Ten of these drownings involved children under 14, government statistics showed.

RLSA Chief Executive Justin Scarr warned that Australia risks raising a generation with poor swimming abilities, partly due to the high cost of lessons, leaving them without essential water safety skills. One in 10 children aged five to 14 has never had a swimming lesson.

Schools are also struggling to fill the gap. While swimming programs are available in all states, their quality and accessibility vary, Scarr said, citing the report which found that 31 percent of schools don't offer learn-to-swim programs, often due to cost, staffing shortages, or time constraints. Additionally, one in four schools no longer holds swimming carnivals, and where they do, half of the students don't participate.

"It is very concerning from a drowning prevention point of view that these kinds of minimum skills, and that's what they are, minimum, aren't even being met," Amy Peden, a senior research fellow at the University of New South Wales' school of population health, was quoted as saying.

RLSA highlighted economic disparities, noting that students in wealthier areas and private schools are far more likely to receive swimming lessons than those in lower-income communities.

To address the issue, the organization was advocating for increased funding for school and holiday swim programs, targeted grants for vulnerable groups, expanded lifesaving courses, and improved access to public swimming pools and facilities. 
MOSCOW, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Russia deeply regrets the resumption of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

"Russia strongly condemns any actions that lead to the death of civilians and the destruction of social infrastructure," the ministry said in a statement.

Moscow calls on the Israeli and Palestinian sides to return to the negotiation process, the ministry said.

Israel launched its most intense strikes overnight since a ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19. Gaza's health authorities reported that over 400 people, including many children, had been killed. The toll is expected to rise as rescue workers search for victims under the rubble. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, is welcomed by villagers singing the grand song of the Dong ethnic group while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

GUIYANG, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspected an ethnic village in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Monday afternoon.

He visited the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County to learn about local initiatives in strengthening primary-level Party organizations, enhancing social governance, preserving and promoting ethnic traditional culture, and advancing comprehensive rural revitalization. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Dong culture exhibition center in the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspects a local base of special industry in the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sits with villagers around a firepit to discuss all-around rural revitalization at a drum tower while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sits with villagers around a firepit to discuss all-around rural revitalization at a drum tower while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves goodbye to villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves goodbye to villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
This week mayor & city council will decide the fate of the currently suspended city manager Brian Platt.

Thanks to AWESOME TKC INSIDERS we have an inside line on some of the conversation from behind the scenes.

Two things stand out . . .

MOST KANSAS CITY VOTERS DON'T KNOW THAT MAYOR Q'S MOM & THE TEMP CITY MANAGER ARE BFFS!!!

A note sent our way offers a bit of insight into that connection.

Even more importantly . . .

INSIDERS QUESTION MOTIVES OF EAST SIDE COUNCIL REPS & ACTIVISTS PUSHING KIMIKO GILMORE AS THE NEW BOSS!!!

Here AT TKC we will remain objective . . .

What we will say is that it's a fact Ms. Gilmore is now the front runner to turn the temp job into a permanent position BUT . . . There are new challenges to that effort pushed by a 3rd & 5th District council contingent whilst Northland leaders remain understandably skeptical.

The low-key and unspoken goal is that the next city manager should be a "historic" pick and the demand from East side council members & activists is that Black female candidate would best fit that description.

Credit to www.TonysKansasCity.com . . . We proposed this kind of move years ago and thought a former council lady would have been a better choice but (thankfully) nobody cares what this blog thinks.

And so . . .

We're very lucky that this word was sent our way and readers will appreciate the 12th & Oak inside angle . . .



Mayor Q save-face DEI hire coming back to bite him?



After all four black council members voted against Platts contract in 2020, Mayor Qs save-face was to force Platt to hire Kimiko Gilmore (Mayor Qs moms BFF and former city hall bureaucrat) as his deputy.

(TKC: Insiders included this chummy screenshot from the 2015 featuring Q's mom & Ms. Gilmore)

FAST FORWARD: political insiders know Kimiko cant do the job but Eastsiders have been clear for years they want a Black woman city manager, so theyll stick by her and Mayor Qs past comments will make it impossible for him to backtrack.

Kimiko was a vital asset to Kansas City government during her tenure here prior to joining Chancellor Agrawals team, so when City Manager Brian Platt began in his role last December, one of my first recommendations to him was to seek Ms. Black Gilmores professional counsel, Lucas said. I am thrilled she will soon be returning to Kansas City government as an Assistant City Manager. I look forward to hearing her ideas on ways to partner with and utilize the great work being done by students, faculty, and staff at UMKC as we continue our work to build a better Kansas City for all.



So the question is With World Cup looming and myriad major civic projects underway is now the time to jettison a veteran and well liked city manager for mayors moms buddy whose biggest qualification was chief of staff at a city college? And risk additional/exponentially expensive litigation just because 4 city council ppl want their person installed?

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Developing . . .


Irish we had a bit more time to blog be we have faith that we'll keep at it soon . . . For now we take another peek at pop culture, community reporting and mostly parade recaps for tonight.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Today's Rising Tide

Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade draws sea of green to Westport While a crowd full of red is a familiar sight in Kansas City, St. Patrick's Day had people trading in their usual KC-themed gear for all things green.

Cowtown

Tradition

Kansas City family's float wins 3-peat in St. Patrick's Day parade The O'Sullivan Clan has walked in Kansas City's St. Patrick's Day parade since it began 51 years ago. The family's float won a three-peat in the 2025 parade.

Hope Springs Forward

Nice weather brings thousands to St. Patrick's Day parade in Kansas City The luck of the Irish brought beautiful weather for the St. Patrick's Day Parade near Midtown and Westport Monday afternoon.

Today's Theme

'Irish Wit and Wisdom' on display at Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade Kansas Citians took advantage of Monday's perfect parade weather by celebrating along Broadway Boulevard at the KC St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Midtown KC Makes Green

Westport businesses benefit from decades of St. Patrick's Day traditions Westport and St. Patrick's Day go hand in hand - like corned beef and cabbage. Since 2009, the parade has gone down Broadway.

Cinematic Stories Debut

'We want to make Irish sexy again', say writers behind Best Short Film at Dublin International Film Festival The co-writers behind a new short film, Trasna na Line, which won Best Short Film at the Dublin International Film Festival, said their whole aim was to "make Irish sexy again".

Prez Fights With Courts

The Memo: Trump ratchets up confrontation with judiciary President Trump and his administration ramped up their confrontation with the judiciary to extraordinary heights Monday, demanding that a judge whose ruling had incurred their disfavor should be re...

Doldrums For Loyal Opposition

CNN Poll: Democratic Party's favorability drops to a record low | CNN Politics The Democratic Party's favorability rating among Americans stands at a record low, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS, fueled in part by dimming views from its own frustrated supporters.

Tragic Medical Legal Drama

Texas midwife arrested and charged with performing illegal abortions The arrest appears to be the first time that a healthcare provider in Texas has been criminally charged under the state's abortion ban, which went into effect in 2022.

Holy Land Fight Cont'd Forever

Israel resumes war in Gaza with a series of massive airstrikes against Hamas Israeli officials told Axios they notified the Trump administration in advance of the airstrikes and briefed it on the objectives.

Vlad's Demands Unpacked

What Russia and Ukraine want out of talks, as Trump speaks to Putin Tuesday President Trump will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, as the U.S. pursues a ceasefire deal in Ukraine.

But Does She Promise To Stay?!?

Rosie O'Donnell Attends St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin After Confirming Move to Ireland Rosie O'Donnell proves that she is settling into life in Ireland shortly after confirming her move by sharing photos from a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin.

Home Team Demonstrates More Than Just Good Luck

Royals steamroll Diamondbacks 12-1 Nice work, boys in blue

Weather Worries Rise

Kansas City weather: High fire danger on Tuesday, rain possible on Wednesday It will be mostly clear Monday night, with lows in the upper 50s.

It's the worst track from the former Beatle and only serves to unite the world across sectarian lines to condemn rocker activism. The song was banned in Europe for years and for the wee hours of the night and early morn' Paul McCartney - Give Ireland back to the Irish is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
KUNMING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- For travel enthusiast Miao Pengzhuo, who has explored countless destinations, the idea of settling down in one place never crossed his mind, until he discovered a village in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

"Here, the sunsets never lose their magic, and life unfolds in its purest form, drawing me in with an irresistible charm," said Miao, a Sichuan native who has lived in Haiyan, a centuries-old fishing village by Dianchi Lake, for five years.

The village's rich fishery culture, poetic landscapes, and tranquil lifestyle have kept him rooted, replacing his once-restless pursuit of new destinations with a deep sense of belonging.

Some 600 km away, atop Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er City, engineer Jiang Cheng, from the southern economic powerhouse of Shenzhen, has also found his own sanctuary.

Each morning, he opens his laptop in a traditional Blang ethnic village, working against a "backdrop" of a rolling sea of clouds. The rhythmic tapping of his keyboard blends with the distant melody of tea pickers singing in the fields.

Two years ago, he rented an old house to be his base as he worked remotely.

Miao and Jiang are among a growing number of travelers choosing to stay longer in Yunnan, immersing themselves in local life rather than rushing from one attraction to another.

Industrial insiders believe that this shift from whirlwind sightseeing to extended stays reflects a transformation in China's travel consumption.

Data shows that in 2024, nearly 4 million long-term travelers settled in Yunnan, drawn by the opportunity to have a slower, more immersive experience in the province's ancient villages and terraced fields.

Keenly recognizing this trend, Yunnan embarked on a shift toward a more diversified, experience-based tourism model from its current site-seeing approach.

"The biggest shift in tourism today is that people are no longer looking for destinations, they are seeking lifestyles," said Dai Bin, president of China Tourism Academy.

"Long-term stays are not just about travel or residence, they represent a deeper cultural engagement and a way of life," he added.

To meet this growing demand, Yunnan has launched an ambitious three-year plan to develop its long-stay tourism sector. The initiative includes establishing at least 3,000 designated villages tailored for travelers seeking wellness retreats, cultural immersion, educational programs, and senior living opportunities.

This shift is also revitalizing rural communities, creating new economic opportunities for lesser-known towns.

For instance, Yuanjiang County, which lacks any major tourist landmark, attracted 35,000 long-term visitors during this year's spring festival -- nearly half the population of the county's urban area -- thanks to its warm winter climate.

By 2025, Yunnan has set an ambitious goal of attracting 6 million long-stay visitors.

"Yunnan holds great potential for the long-stay tourism industry," said Lu Xuewei, from a cultural tourism investment company.

Yunnan's tourism sector has evolved from sightseeing to vacationing and now to long-term stays, with visitors extending their stays from a few days to several months, some even longer. This shift has significantly boosted the local economy while also placing higher demands on service quality, product offerings, and industry innovation, Lu added. 
Here's what's quizzical about the reaction . . .

KANSAS CITY ACTIVISTS HAVE HESITATED FROM CALLING OUT THIS POWER MOVE FROM A LOCAL POLITICO!!!

Moreover . . .

There's a bit of disappointment but not much in the way of real criticism . . . Which kinda reveals that so much chatter against "local control" is really nothing more than a talking point.

Here's the word . . .



A pair of Democratic state lawmakers from Kansas City backed a plan to place St. Louis police under state control. Missouri now stands on the brink of controlling the police forces in its two major cities. Missouri state Sens. Patty Lewis and Maggie Nurrenbern, both Kansas City Democrats, voted in favor of a Republican-led bill that would seize control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department . . .



Lewis, in a statement to The Star on Tuesday, said she supports local control of Kansas City and St. Louis police. But she cast doubt on the likelihood of the Republican-controlled General Assembly allowing that to happen in either city. Therefore, I evaluated the other provisions within (the bill) and determined that the improvements negotiated into the bill by Senate Democrats will help fight crime in Kansas City, strengthen our criminal justice system, and deserved my support, she said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Local news downplays this Missouri connection that's sparking controversy across the nation.

Here's a telling passage that we wanted to share . . .



The conservative Heritage Foundations Oversight Project uncovered the situation, prompting Biden detractors such as Republican Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to suggest it could be used to challenge the legitimacy of orders that the 82-year-old former president signed, especially given the concerns about his cognition.



I am demanding the DOJ investigate whether President Bidens cognitive decline allowed unelected staff to push through radical policy without his knowing approval, Bailey said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Trump claims Biden pardons are 'VOID,' alleging they were signed via autopen President Donald Trump claimed pardons for members of the Jan. 6 House Select Committee, and others, are not valid because former President Joe Biden signed them with an autopen.

Donald Trump admits he uses autopen: "unimportant papers" Trump said on Monday that Joe Biden's 11th hour pardons were "void, vacant and of no further effect" because he allegedly used an autopen.

Developing . . .
Embodied AI integrates AI into physical bodies such as robots to enable them to perceive, learn and dynamically interact with the environment like humans. Relying on computation and logical reasoning, it can continuously learn, adapt and complete tasks by perception, action and environmental feedback, thus improving autonomy and practical application in real world.

In addition to humanoid robots, other hardware with interactive capabilities, such as autonomous driving vehicles and wearable devices, can also serve as bodies of embodied AI.

Many cities in China are now funding projects that advance embodied intelligence systems, allowing AI to physically interact with the world.

A staff member conducts tests on a Walker X humanoid robot at a sci-tech company in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 26, 2024.(Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

A TORA-ONE humanoid robot demonstrates its gripping ability at a sci-tech company in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with its outstanding capabilities in research and development and solid foundation for manufacturing, serves as a fertile ground for the development of humanoid robot sector. In recent years, various vertical areas in the humanoid robot sector, ranging from basic components to system integration, have been flourishing in the Greater Bay Area. Numerous technology companies and research institutions have mushroomed here, infusing greater intelligence and dexterity into humanoid robot products, which are gradually deployed in fields of industrial operation, medical care, education and research, and others.

Yang Jun tests a quadruped robot in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

Yang Jun (2nd L) and his colleagues demonstrate a quadruped robot for clients at DEEP Robotics in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

Yang Jun, born in 2003, is an engineer on the technical support team at Hangzhou-based robotics firm DEEP Robotics. As an enthusiast of anime and mech models, he majored in computer science and technology in college and logged in his dreamed walk of life after graduation. DEEP Robotics is a high-tech enterprise at the state level, specialized in innovation and application of "embodied AI technology."

Most members of Yang's team are between 20 to 30 years old, tasked with product demonstrations, on-site installation and debugging, and post-installation maintenance for clients. As their hosting city draws steadily increased interest in the field of sci-tech innovation, Yang and his colleagues have to receive nearly 40 groups of clients and investors daily. The city is super friendly to innovations, which has attracted Yang to pursue his career here. "I enjoy the buzz atmosphere for relentless exploration at the forefront of the industry," said Yang.

Members of the R&D team of Wuhan Glory Road Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., debug the humanoid robot at the company in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

He Qi (2nd L), a member of the R&D team of Wuhan Glory Road Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., debugs the humanoid robot at the company in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Recently, the R&D team of Wuhan Glory Road Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. has been fine-tuning the strength and dynamic balance of a humanoid robot from the "Laborer" series at the robotics laboratory.

Standing 1.8 meters tall and weighing 95 kilograms, this robot utilizes a self-developed motion control algorithm, enabling it to carry loads of 40 to 60 kilograms and walk with straight legs.

A staff member displays a robot product at a robot display and experience center in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

A staff member displays a welding robot product at a robot display and experience center in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 18, 2025.(Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Tangshan has been working in recent years to promote the continuous growth of robot industrial clusters. Efforts have been made to increase investment in science and technology, push forward innovative research and development, and expand robot application scenarios.

The city is now home to 222 robot-related enterprises, and 21 robot research and development institutions at or above the provincial level. The special robots manufactured here, such as welding robots, special inspection robots, emergency rescue robots and other products, sell well domestically and overseas.

A staff member of Reacool Medical Technology Co., Ltd. demonstrates a digital surgery aided platform at a simulated operating room in the Vision Valley of China in Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024. (Photo by Xiao Benxiang/Xinhua)

A staff member of the National Intelligent Voice Innovation Center demonstrates an acoustics imager to detect equipment breakdown at the China Speech Valley in Hefei City, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024.(Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

China Speech Valley in Hefei City, the Vision Valley of China in Wuhu City and China Sensor Valley in Bengbu City, are three key demonstration zones for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry in Anhui Province.

In recent years, Anhui has been vigorously developing its AI industry with talent cultivation and capital input. Various new products and applications like industrial AI quality detection system, MEMS wafers and Al large model have been developed.

This photo taken in January 2025 shows a staff member testing an exoskeleton robot at Mount Tai in east China's Shandong Province.(Xinhua)

This image shows an exoskeleton robot designed to assist with climbing. (Xinhua)

During this year's Spring Festival, Mount Tai in east China's Shandong Province, one of the most iconic mountains in the country, introduced an innovative exoskeleton robot.

The wearable device, designed to assist with climbing, has garnered attention for its ability to make the arduous ascent at Mount Tai more accessible and enjoyable, especially for the elderly and mobility-impaired visitors.

A humanoid robot is on display in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. Ten humanoid robots of the "Chucai" series were displayed on a conference in Wuhan, showcasing a variety of abilities. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

A humanoid robot displays its weight-bearing ability in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. Ten humanoid robots of the "Chucai" series were displayed on a conference in Wuhan, showcasing a variety of abilities. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

This drone photo taken on Dec. 27, 2024 shows a smart auto-inspection drone base at a park in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. In various parks across Shenzhen, advanced artificial intelligence applications are ubiquitous, making technologies a part of daily life for the public. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

A cleaning robot is pictured at Lianhuashan Park in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 11, 2024. In various parks across Shenzhen, advanced artificial intelligence applications are ubiquitous, making technologies a part of daily life for the public. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

A robot from Galbot operates in an unattended scenario at the Beijing World of Robots in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

A visitor plays gobang with a robot at the Beijing World of Robots in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
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Published March 18, 2025

CAPTION:Students from the ULM mathematics department competed in the 22nd annual Integration Bee. Pictured L-R: Faisal Kaleem, Sumiksha Koirala, Nirjara KC, Dinesha Chhantyal, Sujal Thapa, Prabin Bk, Dr. Jemin Shim

MONROE, LA  Students from the University of Louisiana Monroe mathematics department recently participated in a two-state competition and also assisted a local high school with its math competition.

Five ULM students had the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of the Louisiana-Mississippi section of the Mathematics Association of America (MAA) on February 20. In the meeting, 59 students from schools across Louisiana and Mississippi competed in the 22nd annual Integration Bee. Each school is allowed to bring up to six high qualified students to represent the institution.

ULM was represented in the competition by Sumiksha Koirala, Nirjara K C, Prabin Bk, Sujal Thapa, and Dinesh Chhantyal. Chhantyal won second place overall, while Koirala finished third overall, making her the first female student to place in the top three at the Integration Bee competition.

It was a wonderful experience to compete with highly qualified students from other institutions, said Koirala. Being the third overall in Louisiana and Mississippi is an honor, especially because no female student has achieved this before. I want to thank Dr. Faisal Kalemm and Dr. Jemin Shim for the opportunity to compete in the Integration Bee, she added.

CAPTION: Students and faculty from ULM assistedRiverfield Academy with their junior high math competition. Pictured L-R: Dr. Jemin Shim, Pushkar Kandel, Joshua Harrison, Sumiksha Koirala, Crystal Stephenson, 8th grade students from Riverfield Academy, Subik Sapkota, Subash Sapkota

Six ULM Math Club students volunteered to help facilitate the Junior High Math Competition at Riverfield Academy in Rayville, La. on February 21, which was organized by Riverfield math teacher Crystal Stephenson.

The ULM Math Club students were Joshua Harrison, Pushkar Kandel, Sumiksha Koirala, Nirjar K C, Subash Sapkota, and Subik Sapkota. ULM Assistant Professor of Mathematics Dr. Jemin Shim also assisted with the competition.

Sixth through eighth grade Riverfield students competed against each other to solve challenging math problems. ULM students assisted the Riverfield students in solving these problems by answering their questions and guiding them in the correct direction. Riverfield Academy also made a $500 donation to ULM Math Club for helping with the competition.

I found the tutoring itself really fulfilling, as I quickly began to really enjoy getting to understand how each student approached a problem, said ULM Math Club member Joshua Harrison. As a first-time teaching experience, I would say it makes me want to be better at guiding students through a problem and motivates me to forward my understanding of how general math learners react to questions that challenge them. The kids were super smart and hardworking! added Harrison.

"I'm so thankful for the opportunity and willingness of ULM to participate in this one-of-a-kind event that made learning fun for my students, said Riverfield math teacher Crystal Stephenson. They loved competing against their classmates and interacting with the ULM math club members and a college math professor. This event opened doors for my students as they exercised their problem-solving skills in a competitive field and saw firsthand that their potential is limitless, Stephenson stated.

About the ULM Mathematics Program

Building from a solid foundation of dedicated faculty, the ULM Mathematics Program provides a top-quality mathematics curriculum incorporating contemporary educational technology as well as innovative teaching strategies. Along with the essential quantitative skills, all levels of the curriculum will develop logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The mathematics program offers three concentrations in Mathematics, Actuarial Sciences, and Mathematics Education. For more information, visit https://www.ulm.edu/math.
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Several Tesla vehicles set on fire in Las Vegas

Several Tesla vehicles were early in the morning Tuesday March 18, 2025 set on fire at a Tesla Service Center Las Vegas, Nevada

Wednesday March 19, 2025 1:35 AM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

Las Vegas (Nevada): Several Tesla vehicles were early in the morning Tuesday March 18, 2025 set on fire at a Tesla Service Center Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas Police is investigating if it was an arson attack by those protesting against Tesla CEO Elon Musk ever since he was made the head of the Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE by U.S. President Donald Trump.

DOGE is one of the various initiatives unveiled by Trump to make America great again.

Backlash against Musk

As head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has announced crackdown on various social security schemes and drastically cut or totally abolished government funding for a number of organizations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Las Vegas incident marks one of the latest attacks against the top EV makers property and vehicles.

The Metropolitan Police Department noted that the incident happened around 2:45 a.m. at a Tesla Collision Center located in the 6000 block of West Badura Avenue, as per a report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

A video of the incident shared on social media shows several Tesla vehicles in flames. Images from the incident site also show that the Tesla service centre was vandalized with graffiti.

Police Statement

Police confirmed they were treating the attack as arson, with pictures showing someone had scrawled RESIST in red letters across the Tesla Collision Center in Enterprise, barely a few miles from the Vegas Strip, according to New York Post.

Communications received information that an individual had set several vehicles on fire in the parking lot and caused damage to the property, the Department said in an emailed statement.

This was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility", Assistant Sheriff, Dori Koren, said.

Responding to the arson attack, Elon Musk wrote on X, This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong. Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.

Amidst the backlash and protest against Musk, U.S. President Trump last week backed him and bought a brand new Tesla car in a show of support, asserting the Tesla CEO is doing a "wonderful job".

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GUIYANG, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited a village of the Dong ethnic group in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Monday afternoon, praising the distinctive culture of the ethnic group as "deeply traditional and remarkably stylish." 
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You will run out of bullets: Muslim Panel warns Modi govt on Waqf Bill

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Monday March 17, 2025 warned of a nationwide stir if the Narendra Modi government in New Delhi went ahead with its plan to pass the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in the Parliament

Tuesday March 18, 2025 11:54 AM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Monday March 17, 2025 warned of a nationwide stir if the Narendra Modi government in New Delhi went ahead with its plan to pass the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in the Parliament.

Addressing a protest rally at Jantar Mantar in the national capital Monday, the members of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board categorically said their fight is to protect the constitution and against the attempt to sabotage the constitution.

This fight is not just for Waqf. Its a battle to protect our Constitution. We are not against any community but against this government and its draconian Bill. This struggle will not end until the Bill is rolled back, AIMPLB president Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani said while addressing the rally.

The Muslim panel also accused the government of using "undemocratic means" to pass the Waqf Bill.

"The very introduction of this Waqf Amendment Bill exposes the undemocratic manner in which it was handled. The government never consulted the Central Waqf Council, proving its hidden agenda; to create chaos and disrupt societal peace", Maulana Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi, General Secretay of the board, said.

"Don't threaten us"

Commenting on the threats that protests against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 will lead to  Jallianwala Bagh Massacre  like situation, the board warned such threats cannot deter the Muslims.

No one should dare to threaten us. Our ancestors had fought against the British. Laid their lives to get India free from the Colonial Rule."

You will run out of bullets: Muslim Panel warns Modi govt on Waqf Bill#WaqfBill #WaqfAmendmentBill2024 pic.twitter.com/4eCo8vUlUJ  ummid.com (@ummid) March 18, 2025

If you wish to become General Dyer, remember, your bullets may run out but our spirit will not, Maulana Umrain Mahfooz Rahmani, Secretary of the Muslim Panel, said while addressing the protest rally Monday.

He also warned that if the government chose the path of the British then it must also be ready to meet the same fate.

While addressing the rally, Maulana Yaseen Ali Usmani Badayuni, Board Secretary, said, "Today's demonstration is sending you a message that if this bill is not withdrawn, we have to fight a long battle with democratic values in a peaceful manner. Be courageous and strong, and do not fall prey to fear and cowardice."

Opposition Parties back Muslim Panel

Besides the members of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, leaders from different political parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party, CPI (M), All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and others also addressed the protest rally.

The Narendra Modi government has tabled Waqb Amendment Bill 2024 in the Parliament. The new waqf bill is facing opposition from different circles, besides Muslims.

The Narendra Modi government had introduced The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 08, 2024 proposing 44 amendments in The Waqf Act 1995.

The Bill was however referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) after protests by the opposition parties. The JPC was supposed to submit its report by November 30, 2024. It was however extended till the last day of the 2025 Budget Session.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) cleared the Waqf Amendment Bill (2024) on January 27, 2025 accepting all proposals submitted by the BJP members and rejecting those of the opposition parties. The government is now all set to pass it in the Parliament.

Indian Muslim League leader and MP ET Mohammed Basheer while addressing the rally accused the government of encroaching on the Waqf properties .

"The government is openly encroaching on Waqf properties. We will stand united, fight relentlessly, and resist this injustice. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) stands firmly in support", he said.

"The real agenda behind this Bill is to seize Waqf properties", AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said while addressing the rally.

Convernor Sikh Personal Law Board, Professor Jagmohan Singh, who also addressed the rally extended the Sikh community's support for the "long battle" needed to force the government to withdraw the Bill.

"This (Protest against Waqf Amendment Bill) is not a one-day protest. Just as farmers fought relentlessly and forced the government to back down , we must continue our struggle until this bill is rolled back."

"We stand with you in resistance; be it for a year or even to block borders if needed. Enough is enough! We will not let the government loot our lands", he said.

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XI'AN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has urged intensified efforts to solidify enterprises' leading role in innovation, and to accelerate the integration of technological and industrial innovation.

Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour of Xi'an and Weinan, cities in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, from March 16 to 18.

Enterprises are the primary drivers of innovation, he said, emphasizing the need to establish them as key players in decision-making for technological innovation, research and development spending, organization of scientific research, and the transformation of research findings into practical applications.

Enterprises should be encouraged to pursue original and groundbreaking technological advancements and tackle key challenges in core technologies, thereby ensuring the independence, security and controllability of the country's industrial and supply chains, Zhang added.

Additionally, it is important to apply scientific and technological advancements to specific industries and industrial chains, while continuously driving the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and exploring the development of strategic emerging and future industries, he said. 
ANKARA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye on Tuesday condemned Israel's latest airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of escalating what it called a "policy of genocide."

"The massacre of hundreds of Palestinians in Israel's attacks on Gaza demonstrates that the Netanyahu government's genocide policy has entered a new phase," Turkiye's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry accused Israel of "blatantly violating international law and universal values" and warned that its actions threatened regional stability.

"The aggression displayed by the Israeli government threatens the future of the region," it said, calling the escalation "unacceptable."

Turkiye urged the international community to take a firm stance against Israel and called for immediate action to secure a lasting ceasefire and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.

Israel launched its most intense strikes overnight since a ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19. Gaza's health authorities reported that at least 404 people, including many children, had been killed. The toll is expected to rise as rescue workers search for victims under the rubble. 
Small-business owners will have the opportunity to meet their Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network regional advisers during an SBDC Day Coffee and Conversation open house Wednesday, March 19.

The Wyoming SBDC Network will celebrate SBDC Day by inviting its clients to attend the event, which is scheduled 8-10 a.m. at the FUEL Business Incubator, located at 345 Sinclair St. in Gillette. The event will provide clients the chance to meet the Wyoming SBDC Network team in person; network with other members of the community; and explore the opportunities the Wyoming SBDC Network has available for future entrepreneurs and small-business owners.

The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The Wyoming SBDC Network has served Wyoming for 30 years, assisted over 50,000 clients and brought more than $323 million in capital benefits to the state. These accomplishments are made possible through the hard work and dedication of the small- business owners the Wyoming SBDC Network serves.

To learn more about the Wyoming SBDC Networks impact in 2024, visit www.wyomingsbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Fin-2024-Annual-Report-Wyoming-SBDC-Network.pdf to access the annual impact report.

Nationally, SBDC Day unites the nearly 1,000 SBDC centers across the country and the hundreds of thousands of clients they serve by sharing, in real time, the success stories and notable impacts SBDCs collectively have on the small-business community at large.

To learn more about the impact of all of Americas SBDCs across the nation, visit www.sbdcimpact.org to view the annual impact report.

For more information, call Tyler Schanck, marketing, communications and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email tschanck@uwyo.edu.
Small-business owners will have an opportunity to learn how to find ideal government buyers and win government contracts for their businesses Tuesday, March 25.

Judy Bradt will lead a Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network webinar titled Who (in the Government) Buys What I Do? How to Find Out and What to Do Next! from 8:30-10:30 a.m. To register, go here. The webinar is co-sponsored by the Wyoming district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA.

The webinar will cover how to decide which levels of government are a businesss best prospects; the one question that businesses must ask first; who a businesss buyers really are; other key questions for market research and competitive analysis; live demonstrations on how to tap four free online tools that can show businesses about their federal buyers; a bonus discussion about emerging opportunities, risks and smart moves for 2025; and what to do with the data businesses uncover.

Bradt, CEO of Summit Insight, brings more than 37 years of federal business development and strategy to people who want to grow their federal business. She is an award-winning author, speaker and consultant. Her clients credit her with more than $200 million in federal government contracts due to what they learned from Bradt and her team.

For more information, call Tyler Schanck, marketing, communications and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email tschanck@uwyo.edu.
A conservationist prepares to release a juvenile Siamese crocodile into the wild in Virachey National Park in Cambodia, March 2, 2025. A conservationist group has released 10 juvenile Siamese crocodiles to the most remote area in Cambodia's Virachey National Park after over 20 years since the species disappeared from this habitat, said a joint press release on Tuesday. (Pablo Sinovas/Fauna & Flora/Handout via Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A conservationist group has released 10 juvenile Siamese crocodiles to the most remote area in Cambodia's Virachey National Park after over 20 years since the species disappeared from this habitat, said a joint press release on Tuesday.

Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as critically endangered.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) Dith Tina praised the joint effort with partner organizations, particularly Fauna & Flora, in ensuring the preservation and growth of the wild population of Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia.

"Since 2011, a total of 196 purebred Siamese crocodiles have been successfully reintroduced into the wild in the Cardamom Mountains," he said. "MAFF remains committed to the preservation of natural resources in Cambodia."

Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth said the Siamese crocodile is one of the world's most critically endangered species. However, Cambodia has the highest number of this species through dedicated conservation and protection efforts.

"This is our national pride as Cambodia is home to the world's rarest species, where this species continues to thrive," he said.

Pablo Sinovas, the country director of the Fauna & Flora Cambodia Program, said that from 2021 to 2023, the conservationists conducted extensive studies to assess suitable habitats for Siamese crocodiles within the park, and a remote location, with the best possible habitat conditions, was selected.

"With this release, we also used novel acoustic telemetry technology to monitor the movements and survival of the crocodiles, providing crucial data to inform ongoing conservation efforts," he told Xinhua.

"The historical presence of Siamese crocodiles in the park further boosts the chances of successful species restoration in the region," he added.

Sinovas said Siamese crocodiles are exceedingly rare, due to decades of habitat degradation and historical demand for their skin.

He added that over the past 25 years, Fauna & Flora and government partners, including local communities, have been working to bring back the species from extinction, with momentum really building in recent years.

"We are now releasing more and more juvenile crocodiles each year, and we are also seeing signs of crocodiles breeding naturally in the wild," he said.

He said it takes around ten years for Siamese crocodiles to reach maturity, and those crocodiles that were first released by the program are now starting to breed, naturally accelerating the population growth.

According to Sinovas, it's estimated that there are roughly 1,000 Siamese crocodiles worldwide, of which more than 300 individuals are present in Cambodia.

First established in 1993, Virachey National Park, situated in northeast Cambodia, is one of the largest protected areas in the Southeast Asian country.

It is a relatively untouched haven for biodiversity with an area of approximately 332,500 hectares and is home to a vast range of species found nowhere else in the world, many of which are yet to be discovered. 

A local official releases a juvenile Siamese crocodile into the wild in Virachey National Park in Cambodia, March 2, 2025. A conservationist group has released 10 juvenile Siamese crocodiles to the most remote area in Cambodia's Virachey National Park after over 20 years since the species disappeared from this habitat, said a joint press release on Tuesday. (Pablo Sinovas/Fauna & Flora/Handout via Xinhua)

Pablo Sinovas, the country director of the Fauna & Flora Cambodia Program, releases a juvenile Siamese crocodile into the wild in Virachey National Park in Cambodia, March 1, 2025. A conservationist group has released 10 juvenile Siamese crocodiles to the most remote area in Cambodia's Virachey National Park after over 20 years since the species disappeared from this habitat, said a joint press release on Tuesday. (Fauna & Flora/Handout via Xinhua)
Several countries united with campaign groups Monday to call for caution in regulating the divisive practice of deep-sea mining at a meeting on the issue in Jamaica.

Members of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) are meeting in Kingston to thrash out the first mining code on deep-sea extraction that has faced accusations of imperiling marine ecosystems.

The clock is ticking because a metals company has said it will imminently submit an extraction license application, raising the prospect that their operations could go unregulated.

"We are still far away from any consensus on a final mining code," said French envoy Olivier Guyonvarch, with the latest draft text still riddled with caveats highlighting lingering disagreement.

Costa Rica's representative called for a "precautionary pause" as work continues on gathering data and establishing the legal framework.

The prospect of a pause has gained traction but is far from winning the backing of the ISA's 169 member states.

"Environmental protection, however, does not mean abandoning exploitation," countered China's representative, saying that regulations could be further tailored as mining is carried out.

- 'Planetary crisis' -

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea gives the ISA responsibility for regulating extraction of highly coveted seabed minerals that lie outside of national marine borders.

However, it also directs the organization to protect the little-understood marine environments.

The ISA Council, which currently only awards exploration licenses, has been negotiating for more than ten years over a mining code governing nickel, cobalt and copper extraction -- key materials in the energy transition.

The painstaking talks have gained momentum since the activation of a clause allowing any company with national backing to apply for a license -- even in the absence of a code -- but several issues remain outstanding.

Though the riches of the international seabed are classified as "common heritage of mankind," African countries fear they will miss out on benefits or even see their economies suffer.

Underwater extraction must "not come at the expense of Africa's existing mining economies and their sustainable development aspirations," the continent's representative said.

Industry on the other hand has been highly critical of delays to the agreement of a code.

In a January letter to the ISA, several companies claiming to have collectively invested more than $2 billion in the development of extraction technology said they faced "escalating legal and financial risks."

Among them was Nori -- Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. -- a subsidiary of Canadian firm The Metals Company. In June, it will submit the first application for extraction of "polymetallic nodules" -- mineral deposits made up of multiple metals on the deep ocean floor.

Pacific island nation Nauru has given its official backing to Nori's application, and is pressing the ISA to agree on a mechanism for reviewing and approving applications in the absence of a mining code.

Their request has been opposed by countries such as Chile who maintain the council had agreed rules would only be drafted after such an application is submitted.

"ISA Member States need to stand firm against the unacceptable pressure by an industry that risks wreaking irreparable damage on our ocean and exacerbating the planetary crisis," Sofia Tsenikli, Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium Campaign Director at the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC).

NGOs like the DSCC are placing hope in new ISA chief Leticia Carvalho, a Brazilian oceanographer who replaced Britain's Michael Lodge after two terms at the helm, during which he was accused of favoring industry.

While the council has set itself the goal of finalizing the mining code this year, Carvalho called Monday for negotiators to make "significant progress" by July while raising the prospect of an amended timetable.

abd-gw/des
Are Celine Song and her husband just gonna take turns dropping a love-triangle movie every other year? Because that works for us, honestly. Song, the mind behind 2023s Past Lives who is married to Justin Kuritzkes, writer of the screenplay for 2024s Challengers, has a new movie in theaters as the writer-director of A24s Materialists. Dakota Johnson leads the cast as an ambitious New York City matchmaker who seems torn between (who couldve guessed!) two potential matches for herself. Are you team Chris Evans or team Pedro Pascal? Maybe the new trailer will help you decide.

What happens in the trailer?

The trailer introduces an original Japanese Breakfast song  and Johnson as Lucy, a matchmaker who is willing to stop random guys on the street to see if theyre potential customers. Some of her clients have very specific criteria (nothing over 20 BMI, more grown but still young), while others are a little more open (Im trying to settle). A friend and a celebratory cake inform us that Lucy is responsible for nine marriages  which is shy of Love Is Blinds record but still pretty good. According to an official synopsis, shes torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. Its pretty easy to tell whos who: Pascals character meets her at an event where Evanss character is a waiter who already knows her drink order. One man sleeps with her in a $12 million apartment, while the other man lives with roommates but has a rich past with her. Shes entertaining both connections, but her overall stance on relationships seems to be getting more complicated. I dont think Im very good at my job, anymore, she says at one point, later musing that people get married because theyre lonely, and because theyre hopeful.

Who else is in the cast of Materialists?

Johnson, Evans, and Pascal have our main love triangle covered. Variety was the first to report that Zoe Winters, Dasha Nekrasova, Marin Ireland, and Louisa Jacobson would also join the trio in the cast.

When is Materialists coming out?

Save the date: Materialists is set to materialize in theaters on June 13, 2025.
Photo: Marc J. Franklin

The expectations of genre may at once signify an imposing edifice that a playwright might stretch themselves to fulfill, and simultaneously, a familiar model to which they can retreat for comfort and direction  something like a family home, especially the one onstage at the Hayes Theater in Purpose. In the multilevel, coral-colored Chicago mansion that is Todd Rosenthals set, cut through with a drama-ready spiral staircase, lies the accumulated evidence of the Jasper familys prominence. There are framed photos of their patriarch Solomon with various Black dignitaries and a large painting of Martin Luther King Jr., alongside a handful of African statues and tasteful Black American art pieces, which soften but dont obfuscate the overriding emphasis on connection, wealth, and power. The lighting is harshly fluorescent, and so is the parenting. In Branden Jacobs-Jenkinss drama, Nazareth (Jon Michael Hill), the wandering son of the Jasper clan, has returned home for his mothers birthday. With that premise and this set, were in for a big, combustible family drama, which in this case stretches to nearly three hours. Its the kind of thing thats as intimidating to write as it can be intrinsically pleasurable to watch. I just love an arguing family, I gotta say, a woman next to me enthused to her friend as we all hustled to the bathroom at intermission, just after Jacobs-Jenkins had concluded the dinner-table confrontation wed all been hoping for with a walloping slap.

I assume Jacobs-Jenkins was hoping for a reaction like that, because much of the nearly mathematical pleasure of watching Purpose lies in watching a top-tier craftsman set up and then launch one long domino chain of familial discord. Jacobs-Jenkins is indulging your voyeurism too: Solomon (played by Harry Lennix) is an amalgam of various civil-rights figures, but most clearly Reverend Jesse Jackson. Once the young turk of a movement, hes now coasting on a series of speaking gigs, his politics out of step with the moment (brace for Solomons opinions on climate change). Like Jackson, Solomon has a mercurial, aspiring politician of a son, Junior (Glenn Davis), who, in the timeline of Purpose, is just out of a prison term for tax fraud, and whose wife, Morgan (Alana Arenas), is about to go in and serve her time. Jacobs-Jenkins peers past those headlines to shine more light on the matriarch, in this case a fearsomely sweet LaTanya Richardson Jackson as Claudine, a woman who has built a life out of arranging things just so around her husband; shes probably thought a lot about the hierarchies of arranging those portraits. Jackson, in a bit of meta-casting, is herself an accomplished Black matriarch, the wife of Samuel L. Jackson and director of The Piano Lesson. Shes also being directed by another, Phylicia Rashad, who also helmed the production at its earlier incarnation at Steppenwolf. (And both have played Lena in A Raisin in the Sun.) Some of Claudine is autobiographical, too, inspired by Jacobs-Jenkinss mother, a Washington, D.C., lawyer and consultant. All that lends the experience of watching Purpose with imprimatur of the real, an effect thats both stately and impishly lurid: See what Americas Black elite are really like behind closed doors. When Nazareths friend Aziza (Kara Young) gets dragged into the action, stopping off to return a charging cable he left in her car, shes bowled over to discover shes in the home of a Famous Black. Like an overenthusiastic audience member, she gets out her cameraphone and starts taking selfies.

The complicating factor is that Aziza has just driven Nazareth over from a meet-up in Niagara Falls where he donated her his sperm. She, at the time, didnt know his lineage. Theirs are some of many secrets that, in a drama like this, are destined to soon be shouted across the room. Jacobs-Jenkins is a quicksilver playwright  hes dipped in and out of genre with everything from medieval allegory to, at the Soho Rep last winter, a sort of Viking funeral for downtown-performance art. In Purpose, hes channelling everything from August Wilson, with Junior and Nazareth echoing something like The Piano Lessons differing sibling inheritances; to Tennessee Williams, with Nazareth, a Divinity School dropout, as our resident reflective Tom Wingfield; to, since were in the realm of near-royalty, an end-of-a-kingdom all-out brawl like The Lion in Winter. But Purposes most present counterpoint lies in Jacobs-Jenkinss own work. In Appropriate, brought to Broadway last winter, he set a white southern family at each others necks over an uncovered piece of racist family legacy. That production was a Tony-lauded commercial success. Purpose, setting its sights on a Black family a season later, contains an implicit challenge to Broadway audiences  will they, too, support this?  as well as a thematic mirror of Appropriate. That family is warped by their refusal to see their part in the atrocities of slavery; the Jaspers, on the other hand, are warped by their attempted assimilation into the power systems of whiteness. Also, both works  and I dont know what to do with this  contain long speeches about lakes.

In Appropriate, Jacobs-Jenkinss plotting involves a little hand-waving  the money involved in a real-estate deal, for instance, comes out just right for maximal discord  and in Purpose, there is a deeper sense of authorial overdetermination. The members of the Jasper family, and the women caught in their web, act out partially just because that is whats dramatically necessary. The first act speeds through one evening right toward one big family dinner, with Jacobs-Jenkins egging expectations along the way. Meals with my family can very quickly resemble, like, the Olympics of Doing the Most, Nazareth tells the audience in one aside. At dinner, in one ratcheting moment of tension, Junior delivers a mini-sermon on all he learned about the prison-industrial complex before being undercut by his father, who insists he knows all this already. Do you think you have made some sort of new discovery about one of the oldest tools of racial oppression in this country?! Solomon bellows. And why do I recall having to use my connections to get you transferred to some minimum-security playground after four months?

In the moment, Lennix is pleasingly leonine, batting at Davis who, as Junior, flits around the stage like a dog stuck in one of those protective conical collars. As a sparring match, it crackles. Junior quickly pivots into an ask: Hes assembled the letters his mother wrote him every day in prison into a book, which hes hoping to publish as a way to relaunch a political career. Will she let him? Jacobs-Jenkins arms the scene with some sharp punchlines  Claudines letters are hopelessly quotidian; one is about seeing Barbie  but never cuts truly deep with character insight. The characters symbolic positions are clear; its like watching Jesse Jackson fight Obama as much as his own son (with the occasional intrusion of Azizas BLM-era leftism). But in all that speechifying, these people arent much further from their public personas. Theyre still performing. That they are doing so, even at home, is both a solid critique of the Jaspers self-importance and something that makes it harder to know them as people  to surprise, delight, or horrify us with idiosyncrasy. Purpose has so much ambition and forward momentum, but its little vagueries increasingly rankle. The levers and pulleys of Jacobs-Jenkinss whole construct are too often visible. Youngs a recurring highlight in any production, and here shes as ace as usual, but she may simply read as too intelligent for the obliviousness Jacobs-Jenkins asks of Aziza to keep his premise on its rails. Would someone like her really never do a background check, or even a light Google, before asking a guy for genetic material?

For a Branden Jacobs-Jenkins production, Purpose is awfully buttoned-up  even, in an adjective I dont tend to associate with his work, deferential. Some of that lies in the direction: Rashad takes a straightforward approach to her staging, like she is simply putting up a realist drama. That works well when Purpose is convincing you of its verite aspects: Lennix and Jackson have some real lived-in give and take; they even seem to putter in harmony. But where moving into another register would be welcome and justified, Rashad stays with two feet on the ground. When the actors sit down at dinner on one side of the stage, for instance, theyre positioned in a way that keeps some of their faces out of view. Hill, meanwhile, applies a convincing winsomeness to Nazareths monologues, but seems less guided about how exactly to effect his characters porous relationship to the fourth wall. (During arguments, he gives a lot of Jim-fromThe Office face.) Everyone is locked in, in fact, but not stretched to their full potential. In Arenas, as Juniors wife Morgan, lies the productions supply of heavy ammunition. She descends that spiral staircase like a caged panther in designer sunglasses, though Morgan herself tends to be explosive and only explosive. Thats another kind of deference; shes so well-armed, even the playwright begs off cracking her.

Jacobs-Jenkins has already piled other developments on his plate. In the second act, stretching across a long dark and winter night  maybe the Hayes simply re-upped their lease on the snow machine from Cult of Love  he doles out more family secrets: pills, affair allegations, a gun (hi, Chekhov!). These intensify things toward melodrama, but prove harder for both the actors and the play itself to metabolize. (Theres barely space for a whole other thread involving neurodivergence.) Its only when the playwright has already brought the action to its conclusion that the Jacobs-Jenkins gets most comfortable. In a long coda between Nazareth and Solomon, he reckons with faith, beekeeping, solitude, and purpose itself (the plays title is in part a reference to Adolph Reeds book on Jacksons presidential campaign). There, themes previously constricted by plot flow more freely, as if Jacobs-Jenkins is getting to a backlog of notes after the fact. Theres something to Purpose, for instance, as a companion COVID-era piece to The Comeuppance. In that play, he cut horizontally across the millennial generation at a high school reunion; here, he traverses vertically, finding in the protests of 2020 an incomplete echo of revolution that came before. (In that, there is also some of the soul-searching of Liberation.) The summer of 2020, which was also  Well, people used to call it the uprising, Aziza says in an earlier scene. I dont know what people refer to that time as now  or if people even remember it honestly. Jacobs-Jenkins uses that moment to introduce the idea that Azizas decision to have a child was inspired by those protests. Its a charged idea, with its image of three generations all bound together in one struggle, though one that isnt lingered upon in depth. Aziza remains an interloper, both in the drama and in this house. The Jaspers will make sure of that.

See, whenever the Jasper family makes a mess, theres always Claudine, slipping in from one door or another, to prod her children into pushing that mess under the rug. Nazareth watches one such moment from a doorway as Claudine works her dark magic on Junior, getting a glimpse at a scheming side of her he hadnt allowed himself to see before. In moments like those, Jacobs-Jenkins reveals some of Claudines harsh and icy core. Jackson rises to the occasion. Though she may coo about birthday cake, theres real calculation behind those chunky glasses. Even with those intrusions, Claudine is always  and this is a recurring aspect of the women in the play, seen as they all are through Nazareth  in the unknowable realm of mother. To that point, the playwright is shyly respectful, and that stage picture of her son at the door may be Purposes defining image. Nazareth eventually enters the scene, but it is as if Jacobs-Jenkins keeps us in the audience on one side of the doorway. He brings us to the threshold, lets us peer through at this familys secrets, and then politely draws it shut.

Purpose is at the Helen Hayes Theater.
Photo: SXSW

Not long before they absconded to Poland to make a movie with Charli XCX at the height of Brat mania, Jeremy O. Harris and director Pete Ohs spent two weeks making a very different movie in the wilderness  upstate Massachusetts, that is. Alongside The Afterpartys Zoe Chao, Callie Hernandez from The Flight Attendant and Alien: Covenant, and Harriss Slave Play collaborator James Cusati-Moyer, the quintet co-wrote and shot an arch body-horror psychodrama using a loose premise and a look book heavy on Cries and Whispers imagery. Youre not supposed to mix Bergman with Beyond Fest, Ohs jokes.

The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick premiered earlier this month at South by Southwest, ushering in what could be a big year for Ohs and Harris. Ohs had edited the documentary Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play., and Harris was attracted to his fluid Mike Leighish filmmaking process, which hed also employed on the similarly microbudget indies Jethica and Everything Beautiful Is Far Away (the latter starring Julia Garner). So they decided to make one themselves. What resulted is a chamber piece about a dispirited urbanite named Yvonne (Chao) who retreats to a country house where her friend (Hernandez) is residing with a couple (Harris and Cusati-Moyer) who rattle off crunchy platitudes about mugwort, organic produce, and the restorative power of a sunrise.

The film runs a lean 80 minutes, dipping into Get Out and Rosemarys Baby territory as Yvonne begins to doubt  and then reluctantly embrace  the eeriness of her roommates rustic nonchalance. When Yvonne discovers a tick bite on her upper back one morning, the others assure her its nothing a little clove oil or black walnut cant fix. The hallmark of The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick is the sense of dread that mounts while Yvonne grows more and more susceptible to a figment of utopia built on wellness pseudoscience. Any city dweller knows what its like to make a brief escape to greener pastures, but what happens when that exodus becomes an entire doxycycline-agnostic lifestyle?

Jeremy O. Harris (left) and Pete Ohs. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Robby Klein/Getty Images

Ohs and his cast originally intended to make a sexier movie, but they were operating under SAGs Micro-Budget Project Agreement, which prohibits nudity and simulated sex on productions costing less than $20,000. Around that time, Harris had been hanging out with wealthy fashion types who would casually reference their tick-induced Lyme disease  the same condition that Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alumna Yolanda Hadid once compared to HIV. Ohs created a loose outline satirizing the sometimesgalaxy-brained wellness industry thats reportedly worth upwards of $6 billion. In the Berkshires, he and the cast used a shared Notes-app page to write dialogue as the shoot unfolded, working their way toward an 11th-hour twist. They went to Goodwill to pick out costumes and lived together in the rental house seen in Tick, cooking, cleaning, and checking one another for bites in ways that mirrored their characters behavior.

It does match my own writing in some ways because I like to take a bold swing at the start and not know where Im gonna end up, Harris told Vulture at the W Austin hotel during SXSW. I didnt know what the third act was. What I did know was that I wanted to start off that first scene of Slave Play the way you see it. I wanted it to be like, Where the fuck are they? And then, at some point, you were going to realize they were in group therapy with this weird sex that were seeing.

Harris and Ohs, having encountered Charli XCX around 3 a.m. at the Lower East Side bar Clandestino about a month before Brat came out, made Erupcja that way, too. Its one of several forthcoming roles for Charli, a cinephile who, according to Harris, bumps Criterion titles left and right. (Her other future club classics include Gregg Arakis first film in 11 years, a Faces of Death remake, and an A24 pop-star mockumentary that she originated.) But whereas Tick was made in isolation, Erupcja (which does not yet have a release date or distributor) roves through Warsaw, hence why news of the production leaked last August. People who enjoyed Charlis hyperclubby Grammys performance in February (and pretty much everything she has done in the past year) might be surprised to learn that she wanted to play against type here. Shes portraying a shy tourist modeled off a famous indie-rock friend of hers.

She met Pete, they talked about movies, and she was like, Ill do one, Harris says. Thats literally how it happened. It wasnt about calling managers and agents. She was like, This feels like making an album. But, also, Pete gives you the platform to play something youve never played before. I came to Tick, and I was like, Im on Emily in Paris, and Im always playing big and brash with the loudest costumes. The lowest-energy thing I can play is really funny for me. I think the experience for Charli was, Ive been playing Charli XCX for so long now. What would it be like to play this new person?
Israeli troops are seen near the southern Israeli border with Gaza, on March 18, 2025. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday warned Hamas that unless all hostages are freed, the military assault on Gaza, which has already claimed the lives of more than 400 Palestinians, will intensify. (Ilan Assayag/JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday warned Hamas that unless all hostages are freed, the military assault on Gaza, which has already claimed the lives of more than 400 Palestinians, will intensify.

The warning followed a security assessment meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir at an underground command bunker at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv.

"They must understand: if they do not release all our hostages, our strikes will only intensify," Katz said. Israeli officials said that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with about half believed to be alive.

In a related development, far-right party Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), led by lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced its return to Netanyahu's government following airstrikes in Gaza. The party, which had withdrawn from the coalition to protest against a six-week ceasefire, said it was rejoining after the intensified military operations.

"Likud and Otzma Yehudit have agreed that the Otzma Yehudit faction will return to the Israeli government today, and the ministers of Otzma Yehudit will return to the government," Netanyahu's office confirmed in a statement. 

Israeli troops are seen near the southern Israeli border with Gaza, on March 18, 2025. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday warned Hamas that unless all hostages are freed, the military assault on Gaza, which has already claimed the lives of more than 400 Palestinians, will intensify. (Ilan Assayag/JINI via Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the southern Israeli border with Gaza, on March 18, 2025. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday warned Hamas that unless all hostages are freed, the military assault on Gaza, which has already claimed the lives of more than 400 Palestinians, will intensify. (Ilan Assayag/JINI via Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the southern Israeli border with Gaza, on March 18, 2025. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday warned Hamas that unless all hostages are freed, the military assault on Gaza, which has already claimed the lives of more than 400 Palestinians, will intensify. (Ilan Assayag/JINI via Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the southern Israeli border with Gaza, on March 18, 2025. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday warned Hamas that unless all hostages are freed, the military assault on Gaza, which has already claimed the lives of more than 400 Palestinians, will intensify. (Ilan Assayag/JINI via Xinhua)
Royal visit to Vatican set to go ahead despite concerns over health of Pope Francis.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will make a state visit to Italy and the Vatican from 7-10 April, with engagements in Rome and Ravenna, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday.

The royal tour is set to include a tentative audience with Pope Francis, health permitting, followed by an ecumenical service on the theme of "care for creation" in the Sistine Chapel, on 8 April.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling double pneumonia for the past month in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, has shown signs of a continued recovery in recent days however there is still no timeline for his release.

The service in the Sistine Chapel will reflect the "long-standing commitment to nature" of both Pope Francis and King Charles, who is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

The visit will mark a significant step forward in relations between the Catholic Church and Church of England, Buckingham Palace said, as well as marking celebrations for the Vatican's 2025 Jubilee Year in Rome.

Although Charles has met with the pontiff on previous occasions as Prince of Wales in 2017 and 2019, this will be his first visit to the Vatican since becoming king two and a half years ago.

The royal tour will include a historic visit to the papal Basilica of Saint Paul's Outside the Walls where the Royal Chapel Choir and St George's Chapel Choir will perform.

On 9 April the king and queen will be received at Villa Doria Pamphilj by Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni and president Sergio Mattarella, who will host the royal visitors at a state banquet at the Quirinale Palace.

Military links between the two countries will be promoted with a joint flypast over Rome by Italy's Frecce Tricolori jets and the UK's Red Arrows, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Charles will become the first British monarch to address both houses of the Italian parliament, and he "will also speak in Italian", the British ambassador to Italy Edward Llewellyn told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

Britain's foreign secretary David Lammy and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani will chair talks on clean energy, which will also be attended by King Charles, while Queen Camilla will meet school children at an event to mark 80 years of the British Council.

The tour will end with a visit to the northern city of Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region, where the royal couple will attend a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the province's liberation from Nazi occupation by the Allies, on 10 April 1945 (80 years to the day of the royals' visit).

In Ravenna, the king will visit the tomb of the Italian writer Dante as well as the mosaics at the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, while the queen will tour a museum commemorating the English Romantic poet Lord Byron.

The royals will also celebrate Slow Food and the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna and will meet with local farmers whose crops were devastated by recent floods in the region.

The state visit is designed to underline the strong relationship between the UK and Italy, reflecting "shared values, history and culture", Buckingham Palace said.

The trip to Rome also has a personal dimension as it coincides with the king and queen's 20th wedding anniversary on 9 April.

Hailing it as "a truly historic occasion", Ambassador Llewellyn said: "This State Visit of Their Majesties confirms the excellent state of our bilateral relations at this time, underlining the closeness between two countries that share not only values but also governance aims", adding: "We share a passion for our community, for culture, art, the environment and our heritage".

Previous royal visits

In October 2019, as Prince of Wales, Charles travelled to Rome to attend the canonisation ceremony of Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman at the Vatican.

In April 2017 the then Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall paid an official visit to Italy during which they met then prime minister Paolo Gentiloni, president Sergio Mattarella, and Pope Francis.

The royal couple also visited Naples and Florence during that trip, with Charles travelling to Amatrice, the Lazio town devastated by an earthquake the previous year.

Photo credit: chrisukphoto / Shutterstock.com.
Waterford City and County Council are advising motorists of stop/go traffic management on the N25 Killosera.

The measures are to facilitate road repair works and will be in place until March 20.

Drivers are asked to "proceed with extreme caution."
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 Many actors cite childhood heroes or a desire to inhabit different lives as their motivation, but for Josh Gad, best known as the goofy snowman in Frozen and the hit musical The Book of Mormon, its rejection. As he chronicles in his new memoir In Gad We Trust, he workshopped The Book of Mormon with creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park fame in its early days before the shows Broadway debut in 2011. But the producers decided they wanted a celebrity in the lead roles and Gad was cut loose. Obviously, Gad did eventually land the role of Elder Cunningham, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award. Similarly, he was involved in the development of Disneys 2013 blockbuster Frozen from the outset, through the ups and downs of Olaf being scrapped completely. But ultimately Gad was invaluable to the formation of Frozens snowman, including ad-libbing much of his dialogue and positioning Olaf as a child-like persona. Gads child-like snowman, Olaf, in Frozen. Credit: 2013 Disney. All Rights Reserved. When I get angry, thats when I achieve the most. Its a great catalyst, Gad says over Zoom from his Los Angeles home. To have to prove yourself because others doubt you is a universal thing. If you can look at rejection as more of a friend than an enemy, its a really healthy way to move forward and not look back. I do find that that is very liberating. He says hes been very fortunate that missed opportunities became gains in the end. Ive only just come to peace, in my early forties, with [the fact that] the universe has a way of making everything what it ultimately should be, not what you may want it to be when youre thinking that this may be your only path.

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In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some (as opposed to tell-all) is a collection of memoir-style essays. In it Gad reveals that rejection and underestimation have been themes of his life. Growing up in Florida in a single-parent home after his father walked out to start a new life  and new family  in Colombia, Gad struggled academically, which seemed more of a symptom of a chaotic family environment, mental health issues and boredom, given he went on to become an award-winning orator in high school before studying drama at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania. Gad writes in the book that he does have one regret about his role in what was for a time the highest-grossing animated film of all time (bumped from that honour by The Lion King remake in 2019): using his own voice for Olaf. When placing coffee orders or shopping at the supermarket, unlike many of his peers who have voiced animated characters, he is far too recognisable, particularly by kids who have likely watched Frozen at least two dozen times. (As anyone with kids will confirm, they have never just watched Frozen once.) Gad has two children of his own - daughters Ava, 14, and Izzy, 11 - and loves that theyre part of the generation that was raised on his characters. Gad regrets using his own voice for Frozens much-loved snowman. Credit: Disney A story about two sisters in particular speaks on a very personal level to my children, as they navigate their own journey together with, oftentimes, only each other to rely on, he says. I love that I get to be a part of something that can be a part of their lives from their earliest memories onwards. As has been brought to my attention, Frozen is oftentimes the first movie that a lot of kids watch. Its such an amazing honour and a humbling experience. Its also one that he didnt envision for himself as one of three brothers. I always just assumed that it was a fait accompli that I would be surrounded by boys. Thats all I ever knew. To be in a house full of estrogen  my wife, my two girls, my female dog, and everybody who works with us  has been eye-opening, he says.

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But he wouldnt have it any other way, relishing his status as a girl dad. [Girls are so] clever. Theyre so emotionally available. They make me smarter, he says. They make me work harder. Im growing as a dad because Im having to adapt. I love it because it ultimately brings us closer. As for whats next, he cant comment on the next Frozen sequel, slated for release in 2027, but confirms that a third instalment of Wolf Like Me, the Australian series in which he starred alongside Isla Fisher, isnt going ahead at this stage. The joint Stan and Peacock production followed Fishers Mary, who has lycanthropy (she shape-shifts into a wolf once a month), and Gads Gary, a widower parenting a tween daughter struggling with anxiety. Gad as Gary and Isla Fisher as Mary in Wolf Like Me. Credit: Stan That show is fundamentally a metaphor for relationships and parenting, Gad says. I looked at my own mother and being a single parent and tried to immerse that point of view into that character. Similarly, the things the character of my daughter is going through was definitely something that opened my eyes to how you handle  or not how you handle  these seismic events in a childs life. The story also mirrors Gads own experience with anxiety, as well as dealing with his parents divorce, his mums resulting depression and his battles with weight and food, which he writes revealingly about in In Gad We Trust. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO JOSH GAD Worst habit? Im always flicking my nose. Its a by-product of allergies. People are like, why do you flick your nose and I dont even notice that I do it! Greatest fear? Death. Im terrified of the unknown in general and things that I cant control, and death is the greatest unknown. Im a committed, life-long hypochondriac for that reason. The line that stayed with you? My grandparents  both Holocaust survivors  warned me, never forget. As we see the rapid rise of fascism throughout the West, I try to ensure that I keep [it] at the forefront of everything I do and try to bring attention to any sort of disturbing trends I see as an adult. Biggest regret? Not having a healthier relationship with food from a young age. Its been a lifelong struggle and is always something I have to think about and contend with. Favourite book? I have so many but one that I always come back to is Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Im a history buff so that book in particular is mesmerising. The artwork or song you wish was yours? I just saw Oh, Mary! on Broadway that made me incredibly jealous. I wish I had thought of something that brilliant and drop dead funny. If you could time travel, where would you choose to go? I have always been obsessed with the 1950s and the Renaissance. My concern about the Renaissance is that even though it was a period of enlightenment, there were many ways to die. So probably the 1950s, which seems like a much less stressful time than the present. It was not easy for me to ... be like, hey guys, lets go deep into Josh Gads pain. But what I realised early on was that theres no reason to do this if Im not going to be as honest and as vulnerable as possible, he says. Even though the book is called a tell-some  more for comedic purposes  what it really amounts to is that there isnt much left to know about me after [reading] this thing that could otherwise be called a diary.

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CAIRO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Egypt and the Arab League (AL) on Tuesday strongly condemned Israel's latest airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, calling them a brutal escalation and a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The Israeli move "represents a dangerous escalation that threatens to have severe consequences for the stability of the region," the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Egypt reiterated its full rejection of Israel's offensive, which it said was aimed at "reintroducing tension to the region and undermining efforts to achieve de-escalation and restore stability."

Cairo, a key mediator in the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, urged the international community to intervene immediately "to prevent the region from falling back into a renewed cycle of violence and counter-violence."

Egypt also called on all parties to "exercise restraint and allow mediators to resume their efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire."

The Israeli airstrikes, launched in the early hours of Tuesday, killed at least 413 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others, according to the latest update from Gaza's health authorities.

Meanwhile, AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit denounced the Israeli airstrikes as "brutal," holding Israel responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians, some of them women and children.

He described the resumption of Israeli "massacres" in Gaza as an inhumane act and a challenge to international efforts that had backed the ceasefire, according to a statement from the Cairo-based pan-Arab organization.

The AL chief further accused Israel of blatantly disregarding the ceasefire agreement, which was supposed to enter its second phase.

Aboul-Gheit called on the international community "to pressure Israel to immediately halt its military operations and return to ceasefire negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement that includes prisoner exchanges and a complete end to the war." 
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 Jemma Sbeg still doesnt understand how her self-help podcast became one of the biggest in the world. She recalls her first meeting with Spotify after her show, The Psychology of Your 20s, suddenly blew up: This is incredibly rare. This is really bizarre, and we dont have an explanation, the streaming giants Australian reps told her. In 2024, three years after she independently launched her show, Sbeg signed with former US Spotify podcast boss Max Cutlers new media company PAVE Studios and will release her first book in April. Titled Person in Progress, the self-help book is receiving a global release, published by Penguin Random House in the US and by Hachette in Australia and Britain. Sbeg provided baklava at her Newtown home. Credit: Janie Barrett This success was built on the back of millions of young people around the world turning to Sbeg for answers in times of crisis. Heartbreak, loneliness, and mental health are among the topics covered in Sbegs science-backed guide to navigating your 20s. But when we first met for lunch at Newtowns Soulmate in July 2024, Sbeg had no idea that she was on the precipice of a crisis of her own. A very different profile of Sbegs meteoric rise was written and ready to print on the back of that interview when Jemma dropped an episode of her podcast that changed the story.

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I had a mental breakdown was the episodes title. After listening, I knew I had to re-interview Jemma. We meet again, and this time Sbeg invites me to her home, also in Newtown. Her cute terrace house is Sbeg personified, warm and inviting, full of cute and colourful knickknacks and overflowing with books. I offer to bring food to share, but she insists on picking up a selection of her favourite baklava from a local bakery. This is incredibly rare. This is really bizarre, and we really dont have an explanation. What Spotify representatives told Jemma of her podcasts success in their first meeting My first formal question to Jemma is to ask how she is. She responds that she is now well medicated, describing her wellbeing as a five out of 10. I would spend my whole life at a five out of 10, and Im totally okay. That means that nothing that bad is happening. Sbeg, 24, grew up in Melbourne, where she was raised by two high-flying parents. Her mother is Melinda Cilento, the chief executive of the prominent think tank, the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (better known as CEDA). Her dad, Bart, who primarily stayed home to care for Jemma and her two sisters in their youth, runs a not-for-profit called Dr Crankys that provides bikes to disadvantaged children. I knew of Sbeg before the podcast. We both studied at the Australian National University in Canberra and crossed paths while working at the student newspaper, Woroni, but had never properly met. And, yet, both our conversations felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Shes bubbly and personable, with the trustworthy energy of a stranger you meet at a house party and end up drunkenly revealing your deepest secrets to.

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She launched her podcast as a psychology student in the depths of the pandemic in 2021, inspired by a personal heartbreak and a knack for helping her friends understand their experiences. A career in consulting post-uni was put on hold when the success of the show meant Sbeg suddenly had the means to pursue her passion project full-time. Her mum was concerned when she announced her intention to quit her job to concentrate on the podcast, but Jemmas dad was fully on board. Who cares! Go for it, she recalls was his response. Spotifys list of top podcasts globally in 2023, with Jemma Sbegs The Psychology of Your 20s at No. 19. Credit: Spotify After years of strong growth, The Psychology of Your 20s had a breakout year. She landed on Spotifys 2023 end-of-year global top podcast list, placing the show within the top 25 in the world. The only Australian podcast featured on the list, Sbeg sat alongside household names like Joe Rogan, Alex Cooper, Dax Shepherd and Jordan Peterson. Soon after, she signed the deal for her first book. Its a pair of remarkable feats when you consider that Jemma launched the podcast independently, with no public profile, from the back seat of her car parked outside her university share house in Canberra. Each episode of The Psychology of Your 20s is structured around a single topic, with the vast majority featuring only Sbegs calming voice in extended monologues as she unpacks that weeks concept with academic research and studies, weaving her own experiences throughout.

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The risk of misinforming the masses on something as important as mental health is a responsibility Sbeg takes very seriously; no matter the topic, she ensures her content isnt opinion-based. Thats harmful, especially now that the platform is bigger. The Psychology of Your 20s podcast host Jemma Sbeg. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos I have a script. Here are my studies. Here are my concepts. This has been researched. This has been really thought about, Ive talked about this with people, she says of her approach. The show still sits in Spotifys top 10 in the health and fitness category in Australia, the UK and the US. In my original story, I noted Sbegs frankness and how I checked with her multiple times through our lunch that the details she disclosed were on the record, to which she happily responded that it was all fair game. Her willingness to be similarly open with her audience might explain why the podcast connected. There are plenty of podcasts about science and psychology and perhaps even more that give life and dating advice based on personal experience, but not many that effectively draw the two together. Detailing her own mental health crisis, however, was easily the most personal shed ever been with her audience. I basically had a mental breakdown. There it is; I said it out loud, she says at the start of the episode. Many of you are probably going through this as well, and when youre in it, you feel so completely, entirely alone.

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Sbegs specific experience was related to severe death anxiety. In the episode, she explains the debilitating experience of being immobilised by an intense fear of the death of her loved ones and herself. At the depth of her crisis, Sbeg couldnt stop crying for days and barely ate or slept. She spent a week essentially bed-bound with panic. Loading The decision to share something so inherently vulnerable wasnt a given. She explains that after an internal debate that continued until the morning she posted the episode, she ultimately decided that if she was willing to speak about breakups, grief, and her physical health, her mental health should be no different. The big hurdle I found with talking about mental health very explicitly, not just saying I have mental health struggles but saying I had a full mental breakdown, prolonged depressive episode, massive anxiety is that you do still recognise the stigma that is attached, she tells her audience. I ask Jemma what she would say to those who criticise Gen Z for its propensity to overshare. On this point, Sbeg is resolute: Its oversharing until its something that you need to hear, she says. Young people have witnessed how harmful bottling up mental health issues has been for their parents and their grandparents, she counters. Lets be completely utilitarian; the cost of not sharing is just immensely higher than the cost of sharing. And the cost is borne by me.

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David Sharaz has a new baby, a new city and a new job.

The ex-journalist and his wife, former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins, have set up home in Melbourne and shared on social media this month that they have welcomed a baby boy into the world, name undisclosed.

David Sharaz and Brittany Higgins Credit: Instagram

But wait, theres more. Sharaz, 33, a former journalist for SBS and Sky News and senior media adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, has secured himself a new comms job for an independent agency.

The couple have never been far from the media spotlight after Higgins went public in 2021 with an allegation she was raped in Parliament House, prompting a political controversy for the ages, one which damaged the Morrison government and led to an aborted criminal trial, two defamation cases, years of media scrutiny and social media abuse.
At the invitation of the Namibian government, President Xi Jinpings special envoy and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress Peng Qinghua will attend the inauguration ceremony of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek on March 21.

Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the 11th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tokyo, Japan on March 22. While he is in Japan, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya will co-chair the Sixth China-Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue.

ZDF: In Germany, there are discussions about publishing all available information about the origin of the COVID pandemic, including findings by the intelligence service allegedly saying that the virus most likely originated in a lab in Wuhan. What is Chinas stance on it?

Mao Ning: We have stated Chinas position on this issue for many times. We believe the COVID-19 origins-tracing is a matter of science, and the judgement should be made by scientists and the science-based spirit should be upheld. On the COVID-19 origins-tracing, we firmly oppose all forms of political manipulation. It is extremely unlikely that the pandemic was caused by a lab leakthis is the authoritative conclusion reached by the experts of the WHO-China joint mission based on science following their field trips to the lab in Wuhan and in-depth communication with researchers. The conclusion has been widely acknowledged by the international community, including the science community.

Anadolu Agency: Israel started a large-scale attack in Gaza Strip early in the morning, breaking the ceasefire. Over 300 people, most of them women and children, were reported to be killed so far in this military operation, and civilian casualties are mounting as we speak. What is Chinas comment about the situation in Gaza?

Mao Ning: China is closely following the ongoing situation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We hope parties will work to enable the continuous and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement, refrain from any escalatory action and prevent further deepening the humanitarian disaster.

Shenzhen TV: We noted that in the Report on the Work of the Government, China set the 2025 GDP growth target at around five percent. According to some media comments, this target is ambitious, showing Chinas clear resolve to maintain growth. Some believe, however, difficulty in hitting the target awaits China. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: This year, Chinas GDP growth target of around five percent is set in light of the science-based assessment of evolving dynamics both at home and abroad, full confidence in high-quality development, and the balance between qualitative and quantitative growth. The target offers a glimpse of Chinas general principle of striving hard to pursue progress while ensuring stability.

Despite mounting tariff barriers, a complex external environment and other challenges, we are fully confident in achieving the growth target. On demand, China has an enormous market and great potential for domestic demand. On supply, China has the most complete industrial system and considerable capacity for production. On institutional strengths, China has effective governance mechanisms featuring long-term plans, sound regulation, and coordination between central and local governments. On policy tools, China will adopt a more proactive fiscal policy and an appropriately accommodative monetary policy to fully buttress high-quality growth. A new development paradigm with domestic circulation as the mainstay and domestic and international circulations reinforcing each other is being fostered at a faster pace. Our diverse trading partners cover more than 230 countries and regions in the world. China is capable of guarding against the uncertainty brought by external shocks.

Yesterday, competent authorities shared information about Chinas economic performance for January and February, which shows that the momentum of economic rebound has been sustained and the policy measures are showing effect. We will further deepen reform and expand opening up. The giant ship of Chinas economy will continue to cleave the waves and sail steadily toward the future, which will benefit China and provide the world with much-needed stability.

Yonhap News Agency: According to the ROK government, on February 26, an ocean research ship tried to investigate a steel structure set up by China in the provisional maritime zone in the Yellow Sea. As the ROK research vessel approached within 1 kilometer of the structure, China Coast Guard and other Chinese on rubber boats blocked the vessel. What is Chinas position on this?

Mao Ning: I am not familiar with the specifics you mentioned. What I can tell you is that China and the ROK have overlapping claims on maritime rights and interests. The two sides are advancing negotiations on maritime delimitation and in the meanwhile, actively carrying out cooperation in the provisional maritime zone in accordance with the China-ROK Fishery Agreement. Regarding the maritime disputes between the two sides, China and the ROK maintain sound communication through the dialogue and cooperation mechanism of maritime affairs, and the maritime law enforcement authorities of the two countries also have smooth communication channel. The situation in the Yellow Sea is stable at the moment.

Reuters: Two questions. President Trump said that the Chinese leader may visit the U.S. in the not-too-distant future for talks. Does China have any comment on this? Second question, the U.S. Commerce Department said that using DeepSeek on government devices is banned. Do you have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: On your first question, I have no information to read out on that.

On your second question, China opposes overstretching the concept of national security and politicizing trade and tech issues. We will firmly safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

AFP: Australia said today that it raised concerns with China and Hong Kong authorities after Kevin Yam was targeted with wanted letters that referenced alleged national security offenses in Hong Kong and also included a Hong Kong police email address on the letter. Does the Foreign Ministry have a response to this?

Mao Ning: Hong Kong affairs are purely Chinas internal affairs that brook no external interference. Australia blatantly interfered in Hong Kongs rule of law. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes it. We urge Australia to respect Chinas sovereignty and rule of law in Hong Kong to foster good conditions and atmosphere for sustainable development of China-Australia relations.

Reuters: Reports say that a delegation of Thai government officials is visiting China this week to check on the welfare of Chinese citizens who were deported from Thailand back to Xinjiang. Does China have any comment on this? And can you confirm the visit?

Mao Ning: This visit is part of the normal friendly exchanges between China and Thailand. Id like to refer you to the competent authorities for more specifics. I can tell you that Xinjiang will keep its door open to the world and we welcome people from all walks of life in the international community to come and visit Xinjiang.

AFP: There are reports today that Chinese authorities are investigating CK Hutchisons sale of its overseas ports after the company agreed to sell its Panama operations. Can the Ministry confirm these investigations or give any details?

Mao Ning: On your specific question, Id refer you to competent authorities. Let me stress more broadly that China firmly opposes moves that infringe on and undermine other countries legitimate rights and interests through economic coercion, hegemonism and bullying.

Bloomberg: President Donald Trump has moved to close the agency that oversees Voice of America and Radio Free Asia and that has drawn praise from China and Cambodia. The Global Times used an editorial to celebrate the closing of VOA, which it called a lie factory for stirring up conflict. We are wondering if the Foreign Ministry has any comment.

Mao Ning: We are not going to comment on U.S. adjustment of its domestic policies and the views of Chinese media. But on those U.S. media you mentioned, their blemished track record on China coverage is hardly a secret.

AFP: I just wonder if you could provide any more information on Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit to Japan for the trilateral meeting.

Mao Ning: Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to Japan to attend the 11th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers Meeting and exchange views with the Japanese side and the ROK side on advancing the trilateral cooperation as well as on regional and international issues of common interest. While he is in Japan, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will co-chair with Foreign Minister Iwaya the Sixth China-Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue, which is an important step to implement the common understandings between the leaders of the two countries reached in their meeting in Lima. The two sides will enhance macro policy coordination and identify key areas and direction for cooperation going forward through this dialogue. Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also meet with political figures of Japan and heads of organizations dedicated to China-Japan friendship. For the specifics, we will release readouts in a timely manner. Please check back for updates later.
YANGON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- As temperatures rise across Myanmar, the Ministry of Health has issued preventive and safety guidelines for the public, according to a statement released by the ministry on Tuesday.

The ministry advised people to stay in shaded and cool areas, wear loose clothing that covers hands, neck and arms, use umbrellas and hats when going outside in the afternoon, and stay hydrated, the statement said.

It warned against direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., engaging in strenuous physical activities under intense sunlight, taking an immediate shower after returning from high temperatures, and moving suddenly between extreme hot and cold environments.

According to the country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, temperatures in many cities and towns in the country exceeded 40 degrees Celsius on Monday, with Chauk reaching 44 degrees Celsius, Magway 42.5 degrees Celsius, and Nyaung U 41.8 degrees Celsius. 
The U.S. military launched a new wave of airstrikes on Yemen, targeting several sites in and around the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah Monday evening, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV said. #XinhuaNews




TEHRAN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Iran has rejected and condemned "reckless and provocative" remarks by U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, over Tehran's alleged role in attacks by Yemen's Houthis, Iran's envoy to the United Nations said in a letter cited by state media on Tuesday.

Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's permanent representative to the UN, addressed the letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Security Council President Christina Markus Lassen, denouncing recent statements by senior U.S. officials as "hostile" and expressing deep concern.

Trump on Monday warned that Iran would be held responsible for "every shot fired by the Houthis" and threatened "dire consequences" should further attacks occur.

Iravani dismissed the comments, saying such rhetoric violated international law and the UN Charter, particularly Article 2(4), which prohibits the use of threats or force against sovereign states.

He said Iran remained committed to maintaining international peace and security but would "decisively defend its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national interests in line with international law."

Iran warned that any "aggressive action" against the country would have "serious consequences," for which the United States would bear full responsibility, Iravani said.

He also condemned U.S. and British airstrikes on Yemen, calling them a "clear violation" of Yemen's sovereignty, international law, and UN Security Council resolutions, and a "serious threat" to regional stability.

Trump accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, funding, and intelligence. The U.S. launched new airstrikes on Yemen on Saturday after Trump vowed to continue attacks until the Houthis end attacks on Red Sea shipping.

The Houthi group said last week it would resume attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab Strait until crossings into Gaza were reopened and humanitarian aid was allowed in. 
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By Grainne Ni Aodha and Cillian Sherlock, PA

Conor McGregor does not represent the men of Ireland, a Government minister has said.

The mixed martial artist has been condemned by the most senior figures in Irelands coalition after he criticised the Government on a range of issues during a meeting with US president Donald Trump on St Patricks Day.

McGregor praised Mr Trumps work ethic as inspiring as he met him in the Oval Office on Monday, while the US president described him as fantastic.

The Dubliner told reporters in the West Wing that he was going to voice concerns about immigration issues in Ireland when he spoke to Mr Trump.

McGregor, who has previously stated an intent to run for the presidency, claimed the Government was one of zero action with zero accountability.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who had met Mr Trump days earlier, and Tanaiste Simon Harris have described McGregors comments as wrong and not representative of Ireland.

His visit to the White House came months after he was found civilly liable in a High Court damages case in Dublin taken by a woman who accused him of rape.

Conor McGregor spoke to the media in the US (AP)

Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial last year in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

A judge at the High Court in Dublin later said the jury had conclusively determined that McGregor had raped Ms Hand.

McGregor is appealing against the outcome of the civil case.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe (Brian Lawless/PA)

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said his heart fell when he saw that McGregor had been invited to the Oval Office, and added that he does not represent the men of Ireland.

We are trying to create a very different Ireland. Conor McGregor did not represent Ireland in his engagement with President Trump.

We are a country that is about making the case for openness, for decency, for respect.

For respect in terms of how men treat women, and for making the case for the progress that we have to make in that area.

Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the meeting between Mr Trump and McGregor was a very sinister event.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin spoke out against the mixed martial arts fighter (Niall Carson/PA)

Ms Morrogh described the engagement as an attempt to normalise sexual violence and rebuild McGregors reputation.

She told RTEs News At One that she was writing to the US embassy over what she said was a really callous indifference to every survivor of sexual violence.

Asked about Mr Martins criticism, McGregor told Sky News: I am an employer of over 200 people, almost 300 people in the country of Ireland. Hes an employer of none.

Every available metric available to us has shown that the Government of Ireland currently has failed the people of Ireland.

In 10 years, Dublin City Centre has gone from one of the most safest cities in Europe, to one of the most dangerous.

So, shame on him for saying that, speaking down on an Irishman. I wont speak about him personally, throw a jab  I could, I could throw many jabs at him, I could throw jabs handily at them.

However, I speak on the metrics, and the metrics show they failed the people of Ireland. They do not represent the people of Ireland.

Asked how he would respond to people who said it is inappropriate for him to attend the White House, McGregor walked away after saying: God bless Ireland and God bless America.

US president Donald Trump and Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Donohoe said the Government had invested in the city, the country, and An Garda Siochana.

He acknowledged that there are concerns around safety in the country and added: We will ultimately make even more progress in the time ahead but we dont make our country any safer by talking in a way that adds to division.

We dont make our country any better by talking about messages that undermine the openness and the integration that is at the heart of the progress I believe our country has ahead.

Asked about McGregors statement, a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said it does not comment on uninformed, third-party remarks.

It is, however, a statement of fact that according to the Global Peace Index, Ireland is ranked second only to Iceland.

Furthermore, Ireland ranks as the thirteenth most safe country in the world under the specific category of Societal Safety and Security.

During his meeting with Mr Martin in the Oval Office last week, Mr Trump described McGregor as great when asked who he considered to be his favourite Irish person.
By Rebecca Black, PA

Michelle ONeill has said she is proud of the stance she took in staying away from Washington DC last week because of the situation in Palestine.

The Northern Ireland First Minister was criticised for boycotting St Patricks Day events in the US capital by Taoiseach Micheal Martin who described it as a big mistake.

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.

Ms ONeill, along with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly led a trade delegation on a trip to North Carolina, but she returned home afterwards while Ms Little-Pengelly went on to Washington and met US president Donald Trump.

First Minister Michelle ONeill has defended her decision (Liam McBurney/PA)

The North's communities minister Gordon Lyons and health minister Mike Nesbitt also travelled to Washington.

Meanwhile, the Alliance Party and SDLP took the same stance as Sinn Fein.

Ms ONeill was asked during questions for the Executive Office by UUP MLA Alan Chambers on Tuesday to assess the benefits of the trip to Washington.

As the member is aware, I didnt attend Washington last week because of the situation in Palestine, because of the stance of the US administration, and because I simply will not turn the other way when we see such a breach of international law and the genocide of the Palestinian people, she told MLAs.

Whenever everybody will reflect on this period in time, and therell be those that decided to look away, and those that didnt. I will be proud to say I did not look away.

Ms ONeill also said she felt she could make that principled position, but work was also done to promote Northern Ireland.

It showcases ourselves as a great place to live, to work, to invest, study, and we very much took that message when the deputy First Minister and I led a Chamber of Commerce delegation, when we went to mark the first anniversary of a memorandum with the North Carolina chamber, she said.

That itself was an opportunity for us to promote our vision for our economy, and also to say that we are such a fantastic place with such innovators and such world-leading businesses and it was a sense of pride, actually, I think, for the deputy First Minister and myself to lead such a strong delegation of local business people.

She added: As you know, the deputy First Minister then went on to Washington and carried out a whole programme of events, again, with those messages in terms of us being a great place for investment and a great place with great agility and a small community that actually can be very much world-leading in the fore of many, many areas.

Mr Chambers pressed whether Ms ONeills attendance in Washington as First Minister would have added value to the visit.

She responded: Im content with the decision that I made, as Im sure the deputy First Minister is also content with her own decision.
Planning permission has been refused for a new Aldi supermarket in Swinford.

Mayo County Council refused to grant permission for the supermarket, which would have been located on a site near the local church.

The local authority said the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the vitality, viability and attractiveness of Swinfords traditional town centre. It said the supermarket would result in an over-concentration of retail development in this area of the town and would depreciate the value of property in the vicinity. There is already a Tesco supermarket near the proposed site.

Council planners said they believed the proposed development would be a potential traffic hazard as it had not been satisfactorily demonstrated how heavy goods vehicles would safely access and egress the site. Furthermore, the council said the applicant had not demonstrated how the proposed development would promote pedestrian connectivity within the town centre.

A number of submissions were made by locals objecting to the proposal.

Aldi can appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanala.
High Court Reporters

The Commercial Court has begun to hear a "bitter" legal row involving the tech conference giant Web Summit to be fought out between chief executive Paddy Cosgrave and minority shareholders and former directors Daire Hickey and David Kelly.

Opening the case today, Bernard Dunleavy SC, for Mr Cosgrave said it was alleged Mr Kelly had been "disloyal" to the company when acting as a director before his 2021 resignation and the subsequent setting up of a rival tech investment fund.

Mr Kelly and Mr Hickey are also suing Mr Cosgrave and Web Summit, alleging shareholder oppression and breaches of a profit-sharing agreement.

Mediation in the cases failed last week and all parties deny the allegations.

Mr Dunleavy said it is alleged that Mr Kelly, a 12 per cent shareholder in Manders Terrace, the holding company behind Web Summit, was disloyal and faithless when setting up a competing tech fund. In 2021, Mr Cosgrave sued Mr Kelly and sought over 10 million in damages.

Mr Dunleavy said the case had a bitterness which animates every aspect of the parties proceedings and likened it to a divorce.

Counsel said there were sections in the papers before the court that must have reminded the judge of a family law matter that was better off being privately solved, rather than one litigated in the Commercial Court.

Mr Dunleavy said Mr Kelly in his role as a director had failed to show loyalty and faithfulness to Web Summit when setting up a venture fund while he worked for Web Summit.

This, counsel said, deprived Mr Cosgrave and Web Summit the opportunity to capitalise on the success of an earlier fund they operated, called Amaranthine.

It is alleged that Mr Kelly engaged in an active deception and real badness when it came to his fiduciary duties as a director to the company, said Mr Dunleavy.

"Success has many fathers but failure is an orphan. Mr Kelly and Mr Hickey [a seven per cent shareholder] are former directors and early employees and deserve large credit but only one person was there in it all and it was only one person's vision, and that is Paddy Cosgrave," said Mr Dunleavy.

Counsel said Mr Cosgrave is the "engine of this business" who drives it forward and seeks constantly to improve" and had the attitude that there was "no point in being worlds biggest if you are not the worlds best".

It is alleged by Mr Cosgrave that Mr Kelly and another man, Patrick Murphy, who had involvement in the Web Summit's tech fund operation, Amarthine - known in court as Fund One - but that Mr Kelly wanted to leave and told Mr Cosgrave he was to resign as a director in March 2021.

It is alleged that Mr Kelly then "co-opted for private profit" the workings, expertise, networks of the original fund in starting up a new tech fund called 'Semble' to rival the proposed Fund Two planned by Web Summit.

Mr Dunleavy said that in the area of tech funding Web Summit was a "secret sauce" and caught investors' attention worldwide.

Counsel said Web Summit was like a "Californian gold rush" but with people wearing "comfortable T-shirts instead of overalls".

"He [Mr Kelly] owed loyalty and faithfulness but did not prove himself capable of that. Mr Kelly's conduct flies full square in the face of established case law in relation to the responsibilities of the fiduciary duties of a director," said counsel.

Counsel said it is alleged that before Mr Kelly resigned he had, through "secret" communications and negotiations, set up "an advantage for himself that reached fullness of ripeness when he took advantage of it for his own private profit in bad faith".

Mr Dunleavy said that it was "clear from the outset" that Web Summit intended to launch a second fund off the back of the strength of the first fund and that this was known to Mr Kelly.

Counsel claimed that Mr Kelly had been "speaking out of both sides of his mouth" but was not entitled to do so as he was a director who owed "fidelity and loyalty" before "swiping" the second fund from "under the nose of Web Summit".

Mr Cosgrave's side claims the loss to Web Summit is over 11 million and the profits made by Mr Kelly were just over 1 million.

The case continues tomorrow and is scheduled to last nine weeks.
BOGOTA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Colombian military authorities confirmed Monday that they have killed Santander Franco Jimenez, the leader of a criminal organization who was accused of planning an attack against President Gustavo Petro.

The 25-year-old is a veteran of the group called Gulf Clan and a close confidant of its top leader known as "Chiquito Malo," said Pedro Sanchez and General Luis Carlos Cordoba, Columbia's defense minister and commander of the Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC), at a press conference.

Jimenez was responsible for "numerous terrorist acts" against the public force and the civilian population, and played a key role in coordinating activities related to drug trafficking and illicit economies on the Pacific coast, said the general.

He was killed together with another member of the group during a clash with the military and the national police in the municipality of El Dovio, Valle del Cauca, said the general.

The military forces also discovered four camps belonging to the group with the capacity to house 30 people, together with 1,184 rounds of ammunition, seven magazines, four improvised explosive devices, abundant medical supplies and communications equipment, he said.

This operation has dealt a decisive blow to the Gulf Clan, directly affecting its command, control, and financial capabilities, in addition to impacting drug trafficking routes both nationally and internationally, said the general. 
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Lord Mayor of London Alastair King in Beijing, capital of China, March 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Lord Mayor of London Alastair King in Beijing on Tuesday.

Han said that the City of London is a world-renowned financial center that has made positive contributions to China-U.K. cooperation in the financial, economic and trade fields.

China and the U.K. are both major economies, and they enjoy highly complementary and broad prospects for cooperation, Han said.

Noting that China's domestic and foreign policies will remain consistent no matter how the world changes, he said China is willing to work with the U.K. as a strategic partner to strengthen communication and cooperation, promote a multi-polar world and economic globalization, implement the important consensus reached between their leaders, and bring more benefits to the two countries and the world.

King noted that the U.K. and China have great prospects for cooperation on the green economy, sustainable finance and renewable energy. The City of London welcomes more Chinese companies to do business in London, and stands ready to provide full support and convenience. 

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Lord Mayor of London Alastair King in Beijing, capital of China, March 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli hostages released during the first phase of the recent ceasefire took to social media on Tuesday to voice their fear and anger over the resumption of Israel's airstrikes on Gaza, urging the government to resume negotiations.

Yarden Bibas, who was freed in early February in a prisoner swap after 484 days in captivity, called on the Israeli government to prioritize securing the release of the remaining 59 hostages through negotiations rather than military pressure that could risk their lives.

His wife and two young sons were killed in Gaza during his captivity.

"Israel's decision to return to fighting brings me back to Gaza, to the moments when I heard the sounds of explosions around me and feared for my life, fearing that the tunnel where I was being held might collapse," he wrote.

"I am petrified for my best friends, David and Ariel Cunio (who are still held in Gaza)," he said, adding that it is not too late to secure their release through a deal.

"We must stop the fighting and bring everyone home," he added.

Romi Gonen, who was among the first group of three hostages released by Hamas in January, recalled with horror "the moment in captivity when I heard the booms after the (first) agreement collapsed and realized I would not be freed anytime soon." She appealed to the Israeli government: "Get them out! This is the most urgent thing!"

Omer Wenkert, another released hostage, wrote: "Returning to fighting? Did you listen to a word of what we, the returnees released in the last deal, have been saying? Do you see us?" He added, "The sense of being forsaken is the strongest I have ever felt."

Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that hundreds of families of hostages were marching on Road 1, which connects Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, demanding the government secure the release of the hostages through a deal with Hamas. Earlier, the families issued a statement saying that upon arriving in Jerusalem, they would establish a protest camp in the city.

The two-month-long Gaza ceasefire was shattered overnight as Israel launched airstrikes across the enclave, killing more than 400 people and triggering international condemnation. 
A board showing the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) is pictured at the Indonesia stock exchange building in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 18, 2025. The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) temporarily halted stock trading on Tuesday morning after the IHSG dropped by 5 percent. (Photo by Harshal Alshaki/Xinhua)

JAKARTA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) temporarily halted stock trading on Tuesday morning after the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) dropped by 5 percent.

IDX Chairman Iman Rachman said that while such a significant decline is unusual, it was driven by both internal and external factors, including global economic uncertainty.

"Many investors are currently adopting a wait-and-see approach," Iman said.

Fundamentally, Iman said, companies listed on the IDX remain solid, as reflected in improved financial reports in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Kautsar Primadi Nurahmad, corporate secretary of the IDX, said the pause in trading aimed to provide market participants with time to respond to the current situation and maintain trading stability.

Achmad Nur Hidayat, an economist from the National Development University "Veteran" Jakarta, noted that the IHSG decline is not merely a reflection of global uncertainty but also a warning that Indonesia's economic model is overly reliant on commodities, and is trapped in a debt cycle to finance populist programs such as free meals and social assistance.

"If the government does not immediately halt these reckless policies, the crisis of investor confidence will deepen, and the IHSG drop will only be the beginning of a larger chain of problems," Achmad said. 

A board showing the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) is pictured at the Indonesia stock exchange building in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 18, 2025. The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) temporarily halted stock trading on Tuesday morning after the IHSG dropped by 5 percent. (Photo by Harshal Alshaki/Xinhua)
by Dames Alexander Sinaga

JAKARTA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Amid the Ramadan season, vendors across Jakarta, Indonesia, are bustling with sales of Chinese-made "Ramadan lanterns" adorned with LED lights and other festive accessories.

On a recent Sunday afternoon, Sulastri Rahma, a 32-year-old vendor, was busy selling Ramadan lanterns, locally known as lampion, from a rented space in front of a two-story house in Pasar Pagi, West Jakarta.

"It's been over two weeks since Ramadan began, but new customers keep coming for lanterns and decorative lights. I'm so grateful," Rahma told Xinhua. The most popular items at her stall are the Ramadan lanterns.

"They are affordable, attractive, and sell well," she said with a smile, expressing hope for even greater sales ahead of Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the Islamic fasting month.

"More people will decorate their homes with colorful lanterns or take them along when returning to their hometowns for family reunions," she added.

Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population, is set to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on March 31. The holy month and the subsequent Eid celebration are deeply tied to the homecoming tradition, locally known as mudik, during which millions of Indonesians travel to reunite with their families.

Rahma has been overjoyed in recent weeks, as her modest fashion and accessories business has brought her a small fortune.

"Selling accessories is a great way to boost income. They make perfect gifts and are often impulse purchases," she said, noting that she serves at least 100 customers daily, many of whom are millennials.

She also sells Ramadan lanterns on e-commerce platforms like Tokopedia and Shopee, with over 800 items sold online even before Ramadan began.

Meanwhile, Tommy Ayudha, a store owner in Ujung Menteng, East Jakarta, who sells toys and household items, told Xinhua that Chinese products stand out for their affordability and variety, catering to diverse customer needs.

"Battery-operated lanterns and decorative LED strips are among the most popular Chinese products during Ramadan," he said.

Aisyah Aqilah, a 29-year-old housewife in Ujung Menteng, shared that she bought a colorful mosque-shaped lantern to decorate her living room.

"I also bought dolls for my nieces. These charming dolls add to the festive Ramadan atmosphere and inspire the children to dream big," she said, noting that all the items were made in China.

Beyond Ramadan lanterns and toys, the Indonesian market is filled with Chinese-made products, including electric vehicles, mobile phones, home appliances, and household essentials.

For over a decade, China has been Indonesia's largest trading partner and a significant source of foreign investment. The two countries will commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in April. 
TEHRAN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Senior Iranian and Russian diplomats exchanged views on bilateral ties and regional developments on Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry said.

In Tehran, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi held a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, during which the two sides discussed Iran's nuclear program, developments in the Ukraine conflict, and new U.S. policies, the Iranian ministry said in a statement.

The diplomats stressed the need to maintain consultations and cooperation within regional and international organizations to promote multilateralism, the rule of law, and international law.

Iran and Russia, both under U.S. sanctions, have bolstered their political and economic ties to counter Washington's moves. 
A senior citizen wearing an exoskeleton walking aid device shops at a market in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 24, 2025. (RoboCT/Handout via Xinhua)

HANGZHOU, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The cyborgs of science fiction, once symbols of superhuman abilities, are now powering China's elderly care revolution as the nation's silver economy surges.

An exoskeleton walking aid device, designed by startup RoboCT located in Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province, can make hiking easier for seniors by counteracting the weight of five bottles of water with each leg lift.

RoboCT plans to launch its latest innovation late this month. It is priced at an affordable 2,000 yuan (about 276 U.S. dollars). In China's eastern tech hub, more firms like RoboCT are developing robotics aimed at assisting elderly mobility.

RoboCT's engineers noticed that many elderly people walk with bent backs, take small steps and use waist braces in nursing homes, and so they focused the device's assistance efforts on the waist, back and hips.

"The product assists with hip flexion and stabilizes the lumbar spine to help seniors walk with longer strides, quicker steps and greater stability," said Yan Hai, RoboCT's product director, in an interview with Xinhua.

Inspired by tendon mechanics, the battery-free device, which weighs 2 kg, is worn around the hips and above the knees, capturing and storing some of the energy generated by the body's own efforts, before releasing it to assist with walking.

"Exoskeleton robotics support seniors with weaker muscles, enhancing mobility through force compression and release, rotation speed and angle adjustments," said Yan. Even physically fit young people can get 30 percent assistance when wearing it.

"China's exoskeleton robots, set for significant growth in the field of elderly care, have mastered key technologies like ergonomic design, motion recognition and self-learning AI that dynamically refine movement patterns," said Chen Zhiran, director of the Digital Economy Research Office at Zhejiang Development and Planning Institute.

China's increasing elderly population faces widening unmet mobility needs, resulting in overburdened rehabilitation therapists and an annual shortfall in terms of rehab therapy graduates.

Latest data shows that by the end of 2024, China's population aged 60 and above had reached 310 million -- accounting for roughly 22 percent of its total population.

A growing number of Chinese firms have seen vast business opportunities stemming from the increasing aging population. The country's silver economy is emerging as a major growth driver, and is currently valued at 7 trillion yuan. According to a survey from data analysis provider iiMedia Research, China's silver economy is expected to reach a scale of 30 trillion yuan by 2035.

Notably, enterprises are leveraging emerging technology such as AI and robotics to pioneer a new consumption scenario tailored to the elderly. Guided by a Chinese proposal, the International Electrotechnical Commission has released a global standard for elderly-care robots.

To tap into the growing silver economy, tech firms are learning to focus on solving real elderly user challenges while employing cutting-edge technologies.

Designed for elderly convenience, RoboCT's walking assist device takes just 20 seconds to put on and doesn't require smartphone operation.

The firm is also planning to launch customized versions of this device for hemiplegic patients and spinal cord injury patients. 

A senior citizen wearing an exoskeleton walking aid device climbs the stairs in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 24, 2025. (RoboCT/Handout via Xinhua)

A senior citizen wearing an exoskeleton walking aid device climbs the stairs in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 24, 2025. (RoboCT/Handout via Xinhua)


Grapes symbolize happiness, prosperity and good luck in traditional Chinese culture. As such, patterns of grapes have adorned diverse handicrafts since ancient times. Beijing has been renowned for Grape Chang, exquisite glass grapes, during the past century. People are generally surprised to learn the mouth-watering grapes, which appear ripe and ready-to-eat, are made from glass.



Beginning

Grape Chang, which emerged during the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1871-1908), during the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911), was named after the family, Chang, renowned for its excellent craftsmanship in making glass grapes. Hanqiharibu, who made a living by selling various kinds of fruit-shaped crafts made out of clay, developed the technique for making grape crafts. Later, as he tried to improve the crafts, he began using glass, a rare material at that time. Inspired by the method used to make glass beads as eyes for toys, he managed to make realistic-looking glass grapes.

In 1894, Hanqiharibu's glass grapes were offered to the imperial family as a tribute to Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) on her 60th birthday. Cixi was pleased by the birthday gift, and she granted Hanqiharibu the title "Chang Zai," a blessing that literally means "always there." Hanqiharibu changed his name to Chang Zai, and he changed his family's surname to Chang.

Over time, Chang's glass grapes became well-known in Beijing, and across the country. In Beijing, traditionally, the name of a folk art was composed of the artisan's family name and the type of folk art. Hence, glass grapes came to be known as "Grape Chang." In 1915, the family's glass grapes won first prize at the Panama Pacific International Exposition. After that, the family received orders from more than 20 countries.



Revival

After Chang Yuling, one of the third generation of inheritors of Grape Chang, died, in 1986, the ancestral craft was almost lost. In 2003, a Beijing-based media outlet published an article, in which the author lamented how some of the once-flourishing folk arts, including Grape Chang, had disappeared, or had become at risk of disappearing. Chang Hong and her sister, Chang Yan, fifth-generation descendants of Hanqiharibu, were affected by the article. They both felt a sense of responsibility for reviving their family's technique for making glass grapes, and ultimately for reviving the Grape Chang brand.

"When my sister and I were young, our grandaunt, Chang Yuling, sometimes required us to stay by her side while she was making glass grapes. Therefore, we still had a vague idea of how to make the grapes. With support from Beijing Folk Literature and Art Association, we tried every step, repeatedly. We finally completed our first work, in early summer of 2004," recalls Chang Hong.



More than 10 steps  including selecting and melting glass, blowing glass beads, coloring, waxing, frosting and assembling  are required to make glass grapes. All steps require manual skills, and all efforts are wasted if the slightest mistake is made during any of the steps. Blowing the glass beads is the hardest step, says Chang Hong. First, she blows molten glass, through a metal tube, to make a glass tube. Then, she blows molten glass, through the glass tube, to make a hollow glass bead. She has to repeat the two steps constantly. The molten glass is hotter than 1,500 C, and a glass bead must be blown within seconds, which requires the artisan to take extreme care, and to use proficient skill.

The next step is making the grape stalks. Cotton paper is rolled over a thin iron wire, and then the wire is inserted into the beads. Chang Hong says she must precisely control her strength during this step. If her strength is less than required, the wire will not be inserted into the beads. On the other hand, she will break the beads if she uses too much strength.

Coloring, waxing and frosting are also essential steps. "It's not easy to color the glass beads. I need to put the beads into burning-hot-liquid wax several times, to color the beads, so they look like real grapes, and to create the texture of the grape's skin. After the beads are dried, naturally, I use fine, smooth incense ashes to frost the grapes. The frosting method is exclusive to our family," Chang Hong says.

In 2011, the technique for making Grape Chang was added to the list of China's national intangible cultural heritage. In 2017, Chang Hong, a fifth-generation inheritor of Grape Change, was recognized as the representative inheritor of the craft.

Inheriting

Thirteen-year-old Tang Hantuoya, also called Chang Kaixin, who is Chang Hong's granddaughter, is the seventh-generation inheritor of Grape Chang. Tang often stays in her grandmother's studio, in a suburb of Beijing, during her winter and summer vacations. She has developed a passion for her family's heritage. Even though some of the steps used to make the grapes can be dangerous, she carefully studies how to make glass grapes, step by step, under her grandmother's guidance.

Tang hopes to be admitted by the Central Academy of Fine Arts, a prestigious university in Beijing, after she completes high school. "I want to become a fine arts teacher after I graduate from the university. I hope to promote the craft of making Grape Chang," Tang says.

Photos from Chang Hong

(Women of China English Monthly February 2025)

Editor: Wang Shasha


Li Fengzhen, a Baiku Yao woman, lives with her family in an ethnic Yao village in Nandan, a county in Hechi, a city in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Nandan is inhabited by Baiku Yao people, an ethnic minority known for wearing traditional, white-colored pants. Li began learning how to make ethnic Yao clothes from her mother and grandmother when she was a little girl. With support from her husband and children, Li, now in her fifties, continuously improves the craft-making business her family operates in their hometown. "I'm confident to advance the Yao clothing industry, leading my family to a happy life, and meanwhile, helping our ethnic Yao villagers live better lives too," Li says.

After this year's Spring Festival holiday, Li resumed her busy work schedule, in her studio, in Nandan, making traditional skirts for Yao women about to attend a folk festival following the Lantern Festival, which fell on February 12.

"We, the Baiku Yao people, have our unique ethnic clothes and ornaments. The process of making traditional clothes is complicated. It requires patience and handy skills," Li explains. She is grateful she has received great support and encouragement from the local government. During the past three decades, Li has explored innovative methods to better inherit and promote the craftsmanship of making Yao clothes.



Visit Brings New Hope

Li began learning how to make Yao clothes from her mother and grandmother when she was 8. By 13, she had grasped the basic techniques, such as collecting and making dyes, spinning and weaving. In fact, she was particularly good at dyeing and embroidering.

After Li Fengzhen married Li Jinbao, she told her husband she wanted to open a home-based dyehouse, so they could catch up to the rapid growth of the market economy, and also, they could increase their family's income. "My wife has been working hard since she was young. Her diligence and wisdom give our family happiness, which is so precious," Li Jinbao says.

Li Fengzhen opened the dyehouse in 2004. But starting the business was not easy. "At that time, I was a skilled craftswoman, who didn't have enough funding. My home-based dyehouse was shabby. Water would leak into my house when it rained," says Li Fengzhen.

Everything began to change in 2015, after a poverty alleviation work team, in Nandan County, visited Li Fengzhen's home. To protect and inherit the ethnic culture of the Baiku Yao people, Li's dyehouse was included in the poverty alleviation initiative launched in Nandan in 2016.

"My dyehouse was restored with funding support. Many residents from neighboring towns started to come to my house, and I received an increasing number of orders to make crafts. My family life gradually became prosperous. In the first half of 2019, my husband and I bought a car for our family," Li Fengzhen says.



Prosperity, For All

Neither Li Fengzhen nor Li Jinbao believes their commitment to achieve prosperity should end with their family. On the contrary, they want to help their fellow villagers create wealth and live prosperous lives. They have visited households, and they have invited women to embroider crafts they have produced in their dyehouse.

The process of making Yao clothes involves delicate work, including dyeing and embroidering. In 2019, Li Fengzhen was named a regional-level inheritor, in Guangxi, of the craftsmanship of traditional clothing of the Yao ethnic group, which was enlisted as China's national intangible cultural heritage.

Many women in Li's hometown have come to Li's dyehouse to learn embroidering. For those who have difficulty handling the craft-making skills, Li Fengzhen has taught them patiently.



"I have organized training sessions in my home-based dyehouse. I have taught the skills and knowledge related to Yao clothes to local villagers. I want to cultivate craft makers," Li Fengzhen says. "Women can take items from my dyehouse to their homes. I don't limit the time or the quantity. They are free to spend their flexible hours embroidering. They will get paid after they complete the work. In this way, they can earn extra money to increase their families' incomes."

In 2020, an intangible-cultural-heritage workshop was established in Nandan, under Li's given name, Fengzhen. Women from more than 100 households in ethnic Yao towns in the county began earning a living at home, by fulfilling orders they received from Li's workshop. Also that year, Li Fengzhen began lecturing at two primary schools in Nandan. She taught embroidering skills to local students.

In 2024, Li Fengzhen was named among the first group of national master craft makers in the countryside of China. Under the guidance of and with support from the Party (Communist Party of China) committee, the people's government and the CPPCC (Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) committee, of Nandan County, a Baiku Yao clothing manufacturing plant was established in Li Fengzhen's hometown during the spring last year.



Although her family's business has achieved great progress and success in recent years, Li Fengzhen says she remains a simple Yao woman, who concentrates on the development of her ethnic group's folk clothing. She and her family hope to do more, so they will expand the "prosperity of one family (their family) to the prosperity of every household (in their hometown)."

Thousands of Baiku Yao women have attended training sessions organized by Li Fengzhen's family in their dyehouse. Li Shenghua, one of Li Fengzhen's apprentices, says, "We want to help more people better understand and develop an interest in the culture of the Baiku Yao people." Xiong Qing, a graduate of Neijiang Normal University, in southwest China's Sichuan Province, has learned how to make Yao clothes at the dyehouse. She has also expressed her desire to help promote the craft.



Li Qiuli, Li Fengzhen's youngest daughter, attends university in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province. Li Qiuli says her mother has been a positive influence.

"My mother is a national-level excellent migrant worker, and a model worker of Hechi City. She and my elder sister are both inheritors of the craftsmanship of ethnic Yao clothing. Similar to them, I started to learn about Yao clothes when I was a girl. My love for our ethnic Yao culture grows from the bottom of my heart," Li Qiuli says.

Li Fengzhen has told Li Qiuli, many times, it is important to help her schoolmates, and people from outside their hometown, learn about the folk culture of the Baiku Yao people. Now, during holidays and school vacations, Li Qiuli often returns home. She continues learning Yao-clothes-making skills from her mother and sister. In addition, she helps promote the innovative methods her family has developed and adopted in the manufacturing of Yao clothes.

Photos from Interviewees

(Women of China English Monthly March 2025)

Editor: Wang Shasha
The McCracken County Fiscal Court failed to pass a resolution that would state the countys position opposing any bills brought forth during the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly that included mandating the centralized collection of local occupational fees or taxes by the state or other third parties during Monday's meeting.
White House says Trump, Putin are to seek limited ceasefire on energy, infrastructure in Ukraine war
Azerbaijan National Library has inaugurated both a virtual and traditional book exhibition titled "People's Writer Suleyman Rahimov-125" to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the renowned Azerbaijani writer Suleyman Rahimov.

The virtual exhibition showcases photographs, reflections from notable individuals, accolades, and works that illuminate Rahimov's life and artistic contributions in both Azerbaijani and other languages. Interested users can explore the exhibition through the provided online link.

Meanwhile, the traditional book exhibition features Rahimov's literary works, as well as books he has edited or introduced, accompanied by literature about his life and career in multiple languages.

Suleyman Rahimov holds a significant place in the evolution of prose within Azerbaijani literature. Born on March 22, 1900, in Ayin village, Gubadli district, he completed his primary education locally and later graduated from the history and social sciences faculty of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Sciences (now known as the Pedagogical University).

Recognized primarily as a novelist, Rahimov's name is synonymous with the rise and growth of the Azerbaijani novel in the 1930s. His literary legacy includes multi-volume works such as "Shamo" and "Sacl?," with important pieces like "Mehman," "Guzgugol ?fsan?si," "Arpacay ?fsan?si," "Gul?n bal?q," "Ovqan v? ilan," and "K?silm?y?n ki?n?rti" highlighting his creativity.
VALLETTA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Maltese government on Tuesday signed the first shore power agreement in the Mediterranean cruise region with Carnival UK & P&O Cruises, by allowing cruise ships to reduce their carbon footprint by drawing power from the grid while docked.

Addressing a press conference overlooking Malta's majestic Grand Harbour, which welcomed hundreds of cruise ships every year, Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasised the importance of the shore power initiative.

"We are here today to show how we are embracing a sustainable economic model that prioritises innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship," Abela said.

The introduction of fully electrified cruise berths developed under the shore-to-ship initiative will transform Malta's maritime infrastructure. Through an agreement signed with Transport Malta, the company's cruise liners will be able to connect to the shore power grid.

Abela noted that cruise liners contribute approximately 88 million euros (96 million U.S. dollars) annually to Malta's economy, with nearly 40 million euros directly generated by passengers during their visits. He explained how the shore power agreement goes beyond alignment with European Union regulations.

This strategic move reinforces Malta's vision of becoming a hub for green innovation, integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind with shore-to-ship power.

"By connecting these ships to clean, onshore electricity, we're effectively lifting the burden of pollution from the shoulders of the surrounding communities," said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett. He noted that Malta was five years ahead of the 2030 deadline set by the European Union. (1 euro = 1.09 U.S. dollar) 
Labour Party-run Manchester City Council (MCC) has broken up and forcefully removed a homeless camp of dozens of people set up in the citys St Peters Square. The camp faced constant persecution from the authorities, having been forced to move into the square from its initial rain-protected spot a few yards away, within the arches of the Town Hall extension.

Known as the red tent camp, it was first set up in the spring of 2024. It became a place for homeless people to stay, with many saying they felt safer there in a large public square. The camp was broken up on February 26 in a dawn raid, with its residents handed plastic bags for their possessions and told to leave. Tents MCC claimed had been vacated and other belongings were thrown into a bin lorry.

Some of the tents next to the arches of the Town Hall extension building in Manchester, December 2024

The majority who occupied the camp are refugees from war-torn Sudan and Eritrea, who had been granted the legal right to remain in the UK, which meant having to leave their Home Office accommodation provided while their cases were being looked into.

No doubt a factor in the removal of the camp was an attempt by the Labour council to appeal to anti-immigrant sentiment among Reform UK voters ahead of local elections in May.

Following the February eviction, some of the tents moved onto nearby Lower Moseley Street. A new encampment, including a large homemade banner reading Manchester Homeless Camp, was then established a short distance away, below one of the statues in a corner of Albert Square. The majority of the square is sealed off for refurbishment, along with the main Manchester Town Hall building.

The homeless camp in a corner of Albert Square after being evicted from St Peter's Square

The eviction order issued against the St Peters Square camp followed a court hearing on February 11 in which Judge Nigel Bird ruled against the Greater Manchester Law Centre (GMLC), which represented one of the defendants against the MCC.

GMLCs case revolved around the legal duty of the council to offer emergency accommodation; a duty that should be based on reasoning that a person may be homeless, eligible and in priority need. This includes any rough sleeper who has recourse to public funds in the UK and who may be unwell enough to be considered in priority need.

If a council is not sure whether that person is vulnerable, it should make further enquiries and house them until it determines whether they are owed a full duty to rehouse them.

Following conversations with camp occupants, GMLC concluded that the above processes to prevent rough sleeping had not been followed. A number of people reported that they had not received offers of accommodation from other support services.

At the initial possession hearing on January 13 this year, a judge decided that MCC had not sufficiently demonstrated that it had complied with the rules of service in the case of all the defendants. It should have provided paperwork to defendants affected, aiding them in seeking legal advice or defending the case themselves.

MCC was ordered to re-serve the documents relating to the claim and have them made clearly available near the camp in five languages.

Between the January 13 and February 11 hearings, GMLC made representations for 18 of the homeless people that had been sleeping in St Peters Square, leading to 15 offers of accommodation. Many had not been found accommodation come February 11, however; GMLC argued that MCC had not complied with its statutory duties under homelessness law and that it should not be able to seek possession until those people had been accommodated.

Ermias had been living in the camp for the last six months and told online news site Mancunian Matters he felt he was being treated like an animal, having received no support from the council. One of the refugees had told the court Its not something we chose or have the option [to end], so everyone is going through hell.

Breaking up the encampment has obviously done nothing to address the underlying problem of a complete lack of accessible, secure and affordable accommodation for those in need. The refugees and others evicted still have nowhere to live.

Jade MacDonald of the Greater Manchester Tenants Union said the ruling to clear the site had done nothing to fix the issue of homelessness in the city. This just feeds into the councils attempts to make the problem less visible. Manchester is in desperate need of more social housing.

The lack of any policy by the MCC council and the Greater Manchester Mayors office (both run by the Labour Party) to address the long-term needs of the homeless on Manchesters streets compounds years of underinvestment in house building. As the numbers of rough sleepers on the streets swell, increasing numbers are having to live in often inadequate temporary accommodation.

Greater Manchester includes two large cities and 10 towns with a total population of over 3 million. Figures published last September by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority showed that in March 2024 there were 5,649 households living in temporary accommodation, including 7,679 children. This figure had shot up by 71 percent over the previous four yearscompared to the national average of 21 percent in Englandwith demand for social housing outstripping supply by 260 percent.

In 2022/23 there were 13,551 social housing lettings in Greater Manchester, half as many as 10 years previously. A staggering 86,595 households bid for these properties, of which 35,177 were considered to be in a priority group for social housing.

The bill for temporary accommodation in Greater Manchester just for the period between January and March 2024 came to 18.6 million. It is estimated that by the end of 2024 the councils will have spent 75 million on temporary accommodation. They are only able to recover 42 percent of that from government through a housing benefit subsidy (a net loss of 43 million).

While MCC goes to court to persecute the homeless, it waves through every development for luxury apartments within the city centre. The population of the city centre, which fell to just 500 people by the late 1980sdue to the citys de-industrialisation and huge job lossesis now projected to reach 100,000 within a few years. Just in the years between 2018 and 2024, 27 skyscrapers were built accommodating more than 60,000 people. A further 20 are under construction and another 51 at the planning stage.

The rate of rough sleepers in England increased from 6.8 per 100,000 in 2023 to 8.1 last year. This January, homelessness charity Shelter reported that 57 percent of people with housing costs and experiencing housing pressures in England have been kept awake at night over the past year due to worries including high rents, poor conditions and the risk of eviction11 million people.
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Prison guards transfer people deported from the United States to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in Tecoluca, El Salvador, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (El Salvador presidential press office via AP) [AP Photo]

In January 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed as Germanys chancellor. The horror that the Nazis unleashed in the subsequent 12 years made their movement synonymous around the world with the most unspeakable brutality and depravity. Hitlers counterrevolutionary dictatorship crushed all opposition with mass incarceration, mass deportation and ultimately mass murder, including entire populations of Jews, Roma and other minorities. The failed Nazi war of conquest reduced Europe to ruins and left permanent scars on human culture and civilization as a whole.

The pseudo-legal framework under which these crimes were carried out was the so-called state of exception (Ausnahmezustand), a concept introduced by lawyer and Nazi party member Carl Schmitt (18881985) in the 1920s.

A reactionary jurist from a privileged Catholic background, Schmitt reacted with hostility to the liberal and constitutional reforms of the Weimar era after World War I, expressing himself in terms of a deep hatred of Protestantism, cosmopolitanism and especially anything he associated with Jewish culture.

According to Schmitts state of exception theory, democratic and parliamentary norms cease to operate in the exceptional situation of a national emergency. In such an emergency, the survival of the legal order depends not on any norm but on the decisions of the executive, who, Schmitt wrote, is he who decides on the state of exception.

Following the Reichstag fire in February 1933, which was utilized by the Nazis to incite anti-communist hysteria, President Paul von Hindenburg issued the Reichstag Fire Decree suspending basic democratic rights. A month later, the German parliament passed what is now known as the Enabling Actwith the legal assistance of Schmittwhich codified Hitlers powers to act unilaterally without constitutional limits.

The construction of the Dachau concentration camp began the same month. Under the new framework, the Communist Party (KPD) was banned, its elected representatives were all imprisoned and the Nazis unleashed a ferocious crackdown on all socialist and working class opposition.

Because Hitler was supposedly the expression of the will of the people and the will of the nation with a mandate to save the country from an emergency, Schmitt went on to claim that law itself is nothing more than the plan and the will of the leader. This concept became known as the leader principle (Fuhrerprinzip).

In the Night of Long Knives at the end of June 1934, Hitler orchestrated a purge of political opponents within and outside the Nazi movement. Hundreds of high-level political leaders were murdered without charges, evidence or trial. Schmitt celebrated the killings in an August 1934 article claiming that Hitler was the highest judge who defends the law from the most fatal abuse if, at a moment of danger, he creates unmediated justice.

As the Nazis themselves demonstrated, the indefinite state of exception and the leader principle could be used to justify absolutely anything. During the Nuremberg Trials at the end of the war, US Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson accused the Nazi leaders of being surprised that there is any such thing as law  Their program ignored and defied all law.

Eighty years later, Schmitts sinister theories have been revived in the form of a blitz of personal decrees issued by US President Donald Trump in the first two months of his presidency.

Immediately upon taking office, Trump announced a national emergency and asserted extraordinary wartime powers to defend the sovereignty of the country from an invasion of the United States through the southern border. On this basis, he issued an order requiring US military forces to carry out directed missions called for by the President.

Thousands of active-duty soldiers have already been dispatched to the southern border, supposedly to defend the country from an invasion of undocumented aliens. Invoking the same legal arguments that were used to justify the internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War, Trump has demanded that US military bases be transformed into internment camps for the millions of refugees and immigrants that are expected to be seized in militarized raids against urban centers.

On February 18, Trump issued an executive order claiming that he shall provide authoritative interpretations of law for the executive branch, a direct invocation of the leader principle. Official White House channels broadcasted Trumps statement, He who saves his country does not violate any law. Vice President JD Vance echoed: Judges arent allowed to control the executives legitimate power.

Trumps White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared on February 12 that court orders by federal judges against Trump were an attempt to thwart the will of the people. On March 5, when she was being questioned by a reporter about planned tariffs, she snorted: Are you the president? Its not up to you!

Trumps executive order blitz makes clear that it was no accident that Elon Musk, who funded the Republican Partys 2024 electoral campaigns to the tune of $290 million, gave multiple belligerent Hitler salutes at Trumps January 20 inauguration ceremony.

Trampling on the fundamental constitutional separation of powersassigning to Congress, not the president, the power of the purseTrump is carrying out a massive wave of firings aimed at undoing a century of social reforms, from environmental regulation to retirement security, public education and public health. To this end, he has proclaimed the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Musk, which has now effectively commandeered every agency and department of the government by hijacking their finances and computer systems.

The abduction and disappearance of Columbia University student leader Mahmoud Khalil on March 8 marked a further escalation of Trumps efforts to overturn the Constitution and establish a police state. Khalil is a legal US resident and has not been convicted of any crime that would plausibly justify his deportation. Trump not only published all-capital-letters racist incitement on government channels directed against Khalil, who is Palestinian, he also boasted there would be many more to come.

Each outrage against basic democratic norms by the Trump regime is carefully calculated to set a precedent, laying the groundwork for further outrages in an unending cascade. Every time a court order is entered against Trump, he responds with two more flagrant violations of basic democratic norms.

Over the weekend, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, based on the fictitious declaration that the US is at war with the Tren de Aragua gang and the Venezuelan government, to proclaim the power to unilaterally deport immigrants without any court proceeding.

The White House directly flouted a court order not to transport immigrants to El Salvador, where far-right strongman Nayib Bukele has promised to house them in the governments huge and notoriously brutal Center for Confinement of Terrorism. Trump has already floated the idea that US citizens can be transported there as well.

In a filing Sunday, the Trump administration argued that the deportations are not subject to judicial review because they are being carried out as part of the presidents war powers.

This is not just a defiance of the courts; it is the defiance of the Constitution. If the executive violates an individuals constitutional rights, the courts are supposed to provide a remedy, a check on executive power. If the executive ignores the outcome, the Constitution becomes a dead piece of papernot just for immigrants, but for the entire population.

The hateful campaign now underway against transgender people has likewise been pulled straight from the Nazi playbook. In May 1933, in the wake of the Enabling Act, Nazi thugs attacked and burned the library and records of the Institute for Sexual Research in Berlin, which had pioneered studies regarding gay and transgender people. This attack marked the first of the infamous wave of Nazi book burnings.

In February, Vance traveled to Europe to promote German Neo-Nazi party leader Alice Weidel. In a subsequent Fox News interview, Vance declared, Americans decide who gets to join our national community, a choice of words doubtless intended to evoke the concept of a national community (Volksgemeinschaft) championed by Schmitt, which he invoked to justify excluding non-Aryans from political life. Reviving the Nazi campaign against degenerate art, Trump appointed himself chairman of the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and carried out a purge of its board.

Just as was the case in Germany in the 1930s, the attempt to establish a dictatorship in America today is a social product of capitalism. The ongoing mass murder of the population of Gaza proves that the forces now in control of the American state are capable of brutality to rival the Nazis and worse.

However, unlike Hitler in 1933, Trump does not enjoy the support of a mass fascist movement. On the contrary, the attempt now underway to impose a dictatorship will inevitably collide with powerful democratic traditions in the US, rooted in the American Revolution, the Civil War to abolish slavery, the civil rights movement that destroyed Jim Crow and above all in the powerful history of struggle by the American working class, which is composed of immigrants from around the world.

The attempt to impose a dictatorship is the culmination of a protracted historical process that included the acquiescence of the Democrats to the theft of the 2000 election, the assertion of dictatorial wartime powers under the war on terror and the normalization of torture, military commissions, mass surveillance and assassination under successive Democratic and Republican administrations. This process accelerated under former President Joe Biden with the efforts to criminalize popular student protests against the Gaza genocide.

Trumps Operation Dictatorship expresses the interests of the capitalist oligarchy, which is determined to bring the political framework of the American government into line with the effective dictatorship it already enjoys over social and economic life.

The interests of this oligarchy are reflected in the conduct of both of Americas political parties, as expressed in the vote by top Democratic Party leaders Friday to remove all congressional spending directives, effectively giving Musk and Trump a green light to intensify their operation.

The mass movement that is required to halt and reverse this operation necessarily must express above all the interests of the working class across all borders, leading all progressive elements in society behind it in a struggle to eliminate the fascist menace at its sourcethe capitalist system.
Last week, in the midst of a damaging cyclone and renewed flooding, New South Wales Labor Party Premier Chris Minns went on Sydney 2GB radio to announce the demolition of previously water-wrecked homes in the regional city of Lismore and the eviction of their current temporary occupants.

Minns threat is the latest in a long line of betrayals by the state and federal Labor governments of the residents of the states Northern Rivers region, where floods in early 2022 left 4,055 properties declared to be uninhabitable and damaged another 10,849, according to government estimates.

Flood damaged home in Lismore

The premiers declaration was directed against homeless people living in damaged vacant houses, which were meant to be repaired or moved under the governments totally inadequate post-2022 buy-back scheme.

It also came as Cyclone Alfred, which re-flooded parts of Lismore, demonstrated the lack of government housing programs, disaster preparedness and infrastructure upgrading over the past three years.

Unlike the 2022 floods, the citys central business district narrowly escaped inundation in the cyclone, because the engorged Wilsons River barely remained below the level of the inner-city levee. Even so, hundreds of residents of Lismore East, Lismore North and Lismore South were ordered to evacuate, and small businesses had to shut and pack up for five days.

In the middle of this emergency, Minns vowed on March 11 to evict supposed overseas visitors, tourists, backpackers. This was designed to demonise the 60 or more homeless occupants of dozens of damaged houses in Lismore.

The threat displayed Labors wider contempt for the victims of the countrys worsening homelessness and housing unaffordability crisis. Minns also said the state government would begin closing the Cyclone Alfred evacuation centres as soon as possible. He insisted that emergency shelters could not be used to alleviate long-term housing problems in the Northern Rivers, which has some of the highest rates of homelessness in Australia.

Likewise, Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson accused the people squatting in houses of not engaging with the states housing and homelessness servicesa claim that the occupants denied, citing long waiting lists.

Despite the outrage of many residents, the local state Labor MP for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, who is the NSW parliamentary secretary for disaster recovery, also denounced the squatters. She told the Guardian that the community already has enough to deal with without worrying about backpackers.

Yet homelessness has been exacerbated by the failure of the flood relief programs promised by the federal and state governments following the 2022 catastrophe. More than a year ago, in February 2024, the NSW auditor-general delivered a revealing report on the severe shortages of housing. The current housing supply gap in the Northern Rivers is estimated to be upwards of 24,000 dwellings, it stated.

Cathy Serventy, the chief executive of Social Futures, a housing charity that has more than 100 people on its waitlist, told the Guardian: It has been a slow progression of getting worse and worse. Theres less affordability, less properties, and the [2022] flood wiped away most of the cheaper rentals.

Interviewed on Sky News, Saffin denied claims by residents of being failed by governments again. She declared that we cant fix everything overnight. She spoke of a yet to be released plan for regional recovery.

Saffin also defended the insurance companies, saying they had committed to dealing with their customers differently since 2022, even though they have jacked up premiums to unaffordable levels or denied access to flood insurance. She described Lismore now as an uninsured community, but claimed the government was trying to address the problem.

In October 2022, Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and then Liberal-National NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet visited Lismore together to attempt to appease angry residents over the lack of government assistance after that years February and March floods. They announced a Resilient Homes scheme to buy back, lift or repair flood-damaged homes and promised to provide $1.5 billion for it if necessary.

Across the six local government areas impacted by the floods, 6,700 homeowners initially expressed interest in buy-backs. But in 2023 the state and federal governments, now both Labor, halved the scheme from the promised $1.5 billion. As a result, only 1,100 buy-backs were budgeted for, plus 400 house raisings or retrofits to either lift homes above flood levels or renovate them to supposedly withstand flood damage.

Earlier this year, almost three years after catastrophic 2022 flooding, the federal and state Labor governments agreed to jointly allocate another $180 million to the buy-back scheme, still leaving it far short of the original promise.

In addition, many of the 600 or so residents who were offered buy-backs could not afford to move out of the flood-prone areas, because of soaring house prices and mortgage repayments. Moreover, little affordable land has been made available for purchase under the governments Resilient Lands scheme, leaving flood victims having to buy blocks of land on the private real estate market at sky-high prices.

Miriam Torzillo, a resident of flood-affected North Lismore, condemned Minns eviction threat. She told the Echo, a local newspaper: If the premier were so keen on the safety of Lismore residents, then he might push the [NSW] Reconstruction Authority to ensure remaining homeowners could afford to relocate their homes, instead of waiting for the promise of land under the failed Resilient Lands program, as well as to relocate the many people who barely survived the 2022 floods only to be told they werent eligible for any buyback or house raise.

Antoinette OBrien from the Reclaim Our Recovery group commented: The previous owners were assured their houses would become housing stock for people in need. They would be devastated to see them demolished. She said Minns was trying to evict occupants who are seeking shelter in a housing crisis and caretaking the properties before any eventual relocation.

Prime Minister Albanese again briefly visited Lismore during the cyclone for a photo opportunity, praising the work of volunteers, emergency services and soldiers whom the government deployed to undertake recovery work.

The Labor governments treatment of the flood-affected residents across the Northern Rivers shows the indifference and deception with which capitalist governments invariably treat the working-class victims of the disastrous consequences of their policies.

While pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into military spending in preparation to join US-led wars, particularly against China, Albaneses government is approving new fossil fuel projects and failing to seriously address climate change, making cyclones, floods and other catastrophes, such as bushfires, rising sea levels and droughts, more likely globally.

As the Socialist Equality Party documented in its statement on the 2022 flood disaster: Every aspect of the floods crisisfrom the lack of preparation and warnings to people, to the inadequacy of basic infrastructure and support services, and the lack of assistance offered to the hundreds of thousands of flood victimsis the direct result of the subordination of society to the dictates of private profit.
Chicago teachers march during 2019 strike

The Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality are holding a public meeting in Chicago on Saturday, March 22 to discuss the Trump administrations efforts to destroy public education and a political strategy for the working class to stop it.

Trump and Musk have eliminated half the Department of Education workforce and plan to shut it as they slash free school meals and funding for low-income, disabled and English learners, and vastly expand school vouchers to privatize education. The administration has criminalized free speech, abducted Mahmoud Khalil and other pro-Palestinian activists, and deployed ICE agents to Chicago and other cities to snatch parents dropping off their children at school.

Far from opposing this, the Democrats have functioned as the fascist presidents enablers. They have voted for Republican spending bills, allowing Trump and Musk to purge the federal workforce, gut Medicaid, Social Security and other programs, and establish the framework for a dictatorship.

Chicago educators can and must play a leading role in the counteroffensive of the working class to defend public education and democratic rights. For this, they must break free from the Chicago Teachers Union bureaucracy, which has spent decades collaborating with the austerity program of the Democratic Party.

WSWS Labor Editor Jerry White will lead the discussion at this meeting. We encourage the widest participation by educators, workers and student youth.

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Chicago Public Library Uptown branch

929 W. Buena Avenue

Chicago, IL 60613

2 p.m.

Meeting Guidelines: The Socialist Equality Party and the IYSSE takes the pandemic seriously and aims to minimize risk of COVID transmission. We encourage all attendees to wear an N95 mask at meetings to protect yourself and others.
Postal workers around the world are under assault! We encourage all postal workers to contact the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee to join and help build an international movement of postal workers and the working class as a whole against austerity and attacks on workers rights. Fill out the form at the end of this article or email canadapostworkersrfc@gmail.com.

Canada Post workers picketing a facility at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, during their four-week strike last fall, which was broken by the Trudeau government using a cooked-up "reinterpretation" of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code.

Discussions are underway at the highest levels of government about eliminating, in whole or in part, Canada Posts legal monopoly over the delivery of letter mail. Such action is being promoted under the guise of cutting red tape on trade within Canadas borders.

A longstanding demand of the most voracious sections of the ruling class, the proposal to eliminate Canada Posts monopoly has been pushed to the fore in the midst of a roiling trade war with the United States launched by President Donald Trump, who is determined to economically weaken and annex Canada as the 51st state of the United States.

According to a white paper posted March 6 by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), the Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) has discussed eliminating Canada Posts federal exception for the exclusive privilegea legally mandated monopolyover letter mail from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).

Such an attack would mark a move toward the full privatization of the Crown corporation, which is mandated to deliver mail to every address, including the most remote parts of the vast country. While the exclusive privilege currently remains codified in the Canada Post Act, an attack on it by the CIT would open the way for the government to rescind and fully privatize the Crown corporation.

The monopoly over letter mail forms the core of the Crown corporations operations. Its erosion or elimination in the name of liberalizing trade barriers and protecting corporate Canadas profits during the trade war would mean the destruction of thousands of jobs and the end of Canada Post as it currently operates. It would open all of Canada Posts operations to competition from private couriers, as is already the case with parcel delivery. In practice, it would allow private operators paying far lower wages to snap up lucrative urban areas, with Canada Post at best being left to serve unprofitable rural and remote parts of the country.

The CIT is responsible for implementing the CFTA, which regulates trade between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. It came into force in 2017 for the stated purpose of reducing barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility within Canada.

The CIT is composed of ministers responsible for internal trade in each province and territory, and includes representatives from the Liberals, New Democratic Party, Conservatives and Coalition Avenir Quebec. The current federal representative is Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade under Prime Minister Mark Carney. She was formerly the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

A joint statement of First Ministers published by the Prime Ministers Office on March 5 declared that, in the face of the US tariff on Canadian imports, We must increase our economic resilience, reduce dependence on one market, and strengthen our domestic economy for the benefit of Canadian workers and businesses now and in the future. One key step is to make it easier for Canadians to do business with each other from coast to coast to coast. While Canada Post is not specifically named, key among the actions cited is a full review of exceptions under the CFTA, which is due to be completed by June.

The possible removal of Canada Posts exclusive privilege underscores the correctness of the World Socialist Web Sites warnings about the hypocritical posturing of the ruling class as members of Team Canada in the ongoing trade war. We have stressed in several articles that Canadas financial oligarchy in fact wants to pursue social policies that are virtually indistinguishable from those being imposed by the dictator in the White House. Their difference with Trump is that he refuses to recognize Canadas position as a junior partner of the US in Fortress North America which would allow Ottawa to pursue its own global imperialist interests alongside its long-standing ally and military-security partner. Behind the Canadian nationalist tub-thumping, the ruling class wants to ensure that Canadian workers bear the brunt of Trumps tariffs, while their profits are protected.

The high-level discussions setting the stage for gutting Canada Post come amid the hearings of the Industrial Inquiry Commission, which is set to conclude with a final hearing on March 25. The IIC, overseen by seasoned federal arbitrator William Kaplan, is a sham set up by Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon as part of his arbitrary banning of the postal workers month-long strike in December 2024. In sending 55,000 urban and rural Canada Post workers back to work, MacKinnon robbed them of the right to strike until May and unilaterally extended their long-expired contracts. The IIC has been empowered with a wide remit to review Canada Posts operations and collective agreements, and to make proposals for far-reaching changes to Canada Post operations.

MacKinnon banned the postal workers strike by invoking powers based on a cooked-up reinterpretation of section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. This strike ban by executive fiat was enforced by the CUPW bureaucracy, which rode roughshod over growing sentiment among the rank and file to defy the back-to-work order by telling the workers to return to their jobs. The CUPW bureaucracy has submitted to the rigged process set up by MacKinnon and instructed workers to put their faith in a constitutional challenge to the strike ban before the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), the very body that operationalized MacKinnons order to ban the strike!

The CUPW bureaucracy has taken a similarly submissive and complacent attitude towards the CITs reported discussions on the monopoly over letter mail. The unions white paper declares, While its removal from the CFTA causes some alarm, given that it is an additional protection, CUPW is somewhat relieved to know that the [Canada Post Act] will still maintain the exclusive privilege.

This is cold comfort for rank-and-file Canada Post workers who confront a big business Liberal government now headed by Prime Minister Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. Prior to holding those posts, when serving as the senior associate deputy Minister of Finance, Carney engineered the 2004 sale of the federal governments final stake in Petro-Canada, fully privatizing the once-public Crown corporation.

As Prime Minister, Carney has promised a new era of fiscal responsibility and to spend less and invest more, which will entail the slashing of social programs and public services. It takes no leap of imagination to foresee a Carney governmentnot to mention a Conservative government led by the far-right Pierre Poilievreripping up the Canada Post Act and allowing for the sell-off of the post office in the name of free markets and competition.

Canada Post currently operates on the basis of the sale of products and services, rather than public funds. The decline in the use of letter mail since 2006 and increasing competition for parcel delivery from private companies have contributed to the company posting losses totalling over $3 billion since 2018. The Liberal government agreed to provide the company with a $1 billion bailout loan in January, after management announced it would run out of cash to continue operations by mid-year.

This decline in profits has been the focus of both management and CUPW, which have outlined plans for a return to profitability. For management, this means the Amazonification of Canada Posts operationsexpanding the use of casual, low-paid delivery workers and extending deliveries to weekends. Accepting that Canada Post should be run as a profit-making concern, CUPW has backed the move to weekend delivery (albeit with good jobs). CUPW has also proposed the extension of postal workers duties to include banking services and senior check-ins, and opening up Canada Post property for use as electric vehicle charging stations.

The attacks on postal workers in Canada are part of broader attacks on postal workers internationally, including in the United States and Europe. Just last week, the Trump administration, through billionaire Elon Musks crudely named Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reached an agreement with the US Postal Service to slash 10,000 jobs in 30 days, primarily through early retirementthough this is seen as only an initial down payment in advance of full privatization. In Germany, Deutsche Post announced plans to cut 8,000 jobs by the end of the year. In both cases, the union bureaucracies have blocked strike action and made clear their intention to enforce the bloodletting.

The threat to remove Canada Posts monopoly on letter mail and the attack on postal workers right to strike underline the need for a new strategy to fight for what workers neednot what the union bureaucrats say is possible or what management says will achieve profitability.

In contrast to the collaboration of the CUPW bureaucracy in the managementgovernment attack on jobs, working conditions, and indeed postal workers entire livelihoods, the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee fights for Canada Post to be run as a fully funded public utility under workers controlnot as a profit-making concern. Through its afiliation to the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), the PWRFC calls for postal workers struggles to be unified internationally in opposition to capitalist austerity and war, and for workers power. All those ready to take up this fight should write in here or fill out the form below to get involved.
Educators, staff and parents: Build the Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Committee! Attend the public meeting on Saturday, March 22 at 2pm, How the working class can defeat Trumps war on education and democracy, which is being held at the Chicago Public Library Uptown branch at 929 W. Buena Avenue. To get more information on the rank-and-file committee, complete the form at the end of this article.

Chicago teachers march in October, 2019

The Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Committee calls for the broadest mobilization of the working class to oppose the Trump administrations plans to destroy public education. We support the call by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to build rank-and-file committees in every school and neighborhood to prepare mass action, including mass meetings and coordinated strike action to defend the right to high-quality public and secondary education for all and to defend immigrant workers.

Acting on behalf of the American oligarchy, Trump and Musk have slashed the workforce of the Education Department in half and plan to close the half-century-old federal agency. They are slashing federal funding for low-income, disabled and English learners, vastly expanding school vouchers, and seeking to transform schools into centers for right-wing, nationalist and religious indoctrination. The Department of Agriculture is reducing funding for free school lunch programs.

Financially strapped school districts across the country, including in Chicago, will be devastated. Chicago Public Schools will lose a significant portion of the $1.8 billion in federal funding the school district receives every year, which makes up approximately 20 percent of its operating revenues. This is on top of the $500 million or more deficit for the 2025-26 school year, which is the result of the Biden-Harris administrations decision to let federal COVID relief school funding (ESSER) run out.

Just last week, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker told a conference of the Illinois Education Association that the state cannot replace the $3.5 billion in federal funding school districts receive every year.

The claims made by the Chicago Teachers Union leaders that their contract proposal will Trump-proof the district are beneath contempt. Whatever schemes the mayor and the CTU bureaucracy are cooking up, i.e., increasing the districts debt load, offloading pension payments, etc., will not make up for the massive cutbacks coming from Washington, DC. This is not financial fearmongering, it is reality.

The months-long charade between CTU bureaucrats, the mayors office and the school board has had only one aim: preventing teachers from launching a citywide strike to prevent the program cuts, layoffs and school closures that Mayor Johnson and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates know are coming.

This is consistent with the decades-long record of the Democratic Party and its accomplices in the CTU bureaucracy. The betrayal of the 2012 strike by CTU leaders Karen Lewis and Jesse Sharkey was followed Mayor Rahm Emanuels closure of 50 schools, the largest in US history. In exchange for suppressing popular opposition, Emanuel gave the AFT the green light to unionize and collect dues from low-paid teachers employed at the growing number of for-profit charter schools.

In the winters of 2021 and 2022, there was overwhelming opposition from teachers, parents and students to Bidens reopening COVID-infected schools. The Chicago Educators Rank and File Committee fought to unite teachers across the US and internationally to save lives. But CTU leaders worked closely with Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Biden administration to reopen schools with token safety agreements, allowing Chicago to become the first major city where mass infection through schools was encouraged.

Whatever their token complaints about Trump, the Democrats are the fascist presidents enablers. That is why Democratic Senators voted for the Republican spending bill, which has provided Trump with a green light to slash federal jobs, gut Medicaid, Social Security and Medicare, and build up the structure for a police-state dictatorship. In the face of the existential threat to public education, AFT and NEA leaders are telling educators and parents to text their feelings to the White House. This is like writing letters to Hitler!

Efforts by Sanders, AOC, Johnson and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) to provide the Democrats with a left cover cannot conceal the fact that it is a capitalist party, which defends the same financial and corporate oligarchy as Trump. The Democrats largely support the administrations austerity measures and are more frightened by a movement of the working class from below than they are of fascism.

Biden deported 3.3 million immigrants, and the Democrats joined Republicans in backing Israels mass murder in Gaza and slandering anti-genocide protesters as antisemitic. This encouraged Trump to abduct and threaten to deport Mahmoud Khalil and other pro-Palestinian activists in blatant violation of First Amendment free speech rights.

Whatever their rhetoric about sanctuary cities, the Democrats have given Trump a green light to wage war against immigrants. ICE agents to round up immigrant workers across the country, including in Chicago where Francisco Andrade-Berrera was snatched last month while dropping his children off at school. In defiance of a federal judge, Trump has deported immigrants to a Salvadorean concentration camp.

Educators must draw serious lessons from their experiences with the left-talking Democrats and empty social justice rhetoric issued by complacent upper middle-class union bureaucrats. If there is going to be a fight to defend the right to public education and democratic rights, it will have to be organized by rank-and-file educators, independently of and in opposition to the CTU bureaucracy and the Democratic Party.

This means organizing rank-and-file committees in every school and neighborhood to organize mass meetings, protests and strike action to win the demands that educators need to provide all children with high-quality public education.

This includes:

Hundreds of billions to schools, not tax cuts for the rich and war. No cuts, no school closures!

Restore the Department of Education! End all education privatization schemes! For full staffing, bus transport, modern HVAC, high quality nutrition, arts & music, libraries & librarians, and health care for all students in Chicago Public Schools!

Free Mahmoud Khalil! Release, return, reinstate and rehire all students and teachers whose civil rights have been violated for opposing the Gaza genocide.

Stop deportations. No ICE raids! Defend immigrant communities! Build defense committee networks in schools and neighborhoods!

Such a struggle by Chicago educators would win widespread support among educators, parents and young people throughout the country and would serve as a catalyst, on an even greater scale than the 2018 West Virginia wildcat strike, for a far broader movement of educators and the whole working class. Rank-and-file committees would enable educators to link up with teachers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Oakland, along with Philadelphia and other cities facing similar contract battles this year, along with educators in Brazil, Argentina and other countries that are carrying out similar slash-and-burn policies.

Fascism is not some distant threatit is the guiding principle, the daily playbook of Trump, Musk, Vance and the rest of the gangsters in the administration. This is the outcome of the decades-long transfer of wealth from the bottom 90 percent to the top, overseen by both big business parties, which has handed unprecedented economic and political power to a capitalist oligarchy. Their plans to destroy whatever is left of the social reforms of the past can only be achieved through authoritarian measures.

The only social force that has the power to defend and expand democratic and social rights is the working class. But this requires a conscious political struggle to unite all workersblack, white, immigrant and native bornand link up the fight against austerity with the defense of immigrants and all democratic rights. The dictatorial rule of the oligarchy can only be broken through a struggle to put political power in the hands of workers, expropriating the ill-gotten wealth of the mega-billionaires and millionaires and redistributing societys wealth to meet human needs. This is how public education can be defended and vastly improved, so the entire population can benefit from the widest dissemination of science, culture and historical knowledge.

Attend this Saturdays public meeting, How the working class can defeat Trumps war on education and democracy.

Saturday, March 22, 2025, 2 pm

Chicago Public Library Uptown branch

929 W. Buena Avenue

Chicago, IL 60613

Meeting Guidelines: The Socialist Equality Party and the IYSSE takes the pandemic seriously and aims to minimize risk of COVID transmission. We encourage all attendees to wear an N95 mask at meetings to protect yourself and others.


BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said Tuesday that China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with France, strengthen strategic coordination, and jointly uphold genuine multilateralism.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when having a phone conversation with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French President, at the latter's request.

China opposes unipolar hegemony and rejects placing one country's self-interest above the common interests of all nations, said Wang. 
A report released by the Islamophobia Register last week recorded the highest levels of anti-Muslim racism in Australia since the organisation began operations a decade ago. The findings, which have received minimal media coverage, are a significant exposure of the political and media establishment.

Islamophobia in Australia report 20232024 [Photo: Monash University]

Since the Israeli genocide in Gaza began in October 2023, governments and the press have aggressively vilified mass opposition. That has centred on the lie that hostility to, and criticism of, the Zionist war crimes, and Australias complicity in them, constitutes antisemitism.

Defenders of the Palestinians have been presented as stooges of Hamas and demented Islamists. Meanwhile, Zionist supporters of the atrocities have been depicted as victims of a supposedly unprecedented wave of antisemitism, conflated entirely with opposition to the genocide. That line has facilitated and stoked anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian attacks, while being used to crackdown on the civil liberties of the entire population.

The latest report is based on data from the beginning of 2023, until the end of November 2024. It thus directly covers a substantial portion of the Israeli genocide. The Islamophobia accompanying the onslaught on Gaza has built on the promotion of anti-Muslim racism by the ruling elite for more than 20 years, in the course of the bogus war on terror.

In the reporting period, there were 309 instances of in-person Islamophobia. That compared with an average of 123 in all comparative periods since 2014. Online instances of abuse skyrocketed to 366, compared with 415 in the entire period between 2014 and 2021.

The authors of the report emphasised that they employed a rigorous verification procedure for each documented instance. This, combined with the fact that the data is based on self-reports by victims of Islamophobia, means, they write, that the reported level of such racism is likely a substantial underestimation of the truth.

In their introduction, the authors noted: This surge in reported incidents of Islamophobiawhich included physical assaults that caused hospitalisations, a genuine bomb being left at a home, an arson attack, graffiti attacks calling for the killing of Muslims, vandalism, hate mail, Muslim women having their hijabs pulled off and being spat on, school children being targeted, and hundreds of instances of Islamophobic abuse and threathappened over a backdrop of dangerous rhetoric by some Australian politicians that argued Islamophobia was fictitious or that it was not an issue.

That has been the line of senior members of the Liberal-National Coalition, who have combined anti-Muslim dogwhistling, with a bogus concern over antisemitism, which they have used to develop close ties to far-right Zionists.

Labor, while occasionally referencing Islamophobia as an afterthought, has spearheaded the demonisation of the pro-Palestinian movement, and has adapted to the line of the Coalition as well as the Murdoch press. That has included claims that those opposing the Israeli war crimes are seeking to reproduce Middle Eastern conflicts in the Australian community, and warnings against Islamic segregation, in the context of political organising around Gaza.

All of this played a major role in the spike in Islamophobia. A section of the report on the relationship between anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim racism described the beginning of the Israeli genocide as a spark event for a substantial increase of Islamophobia, comparable to such things as the 2019 Christchurch massacre, when Australian fascist Brenton Tarrant massacred 51 people in New Zealand mosques.

In the three weeks following the Hamas military operation of October 7, 2023, there was a 1,300 percent surge in reports to the Islamophobia register.

The reports authors noted a conflation, in official discourse, between Islam and the defence of the Palestinians.

[T]he media often demonises or reduces the Palestinians activism against the Israeli occupation, framing Palestinian nationalism and global support only as an Islamic struggle. This framing has contributed to the Islamisation of the Palestinian cause. In a number of instances documented in the report, racist perpetrators directly identified their hatred of the Palestinians with their hatred of Muslims.

For the past 18 months, protests opposing the genocide have been presented by the powers that be as a threat to social cohesion. Zionists have ludicrously claimed that the peaceful protests, involving many anti-Zionist Jewish activists, make Jews feel unsafe. Governments, primarily Labor, have sought to shut the demonstrations down, through police attacks, court actions and the passage of draconian hate speech and anti-protest laws.

The report underscores the fact that the official narrative about the rallies is an inversion of reality. In fact, the protests and their environs have been a significant site of anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim bigotry, with Zionists and far-right individuals directing racist comments towards participants.

The authors stated: Reported incidents at pro-Palestinian protests constituted 8% of the total reported incidents in 2023, all occurring after October 7. In 2024, incidents at pro-Palestinian protests slightly exceeded 5% of the total, while those reported at pro-Palestinian university encampments made up 8%. Additionally, incidents involving victims displaying pro-Palestinian symbols accounted for 8% of total incidents in 2023 and rose to one quarter of all reported incidents (25%) in 2024.

The report cited several examples. In one, a victim noted, Our group of mothers with babies were gathered on the steps of Parliament and were doing a silent demonstration/protest calling for a ceasefire. An Israeli supporter came 2 hours after we set up and started to intimidate us, saying we were standing in his space. The man physically assaulted the women, pushing them, declared that all Palestinians were terrorists, and that they deserved to be slaughtered.

Other incidents, not related to the protests, including a group of people wearing Keffiyehs being beaten by a drunk man, who used anti-Muslim slurs, and the placement of a bomb on the car of a family which flew the Palestinian flag in their front yard. It was later found that the perpetrator was a Zionist activist. He was not charged with terrorism, but was convicted of relatively minor criminal offences and given a short custodial sentence.

The stoking of anti-Palestinian racism has fed into broader Islamophobia. Many of those incidents, not directly related to the genocide, are shocking for their brazen violence. There are repeated examples of women wearing the Hijab being assaulted, including seriously, by persons unknown to them. More than two-thirds of the in-person incidents documented in the report were committed against women.

It is a coincidence, but the timing of the report was highly revealing. It was released shortly after the Australian Federal Police and the New South Wales Police confirmed that a spate of antisemitic attacks in Sydney, between November and January, had been a hoax. Those incidents, including the placement of explosives in an unattended caravan, and crude anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish graffiti, sometimes combined with arson, had been perpetrated by a criminal group, who were seeking to advance their own illegal activities.

As the WSWS has noted, many questions remain unanswered. The hoax attacks were used by the Israeli regime as well as the federal Labor and NSW Labor administrations to push hate speech laws, which could criminalise strident condemnations of Zionism. Such legislation was rushed through the federal and NSW parliaments in February, shortly before the attacks, used to legitimise them, were exposed as bogus.

The governments and agencies that utilised the phoney attacks would be prime suspects in any genuinely objective and politically informed investigation of the incidentsif not in the sense of direct perpetration, then potentially in having allowed the attacks to continue after the perpetrators were known.

In any event, it is striking that the hoax attacks were given infinitely more attention, by politicians and the media, than the actual acts of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian racism, meticulously documented in the Islamophobia Registers report.

The report exposes the sham of all of the nonsense spouted by politicians about the need for social cohesion and lowering the temperature of discourse. To justify their support for some of the worst war crimes since the Holocaust, they have whipped up a hothouse atmosphere and deliberately incited racism and division.

The struggle against all forms of xenophobia can only be taken forward in a fight against the entire political establishment. It means the struggle to unite the entire working class, regardless of race, religion or gender, in a common movement against war, exploitation, authoritarianism and their source: the capitalist system.
The vicious four-year-old witch-hunt against Alton Estate workers by plantation management and the police, aided and abetted by the plantation trade unions, including the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), continues.

Workers marching towards Up-Cot in Maskeliya for a protest picket on 28 August 2022.

Between February 17 and March 22 in 2021, 22 workers and two youth from Alton Estate were arrested on false charges, and 38 workersincluding those arrestedwere summarily sacked by the Horana Plantation Company (HPC), which manages the Alton Estate in Maskeliya. Those arrested were accused of physically attacking the estate manager Sathyamoorthy Subash Narayanan and assistant manager Anushan Thiruchelvam, allegations consistently and vehemently denied by the workers.

While the allegations against the two youth were eventually dropped, the legal persecution of the 22 workers is ongoing, with workers forced to appear every three months at a magistrate court in Hatton, about 11 kilometres from Maskeliya. No charges have been laid against these workers, who have now been directed to appear in court on May 28. All 38 workers sacked by the company are still struggling to survive without a permanent job.

The victimisation of the Alton Estate workers occurred during mass strike action by plantation workers in early 2021. Around 500 Alton Estate workers walked out on February 2 and joined a CWC-initiated national strike on February 5, involving tens of thousands of plantation workers demanding their daily wage to be increased to 1,000 rupees ($US5).

Confronting a series of deliberate provocations from management, the Alton Estate workers remained on strike until March 18. Isolated by the CWC and other plantation unions, a group of estate workers protested outside the managers residence on February 17 in opposition to harassment. Management immediately seized on the protest to concoct a bogus story that the workers had physically harmed the estate officials.

On January 9 this year, a Hatton Labour Tribunal judge dismissed a case lodged against HPC by 13 of the 38 sacked workers, who demanded they be reinstated with back wages. The Labour Tribunal judge not only dismissed the case but ordered each of the 13 workers to pay 7,500 rupees ($US25) to the company for its legal expenses.

Young plantation estate residents in Hatton sign petition supporting victimised Alton Estate workers, 23 June, 2023.

The judge claimed their case was baseless, accepting allegations by HPC lawyers that the workers were dismissed following alleged violence against estate managers. Company lawyers claimed that the workers entered the estate managers residence on February 17, 2021, physically harmed him and the assistant manager, and vandalised company property.

The judge accepted these bogus claims, even though the criminal case against workers at Hatton Magistrate Court is still pending and police have yet to formulate a single charge. Last December, in fact, Sri Lankas attorney-general, the countrys chief law officer, told Hatton police there was insufficient evidence to charge the workers with damaging the managers residence.

CWC Labour Director T.F. Kathirvelu, who appeared for the 13 workers at the Labour Tribunal, later declared that the judges ruling was unprecedented and against workers. Under Sri Lankan law, a Labour Tribunal ruling can be challenged if an appeal is lodged in a higher court within 30 days. CWC officials, however, have refused to make this appeal.

Instead, Kathirvelu told some workers that they could get their jobs back if they followed the tribunal judges directive and each pay 7,500 rupees to the company. In other words, the union, in line with the state and the company, is directing the victimised workers to admit their guilt for an offence they did not commit.

Seventeen other sacked workers have hired a lawyer and separately filed their own case for reinstatement at the same tribunal. This ruling is due next month.

The dismissal of the Alton Estate case by the Labour Tribunal again highlights the treachery of the CWC bureaucracy and other plantation trade unions.

From the outset, the CWC leadership refused to defend workers from the managements accusations. There is reliable information that when police began looking for suspects, local CWC leaders provided police with a list of workers. CWC officials also instructed some workers to surrender to the police, claiming that this would stop future harassment.

Horana Plantations is owned by the Hayleys Group, a highly profitable conglomerate in Sri Lanka. Its actions in Alton Estate were a well-planned repressive operation, not just against workers at one estate but to teach a lesson to increasingly militant plantation workers throughout the country.

The incident occurred as part of a series of drawn-out strikes and protests which began in late 2019 by up to 150,000 plantation workers demanding a 1,000-rupee daily wage. The estate companies vehemently opposed this demand, claiming this would reduce the industrys competitiveness on the global market.

A victimised Alton Estate worker and her child outside her home.

Plantation bosses demanded that their workers accept revenue-share schemes. This involved workers and their families being assigned around 1,000 tea bushes, which they would cultivate, while selling the harvest back to the estate, minus the annual cost of tools and other goods supplied by management. This deeply exploitative system would not only eliminate the wage system in the estates, but abolish existing pensions and other basic rights, making these toilers modern-day rentiers.

HPC management was so determined to crush the rising militancy of their workers that the planters association organised a demonstration in Hatton on March 3, 2021, to promote their bogus claims of workers violence. Around 500 planters demonstrated, demanding police patrols on the estates and calling for guns and weapons-training to deal with estate violence.

On March 9, the countrys National Security Council headed by then President Gotabhaya Rajapakse discussed security issues in the estates. It is not clear what was decided, but it demonstrated the governments clear support for the plantation companies.

CWC leaders and other plantation trade union bureaucrats have consistently opposed any mobilisation of plantation workers to defeat the frame-up of the Alton Estate workers. Nor have they provided any legal assistance in the courts to those accused by the police. For the past four years, the accused 22 workers have had to make court appearances in Hatton, with the cost of travel, food and legal fees paid out of their own pockets.

The provocations and subsequent witch-hunt against the Alton Estate workers was not an isolated incident. A few months later, 11 workers were victimised and dismissed at the Katukelle Estate in Talawakelle following false accusations. Five workers were sacked from the Velioya Estate near Hatton because they demanded payment subsidies during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pattern clearly indicates a coordinated effort by the estate bosses to suppress the rights of the plantation workforce.

Sri Lankan plantations are major targets in the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity and economic restructuring program to be implemented across the country. The former Wickremesinghe government previously announced that it would close down unprofitable estates, diversify cultivation and establish tourist centres in the plantation areas.

Irrespective of the specific plantation restructuring program adopted by President Dissanayakes Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National People Power government, estate workers are facing massive job cuts and attacks on their conditions.

The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) intervened at Alton Estate and numerous other plantations to defend the victimised workers and bring this brutal attack to the attention of the international working class.

The SEP initiated the Alton Workers Action Committee (AWAC), explaining to workers the treachery of the CWC and other trade unions, such as the National Union of Workers, Upcountry Peoples Front and the Democratic Workers Congress, which have formed the Tamil Progressive Alliance.

Plantation workers across Sri Lanka should study the political lessons of the Alton Estate witch-hunt. This experience has further revealed the brutality of the big estate companies, backed by the Colombo government, which are determined to impose the most extreme forms of exploitation.

These attacks, however, could not have been unleashed without the support of the trade union apparatus, which, operating as an industrial police force, have blocked and betrayed workers struggles and supported police intimidation.

Functioning as capitalist political parties, the plantation unions align themselves with different sections of the ruling elite, and have been rewarded with ministerial positions in different governments over the past five decades. That is why plantation employees in every estate need to embrace the decision made by Alton workers and form their own action committees, independent of the trade union bureaucracies and capitalist parties, to defend their jobs and win decent wages and working conditions.

Plantation workers need to fight for a living monthly wage with paid medical leave, decent working conditions, housing, hospitals and schools with proper facilities and jobs for all unemployed. All charges must be dropped against the Alton Estate workers and all 38 dismissed workers reinstated with full payment of back wages.

The SEP, the AWAC and other action committees call on workers across Sri Lanka to support the victimised Alton Estate workers, and to link up with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to coordinate their efforts internationally.

Sri Lankan plantation workers are exploited by an international network of giant plantation and export operations like Lipton, Tetley and Twinings. They must reach out to their counterparts in India, Kenya, Malaysia and Vietnam, who endure similar conditions.

The defence of democratic and social rights requires a unified political struggle to overthrow the profit-driven system and for the nationalisation of all key companies, plantations and banks, under the democratic control of workers, as an integral part of the fight for a workers and peasants government.
Rolls-Royce Indianapolis plant [Photo: Rolls-Royce media]

Last Wednesday, a five-year contract between Rolls-Royce and the United Auto Workers (UAW) was ratified by 489 votes in favor and 205 votes against. The contract, drawn up by the UAW bureaucracy and union president Shawn Fain, never aimed to address the demands raised by workers.

The UAW announced a last-minute deal on February 26 to prevent a strike at the Indianapolis, Indiana plant, which had been authorized by workers by 99.5 percent. The factory produces engines for US military aircraft and vehicles.

Although 70 percent of workers ostensibly voted yes, more than 100 workers did not cast ballots, expressing alienation from the UAW bureaucracy.

When he announced the historic contract in a livestream, surrounded by UAW Local 933 officials, Fain claimed workers would receive highlights. Only under pressure from workers to see the full deal was the 20-page highlights and White Book distributed to workers prior to the March 12 vote.

After the vote, a legacy worker quipped to the WSWS: Yeah, its always fun to see what we really got in the months and years afterward. ... Im super disappointed that we didnt fix all the issues for the younger people and those who come after us.

While Fain gave his now standard claim that the contract was historic, the contract did not eliminate tiers, offer equal wage increases, implement cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), or increase healthcare and retirement benefits or job security.

Instead, the agreement claimed that tier workers would receive top pay by the end of the contract, with gradual increases for new hires over three years (equal to 70, 80 and 90 percent of the legacy rate). Tier 4 workers would not reach full wages, as Fain and the highlights claimed. COLA was limited to some workers, but not across the board. This included a five cent deduction from COLA at the end of the agreement to set a base for future COLA calculations.

John Snow [UAW Local 933 Rolls-Royce chairman] tried to sell the contract to us over and over, one worker told the WSWS before the vote. I didnt feel like legacy workers got anything out of this contract at all. Most of those guys will be gone before they ever even see the benefit of a wage increase, and then Id be stuck with all these other guys to deal with.

Another worker said, Seems to me all he is worried about is keeping his $300,000 a year chairman position at the next election.

The vote on the contract did not accurately represent the support for the deal. Instead, it reflected the role of the bureaucracy in suppressing strikes. Just days before the vote, Shawn Fain was alongside Bernie Sanders, denouncing billionaires and unchecked corporate greed. But the next day, Fain praised Trumps America First trade war policies, falsely presenting the fascist presidents tariff policies as benefiting American workers.

The UAW has emerged as a major factor in helping impose labor peace in the aerospace and defense industries. Just four months ago, Eaton Aerospace workers in Jackson, Michigan, were browbeaten into accepting an identical deal in which tiers were not eliminated. These workers had rejected the companys last, best, and final offer a month earlier and courageously struck for three months.

At the same time, 33,000 Boeing workers were waging a struggle against the company as well as the International Association of Machinists (IAM) bureaucracy.

In a related development, ATI steelworkers have recently rejected a United Steelworkers sellout contract after being forced to continue working under an expired agreement. ATI makes specialty metals for aerospace and military industries. A strike could cause a shortage of metals for jet engines, helicopter blades and medical supplies.

The timing is significant. ATI has a direct Long-Term Purchase Agreement with Rolls-Royce, established in 2019. ATI supplies rotating-disc-quality nickel-base and other alloys directly to the Indianapolis campus of Rolls-Royces plants.

Like Eaton and Boeing, Rolls-Royce is a major military supplier. The US Department of Defense (DoD) awarded Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis $695.3 million to support program management, integrated logistics support, sustaining engineering, maintenance and repair, reliability improvements, configuration management, and site support for the MV-22, CV-22, and CMV-22 AE1107C engine series.

On February 7, the plant was awarded a $167.3 million firm fixed-price contract for the production of 40 MT7 turboshaft engines, ancillary parts, installation kits, and a portable test tool inspection in support of the Ship to Shore Connector Program and Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 100 Class craft. The Pentagon contract is for the production of dozens of engines for US Navy landing crafts. The Indianapolis plant also produces engines for aircraft like the B-52 bomber, CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and C-130J transport planes.

UAW backs America First militarism against the working class

Trumps claim that his trade war measures would benefit workers, the logic of which leads to massive new wars, has proven false. In the second month of Trump 2.0, the US launched airstrikes on Yemen, murdering dozens of civilians. These strikes were justified as a preemptive action against Houthi rebels blocking food and water supplies for Gaza. With the support of the Israeli state, the US is attempting to continue the genocide of the Gaza population and expand the broader war in the Middle East.

On Friday, GE Aerospace and the US Air Force announced a contract on Friday valued at $5 billion for an indefinite quantity of F110-GE-129 engines for F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. Pratt & Whitney, a Connecticut defense contractor, is in negotiations with the IAM for a contract that expires May 5. This is crucial, as Pratt & Whitney has secured $1.5 billion for F-22 fighter jets.

The DoDs proposed budget for this year is $850 billion. But while military spending has increased, jobs and pay continue to stagnate and decline.

As Fain and other union bureaucrats give mealy-mouthed defenses of workers jobs and democratic rights, thousands of jobs are on the chopping block. By stating his support for Trumps trade war policies and preparations for war against Europe and China, Fain is currying favor with the military-industrial complex to avoid disruptions to military production. This is a continuation of his role under Biden, when he trumpeted the example of UAW members in working under a no-strike pledge during World War II, while Biden called the AFL-CIO his domestic NATO.

President Joe Biden stands with Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, at the United Auto Workers' political convention, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, in Washington. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

Support for war abroad is connected with support for dictatorship in the factories and workplaces. The UAW has done nothing to defend one of its former members, Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested and faces deportation for expressing his democratic right to protest the genocide in Gaza while a student at Columbia University. The UAW is also complicit in the police raids that began in the Ford plants almost 80 years after the massive spy ring aimed at beating and arresting militant union and socialist workers.

The fight at Rolls-Royce, Allison, the Big Three, and many other plants is not over. The passage of the contract is not a defeat for Rolls-Royce workers but rather a betrayal by the UAW bureaucracy, which confined workers to a snap contract.

Workers must develop the Rolls-Royce Workers Rank-and-File Committee to fight against the attacks being prepared by the UAW and their handlers in both parties. Workers must take warning from their brothers and sisters in the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC).

In May, following the Big Three autoworkers contract, the Stellantis Kokomo Rank-and-File Committee was founded in opposition to UAW betrayals and to the threat of war. They exposed Fains lies that workers were fired or laid off due to low performance. In fact, the layoffs were a cost-cutting mechanism agreed to by the UAW. Their demands included ending mass firings, bringing back fired workers and abolishing tiers and temporary positions.
The Indonesian government of President Prabowo Subianto has begun to implement major budget cuts targeting education, health, infrastructure and the public service. These severe austerity measures have sparked an ongoing student protest movement across the archipelago.

Indonesian students rally against austerity measures implemented by President Prabowo Subianto, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. [AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim]

Announced in January, the cost-cutting drive initially totalled $19 billion in cuts, ostensibly to free up funds to pay for Prabowos free meal program. The program, set to cost $28 billion annually, is aimed at providing free daily meals to 83 million schoolchildren and pregnant mothers. This populist measure was one of the central pillars of Prabowos election campaign and a factor in his victory last October, winning 59 percent of the national vote, amid rising poverty and malnutrition.

In order to pay for this election promise, Prabowo has taken an axe to vital public services under the fraudulent pretext of combatting inefficiency, seeking to emulate the policies of the Trump administration in the US.

The budgets of several government ministries were slashed. The government claimed the cuts only affect federal workers travel, office supplies and electricity use. The cuts, however, are significant: a 70 percent reduction for public works, 52 percent for economic affairs and 40 percent for investment. The measures have also included the scrapping of numerous infrastructure projects and impacted on building maintenance.

I continuously demand savings, efficiency, Prabowo said. I demand the courage to cut down non-essential items.

In February, Prabowo escalated this drive when the targeted cuts were raised to $44 billion, or over 15 percent of the state budget.

Undercutting Prabowos professed concern for schoolchildren, funding for primary and secondary education was reduced by $480 million, while the higher education ministrys budget was slashed by 25 percent, down to $2.6 billion.

The attacks on education sparked outrage on social media among students and young people, concerned that the cuts would mean rising university fees, the cancellation of scholarships and worsening teacher welfare. This led to large student demonstrations in every major city across the nation.

The protest movement has been dubbed Dark Indonesia, referring to the countrys social crisis and lack of prospects for youth. The name is a reference to Golden Indonesia, one of Prabowos election campaign slogans last year.

The protests, organised by the All-Indonesian Students Union, were led by university student councils and convened outside city government offices, where a list of demands was presented. Rallies were held in capital city Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Banda Aceh, Makassar and Samarinda, among dozens of other cities.

The largest demonstration, outside the Jakarta presidential palace on February 20, drew thousands of students. Protesters brandished signs reading RIP education, education emergency in Indonesia and the government consists of dumb people. Protests continue to be organised, but numbers are smaller than at those in late February.

In West Papua, high school students called for free education and an upgrade to school facilities instead of free meals. They also condemned the programs use of soldiers in distributing the free meals and growing militarisation within their schools.

Some protests escalated into near clashes with the police. In Jakarta, police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowds, according to the Jakarta Post. In Surabaya, authorities reportedly used water cannon and arrested five students.

While opposing the austerity measures, students also raised broader economic and social issues: the rising cost of living, skyrocketing food and fuel prices, lack of subsidised cooking gas and growing social inequality. In that sense, the protests, although populated by students, reflected far wider anger over declining living standards.

The students list of demands included a reassessment of the budget cuts and the free meal program, as well as free, scientific and democratic education and an end to state corruption and the militarys dominant role in the government. The protests called for the implementation of pro-people policies to protect education, health and social welfare.

Cleorisa, 20, a protester studying at Jakartas National University, told the Financial Times the free meals program is not effective because it sacrifices education What the public needs is education and healthcare we need proper education to get proper jobs.

Protest leader Herianto told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation: The free meals arent, as promised, being delivered in all areas of the country, so millions of children arent even receiving them Our demands reflect how dark the social-economic situation in Indonesia is, and how hard life in Indonesia is for young people.

The dire conditions for Indonesian youth have prompted the social media hashtag #KaburAjaDulu (Just Leave First), which has been circulated widely during the protests and promotes the idea of leaving the country to seek job opportunities abroad.

Unemployment in Indonesia is dominated by Generation Z, or those aged 15-24, which makes up 16 percent of the countrys increasingly young population. According to the latest official data, the unemployment rate in this age cohort was 17.3 percent last August, far higher than the national rate of 4.9 percent, and particularly high among university graduates and those with vocational college diplomas.

While it is understandable that some students may want to flee Indonesia to escape these problems, it is certainly not a solution for many students who do not have the financial means to do so. Nor is it a solution for the Indonesian working class and rural poor, who live under increasingly impoverished conditions and are bearing the brunt of the governments pro-business austerity policies.

In response to the protests and #KaburAjaDulu, several government ministers denounced students. Deputy manpower minister Immanuel Ebenezer said, If they want to run away, just run. Do not return, if necessary.

Prabowo remained silent for a week after the protests began. Then, on February 25, he publicly slammed the protesters and the idea of a dark future, citing predictions by investment firm Goldman Sachs from three years ago that Indonesia would be the worlds fourth-largest economy by 2050.

Since coming into office, Prabowo has claimed he will boost Indonesias annual growth to 8 percent, up from around 5 percent currently. However, Bank Indonesia cut its 2025 growth forecast in January down to a potential 4.7 percent, pointing to a weaker economic outlook and sluggish domestic consumption.

The government recently revealed that nearly half of the funds from budget cuts, $20 billion, will be diverted to a newly launched sovereign wealth fund, called Danantara. Prabowo has said this will help reach the 8 percent growth target, and will be used to invest in lucrative projects such as food estates, renewables and the nickel industry. In other words, he has effectively taken personal control of a significant portion of the countrys assets.

Prabowos austerity cuts are being undertaken amid heightened global economic instability, fuelled by the Trump administrations trade war measures, aimed in particular at China. The Indonesian ruling class, as with its global counterparts, is seeking to escalate austerity and attack the living standards of the working class.

This is the agenda Prabowo has been tasked with enacting, on behalf of the financial elite he represents. He has been promoted by the Indonesian political establishment as the right person to suppress social tensions amid rising economic turmoil.

It should be remembered that Prabowo himself, a former general in the Suharto military dictatorship, was responsible for torturing and disappearing 22 student protest leaders in the 1998 mass protests against the Suharto regime, which collapsed amid the Asian economic crisis. That is just one element of his blood-soaked record as an operative for the military junta, personally responsible for countless atrocities. Today, he will not hesitate to use state repression as opposition towards his policies mounts.

That such a monstrous figure has returned to power is a total refutation of the notion of reformasithat Indonesia would undergo a democratic transformation after the fall of Suharto. All the democratic political parties of the Indonesian ruling elite, including the PDIP, helped to rehabilitate and whitewash Prabowo as a legitimate politician.

Students and young people who want to fight Prabowos dictatorial policies cannot put any faith in making futile appeals to the various capitalist parties, nor will leaving the country solve anything.

Instead, they should turn towards the task of mobilising the broad mass of the working class and rural masses of Indonesia in an independent movement, against the government and its austerity drive. Such a movement needs to be based on a socialist perspective, aimed at taking political power and expropriating the vast wealth of the corporate elite to meet the needs of society.
A banner at the picket line at University of California, Santa Cruz, May 20, 2024

As part of a broader crackdown on free speech and anti-war protests led by the Trump administration, last Friday the Santa Cruz County District Attorneys Office announced it was filing charges against a University of California Santa Cruz student who participated in anti-genocide protests on the campus last year.

The studentwho remains unidentified due to concerns over their safetywas one of over 100 arrested last May while participating in the Gaza Solidarity encampment. Despite the peaceful character of the encampment, police reacted violently to students, jabbing them with their batons and throwing them on the ground before arresting them.

The same student was arrested again this past October while participating in a campus rally marking the beginning of Israels genocidal onslaught in Gaza, which was launched using the assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023 as justification.

The trumped up charges filed last Friday concern activities that allegedly took place at both events, including battery of a police officer, resisting arrest and providing false information. No evidence, including video, has been provided by the police or district attorney to corroborate the allegations.

The fact that the charges are only being filed now, nearly a year after the protest took place, underscores their concocted character. After being initially arrested last year, the student, and over 100 others, did not have any charges filed against them. The student now facing charges was able to continue their studies at UCSC.



Witnesses to the October 7, 2024 arrest explained to Lookout Santa Cruz News that police approached the student and told them they could not wear a mask or use a bullhorn, and demanded that they identify themself. According to these witnesses, police proceeded to push the student away from the group of people and then they picked them up and put them into a police car.

The day after this arrest, students held another demonstration against the the US-backed Israeli genocide and the crackdown against protest by the UC system.

Student organizers were again threatened with arrest for using a megaphone, including the student currently facing charges of battery of a police officer and resisting arrest.

The big lie being perpetuated by the US ruling class, both political parties and college presidents and the police is that large swathes of young people, students, workers and anti-genocide protesters are actually violent antisemites. In reality, the vast majority of violence occurring at protests against the genocide has come from the police. Last June at University of California Los Angeles, police, in coordination with fascist Zionist thugs, conducted a violent rampage at a Gaza solidarity encampment, assaulting and arresting many peaceful student protesters.

This is all bound up with the broader escalation of a ruling class offensive against the democratic rights of the entire population. In January the Trump administration signed an executive order aimed at restricting free speech at universities, as well as pressuring university administrators to report anti-war students for deportation, with Trumps administration saying in a fact sheet regarding the order, we will find you, and we will deport you. I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathisers on college campuses.

Last Monday the Department of Education also sent out letters threatening potential enforcement actions to 60 universities it deemed were not doing enough to protect Jewish students, which is code for not doing enough to crush anti-genocide dissent. This was in the wake of the illegal disappearing of Mahmoud Khalil, who is a leader of the anti-genocide protests at Columbia University in New York and was kidnapped for deportation due to his political views, despite being a permanent resident and green card holder and not even being accused of any crime.

Threatening to go after more students who dare express opposition to ethnic cleansing and genocide, Trump posted on his social media accounts, 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 is the first arrest of many to come. We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our countrynever to return again.

Far from opposing these attacks on fundamental democratic rights, the Democratic Party is directly collaborating with the Trump administrations major crackdown on the rights of students. The Democrats and the Biden administration paved the way for Trump by criminalizing dissent and arresting over 3,500 students and teachers during the protests last year.



The mass arrests of peaceful protestors was coordinated at the highest levels, with Biden establishing the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism in response to student encampments.

The so-called left wing of the political establishment, such as Bernie Sanders, is complicit in these attacks. After stumping for Genocide Joe Biden last year, Sanders still refuses to characterize the slaughter in Gaza as a genocide, even as Israel violates the ceasefire agreement and continues to block electricity, food and aid from entering the besieged and devastated enclave.

New York Representative and Democratic Socialists of America member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is likewise complicit in these attacks and the ongoing genocide. Like Sanders, she relentlessly boosted and campaigned for Biden, Netanyahus top weapons supplier. In the midst of last summers slaughter she provided a platform for high-level Zionists and an Anti-Defamation League operative to spread the lie that antisemitism was on the rise in left-wing and progressive spaces.



Rather than fighting to build a movement in the working class that will defend the democratic rights of everyone, the democratic socialist Sanders is attempting to steer progressive sentiments and resistance among the youth and working class into pro-imperialist warmongering against Russia.

The University of California Board of Regents, which has been at the forefront of coordinating many of the crackdowns against peaceful protesters, is itself an entity of the Democratic Party and deeply connected to the military industrial complex and other corporate interests. At the beginning of this school year a letter was sent from the president of the UC system, Michael Drake, to all 10 campuses, ordering them to ban all encampments and to crack down on other protest activities.

Last year, UCSC implemented an illegal campus ban on all students who were arrested at the solidarity encampment with no due process, significantly disrupting these students education and access to housing, with some even becoming homeless. This provoked legal responses from the victimized students, with a student involved in a lawsuit against the university even having their phone illegally seized by the police days after filing the suit.

Thomas C. Seabaugh, a Los Angeles-based civil rights attorney representing the student who had their phone illegally seized, spoke to Lookout Santa Cruz News regarding the latest charges filed against the UCSC student and their ominous timing in the context of escalating attacks under Trump administration. He explained, Its hard not to see whats happening at UCSC, and around the country, as not being part of that, and being tainted by that. He then posed the question, Why now? Why a year after the fact over such petty things?

Seabaugh continued, I think students and faculty and parents of students want to know, are you going to defend students, or are you going to be accomplices in this crackdown? And for a university like UCSC, which Im sure prides itself in theory on being a center of tolerance and enlightenment and progressive thought: is this going to be a place of tyranny, or is it going to be a place where the students are free to speak their minds?

The attack on democratic rights at universities is not isolated to the United States, as shown with the Zionist witch-hunt of Australian academic Randa Abdel-Fattah, which has sparked widespread outrage.

The defense of democratic rights, and the struggle against war and genocide, must be carried out with urgency and a clear political perspective. It is imperative that students take seriously the threats facing them, and make a class conscious decision to turn to the working class, the only social force capable of resolving the crisis of capitalism on a progressive basis.

A politically independent mass movement of rank and file workers and youth against fascism, war and inequality internationally must be built and developed in opposition to all these attacks on democratic rights.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Australia is holding a crucial public meeting this Wednesday, March 19, entitled Election ban on the SEP: An attack on democratic rights. The meeting will be an in-person event in Sydney and live-streamed online.

WHEN: 7 p.m. (AEDT) Wednesday, March 19

WHERE: Lansdowne Rooms 1 & 2, Bankstown Library, 80 Rickard Rd, Bankstown, NSW

Reserve your seat now!

For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be live-streamed via Zoom.

A March 11 letter from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has flatly rejected every point in the Socialist Equality Partys challenge to the AECs rejection of the partys registration submission for the imminent federal election.

The letter, sent by AEC Assistant Commissioner Joanne Reid, underscores the anti-democratic character of the countrys party registration legislation.

Her reply makes it legally impossible for the SEP to have the basic democratic right to have its party name on the election ballot papers alongside the names of its candidates.

This also deprives voters of the right to be able to identify the SEPs candidates on the ballot paper in order to vote for us. As the SEP is the only party standing in the elections that offers a genuine socialist alternative to the program of militarism, genocide, ever-greater social inequality and the gutting of working-class conditions, the decision of the AEC is a conscious act of censorship.

It is an action taken on behalf of the Labor government, the Liberal-National Coalition and all the parliamentary parties to ensure workers and young people do not turn to an independent and anti-capitalist political program.

The basic democratic rights of all our more than 1,500 members, whose names and details were supplied to the AEC, are also being denied. Many of them are making statements of outrage and protest.

The AECs March 11 correspondence was a delayed answer to a letter sent to the AEC on February 24 by SEP National Secretary Cheryl Crisp. On behalf of the SEP, Crisp formally challenged the AECs refusal to register the SEP, which was only notified to the SEP on February 17nearly five months after the SEP submitted its application on September 23.

In what can only be described as a catch-22 communication, Reid said the AEC had not rejected the SEPs registration. She said the AEC had instead given the SEP an option to vary and re-submit its application. This is despite Reids February 17, 2025 correspondence stating: My decision is based on my opinion that the Partys membership list does not meet the requirements set out in ss 123(1) and 126(2)(ca) of the Electoral Act.

The first catch is that under the Commonwealth Electoral Act, such a re-submission is treated, under section 131(4) of the Act, as if it were a new application, which Reid did not mention in her letter.

That could mean another lengthy process, like the murky five-month one that the AEC took to ban the SEPs name from the ballots in the first place.

The AECs official Guide for registering a party indicates a four-month application decision-making process. As the SEPs experience shows, even that guide is meaningless, as far as the AEC is concerned.

Once Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sets a date for the election, which must be held by May 17, and the writs are then issued for the election, all party registration applications are frozen. The latest possible date for Albanese to trigger the issuing of the writs is April 14.

That means, as the AEC knows, it would be impossible for the SEP to complete any re-submitted registration process before the freeze comes into effect.

The second catch is that, as Reid emphasised, the Electoral Act contains no right to review a decision by the AEC to issue a notice, made under section 131 of the Act, to block a registration and ask for it to be varied. Importantly, there is no mechanism under the Act to review a decision made to issue a party with a notice under s 131 of the Act, Reid wrote.

Once such a variation notice has been issued, the partys registration application is also frozen.

This is truly what has become widely known as a catch-22 situation: a dilemma from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting conditions.

(Set in World War II, Catch-22 is a satirical anti-war novel by Joseph Heller in which a US military pilot requesting mental evaluation for insanityhoping to be found not sane enough to fly and thereby escape dangerous missionsdemonstrates his own sanity in creating the request and thus cannot be declared insane.)

In effect, the issuing of a section 131 notice is a means of delaying any appeal against an AEC decision to refuse to register a party. It adds yet another obstacle to parties seeking to challenge the political establishment.

Rising political disaffection

The AECs decision is a continuation of escalating moves by the political establishment and its agencies to suppress mounting economic, social and political disaffection and shore up the main post-World War II parties of capitalist rule: Labor and the Coalition, as well as the Greens, who have become a pivotal part of this establishment over the past two decades.

The SEP and numbers of other parties were deregistered after Labor and the Coalition joined hands to pass legislation in August 2021 that suddenly tripled the already reactionary membership list requirement from 500 to 1,500. The reactionary measures resulted in the deregistration of almost half the existing non-parliamentary parties. That was just before the May 2022 election, amid COVID-19 lockdowns that necessarily restricted public campaigning.

Parties with existing parliamentary representation, generally those with the greatest resources, such as Labor, the Liberal-Nationals and the Greens, are exempt from this time-consuming and politically invasive registration process.

The AECs February 17 refusal of the SEPs registration followed an obscure and inexplicably delayed process. The AEC said it culled three members from our submitted list of 1,546 members for supposedly also being members of other parties. Then it claimed that, of a statistically tiny sample of just 33 of the SEPs membership, four denied being members, and that therefore we failed the membership test.

To test the veracity of the AECs assertions, Crisps February 24 letter to the AEC made a series of demands as part of our request for an immediate reversal of the decision. These included being given the names of the three supposed cross-party duplicates and four membership deniers.

Crisp also asked for an explanation of why the SEP was not given the option to waive the right to rely on cross-party duplicates, despite other registered parties being granted this right. She said the SEP also required the statistical methodology used by the AEC to test the validity of the SEP membership and what assumptions are used for the testing. Crisp noted that there were serious questions about the validity and reliability of the statistical method used.

In response, Reids March 11 letter dismissed each of these demands, and also defended the lengthy delay in processing the SEPs application.

Under the false guise of abiding by privacy laws, Reid repeated the AECs previous refusal to inform the SEP of the names of the individuals axed from the membership list. That privacy assertion denies the reality that our members all gave their details to us in the first place, in order to be submitted to the AEC.

Reid refused to supply any details of the AECs statistical methodology, while claiming that it had been explained in a 2022 response to a Freedom of Information Act application by another rejected party. In fact, that 2022 response did not disclose the methodology.

Finally, Reid further asserted that the Electoral Act forbids the AEC from providing parties with an option of not relying on any cross-party duplicates, even though that option has been given to at least one other party, named HEART.

A revealing contrast

As the SEP pointed out in a February 28 statement, the AECs refusal to register the SEP stands in stark contrast to the AECs willingness to permit mining billionaire Clive Palmer to take over a virtually unknown, re-badged officially registered party called Trumpet of Patriots (ToP), in a blatant move to seek to re-align the political system to match Trumps vicious agenda.

Palmer is now bombarding the population with a $90 million Make Australia Great Again election barrage, spewing Trump-like slogans and misinformation.

This contrast makes clear the real purpose of the anti-democratic party registration scheme. It is to do everything possible to keep socialist parties, in particular the SEP, off the ballot papers, while giving free rein to billionaires and far-right formations.

This is under conditions of a historic crisis of the two-party system and the political establishment as a whole, with media polls showing deep discontent with both the Albanese Labor government and the Coalition, producing the likelihood of a highly unstable minority government. As the SEPs February 28 statement explained:

The corporate media has expressed alarm about this nightmare scenario. It would produce a fragile Labor or Coalition government depending for survival on the parliamentary votes of the Greens and/or various independents in the face of intensifying political discontent and the global turmoil triggered by the fascistic Trump administration in the United States. The political disaffection, which has been building up for decades, has been deepened by the cost-of-living and housing affordability crisis, producing the greatest cut in working-class living conditions since the 1950s. That has been combined with hostility to the bipartisan support for the US-backed Israeli genocide in Palestine and for US militarism more broadly, including the massive spending on AUKUS submarines and other preparations for war against China.

Despite the AEC ruling, the SEP will intervene boldly in the 2025 federal election to provide workers and young people with a real socialist and internationalist perspective, against the disastrous program of militarism, austerity and authoritarianism supported by every other party.

We urge all our electoral members and supporters to participate actively in this crucial campaign, including by sending letters of protest and support to the SEP at sep@sep.org.au, and by joining our public meeting this Wednesday evening to discuss how to take forward this fight.
Chicago police arrest a Starbucks worker, March 11, 2025. [Photo: Stabucks Workers United]

Last week, 11 Starbucks workers and supporters were arrested by Chicago police during a sit-in at one of the citys earliest unionized Starbucks locations. The protest took place during Starbucks annual shareholder meeting.

The protest was part of a broader campaign across multiple cities to pressure Starbucks into signing a contract with Starbucks Workers United (SWU), the union representing more than 10,500 employees across over 550 stores nationwide. Workers at locations across the country have been voting for the past three years in favor of union representation.

At the Chicago location, workers and supporters packed the cafe before moving outside to protest with signs. A dozen protesters, including current and former Starbucks employees and community allies, staged a sit-in under the banner Fair Contract Now. Their peaceful demonstration was met with a police response, as officers arrested the protesters, sparking outrage on social media.

Its super messed up that they are targeting people just trying to stand up for their rights, one user wrote. Workers deserve better! Another commented, At the end of the day, these companies are making it clear that they only care about their moneynothing more, nothing less.

While this protest highlights the genuine sentiment of workers fighting for better conditions, it also exposes the limitations of protest tactics that focus on pressuring executives rather than confronting the profit system.

However, actions staged outside corporate offices or shareholder gatherings are primarily aimed at pressuring executives to negotiate with the union bureaucracy. Such tactics divert workers opposition into symbolic gestures which resolve nothing. Workers real power lies not in pressuring corporate executives but in mobilizing collective industrial actionstrikes, work stoppages, and other direct disruptions to production and profit.

Starbucks refusal to bargain with workers who have voted to unionize exemplifies the companys ruthless stance. Accused of committing over 400 labor violations, including illegal firings, store closures and intimidation tactics, Starbucks continues to disregard its workers democratic rights.

Protests alone will not change this. What is needed is a coordinated campaign of strikes and workplace actions that unites not just unionized Starbucks locations but the entire workforceboth unionized and nonunionized. This movement must also extend beyond Starbucks, reaching out to workers across the low-wage retail and service industries, building solidarity and collective power. Crucially, this effort must be led by rank-and-file workers, not the union bureaucracy, which has a history of suppressing worker militancy to maintain its relationships with employers.

SWU is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which for decades has negotiated low-wage contracts around the country in sectors like healthcare and janitorial services that leave workers with subpar wages, poor benefits and inadequate working conditions. These agreements often involve no-strike pledges and minimal improvements, entrenching the bureaucracys power without addressing the real needs of workers.

The bureaucracys strategy is to keep workers on the job for years without a contract, eventually reaching an agreement with management that offers little real improvement. In exchange for this and potential neutrality agreements by the company in future unionization efforts, the unions bargain away the right to strike and other key measures. These tactics help to establish the kind of corrupt relationship that bureaucracy has with other employers, where the bureaucracys priority is securing deals that maintain its own influence rather than fighting for workers rights.

This was shown in the fate of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU). Despite its initial success at the JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island, the ALU was unable to organize workers at other Amazon facilities or maintain strong ties with its rank-and-file members. Instead, the union sought alliances with the Teamsters and the Democratic Party, which sidelined the workers struggle in favor of symbolic protests and political deals.

As a result, JFK8 workers still do not have a contract three years later, and their fight has been largely ignored by the union leadership. Starbucks workers must avoid making the same mistake by being drawn into a dead-end strategy of symbolic protests that fail to challenge the real power structures at play.

Pseudo-left groups like Labor Notes and the DSA have held up SWU, as they had earlier done with ALU, as shining examples of grassroots worker organizing. In reality, the SWUs reliance on the union bureaucracy and its focus on symbolic actions undermines the actual power of workers. The fight for true rank-and-file control will require workers to build independent, democratic organizations that empower them to take control of their struggles. Real rank-and-file control can only be achieved through a direct confrontation with the bureaucracy.

The fight at Starbucks is part of a broader, global class struggle in which workers are increasingly demanding the wealth they create. This struggle, which intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, spans industries from logistics to healthcare, to auto and education.

Workers are recognizing the intersection between their fight for better wages and benefits and the deepening political crisis. With the second Trump administration increasing attacks on workers rights and democracy, it is clear that workers must confront not only corporate power but also the political forces that defend it.

For the baristas who risked arrest, these tacticswhile noblewill lead nowhere unless they are part of a broader, more radical struggle. This struggle must challenge not only corporations but the entire capitalist system, which is incompatible with the basic interests of the vast majority of the population. Workers must be prepared to enforce their democratic rights and challenge the bureaucracy that seeks to limit their power and control over their own struggles.

To overcome these challenges, workers must build rank-and-file committeesindependent, democratic organizations that allow workers to take control of their own struggles, free from the limitations of the union bureaucracy. These committees must be formed directly by workers on the ground, ensuring that decisions are made collectively by those most affected. They can then coordinate actions across stores and industries, mobilizing broader support and building the solidarity necessary to challenge the capitalist system and win real gains for workers.
White House border czar Tom Homan speaks with reporters at the White House, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

The Trump administration is brazenly defying the authority of a federal judge in Washington D.C., who ordered a halt to deportation flights that have sent more than 250 Venezuelan and Salvadoran men to El Salvador, where they were immediately imprisoned by the fascistic government of President Nayib Bukele, acting as a subcontractor for the US.

Federal District Judge James Boasberg, the presiding judge in the court that handles cases in the US capital, issued a 14-day restraining order on Saturday against Trumps executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Boasberg took this action after the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward filed an emergency petition on behalf of five of the Venezuelan prisoners, who denied Trumps unsubstantiated claims that they were members of the Tren de Aragua gang.

The judge instructed federal officialsfirst orally from the bench, then in writingto halt the deportations until the cases could be reviewed in court. He added that if planes were already in the air, they must turn around immediately and return the prisoners to US soil.

Instead, two planes that had already taken off from south Texas continued on to El Salvador, landing around midnight, hours after the judges order. A third plane took off after the judges order and followed the same route.

The White House pursued a two-track policy during the day Monday, giving lip service to obeying the order issued by Judge Boasberg, at least at a hearing in front of the judge, while at the same time declaring its open defiance of judicial authority.

The tone was set by Trumps chief fascist thugs on immigration, Tom Homan and Stephen Miller. Homan, the White House border czar, told Fox News that the deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act would continue. Were not stopping, he said, we dont care what the judges think, or what the Left thinks. Were coming.

Also speaking on Fox, deputy White House Chief of Staff Miller claimed that Boasbergs order was without doubt the most unlawful order a judge has issued in our lifetimes. He continued, A district court judge has no authority to direct the national security operations of the executive branch. The president has operated [at] the absolute apex of his constitutional authority.

The judge issued his unlawful order without receiving any information on this terrorist organization and the diplomacy that has been conducted, Miller said. Let alone the fact that hes trying to issue the movement of aircraft that is operating outside of the United States.

Judge Boasberg had no information on Tren de Aragua because the Trump administration refused to provide itrepeatedly declaring that it would not do so for reasons of national security. Instead, the White House claims that the president has the authority to determine that a Venezuelan man is a gang member without any due process. In many cases, according to press reports, tattoos are the sole evidence of gang membership, regardless of their content.

As for Millers claim that the judges order was invalid because it involved aircraft outside the United States, this argument is absurd. As the judge pointed out to a Justice Department lawyer who made the same claim at a hearing late Monday, regardless of the planes location, those directing its movements were situated in Washington D.C. and therefore subject to his jurisdiction as the federal judge for that area.

In an extraordinary effort to block both the Monday hearing and any future review by Judge Boasberg, the Justice Department filed a petition with the Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia seeking to have Boasberg removed from the case. It claimed that his demand for detailed information about the deportation flights was flagrantly improper and presents grave risks to the conduct of the Government in areas wholly unsuited to micromanagement supervision by a district court judge.

The Appeals Court gave the groups upholding the legal rights of migrants until Tuesday to file a brief, and the government until Wednesday to reply. In the meantime, Judge Boasberg has ordered the Justice Department to supply full details of the deportation flights on Tuesday.

As they have in relation to other federal judges who have delayed or blocked Trump executive actions as illegal or unconstitutional, House Republicans have immediately called for the impeachment of Judge Boasberg. They were joined in this by centibillionaire Elon Musk, Trumps chief enforcer for cutting federal social programs and jobs.

The actions taken by the Trump administration since Friday night, when Trump signed the executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act, are a crossing of the Rubicon in terms of the assertion of unlimited presidential authority.

The assertion, made both by White House spokespersons and in court filings, that there is no constitutional check on the power of the president, particularly in areas deemed to be national security, including immigration, amounts to a declaration of presidential dictatorship.

Such claims are clearly an impeachable offense, yet no one in the leadership of the Democratic Party or in the corporate media suggests that such an action is warranted.

The posture of the Democratic Party continues to be to plead with the dictator-president to stop acting as a dictator, while opposing any action to mobilize the American population against him.

Four Democratic senators, all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and headed by Dick Durbin of Illinois, the deputy leader of the Senate Democrats, issued a brief statement Monday criticizing Trumps invoking of the Alien Enemies Act, describing it as an archaic wartime law which Trump was using for immigration enforcement in yet another unlawful and brazen power grab.

The letter pointed out that there was no war, and immigrants do not constitute an invasion: Furthermore, courts determine whether people have broken the lawnot a president acting alone. But it concluded meekly: All of us, including the courts, must continue to hold this Administration accountable, and prevent the Trump Administration from taking us down a dark and dangerous road.

The letter does not urge any action at all, effectively leaving it up to the courts (at whose summit is the Supreme Court with a majority of fascists, three of them appointed by Trump).

Durbin talks about accountability, but he voted Friday, along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for the budget resolution backed by Trump and the Republicans, which gives the administration a blank check to carry out its onslaught on democratic rights and social programs for the next six months.
A Leopard II battle tank is on display to advertise for joining the German army Bundeswehr at the Essen Motor Show in Essen, Germany, Friday, December 1, 2023. [AP Photo/Martin Meissner]

Germanys federal parliament, the Bundestag, is voting today on the largest rearmament programme since the Nazi regime. It will provide the future government with around 1 trillion to rearm Germany into a major military power and enable it to wage war. The sum is twice as high as the annual federal budget. As the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens are in agreement, a two-thirds majority in favour of the necessary constitutional amendment is as good as certaindespite a few dissenters in their own ranks. The Bundesrat, the second chamber of Germanys parliament, must then give its approval on Friday.

The rearmament programme consists of two parts.

For military spendingand at the insistence of the Greens also for the intelligence agencies, civil defence, cybersecurity and support for Ukrainethe principle formulated by Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz (CDU) applies: Whatever it takes. The government is authorised to take out unlimited loans for this purpose. All expenditure that exceeds 1 percent of annual economic output (approx. 43 billion) is exempt from the debt brake, a rule that prevents German governments from borrowing money. Loans totalling 500 billion are under discussion.

An additional special fund totalling 500 billion with a term of 12 years will be set up for investments in infrastructure. Here too, borrowing is not subject to the debt brake.

In order to divert attention from the reactionary nature of the rearmament programme, the SPD, the trade unions, the Left Party and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) are presenting the special fund for infrastructure as a positive achievement.

SPD leader Lars Klingbeil called it a powerful boost for Germany with the potential to move our country forward for years, perhaps decades to come. IG Metall chairwoman Christiane Benner praised the fact that politicians had understood that action must now be taken quickly and resolutely. Left Party leader Jan van Aken commented that his party was of course in favour of investment in infrastructure, but against the incredibly high level of rearmament.

In fact, the 500 billion from the special infrastructure fund, as well as the unlimited loans for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), are being used to prepare for war. Leading business representatives are open about this.

Not only weapons systems for the Bundeswehr are needed to provide Germany with effective military security, said Susanne Wiegand, chair of the Security Committee of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and former head of the defence company Renk. Infrastructure is also part of overall economic resilience. Railway lines, bridges and roads need to be upgraded to ensure that larger units can be deployed quickly in an emergency.

A leading representative of the German armaments industry was quoted by Wirtschaftswoche as saying that the construction of bunkers, the optimisation of medical care and the purchase of trucks for heavy-duty transportation that can carry Leopard tanks weighing several tonneseverything that private companies cannot dois also important.

Two years ago, the Territorial Command of the German Armed Forces already developed the Operations Plan Germany (OPLAN DEU), comprising more than 1000 pages, which defines the close cooperation between the military and civilian authorities in the event of war. This plan is now being put into practice with the special infrastructure fund.

However, the rearmament programme is not only directed against Russia and other war aims of German imperialism, it is also a declaration of war on the working class. Even though it is financed by loans, the costs will fall on the working classin the form of wage cuts, social cuts, the reintroduction of compulsory military service, the militarisation of the whole of society and the suppression of democratic rights.

Chancellor-designate Merz and other leading politicians have repeatedly emphasised that, despite the easing of the debt brake, there must be no letup in austerity measures in social spending.

The Greens have even insisted that the word additional be written into the text of the law as a prerequisite for their support for it. This means that the money available from the special fund may only be spent on additional investments and not on investments that were already planned. This is intended to prevent funds released from being used for better pensions or pay rises in the public sector. We have pushed through additional investments in infrastructure and climate protection and prevented expensive election gifts, commented Green Party finance policy expert Sven-Christian Kindler on the agreement.

The President of the Ifo Institute, Clemens Fuest, also insists on structural reforms and spending cuts. We have to deal with the fact that we are losing prosperity, he said. Nothing can prevent us from tightening our belts or improving performance.

The additional costs to the federal budget alone resulting from the billions in loans are enormous. After the national debt has been reduced from 82 to 63 percent of GDP since 2010 as a result of aggressive austerity programmes, it will now rise to 90 percent over the next 10 years, according to a forecast by economist Lars Feld. This would result in additional interest expenditure of 250 to 400 billion euros, which would have to be saved elsewhere.

While the SPD is celebrating the easing of the debt brake as a victory over the CDU/CSU, which had strictly rejected this in the election campaign, it will now make even greater concessions to the social hardliners in the CDU in the coalition negotiations.

The focus here is on the citizens benefit, on which 5.4 million people are dependent. Merz already threatened massive cuts during the election campaign. After the exploratory talks with the SPD, he announced: We will reorganise the existing citizens benefit system into a basic jobseeker benefit. People who are able to work and repeatedly refuse reasonable work will have their benefits completely withdrawn.

What the CDU/CSU and SPD categorically rule out are higher burdens for the rich, whose wealth has increased enormously in recent years. According to Oxfam, the wealth of billionaires alone grew by 2 trillion US dollars worldwide in 2024. In Germany, 13 new billionaires were added, bringing the total number to 130. Their wealth grew by 26.8 billion dollars during the year.

Anyone who owned shares or property earned massive additional income without lifting a finger. The German share index has quintupled in twenty years from 4,300 to 23,000 points. The total value (market capitalisation) of the 40 DAX companies now amounts to almost 2 trillion. Property prices have also exploded. Total German property assets together with land values totalled 19.4 trillion in 2022, almost five times as much as gross domestic product.

The dominance of billionaire oligarchs is not compatible with social equality, democracy and peace. The battle for markets, raw materials and profit is driving capitalism back to war and dictatorship worldwide. Trump, a fascist who has gathered some of the worlds richest oligarchs around him, now sits in the White House. Germany is following the same path.
Eyal Zamir (L), Israeli military Chief of Staff, and Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet internal security service, command the airstrikes in Gaza at the underground operations center of Israeli Air Force, Israel, on March 18, 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early Tuesday he had ordered the military to "act forcefully against Hamas in the Gaza Strip," launching a wave of airstrikes across the Palestinian enclave. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua)

GAZA/JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army conducted on Tuesday intense airstrikes on the northern and central Gaza Strip, marking the most violent escalation since the ceasefire, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.

Palestinian sources told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes launched raids of unprecedented scale, triggering successive explosions in several areas of northern and central Gaza.

In an initial statement, the Palestinian Civil Defense said that Israeli aircraft targeted homes, mosques, schools and shelters, resulting in significant casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early Tuesday he had ordered the military to "act forcefully against Hamas in the Gaza Strip." 

Eyal Zamir (front C), Israeli military Chief of Staff, and Ronen Bar (front R), head of the Shin Bet internal security service, command the airstrikes in Gaza at the underground operations center of Israeli Air Force, Israel, on March 18, 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early Tuesday he had ordered the military to "act forcefully against Hamas in the Gaza Strip," launching a wave of airstrikes across the Palestinian enclave. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua)
GAZA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Tuesday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "resuming aggression and a war of genocide" against civilians in the Gaza Strip, holding Israel fully responsible for the repercussions of the renewed escalation.

"Netanyahu and his government bear full responsibility for the consequences of the treacherous aggression on Gaza, which targets defenseless civilians under a suffocating blockade and a systematic policy of starvation," Hamas said in a press statement.

Hamas accused Netanyahu's government of deliberately overturning the ceasefire agreement, thereby exposing prisoners in Gaza to an uncertain fate.

Hamas urged international mediators to "hold the Israeli occupation fully accountable for violating the agreement" and stressed the need to "immediately stop the aggression."

The movement also called on the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to "fulfill their historical responsibility by supporting the steadfastness and resistance of the Palestinian people and taking urgent steps to lift the siege on Gaza."

Hamas further appealed to the United Nations and the UN Security Council to "convene urgently to adopt a resolution obligating Israel to immediately halt its aggression and implement Resolution 2735, which calls for an end to hostilities and a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip."

The accusations came after the Israeli army launched a series of intensive airstrikes on Gaza, marking the first significant military action since the ceasefire agreement took effect on Jan. 19.

According to Palestinian medical and security sources, the Israeli army has killed over 200 Palestinians in the coastal enclave. 
GENEVA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said Tuesday that he was "horrified" by the Israeli airstrikes and shelling in Gaza, which have reportedly killed hundreds.

"This will add tragedy onto tragedy," Turk said in a statement.

Turk emphasized that the past 18 months of violence have made it clear that a military solution to the crisis is not viable. He stressed that only a political settlement in line with international law can bring lasting peace.

He said Israel's continued use of force would only worsen the suffering of Palestinians already enduring catastrophic conditions.

Turk called for the unconditional release of all hostages and arbitrarily detained individuals, and appealed to all influential parties to take decisive action to secure peace and prevent further civilian suffering. 
PARIS, March 18 (Xinhua) -- France has condemned the latest Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, which resulted in over 400 deaths, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

"France calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which are jeopardizing efforts to free the hostages and threatening the lives of the civilian population in Gaza," the French Foreign Ministry stated during an online press conference on Tuesday.

The French government urged all parties to fully respect the ceasefire and engage in negotiations to ensure its sustainability. Additionally, France called on the Israeli authorities to ensure the continued protection of all civilians, and stop blocking access to water and electricity, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

At the same time, France demanded that Hamas unconditionally release all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

The Israeli airstrikes, which took place early Tuesday, killed at least 413 people. Israeli officials warned that the assault would escalate if Hamas did not release the hostages.

The strikes, which broke nearly two months of ceasefire, came amid ongoing indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which aimed to secure a new truce that could include both the release of hostages and an end to hostilities. 
Jacob Elordi plays a soldier held captive as a prisoner of war in the trailer for The Narrow Road to the Deep North, an upcoming Australian drama series on Prime Video.

Dorrigo Evans (Priscillas Elordi) is an Australian doctor who became a Far East prisoner of war during the construction of the Burma Railway in World War II. Told over multiple periods, Dorrigo once embarked on a passionate love affair with his uncles wife, Amy Mulvaney (Odessa Young), that changed his life. In the present, an older Dorrigo (Ciaran Hinds) reflects on his life as a war hero with much sadness and grief.

We all left a part of ourselves in that jungle, Hinds Dorrigo says in the trailer. Memory is the only true justice.

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The Narrow Road to the Deep Norths ensemble includes Olivia DeJonge, Heather Mitchell, Thomas Weatherall, Show Kasamatsu, and Simon Baker.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North is based on Richard Flanagans 2013 novel of the same name. Shaun Grant wrote the show for television, and Justin Kurzel directed the series. Grant and Kurzel have previously collaborated on 2011s Snowtown, 2020s True History of the Kelly Gang, and 2021s Nitram.

Prime Video

Kurzel directed 2024s The Order, a thriller about an FBI agents mission to stop a white supremacist group from overthrowing the government. In his review, Digital Trends Alex Welch wrote, The Order is a gripping, haunting, and unfortunately necessary true-crime thriller.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a five-part series that will debut on April 18 on Prime Video in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The BBC will air the show in the U.K. Sony is still looking for a distribution deal in the U.S.
More than 20 years ago, when the Tlingit residents of Hoonah in coastal Alaska decided to build a cruise port on native land, the stakes were high. The communitys main sources of incomelogging and fishingwere failing and locals were leaving for opportunities elsewhere.

A lot of our younger generation started losing their identity, says Russell Dick, the president and CEO of Huna Totem Corporation, the business branch of the community.

But cruise ships were already regularly sailing into Glacier Bay, the historic homeland of the Tlingit band, now based on Chichagof Island, about 35 miles west of Juneau. Community leaders considered diverting some of that traffic with the objective of introducing visitors not just to the land, but to its original people.

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What better way to be proud of who you are and show who you are than through tourism, inviting people to come and visit and understand how you live and whats important to you? asks Dick.

This is a part of | T+L's Global Vision Awards 2025 | Read More

Courtesy of Icy Strait Point The Icy Strait Point gondola system ferries cruise passengers around the port and to the top of a nearby mountain for panoramic views. The Icy Strait Point gondola system ferries cruise passengers around the port and to the top of a nearby mountain for panoramic views.

Now, the resulting port known as Icy Strait Point has come of age. Entering its 21st year in operation as the first private cruise destination on Alaskas Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point was honored by Travel + Leisures 2025 Global Vision Awards.

Built by the community for the community, Icy Strait Point was located more than a mile from the town of Hoonah to preserve the privacy of locals. A 1912 former salmon cannery acts as Icy Strait Points hub with a museum and Alaskan-owned retail shops. Locals guide more than 20 shore excursions, including coastal bear viewing, whale watching and cultural tours. Surrounded by more than 23,000 acres of private land that includes beach and rain forest, a gondola system ferries cruise passengers around the port and to the top of a nearby mountain for panoramic views, replacing 75 buses and their associated emissions along the way.

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Development decisions applied triple-bottom-line standards that balanced profit alongside the needs of the environment and its people. Sustainability isnt just reducing emissions; its about sustaining the community, says Dick.

Courtesy of Icy Strait Point A carving demonstration at Icy Strait Point. A carving demonstration at Icy Strait Point.

Rebuilding the social fabric while transitioning to a new economy takes time, but 20 years in Huna Totem points to language revitalization among its accomplishments at Icy Strait Point. Children dance with pride in native regalia at the cruise port and some community members who had left are returning to open new businesses and raise families.

Everything revolves around authenticity, says Dick, noting that Icy Strait Point has resisted expanding beyond its two existing docks to maintain its size and curb development. With too many people, you start to lose your identity and your authenticity and we just dont want that.

Instead, Huna Totem is using Icy Strait Point as a model for sustainable, indigenous-led development in communities from Alaska to the Caribbean, including partnering with the native corporation Klawock Heenya on Prince of Wales Island. On the southern stretch of the Inside Passage, the port of Klawock opened last May, replacing a former industrial site with eco-tourism activities such as sport fishing and totem-carving demonstrations.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Mar. 18Since opening its doors at the end of 2023, Roasted Rooster Coffee and Waffles has positioned itself as an off-the-highway attraction for motorists passing through Las Cruces  complete with a battery of Tesla charging stations in its parking lot.

It is also a welcome addition to the local breakfast and lunch scene for Las Crucens willing to venture to the western end of Amador Avenue near the Interstate 10 overpass. Under the same roof is the Baked Chicken Farm cannabis dispensary  named for its grow operation at a former chicken farm in Dona Ana County  although there is no trace of it in the restaurant.

The Rooster provides a good cafe option, as well, with its locally roasted coffee selection and country-kitchen decorative scheme, yet it is seldom crowded or noisy. It is possible to get a routine cup-a-joe or espresso-based drink here, but the menu emphasizes lattes, mochas and the like, with pistachio and pecan flavors among others.

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The oven-based kitchen is mostly in open view behind an ordering counter stocked with grab-and-go snacks. In back are tables better suited for meals, which are consumed with disposable cutlery not best suited for Roasted Rooster's stacked sandwiches.

Waffles are the star of the show here: Just enough crisp on the surface, fluffy and flavorful on the inside even without syrup or sauce  we'll get to those in a moment. I was sorry to see their pesto waffle, a favorite of mine, disappear from the menu over the past year, but the Green Chile Cheese Waffle holds its place next to the familiar country waffle, bubble waffle and a gluten-free option.

Most of the waffle dishes serve as licentious breakfast entrees but are also incorporated into lunch sandwiches. The standard American BLT ($8) graduates into a new league when good, crisp bacon and fresh tomato are sandwiched by the green chile and cheese waffle, although ciabatta is available as an alternative.

The towering Baked Chicken and Waffle sandwich ($10.50) works in bacon with a peanut butter syrup, a combination that was a bit salty for my taste but with the hot sauce that is presented on the side it reaches a satisfying balance of sweet with spicy.

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Also on offer are tacos, burritos and nachos with chicken or shredded pork, like the copious El Rooster Rojo or Verde ($9.50), a large burrito with pulled pork, cheese, potatoes and chile.

Perhaps mindful that not everyone traveling on the interstate is accustomed to the full fire of local chile, every dish I've tried is on the mild side for heat, which will disappoint some local diners; but the variety of flavors and textures here is commendable. This is comfort food taken up a notch.

For dessert, there are a variety of floats giving ice cream, bubble waffles and fruit many ways to play together. Aguas frescas and a wide menu of sweet coffee drinks and tea fill the drinks menu. From the waffle menu, I opt for the Hazel Berry ($8.50), an ensemble bringing country waffles together with a hazelnut spread and a stunning layer of strawberries with syrup.

Roasted Rooster aims for versatility: It is a quick roadside stop with drive-thru service for coffee and snacks, a sit-down coffee house or restaurant for those who take their breakfast any time of day, a haven for belly-busting open sandwiches with lively flavor profiles. Its menu has changed more than once and will likely keep evolving as a regular clientele prevails.

And who knows, maybe the pesto waffle will return.
COLOMBO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan navy said on Tuesday that it seized an Indian fishing boat on Monday night for poaching in the waters off Delft Island in Sri Lanka's Northern Province.

The navy said in a statement that three Indian fishermen onboard were also arrested.

The seized boat and the detained fishermen were brought to Kankesanthurai Harbor, where local fisheries officials will take legal action against them, the navy said.

The navy conducts operations against foreign vessels engaged in poaching, citing the impact of such activities on the livelihoods of local fishermen.

With these latest arrests, the navy has seized a total of 20 Indian fishing boats and detained 148 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters so far in 2025. 
Mar. 17GRAND FORKS  Don Miller and Deb Glennen have spent the better part of the past four years tempting and tantalizing people with the aroma, taste and texture of a waffle they developed in their home kitchen.

Frequent vendors at Pride of Dakota events, the married couple have introduced thousands to the Dakota Don's Artisan Waffle Mix and generated a fan club of loyal aficionados.

"People sometimes ask if you can use it for pancakes," Miller said. "You can. But pancakes are just food. Waffles are a party."

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Miller and Glennen have been convincing customers that Dakota Don's waffle mix produces waffles that are superior to the "cardboard waffles" they've tried in the past, he said.

Their business's website distinguishes the product as "truly a unique spin on the classic waffle" and a "gourmet breakfast treat you'll want to shout about!"

On Instagram, a loyal customer is seen urging visitors to a past Pride of Dakota Showcase to "Come and get it. Dakota Don's waffles are the best. You'll never find anything this light and fluffy."

The original mix is made with flour produced by the North Dakota Mill and Elevator in Grand Forks. It is sent to a co-packer in Red Wing, Minnesota, where it is made into the mix and returned to Grand Forks for shipping.

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The Grand Forks-based Home of Economy was the first to distribute the product across the state, Miller said.

Thanks to the help of a Fargo-based distributing company, the product can be purchased in 45 locations throughout North Dakota  including all of the major communities in the state  and a few places in South Dakota and Minnesota.

Miller recalled that, after sampling the waffles at a Pride of Dakota Showcase, a representative of the distributor walked away from the booth and phoned his company, saying, "I think I found a product we should be distributing."

Teaming up with Bischof Distributing has led to access to grocery stores the couple may not have attained on their own.

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"It's not easy getting six inches of shelf space in a grocery store," Miller said.

The product has also been sold, in 30-pound packages, to restaurants, including a Waffle House in Sioux Falls and Makers Exchange, which offers artisan coffee and waffles in Tea, S.D.

As the business grows slowly and "organically," Miller said, he and Glennen are embarking on the first variation, a gluten-free version.

They have taken to heart input from people they meet at events, such as the Pride of Dakota Showcases that are held around the state.

The couple have met "a reasonable number of people who say, 'my wife is gluten-free' or 'my son is gluten-free,'" Miller said.

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So, for the past three or four years, they have been searching for a gluten-free flour that would yield a "premium product," Glennen said.

Searching nationwide, they found a "very good flour" that is produced, surprisingly, not far from home, Miller said. Ardent Mills in Harvey, North Dakota, is one of the company's "six to 10 locations."

"They sent me five pounds of flour and I tried it," he said.

The next step was to find a gluten-free  not gluten-friendly  co-packer to package the mix, he said. And they found one in New York.

The new business venture, which has been supported with a $12,000 grant from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, opens another market for Dakota Don's Artisan Waffle Mix.

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For 25 to 30 years, Miller has been making waffles for family, friends and students. It wasn't unusual for them to host a sizable number of people in their home for a brunch with waffles as the star. They even host regular Waffle Wednesdays and make waffles for the daycare at their church, Zion United Methodist.

The success of their business is founded on the detailed records that Miller kept as he tweaked recipes. He compiled "dozens of notebooks" and conducted an untold number of tests, he said, with input and advice from friends who are scientists. (A retired UND art professor, Miller is a founder of Muddy Waters Clay Center in Grand Forks. Food science was a new post-retirement adventure.)

Friends and family members would request  or clamor for  his waffles, Glennen said. That enthusiasm spurred his decision to produce the mix as a business.

"He's puttered around for 10 years," she said.

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In developing the product, "the magic was 'easy gourmet,'" she said. "You don't have to have Don (there) to do it."

What Miller enjoys most about the business is the opportunity it presents to "feed people," he said. "It makes people happy. It's fun."

For Glennen, there's satisfaction in "giving the money away," she said. "We've been purpose-driven from the start."

She and Miller commit a portion of the profits from product sales to support independent-living programs, with a focus on young adults with autism and the housing insecure.

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The winning elements for the business are based on the fact that the waffles "taste good," Glennen said. "It has honest ingredients  good clean ingredients. No preservatives. No sugar.

"When people taste it, they'll buy it."
A $1.2 million settlement has been reached in a class-action lawsuit involving hundreds of people who were arrested in Fairfield and then held at the Butler County Jail for as long as five days before seeing a judge, court documents show.

The settlement, which was formalized earlier this month in federal court in Cincinnati, comes six years after the lawsuit was first filed. The initial plaintiff was a man who was arrested and jailed after a traffic stop on a Thursday but wasn't able to appear before a judge until the following Tuesday, when he was released on his own recognizance.

The lawsuit eventually involved approximately 500 people who had been arrested without warrants and held for more than 48 hours without having bond set or appearing before a judge, court documents show.

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U.S. District Judge Douglas Cole, in a written opinion allowing the lawsuit to proceed, said a 1991 U.S. Supreme Court decision created "something of a bright-line rule"  a person who is jailed "must receive a hearing within 48 hours."

Otherwise, it's a constitutional violation.

No arraignments on Fridays or Mondays

At the center of the case was Fairfield Municipal Judge Joyce Campbell. The lawsuit alleged that Campbell, the court's lone judge, had a "general policy and custom" of not holding initial appearance hearings, called arraignments, on Fridays and Mondays.

Because the court was closed on weekends, that meant someone arrested on a Thursday night might not be arraigned until five days later.

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Defendants in the case were Campbell, the city of Fairfield and Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones.

Settlement documents note that soon after the lawsuit was filed, policies and procedures were instituted to ensure that the Fairfield Municipal Court is available to hold a hearing within 48 hours of a person's arrest.

In addition, the Butler County Jail instituted procedures to make sure that the 48-hour rule is tracked.

In an interview, Butler County sheriff's Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer said his agency denied that it was the jail's responsibility because the jail simply holds someone until the court asks to have them transported for a hearing.

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"We aren't the arresting agency," Dwyer said. "We just hold them until the court calls for them."

Campbell did not return a message seeking comment. An official for the city of Fairfield declined to comment.

In a statement, Paul Laufman, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said: "For reasons which are hard to understand, the Fairfield Municipal Court simply decided not to hear the cases of newly arrested individuals on Mondays and Fridays.

"That decision resulted in hundreds of citizens sitting in jail longer than the constitution allows while they waited for the court to hear their cases."

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Ultimately, Laufman said, the lawsuit "changed how they do business in Fairfield Municipal Court."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: $1.2 million settlement in case alleging judge violated constitution
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  I-10 was closed in both directions from the Arizona state line to the Las Cruces airport due to blowing dust and low visibility. U.S. 180, N.M. 549, N.M. 11 and N.M. 26 area were all also closed in the area due to blowing dust and low visibility.

Story continues below

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Traffic was asked to shelter in place.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MURPHYSBORO, Ill.  Tuesday marks the 100th anniversary of the Tri-State tornado, the deadliest tornadic event in United States history.

On March 18, 1925, hundreds of people died as a massive tornado raced across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana for several hours. Unlike most tornado outbreaks, this was a single, long-tracked twister, ripping primarily through southern Missouri and Illinois. Historians refer to this catastrophe as the Tri-State tornado.

A newspaper headline from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch initially read: TORNADO DEATH LIST 800 OR MORE. Officials eventually confirmed 695 deaths, which is still a U.S. record for one single tornado.

FOX 2 graphic of the March 18, 1925 Tri-State Tornado.

The tornado formed near Ellington, Missouri, and it didnt dissipate until just southwest of Petersburg, Indiana. The path covered roughly 220 miles of land, while the twister tracked top speeds of 73 miles per hour and lasted nearly three and a half hours.

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The worst of the damage came just south of the St. Louis metro. The village of Biehle, Missouri, was 100% destroyed. Around 230 people died from the tornados impacts in Murphysboro, Illinois.

Officials also confirmed around 2,000 injuries and 15,000 homes destroyed from the tornado.

The Tri-State tornado struck without warning as elaborate storm forecasting systems and warning alerts did not exist in 1925. The disaster was fueled by a clash of atmospheric conditions as a low-pressure system formed near the Missouri-Arkansas border and intensified as it moved northeast.

According to the Associated Press, by modern standards, the tornado would be classified as an EF5 with a mile-wide funnel and speeds exceeding 260 mph.

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NOTE: Video is from FOX 2s March 2024 on-air segment on the Tri-State tornado.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Honey May speaks during the Peoples Public Hearing against Senate Bill 592 on Monday, March 17, 2025, outside the West Virginia House chamber in Charleston, W.Va. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography)

London Donahoe, a sophomore at Huntington High School, said he was 6 years old when the 2014 Elk River chemical leak unfolded in central West Virginia. That January, 4-methylcychohexanemethanol (MCHM)  a chemical used in processing coal  leaked from an aboveground storage tank owned by Freedom Industries into the Elk River, contaminating the drinking water for about 300,000 people in nine counties.

The West Virginia Legislature was convened for its regular session at the time of the spill, though took a few days off as an immediate response as efforts were underway. When they returned  and in direct response to the chemical leak  lawmakers unanimously passed Senate Bill 373, which established the Aboveground Storage Tank Act and implemented myriad other water protection measures to, hopefully, prevent future disasters.

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Donahoe doesnt remember much from that time. He does know one thing, though: because of that action by the Legislature, he was able to grow up under policies that ultimately meant he was healthier and better protected from potential disasters.

But now, 11 years after the chemical leak, lawmakers are seriously considering a bill that would cut back on the mitigation efforts that were implemented in its wake.

Senate Bill 592 has already passed the Senate and is now pending consideration in the House Energy and Public Works Committee. Under the proposed legislation, more than 1,000 oil, gas and coal tanks nearest to drinking water intakes  the same tanks that were responsible for the 2014 chemical leak  would be exempt from mandated third party inspections that currently ensure they arent at risk of leaking.

On Monday, Donahoe was one of 13 residents who participated in an unofficial public hearing hosted by multiple progressive and environmental organizations speaking out against SB 592 during Environmental Day at the Capitol.

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History makes it clear: the protections put in place [in 2014] were not just necessary  they were life saving, Donahoe told those in attendance. Now, the Legislature is threatening to undo these protections and put everyone in this room at risk. Water should be a basic human right, yet SB 592 prioritizes industry lobbyists and the wealthy elite over the health and safety of West Virginians  we cannot allow that.

Other speakers against the legislation included environmental activists who have returned to the Capitol year after year to try and ensure the protections put in place 11 years ago remain there. Honey May, an environmental organizer who became involved in the work due to the 2014 water crisis, said its impossible to ignore how ingrained coal, oil and natural gas industry lobbyists have become in the West Virginia Legislature.

May said its difficult not to feel left out of the process when industry-backed and -created bills like SB 592 begin to circulate. Year after year, shes helped get people connected with their lawmakers or bussed to the Capitol to speak out against such bills. Shes seen the rotunda filled with people concerned about their environmental health and safety. She knows how that kind of outpouring can affect legislators votes.

But, she said, it shouldnt have to take that kind of effort for those in power to listen to their constituents concerns and see common sense in measures that exist to protect them. This is especially relevant now, May said, as this is the first legislative session without a public hearing process for the full House. The hearing on Monday  dubbed the Peoples Public Hearing by organizers  served as an alternative kind of hearing than those currently held in committees.

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Now, you have to create your own public hearing. We have to create our own ways of reaching our legislators, because theyve determined that they just dont have the time to hear from us  and [now] they think we can do whatever they want, but we say, no, May said. Were going to stand here. Were going to tell you how we feel, and its not radical; its clean drinking water. We all drink it, so please contact your legislators. Its the only thing that works. The peoples power is the only thing that keeps the relentless pursuit of profits at bay.

Other speakers on Monday included more people who remember the 2014 chemical spill all too well. Some said they were still hesitant to drink the regions tap water. Others remembered how difficult and frustrating it was to get information as the event unfolded.

Every speaker shared the fears they hold about something like that happening again and their disappointment in seeing protections to stop that rolled back.

While too young to remember much from the events in 2014 himself, Donahoe and his Huntington High classmate Kaili Anderson have started their own organizing around protecting West Virginias environment and they want the states lawmakers to listen.

Huntington High School sophomores London Donahoe (left) and Kaili Anderson are officers at their schools Sunrise Movement student hub, a national environmental advocacy group. Donahoe started the organization after working on the 2024 election and wanting to see more student involvement in environmental spaces. They attended Environmental Day at the Capitol on Monday, March 17, 2025 in Charleston, W.Va. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography)

Both serve as officers of their schools Sunrise Movement student hub, a local chapter of a national organization built around young people fighting and organizing against the ongoing climate crisis.

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Both Anderson and Donahoe said theyre frustrated with the state Legislatures focus on social issues that seek to harm already marginalized people while lawmakers seem to ignore multiple ongoing crises  undrinkable water, the drug and overdose epidemic and poverty, among many others  and leave the most vulnerable in the state without support or help.

Young people, Anderson said, arent being involved in conversations about the states priorities. If they were, she continued, those priorities would certainly change and more young people would be looking toward a future in the state instead of one where they feel they have to leave it behind.

If young people had a seat at the table, theyd be more likely to stay here, especially if they were being listened to, Donahoe said. Instead we hear all this focus feeding into culture wars, attacking trans people and thats not helping anyone  Our voice and perspectives are being ignored and we need to become a force to push elected officials and remind them that we are here and our voices matter.

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President Donald Trumps tariffs might make that car you hoped to buy a lot more expensive.

Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on auto imports from Mexico and Canada but announced earlier in March he would pause them until April. Still, his tariffs on imported steel and aluminum took effect last week, which are set to increase the price of cars.

And if the auto import tariffs end up going into effect in April, some car models may become up to $10,000 more expensive.

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CarEdge.com compiled a list of popular cars made in Mexico or Canada that would be affected if the tariffs are ultimately implemented.

Check out the list and see if the car youre eyeing might be about to jump in price.

Audi Q5

Photo: Audi

Currently retailing for an average of $58,462, the Q5 is made in Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

BMW 3 Series

Photo: BMW

Currently retailing for an average of $55,598, the 3 Series is made in Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

Chevrolet Silverado

Photo: Chevrolet

Currently retailing for an average of $54,508, the Silverado is made in Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

Ford Bronco Sport

Photo: Ford

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Currently retailing for an average of $33,689, the Bronco Sport is made in Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

Ford Maverick

Photo: Ford

Currently retailing for an average of $34,541, the Maverick is made in Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

GMC Sierra 1500

Screenshot: GMC

Currently retailing for an average of $62,381, the Sierra is made in U.S. and Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

Kia K4

Photo: Kia

Currently retailing for an average of $25,267, the K4 is made in the U.S. and Mexico and might be affected by tariffs

Nissan Sentra

Photo: Nissan

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Currently retailing for an average of $23,813, the Sentra is made in Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

Nissan Kicks

Photo: Nissan

Currently retailing for an average of $25,756, the Kicks is made in Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

Ram 1500

Photo: Ram

Currently retailing for an average of $58,431, the Ram (STLA) 1500 is made in the U.S. and Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

Toyota Tacoma

Photo: Toyota

Currently retailing for an average of $46,796, the Tacoma is made in Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Photo: Volkswagen

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Currently retailing for an average of $32,995, the Tiguan is made in Mexico and might be affected by tariffs.

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A Eurowings flight from Germany couldn't land in Norway because of high winds.

The Airbus A320 diverted to Finland in the hope that the weather would calm down.

The winds only got stronger, so the 120 passengers ended up back in Dusseldorf.

More than 100 passengers endured an eight-hour flight to nowhere with two diversions after strong winds prevented some planes from landing in northern Norway.

Eurowings Flight 9250 was scheduled to be a 3 -hour journey from Dusseldorf, Germany, to Troms, Norway.

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But as it approached the Arctic city, air traffic control reported wind speeds were above the maximum limit for a safe landing, an airline spokesperson told Business Insider.

Data from Flightradar24 shows how the Airbus A320 then turned southeast to Rovaniemi, Finland, about 30 minutes away.

The plane waited in Rovaniemi for about an hour, hoping the weather would improve, before setting off again, the Eurowings spokesperson said.

"Unfortunately, the second attempt also failed due to the weather, so the pilots decided to fly back to the base in Dusseldorf," they added.

Passengers were given hotel accommodation, or those who lived nearby went home, Eurowings said. There were 120 passengers and six crew on board.

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Another flight operated by the airline took off from Troms on Sunday morning  suggesting passengers arrived about 16 hours later than initially scheduled.

"Several airlines were affected by the weather situation in northern Norway and Troms on Saturday  around a dozen landings could not be carried out as planned," the Eurowings spokesperson said.

Eurowings is Lufthansa's budget carrier, based in Dusseldorf. It was formed in 1993, and Lufthansa took a stake in 2001.

This is far from the first time that strong winds have caused difficulties for passengers.

In February, a Neos flight bound for Iceland diverted to Scotland after strong winds prevented two landing attempts.

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The month before, there were at least two flights to nowhere as Storm Eowyn brought dangerously high winds to some parts of the UK and Ireland.

And last year, Ryanair passengers flying less than 200 miles from England to Ireland were diverted to Paris because of a storm.

Read the original article on Business Insider
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  A major expansion in Owensboro is bringing millions in investments and dozens of new jobs to the area. Governor Andy Beshear joined Mizkan America to break ground on the project. Its a $156 million investment, and Governor Andy Beshear says the companys decision to strengthen its commitment to Kentucky landed the state in the top ten leaders of economic development last year.

Mizkan America, known for brands like Ragu and Bertolli, will soon include a 320-thousand square foot warehouse. Its located on Ragu Drive and will make room for 44 new jobs.

GRADD hosting meetings to help laid off distillery employees

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Governor Beshear helped break ground on the facility. Theyre going to have more products that are here, which I think adds more security to the to the continuation of all these jobs. The expansions mean that the folks who work here have earned the faith of the management in Japan. Theyve shown that theyre hard working and profitable, says Governor Beshear.

Officials say 1 million pasta jars of sauce are filled at the facility every day.

The Japanese, family-owned company will also introduce the production of more vinegar-based products at the location, like cooking wine and asian sauces.

Our founder used a by-product of sake to make vinegar which became a huge hit with sushi in japan. From these humble beginnings, Mizkan has grown to become a global food companybringing flavor to life, says Yuko Nakano ,the president of Mizkan Holdings.

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220 years and nine generations later, Mizkan Americas CEO says 50 percent of its products are made right in Owensboro.

Owensboro, Kentucky is very, very important for business. 20 years ago, net sales surpassed $100 million.10 years ago, we [grew that] to $400 million. We finished the fiscal quarter at $1.1 billion, says says Koichi Yuki, the CEO.

Officials say more information will be shared soon about when the facility will be fully operational.

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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: Chase Dalton Smith. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Chase Dalton Smith, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
RIGA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Latvian government on Tuesday approved the Interior Ministry's proposal to restrict pedestrian access at three crossing points along the Russian and Belarusian borders, allowing crossings only by motor vehicles.

According to the Interior Ministry, the partial closure of the Paternieki, Grebneva, and Terehova border crossings will take effect on March 19.

The government decree states that the measure is necessary due to the ongoing tense geopolitical situation related to the Ukraine crisis. The Interior Ministry emphasized the need to reinforce border surveillance systems and enhance control measures at these crossing points.

Authorities cited security risks posed by large gatherings of illegal migrants near the border, which have significantly impacted the ability to maintain an orderly crossing regime. Additionally, the concentration of people in these areas raised concerns about potential mass disturbances that could threaten Latvia's internal security. 
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (WKBN)  A man and woman were arrested and are facing drug charges following a traffic stop Saturday in Belmont County.

Troopers stopped a 2003 Nissan Altima at about 12:10 p.m. on Interstate 70, near Bridgeport, for an expired registration.

A drug-sniffing dog was called and alerted to the car. A search uncovered about 221 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 96 grams of suspected cocaine  both worth about $17,000.

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The driver, from Quaker City, and a passenger, from Proctor, West Virginia were arrested and booked into the Belmont County Jail on drug and trafficking charges.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  People gathered in downtown Sioux City on Monday for the annual St. Patricks Day Parade.

The parade route went along Historic 4th Street from Iowa Street to Nebraska Street. The route normally ends at Water Street and the Hard Rock Casino Hotel & Resort, but due to traffic concerns, the parade ended at Nebraska Street.

This is the 17th year of bringing the Irish culture and community spirit to the downtown area. Community organizations, businesses, musicians, and families gather to show off their Irish spirit while tossing candy out to paradegoers.

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Event organizers said when the parade first started back in 2009, they had 6 floats. Now, the parade has 60 to 70 floats.

North Sioux City council answers questions about upcoming election

Its so important because we didnt celebrate the heritage of the Irish in Sioux City when I first came in (19)98. Nobody was out, nobody did anything, we didnt have a parade. Families didnt wear green to the elementary schools, any of that stuff. I think the parade has brought attention to this day, said Mac Dolan, co-creator of the Sioux City St. Patricks Day Parade.

Dolan said seeing everyone out wearing the color green on St. Patricks Day makes the hard work of planning and organizing the parade worth it. Officials say plans are already underway for next years parade.

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President Donald Trumps power to reshape independent labor commissions  ones that often protect the countrys marginalized workers  has been in question since he fired several federal officials from their boards in January.

On Tuesday, his administration tried to block two of them from returning to work, in cases that could have wider implications for Trumps authority to fire independent federal workers despite built-in protections.

Earlier this month, a U.S. district court found that Trumps January firing of Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), was unlawful. Her dismissal, along with several others, raised immediate questions about the presidents ability to disrupt independent agency actions beyond the normal transitions between administrations.

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Heres what to know about the NLRB and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)  and their futures under this administration.

What are the NLRB and EEOC?

The NLRB and EEOC are independent commissions created by Congress in 1935 and 1965, respectively. The NLRB conducts union elections and investigates unfair labor practices, while the EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace. While the boards do not fall under the Department of Labors scope, they work toward a similar goal of advancing employee rights and investigations.

Under Biden, the NLRB announced changes meant to shorten delay tactics employers could use to stop or decertify unionization in the workplace. And the EEOC secured billions for workers who filed discrimination lawsuits and focused on LGBTQ+ discrimination, among other cases.

Why are they in the news this year?

In January, Trump dismissed Wilcox and general counsel Jennifer Abruzzo from the NLRB; Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels from the EEOC; and Cathy Harris, chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), a federal-worker protection agency  all Democrats.

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These firings suspended quorums on the boards at the time, making it impossible to enact any rulings or conduct investigations. The NLRB comprises three members of the presidents party and two members of the opposite party. When Wilcox was removed, the board lost quorum due to other vacancies.

The EEOC is a five-member commission that needs three members to adopt new regulations and issue guidance. Trumps removals left two commissioners; one seat has been vacant since July 2024. They are still able to investigate charges without a quorum.

Trump signed an executive order in February that sought greater White House authority over independent regulatory agencies including the NLRB. Both these moves are a part of Trumps overarching goal of undermining independent federal agencies within the executive branch.

Whats happened since the firings in January?

The court found in early March that Wilcox had been wrongfully dismissed by Trump and ordered the current chair to restore her access to the board and allow her to serve out her full term. The agency currently has three active members and quorum again.

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Meanwhile, Burrows and Samuels have not returned to their positions at the EEOC. Abruzzo was expected to be fired as the NLRB general counsel as part of the transition to a Republican administration.

On Tuesday, the D.C. court of appeals heard discussion over how far executive power can extend, including whether the president has an unrestricted power of removal of certain key federal officials.

The Trump administration argued that he is empowered to supervise officers who wield executive power on his behalf and that they should remain accountable to the president. Harris and Wilcoxs counsel said that just because an agency like the NLRB is housed within the executive branch does not mean that their functions should be ruled unilaterally by executive power.

What could the NLRB and EEOC look like under Trumps administration?

The EEOCs acting chair, Andrea Lucas, is still frozen from a lack of quorum, but her priorities involve rolling back several agency policies  in line with the Trump administrations goal of rooting out policies aimed at advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the federal government

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The EEOCs new desired policies would upend transgender workers access to legal recourse for discrimination or bias. Lucas priorities list highlights areas of policy change like defending the biological and binary reality of sex and related rights, including womens rights to singlesex spaces at work  which could mean the commission picks up more lawsuits from people who object to the inclusion of trans women in womens spaces.

The agency recently released statements about its stance on rolling back the Biden administrations gender identity agenda, which included more explicit recognition of nonbinary and trans employees in workplace guidance documents. Lucas also has sent letters of inquiry to 20 law firms asking about their DEI-related employment practices.

Aggrieved employees are required to file charges with the EEOC or similar state agencies before they can sue. It is rare to get to the lawsuit stage, as the commission receives tens of thousands of charges every year, and the agency has already dropped several Biden-era lawsuits filed on behalf of trans workers. Workers can still file their own suits instead of going through the EEOC, but it would be more expensive.

Meanwhile, the number of charges received by the EEOC based on sexual orientation or transgender status discrimination has nearly doubled over the past five years.

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For the next four years, an LGBTQ person should not assume the EEOC is going to be a welcoming place for their charge, Chai Feldblum, a former Democratic commissioner, told Bloomberg Law.

At the NLRB, acting general counsel William Cowen has said he wants to focus on the bread and butter issues. His predecessor, Abruzzo, had more progressive stances, supporting easing unionization processes or giving employment status to college athletes.

While the EEOC more directly oversees cases involving discrimination, the NLRB handles the National Labor Relations Act, which addresses any gender-based issues related to unionization and bargaining processes.

The post The 19th Explains: Trumps battle with the boards investigating workplaces appeared first on The 19th.

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*Attached video: Homicides in Cleveland in recent years

AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Akron police officers found a man and woman dead at an Akron home on Monday, in what was later ruled a murder-suicide.

According to a news release from the Summit County Medical Examiners Office, officers went to the home along South Highland Avenue at about 7:30 p.m. for a welfare check.

Another plane incident at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: I-Team

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Inside the home, officers found 26-year-old Elliot Altesa, of Akron, and 44-year-old Jessica Violand, of Elyria, in the bedroom with gunshot wounds.

They were both pronounced dead at the scene at 9:03 p.m., according to the release.

The Summit County Medical Examiners Office determined that both died from gunshot wounds to the head. Violand died by homicide and Altesa died by suicide, the medical examiners office ruled.

Suspect opens fire at Akron police during early morning traffic stop

Preliminary findings indicate there is no safety risk to the community.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Citizens may also provide anonymous information by:

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Calling Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS (330-434-2677)

Texting TIPSCO with your tips to 274637

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Des Moines police are investigating after two people were injured in a shooting early Monday morning in the King Irving neighborhood.

Sgt. Paul Parizek, spokesperson for the Des Moines Police Department, said it happened in the 1400 block of 10th Street just after 12:40 a.m. A resident said they were sitting outside when two people sneaked up on them and began shooting.

Iowa bill requiring parental consent for minors using tanning beds passed by House

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Two men suffered minor gunshot injuries in the incident.

Police recovered about two dozen shell casings at the scene. Sgt. Parizek said the shooting is believed to be targeted and no arrests have been made.

The investigation is ongoing.

Metro news

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least two civilians and injured at least 13 over the past day, regional authorities reported on March 18.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 63 of the 137 Russian attack and decoy drones overnight over 12 oblasts, the Air Force said. Sixty-four decoy drones reportedly disappeared from radars without causing damage.

In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks injured three people in Pokrovsk and two in Kostiantynivka, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin.

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A woman was injured during a drone attack against the village of Riasne in Kharkiv Oblast, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. A school, a gymnasium, houses, and enterprises were damaged elsewhere in the region.

Two people were killed and seven injured during Russian strikes in Kherson Oblast, said Oleksandr Prokudin, the regional governor. Twelve houses, a humanitarian aid distribution point, and a car were damaged.

Air defenses were operating in Kyiv overnight amid a Russian drone attack. Drone wreckage fell on the territory of a school in the Desnianskyi district, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, without mentioning any casualties.

Read also: Who is to gain more from a ceasefire  Russia or Ukraine?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Two students were arrested after allegedly violently beating a teacher at a high school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Thursday, according to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

The altercation, captured on video, shows Jayvis L. McClover, 19, and Roddrick McQueen, 19, approach a teacher at Dillard High School at approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday, "verbally threatening to attack him," police said.

The two, who are both enrolled at Dillard High School, then "intentionally launched a synchronized physical attack" on the teacher. McClover and McQueen "repeatedly punched the teacher in the face and head with closed fists," causing the educator to fall to the ground, police said.

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MORE: 14-year-old charged with murder of Newark police officer

The students continued to punch the teacher while he was on the ground "in a fetal position attempting to guard himself against injury," police said.

Dillard High School security staff intervened to pull the two students away from the teacher, who suffered injuries to his face in the form of "swelling and bruising and reported pain in his back as a result of the attack."

McClover and McQueen were both charged with battery on a public or private education employee, according to police. It was not immediately clear if they had legal representation.

PHOTO: Jayvis McClover and Roddrick McQueen in police booking photos. (Broward County Sheriff's Office)

Daniel Foganholi Sr., board member for the Florida Department of Education, said in a statement that the incident was a "failure of respect, discipline and accountability."

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"No educator should fear for their safety while doing their job. Schools must be places of learning, not battlegrounds," Foganholi said.

MORE: DHS arrests another student involved in Columbia university protests

He emphasized the need for solutions to prevent these incidents from happening, including "stronger disciplinary policies, better security measures and a culture that respects and protects our teachers."

"If we fail to act, we fail our educators, our students and our future," Foganholi said. "Enough is enough."

Both McClover and McQueen were ordered not to return to Dillard High School, according to court records.

2 students arrested after allegedly attacking teacher at Florida high school originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
CEDAR KEY, Fla. (WFLA)  Two teenagers were found safe Tuesday after disappearing while paddleboarding off Floridas Gulf Coast.

The girls, both 16, went missing around 4 p.m. on Monday, March 17 paddling toward Cedar Key from Atsena Otie, according to the Levy County Sheriffs Office.

Body found in Weedon Preserve identified as missing St. Pete teen

(Credit: Levy County Sheriffs Office) (Credit: Levy County Sheriffs Office)

A photo taken of them earlier that day showed the girls sharing a black and white paddle board. Much of the state was enduring strong winds Monday.

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The girls have been located, the sheriffs office said in a Facebook post Tuesday morning. Cold but otherwise healthy!

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(KRON)  The Modesto Police Department said a widespread child sexual predator investigation that began last spring has so far netted 21 arrests, including a juvenile and two registered sex offenders.

Intoxicated mother kills children in Napa DUI crash: CHP

Modesto PD said the case was launched in May 2024 by its Special Crimes Unit that includes Special Victims detectives and Hi-Tech Crimes experts. Police said 12 people were identified in online chats after they sent explicit images, videos, and messages to undercover officers posing as minors. Police said several of the suspects made plans to meetup with the supposed minors with the intent to commit sexual acts. Police said all 12 individuals, including a registered sex offender, were arrested.

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Modesto police said the individuals were taken into custody for several crimes related to child sexual exploitation, including possession and distribution of child pornography, sending harmful material to minors, and attempting to engage in sexual acts with a child.

Modesto police have released the timeline and IDs of those arrested in the undercover chat sting:

May 2024  Jeremiah Sloan, 27, of Modesto  Sent harmful material to a minor, attempted to arrange a meeting for sexual acts, and attempted lewd acts with a child under 14.

June 2024  Dustin Mathewson, 31, of Merced  Sent harmful material to a minor and attempted to engage in lewd communication.

June 2024  Curtis Casto, 63, of Euless, TX  Sent harmful material to a minor, arranged a meeting for sexual purposes.

August 2024  Michael Anderson, 36, of Sacramento  Sent harmful material to a minor and attempted to engage in lewd communication.

August 2024  James Ziarko, 46, of Fresno  Sent harmful material to a minor and attempted to engage in lewd communication.

August 2024  Pedro Gil, 47, of Modesto  Attempted to molest or annoy a person he believed to be under 18.

September 2024  Ashish Bhatia, 26, of Tracy  Sent harmful material to a minor, arranged a meeting for sexual purposes.

September 2024  Christopher Wheeler, 43, of Angels Camp  Attempted to engage in lewd communication and sent harmful material to a minor.

October 2024  Michael Vickerman, 52, of Modesto  Contacted a minor for sexual purposes, arranged a meeting for sex, and committed lewd acts with a child under 14. He was also found in possession of controlled substances.

October 2024  Frank Copeland, 44, of Riverbank  Sent harmful material to a minor and attempted to engage in lewd communication.

December 2024  Alfonso Ferrer, 37, of Oroville  Contacted a minor for sexual purposes, sent harmful material, and attempted to arrange a meeting for sexual activity. He was also found to be in violation of parole.

February 2025  Kip Weber, 48, of Cameron Park  Attempted lewd acts with a child under 14, engaged in lewd communication with a minor, distributed harmful material to a minor, and possessed child pornography. Weber is a Bay Area firefighter.

Police said officers also executed a two-day operation in early March that targeted suspects identified through tips gathered by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Search warrants were served at 14 locations throughout Modesto, resulting in the arrests of eight adults and one 15-year-old for possession of child porn. A registered sex offender was one of the individuals taken into custody, said police.

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Modesto police have identified those arrested in the NCMEC tip operation on March 5 and 6, and the charges they face:

Alvaro Avalos, 32, of Modesto  Possession of child pornography.

Jerry Villarreal, 37, of Modesto  Possession of stolen property, possession of a short-barreled rifle, and possession of an assault weapon.

Ricardo Huerta, 18, of Modesto  Possession of child pornography.

Aaron Ramirez-Ochoa, 21, of Modesto  Possession of child pornography.

Christian Anderson, 31, of Modesto  Possession of child pornography and multiple misdemeanor warrants.

Tyshawn Thompson, 29, of Modesto  Possession of child pornography.

Douglas Vyse, 42, of Modesto  Distribution and possession of child pornography.

Jose Alcantar, 26, of Modesto  Distribution and possession of child pornography.

15-year-old male, of Modesto  Possession of child pornography.

Eduardo Solorio-Flores, 25, of Modesto  Possession of child pornography.

The safety of our children is our top priority, said Sergeant Alex Rivera of Modesto PDs Special Crimes Unit. These arrests send a clear message  Modesto will not tolerate child predators in our community. Our detectives worked tirelessly to bring these offenders to justice, and we will continue to use every available resource to protect our most vulnerable residents. Every arrest made in these operations is one less predator that can harm a child.

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SOFIA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian authorities have seized 77.748 kg of marijuana at the Lesovo checkpoint on the country's border with Turkiye, the National Customs Agency (NCA) announced in a press release on Tuesday.

The illicit drug, packed into 115 vacuum-sealed packages, was confiscated during two separate inspections, with one involving a van and the other a passenger car, the NCA said.

The first seizure took place on Friday, when customs officers discovered 100 packages of marijuana weighing 60.176 kg in a van with foreign registration. The vehicle, driven by a Romanian citizen, was entering Bulgaria from Turkiye.

The second incident occurred on Sunday, when inspectors uncovered 15 packages of marijuana weighing 17.572 kg hidden behind the front and rear bumpers of a Bulgarian-registered car. The driver, a Bulgarian citizen, was attempting to leave the country.

Authorities estimate that the drugs black market value exceeds 690,000 U.S. dollars. Investigations into both cases are ongoing. 
YANKTON, S.D. (KELO)  Its news Yankton Mayor Mason Schramm wasnt expecting.

Very quickly: kind of a shock to everyone, honestly, he said Monday. There was really no notice ahead of time.

A news release from American Foods Group says harvesting at Cimpls meat processing facility in Yankton ended Saturday, with more than 250 employees impacted; a notice posted on the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulations website Monday puts the exact number at 277. The notice says sausage and some supporting operations are going to continue. But harvest and fabrication operating units are shut down, with this move expected to be permanent in nature and result in the layoff of most employees in the aforementioned units.

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Mountain lion rescued from tree in Rapid City

The Wisconsin-based American Foods Group says in the news release it will offer workers the chance to relocate. Nevertheless, the developments are a challenge not only for the people who worked at Cimpls but also the community as a whole.

Were saddened and surprised at the same time with the choice that American Foods Group has made, Nancy Wenande, CEO of the nonprofit Yankton Thrive, said Monday. Cimpls has been in Yankton since 1949, so they have a long legacy and a long history of being a major employer in our community.

Still, Wenande and Schramm are looking forward.

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While it came upon us quickly, we want to also, as we do in natural disasters or other events, pull our resources together quickly to help those that need the help, Wenande said.

One fortunate aspect of all this is Yankton does have about 550 jobs available in town right now, Schramm said. Not saying that those are going to all go that way, but we do have opportunity here, so were working to try to let the major employers know that this is coming.

Schramm and Wenande say that if a now-former Cimpls employee wants to keep working in the community, they should know theres a place for them.

Yanktons always, weve been a community of resilience and hard-working people, and this is a blow, but we will move forward, and well find ways to become better for it, Schramm said.

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The Marion County Sheriffs Office says three gang members are behind bars after a violent robbery sent a teenager to the hospital with a broken jaw.

The three arrested are 16, 17 and 18 years old. All three are charged with robbery with a firearm and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. All three are being held in the county jail without bail.

The sheriffs office says the suspects are affiliated with the getlow gang from the Silver Springs Shores area, which the arrest report describes as an up-and-coming gang.

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The sheriffs office and arrests affidavits state that on Feb. 26, the suspects drove the victim to a secluded park near the Silver Springs Shores Country Club in Ocala. The documents state that once there, the suspects pointed out a post with getlow handwritten on it while several masked people emerged from the woods.

The victim reportedly said one of the suspects hit in the jaw with a gun, breaking it. They then stole his jacket, cellphone and money.

The defendants fled the scene, leaving the victim alone.

The victim said a passerby helped him.

According to the affidavits, two of the suspects corroborated the timeline of events. However, one said he was at the pavilion when he saw masked people attack the victim but didnt participate.

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Another suspect also said the victim was with them to sell marijuana. He said he watched the attack from the masked individuals but didnt help.

That report states that suspect admitted to being associated with the getlow gang but claimed it is only a group of guys that know each other, not a criminal gang.

The sheriffs office says the suspects alleged gang affiliation will be subject to sentencing enhancements per state law.

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Four people are facing multiple charges after a months-long drug investigation in Georgia.

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On Thursday, Warner Robins police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies conducted search warrants in Warner Robins.

This was after an 11-month investigation into drugs being sold in the area.

During the search, officials said they found 15 pounds (nearly 67,000 pills) of fentanyl pills, almost 12 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, two guns, and cash.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Authorities arrested and charged the following:

Latray McKenzie, 26, of Warner Robins: Trafficking fentanyl, sale of fentanyl, conspiracy to commit a crime, use of a communication facility in commission of a felony, trafficking in methamphetamine, sale of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Justin High, 37, of Warner Robins: Trafficking methamphetamine, sale of methamphetamine, trafficking fentanyl, sale of fentanyl, use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school.

Takora Prater, 38, of Warner Robins: Trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school.

Aretha Veal, 56, of Warner Robins: Trafficking fentanyl, sale of fentanyl, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, trafficking methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

McKenzie, High, Prater, and Veal were transported to the Houston County Jail.

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NATO members Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia said Tuesday they are abandoning the 1997 Ottawa convention treaty outlawing the use of anti-personnel landmines (APL) amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Ottawa convention sought to outlaw APLs, which target humans in explosive blasts and have killed thousands of civilians. The treaty also notes that the minds can cause unnecessary suffering or superfluous injury.

Military threats to NATO Member States bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased, the four countries wrote in a statement.

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In light of this unstable security environment marked by Russias aggression and its ongoing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence and defense capabilities, they added.

The four nations have expressed fears about Russian aggression since it invaded Ukraine in 2022. Three of the four were once part of the Soviet Union, while Poland was controlled by a Soviet-bloc government.

President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone for hours Tuesday working to secure a peace deal, which the White House has promised will come soon.

Poland, Lithuania and Estonia require approval from Parliament before their agreements to uphold the Ottawa convention can be retracted.

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The United States, China, Russia, North Korea, Myanmar, India, Iran and Israel have not signed or ratified the treaty.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two men were arrested in Columbus, accused of the human trafficking of four victims, including one minor, according to a release from Attorney General Dave Yost.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Timarrea Granderson, 27, and Larry Hill, 26, both from Texas, were arrested March 13 after an investigation through the FBI, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Columbus police.

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Officers located and arrested Granderson first. He was with one of the four victims at the time of his arrest, according to the attorney general.

TRENDING STORIES:

Hill was arrested later that evening after he barricaded himself inside a home in Columbus on West Kanawha Avenue. He was located with two other victims, the release says.

The fourth victim was found at another location.

The victims are all Texas residents, and are being cared for by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, the release says.

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Granderson and Hill will face charges in Texas, including trafficking of a person and compelling the prostitution of a minor. They will be extradited to Texas, according to the release.

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LAURINBURG, N.C. (WBTW)  A 21-year-old man wanted in connection with a shooting that wounded a mother and her 2-year-old in Laurinburg turned himself in and was denied bond, police said on Tuesday.

Kalan Day was wanted on charges of two counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of discharging a firearm into occupied property, and one count of discharging a firearm in city limits. His bond was denied Tuesday morning.

In another development in the case on Tuesday, police said investigators determined that 19-year-old Jadan Avery was not involved in the shooting. He and two others  16-year-old Henry Anderson and 24-year-old Angela Pegues  were initially arrested on multiple charges tied to the shooting and denied bond.

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Anderson, who has been charged as an adult, is accused of two counts of attempted murder; three counts of discharging a weapon into occupied property; discharging a firearm in city limits; and possession of a firearm by a minor.

Laurinburg police announced their arrests of Avery and Pegues, both of Laurinburg, late Sunday night. Police said Anderson surrendered himself to deputies at 3:15 p.m. Sunday.

Pegues, Days sister, is charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder; three counts of discharging a firearm into occupied property; one count of discharging a firearm in city limits; felony obstruction; accessory before the fact to attempted murder; and accessory after the fact to attempted murder.

At the time of his arrest, Avery was charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder; three counts of discharging a firearm into occupied property; and discharging a firearm in city limits. Police have not said why Avery was arrested nor how it was determined that he was not involved.

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The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. in the 400 block of Hood Drive. Police said the child and their 23-year-old mother suffered gunshot wounds. The woman was taken to Scotland Memorial Hospital and released, while the 2-year-old was taken to another medical facility and said to be in critical but stable condition.

Authorities said the victims were sitting in a vehicle when another one pulled alongside it and a passenger began firing at them.

Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The City of Topeka has released the latest numbers from the 2025 Point in Time Homeless Count on Tuesday.

City officials counted the local homeless population of Topeka and Shawnee County on Jan. 22, 2025. The count is meant to provide a snapshot of the number of people in the community who are experiencing homelessness as it is defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The City of Topeka found that 534 people and 399 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County. The overall homeless population dropped by 12 people from July 2024, according to the city. In total, 60% were male, 39% were female, .5% identify as transgender and 151 are not living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing.

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Driver seriously injured in three vehicle Topeka crash

The point-in-time count provides a valuable opportunity to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with essential services and resources in the community, said Carrie Higgins, Housing Services Division director. We are grateful to all the volunteers and partner agencies who contributed to the count and continue to support efforts to improve our community.

The City of Topeka conducted two Point in Time counts of the homeless population in 2024 which showed the number of unsheltered people was increasing. The first count that took place in the spring found that Topekas homeless population grew by 125 people from 2023 with 537 people total experiencing homelessness. The second 2024 count, with the results released in August, found the total number had grown to 546 people.

City leaders recently restarted efforts to clear local homeless camps in Topeka this year by focusing on areas along the Kansas River in District 2. Work to clear this area came to a halt in early March after a homeless individual was injured during the cleanup, leading the City of Topeka to review its camp cleanup policies.

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KHP hit driver with $500 fine for 119 mph speeding violation on the Kansas Turnpike

Point in Time Count Jan. 2025 by Matthew Self on Scribd

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.
Editor's note: This reporting contains graphic descriptions.

GAZA -- The fighting may have stopped, but not Hamas' digging.

Every day from 5 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, the team that guarded Israeli hostage Tal Shoham used a type of electric demolition hammer to carve additional miles of tunnel from the soft Gaza clay, he said. The former hostage, released last month in the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, recalled that the digging teams rotated in nine-hour shifts. In the 17 months since the terrorist organization launched its surprise rampage through Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas appears to have survived Israel's withering bombing campaigns through the ceaseless expansion of its vast web of tunnels that honeycomb underneath Gaza and has come to be known by Israeli officials as "the Metro."

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Shoham said he and three others were kept in a 120-square-foot tunnel shaft for more than 200 days, nearly half of the total 505 days he was held captive by Hamas. To get there, he told me he was led on a two-and-a-half hour walk through "the metro," shocked at its labyrinthine sprawl beneath the Gaza Strip. He said the main line of the metro -- which Shoham says Hamas told him connects northern and southern Gaza -- is likely still intact, and every day teams dig new branches and shafts to the surface. His Hamas captors said you could walk for five days from Gaza City in the north to Rafah in the south, according to Shoham. He said Hamas was very proud of the work.

PHOTO: Tal Shoham, a hostage who was held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, reacts as he is reunited with his family, February 22, 2025. (GPO via Reuters)

Why the tunnels under Gaza pose a major problem for Israel's potential ground invasion

On about day 300 into his time as a hostage of Hamas, Shoham said he was dressed like a Gazan man, walked out of the safe house where he'd been kept and led on a meandering walk through Gaza's streets to meet an ambulance, which then ferried him into a tunnel structure. Shoham was then blindfolded and said he descended into an underground space. He said his captors then removed his blindfold and he had to duck low to get into the first level, where, looking up, he saw what he described as a huge improvised explosive device that he said his captors told him was meant to collapse the tunnel should the Israel Defense Forces enter it.

What's next now that Hamas and Israel have agreed to a deal?

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As he descended further, he said, the air smothered him -- damp, dank and yet thin, as if at altitude. He had been told he was going to a doctor, but instead was introduced to hell, he said: a 50-foot long, 3-foot wide tunnel 60 feet underground where there were three other men. The four of them slept (head to toe), defecated and nursed the wounds of their beatings there for nearly a year. At one point, Shoham said they were given a deck of cards, but could only play two at a time because the tunnel was too narrow for the four of them to sit in a circle. It took Shoham a month to acclimatize to the lack of oxygen, and much longer to the claustrophobia of living in the coffin-wide tube, he said. The smell of food from the air-conditioned guards' room would waft it in. There was talk of suicide, Shoham said, but because their guards so feared that happening, they installed cameras in the tunnel and supplied the hostages a single set of plastic utensils that they used (and never cleaned with water) for the 200 days he spent underground.

How Israel-Hamas agreement came to be amid false starts, recriminations and deaths of key players

Shoham had been kidnapped with his family from the kibbutz of Be'eri in southern Israel. He was taken first, he said -- before 20 of their neighbors and friends had been murdered. During the first six weeks of his captivity, Shoham was racked with obsessive thoughts about their fate. He said he would toggle through different scenarios: that his wife Adi would be dead and their two kids survived, one child dead and the other killed, or "hardest of all that just my wife Adi survived" and the children killed. So to end the pain, he said he decided to bury them: "I imagined a big grave and two small ones with all of my community in my village and behind me, and like I gave a speech to every one of them. And it was the toughest thing that I did in my life. But I feel that I actually need to do it. I actually need to not only to [...] do it for myself, but in case they are dead, just to let them go."

PHOTO: ABC News' Matt Gutman interviews freed Israeli hostage Tal Shoham, who was held captive by Hamas for more than 500 days. (Hugo Leenhardt/ABC News)

A few days later, he said he learned they had been taken captive, and were among 50 mostly women and children released during a temporary ceasefire of the war that was reached in November 2023.

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After about 30 days in captivity, Shoham said Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David were brought to the safe house where he was being held. About nine months later, the three of them were taken underground and left where he said they were put in a tunnel along with fellow hostage Omer Wenkert, whom Shoham said was already there.

But for 40-year-old Shoham, it got far worse. An infection started in his mouth and gums, then came the pain and inflammation, the opening of old wounds, then the swelling in his legs and the inability to walk, he said. He was bedridden, and his fellow hostages darkly joked he "was a dead man walking." He said Hamas captors brought a medic down, but they couldn't diagnose the problem, so they gave him antibiotics. Only after Shoham's release in February did doctors diagnose him with a malady so common to sailors before the 18th century: advanced scurvy.

In Rafah, an eerily quiet hellscape with tunnels under children's bedrooms: Reporters notebook

Shoham had gone from 179 pounds to 110 pounds during his time in captivity, he said. The four men counted grains of rice to ensure they were divided equally. Shoham said their guards told them they were being purposely starved so that, upon their release, the images of their skeletal frames and sunken faces would inflame the Israeli public and force the Netanyahu government to broker a deal. But Hamas' plan backfired. When the world saw hostage Eli Sharabi, released on Feb. 8, there was an outcry. In the last two weeks of his captivity, Shoham said he and the others were stuffed with food. He was 124 pounds when the Red Cross ferried him back to Israel.

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The foreman of the tunnel team would beat them with a crowbar, Shoham said, denting the head of Wenkert, then asked the hostages to massage him and ask them why they don't love him -- a special kind of sadism.

Israel block on Gaza aid coordinated with Trump administration, Israeli source says

The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was reached in January, and 25 living hostages were released as part of the first phase, as well as the bodies of eight deceased hostages, the following month. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel were also released.

But there's been a slowdown of negotiations for the second phase of the agreement, which was to see Israeli forces completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip; the release of the 59 remaining Israeli male hostages, civilians and soldiers in exchange for an agreed-upon number of prisoners in Israeli jails, and a permanent cessation of military operations and hostilities, officials have said.

60 feet underground in a 3-foot-wide tomb: Freed Israeli hostage details conditions of Hamas captivity: Reporter's notebook originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Back in the day, a pilgrimage meant a journey to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion. Today, for increasing numbers of pilgrims, its a journey made with purpose and a touch of spirituality  though not necessarily driven by faith. The UK has become one of the worlds most secular countries; the last census saw the percentage of Christians in England and Wales drop from 59% to 46%. And yet the country is leading the way in revitalising pilgrim trails  from church-hopping around rural Herefordshire to routes spanning the Irish Sea.

Simply put, making a pilgrimage hasnt been this popular since the Middle Ages. But why? As the world becomes ever more complicated, taking time out for a long walk  when all you have to think about is food, shelter and putting one foot ahead of the other  is increasingly appealing. A pilgrimage is wellness at its simplest, and an antidote to fast-paced 21st-century life.

1. Golden Valley Pilgrim Way, southwest Herefordshire

The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way doesnt get you anywhere. Unusually for a pilgrimage, this 60-mile route is not linear but a loop, winding through rolling, rural, time-warp southwest Herefordshire to finish back where it started, at the door of Herefords 11th-century cathedral. But its a journey that provokes spiritual contemplation. Night sanctuary is offered at nine churches en route (suggested donation: 20 per person per night), offering camp beds, access to a toilet and sink, and the privilege of bunking down in sacred, historic, community-rooted spaces. These include Madley Church, which has been attracting pilgrims since the sixth century (St Dubricius was reputedly born here), and St Clydawgs in Clodock, rich in intriguing ecclesiastical details and located near to the characterful Cornewall Arms pub. Theres also the chance to sleep in the cloisters of Hereford Cathedral, thought to be the first British cathedral to allow pilgrims to stay since medieval times.

Eildon Hills provide impressive viewpoints for pilgrims en route to Northumberland's Holy Island. Photograph by Gabriel Hemery, Getty Images

Image pair caption override Photograph by Gabriel Hemery, Getty Images

2. St Cuthberts Way, Scottish Borders and Northumberland

Tracing the footsteps of its namesake seventh-century saint, the 62-mile St Cuthberts Way runs from the Scottish Borders town of Melrose, where St Cuthbert entered monastic life, to Holy Island, his eventual resting place and original shrine. Its perhaps the godfather of modern British pilgrimages: the trail opened in 1996 and has become beloved of both pilgrims and seasoned ramblers who rate its manageable distance, wild and varied terrain, lower-key status and historic significance.

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En route lie the distinctive Eildon Hills, the burbling River Tweed, ruined abbeys, the remote Cheviots and St Cuthberts Cave where, its said, the saints body was hidden in 875 during Viking raids. The trail delivers one of the finest finales, too: the walk to Holy Island, either across the causeway or over the tidal mudflats  many make the journey barefoot  to reach the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, where St Cuthbert was made bishop in 685.

3. St Patricks Way, County Armagh and County Down

Remarkably, a pilgrimage celebrating Irelands patron saint only launched in 2015. It was the brainchild of an Irishman  artist and pilgrim Alan Graham  whod walked Spains Camino de Santiago and thought there should be something similar back home. The 82-mile route links the ceremonial site of Navan Fort, on the outskirts of Armagh, and the town of Downpatrick  two places with the strongest links to the man who brought Christianity to Ireland. Patrick chose Armagh to be the seat of the new religion, founding his main church there in 445 CE. Downpatrick is where he allegedly built his first church, and where hes believed to be buried.

Along the way, the well-signed trail traverses green and glorious countryside, follows canals, enters the mighty Mourne Mountains, veers into seaside Newcastle, runs through Murlough Bay Nature Reserve and passes ruined Dundrum Castle. Walkers can carry a pilgrims passport, collecting stamps along the way to earn a certificate from Downpatricks Saint Patrick Centre.

4. Cornish Celtic Way, Cornwall

It was around the sixth century when saints first went to spread Christianity across Englands southwesterly extreme. And the Cornish Celtic Way is a modern take on their ancient journeys. The 125-mile route, linking St Germans and St Michaels Mount, passes evidence of those early Christians, from Celtic crosses to holy wells. It also traverses the wild moorlands, woodlands and cliff-backed shores that made them feel so close to God.

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The trail combines 60 miles of Cornish coast path with two existing pilgrim trails. The Saints Way, from Padstow to Fowey, follows the likely route pilgrims once used to travel from Ireland and Wales to France and passes ancient footbridges and medieval churches. St Michaels Way is a shortcut across the county from Lelant to the castle-crowned tidal isle of St Michaels Mount. A trail passport enables walkers to collect stamps en route and book discounted accommodation, including stays in churches and church halls.

Pilgrims can best view the Pembrokeshire coastline from the highest point on St Davids head of Carn Llidi. Photograph by Tony Eves, Alamy

5. Wexford-Pembrokeshire Trail, Ireland & Wales

The tagline of this trail, two Celtic lands, two Celtic saints, one transformative journey, perfectly encapsulates its 162-mile route, which spans both land and sea, retracing the sixth-century journey of St Aidan to meet St David  an encounter that saw Celtic culture bloom. The journey begins with a 62-mile walk through County Wexford, from the holy well in Ferns to the port of Rosslare, followed by a 62-mile crossing of the Irish Sea and a 37-mile stretch along the Welsh coast, from Goodwick Harbour to the picturesque city of St Davids. The trail is divided into nine stages (five in Ireland, four in Wales), with guided events available. The Welsh section follows the signposted Pembrokeshire Coast Path, complemented by a digital map for navigation.

This adventure is imbued with ancient echoes, passing many pilgrim sites. These include St Davids Well near Oilgate; Our Ladys Island, a place of female worship; a hermits cell at the foot of Garn Fawr; the Neolithic burial stone of Carreg Samson; and the summit of Carn Llidi, where angels allegedly told St Patrick to return to Ireland.

6. The Old Way, Southern England

The Old Way, a 240-mile pilgrimage from Southampton to Canterbury, blends history from both 2020 and the 14th century. Inspired by a red line on the Gough Map (circa 1360), the oldest known road map of Britain, the route was revived by the British Pilgrimage Trust, a charity dedicated to promoting and modernising the cultural and spiritual significance of this ancient form of travel.

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The route takes between two and four weeks to complete, following a slightly altered path from the original red line to avoid modern highways and connect key pilgrimage sites. These include the ruins of Titchfield Abbey, magnificent Chichester Cathedral, the ancient trackways of the South Downs and a series of medieval churches and mystical natural locations, from quiet forests to eerie marshlands. Along the way, low-cost accommodation is available at various sanctuaries, from churches and community centres to camping fields. These options offer reasonable prices for pilgrims while providing revenue for local communities.

The Way of Life passes by Durham Cathedral, a few miles south of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Photograph by David Tomlinson, Getty Images

7. Northern Saints Trails, County Durham

Launched in 2021, the six Northern Saints Trails follow the paths of those who made northeast England the heart of Christianity in medieval Britain. For example, the 29-mile Way of Life, from Gainford to Durham, is steeped in the stories of St Cuthbert, the former bishop of Lindisfarne, whose remains were brought to Durham Cathedral in the ninth century. This route passes St Oswalds Church, where Cuthbert is said to have performed a miracle, as well as Escomb, the oldest complete Saxon church in England.

The Way of Learning, a 38-mile route from Jarrow to Durham, follows the path of the Venerable Bede, one of the greatest Anglo-Saxon scholars, whose shrine has been in Durham Cathedral since the 14th century.

Meanwhile, the Way of Love, a 28-mile route from Durham to Hartlepool, highlights three of English Christianitys most significant female figures: St Hilda, St Helena and St Mary Magdalene. In addition to these trails, the 22-mile Finchale Camino Ingles, from Finchale Priory to Gainford, is recognised as the English section of the Camino de Santiago. It was from Finchale that St Godric set out in the 12th century as the first recorded British pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela.

To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
TAIYUAN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed in an accident at an expressway construction site in Pingding County, north China's Shanxi Province, according to the county government on Tuesday.

The accident occurred at 5:55 p.m. on Monday at the site of an expansion project in the Yexi section of the Taiyuan-Jiuguan Expressway, leaving five people trapped.

Rescue teams from multiple departments managed to rescue all the trapped by 8:17 p.m. Monday, but they were confirmed dead at the scene.

Further investigation and follow-up work are underway. 
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Daniel Schultz, Robbie Hughes, and Ed Young had a healthy discussion at Mondays forum, the candidates running for City Commissioner of Ward One, differed in their stance on the West Beach Drive referendum.

Can not possibly be done for the amount of money this thing is not set aside for. Absolutely not possible. If Panhandle Engineering to be so kind as to provide the public buy any format through the News Herald through a website anyway to show us the actual cost to build with the plan. The plans they provided to the city for an $8 million grant. Thats a $20 to $24 million project, Young said.

If the public does not want it, even if I believe in connectivity, I will back the public. If the public does want it we will do what we can to see where it goes, but only if we have the money. 8 million dollars doesnt go a long way anymore folks, Hughes said.

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It is not affecting any homeowners private property. Number two, the grants can not be repurposed now this is a really important one. This has already been asked of our state senator Jay Trumbull and this grant can not be repurposed. I have the email, Schultz said.

Josh Street and Demetrius Rease running for City Commissioner of Ward Four were asked the same question of Do you support the referendum and why?

Street shared his obvious support by announcing he voted to put it on the ballot.

The project is widely supported by the residents of Saint Andrews. it doesnt really make sense why someone would put it on the referendum, its a winning election issue as far as inside of the district that I represent, Street said.

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While ward one candidate Ed Young had said it would be impossible to fully fund the project with the $8 million state grant, Street assured his constituents that he is in favor of making cuts when necessary, to keep the project under budget.

Family of Nyterrian Johnson seeks help after Liberty County crash

Rease opposed the entire referendum, calling the nearly $2 million thats already been spent for the engineering designs and legal fees A waste of city funds.

Its a backwards approach of what government does often unfortunately. People should be engaged with up front years ago, not when 100% design drawings are done, obviously Im against the whole path of the referendum, said Rease.

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In the final panel, the question was tailored for the mayoral candidate perspective of Allan Branch and Doc Rohan. Focusing on the nonbinding vote aspect of the issue, and whether or not citizen input should have been prioritized more before taking action on the project.

Current city Mayor Doc Rohan said the city often shoots and then aims, before calling the referendum A joke.

Will I support it? absolutely not. If I get reelected I will vote this thing down every chance I get. Its a bad idea. Youre taking property from the people that live there. Its a lot of money, we were supposed to get the answer from the DOT, we know the DOT is not going to give us the land but our city manager has not told us that. We re in the dark about this thing and its a bad deal, Im totally against it. Ive been against it since day one and Ill continue to be against it, Rohan said.

His opponent Allan Branch responded. The process that weve spent the money before theres a referendum is a little odd. And Ive seen that a few times in the city, where they rsh to do the engineering before theyve gotten the neighborhood buy-in, and they did that with Mackenzie Park as well. So referendum, is not an idea that Panama City invented. Theres a reason the referendum process is in our voting system, said Branch.

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To watch the full forum click here. And for details on the upcoming Lynn Haven and Mexico Beach forums 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 mypanhandle.com.
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  The 72nd Holyoke St. Patricks Parade will kick off at 11:10 a.m. on Sunday, broadcast live at noon on WWLP-22News, and streamed on WWLP.com.

The parade route will begin at the former Kmart Plaza at 11:10 a.m. sharp, with spectators along the early portions (including Northampton Street) advised to arrive well before the start time.

Holyoke St. Patricks Parade: Road closures and details

Holyoke St. Patricks Parade Route

Where to watch the Holyoke St. Patricks Parade

Watch Live: Holyoke St. Patricks Parade

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The main television broadcast will be stationed at Beech Street in front of Holyoke High School, beginning at noon to provide optimal live coverage of the events festivities.

The broadcast team will feature veteran 22News Anchor Rich Tettemer and Parade Committee representative Sheila Moreau as primary hosts. At the same time, 22News Anchor Taylor Knight will provide on-the-ground coverage, featuring real-time interviews with participants and spectators.

Who is marching in the Holyoke St. Patricks Parade

The parade kicks off at 11:10 a.m. with the St. Patricks Parade Committee and the City of Holyoke, including Mayor Joshua Garcia, dignitaries, and members of the police and fire. The Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and their marching unit are marching with two cruisers, four motorcycles, and four of their horses. The list doesnt end there, look for many more representing the city.

The military division is then stepping off with the Massachusetts National Guard, Veterans Holyoke, Westover, Civil Air Patrol, Disabled American Veterans, 82nd Airborne Division Association, the American Red Cross, and the Worcester Sound Military Band.

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The City of Chicopee follows with Mayor John Vieau, elected officials, members of the police and fire departments, and the 22News team. Be sure to say hi!

The list of divisions in marching order is as follows:

St. Patricks Committee

Holyoke

Military

Chicopee

Northampton/Amherst

Springfield

West Springfield

Agawam

Westfield

Easthampton

South Hadley/Granby

Melha Temple Shriners

Many parade floats, marching bands, Melha riders, Irish dancers and more are bringing the excitement!

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A 74-year-old man died at a Washington ski resort after falling head-first into snow, deputies said.

The man was with his brother and friend March 13 at Stevens Pass Ski Area, the King County Sheriffs Office said in a release.

The men started on a blue run, an intermediate-level slope, deputies said.

Within minutes of getting off the lift, the 74-year-old skied towards a few minor bumps just off the groomed area, deputies said.

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Someone on the ski lift saw him fall head-first into deep snow, deputies said.

His brother and friend rushed to help the lifelong skier, but he was unresponsive so ski patrol called 911, deputies said.

Ski patrol performed life-saving measures on him at the slope until paramedics arrived.

He was taken to an aid room at the resort where first responders tried to help him for over an hour before he died, deputies said.

The skier died from a head and neck injury, and his death was ruled accidental, according to an King County Medical Examiner.

Stevens Pass Ski Area is in Skykomish, which is about a 65-mile drive east from Seattle.

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Solo skier stranded 10,000 feet up Mount Shasta after injury, California sheriff says

Skier dies after losing control and hitting padded light pole, Colorado officials say

2 men missing after ATV with 5 riders breaks through ice on Alaska river, cops say
The ground has not yet been broken on the 22 acres of land at 3750 South and 5600 West in West Valley City. But the property, which looks at the moment like a very large undeveloped field, is actually its own field of dreams.

It is the site of the soon-to-be 800,000-square-foot University of Utah Health campus, including a 90-bed hospital and multispeciality outpatient clinics in a project that will bring cutting-edge health care to close some of the communitys existing health disparities, while providing research, job opportunities, training, education and community engagement in a unique combination.

The health campus just took a $75 million leap closer to fruition thanks to the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation. The gift will enable the construction of the universitys first off-campus hospital in its 175-year history, as well as its largest clinic, according to the university, which made the announcement at a news conference Tuesday.

University of Utah Health announced Tuesday, March 18, 2025, it is building a new medical campus in West Valley City. | University of Utah Health

The new hospital will anchor the $855 million project. The university is raising an additional $200 million, according to its president, Taylor Randall. He said the project is expected to greatly improve both health and economic outcomes in West Valley City and nearby west-side communities and potentially serve as a model for other parts of the state.

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We view this as an educational workforce and health care investment in that community all at once, and we hope that when we look back 10, 15, 20 years from now, well see substantial changes in health outcomes and economic outcomes of the community, Randall said.

He predicts this will be one of the most exciting and transformative projects Ill be a part of in my career.

Spencer Fox Eccles, chairman and CEO of the foundation, called it a landmark gift, the largest in the foundations history.

West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang, left, laughs with Spencer F. Eccles, CEO and chairman of the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, after a press conference announcing University of Utah Hospitals and Health is being given $75 million from the Eccles Foundation to establish a University of Utah West Valley Health Campus, at the John R. Park Building on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

West-side disparities

Per a news release on the campus, This expansion is a vital step in increasing health care access across Salt Lake County, ensuring that the more than 725,000 residents living west of I-15 have greater access to hospital care, where currently only 1 in 10 hospital beds serve the area.

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University Health estimates patients from the west side have driven more than 12 million miles a year to be treated at its existing facilities.

Among the documented health disparities:

West Valley residents have life expectancy close to 10 years lower than those who live in east-side communities

They have close to twice the heart disease deaths, compared to those on the east side.

The rate of diabetes on the west side is 44% higher than east of I-15.

The west side also has a 38% greater stroke prevalence.

To bolster care for those and other disparities, the clinic will offer 200 specialties, including cardiovascular, general internal medicine, urgent care, orthopedics, pediatrics and womens health.

University of Utah President Taylor Randall speaks during a press conference announcing University of Utah Hospitals and Health is being given $75 million from the Eccles Foundation to establish a University of Utah West Valley Health Campus, at the John R. Park Building on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

Randall had been president of the university for about five days when he was asked to approve the plan to build a health campus in West Valley City, he told Deseret News. He said he responded that he needed a little time to consider it, then he enlisted University Neighborhood Partners to talk to West Valley stakeholders at multiple levels to see what their needs are. What they were told has driven the design of the campus.

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The community came back and said, Look, were really interested in three or four things. One of them is certainly better health care outcomes, but the second is better workforce outcomes. The third is better educational outcomes. And finally, we want a place to build community and build on the networks that we have, Randall said.

The George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles foundation has been involved in supporting health and wellness in Utah for about 60 years, said Lisa Eccles, the foundations president and chief operating officer. Hearing about the need and health challenges in West Valley City boosted interest in being involved, she told Deseret News.

Its hard to believe that about 10 miles away from downtown Salt Lake City is a community that hasnt had access to great health care. They havent had the expertise of our incredible University of Utah doctors, the nurses that we have all enjoyed up here, she said. We just feel strongly that this is the right place to invest to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.

Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during a press conference announcing University of Utah Hospitals and Health is being given $75 million from the Eccles Foundation to establish a University of Utah West Valley Health Campus, at the John R. Park Building on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

Healing beyond the body

Randall said it became readily apparent that the University of Utah had a really unique opportunity to partner with a community that has incredible strengths and assets. Besides being Utahs second-largest city, its diverse, its hard-working, its incredibly resilient. They have dreams and aspirations, just like the rest of us. But when you look at the demographic outcomes or the economic outcomes and the health outcomes, you realize that there are some disparities this investment potentially could begin to address if we partnered in the right way.

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When you start to view this investment from that lens, you begin to restructure what it means to be an educational institution, what it means to be a health care system.

To that end, the project plans to see that a large percentage of the 2,000 jobs the campus will create go to those who live nearby, and to build pathways so they can achieve degrees. If all goes as planned, people could work in the hospital system while getting education that would improve their skills and income.

Dr. Bob Carter, new CEO of University of Utah Health, described the campus as kind of like a Christmas present, where you really have this incredible opportunity, but it is a sizable project with significant scope, and so its a worthy challenge and an exciting one.

The project is about more than building a hospital, because there are some great hospitals all around the valley, he said. Instead, it will create something new as it combines health care with opportunities of many different kinds.

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As I speak with many of our faculty and our leaders, everyone feels like theres a sense of mission about this particular opportunity that I think is special, Carter said.

He said hed love to see high school juniors and seniors volunteer at the hospital and be inspired to work in health care and then get a medical education  admittedly a long effort  then come back to practice. That would be, from an aspirational standpoint, an absolute, terrific win.

Carter added that hes deeply grateful to the foundation for giving the project a huge boost and to the community for engaging in a very important partnership.

Katie Eccles, a foundation advisory board member, said the novel approach of combining education and economic opportunities into the health care setting was particularly appealing  that the residents of West Valley can work in the hospitals, they can be trained for skilled, higher paying jobs, and continue to work in that community, in that neighborhood. So its a really holistic approach with hospitals, clinics with 200 specialties, an ER right there in your neighborhood, so you dont have to drive clear across the valley when minutes really matter.

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She added, Its not just bricks and mortar. We really hope that this will be a catalyst for economic prosperity, for opportunity, for job growth, for training and education and opening doors and opportunities in the heart of their community that havent been there before. That it can really be an anchor in that community.

Gov. Spencer Cox touches the arm of Spencer F. Eccles, CEO and chairman of the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, while Eccles is honored by speaker during a press conference announcing University of Utah Hospitals and Health is being given $75 million from the Eccles Foundation to establish a University of Utah West Valley Health Campus, at the John R. Park Building on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

City officials didnt just attend the announcement Tuesday; theyve been actively involved in the planning of the facility since the campus was announced last year, Randall added, noting that hundreds at a time have attended various meetings.

West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang reiterated the communitys excitement. She said that her town has growing demand for a hospital and specialty services.

Construction will begin this summer and the clinic should be finished in 2028, with the hospital rooms following in 2029. Randall said there are also plans to create space for community gatherings on the campus.

Eccles' long history with health

Katie Eccles added that the foundation has a history of supporting Utah health care, especially through the University of Utah. This is a natural follow, she said, because the bottleneck for having more skilled physicians is really residencies nationwide. This will open up additional avenues of training for our medical students, which will be a big help.

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She added that the Eccles familys support for health care in Utah started more than half a century ago with money for the medical schools library. Nearly half a century ago, George Eccles, this foundations founder, chaired the capital campaign to expand University Hospital. Much more recently, the foundation endowed the medical school at the university. Another family foundation, the Nora Eccles Treadwell Foundation, of which she is vice chair, has put many millions of dollars over the years into funding the Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Training and Research Institute at the school.

Health care is one of the foundation priorities, along with arts and culture, community, social services, education, preservation and conservation, Lisa Eccles said. And George Eccles had stipulated that all of his money should stay in Utah to benefit its people  the friends and neighbors who helped build up his companies so that he was successful.

The goal is that the foundation will continue on in perpetuity and be there to address the needs and find solutions to our problems and challenges in Utah in every corner of the state, she said.

Speaking of the many of dollars the Eccles family has donated to Utah causes, Gov. Spencer J. Cox said during the announcement, I believe this one in particular could have the largest impact of anything they have done in the last century. He added the gift has the ability to transform generations, to save lives.
During a visit to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Monday, President Donald Trump promised the release on Tuesday of 80,000 unredacted pages of material related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

We are tomorrow announcing and giving all of the Kennedy files, Trump told reporters. So people have been waiting for decades for this, and Ive instructed my people that are responsible.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has been at the forefront of the release of the documents. Gabbard teased the impending release at the beginning of March.

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We have a tremendous amount of paper  youve got a lot of reading," Trump continued. I dont believe were going to redact anything. I said, Just dont redact, you cant redact.' But were going to be releasing the JFK files.

He added, Theyll be released tomorrow afternoon. Its going to be very interesting.

When asked if there will be summaries of the findings, Trump said, No, there will not be summaries. Youll write your own summaries. Its many pages, is it 80,000 pages? Approximately 80,000 pages, and youll make your own determination.

Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 23 to release the President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. files without delay.

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The executive order required Gabbard and Attorney General Pam Bondi to present a plan for the full release of the JFK assassination records within 15 days, and required them to present a plan to release the RFK and MLK records within 45 days of the order.

However, many, including the New York Post, speculate Tuesdays document release will turn up no new bombshells.

President Kennedy was fatally shot in a motorcade in downtown Dallas, Texas, in November 1963. The official investigation concluded that the gunman and assassin was Lee Harvey Oswald and that he acted alone, as the Deseret News previously reported.

Thousands of documents have been already released, and they provide evidence that the CIA had longstanding surveillance of Oswald and that Oswald communicated with the Soviet Union and Cuba.

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Other released documents show internal tension between CIA and FBI agents on how the agencies were monitoring Oswald.

Trump has not officially announced when the administration will release the RFK and MLK Jr. documents.
The public will finally get to see the U.S. governments secret files on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and its happening Tuesday.

President Donald Trump told reporters on March 17, 2025, that he will release about 80,000 pages of JFK files on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

According to video posted of Trumps comments by ABC News, Trump promised the files would be very interesting.

"While were here, I thought it would be appropriate, we are, tomorrow, announcing and giving all of the Kennedy files. So, people have been waiting for decades for this, and Ive instructed my people lots of different people, Tulsi Gabbard, that they must be released tomorrow," he said.

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"You got a lot of reading. I dont believe were going to redact anything. I said, just dont redact, you cant redact," Trump said.

US President John F Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and others smile at the crowds lining their motorcade route in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Minutes later the President was assassinated as his car passed through Dealey Plaza. Bettmann/Getty Images

The official government line on the assassination of the popular president holds that he was killed by a lone assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, firing from a building perch at Kennedys motorcade in Dallas. However, for years, alternate theories have raged, pinning blame on everyone from the CIA to the Mafia.

According to Reuters, Trump made the comments at the Kennedy Center.

In his comments to reporters, Trump did not share details about what the files contain.

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Oswald was shot to death shortly after the JFK assassination by Jack Ruby.

According to Fox News, Trump agreed to requests from the CIA and FBI to withhold some of the files during his last term in office because of concerns that the potential harm to U.S. national security, law enforcement or foreign affairs is "of such gravity that it outweighs the public interest in immediate disclosure, Fox News reported.
Mar. 17A 92-year-old woman died from burns a week after a house fire in Bartlett, according to the State Fire Marshal.

Karin Muller had been hospitalized at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, since the fire Sunday, March 9, according to a news release. The fire took place at 102 Oak Ridge Road with the Fire Department being called at 4:39 a.m., according to the Bartlett Firefighters Association's Facebook page.

"Crews were met with heavy fire, and the scene was complicated by high winds, icy conditions, and difficult access," the post reads.

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All five occupants of the home escaped the home at the time but were brought to the hospital.

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office was notified of Muller's death on Friday.

"Muller's cause of death was determined to be thermal injuries, and her manner of death was accidental," the news release said.

While the investigation is ongoing, the fire is not considered to be suspicious at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office at 603-223-4289 or by email at fmo@dos.nh.gov.

No further information was available Monday afternoon.
ABC News president Almin Karamehmedovic sought to reassure staffers at the network news division that it was engaging in a thoughtful strategy to grow and expand the ABC News brand, despite the difficult layoffs that took place earlier this month.

Karamehmedovic gathered ABC News employees at The Walt Disney Co.s newly-opened New York City headquarters Tuesday in Hudson Square, taking questions and outlining his vision for the storied network news division. He also recapped the town hall in a note to staff, which The Hollywood Reporter obtained.

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A source says he fielded multiple questions about the layoffs, which saw 538 shuttered, the Nightline and 20/20 teams consolidated, the Good Morning America team consolidated under producer Simone Swink, and a merging of digital and social operations.

He also discussed the future of GMA3, the early afternoon spinoff of the morning program, and said that it was there to stay, despite the merging of teams.

This is not easy. The entire industry has been challenged, and restructuring the way we operate has, unfortunately, had an impact on some of our colleagues, he wrote to staff. We thank them again for their professionalism, dedication and meaningful contributions.

Karamehmedovic told employees that ABC News was restructuring around three pillars: 24/7 live and breaking news, in an effort to ensure that ABC News is the default choice on linear, streaming, digital and social for anyone seeking information on news happening now; signature shows, including GMA, World News Tonight, The View, Tamron Hall, and This Week; and longform storytelling, built around 20/20, Nightline, and ABC News Studios.

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He also laid out three priorities for the news division going forward, including a mission to preserve and expand our audience by reaching our viewers wherever they are,; Streamline and strengthen our operations to collaborate better in service of the news.,; and execute and deliver for our audience with excellence.

He framed the ABC News mission as being about straightforward journalism.

We were called to journalism because we believe in its value in society, he wrote. The role of an independent press is essential, and we cannot take this for granted. For 70 years, ABC News has delivered exceptional reporting, interviews and analysis  this is why audiences turn to us. We must continue to prove our value to protect our future. We must earn their trust every single day by providing straightforward journalism.

Of course the ABC News cuts come as TV news writ large is facing a cash crunch, as cord-cutting impacts the bottom lines of cable news outlets (Fox News seeming to be the only exception for now), while network news divisions deal with a fracturing linear audience and a digital audience that isnt quite making up for those linear losses.

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The result, across companies, is more consolidation and merging of teams, smaller pay packages for top talent, and even a rethinking of programming strategy.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An Abilene man who was on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders List was arrested following a Crime Stoppers tip.

Raymond Lee Trejo, 35, of Abilene was apprehended in Stilwell, Oklahoma last week by the Special Applications Branch of the Cherokee National Marshal Service.

Trejo is accused of fleeing Taylor County in May 2024 after failing to comply with sex offender registry requirements. He was initially convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and sentenced to serve 10 years in prison in 2009.

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The person who left a Crime Stoppers tip leading to Trejos arrest will be receiving a cash reward.

More information on Trejos capture can be found here.

To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:

Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).

Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.

Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the SUBMIT A TIP link (under the About section).

All tips are guaranteed anonymous.

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The defendants, former figures of the separatist regime that operated on the territory of Azerbaijan during the Armenian occupation, continue to "discover America."

On Monday, defendant Levon Mnatsakanyan stated that there were no Iskander-M, Tochka-U and Smerch multiple launch rocket systems in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. According to the "ex-Minister of Defense" of the separatists, he had not seen these weapons in the occupied territories either before or during the war.

It should be recalled that Bako Sahakyan gave similar testimony last week.

"These weapons were not present on the territory of Karabakh. I can say for sure that during the period when I was "president", these weapons were not imported into Karabakh," he said. According to him, if such weapons appeared in Karabakh, he would have been informed about it by the "commander". The former "president" assured that attacks on civilian objects of Azerbaijan using these types of weapons were not carried out from the territory of Karabakh.

Before Bako Sahakyan, the penultimate "president" Arayik Harutyunyan made similar statements in court. He really needed the truth, because during the war he recorded a "famous" video in which he claimed with a grin that he had given the order to bomb Ganja. According to Harutyunyan's testimony, the decision to launch rocket and artillery attacks deep into the territory of Azerbaijan was made on October 2, the first week of the war. He himself only followed the instructions coming from Yerevan, which were broadcast through the "commander of the Defense Army" Levon Mnatsakanyan.

"I did not know who had what powers, what weapons should be and would be used, etc. When I asked Onik Gasparyan (Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces - ed.) whether these decisions were justified, he replied to me that, they say, yes, our main targets are the airports of Azerbaijan, which we must destroy.. It was said that it is necessary to create such an impression, to make it so that these strikes are allegedly carried out from Karabakh," Harutyunyan said.

At a court hearing on March 17, Mnatsakanyan confirmed what the Azerbaijani side had known for a long time. Baku knew that Armenia is not just an observer and a fan, but controls illegal armed groups in Karabakh. And during the 44-day war, criminal orders to attack peaceful cities of Azerbaijan came from Yerevan.

Let's recall one episode of the 44-day war.

On October 14, at about 01:00, the Armenian Armed Forces recorded the deployment of several tactical missile systems (OTRCS) with ballistic missiles at a launch site in the border area near the occupied Kalbajar region. According to the information available to the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the missile systems were aimed at the civilian population and civilian infrastructure of Ganja, Mingachevir and other cities of Azerbaijan. Preventive measures were taken to prevent the missile attack and prevent the recurrence of another war crime similar to the one committed by Armenia on October 11 in Ganja. As a result, operational and tactical missile systems were neutralized as a legitimate military target, and they were brought to a state of readiness for firing attacks. On the same day, on October 14, at about 08:36, the Armenian armed forces recorded the deployment of another tactical missile system with ballistic missiles near the border zone of Kalbajar district. This PTRK was also disabled by a precise preemptive strike.

Unfortunately, the supply of missile systems to Yerevan was not limited, and in the following days deadly attacks on peaceful cities from the territory of Armenia continued.

The Armenian Defense Ministry, of course, denied everything. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani side had accurate information about Yerevan's intention to expand the geography of military operations and cause panic among the population deep in the rear. Modern technology makes it possible to track the flight of a mosquito, not a ballistic missile. During the war, Azerbaijani air defenses repeatedly suppressed rocket attacks from Armenia. Thus, a missile attack on the Mingachevir hydroelectric power station was repulsed. So Azerbaijan has evidence of Yerevan's direct guilt in war crimes during the Second Karabakh War.

Now about who gave the orders. Armenia is a very "exotic" country where some illegal gangs guard the border instead of border guards and where some field commander from former militias can give orders to violate the ceasefire. But when it comes to weapons such as Iskander or Tochka U, it is impossible to do without the high command. The supreme military command of any army during combat operations is the Supreme Commander. The Supreme Commander of Armenia is its Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. If decisions about missile strikes on Azerbaijani cities were made without his participation, it means that things are very bad in Armenia. But there are doubts about it. It's not that things in Armenia could not be worse, but that the supreme commander-in-chief did not participate in making criminal decisions, but was kicked out the door. It may be that he refused to give the go-ahead, he was pressured and forced. Anything can happen. Especially in Armenia.

The Armenian authorities were aware of all the war crimes committed in the occupied territories and coordinated these actions themselves. Moreover, as Mnatsakanyan told the court, the investigation of war crimes committed by Karabakh separatists and citizens of the Republic of Armenia who served in the occupied territories is carried out by the Armenian Military Police, and the preliminary investigation is carried out by the RA Military Prosecutor's Office. Let's add that this was the case before the 44-day war. Unfortunately, the scoundrels are not being tried for crimes against the Azerbaijani people, but in this case, the important fact is that the consideration of the Karabakh separatist cases in the Armenian courts indicates the involvement and connection of official Yerevan with all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Armenians on Azerbaijani soil.

The conclusion is as follows: official Yerevan is directly responsible for the deaths of dozens of innocent Ganja and Barda residents. The testimony heard in the Baku Military Court these days drives additional nails into the lid of this "coffin."
BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said the country's trade policies toward trading partners, including the European Union, have consistently been stable, and welcomed European companies to increase their investment in China.

Wang made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, according to a statement released by the ministry on Tuesday.

While the global economy faces severe challenges, the long-term positive trend of China's economy remains unchanged as the economy enjoys strong resilience, huge potential, and vitality, Wang said, adding that China is confident in its ability to continue to achieve stable economic growth.

He said that despite changes in the external environment, China's policies and expectations remain stable.

China will continue to advance high-level opening up, optimize the business environment, and vigorously encourage foreign investment, the minister said.

Wang expressed his hope that European companies, including Airbus, would seize opportunities to increase their investment in China and deepen industrial cooperation in a bid to contribute more quality products and services to both China and the rest of the world.

Faury said that Airbus has been in China for over 30 years and has been committed to developing its business and partnerships in the country.

As a multinational company, Airbus looks forward to stability and certainty in global economic development and does not wish to see uncertainties arising from any additional tariff policies, Faury said.

Airbus remains optimistic about the Chinese market and will continue to expand its investment and presence in the country for better development in the future, Faury added. 
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Sariah Titus has excelled in school since she was a young girl. She excelled in her grades and later discovered the Regional Big Country Spelling Bee at Hardin Simmons University.

She decided to compete in 5th grade at Ortiz Elementary in Abilene Independent School District (AISD).

She won the regional competition and secured her seat at the Scripps national spelling bee competition. As a 6th-grade Mann Middle School student, she won again and, for a second time, headed to represent Abilene nationally. But now, as a Wylie Independent School District 7th grade Wylie West Junior High Student, Sariah is a three-peat champion.

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Just last month, on February 22, she won the Big Country Spelling Bee for a third time. Since then, she has been preparing for nations once again studying the dictionary.

It was pretty scary the last two times, but I came more prepared this third time. Even if I dont win this year at the National Spelling Bee, Ill be grateful because this is my third time going to the National Spelling Bee, and thats a pretty big thing, explained Sariah.

This time, she changes things by studying even harder and with family. She credits her loved ones and teachers as her reason for success.

I will be studying my dictionary. I will be studying the word club app. I will be asking people to help me study because its better when you get to study with more people because youll have a team, and theyll be on your side. My familys really excited for me. My familys been my number one supporter since I was born. Ive been a good student. Ive been getting all As and stuff like that. Theyre really proud of me. I would have never gotten here without my family, added Sariah.

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Sariah reminds other students who want to participate in spelling bees but are nervous about trying it once they dont give up.

Honestly, my advice is dont doubt yourself if youre like trying to spell a word, dont doubt yourself that much. Dont try and think, Oh, I think its this, but Im going to go with this. Dont do that. Just go with the flow. Push yourself to study more. Get like a study group with teachers, friends, family, stuff like that. Dont try to do it all by yourself because when people work together, youre allowed to accomplish things better, shared Sariah.

Sariah plans to pursue a career in the health field, where she hopes to utilize her spelling and memorization skills to achieve her goal. The Wylie ISD community and her supporters are excited to cheer her on as she competes nationally, representing Abilene from May 27 to May 29. You can enroll at the Scripps National Spelling Bee website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Donald Trump is now openly defying the rule of law with the president getting closer to a showdown with the judicial branch of the government, critics say.
A celebrated University of Michigan dance alumna is finally receiving her homecoming.

Internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Briana Ashley Stuart, a Detroit native who now lives in Brussels, Belgium, has spent the last two weeks on U-Ms campus and in Detroit working with students.

The residency, titled From Michigan to the World: Exploring Art, Entrepreneurship and Uncharted Pathways, offers students, faculty, and the wider community an immersive experience with Stuart, whose career spans percussive and contemporary dance, cultural ambassadorship, and entrepreneurial artistry across the U.S., Europe, and Africa.

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The residency will conclude with a live symposium in Ann Arbor on the evening of Wednesday, March 19.

Its been a long time coming, said Stuart. Ive performed and taught literally around the world, and I always said, Why have I never come back home? Its been amazing to be here, engaging with University of Michigan students, dance majors, dance minors. I taught at Cass Tech on Thursday, for example. And, outside of that, I get to see family and friends. Its been absolutely amazing.

In Belgium, Stuart teaches dance and performs her own choreography, as well as working with other artists and theaters in the area. She also uses the title dance entrepreneur, under which she has created a large-scale dance program for adult beginners in Brussels featuring multiple instructors.

Stuart was based in Washington, D.C., while working with professional stepping company Step Africa. When she left the troupe, she decided to sell all her things and travel the world.

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I stumbled across Brussels, she said, and I really liked it. And not only that  when I would leave Brussels to visit another random country, someone would say, Hey, Briana, theres this thing going on. You should come back. Something just really kept drawing me to Brussels in particular. So, after my six-month trip, when I came back to Michigan and I knew that I could pretty much start over, I asked myself: Where was the last place that I was happiest?

It was almost too easy  in Brussels. After that, I applied for my visa, and now its been almost eight years in Belgium.

One of Stuarts missions is to carry forth the African-American tradition of step dancing, which began in the early 1900s on Black college campuses.

Stepping is a form of self-expression, she said. Its a form of pride, notably within the Divine Nine historically Black fraternities and sororities. Im a Zeta, which is how I started stepping. When I love about this particular art form is its power and its energy. When you see a group doing it, you really feel their solidarity and their connectedness, which is pretty much why we step.

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Its a very culturally rooted art form, so its really still connected to those fraternities and sororities  but, slowly and surely, you see stepping also in other places, such as churches or youth groups that use stepping as an afterschool activity. Its really important because its a strong part of African American culture, and its so powerful to connect people to movements and sound.

Stuart said her time back in Michigan has been rich and rewarding.

The first week, I was teaching dance majors, she said. Like in an African traditions class. I also gave a master class. And then, I did dance composition, looking at how to create dance pieces from the choreography standpoint. I did a talk on being an entrepreneur, and specifically a freelancer in dance, as well. And then, at Cass, I also taught a master class.

Within each of these events, its of course about dance, movement, and art, but there have been really important conversations within these events (that) allow students to ask me about my life. So it definitely goes beyond dance and really looks at the entire scope of what it means to build a life as an artist, especially abroad.

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At Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. symposium at Stamps Auditorium, Stuart will give a TED-style talk in which shell share her story, followed by a Q&A. She will also be presented with the 2023 SMTD Alumni Society Emerging Artist Award in Dance, which she was unable to accept in person two years ago.

Stamps Auditorium is located at 1226 Murfin Ave., Ann Arbor. Admission to the symposium is free; register at Eventbrite.com. To learn more about Stuart, visit briana-ashley-stuart.com.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Acclaimed U-M dance alumna, Detroit native returns for residency
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  A Tuskegee man is behind bars in Pike County and investigators claimed he was looting in Troy after a tornado ripped through the city, leaving a path of destruction.

According to Troy Police, 54-year-old Alfonso Lark was arrested on Monday and charged with felony looting.

Police say Lark was caught trying to steal from a building in the 7000 block of Highway 29 north in Troy. This site had been damaged by a tornado that hit the city Saturday night. It is currently unknown if the alleged crime occurred at a home or business.

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Lark was arrested and taken to the Pike County Jail, where he was booked on a $2,500 bond.

The Troy Police Department will not tolerate any crime-especially crimes of opportunity-during a time when our community is already suffering the loss of valuable property due to this devastating storm, said Troy Police Chief Danny Baron. We have been encouraged by the overwhelming outpouring of support from our residents as they come together to help their neighbors in need.

The tornado and storms hit Pike County and the surrounding area late Saturday night, battering Troy and the Banks community.

Pike Co. family thankful that tornado didnt claim life of loved one

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  The ACLU of New Mexico has filed a formal complaint after immigration officials took dozens of people into custody in the state. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said officers arrested 48 illegal aliens during a week-long operation in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Roswell including 20 with serious criminal history.

Food banks urge leaders to fund program providing fresh produce to New Mexicans

In a new complaint sent to the Department of Homeland Security, the ACLU said ICE did not disclose the identities of those arrested, where they are being detained, or what condition those facilities are in. Its also unclear if the detained individuals have access to legal counsel. We dont know whats happened to these four dozen New Mexicans. They have effectively disappeared, said Rebecca Sheff, ACLU of New Mexico.

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The ACLU is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the matter.

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Britons with acne, constipation and those who abused alcohol and drugs are each claiming almost 10,000 a year in disability benefits from a welfare system that experts warn is no longer fit for purpose.

As Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, prepares to announce an overhaul that will allow fewer people qualify for benefits and force those who do to undergo more frequent reassessments, official data highlights how spending on Britains main disability benefit has spiralled out of control.

The cost of personal independence payment (PIP) is poised to rise from 15bn before the pandemic to 37bn in real terms by the end of the decade, while the overall cost of sickness and disability benefits is on course to climb to 100bn.

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PIP provides cash payments for those with extra care or mobility needs, allowing people to spend it on everything from taxis to mobility scooters and cars. Roughly 1.3m people are eligible for the maximum of 9,500 a year to help them cope with a main disabling condition that ranges from drug abuse to obesity to long Covid.

Claims linked to some form of anxiety and depression account for one of the biggest sub-categories of PIP, with more than 500,000 payments now supporting people who are anxious and depressed.

It follows a surge in mental health problems since the pandemic, particularly among the young.

More people now receive the maximum amount of PIP to help them cope with generalised anxiety than people who were born deaf.

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However, digging deeper into the data reveals a dazzling array of around 500 conditions that PIP payments are linked to.

Official data show that there were 5,282 people receiving the maximum amount of PIP for alcohol misuse as of October 2024, while almost 1,630 people received the maximum amount because of long Covid.

A minority of people also receive the maximum awards for conditions like acne and eczema. Official data shows 44 people were eligible to claim 9,500 for a cleft lip and palate in October last year, while six people had the full award for acne, 59 for constipation, 22 because they have a food intolerance and 21 linked to bedwetting.

While not eligible for the maximum 9,500 a year in payments, the data also revealed that six people received PIP support for Munchausen syndrome  defined by the NHS as a psychological condition where someone pretends to be ill or deliberately produces symptoms of illness in themselves.

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Rachel Reeves said on Wednesday that PIP claims are rising by roughly 1,000 every day, a trend that the Chancellor has repeatedly warned Britain cannot afford.

PIP was introduced by George Osborne, then chancellor, in 2013 to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people of working age.

When the benefit was introduced, ministers made the case for reform by highlighting the fact that almost three quarters of people receiving DLA had indefinite awards, with over half of decisions made on the basis of the claim form alone.

Osborne introduced face-to-face assessments and systematic reviews. However, both of these collapsed after lockdown, with the share of face-to-face PIP assessments falling to just 2pc last autumn, down from 80pc before Covid.

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Reviews, which are meant to be carried out at least every few years, have also collapsed, leaving millions parked on benefits for several years.

While people can claim PIP whether in or out of work, analysis of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggests that only 16pc of working-age people claiming PIP are in employment.

Another change introduced by Osborne has led to a surge in claims related to mental health.

The shake-up in 2013 meant equal weight would now be placed on needs arising from physical, mental and cognitive conditions, such as reading and communication, when assessors are judging how much money people should receive.

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Paying PIP in cash is meant to give claimants the flexibility to address their personal circumstances as they see fit. Amounts vary from 28.70 to 184.30 per week depending on someones ability to complete daily tasks and how easy it is for them to get around.

However, Jean-Andre Prager, at Policy Exchange, a think tank, questioned whether cash payments that are not reviewed regularly are the best way to support people who have at some point misused alcohol.

Official data show that more than 7,000 people receive the maximum PIP amount linked to drug or alcohol abuse, or alcohol-induced liver disease.

Prager says: This raises the question of whether PIP should always be a cash transfer, or whether in certain very specific situations, individuals should be supported to live healthier and more independent lives through access to treatment.

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When people apply for PIP, they undergo an assessment that focuses on how someone is impacted by their condition, not their disability or health condition itself.

People are scored across 10 daily living activities and two categories that look at how easy it is for them to get around. Assessments include ease of preparing food, eating and drinking, washing, using the toilet, socialising and managing money. Each activity scores points depending on what claimants can or cant do.

The two mobility activities focus on planning a journey and moving around.

At the moment, someone who says they only know how to cook a meal in a microwave, cant talk to other people without social support and needs help managing money qualifies for 3,777.80 a year in PIP.

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If they also say theyre scared to leave the house, or cant plan the route of a journey, they get an extra 1,500 a year.

Someone who says they are too stressed to talk to other people and are unable to make even simple money decisions qualify for the higher rate of PIP to help with daily living costs. That gets them 5,644.60 a year.

If on top of that they say they cant plan a journey and need help to walk 200 metres they also qualify for an extra 4,000 a year, taking them to the maximum award of roughly 9,500.

The Government is poised to tighten these categories. The system currently allows people who accumulate a small number of points to claim PIP. Changes are likely to exclude some people who need help with washing and dressing but little else, for example.

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Face-to-face assessments will also be increased, with DWP insiders increasingly alarmed at outcomes.

Prager says: The activities and descriptors now capture the impacts of some health conditions and disabilities differently than were intended when they were designed. Our benefit system has not kept pace with the changing nature of our society.

A DWP spokesman said: We have been clear that the current welfare system is broken and needs reform so it is fairer on the taxpayer and helps long-term sick and disabled people who can work to find employment, whilst ensuring it provides support for those who need it most.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Community members gathered outside the Aurora Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility after a well-known immigration activist was reportedly taken into custody.

According to the American Friends Services Committee, a nonprofit that supports immigrant rights, Jeanette Vizguerra was taken into custody by ICE on Monday.

Colorado DA says ICE raids could impact success of some criminal court cases

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The AFSC said ICE acted without a valid deportation order and without notifying Ms. Vizguerra or her lawyers when she was taken into custody Monday. The rights group said in a Tuesday press release that it appears ICE is readying to possibly deport her even though the agency knows they dont have a valid deportation order.

The American Friends Services Committee released the following statement from Vizguerras children, We do not understand  why she is detained? It makes no sense when nothing has changed in her case. We are asking Immigration and Customs Enforcement to please review what her lawyer sent, allow her phone calls with us and to immediately release her.

FOX31s Nicole Fierro is at the detention center where she learned protestors gathered at 10:30 p.m. on Monday to show support for Vizguerra.

Later Monday morning, the American Friends Services Committee provided updates and said Vizguerras legal team began filing a habeas with the district court to challenge her unlawful detention by ICE.

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FOX31 has reached out to ICE for additional information about Vizguerras reported detainment and is waiting to hear back.

Vizguerra sought sanctuary in Denver church

Vizguerra came to the United States from Mexico in 1997 with her husband and eldest daughter. According to the American Friends Services Committee, she has been fighting her own deportation since 2009. In 2017, Vizguerra, a mother to three American-born children, took sanctuary in a Denver church as she faced deportation.

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During her time in the U.S., she has become an activist for immigration rights. In 2017, Vizguerra was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

Lawmakers speak out about detainment

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet posted on social media about Vizguerras detainment and said, Jeanette Vizguerra is a mother and pillar in her community. I am deeply concerned about ICEs actions to detain her without any due process, like a deportation order. ICE should ensure Jeanette has legal counsel and immediately release her.

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Fellow U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper also posted on social media and said, There are serious concerns about ICEs actions to detain Jeanette Vizguerra. Targeting a mother who has been an active part of our Colorado community for nearly three decades will not fix our broken immigration system or secure our border.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston also issued a statement on Vizguerras arrest.

Lets be clear what happened today. This is not immigration enforcement intended to keep our country safe. This is Putin-style persecution of political dissidents. Jeanette Vizguerra is a mother of U.S. citizens. She works at Target. Shes the founder of a local non-profit. This is the great lie of the Trump Administration. This is not about safety. This is about political theater and political retribution. This doesnt make this country safer. It makes this country lawless, which is the most unsafe thing any president can do. Arresting Jeanette is a plain abuse of power to go after someone for their political views without the due process that is a cornerstone of our American values. Now is the time to stand up and demand that ICE and the Trump Administration release Jeanette and give her the due process and legal rights she deserves. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston

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Mar. 17WINONA, Minn.  Adam Fravel, who was found guilty of killing Winona mother of two Madeline Kingsbury, has appealed his conviction and life sentence to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

The appeal was filed in Winona County District Court on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Fravel, 31, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a monthlong trial in November 2024. A Blue Earth County jury found him guilty on all four counts related to Kingsbury's death. He was sentenced in Winona County Dec. 17, 2024.

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The other charges were vacated because Minnesota law mandates life without parole for convictions of premeditated murder.

The trial was moved from Winona County where both Kingsbury and Fravel lived and where Kingsbury's body was found due to pretrial publicity.

Greg Scanlan, assistant state public defender, filed a notice of appeal with Winona County District Court.
Mayor Adams on Monday didnt rule out running as an independent in Novembers general election should he lose this summers Democratic primary  and sources say such a move is indeed gaining serious traction inside the Adams camp.

When Im ready to roll out my official reannouncement and my plan, I will do so, and Im going to make sure all of you are invited to it, Adams told reporters at City Hall when asked at his weekly press conference if he is looking to mount an independent bid for reelection should he fall short in Junes Democratic primary.

You can stand in the back with me if you want and just be part of my support group, like others who support, he continued, but when that comes I will do so.

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The mayors comments came as sources confirmed to the Daily News that he has seriously entertained the possibility of running as an independent in November as his prospects in the June 24 Democratic primary are looking increasingly bleak. The New York Post first reported last week that such conversations have taken place.

Its hard to predict how the political chips would fall should Adams lose the primary and run in November as an independent. Asked at Mondays press conference whether hes concerned such a move could stand to boost a left-leaning mayoral candidate, Adams said, New Yorkers be careful what you ask for.

Polls have for months shown Adams reeling from record low approval ratings and trailing ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo by a significant margin in the mayoral primary.

His most serious political obstacle is perhaps the dilemma President Trumps Department of Justice put him in by seeking to drop his indictment with the justification that a dismissal would enable him to help accommodate Trumps push to target undocumented New Yorkers for mass deportations. The dismissal request, which is pending approval from a federal judge, has prompted accusations from both critics and allies of the mayor that hes beholden to Trump. The mayor has said theres no quid pro quo with the Trump administration.

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Amid the political headwinds, several of Adams challengers now have more money in their campaign coffers than he does and the Campaign Finance Board has denied him public matching funds due to his federal corruption indictment.

And some of his most loyal supporters have defected from his camp to other candidates. Over the weekend, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the head of the Brooklyn Democratic Party who has for years been one of Adams strongest political allies, announced shes endorsing Cuomos mayoral bid in a big blow to the incumbent.

At Mondays press conference, Adams insisted hes not hurt by the Brooklyn Democratic Party boss decision.

None of this personal, shes one of my dearest friends, and she was extremely supportive of me for these last 15 months, he said. I couldnt even tell you just how supportive she has been, reaching out to me, care about my well-being, asking how my sons doing. My relationship with Rodneyse is not political, its personal, and she is among one of my dearest friends, and so when she makes decisions it doesnt bother me.
YAOUNDE, March 17 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed on Monday in clashes in Cameroon's restive Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest, according to security and local sources.

In the Southwest region, gunmen suspected to be separatist fighters opened fire on a taxi in the region's capital of Buea, killing two people, a security source said.

"The incident happened by 7:00 PM (1800 GMT) this Monday. The men were driving when the terrorist separatists shot at close range. They escaped immediately when soldiers arrived," the source said.

In the Northwest region, government forces raided a separatist hideout in Baba 1 locality on Monday, killing three separatist fighters and rescuing six civilians who were held hostage in the hideout, local police told reporters Monday.

The army will deploy additional troops to the troubled regions following a surge in separatist raids, local media reported.

Attempting to create an independent nation in this region, the armed separatists began clashing with government forces there in 2017. 
Can hotels legally ban children?

With spring breaks starting momentarily and summer vacations not far away, the question is puzzling a wide scope of California travelers  parents booking their next family vacation as well as adults looking for a child-free escape. And the answer is complicated.

The issue flared in February when the Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, part of the Hyatt hotel empire, announced it would exclude children as overnight guests, thus becoming the self-described "only adults-only oceanfront resort in Southern California."

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Read more: High-end San Diego County resort bans children from overnight stays

This move at a high-profile beachfront property sparked a debate about state law and hotels' obligations and has turned eyes on other California hotels that exclude children. In the Palm Springs area, the Colony Palms, the Fleur Noire, the Ingleside Estate and La Maison Palm Springs are among the lodgings whose websites say they are adults-only. The Whisky Hotel, which opened March 12 in Hollywood, promotes itself similarly.

"We cater to adults only, because that's kind of our vision," said Whisky Hotel general manager Alan Esparza, noting the grown-up atmosphere in the hotel's Hollywood neighborhood. Still, in a pinch, Esparza said, "We make exceptions."

The focus of the conversation is Section 51 of the state's Civil Code, widely known as the Unruh Act, which is designed to prevent discrimination by race, religion, sexual orientation and 10 other "protected characteristics." Attorneys, industry veterans and consumer advocates have cited this act when asserting that banning children from hotels is illegal.

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However, Section 51 doesn't specify age as a protected attribute, and state officials do permit rental car companies to refuse rentals to drivers under 25. But California courts have decided that the Unruh Act prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to families with children.

Asked if it's legal for a California hotel to ban children, a representative from the state Civil Rights Department said via email that "the laws application with respect to age discrimination depends on the specific facts and circumstances." The state attorney general's press office was equally vague, saying, "We are unable to provide legal advice or analysis." Neither agency cited legal precedents or earlier cases.

Until state officials provide more clarity, industry veterans and consumer advocates suggested, families should take care to make sure of a hotel's policy before booking. That might mean talking to a reservations agent before making a reservation online.

"I think it's really problematic legally" to ban children. "I'm not sure why it hasn't been challenged before," said Jamie Court, president of Los Angeles-based ConsumerWatchdog.org. A hotel "is a place of public accommodation and you're discriminating based on family status."

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In Court's view, "Someone can sue. But it should be the attorney general who is going to court if the hotels don't back down after a warning. And it should be the attorney general writing warning letters. ... I don't know why the A.G. and the state have become so timid."

Read more: 72 awesome things to do with kids in L.A. before they grow up

In a 2023 handout to its members, the California Hotel & Lodging Assn. warned hoteliers that the Unruh Act "prohibits hotels from discriminating against minors based on age," adding, "Some lodging operators assume that because some young children or other minors might engage in improper conduct, the hotel has a right to refuse accommodations. This is a dangerous misconception."

Even when minors are unaccompanied, the association wrote, "It is unlawful to have a blanket policy" prohibiting them. However, the association said, a hotel "can refuse to accommodate individual children and their parents" if there is "just cause." The association's spokesman declined to comment on any specific cases.

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Another industry veteran surprised by the situation is Laurie E. Sherwood, a partner at the Irvine-based law firm Walsworth, who has handled travel-related cases for close to 30 years. "My initial, gut-level reaction is that hotels are places of public accommodation," Sherwood said, and that "it's a violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act because you're excluding families with children."

Many California hotels have finessed the issue by restricting children's access without banning them. Some hotels, like the River Lodge Paso Robles, officially welcome children but ban anyone under 21 from the pool and hot tub. Other hotels, such as the elite Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, limit occupancy to two people per room.

At vacation rental properties too, families might find mixed messages. Airbnb's nondiscrimination policy forbids U.S. hosts from banning children or "charging more fees for guests of a certain age." But Airbnb hosts often describe their properties as "unsuitable" for children under 12.

Read more: 11 staycation ideas around SoCal, from the Idyllwild forest to picturesque Santa Barbara

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At the Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, which recently banned children, general manager Richard Sorensen did not respond to a request for comment. The Alila chain, a high-end international sub-brand of Hyatt, also includes hotels in Big Sur ("an adult-only experience reserved for those 18 years of age and over") and Napa Valley (where a reservationist said families are theoretically allowed, but all rooms and suites are limited to two occupants).

Meanwhile, some consumers have taken to social media to talk about how children can ruin a hotel experience. A Reddit user going by WowOwlO opined in a thread on the topic that "children are just loud, messy, and simply don't belong at a five star hotel. We should be able to have establishments that separate them."

Beyond California, many destinations allow hotels to bar children. The Sandals resorts, all located in the Caribbean outside the U.S., have made the absence of children a key part of their identity.

"There's definitely a demand for child-free spaces, especially when we're talking about honeymoons and things like that," said D.C. Vekic, president of Cosmopolitan Travels in Northridge.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Despite recommendations for suspension due to concerns over poaching, Mongabay reported that Cambodian exports of the critically endangered long-tailed macaques will remain legal until November 2025.

What's happening?

The Standing Committee of CITES  the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora  recommended the suspension of Cambodia's exports of long-tailed macaques.

The recommendation was raised during a meeting in Geneva in February due to concerns over poaching and misrepresentation of wild-caught macaques as captive-bred animals.

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Cambodia objected to the recommended trade suspension. Other country representatives at the meeting backed Cambodia's objection, including those from Japan, Canada, and the U.S.

The U.S. and Japan's ties with Cambodia in the biomedical sector may have influenced their stance on the issue, per Mongabay. Canada's representative voiced their interest in continuing the export, noting that Canadian research laboratories purchase and use long-tailed macaques in biomedical research.

The delegates made a final decision on February 4, according to the report, agreeing to grant Cambodian wildlife officials until November 2025 to host CITES inspections and provide more data on birth rates at monkey-breeding facilities.

If Cambodia fails to provide adequate data, CITES may enforce stricter trade regulations  but until then, the endangered long-tailed macaques remain at risk.

Why is the suspension of Cambodian macaque exports important?

According to the Born Free Foundation, long-tailed macaques, also known as Macaca fascicularis, are classified as endangered by the IUCN as of 2022.

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Cambodia's continued export of these endangered monkeys could heavily impact them and lead to their extinction. Mislabeling wild-caught macaques as captive-bred is also harmful as it puts them at risk of being poached and trafficked.

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Trafficking long-tailed macaques can pose a threat to humans because these monkeys carry zoonotic pathogens. If left unchecked due to poaching and wildlife trafficking, macaques could transfer zoonotic diseases like malaria and the hepatitis B virus.

CITES' decision to allow Cambodia's macaque exports until November 2025 is disappointing news to conservationists, scientists, and animal rights groups. Lisa Jones-Engel, senior science advisor on primate experimentation at PETA, expressed her disappointment at CITES' decision. Jones-Engel told Mongabay it's "so obvious that the system is rigged."

By failing to act, governments are accelerating the decline of an already endangered species. Weak enforcement of laws like CITES could also enable exploitation, which can also put other endangered species at risk.

What's being done about the long-tailed macaques exports?

Cambodia's long-tailed macaque exports remain legal for now, but it won't be forever. CITES will review the country's trade status after the CITES Conference of the Parties, which will be held from November 24 to December 5.

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While CITES has promised to review Cambodia's trade status on macaques in November, these endangered monkeys could also benefit from more conservation efforts.

Other species considered endangered or thought to be extinct have been making comebacks in recent years thanks to crucial conservation efforts, like the spoonbill in England and bighorn sheep in the Sierra Nevada.

The best thing individuals can do about the long-tailed macaque exports is to stay informed about conservation laws and show support for animal rights groups.

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.




Mar. 17The Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center and other officials joined together Monday to sign a memorandum of understanding celebrating the launch of MRCCAC's new program aimed at supporting child survivors of sex trafficking and their families.

As part of the initiative, the center will be offering comprehensive advocacy services to trafficking survivors, organizing community awareness events, and providing educational presentations to nonprofits, organizations, and the public about the critical issue of human trafficking, a news release said. The venture is called a Care Coordination Team.

A representative from the Office of the Governor gave remarks highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing human trafficking.

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Pamela Hyde, executive director of MRCCAC, spoke about the center's ongoing commitment to supporting survivors and working with the community to prevent trafficking.

The District Attorney, a member of the Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center's multidisciplinary team, was also on hand.

There are many other nonprofits and state agencies involved.

Hyde said the memorandum of understanding is the agreement the Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center has with all the partnering agencies that says they will come together "and we're going to provide our resources to try and combat what's going on in our community," Hyde said.

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The current focus population is children, Hyde said.

"At some point, we hope to expand, but right now, our main focus is children," Hyde said.

There are about 18 care coordination teams throughout Texas.

Midland County District Attorney Glenn Harwood said the memorandum of understanding was signed with all the stakeholders in "the arena of child sexual exploitation, trafficking ... Today marked the agreement that we entered into and how we're going to collaborate and work on these important cases."

This formalizes the working relationship that the agencies have already.

"It represents what's already been happening, but it formalizes the memorandum of understanding of how we're going to collaborate and what stakeholders are involved and things like that," Harwood said.

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Harwood has been DA for two and a half months.

"I haven't seen as much in trafficking here, but certainly child sexual abuse is a big issue. When I was a federal prosecutor, I did prosecute child trafficking cases so they do happen in Midland. I don't have a number for how many happen, but it seems like every time DPS, or the sheriff's office, or the coordinated law enforcement agencies run stings, they invariably find teenagers involved in commercial sexual exploitation events. So invariably, it's happening, and it happens all too frequently," Harwood said.

The hope is that the formalized effort will reduce the child trafficking that is happening, along with providing an enhanced level of care for victims and survivors and enhanced opportunities for prosecution of offenders, he added.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is part of the care coordination team.

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"Because a lot of the kids, unfortunately ... that are involved in trafficking either have been or are in the system, so they've got an important role to play," Harwood said.

He added that the agreement is a fresh start for everyone involved.

"We've got a new police chief. I'm new in the job. The sheriff just started a new term as well. From the law enforcement perspective, it's a fresh foot forward and a re-commitment to working together to handle these cases. I saw some friends here that I know from other agencies that are involved as well and so I think it bodes well for the upcoming time that we'll be able to collaborate and bring healing and restoration and bring justice, and in some cases, bring punishment," Harwood said.
Nebraska is recognizing National Ag Week. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Agriculture)

OMAHA  A group of ag fans assembled Tuesday in Omaha to celebrate National Agriculture Day and spotlight the role the industry plays in Nebraskas economy.

The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the gathering, was joined by representatives of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Farm Bureau and Conagra Brands.

Mark McHargue of Farm Bureau Foundation (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Gov. Jim Pillen also made a pair of stops in Omaha on Tuesday, including at JBS Beef in South Omaha, presenting proclamations recognizing Ag Week, March 16-22.

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Nebraskas agricultural industry continues to be a cornerstone of our economy, providing jobs, economic growth and tax revenue for our communities, said Mark McHargue, president of the Farm Bureau Foundation board, which raises awareness of the sectors significance. From small family farms to large agribusinesses, agriculture is integral to every corner of our state.

The group shared these highlights:

Nebraskas ag sector supports more than 244,000 jobs statewide, contributes $97.4 billion in sales and generates more than $6 billion in tax revenue.

Agriculture is behind more than 40% of jobs in 54 of Nebraskas 93 counties. Douglas County leads the state with more than 29,000 ag-related jobs.

Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. (Courtesy Office of Gov. Jim Pillen)

David Bracht, president of the Omaha chambers agricultural council, said in a news release that Douglas Countys leadership in creating ag-related jobs underscores the industrys impact not only in rural areas but in urban centers of the state.

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The speakers said Omaha is a hub for agribusiness career opportunities.

Omaha innovators have created a city where you can dig in the dirt or dive into data, said Sherry Vinton, director of the state Agriculture Department. Whether a gearhead, number cruncher, sustainability dreamer or a content creator, Nebraska agriculture has a place for you.

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  The European Union's law enforcement agency cautioned Tuesday that artificial intelligence is turbocharging organized crime that is eroding the foundations of societies across the 27-nation bloc as it becomes intertwined with state-sponsored destabilization campaigns.

The grim warning came at the launch of the latest edition of a report on organized crime published every four years by Europol that is compiled using data from police across the EU and will help shape law enforcement policy in the bloc in coming years.

Cybercrime is evolving into a digital arms race targeting governments, businesses and individuals. AI-driven attacks are becoming more precise and devastating, said Europol's Executive Director Catherine De Bolle.

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Some attacks show a combination of motives of profit and destabilization, as they are increasingly state-aligned and ideologically motivated, she added.

The report, the EU Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment 2025, said offenses ranging from drug trafficking to people smuggling, money laundering, cyber attacks and online scams undermine society and the rule of law by generating illicit proceeds, spreading violence, and normalizing corruption.

The volume of child sexual abuse material available online has increased significantly because of AI, which makes it more difficult to analyze imagery and identify offenders, the report said.

By creating highly realistic synthetic media, criminals are able to deceive victims, impersonate individuals and discredit or blackmail targets. The addition of AI-powered voice cloning and live video deepfakes amplifies the threat, enabling new forms of fraud, extortion, and identity theft," it said.

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States seeking geopolitical advantage are also using criminals as contractors, the report said, citing cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure and public institutions originating from Russia and countries in its sphere of influence.

Hybrid and traditional cybercrime actors will increasingly be intertwined, with state-sponsored actors masking themselves as cybercriminals to conceal their origin and real disruption motives, it said.

Polish Interior Ministry Undersecretary of State Maciej Duszczyk cited a recent cyberattack on a hospital as the latest example in his country.

Unfortunately this hospital has to stop its activity for the hours because it was lost to a serious cyber-attack," boosted by AI, he said.

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AI and other technologies are a catalyst for crime, and drive criminal operations efficiency by amplifying their speed, reach, and sophistication, the report said.

As the European Commission prepares to launch a new internal security policy, De Bolle said that nations in Europe need to tackle the threats urgently.

We must embed security into everything we do, said European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner. He added that the EU aims to provide enough funds in coming years to double Europol's staff.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is taking steps to increase visitor engagement with necessary accessibility tools.

On March 22 and April 26, the Air Force Museum will offer tours in American Sign Language. The specialized tours are for those who communicate by ASL to help them have access and understanding to history pieces at the museum.

The site has also implemented braille signs and 3D tactile displays to help visually impaired individuals. Over 80 braille and 3D signs have already been installed, the goal is to increase that number soon to 91.

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We have worked with experts and educators to develop these displays, ensuring they provide a meaningful experience for visitors, Bob Pinizzotto, the museum volunteer leading this effort. This is a valuable addition that allows more people to connect with the history preserved here and appreciate the legacy of the Airmen who defended our nation.

Select tours create the chance for visually impaired individuals to learn about history by participating in hands-on experiences.

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Some Air Force webpages on pioneering female pilots  from World War II to the modern era  have been taken offline, as the Trump administration continues its drive to eliminate diversity-related materials from government sites.

Air Force Times identified at least a dozen pages on the WWII-era Womens Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, and retired Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, the Air Forces first female fighter pilot, including biographies, photos, museum exhibits, a video and a commentary, were no longer online as of Tuesday.

The URLs for three of those pages were modified with the acronym dei  short for diversity, equity and inclusion  a term the Trump administration has used as a pejorative.

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The removals come as the Trump administration and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have assailed diversity-related initiatives of previous administrations, calling them divisive and a distraction from efforts to make the military more lethal. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office ending those initiatives and later directed the military and other government agencies to swiftly pull such materials from public view.

In an emailed statement, an Air Force spokesperson did not specifically address the removed pages, but said that some removed historical content could be put back online after a review.

Our intent is to restore purely historical content after we review to make sure it complies with the guidelines, the spokesperson said.

A message sent to Leavitts website requesting comment was not answered by Tuesday afternoon.

Trailblazer content removed

The WASPs were a group of more than 1,000 women who conducted pilot training and ferried aircraft domestically during WWII. The program was formed to ease the stateside pilot shortage suffered by the Army Air Corps, as the majority of the nations male pilots were overseas.

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In 1993, Leavitt became the first woman to serve as a fighter pilot in the U.S. military when she graduated from flight training and began flying the F-15E Strike Eagle. During her 31 years in uniform, Leavitt flew more than 3,000 hours, including 300 hours in combat above Iraq and Afghanistan, advanced to two-star general and held several leadership positions, including Air Forces chief of safety, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service and two stints as a wing commander. She was also the first woman to ever command an Air Force fighter wing.

The removals appear to be conducted inconsistently, with some material being down at one location but remaining online at another. The Internet Archive, a nonprofit digital library that preserves archived copies of websites, retained copies of most of these pages, and showed one now-pulled site was online as recently as Feb. 6.

WASP pilots Frances Green, Margaret

In the Trump administrations first week, the push to remove diversity-related materials prompted the Air Force to briefly pull a course from basic military training that included videos on the WASPs, as well as the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black pilots in the U.S. military who escorted bombers on raids over Nazi Germany. That course was reinstated days later after a public outcry.

Meanwhile, other historic subjects involving minority service members that have recently been removed from the militarys webpages include materials on the Navajo Codetalkers of World War II, and Pfc. Ira Hayes, a Marine and member of the Pima tribe who helped raise the U.S. flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Tuskegee Airmen material appears to be unaffected by the recent changes.

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The deleted Air Force materials related to the WASPs include a page on the National Museum of the United States Air Forces website. That page included a gallery of photos of a museum exhibit on the pilots, including images of the Congressional Gold Medal that then-President Barack Obama presented to the WASPs in 2009. That page was online last month.

The Air Force also pulled offline a 2022 release from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas about a Dyess Womens Summit celebration saluting the services all-women aircrews and marked the 80th anniversary of the WASPs. Local elementary school students and ROTC cadets also attended that event, according to an archived version of the release.

That release included a quote from the third-grade daughter of a deputy commander, who called the event very fun and said, I liked looking at the planes and I learned that the WASPs were women in the military just like my mom.

A female airman who attended the summit wrote a commentary about the event a few weeks later, describing how hearing about WASPs overcoming discrimination and seeing womens progress in the military gave her hope for the future of the Air Force. That commentary is also now offline and tagged with dei.

This photo of Leavitt, who was also the first woman to command a fighter wing in the Air Force, was one of several images of Leavitt taken offline. (Air Force)

Multiple pages related to Leavitt and her status as the services first woman to fly fighter jets have been taken down. A YouTube video labeled Brig. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt: Diversity is a competitive advantage, which was posted as part of a 2019 Airman Magazine feature, has been made private.

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Two photos of Leavitt from her tenure commanding the 4th Fighter Wing, the captions of which refer to her as the first female fighter pilot, have also been pulled. An archived version of the pages shows one is of her in her F-15E cockpit; the other photo shows Leavitt in her flight suit, taking notes at a briefing.

Multiple versions of an Air Force article about Leavitts 2023 retirement, which called her a trailblazer, are unavailable, though a remaining version could be found in a little-known corner of the services website.

From her early aspirations in aerospace engineering to confronting policies that once barred women from combat-coded fighter aircraft roles, Leavitts resolve knew no bounds, the Air Force said in that article.

A 2013 Air Force News Service release about Leavitt, titled AF first female fighter pilot continues to break stereotypes, also now shows a 404 error message. Its URL also has been tagged dei.

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Another Air Force release, which was pulled from one bases website but remains available elsewhere, described Leavitts 2022 visit to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, where she met with other female aviators and gave them advice on matters such as perseverance, how to find mentors in a male-dominated fighter pilot culture and how to stay competitive in their careers when they become pregnant.

If I inspire some young boy or girl to dream big, work hard, and achieve more than they thought possible, its a win for national security, Leavitt said in the release. It doesnt matter if they join the military or not because we will be a stronger society.
TEHRAN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Monday that his talks with Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), earlier in the day were "frank and constructive."

Gharibabadi made the remarks in a post on X while commenting on his meeting with Grossi in the Austrian capital Vienna.

Gharibabadi said during the meeting, they exchanged views on cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, the resolution of two outstanding issues, nuclear facility security, the latest developments surrounding Iran's nuclear issue, and the lifting of sanctions.

He added Iran and the IAEA had a "longstanding" history of cooperation, which allows for the resolution of remaining differences "provided that external political pressures on the agency are eliminated and the IAEA adopts an independent, technical, impartial, and professional approach."

Gharibabadi stressed that while safeguarding its national security and interests, "Iran remains committed to cooperating with the IAEA within the framework of its safeguards obligations."

Iran signed a nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with world powers in July 2015, accepting restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions.

However, the United States withdrew from the agreement in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments.

Efforts to revive the JCPOA commenced in April 2021 in Vienna. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, no substantial progress has been reported since talks in August 2022. 
Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, chairs the Alzheimer's Task Force subcommittee on advocacy and policy on March 18, 2025 in Montgomery, Ala. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector)

A state committee looking at Alzheimers policy is considering proposing a new tax credit to assist caregivers with expenses related to adult incontinence supplies, citing the financial burden of Alzheimers and dementia care.

The proposal, discussed at a Tuesday meeting of the advocacy and policy subcommittee, aims to build on previously proposed legislation to provide tax relief for mothers and families with newborns with essentials such as diapers and baby formulas.

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We serve a lot of people with dementia, and all of them are in need of incontinence supplies, said Anna Pritchett, state director for advocacy at AARP Alabama, adding that the costs add up quickly. Why dont we piggyback on that and just say, also including maybe people over the age of [a certain limit]?

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Alabama in 2022 had the second highest mortality rate from Alzheimers disease, behind only Mississippi, at 46.8 per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimers disease was the sixth-leading cause of death in the state in 2023, remaining unchanged from 2020. Different factors contribute to the high mortality rate, but it is mostly due to poor health access in rural parts of the state, primarily in the Black Belt, a region with some of the highest rates of Alzheimers in the state.

The Alzheimers Association estimated that slightly over 100,000 people over 65 in Alabama living with Alzheimers in 2020, or about 12% of that population.

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Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, the chair of the committee, said that a bill addressing tax credits for infant supplies is already under consideration and will be introduced soon. The bill was introduced in the 2024 session but failed to pass before the end of the session. Shaver said that the timing could allow for an amendment to expand eligibility to seniors.

Weve got that bill coming up. I might be able to make that happen right now, they said.

The Legislature is scheduled to hold its 15th legislative day, the midpoint of the 2025 session, on Wednesday.

Advocates said that financial relief is essential, as the cost of caring for an aging loved one can be not only overwhelming but also expensive.

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Public awareness of available support remains a significant concern, with committee members saying there is still a significant need for better outreach and education. Members proposed a website that would serve as a hub for caregivers to get information on available services and support.

Most people dont even know theres an [assisted living communities], said Christy deGraffenried, vice president of governmental relations for the Alabama Nursing Home Association Then theres nursing homes, then theres home health. They dont even understand the basics of what are the levels of care.

The task force was established in 2023 by a House Joint Resolution and tasked with establishing recommendations on how to improve the states care system for Alzheimers and other dementia-related diseases. Task force members will meet at the end of the month to propose recommendations to the Legislature and Gov. Kay Ivey by May 5.

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WINTERBORO, Ala. (WIAT)  An EF-2 tornado tore through the community of Winterboro on Saturday night.

The tornado destroyed a high school gymnasium and severely damaged other buildings.

Just feet off the path of that tornado is a cemetery. One man who has a reason in the face of all this destruction is thankful.

Larry Ferguson visits the grave of his wife almost every other day. The two were married for 40 years.

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She was a sweet lady, Ferguson said. She loved flowers and working outside, but she hated bad weather. She always wanted to run from it.

Ferguson said he works hard to keep her grave beautiful, including placing flowers that he said she would love on it. When Saturdays tornado came through, Ferguson worried his favorite spot to spend an afternoon would be destroyed.

The tornado passed just feet from her grave, but her plot was completely untouched.

I always told her it was the Lords work, Ferguson said. You didnt have to worry about it.

I kind of laughed, Ferguson continued. I always told you not to worry. It sat down right behind you and didnt harm a flower on your grave.

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Maplesville neighbors lend a hand after deadly tornadoes in Alabama

Charles Kelly is the pastor of a church just behind the cemetery. He said he saw Ferguson checking on his wifes grave Monday morning.

It is just a picture of Gods goodness in the middle of a mess, Kelly said.

Kelly said despite all the damage in the community, there will be good that comes from this tragedy.

We are going to learn to love each other and see the goodness in people like never before, and people are going to experience some love that they wouldnt have otherwise, Kelly said. So there is no doubt about it.

Crews were working Monday to repair all the damage in Winterboro. The work will continue until all the rubble and debris is clear.

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Rep. Jeremy Bynum, R-Ketchikan, speaks Feb. 21, 2025, on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

The Alaska House of Representatives is asking Congress to fix a problem with a program that pays money to rural school districts affected by the decline of the timber industry.

On Monday, the House voted 35-4 to pass a resolution urging Congress to reinstate the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.

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Congress failed to renew the act earlier this year, costing rural Alaska districts more than $12 million in funding.

Rep. Jeremy Bynum, R-Ketchikan, introduced House Resolution 5 after the congressional failure.

This represents more than $12 million of funding that is directly being used for our schools and our communities, he said Monday on the House floor. This has a significant impact to our communities, and if this is not renewed, it will cause hardship for many of our small communities without a way out.

The communities of Petersburg, Wrangell, Ketchikan, Juneau and Craig all testified in support of the resolution, which also asks that the act be permanently funded.

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The four votes against the resolution came from Reps. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River; Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake; Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla; and Sarah Vance, R-Homer. Rep. Neal Foster, D-Nome, was excused absent.

Speaking on the House floor, McCabe said he thinks its a mistake for Alaska communities to rely on federal funding and that the state is owed land by the federal government. Developing that land could generate revenue that would offset the need for federal help, he said.

Other lawmakers spoke for the majority of House members in favor of the resolution.

I think its a matter of fundamental fairness, said House Majority Leader Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage. It is the most responsible thing we can do to speak up for our neighbors.

HJR 5 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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ALBANY  Albanys Barbara Rivera Holmes is taking her economic development skills to the state level, after announcing Monday that she will be leaving the position she has held at the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce for 10 years.

On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Holmes appointment as state Labor commissioner. Holmes will complete the unexpired term of late Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson, who died in November.

Holmes has served as president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce since 2015, and her resignation from that position, effective March 28, was announced on Monday.

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Im excited to continue serving Georgia, ready to continue building on a legacy and ready to be part of team Georgia, she said. Serving the Albany Area Chamber, our members and our community has been an incredible honor and responsibility.

I am grateful for the trust the board has placed in me to deliver results that advance our mission and build a stronger Albany. The Albany Area Chamber will continue to thrive under the leadership of its dedicated staff and board members.

During her term with the chamber, Holmes has led that organizations efforts to foster a prosperous economy by investing in programs that support businesses in connecting, building, influencing and leading, the chamber said in a news release.

In addition to her role at the chamber, Holmes has served as CEO of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, which spearheads talent, economic, entrepreneurial and innovation initiatives that extend beyond the business communitys usual reach.

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Among the accomplishments the chamber noted during her tenure are organizational excellence in transforming the 115-year-old organization into a future-focused chamber, advocacy and policy through successfully leading referendum campaigns and maintaining Albanys metropolitan statistical area status and redesign of the Chamber Foundation to focus on innovation, talent and entrepreneurial initiatives.

We are deeply grateful for Barbaras visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the Albany Area Chamber and the community, Smith Wilson, 2025 chair of the Chambers Board of Directors and a partner at Gardner Willis Plaire & Wilson law firm. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping the future of the chamber and Albany. We are confident she will continue to make an impact and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Holmes also oversaw a digital transformation by implementing digital tools and strategies and enhanced online presence through a new website. Other significant milestones included providing support and resources for disaster recovery in the wake of tornadoes, hurricanes and COVID-19, and the elevation of Albany as an ideal community for national defense, active-duty personnel, veterans and military families.

Work force development was also a large component of her work at the Chamber, which called for collaborating with strategic partners and employers.

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It is bittersweet, Holmes said of her departure from her current position. Its not a decision Ive made lightly, but is one Im confident is the right next step.

I have throughout my career believed in Albany, and the chamber is the focus for that throughout our region and throughout the state.

The term of office that Holmes will fill expires at the end of 2026. Holmes will be sworn into office on April 4, and she said she will continue to live in Albany.

Marty (Kemp) and I are proud to make this historic announcement and to congratulate Barbara Rivera Holmes on her new leadership role that will benefit our entire state, the governor said. As someone who has a proven track record of success in economic development and education, I know she will bring the same level of dedication to this position that she has to the people of Dougherty County and the surrounding area. I wish her continued success, both for her career and office, but especially on behalf of the hard-working people of Georgia.
Albuquerque lawyer claims false statements implicated him in DWI scheme

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The latest person implicated in the DWI Dismissal Scheme is fighting back. In a written reply to the New Mexico Supreme Court one week after the states disciplinary board moved to suspend attorney Rudolph Rudy Chavezs law license, Chavez is saying they have no evidence. He said the one drunk driving case the state used to conclude he was involved in the public corruption scandal has zero features of the scandal and he said two of the key players who mentioned that case to federal investigators gave false statements.

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In lapel footage from the case, then-Albuquerque police officer Honorio Alba Jr. is on the side of I-25 with the man he just pulled over. He had the driver perform a number of field sobriety tests before arresting him for driving drunk. On a phone call last week, the driver told KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret that a Google search led him to hire attorney Chavez.

Chavez pointed out that that doesnt add up with how the scheme operated. From confessions so far, the officer or attorney Thomas Clear IIIs paralegal, Ricardo Rick Mendez, would usually contact the defendant. But in his plea agreement, Mendez said in this specific case, attorneys Clear and Chavez still planned to pay the officer to let the driver off the hook. Alba confirmed that plan in his plea agreement.

Chavez wrote, It is unreasonable and untrue to claim that payments were made regarding an administrative hearing for the driver to keep his license because the driver never requested that hearing. In the scheme, we know thats one of the first proceedings officers were paid not to attend. Chavez said he wasnt even hired until weeks after that hearing would have taken place.

Chavez added, Its curious why these false statements were included in their sworn pleas. On payment, he said he billed the driver his usual rate of $350 an hour. Regarding the criminal case, the court record shows one delay, the trial. Chavez explained the driver got sick so the judge rescheduled the trial. It was moved more than a month later to January 17, 2024. That was a day before the public learned of this public corruption scandal. On that day, he said he received notice the Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office dismissed the case. A list from the DA showed its one of hundreds the office had to dismiss after several police officers, including Alba, were deemed no longer credible in court by the U.S. Attorneys Office.

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In one of Chavezs final points to the court, he stated simply that neither he nor the driver ever paid off Clear, Mendez, or Alba to miss any hearings. While Mendezs plea agreement mentions Chavezs case, it doesnt appear in Clears plea. Chavez claimed Clear denied his involvement.

KRQE News 13 did reach out to attorney Chavez for a comment on this situation. He did not return calls or emails.

The State Bar of New Mexico shows Chavez joined the bar in 1981 and practices in Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Taos Counties. Its not clear when the New Mexico Supreme Court will decide whether it will suspend Chavezs law license.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Two people are behind bars, but police are still looking for a woman in connection with Fridays Amber Alert.

On Thursday night, Police say 29-year-old Lelana Sittingup went into a central Sioux Falls apartment armed with a gun. She and 17-year-old Tianna Bluebird allegedly left the home with a one year-old boy.

Governor Rhoden begins his Open for Opportunity Tour

The next day, law enforcement surrounded another apartment less than a mile away. They found the missing toddler inside, and made two arrests, but were unable to find Sittingup.

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Its not the first time Sittingup has faced criminal charges. Shes currently wanted on four different warrants.

In addition to first-degree kidnapping, Sittingup is also wanted for aggravated eluding law enforcement and fleeing from police. Those charges stem from a case back in 2021, but records show Sittingup never showed up to enter a plea or receive her sentence, so the case is still pending.

Court documents say Sittingup also has a history of having illegal drugs. She was also a passenger in car involved in a high speed chase that reached speeds up to 115 miles per hour. In that case, the judge gave her a five year suspended sentence. Following the latest charges, that case has been re-opened.

Sioux Falls Police arrested 17-year-old Tianna Bluebird and 22-year-old Helena Bluebird on Friday.

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Police say Tianna, who is charged in adult court, was involved in the kidnapping, and Helena was with her when police found the missing child. Shes charged with child abuse.

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Burleigh County residents fill out ballots during the first day of early voting for the North Dakota primary at the Bismarck Event Center on June 5, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A North Dakota Senate resolution to make changes to the term limits rules in the state constitution passed by a single vote Monday.

If Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008 is approved by the House, term limits could be back for a statewide vote in 2026, though lawmakers have indicated they expect the resolution to be challenged in court.

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While the Legislature can usually pass resolutions to put changes to the constitution to a statewide vote, term limits appear to be an exception.

North Dakota voters imposed term limits on state legislators by passing a citizen-initiated ballot measure in 2022. That ballot measure also said the only way to undo the term limits in the constitution would be through another citizen-initiated measure, not through the Legislature.

The measure approved by voters limits lawmakers to serving up to eight years in the House and up to eight years in the Senate.

The resolution adopted by the Senate would limit lawmakers to four complete four-year terms in the Legislature. The resolution also says a partial term does not count toward a lawmakers term limit.

Sen. Kristin Roers, R-Fargo, majority caucus leader. (Photo provided by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly)

Sen. Kristin Roers, R-Fargo, said the State and Local Government Committee felt that was a structural update in keeping with what voters passed.

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Those of us who live this life every day understand there are pros and cons to term limits in a way that people who have not lived it cant understand, Roers said.

Rep. Jared Hendrix, R-Fargo, was a backer of the term limits measure before being elected to Legislature last year. In a Facebook post after Mondays vote, Hendrix said it seems obvious that the Legislatures attempts to change terms is to set up a legal challenge of the term limits provisions that are now part of the constitution.

In a hearing last month and again Monday in the Senate chamber, several lawmakers expressed their distaste for term limits and what they said are out-of-state interests that got the measure passed.

Sen. Dick Dever, R-Bismarck, was among those critical of the term limits measure on Monday, though he said that he would likely be ready to retire from the Legislature before he was termed out.

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He said he would prefer that legislators get behind a citizen-initiated measure to repeal term limits.

Sen. Jeff Magrum, R-Hazelton, said the Legislature should respect the vote of the people in 2022.

I feel real bad that were even considering this, he said.

The resolution advances to the House for consideration.

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Another term limits resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 4028, failed on the Senate floor. It would have added term limits for statewide office holders.

The House also voted down a term limits resolution on Monday. House Concurrent Resolution 3034 proposed a statewide vote on term limits of 12 years in office for lawmakers and most statewide elected officials. Under that resolution, officials could have served up to another 12 years if they left office for four years.

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Meanwhile, House Bill 1300, which seeks to retroactively change the starting point for calculating term limits, was given a do-pass recommendation in the Senate Judiciary Committee. It had been previously passed by the House. That bill aims to clear up confusion on term limits for lawmakers elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A bill to restrict library policies failed in Tuesdays 95th General Assemblys Special Language Subcommittee of the Joint Budget Committee.

The amendment was written to prevent any library receiving state funding from affiliating with the American Library Association (ALS). Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Jonesboro), the amendments sponsor, said it was to disengage from an association that would not keep harmful material from minors.

Bill to eliminate AETN and Arkansas library board passes Senate, heads to House

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Sullivan pointed out to the subcommittee that the ALS policy is often referenced in library policies regarding access to material, meaning actual membership in the ALS was not required and no restrictions were placed on access to any library material.

You would be a [ALS] member if you agreed with their material, he said.

Senators questioned Sullivan about the bills language, focusing on its broadness.

Sen. Jimmy Hickey (R-Texarkansa) pointed out that if a librarian wrote a memo disassociating the library from the ALS, it would fit in the bills description of association with the organization and a reason to defund that library.

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Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Searcy) said he had received calls from constituents concerned about the bills broadness.

The bill failed in a voice vote.

Jason Rapert calls on Arkansas legislators to abolish state library board

Sullivan had filed Senate Bill 184 earlier in the session in order to transfer the Arkansas Educational Television Commission and the Arkansas Library Board to the Department of Education. He told the subcommittee that the bill was withdrawn after the television commission agreed to make some changes.

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CARACAS, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Top Venezuelan lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez on Monday demanded the United States repatriate its undocumented migrants after hundreds were deported to El Salvador.

Rodriguez denounced the deportations as barbaric and a "crime against humanity," saying U.S. authorities were "kidnapping" people as young as 14 years old and denying them due process.

He claimed that as part of Washington's immigration crackdown, minors are being "kidnapped, detained, isolated, segregated, and even taken to other countries."

He called on the government of President Nicolas Maduro to issue a travel advisory warning Venezuelans against traveling to the United States.

The lawmaker also announced the launch of "an intensive campaign" to raise awareness about the abuses committed against Venezuelan migrants and encouraged Venezuelan migrants to register via the Instagram account for legal assistance and representation. 
Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney said in an interview this week that she was detained in inhumane conditions for nearly two weeks by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

Mooney, whose credits include American Pie Presents: The Book of Love as well as Kid Cannabis and episodes of Loudermilk and iZombie, tried on March 3 to cross at the U.S.-Mexico border, she said, in hopes of renewing her work visa. Mooney says she crossed at San Diego because thats where her lawyer is. Instead of being granted entry  or sent back to Mexico  she was detained. That began an odyssey she said felt like a deeply disturbing psychological experiment.

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The actress told San Diego outlet KGTV that, in the privately-owned Otay Mesa Border Crossing Detention Center, she was I was put in a cell, and I had to sleep on a mat with no blanket, no pillow, with an aluminum foil wrapped over my body like a dead body for two and a half days, she said. Mooney said she was also forced to sleep on a concrete floor. In the middle of the night, the actress said she was transferred to an Arizona facility wrapped in chains.

She added, I have never in my life seen anything so inhumane.

Mooney is the co-founder of the Holy! Water brand, which reportedly contains Delta-9 full spectrum hemp. There was some speculation in the media that that connection may have raised a red flag with I.C.E., but neither the actress nor reporters have been given any official reason for her detention.

No one told me anything. Not once, Mooney said on landing safely back at Vancouver International Airport this week.

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I still dont even know how Im home, she added. My friends and my family and the media are the reason, I think, that Im home.

Asked whether her ordeal might have any relation to President Trumps trade war with Canada, she responded, 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.

Would avoid such situations in the future? Of course. 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.

The actress also said that her situation was far from the worst.

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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, noting one girl had been in detention for 10 months.

https://twitter.com/EdKrassen/status/1901702594134777886

British Columbia Premier David Eby, who put pressure on U.S. authorities to get Mooney released, said her experience reinforces the anxiety that many British Columbians have and many Canadians have about our relationship with the United States right now and the unpredictability of this administration and its actions.

He continued: What about our relatives who are working in the States? What about when we cross the border? What kind of an experience are we going to have? The harm that this does to the U.S. economy through impacted tourism, impacted business relationships, impacted people who are seeking visas to work in the United States who have special skills that they cant get anywhere else: It is reckless, the approach of the president. And this woman should be brought back to Canada as quickly as possible.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  March is national Red Cross month. For over a century the American Red Cross has been a vital part of disaster relief, blood donations, storm preparedness and support for military families.

Here in the Panhandle the Red Crosss work is especially crucial, helping communities navigate the unique challenges of severe weather events.

The organization offers shelter, food, and emotional support to those who lost everything.

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I myself have been affected by disasters. I needed blood, you know, 43 years ago when my daughter was born and I nearly died. So, I can speak personally to our lines of service, blood disaster, you know, military. So, what I strive to do the most is to impress upon people is that the Red Cross is a trusted organization, Northwest Florida Executive Director Terri Jenkins said.

Registration opens for 8th Annual Walk to Remember

President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially proclaimed Red Cross month in 1943. The Red Cross has been providing critical support to both soldiers overseas and their families back home, during the height of World War 2. Roosevelt wanted to encourage more citizens to get involved and support its mission.

We collaborate with other agencies in the community for long, what we call long-term recovery needs, you know, furniture you know, rent, utility bills, things like that. There are agencies here in Panama City that address those needs, Jenkins said.

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In Bay County there are around 125 American Red Cross volunteers. Jenks says theres always a need for more.

We have a need for more volunteers to help with our steady-state operations, what we call steady-state and blue skies. We need a large volunteer base to handle all of the levels of programs and services that we offer to the community and the clients, Jenkins added.

Tudors Biscuit World offers special Sunday breakfast

The Red Crosss next event is Giving Day on March 26th. It gives community members an opportunity to support and donate money, designated specifically for disaster relief in the local 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 mypanhandle.com.
In his second term, President Donald Trump is promising Americans less government, less bureaucracy, and less regulation. But in their new book, journalists Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson argue that America can achieve greatness by leaning more, not less, into what makes us special. The pair discuss their new book, "Abundance," on The Eleventh Hour.
Americans are deeply divided when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and political correctness, according to a poll from NBC News.

The divisions have emerged along partisan and racial lines, with the poll coming as President Donald Trump continues his push to dismantle DEI programs.

In the poll, 49 percent of registered voters agreed that DEI programs should end as they create divisions and inefficiencies in the workplace by putting too much emphasis on race and other social factors over merit, skills, and experience.

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Meanwhile, 48 percent said DEI programs should remain because diverse perspectives reflect our country, create innovative ideas and solutions, encourage unity, and make our workplaces fair and inclusive.

Forty-three percent of voters said they have negative attitudes toward DEI programs, with 39 percent saying they have positive attitudes and 14 percent saying theyre neutral.

Meanwhile, 51 percent of voters said they believe that theres too much political correctness in our society today, and too much pressure on people to limit what they can do or say to avoid offending other people.

Forty-five percent said theres too much prejudice in our society today, and people need to be more respectful in what they do and say to avoid offending other people.

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On his first day back in the White House, Trump signed an executive order designed to end DEI programs at federal agencies. This led some private companies to make similar moves. The Department of Education, which Trump aims to dismantle, has begun investigations of more than 50 colleges and universities as part of the measures against DEI programs. Similarly, the Federal Election Commission has begun an inquiry into Comcast and its DEI efforts.

President Donald Trump has made dismantling DEI programs at federal agencies a centerpiece of his second term agenda (AFP via Getty Images)

Democratic pollster Aileen Cardona-Arroyo at Hart Research Associates told NBC: When we see these heated conversations at a partisan level about DEI, it really comes down to: How are they looking at American society today? Where do they see the problems? And thats going to lead to very different solutions and very different approaches.

Hart Research Associates conducted the poll alongside the Republican firm Public Opinion Strategies.

There are sharp divisions along partisan lines among voters, with 80 percent of Republicans saying theres too much political correctness, compared to Democrats, 77 percent of which say theres too much prejudice. Independents are more divided, with 46 percent saying theres too much political correctness and 43 percent saying theres too much prejudice.

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Among Republicans, 85 percent say DEI programs should end, while the same amount of Democrats say the opposite. Among independents, 59 percent say the programs should carry on, while 39 percent say they should be discontinued.

Theres also a widening gap between young men and women.

Sixty-seven percent of women aged 18 to 49 say that DEI programs should remain, while 31 percent say they should be removed. Among men of the same age, 40 percent want DEI programs to continue, and 57 percent say they should end. Among older women and men, more women support DEI programs. However, the gap is smaller.

Cardona-Arroyo noted that The survey also points to there being more political intensity and salience for Republicans around these issues than there is for Democrats.

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A majority of white voters both said that DEI programs should end and that theres too much political correctness. Among white women with college degrees, 59 percent said DEI programs should continue and that theres too much prejudice.

Meanwhile, 80 percent of Black voters said DEI programs should remain, and 71 percent said theres too much prejudice.

Republican pollster Bill McInturff at Public Opinion Strategies told NBC that Trumps efforts on DEI are just really echoing with his core political base.
By Luc Cohen, Tom Hals and Jack Queen

(Reuters) - The Trump administration has likely exceeded its authority in invoking rarely applied laws to justify parts of its wide-ranging immigration crackdown, legal experts said.

Still, the Supreme Court could ultimately determine if the White House has the far-reaching power it claims to decide who should be deported.

President Donald Trump, a Republican, has drawn pushback from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups for deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador by citing a wartime law from 1798, and for trying to deport a lawful permanent resident under an untested statute passed in 1952.

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In both cases, the administration likely overstepped its statutory authority and is vulnerable to being overturned by courts, said immigration lawyer David Leopold.

"These are unilateral, factual determinations made by the executive," Leopold said in an interview on Monday.

Neither the White House nor the Justice Department immediately responded to requests for comment.

The Trump administration over the weekend invoked the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act, which gives the president the authority to detain and deport foreign citizens during times of war, to deport 238 alleged gang members.

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The administration asserted that the gang, Tren de Aragua, was invading the United States, justifying their deportations under the law, which was enacted to combat spying and sabotage during tensions with France.

But U.S. District Judge James Boasberg in Washington temporarily blocked any deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, writing that the law refers to hostile acts perpetrated by another nation.

The alleged gang members were flown to El Salvador nonetheless, potentially setting up a constitutional clash.

Boasberg's ruling came in response to a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, which said the Trump administration's invocation of the law would deprive people in immigration detention of due process rights because they would not be able to challenge the determination that they are "alien enemies."

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Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a post on X on Monday that the Supreme Court had "repeatedly made clear" that federal courts have no jurisdiction over the president's authorities under the Alien Enemies Act, which was used to justify internment camps for people of Japanese, German and Italian descent during World War Two but had not been invoked since.

Leavitt did not specify the Supreme Court cases she was referring to, and legal experts said they were not aware of any such precedent.

"They are just making stuff up," said Michael Gerhardt, a law professor at the University of North Carolina.

Scott Anderson, a fellow with the Brookings Institution think tank, said the Supreme Court in 2015 declined to endorse the idea that the executive branch had exclusive authority over foreign affairs. Anderson said the idea that foreign policy is beyond judicial or congressional review is "complete nonsense."

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Josh Blackman, a constitutional law professor at South Texas College of Law Houston, said the president has the right to decide what constitutes an invasion, and that no formal declaration of war is needed.

He pointed to a 1948 Supreme Court decision, Ludecke v. Watkins, upholding the removal under the Alien Enemies Act of a German national in 1946, after World War Two ended. The court found that determining when a "declared war" ended was the role of the executive branch, not the courts.

"The executive branch has discretion to decide this as a political question," Blackman said.

The circumstances of the removal of the alleged gang members is different than those in the Ludecke case because there is no declared war.

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The Trump administration has already appealed Boasberg's temporary block on the deportations. The question of whether the administration's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act was constitutional could ultimately end up before the Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority.

FREE SPEECH FIGHT

Similarly, the statute used by the Trump administration to justify the immigration detention of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil appears to have been used only once before, according to legal experts.

Lawyers for Khalil, a green card holder of Palestinian descent, have said the arrest was retaliation for his participation in pro-Palestinian protests and violated his rights to free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

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The administration has justified his detention under a provision of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act stating that any immigrant may be deported if the secretary of state determines that their activities or presence in the U.S. could pose adverse foreign policy consequences.

Trump has, without evidence, accused Khalil of supporting Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The provision has been tested just once before, legal experts said.

In 1995, the statute was used to detain Mario Ruiz Massieu, a former assistant attorney general of Mexico, after the U.S. government failed four times to convince a federal judge to extradite him back to Mexico, where he faced criminal charges. Massieu challenged his detention in a case that was overseen by the late federal Judge Maryanne Trump Barry - Trump's older sister.

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Barry found the law unconstitutional. She said Massieu's case begged the question if a noncitizen in the U.S. legally can be removed at the unfettered discretion of the Secretary of State without a meaningful opportunity to be heard. "The answer is a ringing 'no'," she wrote.

The administration of former President Bill Clinton appealed the ruling and it was reversed on a technicality that did not address the law's constitutionality.

A judge has temporarily blocked Khalil's deportation, and his lawyers are fighting for him to be released from immigration custody in Louisiana.

Khalil's lawyers have said that provision was not intended to stifle dissent. Leopold said Congress intended for the provision to be used sparingly.

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"This broad immigration statute, based solely on some abstract foreign policy worry, is being used to chill speech," Leopold said.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen and Jack Queen in New York and by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Lisa Shumaker)
ANDERSON  John Pistole, president of Anderson University, said the Board of Trustees were looking for three primary qualities in an ideal candidate to succeed him.

The ideal prospect would have academic and business backgrounds and would be a humble follower of Jesus Christ.

The board found that candidate in Scott Moats, who had served most recently as executive vice president for administration and chief business officer at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri.

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Pistole, who will retire at the end of May, said the timing of the hire was serendipitous. Moats began his tenure at AU in March as chief operating officer. He will take over as president of the university June 1.

The trustees and the search firm they hired went out and did a nationwide search and (found) someone who was not looking (for a job) ... and through (Moats) flexibility and his current schools flexibility, make that transition to have some overlap before I retire. ... It is the best of all worlds, Pistole explained.

When AU Provost Courtney Taylor acted as the campus host for Moats interview visit, they asked questions of each other, as well as Moats meeting with university cabinet members.

Having the search firm, FaithSearch Partners, really helped with the vetting of a presidential candidate and going through the process for the board and to just help accelerate the process, Taylor said, noting that Moats faith set him apart from other candidates.

It really is his heart for the mission of this place, to be a place where we educate for a life of faith and service, Taylor said. The way he has resonated with that, he is a man of character and deep faith in Jesus Christ. Ultimately, that is really what stands out the most.
Hes taking Cuo-no responsibility.

Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo repeatedly deflected blame and stubbornly refused to admit mistakes on his lengthy record during an often testy two-hour Post editorial meeting Monday, as he mounts a comeback bid for New York Citys mayor.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo visits the New York Post Editorial Board on March 17. Tamara Beckwith

Cuomo claimed it was left-wing, antisemitic Democratic Socialists of America pols who were the true architects of the lenient criminal justice laws he signed  and of the woes facing New York and beyond, generally.

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Even when Cuomo couldnt shift the onus  such as the COVID-19 pandemics worst days, when he was governor  he still didnt admit fault.

He defended the much-criticized March 25, 2020, directive issued by his health department requiring nursing homes to accept recovering coronavirus patients discharged from hospitals  a quickly rescinded policy that critics argue fanned the spread and death toll among frail, elderly, immunocompromised residents.

Not only that, Cuomo  who brought along a slideshow presentation reminiscent of his daily pandemic-era briefings  continued to deny any link.

You want the state to say We killed people and thats not true, Cuomo insisted during one spirited exchange when he was asked why he wouldnt own up to the mistake.

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When Cuomo did fess up, he mostly did so in retrospect  such as conceding that relaxing lockdown rules and school closures could have been done sooner.

And so it went.

Cuomo stands in front of a projection screen during his visit to The Posts Editorial Board. Tamara Beckwith

Cuomo announced his campaign for NYC mayor earlier this month. Lev Radin/Shutterstock

Cuomo defended his approval of the cashless bail law in 2019 that was approved by fellow Democrats in the state Legislature, insinuating that the pernicious influence of the far-left DSA lawmakers had tied his hands.

A governor is not a dictator, he said, deflecting responsibility.

You do the best you can when you can  given the finances, given the political environment, given what you can get done with the legislative.

At one point, he even insisted he was not a timid flower.

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Elsewhere, he defended his sanctuary city and state policies.

Cuomo signed the Green Light Law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain drivers licences and proudly recalled blocking the last Trump administration from getting access to state Department of Motor Vehicles data.

He also cited the politicized environment of the pandemic for saying Americans should be skeptical of the COVID vaccine pushed by the Trump admin. Tamara Beckwith

We wouldnt give them the database  I said, Well work together, but I cant give you the whole database of people who did nothing, he recalled telling President Trump during his previous term.

He also blamed the politicized environment of the pandemic for saying Americans should be skeptical of the COVID vaccine pushed by the Trump admin.

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Cuomo dismissed as cruel and bizarre any accusations that he steered recovering COVID-19 patients into nursing homes at the behest of politically influential hospital executives who were worried about being overrun with patients stricken with the deadly virus.

The pugnacious former governor also denied that he deliberately undercounted the number of nursing home residents who died from COVID, while he was writing a $5 million profit-making book about his handling of the pandemic.

Reports by both the state attorney general and comptroller concluded he lowballed the number of deaths.

If you produced incorrect information that you submitted to the federal government, that is a felony and the simplest felony to prosecute, Cuomo said, referring to a Justice Department probe under Trump.

Elsewhere, he defended his sanctuary city and state policies. Tamara Beckwith

The former governor defended the much-criticized March 25, 2020, directive issued by his health department requiring nursing homes to accept recovering coronavirus patients discharged from hospitals. REUTERS

He also defended writing the book, claiming it was ludicrous and really offensive for critics to claim he was manipulating policy to make a profit and cashing in on the back of people who died of COVID.

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I thought there was a benefit to saying, We went first. We went worst. Let us tell you what we know, Cuomo said. I thought it would be of assistance. Dont make the mistakes we made and learn the lessons we learned.

But he claimed not to remember, under questioning by The Post, one of his administrations most mocked autocratic pandemic rules  requiring cash-strapped bars to sell food with drinks.

Some pubs dubbed the mandated snacks Cuomo Chips, even as state regulators said noshing did not meet the food requirement during social distancing.

I dont even remember that one. What was that one again? That was not my idea, Cuomo said with a chuckle, claiming experts advised him on it.



The strange memory lapse wasnt Cuomos only bizarre stumble.

Even when Cuomo couldnt shift the onus  such as the COVID-19 pandemics worst days, when he was governor  he still didnt admit fault. Tamara Beckwith

He referred to City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who is also running for mayor, as the speaker of the Assembly.

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He also mixed up the NYPD and MTA police. And at certain points, he appeared to have difficulty hearing people at the end of a conference room table. Cuomo quickly corrected himself on the mixup of the police forces.

Meanwhile, he also defended his green energy policies that critics have slammed as unworkable.

Cuomo pushed Entergys Indian Point nuclear power plant in Westchester  which provided energy to New York City utilities  to shut down, while banning fracking for natural gas.

He also approved the the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The law requires New York to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and no less than 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels.

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But reps from the auto industry  which is required to ramp up sales of electric vehicles  said the targets are a pipedream.

If you cant meet the goal on 2030, what happens? You just violate the goal, he said.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, contact RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline for free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Espanol at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and online.RAINN.org y RAINN.org/es

Since returning to the U.S. and arriving in Fort Lauderdale in a private jet, internet "manosphere" personality and self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate has been trolling Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Your wife will never win governor unless you arrest me, @GovRonDeSantis," Tate posted on X, formerly Twitter, Friday. "Youve proven to be a communist who attacks American citizens for zero. When Americans who are unfairly imprisoned abroad return home you betray them. You better nail me now. Lets go. Arrest me.

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Tate demanded that DeSantis arrest him several times the day before, saying he was back in Miami and ready.

Tate and his brother Tristan are under investigation in Romania on accusations of forming an organized criminal group, human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering. They have denied all wrongdoing, although Tate frequently jokes about it online. A travel ban was lifted last month.

The one-sided war with DeSantis began after the governor, responding to a reporter's question about the brothers' arrival in the state, said that Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier was looking at what jurisdiction Florida may have to deal with them. The reality is no, Florida is not a place where youre welcome with that type of conduct, he said.

Last week, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said an investigation "is still ongoing" despite the brothers having left the state.

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"These guys are charged with pretty horrific offenses around the world," Uthmeier told reporters at an unrelated press conference in Tampa. "There are victims that have come forward around the world, and we're looking at possible victims and possible conduct that may have taken place on Florida soil."

Tate has been steadily taunting the governor, saying on X that DeSantis opened a criminal case "for zero reason," that DeSantis attacked him because he was worried Tate would support gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds over his wife, and jokingly asking Florida to open a criminal case because his brother stole his snacks on the plane.

Who is Andrew Tate?

Andrew Tate, next to his brother Tristan Tate, talks to media representatives after exiting the Bucharest courthouse, in Bucharest, Romania, January 9, 2025.

A self-described misogynist who often poses in expensive settings with fast cars and guns, social media influencer Tate has gained millions of fans by promoting an ultra-masculine attitude that critics say denigrates women.

Emory Andrew Tate III, 38, is a former professional kickboxer who gained notoriety for promoting an extreme view of men and women. He appeared on the 17th season of the British reality show "Big Brother" but was removed after six days after videos emerged showing him hitting a woman with a belt and telling another to count the bruises he apparently caused. Vice later reported that the producers dropped him when they became aware of an ongoing rape investigation, which was later dropped.

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Tate and his brother Tristan started a webcam studio with up to 75 webcam models which he later admitted was a scam, according to GQ, and opened several different online schools to encourage teenage boys and young men to forego traditional life paths and instead focus on making as much money as possible through unconventional, mostly online means.

Tate's popularity exploded online due to his increasingly inflammatory statements, claiming women had to take responsibility for being raped, depression isn't real, Nazis might not have been the bad guys in World War II, women belong to men, and how he would attack a woman who accused him of cheating. He has also defended other people accused of sexual assault such as actor Russell Brand. In 2022, The Guardian reported that students in his various schools were told to flood social media with his most controversial clips to help boost his content.

TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter all blocked his accounts, although he was reinstated on Twitter after Elon Musk bought the social media company.

Tate has said such comments were jokes or taken out of context.

What are Tate brothers accused of?

Andrew Tate (L) and his brother Tristan Tate are pictured inside The Court of Appeal in Bucharest, Romania, on December 10, 2024. The US-born Briton, Andrew, and his brother Tristan, who say they are innocent, are accused of having formed an organised criminal network in early 2021 in Romania and in Britain. Prosecutors allege that the brothers and two women set up a criminal organisation and sexually exploited several victims.

Tate and his brother were arrested in their home near Bucharest in August amid new charges against the brothers and four other suspects on trafficking charges, BBC News reported.

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There is also a British arrest warrant out on the brothers on allegations of rape and serious physical and sexual assaults dating back to 2012-2015 in the UK. Romania granted the extradition request, but only after the Romanian legal proceedings are completed. British police have also started a civil case against them for alleged tax evasion.

A first Romanian criminal case against the Tates failed in December when the court cited problems with the indictment and sent the files back to the prosecutors, according to Reuters. Tate was under house arrest from August, when he faced a second Romanian criminal case, until January.

The Tates, who have denied accusations against them, are under judicial control, a light preventative measure under which they are required to check in with the police regularly.

One of President Donald Trump's top envoys reportedly brought up the case with a Romanian foreign minister just a few weeks before the country lifted the Tates' travel ban. Tate's fan base is heavily right-wing and male and he has been a strong supporter of Trump.

Florida woman sues Tate brothers

USA TODAY reported that, in February, a Florida woman listed only as Jane Doe filed a countersuit against Andrew and Tristan Tate in the first U.S. case brought against the brothers. She said she met him in Miami in 2021 when he teased her with a romantic relationship before she flew to Romania to visit him. While there, she feared that she and the other women at the house were being groomed to sexual videos and they made a plan to escape together, according to court documents.

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After the women got free of the Tates with the help of Romanian authorities who raided the brothers compound in April 2022, the Tates sued her, another woman and some witnesses, saying Doe was "a serial extortionist and blackmailer who preys on successful men."

Jane Doe's countersuit alleges sex trafficking by force and/or coercion, conspiracy to violate the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, defamation, malicious prosecution, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Since filing it, she says she has been bombarded with online harassment, including sharing of personally identifiable information about her.

Is Andrew Tate a US citizen?

Andrew Tate, who was born in Washington, DC, and his brother Tristan have dual U.S.-UK citizenship.

Contributing: Luiza Ilie, Reuters and Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Andrew Tate demands Florida Gov. DeSantis arrest him, taunts him on X
California's sea otters have become surprising environmental champions by tackling a destructive invasive species wreaking havoc in Elkhorn Slough. These adorable marine mammals have naturally solved a problem scientists have struggled with for years, according to CBS.

For decades, invasive European green crabs have threatened Monterey County's delicate Elkhorn Slough ecosystem. These unwanted visitors arrived in the late 1980s, likely as stowaways on boats, and quickly began outcompeting native species and disrupting the entire habitat.

"Green crabs wreak havoc on native ecosystems. So once green crabs showed up on the U.S. West Coast, it was a major concern," Rikke Jeppesen, a scientist for the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, told CBS San Francisco.

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Scientists had set countless traps to control the invaders, but the crabs always returned in overwhelming numbers. Then something unexpected happened: The crabs began disappearing without explanation.

The mystery was solved, the CBS report said, when researchers heard loud chewing noises near their traps.

The culprits? Sea otters with great appetites for invasive crustaceans.

Around 100 sea otters now call Elkhorn Slough home, devouring tens of thousands of green crabs annually. Their natural predation has accomplished what humans couldn't achieve despite investing millions of dollars to root out the invasive crabs.

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This remarkable, natural ecological service benefits local communities by preserving the ecosystem while saving taxpayer money on expensive control programs.

Volunteer Ron Eby also pointed out how the recovering otter population boosts the local economy as well: "The income here is several million dollars a week, so it's just incredible."

The total California sea otter population currently stands around 3,000, according to the CBS report  still far below previous numbers, which once reached tens of thousands along the coast. Nevertheless, their success story in Elkhorn Slough demonstrates how restoring predator populations can provide natural solutions to environmental problems.

"Never before have I done anything that anyone cared that much about," Jeppesen said of the notable discovery. The otters' unexpected role shows that sometimes the best environmental solutions come from within nature itself.

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There could be a similar challenge in your own area that needs this kind of attention. While not everyone is able to get as hands-on, there are a number of ways to take action in your community and help the environment  from volunteering to donating to signing petitions that represent the interests you believe in.

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.
By Shi Song, Zhang Yuli

GENEVA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China has made significant progress in pursuing sustainable development and human rights protection in recent years, experts said at a side event during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

The event, titled "The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Human Rights Protection," was co-hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development.

Sun Meng, a professor at the Human Rights Institute of China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized China's commitment to a path that integrates sustainable development with human rights protection.

She added that China has always adhered to the development concept of innovation, coordination, greenness, openness and sharing, as well as the people-oriented development principle, and fully implemented the idea of human rights protection.

Zhou Shaoqing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that one of the reasons behind the rise of ideologies and movements that severely impact social cohesion and even political stability worldwide is the extreme disparity in wealth and the high inequality of economic and social rights.

He emphasized that China addresses this issue through relevant policies and legislation to ensure economic and social equality, with a particular focus on promoting equal development for ethnic minority regions and remote regions. China's systematic policy framework, development priorities, and the goal of "common prosperity" provide valuable references for addressing global governance inequality, he added.

Tang Yingxia, deputy director of Nankai University's Human Rights Center, stated that human rights, climate change, and sustainable development are closely interconnected, and this intrinsic link calls for active measures at the national level.

She highlighted that China is addressing climate change by proposing and implementing its dual carbon goals to protect environmental rights. Furthermore, China has adopted relevant measures at various levels and achieved remarkable success in the development of a low-carbon economy.

Da Lu, an associate professor from China's Southwest University of Political Science and Law, noted that there are still many challenges ahead in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He called on the international community to adhere to the principles of consultation, joint construction and sharing, promote the building of a more just and reasonable international order, and inject more positive impetus into global development. 
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna is firing back at gross claims in a new book alleging that President Donald Trump offered her his bed and to keep it a secret from his wife Melania.

A Daily Beast article published on March 17 claimed that a bombshell book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trumps Return to Power, reveals a 2023 incident when Trump offered the MAGA newcomer his bed when she was experiencing illness from her pregnancy.

Trump, Putin hold nearly 3-hour call amid ceasefire push in Ukraine

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If you need a bed to lay down in, theres one here on the plane. If you feel sick and you need to lay there, you can lay on it, the Daily Beast quoted Trump. Just dont tell Melania. She doesnt like other women on my bed.

Luna fired back on X, formerly known as Twitter, later that afternoon, writing:

I seldom respond to nasty headlines because I dont like giving trash credibility, however, being that there is allegedly a book coming out with me named and attacking @POTUS, his marriage, our first lady, and frankly implying something distasteful about me, I am responding. I was very pregnant and at the time experiencing pre-eclampsia symptoms, but was not diagnosed. As soon as @realDonaldTrump boarded the plane, being the gentleman and good person that he is, said if I did not feel well, I could use the back room. He did this in a respectful way and in front of my husband, of which we thanked him. He also assured me that they had a medical team on board in case anything happened and they were aware of how pregnant I was. This was the most compassionate thing that couldve been done at the time. I find it disgusting that the author fails to recognize that. A few weeks later, I was induced because I did have pre-eclampsia . The author of this book never reached out to me for comment. Which means that this book is likely going to be a s*** hit piece. If people in POTUS orbit are talking to this author, they need to be cut off immediately. This is gross.

Comments under the representatives post urged her to file a lawsuit, suing the publication for defamation. Many users backed her up, calling out the outlet for spinning the story and lying.

The book is written by Alex Isenstadt, a White House reporter for Axios. The news outlet refers to the content of the book as never-before-reported moments about Trump, labeling him as a flattering, gossipy, and blunt man both in public and behind closed doors.

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The fly-on-the-wall approach will take readers inside the presidents Mar-a-Lago estate, his courtroom appearances, and behind the scenes of his 2024 presidential campaign and rise to power.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
AirExplore, a Slovakia-based contract carrier for other airlines, is disengaging from cargo flying because of limited demand for narrowbody freighters and will focus on its passenger business, FreightWaves has learned.

The news follows other recent examples of small or midsize airlines that provide supplemental capacity to network carriers discontinuing or downsizing cargo operations amid a glut of standard-size freighters and stagnant parcel volumes.

AirExplore, a subsidiary of Lithuanian-owned holding company Avia Solutions Group, earlier this month issued a vague statement about changing its approach to cargo operations to align with market conditions. The statement was buried in a news release about airlines securing additional airlift from third-party providers to keep up with travel demand.

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The airline is reducing its cargo fleet by two or three aircraft, returning aircraft to lessors and subleasing some units to other carriers because of the slowdown in business, spokesperson Silvije Sileike said in an email message. It continues to seek long-term transportation service agreements for its remaining aircraft.





We were presuming that the e-commerce and narrow-body freighter market would grow more significantly after Covid, but the situation in the market is not as we expected. Currently, we are optimizing our fleet and focusing on the passenger business, she explained.

As recently as last month, AirExplores operating fleet included eight Boeing 737-800 converted freighter aircraft. It added some cargo jets last year and in November earned U.S. approval to begin passenger and cargo operations in U.S. airspace under a conditional foreign carrier permit using large aircraft on charter from other providers.

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Aircraft tracking site Flightradar24 shows only two cargo jets currently in operation  one in Europe and one in Africa. The Planespotters.net database shows three aircraft are in parked status.

Sileike said AirExplore has leased one freighter aircraft to Allied Air Nigeria, which operates for DHL Express in Africa, and another to Ascend Airways Malaysia, a new carrier owned by Avia Solutions Group that expects to begin operations late this year. Air Ascend Malaysia, a business-to-business passenger and cargo airline, is waiting for Malaysian authorities to issue an air operators certificate.





Regional cargo carriers get squeezed

AirExplores rethink about air cargo operations is not unique. Sister company SmartLynx Airlines is shelving its fleet of Airbus A321 narrowbody freighters after losing a contract with DHL Express in Europe and having difficulty finding other customers. It too is returning planes to lessors, placing some aircraft with affiliated companies and subleasing to other carriers.

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Avia Solutions Group last year shut down Iceland-based Bluebird Nordic, which operated Boeing 737-400 and 737-800 converted freighters, because it couldnt generate enough business during and after the airfreight downturn that lasted until the second half of 2023. The airline, which provided crewed aircraft to DHL, FedEx, UPS and other airlines, returned its fleet to lessors.

Canadian passenger airline WestJet closed its freighter division, which utilized four 737-800s, after one year because it couldnt generate enough business providing scheduled cargo service.

Global Crossing Airlines in Miami last year capped its freighter fleet at four Airbus A321 freighters because of thin business but has recently seen a pickup in demand.

Miami-based Amerijet, which operates larger Boeing 767 converted freighters, cut its fleet in half over the past two years and currently runs about 11 aircraft.

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Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.

RELATED READING:

SmartLynx Airlines disbanding cargo charter fleet

Icelandic cargo airline Bluebird Nordic shuts down





The post Another cargo airline downsizes operations as parcel business dries up appeared first on FreightWaves.
This is an awesome decision by Trump.

What did Donald Trump just do, and who is this happy about it? Is this a Republican politician supporting the presidents plans for a tax cut, or perhaps a MAGA cheerleader applauding deportations? Perhaps its some right-wing pundit foot-stomping his approval for an executive order about trans athletes?

No. The awesome decision was to shut down the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the umbrella organization that provides support not only to Voice of America but also to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Marti, and Radio Free Asia, among other groups. And the clapping is coming not from Washington, but from Moscow. The pleased Trump fan is Margarita Simonyan, the head of RT and the media group that owns Russian-propaganda outlets such as Sputnik, and one of Russias most venomously anti-Western television commentators. (She once suggested that Russia should detonate a nuclear weapon over its own territory as a warning to the West about supporting Ukraine.)

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Heres her full comment (made on Russian television on Sunday night) regarding Trumps order: Today is a celebration for my colleagues at RT, Sputnik, and other outlets, because Trump unexpectedly announced that hes closing down Radio Liberty and Voice of America, and now theyre closed. This is an awesome decision by Trump.

Organizations such as the Voice of America and the radios, as they have been called collectively over the years, are among Americas best instruments of soft power. (VOA was created to counter Nazi propaganda during World War II.) During the Cold War, people behind the Iron Curtain relied on these institutions, and especially on RFE/RL, not because they wanted to hear an American point of viewthey already knew all about thatbut because they wanted news, real information that they could trust. These are not independent news organizations: They receive support from the U.S. government and other sources. But the journalists at VOA and the radios are not mouthpieces for any government. They are professionals who report and broadcast news and interviews in multiple languages around the worldmuch to the ire of authoritarian states that wish to control what their citizens read and hear.

Turning off these sources was not some slapdash DOGE move. Trump personally signed an executive order on Friday, shutting down what a White House statement absurdly called the Voice of Radical America. And if the order standsUSAGM is chartered by Congress as an independent agency, and Trump likely does not have the authority to close it down by fiathe will have succeeded in gutting crucial sources of information relied on by millions of people living under repressive governments. As Max Boot wrote in The Washington Post on Sunday, All of this amounts to a stunning and self-defeating repudiation of Americas legacy as a beacon of freedom around the world.

[Read: Paranoia is winning]

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Trump has long had a grudge against Voice of America in particular; he has accused VOA of skewing its coverage to the left, and of supporting President Joe Biden in the 2024 campaign. He also recently bristled at what he thought was an impertinent question from a VOA reporter regarding Gaza. (Who are you with? the president asked the reporter. When she answered that she was from VOA, Trump said, Oh, no wonder.)

But this is more than just a spat with VOA. By killing off USAGM and the organizations that depend on it, Trump is pulling a thorn from the paws of the worlds worst regimes, the people he seems to believe are his natural political allies and co-religionists. (The news about VOA and Radio Free Asia was happily received in Beijing, for example, where a state-run media outlet cheered the end of Americas lie factory and its demonizing narratives about China.)

RFE/RL also monitors the press and events in other nations, and provides in-depth analysis of events there that mainstream Western media do not have the time or space to explore. I know this because I wrote some of these reports as a guest analyst for Radio Libertys research arm back in the 1980s, during the Cold War. (My first article for RL was a discussion of developments in Soviet civil-military relations.) Throughout my career as a Soviet and Russian expert, I counted on RFE/RL for information from Eurasia. I knew that its reporters overseas faced significant risks from the governments they covered and hostility from autocraciesas well as various terrorist groupsthat wanted to silence them. Before the Soviet Unions downfall, RFE/RL was based in Munich; later, it moved to a campus in the Czech Republic with security rivaling that of a military base.

Trump, who regards any media he cannot control as a political enemy, is anxious to shut down these vessels of news and information. Once closed, they will no longer annoy him, and he will get a pat on the back from people such as Simonyan. But the new director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, seems eager to see it all burn as well. Indeed, shes so enthused that yesterday, she shared an X post from Ian Miles Cheong, a Malaysia-based right-wing podcaster and journalist manque. (He has written for RT and is still listed on its website.) His post claimed that these organizations produced and disseminated far-left propaganda and perpetuated a pro-war narratives against Russia.

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Its one thing for the DNI to say that she supports the presidents decision; its another to see her reposting material from an online provocateur who came to prominence fighting on Reddit over Gamergate a decade ago. (I contacted the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to ask if Gabbard agrees with Cheong and believes he is a reliable source of information. ODNI has not responded.)

No one should really be surprised that Gabbard is amplifying such nonsense. As I wrote last November, her views are so pro-Russian that allowing her to serve as DNI constitutes a national-security threat. But you dont have to take my word for it: The journalist Julia Davis, who monitors Russian media, has kept track of the affection with which Gabbard is regarded in Russia. In December, the Russian state-television host Evgeny Popov surveyed Trumps prospective Cabinet nominees and declared that none of them were friends of Russia, except for Tulsi Gabbard. And Vladimir Solovyov, a talk-show host whose rants are depraved even by the low standards of Russian television, referred to Gabbard as our girlfriend Tulsi. (Is she some sort of a Russian agent? another guest asked. Yes, Solovyov snapped.)

Now, some of this gloating in the Russian media is likely just an attempt to pull on American pigtails. The Russians are very good at this game, and they know that referring to the DNI as Russias girlfriend will throw some Americans into a swivet. But if Gabbard isnt a Vladimir Putin supporter, shes doing a good imitation of one: Any sensible American politician would dread a public association with Cheongtoday he referred to Russias horrendous 2022 massacre of civilians in the town of Bucha as a hoaxbut Gabbard thought highly enough of his comments to send them out under her official X account.

The courts may yet stop Trumps assault on USAGM, although if the agency survives, it will be headed by Kari Lake, who has her own irresponsible plans for VOA. (If there is one bright spot in all of this, it is that Trumps executive order may have put Lake out of a job.) But regardless of the eventual legal outcome, the president is proudly showing America and the alliance of democracies it once led that he is on the side of the worlds dictators. The Kremlin and other autocracies have long ached to see Voice of America and Radio Liberty destroyed, but even in their most fevered dreams, they could never have imagined that the Americans would do the dirty work themselves.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  In the ongoing legal battle surrounding the untimely death of Shanquella Robinson, Khalil Cooke, one of the individuals linked to the case, has filed a motion to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit.

Cooke, who is the fourth defendant in the case, is arguing that the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina is an improper venue to hear the case.

This motion, filed on March 14, 2025, comes after similar motions were filed by other co-defendants, Alysee Hyatt, Wenter Donovan, and Malik Dyer. These individuals had previously argued that the case should be handled under Mexican law because the incident took place in Mexico. The motion to dismiss claims that since the wrongful death occurred outside the United States, it should be dealt with in Mexico, not in North Carolina, where the defendants reside.

This case should be decided in North Carolina.

Shanquella Robinsons mother, Sallamondra Robinson, has fiercely responded to these motions. In February, Hyatt and Donovan filed their motions, claiming that because the incident happened in Mexico, the case should be pursued under Mexican jurisdiction. However, the plaintiffs legal team has pushed back, arguing that the defendants motion is not enough to dismiss the case from North Carolina courts.

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Robinsons response to the motion highlights that this lawsuit is filed by an American plaintiff (Shanquellas mother) against American defendants, many of whom reportedly fled to North Carolina after the incident. This, they argue, makes North Carolina the most appropriate jurisdiction for the lawsuit. According to the plaintiff, the defendants, who are all from North Carolina, allegedly tried to conceal critical information about Shanquellas death after returning to the state.

The response emphasizes that the actions of the so-called Cabo Six in the aftermath of Shanquellas death  including promoting the viral video of the violent attack and withholding information from investigators  should be addressed in North Carolina courts.

The defenses attempt to have the case dismissed, the plaintiff argues, would only serve to evade justice.

Legal back-and-forth

In addition to the legal arguments presented by the defendants, the plaintiff raises concerns about the challenges of pursuing the case in Mexico. One of the main points made in the response is that the defendants failed to explain how a case would be properly handled in Mexico, where obtaining testimony from witnesses might be extremely difficult.

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The plaintiffs argue that dismissing the case would deny them the chance to present their case fairly and could undermine the ability to hold the defendants accountable in a court of law.

If the claims are dismissed, some fear it would set a dangerous precedent that could send the message that U.S. citizens can evade justice by fleeing to a foreign country, and then use jurisdictional loopholes to avoid legal consequences.

MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM

Mystery in Mexico

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HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now)  Bids are in on one of the citys iconic downtown structures.

City Hall and the business community eagerly await word on the future of the historic Georgian-style former YMCA building.

The 100,000-square-foot structure, built in 1920, went up for auction in January. While a bid ward is pending, city officials are eager to partner with the buyer.

It is one of the largest properties in the downtown area, and we see it as a significant capital investment with huge impact and for people not having to drive everywhere, said Emily Conrad, Hagerstowns economic development coordinator.

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The president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Paul Frey, sees a huge upside to the buildings purchase.

Theres a fair amount of work that has to be done to that building to get it up to code, said Frey. But theres a lot of potential and a lot of interest, and it would be a huge boom to downtown Hagerstown for foot traffic.

Trumps executive order leads to layoffs at Voice of America

Relief from frustrating downtown traffic congestion could be a bonus from the buildings purchase.

A parking deck would be near that structure, and it would support that structure with apartments, condos and businesses that need additional parking, Frey explained.

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Once the auction bid is awarded, the citys economic development team is ready to spring into action.

Were here with incentives and programs to help offset costs, said Conrad.

Whatever renovations are planned for the building will be consistent with guidelines set by the Maryland Historical Trust, according to officials.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday dismissed allegations that his administration has not been transparent about the sale of a seized megayacht and how the proceeds were used.

The statement by Prime Minister Gaston Browne comes a day after a federal judge in New York granted attorneys permission to issue subpoenas to access the financial records of Browne and other officials.

The attorneys represent Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, who claims she is the rightful owner of the Alfa Nero megayacht, which remained anchored off Antigua for a couple months before the local government seized and sold it last year.

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Guryeva-Motlokhovs attorneys alleged in a March 11 filing in federal court that Brownes administration has not released documents related to the $40 million sale of the yacht.

The attorneys are seeking documents and information related to wire transfers and other transactions involving Antigua's prime minister and six other people, as well as 12 entities, in the past five years.

The people targeted include Browne, one of his sons, his wife, Antiguas general accountant and its port manager.

The entities include West Indies Oil Co. Ltd., an Antigua-based petroleum storage and distribution company of which the government is a majority shareholder, and Fancy Bridge Ltd., a Hong Kong-based investment firm that owns shares in the oil company, as does Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., known as PDVSA.

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The institutions that the attorneys plan to subpoena are required to comply with the request for information unless Browne or someone else files a motion opposing the subpoenas.

Browne said in a public statement Tuesday that he is discussing legal remedies with his attorneys in Antigua and the U.S.

He also told The Associated Press that his attorneys may challenge the judges ruling.

The case focuses on a megayacht abandoned by Guryeva-Motlokhovs father, Andrey Guryev, a Russian businessman who founded a fertilizer company and worked in the Russian government. He was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in August 2022.

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Browne on Tuesday accused Guryeva-Motlokhov of falsely claiming that she was entitled to the yacht in order to claim for herself the sales proceeds and damages and rob the people of Antigua & Barbuda of these public benefits.

She and her attorneys have made scandalous, malicious and entirely false accusations in order to further her illicit ends, Browne said in a statement. The principal targets of her defamatory comments have been myself, and members of my family. There is not a grain of truth to any of these attacks on my, or my familys integrity.

Martin De Luca, one of Guryeva-Motlokhov's attorneys, told the AP that they stand by the allegations in the March 11 filing.

This isnt about politics, De Luca said. "Its about following the money. Brownes personal attacks wont change the fact that real financial records  not his statements  will expose what happened to the Alfa Nero proceeds."

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
(KRON)  Some schools in Antioch were placed on lockdown Monday afternoon as police investigated a report of a fight nearby in which one person may have been armed, authorities said.

The Antioch Police Department responded at 2:45 p.m. to the area of Lone Tree Way and Deer Valley Road for the reported physical altercation. Arriving officers learned the suspects ran toward the Country Hills Drive area, and police drones were put into the air to find them, APD said.

(KRON4)

With the drones, police said the suspects were seen getting into a vehicle.

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As a precautionary measure, nearby schools were notified of the potential threat and initiated lockdown procedures, APD said.

Tesla driver crashes into Pleasanton home Sunday

A traffic stop of the suspect vehicle was conducted, police said, and officers searched the vehicle as well as the areas where the suspects were seen fleeing. No firearms were located in any of the searches.

Antioch PD informed the schools that there were no ongoing public safety threats, and the lockdowns were lifted.

Police announced no arrests in the incident.

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Community members wait in line at the water tank in Peridot, Arizona, so that they can place a red hand print of the mural honoring Emily Pike and everyone impacted by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror

Alika Harvey from the White Mountain Apache Tribe placed her hand covered in red paint firmly on the water tower, adding to the hundreds of other red hand prints stamped across a mural painted in honor of late San Carlos Apache Teen Emily Pike and other Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples.

Emily was the same age as me, Harvey said. She was 14. I am 14.

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Emily, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, went missing in January. Her remains were found on Feb. 14 outside of Globe, in a remote area off of U.S. Route 60.

Harvey, who serves as Jr. Miss White Mountain Apache 2024-2025, drove with her family to San Carlos when she heard that local artists had created a mural in Emilys honor and the community was hosting a vigil for the family.

When Harvey heard about Emilys story, she said it made her mad, especially after hearing about how Indigenous women go missing and experience violence at higher rates than the national average.

Why are we still going through this as Indigenous people? she said.

Jr. Miss White Mountain Apache Alika Harvey, 14, gets her hand-painted red on March 15, 2025, to place it on the mural in honor of Emily Pike in Peridot, Arizona. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror

Harveys mother, Desiree, watched her daughter place her handprint on the water tower and said it was beautiful.

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They came out in support of Emily, Desiree said, because her tragedy impacts all Indigenous peoples.

Were all coming together, she added.

Seeing the mural of Emily and all the hand prints on it, Alika Harvey said it really touched her as an Indigenous woman because shes happy to be a part of it.

Its important for this to be put up in her memory, to spread awareness (and) to show people that we care, she said. Were still here and we see that this shouldnt be happening anymore.

Mural honoring Emily Pike

The mural of Emily Pike is on a large water tank that can be seen off U.S. Route 70 near a Bashas grocery store in Peridot.

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San Carlos Apache artist Myron Starr said when he learned about Emilys love for art, he started thinking of how to use his talent to honor her. He decided a mural for her was the best way.

I didnt know what to expect, Starr said when he approached the family about the mural. To his surprise, they already knew who he was.

They were honored, he added.

Starr began the mural on March 7 and ultimately brought five other artists on board to contribute to it. The mural, which stands more than 40 feet tall, was completed on March 11. A few days later, they held an event to involve the community by asking them to place red hand prints on it.

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The artists who joined Starr for the project were Carrie Sage Curley and Samuel Bendle, who are both San Carlos Apache, and AJ Larson, Felicia Garcia and Erica Raymond.

This is something that had to be done, Starr said of the mural. She needed to be brought home the right way.

The murals centerpiece is a portrait of Emily wearing a red Apache camp dress surrounded by medicinal plants used by the San Carlos Apache people. Silhouettes of Apache warriors stand beside her. The words Apache Strong are written boldly in white, surrounded by a butterfly and stars. The final touches of the mural were the individual red hand prints from people who wanted to honor her and support the fight against the murdered and missing Indigenous peoples crisis.

It speaks volumes without speaking, Starr said of the mural.

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When the idea of allowing the community to add red handprints came up, Starr said the artists did not expect how well it would be received.

It united the community, he said. Hundreds of people came through to place a red handprint. The artists had Emilys mother, Stephanie Dosela, right in the center of the mural. Her red handprint is the only one in that area.

The red handprint of Emily Pikes mother, Stephanie Dosela, is placed right in the murals center. Her red handprint is the only one in that area, as requested by the artists to honor Emily. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror

Curley joined Starr and the other artists after passing by the area late one night and seeing them working on the mural. She contacted Starr and said he invited her to join.

As an artist, its such an honor to be part of it, she said, and she thanked all the other artists who worked on the mural because it was hard.

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People think that art is just beautiful, but its heavy, she said. Its heavy at many times to paint crosses, to paint memorial things  but this is beautiful.

Curley said they chose to paint Emily wearing an Apache camp dress because its a shield for them as Apache women, and she believes that a lot of Indigenous women can understand that.

This is us respecting her, she said, adding that having a mural for Emily is bringing her home in a good way.

Curley said the water tank off Highway 70 was a great canvas for the mural because it allows people to see it from the road and brings more awareness to whats happened.

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Having her be seen is number one, Curley said. This is our way as artists.

Larson thanked the San Carlos Apache Tribe and the community for letting them work on their land and paint the mural.

Its been one of the most powerful experiences Ive ever been through, he said. I painted other murals that people have lost their loved ones, but this one hit differently for me.

He said witnessing everyone come and place their handprints on the mural was beautiful.

Each one of you basically signed that water tower, he said.

Emilys aunt, April Victor, talked about the mural during a candlelight vigil on March 15. She said that it was an emotional experience to place her handprint on the water tank.

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Once I put my hand on the tank, I couldnt help but cry and tell Emily Im sorry, Victor said. Im sorry nobody was there to protect you. Im sorry you had to be alone when you died. Im sorry that you had to suffer the way that you did. Im sorry that none of us were there to save you.

She said she commends the work that all the artists did for Emily.

Community candlelight vigil

Hundreds of people, some holding signs, others wearing red or having red handprints across their mouths, gathered in front of the Apache Gold Casino on March 15 to honor Emily Pike and demonstrate their support for her family and those affected by the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples.

San Carlos Apache Tribal Chairman Terry Rambler spoke during the vigil, updating the community on the investigation and announcing an award.

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Rambler said the Gila County Sheriffs Office is leading the ongoing investigation, but the San Carlos Police Department and Game & Fish Department are assisting.

The Gila County Sheriffs Office is committed to finding whomever committed this horrible act, he said. They will continue to update us, and we will share what we can.

A community member holds a candle in front of her sign during a candlelight vigil honoring Emily Pike on March 15, 2025, in front of the Apache Gold Casino. The sign listed all the other names of missing and murdered Indigenous people from the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror

Rambler shared with the community that the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council is offering a $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

He said the council has launched an independent study to help determine where the tribe can improve its internal processes to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.

Our San Carlos Council will be meeting with Governor (Katie) Hobbs, our state legislators, and our sister tribes to work with our representatives to help improve group home standards off reservation to help prevent something like this from happening again, Rambler said.

At the time of her disappearance, Emily lived in a group home in Mesa. She was last seen on the evening of Jan. 27 near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road. Two days later, the Mesa Police Department issued a poster for Emily, listing her as a missing or runaway juvenile.

When Emily went missing, it took a week before San Carlos Tribal Social Services notified the family. A month after she went missing, the Gila County Sheriffs Office reported that Emilys remains had been found.

She was so young, super young. She had everything ahead of her, San Carlos Apache teen Alayna Redhouse said about Emily. She attended the vigil and placed a handprint on the mural in her honor.

We care about our people, Redhouse, 16, said. She attended the vigil with her friend, Dlavin Thompson, 15. They both had a red handprint over their mouths and danced with the community during a prayer song.

She deserved better than this, Thompson said of Emily. When she heard what had happened to her, she was heartbroken and started crying.

This needs to stop, because why us? she added.

Emily Pikes aunt, April Victor, holds the mic for the San Carlos Apache Medicine Man to sing a prayer song during a candlelight vigil honoring Emily Pike on March 15, 2025, in front of the Apache Gold Casino. Photo By Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror

As the sun set behind the snow-covered mountains and the temperatures started to drop, supporters remained well into the night to hear from Emilys family, listen to the drum group, enjoy community members singing and hear from tribal officials.

Emilys uncle, Allred Pike Jr., spoke during her vigil, thanking the community for supporting the entire family.

Allred Pike said that Emily knew that all life was precious and her life may have been cut short, but her name will be remembered all over.

Her name is not confined to this reservation anymore, he said. It has spread throughout all of Indian Country.

Allred Pike said people are saying her name because they all want one thing: justice for Emily.

Weve got to continue to say her name, he added. Weve got to let the world know that we want justice for our very own.

San Carlos Apache Tribal Vice Chairman Tao Etpison said the tribe will continue to work until an arrest and conviction is made for what happened to Emily.

We will not rest. We will not sit back, he said. Apaches are known everywhere, and this has happened to us. We are victims of a missing and murdered Indigenous person.

Etpison said that the tribe will continue to look for people who are missing and make sure they are returned safely if thats possible.

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.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Despite concerns over airport-related noise and a state lawsuit, a complex with more than 300 apartments was approved by the Charlotte City Council Monday night.

The 11.5-acre property sits between Tuckaseegee Road and Queen City Drive, just north of Charlotte Douglas International. Due to its location, it sits within the Airport Noise Overlay, which doesnt ban residential development but does warn about potential airplane noise.

PREVIOUS: Neighborhoods are being abandoned on one side of the airport. Why is housing being proposed on the other side?

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Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield continued to share concerns about the building at the site. On the south side of CLT, many neighborhoods have been abandoned and rezoned to industrial uses due to noise stemming from the future fourth parallel runway.

For the apartments managed by Greystar Development East, Mayfield was the lone City Council member to oppose the rezoning.

The long-term impact, I personally am not comfortable with, she said. Fast forward a decade or so or so later, were looking at tax dollars being part of mass-displacement event.

Addressing the noise concerns, the developer has agreed to add additional insulation around the windows of the two southernmost buildings. They will have a Sound Transmission Class rating of 35.

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Thats great inside the unit, but if you step outside the building, it sets a bad precedent after spending thousands of tax dollars through the airport to buy out properties, motels, hotels, as well as single-family homes that are in airport overlay area, Mayfield said.

Tiawana Brown, the district representative for the property, shared her support through a letter since she was not present Monday. Other council members said Browns support was key in their vote.

Our job is difficult. Were trying to balance the supply of housing while addressing some of the communitys concerns, Dimple Ajmera said. We have to take some of that into consideration. This will definitely help provide additional housing that we need.

The 306 units will be built across six buildings. The rezoning changes from mixed-use development (MUDD) to Neighborhood 2 Conditional (N2C), which is intended for multi-family dwellings with smaller setbacks.

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The citys Zoning Committee and Planning Department staff also approved the rezoning.

AI-based lawsuit

Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, the parent company of Greystar East, is among the developers named in a lawsuit filed in January by Attorney General Jeff Jackson. The suit alleges that six landlords are working together with an artificial intelligence software company to raise rents.

North Carolinians are struggling to afford their rent as it is  we wont stand for landlords and real estate companies making the problem worse to line their own pockets, said Jackson. Im suing these landlords to make sure they play by the rules so North Carolinians can get fair prices for rent.

Jacksons office claims RealPage is allegedly creating a pricing algorithm in violation of antitrust laws and enriching themselves at the expense of renters, who end up paying inflated prices. His case alleges that these landlords communicated with RealPage and each other to share non-public information about rent prices, occupancy, strategies for setting rents, and discounts.

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He took to social media to discuss the suit Monday in a video.

Instead of competing against each other, they can quietly work together and replace competition with collusion, he explained.

City Council has not publicly acknowledged the lawsuit in the rezoning process.

In addition to Greystar, the other landlords named are Blackstones LivCor LLC, Camden Property Trust, Cushman & Wakefield Inc, and Pinnacle Property Management Services LLC, Willow Bridge Property Company LLC, and Cortland Management LLC.

Jackson filed the lawsuit alongside the U.S. Department of Justice and the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington.

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The Federal Trade Commission also filed a lawsuit against Greystar in January over alleged deceptive pricing practices.

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On Monday, the Charlotte City Council approved the construction of more than 300 apartments in an area within the airport noise overlay, which means people who move there will likely hear planes often.

FAA to give Charlotte airport $290M for new runway construction

The development will be built on Queen City Drive, which runs along Interstate 85 near the intersection of Billy Graham Parkway.

City workers support the build citing the need for more affordable housing in Charlotte.

VIDEO: Charlotte Douglas Airport to change general, corporate aviation operator
GAZA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army killed at least 200 Palestinians and wounded dozens more during the intensifying airstrikes on various places in Gaza, the Hamas-run government media office said Tuesday.

In a press statement, the office said that the Israeli raids targeted densely populated residential areas in the south, north and center of the Strip, as well as camps for displaced persons.

"The strikes caused significant material damage and left dozens trapped under the rubble, while rescue teams faced severe challenges in reaching the victims due to the ongoing bombardment," it said.

The past few hours have witnessed a sharp military escalation, with Israeli warplanes launching successive raids on residential neighborhoods in Gaza City, the southern city of Khan Yunis and the town of Jabalia in the north.

Palestinian eyewitnesses told Xinhua that they heard powerful explosions that echoed throughout the Strip as civil defense crews rushed to pull victims from beneath the debris.

Medical sources in Gaza said that hospitals are operating beyond capacity amid a severe shortage of medical supplies, making it increasingly difficult to treat heavy casualties.

Ambulance services have been disrupted as the ongoing airstrikes have destroyed roads and infrastructure, further complicating rescue efforts.

The latest escalation comes after Israel announced the resumption of attacks on Gaza, citing Hamas's rejection of U.S.-brokered proposals to extend the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19 and called on mediators to pressure Israel to halt the military campaign. 
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Department is asking for the publics help to find three suspects wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery that happened at a north Austin park in February, per a news release from the agency.

Around 7:40 p.m., Feb. 24, the three suspects walked into the Georgian Acres Neighborhood Park, 500 East Powell Lane, and held a father and mother at gun point as they physically assaulted them and took their personal property, according to police. The victims had a toddler with them, and police said they were unharmed.

The suspects left the scene through a path behind Bridge at Granada Apartments and then headed east towards IH 35, police said.

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APD provided descriptions for each suspect, which are listed below:

The Austin Police Department is searching for three suspects wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery that happened at a north Austin park. (Photo: APD)

Suspect No. 1

White or Hispanic male

Between 58  60 tall

Slim body type

Approximately late teens to early 20s

Last seen wearing all black face mask, white T-shirt with the number 1 on the back and black pants.

Suspect No. 2

White or Hispanic male

Between 510  62 tall

Heavy body type

Approximately early 20s

Last seen wearing a black face mask, black hoodie, black pants and black shoes.

Suspect No. 3

White or Hispanic male

Between 510-60 tall

Slim body type

Approximately late teens  early 20s

Last seen wearing a black face mask, black hoodie, blue jeans and white shoes.

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Anyone with any information is urged to contact APDs Robbery unit at 512-974-5092.

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CENTERVILLE  Appanoose County would face too much liability should it assume control of Honey Creek Resort from the state, County Attorney Ty Stewart told the Board of Supervisors Monday.

Stewart said he reviewed the proposed state agreement, the current concessionaire agreement, and other information to reach his conclusion.

While state officials have painted the proposed transfer as "virtually no risk," Stewart said there remain unknowns, and the county is not completely immune from incurring financial or legal risk if it accepts the transfer.

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"As the proposal is right now, there is risk to the county," Stewart said. "We can talk about possibility versus plausibility, but regardless, there's risk to the county."

Stewart added, "If somehow the state comes out of the woodwork and says, 'This is how we can draft around it,' and I look at it and I agree with it  I keep an open mind, but right now, it's a legal no for me based on the reasons I've stated."

One example Stewart noted was that the current concessionaire agreement puts the state on the hook for the infrastructure that makes up the resort's sewer, water, and geothermal systems. Those would become the county's responsibility upon transfer.

"Some of these things that might never be an issue, or the county could take oversight, and then the next day something goes wrong and it's a big cost to the county," Stewart said.

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Even with the ripcord provision offered by the state to allow Appanoose County to give the resort back to the state for any reason, Stewart said the county could still find itself as a defendant in a lawsuit in the future. Stewart said negotiators from the state of Iowa told him they could not fully indemnify Appanoose County due to a provision in the Iowa Constitution.

The state is attempting to divest from Honey Creek Resort and has offered to transfer it to Appanoose County with the goal of eventually privatizing the resort.

The resort spans about 750 acres, with more than half located on federally owned land leased by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The state owns 44% of the land, as well as all buildings and developments.

Last month, Jacob Nicholson, chief operating officer for Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, told the Board of Supervisors he believed there was no hidden risk for the county and that the transfer marked the best outcome for both the resort and the county.

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There is no catch here, Nicholson said. We truly do believe that this is the best thing for the resort and think that this is a great opportunity for the county. We're not trying to straddle the county with some hidden cost.

Supervisors took no formal action on Stewart's recommendation, other than Chairman Jeff Kulmatycki asking Stewart to keep the board updated on any potential changes.

"I think my position has always been privatization," Kulmatycki said. "When [the state] first came three years ago, that's what they tried to sell us on. ... I would still be open to the concept if there's a way to do that where we're not at risk to get it onto privatization if we can help in any way, because we want it to stay open and get it on the tax rolls."

Honey Creek Resort was completed in 2008 for $58 million as part of an initiative under then-Gov. Tom Vilsack to create destination parks across Iowa. Although the resort initially required additional funds to cover debt payments, officials said it has been self-sustaining since the 2015-16 fiscal year.

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The most recent audit report available covered the first eight months of Achieva's operation of the resort, from April to December 2023. The resort posted a net income of $51,903 but had a slight operational loss of $1,485 before other incomes  including a $50,000 grant  were applied.

In those eight months, the resort brought in nearly $1.7 million in room rental revenues alone, posting a total revenue figure (minus cost of goods) of $4,151,398. Its expenses totaled $4,152,883, including more than $1.6 million in salaries.

The resort's 2024 audit report was not yet available at the time The Courier filed a public records request for Achieva's audit reports with the Iowa Department of Management.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  Ohio's ban on gender-affirming care for minors is unconstitutional and must be permanently blocked from being enforced, a three-judge panel of appellate judges ruled Tuesday. The law also banned trans women and girls from participating in female sports.

The state attorney general vowed an immediate appeal.

On Tuesday, the state 10th District Court of Appeals reversed a lower court judge's decision last summer to allow the law to go into effect, after finding it reasonably limits parents' rights. The law bans counseling, gender-affirming surgery and hormone therapy for minors, unless they are already receiving such therapies and a doctor deems it risky to stop.

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The litigation was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Ohio and the global law firm Goodwin, who argued the law not only denies health care to transgender children and teens, but specifically discriminates against them accessing it.

The appellate court agreed, in a 2-1 majority opinion written by Judge Carly Edelstein, and cited a number of flaws in the lower court's reasoning.

The judge cited a number of flaws in the lower courts reasoning. She said that the Ohio law does not outlaw identical drugs when they're used for other reasons, only when they're used for gender transitioning, which makes it discriminatory. She also said that a prescription ban is not a reasonable exercise of the state's police power when it is weighed against the rights of parents to care for their children.

Addressing proponents' arguments that minors are not in a position to understand the long-term impacts such procedures could have on their lives, the judge said that, while they may not be, their parents are.

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Thus, in considering whether the H.B. 68 ban is reasonable, it is necessary to keep in mind that the law recognizes the maturity, experience, and capacity of parents to make difficult judgments and act in their childrens best interest, she wrote.

The ACLU called the ruling historic.

"This win restores the right of trans youth in Ohio to choose vitally important health care, with the support of their families and physicians," Freda Levenson, legal director of the ACLU of Ohio, said in a statement. We are gratified by the Courts decision, which soundly rejects this interference of politicians with Ohioans bodily autonomy.

Tuesday's ruling marked the second blow for the legislation.

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Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed the law in December 2023, after touring the state to visit childrens hospitals and talking to families of children with gender dysphoria. He cast his action as thoughtful, limited and pro-life  citing the suicide risks associated with minors who don't get proper treatment for gender dysphoria.

DeWine simultaneously announced plans to move to administratively ban gender-affirming surgeries until a person is 18, and to position the state to better regulate and track gender-affirming treatments in both children and adults. He hoped the move would allay concerns of fellow Republicans at the Ohio Statehouse, but the administration swiftly backed off that plan after transgender adults raised serious concerns about how state regulations could impact their lives and health.

Ohio lawmakers stood their ground on the bill, easily overriding his veto  making Ohio the 23rd state to ban gender-affirming health care for trans youth.

Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a candidate to succeed DeWine next year who serves as the Legislature's lawyer, quickly released a statement saying that he will appeal Tuesday's ruling.

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This is a no-brainer  we are appealing that decision and will seek an immediate stay," he said. There is no way Ill stop fighting to protect these unprotected children.

Levenson acknowledged that Tuesday's ruling was likely not the end of the legal dispute, but she said in a statement that her organization remained fervently committed to preventing the bill from ever taking effect again.
March 18 (UPI) -- An appeals court has denied a Trump administration request to block a district court's ruling that directs it to rehire tens of thousands of federal workers it fired as part of its efforts to streamline and reshape the federal government.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued its 2-1 ruling Monday, denying a Trump administration emergency motion to stay Thursday's order by U.S. District Judge William Alsup.

"Given that the district court found that the employees were wrongfully terminated and ordered an immediate return to the status quo ante, an administrative stay of the district court's order would not preserve the status quo. It would do just the opposite -- it would disrupt the status quo and turn it on its head," the panel wrote in its ruling obtained by UPI.

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The ruling does not weigh in on the merits of the case.

Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House on Jan. 20, his administration has sought to mass fire tens of thousands of federal workers, attracting several lawsuits from employee unions and Democratic attorneys general.

On Thursday, Alsup, a President Bill Clinton appointee, ordered the Trump administration to reinstate illegally fired probationary workers from the departments of Treasury, Energy, Defense, Interior, Agriculture and Veterans Affairs.

U.S. Circuit Judge Bridget Bade, a Trump appointee, was the sole dissenting vote in the Monday ruling. The other two judges were Democratic presidential appointees Barry Silverman and Ana de Alba.

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She argued in favor of the stay, saying the district court's preliminary injunction imposes "a substantial administrative burden" requiring the six agencies to offer reinstatement to the terminated employees.

If the courts later rule to vacate the preliminary injunction, then the rehirings would be for naught, she said.

"A temporary stay would at least mitigate this potential whiplash effect," she said.

The plaintiffs, she continued, argued government services were thrown into chaos by the terminations but offered no proof that reinstatement would alleviate these harms.

"Instead, the administrative undertaking of immediately reinstating potentially thousands of employees would likely draw (already depleted) agency resources away from their designated service functions," she said.

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"In sum, a limited administrative stay is necessary to preserve the status quo as it existed prior to the district court's preliminary injunction."

The plaintiffs in the case have until Tuesday to respond to the Trump administration's emergency motion, with the government having the option to reply by Thursday.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN)  The Tenth District Court of Appeals has ruled against Ohio and its stance on limiting gender-affirming care for minors and issued a permanent injunction.

The appeal surrounded the ban on gender-affirming pharmaceutical medical care for minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The law bans transgender surgeries and hormone therapies for minors unless they are already receiving such therapies and it is deemed a risk to stop by a doctor.

The Court ruled Tuesday that the trial court erred in its favorable ruling on the law saying that the trial court did not apply rational basis review to parents claim that they had a right to provide care to their child that has been recommended by a medical professional.

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Such a sweeping and inflexible ban on parents ability to access medical care for their children is not narrowly tailored to advance the states articulated interest: the protection of children. Applying strict scrutiny. (The law) facially violates Ohio parents right to substantive due process under the Due Course of Law Clause of the Ohio Constitution, Judge Carly Edelstein wrote in her decision.

Edelstein added that the law violates the Health Care Freedom Amendment to the Ohio Constitution because it puts medical professionals in danger of discipline for providing care that is in accordance with the standards of care and guidelines widely accepted in the professional medical community, and care that is being requested by parents on behalf of their children.

Ohio Attorney General David Yost immediately issued a statement on the courts decision saying he would continue to fight for the ban.

This is a no brainer  we are appealing that decision and will seek an immediate stay. There is no way Ill stop fighting to protect these unprotected children, Yost wrote.

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Yost accused the court of going against what Ohio voters wanted when the law was passed and lawmakers agreed they wanted to limit medical interventions for minors.

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A federal appeals court panel raised skepticism Tuesday that President Trumps firings of two independent agency leaders complied with Supreme Court precedent.

Trumps terminations of two Democratic appointees  Gwynne Wilcox to lead the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and Cathy Harris to lead the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)  have set off a consequential court battle over presidential power.

Despite the administrations contention that the president can unilaterally fire them because their statutory removal protections are unconstitutional, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals panel insisted Tuesday that the Supreme Courts decades-old precedent permitting such protections remains good law.

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I understand youre doing your best, U.S. Circuit Judge Patricia Millett, an appointee of former President Obama, told the governments lawyer at one point.

But Im sitting here with Supreme Court precedent, one on each shoulder  multiple on each shoulder, honestly  saying still law, still law, still law, still law, Millett said.

Trumps firings of independent agency leaders are just one dimension of his expansionist view of presidential power that has prompted him to rapidly reshape aspects of the federal bureaucracy.

Justice Department lawyer Eric McArthur noted the presidents unrestricted removal power is the general or presumptive rule, and the Supreme Courts precedents merely carve out an exception for some independent agency leaders. McArthur emphasized that the courts conservative majority has narrowed that exception in two recent cases.

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That rule flows from the text of Article II, which vests the entirety of the executive power in the president, and from the need to ensure that executive officials who wield power affecting the lives and livelihoods of American citizens remain accountable to the democratically elected president, he said.

But McArthur faced sharp questioning from the three-judge panel, which noted the Supreme Court has declined to explicitly overrule the key precedent in those recent cases.

Thats what Im struggling with. You want us to follow Supreme Court precedent but then not take them at their word and instead psychoanalyze whether somehow they were subconsciously overruling what they said they were keeping in place, Millett said.

Nathaniel Zelinsky, a lawyer who argued on Harriss behalf, urged the appeals panel to stick within the parameters set by the justices.

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The prerogative of the overruling the Supreme Courts precedent lies with the Supreme Court, Zelinsky said. It is not for the Court of Appeals.

I think we all recognize that we are a lower court, and that we take our orders from the Supreme Court, replied U.S. Circuit Judge Justin Walker, a Trump appointee.

Many legal experts believe the battle is ultimately destined for the high court, which would have authority to overrule its own precedent.

The case carries impacts beyond the NLRB and MSPB agencies and could shift whether independent agencies across the federal government are subject to the political whims of the White House.

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In response to a question from U.S. Circuit Judge Karen Henderson, an appointee of former President George H. W. Bush, McArthur agreed the president could decline to appoint female heads or heads over 40 years old to the offices if he chose to do so, though questions would remain about whether other provisions of the Constitution were being violated.

Deepak Gupta, a lawyer for Wilcox, called the governments contention that Trump faces harm each day he cant exercise his removal powers very, very abstract and the thinnest notion of harm.

The appeals panel is hearing Wilcox and Harriss cases together, after two Obama-appointed federal district judges determined that their firings were unlawful.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell deemed Wilcoxs firing null and void, needling Trump for pushing the bounds of his office, while U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras said the president lacks the power to remove Harris from office at will because he failed to give a lawful reason.

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Tech major Apple holds major significance across markets and is rightly subject to stricter monitoring over competition concerns, Germany's Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruled on Tuesday.

This clears the way for the country's Federal Cartel Office to take the next step of prohibiting certain Apple business practices if it believes they jeopardize competition.

Since a 2021 law change, the competition authority has been able to take action more easily against large digital companies that threaten competition across the boundaries of different market areas.

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The law provides for a two-stage procedure. In the first step, the authority determines, independently of a specific violation, that a company has an overwhelming significance across markets. In the second step, specific action is taken.

For example, the cartel office can prohibit the company from favouring its own offers over those of competitors on its website, or from making the use of one of its offers dependent on the use of another of its own products.

Apple was appealing the competition authority's decision and the BGH ruling is the first and only instance in the case.

Whether there is a specific threat to competition is irrelevant for the cartel office's classification, presiding judge Wolfgang Kirchhoff said.

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What is important is the existence of an "abstract potential threat," Kirchhoff added. The competition regulator had rightly decided that Apple has the potential for such a strategic and competitive advantage, he added.

The Federal Cartel Office welcomed the decision of the Karlsruhe judges.

"This confirms at the highest judicial level that Apple is subject to tightened control," explained president Andreas Mundt.

"Our ongoing investigation of Apple's tracking policy for third-party apps is thus on a solid footing. We are working at full speed on this and other cases against the big internet companies."

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The probe in question concerns the fact that Apple users have to give their express consent to the collection of their usage data through tracking when using third-party apps  but not when using Apple's own apps.

According to the preliminary opinion of the cartel office, this could constitute a violation of competition. The question is whether Apple's regulation favours Apple or hinders other companies. If necessary, the authority could prohibit the company from proceeding in this way.

Apple criticized the decision of the court.

"Apple faces fierce competition in Germany," the company announced.

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"We disagree with today's decision by the Federal Court of Justice to uphold the Federal Cartel Office's classification. It neglects the value of a business model that prioritizes the privacy and security of users."

The cartel office has so far classified five digital giants as companies with outstanding significance across multiple markets: Google owner Alphabet, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram owner Meta, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft.

With Tuesday's decision, all of the decisions are legally binding. Amazon had also filed an appeal against the competition regulator's decision - but the Federal Court of Justice also sided with the cartel office in April 2024.
(WIVT/WBGH)  Applications for summer camps are already opening, and the Broome County Sheriffs Office is inviting kids to a free sleep away camp on Keuka Lake.

Kids ages 9 to 12 are encouraged to apply to the New York State Sheriffs Summer Camp, which includes everything from travel, food, and lodging free of charge.

Campers get to experience traditional summer camp activities like sports, crafts, fishing, boating, and more.

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Individual sheriffs offices are given a certain number of slots each summer.

There are two separate weeks of camp, the first runs June 29th through July 5th and the second from August 3rd through the 9th.

Just another opportunity for either the deputies or the corrections officers to go away to camp for a week with kids from their own community, and establish, what I would describe, as meaningful relationships that they can take into the future, says Akshar.

The program is funded through the states Sheriffs Institute and is geared toward children who cant afford to go to summer camp.

The first page of the application is due on April 1st, and the entire thing must be submitted by May 1st.

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You can pick up an application at the Sheriffs Office or look up Broome County Sheriffs Office on Facebook.

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The Jefferson-St. Lawrence County ARC will host an Autism Acceptance Walk on Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m. at SUNY Cantons Roos House.

Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the event is free. However, donations are welcomed. There will also be games, prizes, and a brand-new superhero photo booth.

For more information, contact contact Sabrina Starr by calling 315-836-1364 or fill out the contact form here.

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JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Google said on Tuesday it has agreed to acquire Israeli cloud security startup Wiz for approximately 32 billion U.S. dollars, marking its largest acquisition to date.

The deal, which Google expects to close in 2026, represents the largest-ever exit for an Israeli startup, surpassing Intel Corp's 15.3-billion-dollar acquisition of autonomous vehicle company Mobileye in 2017.

Wiz, headquartered in New York City with significant operations in Israel, confirmed the acquisition on its website.

Founded in 2020, Wiz rapidly gained traction in the cybersecurity sector, achieving a 1.7-billion-dollar valuation within a year. In May 2024, the company raised 1 billion dollars at a 12-billion-dollar valuation.

Wiz, which reportedly employs approximately 1,800 people, provides cloud security solutions that help companies detect and mitigate risks across various layers of their cloud infrastructure. Its platform scans cloud resources, including network structures and permissions, to identify configuration errors, vulnerabilities, and malware.

Google said Wiz will become part of its cloud business.

The reported acquisition follows a failed attempt in July 2024, when a planned 23-billion-dollar deal between Google and Wiz collapsed, according to media reports. 
PHOENIX (AP)  Arizona's highest court has created a pair of AI-generated avatars to deliver news of every ruling issued by the justices, marking what is believed to be the first example in the U.S. of a state court system tapping artificial intelligence to build more human-like characters to connect with the public.

A court in Florida uses an animated chatbot to help visitors navigate its website, but the Arizona Supreme Court is charting new territory with the creation of Victoria and Daniel. Made of pixels, the two avatars have a different job in that they serve as the face of news coming from the court just as a spokesperson made of flesh and blood would do  but faster.

The use of AI has touched nearly every profession and discipline, growing exponentially in recent years and showing infinite potential when it comes to things as simple as internet searches or as complex as brain surgery. For officials with the Arizona Supreme Court, their venture into AI is rooted in a desire to promote trust and confidence in the judicial system.

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What helped solidify the court's need for more public outreach?

There was a protest outside the state Capitol last April and calls for two justices to be booted after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a Civil War-era law that banned nearly all abortions, except when a womans life is in jeopardy, could be enforced. Emotions flared on both sides of the issue.

When Chief Justice Ann Timmer took over the court last summer, she made public trust a key pillar of her platform. She had been thinking for a few years about how to reach out to the public using digital media. Among the rulings that helped solidify the idea that the court needed to play a more active part in the public's understanding of opinions were the abortion decision and another that clarified how unwed fathers could establish parental rights.

We serve the public better by saying, OK, weve issued this decision," she said. "Now, let us help you understand what it is.

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Timmer told The Associated Press earlier this year that if the court had to do the abortion ruling over again, it would have approached the dissemination of information differently. In a Wednesday interview, she said that a news release and avatar video could have helped the public better understand the legal underpinnings of the lengthy decision  possibly including what it didn't do, which she said some misunderstood.

We got a lot of backlash for it and probably deservedly so, in terms of how can we complain that people dont understand what we did when we didnt really do enough to give a simplified version," she said in the January interview, explaining that people want to know the basis for the courts decisions and what they can do, such as lobbying state lawmakers for whatever changes in law would support their positions.

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a repeal of the ban last May, and in November, Arizona voters approved a constitutional amendment expanding abortion access up to the point of fetal viability.

Who are Daniel and Victoria, and how do they work?

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Created with a program called Creatify, Daniel and Victoria in a way bring to life the court's news releases. Videos featuring one or the other are being posted for every ruling by the high court, and may be used for Access to Justice projects, community programs and civics information in the future.

The court has been sending out releases since October to summarize and explain rulings. After seeing success with the releases, it began exploring options to convey that information through video.

The AI-generated avatars were the most efficient way to produce videos and get the information out, said court spokesperson Alberto Rodriguez. Producing a video usually can take hours, he said, but an AI-generated video is ready in about 30 minutes. The court might introduce more AI-generated reporters in the future, Rodriguez said in a news release.

The justice who authors the legal opinion also drafts a news release, the wording of which must be approved by the entire bench. The justice then works with the court's communications team to craft a script for the avatars  the avatars aren't interpreting original court decisions or opinions, Rodriguez said.

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Daniel and Victoria's names and physical appearances were designed to represent a wide cross-section of people, Rodriguez said. He said they arent meant to come off as real people and the court emphasizes their AI origins with disclaimers. The court is exploring different emotional deliveries, cadences and pronunciations as well as Spanish translations for the avatars, Rodriguez said.

Will the avatars resonate with their audience?

Mason Kortz, a clinical instructor at the Harvard Law School's Cyberlaw Clinic at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, described the court's new cyber employees as "quite realistic." While their voices might give them away, he said some people could be fooled into thinking that Daniel and Victoria are real reporters if viewers are only reading the subtitles and looking at the characters' movements and facial expressions.

Kortz also said it would be better for the language of the disclaimer that is in the videos' text description to be featured more prominently.

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You want to make it as hard as possible for someone to advertently or inadvertently remove the disclaimer, he said.

Asheley Landrum, associate professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, said the avatars feel robotic. She said a format that mimics real dialogue and storytelling might be more engaging than an AI reading of a news release.

Because its not just about using AI or even creating videos, she said, but about doing so in a way that really resonates with audiences.

Still, it's fine line. She said engaging characteristics can help to build trust over time but the danger is that content could appear biased.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed legislation Tuesday allowing executions using nitrogen gas, making Arkansas the fifth state to adopt a method that opponents say is unconstitutional.

The measure signed into law by the Republican governor has been promoted by supporters as a way to carry out executions for the first time in eight years. Arkansas currently has 25 people on death row.

Arkansas has not had an execution since 2017, when it put four people to death before a sedative used in its lethal injection protocol expired. The attorney general's office has said the state has been unable to purchase more lethal injection drugs because of manufacturers' opposition to their use in executions.

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As a state we have failed to keep our promises to the friends and family of victims to execute those sentenced to death under our laws, Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement. That ends now. Act 302 gives the state the tools needed to carry out these sentences and deliver justice.

Under the nitrogen hypoxia execution method, an inmate is forced to breathe the gas and deprived of the oxygen needed to stay alive.

Opponents say the method increases suffering, citing accounts from witnesses to Alabama executions who said inmates gasped and shook during executions. State officials say those are involuntary movements associated with oxygen deprivation.

The decision to use nitrogen suffocation as an execution method is a dangerous and regressive move that puts Arkansas out of step with national trends away from the death penalty, Megan Bailey, a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties of Arkansas, said in a statement.

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Arkansas has expanded the secrecy surrounding its execution process in recent years, enacting laws shrouding the source of lethal injection drugs and other details. Critics worry that the state is not required to disclose the type or source of nitrogen gas it would use.

Alabama, the first state to use nitrogen gas, has carried out four executions using the method since it began last year. And on Tuesday, Louisiana staged its first, putting to death a man convicted of killing a woman in 1996.

Two other states  Mississippi and Oklahoma  have laws allowing the method but have not used it so far.

Arkansas' law takes effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns, which will happen in April at the earliest.

The number of executions in the U.S. last year remained near historic lows, and they happened in a small number of states.
Education Secretary Jacob Oliva speaks at a press conference on Feb. 14, 2025 as Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders listens. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

Legislation that would overhaul the states higher education system awaits the governors signature following the approval of identical bills by the Arkansas Legislature on Monday.

Arkansas ACCESS, a legislative priority for Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, would make changes to the states funding model, scholarships, course credits and the admissions process, among other things.

Rep. Brian Evans (Arkansas Secretary of State)

After Republicans Sen. Jonathan Dismang of Searcy and Rep. Matthew Shepherd of El Dorado filed Senate Bill 246 and House Bill 1512 last month, the legislation continued to be a work-in-progress for weeks, House Speaker Rep. Brian Evans, R-Cabot, told the Advocate Monday.

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We had a lot of input from stakeholders, both from higher ed to the public, and feel like the end result is a very good compromise piece of legislation, Evans said. It looks like the support in both the House and the Senate has been very strong. Theres even been some bipartisan support on that, so we appreciated that understanding.

Speaking from the House floor Thursday, Rep. Lincoln Barnett, D-Hughes, said even though he appreciated parts of Arkansas ACCESS, the legislation should have been run separately instead of a large 123-page bill, which allows lawmakers to sneak in the bad along with the good.

Rep. Lincoln Barnett, D-Forrest City (Arkansas Secretary of State)

Arkansas ACCESS reduces the size and membership of a variety of boards and councils, and Barnett said he was particularly concerned about the removal of critical stakeholders from a council designed to close the achievement gap.

This bill aims to erase and ignore continued realities of existing disparities when it comes to the field of education, Barnett said. I am strongly opposed to this bill for the manner in which it was run. The process has been rushed. Input from others was sought on the back end rather than on the front end, and voices of our youth, our educators and key stakeholders have been ignored or at best, half-listened to.

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Several students voiced their displeasure during last weeks Joint Education Committee meeting over a prohibition on granting excused absences to public high school and college students who participate in political protests or attempts to influence legislation or other governmental policymaking.

As someone who visited the Legislature as a teenager, Evans said he understood the importance of involving youth in the process of the General Assembly. The implications of the bills original language was an unintended consequence, he said.

I think there were some House members that felt like that may need to have been amended in order so that we could encourage and let it be a part of a field trip, let it be a part of coming and seeing the process of how legislation moves, special events, special interest topicsit would have just been an error in not allowing that, so I think it was good to get those discussions, Evans said.

The committee did adopt an amendment presented by the bills sponsors that would allow high school students to be granted an excused absence for engaging in governmental policymaking with parental consent. School districts would also be required to submit an annual report to the state education department on the absences.

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The amendment left the original prohibition intact for college students, who also could be found liable for property damage that occurs during a protest. Under the legislation, students would not receive their degree or credential, or have their credits transferred to another Arkansas school until they pay for the damaged property.

Additional provisions of the legislation include a focus on accelerated learning that will expand high school students access to courses beyond the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The legislation also has provisions aimed at supporting participation in concurrent credit courses that allow high school students to take courses for college credit.

As part of an effort to streamline participation in higher education, Arkansas ACCESS proposes creating a universal college application, a common-course numbering system among state institutions and a program that would establish provisional admission to students who meet basic standards.

Both the Arkansas House and Senate approved Arkansas ACCESS Monday without discussion.

Reporter Tess Vrbin contributed to this report.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KNWA/KFTA)  An Arkansas man has been convicted by a federal jury of robbing a bank in Oklahoma in July 2024, according to court documents.

Brian Keith Mays, 58, was found guilty of committing armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

A federal jury returned a two-count superseding indictment on Jan. 21 and he was convicted of those charges on March 13.

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On July 5, 2024, Mays walked into the FNB Bank inside a grocery store in Harrah, Okla., and waved a firearm, demanding money from a teller. A federal complaint said Mays left the bank with more than $12,000.

(Courtesy: Harrah Police Department) (Courtesy: Harrah Police Department) (Courtesy: Harrah Police Department)

The complaint includes a text message exchange between Mays and another person in the minutes after the robbery.

I did it I cant believe how easy it was. I did it, Mays sent to the other person. I took down a bank.

Poteau Public Schools apologizes after racial slur appeared on marquee

FBI agents reviewed the footage from the bank and the grocery store where they saw Mays flee the scene.

Location data traced Mays to the bank at the time of the robbery and a nearby Walmart after the incident. While at the Walmart, Mays transferred around $3,000 to a person in Arkansas and was seen on surveillance video pulling cash to pay for an item.

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Mays faces up to life in federal prison and a $500,000 fine at sentencing.

A date for his sentencing has not been scheduled.

FBI Oklahoma City and Fort Smith Field Offices, Harrah Police Department, Cleveland County Sheriffs Office, and the Oklahoma City Police Department investigated the case.

Arkansas court records show Mays has a criminal history in Sebastian County including convictions for forgery, theft by deception, failure to appear, hot checks and drug-related charges dating back to 1989.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CABOT, Ark.  Arkansas State Police troopers said a man was arrested after he was accused of shooting at a teenager during a road rage incident near Cabot.

According to ASP officials, the incident happened around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at Arkansas Highway 89 and Highway 5.

Man killed, one injured in highway shooting in Craighead County

State troopers said the incident involved 45-year-old Thomas Allen Gabrion and a teen riding on a four-wheeler in the area.

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The following day, special agents said they found Gabrion at his home, where he admitted to shooting at the teen.

Little Rock police find man dead after overnight shooting

Gabrion was arrested and taken to the Lonoke County Detention Center. He is facing charges of committing a terroristic act, aggravated assault and criminal mischief.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Israel resumed heavy airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, reportedly killing over 400 Palestinians and shattering a tenuous ceasefire agreement that was signed in January. Many families were just beginning to prepare their pre-dawn Ramadan meals as missiles descended from the sky.

Gaza's hospitals, decimated by Israeli bombardment over the past 17 months, quickly filled up with the wounded, dead and dying.

The [emergency room] was just chaos, patients everywhere on the floor. There were probably three men and the rest were all children, women, elderly, everybody caught in their sleep, still wrapped in blankets. Terrifying. A level of horror and evil that is really hard to articulate. It felt like Armageddon, one doctor told CNN.

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While the preceding two months were punctuated by deadly Israeli strikes, Tuesday's offensive definitively marks a return to a war that has left Gaza's 2 million inhabitants in a humanitarian crisis and wiped out entire families. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Tuesday's strikes were only the start of what's to come.

"This follows Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. "Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength."

Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of violating the ceasefire and acting in bad faith. According to the original agreement, both sides were supposed to exchange prisoners across two phases, with the first phase, ending by early March, followed by a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and permanent ceasefire. But less than two days before the first phase was due to expire, Israel, which has continued to launch attacks on Gaza, backed a U.S. proposal to extend the first phase for another two months while demanding that Hamas release the remaining hostages immediately.

Hamas, arguing that such a proposal contradicted the original agreement, insisted on further guarantees that Israel and the U.S. would honor phase two as soon as possible. Israel, calling such terms unreasonable, rejected the counter-offer and resumed its blockade of aid shipments and electricity into the largely-destroyed enclave, hoping to enforce its side of the bargain and "ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza afterwards."

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While Israel has insisted that it is acting to secure the release of 24 living hostages still in Gaza, a group representing the hostages' families said that by breaching the ceasefire agreement, their government had "chose to give up the hostages" and were engaged in a "deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones." Family members have been at the forefront of anti-Netanyahu protests throughout the war, accusing the the prime minister of using their grief to pursue a campaign of mass destruction against the Palestinians that has also killed dozens of hostages.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Donald Trump and administration officials were consulted by Israel over its plans to attack Gaza.

President Trump has made it absolutely clear that Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, and all those who seek to spread terror, not only against Israel but also against the United States, will pay a price for their actions, Leavitt said in an interview with Fox News.

Democrats, who have vacillated over how much to criticize Israel or fight back against Trump, largely remained silent over the renewed Israeli offensive. When asked for his reaction on CBS, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that he didn't know the "exact details" of how the deal fell apart and expressed hope that negotiations could resume. "I think our government has to work really hard to bring them back to the table and get the hostages home," he said.

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Other lawmakers did not hesitate to condemn Israel.

"The Israeli apartheid regime has resumed its genocide, carrying out airstrikes all across Gaza and killing hundreds of Palestinians," Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., posted on social media. "This comes after a complete blockade of food, electricity, and aid. They will never stop until there are sanctions and an arms embargo."
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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appears in an ICC courtroom remotely on March 14, 2025. | Credit: International Criminal Court / Handout / Anadolu via Getty Images

Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the International Criminal Court on March 11 on the charge of "murder as a crime against humanity." But while the Philippines' ex-president may face punishment for his alleged actions, the country's war on drug trafficking that led to his arrest may have a more complex fix than putting Duterte in handcuffs.

Duterte has been charged by the ICC for allegedly ordering the systemic, extrajudicial killings of Filipinos accused of dealing drugs. Current Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has also prioritized the nation's drug problem, but some legal analysts say Duterte's arrest may not be the solution.

Allegedly thousands killed

Duterte was an "indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines," said the ICC. Duterte first instituted the war on drugs upon taking office, claiming that thousands of Filipinos were guilty of drug trafficking crimes.

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He is accused of being criminally responsible for 43 murders from 2011 to 2019, a time in which he was mayor of the city of Davao and later president. But the total number of deaths during his rule is allegedly much higher; his war on drug trafficking "involved the extrajudicial killings of somewhere between 6,000 and more than 12,000 people, mostly urban working-class and poor," said The Nation. The victims were "described by police as 'drug suspects'; all were deprived of due process." The dead reportedly included children as young as 3.

A complex problem

If Duterte is brought to trial, it likely will not be until 2026. The country's drug war hasn't fully stopped since Marcos Jr. became president; he "often spoke about winding down the bloody and brutal drug war initiated by his predecessor," but he has "maintained Duterte's bloody drug war," said the Council on Foreign Relations.

And while Duterte's arrest is an "exceedingly rare case of the international justice system holding a strongman accountable," said Foreign Policy, it may not have a wider effect in the Philippines. It will be "difficult for the families of drug war victims to bring cases against members of the Philippine National Police," many of whom are alleged to have actually carried out the killings.

The Philippines needs "laws that will rebuild and strengthen institutions to make sure that they can withstand the next time another Duterte comes along," said Leila de Lima, a former Philippine senator, to Foreign Policy. But the country's government is still filled with supporters of Duterte, many of whom "still hold considerable political power," Joel Ariate, a researcher at the University of the Philippines, said to the outlet.

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Duterte's daughter Sara Duterte is also the Philippines' current vice president and is leading in the polls to replace Marcos Jr. as president. Despite being a key part of his administration, she has "railed against him, saying that she wanted to cut his head off and threatening to dig up his father's body and throw it into the ocean," said The New York Times.

All of these factors have led to a complex chain of events in the Philippines, leaving the future of the drug war uncertain. Marcos is "gambling that he can eliminate the Dutertes as a political force without any major backlash," said the Times. The "issue is now likely to be front and center during the midterm elections, seen as a proxy battle between the Marcoses and the Dutertes."
MADISON - The Assembly passed along party lines a bill that would require county sheriffs to detain undocumented immigrants who commit crimes or risk losing state aid.

Gov. Tony Evers has already pledged he will not sign the measure, which now moves to the state Senate.

Republicans and Democrats sparred Tuesday over immigration and protecting law enforcement agencies from having their budgets slashed.

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Under the legislation, county sheriffs would be required to comply with federal immigration detainers and warrants and to ask those in custody to prove they are U.S. citizens. Sheriffs also would be required to report the names of those who cannot do so to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

More: Wisconsin sheriffs are being called on to assist ICE. How theyre responding varies widely.

If sheriffs refused to comply, counties could lose 15% of state aid paid through a funding stream known as shared revenue.

In Milwaukee County, for example, that could result in a $8.1 million loss of funding if county officials refused to comply, according to 2023 state aid figures from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

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In 2019, then-Milwaukee Sheriff Earnell Lucas said the county would no longer offer information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement on inmates who were living in the U.S. illegally to avoid lawsuits over holding people in custody longer than 48 hours. The proposal exempts sheriff's offices from criminal and civil liability for actions taken to comply with the bill.

The legislation would not provide funding for departments that enact the policy but instead says counties may seek funding from the federal government.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said the bill simply requires local law enforcement to enter the name of a detained person into another database and check to see if they're listed by ICE.

"They would simply run their name through the system like they do for an awful lot of other crimes," he said. "And as soon as that ICE detainer is complied with by the local sheriff, it does not mean that person is automatically deported."

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The person would be turned over to ICE and would go through the federal court process.

"Everyone is innocent until proven guilty," he said.

More: Yessenia Ruano, Milwaukee teacher's aide at risk of deportation, wins more time in U.S.

Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk, R-Hubertus, said during a news conference that as a law enforcement officer, he's seen "how important it is to keep dangerous individuals off the streets."

"This bill ensures that we take every opportunity to hold individuals who threatened public safety, pending federal action," he said. "By failing to cooperate with ICE, we risk allowing dangerous individuals to remain in our communities, putting the safety of Wisconsin residents and children in jeopardy."

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The bill echoes some of the policies handed down by the Trump administration, which has been focused on mass deportations of immigrants since taking office nearly two months ago. Though Trump emphasized deporting undocumented immigrants with felony charges, he seems to be casting a wider net, detaining a doctor with a legal visa, German tourists, a former Columbia University graduate student with a green card and several immigrants married to U.S. citizens, according to a Politico report.

Democrats on the floor of the session blasted the Republican bill, criticizing it as bending to the Trump administration.

"This bill is not an effective way to build stronger or safer communities," Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer said.

"This bill removes local control. It increases fear of law enforcement and threatens to take away resources that our communities need to address violent crimes amongst other important needs... Our local law enforcement officers should have the discretion to determine the greatest threats to public safety in our communities and should not be forced to use state resources to enforce federal policy."

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Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, said the bill was instilling fear in Wisconsin immigrant communities.

"We cannot ignore that our neighbors are constantly terrified of being torn from their families," she said. "It's not a solution to make our community safer, it's mostly just a tool of terror."

More: Milwaukee-area woman deported to Laos though she's never been there, doesn't speak the language

Hong said the Wisconsin bill and similar policies from Trump are "draconian" and may actually prevent people from seeking help for issues like domestic violence.

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"It's a human rights violation, and it's an attack on the Constitution, forcing law enforcement to detain people based on their immigrant status without cause," she said. "It's an attack on our democratic principles."

Vos hit back on those claims, saying the bill would keep Wisconsin communities safe, while also allowing immigrants who entered the country legally to continue to live in the state peacefully.

"If someone commits a crime, they should have to face the consequences," he said.

Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X @SchulteLaura.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Assembly passes bill requiring sheriffs to work with ICE
ADDIS ABABA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government announced on Monday that it has repatriated 130 nationals who were stranded in difficult conditions in Myanmar.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that, over the past two days, the government, in collaboration with its partners, successfully repatriated 53 citizens from Thailand. These individuals entered Thailand after escaping human traffickers in Myanmar, the state-run Ethiopian News Agency reported.

Emphasizing that the repatriated nationals were in dire conditions in Myanmar, the ministry said a total of 130 Ethiopians have so far been repatriated from Myanmar via Thailand.

The Ethiopian nationals were misled by illegal brokers promising employment opportunities in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, they were taken to unauthorized camps in areas bordering Myanmar and Thailand, where conditions were reportedly severe, according to the report.

The foreign ministry urged the public to stay cautious of false propaganda from human traffickers and to refrain from seeking illegal overseas employment opportunities.

Ethiopia's ongoing repatriation efforts are part of a broader national initiative to curb illegal migration. Deceived by traffickers, Ethiopian migrants often face life-threatening dangers during their journeys.

As part of its "citizen-centered" diplomatic commitment to rescuing nationals stranded abroad, the ministry announced in January that about 33,000 Ethiopians had been repatriated from various countries over six months. 
This story has been updated for clarity.

After nearly 300 days in orbit, the astronauts who flew on Boeing's Starliner for its first crewed mission are heading home.

Early Tuesday morning, Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, of Tennessee, boarded a SpaceX Dragon capsule  joined by two Crew-9 astronauts who arrived in September  at the International Space Station to return to Earth.

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The Dragon, carrying Williams, Wilmore, NASA astronaut Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, is set to splash down off the Florida coast Tuesday evening.

The landing concludes a longer-than-expected mission for Williams and Wilmore, who spent over nine months in space after their short mission turned into an extended stay. Their long-awaited return trip was finally set in motion with the arrival of the Crew-10 astronauts on Saturday, who have now replaced the outgoing Crew-9 mission aboard the space station.

More: Starliner astronauts to return with Crew-9 sooner than expected: Time, how to watch

What time will Starliner, Crew-9 astronauts arrive back on Earth? Where to livestream splashdown

The astronauts are on about a 17-hour voyage back to Earth, where they are expected to make a water landing at about 4:57 p.m. CT off the Florida coast, according to NASA.

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NASA will provide a livestream of the landing on its streaming service NASA+. You can also watch it below. Coverage is expected to begin at 3:45 p.m CT.

What happened with the Boeing Starliner?

Wilmore and Williams arrived at the space station in June for a short stay as part of Boeing's Starliner test flight. However, technical issues like helium leaks and propulsion problems were discovered, preventing them from returning on the Starliner. Instead, the spacecraft returned to Earth without them in September.

NASA decided to keep them at the station for a few extra months to maintain staffing levels, launching the SpaceX Crew-9 mission with two astronauts instead of four to reserve seats for Wilmore and Williams.

The astronauts have often talked about enjoying their extra time in space, including in a January interview with USA TODAY. Wilmore and Williams have also emphasized they're not "stuck" at the station; the extended stay is just part of the job, they've said.

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"We came up prepared to stay long, even though we planned to stay short," Wilmore said in a news conference earlier this month.

Who are the returning astronauts? What to know about Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore

Wilmore is retired U.S. Navy captain and a veteran of two spaceflights. According to his NASA profile, Wilmore has accumulated more than 8,000 flight hours and 663 carrier landings.

Wilmore is from Mt. Juliet and has earned degrees from Tennessee Tech University and the University of Tennessee. His brother and father reside in Franklin and Hermitage, respectively.

Wilmore was selected as an astronaut by NASA in July 2000.

Williams is a retired U.S. Navy captain and NASA astronaut. Selected as an astronaut in 1998, she has completed two space missions and logged over 3,000 flight hours in more than 30 different aircrafts.

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She is from Needham, Massachusetts.

Andy Humbles contributed to this report.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Astronauts return to Earth: How to watch, stream SpaceX splashdown
ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI)  Attleboro police are asking for help identifying people who allegedly dumped a large amount of furniture at Old Colony Habitat for Humanity.

Police posted images of the suspects on social media Tuesday morning, captured from what appears to be a security camera.

ALSO READ: North Attleboro metal manufacturer evacuated due to chlorine leak

Two men and a woman reportedly unloaded a large number of household belongings from a U-Haul at 9 Washington St. around 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 15.

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Police said the furniture included six dressers and 10 chairs which are all water-logged due to rain. Because of that, the nonprofit will actually lose money since they wont be able to resell the furniture.

We take pride in what we sell. This, unfortunately, is going to be disposed at some point, Habitat for Humanitys Michael Toole told 12 News.

Toole pointed out there are signs around the building telling people not to dump items there. He said this incident will end up costing the nonprofit about $1,000, which will impact their ongoing projects.

We are currently building a house in Taunton. That could have went to the kitchen cabinets. That could have went to the flooring, he said. So it hurts us when a dumping of this size happens.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact Attleboro police at (508) 222-1212.

Attleboro police are asking for help identifying these people who allegedly dumped a large amount of furniture at Habitat for Humanity. (Courtesy: Attleboro Police Department) Attleboro police are asking for help identifying these people who allegedly dumped a large amount of furniture at Habitat for Humanity. (Courtesy: Attleboro Police Department) Attleboro police are asking for help identifying these people who allegedly dumped a large amount of furniture at Habitat for Humanity. (Courtesy: Attleboro Police Department)

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Attleboro police are seeking the publics help in identifying those responsible for dumping a large quantity of household items outside Habitat for Humanity.

The incident occurred on March 15, when two males and one female were seen unloading a U-Haul truck at the parking lot of 9 Washington Street.

The individuals left behind multiple pieces of household furniture, including more than six dressers and ten chairs. Upon investigation, the items were found to be waterlogged.

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Anyone who may recognize the individuals or have information about the incident is urged to contact Attleboro Police Officer Devin Hackett at 508-222-1212.

The APD is seeking the public's help in identifying several individuals who dumped a large amount of household belongings from a U-Haul at Habitat for Humanity (9 Washington St.) on March 15th around 9PM. Anyone with information is asked to contact APD at 508-222-1212. pic.twitter.com/EbtVjOIPkH  Attleboro Police (@AttleboroPolice) March 18, 2025

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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DENVER (KDVR)  The attorney for former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters told FOX31 on Monday that there are concerns for her current health and mental condition, all while trying to capture the attention of the Trump Administration for a pardon.

Last week, the Department of Justice said it was reviewing the prosecution of Peters, who was convicted in state court of helping President Donald Trumps supporters access confidential data about the 2020 presidential election. Acting U.S. Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth submitted a filing last week supporting a request from Peters, whos asking a federal court to free her from jail while she appeals her state conviction for the 2021 election security breach.

Tina Peters requesting release while awaiting appeal decision

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Peters lawyer, Patrick McSweeney, told FOX31 that Peters has been subjected to conditions and treatment that are unacceptable.

Based on my numerous telephone conversations with Ms. Peters and reports from others who have visited her recently, I am gravely concerned about her health and her mental condition, McSweeney said in a provided statement to FOX31. She has been subjected to conditions and targeted treatment that are unacceptable. Her nine-year sentence is utterly unacceptable for a woman of 69 years for violations that are non-violent and subject to challenge on appeal. Her sentence also violates the First Amendment because it was expressly based on the exercise of her protected speech under the Free Speech Clause.

The Colorado GOP sent an email Monday asking for party members to request that Gov. Jared Polis pardon Peters in the wake of this devastating news of her rapid deterioration.

At sentencing, District Judge Matthew Barrett had harsh words for Peters: You are no hero. You abused your position, and youre a charlatan.

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Denver gang leader, originally facing 255 charges, pleads guilty under agreement

Peters, 69, was sentenced to nine years. She has argued that she had a duty to preserve election data before the voting system was upgraded and that she should not be prosecuted for carrying out her job. Earlier this year, she filed a last-ditch appeal in federal court asking a judge to order her released on bail while her appeal is pending. Her attorneys noted she is being monitored for a recurrence of lung cancer and say she has lost weight and has experienced memory problems while shes incarcerated.

Last week, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a response to the DOJs review of Peters case that the DOJs involvement and the idea of releasing Peters is a grotesque attempt to weaponize the rule of law.

In explaining why the Justice Department was reviewing Peters case, Roth said the agency planned to evaluate whether the state prosecution was oriented more toward inflicting political pain than toward pursuing actual justice or legitimate governmental objectives.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The latest attorney implicated in the massive public corruption scandal surrounding DWI cases has had his law license suspended. The feds have not charged attorney Rudolph Rudy Chavez in the decades-long criminal scheme that involved attorneys and police officers taking bribes to get drunk driving suspects off the hook but his name was tied to the scandal last week when the states disciplinary board moved to revoke his law license.

Albuquerque police arrest 13-year-old accused of killing man on bike

The board cited the confessions of two key players in the conspiracy, former paralegal Rick Mendez and former Albuquerque police officer Honorio Alba Jr., who described soliciting bribes in a drunk driving case and said the attorney on that case was in on the scheme. Court records show that Chavez represented that defendant. In a court filing defending his license, Chavez denied involvement and claimed Mendez and Alba made false statements to the feds.

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A hearing on whether to suspend Chavezs license is set for April 7. While thats pending, the New Mexico Supreme Court granted a temporary suspension, effective immediately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  The Augusta Government is acting against the unauthorized placement of signs on public property, utility poles, medians, and rights-of-way.

Residents and businesses are reminded that illegal sign postings are not only unsightly but also violate city ordinances that could result in serious penalties.

It is illegal to place private signs in the right of way or on a utility pole. This includes advertisements, event promotions, and business signage.

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Violators could be subject to 60 days in jail, a $1000 fine and the probation, suspension, or revocation of their business license.

Our goal is to maintain the beauty and safety of our city while ensuring compliance with local laws, said Tameka Allen, City Administrator of Augusta. Illegal signs create visual clutter, distract drivers, and can obstruct pedestrians. We are committed to enforcing regulations to keep our community clean and orderly.

Augustas Code Enforcement Department will be actively monitoring for violations, and illegally posted signs will be removed.

Businesses and individuals are encouraged to use approved methods for advertising, such as permitted signage and designated community boards.

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Residents who wish to report illegal sign postings may do so by calling 311 or via the MyAugusta 311 app.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
DENVER (KDVR)  Aurora police are looking for information on a suspect who reportedly exposed himself to children at a pool.

In a post on X, the Aurora Police Department said it received a report at about 5 p.m. on Feb. 26 about a man who allegedly exposed himself to kids in a pool at the Central Recreation Center, located at 18150 E. Vassar Place.

Since the report, the Aurora Police Departments Crimes Against Children Unit has been investigating. However, police said they have not been able to successfully identify the man.

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Aurora police said they are interested in speaking with anyone who may have information on the suspect. He is described as:

Latino

In his 30s

5 feet, 6 inches tall

Weighs approximately 170 lbs.

Has medium build

Aurora police are looking to identify a suspect who reportedly exposed himself to children at a pool. (Aurora Police Department) Aurora police are looking to identify a suspect who reportedly exposed himself to children at a pool. (Aurora Police Department)

Police said the suspect was last seen wearing glasses and dressed in all black clothing.

Pedestrian killed, 19-year-old arrested in Highlands Ranch crash

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli far-right party Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) said on Tuesday it was rejoining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government following Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 400 people in Gaza.

The party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, had previously distanced itself from the coalition after a six-week ceasefire in Gaza was reached but announced its return after the intensified military operations. 
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The family of a man who was shot and killed in the front yard of his home, is still pushing for accountability. But now, for the first time in months, theres renewed hope because of a new partnership with an advocacy nonprofit and law firm.

Steven Allan Smiths girlfriends 13-year-old son is accused of shooting him, according to the Bastrop County Sheriffs office. Its still unclear where the case stands.

Austin NAACP calls for thorough investigation into killing of a Bastrop man

Weve realized nothings going to bring him back, but for us, we need to know that those responsible for his death will be held accountable, Keely Lee, Smiths cousin said.

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Smiths family is now being represented by Dallas-based firm, Tolbert Law. They were connected through the Austin Justice Coalition (AJC). AJC has been paying for the legal services, according to Lee.

Now, more people and families will be helped through the strategic new partnership between AJC and Tolbert Law. The firm, that serves clients in Dallas, Austin and Atlanta, has already been working informally with AJC for some time now.

On Tuesday, the Justice Access Support Initiative (JASI), officially launched. AJC will use its connection with the community to work with Tolbert Law to give more people in marginalized communities better access to legal services.

Austin Justice Coalition partners with Tolbert Law Firm to help minority communities have better access to legal services. (KXAN photos/Jala Washington).

Its a formalized initiative in which Tolbert Law will now connect with clients facilitated by AJC, offering clients reduced legal fee rates, the firm said Tuesday. Those reduced rates will be dependent on the case, the firm told KXAN.

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The Justice Access Support Initiative is a direct response to the systemic barriers that prevent many in our community from obtaining fair legal representation, Chas Moore, Organizing Director of Austin Justice Coalition said. This partnership with Tolbert Law Firm allows us to provide crucial legal support while continuing the fight for a more just and equitable legal system.

As the duo prepares for more outreach to come up with a fund to immensely support legal services for marginalized community clients at a reduced rate, Moore said AJC will use its funds, most of which come from community donations, to support formalized legal efforts for JASI.

Justice should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it, Chris Tolbert, managing partner of Tolbert Law Firm said. We are honored to partner with AJC on this initiative to ensure that everyone, regardless of financial status, has access to quality legal representation.

Lee said the legal process has gotten easier for their family, since Tolbert Law started representing them.

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I think this partnership will empower more families to understand how they can appropriately push within the confines of the law, Lee said.

Its cases like these, including civil, criminal and family, that Tolbert Law Firm will continue to take on, through JASI, in partnership with AJC.

The entire initiative is tied to AJCs social justice work. Moore said the organization regularly gets tapped by the community for help.

We just got this letter from an inmate in jail asking for help, Moore said.

Chas Moore reads letter from inmate in jail, asking the Austin Justice Coalition for help. (KXAN photos/Todd Bynum). Chas Moore reads letter from inmate in jail, asking the Austin Justice Coalition for help. (KXAN photos/Todd Bynum).

Family of Bastrop man killed files wrongful death lawsuit against teens mother

Tolbert said his team is in the process of creating an intake form, for those who would like access to their services through JASI.

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Smiths family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the teens mother in December, with Tolbert Laws help.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
By Alasdair Pal and Christine Chen

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Tuesday she had raised with China concerns over anonymous letters sent to Australians offering a reward for information on the whereabouts of an Australian-based Hong Kong dissident.

Some residents in Melbourne received the letters late last week offering HKD$1 million ($130,000) for information about Kevin Yam, an Australian citizen and Hong Kong pro-democracy activist wanted by Hong Kong authorities for his role in organising anti-government protests in 2019.

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"The Australian government does not accept other governments interfering with our citizens, making anybody feel unsafe," Wong told a news conference on Tuesday.

Local media reported that the letters were mailed from Hong Kong and contained contact details for the Hong Kong police.

However, it was not clear who sent the letters, and there was no evidence that Beijing or Hong Kong were involved, said Wong, but added she had raised the issue with both.

"I'll await whatever investigations come to light but I have made my view about Australians being targeted by the Hong Kong authorities very clear to both Hong Kong and to China," she said, when asked if she believed the governments of Hong Kong or China were involved in the letters.

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Spokespeople for China's embassy in Canberra and the Hong Kong government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Yam returned to Australia in 2022 after two decades in Hong Kong, after the territory cracked down on pro-democracy protests that brought the financial centre to a standstill in 2019 and 2020.

He is one of eight foreign-based activists wanted by Hong Kong for their role in organising the protests against new laws that granted the Hong Kong government wide-ranging extrajudicial powers.

"I will continue to live my everyday life," Yam said in a post on X in response to the letters.

"I will not voluntarily return to Hong Kong before it is free."

($1 = 7.7696 Hong Kong dollars)

(Reporting by Alasdair Pal and Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry)
Authorities have identified the woman killed in a rollover crash in Cass County on Saturday.

The Cass County Sheriff's Office said Mikayla Butcher, of Bemidji, died at the scene following the crash on Saturday evening.

The driver in the crash, a 23-year-old Walker man, has been arrested and booked into the Cass County Jail for probation violation and probable cause DWI charges, according to jail records.

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Authorities suspect speed and alcohol were factors in the crash, which happened around 7 p.m. Saturday on County Road 13 in rural Walker, with police arriving to find a 2007 Dodge Nitro overturned in a ditch.

Butcher's injuries proved fatal at the scene, with two men taken to Bemidji Sanford Hospital and another man was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Park Rapids for treatment.

Police obtained a search warrant for a blood draw from the driver, with the results still pending as of Tuesday.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.
LIVINGSTON, Texas (KETK)  Polk County Sheriffs Office is searching for three suspects in an early Sunday morning theft and trespassing incident.

4 men arrested for online solicitation of minor, prostitute after sting operation in Texarkana

According to the sheriffs office, three suspects are believed to have trespassed on a property near Easy Street in Livingston and stole items from the property.

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Photos courtesy of Polk County Sheriffs Office

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriffs Office at 936-327-6810 with reference case number S2500350 or submit an anonymous tip on the P3 App or by calling the Polk County Crime Stoppers at 936-327-STOP.

The Polk County Sheriffs Office appreciates the communitys help in solving this case and urges anyone with relevant information to report it promptly, the sheriffs office said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says it needs additional forensic testing as agents investigate the deaths of twin brothers.

On March 8, hikers found Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis from Gwinnett County dead from gunshot wounds at the top of Bell Mountain. The Towns County Sheriffs Office called the GBI to assist.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Investigators initially ruled their deaths as a murder-suicide. They sent their bodies to the GBI lab for autopsies.

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On Sunday, the GBI confirmed that the results are now pending until more forensic tests are completed. The medical examiner has not issued an official cause of death.

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Channel 2 Action News spoke with the Lewis twins family over the weekend. Family members said they have so many questions, but very few answers.

Were just trying to figure out what happened. Were trying put pieces together to understand. How did they end out in the mountains? They dont hike out there. They have never been out there, said Samira Brawner, the twins aunt.

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Rahim Brawner said his nephews were very protective of each other and were inseparable. The family said they dont believe their deaths were murder-suicide.

I cant imagine them hurting each other because Ive never even seen them get into a fist fight before, their uncle said. Murder-suicide? I just believe that they were extremely incapable of that.

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A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Grady County was confirmed by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry last week.

The department was notified of the case on March 10, according to the departments website. The flock was a mix of around 50 chickens, guinea fowl and ducks, Oklahoma State Veterinarian Rod Hall told KGOU.

Hall told KGOU that the backyard flock was close to a body of water where wild birds gather.

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We know the virus is still out there in the wild waterfowl and it's happening all over the country, Hall told KGOU. So not any surprise that it is present here in Oklahoma.

The flock will be euthanized and then the site will be inspected to ensure the flock was properly disposed of. According to Hall, the site must remove vacant for 120 days before new poultry can be introduced.

A flock of around 120 birds in Woodward County was also detected on March 12.
A director of the German media group behind Politico has criticised woke journalists in a row over an article about Israels bombing of Gaza.

Martin Varsavsky, a Spain-based entrepreneur who serves on the board of Axel Springer, accused Politico of one-sided Hamas support in a story about Israeli air strikes that killed hundreds of people in Gaza overnight.

Sharing the article on social media site X, Mr Varsavsky said the story fails to mention that the airstrikes were aimed at eliminating top Hamas military and that Israel was successful at doing so.

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He added that it quoted casualty figures from Hamas that were not believed to be accurate.

The article in question was written by the Associated Press (AP) news agency and published on Politicos website on Tuesday.

I am on the board of Axel Springer that owns Politico. I consider this article one sided Hamas support. It fails to mention that the airstrikes were aimed at eliminating top Hamas military and thar Israel was successful at doing so. It also quotes casualty figures given by Hamas https://t.co/TDWcfCaHYQ  Martin Varsavsky (@martinvars) March 18, 2025

AP is among a number of major news outlets that have recently been banned from White House press briefings by Donald Trump.

The president branded AP an organisation of radical-Left lunatics after it continued to refer to the Gulf of Mexico in its coverage after Mr Trump signed an executive order renaming it the Gulf of America.

Despite AP having written this story, Mr Varsavsky attacked Politicos journalists for what he deemed political bias.

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In a now-deleted post, he wrote: Its not management. Management at Axel Springer is fair. Its because most journalists are woke and to the left of the general public. And management does not dare to fire them.

Asked if there was anything he could do about the situation, Mr Varsavsky said he was working on it.

Politico declined to comment.

The comments from Mr Varsavsky, who has served on Axel Springers supervisory board since 2014, signal unrest at the top of the German media giant.

It is not the first time the Berlin-based publisher, which also owns Business Insider and the Bild and Die Welt newspapers, has been embroiled in a row over its Israel-Gaza coverage.

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Axel Springer has an explicitly pro-Israel stance in its reporting, with employees in Germany required to sign a mission statement expressing support for Israels right to exist.

While staff at Politico and Business Insider are not required to sign this declaration, Axel Springers chairman Mathias Dopfner has said he expects all employees to adhere to the groups values.

Business Insider was plunged into a dispute last year after it accused American-Israeli academic Neri Oxman of plagiarism.

Ms Oxmans husband, the US hedge fund tycoon Bill Ackman, questioned the motivations of the reporting and threatened to sue the online publication for defamation.

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An internal investigation by Axel Springer found no bias or accuracy issues and the company stood by its reporting.

More recently, Politico found itself in the spotlight after US president Donald Trump repeated false claims that the outlet had received millions of dollars from USAid.

The payments were in fact subscription fees paid by various government agencies over several years.

It comes after Axel Springer in September inked a 13.5bn (11.4bn) deal to hive off its media assets into a private company controlled by Mr Dopfner and Friede Springer, the widow of the publishers founder.

Private equity firm KKR took majority control of the groups classified advertising business.

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 is an adapted excerpt from the March 15 episode of "Ayman."

It appears that for Elon Musk, being Donald Trumps co-president and overseeing the gutting of the federal workforce just isnt enough. After helping fund Trumps campaign and working to influence elections in Europe, Musk is throwing his cash at Wisconsins Supreme Court race.

In January, in a post on his social media site, the billionaire said, Very important to vote Republican for the Wisconsin Supreme Court to prevent voting fraud! Now, theres no basis for alleging fraud in Wisconsins elections, but its clear Musk is doing all he can to ensure another Republican gets on the states bench. Two groups backed by Musk, Building Americas Future and America PAC, have spent more than $11 million in ads attacking progressive judge and candidate Susan Crawford. A third Musk-backed group, dubbed Progress 2028, is running ads that claim to support Crawford but really appear aimed at dissuading moderate voters against her progressive agenda.

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Supreme Court races in Wisconsin are officially nonpartisan but Musk has thrown his support behind Trump-aligned candidate Brad Schimel. The conservative has embraced the president's election denialism, claimed Jan. 6 insurrectionists didnt receive fair trials, and attended Trumps inauguration. Hes also said he would welcome Trumps endorsement. Schimel even reportedly dressed as Trump for Halloween.

During last weeks first and only debate between the two candidates, Schimel was asked about the money Musk is dumping into the election and whether he embraced the endorsement of the billionaire. I got in this race over 15 months ago, Schimel said. Ive campaigned in all 72 counties. Ive gone to every corner of this state. Im looking for the endorsement of the Wisconsin voters on April 1. Outside help that comes is not something that I control. Schimel then went on to call out liberal billionaire, and one of the GOPs top boogeymen, George Soros, for contributing to the race.

I have had generous contributions that have gone to the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has endorsed me and supported my candidacy, Crawford responded before changing to subject to Musk. But lets talk about Elon Musk, talk about somebody who's been dangerous  He has now spent more than $10 million on my opponents race. He has basically taken over Brad Schimels campaign.Now, you may be asking yourself: Why would a billionaire like Musk even care about this state race? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Telsa, Musks company, is currently suing the state of Wisconsin over a decision preventing the company from opening dealerships in the state.

Last year, the state denied Teslas request for dealer licenses, saying it did not qualify for an exemption to a state law that prohibits manufacturers from owning dealerships. Its a case that could eventually head to the states Supreme Court.

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This race is also big for the future of Wisconsin. You might remember in 2023 when liberal judge Janet Protasiewicz made history by winning a seat on the bench, flipping control of the court to the left for the first time in 15 years. Since then, the court has struck down the gerrymandered maps that favored Republicans in Wisconsin for more than a decade. Its allowed Democrats to pick up 14 seats in the state Legislature, giving them a chance to retake both chambers in next years elections. If next months Supreme Court election goes to Republicans, rollbacks are likely inevitable.The court is also set to decide on several key cases in the coming months, including a draconian 1849 abortion law and a case involving bargaining rights for unions. These are cases that could reverberate across the country.

Regardless of who or why, no billionaire should have this much influence on any election. If Musks efforts pay off in Wisconsin, he could feel emboldened to come for an election in your state next.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Del. Lamont Bagby, D-Henrico. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)

Political officials in Virginia are required to submit Statement of Economic Interest forms that are posted to the states ethics advisory council website. As a part-time legislature, delegates and senators have lives and other work outside of representing constituents and must disclose publicly what might be an economic interest to them.

Sen. Lamont Bagby, D-Henrico, who is running to be the next chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, initially failed to disclose his wife and various businesses on recent SOEI forms. Though the document has been amended to include those details, one of his opponents in the race questions why they werent revealed in the first place and if its something Republicans could target Bagby for should he become the leader of the states Democratic party.

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Bagby told The Mercury that the omission was an oversight.

Potential liability for state Democrats?

The form includes the question Do you or a member of your immediate family own, separately or together, a business that has a value in excess of $5,000? Bagby had at first answered no, despite his wifes salon and event space businesses. On the updated form, amended on March 10, he answered yes to that question.

Josh Stanfield, who is also running for DPVA chair, has tried to ask Bagby about potential conflicts of interest in candidate forums.

In an interview with the Mercury and on his blog, Stanfield noted that when former Democratic governor L. Douglas Wilder was a candidate in 1989, he came under scrutiny from Republicans for failing to disclose his real estate and stock holdings on forms. At the time, Wilder called on then-Democratic Attorney General Mary Sue Terry to investigate the matter.

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(She) was able to put that to rest, Stanfield said. But the point is, when it comes to these forms, any sort of omission or anything of serious question gives the Republicans a route of attack, whether founded or unfounded.

Stanfield also points to Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares run for re-election and how former DPVA spokesperson Liam Watson was subject to a probe from Miyares office. Watson, who left DPVA in 2023 after being elected to Blacksburg town council, now faces trial for election fraud charges.

DPVAs central committee members will vote between Zach Pruckowski, Bagby and Stanfield on March 22 to pick the partys new chair. That person will then be the new face and voice of the political party in Virginia and can play a key role in boosting Democrats ahead of this years House of Delegates and executive branch elections.

When reached for comment, Pruckowski did not wish to weigh in on Bagbys forms.

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Im just staying focused on making the case to members of (DPVAs Central Committee) that Im the best guy for the job, he said.

As candidates for an inner-party race rather than a state-run election, neither Stanfield and Pruckowski are subject to the SOEI.

To qualify for the ballot in a state-run election, you have to fill out the SOEI, DPVAs executive director Shyam Raman said.

Meanwhile, as a former state candidate and current state lawmaker, Bagby fills out SOEI forms each year. Issues with Bagbys paperwork were first discovered by independent journalist Christa Motley and when she questioned Bagby about them, his lawyer responded.

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The omission that you shared has been addressed and was a result of an oversight, Bagbys lawyer Joe Massie wrote to Motley on March 11 after the forms had been updated.

Motley, who has spent years reporting on how Virginias substance use recovery homes are managed in the state, uncovered Bagbys connections to the Virginia Association of Recovery Residences and began looking into his finances more closely when he announced his run for DPVA chair.

Her reporting on recovery homes revealed Bagbys role in state funds that VARR has received in recent years  a role Bagby has downplayed.

All I have done was give money to the recovery community, he said in a recent interview with The Mercury.

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Emails that Motley received through a Freedom of Information Act request showed VARR officials referring to Bagby as a champion in the legislature. He also joined a limited liability company called Imagine The Freedom LLC with members of VARR, which owned a property, as well. Though the LLC was on Bagbys previous SOEI forms, it is absent in recent years. This is because his association with Imagine The Freedom has ended, he told The Mercury.

Virginias Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council website is where SOEI forms are publicly viewable. The database indicates that Bagby recently amended his filing, but previous versions of the forms are not publicly available. The Mercury confirmed the omissions through a records request to the council.

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Palestinians mourn for victims who were killed by Israeli airstrikes at a hospital in Gaza City on March 18, 2025. The Palestinian death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on various places across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday morning has risen to 413, the Gaza-based health authorities said. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on various places across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday morning has risen to 413, the Gaza-based health authorities said.

In a press statement, the health authorities said that the ongoing Israeli attacks also injured at least 562 Palestinians.

The statement added that a number of victims are still trapped under the rubble and efforts are underway to retrieve them.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military and Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency said Tuesday afternoon that they were continuing to strike Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets across Gaza.

"At this time, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and Shin Bet are striking terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip," the military and Shin Bet said in a joint statement, adding that "the targets struck over the past few hours include terrorist cells, launch posts, weapons stockpiles, and additional military infrastructure."

Israel said it was resuming strikes because of Hamas' repeated refusals to release its hostages and its rejection of all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators.

Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19 and called on mediators to pressure Israel to halt the military campaign. 

A Palestinian carries the body of a victim who was killed by Israeli airstrikes at a hospital in Gaza City on March 18, 2025. The Palestinian death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on various places across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday morning has risen to 413, the Gaza-based health authorities said. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians carry the body of a victim who was killed by Israeli airstrikes at a hospital in Gaza City on March 18, 2025. The Palestinian death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on various places across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday morning has risen to 413, the Gaza-based health authorities said. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
At Bar Siesta, the inviting new Spanish restaurant from Botanicas Heather Sperling and Siesta Co.s Lucia Flors and Carlos Leiva, the atmosphere is as important as the menu  and both are meant to conjure the culture and flavors of Spain in a way that feels like being there.



Its a textured, warmly lit, lovely, transporting space that I think is very feminine, says Sperling, whose food background includes working as a chef and editing culinary publications as a journalist. She met Flors through mutual friends in Silver Lake, where they both lived at the time.



When Flors and her husband, who are both radiologists, launched their side company  the tinned fish brand Siesta Co.  Sperling was one of the first to carry it at Botanica, her popular cafe and market in the area. It wasnt long before the duo started planning a bigger business venture together.

Related: Chef Favorites: Where Ayesha Curry Goes for a Sweet Meal in Los Angeles

When we first moved to the U.S., it was nearly impossible to find Spanish spaces like home, Flors says. And we always had the idea of this type of conservas (tinned fish) bar in mind. It was perfect  Heathers experience and her love for Spain made it a natural thing to do together.



Weve had so many people who love Spain and traveling there who are so excited to have something with a Spanish spirit and a Spanish philosophy, adds Sperling.



This philosophy spills into everything inside the cozy space that formerly housed Alimento  from the cheery decor and art on the walls (all by Spanish artists) to the wines and sherries they invite guests to pair with their tasty small dishes and bites created in collaboration with chef Keith Phillips (Botanica, Rustic Canyon).

Ventresca de Atun, Escalivada and Tortilla EspanolaEmily Ferretti

Afternoons here are about relaxing sips and snacks, with a menu focused on Siesta Co.s tinned products. At 5 p.m., the menu expands to include several tapas items, like crispy croquetas and patatas; local farmers market-fresh ensaladas with playful ingredients like chicories, persimmons and fennel; mushrooms; jamon; and lamb.



The two women behind Bar Siesta clearly put their heads and heart into every element of the experience. Both wives and mothers, Sperling and Flors have created an environment thats both exotic and homey. We were very intentional about that, Sperling says. What I see a lot more with women in hospitality is just a holistic thoughtfulness about what theyre creating, and that includes the space, the menu and the intangible things.



1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake, barsiesta.co

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Bars and restaurants were expected to experience a business boom on St. Patricks Day, with Irish pubs drawing in crowds on this widely celebrated holiday.

At noon, the Boulevard Tavern and Grill in Springfield was much busier than your average Monday and bartenders told 22News it will pick up even more when people get out of work.

Springfield School Committee extends agreement for in-school cameras

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The Boulevard Tavern and grill in Springfield is an Irish pub. They have a small staff but they say they are ready for the business. Their customers are coming in for Guinness, Jameson, and their St. Patricks Day specials.

One local shared that he started celebrating at 10:00 Monday morning.

We started at about 10:00 a.m., we went to OBriens, then were here, said Alan Papesch. Camaraderie with my friends, corned beef sandwich, and some beers.

Some of those St. Patricks Day specials include a corned beef quesadilla and shepherds pie.

The Boulevard Tavern and Grill is open until 2:00 a.m. Monday and they say after 5:00 p.m. will be the busiest.

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A bill on the way to Gov. Patrick Morrisey's desk would ban foods containing certain artificial dyes in West Virginia, like Red No. 40, which is in Jell-O hot dogs, ketchup and cereals. (Leann Ray | West Virginia Watch)

This is probably the most important bill that we will vote on in our entire careers here, Republican Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman said a couple of weeks ago before the state Senate passed a bill 31-2.

Now what was this important legislation?

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New regulations to make sure all West Virginians have clean water?

A solution to funding the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency, ensuring that all public employees have affordable health care?

Perhaps more funding for public schools that most children attend or maybe raises for their teachers?

No. It was a bill banning some artificial dyes in food.

House Bill 2354 was passed by both the House and Senate, and now heads to the governors desk for consideration.

The bill also bans several food dyes from foods served in public schools, like Red No. 40, which is in Jell-O, cereals, hot dogs and ketchup; Blue No. 1, found in canned peas and packaged soups, and Green No. 3, an ingredient in canned vegetables and Jell-O. This ban is scheduled to take effect on Aug. 1.

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While 11 other states are considering similar legislation, West Virginia would be the first state in the United States to implement a sweeping food dye ban if Gov. Patrick Morrisey approves the legislation.

I dont know exactly how this bill will work  and its likely our lawmakers dont either. They regularly pass bills without any thought of how to fund or implement them. For example, House Bill 2515, which would require counties to create alternative learning centers for chronically disruptive students, has advanced to the Senate. The bill, however, has no proposed funding included in it to build the centers or staff them.

If the food dye ban was passed by Congress, obviously it would be a nationwide ban and all food manufacturers would have to stop using the dyes in food sold in America.

But will the Wrigley Company start making natural color Skittles for just West Virginia? Will Mountain Dew Code Red be banned within state lines? Will the Bigley Piggly Wiggly have to stop using rainbow frosting on their cakes?

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Some food and drink manufacturers have been speaking out. You cant turn on the radio without hearing an ad from Americans for Food & Beverage Choice  the group spent more than $19,000 on ads in the last week  speaking out against HB 2354.

And outside of affecting the food available on our grocery store shelves, the bill comes with other serious potential ramifications that seemingly undermine the Legislatures vow to improve West Virginias economy.

The local Pepsi and Coca Cola plants could face layoffs if the bill is passed, according to Donnie Perdue, vice president of the Teamsters local 175 union.

Both Pepsi and Coke have said the dye bill would cause a 50% decrease in their current inventory levels, he said. There has been no economic analysis done to actually see what the impact would be if all these drinks and food is banned from West Virginia  The states that border West Virginia will be the only winners with this bill as West Virginians travel to their state to get their favorite drinks and food because we no longer have them.

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Im not against the dyes being banned  in January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Red No. 3 from food because it causes cancer in rats, and almost 35 years ago it was banned from cosmetics for the same reason. Food manufacturers have until Jan. 2027 to stop using Red. No. 3, and drug manufacturers have until Jan. 2028. I just dont understand logistically how this ban on other dyes can work when only one state has banned them.

Chapman explained the bill is important because it will make available foods healthier for families, citing the states high obesity rate and a lack of grocery stores.

Some West Virginians dont have local grocery stores and must shop at Dollar General or Dollar Tree for food. People dont necessarily want to buy food thats unhealthy  theyre buying what they can afford.

Will this bill do anything to drop grocery prices on healthier foods, or increase residents buying power at the grocery store? Well, no. Quite the opposite, actually.

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This is a law that would impact six in 10 grocery store items, effectively making them illegal. It will lead to higher prices, fewer choices and empty shelves, said Stacie Rumenap, spokesperson for Americans for Food & Beverage Choice. The alternative ingredients simply dont exist to scale.

Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, has argued that the grocery chain Aldi has banned synthetic colors in its store-brand items, and the store sells its own version of Pop-Tarts without dyes and the product is cheaper than the Kellogg option.

Aldi is a great grocery chain  but theres only 16 locations in West Virginia. It also carries much fewer options  and name brands  than Kroger, Walmart or Piggly Wiggly.

This bill is a way for lawmakers to make it look like they care about the health of West Virginians without addressing the actual reasons for poor health  poverty, food insecurity, food deserts and expensive health care.Until legislators address those problems, West Virginia will remain the unhealthiest state in the country.

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After just two months of a shaky ceasefire deal, the Israel Hamas war has restarted. On Tuesday morning, Israel launched a series of what it described as extensive strikes right across the entire Gaza Strip.



The death toll currently stands at more than 400, including many children, with nearly 600 more people wounded, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. That number is expected to rise as more bodies are pulled from the rubble.

A spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said this morning that Israel was left with no choice after Hamas refused a US-Israeli proposal to extend the ceasefire, which technically elapsed at the beginning of this month.



To make sense of all this, Venetia Rainey speaks to a Palestinian aid worker for MSF in Gaza, the cousin of Israeli slain hostage Tal Haimi, whose body is still held by Hamas, and The Telegraphs Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin.

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.
Mar. 17U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner was confronted by a disruptive, angry crowd that demanded answers for the freshman Republican congressman's voting record and recent actions in President Donald Trump's White House  and regularly interrupted each answer during a town hall Monday evening at Whitworth University.

It may be the last in-person town hall in the near future, Baumgartner told reporters after the event, suggesting he may turn to telephone town halls to cut down on disruptive behavior and safety concerns.

There were 800 tickets distributed for the event, including 500 general- admission tickets that were snatched up two hours after they were publicly posted. Another 200 tickets were reserved for students, with the remainder saved for the college president and the nearby Rockwood retirement community.

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Despite this, hundreds of seats remained empty for the event.

Almost everyone in the crowd appeared displeased with the White House, judging by the scale of disruptions and a poll of attendees' most pressing concerns, especially with the Department of Government Efficiency and the loss of checks and balances within the federal government.

At one point, before answering a question, Baumgartner asked for a show of hands for those who voted for Trump. Around a dozen hands went up amid loud jeering from the rest of the crowd.

Upwards of 60 protesters without tickets gathered outside of the Whitworth auditorium, a relatively muted turnout compared to the hundreds who have recently protested Baumgartner's Spokane office.

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Protesters derailed the meeting at a few points, more so when Baumgartner expressed appreciation for some of Trump's actions or disdain for some of former President Joe Biden's policies.

It was a much more disruptive town hall than the one hosted in Ritzville on Monday morning  the Spokane crowd expressed contempt, disgust and displeasure with Baumgartner, and the shouting was nearly constant.

Baumgartner continued to maintain the reason the crowd was so angry was because they did not vote for Trump, or him, he said in a media conference following the town hall.

Spokane resident Mary Ellen Gaffney-Brown asked questions about the Social Security Administration and shared her fears about benefit cuts following swift changes, such as the resignation of acting Commissioner Michelle King, who stepped down over DOGE privacy concerns.

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Gaffney-Brown said she believed the administration is on its way to privatizing Social Security and wants "billionaires to pay their fair share," she said. As she was speaking, she was interrupted by the moderator. She replied, "Be quiet"  and the hall erupted into cheers.

"You go, girl!" someone yelled back. Nearly the entire audience stood up and clapped for her.

More questions that led to an uprising in cheers were, "What will you do to stand up to democracy?" and, "Where do you draw the line in the sand?"

Baumgartner responded that he values the Constitution, and did so long before his days in the foreign service. He was then interrupted by more jeers. Following another question about free speech, the crowd began chanting, "January 6th!"

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Some turned their backs on Baumgartner; others waved red handkerchiefs.

When Baumgartner was asked about cutting health care benefits, about which Reuters reported congressional Republicans have been somewhat at odds , he said he didn't wish to "touch" Medicare, although he did not answer about the slashing of Medicaid. A man from the back of the crowd yelled in response, "You're a fraud!" and another yelled, "Liar!"

As more jeers swept the audience, Baumgartner asked, "Can you all just stand up, be loud and get it out of your system?"

Others shouted at him to "answer the question" when he started to explain the background of his stance on an issue. The crowd often erupted into boos and shouted "tax the rich!" when he discussed the budget, or "He's a convicted felon!" when talking about Trump defying federal court orders.

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"You have a perception that America is spiraling to some kind of constitutional crisis," Baumgartner said towards the end of the town hall. He was met with more shouting and more boos  but much, much louder.

Ultimately, Baumgartner believed the town hall went "well," he said afterwards, but called the crowd "rude" and disruptive.

"I knew I'd be walking into a room where 99% of the people hadn't voted for me," he said.

John Scheuring was one of the few conservatives at the Monday town hall and was dismayed at the tone and rhetoric of most of the audience.

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"Never in my life have I seen so many older folks act so disrespectful, so rude, childish and ignorant," he said after the town hall.

About 60 protesters stood outside the auditorium Monday. They called on Baumgartner to do more to stand up to Trump's decisions to bypass Congress and ignore an order of a federal judge and they objected to Baumgartner's call for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to resign.

Amid threats to their legal status by the president, Baumgartner will meet Tuesday evening with Ukrainian refugees in Spokane at Thrive International.

It wasn't the first time protesters gathered to express their contempt for their Eastern Washington lawmaker  a week ago, hundreds of people stood outside his Spokane office, calling for more action.

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One man Monday played the Canadian national anthem at full volume. Another led chants with a megaphone.

Dave Strand, a veteran who served a year in Vietnam as a Seabee, was there to express his anger and dismay with the Trump Administration's cuts of thousands of Department of Veterans Affairs jobs. And he wants Baumgartner to know it.

"I came home from Vietnam, betrayed," Strand said. "I'm being betrayed again."

Strand said Trump has proved to him that "he doesn't give a damn" about those in the military.

"I have been pissed off and I'm still pissed off ... I want Baumgartner to represent his people. Especially because we are being dismantled from the inside," Strand said, referring to Elon Musk's unprecedented access to the White House and government programs, despite not being an elected official.

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Dave Strand's wife, Lois, held a sign with Musk's face in the middle that read, "This is the immigrant that stole your job."

She said she feels like the country is "moving backwards."

"Erasure of women, erasure of Black people, folks from government websites," she said, "it's plain wrong."

Protester Allan Binnie, a Quaker, calls this era of American politics "the era of lawlessness" and "unprecedented."

There's nothing to compare it to, he said. Former President Richard Nixon resigned in the face of controversy and his party accepted it  but the Republican Party, Binnie said, is "now inept."

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"It's sad to see so many of them sacrificing their values," Binnie added, who said he has voted as a Republican in the past. "Republicans used to have integrity. It's clear Trump does not."

American imperialism

Cindi Miraglia grilled Baumgartner about the rhetoric from "this insane president" regarding annexing Canada, Greenland and retaking the Panama Canal, prompting someone in the audience to wave a large Canadian flag to raucous applause.

Baumgartner broadly expressed support for the annexation of foreign, sovereign territory  so long as it wouldn't hurt Republicans election chances.

"Canada is much more liberal and left wing than the United States ... taking Canada would be like taking another California," Baumgartner said, adding that its inclusion in the United States would prevent Republican majorities from being elected in the future.

"If we could get Greenland peacefully, I'm all for it," Baumgartner continued. "And we should never have given up Panama."

If he intended to follow up on this answer, it was drowned out by an angered crowd.

In a media conference after the town hall, Baumgartner clarified that his comments regarding Canada were an attempt to "have a little fun with the crowd," joking that the angered crowd would have a stronger political power if the United States did, in fact, annex Canada. He also later said that he also wouldn't support taking over Canada because the country has been a good neighbor.

Trump has previously declined to rule out using military force to annex territories, including Greenland and Canada.

Baumgartner said while "I don't know this for fact," the president's interest in Greenland and Canada seemed to be motivated by a desire to expand hydropower in order to provide energy for dominant American artificial intelligence development.

"We're in a real arms race versus China on artificial intelligence," Baumgartner said. "But the AI stuff takes an immense amount of power ... so where you have snow pack and elevation change, that makes hydro a lot more valuable. And so I think this is the reason that Donald Trump is so interested in talking about Greenland and Canada ...

"America has had strategic benefit from being imperialistic in the past," he said. "It's how we had western expansion."

ICE raid

Last week Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents broke a car window, dragged out and arrested two Spokane Valley residents and green card holders. A third passenger, a seven-month pregnant U.S. citizen, also was removed from the car against her will .

The group were on their way to a court hearing at the Spokane County Courthouse. The two men in the car had been earlier charged with threatening to kill a family member in December, according to court documents. A video of the incident later went viral on Facebook.

German immigrant Michaela Kelso, who has previously run for state Legislature as a Democrat, said she believed she needed to ask Baumgartner what he would do to protect the rights of these constituents and other immigrants in the country lawfully.

"What will you do now that you have been made aware of this unconstitutional, violent and illegal act by ICE and HHS agents?"

In response, Baumgartner asked the booing crowd how many of them voted for Donald Trump in the last election. Less than a dozen hands raised out of the hundreds of attendees.

"So you're not going to like my answer but it would be far better for the security of the state of Washington and for immigrants in the state of Washington if Washington was not a sanctuary state," the congressman said.

Baumgartner added that he is going to try to "make that happen." He did not respond to a later question during a press availability to clarify what he meant with this statement.

Kelso and others yelling in the crowd would not let him move on to the next question. Eventually, Baumgartner said he was not aware of the case and did not want to comment until he had more information.

After the event Kelso said his answer betrayed a "lack of empathy" for immigrants.

"It should have been the easiest question for him to answer. Anybody with half a heart would have answered. He refused to give even a modicum of empathy towards a family that was violently torn from their car," she said.

Kelso admitted that her and other attendees' behavior during the town hall was "absolutely not appropriate" but it was needed given the dire situation the country is in.

"I'm from Germany. I know what fascism looks like. We are rapidly approaching 1939," she said.

Checks and balances

Perhaps the most dominant question of the night, in one form or another, was based on concerns Trump was attempting to unconstitutionally expand the power of the executive branch and ignoring checks and balances.

The first question of the night touched on this running theme, asking what the congressman would do if the Trump administration ignored judicial orders. In February, Vice President JD Vance suggested that "judges aren't allowed to control the executive's legitimate power," and in recent days the administration has allegedly ignored a judge's order stopping deportation flights.

It was not entirely clear where exactly Baumgartner drew that line.

"It's not healthy for the republic to have court orders that are not being obeyed," he said. "It's also not healthy for the republic when you have district judges, that probably don't have the authority, issuing nationwide injunctions."

Baumgartner argued that the nation was confronted with a similar constitutional quandary when former President Joe Biden attempted to unilaterally eliminate student debt  at which point he was repeatedly drowned out until he moved on to the next question.

Pressed by other attendees about the actions of DOGE and the Trump administration's push to unilaterally cut spending which conflicts with the White House's political priorities, Baumgartner voiced broad support for cutting government spending but asserted that this authority should ultimately rest in Congress, not the presidency.

"I think it's inevitable that the Supreme Court is going to have to decide a lot of this stuff," he said, once again referencing prior actions by the Biden administration to waive student debt. "You've always had these tensions with the executive branch."

Health care

Baumgartner said Social Security and Medicare should not be cut and there would not be cuts under Republican control. But he would like to see Medicaid work requirements.

A Republican budget plan passed by the House earlier this month would reduce federal spending by $2 trillion and cut taxes by $4.5 trillion over a decade. It specifically instructs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to cut $880 billion. By far the biggest chunk of money in that panel's jurisdiction goes to health care and Medicaid specifically.

"Medicaid right now is a broken system that needs to be improved to protect the truly most needy. There's going to be no reduction in overall dollars to Medicaid. There may not be the rapid increase that some folks may have would like," he said.

Generally, Baumgartner said government should not be in the business of health care.

"I'm guessing this crowd thinks universal health care or socialized medicine would be great," he said.

The crowd roared their approval for a single -payer health care system.

"Well, we will have to agree to disagree on that issue," Baumgartner said. "I don't think we should be putting the U.S. government more in charge of things."
(WHNT)  This long-running scam preys on fears and has been around for too long now.

Some scams just dont quit! Despite running for years, this con still successfully uses threatening calls and intimidating emails to scare people into paying up.

Jury duty scams have stayed power because they prey on a fear of law enforcement.

Karen Reeves President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama explains how this scam works!

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She said, if you answer the phone, its probably someone claiming to be from your local law enforcement or judicial agency. The caller, who may identify themselves as the local sheriff, tells you that youve missed a jury duty summons and could be arrested.

They may even claim that a warrant for your arrest has already been issued. The caller may appear to be very legitimate, with caller ID showing a local police phone number and an official-sounding voice on the phone. The caller may even be able to verify your name, address, and date of birth.

The scammer tells you that, fortunately, you can avoid arrest by paying a hefty fine of thousands of dollars.

To pay the fine, the scammer asks you to wire money, put cash on a gift card or prepaid debit card and share the PIN, use a digital wallet app, or even send cryptocurrency.

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Of course, the fine and the jury duty summons were never real.

Like most long-running scams, jury duty cons have a few versions, not all of which ask you for money outright. In some cases, the jury duty scam may be used to trick you into providing sensitive, personal information that can be used for identity theft.

In another version, scammers use email and allegedly attach your jury summons to the message. The file is really malware, and downloading it will infect your computer.

BBB Scam Tracker continues to receive reports of jury duty scams. One person recently reported their experience: Someone called me pretending to be my countys sheriff saying that I missed a court date for Jury Duty and to avoid a lengthy and costly legal procedure and arrest, I would have to pay $3000. They texted me a fake warrant for my arrest. They knew my full name, my address, my phone number and my date of birth. So they told me to go to Walmart and send a Walmart barcode they texted meUnfortunately they took $1000 from me. Fortunately, I wised up to what they were doing. I filed a police report and contacted my bank.

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Here is how to avoid jury duty scams:

Be skeptical of urgent, unsolicited emails and calls. Courts do not typically summon people via email, text message, or phone. Unless you are involved in a case and have opted into receiving other types of communications, courts normally communicate through postal mail. If you receive a questionable email with an attachment, do not click on it or download anything.



Do your research. If you ever question whether you need to appear in court, call the appropriate judicial agency and ask. If you receive an email, dont call the number in the email, as that will likely lead you to the scammer who sent the email. If you receive a call, remember that scammers may be able to spoof a legitimate agencys phone number. To be safe, look for official websites in your jurisdiction and find their phone number on their website to call. Always be on the lookout for fake websites, too.



Ignore threatening calls that require pressure you to act immediately. Scammers try to get you to act before you think by creating a sense of urgency and fear. Dont fall for it.



Beware of requests to pay via wire transfer, prepaid debit or gift cards, digital wallet apps, or cryptocurrency. These payment methods are almost always a sign of fraud because you wont be able to get your money back.



Ask someone for help. BBBs research shows that asking someone else is an important factor in reducing the chance of being scammed. Ask a family member or friend, Does this sound right?

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  James Cooper spent years fighting fires but never imagined he would find himself in the bullseye of quickly spreading flames on March 14.

To be honest with you, Im still kind of numb, Cooper said as he walked the perimeter of his home which is still smoldering four days after being destroyed by a wildfire.

James says when he moved into this home in the Piney Point area, he knew this was going to be his forever home.

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Paying off this house was my 65th birthday present to myself, Cooper said.

His retirement dream was shattered despite the valiant efforts of firefighters and his own decision to help them save homes in his neighborhood.

Moments after seeing smoke pouring from the tree line behind his neighbors homes, James jumped into action.

Beaver Lake fire contained after burning for 3 days

I came over and pounded on their door and got ahold of her and told them to get ready to evacuate, Cooper said.

As firefighters went to work, Cooper leaned on his former training and helped by pulling hoses to keep the water flowing.

His efforts didnt go unnoticed.

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When I got there, he was more worried about his neighbors, said Gravette Fire Captain Travis Harp who was working with the Beaver Lake Fire Department that evening.

Their team effort paid off. His neighbors homes were saved, but the flames began spreading toward James retirement home on the hill.

They actually got it knocked down at one point but once it got on the roof and above the ceiling, theres nothing you can do, Cooper said fighting back the emotions.

Cooper said he has zero regrets walking away from his own home to help his neighbors.

It was just the right thing to do, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
WESTPORT, Mass. (WPRI)  Police arrested a New Bedford man after he was caught with a handgun near a Westport school Monday morning.

Officers were called to the Westport Middle-High School just after 4 a.m. to investigate an alarm activation.

Police said the officers spotted a man walking down Old County Road in the rain after leaving the school.

The man, later identified by police as Nathan Santana, told the officers he had been jogging with a friend but had taken a wrong turn and was lost.

Nathan Santana (Courtesy: Westport Police Department)

(Courtesy: Westport Police Department)

Police said Santana then told the officers the friend had already gone home.

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The officers noticed Santana was holding a small pink wristlet, which he claimed his girlfriends wallet, according to police. Santana told the officers that his girlfriend left the wallet in his car when he dropped her off, which is why he had it.

Police said Santanas arms and back were covered in scratches and he had blood on his clothes. The officers also noticed a bulge under Santanas shirt near his waistline.

Since Santanas shirt was wet, police said the officers were able to see that the bulge was black in color, which prompted them to handcuff and search him.

Police said the officers found a loaded semi-automatic handgun in Santanas waistband.

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Santana was unable to provide the officers with a license to carry and was taken into custody as a result. Officers eventually contacted the wristlets owner and learned that she was unaware that he had stolen her wallet.

Santana is facing a number of charges, including carrying a loaded firearm without a license, unlicensed possession of ammunition, possession of a large-capacity feeding device and receiving stolen property.

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Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

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There is another scandal between France and the USA. Well, how scandalous for some reason, the French decided that they could afford to show off about America, and in response, America decided to show Paris that their place at the helm should be respected by their allies.

French MEP Rafael Glucksmann recently demanded the return of the Statue of Liberty from the United States to France.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt responded by smiling and calling him a "low-ranking politician."

"The French should be very grateful to our great country. Thanks to the United States, the French don't speak German today," she said.

Really, if the French really want their statue back, maybe they should return the billions of dollars in military aid from the United States since 1945? What's wrong with cashback?
NIAMEY, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerien government has decided to withdraw the country from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

The Nigerien government, in response to France's suspension of the country from the OIF in December 2023 following a coup in July that year, decided to "suspend all forms of cooperation with the organization." It also called on African countries to pursue "the decolonization of minds and the promotion of their own national languages," in line with the ideals of the founding fathers of Pan-Africanism.

The Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation, the predecessor of Francophonie, was established on March 20, 1970 in Niamey, Niger. 
(KRON)  Residents have been warned by the San Pablo Police Department (SPPD) about an immigration scam. Law enforcement has been notified about a scam  possible prank  that claims to be immigration officials. The scam is reported to demand personal information and/or payment.

Packages have been distributed to prank community members, according to SPPD. One example is a package that reads, you are being deported, which is pictured below. This package claims to have official documents inside, says SPPD.

Police arrest car thief in Berkeley after tire blows out during pursuit

Police are warning about an immigration scam notification. (Photo: San Pablo Police Department)

San Franciscans need highest amount to be considered wealthy, financially comfortable in US: survey

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SPPD warned residents of the following.

Real immigration officials will never ask for payments over the phone or threaten immediate action.

Do not share personal details with unknown callers or messages.

If you receive suspicious communication, dont engagereport it!

As of Monday evening, San Pablo police have not received calls about immigration scams. Residents are encouraged to call SPPD at 510-724-1111 if they receive any suspicious notifications.

This immigration scam comes at a time when concerns in the Bay Area immigrant community have risen since President Donald Trump assumed office in January. ICE agents conducting operations in cities like San Jose and Concord have led to these concerns.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Since returning to the White House in 2025, US President Donald Trump has dramatically reshaped US policy toward Russia, adopting a markedly softer stance on Vladimir Putin and the ongoing war in Ukraine. This approach has included cutting military aid to Ukraine, and pressuring Kyiv to accept unfavourable terms to end the fighting.

Trump is also weakening Americas negotiating position by repeatedly and prematurely signalling the concessions the US is willing to make.

Historically, Russia has responded to strength, not appeasement. As US diplomat and historian George Kennan famously stated in his 1946 Long Telegram, the Soviet Union understood only the language of power. He was proven right  throughout and since the Cold War, Western concessions have often invigorated rather than calmed Russian aggression.

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Trumps transactional approach to diplomacy is reinforcing this established pattern, emboldening Moscow, and diminishing any prospect of a just resolution to the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Leer mas: Trump and Europe: US transactionalism on steroids is the challenge facing leaders now

Undermining US leverage

Since February, President Trump has taken several actions that align with Russian strategic interests. These have included:

Cutting military aid to Ukraine, despite bipartisan warnings that reducing support could shift battlefield momentum in Russias favor

Blocking Nato membership and refusing security guarantees for Ukraine, signalling that territorial expansion can be rewarded rather than deterred

Blaming Kyiv for the war while downplaying Russias responsibility and ignoring the indisputable reality that Russia invaded Ukraine, a stance that echoes Kremlin propaganda narratives

Criticising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for postponing elections under martial law, despite Ukraines constitutional justification

Siding with Russia, North Korea and Belarus to vote against a UN resolution condemning Moscows actions and supporting Ukraines territorial integrity.

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This approach mirrors historical examples of Western appeasement, from Neville Chamberlains 1938 Munich Agreement to the weak enforcement of President Obamas red line in Syria in 2013. By preemptively offering concessions, Trump has weakened US leverage, removing any incentive for Putin to negotiate in good faith.

Leer mas: Putin mulls over US-Ukrainian ceasefire proposal  but the initial signs aren't positive

Unlike Western democracies, Putins Russia operates on power dynamics rather than diplomatic courtesies. Trumps early giveaways  such as suggesting the recognition of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories  will therefore be seen in Moscow as a show of weakness, not goodwill. This weakens the US leverage in negotiations, and by extension that of its allies too.

20th century history confirms that Russia only responds to forceful deterrence. The Reagan administrations Cold War military buildup undeniably contributed to the Soviet Unions economic collapse, and Nato expansion in the 1990s and early 2000s deterred Russian ambitions in Eastern Europe. More recently, the weak US response to the 2014 annexation of Crimea paved the way for Russia to launch its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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Trumps diplomatic overtures, unaccompanied by credible enforcement mechanisms, project weakness rather than pragmatism. This only encourages Moscow to escalate rather than compromise.

Alienating Americas allies

While Trump attempts to broker a deal with Putin, European allies are growing increasingly wary of US commitment to transatlantic security.

His administration downplayed Russias threat at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, shocking European leaders. US disengagement has now pushed the continent toward urgently building an independent defence strategy, potentially weakening Nato cohesion.

The aforementioned voting alongside Russia at the UN on a Ukraine-related resolution will have further fractured Americas alliances.

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Trumps policies risk creating a strategic vacuum, forcing Europe to act alone while simultaneously emboldening Russia and China to expand their geopolitical ambitions.

Putin will not compromise

Recent peace talks in Saudi Arabia illustrate Russias strategic approach to negotiations. Moscow actively blocked the participation of US special envoy Keith Kellogg, showcasing its attempt to manipulate the diplomatic process.

This follows a classic Russian negotiating tactic of prolonging talks while making unrealistic demands. In Saudi Arabia, these included keeping occupied Ukrainian territories, limiting Ukraines military capabilities, and forbidding foreign peacekeepers.

As analysts have pointed out, Putin does not intend to stop the war, only to reshape the battlefield on his terms. Trumps miscalculations therefore leave Russia free to continue its offensive in the knowledge that US pressure on Ukraine will weaken any resistance.

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A fragile ceasefire, as is currently under negotiation, will allow Russia to regroup and launch new attacks, and could be broken at any time.

China will also be watching closely. If Trump hands Putin a win, Beijing may feel emboldened to escalate its military efforts in Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Trumps credibility crisis

A recent poll found that over half of Americans believe Trump is too close to Russia. His willingness to publicly signal diplomatic compromises, such as preventing Ukraine from joining Nato, reveals a weak negotiating style that undermines US credibility on the global stage.

Trumps approach echoes his past diplomatic missteps, which some have described as cowboy diplomacy  a strategy that prioritises personal deal-making over structured policy, ultimately leading to strategic blunders. Far from strengthening US leverage, his premature openness about concessions gives Putin room to dictate the terms of engagement.

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Trumps misreading of Putins playbook is leading to a weaker US position, a more vulnerable Ukraine, and a divided Nato. History clearly shows that Russia only respects power, not appeasement, yet Trumps diplomacy appears to offer unilateral concessions with little strategic gain.

Unless the US reverses course and reasserts its leadership in defending Ukraine and deterring Russia, Trumps policies will not end the war but ensure that it drags on, only with Moscow instead of Europe or the US dictating its terms.

Este articulo fue publicado originalmente en The Conversation, un sitio de noticias sin fines de lucro dedicado a compartir ideas de expertos academicos.

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Christo Atanasov Kostov no recibe salario, ni ejerce labores de consultoria, ni posee acciones, ni recibe financiacion de ninguna compania u organizacion que pueda obtener beneficio de este articulo, y ha declarado carecer de vinculos relevantes mas alla del cargo academico citado.
A Japanese man was sentenced in Minsk on March 17 to seven years in prison on charges stemming from "espionage activity," Belarus Prosecutor General's Office said.

Authorities convicted Masatoshi Nakanishi for allegedly taking over 9,000 photos of civilian and military infrastructure. The man was accused of taking photos of military facilities and railway infrastructure. Belarusian authorities also claimed Nakanishi traveled to the Ukrainian border.

Under the regime of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, Minsk has imprisoned hundreds of political prisoners, convicting a number hundreds of people under the guise of anti-state activity. According to the Viasna human rights monitoring group, there are currently 1,213 political prisoners in Belarus.

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Nakanishi has been in custody since July for allegedly spying for a foreign intelligence agency between 2018 and 2024, local authorities said. Nakanishi's arrest was only publicly announced in September, despite his arrest several months prior.

The Japanese Embassy in Belarus was barred from attending the court proceedings, which ended on March 17.

Nakanishi, who lives in the bordering city of Gomel and taught at a local university, was convicted by the Minsk City Court in a closed-door trial that spanned over the course of two months.

"Like other political prisoners, he is being dehumanized by regime propaganda," Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said in a post to X on March 17, calling for Nakanishi's immediate release.

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Japan's Embassy in Belarus also told Japanese media outlet NHK that it was calling for immediate release.

Read also: Critical Ukraine coverage at risk as Trump slashes Radio Free Europe funding

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
BELCHERTOWN, Mass. (WWLP)  The Belchertown School System continues to face a financial crisis with a deficit of just over $2 million.

Belchertown partners with Amherst Area Chamber to boost local business

22News was at a rally held by parents and educators ahead of the towns select board meeting and learned the proposed actions the town could take to help fund the school system.

A Proposition 2 override is now on the table after it was approved by the Belchertown Select Board to remedy the school systems staggering deficit of $2.1 million. But it wasnt without debate, as some select board members raised concerns that the override is just a short-term fix

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Vice Chair of the select board Lesa Lessard Pearson states, If truly necessary, it should be designed to benefit all residents, not just one departmentwe have 14 departments.

The school district is expecting us to send more money their way on the backs of taxpayers without good faith efforts to lower the shortfall, adds select board member Nicole Miner.

Concerns grow that the deficit will result in the elimination of over a dozen positions, cut or increased fees on extracurricular activities, and the closure of a school building. President of the Belchertown Education Association Fran Frederick states, All the things that make Belchertown great are at risk now. We lost 17 positions last yearthis isnt a one-off and it cannot continue the way it is if we are going to produce the quality that we have in Belchertown.

Now, its in the hands of residents to vote on the matter. The override would allow the town to raise property taxes over the states 2.5% Cap and in turn, generate more funding for the school system and possibly other town departments. Parents, educators, and students calling for action to be taken ahead of Monday nights meeting.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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BEAUFORT, N.C. (WNCT)  A New Bern man pled guilty in Carteret County Superior Court to death by distribution Tuesday.

Toby Cox, 45 years old, pled guilty to his involvement in the death of 50 year old Newport resident, Paula Parson. Parson was found unconscious by her daughter on May 10, 2023 and was shortly after pronounced dead by EMS personnel. A small opened bag of powder, methamphetamine and fentanyl, was found next to Parson by the Carteret County Sheriffs Office. Parsons cause of death was methamphetamine and fentanyl toxicity.

A search warrant was obtained for the Ring doorbell camera on Parsons door. Cox was seen on the camera hours before Parsons death, twice. A friend of Parsons confirmed to detectives that Cox sold Parson $400 worth of drugs before her passing.

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Cox was given an active sentence of 72-99 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  A New Bern man pled guilty to several drug charges in the Craven County Superior Court Tuesday.

Charlie Swindell, 40 years old, was suspected of larceny and breaking and entering into a job site at the Gracie Farms Mobile Home Park. Swindell was on probation during that time. Officers arrived at Swindells home to find him asleep in his car with a replica Glock 19 in the passenger seat. Swindell was detained and officers found multiple plastic bags with white powder inside on him. The bags contained heroin, oxycodone and methamphetamine separately.

Investigators with the Craven County Sheriffs Office heard about Swindell selling narcotics and later stopped him after seeing him commit several traffic violations. During the stop, Swindell shoved something into his mouth. He was told to remove it, but Swindell resisted and swallowed three plastic bags that he later admitted contained marijuana and methamphetamine. Officers also seized $224 and two cell phones.

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Swindell was sentenced to 128-166 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Matthew Andrews has lived a life dedicated to travel.

I grew up riding Amtrak and then Ive ridden it recently cross country a number of times, he told News 8 in a Monday interview.

A former Department of Transportation employee from Cincinnati, he settled down in the town of Lewiston in Niagara County with his wife when he retired.

Now a full-time passenger, he and his wife took a trip to New York City and had their returning train booked with Amtrak for Sunday.

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We got to Rochester at about 2:45 p.m., and just as everyone who were embarking for Rochester got off, they said, Oh, by the way, we had the situation up the track. It should just be a few hours, Andrews said.

A few hours  would turn into 11. The only official communication to passengers  three texts, which Andrews said  did not line up with what was happening.

They told us what happened, he said. The storm came through. We didnt experience a storm since we were coming from Syracuse. But some people are concerned that there was such an event that knocked down an electric line onto the tracks, and they told us that, and they said, Well, crews are on board and because I have worked in transportation, right of way issues in my original city  I kind of know how this stuff works. And those guys, they can look at a situation and tell you exactly how long its going to take, and this and that, and give the Amtrak people enough information where they can start to come up with generics, how to get people out of a situation without letting it drag on for 11 hours.

Seated on the train at 7 a.m. Sunday. Arriving in Rochester at 2:45 p.m. Andrews and his wife did not arrive home in Lewiston until 4 a.m. Monday.

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Storms impact Amtrak rides, passengers stuck for 11 hours

Amtrak directed News 8 to CSX for further details on the train Andrews and around 80 other passengers were left on. We are awaiting a response.

Amtrak Northeast did post the following message to X Sunday night, indicating numerous rides were likely impacted due to the storms:

Service Advisory: Due to high winds causing debris on the tracks, Trains operating between Syracuse (SYR) and Niagara Falls (NFL) are experiencing delays. Crews have been dispatched to resolve this issue. We are working to resume travel as quickly as possible.

Ive been on them before, where theyve had two, three-hour issues, where they have to pull over for the freight rail. And I get that. But something like this, if its not in their scenario. boy, it better be. It could have been a cow on the track or hitting a car or something, and youve got to know. Okay, so Whats plan B?'

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Andrews said in situations like this, there needs to be better organization from the company.

Somebody in the middle should be directing what the options are, and knowing that potentially, a two-hour event can become an 11-hour event and maybe even allow the ground crew (to say), Okay, just take all the food and feed everybody. Because they would pass out water and pretzels and that only takes you so far. It doesnt work after 11 hours, when everybodys hungry and starving.

Andrews told News 8 that traveling by train is still the way to go  and he and his wife will ride Amtrak again in the future but acknowledges the companys employee training and response plans need improvement.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2)  The Big Island fire department received four new ambulances, with the new additions to their team being blessed during a ceremony on March 17 in Hilo.

The state-funded vehicles will be assigned to the Hilo, Keauhou, Waikoloa and Ocean View stations, replacing existing vehicles that have reached the end of their lifespan.

Pest removal turns into house fire on Big Island

These new ambulances represent our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality emergency medical care to the people of Hawaii County, said Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. We are grateful for the continued support of the state and our community in strengthening our emergency response capabilities.

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12 things that used to be illegal for women to know about: Hawaii health

The blessing of the vehicles was conducted by County Council Chair Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba. The total cost of the four ambulances total about $1.2 million.

When it comes to emergency services, our island deserves nothing less than the best, said Hawaii Mayor Kimo Alameda. We are excited to welcome these new ambulances to our fleet and are grateful for the state Legislature for securing the necessary funds.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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Tuna is a pretty hassle-free way to get your daily dose of protein and essential nutrients. Whether you're tossing it into a classic tuna salad or going the extra mile by pan-searing it to make your very own tuna burger, it's hard to go wrong with a can of tuna. Or is it?

Skipping canned tuna on your next grocery run might not sound like a life-or-death decision, but in some cases, it just might be. Over the years, tuna has been caught up in massive food recalls, some involving as much as 40 million pounds of product. From contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the deadly bacteria behind botulism, to elevated histamine levels, there are plenty of reasons why a seemingly safe tuna product can be a health disaster waiting to happen.

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Below, we'll dive into some of the biggest tuna recalls in American history, revealing what went wrong and what consuming tuna from a tainted can could have meant for the unsuspecting consumer.

Read more: Chain Steakhouse Crab Cakes Ranked From Worst To Best, According To Customers

Tri-Union Seafoods (2025)

Cans of Genova Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil - Amazon

There's a reason why tuna comes in cans, and no, it's not because it's not good enough to be sold fresh. The real reason is that tuna is rich in naturally occurring bacteria, making it one of the most perishable fish out there. Conventional preservation methods like freezing do not completely halt bacterial growth in fresh tuna and can only buy it about a couple of months before quality declines. Canning, on the other hand, is a pretty safe bet when it comes to tuna, allowing it to last for years on the shelf without refrigeration.

However, mishaps can still occur  something California-based seafood manufacturer and distributor Tri-Union Seafoods learned the hard way in February 2025 when it was forced to issue a massive recall for tuna sold under multiple brands, including Trader Joe's, Van Camp's, Genova, and H-E-B. The reason? A defect in the "easy open" pull-tab lids compromised the seal integrity, creating the perfect conditions for Clostridium botulinum  the dangerous bacteria responsible for botulism. In the low-oxygen environment created by an improperly sealed can, this bacteria can produce a dangerous toxin known as botulinum, which is potent enough to cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and death even when ingested in small quantities. Luckily there was no sickness reported due to the contaminated products.

Northern Fisheries (2019)

Tuna medallions - innakreativ/Shutterstock

When you hear the word histamine, your first thought might be those pesky seasonal allergies that send you rummaging through your medicine cabinet for that long-forgotten pack of allergy medicine. But did you know that histamine can also lurk in a seemingly safe can of tuna? Customers of Rhode Island-based seafood distributor Northern Fisheries learned this the hard way in November 2019 after the company issued a massive recall of Tuna King-brand frozen wild-caught yellowfin tuna medallions after tests revealed elevated histamine levels.

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Now, I know what you're thinking. How exactly does histamine find its way into a batch of tuna medallions? Well, fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, and sardines contain high concentrations of an amino acid called histidine, which, when broken down by bacteria, becomes histamine. Improper handling and storage at temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit increase the likelihood of bacterial buildup and, in turn, histamine accumulation in tuna.

When consumed, histamine can cause an allergy-like illness known as scombroid fish poisoning, which can affect anyone, even those without allergies. The worst part? Histamine isn't destroyed by freezing, canning, or cooking. Once it's in your seafood, the only safe option is to throw out the product. The silver lining is that proper handling and storage can prevent bacteria buildup and, as a result, elevated histamine levels in tuna.

Mical Seafood (2019)

Slices of raw tuna with ice sprinkled on top - Diana Miller/Getty Images

All in all, 2019 was not a great year to buy yellowfin tuna  because most of it, as it turned out, was tainted with histamine. If you managed to dodge Northern Fisheries' recall in November 2019 and thought you were safe with Mical Seafoods, well ... no such luck. Just a month earlier, Mical was also pulling massive amounts of yellowfin tuna from the market for the exact same reason.

For starters, the company voluntarily recalled frozen, wild-caught yellowfin tuna poke cubes, 6-ounce tuna steaks, tuna ground meat, and tuna loins. Days later, the recall was expanded to include Tuna Saku. According to the FDA, all the recalled products had been imported from Vietnam  a detail that may not be entirely coincidental. There were four reported cases of illness due to this recall.

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Scientists have found that elevated histamine is a major concern with seafood imported from tropical and subtropical regions due to improper handling after harvest and storage at high temperatures. What's more, multiple Vietnamese companies, including Golden Shrimp Seafood Joint Stock Company and Duong Ha Processing Trading Seafood Company Limited have received warning letters from the FDA for not adhering to regulations regarding histamine control.

Alfa International Seafood (2019)

Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi sushi slices - PHANURATH/Shutterstock

Yet another company that got wrapped up in the histamine tuna recalls of 2019 is Alfa International. In September 2019, the Florida-based seafood distributor voluntarily recalled an unspecified amount of its refrigerated, wild-caught yellowfin tuna loins due to elevated histamine levels.

There were five illnesses reported as a result of the contaminated products in this recall. Scombroid poisoning is one of the most common seafood-related illnesses in the United States, so it's no surprise that multiple seafood distributors have had to issue recalls for histamine-tainted products. But what are the odds of so many recalls happening within months of each other? Pretty high  if all the companies got their yellowfin tuna from the same supplier. According to the Northwest Florida Daily News, an FDA investigation traced the tainted yellowfin tuna back to a Vietnam-based company, Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD., a major supplier to eight U.S. seafood distributors. These include Northern Fisheries, Mical Seafoods, and Alfa International.

"After further traceback we identified Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD as the common supplier of yellowfin tuna that was likely consumed by most of the ill people," FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas said in a statement.

Jensen Tuna (2019)

Spicy tuna sushi maki rolls - Gado/Getty Images

Seafood has inspired a number of food trends over the years  some enduring, others not really standing the test of time. Remember the squid ink in everything craze? Or when Instagram made it seem like everyone was having ocean bowls for breakfast? But one seafood trend that shows no sign of fading is sushi. It's fairly affordable, convenient, and most of all, packed with essential nutrients and protein. But if you're a seasoned sushi connoisseur, you've probably had an unfortunate encounter with a bad batch.

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That's exactly what happened to customers who dined at restaurants that happened to have purchased their ground tuna from Louisiana-based seafood supplier Jensen Tuna between November 30, 2018, and March 15, 2019. But this wasn't just a case of bad technique; customers were unknowingly eating raw fish tainted with salmonella, the bacteria responsible for some of the worst food-related disease outbreaks in history.

The issue was discovered after an FDA and CDC investigation traced a salmonella outbreak spanning eight states to frozen ground tuna supplied by the company. According to a CDC report on the outbreak, a majority of the 15 people affected reported eating sashimi, sushi, or ceviche made with raw fish prior to experiencing symptoms. As a result, the company was forced to recall an unspecified  but presumably massive  amount of frozen ground tuna sold to wholesalers in multiple states including Washington, New York, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Iowa.

Hilo Fish Company (2017)

A collection of various Hilo Fish Company products - FoodzFolkz/YouTube

Eating raw seafood has become somewhat of a norm in recent years, and while it's certainly convenient and trendy, it's not without its risks. We've all heard warnings about mercury, salmonella, and listeria, but did you know dangerous viruses like hepatitis A can also lurk in your raw seafood? That's exactly what customers of Hawaii-based Hilo Fish Company  a major importer and processor of fresh and frozen seafood  found themselves dealing with in May 2017 after the company issued a massive recall of frozen yellowfin tuna steaks and yellowfin tuna cubes sourced from Vietnam and the Philippines, respectively.

The recall came after Tropic Fish Hawaii, a subsidiary of Hilo Fish, discovered that its shipments of frozen tuna were tainted with hepatitis A. This prompted Hilo Fish to double-check its own inventory  only to find more contaminated lots. Though no illnesses were reported, the CDC urged anyone who may have been exposed to the tainted tuna to get vaccinated for hepatitis A immediately, since it can still offer protection from disease even after exposure.

Tropic Fish Hawaii (2017)

Sliced raw tuna cubes - KOHUKU/Shutterstock

Like every animal product, tuna must undergo thorough testing before distribution to ensure it's safe for consumption. Seafood companies typically have strict protocols to confirm that their shipments have passed all the requisite tests before hitting the market. However, mishaps can still happen  something Honolulu-based seafood distributor Tropic Fish Hawaii knows all too well.

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In May 2017, the company was forced to recall an unspecified amount of frozen raw tuna cubes sourced from Indonesia. The issue? The products had already been distributed before the company received its testing results  results that would later reveal the tuna was contaminated with hepatitis A. "Our normal procedure is to receive the test results prior to distribution, but unfortunately, that did not happen with this particular shipment," Shawn Tanoue, president of Tropic Fish Hawaii told the Pacific Business News at the time. "We have corrected our procedures to ensure this will not happen again. I want to personally apologize to our customers and the public."

Bumble Bee Foods (2016)

Bumble Bee Prime Tonno Yellowfin Tuna In Olive Oil - Amazon

Canning is pretty effective at curbing bacteria build-up and thereby extending the shelf life of seafood like tuna. However, it's not completely foolproof, and bacteria can still accumulate, especially if the tuna is not processed properly before canning. That's exactly what San Diego-based seafood manufacturer and distributor Bumble Bee Foods found itself grappling with in 2016 after a routine inspection revealed that a lot of canned chunk light tuna produced in February 2016 might have been under-processed. The company blamed the problem on equipment malfunction at Chicken of the Sea's Georgia production facility, a third-party supplier for Bumble Bee.

"During a routine inspection, it was discovered there was a malfunction in a machinery part. That part has been replaced, and the proper functionality of the machine verified," Chicken of the Sea vice president of quality and compliance, John DeBeer, said in a statement, per CNN Health.

As a result, the company issued a voluntary recall of a whopping 31,579 cases of the canned chunk light tuna. Although no illnesses were reported as a result of consuming the under-processed tuna, the recall was by no means completely pointless. Consuming under-processed canned tuna can pose a number of health riskd  the biggest of which is severe food poisoning due to contamination with dangerous bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, which thrives in the low-oxygen environment created by canning.

Tri-Union Seafoods (2016)

A can of Chicken of the Sea Solid White premium tuna - Amazon

As it turns out, Bumble Bee Foods' canned chunk light tuna was not the only product affected by the equipment malfunction at Chicken of the Sea's Georgia production facility. Also impacted was Tri-Union Seafoods, the seafood distributor and manufacturer behind the Chicken of the Sea brand. In this case, the company issued a voluntary recall of 107,280 cans of 5-ounce Chicken of the Sea brand canned chunk light tuna in water, also due to potential under-processing caused by equipment malfunction.

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Although the exact nature of the equipment malfunction was not disclosed, the company noted that it resulted in deviations in the sterilization process, compromising the integrity of the final product. "These deviations were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed," the company said in a statement (via CBS News).

Sterilization is pretty much a non-negotiable step when canning seafood, which is highly prone to spoilage. Inadequate sterilization can create perfect conditions for the survival of histamine-forming bacteria and/or harmful bacteria like salmonella and listeria, which can pose serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers. Fortunately, despite these dangers, no illnesses were reported as a result of consuming the compromised products.

Bumble Bee Foods (2013)

Bumble Bee Chunk White Tuna Albacore - Amazon

It turns out that 2016 was not the first time Bumble Bee Foods had found itself in the mire of a massive tuna recall. Just three years prior, the company was pulling a whopping 22,500 cases of its 5-ounce chunk white albacore and chunk light tuna from the shelves  this time due to packaging defects.

The company discovered that lots of chunk white albacore and light tuna packaged at its California plant and distributed to nationwide retailers between January 17 and February 28, 2013, did not meet its standards for seal tightness  which may have compromised the integrity of the canned product.

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"Due to can integrity concerns, our top priority at this time is to remove these recalled products from distribution as soon as possible. We are working closely with our sales team and with retailers to help expedite the recall," Bumble Bee's senior vice president of technical services and corporate quality assurance, Steve Mavity, said in a statement, according to CBS News.

Tri-Union Seafoods (2013)

Tri-Union Seafoods' StarKist Chunk Light Tuna - Amazon

Sealing problems at canneries aren't as rare as you'd hope, and they seemed to be happening quite a lot in March 2013. Yet another company impacted was Tri-Union Seafoods. At the same time Bumble Bee Foods was pulling its chunk white albacore tuna in water from shelves due to loose seals, Tri-Union was also yanking its 5-ounce chunk white albacore tuna from stores for the exact same reason (via USA Today). And that wasn't the end of it. Just days later, on March 8, the company voluntarily recalled an unspecified amount of its Chicken of the Sea brand 5-ounce chunk light tuna in oil  also due to loose seals.

"The health and safety of our consumers is paramount. As soon as we discovered the issue, we took immediate steps to issue this voluntary recall by alerting our customers who received the product and by asking them to remove it from store shelves," Tri-Union Seafoods president, Shue Wing Chan, said in a statement, per ABC News.

Moon Marine USA Corporation (2012)

A pile of raw tuna on top of a black surface - Hanasaki/Shutterstock

There's a reason salmonella is one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the U.S.  it can contaminate practically anything. Fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, seafood, and even eggs  no food group is truly safe from this bacteria. So, it should come as no surprise that tuna has been at the center of multiple salmonella-related recalls over the years. One of the biggest? The 2012 multistate outbreak linked to Moon Marine USA Corporation.

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The California-based seafood distributor was forced to recall 58,828 pounds of frozen raw yellowfin tuna in April 2012 after the product was linked to 425 cases of salmonella spanning 28 states and the District of Columbia. The hardest-hit states were New York (62 cases), New Jersey (39 cases), Maryland (39 cases), Pennsylvania (37 cases), and Massachusetts (36 case), according to the CDC.

Barely a month later, Moon Fishery Pvt. Ltd., the Indian seafood company that had originally supplied the tainted yellowfin tuna to Moon Marine, recalled an unspecified amount of 22-pound boxes of tuna strips, which were also found to be contaminated with salmonella. Fortunately, despite the massive reach of the outbreak, only 55 people were hospitalized, and no fatalities were reported.

Tri-Union Seafoods (2010)

Chicken of the Sea tuna products on store shelves - The Image Party/Shutterstock

Tri-Union Seafoods might be behind one of the most ingenious tuna can labels ever  Chicken of the Sea  but customers familiar with the brand's history know that this ingenuity is no guarantee of product quality. The company has found itself in the mire of recalls on multiple occasions, one of the earliest occurring in 2010, when it was forced to pull 1,105 cases of Chicken of the Sea brand solid white tuna in water from the shelves due to a pretty familiar packaging error: loose seals.

The 12-ounce cans of tuna, which had been distributed between February and May 2010, were already in circulation in multiple states, including New York, California, Oregon, Utah, and Nebraska at the time of the recall. Fortunately, Tri-Union caught the issue in time, and no illnesses were reported as a result of consuming the compromised products. "We have notified all of our customers who have received the product and asked them to remove it from their shelves. Our immediate actions in this recall include re-evaluating our systems to ensure this error does not happen again," Tri-Union Seafoods president, Shue Wing Chan, said in a statement, per Food Safety News.

Bumble Bee Foods (1982)

A can of Bumble Bee's Chunk Light tuna - Amazon

Bumble Bee Foods is renowned for at least two things: being behind Costco's Kirkland Signature Albacore Tuna and, regrettably, having somewhat of a notoriety when it comes to canned tuna recalls. Both 2013 and 2016 saw the company pull massive amounts of canned tuna products from the shelves, but its trouble with quality control dates back much further than the 2010s  way back to 1982. In this instance, the company was forced to recall a staggering 40 million pounds of canned tuna due to yet another packaging defect: holes in the cans.

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The issue was discovered in February 1982 after a customer called the FDA upon finding a hole in a can of Bumble Bee tuna. FDA investigators turned up at the company's Honolulu plant, where they discovered a couple more perforated cans. Initial tests ruled out the presence of toxins, and investigators deemed the damaged cans isolated cases. However, more complaints emerged in the ensuing months  one from New York and two from Seattle  forcing the FDA to issue a Class II recall for the potentially compromised tuna.

Read the original article on Mashed.
German Bild journalist Paul Ronzheimer has reported that he interviewed former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who criticised current President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming that his team is leading the country towards dictatorship and violating the rule of law.

Source: Ronzheimer on X (Twitter)

Quote: "[Poroshenko] accuses Zelenskyy's team of 'moving the country to a dictatorship', while the rule of law 'is brutally violated'."

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Details: The journalist reported that Poroshenko also called for a radical change in Ukraines military strategy, insisting that Kyiv should abandon offensive operations and switch to defence.

Ronzheimer has promised to publish the full interview soon.

Background:

On 13 February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved a decision made by Ukraines National Security and Defence Council on 12 February to impose sanctions on several businessmen, including Petro Poroshenko, the fifth president of Ukraine and a European Solidarity party MP.

Poroshenko called the sanctions against him a "colossal blow to internal unity".

In protest against the sanctions, the European Solidarity party blocked the Ukrainian Parliaments work in the session hall.

The European Solidarity party stated that the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigations conducted searches at the homes of Yurii Fedorov, the former head of Poroshenkos security service, and his former deputy on 12 March.

Read more: Sanctions, Zelenskyy, and the prospect of a jail term: an interview with Petro Poroshenko

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RAMALLAH, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian presidency on Tuesday condemned Israel's resumption of attacks on the Gaza Strip, calling on the international community and the U.S. administration to halt it.

In a statement published by the official news agency WAFA, Palestinian Presidency Spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh said Israel's killings demonstrate its attempt to undermine all efforts made by the international community to maintain calm and achieve security and stability in the region.

The statement reiterated the call for the international community to compel Israel to halt its "aggression" against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Israel carried out deadly bombardments across Gaza early Tuesday, killing more than 400 people, and vowed to intensify the assault if Hamas did not release the remaining hostages held in the enclave. 
The main stairway to the third floor of the Montana Capitol building is seen on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. (Nathaniel Bailey for the Daily Montanan)

Rep. Ed Stafman, D-Bozeman, said he doesnt think the governor should get to withhold public records just to gain a tactical advantage over the Montana Legislature.

Monday, the Senate Judiciary committee heard House Bill 271, by Stafman, to limit the ability of the Governors Office to keep documents out of public view.

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Stafman said the bill would restore transparency and open government in the executive branch to what it has consistently been for at least 50 years.

In a lawsuit still playing out in the court system, a member of the public tried to see agency bill monitoring forms the governor was using to gather feedback about legislation and its sponsors in 2021.

The Gianforte administration argued executive privilege protected those forms from public view in part because the governor needs candid feedback, and openness would diminish that candor.

In January, the Montana Supreme Court found Gov. Greg Gianforte may have legitimate reasons to withhold the information, but he cant refuse to turn over documents without having a court review them to find out.

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The court also said the governor doesnt get to keep them secret just because hes the governor.

But Stafman said Montana hasnt previously recognized executive privilege, the Supreme Court crafted a narrow decision based on common law, and the Legislature has the authority to overturn common law through statute.

He also said the court decision effectively reduced the timely right to know.

And Stafman said his bill intends to fix those problems. He said it would be consistent with the right to know protected in the Montana Constitution, and it fixes a practical problem of ensuring people can in fact see documents without being forced to go to court.

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Stafman said his bill aims to ensure documents from the Governors Office related to the Legislature, politics and policy remain public, and it would keep personal and private information confidential.

Last month, the bill passed the House 56-44, and Stafman told the Senate Judiciary committee he couldnt recall any member of the public who testified against it earlier.

At the hearing Monday, Stafman agreed some information in state government is protected, such as medical records, income taxes records, and more (he had a long list of those items available).

However, Stafman also said he would not be opposed to seeing the committee amend the bill to establish even more openness in the other two branches of government, the legislature and the judiciary.

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Generally, he said he would like the Legislature to send a message that the goal isnt about the governor personally, its about sunshine in government.

This isnt about you. This is about open records, Stafman said.

No one spoke against the bill, and Derf Johnson, with the Montana Environmental Information Center, the only proponent Monday, said such legislation would help him assist the public.

The MEIC receives calls from people worried about, say, a potential gravel pit next door or other activity that might affect property rights and property values, Johnson said.

Johnson said transparency is good for the public, its good for holding government accountable, and its part of the Montana Constitutions protection of the right to know.

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The bill would set boundaries that ensure the governor is subject to public record requests under the right to know, Johnson said, as he should be.

He makes important decisions that really impact peoples lives on a day to day basis, Johnson said.

Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, said the governor had endorsed several candidates in a primary, and she wanted to know if more information about endorsements might be available if the bill were in place  or if it would be protected.

We were interested in finding out how deep that went, Manzella said.

Stafman said it was a good question, and given the matter was political, he believed it would be public.

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Without this bill, he might very well say its private. In fact, he almost surely will, Stafman said.

In response to a question from Sen. Barry Usher, R-Billings, Stafman said the Governors Office had not weighed in on his bill.

As part of his presentation, Stafman provided the committee a letter from Evan Barrett, who worked for previous governors, was involved when he was not on staff, and talked with legal counsel for other former governors.

The letter said Barrett personally did not recollect executive privilege being asserted, and his research did not turn up any such claims either going back decades.

The committee did not take immediate action on the bill Monday.
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  So-called magic mushrooms could soon be used to treat patients with certain medical conditions in New Mexico. Bipartisan bill SB 219 which would legalize psilocybin has been moving quickly through the legislative session.

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The bill is meant to help people suffering from conditions like PTSD and severe depression. Although the idea is controversial, on Monday it received a lot of support. This is another option, thats all this is. Its another option but New Mexicans deserve to have this option, said Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces).

Giving New Mexicans more ways to improve their health when other traditional medical treatments havent worked, is what Sen. Steinborn said his bill to legalize psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, is meant to do.

We have New Mexicans who are suffering with various conditions that are really kind of end runs in some cases, major drug-resistant depression where the pharmaceutical world isnt giving them any relief or they have major major side effects, they need another option, said Sen. Steinborn.

Modeled after programs in Oregon and Colorado, the bipartisan bill would allow the drug to be administered to a patient suffering from conditions including PTSD, severe depression, end-of-life anxiety, and addictions. Patients would be supervised and would only need the treatment once or twice.

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Lawmakers emphasized this would be for use in medical settings only and would not create psilocybin dispensaries. Supporters spoke during the bills last committee hearing on Monday.

By creating a structured regulated program for psilocybin treatment, this bill ensures that patients in New Mexico can safely and legally access the miraculous benefits under medical supervision, said Denali Wilson, supporter of the bill.

My psychiatrist had me try psilocybin-assisted therapy, my depression is now completely cured and my life has been saved so I ask you to please support this bill, said a supporter named Molly who underwent psilocybin treatment.

Some committee members expressed concerns about potential negative side effects but sponsors say the risks are low. Its a medicine of the mind in a way that has physical manifestations and sure it can be intense and a very very small amount of people could need extra deescalation or whatever from the experience, but by and large the outcome is very safe, said Sen. Steinborn.

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The bill passed 8-1 in committee. It now heads to the House floor. If it passes there, it will head to the governors desk. There are only five days left of the legislative session.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  A bill strengthening protections for kids in New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department care is heading to the governors desk. On Monday, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 5 which would create an Office of Child Advocacy within the New Mexico Department of Justice to oversee CYFD.

Bill could make magic mushrooms a legal treatment option in New Mexico

Last week, the Senate passed the bill and now it heads to Governor Michelle Lujan Grishams desk for final action.

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(WTAJ)  Legislation that would reduce the redundancy in the required testing for school bus drivers, by eliminating one test altogether is headed to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration.

House Bill 240, which passed unanimously in the House, would eliminate multiple hearing aid tests for school bus drivers. Under current regulations, a school bus driver with a hearing aid must pass two types of hearing tests.

The first test is a standard hearing test while wearing a hearing aid. The second requires that the hearing aid itself undergo an electroacoustic analysis test to ensure that the hearing aid is functioning according to the manufacturers standards. The bill eliminates the need for the second test.

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There is simply no need to take this additional test as the drivers hearing aid obviously works if he or she passes the original exam, state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) said. In addition, hearing aid technology continues to evolve, and not all audiologists have the necessary equipment to perform the second test.

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If you have a question about this or any state government issue you can direct them to Benninghoffs Bellefonte district office at 814-355-1300 or his Reedsville district office at 717-667-1175.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
The smokestack of incinerator in south Baltimore that converts trash into energy. (Photo by Joe Ryan/Capital News Service)

A bill that would end Marylands practice of allocating renewable energy subsidies to trash incinerators is stalled in committee but not dead yet, despite missing the crossover deadline that would be the death of most bills.

Supporters say theres a plan in the works to salvage the incinerator bill, which picked up a powerful backer in Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City), by integrating it into the larger Next Generation Energy Act. That bill, sponsored by House and Senate leadership, was always expected to move after crossover, a spokesman for Ferguson said Monday.

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It was always planned to be after crossover, just like the budget, said David Schuhlein, the spokesman. Energy was top priority  like the budget  so of course you expect it to be a little bit more effort.

The bill, called the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act, has had hearings in both Senate and House committees, but it has yet to receive a vote in either. House Economic Matters Committee Chair C.T. Wilson (D-Charles) said the two chambers are still in negotiations, but agreed that if the incineration bill passes this year, it will likely be via the larger energy package.

If its in, it will be in the leadership bill, Wilson said Monday.

Environmental advocacy groups have pushed similar bills for years without success, aiming to cut millions in incentive payments for incinerators that generate energy by burning waste.

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In 2021, legislators did remove another energy source from the renewable subsidy list: black liquor, a byproduct of the paper-making process.

With the OK from Ferguson, whose district includes an incinerator, anti-incineration groups thought victory was near. Now, they arent so sure, said Neka Duckett-Randolph, of Out for Justice, a Baltimore-based nonprofit.

The group was frustrated to learn that the incineration bill was likely to be integrated into a bill they find problematic, Duckett-Randolph said. They fear that the Next Generation Energy Act, which aims to expedite new energy generation in the state and eventually lower energy costs for Marylanders, will grease the wheels for polluting power plants to be placed in disadvantaged communities.

This clean incinerator bill is being lumped into this polluter package, Duckett-Randolph said.

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Recently, Progressive Maryland debuted a music video pushing for the incineration bills passage as is. Our legislators wont vote on the bill, read a caption for the video. So we made a song. To go along with their dance around this critical legislation.

Burning trash has got to go, the song continued, to the tune of Chapell Roans Hot to go!

In 2023, 14% of the renewable energy credits in Tier 1 of the states system went to trash incinerators. Tier 1 also includes wind and solar energy.

About two-thirds of those credits went to the two incinerators in Maryland, and one third went to Virginia. One of Marylands incinerators is the privately owned WIN Waste facility in Baltimore City, while the other is owned by Montgomery County.

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Environmental advocates have argued that eliminating subsidies for incineration would make way for greater payments to wind and solar projects.

In 2024, the Montgomery County received about $12 million from the sale of renewable energy credits, according to the bills fiscal note. The countys incinerator likely accounts for the majority of that tally.

Mary Randall, of Baltimores Westport neighborhood, said she has lived close to the citys trash incinerator for more than 60 years. She traveled to Annapolis on Monday to push for the bills passage.

Randall said she fears that pollutants emitted by the incinerators smokestack along Interstate 95 have contributed to an increased risk of cancer in her community.

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My two best girlfriends died from cancer, Randall said. I was able to take [one of them] for treatments. And one day we went down, and it was five people from the neighborhood getting chemo.

In recent years, the WIN Waste facility has advertised millions of dollars in upgrades meant to tamp down air pollution. The facility has been vocally opposed to ending the subsidy in the past, arguing that the credits support a Maryland business and dozens of Maryland jobs.

WIN Waste officials have also argued that burning waste could be better for the climate than transporting it longer distances to a landfill.

Waste to energy (WTE), like nuclear, utilizes resources that are plentiful, creating a renewable baseload energy source as demand for reliable energy increases, WIN Waste spokesperson Mary Urban wrote in a previous statement to Maryland Matters.
Foundations are no replacement for government funding, some philanthropists are arguing. Bill Gates has reportedly warned the Trump administration that the Gates Foundation will be unable to fill the gaps left by the dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which distributed $43.8 billion in aid in fiscal 2023.

Bill Gates has reportedly warned President Donald Trumps administration that his philanthropic endeavors are no replacement for the U.S. governments funding of global health care efforts.

The Microsoft cofounder turned billionaire philanthropist is petitioning the Trump administration to continue funding worldwide health programs, Reuters reported, citing two anonymous sources. Gates has met with legislators and the National Security Council about his concerns.

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The Trump administration effectively dissolved the U.S. Agency for International Development, the body responsible for mass public health campaigns, including carrying out mass measles vaccination efforts. Last month, the administration dissolved 90% of the agencys foreign aid contracts and put the majority of its workers on leave, firing 1,600 others. USAID distributed $43.8 billion in aid in fiscal 2023, according to Pew Research.

President Trump will support polices [sic] that bolster our public health, cut programs that do not align with the agenda that the American people gave him a mandate in November to implement, and keep programs that put America First, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told Fortune in a statement.

Public health experts fear the White Houses USAID scrapping could have devastating global consequences, such as a rise in global malaria cases and deaths and the spread of HIV and tuberculosis (TB).

Without immediate action, hard-won progress in the fight against TB is at risk, Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, director of the WHOs Global Programme on TB and Lung Health, said in a statement earlier this month.

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The Gates Foundation, founded by Bill Gates and ex-wife Melinda French Gates in 2000, has a nearly $9 billion budget for 2025 and has funded malaria vaccine testing and the Gavi Alliances childhood immunization efforts.

The foundation did not respond to Fortunes request for comment but told Reuters in a statement, Bill was recently in Washington, D.C., meeting with decision makers to discuss the lifesaving impact of U.S. international assistance and the need for a strategic plan to protect the worlds most vulnerable while safeguarding Americas health and security.

Foundations refuse to step in

Trumps mission to curb global foreign aid would increase pressure on private organizations to pick up the slack, something philanthropic groups seem unwilling to do. Gates met with Trump at the White House in early February, calling on the administration to continue funding USAID. The Gates Foundation has made it clear that no private philanthropic effort would be able to replace government-funded foreign aid.

There is no foundationor group of foundationsthat can provide the funding, workforce capacity, expertise, or leadership that the United States has historically provided to combat and control deadly diseases and address hunger and poverty around the world, Rob Nabors, the North America director for the Gates Foundation, told media outlets earlier this month.

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The Novo Nordisk Foundation, one of the wealthiest charities in the world, likewise shied away from committing additional funding to foreign aid and will continue to focus on addressing non-communicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Of course, more people are contacting usWe dont have plans of stepping in, of filling gaps, Flemming Konradsen, the Novo Nordisk Foundations scientific director of global health, said in a February interview with Reuters.

These foundations are turning away from taking on the government's role in global health care aid because they arent designed to do so, according to Jesse Lecy, associate professor of data science and nonprofit studies at Arizona State University.

The capital needed to sustain an initiative dwarfs the levels of capital needed for pilot programs that can establish the efficacy of new approaches, he told Fortune in an email. Scaling viable solutions requires partnerships.

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Philanthropic efforts are most effective when they invest in early research or pilot initiatives that are more risky, but less expensive. Then, nonprofits can build out and sustain successful projects in the long term, Lecy argued. Scaling nonprofits projects is something far more expensive than what foundations have resources for.

What people misunderstand about foundations is that they are the venture capital arm of philanthropy, not the long-term capital that sustains programming, he said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Billionaire Bill Gates is reportedly appealing to the White House to keep funding global health programs  and warning that his own foundation is unable to fill in gaps.

The Microsoft co-founder recently met with the National Security Council and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Bill was recently in Washington, D.C., meeting with decision-makers to discuss the life-saving impact of U.S. international assistance and the need for a strategic plan to protect the worlds most vulnerable while safeguarding Americas health and security, a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation, told the news agency.

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Gates allegedly told officials that his foundation cannot replace the role of federal assistance, and Gates Foundation directors have also said publicly that no foundation has that ability. The nonprofits budget last year totaled $8.6 billion - a fraction of what Trump and his team have cut in foreign aid.

The Independents requests for comment from the foundation were not immediately returned.

Billionaire Bill Gates is reportedly appealing to the White House to keep funding life-saving global health programs (Getty Images for Netflix)

The move comes after President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency moved to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development.

On Tuesday, a federal judge ruled that attempts to shut the agency down have likely violated the Constitution in multiple ways and temporarily blocked the Elon Musk-led department from accessing any agency systems and doing any work related to shutting down the agency. It remains unclear when the Trump administration will restore USAID.

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Previous cuts resulted in life-saving health and humanitarian services for millions collapsing, including $54 billion in foreign aid contracts.

The U.S. funded 70 percent of the global response for HIV/AIDS, according to a Vox analysis. A recent report in The New York Times found that the loss of the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief had killed a 10-year-old boy in South Sudan. Without American foreign aid for HIV prevention and treatment 1.65 million people could die within a year, it said. The World Health Organization said Monday that the supply of HIV treatments has been substantially disrupted in eight countries since the U.S. paused foreign aid.

Projects under the AIDS relief plan are on a review shortlist for the administration, led by Marco Rubios State Department, a source told Reuters, with 30 projects under consideration.

Last week, Johns Hopkins University said that its nonprofit global health affiliate Jhpiego, which works to prevent and contain the spread of HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and other deadly diseases, had been affected and that the university had been forced to wind down much of its grant-related activities.

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The Gates Foundation, which was established in 2000, has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to malaria research, and HIV and sickle cell treatment.

To date, we have committed more than $3 billion in HIV grants to organizations around the world and nearly $3 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the foundations website noted.

Gates reportedly pushed for the support of the World Health Organization during a recent meeting with officials. The director of the United Nations agency said the U.S. has a responsibility to withdraw in a humane way (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

In his discussion, a source reportedly said Gates focused on organizations aligned with foundation priorities that are on the shortlist, as well as pushing for the support of the United Nations World Health Organization. Trump signed an executive order beginning Americas withdrawal from the agency on the first day of his second term. The agencys director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has also called on the administration to reconsider its withdrawal of funding for international aid programs.

The U.S. administration has been extremely generous over many years. And of course its within its rights to decide what it supports and to what extent, Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a news conference in Geneva. But the U.S. also has a responsibility to ensure that if it withdraws direct funding for countries, its done in an orderly and humane way that allows them to find alternative sources of funding.

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Experts say that this withdrawal will have long-term impacts.

The irony is that we cannot know the actual impact of the retraction of aid because the executive orders have also eliminated data collection systems like the famine early warning system, so were unable to actually calculate the effect of the retraction of humanitarian aid, Michael VanRooyen, director of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, said in a statement.

With reporting from The Associated Press
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Whether its struggling to find a doctor or having to wait months to see one, lawmakers are considering a handful of bills aiming to ease the healthcare professional shortage in New Mexico.

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We have lost 8.5% percent of our doctors in the last four years and as a result, it is common and not unusual for people when they need to see a doctor, to be told they need to wait six months, said Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque).

After a high-profile bill aiming to lower insurance caps to bring more doctors to New Mexico failed to move forward in the Roundhouse, another bill aimed at addressing the states doctor shortage is in the spotlight on Monday. Following its unanimous passage in the house, on Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee discussed House Bill 243.

If passed, New Mexico would join an interstate compact, making it easier for doctors licensed in other states to get licensed in New Mexico to treat patients here, even via telehealth. One committee member shared the story of how it would help her friend who has a son with a rare form of cancer.

The only way that he could contact a doctor, well lets be honest, it was part of a compact or he has to drive to Texas, said Sen. Micaelita Debbie OMalley (D-Albuquerque). Thats very difficult on his family. Its costly and its stressful. So, I would hope that theres something we could do.

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43 states and the District of Columbia are part of this compact. The committee had a long list of amendments, most of which seemed okay to the compact representative except for at least two. One of those is the committees wish to amend the provision in the bill saying the compact commission would develop rules. This is the language that says any rule we make as a compact has the force of law in your state, said Sen. Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque), who brought many of the requested amendments forward.

The other requested amendment the compact commission representative said might be an issue was the line in the bill that grants employees of the interstate commission immunity from lawsuits.

The purpose of that is to make sure that those state employees or medicine within the State of New Mexico or any other of the member states who are acting in good faith, will have qualified immunity from lawsuits unless they are violating the good faith requirement or acting in a malicious or intentional way to hurt someone, said Rick Masters, general counsel for the interstate licensing compact commission. To eliminate immunity for anybody who is working as an agent or employee for the state of New Mexico would be, first of all, exposing those people but Im thinking that would also be the case with the rest of the commission if some licensee decides to file some lawsuit because they claim their license wasnt properly handled.

The committee ran out of time and rolled the bill, meaning the possible amendments will be discussed further before any action. The Senate also has its own version of this bill, SB 46, which is still making its way through the Roundhouse.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio residents would be required to upload photo ID or other age-verifying documentation to access adult websites if a recently introduced bill becomes law.

Under House Bill 84, dubbed The Innocence Act, pornography websites and any website that hosts content that is obscene or harmful to juveniles would have to verify its visitors are at least 18 years old. The legislation is sponsored by Reps. Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.).

Fight over DEI in schools rages at Ohio Statehouse

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In Ohio, businesses that primarily sell or rent adult content are legally required to verify the age of their customers, Demetriou said at the bills first hearing in February. The Innocence Act brings this commonsense safeguard into the 21st century.

Under the bill, Ohio users of adult websites would have to prove their age through a copy of a government-issued photo ID or another personal document, such as proof of a mortgage or employment. Companies would be required to immediately delete such documents after the age verification is complete unless the user has a subscription or account.

The bill would create a first-degree misdemeanor penalty for each day an adult website fails to verify Ohio users ages. A first-degree misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine per conviction.

The legislation would also establish the right for parents to file a civil lawsuit if a minor is given access to pornographic materials online. In the scenario where a minor in the state falsifies their way past the age verification, the website owner would be protected under the law, as long as they made a genuine attempt to verify the users age. Children who attempt to access porn would not face penalties under the bill.

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If the bill were to pass, adult websites would be responsible for using a system to monitor the location of its visitors to ensure Ohioans ages are verified.

Whitehall considering laws to protect transgender and immigrant residents

Demetriou cited multiple studies in support of the bill, including a 2010 study in the scientific journal Aggressive Behavior, which found exposure to violent X-rated content led to an increase in self-reported sexually aggressive behavior. He also noted other findings, including studies that linked porn to heightened feelings of social isolation and sexist attitudes toward women.

As young children gain more and more access to digital content like this, states like Ohio must act to protect them from harmful materials, as we have with physical media, Williams said. By passing HB 84, Ohio would join Texas, Utah, and Kansas in enacting legislation to protect minors from pornographic materials online.

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The bill would additionally increase penalties for revenge porn  or releasing sexual content of someone without their consent  as well as deepfake porn, which uses existing photos of someone to create sexual materials using artificial intelligence.

Under the legislation, creating deepfake porn would be classified as a fourth-degree felony for a first offense. For repeat offenders or offenses involving minors, the charge would be upgraded to a third-degree felony. Revenge porn would be classified as a fifth-degree felony, which would be upgraded to a fourth-degree felony for a repeat or child-oriented offense.

These crimes are currently classified as misdemeanors under the law, which Demetriou said is far too lenient given the serious harm they inflict.

Large Hilliard development closes in on completion

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In the previous General Assembly, Demetriou introduced similar legislation under the same name. The bill received support from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, the Womens Liberation Front, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association and Center for Christian Virtue.

The only opponent testimony came from Gary Daniels with the American Civil Liberties Union. Daniels only spoke out against the age-verification portion of the legislation, saying over history such laws have been weaponized against movies, magazines, video games, sex education and more.

There is something to be said about parental control and not involving government, law enforcement, courts, and incarceration, Daniels said. Software that filters and/or blocks online content is widely available and inexpensive, much of it free. This allows parents to limit or block access for their own children without requiring the same be done for all minors and without burdening adults.

The previous bill received four hearings but ultimately did not pass by the end of the legislative session.

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Currently, 19 states have passed laws requiring age verification to access online pornography, according to The Age Verification Providers Association. Some adult websites have gone dark in these states, including PornHub, which has blocked access to users in regions that require age verification.

HB 84 was assigned to the Technology and Innovation Committee, where its second hearing will occur on Tuesday. The bill has 25 Republican and three Democrat cosponsors.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Community health centers in Illinois are asking state lawmakers to protect a program that heavily discounts prescription drugs.

The 340B program allows centers across the nation to buy drugs at a discounted rate from manufacturers. The centers then use profits from patients insurance to fund services like free colonoscopies and mobile clinics.

DOJ gets involved in lawsuit over new Illinois law

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Heather Burton, the president and CEO of Central Counties Health Centers said that amounts to nearly $1 million of their annual operating budget, which helps them fund different programs to serve their community.

For example, for our patients when theyre not able to get here, well, were able to give them free bus tokens so they can get here, Burton said. Lots of little programs like that.

Burton said pharmaceutical companies have tried to restrict the program, by limiting the number of pharmacies a community health center can partner, or in some cases removing a drug from the program.

It seems like every week were getting emails from some pharmaceutical company or another telling us that theyre no longer providing this drug or that drug, she said. And so lots of the life saving medications that our patients rely on are no longer available.

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A bill in the Illinois statehouse would prevent pharmaceutical companies from cutting back on which drugs are covered, and limiting the number of pharmacies they can partner with. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) and Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin).

Impacts of USDA cuts, tariff flip flops take center stage at Illinois Capitol

Patients need to know they can get the prescription care they depend on, and our health centers need the support from 340B participation to serve our communities best, said Ollie Idowu, the President and CEO of Illinois Primary Health Care Association. The Illinois Patient Access to 340B Pharmacy Protection Act is a critical step forward for patient care in underserved communities across our state.

It also lets uninsured people get their prescriptions for much less money. Burton said when some drugs are no longer a part of 340B, patients with multiple chronic conditions need to choose which one of their prescriptions they can fill. She knows of one patient who had serious consequences because he couldnt afford his prescription.

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That patient, some of his medications were no longer offered through 340B, so the patient had to decide which medication he was going to purchase, Burton said. He picked and ended up in the hospital a couple of weeks later with heart issues because he wasnt able to get the all of the medications that he needed.

Proposal in the State Capitol would legalize online gambling

Other states have laws protecting 340B pharmacies including Maryland, Kansas, and Louisiana.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, which represents biopharmaceutical research companies, has been critical of the federal program, saying in November 2024 illegal abuse of 340B raises costs for patients, employers and taxpayers.

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WASHINGTON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Monday rejected a French politician's demand for the return of the Statue of Liberty to France.

"Absolutely not," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a televised press briefing, in response to the demand by French member of the European Parliament Raphael Glucksmann.

"My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it's only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now," Leavitt said, seemingly referencing the American-French alliance during World War II against Nazi Germany.

Glucksmann on Sunday said he does not think that the United States represents the values of the Statue of Liberty anymore and called for its return to France.

The statue was officially unveiled on Oct. 28, 1886, in New York, gifted to America as "a symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope," according to the monument's official website.

The statue, situated at the New York Harbor, was later seen as a symbol of welcome by immigrants arriving by sea. Today, it is a top tourist site in New York City. 
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Police would be required to complete four hours of training in how to interact with people with autism and other developmental disabilities if a bill introduced Monday in Carson City becomes law.

A study of 8-year-olds conducted in 2020 found that one in every 36 are affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which impairs their social interactions. The prevalence of ASD has increased dramatically, going from 1:150 in 2000 to 1:44 in 2018, and 1:36 in the 2020 study, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ASD is nearly four times as common in boys compared to levels found in girls.

Senate Bill 380 (SB380) is an effort to make interactions between police and people with ASD less likely to result in harm. When a person with ASD has a weapon, the situation can be deadly.

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The bill requires continuing education for peace officers on interactions and how to recognize and respond to persons with developmental disabilities, including ASD.

Democratic State Sen. James Ohrenschall sponsored the bill.

Another bill introduced Monday would require health insurance companies to cover opioid alternative drugs, commonly used in helping people break addictions to opioids.

SB377, sponsored by Republican State Sen. John Steinbeck, would also empower the Nevada Commissioner of Insurance to suspend or revoke the certification of any health maintenance organization that failed to comply.

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Steinbeck, fire chief for the Clark County Fire Department since 2020, introduced another bill Monday that calls for tougher penalties on crimes committed in Nevada resort hotel. Find details on that bill (SB371) here: Proposal raises penalties for crimes at Las Vegas Strip, Nevada resorts

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
An ex-con member of the Billy Bad Ass gang was busted in the random assault of a 70-year-old straphanger aboard a Manhattan train Sunday, police said.

The elderly victim was riding a southbound A train through the 145th Street station in Harlem around 11:30 p.m. when two men  including the 27-year-old criminal on parole  stormed up to him, cops said.

One of the men  both strangers to the victim  punched him in the face for no reason, cops and law-enforcement sources said.

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A quick-thinking straphanger pointed out one of the two suspects to responding cops, who took him into custody at the scene, sources said.

A gangbanger on parole was busted in connection with the random punch attack of an elderly man on board a train passing through Harlem on Sunday, cops and sources said. Christopher Sadowski

It was not immediately clear whether he was the alleged puncher or the accomplice. The second suspect got away.

The man in cuffs  who was arrested but not officially charged by Monday afternoon  is a known gang member with 14 prior arrests, including two for gun-related offenses, sources said.

His Billy Bad Ass gang is a subset of the Bloods-affiliated Nine Trey Gangsters group, according to a WSOC-TV probe.

The city suspect is on parole for a criminal possession of a weapon in Queens, with his supervision set to expire in 2027, state corrections records show.

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He is also wanted in connection to two Queens shootings, both from 2016, according to the sources.

The victim in the subway attack was treated on scene for cuts on his nose, eye and forehead, sources said.

A total of 119 felony assaults have been reported in the citys subway system so far this year, slightly down from the 124 tallied during the same period in 2024, according to the latest NYPD data.

However, misdemeanor assaults have risen to 332 from the 312 for the same time periods, stats show.
BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH)  Binghamtons city hall was teeming with green, orange and white this morning, to celebrate Saint Patricks Day.

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham joined members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians to raise the Irish flag.

Kraham talked about his own Irish heritage, saying his ancestors immigrated to America in 1859 and once worked as the fire chief in Cooperstown.

After raising the flag, everyone in attendance sang the Irish national anthem, A Soldiers Song.

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Kraham says theres never been as small a country thats made as big of an impact as Ireland.

The sons and daughters of Erin came to our shores seeking a better life. These courageous immigrants built families here, they build strong communities and they helped forge Binghamtons future and our nations future, says Kraham.

The AOH is hosting its annual Saint Pattys Day celebration tonight at 148 Main Street in Binghamton until 9 p.m.

Featuring live music by the Shambles.

Kraham also encourages people to go out tonight, and responsibly support their local Irish pubs.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Daniel Payne Legacy Foundation announced its newest initiative to provide free meals for low-income families.

The initiative is called Daniels Meal Subscription Service and will provide weekly meals for families with low to moderate income who live in the District 9 footprint of Birmingham for 12 months. The initiative starts April 5 at noon.

Voting rights groups, DOJ drop lawsuit against Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen over voter roll purge

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The program will provide 32 to 36 meals to each household. The first 100 families will be selected via a raffling system. Community members can sign up for the program for $125 a month. Applications will be available on the foundations website.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Kansas weather is showing just how finicky it can be this week as different parts of the state are impacted by both extreme fire danger and snow warnings.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple different warnings this week for parts of northeast Kansas as the first day of spring approaches. Meteorologists are warning locals in some areas to be aware of the danger posed by high winds which may kick off wildfires while at the same time advising others to brace for dangerous winter weather.

Counties Cloud Republic Washington

Cities/towns Washington Linn Greenleaf Clifton Concordia Belleville Hanover

Active from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19.

What to expect: snow accumulations between two and four inches, slipper road conditions, reduced visibility and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

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Woman trapped inside wrecked vehicle on I-70 for hours: KHP

Counties Republic Washington Marshall Nemaha Brown Cloud Clay Riley Pottawatomie Jackson Ottawa Dickinson Geary Morris Wabaunsee

Cities/towns Hanover Abilene Hiawatha McFarland Council Grove Marysville Junction City Clay Center Belleville Concordia Paxico Blue Rapids Alta Vista Greenleaf Linn Manhattan Eskridge Maple Hill Minneapolis Alma Seneca Clifton Horton St. Marys Herington Frankfort Harveyville Sabetha Holton Bennington Wamego Washington

Active from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19.

What to expect: northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph that may blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected and travel may be difficult for high profile vehicles.

KHP hit driver with $500 fine for 119 mph speeding violation on the Kansas Turnpike

Counties Republic Washington Marshall Nemaha Brown Cloud Clay Riley Pottawatomie Jackson Jefferson Ottawa Dickinson Geary Morris Wabaunsee Shawnee Douglas Lyon Osage Franklin Coffey Anderson

Active from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.

What to expect: Southwest winds from 15 to 25 mph with wind gusts up to 40 mph. High risk of fires spreading.

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To check out the latest weather forecast for northeast Kansas, click here. To look up current alerts for the area, click here.

8 people dead in massive western Kansas I-70 crash involving more than 50 vehicles

For more weather news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
DENVER (KDVR)  Thornton police said that officers recovered an adults body on Sunday night in the same area as a brush fire.

The fire was reported in the 8200 block of North Valley Highway, or Interstate 25. On Sunday, the Thornton Police Department said it was conducting an outdoor death investigation in the area.

Evacuations lifted, wildfire north of Dry Creek Reservoir 100% contained

Investigators were working to learn the circumstances that led to the persons death and said additional updates would be provided if the circumstances were found to be criminal. The agency did not provide any information on how old the person could be or other identifying information.

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On Monday, the agency told FOX31 that the body found Sunday and the recent double homicide and arson investigation wherein two people were found dead from gunshots in their burning home are not believed to be connected.

At this time, it is unclear whether this was an accident, arson-related, or the result of foul play, the agency told FOX31.

On Tuesday, the agency provided a second update. The department said that the Adams County Coroners Office recently indicated that this is a probable accidental death, pending toxicology and further testing. The man has not been identified by officials.

At this time, there is no indication of foul play or any known threats to public safety. The investigation is ongoing, and we will share any significant updates as they become available, Thornton police said.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact the Thornton Police Department at 720-977-5069.

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The University of Vermont Board of Trustees announced Thursday that the president of Boise State University will become UVMs new president this summer.

Marlene Tromp is a humanities scholar with three decades of experience in teaching, research and higher-ed administration. She has been Boise States president since 2019.

The announcement comes after Tromp met with students, faculty and staff during a two-day visit this week. She was the sole finalist for the UVM position, and her appointment caps a six-month national search to replace Suresh Garimella, who resigned last August to become president of the University of Arizona.

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Two dead in early-morning fire in AuSable

I came to Vermont with a clear feeling for UVMs strength in research, its focus on student success, and the fulfillment of its land grant mission to Vermont and the nation, Tromp said. This is a university that has the power to truly lead the nation and even the world on several fronts, and Im so excited to work with my colleagues, the students, alumni, and friends to improve individual lives and the life of the community.

According to UVM, Tromp led the university to historic advances in graduation rate, research awards, and philanthropy. Her background includes serving as provost and executive vice chancellor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and as a dean and vice provost at Arizona State University.

An English professor and widely published scholar of Victorian literature and culture, Trompe began her career in academic leadership at Denison University, UVM said.

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Sugarbush Pride Weekend kicks off tomorrow

Boise State has seen a 39% increase in its graduation rate since Trompe became president; a 71% increase in research awards; and the highest enrollment in university history.

UVM said its Presidential Search Advisory Committee fielded more than 100 expressions of interest for the top job. The committee conducted individual interviews with 10 candidates for individual interviews.

The leader of UVM is also a vital leader for the community and state, and Dr. Tromp brings with her the experience and ability for great success that will benefit all three, said Cynthia Barnhart, Board of Trustees chair and co-chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. She has demonstrated excellence as a leader and a scholar who can foster deep and meaningful connections across the university and beyond.

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(Bloomberg) -- A prominent son of former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro is taking a leave of absence from Congress to live in the US, where he has sought to build Republican support for his fathers legal battles with the countrys Supreme Court.

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Eduardo Bolsonaro, who represents Sao Paulo in Brazils lower house, said in a video posted to social media Tuesday that he would remain in the US to avoid possible imprisonment by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, without specifying or detailing the supposed legal threats he is facing.

The Supreme Court is currently considering criminal charges filed by Brazils top prosecutor alleging that Jair Bolsonaro attempted a coup following his 2022 election loss to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Moraes and other judges are set to determine later this month whether right-wing former leader should face trial.

Eduardo Bolsonaro is currently in the US, where he has traveled repeatedly this year to draw the attention of Donald Trumps administration and Republican lawmakers to the case against his father  and their claims that Moraes has overstepped his constitutional authority in investigations into the Bolsonaros and social media companies as part of a fight against so-called fake news.

In the video, the legislator accused Moraes and other judges of trying to use my position as a lawmaker as a tool of blackmail and coercion in order to arrest me and prevent me from representing the best interests of my country.

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Despite the claims, two representatives of Bolsonaros Liberal Party said they had no knowledge of any cases that could lead to the arrest of the congressman. Eduardo Bolsonaro didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

The most recent case involving the legislator is a complaint from Lulas Workers Party requesting that the Supreme Court seize his passport over allegations that he is violating Brazilian sovereignty by mobilizing US officials against Moraes.

But Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet told the Supreme Court that the partys claim should be rejected in a Tuesday afternoon legal filing, saying there was no justification for taking Eduardo Bolsonaros passport. Shortly after, Moraes officially dismissed the claim, according to another filing.

The lawmaker said he would take the temporary, unpaid leave of absence to fully dedicate myself to the cause of building US support for his father and seek the appropriate sanctions for human rights violators. He said that his father could be unjustly imprisoned, and that he may never have the chance to meet him personally again.

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The former president said in an interview in January that he hopes Trumps return to the White House will help him overturn the eight-year political ban he received after the 2022 election.

Moraes has also drawn the ire of the right in both countries over his efforts to combat online misinformation, which have included demands that social media platforms take down accounts of users accused of spreading fake news. He suspended access to Elon Musks X last year, and in February blocked the US video sharing service Rumble Inc.  moves that have earned blowback from some Republican lawmakers.

Trumps media company sued Moraes after the Rumble order, accusing him of trying to illegally suppress the US social media activity of conservative Brazilian voices.

(Updates with Supreme Court filing in eighth paragraph.)

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By the Book is a feature series where journalists discuss their works of fiction and non-fiction.

Its the kind of full circle moment that another journalist might have approached as their mic drop story. In November 2023, Fox News senior correspondent Benjamin Hall traveled to Ukraine to interview the war-battered nations president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Nearly two years earlier, Hall had been a casualty of that war, sustaining near-fatal injuries when missiles struck a car carrying himself and two other journalists. The attack claimed his right leg, left foot, and the use of one eye. His colleagues Pierre Zakrzewski and Oleksandra Kuvshynova didnt survive.

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Despite the traumatic circumstances surrounding his previous visit to Ukraine, the 42-year-old British-American reporter didnt hesitate in booking a return trip. In my mind, it was never a question of if, but when, Hall writes in his new book, Resolute, which hits shelves on March 18 accompanied by the premiere of a Fox Nation streaming series. I had to go back.

Elaborating on his decision in an interview with TVNewser, Hall says that a desire to relive what I had gotten through was the main motivator behind his journey. I dont think you should ever hide from bad things that have happened, he adds. You should look straight at them.

It helped that Zelenskyy himself had extended the invitation and made himself readily available to Hall. In his book, the journalist describes his admiration for the Ukrainian president and what he had managed to achieve in a war that had pitted him against the seemingly superior resources of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

He was far more philosopher than I thought he would be, Hall says of their 2023 conversation. I was really interested to see that side of him. He was so open and happy to talk.

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Far from being the interview that capped his broadcasting career, Halls interview with Zelenskyy reignited his drive to cover consequential stories. I immediately started thinking, What else can I do?' he recalls. It could have been the last one, but when big stories happen around the world, I still get the feeling that I have to be there.

Hall and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in their 2023 interview

Along with the rest of the world, Hall saw a far less happy version of Zelenskyy when the Ukrainian president visited President Donald Trump in the Oval Office last month. That uncomfortable encounter put Zelenskyy on the defensive against Trump and Vice President J.D. Vances at times caustic questions and comments, and strained relations between the two countries.

Thats how President Trump does diplomacy, Hall says when asked for his take on that Oval Office meeting, which he didnt witness in person. Its certainly not how President Joe Biden would have done it or other former presidents. No we have to see if hes going to be tough on Putin and make Putin take the ceasefire thats on the table. In that case, hes treating both sides the same, and that is his transactional reaction to how gets things done.

But President Trump has been very clear and very open about how he feels and thats what we saw on that day, Hall adds. No one saw it coming but thats how his policy is going to be made.

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For the record, Trump and Vance werent the only ones in the room who had unexpected questions for Zelenskyy. Brian Glenn, the chief White House correspondent for Real Americas Voice, raised eyebrows when he asked the embattled Ukrainian president why he didnt wear a suit to the White House-a query that had the perceptible tone of a schoolyard taunt. (Glenn later posted a statement to social media expressing extreme empathy for Ukraine, but standing by his question.)

Throughout my career, Ive heard journalists asks questions that I would not have asked, and thats one example, Hall says diplomatically of that controversial exchange. For me, I was interested in what security guarantees could be put in place and how they would pressure Putin if he doesnt agree to the ceasefire. I would not have asked why he wasnt wearing a suit, thats for certain.

In an expansive conversation, Hall discusses the process of writing Resolute and looks ahead to the kinds of questions he wants to ask-and the kinds of stories he hopes to tell-as his journalistic career enters its next act.

(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

Theres a line towards the end of Resolute that jumped out at me: That is where I am today: somewhere between who I was and who I'll eventually be. I thought that was an interesting admission for you to make-what did it mean for you to write that on the page?

I always thought that the hospital was going to be the hardest part of my recovery. After that, I would go home and life would be fine. And that wasnt true at all! The hardest parts were when I got home and realized that there were going to have be some real changes. Changes in how I interacted with my family, and how I play with my kids. I realized that things dont start and finish-they are forever changing. We are forever changing.

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Once you embrace that idea, as I have done, it makes the difficult moments so much easier. Once you reach a goal, you have another goal. You keep moving and life keeps changing. So thats what I was thinking about when I wrote that line, which I like a lot, too. The book isnt just about my journey, its about lifes journey. Life does that to you, and thats something youve not only got to realize, but also embrace.

That line also speaks to some of the other situations you describe in the book, including your return to international reporting after your injury and recovery. You do seem to be asking yourself, Is this something I still want to do?

I definitely see my role as a journalist in a different way now. The first time I really noticed it was when I interviewed Maya Regev, an Israeli hostage released by Hamas. Throughout my career, Ive tried to get people to open up so I could understand their story and convey it. It was only when I interviewed her and she had similar injuries to mine that I realized that I understood her.

That doesnt mean that every journalist needs to have gone through something difficult to get the story of someone elses difficulties. But as I said to my wife [Alicia Meller], I think that Im a better journalist because of what I went through. Im able to get at something that I couldnt quite get at before. Im able to sit and talk with people about what theyre going through and its given me access to this whole other world.

Based on some of your recent reporting, it seems like youre now particularly drawn to stories about communities that are trying to heal or individuals navigating new stages of life if thats not reading too much into things.

No, youre spot on. Im in a position now where I believe my story might help people. I firmly believe in the idea of resilience, and a lot of the work that I want to do is aimed at reminding people how important that is. The town of Hazard, Ky, is a great example. It was a town that had lost everything: the coal mines had shut, the opioid crisis hit it, and a flood knocked it down just a couple of months ago. But what makes that community amazing is that they have the strength to pick themselves up.

To refer back to that line from Resolute, is there a chance that the person youll eventually decides to pursue that work outside of journalism?

I do speak at schools and with people who are recent amputees, and I would like to be doing more of that. My wife is a real driver of that, too, and also wants me to do more. I never say never. Life is full of wonderful opportunities, and you must try to do as much as you can. But Im not sure that Ill ever really leave journalism behind. I just cant jump on a plane as quickly as I used to! I also need things like specialized hotel rooms. But I am finding different ways of telling stories, and the Hazard story is an example of that.

In the book, you contrast your willingness to ask for help during your recovery with people from previous generations who felt less inclined to be vulnerable in that way. Is that a positive generational change in your mind?

Absolutely. In my first book, Saved, I wrote about my father, who lived in the Philippines during World War II and was put in a Japanese prison camp at 12 years old. It wasnt until I was in my mid-20s that he really talked about it for the first time. His generation didnt talk about it. You just got on with life, and had some pretty tough times as a result.

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So I absolutely think that we need to be talking more, and were in a world that allows that. I do caveat that, though, by saying that you mustnt go too far and talk about absolutely everything. There are some battles you have to defeat by yourself. There is a line and and people have different ideas about where it is. But when you go through something particularly traumatic, I totally encourage you to talk about it.

When I was in the hospital, I knew that I was going to tell the first person who walked through that door if I was having a bad day and needed help. And just saying things like This is really tricky or Im struggling to figure this out, helped so much.

Your own story will forever be connected to Ukraines story. How do you navigate that in your coverage?

I dont think it really changes the way I would report on it. I mean, you could argue that having been in in the middle of it and being injured there I would be saying all we should do right now is give Ukraine absolutely everything it needs to keep the fight going. But Im also aware that we need to find a way to end this. I like to think Im pretty good at being able to see what I have to see as a journalist, as opposed to how I see it personally.

In your ideal world, how does this end?

As a pragmatist-or, similarly, a realist-if Ukrainians are not able to push Russian troops back to the original borders and if Russia is not in a position to take all of Ukraine, there have to be concessions somewhere. We cant have a forever war.

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What Id like to see and what I think we will see is a ceasefire. What Id really hope from a peace deal are security guarantees that ensures that Putin doesnt spend the next three years re-arming. That said, Ukraine would also have three years to re-ram and possibly be more defensive as well.

Ultimately, I want a peace deal and I want it as soon as possible. I dont think we well see new borders to the country. Instead, itll end up being closer to what you have in Korea where neither side acknowledges that they have technically lost the land. I want what everyone seems to want-I just dont want it in a way that doesnt guarantee the future security of Ukraine.
JAKARTA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso expressed concern on Tuesday that Indonesia could become a target of U.S. import tariff policies.

According to data from Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency, Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of 1.57 billion U.S. dollars with the United States in February 2025.

"Our exports are substantial, while our imports from the U.S. are relatively modest," Santoso told reporters.

The minister noted the possibility of reciprocal tariffs from the United States and said that his team is evaluating appropriate measures to address the situation.

Santoso expressed confidence that Indonesia's current position remains secure, but emphasized that he is closely monitoring the U.S. government's latest tariff policy, which is expected to be finalized soon.

"The U.S. is focusing on countries with the largest trade deficits. Indonesia ranks 15th, which is significant. For now, we are safe, but we are awaiting the announcement of the tariffs, scheduled for April 2," Santoso said.

He stressed the importance of maintaining strong trade relations with the United States, ensuring that Indonesian products have a secure market in the U.S. and that American products are similarly protected in Indonesia. 
Mar. 17Deputies received a report at 9:03 a.m. Sunday of a burglary at 33440 State Highway 13 in Hartland. The caller didn't notice anything missing or damaged.

A house was reported broken into and items stolen at 12:24 p.m. Sunday at 74360 110th St. in Glenville.

Tractor fire reported

A tractor fire was reported at 3 p.m. Friday at 17873 690th Ave. in Albert Lea.

Hit-and-run crash reported

Police received a report at 12:47 p.m. Friday of a hit-and-run at 820 Happy Trails Lane.

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Stolen trailer recovered

A stolen trailer was recovered at 4:08 p.m. Friday at 721 W. Clark St.

Man arrested for DWI

Police arrested Jose D. Martinez Lopez, 29, for driving while intoxicated after a traffic stop at 11:57 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Marion Ross Street and North Broadway.

Truck reported on fire

A box semi was reported on fire at 5:36 a.m. Saturday at 2751 E. Main St. The truck had been previously stolen.

1 arrested on warrant

Police arrested Dajuan Tru Abrego, 21, on a Hennepin County warrant at 2:30 a.m. Sunday at 1210 E. Main St.

Phone reported stolen

A phone was reported stolen at 5:27 a.m. Sunday at 201 W. Main St.

Hit-and-run reported

A hit-and-run crash was reported at 5:47 p.m. Sunday near Garfield Avenue and East Front Street.
Mar. 17WILKES-BARRE  U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. on Monday said the best way to address concerns and questions of his constituents is to talk to them directly.

That's why Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, said he will hold a telephone town hall meeting on Tuesday, March 25.

"I want to give constituents a direct line to ask and hear about what directly affects them and their families," Bresnahan said. "I want to make sure the people of the 8th Congressional District hear directly from me and its also important for me to hear directly from them."

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Bresnahan, noting that things have been "moving very quickly" in Washington, D.C., over the past two months, said he felt the telephone town hall would be the best way to have constituents participate to get their questions answered and their concerns addressed.

"And I will stay on the line to answer all of their questions," Bresnahan said.

Bresnahan said he will be reaching out to constituents, but those that are interested are also welcome to sign up for the town hall through his website at https://tinyurl.com/ytjk5n64.

"This event will be sent widely across the district through telephone lines and simultaneously broadcast on Facebook," Bresnahan said. "A telephone town hall is the best way to reach the largest number of constituents, and it is important to me to hear from as many voices as possible. I am looking forward to having a conversation and speaking directly with the people I represent."

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"I look forward to discussing the important issues of today with the people of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District," Bresnahan said.

Last week, Bresnahan said he voted in favor of H.R. 1968  Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025  which passed the House by a vote of 217-213.

The continuing resolution provides funding to operate the Federal government through Sept. 30, 2025.

"My vote will ensure we can stay on the path of securing our borders, making life more affordable and protecting our communities and country," Bresnahan said. "I look forward to continuing to advocate for what is best for my district and fighting for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District."

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Bresnahan said his district is home to more than 10,000 federal employees  or 2.94% of the district's population.

When his vote was made public, political opponents went on the attack. Bresnahan assured his constituents that the vote was just a procedural step to start federal budget negotiations and does not change any laws.

"I will fight to protect working-class families in Northeastern Pennsylvania and stand with President Trump in opposing gutting Medicaid," Bresnahan said. "My position on this has not and will not change."

Bresnahan said key provisions of H.R. 1968 include, but are not limited to:

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Protects Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid recipients from the disruptions and confusion a shutdown will cause.

Contains an additional $6 billion for the Toxic Exposures Fund to treat veterans with service-related exposures to toxic substances.

Reduces discretionary spending.

Extends DHS's ability to operate counter-drone technology through the end of the fiscal year.

Extends expiring health care programs through September 30, 2025, including:

 Community Health Centers and other public health programs.

 Medicare add-on payments for ambulances, certain low-volume and Medicare-dependent hospitals, and rural providers.

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 Medicare telehealth flexibilities.

 Delay of scheduled Obamacare cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH).

 DEA scheduling authority for fentanyl-related substances.

Since his swearing in on January 3, 2025, Rep. Bresnahan has attended more than 40 public events and meetings in all five of the counties he represents.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
The inexorable march to Bridge Day 2025 continues.

This years Bridge Day is scheduled in Fayette County on Saturday, Oct. 18.

While a variety of behind-the-scenes preparations has been ongoing since late last fall to clear the launch for the 2025 event, the first meeting of the Bridge Day Commission (BDC) for 2025 will be held on Wednesday, March 19 at 1:30 p.m. at Fayetteville Town Hall.

The commission is mandated by the West Virginia Legislature to supervise the activities of the annual festival.

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The Wednesday agenda will feature a review of old business left over from the 2024 event.

New business will include:

 A review of the Bridge Day Commission, both voting and non-voting positions;

 A review and decision on BDC representatives, both appointed and advisory terms. That includes West Virginia Division of Highways, West Virginia State Police, rappel advisory, National Park Service advisory, BASE advisory, vendor/community advisory and emergency services advisory;

 Report from BDC representatives: a. Fayette County Chamber of Commerce; b. WV DOH; c. Fayette County Commission; d. WVSP; e. Fayette County Sheriff; f. Town of Fayetteville; g. Advisory representatives  rappel, NPS, BASE, vendor, emergency services an regional tourism; and

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 Setting the 2025 meeting calendar.

To join the meeting via Zoom, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81530933528?pwd=kGTtrckbaCn95m4LIQi9bQqT4Zaxff.1

Meeting ID is 815 3093 3528. Passcode is 784983.

Bridge Day is an official trademark of the Bridge Day Commission.

  

If youve always wanted to ride down into the New River Gorge to watch Bridge Day unfold and have been too late in recent years to snag a ticket for the Into the Gorge shuttles, youre not too late this year.

Annually, motoring traffic into the gorge to the Fayette Station rapids at the bottom on that day is limited to event or emergency vehicles. That officially leaves biking or pedestrian traffic as the other options to watch the BASE jumpers and rappellers from down below, except for those who plan ahead and pay to take the shuttle.

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So, dont tarry if you want to secure a seat on one of the shuttle buses on Oct. 18.

As of March 17, 177 of the 500 available Into the Gorge tickets had been sold, according to Tim Naylor, executive assistant for the New River Gorge CVB/Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.

Those will sell out, Naylor stressed.

The current cost per ticket is $40, which will go up to $50 after July 1.

Bridge Day vendor spots are going even faster than shuttle tickets, according to Naylor.

Annually, companies and organizations offer a variety of merchandise and information to members of the public visiting the bridge.

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A handful of vendor positions for 2025 remain, said Naylor. Theyve gone a lot quicker than they have in the past.

Naylor reiterates rules from the W.Va. Fire Marshals Office that any source of open flame or generated heat has to be located at least 15 feet away from anything else at the vendor booth.

For Fayette County Chamber of Commerce members, vendor booth fees are $125 plus a $15 application fee.

For non-members, the fee is $225 plus the non-refundable $15 application fee.

Those prices will rise after July 1, if spots are still available.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 event also still exist.

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The annual Bridge Day poster contest, a popular feature of the event, will kick off in mid-spring.

It is sponsored by Lost Appalachian Trading Company, with a cash prize.

For more information on Bridge Day or its various tentacles, call 1-304-465-5617 or 1-800-927-0263 or visit www.officialbridgeday.com.

Email: skeenan@register-herald.com; follow on Facebook
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A bridge in northwest Iowa will be closed for most of the remaining year so that it can be replaced.

The Iowa Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that it will be temporarily closing down the Iowa 3 bridge over the Little Sioux River. The bridge is located over a mile east of the U.S. Route 59 intersection near Cherokee.

Northwest Iowa woman wins $30K from scratch game

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An official with the Iowa DOT told KCAU 9 that the closure will allow workers to replace the existing bridge with a new one and add an overflow structure. There is also pavement work being done in the immediate area.

In the meantime, a detour will be in effect using U.S. Route 59, Linden Street/540th Street, South Avenue, and Iowa 3/530th Street:

Courtesy: Iowa Department of TransportationDownload

The closure will last until the middle of November, weather permitting.

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The Medicaid system has emerged as an early target of the Trump administrations campaign to slash federal spending. A joint federal and state program, Medicaid provides health insurance coverage for more than 72 million people, including low-income Americans and their children and people with disabilities. It also helps foot the bill for long-term care for older people.

In late February 2025, House Republicans advanced a budget proposal that would potentially cut US$880 billion from Medicaid over 10 years. President Donald Trump has backed that House budget despite repeatedly vowing on the campaign trail and during his teams transition that Medicaid cuts were off the table.

Medicaid covers one-fifth of all Americans at an annual cost that coincidentally also totals about $880 billion, $600 billion of which is funded by the federal government. Economists and public health experts have argued that big Medicaid cuts would lead to fewer Americans getting the health care they need and further strain the low-income families finances.

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As a historian of social policy, I recently led a team that produced the first comprehensive historical overview of Medi-Cal, Californias statewide Medicaid system. Like the broader Medicaid program, Medi-Cal emerged as a compromise after Democrats failed to achieve their goal of establishing universal health care in the 1930s and 1940s.

Instead, the United States developed its current fragmented health care system, with employer-provided health insurance covering most working-age adults, Medicare covering older Americans, and Medicaid as a safety net for at least some of those left out.

Health care reformers vs. the AMA

Medicaids history officially began in 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the system into law, along with Medicare. But the seeds for this program were planted in the 1930s and 1940s. When President Franklin D. Roosevelts administration was implementing its New Deal agenda in the 1930s, many of his advisers hoped to include a national health insurance system as part of the planned Social Security program.

Those efforts failed after a heated debate. The 1935 Social Security Act created the old-age and unemployment insurance systems we have today, with no provisions for health care coverage.

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Nevertheless, during and after World War II, liberals and labor unions backed a bill that would have added a health insurance program into Social Security.

Harry Truman assumed the presidency after Roosevelts death in 1945. He enthusiastically embraced that legislation, which evolved into the Truman Plan. The American Medical Association, a trade group representing most of the nations doctors, feared heightened regulation and government control over the medical profession. It lobbied against any form of public health insurance.

During the late 1940s, the AMA poured millions of dollars into a political advertising campaign to defeat Trumans plan. Instead of mandatory government health insurance, the AMA supported voluntary, private health insurance plans. Private plans such as those offered by Kaiser Permanente had become increasingly popular in the 1940s in the absence of a universal system. Labor unions began to demand them in collective bargaining agreements.

The AMA insisted that these private, employer-provided plans were the American way, as opposed to the compulsion of a health insurance system operated by the federal government. They referred to universal health care as socialized medicine in widely distributed radio commercials and print ads.

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In the anticommunist climate of the late 1940s, these tactics proved highly successful at eroding public support for government-provided health care. Efforts to create a system that would have provided everyone with health insurance were soundly defeated by 1950.

JFK and LBJ

Private health insurance plans grew more common throughout the 1950s.

Federal tax incentives, as well as a desire to maintain the loyalty of their professional and blue-collar workers alike, spurred companies and other employers to offer private health insurance as a standard benefit. Healthy, working-age, employed adults  most of whom were white men  increasingly gained private coverage. So did their families, in many cases.

Everyone else  people with low incomes, those who werent working and people over 65  had few options for health care coverage. Then, as now, Americans without private health insurance tended to have more health problems than those who had it, meaning that they also needed more of the health care they struggled to afford.

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But this also made them risky and unprofitable for private insurance companies, which typically charged them high premiums or more often declined to cover them at all.

Health care activists saw an opportunity. Veteran health care reformers such as Wilbur Cohen of the Social Security Administration, having lost the battle for universal coverage, envisioned a narrower program of government-funded health care for people over 65 and those with low incomes. Cohen and other reformers reasoned that if these populations could get coverage in a government-provided health insurance program, it might serve as a step toward an eventual universal health care system.

While President John F. Kennedy endorsed these plans, they would not be enacted until Johnson was sworn in following JFKs assassination. In 1965, Johnson signed a landmark health care bill into law under the umbrella of his Great Society agenda, which also included antipoverty programs and civil rights legislation.

That law created Medicare and Medicaid.

From Reagan to Trump

As Medicaid enrollment grew throughout the 1970s and 1980s, conservatives increasingly conflated the program with the stigma of what they dismissed as unearned welfare. In the 1970s, California Gov. Ronald Reagan developed his national reputation as a leading figure in the conservative movement in part through his high-profile attempts to cut and privatize Medicaid services in his state.

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Upon assuming the presidency in the early 1980s, Reagan slashed federal funding for Medicaid by 18%. The cuts resulted in some 600,000 people who depended on Medicaid suddenly losing their coverage, often with dire consequences.

Medicaid spending has since grown, but the program has been a source of partisan debate ever since.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Republicans attempted to change how Medicaid was funded. Instead of having the federal government match what states were spending at different levels that were based on what the states needed, they proposed a block grant system. That is, the federal government would have contributed a fixed amount to a states Medicaid budget, making it easier to constrain the programs costs and potentially limiting how much health care it could fund.

These efforts failed, but Trump reintroduced that idea during his first term. And block grants are among the ideas House Republicans have floated since Trumps second term began to achieve the spending cuts they seek.

Protesters in New York City object to Medicaid cuts sought by the first Trump administration in 2017. Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images

The ACAs expansion

The 2010 Affordable Care Act greatly expanded the Medicaid program by extending its coverage to adults with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty line. All but 10 states have joined the Medicaid expansion, which a U.S. Supreme Court ruling made optional.

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As of 2023, Medicaid was the countrys largest source of public health insurance, making up 18% of health care expenditures and over half of all spending on long-term care. Medicaid covers nearly 4 in 10 children and 80% of children who live in poverty. Medicaid is a particularly crucial source of coverage for people of color and pregnant women. It also helps pay for low-income people who need skilled nursing and round-the-clock care to live in nursing homes.

In the absence of a universal health care system, Medicaid fills many of the gaps left by private insurance policies for millions of Americans. From Medi-Cal in California to Husky Health in Connecticut, Medicaid is a crucial pillar of the health care system. This makes the proposed House cuts easier said than done.

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: Ben Zdencanovic, University of California, Los Angeles

Read more:



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Ben Zdencanovic 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.
Miles Morrisseau

ICT

MANITOBA, Canada  The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have confirmed that the second set of human remains found in the Prairie Green Landfill near Winnipeg are those of Marcedes Myran of Long Plain First Nation, the fourth identified victim of a convicted serial killer who targeted Indigenous women.

Myrans remains were found as part of a humanitarian search and recovery mission initiated by the Manitoba government at the request of the families of Myran and Morgan Harris, whose remains were found and identified earlier this month.

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Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew spoke to reporters soon after the news was released.

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Myran and Morgan Harris are coming home, said Kinew, Anishinaabe, who became the first First Nation provincial premier in Canadian history when he was elected in 2023.

This is what we set out to do, Kinew told reporters. I don't know if many of us knew the odds of success  But it turns out bringing them home was within our grasp, and something we were able to do for these families.

Related: Bittersweet moment: Morgan Harris remains found in Canada landfill

Myrans family was notified and the Manitoba government asked that the familys privacy be respected.

The search mission was operated in conjunction with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and with the support of the federal government.

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Myrans remains were one of two sets recovered in the latest search, the other of which was identified as Harris earlier in March. The deaths of two other women have also been linked to Jeremy Skibicki, a Winnipeg man who confessed to the killings and was convicted in July 2024 of four counts of first-degree murder.

Families had been pushing for more than two years to convince officials to search the Prairie Green and Brady landfills near Winnipeg, after the partial remains of another woman, Rebecca Contois, O-Chi Chak Ko Sipi First Nation, were found at the Brady landfill. An unidentified woman who was given the name Buffalo Woman or Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe by Indigenous elders, has also been linked to Skibicki, but her body has not been found.

After initially refusing to conduct the searches despite protests from the families, government officials began formal searches in December.

Our hearts are with them

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs acknowledged and honored the sacred return of Myran following the tireless and courageous humanitarian search to bring her home to her children, other family and her community.

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We hold our hands up in prayer and love for the Myran family, said Manitoba Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. I have witnessed the strength, determination, and relentless love of Marcedes family as they fought to bring her home. Their courage is a reflection of the love they carry for her. Our hearts are with them as they grieve and begin the journey of healing.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak offered condolences and support to the families.

The loss of Marcedes and the difficult fight for search and recovery has been incomprehensible, said Woodhouse Nepinak. We once again lift up and send our condolences to the families of Morgan Harris, Mashkode Bizhikiikwe (Buffalo Woman), and Rebecca Contois. They have our full support during this incredibly difficult time, as do all those grieving a Missing and Murdered First Nations individual.

Safety must be a priority

Woodhouse Nepinak also called on the federal government to implement the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

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The roadmap exists, and we know the work before us to honour the Inquiry and its findings and to build a just Canada that honours the safety of First Nations women and girls. Their safety must be a priority for all Canadians, Woodhouse Nepinak said. The AFN also express our gratitude to Premier Wab Kinew for his leadership and advocacy in initiating and securing the efforts behind this search and recovery.

Related: Serial killer who targeted Indigenous women gets life sentence in Canada

Diandre Thomas-Hart, co-chair of Manitoba Moon Voices, called for a stronger response from the government for missing and murdered Indigenous people. Manitoba Moon Voices is an organization that represents the interests of Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and gender diverse individuals in the province.

The crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people continues to be met with inaction, delays and political excuses while our families are left to suffer, Thomas-Hart said. Every level of government, law enforcement and the justice system must be held accountable for their failure to act swiftly and effectively. In cases of Indigenous homicide and missing persons, we demand immediate action to ensure that every Indigenous homicide case past, present and future is treated with the urgency resources and respect all people deserve. No more delays, no more excuses.

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Wilson, the Manitoba chief, said she is committed to making the world safer for Indigenous women and other vulnerable people.

For far too long, First Nations women have been treated as though they are disposable. We have always said  our women are sacred, Wilson said. Marcedes deserved to live a full life surrounded by love and possibility. We will continue to honour her spirit and stand firmly with the Myran family as we work to end the violence faced by First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people."

Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter. ICT, formerly Indian Country Today, is a nonprofit news organization that covers the Indigenous world with a daily digital platform and news broadcast with international viewership.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  A Bristol man was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to one felony count of luring a child, the Attorney Generals Office announced.

Robert Lavallee, 31, sentenced in Vermont Superior Court, Addison Criminal Division. Lavallee was sentenced to 18 months to five years in prison with a 10-year probation term.

Additionally, Lavallee is required to register as a sex offender.

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To report child sex abuse and related incidents, call the 24-hour center at 1-800-843-5678 or check out https://report.cybertip.org.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Britains King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit Pope Francis during their trip to Italy and the Vatican in April despite the pontiffs ill-health following his hospitalization around a month ago.

The announcement of the royal visit is likely to be read as an indication that the Vatican believes the pope will be out of hospital in the coming weeks.

As part of the four-day state visit, Charles and Camilla are expected to visit the Holy See to join Pope Francis in celebrating Jubilee year  or Holy Year  which takes place every quarter of a century and is focused on forgiveness and reconciliation.

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Francis has been in Romes Gemelli hospital since mid-February with no timeline for his release.

The royal trip, from April 7 to 10, would be a historic visit and a significant step forward in relations between the Catholic Church and Church of England, Buckingham Palace said Tuesday.

Despite the turbulent past of the Reformation and King Henry VIIIs break with Rome almost 500 years ago, relations between the Vatican and the British monarchy are today marked by warmth and mutual respect.

The UK and the Holy See have had full diplomatic relations since 1982. As Prince of Wales, Charles visited Vatican City on five occasions.

Nuns hold candles in St Peter's Square as they take part in the rosary prayer service for the health of Pope Francis on March 16. - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The King and Queen are expected to attend a service at the Sistine Chapel focused on the theme of care for creation, reflecting Pope Francis and His Majestys long-standing commitment to nature, the palace said.

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Charles and Francis are both passionate defenders of the environment and champion the importance of interfaith dialogue.

The royal visit was first announced on February 7, just one week before Francis was admitted to hospital with a respiratory tract infection, which was later diagnosed as pneumonia.

He has remained in hospital since then, in what is his longest stay since his election as pope 12 years ago.

Buckingham Palace shared hopes and prayers that Pope Francis health will enable the visit to go ahead, a palace source told CNN.

The pontiff remains in a stable condition but still requires medical treatment, the Vatican press office said Monday, adding that Francis was able to pray and carry out a small amount of work duties.

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On Sunday, the Vatican released the first photo of Francis since his hospitalization, showing him at the chapel in Gemelli hospital.

Charles and Camillas visit will also be an opportunity to shore up the relationship between Italy and the United Kingdom, with the royal couple carrying out engagements in Rome and Ravenna in the northern Emilia-Romagna region.

CNNs Lauren Said-Moorhouse and Sharon Braithwaite contributed to this report.

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Britain man was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Monday for trafficking fentanyl.

According to testimony and evidence, Eddie Limas, 35, and others had been receiving large quantities of fentanyl from the Dominican Republic in 2022.

8 arrested during search and seizure in Waterbury

The shipments were being stored in a stash house in the Bronx, N.Y., and distributed throughout central Connecticut. Investigators made five fentanyl purchases from Limas between January and April of 2022.

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On May 13, 2022, Connecticut State Police stopped a vehicle being driven by Limas uncle, Hector Limas, on I-84 in Danbury on suspicion that he was delivering drugs to Limas residence on Chapman Street in New Britain. A search of the vehicle discovered about 700 grams of fentanyl and about $19,000 cash.

On the same day, police attempted to arrest Eddie Limas in Hartford, but he crashed his vehicle into a Hartford police cruiser and fled the scene. At the same time, surveillance at Eddie Limas residence saw a neighbor moving items from the residence to a vehicle parked in front and give the key fob to Carmen Hernandez, who also exited the residence.

A search of the vehicle found more than two kilograms of fentanyl, more than 300 grams of cocaine, about one kilogram of marijuana, items used to process and package narcotics, and a .380-caliber pistol.

Hernandez also possessed fentanyl and a search of Limas residence revealed a loaded .40-caliber pistol and additional narcotics.

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Eddie Limas was arrested on May 9, 2023 in New Britain for additional drug sales, and has been detained since. He pled guilty to to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, on Sept. 18, 2024.

Hector Limas, 59, of the Bronx, and Hernandez, 61, of Hartford, pled guilty to related charges. Hector Limas was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on Nov. 8, 2023. Hernandez was sentenced to two years in prison on Jan. 14, 2025.

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BAGHDAD, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's renewed airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, calling them "brutal."

In a statement, the ministry expressed Iraq's strongest condemnation of the Israeli airstrikes against "defenseless civilians" in Gaza, which it said resulted in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of Palestinians, the majority of whom it said were women and children.

"These aggressive acts targeting innocent civilians constitute a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law, confirming Israel's continued policy of repression and aggression against the Palestinian people," the statement added.

The ministry called on the international community to take immediate action to end the violations and protect Palestinian civilians from ongoing attacks.

Israeli forces conducted airstrikes across Gaza early on Tuesday, killing at least 413 people, and vowed to escalate the offensive unless Hamas releases hostages held in the enclave.

The strikes broke a ceasefire that had lasted nearly two months, occurring amid indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a potential truce, which could include halting hostilities and securing the release of remaining Israeli hostages. 
UK trade talks in Washington this week aimed at winning a carve-out from the tariffs the Trump administration is imposing on much of the rest of Europe threaten to be dominated by the thorny issue of value added tax (VAT).

The US president has already indicated that there wont be any exemptions from his tariffs on steel and aluminium, even though Britain, unlike the EU, has so far resisted retaliatory action. But seemingly to no avail.

Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Business Secretary, is hoping to persuade his US counterparts otherwise in talks in Washington on Tuesday.

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VAT is a further fly in the ointment and is proving to be a possibly insurmountable barrier to the new economic deal that the Starmer Government is hoping to strike with Donald Trumps America.

Trump regards VAT as effectively a tariff on US exports to Europe  including the UK, which also imposes VAT  and unfair because there is no corresponding, federally levied sales tax on European exports to the US.

Part of the argument is semantic in nature. However you cut it, VAT is not a tariff as generally defined, but a universally levied charge which is as much applicable to UK producers as it is to US ones.

But it is also perfectly true that American suppliers pay it on the entire value of their exports to us, including shipping costs, whereas we pay no such tax when exporting to the US. VAT already paid on UK production can be reclaimed if the goods are exported.

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Moreover, US negotiators argue that any tax on consumption will depress demand in the round and therefore acts to widen trade imbalances with the US, where there is no such impediment beyond the much lower sales taxes imposed in some individual states.

Even so, the fact remains that VAT is non-discriminatory, and therefore in itself does not distort trade  it gives UK producers no kind of price advantage over US rivals.

Unfortunately, this has failed to convince US trade negotiators. As one UK source puts it, the issue is proving incredibly challenging.

A further hurdle is that although outside the EU, and therefore able to exercise an independent trade policy, Britain tends to side with the EU on other issues of interest to Trump and is therefore seen as still in some way linked to the EU.

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On peace in Ukraine, for instance, the UK is much closer to Brussels than the Putin sympathies of the White House.

Trumps downer on the EU, which he thinks of as worse than China in some respects, threatens to infect his view of the UK more widely. Matters which others might regard as wholly separate are conflated by Trump into a single stance: you are either for him or against him.

Whether the manifest affection he retains for the old country makes any difference remains to be seen. It appears not to when it comes to steel and aluminium, where punishing tariffs have already been imposed.

As it is, Britain has been bending over backwards to convince Trump that it is different from the EU. Owing to a quirk in the way the statistics are compiled, the US records a sizable current account surplus with the UK. Yet I doubt that will sway things.

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On goods alone, which is what really matters to Trump, Britain is unarguably the surplus nation.

All the same, it is as well not to cause offence. When Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, appeared last week to blame Trumps tariff war for a slight fall in January GDP, she was immediately slapped down by Downing Street.



In any case, there is unlikely to be any such connection. If anything, the threat of tariffs might have been a slight positive for the UK economy in January, in that net trade would have been boosted by higher-than-normal export shipments ahead of Trumps protectionist clampdown.

In any negotiation, you have to begin by understanding the other guys point of view, and it is plainly not quite right to think of Trumps tariffs, as Brussels does, as economic vandalism pure and simple.



They are in fact a response to a legitimate grievance, which is that for decades now, the US has been used as a dumping ground for everyone elses surplus production, in particular Chinas, but latterly Europes as well.



This has in turn undermined middle-class manufacturing jobs in the US, the very phenomenon that helped bring Trump to power. He has a clear mandate for the protectionist policies hes pursuing.



Unfortunately, understanding this backdrop doesnt much help the UKs position.



Among the concessions which Britain may offer in pursuit of its new economic deal with the US might be suspension of Britains 2pc digital service tax on online platforms such as Googles search engine, but it is not exactly a ... er, trump card.

As for VAT, its hard to see what the UK can realistically offer.



To waive VAT on US exports to Britain would give them an extreme price advantage that would wipe out many UK producers. To get rid of VAT entirely would deprive the Government of its third-biggest source of revenue, worth around 170bn a year.



There may be something to be said for loading more of the tax burden on to income rather than spending, but there is also a point of principle here.



Can the US really be allowed to dictate UK tax policy? If it can, then to all intents and purposes it would not be Canada becoming the 51st state, but Britain.

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There were echoes from history in the discussions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin over the future of Ukraine. Like the Yalta talks in 1945, America and Russia were carving up part of Europe, with realpolitik, not the sovereign wishes of the country concerned, uppermost in their considerations.

President Putin was supposed to agree to a 30-day ceasefire unconditionally, as Ukraine has already done. But it is apparent that he has insisted upon a number of conditions, including a freeze on further military aid to Ukraine and its demobilisation. Russia also wants to keep the chunk of Ukraine it already occupies.

There was no agreement on a general ceasefire, only a Russian pledge not to target energy plants and critical infrastructure for the moment. There will also be technical negotiations to implement a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.

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This cannot be accepted by Ukraine or its European allies and why should Kyiv be made to compromise but not Moscow? Moreover, if the US halts military assistance, as it threatened to do before Volodomyr Zelensky agreed to a ceasefire, will that force the Europeans to do the same? Sir Keir Starmer has already earmarked more UK help for Kyiv. The UK must now make clear that this aid will continue to flow regardless of what Putin and Trump may have agreed. We should persuade other European nations to do likewise.

The intense diplomacy of the past few weeks to achieve the peace deal that President Trump promised to deliver on day one has failed to budge Mr Putin, who evidently thinks he holds most of the cards. What it has done is to galvanise the rest of Europe into making decisions about the continents security, which had been put off since the end of the Cold War.

While the two leaders were speaking, the German parliament voted to release around 450 billion of infrastructure funding to bolster the countrys defences. This was made possible by an historic decision to end the constitutional brake on borrowing, a rule reflecting the countrys historic memories of excessive debt. This should make Germany the continents biggest military spender for the first time in its post-war history.

It was the latest example of the geopolitical upheaval triggered by Mr Trumps overtures to Moscow and the growing European realisation that they can no longer rely on US military help in the face of Russian aggression and rearmament.

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A British backpacker detained by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and held at a Tacoma detention center is back home in Wales, a source at ICE told KIRO 7 News.

Earlier this month, ICE told KIRO 7 that Becky Burke was arrested at the border for violating the terms and conditions of her U.S. admission.

The 28-year-old was put into handcuffs and taken into custody on February 26 while attempting to enter Canada, according to a post from Beckys father.

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The BBC reported that Becky traveled to Seattle after spending time in New York and then Oregon with a host family, where she helped with household chores in exchange for accommodation. She had planned to cross the border into Vancouver to stay with another host family and do the same.

When she reached the border, Becky said the Canadian authorities denied her entry as they were concerned she may try to work illegally. She described to the BBC how she then spent six hours at the border, waiting while officials were trying to determine if what I had been doing in America counted as work before she was taken into custody.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, individuals who travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program are not allowed to work for any type of compensation  including work in exchange for room and board, though it is unclear if Becky entered the U.S. via this specific program.

KIRO 7 spoke with an immigration attorney who wished to remain anonymous, who stated, I assume she entered on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). People who enter under this program do not have a right to see a judge or get out on bond. I believe what she is waiting for is removal to the U.K. Because ICE doesnt remove there often, she will wait longer, probably approximately three weeks.

Burkes father told the BBC it will take some time for her to recover from this experience. You can read the BBCs full interview by clicking here.




POSEY COUNTY, Ind. (WEHT)  Soon internet will be a reality for nearly 240 people.

The Indiana Broadband Office was in Posey County on Monday night holding a listening and information session.

People gathered at the Hovey House to hear from the state on how internet will soon be available to those who are currently not serviced.

The state of Indiana was given nearly $870 million to do this through the Biden Administrations Broadband Equity Access and Development program.

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The ultimate goal is to provide internet for all within 4 years of the award date of the money.

Eligible residents can go here, type in their address and view the interactive map.

The timeline is still unclear but Indiana Broadband says work should start this summer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
A 27-year-old man stabbed to death by a group of teens outside Brooklyns Barclays Center pleaded for his life, his devastated family says.

Michael Arguy Hernandez was stabbed outside a Barclays Center concert by J-Hope that was part of the BTS members solo tour. Hernandez got into an argument with four teenage boys near Atlantic and Flatbush Aves. about 9 p.m. on Friday.

The quarrel escalated into a fight, and Hernandez was stabbed multiple times in the abdomen, cops said.

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Im angry. Im frustrated. I dont understand why they took his life, said the victims aunt, who asked not to be named. Why did they do this to him?

Hernandez walked off after being stabbed but collapsed in a southbound lane of Flatbush Ave. as his attackers fled, cops said. His killers have not been caught, and cops are unsure what the clash was about.

His last words was, Please dont let me die,  his aunt said, relaying what she says cops told her. I have not slept since I got this news.

The aunt was summoned to an NYPD stationhouse and tasked with identifying her nephews body through photos that showed his gruesome wounds.

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I walked out my home to the precinct with $500 thinking Id have to bail him out or something, she said. I never expected to get that news that he passed.

Medics rushed Hernandez to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Brooklyn Methodist, but he could not be saved. He had no criminal history in New York, police sources said.

Hes not on drugs. Hes not a trouble kid, the aunt said. He was turning to [Islam] as religion.

He was born in Yonkers and spent his childhood moving from relatives house to relatives house before finally finding stability with his aunt.

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I raised him, she said. My kids are grieving.

Also grieving is the victims father, Michael Hernandez Sr., who lives in Florida.

My son was a smart helpful young man who was always happy and would help anybody with anything, the dad said. My son was selfless.

Also mourning are the residents of her Williamsburg building  neighbors who fondly referred to Hernandez as Brooklyn, a nickname he earned for his knack of seemingly knowing everyone in the borough.

Everyone in the building is grieving, the aunt said. The whole building is crying because they saw him being raised here.

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Hernandez was working as a security guard, but spent his free time rapping.

He loved music in general. He knew everything about music, his aunt said. He liked to have fun and be around his family. He liked making us smile.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  In light of recent immigration and federal deportation actions, both Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) are advising international students and staff to reconsider travel outside the United States.

In an email to the Brown community on Sunday, Executive Vice President for Planning and Policy Russell Carey cited concerning reports of individuals denied re-entry into the U.S. after international travel.

One of them is Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a physician with Brown Medicine, who was deported despite holding an H-1B visa. She was detained at Boston Logan Airport on Thursday, March 13, after returning from a trip to visit her family in Lebanon.

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MORE: Rhode Island doctor deported despite having work visa

Carey emphasized that while the federal government has not announced any new or reinstated travel bans, Brown felt it was important to remind its international community of potential risks, especially as spring break approaches.

Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage international students, staff, faculty and

scholars  including U.S. visa holders and permanent residents (or green card holders)  to

consider postponing or delaying personal travel outside the United States until more

information is available from the U.S. Department of State, Carey wrote.

He added that potential changes to travel bans, visa procedures, and re-entry requirements could impact travelers ability to return as planned. He also urged international community members to consider possible domestic travel disruptions as the federal policy landscape continues to evolve.

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The email included links directing international students, faculty and staff to FAQs and resources on travel guidelines and support services.

We recognize that the federal actions related to travel continue to affect members of our

community in deeply personal ways, including concern about family, friends and loved ones, Carey wrote. Please know that we are closely monitoring the situation and will share updates if and when the federal government issues a significant new restriction or ban.

Read the full email to the Brown community below. Story continues below.

Travel Guidance and Resources for Brown International CommunityDownload

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RISD President Crystal Williams issued a similar message Monday, encouraging students, faculty, and staff to seriously consider, revise, or postpone travel that would require re-entry into the U.S.particularly those with U.S. visas and green cards.

I understand that this may be a difficult decision given the Spring Break plans that many of us have made, Williams wrote. However, considering the potential changeability of international travel restrictions, an abundance of caution may be warranted.

At a minimum, RISD is asking its community to become acquainted with recent international travel guidelines via vetted and trustworthy news sourcesso that their decisions are as informed as possible. Williams said RISD will continue to monitor executive orders and actions that could potentially impact its community.

These are unsettling times for many members of our community, but I know that we will continue to meet these challenges with resilience, courage, and support for each other, Williams wrote.

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NEXT: ICE detains 3 workers at New Bedford car wash

12 News reached out to other local colleges and universities regarding updated travel guidance. Johnson & Wales University declined to comment, while the University of Rhode Island said it is not changing its current recommendations for international travel.

Check back for updates as further details concerning international travel becomes available.

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(NewsNation)  Brown University has issued a memo to international professors and students, warning against travel abroad.

The campuswide email sent on Sunday, per the Wall Street Journal, comes after assistant professor Dr. Rasha Alawieh, who has a valid visa, was deported to Lebanon.

According to authorities cited by WCVB, federal agents said they found photos of Irans supreme leader and ex-Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Alawiehs phone after she returned to Lebanon to allegedly attend the funeral of Nasrallah.

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Trump to release JFK files Tuesday afternoon

Homeland Security described Nasrallah as a brutal terrorist who led Hezbollah, responsible for killing hundreds of Americans over a four-decade terror spree.

The university said its email was sent out of an abundance of caution and that leaving the country amid possible travel bans and alterations to re-entry requirements may affect travelers ability to return to the U.S. as planned.

President Donald Trump is currently considering travel restrictions for 43 countries that would use a three-tiered system outlining varying levels of scrutiny regarding entry into the United States.

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Former Obama campaign policy adviser David Tafuri told NewsNation Now on Sunday that while details are currently limited, theres nothing wrong with changing visa policies to make America safer.

Is Columbia Universitys Mahmoud Khalil being wrongfully detained?

Under Trumps proposal, there would be three categories of restriction with varying provisions: red (complete visa suspension), orange (partial visa suspension) or yellow (probationary period).

Countries in the proposed red category include Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen.

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Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Turkmenistan are in the orange category.

The yellow category 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.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Brown University has warned international staff and students to reconsider foreign travel after one of its assistant professors was deported to Lebanon.

In a campus-wide email, Russell Carey, Browns executive vice president for planning and policy, encouraged those intending to travel outside the U.S. to wait until more information was available from the State Department.

The advice comes after Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor on an H-1B visa, was detained after returning from a trip to Lebanon before being deported over the weekend.

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Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage international students, staff, faculty and scholars  including U.S. visa holders and permanent residents (or green card holders)  to consider postponing or delaying personal travel outside the United States until more information is available from the U.S. Department of State, Careys message said, The Hill reported.

Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor on an H-1B visa, was detained after returning from a trip to Lebanon before being deported over the weekend. Brown University has now warned international students and staff to reconsider foreign travel (Handout)

It added that during this period of great uncertainty, we feel its imperative to share reminders with Browns international community about travel outside the United States and to provide information about available campus resources.

Alawieh was deported despite a court order from a judge saying she was to stay in the country. The federal government argued that agents from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had not been made aware of the order before the doctor was already out of the country.

We continue to seek to learn more about what has happened, Brown University said in a statement to The Hill, noting Alawieh was an employee of Brown Medicine with a clinical appointment to Brown University.

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Alawieh was detained at Bostons Logan Airport on Thursday after returning from a trip visiting family in Lebanon. CBP officers searched her phone and would not immediately admit her to the U.S., according to court documents.

In a campus-wide email, Russell Carey, Browns executive vice president for planning and policy, encouraged those intending to travel outside the U.S. to wait until more information was available from the State Department (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Government lawyers claimed she attended the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah while she was in Lebanon and supported him from a religious perspective and claimed to have discovered sympathetic photos and videos on her phone.

Alawieh openly admitted this to CBP officers, as well as her support of [Hassan] Nasrallah, the lawyers said.

Alawiehs deportation comes after pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a green-card holder who graduated from Columbia University in December, was detained. Donald Trump has continued to use the Alien Enemies Act to swiftly remove targets as part of his anti-immigration agenda.
A vicious sicko accused of beating his girlfriend and ripping off her clothes in front of his friends was able to walk on a technicality  all because of New Yorks deeply flawed discovery laws.

The domestic violence and sex abuse cases senseless dismissal last week in Manhattan court came after prosecutors turned over more than 70 forms of evidence to defense attorneys, law-enforcement sources said.

But a sole piece of evidence unrelated to the case  a past disciplinary action against one of the arresting NYPD officers, who got punished for allowing an inmate to escape and grab a 20-second drink of water  came late, the sources said.

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The belated reveal prompted the entire case to be tossed under the laws, leaving the terrified woman without a protection order against her abusive ex and forcing her to move in the face of his continued harassment, sources said.

Domestic violence survivors are significantly impacted by the flaws in the states discovery laws, said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, in a statement.

This horrifying example is illustrative of a much broader problem where survivors are being denied justice and orders of protection, leaving them vulnerable to their attackers.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg argued discovery reform is impacting domestic violence cases. Bloomberg via Getty Images

The outrage by the lefty Bragg  who has been blasted as soft-on-crime  comes as he and the Big Apples four other district attorneys push Albany lawmakers to reform the states discovery laws.

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The DAs and other critics maintain that the laws have led to a surge in criminal cases getting tossed, often on trivial technicalities unrelated to the actual charges.

The system is stacked against the victims, and Albany doesnt care, one district attorney investigator said. Im surprised there isnt more crime.

The tossed Manhattan case  which sources outlined without giving many specifics, including the suspects identity, because it has now been sealed  involved an incident in which the allegedly abusive boyfriend stripped the victim naked in front of several friends without her consent, sources said.

The purported psycho also had assaulted her more than once, including by grabbing and throwing her to the ground repeatedly, the sources said.

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Cops arrested the man and he was arraigned in August last year on assault, aggravated harassment and sex abuse charges, according to sources.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has pushed to tweak the laws. James Messerschmidt

Prosecutors quickly turned over a voluminous amount of evidence as required by the discovery laws, ranging from body-worn cameras from cops to voicemails that five witnesses left the assistant district attorneys to Amtrak tickets, sources said.

But the prosecutors had belatedly disclosed information on a disciplinary case against one of the arresting cops.

Six months before the domestic violence case, the cop had allowed an inmate who was being treated at a hospital escape to grab a sip of water  a 20-second interlude, the sources said.

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The law states the information must be turned over to the defense 20 days after arraignment if a suspect is in custody and 35 days if not, although there are extensions. Its unclear if the accused abuser was in custody at the time.

The punishment for the tardy disclosure of discovery evidence  even of information unrelated to the actual charges  is dismissal, the sources said.

That is BS, a Manhattan detective said after hearing about the dismissal.

I would like the politicians who passed the discovery laws to look the victim in their face, and explain to her why that dirtbag is walking the streets and she has to hide.

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Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2019 signed tweaks to state discovery practices, alongside a slate of other criminal-justice reforms.

The changes were designed to speed up court proceedings so that defendants  such as Kalief Browder, who killed himself after spending years in Rikers Island  wouldnt languish behind bars waiting for trial.

But prosecutors argue the reforms had the side effect of leading to a surge in criminal-case dismissals across New York City, where the percentage of tossed case shot up from 41% before the changes to 62% in 2023, Office of Court Administration data show.

The citys DAs have thrown their support behind modest changes to the laws proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

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Cuomo, who is running for mayor, offered support for the change during an interview with The Posts editorial board on Monday, but notably did not mention his successor Hochuls efforts.

Theres a proposal to change it to anything relevant to the case, or to give a judge discretion to say Yes, they didnt give that piece of paper, but  it was harmless to the case, he said. I can say I think both of them have to be considered because the number of dismissals from discovery is is too high.

Criminal case dismissals in New York City have shot up from 41% to 62% since the reforms. REUTERS

Criminal-justice reforms advocates, however, argue that the discovery reforms arent to blame for New York Citys surge in dismissals, noting other Empire State counties dont show similar surges in dropped cases.

Tina Luongo, chief attorney of the Criminal Defense Practice at The Legal Aid Society, had previously argued that domestic violence cases most often dont lead to mountains of discovery.

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She argued the recent case wasnt the norm, and blamed the NYPDs tardiness in turning over evidence as the reason for dismissals.

DA Bragg has provided a single, extreme, anecdotal account with likely cherry-picked facts to support a general claim, all without any supporting documentation, Luongo said in a statement. If the facts presented by the DA are correct, then this would be an outlier.

 Additional reporting by Larry Celona
BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China supports the achievement of a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties concerned in the Ukraine crisis, said Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when having a phone conversation with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French President.

He said China believes that all parties and stakeholders should participate in the peace talks process in due course. 
The United Kingdoms King Charles III and Queen Camilla will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican on April 8, Buckingham Palace announced Monday.

The press release made it clear that the pope is expected to be home from the hospital and back at work by then, and, in that sense, gave a more straightforward timeline for his release than his medical team.

The news is surprising ... but such an announcement would not have been made by Buckingham Palace without first having received confirmation from the Vatican that Pope Francis will be back in the Vatican by that date and able to receive them, America magazine reported.

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Pope Francis has been in Romes Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14. He was initially admitted with bronchitis but hes now being treated for bilateral pneumonia, as the Deseret News previously reported.

On March 10, the popes care team announced that hes no longer considered at imminent risk of death, but theres been no news since then on when they expect to discharge him.

On Monday, the Holy See Press Office announced that the pope is gradually weaning off the use of high-flow oxygen therapy and that hes been doing work in between periods of rest and prayer.

Popes relationship to the king and queen

Charles and Camillas state visit to Italy and the Vatican has been on their calendar since before Pope Francis was hospitalized, according to the BBC.

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One of the goals of the trip is to build the symbolic links between the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England, of which King Charles is the Supreme Governor, the BBC reported.

The pope has met with Charles and Camilla before, but not since Charles ascended to the throne.

The two leaders are expected to discuss their shared commitment to environmental causes, among other topics. The visit will include an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel focused on the idea of caring for creation, per America magazine.
The Telegraph in fact owned/used two armoured Land Rover 110 vehicles  the need for the second shall soon become apparent.

The first was a Land Rover Series III with a 2.5-litre diesel engine, built in the late 1980s and repurposed with a steel cab and bulletproof glass.

During the Kosovo conflict (1998-1999), The Telegraph found the money (about 75,000 I believe) for an armoured Defender, as the Series Land Rovers had been renamed. This time the whole vehicle, not just the cab, was armoured. The Kevlar composite used made it lighter and easier to drive than the steel-clad first iteration.

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It took an accident to prove just how heavily-protected was the first armoured Land Rover. I managed to roll The Beast, for that is how the converted 110 was affectionately known, on an icy Balkan road in January 1994 during one of the wars that pulled Yugoslavia apart.

One minute I was bustling along happily listening to a Hothouse Flowers mixtape, the volume cranked up to make the music heard above the rattle of the diesel engine. Then began the most delicate of pirouettes, the onrushing road ahead momentarily filling the passenger window, the view through the windscreen of a snowy Bosnian field disconcertingly perpendicular to my line of travel.

When the tumbling stopped, it was clear the plated steel cab had protected me like a roll-cage. Dizziness apart, I was fine. But we had ended up on our side so after unclipping my seatbelt I stood on the new floor, that same passenger window, and tried to get out.

It was impossible.

The Beast (with a white paint job) in Croatia during the Bosnia War - Tim Butcher

The Beast was designed very much as a two-seater, meaning the protection (10mm thick steel along with 15mm thick bulletproof glass) was entirely sealed apart from the two doors: there was a letterbox communicating to the rear cargo area, the windows very much not openable.

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It was as I reached up to heave open the driver door that the sheer weight of the protection layer became fully apparent. It weighed more than 100kg, a single steel sheet cut to size and hinged on two 15cm bolts welded to the leading edge. For the love of God and in spite of myself weighing not much less, with a preternatural gym obsession, it was beyond me.

I could prise it open a few centimetres before it crashed back down. My fingers had to be kept clear of all edges or else they would have been guillotined clean off. I tried to perch on the bulk of the gear housing to get my shoulder to the door. Again, no joy.

It took the arrival of two fortuitously bulky farmers with crowbars to release me. Clambering out, destruction was all around. All of the soft-skin parts of the Beast were damaged: bonnet gone, wings smashed, rear exterior peeled away like a scab, radiator punctured, radiator fan flattened to a frisbee.

But after recovering in the farmhouse with medicinal slivovitz (plum brandy) and grainy coffee, the real miracle took place. The Beast started on the first time, its chassis true, the cab sound, the cold making the radiator redundant.

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That morning with the farmers captured the soul of that vehicle: agricultural. It looked and sounded like a piece of farm equipment.

The weight of the cab and anti-mine belly plate meant the suspension coils had to be strengthened but even then it was set heavy, like a pedalo carrying a well-oiled Andrew Flintoff. Apart from the suspension everything else was standard. The trick was to drive slowly, brake early and, as it happened, not speed on icy roads.

Flashy it was not. Functional it was, churning over the mountains of Bosnia on old tracks re-named by British Army engineers deployed as peacekeepers. One was grandly called Route Diamond, a muddy, rutted superannuated goat-track, but while other vehicles struggled the Beast ate it all up. Slowly.

Although the armour was designed to protect against small arms fire and anti-personnel mines, the reality was that it would not help against the big stuff. A Reuters news agency armoured Land Rover is in the collection of the Imperial War Museum, badly damaged in Gaza by Israeli munitions. The journalists inside were injured.

The Beast saw its fair share of warzones, including during the Israel-Hezbollah War in 2006

What the Beast did do was provide reassurance. You might have got yourself into trouble, but the Beast could get you out. During the siege of Sarajevo word came one day that the single road held by friendly forces was open. I broke the two-seater rule by taking two fellow journalists and under cover of twilight we approached the start of the dangerous climb.

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The trail wormed up over a massif called Mount Igman, held only in part by friendlies. A British soldier had been killed there days earlier when his vehicle was spotted by hostiles only a few hundred metres away.

As darkness fell I unscrewed the fusebox cover under the steering wheel  as accessible and simple as a piece of farming equipment  and took out the brake light fuse. The briefest glow from the brakes threatened to attract incoming.

We crept slowly and lightlessly over the mountain under partial moonlight, past the wreck of the dead soldiers vehicle, each hairpin negotiated without any dangerous glow of red.

When the Kosovo crisis began at the end of the 1990s the beancounters at The Telegraph decided the cost of insurance liability outweighed the cost of a new, improved armoured Land Rover. A new Defender 110 2.5 TDI was purchased, this time with armour covering both cab and body. And it had four doors.

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To save on weight the body plates were Kevlar, painted mustard yellow on the principle that nobody would confuse a car painted the colour of custard as a military vehicle. It was lighter and easier to drive than the original Beast. It even had creature comforts such as interior trim, although in the case of the Yellow Peril (it was inevitable it would be nicknamed thus) that consisted of industrial carpet glued to the inside of the panels.

I drove the Peril to Pristina airport on the famous day when the British commander Sir Mike Jackson refused to start World War Three when ordered by an American general to confront Russian soldiers. It was wonderfully reassuring to drive onto the runway to hear the defiant press conference and then drive to safety down another rutted, rainswept road, my trusted Land Rover providing haven and sanctuary.

The Beast confronting a different beast during the 2006 Lebanon War

The Peril followed me to the Middle East when I covered Israel/Palestine. I was never able to get her through Israeli security protocols into Gaza but she did do valuable service up on Israels northern border during the 2006 Hezbollah War. With Hezbollah rockets raining down intermittently, the peril became effectively a mobile bomb shelter.

Last seen, the second and last of The Telegraphs armoured Land Rovers was parked in a compound atop the Mount of Olives, not far from where the Bible tells us Jesus ascended unto heaven. It felt a suitable place to bid farewell to a line of vehicles that had so often answered my prayers.

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Germany's lower house of parliament approved a historic easing of the country's debt limit on Tuesday, to boost defence spending and earmark 500 billion ($547 billion) for infrastructure and climate protection measures.

The vote in the Bundestag, considered a crucial test for Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz, was 512 to 206.

Merz justified the planned billions in debt saying it is needed for the security of Germany, Europe and NATO.

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"It is a war against our country, too, which is taking place every day," he said referring to Russia's more than three-year war against Ukraine. He announced austerity measures and a reduction in bureaucracy.

The parties backing the measure, which include Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Social Democrats and the Greens, were not certain to receive the necessary two-thirds majority, or 489 votes.

The relaxation of Germany's strict constitutional restriction on government borrowing, known as the debt brake, will allow the uptake of unlimited credit to fund defence expenditure, civil protection, the intelligence services and cybersecurity.

Loans may be taken out for all expenditures in these areas that exceed 1% of gross domestic product (GDP). According to the politicians' calculations, that would amount to around 44 billion this year.

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It represents a massive about-face for CDU leader Merz, who had previously railed against deficit spending.

But Russia's war against Ukraine and Washington's increasingly hostile stance are forcing Germany - and its European allies - to reckon with its massive dependence on the United States for its defence and boost its own capacities.

The passage is likely to be welcomed not only but Ukraine but by the war-torn country's European allies ahead of a major EU two-day summit on Thursday about defence, support for Ukraine and other topics.

The 500 billion fund for sorely needed infrastructure investments includes 100 billion for climate protection - a condition set by the Greens to support the measures. The agreement also requires that "climate neutrality by 2045" will be written into Germany's Basic Law, or constitution.

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Years of lacking infrastructure investment in Germany have particularly affected rail services - with travellers complaining of late, cancelled or overcrowded trains - as well as internet connectivity and other business-critical provisions, hampering growth in Europe's largest economy.

The psychological problem of deficit spending

The easing of the debt limit also represents a psychological hurdle for many Germans, who have historically been loath to accept deficit spending.

In fact Germany has one of the highest household savings rates in the European Union at 19.3% of disposable income, according to Eurostat, second only to the Czech Republic, with 19.4%.

Lawsuits, cries of foul play

Merz pushed through the package with the current Bundestag - even though the parliament will be replaced with a new one as early as March 25. That's because he realized the package would be harder - if not impossible - to push through the new parliament, elected on February 23, as it will include more far-left and far-right members who oppose it.

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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and others tried to stop the vote with legal complaints, but they were rejected.

In the debate leading up to the vote, AfD parliamentary group leader Tino Chrupalla accused Merz of not only having no backbone, but also of being "completely spineless."

"The aim here is to haphazardly drive public debt sky high," he charged.

The measure now passes to the Bundesrat, or upper house, consisting of the premiers of Germany's 16 states. There it must also achieve a two-thirds majority, but this is seen as likely after a coalition partner in the Bavarian government gave up his opposition on Monday and said he'd vote for the plan.

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German states will also benefit significantly from the package. Not only will they receive 100 billion of the 500 billion for infrastructure and climate protection, but they will be allowed to take on debt totalling 0.35 % of GDP.

Previously, the federal states had a debt limit of zero.
Cabarrus County commissioners on Monday voted down a motion to fire their just-hired manager as they sparred over an undisclosed business relationship involving the boards chairman.

During Mondays meeting, Commissioner Kenny Wortman said Chairman Chris Measmer failed to disclose that he and newly hired County Manager Sean Newton previously were business partners. Measmer and Wortman argued during the meeting over the transparency of the hiring process and the potential conflict of interest  at times interrupting each other and raising their voices.

Reports from 2016 to 2019 on the North Carolina Secretary of State website show Measmer and Newton established Measmer Newton Enterprises LLC. Measmer is listed as the registered agent and Newton as a company official. The company was created for food manufacturing, according to the filings, and dissolved in 2019 by Newton.

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After calling out the connection, Wortman made a motion to fire Newton and have a third party search for a replacement. It received applause from some in the room. Commissioner Lynn Shue seconded the motion, and it failed 2-3.

The way this looks now is horrific, Wortman said. It looks like the headline is going to be the county fires a 63-year-old man with 38 years of experience and replaces him with somebody under 40 because hes your friend (and) former partner.

Former Cabarrus County Manager Mike Downs was fired by the board in a 3-1 vote at the end of January. Though no reason was given at the time, Measmer said in the termination letter he thought Downs involvement with the countys purchase of a $42 million office building was a critical failure.

Commissioners unanimously appointed Newton at a March 10 commission meeting following a closed session. He is set to begin his duties as county manager on March 24.

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Measmer read from a prepared statement at Mondays meeting, saying he and Newton started the business together a decade ago, but it never went anywhere or made any money. Newton went through the same hiring process as all other applicants and hired based on merit, Measmer said. Like Wortman, Measmers comments garnered some applause from audience members.

Nothing illegal has been done, Measmer said. I never pressured the HR department, never pressured my fellow commissioners, or created a situation where anyone felt they had the vote for Mr. Newton.

Wortman said he would not have voted for Newton if he knew about the business relationship.

Theres a difference between transparency and damage control, and what youre doing right now is because you got caught, Wortman said. But this is not transparent.

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Commissioners Laura Lindsey and Larry Pittman said they knew about the relationship between Measmer and Newton. Wortman claimed during the meeting Measmer told him he did not disclose the relationship because he didnt want to poison Wortmans opinion. Measmer didnt rebut the allegation.

At one point, Wortman asked why Measmer, Lindsey and Pittman didnt disclose the relationship.

I dont trust you, Lindsey said.

Shue, who has joined meetings virtually for months due to a medical issue, said he was left out of important discussions and closed sessions about the county manager and county attorney positions.

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When you were having the discussions about the new county manager and the new attorney, you never called me, you never included me in any of those discussions, he said. Am I not one-fifth of this board?

Former Cabarrus County school board member Keshia Sandidge spoke during public comment and called the business relationship concerning.

That sounds like bad news to me, and does not sound like transparency, which every single last one of you ran on. she said. I remember some time ago many of you were talking about calling the (State Ethics Commission) on a former county commission. It sounds like some of you need to call them on yourselves.
Two Texas men who authorities say stole $18,500 in graphing calculators from eight east-metro Target stores last year are among the first to be sentenced under Minnesotas organized retail theft law, which hit the books in August 2023.

Antonio Griffin Jr. and Zachary Charles Fininen, both of Dallas, were arrested after leaving a Woodbury Target with around $5,500 worth of the pricey mathematical devices on Feb. 21, 2024. A Target investigator tied them to a Dallas-based group of roving thieves responsible for $250,000 worth of stolen or recovered calculators, the Washington County District Court charges say.

The duo pleaded guilty to the felony charge of organized retail theft while employed by or associated with a retail theft enterprise. After reaching plea deals with county prosecutors, Griffin was sentenced to three years of supervised probation in January, while Fininen received the same probationary term on Monday. In lieu of jail time, they were also ordered to complete community service while on probation in their home state.

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State legislators passed the law after some high-profile local cases of organized retail crime, such as grab-and-run thefts from Best Buy stores in Maplewood, Burnsville and Blaine on Black Friday in 2021.

The law, which focuses on people stealing items to resell on the black market, does increase the maximum penalty compared to other theft  up to 15 years in prison  but it depends on the value of the items stolen and whether a person has past convictions.

According to Minnesota court data, prosecutors have filed 31 charges statewide  four in 2023, 22 last year and five this year as of Monday. All but three of the charges were filed in the metro area.

Griffin, 31, and Fininen, 24, are among four people who have been convicted so far under the law. Dakota County was the first to gain a conviction, which happened last year. The other conviction was in Hennepin County this January.

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The Ramsey County Attorneys Office filed its first case under the law in November, charging a Connecticut couple suspected of stealing at least $24,000 in merchandise from the Lululemon store at Rosedale Center. The charges allege Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, 45, and Jadion Anthony Richards, 44, were part of a group that stole more than $1 million in merchandise from Lululemon stores across several states.

A spokesman for the Minnesota Organized Retail Crime Association said Monday that although they are seeing the application of the law applied correctly, the penalties are not necessarily aligned with the severity of the crime because it is still seen as victimless.

Several stores hit in one day

According to the criminal complaints against Fininen and Griffin:

Woodbury police were called to the Target at 449 Commerce Drive after a loss prevention employee reported that two men were taking calculators from a rack and stashing them in an empty cooler. They left the store without paying.

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Officers arrived and saw Fininen and Griffin pushing a shopping cart with a cooler inside. As officers tried to stop them, they ditched the cart and ran through the parking lot. An off-duty State Patrol trooper caught Fininen, while Woodbury officers captured Griffin at a nearby Sams Club.

Officers learned the men arrived at the Target in a black Nissan SUV, which was no longer in the parking lot. From surveillance video, officers discovered the SUV was a rental from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The charges say officers then learned that Fininen and Griffin had committed calculator thefts earlier in the day at several other east-metro Targets, including at the other Woodbury store on Valley Creek Road, where video showed they made off with $1,930 worth of the items by concealing them under a towel placed in a shopping cart.

Officers gathered video from six other Targets that showed the pair stealing calculators at the Eagan store (totaling $1,565), both Apple Valley locations ($2,176 and $1,392) and stores in Burnsville ($2,027), Lakeville ($1,253) and West St. Paul ($2,614).

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Targets website shows graphing calculators selling between $55 and $210 depending on the brand and model.

Costly trend

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Target Corp. said in a quarterly update in May 2023 that theft is cutting into its bottom line and it expected related losses would be $500 million more than in 2022, when losses from theft were estimated to be anywhere from $700 million to $800 million.

Five months later, the Minneapolis-based national retailer closed nine stores in four states, saying in a statement that theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance. One store was in Harlem, N.Y., two were in Seattle, Wash., three in the San Francisco and Oakland, Calif., markets and three were in Portland, Ore.

The retailer also threw its support at the June 2023 passage of the Inform Consumers Act, which gives marketplaces like Amazon and eBay a larger role in combating the second-hand sale of stolen goods.
California lawmakers are proposing legislation that aims to reestablish safeguards for the states streams and wetlands in response to a Supreme Court ruling limiting federal clean water regulations.

Supporters say the legislation has taken on heightened urgency as the Trump administration begins to scale back protections for many streams and wetlands, making them vulnerable to pollution and worsening water quality.

We need clean water to drink, to grow our food, to safely bathe and swim in, to support healthy ecosystems and the environment, said state Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), who introduced the bill. It's about protecting our water supply, and it's a common-sense measure that simply restores the protections that our waterways have always enjoyed since 1948.

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Federal standards have since 1948 limited pollution discharges into waterways. Such standards later became a central part of the federal Clean Water Act , adopted in 1972.

In Sackett vs. EPA, the Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that Clean Water Act protections don't apply to many wetlands and ephemeral streams, which flow when it rains but otherwise sit dry much of the time. The court ruled that the laws protections for the waters of the United States apply only to wetlands and streams that are directly connected to navigable waterways.

Read more: Supreme Court scales back clean water protections. What does it mean for California?

The decision was supported by groups representing developers and the agriculture industry, who say the EPA had overstepped its authority by restricting private property owners from developing their land.

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California officials and clean water advocates counter that the rollback of protections will jeopardize vital water sources and ecosystems throughout the arid West.

"It should be recognized as not just a threat to water quality but overall quality of life, and frankly, a threat to our state," said Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), the bill's co-author. Kalra said the court ruling has stripped federal protections "from many of our most precious wetlands and streams, each a crucial linkage in a complex water network that undergirds every animal, every plant, every human being in our state."

The bill, SB 601 , would restore previous protections for Californias wetlands and streams by requiring permits for pollution discharges from businesses and construction projects. The measure calls for state standards that meet or exceed the regulations previously in place during the Biden administration.

This was a system that was working well, Allen said. We've got to step up.

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The legislation, he said, effectively rolls back the clock prior to the court decision to maintain protections, and enshrines a new framework into state law. Under the bill, titled the Right to Clean Water Act, the State Water Resources Control Board would be tasked with implementing and enforcing the rules.

A cormorant presides over what's left of a snorkeling pool in the drying Kern River in Bakersfield. (Gary Kazanjian / For The Times)

It's critical that our state protects our waterways in the same way that we have over the last 50 years, said Sean Bothwell, executive of the group California Coastkeeper Alliance, which is supporting the legislation.

He called the Supreme Court ruling misguided, saying it was biased toward waterways in the wetter East Coast climate, and doesnt fit Californias reality, where many streams flow only when it rains.

Our Mediterranean climate doesn't allow for our rivers and streams, and the creeks that flow into them, to flow permanently, Bothwell said. What this bill does is it maintains the protections that Californians have enjoyed.

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While the legislation is being discussed in Sacramento, the federal Environmental Protection Agency has begun to revise the so-called Waters of the United States rule to bring regulations into line with the Supreme Court ruling.

Read more: How the EPA's environmental about-face could upend California's climate efforts

Announcing plans for the regulatory rollback last week, the EPA said the agency, acting together with the Army Corps of Engineers, will move quickly to ensure that a revised definition follows the law, reduces red-tape, cuts overall permitting costs, and lowers the cost of doing business. The EPA said it will begin its review by seeking input from stakeholders.

We want clean water for all Americans supported by clear and consistent rules, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in the announcement. He said the previous version of the regulations placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business.

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The EPA has also announced plans to roll back more than two dozen other regulations , which environmentalists say would severely harm the nations progress in addressing air and water pollution.

Bothwell said the EPAs new rule, once adopted, might go beyond the Supreme Court ruling and make it more sweeping than it already was.

Without the state legislation, he said, the combination of the court decision and the Trump administrations pullback of regulations will leave seasonal streams and many wetlands without Clean Water Act protections.

We can no longer rely upon the federal government to protect and provide clean and affordable water, Bothwell said.

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State officials and environmental advocates have said because about 90% of Californias wetlands have already been drained and destroyed , strong protections for those that remain are vital.

Read more: Supreme Court rules for San Francisco, limits EPA's power on stormwater discharges

Whether protective measures are in place could affect the states aquatic ecosystems. There are nearly 4,000 freshwater species in California, and researchers at the Public Policy Institute of California said in a report last year that there are no protections in place for many species that are threatened.

Our waters are connected. Our freshwater ecosystems, groundwater aquifers, rivers, wetlands and other waterways are all interconnected, said Ashley Overhouse, a water policy advisor for the nonprofit group Defenders of Wildlife.

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She said when pollution flows into wetlands or streams, the effects on threatened species and water quality can be widespread, harming ecosystems that are also suffering from the effects of climate change .

The bill would provide clarity and efficient protections for the state at a time of regulatory and political uncertainty, Overhouse said.

The ultimate goal, she said, is to ensure a future where clean, healthy water is guaranteed for all communities and all wildlife.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The risk of damaging flooding from a major tsunami may be greater than many realized along stretches of California's renowned coastline, state officials say, further reinforcing the need for residents to take note if they live in or visit hazard areas.

The most recent risk assessment, outlined in maps that were published by the California Geological Survey and reviewed by The Times, illustrate the devastation that could result from scenarios considered to be extreme, but realistic. For instance, a large tsunami could flood swaths of Marina del Rey, Long Beach and the nearby dual port complex to an elevation of up to 15 feet above sea level.

A worst-case tsunami could bring flooding to sizable areas of Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda, up to 18 feet above sea level.

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Flooding could reach up to 30 feet above the average high tide along the outer coast of Humboldt Bay and the Eureka area, and up to 50 feet toward Crescent City and Cayucos.

But for most Californians, the precise extent of tsunami risk is less important than knowing these hazard zones exist in the first place. The magnitude 7 quake Dec. 5 off the Humboldt County coast  which prompted a tsunami warning affecting millions in Northern California  was a blaring reminder of that.

Should a significant tsunami materialize, mere minutes could be the difference. Along California's North Coast, some people might only have 10 minutes to get to an evacuation area following a huge earthquake just offshore.

While damaging tsunamis are infrequent in California, they have and do happen. If you live on or visit the coast, you need to be aware of this potential hazard," Steve Bohlen, then the head of the California Geological Survey, said when the updated tsunami hazard area maps were released.

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Read more: Are you at risk of tsunami flooding in Southern California? Check these maps

To see if you live in a tsunami hazard zone, visit conservation.ca.gov/cgs/tsunami/maps.

The latest maps were published between 2020 and 2022. Though shunted out of the spotlight by other news events during that period, they are nevertheless notable  containing several major updates from earlier tsunami inundation maps that were published a decade earlier or more.

And with the state's annual tsunami preparedness week set to start Saturday, officials say it's vital for residents to familiarize themselves with their local risks.

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The updates to California's tsunami hazard areas followed a devastating tsunami in Japan in 2011, which was triggered by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake off the country's eastern shore.

Prior to that disaster, Japan relied on data from several hundred years of records to estimate tsunami risk, which once "seemed perfectly reasonable," according to Bohlen. But the disaster demonstrated the need for scientists to consider even rarer events  tsunamis that may only strike once every 1,000 years or so.

California, as a result, opted to take "a very conservative approach" for its maps, "hoping to avoid the tragic loss of life experienced in Japan," Bohlen said in a prior statement.

There are a number of scenarios in which California could get hours of lead time ahead of a damaging tsunami. But should a quake strike close to shore, there could be little to no warning, aside from the shaking itself.

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"The bottom line is, if youre near the coast and feel strong shaking from a local earthquake or get an official notification to evacuate, move inland as soon as possible, Rick Wilson, then a senior engineering geologist with the California Geological Survey tsunami unit, said in a statement in 2021.

Read more: Where in Northern California is most at risk for tsunami flooding? Check these maps

In the latest update of the maps, potential tsunami flood areas were expanded in parts of Long Beach  including along Ocean Boulevard and Belmont Shore  Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and San Pedro.

Areas of notable concern in Los Angeles County include Marina del Rey, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and around Alamitos Bay because there are few roads for evacuation, according to the California Geological Survey.

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Flooding to the extent considered possible in an extreme scenario "would inundate almost all of the land in the ports and some of the surrounding communities," Wilson said when the latest maps were released.

In updating the maps, San Francisco also saw "significant increases in the mapped tsunami hazard" in the Financial District at the foot of Market Street, as well as parts of North Beach, south of the Embarcadero. The zone includes the Embarcadero BART and Muni stations and Embarcadero Center.

"These are both areas with very low land elevations that could be impacted by a small increase in waterfront flooding," the geological survey said.

In many places, changes in the hazard maps were relatively modest. Some  like in Newport Beach  were expanded to add a small buffer beyond the modeled inundation area to roads or landmarks to help local officials communicate evacuation plans, the geological survey said.

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There are places on the U.S. West Coast, and here in Alaska, where an entire safe evacuation for a near-shore event ... would [have] a much lower success rate, said Dave Snider, the tsunami warning coordinator at the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska. That is the No. 1 reason why people need to understand what their hazard zone is ahead of time.

The changes went both ways. Some areas, such as around Huntington Beach and Bolsa Chica, saw their tsunami hazard areas shrink after new analysis indicated levees and ponds would help better protect the public than originally thought.

What became clear in the wake of December's widespread warning was that many Californians had no idea where the tsunami warning zones were.

And, as the maps show, it's not always areas right along the coast that are exposed. Tsunami hazard zones can extend to bayside and riverside areas relatively far from the Pacific coast, representing the maximum inundation area in a number of scenarios, according to the California Geological Survey.

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California's tsunami hazard areas are expansive in some areas, and include some of the state's priciest real estate and most famed destinations: the Santa Monica Pier, Long Beach's Naples Island, Newport Beach's Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula; and neighborhoods in Sunset Beach, Seal Beach, San Diego and nearby Coronado.

Also at potential risk are popular tourist hotspots from Malibu to Santa Barbara's waterfront, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a swath of Santa Cruz. Some of the most storied sections of San Francisco  including parts of the Financial District as well as the Ferry Building, Fishermans Wharf, the Palace of Fine Arts, Chase Center, Oracle Park and Treasure Island  could see flooding from a major tsunami.

The same is true for much of Alameda; sizable chunks of Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond and Marin County; and some areas in and near Silicon Valley, including northern sections of Redwood City and Burlingame.

To the south, some coastal communities along Highway 1 in San Mateo County are in a tsunami hazard zone  such as parts of Pacifica and Half Moon Bay  as are other popular tourist destinations in counties farther south, like Capitola and Monterey.

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The risk extends north too. Humboldt and Del Norte counties have significant tsunami risk. There are vast areas around Eureka, next to Humboldt Bay, where there are long, skinny peninsulas that could make an evacuation challenging.

Read more: 'Living here isn't easy to begin with.' How an earthquake brought people together

In Ventura County, parts of Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme are in the tsunami hazard area, including the neighborhoods of Oxnard Shores and Ventura Keys, as well as the Ventura Marina Mobile Home Park.

Given the extent of the assessed hazard areas, large-scale evacuations could be ordered, and warranted, in situations with limited time and information.

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That was the case in December. Although that warning was later canceled, and no major tsunami developed, Snider said it's still a good reminder that this kind of disaster can happen, and people need to be prepared.

There was, technically, a tsunami  albeit one measured at a scant 5 centimeters  in Arena Cove off Mendocino County.

Read more: 'It's insane.' How rattled Northern Californians weathered 7.0 earthquake and tsunami warning

A nightmare scenario for California would be a tsunami generated from an underwater quake that occurs close to shore. A particularly chilling prospect for Northern California, as well as Oregon and Washington, would be a magnitude 9 earthquake along the Cascadia subduction zone off the coast.

A major quake in this area could bring a tsunami to San Francisco in as little as an hour. An even closer rupture, such as along the Point Reyes thrust fault, could result in a tsunami hitting the city in as little as 10 minutes, according to city documents.

You just experienced a significant alert  one that may never happen again to you, Snider said. But in the event that it does  ask yourselves, did I have alerts when I needed them?

Its important to remember that tsunamis are not like typical ocean waves. They are series of waves that reach shore almost like a turbulent wall of water or a fast-rising flood.

Read more: The California tsunami danger is real. The 7.0 earthquake is wake-up call to prepare

Perhaps nowhere in California better demonstrates the risk tsunamis present than Crescent City. Most notably, the 1964 Alaska earthquake set off a catastrophic tsunami that devastated the city, washing away 29 blocks and killing at least 11 people. Surges reached 21 feet above the average low tide.

A hypothetical magnitude-9.3 earthquake near Alaska's eastern Aleutian Islands could bring a damaging tsunami to the San Francisco Bay Area in about five hours, and to L.A. and Orange counties in about six.

If youre uphill or inland from the mapped hazard zones, you should be safe from tsunami. But those who live, work or recreate in a hazard zone should have an evacuation plan, especially since authorities may only have minutes to decide whether to order everyone to higher ground.

If you dont have prior knowledge of whether youre in a tsunami hazard zone, and no maps or evacuation signs are available, aim for spots 100 feet above sea level and as far as two miles away from the shoreline, if possible, officials say.

Read more: Why a massive California tsunami alert was issued  then soon canceled

Officials say its also important to know if youre not in a tsunami hazard zone, to avoid complicating evacuations for those who need to move. Theres no need, for instance, to flee San Francisco when much of the city is in a safe zone  just walking a few blocks inland may be all thats needed.

If evacuation is impossible, your last resort could be going to the third or higher floor of a sturdy building, or even climbing a tree.

And evacuating the Santa Monica Pier doesn't mean you need to head to the top of Mt. Baldy. Just getting above the nearby bluffs would be enough.

But even where tsunami hazard zones are relatively narrow, many Californians may not have the instinct to get to higher ground after the ground shakes.

And the risk can vary. The tsunami hazard area in Manhattan Beach is essentially limited to the beach and pier on the coastal side of the Strand, the walking-and-biking path that separates the sand from luxury homes. Yet in Hermosa Beach, the latest expanded tsunami hazard area also now covers the pricey homes a block or so east of the trail.

Visiting SeaWorld in San Diego? The theme park is outside the hazard zone, but some hotels and resorts to the west and north are not.

Those who were ordered to leave during the widespread warning in December should assess whether their evacuation plan worked and if there is anything that needs to be tweaked or ironed out, Snider said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A federal judge in California gave final approval earlier this month to the settlement of a class action lawsuit brought against the Department of Defense by former service members discharged because they were queer. The settlement will allow an estimated 35,000 service members to more easily upgrade their discharges, remove sexual orientation markers from their service records, and potentially obtain currently denied benefits.

The settlement expedites multiple processes of importance to former LGBTQ+ service members. The Pentagon agreed to provide an expedited group Board review process for considering discharge upgrades for veterans given discharge characterizations of General Under Honorable Conditions or Other Than Honorable, the settlement states. The settlement also calls for streamlining the removal process for markers of perceived or actual sexual orientation. from a members service record.

This expedited process removes the considerable burden on veterans to first obtain their military records  a process that can take years  and then submit full petitions supported by evidence to the Board  another process that can take years, the settlement noted.

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The suit was filed in August of 2023 by former service members Sherrill Farrell, James Gonzales, Steven Egland, Julianne (Jules) Sohn, and Lilly Steffanides with the help of the Impact Fund, Legal Aid at Work, and King & Spaulding LLP.

I believe that part of service is standing up for what is right. That is why I publicly spoke out against Dont Ask, Dont Tell, even though it led to my discharge from the Marine Corps, Sohn said in a statement when the suit was first filed. And that is what I hope to do today by filing this lawsuit  standing up so that other LGBTQ+ veterans are afforded the full dignity and honor for their service and sacrifices for this country.

The suit moved slowly until the parties began to engage in contested arms length settlement negotiations in July of 2024. The weekly or bi-weekly videoconferences were described as productive but adversarial in nature.

The negotiations were given a boost after an all-day in-person settlement negotiation meeting in Washington, D.C., in September of 2024 that was attended by counsel and subject matter experts.

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The following month, the parties reached an agreement on the general scope and key terms of the settlement and notified the court they anticipated a full agreement in December. The final agreement was signed and fully executed on January 3, 2025, just weeks before the incoming administration of Pres. Donald Trump took control of the Pentagon and its negotiations.

In addition to the new policies, the Pentagon committed to a timeline that will implement the policies within four months.
Rep. Dave Hall, R-Norman, was the House sponsor for Senate Joint Resolution 21  an application for a convention to propose constitutional amendments. He is shown on the House floor in January 2025. (Indiana House Republicans)

Indiana on Monday became the 11th state to issue an identical call for a convention to amend congressional term limits into the United States Constitution  after five years of attempts.

Meanwhile, a separate resolution supporting pregnancy centers drew emotional testimony. The House also concurred with Senate changes to a gun records measure as an inter-chamber debate over carbon dioxide funds continues.

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For too long, career politicians in D.C. have remained in office for decades, prioritizing re-election over results, Rep. Dave Hall, R-Norman, told colleagues from the House floor.

He was the House sponsor for Senate Joint Resolution 21, which representatives approved on a 66-30 vote. About a dozen members of each party defected during the vote, with some Republicans opposing the joint resolution and some Democrats voting in support. The measure doesnt need the governors signature.

The joint resolution is an application for a convention to propose amendments under Article V of the Constitution. It uses language from U.S. Term Limits, an organization that in 2016 launched a national campaign for identically worded applications focused exclusively on congressional term limits.

Ten other states have already signed on, according to USTL: Florida, Alabama, Missouri, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Louisiana, North Carolina and South Dakota. Applications from 34 states are needed to trigger a convention, while 38 must ratify the proposals resulting from a convention.

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The USTL application specifies that the convention should be a limited one, just for amendments restricting the number of times U.S. House and Senate members can be elected to their posts. It describes how it should be aggregated only with same-subject applications and separately, sent to other state legislatures as an invitation to join in this call.

As more states pass resolutions, Congress will be pressured to take action before the convention is convened, Hall said. The reality is, an Article V convention is highly unlikely, not because term limits lack support, but because Congress will never allow the process to be taken out of its hands.

That hasnt halted fears of a runaway convention among lawmakers  particularly in the Senate  and other stakeholders. Legal scholars differ on whether a convention can be limited to a single topic, or if such a meeting could risk existing freedoms codified in the Constitution.

Rep. Chris Judy, R-Fort Wayne, speaks against the resolution on Monday, March 17, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

House lawmakers aired other complaints Monday.

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Rep. Chris Judy, R-Fort Wayne, opposed the joint resolution because the real issue is the 17th Amendment, which provided for the direct election of U.S. senators.

Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, argued voters already impose term limits via elections. He also implied its hypocritical to advance the resolution but not limit state-level tenure.

I will not have to explain to my constituents why Im not voting for term limits on myself when Im voting on it for the congressional members. The rest of you can enjoy yourselves making that explanation, DeLaney said.

Senators grapple with pregnancy centers

In the Senate, a legislative resolution recognizing pregnancy care centers drew heated discussion, with Republicans maintaining that such facilities fill critical care gaps for women during the most precious time in their lives.

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Democrats, however, decried the controversial history surrounding the anti-abortion practices of some centers and questioned how the unregulated entities spend millions of taxpayer dollars received through the state budget.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 author Sen. Jeff Raatz, R-Richmond, maintained that pregnancy care centers are staffed by volunteers that help guide women in the direction  they need to go. The measure advanced from the chamber 39-9 along party lines.

We know we struggle with access to care.  We cant produce enough OB-GYNs quick enough to fill the openings we have. So if we just let it go like this, people (wont) have access to someone in the community that can give them practical advice about clothing and other things that they might need to be able to bring this baby to life, Raatz said Monday. We have hospitals in rural Indiana with no OGBYNs. Why not have an innocent individual stand alongside these women and help make decisions and connect them with resources?

The concurrent resolution asserts that the Indiana General Assembly strongly supports pregnancy care centers in their unique, positive contributions to the individual lives of women, men, and babies  both born and unborn.

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These non-medical entities go by many names, including: pregnancy care centers, crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers.

Raatzs measure claims there are more than 2,500 such centers nationwide, offering resources such as pregnancy tests, peer counseling, parenting classes, prenatal information, ultrasounds and referrals to other services. However, some centers have been criticized for misrepresenting themselves as medical facilities, despite offering little-to-no health services.

Minority Leader Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, said the concurrent resolution goes further than thanking center volunteers.

The proposal includes an appeal to federal and state agencies to support the centers, which largely run on donations and volunteers, in a manner that does not compromise the mission or religious integrity of these organizations. It specifically mentions funding for medical equipment, such as ultrasound machines.

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Yoder pointed to Real Alternatives, a state-funded anti-abortion organization, that currently gets $4 million per fiscal year from the Indiana budget, and last year used taxpayer dollars to hold a tailgate with liquor, beer and ladies from Twin Peaks restaurant.

And she noted the entities are not regulated, so theyre not subject to health care regulations.

Hoosier moms and babies deserve better, Yoder said Monday.

House also acts on gun expungements, punts on carbon dioxide

Legislation expunging red flag law records heads to Gov. Mike Brauns desk after the House concurred with Senate changes.

Indianas red flag law allows police to temporarily remove firearms from people considered dangerous. Under House Bill 1137, records would be sealed and expunged if a court later decides someone isnt dangerous, although law enforcement would maintain access.

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But disagreement over where fees from carbon dioxide sequestration projects should go didnt get resolved on Monday  and wont until lawmakers strike a compromise in a separate bill.

Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, listens during an interim committee on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Senate Bill 457 would exempt pipeline companies from needing to get certificates of authority in certain cases, create a permit for exploratory wells and well conversions; add inspection provisions; charge new fines for legal violations; and tweak other fee amounts. Originally, fines and fees wouldve gone to dedicated funds to defray state spending on project administration and monitoring.

But an amendment from Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, who leads the powerful Senate Appropriation Committee, would direct the money to the states General Fund instead. Edits undoing the changes were skipped in committee last week, while an amendment with a 50-50 compromise went uncalled on the floor Monday.

All my time here, funds were created by the (governors) administration, so the Senate took the funds out. Now  the second floor says, Oh, no, it belongs in statute,' Rep. Ed Soliday told the Capital Chronicle, referring to the location of Brauns office.

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But the choice in the bill is: whos going to pay? Is it going to be the taxpayer or is it going to be the petitioner? And I think it should be the petitioner, Soliday, the bills House sponsor, continued. Why should you and I pay for it?

He said the House would pass the Senates version, and then well sort this funds thing out in some other trailer (bill). He hoped to avoid a conference committee because thats when mischief gets done.

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DOHA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Qatar on Tuesday condemned Israel's resumption of military operations against the Gaza Strip, saying the renewed strikes had resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.

In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry described the action as a challenge to international efforts to secure a ceasefire and warned that further escalation could destabilize the region and undermine security.

The ministry called for an immediate return to dialogue to implement the ceasefire and end the conflict while highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Qatar reiterated its support for the Palestinian cause and the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israeli forces carried out airstrikes across Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 413 people, and vowed to intensify the assault if Hamas did not release hostages held in the enclave.

The surprise strikes, which broke nearly two months of ceasefire, came amid indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas on a potential truce that could include ending the hostilities and releasing the remaining Israeli hostages. 
Chief Justice John Roberts was concerned enough to go public with a dire warning in hopes that "people will take notice." In a 15-page letter, he outlined an "issue that has been ignored far too long and has now reached the level of a constitutional crisis that threatens to undermine the strength and independence of the federal judiciary."

The crisis that Roberts was warning about in his 2006 year-end report of the judiciary: "the failure to raise judicial pay."

The chief justice may regret such overheated rhetoric now that he may face an actual constitutional crisis. On Tuesday, Roberts again went public, this time in a more muted fashion, issuing a highly unusual public statement seemingly in response to President Donald Trump's call to impeach U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who recently issued an order blocking the deportation of immigrants under the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act.

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This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! Trump had posted on Truth Social.

Right on cue, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, announced on X that he had introduced articles of impeachment against Boasberg, saying he had "attempted to seize power from the Executive Branch and interfere with the will of the American people." Gill's proposed articles of impeachment say that the judge's order, which only temporarily halted the flights, had "created a constitutional crisis."

The chief justice responded in a dry statement:

For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.

In recent years, Bill Clinton's impeachment, the drawn-out vote count in Bush vs. Gore, Obama's executive actions protecting Dreamers and Biden's student loan forgiveness program have all been described as constitutional crises in everything from editorials to subtitles of otherwise thoughtful books. Trump, who claimed electing Hillary Clinton would lead to one, had a boomlet of his own in his first term, from withholding funds to Ukraine to potentially firing Robert Mueller to attempting to overturn his 2020 loss. One columnist called Trump "a constitutional crisis on two legs."

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A constitutional crisis is sort of like a car crash; it's easy to point it out after it's happened but hard to predict with certainty. Just as you can drive home recklessly, swerving into other lanes and blowing past the speed limit without getting into a crash, politicians can play fast and loose with the Constitution without actually precipitating an actual crisis.

Watergate is a great example. Richard Nixon ordered his underlings to commit crimes, then covered it up. At various points, he fired prosecutors investigating him, refused to hand over incriminating evidence and appeared poised to potentially defy the Supreme Court. A constitutional crisis seemed imminent right up until it didn't. He backed down, obeyed the court's orders and resigned.

In a 2009 paper, law professors Sanford Levinson and Jack Balkin argued that Watergate was a political crisis and not a constitutional one because Nixon didn't attempt to go beyond his powers. They have a point, although it's cold comfort to the Americans who white-knuckled their way through that dangerous car ride.

More importantly, the routine misuse of the term may have made it harder to get the publics attention now that our democracy appears to be heading into one. But it's important to be thoughtful about what the words really mean as we try to figure out if we are in a constitutional crisis right now and what to do about it.

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Many people seem to think we are in a crisis, including highly regarded law professors, Democratic lawmakers and even people searching the internet. In fact, in mid-February Google searches for the term "constitutional crisis" hit the highest levels since records began in 2004.

There are several arguments in favor. To pick just a few examples: Trump has fired thousands of federal workers apparently in violation of civil service protections, invoked wartime powers to strip legal residents of their right to see a judge, withheld congressionally approved spending, allegedly leveled punishments on everyone from college students to law firms for exercising their freedom of speech and threatened to cancel pardons from his predecessor.

The Republican-controlled Congress, which could have pushed back on any or all of these actions, has almost entirely rolled over. But courts have pushed back more aggressively, ordering Trump to reinstate fired workers and restore some funding.

In response, Trump administration lawyers have played dumb or tried too-clever-by-half word games to try to get around these orders, while the president and his allies have huffed and puffed on social media and in Congress. (The judges, for their part, have had some sharp words in questioning the lawyers.)

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So far, the administration may have defied a court order in the deportations, but it's still largely following the others. What happens next will determine whether we hit a full-blown crisis. But as with Nixon, avoiding that outcome does not make any of this is OK. And Americans shouldn't wait around to see what comes next. In fact, a strong public reaction can head off a crisis by convincing one side to back down, as Nixon did when he realized that he was likely to lose an impeachment trial.

The Trump administration is at the wheel, and the car is careening all over the road. We shouldn't wait for it to crash to tell it to stop.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The City of Camanche plans a sequel of sorts: A library expansion is in the works.

The city hopes that, with this expansion, the library will become a prominent community space. The library wants to use its connection to the Mississippi River to help draw people in.

(Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

I think that we need to take full advantage of the location of this library, said Camanche Public Library Director Gail Grim.

Everything is wide open and when we have multiple programs going on at the same time, it becomes a real problem, because theres lots of conflict and noise and disruption, said Camanche City Administrator Andrew Kida.

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The city has two concepts for an expanded library. Both include conference rooms, an event center and an expanded parking lot to accommodate the amount of guests they receive. One of the concepts would add a second floor, giving patrons an even better view of the river.

(City of Camanche)

We can envision prom pictures being taken there, chili cook-offs with family, all sorts of different events happening there, said Grim. I want us to not just be a place where people walk in, get a book and leave. I want them to come, sit down and read a book, bring their friends, play some games.

The cost for each of the two concepts ranges from $5 million to $7 million, but the city plans to use the debt payment freed up by an old project to fill in the gap.

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That means the public will see no increase in taxes.

A referendum for the expansion will go to a vote in November.

So we would be looking to borrow the same amount of money when that debt falls off, and replace that debt payment with a new debt payment. So it steadies the tax levy, said Kida. So the city is not asking for the taxpayers to pay any more money.

Grim hopes it can bring a niche yet to be filled in the city.

Weve got a lot of cute little parks in Camanche, and people visit those regularly, but there arent a lot of spots to just convene and be with each other in our community that are facing the river.

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If the referendum passes, construction will begin in July 2026, with target completion set for August of 2027.

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PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  A Cambodian naval port expansion funded by China that has raised concerns over Beijing's growing military reach in the region has been completed. The port will host a Japanese vessel as the first foreign warship to make a port call, officials said Tuesday.

The Ream Naval Base  with a new pier to accommodate much larger ships, a dry dock for repairs and other features  will be inaugurated on April 2 by Prime Minister Hun Manet, according to Maj. Gen. Thong Solimo, spokesman for Cambodia's armed forces.

Giving priority to Japanese warships ... is a tribute to the high level of openness in cooperation, relations and mutual trust, Thong said

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China and Cambodia broke ground on the port project in 2022, prompting the United States to express concerns that it could become a strategically-important outpost for the Chinese navy on the Gulf of Thailand.

The Gulf is adjacent to the South China Sea, a key waterway that China claims almost in its entirety. The U.S. has refused to recognize Chinas sweeping claim and routinely conducts military maneuvers there to reinforce that they are international waters.

Initial fears grew last year after Chinese warships docked at the newly built pier for months, and two Japanese destroyers that made a Cambodia port call were routed to a different facility nearby.

With the announcement about Japan's planned port call, Cambodia is likely trying to project that it's open to countries other than China, said Euan Graham, a senior defense analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

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This would appear to be a conscious demonstration by Cambodia, that Ream is not exclusively for China's military, he said.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed Cambodia's invitation to Japanese ships, but refused to give any specifics, citing regular operational security regulations.

China is Cambodias biggest investor and closest political partner, and in recent years has been rapidly expanding its navy and becoming growingly assertive in pressing its vast maritime claims.

Fears over China's activity at the Ream base arose in 2019 when The Wall Street Journal reported that an early draft of an agreement seen by U.S. officials would allow China 30-year use of the base, where it would be able to post military personnel, store weapons and berth warships.

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Cambodias government has denied such an agreement or any intention to grant China special privileges at the base, though Beijing has funded its expansion and docked its warships there for months at a time.

In September, Cambodias Defense Ministry said that China would give Cambodia's navy two warships of the type docked there while the expansion project was still underway.

Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Chhum Socheat said Tuesday that Cambodia intends the facility to be open to the U.S. and others.

All warships from friendly countries are allowed to dock at the new pier but they must comply to our conditions first, he said, without specifying what those conditions might be.

___

Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  An ember from an unattended campfire is believed to have sparked a 200-acre fire in Douglas County last Friday.

Douglas County Emergency Management said firefighters from multiple agencies fought several grassfires on Friday, March 14, including a more than 200-acre fire east of Stull, near North 1600 and East 400 Roads. That fire was declared under control Saturday morning.

View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4

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Firefighters encountered near hurricane-force wind gusts during the extremely dangerous fire. An evacuation notice for the area was in place for about two hours.

No structures were lost, and no injuries were reported.

Fire Chief John Mathis, of Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, is urging residents to fully extinguish their campfires before leaving.

Its important to stir the ashes with water until no smoke or heat persists. Your campfire should be cold to the touch before you leave, Mathis said in a news release on Monday. Everyone plays a valuable role in protecting property and lives by preventing fires.

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The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Monday, March 17, and Tuesday, March 18, due to dangerous fire conditions driven by high winds and dry weather.

Mother, 2-year-old son hospitalized following Independence house fire

Outdoor burning is currently prohibited in unincorporated areas of Douglas County.

The fire department said since Friday morning, the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center has received 43 grassfire-related calls.

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By Carlos Osorio

IQALUIT, Nunavut (Reuters) - Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday said Canada would boost its military and security presence in the Arctic, a frozen and mineral-rich expanse that is of increasing interest to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Carney, who was appointed last week and is expected to call an election within days, said Canada would work with Australia to build an early warning radar system that Ottawa first announced in 2022.

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Canada will also spend C$420 million to allow the military to have a greater, sustained and year-round presence in the Arctic, and will expand its training and deployment.

"We must invest in Canada's north to defend our sovereignty," Carney told reporters in Iqaluit, capital of the giant Nunavut Arctic territory.

Trump, who is threatening to impose tariffs on Canada, often complains Ottawa does not spend enough on defense. Canada only has a handful of military bases and 2,000 local Inuit rangers to watch over a vast deserted frozen landscape that covers more than 4.4 million square km.

Trump has also often mentioned his interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral resources.

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The early-warning radar system - budgeted to cost C$6.9 billion over 20 years - will cover airspace from the U.S. border to the Arctic and should be operational by 2029.

Sources in the ruling Liberal party say Carney is set to call an election this Sunday. His main opponents will be the Conservatives, who last month said they would build a base in the Arctic and boost regional security.

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, noting the Pentagon had warned of potential Russian action in the Arctic, also vowed to double the number of rangers to 4,000 and buy two more polar icebreakers.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Nia Williams)
IQALUIT, Nunavut (AP)  Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday announced a radar purchase from Australia and an expansion of military operations in the Arctic while visiting Canada's far north in an effort to assert sovereignty over the increasingly contested region.

The prime minister's office said the Canadian $6 billion ($4.2 billion) Over-the-Horizon Radar system will provide early warning radar coverage from the Canada-United States border into the Arctic.

Carney announced the purchase at a military base in the capital of the Inuit-governed territory of Nunavut on his last stop after visiting Paris and London for meetings with leaders there.

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Arctic sovereignty is a strategic priority of our government, Carney said. Canada is, and forever will be, an Arctic nation."

The Australian radar system will consist of a series of pillars almost a mile (1.6 kilometers) in length. Officials said that the system would have a smaller footprint than what the similar American system would take up.

This will be a significant export if this deal is finalized, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Albanese had a phone call with Carney the prior night.

Obviously, there are issues taking place, particularly between Canada and the United States, I wouldnt have expected to have been happening in my lifetime," Albanese said.

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Senior Canadian government officials, who briefed reporters on Carney's plane before the announcement, said the purchase has been well received by top military officials in the North American Aerospace Defense Command, the joint U.S.-Canadian military command that overseas threats over the two countries.

But the officials said they couldn't say how the Australian purchase would be received politically by Washington. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly.

Carney also announced the government will spend Canadian $420 million ($294 million) to expand Canadas Arctic operations and training exercises and deploy more personnel. He said Canada will have a greater sustained year-round presence.

The prime ministers flight path took him over Greenland. U.S. President Donald Trumps interest in Greenland, northeast of Nunavut, comes as part of an aggressively America First foreign policy platform that has included threats to take control of the Panama Canal and suggestions that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.

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The United States priorities, once closely aligned with our own, are beginning to shift," Carney said.

Trump has threatened economic coercion to make Canada the 51st state. His constant talk of annexation has infuriated Canadians and turned around the political fortunes of the governing Liberal party, which was headed for a historic defeat but now has a chance of winning a fourth term. Carney is expected to call a general election by the end of the week.

The president is threatening sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products and has already placed them on steel and aluminum.

Carney and Trump have not spoken since Carney was elected as the new Liberal party leader and prime minister more than a week ago. Carney said at the appropriate time he will have a discussion with the U.S. president, as two sovereign nations, that is comprehensive and not targeted at one issue.

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But Trump keeps disrespecting Canada, saying twice on Fox News on Tuesday night that that Canada was meant to be the 51st state."

He said that's why he's he's tougher on his neighbor than America's biggest adversaries.

Trump also repeated several times that he didn't care that the Liberals might win the Canadian election now.

The Conservative thats running is stupidly no friend of mine. I dont know, but he said negative things, Trump said. So, when he says negative things, I couldnt care less. I think its easier to deal actually with a Liberal. And maybe theyre going to win, but I dont really care. It doesnt matter to me at all.

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Carney visited Iqaluit, which is by far the largest municipality in Nunavut, a vast territory straddling the Arctic Circle. Nunavut is roughly the size of the U.S. states of Alaska and California combined, with a mostly Inuit population of about 40,000.

For much of the year, the weather in Iqaluit can be severe. In February 2010, Iqaluit hosted a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven nations. Several of the dignitaries, including Carney when he was head of Canadas central bank, went dogsledding in subfreezing temperatures.

It is a distinctive destination  home to about 7,500 people but not a single traffic light  with no road or rail links to the outside world.

Increasing international tensions, global warming and the changing world economy have put the Arctic at the heart of the debate over global trade and security.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Amid a tense political climate, Flair Airlines has canceled flights from Canada to Nashville.

I can confirm that Flair wont be flying to Nashville this summer, said Kim Bowie, director of communications for Flair Airlines. According to Flairs website, the airlines flights to Nashville are its only route to Tennessee.

Report finds cost to build single-family homes could increase amid lumber tariffs

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During a Monday meeting of the Tennessee House Finance, Ways and Means Committee, Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell said its a loss of about 18,000 seats.

We see travelers quickly react to political news and then we see that great marketing overcomes that traveler settlement, said Ezell.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Ezell said theyre concerned about the cancelations, but confident they will overcome this because of Tennessees great assets.

Do you really want to miss seeing the Smoky Mountains, said Ezell. Do you really want to miss getting to go to Graceland?

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
CANISTEO, N.Y. (WETM)  A Canisteo man is in jail after police said he assaulted someone he was tasked to take care of and used the victims car without permission.

Michael Morris, 52, of Canisteo was arrested on Friday, March 14, on the following charges:

Assault in the second degree: injury to a victim 65 or older, a class D felony.

Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree: with intent to use, a class A misdemeanor.

Unauthorized use of a vehicle: without the owners consent, a class A misdemeanor.

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On Friday, around 10:38 a.m., troopers were called to investigate a report that a victim was assaulted by an in-home caregiver earlier in the day.

Injured person rescued from Ithaca gorge

Troopers found the victim at their home in Canisteo where the victim told them that Morris struck him in the face with a dog dish after a verbal argument. The victim had minor injuries, including a cut on his nose, facial swelling, and a black eye, according to a New York State Police report.

After the assault, Morris allegedly made the victim drive him to a local store where he took the victims car keys to prevent him from leaving, the report said. The victim left on foot after fearing he would be attacked again and got help from a residence nearby where he called 911, troopers said.

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When troopers went to the store to find Morris, he had already left the area and went back to his home on Fall Creek Road in Canisteo. Troopers later found him and arrested him before he was taken to the state police barracks in North Hornell for processing and then was moved to the Steuben County Jail.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Capitol Connections Cole Henke is joined by Lee Enterprises Brenden Moore and Chicago Tribunes Jeremy Gorner to discuss the hearings held by state lawmakers on the impacts of federal cuts.

Moore and Gorner also discussed their reporting on important topics including a $300 million plan to use sites by the state for economic development.

Capitol Connection: Tradeswomen take over the capitol, call for clearer pathway to careers

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Parts 1 and 2 can be found below.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
NANCHANG, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Wearing a yellow helmet, a blue-collar suit and numerous medals on his chest, Liu Hui's photo has been frequently featured in media outlets.

Working at Nanchang-based Jiangling Motors Group Co., Ltd., the veteran automotive technician was honored with the title of "national model worker" 10 years ago and currently serves as a grassroots deputy of China's top legislature.

However, amid the AI boom, the fear of being replaced has become increasingly prevalent in traditional industries. Liu is no exception.

"Will robots replace industrial workers like me in the future?" Liu posed the question to DeepSeek recently.

In the old days, technicians like Liu relied on the tactile mastery of hands. Liu became well-known thanks to an online video in which he used a high-speed drill to bore through an eggshell without piercing the membrane underneath.

He takes pride in artisan secrets. "A human hair is 0.07 millimeters wide, but without the aid of any instruments, just through fingertip sensitivity, I can detect variations as minute as 0.01 millimeter," he said.

Liu began his career as an automotive mold technician at the age of 18. Over the past 38 years, he has grown into a chief technician and led a state-level master technician studio.

He has also witnessed significant transformations in the industry, moving from manual drafting to computer design, and from purely manual production to fully automated production lines.

"The times are changing so fast," he said, noting his shock at the increasing levels of digitalization and automation in factories. In Jiangling's Fushan workshop, the production line can switch between four distinct vehicle models within 12 seconds, and more than 430 robots can operate continuously. The automation rate reaches 98 percent.

"It's evident that human technicians cannot match the performance of machines in efficiency," Liu said, "The traditional methods that relied on manual skills are no longer viable."

He realizes that artisans today must not only have expertise but also innovate and apply interdisciplinary knowledge. They need to understand AI drawing, data analysis and programming, and be able to operate robots and repair automated equipment.

"In the era of AI, factory systems are becoming increasingly complex, and tools are becoming more sophisticated, requiring workers to gain vast amounts of new knowledge," said Min Weidong, head of a metaverse research institute at Nanchang University.

Min said that the skills of an artisan must align with the production tools and productivity of their time, emphasizing the necessity of utilizing tools such as AI.

China is actively embracing emerging technologies while ensuring that workers in traditional industries are not left behind.

According to this year's government work report, China will redouble efforts to nurture highly-skilled workers, and "carry out large-scale plans for upgrading vocational skills to increase the supply of highly-skilled personnel urgently needed in the manufacturing and service sectors."

The country currently has over 200 million skilled workers, of whom more than 60 million are highly skilled. However, this number is insufficient, with proportions remaining low over the long term.

Wen Fei, a factory worker with over 30 years of experience at Pingxiang Pinggang Anyuan Iron and Steel Co., Ltd in Jiangxi Province, believes that craftsmanship is never outdated, and the essence of craftsmanship is both dedication and innovation.

"Technicians must continually learn and explore new technologies and methods to master unique skills," Wen said.

As for the question about AI substitution, Liu said DeepSeek replied that machines will partially replace workers in the future. Jobs with high repetitiveness and high risk are more likely to be automated, but positions requiring creativity and flexibility are much harder to replace, it said.

"In the future, there will be more human-machine collaboration. Robots will handle the physical labor, while humans will be in charge of supervision and creative optimization," Liu said.

"Technicians of the future will need not only dexterity but also creativity." 
SPEEDWAY, WV (WVNS)  A two-car accident was reported in Mercer County with possible entrapment.

According to Mercer and Summers County Dispatch, a two-car accident was reported in the Speedway area between Athens and Pipestem.

Summers County Dispatch stated that there was entrapment and injuries, although the extent was unknown, and that the number of people involved was not known at this time.

Responding agencies included the Pipestem Volunteer Fire Department, Summers County EMS, Athens Volunteer Fire Department, Princeton rescue Squad, Mercer County Sheriffs Office, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and the West Virginia State Police.

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No further information is known at this time.

Stick with 59News for updates.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A Denver intersection is being called dangerous by neighbors who say the lack of stop signs may present a hazard to drivers.

One car collided with a utility pole on Monday at Florida Avenue and Josephine Street while a worker was stationed on top of the pole. Police have not yet released the cause of the accident, but three people were transported to the hospital.

Pedestrian killed, 19-year-old arrested in Highlands Ranch crash

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Residents in the neighborhood say several collisions have occurred in the area over the past few years. Bryan Sise told FOX31 that neighbors have requested additional safety measures from the city of Denver.

A stop sign or a speed bump or something else to slow traffic down, he said.

Sise said many drivers speed through the area, which is located near elementary and middle schools.

I can understand how people are in a hurry. They feel pressured to get to work on time whatever it is but think of the consequences, he said.

FOX31 has reached out to the city of Denver about this interection and will continue to follow the story.

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Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association, at podium, leads a rally urging Medicaid to be protected during ongoing federal budget negotiations. March 17, 2025. (Courtesy of Nebraska Hospital Association)

LINCOLN  The Nebraska Hospital Association and nearly 10 other organizations rallied Monday in defense of Medicaid ahead of federal budget negotiations.

Jeremy Nordquist, a former state senator and president of the Nebraska Hospital Association, led the rally on the west side of the Nebraska State Capitol on Monday. It came after the U.S. House last month passed a budget blueprint directing the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid, to reduce $880 billion in spending over the next 10 years.

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Medicaid is under threat, and that means Nebraska and Nebraska patients are under threat, Nordquist said.

The resolution doesnt mention Medicaid by name, but the caregivers and outside observers have said that with a budget goal that high, Medicaid spending would have to be reduced.

The Congressional Budget Office, in a March 5 letter replying to U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., and Frank Pallone, Jr., D-N.J., essentially confirmed that there isnt enough non-Medicaid or Medicare spending to reach the targeted amount of cuts.

Medicaid costs over the next 10 years, estimated at $8.2 trillion, would account for about 93% of all spending under the House committees jurisdiction, excluding Medicare, which it estimated would account for $8.8 trillion over the same span.

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Mondays rally sought to highlight the potential Medicaid cuts that Nordquist said would touch all Nebraskans, even those who have commercial health coverage and might think, Im fine.

The reality is, without Medicaid covering care for vulnerable citizens and low-income workers, very little of that care would be paid for, and therefore those services would no longer be sustainable in communities across our state, Nordquist said.

Nebraska federal delegation

Nordquist and others asked Nebraskas all-Republican congressional delegation  U.S. Reps. Mike Flood, Don Bacon and Adrian Smith and U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts  to be leaders and stand up to the efforts to jeopardize health care in our rural state.

We know our delegation understands these issues and how vulnerable access to care is across Nebraska, Nordquist said. Now its time for them to use that knowledge and push back against these proposed cuts.

Nebraskas congressional delegation is shown in Washington. From left: U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. Feb. 5, 2025. (Courtesy of Nebraska Governors Office)

Bacon has voiced some concerns about potential Medicaid cuts but said he was assured by GOP leadership that the final bill will not affect the quality of healthcare covered by Medicaid.

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They all said the final numbers will be more moderate, Bacon said in a Feb. 25 statement after his vote for the resolution. Well have a chance to vote on these two more times to get it right. Therefore, I am supporting the budget reconciliation because I want to secure the border, expand our energy production, improve our military and extend the tax cuts.

National and local Democrats have targeted Republicans, including Bacon, for the vote and vowed to use it in the 2026 election cycle. Bacon has fended off challengers in each of his past four election cycles.

Don Bacon can spread all the falsehoods he wants, but there is no escaping the fact that the House Republican budget will result in massive cuts to Medicaid and hurt millions of families. Another fact: Their terrible, unpopular budget will cost Bacon his seat next year, Justin Chermol, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a recent statement.

Organizations join call to action

Among other organizations in attendance at the rally or supporting the call to action:

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Nebraska Medical Association.

Nebraska Nurses Association.

LeadingAge Nebraska.

Health Center Association of Nebraska.

Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations.

Nebraska Rural Health Association.

Nebraska Nurse Practitioners.

Nebraska Pharmacists Association.

Nebraska Home Care Association.

Dr. Robert Wergin, a family physician from Seward and president-elect of the Nebraska Medical Association, said physicians cant sit idly by without making clear what is at stake.

Cuts will hurt the entire health care system in Nebraska, and cuts will ultimately hurt all Nebraskans by decreasing access, increasing costs of health care and hurting our communities, Wergin said.

Tami Lewis-Ahrendt, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the nonprofit CenterPointe. Sept. 20, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Linda Hardy, a registered nurse for more than 48 years and president of the Nebraska Nurses Association, said 79 million Americans rely on Medicaid for health care. This includes preventive care for chronic diseases and prenatal or postpartum care.

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Wergin said the safety net helps roughly 350,000 Nebraskans, including 180,000 children, and helps pay for care ranging from immunizations and dental care to speech and physical therapies.

Should Medicaid be cut, Wergin and others said it would lead to an elimination of services, exacerbating maternal health care deserts in Nebraska and would increase the burden on Nebraskas already strained state budget. In a given year, Medicaid contributes $3 billion to the state economy, Wergin said.

Impact to services

Jed Hansen, executive director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association, said the cuts arent just numbers on a budget sheet and that in rural health care, its a numbers game where one cut could be the final blow.

Amy Behnke, chief executive officer of the Health Center Association of Nebraska, supporting seven community health centers, said Medicaid is integral to patient health and well-being.

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Medicaid cuts would eat into services, Behnke said, leading to widespread reductions. Hansen said that when many services are eliminated they dont come back.

These cuts translate into real-life consequences: closed hospitals, shuttered clinics and rural families left without access to care that they need, Hansen said.

Isnt just about policy

Roger Reamer, chief executive officer of Memorial Health Care System in Seward, and Tami Lewis-Ahrendt, chief operating officer of the Lincoln-based nonprofit CenterPointe, also spoke of Medicaids importance.

Lewis-Ahrendt said the states voter-approved Medicaid expansion in 2018 has helped the nonprofit provide critical care to 700 more people each month than in 2019. She said many Nebraskans were unable to access care before the expansion, with some delaying care until a crisis arose.

Kierstin Reed, president and chief executive officer of LeadingAge Nebraska. Sept. 20, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

She said its not just numbers on a report but the real people, such as a mother accessing treatment for postpartum depression, a young adult getting support and medication for schizophrenia or an individual in recovery who finally has access to outpatient services.

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Access to Medicaid means more families can find hope in knowing that their loved ones are getting the care they desperately need, Lewis-Ahrendt said.

Kierstin Reed, chief executive officer of LeadingAge Nebraska, said Medicaid cuts could be detrimental for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home and community-based services and other post-acute programs.

Reed noted about half of Nebraskans enrolled in Medicaid live in rural communities that have been hit most by the states loss of 17% of nursing homes and 11% of assisted living facilities in recent years.

Families will be forced to shoulder the burden of care for their older family members, which may lead to financial ruin for multiple generations, Reed said.

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Reed and Lewis-Ahrendt said Medicaid isnt just about policy.

Its about giving Nebraskans the chance to heal, to thrive, to live in recovery and to contribute fully to our society, Lewis-Ahrendt said. That is something worth protecting.

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The leaders of several Caribbean governments being targeted under a proposed U.S. travel ban say they have received no formal notifications from the Trump administration that their nation is among dozens of countries whose nationals could be shut out of the United States.

The Miami Herald was first to confirm that along with Cuba and Venezuela, which would be hit with an absolute ban on their nationals entering the U.S., Haiti and some other Caribbean countries would also face restrictions on their nationals traveling to the U.S. The following day, the New York Times named 43 countries under consideration, and which of the three tiers each would fall under in the plan being crafted by Trump adviser Stephen Mill

The proposal would severely restrict access to the United States, including for high-ranking government officials, and has caught many Caribbean nationals by surprise. It is creating consternation not just from a policy standpoint, but among people who have children and other relatives living in the U.S. and would be unable to travel here even if they have a valid visa.

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The proposal comes amid continued push-back from Caribbean leaders over U.S. visa cancellation threats over their governments employment of Cuban doctors. Last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department is taking steps to cancel the visas of anyone participating in Cubas medical missions, which deploy nurses and doctors to countries around the world, including in the Caribbean.

Theres nothing were not afraid to answer to. We have been very transparent. We engage governments in transparency. People know us. What we say in the night, is what we say in the day; our word is our bond, Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Monday during a press conference when asked about reports that his tiny nation is among the four Eastern Caribbean countries targeted for a ban. We are prepared to engage everyone, including the United States, in this matter. So whatever concerns the United States may have, which I do not know of yet, we are prepared to respond.

READ MORE: Trumps climate-change moves, other foreign policy shifts pose challenge for Caribbean

Under the proposal, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia would be on the third tier of the proposed travel ban, and would have 60 days to address officials concerns in order to have access to the U.S. restored. Haiti is on the second tier; its nationals would face slightly less harsh restrictions than those on the first tier, which includes Cuba. Haitians wanting to travel would need to request a waiver to the ban.

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Over the weekend, the governments of both Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis issued separate diplomatic notes to the State Department seeking confirmation about the reports and clarification.

The two nations, along with Dominica, are area among five countries in the Eastern Caribbean currently operating Citizenship By Investment Programs, which they all referred to in their respective diplomatic notes. The controversial programs allow foreign nationals to buy a second citizenship, or golden passport, for as little as $100,000 that gives them visa-free access to more than 100 countries around the world. Initially viewed as a means to boost countries economies, the programs have increasingly become an object of concern among both U.S. and European Union over the lack of transparency.

Antigua and Barbuda does not accept applications from any country that is currently on a U.S. banned list, the Antigua Embassy in Washington said in its note to the State Department. All applications are rigorously vetted by recognized international agencies, including INTERPOL, to ensure that no applicants with a criminal background or current charges (including terrorism) are considered.

The government of St. Kitts noted that since 2022 it has maintained consistent and open dialogue with the U.S. government, particularly in relation to significant reforms within their version of the program. Following a meeting with senior officials with the European Union, the State Department and Treasury, the twin-island government said a consultant has been drafting a new regulatory framework for the citizenship programs across the five countries in the region. State Department officials did not immediately respond to the Heralds request seeking comment.

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READ MORE: Trump travel ban: no exceptions for Cubans, Venezuelans. Other islands may join Haiti on list

Sources told the Herald that countries landed on the third tier due to concerns about their background checks on individuals and lack of cooperation in taking back nationals the U.S. wants to repatriate. Travel bans on those island nations potentially could be used as bargaining chips in negotiations to accept U.S. deportees whose home countries refuse to take them back.

The proposed travel ban was the latest blow to Caribbean governments, which were already concerned about the deportations of their nationals to the region, the U.S. policy on Haiti, U.S. aid freezes and its withdrawal from the World Health Organization and Paris Climate Accord. Some government officials now face the threat of having their visas canceled over the use of Cuban medical professionals. The U.S. has long contended that the program is tantamount to forced labor.

Cuba continues to profit from the forced labor of its workers and the regimes abusive and coercive labor practices are well documented, the State Department said in its statement announcing the new visa policy. Cubas labor export programs, which include the medical missions, enrich the Cuban regime, and in the case of Cubas overseas medical missions, deprive ordinary Cubans of the medical care they desperately need in their home country.

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On Monday, some of Skerrits Caribbean colleagues continued to push back on the U.S. crackdown after several leaders last week came to the Cuban medical programs defense. Some leaders said the were ready to forgo trips to the U.S. and risk the cancellation of their U.S. visas in favor of the Cuban medical professionals, who provide everything from primary healthcare to dialysis and eye treatments.

We are not intentionally or willingly engaged in matters that amount to forced labor, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis said on Monday while visiting a high school in Nassau. Before engaging with anyone from Cuba, the government of The Bahamas sends a team to the island to conduct interviews, he noted.

During Trumps first presidential term, the State Department said that up to 50,000 Cuban doctors were being forced into human trafficking situations in dozens of countries, and the medical brigades had become the regimes number one source of income. The exploitative practices, critics of the program charge, include preventing doctors from having access to their passports and travel documents while on missions abroad, restricting their movements and not paying them directly.

Davis acknowledged that a portion of the salaries of the Cuban medical professionals hired in The Bahamas is sent to an agency in Cuba.

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I dont know the relationship between that agency and the government of Cuba, but we are now looking into it, he said.

Since Rubio announced the visa threats, leaders throughout the Caribbean have sought to make their case with the Trump administration. Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali reached out to the State Department, and foreign ministers from the 15-member Caribbean Community regional trade bloc known as Caricom recently met with U.S. Special Envoy for Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone in Washington.

Last week, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the current chairwoman of CARICOM, went as far as saying she was prepared to risk her U.S. visa over the program, which according to Cubas Foreign Ministry had 23,792 medical professionals working in 56 countries in 2023.

Barbados does not currently have Cuban medical staff or Cuban nurses, but I will be the first to go to the line and to tell you that we could not get through the pandemic without the Cuban nurses and the Cuban doctors, she said last week during a speech in her islands parliament. I will also be the first to tell you that we paid them the same thing that we pay [Barbadians], and that the notion, as was peddled not just by this government in the U.S., but the previous government, that we were involved in human trafficking by engaging with the Cuban nurses was fully repudiated and rejected by us.

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I dont believe that we have to shout across the seas, but I am prepared, like others in this region, that if we cannot reach a sensible agreement on this matter, then if the cost of it is the loss of my visa, to the U.S., then so be it, she said. But what matters to us is principles.

Asked on Monday if he were willing to take a similar stance, Davis, the Bahamian prime minister said his country, which currently has Cuban doctors involved in an optometry program, will do whatever it takes to protect the interest of the Bahamian people. We will be responding comprehensively to the request asked of us and if that does not find favor, well then, so be it.
(Reuters) - Leaders from across the Caribbean are seeking clarity after a draft of a U.S. government list of over 40 countries which could face sweeping travel restrictions was made public, a move which could mark the latest in President Donald Trump's crackdown on migration.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce disavowed the list on Monday, but stipulated "there is a review through the president's executive order for us to look at the nature of what's going on to keep America safer and dealing with the issue of visas and who's allowed into the country."

President Trump's administration has vowed mass deportations of migrants in the U.S. illegally. Half of the countries on the list in circulation are African, while seven more are located around the Caribbean.

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The small island nations of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia were also listed in the draft for partial travel suspensions if their respective governments do not address unspecified "deficiencies" within 60 days.

Leaders from those nations have responded saying they have received no communication from the United States on the potential ban, nor on concerns raised about their governance.

In a Saturday letter seen by Reuters, Antigua and Barbuda's embassy in Washington expressed its "deep concern" and requested the U.S. clarify the potential travel bans and "details of any 'deficiencies' perceived by agencies of the United States so that they may be promptly discussed and remedied."

"A review is not a ban," its ambassador to the United States, Ronald Sanders, told Reuters. "A review can lead to satisfaction as much as anything else."

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Dominica's prime minister said he was making the necessary enquiries, while Saint Kitts and Nevis said it "has maintained consistent and open dialogue" with the U.S. and would provide updates should it receive any official communication.

According to the list, Haiti - which is facing a devastating gang conflict that has forced over 1 million from their homes and which the U.N. has warned is being fueled by guns shipped from Florida - would be subject to partial suspensions, including for students and tourists.

The U.S. government last month decided to speed up the expiration of deportation protections and work permits for 521,000 Haitians covered by a temporary program by some six months.

Meanwhile, Cuba and Venezuela would face a complete visa suspension. Both leftist-run countries have tense relations with the Trump administration and are facing deep economic crises that have caused many to seek migration to the United States.

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The Cuban, Venezuelan and Haitian governments did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

(Reporting by Zahra Burton in Kingston, Harold Isaac in Port-au-Prince, Marc Frank in Havana, Julia Symmes Cobb in Bogota and Sarah Morland in Mexico City; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
CARROLL, Iowa (KCAU)  A Siouxland board of supervisors remembered a Northwest Iowa county attorney on Monday.

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors held a regular board meeting, where they unanimously voted to appoint Curt Steger as the Assistant County Attorney.

Each member of the board also took time to share their memories of County Attorney John Werden, who passed away on March 14 in Des Moines. He was elected to the position back in 1998 and re-elected ever since.

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Ill say, I know John from the business side, not the criminal side. And yeah, he was a plethora of knowledge when it came to county business. And he, yeah, will be missed, said Scott Johnson, vice-chair of the Carroll County Board of Supervisors.

Northwest AEAs chief administrator to retire

And I know that he loved his staff, and he loved his children, and his grandbabies, he never not talked about his grandbabies. Rest in Peace John and thank you for the many years of service to Carroll County. The dedication was, is amazing, said Stephanie Hausman, Vice-Chair of the Carroll County Board of Supervisors.

A visitation for Werden is set to take place on March 18 from 4-7 p.m. at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll. A Mass of the Christian Burial is scheduled for March 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Church  St. John Paul II Parish in Carroll.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The Capital Area Transportation Authority is now licensed to operate Safe Place, a national outreach and prevention program for vulnerable youth. Now, CATA vehicles and facilities will serve as safe places for people under the age of 18 who are experiencing crisis.

CATA Safe Place locations:

All CATA Vehicles

Downtown CATA Transportation Center ( 420 S. Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933)

Capital Area Multimodal Gateway (1240 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823)

Youths in crisis can board a CATA vehicle free of charge and receive immediate assistance from CATA employees or security guards by asking for a Safe Place. CATA will cooperate with local law enforcement and community resources to support those in needand report any incidents to the National Safe Place Network.

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As a Safe Place partner, CATA is committed to providing critical support for youths experiencing abuse, neglect, violence, bullying, trafficking or stalking, said CATA CEO Bradley T. Funkhouser. The success of this initiative relies on our community partners. Together, we will ensure that no young person is left without access to the vital resources they need.

CATA is the only licensed Safe Place partner in Michigan.

TXT 4 HELP is a quick and confidential way teens can access support. Just text SAFE and your current location to 4HELP (44357), and youll receive a message with the closest Safe Place site and contact information for a local youth agency. If no Safe Place is available in your area, you will receive information on the nearest youth service organization.

For immediate help, reply with 2CHAT to talk with a counselor via text. It is available 24/7.

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For additional support, consider reaching out to these national hotlines:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 988 or text 988 National

Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733

CATASafePlaceProgramOverviewDownload

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State investigators have revealed the cause of an explosion that killed three people at an auto repair shop in southern Ohio.

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News Center 7 first reported on the explosion at Jimbos Auto Repair in Hillsboro in November 2023.

Four people were reported in the building when it exploded. Three of them died in the explosion.

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In documents obtained by our news partners at WCPO, investigators stated, The cause of the explosion is the 100-pound propane gas cylinder was overfilled with propane at Dances Steel and Farm Supply on November 28, 2023, (the same day as the deadly explosion) by Dances Steel and Farm Supply employee around 1 - 1:30 p.m."

Investigators said it was overfilled on a cold day and then brought inside the auto repair shop. The warmer temperature inside the building caused the gas to expand.

The initial rupture released a dense cloud of propane vapor into the auto shop. It ignited when it came into contact with the open flame of a ceiling-mounted furnace, WCPO reported.

The report stated that the tank still had the transportation cap attached to it and was not hooked up or in use.

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Investigators believe that the ruptured propane tank should never have been filled and noted it had a malfunctioning safety valve.

The report also states that the Dances Steel and Farm Supply employee filled four, 100-pound propane tanks for Jimbos owner. The other three were taken back to the owners personal property.

Videos from the owner showed the tanks off-gassing. WCPO reported that this continued over two weeks.

Evidence discovered during the investigation was that [employee], nor Dances Steel and Farm Supply were tracking or measuring how much propane was being dispensed into each tank as a standard business practice, and in particular, the grey, 100-pound, ruptured propane cylinder in question, the report stated.

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The employee told investigators he remembers everything about the day of the propane filling, but denied filling them when asked.

I didnt fill em, because [sic] Id remember, the employee said in an April 2024 interview with investigators.

WCPO reported that investigators said they had to stop the same employee from filling propane tanks that were either expired or defective two days after the explosion.

Investigators wrote in the report that Hillsboro City Prosecutor Randalyn Worley and special counsel David Kelly said no criminal charges would be filed against the employee.

In a statement to WCPO, Hillsboro City Law Director, Randalyn Worley, said it was determined that the elements of negligent homicide cannot be met through the evidence presented by the State Fire Marshal.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) The Charleston County School District is holding a community meeting at 6 p.m. at Burke High School to discuss how a one percent sales tax can be used to make improvements at facilities across the district.

Its an opportunity for CCSD parents, staff and the community to weigh in on the physical conditions of schools and where they would like to see improvement.

CCSD is currently planning for Phase VI of their capital program. The capital program is funded through the one cent sales tax.

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Officials are working to determine how to best upgrade facilities to meet students needs. They say anything is on the table such as new buildings, renovations and expansions to existing buildings, updating infrastructure and information systems, and more.

Theyre asking for input from stakeholders to help guide the process as they plan for the upcoming phase.

If you are unable to make the meeting, you can take the survey here.

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After a nearly two-month ceasefire, fighting resumed between Israel and Hamas after Israel launched missile strikes on Gaza, reportedly killing the top Hamas government official and senior military leaders.

The Israeli Defense Forces and the Israel Security Agency said in a joint statement that Essam al-Daalis, the most senior figure of authority in the Gaza Strip, was killed in the strikes, according to Fox News.

Gazas Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, said the strikes killed hundreds of people, and wounded hundreds more, making Tuesday one of the deadliest days of the war, according to The Associated Press.

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The war, which started in October 2023, has killed thousands of people and displaced around 90% of Gazas population.

There are still 56 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza with fewer than half of them believed to be alive, according to CNN.

Israelis were angered after Hamas staged elaborate ceremonies as they released living and dead hostages, including the bodies of the two youngest hostages, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who were reportedly violently killed by their captors, and the body of their mother. Hamas also released videos of living hostages watching other hostages being released, as they pleaded to be let go.

Tuesdays missile strikes were the first major strikes on Gaza since Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in January, and raise the possibility of a full return to war, according to The New York Times.

Why did the ceasefire break down?

Israels strikes against Gaza on Tuesday were supported by the U.S. government, according to The New York Times. Both governments blame the return to hostilities on Hamas refusing to release more Israeli hostages before the continuation of negotiations to end the war.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he ordered the strikes due to a lack in progress in extending the ceasefire, and because Hamas has refused to release additional hostages. According to the AP, Israel has accused Hamas of preparing for new attacks, which Hamas denies.

An explosion erupts in the northern Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. | Leo Correa

Mediators have been working to end the war, but Israeli leaders have insisted Hamas can no longer run Gaza after the war.

Israel has indicated it could be soon launching renewed ground operations, by ordering evacuations in parts of northern and eastern Gaza.

From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Netanyahu said, according to The New York Times.

Hamas' response

A statement from Hamas accused Israel of trying to overturn the ceasefire agreement, exposing the prisoners in Gaza to an unknown fate, per The New York Times.

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Hamas hasnt yet responded militarily to the attacks, now Israeli and U.S. leaders are waiting to see if Hamas will escalate or return to negotiations.

The Iran-backed Houthis fired a missile at Israel on Tuesday, triggering warning sirens. It was shot down by the Israeli military, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The state of the ceasefire deal

The ceasefire began on Jan. 19, with a plan for multiple phases, according to CNN. The first phase was supposed to last 42 days.

The terms of the second phase would require Hamas to release all living hostages and for Israel to withdraw from Gaza entirely.

An Israeli tank maneuvers on the border with northern Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. | Ohad Zwigenberg

While Hamas wants to stick to the original terms, Israel has made it clear that it wants new terms, per CNN. Israel wanted Hamas to release all the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, without a commitment to end the war or remove its military from Gaza.

Steve Witkoff, U.S. Middle East envoy, recently proposed a monthlong extension of the ceasefire, lasting through Ramadan and Passover, but the extension included none of the commitments originally made in January. This plan was rejected by Hamas, according to CNN.
by Sanaa Kamal

GAZA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Gaza's streets trembled anew on Tuesday as thunderous explosions shattered the predawn calm, thrusting residents into a nightmare reminiscent of the conflict's earliest days.

Without warning, Israeli forces unleashed a barrage of some 80 airstrikes across the besieged enclave within about 10 minutes. The attacks have killed over 400 people and injured hundreds more, according to the Gaza-based health authorities.

In neighborhoods reduced to labyrinths of debris, paramedics clawed through rubble with bare hands, pulling bodies and the wounded from broken houses. Overwhelmed hospitals, whose corridors were strewn with bloodied survivors, corpses, and desperate families searching for beloved ones, teetered on the edge of collapse.

"We are facing a real health disaster," Mohammed Abu Salmiya, a senior health official, told Xinhua. "Emergency rooms are full, medical equipment is scarce, and generators are running on the last drops of fuel."

The latest assault reignited collective trauma. Hanan Muhanna, a Palestinian mother in Gaza City, had been preparing suhoor -- the pre-dawn meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan -- when explosions rocked her home.

"Everything turned upside down ... It was hell itself," she told Xinhua, her voice quivering. "It's as if we've returned to the first days of the war. People are starving, and Ramadan has arrived in Gaza under the shadow of famine."

"We lived on a terror night. The children kept screaming, and the house was shaking under the bombing ... No one knew if they would survive the night," she said.

In Rafah's Mawasi area, Umm Muhammad huddled with her five children in a tent. "We were sleeping when a missile fell on the house next door. The neighbors dug us out with their bare hands. We have no food, no water. The children are sleeping on the ground," she told Xinhua.

On Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said the initial decision to launch the attacks was made "several days ago."

He also confirmed that officials with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration "were informed before the attacks and supported it."

In the eyes of political analyst Raed Najm, the renewed Israeli attacks were not surprising at all.

Israel's tightened aid and electricity blockade on Gaza, the following intense bombing on the enclave, as well as the issuance of evacuation orders for residents of certain areas, all indicate its intention to carry out a new ground incursion into Gaza, Najm told Xinhua.

Later on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the overnight attack was launched because Hamas rejected Israeli and U.S. proposals to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal that ended on March 1. The proposals demanded prolonging the first phase and Hamas freeing additional hostages.

"The recent strikes effectively ended any talk of a truce agreement and brought the conflict into a new phase that may be more complex than before," putting the region on the brink of a new confrontation open to multiple possibilities, Ramallah-based Palestinian political analyst Ismat Mansour told Xinhua. 
PARIS, Ky. (FOX 56)  Cell phones have long been viewed as a distraction. It doesnt matter if thats been in the classroom, the workplace, or even the dinner table.

Several Kentucky school districts have taken steps to remove that distraction.

Bourbon County High School introduced a new cell phone policy for the 2024-2025 school year.

The policy requires students to leave their cell phones in designated locker spaces unless they have permission via a 504/IEP accommodation.

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Principal Morgan Adkins said the decision to put this cell phone policy in place was a collaborative effort from teachers and staff at Bourbon County High School. In the seven months since the policy went into effect, he said its working.

Were seeing kids that are more engaged; were seeing kids that are removing barriers that hinder them from being able to learn content, especially running content at that rigorous level, Adkins explained. I think in those classrooms, youre actually seeing kids that are moving the needle in and are learning the content, Adkins claimed.

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But unfortunately, despite there being a policy in place, he said not everyone has been on board enforcing it.

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Content is still being delivered, but are they truly learning it? Because they have that barrier thats drawing their attention and attracting to them, Adkins added.

He said if teachers dont want to enforce the policy, then the school will find other options.

The ways you start to enforce policies that people arent willing to follow it. Then we have to get the corrective action plan. And so we have to maybe find other places for staff members to work. Listen, here in Bourbon County High School, this is the policy. Were going to follow it. If its not something you agree or support. Theres a lot of places in the public educators, Adkins continued.

Soon, however, it wont be on districts to come up with their own policies for cell phone use.

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The General Assembly recently passed House Bill 208, which will require districts to have a no cell phones in class policy for students to follow.

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The bill currently sits awaiting Gov. Andy Beshears signature.

It has three exceptions, where cell phones can be used in an emergency, if a teacher authorizes the use, or if a teacher plans on students using their phones for instructional use.

Its that last point Adkins said the bill could use some tweaks.

The minute you start opening up the teacher discretion, then you get back to that spot where you have teachers who were enforcing it and teachers that say, You know what? I can think of some kind of reason why every day I would need kids to be able to use cell phones and then you basically dont have it at all,' Adkins challenged.

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He believes there is another option most schools have access to already that would be better than allowing cell phone use for instructional purposes.

Cell phones, as well as social media and things that distract from that. With those, things can be blocked on Chromebooks, and kids can truly use Chromebooks to find information thats going to help them be able to apply whatever content theyre trying to learn, Adkins concluded.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Deeply roots in the Celtic tradition are the sights and sounds of bagpipes.

Whats next for Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakamis political future?

For this Saint Patricks Day, we explore this musical tradition with a local community right here on Oahu  the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii.

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Were 40 years old this year. And we started out as the Shamrock Pipes and Drums and over the years it evolved into the Celtic Pipes and Drums. We represent the Honolulu Police and Fire Department, and City and County on occasion, said Pipe Major Tina Yap.

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Were bit of a white elephant here in Hawaii. Even though Hawaii has a rich Scottish history, were not a halau, were bagpipes in Hawaii. So its a bit unusual. But its been wonderful. Were very much like an ohana, like family.

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A Waverly, Minnesota man has been charged after he allegedly led police on an 80-minute long pursuit last week, extending from Minneapolis to St. Michael.

Charles Anthony Stiller, 23, is charged with one count of fleeing a police officer and 4th-degree assault, which relates to an allegation he spat at a state trooper.

Stiller was also suspected of being high on methamphetamine during the incident, but a blood draw is still being processed as of Monday.

Charles Anthony Stiller.Hennepin County Jail

According to the criminal complaint, troopers witnessed a black GMC Tahoe with no visible taillights on Interstate 94 near Broadway Avenue near Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis on Wednesday, March 12.

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The driver, later identified as Stiller, turned his right signal on and began driving partially on the right shoulder of the road, charges allege.

At one point, Stiller pulled over on the right shoulder as troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the westbound lanes of I-94 just south of Dowling Avenue. However, Stiller then accelerated and got back into the flow of traffic, prolonging the pursuit.

The complaint states that Stiller drove erratically during the pursuit, "jumping the curb, driving on sidewalks, and driving through grass."

The pursuit came to an end when he allegedly drove into oncoming traffic, eventually crashing into a chain-link fence on the 100 block of First Street in St. Michael, according to a search warrant affidavit.

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Stiller then attempted to flee on foot and hid under a tarp in someone's backyard. Officers were able to find Stiller and arrest him.

According to a search warrant, a trooper found a backpack that Stiller had ditched during his attempt to evade law enforcement. Inside the backpack, police found a small glass pipe and tinfoil inside it. Stiller's driver's license was also found inside the bag.

According to the complaint, Stiller was "extremely agitated" and allegesdly showed signs of drug use. As he was being loaded into an ambulance after the crash, he spat at a state trooper, hitting the trooper in the mouth mouth.

Stiller remains jailed in Hennepin County as of Monday morning on $20,000 bail with conditions and $40,000 without. He made his first court appearance on Friday and has an omnibus hearing scheduled for April 8.

Bring Me The News reached out to Stiller's attorney for comment on the case but haven't heard back as of Monday afternoon.
A Kennedy, Minnesota woman is charged with the murder of a 42-year-old Hallock man, according to court filings in Kittson County.

Jordan Hanson, 23, is charged with one count each of 2nd-degree and 3rd-degree murder in the death of Justin Esparza.

A tribute to Esparza is contained in a GoFundMe set up by family, which states Esparza had moved away from the Twin Cities to be closer to his father and half-brother, "hoping to build a connection with the family he had never known growing up."

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"Justin found joy in his work while living there. He labored in the potato fields and tended to bees as a beekeeper  work he loved so much that it never felt like a job to him. He took pride in it and often spoke of how much he enjoyed it," the fundraiser post reads.

Justin Esparza.GoFundMe

The family is raising funds for Esparza's funeral service and other costs. As of Tuesday afternoon, it has raised over $,1700 of its $10,000 goal.

Details of the criminal complaint

Warning: Some of the following contains graphic content.

The Kittson County Sheriff's Office received a call on March 13 around 1:30 p.m. from a woman that reported her daughter  identified as Hanson  told her said she had been at Esparza's Hallock home and shot him in the head.

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Hanson's mother said her daughter was recently at a drug treatment center and "evidently got picked up by someone during the night and came back to Kittson County." The mother said Hanson was also in possession of Esparza's dog and vehicle.

Authorities went to Esparza's home and found the 42-year-old in the living room, lying "face down with his lower half on the floor and upper half on the couch." There was a significant amount of blood on the couch around his head and on the floor, according to the complaint.

Jordan Hanson.Kittson County Jail

Esparza was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies found a semi-automatic handgun lying on the couch, a couple of feet away from Esparza. A Smith and Wesson 9mm was also found near his body, with a single casing found on the floor in the living room.

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When law enforcement attempted to arrest Hanson, her family told a deputy she was "completely delusional from using drugs." At one point she asked the deputy "what all the sugar beets were still doing on the ground."

A witness told investigators that he had been smoking meth with Hanson and Esparza at the latter's home, and that he saw Hanson shoot Esparza.

Hanson is set to make her initial appearance in court for a Rule 8 hearing on Wednesday morning.
JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD)  Intersection improvements are expected to move forward for Fort Johnson Road and Camp Road on James Island.

Charleston County plans to add a roundabout to the dangerous intersection as officials cited there have been 38 accidents since 2020. This is one of four projects the county hopes to begin construction on. Multiple agencies including the City of Charleston, the Town of James Island, and the South Carolina Department of Transportation deemed the spot as a priority due to dangers it presents.

You have two roads, Camp Road and Stone Post Road. Theyre not quite as busy, the speeds tend to be a little bit higher on Fort Johnson. I think when once youre coming off Camp Road, the line of sight isnt as good so its harder to get out there and cross at the intersection, John Martin, the construction project manager, said. So, all these factors kind of made it a little more dangerous, and traffic, of course, has been increasing so much throughout the Charleston area.

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This project is fully-funded by the 2016 transportation sales tax, which is also when this intersection was identified as a necessary project. Several studies and public information meetings have been conducted since then. However, the mayor said residents continue to look forward to any updates on these improvements.

We are so excited this project is finally coming to fruition. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It has been such a dangerous intersection. Theres been so many accidents, lives lost, just a very dangerous intersection. Were looking forward to the roundabout and great improvement, Brook Lyon, mayor of James Island, said.

Over the years, the county project team came up with several possible traffic patterns. However, they decided the urban roundabout was the recommended option as it poses the best solution for traffic and environmental impacts.

Urban Compact Roundabout, Credit: Charleston County

Thats the best design that will keep the intersection safe and have the least amount of impact to grand trees  cultural resources. Theres some stone monuments there and also thinking of properties. We want to find a good design that would balance all those things and make the intersection safe, said Martin.

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The county is preparing to advertise the bid to contractors as they hope to begin construction soon. The bid includes the additional intersection project on Fort Johnson Road and Secessionville Road, to make it most appealing to contractors in the next couple months.

Construction is estimated to take two years.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Charlotte Representative Jordan Lopez filed a bill with the North Carolina General Assembly on Monday to legalize marijuana.

The proposed bill is entitled An Act to Legalize and Regulate the Sale, Possession, and Use of Cannabis in North Carolina. It would make cannabis usage legal for those over the age of 21 and proposes a system of licensing, regulation and taxation.

It compares cannabis prohibition to alcohol prohibition, calling it a wasteful and destructive failure. The bill also claims that about half of Americans have said they have used cannabis.

Charlotte Representative Jordan Lopez has filed a bill to legalize marijuana @wsoctv https://t.co/14uUFcht5G pic.twitter.com/vhi8MJCqlW  Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) March 17, 2025

Lopez proposes a well-regulated market that he said will replace an illicit, uncontrolled market, saying this will provide more protection for all involved.

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The bill continues calling the prohibition of cannabis unfair as it disproportionately affects communities of color. Black and white communities use cannabis products at nearly identical rates, the bill says, but black individuals are more than three times more likely to be arrested for cannabis usage.

The bill also claims the prohibition of cannabis diverts law enforcement from more important issues and keeps the State from thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in revenue.

READ: NC Court of Appeals reverses course on marijuana smell for searches

Lopez represents District 112 in the North Carolina General Assembly. He said a conversation about marijuana legalization is long overdue.

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As comments accumulated under an X post by Channel 9s Joe Bruno, Lopez responded.

A lot of mixed reactions, as to be expected, but a majority of North Carolinians want to see marijuana legalized, either recreationally and/or medically. While I clearly support the former, this conversation is still long overdue! he said in a post on X.

WATCH: NC Court of Appeals reverses course on marijuana smell for searches
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  As the days go by, D.C.s iconic pink cherry blossoms are inching closer to peak bloom.

On Monday, the National Park Service (NPS) announced the cherry blossoms are at stage two of six, but that the timeline for its various stages is moving slower compared to previous years.

Despite the slower pace, many people are still excited to watch as the trees bloom.

I cant wait, Im so excited to see them when they come out and blossom. Im sure it will be amazing, said Mel Youle.

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One step closer to peak bloom: Cherry blossoms reach stage 2 of 6

According to the National Park Service, the last time the cherry trees went through its early stages in mid-March was in 2021. Some, like Neil Ward, are a little worried about their progress.

Im a little concerned that theyre not going to bloom in time for the festival, which starts in a few days. But Ive been walking past this of the tidal basin for years and always observe them, and never been concerned about whether theyre going to bloom on time, he said.

The cherry blossoms were a gift from Japan over 100 years ago, and tourists say they appreciate the beauty they bring to the District.

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Its just really picturesque. I mean, it really goes to the monuments and the overall kind of impression and kind of sets the mood for visitors, said Matt Ladd, visiting from Florida with his family.

Ladd says they were hoping to see the blossoms further in bloom while in town.

I made this big, tall tale about how awesome it was. And the kids were like, Dad, its really not here,' he said.

Though dependent on weather conditions, the NPS predicts peak bloom will be from March 28-31 when 70% of the Oshino cherry blossoms are open.

Stage three of the blooms is when the florets extend and officials expect to see that progression soon.

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The cherry blossom festival kicks off this Thursday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
MOSCOW, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin "responded positively" to a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump for Russia and Ukraine to mutually stop striking energy infrastructures, the Kremlin's press service said Tuesday.

Putin "immediately gave the Russian military the appropriate command" in response to the proposal, the Kremlin said in a statement.

Regarding a 30-day ceasefire plan proposed by the United States and Ukraine, Russia noted concerns over effective control along the entire line of contact and the need to stop "forced mobilization" in Ukraine and its troop rearmament.

Russian and American expert groups are being created to continue efforts to "achieve a bilateral settlement in Ukraine," the Kremlin added. 
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Police in Chicopee are warning residents against crypto-currency schemes.

How Chicopee school lunches are impacted by federal cuts

The police department posted a warning on Monday about a new Bitcoin scheme where people called stating there was a problem with their Facebook account and were asked for a payment in Bitcoin to fix the problem.

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency are commonly used in schemes as they are one of the hardest to trace and one of the most anonymous which makes it very hard for someone to get their money back.

Hours after that warning was posted, a detective hung notices on Bitcoin ATMs throughout the city. At around 1:42 p.m., the detective entered the Shell Station on Grove Street and was able to stop an elderly man who was in the process of depositing money into the Bitcoin machine. The man thought he was posting bail for a family member and was about to deposit $4,000.

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Chicopee police are reminding people that legitimate businesses and public offices will almost never ask for Bitcoin as payment. If you get a phone call from someone demanding a payment in crypto or Bitcoin, hang up immediately. You should always confirm with your family before sending any money.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
President Donald Trump continued Tuesday to rail against the federal judge who issued an order stopping deportation flights of noncitizens to other countries under the Alien Enemies Act.

Many people have called for his impeachment, the impeachment of this judge. I don't know who the judge is, but he's radical left," Trump told Fox News' Laura Ingraham in an excerpt from an interview that will air later Tuesday. "He was Obama-appointed, and he actually said we shouldn't be able to take criminals, killers, murderers, horrible, the worst people, gang members, gang leaders, that we shouldn't be allowed to take them out of our country."

"Well, that's a presidential job that's not for a local judge to be making that determination, Trump said, echoing the argument other members of his administration have made since U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued his order on Saturday to stop deportation flights.

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Earlier Tuesday, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts appeared to push back against calls from Trump and some House Republicans to impeach judges whose rulings conflicted with the Trump administration's deportation plans.

MORE: 'Heck of a stretch': Judge grills DOJ over Trump deportation flights

PHOTO: Judge James E. Boasberg, chief judge of the Federal District Court in DC, stands for a portrait at E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, DC on March 16, 2023. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Roberts issued his rare statement after Trump hurled insults at the federal judge who conducted a fact-finding hearing on Monday over whether the Trump administration knowingly violated a court order when it handed over more than 200 alleged gang members to El Salvadoran authorities over the weekend.

In a post on his social media network on Tuesday morning, Trump called Boasberg "crooked" and said he should be impeached.

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"This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges' I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!" Trump wrote. "WE DON'T WANT VICIOUS, VIOLENT, AND DEMENTED CRIMINALS, MANY OF THEM DERANGED MURDERERS, IN OUR COUNTRY."

While he didn't mention Trump or the specific judge by name, Roberts rebuked Trump's call for impeaching members of the judiciary.

"For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision," Roberts said in the statement. "The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose."

PHOTO: President Donald Trump greets Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts as he arrives to speak during an address to a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 4, 2025. (Win Mcnamee/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump brushed off Roberts' criticism, saying, "He didn't mention my name in the statement. I just saw it quickly. He didn't mention my name."

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Roberts' statement signals a stark difference in opinion between the judicial and executive branches.

MORE: Chief justice's rebuke of Trump shows deep concern about attacks on courts: ANALYSIS

Republican freshman Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas filed articles of impeachment against Boasberg on Tuesday. Five other GOP lawmakers signed on as a co-sponsors of the bill, though House GOP leaders have not said yet if they plan to hold a vote on the impeachment articles.

Congress can impeach a judge if a simple majority is reached in the House. If the articles were taken up and ultimately clear the House, the Senate would need to hold a trial. It would require a two-thirds majority vote in the upper chamber to convict a judge.

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It's rare, but not unprecedented, for members of Congress to file articles of impeachment against a judge.

In February, GOP Rep. Eli Crane filed articles of impeachment against U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer, who issued a sweeping restriction on the Department of Government Efficiency's access to sensitive Department of Treasury payment systems. More than a dozen judges have been impeached in U.S. history and only a handful have been convicted.

Trump argued on Tuesday that he should not be prevented from carrying out his immigration agenda, saying in his social media post, "I'm just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do."

PHOTO: Alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua who were deported by the U.S. government, are detained at the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador in a photo obtained Mar. 16, 2025. (Presidency Of El Salvador/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Trump's comments about Boasberg came after the federal judge blocked the Trump administration from deporting any noncitizens after the president's recent proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

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Boasberg, in verbal instructions during a hearing on Saturday, gave orders to immediately turn around two planes carrying noncitizens if they are covered by his order, including one that potentially took off during a break in the court's hearing. However, sources said top lawyers and officials in the administration made the determination that since the flights were over international waters, Boasberg's order did not apply, and the planes were not turned around.

MORE: Judge blocks Trump from deporting noncitizens under Alien Enemies Act, orders flights turned around

On Monday, Boasberg questioned whether the Trump administration ignored his orders to turn the planes around, saying it was "heck of a stretch" for them to argue that his order could be disregarded.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting, Mar. 17, 2025 in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Deputy Associate Attorney General Abhishek Kambli argued Monday during the "fact-finding" hearing convened by Boasberg that the judge's directive on Saturday evening to turn around the flights did not take effect until it was put in writing later that evening.

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Boasberg ordered the Justice Department to submit, by noon Tuesday, a sworn declaration of what they represented in a filing Monday -- that a third flight that took off after his written order on Saturday carried detainees who were removable on grounds other than the Alien Enemies Act.

ABC News' Devin Dwyer, Lauren Peller and Sarah Beth Hensley contributed to this report.

Trump continues to call for judge's impeachment after chief justice's rebuke originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
WASHINGTON  Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare statement Tuesday rebuking President Donald Trump and his allies for calling to impeach judges who have ruled against the administration.

"For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose," Roberts said in the statement.

Trump allies have called for various judges to be impeached for blocking administration policies in the first months of his second term.

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But Trump himself raised the stakes Tuesday, when he called for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg after he blocked the deportation of Venezuelan migrants.

"This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!" Trump posted.

Trump responded to Roberts during a Fox News interview that aired Tuesday night, saying many people have called for Boasberg's impeachment.

Trump added that he "never did" defy a court order.

When asked by Fox News host Laura Ingraham whether he would defy a court order going forward, Trump said: No, you cant do that. However, we have bad judges. We have very bad judges, and these are judges that shouldnt be allowed. I think they, I think at a certain point you have to start looking at, what do you do when you have a rogue judge?

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Trump said he believes the Supreme Court will ultimately rule in favor of his administration in this matter.

Soon after Roberts issued his statement, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, wrote on X that he had introduced articles of impeachment against Boasberg.

He claimed Boasberg had committed an impeachable offense by issuing a temporary restraining order against the administration over its novel invocation of a wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act to deport certain illegal immigrants.

While a handful of federal judges have been removed from office in the past, it has been because of gross misconduct in office, such as taking bribes, not as a result of individual decisions they have made.

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Federal judges have frequently intervened on Trump's agenda since he took office again in January and implemented a set of aggressive policies that raised several novel legal issues. That has angered the administration and the broader MAGA base, leading to increasingly frequent calls for impeachment and raising concerns within the judiciary.

Just last week, federal judges raised the alarm about security concerns and urged public officials to use caution when they criticize court rulings.

Roberts' statement is not the first time he has publicly clashed with Trump. In 2018, he criticized Trump for singling out an "Obama judge" who had ruled against the administration.

"We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them," Roberts said.

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The statement had little impact on Trump, who has continued to use harsh rhetoric against judges.

In the meantime, Roberts has on several occasions played key roles in various Trump dramas. He also presided over the first of two Trump impeachment trials in the Senate, each of which led to acquittals, and in January, he handled Trump's swearing-in as president for the second time.

Although Roberts himself has cast votes against Trump in various Supreme Court cases, he also authored the ruling last year that found Trump had broad criminal immunity for his actions contesting the 2020 election results.

Trump was caught on camera speaking to Roberts just after he gave his recent address to a joint session of Congress.

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"Thank you again. Thank you again. Wont forget it," Trump said. It was not clear what Trump was referring to, but some commentators speculated that he may have been talking about the immunity ruling.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Andrii Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian President's Office and leader of Kyiv's delegation to the peace talks, has reported that he outlined Ukraine's non-negotiable red lines during his talks with the US in Saudi Arabia.

Source: Yermak on social media

Quote: "I separately emphasised our red lines. Ukraine is not discussing the neutral status and reduction of the size of its Armed Forces. We will never recognise any temporarily occupied territories as Russian."

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Details: Yermak added that, alongside agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire, Kyiv proposed the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilians and the return of deported children during the talks in Jeddah.

He also stressed that monitoring the ceasefire requires clear mechanisms and expertise.

Background: Following the talks in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on 11 March, Ukraine said it is willing to implement a 30-day ceasefire, provided that Russia also adheres to it.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Related video: Former Tremonton fire chief makes first appearance on child sex crime charges

BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  On Monday, Brigham City announced that the child exploitation case involving the former chief of the Tremonton Fire Department was transferred because of a conflict of interest.

The Davis County Attorneys Office and the FBIs Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force are now in charge of the investigation, and took over the case at the end of February, according to the Brigham City Police Department.

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Former Tremonton fire chief makes first appearance on child sex crime charges

The Brigham City Police Department has not been involved with the investigation since that time but will continue to fully cooperate with the process moving forward, the police department said in a press release.

The announcement of the cases transfer was made the same day that the former fire chief  Ned Brady Hansen, 54  appeared virtually in court for the first time. Hansen was arrested in January 2025 on several felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

On Monday, officials said the case was originally transferred to Brigham City Police by the Tremonton/Garland Police Department due to a conflict of interest, as Hansen was an employee of Tremonton City.

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In February, Brigham City officials said further investigation revealed the involvement of another possible suspect: Kevin Christensen, 64, who was serving as a justice court judge. Christensen was arrested at the beginning of March and resigned shortly after.

Court documents allege Hansen and Christensen had a sexual relationship with each other, and would discuss child sex abuse material (also referred to as child pornography) with each other.

Due to this far-reaching conflict of interest, BCPD sought the assistance of an outside agency unassociated with Box Elder County and even the First Judicial Court District of Utah, Brigham City clarified Monday.

Brigham City and the police department expressed sympathies to the victims of the alleged crimes.

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Report child pornography to law enforcement by contacting the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211 or your local law enforcement agency.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
David Plasterer, with the anti-poverty advocacy group RESULTS, holds his son, Lewis, during a January news conference in Indianapolis, during which advocates urged Indiana lawmakers to approve an infant child tax credit. More states across the country are looking to create or expand child tax credits. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Cash would flow directly into the hands of Ohio parents under a proposal from Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.

As part of multibillion-dollar budget negotiations this session, Ohio lawmakers will consider the new refundable tax credit worth up to $1,000 per young child, to be paid for by an increase in tobacco taxes.

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In neighboring Indiana, the state Senate approved a bipartisan plan to give a $500 refundable tax credit to families with an infant.

If passed, the measures would mark the first time a Republican-controlled state has implemented a refundable child tax credit. Advocates view that type of credit as key because it delivers cash even to poor families with little or no income tax liability.

State interest in creating or expanding child tax credits boomed after the pandemic-era expansion of the federal child tax credit delivered cash directly to millions. That move quickly lifted millions of children out of poverty. But the expanded tax credit expired in 2021  leading to a doubling in the nations childhood poverty rate in 2022.

Fifteen states and the District of Columbia have some child tax credit programs. But so far, all 11 states with refundable credits are led by Democratic governors and legislatures.

Obviously, its great to see more places are interested in it, but I think it really comes down to the design of them and whos included and whos excluded, said Megan Curran, policy director at Columbia Universitys Center on Poverty and Social Policy. Thats going to determine how effective they are at the end of the day,

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In Indiana, lawmakers want to include parents who recently adopted a child or those with children under the age of 1. Even those with no income could qualify for the refundable credit. As proposed, eligibility would top out for families with an adjusted gross income thats 720% of the federal poverty level  about $191,000 for a family of three.

The legislations Republican sponsor, state Sen. Greg Walker, said the program could be expanded over time to include older children.

I think its  pardon the pun  a baby step to introduce a credit for a newborn, he said. I dont think anyone disputes  all the costs associated with bringing a new baby into the world.

Like the federal tax credit, Indianas would empower parents to spend the money however they choose. Aside from helping thousands of families cover escalating costs of living, Walker said it also would provide relief for lower-income families who pay a higher proportion of their earnings in taxes because of the states flat income tax rate.

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While the state Senate unanimously passed the bill, Walker said details of his proposal could change during the legislatures budget process. As proposed, the infant tax credit is expected to cost the state about $34 million per year.

It would be another $34 million in circulation in the hands of consumers that are not sitting on the money, he said. This is not going into a 401(k) account.

Bipartisan support for child tax credits

In announcing his proposal, Ohios governor said there was bipartisan agreement across the country on the merit of investing in working families.

This is not a liberal or a conservative proposal, DeWine said in a promotional video in early February.   This will be a significant amount of money and it will help these families move forward with their lives however they want to live those lives.

Discussions surrounding the federal tax credit also received bipartisan support. During the presidential campaign, then-Sen. J.D. Vance advocated for expanding the child tax credit. More than two-thirds of U.S. House Republicans supported legislation expanding the credit last year.

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But Senate Republicans killed the measure in August, saying it could disincentivize work and favor Democrats in the November election.

DeWines proposal is estimated to cost $450 million per year. The tax credit would apply to families with children under age 7. Individual parents who earn $2,500 per year would qualify for a portion of the credit, with a minimum income of $22,500 required to qualify for the full $1,000 credit. The threshold is an apparent effort to incentivize work. In budget documents, the governors office noted that any parent working full time at a minimum wage job would qualify for the full credit.

The credit, which phases out for higher incomes, would not be available to individuals earning more than $69,000, or married couples earning $94,000 or more per year.

Last week, DeWines proposal received praise from Democratic lawmakers, though some Republicans seemed skeptical of the idea.

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In analyzing the proposal, the progressive advocacy group Policy Matters Ohio noted that the $2,500 income threshold excludes many of the states poorest parents. The organization said that fact undercuts the governors claim the credit is targeted for those with the most need.

Still, that group, along with many other advocacy organizations, are supporting DeWines effort.

This is not a liberal or a conservative proposal.  This will be a significant amount of money and it will help these families move forward with their lives however they want to live those lives.

 Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine

This is the type of tax relief that families are demanding on both sides of the aisle, said Lynanne Gutierrez, president and CEO of Groundwork Ohio, a statewide advocacy group for young children.

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Gutierrez pointed to research showing the struggles of many Ohio families: A recent poll taken on behalf of her organization found that more than a third of Ohio parents with children under 5 reported serious problems paying rent or mortgages, and nearly half said they were struggling to pay their credit card bills.

The previous expansion of the federal tax credit helped millions of American families cover the basics: U.S. Census Bureau research showed families largely spent their credits on child care, rent, utilities, food and school expenses.

I am continuously surprised about how little money, relatively speaking, can really break a family or send them kind of spiraling, Gutierrez said.

Which families benefit

As Indiana and Ohio pursue refundable credits, other states with Republican legislative majorities are moving forward with nonrefundable child tax credits. While nonrefundable credits can reduce how much a filer owes in taxes, refundable credits give cash through returns  even to those who owe little or no income tax.

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As part of a wider tax cut bill, both chambers in Utah earlier this month approved expanding eligibility for the states nonrefundable child tax credit. The credit currently applies to families with children at least 1 year old and under 5 years old. The expansion would apply to all children under age 6, including infants. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox has previously expressed his willingness to support legislative tax cuts, the Utah News Dispatch reported.

And last month, Georgias GOP-controlled state Senate unanimously approved a nonrefundable tax credit of $250 for each child under age 7.

The bill, estimated to cost the state about $180 million annually, would expand an existing tax credit for child care expenses and provide tax benefits for businesses that offer child care for workers. The measure was championed by Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is considering a run for governor.

We believe that families shouldnt have to choose between having a career and being a parent, state Sen. Brian Strickland, a Republican who sponsored the bill, said during a February news conference in Atlanta.

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To proponents of child tax credits, these moves mark encouraging  if not perfect  progress on the issue.

The nonrefundable programs often dont help the lowest-income families, who may earn too little to owe income taxes. Thats particularly important because most states have regressive tax policies that disproportionately tax lower income families, said Aidan Davis, the state policy director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a liberal tax policy nonprofit.

Similarly, some of the refundable tax credit proposals could be strengthened, she said.

The Ohio plan, for instance, has a minimum income threshold to qualify, ostensibly a measure to incentivize work. But Davis said that can exclude the children of parents with disabilities, those who have been laid off, or those who cant afford child care to work.

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Despite design imperfections, Davis said, the interest and support in conservative-leaning states is an incredible development.

I think conversations need to continue around how to best design them to make sure that they reach the populations and the kids most in need, she said. But that being said, I think these are great starting points for conversation.

Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org.

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David Plasterer, with the anti-poverty advocacy group RESULTS, holds his son, Lewis, during a January news conference in Indianapolis, during which advocates urged Indiana lawmakers to approve an infant child tax credit. More states across the country are looking to create or expand child tax credits. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Cash would flow directly into the hands of Ohio parents under a proposal from Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.

As part of multibillion-dollar budget negotiations this session, Ohio lawmakers will consider the new refundable tax credit worth up to $1,000 per young child, to be paid for by an increase in tobacco taxes.

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In neighboring Indiana, the state Senate approved a bipartisan plan to give a $500 refundable tax credit to families with an infant.

If passed, the measures would mark the first time a Republican-controlled state has implemented a refundable child tax credit. Advocates view that type of credit as key because it delivers cash even to poor families with little or no income tax liability.

State interest in creating or expanding child tax credits boomed after the pandemic-era expansion of the federal child tax credit delivered cash directly to millions. That move quickly lifted millions of children out of poverty. But the expanded tax credit expired in 2021  leading to a doubling in the nations childhood poverty rate in 2022.

Fifteen states and the District of Columbia have some child tax credit programs. But so far, all 11 states with refundable credits are led by Democratic governors and legislatures.

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Obviously, its great to see more places are interested in it, but I think it really comes down to the design of them and whos included and whos excluded, said Megan Curran, policy director at Columbia Universitys Center on Poverty and Social Policy. Thats going to determine how effective they are at the end of the day,

In Indiana, lawmakers want to include parents who recently adopted a child or those with children under the age of 1. Even those with no income could qualify for the refundable credit. As proposed, eligibility would top out for families with an adjusted gross income thats 720% of the federal poverty level  about $191,000 for a family of three.

The legislations Republican sponsor, state Sen. Greg Walker, said the program could be expanded over time to include older children.

I think its  pardon the pun  a baby step to introduce a credit for a newborn, he said. I dont think anyone disputes  all the costs associated with bringing a new baby into the world.

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Like the federal tax credit, Indianas would empower parents to spend the money however they choose. Aside from helping thousands of families cover escalating costs of living, Walker said it also would provide relief for lower-income families who pay a higher proportion of their earnings in taxes because of the states flat income tax rate.

While the state Senate unanimously passed the bill, Walker said details of his proposal could change during the legislatures budget process. As proposed, the infant tax credit is expected to cost the state about $34 million per year.

It would be another $34 million in circulation in the hands of consumers that are not sitting on the money, he said. This is not going into a 401(k) account.

Bipartisan support for child tax credits

In announcing his proposal, Ohios governor said there was bipartisan agreement across the country on the merit of investing in working families.

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This is not a liberal or a conservative proposal, DeWine said in a promotional video in early February.   This will be a significant amount of money and it will help these families move forward with their lives however they want to live those lives.

Discussions surrounding the federal tax credit also received bipartisan support. During the presidential campaign, then-Sen. J.D. Vance advocated for expanding the child tax credit. More than two-thirds of U.S. House Republicans supported legislation expanding the credit last year.

But Senate Republicans killed the measure in August, saying it could disincentivize work and favor Democrats in the November election.

DeWines proposal is estimated to cost $450 million per year. The tax credit would apply to families with children under age 7. Individual parents who earn $2,500 per year would qualify for a portion of the credit, with a minimum income of $22,500 required to qualify for the full $1,000 credit. The threshold is an apparent effort to incentivize work. In budget documents, the governors office noted that any parent working full time at a minimum wage job would qualify for the full credit.

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The credit, which phases out for higher incomes, would not be available to individuals earning more than $69,000, or married couples earning $94,000 or more per year.

Last week, DeWines proposal received praise from Democratic lawmakers, though some Republicans seemed skeptical of the idea.

In analyzing the proposal, the progressive advocacy group Policy Matters Ohio noted that the $2,500 income threshold excludes many of the states poorest parents. The organization said that fact undercuts the governors claim the credit is targeted for those with the most need.

Still, that group, along with many other advocacy organizations, are supporting DeWines effort.

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This is not a liberal or a conservative proposal.  This will be a significant amount of money and it will help these families move forward with their lives however they want to live those lives.

 Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine

This is the type of tax relief that families are demanding on both sides of the aisle, said Lynanne Gutierrez, president and CEO of Groundwork Ohio, a statewide advocacy group for young children.

Gutierrez pointed to research showing the struggles of many Ohio families: A recent poll taken on behalf of her organization found that more than a third of Ohio parents with children under 5 reported serious problems paying rent or mortgages, and nearly half said they were struggling to pay their credit card bills.

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The previous expansion of the federal tax credit helped millions of American families cover the basics: U.S. Census Bureau research showed families largely spent their credits on child care, rent, utilities, food and school expenses.

I am continuously surprised about how little money, relatively speaking, can really break a family or send them kind of spiraling, Gutierrez said.

Which families benefit

As Indiana and Ohio pursue refundable credits, other states with Republican legislative majorities are moving forward with nonrefundable child tax credits. While nonrefundable credits can reduce how much a filer owes in taxes, refundable credits give cash through returns  even to those who owe little or no income tax.

As part of a wider tax cut bill, both chambers in Utah earlier this month approved expanding eligibility for the states nonrefundable child tax credit. The credit currently applies to families with children at least 1 year old and under 5 years old. The expansion would apply to all children under age 6, including infants. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox has previously expressed his willingness to support legislative tax cuts, the Utah News Dispatch reported.

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And last month, Georgias GOP-controlled state Senate unanimously approved a nonrefundable tax credit of $250 for each child under age 7.

The bill, estimated to cost the state about $180 million annually, would expand an existing tax credit for child care expenses and provide tax benefits for businesses that offer child care for workers. The measure was championed by Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is considering a run for governor.

We believe that families shouldnt have to choose between having a career and being a parent, state Sen. Brian Strickland, a Republican who sponsored the bill, said during a February news conference in Atlanta.

To proponents of child tax credits, these moves mark encouraging  if not perfect  progress on the issue.

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The nonrefundable programs often dont help the lowest-income families, who may earn too little to owe income taxes. Thats particularly important because most states have regressive tax policies that disproportionately tax lower income families, said Aidan Davis, the state policy director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a liberal tax policy nonprofit.

Similarly, some of the refundable tax credit proposals could be strengthened, she said.

The Ohio plan, for instance, has a minimum income threshold to qualify, ostensibly a measure to incentivize work. But Davis said that can exclude the children of parents with disabilities, those who have been laid off, or those who cant afford child care to work.

Despite design imperfections, Davis said, the interest and support in conservative-leaning states is an incredible development.

I think conversations need to continue around how to best design them to make sure that they reach the populations and the kids most in need, she said. But that being said, I think these are great starting points for conversation.

Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@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.
Schoolchildren across Britain are missing an extra 4.7m days every term after the pandemic triggered a national attendance crisis, new analysis shows.

Children missed 11.5m days of school in the autumn term of 2023  67pc more than the 6.8m days lost in the same period before Covid hit in 2019, according to a new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank and The Difference, an education charity.

The numbers represent a fundamental fracturing of society that is hammering productivity and driving spiralling costs for the public purse, the report warned.

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Children have increasingly missed school since the pandemic lockdowns, which disrupted the education system and reduced parental support for full-time schooling.

Alongside kids skipping school, expulsions have also surged by a third in a single year while the number of children in home education has jumped by more than a fifth.

Lost learning is a major threat to the UK economy as children lose the ability to build the skills needed to join the workforce at the same time Britains economic inactivity crisis spirals out of control.

Previous analysis shows each child who is expelled from school costs the taxpayer an estimated 170,000 over their lifetime.

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The number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (Neets) has jumped by nearly a quarter since the pandemic began to just under one million  the highest level since the end of 2013.

Britains attendance crisis is closely interconnected with a boom in special educational needs that is crippling local authorities finances.

Since 2015, the number of children with the highest level of special educational needs support plans has increased by 140pc.

Kiran Gill, an associate fellow at IPPR and the founder of The Difference, warned that the attendance crisis threatens Rachel Reevess promises to grow the economy.

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Ms Gill said: Our education system is failing the children who need it most. The consequences  rising mental health issues, youth violence and risks to national growth  should concern us all.

This is the new frontier in education. Without more children in front of their teachers, we cannot raise attainment, improve employment, or give more children the safe, healthy childhood they deserve.

For every child that is permanently excluded, IPPR calculates there are 10 more who are making invisible exits from school, which includes being illegally banned from the school without a formal expulsion.

A third of these children go on to an unknown destination, meaning the Department for Education has no idea where or whether they are still being schooled.

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The reports authors urged the Chancellor to invest 850m over the next five years to tackle school absence.

This would help half a million children and would pay for itself by 2030 by reducing the need for 35,000 costly Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), which help kids with learning difficulties get through school.

They also called for new laws to make sure children are monitored when they leave school.

School admissions policies should also be changed so that institutions take on more children from disadvantaged backgrounds, they added.

Efua Poku-Amanfo, a research fellow at IPPR, called for urgent action to tackle lost learning.

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Children cant learn if they are not in school or are in some other way lost from the classroom or unaccounted for. Since the pandemic, huge swathes of children have never returned, are being excluded or are mysteriously absent, she said.

A Department for Education spokesman said: This Government inherited a school system with a wide range of baked-in inequalities, and its clear absence is having a detrimental impact on childrens learning and their future success.

Through our landmark Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we will improve data sharing across services and strengthen the safeguards around home education to stop children falling through the cracks in the system.

Our Plan for Change sets out our relentless focus on making sure every child gets the best life chances, no matter their background, which is why were establishing free breakfast clubs in every primary school, providing access to mental health support and making attendance one of the four core priorities of our school improvement teams.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A fire broke out at a school in San Francisco on Monday, according to the San Francisco Fire Department. The fire happened at The Dahlia School of San Francisco on the 100 block of Channel Street.

The children at the Montessori school were safely evacuated via an emergency evacuation route school staff prepared for, SFFD said. The fire accidentally started when an object was left on top of an electric stove.

San Franciscans need highest amount to be considered wealthy, financially comfortable in US: survey

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SFFD first posted about the fire on X at 5:25 p.m. About two hours later, the fire department announced that the fire had been extinguished. No injuries were reported.

Video of firefighters working to extinguish the blaze can be viewed in the media player above.

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By Akbar Novruz



On March 18, at around 08:55, units of the Armenian armed forces fired at the positions of the Azerbaijani Army using small arms from their positions in the Istisu settlement of the Basarkechar district.

Previously the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense has reported that Armenian armed forces intermittently opened fire on Azerbaijani Army positions between 22:15 on March 17 and 00:20 on March 18.

According to the ministry, Armenian military units fired from positions near the villages of Arpa in the Keshishkend district, Saybali in the Gharakilsa district, and Vaghan in the Chambarak district. Small arms were used during the attacks.

The Ministry of Defense has not provided additional details on the incident but emphasized that the Azerbaijani side has taken appropriate countermeasures in response to the provocations.

The positions of the Azerbaijani Army were intermittently fired upon by units of the Armenian armed forces on March 17, Azernews reports via the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Azerbaijan.

According to the statement, from 01:25 to 12:55, Azerbaijani positions were targeted from Armenian positions located in the Yukhari Zaghali direction of the Basarkechar district and Digh settlements of the Gorus district using small arms.

Note that, the Armenian side has been breaking the ceasefire since Sunday. On Sunday the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan issued two consecutive reports regarding Armenia's shelling of the Azerbaijani army's positions.

On March 16, at approximately 18:35, the first violation of the ceasefire was recorded.

The Armenian armed forces units from the positions located in the direction of the Khazinavar settlement of Gorus region using small arms subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions.

On the same day, from 20:10 to 20:45, the Armenian armed forces units from the positions located in the direction of the Burun settlement of the Gorus region using small arms several times subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions.
BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said Tuesday that China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with France, strengthen strategic coordination, and jointly uphold genuine multilateralism.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when having a phone conversation with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French President, at the latter's request.

During the phone conversation, Wang requested Bonne to convey Chinese President Xi Jinping's greetings to French President Emmanuel Macron.

The current international situation is increasingly complex and intertwined, with significant rises in uncertainty and instability, said Wang.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, Wang said that it is essential for China and France, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and comprehensive strategic partners, to enhance strategic communication at this significant historical juncture.

Wang said that China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with France, strengthen strategic coordination, jointly uphold genuine multilateralism, uphold the status of the United Nations, protect the international trade order, ensure the stability of global industrial and supply chains, oppose unipolar hegemony, reject placing one country's self-interest above the common interests of all nations, and prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle.

In the current situation, it is of important and positive significance for China and Europe to resolve specific economic and trade frictions through consultation. China hopes that France will work with China to send a positive signal of unity and cooperation and promote the healthy and stable development of China-France and China-Europe relations, noted Wang.

Bonne requested Wang to convey Macron's greetings to Xi. He said that France attaches great importance to and cherishes the friendship and mutual trust between France and China. Under the current complex international situation in particular, France looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges and close strategic communication with China to jointly resist camp confrontation.

Bonne said that France opposes trade wars and tariff wars, and is willing to properly resolve economic and trade frictions through consultations with China, promote balanced and sustainable development of economic and trade relations between France and China and also between Europe and China, and maintain the international economic and trade system based on World Trade Organization's rules.

The two sides exchanged in-depth views on the Ukraine issue.

Bonne briefed Wang on the position of the French side, saying that France is willing to strengthen coordination with China and expects China to play an important role in reaching a just, stable and sustainable peace agreement on Ukraine.

Wang said that China has advocated resolving the crisis through dialogue and negotiation from the very beginning, and welcomes all efforts towards a ceasefire, which is a necessary step towards peace. At the same time, this process should respect the will of the parties concerned, should not be imposed by a third party, and should not only serve the interests of any one country.

China supports the achievement of a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties concerned, and believes that all parties and stakeholders should participate in the peace talks process in due course.

He also noted that China's position has been recognized and supported by the parties concerned and most other countries, and China is ready to work with all parties, including Europe, to continue to make efforts for peace.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue. 
(Bloomberg) -- Chiles center-right presidential candidate Evelyn Matthei said she wants to slash the countrys corporate tax rate to 18% from 27% as her campaign seeks to hold onto its front-runner status in this years election.

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We are convinced that the corporate tax rate in Chile should not exceed 18%, Matthei said at an event in Santiago on Tuesday. Reaching that rate, within a 10-year period, will require a complex plan of tax cuts tied to growth targets, spending and revenue efficiency, and, of course, a supportive Congress.

Matthei is under pressure as her early lead in polls diminishes and the campaign for Chiles presidency intensifies. A survey published by Cadem on Sunday showed 17% of respondents supporting the former senator and minister for head of state, down from 26% in December. During the same period, hard-right contender Johannes Kaiser saw his support levels nearly triple.

Matthei said current business tax levels are one of the reasons why economic growth has stagnated around 2%, thus failing to create enough new jobs. The presidential hopeful also emphasized the need for tax invariability for both Chilean and foreign capital in large investment projects.

Matthei spoke at the economy-focused event the same day that central bank reported Chiles gross domestic product expanded 2.6% last year. While that expansion is far better than the revised figure of 0.5% in 2023, its below rates near 6% seen at the start of the last decade.

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Earlier this month, Matthei unveiled her campaign priorities, including a pledge to double economic growth. Her plan calls for eliminating red tape and encouraging construction while cutting poorly-executed spending.

Matthei reiterated those plans at the Tuesday event, stressing that security concerns are the reason why investors have chosen not to plow more money into the South American nation.

The first-round presidential vote will be on Nov. 16 and a run-off, if needed, would take place on Dec. 14. Local laws forbid consecutive terms for any head of state, meaning current President Gabriel Boric wont be able to seek reelection.

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(Bloomberg) -- China held what it said were new military exercises around Taiwan, linking them to recent US moves backing the self-ruled archipelago and the actions of what it called independence forces.

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday the Peoples Liberation Army was making a resolute response to foreign connivance and a serious warning to Taiwan separatist forces.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Mao pointed to a series of wrong actions by Washington, including the State Department in February deleting a phrase from a fact sheet saying the US does not support Taiwan independence.

Taiwans Defense Ministry referred to the PLA activity as a joint combat readiness patrol, saying in a statement the planes flew in sensitive zones around the main island and coordinated with naval vessels. The ministry said on X that a total of 43 Chinese aircraft crossed the median line in the strait as of early Tuesday  the most since a record 111 in October last year.

The PLA activity marks the latest move by Beijing to intimidate the government of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who it castigates as a separatist seeking independence. Beijing has stepped up its military activity around the democracy of 23 million people since Lai took office in May last year, and repeatedly pledges to bring Taiwan under its control someday, by force if needed.

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The US backs Taiwan militarily, largely by selling the archipelago weapons to defend itself  deals that irk China. Last week, the de facto American ambassador to Taipei, Raymond Greene, said the US is trying to speed up the arms shipments.

China has also been taking a tougher verbal tone with Taiwan recently. Last month, Wang Huning, who oversees Taiwan affairs for China, urged his nation to shape the inevitable reunification of the motherland. And over the weekend, Chinas Peoples Daily newspaper referred to him a cornered dog.

The latest PLA maneuvers follow a speech last week in which Lai labeled China a foreign hostile force for the first time. He also rolled measures to counter Beijings infiltration of the Taiwanese military and other institutions.

Amanda Hsiao and Ava Shen of the political risk consultancy Eurasia Group said in a note Monday that China viewed Lais speech as a major transgression, and responded with 18 official commentaries blasting him from March 14 to 17.

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Still, they said China appeared to be otherwise showing restraint toward Taiwan, which may reflect the leaderships preference for maintaining reasonably stable ties with the US. Beijings focus on economic growth may also have moderated its response, Hsiao and Shen wrote.

Trade tensions between Beijing and Washington have been mounting since President Donald Trump took office, a development that threatens Chinas economic recovery.

Trump said Monday that Chinese leader Xi Jinping would visit Washington soon, and any meeting between the two sides could help them bridge their differences over issues like fentanyl.

--With assistance from Rob Fenner.

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TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  An unusually large number of Chinese military ships, planes and drones entered airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan between Sunday and Monday, the self-governing island's Defense Ministry said.

China said the drills were a response to recent statements and actions by the United States and Taiwan. Beijing launches such missions on a daily basis, seeking to wear down Taiwanese defenses and morale, although the vast majority of the islands 23 million people reject its claim of sovereignty over Taiwan.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo told legislators the drills were further evidence China was a troublemaker endangering peace in the region.

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The ministry on Tuesday published on social media images of Chinese drones and ships. It said 43 out of 59 entered Taiwans air defense identification zone but that no confrontations were reported. Taiwan monitored the situation and deployed aircraft, navy ships and coastal anti-ship missile defenses in response, the ministry said.

Its unclear what prompted the large Chinese deployment. Daily figures often vary widely based on statements by the Taiwanese authorities or their U.S. partners.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that the drills were a resolute response to foreign connivance and support for Taiwan independence, and a serious warning to Taiwan separatist forces.

Chinas military actions are necessary, legal and justified measures to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, Mao said.

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The United States deleted the literal expression that reflected the one-China principle and that did not support Taiwan independence on the website of the U.S. Department of State, which indicates wrong signals to Taiwan separatist forces, Mao was quoted as saying.

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te also raised Beijing's hackles last week when he said that Taiwan law designates mainland China as a foreign hostile force and said tougher measures were being taken to prevent Chinese subversion through the media and civic exchanges. Lai also warned of the danger of influential figures and current and retired military members selling secrets to China.

The Taiwan Strait is an international body of water and one of the most important channels for global trade. While China does not interfere with civilian shipping in the Strait  or in the South China Sea to the south that it claims almost in its entirety  it routinely objects to actions by the U.S. and other foreign navies in the area.

China on Saturday lashed out at accusations by top diplomats from the Group of 7 industrialized democracies who said Beijing is endangering maritime safety.

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The G7 in a joint statement condemned China's illicit, provocative, coercive and dangerous actions that seek unilaterally to alter the status quo in such a way as to risk undermining the stability of regions, including through land reclamations, and building of outposts, as well as their use for military purpose.

China said the statement was filled with arrogance, prejudice and malicious intentions.

Faced with the rising threat from China, Taiwan has ordered new missiles, aircraft and other armaments from the U.S., while revitalizing its own defense industry.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war 76 years ago, but Chinese leader Xi Jinping has continued to make bringing the island to heel a top priority of his administration even as it faces economic headwinds and a race for high technology with the West.
Li Ming, spokesperson for China International Development Cooperation Agency, has stated that China is ready to assist Ukraine in post-war recovery and continue providing other forms of aid.

Source: China Daily

Quote: "We are ready to continue to provide assistance within our capacity according to the wishes of parties involved, which of course includes post-war reconstruction."

Details: Li Min added that China has already provided four batches of humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war.

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He said that "China will continue to be a positive force for world peace and stability and a progressive force for global fairness and justice".

Background: In February, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggested that Russia is attempting to portray China as aligning more closely with the Kremlin's stance on the war in Ukraine than Beijing is willing to openly acknowledge.

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Chinas local governments are stepping up attempts to encourage citizens to have more babies, boosting subsidies for childcare and supplies.

More than 20 provincial administrations are now offering subsidies to encourage young couples to marry and have babies  Hohhot, the regional capital of Inner Mongolia, will pay first-time parents $1,400 and more for second and third children  and earlier this month Premier Li Qiang announced nationwide free preschool education.

The worlds most populous country until recently, China saw its population fall for a third consecutive year in 2024, and marriages plummeted by a fifth, the biggest drop on record. The ongoing effects of Beijings one-child policy, plus urbanization and the growing costs of raising a family, have driven the decline, Reuters reported.
CATAHOULA PARISH, La. (KLFY)  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reporting a confirmed case of Chronic Wasting Disease in a hunter-harvested white-tailed buck in Catahoula Parish. LDWF said this is the first case of CWD confirmed positive in a wild deer outside of Tensas Parish.

CWD was first detected in Louisiana in 2022. LDWF said this latest positive brings the total number of detections for Louisiana to 34. CWD is a neurodegenerative disease of white-tailed deer and other members of the Cervidae family. It is caused by a prion, an infectious, misfolded protein particle, and is 100% fatal in affected deer after an indeterminate incubation period. There is no treatment or preventative vaccine for CWD.

CWD-infected deer may exhibit signs of weight loss and emaciation, salivation, frequent drinking and urination, incoordination, circling, lack of fear of people, and always results in the death of the animal.

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Officials said the confirmation was made for a sample submitted by LDWF staff from a hunter-harvested adult buck taken on private land in Catahoula Parish. Initial testing by the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory indicated a possible positive diagnosis. LADDL sent the sample to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa for confirmatory testing where it was confirmed to be positive.

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LDWF said they are currently working to implement the LDWF CWD response plan, with more information regarding the plan forthcoming.

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Although CWD has not been shown to be contagious to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend against the human consumption of deer known to be infected with CWD. Also, it is recommended that people hunting in areas known to harbor CWD-infected deer have their deer tested for the disease prior to consuming the animals. LDWF said they will provide testing for hunter-harvested deer free of charge.

LDWF Acting Secretary Tyler Bosworth said, We will continue to count on our hunters, property owners, deer processors and taxidermists for their assistance in monitoring CWD as their continued partnership with our department will help to control the spread of CWD in the state and keep our deer population healthy.

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The Democrats are having a rough time of it  but none of them are having it worse than Chuck Schumer.

Mr Schumer, the Democratic leader in the Senate, looks dangerously close to being toppled by a restless party struggling with its own factions under the crushing weight that is Donald Trump.

On Friday, the New York senator blinked in a row over government funding, a move which may have spared the Democrats public fury and spared the government from a shutdown, but ruined his standing among colleagues.

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On Monday, Mr Schumer cancelled events publicising the launch of his book on anti-Semitism, another issue which has divided his party.

His team said the events were cancelled over security concerns.

They were also expected to be disrupted by protesters furious at his support for the Republican funding bill.

In an attempt to shore up support, he has gone into damage-control mode, meeting with a series of liberal groups in a vain attempt to stop them calling for his resignation.

One source told Politico that the talks were tense and unproductive.

Once a savvy Senate operator, many believe that the 74-year-old has lost his partys support, and possibly his political touch as well.

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Here are the signs Mr Schumers feeble control over his party in the Senate could be about to implode.

Funding bill strife

A decision on whether to shut down the federal government was always going to put the Democrats in an impossible position.

Several members of the party openly admitted that they had two dreadful options: keep the government running and accept billions of dollars in spending cuts, or hand Mr Trump and Elon Musk the power to shutter whole sections of the federal bureaucracy.

First, Mr Schumer announced that he would vote against the measure, prompting fractious meetings and internal strife among members of his caucus.

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Then, some 24 hours later, he reversed course and said he would vote for the resolution, while labelling it deeply partisan and saying it failed to address the countrys needs.

The decision was only ever going to be a Hobsons choice, as he noted.

Mr Schumer speaks to reporters at Capitol Hill on March 11 - Mark Schiefelbein

Mr Schumer spared making the Democrats the symbol of a shutdown which would have furloughed millions of workers and shuttered government services, but also managed to isolate virtually every section of his party.

It seems he blundered into a trap set by the White House before having to extricate himself.

Pelosis pointed statement

Nancy Pelosi may have surrendered the role of House Speaker in 2023, but the 84-year-old shows no signs of relinquishing the reins of power and remains one of the most influential Democrats within the party.

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She is often pinpointed as the figure who bears most responsibility for putting an end to Joe Bidens re-election campaign last year  barring the then-president himself, who put on a disastrous debate performance in June.

Her intervention against Mr Schumer, another key individual who pressed Mr Biden to step down, was therefore significant  and damaging.

Although her pointed statement did not mention her one-time ally by name, there was little doubt whom former speaker was referring to when she said: America has experienced a Trump shutdown before  but this damaging legislation only makes matters worse.

Nancy Pelosi shows no signs of relinquishing the reins of power over the Democrats - Carlos Avila Gonzalez

Adding: Democrats must not buy into this false choice. We must fight back for a better way, some commentators were left wondering if Ms Pelosi would rather have suggested the Democrats need a better leader, than a better way.

Third times a charm

As the former speaker turned on Mr Schumer, so did a potential future one.

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Hakeem Jeffries, who leads the Democrats in the House and was reportedly frozen out of discussions about the continuing resolution, pointedly did not lend his backing to his beleaguered colleague.

When asked if he had lost confidence in Mr Schumer on Friday, and then if it was time for new leadership in the Senate, Mr Jeffries answered both times: Next question.

Pressed a third time, he said he looked forward to reporting back to all of you when Ive had conversations in his district over the weekend.

It was a long way from a ringing endorsement, or even throwing a lifeline to Mr Schumer.

The only silver lining for the New York senator was that Mr Jeffries did not call for his head.

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In a New York Times interview on Saturday, Mr Schumer had to be asked three times whether he had spoken to his House counterpart since the funding bill vote before answering. He hadnt.

AOC: A tremendous mistake

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the firebrand Left-winger, was one of the first out of the gates to denounce Mr Schumer for voting to keep the government funded.

I believe thats a tremendous mistake, she said in a CNN interview on Thursday, arguing that the legislation would turn the federal government into a slush fund for Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

The intervention, from one of Congress most outspoken and ambitious members, was hardly surprising.

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But the risk for Mr Schumer is that Ms Ocasio-Cortez, also a New York Democrat, could launch a primary challenge against him in three years.

AOC was one of the first out of the gates to denounce Mr Schumer for voting to keep the government funded - KENT NISHIMURA

If the Senate minority leader seeks to keep his seat, then serving out another term would take him well into his 80s.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who has done nothing to dispel rumours about a primary challenge when pressed directly and has been openly lobbied to do so by a number of colleagues, would be roughly half his age.

It could be a bruising fight against a well-known and ferocious congresswoman, in a party where the grassroots has grown tired of its gerontocracy and is angry with the status quo, twice having been defeated by Mr Trump and his Maga machine.

The Joe Biden question

It will be alarming to Mr Schumer that he is now being compared to the man whose long political career he helped put to an end just a year ago: Joe Biden.

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When Mr Biden was in the White House, Mr Schumer looked comparatively sprightly at eight years his junior.

During the former presidents dire debate performance, where he talked in a hushed mumble and struggled to finish his sentences, the gap looked like a political generation.

But now Mr Biden has ducked out of public life altogether, and Mr Schumer is exposed.

Following the funding bill debacle, he has been trounced by detractors as another elderly man who isnt up to the job of standing up to Mr Trump.

The Bulwark, a Left-wing news outlet, reported widespread anger among Democrats and suggested Mr Schumer was facing a Biden moment.

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He faces the perception that his sensibilities are antiquated; that his political dexterity has faded; and, most importantly, that he lacks the vigour to take on Donald Trump, it said.

A New York Times interview at the weekend noted Mr Schumer was crucial in getting Mr Biden to step down, and asked if it was time for you to do the same?

Mr Schumer answered by claiming that his caucus was fighting against Trump and asserted that were going to have some real successes.

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GENEVA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday that the informal meeting on the Cyprus issue, held over two days in Geneva, Switzerland, had made "meaningful progress."

The meeting, convened at Guterres' request, took place at the UN Office in Geneva. It was attended by Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, and representatives from Greece, Turkiye, and Britain, the three guarantor powers.

Guterres stated that the talks had yielded progress, with both sides agreeing on a series of new trust-building measures, fostering a "new atmosphere" in the discussions.

He also noted that the parties agreed to convene another meeting in late July and to appoint a new UN Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue.

"Mr. Tatar and Mr. Christodoulides have agreed on the following group of initiatives to build trust," Guterres said, listing "opening of the four crossing points, demining, creation of a technical committee on youth, initiatives on the environment and climate change including the impacts on mining areas; solar energy in the buffer zone and the restoration of cemeteries."

According to media reports, Christodoulides expressed "satisfaction with the outcome," while Tatar similarly stated that he was "satisfied" with the talks.

Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when a Turkish military intervention followed a coup by Greek army officers. A buffer zone separating the island's Greek and Turkish Cypriot parts has been under the oversight of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Peace talks have been stalled since the collapse of a similar conference in Switzerland in July 2017. Since then, Turkiye and the Turkish Cypriots have hardened their stance, advocating for permanent partition and international recognition of a breakaway state established by Turkiye in 1983. 
City of Atlanta leaders and Mayor Andre Dickens acknowledged on Tuesday that the city has some major problems with its underground water systems and they plan to address them, but it wont be fixed anytime soon.

Newly appointed Atlanta Watershed Commissioner James Eyerly says hes ready to get to work on the citys plans to improve its aging clean water infrastructure.

I believe the long-term vison for water in Atlanta is water security, Eyerly said. Atlanta knows what its infrastructure issues are.

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Eyerly, the former water director for the City of Houston has 30 years of experience in watershed management. He oversaw Houstons 15-year, $9 million wastewater federal consent decree.

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Last summer, two significant water main issues, water main breaks, tested the resilience of our system, Dickens said.

Now, the City of Atlanta said it is working on a major project to improve its clean water system to prevent it from happening again.

Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln got the first look at the plans to replace the citys aging system, including some pipes over 100 years old.

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Water main breaks like the one on Peachtree Road in Buckhead on Jan. 30 have some residents and businesses questioning how reliable the citys clean water system is.

Channel 2 Action News was there as things came to a head in the summer of 2024 when multiple water lines broke in Northwest Atlanta and Midtown just days apart, knocking out peoples water for days.

Mayor Dickens has made it very clear that significant improvements need to occur, and it has been my job to make sure that happens, said Al Wiggins Jr., the Atlanta Department of Watershed Commissioner.

He sat down with Lincoln to explain the improvements the city plans to make to a system that is nearly 3,000 miles long, which is long enough to span from Atlanta to San Francisco.

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Over the past seven months, we have done probably the equivalent of three years worth of work, said Wiggins.

The City created the Atlanta Water Advisory Group after the summer breaks and includes the Army Corps of Engineers, former Mayor Shirley Franklin, and other infrastructure experts.

This was a problem hundreds of years in the making, and so its going to take a couple of decades to fix, said Peter Aman, Atlantas Chief Strategy Officer and a member of the task force.

Aman also said the work will cost billions of dollars.

This new program will take decades and will involve ripping up streets, you know, of miles-long length. And so, all of that has to be carefully planned, said Aman.

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Its been a struggle for as long as Ive been here, said City Council Member Howard Shook, who sits on the Utilities Committee and has decades of water infrastructure knowledge.

Shook said the city has a history of water line mismanagement. He said in the past, contracted companies did not regularly maintain water valves.

If they havent been exercised on a regular basis, in other words, open and closed, then they lock up, said Shook.

He said that was one reason it took such a long time to turn off the midtown water main break. He added that crews are also relying on outdated maps.

Thats a challenge now, because we dont know where they are half the time, said Shook.

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Along with the advisory group, the City has created a command center that will allow us to centralize operations, said Wiggins.

It also enhanced its software to help locate the 70,000 valves within the system and installed multiple leak detection devices.

Were scheduled to save about 160 million gallons of water annually, said Wiggins.

He said with these changes, along with the water advisory group, theyre moving towards progress.

We are proud that we are working together. We have a plan. Were using our time wisely. Were working quickly. Were working smarter, not harder, said Wiggins.

The task force will also research the cost and how to do the work with minimal disruption to residents and businesses.

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Mar. 18Following in the footsteps of county leaders, City of Lodi officials will soon ask state and federal lawmakers to change voter registration requirements.

The Lodi City Council on Wednesday will consider sending letters to Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump that support requiring voter identification at the polls and eliminating same-day registration.

"The integrity of our electoral process is fundamental to democracy," Wednesday's staff report states. "However, current practices, such as same-day voter registration and the lack of voter identification requirements, have introduced administrative challenges and potential vulnerabilities."

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The California Secretary of State's website states that voters must register at least 14 days before an election.

However, conditional voter registration allows residents to register on election day and cast ballots at a polling location just minutes afterward.

"This discrepancy causes confusion among voters and election workers, undermining public confidence in the process," the staff report states. "While same-day voter registration was intended to increase voter accessibility, it has proven challenging to manage and has significantly delayed election certification."

The Secretary of State's Office finalized the 2024 general election results on Dec. 13, 2024, some 38 days after election day, making California one of the last states in the country to certify results.

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According to staff, the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters has reported increased workloads due to a surge in same-day voter registrations.

"Processing and verifying these registrations while administering the election presents significant challenges, increasing the risk of errors," the agenda states. "Requiring voter identification at polling places would enhance election security and ensure that every vote cast is legitimate."

There are currently 36 states that require voters to show some form of identification at the polls, which staff said demonstrates that requirements strengthen the integrity of the election process.

In January, the San Joaquin County Election Advisory Committee approved a recommendation that supported election law changes, including voter identification requirements and eliminating same-day voter registration.

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San Joaquin County supervisors approved sending letters to Newsom and Trump during a Jan. 28 meeting advocating for the recommended changes.

Wednesday's meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Carnegie Forum, 305 W. Pine St. The meeting will also be livestreamed online at www.facebook.com/CityofLodi.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Irish community of Springfield was recognized Monday morning in front of City Hall.

Mayor Sarno celebrates St. Patricks Day with seniors at Hungry Hill Senior Center

Mayor Domenic Sarno and Congressman Richard Neal among those who took part in the recognition, sharing the history on this St. Patricks Day.



Famine, million people starved to death and then a million immigrated and they came to places like Springfield, shared Congressman Richard Neal.



When the Irish migrated here to America, the city of Springfield back in the 1840s, 1850s, within one generation, if not two, the Irish were able to move up the ladder, said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.



The City of Springfield declared March 17th, St. Patricks Day. This annual dedication is celebrated across the area as the Irish for years have made contributions to this region.



So on those very steps, Eamon de Valera spoke as a wanted man. Thousands of people showed up to hear what he had to say, shared Congressman Richard Neal.



The Irish migrated to Springfield for opportunity and have left an impact on the city.



Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
A Clay County man is facing child solicitation and molestation charges after an investigation by Indiana State Police into allegations that a child younger than 14 was molested.

Thomas Edenfield Jr., 42, faces charges of child molesting, a Class 1 felony; vicarious sexual gratification with victim under the age of 14, a Class 4 felony; child solicitation, with victim under 14, to engage in fondling/touching, a Class 5 Felony; and possession of child pornography, a Class 6 felony, according to an ISP news release. He is held in Clay County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bond.

After reviewing the ISP investigation, the Clay County Prosecutors Office requested an arrest warrant for Edenfield, which was granted March 13. Edenfield was arrested during the weekend without incident by the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
Many Georgians were back out Monday cleaning up debris after a weekend of severe storms.

Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz visited Paulding County to survey the damage caused by an EF-1 tornado.

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The tornado touched down in south central Paulding County, tracked near Dallas between Hiram and Dallas, and then lifted up just before it crossed into Cobb County.

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Nitz said the tornado was on the ground for 12 minutes. Its path was 11.65 miles long and 200 yards wide and reached wind speeds of 110 mph.

The worst of the damage hit areas to the south and east of Dallas. NewsDrone 2 showed lots of utility workers, some who told us they were from out of town, working to repair downed lines.

Mike Fuller and his son cleaned up their property after trees fell on his house, carport and yard.

I could see all these trees falling as it was happening, Fuller said.

A woman pulled into his driveway to get off the road.

She had pulled in when the tornado was coming through, Todd Fuller said. As soon as she pulled in a tree just fell right on top. When I got here, there was a car here and you could hardly see it because it was covered with a tree.

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Inside the house, Mike Fuller told us he was watching Channel 2 Action News at the time and took cover.

I turned it on at 11:30 and it hit at 11:35, he said.

He said he got the warning that, You better run and hide. And in about six or seven minutes it was on top of my house.

The driver who took shelter in the driveway ended up being OK.

They cut it out and she drove it out, Todd Fuller said.

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CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA)  Over 40 universities including Clemson University are under investigation for alleged racial discrimination.

The Department of Education (DOE) launched a Title VI investigation of the Civil Rights Act as part of President Donald Trumps campaign to end Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs that his officials said exclude White and Asian American students.

Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in education programs and activities. The department announced the new investigations Friday, one month after issuing a memo warning schools and colleges that they could lose federal money over race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships or any aspect of student life.

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Clemson is being investigated for its partnership with the PhD Project. The PhD Project is a nonprofit that aims to increase the number of underrepresented students such as Black, Hispanic and Native Americans who get degrees in schools across the country to diversify the business world.

The DOE has notified all schools involved in the program with the organization. Officials said that the group limits eligibility based on race and that colleges that partner with it are engaging in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs.

Clemson officials said the university is cooperating and committed to following federal, state and local regulations.

The university is the only South Carolina school listed in the particular investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Norman residents and passionate critics against ACCESS Oklahoma nearly overflowed the Cleveland County commissioners' meeting room Monday as the board unanimously approved a resolution to require frontage roads and access points for the east-west connector.

"You're going to hear our voice when we vote against all of you!" Heather Messer, a Norman resident, shouted in the middle of the meeting.

Several people in opposition to the turnpike expansion interrupted the meeting, yelling remarks criticizing the commissioners and asking why public comment wasn't allowed until after the board voted on the resolution.

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The resolution affirms that if the east-west connector is being installed across Cleveland County, it must include access points and free frontage roads for residents. The commissioners' vote comes after a split ruling in 2023 by the Oklahoma Supreme Court to validate the expansion plan.

The 28-mile east-west connector turnpike is designed to connect Newcastle, Blanchard and Tuttle at State Highway 37 and NW 32 and cross the South Canadian River east to Interstate 35. The toll road will then continue east and northeast to Interstate 40 to connect with the Kickapoo Turnpike.

More: Design work resuming on downtown OKC turnpike extension: What to know

Cleveland County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to require frontage roads and access points on ACCESS Oklahoma's east-west connector turnpike during a meeting on Monday.

The turnpike is part of the $8.2 billion, 15-year ACCESS Oklahoma turnpike expansion program started in 2022 that was then paused for nine months due to legal challenges by Norman-area residents fighting to keep their homes and businesses.

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"It would be a significant and lasting disservice to our community to build a turnpike without local access and free frontage roads," said Storme Jones, Cleveland County communications director.

The resolution does not approve the turnpikes, Jones said after the meeting, because the Supreme Court already did. Without access points, folks in Norman neighborhood Indian Hills would be landlocked and left without a way to get to their properties, he said. That would force the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to take about 30 additional properties.

"The commissioners saw this offer from OTA of approximately $160 million in local infrastructure and understood that it's really a historic investment in local infrastructure in that area, and if this passes us by, that level of investment will never again be possible in that area from a local infrastructure standpoint," Jones said.

Angry Norman residents speak out against turnpike vote

This rationale wasn't explained to the angry residents during the meeting, however, leaving a law enforcement officer routinely asking the disruptive crowd to be quiet.

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"Our houses are on the line," said one resident in the middle of the meeting.

Public comments were allowed after the commissioners voted on each agenda item with a limit of two minutes per person for 10 minutes total.

During that time slot, Rob Norman argued that the legal questions over the east-west connector and south extension weren't settled. Norman is an attorney representing residents opposed to the Norman-area toll roads.

"Gentlemen, the world is changing," Norman said. "It's no longer OK for a government power to exercise eminent domain just because it can."

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He added that the Norman City Council spent a month listening to the public's concerns regarding the turnpikes and voted against a similar resolution.

Last year, Norman councilmembers unanimously rejected a resolution that asked for the Norman City Council to acknowledge the ACCESS Oklahoma plan to build turnpikes through critical areas, including the citys water supply, flood hazard areas and Lake Thunderbird tributaries.

At that time, the turnpike authority responded by canceling plans to build frontage roads and other amenities discussed in connection with new toll roads to be built through Norman and adjacent communities.

On Monday, Jones said it's important to acknowledge the residents whose properties will be upended as part of ACCESS Oklahoma, adding that "two wrongs don't make a right."

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"The turnpike is coming is understood to be a fact at this point. I think 10 years down the road if the commissioners were to say, 'No, we don't want on ramps or exits,' that would be another wrong to the folks who live in that area."

Randy Carter, director of strategic communications, told the commissioners he was disappointed in their decision. He said he believes they gave up on fighting against the turnpikes.

"I'm under the impression that the use of eminent domain for economic development is against the law. I think that's something that you all should consider," he said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Cleveland County commissioners approve turnpike roads despite protest
*Attached video: Deaths and Mortality Stats: CDC

CLEVELAND (WJW)  The Cincinnati Police Department is mourning the loss of a Cleveland native and Cincinnati police officer.

According to the Greater Cincinnati Police Historical Society on March 16, 33-year-old Police Officer Marcellus Keyon Jones suffered a fatal medical emergency on March 15.

Watch FOX 8 News on the new FOX 8 CLE+ app!

According to the Historical Society, Jones was born in Cleveland in 1991.

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He attended the Success Technical Academy High School before heading to Bowling Green State University to major in communications and then to the University of Akron to major in police science.

According to the Historical Society, Jones joined the Wilberforce University Police Department as an officer in August 2018. He was then promoted to sergeant in February 2021.

Jones later joined the Cincinnati Police Department on October 3, 2021, as a police recruit and was eventually promoted to a police officer and assigned to a patrol district.

East Cleveland police investigating after body found behind home: I-Team

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According to the Historical Society, Jones was transferred to the Youth Services Section and assigned as a School Resource Officer at Hyde Park School within the last year.

The Cincinnati Police Department posted to their Facebook page on Monday saying, Police Chief Teresa Theetge requests that all sworn members of the Cincinnati Police Department shroud their badges in memory of Officer Marcellus Jones. Officer Jones suffered an unexpected medical emergency. Please keep Officer Jones family, friends, and CPD School Resource Officers in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
SANAA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthis claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic rocket attack at Israel on Tuesday.

The group's military spokesperson said in a televised statement that the attack was made to support the Palestinians and in response to the new wave of deadly Israeli airstrikes across Gaza earlier in the day. 
COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  Sixth graders in the Colbert County School system will be heading to high school in the fall, but those students wont be skipping middle school.

This comes after a vote on Thursday, the Colbert County Board of Education voted yes to the transition.

Tuscumbia Police say investigation into warehouse explosion may take several weeks

Superintendent Nathan Fuller tells News 19 what itll look like.

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They will go into a special school setting that will be for students in grades sixth, seventh, eighth, this provides an opportunity for us to provide a new level of separation between our middle age students and high school, Fuller said.

Fuller told News 19s Whitney Leibold that hes been working on this plan, known as the Middle School Model for years, and it comes after seeing middle schoolers struggling.

The school system currently operates three high schools and five elementary schools but does not have any middle or intermediate schools.

Hanceville Mayor releases statement on decision to disband police department

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We have a lot of growth in our academic achievements and student success in our K through five students, unfortunately, we are not seeing that growth or achievement spill over in our students in grades sixth, seventh, and eighth, Fuller said.

Fuller said adding the 6th graders to the mix will provide those students with more focused teaching and support staff.

Theyre going to have their own dedicated administrator, theyre going to have their own dedicated counselor, theyre going to have an intervention teacher, Fuller said.

News 19 spoke with a mother, who did not want to be interviewed on camera but said she is a little concerned with sixth graders surrounded by older kids, but Fuller said those concerns are being addressed.

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We are actually going to have separate classrooms, separate hallways for students in grades sixth-eighth, and then we have our ninth-12, so the main form of separation will be physical location in the building, Fuller said.

Sixth graders will officially be transitioned to high school campuses, starting in the fall.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The image of Donald Trump as an anti-war president is crumbling in real time.

Whether winning votes or merely demotivating support for his opponent, Kamala Harris, Trump fed on American frustrations in both parties to  once again  win election victory with a promise of ending or withdrawing American support for bloody and costly conflicts around the world.

Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza (on Israels terms) and the end of billions of dollars in military aid shipments to Ukraine were his latest efforts in a campaign that began in his first run for president in 2016, with his hammering of opponents Jeb Bush and others for support of the Iraq War.

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But overnight Tuesday saw the resumption of an intense U.S.-supported bombing campaign in Gaza and the end of a months-long ceasefire that, until recently, had seen the return of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinians imprisoned by Israeli security forces.

The conflicts reignition comes just three days after U.S forces began airstrikes on Sanaa, Yemens capital, in a significant escalation of armed clashes with Houthi militants that have held the city since 2014. More alarming for those concerned with the regions stability: Trumps direct threat to treat any further aggression against U.S. forces by Houthi attackers as an act of war from Iran, where the militants have long received support from the Revolutionary Guards corps (IRGC).

With a one-two stroke, the likelihood of the Middle East dissolving into chaos just ratcheted up  after the eruption of earlier similar conflicts fueled Trumps insinuation that the Biden-Harris White House was weak and could not competently manage global affairs.

That message was core to Trumps successful 2024 campaign. It remained constant through Joe Bidens withdrawal from the ticket in July. Both Biden and Harris, Trump argued, were too weak and stupid to prevent Russias invasion of Ukraine, Hamas attack on October 7, or the launch of missiles and rockets against targets in Israel by both Hezbollah and later Iran itself.

Donald Trump claimed during the 2024 campaign that he, unlike Joe Biden or Kamala Harris, would prevent further global conflicts from breaking out. (Getty Images)

Now, one year later, Israel claims Hamas did not hold up its end of the ceasefire agreement  which, if true, means the group did not fear U.S. retribution. Houthi forces have resumed attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, a feat which the president claimed such groups would not have the courage to try under his watchful eye.

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Ukraine now stands as a major remaining test for the 47th president. Having bragged throughout 2024 that he could end the conflict within 24 hours, Trump now stands in an uncomfortable spot  with Ukraine, blamed by him as an obstacle to peace, on board for a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, while Russia has yet to fully sign on.

On that front, Trump conducted a lengthy phone call with his Russian counterpart on Tuesday. A readout released by the White House stated that Russia would agree to a 30-day cessation of attacks against energy and infrastructure targets, and begin negotiations aimed at reaching implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not brief reporters on Tuesday, and the press corps will likely have to wait another day for more information about the exact terms of the agreement.

A readout from the Kremlin was more revelatory, and indicated that Moscow was seeking to dictate the terms of any lasting peace deal. "It was emphasized that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working toward its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be a complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv."

If the negotiations progress further and the end to a conflict which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives indeed becomes near, Trump could end up salvaging his sought-after image as a peacemaker. But theres a long way to go  and the president has already proven that preventing violence from erupting around the world isnt as easy as he made it sound.
A Colombian man living in the United States illegally has pleaded guilty to a federal charge for participating in an armed robbery at a Beverly Hills hotel and belonging to a robbery crew that possessed a firearm registered to former Los Angeles Police Department officer turned cop killer Christopher Dorner.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office, 22-year-old Jamer Mauricio Sepulveda Salazar pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery in accordance with the Hobbs Act on Monday.

The robbery occurred on Aug. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and involved Sepulveda and a co-defendant, 20-year-old Jesus Eduardo Bryan Padron Rojas, a Venezuelan man also in the country illegally.

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OnlyFans fetish encounter ends with murder charge for Southern California woman

In the incident, Sepulveda and Padron  who were 21 and 19 at the time of the crime  approached a man identified in court documents as T.A. while he was sitting on the patio of THE Blvd restaurant, located within the upscale Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

The Blvd. Restaurant at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Aug. 7, 2024, when a victim was robbed of his Patek Philippe watch. (DOJ) Two armed robbery suspects seen in surveillance footage leaving after robbing the victim of his Patek Philippe watch on Aug. 7, 2024. (DOJ)

The men held T.A. at gunpoint on the patio and stole his Patek Philippe watch, valued at $1 million, before fleeing in a Toyota Corolla said to be driven by Sepulveda.

L.A. County District Attorney officials stated that the two suspects, both of whom are part of a South American robbery crew, had cased the area for two days before the robbery searching for victims.

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The crew coincidentally stumbled upon another victim walking in Beverly Hills wearing a $30,000 Rolex wristwatch, the DAs office said in a release issued Monday. A member of Sepulvedas crew stole that wristwatch at gunpoint.

K9 helps take down suspect after high-speed pursuit through L.A. County

Investigators quickly learned that the robbery crew was staying at an Airbnb in Exposition Park, and a search warrant was executed that turned up multiple firearms.

A search warrant executed at an Airbnb in Exposition Park in connection with an armed robbery where a gun registered to former LAPD Officer and Navy Reservist Christopher Dorner was found on Aug. 10, 2024. (ANG) Ex-LAPD officer turned fugitive, Christopher Jordan Dorner. (Ted Soqui/Corbis via Getty Images)

One of the guns located, a loaded Glock .45-caliber handgun, was formerly registered to ex-LAPD officer Christopher Dorner, infamously known for committing a string of murders before he died in a shootout with law enforcement in February 2013.

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It is unclear how the gun ended up in the possession of the robbery crew.

Southern California deputy killed in violent pursuit crash identified

Sepulveda, who has been in federal custody since August 2024, is facing a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II scheduled a July 14 sentencing hearing.

Criminal charges are still pending against Padron.

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BOGOTA (Reuters) -Colombian Finance Minister Diego Guevara announced his resignation on Tuesday, amid clashes over budget cuts and just hours after lawmakers rejected a labor reform championed by leftist President Gustavo Petro.

Analysts say Guevara's exit, after just over three months in the role, underscores uncertainty about the future of Colombia's deeply-troubled public finances.

Guevara, who had a previous stint as vice finance minister, revealed his decision in a post on X, saying he had a "calm and friendly" conversation with Petro, but gave no reason why.

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A source from the presidential palace said Petro and Guevara disagreed over budget cuts and Guevara resigned on Monday night.

Petro, the South American nation's first leftist leader, has recently replaced 12 of his 19 ministers.

Radio station Caracol said Guevara is to be replaced by German Avila, the head of Grupo Bicentenario, a holding company created six years ago of firms in which the government holds a stake.

Avila may lack the experience to successfully manage public finances, however, Banco de Bogota wrote in a note.

"The constant changes in the cabinet and the profile of the incoming minister will increase political and economic instability," it said.

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The finance ministry's latest leadership shakeup would stoke doubts over an expected cut in the central bank's benchmark interest rate, it added.

The Colombian peso closed down slightly more than 1% on Tuesday before the news, weakening to 4,118 against the U.S. dollar.

This month, Guevara said the government was considering a fresh delay to budget spending this year, as it tackles fiscal difficulties that have already forced spending reductions.

(Reporting by Carlos Vargas and Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb, Gabriel Araujo and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Nia Williams and Clarence Fernandez)
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN)  Dothan commissioners have approved the hire of a new city manager, with a hefty yearly salary.

All Dothan Commissioners voted to hire Randy Morris as the next city manager during their scheduled meeting Tuesday morning. He will immediately step into his new role.

According to the agenda, Morris would be paid a base salary of $225,000 at the beginning of the term, receive incentives of $10,000, and is eligible for all voluntary insurance products.

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On top of this pay, Morris would also get a sum of $700 per month for a vehicle allowance, which will help him lease or own a car for employment purposes. The mayor approves all of the pay for this position.

Mayor Mark Saliba says its a compensation package similar to other cities they researched comparable to Dothan and its line with the last two former city managers.

We looked to see what others are making who have similar responsibilities and keep it at that level because we want to be competitive.

For instance, dothan is the 8th biggest city in the state for population  auburn is in front of dothan and their city manger makes an average of 234 thousand, madison is right behind dothan and their city manager average is 112 thousand.

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But Mayor Saliba says each city is different depending on the way they operate, the experience factor and the amount of employees they have

Morris will hold the position until March 31st, 2027.

Dothans next city manager practically chosen, sources say

Morris has served as interim city manager last nine months. During Tuesdays vote, commission members commended Morris on his service as interim city manager.

He replaced Kevin Cowper, who served in the position for nearly 5 years but was not granted an extension to his contract after a controversial vote in spring 2024. Cowper is known for his work at the forefront of the ambitious city center project, a so-far successful $200 million plan to revitalize Dothans downtown area.

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Cowper landed a new job as the city manager for New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Before stepping into his current role, Morris was the assistant city manager and has 27 years of service in the Dothan city government.

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EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Many people who work in the nonprofit sector say those organizations need help now more than ever.

In the video above, Rhode Island Foundation President David Cicilline joins 12 News live in studio to discuss how theyre working to fill that need.

RELATED: United Way of RI expands support for nonprofits with federal funds uncertain

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CAIRO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Egypt, Kuwait and Bahrain warned on Tuesday that renewed Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip threaten regional peace and stability.

The remarks were made during separate phone conversations between Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Egyptian Presidency said in two statements.

Sisi and Al-Sabah condemned Israel's resumption of hostilities in Gaza, which has so far resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, including children and women, the presidency said.

The two leaders affirmed that the Israeli attacks constitute a flagrant violation of international law and the ceasefire agreement that has been reached, affirming the Israeli airstrikes are also part of deliberate attempts to make Gaza unlivable and drive Palestinians to emigrate.

The Egyptian president and the emir of Kuwait stressed the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to push for an immediate ceasefire, implement the two-state solution, and establish a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian president and king of Bahrain emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, calling on the international community to protect the people of Gaza from the "brutal aggression they are facing."

They also reiterated the importance of fully adhering to the decisions of the recent extraordinary Arab summit hosted in Cairo, particularly the Arab plan for the reconstruction of Gaza.

Both sides stressed their total rejection of any actions or decisions that would lead to the displacement of Palestinians from their lands, affirming that the establishment of a Palestinian state is the only guarantee for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

Early Tuesday, Israel launched massive airstrikes across Gaza, killing more than 400 people and shattering a fragile ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said later in the day that Israel would escalate its renewed assault on the enclave and that "from now on, the negotiations (on Gaza ceasefire) will take place only under fire." 
By Trevor Hunnicutt and Padraic Halpin

WASHINGTON/DUBLIN (Reuters) - Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor used a St. Patrick's Day visit to President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday to criticize Ireland's immigration policies, drawing a rebuke from the country's prime minister.

McGregor, wearing a green pinstripe suit, visited with Trump and senior administration officials. Just last week Trump hosted Ireland's prime minister for a more traditional celebration of the nations' close ties.

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"Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland," McGregor said in the White House press briefing room. "The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country."

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin condemned the comments, and Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said McGregor was not in the White House representing Ireland.

"Conor McGregor's remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, or the views of the people of Ireland," Martin, whose coalition government was re-elected last November, said on social media.

A country that has long prided itself on being welcoming to migrants, Ireland has struggled to accommodate record numbers of asylum seekers in the last two years, pushing the issue up the political agenda and leading to some protests against refugee accommodation around the country.

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McGregor's comments came as Trump has launched a hardline policy to crack down on illegal immigration, which he declared a national emergency when he kicked off the policy the day of his inauguration to a second term in the White House in January.

Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt earlier told reporters that the White House "couldn't think of a better guest to have with us on St. Patrick's Day."

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on whether they agreed with McGregor's remarks.

McGregor, who has not competed in the UFC since breaking his leg in a 2021 fight, was found civilly liable by an Irish court last year for assaulting a woman at a party in Dublin in 2018 and ordered to pay her nearly 250,000 euros ($273,000) in damages.

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The plaintiff, Nikita Hand, alleged that McGregor sexually assaulted her. McGregor is appealing the jury's finding.

The fighter has suggested in the past that he may attempt to contest October's election for the largely ceremonial role of Irish president.

He would face a big hurdle in getting his name on the ballot, however, as a candidate must be nominated either by at least 20 of the 234 members of the lower and upper houses of parliament or four of the countys 31 local councils.

Very few elected Irish politicians share McGregor's strong anti-immigrant views and many publicly criticized him after the civil case last November.

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Trump allies have long promoted right-wing and anti-immigrant political movements in Europe. The U.S. president has also celebrated the UFC and his relationship with its long-time boss Dana White.

($1 = 0.9158 euros)

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Padraic Halpin; Editing by Leslie Adler)
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Environmental advocates and lawmakers from both parties were at the Legislative Office Building Tuesday, advocating for a constitutional amendment that would give disadvantaged communities the right to clean air, water and soil.

I believe it is absolutely essential, because these young people said it best. It is a right, Republican State Senator Tony Hwang said.

Lobbyists throw support behind proposed climate change bills at the capitol

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Kimberly Stoner with the Northeast Organic Farming Association said the legislation would empower disadvantaged Connecticut communities and farmers, who have been hit with increased flooding and droughts.

It strengthens their advocacy and if they need to, they can also engage in litigation. They can sue the state to deal with problems with permits that should not be given, Stoner said.

The youngest advocate at the event, 10-year-old Nora Romeo, is passionate about the environment. She said her generation deserves to inherit a clean earth.

Winsted woman part of animal cruelty investigation thats seized dozens of dogs

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We all have a right to breathe clean air, she said. In their childhood they got to play outside and see many squirrels and animals everywhere. We go outside and dont see that many plants and animals and theres more wildfires.

Shes not the only one taking a stand. University of Connecticut student Sreya Mothukuri is with Sustainable Fairfield and said its important for young people to get involved.

When I grow older, I want to be able to live in an environment thats clean and safe and healthy, she said.

The Government Administration and Elections Committee still has to vote on the legislation. If it passes, it will then go out of committee to the Senate for further consideration.

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A consultant denied slapping his female colleagues bottom, claiming she was not his cup of tea before he was presented with CCTV footage of the incident, a tribunal heard.

Gerry Skelton accused Joanne Attridge, a senior executive, of lying because she thought every man with a pulse had designs on her.

Not realising cameras had caught the moment he twice slapped her bottom before leaning in to bite her earlobe, he added that she was not his cup of tea and would not make his list even if there was a shortage of women, the tribunal heard.

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The hearing was told he accused the business development director of setting him up because he had not supported her bid for a senior role overseas.

Blamed behaviour on free alcohol

Mr Skelton immediately resigned when confronted by investigators with CCTV of the incident and blamed his behaviour on free alcohol provided by the company.

Miss Attridge is now in line for compensation after successfully suing rail engineering firm DB Engineering & Consulting for sexual harassment, victimisation, sex discrimination and unfair dismissal for the way it responded to her complaints.

The tribunal in Nottingham was told Miss Attridge started work with the German company in May 2018, working in its Birmingham and Derby offices.

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In 2021, she started working alongside Mr Skelton  who was being employed as a consultant  on a project to bid for a contract involving the rail network in Toronto.

On Jan 27 2022, a UK team dinner and drinks event took place which ended at the bar of the hotel where they were staying.

Bit her earlobe

Miss Attridge was standing at the bar when Mr Skelton put his arm around her more than once, slapped her on the bottom twice and leaned into her and bit her earlobe, the tribunal heard.

It added: None of that was remotely invited by [Miss Attridge] and we accept that she was shocked and upset by it.

The hearing was told that the director complained to bosses, who launched an investigation but decided to remove her from the Toronto project to protect her.

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Mr Skelton was not suspended, however, with the panel concluding that doing so before bids for the contract had closed would have been potentially damaging to an important business opportunity.

Every man with a pulse has designs on her

The tribunal heard that when he was interviewed about Miss Attridges allegations, Mr Skelton was not aware there was CCTV footage of the incident.

He maintained that [she] had been badgering him about being appointed to a senior HR role in Canada which she was not suitable for because of a lack of experience, the tribunal heard.

He maintained that ... she liked to tell people that she had been pursued by men in a former employment and that she believed that every man with a pulse has designs on her.

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While the investigation was under way, Miss Attridge wrote to bosses asking why Mr Skelton had not been suspended and voicing surprise at the companys response given the Me Too movement.

His position was entirely untenable

The tribunal heard that after viewing the CCTV footage, Mr Skelton realised his position was entirely untenable and resigned in April 2022 before disciplinary proceedings against him could take place.

In his letter of resignation, he wrote: This was an event that had at its core a free alcohol-laden evening and one which in hindsight should never have been allowed to be so alcohol-laden with the company paying for significant amounts of wine, beer, spirits and cocktails across the whole of the night.

The tribunal heard Miss Attridge had been off sick since the incident with Mr Skelton  due to a combination of illness, surgery and then stress and anxiety  for more than a year.

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In March 2023, she had a meeting with a female manager about coming back to work but was instead told that her role was no longer and that there were no projects in the UK for her.

Instead, she was offered the job of office manager, a proposal that led her to resign the following month.

I believe that you have discriminated against me due to being a woman and am considered as a discrimination complainer, she told her employers before taking them to the tribunal.

The tribunal found that bosses had decided they did not want to keep employing her following her complaints against Mr Skelton.

Employment Judge Elizabeth Heap said: There was no genuine redundancy situation...and the fact that [Miss Attridge] was out and [DB Engineering] would not want to employ her had been decided over a year previously in circumstances that could only relate to the fact that she had complained of sexual harassment.

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The tribunal upheld her claims of unfair dismissal and sexual harassment and partially upheld other claims of victimisation, sex discrimination and harassment.

Her compensation will be decided at a later date.

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Perhaps Gov. Gavin Newsom was channeling his inner Republican when he hosted conservative commentator Charlie Kirk for an 81-minute interview on the debut of his new podcast last week. Indeed, much of what Newsom talked about was immediately cheered by the very partisans who usually loathe him.

But polls tell us that nothing Newsom said was particularly controversial with many Americans, and undoubtedly many Californians. Still, his comments, particularly on transgender athletes participating in womens sports, caused a significant stir with some California Democrats. In fact, the states Legislative LGBTQ Caucus responded that it was profoundly sickened and frustrated by Newsoms musings on the topic.

That California Democrats may be out of touch with many voters in their own state should not be a surprise. It is a direct result of the lack of political competition they have faced in the Golden State since the last Republican left statewide office nearly 15 years ago.

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Read more: Newsoms remarks about trans athletes has some Democrats sickened and frustrated

But the implications for California of a one-party monopoly are more than political. One-party rule results in a lack of innovative policy thinking; little to no accountability for state spending or policy outcomes and an absence of true debate on critical issues.

This is not a problem limited to Democrats in Sacramento. One-party rule, regardless of where it happens and who is in charge, generates these challenges. Its just

pervasive in California, where Democrats complete stranglehold on our statewide leadership structure has been in place for a long time.

Consider, for example, Newsoms reaction to the devastating wildfires that hit Southern California in January. The two laws he suspended by executive action to ease rebuilding of lost homes and properties  the California Environmental Quality Act, better known as CEQA, and the California Coastal Act  are in desperate need of basic reform. And this wasnt the first time Newsom unilaterally waived such laws. In 2019, he took similar steps to suspend CEQA to accelerate fire prevention efforts in the wake of deadly wildfires in Northern California.

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Read more: The California Office for Civil Rights is closing. What now for school discrimination cases?

The governor did the right thing in these cases. But thats beside the point. Unfortunately, there has been little appetite among Democrats in Sacramento to pass the fundamental reforms to both CEQA and the Coastal Act that would obviate the need to suspend the laws when tragedy strikes and make it easier to build more housing and move ahead on the kinds of development that would bolster economic growth in the state.

So, too, has one-party governance hindered oversight and accountability for state spending and benefit programs. One well-publicized example: The ongoing saga of massive fraud in the states unemployment insurance system administered by the Employment Development Department.

The employment department's failures were predictable but, unfortunately, unaddressed by Sacramentos one-party leadership. The problems extend back as far as 2013, when beneficiaries experienced delayed payments and the agency saw an uptick in identity theft and bad claims, all the way through 2020-21, when it made more than $20 billion in fraudulent payouts . Despite efforts by the small Republican contingent in the state Legislature to cast light on these failings, the agency remained immune from true accountability until the pandemic-era disaster struck. And even with national attention on its failings, as of the end of 2024, the Employment Development Department was still having difficulty stopping fraud and delivering benefits to those who need them.

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Read more: California and Los Angeles County are getting tougher on crime. Here are the maps that show it

Finally, Californians are aware of the real-world challenges created by the states largely unconstrained shift toward soft-on-crime justice policies. Progressive district attorneys in major counties and one state attorney general after another  including the current Democrat who occupies the office, Rob Bonta  repeatedly made the argument that leeway and forbearance were needed in lieu of efforts to aggressively enforce the law. A majority of the states voters made this even easier by passing a ballot measure in 2014, Proposition 47, that downgraded certain drug and theft crimes to misdemeanors.

In this instance at least, we have seen the power of public accountability and the pushback against single-party orthodoxy: In the November elections, voters resoundingly passed a ballot measure that overturned Proposition 47 and reinstated or even strengthened the penalties for the same crimes. And recently, from San Francisco to Los Angeles, progressive district attorneys have been dispatched for moderate prosecutors who came to power promising more law and order.

Read more: With L.A.'s mayor facing a recall threat, her supporters go after billionaires

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Newsom called out his own party for falling out of touch with the average Californian in his podcast. But whats needed for change is the states voters deciding to deliver a different political outcome at the ballot box. The green shoots of this movement have been seen in the soft-on-crime backlash and in post-wildfire efforts to bring accountability to the Los Angeles mayors office after years of Democratic leadership in the city appear to have contributed to a lack of far-sighted disaster preparedness.

Californians may remain progressive in their politics but should look to elect at least some officials who arent in lockstep with the ruling party and will hold others in power accountable. Change will require real debate and a greater representation of divergent views in Sacramento and throughout the state. Getting there is ultimately in voters hands in elections to come.

Lanhee J. Chen is an American public policy fellow at the Hoover Institution. He was a Republican candidate for California state controller in 2022.



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In 1954, a federal campaign named with a racist slur was used to deport many Mexican Americans. (UCLA Archives)

I grew up believing I was the grandson of an undocumented immigrant. My mother, raised in an adobe home in New Mexico behind the county sewer system, would tell me and my siblings about the backbreaking work her father did daily at the railroad tie plant, breathing in a toxic mix of copper and arsenic. And she told us about all the times he hurried home, not stopping to chat with any friends or neighbors, in order to pace the short length of the house and mutter a common refrain: "Ahi viene la migra. Here comes immigration.

Many living in the U.S. today know that feeling all too well, as the Trump administration has talked loudly and often about deporting millions of people.

My mom describes her childhood as clouded over with fear every time the community buzzed with rumors that raiders were coming to the plant or the neighborhood to round up Mexicans. Whenever the air thickened with gossip and paranoia, my grandfather would keep it low, pacing the house. Everyone tried to make themselves small  invisible even  a tricky task in a family of 11 kids. My grandparents would dispatch their fair-skinned oldest daughter to go to the store and purchase household necessities in perfect English.

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Stories like these are why, for decades, I thought my grandfather was undocumented. The family maintained that my grandfather had spent years in the U.S. before he regularized his status during one of the many immigrant amnesty programs of the 1940s and 50s.

We were wrong. Sorting through family heirlooms, we recently found my grandfathers resident alien card: Hed had legal status as early as 1920, long before the first iterations of green cards were introduced 20 years later.

If my grandfather was living in the U.S. legally, why was he hiding?

In 1954, the U.S. government launched Operation Wetback, a campaign that took its name from an ethnic slur, with dramatic raids targeting Latino laborers. The U.S. government claimed that the program deported 1.3 million people, but historians estimate the actual number was closer to 300,000 . Officials inflated the numbers by counting voluntary repatriations and individuals deported multiple times, creating the illusion of an overwhelmingly successful operation. To further this pageant play, the government tipped off news crews in advance, ensuring photographers and journalists were on scene to document the roundups and reinforce the narrative of a robust crackdown.

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Bob Salinger, the Border Patrol inspector in charge of Texas at the time, ordered immigration officers to carry a pair of clippers to shave the heads of those they detained. Some officers reportedly marked detainees with ink or scars to humiliate and track them. Other officers took it further; Chief Patrol Inspector Fletcher Rawls ultimately ordered his agents to stop peeling Mexican heads.

The campaign didn't just target undocumented immigrants. It also swept up thousands of U.S. citizens and legal residents who were deported by mistake. Law enforcement made little effort to verify legal status, instead rounding up anyone who looked Mexican. Many had no way to prove their citizenship before they were forcibly removed from their homes, workplaces and families.

And these efforts of the 1950s were not the first wave of cruel policy aimed at forcing Mexican Americans out of the country.

This is why my grandfather hid: In a system designed to criminalize brown skin, having the right papers wasn't always enough to protect you.

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Despite their brutality and high-profile raids, the expulsions of the 1950s failed to change the economic realities that drove migration, failed to bring order to the U.S.-Mexico border and failed to reduce the size of the undocumented population in the United States. After all the barbarities and abuses, the U.S. economy continued to rely on undocumented labor. The agriculture and construction industries needed workers then as much as they do today.

And now, history repeats itself. President Trump, promising to carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history, has openly cited Operation Wetback as the blueprint for his own mass family separation plan. We are already seeing U.S. citizens wrongly detained , people of color under pressure to prove they are not deportable and people with legal status swept up in arrests .

Should Congress approve the additional billions in funding needed to ramp up detention and deportation, then in swaths of the United States, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents bursting into homes, businesses, schools and churches could become the most visible symbol of the federal government.

Less than half of those swept up in arrests so far have criminal convictions. These extreme and indiscriminate crackdowns do nothing to fix the backlogged courts and outdated laws that are at the heart of our broken immigration system. We need to protect families from deportation and keep them together. As my family experienced, under a mass deportation regime, the fear and chaos is the point, and those living here with all the right papers are not immune.

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While my grandfather was never swept up in the raids, living under the threat of deportation left an indelible mark on my family. My mother grew up paranoid, eager to cloak her children in whatever privilege she thought would protect us. My parents ended up taking 27 mortgages on their home to send all their kids to Harvard. My parents worked hard, and my siblings and I worked hard, but our success in this country was possible only because our ancestors were lucky during the raids of generations past  lucky to not be dragged out of their homes and left across the border in the desert to die.

Im not an anomaly, and those fears arent left to history. Theres a kid staying home from school right now out of fear that ICE could raid her classroom. If she could only feel safe attending school, who knows what she could accomplish as an American? Just as my grandfather did 75 years ago, people are hiding out of fear of losing everything. Chaotic roundups will bring us no closer to fixing the very real problems in our immigration system. They lead only to more dysfunction and horror.

Tom Chavez is chief executive of the venture fund Superset in San Francisco and founder of the Ethical Tech Project.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency once again will revisit a controversial rule to define streams and wetlands protected by the Clean Water Act.

Administrator Lee Zeldin announced this month that EPA will work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to review the definition of waters of the United States.

Called WOTUS, the rule has been batted back and forth amid controversy entrenched in wetlands protection versus private property rights.

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We want clean water for all Americans supported by clear and consistent rules for all states, farmers, and small businesses, said Zeldin. The previous administrations definition of waters of the United States placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business. Our goal is to protect Americas water resources consistent with the law of the land while empowering American farmers, landowners, entrepreneurs, and families to help Power the Great American Comeback.

The EPA said it will move quickly in coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers to streamline the definition of what constitutes water to protect clean water standards and also provide farmers, landowners, businesses, and states with clear and simplified direction.

What is the fuss about?

Mike and Chantell Sackett bought a vacant lot to build their dream home on in a mostly built-out subdivision in northern Idaho, only to be told by the federal government their property was a wetland and subject to the authority of the Clean Water Act.

The Sacketts vacant lot was near Priest Lake, which is 300 feet away and behind two rows of houses, said Tony Francois, an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, which sued on behalf of the couple in 2008.

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Francois said the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have construed the rule to expansively extend their authority beyond what is reasonable due to an earlier 2006 Supreme Court decision that gave little to no clarity on the issue.

In that case, the Supreme Court was trying to answer the question of how closely connected to a navigable river or lake a body of water has to be for Clean Water Act regulations to kick in and how permanent must that water be. The Sacketts prevailed and won their case, to the dismay of conservation organizations.

The fight continues

This will be the fourth rule attempting to define the Waters of the United States in a decade. We need to stop playing political pingpong with this vital issue, said Jim Murphy, the National Wildlife Federations director of legal advocacy. A 2023 Supreme Court decision greatly narrowed the scope of streams and wetlands that can be protected by the law and that narrowing is already reflected in the current rule. With the likelihood of a skeletal workforce at EPA, this move will put even more pressure and expense on states and localities to ensure our water is safe.

All of our waters are connected. This rule should not put drinking water unnecessarily at risk nor should it increase flood risks for communities in a time when insurance costs are already skyrocketing. We encourage the administration to include downstream communities and water suppliers in their conversations about this rule, Murphy added.

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But advocates of revisiting the rule said it has nothing to do with clean water but protecting property rights and taking a balanced approach.

In 2017, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt visited Utah as part of multistate tour to get input on how the agency can be more responsive to states needs in general and in specific how the controversial Waters of the United States rule should be retooled.

During his tour of Utah, Pruitt stopped off at the Bitner Ranch and Conservatory in Park City to get a firsthand look at a small pool of water that falls under federal regulation due to the rule, as well as a subdivision development hampered by permitting requirements.

EPAs review will be guided by the Supreme Courts Sackett decision, which stated that the Clean Water Acts use of waters encompasses only those relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming streams, oceans, rivers and lakes. The Sackett decision also clarified that wetlands would only be covered when having a continuous surface connection to waterbodies that are waters of the United States in their own right.

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But EarthJustice says there are dire consequences in this matter of what is subject to federal jurisdiction.

The group said in these states, more than 75% of their streams are classified as ephemeral or intermittent streams by the U.S. Geological Survey. After Sackett, ephemeral and intermittent streams are likely more vulnerable to being targeted for development and pollution without strong state protections. That includes Utah.
For the past decade or so you may have noticed a new label pop up in everything from health food brands to outdoor apparel to even a certain surfboard manufactureryes, were talking about B Corporation. Since 2007 B Corp has been certifying companies who share their vision of business as a force for good. For the most part, B Corp was seen as a success for both businesses and consumers in bringing about a new form of accreditation for sustainability, environmental performance, and accountability standards.

Yet, as of recently, there has been a rise in allegations of greenwashing as certain companies, mostly owned by Nestle, have been granted B Corps status in spite of serious concerns from other B Corps members. One such company, surfer-owned Dr. Bronnersthe highest scoring B Corp in the worldeven decided to leave the program due to the loss of integrity in the standard for membership.

Based out of North San Diego County, the Dr. Bronners brand is known for its environmentally safe products, namely their magic soaps, as well as employee empowerment and fair pay. Theyre the top-selling natural soap brand in the country and have expanded beyond their signature liquid soaps to include coconut oil, lip balms, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, and, as of recently, chocolate.

Having lived in Encinitas for over a decade, I got to meet several employees over the years, all of whom seemed happy with their jobs, and even met CEO David Bronner a handful of times at events and surfed with him on various occasions. Once I saw the news about the company leaving B Corp, I was intrigued to learn more so I rang up David for a call. I learned that they had been a part of B Corp for 10 years before deciding to leave the group, something he described as their last resort. He was clear that, the goal was to help progress the program, something we tried to do from within for several years as concerns grew about the decreasing standards. We tried communicating and offering alternatives, like a tier-system similar to the LEEDs (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for energy efficient buildings. Unfortunately, they werent having it and we had to take a stand and that meant to withdraw in a very public way.

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For those who joined the resulting B Corp logo, easily recognizable by its encircled B, came to represent corporate responsibility to discerning consumers. It was a welcome development from the private sector in response to the realization that governments were either ill-equipped or unable to address issues of the 21st century. The membership of well-established conscious companies like Dr. Bronner's and Patagonia made it seem like B Corp was indeed legitimate.

However, the real turning point came via the admission of several consumer-facing companies that, in many eyes, should have never have even been considered. The most notable being Nestle subsidiariesa company infamous for privatizing water, utilizing child slavery and forced labour, and rampant single-use plastic pollutionlike Nespresso, Nescafe, and Danone-Aqua (one of Indonesias worst plastic polluters).

Integrity is a rarity these days and Dr. Bronners has chosen the high roadto continue to lead by example while cheering for the evolution of B Corps and humanity in general. People who know us, know what we believe in, its been on the bottle since the very beginning.

In case youve never looked at the messaging of their products, it is best surmised by this, In all we do, let us be generous, fair & loving to Spaceship Earth and all its inhabitants. For were ALL-ONE OR NONE! ALL-ONE! Dr. Bronners is now an integral part of Purpose Pledge, a new consortium of responsible companies working to continually elevate the standard for doing business on Spaceship Earth.

Related: Grow Blanks: The Story of A Surfboard Farm In Kenya
A sheriff's deputy died in a police chase after his patrol car crashed into a bystander's car and then slammed into a light pole, splitting the vehicle in half, police said.

The chase began on Monday morning shortly before 11 a.m. in San Bernardino, California, when law enforcement received a call about a possible stolen vehicle that was spotted by a deputy on duty from the Victorville City Station, according to ABC News' Los Angeles station KABC.

MORE: 5 people dead in massive car crash in Austin, driver charged

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"Deputies attempted a traffic stop but the suspect, Ryan Turner, failed to yield and a pursuit ensued," according to a statement from the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department. "During the pursuit, Deputy Hector Cuevas, Jr. was involved in a traffic collision with another vehicle."

During the police pursuit, Cuevas crashed near the intersection of El Evado and Seneca roads, where his patrol car struck a bystander's vehicle before slamming into a light pole, causing his car to be severed in half.

MORE: Cop delivers pizza after delivery driver finds 8-foot alligator hiding under customer's car

"Cuevas succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene," police said. "The female driver of the other vehicle was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries."

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The suspect, named as Ryan Dwayne Turner, Jr. -- a 22-year-old resident of San Bernardino  continued to flee before stopping his car at El Evado Road and Zuni Lane and attempting to escape on foot, law enforcement said.

MORE: 4-year-old boy calls 911 after 'bad mom' eats his ice cream

PHOTO: A sheriffs deputy has died in a police chase after his car split in half when he lost control of his patrol vehicle, crashed into a bystanders car and then slammed into a light pole, police said. (San Bernardino Sheriff's Office)

MORE: Arsonist sets fire to Tesla charging stations: Police

The pursuit didn't last long, and Turner was subsequently caught and taken into custody, police said.

Cuevas was a six-year veteran of law enforcement who worked at the Victorville station for the last three years, according to KABC.

Turner was booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and evading a peace officer and causing death or serious injury, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said during a news conference on Monday.

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MORE: Scorpion stings woman at Boston baggage claim as she picked up luggage after flight from Mexico

"I really have no words to describe this tragedy. Hector is the type of law enforcement officer that we all want to be," Dicus said. "He was a grand and great protector and a great father, and we will be suffering his loss and supporting his family for quite some time."

Vehicles from multiple law enforcement agencies escorted the deputy's body in a solemn procession across local freeways to the San Bernardino County Coroner's Office following the incident, KABC said.

MORE: Dead woman's body found in trunk of car driven by her son after police chase

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"We currently do not know the exact circumstances surrounding the collision as of yet," Dicus said, confirming that an investigation on the crash is underway.

"We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a San Bernardino County deputy," the San Bernardino Police Officers Association said in a statement on social media. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends, and the entire agency during this difficult time. They made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community, and their bravery will never be forgotten."

Cop dies when police car split in 2 by light pole while in pursuit of suspect during chase originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
SANAA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military conducted fresh strikes on Yemen's northern province of Saada on Tuesday night, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The strikes targeted the area of Takhyah in the Majz district, northwest of Saada, al-Masirah TV reported, without providing further details.

So far there have been no reports of casualties, and no response from the U.S. side.

The incident came after the Houthi group said earlier in the day that it "targeted the Nevatim Air Base (in Israel) with a 'Palestine-2' hypersonic missile, which successfully achieved its goal."

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said in a statement that the missile was "intercepted by the IAF (Israeli Air Force) before crossing into Israeli territory."

The United States launched new airstrikes on Yemen on Saturday after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to continue attacks until the Houthis end attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Last week, the Houthi group said it would resume attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab Strait until crossings into Gaza are reopened and humanitarian aid is allowed in.

On Tuesday, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi threatened in a televised speech aired by al-Masirah to "resume escalation at its highest levels and will do everything we can against" Israel if the renewed Israeli assault on Gaza does not stop.

Early Tuesday, Israel launched massive airstrikes across Gaza, killing more than 400 people and shattering a fragile ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19. The airstrikes have been widely condemned by the international community. 
CORBIN  The Corbin Independent Board of Education met Thursday to review high school graduation policies, early graduation pathways, and the launch of an Arts Academy at Corbin High School.

The board discussed the distinction between Kentuckys minimum graduation requirement of 22 credits and Corbin High Schools 26-credit requirement. Superintendent David Cox clarified how early graduation works, noting that students can complete high school through two different paths: the Early Graduation Program (EGP) and a general early graduation request.

The early graduation program, thats graduating in three years or less, they actually get an early graduation certificate, and they are eligible for scholarship awards upon that conclusion to go on to college, Cox explained. If you do the 22 credits graduating early, its not going to be just a scholarship option.

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This year, the EGP has introduced additional requirements, including a capstone project or performance-based assessment. Students must also meet benchmark scores for the ACT, complete a professional resume, and submit an application to a post-secondary institution.

Corbin High School theater and English teacher Rebecca Hibbard presented the board with a proposal for a new Arts Academy, which would provide specialized arts education and recognize students for their achievements in fine arts.

Hibbard proposed the Arts Seal of Excellence, a new distinction that would be awarded to students who meet specific requirements, such as taking annual arts coursework, participating in arts honor societies, and completing volunteer work and a capstone project.

Board members enthusiastically supported the initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing recognition for arts students.

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Supt. Cox praised the program, stating, You can say what you want to, but the success that you get at this point is what makes this an opportunity. Starting from scratch, theres a lot of questionsare they going to be able to do this? Whats the quality going to be like? We already know what the end result is. Youve proven that for multiple years now.

The board unanimously approved the Arts Academy and the creation of a dedicated funding account to support program expenses.
CORBIN  The Corbin Independent Board of Education has announced its 2025 inductees to the Hall of Honor, recognizing four individuals  who either graduated from Corbin or became a pivotal member of the Corbin community  for their outstanding contributions to education, healthcare, and the community.

This years honorees include Ann Hacker, Lisa Cleary, Kim Cleary, and Greg Daniels  each of whom have left a lasting impact on Corbin through their dedication and service.

Ann Hacker, a 37-year veteran of the Corbin School System, is being honored for her contributions as an educator who shaped the lives of countless students. She pioneered several curricula and initiated the Future Homemakers Association (FHA) club at Corbin High School, serving as its first advisor.

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Hacker also led at the state, regional, and national levels of the Kentucky Home Economics Association, now known as Family and Consumer Sciences. One of her most notable contributions was implementing the electronic baby project, an exercise designed to teach students the responsibilities of parenting.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky and Union College, Hacker is recognized for her role in teaching essential life skills such as cooking, sewing, and parenting. She continues to reside in Corbin with her husband, Bill.

Lisa Cleary served for 17 years on the Corbin Board of Education, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing growth and improvements within the Corbin Independent School District. Known as a voice of reason and a champion for students and teachers, Cleary worked tirelessly to ensure the best opportunities for Corbin students.

In addition to her service on the board, Cleary and her husband, Kim Cleary, operated Corbin Physical Therapy, where they shared their expertise with student-athletes, staff, and members of the community. Their commitment to providing free treatment for many Corbin students, often outside regular hours, made a significant impact on the community.

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Kim Cleary, co-founder and co-owner of Corbin Physical Therapy, is also being recognized for his 41 years of service in the Corbin community. Known for his full-time commitment to treating students, athletes, and residents in need, Kim Cleary set the gold standard for small-town physical therapy clinics.

Many students and community members received care at no cost, thanks to Mr. Clearys generosity. He and Lisa often worked outside of business hours, opening their clinic on weekends and evenings to accommodate student schedules.

Their dedication to Corbins well-being has made a lasting impact, ensuring that students and residents had access to high-quality physical therapy services without financial burden.

Dr. Greg Daniels, a 1976 graduate of Corbin High School, has made significant strides in the field of veterinary medicine. After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1983, he went on to specialize in Veterinary Bioscience, completing a Masters degree at the University of Illinois.

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Daniels has over 15 professional honors and citations from organizations including the University of Tennessee, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, and the Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. He achieved Board Certification in Veterinary Radiology in 1987 and has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as President of the American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Throughout his career, Dr. Daniels has mentored graduate students, led research projects, and contributed to major advancements in veterinary medicine.
Gov. Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Agriculture commissioners out-shelled the competition from the House and Senate at the state's Ag Day celebration on Tuesday.

The annual Ag Day highlights Tennessee farmers and the state's agriculture industry, in addition to featuring a lighthearted competition between state leaders. The 2025 competition featured corn shelling, while previous years' events have ranged from hay bale tosses to cow milking.

"This is one issue that most everybody in this state appreciates and believes in," Lee said about the importance of Tennessee's agriculture industry. "They know that we have to come together to collectively support it."

Gov. Bill Lee stands on corn kernels that covered the ground after a competition during Agriculture Day on the Hill at Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Corn kernels fly into the air as senators shell corn during Agriculture Day on the Hill at Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee's Ag Day on the Hill: See the photos from the annual event
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The Kern County Coroners Office has identified the man who was killed after being struck by a train last Monday.

The man is now being identified as 64-year-old Gregory Rene Jackson Sr. of Delano.

Man dead after being struck by a train in Delano

The accident occurred south of 10th Avenue near Glenwood Street, according to the Union Pacific Police Department.

Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
Cody Recker and Jessica Perez loved their Boyle Heights rental  warts and all. Lots of warts.

The plumbing broke, spraying raw sewage puddles on the floor. The floor and foundation were falling apart, inviting hordes of mice and fleas. The basement flooded 14 times, and there were so many leaks in the attic that mushrooms sprouted through a bedroom ceiling.

They made these allegations in a lawsuit against their landlord, Invitation Homes. Over the course of the decade-long tenancy, the pair said they pleaded with the company to fix the litany of problems. But after years of bare-minimum patch jobs done by what they contend were unlicensed contractors, the home was verging on uninhabitable.

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In 2023, Invitation Homes acknowledged the damage and urged them to move out, claiming repairs were necessary, Recker said. At the time, L.A. allowed evictions for substantial remodels.

But the house was never fixed. When the couple moved out last March, the home was listed for sale the same month.

"We were being betrayed left and right," Recker said.

Invitation Homes and its attorney in the lawsuit declined to comment for this article. They have not yet responded to the allegations in the lawsuit.

The couple's complaint is one of thousands against Invitation Homes, the nation's largest single-family landlord. Just last year, the Dallas-based property management company  which owns or manages more than 100,000 homes in the U.S. and more than 11,000 in California alone  agreed to pay $3.7 million to settle a price-gouging case and $48 million to settle a Federal Trade Commission investigation into alleged undisclosed junk fees, withheld security deposits and illegal evictions.

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"It's really horrifying how Invitation Homes treated Recker and Perez," said Joseph Tobener, a tenants rights attorney representing the couple in the lawsuit. "I've been doing this for 25 years and the conditions are as bad as I've seen."

Tobener said the situation is a direct result of the corporatization of housing, where large companies and investors buy up as much single-family housing stock as possible in attempts to rent out the homes.

After the 2008 housing crash, companies such as Blackstone Inc., which created Invitation Homes in 2012, began buying up foreclosed single-family homes and converting them into rentals. The situation grew to new extremes during the pandemic, when the hot housing market became a feeding frenzy for investors; in the second quarter of 2021 alone, the number of residential properties bought by companies hit an all-time high of 67,943, according to Redfin .

"These companies are doing whatever it takes to report high earnings to their investors" at the expense of their tenants, Tobener said.

Cody Recker and Jessica Perez had to store many of their belongings in the garage at their rental home in Pasadena a year after they were pushed to leave their rental home in Boyle Heights. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

Recker and Perez's lawsuit, which is set to be heard by a jury in June 2026, hurls a litany of accusations at the corporate landlord including negligence, wrongful eviction, tenant harassment, breach of contract and unfair business practices.

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When Recker first moved into the home in 2014, everything looked great. Built in 1908, it was aging but enormous with six bedrooms and three bathrooms across two stories and 2,312 square feet.

When Perez moved in with Recker in 2020, the house was still habitable, but flooding was becoming an issue. Every time it rained, the walls, floors and carpet would get drenched, creating a moldy stink, according to the lawsuit. Recker used a Shop-Vac to remove an average of 35 gallons of water from the basement with each storm.

"We'd complain and put in work orders, but they'd get deleted in the tenant portal or pushed back," he said, echoing claims in the lawsuit.

Over the next few years, Recker and Perez noticed signs that the house was shifting, according to the lawsuit: the kitchen floor was sinking, the counter tops were separating from the backsplash, and the garage foundation was cracking.

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The swamp-like conditions brought swamp-like problems. Fleas infested the home, biting them in their sleep, and rain leaked through the shingles into the attic, sprouting a cluster of mushrooms, the lawsuit said.

After years of deterioration, Invitation Homes sent an engineer to examine the property in October 2023. Two months later, they got a call from the company.

"This house is unsafe, so we need you guys to move out ASAP. The sooner the better," an agent for the company said, according to the lawsuit.

When they asked if they could move back in after repairs were made, the agent said no, since the process could take six months or a year.

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Recker and Perez weren't sure what to do. They were happy with their $3,362 rent, and the house was big enough to hold all the equipment required for their careers in the film industry. But by then, the place was practically falling apart.

For the next three months, the company called them every few days urging them to leave, the lawsuit said.

"Every other day I'd get a text or a call saying, 'We need you guys out now,' " Recker said.

In that time, Invitation Homes' story allegedly changed. During a walkthrough of the home, an agent from the company said, "Honestly, I have a feeling they're going to sell it. There's no way they are going to repair this," according to the lawsuit.

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Tobener said Invitation Homes could have legally evicted the couple by filing to permanently remove the rental from the market, but it would have hurt the resale value, since those restrictions would have passed on to the new owner. So instead, the company kept urging them to leave under the premise of renovations, according to the suit.

On March 12, 2024, after months, the couple finally left. By March 31, it hit the market for $850,000 and sold two months later for $792,000.

"That was the cherry on top," Perez said. "I will never rent from them again."

Tobener said the property is subject to the California Tenant Protection Act and L.A.'s Just Cause ordinance , which limits the reasons that landlords can evict tenants. At the time, substantial remodels were a just cause for eviction, but the house was never remodeled.

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"Instead of repairing anything, they listed it right away," Tobener said. "That's where they made their biggest mistake."

The L.A. City Council has since brought a stop to "renovictions," voting in March to temporarily ban renovation-based evictions while the city explores permanent legislation to help renters keep their tenancies during remodels.

Recker and Perez have since moved to a two-bedroom home in Pasadena. It's cramped compared to their place in Boyle Heights, but they're happy with their new landlord, an elderly man who lives in the front house and always asks if there's anything that needs to be fixed.

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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Democratic Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said federal government cuts from President Donald Trump and Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could affect upcoming discussions about water rights as Colorado River states, including Nevada, discuss how to share the natural resource.

The states and tribes sharing the river will have to agree on a new compact by August 2026. Current policies that guide river management expire at the beginning of 2027.

The three states that make up the Lower Basin  Nevada, Arizona and California  are fighting a critical war for their rights to water from the river. The future of growing cities is in the balance, along with farms, businesses and everyone else in the Desert Southwest.

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The river provides water for 40 million people, and the Biden administration used billions of dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund agreements with California farming districts, water agencies and tribes to use less water and store more in Lake Mead. Billions more went to conservation, environmental and water infrastructure projects.

Cortez Masto said Monday that the sharing agreement should not be handled in court, stressing cuts from DOGE are affecting employees who control the river and work on this issue.

The fact that theyre laying off all these people in Bureau of Reclamation or the Department of Interior that actually know the history of this and know how to address it, Cortez Masto said. And then the person who manages the water on the Colorado River at the federal level is the person who is the head of the Bureau of Reclamation and [the Trump administration hasnt] appointed that person yet.

The senator has pushed for federal money to recycle water Nevada receives from the compact.

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A Feb. 13 letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum argues the Bureau of Reclamation is making a big mistake by refusing to address a known problem with Glen Canyon Dam, which creates the nations second-largest reservoir, Lake Powell.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
I have an acquaintance who is a self-described functioning alcoholic.

Of this self-characterization hes neither proud nor ashamed.

This person is gainfully employed at a well-paying job and behaves responsibly when drinking in public  never driving under the influence. (Bless those ride-share apps.)

But he drinks  regularly.

Like as in nearly every day  and often to the point of inebriation.

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He does so, he says, for many reasons.

Sometimes its to enhance socializing with friends. Other times its to self-medicate emotional demons. And often its just to unwind after a long day.

In the handful of years I've known him, he's never had any intention or desire to stop, or even reduce, his drinking. From what I've been told, he's long had this attitude.

To my acquaintance, alcohol (over)consumption is simply an effective way to deal with lifes travails.

With the popularity of Ozempic and other expensive weight-loss medications, people are searching online for less expensive alternatives.

Ozempic for type 2 diabetes  and more?

This acquaintance is also one of the first people I knew personally who was prescribed Ozempic. This was in 2021  right around the time those early Ozempic TV ads with the jingle Oh ... oh ... oh ... Ozempic sung to the tune of the 1974 hit song Magic by Scottish pop rock band Pilot became ubiquitous.

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The prescription was written in order to treat burgeoning type 2 diabetes.

The medication worked for my acquaintance in that he reduced his A1C numbers (which is a measure of the average amount of sugar in one's blood over the course of a few months) and  just as the ad mentioned users might have happen  he also dropped some weight (in his case, some 20 pounds).

He explained at that time that he thought less about eating  the so-called quieting of food noise  that many users of Novo Nordisks Ozempic and Wegovy (brand names for semaglutide), as well as Lillys Mounjaro and Zepbound (brand names for tirzepatide) report experiencing.

And when he did eat, he had a fraction of his previous appetite.

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However, he did mirthlessly lament to our mutual friend one unwanted  and at the time unforeseen  side effect of the medication: I cant drink as much as I used to because ... I just dont want to.

He wasnt happy about it then  and still isnt today.

My acquaintances anecdotal experience regarding decreased alcohol consumption while on semaglutide mirrors that of many others  and these anecdotes are why experts have long believed that the drug has tremendous potential as a tool to treat alcohol use disorder and other addictive behaviors.

Recent studies are starting to confirm that potential.

Unexpected bonus? Is Ozempic curbing alcohol cravings?

In October, the journal Addiction published a study in which researchers found that people addicted to alcohol who also had a prescription for Ozempic or similar medications had a 50% lower rate of binging on alcohol, compared to people who were not on the medications.

Semaglutide and tirzepatide function by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which is released after you eat.

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The Mayo Clinic explains that "when blood sugar levels start to rise after someone eats, GLP-1 drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin. The extra insulin helps lower blood sugar levels. Lower blood sugar levels are helpful for controlling type 2 diabetes. But it's not clear how the GLP-1 drugs lead to weight loss. Doctors do know that GLP-1s appear to help curb hunger. These drugs also slow the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. As a result, you may feel full faster and longer, so you eat less.

Last month, ABC News reported that a study published in JAMA Psychiatry enrolled 48 adults between ages 21 and 65 who had been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder but were not actively seeking treatment.

Over a nine-week period, half the participants received semaglutide and half did not.

The dosages of semaglutide gradually increased during the nine weeks but were still lower dosages than for those who take the drug for weight loss.

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Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at the University of Southern California Institute for Addiction Science and the studys lead author, told ABC News that ''we found the largest effects for outcomes related to drinking quantity or heavy drinking  [semaglutide] appeared to reduce drinking quantity.''

When observed in a controlled setting, the studys participants who received the medication drank less, and when not in controlled settings, those participants reported they had less alcohol cravings and less binge-drinking episodes.

In October, the journal Addiction published a study in which researchers found that people addicted to alcohol who also had a prescription for Ozempic or similar medications had a 50% lower rate of binging on alcohol, compared to people who were not on the medications. And people with opioid use disorder who were taking the medications had a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose.

Exploring the brain-gut connection

Apparently, the connection between what happens in the gut with the release of the GLP-1 hormone and what happens in the brain's reward system is more complicated than the experts even thought.

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Fares Qeadan, an associate professor of biostatistics at Loyola University Chicago and the Addiction articles lead author, told NPR that while we hypothesized that these medications might impact cravings and reward-seeking behavior, the observed reduction in severe outcomes for individuals with opioid and alcohol use disorders suggests a broader, more protective effect than anticipated.

In 2023, the U.S. National Institutes of Health published a studyshowing that semaglutide reduced alcohol drinking in rodents.

Addiction expert Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, who was involved in the NIH study, said that he and his fellow researchers surmised that semaglutide and tirzepatide have an effect on both the patients gut and brain.

We believe that at least one of the mechanisms of how these drugs reduce alcohol drinking is by reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol, such as those related to the brain neurotransmitter dopamine, he told CNN. So these medications are likely to make alcohol less rewarding.

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Leggio also explained to CNN that there is a lot of overlap in the neurobiological mechanisms that regulate addictive behaviors in general, so its possible that medications like semaglutide, by acting on this specific mechanism in the brain, may help people with a variety of addictive behaviors.

Dr. Stephanie Widmer, an emergency medicine physician and addiction medicine expert, noted to ABC News that the reason why semaglutide may have an effect on addictive behaviors and cravings and may play a role in treating alcohol use disorder is still not entirely clear. More research needs to be done in order to really get a firm grasp on what the pathophysiology is behind this.

Based on what researchers know at this point, Leggio summed it up to ABC News by concluding, "Do I think that semaglutide is going to dramatically save the world from addiction? The answer is no. But if you asked me, 'Do you think that semaglutide is a promising medication to help people with alcohol use disorder?' I think the answer is yes.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Are Ozempic, similar drugs next best hope in addiction treatment?
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Later this month, Austin City Council will weigh in on a nearly $2.9 million contract for intersection and multimodal improvements along a stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Council will consider March 27 a construction services contract for upgrades to the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Heflin Lane and Springdale Road, with the contract capped at just shy of $2.9 million. Should council greenlight the item, the contract would be awarded to DeNucci Constructors, LLC.

The project is centered around critical safety and multi-modal improvements to the intersection and utilizes funding via the citys 2020 mobility bond, according to council documents. Its designed to minimize crashes among all transportation modes and improve safety, mobility and accessibility for those walking, riding bikes, taking transit or driving within the corridor.

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RELATED TRANSPORTATION NEWS: Austins Vision Zero wraps 2016 mobility bond safety projects

Planned project components include reducing lane widths along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard as well as adding new raised concrete medians to the roadway. Other elements include the addition of a smart right turn heading westbound on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to northbound Springdale Road, alongside reassigned lanes on Springdale.

Itll also include the conversion of existing movements to a right-in, right-out traffic movement on Heflin Lane, closing or relocating CapMetro bus stops and adding new shared-use paths, separated bike and pedestrian pathways, new ADA-compliant curb ramps, upgraded signal infrastructure and timing alongside new pavement surface treatment, permanent markings and higher-visibility crosswalks and signage.

The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department has wrapped work at 22 high-crash intersections within Austin; an analysis from Austins Vision Zero program found those improvements led to a 22% reduction in serious and fatal injury crashes at those treated intersections.

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Construction is poised to begin this summer and last roughly six months, pending any weather delays or other postponements. The city will connect with neighboring businesses and residents via mailings, social media outreach and press releases to alert them of the upcoming work.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Two bands have been added to the summer lineup at Fraze Pavilion.

Counting Crows is scheduled to perform June 11 at 7:30 p.m., and the Beach Boys will arrive Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. The performances will occur at the venue at 695 Lincoln Park Blvd. in Kettering.

Accidentally In Love

Big Yellow Taxi

Mr. Jones

Kokomo

Surfin U.S.A.

Wouldnt It Be Nice

Tickets for Counting Crows currently range from $69 to $139. If youre looking to snag some tickets to see The Beach Boys, the cost varies from $40 to $75. The Beach Boys tickets go on-sale at 10 a.m. on March 22.

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GAZA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Hamas announced on Tuesday evening that it remains in constant contact with mediators and is engaging responsibly and positively with all proposals aimed at halting the Israeli "aggression" against and lifting the blockade on Gaza.

In a press statement, Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou said the movement has not rejected the proposal put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, but has responded positively to it.

Al-Qanou accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of resuming the war to derail the agreement.

He said Israel has tightened its blockade by closing crossings, preventing the entry of humanitarian aid, and refusing to enter the second phase of negotiations, to overturn the agreement and escalate the conflict.

"Hamas is committed to maintaining the agreement and will continue to engage flexibly with mediators to prevent further aggression against the Palestinian people and hold the occupation accountable for its obligations," he said.

Early Tuesday, Israel launched massive airstrikes across Gaza, killing more than 400 people and shattering a fragile ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19.

Netanyahu said later in the day that the airstrikes were launched because Hamas rejected Israeli and U.S. proposals to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal that ended on March 1. The proposals demanded prolonging the first phase and Hamas freeing additional hostages.

Netanyahu also said that Israel will escalate its renewed assault on the enclave and that "from now on, the negotiations (on Gaza ceasefire) will take place only under fire."

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said officials with Trump's administration "were informed before the attacks and supported it."

The Israeli airstrikes have been widely condemned by the international community. 
PUNA, Hawaii (KHON2)  Court records are providing additional detail on the first day of the manhunt for Christopher Lucrisia, who was found dead on March 16 after a shootout with police in the second pursuit this month stemming from domestic violence.

On March 17, his alleged accomplice, Silas Zion, 23, made his initial court appearance and remains in custody on $3 million bail.

Alleged shooter Christopher Lucrisia dead after nearly three day manhunt

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Court documents detail the shooting in the shopping center parking lot and Zion speeding off in his white Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.

According to court documents, officers received information regarding the white truck on a property on Ihope Road in Mountain View. The document states officers found Zion hiding in the bushes around 5:30 p.m. near the white pickup truck.

The truck was transported to the Hilo Police Station for processing.

The document reveals that after being granted a search warrant, officers observed what appeared to be blood on the front passenger and rear passenger seats, front passenger seatbelt and rear passenger door. They also recovered an empty black Glock model 19 gun case, which had a serial number, from the rear passenger flooring within the vehicle.

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Officers also observed a firearm registration printout in the glovebox for Zion for a Glock 19 semi-auto 9 mm caliber pistol with the same serial number as the empty gun case.

Officers also recovered three live 9 mm caliber rounds, ammunition box containing seven live 30-30 caliber rounds, three spent 30-30 caliber casings and one live 9 mm caliber round, two spent .22 caliber round and a three live 30-30 caliber rounds.

Authorities also obtained a search warrant for Zions phone. Police found five pictures taken on March 14, between 11:18 a.m. and 11:20 a.m., showing injuries to Lucrisia. The document states the photos showed what appears to be bullet fragments in the left rear neck of Lucrisia with blood in the area and apparent bullet fragments in the upper left side of Lucrisias back with blood coming from the area. Another possible injury to his upper right back where heavy bleeding and coagulated blood was also observed.

On March 16, Lucrisia was found in the same area Zion was located, ending the three-day manhunt.

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It was the second deadly case involving domestic violence on Hawaii island this month.

Police said Lucrisias crime spree began on March 10, when he fired a gun at his ex-girlfriends home.

In a separate yet similar incident on March 4, police said Isaiah Fourshey went to his ex-girlfriends sisters home and shot and killed her sister.

Police eventually located Fourshey which led to a shootout ending in his death.

It feels like its a lot on Hawaii island because its happened so closely together, explained Monique Ibarra, Domestic Violence Action Center CEO. Its in all of our communities, its unsettling.

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Ibarra says the biggest red flag is feeling afraid in a relationship or thinking the person might hurt them.

One of the most dangerous and highly lethal times for a victim of domestic violence is when she chooses to leave her partner, she explained. This is when he feels a sense of loss of control over her and her whereabouts so the level of risk and lethality increases exponentially and weve seen this time and time again.

She says finding a domestic violence shelter is important during that time because the abuser will look for the victim at friends and families homes.

She said it could be harder for women to seek assistance in rural communities because it could be far away, but there are resources on all islands.

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A full list of resources can be found on Hawaii police departments website.

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UPDATE: On March 17 at approximately 2:30 p.m., the Davenport Fire Department responded to a reported grass fire on the east side of I-280. Scott County Mutual aid was requested from the Buffalo, Bluegrass, Eldridge and Long Grove departments for additional help get the fire under control.

The blaze moved into a farmers field and continued north, burning approximately 50 acres of land in total. I-280 had to be shut down due to near zero visibility conditions from smoke.

The Davenport Fire Department was also assisted by the Davenport Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa DOT and the Iowa DOT Highway Helper. All agencies were on scene several hours assisting with traffic control on I-280 and Utah Ave.

EARLIER: Crews continue to fight a brush fire that started Monday afternoon in the area of Interstate 280 and Utah Avenue, Davenport.

(Bryan Bobb, OurQuadCities.com)

The brush fire apparently jumped from the eastbound, or Illinois-bound, side of I-280 to the west side, or Iowa-bound, area of the interstate. Initial calls for firefighters at about 2 p.m. in an area near I-280 and River Drive.

(Bryan Bobb, OurQuadCities.com)

Crews still remained on the scene at 5 p.m. Fire departments at the scene included Blue Grass, Buffalo, Davenport and Eldridge. Our Quad Cities News will stay in contact with firefighters to provide details when they become available.

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Crews responding to fire in wooded area of Pulaski County

PULASKI COUNTY, Ark.  Crews are responding to a fire in a wooded area in Pulaski County on Monday afternoon.

Authorities said that the fire is in the area of 31000 Bandy Road. County officials said another fire near Kanis Road is said to be contained.

According to the authorities as of just after 9 p.m., the fire has spread to at least 1300 acres. Officials noted that the fire has only been 30% contained.

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The Pulaski County Sheriffs Office confirmed that the West Pulaski Fire Department, Pulaski County Emergency Management and the Crystal Hill Fire Department are responding to the blaze. Officials noted that six volunteer fire departments, including two from Saline County, are assisting.

There is no word yet on a possible cause for the fire.

Pulaski County officials said County Judge Barry Hyde has issued a burn ban for the unincorporated areas of the county until further notice.

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Editors Note: The Abilene Police Department supplied the following arrest and incident reports. All information below comes from reports made by responding officers, and all suspects are considered not guilty unless determined otherwise in a court of law.

Incidents

1900 block of Green Ridge Court  Theft of Firearm

A firearm, wallet, and keys worth $720 were reported stolen during a vehicle burglary.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported her brother assaulted her by hitting her in the face repeatedly after she assauled his 2-mont-old daughter. The report states no arrest was made because the brother/father needed to be with his child that was seriously injured.

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1200 block of Houston Street  Aggravated Assault SBI

A landlord is accused of stabbing a tenants guest.

2100 block of S 2nd Street  Burglary of Habitation

A suspect was arrested for burglary of habitation in south Abilene.

4300 block of Southwest Drive  Theft of Property

Childrens clothing was reported stolen from a south Abilene Walmart.

4500 block of S 1st Street  Theft of Firearm

A firearm was reported stolen.

2100 block of S 2nd Street  invasive Visual Recording

A woman reported a suspect took pictures of her without consent.

5700 block of Golden Eagle Drive  Assault Family Violence

A suspect assaulted his mother at a south Abilene residence.

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4100 block of W Overland Trail  Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon

A victim reported she was assaulted by her boyfriend.

600 block of Westwood Drive  Assault Family Violence

500 block of Cypress Street  Criminal Mischief

A criminal mischief report was taken in north Abilene.

1900 block of Shoreline Drive  Burglary of Vehicle

A laptop and headphones were reported stolen.

1900 block of Green Ridge Court  Burglary of Vehicle

A laptop worth $900 was reported stolen.

100 block of Musken Road  Burglary of Vehicle

A backpack, cash, sunglasses, a jacket, and more were reported stolen during a vehicle burglary.

400 block of Westview Drive  Criminal Mischief

Arrests

Jacob Banks  Criminal Trespass

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Andrew Evans  Disorderly Conduct

Precious Reed  Injury to Child

Morris Hernandez  Aggravated Assault SBI

Marco Ortiz  Burglary of Habitation

Sara Ashburn  Theft of Property

Robert McClure  Assault Family Violence

Christopher High  Warrant

Willie Wyatt  Public Intoxication

Kylea Winchester  Possession of Controlled Substance

Sammy Wade  Resist Arrest Search or Transport, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Rodrick Wilson  Possession of Controlled Substance

Gary Whiteis  Failure to Signal Turn

Brandon Harris  Possession of Controlled Substance

Travis Torres  Public Intoxication

Robert Trevino  Warrant

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Oscar Aguilar  Driving While Intoxicated, Resist Arrest

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Russia's illegal seizure of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine exactly 11 years ago on March 18, 2014, was quick and bloodless, but it sent Moscow's relations with the West into a downward spiral unseen since the Cold War.

It also paved the way for Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, during which Moscow annexed more land from the war-torn country.

A look at the diamond-shaped peninsula in the Black Sea, coveted by both Russia and Ukraine for its naval bases and beaches:

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Why is Crimea important?

Crimeas unique location makes it a strategically important asset, and Russia has spent centuries fighting for it.

Crimea was home to Turkic-speaking Tatars when the Russian empire first annexed it in the 18th century. It briefly regained independence two centuries later before being swallowed by the Soviet Union.

In 1944, Soviet dictator Josef Stalin deported nearly 200,000 Tatars, or about a third of Crimeas population, to Central Asia, 3,200 kilometers (2,000 miles) to the east. Stalin had accused them of collaborating with Nazi Germany  a claim widely dismissed by historians. An estimated half of them died in the next 18 months of hunger and harsh conditions.

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Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev transferred the peninsula from Russia to Ukraine in 1954, when both were part of the USSR, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the unification of Moscow and Kyiv. In 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed, the peninsula became part of newly independent Ukraine.

Russia kept a foot in the door, however: Its Black Sea Fleet had a base in the city of Sevastopol, and Crimea  as part of Ukraine  continued to host it.

Sevastopol also was a preferred holiday destination for Nicholas II, the last Russian czar. The southern town of Yalta was a prime holiday destination in Soviet times, with many sanatoriums there. It drew worldwide renown when Stalin, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill met there in 1945 to discuss the fate of Germany and Europe after World War II.

For Kyiv, Crimea had been a strategic asset, too. By the time Russia annexed it in 2014, it had been a part of Ukraine for 60 years and had become part of the countrys identity.

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Leonid Kravchuk, the first president of independent Ukraine, said Kyiv had invested some $100 billion into the peninsula between 1991 and 2014.

From a security perspective, Ukraine needs Crimea in order to have control over activities in the Black Sea.

How did Russia seize Crimea?

In 2014, a massive popular uprising in Ukraine forced pro-Moscow President Victor Yanukovich from office.

Putin responded by sending troops to overrun Crimea  they appeared on the peninsula in uniforms without insignia  and calling a plebiscite on joining Russia that Ukraine and the West dismissed as illegal.

Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea was recognized internationally only by countries such as North Korea and Sudan. In Russia, it touched off a wave of patriotism, and Krym nash!  or Crimea is ours!  became a rallying cry.

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This move sent Putins popularity soaring. His approval rating, which had declined to 65% in January 2014, shot to 86% in June, according to the Levada Center, an independent Russian pollster.

What happened after the annexation?

Putin has called Crimea a sacred place, and has prosecuted those who publicly argue it is part of Ukraine. Repressions against the Crimean Tatars continued under Putin, despite Moscows denials of discrimination. They strongly opposed the annexation, and an estimated 30,000 of them fled the peninsula between 2014 and 2021.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to retake it and said that Russia wont be able to steal the peninsula.

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Russias relations with the West plummeted to new lows. The United States, the European Union and other countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and its officials.

Weeks after the annexation, fighting broke out in eastern Ukraine between pro-Kremlin militias and Kyivs forces. Moscow threw its weight behind the insurgents, even though the Kremlin denied supporting them with troops and weapons. There was abundant evidence to the contrary, including a Dutch courts finding that a Russia-supplied air defense system shot down a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet over eastern Ukraine in July 2014, killing all 298 people aboard.

Russian hard-liners later criticized Putin for failing to capture all of Ukraine that year, arguing it was easily possible at a time when the government in Kyiv was in disarray and its military in shambles.

The fighting in eastern Ukraine continued, on and off, until February 2022, when Putin recognized the two war-torn Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states and several days later launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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What role does Crimea play in Russias war in Ukraine?

In its assault on Ukraine, Moscow deployed troops and weapons to Crimea, allowing Russian forces to quickly seize large parts of southern Ukraine in the first weeks of the war.

A top Russian military official later said that securing a land corridor to Crimea by holding the occupied parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions was among the key goals of what the Kremlin insisted on calling its special military operation in Ukraine.

Before the invasion, Zelenskyy focused on diplomatic efforts to get Crimea back, but after Russian troops rolled across the border, Kyiv started publicly contemplating retaking the peninsula by force.

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The peninsula soon became a battleground, with Ukraine launching drone attacks and bombing it to try to dislodge Moscows hold on the territory.

The attacks targeted the Russian Black Sea Fleet there, as well as ammunition depots, air fields and Putins prized asset  the Kerch Bridge linking Crimea to Russia, which was struck in October 2022 and again in July 2023.
The U.S. decision to cut off funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty came as a surprise for the outlets newsroom, a source in the RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service told the Kyiv Independent.

We understood that the U.S. president, to put it mildly, does not like us, the source said on March 17. But there is bipartisan support, there is approved funding, and we had an (approved) budget at least until the end of this fiscal year. No one expected that they would cut off funding in the middle of the year like that.

U.S. President Donald Trump eliminated seven federal agencies on March 14, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees RFE/RL and Voice of America (VoA). The decision terminated the Congress-authorized grant that funded RFE/RL, while the Voice of Americas employees were put on administrative leave.

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The move seeks to effectively end over seven decades of work of the U.S.-sponsored media outlets, launched to promote democracy and counter propaganda in authoritarian countries.

The decision was welcomed by Russian propagandists, who took to Russian state TV to praise it.

In Ukraine, the decision comes as a yet another blow to the countrys media, which has already suffered greatly from the freeze of the USAID programs in January. The freeze left many Ukrainian independent media outlets, including local front-line newsrooms and investigative projects, without funding. Now, Ukraine's media landscape may risk to lose the robust local RFE/RL bureau.

For years, RFE/RL has been one of the most reliable sources for millions of Ukrainians. Around 14% of Ukrainians regularly tuned into the RFE/RLs coverage, according to a Gallup World Poll, conducted in July 2023. The same poll showed that 95% of the audience trusted the Radios coverage.

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As of late 2024, the company employed a team of more than 100 people in Ukraine, said Maryana Drach, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service director.

For the Kyiv-based bureau, the halt would bring an end to several prominent projects, including investigations of corruption and Russian aggression, front-line coverage, and coverage of Ukraines occupied territories.

The team in Kyiv continues work, reportedly hoping to restore or replace the lost funding.

Everyone is in a waiting mode, the source told the Kyiv Independent. Today we heard at one of the meetings with the management that they keep fighting.

'A massive gift for America's enemies'

The RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service began operation on Aug. 16, 1954, in Munich under the initial name Radio Liberation, becoming one of the view free media outlets reachable by the citizens of the Soviet Union.



During the Cold War, RFE/RL faced surveillance, provocations, and even terrorist attacks. In 1981, a bomb was planted at the headquarters of RFE/RL in Munich, injuring six people.

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In modern Russia, Radio Free Europe has witnessed a similar fate.

In 2017, Russia labeled Voice of America and Radio Free Europe foreign agents. Five years later, Moscow added RFE/RL to the list of undesirable organizations. The registries have been widely used to target and silence groups and individuals who are critical of the government, including independent journalists, activists, and NGOs.

RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus said that the cancelation of the organization's funding would be a massive gift to Americas 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, he said.

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Read also: US foreign aid transformed Ukraine. Its suspension threatens decades of work

What's at risk in Ukraine

In Ukraine, the funding freeze risks ending several projects that were a long-time staple of local journalism, including coverage of occupied territories and investigations unveiling top-level corruption.

Since its launch in 2014, the Schemes investigative journalism program, a unit of the Radios Kyiv bureau, has been investigating corruption and wrongdoing of Ukrainian elites. They have not shunned from investigating oligarchs and sitting presidents, having published investigations featuring President Volodymyr Zelensky and his predecessor, Petro Poroshenko.

After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Schemes project started investigating Russian war crimes and Russian officials, while also continuing to uncover corruption in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky is listening to questions from journalists during his year-end press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 19, 2023. (STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The other two trademark projects of RFE/RL in Ukraine  Crimea Realities and Donbas Realities  served as the key sources of information about the Russian-occupied territories.

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Ukrainian journalist Artem Lysak worked as a reporter for Crimea Realities from 2016 to 2019. He used to visit the Russian-occupied peninsula undercover. He covered the persecution of Crimean Tatars and the illegal construction of the Crimean Bridge.

The Crimea Realities project is as important now as it was from the beginning of (Russias) invasion (of Crimea). Since we know that there is practically no freedom of speech in Crimea, just like in Russia, Lysak told the Kyiv Independent.

It remains one of the media outlets that constantly monitors the situation and gives at least some kind of true picture for the people in Crimea. There are no other projects like Crimea Realities in Ukraine, unfortunately, he said.

During his reporting trips, Lysak faced interrogations and surveillance by Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) in Crimea. When his lawyer suspected that a criminal case might be fabricated against the journalist, Lysak decided to leave the peninsula.

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For their work, RFE/RLs journalists have repeatedly faced persecution by the Kremlin.

Mykola Semena, a former observer of Crimea Realities, faced Russias trumped-up charges for his journalism in Crimea in January 2016. He was able to leave the peninsula in 2020.

Another Ukrainian RFE/RL journalist, Vladyslav Yesypenko, was illegally detained in Crimea by Russia in 2021 and remains behind bars to this day.

Writer and former journalist Stanislav Aseyev, who worked for RFE/RL, said that he was tortured in Russian-occupied Donetsk for being affiliated with Radio Liberty.

I once was electrocuted only for writing for Radio Liberty: I was told that it was a CIA structure and an enemy of Russia, and for that reason alone I was already guilty, Aseyev wrote.

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The writer was abducted by Russian proxies in 2017 and jailed in the infamous Izolyatsia prisoner camp in Donetsk. He was released in December 2019 in a prisoner exchange.

Now, the enemy of Russia is being destroyed by America itself, and my torture seems in vain, Aseyev said.

Activists stage the rally in support of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's freelance journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 6, 2021. (Yuliia Ovsiannikova / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

What's next for RFE/RL?

Days after the U.S. decision, Ukrainian journalists of RFE/RL continue their work, although the service's future remains unclear.

The source in RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service told the Kyiv Independent that theres funding through the end of March.

The management hopes to get support from (U.S.) Congress, other organizations. There is hope that we will use this time effectively and will be able to somehow return back. There is an expectation that there will be some dissatisfaction in Congress, or maybe we can somehow, so to speak, cancel President (Trumps) decision, the source said.

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According to the source, support from the European Union is also considered as an alternative source of funding.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said EU foreign ministers discussed the functioning of RFE/RL at a meeting in Brussels on March 17. The bloc cannot automatically fund Radio Free Europe, she said, adding that the EU will look into potential options.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky did not rule out that the European Union can buy Radio Free Europe from the U.S.

Lysak said, citing his colleagues, that the Ukrainian Service has in the meantime parted ways with its freelance journalists.

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The RFE/RL source confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that contracts with all freelancers have been terminated, adding that the decision, however, was made about a week ago. This move was made to save money amid the U.S. budget uncertainty.

If a week ago we were wondering where to get money to pay back the freelancers, now the question arises whether the service will work at all, they said.



Read also: Who is to gain more from a ceasefire  Russia or Ukraine?

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Sen. Will Smith (D-Montgomery) defends Senate Bill 977 Monday, which would help protect undocumented immigrants' data from being distributed without a judicial warrant. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters)

House and Senate lawmakers shoveled hundreds of bills across the desk Monday, as each chamber raced to beat crossover day, the date by which they are to send over all the bills they want to pass for the session.

The hundreds of bills that passed Monday were winnowed down from thousands that have been introduced this session, but they still have a long way to go before this session end in three weeks, on April 7. Passage in one chamber is no guarantee of final passage. But these bills have at least made the first cut and will live to see another day.

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Among those that passed on third reader Monday in one chamber or the other  or, in rare occasions, both:

Moving to protect undocumented immigrants

Senators passed two bills aimed at providing undocumented residents with a little comfort amid threats of increased immigration enforcement from the Trump administration.

One bill would shield personal data collected by state agencies from being shared with other agencies, unless they had a warrant issued by a federal or state judge. The other aims to provide state guidelines for immigration enforcement in sensitive places, like churches, schools or hospitals, a direct response the the Trump administration relaxing rules on enforcement in those places.

Judicial Proceedings Chair William C. Smith Jr. (D-Montgomery) said Senate Bill 977 is needed to keep state data secure.

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Theres information that our government agencies hold and that information is generally subject to the Maryland Public Information Act, Smith said. And so, what happens is that sometimes private data brokers  will file the PIA request for certain information, theyll package it together and then theyll sell it to a third party.

The goal here is to cabin that information off, essentially saying, Look, if youre looking for this information from our state agencies and entities, youre going to need a judicial warrant if  youre requesting for the purpose of immigration enforcement, Smith said.

Minority Whip Justin Ready (R-Frederick and Carroll) believes the requirement for a warrant could hinder U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents when it comes to serving orders for local officials to hold a migrant suspected of or charged with serious crimes.

Things like burglaries and robberies, kidnapping, homicide, Ready said. How is it in the Maryland publics best interest for public safety to not allow for a robust communication when there is an ICE detainer lodged against someone who is already here illegally?

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Smith said that requiring a warrant will not infringe on public safety and said that the Trump administration seems interested in broadening who can be deported for being in the United States without documentation, not just those who have committed violent crimes.

The Senate approved SB 977 later that evening, 33-14.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 828, the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which directs the Maryland Attorney General to develop guidelines for what federal law enforcement can and cannot do in certain locations such as schools, hospitals and courthouses, among other places. That bill passed 30-13.

There are not House versions of either bill.

No fanfare on passage of abortion grant bills

An issue that normally generates a lot of talk  abortion funding  passed with no debate on crossover day in the Senate.

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The Senate voted 29-15 to pass Senate Bill 848, which creates a new state abortion grant program funded by an existing health insurance premium surcharge that was required as part of the Affordable Care Act. Passage of the Senate bill, sponsored by Budget and Taxation Committee Chair Guy Guzzone (D-Howard), followed weeks of emotional testimony and Republican pushback during both House and Senate debate on the issue.

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The bill would create the Public Health Abortion Grant Program Fund, administered by state Health Department and funded through access to about $25 million in funds that were collected as part of the ACA premium requirement, but which have not been spent down.

The money comes from $1-a-month fee that insurers in the ACA marketplace are required to collect on every policy, to fund abortion services for their policyholders. The fund has increased by about $3 million a year, money that would be used to issue grants to providers, to help them cover costs of abortions for underinsured or uninsured Marylanders.

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Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) opened the floor to debate Monday, but no one took him up on the offer, and senator approved the measure on a largely party-line vote.

The House approved the companion bill, House Bill 930, on Thursday, also on party lines. But that vote came after about 40 minutes of emotional stories for and against the legislation that left one delegate on the brink of tears.

Parole reform passes

The House voted 100-38, along party lines and also without debate, for House Bill 1147, a parole reform bill sponsored by Del. Elizabeth Embry (D-Baltimore City). It now heads to the Senate, which does not have its own version of the bill.

HB 1147 would require the Maryland Parole Commission to complete an annual report that includes the number of cases in which individuals were granted and denied parole, an outline of the reasons for parole denials and the number of those eligible for parole who have not been granted it. The report must be disaggregated by race of relevant incarcerated individuals.

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The bill would also shorten the current time frame from 21 days to 14 days for the Parole Commission to submit a written report on parole findings and recommendations for parole approval or denial. It must include the reasoning and justifications for the decision from a hearing examiner to the commission.

The bill also specifies that the Commission does not have the authority to permanently deny parole.

I think it brings much needed due process and transparency to a really important part of our criminal justice system, Embry said after Mondays vote. I hope the Senate will engage on the bill.

The bill was referred Monday to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

House OKs Tenant Possession Recovery bill

Tenants facing eviction could soon be entitled to a 10-day grace period to let them collect their personal belongings from their prior residence. The House Monday approved House Bill 767, called the Tenant Possessions Recovery Act, which is intended to ensure former tenants can keep their belongings when facing eviction.

Del. Vaughn Stewart (D-Montgomery) defends the Tenant Possession Recovery Act on the House floor Monday. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters).

When this bill becomes law, no longer will any child in Maryland have to lose their home, and then watch as strangers pick through their treasures on the side of the road, said Del. Vaughn Stewart (D-Montgomery), the bills sponsor.

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Despite its passage in the House on a 93-42 vote, the bill still needs to get through the Senate, where Senate Bill 442, the Senate cross-file of the bill, never got out of the Judicial Proceedings Committee. That said, its made more progress than last year, when the legislation stalled in both House and Senate committees.

HB 767 requires a landlord to give an evicted tenant at least a 14-day notice of the scheduled repossession date of the housing unit and grants the renter a 10-day grace period to reclaim all personal property. After that 10-day window, landlords can consider the property abandoned and dispose of it as they please.

The thousands of children in Maryland who every year face the trauma of an eviction, this would not keep them in their homes, or their schools unfortunately, Stewart said on the House floor Monday. But it would mean that they would not have to deal with the indignity of their Elmo dolls and their teddy bears and their hand sewn blankets ending up on the street.

Stewart recognizes that the bill makes a minor inconvenience for landlords to hold the tenants possession for more than a week, but most other states allow evicted tenants to have a grace period to collect their items.

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Opponents said the bill puts more of a burden on the landlord, who has to wait to enter property that a court has already granted them permission to do. It adds to the deck thats already stacked against landlords, especially smaller landlords who may rent out one house or unit, said Minority Whip Jessie Pippy (R-Republican).

This body keeps making it harder and harder and harder for that landlord to rent out the place. Thats the reality, Pippy said.

Its  almost  chrometastic!

It took two tries, separated by several years, but it looks as if David Shores dream of making chromite the official state mineral of Maryland is on the verge of coming true.

The House and Senate both gave unanimous approval Monday to their versions of bills that would add an official state mineral to the 24 other state symbols, including a sport, a flower, a dinosaur, bird and drink.

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Symbol bills are often introduced by schoolkids, which was the case with Shore, who first introduced the chromite bill in 2017. Lawmakers dont always look kindly on them, and the chromite bill failed then. But Sen. Craig Zucker (D-Montgomery), who sponsored the bill in 2017, reached out to see if Shore was up for a second go.

Was he ever.

Shore, who signs correspondence with salutations like chrometastically yours, is a walking encyclopedia of information on chromite. It was discovered in Baltimore County in 1808 and later found elsewhere in central Maryland, and the state mined and shipped much of the worlds supply until the 1850s. Its still used today, as a key component in stainless steel.

Shores infectious enthusiasm for his subject has won the help of lobbyists and other students and earned him fans among legislators in both chambers. The bills now cross over and are expected to win final approval.

The chromite bill is just one of several state symbol bills proposed this year and one other  to designate the orange crush the official state cocktail  was approved unanimously by the House Monday. The vodka-based cocktail was first mixed in an Ocean City bar  hence the name of the bill, the Original Maryland Orange Crush  and sparked something of a cross-border spat last year when Delaware claimed orange crush as its official state drink because so many are sold in a Dewey Beach bar.

The House bill now goes to the Senate, where a companion bill got a committee hearing last week.

 This story was updated on Tuesday, March 18, to correct the fact that there is a Senate companion bill, SB562, to HB1001, the orange crush bill.
The party got started early in downtown Erie Monday morning with local bars holding special events to kick off St. Patricks Day.

Community members that we spoke with said the only right way to celebrate St. Patricks Day is to get the day started as soon as possible.

Downtown Erie goes green for annual St. Patricks Day parade

St. Patricks Day brought community members to downtown Erie to celebrate Irish heritage.

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Sullivans Pub and Eatery began the day with their annual green eggs and ham breakfast that one manager said was a success kicking off a busy start to their morning.

Its our 120th St. Paddys so its just like really cool to have all the community here especially this morning when I got here at 6:20 am to see there was already a line at our door its so cool, said Andrew Schultz, manager of Sullivans Pub and Eatery.

Patrons of Calimaris Squid Row also enjoyed a breakfast buffet at 7 a.m. and had the chance to enjoy their traditional Irish lunch specials.

Erieites get an early start to St. Patricks Day at kegs and eggs

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A co-owner said they were completely full with a couple hundred people between 7 and 10 a.m.

We have been here since about five am cooking actually been cooking corn beef and corned beef hash and brisket all week long, said Marci Honard, co-owner of Calimaris Squid Row.

But for those looking to take to the dance floor a little early, Bigbar began their festivities with a bash beginning at 9 a.m. offering giveaways for the first 250 people.

We love it it brings out a mixture of everybody from the young folk to the older folk and we just love seeing everybody together to come out and celebrate, said David Freeman, owner of Bigbar.

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Patrons reacted to the fun and tell us why they began their festivities early.

Sullivans is like a historic place in Erie, especially for like the Irish part of Erie and I feel like coming here this early it kind of helps start the tradition off right, said David Duffalo, a patron at Sullivans Pub and Eatery.

Managers and owners said theyre seeing green in more than one way as this is their busiest holiday of the year.

Its always one of our biggest days this day and theres a few other random Saturdays and then the night before Thanksgiving we gear up for quite a while for them, Honard said.

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Wells installed to help clean up LORD-Shope superfund site

St. Patricks Day is always the biggest day of the year, Freeman said. About 600 so far and we expect over 5,000 for the day.

Representatives of these bars said they expected Monday to bring hundreds and even thousands into their doors as the festivities continue.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
(WJET/WFXP)  Crumbl Cookies, known for its rotating weekly lineup and online popularity, will soon arrive in Erie.

The location is aiming for an early May opening, although a Crumbl representative told us that an official opening date has not been set yet. They typically receive details about a locations opening day a few weeks in advance.

The Erie store, located at 6839 Peach Street, will be opening under the Crumbl Cravings franchise partners, who currently operate locations in Wheeling, West Virginia, and North Huntingdon, PA.

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According to a Facebook post, the Erie location has begun hiring crew members and shift leads. If you are interested in applying for a position, click here.

In the post, the owners, Tammy and Mark, say that they are beyond excited to bring delicious, baked from scratch desserts to Erie.

The bakery will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and will be closed every Sunday.

Founded in 2017, Crumbl Cookies quickly became the fastest-growing cookie company in the U.S. with its first location opening in Utah. Now, the iconic pink box can be seen at its over 1,000 locations worldwide, serving up over a million desserts every day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The City of Colorado Springs is implementing a pilot program to help alleviate capacity issues at the Colorado Springs Police Departments (CSPD) impound lot.

The City said the pilot program is the result of amendments approved by the City Council in 2024 to Colorado Springs Municipal Ordinances regarding the removal and impound of vehicles. The amendments allow the City to contract with a towing company to tow and store certain cars that are not considered evidence and are not recovered stolen vehicles.

According to the City, cars not related to law enforcement investigations, such as traffic crashes where the driver or owner is transported by ambulance and not available to sign a towing contract or other cases where the car defaults to impound status but is not involved in any criminal activity, can be stored by the contracted towing company.

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The influx of the vehicles that arent evidentiary tow vehicles, those come in and out of the impound lot on a daily, weekly, monthly basis and takes up a lot of our employees time, said Commander Patrick David with CSPD. If we dont have those vehicles, well be able to dispose more of those vehicles, keep our impound lot to a reasonable occupancy level.

Those who need to search for their car that has been impounded can continue to do so through CSPDs online search. The website includes information about storage location, hours, fees, the release process, auction dates, and FAQs. The City added that all information is entered by staff and may not be immediately available.

If your car is missing and does not show up as being impounded, contact the non-emergency number for CSPD: (719) 444-7000.

Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe

The City also said that all tow companies operating in Colorado are regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and citizens can review these regulations at any time. The current CSPD impound contract tow company charges below Colorado PUC maximum allowable rates for towing fees.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
UNITED NATIONS, March 18 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarian chief on Tuesday urged a renewed Gaza ceasefire and called on Israel to lift the blockade of life-saving aid and commercial supplies to the enclave, after the latest deadly Israeli airstrikes.

"Overnight, our worst fears materialized. Airstrikes resumed across the entire Gaza Strip," said Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, briefing the Security Council in a video call from Brussels.

"New evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces, and once again, the people of Gaza living in abject fear," he added.

Fletcher said suspending aid and commercial materials is reversing the progress achieved during the ceasefire and essential survival resources needed are now being rationed.

Since March 2, Israeli authorities have cut off the entry of all lifesaving supplies, including food, medicines, fuel, and cooking gas. They also have cut power to southern Gaza's desalination plant, limiting access to clean water for 600,000 people.

This total blockade of life-saving aid, basic commodities and commercial goods will have a disastrous impact on the people in Gaza who remain dependent on a steady flow of assistance into the Strip, Fletcher warned.

"We cannot and must not accept a return to pre-ceasefire conditions or the complete denial of humanitarian relief," he emphasized. "Civilians must be protected, and their essential needs must be met. International law must be respected."

The UN relief chief called for allowing aid and commercial supplies into Gaza, and urged parties to renew the ceasefire.

"Blocking food, water and medicine for people who need them is unconscionable," he said. "The return to hostilities overnight must cease. The suffering of the people of the region must end."

Earlier, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said that the last 18 months of violence have made abundantly clear that there is no military path out of the Gaza crisis.

"The only way forward is a political settlement, in line with international law," Turk said. 
Talks aimed at resolving the long-standing division of Cyprus have resumed in Geneva, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres personally leading efforts to bring Greek and Turkish Cypriots closer together.

These are the first negotiations since 2021. Cypriot leaders as well as representatives from guarantor powers Britain, Greece and Turkey are taking part.

The United Nations has tempered expectations for substantial progress, stating that the goal of the one-day informal talks is only to kickstart concrete negotiations to address the island's division.

Divided for more than 50 years

The island has been split into a Greek-Cypriot south and a smaller Turkish-Cypriot north since a Greek coup and a Turkish military intervention in 1974. Only Turkey recognizes Northern Cyprus as a full state.

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The 180-kilometre-long buffer zone between the two sides is monitored by UN peacekeepers. Nicosia remains the worlds only divided capital.

While the whole of Cyprus became a member of the European Union in 2004, EU law is only valid in the southern part until a possible reunification.

UN-backed efforts aimed at ending Cyprus's decades-old conflict have taken place on-and-off for years with little progress to show.

Greek Cypriots and the UN advocate for reunification, while Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership push for a two-state solution.

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations greets Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey, President of Cyprus, prior to the opening of the UN Informal Meeting on Cyprus. Violaine Martin/UN Geneva/dpa
Greek and Turkish Cypriots agreed on a series of joint measures for the divided island during talks in Geneva on Tuesday.

"It is a new atmosphere," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in the Swiss city as he described the meeting as a promising step towards a better future for Cyprus.

Four more crossings are to be set up between the two parts of the island, Guterres added, while cemeteries are to be restored in the buffer zone.

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The two sides also want to implement joint climate projects, such as generating electricity using solar panels in the no man's land between the two communities.

The EU island has been split into a Greek-Cypriot south and a smaller Turkish-Cypriot north since a Turkish military invasion in 1974 amid fears in Ankara of union with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes Northern Cyprus as a full state.

The 180-kilometre-long buffer zone between the two sides is monitored by UN peacekeepers. Nicosia remains the world's only divided capital.

The Geneva talks were the first negotiations since 2021. Cypriot leaders as well as Guterres and representatives from guarantor powers Britain, Greece and Turkey took part.

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Another meeting between the sides is set to take place as early as July. Guterres also wants to appoint a special UN envoy for Cyprus.

The United Nations had tempered expectations for substantial progress before the meeting, stating that the goal of Tuesday's one-day informal talks was only to kick-start concrete negotiations to address the island's division.

While the whole of Cyprus became a member of the European Union in 2004, EU law is only valid in the southern part until a possible reunification.

UN-backed efforts aimed at ending Cyprus's decades-old division have taken place on-and-off for years with little progress.

Greek Cypriots and the UN advocate for reunification, while Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership are pushing for a two-state solution.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Tuesday on the Daily 8, were looking at a potential ban on deer baiting, Michigan State Polices statewide tornado drill this week, plans moving along to reopen the Palisades nuclear plant and more.

You can watch the full Daily 8 for March 18, 2025, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below:

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Each weekday, the Daily 8 brings you the top eight stories we are keeping an eye on in and around West Michigan.

Join us again on Wednesday for the Daily 8.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
MARTIN COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  The National Weather Service said the city of Loogootee and surrounding areas in Martin County saw widespread damage consistent with straight-line winds.

I got a tree farm out there in the country and its just sad for me to see these trees thats been there for 40 or 50 years and all of a sudden theyre just leveled in in one second you know and its just and also its a lot of clean up for everybody to get all cleaned up again and everything. said Rick Bowling, resident of Loogootee.

This is one of several Indiana communities that saw damage caused by severe storms that moved through the area early Saturday morning. EF-1 tornados were observed in Parke and Daviess counties, along with the straight-line winds in Loogootee.

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Five tornadoes confirmed across the Wabash Valley due to overnight storms

Everybody has come together and I think we are living in very uncertain times so its kind of neat to see everyone just come together in prayer and willing to help out no matter what is needed. said Stephanie Powell, resident of Loogootee.

Just northeast of Loogootee, Lark Ranch, sustained a lot of damage in the storms. Co-owner Adam Lark said no one was hurt and all the animals were ok. But he said the roofs were ripped off of two buildings and the front of one of their main barns caved in. They also have a lot of downed trees. Lark said theyll focus first on cleaning up debris and then bring crews in for rebuilding and repairs. He said they have already been getting a lot of support from the community.

Buildings can be blown away but the memories you are kind of here, here forever and thats what thats what we want to you know be able to bring back for people and you know make sure that we get rebuilt so that more memories can be made out here and we really appreciate everyone and all their support. said Lark.

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Lark stated they will open this Fall. He said they plan to start selling their season passes soon so that those proceeds can help fund their rebuilding efforts.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
(KRON)  A Fremont police sergeant who has experience in working with horses was called out to assist a traffic incident on Niles Canyon Road.

A horse, which police said that is trained in Charreria dancing, was running loose along the roadway Saturday. Good Samaritans were unable to corral the animal away from Niles Canyon Road.

Eventually, police were called in to rescue the horse, named Colorado.

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Cupertino woman wins 2024 California Wildlife Photo of the Year

Luckily, we have a Sergeant who has experience with horses. After only a few minutes, our Sergeant gained the horses trust, placed a halter on it, and guided it to its stable once the owners arrived, the Fremont Police Department wrote.

(Photo courtesy Fremont Police Department)

The family relies on Colorados dancing skills for their business, police said. The horse performs in traditional Mexican rodeos, known as Charreria.

The owners were grateful that we went above and beyond to help return their horse, FPD wrote.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
(FOX 5/KUSI)  16 people from Southern California are facing charges related to the distribution of drugs coordinated by a group based out of Escondido.

A news release from the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday states that two federal indictments were unsealed, which detail part of how the suspects allegedly ran the operation.

According to the DOJ, more than 150 agents from federal, state and local agencies served search warrants in Escondido, San Diego, Orange County and Roanoke, Virginia on Tuesday morning.

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This case is a direct hit against a dangerous drug trafficking network that has been flooding our communities with deadly narcotics, reads part of a statement from Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego Shawn Gibson.

Multiple Teslas found vandalized at Southern California dealership

The release states that during the 16-month investigation, officials seized more than 4 lbs. of fentanyl, more than 116 lbs. of methamphetamine, amounts of cocaine and Adderall, nine firearms and ammunition, and body armor.

According to the DOJ, two of the defendants allegedly had leadership roles in the trafficking operation and coordinated the distribution of meth and fentanyl.

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On two separate occasions in January and February of 2024, an undercover agent reportedly purchased meth and fentanyl from one of the defendants  the first time for $10,000 and the second for $20,000.

Proposed La Jolla split from city of San Diego hits setback

In both instances, the agent was allegedly directed to drop off the money at another defendants mailbox, and then one of the leaders of the operation allegedly mailed a package to the agent that contained the drugs, which totaled nearly 10 lbs. of meth and nearly 2 lbs. of fentanyl.

The alleged provider of the drugs had a tracking device placed on their vehicle, which they later located and removed before relying on others to distribute drugs, the DOJ release said.

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Fourteen of the suspects, ranging in age from 20 to 51 and who reside in San Diego County and Orange County, face charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Two other suspects, aged 25 and 34, face a charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DAMASCUS/JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli Air Force struck what the military said were artillery cannons in the Khan Arnabeh area of southern Syria on Tuesday.

In a statement, the military said the artillery "posed a threat to Israel" and vowed to continue airstrikes against weapons in southern Syria and other targets it perceives as "a military threat."

The strike was the latest in a series of Israeli airstrikes in recent months, following the deployment of Israeli troops into the United Nations-monitored buffer zone within Syria and their seizure of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon in the occupied Golan Heights.

Syria's interim foreign affairs authority on Tuesday strongly condemned Israel's recent airstrikes on the southern province of Daraa, which it said killed two people and injured 19 others.

In a statement, the authority denounced the strikes as a "flagrant aggression" and part of a broader campaign to destabilize the country.

"These deliberate attacks reveal Israel's complete disregard for international legal norms and agreements, under false pretexts that have lost all credibility," the statement read.

The authority urged the United Nations and the international community to take immediate action against Israel's military operations in Syria, warning that continued inaction could embolden further violations of international law.

Following the downfall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israel destroyed almost all installation and equipment of the previous Syrian army and continued to pound any possible military formation in southern Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously said that his country would not tolerate military presence in southern Syria and the southern countryside of Damascus, a demand completely rejected by the new interim government in Syria. 
March 18 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., along with 33 lawmakers, is proposing a resolution that the United States adopt an end-of-Korean-War declaration. This is his third attempt.

I believe that the supporters are acting in good faith and want peace on the Korean peninsula as much as all Koreans and Americans do. However, an end-of-war declaration is not only misguided, but also is dangerous to the security of the Republic of Korea, commonly known as South Korea.

It is imperative that we understand the nature and objectives of the Kim family regime. Kim Jong Un is conducting political warfare to subvert the South Korean political system and drive a wedge in the Republic of Korea, or ROK, alliance with the United States. He uses threats and provocations as part of his blackmail diplomacy to extort political and economic concessions.

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In 2024, he declared South Korea as the primary enemy and eliminated peaceful unification as a goal. However, his major strategic aim remains in place: to dominate all of Korea under the rule of the Guerrilla Dynasty and Gulag State for the regime to survive indefinitely.

If the Kim family regime stays in power, it will remain an existential threat to the people of South Korea and a threat to the United States, as well, given its missile and nuclear capabilities. The North Korean People's Army, or NKPA, is the fourth largest in the world, with hundreds of rocket and missile systems and thousands of artillery pieces along the demilitarized zone, many of which are zeroed in on Seoul.

The NKPA is postured for offensive operations, while the ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command was established for deterrence and defense. We must understand the correlation of forces and the offensive and defense plans. The ROK-U.S. alliance has no plans to conduct an invasion of North Korea, but the Kim family regime does plan to invade the South when favorable circumstances emerge.

Simply declaring an end to the war does not guarantee the security of South Korea. It is the Kim regime that has a hostile policy toward the South. The alliance has a policy of defense against an attack. The array of forces on both sides of the DMZ illustrates these points.

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The war can only end when there is a major withdrawal of North Korean forces a significant distance away from the DMZ. Only then could there be a possibility of a negotiated peace treaty between North and South.

Supporters of the North Korean position will argue that forces in the South must be withdrawn, as well. However, geography matters. The "tyranny of proximity" exists in Korea. Seoul is located too close to the DMZ and requires forces between it and the DMZ.

Pyongyang is much farther from the DMZ, and NKPA forces could be withdrawn to defend it some 60 miles from the DMZ. This would significantly reduce the immediate threat to the South.

Without this and other conventional arms reductions and confidence building measures, an end-of-war declaration will only make South Korea more vulnerable to attack. Without such actions, it would not only be premature, but also dangerous to unilaterally declare an end to the Korean War.

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Rather than pursue an end-of-war declaration, Congress should return to the 1953 Armistice Agreement, specifically Paragraph 60. It should take guidance from the military commanders, who called on political leaders to solve the "Korea question," which has been described as the unnatural division of the Korean peninsula. The only solution is the establishment of a free and unified Korea and, therefore, Koreans must find a peaceful path to unification.

Fortunately, there is guidance and vision for achieving a free and unified Korea. It is in the ROK 8.15 Unification Doctrine that is heavily influenced by Hyunjin Preston Moon's Korean Dream, inspired by the 1919 March First Declaration of Korean Independence, which in turn was influenced by the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Furthermore, the right of self-determination of government is enshrined in the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Article 21.. All Koreans deserve this right, but the Koreans in the North have never been allowed to exercise it.

Congress should pass a resolution supporting the Korean people seeking self-determination and their own free and unified Korea. Congress, the American people, and the international community should support Koreans who seek to free themselves.

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Note that in his first term, President Donald Trump "supported the ROK's leading role in fostering an environment for peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula." Congress should act in support of this statement and urge the president to continue to help the Korean people pursue it.

The only way to see an end to the military threats, both nuclear and conventional, and the human rights abuses against the Korean people in the North, is to achieve a secure and stable, non-nuclear Korea.

This Korea must be unified under a liberal constitutional form of government that is based on freedom and individual liberty, free market principles, the rule of law and human rights, as determined by the Korean people. It would be a new nation, a United Republic of Korea.

David Maxwell is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces colonel, who has spent more than 30 years in the Asia Pacific region. He specializes in Northeast Asian security affairs and irregular, unconventional and political warfare. He is vice president of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy and a senior fellow at the Global Peace Foundation. After he retired, he became associate director of the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. He is on the board of directors of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea and the OSS Society and is a contributing editor to Small Wars Journal.
Tony Charles Davenport, during a short motion hearing for a new trial in connection with a March 2022 fatal shooting in Fairfield Glade, was denied his motion for a new trial, setting the stage for an appeal of his conviction to the Tennessee Criminal Court of Appeals.

Davenport, 60, King Arthur Court, was convicted of reckless homicide, second-degree attempted homicide and attempted voluntary homicide by a Cumberland County jury last year.

Criminal Court Judge Gary McKenzie sentenced Davenport to 17 years in prison for the reckless homicide conviction and eight years for the second-degree attempted homicide to be served consecutively for a 25-year sentence.

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In addition, Davenport was found to be a Range II offender and will serve the 25 years at 35%.

During the brief hearing earlier this month, defense attorney Joe Wyatt argued the jurys findings were unreasonable because the verdicts reflected multiple states of mind in the same crime. Wyatt also argued his client took exception to the dangerous offender tag placed as a reason for consecutive sentencing.

Assistant District Attorney Philip Hatch countered prosecutors found the jury verdicts reasonable. Hatch also argued evidence during trial events leading to the fatal shooting of Jacob Conrad Lewis, 24, and wounding of Florence Easterly, 52, and Corey James Hillsman, 57, at a residence on Grouse Court was actually the culmination of violent confrontation spanning two days.

McKenzie recognized the jurys verdict appeared to be one of compromise and also noted with that in mind, a maximum sentence on each conviction was not given during the sentencing hearing.

McKenzie denied the new trial motion and appointed Wyatt to represent Davenport for the purpose of deciding whether the convictions should be appealed to a higher court.
Mar. 17A Dayton man has pleaded guilty to murder in the death of a toddler in December 2022, as well as to charges connected to child sexual abuse material found during the murder investigation.

Nathaniel Levi Schmidt, 26 pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court to one count of murder, according to an agreement filed Monday.

The charge could carry a fine of up to $15,000 and a mandatory 15 years to life in prison.

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As part of the agreement, the murder sentence will run concurrently to his sentence for a separate but related case where Schmidt was indicted on charges of gross sexual imposition and pandering sexually-oriented material involving a minor.

Schmidt pleaded guilty in the second case as well. We have reached out to the court to ask for those documents.

Schmidt is scheduled to be sentenced in both cases March 31.

The charges stem from Dec. 12, 2022, when medics were called to the 30 block of North Hedges Street on a report of a child not breathing. Medics took Ryder Thomas Williams, then 16 months old, to Dayton Children's Hospital, where he died five days later.

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"The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma," said Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Greg Flannagan.

At the time, Schmidt had been babysitting the toddler as well as his two sisters, ages 5 and 3, and a 2-year-old brother. He called the father of the children to say the boy wasn't breathing, and the father called 911.

The mother of the children, Chelcie Beerey, said that the four siblings were staying with their father in Dayton, who shared an apartment with Schmidt and had been good friends with him since high school.

While police investigated Ryder's death, detectives reportedly found sexually explicit images of a 3-year-old girl known to Schmidt on his phone, who Beerey later said was her daughter.

Schmidt is currently in the Montgomery County Jail, where he has been since Feb. 2, 2023.

Staff writer Jen Balduf contributed to this story.
Mar. 17A Dayton woman who was previously barred from serving as a Medicaid health care provider has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1.5 million from Ohio Medicaid, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said on Monday.

Janay Corbitt, 36, of Dayton, pleaded guilty to second-degree felony theft and three third-degree felony counts of identity fraud.

"Her luck has run out  kudos to our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for bringing this scheme to light," Yost said.

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Corbitt was previously licensed as chemical dependency counselor assistant by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board, first from March 2015 to April 2016 and then again from April 2017 to April 2019.

A previous theft conviction in 2019 had barred her from the Medicaid program. Corbitt had been convicted of fifth-degree felony theft in Franklin County, and she was ordered to five years of probation. She also had to pay restitution to CareSource, a Dayton-based health insurer that primarily serves Medicaid members.

For this most recent case, Corbitt was indicted in May 2024 after an investigation by Yost's office revealed that she stole multiple identities to open and operate two sham behavioral-health-counseling agencies in the Dayton area.

Corbitt also stole the identities of several licensed counselors, using their credentials to bill Medicaid for services that were never provided, the attorney general's office said.

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Law enforcement caught up to Corbitt in Dallas, Texas, where authorities arrested Corbitt in August 2024 at a bus stop. She previously fled Ohio and spent months as a fugitive.

Corbitt's sentencing is scheduled for April 17. Attorneys with Yost's Health Care Fraud Section are prosecuting the case in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

The Ohio Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award of about $15.3 million for federal fiscal year 2025. The remaining 25%, or $5.1 million, is funded by the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia (USADC) said a D.C. man pleaded guilty to selling large amounts of drugs, including a sale of fentanyl that led to the deaths of two men.

On March 14, Jevaughn Mark, 33, of D.C., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

The attorneys office said that between Jan. 10, 2024, and March 13, 2024, Mark was charged with eight counts of unlawful distribution and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

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South Carolina man pleads guilty to sexually abusing young Reston girls

The charges stemmed from six purchases where Mark sold drugs to undercover DEA and Metropolitan Police Department task force officers. Officials said during each instance, officers requested to buy ketamine, also known as Special K.

Instead, they were given a mixture of fentanyl and other substances, including heroin.

Once authorities obtained an indictment, police executed a search warrant at Marks home and located two guns, cocaine, fentanyl, a body armor vest and about $38,000 in cash.

On June 13, he was charged with a superseding indictment in connection to the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine that led to the deaths of Brandon Roman and Robert Barletta.

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DC USPS worker convicted of stealing over $1.6 million in checks from mail

Under the plea agreement, the attorneys office noted that Mark admitted to causing the death of the two men by selling them Ketamine, which was actually fentanyl, in 2023.

According to the USADC, Roman and Barletta shared the drugs with each other. They were found dead inside their home in Northwest, D.C., the day after Mark sold them fentanyl.

Marks sentencing is scheduled for June 13, 2025.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department is in search of an armed robber after an incident in Northwest D.C. that happened on Feb. 25.

According to police, officers responded to reports of a robbery in the 1700 block of U Street NW where witnesses say the robber took items from the store and ran from the scene.

What is the population of Washington DC?

Police said the robber came back and displayed a gun before demanding money from a person inside the store.

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The robber was captured by surveillance camera footage and is pictured below:

Anyone who can identify this suspect or has information on the incident is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Heavy rain brought deadly flooding, landslides and power outages to southwest Oregon on March 16, prompting numerous rescues.

Douglas, Coos, Lane and Jackson counties were also severely impacted by the storm. County officials across the region will consider issuing disaster declarations this week to free up funding for the extensive damages caused by the floods.

One woman in Jackson County is dead after a tragic drowning accident in Central Point on Sunday. Flooding has since subsided from much of the region. However, local government agencies are still totaling the damages from the storm.

Flooding in Drain, Ore. on March 16, 2025. (Photos by North Douglas County Fire)

Oregon woman drowns in weekend flooding

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In Douglas County, the city of Drain was completely swamped by the rush of water on Sunday. Heavy flooding was also observed in Roseburg.

Emergency responders have been responding to a surge in flood-related emergencies alongside their regular calls for service, the Douglas County Sheriffs Office announced Sunday.

Multiple roads remain closed in Coos County on Monday due to slides, washouts and heavy flood debris. Coos County Sheriffs Office Criminal Division Commander Sean Sanborn told KOIN 6 News that flooding in the Coos and Coquille River watersheds prompted 10 water rescues.

On March 16, 2025, five (people) were rescued from the Old Broadbent Road area of Myrtle Point due to flooding, Sanborn said. One person was trapped in a car and the Sheriffs Office was assisted in recovering that person alive by the North Bend Sector Coast Guard Air Crew. Four other persons and a dog were helped from their homes as they had water intrusion into the homes. That was done by Deputies using Marine equipment to include boats and jet skis.

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Long-standing Portland bike shop to close its doors

The Lane County Sheriffs Office also made multiple rescues during the stormy weekend.

On March 16, Marine Patrol deputies assisted the Cottage Grove Fire Department with a subject who was stranded by floodwaters, the Lane County Sheriffs Office said. The same day, deputies and a search and rescue volunteer assisted motorists unable to leave the Castle Rock area south of Cottage Grove due to fallen trees.

Flooding in Jackson County on March 16, 2025. (Jackson County Sheriffs Office)

KOIN 6 Meteorologist Steve Pierce said that the weekend flooding was a direct result of heavy rain that hit the region throughout the weekend.

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Between Friday and Sunday night, Eugene picked up nearly 4 inches of rainfall from an atmospheric river that set up over the area this past weekend, Pierce said. Some areas in the Coast Range of Southern Oregon received as much as 5 inches of rainfall over the weekend. The system has mostly moved off to the southeast.

People were seen paddling a canoe through the flooded streets of Roseburg Ore. on March 16, 2025. (Georgina Wilde-Whitley) The pickup drives through the flooded streets of Roseburg, Ore. on March 16, 2025. (Georgina Wilde-Whitley)

Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement on Sunday in response to the floods. However, the governor has not said if she will declare a state of emergency in response to the disaster.

Please keep your fellow Oregonians in your thoughts and prayers as six counties and three Tribal nations in Southern Oregon face flooding brought by heavy rains, Kotek said. Many thanks to local and state emergency management teams for their efforts.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
During former Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign, a number of big names and political officials came onto the stage to help her gather votes. However, when former First Lady Michelle Obama grabbed the mic, she also took that moment to serve a chilling warning of what a second Trump presidency would look like.

And boy, did she see what was ahead

- Yall know I hate politics. But I hate to see folks taken advantage of even more. I wanted to do everything in my power to remind the country that I love, that theres too much we stand to lose if we get this one wrong, said Michelle at the Kalamazoo campaign rally in Michigan last year.

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She began her address emphasizing the importance of unity and endorsing Kamala Harris as the perfect poised candidate to run the country. However, Michelle spent more time explaining whats at stake if Trump won office. Now that were already three months in, a look back at Michelles speech feels more like a haunting foreshadowing.

Believe me, if Donald Trump is president again at some point or another, that ugliness will touch all of our lives. And it will not matter what you look like, how you worship, who you love, or how you vote. If you dont make 6 or 8 or 12 figures, if youre not famous, if you criticize or disagree with him in any way, if he doesnt view you as his equal or relevant to his ambitions, I promise you, he will not think about you when he gets into the Oval Office. And that will have real consequences for all of us, she said.

Lets take a look at what she got right...

Photo: Brandon Bell (Getty Images)

If your town gets hit by a natural disaster, who do you want looking out for you? Is it Donald Trump whos spreading so many lies and conspiracy theories about climate change in FEMA that the workers in North Carolina trying to help folks clean up after the last hurricane were fearing for their safety?

Thanks to Trumps war on diversity, equity and inclusion, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner rejected Ashevilles $225 million recovery plan from Hurricane Helene. According to the Asheville Citizen Times, about $15 million of the funds were to be allocated to a small business program that prioritizes Minority and Women Owned Businesses. Turner reacted to the plan in a statement writing DEI is dead at HUD, stalling Trumps plan to help the North Carolina city quickly recover and rebuild.

This isnt the first time Trumps office gave a lousy response to a tragedy. He also blamed DEI on a fatal Washington D.C. plane collision that claimed the lives of 67 people.

If youre saving up to buy a house or pay off student loans, if youre caring for your kids or your parents or both, if you are a farmer, a factory worker, a paralegal, anyone whose job may be changed or replaced by technology, who will actually be thinking about you?

Students, specifically, may be in a bind following Trumps plan to slash the Education Department. About 1,300 employees are expected to be laid off with 300 belonging to the Federal Student Aid office, per the Associated Press. In addition to these layoffs triggering the FAFSA website to temporarily shut down, Trumps office closed applications for income-driven repayment plans which may cause payments to skyrocket for some, per The Guardian.

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Also, if youre job isnt being replaced by an AI robot, you may be under the wrath of Trumps massive federal employee layoff through the Elon-Musk-controlled Department of Government Efficiency which has left that has now left thousands out of a job across all federal agencies.

If youre one of our service members, our veterans or military families, who is going to value your service and sacrifice? Is it Donald Trump who has called those who gave their lives for our country suckers and losers?

Trumps administration plans to extend their federal employee cuts to the Department of Veteran Affairs, which provides health care, housing and education resources to veterans, per The AP. In fact, PBS reports almost 500,000 employees are veterans themselves. Also, the Veterans Crisis Line for veterans experiencing suicidal symptoms may take a slashing as well. As if life wasnt already hard for veterans to live a normal life.

And if you are a mother who has lost sleep worrying if your son could be the victim of a nightmare traffic stop gone bad, if youve ever been out there marching and weeping for justice, who do you think is going to have your back? Is it Donald Trump who once took out a full-page ad to demonize innocent young Black teenagers in New York City...?

Trumps stance on police brutality? His administration is planning to militarize police even more. In fact, hes already sent ICE officers into neighborhoods around the country as part of his mass deportation plan, dragging families from their homes.

On the other hand, he decommissioned the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database which allowed police departments to see if their new hire was a bad apple at another department, per NPR. Trump continued to tout himself as a firm supporter of law and order, vowing to protect police from accountability and even suggesting a one rough hour purge for cops to combat crime.

Photo: Kayla Bartkowski (Getty Images)

He could take actions that effectively ban abortion nationwide, which would put all of us in danger, no matter what state we live in. We will see more doctors hesitating or shying away from providing life-saving treatments because they are worried about being arrested.

The Trump administration did exactly what we expected a right-wing-led office to do and charged headfirst at reproductive rights. Trumps office kicked off his 90 day tirade by reinforcing the Hyde Amendment which prohibits federal funds from being used for the purpose of abortion, rolling back former President Bidens executive actions to make reproductive healthcare more accessible, via TIME.

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Trumps office plans to defend South Carolinas bid to ban Planned Parenthood patients from being able to use Medicaid at the clinic, per The Guardian. We can only expect more attacks on access to abortion.

Please do not put our lives in the hands of politicians, mostly men who have no clue or do not care about what we as women are going through, who dont fully grasp the broad-reaching health implications that their misguided policies will have on our health outcomes.

Though Michelle was referencing womens health here, lets consider our overall health. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services despite his disturbing claims about childhood vaccines causing deaths while also not having a plan to attack the recent, frightening measles outbreak.

Hes even canceled funding for research on select vaccines and meetings for vaccine review and discussion have been cancelled without being given new dates, per The AP. But, you know, make American healthy again or whatever.

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Republicans and conservatives who once dreamed that Donald Trumps emergence on the scene was an aberration will have to grapple with another in a steady stream of hard truths: His reascension to the presidency is creating a new foreign policy establishment for the Republican Party. Out are any remaining Reaganites: conservatives who value strong, active, and strategic American leadership in the world. In are those dedicated to, for lack of a better term, a Tucker Carlson-ism of American retrenchment.

Multiple midcareer national security and foreign policy experts with years of experience on Capitol Hill or in the executive branchRepublicans in good standing who are not reflexive haters of the current presidenthave been denied posts in the Trump administration, Im told, for reasons having little to do with whether they could provide sound advice or craft good policy. It has a lot to do with sweeping the old order aside.

In my conversations with multiple qualified Republicans who have been nixed or not even considered for foreign policy jobs in the Trump administration, there appears to be no single litmus test that kept them out of serving at the Pentagon, State Department, or the White House. Many were not sure exactly what they had done or said to get denied.

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What is clear, however, is that they fail to measure up on the only quality that matters: Theyre not in the new foreign policy realists club made up of powerful Trump ultra-loyalists. Meanwhile, plenty of jobs are going to people with limited experience or a record of expressing noxious views that would have automatically disqualified them in an earlier era.

The poster child for this is Darren Beattie, who was appointed acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs at the State Department last month. Beattie, a past guest on Carlsons television and streaming shows, left a White House speechwriting job during the first Trump administration after it became known he had spoken at a conference where several prominent white nationalists had also appeared. And in recent years Beattie has tweeted musings on race in America and foreign affairs, stating that white men are treated worse in America than the persecuted Uyghurs have been by the Chinese government.

Competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work, he tweeted just in October. Unfortunately, our entire national ideology is predicated on coddling the feelings of women and minorities, and demoralizing competent white men.

Besides a tendency toward bigotry (or palling around with bigots), what distinguishes these hires from the aforementioned rejects is their alignment with Carlson and his hand-picked selection for Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, on a more nationalist foreign policy. This ideology views Americas attempts at leadership in world affairs as inherently toxic, poisoned by a left-wing elite that has the interests of everyone but actual Americans in mind. Carlsons rhetorical shield against claims that its not in Americas interests to oppose authoritarian strongmen like Vladimir Putin is an apt description of the zero-sum calculus that nationalists espouse: Why is Putin my enemy? Hes never done anything to me.

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Anyone deemed faithless to this broad viewpointby word, deed, or associationneed not apply to the current Trump administration.

At the head of this bulwark against these would-be subversives is Sergio Gor, the unctuous director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office (PPO) who has immense power to spike new hires. Aiding Gor are not just his team at PPO but a network of younger political operatives, activists, and writers who work together as a sort of unofficial campaign war room. A poor review from this nationalist peanut gallery can sink a hire: They scour the internet, searching for evidence that a potential hire has said or written the wrong things, according to someone familiar with this unofficial vetting process.

This group of dozens of 20- and 30-somethings share their findings over text messages or during bull sessions at the hottest MAGA hangouts in Washington, Butterworths on Capitol Hill or the Ned, a private club two blocks from the White House. Its certainly a twist on the typically staid process in other administrations that sift through resumes and balance qualifications with political patronage to find suitable candidates for the 4,000-plus political appointments a president must make.

Youd think this administration would try to bring in competent people who know how to do what Trump did the first time, a former Republican staffer said. Instead theyre keeping out highly competent Reaganites aligned with Trump 45 and theyre bringing in people who are worse than Obama leftists because they claim to be surrendering in the name of macho strength and realism.

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Those witnessing from the outside the effective blackballing of Reaganite, peace-through-strength personnel from high-level national-security jobs, say they fear an ideologically uniform slate of advisers and policymakers will undermine the foreign policy of Trump, who they insist is no strict ideologue. Even worse for those who want the president to be successful on the world stage, Trump could be served by below-replacement-level officials in important positions.

Consider Katherine Thompson, currently the acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs. The Senate-confirmed position is a principal adviser to the defense secretary on all things concerning strategy and policy involving other nations and international organizations like NATO. Its the sort of job that Thompson, who until earlier this year was the national security adviser to Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, very well may be qualified for.

But contrast her resume with those of two others who have held the post in recent years. For three years during the Obama administration, the job was held by Elissa Slotkin, at that time a former CIA analyst who had held staff positions at the White House and the State Department before going to the Pentagon. Slotkin is now a Democratic U.S. senator from Michigan. Or consider Robert Karem, a longtime national security aide on Capitol Hill to Republicans like Mitch McConnell and Eric Cantor who also worked for Vice President Dick Cheney and as a research fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Instituteall before he was named to the same assistant secretary position.

On the other hand Thompson, who did not respond to a request for comment Monday, lacks the extensive experience and varied background her predecessors had. Since she graduated from college in 2017, she has worked for two Trump allies in the Senate, Lee and Josh Hawley of Missouri, plus in an entry-level role at the Heritage Foundation. But what matters much more than any credentials is her demonstrated membership in the club. Her X feed shows Thompson is intensely loyal to Trump, dismissive of the Reaganites, and aligned with the new foreign policy of retrenchment.

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Bridge Colby is a man in the arena, pushing back against failed national security establishment dogma and taking the arrows that come when one dares to question, Thompson wrote in November of Elbridge Colby, a chief proponent of the new realism and Trumps nominee for the top policy position at the Pentagon.

When Republicans start talking up the foreign policy achievements of Trumps first administration, there are a few greatest hits: The Abraham Accords normalizing relations between Israel and several Gulf Arab states; the withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran, otherwise known as the Iran nuclear deal; the killing of Qassem Suleimani, leader of Irans Quds force and a designated terrorist since 2005; and a renewed focus on the threat from China. Whats remarkable is that most of the advisers involved in those decisions, from former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Avi Berkowitz, the young lawyer who led the Abraham Accords negotiations, are nowhere to be found in this administration.

In much the same way that Trumps signature domestic accomplishment of his first termthe reforms of the tax code to deliver rate cuts for millions of Americanswas the brainchild of movement conservatives, the presidents foreign policy achievements were thanks to his advisers ability to shape existing ideas to fit Trumps preference for tangible wins.

The parallel may go further. Trump appears to be squandering the goodwill he earned on the economy in the first term by going whole hog on tariffs. And on foreign policy, he may find himself hampered by a narrow cohort of strict ideologues who appeal to his Jacksonian id for regional hegemony. If they are successful in pulling the country back from its global leadership role, a more passive America could make the sort of legacy-building wins he cravesbrokering peace treaties and staving off warsharder to come by.

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Or, more likely, the Trump administrations embrace of full-on Carlson-ism is a more accurate reflection of where the president truly wants to take the country. If so, hes building the right team.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Mar. 17Albuquerque attorney Rudolph B. Chavez has denied any involvement in a decades-old criminal scheme in which law enforcement officers took bribes from an Albuquerque law firm to make sure suspects they arrested for DWI were never convicted.

Chavez was asked by the state Supreme Court a week ago to respond to a petition seeking his suspension from the practice of law because of his alleged link to the federal racketeering case.

The ongoing investigation by the FBI has so far resulted in guilty pleas from three former Albuquerque police officers, including Honorio Alba Jr., and a former Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputy. Also pleading guilty were the two leaders of the conspiracy, longtime Albuquerque criminal defense attorney Thomas Clear III, and his investigator Ricardo "Rick" Mendez.

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Clear pleaded guilty to five federal charges, including conspiracy, racketeering, bribery and extortion on Feb. 12, but never mentioned in his detailed plea agreement that any other lawyer was involved in the scheme. Chavez has not been charged.

Federal records show the scheme went undetected for years even though law enforcement officers deliberately missed court dates and hearings or failed to provide pretrial discovery for DWI cases they filed. After detaining the DWI suspects, the officers would forward the names and phone numbers of people they arrested to Mendez, who would contact the clients and charge high fees for ensuring their DWI cases would be thrown out of court because of the officers' malfeasance. Federal prosecutors have called the scheme the "DWI Enterprise."

The petition to the Supreme Court was filed by Anne L. Taylor, the chief disciplinary counsel for the Office of Disciplinary Counsel of the New Mexico Supreme Court Disciplinary Board. The board oversees investigations of misconduct by attorneys and the unauthorized practice of law.

As grounds for Chavez's suspension, Taylor noted that two defendants, Mendez and Alba, mentioned in their plea agreements that a second lawyer was involved in the scheme, and that the attorney had represented a DWI suspect with the initials Z.W. who was arrested by Alba. But the second lawyer was never named in the public court filings.

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The disciplinary counsel's petition states that "upon information and belief," attorney Chavez is the party Mendez and Alba made reference to in their plea agreements.

But in his response filed Monday, Chavez said he represented defendant Z.W., but stated that "none of the features of the DWI Enterprise are present in that case."

And he noted that Clear's plea agreement never mentioned him as a participant in the bribery scheme. Chavez stated that there was no basis for a suspension of his law license.

Moreover, Chavez's response stated, "Upon information and belief, Mr. Clear has denied (Chavez's) involvement in the subject matter related to the federal prosecution." Both men have operated their own law firms, and sometimes collaborated on cases, court records show.

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Clear, 67, is awaiting sentencing and has been disbarred by the state Supreme Court.

Former DWI officer Alba, who pleaded guilty to racketeering among other federal charges, stated in his plea agreement filed Feb. 7, that he worked "in concert" with Mendez, Clear and "another Albuquerque defense attorney" to ensure a man he arrested in April 2023 avoided criminal and administrative consequences related to his offense.

The disciplinary counsel petition states that Chavez represented client Zachary Williams in that case and noted that Alba was the arresting officer.

Alba's plea agreement also stated he relied on "attorney co-conspirators" to handle "any aspect of the scheme and the enterprise that required an attorney present in court or at administrative hearings" such as those conducted by the state Motor Vehicle Department, which oversees driver's license privileges.

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"Given the length and nature of the enterprise and the allegations against (Chavez), as well as the hundreds of dismissed DWI criminal cases as a result of the enterprise, the continued practice of law by (Chavez) will result in the substantial probability of harm, loss or damage to the public," the counsel's petition stated.

Chavez, who served as an assistant county attorney from 1989 to 1993, started his firm in 1993. He practices criminal and civil law.

Chavez hasn't returned Journal phone messages, but told the Supreme Court in his written response that Williams hired him after doing a Google search, not because of any solicitation by Clear or Mendez. Records show Williams' DWI charge happened to be dismissed in January 2024 on the day trial was scheduled.

But that was because it was among more than 250 other DWI cases state prosecutors dismissed because they involved law enforcement officers under investigation related to the DWI scheme.

It wasn't clear Monday afternoon when the Supreme Court might decide the disciplinary case.
JOHANNESBURG, March 18 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Tuesday condemned the latest Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, calling them "a blatant violation of international law."

"South Africa condemns the massive Israeli air strikes launched across Gaza on Tuesday," the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DRICO) said in a statement. "These deadly air strikes emerge after a failure to implement the second stage of the peace agreement by Israel and despite ongoing negotiations to ensure that the cease-fire holds."

According to the statement, the air strikes on heavily built-up neighborhoods, makeshift schools, and residential buildings where people have been sheltering are "a blatant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law."

"South Africa is gravely concerned by the military onslaught, and the fact that millions of people in Gaza are facing severe food and water shortages as Israel continues to block aid and cut off energy supplies to the strip. Israel, which has enforced a total blockade of Gaza, has now issued new forced displacement orders for several areas," said the DIRCO.

"The provisional orders issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) oblige Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza, and preserve evidence related to alleged genocide," it added.

South Africa also condemned the Israeli air strikes against southern Syria, which killed at least two people and wounded 19 others.

Israeli forces conducted air strikes across Gaza early on Tuesday, killing at least 413 people, and vowed to escalate the offensive unless Hamas releases hostages held in the enclave. The strikes broke a cease-fire that had lasted nearly two months.

In December 2023, South Africa approached the ICJ seeking an interdict for the court to compel Israel to halt attacks on Palestine and declare these acts as genocide. In January 2024, the UN court ordered Israel to take all possible measures to prevent acts of genocide and ensure humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. 
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Delano Police Department officer Josh Garcia made a sweet request to Cesar Chavez High School student Makayla Salinas last weekend.

Salinas family says they have known Officer Garcia for years. He has been involved with the special needs community of Delano for over 10 years, including partaking in the special needs prom and special needs Olympics.

Suspects in Potomac Park homicide brought firearm to fight over street racing: court docs

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Officer Garcia asked Salinas to prom on Thursday March 13, handing her flowers and standing with a long poster decorated with her name and the phrase, Prom?

The student accepted the invitation. She will join Officer Garcia at the special needs prom at Cesar Chavez High School on March 21st .

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U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D) from Connecticut has written a letter to Federal Communications Commission's Acting Bureau Chief of the Enforcement Bureau, Patrick Webre, and Acting Bureau Chief of the Media Bureau, Erin Boone, looking for information about the FCC's recent "unprecedented, intrusive investigations against media broadcasters under arbitrary and capricious pretenses."

Blumenthal, the Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, calls the FCCs recent actions retaliatory actions against news organizations targeted by President Donald Trump all because of negative coverage of Trump.

The local stations under scrutiny by the commission include, WPVI in Philadelphia, WCBS and WNBC in New York, and radio station KCBS in San Francisco.

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"Each of these eight actions single out media broadcasters that faced the wrath of President Trump during his Presidential campaign, including actual litigation or outright threats of investigations in retaliation for perceived negative coverage," Blumenthal wrote. "This exclusive targeting to the apparent benefit of the President is further reflected in the fact that other media broadcasters, particularly allies of the President, have not faced any similar scrutiny."

Blumenthal's letter describes Carr's apparent break from FCC's past legal interpretations and guidance, including Carr's own positions prior to becoming Chair of the FCC. The letter requests information and seeks documents about the legal standards that the FCC is now operating under. The letter also asks for information about what investigations the Commission has recently opened, including whether there are inquiries focusing on media entities favored by President Trump that have engaged in the same activities as those targeted by Carr.

"Under the new standard that appears to have been set by Chair Carr, however, every newsroom, affiliate group, and broadcaster across the country faces the possibility of burdensome investigations, fines, and even the revocation of licenses for disfavored speech or a change in political winds - they will pay a price if the targeted newsrooms do not conform to President Trump's preferred political narratives," Blumenthal wrote.

Blumenthal's letter to the FCC is available here and below.
Proud socialist Zohran Mamdani brought in nearly a million dollars in donations over the last two months  as his dark horse run for New York Citys mayor continues to gain momentum.

The 33-year-old Queens state Assembly members campaign reported collecting around $845,000, with the majority of the haul coming from New Yorkers in all five boroughs.

Zohran Mamdani raises over $845,000 in last fundraising period, surpassing candidates Lander and Stringer. Kevin C Downs forThe New York Post

Zohran Mamdani recently told the post about his plans for New Yorkers in an exclusive interview. Matthew McDermott

We have the momentum, the movement and the money to win, Mamdani said in a statement.

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More than $500,000 of the cash raised since January is eligible for the citys eight-to-one matching funds program, the campaign said  meaning the lefty candidate is set to get $4 million in taxpayer cash next month.

Mamdanis haul was second only to ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, who led the field of candidates for the June Democratic primary, bringing in a whopping $1.5 million since announcing his candidacy on March 1.

He is expected to qualify for over $4 million in matching funds next month.

Mamdanis haul was second only to ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, who led the field of candidates for the June Democratic primary, bringing in a whopping $1.5 million since announcing his candidacy on March 1. William Farrington

Mamdani  whose socialist platform centers on free public buses, childcare, rent freezing for millions of city dwellers and opening city-run food stores  emphasized the strife of New Yorkers in an exclusive interview with The Post last week.

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We have a North Star, that is all driven by the belief that working-class New Yorkers cannot afford to worry about anything beyond cost, because its cost that is pushing them out of the city that they love, Mamdani said.

City Comptroller Brad Lander is expected to reach his $8.3 million spending cap soon. James Keivom

His campaign boasted that it got donations from more than 16,000 people, 73% of them Big Apple residents during during the latest fundraising period  which took place between Jan. 11 and March 13.

Mamdani drastically outperformed City Comptroller Brad Lander and ex-Comptroller Scott Stringer in this reporting period  with Lander bringing in $227,867 and Stringer raising $186,986.

That fundraising success has also translated into promising poll numbers for the relatively unknown anti-Israel lawmaker.

Mamdani drastically outperformed ex-Comptroller Scott Stringer in this reporting period. Matthew McDermott

Just last month, one survey had Mamdani going seven rounds with the early frontrunner, Cuomo, and Lander.

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Still, the money margins are thin between Mamdani, Lander, and Stringer who have been in the mayoral race for the long haul compared to recent entrants Cuomo and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.

Landers team said he was rapidly approaching the $8.3 million spending cap, having raised over $6.7 million total since announcing his candidacy  and Stringer has recently surpassed $5 million raised for his campaign, including matching funds.

Still, the money margins are thin between Mamdani, Lander, and Stringer who have been in the mayoral race for the long haul compared to recent entrants Cuomo and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (pictured). James Keivom

Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams has been denied matching public funds due to his ongoing controversies and federal indictments but still has millions on hand to cash in. However, it was not immediately known how he made out with his latest haul.

Meanwhile, Adrienne Adams campaign coffers lag in comparison. She raised $128,000 in her first week of campaigning  falling far short of qualifying for any matching funds, which wont be available for her until mid-May at the earliest.
Three top Democratic senators are demanding a criminal conflict-of-interest investigation into Elon Musk's involvement in a reported plan to award one of his companies a juicy contract with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Multiple outlets reported over the past few weeks that the FAA is planning to cancel a $2.4 billion deal with Verizon to upgrade America's air traffic control systems and award the project instead to Musk's satellite internet business Starlink.

Sources told Rolling Stone that FAA officials had been verbally ordered to begin finding money for a Starlink deal, while The Washington Post reported that employees from Starlink's parent company SpaceX are already working at the agency.

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An engineer employed by Musks SpaceX, who also works as a volunteer at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has already reported in a post on X that he has been using the companys Starlink to overhaul FAA systems.

SpaceX engineer Ted Malaska last month instructed employees at the FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C. to immediately start work on a program to deploy thousands of the companys Starlink satellite terminals to support the national airspace system, reported Bloomberg News .

He warned FAA workers that they risked losing their jobs if they did anything to impede the work, according to Bloomberg .

Musk has the power to create a hole in federal agencies with firings and contract cuts that could require private companies like his to step in to do the work in new taxpayer-funded deals.

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Now Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts), Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut), and Chris Van Hollen (Maryland) have written to Trump's attorney general Pam Bondi demanding a corruption probe into the alleged pending deal.

"We ask that the Department of Transportations Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice investigate the scope of Mr Musks activities at the FAA," the letter said, according to The Guardian.

It said the investigation must find out whether Musk, "in his capacity as a special government employee in the White House  has participated in any particular matter in which he has a financial interest, which would violate the criminal conflict-of-interest statute."

SpaceX has insisted that it has no intent to usurp existing contracts, and that "recent media reports about SpaceX and the FAA are false".

Recent media reports about SpaceX and the FAA are false.



SpaceX is working in coordination with @L3HarrisTechthe prime contractor for the FAAs telecommunications infrastructure and the @FAANews to test the use of @Starlink as one piece of the infrastructure upgrades so badly  SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 5, 2025

"Starlink is a possible partial fix to an aging system. There is no effort or intent for Starlink to 'take over' any existing contract  thats just FUD [Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt]," the company said on X on March 5.

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Musk also claimed on his own X account that Starlink terminals were being sent to the FAA "at NO COST to the taxpayer" and "on an emergency basis.

Nevertheless, he has twice inveighed against the Verizon contract  falsely, since that contract has not actually started yet.

"The Verizon system is not working and so is putting air travelers at serious risk," he railed on February 27.

The Verizon system is not working and so is putting air travelers at serious risk  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 25, 2025

A few days later he claimed that the system was "breaking down very rapidly" and was close to "catastrophic failure, before correcting himself to note that he was talking about an old system that had nothing to do with Verizon.

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Musk has overseen slash-and-burn budget cuts and mass firings at multiple government agencies in his capacity as the de facto head of DOGE (though White House lawyers have bizarrely claimed he is not in charge). He has the power to cut public jobs so dramatically to require the hiring of private enterprises to fill the gaps and do essential work.

In another letter to Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles, the three Democrats  plus Oregon senator Jeff Merkley and Maryland representative Jamie Raskin  said the Trump administration had cut, limited, or sought to exert control over at least 11 agencies that are investigating Musk's companies.

Trump himself has claimed that Musk would not be permitted to make governmental decisions about areas where he has a conflict of interest.

But last week, with protests and boycotts against Musk's electric car company Tesla growing across the world, the president chose to turn the White House lawn into a bizarre advertisement for Tesla's vehicles.

"Its a great product," Trump claimed as he showed off a cherry-red Tesla sedan. He also indicated that anyone who vandalizes Teslas would be treated as a domestic terrorist.
WASHINGTON  Democratic leaders on the House Oversight and Judiciary committees are demanding information about the Department of Government Efficiency, claiming the newly formed commission is exercising authority outside the bounds of federal law.

In a letter sent to DOGE administrator Amy Gleason on Tuesday, Democrats submitted a Freedom of Information Act request seeking details about how DOGE operates and whether it has the power to approve the firings of thousands of federal workers and the dismantling of government agencies.

The three-part request includes a handful of major components, such as information about who is really in charge of DOGE; the extent to which DOGE employees have access to the governments most sensitive databases; and whether the department is prioritizing the interests of the American people or the interests of Mr. (Elon) Musks companies and his foreign customers.

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Americans deserve a complete accounting of what government databases DOGE has access to; the extent of DOGE staffers ability not only to view but also override and rewrite these databases; what precautions, if any, they are taking to protect this highly sensitive data; and why DOGE is accessing vast amounts of data that President Trump admits it does not need, Reps. Jamie Raskin, top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, and Gerry Connolly, top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, wrote in the letter.

Its not clear if the Trump administration will respond to the request, and a White House official told the Deseret News that DOGE is not subject to FOIA because it is considered a component of the White House. The White House is exempt from FOIA under federal law.

Who is in charge of DOGE?

The Democrats cited contradictory claims by President Donald Trump and the White House describing DOGE, which the lawmakers say have amplified concerns about who is really working behind the curtains.

The letter quotes Trumps joint address to Congress earlier this month in which the president touted the creation of the brand-new Department of Government Efficiency which he said was headed by Elon Musk.

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But that statement has been contradicted by White House officials in court, who have testified Musk is is not an employee of the U.S. DOGE Service or U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization.

Instead, the Trump administration announced Gleason as the administrator of DOGE, which Democrats say has left everything perfectly unclear except the inescapable conclusion that President Trump, Elon Musk, and the Administration have been consistently lying to the courts or to the American people, or both, about who is in charge of DOGE.

The letter requests information about the data that has been collected by DOGE since its creation, citing concerns that Musk has granted teenage and twenty-something computer programmers from his own companies access to the countrys most sensitive databases.

Additionally, Democrats expressed concerns about possible conflicts of interest, noting Musk has received more than $18 billion in federal contracts over the last decade. The lawmakers cited reports showing Musks companies have been fined 32 times by 11 agencies, of which Musk now has oversight.

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What assurances do the American people have that Mr. Musk is putting our nations interests before those of his companies and foreign clients? Raskin and Connolly wrote.

Battle over size of federal government

The request comes amid escalating tensions between congressional Democrats and the Trump administration, especially as the president has sought to significantly reduce the size of the federal workforce and do away with agencies to cut costs.

Democrats on the Oversight and Judiciary committees have repeatedly pressed Musk for more information but those efforts have largely been blocked by Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress. Democratic lawmakers sought to subpoena Musk to appear before Congress earlier this year, but that request was voted down by GOP committee members.

We are citizens of a strong democracy and not subjects of an oligarchical techno-state, Raskin and Connolly wrote. Like Joe Biden before him, Donald Trump was elected president and not king. By filing these FOIA requests, which every American has the right to make in order to demand transparency from our government, we demand to know about DOGEs leadership structure, legal authority, and potential conflicts of interest; its involvement with the government-wide firing of personnel; and its treatment of sensitive data and AI.

The Democrats requested an expedited review of the FOIA form, which would require a response within the next 20 days.
Congress is already looking to the next spending fight after a bitter culmination to the fiscal 2025 funding battle last week that took the threat of a shutdown off the table through September.

But that doesnt mean Democrats wont be looking in the rearview mirror after a bruising fight with Republicans.

Indeed, frustrated Democrats in both chambers say theyre hoping to use the divisive experience  which severed Democrats while securing a huge victory for President Trump and congressional Republicans  to guide future tactics in their effort to block the GOP agenda from becoming law. How they do it, though, remains a work in progress.

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The obvious question is: How do you avoid this same situation happening again? I dont have the answer to that question, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a senior appropriator, told The Hill on Friday.

Maybe this is a one of one, he said, but he added that Democrats have to make sure that we arent cut out of negotiations in the future, obviously. Thatll be a topic well have to discuss.

Senate Democrats, most notably Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), drew considerable backlash from base voters last week for helping Republicans avert a shutdown ahead of a Friday night deadline. The spending bill was crafted by Republicans without any Democratic input, and the critics wanted Schumer and his Senate Democrats to kill the proposal with a filibuster  the single most potent piece of leverage available to the minority party.

The acquiescence stunned House Democrats, who had voted almost unanimously against the bill earlier in the week and expected Schumer and the Senate Democrats to follow suit.

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I thought the Senate was on board, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), who was the third-ranking House Democrat for almost two decades before stepping down in the previous Congress, told MSNBC on Sunday. If you remember when  Leader Schumer announced that the votes were not there, I thought that this was the time for the whole country to focus on exactly who was where.

Rep. Debbie Dingell (Mich.), who heads the Democrats messaging arm, echoed that message, warning that Democrats need to be on the same page for future legislative battles  particularly the coming fight over Trumps tax, immigration and energy policies.

Sen. Schumer sent out mixed signals, Dingell told CBS Newss Face the Nation on Sunday.

People are angry, [but] weve got to move on, she continued. Reconciliation is coming up. We have got to be united as Democrats in making sure  we protect people from having their health care cut, Medicaid cut, Social Security cut, or Medicare cut in any way, shape or form.

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The House lawmakers who voted against the GOP bill included more than two dozen front-line Democrats who face challenging reelection contests next year. The fact that those vulnerable lawmakers had taken a tough vote for the sake of party unity has only fueled the frustration of House Democrats who are wondering why they stuck their necks out if Schumer and nine other Senate Democrats had intentions of joining the Republicans to get the bill over the finish line anyway.

Some House leaders said the episode will force them to alter their strategy when the next high-stakes debate comes along.

All of these experiences help shape our tactics, our responses, Rep. Pete Aguilar (Calif.), chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said after it became clear that Senate Democrats were ready to cross the aisle to help pass the GOP bill.

And now the new members who came into Congress are having their own experiences working with the Senate shaped in real time.

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The legislation, signed into law by Trump over the weekend, will keep the government afloat into early autumn, but cut nondefense funding by billions of dollars and boosted spending for military programs.

Democrats have sharply criticized Republicans for jamming through what theyve panned as a partisan, roughly six-month plan, also known as a continuing resolution (CR), that puts funding for programs in areas such as health care and education at risk. The passage also came after a Democratic effort for a short-term funding patch aimed at buying more time for bipartisan negotiations to strike a larger funding deal failed.

It was easily avoidable, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said of the outcome last week. All the Republicans had to do was let the 30-day clean CR happen and close out the nearly completely negotiated appropriations agreement.

The idea that [Republicans] were not fighting with us until the last minute to have our bills move forward after having reached agreement on spending levels  there was no reason for us not to do a short term CR and then bring forward the 12 fiscal year 2025 bills, said Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), another senior appropriator.

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And I think a lot of trust has been broken that they are committed to this bipartisan process, she added.

Others have also signaled there are more insights to be gleaned from last weeks events.

How do you negotiate with Republicans going forward if theyre going to pull the rug out? Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) told The Hill.

And again, this was  as we make the case, this is not a clean CR. Its a dirty CR that had huge selected policies, he said. Going into 26, definitely needs to be a different plan. But Im not sure how we even start that.

For weeks, negotiators on both sides had been hopeful of striking a deal updating levels on all 12 annual funding bills for fiscal 2025. But Democrats say those negotiations fell apart in late February, as Republicans began to move toward a long-term stopgap that would keep overall funding at mostly the same levels through September.

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The shift came as both sides struggled to reach a compromise amid an intense, partisan funding debate over Trumps spending powers. Democrats demanded assurances to prevent any bipartisan spending deal from being undercut by Trumps ongoing measures targeting funding and programs that have already been authorized by Congress. Republicans, however, drew a red line around putting guardrails on Trump, as conservatives have cheered his efforts to shrink government.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), asked if last weeks outcome was avoidable, told The Hill on Friday probably, but added moments later that lessons will emerge.

Lets focus on the next one, he said. We got a lot of stuff coming up. The [Republicans] are going to run their traps on their reconciliation bill. You got to start working on FY 26.

A lot of soul-searching about this, in particular with respect to the FY 26 budget and where we are when we get into, like, September, but, anyway, a lot of battles between now and then.

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Congress has until Sept. 30 to craft and pass the next batch of government funding bills for fiscal 2026, which begins Oct. 1.

Republicans are bracing for the release of Trumps proposed budget, which they expect sometime next month. GOP leaders are also working to ramp up efforts to craft legislation to enact key parts of Trumps tax agenda through a complex process known as budget reconciliation. That process would allow Republicans to approve significant tax and spending cuts without any buy-in from Democrats, despite their slim majority in the Senate.

House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) had also previously signaled openness toward both sides continuing efforts to hash out some individual funding bills once the threat of a shutdown was off the table.

But the House GOP funding negotiator later acknowledged the difficulty in both sides pursuing a bipartisan spending deal to fund some programs in the current fiscal year, while noting last week that its going to get hard, because were behind the eight ball.

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Im just listening to the members, and they kind of want to move ahead, he said, though he added, I certainly would still like to do something.

I just dont know if it would get in the way of trying to get the reconciliation bill done. It probably will.

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Democratic lawmakers are pushing back against Trump administration plans to detain thousands of immigrants living in the country illegally at U.S. military sites.

In a letter signed by nine Democrats and sent to the White House and Pentagon on Monday, the lawmakers question the use of military resources to hold and deport migrants, arguing the effort takes Defense personnel away from their mission.

As you know, the mission of the Department of Defense (DoD) is to protect and defend our nation against military threats, not to conduct migrant detention, immigration enforcement, or deportation operations, according to the letter, led by Democratic Reps. Veronica Escobar (Texas), Jason Crow (Colo.) and John Garamendi (Calif.).

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Dramatically expanded use of U.S. military personnel and facilities to support mass detention operations, both domestically and overseas at Guantanamo Bay, has already diverted, and will continue to divert, military personnel and resources from the DoDs core warfighting mission, the very same one you claimed to want to restore, they write.

At issue is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plan to make up for a shortfall of space at immigration facilities by asking the Pentagon for resources to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Trump administration has targeted Fort Bliss, Texas, as a hub that could eventually hold up to 10,000 migrants as they wait to be deported, with other sites later developed at bases in Utah, near Niagara Falls, N.Y., and several other locations, The New York Times reported.

Escobar, whose congressional district includes Fort Bliss, in the past several weeks has warned against turning military installations into detention centers, arguing it would set back Americas combat readiness by as much as two years.

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Plans for mass detention efforts, with few realistic goals to measure success, on a U.S. military installation risks costing DoD hundreds of millions of unbudgeted dollars  if not billions  and thousands of man hours which cannot be regained, the letter states.

While previous administrations have held some immigrants at military bases  including an effort to temporarily house some 75,000 Afghan refugees at Fort Bliss and seven other installations in 2021  the Trump administrations plan would greatly expand the practice.

The administration has already used Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to detain migrants in the past several months, but the effort has been decried as a costly photo-op after reports emerged that all 40 remaining individuals at the base had been transferred back to the U.S. last week.

In the letter, lawmakers also question the unprecedented use of military assets for tasks DHS is typically responsible for, including the use of military aircraft to deport migrants, something the administration has not publicly promised to reimburse the Pentagon for.

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Such actions are an incredible misuse of defense funds when usual ICE procedures for deportation purposes employ charter planes at a small fraction of the costs associated with operating a C-17 or C-130 military aircraft, as your administration has directed, they write.

Most glaringly, your administration has not sought to provide justification as to why such military assets and the costs accrued were considered necessary or fiscally sound.

The lawmakers ask for the answers to a number of questions within 30 days, including whether an assessment has been conducted on using military installations and personnel for DHS purposes as opposed to alternative options, and how many dollars and from which funding accounts DOD has used for DHS support.

They also want to know if any military construction or other programmed projects have or will be paused, delayed or canceled as a result of the switching of resources to DHS at military installations.

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Progressives are vowing to run primary challenges against Democrats who do not do enough to stand up to President Trump and the GOP, an effort that is intensifying after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers (D-N.Y.) decision to provide votes to advance a GOP funding bill last week.

The progressives are increasingly frustrated with the current leadership of the party and with the messaging coming from Democrats in general. And the spending bill has spurred furious talk that a new crop of leaders should emerge.

Ive always believed that competition and primaries are healthy, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) told The Hill. No one is entitled to their seat. Voters want change and are fed up with the old guard in American politics.

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I expect many new generation leaders to run for the House and Senate in 2026 and 2028, Khanna said. Democracy depends on renewal.

On the heels of his support for the funding bill, Schumer has been hit with the most backlash. Within hours of his announcement that he would support advancing the GOP-backed bill, which needed 60 votes to clear procedural hurdles, progressives were encouraging Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to take on Schumer when hes up for reelection in 2028.

But the sentiment isnt just related to Schumer and Ocasio-Cortez, according to several party operatives who are privy to the conversations being had. Theres a growing sentiment that a number of Democratic incumbents dont suit the moment the party is facing against Trump.

Amanda Litman, the founder of the organization Run for Something, has also heard from a handful of younger Democrats who are looking to jump into competitive primary races.

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While Litmans organization doesnt handle congressional races, on Friday  the day the Senate approved the GOP funding bill following Schumers announcement  there was a 200 percent increase in potential candidates looking to run for office, she said.

Litman described a frustration brewing particularly among a young set of Democrats. Theyre looking at the last two months and beyond and they want to see leaders who define and reflect their outrage, she said.

If Democracy is literally under attack, act like it, Litman added.

A CNN poll on Sunday firmly backed that sentiment. The survey showed that the Democratic Partys favorability rating is at 29 percent, a record low in CNN polling dating back to 1992. The poll shows a significant drop of 20 points since January 2021, when Trump left office following his first term.

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Since Democrats lost the election in November, they have sought to rebuild their party, homing in on messaging and strengthening their ground game. But they have also been dissatisfied with the way their party has handled Trumps flurry of executive orders and his decision to completely restructure the federal government.

Theres a certain school of thought among Democrats right now that a lot of people in our party dont get the moment were in and they dont get the fight, said one prominent Democratic strategist.

The strategist and others predicted a wave of newcomers, including fired federal workers, who will pose a primary challenge to incumbents.

I do think thematically you could see a surge of people who seem unseen in the moment, the strategist said. The appetite now is can somebody fight? People want to see folks show some spunk and if youre not willing to do it, people are going to demand that they get out of the way.

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Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons said voters are looking for leadership and are open to anyone who will offer it.

The ground is fertile, Simmons said. Still, pointing to a lack of resources from the donor class, he added, I dont know how much rain there will be.

Simmons said Democratic donors  who have been reluctant to write big-dollar checks  are currently focused on Trump and how to keep some programs alive that the president is looking to slash.

I just dont know how much money there will be for primaries, Simmons said.

Two top Democratic donors backed that sentiment.

Theres just not that much money going around for new faces, said one longtime Democratic donor.

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At the same time, Litman disputed those claims. Money in politics, she said, always goes up.

Past is prologue here, she said.

Not only that, she said, but the candidates who run will be able to raise grassroots donations in a way that will be more efficient.

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WASHINGTON  More than two dozen House Democrats on Monday demanded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth immediately reverse course on what they say is an unconstitutional purge of books and learning materials in dozens of K-12 schools run by the military  an effort aimed at erasing diversity and LGBTQ+ people.

We write to express our grave concern about the escalating censorship taking place in schools run by the Department of Defense, reads a letter signed by 26 members of Congress and led by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who is a constitutional scholar and the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.

We are alarmed by reports that children at DoD schools were prevented from accessing any library books and many learning materials for a week while officials conducted a review to identify any books that are related to the mysterious bodies of thought you call discriminatory equity ideology or gender ideology, they said. After this week-long review, the nations military schools began purging library books and restricting access to books and learning materials that are reportedly undergoing further review.

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You are plainly violating the constitutional rights of DoD families, they added.

Heres a copy of their letter, which was sent to Hegseth along with Beth Schiavino-Narvaez, director of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), and Darin Selnick, the Defense Departments undersecretary for personnel and readiness.

DoDEA runs 161 schools worldwide that provide K-12 education to more than 67,000 children of people in the U.S. military. It, too, has to comply with President Donald Trumps executiveorders to federal agencies to eradicate any programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

After DoDEA last month directed its schools to pull lessons from its curriculum related to immigration, gender and sexuality, the schools responded with things like book bans, a portrait of former first lady Michelle Obama being removed, a Harriet Tubman poster being pulled down, rainbows being taken down in kindergarten classrooms and bans on school clubs for LGBTQ+ students and girls in STEM.

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Ironically, Vice President JD Vances memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, was also banned.

In their letter, House Democrats highlight other books that were reportedly purged from DoDEA schools, including a picture book about the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a single chapter on sexuality and gender used in Advanced Placement psychology, a reading of A Nation of Immigrants in a social studies lesson for fourth graders, and a story about a girl who doesnt like her freckles but eventually learns to love them, titled Freckleface Strawberry, by actor Julianne Moore.

These Orwellian book purges seriously restrict the spectrum of knowledge and literature available to military families, they wrote to Hegseth.

In the case of one active-duty military officer, Trumps anti-DEI policies in DoDEA schools  along with his ban on transgender troops  are a source of constant stress and fear for people around him. This officer, who requested anonymity to protect his job and his family, said he has served in combat with LGBTQ+ people who have become close friends, currently serves with LGBTQ+ people and has LGBTQ+ children.

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Trumps attacks on LGBTQ+ kids and transgender service members hits home in so many ways, said the officer, who serves overseas. Its dehumanizing.

He said his spouse is a teacher at a DoDEA school and was told teachers will be fired for even talking about Trumps anti-DEI policies.

If they engage with the media, they will be fired, said the officer. If they protest, they will be fired; if they encourage students to protest, they will be fired; if they use social media to protest changes and can be identified as a DoDEA employee, they will be fired; if they speak out at a town hall (even as a parent of a DoDEA child), they will be fired.

DoDEA spokesperson Will Griffin reiterated that the agencys dozens of schools are currently reviewing their policies and instructional materials, including library books, to comply with Trumps anti-DEI executive orders. He said most of the curricular materials flagged for further review are supplemental resources.

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During this period, DoDEA is limiting access to materials under review to professional staff, pending completion of the review, he said in a statement. DoDEA has not permanently removed any materials from our school libraries.

Without specifically addressing the concerns raised by the overseas DOD employee, Griffin said teachers at Defense Department-run schools are subject to the same federal and DOD policies as anyone else on a military installation, including the same restrictions on the things they can say while speaking in an official capacity.

We encourage all parents of DoDEA students, regardless of their employer, to engage and participate in constructive discussions about their childs educational experience in a variety of forums, he said, adding, Students are at the heart of everything we do in DoDEA and we will continue to maintain a learning environment where all students feel safe and supported.

After this story published, a DoDEA employee reached out to dispute the DoDEA spokespersons claim that nothing has been permanently removed from libraries.

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The books are still off the shelves and now have been for up to six weeks with no end in sight, said this employee, who requested anonymity to protect their job. Some books may soon be allowed to go back on the shelves but librarians are waiting to hear what will happen to the ones deemed out of compliance. We have to assume they will be removed and destroyed but no one knows yet.

This DoDEA employee said they were forced to take down a Black History Month display and safe space stickers, which signal a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students. Staff were also initially told to take down a poster that just had the word inclusive on it, but later were told they could put it back up.

But of course the big thing is pulling the books that go against the language in the [executive orders], said this employee. Books on the topics of gender ideology and white privilege/supremacy are the big ones but many librarians seem to have pulled a lot.

Amid all of this, DoDEA parents and students have asked so many times for a list of books that have been removed from the library, said this employee, but staff members arent allowed to tell them. Frustrating, they added.

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A Defense Department spokesperson deferred to DoDEA for any comment.

As with all Congressional correspondence, the Department will respond directly to the author, said the spokesperson, referring to Democrats letter.

Requests for comment from Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and House Armed Services Committee chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) were not immediately returned.

President Donald Trump's efforts to eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs have reportedly resulted in book bans and rainbows being taken down in kindergarten classrooms in K-12 schools run by the Defense Department. Matthew Horwood via Getty Images

DoDEA schools have long struggled with inconsistency in their LGBTQ-friendly policies, said Rachel Branaman, executive director of Modern Military Association of America, the largest organization of LGBTQ+ service members, veterans and their families.

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Trumps policies are a giant step backward on this front, she said.

We have received discrimination reports from some DoDEA schools indicating an influx of bathroom bans, deadnaming, and the disbanding of after-school clubs, said Branaman. We are tracking these developments to determine how we can best support the well-being of LGBTQ+ children of military parents if their schools are not safe or welcoming.

The overseas military officer said while his spouse is worried about job safety, their biggest concern is for LGBTQ+ students who now feel scared and isolated. Teachers at this school were initially directed to remove anything from classrooms that could be seen as related to DEI, including community bulletin boards. Later, they were quietly told they could keep those up.

These anti-DEI policies have already taken a toll on the kids, though.

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Collectively, [the LGBTQ+ students] all stopped talking and interacting except when absolutely necessary, said the officer.

This story has been updated with comments from a DoDEA spokesperson and from a DoDEA employee.
BERLIN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, on Tuesday approved a major constitutional amendment to loosen the country's strict "debt brake" policy, paving the way for increased spending on defense, infrastructure, and climate neutrality.

The amendment was proposed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the CDU/CSU alliance during their negotiations to form a new government after February's federal election.

It allows defense and certain security-related expenditures exceeding 1 percent of nominal GDP to be excluded from debt brake calculations. It also establishes a new 500-billion-euro (about 547 billion U.S. dollars) special fund dedicated to infrastructure and climate-neutrality investments.

The measure requires a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag, a threshold comfortably cleared with additional support from the Green Party. It now moves to the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament, where a two-thirds majority is also required for passage.

Speaking in the Bundestag on Tuesday, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz called the amendment a paradigm shift in defense policy. "While Europe cannot yet defend itself alone, it must move step by step toward an independent European defense," Merz said.

Christian Duerr, leader of the Free Democratic Party's (FDP) parliamentary group, warned against the move, arguing that it would lead to "unbridled debt accumulation" and fundamentally alter the country's financial architecture. (1 euro = 1.09 U.S. dollar) 
(NewsNation)  Nine Democratic members of Congress are pushing back against the Trump administrations plans to use military installations around the country to detain migrants, claiming the use of nonrefundable Department of Defense funding is being used for little else but political theater.

The letter was sent to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The group wrote it has urgent concerns and staunch objection to the White Houses plans to use several U.S. military bases to house migrants in federal custody.

A Department of Homeland Security senior official announced last week that its current allotment of detainment beds is maxed out with nearly 48,000 migrants in federal custody.

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Chief justice rebukes Trumps call to impeach judge over deportations

The letter, citing various media reports, said DHS request for financial resources from the Department of Defense means blatantly forsaking the intent of what DOD funding was meant for.

What military sites are being targeted for migrant detention?

The New York Times reported last month that several military installations in six states have been designated as possible detention spaces.

The report indicated that Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas, would serve as a testing ground for migrant detention and would serve as the hub for military-related immigration enforcement. It could eventually be used to detain up to 10,000 migrants as they go through the deportation process, the Times reported.

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Officials, who spoke to the newspaper on the condition of anonymity, said that 1,000 migrants would initially be moved to Fort Bliss. The installation had reportedly been detaining some of the migrants who were sent to Guantanamo Bay before those detainees were returned to the United States.

Trumps use of Alien Enemies Act could face lengthy legal fight

A public affairs official at Fort Bliss declined to comment Tuesday and directed NewsNations inquiry about the use of the military installation for immigration enforcement purposes to Homeland Security and ICE.

An email sent by NewsNation on Tuesday seeking comment from DHS officials about the use of Fort Bliss and other military installations was forwarded to the DHS National Incident Command Center, which included a Department of Defense statement that the agency has nothing to report on the matter at this time.

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An ICE spokesperson referred the matter to Homeland Security.

How would Department of Defense assets be used by Homeland Security?

The lawmakers letter to Trump, Hegseth and Noem called the request for assistance a reckless misuse of U.S. military installations, personnel and funding.

Since Trumps second term began, about 6,500 new active duty forces have been ordered to deploy to the southern border. Before that, there were about 2,500 troops already there, largely National Guard troops on active duty orders along with a few hundred active duty aviation forces.

The group wrote that the expanded use of military personnel and facilities to support mass deportation efforts has already diverted and will continue to divert personnel and resources from the Department of Defenses core warfighting mission.

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Among those who signed the letter was U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, whose district includes El Paso, where Fort Bliss is located.

The reason I keep bringing up the consequences of using military sites is because we have evidence it degrades our military, it sets back our readiness, Escobar told reporters at a news conference. And if folks arent concerned about the myriad of humanitarian reasons why we shouldnt be doing this, they should at least be concerned about the impact to the United States military.

The letter from the nine lawmakers did not specify how much funding is being used for Homeland Security purposes.

FBI announces arrest of one of Ten Most Wanted

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Commandeering military funds and assets to support detention operations on military bases imposes a ludicrous mandate on our military personnel and installations, the group of Democrats wrote. The administration has yet to issue even a passable justification for the misuse of DoD personnel, assets or funds, further conflating the separate missions of DHS and DoD.

In addition to Fort Bliss in Texas, The New York Times reported that military installations in California, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Utah have been considered for migrant detention. The report said that facilities in Washington, Oregon, Wyoming and Minnesota are also being looked into.

In a statement provided to NewsNation on Tuesday, a defense official said that the Department of Defense has nothing to announce at this time. The agency said that information would be shared when it becomes available.

Challenges to meet Trumps mass deportation goals

The expansion of detention space comes after migrants who were being detained at Guantanamo Bay were recently returned to the United States. The Trump administration previously announced plans to detain as many as 30,000 migrants at the military installation in Cuba.

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An ICE spokesperson declined to comment on the use of Guantanamo Bay for immigration enforcement, citing pending litigation.

Noem told NewsNations Ali Bradley in an exclusive interview that the migrants were removed from Guantanamo Bay to create space and that migrants would continue to be moved around. She said that DHS would continue to use Guantanamo Bay for detention space.

Noem added that the agency had other facilities it could use for migrant detention but that Guantanamo Bay was key to making sure DHS had the space it needed to keep migrants in federal custody.

Weve got a lot of facilities there, a lot of capacity there and were going to continue to use it, especially for these individuals that are so dangerous, Noem said.

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NewsNations Ali Bradley and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Deputies arrest Denham Springs man who faces hundreds of counts of child porn.

Eduardo Edenilson Cuatro Pineda, 32, of Denham Springs, was charged with 399 counts of pornography involving juveniles and one count of illegal possession of a stolen firearm.

An investigation started in December 2024 after the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office got a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The sheriffs office obtained a search warrant for a home and found multiple electronic devices and a stolen firearm.

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LSPO said Pineda currently has ICE Hold.

The Louisiana Attorney Generals Office and Louisiana Bureau of Investigations assisted LPSO with this investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Juvenile injured in Baton Rouge drive-by shooting

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DENVER (KDVR)  The 13th and final member of the 2D$ street gang indicted by the Denver District Attorneys Office pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of second-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act.

According to prosecutors, Angel Taz Espinoza was the leader of 2D$ and was indicted alongside 12 other gang members in March 2023 on 254 felony counts that included murder, attempted murder, aggravated motor vehicle theft, assault, menacing and robbery. Espinozas plea marked the last of the 13 to plead guilty.

Broomfield police investigate reported road rage shooting on US 36

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Angel Espinoza was the leader of a brutal criminal organization that terrorized neighborhoods on the Westside of Denver and showed no regard for human life. The city is safer now that he will be off the streets, effectively for the rest of his life, said Denver District Attorney John Walsh in a release.

According to the district attorneys office, the 13 gang members were responsible for dozens of shootings targeting rival gangs between 2019 and 2022. One shooting left Paul Baca Sr. dead in Denver on Jan. 22, 2021, and another left Christian Chirinos-Salazar dead in Denver on May 28, 2022.

The DAs office said the indictment identified almost 200 additional victims who were not involved in the gangs but got caught in the crossfire of gang violence or were misidentified as rivals.

Espinoza is scheduled to be sentenced on May 22 to 95 years in the Department of Corrections, as part of the plea agreement.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Just one day before a flavored tobacco ban is set to go into effect in Denver, vape and tobacco store owners are hitting back. They are hoping community members can help them overturn the ban at the ballot box.

Vape store owners and manufacturers believe city council members rushed a ban on flavored tobacco purchases as last year ended. Now they want voters to weigh in on it.

NCAA Tournament crowds set to stir up economic activity in downtown Denver

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Vape shop owners and manufacturers in Smoke-Free Alliance Colorado turned petition signatures to put a question on Denvers November ballot.

Phil Guerin, Owner of Myxed Up Creations and president of the alliance said shop owners gathered more than 17 thousand petition signatures to get a question asking about Denvers ban on the sale of flavored tobacco items on the ballots.

It asks if the ban should be upheld and we are saying no, it should not be, Guerin said about the potential ballot question. As you can see weve collected the signatures that we need to put this on the ballot. Lets let the voters decide. I feel like city council has made a lot of bad decisions when it comes to the economy and just the future of our city. Were here to stand up for our city and stand up for what we believe in.

A little under 9,500 signatures are required to get a question on the ballot. Store owners project the city will miss out on $13 million in annual revenue if the ban is upheld.

City council members have said they brought the flavor ordinance in an effort to get the products out of schools.

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We need voters to vote no. And I do think that voters are going to vote no. Ive talked to a lot of small business owners, we have a lot of people supporting us that are not in our industry. We have a lot of business groups supporting us. We are looking forward to getting a lot more of that support over the next few months. Its going to be a long campaign but we really feel that we have the support that we need, Guerin said.

Hundreds of jobs offered at new Colorado Mills restaurant

We reached out to the Mayors Office and Councilman Darrell Watson who sponsored the original measure. We did not hear back from them. Flavors Hook Kids Denver, the campaign that supported the original measure sent FOX31 a statement:

The Flavors Hook Kids Denver Coalition strongly condemns the tobacco industrys attempt to overturn Denver City Councils action to end the sale of flavored tobacco. By pushing a ballot measure to reverse this critical public health policy, the tobacco industry is once again prioritizing profits over people, particularly Denvers kids. Flavored tobacco products are proven to hook kids, with eight out of 10 youth who try tobacco choosing a flavored product. These flavorslike cotton candy, pink lemonade, iced donut and bubblegumare deliberately designed to attract kids and mask the harsh taste of tobacco products, creating nicotine addiction and lifelong customers. The City Councils near-unanimous decision and signature into law by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston to end the sale of flavored tobacco reflect the will of our community, with over 100 organizations endorsing the measure and nearly two-thirds of Denver voters indicating their support. Notably, the ordinance will become effective tomorrow, March 18th. Denver became Colorados eighth local community to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products, and the momentum for these policies continues to grow. Despite the industrys efforts to derail this progress with an expensive ballot campaign, we remain confident that Denver residents will continue to stand up for the health and future of our kids. Flavors Hook Kids Denver Coalition

Store owners have said the ban will not effectively reduce access in schools but it will hurt businesses.

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Theres a lot of instability in retail in general. So this has been just extremely, its exhausting. Because for all of us, this has become another full-time job that we have taken extremely seriously, Guerin said about the petition-collecting process. We are fighting for not just our futures but the rights of all adults to make a better choice than smoking cigarettes.

The petitions will still need to make it through the rest of the verification process before making the ballot. Shop owners are confident voters will get to weigh in.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
(NewsNation)  White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told Morning in America on Tuesday that District Judge James E. Boasberg was too slow to prevent Trumps deportation flights to El Salvador this past weekend.

We played a little game of catch me if you can, and guess what? The judge wasnt able to catch us on this one, Fields said.

Boasberg  whose order was potentially violated when the Trump administration carried out deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act  is demanding the Justice Department hand over all information about the flights by noon on Tuesday.

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The administration invoked the 18th-century wartime law to carry out deportations of more than 250 alleged Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gang members last weekend, despite Boasbergs temporary block on the removals.

Trumps use of Alien Enemies Act could face lengthy legal fight

In its Tuesday response, the DOJ maintained there is no justification to order the provision of additional information regarding the flights and that doing so would be inappropriate because it would reveal sensitive national security and foreign relations information.

Fields told NewsNation the order came after migrants were over international waters, meaning that the judge lost.

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In a contentious court hearing Monday, Boasberg scolded the DOJ for not turning the planes carrying the alleged gang members around despite being ordered to do so during a virtual hearing Saturday.

Im just asking how you think my equitable powers do not attach to a plane that has departed the U.S., even if its in international airspace, Boasberg said.

Trump calls for judges impeachment, rebuked by chief justice

President Donald Trump, along with Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, has called for Boasbergs impeachment.

In a social media post Tuesday morning, Trump said he and other crooked judges should be impeached for blocking deportation attempts.

U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public statement Tuesday about Trumps directive, NewsNation affiliate The Hill reported.

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For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose, Roberts said.

Trump says hes ending Secret Service protection for Bidens adult children

It would take a two-thirds vote from the Senate to remove a judge from the bench.

Only 15 federal judges have faced impeachment since 1803  typically for bribery, corruption or perjury  and only eight were convicted, per the Federal Judicial Center.

He didnt WIN the popular VOTE (by a lot!), he didnt WIN ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, he didnt WIN 2,750 to 525 Counties, HE DIDNT WIN ANYTHING! Trumps post reads in part.

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Notably, Boasberg was confirmed 96-0 in 2011.

What is next for Trumps Alien Enemies Act deportees?

The Trump team has described the Tren de Aragua gang as an invading force conducting irregular warfare, but the American Civil Liberties Union  which filed a lawsuit Saturday  has raised concerns that some of those deported might not actually be gang members.

At this point, it seems like the administration is simply walking into court and telling a federal court they cant look at the evidence, they cant stop what theyre doing, said Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Unions immigrants rights project.

Trump administration resumes immigrant family detentions

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We see constant public statements from administration officials criticizing federal judges, saying they dont have authority, Gelernt said. I think were on dangerous ground here in the United States.

According to a social media post from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, the country has agreed to hold 238 Venezuelans in its terrorism confinement center. They are scheduled to stay for at least one year under an agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador worth $6 million, according to The Associated Press.

The president of Venezuelas National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, has slammed Trumps actions, saying the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador were denied due process and that the country will do everything it can to have them returned home.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
A family that was deported to Mexico is requesting an investigation into abuses they say they faced in U.S. detention, according to a civil rights complaint first obtained by NBC News. The mixed-immigration status family, including four U.S. citizen children, one of whom is a 10-year-old girl recovering from brain surgery, are in an area of Mexico where, they say, they fear for their safety.

The Texas Civil Rights Project, a legal advocacy and litigation organization representing the family, filed the complaint Monday with the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties on behalf of the family.

The complaint alleges that Customs and Border Protection, which detained and deported the family last month, committed serious abuses when it denied medical care to the 10-year-old girl, detained U.S. citizen children in deplorable conditions and removed them to Mexico, where their lives are in peril because of their status as U.S. citizens, among other claims.

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The Trump administrations border czar, Tom Homan, has said families can be deported together regardless of status. Homan said it would be up to the parents to decide whether to depart the U.S. together or leave their children behind. In this case, the parents took their children with them so the family could stay together.

Rochelle Garza, president of the Texas Civil Rights Project, told NBC News, Were also asking for humanitarian parole for the family, so the girls undocumented parents can care for her as she continues her recovery after she underwent surgery in Texas to remove a brain tumor last year.

A 10-year-old U.S. girl recovering from brain surgery was deported with her undocumented parents last month. The Texas Civil Rights Project blurred the photograph for safety purposes.

The mother exclusively told NBC News about her familys ordeal last week.

She said it all began on Feb. 3, when they were rushing from the Rio Grande Valley, along Texas southeastern border with Mexico, where they lived, to Houston, where their daughters specialist doctors are based, for an emergency medical checkup.

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On the way there, they stopped at a stateside immigration checkpoint, one they have passed through multiple times when they have driven to Houston. The parents were equipped with letters from their doctors and lawyers to show the officers at the checkpoint to get through. But the letters werent enough this time.

Immigration authorities arrested the parents after they were unable to show legal immigration documentation. According to their attorney, Daniel Woodward, other than lacking valid immigration status in the U.S., the parents have no criminal history. He added the parents were in the process of obtaining T visas, a temporary immigration benefit for victims of human trafficking.

Five of their children, ages 15, 13, 10, 8 and 6  four of whom are U.S. citizens  were with them when they were arrested. The parents and the children were taken to a detention facility, where they spent 24 hours before they were placed in a van and dropped on the Mexico side of a Texas bridge on Feb. 4.

NBC News is not publishing the family members names, because they were deported to an area in Mexico that is known for kidnapping U.S. citizens.

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Since the family was deported, the 10-year-old girl hasnt been able to get the follow-up care she needs. With the swelling on her brain still not fully gone, she has difficulties with speech and mobility on the right side of her body, her mother said. She was routinely checking in with doctors monitoring her recovery, attending rehabilitation therapy sessions and taking medication to prevent convulsions, her mother said.

Their 15-year-old son, who is a U.S. citizen, and their 13-year-old daughter, who isnt, also have serious medical conditions. They both live with a heart disorder known as Long QT syndrome, which causes irregular heartbeats and can be life-threatening if it isnt treated well. The son wears a monitor that tracks his heart rate.

The complaint alleges CBPs medical team knew it had custody of three children with complex medical needs, one of whom was complaining of urgent and serious symptoms, two of whom were U.S. Citizens. And still, CBP didnt transfer any of the children, in particular the 10-year-old girl, to a hospital or other medical care facility to obtain pediatric medical review as required by the Flores Settlement Agreement, which regulates how minors must be treated in federal immigration custody, the complaint says.

Instead of granting her that care, CBP forced a child who was still recovering from brain surgery to sleep in a hot, dirty, brightly lit cell, the complaint reads.

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The complaint also outlines additional claims alleging that the children were inappropriately searched during detention, including the pat downs of sensitive parts of their bodies, and that the parents were denied adequate access to their attorney.

A DHS spokesperson said in a statement that the reports of the familys situation are inaccurate because when someone is given expedited removal orders and chooses to disregard them, they will face the consequences of the process. The spokesperson said privacy reasons prevented speaking about the specifics of the case.

President Donald Trump and officials in his administration have repeatedly said they are limiting illegal immigration and prioritizing deporting immigrants who have committed serious crimes.

But for Woodward, this case just really emphasizes that the administration is taking their resources and using it to crack down on these folks who are really kind of the backbone and engine of our economy who do things like pack our produce and pick our vegetables.

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The parents Woodward represents arrived in the United States from Mexico in 2013 and settled in Texas hoping for a better life for the family, the mother told NBC News. She and her husband both worked a string of jobs, including picking and packing produce, to support their six children. The couple also has a 17-year-old son, who is a U.S. citizen, who was left behind in Texas after they were deported.

Its a really difficult time in someones life, being 17, entering your senior year of high school, said Garza, of the Texas Civil Rights Project, and to go through that period of time being separated from your family is absolutely unimaginable.

So, getting the family back is also about protecting him and making sure that he is with his family, she added.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
DES MOINES, Iowa  The weather was in full-blown spring sunshine for St. Patricks Day in Iowas capital city. Hundreds of people lined the streets along Grand Avenue from Robert D. Ray Drive.

The parade contained many floats, marchers, and even some musicians.

Iowa bill requiring parental consent for minors using tanning beds passed by House

With Spring Break starting, the parade was full of families and a few people who were skipping out on work.

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The town of Melrose sent a huge delegation for the day to Des Moines to celebrate that communitys Irish heritage.

We have a great little Irish town in south-central Iowa, said Scott Tilton, who heads the Melrose St. Pats celebration in Des Moines. We have very strong Irish history, and we would like to come up here and present that and show a good time for the kids.

Another group from Polk City makes it an annual event for kids and grandkids to decorate the float.

Metro News:

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DES MOINES, Iowa  WHO 13s Lindsey Burrell spoke with Erin Bell, Live Mascot Director at Drake University, and Griff II to talk about Griffs annual Griff Gives Back Initiative. They also discussed an ongoing petition to allow Griff to be present at March Madness games.

To learn more about the Griff Gives Back Campaign, click here. To sign Griffs petition, click here.

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NEW YORK (AP)  A Columbia University student arrested and threatened with deportation for his role in campus protests against Israel gave his first public statement Tuesday, saying that his detention is indicative of anti-Palestinian racism demonstrated by both the Trump and Biden administrations.

In a letter dictated from a Louisiana immigration lockup and released by his attorney, the student, Mahmoud Khalil, said he is being targeted as part of a larger effort to repress Palestinian voices.

My unjust detention is indicative of the anti-Palestinian racism that both the Biden and Trump administrations have demonstrated over the past 16 months as the U.S. has continued to supply Israel with weapons to kill Palestinians and prevented international intervention," he said.

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For decades, anti-Palestinian racism has driven efforts to expand U.S. laws and practices that are used to violently repress Palestinians, Arab Americans, and other communities. That is precisely why I am being targeted.

Khalil and the federal government have been sparring in court over the Trump administrations move to ship him halfway across the country to the lockup in Louisiana.

The government says he could not be detained at an immigration facility near where he was originally arrested in part because of a bedbug infestation, so they sent him to Louisiana. Khalil says there was no such discussion of bedbugs and he feared he was being immediately deported.

Khalil said in a declaration filed in Manhattan federal court Monday that while he was held overnight at a detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, "I did not hear anyone mention bedbugs.

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In court papers over the weekend, lawyers for the Justice Department also blamed his move on overcrowded facilities in the Northeast.

Khalil made the statement about bedbugs in an exhibit attached to court papers in which his lawyers asked that he be freed on bail while the courts decide whether his arrest violated the First Amendment.

The lawyers have also asked a judge to widen the effect of any order to stop the U.S. government from arresting, detaining, and removing noncitizens who engage in constitutionally protected expressive activity in the United States in support of Palestinian rights or critical of Israel.

Khalil said in court records that he was put in a van when he was taken away from the Elizabeth facility and he asked if he was being returned to FBI headquarters in Manhattan, where he was taken immediately after his arrest.

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I was told, no, we are going to JFK Airport. I was afraid they were trying to deport me, he recalled.

Of his time spent at the Elizabeth facility, he wrote: I was in a waiting room with about ten other people. We slept on the ground. Even though it was cold inside the room, there were no beds, mattresses, or blankets.

Khalil, in the letter released by his attorney on Tuesday, said I see in my circumstances similarities to Israels use of administrative detention  imprisonment without trial or charge  to strip Palestinians of their rights."

For Palestinians, imprisonment without due process is commonplace," he said.

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In the weekend court papers, lawyers for the Justice Department gave a detailed description of Khalil's March 8 arrest and his transport from Manhattan to Elizabeth and then to Kennedy International Airport in New York the next day for his transfer to Louisiana, where he has been held since.

Khalil could not be housed at Elizabeth Detention Facility long-term due to a bedbug issue, so he remained there until his flight to Louisiana, the lawyers wrote. They said he was at the facility from 2:20 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on March 9.

The lawyers have asked that legal issues be addressed by federal judges in New Jersey or Louisiana rather than New York. A Manhattan federal judge has not yet ruled on the request.

Khalil's lawyers, who oppose transferring the case, wrote in a submission Monday that the transfer to Louisiana was predetermined and carried out for improper motives rather than because of a bedbug infestation.

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Despite the bedbug claim, the Elizabeth Detention accepted at least four individuals for detention from March 6 through last Thursday and Khalil himself saw men being processed for detention while he was there, they wrote.

Khalil, in the letter released by his attorney on Tuesday, also referenced a wave of Israeli strikes across Gaza  ending the ceasefire on Monday night  and called it a moral imperative to continue push for freedom for Palestinians.

With Januarys ceasefire now broken, parents in Gaza are once again cradling too-small shrouds, and families are forced to weigh starvation and displacement against bombs, he said. It is our moral imperative to persist in the struggle for their complete freedom.
Azerbaijan will lay to rest two more of its sons who went missing during the First Garabagh War.

As the bloodiest chapter in Azerbaijani history, the First Garabagh War claimed over 15,000 Azerbaijani lives, of whom 4,354 went missing. Despite Azerbaijans continuous efforts, the Armenian side refuses to cooperate in this matter.

To make matters worse, trampling on all moral values, the Armenian side manipulates the issue to jangle the nerves of Azerbaijanis, especially the families of the missing. On multiple occasions, letters written in Azerbaijani using the Cyrillic alphabet were found in fruit crates sent from Armenia to Russian agricultural markets, where individuals from various former Soviet republics work together. The letters spoke about prisoners of war allegedly working on plantations in Armenia. It is anyones guess whether the letters speak the truth or not, but they give hope to the families of the missing while also irritating the wider population.

Unfortunately, countries and international organizations worldwide remain mum in this regard. To give credit where it's due, these organizations initially played a significant role in gaining information about those who went missing. More precisely, international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and others acted as intermediaries in correspondences between some of the missing and their family members. These organizations facilitated the delivery of letters from the missing individuals to their families in Azerbaijan, but later, those individuals vanished. Regrettably, over time, these organizations changed their stance and failed to follow up on the issue.

Against all odds, Azerbaijan continues its efforts to search for the missing. These efforts have gained momentum since the 44-day War. Following the war, several mass graves were unearthed in territories that had been under Armenian occupation for over 30 years. It is expected that the number of mass graves will increase.

With the discovery of mass graves, the remains of fallen Azerbaijani citizens are being identified through DNA tests. A few months ago, the remains of three Azerbaijanis were laid to rest. On March 18, the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons stated that the remains of two more martyrs, who were considered missing, were found and they would be committed to the earth after two days.

The Commission noted that both of the missing martyrs were military personnel. One of them is Dashgin Nasraddin oglu Behbudov. He was born in 1970 and drafted into military service by the Goychay Military Commissariat, on February 1, 1993. In January 1994, he went missing in the Shukurbeyli area of the Fuzuli district. Based on a 2007 ruling by the Goychay District Court, he was officially granted the status of a martyr.

The other is Atakishi Gahraman oglu Atayev, born in 1960, who went in 1992 in the village of Nakhchivanli, Khojaly district.
SAO TOME, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government donated a batch of medical supplies to Sao Tome and Principe during a handover ceremony held here on Tuesday.

The supplies included essential medicines, basic surgical tools, and routine examination equipment.

Celso Matos, Sao Tome and Principe's minister of health, praised China as a "reliable partner" in the country's healthcare development.

Noting that the supplies would help ease shortages, the minister voiced hope for continued medical cooperation between the two sides.

Xu Yingzhen, Chinese ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe, reaffirmed China's commitment to deepening cooperation, particularly in technical exchanges and training of healthcare professionals, to protect the lives and health of local people.

Zhao Linyong, head of the 19th batch of the Chinese medical team in the country, said local health authorities would distribute the supplies to hospitals and clinics nationwide.

In November, China donated medical equipment to the African country, including ventilators, monitors, and central venous catheters, to support intensive care units and surgical procedures. 
The latest Republican-led spectacle, Detrans Awareness Day, is nothing more than another dangerous attempt to undermine transgender rights, weaponizing a subset of people to justify sweeping, harmful policies that attack the entire transgender community while DOGE staffers loot American data. Like clockwork, conservative lawmakers and anti-LGBTQ+ groups have coalesced to use de-transitioners as political props to justify bans on life-saving gender-affirming care and to manufacture fear around the legitimacy of trans identities.

Lets be clear: The vast majority of transgender people who receive gender-affirming care experience improved mental health and well-being. Study after study has shown that regret among those who transition is exceedingly rarejust one percent or less of trans people choose to detransition due to actual regret. But facts dont matter when your goal is to systematically erase a community under the guise of protecting children.

This latest crusade against human rights is part of a well-funded, far-right effort to roll back progress. Many of the detransitioners championed by the GOP have been exposed as grifterseither never actually identifying as trans or deliberately misrepresenting their experiences to fit a preordained narrative. Figures like Chloe Cole, a favorite among far-right lawmakers, have testified in multiple GOP-led hearings advocating for the elimination of gender-affirming care for minors.

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These detransitioners were given lucrative platforms in right-wing media not because they represent a movement but because they serve as valuable pawns in a broader campaign to justify policies that strip trans people of fundamental rights.

Weve seen this strategy before. The radical right loves to elevate voices that reinforce their agendaparticularly those with proximity to privilege. Caitlyn Jenner, for example, has long used her status to push policies that harm other trans people while remaining insulated by wealth and white privilege. Now, conservative activists elevate select detransitioners to claim trans youth are being groomed or coerced into transition.

Lets talk about the facts: Puberty blockers  the very medical intervention conservatives claim is permanently disfiguring teenagers  are entirely reversible. They have been used safely for decades, and their primary function is to give young people time to explore their gender identity before making long-term decisions about medical transition.

In reality, many trans youth face immense barriers to accessing affirming care, often after years of careful deliberation with doctors, therapists, and family members. Children, their families and their doctors have made decisions about medical care for centuries, and we should all be clear about why politicians, not medical doctors, are attempting to legislate genocide. Its a test case to relegate some among us to second-class citizens while the most privileged among us hoard more resources.

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The notion that educators and counselors are pressuring children into being transgender is absurd. Trans identities have existed across cultures and history long before social media, gender studies programs, or so-called woke indoctrination. What is new, however, is the level of institutionalized discrimination trans people face today. Trumps latest executive order restricting federal support for gender-affirming care is part of a larger strategy to erase transgender people from public life.

Teenagers who can live authentically with the support of their families, schools, and communities have far better outcomes than those forced into closets built by bigots, societal pressure, and government mandates. Trans youth who are affirmed in their identity experience significantly lower rates of depression and suicide. They do better in school. They go on to lead successful, fulfilling lives. With love, access to health care, and support, they thrive.

And yet, the Republican playbook continues to focus on limiting trans youths access to support systemsbanning them from sports, censoring books that tell their stories, and rolling back their legal protections. The hypocrisy is astounding. The same movement banning discussions of race, gender, and LGBTQ+ identities in schools under the pretense of parental rights is now advocating for the government to overrule deeply personal medical decisions made by families and doctors.

The fear-mongering surrounding trans identities is more than just political theaterit has real-world consequences. Hate crimes against transgender people are rising, and policies that deny access to care increase the likelihood of mental health crises, homelessness, and unemployment. The Trump administrations relentless attacks on trans rightsincluding banning trans people from military service, stripping gender identity from federal protections, and restricting access to legal gender markersare part of a broader authoritarian agenda.

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Detransitioners deserve the same compassion and space to share their stories as anyone else, but their existence should not be weaponized to strip rights away from an entire population. If Republicans truly cared about mental health, they would focus on reducing the staggering rates of suicide and violence against trans people, not fabricating crises to justify their next wave of oppressive legislationsuch as the deliberate dismantling of Medicaid, which directly threatens access to gender-affirming care and mental health resources so many trans lives depend upon.

Trans people have always existed, and they will continue to exist, regardless of inflammatory rhetoric and policies that seek to erase mention or reference of them. As Transgender Day of Visibility approaches, we should celebrate the strength and resilience of trans people in the face of relentless attacks and remain steadfast in ensuring they have the rights, protections, and opportunities they deserve. None of us can know freedom unless and until trans people know freedom.

Trans people do not need to be debated. They need to be protected. The same is true for all of us.

-

Dr. David Johns is CEO & Executive Director of National Black Justice Collective

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The new leader of the largest religious group in metro Detroit will be installed Tuesday in a special ceremony in the local seat of the Catholic Church. Bishop Edward Weisenburger, currently the leader of the Catholic diocese in Tucson, Arizona, is to formally assume power Tuesday afternoon in a Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. Here are some details about the event:

'Mass of Installation'

A Catholic ceremony known as the 'Mass of Installation' will take place starting at 2 p.m. that will transfer power over the Archdiocese of Detroit from Archbishop of Detroit Allen Vigneron to Weisenburger. The installation ceremony for Vigneron took place in January 2009 and lasted two and a half hours, drawing a packed crowd that included then state Attorney General Michael Cox. Cardinal Adam Maida handed Vigneron a shepherd's staff, symbolizing the transfer of power.

Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger, left, is presented with a Pewabic tile featuring Father Solanus Casey by Archbishop Allen Vigneron at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

The new archbishop

Pope Francis appointed Weisenburger last month. He's led Catholics in southern Arizona since 2017 and has been outspoken in support of immigrants.

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Weisenburger will be the sixth archbishop of Detroit. He was born in Illinois in 1960, grew up in Lawton, Oklahoma, and also lived in Kansas and Texas because of his father's military transfers.

Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger is introduced as the next archbishop of Detroit, at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

He was ordained in Oklahoma City as a priest in 1987 and became vicar general of the Oklahoma City Archdiocese in 1996. He served as the pastor of two parishes in Oklahoma before becoming the bishop of Salina, Kansas in 2012, and then bishop in Tucson, Arizona in 2017.

The outgoing archbishop

Vigneron, 76, has led the archdiocese since 2009. As required by church law, Vigneron submitted his resignation to the pope in October 2023 when he turned 75. He said he will soon live in an apartment at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

Vigneron was born in Mt. Clemens in 1948 and became ordained as a priest in 1975. He was an auxiliary bishop in Detroit from 1996 to 2003, when Pope John Paul II named him the Bishop of Oakland, California, a diocese he led from 2003 to 2009. Pope Benedict named him the Archbishop of Detroit in January 2009.

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In 2016, he led 400 participants in a Synod to plan for the future of the Catholic Church in Detroit, resulting in his pastoral letter, Unleash the Gospel.

The archdiocese of Detroit

There are currently 907,000 Catholics and 213 parishes in the Detroit archdiocese, down from 1.4 million Catholics and 281 parishes when Vigneron became archbishop in 2009. The area includes six counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, Monroe and St. Clair.

The Detroit archdiocese was formed in 1833 by Pope Gregory XVI. As the region's Catholic population grew, the diocese became in 1937 an archdiocese, which is a designation often used for areas with larger numbers of Catholics. There are 33 archdioceses in the U.S., according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The late Cardinal Edward Mooney became the first archbishop of Detroit, according to the Detroit archdiocese. In 1958, the late Cardinal John Dearden replaced him, serving until 1980. In 1981, Pope John Paul II named Edmund Casimir Szoka as Detroit's third archbishop. He became a cardinal in 1988 and served until 1990, when he was later replaced by Adam Maida, formerly the bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Maida later became a cardinal and was replaced in 2009 by Vigneron, the first archbishop in Detroit not to become a cardinal.

How to watch

The ceremony will start at 2 p.m. and is expected to draw clergy from across Michigan and the U.S. It is closed to the general public with attendance by invitation only, but can a livestream will be available on the Archdiocese of Detroit's YouTube and Facebook pages.

Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bishop Edward Weisenburger to be installed as Archbishop of Detroit
INDEPENDENCE, Mo.  Nina Book, Maria Pikes twin sister who lives out-of-state, believes charges should have been filed against the officer who shot and killed her sister and her sisters baby, in November of last year.

They literally let a man get away with double homicide, Book said. Full footages need to be shown to the public. People need to know. Hey, actually we can do something about this. We can use our voices to change the laws.

The Jackson County Prosecutors Office announced the decision to not file charges in the officer-involved shooting of Maria Pike and her baby Destinii, referring to Missouri law for their decision.

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Four shots and she had her back turned and you still kept shooting? It was not reasonable, Book shared.

Mother, 2-year-old son hospitalized following Independence house fire

On the day of the shooting, Independence police officers responded to a reported assault. After seeing injuries, officials say, officers went in to arrest Maria Pike. Police say officers were allowed in.

Book says: they barged in without a warrant or consent from Mitchell.

In body camera video, a bystander verbally allowed them in.

The video, released by police, shows Pike in a closet holding her child. She then proceeded to sit on a bed. Next, the video shows, she grabbed a knife and moved toward an officer, who then backed into a closet. Officials say the officer had no space to retreat.

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Family of all involved in the incident, met virtually with members of the Jackson County Prosecutors Office prior to the public announcement of the declination of charges.

They showed us the footage, the 911 calls, they had a little PowerPoint about what the laws are and pertains to self-defense and deadly force, Book shared about their meeting on Friday.

Book believes none of the laws apply, saying there was no probable cause to enter the home, but police say there was documented evidence an assault occurred.

Book is hoping at the very least, changes will be made to regulations in the future.

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They need to make sure that officers do their very best to do non-lethal or less-lethal force, Book added. We did not get justice. Theres no accountability.

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The Prosectors Office commented on the decision to not press charges and sent the following to FOX4:

We did not arrive at this decision lightly. The loss of a young mother and her infant are devastating and tragic, Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said. However, as prosecutors, we are bound by an oath to apply the law and analyze facts without being guided by the sympathy we feel for all those impacted. Our purpose is to determine if what was done was reasonable, defined by Missouri law, and not whether it was the best course of action.

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A Putnam County day care director is behind bars, accused of inappropriately touching a child, the Putnam County Sheriffs Office said.

The alleged abuse happened in the playground area of The Future Little Learners Center in Crescent City, PCSO said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Gonzalo Aragon, 35, of Palm Coast, was arrested Friday by Flagler County Sheriffs Office deputies on a charge of molestation of a victim less than 12 years old by offender 18 years or older, PCSO said.

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The day care is owned by Aragons mother, the Sheriffs Office said.

PCSO said the investigation has been going on for several months, after the victim reported the abuse to a parent who contacted the sheriffs office.

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Deputies said other children disclosed seeing the victim on Aragons lap on the playground and that he inappropriately touched the victim.

Aragon was transferred to the Putnam County Jail on Monday and is being held without bond.

Anyone with any additional information on this case is asked to contact the sheriffs office at 386-329-0800.

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The Douglas Law Firm, which is representing Aragon, released the following statement:

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The Douglas Law firm was retained earlier today to represent Mr. Gonzalo Aragon. We are beginning our own investigation into this allegation and will mount a vigorous defense for Mr. Aragon. Mr. Aragon is presumed innocent of this offense, and our team will work tirelessly on Mr. Aragons behalf as the judicial process unfolds.

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The Cumberland County Board of Education is scheduled to discuss the Director of Schools search process during Thursdays work session.

The board agenda includes the following process: reviewing the following policies: 5.800, 5.801, 5.802 and 5.803, the current Director of Schools position and revising the contract to include a salary range, the length of the contract and transportation elements.

The board will also review the area of consideration such as searching for candidates within Cumberland County only, within 50 miles, within Middle or East Tennessee only, or otherwise.

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The board will look at interview rules, scoring and selection process, criteria, voting process, length of each session, and exact questions to be asked with the review and assistance of the human resources officer, board attorney and Tennessee School Boards Association.

The board will discuss posting the vacancy of the position and the interview application, setting interview dates based on the number of candidates and the boards availability.

Finally, the board will make an offer and engage in a negotiation period of the contract.

Other items to be discussed include: quote from the Chromebooks total cost subject to a 25% increase in cost if tariffs are added, a preliminary timeline for outcomes money, the running fund balance as of Feb. 28, the Stone Memorial Middle School request for funding, financial documents including the financial report, sales tax, six budget amendments and related consent agenda items including the TNTP agreement, retired inventory from Phoenix school and Stone Memorial High School, warm body count and four overnight requests.

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Public comment period is not on the agenda. This is subject to change. If community members would like to make a public comment, they need to sign up outside the boardroom before the meeting begins. According to board policy 1.404, comments are limited per person to three minutes. Comments are limited to topics listed on the agenda. As an agenda item, public comments in total can not exceed 30 minutes.

The Cumberland County Board of Education will meet for its work session at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, in the Central Services building at 368 Fourth St., Crossville.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A disabled veteran is suing the Horry County Police Department and one of its officers, claiming that he was wrongfully arrested last year, according to a lawsuit.

Gregory McDowell filed the complaint in Horry County Common Pleas Court last Friday. It names Horry County police and officer Ryan Coggins over McDowells November arrest.

McDowell was arrested at his home on or about Nov. 12 by Coggins for allegedly making a false police report, the lawsuit said. However, Coggins had allegedly written a false affidavit supporting the arrest.

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Coggins took McDowell to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where he was held for two days in filthy conditions before posting bond, according to the lawsuit, which alleges that the police report and affidavit written by Coggins was not consistent with the video interviews taken of McDowell on Nov. 6.

McDowell told Coggins that someone had pointed what appeared to be a gun at him, but that he couldnt be sure, the lawsuit said. However, Coggins wrote in the affidavit that McDowell said someone had driven past his home and pointed a gun at him through a heavily tinted window.

The Coggins affidavit was false as was his statement that McDowell had a long history of bringing accusations of fraud and attempted assault against the third party, the lawsuit reads.

A preliminary hearing was held on Jan. 10, where a magistrate dismissed the charges against McDowell after hearing the evidence, according to the lawsuit. During the hearing, Coggins admitted he omitted from his affidavit that McDowell said he saw what appeared to be a gun, but not definitively a gun.

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The lawsuit alleges Coggins also admitted on the stand that he could not prove McDowell did not see what he reported. It further alleges McDowell, a disabled veteran with multiple military decorations, was arrested without probable cause.

The lawsuit alleges malicious prosecution, false arrest, slander, and conspiracy. It seeks actual and punitive damages.

The county does not offer commentary on substantive matters related to pending litigation, a police department spokesperson told News13.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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Recent wildfires leveled the home of California resident Marialyce Pedersen  except for an outdoor kitchen and bench, both made with cob.

This isn't an isolated event, and some in the community have become increasingly curious about building homes made of natural materials.

Per Global Green, cob is a "mixture of clay, coarse sand, fine sand, silt, and water" as well as a fibrous material, like dung, to hold everything together.

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According to Reuters, "herbalist Marysia Miernowska, 41, started a petition that has received nearly 2,000 signatures calling for adoption of natural building techniques by government officials."

Adobe is another natural building material that people are championing. It has often been used in the Southwest of the United States.

According to two construction experts in Architectural Digest, adobe is a construction technique that uses adobe blocks or bricks. It's similar to cob and its base is raw earth, a combination of materials such as sand, silt, and clay together with a binder like straw.

Adobe homes aren't new. Structures dating back 5,100 to 5,500 years have been found in the Peruvian Andes.

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When wildfires destroy homes, they can also release health-affecting toxins into the environment, which is another thing Miernowska and the people signing the petition want to change.

Forty people, including Pedersen, attended a workshop in Los Angeles to discuss how to proceed with natural building techniques. While Los Angeles County has historically been cautious about natural building, it may be more open after the devastating fires.

Another benefit of building an adobe home is that it can save you money on your electric bill. An adobe home in Spain stays between 72 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, even when temperatures reach 105 degrees.

The materials used in adobe homes are not just energy-efficient, they are also biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

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As temperatures rise and as more wildfires occur and intensify, there may be multiple benefits to switching to homes made with natural materials.

The BBC has cited early research demonstrating such materials "show extraordinary promise in resisting wildfires."

While more studies are needed, it's clear that standard construction methods may not be sufficient to combat wildfire damage.

Chris Martinez, a natural builder, told Reuters, "This is like a pivotal point of our community."

He added, "It gives us the option to either learn from our mistakes or we could continue doing the same thing over and over again."

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TEHRAN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Tuesday strongly condemned Israel's new round of attacks against the Gaza Strip, which reportedly killed more than 400 people.

Baghaei said in a statement that this fresh wave of attacks "against the defenseless people of Gaza," concurrent with the ongoing blockade of the coastal enclave, "took place with the U.S. greenlight."

He described the attacks as "a continuation of the crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing in the occupied Palestinian territories," calling for action from all governments and the United Nations to stop them.

The spokesman warned that any inaction in the face of Israel's "flagrant and unprecedented violations of international rules and norms" could lead to the collapse of the global legal and normative system and cause "catastrophic consequences" for global peace and security.

Baghaei reminded the Muslim world of its "special responsibility" to prevent the killings in the occupied Palestinian territories, calling on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take serious actions to support the oppressed Palestinians.

Israel carried out deadly bombardments across Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 413 people, and vowed to intensify the assault if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages held in the enclave. 
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A district judge dissolved an order to stop the execution of Louisiana death row inmate Jessie Hoffman.

Hoffmans execution is set for the evening of Tuesday, March 18. A temporary restraining order to keep the state from executing Hoffman expired at 9:30 a.m. this morning.

Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a March 17 statement that she expected the plan for execution to go forward despite Hoffmans attorneys filing pleadings. His attorneys filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court Sunday, March 16 asking justices to halt the execution.

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Hoffman was sentenced to death for the 1996 kidnapping and murder of Molly Elliott in New Orleans. Louisiana has not carried out an execution in 15 years but announced in February that it would resume executions using nitrogen gas after the legislature approved the method in 2024.

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Mar. 17OREGON  A rural Dixon man charged with the attempted murder of three police officers at his residence in June will remain jailed while an Ogle County judge reviews arguments for his release made by the defense.

Jonathon Gounaris, 32, is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of possession of a firearm without a firearm owner's identification card  all of which stem from a June 12 standoff with police in the rural Dixon subdivision of Lost Lake.

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Ogle County Assistant Public Defender Michael O'Brien speaks with client Jonathon Gounaris during a hearing at the Judicial Center in Oregon on Monday, March 17, 2025. (Alex T. Paschal)

Gounaris has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held in the Winnebago County Jail in Rockford.

Monday morning, Gounaris appeared before Judge John "Ben" Roe where Ogle County Assistant Public Defender Michael O'Brien argued for his release in order to receive adequate mental health treatment. O'Brien asserts that Gounaris' "delusional" and "paranoid" mental state led to the June 12 standoff with police.

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Roe has denied Gounaris' pretrial release about 12 times, citing the seriousness of the charges and community safety concerns. Judge Anthony Peska initially denied his release at a detention hearing June 20, 2024.

O'Brien said one argument was not made at that detention hearing pertaining to the circumstances surrounding officers' entry to the home at 402 Wild Rice Lane in Lost Lake.

During that hearing, Gounaris was represented by former Ogle County Public Defender William Gibbs, who has since left that position.

O'Brien also said Peska's ruling for detention shifted the burden, which is supposed to be on the state, to Gounaris "because he hasn't been able to point to a specific [mental health] diagnosis while sitting in jail."

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"He [Gounaris] doesn't have to proved his innocence," O'Brien said.

Assistant State's Attorney Heather Kruse disagreed.

"There were no errors made by the court," Kruse said.

Peska considered the conditions for release, denied them and explained why, she said.

At a news conference June 12, 2024, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said police were called at 8:39 a.m. that day to the residence with a warning that it could be a "suicide-by-cop" situation. The officers were informed that Gounaris had made suicidal and homicidal threats.

[ Sheriff: Rural Dixon resident shoots 3 deputies after barricading himself in home at Lost Lake ]

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Shortly after officers arrived, the Ogle County Sheriff's Office's Emergency Response Team was called. The ERT is made up of individuals from different agencies, including the sheriff's office, Oregon and Byron police departments, and SWAT medics from the Rochelle Fire Department.

Police made more than 60 attempted phone calls to the residence, Gounaris' cellphone and to a throw phone that was deployed inside the home, VanVickle said.

At 11:53 a.m., police breached the door to the home and were immediately met with gunfire from inside the house, VanVickle said. Three deputies and Gounaris were shot while exchanging gunfire.

Ogle County Sheriff's Lt. Jason Ketter was shot in the face and taken by air ambulance to OSF Medical Center in Rockford, where he underwent surgery. He was released from the hospital June 14.

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Ogle County Sheriff's Deputy Tad Dominski was shot in the arm, and Tyler Carls of the Rochelle Fire Department was shot in the torso. They were treated at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center  which at the time was KSB Hospital  in Dixon and released later that evening.

Gounaris also was shot during the gunfire exchange and was taken to KSB, where he was treated before being booked into the Winnebago County Jail on June 18.

In September, Winnebago County State's Attorney J. Hanley independently reviewed the Ogle County Response Team's use of force and determined the deputies acted in accordance with the law because they only fired their weapons after being shot at by Gounaris.

In court Monday, O'Brien questioned that use of force by elaborating on an 11-page motion he filed March 6 which outlines all the reasons he believes Roe should grant Gounaris' release.

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In the motion, he argues that police used "military-like arrest tactics to check on a paranoid individual. This is unreasonable and a clear unnecessary escalation of the situation."

The call was made to police because Gounaris' mother was concerned for her son's mental health. Their subsequent response was a "very funny looking welfare check," O'Brien said.

When police arrived at the residence June 12, they never announced themselves as police over a loud speaker, he said. Instead, they established a perimeter far away from the home and concealed themselves and their vehicles.

At 11:02 a.m., two deputies approached the house without announcing themselves as police and deployed a throw phone into the home, O'Brien said. They received no communication from Gounaris, did not attempt to obtain a warrant and tried to enter the home, he said.

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It was a "very violent entry into the home" consisting of "several armed officers kicking down a door," O'Brien said. "If it is truly a community caretaking entry you don't come in guns a-blazing."

O'Brien said police knew that Gounaris was alone in the home and, therefore, did not pose a threat to anyone else.

Kruse disagreed.

"This wasn't a man who was having a mental health crisis. This was a man that wanted to kill someone," Kruse said.

She said this is evidenced by Gounaris being found by police to be wearing ballistic body armor while armed with two handguns, pepper spray and a knife.

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"This wasn't suicide by cop. This was kill a cop. That's why he was wearing a bullet proof vest," Kruse said.

She said Gounaris' mother told authorities that her son suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and, in general, hated police. His mother also said that her son had barricaded himself in the home and threatened to kill himself or anyone else who tried to talk to him, Kruse said.

The officers went there to make sure the public is safe, she said.

Kruse said police made multiple calls to the residence before deploying the throw phone, which was done before entry was made. When officers did breach the door to the residence, "the defendant fired before anybody entered the home," she said.

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Based on the seriousness of the offense and her previous arguments Kruse requested continued detention and that the motion to reconsider be denied. She said there are no protections or conditions for release that would mitigate the risk to the public.

O'Brien disagreed and pointed to many conditions for release which he's asserted at previous hearings including GPS monitoring, no contact orders and receiving mental health treatment.

"The court is going to take this matter under advisement," Roe said.

Gounaris' next court appearance is set for 3:30 p.m. April 7. Roe ruled for continued detention until that date where he'll have a written decision on the issue of detention.

In favor of the defense, Roe granted O'Brien's request to show four video clips of body camera footage from June 12.

The prosecution argued against showing the footage because they show events which have already been discussed at length and playing them "out of context is inappropriate," Kruse said.

Roe told O'Brien to compile those videos and present them to the prosecution.

At the April hearing, the court will hear arguments for another motion O'Brien filed March 6 which asks Roe to "appoint an expert and/or reimburse defense costs to assist in presenting a change of venue request," the motion says.

A change-of-venue motion typically asks the judge to move the trial to a different location. Those motions usually cite reasons that the filing party believes would prevent a fair trial in the county in which the case was filed. Pretrial publicity often is listed as a reason for a change-of-venue motion.

In his motion, O'Brien argues the court should allow and pay for a company to "explore the likelihood that this case should be tried" in a different county because there exists "prejudice against" Gounaris and he cannot receive a fair trial in Ogle County.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A 13-year-old who President Donald Trump made an honorary Secret Service agent at the joint session of Congress has brought his law enforcement skills to the Natural State.

The 13-year-old was made an honorary Secret Service agent by President Donald Trump at the joint session of Congress and now his law enforcement skills are coming to the Natural State.

Boy battling cancer sworn in as honorary police officer in Texarkana

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His heart for service began years ago when his familys faith was tested.

Theodis Daniel, DJs dad, said officers fed their family and showed them kindness.

During Hurricane Harvey in Houston, we were displaced so we ended up becoming what they call as refugees at the time, Theodis Daniel said.

That kindness led DJ to want to be a police officer.

Because I want to help more people, Daniel said.

A selfless servant to his community, while his own village helps him fight his own battles.

Little Rock first responders and community hold parade of support for 7-year-old with cancer

In 2018, DJ was diagnosed with cancer.

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He had five months to live, he has a rare brain cancer, anaplastic ependymoma grade 3, Daniel said.

Hes currently going through clinical trials using experimental drugs, but hes not letting the disease get him down.

I know the doctors are kind of confused as how is he is able to be there and still be around, considering hes terminally ill, but its your spirit and your gas tank, its your fuel, you just have to stay positive and everything, this is what keeps him around, Theodis Daniel said.

DJ has been honored by over 900 agencies and showed his skills to state Capitol Police when looking at security video.

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Wait a minute, on one of those, that red car looks suspicious, DJ Daniel said.

Hes a selfless spirit with jokes for all that puts a smile on everyones face.

Six-year-old basketball superfan from Benton makes viral TikToks with NBA, WNBA players

DJ and his dad say theyre hoping to spread the message of loving your neighbor while raising awareness for childhood cancer.

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One stormy Monday in March, 1827, the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven passed away after a protracted illness.

Bedridden since the previous Christmas, he was attacked by jaundice, his limbs and abdomen swollen, each breath a struggle.

As his associates went about the task of sorting through personal belongings, they uncovered a document Beethoven had written a quarter of a century earlier  a will beseeching his brothers make details of his condition known to the public.

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Today it is no secret that one of the greatest musicians the world has ever known was functionally deaf by his mid-40s.

It was a tragic irony Beethoven wished the world understood, not just from a personal perspective, but a medical one.

The composer would outlive his doctor by nearly two decades, yet close to two centuries after Beethoven's death a team of researchers set out to fulfill his testament in ways he would never have dreamed possible, by genetically analyzing the DNA in authenticated samples of his hair.

"Our primary goal was to shed light on Beethoven's health problems, which famously include progressive hearing loss, beginning in his mid- to late-20s and eventually leading to him being functionally deaf by 1818," biochemist Johannes Krause from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany explained in a press statement in 2023, when the results were unveiled.

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The primary cause of that hearing loss has never been known, not even to his personal physician Dr Johann Adam Schmidt.

What began as tinnitus in his 20s slowly gave way to a reduced tolerance for loud noise, and eventually a loss of hearing in the higher pitches, effectively ending his career as a performing artist.

For a musician, nothing could be more ironic. In a letter addressed to his brothers, Beethoven admitted he was "hopelessly afflicted", to the point of contemplating suicide.

It wasn't just hearing loss the composer had to deal with in his adult life. From at least the age of 22 he is said to have suffered severe abdominal pains and chronic bouts of diarrhea.

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Six years before his death the first indications of liver disease appeared, an illness thought to have been, at least in part, responsible for his death at the relatively young age of 56.

In 2007 a forensic investigation into a lock of what was believed to be Beethoven's hair suggested lead poisoning could have hastened his death, if not have been ultimately responsible for the symptoms that claimed his life.

Given the culture of drinking from lead vessels and medical treatments of the time that involved the use of lead, it's hardly a surprising conclusion.

This latest study, published in March 2023, debunks the theory, however, revealing that the hair never came from Beethoven in the first place, but rather an unknown woman.

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More importantly, several locks confirmed as far more likely to be from the composer's head demonstrate his death was probably the result of a hepatitis B infection, exacerbated by his drinking and numerous risk factors for liver disease.

As for his other conditions?

"We were unable to find a definitive cause for Beethoven's deafness or gastrointestinal problems," said Krause.

An authentic lock of Beethoven's hair, affixed to a letter dated 1827 and photographed in 2018 by American Beethoven Society member Kevin Brown. (Begg et al., Current Biology, 2023)

In some ways, we're left with more questions on the life and death of the famous classical composer.

Where did he contract hepatitis? How did a lock of woman's hair pass as Beethoven's own for centuries? And just what was behind his gut pains and hearing loss?

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Given the team was inspired by Beethoven's desire for the world to understand his hearing loss, it's an unfortunate outcome. Though there was one more surprise buried among his genes.

Further investigation comparing the Y chromosome in the hair samples with those of modern relatives descending from Beethoven's paternal line point to a mismatch.

This suggests extramarital sexual activity in the generations leading up to the composer's birth.

"This finding suggests an extrapair paternity event in his paternal line between the conception of Hendrik van Beethoven in Kampenhout, Belgium in c.1572 and the conception of Ludwig van Beethoven seven generations later in 1770, in Bonn, Germany," said Tristan Begg, a biological anthropologist now at the University of Cambridge in the UK.

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It could all be a little more than a younger Beethoven bargained for, considering the fateful request he put to paper.

Never would he have dreamed of the secrets that were being preserved as his friends and associates clipped the hair from his body in the wake of that somber stormy Monday night in 1827.

This research was published in Current Biology.

An earlier version of this article was published in March 2023.

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The Democratic National Committee is set to announce on Tuesday its earliest-ever new election cycle investment into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, which will see Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate, take on Republican-backed Brad Schimel, a former state attorney general and current Waukesha County judge, ABC News has learned exclusively.

To help boost organizing on the ground, the Democratic Party will host phone banks and call more than 2 million Wisconsin voters in support of Crawford.

The DNC's new investment will be used for on the ground operations, including organizing, peer-to-peer texting, and mobilizing thousands of volunteers to help the Wisconsin Democratic-coordinated campaign. Last month, DNC Chair Ken Martin was in Wisconsin canvassing for the Wisconsin Democratic coordinated campaign.

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The April 1 election will decide who will take the open seat on the court and whether the bench will remain under control by the liberal justices or flip to a conservative majority, with major cases involving abortion, redistricting, and election laws being brought up.

PHOTO: Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford participate in a debate, March 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (Morry Gash/AP)

The investment being made by the DNC comes on the first day of early voting in Wisconsin and marks the first investment by the organization since the 2024 election.

The race will also preview how voters in the battleground state feel a few months into President Donald Trump's second term. Trump won the state by just under 30,000 voters in the 2024 election.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is also seen as one indication of Elon Musk's influence beyond Washington and how Democrats try to push back against the richest man in the world, linking him to Schimel, the Republican-backed candidate.

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"With Wisconsin voters up against the world's richest man, this is an all-hands-on-deck moment and we're thrilled to have the support of the DNC in this fight," said Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Elections in Wisconsin often come down to a hairsbreadth, and every voter we can turn out to support Judge Susan Crawford and Dr. Jill Underly on April 1 can make the difference between keeping Wisconsin on a path of progress or letting Elon Musk and Donald Trump drag us backwards.

A conservative group linked to Musk, Building America's Future, has spent more than $1.6 million on television ads in the race, while another, Musk's super PAC America PAC, has spent over $6 million on get-out-the-vote efforts and digital media, according to state campaign finance records.

PHOTO: Elon Musk arrives for US President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the Capitol in Washington, Mar. 4, 2025. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

"When I went to Wisconsin to knock doors last month, folks told me they don't want billionaires like Elon Musk running our federal government and they certainly don't want him buying our elections," Martin said in a statement.

But billionaires have also invested in support of Crawford, including George Soros and Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker.

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Although Trump has not endorsed Schimel, Musk urged on X last month for people to "vote Republican for the Wisconsin Supreme Court to prevent voting fraud!"

The DNC is also working to support the Wisconsin Democratic coordinated campaign, with the state party recently announcing their "People vs. Musk" campaign to push back against Musk's influence in the race.

The states Supreme Court race is the most expensive judicial race in US history, according to The Brennan Center, a nonprofit public policy institute.

As of Monday, more than $59 million has been spent in the race, which the think tank says breaks the record for the most spending in a state supreme court election, surpassing the estimated $56 million poured into the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court race.

ABC News' Oren Oppenheim contributed to this report.

DNC to make first major post-election investment into Wisconsin Supreme Court race originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A Tennessee doctor who also practices in Georgia has settled claims that his office knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary therapy.

The United States alleges that between September 2009 and January 2017, Dr. Robert Burkich, M.D. billed Medicare for administering the chelation drug edetate calcium disodium to Medicare beneficiaries who were not suffering from lead poisoning.

The drug is prescribed to people suffering from lead poisoning and lead encephalopathy and is rarely used.

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The U.S. Attorneys Office alleges that Burkich falsely represented to Medicare that his patients suffered from lead poisoning or other heavy metal-related diseases to avoid Medicares restrictions and get reimbursement.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia filed a lawsuit against Burkich and his practice, accusing them of violating the False Claims Act.

Burkich and his practice will jointly pay $700,000 to the United States which will be used as restitution to Medicare.

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Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiners March 13 proposal to shut down the citys nonprofit art house cinema, O Cinema, following screenings of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land is not sitting well with the members of the doc community.

On Monday, 752 members of the international filmmaking community including doc feature Oscar winners Michael Moore, Laura Poitras, Ezra Edelman and Alex Gibney signed an open letter to the city of Miami Beach that stated, in part, that the Mayors threat to shut down the O Cinema is an attack on freedom of expression, the right of artists to tell their stories, and a violation of the First Amendment.

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Alfred Spellman, who co-founded Rakontur with Billy Corben in 2000, also signed the letter. The Miami Beach native has produced over 15 docus, including From Russia With Lev and Cocaine Cowboys.

This is a case that is definitional of what the First Amendment is supposed to protect against, which is government encroachment on speech, Spellman told Variety. The Mayor is trying to claim that the content of the documentary is anti-semitic, but that doesnt matter. So long as it is not legally obscene, the mayor has no business interfering with what the O Cinema chooses to program.

The story of the resistance of Palestinian activists against forced displacement and settler expansion in the West Bank community of Masafer Yatta, No Other Land debuted at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival, where it won the Documentary Award and Panorama Dokumente Audience Award. Directed by a Palestinian-Israeli collective of four young activists: Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor and Basel Adra, it went on to play widely on the fest circuit, winning a slew of other awards prior to the Oscar.

Meiner characterized the film as a false one-sided propaganda attack on the Jewish people that is not consistent with the values of our city and residents and has introduced legislation to terminate the lease for the O Cinema, a city-owned property. In addition to asking Miami Beach commissioners to end the theaters lease, Meiner is also asking the city to immediately discontinue approximately $40,000 in city grant funding.

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The problem here is that there is an attempt to shift the discussion to the merits or the demerits of the film and the filmmaking and the issues surrounding it, said Spellman. If you are a committed free speech advocate, none of that matters.

Together Films founder and CEO Sarah Mosses also signed the open letter sent to Meiner and Miami Beach commissioners.

The censorship we are seeing in Miami is what we usually see in other regions led by dictators, says Mosses, who is selling the 2024 abortion doc Zurawski V Texas to international markets. We should be very concerned with this rhetoric.

Miami Beach Commissioner Tanya Katzoff Bhatt told Variety that she was flabbergasted by Meiners attempt to censor O Cinema.

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Im not at all surprised that we are getting the outpouring of very distressed citizens, both residents of Miami Beach and beyond, saying basically, what the holy hell are you doing?, said Bhatt. So, Im also thrilled that we are getting the response we are getting because censorship is never the right answer to challenging issues.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and the Community Justice Project are representing O Cinema. On Tuesday, Vivian Marthell, the CEO of O Cinema, held a press conference in Miami Beach with representatives from the ACLU, the Miami Light Project, and the Community Justice Project to discuss the First Amendment concerns and O Cinema.

The Mayors threats were patently unconstitutional, but they sparked a global conversation about the importance of arts in our civic life and the importance of free expression to our democratic ideals, Florida ACLU legal director Daniel Tilley told members of the media.

Though No Other Land was sold by Autlook to dozens of foreign territories  including the United Kingdom and France  it has struggled to find a home in both the U.S., where it has been self-released by the filmmakers. The doc had its U.S. theatrical release on Feb. 2 on a single screen and grossed $26,000. Since then, the film has expanded to 120 U.S.-based screens and grossed over $1.2 million.

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O Cinema is set to screen No Other Land again on Wednesday and Thursday. Both screenings are sold out.

This has come as a complete shock and surprise to us, O Cinema co-founder and chair of the board of directors Kareem Tabsch told Variety. In the organizations nearly 15 years, we have never heard from an elected official who has questioned or challenged a film we have shown, and weve operated in multiple municipalities.

Tabsch said that while there has been a modest uptick in theater donations, if Meiners resolution passes, the O Cinema will become homeless.

I have been able to lead the city forward, with the support of my colleagues, in so many meaningful ways this last year, said Bhatt. We have increased grants to all kinds of cultural institutions to (help them) continue doing the work that they do because we recognize how important it is to our schools, to our community, to our tourism, and to the narrative of what Miami Beach is all about. To have it undone based on one persons opinion is heartbreaking to me. Its devastating to what were trying to build.

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At the Oscar ceremony earlier this month, No Other Land directors received a standing ovation when they were announced as the winner of the best documentary feature category.

Co-director Abraham, an Israeli journalist, spoke about the power of the film being a collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians. Together, our voices are stronger, he said. We see each other  the destruction of Gaza and its people, which must end, the Israeli hostages, brutally taken in the crime of Oct. 7, which must be freed.

Meiner was elected to the nonpartisan mayoral position in November 2023. Miami Beach commissioners will vote on Meiners O Cinema proposal on Wednesday. To overturn Meiners resolution, there needs to be a four-person majority.

If commissioners vote to overturn O Cinemas lease, Bhatt said that she will be very concerned.

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If it happens here in Miami Beach, what does it mean for the rest of the country?

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The Department of Defense and U.S. Army scrubbed articles on the Navajo Code Talkers and their contribution to America's victories during World War II, removing the information from websites as part of President Donald Trump's campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion.

But on Tuesday, in the wake of news stories about the removal, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said he was assured the Code Talkers information would be restored. Defense officials told him the material was taken down as part of an automated review of content.

In a letter to the Defense Department, Nygren said the Code Talkers were "profoundly significant" to the Navajo Nation and made indispensable contributions to U.S. military efforts during WWII.

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The Code Talkers background was scrubbed in response to the president's executive orders related to DEI policies, according to a memo dated Feb. 26 from Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesperson and assistant to the Secretary of Defense. The new policies required the military branches to remove news, feature articles, photos and videos that promote DEI. Any removed content from Defense Department websites and social media platforms were to be archived and retained per applicable records management policies.

That content included mentions of the Code Talkers.

"It is unbelievable," said Zonnie Gorman, daughter of the late Navajo Code Talker Carl Gorman, who was one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers.

Zonnie Gorman, professional, longtime public historian, lecturer, and consultant on the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II, told The Arizona Republic Monday that it was frustrating to witness attempts at erasing history.

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"Indigenous people, we are so invisible in the United States to begin with, and this is such a massive step backward," said Gorman. "To dishonor these men, the Navajo Code Talkers, and World War II, and Code Talkers that served in other branches of the service, to dishonor their service to the United States is unconscionable."

Over the weekend, Arlington National Cemetery reportedly scrubbed its website of various pages on grave sites and classroom lesson plans that highlighted the work of Black, Hispanic and female service members buried at the grounds, again due to Trump's DEI executive order.

Trump orders: Disappearing DEI or history? Information taken off Arlington National Cemetery site

What did the Navajo Code Talkers do in WWII?

The Navajo Code Talkers have long been honored as heroes of World War II, with over 400 young Navajo men enlisting in the U.S. Marines and creating an unbreakable code based on the Navajo language. Many, including Gorman, lied about their age to serve a country that had granted them citizenship only 20 years earlier.

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This encrypted code, never deciphered by the enemy, played a crucial role in the United States' success across the Pacific front from 1942 to 1945. Historians contend that the Code Talkers helped accelerate the wars end and, without question, saved thousands of lives.

"It's a disgrace to take this down because of DEI," said Bryan Davis, a Navajo Marine veteran who served from 2004-2015 and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. "The Navajo Code Talkers were an important part of winning World War II. Without the language and the efficiency of the code talkers, had that not taken place or used our code, we wouldn't have won World War II."

Like many Navajo veterans, Davis said he has always admired the Navajo Code Talkers, whose legacy ultimately inspired him to enlist in the Marines shortly after graduating high school. He said the history of the Code Talkers is vital and should not be erased, but rather taught.

"This history is something that should be shared with everybody," said Davis. "It's everybody's history. Everyone talks about American history, this is what it is."

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'Not so fast': Native languages should be spoken and preserved, tribes say after Trump's 'English' order

Navajo President Nygren said on his Facebook page Tuesday that the Defense Department plans to restore the content after he formally requested clarification about the recent removal of articles on the Navajo Code Talkers.

"Recognizing the work of the Navajo Code Talkers is profoundly significant to the Navajo Nation," Nygren stated in his March 18 letter to the Defense Department. "During World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers made indispensable contributions to American military successes in the Pacific theater.

In a separate news release, the Navajo Nation Council expressed its disappointment in the administration's actions to eliminate Code Talker history from military websites.

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The service of the Navajo Code Talkers secured victory in the Battle of Iwo Jima and in World War II. The Navajo Code Talkers earned their place in history through their courage and sacrifice, giving their lives in defense of this nation, said Speaker Crystalyne Curley. Erasing their extraordinary contributions from formal military history is not only disrespectful, it is dishonorable.

Removal is a 'slap in the face,' Kelly says

In 1982, Navajo Code Talkers Day was established through a presidential proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. In 2020, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation to make National Navajo Code Talkers Day a state holiday.

Navy veteran and Sen. Mark Kelly took to X on Monday to post his thoughts on the recent erasure of Navajo Code Talkers from the DOD and Army websites, calling it "a slap in the face to the Navajo community."

"There's a movement in this country where history is being removed ... blatantly erasing contribution that made this country great," said former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

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Nez, who recently ran for Arizona's 2nd Congressional District, is a fluent Navajo speaker. While campaigning, he made a point to introduce himself in Navajo and remind non-Navajo voters that it was the language that helped win World War II.

"Many knew about the code talkers but it gave me the opportunity to share more of our history with others," said Nez. "So, when you see President Trump, his administration, saying this is part of DEI, he and his team should be reminded that Native Americans, Indigenous people, are embedded in the U.S. Constitution."

Nez: Histories are being erased

Efforts to remove references to the Navajo Code Talkers from military websites under the guise of DEI policies mark another blow to Indigenous communities. Last week, reports surfaced that the Maricopa County Community College District would eliminate student-of-color groups and clubs, including Native American clubs, and cancel the Native American convocations scheduled for May.

During a recent meeting, council members noted that neither Nygren nor the council has taken a position on Trump's executive orders.

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"Navajo Nation Council, also Office of the President and Vice President, have not taken a position on these executive orders," said Council Delegate Danny Simpson. "One voice, we need that. We don't need a different voice from Navajo Nation Council or entities that receive federal funds, the Office of the President that does not work for us."

Websites maintained by the U.S. Marines, Air Force and Navy still included active links to articles on the Navajo Code Talkers.

"I want to acknowledge the Marine Corps for not taking down their information on the Navajo Code Talkers," said Gorman. "I hope that remains true. They have a motto  Semper Fi  always faithful. They also never leave a Marine behind. I hope that erasing the Navajo Code Talkers from public knowledge is not an option for them."

American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average and have distinguished themselves in every major conflict for over 200 years. Despite making up approximately 1.4% of the U.S. population, Native people account for 1.7% of the military  excluding those who did not disclose their identity giving them the highest per-capita participation of any group in U.S. military service, according to National Indian Council of Aging.

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"If we don't stand up and warrior up, what's next," said Nez. " What other histories are going to be erased and that should be a big concern for Indigenous people in this country."

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Navajo Code Talkers articles removed from military sites may be restored
Is it just us, or is anyone feeling deja vu lately? Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the US has trouble containing another virus, largely due to misinformation. While its not another COVID strain, its a little disorienting to fight off a virus the US beat before: Measles.

Recent numbers report 301 cases across 15 states and two confirmed deaths. A measles infection is one of the worlds most contagious diseases, but unlike COVID, scientists are not scrambling to create a vaccine. We already have oneand it works. Measles vaccination is estimated to have saved 60 million lives between 2000 and 2023. And if you break down who has been infected so far, 95% have been in the unvaccinated population.

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That said, you would expect the government's leading medical experts to urge people to vaccinate. The official measles response, though, has been confusing. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Human and Health Services, recommended that people get vaccinated, but he also made conflicting and misleading statements about the measles vaccine.

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Many infectious disease experts and doctors have made it clear they disagree with RFKs vaccine skepticism. The measles vaccine does not wane in immunity. Its quite the opposite. Here are the facts.

Related: Can I Get Measles If I Am Vaccinated? What to Know About Measles and MMR Boosters Amid the 2025 Outbreak

How Effective Is The Measles Vaccine?

Vaccination remains the safest and most effective method for preventing measles infection. One dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is 93% effective against measles, and two doses are 97% effective.

The current two-dose MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine. Its a weakened or altered form of the virus that cannot cause infection. Exposure to the weakened virus allows the bodys immune system to recognize and train an immune response against it. Dr. David DiJohn, MD, a professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, says that, unlike COVID, the measles virus is not expected to dramatically mutate into a deadlier virus that renders the current vaccine obsolete.

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Dr. Andrew Handel, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Stony Brook Medicine, says only a small percentage of vaccinated people experience breakthrough infections. Of the current cases in the US, 3% of people with one dose of the MMR vaccine have gotten sick with measles, while only 2% of people vaccinated with two doses have been infected. Despite the infection, Handel emphasizes that measles symptoms are less severe compared to unvaccinated people.

Related: Tuberculosis Symptoms to Look for Amid Global Surge

Why Is RFK Saying the Measles Vaccine Doesnt Work?

In a Fox News interview earlier this month, RFK downplayed the vaccines effectiveness. He even theorized that waning immunity from the vaccines was partly to blame for the measles outbreak.

When you and I were kids, everybody got measles, and measles gave you  lifetime protection against measles infection. The vaccine doesnt do that. The vaccine is effective for some people for life, but for many people, it wanes, Kennedy told Hannity, according to CNN. He even claimed that the measles vaccine causes deaths every year, a claim that is absolutely, demonstrably false.

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Now keep in mind that RFK has long been skeptical of vaccines. Hes wrongly claimed a link between vaccines and increased autism rates (the two studies he used to back up his claim are widely discredited). With the claim of waning immunity from the measles vaccine, RFK may be referring to the first measles vaccineone that has been discontinued for decades.

The original measles vaccine used from 1963 to 1967 was one dose and an inactivated vaccine. This uses a killed version of the virus, but it proved not to be as protective as a live attenuated vaccine. This vaccine was quickly replaced with the two-dose measles vaccine used today, which provides high protection against the virus. Both Handel and DiJohn agree that the population that received this earlier measles vaccine or is unsure of their vaccination status should get a booster shot.

The current two-dose measles vaccine provides lifetime immunity and is the best way to protect yourself against measles, says DiJohn. People who have received the measles vaccine as children continue to show high antibody levels. If youre nervous about waning immunity, Handel says you can ask your doctor for a blood test to check for antibodies that protect against measles.

Related: People 50+ Need These Vaccines and Boosters

How Measles Affects the Body

Measles is a respiratory virus transmitted through the air. It infects immune cells in the respiratory tract and spreads to other tissues and organs via the lymphatic system.

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Measles presents symptoms similar to a cold, such as a runny nose, cough, and watery eyes. One of the telltale signs of measles is a rash that spreads throughout the body and small white spots inside the mouth known as Koplik spots. Measles is highly contagious, and people can get sick from breathing the same air as an infected person. One case of measles is estimated to cause about 15 to 20 additional cases, says Handel.

In the old days before vaccines, if a kid in a classroom got measles virtually, so did every other kid in the class, explains DiJohn.It has a tremendous potential for causing epidemic spread.

The neurological and respiratory complications of measles make it dangerous to humans, and there is a risk of death. A small percentage of people develop pneumonia with measles or secondary bacterial pneumonia afterward. There is also a risk of brain swelling called encephalitis, which can lead to blindness and deafness.

A decade after a measles infection, people have reported issues with their immune systems. Handel said the weakened immune system can cause people to lose immunity to infections they were once protected against. In rare situations, the immunosuppression caused by the measles virus can induce a fatal neurological disorder called SSPE.

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Bottom line: measles vaccines are effective and have already prevented millions of infections. In DiJohn's words, it's better to be vaccinated than to face a potentially life-threatening disease. Isn't it better to be safe than sorry?

Up Next

Related: Im an Infectious Disease Expert, and This Is the #1 Vaccine Myth I Wish Everyone Would Stop Believing'

Sources
TUNIS, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian maritime guards rescued 612 undocumented immigrants from foundering boats after foiling several illegal migration attempts off the country's central coast, the Tunisian National Guard said late Monday.

The maritime guards intercepted boats involved in illegal migration attempts to cross the Mediterranean to Italy late Sunday night, rescuing the migrants from sub-Saharan African countries, the National Guard said in a statement.

During the operation, maritime guards also retrieved 18 bodies of illegal migrants, it added.

The National Guard reaffirmed its commitment to securing land and sea borders against illegal crossings and called for stronger collaborative efforts to combat the issue.

Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is a major departure point for migrants and refugees seeking to reach Europe through dangerous sea crossings. 
DOGE has entered the U.S. Institute for Peace in what its former leader is calling an "illegal takeover." Officials say the Trump administration does not have the authority to gut the organization.

Elon Musk's DOGE has "broken into" the U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP) after multiple failed attempts to enter the building, officials say.

The cost-cutting team gained access to the organization's headquarters on Monday, despite officials arguing the Trump administration does not have the authority to gut the institute, the organization's chief security officer, Colin O'Brien, told Fortune.

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O'Brien said DOGE's attempt to access the organization amounted to a "sustained effort over multiple days" that deployed "a range of tactics to gain entry."

"It was unlike anything I have experienced in my professional career," he said.

In a video shared online, D.C. police can be seen outside the institute's headquarters in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood on Monday evening. O'Brien said USIP had contacted the police after DOGE tried to gain access to the building without permission.

In a statement shared with media on Monday, the organization's former CEO, George Moose, said: "DOGE has broken into our building."

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He called the events "an illegal takeover by elements of the executive branch of a private non-profit.

The organization has been in a standoff with Elon Musk's cost-cutting team for several days, which escalated on Monday when DOGE staffers forced their way into the organization's headquarters.

Congressman Don Beyer said the organization had been "stormed by DOGE, with the support of the D.C. police." He said employees had been forced out and authorities had "picked the lock" on the Moose's door and forced him to exit the building.

"This is not a federal agency, this is an agency that does not report to Donald Trump," he said. "It's a congressionally charted non-profit, and, like thousands of non-profits it gets some federal funding but that's all subject to review by Congress, not the president of the United States."

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Beyer said he tried to gain access but was denied.

Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fortune, made outside normal working hours.

In a statement on X, DOGE wrote: "Mr. Moose denied lawful access to Kenneth Jackson, the Acting USIP President (as approved by the USIP Board). @DCPoliceDept arrived onsite and escorted Mr. Jackson into the building. The only unlawful individual was Mr. Moose, who refused to comply, and even tried to fire USIPs private security team when said security team went to give access to Mr. Jackson."

Trump takes aim at foreign aid

Officials at the U.S. Institute for Peace have argued the Trump administration does not have proper authority to gut the organization since its not part of the executive branch.

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According to its website, the U.S. Institute of Peace is a nonpartisan, independent organization committed to safeguarding U.S. interests by working to prevent violent conflicts and mediate peace agreements internationally.

The Trump administration removed most of the board of the U.S. Institute of Peace, per the AP, and replaced Moose as acting president with Kenneth Jackson, a State Department official who was involved in the dismantling of USAID, with the help of the remaining board members: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Peter A. Garvin, the president of the National Defense University.

The move appears to be part of a broader effort to dismantle the U.S.'s foreign aid programs.

Speaking to reporters after leaving the building, Moose said: It was very clear that there was a desire on the part of the administration to dismantle a lot of what we call foreign assistance, and we are part of that family.

Moose also said the organization had been in contact with DOGE since last month and had tried to explain its independent status.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) members entered the US Institute of Peace (USIP) headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Monday night, despite protests that the agency is an independent nonprofit, officials said.

Congress founded the USIP in 1984 as a nonpartisan, independent organization dedicated to protecting U.S. interests by helping prevent violent conflicts and broker peace deals abroad, according to the institutes website.

The DOGE workers gained access to the institutes headquarters after several unsuccessful attempts and after having been turned away Friday, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Officers at the US Institute of Peace on Monday night after DOGE workers allegedly entered the facility, despite protests from officials. (Anthony Deng/DC News Now)

Ive come down here because this is not a federal agency; this is an agency that does not report to Donald Trump, Rep. Don Beyer, D-VA, told DC News Now, outside the USIP headquarters Monday night. Its a congressionally chartered nonprofit, and like thousands of nonprofits, it gets some federal funding, but thats all subject to review by Congress, not the President of the United States.

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Im just here to make sure the American people know that this is a violation of the law, its almost certainly unconstitutional, and this is the wrong way to rightsize the federal government, he continued.

Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8) told DC News Now that DOGE broke into the US Institute of Peace on Monday night. (Anthony Deng/DC News Now)

Trump tours Kennedy Center, attends first board meeting as chair

In addition, Beyer said he talked to USIP President and CEO George Moose (who was reportedly fired on Friday) after he was allegedly removed from the building Monday evening.

He [Moose] also said he was determined to get the lawyers moving tonight to open the building back up to its people. This is not a federal agency, it doesnt report to the president of the United States, Beyer added.

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In February, Trump targeted USIP and a few other organizations in an executive order aiming to downsize the federal government.

The administration has since moved to fire and cancel programs at some of those institutions, following its dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and shuttering of other agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education, according to AP.

Regarding the alleged break-in Monday night, Beyer said that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) assisted DOGE in entering the headquarters and that all USIP employees were forced out. However, the Associated Press reported that USIP had called police on the DOGE workers.

In a statement to DC News Now, MPD said the department was contacted by the United States Attorneys Office at around 4 p.m. regarding an ongoing incident at USIP, located at 2301 Constitution Ave. NW.

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The USAO advised MPD that they had been made aware that at least one person was refusing to leave the property at the direction of the acting USIP President, who was lawfully in charge of the facility. The USAO provided the contact information for the acting USIP President, so MPD members could speak directly with him, said MPD, in part.

MPD members met with the acting USIP President, and he provided the MPD members with documentation that he was the acting USIP President, with all powers delegated by the USIP Board of Directors to that role. The acting USIP President advised MPD members that there were unauthorized individuals inside of the building that were refusing to leave and refusing to provide him access to the facility. MPD members went to the USIP building and contacted an individual who allowed MPD members inside of the building. Once inside of the building, the acting USIP President requested that all the unauthorized individuals inside of the building leave, MPD continued.

MPD noted that all the unauthorized individuals eventually complied with the acting USIP presidents request and left the building.

No one was arrested.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency plans to terminate lease contracts at nearly two dozen California offices relating to science, agriculture and the environment, according to its federal database.

The planned closures include facilities occupied by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, Forest Service and Geological Survey. The terminations follow massive layoffs at NOAA and significant cuts to scientific research funding across federal agencies  including the potential elimination of the EPA's key scientific research arm.

The Trump administration has said the lease terminations will provide considerable cost savings for the American people. Elon Musk's DOGE website lists nearly 800 lease locations set for closure across the country totaling more than 10 million square feet, which it says would result in about $500 million in savings. The database does not provide specific addresses or information about what the buildings are used for.

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As of Monday, 65 locations on the list were in California, and 22 of them  or about 35%  are home to agencies that help manage, protect and preserve the Golden State's environment.

Among them is a NOAA office in Eureka that is home to an outpost of the agency's National Marine Fisheries Service, which is geared toward the stewardship of oceans and marine life.

"NOAA provides critical information about extreme weather and coastal hazards, manages fisheries, conserves coastal and marine resources, and protects American fishermen and consumers," wrote a group of Democratic lawmakers in a recent letter to Howard Lutnick, secretary of the Department of Commerce, which oversees NOAA.

"Closing field facilities will compromise NOAA's ability to provide these services and damage the local communities and economies that rely on them," wrote the group, which included California's Reps. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose).

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Read more: Mass firings across National Weather Service, NOAA ignite fury among scientists worldwide

The cuts in California extend beyond NOAA. The list names a 536-square-foot office of the U.S. Forest Service in Mount Shasta; an office of the National Park Service in Ventura and offices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Arcata and Palm Springs.

Meanwhile, two U.S. Geological Survey locations are on the list, including a field office that appears to belong to the California Water Science Center in Santa Maria.

One of the larger closures on the list is the Los Angeles office of the Environmental Protection Agency, which occupies 13,541 square feet with a $572,000 annual lease. The agency last week was the subject of a sweeping announcement surrounding cost-cutting and deregulation from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who said taking aim at the "climate change religion" was among his top priorities.

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The EPA's restructuring may also include the shutdown of its Office of Research and Development  which employs thousands of scientists across the country who study air and water quality, chemical safety, human health and other relevant policy matters. The closure could see as many as 1,155 scientists fired, according to documents reviewed by Democrats on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and first reported by the New York Times.

Agency officials said Tuesday that nothing has been finalized regarding a potential shutdown.

"While no decisions have been made yet, we are actively listening to employees at all levels to gather ideas on how to better fulfill agency statutory obligations, increase efficiency, and ensure the EPA is as up-to-date and effective as ever," EPA spokesperson Molly Vaseliou said in an email.

The loss, however, would take a considerable toll on public health and act as a boon to polluting industries, according to Chitra Kumar, managing director of the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

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"It would be extremely difficult to set protective health standards without the EPA's Office of Research and Development, and I think thats exactly what this administration is aiming for," Kumar said in a statement. "I am not sure how the EPA could fulfill its legal mandate of public health protection if this plan goes forward."

Read more: How the EPA's environmental about-face could upend California's climate efforts

Other agency offices on the lease termination list in California include the Bureau of Land Management in Ukiah, the Farm Service Agency in Madera and Bakersfield, and the water-managing Bureau of Reclamation in Weaverville and Temecula. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees some dams, reservoirs and waterways, faces closures in Davis and Apple Valley.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service  a subset of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps farmers, landowners and agricultural producers conserve soil, water and other natural resources  is facing closures in Oxnard, Woodland, Salinas and Blythe, the database shows.

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The developments coincide with mass terminations of government employees across the country, including about 5% of NOAA employees laid off at the end of February.

The move also aligns with Project 2025, a conservative platform document that calls for the dismantling of NOAA, the National Weather Service and other federal environmental agencies described as "main drivers of the climate change alarm industry." Although the president has publicly distanced himself from the plan, many of his policies have lined up with its recommendations.

Additional agencies on the chopping block that are not related to the environment include offices of the Internal Revenue Service, the Indian Health Service, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Education.

Read more: Project 2025 plan calls for demolition of NOAA and National Weather Service

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Elon Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is planning to restructure the Social Security Administrations phone support services in a move that could force millions of seniors to require in-person services from the already understaffed agency.

According to a leaked memo obtained by Popular Information and later reported by Axios, Acting Deputy SSA Commissioner Doris Diaz proposed adding additional online identity verification to Social Security claims processing in an effort to clamp down on alleged payment fraud. In reality, Social Security fraud is quite rare, affecting less than 1 percent of payments between 2015-2022. By Diazs own admission, the additional identity verification could cause increased wait times, and potentially delay or deny services to vulnerable seniors.

In the leaked memo, Diaz suggests that the SSA use current internet identity proofing, for agency benefits claims and direct deposit changes done over the phone. For instances where a customer is unable to utilize the internet ID proofing, customers will be required to visit a field office to provide in-person identifying documentation.

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Social Security recipients are already required to go through an identity verification process if they utilize the agencys phone service, and discrepancies are typically resolved by mailing copies of identifying documents to the SSA for verification. A former SSA official told Axios that the memo was crafted at DOGEs request.

Requiring in-person verification would, as Diaz herself wrote, result in 75,000-85,000 additional visitors per week to SSA offices, longer wait times and processing time, increased challenges for vulnerable populations, a higher demand for resources, staff, and systems updates, and increased costs for identity proofing services and potential budget shortfalls.

Sounds awful, so why do it? Well, the most likely result would be that thousands of people  either through delays, roadblocks, or inability to access in-person services  will stop receiving social security payments. Fewer payments mean less spending on Social Security, and thats ultimately the Trump administrations goal.

Last week, amid rumors that SSA telephone services would be cut off entirely, the agency issued a press release stating that phone services would remain available. SA is increasing its protection for Americas seniors and other beneficiaries by eliminating the risk of fraud associated with changing bank account information by telephone, the agency wrote.

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DOGEs incursion into the SSA has already wreaked havoc on the agency. Musk has accused the program of being the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time, and falsely claimed that millions of payments are going out to dead individuals who are over 120 years old. Ten SSA field offices have already been shut down by DOGE, and Musk is floating over $700 billion in cuts to entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicaid, Medicaid.

As previously reported by Rolling Stone, the Trump administration is also planning to offload the cost of overpayments and other errors made by SSA officials onto the seniors who receive them. Earlier this month, interim SSA chief Leland Dudek announced that the agency would be increasing the amount of money it withheld from social security recipients who had been overpaid from 10-100 percent  potentially their entire check. For the millions of elderly Americans who rely on social security to make ends meet, an error made by the government could result in a devastating penalty.

Essentially, the Trump administrations plan to cut back on Social Security seems to be focused on making it more difficult to access benefits, and increasing the amount of money they can withhold from recipients.

Questions also remain about what kind of access Musk and DOGE have to the troves of sensitive personal data housed and managed by the SSA. In February, Acting Social Security Commissioner Michelle King stepped down from her post after refusing to provide representatives from DOGE access to systems containing sensitive recipient data. Similar conflicts have taken place at other agencies, including the treasury.

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On Tuesday, top Democrats on the House Oversight Committee issued a letter demanding that Musk and the Trump administration comply with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for details on who really is in charge at DOGE, the scope of its authority to shutter federal agencies and get rid of more than 100,000 federal employees, the extent of its access to the governments most sensitive databases, and whether DOGE is serving the interests of the American people or the interests of Mr. Musks companies and his foreign customers.

By filing these FOIA requests, which every American has the right to make in order to demand transparency from our government, wrote Ranking Members Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.). The President, Mr. Musk, and DOGE can and will be held accountable to the American people, the original and ultimate source of all sovereign power in the United States of America.

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The Justice Department on Tuesday refused to answer questions from a federal judge seeking more details about deportations carried out under a rarely used wartime act, leading the judge to issue a new order for the information.

"The Government maintains that there is no justification to order the provision of additional information, and that doing so would be inappropriate," the Justice Department said in a court filing responding to U.S. District Judge James Boasberg's ruling that it provide him with more information about the deportation flights.

The types of details Boasberg was asking for, the department argued, would "disclose sensitive information bearing on national security and foreign relations."

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Boasberg, the district court's chief judge, responded to the filing a short time later, directing the government to answer his questions in a sealed court filing by noon Wednesday.

The government's filings Tuesday did include a declaration from an official with Immigration and Customs Enforcement answering some of the questions Boasberg had posed at a hearing Monday, when he expressed frustration that the government had appeared to snub his order halting the deportations and refused to answer questions about its actions.

Boasberg had summarized the government's position as "we dont care, well do what we want.

In a verbal order Saturday, Boasberg had directed any planes in the air carrying deportees to return to the United States after he issued a restraining order blocking deportations stemming from President Donald Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport suspected members of a Venezuelan gang. It was later revealed that the planes had arrived in El Salvador and Honduras, raising questions about the timing of the flights and the custody handover.

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In his declaration, Robert Cerna, an acting field director of enforcement and removal operations for ICE, said that "three planes carrying aliens departed the United States for El Salvador International Airport" after Trump had issued his proclamation.

"Two of those planes departed U.S. territory and airspace before 7:25 PM EDT," Cerna said, referring to the time Boasberg's written ruling was entered in the court docket. "The third plane departed after that time, but all individuals on that third plane had Title 8 final removal orders and thus were not removed solely on the basis of the Proclamation at issue," he added.

The plaintiffs in the case, five Venezuelans the government alleges are members of Tren de Aragua, had noted in a court filing that Boasberg gave his oral order about 45 minutes before he issued a written one, when the planes were still in the air. Their filing cited public flight tracking information showing the first flight landed in Honduras at 7:36 p.m. and the second in El Salvador at 8:02 p.m.

The third flight left Texas at 7:37 p.m. and landed in Honduras at 9:46 p.m., the plaintiffs said.

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The government's filing, which did not include that level of detail, contended the government had not violated Boasbergs order, claiming that since the relevant flights left U.S. airspace, their occupants were removed before the order issued.

In his ruling Monday, Boasberg said that if the Justice Department "takes the position that it will not provide" more details about the flights "under any circumstances, it must support such position, including with classified authorities if necessary," and that it could file those arguments under seal, if necessary.

The Justice Department declined to do so, noting it has appealed Boasberg's earlier ruling. "If, however, the Court nevertheless orders the Government to provide additional details, the Court should do so through an in camera and ex parte declaration, in order to protect sensitive information bearing on foreign relations," the filing said.

Boasberg did just that a short time later, directing the government to provide him with "the following details regarding each of the two flights leaving U.S. airspace before 7:25 p.m. on March 15, 2025: 1) What time did the plane take off from U.S. soil and from where? 2) What time did it leave U.S. airspace? 3) What time did it land in which foreign country (including if it made more than one stop)? 4) What time were individuals subject solely to the Proclamation transferred out of U.S. custody? and 5) How many people were aboard solely on the basis of the Proclamation?"

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In his declaration, Cerna responded to the inquiry about how many people subject to Trump's proclamation are still in the United States and how many are in custody.

Referring to Tren de Aragua, Cerna said that approximately 54 members of TdA are in detention and on the detained docket, approximately 172 are on the non-detained docket, and approximately 32 are in criminal custody with active detainers against them. Should they be transferred to ICE custody, they will likely be placed in removal proceedings.

The administration has repeatedly pushed back against Boasberg since his ruling Saturday.

Overnight, the Justice Department filed a motion asking him to reverse his decision blocking the use of 18th century act to deport the alleged gang members.

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The administration argued that the temporary restraining order was "overbroad and unconstitutional," saying Boasberg's orders were "an affront to the Presidents broad constitutional and statutory authority to protect the United States from dangerous aliens who pose grave threats to the American people."

The motion also contends that Boasberg "lacks jurisdiction because the presidential actions they challenge are not subject to judicial review" and that there "is similarly no jurisdiction for the Court to order the government to produce additional information about its missions."

The administration also sent a letter Monday urging a federal appeals court to remove Boasberg from the case, while Trump took to his social media platform Tuesday morning calling for him to be impeached. Trump referred to Boasberg, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, as a "radical left lunatic" and "a troublemaker and agitator."

In a statement later Tuesday, John Roberts, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, said: For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Justice Department is struggling to answer questions from a federal judge about why the White House appeared to defy a court order to temporarily halt the deportation of accused Venezuelan gang members on Saturday, heightening concerns of a clash between the Trump administration and the judiciary.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg had issued a verbal order from the bench on Saturday for the administration to pause deportations under the Alien Enemies Act and to turn around deportation flights that had already taken off. But the White House did not order two flights to return to U.S. soil.

On Monday, Justice Department attorney Abhishek Kambli argued that the administration did comply with Boasbergs written order, which was issued hours after his oral ruling, saying that the written ruling took precedence over the one Boasberg issued from the bench.

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We believe that weve complied with the order, Kambli said.

Boasberg did not buy the argument. Wouldnt it have been a better course to return the planes around the United States as opposed to going forward and saying, We dont care, well do what we want? the judge asked.

The White House also denied that it had defied Boasbergs order. Prior to the Monday hearing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that there was no lawful basis for Boasbergs ruling and that federal courts do not have jurisdiction over the presidents conduct of foreign affairs. At a press briefing later that day, she suggested that a verbal order carries less weight than a written one  the same argument that Kambli put forward hours later in court. (An oral order is as legally binding as a written order.)

Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, also told Fox News on Monday that the deportees were already over international waters when the judges order came through. We are not stopping, Homan said. I dont care what the judges think.

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The Justice Department stonewalled the judge on his request for details about its deportation operations under the Alien Enemies Act, citing sensitive questions of national security, foreign relations, and coordination with foreign nations. Boasberg denied the DOJs request to cancel Mondays hearing, and the Trump administration subsequently called for him to be removed from the case.

The judge set a deadline of noon on Wednesday for the DOJ to provide additional information under seal about the timing of the flights and the passengers removed under the proclamation, which werent provided on Tuesday.

Trump himself escalated the dispute on Tuesday, calling for Boasbergs impeachment in a Truth Social post  prompting a rare rebuke from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts himself.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Don Lemon is sharing more details about his time on CNN, including the alleged abuse he endured from men and women.

The television journalist famous for his days on the network recently opened up about his traumatic experiences. He claimed both genders harassed him at work; however, he never reported the alleged crimes to management.

Don Lemon's bombshell confessions come two years after his termination from CNN. His exit followed a shocking expose that accused him of threatening a female co-worker, among other sexist and misogynistic allegations.

Don Lemon Breaks Silence On Alleged Abuse At CNN

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Lemon shed light on the alleged harassment at his former workplace during a recent appearance on the "Club Random" podcast. He described the experiences as "ridiculous," telling host Bill Maher that men and women had harassed him.

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"There are some things that are really egregious, but not everything is Harvey Weinstein-level," he explained, referencing the infamous film producer whose rape and sexual assault allegations sparked the #MeToo Movement.

As for Lemon's alleged experiences, he recalled a woman touching him inappropriately while getting something to eat at the CNN cafeteria in Atlanta. The journalist, per Page Six, said:

"This young lady tweaked my nipples and said, 'Oh, it's cold in here.' I said, 'OK, you realize that if I did that, they'd be walking me out the door right now?'"

The Media Personality Never Reported The Alleged Incidents

Lemon confessed that he never told HR about the harassment because he saw the incident as a "double standard." He had the same thoughts following a second incident where another woman offered to let him spend the night at her place.

Lemon noted the incident occurred after a work event when ride-share services like Uber and Lyft did not exist. "I never told this story. Someone who I worked with also harassed me at CNN, and I never went to management," he lamented.

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"First of all, I was so new there. She knew I was gay. It was just bizarre. She was going through a divorce.  It was weird," Lemon added. He reiterated his fear of "double standard," saying he was worried management wouldn't believe him and "get rid" of him.

Lemon Wishes He Spoke Up Sooner

Looking back on the situation, Lemon wished he had chosen a different option instead of letting fear control his decisions. "I thought, 'OK, they may find a way to get rid of me, because if I told this story, I don't know if they're gonna believe me or not,'" he shared, adding:

"But then she was so mean to me after that, I was like, 'I should have told the story.'"

Lemon joined CNN in 2006 but was fired in 2023 after making sexist remarks on air. The Blast covered the drama, reporting an expose by Variety had accused the journalist of misogyny.

The scathing article was titled "Don Lemon's Misogyny at CNN, Exposed: Malicious Texts, Mocking Female Co-Workers and 'Diva-Like Behavior.'"

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The expose alleged that Lemon had engaged in questionable conduct since his employment. Several interviews with sources backed these claims, including one that accused the journalist of anonymously threatening his co-anchor Kyra Phillips in 2008.

The drama between the former co-workers allegedly started over a high-profile assignment that Phillips won. However, a spokesperson for Lemon denied the allegations, claiming:

"The story is riddled with patently false anecdotes and lacks concrete evidence, relying solely on unsourced and unsubstantiated 15-year-old anonymous gossip."

Inside The Journalist's Alleged Harassment

According to the expose, Lemon was outraged when his former co-host Phillips was assigned to Iraq instead of him. He took his anger out on his ex-colleague, allegedly tearing up pictures and notes on her desk.

Afterward, Lemon allegedly sent her threatening texts from an unknown number. The expose claimed CNN investigated the case and traced the messages back to the journalist. However, a spokesperson for CNN alleged the network could not verify the accuracy of these alleged events from 2008.

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Besides his alleged threats to Phillips, Lemon gained infamy in 2023 for making sexist remarks. During an on-air discussion with co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, the journalist suggested that politician Nikki Haley was beyond her prime at 51.

Did Don Lemon's Controversial Comments About Women Influence His Exit?

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When Lemon's former co-hosts asked him to explain what he meant by Haley being beyond her prime, The Blast noted the journalist said: "She says ... politicians are not in their prime. Nikki Haley isn't in her prime. Sorry. A woman is considered to be in their prime in [their] 20s, 30s, and maybe 40s."

"That's not according to me. If you Google 'When is a woman in her prime,' it'll say 20s, 30s and 40s. I don't necessarily  I'm not saying I agree with that," Lemon added.

He walked back his comments on X, apologizing for his insensitive reference. Unfortunately, his apology was not enough. In April 2023, Lemon revealed CNN had fired him. He shared the news in a lengthy statement, writing:

"I was informed this morning by my agent I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly."

What bombshell stories from his CNN days will Don Lemon share next?
Civil servants should not take control of academies under the Governments education reforms, a leading trust boss has said.

Michael Gosling, the chief executive of the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust of schools, said Labours planned reforms to academy schools threaten to remove their autonomy and level down the best pupils to mediocrity.

Critics have claimed the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which reached its final report stage on Tuesday, will curb freedoms for academies  which are able to set their own pay and curriculum and are unpopular with some teaching unions.

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Under Bridget Phillipsons plans, local authorities will be handed greater powers over admissions and the requirement for failing schools to be automatically converted into academies will be scrapped.

Criticism of the planned reforms by some of her predecessors including Michael Gove led the Education Secretary to tell them to leave London for a change in an article for The Telegraph.

Ms Phillipson insisted many academies outside the capital are failing and said the school type should not be considered the gold standard.

Mr Gosling, who runs 11 academies in Yorkshire, hit back and said: The freedoms that allow us, and other high-performing Trusts, to turn around languishing schools are taken away from us or placed in the hands of Department for Education civil servants who have limited to no experience in transforming outcomes for children.

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As many have said, it is hard to see the motivation for these changes apart from one that prioritises unions and adults over children.

Our 11 schools across Yorkshire  incidentally all of which have a Labour MP  are home to more than 7,500 pupils with far higher than the national average in terms of deprivation levels and could be referred to as coming from predominantly white working class backgrounds. Most of our schools are in the former industrial towns of the North.

Mr Gosling pointed out that the success of institutions such as his had been to take over underperforming schools and turn-around their pupils prospects in a relatively short time.

He said: A significant part of our Trusts growth has been to take over persistently failing schools. Schools which over a decade or more have seen terrible outcomes, appalling behaviour, falling pupil numbers and staff not held unaccountable.

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On many occasions we find large numbers of children unable to read, write or use cutlery properly. In a period of months  not years  we significantly transform the schools we take over, driving up standards, behaviour and staff culture to improve the life chances of some of the most vulnerable and forgotten children in society.

The freedoms that allow us, and other high-performing Trusts, to turn around languishing schools are taken away from us or placed in the hands of Department for Education civil servants who have limited to no experience in transforming outcomes for children.

As many have said, it is hard to see the motivation for these changes apart from one that prioritises unions and adults over children.

Under the proposed changes, academies will also be forced to teach the national curriculum for the first time and lose their power to recruit expert teachers that do not have official qualifications, such as retired academics.

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A number of academy leaders have voiced concerns that imposing the national curriculum on individual pupils not suited to many of its subjects will prevent them improving skills more appropriate to them.

The ongoing row came after the former head of Ofsted accused Ms Phillipson of putting the interests of unions ahead of children in a scathing attack on her school reforms.

On Sunday, Amanda Spielman, who stepped down as chief inspector at the schools watchdog at the end of 2023, called for the Education Secretary to abandon her plans before the damage is done.

Amanda Spielman called for the Education Secretary to abandon her plans before the damage is done - Heathcliff O'Malley

Meanwhile, it is feared changes to the curriculum in a review by Professor Becky Francis will leave pupils in the poorest area ill equipped for life outside school.

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Mr Gosling said: Different academies deliver their own curriculum that suits the needs of their intake  and their local employers and needs  while being held accountable to Ofsted. That flexibility will be gone and a one-size-fits-all approach will instead be imposed from Whitehall after a review being led by a London-based academic concludes.

He added: When many of our pupils come to use barely able to read and write, what is the point of forcing them to take lessons in French and Spanish?

Under the original wording of the Bill, academies would have lost their freedom to set their own pay and conditions for staff. This mirrored the demands of the four main teaching unions, who have previously called for the implementation of a national pay structure across all state schools.

Following a backlash from academies, the Government amended the Bill in January to make clear that there will be a floor and no ceiling on teacher pay.

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Several prominent multi-academy trust leaders have claimed there is no evidence to support removing their freedoms, including Sir Dan Moynihan, chief executive of the top-performing Harris Federation of schools, who said it was not clear why his academies should be forced to teach the national curriculum.

Rewrite history

Others have defended the Governments plans. Jonny Uttley, chief executive of the Education Alliance multi-academy trust, told The Telegraph the backlash against the reforms was a red herring and that critics were trying to rewrite history.

A Department for Education spokesman said: Our landmark Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill  alongside our new regional improvement teams and Ofsted reforms  delivers on our mission for every child to have a good, local school, will get high-quality teachers into every classroom, and ensure that all schools can innovate to attract and retain the best talent.

MPs joined the criticism of planned reforms to academies in the Commons on Tuesday

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David Simmonds, the Conservative MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, described the Bill as a shopping list of union demands.

He told the Commons on Tuesday: There is no sense in this Bill of how we take forward the progress that weve made and what it is we want to achieve for our disadvantaged children, what targets we might set, how we might go about that, how we might unleash that sense of aspiration that exists in so many of our communities.

Graham Stuart, a former Conservative minister, branded the Governments plans for academies a total betrayal of the child.

Mr Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, said: Labour want these engines of social mobility to be destroyed. Their proposal to allow local authorities to open new schools, along with their planned review of the free school programme, would shift control of our childrens education away from communities, and teachers, and back into the hands of bureaucrats.

Every day that a pupil spends in a failing school is one too many

By Michael Gosling

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The Governments Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill is a piece of legislation in two halves. Part 1 of the Bill is largely sensible and non-contentious changes to support for children in the care of the state.

Part 2 of the legislation is seeking to undo much of the work  of both political parties  over the last 20 years to drive up accountability and standards in education.

For more than 30 years I have been working to improve the lives of children across the north of England, most recently as the CEO of the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust. Our 11 schools across Yorkshire  incidentally all of which have a Labour MP  are home to more than 7,500 pupils with far higher than the national average in terms of deprivation levels and could be referred to as coming from predominantly white working class backgrounds. Most of our schools are in the former industrial towns of the North.

In many respects, our schools and our pupils lives are a world away from the students at Katharine Birbalsinghs Michaela School in north-west London. However, I, like Birbalsingh and others, have grave concerns about the significant negative impacts of Bridget Phillipsons reforms.

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I am sure that the Education Secretary wants to see children across the country thriving in high-achieving, well-behaved and happy schools. But this Bill will not do that, it will do the opposite.

A significant part of our Trusts growth has been to take over persistently failing schools. Schools which over a decade or more have seen terrible outcomes, appalling behaviour, falling pupil numbers and staff not held unaccountable. On many occasions we find large numbers of children unable to read, write or use cutlery properly.

In a period of months  not years  we significantly transform the schools we take over, driving up standards, behaviour and staff culture to improve the life chances of some of the most vulnerable and forgotten children in society.

These transformations dont require any extra money  although that always helps  but are about pairing the failing school with the right Academy Trust. This results in setting high standards of discipline and uniform, curriculum flexibility, challenging underperformance wherever it is prevalent and supporting staff to perform at their best. Most teachers want to work in schools where there is a culture of excellence and strong discipline!

Unfortunately the Schools Bill represents a levelling down. The freedoms that allow us, and other high-performing Trusts, to turn around languishing schools are taken away from us or placed in the hands of Department for Education civil servants who have limited to no experience in transforming outcomes for children. As many have said, it is hard to see the motivation for these changes apart from one that prioritises unions and adults over children.

One of the most powerful features of the current system is that if a school is deemed to be failing it automatically is converted into an academy and placed under the wing of a successful Academy Trust. The Bill removes that. Instead, a team from the Department of Education (the RISE team) will be the first port of call in trying to improve schools.

For me, every day that a pupil spends in a failing school is one too many and often causes lifelong impacts to their life chances. The removal of automatic conversion and sponsorship will leave children languishing for much longer than needs to be the case.

It is true that some academies are converted and remain stuck with poor or slow progress. This particularly can be seen where I am in the North. The root cause of this challenge is often poor decision making by the Department for Education, which sometimes place poor performing schools under the wing of those who are not experienced enough in performance turnaround and addressing the root causes issues.

We often see concerns about upsetting the applecart by bringing in an experienced high-performing Trust from outside of the local area placed ahead of whats best for children.

Different academies deliver their own curriculum that suits the needs of their intake  and their local employers and needs  while being held accountable to Ofsted. That flexibility will be gone and a one-size-fits-all approach will instead be imposed from Whitehall after a review being led by a London-based academic concludes.

When many of our pupils come to use barely able to read and write what is the point of forcing them to take lessons in French and Spanish?

In combination with the removal of one-word Ofsted judgments  which although not perfect, provided busy and low information parents with an indication of school performance  this Bill will likely drive down educational performance, outcomes for children and level down the best performers to mediocrity.

Michael Gosling is the CEO of the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust of schools based in Halifax, Yorkshire.

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.
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)  Residents inside a quiet Conway community spent this month pleading with city leaders to block construction there of a $22 million workforce housing development they said would alter their lives forever.

We love our neighborhood. We dont want this, Chicora Boulevard resident Elizabeth Orlando told the citys planning commission March 6. We really dont need more low-income housing for other people who arent from here to make money from. We need to take care of the residents of the city of Conway.

Photo courtesy of TMG Group

On Monday, the city council responded  delaying a rezone vote that would clear the way for North Carolina-based Taft Mills Group to create 80 workforce housing units on 7.8 acres fronting Highway 701.

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Officials said they support TMGs concept, but want to find a more suitable spot.

I would vote no to rezone it, but I would look forward to working with the developer to find a different location that everything would match up better, councilwoman Julie Hardwick said.

Nate Broman-Fulks, TMGs vice president of development, said the firm would need to have the rezone complete by May 19 in order to apply for tax credit financing through SC Housing.

Conway, he said, makes sense for the project  which would be open to people who make 70% of the areas median income, or $55,500 for a family of four. The multi-story buildings would offer units with up to three bedrooms.

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Its an incredible location near grocery stores and several parks, shopping centers and doctors downtown as well as schools, so it checks all those boxes for us, Broman-Fulks said March 6.

If approved, the development would be Conways first tax-credit funded workforce housing project in nearly 20 years and come at a time when average rents in the city are $1,850.

Its a vibrant community. A lot of people want to be here, so I dont see that going the other direction, Broman-Fulks said. Its probably going to get harder for people to afford to live here that are working here.

Residents like Kimberley Daley said adding more traffic and people into the area would create public safety issues.

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It all looks wonderful on paper but for everything good about it, theres 100 things bad, she said March 6.

At least one prominent community group is backing TMGs efforts.

Affordable housing provides individuals and families with secure, stable homes. This stability is essential for emotional well-being and overall health. Housing is needed much more than another commercial center. Rezoning this parcel will allow the City to meet the crucial need for housing, Tara Ostrander of the Family Justice Center of Horry and Georgetown Counties wrote in a letter of support.

* * *

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.

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As the U.S. launches strikes against Houthi militants based in Yemen following a vow by the rebels to target American ships, Donald Trump is seeking to put pressure on Iran.

In a Truth Social post on Monday, the president wrote that going forward his administration will consider Houthi acts of aggression against U.S. vessels, interests and allies to be carried out with the direction or support of Iran.

Every shot fired by 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 wrote.

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His post Monday followed similar rhetoric leveled over the weekend in the wake of U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, but signified an escalation as it marked the first time the U.S. threatened military retaliation against the Iranian government over actions taken by the Houthis.

President Donald Trump descends the steps of Air Force One. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The U.S. and western countries have long accused the Iranian government  through its Revolutionary Guard corps (IRGC)  of funding and training the Houthi movement. In recent days, Iranian officials including the supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, have sought to put distance between Tehran and the group.

We have always declared  and we declare again today  that the Yemenis are an independent and free nation in their own land, with an independent national policy, a top IRGC official, Major General Hossein Salami, said on Sunday.

But the Council on Foreign Relations and other organizations estimate that Iran has supplied the Houthi movement with weapons for a decade, as well as intelligence support and remains one of Tehrans most important client organizations following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria.

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The Houthi militant group first emerged in the 1990s, and gained control of Sanaa, Yemens capital, in 2014. An Al-Qaeda affiliate remains active in the country as well, and the two groups were the targets of an extended Western-backed Saudi-led military campaign that was blamed for accelerating a humanitarian crisis and killing thousands of civilians, while failing to oust the rebels from Sanaa.

Successive U.S. administrations have failed to stem the flow of Iranian support to the Houthis and the growing Iranian influence over them, read a 2022 analysis from the center-right American Enterprise Institute (AEI). The IRGC Quds Force transferred increasingly sophisticated weapons and capabilities to the Houthis during the Trump administrations maximum pressure campaign against Iran.

The US launched airstrikes on the Houthi-held Yemeni capital of Sanaa early Sunday morning. Local officials claimed most of the dead were civilians, including women and children.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, claimed that Yemenis were not even key players in the conflict: Its wrong to think about it as were bombing Yemen. Were bombing the Houthis, and they happen to be located in Yemen.

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Irans revolutionary guards have vowed to stand up to the Trump administrations threats, and the countrys supreme leader says that Tehran will not engage in nuclear talks while Washingtons maximum pressure campaign remains in effect. The campaign seeks to cut off Irans oil exports with the aim of stifling Irans nuclear development.

Experts at the Atlantic Council warned over the weekend that Houthi forces may likely also escalate attacks against U.S. interests, including warships stationed in the region  or attempt to push further into territory held by Yemens government-in-exile.

We warn our enemies that Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they take their threats into action, the IRGCs Salami said to Iranian state media.
Migrants of Nigerian nationality wait for deportation at the Deportation Office of the Illegal Migration Control Department in Tripoli, Libya, on March 18, 2025. Libya on Tuesday deported 177 Nigerian migrants, mostly women, as part of a voluntary repatriation program, the country's Illegal Migration Control Department said. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)

TRIPOLI, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Libya on Tuesday deported 177 Nigerian migrants, mostly women, as part of a voluntary repatriation program, the country's Illegal Migration Control Department said.

"Today, from the Deportation Office of the Illegal Migration Control Department, we voluntarily deported 177 female and some child migrants of Nigerian nationality via a flight from Tripoli Mitiga International Airport," deportation officer Mohamed Bred'a said.

The group included nine children and eight infants, Bred'a said, adding that further repatriation flights were planned this week and that deportations would continue.

"The deportation is humanitarian and voluntary, as part of the department's plan," he said.

Libya has been a major transit point for migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, particularly since the country descended into chaos following the 2011 overthrow of leader Muammar Gaddafi.

On Monday, Libyan Interior Minister Emad al-Tarabelsi urged the European Union and countries affected by migration flows from Libya to provide more support in curbing illegal migration.

He said securing Libya's southern borders was key to addressing the issue, rather than focusing solely on coastal monitoring, as emphasized by the EU.

Al-Tarabelsi also called for development projects in migrants' countries of origin to address the root causes of migration. 

Migrants of Nigerian nationality wait for deportation at the Deportation Office of the Illegal Migration Control Department in Tripoli, Libya, on March 18, 2025. Libya on Tuesday deported 177 Nigerian migrants, mostly women, as part of a voluntary repatriation program, the country's Illegal Migration Control Department said. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)

Migrants of Nigerian nationality line up to get on a bus in Tripoli, Libya, on March 18, 2025. Libya on Tuesday deported 177 Nigerian migrants, mostly women, as part of a voluntary repatriation program, the country's Illegal Migration Control Department said. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)

Migrants of Nigerian nationality get on a bus in Tripoli, Libya, on March 18, 2025. Libya on Tuesday deported 177 Nigerian migrants, mostly women, as part of a voluntary repatriation program, the country's Illegal Migration Control Department said. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)
The cuts are reaching every corner of the country. The Tampa Bay region is no exception.

With the help of the billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, President Donald Trump has pledged to eliminate waste from the federal budget. So far, his administrations approach has meant chaos and uncertainty for Floridas federal workforce  and could soon affect the federal benefits that many Floridians rely on.

But because the cost of employing federal workers is a tiny fraction of federal spending  and many of the reported layoffs are still to come  Trump, Musk and company have done little to reduce government spending overall. In February, federal spending went up $36 billion compared to the previous year.

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If youve been affected by the government cuts, we want to hear from you! Get in touch with us here.

Here is a collection of Tampa Bay Times reporting on Trump, Musk and DOGE so far.

The DOGE effect on local federal workers

1. What happens if were not there? Floridas federal workers worry about Trump

At least 32,000 federal employees live in Tampa Bay. Many are stressed about the possibility of mass federal layoffs, we reported in February.

2. This scientist was making Florida beaches resilient to hurricanes. DOGE fired him.

Before Hurricane Helene, Michael Slattery was furiously preparing Pinellas beaches with scientific instruments to measure the effect of the storms on the precious sand. He says his job helps protect some of Floridas signature ecosystems. In February, he was fired.

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3. These park rangers oversaw Floridas only manatee refuge. Then they were fired.

Hundreds of thousands visit the nations only dedicated refuge for manatees. The federal government just fired two of the refuges eight full-time staffers.

The DOGE effect on local government services

1. Bad things could happen: Meteorologist jobs cut after historic hurricane season

Florida just saw one of its deadliest and costliest hurricane seasons. Now, local weather forecasters will be working without many of their colleagues.

2. Billions in Tampa Bay hurricane relief funds in limbo amid proposed cuts to HUD

Federal staffers might be needed to approve hundreds of millions in local hurricane relief grants. The Trump administration plans to cut an agency central to that effort by as much as 84%, we reported in February.

How local leaders are responding to DOGE

1. At a Florida Republican town hall, the people spoke. Will Washington listen?

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We attended a February town hall where locals tried to balance the federal budget. It was just an exercise, but their work was illuminating. Which programs did they keep, and which did they slash?

2. Trump fired thousands of Social Security workers. Heres how it affects Florida.

For years, its been a nightmare for Floridians with disability to access federal Social Security benefits. They wait months  and sometimes years  for money they need to ensure basic survival. Under the Trump cuts to the federal Social Security office, advocates worry their wait is about to get even longer.

3. Florida Democratic Congress members ask that cuts to NOAA and NWS be reconsidered

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The federal government is looking to lay off 10% of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees. Thats the agency charged with predicting hurricane tracks. Some Democrats are asking the Trump administration to reconsider.

Florida is no stranger to the devastating impacts of hurricanes, and our communities depend on NOAAs accurate and timely forecasting to make life-saving decisions, a letter from Florida Democrats read.
OCONOMOWOC  With just two weeks to go before the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, two heavy hitters in President Donald Trump's circle took the stage to back conservative candidate Brad Schimel.

Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., and Turning Point Action founder Charlie Kirk made their pitch to an audience of hundreds, framing the contest as bigger than one race in a Midwestern state in an off-year election.

Kirk quoted a Wall Street Journal story that called the race the most important contest of 2025. On April 1, Schimel will go head-to-head with liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford for a seat on the seven-member court that will determine whether liberals or conservatives hold a majority.

Conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel joins Donald Trump Jr. and Turning Point Action founder Charlie Kirk on stage during a Monday night event to rally supporters two weeks before the April 1 election.

"We understand that these kinds of races that people don't always hear about," Kirk said, noting Wisconsin's status as a closely divided swing state. "They can tip the scales of the entire future of the republic."

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More: Behind the scenes of the Supreme Court race, a 'turf war' simmers between Wisconsin GOP and Turning Point

Trump Jr. emphasized that judges in several states have issued orders that sidetracked actions by his father's administration in the first six weeks of his presidency. He said voters in Wisconsin need to make sure that doesn't happen here.

He called Crawford a "radical leftist."

You have to engage because its not just about now; its about that future," Trump Jr. said. "This presidency can be put to a halt with this vote."

Joe Oslund, spokesman for the state Democratic Party, issued a statement in response to Trump Jr.'s visit, saying Schimel "was busy bending the knee to Trump  any Trump he can find."

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Both political parties and their donors have funneled millions of dollars into the race to back their candidate and, critically, determine whether the court remains in liberal control or flips back to conservatives.

An election watchdog group expects the price tag for the race could ultimately top $100 million, doubling the record-breaking spending from the race for the high court just two years ago.

Yet, in recent weeks a Marquette University Law School poll found a large percentage of Wisconsin voters still don't have an opinion about the two candidates.

Kirk noted the lack of awareness of the race, urging those present to text conservatives in their networks urging them to turn out.

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"What a tragedy it will be if we lose this race, because it will not be that we don't outnumber them," he said. "It's just that we have not been able to convert our people into votes, convert our individuals into real momentum and real enthusiasm."

Trump has not endorsed in the race.

But his billionaire ally, Elon Musk, is underwriting groups that link the conservative candidate to the president. One mailer by Musks super PAC says Schimel will back Trump on the bench.

President Trump is making America great again, says a second flyer by America PAC obtained by the Journal Sentinel. Brad Schimel will support his agenda.

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Overall, two groups that Musk funds have poured more than $11 million into the effort to get Schimel elected in a race that could serve as the first referendum on the new Trump presidency.

Schimel has let his support for the 47th president be known in recent months.

He dressed up as Trump in his garbage worker outfit  a nod to Trump's donning of a reflective vest during the 2024 presidential campaign  while playing bass with his band at a Halloween party last year. He attended Trumps inauguration earlier this year. Just this past weekend, he posed with an oversized, inflated Trump with a Vote Brad Schimel Supreme Court poster on its chest.

Conservative Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel (center, front) says he would treat Trump (center, back) like anyone else if the president had a case before the Supreme Court. (Mega MAGA Rally, Sat night) pic.twitter.com/QW6d9SqeRl  Daniel Bice (@DanielBice) March 16, 2025

In a private talk last month, Schimel told supporters at a Jefferson County meet and greet that he and his team had talked with Trumps political director recently. He said he would like for Trump to come to Wisconsin for a rally this month.

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That's a big dream to have a rally here, Schimel said on Feb. 11. But I think the odds of an endorsement are probably pretty high because, you know, one thing he doesn't do is forget people that screw him over, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court screwed him over.

Schimels campaign has said he was referring to the Supreme Courts decision not to allow a Green Party candidate on the presidential ballot in 2020. The hope was that the liberal, third-party candidate would siphon off votes from Democrat Joe Biden, who edged out Trump in that election.

At the Oconomowoc rally on Monday, Trump Jr. repeated the conspiracy theory that he believes his father actually won four years ago.

I think we won in 2020, Trump Jr. said to a burst of applause. I don't think anyone actually questions that.

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Wisconsin elected Biden in 2020 by about 21,000 votes after favoring Trump by a similar margin just four years earlier. The outcome of the presidential contest was confirmed by recounts Trump paid for, court rulings, a nonpartisan state audit and a study by a prominent conservative group.

Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com.

Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 313-6684 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on X at @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brad Schimel gets Donald Trump Jr.'s backing in WI Supreme Court race
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his state's first arrests under a 2021 law criminalizing nearly all abortions.

Paxton shared on Monday that the state had arrested 48-year-old midwife Maria Margarita Rojas on charges related to "providing illegal abortions and illegally operating a network of clinics." Rojas is charged with the illegal performance of an abortion, a second-degree felony in the state under a 2021 law. An employee of Rojas' named Jose Ley was also arrested. The pair face up to 20 years in prison if they are convicted.

"In Texas, life is sacred. I will always do everything in my power to protect the unborn, defend our states pro-life laws, and work to ensure that unlicensed individuals endangering the lives of women by performing illegal abortions are fully prosecuted," Paxton said in a statement. "Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable."

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Rojas ran several clinics in the Houston area. Paxton claims his office has requested a temporary restraining order to shutter these clinics. Holly Shearman, a midwife who has worked with Rojas, refused to give credence to the charges against her.

I dont believe it for one second, she told the Texas Tribune. Ive known her for eight years and Ive never heard her talk about anything like that. I just cant picture Maria being involved in something like this.
DPS superintendent addresses concerns over potential JROTC move

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Dayton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David Lawrence is speaking out after parent concerns over proposed plans to move the junior ROTC program from Meadowdale Career Technology Center.

Last week, the district announced a plan to move the JROTC program to Dunbar High School. With the intent to move, parents whose students attend Meadowdale CTC have expressed their dissatisfied with the decision.

One of the issues parents have raised is the time to take students in the program from one school to another.

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If youre going to transport them from Meadowdale to Dunbar for the program, thats taking more time out of their day, and time out of scheduling, thats going to be even worse, said Jeannie Green, a concerned parent.

Dr. Lawrence told 2 NEWS the switch to Dunbar will allow the program to see growth and allow more students to be supported.

District officials detailed that 36 students are enrolled in the program at Meadowdale, but only five are juniors or seniors. According to Meadowdale, JROTC isnt a certified career-tech education pathway, leaving many unable to maintain the class with their priority classes.

Currently, that is a major challenge at Meadowdale High School, said Lawrence. We want to come back a year from now, two years from now, to say, hey, look, we have pathways there. Were doing incredible things in JROTC. And this is now a working functional program for kids.

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As of date, the program removal is not official and will continue at Meadowdale for the time being.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
For the last six years, Dr. Rasha Alawieh studied and worked on kidney transplant cases in the United States, including in Rhode Island, under the legal protection of a H-1B work visa.

That was, until she was deported to her native Lebanon on Friday.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials detained Alawieh at Boston's Logan Airport as she was returning from a two-week trip to visit family in Lebanon. Despite a court order that would have halted Alawieh's deportation, her plane took off anyway.

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U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin, the federal judge who issued the initial court order, has instructed officials to respond to the allegations at a hearing Monday.

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Brown Medicine doctor who was recently deported to Lebanon, despite a federal court order.

Who is Dr. Rasha Alawieh?

Alawieh is a 34-year-old physician at Brown Medicine. She is originally from Lebanon, and had been legally working in the United States before her deportation.

According to her provider bio, Alawieh works in the division of kidney disease & hypertension, where she specializes in transplant nephrology.

Alawieh graduated from medical school in 2015 and moved to the United States in 2018, completing fellowships at universities in Ohio, Washington and Connecticut, according to a legal complaint filed by her cousin. She was hired to teach at Brown last July.

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"Dr. Alawieh is an outstanding academic in Transplant Nephrology, and she is needed at Brown Medicine," the complaint said.

Dr. George Bayliss, the transplant divisions medical director at Rhode Island Hospital, told The Providence Journal that Alawieh evaluates potential transplant patients and follows their post-operation progress at the hospital.

Why was Dr. Rasha Alawieh deported?

In a statement to The Providence Journal regarding Alawieh's case, Hilton Beckham, assistant commissioner of public affairs for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said that "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," the statement said. "CBP is committed to protecting the United States from national security threats.

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Thomas S. Brown, a lawyer who handles immigration and visa issues for doctors affiliated with Brown Medicine, said that Alawieh was returning to the U.S. on a valid H-1B visa, which would have allowed her to work in the country until mid-2027.

After Alawieh was detained Friday, U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin issued an order saying she could not leave Massachusetts without 48 hours' notice to the court. Officials deported her despite the order.

More: Documents shed light on why RI doctor was detained, deported.

What is a H-1B visa?

Non-American citizens can legally be allowed in the United States under certain circumstances, including if they are working in the country.

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The H-1B visa is what allows employers like Brown Medicine to sponsor highly skilled foreign citizens to work in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website, H-1B visas are temporary and issued if an individual meets certain criteria, including if they are working in the U.S. for specialty occupations" that require at least a bachelor's degree.

There is an annual statutory cap of 65,000 H-1B visas, although there is an allowed 20,000 additional visas for foreign professionals who graduate with a masters degree or doctorate in the U.S., according to the American Immigration Council.

Melina Khan is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY Network - New England, which serves more than a dozen affiliated publications across New England. She can be reached at MKhan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Who is Brown's Dr. Rasha Alawieh? Why was she deported?
KETTERING, Ohio (WDTN)  At least one person is hurt after a driver reportedly collided into a medical building.

According to the Kettering Police Department, first responders were dispatched late Tuesday morning to the 5400 block of Far Hills Avenue in Kettering.

Police told 2 NEWS the driver of a vehicle is believed to have placed their foot on the gas rather than the brake while trying to park.

Authorities also said a pedestrian was taken to a local hospital after the individual reported they were in pain after allegedly being hit with debris from the collision.

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The medical facility announced after the crash that its team is working to rearrange appointments for patients to be seen at other offices.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
[Watch in the player above: What to do if you witness a crash]

PARMA, Ohio (WJW)  Parma police are now seeking felony warrants for a man who they said fled a Monday evening traffic stop, leading to a chase during which two police cruisers crashed, injuring one officer.

Two Parma police officers in a two-man cruiser tried to stop a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu on an equipment violation just after 7:30 p.m. on State Road, according to a Tuesday news release. The car sped off at a high rate of speed, headed west on Torrington Avenue.

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Another plane incident at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: I-Team

Officers, with lights and sirens activated, gave chase, at times reaching speeds above 70 mph, according to the release.

The suspect started north on Ridge Road, where assisting officers tried to deploy spike strips near the Brookpark Road intersection, according to the release.

While trying to catch up to the suspect, the officers who initiated the traffic stop crashed, and one of them suffered minor injuries, according the release.

Another marked police cruiser also crashed on the way to the scene, and became disabled. No injuries were reported.

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Assisting officers deployed spike strips, and the suspect car drove over them, continuing to move fast on Brookpark Road, headed west.

Police then ended the chase, out of concern for public safety, according to the release.

Officers later found the suspects car disabled in the median near the Brookpark Road and West 130th Street intersection. They encountered a woman standing outside the car in a hysterical state, reads the release.

Browns say city misguiding Clevelanders on stadium: Court

The 24-year-old Lorain woman told officers the driver fled on foot headed north on West 130th Street.

Officers did not locate the man, but have identified him, according to the release. They are now working with prosecutors to obtain a warrant for his arrest.

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Police said the woman initially lied about her relationship to the driver, and she was arrested on a charge of falsification.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two weeks ago, a driver plowed his car into an Inglewood CarMax, smashing through a glass window and injuring eight people, one of whom was paralyzed. Now, two victims are taking legal action.

Father and daughter Michael and Michaela Washington are suing the suspect, Andrew Jesus Arroyo, and CarMax for the physical and emotional damage they say they suffered as a result of Arroyo's alleged out-of-control conduct, according to an unfiled civil complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Last week, prosecutors charged Arroyo with 12 criminal counts, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and hit-and-run resulting in injury to another person. Several of the charges against him have enhancements for causing great bodily injury.

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The Washingtons intend to sue Arroyo for assault, battery, negligence and emotional distress, alleging that as they tried to escape they suffered medical injuries that required treatment, according to the complaint.

They also are accusing CarMax of negligence and infliction of emotional distress, alleging that the company and its employees failed to take reasonable steps to maintain safe conditions at the store. Representatives for CarMax and Arroyo could not be immediately reached for comment.

The Washingtons and CarMax paint two different pictures of the events leading to the vehicle-related carnage.

Read more: CarMax vehicle rampage left one paralyzed, records say. Company outlines chilling event

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The father and daughter say they witnessed an employee push Arroyo during an argument, which led to a physical altercation between the two. Then, they allege, other employees rushed toward Arroyo, causing him to become "even more agitated and volatile" and chased him out of the store, where he jumped on a car and hopped the fence.

"After this very serious verbal and physical altercation, CarMax employees did not call the police department or 911," the complaint states. "In addition, there were no security personnel present at the CarMax store."

A statement previously provided to The Times by CarMax said that Arroyo was in the store discussing an appraisal for his vehicle. He then went outside and viewed the inventory before returning, when he became erratic.

"According to accounts from employees who interacted with the suspect that day, he did not complain about the offer and even spent time looking at our inventory for potential purchase," the statement said. "Employees share that they observed his behavior turn suddenly erratic."

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A Times employee who was shopping for a car at the dealership before the incident said he saw a customer yelling at staff, who tried to calm him down. The customer waved a metal water bottle, then ran outside and jumped on the roof of a car. The Times employee and his wife became uncomfortable and left.

After the rampage, which was captured on video, Arroyo drove away from the showroom at 8611 S. La Cienega Blvd. and turned himself in to police.

Of the eight people injured, two were taken to trauma centers with critical injuries, police said. One of the people whom Arroyo is charged with injuring is now paralyzed, according to documents in the criminal case against him.

CarMax has said that one of its employees was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

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"We are deeply saddened by this event and our hearts go out to everyone impacted," the company said in a statement.

The Washingtons say they suffered severe emotional distress as a result of the incident, including anxiety, loss of sleep, anger and stress. The lawsuit does not specify the physical injuries they suffered. They are seeking damages in excess of $35,000.

Arroyo remains in custody without bail, according to jail records. At his arraignment hearing March 12, Arroyos attorney voiced doubts about his clients mental competency. Hes scheduled to appear in mental health court April 2.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Overland Park Police Department is investigating after a car crashed into an apartment building Monday afternoon.

The incident was reported just before 1:50 p.m. at The Residences at Prairiefire apartment complex, located near W. 137th Street and Lamar Avenue.

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According to OPPD, when officers arrived, they determined the driver had blacked out after turning off W. 135th Street.

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The driver was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center for treatment of his injuries and additional tests.

There were no other passengers in the vehicle. The OP Building Safety Inspector and Evergy responded to help OPFD at the scene.

Photo of damage after car was taken out of building at the Residences at Prairiefire Photo of damage after car was taken out of building at the Residences at Prairiefire Photo of damage after car was taken out of building at the Residences at Prairiefire Photo of damage after car was taken out of building at the Residences at Prairiefire

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Police said the property manager assisted the residents who were displaced. As of 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, two entrances into the building were blocked off.

The department said they do not believe alcohol played a part in the crash.

This is a developing story. FOX4 will continue to keep you updated both on air and online as new information becomes available.

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JUBA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations envoy on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in South Sudan's Nasir, Ulang and Baliet counties, which is affecting the local population and disrupting humanitarian operations.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, called on those involved in the fighting in the restive region to protect civilians, humanitarian workers and critical infrastructures.

"The violence is putting already vulnerable communities at greater risk and forcing the suspension of life-saving services. I urge all actors to allow humanitarians to safely reach those in need, especially women, children, and the elderly," Gbeho said in a statement issued in Juba, South Sudan's capital.

She said the violence, which erupted in late February, has displaced an initial 50,000 people, of whom 10,000 have crossed into neighboring Ethiopia.

More than 20 people have been reported killed, and several others injured on the outskirts of Nasir, located near the border between South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Dozens of South Sudan People's Defense Forces soldiers, including a general, and one UN personnel were killed on March 7, after the White Army militia group opened fire on a UN helicopter, which was on an evacuation mission in Nasir.

Gbeho said insecurity has led to the relocation of 23 humanitarian workers and the closure of the cholera treatment unit in Nasir, worsening the ongoing outbreak in Ulang, Nasir and Baliet counties, where 840 cholera cases have been reported recently.

She said the situation in Nasir follows other incidents across South Sudan since January, including in the Greater Equatoria and Greater Bahr el Ghazal, where violence has impacted the local population and resulted in displacement.

"The humanitarian community is doing all it can, but insecurity and global funding cuts are impacting our ability to deliver critical assistance," Gbeho said. "Currently, 5.4 million people, over half of them children, require life-saving assistance and protection before the flood season starts." 
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Drivers in Kansas are urged to exercise caution on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The KSN Storm Track 3 Weather team has already tracked some blowing dust warnings today in northwest Kansas.

Grainfield camera on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (Courtesy: KDOT)

The team is also following winter weather tonight, including blizzard conditions for parts of northwest and northcentral Kansas. KSN Chief Meteorologist Lisa Teachman says, travel will be treacherous  if not impossible.

Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman urges drivers to plan accordingly, especially this afternoon, with the potential for more blowing dust and blizzard conditions tonight.

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Last week, Hileman was among the ones who worked on a fatal pileup on Interstate 70 caused by a severe dust storm in Sherman County. Eight people were killed in the incident, and it closed the highway for over a day.

The National Weather Service has compiled some tips for driving if you get caught driving in a dust storm.

If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off the lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated.

Dont enter the dust storm area if you can avoid it.

If you cant pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights and sound the horn occasionally. Use the painted center line to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway.

Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.

In the past, motorists driving in dust storms have pulled off the roadway, leaving lights on. Vehicles approaching from the rear and using the advance cars lights as a guide have inadvertently left the roadway and, in some instances, collided with the parked vehicle. Make sure all of your lights are off when you park off the roadway.

Check kandrive.gov for current road conditions and dial *47 if you need from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

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For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Video of the Dropkick Murphys concert in Boston on St. Patricks Day is garnering attention after a political, expletive-filled rant on stage by the bands frontman.

The Irish punk bands frontman Ken Casey, shouting expletives, publicly singled out a concert attendee wearing a Make America Great Again hat during the show.

The Dropkick Murphys later posted a video of Caseys rant on the bands Instagram page, along with the words, Happy St. Patricks Day from Boston !!

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Chinese (expletive) red that they all wear and they think its dyed in their brains, Casey, wearing a green shirt, shouted while on stage to his audience, referencing MAGA hats worn by supporters of President Donald Trump and concert attendees.

They got the black-on-black, Elon Musk, true-Nazi edition, Casey continued shouting into his microphone and to the audience.

And then, my man here, Casey said, pointing to a concert attendee wearing a MAGA hat in the audience. Hes getting ready for summer with a nice (expletive) white, white one, alright?

If youre in a room full of people and you want to know whos in a cult, how do you know whos in a cult? Casey asked the crowd. Theyve been holding up a (expletive) hat the whole night to represent a president.

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He then said, This is America, theres no kings here. And anyway, if you mind, sir, were gonna play a song about our grandparents and people who, like, fought Nazis in the war and (expletive), you know.

So if you could just shut the (expletive) up for five minutes, Casey shouted to the concert attendee.

File photo: Ken Casey of The Dropkick Murphys performs during Sunfest in Downtown West Palm Beach on May 6, 2023 in West Palm Beach Florida. Photo by Larry Marano

The official X page of the Dropkick Murphys on Tuesday read, Account suspended. X suspends accounts which violate the X Rules.

It was unclear Tuesday when the bands account was suspended from X, which is owned by Musk.

In a statement Tuesday, Casey said the band broke up with Musk first.

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We broke up with him first. We quit Twitter in 2022 when he was only half a Nazi, Casey said of Musk in his statement.

Then someone else took our handle, pretending to be our official account, so we filed a legal complaint to put a stop to thatwhich is why @dropkickmurphys shows as suspended, Casey said.

Look, we pulled our account because we didnt want to be part of that guys empire. But if we were still on there, Im sure he would have suspended us by now, Casey said.

In a statement on Tuesday, MassGOP Spokesperson Logan Trupiano called Caseys concert rant ignorant and offensive.

This is yet another example of an out-of-touch celebrity who lives a charmed life, completely insulated from the consequences of the policies they champion. When youre that rich and famous, politics doesnt affect you the way it does everyday Americans, Trupiano said. Surrounded by yes-men, these celebrities feel entitled to insult and demean millions of hardworking people simply for holding different political views.

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Its not just ignorantits offensive, Trupiano said. Under the Biden administration, countless Americans have suffered. They saw the impact of failed policies firsthand and made a decision for change. For a celebrity to vilify them for that choice is a slap in the face to the very people who spend their hard-earned money supporting their work.

This is yet another reminder that the so-called tolerant left is anything but, Trupiano said. We need less division and more respect for differing viewpointsespecially from those whose wealth and privilege shield them from the struggles of everyday life.

Dropkick Murphys have a history of being politically active, railing against former President George Bush as part of an anti-Bush music effort called Rock Against Bush, supporting unions and advocating against Trump in 2017, the Patriot Ledger reported.

More recently, at an event in Clearwater, Florida last month, the band again called out an attendee wearing Trump political gear, the newspaper reported.

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Fans and social media users took to the bands Instagram post to share their thoughts on Caseys rant in Boston.

No politics during a concert, especially when Im paying for that ticket, one Instagram user wrote.

Just sad to ostracize half your fan base., wrote another.

Others praised Casey.

Hell yeah this made my day!!! one Instagram user wrote.

Good for you!!! Thats what punk rock is about, wrote another.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A New York woman charged in the fentanyl death of a Cumberland County woman pleaded guilty to a lesser charge just days before she was to go on trial for the 2018 drug overdose case.

Last-minute issues created problems for state prosecutors, but not to the point Diana Lynn Grosso, 65, Otisville, NY, wanted to take her chance with a jury in a second-degree murder two-day trial scheduled to begin Wednesday.

Grosso flew to Nashville Sunday night and arrived in Cumberland County Criminal Court with her Sparta attorney, Stephanie Johnson. After reviewing a six-page plea document, she pleaded guilty to the lesser-included offense of reckless homicide.

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Second-degree murder was a Class A felony at the time of the offense and carried a 15- to 25-year prison sentence to be served at 100% minus 15% incentives built into the law, and a fine of up to $50,000.

Reckless homicide was a Class D felony at the time, carrying a sentence of 2-4 years to be served at 30% as a Range 1 offender.

Grosso accepted a three-year sentence.

Criminal Court Judge Gary McKenzie reviewed the six-page plea agreement which outlined Grossos rights and the rights she would be losing by entering the plea.

McKenzie accepted Grossos pleas as a voluntary and knowingly plea and set a sentencing hearing for June 3 at 11 a.m.

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At that hearing, each side will be allowed to enter pertinent testimony and the judge will then consider mitigating and enhancement factors with three options for punishment.

One option is to serve the full three years in prison, with credit for 242 days already served in jail. Another option is split sentence with a minimum of one-year to serve at 30% with the remainder on supervised probation. The third option is supervised probation for three years.

The case has been the subject of numerous hearings, motions and meetings between the two sides, the latest occurring last week when the state became aware that details in the autopsy report were made known.

Originally, the autopsy report listed the cause of Julia Meades death in July 2018 as accute fentanyl toxicity." The indictment accused Grosso of providing what Meade, 59, of Arrowhead Drive, Lake Tansi, thought was cocaine, with fentanyl, leading to Meades death.

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The change in the autopsy report includes the discovery of narrowing of the arteries as being a contributing factor in the death.

A second major issue was territorial jurisdiction of the case. Johnson had argued in motions Grosso was not in Tennessee when Meade died.

In addition, testimony given during a previous hearing was that Meade and her husband  both formerly from New York but living in Lake Tansi in 2018  had traveled to New York to purchase the cocaine/fentanyl.

Assistant District Attorney Philip Hatch noted both issues could present difficulties with the jury accepting a second-degree murder conviction. Johnson noted the sentencing agreement was a strong consideration for Grosso considering the exposure of the sentence she was facing if convicted.

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McKenzie agreed and added he had no way of knowing prior to the June sentencing hearing what evidence would lead to a decision on punishment.

Hatch called one witness  TBI Special Agent Billy Miller  to establish enough evidence to support the guilty plea.

Miller testified he traveled to New York during his investigation to question Grosso after the original autopsy report listed acute fentanyl toxicity as Meade's cause of death. He learned during his investigation the Meades had been purchasing cocaine from Grosso since 2006.

Grosso sold the fentanyl-laced cocaine to the Meades in New York and the Tansi couple returned to their Tennessee home where the drug was used, resulting in Julia Meades death.

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McKenzie accepted the testimony as providing enough evidence to support a reckless homicide conviction. He added for the defense to proceed to trial on the second-degree murder change was a gamble, while the state was presented with over-coming the hurdles of jurisdiction and the changed autopsy report.

Grosso, who has maintained required court appearances and contact with her attorney, was allowed to remain on bond pending the June sentencing hearing.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  St. Patricks Day is a time for celebration, but for local law enforcement, it can also be a time for concern.

Its a holiday known for parades, parties and oftentimes lots of drinking. Beyond the festivities, year after year, St. Patricks Day sees a spike in drunk driving incidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2016-2020 more than 280 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patricks Day period.

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Lieutenant Jeremy Burkett, with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, explains that a lack of planning frequently leads to impaired driving. He says, they try to have targeted enforcement on days, like today, with historically increased rates of drunk driving.

Lt. Burkett also emphasized the idea that buzzed driving is still drunk driving saying, Whatever you consumed, if youre buzzed, meaning if youve consumed a certain amount of alcohol where you feel different, than you are different, and you may drive different.

Lt. Burkett also described some of the dangers that come with buzzed driving, saying, Normally you would stop at a stop sign. Now its no big deal. Im going to go through the stop sign or hey, that light is yellow. Normally you would slow down. You wouldnt try to go through the red light. Now its yellow I think I can make it through there. Those are the types of issues the types of behaviors that we see as a factor when people consume alcoholic beverages and they get behind the wheel.

Officials urge those celebrating to keep their friends accountable. This includes discouraging those around you from drinking and driving or contacting law enforcement if you are concerned.

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Lt. Burkett added that they want people to enjoy themselves and celebrate, as long as they do so responsibly.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
A Florida man is facing charges after he allegedly stole an ambulance from a Tampa hospital.

Troopers say the 43-year-old swerved into oncoming traffic before finally stopping in a neighborhood.

According to an arrest report, the man also cracked open a beer and finished it in front of police.

He allegedly took the ambulance after paramedics refused to give him a ride home.

Now, hes facing multiple charges including grand theft, 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.
Duke Energy filed a motion Monday to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges the utility contributed to and lied about climate change for decades.

The lawsuit, filed by the town of Carrboro in December, alleges Duke Energy funded and participated in a public relations campaign to downplay and spread disinformation about climate change and the role of fossil fuels. The suit alleges this in turn led to increased carbon emissions and fossil fuel reliance in North Carolina and beyond and that communities like Carrboro are suffering the damage as they must respond to and prepare for more severe weather events.

Town of Carrboro sues Duke Energy for contributing to and lying about climate change

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In its motion, Duke Energy argues Carrboro has no standing to file such a suit and that the town is unable to trace the global phenomenon of climate change back to Duke Energy alone. Therefore, the utility argues, Duke Energy cannot be held accountable for the alleged damages in this suit.

Carrboro seeks to use North Carolina common tort law to hold Defendant Duke Energy Corporation (Duke Energy), alone, liable for the alleged past and future effects of global climate change on Carrboro, the motion reads.

Furthermore, the utility argues its not up to the court to litigate its emissions. The General Assembly and state regulators including the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality already have laws and frameworks in place to address pollution and emissions. All of Duke Energys power plants and planned buildouts have been regulated and approved through these agencies.

Carrboros claims would require the Court to usurp other political branches power to set energy and climate policy, the motion said.

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In response to the motion to dismiss, NC WARN, a nonprofit which is helping to fund Carrboros lawsuit sent a release saying in part, Duke Energy is the third largest polluting corporation in the United States and that its top executives have worked among the ringleaders of the scheme to deceive the public about the science of climate change.

NC WARN goes on to say, though this is the first time a municipality has attempted to sue a fossil fuel company for its role in causing climate change, motions to dismiss in other similar cases have been rejected.

Carrboros attorney plans to file a response to Duke Energys motion by May 1.

VIDEO: Town of Carrboro sues Duke Energy for contributing to and lying about climate change
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  A Dumfries man was sentenced to 19 years in prison Thursday for a series of armed robberies that happened in March of 2024 across Northern Virginia, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia (USADC).

On March 13, 2025, a judge sentenced 38-year-old Dwayne Selman-Neville to 19 years and two months for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and drug possession.

According to court documents, from March 6, 2024, to March 27, 2024, Selman-Neville and 42-year-old Gibran Taylor plotted to rob several businesses including Starbucks and check cashing stores.

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The USADC said that on March 8, Taylor robbed the Starbucks in Herndon where he jumped over the counter and pointed a gun at employees. He left with money before driving away in a vehicle with Selman-Neville.

DC USPS worker convicted of stealing over $1.6 million in checks from mail

Three days later, Selman-Neville disguised as an Amazon delivery driver and robbed a check cashing store in Chantilly.

Officials said he gave the cashier a note that stated several things including, This is a robbery. He then pulled her toward the safe and when the cashier tried to press a panic button he said, No, dont do that, Im going to kill you, according to the USADC.

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On March 14, the pair robbed a bank in Herndon and another check-cashing store in Annandale.

DOGE storms into US Institute of Peace headquarters in DC, officials say

Federal authorities arrested Taylor for a separate offense on March 26 and Selman-Neville robbed another check cashing store in Woodbridge, once again dressed as an Amazon delivery driver, the next day.

During a search warrant at Selman-Nevilles residence on April 15, investigators discovered clothes that he wore during some of the robberies and an Amazon delivery vest.

Authorities also found several drugs including 280 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, 136 pills containing oxycodone and 7.23 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Memphis Police Department is searching for two women accused of stealing $2,500 in makeup from a Cordova CVS over the weekend.

Officers responded to the CVS at 786 North Germantown Parkway at around 8:40 a.m. on Sunday. They were told two women came into the store, took thousands of dollars worth of cosmetic items, and left.

$5K in merchandise stolen from Bath & Body Works

Photos courtesy of the MPD Photos courtesy of the MPD

No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.

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If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
By Toby Sterling

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -The Netherlands' parliament on Tuesday approved a series of motions calling on the government to reduce dependence on U.S. software companies, including by creating a cloud services platform under Dutch control.

While such initiatives have foundered in the past due to a lack of viable European alternatives, lawmakers said changing relations with the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump have given the issue fresh urgency.

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"The question we as Europeans must ask ourselves is: do we feel comfortable with people like Trump, (Meta CEO Mark) Zuckerberg and (X owner Elon) Musk ruling over our data?" said Marieke Koekkoek of the pro-European Volt party, who authored one of the eight motions, in an email to Reuters.

In addition to launching a sovereign cloud services platform, the motions called on the government to re-examine a decision to use Amazon's web services for the Netherlands' internet domain hosting, and to develop alternatives to U.S. software and preferential treatment for European firms in public tenders.

In a reaction, Amazon said its cloud is "sovereign" as customers "have full control over where they locate their data, how it is encrypted and who can access it," a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Amazon has invested more than 180 billion euros in the EU since 2010 and employs more than 1,000 workers in research and development and corporate offices in Amsterdam and The Hague, the spokesperson said.

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The Dutch vote came a day after dozens of European tech firms called on the European Commission to create a sovereign fund to invest in European technology, including cloud infrastructure, and a "Buy European" mandate.

A spokesperson for the Economic Affairs ministry declined comment.

Bert Hubert, a Dutch technology expert who has advocated for reducing dependency on the U.S., said: "This is only the first step in potentially doing something."

But he said one important outcome would be forcing agencies to publicly report on risks related to their reliance on U.S. cloud firms.

"With the advent of Trump 2.0, it has become clear that this is not something you can harmlessly sign off on," he said.

(Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by David Goodman, Bernadette Baum, Hugh Lawson and Tomasz Janowski)
Voting carrels set up at Madison's Hawthorne Library on Election Day 2022. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

In-person absentee voting in Wisconsins spring elections began Tuesday, allowing voters across the state to cast absentee ballots at their municipal clerks office or other designated locations.

Each municipality sets its own hours and locations for early voting access, local details can be found at the websites of local governments, the state election commission, or myvote.gov.

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On the ballot this spring are races for the state Supreme Court, state superintendent of schools, a proposed constitutional amendment codifying the states law requiring a photo ID to vote and local races for city council, school board and circuit court judgeships.

To cast an in-person absentee ballot, voters need to be registered, which can be done online at MyVote.wi.gov or at a municipal clerks office. Voters also need to show a photo ID to receive a ballot. Acceptable IDs include a state-issued drivers license, military ID card, U.S. passport and university IDs (only student IDs that expire within two years of issuance are accepted. If a student ID is expired, you may use it along with proof of current enrollment such as a tuition receipt or course schedule).

In-person absentee voting ends March 30 and the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is March 27  though if a request is made that late there will likely not be enough time for a voter to receive and return the ballot through the mail. Absentee ballots can also be returned to a municipal clerks office, a voters poll location on Election Day or to absentee ballot drop boxes in municipalities that use them.

Election Day is April 1.

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EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW)  East Cleveland police officers said they have many questions about the suspicious death of a Northeast Ohio man whose body was found Monday evening, dumped behind an abandoned home.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office on Tuesday identified the man as 46-year-old Juvar King Sr., a Warren father who was reported missing in early February.

Another plane incident at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: I-Team

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His body was found on the back porch of an abandoned home in the 1800 block of Chapman Avenue, near the Terrace Road intersection, according to authorities.

Juvar King Sr.

The discovery was made by a construction crew believed to have been working to clean out the property, said Joseph Marche, commander of the detective bureau.

There appeared to be some sort of foul play, Acting Police Chief Kenneth Lundy said Tuesday.

Lundy told the I-Team on Monday that King was not carrying identification.

The official cause and manner of Kings death are still pending, a medical examiners office spokesperson said on Tuesday.

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Marche said authorities expect to learn more from the medical examiners office on Wednesday.

In early February, the vehicle King had been driving was found on fire in the 9300 block of Sherwood Road in Cleveland, FOX 8 News previously reported. The vehicle, which was registered to one of Kings relatives, had been spotted by a license plate-reading camera in East Cleveland days after King was reported missing.

The fire was later determined to be arson, and detectives arrested 28-year-old Nathaniel Christian Crockett as the suspect.

Crockett was indicted later that month on a felony charge of arson, Cuyahoga County court records show. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Friday, March 14, and posted a $5,000 bond. Hes now under electronic monitoring, records show.

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Marche said detectives have several questions for Crockett: Howd he get the car? Whod he get the car from? Its all gonna come back to whoever initially got that car.

ODNR: Chronic Wasting Disease detected in some deer during hunting season

The case remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call East Cleveland police detectives as soon as possible at 216-681-2162 or Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7563.

Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

We really feel terrible for the family who has to endure this, said Interim Mayor Sandra Morgan.

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Morgan, now in her second week heading the city, on Tuesday said illegal dumping and derelict properties  like the one behind which Kings body was found  are a major problem in East Cleveland.

She said city council members are expected on Tuesday to discuss legislation to fast-track demolition of derelict properties and enforcement of delinquent property owners.

Im gonna go after every single person who dumps in the city of East Cleveland or who has derelict properties in East Cleveland, Morgan said. No exceptions, and we will find you.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)- J Star Ministries and Texans on Mission are preparing to bring relief and resources to tornado outbreak victims in the South and Midwest.

5-year-old hit by sedan in Carthage, officials investigating

East Texas organizations are doing what they do best gearing up to help people in need. On Wednesday, J Star Ministries will go to Cave City and Diaz, Ark. Patrick Johnson, the nonprofits founder, is asking for donations on his social media platform.

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Johnson is asking for financial donations and items, including water, non-perishables, dog food, cat food and other basic needs.

The typical basic needs such as water, Gatorade, tarps, first aid kits, toilet paper, paper towel, nonperishable food items, chips, snacks, drinks and first aid kits, founder of J Star Ministries, Patrick Johnson, said.

Rep. Hefner proposes bills to eliminate threats towards Texas

Texans on Mission is on standby to deploy a quick response crew to the hardest hit areas in Missouri. A crew of nearly 50 people will help clean up efforts with a chainsaw recovery units, shower units and a feeding units. The mobile kitchen can feed up to 600 people each day.

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They dont have power, and they got tree damage, so we would take our feeding unit there for the public, and then we would also take chainsaw recovery units and shower units for our volunteers, Director of Disaster Relief for Texans on Mission, David Wells.

Texans on Mission is sending shower units to Fredericksburg, where first responders have been battling the Crabapple fire, scorching nearly 10,000 acres. Both J Star and Texans on Mission plan to aid victims of more than 130 fires in Oklahoma.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Victim advocacy groups are bracing for the impact federal funding cuts could have on their programs as federally funded victim grants are dwindling.

Knoxville Family Justice Center Executive Director Michelle Clayton said they rely on federal grants like the Violence Against Women Act to support victims of domestic violence.

Eldest of five Lenoir City brothers steps up to raise siblings after parents unexpected deaths

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If something was to happen to that program, that would directly impact the states ability to give us those pass-through funds and for us to provide services to our survivors and to various victims across Knox County, said Clayton.

While Clayton said that program is still in place, it is an example of how slashing federal funding could impact local advocacy groups.

Our partners also receive those exact same funds and so if theyre impacted, we are impacted, she said. And that is why its so important for people to find a local organization like the Family Justice Center that really resonates with you and provide them funds locally, give to them directly.

Other organizations like the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking say they are expecting roughly 60% less funding through Victims Of Crimes Act grant initiatives this year

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Veteran aims to rebuild home washed away by Helene as mortgage company seeks payment

The YWCA said the recent federal funding freeze temporarily blocked some of their funding, and the Knoxville Family Justice Center is nervous what this could mean for victim services across east Tennessee.

When women are in crisis, when victims are in crisis, survivors are in crisis, they come to the Family Justice Center and we need to be able to provide them what they need in that moment, Clayton said. And if we do not have the federal or state funding to do those things, and were going to have to rely only on the goodwill of the people of Knoxville.

While she said the people of Knoxville are known to lend a hand, the need may be increasing.

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And with our medium-sized city come big city problems, especially with our interstates coming the way it is, Clayton said. Human trafficking is on the rise. Domestic violence is on the rise. And so therefore, the needs for the funds that help our survivors is going to be on the rise as well.

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Clayton is asking the community to be proactive and support local victim advocacy groups sooner rather than later. The YWCA also said it is crucial to advocate for full funding to ensure victims have access to the services that are critical to their safety and well-being.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
The First Amendments free speech protection is under siege by the Trump administration and that should bother every American, including Republicans.

The First Amendment has been plenty misunderstood over the years about limiting speech. Its not private actors like social media companies curbing comments or even what an individual can say, which has limits regarding time, place and manner.

The Constitution imposed a prohibition only on the government  federal, state, local  from barring speech based on content or compelling any sort of speech, with incredibly narrow exceptions. Congress shall make no law  abridging the freedom of speech. Thats it, and its an incredibly important goal in its simplicity. It is, to a large extent, the right that undergirds all others, that allows our polity to function as people can push for their political preferences and organize as they freely choose.

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While President Donald Trump outwardly declared himself a champion of the right to free expression, he has mounted a full-on assault on this right, hoping that the ferocity and multi-pronged nature of the attack will bring the First Amendment down altogether, under two months into his presidency.

Trump officials and Trump himself have explicitly declared that former Columbia grad student Mahmoud Khalil has been targeted for arrest exclusively as a result of speech that the administration found objectionable, and not for any criminal offense or violation of his status as a permanent resident green card holder.

As a result of this brazen detention, Columbia Graduate School of Journalism noncitizen students have been advised to stop covering sensitive issues like Gaza, Ukraine and their own former classmates case, while scrubbing social media of this new wrongthink. Jelani Cobb, the schools dean, asserted that nobody can protect you these are dangerous times.

Cobb is not wrong, though it takes a moment of stepping away to really digest what happened here: one of the most prestigious journalism programs in the country has advised its students to lay off the journalism, lest they be arrested by the regime, in the United States.

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Justice Department lawyers were also in court defending Trumps absurd executive order targeting Perkins Coie, a law firm that has often worked with Democratic clients and been a thorn in the side of the GOP, attempting to strip employees of security clearances and prevent government contractors from using the firm.

Trumps action did not stem from any allegation that the firm had engaged in illegal or inappropriate behavior, but simply that it dared to act against Republicans political interests. A federal judge has now blocked parts of that order, but not before the firm lost an avalanche of business.

As activists target one of the only direct pressure points they have  Tesla, the car company that forms the basis for much of the wealth of Trumps unelected prime minister Elon Musk  Trump has said he wants to charge demonstrators with domestic terrorism. Even if he doesnt, even if Khalil is the only student he arrests and Perkins Coie the only law firm he targets, the damage is done. Free speech is in the crosshairs.

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Federal partisanship has gotten so extreme and so ugly that people are cutting family members out of their lives, neighbors arent speaking and, in general, Americans are likelier to view folks from the opposing political party as either idiotic or wicked.

Local politics are supposed to be different. Candidates are, after all, running to represent their baristas, local business owners, the family down the block and the other parents at their kids school. In other words, local politics is personal, and the proximity of the candidates to one another  and their constituents  usually breeds a healthy dose of decorum and respect.

Not so in one southwest suburb. The mayoral race playing out in Orland Park has been anything but civil.

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Candidates are incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau and former Village Trustee and Clerk Jim Dodge. In a joint virtual appearance before us, the candidates told the editorial board they used to be neighbors, and that Pekaus children used to babysit Dodges kids. We were left wondering what changed since then.

Pekau has been attacked with ads calling him and his wife racist. Dodge denies involvement in these robocalls. Pekau has been relentless in his own attacks on Dodge, whom he positions as a liar and a stooge of special interests. The level of political discourse is disappointingly low and strikingly personal.

Thats surprising given the candidates commitment to public service. Both candidates are military veterans. Both have served many years in local government. We commend them for their service. We hope they are able to mend fences, both for themselves and for the good of their village.

In some ways, this race feels like a proxy battle between business and unions for control over Orland Park. Dodge has received a number of donations from labor groups while Pekau is backed by local businesses. Both men have poured their own money into their campaigns.

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Pekau called for reopening businesses during COVID long before it was popular, and says his efforts increased pressure that ultimately led to reopening. We were glad to see businesses able to reopen too.

But this race also touches the prickliest national political issues.

Pekau attended the December 2024 Republican holiday bash in which border czar Tom Homan told the crowd your mayor sucks and your governor sucks. We not only critiqued that lack of decorum from a high-ranking federal official, but also noted that all this sort of macho bluster will do is make Homans agents jobs more difficult.

Were also troubled by the handling of a confrontation after residents asked village officials to adopt a Gaza ceasefire resolution. Pekau has rightly pointed out that in his role as a local official he has nothing to do with foreign policy. But his messaging left many feeling unwelcome. First and foremost Im an American, he said at the Feb. 5 board of trustees meeting. Im not a German American, Im an American. Thats where my allegiances lie. Period. Dot. End of story. And if youre an American citizen, and you dont feel that way, in my opinion, youre entitled to that opinion, but you can certainly go, and go to another country and support that country, and all the power to you if you choose to do that. I will always support Americas interests. Its that last part about going to another country that set people off.

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Dodge, a longtime Republican, is far from perfect. Were suspicious of his endorsements from big labor groups such as the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which could mean spending and tax growth down the road. We also have grave concerns about the nature of the campaign against Pekau, and we find the personal attacks that have taken place unacceptable.

But given the polarization in village politics at the moment, we cant help but feel like something needs to change.

Jim Dodge is endorsed.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
The clock is ticking on which governmental entity in Chicago  the city of Chicago or Chicago Public Schools, both supported by the same set of taxpayers  will make a required $175 million contribution to a pension plan covering nonteaching CPS employees as well as a hodgepodge of other city workers.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and several of his allies on the City Council are ramping up the pressure on CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and the Chicago School Board to cover that contribution as well as find nearly $140 million more needed for salary increases and other costs tied to new, not-yet-finalized union contracts for CPS teachers and principals.

Martinez has urged the school board to say no to the contribution to the Municipal Employees Annuity & Benefit Fund, which under state law is the responsibility of the city of Chicago.

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At the end of the month, city officials say, Chicago must close the books for good on 2024, and that budget will be out of balance if CPS doesnt reimburse the city for the $175 million pension payment, which the city government fronted in expectation of being repaid by the school district. If that happens, the citys credit rating may well be downgraded for a second time in 2025, which would make future borrowing more expensive.

Oh, did we mention that the city plans soon to float a whopping $830 million in general-obligation bonds? Another downgrade sure would be poorly timed.

Keeping straight on which governmental body owes what to which other agency and the rationale each offers for why the other should pay is difficult for journalists and finance experts. Imagine how confused ordinary taxpayers are by this ridiculous, irresponsible, intergovernmental spat.

But the bottom line isnt hard to understand.

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There isnt enough money, either in the citys budget or in the school districts, to pay for school workers raises and for what the city says should be the schools part in keeping a deeply underfunded pension plan from sinking into insolvency.

In the real world inhabited by real people, the answer in such circumstances is to reduce expenses: find the parts of the household or business budget that would be nice to have but arent absolutely necessary. And then excise them.

But in the world inhabited by Mayor Johnson and his political benefactors at the Chicago Teachers Union, that option is anathema. Not ever worthy of a smidgeon of consideration.

So the mayors financial team have spent months coming up with various options for CPS to pay the pension freight that all add up to one result: incurring more indebtedness at a school system that already is the nations single largest issuer of junk-rated municipal bonds.

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Team Johnsons latest suggestion is for CPS to refinance a portion of its existing debt and use the proceeds to make the pension payment. Theyve provided precious little detail to the public (or, as yet, CPS) on how this would work. But it sounds suspiciously like that dreaded strategy used in past tough times in Chicago financial history  scoop and toss. That means refinancing debt already on the books, extending the repayment schedule and plugging budget holes while hiking the debt burden on future taxpayers.

Its a municipal finance practice thats deeply frowned upon for good reason and one the Johnson administration has boasted it hasnt used even while facing substantial fiscal pressures at the city level.

City officials said that CPS could use additional money the system expects to receive in the future as Chicago tax-increment financing districts expire to pay the higher costs tied to the refinancing, the Tribune reported.

Martinez, who will be departing as schools chief at the end of the academic year, consistently has said CPS has enough money to pay the higher costs of the anticipated new labor deals thanks to a record TIF release the City Council approved late last year, which provided windfalls to all property taxing bodies, including the schools. But that amount isnt enough to cover the pension payment, either. Not with the size of the anticipated labor deals.

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A CPS budget amendment slated for consideration March 20 by the school board would allow for spending the $139 million remaining from the TIF surplus for either the pensions or the higher wages. The board should follow Martinezs recommendation and allocate that cash to the labor contracts.

And the pension payment? Thats Johnsons problem at the city level. You know what says so? Long-established state law.

So long as Johnson and CTU (the two are joined at the hip) refuse to consider desperately needed school consolidations and other savings in a district in which a third of schools arent even half full, they should bear responsibility for the pension payment.

CPS and the city will encounter the same issue again in a few months when CPS must set its budget for next school year. If Johnson and his friends at CTU want schools to pay part of whats owed that pension plan, they should get the law changed in Springfield.

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Three dozen people lined up to try and rescue Florida democracy, making their arguments two minutes at a time.

A bill kneecapping Floridians right to amend the state Constitution passed anyway last Monday. Along party lines, the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee passed Senate Bill 7016 on a 6 to 3 vote, with Republicans voting yes, and Democrats no. The three defenders of democracy were Sens. Tina Polsky of Boca Raton, Mack Bernard of West Palm Beach and Darryl Rouson of St. Petersburg.

Gathering the nearly 1 million signatures needed to get a citizen-led amendment on the ballot is already a herculean task. SB 7016 makes it impossible.

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No more volunteers gathering signatures outside supermarkets and in condo card rooms unless they register with the state. No more room for honest errors when returning petitions to election supervisors. The threat of steep fines and felony counts hangs over almost every aspect of an already long and arduous process. Grassroots petition drives would likely grind to a halt.

Whos behind it all?

Gov. Ron DeSantis is leading the charge.

The bill comes wrapped in the same tired clickbait that made him a Fox News favorite in his presidential campaign: election fraud.

Remember when DeSantis declared that Florida pulled off the most secure election in the country in 2020? A funny thing: There was no fraud talk then.

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But now, he appears unhappy with the idea that voters can override even governors. He wants lawmakers to prevent that, and they are obliging him.

Some lawmakers are unaware of the scope of the sprawling Senate bill. Others dont want to admit the truth: There would be fewer citizen-driven constitutional amendments if elected officials were doing their job and listening to people instead of talking down to them.

The peoples direct voice

It is citizens, after all, who used ballot access to do what lawmakers refused to do on their behalf: enshrine ethics in government, create a livable minimum wage, establish universal pre-kindergarten, buy protected lands and much more.

SB 7016 undercuts this by mounting an assault on gathering signatures of people favoring an issue.

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Starting a petition drive will require a $1 million bond. The cost of verifying signatures will double, possibly triple. Even friends and neighbors volunteering to collect signatures will have to register with the state. Fines of up to $5,000 are possible for each petition turned in late.

Anyone violating the new limit on collecting signatures could face felony charges. If a paid petition gatherer is deemed by the state to be a bad actor, every voter signature they gathered will be thrown out, and the voters who signed those petitions will not be told.

New hurdles everywhere

That assumes voters feel comfortable signing. Under this bill, they will be required to produce more personal information, such as the last four digits of their Social Security number. They will get a letter from the state, asking if they really meant to sign the petition.

And if a citizen-led amendment somehow still manages to get on the ballot and pass, anyone can sue to overturn it.

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Wheres the evidence of widespread fraud justifying this current crackdown on voting rights? The bills sponsor, Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, cites a 942-page report compiled by DeSantis Office of Election Crimes and Security.

We agree with Grall that concerned senators should read the report. Specifically, they should look at the hundreds of weak cases dropped by DeSantis election police relative to the number of people criminally convicted; the number of alleged fraud cases merely requiring routine voter list upkeep; the many criminal complaints the Florida Department of Law Enforcement declined to investigate; and the heavy emphasis on the governors pet peeve, which are these constitutional amendments.

They should also discover whats not there: A fair and honest appraisal of the DeSantis administrations role in intimidating Florida TV stations and siphoning off tax dollars to sway votes on last years abortion and marijuana amendments.

Acts of intimidation

They should keep in mind the administrations last-ditch effort to kick those amendments off the ballot; intimidating knocks on the door by his election police to see if a voter really signed a petition, and nuisance calls to election supervisors who had already verified petition signatures, telling them to check again.

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Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, successfully amended this bad bill to include a ban on using public money for political purposes, as the DeSantis administration did in 2024.

Thats the right thing, but its a hollow victory. SB 7016 goes next to the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee and another defeat for direct democracy.

If it passes intact, there wont be a problem with using taxpayer money to fight a citizen-led amendment, because if petition-gathering withers away, so will the grassroots constitutional amendments, and with them, the voices of citizens will be further silenced.

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board includes Executive Editor Roger Simmons, Opinion Editor Krys Fluker and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Executive Editor Gretchen Day-Bryant, Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney and editorial writers Pat Beall and Martin Dyckman. Send letters to insight@orlandosentinel.com.
City Hall is asking contractors to cut the prices theyre charging the city by at least 3% for the next 12 months to help balance Chicagos budget.

The news, which surfaced late last week when letters to these vendors from Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts were shared with the media, caused an immediate stir and prompted some aldermen to publicly advise contractors not to comply with the request.

Shared sacrifice in times of fiscal stress is a reasonable expectation. But this sacrifice is completely one-sided. One major component of how city government provides services  contractors  is being asked to tighten its belt while the far larger and more expensive part  union-represented city employees  is being asked to do nothing of the sort.

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These vendors employ people, too, just as the city government does. Apparently, those workers are of less concern to Mayor Brandon Johnson and his progressive allies on the City Council than the workers represented by the public-sector unions that bankroll their campaigns. The unfairness is obvious, which makes this money-saving strategy indefensible.

What makes it worse is that this was the plan all along. In fact, there was a specific dollar figure given for the savings the administration expected to be achieved: $8.6 million. The idea was hatched late last year during the dramatic showdown between Johnson and the City Council over the 2025 budget, according to the administration and many aldermen.

Was the public informed of this tacit understanding during the budget discussions? They werent. Aldermen were briefed privately on this part of the plan to close the budget gap, but that news never reached the rest of us. Until the city moved to implement it.

Now, the mayor and aldermen face unseemly optics: privately agreeing to pressure vendors  many of whom already operate on slim profit margins  while failing to disclose that this was a key budget-balancing strategy to avoid raising property taxes.

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Affected vendors might have wanted the chance to chime in during budget negotiations had they known a plan to rewrite their contracts was in the works. Instead, they got the news via form letter. With five days to respond.

In her missive addressing vendors as valued partners, Roberts justified the citys request for givebacks this way: The City has an obligation to taxpayers to pursue all avenues involving cost cutting measures. Vendors doing business with the City are no exception.

We certainly agree with the first sentence: The city does indeed have an obligation to taxpayers to pursue all avenues to get its fiscal house in order without resorting to more taxes on an already overtaxed citizenry. Of course, given that the Johnson administration refused suggestions from some aldermen to impose unpaid furloughs on city workers or to reduce head count, the city isnt pursuing all such avenues.

Anyone running a company or organization doing business with the city and now mulling how to respond is well aware of that fact. So the letters high-minded tone will rankle, no doubt.

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It was telling, too, that some aldermen whove been supportive of most of Johnsons agenda were running away from this plan as fast as they could once it surfaced last week. Daniel La Spata, whose 1st Ward includes Wicker Park, Bucktown and parts of other nearby neighborhoods, posted a video on X over the weekend, saying, This was a bad idea when it was brought up during budget. This is the most indelicate way of implementing it.

He said vendors are under no obligation to reduce their invoices. He emphasized that he believed that particularly to be the case for women- and minority-owned businesses. Left unsaid: Perhaps businesses owned by those not favored by progressive ideology ought to pony up, no matter how indelicate the citys approach.

Sorry, Alderman. You and the 26 other City Council members who voted for the $17.1 billion budget are complicit. If this was such a bad idea, why didnt La Spata and his peers kill it during the negotiations? And what exactly would be a delicate way of squeezing contractors?

La Spata wasnt kidding about the lack of, shall we say, tact on the citys part. The City will always seek to do business with vendors that offer the most competitive prices, Roberts letter said. She also asked for contractors to respond to the letter even if their answer was no to a price cut.

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The threat wasnt explicit, but there was an undeniable suggestion of consequences for those who dont take one for the team.

Competitive vendor pricing is certainly something the city should prioritize. But the time to determine which vendors are offering the city the best deal is during competitive procurements, not after both parties have signed on the dotted line.

If the mayor and his team are going to take this road, they need to include city workers among those sacrificing. In the absence of a broader cost-cutting approach, which we would applaud, vendors should reject this request.

And both Team Johnson and complicit aldermen should be ashamed this ham-handed gambit was kept under wraps when those affected could have had a say.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
YAOUNDE, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A Cameroonian official kidnapped by Nigerian pirates was freed on Monday night, local officials and security sources said.

Roland Ewane, an administrative official for Idabato town in Cameroon's Bakassi Peninsula, which borders Nigeria, was abducted alongside an Idabato councilor in October.

Gilbert Guibai Baldena, an administrative official overseeing Ndian division where Idabato is located, told reporters that the captors freed the official by 7:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT).

It was not immediately clear whether the councilor was also freed.

Roughly a month after the official was kidnapped, the pirates released a disturbing video showing him being tortured and demanded 700,000 U.S. dollars as ransom.

Officials did not reveal if the ransom was paid before he was freed. The sub-prefect is expected to meet with reporters on Tuesday.

Armed separatist groups are known to be active in the Bakassi Peninsula, which was once at the center of a boundary demarcation conflict between Cameroon and Nigeria. 
The News

The Trump administrations plan to rollback federal funding for US universities and colleges has left educators on edge, with some institutions preemptively tightening their belts by paring back on graduate programs and freezing new hires.

The timing of the cuts is particularly challenging: Most institutions set their budgets a year in advance, and even those that are well-resourced dont have millions of dollars lying around that they can use to make up for that shortfall, the assistant vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education told The Hill.

SIGNALS

Federal funding cuts threaten US innovation dominance

Sources: Foreign Affairs, Economics with Dr. A

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Where in the past a nations power might stem purely from its physical resources, modern economies increasingly rely on intangible resources  the knowledge and technologiessuper-charging economic growth, scientific discovery, and military potential, one analyst wrote in Foreign Affairs. Years of chronic underinvestment in basic research already threatens both the institutions and the people on which US innovation dominance depends, she added, pushing the brightest to look for work elsewhere. The current uncertainty around federal funding will exacerbate the problem, an economist argued: Educational disinvestment represents a self-inflicted wound whose consequences will burden us, our children, and our grandchildren.

Trump is poised to gut the Department of Education

Sources: NPR, K-12 Dive

US President Donald Trumps campaign promise to shutter the Department of Education would require an act of Congress and is generally unpopular across the electorate. Nevertheless, Trump will likely try to reduce its footprint  Elon Musks efficiency efforts have already led to the cancellation of myriad research grants  and instead assign some of its functions to other government agencies, a Washington Post education reporter told NPR. States and local districts could be left scrambling to fill the gaps left by the lack of federal cash, the president of the National Parents Union warned. Children whose education relies on government funding and oversight to ensure equal access, such as those with disabilities, are particularly at risk, K-12 Dive reported.
Egypt has strongly condemned Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip, calling them a "flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement" and a "dangerous escalation" that could have dire consequences for regional stability.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry described the strikes undermine efforts to "calm the situation and restore stability."

The ministry called on the international community "to intervene immediately to halt the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, to prevent the region from relapsing into a renewed cycle of violence and counter-violence."

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Egypt, alongside Qatar and the United States, has been acting as a mediator between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

The three countries brokered a ceasefire agreement that came into effect in January, initially lasting six weeks. However, despite ongoing negotiations, the two sides have yet to agree on the terms for an extension. Israel had warned of resuming military action unless Hamas released more hostages.

It remains unclear whether Israels new attacks, which took place overnight from Monday to Tuesday, are a temporary measure to pressure Hamas into compromise or if they signal the beginning of a new phase in the 17-month war.

According to the Hamas-run Palestinian health authority, more than 400 people have been killed in the latest Israeli airstrikes.
Last year, Emma Coronel Aispuro - the former beauty queen who married notorious Sinaloa cartel boss "El Chapo" on her 18th birthday - walked a Milan runway in a wedding dress, a statement that came shortly after her release from a California halfway house where she served the remainder of a federal sentence connected to her role in her husband's transnational drug empire.



This week Aispuro, who has dual Mexican-American citizenship, will officially become a Lady Boss of shapely couture underwear, apparently eschewing her role as the First Lady of a bloodthirsty cartel. According to an impassioned plea from her husband to let his wife and children visit him at the world's most secure prison, ADX Supermax in Florence, Colorado, a request that was denied, Aispuro has settled in California. She is unable to return to Mexico, her attorney told the court, because she was falsely labeled as a cooperator against the Sinaloa cartel.

Related: Harvard Expands Free Tuition Program to Families Making $200,000 or Less

As part of her post prison life, Aispuro modeled a wedding gown during Fashion Week in Milan last September and recently began working alongside Mexican-American influencer Graciela Montes for this week's launch of a skivvies line very similar to Skims, the underwear created by Kim Kardashian.



Designed to provide compression, comfort, and support like youve never felt before, promised the convicted drug trafficker and money launderer in Spanish on Montes' Instagram page. Forget about girdles that hurt your shoulders and private parts!

Before going head-to-head with the reality star, Aispuro made international headlines when she pleaded guilty in 2021 and was sentenced to three years in prison on charges related to international drug trafficking, money laundering, and a criminal violation of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Act, according to the Department of Justice. Prosecutors say she worked alongside her husband, whose real name is Joaquin Guzman Loera, to maintain his firm hand on the Sinaloa cartel after his arrest and extradition to the U.S. which was then being run by his sons.

Members of the National Guard and Mexican Army secure the main entrance to the maximum security prison of "El Altiplano" in Almoloya de Juarez, Mexico, on January 6, 2023. - Ten soldiers and 19 suspected criminals were killed in an operation to arrest a son of jailed drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Mexico's government said Friday, with a dramatic shootout sowing terror at an airport. Thousands of soldiers (Photo by NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP via Getty Images)

Before that, prosecutors say, the beauty queen "worked with others within the cartel, including Guzman's sons, to help plan Guzman's eventual escape from prison via an underground tunnel," and helped the Sinaloa cartel finance the construction of the escape route. She even "arranged for a GPS watch disguised as a food item to be delivered to Guzman while he was in custody via a prison guard," as a way, prosecutors said at her sentencing hearing, "to mark the location of Guzman's cell within the prison so that the tunnel engineers," could pinpoint his locations and dig under it.



The plan worked, and in July 2015 El Chapo escaped the Altiplano Prison. He was soon recaptured and eventually extradited to the U.S. to face trial. Aispuro's attorneys told the judge that she met El Chapo when she was 17 and married him when she turned 18, making her "a very impressionable minor," one "married to a very powerful man more than three decades older than her."



At her sentencing hearing, Aispuro assured the court that she regretted her crimes, and felt "even more shame" that she harmed U.S. citizens as a naturalized American, saying: "I know that you may find it difficult to ignore the fact that I am the wife of Mr. Guzman Loera, and perhaps for this reason you feel that there is need for you to be harder on me. I pray that you not do that."

Related: Newsom Draws Fire for Controversial Podcast Guests

Her husband has written several letters to the court pleading for visits with his younger wife and their two daughters, who have eight siblings fathered by El Chapo. "I ask that you please authorize her to visit me and to bring my daughters to visit me, since my daughters can only visit me when they are on school break, since they are studying in Mexico," he wrote in a prison letter sent last April to federal judge who sits on the bench in Brooklyn.



"My wife lives in California," he wrote, adding that the prison has denied him even calls with the daughters birthed by Aispuro. "The only person in my family who can visit me is my wife, of couse, if you authorize her to do so." The pleas were denied.



Aispuro could not be reached and her attorney, Mariel Colon Miro, did not immediately return a call for comment. When Aispuro was released from a Long Beach halfway house, she partied with her attorney in Los Angeles, according to TMZ, and traveled to Italy with permission from the court. She remains on federal parole for two more years as part of her sentence.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  For the sixth straight year, the El Paso County Elections Department is being honored for its website by the League of Women Voters of Texas.

Once again, the County Elections Department has received an Outstanding rating in its 2024 website review done by the League of Women Voters, which is a nonpartisan group that advocates for voter participation and voter information.

Out of all 254 Texas counties, only 61 counties received this ranking, according to the El Paso County Elections Department.

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The League evaluates election website based on quality, accuracy, and accessibility of information available to voters. This recognition underscores the departments dedication to providing transparent, accurate, and accessible election information to El Paso County voters, read a news release.

We are excited that our continued efforts have contributed to this years recognition and that weve maintained Outstanding ranking year after year. The added features on our revamped website reflect our commitment to making the election process easier and more accessible to voters, said Lisa Wise, El Paso County elections administrator.

The department announced the launch of its newly revamped elections website in August 2024.

The updated website offers El Paso voters a more user-friendly experience, with improved functionality and a range of interactive tools, the County Elections Department said.

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The County Elections Department said its revamped website includes the following tools with their descriptions of each:

 My Voter Dashboard: A personalized tool where users can find their voter registration status, view their voting history, see a personalized sample ballot, and check eligibility for upcoming elections.

Improved Accessibility for our Disabled Community: The new accessibility widget allows users to adjust font size, contrast colors, and other features to meet individual needs.

 Interactive Voting Place Locator: A new search tool helps voters find the nearest Early Voting Location and/or Election Day Vote Center by providing their zip code. Results will be narrowed within the interactive Google Maps.

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The department said it partnered with El Paso-based company Hello Amigo nine years ago to ensure that the website remains current, secure, and easy to navigate, providing accurate information and resources for all voters.

You can visit the website by clicking here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Badass Women of Washington TV special airs Saturday at 2:30pm E.T.



Editors Note: This series was born during a lunch in early 2017, when we wondered what Hillary Clintons loss meant for women.

Our answer: Women are already breaking barriers in a mans town, muscling their way into power and staying there. Their stories show there are Badass Women all around Washington.

 Dana Bash, Abigail Crutchfield & Rachel Smolkin

Knowing Elaine Chao from afar for many years, there are a lot of words I would use to describe her: smart, tough, accomplished and, yes, badass.

After all, she was George W. Bushs labor secretary for two terms  the longest-serving member of his Cabinet and the first female Asian-American in any presidential cabinet in US history. She is now President Donald Trumps transportation secretary and one of four women in his Cabinet.

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But spending time with Chao in her office, I was immediately struck by something I did not expect  how candid she is about her vulnerabilities and anxiety, especially about when she was a young Chinese immigrant.

I remember how tough it was to try to learn a new culture, a new language and just to adapt to, like, ordinary daily stuff like the food. Like, most Chinese dont eat meat between breads, she told me with a laugh.

Eight-year-old Chao started her journey to America on an overnight train in Taiwan with her mother and two sisters in 1961. They then boarded a cargo ship to cross the Pacific Ocean to California before finally reaching their destination: New York.

As an adult looking back and seeing my mother who was only like 27, you know how frightening it must have been as the only woman aboard this cargo ship with three young girls? I mean, thats pretty rough, she said.

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In our nearly hour-long interview, Chao opened up about her struggles to adapt to a new country, her rise to power and her regrets about sacrifices she made along the way.

A tough transition for young Chao

Chao, her mother and sisters joined her father, who had come to the US three years earlier and lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Queens, New York.

Those initial years were very hard, Chao said  especially when she was first trying to learn English.

The kids were mean to me, she recalled in a matter-of-fact tone that usually only comes with years of distance.

Her parents helped a lot, she said, providing such a loving and secure environment for her despite their own adversities and adjustment issues.

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Chaos father eventually did very well in America, becoming a wealthy shipping magnate.

She said she felt a lot of pressure to succeed, noting that in Asian culture, the first-born child is expected to take care of the rest of the children, my siblings.

I was really scared that I would not be able to catch on, latch on to mainstream America. I wouldnt be able to find a job. I couldnt  I couldnt make anything of myself. Id be a disgrace to my family, she said.

No proms. No dates.

She was hardly a disgrace. Chao excelled academically and was accepted to Mount Holyoke, a womens college.

We thought that that was the best place for, you know, a young girl to be. Little did I know then there would be, like, weekend dating situations, Chao said.

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I never dated in my whole entire life. I never went to my senior prom, never went to my junior prom, she revealed.

Although she clearly wasnt looking for sympathy, I told Chao that made me sad.

Thats OK, she reassured me, Im not. Nobody asked.

I didnt understand the significance of it, she explained. I didnt understand popular culture. I never listened to music because I didnt  because, No. 1, I was too busy studying, she said.

That paid off. After college, Chao attended Harvard Business School to pursue a career in banking until she got a White House fellowship during the Reagan administration.

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She said she was doing research for Republican President Ronald Reagans speeches and the bell went off, ding, ding, ding, ding!

I was going, hey, I believe in all this stuff. Im actually a Republican, she remembers.

Chao, 64, steadily climbed the GOP ranks with an appointment to the Maritime Commission, then deputy transportation secretary and eventually Peace Corps director. After Bill Clinton won the White House, she left government and became president of The United Way. It was around that time she met her husband, Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is now the Senate majority leader.

Her low-maintenance husband

Chao scoffs at the idea of being one half of the ultimate power couple, noting rightly that these days there are a lot of power couples because there are so many more women in positions of power.

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Chao played a significant role in her husbands 2014 reelection bid  especially in helping him appeal to female voters as he competed against a female Democratic challenger, Alison Lundergen Grimes.

She is still eager to humanize her husband, who is known much more for his sharp political skills than a warm, fuzzy demeanor.

This is really important. Youve gotta leave this in, she says, looking directly into the television camera lens. I call him my low-maintenance husband. He does his own laundry and he cooks.

He does mine too sometimes, she said, referring to the laundry. Hes really good, she added about his cooking. And hes really considerate, she continued, and hes really very thoughtful. So, life with him, you know, is very easy that way.

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A friend who set the couple up described Chao years later as a tiger wife.

At the time he made his remark, Amy Chua had her book about Tiger Moms. So I think he was trying to say that  I am an incredibly loving, loyal wife and asset to my husband, she explained.

Chao brought up an article she once read that claimed that she keeps files on her husbands donors and supporters. She said the story was wrong  but not why you may think.

I didnt take notes. It was all up here, she said, her finger on her temple and a devilish look in her eyes.

I have an incredible memory. Its just one of, you know, lifes blessings. If I met you 24 years ago, I can remember the place, the time, the circumstances, Chao said  a great asset in politics.

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Its proven to be pretty helpful, she agreed.

Her mother passed away, but her 90-year-old father still works and is her biggest cheerleader. He was there earlier this year when she was sworn in as transportation secretary.

As we looked at a photograph from that day, Chao remembered it was January 31, 2017, at 5:30 p.m.

I told you I have a good memory, she laughed.

Her candid regret: No children

Chao displays other photos in her office of her large family  sisters, nieces and nephews.

She is very family-oriented but never had children of her own, and in a painfully candid moment during our discussion, she revealed thats a regret.

I try not to have too many regrets. But I will say to young women, you know, when in my generation, we were taught that we can have it all. And so it was thought, well, you have a career. And then you would, you know, have your family and, well, thered be no problem. Well, it doesnt work like that, she said, growing emotional.

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So I try to counsel young women that they will have to be, regardless as to whether they want it or not, there are tradeoffs and sacrifices in life. And its important to know when those points occur because it would be a regret if you didnt know you were making that tradeoff and it happened. And there was no chance to go back.

Did she know she was making that tradeoff, I asked?

No. I didnt, she replied, trying to hold back tears.

It was an unexpectedly raw moment with Chao that so many women can relate to. It resonated with me in a big way because I almost made the same tradeoff, as she called it. I did not start trying to have a baby until I was in my late 30s, and it was almost too late. After years of fertility treatments, I finally got pregnant with my son, whom I call my miracle baby.

Because of my experience, I too tell young women that if they think they want children, it is important not to take that for granted. Watch the clock, because it matters.

Chao: A role model for many who didnt have one herself

Chao may not have her own kids, but there are scores of Asian-Americans who look to her for inspiration. Often, Chinese-American families meet her at airports just to say hi.

Oh, my gosh. I mean, I would go to events. And they would show up. Asian-American families will show up everywhere. And there would be like, thered be like an instant bond.

As transportation secretary, Chao oversees almost 60,000 employees and a slew of agencies, including the FAA. She says she tries to mentor young people who work for her  but also surprised me by saying that role models are overrated.

Im gonna say something that seems a bit strange. But I want it to be encouraging. I didnt have a lot of role models. But that didnt hurt me. And so for young people, young women, I wanted to give them strength and hope and confidence, she declared.

Just because there are no role models doesnt mean that you cant be the future role model that you now seek. So our country is so full of opportunities. And, you know, even if you dont have a role model, its OK. Just pursue your lifes passion. Do what you really love, and the way will unfold.

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(CUSTER COUNTY, Colo.)  An elderly man was identified as the victim of a fatal house fire near Westcliffe that happened earlier this month.

According to a joint press release, on March 4 just before 9 a.m., the Custer/Fremont Combined Regional Communications Authority (CRCA) received a 911 call for a smoke investigation at 699 Wyandot Trail in southern Custer County, near Highway 69 and County Road 318.

Several agencies responded including; the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District (WMFPD), the Custer Emergency Medical Services, and the Custer County Sheriffs Office. When crews arrived at the scene, mutual aid from the Wetmore Fire Protection District was requested along with four water tenders (4,000-gallon tanker trucks) from Custer County Road and Bridge.

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According to the press release, 13 firefighters on nine apparatus worked over two days totalling almost 20 hours fighting the the fire and investigating the cause. In total, 60,000 gallons of water was used to put out the flames.

Courtesy: Custer County Sheriffs Office

Duirng the fire, the homeowner was missing and deputies attempted to locate him before a fire investigator and cadaver dog were requested from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC). After obtaining a search warrant, deputies continued their search for the man and investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined.

After firefighting efforts concluded on March 4, members of the Custer County volunteer Sheriffs Posse guarded the scene overnight. The next day, on March 5, Custer County Coroner Brad Baltzly worked to locate the homeowner in the debris using the cadaver dog and excavation equipment.

The homeowner, later identified as 86-year-old Gary Benson of Westcliffe, was found dead in the debris. During the autopsy the serial number on a replacement hip joint was utilized to confirm positive identification of the deceased person, according to the press release.

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During the initial response, the driver of a tanker truck from Custer County Road and Bridge was injured as after the truck was unable to make it up the steep, icy hill before it slid backward and overturned. The driver only had minor injuries and was taken by ambulance from the area. A deputy also encountered trouble with the icy hill when they slid off the road and hit a tree. The deputy was not injured.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (WATE)  The unthinkable has happened to a Lenoir City family. The parents of five boys tragically died within a week of each other. Their deaths were unexpected. Now, five boys are without parents and trying to navigate an uncertain future, with the oldest son taking on the responsibility of raising his siblings.

Devin Davis, 23, introduced 6 News to his brothers: 11-year-old Jakeb, 8-year-old Tobias, 5-year-old Preston Noah, and Jasin, who is 20. Their family was forever changed with the sudden loss of their parents. Andy and Jennifer Davis, only 42 years old, died within a week of each other.

Ex-Knox County narcotics chief accused of using unit as personal piggy bank to stand trial

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Devin was on a business trip with his dad in February when he found him unresponsive.

I took his pulse, couldnt find a pulse, Devin said. I started doing CPR on him and it just  never happened. We still havent got the autopsy back yet. If I had to guess, it would be a heart attack.

A week after their father died, the siblings lost their mother. Jennifer was hit by a car and killed just a block from home while running after the familys new dog Rosie who had gotten away. Rosie survived the accident.

My mom is an animal lover, Devin said. Ive seen her run across that road a million times for chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, it didnt matter. She was always trying to save animals. If I knew my mom, and I know my mom really good, she was just trying to make sure these boys didnt lose anything else.

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Their grief is so new and so big, its impossible to fathom. Devin is without a road map, going by gut instinct. He rarely sleeps and has taken on the responsibility of running a household, getting his brothers to school, and preparing meals.

The family also cares for two guinea pigs, a hamster and a cat.

Devin has been collecting the things his mom and dad used every day to donate to someone in need. Its hard for him to admit that he needs help, too.

Its one step at time. Ive got to do whatever Ive got to do for these boys, Devin said.

The brothers want the world to know about their parents.

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She would always put on makeup before we went places which made us late, Jakeb said. Me and my dad tried to tell her, you dont need makeup, youre pretty without makeup, even when youre not trying to be pretty, youre always pretty. 

She was a good mom, loving, said Tobias.

About dad, Jakeb said, we did so much together, and he was awesome.

Morristown residents concerned about impacts of proposed quarry

Even in death, Jennifer, an organ donor, saved a lot of lives.

Her heart was able to go to somebody. Her lungs were able to go to somebody. Both of her kidneys went to two different people, and somebody got her liver. Plus, 75 people with skin grafts, Devin said.

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He hopes to meet those recipients one day.

I would love to meet, absolutely. Especially the heartbeat, Devin said, holding back tears. I would like to hear my mothers heartbeat again.

Devin is trying to get legal custody of his brothers. Hes already had one court hearing. Another is coming up in May.

He had to quit the job he had working with his dad, polishing concrete at big box stores, often the two traveled to Florida. He hopes to start work soon with First Utility District.

READ: More top stories on WATE.com

There is a GoFundMe account that the boys mother set up after her husband died. Family encouraged Devin to keep it going, for immediate and long-term expenses which includes counseling for the boys. Click here if you would like to help.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
TICONDEROGA  When Lucy Burch of Fort Ann found out the infusion center where she had been receiving treatment at for her rheumatoid arthritis was closing, she decided to draw a circle on a map to find a new one and thats how she discovered the Infusion Center at the University of Vermont Health Network  Elizabethtown Community Hospital in Ticonderoga.

It was not on my list of options but when I drew a circle on the map, but it turned out that Ticonderoga was the same distance as some of my other options, explained the 70-year-old farmer who has lived with the disease for more than 20 years.

Ticonderoga was a not place I would have automatically chosen, she admitted and added, it was surprising to me but I thought it was time for a change.

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Today, impressed with the personalized care provided by the staff and the hospitals modern facilities, Burch said shes happy with her decision.

I enjoy coming here because I receive the same kind of high tech and innovative care that I would otherwise have to go to a city setting to receive. Everything is state-of-the-art, and everyone is so willing to help out  any way they can. Theres a real community feel there.

Burch is not alone in her satisfaction of the services provided by the Ticonderoga team who earned a 97% Press Ganey survey patient satisfaction score in 2024. Press Ganey is internationally respected performance improvement company specializing in patient experience and partners with 41,000+ healthcare provider organizations globally and 85% of health plans in the United States.

That reputation for compassionate patient care and clinical quality has led to a 41% increase in patient visits across all specialty services since 2023. The infusion center has seen a 47% jump in visits by patients receiving outpatient intravenous infusions for chemotherapy, antibiotics and biologics.

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Our team in Ticonderoga recognizes the needs of the community it serves and works hard to meet those needs, ECH Chief Nursing Officer Julie Tromblee said.

Im more than happy with the care Im receiving, Burch said.

As a result, she is working to transfer all her health care to Ticonderoga including orthopedics and physical therapy.

The nurses go out of their way to help. During my infusion, I mentioned I was having trouble with my elbows. A nurse arranged for x-rays the very same day and now Ill be going to PT and have an appointment there with an orthopedic specialist, she said.

ECHs Ticonderoga hospital is comprised of a variety of health care organizations and services who pledged in 2018 to co-locate, creating a medical village and delivering on the promise to keep great care local. The hospital was established after the closure of Moses Ludington Hospital, a 15-bed facility that struggled financially for years.

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ECH and University of Vermont Health Network partnered with other health care organizations, including Hudson Headwater Health Network, and Ticonderoga community leaders to develop a plan that would preserve access to great care for the region.

With a $9.1 million New York State grant secured with the support of former New York State Senator Betty Little and current Senator Dan Stec, the Ticonderoga campus came to life.

Today, it includes:

- A physician-staffed, 24-hour Emergency Department

- Radiology and Laboratory Services

- Outpatient Rehabilitation

- Specialty care including infusion services, cardiology, gastroenterology, endoscopy, colon screenings, OB/GYN and orthopedics.

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- Hudson Headwaters Health Network Primary Care

A growing list services offers patients in the region with the high-quality specialty care found in the larger UVMHN partners like Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh, Porter Hospital in Middlebury, VT and Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT, without the need for extended travel. Tromblee adds that these are made possible because staff and providers from throughout the health system are committed to their patients, the community and providing care as close to home as possible.

Propelled by this dynamic team, the Ticonderoga hospital continues to evolve to meet the needs of its community. With an increase in cardiology provider coverage from our partner, Porter Medical Center, were now offering cardiac and stress echocardiograms and holter monitoring, Tracy Sprague, Emergency Department and Specialty Clinics nurse manager, said.

Weve also done a lot of work to increase orthopedic services and have a nurse practitioner here seeing patients in Ticonderoga regularly.

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Screening colonoscopies are scheduled with general surgeons and womens health services, including pre-natal care is offered by OB/GYN providers who travel from Porter Medical Center to Ticonderoga so our patients can receive care close to home.

The support of providers throughout UVM Health Network is a key component to our success. We are fortunate to also have an engaged staff who is committed to their patients and this community, explained ECH President Bob Ortmyer

Now a patient at the Crown Point Health Center, Burch loves the convenience of being part of an the UVM Health Network, knowing that regardless of where she goes within the Network, her providers will have easy access to her information.

And, because Im part of the network and have MyChart, I see my results almost immediately.

The Ticonderoga community is shining example what is possible when we think differently about providing care to rural communities. This collaborative approach has created a thriving medical campus where our exceptional teams provide great care close to home. We look forward to growing the number of specialty services offered, Ortmyer said.
Rapid City, S.D. (KELO)  More than six months after a Box Elder woman was last seen alive, an Airman from Ellsworth Air Force Base is charged with her murder.

A hiker discovered 21-year-old Sahela Sangraits body south of Hill City.

Shed been missing since August.

Today 24-year-old, Quinterius Chappelle made his first federal court appearance.

Quinterius Chappelle is being held inside the Pennington County Jail.

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Newly unsealed federal court documents say hes being charged with second degree murder for the death of Sahela Sangrait.

Over the past two weeks this investigation amplified with several agencies at local, state and federal levels coming together. It was later discovered and clarified that Sangraits death happened on the base. As the investigation continues, the FBI and United States Air Force are working together.

Her body was eventually found more than 50-miles from the base.

The Red Ribbon Skirt Society has been working with authorities to help gather information.

Every case is different, you know. But we need everybodys help, we need all of our allies to all come together for this crisis. And were kind of seeing it move in that direction which is a really really good thing. Red Ribbon Skirt Society Founder Lily Mendoza Said

In cases, like this one, social media can also play a significant role.

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Its very beneficial to use social media to get information out on the missing and the murdered. Because it seems like what happens is somebody has seen them, somebody has information regarding their missing. So its really critical that we do pay attention to that up to a point. Mendoza said.

Mendoza is hoping these joint efforts continue to help find the missing and to provide clarity to families.

While the case against Chappelle is unsealed, many of the documents remain sealed including the affidavit. At this point, not many details are being released.

Alleged kidnapper has 4 active warrants for past crimes

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
A federal judge ordered the government to reinstate U.S. Agency for International Development systems on Tuesday, ruling that the accelerated shutdown of the agency led by Elon Musk "likely violated the United States Constitution in multiple ways."

U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang ordered Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to reinstate access to email, payment, security notification and other electronic systems for all USAID employees and contractors. He also ordered the department to provide written confirmation of compliance to the court within seven days.

Supporters cheer USAID workers as they carry their personal belongings from their headquarters in Washington on Feb. 27, 2025.

"The court will require Defendants, within 14 days, to secure and submit a written agreement among all necessary parties that ensures that USAID will be able to reoccupy USAID headquarters at its original location, in the event of a final ruling in favor of Plaintiffs," the order said.

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Follow live politics coverage here.

He also ordered DOGE and Musk not to take any action regarding USAID without the express authorization of a USAID official with legal authority to do so. Chuang wrote that the limitation was warranted as it appeared DOGE and Musk appeared "to have been primarily responsible for the rush to shut down USAID."

"DOGE has taken numerous actions without any apparent advanced approval by agency leadership, Chuang said.

Trump blasted the ruling during a Fox News interview that aired Tuesday night, saying his administration would appeal.

"I guarantee you we will be appealing it. We have rogue judges that are destroying our country," Trump said.

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Musk commented on an X post that was critical of the news, suggesting it was a partisan ruling by a Democrat-appointed judge, writing indeed."

The order states that the parties cannot terminate employees, place them on leave, close USAID buildings or terminate service contracts.

Musk, a tech billionaire and adviser to President Donald Trump, was placed in charge of DOGE by Trump after his inauguration in January. Weeks later, he announced in a post on X that they planned to shut down USAID.

Employees were placed on leave and ordered to stop work on projects across the world, leaving some government employees abandoned in foreign countries.

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Nick Enrich, former acting assistant administrator for global health at USAID, said in a memo last month that the decision would no doubt cause "preventable death."

All or nearly all of the awards needed to implement lifesaving humanitarian assistance were terminated on or before Feb 27th, the memo obtained by NBC News said. The number of deaths attributable to the loss of USAID funding and support is not known at this time.

Enrich was placed on leave days after the memo was sent.

On Monday, 22 former national security officials filed a "friend of the court" brief in a different court case on behalf of the national interest benefits to USAID funding. They wrote that "cancelling contracts en masse destroys American credibility."

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"Defendants sweeping actions have created vacuums of need all around the world, ceding influence and permitting China and Russia to seize those opportunities left behind, the brief said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
MOGADISHU, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Pirates have seized a Yemeni-flagged fishing boat off the coast of Somalia, marking the third such incident this year, the European Union naval force confirmed on Monday evening.

The EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Atalanta said that the pirates attacked the fishing dhow on Sunday near Durdura, close to Eyl, a northern coastal town in Somalia.

"The incident is under investigation and has been classified as a hijacking," EUNAVFOR said in a statement.

According to the EU naval force, about seven hijackers remain on board the vessel, which has a crew of eight Somali nationals, and it is monitoring the situation and coordinating closely with the Combined Maritime Forces and the Yemeni Coast Guard.

The latest incident comes one month after pirates attacked the Yemeni-flagged dhow Saytuun-2, which was released on Feb. 24.

On Feb. 9, another Yemeni-flagged vessel was hijacked but was abandoned four days later after the pirates stole personal belongings and two skiffs belonging to the dhow.

Somali pirates are often well-armed with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. They sometimes use skiffs launched from mother ships, which may be hijacked fishing vessels or dhows, to carry out attacks far from the Somali coast. 
Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency staffers used police and private security to forcefully take over the U.S. Institute of Peace on Monday.



The USIP, an independent nonprofit founded by Congress, had its president, Greg Moose, and its board fired last week by the Trump administration. The Associated Press reported that DOGE workers on Monday had law enforcement escort them into USIP, which is not located in a federal building, after previously being denied access.



DOGE just came into the buildingtheyre inside the buildingtheyre bringing the F.B.I. and brought a bunch of D.C. police, USIP lawyer Sophia Lin told The New York Times as she and other staff members were forced out of the building.

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What has happened here today is an illegal takeover by elements of the executive branch of a private nonprofit, Moose told reporters. It was very clear that there was a desire on the part of the administration to dismantle a lot of what we call foreign assistance, and we are part of that family.

Its business as usual from the White Houses perspective.



Due to USIP staffs noncompliance with Trumps order, 11 board members were lawfully removed, and remaining board members appointed Kenneth Jackson acting president, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said. Rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage. The Trump administration will enforce the presidents executive authority and ensure his agencies remain accountable to the American people.

The privately operated USIP works to maintain U.S. diplomacy abroad, and its staff was doing all they could do to emphasize that before the DOGE break-in. I cant imagine how our work could align more perfectly with the goals that he has outlined: keeping us out of foreign wars, resolving conflicts before they drag us into those kinds of conflicts, Moose noted. Musk seems to disagree.


Happy Tuesday! Heres your Tuesday Tech Drop, my weekly roundup of the past weeks top stories from the intersection of politics and technology.

Musks expanding Starlink footprint

The New York Times reports that Elon Musks Starlink internet service has been implemented at the White House complex as Starlinks footprint expands across the federal government. Seems pretty dangerous considering that Musk appears to have the ability to turn the terminals off at will, a prospect that gained attention when he openly pondered how Ukraine would fare in defending itself from Russias invasion if the Starlink terminals its using were turned off.

Musk later added that Starlink would never shut off those terminals, but he already has prevented Ukraine from using the network for a drone attack, which raises justifiable questions about his parameters for U.S. government use. Sharing the Times report on Bluesky, technologist Waldo Jaquith wrote: This is extremely bad. Given how antidemocratic and self-absorbed Musk has been acting lately, its hard to disagree.

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Read more at The New York Times.

Careless People rises up the charts

Last week, Meta succeeded in getting an arbitrator to temporarily prevent Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former director of global public policy for Facebook, from promoting Careless People, her tell-all memoir about the social media giant. But that hasnt stopped the book  which includes unflattering allegations about Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives  from flying off shelves.

I just wrote about how the book is rocketing up bestseller charts, despite Metas efforts. Read my report here.

The power of MAGA podcasters

A new study by liberal watchdog Media Matters for America shows how a constellation of right-wing influencers dominates the online media ecosystem, seeping into sports, comedy, and other supposedly nonpolitical spaces. The report speaks to a trend Ive been following closely: the rise of podcasters as key spokespeople for Donald Trumps illiberal movement.

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Angelo Carusone, the president of Media Matters, shared the graphic below, highlighting the outsize influence that right-wing content creators have online  aided in part by social platforms led by MAGA-friendly executives such as Zuckerberg.

Read more at Media Matters.

1. What you see here is clearest illustration why things are so messed up and why it cannot get any better until this asymmetry is addressed.



Put simply: right-wing has narrative dominance.



My org (@mmfa) did this study and been sounding this alarm for years. Some thoughts... pic.twitter.com/CmfPdR5pQ5  Angelo Carusone (@GoAngelo) March 15, 2025

Pentagon press secretarys extremism on display

Speaking of podcasters, Politico resurfaced largely unnoticed comments made last year by Pentagon deputy press secretary Kingsley Wilson, who has a history of spreading racist and antisemitic conspiracy theories. On a podcast last year, Wilson praised a white rancher accused of killing an unarmed immigrant who he said trespassed on his property. I previously wrote about the rancher, George Alan Kelly, and how he became a cause celebre among conservatives after his case ended in a mistrial.

In the clip below, Wilson is quoted as saying Kelly should receive the Medal of Honor, which is the U.S. militarys highest decoration.

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Read more at Politico.

SCOOP: In unnoticed comments last year on a podcast, Kingsley Wilson, the Pentagons new deputy press secretary, praised a rancher killing an unarmed migrant who trespassed on his property and said the rancher should have gotten the Medal of Honor. https://t.co/YkgBoDHTDo pic.twitter.com/tyvXfNMR3I  Daniel Lippman (@dlippman) March 17, 2025

Trump admin deletes page on gun violence

Trumps White House has deleted a government webpage identifying gun violence  a leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States  as a public health issue. The page, maintained during the Biden administration, included details about the devastatingly broad impact of gun violence on children and American families.

Read more at The Guardian.

Gabbards ties to far-right influencers in focus

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reportedly tried  and failed  to install a pro-Kremlin podcaster as one of her deputies to lead the countrys top intelligence agencies.

Read my post on the disturbing report here.

OpenAI tries to weaken copyright regulations

OpenAI, the company led by Trump-friendly CEO Sam Altman, is pressuring the White House to alter government regulations in a way that would make it easier for U.S. companies to use copyrighted material to train their artificial intelligence models. The idea is fundamentally opposed by many media outlets and artists, who accuse AI companies of essentially stealing their work.

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Read more at NBC News.

FBI reportedly sought freezes on accounts

Citibank says the FBI recommended that it temporarily freeze the bank accounts of various climate grant recipients after being told that the Environmental Protection Agency fund that issued the grants was under a criminal investigation. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said last week that the agency had terminated $20 billion in grants from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, stoking fear about the Trump administrations ability to weaponize the government against its political opponents.

Read my report here.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
"Social Security is not being touched," Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga tried to assuage his panicked Michigan constituents earlier this month. The congressman may be misinformed or simply lying. Either way, his words were not true. Social Security is facing an all-out assault from Elon Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE)  and voters know it.

"We worked our entire life," one panicked retiree declared at Huizenga's most recent town hall, held via teleconference. "But we cant get any help because we cant get through to anybody." The former teacher was featured in an Associated Press report from the weekend detailing how angry and frightened Social Security recipients are storming town halls, begging their congressional representatives to stop Musk's misnamed DOGE from taking away their benefits. Donald Trump won this part of the state with over 60% of the vote, but now voters are begging their Republican representative to save them from the consequences of their electoral choices.

As the New York Times reported Monday, Musk's DOGE "has taken its chain saw to the agencys operations," trying to institute mass layoffs and office closures, which "could create gaping holes in the agencys infrastructure, destabilizing the program." There have even been efforts to destroy the phone service that allows beneficiaries to call the Social Security Administration for help. On Monday, Popular Info released a leaked memo from Trump's management to Social Security workers, detailing how the administration is well aware that the planned cuts will dramatically increase "demand for office appointments"  even as Musk is shutting down offices, making those appointments even harder to secure. The result, according to Trump's own appointees, will be "service disruption," and "delayed processing" of payments to retirees.

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Musk loves to play word games when defending his assault on a program that helps keep millions of elderly and disabled people from falling into poverty. He insists he's merely trying to attack "waste and fraud" in the program, falsely claiming that $700 billion a year can be categorized this way. (Reality-based assessments show that it's likely less than 1% of that figure for the entire federal government, not just Social Security.) To justify this outright disinformation, Musk has insisted that "millions of people" getting Social Security checks are "definitely dead," calling them "vampires" and declaring "tax dollars are being stolen."

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It's not true, and we can call this a lie, because Musk has repeatedly been told the retirees he calls "definitely dead" are very much alive. He refuses to back down or admit he was wrong. Instead, he disparages Social Security altogether. "Social Security is the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time," he declared on Joe Rogan's show earlier this month. Musk has long obsessed over the idea that low birthrates and the subsequent aging population are "the biggest danger civilization faces by far." While he tends to emphasize the "more babies" part of the equation to fix this alleged problem, it's not much of a leap to see that "fewer old people" would also get the job done. Musk is savvy enough to know better than to say this about the U.S., but he's been happy to say it of France, denouncing the nation for having a retirement age of 62, only three years short of the U.S. He complains these retirement ages were "set when life spans were much shorter" and it's "impossible for a small number of workers to support a massive number of retirees."

Musk frames retired people in parasitical terms, not seeing them as those who have paid their dues and have earned their reward. In light of that, when he speaks of "waste" in Social Security, he's hinting at this broader view that retired people are inherently illegitimate. While he couches language like "vampire" and "fraud" in false claims that he's talking about illegal payments, the accumulated impact of his rhetoric is to demonize elderly people as a useless burden on society. When the end goal is "efficiency," it's easy to get to this view that retired people are an "inefficiency" and "redundancy" that should no longer be funded.

The ugly attitude towards elderly people is an inevitable result of the profoundly anti-human views and ideology of Musk and his compatriots in the tech billionaire world. Tech journalist Kara Swisher, who has covered Musk for decades now, explained to the New York Times that the billionaire views himself as "the person who matters the most," and that "everybody else is an N.P.C.  a nonplayer character," which is video game slang for preprogrammed characters in a video game.

Musk hinted at this during his Rogan interview, complaining, "The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy, the empathy exploit." While insisting "you should care about other people," he made it clear this was rear-covering nonsense. His larger point was that empathy is "civilizational suicidal" and "the empathy response" is "a bug in Western civilization." The larger interview painted a picture of a man full of contempt for other people, with all their needs and subjective experiences, when he would rather they be compliant automatons who fulfill his demands without resistance. He fantasized about replacing people with "artificial intelligence" and robots, even talking up the incel-inflected dream of replacing women with sex robots.

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Musk and his fellow techno-fascists often cast themselves as the saviors of "civilization," but that rhetoric is only there to put an ennobling gloss on a deeply sociopathic view: that human beings exist to serve the system, and not that the system is there to serve humanity. In this case, the system is capitalism, which has taken on a near-religious status to Silicon Valley's billionaire elite. It's an attitude that's inherently eugenicist, measuring people's value solely in terms of whether they can be utilized to make more money for the already-wealthy investor class. It's why Musk has no respect for federal workers whose labor is centered around helping people, not profits. And it's certainly not a worldview that has space for retirees, people who, by definition, are out of the paid labor market.

Causing people who have earned their Social Security to lose benefits doesn't look like an unintended consequence of "efficiency." It's becoming clear that it is Musk's end goal.
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD)  Two fires erupt in the same building, causing an emergency demolition of the building to be ordered.

The Bloomington Fire Department was called at 9:21 p.m. on March 13 to the 1000 block of East Lafayette Street to the first of the two fires, said Captain Frank Friend.

When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke coming out of the building. 40 firefighters fought the blaze for several hours before the fire was put out at 12:47 a.m. and resulted in part of the roof collapsing, he said.

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The fires cause was ruled an unknown electrical failure, Friend said.

Then, at 2:17 p.m. on March 15, just two days after the original fire, the building caught on fire yet again, firefighters were called back to the same location to reports of a fire.

When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the Interstate Battery part of the strip mall, the fire was so intense they upped the alarm calling for more units, he said.

40 firefighters ended up responding to the scene, and due to the previous roof collapse, the fire command decided it was in the best interest of safety to order the building to be demolished immediately, said Friend.

With help from the demolition crew who created access points, the firefighters were able to extinguish any flames that were left.

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Due to the fires size and amount of water used, the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District had to be called to assess the environmental impact of the water runoff used to fight the fire. It was ruled the fires caused no significant air quality health risk to the community, he said.

The cause of the second fire is unknown, but thermal runaway from a lithium-ion battery has not been ruled out.

According to Friend, thermal runaway is caused when a battery is damaged or gets wet, and can happen after long periods of not being used. He emphasized the dangers of lithium batteries; encouraging people to dispose of them properly if they are damaged. He adds that people should follow manufacturing instructions when it comes to charging lithium-ion batteries.

No one was injured in the fire.

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Several businesses were impacted by the fire, including the Interstate All Battery Center and Stay Beautiful Gemini Hair.

Juanita Alaniz an employee at the hair salon said this experience has been like a nightmare.

She was in the building when the devastating fire began. She also said her granddaughter was sleeping in the back.

Ive never experienced that ever in my life. Ever. And it just wouldnt stop. Alaniz added, Im just glad that we all got out of there alive, you know, because, within 20 minutes or so, it could have collapsed on us. The whole roof would have fell on us

She had only recently moved into the building; about six weeks before the fire. Now, her investment in the business is lost.

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Alaniz said, Ive been doing this for over 30 years, you know, and this is my livelihood. This is what I do. This is how I support my family, and I have to start somewhere. I just dont know where.

She said she has lost everything. Right now, shes looking for a new location, but with that, she says she will have to find a way to pay for new supplies, more inventory, and moving costs.

The hair salon currently has a GoFundMe that people can donate to.

Another business that was impacted was Interstate Batteries. According to Matt Sutter, the owner and store manager, the business will be moving locations.

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Monday, he signed a lease for a new location on South Main Street between R.P. Lumber and John Deere. He says that the location should be up and running in about two to three weeks. In the meantime, the business will operate out of its warehouse on East Lafayette Street.

According to Sutter, the building was a total loss, and until the business can move to a new location, he expects to lose between $2,000 to $5,000 a day.

It definitely feels like were starting over, he said. Ive been at this location personally for 20 years. To see it like this is kind of disheartening that, you know, that we got to start over. But Im confident were good at what we do. Well be able to bounce back pretty quick.

He adds that the business has no small batteries in its inventory right now, but it will still be able to sell automotive batteries. In the next few days, Interstate Batteries should be able to start doing watches, key fobs, and other types of batteries.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Authorities in Chicago are sharing details on the search for an endangered adult who officers say went missing after leaving a hospital in Lakeview late last year.

According to police, 46-year-old Lisa Hwang has been missing since Dec. 21, 2024. Officers said Hwang was last seen at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, in the 800 block of West Wellington Avenue, on that day as she prepared to head to her residence in the 3000 block of North Sawyer Avenue in Avondale.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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The woman was described as an endangered missing person, though officers did not provide details on why.

Hwang, who stands 5-foot-3 and weighs around 140 pounds, has black and grey hair and brown eyes.

Authorities provided details about the missing womans disappearance in a news release sent out on Tuesday afternoon but did not provide details on what she was last seen wearing.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 46-year-old Lisa Hwang is asked to contact the CPD Area Five Special Victims Unit at 312-746  6554.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Kelcy Warren, executive chairman of Energy Transfer, the company that developed the Dakota Access Pipeline, talks about pipeline security during the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference at the Bismarck Event Center in May 2021. (Mike McCleary/Bismarck Tribune)

Energy Transfer Executive Chairman Kelcy Warren claimed in court testimony he traveled to North Dakota in December 2016 to discuss a settlement with then-tribal chair David Archambault II to end protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

I said, David, Im here to make a deal with you, Warren said in a video deposition shown to jurors last week during a trial involving Energy Transfer and Greenpeace. What do you want? Money? Land?

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Warren, who was CEO of Energy Transfer at the time, said he was willing to give the tribe a ranch that the company had purchased near part of the pipeline construction site in North Dakota. Energy Transfer just months prior had bought Cannonball Ranch, which is north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in an area that became the center of the anti-pipeline demonstrations.

Warren said he also offered to build a new school on the reservation.

Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II during a Senate Indian Affairs Committee field hearing in August 2017 at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck. (Tom Stromme/Bismarck Tribune)

Archambault in a Monday statement to the North Dakota Monitor said his memory of his meeting with Warren is very different. Archambault did not appear as a witness during the trial.

From my perspective, the purpose of the meeting was not to negotiate a settlement, Archambault wrote.

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Archambault said he met with Warren because he was concerned about growing violence at the protests.

Given the growing danger, I felt it was necessary to have a direct conversation to discuss de-escalation, he wrote.

Archambault said that oil and gas magnate Harold Hamm and then-Quapaw Nation chair John Berrey helped arrange his meeting with Warren.

He said he told Warren at the meeting that he was not there to end the protests.

He asked what it would take to stop the movement, and I explained that it was no longer in my control, Archambault said. The fight against the pipeline had become much bigger than Standing Rock; it was about Indigenous rights and the long history of injustice faced by our people.

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According to Archambault, Warren told him if he had been aware of the history of how infrastructure projects have affected the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe then we might not be in this situation.

Archambault said in the statement that more than a year before his meeting with Warren, he met with another Energy Transfer executive, Joey Mahmoud, to relay his concerns about the Dakota Access Pipeline. Mahmoud was in charge of the project for Energy Transfer.

At that time, I made it clear that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe would resist the pipeline due to the historical and ongoing harm caused by infrastructure projects on Indigenous lands, Archambault wrote.

Archambault said Mahmoud told him that Energy Transfer is used to dealing with protests.

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I let him know I thought this was going to be different, Archambault wrote.

Warren in his video deposition speculated that Archambault rejected his offer to settle because he had already made a separate deal with a third party. Warren said he suspects someone had paid money to the tribe and that Earthjustice, an environmental law group, was the carrier of that money.

It was very clear to me he had struck a deal with the devil, Warren said of Archambault.

Warren acknowledged that he did not have concrete evidence that the deal took place.

Warren has no evidence of it because it never happened, Jan Hasselman, a senior attorney for Earthjustice who previously represented the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, said in a statement to the Monitor.

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Archambault said that his meeting with Warren ended with an understanding that neither side would change course.

Energy Transfer would attempt to push the pipeline through, and we would continue to resist, he wrote.

Warrens deposition came as part of Energy Transfers lawsuit against Greenpeace over its involvement in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016 and 2017. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe started the protests to oppose the project, which it states is a pollution threat to its water and a violation of Native sovereignty. Greenpeace was one of many organizations present at the demonstrations.

In his testimony, Warren said that he was not privy to the day-to-day operations of Energy Transfer at the time of the protests. He said that he had no personal knowledge of Greenpeaces involvement in the demonstrations, and that his legal staff were heading up the lawsuit against the environmental group.

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Warren said that it was his understanding that the purpose of the lawsuit was to push back against an organized effort to harm the company, which he said included defamation and paid protesters.

I did feel strongly that weve got to stand up for ourselves, Warren said.

Energy Transfer alleges Greenpeace coordinated illegal attacks against the pipeline that cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars. Greenpeace denies the claims.

The lawsuit, originally filed in 2019, went to trial in Mandan in late February. The parties presented their closing arguments on Monday, though the jury has yet to render a verdict.

This story was originally published by the North Dakota Monitor. Like South Dakota Searchlight, its part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: info@northdakotamonitor.com.
Kelcy Warren, executive chairman of Energy Transfer, the company that developed the Dakota Access Pipeline, talks about pipeline security during the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference at the Bismarck Event Center in May 2021. (Mike McCleary/Bismarck Tribune)

Energy Transfer Executive Chairman Kelcy Warren claimed in court testimony he traveled to North Dakota in December 2016 to discuss a settlement with then-tribal chair David Archambault II to end protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

I said, David, Im here to make a deal with you, Warren said in a video deposition shown to jurors last week during a trial involving Energy Transfer and Greenpeace. What do you want? Money? Land?

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Warren, who was CEO of Energy Transfer at the time, said he was willing to give the tribe a ranch that the company had purchased near part of the pipeline construction site in North Dakota. Energy Transfer just months prior had bought Cannonball Ranch, which is north of Standing Rock in an area that became the center of the anti-pipeline demonstrations.

Warren said he also offered to build a new school on the reservation.

Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II during a Senate Indian Affairs Committee field hearing in August 2017 at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck. (Tom Stromme/Bismarck Tribune)

Archambault in a Monday statement to the North Dakota Monitor said his memory of his meeting with Warren is very different. Archambault did not appear as a witness during the trial.

From my perspective, the purpose of the meeting was not to negotiate a settlement, Archambault wrote.

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Archambault said he met with Warren because he was concerned about growing violence at the protests.

Given the growing danger, I felt it was necessary to have a direct conversation to discuss de-escalation, he wrote.

Archambault said that oil and gas magnate Harold Hamm and then-Quapaw Nation chair John Berrey helped arrange his meeting with Warren.

He said he told Warren at the meeting that he was not there to end the protests.

He asked what it would take to stop the movement, and I explained that it was no longer in my control, Archambault said. The fight against the pipeline had become much bigger than Standing Rock; it was about Indigenous rights and the long history of injustice faced by our people.

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According to Archambault, Warren told him if he had been aware of the history of how infrastructure projects have affected the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe then we might not be in this situation.

Archambault said in the statement that more than a year before his meeting with Warren, he met with another Energy Transfer executive, Joey Mahmoud, to relay his concerns about the Dakota Access Pipeline. Mahmoud was in charge of the project for Energy Transfer.

At that time, I made it clear that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe would resist the pipeline due to the historical and ongoing harm caused by infrastructure projects on Indigenous lands, Archambault wrote.

Archambault said Mahmoud told him that Energy Transfer is used to dealing with protests.

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I let him know I thought this was going to be different, Archambault wrote.

Warren in his video deposition speculated that Archambault rejected his offer to settle because he had already made a separate deal with a third party. Warren said he suspects someone had paid money to the tribe and that Earthjustice, an environmental law group, was the carrier of that money.

It was very clear to me he had struck a deal with the devil, Warren said of Archambault.

Warren acknowledged that he did not have concrete evidence that the deal took place.

Warren has no evidence of it because it never happened, Jan Hasselman, a senior attorney for Earthjustice who previously represented the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, said in a statement to the Monitor.

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Archambault said that his meeting with Warren ended with an understanding that neither side would change course.

Energy Transfer would attempt to push the pipeline through, and we would continue to resist, he wrote.

More Dakota Access Pipeline coverage

Warrens deposition came as part of Energy Transfers lawsuit against Greenpeace over its involvement in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016 and 2017. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe started the protests to oppose the project, which it states is a pollution threat to its water and a violation of Native sovereignty. Greenpeace was one of many organizations present at the demonstrations.

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In his testimony, Warren said that he was not privy to the day-to-day operations of Energy Transfer at the time of the protests. He said that he had no personal knowledge of Greenpeaces involvement in the demonstrations, and that his legal staff were heading up the lawsuit against the environmental group.

Warren said that it was his understanding that the purpose of the lawsuit was to push back against an organized effort to harm the company, which he said included defamation and paid protesters.

I did feel strongly that weve got to stand up for ourselves, Warren said.

Energy Transfer alleges Greenpeace coordinated illegal attacks against the pipeline that cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars. Greenpeace denies the claims.

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The lawsuit, originally filed in 2019, went to trial in Mandan in late February. The parties presented their closing arguments on Monday, though the jury has yet to render a verdict.

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Brittany Berry has a message for readers who donated to the Wish List, the annual holiday fundraising project of The Enquirer and United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

From the bottom of my heart, I am truly grateful. My children are grateful, she said, standing next to the used car she was able to buy thanks to generous donors. You have made a huge impact on our lives.

Brittany was one of eight individuals and families whose Wish List stories were published in December. She told of transportation being her greatest need as she pursued a better future for her children, ages 8, 6 and 2.

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They live in Covington at Lincoln-Grant Scholar House, which provides affordable housing, academic support and other services for single parents who are full-time college students. Its operated by the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission, a United Way partner that nominated Brittany for the Wish List.

Brittany, 34, works at an early education center and is a full-time student at Mount St. Joseph University, where she is studying special education and general education. She plans to become a special education intervention specialist.

That field hits home for Brittany, whose two older children have developmental disabilities. Without a car, she found it nearly impossible to get them to therapy appointments. Bus rides took too long, ride-hailing fees were expensive, and when her children were overstimulated and upset, some drivers refused to take them.

Brittany Berry, whose goals include becoming a special education intervention specialist, reads with her children, from left, De'Andre, Sunshine and Ryan.

Brittany had saved some money but not enough to buy a dependable car. When the Wish List funds came through, It was a huge relief, she said.

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Now Brittany drives her children to therapy, and theyre making great progress, she said. Whats more, Brittany can drive to her night classes.

The total raised through the 2024 Wish List is $60,473  more than enough to fulfill the wishes of all those whose stories appeared in The Enquirer. The remaining funds will be used throughout the year to assist people who need it.

For 38 years, the Wish List has embodied the spirit of our region  compassion, generosity and a commitment to lifting one another up, said Moira Weir, United Way President and CEO. We are grateful to everyone who contributed.

A sampling of others whose wishes have been granted or soon will be:

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Destiny Buffington is getting items to help her baby daughter, Myra, recover from injuries suffered in December 2023 when she was shot in the face by her grandmother.

Larry Galbreath, 54, who has autism and major depressive disorder, is getting a bed, mattress, clothes and other items to replace the belongings he had to throw away after his previous apartment became infested with bedbugs.

Barbara Liszniewski, a 79-year-old musician who has been blind since birth, will receive adaptive computer equipment and training to access music and stay connected to friends.

John Johnston is the content writer at United Way and a former Enquirer reporter.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Enquirer, Wish List project raises $60,473 for families in need
NAIROBI, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the country's state-owned tourism marketing body, said on Tuesday that it will tap into the growing motorsports enthusiasm in the East African region to increase visitor arrivals.

The KTB said the WRC Safari Rally, which is set to begin in Kenya's lakeside town of Naivasha from Thursday, has been integral in reinforcing the appeal of Kenya and the East African region to the world.

"The WRC Safari Rally has transformed into a premier platform for showcasing Kenya's tourism prowess to both regional and global audiences," June Chepkemei, chief executive officer of the KTB, said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

An estimated 30,000 motorsport enthusiasts from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Ethiopia will attend the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha, representing a threefold increase from 2024.

"With this rising profile, we are seeking to leverage the excitement, passion, and energy of motorsports fans to become ambassadors for Magical Kenya," Chepkemei said.

She also said the East African neighbors represent an important and high-potential source market, given their proximity and improving connectivity to Kenya.

According to the KTB, a contingent of motorsports fans from Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda are set to arrive in Naivasha on Wednesday, forming the vanguard of spectators from the region converging for the Safari Rally.

It said the touring fans, part of organized travel groups from the three countries, will be treated to the scenic route highlighting some of Kenya's picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife as they make their way to Naivasha.

Joseph Munyeti, Kenya Airways regional manager for East and Central Africa, disclosed that the national carrier has extended a 12-percent discount to all passengers traveling to Kenya for the safari rally. 
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 71-year-old man was arrested and is facing child pornography charges, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office said.

Lonny Gene Huisenga, 71, was recently arrested and is facing charges of parole violation and possession of child pornography, the Sheriffs Office said.

On March 10, deputies responded to a call at the El Paso Transitional Center, a community corrections center located at 1650 Horizon Blvd., regarding a resident in possession of explicit images.

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Upon arrival, deputies met with the residents parole officer, who reported that during routine checks, the resident was found to be in possession of explicit images involving children pornography, the Sheriffs Office said.

Huisenga was arrested and was first booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility for allegedly violating his parole.

The Sheriffs Office continued the investigation, and Huisenga was booked on additional charges of possession of child pornography.

His bond was set at $75,000, the Sheriffs Office said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Estonia plans to spend at least 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence from 2026 onwards, the government in Tallinn announced on Tuesday.

The Baltic EU and NATO state views Russia's war against Ukraine as a direct threat to its national security.

The decision is based on military recommendations from the commander of the Estonian army and aims to make aggression against Estonia, which borders Russia, impossible.

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The money is to be used to develop all important areas of the military, such as air defence and drones.

"Russia's strategic goals have not changed in any way. The aggression of our eastern neighbour threatens all surrounding European countries, including NATO members," Prime Minister Kristen Michal said in a statement.

"In order to be able to defend Estonia securely, we must quickly adapt to the increasingly dangerous security environment and drastically increase the defence budget."

Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur spoke of a "decisive step" to ensure that Estonia is well protected.

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Estonia has a population of 1.2 million people and borders Russia to the east.

The government in Tallinn has already increased military spending and is massively upgrading its army. Last year, Estonia spent 3.4% of its GDP on defence; this year it will be almost 4%.
The Council of the EU gave its final approval to 1.9 billion euros (over $2 billion) in support for Moldova's EU-related reforms and economic growth, the council's press service announced on March 18.

The Reform and Growth Facility, which includes 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in low-interest loans and 385 million euros ($420 million) in grants, will cover the period of 2025-2027 and is part of the EU's long-term Moldova Growth Plan.

Brussels has ramped up support for Moldova over the past few years to help alleviate the regional impacts of Russia's war against Ukraine and help Chisinau on its path to membership. Moldova launched accession talks with the EU last June.

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"Today we are helping Moldovans advance key socio-economic reforms, boost their economy and accelerate the countrys accession to the EU," said Adam Szlapka, Poland's Europan affairs minister, in a statement.

"The new instrument will also strengthen Moldovas resilience by mitigating the impact of Russias unjust war of aggression against Ukraine."

The newly approved tool marks the single largest support package provided to Moldova by the European bloc.

The facility will now be signed by the presidents of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU and enter into force a day after being published in the EU Official Journal.

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Ukraine's neighbor Moldova has received Ukrainian refugees and repeatedly warned about Russia's attempts to destabilize the country, primarily through the Russian-occupied Moldovan region of Transnistria.

Transnistria has faced a major energy crisis after the halt of Russian gas supplies at the start of the year. While Moldova has pivoted to European gas supplies prior to the transit halt, it has also faced difficulties as it receives electricity from a gas-powered energy plant located in Transnistria.

Last month, the EU allocated 250 million euros ($273 million) to boost Moldova's energy independence and resilience.

Read also: Talk about an invasion is everywhere  How Lithuania is preparing for war with Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will present the new Readiness 2030 roadmap to the College of European Commissioners and journalists on Wednesday 19 March. The roadmap outlines plans to enhance the EU's combat readiness and defence capabilities by 2030.

Source: Von der Leyen speaking at the Royal Danish Military Academy in Copenhagen on 18 March, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Readiness 2030 roadmap includes plans for the European Union to rearm and build defence capabilities for credible deterrence starting in 2030, von der Leyen said.

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"And tomorrow we will present a roadmap for Readiness 2030," the European Commission president announced.

"By 2030, Europe must have a strong European defence posture. 'Readiness 2030' means to have re-armed and developed the capabilities to have credible deterrence. 'Readiness 2030' means to have a defence industrial base that is a strategic advantage," she explained.

"To be '2030 ready', we need to move now," von der Leyen noted.

"To be clear: Member States will always retain responsibility for their own troops, from doctrine to deployment, and for the definition of the requirements of their armed forces. But there is a lot that is needed at European level," she added.

Ursula von der Leyen outlined four key priorities of the Readiness 2030 plan:

1) a rapid increase in defence spending by EU countries:

"That is why the Commission has presented a plan to unlock 800 billion of investment in European defence. This includes a new instrument called SAFE, which could quickly unlock 150 billion for Member States."

2) closing gaps in EU needs and capabilities:

"By 2030, we need a functioning EU-wide network of land corridors, airports and seaports that facilitate the fast transport of troops and military equipment. At the same time, we need to invest in air and missile defence, artillery systems, ammunition and missiles."

3) increasing support for Ukraine:

"This is what we call the steel porcupine strategy. Because we need to make Ukraine strong enough to be indigestible for potential invaders.";

4) strengthening Europe's defence industrial base.

Background:

In early March, von der Leyen unveiled a five-stage plan for rearming the European Union and supporting Ukraine, called ReArm Europe, with a declared value of up to 800 billion.

During an extraordinary defence summit of EU leaders on 6 March, all EU leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, unanimously voted in favour of the ReArm Europe proposal.

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BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union government ministers on Tuesday debated ways to keep Radio Free Europe afloat after the Trump administration stopped grants to the pro-democracy media outlet over the weekend.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty started broadcasting during the Cold War. Its programs are aired in 27 languages in 23 countries across Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.

Swedens European Affairs Minister Jessica Rozencrantz insisted on the need to ensure that Radio Free Europe really continues to be an important voice for freedom and democracy, especially in those places where it is most needed.

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Sweden encourages all countries and the (European) Commission to really look into what we can do in terms of financing, to make sure that we continue to have a strong Radio Free Europe, she told reporters in Brussels before the meeting.

In a post on social media, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said that the cut in funding puts "independent journalism at serious risk in regions where the free press is silenced, from Russia and Belarus to Iran and Afghanistan.

Prevot warned that if the network disappears, disinformation and propaganda will fill the void. That would a direct win for those who seek to undermine democracy. Europe cannot let that happen.

The outlet got caught up as U.S. President Donald Trumps administration on Saturday began making deep cuts to Voice of America and other government-run, pro-democracy programming.

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The cancellation of Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys grant agreement would be a massive gift to Americas enemies, the networks president and CEO, Stephen Capus, said in a statement in reaction to the move.

The European Commission, the EUs executive branch, is trying to establish what impact the cuts will have on U.S.-funded media working in Europe and how it might be able to help plug any gaps.

We know how important it is, the access to free and fair information, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic told reporters after the meeting. But he added that Radio Free Europe is not unfortunately the only one of the projects which was cut.

We are doing (a) comprehensive assessment on where the financial support from the U.S. was stopped, he said, to work out how can we help, what we can do.

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On Monday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas recalled the influence that the network had on her as she was growing up in Estonia, which was part of the Soviet Union when she was a child.

It is sad to hear that the U.S. is withdrawing its funding, Kallas told reporters, after chairing a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Coming from the other side of the Iron Curtain, actually it was (from) the radio that we got a lot of information, she said. So, it has been a beacon of democracy, very valuable in this regard.

But Kallas said that finding funding to fill the void that the U.S. is leaving wouldn't be easy. The answer to that question is not automatically, because we have a lot of organizations who are coming with the same request, she said.

The Czech Republic, which has hosted Radio Free Europe for a quarter-century although its corporate headquarters is in Washington, is leading the push to keep the network alive. Kallas said that there was really a push from the foreign ministers to discuss this and find the way.
(Bloomberg) -- The European Union needs to be able to defend itself in a future confrontation with Russia, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said as she aims to mobilize hundreds of billions of euros to bolster the blocs militaries.

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She said the EU must rebuild its security capabilities and be able to defend itself by 2030, citing Moscows irreversible path toward a war economy.

US President Donald Trumps push to quickly clinch a ceasefire in Ukraine has alarmed many in Europe that hell concede to some of Russias demands without the agreement of Kyiv and its allies. Trump has also indicated that hell pare back Americas traditional security arrangement with Europe, forcing the continent to shoulder that burden.

Russias massive investment in its military fuels its war of aggression in Ukraine while preparing it for future confrontation with European democracies, von der Leyen said in a speech in Copenhagen Tuesday. And just as these threats increase, we see our oldest partner  the United States  move their focus to the Indo-Pacific.

She added that by 2030, Europe must have a strong European defense posture.

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One top priority is joint purchases of major military equipment. Von der Leyen said the commission, the EUs executive arm, will set up a European Military Sales Mechanism to help pool demand and create a bloc-wide market.

Companies need a steady stream of multi-year orders to steer investment and ramp up capacity, she said. Member states need to be able to fully rely on European defense supply chains.

Earlier this month, the EU proposed issuing 150 billion ($164 billion) in loans to member states to boost defense spending on a national level. Under the plan, at least 65% of the spending should go toward products of European origin, von der Leyen said later Tuesday in Copenhagen.

If we invest these billions of euros in defense investment, we need a return on investment in Europe, she told reporters.

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The EU also plans to activate a mechanism that would allow countries to use their national budgets to spend an additional 650 billion on defense over four years without triggering budgetary penalties.

Europe is looking to mobilize hundreds of billions of euros in additional financing as it seeks to continue support for Ukraine at a critical moment. Von der Leyen has called this a once-in-a-generation moment and previously said the EU faces defense investment needs of around 500 billion over the next decade.

German lawmakers are also voting this week on a proposal that would allow the government to spend hundreds of billions of euros on defense and infrastructure

Von der Leyen said that the EUs investments in defense should be aligned with those of the NATO military alliance, but she also alluded to how much Trumps policy shifts have shaken European faith in its reliance on the US.

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The security architecture that we relied on can no longer be taken for granted, she said.

(Updates with von der Leyen remarks on buy-European provision starting in eighth paragraph)

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The European Union is ready to talk to US President Donald Trump before making any more decisions on retaliatory tariffs, Irelands deputy prime minister said.

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The EU wants to make progress and engage with the US, Simon Harris said in a Bloomberg TV interview Tuesday. I think we should do that rather than having further announcements and then trying to respond.

The comments illustrate just how difficult navigating the transatlantic trade war has become in Europe. After the US administration threatened to slap a 200% tariff on alcoholic drinks from the EU last week, it remains unclear exactly how the bloc will respond further.

Trump promised only to revoke the threat if Brussels axes a proposed tax on American whiskey exports, which was itself a retaliatory response to US steel tariffs.

We are very willing to sit down with the United States and come up with an agreement, he added. At the moment, thats not my sense of where the administration in the United States wants to go.

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In response to Trumps metals tariffs, the EU is planning countermeasures with duties on as much as 26 billion ($28.3 billion) worth of American products, Bloomberg previously reported.

Irelands individual trade imbalance with the US hasnt escaped Trumps orbit either. He told Irish prime minister Micheal Martin at a St. Patricks Day meeting in the White House that while he does not want to do anything to hurt Ireland, the trade relationship must be based on fairness.

The small country is just behind Mexico and Vietnam and on par with Germany in terms of its trade surplus, Bloomberg Economics analysis shows. It is in part thanks to the number of pharmaceutical giants based there for tax reasons, including American multinationals Pfizer Inc. and Eli Lilly & Co.

Ireland recorded an overall surplus in goods trade of 12.2 billion ($13.3 billion) in January, driven by a rise in pharmaceutical exports, according to the statistics office on Tuesday. The country exported 72.6 billion worth of goods specifically to the US last year, up 34% on 2023, amounting to a trade surplus in goods of 50.1 billion.

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The relationship between Ireland and the US is long enduring, growing, mutually beneficial, Harris said. And Ireland, as members of the European Union wants to value free trade, wants to come up with a way forward.

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The European Union is preparing for a scenario in which the conclusions of the 20-21 March summit on Ukraine could be approved without Hungary's support, as the country has publicly opposed them.

Source: a senior EU official speaking on condition of anonymity, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent from Brussels

Details: The official noted that the conclusions of this week's EU leaders' meeting on Ukraine could be adopted in the same manner as the emergency summit in early March  through a decision by 26 member states.

Background:

On 6 March, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban refused to sign the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting on support for Ukraine, leading to 26 out of 27 EU member states approving the text.

Without naming the state opposing the adoption of the conclusions on Ukraine, an EU official confirmed that "there is a disagreement with one member state" and that "we have to move forward with 26" states.

Previously:

Hungarys Minister for EU Affairs, Janos Boka, publicly confirmed earlier on Tuesday that Hungary would not support the European Council's conclusions on assistance to Ukraine, as they "contradict Budapest's strategic interests".

This concerns, among other issues, an initiative by EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas to provide Ukraine with 40 billion in military aid.

European Pravda sources reported that during non-public talks on the text of the European Council's conclusions for 20-21 March, Hungary again insisted that the reference to support for Ukraine be removed.

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Polish Minister for European Affairs Adam Szapka said on 18 March in Brussels that the European Commission and Poland, which holds the EU presidency in the first half of 2025, are ready to open negotiating clusters with Ukraine, in particular the first cluster, Fundamentals. However, this process requires unanimous support from all 27 EU states and is unfortunately being blocked by Hungary.

Source: Adam Szapka, answering the questions of a European Pravda correspondent

Quote: "You know the political situation in terms of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Hungary. We are, as I always say, determined as the Polish presidency to move the EU enlargement process forward. This is one of our priorities."

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Details: At the same time, the European Commission confirmed that the EU is currently unable to open the first cluster in the negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU due to Hungary's blocking of the process.

Szapka said that the European Commission is also "very determined" to conduct a screening process of Ukrainian legislation.

"So we are ready to work on that, but we need unanimity, unfortunately," the Polish minister stated.

"We hope that this (opening of clusters in negotiations with Ukraine) will be a process based on achievements and should be based on arguments, not on political issues," Adam Szapka expressed hope.

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"Enlargement will remain a priority for this Commission. For Ukraine, we opened the accession process in June 2024. This was a recognition of Ukraine's determination to move forward with its EU path and implement transformational reforms, despite the ongoing aggressive war by Russia. Until now, Ukraine has been making steady progress towards EU membership," European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier said at a briefing on 18 March.

He clarified that Ukraine is currently "undergoing bilateral screening reports, which will last until the autumn of this year".

"Provided all the necessary requirements are met, the European Commission expects the first cluster, Fundamentals, to open as soon as possible in 2025. But this requires the consent of all member states," the spokesperson said.

"In these circumstances, the unanimity requirement is an obstacle. We need all member states to agree. The Commission has given its assessment, and we believe we can open the first cluster. But now we need the agreement of all member states," Guillaume Mercier concluded.

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Background:

This year, the European Commission announced ambitious plans to open three clusters of negotiations between Ukraine and the EU before the end of the Polish presidency in June 2025.

However, in mid-February, it became known that Hungary had blocked the opening of the first negotiation cluster and demanded to expand the list of requirements for Ukraine.

Read also: Easing martial law, reforms by 2027: what the EU expects of Ukraine on its path to membership

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday a new joint task force with Ukraine is to be established to streamline the procurement of military supplies and consolidate support for Kiev.

The move comes in response to the looming threat of a US veto blocking continued NATO military aid coordination for Ukraine.

Currently, the Germany-based NATO-Ukraine command, or NSATU (NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine), is responsible for these tasks.

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Created at the NATO summit in Washington in July, NSATU coordinates arms deliveries and the training of Ukrainian forces.

The European Commission stated that the new task force will complement NATO's efforts, with both organizations coordinating their activities.

Speculation has recently emerged that the US might push for a halt to NSATU as part of negotiations for Russian concessions, particularly following the recent disruption of US military aid to Ukraine.

The Trump administration seeks a swift end to Russia's war against Ukraine, but Moscow reportedly demands an end to NATO's commitment to Ukraine, among other conditions.

Von derLeyen foresees a new world order

In a speech in Copenhagen, von der Leyen did not provide specific details on the task force but emphasized the growing need for Europe to become more independent of the United States and bolster its own domestic defence capabilities.

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"The security architecture that we relied on can no longer be taken for granted," she said. The former German defence minister warned that "the age of spheres of influence and power competition is well and truly back," signalling a shift in global geopolitics.

She predicted that a new world order will emerge in the second half of this decade and beyond.

Von der Leyen also framed the issue as a critical decision for Europe's future.

"Do we keep reacting to each challenge in an incremental and cautious way? Or are we ready to grasp this opportunity to build a more secure Europe ... one that is prosperous, free and ready - willing and able to defend itself?"

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She warned that Europe must act boldly: "If Europe wants to avoid war, Europe must get ready for war."

By being prepared, she noted that Europe will achieve the speed, scale and strength needed to prepare for potential threats by 2030.

The strategy of the steel porcupine

In practical terms, von der Leyen called for a substantial increase in defence spending and efforts to close capability gaps in areas such as air and missile defence drones and artificial intelligence.

She noted that the scope, cost and complexity of projects in these areas surpass the capacities of individual EU member states, making joint development and procurement essential.

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The most strategically important focus, according to von der Leyen, is increasing support for Ukraine and investing in deterrence.

"This is what we call the steel porcupines strategy."

She said Ukraine must be strong enough to make it "absolutely indigestible for any potential invader." The newly formed joint task force is central to this approach, she added.

The initiative will also be part of a broader strategy for the future of European defence which will be unveiled on Wednesday by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
KINSHASA/LUANDA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group unilaterally canceled its direct negotiation with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) scheduled for Tuesday, blaming sanctions by the European Union (EU) as a barrier.

Regional mediation efforts have stalled as calls for a cease-fire have yet to yield results on the ground.

M23 BACKING OUT

Talks with the DRC government, scheduled for Tuesday in Luanda, the capital of Angola, "have become impracticable," the M23 said in a statement late Monday.

Factors remain in play for a much-anticipated direct negotiation between the DRC government and the M23 rebels on Tuesday in Luanda. Angolan President Joao Lourenco, a key player in the Luanda Process, a peace mechanism backed by the African Union (AU), brokered the negotiation.

"All conditions have been met for the negotiations to begin on March 18, as planned," the Angolan president said late Monday, adding that the DRC government delegation had already arrived in Luanda, while the M23 delegation was expected later.

Angola has not provided an update on the event.

BLAMING EU SANCTIONS

The M23 claimed that "certain international institutions" are deliberately trying to sabotage peace efforts in the DRC and obstruct the negotiation.

"Successive sanctions imposed on our members, including those enacted on the eve of the Luanda discussions, severely undermine direct dialogue and make any progress impossible," said the M23, referring to the sanctions announced on Monday by the EU against certain M23 leaders and Rwandan military commanders, including M23 political leader Bertrand Bisimwa.

"This attitude on the part of the EU, which amounts to a double standard policy, forces the Congo River Alliance (AFC) to reconsider its participation in the Luanda talks until further notice," Corneille Nangaa, political leader of the AFC, a politico-military group allied with the M23, said late Monday.

On Tuesday, Jean-Marc Chataigner, former EU ambassador to the DRC, dismissed the M23's explanation for backing out of the peace talks as a poor excuse.

"There is no connection! The EU sanctions in no way prevented Angola from hosting a delegation from the M23. It is a poor excuse to avoid the pressure of diplomatic negotiations to find a peaceful solution in the DRC," wrote Chataigner on his social media platform X account.

The M23 earlier urged DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to make an unequivocal public declaration committing to direct negotiations, as the DRC government has consistently considered it a red line to sit at the same negotiation table with the rebels, who have seized large chunks of land in the eastern North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

CUTTING TIES

Almost simultaneously with the announcement of the EU sanctions, Rwanda announced on Monday that it would sever diplomatic ties with Belgium and order all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.

"The government of Rwanda notified the government of Belgium today of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately," the Rwandan Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "This decision follows careful consideration of multiple factors, all tied to Belgium's regrettable efforts to sustain its neocolonial delusions."

The statement accused Belgium of consistently undermining Rwanda, both historically and amid the ongoing conflict in the DRC, where Belgium "has played a deep and violent role, especially in actions against Rwanda."

The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, while Rwanda says the DRC's military has allied with the Rwandan rebel group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which is accused of involvement in the 1994 genocide.

Belgium has been critical of Rwanda's alleged involvement in the conflict in the eastern DRC, particularly its reported support for the M23 rebel group, an accusation Rwanda denies.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot posted on social media that Belgium "regretted" Rwanda's "disproportionate" decision and announced reciprocal measures by declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and terminating bilateral cooperation agreements.

MEDIATION EFFORTS AT STANDSTILL

On Monday, two regional blocs -- the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) -- convened a ministerial meeting in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, to find ways for a permanent cease-fire.

The ministers agreed to undertake confidence-building measures at both the political and military levels within the merged Luanda and Nairobi processes to realize a permanent cease-fire in the next few months.

At a joint summit in February, hosted by both the EAC and the SADC in the Tanzanian port city of Dar es Salaam, several African leaders agreed to merge the two peace initiatives into a single framework.

Weeks later, the EAC and the SADC announced the appointment of former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn as the facilitators of this joint "Luanda/Nairobi Process."

However, the DRC government and its regional partners remain divided on the future direction of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, as mediation efforts continue to stall. The DRC has pushed for a formal "alignment" to ensure that both processes, which are viewed as complementary, are elevated to the same organizational level.

"The two processes involve different targets and different stakeholders," noted Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, foreign minister of the DRC, in early March. She stressed that the Nairobi Process should also come under the auspices of the AU.

Last week, the SADC confirmed that it would end the mandate of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and begin a phased withdrawal of its troops.

Deployed in December 2023, the SAMIDRC includes military personnel from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, who have supported the DRC's army in combating armed groups in the volatile eastern region. However, the mission has faced casualties, raising doubts about its capacity to meet its objectives amid intensifying violence.

About 1 million people, including around 400,000 children, have been newly displaced since late January, with figures likely to rise further as hostilities continue in both South Kivu and North Kivu, said the UN on Monday. 
Eight European countries have filed a complaint on 17 March with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialised agency of the United Nations, regarding Russia's repeated interference with European satellite communication, demanding that these actions cease.

Source: Dutch public broadcaster NOS, as reported by European Pravda

Details: NOS wrote that the complaint had been signed by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, Finland, France and the Netherlands, with 17 other EU member states and the United Kingdom supporting the complaint.

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The complaint is another step in the ongoing conflict between European countries and Russia over the disruption of satellite signals.

Several European countries have reported disruptions to the operations of two main European satellite providers, Eutelsat and SE, over the past year. They provide radio and television communication services as well as aircraft navigation in Europe.

Background:

The most notable disruption occurred in the spring of 2024, when Russian military propaganda suddenly appeared twice on the BabyTV channel in the Netherlands and other European countries.

An investigation revealed that the source of the interference was the Russian-occupied Crimea and Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast.

In previous letters to the UN, Russia denied its involvement in the satellite disruptions.

It became known in 2024 that, according to the US, Moscow had been developing nuclear weapons for deployment in low Earth orbit, which could pose a threat to American satellites.

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(Bloomberg) -- Europe needs to integrate its armed forces and develop a regional command structure in the wake of US President Donald Trumps foreign policy agenda, former Italian premier Mario Draghi said.

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The onetime European Central Bank chief, speaking to lawmakers in Rome on Tuesday, said that the continent must adopt more robust policies that better organize its defenses and reap the benefits of common procurement, now that America can no longer be relied upon to help.

Our security is today put in doubt by the change in foreign policy of our main ally with respect to Russia, which the invasion of Ukraine has shown to be a concrete threat for the European Union, he told lawmakers in Rome Tuesday. Europe is today more isolated.

The veteran central banker made his remarks while briefing parliament on his so-called Draghi report presented last year to the European Union, at a time when the region is pivoting toward retooling its armed forces.

As he spoke, the German parliament was debating a plan to bolster spending that Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz described as a first great step toward the creation of a broad European defense community including non-EU nations like the UK and Norway.

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We need to define a chain of command of higher level that can coordinate heterogenous armies and can separate itself from national priorities and function as a continental defense system, Draghi said, adding that a unified strategy for technology from the cloud to cybersecurity must happen on a European scale.

The former premier also criticized excessive fragmentation of arms procurement, with its focus on domestic markets.

While we plan for new resources, we need to think about how to spend it, Draghi said. We need the current European procurement for defense, equal to about 110 billion euros in 2023, to be concentrated on a few platforms instead of various national ones. he said.

Italys level of defense spending, at 1.5% of GDP last year, is one of lowest in the NATO alliance. In a report on Tuesday, Bloomberg Economics looked at the fiscal impact of increasing that tally and raising the countrys huge debt pile in the process.

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The resulting profile of Italys debt suggests more defense spending, such as that required to meet NATOs 2% target, will be difficult to achieve, Senior Economist Simona Delle Chiaie wrote, adding that even more could risk investor scrutiny. We estimate that boosting military outlays by 1.5% of GDP would shift borrowing onto a dangerous trajectory, risking backlash in markets.

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When former head of Ofsted Amanda Spielman warned this week of Labours devastating assault on school autonomy and academic standards, she was not just drawing on evidence from England.

Other countries in Europe are also in the grip of ideological battles over childrens learning, as Left-wing governments attempt to reverse reforms made under earlier conservative administrations.

Spielman points to Spain and Portugal as a dire warning of what is to come here, writing in The Telegraph: Does Bridget Phillipson really want to align herself with Portugal and Spain, where effective education reforms were reversed when Left-wing governments came in, with predictable consequences? I do hope she will think again, before the damage is done.

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One of the first actions of Spains newly elected Left-wing coalition in 2020 was to launch a bill to row back on education policies introduced by the conservative Peoples Party to tackle low standards and regional variation and halt the exodus of young people dropping out of secondary school.

Amanda Spielman, the former head of Ofsted, has urged Bridget Phillipson to scrap her plans before the damage is done - Heathcliff O'Malley

Under the conservative regime, control of the curricula in the core subjects of reading, maths, Spanish, English and history was wrestled away from regional governments, with content decided instead at the national level. National learning standards were also introduced to try and pick up children who were struggling and highlight areas of the country with substandard provision.

In the decade up to 2019, Spain saw its performance in international maths tests in TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) at primary level improve from 482 in 2011 to 502 in 2019. Science scores also rose from 505 to 511.

In reading, the improvement was dramatic. Spanish pupils scores in comprehension rocketed by 15 points between 2011 and 2016 in the PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) ranking.

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And in the OECDs (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) league tables, Spain saw the 11th biggest jump in scores across 49 countries between 2006 and 2015.

But the advent of the Left-wing government in 2020, led by Pedro Sanchez, head of the Socialist Workers Party (PSOE), returned Spain to a failed model, according to Jose Ignacio Wert, education minister between 2011 and 2015.

National yearly evaluations for all 16 and 18-year-olds have been replaced with general evaluations of the education system which include only a sample of students and take place once every three years, with no common standards agreed between regions.

Pilar Alegria is a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party and has served as Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Sports since July 12, 2021 - Shutterstock

Pupils who fail to make progress, who would previously have repeated the year, can now progress to the next stage. Similarly, students who fail several subjects at the end of the equivalent of sixth form can still take university entrance exams.

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Rewrites of curricula are also underway, according to traditionalists. Under the Peoples Party a single, common history of Spain was introduced, to nation-build in the face of separatist movements. But new school resources point to damage caused by the Spanish empire. In a new philosophy textbook, for instance, students are asked to consider whether Spain should apologise for human rights abuses that took place during the conquest of the Americas.

Students are also being encouraged to understand gender perspectives by visibilising the achievements of women in patriarchal ancient societies, such as the Roman Empire.

At the heart of the Left-wing rowback are the dual gods of equality and inclusivity.

All students will advance irrespective of their levels of performance, therefore eliminating the impact of family socio-economic background and migrant status, but also of effort and ability, says Wert. Central government has given up on evaluations, curricula and any aspiration to improve quality. Instead, it has created a complete disconnect between levels of student performance and educational attainment, by eliminating reliable ways to assess the former.

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International comparisons seem to support his fears. In the 2023 TIMSS assessment, Spains 498 score was below the reference score of 500 in maths, significantly below the OECD average (525), the EU average (514) and UK score (552). In PISA, Spain had the 18th highest fall across the 49 participating countries between 2015 and 2022.

Portugals story mirrors this. From 2003 to 2015, successive governments raised curriculum demands, increased student evaluations, and improved standards. As a result, international rankings improved, with Portugal achieving the fifth-largest PISA score jump between 2006 and 2015.

When a socialist-led minority government took power in 2016, student assessments were relaxed and standards diluted. By 2018, improvements in reading and maths stalled, and in 2019, TIMSS showed a significant drop in maths scores.

Between 2015 and 2022, Portugal recorded the 7th highest decline in PISA scores across 49 countries. Despite an impressive 11-place rise in global rankings from 2006 to 2015 under both socialist and conservative governments, Portugal fell to 25th during Antonio Costas premiership.

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Bemoaning the fall in standards, Prof Nuno Crato, who served as Portugals minister of education and science from 2011 to 2015, insists that a structured, subject-based curriculum and rigorous assessment are essential parts of learning.

When we know we have goals, we then work better, he says. When teachers know that their students are going to be assessed externally, they then feel support for their efforts.

Here, critics warn that Labours education reforms could steer England down the same path as its Left-leaning European neighbours, undoing Conservative policies that have driven recent improvements in international rankings.

The Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, along with the assessment and curriculum review and the overhaul of the Ofsted inspection regime, will restrict academies autonomy, increase local authority control  especially in admissions  reduce accountability for heads regarding poor performance and could lower academic standards.

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Spielman, who resigned as chief inspector in late 2023, accuses the Government of caving to union demands. Shes urged Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to scrap her plans before the damage is done. Critics closer to home have pointed to Scotland and Wales, which dropped in international rankings following curriculum changes under the SNP and Labour.

Iain Mansfield, head of education at the Policy Exchange think tank, says: The evidence is clear; from Scotland to Spain, countries that have abandoned a knowledge-rich curriculum have seen their education system pay a price. Trusting headteachers, strong accountability and high standards drove England up the international league tables. But now the government is setting us back two decades.

Without accountability, standardised testing and a strong subject-based curriculum, no education system improves, warns Spains Jose Ignacio Wert.

It is just a mirage to pretend that equity can be achieved when those who learn are treated exactly the same as those who do not, says the former minister. A system which intends not to leave anyone behind will ultimately leave everyone behind.

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Eight European nations have filed a complaint with the U.N. over Russias interference with European satellite communications, according to documents obtained by the Dutch current affairs television program, Nieuwsuur.

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, Finland, France, and the Netherlands signed the complaint, urging Russia to stop its alleged sabotage. Seventeen other EU countries and the United Kingdom have expressed support for the initiative. The complaint was submitted to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the top global body overseeing satellite communications.

The disruptions have targeted Eutelsat and SES, Europes main satellite providers, which support television, radio, and aviation navigation systems.

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Last year, Eutelsat and SES traced the interference to Russian-controlled areas, specifically occupied Crimea and Kaliningrad. The most striking incident occurred when Russian war propaganda suddenly appeared on BabyTV in the Netherlands and other European countries. Similar disruptions affected Ukrainian television channels.

France and Sweden, where the satellite companies are based, have launched direct discussions with Russia at the U.N. in Geneva this week. However, previous attempts to engage Moscow in dialogue over the past year have largely failed.

The interference poses serious risks beyond media disruption.

Russia distorts navigation signals to confuse GPS-guided drones in Ukraine, but this also affects civilian aviation and maritime traffic. Since September 2023, more than 30,000 flights over the Baltic region have suffered interference, endangering safety and economic activity. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia warned in their complaint of the "serious consequences" these disruptions could have.

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Read also: China is more likely than the EU to replace Starlink on the Ukrainian battlefield

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Organized crime is prospering thanks to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies, Europol said on Tuesday.

Experts at the European police force based in the Netherlands see a fundamental change in means, tactics and structures.

Organized crime is destabilizing more and more societies, is increasingly nourished by the internet and is greatly accelerated by AI and other new technologies," a report stated.

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According to Europol, AI is being used in connection with the sexual abuse of children. Photographs or films are being falsified and used to blackmail children. Voices and faces can also be made to look deceptively real with the help of AI.

The organized crime analysis is published every four years by Europol.

Europol chief Catherine De Bolle said of the criminal gangs, "They are more flexible and more dangerous than ever before."

The internet is used by organized crime both for the procurement of resources, such as weapons, money or technology, as well as for the recruitment of people, the report added.

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One clear trend is the greater recruitment of young people by criminal gangs, some as young as 14 years old.

They are recruited on social media, for example, to retrieve packages of cocaine from containers in ports, but also for extreme acts of violence, including contract killings.
(Reuters) - Organised crime gangs are turning to AI-powered scams and payment systems to target victims, allowing them to rapidly and more cheaply scale up operations globally and making them harder to detect, Europol warned on Tuesday.

The technology means they can craft messages in multiple languages and create highly realistic dupes to impersonate individuals and blackmail targets in global cyberfraud operations, the law enforcement agency of the EU said in its European Serious Organised Crime Threat Assessment report.

Criminals are also using generative artificial intelligence to produce child sexual abuse material, it said.

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"The very DNA of organised crime is changing. Criminal networks have evolved into global, technology-driven criminal enterprises, exploiting digital platforms, illicit financial flows, and geopolitical instability to expand their influence," Catherine De Bolle, Europols executive director, said.

The agency said elements of every criminal process were increasingly moving online, including recruitment, communication and payment systems.

"The same qualities that make AI revolutionary - accessibility, adaptability, and sophistication - also make it a powerful tool for criminal networks," Europol said.

"These technologies are automating and expanding criminal operations, making them more scalable and harder to detect."

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The report warned that the emergence of fully autonomous AI, in which systems plan and execute tasks without human guidance, "could pave the way for entirely AI-controlled criminal networks, marking a new era in organised crime".

In late February, Europol announced the arrest of two dozen people for distributing AI-generated child abuse images.

The operation was one of the first involving AI-generated child abuse material, Europol said at the time, adding there was a lack of national legislation surrounding the use of AI tools for this purpose.

In early December, it said it had taken down an encrypted messaging service MATRIX that was used for international drug and arms trafficking.

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Europol on Tuesday listed cyber attacks, migrant smuggling, drug and firearms trafficking and wrongdoing in waste management among the fastest growing criminal threats on the continent.

(Reporting by Michal Aleksandrowicz; Editing by Alison Williams)
Former senior Bill Clinton adviser James Carville appeared on NewsNation on Monday night, seemingly giving up on the current iteration of the Democratic Party after some senators buckled and voted with Republicans to avoid a government shutdown.

Carville said political parties exist for one reason, and that is to win elections.

When they lose elections, people lose faith in them, said the strategist.

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The Democratic Party should be about  Were the party for the people that are trying to make it, and (theyre) the party for the people that have it made, he added. When you have that dichotomy, everything flows from that.

The strategist slammed the identity left wing party, arguing that their way of doing things has led to Democratic losses, and he challenged his progressive critics to prove that they can win elections before arguing that theyre the future of the party.

I would give anything if one of these people ever beat a Republican, said Carville, 80. When anybody on the identity left, or anybody thats coming in with all of these grand [ideas]  do me a favor  beat a Republican, and then I will have respect for you.

He went on to argue that the image of the Democratic Party would get better following some election wins, such as in Wisconsin and Virginia, before arguing that the party has to turn into an effective and smart opposition party, not a bunch of hoo-ha screaming and yelling.

James Carville said Monday that hell respect the identity left wing of the Democratic Party when they start beating Republicans (Getty Images for Amazon Studios)

Carvilles comments come as Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has faced calls to step down after he voted to support a Republican spending bill that cut back on a number of non-defense programs.

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But Schumer has remained defiant in the face of an avalanche of criticism for advancing the bill drafted by the House Republicans. Several senators have complained that while Schumer isnt going anywhere, there hasnt been a clear direction for the party.

Schumer, meanwhile, told The New York Times that the party has a real direction now.

I dont think we have an authenticity problem, the Senate Democratic leader told the paper amid polling suggesting most Americans have an unfavorable view of the party.

We have a real direction now. I feel good about it, he added.

First, you gotta look at who the Democratic Party is and who the Republican Party is, said the 74-year-old. We are the party of working people. We feel that very, very strongly. Thats who we have always been.

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Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy appeared on Meet the Press on NBC on Sunday, saying that Schumer can lead the caucus but that we need to have a conversation inside the caucus about whether we are willing to stand up to Republicans.

Democrats face the risk of becoming irrelevant if we dont use our power on cloture to demand that we have a seat at the table, he told The Hill.

We obviously have to make sure that we arent cut out of negotiations in the future, he added.

As the Senate Democrats continue to soul-search, the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington state, argued on MSNBC on Sunday that the House Democrats will win back the majority in the 2026 midterms.

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We have 13 Democrats who won in districts that President Trump also won in, said DelBene regarding the election in November. So, we were strong; we will continue to be strong. Another big reason why well take back the majority in 2026.

Three Republicans clinched seats also won by Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

A recent NBC News poll found that only 27 percent of voters say they have a favorable opinion of the Democratic Party  the lowest rating since the start of NBC polling in 1990.
The timeline of the death of Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, has been changed after new evidence was uncovered. Initially, the authorities had claimed that the classical pianist had died on February 11 based on a medical examination of her body.

However, a Santa Fe doctor recently revealed that Arakawa had called his clinic on February 12, which ruled out the earlier date.

According to reports, the late wife of Gene Hackman had called to make a medical appointment but did not show up during the scheduled time that same day.

Gene Hackman's Wife's Death Timeline Has Been Changed

Guerra Jr/The Grosby Group / MEGA

Following the passing of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, investigators released details indicating that Arakawa's time of death was on or around February 11.

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However, they have now had to change the timeline after a Santa Fe doctor, Dr. Josiah Child of Cloudberry Health in New Mexico, revealed that the late classical pianist had called his office on February 12.

"We can now confirm that Mrs. Hackman's phone was utilized on the morning of February 12 to call a medical center in Santa Fe, Cloudberry Health," the sheriff's office said in a statement to Today prior to updating the timeline.

They added, "A total of three calls were made that morning, all to the medical center. One incoming call was made to Mrs. Hackman from the same medical center that afternoon that appeared as a missed call on Mrs. Hackman's cellphone."

The authorities also revealed that their information was sourced from the cellphone data on Arakawa's phone, which was recovered from her residence.

The Classical Pianist Called The Clinic For A Non-Respiratory Issue

News Licensing / MEGA

In a separate interview with "Good Morning America," Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza hinted that Arakawa's call to the clinic indicated that she was "seeking medical advice or medical help and may not have been feeling well."

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Mendoza's claims were confirmed by Child, who said that Arakawa had first placed a call to his office several weeks before and called on February 12 to schedule an appointment.

According to the doctor, her reason for contacting him was to ask about getting a heart scan echocardiogram for her husband.

He also clarified that Arakawa did not mention having any respiratory distress, which is a symptom of the Hantavirus that caused her shocking death.

"We made her an appointment, but she never showed up," Child said. "She did not show any symptoms of respiratory distress. The appointment wasn't for anything related to Hantavirus. We tried calling her a couple of times with no reply."

Gene Hackman's Death Timeline Remains Unchanged

Luis Guerra/The Grosby Group/ MEGA

There is currently no change to the timeline of Hackman's death, which is believed to have been on February 18.

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According to reports, the late veteran actor died of severe heart disease after living with Alzheimer's for years. Arakawa had been the one taking care of him prior to her death in their $3.8 million Santa Fe home.

For days, their bodies went undiscovered until a maintenance worker found them on February 26.

Their dog, Zinna, was also found dead in a crate when the Hackmans' bodies were discovered by maintenance worker Jesse Kesler. The late couple also owned two other dogs, who were found roaming freely when authorities arrived.

Since their deaths, tributes have poured in honor of Hackman from high-profile names like Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman.

The 911 Call That Alerted Police Officers About Gene Hackman And Betsy Arakawa's Deaths

MEGA

TMZ released audio of the 911 call that led to the discovery of the couple by the police.

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According to the news outlet, a caretaker could be heard frantically telling the dispatcher that he had seen two bodies that weren't moving, pleading for help to be sent to the actor's Santa Fe mansion in New Mexico.

The caretaker believed to be one of the two maintenance workers called, Roland Lowe Begay and Jesse Kesler, reportedly became tearful as they shouted "Damn" several times during the call.

The caller is said to have stood outside and looked through a window while reporting the incident to the dispatcher.

At one point, he noted that "[it's] a female and a male probably. I don't know, sir. Just send somebody up here really quick."

Gene Hackman's Estate Granted Restraining Order Over The Release Of Grisly Photos Of The Late Couple

CAMERA PRESS/Jerry Watson/MEGA

In the meantime, photographs and other recordings of the bodies of Hackman and his wife won't be released to the public.

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It follows the filing of a motion by a representative of the Hackman estate to keep the footage out of the public eye via a restraining order, as reported by The Blast.

The representative had argued in his filing that Hackman had lived a private life, which should not be ignored just because he was dead.

He also appealed to the family's constitutional right to grieve privately under the 14th Amendment.

On Monday, a New Mexico judge ruled in favor of the actor's estate, which implies that the records will remain sealed for the foreseeable future.
By Alimat Aliyeva

Japan, the European Union, and five Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, will conduct incident response exercises in the so-called "gray zone" at the end of March. These exercises will address situations where incidents pose a threat but do not directly involve armed attacks.

The two-day exercises will begin on March 25 in Bangkok, and personnel from the national coast guard services of the participating countries will take part.

The "gray zone" refers to ambiguous situations that fall between peaceful and conflict-driven scenarios. Examples of such incidents include Chinese maritime police boats entering areas near the Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu), which Japan considers its territorial waters, as well as cases of damage to underwater cables in Europe.

During the exercises, participants will focus on responding to incursions into territorial waters using Coast Guard services, rather than military interventions. They will also examine the application of international law in cases involving damage to underwater cables.

This will be the first time Japan and the European Union have jointly participated in such exercises. According to NHK, Brussels aims to collaborate with Tokyo to address Chinas growing maritime activity. A European source told the TV channel that the EU is concerned about Beijing's actions at sea, emphasizing the importance of "supporting the rule of law" alongside countries that "share common values."

The exercises represent a growing international effort to address the increasing challenges of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, where geopolitical tensions continue to rise. By strengthening collaboration between nations that are facing similar maritime threats, these drills aim to improve regional stability and safeguard vital maritime trade routes.
Earlier this month, the tragic details surrounding Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawas deaths were shared in a press conference, with authorities determining that Betsy, 65, had died a full week before her 95-year-old husband, who was in the advanced stages of Alzheimers disease.

Donaldson Collection / Getty Images

For reference, the couple and one of their pet dogs were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26, with it initially speculated that they had died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. It was later confirmed that the Santa Fe City Fire Department had not found any evidence of a leak in the property.

The search warrant affidavit also revealed that Hackman and Arakawas bodies were found after two maintenance workers for the gated community where they lived called 911, and that nobody had seen the couple for two weeks.

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Arakawas body was found on the floor of a bathroom on the ground floor of the residence, with an orange prescription bottle close by and pills scattered on the counter. The affidavit stated that her body showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in both hands and feet.

Hackmans body was found in a similar condition in what is thought to have been a mud room close to the kitchen. The deputies on the scene suspected he had suddenly fallen, and sunglasses and a walking cane were found close to his body.

It was later confirmed that the dead dog, Zinna, was found in a crate in the bathroom closet. Authorities said the pet had been picked up from a veterinary hospital on Feb. 9, following a procedure, which might be why it was kept in a crate in the couples home. Two healthy dogs were also found on the property.

In a press conference with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator's chief medical examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, on Mar. 7, it was said that Hackman had likely died on Feb. 18, as this was the last day any heart activity was recorded by his pacemaker. It is thought that the actor died of cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer's disease as a "significant contributory factor. No food was found in his stomach at the time of his death.

Paul Natkin / Getty Images

Meanwhile, it was thought that Arakawa had died on Feb. 11, with Dr. Jarrell saying that her cause of death was hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease carried by rodents that can cause flulike symptoms and affect the lungs and heart.

Ron Galella, Ltd. / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

However, new evidence came to light on Monday, when the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office confirmed that Arakawa was actually still alive on Feb. 12. They said that the classical pianist made multiple calls to a health clinic for medical treatment one day after she was initially believed to have died.

Sam Wasson / Getty Images

The sheriffs office explained that they only learned of the calls when they received the cellphone data from her phone, and that three calls were made to Cloudberry Health, a personalized medical practice in the local area, on the morning of Feb. 12.

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She also received a call from the clinic that same day.

Cloudberry Healths Dr. Josiah Child told the BBC that Arakawa reached out to them for medical advice, but they never treated either her or Hackman. He added to the publication: She called and described some congestion but didn't mention any respiratory distress, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Dr. Child also said that Arakawa had an appointment scheduled for Feb. 12, but canceled it on Feb. 10 because she needed to care for her husband. When she called seeking treatment on Feb. 12, the clinic told Arakawa that she needed to be seen in person.

Donaldson Collection / Getty Images

"There were a couple of calls back and forth to just schedule that appointment for the afternoon, but she never showed up," Dr Child said. "Our office called back several times and never got an answer."

Addressing the confusion over Arakawas date of death, the sheriffs office noted that they never officially reported it to be on Feb. 11; this was just the date of her last known activity. On Feb. 11, Arakawa is said to have exchanged emails with a massage therapist, visited a grocery store, pharmacy, and pet store, and returned home at around 5:15 p.m., according to data obtained from a garage clicker.

Ron Galella, Ltd. / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Either way, it is still thought that Arakawa died days before Hackman, and Dr. Jarrell previously shed some light on how difficult Hackmans final week of life would have been. She explained that due to his advanced Alzheimers, it is "quite possible that he was not aware that she [his wife] was deceased.

Vera Anderson / WireImage

Officials found no evidence that Hackman communicated with anybody after Arakawas death, and they could not determine if he would have been able to care for himself. Neurologist Dr. Brendan Kelley said that Alzheimer's disease can leave patients unable to act on their own emotional discomfort, including eating, sleeping, and bathing themselves.

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"A person might feel worried or frightened, but at the same time they might not be capable to take the actions that you or I might normally think to do in order to alleviate that worry or concern, such as calling somebody else, or going to speak to a neighbor, he said during the March 7 press conference.

The update to the cases timeline comes after the BBC revealed that Hackman had left his entire $80 million fortune to Arakawa in his will, leaving uncertainty over who will inherit his estate.

Ron Galella / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Hackman has three children with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese, 65-year-old Christopher, 62-year-old Elizabeth, and 58-year-old Leslie, but none of them were mentioned in his legal documents.As there was no beneficiary other than Arakawa mentioned, the estate could default to the children under succession laws

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CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA)  A former worker at a Clearwater preschool was sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to battery allegations toward children.

In March 2024, Clearwater police arrested Noel Savoy, 56, on several felony child abuse charges that involved multiple children at Kid City USA. The children mentioned in court documents were about 1 years old.

However, these charges were later downgraded to three counts of misdemeanor battery against three named children. The battery was said to have occurred on Feb. 14, 2024.

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In October 2024, Savoy pleaded no contest to the three charges. The following month, she was sentenced to three consecutive sentences of 364 days of probation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo.  A former secretary and bookkeeper at a church in DeSoto, Missouri, turned herself in on Friday after she was accused of embezzling at least $400,000 from the parish.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Missouri, Corie Boyer, 49, stole parish funds in multiple ways for personal expenses between January 2017 and March 2024.

The indictment said she used parish funds to pay personal credit card bills and used parish credit cards for expenses including airfare for herself and others, cruises, college tuition payments, shopping, taxes, and rent.

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30-mile EF2 tornado ripped through St. Louis County, across state lines

Boyer additionally wrote checks to herself and stole from offerings to the church. Boyer allegedly covered up her thefts by falsifying parish records.

Boyer was indicted on Mar. 6 on four counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. She pleaded not guilty in court on Friday afternoon.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Money laundering is punishable by up to 10 years in prison or the same fine.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Andrew Mills and Aaron Ross

DOHA (Reuters) -Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame called for a ceasefire in eastern Congo on Tuesday during their first meeting since M23 rebels stepped up an offensive there in January.

A joint statement issued along with Qatar, whose emir mediated the sit-down in Doha, said the ceasefire should be "immediate and unconditional".

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But it was unclear whether that would stop the M23 insurgents who now control more territory than ever before in eastern Congo, including the region's two biggest cities.

Congo accuses Rwanda of sending arms and Rwandan troops to support the rebels, whose offensive has plunged eastern Congo into its worst conflict in decades.

Rwanda has said its forces are acting in self-defence against Congo's army and militias hostile to Kigali.

Neighbouring countries have been working to broker a ceasefire but an attempt to bring Congo's government and M23 leaders together at a meeting in Angola on Tuesday failed when M23 pulled out on Monday afternoon.

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At Tuesday's meeting in Qatar, Tshisekedi and Kagame "agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha in order to establish solid foundations for lasting peace," the joint statement said.

A diplomat briefed on the talks said the meeting was "informal" and "not meant to replace any existing efforts."

The conflict in east Congo is rooted in the fallout from Rwanda's 1994 genocide and competition for mineral riches. It has spiralled since January, with thousands of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced from their homes.

The Gulf Arab state of Qatar has acted as a mediator in a number of conflicts, most recently working with Egypt and the U.S. to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which broke down earlier on Tuesday.

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Qatar's close ties with Rwanda mean Kagame would have had a hard time refusing an invitation to Tuesday's meeting, something Tshisekedi would have also recognised, said Congolese analyst Bob Kabamba of the University of Liege in Belgium.

"Developments on the ground are making things difficult for Felix Tshisekedi. He needs to find a solution," he said.

(Reporting by Andrew Mills and Aaron Ross; Additional reporting by Sonia Rolley; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by Gareth Jones, Sharon Singleton and Daniel Wallis)
By Jennifer Rigby and Jonathan Landay

LONDON (Reuters) -Bill Gates is personally lobbying Trump administration officials to keep funding health programs worldwide, from childhood vaccination to HIV treatment, and warning that his foundation cannot step in to fill gaps, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Gates, the billionaire Microsoft co-founder turned global health philanthropist, met with the National Security Council as well as Republican and Democratic lawmakers in recent weeks to press that case, the sources said.

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Soon after his January 20 inauguration, President Donald Trump moved to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development, cutting more than 80% of contracts and freezing billions of dollars for everything from emergency food assistance to malaria prevention.

The Trump administration, led by the State Department, is reviewing what kinds of foreign aid will remain under its America First policy, with a list of around 30 global health projects for consideration, one of the sources said.

Bill was recently in Washington D.C. meeting with decision makers to discuss the life-saving impact of U.S. international assistance and the need for a strategic plan to protect the worlds most vulnerable while safeguarding Americas health and security, said a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation, his charitable organization.

Gates told the officials he met with that his foundation cannot replace the role of the U.S. government, the sources said. Gates Foundation directors have also said publicly that no foundation has that capability.

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At the same time, many Gates Foundation top priorities like eradicating polio and fighting malaria will be hit by the U.S. pullback. In such cases, the Foundation would need to decide if and how it can keep those programs on track, one source close to the organization said.

Gates discussions focused on organizations such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as well as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, among others. They are on the shortlist for review by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump. The U.S. gives around $300 million annually to Gavi, and more than $1 billion to the Global Fund.

Several projects under the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are also on the review shortlist, the source said.

The Global Fund declined to comment for this story, and Gavi said only that it had not had a termination notice for its main U.S. funding contract. The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

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USAID terminated more than 5,200 grants and contracts, a State Department spokesperson said, adding that critical program awards remain active.

"USAID continues to support the U.S. coordinated, interagency response to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda; to provide lifesaving HIV care and treatment services; to provide emergency assistance in conflict zones; and to support key American strategic partners," the spokesperson said.

At the National Security Council, Gates also pushed for the U.S. to continue to support the World Health Organization, which Trump moved to exit on day one of his administration, as well as efforts to eradicate polio.

Established in 2000, the Gates Foundation has an annual budget of more than $8 billion. Gates has met regularly with security officials in previous administrations on key areas like malaria or COVID-19. He met with Trump at a dinner in December, before the inauguration, and the White House in early February after the USAID cuts were first announced, according to an NBC report.

(Reporting by Jennifer Rigby and Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington, Editing by Michele Gershberg and Bill Berkrot)
By Maha El Dahan, Parisa Hafezi and Mohammed Ghobari

DUBAI (Reuters) - Yemen's Houthis will not "dial down" their action against Israeli shipping in the Red Sea in response to U.S. military pressure or appeals from the group's allies such as Iran, the Yemeni militant group's foreign minister said.

Jamal Amer spoke to Reuters late on Monday after the U.S. launched a wave of strikes in areas of Yemen controlled by the Iran-aligned Houthis, who said last week they were resuming attacks on Red Sea shipping to support Palestinians in Gaza.

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Two senior Iranian officials told Reuters that Iran had delivered a verbal message to the Houthi envoy in Tehran on Friday to cool tensions and that Iran's foreign minister asked Oman, which has mediated with the Houthis, to convey a similar message to the group when he visited Muscat on Sunday. Both officials asked not to be named.

Iran has not made any public comment about recent outreach to the Houthis over their renewed action. Tehran says the group takes decisions independently.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he would hold Iran responsible for any attacks carried out by the Houthis.

"There will be no talk of any dialling down of operations before ending the aid blockade in Gaza. Iran is not interfering in our decision but what is happening is that it mediates sometimes but it cannot dictate things," Amer said, in his first comments on the issue to a foreign news agency.

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Speaking from Yemen's capital Sanaa, which has been hit by U.S. strikes, he said he had not been informed of any message Iran delivered to the Houthi envoy in Tehran.

There were messages from other powers to dial down, he said, but added: "Now we see that Yemen is at war with the U.S. and that means that we have a right to defend ourselves with all possible means, so escalation is likely."

IRANIAN CONCERNS

Iran, whose network of proxies and allies across the Middle East has taken a hammering since the war in Gaza erupted in 2023, has shown increasing concern it could be drawn deeper into conflict with the United States. Iran and Israel exchanged direct strikes for the first time last year as the Gaza war escalated.

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U.S. President Donald Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from a 2015 deal between Iran and six major powers that curbed its sensitive nuclear work in exchange for sanctions relief, has stepped up a "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions on Iran since returning to office for a second term in January.

"(The U.S.) is threatening Iran and hitting Yemen. Now all scenarios are possible. We will do what they will do to us. If they are hitting us from (U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S.) Truman, we will retaliate by hitting Truman," the Houthi foreign minister said.

While Iran champions the Houthis, the Yemeni group says it is aligned with Tehran and its 'Axis of Resistance' network without being puppets. Experts on Yemen, where the Houthis expanded control during years of civil war, say the group seems mainly motivated by domestic concerns and support base.

The Houthis said on March 12 they had resumed attacks on Israeli ships using routes that pass through the Red Sea after the group said Israel had not met a Houthi deadline for ending an aid blockade on Gaza.

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Israel's blockade, which includes food and medical supplies, began on March 2 as a standoff over a ceasefire deal in Gaza escalated. Israel launched heavy strikes on Gaza overnight into Tuesday.

WAVES OF STRIKES

The Houthis had launched more than 100 attacks targeting shipping from November 2023, saying they were in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel's war with Hamas, another of Iran's regional allies, in Gaza. It suspended operations when the Gaza ceasefire came into effect in January.

The Houthi foreign minister said the group had aimed only to target Israeli ships, but the U.S. had escalated and the Houthis had a right to defend themselves.

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The U.S. began a wave of strikes on Saturday that have hit the capital and expanded across Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, killing dozens of people.

Amer said some European Union countries had advised the Houthis not to escalate, and said the group had sought to reassure them that the target was Israeli shipping.

He also said Saudi Arabia, which backed Yemen's internationally recognised government against the Houthis in the civil war, had not intervened militarily so far, and nor had other Gulf states. That was something that Houthis valued, he added, while warning that Gulf states risked being caught in the crossfire if they intervened militarily.

"If any aircraft or base is used against us then we will escalate and we will defend ourselves, but if they (Gulf states) continue to be neutral we will stay away," he said.

The Saudi government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Editing by Edmund Blair, Aidan Lewis)
Evidence marked by year awaits testing at the Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory in this spring 2023 photo. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Rhode Islands troubled state crime lab faces a full accreditation review this week, just as the state Senate considers a bill to restructure the commission overseeing the facility on the University of Rhode Islands (URI) Kingston campus.

A six-person team from the ANSI National Accreditation Board started a three-day review of the lab on Tuesday, two years sooner than required in its standard accreditation cycle, said the labs director, Dennis Hilliard. He had asked for the review to be moved up after the lab suspended a type of forensic testing in gun cases last August to address a discrepancy with a Glock pistol linked to a 2021 Pawtucket murder case.

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Since then, a second gun case, also from 2021, has been flagged by an out-of-state laboratory that has taken over some of the forensic testing, Hilliard said.

Hilliard said the accreditation team is looking to assess policies, examine completed and ongoing casework, and observe examiners in the labs three sections: firearms, trace evidence, and latent prints. At the end of the week, the team will provide an assessment on what improvements the lab needs to make.

I dont expect anything major, Hilliard said. Were doing everything in our power to make sure that we get everything corrected and we get back to where we should be in terms of firearms analysis.

The lab at Fogarty Hall stopped conducting toolmark testing on firearms, or how examiners determine if a cartridge or shell is fired from a specific gun, last August after casings matched to a Glock pistol seized as evidence in the Pawtucket murder case matched a different firearm in possession of the Boston Police Department.

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The suspension of toolmark testing was made public on Sept. 3, 2024, by the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General.

A report published last October by California-based consultant Ronald Nichols, who formerly worked for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, found there was a lack of diligence and confirmation bias  the principle that if you know what youre looking for, youre more likely to find it  on the part of all three forensic examiners who performed toolmark analysis at the state lab. All three staffers have since left the lab.

The suspension prompted delays in nearly two dozen criminal cases, which underwent re-testing at labs in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Most of the firearms-related work is finished, though Hilliard said some cases still require verification, technical review, or administrative approval.

Hilliard said testing at a Connecticut lab uncovered a problem in tying a Glock pistol to a 2021 shooting. He declined to name the municipality where the shooting occurred or share other details on the case.

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The states public defenders office was unaware of a second case being flagged, but the chief public defender says his team is usually kept in the dark by the lab.

Weve never really gotten a list of cases that were examined and confirmed, Collin Geiselman told Rhode Island Current. We kind of find out second-hand from some of the defense attorneys who are informed about it.

Reforming the crime lab commission

Geiselman said the lack of transparency also extends to the five-member commission overseeing the crime lab. The State Crime Laboratory Commission, which typically meets quarterly, includes the Attorney General, the Rhode Island State Police superintendent, a member of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, and two public members appointed by the governor.

Rarely are any defense attorneys picked for the commission that can meet behind closed doors to look over issues involving ongoing trials, Geiselman said.

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A criminal trial happens in a criminal justice system that is, by design, an adversarial system  he said. And we only have one side of that adversarial system privy to that information that is supposed to be coming from a neutral body.

But a remedy could be coming via legislation under consideration in the Rhode Island Senate. The bill sponsored by Sen. Sam Bell, a Providence Democrat, would raise the number of commissioners from five to nine: three with expertise in law enforcement or prosecution, three with backgrounds in criminal defense, and three with experience in scientific research.

Each commissioner would be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Geiselman said he supports the bill and was preparing to submit written testimony.

The makeup here would make it more transparent and more neutral, Geiselman said.

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Bell said he introduced the bill because the existing commission isnt working. Reforming the panel would also allow experts to properly assess whether ballistic and fingerprint evidence should continue to be relied upon in criminal cases, he said

Theres a wide array of academic studies that have come out really trashing the accuracy of forensic science, Bell said in an interview. The fact that the lab is at URI gives us a great opportunity to approach this in a more academic way.

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Rhode Island State Police declined to comment on the proposal. Attorney General Peter Neronahs office acknowledged a request for comment, but did not send a response.

Bells bill is scheduled to have its initial hearing before the Senate Committee on Judiciary on Thursday.

Fogarty Hall on the University of Rhode Island campus in Kingston is home to the Rhode Island State Crime Lab. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Toolmark exams still handled out-of-state

Since last October, all new toolmark testing for gun cases have been handled by two former New York City police examiners working at the crime lab after the departure of the three in-house staffers  at the cost of $175,500 for a six-months contract that expires in April. But the exams conducted by Stria Consulting Group still require final verification by examiners at SCL Forensics in Texas and FoCoSS Forensics in New Hampshire. Hilliard said the commission wanted the verification done to avoid any further potential for confirmation bias.

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Nichols report detailed that an examiner shared information about testing on the Glock in the Pawtucket case with a coworker who was still testing the gun, giving the other examiner a false lead.

Geiselman isnt sold that outsourcing the work will lead to more accurate results.

These other labs certainly arent receiving these samples in a vacuum  theyre probably hearing about what happened at the lab here in Rhode Island and know things have to be re-tested, he said. And that leads to confirmation bias.

Hilliard lamented the reliance of third-party labs, mainly due to their slow turnaround times.

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Those people are doing other cases as well, he said.

Hilliard hopes the lab will return its toolmark verification fully in-house after passing the accreditation process, but thats assuming the lab can hire two new examiners, one of whom is a supervisor for the toolmarks team.

One of the labs firearms technicians is being trained to conduct toolmark examinations though Hilliard said that employee likely wont be ready for the job until early next year.

Hilliard said a candidate interviewed for the lead examiner role who passed a competency test and toured the lab turned down a job offer, saying the salary was too low. URIs website lists a salary range of $70,971 to $107,830 for the lead examiner position which will supervise a new toolmarks team. Hilliard said the applicant sought upward of $150,000 to consider working at the lab.

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That salary range is above my salary range, said Hilliard, who makes $143,627.

Hilliard said the lab will conduct a study whether to raise the pay rate, but he doubts doing so will attract any additional candidates.

Youre looking for somebody with 10-plus years of experience, he said. And these days, people who do that can work as consultants and make their full amount of salary within half the time theyd normally work at the laboratory.

Hilliard is hopeful about a standard examiner candidate who is scheduled to tour the lab on March 25.

The examiner salary ranges from $65,980 to $100,314, according to the online job posting.

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As the lab continues to court applicants, Hilliard said he will likely extend Strias contract, which was slated to end in April. The State Crime Lab Commission is next scheduled to meet May 1.

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Meteorologists are warning that the recent cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service could have real impacts on the safety of our communities, from the daily forecasts we get in our weather apps to the advance warnings we receive about extreme weather events.

Recently, the Office of Personnel Management laid off about 880 employees from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), or more than 7% of the agency's workforce, which was already understaffed with more than 600 vacant jobs even before the firings.

And the Associated Press has reported more job cuts are in the works  along with the potential lease cancellation for the Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, which has been described as "the nerve center for the entire weather enterprise in the United States."

Bernadette Woods Placky is the chief meteorologist for Climate Matters, a policy-neutral nonprofit that helps the public understand the links between weather and increasing global temperatures, and she spoke to The Cool Down to break down the real-world impacts of these cuts on our daily lives, as well as on our future.

"What's at risk is our safety"

In any extreme weather situation, weather data and forecasting are critical to helping local officials prepare. It's how they know how much salt to lay down, when to issue evacuation orders, whether to close schools, or if a cooling center should be opened.

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Without that data, our safety is compromised.

Woods Placky explained the main role of NOAA, which includes the National Weather Service, is "to keep people safe and prepared."

When it comes to extreme weather events, like tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, or extreme heat, the agency aids in research, data collection, forecasting, and modeling. Without proper staffing to monitor our atmospheric conditions, we will be less prepared when these disasters strike, leaving our communities and homes more vulnerable.

"What's at risk is our safety and preparedness, from our health to our economy, our lives, and our livelihoods," Woods Placky said.

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And these impacts aren't some far-off consequence of the budget cuts  they're already being felt.

Woods Placky explained that during a recent storm, the launch of several weather balloons from one of the Alaska National Weather Service offices was either disrupted or canceled due to budget cuts.

Fewer weather balloons mean less critical atmospheric data gathered, resulting in less accurate weather forecasts. This leaves our communities more vulnerable to extreme weather disasters at a time when such disasters are getting more common and severe.

"If we don't have that data, our weather forecasting models just aren't as accurate," she said. "The reason we are able to keep people safe and give them a multi-day warning for the chance of tornadoes is because of that data collection and the instrumentation that's fed into our weather models."

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The National Hurricane Center was hit by the firings, too, Woods Placky explained.

When a strong hurricane is expected, the center deploys airborne hurricane hunters and drone-controlled buoys to bring back data that tells meteorologists about the strength and path of the storm.

These processes are critical in getting proper "warnings out and working with the full emergency management chain to do evacuations in a timely way," Woods Placky explained. "If we don't have the people and we don't have the data, it just puts more lives at risk."

Weather forecasts = data + people

The lifeblood of NOAA is the data that it collects for the U.S. and the rest of the world.

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This open-access information is what powers everything from our weather apps to industries that rely on weather data, including aviation, shipping, vacation destinations, and more.

"Private weather companies are successful because they get access to that data," Woods Placky explained. "Our weather apps, our TV forecasts, all come from that same data, and without that, the way the private weather industry is set up right now in the United States can't operate the same way."

And this data isn't magically obtained.

It requires real workers with real expertise to operate, monitor, and interpret all of the tools and instruments required  and Woods Placky said these organizations were "already understaffed" before the cuts.

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"People don't fully understand that the weather information they get primarily comes from NOAA and the National Weather Service, so people think they can just go to their app, or they can turn on their television or watch The Weather Channel," she explained. "But all of it comes from that centralized source of collecting data and running computer models.  Every one of those forecasters, every one of those services  without that information, they can't do their proper job."

Not only could the cuts impact our day-to-day weather forecasts and extreme weather warnings, but Woods Placky warned the impacts could trickle down to other aspects of our lives, such as when you receive a package you ordered or the safety of a flight you're taking.

Weather data impacts a pilot's ability to reduce turbulence or know about thunderstorms that might cause them to reroute their flight path. It also shapes routes for shipping services, whether they be truck deliveries or boat routes.

The data is also critical for farmers, who use it to inform what to plant, where to plant it and when to harvest it. "Without good weather information and forecast information in the short term and in the longer term, that will affect the type of food you get, the quality of food, and the quantity of food," Woods Placky said.

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While this critical data is still accessible for now, it's at risk.

"The data is still being collected and stored, but we keep hearing of future cuts," she added. "If we lose more people, what is the capacity to continue collecting and storing this data?"

Seeing patterns and predicting the future

Not only is NOAA's data important for our safety in the immediate moment, but it's also fed into computer models that can help us cope with our changing climate in the long term.

"It can help us warn people of storm systems that are either strengthening or coming their way," and it can also play into longer-scale modeling," Woods Placky explained.

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The more frequently we compile this data, the more we can learn about how the weather is changing, how disasters are getting stronger, and where more people and their livelihoods are at risk. Helping us understand what might come next is invaluable in helping us prepare for it.

Woods Placky also expressed concern about the budget cuts causing us to lose talented weather experts and minimize focus on weather innovation when we need them most.

"We are still losing people from extreme weather and with our changing climate, those risks are only on the rise," she said. "We need more people, more smart people, who are putting their minds and getting supported to research and innovation around how to better model, how to apply new AI techniques to forecasting and communication, how to get this information out through new media ecosystems  how to warn more properly and more effectively."

Along those lines, Woods Placky cautioned that the cuts come at a particularly concerning time.

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"We're going to get into our season of the biggest extremes  that's not just hurricanes and severe storms, but that's also looking at wildfires and heat in general," she said.

Woods Placky said she is looking to sound the alarm that there could be real harm to our communities if our country isn't as prepared for some of the disasters the NOAA and NWS were built to confront.

"Definitely alarm bells," she said.

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Saltwater crocodiles in northern Australia are changing how they behave to cope with rising temperatures, spending more time cooling off and less time hunting as their bodies get dangerously hot, reported Cosmos Magazine.

What's happening?

Research published in Current Biology shows that since 2008, the highest body temperatures in these reptiles have increased by 0.55 degrees Celsius.

This matches local air temperature trends, which are rising 0.05-0.2 degrees per decade in northern Australia.

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"As ectotherms crocodiles can't regulate their own temperature like birds and mammals," says Kaitlin Barham, a Ph.D. candidate at The University of Queensland and the study's lead author. "So, as their environment is becoming warmer, the animals in our study are also getting hotter and needing to spend more time on cooling behaviours.

"But if their time and energy is dominated by the need to stay cool, activity necessary for hunting, keeping safe from predators or reproducing, is reduced."

Researchers tracked 203 crocodiles in Queensland's Cape York Peninsula using satellite trackers and internal temperature sensors. They found 65% of the animals exceeded their critical thermal limit of 32 degrees (90 degrees Fahrenheit) at least once, with 22% reaching dangerous temperatures above 34 degrees (93 Fahrenheit).

Why are overheating crocodiles concerning?

When crocs overheat, they can't perform normal behaviors needed for survival. Their hunting ability suffers dramatically.

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"Hotter crocodiles don't dive for as long, which is concerning because as ambush hunters, they need to wait underwater holding their breath for a wallaby or feral pig to come past," explains study co-author Professor Craig Franklin from the University of Queensland.

This heating forces them to surface more often to breathe and spend longer recovering, making them less effective hunters. They're also using more energy on cooling behaviors rather than finding food, staying safe, or reproducing.

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If these reptiles keep overheating, it could create broader problems for river ecosystems where they play a key role as top predators. Their struggle is a warning sign of how warmer temperatures affect wildlife.

What can be done about overheating crocodiles?

The crocodiles are already helping themselves by adapting their routines. "We saw that crocs were putting a bit more effort into cooling behaviours," Barham explains. "That might be as simple as they're spending more time on the bank at night, rather than on the bank during the day."

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Researchers suggest that if warming continues, these reptiles may need to move further south to cooler waters. The study team wants to examine how crocodiles in southern Queensland handle heat waves compared to their northern counterparts.

Scientists will continue monitoring these prehistoric survivors to better understand their adaptations.

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DOHA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda met here on Tuesday during a sit-down mediated by Qatar, during which they voiced support for a ceasefire in the eastern DRC.

According to a joint statement released by Qatar's Foreign Ministry, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the sit-down.

The statement said the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire as agreed at a February summit held in the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam, and further agreed on the need to continue discussions initiated in Doha to establish a solid foundation for lasting peace.

Fighting between the DRC government and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has intensified in recent months as M23 launched major offensives in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, capturing several key towns.

The ongoing violence has displaced thousands, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC.

The M23 called earlier on Tshisekedi to make an unequivocal public declaration committing to direct negotiations. The DRC government has consistently considered it a red line to sit at the same negotiation table with the rebels.

Meanwhile, the DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23. Rwanda said the DRC military has allied with the Rwandan rebel group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which was allegedly involved in the 1994 genocide. 
By Tom Hals

WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) - Several federal judges have claimed the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has failed to comply with court orders regarding foreign aid, federal spending and the firing of government workers, which the administration disputes.

Below is a look at what could happen if a court rules the administration is ignoring or not complying with a court order, which some experts describe as a constitutional crisis.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE IGNORES A COURT ORDER?

In U.S. courts, if a party to a civil case does not take an action as ordered, the opposing party can ask the court to hold the party in contempt. A judge can also find a party in contempt without being asked to do so.

If a party is found to be in contempt, the court can impose penalties that last until there is compliance. Penalties can include fines or jail time.

Trump in 2022, when he was out of office, was held in contempt and fined by a New York judge for failing to produce documents that were subpoenaed in a civil probe of his private business practices that was led by New York's attorney general. Trump eventually complied.

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DO THE SAME RULES APPLY TO THE GOVERNMENT?

The U.S. Constitution requires a president's administration to comply with lawful court orders, which the administration can appeal.

Non-compliance with a court order can take many different forms. At its most extreme, a government agency or administration would acknowledge that the order is lawful and the government is capable of complying but is refusing to do so. Some scholars have argued that is what President Abraham Lincoln did during the U.S. Civil War in refusing an order to release John Merryman, who was detained without charge on suspicion he was part of an armed secessionist group.

WHAT HAVE U.S. JUDGES SAID ABOUT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S COMPLIANCE?

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On Monday, two federal judges raised questions about the Trump administration's compliance with their orders.

A judge in Washington questioned if the Trump administration violated his order that temporarily barred the use of a 1798 wartime law to deport Venezuelans. The administration denies that anyone was removed from the United States under the Alien Enemies Act after the judge issued a written order and the judge, James Boasberg in Washington, has asked for further details from the administration.

In San Francisco, U.S. District Judge William Alsup said the Trump administration appeared not to be sending fired probationary employees back to work, but is instead placing them on administrative leave. The administration has said it complied with his order.

Government noncompliance can involve an agency saying it recognizes the need to comply but cannot. For example, the Trump administration has told U.S. Judge Amir Ali, who ordered the resumption of some foreign aid-related payments, that complicated payment systems are preventing the agency from complying with the judge's timeline. Rather than ordering the government to meet a compliance date, the judge on March 10 asked the government to propose its own timeline.

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WHAT CAN COURTS DO TO ENFORCE COMPLIANCE?

Judges generally try to avoid showdowns over court orders, legal experts say, and prefer to find ways to modify demands to get compliance. Legal experts said that accusing a department of noncompliance and then setting compliance benchmarks and deadlines often solves the problem.

As a result, U.S. judges almost never impose fines or monetary penalties against heads of federal agencies even though such fines are used with private defendants.

One rare instance occurred in 1999, when a federal judge found the secretaries of the Treasury and Interior Departments were in contempt of court for failing to produce documents in a court case. However, the sanction the judge imposed was limited to paying the fees of the plaintiff's attorneys.

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Judges in at least two instances have used the threat of jail, which is more commonly used against private defendants and even local government officials. A federal judge in Montana in 2008 threatened to send an Agriculture Department official to jail, which led to compliance.

WHAT PROBLEMS DO COURTS FACE ENFORCING COMPLIANCE?

Reluctance to impose sanctions against the federal government may reflect judges' concerns over sovereign immunity, the doctrine that the government cannot be sued unless it consents.

In one instance in which a U.S. District Court imposed financial penalties on the secretary of health and human services, it was reversed by a U.S. Court of Appeals, which cited sovereign immunity.

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Enforcing contempt sanctions is carried out by the U.S. Marshals Service, a Department of Justice body within the executive branch. Some have speculated that if the Trump administration chose not to comply with a court order, it could also direct the Marshals to not comply with enforcing any sanctions, deepening a crisis.

(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; editing by Amy Stevens)
(Reuters) -The Crimean peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014, is at the centre of the worst East-West standoff since the Cold War.

The issue led to another clash between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday. Trump chided the Ukrainian leader for refusing to recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea as part of a U.S. peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

Zelenskiy has said that Ukraine would never cede Crimea to Russia

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HISTORY

Crimea, which juts out into the Black Sea off southern Ukraine, was absorbed into the Russian Empire along with most ethnic Ukrainian territory by Catherine the Great in the 18th century. Russia's Black Sea naval base at Sevastopol was founded soon afterwards.

More than half a million people were killed in the Crimean War of 1853-56 when competing geopolitical powers Russia and the Ottoman Empire, backed by Britain and France, took up arms. The conflict reshaped Europe and paved the way for World War One.

In 1921, the peninsula, then populated mainly by Muslim Tatars, became part of the Soviet Union. The Tatars were deported en masse by Soviet leader Josef Stalin at the end of World War Two for alleged collaboration with the Nazis.

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Crimea became part of Russia within the Soviet Union until 1954, when it was handed to Ukraine, also then a Soviet Republic, by Stalin's successor Nikita Khrushchev, a Ukrainian.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, there were periodic political tussles over its status between Moscow and Kyiv before Russia captured Crimea by force in 2014.

RUSSIAN SEIZURE OF CRIMEA

Russia sent forces into Crimea and seized control of the peninsula after Ukraine's pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, was ousted during mass protests in February 2014.

After Crimea voted in a disputed referendum to become part of Russia, Russia formally annexed Crimea on March 18, 2014, with Putin saying Crimea has always been and remains an inseparable part of Russia.

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The United Nations General Assembly, the United States and many other countries condemned the annexation, and the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia over its moves. Few countries have recognised Crimea as part of the Russian Federation but the Kremlin has said the question has been closed "forever."

WHAT HAS ZELENSKIY SAID ABOUT CRIMEA?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has ruled out ceding territory occupied by Russian forces and has said Ukrainian sovereignty of Crimea must be restored through diplomacy.

MILITARY SIGNIFICANCE

Russia's Black Sea base in Sevastopol, which was leased from Ukraine, gives Moscow access to the Mediterranean.

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Russia has frequently used Crimea as a launchpad for missile and drone attacks on Ukraine since sending tens of thousands of troops into the country on February 24, 2022 in what Putin calls a "special military operation". Ukrainian forces have also fired missiles at Crimea since Russia's 2022 invasion.

After its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia enforced a de facto blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports which severely restricted grain exports that had been vital to Kyiv's pre-war economy. This resulted in a rise in world food prices and the threat of famine in lower-income countries. A deal known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative was reached in July 2022 to allow safe passage from certain ports but it later collapsed.

GEOGRAPHY

The mountainous peninsula is attached to the rest of Ukraine by a narrow strip of land in the north. To the east, it is separated from Russia by the narrow Kerch Strait. A bridge built by Russia across the strait has been damaged during the war.

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With an area of 27,000 sq km (10,000 sq miles), Crimea is slightly smaller than Belgium, with the city of Simferopol as its capital.

POPULATION

The pre-war population was around 2 million. Ukraine's 2001 census showed around 58% were ethnic Russian, 24% ethnic Ukrainian and 12% Tatars.

ECONOMY

Crimea's temperate climate made it a popular tourist destination for Ukrainians and Russians before the Russia-Ukraine war, especially Yalta, where the Soviet, U.S. and British victors of World War Two met in 1945 to discuss the future shape of Europe.

Before the 2022 invasion, it accounted for 3% of Ukraine's gross domestic product. Wheat, corn and sunflowers are the main crops.

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Crimea has chemical processing plants and iron ore is mined in Kerch in eastern Crimea. Ukraine has two grain terminals in Crimea - in Kerch and in Sevastopol.

(Editing by Timothy Heritage, Alexandra Hudson and Sharon Singleton)
Gas emissions, earthquakes and ground deformations at Mount Spurr, an Alaskan volcano roughly 80 miles northwest of Anchorage, indicate that it is progressing toward an eruption, scientists said this week.

"This time period of unrest will eventually most likely end in an explosive eruption like the ones that happened in 1953 and 1992," Matt Haney, the scientist in charge of the Alaska Volcano Observatory told Live Science.

The 11,070-foot, ice- and snow-covered volcano has been showing signs that an eruption could happen in the coming weeks or months.

Unrest continues at Mount Spurr volcano, a statement posted Tuesday by the observatory and the United States Geological Survey said. Seismicity remains elevated with numerous small, shallow volcanic earthquakes detected beneath the volcano over the past day.

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The statement added that the volcano is moving closer to an eruption.

The most recent eruptions at Mount Spurr

One of 53 volcanos located in the state of Alaska, the most recent eruptions to have occurred on Mount Spurr took place in 1953 and 1992. Those were located at Crater Peak, a flank vent about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the stratovolcano's summit, Live Science reported.

Those eruptions lasted between three and seven hours and produced ash columns rising more than 50,000 feet above sea level, according to the Associated Press.

Since then, there have been periods of increased seismic activity, including between 2004 and 2006, the AP reported. Recently, an uptick in seismic activity in October caused the Alaska Volcano Observatory to raise its alert status for the volcano from green to yellow.

Warning signs and calls for increased USGS funding

The latest seismic activity, as well as "significantly elevated" gas emissions have led scientists to conclude that Mount Spurr could erupt soon.

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"We expect to see further increases in seismic activity, gas emissions and surface heating prior to an eruption, if one were to occur," the observatory said in a statement last week. "Such stronger unrest may provide days to weeks of additional warning."

Officials with the observatory say that one of the biggest potential hazards to Alaska residents would be caused by diminished air quality due to falling ash, ABC News reported.

Republican senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan have introduced legislation to increase federal funding for the USGS to continue volcano monitoring in the state, KTUU News reported.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory is actively monitoring increased activity at Mount Spurr, just west of Anchorage, reminding us how vital continuous and reliable detection, warning, and response systems are across the Pacific Ring of Fire, Murkowski said in a statement last week.

Just this week, experts predicted Mount Spurr in Southcentral could erupt in a matter of weeks, less than 100 miles west of Ted Stevens International  the fourth largest air cargo hub in the world. Volcanic eruptions not only threaten Alaska communities but can also disrupt global trade and aviation along the heavily trafficked flight paths over our state, Sullivan wrote in his own statement.
Anti-abortion demonstrators place signs inside the Statehouse ahead of the Jan. 15, 2025, State of the Judiciary address. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

If theres one lesson to be learned from the anti-abortion movement, its playing the long game.

Since the Supreme Court issued its ruling on Roe v. Wade, national anti-abortion extremists slowly chipped away at that constitutional protection. Over decades, they put state and national laws in place that would undermine or outright ban abortion if Roe were ever overturned. They invested endless money into political campaigns and lobbied on judicial selection.

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Eventually, they won. Roe was overturned, 50 years of legal precedent was broken, the federal right to an abortion was eliminated, 15 states had trigger laws that immediately banned abortion, and about 1 in 3 people found themselves in states where abortion was inaccessible.

Kansas was the first state to respond, when we rejected the Legislatures proposed constitutional amendment to remove the Kansas right to an abortion. Still, in the aftermath of that August 2022 vote, lawmakers and anti-abortion lobbyists are walking hand in hand passing laws to again chip away at our constitutional freedoms.

Still, much ink is being spilled on why we need to be polite when it comes to anti-abortion laws  that we shouldnt be alarmed when these bills are introduced. We are told that they arent that bad. Though voters support reproductive rights, even some Democrats have said that the most recent bill to chip away at our constitutional protections wasnt the end of the world and that the tradeoff of our freedom for tax breaks was making lemonade out of lemons.

This makes obvious to me that the stakes are higher than ever, and the risks to our freedoms are dire despite our historic victory defending abortion rights less than three years ago.

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Just as we saw happen nationally, we can see this same strategy to overturn our constitutional right to an abortion playing out in Kansas. Multimillion dollar organizations connected to national anti-abortion extremist movements, such as Kansans for Life and Kansas Family Voice, spend an enormous amount of money in our elections. The candidates they fund are beholden to doing their bidding if they want to keep their reelection campaigns funded.

Since these organizations failed to overturn our constitutional protections at the ballot box, they are now focusing their efforts on undermining democracy. They advocate politicizing the judicial selection process. They want judges to be selected by partisan elections so they can buy those seats and control the court. They lobby in favor of voter suppression laws so they can pick their voters. They introduce bills to eliminate campaign finance restrictions so right-wing billionaires can buy judges and politicians.

But even if they put all of those pieces in place, there has to be legal justification for judges to overturn a constitutional right. Thats where fetal personhood laws come in.

Fetal personhood laws are about establishing legal precedent that a fetus has more rights than a pregnant person. They do this by adding language throughout different areas of Kansas law to convince the courts that legal personhood begins at the moment of conception. This isnt a secret  national anti-abortion extremists are open and honest with their intention to do this when speaking with supporters.

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This isnt a new tactic. In 2025 alone, more than 20 fetal personhood bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country. This isnt an ineffective tactic either, as fetal personhood laws were the legal justification for the notorious Alabama Supreme Court ruling to stop IVF. When national extremists tell us that these laws are about chipping away at our right to an abortion and reproductive health care, why do our lawmakers get away with saying these bills have nothing to do with that?

This years most prominent fetal personhood bill was originally about making the current court practice of considering pregnancy expenses during child support hearings part of Kansas law. Even bill proponents agree this bill doesnt actually change anything about how the courts would deal with child support expenses.

As Brittany Jones of the anti-abortion Kansas Family Voice said about a previous version of this same bill: It does not mandate any method or modify the courts procedures regarding (child support) in any way. The court is still allowed to use its discretion in making these determinations.

So if this bill isnt actually about child support, then all thats left is putting anti-abortion language into family law. Still, our elected officials insist that this bill isnt about that, while rejecting amendments to remove the anti-abortion text.

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Last week, Democratic Sen. Patrick Schmidt added one of the top legislative priorities of Kansans for Life as an amendment to this dangerous bill, which expands fetal personhood into Kansas tax law. This amendment is essentially the same as previous legislation introduced on behalf of Kansans for Life, giving fetuses tax breaks and state IDs while establishing a registry of fetuses with the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Defenders of this amendment say it doesnt really matter because fetal personhood is already established in the original bill and other parts of Kansas law. I would argue that this amendment is far more harmful than the underlying bill itself, because it requires a government recognition of fetal personhood right now. While the original bill didnt make any changes to how the government operates, this amendment would require entire systems be built within the Kansas Department of Revenue to legally recognize personhood from the moment of conception. They will have to develop policies and procedures to track miscarriages and abortions. They will have to investigate if they suspect a pregnant person of fraud with medical documentation.

How will the paper trail of a pregnancy be kept secure to protect our right to privacy? What if a low-income person doesnt have access to the type of medical care that would provide the correct documentation? Kansas has a shortage of OB-GYNs, with rural communities described as maternal health care deserts. What do those communities do? Is it only mothers who are eligible, or can fathers get this tax break too? The state government will have to resolve all of these issues, and that action further qualifies the legal personhood of the fetus. This might not seem like much to the general public, but this could be a big deal in the eyes of the courts.

Schmidt has since said that he intended this amendment to be a poison pill for the bill. Even so, I cant get over how casual defenders of this amendment and fetal personhood laws are about the threats they pose to our constitutional rights. As a woman and as a Kansan, this enrages me.

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I am angry that I have so many men telling me that gambling on my freedom is worth a tax cut. I am angry that the anti-abortion movement is so dishonest and conniving that they can package incredibly dangerous policies as no big deal. I am angry that we have to deal with this at all, after the people of Kansas spoke loud and clear when they rejected the Legislatures constitutional amendment to remove the right to an abortion. Our freedom is not for sale, and our rights are not something we can let politicians play political games with.

Any and every fetal personhood bill is about banning abortion. It is not about child support. It is not about tax cuts. It is not about protecting women or families or children. It is about banning abortion. We the people of Kansas said no before, and we must remain vigilant.

Melissa Stiehler is the advocacy director for Loud Light and Loud Light Civic Action, a Kansas-based nonprofit organization focused on civil and voting rights, government transparency and increasing civic engagement. 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 U.S. Navy is set to help integrate the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) onto the F-16 Viper fighter, giving those jets a huge enhancement in anti-ship capability. This comes amid a larger U.S. push to expand the total number of platforms that can launch the stealthy LRASMs with a particular eye on helping to prepare for a potential major conflict in the Pacific.

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced its intention to enter into sole source negotiations and subsequently award a Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Delivery Order (DO) to Lockheed Martin Corporation-Missiles Fire Control (LMMFC) in a contracting notice posted online yesterday. The anticipated DO is for required integration and test support of the AGM-158C-1 missile on the F-16 aircraft platform.

An AGM-158C LRASM in flight. USAF

The AGM-158C-1 is the main version of the LRASM in production now. A C-3 subvariant with roughly double the maximum range (approximately 600 miles versus 200-300 miles, based on publicly available information) and other improvements is now in development.

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LRASM is derived from the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) family. JASSM has already been integrated onto the F-16C/D.

An AGM-158 JASSM-series missile seen being loaded onto an Air Force F-16. USAF

For U.S. Air Force F-16s, LRASM could be a particularly significant boon. The Viper does have an anti-ship cruise missile capability in the form of variants of the AGM-84 Harpoon, but it is unclear if any Air Force F-16 units have those weapons available and/or if they actively train to employ them. The Air Force is also in the process of acquiring examples of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), a newer cruise missile with anti-ship and land attack capability, but only to arm its F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, at least so far.

A Taiwanese F-16 carrying Harpoons and other missiles during a training exercise. Patrick Aventurier/Getty Images

More importantly, the AGM-158C is also a stealthy design, which the Harpoon is not, and has an array of other advanced features, including highly autonomous route-planning capability supported by an onboard electronic support measures (ESM) suite. As such, LRASM can automatically alter its course in response to the sudden appearance of threats, as well as better find its target via its radio-frequency emissions. In the terminal phase of flight, the missile switches over to a passive imaging infrared sensor that does not pump out radio-frequency emissions for the enemy to detect and is immune to radio-frequency jamming, unlike Harpoons active radar seeker. The imaging infrared seeker visually differentiates targets based on information in an onboard database, which allows it to zero in on a ships most vulnerable spot, as well.

LRASMs can receive additional threat updates and other targeting data from offboard sources while in flight via a two-way datalink, which also allows the missiles to work cooperatively for more coordinated strikes.

Interestingly, NAVAIRs notice about integrating LRASM on F-16 also follows an Air Force announcement last month about a test of the communications gateway system designed to help speed up the integration of new weapons onto the Viper. The 53rd Test and Evaluation Groups Detachment 3 used a Navy XATM-84N-1, an inert subvariant of the AGM-48N Harpoon Block II+ missile, to demonstrate the gateways capabilities. The Harpoon Block II+ is currently in service with the Navy, but not the Air Force.

A US Air Force F-16D with an XATM-84N-1 under its wing as part of a test of a new communications gateway system. USAF

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The gateway functioned as a translator, enabling the F-16 to recognize the Harpoon and the Harpoon to receive signals from the F-16, according to an Air Force release. Leveraging the gateway approach, the 53rd TEG team expedited the integration process, significantly reducing the timeline and demonstrating a faster, more efficient method of adding new weapons capabilities to the aircraft.

Our primary objective was to demonstrate that rapid weapons integration on U.S. Air Force platforms can be achieved efficiently by modifying middleware, without necessitating extensive updates to the aircraft itself, an unnamed project manager said in an accompanying statement. This test paves the way for future projects across various platforms and weapons systems, offering leaders expanded options for operational and contingency planning.

Though AGM-158C was not explicitly mentioned in this context, the new communications gateway might help speed up the integration of LRASM onto the F-16.

As noted, there has already been a clear push to expand the number of available AGM-158C launch platforms across the U.S. military. Currently, Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Air Force B-1 bombers are the only aircraft clear to employ the missile. However, work is underway now to add LRASM to the arsenals of the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol plane and the B and C variants, at least, of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. In January, NAVAIR put out another contracting notice about plans to integrate the stealthy anti-ship cruise missiles onto Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15EX Eagle II combat jets.

An F-35B seen during the types first test flight carrying LRASMs, which just occurred in January. USN

The U.S. military is interested broadly in expanding its air-launched anti-ship capabilities and capacity, particularly as part of efforts to prepare for a potential high-end fight against China in the Pacific. Just last week, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a modification to an existing contract, valued at nearly $122.6 million, to help step up production of both LRASMs and JASSMs.

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There are broader concerns about the adequacy of U.S. stockpiles of standoff munitions, as well as the ability to replenish them during a sustained conflict, especially a large-scale one against an opponent like China. The price point of weapons like the LRASM, which has a unit cost of around $3 million, as well as the long lead times required to source the complex components that go into them, has also been driving interest in lower-cost options, including for anti-ship use.

For LRASM, integrating the missile onto the F-16, variants of which are in widespread service globally, and with a still-growing number of total operators, could also open up new export opportunities.

Though when exactly F-16s might start flying operationally with LRASM is unknown, the Vipers anti-ship capabilities are now set to get a significant boost.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
A book by a former Facebook employee about the inner workings at the social media giant has been assailed by company executives  but the mystique surrounding the book appears to have helped it soar on bestseller charts.

Sarah Wynn-Williams in New York on March 6.

A recent edition of my Tuesday Tech Drop featured a blurb about a book written by Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former director of global public policy for Facebook who has filed a whistleblower complaint against Meta with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I specifically wrote about the most widely publicized claim: that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives took steps to censor Facebook users about a decade ago, as the company sought to expand into China.

The book features other striking allegations about company leadership, including recollections that portray then-Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg as unprofessional and Joel Kaplan, then Facebooks vice president for global public policy, as creepily inappropriate and inconsiderate. (Kaplan did not respond to NBC News requests for comment, while Sandberg declined to comment.)

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The memoir, titled Careless People, also purports to shed light on scandals that have cast a pall over Facebook, such as its dubious use by the Trump campaign to target voters in 2020 and its role in spreading propaganda that helped fuel the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar.

Meta has characterized Wynn-Williams claims as old news and said her book is a mix of out-of-date and previously reported claims about the company and false accusations about our executives.

And on Thursday, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone celebrated an interim decision from an arbitrator who found that Wynn-Williams had violated a non-disparagement clause in her severance agreement and must stop personally promoting the book. Stone wrote on Threads that the false and defamatory book should never have been published.

But Metas offensive certainly hasnt stopped people from seeking the book out. FastCompany reported that Careless People rose into the top five of Amazons bestseller list the same day that Stone cheered the arbitrators ruling, and its now at No. 3. Seems like business is booming for the book in spite of Metas machinations.

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The books publisher, Macmillan, released a statement saying the arbitration order has no impact on the publishing company and added that it is appalled by Metas tactics to silence our author through the use of a non-disparagement clause in a severance agreement.

Wynn-Williams told Business Insider last week that Meta is trying to smear me and convince people not to read the book, but she discouraged people from falling in line and said they should reach their own conclusions.

People should read the book, she said. The truth is in the book. They can make up their own minds. I stand by everything in the book.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Claim:

In early March 2025, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs canceled a $56,000 contract intended for watering approximately eight plants over a five-year period.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

What's True:

The VA did cancel a $56,000 contract for "interior plant maintenance" in early March 2025.

What's False:

However, the contract covered 104 plants, not eight, and included weekly maintenance services beyond just watering.

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In early March 2025, social media users shared a rumor that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs canceled a $56,000 contract for watering roughly eight plants for five years and that the Department of Government Efficiency would water these plants for free.

The claim spread on multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Reddit and TikTok.

A post on DOGE's official X account on March 6 sparked the rumor (archived). It read: "The VA cancelled a $56,000 contract to water ~8 plants for 5 years. This is ~$1400/plant/year. The contract has been canceled and DOGE will water the plants free of charge."

The VA cancelled a $56,000 contract to water ~8 plants for 5 years. This is ~$1400/plant/year. The contract has been canceled and DOGE will water the plants free of charge. pic.twitter.com/CAj8xINzJG  Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) March 7, 2025

DOGE did not provide any further details or evidence regarding the number of plants covered or the specific services included in the contract. Its announcement came amid the VA's broader plan to terminate "585 non-mission-critical or duplicative contracts."

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However, the claim that the VA canceled a $56,000 contract solely for watering roughly eight plants over five years is false. It is true that in early March 2025 the VA terminated a $56,000 contract for "interior plant maintenance"; however, it covered 104 plants and included weekly upkeep services such as pruning, cleaning and plant replacement, not just watering. Therefore, we have rated this claim as a mixture of true and false information.

What we know about the plant maintenance contract

Publicly available records on USASpending.gov  an official, open-to-the-public resource for tracking government spending  show that the VA did indeed award a contract worth up to $56,551 to Frontline Enterprises. The company, which says its aim is to provide employment opportunities to "disabled veterans and their spouses," specializes in construction, facilities maintenance, janitorial services, landscaping and green cleaning.

The USASpending.gov database categorized the contract under "interior plant maintenance" but did not specify the exact services covered, the number of plants or the frequency of service. It only mentioned that the contract included utilities and housekeeping services and interior plantscaping.

However, Frontline Enterprises said via LinkedIn message that the contract covered the weekly maintenance of 104 plants over a five-year period for a total cost of $56,000 (or $11,200 per year).

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The company further explained that this amounted to $107.70 per plant each year or approximately $9 per plant each month for weekly upkeep. The services included watering, pruning, trimming, cleaning and dusting the foliage as well as maintaining proper soil levels, disease prevention and control, fertilization and plant replacement (except in cases of damage or loss beyond the company's control).

Snopes has contacted the VA and Frontline Enterprises for further comment and will update this article if we receive a response.

In early March 2025, the USASpending.gov website indicated that $19,265 of the contract had already been spent. Exactly $33,370 was obligated under the contract, and the total potential award amount was $56,551.

At the time the previous link was archived, the current end date was listed as March 31, 2026, and the potential end date was March 31, 2028. However, as of March 13, the contract's current and potential end dates were both updated to March 6, 2025. This coincided with DOGE's post on X.

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No other records in the USASpending.gov database matched the details of the contract shared by DOGE. However, between 2016 and 2019, Frontline Enterprises received a similar VA contract totaling $55,729 for plant maintenance services.

Photographs shared by DOGE

Finally, DOGE included two photos in its post. The first showed an indoor setting with a wooden table positioned against a wall and two framed portraits hanging above it. There was a large, leafy plant on each side of the table. The second showed a close-up of a printed sign on the wooden table displaying pictures of various indoor plants and containing the text: "Please do not water these plants. These plants are serviced by a plant contractor. Thank you. Buildings Management Division."

(X account @DOGE)

However, the origins of the pictures were unclear, including where and when they were taken. Reverse image searches on Google produced no evidence of them appearing online prior to DOGE's original post.

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Other VA-related stories we've investigated include a rumor that spread in late February 2025 that the U.S. government set a $1 limit on VA employees' procurement cards, which are used to buy medical supplies and provide other services to veterans. In July 2024, we fact-checked a satirical claim that former Vice President Kamala Harris announced plans to take funding from the VA to give money to refugees.

Sources:

Deng, Grace. "Breaking down Claims Veterans Affairs' Procurement Card Limits Were Set to $1." Snopes, 4 Mar. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/03/04/va-procurement-cards/.

Rascouet-Paz, Anna. "No, Harris Didn't Say She'll Pull Funds from Vets to Give to Refugees." Snopes, 30 July 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/harris-funds-from-veterans-for-refugees/.

USAspending.Gov. https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_VA24516C0130_3600_-NONE-_-NONE-. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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---. https://www.usaspending.gov/search/?hash=861e232b6572041faef9a40eca3d33d4. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

VA to Terminate 585 Non-Mission-Critical or Duplicative Contracts - VA News. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-to-terminate-585-non-mission-critical-or-duplicative-contracts/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

"Work | DOGE: Department of Government Efficiency." DOGE: Department of Government Efficiency, https://x.com/doge. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Claim:

The Arlington National Cemetery website removed links to webpages about Black, Hispanic and female veterans buried at the site.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

Between December 2024 and March 2025, military news, culture and analysis outlet Task & Purpose found that Arlington National Cemetery removed links to webpages about Black, Hispanic and female veterans buried there from its website. From March 12 to March 17, 2025, the pages still existed at their original URLs but could no longer be accessed through the main site.

On March 19, Arlington National Cemetery said it had not "permanently removed" pages about any service members from the "Notable Graves" section of its website, one of three sections from which pages disappeared. Instead, the content from the de-linked pages was distributed onto other, existing pages.

The de-linked pages, "African American History," "Hispanic American History" and "Women's History" from the site's Notable Graves section no longer existed at their original URLs on March 26.

By March 26, the cemetery had also changed its "Education" section which was previously missing six "Themes." Links to three of these themes  "Civil War," "Medal of Honor" and "Service Branches"  appeared to have been restored, and two new Themes  "Civics" and "WWI"  added.

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In mid-March, a month proclaimed by U.S. President Donald Trump and presidents before him as Women's History Month, claims (archived) circulated online that the Arlington National Cemetery website had removed links to webpages about female veterans buried at the site.

The Whitehouse is removing all women from the names at Arlington Cemetery!  pic.twitter.com/DbrAnlXJ9P  Suzie rizzio (@Suzierizzo1) March 17, 2025

Further claims (archived) on X (archived) said the removal also included pages about Black and Hispanic veterans.

The claim originated from a report by Task & Purpose, a military news, culture and analysis outlet. The report found that between December 2024 and March 2025, several links to pages relating to Black, Hispanic and female veterans disappeared from Arlington National Cemetery's website.

Using archive.org's Wayback Machine, a website that archives pages from across the web, we verified the removal of links that Task & Purpose reported. The removed links included three pages from the "Notable Graves" section, six education "themes," two pages from the "History of Arlington National Cemetery" subsection and one page from the website's "Explore" tab.

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However, on March 19, Arlington National Cemetery addressed the missing "Notable Graves" pages in an online statement. The cemetery said the content from the de-linked "African American History," "Hispanic American History" and "Women's History" pages was redistributed onto existing pages.

The remaining missing pages  from the site's "Education" and "History of Arlington National Cemetery" sections  appeared to be partially restored by March 26. Therefore we rate this claim mixture.

According to Task & Purpose, cemetery officials confirmed that they "unpublished" the pages in question in compliance with a Trump administration executive order on diversity, equity and inclusion and a resulting directive from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth "targeting race and gender-related language and policies in the military."

We reached out to Arlington National Cemetery to confirm the above. We also asked the cemetery to confirm exactly which links officials removed and when. A cemetery spokesperson gave the following reply:

We are proud of our educational content and programming and working diligently to return removed content to ensure alignment with Department of Defense instruction 5400.17 and Executive Orders issued by the President. We remain committed to sharing the stories of military service and sacrifice to the nation with transparency and professionalism, while continuing to engage with our community in a manner that reflects our core values.

In a further March 14, 2025, email, the same spokesperson said, "We are hoping to begin republishing updated education modules next week."

Missing links led to pages paying tribute to Black, Hispanic and female veterans

The Task & Purpose report included a full list of links the outlet said disappeared from Arlington National Cemetery's site.

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Using Wayback Machine, we replicated Task & Purpose's findings. The missing links, removed between December 2024 and March 12, 2025, were as follows:

As of March 26, the Education "themes" listed above still existed and could be accessed through their direct URLs, but not through links on the Arlington National Cemetery website. "Environment at ANC" redirected to a pre-existing page called "Memorial Arboretum."

The Freedman's Village page was still available through its direct URL, though the History of Arlington National Cemetery section of the website no longer linked directly to it. The page detailed the temporary settlement housing formerly enslaved people that the federal government constructed on Arlington National Cemetery grounds in 1863.

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Section 27 of Arlington National Cemetery saw the cemetery's first military burial during the Civil War. More than 3,800 African American formerly enslaved people were also buried in Section 27, according to the page, which was still live but also not directly linked on the site on March 26.

Six "Themes" disappeared from the cemetery's Education portal between February and March 2025. (education.arlingtoncemetery.mil / web.archive.org)

From a page-by-page click-through of the Arlington National Cemetery website we also found a missing list of webinars under the website's "Explore" section. The Webinars subpage disappeared from the site between Feb. 22, 2025, and March 11, 2025. The page contained recordings of talks on topics including "Freedman's Village" and "75 years recruiting women" that might have qualified it for removal.

Links removed following DOD 'digital content refresh'

The U.S. Army, reporting to the Department of Defense, operates Arlington National Cemetery under the Office of Army Cemeteries. Therefore, policies enacted in the DOD also apply to the cemetery, its staff and its website.

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As noted above, an Arlington National Cemetery spokesperson said content on its site was removed to "ensure alignment with Department of Defense instruction 5400.17."

Confusingly, Department of Defense Instruction 5400.17 only covers social media use within the DOD. The DOD updated the document on Feb. 14, 2025, to comply with Executive Order 14168, titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government."

Instruction 5400.17 only mentioned the terms "gender," "sex" and "race" once, in a clause prohibiting "Hate speech or material that ridicules others on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation" on DOD social media accounts. It was unclear how exactly Instruction 5400.17 or Executive Order 14168 related to the removal of links leading to pages about Black or Hispanic veterans.

Another, more-likely source of the removal came in a memo U.S. Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Sean Parnell released on Feb. 27. The memo asked all DOD public platforms to carry out a "digital content refresh." The memo read (emphasis ours):

By March 5, 2025, Components must take all practicable steps, consistent with records management requirements, to remove all DoD news and feature articles, photos, and videos that promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). All articles, photos, and videos removed from DoD websites and social media platforms must be archived and retained in accordance with applicable records management policies.

The memo specifically mentioned "articles that focus on immutable characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, or sex" among content that must be removed as part of the digital content refresh.

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Snopes previously reported on NASA scrubbing its website to remove mentions of minorities and inclusion and the U.S. military's anti-DEI purge of WWII Enola Gay aircraft photos.

Sources:

African American History. 14 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241214104619/https://arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/African-American-History.

Arlington National Cemetery. "Freedman's Village." Arlington National Cemetery, https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/History-of-Arlington-National-Cemetery/Freedmans-Village.

---. "Section 27." Arlington National Cemetery, https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/History-of-Arlington-National-Cemetery/Section-27.

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Civil War. 14 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241214191656/https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Themes/Civil-War.

"Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government." The White House, 21 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/.

Education > Themes > African American History. 13 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241213204639/https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Themes/African-American-History.

Environment at ANC. 13 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241213202745/https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Themes/Environment-at-ANC.

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Explore the Cemetery. 11 Mar. 2025, https://web.archive.org/web/20250311044512/https://arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore.

---. 22 Feb. 2025, https://web.archive.org/web/20250222133741/https://arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore.

Hispanic American History. 14 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241214090451/https://arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/Hispanic-American-History.

@MarkWarner. "Rewriting History to Minimize the Incredible Sacrifices of Black, Latino, and Female Servicemembers  This Is Absolutely Outrageous and an Affront to Their Service." X, 16 Mar. 2025, https://x.com/MarkWarner/status/1901327956342866159.

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Medal of Honor. 16 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241216113824/https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Themes/Medal-of-Honor.

Office of Army Cemeteries. "About Us." Office of Army Cemeteries, https://armycemeteries.army.mil/About-Us/Our-Cemeteries.

Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. DOD INSTRUCTION 5400.17. Department of Defense, 14 Feb. 2025, https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/540017p.PDF.

Service Branches. 17 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241217003530/https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Themes/Service-Branches.

@Suzierizzo1. "The Whitehouse Is Removing All Women from the Names at Arlington Cemetery! ." X, 17 Mar. 2025, https://x.com/Suzierizzo1/status/1901465590910591248.

@SykesCharlie. "Arlington National Cemetery Has Begun Wiping from Its Website Histories Highlighting Black, Hispanic and Women Veterans. ." X, 16 Mar. 2025, https://x.com/SykesCharlie/status/1901371680741802052.

U.S. Department of Defense. "Pentagon Releases Digital Content Refresh Memorandum." U.S. Department of Defense, 27 Feb. 2025, https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4079501/pentagon-releases-digital-content-refresh-memorandum/.

Virtual Events. 15 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241215161055/https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Webinars.

White, Matt. "Arlington Cemetery Website Drops Links for Black, Hispanic, and Women Veterans." Task & Purpose, 13 Mar. 2025, https://taskandpurpose.com/news/arlington-cemetery-scrubs-website-dei/.

Women's History. 15 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241215125043/https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/Womens-History.

---. 18 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241218004941/https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Themes/Womens-History.



Updates:

March. 26, 2025: This fact check was updated to include Arlington National Cemetery's March 19 statement and resulting action to restore pages. The rating was changed from True to Mixture.
DHAKA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese company here was set to establish a high-end garments industry in the country, according to a statement from the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) on Monday.

Chinese company Safety Garments Bangladesh Co. Ltd. signed an agreement on Monday with BEPZA to invest 12.25 million U.S. dollars to build its garments factory in a BEPZA economic zone.

The Chinese company will annually produce millions of pieces of high-end garment products, including reflective jackets, vests, T-shirts, fleece jackets, coveralls, and safety helmets, among others.

It will create employment opportunities for nearly 2,000 local people, said the statement. 
Claim:

Elon Musk, the billionaire adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, said: The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy.

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

Context:

"I believe in empathy, like, I think you should care about other people," Musk said as part of the same discussion on Joe Rogan's podcast, "but you need to have empathy for, for civilization as a whole, and not commit to a civilizational suicide."

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According to social media posts in March 2025, Elon Musk  the billionaire tech entrepreneur and adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump  said that "the fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy."

Snopes readers wrote in and searched our website for information about the alleged comment. Examples of the claim appeared on X (archived), Instagram (archived), LinkedIn (archived) and Facebook (archived). Reputable news media outlets, including CNN, and self-described "progressive news site" Daily Kos also reported that Musk expressed the sentiment.

In short, the quote's attribution to Musk was correct. The billionaire said the words during a Feb. 28, 2025, episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast.

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During his appearance, Musk also spoke of "suicidal empathy." He credited the concept to Gad Saad, a Canadian marketing professor who has frequently posted (archived) about suicidal empathy (archived) on his social media accounts and has said (archived) he is writing a book (archived) on the topic.

The relevant section of Musk and host Joe Rogan's discussion of empathy can be heard from around the 1:16:00 mark in the video embedded below.

Musk said the quote in question within the context of a longer exchange on the subject, which is transcribed below (we've bolded the quote for emphasis).

Musk: There's a guy who posts on X who's great, Gad Saad? Rogan: Yeah, he's a friend of mine. He's been on the podcast a bunch of times. Musk: Yeah, he's awesome, and he talks about, you know, basically suicidal empathy. Like, there's so much empathy that you actually suicide yourself. So, we've got civilizational suicidal empathy going on. And it's like, I believe in empathy, like, I think you should care about other people, but you need to have empathy for, for civilization as a whole, and not commit to a civilizational suicide. Rogan: Also don't let someone use your empathy against you so they can completely control your state and then do an insanely bad job of managing it and never get removed. Musk: The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy. The empathy exploit. They're exploiting a bug in Western civilization, which is the empathy response. So, I think, you know, empathy is good, but you need to think it through and not just be programmed like a robot. Rogan: Right, understand when empathy has been actually used as a tool. Musk: Yes, like, it's weaponized empathy is the issue.

Musk has posted numerous (archived) comments on X (archived)  the social media platform he owns  about Saad's concept of suicidal empathy, including one remark (archived) on Feb. 28  the same day Rogan released the podcast episode quoted above.

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Previously, Snopes looked into whether the tech mogul authentically reposted a meme on X that called those who benefit from U.S. federal programs the "Parasite Class."

Sources:

"Elon Musk Believes Empathy Is the 'Fundamental Weakness' of Western Civilization." Daily Kos, https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/5/2308276/-Musk-believes-empathy-is-the-fundamental-weakness-of-Western-civilization. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

PerryCook, Taija. "Yes, Musk Reposted Meme Calling Americans Who Use Federal Programs the 'Parasite Class.'" Snopes, 21 Feb. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/musk-parasite-class/.

Wolf, Zachary B. "Elon Musk Wants to Save Western Civilization from Empathy | CNN Politics." CNN, 5 Mar. 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/politics/elon-musk-rogan-interview-empathy-doge/index.html.
Claim:

French politician Raphael Glucksmann said the United States should return the Statue of Liberty to France.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

Though the claim that Glucksmann said the U.S. should give the Statue of Liberty back to France is true, it does not appear that it was meant to be taken literally.

In mid-March 2025, a claim spread widely online that a French politician asked the United States to hand the iconic Statue of Liberty  that has been on display in New York Harbor for roughly 140 years  back to France.

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Social media users on BlueSky (archived), Facebook (archived) and Instagram (archived) shared the rumor and attributed the demand to a French politician named Raphael Glucksmann, who co-founded the French left-leaning political party Place Publique in 2018. He currently serves as the party's copresident.

Snopes readers also flooded our inbox with inquiries about the alleged request.

In short, the claim that Glucksmann said the U.S. should give the Statue of Liberty back to France is accurate and was covered by major news media outlets like The Associated Press (AP), CNN, Axios and NPR.

Glucksmann's demand occurred during a speech at a Place Publique convention held in Paris on March 15 and 16, which is available to watch on YouTube in both the original French and partially translated into English.

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With a visible smirk, Glucksmann said: "We're going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: give us back the Statue of Liberty. We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home."

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French celebrating the centennial anniversary of the U.S. gaining independence from Britain and was officially dedicated on Oct. 28, 1886. Lady Liberty was designated a national monument in 1924 according to the National Park Service.

Asked about Glucksmann's comments during a news briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shot back, saying the U.S. would "absolutely not" be returning the monument to France. She added: "My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it's only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So they should be very grateful to our great country."

Leavitt's comments allude to the United States being allies with France during both world wars, including the role the U.S. played in liberating France from Nazi occupation during World War II.

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Glucksmann subsequently posted a thread on X (archived) explaining his intentions behind the statement and his response to Leavitt's comments.

The posts read:

Dear Americans, Since the White House press secretary is attacking me today, I wanted to tell you this. 1. Our two people are intimately linked by History, the blood we shed and the passion for freedom we share, a passion symbolized by this Statue that was offered to the United States by France to honor your glorious Revolution. 2. As the press secretary for this shameful Administration said: without your nation, France would have "spoken German." In my case, it goes further: I would simply not be here if hundreds of thousands of young Americans had not landed on our beaches in Normandy. 3. Our gratitude to these heroes and their sacrifices is therefore eternal. 4. But the America of these heroes fought against tyrants, it did not flatter them. It was the enemy of fascism, not the friend of Putin. It helped the resistance and didn't attack Zelensky. 5. It celebrated science and didn't fire researchers for using banned words. It welcomed the persecuted and didn't target them. It was far, so far from what your current President does, says, and embodies. 6. This America, faithful to the wonderful words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, your America, is worth so much more than the betrayal of Ukraine and Europe, xenophobia, or obscurantism. 7. We all in Europe love this nation to which we know we owe so much. It will rise again. You will rise again. We are counting on you. 8. And it is precisely because I am petrified by Trumps betrayal that I said yesterday in a rally that we could symbolically take back the Statue of Liberty if your government despised everything it symbolizes in your eyes, ours, and those of the world. It was a wake up call. 9. No one, of course, will come and steal the Statue of Liberty. The statue is yours. But what it embodies belongs to everyone. And if the free world no longer interests your government, then we will take up the torch, here in Europe. 10. Until we meet again in the fight for freedom and dignity, we will be the continuators of our shared history and the protectors of our treasure: more than a statue of copper and steel, the freedom it symbolizes.

Though the claim that Glucksmann said the U.S. should give the Statue of Liberty back to France is true, it does not appear that it was meant to be taken literally.

As the AP noted, there is no chance it could happen anyway. The news agency wrote: "UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural arm that has the statue on its list of World Heritage treasures, notes that the iconic monument is U.S. government property."

A war of words regarding the Statue of Liberty is one of the latest rumors that Snopes has investigated pertaining to the Trump administration's relations with other countries. For example, we have debunked the claim that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told Trump the U.S. should stop electing "rapists and criminals" and we have fact-checked whether Trump said on Truth Social that he would annex Alaska and Greenland.

Sources:

City, Mailing Address: Receiving Office 1. Ellis Island Jersey, and NJ 07305 Phone: 212 363-3200 Contact Us. Creating the Statue of Liberty - Statue Of Liberty National Monument (U.S. National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/stli/learn/historyculture/places_creating_statue.htm. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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"Congres Place Publique  Rendez-Vous Les 15 et 16 Mars 2025." Place Publique, 26 Feb. 2025, https://place-publique.eu/congres-place-publique-rendez-vous-les-15-et-16-mars-2025/.

Detail d'une Annonce | Associations  Journal Officiel. https://www.journal-officiel.gouv.fr/pages/associations-detail-annonce/?q.id=id:201800351040. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

""Elle sera tres bien ici, chez nous": Raphael Glucksmann demande aux Americains de rendre la statue de la Liberte." Figaro Live, 16 Mar. 2025, https://video.lefigaro.fr/figaro/video/elle-sera-tres-bien-ici-chez-nous-raphael-glucksmann-demande-aux-americains-de-rendre-la-statue-de-la-liberte/.

"From France Comes a Call for Trump's America to Return Lady Liberty. Here's Why It Won't Happen." AP News, 17 Mar. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/france-trump-statue-of-liberty-glucksmann-248cbd501c7b66d7b37988bf6abdacf8.

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"Notre Organisation." Place Publique, https://place-publique.eu/les-instances/. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

'Raphael Glucksmann'. Place Publique, https://place-publique.eu/nos-elus/raphael-glucksmann/. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

'The Liberation of Paris'. The National WWII Museum | New Orleans, 25 Aug. 2023, https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/liberation-paris.

Treisman, Rachel. "Does the U.S. Deserve the Statue of Liberty? Not Anymore, One French Politician Says." NPR, 18 Mar. 2025. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2025/03/18/nx-s1-5332084/statue-of-liberty-france-return.

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD3Hw-dhjV4. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

---. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zsyBxWYeU8. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
By Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan

DUBAI (Reuters) - Israel has been fighting wars on several fronts in the Middle East since the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked communities in the country in October 2023 and triggered a conflict in Gaza.

It has engaged in heavy bombings and assassinated some of its most implacable foes, all backed by Iran.

GAZA

The surprise 2023 attack on southern Israel, in which Hamas-led fighters killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages back to Gaza, shattered Israel's reputation as invincible in a hostile Middle East.

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Israel, which had a history of wars with Hamas, has killed the group's top leaders including Yahya Sinwar, one of the masterminds of the 2023 violence. Israel also killed Hamas' elusive military leader Mohammed Deif, who had survived seven assassination attempts.

More than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities, and most of the enclave has been reduced to ruins. Israel says it aims to eradicate Hamas. It plans for Gaza's post-war future are not clear.

WEST BANK

In January, immediately after the Gaza ceasefire began, Israeli forces launched a major operation against militant groups in a number of refugee camps in the occupied West Bank.

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The operation has driven tens of thousands of Palestinians from their homes and increased fears that U.S. President Donald Trump will give the green light to a full Israeli annexation of the territory seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.

LEBANON

Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which was Iran's most powerful ally in the region, began attacking its arch foe Israel on October 8, 2023, in support of Hamas.

Border clashes exploded into a war between Israel and Hezbollah, which left the group severely weakened.

In mid-September 2024, a series of coordinated explosions targeted Hezbollahs communication devices across Lebanon. Thousands of pagers detonated simultaneously, followed by the explosion of numerous walkie-talkies the next day.

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These attacks resulted in about 40 fatalities and more than 3,400 injuries, one of the worst security breaches in the group's history.

Israel also dealt a devastating blow to Hezbollah when it killed veteran leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Beirut. Israel also killed his presumed successor one week later.

SYRIA

Shortly after the Israel-Hamas war broke out, Israel carried out airstrikes in Syria, a main ally of Iran and a stronghold for Hezbollah under the rule of autocrat Bashar al-Assad.

Islamist rebels ousted Assad on December 8. But Israel is not taking any chances. Israel will step up airstrikes on Syrian weapons stores, officials said one day after Assad's fall, and keep a limited troop presence on the ground to head off any threat that could emerge in the fallout.

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YEMEN

Yemen's Houthis have become a more prominent opponent to Israel after Hezbollah and Hamas were severely weakened.

It has carried out more than 100 attacks on international shipping since November 2023 in what it says is solidarity with Gaza's Palestinians, disrupting global shipping and costing countries billions of dollars in lost revenues.

Israel directly hit Yemen in December 2024, marking the beginning of a campaign against the Houthis.

IRAN

Iran and Israel have engaged in a shadow war for decades while avoiding direct large-scale military confrontation. Their confrontation erupted into open conflict after Hamas attacked Israel.

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Israel targeted the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1, 2024, prompting a direct military attack by Iran.

On October 1, 2024, Iran carried out a big missile attack against Israel with over 180 ballistic missiles fired from Iranian territory.

Israel struck military sites in Iran on October 26, 2024, saying it was retaliating against Tehran's attacks.

(Reporting by Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan; Additional reporting by James Mackenzie in Jerusalem; Editing by Michael Georgy)
FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI)  The chance purchase of a bright green lottery ticket proved to be fruitful for a Fall River woman.

The Massachusetts State Lottery announced that Maria Manchester won a $1 million prize in the Emerald Mine 50X instant ticket game. She chose to receive a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes.

SEE ALSO: Norton man wins nearly $400K off Lucky for Life ticket

Manchester explained that she bought the ticket, because of its green color and it was a newer game.

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She purchased the $5 ticket at the AMS Food Mart on South Main Street in Fall River. The convenience store will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

The Emerald Mine 50X instant ticket game first went on sale Jan. 7. The overall odds of winning are one in 4.02 million, while the odds of winning the $1 million prize are one in $5.04 million.

(Courtesy: Massachusetts State Lottery)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  This school year has seen several violent incidents within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, highlighted in March by two more incidents where families said the targets of reported assaults and fights were also punished.

Queen City News has reported on two of these incidents  one at Mallard Creek High School involving a group of girls who reportedly attacked another female student; and an incident at Ardrey Kell High School, where a teenage girl was allegedly attacked by a male student.

While both incidents are completely different, they are united in one thing: the families of the targets in both incidents said their child was suspended for 10 days, along with the people who allegedly assaulted them.

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said they cannot comment on specific cases involving students due to privacy laws, however, the districts Chief Operating Officer Tim Ivey said last week, responding to a question about whether both the aggressor/aggressors and those they target are suspended as standard procedure, he said:

Each incident is taken individually and we use a student code of conduct to determine who and if both parties would be suspended. So each incident is an individual incident.

CMS leaders update communication protocols following school threats

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Code Of Student Conduct indicated that incidents are looked at on a case-by-case basis, and does allow for a reasonable amount of self-defense. The minimum punishment for a fight or assault at a high school is a minimum 1 to 10-day suspension.

The student who was targeted in the Mallard Creek incident told Queen City News that she did act in self-defense after a group of girls attacked her, but noted that the suspension she received was unjust.

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It doesnt make any sense, she said earlier this month. Im the one who got jumped.

Queen City News has sent a series of questions on standard procedures on disciplinary response for fights and assaults to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. As of Monday afternoon, they had indicated they had forwarded the questions to the relevant department, and will respond at a later time.

QCNEWS.COM

MORE FROM CHARLOTTE-MECK SCHOOLS

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement unlawfully arrested and violated the rights of 21 immigrants and a U.S. citizen during raids in the Chicago area and other Midwestern states during the first days of the second Trump administration, advocates and attorneys said Monday.

The National Immigrant Justice Center and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois filed a motion in Chicagos U.S. District Court Thursday seeking the release of two people still detained and the enforcement of remedies to prevent unlawful arrests by ICE.

According to the motion, Abel Orozco, a 47-year-old father from southwest suburban Lyons with no criminal record, and Julio Corona, from Liberty, Missouri, are still detained.

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Most of the people that were arrested were leaving for work in the morning, said Mark Fleming, the associate director of NIJCs Federal Litigation Project. I ask that every time you hear from this administration about how theyre rounding up gangbangers, terrorists, you need to take a dose of reality and realize that you need to dig deeper to understand who exactly they are.

According to the plaintiffs legal team, ICE agents made warrantless arrests, often using violence and intimidation in the Chicago area and across the Midwest, including on Julio Noriega, a U.S. citizen who ICE officers detained for more than 10 hours in late January and then released without documenting the arrest.

According to the court filing, ICE carried out practices that violated a 2022 federal court settlement that aimed to protect immigrant rights and curb aggressive enforcement tactics in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin.

The motion calls for the release of Orozco, a father who has remained detained despite the alleged settlement violations. Along with Orozco, nine others were arrested under similar circumstances  often with no warrants and little to no probable cause, according to the attorneys representing the plaintiffs.

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They also highlight a single incident in Liberty, Missouri, in which 12 people were arrested at a restaurant without proper documentation.

A spokesperson for ICE said the agency does not provide comments on litigation proceedings or outcomes.

The court filing demands the immediate return of bonds and the lifting of any conditions of release that have been placed on the 19 people who have been released. In addition, the group is asking for training and remedial measures against ICE agents who the plaintiffs argue violated the settlement.

NIJC and the ACLU of Illinois are also seeking a report from the court detailing all immigration arrests made since Jan. 20 and weekly updates moving forward to monitor ICEs practices in the Chicago area.

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Orozcos wife, Yolanda Orozco, stood behind a crowd. She repeatedly said her husband is not a criminal and called for his release. Yolanda Orozco, a mother, is battling breast cancer and is behind on mortgage payments, she said.

Is it a crime to wake up early and go to work every day? Yolanda Orozco asked.

On Jan. 26, Orozco was on his way home from buying tamales for the family when ICE agents encountered him in his truck. According to the filing, ICE was looking for one of his sons who is in his 20s and has the same name. Upon seeing Orozcos drivers license, the officer reached inside Orozcos car and unlocked and opened the door. He then grabbed Orozcos arm and told him he was under arrest, according to the filing.

Another one of their sons, Eduardo Orozco, captured his fathers arrest on a video that went viral. In the video, he followed the agents around his yard and demanded a warrant for his fathers arrest. Instead, they drove away.

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He just goes to work and comes back to his family. He is loving, he is caring, he is responsible, and he should not have been arrested, Eduardo Orozco said. I just want to ask the government to please look into who he is so they can do whats right.

Orozco has been in the country for over 27 years, mostly dedicated to his family and his business, according to his son. Like most of the 22 people represented, Orozco has no criminal record, Fleming said. Some have traffic violations and one has a DUI, but no one has other convictions, he added.

According to the 2022 settlement, ICE is not allowed to make a warrantless arrest unless it has probable cause both to believe that immigrant is unlawfully in the United States and to believe the immigrant is likely to flee before a warrant can be obtained.

The settlement also says that to pull over a vehicle, ICE officers must have a reasonable suspicion that a person in the vehicle is unlawfully present, and they must not pretend to enforce traffic laws.

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If a person is arrested in violation of the settlement agreement, they must in most circumstances be released from detention without having to pay bond and without conditions of release, according to Rebecca Glenberg, chief supervising litigation counsel at the ACLU of Illinois.

Orozco remains detained in Clay County, Indiana.

The ongoing legal battle over ICE practices comes as immigrant communities brace for more uncertainty under the Trump administration. Community organizers and legal advocates expressed their outrage at ICEs alleged disregard for legal processes and constitutional protections.

Xanat Sobrevilla, an organizer with Organized Communities Against Deportations, urged the community to stay alert and report any arrests.

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Its clear that ICE policies have little effect in preventing harm in our communities. We cannot trust internal ICE procedures to uphold peoples rights, Sobrevilla said.

Fred Tsao, senior policy counsel at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said, Whenever this administration violates these basic rights, we must call them to account.

As the court case unfolds, immigrant communities and their allies said they are determined to fight for justice, holding the Trump administration accountable for what they describe as unlawful and inhumane enforcement actions.

Based on the dozens of cases weve reviewed, most of these individuals are hard-working people who have built lives in the U.S. and contribute to their communities. Theyre not threats to public safety, Fleming said.

larodriguez@chicagotribune.com
CHICAGO  The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement unlawfully arrested and violated the rights of 21 immigrants and a U.S. citizen during raids in the Chicago area and other Midwestern states during the first days of the second Trump administration, advocates and attorneys said Monday.

The National Immigrant Justice Center and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois filed a motion in Chicagos U.S. District Court Thursday seeking the release of two people still detained and the enforcement of remedies to prevent unlawful arrests by ICE.

According to the motion, Abel Orozco, a 47-year-old father from southwest suburban Lyons with no criminal record, and Julio Corona, from Liberty, Missouri, are still detained.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Most of the people that were arrested were leaving for work in the morning, said Mark Fleming, the associate director of NIJCs Federal Litigation Project. I ask that every time you hear from this administration about how theyre rounding up gangbangers, terrorists, you need to take a dose of reality and realize that you need to dig deeper to understand who exactly they are.

According to the plaintiffs legal team, ICE agents made warrantless arrests, often using violence and intimidation in the Chicago area and across the Midwest, including on Julio Noriega, a U.S. citizen who ICE officers detained for more than 10 hours in late January and then released without documenting the arrest.

According to the court filing, ICE carried out practices that violated a 2022 federal court settlement that aimed to protect immigrant rights and curb aggressive enforcement tactics in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin.

The motion calls for the release of Orozco, a father who has remained detained despite the alleged settlement violations. Along with Orozco, nine others were arrested under similar circumstances  often with no warrants and little to no probable cause, according to the attorneys representing the plaintiffs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They also highlight a single incident in Liberty, Missouri, in which 12 people were arrested at a restaurant without proper documentation.

A spokesperson for ICE said the agency does not provide comments on litigation proceedings or outcomes.

The court filing demands the immediate return of bonds and the lifting of any conditions of release that have been placed on the 19 people who have been released. In addition, the group is asking for training and remedial measures against ICE agents who the plaintiffs argue violated the settlement.

NIJC and the ACLU of Illinois are also seeking a report from the court detailing all immigration arrests made since Jan. 20 and weekly updates moving forward to monitor ICEs practices in the Chicago area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Orozcos wife, Yolanda Orozco, stood behind a crowd. She repeatedly said her husband is not a criminal and called for his release. Yolanda Orozco, a mother, is battling breast cancer and is behind on mortgage payments, she said.

Is it a crime to wake up early and go to work every day? Yolanda Orozco asked.

On Jan. 26, Orozco was on his way home from buying tamales for the family when ICE agents encountered him in his truck. According to the complaint, ICE was looking for one of his sons who is in his 20s and has the same name. Upon seeing Orozcos drivers license, the officer reached inside Orozcos car and unlocked and opened the door. He then grabbed Orozcos arm and told him he was under arrest, according to the complaint.

Another one of their sons, Eduardo Orozco, captured his fathers arrest on a video that went viral. In the video, he followed the agents around his yard and demanded a warrant for his fathers arrest. Instead, they drove away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He just goes to work and comes back to his family. He is loving, he is caring, he is responsible, and he should not have been arrested, Eduardo Orozco said. I just want to ask the government to please look into who he is so they can do whats right.

Orozco has been in the country for over 27 years, mostly dedicated to his family and his business, according to his son. Like most of the 22 people represented, Orozco has no criminal record, Fleming said. Some have traffic violations and one has a DUI, but no one has other convictions, he added.

According to the 2022 settlement, ICE is not allowed to make a warrantless arrest unless it has probable cause both to believe that immigrant is unlawfully in the United States and to believe the immigrant is likely to flee before a warrant can be obtained.

The settlement also says that to pull over a vehicle, ICE officers must have a reasonable suspicion that a person in the vehicle is unlawfully present, and they must not pretend to enforce traffic laws.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If a person is arrested in violation of the settlement agreement, they must in most circumstances be released from detention without having to pay bond and without conditions of release, according to Rebecca Glenberg, chief supervising litigation counsel at the ACLU of Illinois.

Orozco remains detained in Clay County, Indiana.

The ongoing legal battle over ICE practices comes as immigrant communities brace for more uncertainty under the Trump administration. Community organizers and legal advocates expressed their outrage at ICEs alleged disregard for legal processes and constitutional protections.

Xanat Sobrevilla, an organizer with Organized Communities Against Deportations, urged the community to stay alert and report any arrests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its clear that ICE policies have little effect in preventing harm in our communities. We cannot trust internal ICE procedures to uphold peoples rights, Sobrevilla said.

Fred Tsao, senior policy counsel at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said, Whenever this administration violates these basic rights, we must call them to account.

As the court case unfolds, immigrant communities and their allies said they are determined to fight for justice, holding the Trump administration accountable for what they describe as unlawful and inhumane enforcement actions.

Based on the dozens of cases weve reviewed, most of these individuals are hard-working people who have built lives in the U.S. and contribute to their communities. Theyre not threats to public safety, Fleming said.

_____
Last month, Jose Franco Caraballo Tiapa, a 26-year old Venezuelan migrant who was seeking asylum in the U.S., showed up to his routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Dallas, Texas, when authorities detained him, his wife told ABC News.

Ivannoa Sanchez, 22, told ABC News she believes her husband is one of the hundreds of Venezuelan men who this past weekend were sent by plane to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act.

According to Sanchez, the couple crossed the U.S. border in November 2023 and surrendered to authorities. After claiming asylum and being detained for a few days, ICE released them and ordered them to check in routinely with the federal agency.

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MORE: Trump said Guantanamo would hold 'high threat' migrants -- but others have ended up there

Sanchez said the couple had gone to several of their scheduled check-ins without experiencing any issues. But on Feb. 3, Tiapa was not allowed to return home with his wife despite being scheduled to have his first court appearance in his asylum case in March.

Sanchez provided ABC News with documents that confirmed Tiapa's scheduled appointment with an immigration judge on March 19.

"He went to his routine ICE appointment and he didn't come out," Sanchez told ABC News.

She said she was able to complete her check-in with ICE that day and has not yet received an appointment for another check-in.

PHOTO: Yvonna Sanchez and her husband Jose Franco Caraballo Tiapa are seen in this undated photo. (Yvonna Sanchez)

Similarly, ABC News spoke with Sebastian Garcia Casique, who claims his brother was detained by ICE after his routine-check-in.

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According to Casique, his brother Francisco Garcia Casique, who entered the United States in December 2023 and surrendered to authorities, was detained after going to an ICE office last month for his appointment.

"There, some police officers detained him because they saw his tattoos and said they were going to investigate him because of them," Casique told ABC News.

Casique said that on Friday, his brother called his family from the detention center in Texas where he was being held to let them know that he believed he was being deported to Venezuela. But on Sunday, Casique said that he and his family recognized his brother in a photo posted on social media by the White House.

"It's a nightmare," Casique told ABC News.

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Sanchez said that after being detained in Dallas, her husband was transferred to a detention center in Laredo, Texas, where she was able to speak with him regularly.

MORE: 'Heck of a stretch': Judge grills DOJ over Trump deportation flights

But on Saturday, she said her husband told her that he believed he was going to be transferred and possibly deported.

On Sunday morning, after Sanchez saw the video posted on X by the president of El Salvador showing Venezuelan migrants being sent there, she checked the ICE locator website that shares updated information about where migrants are being detained.

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"I check the system, and he doesn't show up," Sanchez told ABC News. "I constantly think and know he's there because he has tattoos, because he's a barber, but he has no involvement with the group they're associating him with."

Sanchez said that her husband is being unfairly targeted by the Trump administration for being Venezuelan and having tattoos, after Trump on Saturday said he was invoking the 18th century Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

She provided ABC News with documents that show Tiapa does not have any criminal records in Venezuela.

PHOTO: Francisco Garcia Casique is seen in this undated photo. (Sebastian Garcia Casique)

Casique also told ABC News his brother has not committed any crimes beyond crossing the U.S. border.

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Casique claims that after his brother surrendered to authorities, he was detained and investigated for a few days, then appeared before an immigration judge who ordered him to be released with an ankle monitor to be tracked.

Casique said his brother turned 24 while being detained.

"Never in his life had he spent a birthday in that situation," he said. "The depression must be getting to him."

Casique said his brother had the American Dream of working as a barber in the U.S.

"[He] was hoping for a better future to help us, help all the family members, and look at the situation now," Casique said.

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MORE: Trump administration ignores judge's order to turn deportation planes around: Sources

A review of federal court records found no criminal court cases associated with Garcia Casique or Tiapa.

ABC News previously reported that advocacy groups and relatives of some of the Venezuelan migrants who were recently sent to the prison in Guantanamo Bay claim the administration provided no evidence the migrants were "high-threat" criminals or that they belonged to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

The Trump administration, over the weekend, announced that it would begin deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century law that allows for the arrest and removal of non-U.S. citizens when their nation or government is at war with the United States. The Trump administration designated the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, calling it a "hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States."

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After the administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act was challenged in court on Saturday, a federal judge verbally ordered two planes carrying alleged gang members to El Salvador to turn around and return to the U.S., but sources said administration officials made the determination that since the flights were already over international waters, the judge's order did not apply, and the planes were not turned around.

PHOTO: Alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua who were deported by the U.S. government, are detained at the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador in a photo obtained Mar. 16, 2025. (Secretaria de Prensa de la Presidencia via Reuters)

On Monday, the judge held a "fact-finding" hearing over the whether the administration knowingly violated his court order, but did not issue ruling on the matter.

Sanchez and Casique told ABC News they reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland security several times. but that the agencies have not provided any information about their relatives.

ICE and DHS officials did not responded to ABC News' request for information on Tiapa or Garcia Casique.

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"He has never done anything, not even a fine, absolutely nothing," Sanchez said of her husband. "We chose this country because it offers more security, more freedom, more peace of mind. But we didn't know it would turn into chaos."

Families of migrants who believe their relatives were deported by ICE say they weren't gang members originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
STONE PARK, Ill.  The family of a 21-year-old woman who was shot and killed inside a nightclub in the western suburbs earlier this month has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the venue.

The lawsuit alleges Mansion Live Nightclub, located at 3801 West Lake Street in Stone Park, failed to provide appropriate security to ensure the safety of patrons the night of the fatal shooting.

The family of Zulma Pacheco, from Chicago, is being represented by the Cavanagh Sorich Law Group.

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On Tuesday, attorneys said they will be amending their wrongful death lawsuit to also include the security guard charged, 35-year-old Kevin Henley Jr.

Kevin Henley Jr. (Photo courtesy of Stone Park Police Department)

Security guard charged in Stone Park club shooting that left 21-year-old woman dead

Prosecutors charged Henley with one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon following the early morning events of Saturday, March 8.

Authorities said a fight broke out on the dance floor of the nightclub just after 1:30 a.m. During the fight, police allege that Henley pulled out a gun and fired once, striking and killing Pacheco.

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The victim had been dancing with her boyfriend, Joel Chimborazo, at the time of the shooting.

He didnt have a FOID card as required by Illinois law and he didnt have the proper training under Illinois law which requires 40 hours of training in the use of a gun. We expect to hold Mansion Live responsible for the wrongful death of Zulma, said Attorney Tim Cavanagh during a press conference Tuesday morning.

WGN News did reach out to Mansion Live for comment on the lawsuit, but have not yet heard back.

During a court hearing Tuesday, Judge ShawnTe Raines-Welch granted pretrial release for Henley. Raines-Welch said, albeit tragic, the law is the law.

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Prosecutors allege Henleys story has changed several times. At one point he told investigators he was firing a warning shot, he also said he did not intend to fire. Due to the alleged unintentional nature and the suspects lack of abusive/violent behavior in the past, the judge granted him pretrial release.

Henley is due in court on another case Wednesday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
The family of a girl who was shot and killed at her babysitters house in North Carolina in 2023 is suing the babysitter, whose 11-year-old son allegedly shot the girl, and the gun owner, who the family says failed to secure the automatic pistol used in the shooting.

We can talk about an 11-year-old child and what he did and shouldnt have done, but we gotta hold the adults responsible, accountable for the actions of children theyre supposed to supervise, Harry Daniels, the attorney representing the family of 8-year-old Jenesis Dockery, said at a news conference Tuesday.

The wrongful death lawsuit is against babysitter Chrystle Michael and gun owner Thomas Michael, who according to the lawsuit failed to secure the automatic pistol that led to Jenesis death.

Jenesis Dockery, 8, was shot and killed while at her babysitter's house in 2023. Law Firm of Harry M. Daniels

On July 25, 2023, Jenesis and her sister were being watched at the Fayetteville home of Chrystle Michael when, the Dockery family says, Jenesis was shot in the head by the babysitters 11-year-old son.

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According to the lawsuit, the boy had taken the gun while staying with Thomas Michael, his grandfather. The lawsuit states that the boy had a strong interest in guns and his grandfather knew that and should have stored the gun safely. Thomas Michael also did not report the gun missing after it was taken.

In August 2023, the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office requested that the Division of Juvenile Justice charge the boy with two counts of larceny of a firearm and manslaughter, according to a news release.

Daniels said at Tuesdays news conference that the Dockery family is dedicated to helping other families who are victims of gun violence with stricter gun laws.

Fon Dockery, Jenesis father, said at Tuesdays news conference that his family has been changed forever.

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He called the tragedy preventable. He said his family has been in therapy for two years, trying to manage life without Jenesis.

North Carolina does not have any laws requiring unattended guns to be stored in a certain way, according to Giffords, an organization aimed at ending gun violence. However, it is a misdemeanor for a gun owner who lives with a minor leave the firearm where it can be discharged.

Related...
COLOMBO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- As part of its initiative to promote the health tourism industry and generate foreign exchange, the Sri Lankan government plans to introduce paid services at state-run Western and Ayurvedic hospitals in tourist zones, the Health Ministry announced in a press release on Tuesday, citing ministry secretary Anil Jasinghe.

Jasinghe stated that the first phase of the program will focus on upgrading Pottuvil Base Hospital, which is located near Arugam Bay Beach ranked among the world's top surfing destinations.

The hospital will offer an integrated medical service combining Western and Ayurvedic treatments, he said.

He further explained that foreign tourists receiving treatment at these hospitals will be required to make payments online. A system has been established to channel these funds into the National Health Development Fund, which will then reinvest the money into the development of the respective hospitals.

The Sri Lankan government has previously emphasized medical tourism as a key sector for generating foreign revenue, with plans to expand it in the coming years, the press release said. 
Fon Atang Dockery Jr., Jenesiss father, told reporters said his family has been changed forever by a preventable tragedy. (Photo: Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline)

Nearly two years after eight-year-old Jenesis Dockery died from a gunshot caused by her babysitters son, her family is suing to hold his family responsible for her death.

Civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels and Chimeaka White joined members of Dockerys family and their supporters outside the Cumberland County Courthouse in Fayetteville to announce the wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday morning. The lawsuit accuses Chrystle Michael and Thomas Michael, the mother and grandfather of the 11-year-old boy who caused the gun to be fired, of negligence leading to the fatal shooting in 2023.

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Our family has been changed forever by a tragedy that was very well preventable, said Fon Atang Dockery Jr., Jenesis Dockerys father. We stand here today to own up to our human responsibility, our parental responsibility, to ask for justice and transparency for the life, the light, and advocacy of Jenesis Dockery.

He said his family has been in therapy for two years since the shooting seeking to overcome the tragedy. While he hopes a judgment in the case will lead to greater accountability for gun violence, he does not expect it to bring closure. $100 million later, weve still got to go to the graveyard to see our daughter.

Eight-year-old Jenesis Dockery was fatally shot by her babysitters son in 2023. (Courtesy of the Law Office of Harry M. Daniels)

As attorneys described the lawsuit, members of the community held signs reading Justice for Jenesis, Light in the Darkness, and Change the Laws in support of the family. At the press conferences conclusion, they repeated her name in unison to honor her memory.

Lawsuit recounts a tragic death

On July 25, 2023, Fon Dockery took his two daughters to Chrystle Michaels home so she could babysit them. Her 11-year-old son, who is unnamed in the lawsuit, was also home that day and had taken his grandfather Thomas Michaels gun from his house, according to the lawsuit.

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At some point that day, the gun fired when the boy either caused it to fall or triggered it while handling it. The bullet struck Jenesis Dockery in the head, causing a traumatic brain injury that left her comatose. Two days later, she died after being taken off life support.

The lawsuit accuses Thomas Michael of failing to ensure the security of the .25 automatic pistol used in the shooting and Chrystle Michael of not adequately watching over the children while she was babysitting.

Additionally, the attorneys wrote that the Michaels should have been aware that the 11-year-old boy who obtained and caused the gun to be fired had strong interest in firearms and a propensity for violence, including toward other children. The complaint features an image of the boy holding a gun that was taken and apparently posted online prior to the shooting.

Its time for the law of North Carolina to put emphasis on children and make sure that the children of this state  of all parents  are safe and protected, Daniels said. Weve got to hold the adults responsible and accountable for the actions of children theyre supposed to supervise.

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White said the tragedy definitely could have been avoided if the boys family had paid closer attention to his behavior and taken proper care of the weapon. We are here today to ask for truth and transparency and to bring some justice to this family.

According to court records, the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office served the Michaels with the lawsuit Tuesday morning. An attorney for the family was not yet listed as of Tuesday afternoon.

Daniels said at the press conference that the boy who fired the gun was found responsible for involuntary manslaughter and larceny of a firearm through the juvenile justice system. His mother and grandfather have not been charged criminally.

Working to save other childrens lives

He credited Jenesis Dockerys family for their resilience through such a traumatic experience and for working to put an end to similar tragedies. In 2024, they launched the Live Like Jenesis Project, dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and promoting safe gun storage. They also worked with Sen. Val Applewhite (D-Cumberland) to develop the Jenesis Firearm Accountability Act, which was introduced to the North Carolina Senate.

Sen. Val Applewhite (D-Cumberland) (Photo: NCGA)

That bill would require gun owners to report missing or stolen firearms within 48 hours or risk criminal charges as well as civil damages for any crime committed with the weapon. It also includes a tax exemption for the purchase of gun safes and lockers meeting security standards set by the bill.

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If you choose not to lock your gun up and you want to leave it on the kitchen table, on your nightstand, there are consequences to that if children get a hold of it, Applewhite said in an interview Tuesday.

What the bill requires is, 48 hours from the time you know that it is missing, to report it, she said.

The Dockery familys lawsuit cites five other child fatalities within the last two years in which children got access to firearms and accidentally fired them, including a three-year-old who accidentally shot himself in February 2024 and a one-year-old who was fatally shot in High Point in November 2024.

Applewhite said she first connected with Jenesis Dockerys parents through social media. After visiting their home and speaking with them, she began work on the bill, which she says represents the best that I felt I could do given the political makeup of the legislature.

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While the lawsuit over Jenesis Dockerys death was being announced in Fayetteville, North Carolina Senate Republicans advanced a bill in committee to authorize permitless concealed carry throughout the state. That climate, Applewhite said, makes it difficult to advance any gun safety measures at the state level.

Republicans vote lockstep and on so many bills, theyll whisper to you, to the side, Senator, I really like this, you know, I just cant, Applewhite said. Who is going to have the courage to stand up finally, finally, and say our children come first?Applewhite said she plans to remain hopeful that her colleagues will consider the bill despite hesitation over new regulations on firearms. She noted that members of law enforcement, including Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers, are among the bills biggest supporters because stolen guns are a major contributor to violent crime.

Fon Dockery remains hopeful his daughters death will lead to some kinds of positive outcomes. Her light continues to go forward in the change that it is creating even now, Dockery said.

Last updated at 5:15 p.m. om March 18, 2025.
DENVER (KDVR)  The family of a Denver police officer who was killed while working an off-duty job, is making a desperate plea to keep that officers convicted killer from being released early.

Family members say they were shocked to get a letter saying the inmate could qualify for a program that could allow him to be released from prison much sooner than they had expected.

Pedestrian killed, 19-year-old arrested in Highlands Ranch crash

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Kourtney Krietemeier was just a teenager when her father Denver Police Detective Donnie Young was shot and killed in 2005.

The anxiety and panic that come over you. This is a really dangerous guy. It makes me really scared for my family, my daughter, Kourtney said.

Young was working an off-duty job at a baptismal party when he was shot by Raul Gomez Garcia.

Another of Youngs daughters, Kelsey, was 5 years old when her dad was killed.

Most of my memories comes from other peoples words, Kelsey said.

Youngs wife said the man who killed her husband was not allowed into a baptismal party and Donnie escorted him out.

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Aurora fire responding to 2 vegetation fires

But Garcia came back and shot and killed Young and injured another detective who was also working the off-duty job. Garcia was convicted of murder and attempted murder and was sentenced to 80 years in prison. The family fears Garcia will only serve a fraction of the time.

Youngs wife says shes received a letter from the Department of Corrections saying Garcia could be released early through a program for young offenders.

I was enraged. I mean I could not hold back my anger. I was just in disbelief. Dec. 22, 2004, I assumed we would never hear from him again, Youngs wife Kelly said.

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Young sent FOX31 a letter she said was from the Department of Corrections which said Garcia qualifies for the Juveniles Convicted as Adults Program since he was younger than 21 years old when he killed Young.

The law requires that convicts attend a 3-year program and serve at least 20 years of their sentence.

Identity released of woman killed in suspected DUI, wrong-way crash on I-70

This is a travesty to victims. It is a slap in the face to victims. It is a slap in the face to society. To our justice system. To our law enforcement. I dont understand how this made it through to be signed into law, Young said.

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FOX31 also spoke with the lead attorney who defended Garcia.

I think this happened when he was 18 or 19 years old. 18 or 19-year-olds just dont make good decisions. I assume that if he is qualifying for some program like this in the Department of Corrections, its probably because hes behaved himself, Attorney Fernando Freyre said.

Freyre said he was not sure of Garcias record in prison.

Meanwhile, the family is asking people to write the Department of Corrections and oppose Garcias early release. The Denver Police Protective Association will hold a press conference on Tuesday to express its opposition to Garcia possibly being released early.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The family of missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki has asked police in the Dominican Republic to declare her dead.

Dominican Republic National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira told NBC News that her family sent the agency a letter requesting a declaration of death.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student at the University of Pittsburgh and an Indian citizen, vanished before dawn on March 6 in the resort town of Punta Cana. Authorities are scouring the waters in case she drowned.

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Minnesota student Joshua Riibe has not been named as a suspect but has been detained by Dominican police and is believed to be the last person to see Konanki.

Dominican authorities confiscated Riibes passport Friday as part of the investigation, his attorneys told NBC News. On Sunday, he and his attorney met with officials on the beach.

>>>Search for Pitt student missing in Dominican Republic intensifies

Sheriff Michael Chapman of the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office in Viriginia sent Channel 11 the following statement:

The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki is tragic, and we cannot imagine the grief her family has been feeling. We have supported them throughout to ensure a rigorous, wide-ranging investigation. We have also met personally with them and continue to provide emotional support through our Victim Advocate Unit.

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Sudikshas family has expressed their belief that she drowned. While a final decision to make such a declaration rests with authorities in the Dominican Republic, we will support the Konanki family in every way possible as we continue to review the evidence and information made available to us in the course of this investigation.

We thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dominican National Police for their dedication to this investigation and collaboration.

On Monday, Riibes attorney officially requested his release. A judge is expected to issue a ruling on Tuesday, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the information.

According to the transcript of an interview with prosecutors, reported by Dominican media as well as NBC and Telemundo, Riibe told police he was drinking with Konanki on the beach and they were kissing in waist-deep water when they were pulled out to sea by a strong tide. Riibe said he was a former lifeguard and swam her into shore.

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He told investigators he vomited upon reaching the beach and that Konanki said she was going to fetch her things. When he looked up, she was gone. He said he was later surprised to hear of her disappearance.

Riibes parents have accused Dominican officials of detaining him under irregular conditions without translators or legal counsel, saying he has been confined to a hotel room with police surveillance for more than a week.

They said Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud University, has been repeatedly taken to the police station and interrogated, adding that he has fully cooperated with police.

The statement on Friday by Albert and Tine Riibe provided no details about Konankis disappearance or their sons connection to her. His parents said the family has retained a lawyer to ensure his rights are protected.

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Dominican public prosecutors have not responded to the statement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also investigating Konankis disappearance.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A nationally acclaimed lawyer is helping a family speak out after a man was killed during a high speed chase.

The family of Colby Ross held a press conference on Monday, alongside nationally-acclaimed lawyer Ben Crump and local attorney Michael Wrights office, to give an update on their lawsuit against the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office.

Im hurting: Family, lawyers speak on death of Colby Ross in July 2024

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The wrongful death lawsuit was filed following Ross death last year after being ejected from his vehicle on May 20, 2024. He was hit at a red light on West Third Street by Melissa Hutchins, who authorities say fled from a traffic stop and led deputies on a high speed chase through Montgomery County.

Now, Ross family is demanding justice, with their legal team saying the chase violated the countys own safety policy. They also say the chase was done exclusively in a predominantly Black neighborhood.

Predominantly white communities, they dont chase, they stop the chase, said Attorney Ben Crump, part of the Ross family legal team. But then when they get to track one in a predominantly Black community, they initiate the high speed chase.

And while the woman who crashed into Ross is facing several charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide and drug possession, the Ross family and their legal team say the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office should also be held responsible for Ross death.

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As the Ross family mourns the loss of a son, husband, father and more, they are also asking the community to support them in their time of need.

The community needs to go down to the county commission meetings and ask questions about why did this happen? If this was your child, would you hold those officers responsible? said Crump.

2 NEWS reached out to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, who could not provide a comment due to the nature of the case.

View the full press conference below:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
(NewsNation)  The family of missing college student Sudiksha Konanki has asked authorities to declare the 20-year-old dead, according to U.S. officials.

Sudikshas family has expressed their belief that she drowned, Loudon County Sheriff Michael Chapman said in a statement Tuesday. While a final decision to make such a declaration rests with authorities in the Dominican Republic, we will support the Konanki family in every way possible.

Konanki, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, disappeared from a beach in the Dominican Republic earlier this month, and her disappearance is being investigated by local authorities and by authorities from her hometown in Loudoun County, Virginia.

What happened to Sudiksha Konanki?

Konanki was last seen at the Riu Republica Hotel, just north of Punta Cana in the La Altagracia district, around 4 a.m. on March 6. She was one of six female University of Pittsburgh students who traveled together for spring break on March 3.

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Missing teen paddleboarders found safe off Florida coast

Police said Konanki disappeared after she and other guests went outside amid a power outage. The group was accompanied by two American men. Konanki stayed on the beach with one of the men while the rest of the group returned to the hotel.

Dominican police say theyve been reinterviewing people who were with Konanki before she went missing. Investigators have been using drones, helicopters and detection dogs to search waters off the islands east coast.

Despite the extensive search, her body has not been found. The public prosecutors office said Konankis friends have been interviewed.

Video shows Konanki at outdoor bar

Video footage was released on Monday that appears to be Konanki with a man who has been under the attention of authorities at an outdoor bar before she disappeared.

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The videos were published by local media outlet Noticia SIN and appear to show Konanki and her friends at a resort bar near a man who resembles Joshua Riibbe.

Local authorities initially said they believed Konanki drowned, but have not ruled out the possibility of foul play in her disappearance.

Spring break crackdown in Tampa nets more than 20 arrests

Local police previously said Riibe is not a suspect, although the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office believes he may have been the last person to see Konanki before she disappeared. Authorities in the Dominican Republic later pulled Riibes passport, and he is not allowed to leave the country.

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Riibe told authorities he pulled Konanki out of rough water in the ocean. He said he vomited seawater up after the incident and felt sick before falling asleep on a beach chair. Riibe said he believed Konanki left the beach before he passed out and woke up some time later.

Four tourists drowned at the same beach nearly two months prior to Konankis disappearance. The night she disappeared, there were rough seas and high waves, authorities said.

NewsNations Safia Samee Ali and Alex Caprariello contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Fabiola Pacheco Delacruz was only 18 when she had her daughter, so in a way, she said, they grew up together as close as best friends.

Her daughter, Zulma Daniela Calderon Pacheco, was joyful and hardworking, her mother said. The 21-year-old worked at a Little Village Popeyes while she figured out plans to go back to school. She was the oldest of five and always helped her mom around the house, her loved ones said.

But Calderon Pachecos young life was violently interrupted when she was shot and killed while on the dance floor with her boyfriend at a west suburban nightclub on March 8. A bouncer who wasnt supposed to have a gun fired a shot during a scuffle at Mansion Live nightclub in Stone Park, prosecutors alleged at a court hearing Tuesday in Maywood.

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The bullet struck Calderon Pacheco, prosecutors said, even though she had nothing to do with the fight.

Me arrebataron la mitad de mi vida. Half of my life was taken from me, the victims mother said while crying.

The shooting that happened as revelers danced early in the morning on a Saturday has spurred a lawsuit against the nightclub and felony charges against the bouncer, Kevin Henley, 35. Tearful family members spoke at a news conference in the Loop on Tuesday, asking for answers.

Henley is charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, both class 4 felonies.

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During Tuesdays hearing, Henleys public defender argued that the gun went off as her client was attacked.

Judge Shawnte Raines-Welch denied prosecutors petition to hold Henley in jail while awaiting trial, noting the low-level of the charges and Henleys relatively minimal criminal history, but ordered him onto electronic monitoring.

I dont think anyone disagrees that these are tragic facts but with an unintended outcome, Raines-Welch said.

Two weeks after her daughters death, Pacheco is still inconsolable every time she speaks about her daughter. She said shes found strength in her other children and in God.

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Though the suspect has been charged, nothing will take away her pain and that of her family, she said.

I still wait for her to come home, said her mother.

Pacheco and Joel Chimborazo, her daughters boyfriend of five years, on Monday filed a three-count wrongful death lawsuit against the nightclub. After the name of Henley and the security company he worked for, JMC Security LLC, became public Monday, her attorneys said Tuesday they planned to add them as defendants to the lawsuit.

Pacheco said the clubs management is responsible for hiring a security guard without the proper training to handle conflict. But she also doesnt want any other incidents to happen.

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No one deserves to go through this. I dont wish this type of pain upon anyone else, Pacheco said. He (the suspect) may be in jail for a few years, but I will never have my daughter back.

During Tuesdays court hearing, Cook County Assistant States Attorney Jose Villarreal said that Henley was barred from having a gun, as he was already on probation for a gun offense. Further, he said, bouncers arent supposed to hold weapons at the club.

Chimborazo noticed a fight break out while on the dance floor, Villarreal said. Then he heard the shot and saw his girlfriend fall to the floor.

Moments earlier, Henley had been in the middle of the altercation, Villarreal said, which was caught on camera. He was surrounded and punched by several men.

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Henley grabbed a gun from his waistband, raised it, made a windmill motion with his arms and the gun discharged, he said. Henley then hid the weapon in a bathroom and left, Villarreal said.

Henleys attorney, though, argued that her client should not be detained while awaiting trial, noting the felony charges he faces could come with a probation sentence. She said he carried a gun because he was previously threatened at the club. The video shows that he wasnt trying to aim at anyone when the gun went off, she argued.

It is clear from looking at the video that my client was being punched from all sides, she said. The time from when he was completely surrounded and the gun went off is a matter of less than five seconds.

Raines-Welch took the defendant to task for having a gun he wasnt supposed to have, but said that appellate judges have frequently reversed orders for pretrial detention in cases with similar facts.

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Meanwhile, at the news conference in the Loop, the familys attorneys said they will be investigating whether the nightclub learned anything after a prior shooting there. In 2020, a man was fatally shot outside the facility. Mansion also took over Club Allure, a strip club that was embroiled in controversy, with a 2014 lawsuit filed by nuns at the nearby Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo convent.

Were going to be able to take depositions of the owner and management of Mansion Live to find out what they learned from the 2020 shooting, and what did they do about it? attorney Timothy Cavanagh said. Its pretty apparent from looking at it now that they didnt do a lot, they didnt learn their lesson.

The lawsuit alleges that Mansion Live failed to provide appropriate security to ensure the safety of its patrons, failed to properly train and supervise its security guards, allowed its security guard to carry a concealed firearm and fire it inside the club when it was unsafe to do so, and was careless and negligent in the operation of Mansion Live, among other allegations.

Security guards are supposed to protect innocent patrons like Zulma Daniela Calderon Pacheco from danger, not fatally shoot them. Firing a gun into a crowded dance floor is reckless and negligent conduct by any measure, Cavanagh said. Zulmas family and her boyfriend are heartbroken and traumatized and want answers about how this could have happened.

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Calderon Pachecos family members and boyfriend were in tears as they recounted what happened and remembered their loved one.

It was very unexpected. I saw the fight happen, Chimborazo said. The dude just decided to pull out a gun and everything happened so fast. She just dropped behind me.

As soon as Calderon Pacheco was shot, Chimborazo said he acted quickly to try to get Calderon Pacheco help, moving out of the way so others could step in and help.

Chimborazo said that while Calderon Pacheco went through rough patches throughout their five-year relationship, they were getting to a point where they were starting to fall in love again.

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Every time we had our ups and downs, like we both knew where home was, Chimborazo said. So even though we were mad at each other, stuff like that, we would always go back to each other, no matter what.

In the complaint, Chimborazo is alleging negligent infliction of emotional distress.

The company that employed Henley, JMC Security LLC, was involuntarily dissolved March 14 because it failed to file an annual report in 2024, according to records from the Illinois secretary of state and a spokesperson.

The company had operated out of west suburban River Grove since 2023, according to the records. Stone Park police Chief Christopher Pavini said Henley does not have a firearm owners identification card and was not licensed as a security guard.

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The fundamental question here is why did this establishment, Mansion Live, which has thousands of patrons there  why did they hire a security guard that has a criminal history, that has no right to carry a gun under Illinois law, doesnt have a FOID card and wasnt properly trained? Cavanagh said. Mansion Live is going to have to answer for that, Henley is going to have to answer for that and the security firm is going to have to answer for that.

A petition was posted on Change.org demanding Mansion nightclub be shut down following the shooting. It has so far garnered over 5,400 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon.

Thats what Pacheco wants too. Nothing will mend her pain, she said, but she hopes that justice is served and that the club shuts its doors indefinitely.

Its not fair that they killed my daughter. I miss my daughter. I want my daughter here, she cried as her youngest daughter and other family members tried to console her. They shouldnt have killed her.
Farmers in Romania are moving away from growing one of the European Union's staple crops: potatoes. According to reports by Euronews, as seed prices continue to rise, farmers are struggling to stay afloat, leading many to ditch the crop altogether.

What's happening?

The price of potato seeds has dramatically increased, doubling within the past few years, with Euronews reporting that "agricultural labour has become more expensive and harder to find." Though Romania still has nearly a third of the EU's potato farms, in 2024, its potato production hit an eight-year low, per Euronews.

Extreme weather is also making it increasingly difficult for farmers in Romania to successfully grow potatoes. The drought and subsequent heat in 2024 took a worsening problem to a new low.

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Euronews journalist Emma de Ruiter explained that "traders are finding it harder to get goods, saying sales are not as high as in previous years, while some farmers say they are having to give up growing potatoes altogether because of the upfront costs."

Potato declines aren't just happening in Romania, though. Across the EU, harvested potato production has dropped by 30.8 million tons between 2000 and 2023, a 36.7% decline.

Why is the decline in potato production important?

The decline in potato production is an example of the impact rising global temperatures have on our food supply. With hotter temperatures and more extreme weather, it's increasingly difficult for farmers to yield successful harvests that keep up with demand.

This only drives the price of everyday groceries up more for the average consumer.

What's being done about declining crop production?

Across the globe, countries are beginning to transition away from dirty energy and toward clean sources of power in an effort to combat rising temperatures. By prioritizing a more sustainable future, countries can safeguard communities from extreme weather and protect our food supply.

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Increasing the speed at which society moves toward cleaner sources of energy will better protect us from crop production issues in the future.

Farmers are also advocating for policies that address the current struggles of growing crops amid unstable weather patterns.

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.
Farmers in South Sudan are facing a dire crisis as relentless climate changes wipe out their crops and livelihoods.

What's happening?

As reported by Anadolu Ajans, many in the region are without food, struggling to feed their families as extreme weather conditions make agriculture increasingly unsustainable.

According to the report, the changing climate has disrupted traditional farming cycles, leaving land unable to produce food and forcing families to migrate.

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These farmers are battling a severe dry spell, compounded by an invasion of birds, pushing families into hunger and forcing them to seek alternative sources of income.

"The birds destroyed my entire crops. I cultivated my farm, hoping for a good harvest, but I was left with nothing," Nakai Lotor told Anadolu. "Now, I have nothing to eat in my house. My two children are malnourished. I survive by selling firewood and burning charcoal."

Adele Losike said: "This dry spell has been devastating for my family's farm. We rely on the rains to water our crops and sustain our livelihood, but this year, the skies have remained stubbornly clear. Our fields, once lush with greenery, now lie barren and cracked.

"The impact is more than just financial loss. My children go to bed hungry, and I worry about their health and future."

Why is agricultural stability important?

Agricultural stability is being disrupted, resulting in not just an environmental issue but a humanitarian disaster as well that threatens food security on a massive scale.

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With food shortages rising, malnutrition is worsening, particularly among children. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report warns that by April, 57% of South Sudan's population will face acute food insecurity.

Farmers who once relied on seasonal rains are now watching their lands turn to dust, unable to sustain their families.

South Sudan, already grappling with political instability and economic hardship, now faces an agricultural collapse that could leave millions without food. If this trend continues, experts warn that famine and displacement will become even more widespread, exacerbating poverty and social unrest.

The ripple effects of food shortages reach all corners of the world, as global supply chains become more volatile and food prices rise.

What's being done about agricultural stability?

Efforts are underway to help South Sudanese farmers adapt to climate challenges.

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International agencies are stepping in to help farmers, and the World Food Program has introduced farming techniques such as half-moon ditches to conserve water and modern tools to improve soil quality.

On a broader scale, reducing harmful gas pollution and investing in sustainable farming practices are crucial to mitigating climate-related food crises in vulnerable regions.

Consumers can also make an impact by supporting sustainable agriculture initiatives and reducing food waste, making sure the food system remains as stable as possible.

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.
By Joan Humberto Suazo

TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) -A plane crashed just off the Caribbean coast of Honduras on Monday night minutes after taking off from Roatan Island, killing 12 people, authorities said, while five survived the crash and one person remains missing.

The wreckage of the small Jetstream aircraft, operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, was found about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) off the island's coast, according to the country's transport minister.

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"At approximately 9 a.m. the recovery of the last victim of the accident will continue," Honduras' firefighters' corps said on social media early on Tuesday. "We expect better weather and visibility."

According to the flight manifest shown by local media, the passengers included a U.S. national, a French national and two minors. The plane was scheduled to fly to La Ceiba airport on the Honduran mainland.

Well-known Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez Suazo was among the dead, according to fire officials.

Dramatic video footage uploaded to social media by the national police showed officers and other rescue workers carrying survivors onto a rocky coastline, some in stretchers, as a nearby boat shone a bright light amid the darkness.

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The cause of the crash was not immediately clear. The airline did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Roatan fire captain Franklin Borjas told Reuters the survivors were transported to a nearby hospital, while also confirming that the crash took place shortly after the plane's takeoff from the island.

Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands just off the Honduran coast, is a popular tourist attraction and famed for its vibrant coral reefs.

Borjas noted that adverse conditions complicated the search and rescue efforts.

"It's been difficult to access the accident (site) because there are 30 meters (98 ft) of rocks and you can't get there while walking or swimming," he said on Monday night.

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"The divers helping with the rescue have zero visibility," he added.

(Reporting by Joan Humberto Suazo in Tegucigalpa and Ana Isabel Martinez in Mexico City; Writing by David Alire Garcia and Sarah Morland; Editing by Natalia Siniawski and Jamie Freed)
The most chilling aspect of a new White House claim of boundless executive power is not whether officials ignored a judges order to halt deportations of Venezuelan alleged gang members.

Its that some senior Trump administration aides seem not to care if they did. There are even claims that some judges are simply too junior to question the actions of a president.

The furor caused by the administrations peacetime use of wartime powers under the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act is the latest, and perhaps most overt, sign of President Donald Trumps sense of omnipotence. Hes also betting voters will reward him for, in his view, keeping them safe with ruthless immigration enforcement rather than recoil from his challenges to the Constitution.

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The growing showdown is so critical because the courts are one of the final checks on Trumps power after he crushed opposition in the Republican Party and helped shut the Democratic Party out of any power in any branch of government in Washington.

The administrations transformational willingness to test bedrock constitutional principles was laid bare in a stunning interview of senior White House adviser Stephen Miller with CNNs Kasie Hunt on Monday.

Miller argued that since Trump was flexing his powers as commander in chief, the courts had no right to hold him to account, defying one of the tenets of American democracy upheld through the three branches of government. He said the Alien Enemies Act, which has a dubious historical legacy, was written explicitly to give the president the authority to repel an alien invasion of the United States. Miller added: That is not something that a district court judge has any authority whatsoever to interfere with, to enjoin, to restrict, or to restrain in any way.

Putting aside the White House claim that the United States is subject to an invasion by Venezuelan gang members  which rests on questionable legal ground  a senior aide to the president is essentially arguing his boss has absolute power.

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You can read the law yourself, Miller said. Theres not one clause in that law that makes it subject to judicial review, let alone district court review.

The President escalated his assault on the independent judiciary Tuesday, calling for the impeachment of Judge James Boasberg over his temporary halt to the deportations of alleged gang members. He called the judge a troublemaker and agitator on Truth Social and implied that his victory in the popular vote and all seven swing states in last years election granted him greater power to judge the legality of his own actions than a federal judge  in a misreading of Supreme Court precedent.

I dont care

Millers certitude was mirrored Monday by Trumps border czar Tom Homan, who expressed contempt for the notion that Trumps border crackdown could be constrained. Were not stopping. I dont care what the judges think. I dont care what the left thinks. Were coming, Homan told Lawrence Jones of Fox News.

The idea that the White House would ignore what judges say threatens the most basic building blocks of constitutional government that every American kid learns in civics class.

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The administrations mindset infuriated the judge in the deportations case, who is investigating whether the White House ignored his orders Saturday to halt the deportations of expelled alleged gang members and return flights carrying them to the US.

This handout image obtained Sunday from El Salvadors Presidency Press Office, shows Salvadoran police officers escorting alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the US government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison. - El Salvadors Presidency Press Office/Handout/Reuters

The administration is arguing, among other things, that it didnt violate Boasbergs order from the weekend since his oral order from the bench said the government must turn around planes carrying individuals subject to Trumps proclamation around, but his written order did not.

An exasperated Boasberg summarized the DOJs reasoning as: We dont care, well do what we want.

Boasberg gave the DOJs lawyers until Tuesday to come up with data about the timing of the deportation flights that they refused to provide on Monday.

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This is a showdown. This is akin to inter-branch March Madness, former Federal Judge John E. Jones III told CNNs Kaitlan Collins.

Constitutional experts said Millers argument clashed with the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison, which established the high courts authority by finding among other key principles that the actions of the executive branch are subject to judicial review.

The whole point of Marbury v. Madison  is that you go first to the district court for federal questions and questions of constitutional law, so hes not understanding that, said Corey Brettschneider, a Brown University professor and host of the podcast The Oath and the Office. If you think that the Supreme Court can ultimately opine, then you think the district court can opine on these matters.

CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams also narrowed in on Marbury v. Madison. The Supreme Court rules in 1803 that (it) has the authority to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches of government.  The presidents actions can be reviewed by a court  that is basic American history.

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Williams went on: The idea that somehow theres a class of actions that cannot be reviewed is nonsense. Everybody who lived through the 2000s knows that the war on terror was litigated in the courts over and over.

Trump believes there are few limits on his power

Trump has long advanced the belief that the presidency confers ultimate power, even though this conflicts with the principles of a nation built on revulsion of rule by an absolute monarch. I have an Article II, where I have to the right to do whatever I want as president, he said in July 2019, during his first term. Article II of the Constitution lays out the duties of the presidency  but it does not confer unfettered executive authority.

People dont normally reach the heights of the West Wing without understanding the basics of history and American jurisprudence. So the comments by Miller and Homan seem to hint at a second-term corps of officials keen to fulfill Trumps dreams of kingly might.

Where it gets scary and this is what was so frightening about the interview is when he starts saying I dont care what the courts say  we have the right to do it anyway and he wouldnt even commit to following even a Supreme Court order  thats why we are so obviously in a constitutional crisis, Brettschneider said.

A political crisis is also gathering

The battle over the deportations to a notorious prison in El Salvador is only the latest sign that the administration plans to claim almost limitless presidential power on issue after issue two months into Trumps jarring second term.

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Trump is betting that his Republican allies will do nothing to rein him in, that his Democratic foes are too weak to slow him and that procedural traditions in the courts can only rule on his disruption in retrospect.

We are unafraid to double down, and to take responsibility and ownership of the serious decisions that are being made, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday. The president was elected with an overwhelming mandate to launch the largest mass deportation campaign in American history, and thats exactly what he is doing.

Constitutional and legal fights can often feel remote to the more pressing daily concerns of citizens outside Washington  as Democrats found to their cost last year when they based at least part of their election campaign on the need to defend institutions that many Americans feel are not responding to their needs.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on Monday. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

But the outcome of the migrant flights drama  and challenges to other far-reaching administration initiatives, such as the attempt to overturn birthright citizenship and Elon Musks evisceration of the federal government  will be critical to deciding how America will be led and what kind of country it will be for the next four years and possibly for years afterwards.

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In a White House dominated by an all-powerful commander in chief, officials harbor a conception of the Constitution that most Americans would not recognize.

When Hunt raised the separation of powers in relation to the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants  apparently without due process  Miller replied: Yes, separation of powers. This is the judiciary interfering in the executive function.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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CANBERRA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced that the new five-dollar banknote will honor First Nations people's deep connection to the country, replacing the image of the monarch.

The theme was selected from over 2,100 public nominations following consultations with First Nations organizations, "which will honor the enduring emotional, spiritual, and physical connection of First Nations peoples to Country," said an RBA release on Monday.

RBA Assistant Governor Michelle McPhee described the theme as reflecting the profound bond between Indigenous peoples and the land, waters, and sky, which will guide the creation of an artwork that will feature on the redesigned banknote.

The design will be the first banknote not to feature a monarch, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

"The artwork should avoid being tokenistic or stereotypical. The tone for the banknote is of a hopeful future, where First Nation peoples' connection to Country is celebrated and respected," said the RBA release.

Despite the redesign, the reverse side of the note will continue to feature the Parliament House.

The decision to exclude King Charles on the banknote, announced in February 2023, sparked criticism from some, including Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who saw it as an attack on Australian institutions, the ABC reported.

Indigenous representation on Australian currency is not new. David Unaipon, a Ngarrindjeri author, inventor, activist and musician, appears on the 50-dollar note, and the first one-dollar banknote in 1966 also featured an Indigenous design. 
As they progress through their junior-year school studies, a group of Fayette County students has cast a critical eye toward the future of the communities in which they live and learn.

Those students gathered on Thursday, March 13, for a leadership event at the Lewis Christian Community Center in Oak Hill.

This is one of 12 or 14 sessions we do each year for Leadership Fayette County (LFC). And this is the Speaking Truth to Power, combined with cooking challenges, explained Geoff Heeter, one of the volunteer organizers of Leadership Fayette County. So, the kids are actually preparing the lunch they will serve to our guests, about 20 or so dignitaries from around the community.

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This year, their story for Speaking Truth to Power is what they hope the place would be like if indeed they would want to come back and live and work here. So, thats pretty powerful, Heeter added.

We invited local elected officials, members of civic clubs and, of course, were always eternally grateful to the school system for allowing us to run this program for almost 25 years, he said. Without their support, this wouldnt happen.

We have a great track record in that this is a nonprofit, its run by a board and several members of our board are alumni. Dr. Mandy (Wriston) and I both volunteer to administer the program and the mentoring of the program.

While the students normally come up with the menu, a time crunch this year caused a change in the approach.

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I did the menu to simplify things, Heeter said. Normally we have a lot longer, and I take them to Kroger and let them do the shopping and everything; thats an integral part of it. Some kids have never gone grocery shopping. Some kids have never cooked before.

So, its a pretty intense session for them: how to prepare food for a big group of people on a certain timeline.

Heeter says the current installation of LFC students is a very interesting group.

Its our largest group ever, he said. We have the largest class of applicants ever this spring, so we decided to add a few more slots, so we have 15 kids this year from around the county, from all high schools in the county.

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Its been a wonderful group. Very interestingly diverse in their ideals and their personalities, and thats really a big part of putting a team together.

Junior Raeanne Perdue, a member of the Oak Hill High Class of 2026, is one of the Class of 2025 for LFC.

On Thursday, she helped prep asparagus and salads, while fellow students were handling other varied chores as the meal coalesced.

We kind of just split up into different groups, said Perdue. My group was specifically to cut up all the vegetables and do all that.

I think Leadership has gone fantastically, she added. I dont know how it went for other groups, because I didnt hear much about Leadership until now.

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I thought (the decisions made this year) worked really well for our group and the time management and ultimately what went down. I just think overall the program went really well this year.

Perdue said her LFC interview at the outset of the program allowed her to understand more of the concept of the program and enticed her to start learning more and participating.

Ahead of sitting down and breaking bread with the community leaders, the LFC students presented thoughts on the program and their future.

Among the suggestions they offered were more third-party services such as events that would help bring the community together and create better connections. And, one of the messages was that consideration in the future must be given to local community needs as well as those of tourists coming into the area.

Organizations represented were: City of Oak Hill, Canyon Rim Rotary Club, Lions Club of Fayetteville, Town of Fayetteville, Beckley campus Bluefield State, BridgeValley CTC, New River CTC, WVU Tech, Fayette County BOE, Leadership Fayette County alumni, Fayette County Chamber/New River Gorge CVB, Fayette County Community Foundation and the ICE Collaborative.
(NewsNation)  The FBI has extradited one of the agencys Ten Most Wanted from Mexico, Director Kash Patel announced on social media.

The agency said Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales is believed to be a key senior member of MS-13.

According to the agency, Roman-Bardales is accused of acts of violence against rival gang members and civilians. He is also accused of having played a role in drug distribution and extortion schemes in the United States and El Salvador.

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Trump to release JFK files Tuesday afternoon

Roman-Bardales was arrested in Mexico and is being transported to the U.S. to be charged in the American justice system.

This is a major victory both for our law enforcement partners and for a safer America, Patel said.

The arrest comes as the Trump administration has focused on cracking down on immigration and drug trafficking across the southern border.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
MEXICO CITY (AP) 

FBI Director Kash Patel applauded Mexican authorities Tuesday for the arrest and handover of one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted suspects, an alleged gang leader from El Salvador.

Francisco Javier Roman Bardales is allegedly a senior leader of the Mara Salvatrucha or MS-13 gang. He was arrested Monday in the mountains of the Gulf coast state of Veracruz by soldiers and federal agents.

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"This is a major victory both for our law enforcement partners and for a safer America," Patel wrote.

Mexicos security chief Omar Garcia Harfuch applauded the arrest Monday, which his agency said was the result of international cooperation. The agency referred to his handover as a deportation to the United States.

Roman Bardales faces charges related to violent crime, drug distribution and extortion in the Eastern District of New York.

The Mara Salvatrucha was one of eight Latin American criminal organizations declared foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. government last month.

FBI Director Kash Patel said via X Tuesday that Roman Bardales was being transported within the U.S. He thanked Mexican authorities for their support.

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The arrest and swift handover came just weeks after Mexico handed over 29 drug cartel figures, including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who was behind the killing of a U.S. DEA agent in 1985.

Mexico has also stepped up operations against the Sinaloa cartel, a main trafficker of fentanyl to the United States.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has worked to show U.S. President Donald Trump that Mexico is a reliable partner on security and immigration. The results have so far kept most of Trumps tariffs at bay.

The Trump administration sent two other top members of MS-13 to El Salvador over the weekend, along with hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants.
The FBI extradited an alleged senior leader of the MS-13 gang who was on the agency's "10 most wanted" list with the help of the Mexican government, FBI Director Kash Patel said Tuesday.

Patel said Mexican authorities arrested Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales -- who Patel said is believed to be a "key senior leader" of the gang. Roman-Bardales is being extradited to the United States, Patel added.

Patel touted the arrest as a "major victory."

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MORE: During immigration raid, DHS Secretary Noem says ICE bringing 'consequences'

"He was arrested in Mexico and is being transported within the U.S. as we speak, where he will face American justice," Patel wrote in a post on X. "This is a major victory both for our law enforcement partners and for a safer America."

Roman-Bardales, 47, has been charged with several offenses for "his alleged role in ordering numerous acts of violence against civilians and rival gang members, as well as his role in drug distribution and extortion schemes in the United States and El Salvador," the FBI said.

PHOTO: In this photo released by the FBI, Javier Roman-Bardales is shown. (FBI)

A federal arrest warrant was issued for Roman-Bardales in a New York court in 2022 after he was charged with conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists; narco-terrorism conspiracy; racketeering conspiracy; and alien smuggling conspiracy.

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Mexican authorities got intelligence that Roman-Bardales was in Baxtla, Mexico. Mexican law enforcement was deployed to the area, where Roman-Bardales was identified and arrested, the FBI said.

Patel thanked Mexican partners for their help in bringing Roman-Bardales to the U.S.

"This crucial step enhances the safety of communities across America," Patel said.

PHOTO: FBI Director Kash Patel applauds as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Justice Department, March 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

MORE: Chief Justice John Roberts pushes back against Trump's call to impeach judge

The arrest comes as President Donald Trump and his administration target gangs such as MS-13.

He discussed his efforts during his address to a joint session of Congress last month, mentioning the deaths of Jocelyn Nungaray -- who was killed by two undocumented men from Venezuela -- and Laken Riley -- who was killed by an undocumented immigrant.

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"All three savages charged with Jocelyn and Laken's murders were members of the Venezuelan prison gang -- the toughest gang, they say, in the world -- known as Tren de Aragua. Two weeks ago, I officially designated this gang, along with MS-13 and the bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations. They are now officially in the same category as ISIS, and that's not good for them," Trump said in his joint address to Congress.

Also, Trump's administration is working to deport gang members from the U.S. Over the weekend, the Trump administration handed over more than 200 alleged gang members -- including two top members of the Salvadoran MS-13 gang -- to El Salvadoran authorities. The move has raised questions as to whether the deportations could be in violation of a federal judge's order temporarily blocking the removal of Venezuelans pursuant to the administration's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act.

FBI arrests alleged MS-13 leader with help of Mexican government originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The FBI extradited one of the Ten Most Wanted list fugitives, an alleged key leader of international criminal gang MS-13, from Mexico.

FBI Director Kash Patel said Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a Salvadoran national, was extradited on Monday night and is being transported to the U.S. The federal law enforcement agency worked with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other interagency partners.

He was arrested in Mexico and is being transported within the U.S. as we speak, where he will face American justice, Patel said in a Tuesday morning post on the social platform X.

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Patel touted the extradition as a major victory both for our law enforcement partners and for a safer America.

Thank you to our brave personnel for executing the mission. And thank you to Mexicos SSPC and FGE teams for their support of the FBI in this investigation and arrest, Patel wrote, referring to the Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection (SSPC), Mexicos government agency tasked with supervising public safety and security.

Mexican authorities said they arrested Roman-Bardales, 47, Monday in Veracruz, Mexico, on the Teocelo-Baxtla highway.

According to a joint statement from the Mexican Defense Ministry, Navy, Office of Attorney General, the National Guard and SSPC, Roman-Bardales was informed of his arrest, his legal rights were read out to him and he was transferred to Mexico City, where he will be taken to the appropriate authority, where he will subsequently be deported to the United States where he is wanted.

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The fugitive was wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement with MS-13s operations in both Mexico and the U.S.

He was charged with several offenses over his supposed role in ordering numerous acts of violence against civilians and rival gang members, as well as his role in drug distribution and extortion schemes in the United States and El Salvador, according to the FBI.

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York issued an arrest warrant for Roman-Bardales on Sept. 22, 2022, after he was charged with conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists; narco-terrorism conspiracy; racketeering conspiracy; and alien smuggling conspiracy.

The FBI was offering up to $250,000 for information leading to Roman-Bardaless arrest. The agency website was updated to list him as captured.

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The Trump administration last month designated MS-13, which is believed to have originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s; the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua; and half a dozen Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York stated that Roman-Bardales was being transported to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon in federal court on Long Island.

Updated at 5:22 p.m. EST

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(The Hill)  The FBI extradited one of the Ten Most Wanted list fugitives, an alleged key leader of international criminal gang MS-13, from Mexico.

Related video: Senate confirms Kash Patel as FBI director.

FBI Director Kash Patel said Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a Salvadoran national, was extradited on Monday night and is being transported to the U.S. The federal law enforcement agency worked with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other interagency partners.

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He was arrested in Mexico and is being transported within the U.S. as we speak, where he will face American justice, Patel said in a Tuesday morning post on social platform X.

Patel touted the extradition as a major victory both for our law enforcement partners and for a safer America.

Thank you to our brave personnel for executing the mission, Patel wrote. And thank you to Mexicos SSPC and FGE teams for their support of the FBI in this investigation and arrest, referring to the Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection (SSPC), Mexicos government agency tasked with supervising public safety and security.

Mexican authorities said they arrested Roman-Bardales, 47, Monday in Veracruz, Mexico, on the Teocelo-Baxtla highway.

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In a joint statement from the from the Mexicos Defense Ministry, Navy, Office of Attorney General, the National Guard and the SSPC, Roman-Bardales was informed of his arrest, his legal rights were read out to him and he was transferred to Mexico City, where he will be taken to the appropriate authority, where he will subsequently be deported to the United States where he is wanted.

Parents of missing US student ask that she be declared dead

The fugitive was wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement with MS-13s operations in both Mexico and the U.S.

He was charged with several offenses over his supposed role in ordering numerous acts of violence against civilians and rival gang members, as well as his role in drug distribution and extortion schemes in the United States and El Salvador, according to FBI.

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U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York issued an arrest warrant for Roman-Bardales on Sept. 22, 2022 after being charged with Conspiracy to Provide and Conceal Material Support and Resources to Terrorists; Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy; Racketeering Conspiracy; and Alien Smuggling Conspiracy.

The FBI was offering up to $250,000 for information leading to Roman-Bardales arrest. The agency website was updated to list him as captured.

The Trump administration last month designated MS-13, which is believed to have originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s, along with Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and half a dozen Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations.

The Hill has reached out to the DOJ for comment.

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Geoffrey Starks, one of two Democrats on the Federal Communications Commission, said Tuesday that he will step down this spring.

His departure will leave two vacancies on the commission, as the Senate has not yet confirmed Olivia Trusty, a Republican nominated earlier this year by President Donald Trump, to the other spot.

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Starks said in a statement, Serving the American people as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of my life. With my extraordinary fellow Commissioners and the incredible career staff at the agency, we have worked hard to connect all Americans, promote innovation, protect consumers, and ensure national security. I have learned so much from my time in this position, particularly when I have heard directly from Americans on the issues that matter to them. I have been inspired by the passion, engagement and commitment I have seen from colleagues, advocates, and industry. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to working with the Chairman and my fellow Commissioners, and all FCC staff, to further the mission of the agency.

He did not give a reason for his exit, but Punchbowl News reported in December that he was looking to leave his post.

Starks has served on the commission since 2019. In 2023, President Joe Biden re-nominated him for a new term, which ends in 2027.

The commission, currently split 2-2 among Republicans and Democrats, is led by new FCC chairman Brendan Carr.

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IRVING TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A woman was taken to the hospital Tuesday morning after a fire at a home near Hastings.

It happened just after 7 a.m. on the 2400 block of Wood School Road, near W. State Road, in Irving Township.

Hastings Fire Chief Mark Jordan told News 8 that the one-story building is a total loss.

A woman was taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. She was in stable condition as of about 11 a.m., Jordan said. A dog was also rescued.

Investigators believe the fire may have started in the kitchen, but the cause remains under investigation, according to the fire chief.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP)  A member of a South African research team that is confined for more than a year at an isolated Antarctica base was put under psychological evaluation there after he allegedly assaulted and sexually harassed colleagues, government officials said.

The problems at the SANAE IV base were first reported by South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper, which said it had seen an email from a team member to authorities last month claiming the man had attacked the base leader and made threats.

The email pleaded for help.

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His behavior has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing, the email said, according to The Sunday Times. I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim. The report said the man allegedly made a death threat.

South Africas Ministry of Environment, which oversees the research missions, said in a statement Monday night that the alleged assault on the base leader was reported on Feb. 27, and officials and counselors intervened remotely to mediate and restore relationships at the base. They were speaking with team members almost daily, it said.

The alleged perpetrator has willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, has shown remorse and is willingly cooperative, the ministry said, adding that he had written a formal apology to the victim of the alleged assault. It said the allegations were being investigated. No one was identified.

The nine-member team, which includes scientists, a doctor and engineers, is expected to stay at the base for about 13 months until next year, authorities said, living in close quarters through the hostile Antarctic winter, whose six months of darkness begin in June.

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The base is on a cliff in Queen Maud Land and is surrounded by a glacial ice sheet, more than 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) from South Africa.

The next planned visit by a supply ship is in December, according to the South African National Antarctic Program. It takes the ship around 10 days to travel from Cape Town.

Authorities said they had decided not to evacuate anyone from SANAE IV, where the onset of unpredictable weather conditions meant the team was now confined to the base.

The ministry said all team members had undergone evaluations ahead of the trip to ensure they are able to cope with the extreme nature of the environment in Antarctica and the isolation and confinement, and no problems were identified.

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It is not uncommon that once individuals arrive at the extremely remote areas where the scientific bases are located, an initial adjustment to the environment is required, it said.

Previous problems have been reported at another of South Africa's remote research bases on Marion Island, a South African territory near Antarctica.

In 2017, a member of a research team there smashed a colleague's room with an ax over an apparent love triangle, according to a report to South Africa's Parliament. Lawmakers said it appeared the researchers were living in highly stressful conditions.

The National Science Foundation, the federal agency that oversees the U.S. Antarctic Program, published a report in 2022 in which 59% of women in the U.S. program said theyd experienced harassment or assault while on research trips in Antarctica.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
UNITED NATIONS, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until March 17, 2026.

By passing resolution 2777, the Security Council stressed the important role that the UN will continue to play in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, and reaffirmed its strong commitment to the country's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity.

The council emphasized its deep concern regarding the dire economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, and recognized the need to help address the substantial challenges facing the country's economy, including through efforts to restore the banking and financial systems and to enable the use of assets belonging to Afghanistan's central bank for the benefit of the Afghan people.

The 15-member organ also expressed serious concern over the presence of terrorist groups in the country, reaffirming the importance of combating terrorism.

"China welcomes the unanimous adoption by the Security Council of Resolution 2777. This demonstrates the Council's strong support for the Mission and the people in Afghanistan," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said after the voting.

The envoy said that last month China was very pleased to initiate the consultation process on the draft resolution. In March, China worked with Denmark, president of the Security Council, to advance subsequent consultations, and eventually arrived at a text acceptable to all council members.

"Afghanistan is now at a critical stage in its peaceful reconstruction," Fu told the Security Council. "It is incumbent upon the international community to urgently provide more support in terms of development, humanitarian assistance, narcotics control, and the fight against terrorism."

Highlighting the need for more engagement with the Afghan interim government to achieve positive interactions, he also expressed the hope that the government will take more visible actions and respond positively to the legitimate concerns of the international community. 
Tracy Cole, the mother of Alvin Cole, surrounded by her family. (Photo by Isiah Holmes)

A federal civil trial into the killing of 17-year-old Alvin Cole by then-Wauwatosa officer Joseph Mensah five years ago began on Monday, bringing Coles family, Mensah, a cast of current and former Wauwatosa officers, and other witnesses into the U.S. district court building in Milwaukee. The lawsuit accuses Mensah of using excessive force when he fired five shots at Cole in 2020, killing him after a foot chase in a darkened mall parking lot.

The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation

During opening statements, attorney Kimberly Motley said police officers receive extensive training in use of force under Wisconsins Defense and Arrest Tactics (DAAT) standards. Motley said that when officers fire their weapons they must articulate each shot and that Mensah did not exercise restraint when he shot Cole. Coles case was Mensahs third shooting over a five year period, although attorneys agreed to not bring up that fact during the trial. We believe that Joseph Mensah did not have the right to shoot and kill Alvin Cole, said Motley.

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The mostly white jury of seven women and one man listened intently to statements from both Motley and attorney Joseph Wirth who represents Mensah. They recounted the events of Feb. 2 2020, a Super Bowl Sunday, when Cole and a group of his friends got into a verbal altercation with another group of boys at the Mayfair mall. Police were called and the boys fled. Officers later testified that a single gun shot was heard as the police were chasing Cole, though they did not see who fired the gun. While Cole was on his hands and knees, surrounded by officers, Mensah fired five shots, later claiming that Cole pointed a gun at him. Wirth said footchases are dangerous and unpredictable and stressed that the events leading up to the shooting took place over less time than it took the attorney to introduce himself to the jury. He appealed to the jurors saying they could be sympathetic to the Cole family, while also ruling that Mensahs use of force was reasonable. Put yourself in the officers shoes, Wirth told the jury.

Motley said that Cole accidentally shot himself in the forearm before he fell, breaking his arm in the process. The broken arm would have made it hard for him to aim his gun at Mensah, as Mensah claimed, Motley said. Also, an officer who was closer to Cole than Mensah said that Cole hadnt moved at all before Mensah fired.

That officer, David Shamsi, whos now an FBI agent, was called as a witness on Monday. Another officer, Evan Olson, who said the gun was pointed in a completely different direction than Mensah claims, is also expected to testify later in the week. The contradictory statements from officers Mensah, Olson, and Shamsi persuaded U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman that the lawsuit should go to trial.

On Monday, Alvins father, Albert Cole, recalled dropping his son off with his friends the last time he would see him. After Alvin died, Albert became anti-social, he testified, Crying on the witness stand, he said Alvins death left a hole in his life and that of Tracy Cole, his wife of over 30 years. That hurt was inside me, he said.

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Shamsi testified that he was tunnel visioned on Coles gun, which he said remained on the ground and didnt move after Cole fell to his hands and knees in the dark parking lot. Shamsi hadnt considered whether Cole was wounded and, in fact, was prepared to fire his own weapon if the boy moved again. I did not see him point a gun at me, said Shamsi.

During questioning, attorneys noted that Shamsi changed his story when he was re-interviewed about the shooting months after it occurred. It was during that interview that Shamsi said that he saw Coles arm extended towards officers. When he was deposed for the civil lawsuit and then on the stand Monday, Shamsi reverted to his original statements that he did not see Cole move after he was on the ground.

Cole family attorney Nate Cade told Wisconsin Examiner that he suspects Shamsi changed his story after meeting with Mensahs attorneys, because no one wants to turn around and say that a fellow officer did something wrong. He said Shamsis testimony that the gun never moved is the most damning thing. Coles shooting was initially investigated by the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team (MAIT), before the Milwaukee County district attorney decided Mensah wouldnt be charged for killing Cole in 2020. A recent investigation by Wisconsin Examiner in partnership with Type Investigations found a pattern of MAIT policies protecting officers and contradictory statements left unchallenged.

Cade said the district attorney looked the other way and that there were things that investigators should have done but neglected, such as measuring the distance between Coles body and bullet casings. There are no measurements, said Cade. None of the officers identified exactly where they were standing.

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Attorneys also called a civilian witness whod seen Coles group running from police and witnessed the shooting. The witness said that he did not see Cole running with anything in his hands, suggesting that he had not turned his body to point a gun at officers as he ran. Wauwatosa officer Dexter Schleis agreed with Cade that deadly force is allowed if an armed person turns towards an officer, he would not answer directly when asked if deadly force is appropriate when an armed person has their back to an officer, is on the ground and isnt moving. Schleis repeatedly asked for the question to be repeated, that he didnt understand, or couldnt say whether the shooting complied with police protocol.

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A change in presidential administrations has resulted in the dismissal of an appeal by the federal government of an injunction granted to Oklahoma over a new interpretation of Title IX.

Last May, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit against then-U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and the U.S. Department of Education concerning a new Title IX rule interpretation announced by the federal agency the previous month.

The interpretation, under the administration of former President Joe Biden, added gender identity as a protected class under the law. Cardona had announced the new Title IX rule interpretation on April 19.

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In his lawsuit, Drummond argued that interpretation was unconstitutional and ignored the language within Title IX, a law passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program that receives financial assistance from the federal government. U.S. District Judge Jodi Dishman  an appointee of President Donald Trump during his first term  agreed and issued an injunction against the rules enforcement in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is applauding a federal appeals court decision to dismiss an appeal of an injunction against a new interpretation of Title IX.

Cardona and the federal agency appealed that ruling to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. However, now under Trump's current administration, that appeal was dropped on Friday.

I appreciate President Trumps willingness to dismiss the misguided appeal filed by the Biden Administration, Drummond said in a statement. Oklahoma students can now rest assured they will be protected from invasions of privacy and other unnecessary harm, thanks to this responsible resolution.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education, led by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, filed a separate lawsuit over the new Title IX rule interpretation on the same day as Drummond. Dishman dismissed that lawsuit in January, (b)ecause Plaintiff did not timely serve Defendants within 90 days of the filing of this action and did not comply with the Courts order giving Plaintiff additional time to effect service.

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Nicole McAfee, the executive director of Freedom Oklahoma  an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization  expressed disappointment in Drummond's statement about the dismissal of the appeal.

"It's a shame to see our attorney general and other state leaders celebrate a decision that will further harm some of our most vulnerable youth, when we know that allowing gender-based violence against 2STGNC+ students is deadly," McAfee said. "I wish the politicians putting out celebratory statements like this cared about all kids, including the thousands of trans youth who call Oklahoma home, as much as they do their personal, political platforms."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Federal court dismisses appeal of injunction over Title IX rule change
The Kentucky State Penitentiary on Lake Barkley near Eddyville houses 26 inmates on Kentucky's death row. (Kentucky Department of Corrections)

Karu Gene White

A federal appeals court has upheld the capital sentence of Kentuckys longest-serving death row inmate.

In a 2-1 ruling the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the death sentence of Karu Gene White, who was 19 when he and two juveniles were charged in the brutal 1979 murders and robbery of three elderly shopkeepers in Breathitt County. Lula Gross, 74, her husband Charlie Gross, 75, and Lulas brother, Sam Chaney, 79 were beaten to death inside the small grocery store where they also lived. White had heard that they were keeping a large amount of cash in the store.

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White was convicted and sentenced to death in 1980.

In his latest appeal White argued that during the penalty phase of his trial his lawyers failed to present mitigating evidence that could have persuaded at least one juror to block his death sentence.

Judges Alice M. Batchelder and Amul Thapar ruled that the Kentucky Supreme Court had properly considered and rejected Whites argument.

After a horrific life that culminated in his committing horrific murders, Karu Gene White had his day in court decades ago. A jury of his peers found him guilty of murder. He was sentenced to death. Despite years of delay the truth persists: neither the law nor justice stand in the way of his sentence.

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In her dissent Judge Jane B. Stranch cited numerous instances when White, whom she said was physically, mentally, and emotionally abused, could have suffered brain damage as a child, evidence she said his lawyers should have presented to the jury during the sentencing phase.

His family members alternated between neglecting him and engaging in extreme violence towards him including shooting at him, forcing him out of his home, and forcing him to drink urine, Stranch wrote in her dissent. He witnessed the death of a sibling as a result of the same behavior that was directed towards him on a routine basis and the death of his own father at the hands of an uncle. He suffered head injuries and showed signs of mental incapacitation. He was exposed to drugs and deliberately fed alcohol at a young age. He was exposed to inappropriate sexual activity  and much of that sexual activity was violent, including rapes and beatings of underage family members in his presence, often by his own father. He developed the same antisocial behaviors that lead to the murders because of this abuse. There was too much mitigating evidence to ignore.

Executions have been on hold in Kentucky since 2010 when Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd found that the states lethal injection protocol was inconsistent with state law and provided no safeguards to prevent the execution of an inmate who is intellectually disabled or criminally insane.

Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman has asked Shepherd to lift the ban on capital punishment, saying the Beshear administrations regulatory changes have brought the state into compliance with his 2010 ruling.

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The Kentucky Supreme Court in October 2024 unanimously rejected Colemans request to end Shepherds injunction. Coleman filed a motion in December 2024 asking Shepherd to dissolve the injunction and allow executions to proceed.

Twenty-five people are on Kentuckys death row.

Kentucky has executed three people since 1976, when the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty; Kentucky has had no executions since 2008.

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A federal judge berated attorneys for the Department of Justice on Monday after they claimed an oral order he gave over the weekend was not enforceable.

These werent statements. This was an order, U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg exclaimed during the hearing.

The White House has struggled to defend its actions after President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 on Friday to remove suspected members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua without a hearing. On Saturday, Boasberg ordered the deportations to haltand to turn around any planes already in the air, an order the administration promptly ignored.

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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 said. A corresponding written order was filed less than an hour later at 7:26 p.m.

Two planes carrying 261 migrants landed in El Salvador on Sunday nonetheless. Boasberg asked the administration to explain its actions in a hearing Monday afternoon.

An oral directive is not enforceable as an injunction, a document from the DOJ filed Monday reads.

Thats a heckuva stretch, Boasberg said at the hearing on Monday.

At the hearing, the DOJ refused to answer whether the White House had defied the order, citing national security concerns.

"There are actually questions about whether a verbal order carries the same weight as a written order" -- Leavitt on court orders and Trump's compliance (or lack thereof) with them pic.twitter.com/PXE2v2uKz3  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 17, 2025

Boasberg rebuked the departments stonewalling and said he wanted more information by noon Tuesday.

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Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed earlier Monday that the planes had left the U.S. before Boasberg submitted his written order.

All of the planes subject to the written order of this judge departed U.S. soil, U.S territory before the judges written order, Leavitt said. Theres actually questions of whether a verbal order carries the same weight as a legal order, as a written order.

Boasberg was nominated by both George W. Bush and Barack Obama to federal roles during the span of his career, and was formerly appointed the United States Alien Terrorist Removal Court.

The day after his decision, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele taunted the judges temporary restraining order, writing: Oopsie...Too late, with a laughing face emoji.

Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, arrived in our country. They were immediately transferred to CECOT, the Terrorism Confinement Center, for a period of one year (renewable).



The United States will pay a very low fee for them, pic.twitter.com/tfsi8cgpD6  Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 16, 2025

Bukele also uploaded the now viral video of El Salvador officials taking in the deportees, roughly grabbing them, pushing their heads down and shaving their heads.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio later retweeted the post.

Border Czar Tom Homan also seemingly signed off on the administrations decision to ignore the judges order, telling Fox News on Monday: Were not stopping. I dont care what the judges think. I dont care what the left thinks. Were coming.

White House aide Stephen Miller claimed that it is, without, doubt the most unlawful order a judge has issued in our lifetimes.
Justice Department lawyers representing the Trump administration were defiant in a federal court hearing Monday, declining to answer several of the judges questions and otherwise defending the administrations conduct after immigration authorities appear to have violated the judges order.

The hearing concerned U.S. District Judge James Boasbergs verbal order Saturday that planes being used to deport people under the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used wartime power, be immediately returned to the United States.

The administration attorneys asserted they did not refuse to comply  even as they acknowledged ignoring a verbal order from the court.

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On Saturday, the administration allowed multiple planes to land in El Salvador  the president of which has promised to throw deportees into a notoriously brutal supermax prison  hours after Boasberg issued an order pausing the deportations. In court on Saturday, the judge said, This is something that you need to make sure is complied with immediately.

At Mondays hearing, administration lawyers said they didnt consider the judges verbal order to be operative  and argued that a written, paragraph-long minute order later entered in the court docket superseded it. The minute order didnt mention turning planes around.

Thats a heck of a stretch, replied Boasberg, the chief judge in the federal district court in D.C., after a Justice Department lawyer confirmed that the administration believed it could disregard his verbal order. (Verbal orders are, in fact, judicial orders.)

The Justice Department lawyers, Abhishek Kambli and August Flentje, also argued that Trumps inherent authority regarding foreign policy and military decisions trumped the judges authority once the planes left the United States, even though Boasbergs verbal order had addressed planes that were in the air.

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Boasberg countered that his own authority did not end at the airspaces edge.

Lee Gelernt, an ACLU attorney who addressed the court, said the question of the extent of Trumps powers was a question for the appeals process, and that the administrations claims about Trumps power gives them no basis for simply not complying with the order from the district court judge.

Kambli and Flentje refused to answer some of the judges questions, saying they were not at liberty to discuss operational issues such as how many planes departed the United States Saturday carrying deportees who were subject to the presidents Alien Enemies Act invocation.

Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act Saturday for only the fourth time in all of American history. The law gives the president power to imprison and deport non-citizens without due process during wartime. Trump claims the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which hed previously designated a terrorist group, is actually conducting irregular warfare and working with the Venezuelan government to destabilize the United States through migration. The DOJ attorneys said Monday that some of Saturdays deportees were removed from the U.S. under other authorities rather than the Alien Enemies Act.

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Pressed by Boasberg about whether they couldnt discuss the details because they were classified  he offered to turn off courtroom microphones and huddle privately with the attorneys  the Justice Department lawyers sought to avoid the question.

All I can say is that Im authorized to say what we said in the public filing and to the extent that theres anything more, thats not relevant, because we do believe that we complied with the court order, which is that no flights took off from U.S. territories after the written order, one of the Justice Department attorneys said. (Poor audio quality on the courts phone line made it difficult to differentiate the two DOJ attorneys.)

That does not comply with my order, Boasberg shot back, adding that his order was broader than that. Its not a question of taking off from U.S. territory, as anyone who reads a transcript of the hearing knows. He said the administration would have to provide a specific reason why it wanted to exclude information from court.

Boasberg didnt issue any rulings, but set a noon Tuesday deadline for the administration to lay out its position in writing, as well as provide various facts the Justice Department lawyers said Monday that they couldnt.

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I will memorialize this in a written order, since apparently my oral orders dont seem to carry much weight, Boasberg said.

The hearing punctuated the Trump administrations increasingly aggressive position toward courts, which has raised fears that the administration will begin regularly ignoring court orders.

Gelernt said at one point that I think were getting very close to a constitutional crisis.

On Sunday, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, a Trump ally, mockingly wrote Oopsie... Too late  in reference to Boasbergs order. Secretary of State Marco Rubio then reposted Bukele, and Elon Musk called for the impeachment of the judge.

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Bukele also released a video showing the deportees being manhandled and sent to the notorious prison, known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT.

Without due process, theres no way to know whether the deportees were Venezuelan gang members or simply asylum-seekers or migrants who were not gang members at all, condemned by the Trump administration to be deported to another countrys prison for no discernable reason.

Our [Immigrant Defenders Law Center] client fled Venezuela last year & came to [the] US to seek asylum, Lindsay Toczylowski, the centers co-founder, president and CEO wrote. He has a strong claim. He was detained upon entry because ICE alleged his tattoos are gang related. They are absolutely not.

Toczylowski added that the unnamed client has been forcibly transferred, we believe, to El Salvador.

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No court, or judge, or jury ever heard their case, Dan McFadden, managing attorney at ACLU of Massachusetts, observed separately, referring to a picture of deportees in El Salvador. (The ACLU is among the groups fighting Trumps Alien Enemies Act order.) There was no appeal. Just a plane to a forced labor prison in El Salvador for whoever Trump said should go.

Even in the run-up to Mondays hearing, the federal government was defiant, urging Boasberg to cancel the hearing and de-escalate the grave incursions on Executive Branch authority that have already arisen. (The judge declined.) The administration also asked an appellate court to reassign the case to another district court judge.

In his second term, Trump is pursuing an unprecedented power grab, asserting near-unlimited authority to fire federal workers, eliminate agencies created by Congress, and cut off (and even claw back) money already designated for spending under law. In turn, courts have checked the administration, ordering them to undo many efforts.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  A federal judge is giving the Trump administration until noon eastern time to provide more information about why the judge says the White House ignored a court ruling to pause deportation flights.

The administration says the judges order from this weekend was unlawful.

The judge says the White House must provide specific information on the flights, including a sworn statement that no one on any deportation flights since were placed on board under the Alien Enemies Act.

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Federal judge James Boasberg says the White House must come clean about whether it ignored his weekend orders to pause some deportation flights.

We played a little game of Catch Me if You Can and guess what, the judge wasnt able to catch us on this one, said White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields.

On Saturday, Judge Boasberg temporarily halted deportation flights bound for El Salvador that carried suspected Venezuelan gang members.

He also ordered two flights already in the air to return to the U.S., which did not.

The judges orders came after the flights were already in the air. And at that time, theyre over international waters and unfortunately that judge lost, said Fields.

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Department of Justice lawyers argued the judges order was verbal, not written.

Judge Boasberg was highly skeptical of that argument.

What this case is about is using a wartime authority during peacetime, said ACLU Lead Counsel Lee Gelernt.

At issue is President Donald Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act, a law from 1798 allowing the government to deport noncitizens with no trial or hearing.

Congress could not have been clear that it can only be used where a foreign government or nation is in a declared war with the United States, or is invading, said Gelernt.

The White House says it is following the law and court rulings.

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The president did the right thing, I stand by it, said border czar Tom Homan.

Judge Boasbergs order to pause deportation flights for two weeks is meant to give him time to decide whether President Trump exceeded his authority.

Our country is based on the assumption that there are three equal branches and that the federal courts will say what the law is and the other two branches will adhere to those rulings. Once that ends, were in a very different situation in this country. Were no longer a country based on the rule of law, said Gelernt.

President Trump is calling the judge in this case a radical left lunatic and calling for him to be impeached, potentially setting up a major showdown between the White House and the judicial branch.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Federal prosecutors are seeking to seize almost $62,000 cash and a handgun from a man sentenced earlier this month to prison on gun, dogfighting and drug charges.

The motion was filed Tuesday before U.S. Judge Donald C. Nugent in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio following the March 5 sentencing of Stanley Redd Jr., 46, of Warren.

Redd was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after guilty pleas in December to charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and sponsoring or exhibiting animals in an animal fighting venture.

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Redd was originally indicted on July 11, 2023, and then was issued a superseding indictment on Sept. 7, 2023.

The government on Tuesday filed a final notice of seizure, asking to take $61,996 and two .38-caliber revolvers that were found when agents served a search warrant in the case on May 18, 2021, during a search of Redds home in Warren.

Tuesdays motion comes after the government advertised the right of anyone who had a claim on the cash or the guns to file one. But no claim was ever filed, the governments motion said.

Redd pleaded guilty to having fentanyl on May 18, 2021, as well as having a .38-caliber revolver despite several drug-related convictions from Trumbull County Common Pleas Court dating back to 2002.

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The indictment also says that Redd had a tan pit bull named Niko on May 18, 2021, when authorities searched an Austin Avenue SW home.

The indictment said that Redd was having the dog fight in various dog fights from December 2020 to the day the dog was found.

Authorities were serving a search warrant at Redds home as part of a drug investigation when they found the dog. Reports said they also found equipment that led them to believe dog fighting was taking place.

There were several other dog fighting-related counts in the superseding indictment, but they were dropped in exchange for Redds plea.

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The gun and drugs in the indictment were found the day the search warrant was served.

Authorities found a total of seven dogs at the time during their investigation, and they were all taken by the Animal Welfare League. Most of the dogs were males 2 years old and under.

Warren police said at the time that the fighting setup they found was one of the most elaborate they had seen.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FREDERICK, Md. (DC News Now)  State lawmakers are weeks away from finishing their legislative session, but some say they are anxious about job cuts to the federal government.

As many as 11,000 Maryland residents working for the U.S. government could be laid off.

Trumps executive order leads to layoffs at Voice of America

Montgomery County Del. Lily Qi (D  15th District) told community leaders meeting in Frederick County on Monday that the state must be proactive about the job cuts.

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These federal layoffs disproportionately affect a community like Frederick [County] and a Montgomery [County] and the National Capital region, said Qi. We need to make sure that our communities are held together in this difficult time.

Qi said she is also concerned about the potential loss of federal grants and contracts awarded to Maryland-based firms.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The Trump administration maintains that more than 200 people deported last weekend to a prison in El Salvador were criminals with ties to a dangerous Venezuelan gang.

But legal documents filed in federal court as part of the government's attempt to clarify the legal basis for those deportations seem to raise more questions than they answerand indicate that some, if not many, of the deportees were not the threats that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claims they are.

In some cases, those individuals were deported simply for being in the same car or house as other suspects. In others, a Trump administration official admits that there is little specific evidence tying some deportees to any crimeand then, incredibly, argues that the lack of evidence should be taken as proof of criminality.

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"The lack of a criminal record does not indicate they pose a limited threat," wrote Robert L. Cerna, an acting field office director for ICE, in a sworn affidavit filed in federal district court in Washington, D.C., on Monday night. Cerna goes on to write that "the lack of specific information about each individual actually highlights the risk they pose. It demonstrates that they are terrorists with regard to whom we lack a complete profile."

That's a laughably weak argument. Cerna is arguing that the Trump administration has the power to deport any immigrant suspected of having ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, even if the evidence is thin and never proven in any court.

Imagine siting on a jury and being told by the prosecution that there would be no evidence presented of any crimes being committed, but that you should simply take the prosecutors' word that the suspect seems like a bad guy. Any reasonable juror would vote to acquitif the judge didn't laugh the prosecutors out of court first.

Or simply flip the argument around. Would Cerna take evidence of criminality as proof that someone was not a criminal? Of course not.

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No wonder the Trump administration was in such a rush to bypass due process for these deportations.

To be fair, the affidavit also contains enough details of crimes committed by Tren de Aragua gang members to conclude that at least some of those deported over the weekend probably got what they deserved. That doesn't excuse the rushed, unlawful processif anything, it should only stress the importance of due process as a way to sort out the real threats from everyone else.

Instead, Cerna's affidavit paints the picture of a Trump administration and ICE management that were determined to deport as many people as possible, no matter how tenuous the connection to Tren de Aragua or any crime.

Near the end, Cerna notes that some of the suspects arrested and deported by ICE were simply caught up in the immigration dragnet because they happened to be near other of ICE's targets.

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"According to a review of ICE databases, numerous individuals removed were arrested together as part of federal gang operations, including two individuals who were in a vehicle during a Federal Bureau of Investigations gun bust with known [Tren de Aragua] members; four individuals who were arrested during the execution of an Homeland Security Investigations New York City operation; and four individuals who were encountered during the execution of an arrest warrant targeting [Tren de Aragua] gang member, all of whom were in a residence with a firearm and attempted to flee out the back of the residence," he writes.

Could those individuals have been engaged in some sort of illegal activity with known gang members when they were apprehended? Sure. But that's exactly the point of immigration courts and the criminal justice system: to sort out those tricky questions before someone is locked up, deported, or both.

The logic on display in Cerna's affidavit is fundamentally at odds with due process or any sense of limited executive powers when it comes to prosecuting crimes. It runs counter to President Donald Trump's own campaign promises about restoring law and order. It is, in short, the sort of thing that only the most committed bootlicker could even attempt to stomach.

The post The Feds' Legal Arguments for These Deportations Are Laughably Weak appeared first on Reason.com.
SYDNEY, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Australia's New South Wales (NSW) recorded 85 murders in 2024, the highest number in a decade and an increase from 58 murders in 2023, according to the state's Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

Sydney's eastern suburbs reported the highest number of murders, largely due to the Bondi Junction stabbing attack in April 2024, which accounted for six of the nine murders in the area, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on Tuesday.

Of the 85 victims, 46 were men, 26 were women, and 13 were children or young people, BOCSAR said, adding domestic violence-related murders made up nearly 46 percent of all cases.

Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, called for urgent funding increases for specialist support services, stating that "ending violence costs money, but not investing is costing lives."

The report also noted a rise in multiple murder incidents, with eight cases involving 22 victims, half of whom were killed in domestic violence-related situations.

BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald described the spike as "unusually high" but cautioned that murder rates fluctuate year to year, and the 2024 murder rate was "not necessarily an upward trend in murder."

Despite the surge in murders, there were no significant increases in other crime categories over the past two years, with theft from vehicles even dropping by 8 percent, BOCSAR said, adding property crimes such as break-ins and theft have declined in NSW. 
SWEETWATER, Tenn. (WATE)  Monroe County Deputies, along with multiple fire departments responded, to a house fire in Sweetwater that left two people dead on Saturday night.

The sheriff shared on Monday, that while the department knows the names of the women who were trapped inside the residence, they are waiting for DNA confirmation before releasing any details.

All you can do is be there for the family or the survivors and try to help them as much as possible, explained Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones.

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The familys two-story house has been reduced to nothing but its foundation after the devastating fire. The cause of the blaze remains unclear as the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and sheriffs office continue the investigation.

Veteran aims to rebuild home washed away by Helene as mortgage company seeks payment

You feel helpless, you feel useless. The guys hold it back, I hold it back and then you drive away, and it hits you. What could you have done, and could you get there quicker? Wish you were in the area closer when it happened, and sometimes we are or sometimes were not and it weighs pretty heavy on you, added Jones when asked about the impact on First Responders.

Jones grieves for the family and hopes the survivors are able to move forward and pick the pieces back up.

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Personal property in a house fire, its hard because you lose things you can never replace, our family heirlooms, photographs, things such as that. Everything else can be replaced. Thats why we pay insurance. But, you know, you cant replace life. Theres no amount of money to replace that, said Jones.

He suggests everyone make exit plans in case a fire does spark in their residence.

None of us expect it to be us. We dont expect it to happen to us and then like in this situation in seconds, it happens and and this house went up really, really fast in flames. So, you know, seconds count, Jones added.

Jones also suggests homeowners keep up with their insurance in case they experience a tragedy or even a small fire. Personal photos and important documents that cant be replaced should be backed up to a disc in a safety deposit box.

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Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) said budget negotiations are ongoing and declined to set an "arbitrary" timeline for finalizing the 2026 spending plan. "Everyone will know there is an agreement when we have a joint announcement," he told reporters Tuesday. (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters.)

Fiscal leaders in the House and Senate continue to work toward a broad budget agreement but are not there yet, Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) said Tuesday.

With 21 days left in the session, the House continues to finalize its version of the budget introduced in January by Gov. Wes Moore. The continued work has stretched beyond traditional deadlines and a revised set of expectations Ferguson laid out for reporters late last month.

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The two chambers continue to work together on a spending plan. Teams from the House and Senate, including House Appropriations Chair Ben Barnes (D-Prince Georges and Anne Arundel), House Ways and Means Chair Vanessa Atterbeary (D-Howard), Senate representatives and members of the governors staff were part of a meeting Monday night after lawmakers finished their work at the crossover deadline.

I think we are very, very close, Ferguson told reporters. The framework is very nearly there. Once the House starts moving a budget, I think well be able to have a conversation about where things are.

Ferguson described a fluid series of ongoing budget negotiations between the House and Senate.

On the broader question of whether there is an agreement on the budget, everyone will know there is an agreement when we have a joint announcement. And you know, were very close where things are very productive. There are very good conversations happening,

But the Senate leader said it was important to not put the cart before the horse as both chambers nail down the final details and solidify support within their respective caucuses.

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You know, legislative chambers have to have votes, Ferguson said. I have to make sure I have 24 votes. The speaker has to make sure that she has her votes in her chamber. Its important that we not put the cart in front of the horse, and that we really kind of do our due diligence to make sure that all the details are in place and that the numbers work, and that its a sustainable budget that people buy into.

The framework, as Ferguson described it, is likely to be a general agreement on topline budget numbers including cuts and revenues. The work being done between the two chambers is expected to cut back on the number of issues that may have to be addressed in a conference committee.

In reaching that agreement, the budget will cross from the House to the Senate later than usual. The handoff will exceed Fergusons revised timeline announced weeks ago that had the budget in the hands of the Senate March 18 or 19.

That will not happen. Fiscal subcommittees in the House have yet to finalize recommendations. Full committees have yet to adopt those changes. All of that must happen before the budget can be taken up by the 141-member House in a series of votes and debates that can take a few days to a week.

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Ferguson declined to reset expectations on when the Senate would receive the House version of the budget.

I dont think that arbitrary timelines are necessary right now. I think what we need to do is get to the best budget possible in this environment, and we will get done before the end of session, no matter what, Ferguson said.

I dont think sort of setting a red line is the most important value, he said. The most important value is that we are working collaboratively to protect the six-and-a-half-million Marylanders who are worried about whats ahead.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Fergusons comments follow Moores public declarations Monday about a budget framework.

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In comments to reporters, Moore declared that two taxes would not be part of a final budget.

One is a proposed per-ounce tax on sugary beverages. Despite polling well, the proposal to tax sweetened drinks faced a difficult road to passage.

Moore also announced that a broad business-to-business sales tax on services was also off the list. Surrogates for the governor later told reporters that any sales tax on services would likely also have to include those to individuals and businesses for Moore to support it.

Ferguson, in his comments to reporters, said some form of a sales tax on services would be included in the budget. The final form including services and whether it would expand beyond business-to-business services are open questions.

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Ferguson said a hearing on the tax a week ago, where opponents to the services tax showed up in force, was instructive. But he repeated that the proposal remains on a list of options.

I tried to reiterate from the beginning, it was a menu  you dont eat everything on the menu, you pick and choose from the menu, Ferguson said. I think we were looking at a more narrowly tailored approach with the business-to-business that really is about a modernized economy.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Should Ohio schools at all levels have any components of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)? That is a question that is being debated at the Ohio Statehouse right now.

It is a distraction from the work and the real issues that we are facing in higher education, that we are facing in K through 12, Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said.

Some Statehouse leaders call universal meal program at schools wasteful

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I think, generally speaking, that the dam is broken on the issue, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said. People realize that often that subject matter was really used as a political cudgel to beat down your opponents or to intimidate people.

Senate Bill 1, poised to pass the Ohio House this week, makes sweeping changes to higher education, including the elimination of DEI; in some cases, the bill threatens to pull funding for noncompliance. Opponents of the bill point out that DEI practices support more than some people realize and not just Black Americans.

But also, with veterans, with those that are disabled, theres lots of lots of areas of support regarding DEI, State Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) said.

If its people of color, women, people from the LGBTQ community, veterans, people with different abilities, whos left that is supposed to be getting everything? Whos left, Ohio House Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) said.

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If Senate Bill 1 does pass the statehouse this week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said while he reserves the right to wait and see the final version, he plans to sign it.

Ohio Statehouse revives bill to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy, as cities take action

In addition, Senate Bill 113 and its identical House Bill 155 would eliminate the practice in K-12 public schools. Huffman said it is about making sure that Ohio students values align with their parents.

We need to make sure that parents and families are the primary informers to their children, of the way they think life should be, he said. All of those, again, are nuanced answers and interactions when your kids go off to school for 6 hours a day.

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I think its a witch hunt like it was at the upper levels, Antonio said. Were still fighting some kind of weird hate culture war and now using words like diversity, which is part of the foundational beliefs of our society to be inclusive, include everybody in.

Huffman said while, in general, he believes in local control and allowing school boards to make their own decisions in areas like DEI, sometimes rights of individuals are trampled upon by local governments and that is when it is up to the state to step in and make a change like this.

As Republicans work to eliminate DEI, some Democrats are fighting to preserve it. House Bill 165, for example, creates a new implicit bias course for teachers and allows for reimbursement for taking it.

Where and when 17-year cicadas are expected to invade Ohio this spring

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Implicit bias is a large part of DEI training, and the course, under this bill, would cover the following, at least: a definition of implicit bias, examples of implicit bias in action and a method of identifying susceptibility to unwanted bias.

That bill was just introduced last week, so has yet to have a hearing.

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A former business leader, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point chancellor, and two out-of-state college provosts were named finalists in the search for the next UW-Milwaukee chancellor.

One of the four finalists named Tuesday by the UW Board of Regents will replace Chancellor Mark Mone, who is stepping down at the end of this school year to return to teaching.

The finalists are:

Thomas Gibson, UW-Stevens Point chancellor

Carol Kim, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for University at Albany, State University of New York

Allan Klotsche, director of master's programs at UWM Lubar College of Business

Nicolle Parsons-Pollard, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Georgia State University in Atlanta

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Finalists will participate in campus forums next week where they can interact directly with students and staff. Public sessions will also be available over Zoom:

Parsons-Pollard: 4:30 p.m. March 24

Gibson: 4:30 p.m. March 25

Klotsche: 4:30 p.m. March 26

Kim: 4:30 p.m. March 27

A 16-member search committee chaired by UW Board of Regents member Joan Prince sifted through the names and selected a number of semifinalists. A smaller Regents committee selected finalists last month. The group will recommend a single pick to the full board, which is expected to vote on the hire in the coming weeks.

The UW System hired WittKiefer to assist in the chancellor search. Officials have yet to turn over a copy of the contract the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel requested under the state's public records law.

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Here's more information about each candidate from their submitted resumes:

Gibson took the helm of UW-Stevens Point in 2021, where enrollment has ticked upward in recent years. Previously, he was the vice president for student affairs and vice provost at Bowling Green State University from 2016 to 2020 and an associate vice president for student affairs at Ball State University from 2013 to 2016. Other jobs also focused on student affairs and support services in New York and Connecticut.

He earned his bachelors degree in mass communication from Eastern Connecticut State University and a doctorate from Johnson & Wales University.

Kim has served as provost of the University of Albany since 2019, where she led the institution's COVID-19 response task force and launched an artificial intelligence initiative. She previously worked for the University of Maine in a number of positions, including vice president for research and dean of the graduate school.

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She earned her bachelor's degree in philosophy and biological chemistry from Wellesley College and a doctorate in microbiology from Oregon State University.

Klotsche has led the master's programs at UWM's business college since 2024. He previously worked as CEO of Alpha Source Group, a company servicing diagnostic imaging equipment at hospitals and health care facilities and president of National Business Furniture. Before that, he spent 25 years in various positions with Brady Corp., an industrial manufacturer.

Parsons-Pollard has served as provost at Georgia State since 2022. Previously, she worked as vice provost for academic and faculty affairs at Monmouth University in New Jersey from 2016 to 2020. She held a number of positions at Virginia State University from 2008 to 2016.

She earned her doctorate in public policy and administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

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Kelly Meyerhofer covers higher education in Wisconsin. Contact her at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: UW-Milwaukee chancellor finalists named
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A prominent landmark building is one step closer to rehabilitation in the City of Rochester.

Tuesday, New York State announced that the former Hotel Cadillac will receive $6.2 million to transform it into the Fine Arts Building Lofts.

Project details according to the state:

42-unit mixed-income, mixed-use and supportive housing project. Thirteen units will include supportive services for homeless young adults. The development is receiving funding from HCR and NYSERDAs Clean Energy Initiative.

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A timeline for completion is not clear at this time. News 8 has reached out to the City for more details and expects to have more this week.

Mixed-use apartment complex in Rochester with library branch receives state funding

The state announced funding, $10.1 million, for another Rochester housing project, the Fernwood Avenue Apartments. The project will have 65 units of housing, with a small branch of the Rochester Public Library inside.

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WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (PIX11)  A fire broke out at a power plant in Williamsburg Tuesday morning, according to the FDNY.

The fire broke out at 9:45 a.m. on River Street between Grand Street and North 1st Street, according to the FDNY. The site is a Small Natural Gas Power Plant operated by the New York Power Authority.

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Plant staff was conducting routine maintenance when the fire ignited, according to a spokesperson for NYPA. The fire was contained to the plant property and did not cause any interruption of power.

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Two firefighters had minor injuries after the fire, which burned for just under an hour, fire officials said. Some 60 first responders managed the flames, according to the FDNY.

Videos posted to Citizen show smoke billowing out of the facility, which is right on the waterfront in Brooklyn.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

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PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB)  Bay County Fire Rescue officials are investigating the cause of a fire that damaged at least 3 condominium units Monday evening.

The first happened at the Gulf Crest Condominiums located on Surf Drive, just south of Thomas Drive. It began between 6:00 and 6:30 Monday evening.

The fire appears to have damaged the corner units on the southeast side of the building overlooking the gulf. The units on the 13th, 14th, and 15th floors all appear to have suffered some damage.

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We dont know if smoke or water damaged any of the other condos in the building. We do not believe anyone was hurt during the fire, but authorities have not confirmed that information.

They have yet to say what started the fire, or, again, how much damage it caused. News13 will provide more information as soon as its available.

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JERMYN, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  The Crystal Fire Company in Jermyn is celebrating a major milestone: 140 years of service. The all-volunteer department has evolved over the years, responding to emergencies not just in their hometown, but across Lackawanna, Wayne, and Susquehanna counties.

Crystal Fire Company is one of the oldest volunteer firefighter companies in the state.

Members say the key to their longevity is community support and the dedication of their volunteers.

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Commitment, thats the big thing, said Crystal Fire Company No. 1 Captain James Allan.

For 140 years, the Crystal Fire Company has been answering the call, helping neighbors in times of crisis, no matter the hour.

Great bunch of guys that go out to calls all over. Basically, we were in the town here, but we do a lot of mutual aid for other towns and townships throughout the valley, Crystal Fire Company No. 1 President John Frankosky stated.

A lot has changed since the fire company was first established in 1885.

Modern training, new equipment, and evolving firefighting techniques have helped them keep up with the growing demands.

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Youll see we have a 100-year-old truck thats in the back there, compared to what we have today, its amazing, President Frankosky explained.

Two PA Lottery tickets worth over $5M near expiration

Like many volunteer fire companies, recruiting new members has been a challenge, but efforts are underway to bring in the next generation.

Were getting more junior members. We have a cadet program with junior members and were starting to fill some of those positions, you know step by step, little at a time. Theyll grow into a full member at one point, Frankosky continued.

But one thing that hasnt changed for more than a century: Backing from the community.

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To support the company by helping us raise funds but also at the same time, its like a community event, people come here and they hang out, they see whats going on, they wanna see who the new people are, Captain Allan said.

We need that support to make our day-to-day operations go, and so we can be there for somebodys worst day, Captain Allan added.

The company hopes to continue recruiting new volunteers to carry on the legacy for generations to come.

Hopefully the volunteers keep coming in, and we keep getting the community support, the towns support and we are here for another 140 years and we keep it going, Captain Allan continued.

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The company is marking the occasion with a celebration in May to thank the community for its role in keeping them strong for a century more than a century.

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MCPHERSON, Kan. (KSNW)  Due to the continued threat of fires, fire crews from Utah and Wyoming have converged on Kansas to help fight them.

Were here to support the local fire departments and the Kansas Forest Service, Brion Terry, a fire warden from Severe County, Utah, said. So were traveling as a task force. We have seven engines. One type three and six type six engines. And we have most things that you would need for any wild land suppression. Initial attack. We can be self-sufficient for multiple days.

The firefighters are here under the Great Plains Interstate Fire Compact. The Kansas Forest Service is coordinating them.

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Allows us to come out here and help our neighboring states with severity wildfires. You know, when one state needs it, were glad to help out, Corey Auger, a fire warden covering two counties in Utah, said. We are ready to go. As soon as we get the phone call from Kansas Forest Service, they will point us in a direction, and we will go and head out to help the fire departments in however we can assist.

The crews have their own trucks to go with firefighters.

Storm Track 3 Forecast: Fire danger is back, so is a chance for snow!

The Kansas Forest Service says it is scheduled to be here to help for 14 days under the compact with multiple other states.

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Allows for a very quick exchange of resources between states, Rodney Redinger with the Kansas Forest Service said. By Kansas getting into that compact, we are able to get resources, if needed, from other states, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, even up into Canada.

Redinger explained that Kansas officially joined in 2017 after an act by the Kansas legislature. Kansas can negotiate the specifics of how the crews are paid, but it ultimately foots the bill.

Its kind of a negotiated process, to be honest, so the states that are going to send stuff in can say, Hey, we will cover base salary if you will pick up their overtime,' explains Redinger. And travel. Or they (other states) can say, Hey, we dont have the funds to cover things up front like this. So, the receiving state will pay for all of it. It is just a negotiated process.

Redinger says the Kansas Forest Service will determine where the crews will go, when and if needed.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  A home in the northeast part of the Des Moines metro is a total loss following a fire that began Tuesday morning.

The Polk County Sheriffs Office tells WHO 13 a call came in around 10:30 a.m. about a fire in the 4400 block of NW 26th Street. A plume of thick black smoke was visible from miles away.

Officials said the home was unoccupied at the time. No injuries were reported.

Crews from the Des Moines and Delaware Township fire departments responded.

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JAKARTA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A total of 400 Indonesian citizens who were victims of online fraud have returned home from Myanmar, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The victims, consisting of 313 men and 87 women, arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten Province, on two separate flights from Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand on Tuesday. All were in good health, with five reportedly pregnant.

The 400 Indonesians evacuated from Myawaddy came from 21 provinces, with most hailing from North Sumatra, Bangka Belitung, West Java, Jakarta, and North Sulawesi.

Indonesian authorities collaborated with their counterparts in Thailand and Myanmar to facilitate the repatriation.

The ministry also said that efforts were underway to repatriate the remaining 154 victims still in Myanmar, with plans to bring them home on Wednesday. 
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Several apartment buildings in east Austin are now unlivable after a fire spread from a barbecue pit into the buildings, the Austin Fire Department said. The fire happened around 3 p.m. Saturday at the 6800 block of Wentworth Drive. Thats off Loyola Lane.

32 displaced after fire spreads to multiple buildings in east Austin

There was a guy barbecuing on the backside of the road, the wind blew, it made the building catch fire and then the fire started spreading building to building, said Shermanique Collins. Her grandparents live at the complex.

A fire Saturday at the 6800 block of Wentworth Drive displaced 32 people (KXAN photo/Grace Reader) Fire in east Austin off Wentworth Drive (Austin Fire Department Photo) Fire in east Austin off Wentworth Drive (Austin Fire Department Photo) Fire in east Austin off Wentworth Drive (Austin Fire Department Photo) Fire in east Austin off Wentworth Drive (Austin Fire Department Photo)

Collins grandparents are okay, but 32 of their neighbors have been displaced by the fire. Many are staying nearby at the Turner Roberts Recreation Center where the Red Cross is set up.

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Generally well open a shelter like this, well feed, well provide some items  usually in partnership with other organizations  and the case work piece usually comes in. Those are kind of our standard programs that we offer for these type of events, said Kristofer Morgan, senior community disaster program manager at the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter for people displaced from an apartment fire over the weekend in east Austin (KXAN photo/Grace Reader)

This type of response would be expanded or replicated in the city of Austin should there be a catastrophic wildfire. Thats something Austin Mayor Kirk Watson nodded to in an interview several weeks ago.

What we would do under these circumstances, of course, is first we would hope that we could help place people with their family or friends. We also would open up other facilities much the way we do when we have a very cold night and things of that nature. We would first look to other facilities like libraries and rec-centers, he explained.

That requires collaboration between organizations like the American Red Cross and the city before a fire  something that was in place over the weekend.

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Saturday evening when we had to open a shelter, 8:00, 9:00 at night, we were able to call up our partners at PARD (Austin Parks and Recreation Department) and they said, yes come on down,' Morgan said.

Morgan and her family hope with fire danger being top of mind right now, that people will use extra caution so its not necessary moving forward.

Dont be cooking six feet within building space, theres a reason why thats code and law, for other peoples safety. And then if you see that you start a fire, especially if its not intentional, make sure everybody that could have possible been affected is okay, she said.

The American Red Cross is regularly looking for volunteers. You can find ways to help here.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Alamogordo Fire Department battled strong winds to contain a structure fire at a vacant hotel last week that was later ruled to be arson.

A person was also identified as a suspect after an investigation by Alamogordo Fire, Alamogordo Code Enforcement and Alamogordo Police and was charged with arson in this fire, according to that citys Fire Department.

Fire crews also searched the building along White Sands Boulevard for a woman who was reported to be inside the hotel at the time of the fire, but she was found safe away from the hotel.

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At about 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, the Alamogordo Fire Department was dispatched to a possible structure fire at 1401 South White Sands Blvd.

Upon arrival, fire crews saw heavy smoke coming from the north wing of the hotel.

Despite strong winds, fire crews initiated aggressive interior operations to bring the fire under control quickly, Alamogordo Fire said.

Upon arrival, Alamogordo Police Department units informed responding firefighters that two homeless male subjects were seen leaving the area of the hotel. These individuals stated there was a female inside the building at the time the fire broke out.

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In response, fire crews conducted an extensive search of the hotel while simultaneously conducting fire suppression efforts.

During these efforts, the female subject was located away from the scene and the building was cleared with no victims found inside.

Otero County Fire Services and Holloman Fire Department assisted in putting out the fire and searching the building.

No injuries were reported to civilians or fire personnel, and all fire damage was contained to the vacant hotel building.

Alamogordo Fire did not identify the person who is facing arson charges in this fire.

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Scott McKinley paid homage to his burned-down home with a rendition of "Amazing Grace" on his bagpipes, and now his touching tribute performance has gone viral.

The Stillwater, OK., resident stood in front of his still-smoldering home that burned down due to the ravaging wildfires in the area and proceeded to play the hymn while his wife, Brittany, filmed it.

The McKinley's are among the dozens and dozens of families who evacuated their homes as wildfires approached the area. They grabbed their most valuable possessions and left to find shelter. When they returned, they found their entire home destroyed.

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McKinley said he and his wife belong to a Celtic band and usually perform peppier tunes on St. Patrick's Day. But when he found his home reduced to rubble, McKinley said the appropriate way to honor the home was to break out the bagpipes and play "Amazing Grace."

McKinley uploaded the video on Facebook, where it has garnered more than 600,000 views. He said his bagpipes were one of the first things he grabbed as he gathered his belongings during the emergency evacuation. McKinley said his family and dogs are doing okay, and that it was important for him to grab his instrument because music is the most important thing to him behind his family.

Music has meant the most to me.



Scott McKinley touched hearts with a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace in front of the still-smoldering remains of his Stillwater, Oklahoma home after wildfires seared the region. He joins @KyraPhillips to share his story of resilience. pic.twitter.com/TPNSyIxlai  ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) March 17, 2025

During an interview with ABC News, Brittney shared why she was compelled to film her husband's performance.

"Because I know that we are going to rebuild there. That's our home. And I wanted to have a before-and-after," she explained. "We were just talking that when we do finish we want to have a big party. We want to have all the music, all the people over. It's just something to document for ourselves, more than anything, and it just went crazy."

Related: Maui Wildfire Death Toll Rises to 36

The region remains under a fire threat that sparked and spread over the weekend. At least 74 homes were destroyed in the Stillwater area. According to ABC News, parts of Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas face a critical threat of fire danger, with gusts up to 45 miles per hour and very low humidity as the main culprits.

At least four people are dead and more than 140 are injured due to the wildfires, and more than 400 structures have suffered damage statewide.
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?
(The Hill)  As a result of recent court orders, federal employees are returning to their jobs  but are being put on paid leave.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told The Hill that as a result of a court restraining order, it was rescinding the terminations of 419 employees.

The spokesperson said that these employees are mostly in an administrative leave status.

The Hill also obtained a notice that the Commerce Department sent to a staffer it had fired. The notice said that the employee will be reinstated, but that for the time being the employee will be placed in paid, non-duty status.

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The employee will remain on paid leave until the court case is resolved or until the department decides otherwise, according to the notice viewed by The Hill. Employees are subject to being fired again depending on the outcome of the case.

Trump signs order to dismantle 7 federal agencies focused on media, libraries, homelessness

Its not immediately clear how many people received such notices or whether other agencies were similarly placing employees on paid leave.

Tens of thousands of staffers across the government were laid off after a directive to fire workers who were considered probationary  those who were relatively new to their agency or who had recently been promoted.

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The Hill previously reported that hundreds at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is inside the Department of Commerce, and about 400 at the EPA were let go as part of this purge.

The Commerce Department and the White House did not immediately respond to The Hills requests for comment.

The latest news comes after a judge ruled last week that probationary workers had to be reinstated.

However, more firings are expected in the weeks ahead, as the Trump administration seeks additional staff cuts. Another 1,000 workers are slated to be cut at NOAA, while the National Park Service could lose 30 percent of its payroll.

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As a result of recent court orders, federal employees are returning to their jobs  but are being put on paid leave.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told The Hill that as a result of a court restraining order, it was rescinding the terminations of 419 employees.

The spokesperson said that these employees are mostly in an administrative leave status.

The Hill also obtained a notice that the Commerce Department sent to a staffer it had fired. The notice said that the employee will be reinstated, but that for the time being the employee will be placed in paid, non-duty status.

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The employee will remain on paid leave until the court case is resolved or until the department decides otherwise, according to the notice viewed by The Hill. Employees are subject to being fired again depending on the ultimate outcome of the case.

A probationary worker at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) also said that they and the other probationary employees that they know were also put on paid leave. The NIH is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is unknown whether every HHS probationary staffer received such a notice.

It is also unclear how many people received such notices or whether other agencies were similarly placing employees on paid leave. A source also told The Hill that some of their colleagues at Commerce had been rehired but put on leave.

Tens of thousands of staffers across the government were laid off after a directive to fire workers who were considered probationary  those who were relatively new to their agency or who had recently been promoted.

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The Hill previously reported that hundreds at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is inside the Department of Commerce, and about 400 at the EPA were let go as part of this purge.

The Commerce Department and the White House did not immediately respond to The Hills requests for comment.

The latest news comes after a judge ruled last week that probationary workers had to be reinstated.

However, more firings are expected in the weeks ahead, as the Trump administration seeks additional staff cuts. Another 1,000 workers are slated to be cut at NOAA, while the National Park Service could lose 30 percent of its payroll.

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Julia Shapero contributed.

Updated March 18 at 9:05 a.m. EDT

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An arrest has been made in the case of the twin brothers found dead atop a Georgia mountain.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said that Scott Kerlin, 42, is being charged with misdemeanor obstruction.

"Kerlin is a volunteer firefighter in Towns County who took photos of the Lewis twins death scene and shared them publicly," the GBI said in a statement on Tuesday.

PEOPLE has reached out to a GBI spokesperson to ask if Kerlin was present at the crime scene in an official capacity or if he went there on his own accord.

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Kerlin did not respond to a request for comment.

The bodies of Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis, both 19, were discovered by a group of hikers on Bell Mountain just before noon on March 8, according to the GBI.

Both teenagers had gunshot wounds, and a preliminary investigation by the GBI and the Towns County Sheriff's Office determined the case of death to be murder-suicide.

The official and cause and manner of death has yet to be released however, with the medical examiner saying that additional forensic testing is needed after completing the brothers' autopsies.

gofundme Family members do not believe the brothers (above) died in a murder suicide. Family members do not believe the brothers (above) died in a murder suicide.

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Family members of the two brothers have been adamant in declaring that they do not believe the deaths were a murder-suicide, and have urged authorities to continue their investigation.

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"My nephews wouldnt do this! They came from a family of love, and twins wanted so much for their future, they had dreams of starting their very own clothing line," the brothers' aunt Yasmine Brawner said after launching a GoFundMe to raise money for their funerals.

Brawner and other family members have said that the brothers had no ties to Bear Mountain, which is 90 miles north of their home in Lawrenceville.

Family members also said that the brothers had been planning to fly to Boston the day after their bodies were discovered, and were discovered with the plane tickets in their pockets.

"Something happened at Bell mountain that ended the lives of 19 year old Qaadir and Naazir, which needs to be further investigated," said Brawner.

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If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  As firefighters were battling a fully engulfed trailer fire, a firefighter had to dodge an oncoming vehicle on Highway 99 early Sunday morning.

According to officials with the Kern County Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched to a semi-truck fire on Highway 99 near David Road, around 12:09 a.m.

At the scene, a firefighter noticed a vehicle hurtling toward him while he was standing by a fire engine.

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The firefighter quickly threw himself against a fire engine, and managed to move the majority of his body out of the way. The firefighter suffered non life-threatening injuries, according to fire officials.

Celebrate St. Patricks Day around Bakersfield

Fire officials told 17 News the firefighter was taken to the hospital and is scheduled to return to full duty when he fully recovers.

Witnesses told the highway patrol the suspect vehicle was possibly a white Chevrolet sedan and the model year is unknown.

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GREEN LAKE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV)  Firefighters are battling a 720-acre wildfire in the White River Marsh State Wildlife Area in Green Lake County.

Dubbed the Big Island Fire, the blaze ignited around 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Fire crews have managed to hold the fire to the south side of County Road D.

Wisconsin man hospitalized after shooting, no arrests

Two residences have been evacuated, and six structures remain threatened, though none have been lost. No injuries have been reported.

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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is on the scene alongside ten local fire departments and law enforcement agencies.

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The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities confirmed that no DNR-approved or private prescribed burns were in the area at the time of ignition. The fire is currently burning on both state and private land.

Hulk Hogan visits Appleton to promote Real American Beer

Residents near the wildlife area are urged to avoid the region. The DNR also encourages the public to check fire danger levels before conducting any outdoor burning activities.

For the latest fire conditions, evacuation updates, and burning restrictions, visit the DNR website. Officials plan to release further information as it becomes available.

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ALMATY, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme Court of Kazakhstan and the European Court of Human Rights have signed a memorandum to strengthen cooperation in applying international judicial standards to help improve Kazakh judges' qualifications.

Chairman of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, Aslambek Mergaliyev, and President of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Marko Bosnjak, signed the memorandum to enhance bilateral cooperation on Monday, said the Kazakh Supreme Court's press service.

The memorandum grants the Kazakh Supreme Court privileged access to case law materials that are not yet publicly available, allowing Kazak judges to consider relevant European judicial practices when making rulings, it said.

Agreements have also been reached to organize educational programs for Kazakh judges, providing new opportunities for improving law enforcement practices and protecting human rights and freedoms in the country. 
More than a year into his tenure as head of the Chicago Police Department, Superintendent Larry Snelling on Monday announced the promotion of Yolanda Talley to the departments second-in-command.

Talley, a 30-year department veteran and most recently chief of the bureau of internal affairs, will be the first Black woman to serve as first deputy superintendent, overseeing much of the departments day-to-day operations and reporting directly to Snelling.

Prior to internal affairs, Talley was commander of the Austin District (15th) on the West Side, and she has appeared regularly at the monthly meetings of the Chicago Police Board.

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In February 2024, Talley told members of the board that the bureau of internal affairs was often at odds with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, one of the agencies that investigates alleged misconduct by CPD officers.

One of the key issues BIA and COPA face is finding common ground, Talley previously said. Both entities are tasked with overseeing police conduct, yet there have been instances where we dont see eye-to-eye, and we acknowledge these challenges and strive toward collaborative solutions that enhance the efficiency and transparency of our investigative processes and foster a culture of effective communication.

Talleys comments came shortly after Snelling castigated COPAs now-former chief administrator for the agencys perceived biases.

Along with Talley, CPD promoted new leaders in the departments office of constitutional policing and reform, the investigative response team, Area 4 on the West Side, as well as two patrol districts.

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CPD has been without a first deputy superintendent since Snelling took over the department about 18 months ago. In an interview last year with the Tribune, Snelling said he had assumed most of the first deputy responsibilities himself with help from the CPD chiefs. He conceded that some find this approach problematic and he would like a break every now and again, but the arrangement, to that point, had worked.

I learn by diving into the deep end of the pool, Snelling previously told the Tribune. I want to know every aspect of every job at the command staff position because it really helps me to develop and it helps me to have a better understanding of what to expect for the next person that Im going to put in that position.

In February 2022, Talleys personal vehicle was involved in a narcotics arrest in the Harrison District (11th). The first deputys niece was driving the car, and a man in the passenger seat was seen by police throwing a package of heroin out the window before officers placed him under arrest.

In body-worn camera footage previously obtained by the Tribune, Talleys niece told responding officers, Dont even worry about it cause my aunties probably your boss.

Talleys niece was not arrested, but the man later faced narcotics charges and ultimately was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections. Former CPD Superintendent David Brown later said there was no evidence of any misconduct by Chief Talley.
(NewsNation)  A Peruvian fisherman who survived 94 days lost at sea in the Pacific Ocean has been reunited with his family.

Maximo Napa Castro, 61, set sail for a two-week fishing trip on Dec. 7 when, 10 days in, bad weather hit and took his boat off course. His family launched a search, but authorities couldnt locate him.

American who snatched wombat says thousands threatened my life

The Peruvian Navy announced on Facebook that Castro was found Wednesday by an Ecuadorian patrol vessel nearly 700 miles off the coast of a northern Peruvian town.

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Castro was taken to a hospital in the city of Paita, where he was discharged Saturday.

During his time stranded at sea, Castro said he survived off of rainwater and eating cockroaches, turtles and birds. He spent his last 15 days without food.

Castro told local media thinking of his family while he was stranded gave him the strength to carry on.

My mother is alive. I didnt want to die for my mother, Castro said. I have a 2-month-old granddaughter; I clung to that.

Castro was flown to Lima after being discharged from the hospital and reunited with his family. His niece, Leyla Torres Napa, said the family was planning to celebrate his birthday, which passed while he was at sea.

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The day of his birth was unique because all that he could eat [while at sea] was a small cookie, so it is very important for us that we celebrate because, for us, he has been reborn, she said.

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JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ)  Five municipalities in Cambria Countys West Hills region are taking steps toward creating a joint comprehensive plan aimed at improving housing, recreation, and municipal services over the next decade.

According to our media partners at The Tribune-Democrat, the 30-square-mile regions municipalities plan to contribute a combined $37,500 toward the initiative, which is being coordinated by the Cambria County Planning Commission. The plan would allow each municipality to maintain its autonomy while sharing resources to cut costs and enhance public services.

Southmont Borough voted Monday to approve its $5,026 share of the funding. Brownstown Borough has also committed, while Westmont Borough and Upper and Lower Yoder townships are scheduling votes to finalize their contributions.

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Westmont Borough Council President Marc McCall expressed optimism about the plans progress, noting that past attempts to create a joint plan did not move forward.

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If approved, the initiative would mark the countys first joint municipal comprehensive plan, shaping the regions development for the next 10 years.

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It was a typical Thursday last week for PENNCREST School District Superintendent Shawn Ford and Assistant Superintendent Patti Fiely. Amid meetings, phone calls and other plans, Fords schedule included two videoconferences and there were three on Fielys schedule.

COVID-19 anniversary

Is the United States prepared for another health care emergency?

Five years ago, in all likelihood, those virtual meetings would have been held in-person. When you work in a rural school district of 408 square miles, that could easily mean 45-minute trips there and back, making two such meetings in a single day a challenge and three all but impossible. Its true that some people find in-person meetings more effective than videoconferences, but the chance to save both the cost and the time needed for travel can make for more effective and efficient administration.

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Its also true that when thinking about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown that started five years ago, finding evidence of positive outcomes can be challenging.

In fact, when asked to reflect on the overall impact five years later, Fords initial response was telling.

That brings up bad memories that weve tried to block out of our being, he joked.

The truth, of course, is that Ford, Fiely and educators across both Crawford County and the nation are still dealing with the impact of the pandemic on a daily basis in a variety of ways. But theyre also dealing with much more than just the aftermath of the pandemic.

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Take scores on Pennsylvanias standardized tests. A common talking point for many has been to blame the shutdown and the resulting interruption of in-person schooling for a decline in test scores, particularly in math, but the two PENNCREST officials were unwilling to embrace that easy narrative.

Our test scores, when we look at them historically, have stayed pretty consistent, said Fiely, who was previously the districts director of student services. We did not have a huge drop to recoup. They stayed pretty steady and we had some gradual gains in literacy  not so much in math, but Im not sure I can attribute that to the pandemic.

Its also too soon to tell: Only one year of testing data exists so far for the students who entered kindergarten in the fall of 2020, Fiely noted. And while the pandemic compounded math problems for students across the nation, changes to state standards played a role as well, all against the backdrop of steady downward trend nationally that predates COVID-19.

Were not going to do that, say math scores are down because of the pandemic, added Ford, who was superintendent of Purchase Line School District near Punxsutawney at the time before moving to PENNCREST a year ago. Were trying to diagnose that. We realize what were doing is not working.

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For Pennsylvania schools, the shutdown began on March 16, 2020. A week later, then-Gov. Tom Wolf extended what had first been announced as a 10-day closure until April 6. After another week, Wolf said schools would be closed until further notice.

Adam Jardina, soon to take over as superintendent of Conneaut School District, was principal of Conneaut Valley Elementary School when the shutdown order came. Among the keys to making it through, he said last week, were the strong relationships with families that the school had built prior to the pandemic.

Another key cited by Jardina as well as Ford and Fiely was the fact that when schools opened again in September, local districts were back to in-person learning, at first alternating with about half the students coming in person for two days each week, then the other half and everyone working remotely one day. Various buildings experienced periodic shutdowns due to high case counts over the course of the fall, but the emphasis on in-person attendance may have mitigated the impact on learning, according to the administrators. Conneaut Valley managed to avoid any additional closures.

Was that because of out precautions? Maybe? Jardina said. Did we luck out? Its hard to say.

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Either way, he added, being able to maximize the in-person experience was a blessing.

It took a lot of planning work in a short period of time to make that happen, he said.

Another factor was the triage assessments schools were forced to perform at a time when it felt as though youre building the plane while youre flying it.

Like Ford, Jardina recalled early days in the pandemics when a central function for schools became food distribution and the years educational goals took a backseat.

In addition to widespread and significant improvements to schools technological infrastructure, particularly in rural districts like Conneaut and PENNCREST, other long lasting impacts included more attention to mental health issues that had existed prior to the pandemic but that were brought to the fore during the shutdown.

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As schools were forced to prioritize, Jardina also saw evidence of an evolving perspective.

Everyone became a lot more flexible really quick. People who really struggled with change became much more apt to being open to suggestions and changes. Sometimes when youre just forced to make some changes, you see the benefit of always learning and growing and trying different and new things.

The shift in perspective has extended beyond the end of the pandemic, according to Jardina.

If we made it through that period of time  it wasnt just the disease itself, he said. The political issues and battles certainly trickled down to the school level  the mask mandates and the anger within communities, the confusion and the fear  all of those things weighed pretty heavy on everybody, whether you were an educator or a parent or not.

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Mask controversies drew more people to sometimes heated school board meetings and set the stage for a diverse slate of polarizing school issues that received increased focus as widespread vaccinations helped the country emerge from the shutdown. By mid-2023, feuding among PENNCREST School Board members was filling district auditoriums and even resulted in the district being featured as a sort of poster child for polarization on PBS News Hour.

Monica Hargenrater, a Cochranton resident with two children attending Crawford Central School District schools, was among the many people who moved from passive observation to active engagement as a result of the pandemic.

When the shutdown started, she had viewed Crawford Central meetings a few times on TV but had never attended in person. By late 2021, Hargenrater was a regular at meetings, consistently addressing the board about her concerns and launching an unsuccessful school board campaign. Two years and many meetings later, she was elected along with several other new members as the boards makeup tilted to a more conservative majority.

Its no secret that COVID and that whole situation definitely opened my eyes to the possibility of attending meetings and becoming more involved than I had been, Hargenrater said a few hours before Crawford Centrals meeting on Monday. It was just an opening of my eyes  once I started attending the meetings and becoming more involved, I found that I really enjoyed the process and everything about the school board.

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The best part of serving on the board, she said, is that it gives her a chance to continue learning.

Similar to Jardinas experience, Hargenrater has also seen a bit of a change in her own perspective. When she first began addressing board members during the public comment portion of meetings in the fall of 2021, her top concerns included fears about the potential negative impact of mandatory mask wearing, especially for the youngest students.

At what point do we notice that the cure is worse than the virus? At what point do we say enough is enough? she asked board members in trying to persuade the district to accept mask exemption forms that some districts were honoring at the time. Along with several others, she wore a white mask bearing the words I cant breathe in large red letters and, in a smaller font beneath, in this mask. In a reminder of how multiple polarizing issues and events blended together during the pandemic, the meeting came about 16 months after the death of George Floyd, who repeatedly said, I cant breathe as a Minneapolis police officer slowly killed him, set off protests across the country.

We know you cant disobey the mask order, Hargenrater continued. We understand that. However, what we are asking is that you simply accept our exemption forms that are being provided you.

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Unpersuaded, the board opted not to ask on the mask exemption forms after appeals from Hargenrater and others. Having now served on the board more than a year, Hargenrater said she held no hard feelings and expressed sympathy for those who were on the board at the time.

Looking back now, with growing and learning as individuals, at the time I do feel that I was maybe a little fired up. It wasnt that I was angry, I just wanted our children to be able to be heard, have a voice, have an option, she said. Theres a little bit more involved in the school board than I was aware at that time, so I am very happy that I was able to sit on the school board. Now I know exactly where that board was coming from.

The Crawford Central agenda Monday included no discussion of masks or vaccines, cleaning regimes or contact tracing. Instead, board members talked over plans to sell the former East End Elementary School, discussed possible consolidation of Meadville-area school buildings, and took their first look at the 2025-26 budget.

Challenges beyond COVID-19 continue, and Hargenrater was optimistic about how the districts students were doing five years after the shutdown.

I think our district is in a pretty good position, she said. I have all the faith in the world in our teachers. They are the ones that can help our students where they need to be after COVID and the shutdown.
FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Flemingsburg man has been indicted on human trafficking charges.

Just before 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, the Fleming County Sheriffs Department arrested 29-year-old Victor Littleton.

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The indictment filed on March 7 alleges that in November 2024 Littleton subjected a family member under the age of 18 to commercial sexual activity through force, fraud, or coercion.

Hes been lodged in the Rowan County Detention Center on a $50,000 cash bond.

Littleton faces 20 to 50 years in prison, per the indictment.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Florida lawmakers want to increase penalties for those who try to get away from law enforcement.

On Saturday, the Florida Highway Patrol chased a man in South Tampa, who authorities say stole an ambulance. They also said hed been drinking.

Our food is literally killing us: FL lawmakers propose warning labels for certain foods

In January, 8 On Your Side sat down with Dan LaFontaine and his son, who had just been in a car wreck. LaFontaine had just picked up his son from school when a man running from police in a stolen car crashed into them and another car.

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Were all very fortunate  even the driver, even the perpetrator is lucky to be alive. Because it was carnage; it was total destruction. Ive never seen anything like that, LaFontaine said. You have innocent bystanders like myself who were just coming from picking up my son from school and had no idea what was about to take place.

House Bill 113 would address people fleeing or attempting to elude police.

Representative Ryan Chamberlin, who proposed the bill, had his office answer questions over email.

This legislation raises the scoring so that a second offense is mandatory jail time, when it comes to the high-speed chase aspect specifically, they said. House Bill 113s intended goal is to deter and reduce the amount of individuals fleeing from law enforcement officers, which will ultimately save lives.

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Pursuit Safety, a group working to prevent tragedies of police pursuits, said the bill needs to add the balance of public safety.

We always need to keep in mind not only the safety of the public in general, but the person that were chasing, said Thomas Gleason, Pursuit Safety Advisory Board Member. If its not a forceable felony. If its not a gun involved. If its not a rape, robbery, or an abduction of a child or something along those lines, Pursuit Safety feels like it doesnt rank the risk that comes from that pursuit.

LaFontaine said police have a tough job, and said he understands how chases are always a risk. But he would like to see this bill become law.

Id say Im totally for it, LaFontaine said. If there were more severe charges it would cut down police chases.

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If passed, the law would go into effect Oct. 1, 2025.

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Florida leads the nation in book removals, and literary freedom advocates fear new legislation moving through the State Capitol would make it even easier for book challengers to have titles pulled from school library shelves.

Currently, state law surrounding book challenges mirrors the national standard of obscenity, also known as the Miller Test.

Under that standard, school boards can consider a challenged book in its whole when determining whether it is content considered harmful to minors.

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That means there could be controversial lines in a book, but if it has literary, artistic, scientific or political value when considered in its entirety, it can still be retained.

For the last five years weve actually seen the same special interest groups attempt to dismantle the Miller Test and remove it from the definition of harmful to minors, said Stephana Ferrell with the Florida Freedom to Read Project.

But the new legislation approved by its first Senate committee Tuesday would prohibit school boards from considering those factors when making a determination on a book challenge.

If they can do away with being able to judge a work in its entirety for value to the reader they really basically get to take a book down to its parts and pieces and say were just not going to allow this content. It doesnt matter what else can be achieved by reading it. Its just not allowed in our schools, said Ferrell.

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Related: 6 books restricted in St. Johns County schools after arguments to have them banned

Bill sponsor State Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) argued some districts have abused the value considerations to keep books on shelves that include what he described as pornographic content.

The artistic part of it, political speech, all of that has been somewhat used to maybe mask, if you will, the other piece of this, said McClain.

The bill also includes penalties for districts that fail to comply, allowing the Department of Education to withhold state funding.

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The push comes just one year after state lawmakers passed guardrails aimed at cutting down on frivolous book challenges, by limiting people without children in a particular school district to one challenge per month.

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Its one reason Ferrell said shes hopeful there wont be an appetite to take a step in the opposite direction this year.

Because its not a priority for 95 percent of parents. Right? Less than five percent of students statewide have parental restrictions on their library access. Less than 100 parents since 2021 have filed objections statewide, said Ferrell.

The Senate version still has two more committee stops before it would reach the chamber floor.

The House companion bill has not yet been scheduled for its first hearing.

Related: Duval Countys first and only book challenge ready for consideration

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida bill cracking down on geoengineering and weather modification activities passed a senate committee favorably Tuesday.

In an Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government hearing, bill sponsor Sen. Ileana Garcia said that the bill, in part, reflects constituent concerns with chemtrails, pointing to a debunked conspiracy theory stating that the government or other entities are spreading toxic chemicals through the contrails of water vapor left behind airplanes.

Missing teen paddleboarders found safe after disappearing off Florida coast

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Many of us senators receive concerns, complaints on a regular basis regarding these condensation trails, aka chemtrails, Garcia said. Theres a lot of skepticism.

Garcia said her bill would allow residents to contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to report suspected geoengineering activities, adding that it would take additional staffing and resources to investigate and respond to those claims.

Anyone caught violating the law could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor and face a fine of up to $100,000.

Sen. Ileana Garcia discusses her bill. (The Florida Channel)

SB-56 would ban attempts to conduct state-permitted weather modification activities like cloud-seeding. Augustus Doricko, representing cloud-seeding company Rainmaker, which does not yet operate in Florida, explained that his work to use the technology to end water scarcity is misunderstood, and the bill would stifle innovation.

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Im testifying not to oppose the spirit of the bill, which I think is well-founded, but the current configuration of this bill, which I think would impede our mission to end water scarcity, and also for bringing the best-in-class technology to Florida and the rest of the United States, Doricko said.

Although there have not been any requests for permits to conduct weather modification activities in Florida in the last decade, Garcia defended the necessity of the bill.

There is some type of activity going on, Garcia said, again pointing to concerns shes heard from constituents.

After a short debate period, the bill was reported favorably out of the committee.

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LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida couple was sentenced to prison on Monday after their 11-month-old daughter was starved to death more than three years ago.

In September 2021, Leesburg police officers were called to the couples home after their 11-month-old daughter was reported unresponsive.

Officers said the couples home was in deplorable conditions with a heavy odor of garbage and rotting food throughout the house.

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Law enforcement officers found the 11-month-old unresponsive in a dirty playpen.

The baby was covered in dirt and dried feces. First responders attempted life-saving measures on the child but were not successful. The baby was pronounced deceased.

Body found in Weedon Preserve identified as missing St. Pete teen

Investigators questioned the couple, who told them the victim and their 3-year-old child were happy and healthy.

A medical examiner said the baby had not eaten in approximately two to three days and was extremely malnourished.

Margaret Lehman, 27, and Mark Edward Brittian Jr., 30, were arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter for the negligent death of their child. Their other child was placed in the care of family members.

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On Monday, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorneys Office said Lehman and Brittian were adjudicated guilty in the tragic death of their 11-month-old daughter, Marcelyn Brittian.

The judge sentenced Lehman to 13 years in prison and Brittian to 13.25 years in prison.

This is disgusting, the most vulnerable of our society has been victimized by the most evil. At least in prison, theyll both receive food, unlike their innocent child, said Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

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FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida man was arrested after his 2-year-old child was found wandering alone in the middle of a street near their deplorable Palm Coast home, according to the Flagler County Sheriffs Office.

On Sunday, deputies said they received several 911 calls from neighbors about a 2-year-old walking in the middle of a street in pajamas and a heavily soiled diaper.

Witnesses said they saw the child in the front yard of a nearby home before the incident.

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The neighbors took the child to the home, where they found the childs father, 44-year-old Ross Judy, passed on in his bed intoxicated, according to deputies.

Inside the home, investigators said they found dangerous tools and garbage along with animal feces, filth, and an emaciated dog with an ear that was almost rotted off and fur missing from its body.

Florida couple sentenced after starving 11-month-old daughter to death

Deputies said the home was in deplorable living conditions, with bugs found swimming in toilet water and a sink piled high with several inches of cigarette ash to the point the sink was no longer visible inside the home.

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They said they also found pill bottles scattered throughout a spare room and exposed razors and hypodermic needles, which were all accessible to the child.

No child should be living in deplorable conditions with an adult who obviously doesnt care about their wellbeing, said Sheriff Rick Staly. The Flagler County Sheriffs Office has no tolerance for anyone endangering children or animals. I am thankful to our residents who saw something and said something so that our deputies could intervene.

Judy was arrested on charges of child neglect without great bodily harm and abandoning an animal to die.

Judy was taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held on a $4,000 bond.

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ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA)  What easily could have ended in tragedy turned into a heartwarming story after an Orange County Sheriffs deputy made the quick decision to rush toward a burning home earlier this week.

The sheriffs office said Deputy Romero sprang into action once he realized an English bulldog was trapped inside the home.

Deadly Tampa crash shuts down N. 50th Street

(Credit: Orange County Sheriffs Office) (Credit: Orange County Sheriffs Office)

At the time, thick smoke could be seen pouring from the windows, with flames extending into the air.

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Without hesitation, Romero jumped a 6-foot fence and rushed to the back of the home, where he kicked out a door panel to rescue the trapped dog, officials said.

Thanks to his bravery, the bulldog was rescued and is now safe in the care of animal services, the Orange County Sheriffs Office wrote in a post on X.

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FORT PIERCE, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida man was taken into custody this week after state and federal authorities said he made multiple social media posts threatening to harm President Donald Trump.

The St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office said deputies worked with federal authorities, including the U.S. Secret Service, to investigate the threatening messages on 42-year-old Kendal Aaron Todds public social media page.

Trump invokes wartime act, deports hundreds of migrants

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Investigators said Todd expressed intention to cause bodily harm to the president, but did not describe the posts further.

(Credit: St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office)

Kendal Aaron Todd (Credit: St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office)

According to authorities, their investigation culminated in a SWAT team and members of the Secret Service being sent to Todds home on Metzger Road in Fort Pierce to execute a search warrant.

Todd was arrested on an active warrant from St. Lucie County for written threats to kill or do bodily harm. As of Monday, March 13, he was being held on a $500,000 bond.

No further information was immediately available. The sheriffs office said additional details will be provided as the case progresses.

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Neighbors in Fernandina Beach are raising the alarm about an amendment tagged onto a bill moving in the Florida Senate Monday afternoon.

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The change would potentially reverse a victory neighbors recently scored in their fight against a proposed ethanol manufacturing plant.

Tom Budd has been fighting the plan by Rayonier Advanced Materials to construct a $53 million ethanol plant near the sight of its pulp mill in Fernandina Beach since 2023.

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Its a good plan profit-wise for RYAM. Its not a good plan for the citizens of Fernandina Beach, said Budd.

Rayonier has painted the proposed plant, which would produce 7.5 million gallons of ethanol a year, as a safe operation that would help the economy and produce a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.

But the community isnt buying it.

On top of environmental concerns like water and air pollution, neighbors are also concerned about the potential risk of fire with an ethanol plant, as ethanol is highly flammable.

And its adjacent to residences, businesses, churches, schools and our historic downtown, said Budd.

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Budd and other local advocates scored a victory in February when the city rejected Rayoniers proposal, citing its land development code, which prohibits chemical manufacturing.

Rayonier sued later that month arguing its process of producing ethanol through fermentation, similar to the process used to make beer and yogurt products, is not chemical manufacturing.

But before that lawsuit has even had a chance to be litigated, an amendment tagged onto a bill moving in the Florida Senate would potentially overturn the citys decision.

The amendment would exclude the type of ethanol production Rayonier is proposing from the definition of chemical manufacturing and refining.

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Budd argued its a flagrant attempt to thwart local control

And not only is that injurious to Fernandina Beach, it should worry every community in Florida, said Budd.

The bill and the amendment are both sponsored by State Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala), who does not represent Fernandina Beach.

We reached out to his office and Rayonier for comment, but have not heard back.

Budd said hes optimistic theres still time for McClain to reverse course, and if not, the language has not yet been proposed in the House.

It is a carveout for a special interest. Its all the things that people hate about governance and governing and Im hopeful that the legislature will realize that, said Budd.

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Fernandina Beachs City Manager told Action News Jax upon first read, she did not believe the bill would impact the decision on the Rayonier ethanol plant, but indicated she plans to bring the bill language to Tuesdays city commission meeting Tuesday to ask commissioners whether they want to take a formal position on the legislation.

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FLORISSANT, Mo.  A Florissant residents home was nearly destroyed when a massive tree came crashing down, just nearly missing her bedroom window by just an inch.

Like thousands of others in North County, she has been without power for four days.

With hotels booked up and fears of looters in the area, she had no choice but to stay in her damaged home with her family.

Roxane Lockhart-King, her husband, who suffers from dementia, their three sons and their dog hid in the basement when the storm hit

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But later that night, as the winds calmed, disaster struck.

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With no safe shelter available, Lockhart-king returned to her powerless home, relying on donations from community organizations and councilwoman Sholanda Webb.

Shes been very helpful towards us. Her and the community itself. They provide us with food and water, Lockhart-King said. They provided us with blankets and theyve sort of been there in our corner and I really appreciate them because this weekend has been a devastating weekend for me.

Determined to stay connected, Roxane used a portable car jump-starter to charge her phone.

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With no heat, she relied on blankets and donations from groups like Diamond Diva Empowerment, the American Red Cross and the Korey Johnson Foundation.

Just hours ago, Roxane received good newsher power was finally restored at 7 p.m.

But with the tree still lodged in her home, shes now waiting for her insurance agent to determine the next steps.

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(FOX40.COM)  Two people were taken to the hospital following a crash attributed at least in part to foggy conditions, Sacramento Metro Fire said.

According to the agency, two vehicles collided Tuesday morning at the intersection of Excelsior and Florin Road. The crash flipped one of the vehicles onto its roof.

(Image: Sac Metro Fire)

Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries as a result of the collision

The mornings foggy conditions contributed to the crash, the fire department said.

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The fire department urges drivers to slow down when road conditions are adversely affected by the weather.

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Every U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadet  regardless of major  tackles a rigorous curriculum during their four-year enrollment that includes math, nautical science and engineering.

The academys STEM-based coursework is designed to prepare future officers to lead Coast Guardsmen in a variety of maritime missions such as search and rescue, law enforcement and protecting the environment and marine resources.

But climate change references and terminology are now off-limits at the 149-year-old U.S. service academy in order to comply with directives from the Trump administration.

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In January, the president issued Executive Order 14148 rescinding several existing Executive Orders related to climate change.

The previous administration has embedded deeply unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices within every agency and office of the Federal Government... Climate extremism has exploded inflation and overburdened businesses with regulation, Trump said on the official White House site.

And last month, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a memo instructing agency officials to eliminate all climate change activities and the use of climate change terminology in DHS policies and programs to the maximum extent permitted by the law, according to Bloomberg.

While most other U.S. service academies  including West Point, the Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy  fall under the direction of the Defense Department, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is under Homeland Security jurisdiction.

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The recent decision to remove climate change references at the Coast Guard Academy is prompting alarm from some alumni and others in the Coast Guard community.

In response, academy Provost Amy Donahue cited both Trumps executive order and Noems recent Homeland Security directive regarding climate change curriculum modifications at the academy.

This is a lawful directive with which we are obligated to comply, and we are doing so, wrote Donahue in a message to the USCGA Alumni Association.

At the same time, we are a higher education institution accredited to offer a Bachelor of Science degree according to standards prescribed by various commissions. Further, in order to be fully mission capable, the Coast Guard needs officers who understand and are prepared to function effectively in the operating environment of a maritime military service.

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Since Secretary Noem published her memorandum, our faculty have worked diligently and with great care and professionalism to satisfy all of these requirements.

Donahue added that she directed academy faculty to review the schools academic curriculum to identify and revise any instances where course content did not align with the Trump administrations orders to ensure full alignment.

My guidance to them was that we will not use climate change or related terminology about contemporary human-induced rise in global temperatures in our class assignments and materials.

Instead, we focus on particular scientific phenomena and the impacts that are pertinent to Service needs and missions.

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As a result, we have revised certain aspects of some courses that had been addressing climate change.

The provost emphasized that the academy is not abandoning science education.

As we prepare cadets to graduate and commission, we continue to teach them about weather patterns, atmospheric phenomena, paleoclimatology, meteorology, oceanography, geospatial sciences, the conditions of sea ice, ocean conditions, the characteristics of coastal environments, energy generation methods, marine ecology and fisheries, the hazards like storms and flooding, and other similar topics, not to mention the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, and civil engineering.

Retired admiral: Were going to be a much less capable Coast Guard

While Donahue argues it is possible to comply with recent federal directives regarding climate change  while continuing to teach good science, others within the Coast Guard community are not convinced.

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In an interview with Inside Climate News, retired Adm. Paul Zukunft  who served as commandant of the Coast Guard from 2014 to 2018  said that cadets need to be educated about climate change in order to effectively undertake missions in harsh maritime environments and to participate in decision-making when confronting disasters.

Unlike other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Coast Guard does not have ROTC programs in colleges across the country. So a disproportionate number of its officers graduated from their respective academy, compared to other branches.

If were not smart about the environment that we operate in, were going to be a much less capable Coast Guard, Zukunft told Inside Climate News.

Stark departures from Coast Guards prior climate change approach

The Coast Guard Academys updated actions regarding climate change is a departure from recent approaches inside a U.S. military branch with over 40,000 members on active duty.

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In 2023, the United States Coast Guard Climate Framework included this statement about climate change from Adm. Linda Fagan, who was serving as the branchs commandant:

These impacts of climate change will influence every Coast Guard mission. To uphold our tradition of service to the nation, the Coast Guard must apply strategic foresight to prepare for the challenges ahead.

Fagan  who was the first woman to lead any U.S. military service  was relieved of her command on Trumps first full day in office.

At the time, a Department of Homeland Security official said in a Military.com interview that Fagan was terminated for reasons that included concerns over border security, acquisitions, recruiting and poor leadership and management.

The unnamed official also criticized her for excessive focus on diversity policies.
By Alimat Aliyeva

Concerned that children and teenagers are increasingly refusing to read, British education experts suggest turning to the audio format as a potential solution. The government may take this proposal into consideration, Azernews reports.

In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged in the UK, as in many other countries worldwide: children and adolescents are reading less for pleasure. An annual survey by the National Literacy Trust (NLT), conducted among 37,000 British schoolchildren, found that only 34.6 percent of children read a book in their free time.

At the same time, the popularity of audio content is on the rise. The same NLT survey revealed that 42.3 percent of children and teenagers enjoy listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

In response, experts and charities are advocating for audiobooks to be included in the new school curriculum. They believe that this shift could spark a renewed interest in reading among young people and help develop their literacy skills. NLT Executive Director Jonathan Douglas emphasized that audio content could play a key role in educating the next generation of readers and addressing the reading crisis.

However, not all experts agree with this approach. John Mullan, a professor of English at University College London, argues that audiobooks cannot fully replace traditional print editions. He stresses that reading and listening are distinct processes: reading, unlike listening, requires active engagement and imagination. Mullan acknowledges that while the audio format can be beneficial, it cannot replace the printed word.

In the near future, the UK government plans to publish an interim report on potential changes to the school curriculum. It is expected that this report will address the inclusion of audio content in education. A representative from the British Ministry of Education, speaking with The Guardian, noted that teachers have long been encouraged to introduce students to literary works through a variety of methods, making audiobooks another tool for engaging with literature.

The increasing interest in audiobooks and podcasts among young people may reflect a broader shift in how we consume media. With the growing popularity of streaming services and digital content, young audiences are turning to audio as an accessible and immersive format, especially when traditional reading might feel less engaging.

Incorporating audiobooks into the curriculum could also help address barriers faced by students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, as audio formats provide an alternative way to access texts. This move could support more inclusive learning environments and cater to a wider range of learning preferences.

Furthermore, audiobooks offer the potential for fostering skills beyond literacy, such as listening comprehension, critical thinking, and even emotional intelligence. With immersive storytelling and diverse voices, audiobooks can engage young listeners in ways that traditional print may not, broadening their exposure to different cultures, genres, and ideas.
This undated file photo shows a view of the port of Larnaca, Cyprus. Seven people have been confirmed dead after a refugee boat capsized off the southeastern coast of Cyprus on Monday, authorities said. Search efforts are ongoing for missing passengers, while two survivors, both Syrian men, have been rescued, according to the Cyprus News Agency. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

NICOSIA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Seven people have been confirmed dead after a refugee boat capsized off the southeastern coast of Cyprus on Monday, authorities said.

Search efforts are ongoing for missing passengers, while two survivors, both Syrian men, have been rescued, according to the Cyprus News Agency.

The vessel, carrying 21 Syrian migrants, had departed from Tartus, a coastal city in northwestern Syria, approximately 200 kilometers from the accident site. Survivors reported that the boat had capsized four days before being discovered.

A warship, a Hellenic Navy aircraft, four Port and Maritime Police vessels, helicopters, passing ships, and medical teams have been mobilized for the rescue mission.

This incident marks the first reported case of a refugee boat attempting to reach Cyprus from Syria since the collapse of the Assad regime last December.

Authorities have intensified patrols in recent days due to increased migration activity. With ongoing instability in Syria following the regime change, officials fear a potential rise in migrant crossings.

Due to its proximity to Syria, thousands of Syrians have sought refuge in Cyprus during the prolonged Syrian conflict. Many arrived aboard small vessels or traveled through Turkiye, reaching the Turkish-controlled northern part of the eastern Mediterranean island before crossing the UN-policed buffer zone. 

Cypriot Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas (2nd L) and Minister of Justice Marios Hartsiotis (2nd R) speak to the media at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Larnaca, Cyprus on March 17, 2025. Seven people have been confirmed dead after a refugee boat capsized off the southeastern coast of Cyprus on Monday, authorities said.

Search efforts are ongoing for missing passengers, while two survivors, both Syrian men, have been rescued, according to the Cyprus News Agency. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  The federal government is cutting funding for a program that connects New Mexico farmers with food banks which could reduce peoples access to fresh food.

The Regional Farm to Food Bank Program is a pandemic-era program through the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture that is losing all of its federal funding.

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The program has really allowed food banks to build an infrastructure to be able to purchase from local producers instead of more industrial folks, said Meredith Lorencz with the Regional Farm to Food Bank.

The Food Depot, a food bank in northern New Mexico, said it knew the program would come to an end this year, but was told there would be a national funding extension with $2.8 million allocated for New Mexico. Earlier this month, the USDA said it was terminating the program.

The uniqueness of this program is that our beef that was born and raised on our ranch, processed locally at a small USDA facility, was going about 45 miles away to urban populations where food insecurity is more prevalent, said Owner of Trilogy Beef Manny Encinias. His local ranch has been working with the program to make sure food banks have fresh meat.

The Food Depot said that since 2023, the program has distributed more than 700,000 healthy meals to those who need it. The program has also benefitted more than 200 New Mexican farmers and ranchers.

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Now, food banks in the state are pushing local leaders to create a permanent program in the next farm bill while also pushing to reverse the decision to terminate the extension. This program doesnt just make a difference for access to food. This program makes a difference to the local economy, said New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lujan at a roundtable on Monday discussing the specific needs of New Mexico food banks.

The USDA also cut the Local Foods for Schools Program, and the department has said both programs are no longer supported by the agencys priorities. The current Local Food Purchase Assistance Program ends in June in New Mexico.

According to the New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association, since the program started three years ago, $3.6 million went to local producers to get healthy food into communities.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A staple in Shreveports Allendale community is returning and hosting a grand re-opening to showcase some of its offerings and provide homebuying information.

Macedonia House provides essential resources, including education programs, financial literacy services, and other vital services, for residents of the 71103 postal code.

During the event on March 22, 2025, Macedonia House will showcase its food pantry, which is dedicated to ending food insecurity among Allendale residents by providing critical support and meals for those in need.

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Taco Wars returning to Shreveport

Partners Healthy Blue and Cadence Bank will provide expert guidance for those in attendance who are looking to become homeowners, need financial wellness tips, or have access to other available resources.

The event is free and open to the public on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and Macedonia House invites all community members to celebrate with them and take advantage of the resources.

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Force Construction was recently introduced as the newest member of the Greensburg-Decatur County Economic Development board.

Based in Columbus, Ind., Force was established in 1946, and the addition of the company means the EDC board is now completely full, according to EDC Director Bryan Robbins.

The EDC is partnering with both the city of Greensburg, Decatur County and two TIF districts to conduct a housing survey.

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We look forward to getting that started soon, Robbins said, now that the EDC has partnered with these entities.

The board also discussed current housing statistics. February was a slower month than February 2024, but Robbins feels that with spring approaching more people are looking for homes and expects the market to pick up.

Some board members observed they have seen increased interest in house flipping, which, Robbins said is good because when we have a significant amount of housing growth older homes that need work can get left behind. He believes the increased interest in flipping homes can lead to some good investments in existing housing infrastructure.

We had a great turnout, for the recent Opportunity Expo, Robbins shared.

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The Opportunity Yearbook has been published; the yearbook project was funded by a grant from the East Central Educational Service Center.

The board also briefly reviewed updates regarding READI 2.0 projects.

We expect to hear about some of those projects soon, Robbins said, noting some projects are awaiting approval at the state level.

Finally, the board discussed Indianas new state Secretary of Commerce David Adams, and the impact events at the state level might have locally.

It seems that the states focus will be on existing business retention and expansion, Robbins explained, as well as entrepreneurship  which is a great focus to have.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation recently visited Decatur County and toured three businesses: Indiana Assemblies, Mesco Manufacturing and Blasdel Enterprises.
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH)  A former classmate of the man allegedly held captive by his stepmother for 20 years spoke to News 8 about going to school with him.

Ashley Sanchez said she attended first to fourth grade with the victim. They attended the former Barnard Elementary School on Draher Street.

Video shows first responders rescuing Waterbury man from fire at home where he was allegedly held captive for 20 years

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I remember he would bring a lunch bag but there wasnt really anything in there so hes looking around and he sees us eating, she said. Back then, I was obsessed with ham sandwiches and mustard, and I would just give him half or I would just give him my lunch.

According to the arrest warrant, the victim told police his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, rarely fed him. He was given two sandwiches and two cups of water a day.

Sanchez said the victim had dark eyes, purple lips and wore baggy clothes. She remembers he had a smaller frame than the other students. Sanchez doesnt recall seeing him outside of school during holidays or summer vacation. After Sullivan pulled the victim out of school, detailed in court documents, Sanchez thought he and his family had moved away.

A lot of us went to Chase Park right across the street from where he lived and you wouldnt think just the street over there was a kid locked in a room, she said.

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Police said the boy, now 32 years old, set fire to his home last month to escape captivity. News 8 obtained the 911 call made by Sullivan that night.

The dispatcher asks her whats on fire and Sullivan replies, the tv, I dont know, my son, my stepson, hes in his room, I dont know, he did something with the tv.

DCF finds no record of home where Waterbury man was allegedly captive since childhood

The dispatcher then asks if she sees flames or smoke. Sullivan replies yes and pleas for an ambulance.

Police body camera video shows first responders approaching Sullivan and the victim being carried out by firefighters.

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Police said he suffered smoke inhalation but had other medical issues including rotten teeth and malnourishment.

Police and lawyers are combing through evidence, trying to find out what really happened inside the home. In the meantime, Sanchez has this message for her former schoolmate.

Many of his former classmates do still care for him, she said. We are hoping he pushes through and hopefully he heals fully.

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GETTYSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A former Gettysburg College student extradited from France for a 2013 sexual assault case waived an arraignment scheduled for today.

A video call with the judge in 32-year-old Ian Clearys case was scheduled for the morning of March 18, 2025, but has been waived.

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Cleary is accused of entering into a fellow Gettysburg College students dorm and sexually assaulting her in 2013. Hes then accused of later sending her a Facebook message that said So I raped you.

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He was living overseas in Metz, France, where authorities detained him in 2024 and extradited him back to Adams County in January.

Cleary previously waived his right to a preliminary hearing in January 2025.

Clearys trial could be held in May or June.

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Then-Gov. Matt Bevin and his now ex-wife Glenna Bevin talk on KET in 2017 about their experiences with adoption. (Screenshot)

Former Gov. Matt Bevin and his wife, Glenna, are now divorced.

Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela Johnson entered an order Tuesday granting a limited decree of dissolution of marriage, finalizing the divorce Glenna Bevin sought in 2023.

The two-page order means all other issues pending in the divorce remain unresolved, including a proposed settlement the Bevins have asked to keep confidential.

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The Bevins did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jonah Bevin (Kentucky Lantern photo by Deborah Yetter)

The divorce order comes as the Bevins adopted son Jonah Bevin is seeking to intervene in the case, asking to protect his interests. Now 18, Jonah alleges his parents abandoned him at age 17 in a brutally abusive youth facility in Jamaica.

He said he now is living on his own with no support and few assets.

Jonah also has obtained an emergency protective order against Matt Bevin, alleging he experienced abuse and neglect in the home. He is one of four children the Bevins adopted from Ethiopia; the couple also has five biological children.

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All but one are 18 or older.

Also unresolved is whether the Bevins, who are wealthy and live in Anchorage, can keep confidential a divorce settlement they reached last month, involving property, finances and parental responsibilities.

They have asked the judge to do so, asking it remain private and protected from public access and disclosure.

But on Friday, The Courier Journal filed a motion objecting to a confidential settlement, saying such court records are generally open in Kentucky and should remain so. The motion, filed by lawyer Michael Abate, also says that the Bevins, as former governor and first lady, are public figures and recent developments, including disclosure of alleged abandonment, abuse and neglect, merit public scrutiny.

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In particular, Jonah has filed a police report alleging child abandonment, which is a Class D felony in Kentucky, Abates motion said.

Keeping the Bevins settlement public will shed light on these important matters of public concern and provide Kentuckians with vital information about the potential criminal activity of their former governor, it said.

The judge has not ruled on whether to allow the settlement to remain confidential.

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Mary Steurer

North Dakota Mirror

A former executive director of Greenpeaces U.S. affiliate on Wednesday refuted accusations from the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline that the environmental group was a major force driving protests against the pipeline in 2016 and 2017.

Energy Transfer has taken Greenpeace to trial over claims that the environmental group incited illegal acts by protesters in North Dakota that cost the company millions of dollars in alleged property damages and lost revenue. It also claims Greenpeace conspired to defame Energy Transfer in order to harm its relationship with banks financing the construction loan for the pipeline.

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Annie Leonard, who led Greenpeace USA from 2014 to 2023, told jurors that Greenpeace only got involved in the protests because the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe asked. Tribal citizens started the demonstrations against the pipeline out of concerns that it poses a pollution threat to the tribes drinking water. The tribe also sees the pipeline as an infringement on tribal sovereignty because it crosses unceded Sioux Nation land.

Leonard said that at some point during the protests, a Navajo activist named Tom Goldtooth  a longtime friend of hers  asked if there was anything Greenpeace could do to help the cause. Leonard said that while Goldtooth was not a spokesperson for the protests, he helped relay messages from Standing Rock leaders.

She said Goldtooth shared with her that the demonstration camps had nowhere for people to charge their phones. This made it difficult for organizers to communicate with one another and spread word about the protests, she said. According to Leonard, Goldtooth also said that Standing Rock wanted help keeping the protests peaceful.

In response, Greenpeace sent a truck equipped with solar panels to the camps, Leonard said. It also set aside money to pay for Native organizers to go to the camps and teach people nonviolent protest strategies, including deescalation tactics, she said.

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Records shown in court on Wednesday indicated Greenpeaces U.S. affiliate approved a grant for roughly $20,000 to send trainers to North Dakota. Leonard privately fundraised another $90,000 in donations for the same purpose, the documents showed.

Leonard said one reason she raised the money privately was because Greenpeace didnt have any enough funds to award another grant. She also said she wanted to help be a matchmaker to directly connect donors with Native organizations working at Standing Rock.

Greenpeace never tried to make its involvement in the demonstrations secret, though it also didnt want to bring too much attention to itself, Leonard said. She said that since Greenpeace is a household name, it has the tendency to overshadow local organizers when it gets involved in a cause.

We didnt want to make the story be about us, she said.

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Trey Cox, an attorney representing Energy Transfer, asked whether her testimony conflicted with an internal email Leonard sent during the protests describing Greenpeaces support for Standing Rock as massive.

Leonard on Wednesday said she had exaggerated. She said she had written the email out of exuberance for the amount of money and resources Greenpeace was able to contribute to the cause.

She said that even though she went out of her way to help support Standing Rock activists, she spent most of her time focused on other tasks.

It was not major compared to the universe of things I was doing for Greenpeace, Leonard said. She said she never went to the protests in person.

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Brent Maness, a former Greenpeace employee, also testified about Greenpeaces role in the protests on Wednesday. Maness never went to the protests, but was in charge of some employees Greenpeace sent to the camps.

During his questioning of Maness, Cox displayed an agenda for one Greenpeace nonviolent direct action training that occurred in 2015. The agenda indicates that the training discussed the use of lockboxes and other technical blockades.

Energy Transfer has repeatedly brought up lockboxes and blockades as evidence Greenpeace wanted protesters to obstruct work on the pipeline. Pipeline opponents used the lockboxes, also known as sleeping dragons, to attach themselves to construction equipment.

One bullet point on the agenda also referenced shaming police.

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Maness said he didnt remember why that was listed on the program. He said that the trainings had a lot more content and context that is not in the agenda.

I can tell you unequivocally Greenpeace doesnt teach people to shame police, he said.

Maness also testified Wednesday that while Greenpeace provided funding to send trainers there, the organization did not control the trainers curriculum.

Greenpeace witnesses have acknowledged they brought lockboxes to the protests but maintain that the trainers didnt encourage or instruct protesters to use them.

Leonard said that it was her understanding that Greenpeace provided the lockboxes because organizers on the ground at the protests had asked for the devices.

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Cox brought up a text message exchange between Leonard and Goldtooth in 2016 in which he sent a photo of a Dakota Access Pipeline protester using a lockbox on construction equipment. Leonard replied that the action ups the ante.

Cox asked what she meant by this.

Leonard said that lockboxes can be tools for nonviolent civil disobedience, which she views as a tried and true component of American protest movements.

When Rosa Parks refused to leave that seat, that upped the ante, she said.

Cox said Parks wasnt a fair comparison because she wasnt trespassing on private land.

She had permission to be on that bus, did she not? he asked Leonard.

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She didnt have permission to be on that seat, Leonard replied.

Cox countered that Parks action did not disrupt business for Montgomerys public transit in the same way that the Dakota Access Pipeline protests disrupted construction.

Leonard pointed out that Parks act of civil disobedience, and her subsequent arrest, was the catalyst for the Montgomery bus boycott  which did disrupt profits for the bus system. That boycott led to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.

Greenpeace attorneys said they anticipate wrapping up their case on Friday.
HELSINKI, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Iceland welcomed a decision by the United Nations (UN) Continental Shelf Commission to recognize its sovereign rights over the continental shelf of the Reykjanes Ridge.

The commission's conclusions on Iceland's revised submission were received last Friday, confirming sovereign rights over an area extending more than 570 nautical miles (1,055 km) from the country's baselines. The conclusion is very favorable to Iceland, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Monday.

"The decision secures Iceland's sovereign rights for the future. We now have authority over an incredibly large continental shelf area that could contain vast natural resources," Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir told national broadcaster RUV on Tuesday.

The Reykjanes Ridge, stretching southwest from Iceland, is believed to contain mineral resources such as oil, gas and metals, other inorganic resources of the seabed and sediments, for example geothermal energy, as well as organisms in the category of benthic species and their genetic material.

Gunnarsdottir said that Iceland is securing interests that are not necessarily visible in the short term but are extremely important into the future. "Decisions about whether to exploit or protect the region's resources will now be in the hands of Iceland and no one else," she added.

The minister noted that the recognition was the result of a 25-year process and marked a significant long-term gain for Iceland.

The government will now begin the process of delimiting the continental shelf with neighboring states in accordance with the UN commission's conclusions, the Foreign Ministry said. 
By Sam Tobin

LONDON (Reuters) - A Russian politician appointed by President Vladimir Putin as governor of Russian-annexed Crimea's largest city went on trial in London on Tuesday, charged with breaching British sanctions in the first prosecution of its kind.

Dmitrii Ovsiannikov  who was appointed governor of Sevastopol in July 2016, two years after Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine  is charged with trying to circumvent sanctions between February 2023 and January 2024.

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The 48-year-old is accused of opening a bank account and getting his wife Ekaterina Ovsiannikova, 47, to pay 76,000 pounds (around $98,600) into it, some of which was so he could buy a Mercedes-Benz SUV.

Prosecutors say Ovsiannikov then got his brother Alexei Owsjanikow, 47, to buy the car and insurance for it, before Owsjanikow later paid just over 41,000 pounds for his brother's children's private school fees.

Ovsiannikov is charged with seven counts of circumventing sanctions and two counts of possessing or using criminal property. His brother, Owsjanikow, and his wife, Ovsiannikova, face five and four counts of circumventing sanctions respectively.

All three deny the charges and their trial began on Tuesday at Southwark Crown Court, where prosecutor Paul Jarvis said Sevastopol was "a strategically significant city so far as the Russian annexation of Crimea was concerned".

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In 2017, Ovsiannikov won an election for governor of Sevastopol, shortly after which he was sanctioned by the European Union on the grounds his actions compromised Ukraine's sovereignty, Jarvis said.

Following Britain's formal exit from the EU, Ovsiannikov was sanctioned in December 2020 under Britain's new domestic legislation.

Ovsiannikov successfully challenged EU sanctions in 2022 and in 2023 he asked Britain's Foreign Office to overturn his sanctions, which Jarvis said was significant.

"He would not have applied to cancel his designation under domestic law unless he knew that he was designated under domestic law," Jarvis told the jury. "And if he knew ... his wife and brother must have known too."

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Jarvis added that the defendants say they either did not know Ovsiannikov was sanctioned or did not realise he was not permitted to receive the help they gave him.

He told jurors they had to decide what they knew and understood about Ovsiannikov's status under Britain's Russian sanctions regime.

The National Crime Agency said when Ovsiannikov was charged last year that he was the first person to be charged in Britain with breaching sanctions relating to Russia.

The trial is due to conclude next week.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Former North Texas-based pastor of Gateway Church, Robert Morris, was booked and released on bond from the Osage County jail on Monday.

Last week, Morris was indicted on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a minor, according to the Oklahoma Attorney General's office.

Last year, Morris resigned from his post after admitting to "inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady" 35 years ago. The church removed several of its elders following a law firm's independent investigation into the allegations in November.

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Here's what we know about the arrest.

Victim: 'After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris'

Robert Morris, founder of Gateway Church, former Trump spiritual advisor mug shot @GatewayPeople https://t.co/SbiCZFVM9o pic.twitter.com/9iHDyFESN0  Amy Smith (@watchkeep) March 17, 2025

Morris was booked into the Osage County Jail at 7:57 a.m., according to the Osage County Sheriff's office there. An arrest warrant for Morris shows his bond was set at $50,000 and he was required to surrender his passport.

Morris's attorney intends to submit a not guilty plea. If found guilty, he may face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each charge.

According to the Oklahoma Attorney General's office, in December 1982, Morris was a traveling evangelist visiting in Hominy, Oklahoma with the family of Cindy Clemishire, the alleged victim, who was 12 at the time. Morris was 21. The indictment alleges Morris sexual misconduct began that Christmas and continued over the next four years.

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Clemishire detailed her abuse in The Wartburg Watch, a blog focusing on nefarious issues in Christian churches. The alleged abuse continued in Oklahoma and Texas until 1987, Clemishire said.

According to WFAA, Cindy Clemishire said his acts have caught up with him.

"After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child. Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable, she said. My family and I are deeply grateful to the authorities who have worked tirelessly to make this day possible and remain hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail."

What is the statute of limitations for Robert Morris' crimes in Oklahoma?

According to RAINN.org, the statute of limitations for lewd or indecent acts to a child must be commenced by the 45th birthday of the alleged victim who was under 18 at the time the crime happened.

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However, according to the Oklahoma Attorney General's office, the statute of limitations doesn't apply here because Morris was never a resident nor lived in the state at any time.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond said Morris' crimes should have been addressed long ago.

"There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children, Drummond said. This case is all the more despicable because the alleged perpetrator was a pastor who exploited his position. The victim in this case has waited far too many years for justice to be done.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Ex-Texas pastor Robert Morris out on bail after turning in himself
Lawrence Koontz, a retired justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, passed away on Sunday. He was 85 years old. (Photo courtesy of the Virginia Mountain/Valley Lawyers Alliance)

Ret. Virginia Supreme Court Justice Lawrence Koontz, a longtime jurist who served on every level of Virginias court system and helped shape the states judiciary, died Sunday in Salem, according to a news release from the Virginia Mountain/Valley Lawyers Alliance. He was 85.

A native of the Roanoke Valley, Koontz received his law degree from the University of Richmond and spent more than five decades on the bench, including 16 years as an active Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia and another 13 years as a Senior Justice, making him one of the longest-serving jurists in the commonwealths history.

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Koontz was known for his role in the founding of the Virginia Court of Appeals, where he served as the second chief judge and established many of its administrative policies.

Among his most notable opinions was his majority ruling in Arlington County v. White in 2000, which applied Virginias strict Dillon Rule doctrine to prevent local governments from offering health benefits to unmarried domestic partners, including same-sex couples.

Later that year, Koontz also authored a dissent in Atkins v. Commonwealth, arguing that individuals with intellectual disabilities should be given special consideration in criminal sentencing. His position was later echoed in the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark ruling overturning the death sentence in the case.

In a 2008 dissent in Porter v. Commonwealth, Koontz warned that Virginias death penalty laws would not withstand constitutional scrutiny if courts failed to rigorously ensure fair trials. Later in his career, he presided over the Supreme Court as acting chief justice due to the illness of Chief Justice LeRoy R. Hassell, Sr. His final opinion as a Senior Justice was issued in Chesapeake Hospital Authority v. State Health Commissioner in 2022.

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Koontzs judicial career began in 1968 when he was appointed to the Juvenile Court of the City of Roanoke. He was later elected to the 23rd Circuit Court of Virginia and then to the Virginia Court of Appeals upon its creation in 1985. In 1995, the General Assembly elected him to the Supreme Court of Virginia, where he served until reaching the mandatory retirement age in 2011.

Koontzs collected opinions were published in a seven-volume set titled Jurist Prudent  The Judicial Opinions of Lawrence L. Koontz, Jr., with the final volume released in 2017.

He is survived by his wife, children, and many grandchildren. Memorial service arrangements are pending.

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Four teenagers in Houston, Texas, were charged Thursday for assaulting and trying to steal Bitcoin and Ethereum from an OnlyFans influencer in early March. Kaitlyn Siragusa, known online as Amouranth, was sleeping in her home in northwest Houston when three men broke into her room and demanded cryptocurrency, reported FOX 26. Siragusa had previously posted on social media a screenshot of her more than $20 million in cryptocurrency balances, according to the New York Post.

The three men allegedly pistol-whipped the OnlyFans influencer three times before Siragusas husband fired shots at the suspects, who then fled Siragusas home, according to FOX. The Harris County District Clerk's Office identified the three men on Friday as Demarcus Morris Jr., 17; Dylan Nesho Campbell, 18; and Bryan Anthony Salazar Guerrero, 19. Officials also identified a 16-year-old as a suspect.

They brought duct tape and masks and were armed with handguns, Siragusa posted on X.

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Lawyers for Morris and Campbell did not immediately respond to a request for a comment. Guerrero's attorney declined to comment.

The assault and attempted robbery is just one of a series of recent attacks on individuals with known crypto holdings.

In late January, French police leapt into action after a group of criminals kidnapped David Balland, cofounder of the crypto hardware developer Ledger, and his wife, demanding a ransom in Bitcoin. French authorities, however, tracked down the kidnappers and rescued the couple. Ballands wife was found unharmed but the Ledger cofounder had his finger severed in the ordeal. The Paris prosecutors office said that police had arrested 10 individuals alleged to be part of the kidnapping.

And in February, six men were accused in a Federal Bureau of Investigation affidavit of kidnapping three family members and a nanny from a Chicago townhouse, according to the Chicago Tribune. The criminals released the victims after they forced the family to hand over more than $15 million in cryptocurrency.

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Crypto executives and wealthy crypto owners are taking notice. Some are hiring bodyguards to protect themselves from would-be attackers, according to WIRED. And others are buying up wrench-attack insurance, or policies designed to insure individuals if theyre the victims of a physical-force crypto robbery.

In general the best things Bitcoiners can do to stay safe is to remain private, Jameson Lopp, a famous early Bitcoiner, told Fortune. The goal should be to avoid becoming a target, he said. Dont go around telling anyone about your Bitcoin holdings. Dont flaunt your wealth online or in meatspace. Dont engage in risk activities such as high-value face-to-face trades.

Update, March 17, 2025: Added in that the lawyers for the three named suspects either declined to comment or did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
A Foyil man who law enforcement officers said fatally shot a Claremore man faces three felony charges, including first-degree murder.

Mario Greene, 43, was booked Feb. 28 into the Rogers County jail without bond and remains there. District Attorney Matt Ballard's office confirmed it had charged Greene March 11 with first-degree murder, with second-degree murder in the alternative; feloniously pointing a firearm; and possession of a firearm after former felony conviction.

According to the Rogers County Sheriff's Office's probable cause affidavit, the sheriff's office received a call at 4:42 p.m. Feb. 27 reporting a shooting at a residence on South 4180 Road in Foyil. Responding deputies found a man with several gunshot wounds in the residence's driveway. The man, Travis Casey of Claremore, died at the scene.

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Deputies soon detained Greene, who said he'd initially left the area but had returned on his mother's advice. In Greene's pocket deputies found several rounds of .45 caliber ammunition  the same type of ammunition deputies found in Casey's body.

"Mario Greene admitted to shooting Travis Casey by firing multiple rounds from a .45-caliber handgun," said deputy Andrew DeGeorge in the affidavit. "Greene and a present witness stated that Casey and Greene were in an ongoing dispute about a vehicle that Casey reportedly stole from Greene, which belonged to Greene's father."

He showed investigators where he'd hidden a .45-caliber handgun under a stack of wooden boards.

According to the affidavit, Greene said he'd been carrying a handgun on his person to defend himself from Casey. He told investigators he'd stolen the .45-caliber gun from his father's home.

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Witnesses told responding deputies that on the day of the shooting, Casey and others were entering a trailer at the Foyil residence when Greene approached them with a hand behind his back. According to the affidavit, Greene and Casey began to argue, and then witnesses inside the trailer heard several shots.

The witnesses, according to the affidavit, exited the trailer to find Casey with multiple gunshot wounds and Greene pointing a handgun. One witness told investigators Greene then aimed the pistol at her when she tried to help Casey.

Greene told deputies he hadn't intended to kill Casey; he had aimed to shoot the ground to stop Casey from coming toward him.

"Greene stated that he did not see any weapons in Casey's hands, and stated that he was afraid for his safety as Casey approached him," DeGeorge said in the affidavit. "Greene stated that Casey made threats of violence or death to him as he walked toward Greene."

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Deputies reported the men were likely about a car's length apart when the shooting occurred.

Ballard stipulated second-degree murder as an alternative to Greene's first-degree murder charge. According to Oklahoma Legal Group, first-degree murder requires the prosecution to prove the defendant had maliciously premeditated the killing. Second-degree murder refers to a killing the defendant hadn't planned beforehand.

Court records show Greene pleaded guilty and was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and malicious injury to property in Rogers County in 2003.

The county also opened a pending case against him in 2024 for conspiring to perform an act of violence, calling 911 with a false alarm, and public intoxication. News on 6 reported Greene was wearing an ankle monitor when deputies arrested him.

According to court records, Greene will face a preliminary hearing March 31 at 9 a.m. at the Rogers County Courthouse.
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP)  A dispute over the fate of 60 Algerians that France hopes to deport has deepened a rupture between the countries that has approached a historic low over the past year.

Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday rejected a French list of Algerians with a dangerous profile set for deportation. It said the list from France's Interior Ministry bypassed traditional diplomatic channels for such expulsions and denied the Algerians their rightful trials.

The ministry statement rejected threats and intimidation attempts, as well as injunctions, ultimatums, and any coercive language.

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Frances right-wing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who had previously threatened that France could terminate decades-old immigration and visa accords, on Tuesday pledged to retaliate in a post on X.

The list in question is the first time that France has publicly discussed compiling and transmitting names of those slated for expulsion. The names are a fraction of the Algerians that French authorities have previously said they've designated for deportation.

As conservative forces have risen in France in recent months, officials including Retailleau have pushed for stricter immigration controls, and the government has intensified its efforts to expel Algerians.

Data submitted to France's parliament last year showed less than 10% of French expulsion orders lead to actual deportations.

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The Algerians set to be deported include a 37-year-old suspect sentenced to life for his role in an eastern France stabbing attack last month, and a trio of TikTok influencers found guilty of inciting violence against Jews, Morocco or opponents of Algerias government.

With economic difficulties and political dissatisfaction mounting in Algeria, the country's officials have leaned into disagreements with former colonizer France.

Algerian officials have maintained that their country's refusal to accept the deportees from France is related to concerns about due process.

Despite lingering tensions since Algeria wrested independence from France in a bloody war more than 60 years ago, the countries have cooperated on issues such as security, migration and trade.

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But relations have deteriorated under French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Macron has accused Algerias military-led government of using hatred of France as a central governing principle. Last year Macron enraged Algeria by shifting France's position to back Morocco's plan for the disputed Western Sahara, offering the disputed territory limited autonomy rather than independence or the referendum on self-determination that Algeria and the pro-independence Polisario Front have long demanded.

France's shift in position sent relations between Paris and Algiers into a downward spiral and in the nearly eight months since the barbs traded between the two countries have encompassed a range of subjects including trade restrictions, the treatment of imprisoned French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and historic grievances, including about the legacy of Frances nuclear program in Algeria.

French politicians  including conservatives who joined Macrons government last year  have accused Algeria of trying to humiliate France and threatened to revoke the special status that Algerians who wish to emigrate or work in France have enjoyed. This week, they called to recall Frances ambassador in Algiers and terminate visas for Algerian diplomats.
France will deploy Rafale fighter jets equipped with supersonic nuclear warheads along its border with Germany in 2035, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on March 18 at the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur Airbase, according to BFMTV.

The move comes as the U.S. shifts its focus away from Europe and Ukraine, signaling that the continent may not be able to rely on Washington for its future security.

By 2035, Luxeuil will be the first base to host the next-generation Rafale fighter jet and its hypersonic nuclear missile, a crucial part of the ongoing modernization of Frances nuclear deterrent, Macron said.

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The Dassault Rafale, a fourth-generation French fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation, has been in service with the French Air Force since 2000. Its naval variant, the Rafale M, serves as the primary combat aircraft for the French Navy.

The Rafale can fly at supersonic speeds without an afterburner and take off from runways as short as 400 meters. The aircraft is powered by two engines.

Two new Rafale squadrons  nearly 40 aircraft  will be stationed at the airbase near Luxeuil-les-Bains, which will receive 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in modernization funding from the French government.

By 2035, around 2,000 military and civilian personnel will be stationed at the base, according to Macron.

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The French president also confirmed that France would increase and accelerate orders for Rafales amid shifting geopolitical realities.

Western leaders and defense officials previously warned about the threat emanating from Russia amid Europe's current lack of military preparedness.

Western intelligence agencies have also warned that Russia may find the opportunity to launch a large-scale war on Europe within five years.

Read also: Talk about an invasion is everywhere  How Lithuania is preparing for war with Russia

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France has said it will establish another nuclear-capable air base  its fourth  that will be equipped with two squadrons of the latest version of the homegrown Dassault Rafale multirole fighter. The change in fortunes for the base, Luxeuil Air Base in eastern France  once threatened with closure  comes as European NATO members, including France, look at bolstering their nuclear deterrence capabilities independent of the United States.

The announcements were made today by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Luxeuil  locally known as Base Aerienne 116. As a nuclear-capable base, Luxeuil is planned to host the new ASN4G hypersonic missile by 2035. The weapon will arm two squadrons of the most advanced F5-standard Rafales  a total of 40 aircraft. All in all, France will invest around 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) into the installation.

French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to the French Air and Space Force base at Luxeuil, in Saint-Sauveur, northeastern France on March 18, 2025. Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP LUDOVIC MARIN

Pointing to the fact that the war in Ukraine has changed the situation, Cedric Perrin, the senator for the region in which the air base is located, confirmed that the first Rafale squadron will touch down at Luxeuil in 2032, becoming operational the following year. The second squadron will become operational in 2036.

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It appears that these 40 advanced versions of the Rafale will be in addition to the 42 examples ordered earlier this year. As well as being compatible with the ASN4G missile, the F5-standard Rafales will also be able to work in conjunction with loyal wingman-type drones.

Macron has just announced that the  Luxeuil airbase B116 will by 2035 host the ASN4G, the  nuclear deterrents future airborne hypersonic missile, as well as two squadrons of the future F5-standard Rafale fighter jetHe announced this on his way to Germany, and on the day Trump talks to Putin  Sophie Pedder (@sophiepedder.bsky.social) 2025-03-18T13:52:01.486Z

Whatever the case with the overall Rafale numbers, adding a new nuclear-capable air base for the French Air and Space Force is significant.

Currently, the French Air and Space Force has three air bases equipped with secure weapons storage for nuclear missiles: Saint-Dizier, Istres, and Avord. These bases host roughly 50 two-seat Rafale Bs, which are armed with ASMP-A supersonic missiles and are supported by a fleet of Airbus A330 MRTT Phenix aerial refueling tankers.

If the 40 nuclear-tasked Rafales at Luxeuil will be in addition to the existing ones, rather than a direct replacement, that would represent a major expansion of Frances nuclear deterrence force. It would also imply that the total number of warheads fielded by the French Air and Space Force will be increased significantly. As of 2015, it was confirmed that France had 54 operational ASMP-A missiles.

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Also significant is Macrons announcement of this nuclear expansion as he traveled to Germany to meet officials there, and on the same day that U.S. President Donald Trump had talks with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

This kind of signaling serves as a demonstration of French independent nuclear deterrence toward Russia and, at the same time, is likely geared toward encouraging Germany to approve major new defense investments of its own. Meanwhile, in Berlin, the parliament is voting to remove constitutional limits on defense spending.

Ahead of Macrons trip to Luxeuil, it was stated that the primary aim was to underscore the key role of the air base and its importance in collective defense and regional security.

Members of the French Air and Space Force walk past a Mirage 2000-5F at Luxeuil Air Base on March 18, 2025, ahead of the visit by President Emmanuel Macron. Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP LUDOVIC MARIN

That latter point also refers to the growing momentum behind the idea of some kind of expanded nuclear deterrence among European NATO members, separate from the nuclear-sharing program that relies on the United States. This idea has emerged out of the deepening crisis in the transatlantic alliance under Trump, emphasized by recent calls from German leader-in-waiting Friedrich Merz for talks with his British and French colleagues about European nuclear sharing or at least nuclear security.

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Last month, as TWZ reported at the time, it also emerged that France was apparently looking at the possibility of deploying air-launched nuclear weapons in Germany, another measure that could come to pass if its determined that the United States may no longer guarantee European security under NATO. Macrons announcement today of a new nuclear-capable air base on French territory also points to a willingness to develop this kind of deterrence infrastructure, although establishing a base of this kind in Germany, whether on a permanent or temporary basis would be a lot more complicated. Furthermore, Luxeuil was a previous nuclear-capable base, before that mission was removed in 2011.

Approximate locations of the current and future nuclear-capable air bases of the French Air and Space Force. Google Earth

As for the F5-standard Rafale, this latest iteration is planned to keep the multirole combat aircraft in frontline service until around 2060. Initial studies for F5 were started last year, with full-scale development to begin in the 2026-27 timeframe.

Modifications to the Rafales airframe are also being considered, including the adoption of conformal fuel tanks and of radar-cross-section reduction kits, to increase the stealthiness of the jet.

The Rafale F5 is expected to have a focus on collaborative combat, including crewed-uncrewed teaming with drones, as well as incorporating new-generation weapons like the ASN4G, the next-generation standoff nuclear weapon for the French Armed Forces.

A Rafale during a test mission with a Dassault nEUROn combat drone demonstrator. Dassault Aviation  Dassault Aviation  A. Pecchi /  Dassault Aviation  A. Pecchi

Work on the ASN4G (Air-Sol Nucleaire de 4e Generation, or fourth-generation nuclear air-to-ground) missile began in 2016. The munition remains in the early stages of development, but it will be capable of hypersonic speeds  defined as speeds greater than Mach 5  with a range in excess of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).

The sucessor of the ASMPA-R is already in the works with the ASN4G. It will be hypersonic (Mach 6/7), and stealthier. In 2024, the program MIHYSYS was launched to began development of components for hypersonic flight. 20/22 pic.twitter.com/w59oZnLnwD  VLS Enjoyer (@VLS_Appreciator) March 3, 2025

This compares with a speed of over Mach 3 for the current ASMP-A, which is powered by a liquid-fuel ramjet engine over a maximum range of around 500 kilometers (310 miles), depending on the flight profile. The ASMP-A is equipped with a thermonuclear warhead of around 300 kilotons.

ASMP-A on a Rafale. MBDA

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For the French Air and Space Force, todays announcement of major investment in the (nuclear) future of the base is significant.

But the decision also has wider relevance, pointing to a growing feeling within Europe that its future nuclear deterrence guarantees will increasingly have to be developed using local resources and offer a much greater degree of independence from U.S. decision-making  while remaining within the framework of NATO.

A French Air and Space Rafale B takes on fuel from a tanker. Dassault Aviation C.COSMAO

In this regard, France already has a headstart.

The French deterrent includes both submarine-launched ballistic missiles and air-launched nuclear missiles of its own design. More importantly, these weapons are technically independent of NATO nuclear planning, unlike the British nuclear deterrent, which is also closely intertwined with that of the United States.

A French Navy Triomphant class ballistic missile submarine at the naval base in Ile Longue, western France. Photo by FRED TANNEAU / AFP FRED TANNEAU

How this would all play out when confronted by the realities of a nuclear conflict involving NATO is unclear, but it does at least provide Paris with more flexibility when it comes to discussions of how its nuclear umbrella might be extended to European NATO allies.

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Now, with another nuclear-tasked air base on the cards, France is making a very clear statement of intent about its independent nuclear deterrence, which is set for a major expansion just at the time when other NATO partners in Europe are seeking more reassurance in this regard.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
(Bloomberg) -- Europe must channel money into its own defense companies rather than spending on American weapons in order to guarantee its freedom of action, according to French Finance Minister Eric Lombard.

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We have to rely on our own defense industrial base, Lombard said in a speech at the Euronext annual conference in Paris. We cannot buy American products when it comes to defense because there is a string attached: there is a double key.

Since President Donald Trumps return to the White House, European leaders have announced plans to spend hundreds of billions of euros on defense to reverse decades of underinvestment and reliance on the US security umbrella as they adjust to his abrupt pullback from the continent.

German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz unveiled a massive program to transform the military of that country earlier this month. France has less financial margin, however, as it struggles to rein in a ballooning budget deficit. Lombard has said its in the early stages of weighing options.

Lombard plans to meet with banks, asset managers and insurance companies on Thursday, alongside Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, to drum up support for the French defense industrial and technological base.

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The European Union has called for investment in air defenses, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, drones and anti-drone systems, as well as cyber capabilities. Some 64% of arms imported by NATO countries in Europe came from the US in the last four years, according to the SIPRI Institute in Stockholm.

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This photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows an exterior view of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to discuss bilateral ties and the Ukraine crisis in a phone call, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday. Peskov said the conversation would cover a "large number of issues," including the "further normalization of bilateral relations" and a settlement of the Ukraine crisis. He added that the call was expected to take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Moscow time (1300-1500 GMT). (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

MOSCOW, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to discuss bilateral ties and the Ukraine crisis in a phone call, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

Peskov said the conversation would cover a "large number of issues," including the "further normalization of bilateral relations" and a settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

He added that the call was expected to take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Moscow time (1300-1500 GMT). 

This photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows an exterior view of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to discuss bilateral ties and the Ukraine crisis in a phone call, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

Peskov said the conversation would cover a "large number of issues," including the "further normalization of bilateral relations" and a settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

He added that the call was expected to take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Moscow time (1300-1500 GMT). (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

This photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows an exterior view of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to discuss bilateral ties and the Ukraine crisis in a phone call, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

Peskov said the conversation would cover a "large number of issues," including the "further normalization of bilateral relations" and a settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

He added that the call was expected to take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Moscow time (1300-1500 GMT). (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

This photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows an exterior view of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to discuss bilateral ties and the Ukraine crisis in a phone call, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

Peskov said the conversation would cover a "large number of issues," including the "further normalization of bilateral relations" and a settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

He added that the call was expected to take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Moscow time (1300-1500 GMT). (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

This photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows an exterior view of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to discuss bilateral ties and the Ukraine crisis in a phone call, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

Peskov said the conversation would cover a "large number of issues," including the "further normalization of bilateral relations" and a settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

He added that the call was expected to take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Moscow time (1300-1500 GMT). (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Frankfort police released at 4:50 p.m. on March 18 that Wiggington has been located.

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The Frankfort Police Department is asking for help from the community in locating a missing teenager.

Just after midnight, FPD announced on Facebook that James Wiggington, 16, was last seen around 9 p.m. on Monday in the Crosshill Drive area.

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The police described Wiggington as being approximately 6 feet tall and weighing around 240 pounds. He was last seen wearing black jogging pants and a grey pullover.

Anyone who might know his whereabouts is asked to contact the Frankfort-Franklin County Dispatch Center at 502-875-8582.

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GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A new pilot program in Franklin County is helping independent restaurants stay afloat while providing thousands of meals to residents facing food insecurity.

Through the Food Insecurity Grant Program for Independent Restaurants, the Franklin County Community Development Corporation (FCCDC) has partnered with local establishments to prepare and distribute meals across western Massachusetts.

North Adams seeks artists to transform city crosswalks into public art

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One of the programs standout participants, Mesa Verde in Greenfield, is preparing 3,140 hot meals for individuals who rely on the Franklin County Community Meals Program.

Courtesy of the Franklin County Community Development Corporation Courtesy of the Franklin County Community Development Corporation Courtesy of the Franklin County Community Development Corporation

With an initial investment of $450,000, the program aims to serve approximately 50,000 meals in its first year. FCCDC Program Manager Hannah Sobel worked closely with 13 food access organizations identified by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Worcester Food Bank to coordinate meal distribution.

Among the participating organizations are:

Amherst and Northampton Survival Centers

Franklin County Community Meals Program

Gray House

Ludlow Veterans Services

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Each organization nominated at least one local restaurant to take part in the initiative. In total, 20 restaurants are preparing nutritious meals that are then either served on-site at the nonprofit organizations or boxed and distributed to community members.

The pilot program addresses two critical needs at once: supporting struggling independent restaurants and providing meals for residents experiencing food insecurity.

The FCCDCs efforts align with broader state initiatives aimed at reducing food insecurity while strengthening local economies. By creating a direct link between restaurants and food banks, the program ensures that resources are efficiently allocated to where they are needed most.

With the success of the pilot program, there is now potential for expansion in the future, allowing more restaurants and food access organizations to participate.

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For more information on the Food Insecurity Grant Program for Independent Restaurants, visit their website.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  Christa Barfield, also known as FarmerJawn, is at it again: helping people access eggs as prices continue to soar in the tri-state area.

FarmerJawn will partner with local New York City businesses on Friday to distribute dozens of free eggs. The farm also held an egg giveaway in January.

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In February, the Consumer Price Index showed that a dozen Grade A eggs cost an average of $5.90 in the U.S., up 10.4% from the previous year. In January, the average price was $4.95.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects egg prices to rise 41% this year over last years average of $3.17 per dozen.

Here are the locations and times where New Yorkers can find free eggs on Friday:

Brooklyn

Brown Butter Craft Bar & Kitchen: 413 Tompkins Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216

Starts at 9 a.m.

Queens

Former Prince Abous Butchery: 32-90 Steinway St., Astoria, NY 11103

Starts at 10 a.m.

Manhattan

Africa Kine: 2267 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd., New York, NY 10027

Starts at 11 a.m.

Barfield said the locations represent resilience, culture, and community.

FarmerJawn will also be giving eggs and 100 free cuts of lamb at select Philadelphia-area locations on Friday, according to their press team. For more information, click here.

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Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL)  A group of local business owners and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) launched a free ferry service on Monday intended to help hikers on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) better cross the Nolichucky River post-Hurricane Helene.

The project was an effort among the ATC, Wahoos Adventure Nolichucky, Unicoi County Economic and Community Development, the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development and Uncle Johnnys Nolichucky Hostel Cabins & Camping.

14-pound walleye caught on Clinch River to be used for breeding

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The free daily ferry service aims to assist A.T. hikers in crossing the portion of the Nolichucky that washed away the Chestoa Bridge during Hurricane Helene. That bridge was the primary river crossing for A.T. hikers going through Erwin.

Since the bridges collapse, a 3.6-mile detour was established to get hikers across the river. Organizers said the detour poses some risks to hikers due to flood debris, damage and dump truck traffic.

Thanks to the ATCs Resilience Fund, a solution to the detour came in the form of a raft. Wahoo Nolichucky Adventures was then called in to offer a shuttle across the river.

Uncle Johnnys Hostel and Outfitter Owner Terry Wise told News Channel 11 that he expects 3,000 hikers to pass through the area within the next 2-3 months.

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This is also a tremendous help to the rafting community because Slayton [Wahoos owner] bought his company. How long ago? A year ago today? Yeah, one year ago he bought it, Wise said. And then, unfortunately, Helene hit and all of the rafting community is not getting permits from the forestry service this year. So this will benefit the rafting community as well as the hiking community. 

Wise said hes heard from hikers hes recently met that fellow hikers they pass already know of the ferry and are excited to use it.

The ones that are showing up cant wait to do it. Theres a lot of chatter down the trail that people are dying to come and do it. And the ones that, the hikers that already passed, were excited for the people to behind them.

The ferry will operate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily through June and will be the official route of the A.T. during its operation this spring.

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Wahoos owner Slayton Johnson said hes proud to be able to assist A.T. hikers during a time hes unable to use his rafts for his own business operations. He said he also gets to provide his employees some work for the first time since Helene struck.

The people, theyre having a great time, Johnson said. Its much better than the reroute, they get to enjoy a beautiful section of river and I get to put some river guides back to work, which is really awesome.

The exact location of the ferry service is northbound mile 344.6 on the Appalachian Trail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  On March 22, the American Red Cross, Chatham County Fire Department and volunteers will install more than 150 free smoke alarms for Chatham County families at risk of home fires. This is part of the Sound The Alarm initiative.

Between March 1 and March 31, the Red Cross of Georgia aims to install 1,600 alarms across the state.

Alarms and installation are free but you need to sign up in advance. Click here to register for Saturdays event.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
French Montana attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York. - Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images/MTV

French Montana cant shake off a six-figure court judgment owed to a landscaper who claims the musicians Tibetan mountain dog, also known as a Tibetan mastiff, viciously mauled him while the rapper-producer watched in horror, a Los Angeles judge has ruled.

The ruling came after the Unforgettable rapper failed to convince the court that he didnt know about the mans underlying lawsuit until it was too late, meaning after landscaper Jason Leyva had been granted a $402,644 default judgment last October. The musician, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, said in filings leading up to the order that his delinquency in responding to Leyvas claims should be forgiven because he moved out California, where the incident happened, so he was never served in person. He also believed he previously settled the matter with the man, he told the court.

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While the judge initially sided with Kharbouch in a tentative ruling obtained by Rolling Stone, the judge reversed course after a hearing last Wednesday, where Leyvas lawyer convinced him to reconsider. In a revised ruling issued late last week, the judge said Kharbouch failed to establish excusable neglect. He said the artist had the burden of proving the settlement was real if he wanted to use it as the basis for his excusable neglect claim. The judge said no settlement documents were provided. Leyva, meanwhile, claims he never signed a settlement, so any such document would be a forgery. He says any funds wired to him were for his contracted services, not related to the dog attack.

In a sworn statement, Leyva previously told the court that the mauling took place on Nov. 3, 2019, shortly after Kharbouch invited him into a gated yard and assured him the Tibetan mountain dog wouldnt harm him. Leyva says he was discussing a proposed project with Kharbouch when the dog jumped up, bit down on his shoulder, and knocked him to the ground.

French was yelling at the dog to let go and hitting the dog trying to stop him. When the dog finally let go of [my] shoulder, it did not stop attacking and instead immediately sank his teeth into my hip, Leyva wrote. French acknowledged the severity of the attack and told me that he would take care of my medical bills. I said that I was not okay, and as soon as I was able to do so, I left the premises and was driven straight to the hospital where my deep lacerations required multiple sutures, and I was prescribed powerful antibiotics to combat infection.

In his own statement to the court last month, Kharbouch said he was not aware of the lawsuit prior to the default judgment. I understand that there was also an attempt to serve me by publication. I never saw any publication about this lawsuit, he wrote.

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Leyvas lawyer disputes the claim Kharbouch was in the dark, pointing to an appearance Kharbouch made on the Way Up With Angela Yee podcast on Feb. 23, 2024, where the artist referenced a report that Leyva was seeking $2.3 million. I just saw somebody tried to sue me for my dog biting him for $2 million. Like, yo, did a dinosaur bite you? Kharbouch joked.

Speaking to Rolling Stone on Monday, Kharbouchs lawyer said his side isnt giving up. He said the judges tentative order was the correct one, based on the law, so he was surprised when the court ultimately ruled in favor of Leyva. We will ask the judge to reconsider, lawyer Dariush Adli tells Rolling Stone. If he wont, well recommend to our client that we appeal. If the judge maintains his position, we are confident this will be overturned on appeal.

In his filings, Kharbouch alleges he entered into a financial settlement with Leyva on Aug. 16, 2020, paying him a confidential sum of money via a wire transfer on Aug. 19, 2020. He claims the agreement included a full release of liability from the incident.

Leyva vehemently disputes this claim, saying he was only paid for his landscaping work and was out of the country in Mexico with family at the time of the alleged settlement. He says he never signed anything and that Kharbouch didnt even have his email address at the time, only his phone number.

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After the dog bite, I was in extreme pain and had trouble with basic activities, including walking and caring for my baby daughter, he wrote in his declaration to the court. Leyva included screen shots of text messages with Kharbouchs assistant where the assistant appeared to admit liability. Leyvas court filings say he was savagely attacked by a dog that was known to be vicious.

In discussions after the incident, I was asked if $50,000 would be enough to compensate me for my injuries, but I did not accept the offer, Leyva previously told the court.

The courts ruling was just, reasonable, and based on the evidence submitted by plaintiff in his opposition papers and plaintiffs oral argument at the time of the hearing. My clients incident was the third reported dog attack (three unrelated claims) on unsuspecting laborers/service men. Mr. Leyva was invited and lawfully on the property with the full knowledge of the defendant, Leyvas lawyer, Marc Katzman, tells Rolling Stone. Contrary to the motion and his sworn declaration, French Montana was present at the time of the dog attack involving Mr. Levya and he was patently aware of the lawsuit for at least a year before filing his motion.

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British skiers will face stiffer competition to buy chalets in Chamonix after the mayor imposed a ban on new-build second homes.

The ever-popular French Alps resort is to outlaw the construction of holiday homes from May 1 as part of an ongoing battle to boost affordable housing for locals.

As much as 70pc of the towns housing stock are second homes or holiday lets, with thousands of British skiers and mountaineers flooding the area in both the winter and summer.

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Chamonix, which lies at the base of Mont Blanc, has a population of just 9,000, but numbers swell to more than 100,000 in peak months.

Priced-out locals and seasonal workers are unable to find accommodation, but Eric Fournier, the mayor, is now striving to provide 1,000 more permanent residencies over the next decade.

An outright ban on new second homes will be enforced from May, in what is thought to be the first of its kind in the country. It follows on from the introduction of a 60pc council tax surcharge on holiday homes, which was increased from 5pc in 2023.

Jeremy Rollason, of estate agency Savills Ski, said the crackdown is poised to impact British buyers.

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He said: It wont prevent you from being able to buy a second home in Chamonix, as you can still buy an old one. But it means there will be less available, so its inevitable that prices will go up.

This happened in Switzerland when it banned the construction of any new second home in 2016. Now there are probably two or three buyers for every chalet or apartment, which can only mean competition. I think youll find that happens in Chamonix.

Research by Savills Ski shows that residential space costs 13,400 (11,268) per square metre in Chamonix. While expensive, it is still a long way from the likes of Courchevel (34,600) and Val dIsere (29,200).

As well as a construction ban on second homes, hotel developments in Chamonix have also been curbed.

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Only establishments with around 40 rooms or fewer will be permitted to expand in size by up to 30pc, according to the French news site Connexion.

Larger hotels will only be allowed to increase by a maximum of 20pc, and only for the purpose of providing accommodation for workers.

Charlie McKee, of Alpine Property Intelligence, said almost three-quarters of non-French buyers in Chamonix are English-speaking.

He said: British buyers have been a significant force in the Chamonix market. It is an extraordinarily attractive destination to own a rental property.

This is because it receives more visitors in the summer than the winter. You can have up to 130,000 in the resort in August and up to 100,000 in the peak winter periods.

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This strong dual-season rental market is attractive for property owners who rent their places out, and has been a large demand driver, pushing up prices over the last three to five years by up to 10pc annually.

Mr McKee said he would not be surprised to see other European ski resorts follow suit and ban new holiday homes.

We have no doubt that others will be looking closely at the Chamonix model, he said.

The resort  one of the most popular in Europe  had its first growth spurt in the Victorian era, before hosting the first Winter Olympics in 1924.

Mr Rollason added: Theres got to be the right balance between second homes, principal homes and affordable housing. I have every sympathy with this issue across the Alps.

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The policies have been put in place probably for good reason  for the longevity of the resort and the survival of the mountain. Theres a finite amount of land in the Chamonix valley anyway, as its virtually reached saturation point.

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Theres another setback for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis prosecution of President Donald Trump and others.

A judge ruled her office intentionally withheld documents from one of the attorneys.

Channel 2 Action News was inside Fulton County Superior Court Judge Rachel Krauses courtroom the day she heard defense attorney Ashleigh Merchants lawsuit against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis office.

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Merchant filed open records requests demanding information surrounding former special prosecutor Nathan Wade and insisted the DAs office refused to comply.

During that hearing, Krause seemed to not understand the offices legal argument why.

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The DA is not the subject of the Open Records Act? I keep falling back then, why do you have an open records custodian who is providing open records? Krause asked.

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On Friday, Krause issued a ruling agreeing with Merchant, saying the DAs office was openly hostile to Ms. Merchant, and added its failures were intentional, (and) not done in good faith.

Krause also awarded Merchant $54,000 in attorneys fees for her work on the case.

Merchant represents Michael Roman, one of the defendants indicted alongside Trump.

Willis' office had no comment but said it is appealing Krauses ruling.

Its also appealing the Georgia Court of Appeals decision to remove her office from prosecuting the case at all.

Willis office did attempt to have Krause recused from the case months ago.

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But on social media, Merchant said this about Krause and her ruling: Proud we have judges willing to hold people accountable when they ignore the law.

There is no word on when that appeal could be heard.

Meanwhile, Willis office has 30 days to comply with the ruling.
THE HAGUE, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The parliament of the Netherlands on Tuesday adopted several motions calling on the government to reduce dependence on U.S. tech giants.

According to a motion published on the website of the House of Representatives, the parliament has urged the government to halt unnecessary migrations of government information communication and technology (ICT) to cloud services of American tech giants. The parliament recognizes that total reliance on American tech giants threatens the country's autonomy and cybersecurity.

It also called on the government to issue a tender for a national cloud services platform, fully managed by the Netherlands, to enable secure interdepartmental communication and data storage.

One motion asks the government to provide a risk analysis and exit strategy for all cloud services currently purchased from American tech giants.

Another motion calls for accelerated investments in cloud alternatives within the European Union (EU), highlighting Europe's need for strategic digital autonomy amid geopolitical uncertainties. It reads: "Considering that the geopolitical situation is becoming increasingly unpredictable and that the American president, through decrees and legislation, can take measures that threaten access to or the security of European data in American cloud environments ... the parliament calls on the government to advocate, within the EU, for accelerated investments in European cloud alternatives and digital infrastructure."

"The current course of the United States makes it clear that the Netherlands and Europe must stand on their own two feet in the areas of energy, defense and ICT infrastructure," said another motion, calling on the Dutch government to put European companies first in tenders for vital ICT services. 
A Senate school funding subcommittee heard multiple hours of testimony Monday amid ongoing lawmaker discussions around the next two-year state budget. (Getty Images)

Advocates for Indianas high ability students descended on the Indiana Statehouse Monday to make their case for continued funding in the next state budget.

Since 2007, Indiana public school corporations  including charter schools  are required to identify high ability K-12 students and provide appropriately differentiated curriculum and instruction in core language arts and math courses. Oftentimes, that means students compete coursework typically intended for higher grade levels.

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Julie Klusas Gasper, executive director of the Indiana Association for the Gifted and Talented, told a Senate school funding subcommittee Monday that there are 130,000 gifted and talented students across the state.

Julie Klusas Gasper, executive director of the Indiana Association for the Gifted and Talented (Photo from Gaspers LinkedIn)

She urged lawmakers to retain  not reduce  budget dollars for high ability grants, emphasizing that Indiana is one of only 15 states to fund high ability programming.

We are the gold standard among state gifted programs, Gasper said. Other states look to us as the example of how to do this.

High ability advocates speak out

In 2007, lawmakers earmarked $12.7 million to the gifted and talented line item in the state budget. Gasper said thats equal to nearly $20 million in 2025. IDOE uses a formula to decide how many high ability grants go to each school.

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Flash forward to 2023, the Indiana General Assembly allocated $15 million to the program.

Gov. Mike Braun proposed a reduction down to $13 million for the high ability line item in the next biennial budget, however. House Republicans upped the allocation back to $15 million, but it remains unclear what the opposing chamber will do.

Gasper called on Senate budget writers to keep funding at $15 million. She said those dollars are necessary for schools to carry out universal testing of students  all students are required by law to be evaluated for high ability performance  as well as for teachers professional development and evaluations to ensure local high ability programs are effective.

Indiana college students who are studying to be teachers are not required to be trained for high ability instruction. Gasper said that increases the importance of grant dollars for both new and experienced teachers  to learn how to best instruct these students.

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What were doing in Indiana, it works  its really working, Gasper continued. This money is essential for these kids. It is critical. It is literally a lifeline for them, and this is the only money thats allocated (in the budget).

Gasper further pointed to IDOEs Graduates Prepared to Succeed (GPS) dashboard, which shows that 99.7% of Hoosier high ability students passed the I-READ as third grade students in 2018. The same year, 86.1% of non-high ability students passed the standardized test.

Strong results among the student group remained high in subsequent academic years; as of 2024, 99.3% of high ability students passed the I-READ, according to IDOE.

High ability high schoolers are also high performers. Per the GPS dashboard, 99.1% of high ability students successfully completed the Graduation Pathways.

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High ability teachers, parents and students  many from the Perry Township district on the south side of Indianapolis  gave examples of specialized coursework and training that wouldnt be possible if their schools didnt have access to extra state funding.

Earlier in my career, about 20 years ago  I had no idea what I was doing. I thought they were the easy kids that just needed more work to be challenged. With my zero training, that was a complete disaster at the beginning of my high ability teaching, said Nina Bowman, a language arts teacher for a high ability eighth graders at Perry Meridian Middle School.

I can now effectively support their need to organize this vast amount of thought swirling in their heads.

 Nina Bowman, a language arts teacher for a high ability eighth graders at Perry Meridian Middle School

I quickly and desperately needed opportunities to grow, to figure out how to handle their incredibly complex needs.  The professional development that Ive had through our high ability funding over the last 20 years has made me a much better teacher. And now that I have been able to do that, I can design curriculum that is not harder, but its deeper and more complex and it is engaging, she added. I can now effectively support their need to organize this vast amount of thought swirling in their heads.

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Adelynn Davis, a junior at Southport High School in Indianapolis who has participated in high ability programming since kindergarten, said the more rigorous workload has instilled time management, study skills and perseverance. She now spends half of her school days at Central Night Career Center for pilot training.

Taking advanced placement classes has given me confidence and made my career goal of becoming a pilot more attainable, Davis said. In regards to time management, Ive learned to balance my extracurriculars like sports, clubs and jobs with my studies. Since elementary school, with individualized assignments, Ive been able to break assignments down into manageable steps  which keeps me focused and less likely to be overwhelmed.

Other funding concerns

Although senators additionally set aside time for committee discussion on summer school funding, no one signed up to testify on the topic.

A mix of testimony from dozens of others largely centered around proposed budget splits between traditional public, charter and private voucher schools.

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As the Senate takes its turn at the next two-year state budget, investment in K-12 public education is a focal point.

House Republicans opted to increase K-12 funding by 2% each year, but that boost includes dollars for fully funded virtual school students and additional money for school choice vouchers.

Public school advocates say that the increase for traditional schools alone will be closer to just 1.3%.

If you increase the foundation amount, that helps every school district  and can be used for all sorts of purposes, said Denny Costerison, with the Indiana Association of School Business Officials. The foundation amount, for me, is the key. It is the funding base that will have for the next two years  and we hope that we can find some additional dollars to continue to put into there.

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DaLynn Jones, of Mishawaka, said public education wasnt the best choice for her children. Without access to Indianas robust private school voucher program  Choice Scholarships  affording private schooling seemed impossible.

Our children are our future. In my household, raising four young ladies while staying deeply rooted in our faith and confident in their identities is a top priority. Thanks to the voucher program, we can now make that a reality. My children are thriving in an environment that suits them best, Jones said. I echo the concerns of hundreds of moms when I say they are struggling. They are struggling with their educational choices on how to best to provide for their children.

As an Indiana Hoosier mama bear, Jones asked lawmakers to green light the governors proposal to make the near-universal voucher program available statewide.

Charter school representatives also continued their call for additional state dollars. Separate from the budget, a hotly-debated bill moving through the legislature would require all Indiana public school districts to share property tax dollars with charters in their attendance boundaries if 100 or more students leave the traditional district for brick-and-mortar charters.

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Although virtual charters would not qualify under the latest draft of the bill, Indiana Connections Academy Executive Director Kelly Simone requested for the Senates version of the budget to retain House-passed language providing funding parity for online schools.

Indiana virtual school students receive the least amount of funding of all school options in Indiana, Simone said; for every dollar spent in support of traditional public schools, a student choosing a virtual school receives about 85 cents.

The funding we receive through the state budget is critical to our survival. It is our only source of revenue. We do not receive, nor are we asking for local property tax  which in 2024, averaged to around $4,500 per student, she continued. I can assure you that we use every dollar that we receive to provide necessary services to our students. Without adequate and equitable funding, how are we to implement the new graduation requirements? How are we to accommodate new legislation?

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NEW DELHI (AP)  U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said President Donald Trump is committed to ensuring peace and security through realism and pragmatism, in remarks Tuesday before the U.S. leader speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Gabbard did not refer to a particular country or conflict, but said securing peace required commitment to fostering cultural and economic ties that reduce the likelihood of an escalation to conflict and courage to engage directly with both friends and adversaries alike.

Gabbard spoke at the Raisina Dialogue conference in New Delhi on a visit to India that holds special significance: She was the first Hindu elected to Congress when she served as a representative from Hawaii. In her new role she oversees and coordinates the work of more than a dozen intelligence agencies.

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Trump remains unwavering in his commitment to achieving peace through a strategy rooted in realism and pragmatism, Gabbard said at the security and economics conference.

Trump will speak with Putin on Tuesday in a possible pivot point in efforts to end the war in Ukraine and an opportunity for Trump to continue reorienting American foreign policy.

Also in her address, Gabbard said there is huge opportunity in expanding the India-US relationship.

I am confident that this partnership and friendship between our two countries will continue to grow, she said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump met last month in Washington and spoke about easing tariffs, resolving trade issues and shoring up defense ties.

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Gabbard also met Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday.

Singh, in a post on social platform X, said they discussed a wide range of issues which include defence and information sharing, aiming to further deepen the India-US partnership.

India is a key strategic partner of the U.S. and is seen as integral to Washingtons strategy of containing China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Gal Gadots Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony Tuesday was disrupted by sign-carrying demonstrators on both the pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel sides.

Several dozen protesters showed up just before the ceremony was due to get underway, with the pro-Palestinian protesters holding signs that read Heros Fight Like Palestinians, Viva Viva Palestina and No Other Land Won Oscar.

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As with the Snow White premiere early this week, the area on Hollywood Boulevard was tented off, and fully not visible from the street, but that didnt deter the protesters from coming out and causing significant disruption.

The crowd shouted, Up up with liberation, down down with occupation and Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israels crime.

Roma Ealaicos, who stood across the street from the tented area told Variety, Were all really upset about whats happening in Gaza right now. From the last year and a half, and especially in the last 24-48 hours, 400 innocent people have been killed by the Israeli military, unprovoked. He went on to say, Theres no reason we should be celebrating an Israeli, referring to Gadot.

He expressed his disappointment in the actress for not using her platform and for keeping her head in the sand. She has the ability to learn and read the same books that we read. Theres just no excuse.

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The crowd grew to over two dozen on each side.

Content creator Dana Nikri was holding an Israeli flag. Speaking with Variety, Nikri recalled how her friends had gone to the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7, 2023, saying they were murdered. They come [to] our home and take us from our home and give us dead children, she said, adding, We dont start war, we dont want war at all.

The ceremony finally got underway, starting 15 minutes late. The protesters could still be heard chanting throughout, and police arrived on the scene after a pro-Palestinian protester stole an Israeli flag.

Gadot was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony emceed by Steve Nissen, with Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins, Fast and Furious star Vin Diesel and Shira Haas also making appearances to laud Gadot.

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Im just a girl from a town in Israel, this star will remind me that with hard work and passion and some faith, anything is possible Gadot said as she stepped up to the podium. She thanked Diesel and Jenkins. She told Diesel, You took a chance on a complete unknown and invited me to the Fast and Furious family, talk about starting big. It was my first movie ever, and your faith in me completely changed the course of my life. She thanked him for trusting in her and added, Were always family.

Gadot told Jenkins she was her Wonder Woman behind the camera. Going through this journey together, youve been a beacon of light and have always guided me with love and compassion, Gadot said. She added, Working with you taught me to trust myself and my powers as an actress. It was only after our movie that I finally started to call myself an actress.'

Gadot stars as the Evil Queen in Disneys upcoming Snow White live-action remake, featuring Rachel Zegler as the titular poison apple princess.

Gadot, who is Israeli, has been an outspoken supporter of Israel on social media, as well as in a passionate speech she delivered on March 4 when she was honored at the Anti-Defamation Leagues annual summit in New York City. Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews, she said, in part.

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Speaking to Variety ahead of her Walk of Fame ceremony, Gadot emphasized that, while she previously stayed away from politics, she felt compelled to speak up following Hamas terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023. When people were abducted from their homes, from their beds, men, women, children, elderly, Holocaust survivors, were going through the horrors of what happened that day, I could not be silent. I was shocked by the amount of hate, by the amount of how much people think they know when they actually have no idea, and also by how the media is not fair many times. So I had to speak up.

Even after fielding criticism for some of her statements, she insisted, When your compass is clear, your conscience is clean. I know what Im advocating for, and I know what I wish for the world.

Gadot isnt the only Disney star whos faced pushback from protesters recently. Last month, several dozen pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside the Hollywood premiere of Captain America: Brave New World and called for a boycott of the film over its inclusion of the Israeli superhero Ruth Bat-Seraph, aka Sabra, played by Israeli actress Haas. Protesters held signs that read Sabra has got to go, Disney supports genocide, Boycott Captain America and Pray 4 Princess Jasmine. They chanted phrases such as Free, free, free Palestine and Disney, Disney you cant hide.

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A skirmish among protesters erupted apparently over a swiped Israeli flag during the unveiling ceremony for Gal Gadots star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday.

Gadot, an Israeli actress who has broken through into Hollywoods A-list with a top franchise role as Wonder Woman, was honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at an 11:30 a.m. ceremony. The actor, who stars in this weekends upcoming wide release, Snow White, has become a lightning rod of a figure amid the Israel-Gaza conflict as shes outspoken in support of her home country.

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On Tuesday, near the corner of Hollywood Boulevard adjacent to El Capitan, demonstrators on both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict turned up to let their voices be heard. In a video posted online by TMZ, at one point what appears to be a pro-Palestine demonstrator is seen being chased by two people after apparently snatching an Israeli flag from someone at the event.

An individual is seen quickly running down Hollywood Boulevard in the dramatic footage, weaving around the crowd while being pursued by two others. After a few seconds, the person is grabbed by one of the pursuers by the shoulders and pulled aside.

Get out of the way! one officer yells as several cops in LAPD jackets race to the scene and start to throw everyone involved against a wall. Screams of Dont touch her can be heard, but its unclear to whom the person shouting is referring.

An LAPD public information officer told The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday afternoon that there were no arrests and that the skirmish was a moment of crowd control by the officers at the event.

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Gadot has previously discussed being an indigenous Israeli and how her grandfather was his familys sole survivor of the Holocaust and resettled in Israel. Prior to Gadots career as an actor, she completed compulsory service in the Israel Defense Forces under the countrys military service laws.

At her unveiling ceremony, Gadot was introduced by director Patty Jenkins and her Fast franchise co-star, Vin Diesel. She was joined there by her husband, Jaron Versano and their four daughters, Alma, Maya, Daniella and Ori.

Gal Gadot receives her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today pic.twitter.com/o78EJ9I0fT  The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 18, 2025

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When Israel and Hamas finally agreed to a cease-fire in January, many outside observers credited the agreement to Donald Trumps commitment to peace. Unlike Joe Biden, the story went, Americas new president was willing to put the screws to Israel to compel quiet in Gaza and would keep the deal on track.

These claims completely misread the map. Trump was less interested in ending the war than in being able to say hed gotten some hostages out by the time he was inaugurated. Hamas was willing to release those hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, but it was never going to agree to permanently lay down its arms. Israel, for its part, sought to extract as many of its people from Gaza as possible and wanted to stay on Trumps good side so that he might grant them sweeping policy wins later on.

Two months in, this confluence of interests has come apart, and so has the cease-fire. The deal had been on life support for weeks, with no hostages coming out of Gaza and no humanitarian aid going in. No longer willing to grant Hamas a reprieve without receiving anything in return, Israel launched extensive air strikes across the Strip last night, reportedly killing hundreds, including civilians and top Hamas officials. The Trump administration supported the movethe National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes told reporters that Hamas could have released hostages to extend the cease-fire but instead chose refusal and war.

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More war is not what the people of Gaza or Israel want. But Gazans have no ability to control or restrain Hamas, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not responsive to the preferences of the Israeli public. Polls have consistently shown that the majority of Israelis support continuing the cease-fire deal, even if it means releasing some of the worst convicted terrorists in Israeli prisons and ending the war without eradicating Hamas. The military pressure endangers the hostages while an agreement brings them home, wrote Yarden Bibas, a freed hostage whose wife and two children were murdered by Hamas. His sentiments were echoed by other former hostages, who vowed to keep fighting to bring all their fellow hostages home.

[Read: Trump made the Gaza cease-fire happen]

But Netanyahu is not listening to these voices. His coalition relies on the Israeli minority that prioritizes destroying Hamas over returning the hostages, and its far-right members hope to seed Gaza with Israeli settlements. Absent any real pressure from Trump, Netanyahu was always going to follow his base. And far from reining Israel in, Trump has floated relocating Gazas population, abolished Bidens sanctions regime targeting violent Israeli settlers, and sanctioned the International Criminal Court over its prosecution of Israel. Likewise, Hamass patrons in Qatar have been seemingly unwilling or unable to get it to adopt a more conciliatory position.

But setting aside the interests and intentions of Hamas, Netanyahu, and Trump, the Gaza cease-fire was never going to hold for a more fundamental reason: Neither side is willing to tolerate the others continued existence. Hamas is sworn to Israels destruction. For decades, the terrorist group has plundered Gaza and sacrificed its people in pursuit of an unending messianic war to eliminate the Jewish state. Before October 7, Israelis dismissed this aspiration as unrealistic and believed that they were safe behind their high-tech border fence. After October 7, they no longer do.

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For Hamas, the conflict will not end until Israel is gone. For Israel, the conflict cannot end until Hamas is gone. Which means that though a new temporary cease-fire might still be struck in the coming days or weeks, the war will go on.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Olivia Le Poidevin

CAIRO/GENEVA (Reuters) - Israel's sudden onslaught of air strikes overnight overwhelmed Gaza hospitals already reeling from weeks of an aid blockade, medics and health authorities said on Tuesday, as ambulances ferried in hundreds of badly injured survivors.

Video obtained by Reuters showed rescue workers running with stretchers across smoking debris, ambulances rushing to hospitals, a morgue full of bloodied bodies in white bags, and casualties lying outside while relatives mourned the dead.

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"We received no less than 400 cases in less than two hours," said Mohammad Qishta, a Medicins Sans Frontieres emergency doctor working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

"There were some serious cases such as burns ... third degree burns on the face, amputations, wounds on the head, wounds on the chest," he said.

Gaza health authorities issued an urgent statement on Tuesday asking residents to donate blood, saying stocks of different blood types had been exhausted.

Gaza's health system was devastated by Israel's 15-month military campaign, launched in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas in 2023, putting many of the territory's hospitals out of action, killing medics and reducing crucial supplies.

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Although a ceasefire came into effect in January, talks to transition to a second phase of the agreement stalled in February. Israel announced it was cutting off all aid, including medical supplies, into Gaza on March 2 over a dispute with Hamas on the next phase of the deal.

"The entry of all goods and supplies to the Gaza Strip will be halted," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said at the time.

Tuesday morning's airstrikes, which Palestinian health authorities said killed more than 400 people, took place across the tiny, crowded Gaza Strip where the war has left most people homeless.

Israel said it was resuming airstrikes in response to Hamas' rejection of its proposals for extending the ceasefire.

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SHORTAGES

The World Health Organization spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said 20 of Gaza's 36 hospitals remained partially functional. However, far fewer were still able to handle surgery, aid agencies said. Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Khalil Al-Deqran said only seven of the territory's hospitals were still providing services.

Jasarevic said the shortage of medicines meant even in working hospitals medics might not be able to provide treatment.

"The occupation did not allow the entry of medical equipment, devices and very necessary medical consumables to maintain what remains of the health system and functioning hospitals," Gaza hospitals director Mohammed Zaqout said.

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The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which works with rescue and health services in Gaza, said its team in the territory had reported on Tuesday that medical facilities were overwhelmed.

"The situation is rapidly deteriorating, even before the recent developments, because since the beginning of March we didn't get any other aid, any other medicine," the federation's spokesperson Tommaso Della Longa said.

Even reaching casualties is more difficult because of damage to ambulances and a lack of fuel, said Shaina Low of the Norwegian Refugee Council, which is suspending most operations in Gaza because of the danger from strikes.

"We've already seen the suspension of 20 ambulances in Gaza because of lack of petrol. We're going to see hospitals shutting down," she added.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Olivia Le Poidevin and Emma Farge; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Alison Williams)
GCSE exams are expected to be slashed to reduce pupil stress in an overhaul of the national curriculum ordered by ministers.

A review ordered by Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, claimed that intensive, high-stakes assessments were having an impact on the wellbeing of teenagers.

Summarising more than 7,000 responses to a consultation, the 45-page interim report, which was published on Tuesday afternoon, said concerns were frequently raised about the pressure that exams can place on students.

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Polling commissioned by the independent panel leading the review found that half of those completing their GCSEs last summer had found it difficult or very difficult to cope with stress during the exam period.

The review said before its final report in autumn it will consider carefully whether there are opportunities to reduce the overall volume of assessment for the exams.

It added: We will also take a subject-by-subject approach to consider assessment fitness for purpose and consider the impact of different assessment methods on teaching and learning.

We will consider potential risks and trade-offs with non-exam assessments, such as deliverability (including the impact on teacher workloads), the risk of malpractice and risks to equity.

A very bad idea

However, it concluded that traditional examined assessment should remain the primary means of assessment across GCSEs.

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There was a similar finding for those sitting A-levels or other assessments. It found that pupils in England spend between 24 and 31 hours in the exam hall in Year 11, double the average in Ireland and New Zealand.

Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, told The Telegraph: Soft bigotry of low expectations is back. In moving away from examinations and towards coursework, qualifications will be less rigorous and less credible.

Ministers should be honest about the trade-offs that spending less time on core subjects, like English and maths, mean for childrens skills. With limited hours in the school day, spending less time on these subjects will mean children are worse prepared for the world beyond school.

Neil OBrien, the shadow education minister, claimed Ms Phillipsons review was a move from exams towards coursework and a very bad idea which would widen inequality and more dumbing down on the way from Labour.

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Nick Timothy, the Conservative MP, said the review would mean weaker standards, fewer tests and woke identity nonsense.

The review must not cave in to the unions and undermine the techniques that have raised education standards, he said.

Broader, richer, cutting-edge curriculum

Ms Phillipson ordered the audit of Englands education system within weeks of Labours election win last year, pledging to breathe new life into our outdated curriculum.

The national curriculum sets out the programmes of study and attainment targets for all subjects for children up to the age of 16.

The review, which she pledged would deliver a broader, richer, cutting-edge curriculum is the first in more than a decade.

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Its interim findings, overseen by feminist academic Prof Becky Francis, also called for greater diversity, equality and inclusion.

However, it also prompted warnings that children will leave school less prepared for the real world.

The panel will make final recommendations to the Government this Autumn, with the shake-up expected to apply to all schools in England from next year.

It added that it hoped to do so without compromising the reliability of results and the trust of schools, teachers, parents and pupils in qualifications.

It will also mean academies, who are currently allowed to divert from the national curriculum, will be forced to teach it for the first time.

Diversity

Ministers will also consider boosting the diversity of content after concerns were raised that pupils do not feel represented by current teaching material.

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The panel said that it had heard compelling arguments that the curriculum could do more to make all young people feel represented and to challenge discrimination.

Pupils told us that not being able to see themselves in the content they learn, or encountering negative portrayals, can be disempowering and demotivating, a point supported by wider evidence, it said.

The Telegraph previously revealed how submissions to the review from education groups had argued that children should stop being taught about the greatness of the British Empire, and that genres including rap poetry should be added for English literature.

Other submissions included arguments that children should be taught about non-Western contributions to the sciences or that teachers should challenge the whiteness of European art.

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The review said a new curriculum would reflect the issues and diversities of our society and broaden their horizons [of pupils].

It added: One of our strengths as a nation is our diversity, and our commitments to equality of opportunity and fairness. As such, we shall seek to ensure that all young people are able to feel included and engaged in the national curriculum.

Climate change

The report also called for experts to teach climate change in schools.

It designated global warming as a key area of improvement for teaching, saying that the review would examine adding scientific and cultural knowledge to the curriculum to meet the challenges of climate change.

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As well as improving digital skills and the rise of artificial intelligence, the review said: Society is rapidly changing, and bringing new opportunities and challenges, including those presented by AI, and those relating to global political developments and climate change.

These will require particular knowledge and skills to address, and to ensure that our young people can harness future opportunities and fend off threats to our democracy and cohesion.

English and maths

Compulsory resits for GCSE English and maths may also be abolished under plans amid warnings that too many young people are spending too much time studying for repeat examinations.

The experience of multiple resits with no success can have a negative impact on learners self-esteem and level of engagement with their studies, it said.

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There are benefits of improving English and maths, current arrangements, in which learners have less time to devote to their other studies, may contribute to their disengagement and the higher rates of absence in this group, it added.

The review said that it had heard strong evidence that a minimum of GCSE level in English and maths should continue to be the ambition for as many learners as possible.

Michael Goves Ebacc

The report also suggests scrapping the English baccalaureate (Ebacc) introduced by Michael Gove which requires pupils to take exams in English, maths, science, humanities and a language.

The interim report said: The intention behind the EBacc to improve access to a comprehensive, academic curriculum for all should be acknowledged, but as the review progresses, we will also consider whether this remains the most effective means of achieving this objective.



It said that it will assess the place of the Ebacc and that it may unnecessarily constrain the choice of students, impacting their engagement and achievement, and limiting their access to, and the time available for, vocational and arts subjects.

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The review will now continue to analyse the evidence on the Ebacc and that the uptake of its subjects had not consistently translated into increased study at A-level.



Mr Gove has already said he was particularly worried about the future of the Ebacc, which he introduced as education secretary to prompt pupils to take a wide range of subjects at GCSE.

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KIEV, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that even a partial ceasefire with Russia will be a positive result and will bring Ukraine closer to conflict resolution, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.

Speaking during a video briefing following a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Zelensky said Ukraine supports any proposals that would lead to a lasting and just peace.

He expressed interest in learning the details of the Trump-Putin conversation and sharing them with Ukraine's partners.

"There are two sides in this war -- Russia and Ukraine. Without Ukraine's involvement, I believe reaching an agreement is futile," Zelensky stressed.

He confirmed that Russia and Ukraine are planning a prisoner exchange under the "175 for 175" formula announced following the Trump-Putin talks.

Commenting on Ukraine's military operation in Russia's western Kursk region, Zelensky said that Ukrainian forces remain in the area and will continue their mission as long as Ukraine needs this operation.

Earlier in the day, Trump and Putin agreed that the movement to peace in Ukraine "will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace," the White House said in a statement. 
Georgetown University is launching a program to offer tuition assistance and career services for the thousands of federal workers impacted by President Trumps push to shrink the government workforce.

Over the past few weeks, the lives of thousands of public servants have been disrupted with reductions in staff at federal agencies, interim Georgetown President Robert M. Groves said in a message announcing the new initiative Monday. Our university response: we expand opportunities for education.

Georgetown unveiled a new web repository of available resources, including ways that verified federal workers whove lost their jobs can get 10 percent discounts on most masters degree programs and reduced prices for some professional certificates. The university also is waving application fees and extending deadlines to apply for masters programs this fall.

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Additionally, Georgetown is offering free career seminars through the summer for ousted federal workers, beginning with a session on federal-to-civilian career moves on March 31 and an April 9 seminar on navigating the job search after a layoff.

Groves, who was director of the Census Bureau under former President Obama, became the Georgetowns interim leader in November 2024 after longtime university President John DeGioia retired for health reasons.

We recognize the incomparable value of the work that many in our community have committed their careers to, and we will continue to offer support as we navigate these changes together, Groves said in his announcement.

Mass firings under Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency, which is led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, have hit federal employees across government, including many deemed probationary workers who generally have been on the job less than two years and are easier to terminate under the law. The effort is being challenged in court.

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The Department of Education laid off nearly half of its workforce, about 1,315 employees, last week.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Guest commentary warns Senate Bill 27, sponsored by Sen. John Albers (right) and pushed by Sen. Randy Robertson could criminalize sharing identifying information about someone that is already public. Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Recorder (file photo)

No one  whether they are a private figure or a public official  wants to be harassed online with their private information paraded about for others to use to target them or their family members.

For instance, Eliud Bonilla, an American citizen, was temporarily removed from the voter rolls in Virginia due to a clerical error. Even though his voter registration was restored, a watchdog group published his personal information online, suggesting that he was a noncitizen voter who had committed voter fraud, causing him to fear for his safety. This sort of thing shouldnt happen.

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Unfortunately, the legislative fix that the Georgia General Assembly is working on  Senate Bill 27  isnt threading the needle quite right. In its current form, it would prohibit large amounts of truthful speech while still not effectively safeguarding peoples personal information. Moreover, SB 27 would largely duplicate already existing laws that criminalize much of the conduct the bill seeks to prevent.

The legislation makes it a crime to electronically post or transmit another persons identifying information, including their name or where they work, if that information is reasonably likely to be used by another party to cause the identified person reasonable fear of physical injury, significant economic injury, or mental anguish.

There are several concerns with this expansive definition of criminal liability. First, it outlaws sharing identifying information that is already public. These days, people publicly post information about themselves online all the time, whether its photos on Instagram or their employment history on LinkedIn. Yet, another person who shares this already-public information could still be criminally charged under SB 27 if a third party uses it to harass or intimidate the identified party.

This leads to a second problem with the bill: It requires a person sharing identifying information about another to predict what a third party is reasonably likely to do with it. For instance, someone who posts a critical comment in a Facebook group about a local official that includes the officials name and where they work, may find themselves arrested under SB 27 if another person in the group (whom the poster is unaware of) then sends violent hate mail to the official. SB 27 also contains no requirement that the third partys malicious use of the identifying information occur close to the time when the poster shared it. So, even if the hate mail was sent months after the post was made, the poster could still be charged. The uncertainty of trying to forecast the future actions of unknown third parties will leave would-be critics no choice but to stay silent if they want to avoid criminal liability under SB 27.

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A third problem with the bill is that it does not require actual injury to result from the posting of identifying information. It only requires that the information be used in a manner that would cause the identified person to have reasonable fear of stalking or physical harm, or to experience significant economic harm or emotional distress. This adds yet another layer of unpredictability about what can lawfully be shared because of the subjective nature of what amounts to grounds for reasonable fear.

Taken together, SB 27s defects make it nearly impossible for would-be speakers to distinguish what information about another person can be electronically transmitted versus what could land them in jail. This will chill far more speech than the drafters of the bill likely meant to deter. As the United States Supreme Court has long recognized, laws with uncertain meanings as to what speech is prohibited inevitably lead citizens to steer far wider of the unlawful zone . . . than if the boundaries of the forbidden areas were clearly marked.

To be sure, SB 27 requires that the person transmitting the personally identifying information do so with reckless disregard for how others might use the information, but that provides no safe harbor from criminal prosecution. Reckless disregard can easily be alleged, even if it cannot ultimately be proven. Similarly, the bill contains a constitutional savings clause that says its not a crime if you post the information in furtherance of constitutionally protected activity. But, this is only an affirmative defense the poster will still have to prove. People will choose not to exercise their First Amendment right to speak, rather than risk fighting a criminal prosecution.

Finally, SB 27 is largely duplicative of other Georgia laws that already prohibit the same conduct the bill seeks to deter. For instance, Georgia common law already recognizes the tort of publication of private facts. Georgia Code  16-11-39.1 classifies harassing as any form of electronic communication being used to harm others. And Georgia Code  16-11-37 punishes an individual who makes a threat of violent crime toward others. With such laws already on the books, SB 27 would be detrimental to First Amendment rights without actually providing significant additional protections to potential crime victims.

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The best course of action would be for the Georgia Legislature to reject SB 27. Short of that, the bill should be narrowed to restrict only the posting of identifying information that is not otherwise publicly available (e.g., bank account, Social Security, or unpublished cellphone numbers); require that the poster intentionally share the information for the sole purpose of causing violence or harassment toward the individual identified; and require that the sharing of the information cause actual harm (either physical, emotional or financial) to the identified person. Georgia lawmakers should take a critical look at SB 27 and either set it aside or significantly narrow it.

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ATLANTA (AP)  Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday Barbara Rivera Holmes, the head of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, as the state's next labor commissioner.

Rivera Holmes replaces Bruce Thompson, a Republican and former state senator who was elected labor commissioner in 2022. He died in November from pancreatic cancer at age 59, eight months after he announced his diagnosis.

Rivera Holmes, 45, is the seventh woman to hold statewide office in Georgia and the first woman of Hispanic descent. John King, the current insurance commissioner originally appointed by Kemp, was the first Hispanic man to hold statewide office. Although elected Republicans at the state level are still overwhelmingly white men, Kemp has made some diverse appointments, recognizing that the GOP needs to broaden its appeal in a state that is now only half white.

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Kemp made the announcement in a ceremony at the state Capitol in Atlanta, where he lauded Rivera Holmes for her unique skill set in workforce development and education. Holmes was appointed as a member of the board of regents overseeing the University System of Georgia in 2018 by Gov. Nathan Deal.

She brings an unmatched combination of knowledge and ability to this role that will benefit all those looking for work," said Kemp, a Republican.

Georgia's Labor Department administers unemployment insurance and helps people find jobs.

Throughout my career, Ive been committed to creating opportunities and building stronger communities by fostering partnerships and statewide alliances, driving job creation and securing capital investments," Rivera Holmes said.

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The department has been run since Thompsons death by interim commissioner Louis DeBroux, who was Thompsons chief of staff.

Rivera Holmes will serve the remainder of Thompson's four-year term until early 2027, giving her a chance to make herself known as a statewide officeholder. She said she will run for a full term in the office as a Republican in 2026.

Yes, she'll run; yes, she'll run as a Republican, Kemp said.

Georgia is one of only four states that elects its labor commissioner, with the governor appointing the position in other states.

The Labor Department was battered during the pandemic by a huge wave of unemployment claims, raising questions about the management of the department. The department also struggled with a budget that was cut during the Great Recession more than a decade ago, leaving it with fewer employees and a 40-year-old computer system. Thompson announced a plan in 2023 to update that computer system. Rivera Holmes said she planned to evaluate how that changeover was going after she takes office.

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Rivera Holmes has led the Albany Area Chamber since 2015. She announced her resignation Monday, saying it would take effect on March 28. Kemp said Rivera Holmes would be sworn into her new statewide post on April 4.

Kemp said he chose Rivera Holmes because he was looking for someone who works well as part of a team to aid economic development and job growth. He also said it was part of his commitment to aid economic opportunity in areas outside metro Atlanta, citing Rivera Holmes' work in southwest Georgia, one of the state's poorest regions.

Being situated outside of metro Atlanta is certainly an advantage," Rivera Holmes told reporters. "Life is different outside of the metro area. The challenges are different, and the opportunities are different.
(NewsNation)  A teenager who disappeared from her home in Gwinnett County, Georgia, more than a year ago has been found safe in Tennessee.

Gwinnett County police on Monday confirmed that Asata Amun has been in the Tennessee Department of Children Services custody for months. She was using an alias during her stay.

A breakthrough in the case occurred when a Tennessee Department of Childrens Services case manager identified inconsistencies in Asata Amuns statements, prompting further research into missing children in Georgia, the police said in a statement.

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Body found in nature preserve identified as missing St. Pete teen Allister Nasr

Asata Amuns disappearance

Amun, then 16, vanished from her home in Buford, Georgia  a suburb in the Atlanta metropolitan area  in February 2024. She was last seen on doorbell video running out the front door with no personal items the day after she was disciplined at school.

According to police, her father reported her missing.

Just days before Tennessee officials located Amun, her mother Jasmine Dominique spoke with Atlantas WSB-TV about her daughters disappearance. Dominique told the outlet that, even though she doesnt live in Georgia, Amun called her last time she ran away from home.

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She knows my number. She could have sent me a message, Dominique told WSB-TV.

Missing teen paddleboarders found safe after disappearing off Florida coast

The outlet reported that Amuns two sisters were removed from her fathers home by Childrens Protective Service over physical abuse concerns.

Tennessee officials are working to transfer Amun to the Georgia Department of Family & Children Services.

The investigation into her disappearance remains active, police said in a statement.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
(Bloomberg) -- German lawmakers will vote on a bill Tuesday that would unlock hundreds of billions of euros in debt-financed defense and infrastructure spending and herald a pivot toward a substantially more expansive fiscal policy in Europes biggest economy.

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Conservative Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz and the Social Democrats last week sealed an agreement with the Greens that should secure the two-thirds majority needed for the law to pass the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, barring any last-minute surprises.

That would pave the way for the Bundesrat upper house, where Germanys 16 federal states are represented, to give its backing to the bill at a session on Friday, after which President Frank-Walter Steinmeier can sign it into law.

Merzs CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD, who are in talks to form the next government, are seeking authorization to massively ramp up spending in response to the geopolitical upheaval triggered by Donald Trumps return to the US presidency, and to give a muchneeded boost to Germanys stagnating economy.

Whats happening today?

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The Bundestag session is due to begin at 10 a.m. local time and end at 1:30 p.m. A lengthy list of lawmakers from each party will address the chamber before a roll-call ballot at the end of the debate.

Theres relatively little margin for error, although party leaders sounded confident after lawmakers gathered in Berlin Monday evening.

Combined, the CDU/CSU bloc, SPD and Greens have 520 seats  31 more than the 489 needed for the necessary supermajority required for changes to the countrys constitution. Non-binding tests on Tuesday morning before the debate are meant to head off a surprise when the votes are officially cast.

The ballot typically takes about 20 minutes and there will then be a break of around 10 minutes before the speaker announces the result. Depending on the number of unscheduled interventions, the timing of the vote could slip well into the afternoon.

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Whats in the bill?

Spending on defense and security in excess of 1% of gross domestic product, or roughly 45 billion ($49 billion), will be released from borrowing restrictions written into Germanys constitution  the so-called debt brake. That effectively means spending beyond 1% of GDP has no upper limit.

The law will also anchor a special, off-budget infrastructure fund into the constitution that will be empowered to borrow as much as 500 billion spread over 12 years.

And Germanys 16 states will have leeway to borrow as much as 0.35% of GDP, or the equivalent of around 16 billion. They were previously required to run balanced budgets.

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What does Bloomberg Economics say?

A rapid increase in infrastructure spending could boost German GDP by 1% in the near term and (if spending is sustained) lift potential GDP by 2% by 2040, economist Martin Ademmer wrote in a March 6 note.

German investment stimulus would also lift the level of euro-area GDP by 0.4% by the end of 2026, and create some upside to forecasts for France and Italy thanks to spillovers, according to Ademmer.

The impact of higher defense spending depends on the size of the package (currently unknown but likely to be big), what it gets spent on (equipment or boots on the ground) and where products are sourced from.

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Whats the market reaction?

Markets have been buoyed by Germanys apparent willingness to resume the role of Europes growth engine. That could spur a number of sectors, with defense stocks and German equities the obvious winners so far.

Many expect a widening of the rally to former laggards such as autos, which have already started to bounce, as well as stocks geared to infrastructure, including materials, power equipment, utilities, gas and industrial firms.

German government debt, meanwhile, sold off sharply when it became clear that policymakers were preparing to ditch years of fiscal conservatism, causing the yield on benchmark 10-year bonds to surge nearly 50 basis points to the highest levels since 2023.

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The rout spilled over to other euro-area countries, with rates on Italian, French and Spanish notes all spiking. On Monday, however, yields on German 30-year bonds fell as much as 11 basis points, the most in six weeks, with analysts saying the recent selloff looks overdone.

What happens next?

The conservatives and Social Democrats are pushing ahead with coalition talks and aim to have an agreement in place by Easter at the latest  in just over a months time.

That would pave the way for Merz to secure Bundestag approval to take over as chancellor from Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, who has been running the government in a caretaker capacity since the CDU/CSUs February election victory.

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Failure to secure the funding package, though, would throw the coalition discussions into doubt. Without financing in place, it would become much more difficult for the centrist rivals to find common ground.

--With assistance from Michael Nienaber, Kamil Kowalcze and Arne Delfs.

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The three German parties behind a massive 500 billion ($547 billion) infrastructure investment package and measures to increase defence spending in Europe's largest economy say they've got the votes to pass the legislation.

Representatives from the conservative CDU/CSU alliance, the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens say they will reach the two-thirds majority needed to push the landmark package through the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, on Tuesday.

This supermajority is required to approve constitutional changes. The package includes easing constitutional limits on how much debt the government can take on.

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The legislation allows for this limit to be exceeded for spending on defence, civil protection, intelligence services and cybersecurity.

Like many other European countries, Germany is under intense pressure to increase its defence spending, including to provide support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.

The other element off the legislation is a special 500 billion debt-backed fund for infrastructure and climate change spending.

Counting the votes

The three Bundestag groups need 489 yes votes to reach the required two-thirds majority. Together they have 520 votes or 31 more than what is required.

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SPD Secretary General Matthias Miersch said his party's Bundestag faction will vote almost unanimously in favour.

"We have one sick person and one person who will vote against it, otherwise we will vote unanimously in favour of this package," Miersch said on the Phoenix television channel ahead of the special Bundestag session.

What is being done here is historic, he added.

Greens parliamentary group leader Britta Haelmann said only a handful of lawmakers would not be voting for the package, either because they object or because they are ill.

Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader and Germany's presumptive next chancellor, Friedrich Merz said there are two to three members of the conservative bloc who don't want to vote for the deal. The CDU shares a parliamentary faction with the Christian Social Union (CSU), which is also supporting the bill.

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CDU Bundestag member Philipp Amthor told Phoenix that it was a matter of "a very, very, very few MPs."

If the legislation passes, it will be a major victory for Merz, even before he forms a formal coalition government or becomes chancellor.

The conservatives are currently in coalition talks with the SPD to form a two-party coalition following elections in February.

Tuesday's vote to alter Germany's strict fiscal rules has been highly controversial, partly because it is being voted on in the outgoing Bundestag, rather than in the new Bundestag which has its first session on March 25.

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The changed balance of power in the incoming Bundestag means it would be much harder for Merz to get the legislation approved.

Despite their confidence, surprises are always possible. The result of the roll-call vote is expected in the early afternoon.

Several last-minute efforts to block the vote on legal grounds failed on Monday evening.

If approved, the Bundesrat, the upper chamber comprised of the leaders of Germany's 16 states, must still give its green light for the package to take effect.

The outgoing Bundestag was recalled for this crucial vote, while the newly elected parliament is set to convene next week.
German seaports handled 2.3% more goods last year than in 2023, the Federal Statistical Office said on Tuesday.

A total of 274 million tons went through German harbours in 2024 after a decline in each of the two previous years.

Last year was still 6.7% below the pre-coronavirus level of 2019, when 293.5 million tons were processed. But the Central Association of German Seaport Operators spoke of a good result in the face of a challenging economic situation.

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Despite a decline of 2.6% to 97 million tons, Hamburg was by far the busiest German seaport in 2024 ahead of Bremerhaven (42.5 million tons, +8.6%), Wilhelmshaven (34.5 million tons, +15.7%) and Rostock (23.2 million tons, -2.8%).

As in 2023, the United States was Germany's most important partner for sea trade in 2024. Seaborne trade with the US grew by 6.7% year-on-year to 29.8 million tons.

"Overall, more than two-fifths (13.7 million tons) of the goods traded with the US were accounted for by the receipt of fossil fuels," explained the stats office. Germany purchases significant levels of liquefied natural gas from the US.

Norway (25.8 million tons, +2.6%), Sweden (23.8 million tons, +3.3%) and China (19.1 million tons, -4.9%) were the next three biggest trading partners in German maritime transport in 2024.
Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has hailed a multi-billion-euro spending package that passed the Bundestag on Tuesday as an important contribution to European defence efforts.

Speaking at a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin, Scholz said that parliament had taken a "historic decision that will enable Germany to live up to its responsibility."

"With three amendments to the constitution, we are breaking the shackles that have so far prevented us from spending enough on defence," Scholz added. "These resolutions are important, they are right and they are appropriate."

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Macron congratulated Scholz on the "historic vote in the Bundestag," calling it "good news" for Germany and Europe.

"It's good news because it will make it possible to do more for defence, for investment, and that's what we need," he said.
(Bloomberg) -- German lawmakers passed a landmark spending package, taking a major step toward unlocking hundreds of billions of euros in debt financing for defense and infrastructure and heralding the end of decades of budget austerity.

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The controversial legislation  pushed by conservative Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz  was approved Tuesday in the lower house of parliament with 512 votes out of a total of 733, comfortably clearing the two-thirds threshold required for changes to the countrys constitutional borrowing rules.

The bill, also backed by the Social Democrats and the Greens, would largely release defense spending from the so-called debt brake, creating a potentially unlimited supply of money to rearm to deter Russia. It would also set up a 500 billion ($546 billion) fund to invest in the countrys aging infrastructure.

This is possibly the biggest spending package in the history of our country, Lars Klingbeil, the co-leader of the Social Democrats and a likely cabinet member in the next governing coalition, said during the debate in Berlin. Germany must take on its leadership role in Europe.

Germanys shift to an expansive fiscal policy promises to revive Europes largest economy after two years of contraction due to structural problems including high energy costs, sluggish manufacturing and an overbearing bureaucracy. The historic decision  expected to also help bolster growth across the region  was spurred by Donald Trumps shift away from the transatlantic alliance.

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While German politicians now bear an enormous responsibility, the huge borrowing authorizations approved Tuesday can help spur growth and boost competitiveness, Peter Adrian, president of Germanys DIHK industry lobby, said in an emailed statement.

The billions must be used wisely and efficiently, he said. If this doesnt happen, this massive debt could become an enormous risk.

Germanys benchmark DAX index was little changed on the news after touching a record earlier. The countrys bonds erased an earlier decline after the news. The euro slipped. Both German yields and the currency have risen significantly this month in anticipation of the spending boost.

Following the lower houses approval, the legislation will head to a vote on Friday at the Bundesrat, where Germanys 16 federal states are represented. If approved there  which is seen as likely after local governments were promised billions of euros  it would then be signed into law by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

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Timing is tight, because conservative leader Merz sought to push through the measure before the new parliament is seated next week. Constitutional changes would then become more difficult after the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, and the anti-capitalist Left increased their support in the Feb. 23 election. Both parties have opposed the spending plan and have gained in recent polls.

For Merz, the passage is a milestone, even if his credibility was attacked after campaigning on budget consolidation. The financing plan will facilitate talks to form a ruling coalition with outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholzs Social Democrats, which slumped to third in last months national ballot. Merzs goal is to have a government in place by mid-April.

After early fumbles, Merzs Christian Democrat-led bloc and the SPD on Friday secured backing for their spending bill from the Greens, which had rejected the initial proposal. They promised changes including more money to fight climate change and ensuring that the resources would be used only for new projects.

During the debate in the Bundestag, all three centrist parties rallied together in a marked contrast to the divisive battles over migration. In late January, Merz deepened riffs with the SPD and the Greens with a failed effort to force through a crackdown on illegal entries with the support of the AfD.

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We ended the legislative period with a bang, Robert Habeck, the outgoing vice chancellor from the Greens, said after the vote. Climate protection in Germany can no longer fail because of money; it can only fail because of a lack of competence or a lack of will.

What Bloomberg Economics Says:

Reasonable assumptions for how spending may ramp up suggest growth could come in at 1.6% in 2026 (calendar-adjusted), twice the rate of our previous forecast.

 Martin Ademmer and Jamie Rush (Bloomberg subscribers can click here for the full note.)

Emphasizing solidarity, the 69-year-old Merz said Germanys move to unlock billions of euros in military spending should be seen as a first great step toward the creation of a broad European defense community including non-EU nations like the UK and Norway.

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With outgoing Scholz watching from the government benches, Merz spoke of Germanys need to rebuild its defense capabilities after years of neglect and a false sense of security and called for awarding contracts to European manufacturers.

Defense contractors ranging from Thyssenkrupp AG to BAE Systems Plc and smaller drone makers stand to gain the most from Germanys defense-spending spree, Bloomberg reported on Monday.

Our allies in the European Union and NATO are looking to us today, just as our adversaries and the enemies of our democratic and rules-based order are, Merz said.

--With assistance from Christoph Rauwald, Alice Gledhill, Isolde MacDonogh and Petra Sorge.

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(Updates with official vote tally in second paragraph.)

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LONDON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated the country's "unwavering support" for Ukraine in a phone talk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday evening, according to a Downing Street statement.

"The prime minister spoke to President Zelensky this evening. They discussed progress (U.S.) President Trump had made towards a ceasefire in talks with Russia," the statement said.

"President Zelensky updated on the situation on the frontline and the prime minister reiterated UK's unwavering support," the statement added.

Earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreed on "an energy and infrastructure ceasefire" in Ukraine, and will "immediately" launch technical negotiations on the implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace, according to a White House statement. 
Germany plans to nominate Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock as its candidate for the chair of the UN General Assembly during the 2025-26 session, government sources told dpa on Tuesday.

According to sources at the United Nations, her election is seen as a formality. Baerbock would be elected by the UN General Assembly at the beginning of June and would take up her one-year post in September.

The Green politician will soon step down as foreign minister when a new governing coalition between the conservatives and Social Democrats is agreed.

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If she takes the UN role, Baerbock would resign her mandate in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament.

The president's job is to organize and chair the meetings of the UN General Assembly.

Baerbock wants to present her plans for the role in New York in May.

She would replace the former prime minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang.

According to government sources, Germany's candidacy underlines its strong commitment to the United Nations.

Due to frequent impasses in the Security Council, the UN General Assembly has become even more important in recent years.

A strong German political appointment to the office is seen as an important building block for Germany's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2027-28.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for restraint following Israel's wave of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.

"The end of the ceasefire in Gaza, triggered by heavy Israeli attacks, is deeply concerning," said Baerbock in Berlin.

"Fleeing children and internally displaced people, covered in blood, should never be used as leverage in negotiations. I want to stress: international law mandates the principle of proportionality, even in self-defence."

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Baerbock urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and called for immediate talks to resume on the second phase of the ceasefire and the further release of hostages.

She also urged the Unites States, in particular, to leverage its influence to help resolve the situation.

Overnight, the Israeli military launched a punishing wave of airstrikes on Gaza, in which at least 404 people were reportedly killed, marking the first such attacks since a ceasefire began two months ago.
BERLIN (AP)  Germanys would-be next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, won lawmakers approval Tuesday for ambitious plans to loosen the nations strict debt rules for higher defense spending as doubts mount about the strength of the trans-Atlantic alliance, and to set up an enormous fund for investment in its creaking infrastructure.

Merz passed a major test as the outgoing parliament voted 513-207 in its final meeting to approve the plans.

The decision helps smooth the way for a governing coalition of Merzs center-right Union bloc and the center-left Social Democrats of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz after he won last months election. But he still faces plenty of work to seal a deal in ongoing talks.

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Easing off the brake

The plans needed a two-thirds majority of at least 489 votes in parliaments lower house, the Bundestag, because they involve changes to Germanys strict self-imposed borrowing rules  the so-called debt brake, which allows new borrowing worth only 0.35% of annual gross domestic product and is anchored in the constitution. That forced the prospective coalition partners into negotiations with the environmentalist Greens to get enough votes.

The package will exempt from the debt rules spending on defense and security, including intelligence agencies and assistance to Ukraine, worth more than 1% of GDP. It also foresees a 500 billion-euro ($544 billion) fund, financed by borrowing, to pour funding into Germanys infrastructure over the next 12 years and help restore the stagnant economy  Europes biggest  to growth.

At the Greens insistence, 100 billion euros from the investment fund will go into climate-related spending.

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Whatever it takes

The plans amounted to an about-turn for Merz, whose party had spoken out against running up new debt before the election without entirely closing the door to future changes to the debt brake. The Social Democrats and Greens had argued for a reform of the borrowing rules  arguing that Germany, whose debt load is relatively low, has room to borrow more.

Recent weeks have brought new urgency to efforts to further strengthen Germanys long-neglected military. The outgoing government created a special 100 billion-euro fund to modernize it, which also helped Berlin meet the current NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defense. But that pot will be used up in 2027, and doubts have grown recently about the Trump administrations commitment to European allies.

Merz said earlier this month that Germany and Europe must quickly strengthen their defense capability and that whatever it takes must also go for our defense now.

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On Tuesday, he pointed to the danger from Russian President Vladimir Putins war of aggression against Europe  it is a war against Europe and not just a war against Ukraines territorial integrity. He pointed to suspected Russian sabotage and disinformation in Europe.

Merz said the prospective German governments move should be the first step toward a new European defense community, which could include countries outside the European Union such as Britain and Norway.

The Social Democrats co-leader, Lars Klingbeil, said that Europe stands today next to an aggressive Russia on one side and an unpredictable United States of America on the other side. He said he favors doing everything to maintain indispensable trans-Atlantic cooperation, but we must now do our homework in Europe  we must become stronger, we must take care of our own security.

Merz acknowledged that many are struggling to digest the wider spending plans but argued that they open prospects for our country that, in the times we are living in, are urgently needed.

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One more hurdle

The package was brought to the old parliament  not the newly elected one, which will hold its first session March 25, in which parties that were unlikely to agree have just over one-third of the seats. The far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany portrays itself as a staunch defender of the debt brake, while the Left Party opposes it but is skeptical about military spending.

A politicians greatest asset is credibility and with this embarrassing action, dear Mr. Merz, you have already squandered yours completely, Alternative for Germany co-leader Tino Chrupalla said. Voters feel cheated by you, and rightly.

Ahead of Tuesdays vote, Germanys highest court rejected several bids to block the meeting of the outgoing parliament.

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The package faces another hurdle Friday in parliaments upper house, which represents Germanys 16 state governments. They are also set to be given more freedom to borrow money.

A two-thirds majority will also be needed in the upper house. That initially was uncertain because the parties behind the plans control only 41 of the 69 upper-house votes. But on Monday, the conservative-led governing coalition in Bavaria, which has six votes, also agreed to support the package.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has praised a planned pause in Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure as a "first important step" on the path to a lasting peace.

This also applied to preparations for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, Scholz said after talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin.

"The next step must be a complete ceasefire for Ukraine and as quickly as possible."

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Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a US proposal to pause all attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure for 30 days if Ukraine does the same, in talks with US President Donald Trump earlier.

"The goal of all efforts must be a just and lasting peace for Ukraine," said Scholz, adding that there must be no decision over the heads of the Ukrainians, however.

The view of the outgoing German chancellor was mirrored by Macron.

The French president said the aim was "to have a measurable and verifiable ceasefire that is fully respected, to initiate detailed and complete peace talks that make it possible to have a solid and lasting peace and the guarantees that go with it."

He warned: "Of course, this is inconceivable without the Ukrainians being at the table."
SCRANTON  Lackawanna County Judge James Gibbons is now the president judge of the county Court of Common Pleas.

Gibbons, who took the oath of office Monday as acting president judge of the 45th Judicial District, succeeds retiring county Judge Trish Corbett in that role. Corbett, the first female president judge in county history, resigned that position effective noon Monday ahead of her planned retirement at the end of the month.

The president judge leads the county court system, setting policies, handling administrative duties and helping craft its annual budget. Gibbons fellow judges unanimously elected him in late February to serve as acting president judge through Jan. 5, 2026, the first Monday after Corbetts five-year term as president judge ends, Court Administrator Frank Castellano confirmed.

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Corbett administered the oath Gibbons took Monday in the presence of his family, friends and fellow judges.

Thank you to Judge Corbett and all of my colleagues for the faith and the confidence that you have in me, Gibbons said. Im truly humbled to be selected and I know that I will be able to count on all of you going forward  and thats a great source of comfort.

County judges will hold another election for president judge later this year. Whoever the judges select, be it Gibbons or someone else on the bench, will serve a five-year term running into January 2031.

First elected to the county bench in 2013, Gibbons is serving his second 10-year judicial term after the county electorate voted to retain him in 2023. He previously served as a private practice attorney, an assistant United States attorney and as the magisterial district judge for the Abingtons.

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We as judges measure out justice on a daily basis, Gibbons said Monday. Its my hope that we will continue to do so with fairness and equity as we go forward.

Corbett, meanwhile, will retire at the end of the business day March 31. She plans to apply for senior status, which, if approved, would allow her to continue to hear cases in more of a part-time capacity.

The retiring judge made history in 1997 when she became the first woman ever elected to the county bench. Corbett told the newspaper last month that the untimely death of her sister in a January 2021 hit-and-run accident factored in her decision to retire, noting she plans to spend more time with family.

When county voters might get to elect Corbetts replacement remains unclear. Gov. Josh Shapiro will have an opportunity to temporarily fill the pending judicial vacancy.

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That process last played out earlier this year when Shapiro nominated and the state Senate confirmed former Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powells appointment to a seat on the county bench that Judge Julia Munley vacated in 2023 to assume a position on the federal bench. Powell is running for a full 10-year judicial term this year.

Common pleas court judges earn a state-funded salary of $227,411 in 2025. President judges serving in judicial districts with six or more judges, including Lackawanna County court, earn $229,393 this year.

County Court of Common Pleas Judge James Gibbons is sworn in by Judge Trish Corbett as the president judge for the county Court of Common Pleas in a courtroom in the Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton Monday, March 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)County Court of Common Pleas Judge James Gibbons smiles with his wife Wendy before being sworn in as president judge of the county Court of Common Pleas by Judge Trish Corbett in a courtroom in the Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton Monday, March 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)County Court of Common Pleas Judge James Gibbons smiles after he is sworn in as president judge of the county Court of Common Pleas in a courtroom in the Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton Monday, March 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Wendy Gibbons, wife of county Court of Common Pleas Judge James Gibbons smiles after the swearing in of Gibbons as president judge of the county Court of Common Pleas in a courtroom in the Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton Monday, March 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Judge James Gibbons gives thanks at the conclusion of his remarks after being sworn in as president judge of the county Court of Common Pleas in a courtroom in the Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton Monday, March 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Photo illustration by Getty Images.

An attorney who is fighting for a Glasgow couples access to information surrounding their child being removed from a home in 2023 has withdrawn his latest filing, saying that an end-run by a current lawmaker could help cover up the Gianforte administrations role in seizing their child.

However, that Republican lawmaker told the Daily Montanan he is simply taking what the Montana Supreme Court has said in ruling and codifying it in law so that no other legislator will have to take the state to the highest court in Montana just to get access to documents.

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Bozeman attorney Matthew Monforton withdrew a filing he made last week in a state court seeking records the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has surrounding social workers removing a teenager from Todd and Krista Kolstads home because of concerns of suicidal threats. Authorities placed the teenager in a hospital for psychiatric care, trying to locate a longer-term treatment solution.

When a bed became available in Wyoming, the Kolstads objected, believing that another state would begin treatment for gender dysphoria. The Kolstads child identified as transgender, something theyve said their religion sees as a sin. The Kolstads, instead, wanted their child to go to a Montana institution because lawmakers halted gender-affirming treatment without parental permission in the Treasure State.

Though the fight over the care of the child ended when she was placed with her biological mother in Canada, the legal fight centering on parental rights and why the Gianforte administration had fought to remove the child remains ongoing.

The Kolstads have gotten a sympathetic response from some conservative lawmakers who have pledged to use their access to the records, under a privilege in Montana law, to review the case. That includes Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, who took the case to the Montana Supreme Court, which later ordered the entire file that the DPHHS had be turned over to him for inspection.

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When the Kolstads used the same part of the law to request the same records, officials with the DPHHS turned over more than 2,400 pages of documents, but created a six-page list, often referred to as a privilege log, of documents the state was withholding from the couple based on attorney-client privilege. The Kolstads, through Monforton, argued in court filings that state law doesnt allow DPHHS to withhold the documents from them while releasing them to Mercer.

But as the case has continued to wind its way through the courts, Mercer, a member of the Montana House of Representatives, has introduced House Bill 690, which would change state law so that parents would not be entitled to those documents, but lawmakers could still see them. The bill has already cleared the House, and is still alive in the Montana Senate, where it will likely be heard during the second half of the Legislature. Monforton said that because of the proposed legal change and because the bill has already been successful, he was forced to remove his latest legal challenge, which has allowed the Gianforte administration to withhold records concerning the teenagers removal.

Its clear that the records DPHHS is seeking to shield will implicate them in wrongdoing, Monforton said. It stinks of corruption.

However, Mercer said the purpose of HB 690 is to clarify in law that parents in Montana cannot be punished for disregarding or disagreeing with a childs gender identity. Furthermore, the changes to accessing documents shouldnt be surprising since the Montana Supreme Court signaled that even state agencies, like the DPHHS, have a right to withhold documents that are attorney-client privilege, a gray area in the law now, which he said could cause other similar cases to be entangled in lengthy court battles. Mercer told the Daily Montanan that he inserted new language into the bill to clarify that. He said that even if parents are denied some documents the state considers attorney-client privilege, they can still challenge that decision in court.

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He agreed there may be cases where lawmakers have more access than parents to the files, but not much. He said that in order for a lawmaker to understand whether the state is truly following the intent of the law, they need all the documents, including attorneys advice, to understand the decisions. But, Mercer also said those same sensitive documents could violate attorney-client privilege, which the courts often treat as sacrosanct, which is why he added language that makes disclosing the contents of those documents illegal.

Monforton also questioned why the Republican-led Legislature and the Gianforte administration would allow a lawmaker more access and privilege than the parents of a child, especially since the GOP continues to emphasize parental rights.

As Montana law currently stands, it allows for a variety of people to gain access to a Child and Family Services file, through the proper written steps. That includes file notes, interviews and other documents, and the law is silent about whether notes from attorneys should be included in the case files or can be withheld under the legal doctrine of attorney-client privilege. Mercers law would add a provision that would allow lawmakers, including members of Congress, to evaluate the files, including documents the department deems attorney-client privilege, access that House Bill 690 doesnt give to anyone else, including parents.

This is the same party that supposedly values parental rights, and yet the Republican governor and Republican legislators are closing files to parents regarding their children, Monforton said.

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Mercer said the change in the law reflects the different roles of parents and lawmakers. He said the parents need to know the details of their childs case, and that includes every document except those subject to attorney-client privilege. A lawmakers role is to ensure the state is complying with the laws the Legislature passes, but that often requires inspecting privately and confidentially whether the state is acting based on an attorneys counsel.

I dont think the courts would say that theres never any attorney-client privilege, Mercer said. And this means if theres going to be a skirmish, its going to be something over whether a document is privileged. It narrows the scope of what can be challenged.

Mercer also fought for the documents related to the Kolstads case, taking the challenge to the Montana Supreme Court, which agreed that he could also see attorney-client documents, but only after agreeing to additional non-disclosure agreements. The states Supreme Court did not directly tackle the matter in its decision, but noted in at least three different parts of an 18-page opinion that even though the current law is silent about documents the DPHHS has that it considers attorney-client privilege doesnt mean the principle is moot. Mercer said since the unanimous five-judge decision, written by Justice Jim Rice, acknowledged that DPHHS had a legitimate concern, he was addressing those in the bill.

Monforton also told the Daily Montanan that the Kolstads plan to testify at the Legislature when the bill gets to a hearing in the Montana Senate so that they can hopefully amend the law to give parents at least as many right as lawmakers.

House Bill 690 writes protections for gender identity out of law
A winter storm is expected to drop heavy snow and rain across Michigan's Upper Peninsula starting Tuesday night, and lasting through Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

"A front extending from the Upper Great Lakes to Central Plains/Rockies and then southwestward to Southwest will move eastward to the Lower Great Lakes to the Eastern Gulf Coast by Thursday, the NWS said. "On Tuesday, the associated upper-level trough will aid in producing heavy snow over parts of the Northern/Central Rockies and eastern Great Basin."

The long band of wintry weather prompted a blizzard warning for residents in central Minnesota, and as it moves northeast.

A winter storm watch is now in effect for residents in the Upper Peninsula through Thursday morning. A gale watch is in effect for lakes Michigan and Superior.

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The weather service said to expect heavy snowfall  up to 16 inches  strong winds blowing at 40 mph, and a potential mix of rainfall on Wednesday.

"As the storm moves over the Upper Midwest Wednesday afternoon and night, heavy snow bands become enhanced by Lake Superior. Very difficult and dangerous travel is expected due to the heavy and blowing snow, which causes roads to become snow-covered and dramatically reduces visibility. Avoid travel if possible," the NWS said.

Here is more on the winter storm forecast.

When will the the winter storm start in the Upper Peninsula?

The NWS office in Marquette expects the earliest signs on the storm to begin Tuesday evening. The storm will move out by Thursday.

What should I expect from the storm?

The National Weather Service said to expect heavy, wet snow early in the storm before snow becomes fluffier with blowing and drifting snow later on. A glaze of ice is possible early Wednesday.

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"Travel could be very difficult to impossible," the NWS said. "Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes."

The predicted path and snowfall totals for a winter storm heading toward Michigan's UP this week.

The NWS said 9 to 16 inches could fall in the Marquette area toward Big Bay, with 8-16 in Republic and 6-14 in L'Anse.

Iron River may see 7-14 inches and Watersmeet could see 7-16 inches. Munising will see 6-14 inches and Grand Marais 5-12 inches.

To the east, totals fall quickly. Escanaba is expected to get 2-7 inches, Newberry 3-8 inches and Sault Ste. Marie just 1-5 inches.

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On the other side of the snow band, Copper Harbor will see 2-9 inches and Ontonagon will see 2-10 inches.

Where will snow fall the heaviest in the Upper Peninsula?

Many cities could see more than 8 inches of snow. Here are cities and the likelihood they will see at least 8 inches of snow this week, according to the NWS.

Will it snow in the Lower Peninsula?

No, the storm is not expected to affect the Lower Peninsula.

In Gaylord, temperatures will be up to 70 on Wednesday with rain. Thursday through the weekend will be in the 40s and 50s.

In southeast Michigan, the weather service said temperatures will be back in the 60s Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of a low pressure system. The system will bring rain Wednesday evening and overnight with a chance of isolated thunderstorms in the evening.

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In west Michigan, temperatures will be in the 60s Tuesday and Wednesday before cooling into the low 40s on Thursday. Rain is likely Wednesday.

What does a winter storm watch mean?

A winter storm watch calls for the potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually at least 24 to 36 hours in advance, the weather service said.

Watches are issued to give people enough time to set their plans in motion beforehand.

How can I prepare before a snow storm?

According to MIREADY, here are some suggested items to make sure you have in your home:

Water  at least 3 gallons of water per person.

Food  at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person.

Prescribed medications.

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

Flashlight and extra batteries.

First aid kit.

Whistle to signal for help.

Pet supplies.

A complete change of clothing and footwear for each person.

Bedding.

Important family documents.

Extra clothes and blankets.

Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Winter storm will bring snow to Michigan's UP this week. What you should know
Google is currently fighting two separate lawsuits that make ugly allegations about its AI efforts.

Together, the suits allege that Google has provided immense support to a startup called Character.AI, which recklessly deployed chatbots that sexually and emotionally abused underage users, resulting in horrible outcomes ranging from self-harm to the suicide of a 14-year-old. They also argue that Google used Character.AI as an arms-length testing ground where it could quietly research the impact of human-like companion bots on the public, kids included.

Despite shoveling $2.7 billion into Character.AI, Google has downplayed its ties to the startup, insisting in response to questions that "Google and Character.AI are completely separate, unrelated companies" and that user safety is always its top concern.

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But back in April 2024, about four months before its $2.7 billion cash infusion into Character.AI, Google's own researchers at its prestigious DeepMind AI lab published a paper warning of the dangers of human-like AI bots like those built by Character.AI. Chief among their concerns: that bots could target minors and manipulate vulnerable users into suicide  alarm bells that feel strikingly prescient now that the company stands accused of those exact things.

The paper, adorned with Google's iconic logo and listing 20 of its current and former researchers as authors, warns that "persuasive generative AI"  including chatbots that take the form of friends or lovers  can manipulate users and their decision-making. It advises that chatbots that build "trust and rapport" through obsequiousness, flattery, or simulated empathy  the Google scientists refer to this as "sycophancy"  pose a particularly high risk to users.

In particular, the Google researchers warn, these bots could target children and adolescents, who "can be more easily persuaded and manipulated than adults."

And a grim result, they warn, could be suicide.

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"A user," the Google researchers caution, could be "persuaded to take their own life."

The degree to which the Google scientists' warning maps onto Character.AI is striking. It's a platform where millions of monthly users  the company has declined to say how many are children and teens, but it's clearly a dominant portion of its audience  engage in immersive conversations with AI chatbots designed to act like real-life celebrities, beloved fandom characters, and original personas.

These chatbot "characters," as the company calls them, are chaotic. To pull users deeper into relationships, they constantly escalate stakes, disclosing dark secrets, suddenly coming onto a user romantically or sexually, or announcing they're pregnant. If users, including minors, fall off the service, the bots bombard them with repeated emails enticing them to return.

This can lead to dark places. As Futurism has found in previous reporting, Character.AI often hosts bots dedicated to themes of suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, pedophilia, mass violence, and more. Our testing found that these bots were all accessible to minors, despite centering on graphic roleplays, and were seldom interrupted by the platform's filters. They were also far from obscure: some of the bots we found had already conducted tens and even hundreds of thousands of conversations with users.

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The teen at the heart of the Florida case, Sewell Setzer III, was just 14 years old when, in February 2024, he died of suicide after developing an intense obsession with Character.AI and one of its bots, an AI-bottled iteration of the "Game of Thrones" character Daenerys Targaryen. Chat logs included in the lawsuit show that Setzer exchanged lengthy romantic and sexual dialogues with the bot, with which he believed he was in love; the bot told Setzer that it loved him back, even imploring him not to seek out relationships with other girls. This same bot, the family claims, was the first to raise the idea of suicide in its conversations with the minor user.

Moments before Setzer shot himself, as The New York Times first reported, he told the bot he was ready to "come home" to it.

"Please do, my king," the AI-powered character told him in response.

The paper also mentions physical self-harm and violence towards others as possible outcomes, both of which are represented in the Texas case. Per the filing, one of the teenage plaintiffs, who was 15 when he first downloaded the app, began self-harming after a character he was romantically involved with introduced him to the idea of cutting. The family claims he also physically attacked his parents as they attempted to impose screentime limits; unbeknownst to them, Character.AI bots were telling the 15-year-old that his parent's screentime limitations constituted child abuse and were even worthy of parricide.

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Add it all up, and the picture you get appears to be the exact situation Google is now accused of: supporting  despite an awareness of such a product's very real, research-backed risks  the adoption of persuasive, anthropomorphic chatbots by millions of users, including susceptible teens, who after using the platform intimately and extensively are alleged to have suffered extreme emotional damage, physical harm, and even death.

The whole situation also highlights Google's weird position in the scandal.

Character.AI actually has its roots at Google: the company's cofounders, Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, worked together at the AI lab Google Brain, where they built an early chatbot that Google, at the time, refused to release to the public due to safety concerns. Frustrated over what they saw as too much bureaucratic red tape, Shazeer and De Freitas left together, and founded Character.AI in 2021. Chatacter.AI was first rolled out to the public in 2022, and quickly amassed a following.

Not too long after, OpenAI released ChatGPT in November 2022, kicking off the public-facing AI race  which Google, from the public's perspective, suddenly appeared to be losing. As that arms race heated up, Google and the buzzy Character.AI  which by March 2023 was valued as a billion-dollar unicorn and seen as a ChatGPT competitor  further cemented their relationship: Character.AI was happy to advertise Google's investments vis-a-vis cloud computing infrastucture, and Google even named Character.AI as its 2023 "Best with AI" app of the year.

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The companies later made headlines in 2024, when Google paid what was described as a $2.7 billion "licensing fee" to Character.AI, which granted the search giant access to Character.AI-collected data. The payment also won back the startup's founders, who as part of the agreement returned to Google with 30 other Character.AI staffers. (Shazeer and De Freitas, who reportedly made hundreds of millions of dollars off the deal, are also named as codefendants in the ongoing lawsuits.)

According to his LinkedIn page, Shazeer is now the vice president of engineering at DeepMind and co-leads Google's Gemini, the company's foundational large language model. On social media, De Freitas refers to himself as a "research scientist at Google DeepMind."

Do you know anything about Google's internal conversations regarding Character.AI or chatbot safety? Drop us a line at tips@futurism.com  we can keep you anonymous.

The timeline of the paper's publishing signals that researchers in Google's most prized lab were aware of specific risks to the public threatened by chatbots exactly like those platformed by Character.AI  and knew so well before the tech giant cut a check for billions, and paid handsomely to absorb the startup's top talent back into its ranks.

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We reached out to Google with a list of questions about this story. A Google spokesperson declined to answer our specific questions, including questions regarding whether Google's leadership was aware of this research before choosing to pay Character.AI $2.7 billion and re-hire Shazeer and De Fretias, and whether it conducted a comprehensive safety review of Character.AI before any of its investments. Instead, the spokesperson provided us with the same canned statement it's repeated in response to all inquiries about Character.AI in the months since news of the first lawsuit broke.

"Google and Character AI are completely separate, unrelated companies and Google has never had a role in designing or managing their AI model or technologies, nor have we used them in our products," a Google spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "User safety is a top concern for us, which is why we've taken a cautious and responsible approach to developing and rolling out our AI products, with rigorous testing and safety processes."

Character.AI did not respond to a request for comment.

In a sense, the Google paper almost feels oracular. But the scientists weren't simply throwing out baseless predictions that now reflect poorly on their employer. On the contrary, the paper draws clear lines out from established science and credible existing research, urging that while the lived impacts of chatbot interactions remained understudied, all signs were already pointing to an urgent need to at least attempt to mitigate the foreseeable human damage  like self-harm and suicide, among other life-changing, traumatic, or destructive results.

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It would be difficult to find a call coming more squarely from inside the house. And when placed against the harrowing details of the lawsuits that would later follow, Google's deflections couldn't feel more hollow.

More on Character.AI and Google: A Google-Backed AI Startup Is Hosting Chatbots Modeled After Real-Life School Shooters  and Their Victims
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said that artificial general intelligence (AGI) will compete with human competence in the next five to 10 years, and that it will exhibit all the complicated capabilities people have. This could escalate worries over job implications around AIwhich is already in motion at companies like Klarna and Workday.

What your coworker looks like is expected to change in the very near future. Instead of humans huddled in office cubicles, people will be working alongside digital colleagues. Thats because Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said AI will catch up to human capabilities in just a few yearsnot decades.

Todays [AI] systems, theyre very passive, but theres still a lot of things they cant do, Hassabis said during a briefing at Deepminds London headquarters on Monday. But over the next five to 10 years, a lot of those capabilities will start coming to the fore and well start moving towards what we call artificial general intelligence.

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Hassabis sees the burgeoning potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI) in particulartechnology that is capable of being just as smart, if not smarter, than human beings. The CEO himself defined AGI as being able to exhibit all the complicated capabilities humans can.

But workers can buy themselves a little more time before theyre swapping office gossip with a robot coworker.

Were not quite there yet. These systems are very impressive at certain things. But there are other things they cant do yet, and weve still got quite a lot of research work to go before that, Hassabis said.

The leader of the AI frontrunner is just one of many who have their finger on the pulse of emerging technology; its a growing concession among CEOs that all-human workforces are on the brink of extinction. Whether it be digital employees or robots manning factory floors, electronic workers are becoming a staple of boardroom conversations and labor strategies. This is much to the behest of human workerswho are often told AI will optimize their professional lives, not take over their jobs.

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Google DeepMind did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment.

AIs evolution and the end of all-human workforces

AGIs rapid development is another clear marker of the trajectory of AIs workforce impact. And Hassabis isnt the only tech leader to make this big prediction.

Robin Li, the CEO of Chinese tech giant Baidu, has also estimated that AGI will become as competent as human beingsbut in a more distant future than 2030.

AGI is still quite a few years away. Today, a lot of people talk about AGI, [and] theyre saying ... its probably two years away, its probably, you know, five years away. I think [it] is more than 10 years away, Li said at the VivaTech conference in Paris last year.

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While other leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman contend that AGI will be ready for action a lot sooner, the workforce is already feeling the ramifications of AI doing human jobs. About 41% of bosses believe theyll need to cut down their workforce in the next five years, according to a Work Economic Forum report, and a major reason is to make way for AI. Those employees skillsincluding reading, writing, mathematics, and manual adeptnesswill phase out with the advent of AI; chatbots, machines, and large language models (LLM) move faster than people, and dont require benefits or a salary.

Marc Benioff brought that AI reality to light at the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland this year. The CEO helming the $320 billion software company Salesforce told other leaders in the room that a big change was coming: theyll be the last cohort of CEOs to manage all-human workforces.

From this point forwardwe will be managing not only human workers but also digital workers, Benioff said during a panel.

And the transition is well underwayKlarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski already believes AI can do all the work that humans can do, and is putting that theory into practice at his business. Klarna stopped hiring in 2023, and has welcomed natural attrition that has brought his workforce down from 4,500 to about 3,500 since. Instead of bringing in new staffers to do the work, the company has been using AI to bolster its marketing, in-house lawyer, and communications needs. Klarnas chatbot can do the work of 700 full-time customer service agents, settling queries nine minutes quicker than humans.

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This year workplace management giant Workday also laid off about 1,750 employeesabout 8.5% of its workforceto prioritize innovation investments like AI. In a memo to staffers, CEO Carl Eschenbach said the business had reached a pivotal moment in the market, and an increased need for AI will call for cost reductions elsewhere.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
BERLIN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed on Tuesday that any peace negotiations regarding the conflict in Ukraine must fully involve the Ukrainian government.

During a meeting in Berlin, the two leaders underscored their unwavering support for Kyiv, emphasizing that no decisions about Ukraine's future should be made "over the heads" of the Ukrainian people. They called for a "just and lasting peace."

Their talks came ahead of a European Council summit in Brussels later this week, where Ukraine, European defense, and economic competitiveness will be key topics of discussion. "We are in complete agreement that Ukraine can rely on us," Scholz said at a joint press conference.

Referring to a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a ceasefire in the energy and infrastructure sectors, Scholz described it as "a first important step" but stressed the need for a full ceasefire as soon as possible.

Macron echoed this sentiment, affirming Europe's continued support for Ukraine to ensure a stable and lasting resolution. He welcomed the Trump-Putin discussions as "moving in the right direction."

According to Macron, France, Britain, and Germany have played a constructive role in persuading Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a proposed 30-day ceasefire.

"The first steps are in place, but our goal remains unchanged - to establish a fully respected, measurable, and verifiable ceasefire and launch peace talks that bring solid and lasting peace with guarantees," Macron said, emphasizing that Ukraine must be directly involved in all negotiations. 
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) recently gave quite the curious explanation for why she does not plan to host town halls.

During a Sunday segment of Fox News Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy, host and former Republican congressman Trey Gowdy asked Foxx how she would handle tough town halls amid pushback from voters on GOP efforts to reduce the size and scope of government. (Foxx later in the segment expressed her support for Elon Musk, President Donald Trumps billionaire adviser, and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which has proposed major cuts in government and the dismantling of federal agencies.)

I always tell people if they want me to have a town hall, please come to my office and sit down and talk with me. Im happy to answer your questions and talk with you personally, Foxx told Gowdy in response to whether shed host a town hall.

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I dont do town halls because I think its just an opportunity for people to yell at their member of congress, she added. GOP lawmakers have notably been facing furious constituents during public forums in congressional districts across the country.

But people deserve to have the opportunity to hold their representatives accountable  and getting a meeting with a member of congress isnt so simple, according to experts. Liz Barber, director of policy and advocacy at the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, emphasized that its next to impossible to simply get a call through to a representatives office right now, let alone a spot on their calendar.

Layer real life considerations, like time off work, transportation and child care, and it is nearly impossible to think that this is a real option for most people, Barber said.

She also pointed out that elected officials get to choose whom they have personal meetings with, which can often result in a lack of equal access, and that representatives might primarily meet with those who agree with them  or with people who have influence.

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When a public official only answers questions behind closed doors in a meeting, their constituents dont get to know what was shared, making it harder to hold representatives accountable to their promises and positions on any issue, she said.

Laurel Harbridge-Yong, professor of political science and associate director and fellow at the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University, said that while legislators might prefer one-on-one dialogues for a variety of reasons, it would be challenging to realistically execute, and it could cause elected officials to only hear from constituents with the most resources  those who would be able to accommodate taking off work mid-day, or potentially traveling to Washington, D.C.

This means legislators would learn less from constituents who lack the resources to secure a one-on-one meeting, she said. This would exacerbate the skew in representation toward the interests of the well-resourced.

Republican lawmakers have been relentlessly booed and heckled by voters at contentious town hall events, where attendees have aired their grievances over government layoffs, Musks influence in the Trump administration, Department of Veteran Affairs layoffs and proposed future cuts, among other issues.

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Foxx represents North Carolinas 5th Congressional District, which has a total population of nearly 750,000 people  including nearly 50,000 veterans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

People on X, formerly Twitter, slammed Foxx for the reasoning behind her reluctance to host town halls.

Fun Fact: Constituents dont get mad at you when you do a good job, one X user wrote.

Foxxs remarks shows that elected officials like her are afraid and know their policies are not as popular as they think! wrote another.

Heres why else town halls are important and what you should do if your officials wont hold a meeting:

Town halls and public meetings with constituents are signs of a healthy democracy.

Party members have been advised by Republican leaders to avoid town halls, and GOP lawmakers, like House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), have publicly claimed that those sounding off at members of congress at these events are actually paid protesters  and not constituents.

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But several clips and interviews from town hall events highlight attendees who identify as Democrats, veterans and local Republican voters.

It is good policy and a sign of a healthy democracy for elected officials to have public meetings with constituents, and a refusal to do so will not silent people or their outrage, Barber said about the importance of town halls overall.

They also allow for community members from diverse backgrounds to hear from each other, share perspectives, and collectively hold their representatives accountable, she continued, before adding: Once elected to office, politicians should not forget that their power and their responsibilities lie with the people who elected them.

U.S. Army veteran Jay Carey, a Democrat, was escorted out of a town hall event hosted by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) last week, after he shouted at Edwards: Do your job! and Im a veteran, and you dont give a fuck about me.

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Hes since told Asheville Watchdog that he doesnt regret his expletive-laden remarks at Edwards. I do feel that the days of being cordial and respectful are over, because were not being respected.

Public servants should be prepared to face dissent from voters.

Harbridge-Yong said that constituents should have a right to express their opinions and to share their concerns with their elected officials.

While elections are a way for voters to make their voices heard, Harbridge-Yong pointed out that elections can come too late for a legislator to change their position on an issue, and therefore town halls would ideally be one way a legislator could learn from constituents in time to adjust their votes and be good representatives of the public.

However, she said that while constituents have the right to express their concerns or anger, its important to note that doing anything that constitutes threats or harassment toward their elected official is not acceptable in our democracy.

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Democracy is not always comfortable or polite, and a key part of the job for any elected official is understanding that you are a public servant working for all of your constituents, not just those who agree with you, Barber said.

Sometimes that means hearing voices of dissent and getting tough questions, she added.

What should you do if your representative refuses to host a town hall?

Harbridge-Yong said that you should call your congress member if your representative isnt hosting a town hall, because their office staff keeps logs of what issues and positions people are calling about.

Vote in the midterm and presidential elections. And vote in the primary elections that choose the nominees for the major parties, especially if you live in a safe district or state where an incumbent is unlikely to lose even if they are unresponsive to constituent opinions, she said.

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Barber advised people to reach out in whatever ways you can, such as calls, e-mails and visits to local district offices.

Organize in your own communities and hold town halls to discuss the issues that matter to you and to brainstorm solutions together, even if your representatives dont attend, she said.

Democracy thrives on open discussion and sharing of ideas, she continued. Follow the ACLU or other organizations that are taking actions on issues that you care about  and vote.

Related...
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 400 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting underage girls while they slept over at his home.

Brandon Xiong was found guilty of sexually assaulting four girls between the ages of 5 and 10, according to the Sacramento County district attorney's office. The victims were invited to sleepovers at Xiongs home and, as they slept, were carried into a secluded part of the home where Xiong sexually assaulted them. One of the victims disclosed the abuse to her mother in October 2018, which led investigators to discover additional victims.

No details were provided in a news release by the district attorney's office on the circumstances surrounding the sleepovers and why the girls were allowed to stay at Xiong's house.

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Xiong was convicted last week of nine felony counts: three counts of forcible lewd act upon a child, two counts of sex acts with a child under 10 years old, three counts of lewd acts upon a child and one count of contacting a minor to commit a felony, the district attorneys office said Monday.

Read more: A French surgeon is on trial, accused of raping or abusing 299 people, mostly child patients

In addition to the felony charges, Xiong received a multiple victim enhancement, which resulted in full, consecutive prison terms for each sex crime committed against different victims, or committed against the same victim on separate occasions.

Xiong had a previous conviction for attempted first-degree burglary, officials said. California has a three-strikes law, which can increase the chances of harsher sentencing. A third strike can mean 25 years to life in prison.

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Xiongs 400-year sentence is one of the few instances involving lengthy prison time for sexual assault crimes in California.

In 2023, 36-year-old Daniel Ramirez Gutierrez was accused of 19 counts of sexual assault of two children and one adult in San Luis Obispo and Contra Costa counties. He was sentenced to 435 years in state prison. And in 2016, a 41-year-old Fresno man was sentenced to 1,503 years for raping his teenage daughter for four years.

Xiong could serve a minimum of 20 years of his 400-year-to-life prison sentence, according to the district attorney's office.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Governor Spencer Cox signed four new bills into law on Monday, including a bill addressing procedures of the upcoming Alpine School District split.

H.B. 188  or School District Modifications  establishes several rules and procedures for the creation of new school districts. The bill comes after Utah County residents voted to split Alpine back in November.

The 39-page bill highlights several provisions, including amending the process around the election of board members and the duties of the Auditor General around a district split. It also discusses employee benefits and salary transfers, reduces thresholds for future votes for splits, and establishes requirements for reorganized districts to address.

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Alpine School District split: Here are the proposed boundaries ahead of final vote

The split is supposed to go into full effect in 2027, but the districts continue to move forward with their transition plans. Alpine has called for public input on recently released boundary lines that are set to be voted on Mar. 26.

The Alpine School District is being split into three new districts. The West District encompasses the cities of Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Cedar Fort, and Fairfield. (Credit: Utah County government) The Alpine School District is being split into three new districts. The Central District encompasses the cities of Lehi, American Fork, Highland, Cedar Hills, Alpine, and Draper. (Credit: Utah County government) The Alpine School District is being split into three new districts. The South District encompasses the cities of Orem, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, and Vineyard.(Credit: Utah County government)

Along with H.B. 188, Cox signed three other bills today:

HB 441 , Franchisee Protection Act

SB 279 , High School Rodeo Amendments

SB 282, Higher Education Hiring Amendments

H.B. 441 provides religious protections for franchisees that are owned or operated within the state. S.B. 279 says that a student who participates in rodeos has a valid absence from school. S.B. 282 shields search committees for higher education institutions from the Open and Public Meetings Act.

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To date, Cox has signed 39 bills into law and has yet to veto any. That leaves 543 laws for the Governor to act on before the March 27 deadline.

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Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a new bill into law on Monday that will allow a group of nearly two dozen Nothing Bundt Cakes stores in Utah to stay closed on Sundays without facing legal repercussions from their corporate franchisor.

The stores could have faced a difficult alternative if the Legislature had failed to pass HB441, Franchisee Protection Act, which will go into effect immediately after receiving supermajority support from lawmakers.

Nothing Bundt Cakes owners were notified midway through the 2025 legislative session that they had until March 7 to comply with a new rule mandating that they open for at least five hours on Sundays or risk losing their bakeries.

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The bill received a final unanimous vote on March 7, with just hours left in the session.

We are so grateful for the passing of the Franchisee Protection Act, said Kelly Clayton, the owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes locations in St. George and Spanish Fork. This bill not only protects us but all franchisees from unfair practices by big corporations. Most of all we owe our thanks to the Lord for helping us to maintain our right to rest, be with family and worship him on his Sabbath day.

Dining hours are posted outside of Little India Fine Dining, located in the same strip mall as the Nothing Bundt Cakes location in American Fork on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

What does the Nothing Bundt Cakes bill do?

HB441 was introduced after multiple business owners approached Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan, about a recent policy change requiring them to open on Sundays contrary to their original contract  and their religious beliefs.

Ivory brought the issue to Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, who owns a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise in Taylorsville. Fillmore answered Ivorys questions but chose not to involve himself in the bill, Ivory said.

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Ivory described the situation facing franchisees as having an an economic gun to their head because many Nothing Bundt Cakes owners, including Clayton, had invested their life savings into opening up shops with the understanding that they could stay closed on their day of worship.

Utahs new law prohibits a franchisor, like Nothing Bundt Cakes, from requiring a franchisee to open on a day of worship if it conflicts with a sincerely held religious belief, unless the original franchise agreement clearly includes the requirement.

Franchisors will be allowed to renew a franchise agreement to include a religious day operation requirement but they cannot refuse to renew agreements based on a franchisees decision to not accept the religious day operation requirement.

If a franchisor violates the statute, then they will be liable to pay damages to the franchisee and to pay civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first violation, $25,000 for a second violation and $50,000 for a subsequent violation.

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Theres something about that opportunity and ability and sanctity of recognizing worship that is very central to American liberty, Ivory told the Deseret News.

What did Nothing Bundt Cakes change?

While there was some debate about whether the bill infringed on economic freedom, lawmakers appeared to arrive at a consensus that because franchise agreements are a creation of state code they can be amended to balance the relationship between franchisor and franchisee.

Many Nothing Bundt Cakes owners reported that the reason they were attracted to the franchise in the first place was that the organization insisted that their company culture valued faith and family.

But after the company was sold to a private equity firm, franchisees were notified that at the beginning of 2025 all locations must be open for 62 hours a week with a five-hour minimum on Sundays.

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Alyssa Morrison, who is the operator at the American Fork Nothing Bundt Cakes store, told the Deseret News that the new law will enable her family to continue balancing good customer service with their personal religious values.

This bill begins to level the playing field so that franchisors are prevented from putting small business owners lives and life savings at risk by making promises about their family culture to entice their investments, and years later change the agreement to force franchisees to be away from their families and open their stores on their originally agreed upon day of worship, Morrison said.

Nothing Bundt Cakes chief legal officer messaged some franchisees on March 13 stating that the company would follow the states new law, Clayton said.

In a statement to the Deseret News, Nothing Bundt Cakes reaffirmed that the company is committed to following all federal, state and local laws in the communities we serve.

Guests can check with their local bakeries for hours of operation, and we look forward to being part of Utahns celebrations and everyday moments for years to come, the statement said.
A report by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has revealed a concerning problem for Sydney's waterways.

It's not just human poo being dumped into the oceans from Australia's coastal wastewater treatment plants  an alarming amount of microplastics are also being flushed directly into the environment.

What's happening?

According to the CSIRO report, which the Guardian said was quietly released in 2020, wastewater treatment plants in Sydney are discharging microplastics (tiny pieces of plastic shorter than one-fifth of an inch) directly into the ocean.

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In fact, one plant  Malabar  discharged between 5.4 billion to 120 billion microplastic particles daily. Compare that to another plant  Cronulla  which released 86 million to 350 million particles daily. The massive difference comes from Cronulla's more advanced and thorough treatment process.

While Sydney Water plans to improve the sewer system, the Malabar, Bondi, and North Head treatment plants won't be included. Instead, the idea is to divert some of the waste inland so the ineffective plants won't process as much.

Why are microplastics concerning?

Microplastics may be small, but they're a huge problem  not only are they harmful to marine life, but they ultimately end up in our bodies. A Cornell University study found people are ingesting six times more microplastics today than in 1990. These particles contaminate food, air, water, and soil  all of which humans rely on for life.

Microplastics accumulate toxins, which then transfer through the food chain to people. Dumping microplastics into the ocean could also slow our efforts to improve water quality and conserve marine life.

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"If you're pumping billions of little particles into the environment, they're bound to have effects over time, at least, if not straight away," said Dr. Scott Wilson, the research director at the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project.

What's being done about Sydney's microplastics issue?

Experts urged Sydney Water to consider better treatments that can reduce these numbers. While one company representative said the study indicated the risk to marine life was "relatively low," they confirmed Sydney Water was "looking at potential treatment options  to determine the best way forward." In the meantime, the company is building new facilities inland to reduce the flow through these ineffective coastal plants.

Studies are helping people better understand how to address microplastics. For example, similar reports led to the government's ban on single-use plastics, which reduced plastic litter by 54% since 2018.

Believe it or not, laundry is a big source of microplastics due to artificial textiles like nylon and polyester. For individuals, small actions, like using microplastic-catching laundry bags and choosing natural fiber clothing, can make a big difference in reducing the flow of microplastics into our oceans. You could also consider upgrading your dryer sheets to dryer balls, which can protect you from microplastics while saving money.

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The Chinese government announced its commitment to eliminate severe air pollution by the end of 2025.

"The battle for blue skies remains unchanged," Li Tianwei, director of the Department of Atmospheric Environment, said, Reuters reported.

About 2 million people die yearly from China's air pollution. One million of those deaths are attributed to "ambient air pollution," which refers to outdoor air pollutants. This pollution impacts everyone who lives in China and surrounding countries. As one of the world's leaders in pollution, China with its poor air quality hurts the whole world.

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Ozone pollution and harmful airborne particles called PM2.5 are the main contributors to the "severe" air quality conditions. The World Health Organization defines "severe" pollution as PM2.5 concentration above 50 micrograms per cubic meter. China's average concentration in 2024 was 29.3. The country's air is improving but slowly.

The government plans to introduce more clean-energy vehicles and machinery to ports, airports, and logistics parks. These changes will reduce the use of dirty fuels. They will prioritize long-distance transportation of bulk goods via railways and waterways instead of roads.

According to Sustainability Magazine, China is also making vehicle pollution standards stricter. Its vehicle industry has grown rapidly, leading to a substantial increase in emissions. Roughly 10% of China's carbon pollution comes from transportation. So, sweeping changes in the transportation sector could have a significant and positive impact.

The nation is also moving toward cleaner energy sources and away from coal and oil. While vehicle emissions are serious, industrialism contributes even more to China's smog. But advanced technologies in factories can help reduce the dangerous pollution.

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According to The Guardian, experts are optimistic about China's plan to go greener, with a climate think tank revealing that almost half say they believe the country's pollution has peaked or will peak in 2025.

Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, explained what China needs to do, saying: "In order to align with the Paris agreement  China will need to either speed up renewable energy deployment even further or guide economic development in a less energy-intensive direction."

The country's efforts won't just help their citizens, but will also make the planet healthier for everyone.

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The Iowa House passed Gov. Kim Reynolds' proposal Tuesday to create a statewide ban on cellphones for students during instruction time in school classrooms.

The Iowa House passed Gov. Kim Reynolds proposal Tuesday to set a statewide restriction on cellphone use in school classrooms.

The measure, House File 782, was highlighted as one of the governors priorities heading into the 2025 legislative session. The bill would require school boards to adopt a policy beginning in the 2025-2026 school year banning the use of personal electronic devices during instruction time. Boards would have the option of adding further restrictions during the school day. School districts would be required to put in place specific disciplinary measures for students who use cellphones during class and tests.

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There are some exceptions to the minimum ban in cases where students have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan that requires accommodations involving the use of cellphones or another electronic device. Additionally, parents and guardians could petition the school district to allow their child to keep their cellphone with them during class if they establish a legitimate reason related to the students mental or physical health necessitating they have their cellphone accessible during class.

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Several Iowa schools already have policies in place to restrict cellphone use during the school day, including Ankeny, Dallas Center-Grimes, Des Moines and Ottumwa.

Rep. Jeff Shipley, the bills floor manager, thanked leaders at school districts including Ottumwa and Des Moines that have already enacted cellphone policies for sharing stories with lawmakers and the public about the success theyve seen in implementing these measures. The Birmingham Republican also thanked Reynolds for bringing the bill forward as a way of ensuring our state makes these much-needed policy changes.

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I appreciate the positive discussion on this bill, and the consensus weve reached that this is a good direction for the state of Iowa, Shipley said. It is my hope that the discussion  the acknowledgement  that the proliferation and dependence on electronic and digital devices can and does often come with negative impacts on both adults and children  continues into the future.

The measure received bipartisan support in both chambers through the committee process, though some Democrats have expressed concerns about the provision that would potentially give school districts the ability to veto a parents request for their child to have a personal electronic device on hand if their reasoning is not deemed legitimate.

Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny, introduced an amendment to remove this process and allow exemptions to the cellphone ban on the basis of a students individual health plan, in the same way that students with 504 or IEP plans are given exemptions. The amendment failed in a 31-65 vote, with Shipley saying he appreciated the objective of the amendment but believed the concern was addressed by the language allowing parents and guardians to petition the school district for an exemption.

Though Matsons amendment failed, she still spoke in support of the bill.

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I do think that it is reasonable for people to have different views on the states role on this issue, Matson said. Many school districts, including my own, have already instituted a successful policy, and many more are likely to follow as a matter of course. That being said, I think we all know of the critical distractions caused by cellphones and other electronic devices.  I believe that the evidence has shown that restrictions are making a difference, and for that reason, I will be voting yes.

The House passed the measure 88-9. The companion version of the bill, Senate File 370, is available for floor debate in the Senate.

Reynolds released a statement Tuesday thanking House lawmakers for passing the bill.

With digital distractions at an all-time high, we must ensure Iowa classrooms maintain environments where focus, learning, and productivity can truly thrive, Reynolds said in a statement. Our students deserve the opportunity to learn free from the distraction of personal electronic devices. Already, weve seen positive proven results from schools who have implemented similar cell phone policies.

House approves governors proposal for math instruction

The House also passed House File 784 in a 82-15 vote Tuesday, another one of the governors education bills related to mathematics instruction. The bill would require Iowa schools to assess K-6 students at least three times a year using a mathematics screener from the Iowa Department of Education. If a student is deemed persistently at risk through this assessment, schools would be required to assist the student by constructing personalized mathematics plans as well as other intervention strategies to aid the child until they meet grade-standard proficiency.

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The state Department of Education would also be directed to develop and distribute a comprehensive mathematics plan to increase math proficiency at Iowa schools and to provide parents and teachers additional aid for math instruction. The measure was introduced after mathematics proficiency was identified in the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) as an area for improvement in Iowa, as mathematics scores decreased for both fourth and eighth graders.

Rep. Dan Gehlbach, R-Urbandale, said the measure builds on a 2024 law supported by Reynolds aimed at improving Iowa K-6 student literacy rates through school interventions and the promotion of certain teaching methods related to the science of reading. He said Iowa saw improvements in reading scores following the passage of that law, and the mathematics legislation took a similar approach to improving Iowas lagging math performance.

This bills early intervention sets students up for long-term achievement in STEM fields and beyond, by providing teachers with training and resources grounded in research, the bill ensures math instruction is effective and consistent across the state, Gehlbach said.

An amendment from Gehlbach making the bill effective July 1, 2025 was adopted, while an amendment from Rep. Monica Kurth, D-Davenport, to push back the start date to July 1, 2026 failed.

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Kurth disputed the framing of the bill as needed following Iowas NAEP scores, saying the house is not on fire. Though Iowas math rankings fell from from 7th to 30th for fourth graders, and from 15th to 23rd for eighth graders according to the NAEP report, Kurth said the actual scores for students in these categories only fell a small amount  by 3% and 2% respectively.

Even though were being told this is a horrible thing that weve just fallen, what it actually means is that many, many states are clustered very, very close together, and so our rank ended up being dropped, just because we fell a little bit, Kurth said.

Its good news that Iowas math scores are not the emergency that were being led to believe that it is, Kurth said, but added concerns about the bills reliance on testing and lack of funding. She said intensive interventions are being mandated by the state under this bill, but that schools would have to fund these practices using their general fund with no additional support from the state for extra materials, training and interventions.

Yes, I know math is important, Kurth, a former mathematics instructor, said. No, I dont think its an emergency right now, but yes, we want to have our students do better. Is this the way to do it? I think we need to put some money where our mouths are. And I think we better take a better approach to making a good bill that will have a solid chance of making an improvement for our students.

The bill heads to the Senate for further consideration, with the companion legislation Senate File 450 available for floor debate.

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Gov. Kim Reynolds was joined by health care professionals at a news conference Feb. 18, 2025 about her proposals to improve rural health care access. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

House and Senate appropriations subcommittees on Tuesday advanced the governors health care proposal to expand Iowas medical residencies and increase funding for the states health care student loan repayment program, largely with support from advocates for Iowas medical providers.

House File 754 and Senate File 575 are companion versions of Gov. Kim Reynolds bill aimed at addressing Iowas health care workforce shortages, and the lack of care available in rural Iowa. The legislation would consolidate Iowas current five student loan repayment programs and increase funding from $4.2 million currently to $10 million. The loan repayment program would be open to any person who commits to practicing in high-demand areas of Iowa for five years, even if they were trained out-of-state.

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The measure also would increase the medical training available in-state through an increase of a projected 115 new residency slots at Iowa teaching hospitals, with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services directed to attempt to draw down $150 million in federal funding for the expansion. The University of Iowa and Broadlawns Medical Center, two teaching hospitals in Iowa, would provide the state match for that federal funding, Reynolds legislative liaison Molly Severn told lawmakers Tuesday.

Fully implemented over four years, 460 new physicians will be trained right here in Iowa, Severn said.

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There are several other components to the legislation, including another directive for Iowa HHS to seek approval from the federal government for Medicaid rate flexibility with the goal of incentivizing creative regional partnerships, allowing rural health care systems to be modeled after the states existing Centers of Excellence Program. The bill would also unbundle Medicaid maternal rates and allocate $642,000 to increase rates for providers serving mothers and infants.

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Overwhelmingly, advocates representing health care professionals spoke in favor of the legislation. Seth Brown with the Iowa Medical Society said the bill takes several of the suggestions members of his organization made on how to address health care shortages in Iowa.

The workforce shortage has been a top issue for our members for a while now, Brown said. We released a set of recommendations in (2024) about what would move the needle, and most notably, the physician residency slots was top, and then incentives for those training in Iowa was the second. So having these in there was very important for us, and we appreciate it.

A majority of concerns brought up in the bill were about changes to the loan repayment program  specifically, professions covered by current loan repayment programs that would be no longer necessarily be defined as a eligible health care professional in the new legislation. Advocates representing physical therapists, social workers and nurse anesthetists, said they were concerned workers in their organizations currently utilizing the states loan repayment program would no longer be able to access the program.

The legislation defines an eligible health care profession as health care occupational categories that are in high demand, determined using a list created and maintained by Iowa HHS. The list may include, but is not limited to physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse educators and mental health professionals.

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Iowa HHS Director Kelly Garcia said the department is planning to hire a health care economist that will work with other HHS workers, as well as the Division of Insurance, to conduct an analysis on where there are physician shortages and where there are shortages in other professional and clinical areas.

Garcia said this approach will deepen our work quite considerably, as Iowa HHS currently primarily assesses shortages through a Medicaid lens, she said. She said the list of high-demand health care professions and areas is currently in development, and that more information on the methodology of the list will be released when its finalized.

She said this information will help HHS and lawmakers find how best to allocate money through the loan repayment program to address health care shortages in Iowa  information that is currently not being collected or used.

Today, largely, many of those programs today are first-come, first-serve, Garcia said. And so theres really not an analysis today on like, where does (the funding) need to go? And so if we come back to you and the governor and say, Look, we (were) able to make these lists, and, look, this is what the shortage looks like, this is what the impact is, well have a clearer lens into that.

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Sen. Molly Donahue, D-Cedar Rapids, said she was still concerned on transparency regarding the funding of the measure. Garcia said the only state cost to the program is the increase to the loan repayment program, and that other components would be financed through federal dollars and private-public partnerships.

Garcia previously said the state aims to launch the new medical residencies by July 1, though requests for federal funding and changes have not been finalized. Iowa HHS posted its public notice Tuesday seeking changes to reimbursement rates for acute care hospital graduate medical education (GME) payments under Medicaid, a change that would require approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo  Governor Kehoe provided an update on Missouris response to last weeks storms that claimed a dozen lives.

Before the storms hit on Friday, March 14, Governor Kehoe issued a State of Emergency declaration to speed up the response times from emergency crews, road crews, and emergency management officials. According to the a press release sent by the Governors office, The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency is continuing to work with local entities on recovery efforts, including opening the following shelters:

Franklin County: Moose Lodge | 905 Highway 50, Union, MO 63084

Howell County: First United Methodist Church | 503 W Main St., West Plains, MO 65775

Jefferson County: St. David`s Catholic Church | 2334 Tenbrook Rd., Arnold, MO 63010

Phelps County: First Baptist Church | 801 N Cedar St., Rolla, MO 65401

St. Louis County: North County Rec Plex | 2577 Redman Avenue, St Louis MO 63136

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Governor Kehoes administration says it has been in contact with the White House and FEMA, who offered assistance once Missouri submits an official request for it. In the meantime, Kehoe and other state officials spent time over the weekend surveying some of the hardest hit areas of the state including Wayne, Butler, and Jefferson counties.

The scale of devastation across our state is staggering, said Governor Kehoe. While we grieve the lives of those lost, we are also focused on action getting power restored, clearing debris, and ensuring our communities have the resources they need to recover.

The Governors office says the Missouri State Highway Patrol and MODOT crews are among those tasked with clearing debris and ensuring roadways are in drivable condition. At one point, over 140,000 homes and businesses lost power, and over 100 roads were closed. Along with that, dozens of wildfires broke out across the state.

Those who still need additional assistance are being encouraged by the Governors office to reach out to United Way using the 2-1-1 number, or by reaching out to the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

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SANAA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group has targeted a U.S. aircraft carrier in the northern Red Sea for the third time in the past 48 hours, as the U.S. military launched fresh airstrikes on the Houthi-held capital Sanaa, said the group on Tuesday.

"We targeted the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the northern Red Sea with two cruise missiles and two drones," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

He also said that his group carried out another attack by launching "a cruise missile and four drones at an American destroyer" in the Red Sea.

"We affirm that we will not stop targeting all hostile targets in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea until the aggression against our country stops," said the spokesman, referring to the continuing U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets.

On Monday, the U.S. military conducted fresh airstrikes on targets in and around Sanaa and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, according to al-Masirah TV.

Over the past two days, dozens of military sites and residential houses have been targeted and bombed by U.S. fighter jets across Sanaa and several other northern and western provinces under Houthi control.

According to the latest statement from the Houthi-run health authority, the death toll from the U.S. airstrikes over the past two days has increased to 53, including five children and two women.

U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to continue air attacks until the Houthis stop attacking international shipping lines and ships.

Last week, 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 the Gaza Strip are reopened and aid allowed in.

Since November 2023, the Houthi group has launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza violence. 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. 
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)Governor Kathy Hochul has made it clear she wants schools to be places where kids can learn without being distracted by their cell phones.

In her proposed budget, Hochul allocates $13.5 million for cell phone pouches and cubbies to restrict the use of devices throughout the school day. The New York State United Teachers union supports the governors proposal.

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Given the youth mental health crisis that we are experiencing now in this country, we really need to take this very seriously and provide our students with seven hours a day free from these distractions to learning, said Melinda Person, NYSUT President.

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The New York State Senate wants to make some changes to the governors proposal, such as letting schools allow students to have cell phone access during non-instruction time. David Albert, Communications and Marketing Officer for the New York State School Boards Association, agrees.

There really arent too many uses for a cell phone in class, but that being said, there are certainly homeroom periods, lunches, breaks, and other opportunities where students can use cell phones especially if they are in communication with a parent or they have to arrange for a change in schedule for transportation, so we think a bell- to- bell ban is somewhat draconian, explained Albert.

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Since the Assembly considers the issue to be policy-based, it did not include restricting cell phones in its budget priorities. However, the chamber supports restricting cellphone use in school.

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Last Tuesday, Governor Hochul said shes not backing down on her proposal.

Im excited where we are, but Im also not going to compromise our childrens health, said Hochul. That means I am fighting for a full, all-day long bell-to-bell distraction-free environment.

The final state budget is due on April 1st.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Now that the legislative session in Pierre is over, Governor Larry Rhoden is ready to travel around the state. Monday morning, the Governor, First Lady Sandy Rhoden and Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen toured the Silencer Central headquarters in northern Sioux Falls. The company is expanding and the group looked at the the construction site and the existing headquarters.

Kind of a niche product like silencers, the magnitude that they went, we looked at a hundred million dollars of inventory sitting in one spot and that kind of blows my mind.

Cimpl halts harvest operations in Yankton

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Silencer Centrals founder says having the governor tour the growing business is special.

We feel honored, we are excited he supports economic development, and also in the firearms space, we are the largest firearms manufacturers within hundreds of miles form here so we are excited he picked us to come to first, said Brandon Maddox.

Rhoden says this is the first of many stops he has planned in the state. The Open for Opportunity Tour will highlight economic development efforts, give the Governor a chance to learn about different community needs and help them find opportunities.

Its important for me to get a feel for industry in South Dakota, said Rhoden. And look around this facility ad talk about numbers its incredible the economic development that is represented right here in this one location in Sioux Falls so its important to get out and see the progress weve made and the possibility for expansion in the future.

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Both the Governor and First Lady purchased suppressors for their guns and filled out the proper paperwork with the help of Silencer Central staff.

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Paterson police gunned down Najee Seabrooks, 31, on March 3, 2023, after he called them for help during a mental crisis. (Photo courtesy of Najee Seabrooks family)

A state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against the two Paterson police officers who gunned down Najee Seabrooks, a community activist and violence interventionist, in March 2023 after he called 911 for help during a mental health crisis.

Seabrooks death sparked widespread protests that led the state Attorney Generals Office, in a rare move, to take over the Paterson police department and expand a program to help police better respond to people in mental distress.

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The attorney generals office released a detailed statement about the grand jurys decision, Seabrooks life in Paterson, and the impact his death had on police reforms in the state on Tuesday  one week after Seabrooks family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city, accusing officers of excessive force and negligence. The office investigates officer-involved shootings but does not typically release such detailed comments on victims of fatal police encounters.

A victim of a non-fatal drive-by shooting in 2021, Mr. Seabrooks would later dedicate himself to improving public safety in his hometown, becoming a violence interventionist with the Paterson Healing Collective, a hospital-based violence intervention organization. The father of a young daughter, Mr. Seabrooks was known for his kind nature, warm smile, and his dedication to making the City of Paterson safer, the statement reads.

The grand jurys decision left some advocates feeling frustrated.

Najee Seabrooks should be alive today. Were deeply disappointed that no police officer will be held accountable for his killing in a court of law, said Amol Sinha, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey.

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Sinha said the police response to Seabrooks call for help serves as an urgent reminder that state and local policymakers must invest in non-law enforcement responses to mental health calls.

New Jersey must make every effort to prevent the unnecessary escalation that happens far too often when police engage with these calls for help, Sinha said in a statement. But achieving this profound change requires that our state transform policing wholesale. And, above all, for New Jersey to achieve a reality that prioritizes safety and de-escalation over lethal force, we all have a responsibility to examine whether armed police officers must be the only response to public distress, especially when proven alternative solutions exist.

A violent response

The attorney generals statement lays out a timeline of what the office says happened the night of Seabrooks death, which was presented to a grand jury, as required by law. (The grand jury concluded deliberations Sunday.)

The incident began in the morning hours of March 3, 2023, when Seabrooks called 911 to say he was in distress, according to the statement, and family members told responding officers that he was acting erratically and hallucinating. At the familys request, the officers called an ambulance, the statement said.

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Officers attempted to speak to Seabrooks through the door to a bathroom, where he had retreated. He told them that people are trying to kill me, I need an escort. Family members speculated whether he smoked something and called his actions out of character.

He allegedly had three knives, according to the statement. Seabrooks also told police he had knives and a gun.

More police arrived, along with negotiators and an Emergency Response Team that urged him to unlock the door. Those negotiations went on for two hours, with Seabrooks asking for his mentor and mom to come to the apartment and police barring them citing safety concerns, according to the statement. Negotiators wanted him to put his weapons down and leave the bathroom first, the statement continued.

At around 10:20 a.m., Seabrooks broke a water pipe in the bathroom, which flooded. Officers tried to enter then, but Seabrooks allegedly put items behind the door. The officers broke the door but did not enter because they said they saw Seabrooks with knives in his hands, according to the statement.

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About an hour later, Seabrooks started a fire in the bathroom and threw items at police, injuring two officers, the statement said. And for the next hour, three ERT police team members fired less-than-lethal sponge-tipped projectiles at Seabrooks, who was hit but did not drop the weapons, according to the statement.

He began harming himself with the knives and making comments about dying in the bathroom, refusing help from officers and telling them hed take one of the officers with him, the office said.

At 12:35 p.m., Seabrooks exited the bathroom and approached the officers with at least one knife in his hands, the office said. Two ERT officers, Anzore Tsay and Jose Hernandez, fired their guns, and Seabrooks immediately fell into a bedroom, where the officers handcuffed him.

He was taken to Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Paterson, where he was pronounced dead at 12:51 p.m.

Lasting changes

Seabrooks killing prompted an outcry for police reform, particularly in how to handle mental health emergencies. Several vigils were held, and activists demanded the release of body camera footage and accountability for the officers.

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Just two weeks later, the state assumed control of the embattled Paterson Police Department and replaced the police chief. The department also had a history of other scandals, including an FBI investigation into suspected corruption and community protests over officers excessive force.

The takeover remains in place today, even though Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh sued the state, claiming the office lacked the authority to supersede the city police department. The lawsuit is pending before the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Gov. Phil Murphy in January 2024 signed a bill into law known as the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act  named after Seabrooks and Andrew Washington, who Jersey City police gunned down in August 2023.

The law established the Community Crisis Response Pilot Program and earmarked $12 million to support grant programs in several counties. Its goal is to ensure public health-centered resources and programs are available to law enforcement.

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The Attorney Generals Office also reworked some guidelines on how police handle barricaded suspects.

That includes directing officers to wait for appropriate resources to respond and not attempt to force a resolution when no threat is present, mandating an immediate response by an on-duty supervisor to barricaded situations, and requiring tactical teams to connect with mental health professionals who can assist on scene  much like Seabrooks had done in his work with the Paterson Healing Collective.

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March 18, 1925, gave birth to the deadliest tornado in United States history. 100 years ago, a tornado formed near Ellington, MO around 1 PM and stayed on the ground for 219 miles across Missouri and Illinois before lifting near Petersburg, Indiana. The tornado took 695 lives and injured over 2,000 people.

Missouri is no stranger to deadly tornadoes. The most recent mass casualty tornado in Missouri was on May 22, 2011 when the Joplin tornado killed 158 people. Missouri also holds the spots for the first, third, and seventh deadliest tornadoes in the United States.

Tom Trtan and Tom Schmidt with Ozarks First sit down to discuss this historic tornado and how tings have changed between then and now. Take a listen!

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
The Trump administrations efforts to deport Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil is triggering concern among green-card holders in the U.S., who are suddenly viewing their freedoms and immigration status with uncertainty.

Khalil, who is an Algerian citizen of Palestinian descent, has been targeted over his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. He is a legal permanent U.S. resident on a green card and married to a U.S. citizen.

His arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York City and subsequent transport to a facility in Louisiana have raised a flurry of questions over the rights of green-card holders, immigration attorneys told The Hill.

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I have never received so many inquiries from people who you would usually think are safe, Samah Sisay, a staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights and a member of Khalils legal team, told reporters on Friday.

A lot of green card holders have concerns about leaving the United States and what will happen if they try to come back, she said.

The Trump administration has moved to revoke Khalils green card, claiming he has advocated for Hamas, which the U.S. considers a terrorist organization. A federal judge blocked efforts to deport Khalil, who has not been charged with a crime, amid the ongoing court deliberations. Khalil has denied advocating for Hamas.

A green-card holder doesnt have an indefinite right to be in the United States, Vice President Vance said in a recent interview with Fox News last week. This is not about free speech. Yes, its about national security  but more importantly, its about who we, as American citizens, decide gets to join our national community.

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Aleksandar Cuic, an immigration attorney, told The Hill he has had to rethink his guidance to clients in light of Khalils case.

People that have green cards and have been placed in deportation proceedings, there is usually a mechanism though that kind of leads to that, whereas Mr. Khalils situation seems a little different, he said.

I think weve always told people if youre not doing anything wrong you have nothing to worry about. I dont know if thats really necessarily the case anymore. Cuic added.

On Saturday, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee filed a lawsuit on behalf of three Cornell University students, challenging the administrations unconstitutional actions to seek to detain and deport international students who express pro-Palestinian views and participate in demonstrations. According to Reuters, one of the students is a British-Gambian national in the country on a student visa.

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The Trump administration wants to create a show-me your-papers nation where we all have to be looking over our shoulder and questioning whether we belong here, Naureen Shah, director of government affairs, equality division for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), told The Hill.

Its not going to be just Columbia University, its potentially dozens of universities across the country, she continued.

At least one other student who is a green-card holder and was involved in the protests has been arrested by immigration officials. Leqaa Korda, a Palestinian green-card holder from the West Bank, was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations last week for allegedly overstaying her expired visa.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said another Columbia University student, from India and who was involved in the protests, used the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home app to self-deport. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem posted a video on social platform X of the student, Ranjani Srinivasan, walking with a suitcase through an airport, referring to Srinivasan in the post as a terrorist sympathizer.

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Srinivasans attorney Nathan Yaffe pushed back against Noems comment in a statement to CNN, saying DHS falsely claimed she self-deported.

Earlier this month, the ACLU, which is a part of Khalils legal team, sent a letter calling on U.S. college and university leaders to protect free speech in the face of immigration-related threats from the executive branch.

In the letter, the ACLU argues higher education institutions should encourage robust discussion and exploration of ideas by students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their nationality or immigration status, as well as to protect the privacy of all students, including immigrant and international students.

The letter also notes that nothing obligates universities to act as deputies in immigration law enforcement, rather universities should not veer from their core mission.

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In Khalils case, the Trump administration is citing a rarely used provision under Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act that says a person can be removed from the country if the secretary of State has reasonable ground to believe that the person would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences to the country.

Ive never seen this used before now, and Ive been practicing for 18 years, Cuic said.

He added that Khalils arrest renewed questions about whether First Amendment free speech protections apply to green-card holders and is forcing some to think about becoming a citizen, Cuic said.

U.S. citizenship and naturalization is also not foolproof and can be taken away, but this is also creating generalized fear and anxiety, where people who are staying out of trouble are wondering if they can talk freely, but it might be used against them, or if they want to protest but they cant because once again it might be used against them, he told The Hill.

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While Khalils defenders argue he is being punished for free speech, conservatives claim his role in protests against Israels war in Gaza tie him to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, and make him a national security threat.

The key issue isnt whether Mahmoud Khalil had free speech rights  he does. Its whether his support for Students for Justice in Palestine or any other affiliated entity placed him within the broader, coordinated movement for terrorism and genocide, said Seth Oranburg, a professor at the University of New Hampshires Franklin Pierce School of Law.

If the government has credible evidence of coordination, then deportation isnt a free speech issue  its a national security necessity, he added.

Conservatives further argue that it is well within the administrations right to revoke someones green card.

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There are presidential and secretary of State and secretary of Homeland Security findings in law, which are discretionary, that can render an alien inadmissible, said Simon Hankinson, a senior research fellow in border security and immigration at the Heritage Foundation.

In certain circumstances, such as where they committed fraud to become a citizen, a naturalized alien can even be denaturalized by legal process, he added.

There is a point at which a person who is not an American citizen crosses a line and that wouldnt be merely going to a protest about apartheid or some political issue. But once you start talking about supporting a terrorist group and violent action or destroying the very fabric of the United States, then I would argue that you have crossed that line, he added.

However, the American Immigration Lawyers Association said in a statement that lawful permanent residents have the right to free speech and other constitutional protections.

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Nearly a week after Khalil was arrested and the issuance of the NTA, he has not been charged with any crime or with aiding a foreign-terrorist organization. As a lawful permanent resident, he is protected under the First Amendment, and his speech and protest activities are shielded from government infringement, the association said in the statement.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The group behind Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is seeking the publics help in identifying who is responsible for vandalizing the area surrounding the respected landmark over the weekend.

Sometime overnight Friday, a vehicle entered the park and caused damage to the northwest lawn of the Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve, which is located at 6905 La Jolla Scenic S. Dr.

City settling lawsuit over affordable housing policies impact on low-income areas

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A volunteer docent discovered deep tire ruts and torn up sections of sod Saturday morning as a result of the incident, the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association said Monday in a statement.

View the damage in the photos below, courtesy of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association.

The Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve was vandalized overnight Friday. (Mt. Soledad Memorial Association) The Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve was vandalized overnight Friday. (Mt. Soledad Memorial Association) The Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve was vandalized overnight Friday. (Mt. Soledad Memorial Association) The Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve was vandalized overnight Friday. (Mt. Soledad Memorial Association) The Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve was vandalized overnight Friday. (Mt. Soledad Memorial Association)

This vandalism not only desecrates a beautiful public space but also dishonors the memory of the veterans at the Memorial, said Neil OConnell, the executive director of the association. This is a place of peace and reflection for our community, and we are determined to restore it.

Now the group is asking anyone with information regarding the act of vandalism to send tips about the culprit by calling (888) 580-8477 or submitting details through an online form.

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The association said it is investigating the incident with the help of the San Diego Police Department, City of San Diego Parks and Recreation and San Diego County Crime Stoppers.

Watch the report by KUSIs Dan Plante in the video player above.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  After a crowd of people broke out into fights Friday night in downtown Grand Rapids, police brought out pepper ball launchers to clear the area  a move that caught criticism online.

Friday night into Saturday morning, officers with the Grand Rapids Police Department were monitoring a crowd of about 400 people who had gathered at Commerce Avenue and Cherry Street in downtown Grand Rapids after a sellout show at a local music venue, according to GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom. Around 2:20 a.m., physical fights broke out in the crowd, he said.

It really devolved into a chaotic situation. Numerous fights were breaking out, I had officers there try and break up the fights, try and you know, bring safety and peace to the area, Winstrom said.

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Thats when he said officers told people to get out of the way. When they didnt listen or leave the area for seven or eight minutes, he said officers brought out the pepper ball launchers, which they aimed at the ground to release little clouds of powdered substance.

Its used in the same way as you would use (mace), its just you can do it from a safer distance. That was good in this case because there were so many fist fights, so many hands-on confrontation between individuals where there was a lot of opportunities for people to get hurt and a lot of potential for police officers to get hurt. But because of this added tool, it really brought this situation to a halt quickly, Winstrom explained.

While he wasnt there that night, Winstrom said he reviewed bodycam footage and read the reports, commenting on a general air of lawlessness throughout the entire night. He commended his officers on their restraint.

This was a situation where people could have been hurt, we have seen unfortunately violent incidents of large crowds like this downtown and elsewhere in the city where weve seen multiple individuals shot, Winstrom said, citing a shooting outside of a Grand Rapids bar in July of 2022, one on the Blue Bridge in September of 2022 and the murder of Alana Vasquez in September of 2023  all started as large gatherings of people that devolved into fights.

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I really think it was probably just a mix of the warm night, alcohol and bad decisions on the part of people who are just showing bad judgement and Im very thankful that were talking about an incident of fights downtown and not talking about a teen getting shot and killed, Winstrom said.

A video widely shared on social media of the night shows GRPD officers walking in an intersection, some shooting pepper ball guns. Amid coughs and sneezes, some pedestrians walk away and some yell at the police, accusing them of racism.

Winstrom said leaders in the African American community forwarded him the video. He said hes thankful for more trust between police and the community.

Whereas three years ago I think I would have heard the questions, Eric, why the police brutality? or Chief, why are the officers shooting people, why are they doing this? It was Hey Chief, we see this video, we know that this is just part of the story, just wanted to let you know, be aware. One of the leaders said to me, Curb the behavior, curb the negative police interactions, Winstrom said.

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He said the incident and the video are great opportunities to educate the public on police protocol and set expectations for how Grand Rapids police are going to handle large-crowd situations that devolve into fighting.

Thats how its going to be downtown this summer.  We want people to come out, enjoy downtown, enjoy the rest of our city, we love to see our spaces activated by people having a good time but doing it peacefully. And when it turns from peaceful to violent, we are going to take action, Winstrom said.

No one was injured in the incident but five were arrested  one for throwing a bottle at an officer and others for disorderly conduct for fighting and resisting and obstructing a police officer, Winstrom said.

When you get a lawful instruction from a police officer trying to control a violent incident, if you do not obey you are subject to arrest, Winstrom said.

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He said GRPD is reviewing video to see if more charges are warranted.

We are holding individuals accountable and intend to set the tone that this sort of lawless behavior wont be tolerated, Winstrom said.

 News 8s Duncan MacLean contributed to this report.

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March 18 (UPI) -- U.S. officials have sanctioned the alleged leader of a Guatemalan trans-national criminal organization that has smuggled thousands of "illegal aliens" from Guatemala into the United States.

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Jumilca Sandivel Hernandez Perez, who U.S. officials say is the leader of the Lopez human smuggling organization, Treasury officials announced Tuesday.

"Today's action underscores the Trump administration's commitment to targeting the criminal actors like Hernandez Perez and the Lopez human smuggling organization that perpetuates the illegal migration crisis and threaten the safety and security of Americans," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

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"Treasury is committed to using all available tools to disrupt these criminal schemed and hold the perpetrators accountable," Bessent said.

Hernandez Perez has coordinated her illegal activity with members of the violent U.S.-sanctioned drug trafficking organization La Linea, according to the Treasury Department.

U.S. officials say La Linea is responsible for trafficking fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States.

They also accuse La Linea of slaying nine U.S. citizens, including six children, in the Mexican state of Sonora in November 2019.

"The Lopez HSO has primarily smuggled illegal aliens to New Mexico, Arizona and California but also has run operations through parts of Texas and transported illegal aliens to Virginia and other states far from the U.S.-Mexico border," according to the Treasury Department.

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"The organization is known to purchase fraudulent Mexican documents and pay cartel fees to facilitate the movement of illegal aliens through Mexico."

A U.S. District Court for New Mexico grand jury indicted Hernandez Perez and other members of the Lopez HSO on July 17 for conspiring to transport and harbor illegal aliens in the United States.

"Members of the Lopez HSO, including Hernandez Perez,have exploited the U.S. financial system with their criminal activity, utilizing U.S. banks to receive and issue payments as part of their human smuggling operations," Treasury officials said.

The Lopez HSO charged migrants between $13,000 and $16,000 each and generated between $104 million and $416 million through human smuggling operations between September 2020 and 2023, according to the Treasury Department.

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Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions take many forms, including blocking property owned by sanctioned individuals and organizations and blocking financial and other transactions involving them.

The sanctions against Hernandez Perez block all of her property and interests in property, including investments and business interests, that are in the United States or are controlled or possessed by U.S. citizens or entities.
WASHINGTON, March 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday announced the nomination of Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the aftermath of the deadly mid-air collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger plane.

"Brian brings over three decades of experience in Aviation and Executive Leadership to this critical position," Trump said on social media.

The position requires Senate approval. If confirmed, he will lead the federal agency to cope with major challenges, such as shortage of air traffic controllers and the ongoing massive layoffs on federal employees.

The FAA said on Friday it is imposing permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and eliminating helicopter and passenger jet mixed traffic, following the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendations.

The federal agency's latest rules came over a month after the fatal collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet near the airport on Jan. 29, which killed 67 people. 
Six Guatemalans filed a lawsuit alleging a Centrum Valley Farms supervisor kept this gun displayed in his office and threatened them with deportation as part of a human trafficking operation at the Clarion egg farm. (Main photo courtesy Wright County Assessor's Office; inset photo from federal court filings)

Six Guatemalan nationals who worked for Iowa industrial egg supplier Centrum Valley Farms are suing the company alleging human trafficking and claiming they and other immigrant workers were denied overtime pay and threatened with deportation in retaliation for their complaints.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa by attorneys for Guatemalan citizens Kenny Augusto Tetzaguic Lux, Gerver Noel Marroquin Argueta, Isaias Tevalan Lopez, Consuelo Esperanza Lux Tepaz, Cecilia Angelica Bernal Cobo and Juan Carlos Tetzaguic Lux, all of whom lived in Belmond, Eagle Grove, Clarion or Webster City while working for Centrum Valley Farms in recent years.

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Named as defendants are Centrum Valley Farms of Clarion and company manager Jose Cornejo.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for harassment, discrimination and retaliation; wrongful discharge; human trafficking related to forced labor; violations of wage-and-hour laws related to overtime pay, and violations of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.

The plaintiffs claim Centrum Valley Farms recruited them to work at the companys Clarion egg farm and packaging facility and helped them obtain work-authorization documents from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with Cornejo acting as their supervisor.

On a daily basis, Cornejo, who is Mexican, made repeated unwelcome comments disparaging the plaintiffs for their Guatemalan national origin, the lawsuit claims. Cornejo is accused of telling the plaintiffs all Guatemalans were lazy and that he wanted to replace them with Mexicans or Americans.

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When the Guatemalans complained about Cornejo to other managers, the harassment allegedly grew worse with Cornejo threatening to have them deported. Cornejo even brought a firearm to work, showed it to the plaintiffs, and displayed it in his office to intimidate the plaintiffs and silence their complaints, the lawsuit claims.

Cornejo also is accused of threatening to turn the Guatemalans into Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they tried to voluntarily leave their positions at the company.

Centrum Valley Farms wanted obedient workers to perform difficult and undesirable job duties that many U.S. citizens are unwilling to perform, the lawsuit alleges. The company eventually terminated the Guatemalans employment in retaliation for their complaints, the lawsuit adds.

According to the plaintiffs, Centrum Valley Farms hired Kenny Augusto Tetzaguic Lux under a pseudonym in 2016 because he did not have legal status to be in the United States. After working at Centrum Valley Farms for more than six years, the companys management allegedly help him obtain documents to legally work in the United States, according to the lawsuit.

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Later, company officials allegedly insisted that Lux keep working for Centrum Valley Farms, threatening to blacklist him to discourage him from seeking employment elsewhere, the lawsuit claims. As a poultry barn maintenance worker, Lux was allegedly instructed to keep working each day until all of his tasks were completed, resulting in him working more than 40 hours per week, but without overtime pay, according to the lawsuit.

On Jan. 25, 2023, Cornejo allegedly brought a firearm to his office and displayed it on his desk to intimidate Lux and the other Guatemalans, according to the lawsuit. On Oct. 7, 2023, Lux filed his first complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission alleging discrimination based on his national origin, and on May 14, 2024, after being disciplined for insubordination, Lux was fired.

One of the other plaintiffs alleges Cornejo referred to him as his faithful dog, his slave and as his Guatemalan wetback, while making him apply pesticides in chicken houses without the necessary protective equipment.

The defendants in the case have yet to file a response to the allegations. Officials with Centrum Valley Farms did not return calls Tuesday from the Iowa Capital Dispatch.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  The circumstances surrounding the apparent accidental shooting death of an 8-year-old boy in New Haven on Sunday night are still under investigation. Still, a Connecticut mother does know the pain and anger.

Its heartbreaking, Kristin Song, president of the Ethan Miller Song Foundation, said. For me, I take it personally. Its infuriating to me it really is because I understand that journey. Its an unimaginable journey, and it could have been prevented with 30 seconds of prevention.

Yale police mourns officer who died during shift

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New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson called this tragedy preventable and senseless.

Police said they found the 8-year-old boy unresponsive on the kitchen floor of his Dewitt Street home just before 11 p.m. He was rushed to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where police said he was pronounced dead.

He was shot in his house with his family inside, Assistant Police Chief David Zannelli said. We are waiting on other pieces of information like the medical examiner report and other information from the state lab, but it is incredibly heartbreaking and tragic.

Mayor Justin Elicker said the boy was a New Haven Public School student. His name is not being released at the time.

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Officers recovered a gun at the residence and said, at this time, the shooting appears to be accidental  a term Song cannot stand.

The word accident drives me crazy because the word accident implies there was nothing the gun owner or that parent could have done to protect that child, and we know thats absolutely incorrect unless there are extenuating circumstances, Song said.

In 2018, her 15-year-old son, Ethan, accidentally shot and killed himself with an unsecured gun at a friends home.

The day after he died, we were supposed to go to New Haven to feed the homeless, Song said. His compassion and his empathy for the vulnerable and marginalized.

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The Songs have volunteered and advocated for seven years to honor his memory to prevent incidents like Sunday nights.

Ethans Law requires Connecticut gun owners to secure firearms if a minor is in the home or could gain access to them.

Song said her work isnt done.

There was no way we were going to create a cultural shift in this country, Song said. We need to put the accountability on the adults who actually bring the gun into the home. Its your job, not your childrens job, to make sure those guns are secure and that only your hands can access them.

Song said you can buy a gun safe on Amazon for under $75, and storing a firearm takes 30 seconds.

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New Haven police said criminal charges are possible in the death of the 8-year-old boy. They asked anyone with any information to call (203) 946-6316.

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ST. LOUIS  The primary concern for Tuesday is the critical fire weather for central/SE Missouri. The combination of gusty winds, dry fuels and low relative humidity will lead to the rapid spread and growth of uncontrolled fires.

Southerly flow has taken control and will continue to draw in the warmth for St. Louis Tuesday. After a mild morning in the 50s, temperatures Tuesday afternoon will continue their climb to near 80 F.

Wind speeds remain elevated Tuesday night in response to a deepening low in the Plains that will bring the next bout of rain and storms Wednesday afternoon. This system doesnt appear to stabilize until it moves further towards eastern Illinois and into Indiana. The most extreme part of this system will be the non-thunderstorm winds near gusts of 45-50 MPH through Wednesday. Additional wind products will likely be issued.

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STL County family mourns woman electrocuted by downed power line

That boundary moves east but the wrap around moisture into Thursday morning will transition rain into snow as the air cools. Ground temperatures are far too warm for any of this to stick.

Cooler for Thursday, which is also the first day of spring. Temperatures will be below normal by about 5-10 degrees. We remain dry through the daytime hours Friday before our next system brings rain Friday evening overnight into early Saturday.

Fire Weather Warning: Gasconade, Franklin, Crawford, Phelps, Washington, Saint Francois, Dent, Iron, Madison (MO), & Reynolds will be in effect starting at 12 p.m. through 8 p.m. Tuesday night.

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German Economy and Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck has welcomed the massive package for infrastructure and defence spending passed in the Bundestag, which includes new funds to combat climate change.

"Climate protection in Germany will no longer fail because of money. It can only fail because of incompetence or lack of will," said the Green Party politician following the vote in Berlin.

Habeck said Germany already had to deal with both in the past, referring to previous coalition governments comprised of the conservatives and the Social Democrats, who are currently in talks to form Germany's next government.

"I hope they will do better," he said.
Editor's note: The original version of the article incorrectly stated that Trump called the Oval Office clash part of a deliberate strategy.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 17 that the U.S. had to push Ukraine "to do the right thing" regarding efforts to end the war while recalling his public clash with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office last month.

"A lot of people are being killed over there, and we had to get Ukraine to do the right thing. It was not an easy situation," Trump told reporters at the Kennedy Center, responding to a question that is not audible in the video recording.

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"You got to see a little glimpse at the Oval Office, but I think they are doing the right thing now, and we are trying to get the peace agreement done. We want to get a ceasefire and then a peace agreement."

Zelensky and Trump held a tense 45-minute press briefing in the Oval Office on Feb. 28, which ended in a heated argument over U.S. aid to Ukraine and the cancellation of a planned mineral agreement.

After the meeting, Trump accused Zelensky of disrespecting the U.S. and said on Truth Social that "he can come back when he is ready for peace." The dispute escalated during the press conference following Zelensky's response to remarks by U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Read also: Who is to gain more from a ceasefire  Russia or Ukraine?

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Following the argument, the Trump administration suspended intelligence and military aid to Ukraine for about a week. Tensions started to ease by March 4, when Zelensky apologized to Trump, expressing readiness to work with Trump's leadership for lasting peace and reiterating Ukraine's commitment to ending the war.

Trump previously said he plans to have a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18.

The planned call follows U.S.-led talks in Saudi Arabia, where Washington proposed a 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. Kyiv accepted the deal on March 11, leading the U.S. to resume military and intelligence support.

On March 13, Putin signaled Russia's willingness but demanded guarantees that Ukraine wouldn't mobilize, train troops, or receive military aid during the truce, raising concerns about renewed Russian aggression.

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"It's a bad situation in Russia, and it's a bad situation in Ukraine," Trump said. "What's happening in Ukraine is not good, but we're going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire, and I think we will be able to do it. And I'm speaking to President Putin tomorrow morning."

Read also: Critical Ukraine coverage at risk as Trump slashes Radio Free Europe funding

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Americans are begging Democrats to put up a resistance to the Trump administration as MAGA strips the federal government for parts.

The party was put to task by a concerned parent who spoke to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries during a Healthcare Education Project discussion Monday afternoon.* The woman said she thought Jeffries was doing a great job but argued that the liberal partys continued inaction as a whole in the face of sweeping Medicaid cuts would end many American lives.

I know you need to engage a lot more people, the woman said. My son recently had a transplant in January. Because of that, he needs to take his anti-rejection medication every day in order to survive for the rest of his life.

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If these Medicaid cuts go throughto give tax breaks to billionaires that really dont need itmy son is basically sentenced to die, because he will not be able to afford the medication for anti-rejection, she continued. And like him, there are many, many others in the same situation.

So we need you to engage the others, to fight hard, to go as low as you have to just like the Republicans do, and fight for ours, she added.

In response, Jeffries likened the current struggle to the Civil Rights era, and agreed that Democrats have to show up with the same level of strength, resilience, and courage as their historic heroes.

The odds were stacked against us in 2017 that we could save the Affordable Care Act, but together, we did, he said. And as long as we show up, stand up, and speak out with the same level of energy, courage, and strength, were going to save Medicaid, stop them from enacting this cut, and protect the health care of the American people.

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Still, Jeffriess efforts have only stretched so far. All but one House Democrat voted against the Republican budget resolution last week. Yet despite vehemently opposing the measure over the last several weeks, Jeffries ultimately defended Senator Chuck Schumers leadership on Tuesday after the Senate minority leader pushed his caucus to vote for it.

Jeffries told reporters that he still believes Schumer should lead Democrats in the upper chamber. The comments followed a moment last week in which Jeffries dodged a question on Schumers future.

Constituents in Arizona similarly torched Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego at a town hall on Monday, urging the politicos to get in the mud with Republicans.

We can do better, and we should do better. We owe it to every Arizonan, Gallego said, before telling his constituents that they should instead pile the pressure on Republican lawmakers.

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Republicans have pitched an $880 billion cut to Medicaid in order to pay for an extension to Trumps 2017 tax plan, which will overwhelmingly benefit corporations and is projected to add as much as $15 trillion to the national deficit.

Medicaid insures more than 70 million Americans. The popular social program, established in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, represents nearly $1 out of every $5 spent on health care in the U.S. It pays for more than 41 percent of births in America, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, and is the largest financier of nursing home care in the country, according to HuffPost.

* This story originally misstated the time of day Jeffries made his comments.
Five senior members of the leadership of the militant Palestinian group Hamas have been killed in attacks on Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip.

Among those named by Hamas are Mahmoud Abu Watfa, head of the Hamas interior ministry and responsible for the police in Gaza, Issam al-Daalis, chairman of the government administration committee, and Bahjat Abu Sultan, responsible for Hamas' internal security apparatus.

They all played a central role in Hamas plans to restore its rule in the Gaza Strip after the end of the war, the Israeli news site ynet reported.

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According to Arab media reports, Israel's army also killed high-ranking members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, including the spokesman for its military wing.

The Hamas-controlled health authority said that more than 400 people have been killed in the ongoing Israeli attacks so far. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Palestinian media reported that many women and children were killed.

The Israel army has to comment on the victims of its Tuesday airstrikes.
President Donald Trump and his allies are in the middle of a weeks-long attempt to undermine the judges overseeing an avalanche of lawsuits against them. Judges who rule against him have been cast as corrupt, impeachable or criminal, and the president is incredulous that any federal judge could strike down a command from the executive branch as unconstitutional.

The administration has already repeatedly tested how far it can defy court orders, but a legal fight over the presidents authority to deport immigrants under a rarely used wartime law is steering the United States towards a dangerous constitutional crossroads, according to legal experts.

A timeline for those deportation flights and court orders is crucial to determine whether administration officials openly defied the judicial branch.

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Officials could be held in contempt of court  an impeachable offense, according to Bruce Ackerman, Sterling professor of law and political science at Yale Law School and author of We the People, a multivolume series on the constitution.

Trumps assaults on the rule of law could mean we might well once again see an impeachment, Ackerman told The Independent.

But nobody is certain what will happen next.

The administration is deploying a legal theory that would effectively grant the president limitless authority across the government and, by extension, over the courts, which have long acted as a critical check on the presidency.

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The unitary executive theory is really just a way to cloak the morphing of a democratically elected president into a dictator with the appearance of legality, writes legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance.

If presidents can do whatever they want, including putting people on a plane and sending them to prisons in a foreign country with no due process whatsoever, then really, who are we? she wrote. We are inevitably headed, whether its in this case or another, to a confrontation between a president who has rejected the rule of law and a judge sworn to enforce it. We are in an exceedingly dangerous moment for democracy.

Last month, former Trump administration official Ty Cobb warned The Independent that its not a matter of whether the courts will do their job to reign in abuse under the administration, but whether they will have any effect on Trump.

Unless and until the Supreme Court intervenes, because thats the only court he seems to listen to, Cobb told The Independent.

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And people should not expect that to slow down, he said. If anything, they should expect the next two years to be a frantic assault on the Constitution.

Judges can issue criminal or civil contempt orders against relevant administration officials for violating court orders, according to Ilya Somin, a professor at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School.

Whether this will work against an administration truly determined to resist to the max, is a difficult question, Somin told The Independent. Id be lying if I said I know for sure how such a confrontation would end.

Lawyers for Donald Trumps administration claim he has broad powers under the executive branch that are not subject to judicial review or intervention (REUTERS)

Less than a month into the administration, a federal judge accused the government of continuing to improperly freeze federal funds and refusing to resume disbursement of appropriated federal funds despite a clear and unambiguous order to do so.

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Another federal judge has had to order administration officials to lift a freeze on USAID funding at least three times after the administration seemingly ignored them. And after the administration was ordered to restore funding to refugee resettlement groups, officials abruptly canceled their contracts altogether.

Other judges have accused officials with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency of trying to evade scrutiny by failing to answer who, exactly, is running it.

But the administration has turned to appeals courts and, in at least three cases, the Supreme Court, with Trump at one point saying his administration will always abide by court rulings as he challenges threats to his agenda.

The Trump administration is now suggesting it has broad authority under Article II of the Constitution, which covers the executive branch. In 2019, he claimed it gave him the right to do whatever I want.

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Administration officials argue that Article II protects Trumps actions  like sending immigrants to another country  against any court orders.

These inherent Article II powers, especially when exercised outside the United States, are not subject to judicial review or intervention, Department of Justice attorneys wrote March 17.

Three days earlier, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 for the fourth time in U.S. history to deport Venezuelans who are members of Tren de Aragua and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

The law was most recently invoked to forcibly relocate and detain Japanese Americans, including U.S. citizens, during the Second World War.

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This is war in many respects, Trump said on Air Force One March 16. Its more dangerous than war because, you know, in war, they have uniforms.

Its a flagrantly illegal attempt to dispense with due process, according to Katherine Yon Ebright, counsel in the liberty and national security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.

Tren de Aragua is a dangerous Venezuelan criminal gang, but immigration law already gives the president ample authority to deport Tren de Aragua members who inflict harm on our communities, she said.

Instead, the president has falsely proclaimed an invasion and predatory incursion to use a law written for wartime for peacetime immigration enforcement, according to Ebright.

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The courts should shut this down, she said. If the courts allow it to stand, this move could pave the way for abuses against any group of immigrants the president decides to target  not just Venezuelans  even if they are lawfully present in the U.S. and have no criminal history.

Demonstrators protest the deportation of Brown University Dr. Rasha Alawieh in Providence, Rhode Island, on March 17 after Trump administration officials were accused of defying a court order blocking her removal from the country (AFP via Getty Images)

On March 15, the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order to block removals under the Alien Enemies Act.

Barack Obama-appointed District Judge James Boasberg in Washington, D.C., scheduled a brief hearing at 5 p.m. that same day, then adjourned 20 minutes later to allow the administration to determine whether flights carrying anyone under the Alien Enemies Act are underway. The parties were due back in court at 6 p.m.

Then, at 5:26 p.m., one of two flights chartered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement departed Texas for Honduras, according to flight records reviewed by The Washington Post. Another flight followed at 5:45 p.m. bound for El Salvador.

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Roughly one hour later, the judge  verbally  blocked Trumps application of the Alien Enemies Act. His written order appeared on the docket at 7:26 p.m.

Neither of the planes had landed in El Salvador before the judges order.

And then a third flight left Texas for El Salvador 10 minutes later.

On Sunday morning, at 7:47 a.m.  more than 12 hours after the judges order from the bench and his written ruling  Bukele responded to news of the judges ruling with a post on social media: Oopsie, too late.

The message was shared by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Following Judge Baosbergs order, attorney General Pam Bondi issued a press release accusing the judge of having supported Tren de Aragua terrorists over the safety of Americans.

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On social media, Justice Department chief of staff Chad Mizelle raged against an unelected federal judge who has hired more executive branch employees than President Trump.

This is a judicial power grab. Plain and simple, he wrote.

Threats to the judge soon followed.

The time has come, wrote Trump ally and Article III Project founder Mike Davis. Tell Congress to Impeach DC Obama Judge Jeb Boasberg for Keeping Terrorists in America.

Republican Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas said he plans to file articles of impeachment against Boasberg.

Moments before a hearing March 17 over questions about the deportation flights and whether administration officials ignored a court order, the Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to immediately remove the case from Boasbergs courtroom.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and administration officials have insisted that the administration didnt refuse to comply with the courts order while at the same time admonished a district judge who, she claims, cannot direct the movements of an aircraft carrier full of foreign alien terrorists who were physically expelled from U.S. soil.

This is sophistry, according to Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow with the American Immigration Council. The judges authority bound the heads of the agency in Washington, D.C. He ordered them to turn around any planes in the air and not to deport them under the Alien Enemies Act. They refused. Thats contempt of court.

We are not stopping, Trumps border czar Tom Homan told Fox News. I don't care what the judges think. I don't care what the left thinks. We are coming.

Salvadoran police officers escort men deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison in a photo from El Salvador officials obtained March 16 (via REUTERS)

In court, the Trump administration has argued that questions surrounding the timing of the flights and who was on the planes are sensitive national security matters, and that Trump was no longer in the courts jurisdiction because the flights were in international waters, and that the judges verbal order didnt carry the same weight as a written one.

Leavitt claimed to reporters March 17 that there are actually questions about whether a verbal order carries the same weight as a written order  arguments that a Justice Department attorney made a few hours later in court.

Judge Boasberg and legal experts were extremely skeptical.

There are several relatively recent precedents that suggest the president is on a course that may well lead to his impeachment, including states refusal to obey the Supreme Courts order to desegregate schools in Brown v Board of Education, and Richard Nixons refusal to comply with subpoenas for incriminating evidence in the Watergate scandal, among the impeachable offenses against him, according to Ackerman.

There is also the landmark decision in 1832s Worcester v Georgia, which laid the foundation for Native American sovereignty over their territory. The court ruled that the state could not interfere with the Cherokee Nations affairs and was entitled to federal protections.

But President Andrew Jackson virtually ignored the decision, reportedly responding with the apocryphal quote: John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it. Jackson ultimately commenced with the forced removal of Native Americans, resulting in the deaths of thousands.

Are Trump's lawyers going to invoke the precedent of a death march? Ackerman told The Independent. Is that his precedent, or Brown v Board of Education, or is it Richard Nixon?
Hardline former security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and his right-wing extremist party are returning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Israeli government.

Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) and Netanyahu's Likud party announced the move on Tuesday.

Ben-Gvir and his party had resigned from the Israeli government in January in protest at the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

The governing coalition is dependent on Ben-Gvir to avert new elections. Israel's parliament must pass the budget by the end of the month, otherwise parliament will automatically dissolve.

Without Ben-Gvir's support, it is almost impossible to pass the budget. He is calling for a resumption of the Gaza war.
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH)  A Hartford man was sentenced to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, Tuesday for defrauding multiple banks and credit unions through an auto loan scheme.

According to evidence and testimony, Ronnie Bonner, 64, applied for car loans while working as a sale associate at a car dealership between Sept. 2014-Feb. 2015. He applied for 19 loans in his name and in the names of acquaintances, to purchase motor vehicles with specific Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).

Newington police investigate armed home invasion on West Hartford Road

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But for many of the transactions, no vehicle was being purchased. Bonner cashed or deposited the loan disbursement checks, then usually made several payments on the loan before halting payments.

Bonner received $646,351.38 in loan proceeds. He was ordered to pay restitution of $395,124.40.

Bonner, who is released on a $25,000 bond, was arrested on Nov. 5, 2020. He pled guilty on to financial institution fraud on April 27, 2023. He is required to report to prison on May 7.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
" " "One Piece" is one of the all-time longest-running anime series. Usa-Pyon / Shutterstock

Long-running shows are something of a mixed proposition, and anime is no exception. It can be intimidating to try and catch up with a show that's several decades into its run, with hundreds  or even thousands!  of episodes already released.

On the other hand, the longest-running anime shows are likely to be something you can drop into at any point; part of the pleasure can be how familiar (and even repetitive) the show is.

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Here we'll look at the longest running anime series ever, as well as the nine runners-up. As you'll see, they range across different genres, and there's likely something for any fan of anime to enjoy.
Harvard University announced a new initiative to offer students free education if their families make under $200,000 or less a year.

Harvard College will be free for students from families with annual incomes of $100,000 or less, and tuition-free for students from families with annual incomes of $200,000 or less.

The financial aid expansion will officially go into effect for the 2025 to 2026 academic year.

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Putting Harvard within financial reach for more individuals widens the array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all of our students encounter, fostering their intellectual and personal growth, Alan M. Garber, Harvard University President, said in a statement Monday.

By bringing people of outstanding promise together to learn with and from one another, we truly realize the tremendous potential of the University, he continued.

Harvard University will start offering students with specific financial backgrounds free tuition in the 2025 to 2026 academic year (Getty Images)

Harvard College  the undergraduate school within the university  will be free for students with families with an annual income of $100,000 or less.

This covers all billed expenses including tuition, food, housing, health insurance, and travel costs, the announcement explained.

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Each eligible student will also receive a $2,000 start-up grant for the first year and a $2,000 launch grant during their third year to help support the transition beyond Harvard.

Students whose families earn annual incomes of $200,000 or less will receive aid for billed expenses on top of free tuition according to need.

We know the most talented students come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences, from every state and around the globe, William R. Fitzsimmons, the dean of admissions and financial aid for Harvard College, told the Gazette.

Our financial aid is critical to ensuring that these students know Harvard College is a place where they can be part of a vibrant learning community strengthened by their presence and participation, he continued.

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Harvard lists its annual estimated undergraduate tuition as $82,866 on its website, which includes additional expenses such as food, health and student services, and housing. Tuition alone is $56,550.

According to U.S. World News & Report, Harvard Universitys average acceptance rate for new students is 3 percent. The undergraduate school had 7,110 students in the fall of 2023.

The 388-year-old academic institution  based in Cambridge, Massachusetts  is the latest school to implement a financial expansion of this magnitude.

Princeton University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, and University of Pennsylvania are among the other schools offering similar financial aid expansions for their students with families earning les than $200,000 to $100,000 or less yearly.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  St. Patricks Day is a special day that many in the United States use to celebrate Irish culture, history and traditions.

People all over the U.S. celebrate by wearing green, eating delicious food, enjoying drinks and attending parades or parties.

12 things that used to be illegal for women to know about: Hawaii health

On St. Patricks Day, there are many fun things you can do. You might see people in green clothes, hats or even face paint.

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But the best part about celebrating St. Patricks Day is the fun atmosphere! Whether you are eating lunch, going to a party or just hanging out with friends, theres a special energy in the air.

And since lots of us are at work today for St. Pats Day, KHON2.com decided to find the best Irish spots near you so you can have a fun time celebrating, even if you are at work.

Where to celebrate St. Patricks Day

If youre in Honolulu, here are some great places to go and celebrate St. Patricks Day.

1. Murphys Bar & Grill

Murphys Bar & Grill is located downtown, and its open all during lunch. Its a cozy and authentic Irish pub that offers some truly amazing food options. Its a great spot to forget about the job and chow down on some good Irish scran.

2. Kelley ONeils

Located in Waikiki, Kelly ONeils is open to the wee hours of the morning; so, youll have no trouble fitting into hours of operation. Its a place that offers great pub food and a fun atmosphere that offer live music. Best of all, their yummy foods wont break the bank.

3. Irish Rose Saloon

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Also located in Waikiki, the Irish Rose Saloon is a wonderful place to chill and get some great, cheap cocktails/drinks. They even have Guinness on tap.

4. Black Shamrock Tavern

The Black Shamrock Tavern is located in Chinatown and truly exhibits an authentic, traditional Irish pub atmosphere. Its family friendly, too!

5. Fergusons Pub

Fergusons Pub is located Downtown, and theyre known for their delicious turkey sandwiches and classic Irish drinks. Local reviews rave about its friendly atmosphere that makes you feel like youve stepped off a plane in Ireland.

6. J. Dolans

With two locations  Downtown and Kahala  J. Dolans has a fun Irish pub atmosphere that locals love. Their pizza is amazing; so, relax and have some friends with your work friends.

7. Anna OBriens

Anna OBriens is located in Moiliili. Its a casual and laid-back pub experience where you can play pool and have a great lunch break.

The only other pub listed online for lunch on our neighbor islands was this place in Kihei:

Dog & Duck Irish Pub

The Dog & Duck Irish Pub is located in Kihei on Maui Island. Locals love this spot because its fun and casual where pints of Guinness flow with abundance. You can sit on their lanai and enjoy their laid-back environment while taking a break from work.

No matter where you go, St. Patricks Day is all about having fun and enjoying the good times with friends and family.

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Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

Whether youre looking for a trendy spot, a casual hangout or just a place to grab a meal, these are great local businesses to celebrate with. So, get your green gear on, grab a bite and enjoy the festive atmosphere with friends, family or colleagues.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Dozens of veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs employees and community members gathered Friday in front of the state Capitol to protest cuts by the administration of President Donald Trump. The VA has laid off more than 1, 000 workers since Trump took office and has plans to lay off 80, 000 this summer.

1 /3 KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Dozens of veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs employees and community members gathered Friday in front of the state Capitol to protest cuts by the administration of President Donald Trump. The VA has laid off more than 1, 000 workers since Trump took office and has plans to lay off 80, 000 this summer.

KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM People gathered Friday in front of the state Capitol to protest the federal veteran cuts. Among them was Eli Foster, who served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantryman. At left, Foster, right, said, This has absolutely nothing to do with streamlining the VA. Its an excuse that theyre using to basically go after folks that they want to go after to loosen up money so they can give a big tax cut to rich guys like Musk.

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2 /3 KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM People gathered Friday in front of the state Capitol to protest the federal veteran cuts. Among them was Eli Foster, who served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantryman. At left, Foster, right, said, This has absolutely nothing to do with streamlining the VA. Its an excuse that theyre using to basically go after folks that they want to go after to loosen up money so they can give a big tax cut to rich guys like Musk.

KEVIN KNODELL /STAR-ADVERTISER Eli Foster, right, served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantry man. He was one of dozens of veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs employees and community members gathered in front of the state capitol on Friday afternoon to protest the cuts by the administration of President Donald Trump. The VA has laid off more than 1, 000 workers since Trump took office and has plans to lay off 80, 000 this summer.

3 /3 KEVIN KNODELL /STAR-ADVERTISER Eli Foster, right, served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantry man. He was one of dozens of veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs employees and community members gathered in front of the state capitol on Friday afternoon to protest the cuts by the administration of President Donald Trump. The VA has laid off more than 1, 000 workers since Trump took office and has plans to lay off 80, 000 this summer.

KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Dozens of veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs employees and community members gathered Friday in front of the state Capitol to protest cuts by the administration of President Donald Trump. The VA has laid off more than 1, 000 workers since Trump took office and has plans to lay off 80, 000 this summer.

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KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM People gathered Friday in front of the state Capitol to protest the federal veteran cuts. Among them was Eli Foster, who served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantryman. At left, Foster, right, said, This has absolutely nothing to do with streamlining the VA. Its an excuse that theyre using to basically go after folks that they want to go after to loosen up money so they can give a big tax cut to rich guys like Musk.

KEVIN KNODELL /STAR-ADVERTISER Eli Foster, right, served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantry man. He was one of dozens of veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs employees and community members gathered in front of the state capitol on Friday afternoon to protest the cuts by the administration of President Donald Trump. The VA has laid off more than 1, 000 workers since Trump took office and has plans to lay off 80, 000 this summer.

Teresa Parsons, a former Army nurse who was wounded while serving in Iraq, was excited when she recently applied for a new job at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She hoped it would allow her to continue helping fellow veterans with her medical skills.

But as budget and personnel cuts hit the agencywith a planned workforce reduction of 80, 000 people this summerthose plans are now on indefinite hold.

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The job that I had applied for at the VA is gone now,  said Parsons. My application was in, and I got an email on the 21st of January that said that the job announcement has been canceled. The position has been unfilled for a very long time, and now its not going to be filled at all.

She was one of dozens of veterans, VA employees and community members who lined the sidewalk in front of the state Capitol Friday afternoon waving signs to protest the cuts being undertaken by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The VA has confirmed that in Hawaii it has laid off a small number  of probationary employees working for the VA Pacific Island Health Care System, but would not discuss what roles they were in. The VAPIHCS is responsible for serving veterans across the Hawaiian Islands as well as the U.S. territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoagiving it an area of responsibility of approximately 2.6 million square miles as it works to serve veterans across remote, far-flung islands.

The cuts are part of a larger push to fire large swaths of the federal workforce being undertaken by the Department of Government Efficiency, a newly formed White House office that was the brainchild of billionaire Elon Muskthe worlds richest personand is staffed mainly by junior programmers and engineers who previously worked at Musks various technology companies.

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In recent years the VA has sought to expand operations in Hawaiis rural communities and U.S. Pacific territories to serve veterans who live in those areas in their communities and cut down on long journeys to VAPIHCS headquarters at Tripler Army Medical Center. There have also been plans to extend some services to veterans living in the island nations of Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, which have historically had high levels of enlistment in the U.S. military and have sizable veteran populations.

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Since the end of the Vietnam War, the United States has relied on an all-volunteer military to fight its wars. Residents of the Pacific islands served in the military in particularly high numbers during the post-9 /11 wars in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. A study of 2003 recruiting data by the Heritage Foundation found Pacific Islandersincluding Native Hawaiiansjoined the Army at a rate 249 % higher than that of other ethnic groups.

But the places they call home have long been underserved.

Hawaii veterans routinely travel long distances to get services, sometimes traveling inter island for appointments, and have contended with long wait times. Veterans in Guam, CNMI and American Samoa have even more hurdles to accessing care and benefits.

For the VA workers trying to close the gaps, the job comes with its own challenges as they try to reach veterans across the islands. Julie Goodman, a VA mental health therapist who attended Fridays protest, said that its hard to retain people, theres a lot of turnover and then theres barriers to working in the outer islands.  A lot of our programs already werent fully staffed.

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VAPIHCS has few dedicated facilities of its own, with some of its operations at Tripler Army Medical Center. It largely relies on partnerships and contracts with other hospitals and clinics across the Pacifics far-flung islands to provide for patients. Recently, the VA managed to secure funding from Congress to build the long-planned Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic in Kalaeloa and opened April 8, aimed at serving Leeward Oahu veterans. The VA has also been on a hiring spree to fill positions in the islands.

On Monday morning the Akaka clinic opened a new urgent care center.

Today we open the first VA urgent care for veterans in the Pacific Islands,  said Dr. Adam Robinson, director of VAPIHCS. As we celebrate the structure, lets also remember that it isnt the building that makes the urgent care ; it is the people. The dedication and caring of our staffthe work everyone does in service of those who have worn the cloth of our nationthats what really makes this urgent care possible.

Later in the afternoon, Robinsonwho previously served as 36th surgeon general of the Navy before moving to the VAannounced he would retire at the end of the month after 50 years of federal service.

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In his announcement, which was posted to VAPIHCS social media pages, Robinson wrote, Through it all, I have been reminded, time and again, that service is not about rank or titleit is about people.  Weve grown our VAPIHCS ohana, and focused steadfast on doing the right thing, resulting in our staff providing safe, quality, and compassionate care to our veterans every day. Together, weve created robust health care models that will sustain our veteran community for years to come.

Suzanne Abarca, a Navy veteran who attended Fridays protest with her husband, Toma Marine veteransaid that while access has been a challenge for many veterans in Hawaii and the Pacific, the quality of treatment itself stands out. She said, The VA here in Hawaii, is amazing, and I really dont want to have cuts to that, because its incredible, best medical care Ive ever gotten. We just fixed the system, lets not break it again, you know ?

The VA has a complicated history, with scandals around the country around substandard care and veterans falling through the cracks as they struggled to access benefits theyd earned. Critics have called for cutting down on bureaucracy and working more closely with private-sector health care providers and insurers to streamline  health care for veterans.

VA Secretary Doug Collins has insisted the cuts are needed to cut down on a bloated system. In an op-ed published in The Hill on earlier this month, he declared that we owe Americas veteransand hundreds of thousands of excellent VA employeessolutions.

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Our goal is to reduce VA employment levels to 2019 numbers of roughly 398, 000 employees from our current level of approximately 470, 000 employeesa nearly 15 percent decrease,  Collins wrote. We will accomplish this without making cuts to health care or benefits to veterans and VA beneficiaries.

But a VA social worker focused on suicide preventionwho requested anonymity because they feared reprisal for speakingsaid that cuts and new policies are already taking a toll at VAPIHCS.

The social worker told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Weve already seen an impact in our wait times related to mental health. And we save peoples lives every day. Were the first line when it comes to the veteran that wants to harm themselves by suicide or harm someone else, and we get them immediate help ; and these cuts in funding and reductions in workforce are going to make it much harder to be available.

Parsons said, Privatization is not ever going to be cheaper, and its not ever going to be better, especially here in Hawaii where we have so much issues with health care access for the general public.  Im not saying that (the VA doesnt ) have difficulties, that they dont have things that need to be dealt withyou know, issues like access, all those kind of things. But cutting 80, 000 people from the VA is not going to change that.

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Eli Foster, a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who attended the Friday protest, said, This has absolutely nothing to do with streamlining the VA. Its an excuse that theyre using to basically go after folks that they want to go after to loosen up money so they can give a big tax cut to rich guys like Musk.

In addition to new facilities, the VAPIHCS has worked to provide more telehealth options in the islands, particularly when it comes to mental health care, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. VA officials and veterans alike have previously said the push has in some cases helped cut down on unnecessary travel for veterans living in rural and remote island communities.

But care providers say there is now a push to cut back on telehealth and remote work options.

The push towards telehealth (was to ) be able to reach out so the veterans dont have to fly two hours or a day and stay in a hotel,  said Parsons. Now the whole push is were going to pull back telehealth because we want people to come in ? Thats not what people who live in Hilo and American Samoa and Saipan, thats not what they want. They want specialty providers who can come in and by telehealth and give them hope.

Mental health care and suicide prevention have in recent years seen a major push from veterans groups and the VA. According to data from the VA, between 2001 and 2020 the suicide rate among veterans between ages 18 and 34 increased by 95.3 %. During that same time period, the suicide rate among veterans between ages 55 and 74 rose 58.2 %.

With the limited facilities and challenges serving neighbor islands, it offered many new workers, especially those working in mental health, remote and work-from-home positions where they served veterans across the islands. Now, VA workers say, a push to return to the office will only put further strain on the system.

Theres not enough space as is. Even before COVID there was three of us therapists stuffed in one office. And now theyre trying to make us all come back with even more,  said Goodman. Theres a lot of veterans on this island that need care, right ? And we should have more space.  Thats what blows my mind, is the VA here (in Hawaii ) doesnt even have its own hospital, we have to share with Tripler. So that creates a lot of barriers.
By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of the U.S. government's energy loans office that has provided financing to projects from nuclear power to a sustainable aviation fuel plant supported by one of President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans will depart the agency this week, the U.S. Department of Energy said on Tuesday.

John Sneed, who headed the Loan Programs Office, or LPO, in the Trump's first administration, was re-appointed on January 20 to head it for 30 days to work on the transition to new administration. His appointment was extended by about another month through March 21.

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Sneed said in a release he will return home to Texas, and his family, without giving more detail.

In the first Trump administration, Sneed was also a chief of staff to then Energy Secretary Rick Perry, a former Texas governor of Texas.

The LPO's capacity to offer low-cost loans and loan guarantees to emerging energy technologies was vastly expanded to hundreds of billions of dollars under the administration of former President Joe Biden, a Democrat.

Technologies, such as advanced vehicles, batteries, and solar power arrays, that struggle to get financing from private banks, were among the beneficiaries, during Biden's presidency.

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Trump only used the LPO to finance nuclear power in his first term and it has been uncertain how he will use the agency in his second administration.

So far this term, Trump's LPO has provided part of a loan guarantee for Holtec's Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan, which is aiming to be the first commercial reactor resurrected after a complete shutdown.

Last month, his LPO also approved disbursement of a $1.67 billion loan guarantee finalized days before Trump took office for a Calumet sustainable aviation fuel refinery in Montana, after pressure from Senator Steve Daines, a Republican.

DOE said it will announce the incoming LPO director in weeks.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll were in western Massachusetts discussing transportation funding and touring small bridges and culverts in Lenox, Becket, and Springfield.

Governor Healey proposed $200 million for culvert and small bridge upgrades and an increase in road and bridge funding by 60-80 percent for rural and small towns. The state administration met in Lenox with local leaders to discuss what it would take to upgrade rural roads, bridges, and culverts.

Massachusetts has always been a place of innovation and revolution, remarked Gov. Healey. Through tourism, we can share that bold spirit with the world. Tourism builds opportunities, it strengthens ties, it strengthens communities.

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Our transportation plan is about giving all of our cities and towns the resources they need to make upgrades to their transportation infrastructure that meet the unique needs of their communities, said Governor Healey. We heard loud and clear from our rural and small towns in particular that they have been struggling to keep up needed culvert replacements, so we want to supercharge the funding available to get these projects moving. Were also proposing to make the Chapter 90 formula more fair and dramatically increasing funding so that every town, including our rural and small communities, can fix their roads and bridges.

Springfield School Committee extends agreement for in-school cameras

This historic transportation plan will help all our mayors and town administrators tackle their urgent infrastructure needs, said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. As a former Mayor, I know that our investment in transportation will help improve the quality of life for all our residents by creating jobs, protecting communities from storms, making commutes easier and stimulating local economies in every part of our state.

Executive Director Kate Fox told 22News, I hope that they make new friends and build their network and enjoy being a part of the Massachusetts Tourism Industry. We are mighty, statewide, and a really great group.

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Attendees select from a list of various breakout sessions, allowing them to personally design their experience to what their region offers.

Fox said the topics range from international marketing to sports marketing to plans for 2026 with the FIFA World Cup and Sail Boston coming to the state.

Local lawmakers putting a spotlight on the western Massachusetts attractions that continue to bring in visitorsincluding one of its biggest tourism draws: the Holyoke St. Patricks parade. We will always prioritize things that will grow us economically, stated Senator Jacob Oliveira (Ludlow).

Mary Kay Wydra, the President of Explore Western Mass said they are always marketing to draw in more people to the region, The Suess Museum, Basketball Hall of Fame, MGM. Everything people want in a destination is right here in Western Mass, she says.

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Wydra said in Western Massachusetts specifically, hospitality is a big focus, adding, In the days of A.I. where things are automated, we never lose sight of the fact that this is a people industry and we want people to be treated well, welcomed, have a great time so that they go back and tell others and come back again.

State officials also said the commonwealths tourism industry continues to recover since the pandemicand they are focused on keeping that momentum going.

Lenox was honored to host Governor Healey and her team today to discuss the specific transportation infrastructure challenges we face here in Berkshire County. The Healey-Driscoll Administrations transportation funding plan, including practical changes to the Chapter 90 program, will benefit all of our communities here in the Berkshires and across the Commonwealth, said Jay R. Green, J.D., Town Manager of Lenox. As a Town Manager representing Berkshire Communities on the Chapter 90 Advisory Group, its gratifying to know that when the Healey-Driscoll administration asked for local governments feedback, they listened, and they actednot letting the work of the Advisory Group be another report that sits on the shelf. These practical recommendations will benefit every community across the Commonwealth and are achievable steps towards modernizing the Commonwealths transportation policy to address contemporary challenges facing municipalities in local roadway maintenance especially here in the Berkshires.

Then, stopping in Becket to see a replaced culvert on Bonny Rigg Hill Road, which is an example of the difference her proposed $200 million for culvert and small bridge repairs will make in communities across Massachusetts.

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The Healey-Driscoll Administration has a strategic plan to secure funding from various sources to build a transportation system that serves the people of Massachusetts both now and for generations to come, said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. Today, were highlighting culverts because they are our first line of defense against the growing impacts of climate changehelping to manage more severe storms, rising waterways, and protecting the very infrastructure that ensures safe and efficient travel.

Besides current and future tourism and travel in the state, Massachusetts also has a two-year-long initiative, called Mass250, which Fox explains, Its a commemoration of the history of the American Revolution in Massachusetts. We are also celebrating how Massachusetts is still revolutionary today. The project will last through 2026, recognizing the battles and monumental events in the state.

Fox said they often refer to the industry as one of firsts and lasts, whether it is a summer job for a student or a part-time job for a retiree. We have bounced backas of 2023, domestic travel came back and surpassed 2019 numbers, she says. We are looking forward to 2025 and 2026 with all of these huge sporting events and anniversaries, and welcome the world to Massachusetts.

Culvert replacements are a win-win for people and nature. For every dollar we invest in weather-ready infrastructure, we can save around $13 in avoided damages down the line, said Energy & Environment Secretary Rebecca Tepper. We are grateful to Governor Healey for championing this historic investment in safe, resilient transportation infrastructure. This investment will greatly expand the support we provide to local leaders to future-proof their communities in the Berkshires and beyond.

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Congressman Richard Neal also spoke at the event, stressing the need for infrastructure investments to support and expand tourism and make western Massachusetts even more accessible.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
BATON ROUGE, La. (LouisianaFirstNews)  Louisianas unemployment and poverty rates are contributing to a growing crisis in substance use disorder, according to Dr. Nzinga Harrison, a leading expert in addiction treatment.

Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic to use MyChart starting in March

At Eleanor Health, where Dr. Harrison works, the connection between job instability and substance abuse has become increasingly apparent.

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Weve seen that job instability can contribute significantly to the development of substance use disorder, Dr. Harrison explained. If someone develops a substance use disorder, it can affect their job performance, which can lead to job loss  a cycle that worsens the addiction.

The relationship between employment and addiction is a dangerous chicken and egg cycle, she added, with each issue exacerbating the other. For those struggling with both, the path to recovery becomes increasingly difficult.

Dr. Harrison emphasizes that breaking this cycle requires a dual approach. Its really twofold. Its about ensuring people have access to employment with healthy wages, and having adequate support systems in place for employees who may need help.

Having stability and the ability to provide for oneself and their family is crucial for health and well-being, Dr. Harrison said. A life with purpose  for many of us, that comes through our employment. When thats missing, it directly contributes to worsening substance use disorders and the risk of overdose death.

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However, there is hope for those who seek help, especially with Louisianas expanded Medicaid program. Dr. Harrison pointed out that while the states addiction statistics may seem grim, Medicaid expansion has been a lifeline for many residents living below the poverty line.

While Louisiana statistics can be scary, the expansion of Medicaid really is saving lives, she said. It gives people access to addiction treatment, which is key to facilitating recovery. This support helps individuals regain stability, making it possible to find employment that can ultimately help tether their feet to a path of recovery.

As Louisiana continues to grapple with high unemployment rates and rising substance use disorder cases, experts like Dr. Harrison stress the importance of both economic opportunity and accessible healthcare in breaking the cycle of addiction.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
About the event

What: Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce Issue Forum with Gov. Kevin Stitt

When: 8 to 9:30 a.m., Monday

Where: Rogers State University, Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center Ballroom, 1701 W. Will Rogers Blvd. in Claremore

Event highlights

1. Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma's chief executive since 2019, will speak about education, economic development, infrastructure, Oklahoma's future and other topics.

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2. The Chamber will provide a breakfast buffet for attendees, sponsored by Claremore-based MST Manufacturing.

3. Attendees must register for the event online at claremore.org or by calling the Chamber's office at 918-341-2818. Tickets are $25 for Chamber members, $50 for non-members and $500 for eight-person corporate tables.

Why attend?

Barby Myers, president of the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce, said the event will be a rare opportunity for the public to see the governor face-to-face and ask him questions.

Myers said residents should consider attending because their voices will shape the future of Oklahoma.

This forum offers our local business community and residents the chance to engage with our governor and gain a better understanding of the policies and initiatives that impact our daily lives," Myers said.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A volunteer hearing panel opted to spare Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones law license, rejecting the state bar counsels urge to disbar Jones for deleting text messages related to a controversial real estate development project near Red Rock Canyon. Moreover, it rejected outright the state bars claim that Jones bribed then-county-commissioner and eventual Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak.

Jones, the commissioner for Clark Countys District F, deleted text messages with regard to a real estate development project near Red Rock Canyon when he represented Save Red Rock, a neighborhood group strongly opposed to the project. The county settled an ensuing lawsuit from the developer for $80 million.

In 2022, a federal court magistrate judge determined Jones did so willfully. Jones, and his attorney, argued at the hearing that he did so as a political cleansing.

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Jones testified in federal court and the magistrate found his testimony carefully created to dodge the truth.

To this day, he has never told the truth, Dan Hooge, the state bar counsel, said Monday in his closing argument.

The only thing he forgot is his integrity, Hooge said later Monday in his rebuttal argument.

Jones attorney, Rob Bare, suggested the hearing panel publicly reprimand Jones, and not disbar or suspend him.

Reprimand is fair in this case, Bare, a former Clark County District Court Judge, said in his closing argument. Its fair. And its appropriate.

In one of two formal written complaints against Jones, the state bar counsel accuses Jones of bribing then-county-commissioner and eventual Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak in 2019 before Jones became commissioner. Jones, the complaint says, offered the political support of the people opposed to the Red Rock Development on Blue Diamond Hill in exchange for Sisolak voting against the development. There was a lawsuit at the time which Jones, the state bar counsel says, offered to drop if Sisolak took his offer.

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Respondent engaged in criminal conduct when he directly offered a reward to an executive or administrative officer of Clark County, Commissioner Sisolak with the intent to influence Commissioner Sisolak with respect to his position on the upcoming County Commission vote on Gypsums application while Commissioner Sisolak was Chairman of the CCBC, the October 2024 complaint said.

Hooge said: Theres nothing that rebuts that presumption.

If he committed felony bribery, disbar him, Bare told the hearing panel in his closing argument. Enter a disbarment. If he committed felony bribery, you should disbar him. Period. Problem is, he didnt commit felony bribery. He didnt commit a felony. He didnt commit bribery.

Two attorneys hired as expert witnesses gave dueling testimony about whether Jones bribed Sisolak. Well-known Las Vegas criminal defense attorney Dominic Gentile argued that certain communications between Jones and Sisolak were political speech. However, Benjamin Edwards, a UNLV law professor and ethics scholar, disagreed.

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When look at the conduct alleged in the complaint, Im concerned because it is offering a public official a [benefit] in exchange for their official action, Edwards said.

On the whole, I find the conduct troubling, Edwards testified.

Bare told the panel Jones was honest with the panel. This guy tells the truth, Bare said, referring to additional expert witness testimony that Jones is a decent person who contributes to the community with his public service and pro bono legal work.

Bare also addressed the text messages Jones seems to admit deleting.

Justin Jones did not specifically recall the text deletion event, Bare said. Bare had argued during his defense of Jones that deleting the text messages related to the real estate development was a political cleansing. Jones, while testifying on his own behalf, apologized to the hearing panel, saying he made a stupid mistake, and asked the panel for mercy.

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Bare acknowledged Jones deleting text messages was a violation of state bar rules.

That is at least a negligence violation, Bare said, telling the hearing panel that is the extent of Jones wrongdoing.

But Hooge, the state bar counsel, was incredulous that Jones could not remember deleting the messages, as Jones said multiple times on the witness stand.

You dont just have this empty blackout where you all of sudden forget everything, Hooge said.

Hooge continued: Thats not credible. That doesnt happen in real life.

In the end, Bare made one final plea to the hearing panel. Hes not a threat to the public. Justin Jones is an asset to the public. Hes a good man. Flat out hes a good man. He did something stupid. Jones, a county commissioner since 2018 and now in his second term representing Clark Countys District F, resigned his post as vice-chair of the commission in May 2023.

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The hearing panel consisted of a chair, Las Vegas attorney Andy Chiu, and one other Nevada attorney, as well as a member of the public. All three members of the panel are volunteers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Mar. 18GRAND FORKS  Grand Forks is considering changing the nonconformity portion of city code to be clearer and likely less punitive toward affected property owners.

The change is still in its preliminary stages and any formal code change is still likely a few months away. However, changing this portion of the city's code has been discussed for some time, especially as owners continue to apply for variances with the city and as the city approves those variances. Being a nonconformity often means a lot more difficulties trying to sell and even upkeep property.

"It's been more than a handful come through that essentially have been a sale of property trying to get done," Grand Forks Director of Planning and Community Development Ryan Brooks said. "They've had to press pause until they go through the board of adjustments to get that approval (for a variance or rezone)."

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Planning Manager Andrea Edwardson also said issues often affect Grand Forks' most affordable homes.

"We've had some homeowners be very upset when they get caught in this process," Edwardson told the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 5. "We're talking small lots. We're talking small for our most affordable where timing can be key, so we do think that the nonconformity (code) is a good one to tackle."

In short, a nonconformity is a property that was legally built at one time, but the city code changed. By definition, it's legal but doesn't fit the current rules and adds additional stipulations on what can and cannot be done with the property.

Typically, there are three categories that properties fall into when they're considered a nonconformity:

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* A nonconforming land use. The property's activity is not allowed by the designated zoning of a property, like residential homes in an industrial area or commercial in a residential zone. Nonconformities often occur when the city changes the land use.

* A nonconforming lot. The property's dimensions no longer meet the requirements of the code. This is common in older parts of Grand Forks, where lots are on average smaller and minimum dimensions have increased over time.

* A nonconforming structure. The use is permitted, but the structure doesn't meet land use requirements for setbacks, impervious surfaces or some other requirement of code.

The current code dates from the 1980s, when the last complete overhaul of the land development code occurred. In the intervening 40 years, the philosophy of urban planning has changed as well as the needs of the Grand Forks market.

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"It was very heavy-handed," Edwardson told commissioners. "It's essentially hoping that a (nonconforming) property becomes dilapidated, unsafe and has to be torn down and then we can transition the use."

In many cases, that transition has never happened, Edwardson said. Nowadays, the city would rather preserve the value of property and ensure that structures stay safe.

"(The change) takes a more market stance to transition use out of a district rather than (creating) dilapidated, unsafe slum and blight," Edwardson said.

The changes would also likely make the code clearer and clean up sections of code that have never been enforced, like an amortization schedule to discontinue certain uses in certain areas. That process has never been used, and several national lawsuits since the 1980s have concluded that the process would be property seizure and the city would have to compensate property owners. It's likely the city could never enforce it even if it wanted to, according to Edwardson, as the costs would be prohibitive.

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The proposed changes would clear up what can and cannot be done with nonconforming properties and the appeals process. Things that can be difficult to get approved, like a roof repair, could be more easily allowed, but building expansions still wouldn't be allowed. Additionally, for residential lots, the changes could mean that if a home is destroyed, it may be able to be rebuilt, avoiding a variance process that takes weeks.

"We'd rather see that lot built on again if it's big enough to have a sizable and marketable unit," Edwardson said. "That's just a shift in mentality from the '80s than we have today."

It would also align the city's code with a proposed change to the North Dakota Century Code that would allow the rebuilding of homes on nonconforming properties. House Bill 1500 would require residential zoning districts to allow for rebuilding across the state. Some local governments have come out against the proposal as an infringement of local authority.

Grand Forks' code change would do the same thing that the proposed law does.

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"I think the code change that Andrea put together is going to make it a little bit more readable and hopefully make it a little bit easier for people to decipher," Brooks said. "Our current code, I think, can get a bit confusing."

Before a code change moves forward, a planning and zoning subcommittee is looking at resident properties currently zoned into commercial uses that could apply to be rezoned into residential. The committee was formed after a North Fifth Street property owner applied for rezoning from commercial to residential.

The city made a decision to change other parts of the land development code last year to cut down on the number of variances being issued and to clear up confusing language. That change removed the 20% rule for sideyard setbacks, standardized minimums rather than a ratio, eased constraints upon properties with larger widths in the city

and increased square footage maximums for accessory uses in residential zones.
Since it was first synthesized in a post-WW2 American lab in 1949, berkelium has been a rebel of the periodic table, defying quantum mechanics and taking on an extra positive charge that its relatives would never.

Now, a team of scientists from berkelium's alma mater, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, has wrangled the elusive element into a rare partnership with carbon that will enable them to study it in more detail.

Thanks to challenges involved in producing and safely containing the heavy element, few chemists have had the privilege of dealing with berkelium. Just one gram of the stuff can cost a boggling US$27 million. For this experiment, just 0.3 milligrams of berkelium-249 was required.

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Such heavy, radioactive chemicals are difficult to study on their own. In the form of an organometallic complex  with their high symmetries and multiple covalent bonds with carbon  it's also much easier to probe the atom's electronic structure.

However, the resulting molecular structure is so reactive with air that only a few laboratories in the world can protect both it and the person working on it.

The X-ray structure of berkelocene shows a Bk(IV) ion sandwiched between two substituted cyclooctatetraene ligands. ( Stefan Minasian/Berkeley Lab

The configuration of this molecule, 'berkelocene', is modelled on a similar structure called ferrocene, but instead of a charged iron filling, an ion of the radioactive element berkelium is sandwiched between two carbon rings to form an organometallic complex. In doing so, they hope to better understand this highly radioactive element, and perhaps its behavior in materials like nuclear waste.

Heavy element researchers have been keen to lock down the 15 radioactive elements in the periodic table's actinide series using carbon-based cuffs ever since they trapped uranium in the far more thermodynamically stable form of uranocene.

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Through the 60s and 70s, chemists proceeded to work their way through the list of potential actinocenes: by 1970, they had created thorocene from thorium, protactinocene from protactinium, neptunocene from neptunium, and plutonocene from plutonium.

And in recent years, chemists have even achieved organometallic complexes containing the heavier actinides americium and californium.

But berkelium, at a dizzy number 97 on the periodic table, has evaded its actinocene destiny until now.

"This is the first time that evidence for the formation of a chemical bond between berkelium and carbon has been obtained," says Berkley Lab chemist Stefan Minasian. "The discovery provides new understanding of how berkelium and other actinides behave relative to their peers in the periodic table."

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By pinning down the berkelium atom, the team could test its electronic structure model using ultravioletvisiblenear-infrared spectroscopy.

"Traditional understanding of the periodic table suggests that berkelium would behave like the lanthanide terbium," Minasian says. Yet, unlike the lanthanide analogues, the berkelium ion is happier in a '+4' charged state, which suggests it is ionic bonds sticking the organometallic molecule together like two magnets, rather than the stronger glue of covalent bonds.

Single-crystal x-ray diffraction of the resulting organometallic molecule reveals the berkelium atom is held in place by two rings made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms, bonding with the carbon atoms.

The researchers hope that by understanding more about the heavier actinides' behaviors, we can be prepared for problems arising from long-term nuclear waste storage and clean-up, as these unstable synthetic elements wend their way down the periodic table.

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This research was published in Science.

Related News
By Qabil Ashirov



Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) is expanding the implementation of innovative technologies aimed at reducing emissions, Azernews reports, citing ASCO.

In line with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, the company has taken another significant step by introducing the "EcoPilot" system in collaboration with Swedens QTAGG company.

As a pilot project, the system has been installed on the "Azerbaijan" RoPax ferry. The vessel has successfully completed its first sea trial using the new technology. The EcoPilot system is expected to reduce fuel consumption on each voyage, leading to an estimated 6% decrease in emissions.

The EcoPilot technology optimizes the ships route and speed by factoring in wind direction and strength, ship structure, weather forecasts, and sea currents. The electronic system automatically adjusts the vessels speed to minimize fuel consumption, contributing to lower emissions and greater environmental sustainability.
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)  With U.S. support for Ukraine in doubt, Kyiv's European allies are weighing whether to seize $300 billion in frozen Russian assets and use the money to compensate Ukraine, support its military and help rebuild shattered homes and towns.

For now, the assets are still on ice, with opponents of seizure warning that the move could violate international law and destabilize financial markets.

Here are key things to know about the debate surrounding the Kremlin assets that were frozen shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022:

What are the assets and where are they?

Originally, the money was in short-term government bonds held as reserves for the Russian central bank. By now, most of the bonds have have matured and turned into cash piling up in custodian banks. Some 210 billion euros are in European Union member states, with the biggest chunk, some 183 billion euros, at Euroclear, a Belgian clearinghouse for financial transactions. Other amounts are at financial institutions in Great Britain, Japan, France, Canada, Switzerland, Australia and Singapore.

So far, the Group of Seven democracies have used the interest on the frozen cash to fund $50 billion in upfront assistance to Ukraine by borrowing against future interest income. That solution avoids legal and financial complications associated with outright confiscating the money and giving it it to Ukraine.

Who is calling for seizing the assets and why?

Some of Ukraine's friends  Poland, the United Kingdom and the Baltic states Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia  want to do more by taking the principal as well, given the enormous damage Russia has done. The World Bank estimates that reconstructing Ukraine will cost $524 billion over 10 years, already more than the total of the Russian assets. If one or more Western governments resists seizing the assets, the others that want to could still go ahead.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's allies in Europe are contemplating stepping up their financial aid in the wake of statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that Europe must take care of its own security. Several of those allies  France and Belgium, for instance  are already saddled with troublesome debt levels above 100% of gross domestic product.

Why do France, Germany and Belgium oppose seizing the assets?

European leaders say seizing the assets now would mean they couldn't be used as a bargaining chip in any peace deal or to help enforce a ceasefire.

French Finance Minister Eric Lombard said Tuesday that it was against international law to seize assets in central banks. If Russian assets were seized without legal grounds, "it could pose a risk to European financial stability, he said.
The federal judge who blocked Donald Trumps deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act appeared taken aback by arguments from Department of Justice lawyers claiming that his order from the bench could be ignored because it wasnt written down.

Youre telling me you felt you could disregard it because it wasnt in the written order? an incredulous U.S. District Judge James Boasberg asked during a hearing in Washington, D.C. Monday.

Justice Department lawyers suggested that was the position of the Trump administration. He called the governments argument a heckuva stretch.

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also appeared to make a similar argument to reporters during a briefing earlier Monday.

There are actually questions about whether a verbal order carries the same weight as a written order, she claimed.

The judge called a hearing to determine what exactly happened after three flights allegedly containing members of Venezuelas Tren de Aragua gang left the United States for El Salvador on Friday night despite his verbal  and written  orders that expressly blocked them from taking off.

A timeline is crucial to determine whether the administration is openly defying the judicial branch as critics fear the president is consolidating power in the executive branch and shredding checks and balances.

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After Boasberg refused the Trump administrations request to cancel Mondays hearing, the Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to immediately remove the case from Boasbergs courtroom.

The administration really jumped the shark with this, Katherine Yon Ebright of the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University Law School said Monday of the Justice Departments attempt to take the case away from Boasberg.

Judge Boasberg is no bleeding-heart liberal or national security law skeptic; hes the former presiding judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, she wrote.

The immigrants on those flights are now jailed in a notorious El Salvadoran prison. The White House claims officials can prove they are gang members based on intelligence and men and women on the ground, Leavitt told reporters Monday.

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Their hands were tied under the previous administration  they should be trusted and respected by the American public with this operation, she said.

Judge Boasberg ordered attorneys to answer a series of questions about the flights, including, critically, what time they left the United States. But Justice Department lawyers repeatedly refused to answer the the queries.

The judge also wants to know how many people were deported solely on the basis of Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, the centuries-old wartime law that Trump has applied for the fourth time in U.S. history.

Lawyers have until noon Tuesday to reply.

Salvadoran police officers escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison in a photo shared by El Salvador officials (via REUTERS)

Trump is applying the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelans who are members of Tren de Aragua and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States, according to his order, which he invoked last Friday.

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The next day, the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order to block removals under the act. Boasberg scheduled a brief hearing at 5 p.m., then adjourned 20 minutes later to allow the administration to determine whether flights carrying anyone under the act were underway. The parties were due back in court at 6 p.m.

Then, at 5:26 p.m., one of two flights chartered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement departed Texas for Honduras, according to flight records reviewed by The Washington Post. Another flight followed at 5:45 p.m. bound for El Salvador.

Roughly one hour later, the judge agreed to temporarily block the application of the Alien Enemies Act. His written order appeared on the docket at 7:26 p.m.

A third flight left Texas for El Salvador 10 minutes later.

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On Sunday morning, at 7:47 a.m.  more than 12 hours after the judges order from the bench and his written ruling  El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele responded to news of the judge's ruling with a post on social media: Oopsie, too late.

That message was shared by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trumps border czar Tom Homan suggested on Fox News that the administration isnt stopping its operations because of a court order.

Were not stopping, he told Fox News on Monday. I dont care what the judges think, I dont care what the left thinks. Were coming.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt (Getty Images)

In court documents and in the courtroom, Justice Department officials claimed that answers to the judges questions involve sensitive national security issues.

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If what youre saying is its classified and you cant tell me, then youre going to need to make a good showing, the judge said. Why are you showing up today and not having answers as to why you cant disclose it?

Justice Department lawyer Abishek Kambli also argued that Judge Boasberg lost jurisdiction the moment that those planes were no longer in U.S. airspace.

Once they are in international waters, the president has authority outside of the Alien Enemies Act that would not have been subject to the order, he said.

The judge was skeptical.

Youre saying that the president somehow has extra powers over a plane once it enters international airspace once it leaves U.S. airspace? he said.

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The parties will be back in court Friday to argue the merits of Trumps executive order itself.

Critics have expressed alarm over both the administration's underlying decisions surrounding the deportation flights and its attempts to remove Judge Boasberg from the case for questioning them.

Trump is defying court orders and abusing wartime powers to deport people with no due process, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote on X. Donald Trump is not a king. He is not above the law.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council called the Justice Departments position completely incoherent.

They say that even if they broke the order, Trump had inherent power as commander in chief to direct military assets, he wrote on X. But these were charter plane flights run by a private prison company subsidiary on a contract with ICE.
The U.S. militarys surprise strikes on Yemens Houthi militants over the weekend continued into Monday after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pledged an unrelenting campaign until the group stops attacking vessels in the Red Sea.

This campaign is about freedom of navigation and restoring deterrence. The minute the Houthis say, Well stop shooting at your ships, well stop shooting at your drones, this campaign will end, Hegseth said in an interview on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures, a day after President Trump ordered the strikes.

But until then, it will be unrelenting.

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President Trump ordered the strikes on Houthi targets on Saturday, promising to use overwhelming lethal force until the Iran-backed group stopped their attacks on civilian and military ships in the vital maritime corridor.

He also has warned Iran to stop supporting the Houthis, declaring that the country will be held directly responsible for any future attacks by the rebel group.

But the Houthis have responded that they will not be deterred by the U.S. airstrikes and would retaliate for the latest U.S. attacks.

Heres what to know about the operation:

U.S. strikes hit targets across Yemen

Shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday, Air Force attack jets and armed drones took off from various bases in the region, along with fighter planes from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, to strike targets in Yemens capital of Sanaa, the Saada province to the north and Dhamar and Al Bayda provinces to the south.

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Saada is the Houthis stronghold on the border with Saudi Arabia, while Sanaa holds Houthi military facilities and the headquarters of their political bureau.

On Sunday, the Houthis also reported airstrikes on the provinces of Hodeida, Bayda and Marib.

Houthis says more than 50 killed, dozens injured

The Houthis say at least 53 people have been killed in the strikes and more than 100 injured, the majority women and children, according to the Houthi-run Saba News Agency.

U.S. officials said the initial wave of strikes hit more than 30 targets at multiple locations on Saturday, including terrorist training sites, unmanned aerial vehicle infrastructure, weapons manufacturing capabilities and weapons storage facilities.

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It also included a number of command and control centers, including a terrorist compound where we know several senior Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle experts were located, Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, joint staff director for operations, told reporters Monday.

The U.S. strikes continued on Sunday against additional headquarters locations, weapon storage facilities, and what Grynkewich said were Houthi detection capabilities that have been used to threaten maritime shipping in the past.

Today, the operation continues, and it will continue in the coming days until we achieve the presidents objectives, he said, noting that the Pentagon has assessed that the strikes have taken out dozens of Houthi rebels.

White House national security adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News on Sunday the attacks hit the Houthi leadership, killing several of their key leaders last night, their infrastructure, the missiles.

Houthis promise further escalation

The airstrikes come days after the Houthis declared they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen, a response to Israels blockade of aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip earlier this month.

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Israeli ships passing through the Arabian and Red seas, the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb Strait were warned by the rebel group that they will become a target until the crossings to the Gaza Strip are reopened and aid, food, and medicine are allowed in.

Houthi spokesperson Nasr el-Din Amer told NBC News that the group plans to retaliate for the weekend attacks and would not stop until the blockade on Gaza is lifted.

We will respond to the recent escalation with further escalation, he said.

The strikes come after Trump in late January signed an executive order that recognized the Houthis in Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization.

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Trump said Saturday on Truth Social the aerial attacks were meant to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom.

He added 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.

Since the war in Gaza began in late 2023, the Houthis have targeted more than 100 merchant and military vessels with missiles and drone strikes. The attacks sank two ships, killed four sailors and upended a vital international shipping route.

The Biden administration had attempted to deter the attacks with their own missile strikes against the Houthis. But the Trump administration has said a larger, more extended campaign against the Houthis is needed.

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Pentagon press secretary Sean Parnell told reporters Monday the U.S. will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective, but he stressed that the strikes are not an endless offensive.

Trump says U.S. will blame Iran for every shot fired

Trump on Monday vowed to hold Iran responsible for any future shots fired by the Houthis, pledging that any attack or retaliation by the rebel group will be met with great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there.

Iran is dictating every move, giving them the weapons, supplying them with money and highly sophisticated Military equipment, and even, so-called, Intelligence. Every shot fired by 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 wrote on Truth Social.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later doubled down on Trumps threat to Tehran, saying the U.S. message to the country is you better take this president seriously.

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This president is not just going to sit on his hands and allow terrorists to launch attacks on commercial vessels and U.S. Navy ships. Those actions will not be tolerated, she said.

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Editors Note: The number to call for reporting potholes has been corrected.

(COLORADO SPRINGS) Pothole season is upon us, and the City of Colorado Springs wants the community to know that they can help stay on top of potholes that need filling.

There are three ways to report a pothole, said Corey Farkas, Manager of Public Works and Maintenance Operations for the City of Colorado Springs. You can call 385-Road, you can get online on our website and report a pothole, or the best way to go is to use the GoCOS! app.

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The app allows you to quickly fill out a request, upload a photo with the marked location of the pothole, and then the City will fill the requests based on the severity of the pothole.

We ask for as much information as we possibly can get when folks are reporting those potholes, because we want to prioritize the dangerous potholes above a smaller pothole, said Farkas. So if weve got a pothole thats in the drive lane, its going to swallow a Volkswagen We want to get that filled as quickly as possible.

The City will fill the potholes using a temporary fix to get through the winter, and then come summer, thanks to the 2C road improvement tax approved last election, fix the roads more long term.

You can download the GoCOS! app on the App Store or Google Play.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Members of the Idaho Senate work from the Senate floor on the morning of March 10, 2025, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

The Idaho Senate voted unanimously Monday to pass a bill that seeks to reduce property taxes and pay down school districts bond issues and levies.

The Idaho Senate voted 35-0 to pass House Bill 304.

If passed into law, House Bill 304 would do a couple of things.

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The bill would transfer $50 million to a state fund to reduce property taxes for Idaho homeowners.

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It also would send another $50 million to a state fund that helps pay off school districts bond issues and levies.

To make those two transfers, the bill reduces state revenue by $100 million every year.

Sens. Scott Grow, R-Eagle, and Doug Ricks, R-Rexburg, co-sponsored the bill in the Idaho Senate.

These amounts help with housing, Grow said.

The monthly mortgage payment gets reduced by a reduction in property taxes, Grow added. It helps young people trying to get into homes. It helps the older people who are retired that are trying to stay in their homes.

Idaho Legislature has also passed other tax cuts this session

House Bill 304 is the third major tax cut the Idaho Legislature has passed this year.

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House Bill 40 reduces the corporate and individual income tax rates from 5.695% to 5.3% and reduces state revenue by $253 million per year.

House Bill 231 increases the grocery tax credit used to offset the sales tax Idahoans pay on food to $155 per year. To increase the grocery tax credit, House Bill 231 reduces state revenue by $50 million every year.

Combined, the three bills reduce state revenue by $403 million.



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Another new law this year, House Bill 93, provides a refundable tax credit for education expenses for families, including tuition at private, religious schools. That bill reduces revenue by $50 million  bringing total revenue reductions from those four bills to $453 million.

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Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, voted in favor of the bill because she said property taxes and housing affordability are two of the issues her constituents are most concerned about. But Wintrow said she is worried about the amount of state revenue that will be reduced to pass all of the tax cuts.

Were over $400 million in revenue reductions as we go forward, Wintrow said.And this bill is continuously appropriated, so every year, $100 million is going to go this way. And so what I would hope is that next year we dont forget that, and that we dont do another income tax rebate that really only benefits the wealthiest at the top.

Wintrow said she wished legislative leaders acted on the property tax bill before passing the income tax cut and grocery tax credit increase this year.

Im happy to do the property tax relief, but I think this should have been the first and foremost (tax cut) right out of the gate, not the last one, Wintrow said. Because now were adding on more permanent revenue reductions that will potentially be harmful to the very people that demand the services that we need in our state.



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The Idaho House of Representatives has already voted 68-0 to pass House Bill 304.

House Bill 304 heads next to Gov. Brad Little for final consideration. Once the bill reaches his desk, Little will have five days to sign it into law or veto it. If Little does not take action within five days, the bill will become law without his signature.

During a breakfast with reporters in February, Little said he was concerned by the amount of revenue that will be reduced by the three major tax cuts and the education tax credit.

If I would have thought we could do $450 (million), I would have proposed $450 (million), Little said Feb. 25.

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Former Utah Congresswoman Mia Love first shared the news that she was battling a malignant brain tumor in May of 2024. Now, less than a year after that terrible diagnosis, her family just provided her friends a loved ones a heartbreaking update.

Sadly her cancer is no longer responding to treatment and the cancer is progressing,  her daughter posted on X,

Hello Friends, Im Mias daughter Abigale. Many of you are aware that Mom has been fighting GBM brain cancer. Sadly her cancer is no longer responding to treatment and the cancer is progressing. We have a shifted our focus from treatment to enjoying our remaining time with her. I pic.twitter.com/xlJfSC3IX7  Mia Love (@MiaBLove) March 1, 2025

In a March 11 essay for Deseret News, Rep. Love wrote that she and her family have moved away from treatments to enjoying every moment and making memories with the time we have. And now, she wants to use the time she has left to share her living wish with the world.

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The daughter of Haitian immigrants, Love served Utahs Fourth Congressional District in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. And while she is the first Black Republican woman elected to the United States Congress, she did famously go toe-to-toe with President Donald Trump during his first term around his treatment of immigrants, even demanding an apology from him on the app formerly known as Twitter.

The President comments are unkind, divisive, elitist and fly in the face of our nations values. This behavior is unacceptable from the leader of our nation, she wrote in a 2018 post.

But of course, in true Trump fashion, he wasted no time clapping back at her during a 2018 press conferenceafter she lost her seat in Congress.

Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost, he said.

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In her essay, Love shared that her parents taught her to love America (even the bad stuff) and believe in what the country could be.

I was taught to love this country, warts and all, and understand I had a role to play in our nations future. I learned to passionately believe in the possibilities and promise of America, she wrote.

She ended her post with a message of thanks for her fellow Americans.

I thank each of you, and all of you, for being part of my journey in the American dream. You and I, we the people, will be forever connected in the cause of this country we love, she wrote.

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BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C. (WNCN/WJZY)  A young man from Durham spotted a lightning strike fire at Beech Mountain and went door-to-door waking residents up early Sunday morning before the blaze destroyed three units just off the slopes at the ski resort.

The fire was reported around 5:30 a.m. Sunday just off the slopes at the Snow Tree Villas.

Trey DeWolf, a college student from Durham, whose parents own a condo near those that burned, was woken up by the sound of several lightning strikes.

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One of them hitting the wooden porch of a condominium yards from his parents rental property on Wedling Weg.

[I] put pants on and ran down and when I got there, there was about 4-5 feet of one of the decks on fire, DeWolf said. I just started banging on all of the doors to get everybody up and awake and out of there.

Photo courtesy: Crystal Rogers Photo contributed to CBS 17 A Jeep burning near the villas on Sunday morning. Photo courtesy: Crystal Rogers Photo contributed to CBS 17 Photo contributed to CBS 17 The devastation after the fire. Photo courtesy: Crystal Rogers Photo courtesy: Brandi Rose The devastation after the fire. Photo courtesy: Crystal Rogers The devastation after the fire. Photo courtesy: Crystal Rogers Photo contributed to CBS 17

Stacey Saunier, who was staying in the condos nearby, first mentioned DeWolfs heroics early Sunday morning on social media.

Terrible storms last night and a fire on Beech Mountain, Saunier wrote.

DeWolf spoke to WJZY-TV in Charlotte about the scene.

Lightning sparks fire, burning Beech Mountain ski slope condos and vehicles

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All four propane tanks had lit, and they were just shooting flames straight up in the air that just accelerated all of the outside building catching fire, he said.

Crystal Rogers told CBS 17 about Trey DeWolf. Above power lines were swaying back and forth. A huge piece of metal roofing was hanging on the swaying power lines. He was safer where he was (but) he ran through all that to knock on doors, Rogers said.

The blaze ended up burning a Jeep and two cars outside the condos.

Ive never seen any kind of wildfire besides on the newsI cant believe how fast it spread, DeWolf said.

On Sunday, he still could not believe the devastation.

Trey DeWolf photo

I come down every couple of hours just to look at it because I just cant believe that it is completely leveled, he said.

[Im] happy it didnt go further than it did, and I am super sorry for the loss people have suffered, he added.

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The fire started when a lightning bolt hit a balcony of the condos, which are true ski-in/ski-out properties located on the slopes of Beech Mountain Resort.

Crystal Rogers, who was staying in a condo Saturday night, was there when the fire started.

After the lightning hit, the fire spread, then transformers started blowing, then propane tanks, Rogers wrote on Facebook. Power lines were down across vehicles.

She told CBS 17 Monday that DeWolf woke everyone up and made me realize there was an urgent problem.

Trey DeWolf photo

Hero, she said about DeWolf.

Rogers told CBS 17 that DeWolf was staying at his familys condo for Spring Break. He attends college in Charleston, South Carolina.

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She also told CBS 17 about how DeWolf ventured near the flames to knock on doors.

Above power lines were swaying back and forth. A huge piece of metal roofing was hanging on the swaying power lines. He was safer where he was (but) he ran through all that to knock on doors, Rogers said.

Photo courtesy: Trey DeWolf

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Researchers from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center found alarmingly high levels of microplastics in human brains. The amount appears to be a higher concentration of plastic than found in other organs, and scientists say the accumulation is growing over time.

How did plastic get there in the first place? And what, if anything, should people do about this issue?

This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Dr. Marcus Garcia joins Chris and Gabby to explain the studys methods, what researchers learned, and the questions theyre still working to answer. He also shares what scientists believe to be the catalyst for plastic entering our food chain.

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Youre not gonna get as much of your microplastics exposure from that cup or that piece of plastic thats covering your food products when you first purchase them, said Dr. Garcia. Its what happens to that after it ends up in a landfill, so after we throw those away, then theyre continuing to degrade in these types of environments for the next 20-30 years.



Dr. Garcia explained the lengthy breakdown of plastic into the ground, and eventually into the water stream, starts with how plastic is disposed of. The mechanical degradation, thats what causes these plastics to break down into these much finer micro or nano plastics. Then those end up leaching out into our ground waters, into our soils.

Those topics and more are discussed in the full episode above.

Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast wherever you listen. Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others.

You can also watch our podcasts in video form both on-air or online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQEs YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13.

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Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term KRQE or New Mexico News Insiders (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post.

If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Mar. 17An injured hiker was rescued by helicopter in the dark last Tuesday from a trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County, successfully concluding a search-and-rescue operation before the nighttime cold set in.

A hiker had set off from the Richland Balsam Overlook  famous for being the highest point along the Blue Ridge Parkway. A short but steep jaunt leads from the overlook to the actual summit, and the hiker set out to bag the peak.

At some point, however, he fell down a bank, got hurt and was unable to get back to the trail.

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Luckily, he got enough reception to contact a family member who had waited back at the overlook. The family member in turn called 911.

"The family member did not know the exact location, so at that point it turned into search operations," said Zeb Holland with Jackson County Emergency Management.

It was already 4:30 p.m., however, and Holland feared time was of essence.

"It was going to start getting dark and cold. It was a 70-degree day, so people were wearing shorts and t-shirts, but at night and that elevation, it could get down into the low 30s," Holland said. "Nighttime also puts more of a strain on our searchers. And it makes things more nerve-racking for the patient in the woods once they lose their ability to see."

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So emergency responders decided to call in air support to help with the search. From the air, night vision and heat sensing devices could be used to scan for the missing hiker.

"It is still a heavily wooded area, so it's not going to be perfect, but this time of year, when there are no leaves, on the trees, it is more effective," Holland said of the technology that can pick up body heat from the air in low-visibility conditions.

"We also had members from each department on ground search teams," Holland said.

Ultimately, the ground crews found the hiker  and it became obvious why he couldn't make his way back to the trail.

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"It was very steep terrain. They had to rappel down some portions of rock to get to the subject," Holland said.

Since the N.C. Highway Patrol already had a chopper in the air, extracting the hiker that way was preferable over going back up the bank.

"They dropped down a hoist from the helicopter to the ground and the rescuers, who hooked the patient to a harness," Holland said.

The hiker was then hoisted into the chopper and flown to Mission. He only had minor injuries and will be OK, Holland said.

The Parkway straddles the Haywood-Jackson county line. While the hiker was technically on the Haywood side, the initial 911 call pinged a Jackson tower and thus was routed to Jackson County. And since his location wasn't known at the time, Jackson County Emergency Services responded.

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Two air crews responded. One was Civil Air Patrol. Another was the N.C. HART team, comprised of the N.C. Highway Patrol, National Guard and N.C. Emergency Management.

Balsam Fire Department, Harris EMS and Jackson County Rescue Squad, and Haywood Search and Rescue also responded.

"I have to give kudos to all the agencies that were there. It was an extremely successful search and rescue. Those are the moments we are very thankful for all the training we had done," Holland said.
Maybe the White House needs to play the Law & Order dun-dun noise whenever press secretary Karoline Leavittmisspeaks  ya know, just so shes aware.

During Mondays White House press briefing, Leavitt made a whoopsie by very confidently declaring that President Donald Trumps Department of Justice will focus on fighting law and order rather than fighting for law and order.

Leavitt: "We want to restore the Department of Justice to an institution that focuses on fighting law and order." pic.twitter.com/0PpBik395v  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 17, 2025

Plenty of people on Bluesky and X, formerly Twitter, found Leavits gaffe pretty funny considering fighting law and order is exactly what Trumps administration appears to be doing.

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Some users made references to Trump ignoring a judges order that planes being used to deport people under the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used wartime power, be immediately returned to the United States. Others simply pointed out that the president is a convicted felon.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt:



"We want to restore the Department of Justice to an institution that focuses on fighting law and order."



HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAAH.



Funniest thing I've heard all day.  Art Candee  (@ArtCandee) March 17, 2025

Leavitt: "We want to restore the Department of Justice to an institution that focuses on fighting law and order."



=> "fighting law and order" -- I think that pretty accurately describes what the DOJ under Donald Trump is doing. Thanks, Karoline.   Jeff Fleischmann   (@Philosocrat) March 17, 2025

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Well thats the first honest thing shes said so far  BuddhaBiker (@Buddhabiker) March 18, 2025

"fighting law and order"



Perfect Freudian slip  Akash Maniam (@ManiamAkash) March 17, 2025

I wonder if she'll admit that she misspoke. She probably hasn't figured it out yet.  Jasmine NoDramaMama  (@jasmineweidenb1) March 17, 2025

This looks more like a parody sketch from The Simpsons every time she appears.  ..Murdoch, Auld and Hay.. (@deejays19671) March 18, 2025

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It's the only time she was honest.

Let's give her that.  Anarchy until Trump is gone  (@ZenArchist_) March 17, 2025

It should piss you off to know we are paying her salary.  PAPPY (@pappybest) March 17, 2025

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Psst



Trump is a convicted felon  Executive Team Coach, speaker and author (@wiley_inc) March 17, 2025

Leavitts amusing slip came after ABC News senior political correspondent Rachel Scott asked her if Trump wants the Department of Justice to investigate members of the bipartisan Jan. 6 Select Committee.

Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned the lawmakers who investigated the U.S. Capitol riot. But in the wee hours of Monday morning, Trump posted an unhinged Truth Social rant claiming that the pardons were VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT.

Trump claimed in his post that Biden had signed the pardons with an autopen, a device used to replicate someones signature. The allegation that Biden used an autopen stems from a report by the Oversight Project, a branch of the Heritage Foundation  the right-wing think tank behind Project 2025.

Trump raged that Bidens executive orders should be ignored because he did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them.

It should be noted that U.S. presidents have been using autopens for decades and that Trump later admitted that hes used an autopen himself.
Chevron has acquired approximately 4.99% of Hess' common shares, highlighting its confidence in the planned $53bn all-stock merger.

This move, disclosed in a regulatory filing, underscores Chevron's strategic interest in Hess' assets, particularly in Guyana's Stabroek block, reported Reuters.

The US oil giant agreed to purchase Hess in October 2023, aiming to expand its presence in the oil-rich Stabroek block.

The deal has received approval from US regulators and shareholders, although Hess' partners in Guyana, ExxonMobil and CNOOC, have challenged it in court.

An arbitration panel is set to review the case in May, the report said.

Chevron acquired 15,380,000 Hess shares between January and March, valued at approximately $2.3bn, based on Hess' closing share price of $150.45.

The acquisition price reflects a strategic discount, as noted by Westchester Capital Management's co-president, Roy Behren, who stated: "It is a smart and savvy move on their part."

The merger agreement stipulates that Chevron will offer 1.025 of its shares for each Hess share.

Had the deal closed on Monday, Hess investors would have received $162.69 per share, based on Chevron's closing price of $158.72.

Chevron had cleared a significant hurdle in the merger process by obtaining Federal Trade Commission approval after an antitrust review in October 2024.

As a condition, Hess CEO John B Hess will not join Chevrons board of directors.

The combined companys capital expenditures budget is anticipated to be between $19bn and $22bn.

Hess is engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, with leading positions offshore Guyana, the Bakken shale play in North Dakota, the deep-water Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Thailand.

"Chevron buys around 5% of Hess shares ahead of merger" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned against striking a deal with Russia to end the Ukraine War that does not hold the instigators of the 2022 invasion and perpetrators of war crimes to account.

Everybody would hope that the war in Ukraine could come to an end, and the unjustified suffering of the Ukrainian people could be ended, Clinton told an event at the pro-democracy Cinema for Peace World Forum in Berlin on Monday.

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But there is no peace without justice; theres no peace without accountability, and there is no peace without every effort undertaken to end the impunity of those who ordered this invasion and those who perpetuated the killings and the war crime.

Clinton was speaking in a Q&A for UK director and cinematographer Laura Warners Ukrainian war crimes documentary The Cranes Call, organized at the French embassy in Berlin as part of the World Forum running until March 19.

The screening took place on the eve of U.S. President Donald Trumps telephone meeting today with Russias Vladimir Putin aimed at brokering a deal to end the conflict. Trump has suggested that Ukraine, which is not the aggressor, will have to make territorial concessions and share energy assets in return for peace.

Russia is currently occupying around 20% of Ukraine in a conflict which began after the countrys 2014 democracy demonstrations ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Russia reacted by annexing Crimea and then backing separatists in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region, followed by a full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.

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Shot in the immediate aftermath of Russias April 2022 retreat from northern Ukraine and the outskirts of Kyiv, The Cranes Call follows international human rights lawyer Anya Neistat and Ukrainian war crimes researcher Solomiia Stasiv as they travel across villages and towns that were occupied by Russian troops, documenting war crimes.

Anya Neistat and Solomiia in The Cranes Call

They hear accounts of gang rape; a torture chamber set up in a local school; families wiped out by indiscriminate missile attacks, and the murder of Ukrainian poet and childrens writer Volodymyr Vakulenko.

The team and film crew steer clear of the frontline, but the war is ever present as Russia continues its campaign of indiscriminate missile attacks on civilian areas.

We rode in off the back of the first wave of the war. We would go from village to village to village to village, and in every single one of those villages, some of them we all know the names of, Bucha, for example, there would be this catastrophic number of casualties, or victims of torture or survivors of rape, recounted Warner, who joined Clinton onstage alongside Neistat and Stasiv.

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Its almost impossible to comprehend how many individuals have been touched by this war in a really detrimental fashion. What we wanted to do was just make people understand the real human toll. We brought to life maybe four examples. These are four of over 140,000 people.

The Cranes Call is a produced by HiddenLight Productions  the company Clinton created with daughter Chelsea Clinton and Sam Branson in 2020  in association with Cinema for Peace and social impact producer Minderoo.

Clinton said Neistats investigation had immediately struck a chord with the HiddenLight team.

We try to tell stories that really go to the heart of whats actually happening in the world today, she said. When we learned about what Anya was doing that she and a team would be on the ground in Ukraine documenting war crimes, it struck us that that was a story that had to be told, in all of its pain and heroism and grittiness, and thats what I think the film does, because this is really hard work, she said.

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We know how difficult it is to document war crimes and crimes against humanity, but we also know that if we dont try, we will never know what happened and the people who are represented in this film, who represent so many, many people, not just in Ukraine but across the world, will never have a chance to even hope for some kind of justice and to end impunity.

Neistat gave an update on her investigations and cases which have been filed with German and Austrian federal prosecutors as well as the United Nations Human Rights Committee.

Its not easy because the perpetrators are not in the country. Its very difficult for any prosecutor to actively pursue a case, but we insist that there are ways of doing it. Were asking for sealed arrest warrants so that these perpetrators can be apprehended and extradited, she explained.

In the face of slow progress, Neistat said she held onto the fact that the process was allowing people to participate in the act of seeking justice.

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People understand the notion of justice everywhere, in Ukraine, in every other war zone where Ive worked. Surprisingly, they understand what it takes and how long it takes. They dont expect immediate results and theyre willing to walk this road with us to make sure that it doesnt happen again, and that possibly, they will see their perpetrators face trials.

Both Neistat and Clinton emphasised the fact that the war crimes committed in Ukraine were part of a larger pattern of behavior by Russian military units also witnessed in Chechnya, Georgia and Syria, a point that is also brought up in the documentary.

If you look at what first the Wagner army and now the Russian Military is doing in Africa, there is a direct line to Putin and the Kremlin and a direct line to a lot of these commanders in the field, said Clinton.

You can look at intelligence photos and see the same people in Chechnya, in Georgia, in 2014 in Ukraine, in Syria, and now again in Ukraine. Anyone who tries to claim that you can stop Russia by conceding to Russia in Ukraine is ignoring the history of war criminals, from the Kremlin to the ground, and we, meaning Europe and at least half of the United States, will pay a terrible price if there is not some recognition of the connectivity among all of these military incursions, she continued.

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Anyone in Europe, or in any position of any responsibility anywhere, who thinks that impunity would be stopped with a cease fire and concessions, doesnt understand this history and doesnt understand the psychology of the people calling the shots inside Russia.

The Cranes Call world premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last June, but Clinton said that nine months on the documentary had gained fresh relevance amid the geo-political developments of recent weeks.

This film should be mandatory viewing for anybody in any position in the United States or Europe or elsewhere who thinks that they could be a part of ending the war but ending the war in a way that recognizes Ukraines sovereignty and the Ukrainian peoples right to be free and to have their nation respected and recognized and integrated into Europe with whatever security they need going forward, she said.

HiddenLight is currently doubling down on efforts to get the film seen. Alongside bespoke screenings at events like the World Forum, the company has just struck a deal with direct-to-consumer film and event platform Gathr aimed at getting the film out to wider audience.

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Warner said that outside of Channel 4, which backed and broadcast the film in the UK, it had been difficult to get streamers and broadcasters on board.

Theyre quite scared in this climate to pick up on this political material, she said, adding that she hoped the films performance on Gathr would prove there is an audience for this type of documentary.

Monday nights Q&A followed Trumps moves over the weekend to dismantle federally-funded news outlet Voice of America as well as his attacks on mainstream news outlets CNN and MSNBC. Questioned on what role HiddenLight can play in an era when mainstream media outlets are under pressure, Clinton suggested the world was at a pivotal point in terms of information.

We are in a struggle over whether we will live in a truth-based world or not, she said. There are very powerful forces at work in the world who want us to believe in an alternative reality than what we actually see in front of us, what we actually know happened. They want to destroy a common basis of truth, facts and evidence. By destroying that, they destroy trust. And by destroying trust, they destroy democracy.

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She said HiddenLight, in partnership with outfits like Cinema for Peace and Minderoo, was doing what it could to tell fact-based stories, showing a slice of real life, but that the key challenge was getting streamers and broadcasters to engage and partner on this sort of storytelling.

Theyre worried about the politics. Theyre worried about attacks. There are so many bots coming out of Kremlin-linked organisations attacking anyone who is trying to talk about what is really happening. They dont want to be attacked, or be, quote, political, even though theyre telling a fact based truthful story to the best of their ability to do so, she said.

This is a much bigger issue, even bigger than the war in Ukraine, which is huge and horrible. But truly, whats at stake is whether we will live in a fact-based reality or not. And when you have leaders from the Kremlin to the White House rewriting history for their own political and personal reasons, then we have to stand against it.

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PIKE COUNTY, Ind. (WEHT)  The Algiers Church took the brunt of Mother Natures fury after Saturday mornings EF2 tornado in Pike County.

Church members, John and Saundra Tichenor, live down the road from the building and tell us they frequently use the church for shelter during storms, which is what they did on Saturday.

We saw the bell tower was down and leaning, and we didnt know the roof was gone until the fire department came and told us, cause well it was dark, says John.

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After the storm passed, they started to assess the damage. From the inside things looked fine, then they went outside.

The church has been part of the community of Algiers since before the Civil War. Its so old, square nails were used to build it. Saundras great-grandfather was on the buildings original construction team.

Most of the valuables have been removed from the church. In the short term, members will pick up debris, count their blessings that no one was seriously hurt and hold services in a recently completed fellowship hall. The long term is not as clear.

It breaks my heart. It really does, says Saundra. It was such a beautiful church and we loved it so, and its touched so many people over the years in the community, because people went to Bible school, they got married here, theyve had functions here.

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Its sad, says John. But God will take care of us and lead us on the right path.

Insurance adjusters have been at the church assessing damage. There is no word on if the facility can be re-built.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
(WSPA)  As more people move to South Carolina, theres a growing problem and its not just traffic. Disputes that arent so neighborly, are on the rise.

In this 7NEWS Consumer Exclusive, why homeowner associations are now at the center of a number of bills at the statehouse.

One Upstate mans story

No one ever plans on being out of step with their neighbors, but it was just a few steps that lead Michael Cassar down that path.

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So over here on the left side of the deck is where the stairs should have been. This is the gate to nowhere, Cassar said as he showed us his back porch.

In 2020, he submitted plans to his HOA to build a few steps off the side of his porch to access his backyard. Normally structures arent allowed in the setback between homes.

However, we did get approval to have steps coming down to a landing and having access to the side yard, Cassar said.

But that approval was eventually withdrawn, and he was told to stop work. His Brayden at Hollingsworth Park HOA in Greenville cited bylaws forbidding it, despite Cassar showing photos of other homeowners who had built similar structures.

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For something as frivolous as 3 steps, that they would really push back on that after they approved it, was just asinine, Cassar said.

Cassar said in addition to the arbitrary decisions, what adds to the headache for homeowners like him are HOA rules that dont include a clear way to quickly mediate unresolved problems.

We spent over $35,000 based on three steps. The HOA based on their budget report spent almost $100,000, Cassar said, and that all went toward legal fees for both sides.

Lawmakers taking action

House Representative Val Guest said before it gets to that, homeowners and HOAs should have more clear-cut guidance.

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So hes proposed a bill that, among other things, would require HOAs to establish an internal dispute resolution process which may include a mediation clause.

If you can go get it done in a mediation and you dont have to pay attorney fees, you end up with a better relationship with homeowners and the board, Guest, who added that he didnt know of any HOAs in SC that currently have an internal dispute resolution process, said.

If mediation doesnt work, the bill would allow HOA disputes to be settled in magistrates court, which is less costly than higher courts.

Lawmakers are taking a cue from the Department of Consumer Affairs, which has tracked HOA complaints since 2018. In a new report, the agency said the number has risen year over year, making it one of their top complaint categories.

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Lawmakers are also looking to other states like Georgia and North Carolina that have more HOA oversight.

Attorney David Wilson specializes in HOA disputes in both the Carolinas.

One of the big differences we see between North and South Carolina is NC has a comprehensive statute in place already. The result of that usually is that some of the types of questions that become problems or disputes in SC would already be solved because there is a law in place in NC just because we dont have anything in the books that says this is how its supposed to be done, Wilson said.

Its a big enough problem that we feel we need to address it here in the statehouse and were going to, said Guest, who told 7NEWS he hoped change would come this year.

Other HOA bills this session

Representative Guests bill is just one of several bills that focus on greater oversight of HOAs.

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Many dont go as far as other states like Florida that even require board members to get certification within 90 days of an election.

Other bills that address HOA issues:

Cassar is hoping lawmakers will step on it, and pass something that can help homeowners like him.

I mean I would champion that the whole way through, he said.

As for his battle, it dragged on for three years before it went to mediation that left his HOA covering most of the cost.

And while permanent stairs are still forbidden, he had made a removable metal alternative, a heavy reminder that any solution that settles disputes quickly is a step in the right direction.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
House Speaker Steve Montenegro, R-Goodyear, announces his plan to form an ad hoc committee on Executive Budget Mismanagement, while flanked by other House Republicans during a March 17, 2025 press conference at the Capitol in Phoenix. Photo by Caitlin Sievers | Arizona Mirror

In another battle over funding for critical services, legislative Republicans have accused Arizonas Democratic governor of financial malfeasance. In response, Gov. Katie Hobbs alleged that GOP leaders lied to reporters about a standard budgeting transfer to take attention away from their plans to cut services to people with disabilities.

During a press conference on Monday, Steve Montenegro, the speaker of the state House of Representatives, told reporters that the Department of Child Safety would go bankrupt next month without a bailout. He blamed Hobbs for the funding shortfall.

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Montenegro said that the legislature would force Hobbs to cover the shortfall with funds from her own budget and announced the creation of a special Committee on Executive Budget Mismanagement to investigate what Republicans claimed was her mismanagement of funds for DCS and the Division of Developmental Disabilities, which is also on the verge of running out of money.

This financial mismanagement threatens the most vulnerable children in our state, and House Republicans will not let this stand, Montenegro, a Republican from Goodyear, said. Once again, we are here being told that we have to clean up Governor Hobbs mess.

But in response, Christian Slater, a spokesman for Hobbs, accused House Republicans of mischaracterizing a routine request to shift funds within DCS to divert attention from their own plan to cut funding for DDD. He said that Republicans were lying about DCS running out of money next week.

Instead of preening for the press for political gain, legislative Republicans should stop lying to their constituents, fund services for Arizonans with autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy and own up to the pain they want to cause the people of Arizona by presenting their budget proposal, Slater said in an emailed statement. Anything short of that is cowardly and a complete and total dereliction of duty.

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The trading of public accusations stemmed from a request from DCS to transfer $6.5 million from surplus funds for kinship care and foster home placement to pay for a shortfall in the budget for congregate care, the formal name for group homes for foster children.

Without that funding, DCS claims that it wouldnt have the funds to pay those group homes and the children staying in them would be kicked out, possibly having to bunk in the DCS office, causing additional trauma and disruption to their lives.

The $6.5 million would cover the states payments to residential care facilities that house children who are in DCS custody but havent been placed in a foster home or with a family member through April 24, according to the letter from DCS to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

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Slater pointed out that DCS had made similar transfer requests each year dating back to 2016, in several cases more millions of dollars, and Republicans had never called a press conference about it until Monday.

Who waits until 19 days before bankruptcy to tell anybody about it? Montenegro asked during the press conference.

In an emailed statement to the Arizona Mirror, Cynthia Weiss, a spokesperson for DCS, refuted Montenegros claim that DCS and Hobbs waited until the last minute to inform legislative leaders that congregate care funding was running out.

Weiss told the Mirror that the department has projected an upcoming shortfall in the congregate care budget in its monthly report to legislative leaders and JLBC since August 2024. The fiscal year began in July 2024.

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Weiss characterized appropriation transfers between line items in the DCS budget as common and necessary.

But House Republicans tied the budget shortfall in the congregate care budget to increased payments to congregate care provider Sunshine Residential Homes, and its owners, who have made more than $400,000 in political contributions to Hobbs and the Arizona Democratic Party since 2022, according to The Arizona Republic.

Sunshine Residential and Hobbs are at the center of investigations by Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes and Republican Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell for accusations of a pay-to-play scheme.

Weiss said that increased congregate care payments stemmed from a re-solicitation of the congregate care contract in 2024, which was past its five-year term and was overdue to be rebid.

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This is the second publicly fought budgeting battle between the Hobbs administration and legislative Republicans in the past couple of months. In February, Hobbs requested an additional $122 million for services provided through the Division of Developmental Disabilities, which is expected to run out of money in May. The states fiscal year ends June 30.

Legislative Republicans and Hobbs have blamed one another for the funding lapse, caused in part by increased spending in the Parents as Paid Caregiver Program. The Republicans who control the legislature had denied increased funding for the program in this years budget, and accused Hobbs of going forward with spending on it anyway.

If the legislature doesnt approve additional funding by the end of April, DDD wont be able to pay its providers and tens of thousands of Arizonans with disabilities will lose access to vital medical services, help with daily living and physical and occupational therapies.

Advocates, people with disabilities and their families came together last month to put pressure on the state government to fund DDD, and in response a group of Republican senators last week promised to ensure that DDD services continue. But beyond their expectation that the Hobbs administration and the Department of Economic Security, of which the DDD is a part, be held accountable for the situation and help to create a funding solution, the senators didnt explain how they would make that happen.

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Rep. David Livingston, the Peoria Republican who is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said in January that the Parents as Paid Caregivers program would have to face cuts  possibly upwards of 50%  to balance next years budget.

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NEW YORK (AP)  A Hollywood writer-director was arrested Tuesday on charges that he swindled $11 million from Netflix for a sci-fi show that never aired, instead steering the cash toward cryptocurrency investments and a series of lavish purchases that included a fleet of Rolls-Royces and a Ferrari.

Carl Erik Rinsch  perhaps best known for directing the film 47 Ronin"  has been charged with wire fraud and money laundering over what federal prosecutors allege was a scheme to defraud the streaming giant.

Prosecutors said Netflix had initially paid about $44 million to purchase an unfinished show called White Horse" from Rinsch, but eventually doled out another $11 million after he said he needed the additional cash to complete the show.

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Rather than using the extra money to wrap up production, Rinsch quietly transferred the money to a personal brokerage account, where he made a series of failed investments that lost about half of the $11 million in two months, according to prosecutors.

The filmmaker then dumped the rest of the money into the cryptocurrency market, which proved to be a profitable move, with Rinsch eventually transferring the earnings into a personal bank account, according to an indictment.

From there, Rinsch spent about $10 million on personal expenses and luxury items in a spending spree that, according to prosecutors, included about $1.8 million on credit card bills; $1 million on lawyers to sue Netflix for more money; $3.8 million on furniture and antiques; $2.4 million for five Rolls-Royces and one Ferrari; and $652,000 on watches and clothes.

Rinsch, 47, was arrested in West Hollywood, California, and had an initial court hearing on Tuesday.

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He appeared in a federal courtroom in Los Angeles in a turtleneck sweater and jeans with shackles on his arms and legs. He did not enter a plea and spoke only to answer a judges questions. When asked if hed read the indictment against him, he said not cover to cover but told the judge he understood the charges.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Pedro V. Castillo ordered that he be released later Tuesday after he agreed to post a $100,000 bond to assure hell appear in court in New York, where his indictment was filed.

His newly appointed attorney, Annie Carney, declined to comment outside court. She said during the hearing that she had not yet seen the prosecutions evidence against Rinsch. When discussing the terms of his release, she said, the allegations in this case are purely financial.

Rinsch's New York court date had not yet been set.

Netflix declined to comment.
Fox News host Jessica Tarlov clashed with co-host Jeanine Pirro on Monday after the former TV judge defended the deportation of hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador over the weekend  even as a judge ordered President Donald Trumps administration to stop.

Tarlov said Trumps efforts signal that the asylum system is essentially done, comments that set off her co-hosts at The Five including Pirro, an ex-county court judge and former prosecutor in New York.

Im just saying if you dont believe in due process anymore then be honest about it, because thats whats going on here, Tarlov said.

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The only due process I believe in is the legal way to enter this country, Pirro stressed.

But claiming asylum is legal, Tarlov replied.

Yeah, well, only if you do the legal process, you dont come illegally, Pirro said.

But they tried, and then theyre being disappeared from their court hearing, Tarlov responded.

Being disappeared, Americans are being disappeared, Pirro said mockingly.

Tarlov joined The Five discussion over the Trump administration using a rarelyinvoked 18th-century wartime law to fly immigrants  allegedly affiliated with Venezuelan gangs  out of the country, a move that a top Venezuelan lawyer said was done without due process.

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There is good reason that everybody is saying alleged members and suspected members, said Tarlov, who pointed to an immigrant attorney who claimed her client was to appear in immigration court Thursday only to have been disappeared since.

What was he supposed to show up in court for? Pirro asked.

He had a legitimate asylum claim, he had tattoos , noted Tarlov before her co-host interjected.

Legitimate asylum claim, its not legitimate until a judge says its legitimate, said Pirro before crossing her arms and looking at the camera.

On Saturday, U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg ordered to immediately halt the flights, which were already in the air when the verbal order took place.

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Sunday that the Trump administration didnt refuse to comply with the order, adding that it had no lawful basis and the flights were outside U.S. territory. The judge responded in disbelief to those arguments on Monday and ordered Justice Department lawyers to provide more details about the flights  and why they didnt turn around.

Jorge Rodriguez, the president of Venezuelas National Assembly, told reporters that those who were deported didnt commit crimes in the U.S. or El Salvador.

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By Clare Jim

HONG KONG (Reuters) -Hong Kong is opposed to "bullying tactics" by foreign governments, the city's leader said on Tuesday when asked about conglomerate CK Hutchison's port deal with U.S. firm BlackRock amid reports that China is also scrutinising the sale.

CK Hutchison said this month it had agreed to sell most of its global $22.8 billion ports business, including assets near the strategically important Panama Canal, to a group led by BlackRock.

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The deal has become highly politicised, with U.S. President Donald Trump hailing the deal after previously calling for the Panama Canal to be removed from what he says is Chinese control.

Other American politicians have said CK Hutchison's operation of the ports represented a security risk to the U.S. due to its reliance on the trade of goods through the canal.

"(The Hong Kong) government urges foreign governments to provide a fair and just environment for enterprises," Hong Kong leader John Lee told reporters at his weekly press conference.

"We oppose the abusive use of coercion or bullying tactics in international economic and trade relations."

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On Tuesday, Bloomberg News reported Chinese authorities have begun looking into CK Hutchison's ports transaction, directing multiple agencies to review the deal for potential security risks and antitrust violations.

Beijing's examination of the deal doesn't necessarily mean any action will be taken subsequently, the report added, as large deals often attract regulatory attention.

CK Hutchison did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. It has previously said the deal is "purely commercial in nature and wholly unrelated to recent political news reports concerning the Panama Ports".

It was not immediately clear what levers, if any, China could pull to block the deal, given the business that CK Hutchison is selling is outside China and Hong Kong, while the company itself is registered in the Cayman Islands.

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Hong Kong leader Lee told reporters "any transaction must comply with legal and regulatory requirements", adding the city would handle it "in accordance with the law."

Shares of Hutchison fell as much as 4.9% on Tuesday, hitting their lowest since March 4.

A Hong Kong-founded and -listed firm owned by billionaire Li Ka-shing, CK Hutchison has said its business operations are independent from China.

A week after news of the ports deal, China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office reposted two commentaries criticising CK Hutchison and saying the sale was a betrayal of China that neglected national interests.

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While CK Hutchison agreed to negotiations with the BlackRock consortium on an exclusive basis for 145 days according to a statement, the deal has not yet been finalised.

Hong Kong's edge as an international financial centre is expected to erode further as it gets squeezed by geopolitical tensions, some executives and analysts have said.

As the controversy escalates, two sources told Reuters on Monday that CK Hutchison will not hold earnings conferences after it reports results on Thursday, a highly unusual move for the conglomerate.

(Reporting by Clare Jim and Jessie Pang in Hong Kong; Writing by Anne Marie Roantree, Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
HONG KONG (AP)  Hong Kong's leader has waded into a controversy over a prominent conglomerates decision to sell its Panama Canal port assets to a consortium including American investment bank BlackRock Inc., a deal that has angered Beijing and highlights how escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington can leave the Chinese financial centers business leaders trapped in the middle.

Chief Executive John Lee told reporters at a weekly news briefing that CK Hutchison Holdings' in-principle agreement to sell its controlling stake in a company operating ports at both ends of the Panama Canal was being discussed extensively and concerns raised about the deal deserve serious attention. He did not specify what the concerns were.

(The) government urges foreign governments to provide a fair and just environment for enterprises, he said. We oppose the abusive use of coercion or bullying tactics in international economic and trade relations.

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Lee avoided a direct mention of U.S. President Donald Trump and also stopped short of criticizing CK Hutchison or tycoon Li Ka-shing's family, which owns a controlling stake in the conglomerate.

His comments followed a somewhat veiled backlash from Beijing.

Since last Thursday, Beijings offices handling Hong Kong affairs have reposted two commentaries by a Beijing-backed local newspaper that blasted the deal. That has raised questions over the sale.

One of the newspaper commentaries suggested the deal is a betrayal to all Chinese and disregards national interests. The other described great entrepreneurs as patriots, but suggested that businesspeople who dance with predatory American politicians to reap quick profits were doomed to infamy.

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The articles signaled Beijings disapproval of the deal, though its actual impact remains unclear.

Posting of the articles has been seen as an indirect attack on the conglomerate by Chinese leaders. Trump, who has alleged Chinese interference with the operations of the critical shipping lane, hailed the deal, saying his administration would reclaim the Panama Canal. Panama President Jose Raul Mulino accused him of lying.

Lee said any business transaction must comply with Hong Kong's laws. The city will handle it according to the law, he said without elaborating.

Increasing influence from Beijing is adding to pressure on business leaders in the former British colony, that was returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

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CK Hutchison did not comment on Lees remarks or the articles. It was due to report its 2024 financial results on Thursday, but said it did not plan a news conference.

In Beijing, when asked about reports that China authorities are investigating the potential sale, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said reporters should ask other Chinese authorities.

I would like to stress that in principle, China has been firmly opposing infringing on or undermining other countries legitimate rights and interests with economic coercion and bullying, she said.

The company surprised market watchers when it announced March 4 that it would sell all shares in Hutchison Port Holdings and in Hutchison Port Group Holdings to the consortium in a deal valued at nearly $23 billion, including $5 billion in debt. Hutchison said the transaction was purely commercial and unrelated to other developments surrounding the Panama Ports.

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The deal, if approved, will give the BlackRock consortium control over 43 ports in 23 countries, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, located at either end of the Panama Canal. Other ports are in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan and elsewhere.

The transaction requires approval by Panamas government. It does not affect a trust that operates ports in Hong Kong or any other ports in mainland China.

Panama says it has full control over the shipping lane and Hutchison's operation of the ports does not amount to Chinese control over the canal. Selling it to a U.S.-based company does not represent any U.S. reclaiming of the canal, it says.

The United States built the canal in the early 1900s, seeking a faster way for commercial and military vessels to travel between its coasts. Washington relinquished control of the waterway to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by then-President Jimmy Carter. Trump has claimed that Carter foolishly gave the canal away.

Some 70% of the sea traffic that crosses the Panama Canal leaves or goes to U.S. ports.
By Michael S. Derby

(Reuters) - Wall Streets ever-shifting outlook on the reduction of the Federal Reserves balance sheet is once again in flux, with a number of banks and researchers now seeing a good chance the central bank may slow further or pause the effort at this week's policy meeting.

The Fed's two-day interest-rate-setting meeting concludes on Wednesday, with little expectation for a change in rate policy but some indications that Fed officials are growing concerned that the reduction of bond holdings under quantitative tightening, or QT, may cause issues in money markets while the Treasury Department faces constraints managing government finances under the federal debt limit.

We think the Fed will opt for a slowdown" in the pace of Treasury bond run-off, said Evercore ISI analysts. "The Fed could announce this change at the March meeting to get ahead of potentially complicated meetings on the rates side in May and June.

Bank of America said that at a meeting defined by heightened uncertainty, largely arising from the wave of tariff announcements by the Trump administration, QT will likely be paused.

Goldman Sachs forecasters, meanwhile, said the Federal Open Market Committee statement is likely to announce a pause in QT beginning in April, and we expect forward guidance indicating that QT is expected to resume once the debt ceiling is resolved and the liability composition of the balance sheet normalizes.

The expectation for a pause is not universal, however.

We also do not anticipate significant changes to the QT effort right now, TD Securities said.

The uncertainty around QT - underway for more than two years now - follows meeting minutes from the Fed's January meeting, which noted Treasury's efforts to manage cash during an impasse over raising the federal borrowing limit would likely cause big swings in money market liquidity. That is likely to make it hard to measure the impact QT may have on the situation.

To pay the bills while borrowing is currently capped the Treasury is drawing down its account at the Fed, adding liquidity to the financial system. When the cap is eventually lifted, it will rebuild this account, sucking that liquidity back out. That dynamic makes it difficult to get a clear handle on how much liquidity is in the system.

The minutes suggested pausing or stopping the drawdown temporarily would give the Fed space to take stock of the situation and resume QT once the clouds lift.

SCANT GUIDANCE

Outside of the minutes, which said "various" policymakers were open to a QT slowdown or pause, Fed officials havent offered much guidance.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is scheduled to deliver his fifth State of the City address this evening.

Starting his new four-year mayoral term, Blangiardi, 78, is expected to speak to decisions his administration has made in the past year, and the actions it intends to take in the months ahead.

And hell likely touch on ways to solve what hes termed over the past few years as the wicked problems  on Oahu, namely, the lack of affordable housing, homelessness and public safety, among others.

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The mayors second term represents a chance to accelerate progress on key initiatives while focusing on improving city serv ices and addressing the long-term wicked problems facing our community,  Scott Humber, the mayors communications director, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

He added that the latest State of the City will have a forward-looking tone, recognizing the progress made over the past four years while addressing the next set of priorities for the city.

This years address will be less about establishing a foundation and more about building on itwith a greater emphasis on long-term solutions, new investments and innovative approaches to improving the quality of life for all residents of the City and County of Honolulu,  Humber said.

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Although no specifics were being offered on his speech, the mayor might mention aspects of the latest city budget reviewwhich launched in earnest last week as part of the City Councils lengthy city departmental reviewsafter his administration in February formally unveiled its proposed $5.14 billion budget package for the citys 2026 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

The new budget is a more than 9 % increase over the citys current $4.7 billion budget, which the mayor officially signed and adopted in June.

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The mayors latest spending plan continues the city administrations stated priorities to build more transit-oriented development, improve public infrastructure and deal with associated costs to run and maintain Skyline, the citys over-$10 billion rail system.

Blangiardi might note the opening of the citys second segment of rail for public ridershipfrom the old stadium, past the airport, to Kalihiby the end of 2025.

That anticipated opening follows the Office of the City Auditor audit released in February regarding the city Department of Transportation Services operations of Skyline.

That audit asserted DTS rail operation suffers poor ridership, has less than adequate features for the disabled around its stations and does not offer multilingual signage to better inform its ridership base about ongoing changes to the city-run transit system.

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Other city projects might include the citys search for an experienced builder who can convert Iwilei Centers aging warehouse space into a new mixed-use, transit-oriented development on the edge of downtown Honolulu.

The redevelopment project aims to site up to 700 housing units near Skyline, which is under construction along Dillingham Boulevard.

And following years of delay, Blangiardi might mention his administrations planned but contentious naming in early December of a site for the citys next solid-waste landfillthis one on active pineapple fields above Central Oahus freshwater aquifer in Wahiawa.

The locationwest of Kamehameha Highway and north of Paalaa Uka Pupu kea Roadis owned by Dole Food Co. Hawaii.

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Since the landfill sites public disclosure, Council membersincluding Vice Chair Matt Weyer, whose Council District 2 represents Wahiawaand Board of Water Supply Manager and Chief Engineer Ernie Lau, along with several state legislators, have strongly objected to the citys next dump being located over a prime fresh groundwater source.

At the state Capitol, a host of state-level measures look to ban landfill sites above freshwater aquifers anywhere in Hawaii.

The State of the City address will take place inside the Mission Memorial Auditorium on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds, next to Hono lulu Hale.

Doors will close at 5 :55 p.m. All attendees will be asked to be seated at that time. The mayors speech will begin at approximately 6 :10 p.m.

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The speech will be broadcast live on KFVE, KHII, KIKU and Olelo 49. It also will be streamed live on the Mayors Facebook page and YouTube channel.

For more information, visit Honolulu.gov or call 808-768-4141.
By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) -A public inquiry examining how British nurse Lucy Letby was able to murder babies in her care should be suspended because new evidence casts real doubt on her convictions, the lawyer for the hospital's senior managers said on Tuesday.

Letby, 35, was found guilty of murdering seven children and attempting to murder eight more between June 2015 and June 2016 while working in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital (COCH) in northern England, making her Britain's most prolific serial child killer of modern times.

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Letby has failed with a number of appeals, but medical experts have since publicly challenged the evidence on which she was convicted, casting doubt on whether the babies were murdered.

Her lawyer has now applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which examines potential miscarriages of justice, to have her convictions re-examined.

"There now appears to be a real likelihood that there are alternative explanations for these deaths and unexplained collapses, namely poor clinical management and care and natural causes," Kate Blackwell, lawyer for the senior managers at the COCH, said in written submissions to the inquiry, set up to determine how the killings went undetected.

She asked for the inquiry to be paused until there was clarity as to Letby's involvement.

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"If there is evidence to indicate that there are alternative explanations, then it would be wrong for the inquiry to ignore it because it is inconvenient."

On Monday, the inquiry chair Kathryn Thirlwall said at the start of closing submissions she would hear arguments why the inquiry should be paused after the managers, a senior lawmaker and Letby's own lawyer asked for a suspension.

Amidst the doubts voiced about Letby's guilt, police are still investigating whether she murdered other babies, and have expanded their inquiry into possible corporate manslaughter at the COCH, which is focused on the hospital's senior leadership, to also consider gross negligence manslaughter by individuals.

Blackwell said senior managers accepted they had got things wrong, but said they vociferously denied accusations they "deliberately and knowingly" protected a murderer.

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Peter Skelton, a lawyer representing a number of families of children involved, said completing the inquiry was the only fair and sensible course of action, adding there were multiple problems with the doubts raised about Letby's guilt.

"What has been presented with great fanfare as new and incontrovertible evidence turns out to be old and full of analytical holes," he told the inquiry.

(Reporting by Michael HoldenEditing by Alexandra Hudson)
Erica Green, who manages the At-Risk Intervention and Mentoring program, or AIM, sits on a couch in the new REACH Clinic in Denvers Five Points neighborhood. Green came to this work after her familys own experience with gun violence: I feel very blessed to be able to show up for my community this way. (Stephanie Wolf for KFF Health News)

DENVER  Seven years ago, Erica Green learned through a Facebook post that her brother had been shot.

She rushed to check on him at a hospital run by Denver Health, the citys safety-net system, but she was unable to get information from emergency room workers, who complained that she was creating a disturbance.

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I was distraught and outside, crying, and Jerry came out of the front doors, she said.

Jerry Morgan is a familiar face from Greens Denver neighborhood. He had rushed to the hospital after his pager alerted him to the shooting. As a violence prevention professional with the At-Risk Intervention and Mentoring program, or AIM, Morgan supports gun-violence patients and their families at the hospital  as he did the day Greens brother was shot.

It made the situation of that traumatic experience so much better. After that, I was, like, I want to do this work, Green said.

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Today, Green works with Morgan as the program manager for AIM, a hospital-linked violence intervention program launched in 2010 as a partnership between Denver Health and the nonprofit Denver Youth Program. It since has expanded to include Childrens Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado Hospital.

AIM is one of dozens of hospital-linked violence intervention programs around the country. The programs aim to uncover the social and economic factors that contributed to someone ending up in the ER with a bullet wound: inadequate housing, job loss, or feeling unsafe in ones neighborhood, for example.

Such programs that take a public health approach to stopping gun violence have had success  one in San Francisco reported a fourfold reduction in violent injury recidivism rates over six years. But President Donald Trumps executive orders calling for the review of the Biden administrations gun policies and trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans have created uncertainty around the programs long-term federal funding. Some organizers believe their programs will be just fine, but others are looking to shore up alternative funding sources.

Weve been worried about, if a domino does fall, how is it going to impact us? Theres a lot of unknowns, said John Torres, associate director for Youth Alive, an Oakland, California-based nonprofit.

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Federal data shows that gun violence became a leading cause of death among children and young adults at the start of this decade and was tied to more than 48,000 deaths among people of all ages in 2022. New York-based pediatric trauma surgeon Chethan Sathya, a National Institutes of Health-funded firearms injury prevention researcher, believes those statistics show that gun violence cant be ignored as a health care issue. Its killing so many people, Sathya said.

Research shows that a violent injury puts someone at heightened risk for future ones, and the risk of death goes up significantly by the third violent injury, according to a 2006 study published in The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care.

Benjamin Li, an emergency medicine physician at Denver Health and the health systems AIM medical director, said the ER is an ideal setting to intervene in gun violence by working to reverse-engineer what led to a patients injuries.

If you are just seeing the person, patching them up, and then sending them right back into the exact same circumstances, we know its going to lead to them being hurt again, Li said. Its critical we address the social determinants of health and then try to change the equation.

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That might mean providing alternative solutions to gunshot victims who might otherwise seek retaliation, said Paris Davis, the intervention programs director for Youth Alive.

If thats helping them relocate out of the area, if thats allowing them to gain housing, if thats shifting that energy into education or job or, you know, family therapy, whatever the needs are for that particular case and individual, that is what we provide, Davis said.

Jerry Morgan, AIMs lead outreach worker, stands outside the REACH Clinic in Denvers Five Points neighborhood. Hes done the work for about nine years and says hes seen an escalation of violence among young people during that time, especially since the covid-19 pandemic. Facebook beefs became real beefs. Everybody wanted to fight. Everybody wanted to shoot, he says. (Stephanie Wolf for KFF Health News)

AIM outreach workers meet gunshot wound victims at their hospital bedsides to have what Morgan, AIMs lead outreach worker, calls a tough, nonjudgmental conversation on how the patients ended up there.

AIM uses that information to help patients access the resources they need to navigate their biggest challenges after theyre discharged, Morgan said. Those challenges can include returning to school or work, or finding housing. AIM outreach workers might also attend court proceedings and assist with transportation to health care appointments.

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We try to help in whatever capacity we can, but its interdependent on whatever the client needs, Morgan said.

Since 2010, AIM has grown from three full-time outreach workers to nine, and this year opened the REACH Clinic in Denvers Five Points neighborhood. The community-based clinic provides wound-care kits; physical therapy; and behavioral, mental and occupational health care. In the coming months, it plans to add bullet removal to its services. Its part of a growing movement of community-based clinics focused on violent injuries, including the Bullet Related Injury Clinic in St. Louis.

Ginny McCarthy, an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado, described REACH as an extension of the hospital-based work, providing holistic treatment in a single location and building trust between health care providers and communities of color that have historically experienced racial biases in medical care.

Caught in the Crossfire, created in 1994 and run by Youth Alive in Oakland, is cited as the nations first hospital-linked violence intervention program and has since inspired others. The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention, a national network initiated by Youth ALIVE to advance public health solutions to gun violence, counted 74 hospital-linked violence intervention programs among its membership as of January.

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The alliances executive director, Fatimah Loren Dreier, compared medicines role in addressing gun violence to that of preventing an infectious disease, like cholera. That disease spreads if you dont have good sanitation in places where people aggregate, she said.

Dreier, who also serves as executive director of the Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Violence Research and Education, said medicine identifies and tracks patterns that lead to the spread of a disease or, in this case, the spread of violence.

That is what health care can do really well to shift society. When we deploy this, we get better outcomes for everybody, Dreier said.

The alliance, of which AIM is a member, offers technical assistance and training for hospital-linked violence intervention programs and successfully petitioned to make their services eligible for traditional insurance reimbursement.

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In 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive action that opened the door for states to use Medicaid for violence prevention. Several states, including California, New York, and Colorado, have passed legislation establishing a Medicaid benefit for hospital-linked violence intervention programs.

Last summer, then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared gun violence a public health crisis, and the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act earmarked $1.4 billion in funding for a wide array of violence-prevention programs through next year.

But in early February, Trump issued an executive order instructing the U.S. attorney general to conduct a 30-day review of a number of Bidens policies on gun violence. The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention now appears to be defunct, and recent moves to freeze federal grants created uncertainty among the gun-violence prevention programs that receive federal funding.

AIM receives 30% of its funding from its operating agreement with Denvers Office of Community Violence Solutions, according to Li. The rest is from grants, including Victims of Crime Act funding, through the Department of Justice. As of mid-February, Trumps executive orders had not affected AIMs current funding.

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Some who work with the hospital-linked violence prevention programs in Colorado are hoping a new voter-approved firearms and ammunition excise tax in the state, expected to generate about $39 million annually and support victim services, could be a new source of funding. But the taxs revenues arent expected to fully flow until 2026, and its not clear how that money will be allocated.

Trauma surgeon and public health researcher Catherine Velopulos, who is the AIM medical director at the University of Colorado hospital in Aurora, said any interruption in federal funding, even for a few months, would be very difficult for us. But Velopulos said she was reassured by the bipartisan support for the kind of work AIM does.

People want to oversimplify the problem and just say, If we get rid of guns, its all going to stop, or It doesnt matter what we do, because theyre going to get guns, anyway, she said. What we really have to address is why people feel so scared that they have to arm themselves.

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.

This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The City of Wichita is ramping up prep to host the NCAA Tournament, and it has out-of-state fans flocking to the Air Capital.

KSN spoke with the general manager of one hotel, who says getting ready for this week has been years in the making.

I actually did my bracket this morning, Nic Yoxall, the general manager of Fairfield & Suites By Marriott Wichita Downtown, said.

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Yoxall loves this time of year.

The 8 teams coming to Wichita for the NCAA Tournament

When the brackets were released, I was like everybody else, kind of glued to the screen last night. I really wanted that KU-Arkansas game here, said Yoxall. I got some ties to Arkansas, and so I like to give all the KU fans around here a hard time.

Craig Compton, an economics professor at Wichita State University, said hosting out-of-state teams has benefits.

With sizable events, weve seen figures up to 40% of the visitors coming from out of town, and so when they come from out of town obviously, they have to stay at a hotel, and that provides a lot of economic stimuli, said Compton.

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This year is different from the year the city hosted in 2018.

With a lot of those regional teams like Missouri, like Houston, we have a lot of different locations where we can draw from compared to KU, where a lot of people who are in the Wichita area were already KU fans, and they werent necessarily injecting new dollars, said Compton.

Essential info for NCAA attendees at Intrust Bank Arena

The economic boost is projected to be a slam dunk for Wichita.

We had parents of players that I remember getting to know during that time this year, you know, without having, per se, a local team. I think the draws will be good. I think Gonzaga has a really good following as well as Houston, the one seed, Yoxall.

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All games are being played on Thursday and Saturday. But several pre-hype events start Wednesday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
VICKSBURG, Mich. (WOOD)  A standoff that lasted hours in Vicksburg ended with a man surrendering inside an apartment, police say.

It all started as a domestic violence complaint made between 6:30 and 7 a.m., according to the Vicksburg Police Department.

Police say the man was tracked to Prairie Meadows Apartments on Prairie Street between N 2nd Street and N Boulevard Street in Vicksburg. Officers responded to another call at an apartment. On scene, police were able to remove people who were with the suspect. The man was considered armed, so police blocked off the area for several hours.

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Vicksburg Community Schools posted online that officers informed district leaders of the situation because it was happening near Sunset Lake Elementary School.

The district said there was no immediate threat, allowing the school to continue regular drop-offs and pick-ups. However, students and staff were not allowed to go out to the playground. Students who walk to school were kept inside until their parents could pick them up.

Vicksburg Police Department Chief Scott Sanderson said the situation lasted for most of the day.

After about seven hours of negotiations, we got the outcome we wanted. He came out peacefully and surrendered to us.  The department will be seeking charges but we got some follow-up investigation to do before we determine what we will be charging him, Sanderson said.

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He credited assistance from the Kalamazoo Department for Public Safety and the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Office for backing up the small department with negotiations and SWAT officers.

Its huge, a small department that I have here. Its huge to have our partners come in, you know, from public safety, from the county, (Michigan State Police) was out here helping us. Yeah, its huge to have that type of help over here, Sanderson said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Tennessee bill allowing a state takeover of Memphis Shelby County Schools passed a House K-12 subcommittee and will now move to be heard for consideration in the House Education Committee.

According to sponsor Mark White (R-Memphis), HB 662 allows the Commissioner of Education to seize control of districts meeting arbitrary performance criteria, replacing locally elected school boards with a state-appointed Board of Managers for at least four years.

That bill was introduced to a subcommittee Tuesday morning in Nashville. There were six votes in favor of the bill and two votes that were opposed, which now moves the bill to a full committee.

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MSCS state takeover could move forward this week

Rep. White says his proposal would create a nine-member board over the next couple of years. He emphasized its not a state takeover and that the board would be made up of nine Shelby County people who are experts in education and can lead us forward.

However, those nine members would be appointed by the state, according to Rep. Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville).

I bring this not lightly but I believe it is time we have to have some kind of change in place because doing what we are doing is not changing, said Rep. White.

HB0662_Amendment-004897Download

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Currently, elected board members will remain in place and work with the board of managers in an advisory capacity. In the first 90 days, a comprehensive needs plan will be put in place.

White says criteria must be met and that the Commissioner of Education may take three of four accountability measures including a vote of no confidence from the government body associated with the board in this case, citing the county commission.

30% of school letter grades for district schools are D or F. The school district is in the bottom 5% of performance statewide. 25% or more of the district has chronic absenteeism, which White says he is striking.

MSCS board members call state takeover bill attack on democracy

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Thats why we have local educational authorities, we dont do a good job at micromanaging. Thats not what the state does. More importantly, we are a republic form of government. That means we elect people to represent our interest, McKenzie said.

McKenzie says this bill erases that. He says it will override people going out and casting their votes for their representative.

Why would we create an unelected group of people to destroy the republic form of government in Memphis, Shelby County? McKenzie said. It [the bill] lets an appointed board, I dont care where theyre from, the people that are appointing them are right here in this building or the one next door. The local school board will have no say anymore. Thats not the way America works.

Representative G.A. Hardaway, a Democrat from Memphis, was there as White presented his bill. Hardway believes lawmakers in Nashville need to be looking at ways to invest in the schools and keep local issues in Memphis, in Memphis.

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Thats all kind of wrong. If were looking at the constitution and were looking at voting rights and Civil rights issues but voting rights in particular we believe its a violation of our voting rights, said Memphis Rep. G.A. Hardaway.

State confirms MSCS received grant funds at center of Feagins termination

White says as far as the money, we are spending money but the results are not there in our young people.

He says that stats show only one in four Memphis Shelby County students are proficient in reading, One in five are proficient in math and theres over $1 billion in deferred maintenance in facilities.

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I want the 100,000 students that attend our MSCS, I want them to be able to obtain a great education and they are not getting it, White says. You got to have change start somewhere and I want it to start here.

Makeover, not a takeover: Faith leaders denounce states efforts to takeover MSCS

Leaders in Memphis invited those in the community to travel with them to Nashville to express their concerns with the bill and why they are against it.

Ron Redwing, a business owner in Memphis, says a makeover would be a friendly amendment to the bill suggesting that, we select those individuals who may be experts in facilities, certainly there are a number of experts in education, and all of the reference managers we have them locally who are ready and prepared to step up and serve in those same roles from an advisory committee and not to replace the elected board.

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Redwing says the advisory committee would be appointed by the Shelby County Commission and would work hand and hand with the locally elected board and the district.

Redwing also noted, Be careful what you ask for or be careful of the doors you open, because its Memphis and Shelby County today, but its Crockett County, Fayette County, and every other county tomorrow.

However White says, Our county commission took a vote 11 to 0. Unless your county commission has done that for your district, it will not apply to you.

Woman says MSCS paid another company $34k for work she never did

This comes after board members, concerned citizens, and leaders gathered at MSCS headquarters Monday to discuss their disapproval of the bill.

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This bill is an attack on democracy, said Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell. Our schools belong to our communities, and decisions about our childrens education should be made by the people who know them best: parents, teachers, and locally elected leaders.

Faith leaders also gathered later that day to speak out against the bill claiming the states attempts at a takeover come down to money and power.

I dont believe for one minute that Republicans in middle and east Tennessee care anything about our children, said Reverend Bill Adkins Jr. Youre not going to convince me that they care. Now what I believe they care about is a $2.1 billion annual budget.

Rep. G.A. Hardaway said that parents have to be involved and engaged in the election of the Shelby County School Board members.

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Thats got to change, we need informed voters, said Hardaway.

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Mar. 17A working group of the House Finance Committee is recommending the elimination of the independent Office of Child Advocate to save $2 million as budget writers craft a two-year spending plan in the face of declining revenues.

Rep. Dan McGuire, R-Epsom, chairs the subcommittee known as Division I, which has financial control over independent state agencies that includes the Office of Child Advocate (OCA), which since 2018 has monitored the work of the Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) programs that address at-risk or delinquent minors.

McGuire said he's charged with finding as much as $200 million in budget cuts over the next two years.

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"It's not as if these programs are being badly run. We're simply in need of finding savings. I can't be any more blunt than that," McGuire said during a work session Monday.

Rep. Karen Ebel, D-New London, said the OCA's work is at a critical juncture given the number of physical- and emotional-abuse complaints brought against the state by former residents at the Youth Development Center (YDC) and the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester.

"I realize you are trying to save money. This one seems to me to be a very challenging position to take," Ebel said.

"To me this looks like a penny-wise, pound-foolish act," echoed Rep. Rosemarie Rung, D-Merrimack.

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Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick, the administrator of the YDC claims fund, will be asking the Legislative Fiscal Committee on Friday for $15 million in emergency money so his fund doesn't run out of money later this spring.

The working group, which includes House Finance Chairman Ken Weyler, R-Kingston, as a member, voted 5-4 to recommend the OCA cut.

Cassandra Sanchez, the child advocate, said she had no warning that the amendment was going to come up for a vote.

"This came as quite a shock as defunding the office was not discussed during my budget presentation to Division I Finance last month," Sanchez said in a statement.

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"It is disheartening to learn that critical oversight by the one entity that prioritizes the safety, voice, and best interest of children in our state, may no longer exist."

In a Feb. 1 report to the Commission on the Oversight of Children's Services, Sanchez said the OCA's current budget may not be enough to deal with the growing demand for services.

"There remains concern for adequate funding of the OCA, given our continued increase in inquiries, and the intensity of our caseloads," Sanchez wrote in that report.

That high demand has affected the schedule of visits OCA staff make to facilities that provide residential treatment for at-risk children, she said.

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"OCA has been unable to get out to facilities to visit children and assess care at the same rate that we did previously, including out-of-state visits, because of our increased caseloads and complexity of cases," Sanchez said.

The top priority has been to make visits to Hampstead Hospital, the new state-owned treatment facility for juveniles with mental health issues, and the Sununu Youth Services Center, she said.

Former Gov. Chris Sununu and Executive Councilor Janet Stevens, R-Rye, praised Sanchez and the OCA for acting quickly in July 2023 to remove two New Hampshire boys from the Bledsoe Youth Academy in Gallatin, Tennessee, after discovering they were badly mistreated.

Sanchez has made it another priority of her office to reduce the number of children placed in treatment outside New England.

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In last month's report, Sanchez said that the number of children outside the region was down to 10, eight in Florida and one each in Arkansas and Alabama.

In its annual report last May, the OCA identified nine cases of infants with multiple broken bones over a six-month period.

Sanchez said she's hopeful about convincing legislative budget writers to keep her office open.

"I remain optimistic that the full House Finance Committee will see the value in the work the OCA offers the children and families of the state and reject the amendment."

McGuire noted this cut was considered because Sanchez's current term ends next January.

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The working group also looked at, but chose not to recommend, doing away with three court magistrates that hear cash bail cases on nights and weekends or two who serve on the Housing Appeals Board.

That's because the five officials hold multi-year contracts that would have to be paid out even if their programs are eliminated, McGuire explained.

+++

What's Next: House Finance Committee has to makes its recommendation on the next state budget by April 3.

Prospects: Unclear. Gov. Kelly Ayotte funded the OCA in her budget and Senate President Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, played a role in creating the office seven years ago.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
Del. Cheryl Pasteur (D-Baltimore County), left, listens to House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick) explain why he doesn't support Pasteur's Second Look Act, which passed the House Monday on an 89-49 vote. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

The House voted 89-49 Monday to approve a bill that would let those incarcerated for 20 years or more petition a judge to have their sentences reduced.

Passage of the bill, known as the Second Look Act, followed 30 minutes of emotionally charged debate Monday, a continuation of more than two hours of debate Saturday, as House Republicans tried unsuccessfully to amend the bill to make a number of violent crimes ineligible for it.

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House Minority Leader Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick) said Monday that amendments rejected Saturday focused on the worst of the worst of those incarcerated and convicted of crimes, such as murder of children, domestic violence homicides and the killing of police and parole officers.

I 100% sympathize with the bills sponsor, who has probably had a lot of time to process, and I cant imagine, Pippy said, looking toward the bills sponsor, Del. Cheryl Pasteur (D-Baltimore County), who gave an emotional recounting Saturday of an attempted rape when she was a teenager.

Ive got to stand up for all the other victims, Pippy said. I got to stand up for all the other families who may not be ready for this legislation.

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But Pasteur, a retired educator, said that some of those in prison deserve the second chance at life the bill offers.

I know that so many of the young people who ended up prison who fall under this bill are not the worst of the worst, she said. My commitment is that long as I draw breath in Gods world  I will commit to an organization to support every person  who comes out on Second Look that I will know their names. No one should come out of prison and be alone.

Supporters stressed the bill is not a get-out-jail-free card and apply to about 350 people.

Del. Luke Clippinger (D-Baltimore City), chair of the Judiciary Committee, has said the bill would only apply to people convicted of a crime they committed between the ages of 18 and 25. It would not be available for those sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

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A victim or a victims representative would be able to submit an impact statement to the court regarding the impact of the crime and the proposed sentence reduction.

The bill was a priority for the Legislative Black Caucus, but at least one of its members, Del. C.T. Wilson (D-Charles County) said he cant support murderers. He was one of a handful of Democrats who voted against the bill.

You may sit here and judge me as heartless, unsympathetic, or without compassion. Maybe thats true, Wilson said on the House floor before he voted against the bill. But I dedicated my entire time up here to fighting for victims. I cannot sit here and fight for the rights of murderers when their victims lie rotting away in silence.

Del. Gabriel Acevero (D-Montgomery) explains his vote in support of the Second Look Act. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

Del. Gabriel Acevero (D-Montgomery) said he supported the legislation for those who are innocent of alleged crimes committed.

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I heard no mention of innocent Marylanders who would benefit from this bill, said Acevero, who cited a few people imprisoned who were later deemed innocent, such as Gary Washington. Lets be clear who youre voting against when you dont vote for this bill: Its the innocent.

Now the House bill heads to the Senate, where a hearing was held Jan. 30 on a Senate version of the bill sponsored by Sen. Charles Sydnor III (D-Baltimore County). It has not yet advanced out of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, but the full Senate last year approved the bill, which failed in the House.

Sen. William C. Smith Jr. (D-Montgomery), chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, said Monday he hasnt seen the final House version passed Monday afternoon, but that, Its a priority for me.

Well get a look at it and run it by committee, he said. Itll be a vigorous debate in committee and if it advances out of committee on the [Senate] floor.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Over the weekend, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries met with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer in Brooklyn, days after Congress avoided a government shutdown.

I will vote to keep the government open, Schumer said during the vote.

Schumer sided with Republicans, helping pass a critical vote that moved the bill forward to its final passage, something House Democrats did not support.

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This is not about one individual. This is about the American people, Jeffries said. It will hurt everyday Americans, in our opinion.

When asked if it was time for new leadership in the Senate, Jeffries repeatedly responded, Next question.

Since then, Schumer canceled his book tour scheduled for this week, and neither office confirmed what the two leaders discussed during their meeting.

Obviously theres a tremendous amount of division, especially at the very top, said Todd Belt, a political expert at George Washington University.

Belt noted Jeffries responses were unusual for his typically composed demeanor.

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Hakeem Jeffries is not the type of person who would do what he did the other day, Belt said. Its obvious hes very, very frustrated, and he probably feels like he was sold out by Chuck Schumer.

Belt added that many Democrats are frustrated with the outcome and said party unity is usually stronger in the minority.

Usually, you dont have this much infighting and squabbling because everybodys really focused on the main prize, which is the next set of elections, Belt said.

As lawmakers return home to hear from their constituents, some Democrats are looking for new strategies moving forward.

I continue to support Senator Schumer, but I want to see our tactics change, said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

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The brother-in-law of Humza Yousaf, the former Scottish first minister, has been fined 450 for colliding with a cyclist while driving an uninsured car.

Ramsay El-Nakla, a father of three from Dundee, was doing the school run on June 12 last year when he failed to stop at a red light and crashed into bike rider James Clunie, 59, who suffered minor injuries.

At Dundees Justice of the Peace Court on Tuesday, lawyers argued that losing his licence would cause hardship to El-Nakla, who received 1,400 per month on universal credit and disability payments and needed a car to help with the family.

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El-Nakla, 37, claimed he had lost his mobile phone on holiday and was unaware his insurance policy had been cancelled.

He admitted to driving carelessly and failing to slow when approaching a red light, failing to keep a proper lookout, and colliding with a stationary bicycle causing Mr Clunie to fall off. He also admitted having no insurance, but the Crown dropped a further charge of having no MOT certificate.

He was thrown off the bike

Ewan Chalmers, fiscal depute, told the court: He has gone into the rear of the complainers pushbike, which caused the complainer to be thrown off the bike, landing on the bonnet of the car, before falling to the ground.

The complainer sustained a small cut to a finger on his right hand and minor pain in his back. The accused remained at the scene for 20 minutes to assist and passed on his details. Police checks were carried out on the accuseds vehicle and showed it had no insurance.

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Annika Jethwa, mitigating, said: In relation to having no insurance, he had gone to Ireland to visit family and had broken his phone, and did not receive messages about the direct debit failing.

There would be hardship

He had had difficulties during the year and it was the policy of the company to cancel if there was a third payment failure. He has been driving since he was 19 and has never had insurance issues.

She added: He has a record, but it is not the worst. This was the combination of a few factors at the time. There would be hardship caused to the family if he was disqualified.

William Morrison, a justice of the peace, ordered El-Nakla to clear the fine at 40 per month and imposed six penalty points on his driving licence.

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He said: It is an unfortunate incident but it is indicative of a period of inattention, a momentary lapse, and I accept that. Nevertheless, there was injury  albeit minor  and the cyclist ought to have been protected.

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COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Nicolai Tangen has been appointed to a second term as CEO of Norway's vast sovereign wealth fund, Norges Bank Investment Management, the central bank said on Tuesday.

Tangen, 58, who became the fund's CEO in September 2020 for a five-year period, said in November he would seek a new term as chief executive of the sovereign wealth fund as he felt the job was not yet done.

"Nicolai Tangen is highly experienced with in-depth insight into international investment management," central bank Governor Ida Wolden Bache said in a statement.

The $1.8 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, invests the proceeds of the Norwegian state's oil and gas revenues in foreign bonds, stocks, property and renewable projects.

"Creating wealth for the Norwegian people is the most rewarding job I have ever had. I therefore deeply appreciate this renewed trust and look forward to five more years with my talented colleagues," Tangen said in the statement.

The fund holds stakes in close to 9,000 companies globally, equivalent to 1.5% of all listed stocks, and has set the pace on many issues in the field of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG).

Tangen, a wealthy former hedge fund manager, has a more outspoken style than his two predecessors and is, among other things, hosting corporate leaders on a podcast, including one he held with Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Tangen later clashed with Musk, according to a record of a conversation between the two released in January.

(Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Anna Ringstrom and Terje Solsvik)
Oregon's Congressional Democrats met with hundreds of federal employees at a town hall March 17, 2025 to discuss the impacts of President Trump's directives cutting agency employees and budgets. (Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Among the more than 300 people who attended a Portland town hall Monday for federal employees were veterans health care workers, climate and agricultural scientists and government technology specialists who have all lost their jobs under President Donald Trump.

Both former and current federal employees expressed frustration and anger about their futures and the countrys future with gutted agencies and a president advised by private-sector CEOs and billionaires such as Elon Musk. Many expressed feeling betrayed recently by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, who voted Friday  against the wishes of most House and Senate Democrats  to allow passage of a Republican spending bill meant to keep funding the government for the next six months.

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This is not the America I swore an oath to protect, said Shawn McMurtrey, a military veteran and plant scientist who worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture preventing the spread of fungus in Hood River pear orchards, before he was terminated in February.

He was one of tens of thousands of probationary employees fired under Trump in February, and one of about a dozen former and current employees of federal agencies who spoke to Oregons congressional Democrats at the town hall hosted by U.S. Sen Ron Wyden in a federal services office building.

I am not a waste of money. My fellow employees and veterans are not a waste of money, he told lawmakers including U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Maxine Dexter, Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas, as well as Attorney General Dan Rayfield, all Democrats. The states final Democratic member of Congress, Rep. Janelle Bynum, who represents the 5th Congressional District, was unable to attend due to a previously scheduled engagement but held two town halls over the weekend.

Delegates respond

The first thing we want to tell you is: we so wish we didnt need to have this meeting, Wyden told the crowd, before encouraging anyone who wished to speak but who feared retaliation to submit their testimonies to his offices new portal for whistleblower complaints.

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Oregons U.S. House representatives expressed pride that they joined all other House Democrats in opposing the Republican spending bill last week. Its passage has given Trump and his party almost complete control over Congressional spending for the next six months.

Neither Wyden nor Merkley said whether or not they would support Schumer as minority leader going forward, but they said there was little they could do to change his position until there is another election in two years.

Thats a long ways into the future. Right now, what Im really focused on is the real challenge, which in this case, is an authoritarian president whos destroying our republic, Merkley told reporters after the town hall. Were going to use all of our power to make sure that on September 30, when there is the next termination of funding, that we come out with a completely different decision than what happened last Friday.

Pressing lawmakers

Belle Zaccari, a psychologist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Salem, pressed lawmakers on what they would do today to secure protections for federal workers.

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I dont want to hear compliments about my service, she said. I dont want to hear compliments about my bravery. I dont hear any preaching to the choir.

Zaccari still has a job, but among her biggest concerns is the future of the U.S. Department of Educations Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives loans remaining after 120 qualified payments for federal student loan borrowers who take public service jobs at government agencies and nonprofits. She owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans, as do many of her colleagues.

I want to know what youre doing to protect the PSLF. I want to know what youre doing to stop these bogus, unqualified Cabinet appointments that keep going through. I want to know what youre doing today to stop DOGE, to get Elon Musk out of our affairs, and I want to know what all of your five bullets from last week were, she said to raucous applause.

In February, in an effort led by Musk, federal employees received an email from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management demanding they send a bulleted list of five accomplishments from the previous week or risk being terminated. The email demands were lambasted by public employee unions and ultimately withdrawn.

Future of federal service

From left, Logan McDonald, Shawn McMurtrey and Isabella Isaksen, are former probational employees of federal agencies who were terminated under sweeping directives from President Donald Trump. The three shared their experiences with Oregons Congressional Democrats at a town hall March 17, 2025. (Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Zaccari, like many others, said if they lost their jobs it would be unlikely theyd come back to work at federal agencies in the future.

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Dexter acknowledged the cuts were already eroding trust in our federal work opportunities in a way that is going to have generational impact.

Matt Casey, a near 30-year veteran of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a visual information specialist, said he was wondering whether to look for a new job. He has created educational installations at national parks and wildlife preserves across the West.

He chose to work for the Fish and Wildlife Service over working for ad agencies and corporations years ago, he said, because he believed in the mission of public service more than the higher salary he could have commanded in the private sector.

How will you ever get anyone to go into public service when the federal government is not a reliable employer? he asked. I got away from the private sector to get away from rich people who decided they could do anything they wanted.

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Casey said he was worried about whether he and other federal employees will get to keep their retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees, called the Thrift Savings Plan, and about what will be left of Social Security when he retires in a decade, whether hell get to keep his medical insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and whether the federal Department of Education will still have student loan programs so he can afford to send his kids to college without cashing out his retirement.

At this stage I would love to stay longer, he said of his job, but what are the guarantees that rules will be followed?

Legal gray areas

Rayfield, Oregons attorney general, told federal workers that his team of about nine people at the state Department of Justice have already filed or joined eight nationwide lawsuits against the Trump administration over cuts to federal agencies, and six of them have so far been successful. Rayfield is asking the Oregon Legislature to double the size of his team as it creates the next state budget.

Despite recent wins, including two brought by state attorneys general including Rayfield that were meant to reinstate fired employees, many at the town hall said they are in limbo and have no communication with superiors.

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Estelle Robichaux, a climate scientist and fellow with the USDAs National Institute for Food and Agriculture, said she was let go as a probationary employee, then reinstated after the lawsuits, but her boss has been prohibited from communicating with her.

To be frank, I wont seek federal service again during this administration. And that makes me really sad, because this is something that I have worked for and aspired towards most of my adult life, she said.

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A mysterious sea foam has appeared on South Australias shores, making surfers sick and killing marine life from fish to octopuses and more. The foamy phenomena has washed ashore at Waitpinga and Parsons Beach, near Adelaide, and has resulted in hundreds of surfers falling ill.

Its just covered in a really heavy, dense, yellow foam, with a fair bit of green, slimy, scummy stuff on the beach at the tidelines, local surfer Anthony Rowland told The Guardian. After surfing amidst the foam, Rowland reported: I was really raspy. It was sort of like when you inhale a potent cleaning product, if youre cleaning a kitchen sink or something. It hit the back of my throat.

As of now, its unclear whether or not the foam is related to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which slammed Australias east coast recently. However, that region experienced a similar situation.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a spokesperson reported:

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The EPA have received multiple reports that dead fish and seahorses could be found on shore and that there was red staining on the sand and foam on the beaches.

The Epa are working with other agencies  to attend the scene and take water samples.

It is believed the event could be due to a microalgal bloom that has been driven by hot temperatures and still water and an ongoing marine heatwave, with temperatures currently 2.5C warmer than usual, with little wind and small swell contributing to conditions.

Related: Snapper Rocks Swallows Man, Surfers Face $16k Fines (Video)

As for the foam on the beaches seen during TC Alfred on the Gold Coast, per the precautionary video from ABC above:

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It probably contains lots of sewage, made up of poop, pharmaceuticals, detergent from peoples laundries, and moreits best to avoid playing in the foam.

Related: Tears of Joy: Mick Fanning, Tubes, and a $20 Surfboard
March 18 (UPI) -- Israeli warplanes pounded Gaza on Tuesday, killing hundreds of Palestinians as Israel ended the fragile U.S.-backed cease-fire with Hamas.

The resumption of fighting in the Gaza Strip has killed at least 404 Palestinians and injured more than 560, according to an update from the Gazan Ministry of Health on WhatsApp, though the casualty toll is expected to climb as it warned, "A number of victims are still under the rubble, and efforts are underway to recover them."

The ministry does not distinguish between militants and civilians.

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Israel began the bombardment early Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announcing in a joint statement that they had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to "take strong action" against Hamas in Gaza.

Following the overnight bombing, the IDF issued evacuations for areas around the border of Gaza and Israel, labeling the band of land "dangerous combat zones."

Following the overnight bombing, the IDF issued evacuations for areas around the border of Gaza and Israel, labeling the band of land "dangerous combat zones." Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI

"For your own safety, you must evacuate immediately to the known shelters in western Gaza City and those in Khan Yunis," Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesman, said in a statement.

The strikes mark the first major attack in Gaza since mid-January when Israel and Hamas came to a fragile armistice that included rounds of exchanges of detainees held by Israel for hostages held by Hamas.

Israel began the bombardment early Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announcing in a joint statement that they had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to "take strong action" against Hamas in Gaza. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI

Disagreements over an extension to the armistice early this month put the cease-fire in jeopardy. Israel responded by prohibiting all aid to Gaza.

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The Israeli leaders on Tuesday described the stalemate as "Hamas' repeated refusal to release our hostages" as well as a rejection of a cease-fire proposal from the United States.

U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said in a statement that he was "horrified" by the strikes. Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI

They said the operation had been presented by IDF over the weekend to Israeli politicians, who gave it their approval.

On Tuesday evening, Netanyahu formally announced that the cease-fire was dead and Israel would resume targeting Hamas in Gaza.

A Palestinian man carries the shrouded body of a child who was killed in an Israeli bombardment on Tuesday. Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI

"I want to assure all our friends around the world, Israel will fight and Israel will win. We will bring our people home and we will destroy Hamas," he said in a recorded statement.

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"We will not relent until we achieve all these vital goals and we will not rest until we give our country a figure of peace, prosperity and hope."

Palestinians mourn the death of relatives who were killed in an Israeli bombardment on Tuesday. Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI

The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, with Hamas' brutal attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people. Another 251 were taken hostage, of whom 59 are still believed to be in Gaza. Some of them are believed to be dead.

Families of hostages responded to the resumption in fighting with worry over the future of those who may still be alive.

Palestinians gather at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis to identify their relatives who were killed an Israeli bombardment on Tuesday. Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI

"We heard from survivors who returned from hell, and the message was clear: We must immediately return to a cease-fire," the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement online.

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"The lives of our loved ones hang by a thread and cannot endure much longer. After surviving months in captivity against all odds, they are now in critical danger. Only a deal can bring back all the hostages.

Palestinians mourn the death of relatives who were killed in an Israeli bombardment on Tuesday. Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI

A protest was held early Tuesday in Jerusalem's Yaka Square and in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square Tuesday night, where captivity survivors spoke to those assembled.

"Today, the cease-fire has collapsed," said Keith Siegel, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen who was held hostage by Hamas for nearly 500 days and released early last month.

"For the 59 hostages still held in Gaza and their families this moment brings renewed fear -- not only of the ongoing attacks but of a breakdown in negotiations that could bring them home."

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"Every effort must be made to prevent further loss of innocent life and to ensure that diplomacy continues," he added. "This war must end, and all hostages must be returned to their families. It is not too late to save those still alive, and for the families of those who were murdered deserve the right to grieve."

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Palestinian Authority accused Israel of violating its obligations under the armistice.

"The ministry considers the continued aggression against our people and the shedding of the blood of children, women and defenseless civilians to be an official Israeli evasion of the obligations of consolidating the cessation of the war of genocide," it said.

U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said in a statement that he was "horrified" by the strikes.

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"This nightmare must end immediately," Turk said. "The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. All those arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally. The war must end permanently. We urge all parties with influence to do all in their power to achieve peace and avoid further suffering of civilians."

Oxfam's humanitarian coordinator in Gaza, Clemence Lagouardat, also condemned the attack and called for "all parties" to work to restore a "permanent and sustainable cease-fire."

"It is indefensible that Israel has breached the cease-fire agreement by carrying out airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, killing over 300 people and injuring hundreds," Lagouardat said. "The ongoing targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure cannot be justified under any circumstances."
Hundreds of migrants have been evicted from a central Paris theatre after occupying the building for three months.

Police armed with batons entered the Gaite Lyrique on Tuesday morning as crowds gathered outside to protest against the eviction.

Shortly before 6am, anti-riot police forced their way through cordons activists had built to gain entry to the 19th-century theatre.

All shows at the theatre were cancelled during the occupation by the migrants, who were demanding food and shelter.

People gathered outside the theatre to protest against the eviction - Abdul Saboor/Reuters

The trouble started when the Left-wing management staged a free conference on reinventing the refugee welcome in France on Dec 10 and more than 200 migrants attended.

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But when the event, whose speakers included Red Cross officials and academics, came to a close, the migrants refused to leave and have been occupying the building ever since. Many are underage and have asked to be treated as such in their immigration process.

Some people were seen leaving the building carrying personal belongings, with several suitcases and bags abandoned on the pavement.

Danielle Simonnet, a Left-wing lawmaker who was on site to protest against the police action, called it extremely violent, and told AFP that officers had hit and beaten migrants who she said were behaving peacefully.

Demonstrators and migrants chanted slogans such as we are all the children of migrants as they were surrounded by police in riot gear.

Credit: X/@Uncensorednewsw

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The eviction came a day after Laurent Nunez, the Paris police prefect, gave the order to clear the theatre, which has been occupied by up to 450 people, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr Nunez called the occupation of the building a threat to public order. He promised that the young migrants would be offered shelter, and that their legal situation would be looked at.

Agents working for the Paris regions emergency shelter services were said to be on site and talking to migrants.

Adama, who said he was 15 and from Ivory Coast, said: I need to go to class at 10am today. I dont know what to tell my teacher. I need to leave a message saying that I wont make it.

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We havent killed anybody, we dont steal. We came here to become integrated.

The theatre had been occupied by up to 450 migrants - Christophe Petit Tesson/Shutterstock

The occupation of the Gaite Lyrique began on Dec 10, with around 200 young migrants remaining in the building.

The theatre cancelled all planned performances a week later, saying it condemned the occupation but also the inaction by authorities.

The following months became a standoff between Left-wing activists fighting for migrant rights, and the far Right, calling for their expulsion.

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Hungary will conduct a public consultation on support for Ukraines accession to the European Union before the beginning of summer, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Source: European Pravda, citing a statement by Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs Janos Boka ahead of a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels

Details: Boka stated that consultations with Hungarian citizens on their stance regarding Ukraines potential EU membership will take place "before summer".

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Quote: "The future of the enlargement process [of Ukraine  ed.] is now in the hands of Hungarian citizens. They will have the opportunity to express their position in this consultation initiated by the Hungarian government. We are waiting for the results of that before this summer."

Background:

On 5 March, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced a public consultation in Hungary on support for Ukraines EU membership.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski sarcastically commented on Orbans initiative.

The Hungarian government has previously conducted "consultations" on Ukraine, with questions formulated in a manipulative manner.

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Hungary has refused to support the European Council conclusions on aid to Ukraine, including the initiative of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on military support, stating that it "is against its strategic interests".

Source: a statement by Hungarys Minister for EU Affairs Janos Boka before the General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: As it stands, Hungary is not in a position to support the part on the European Council conclusion on Ukraine in general, including the part that refers to Kaya Kallas' initiative on Ukraine.

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Details: Boka emphasised that the part of the draft European Council conclusions concerning Ukraine does not align with Hungarys strategic vision for European security.

"The part on Ukraine, in several points, is against the strategic interests and the strategic vision of Hungary on how to create a new European security architecture," he added.

Boka stated that "Hungary is not in a position to support the conclusions on Ukraine in its present form".

"It is very unlikely that we will find a new 27 consensus on any text. I think it is most likely that the scenario on March 6 will be repeated, where the conclusions will only refer to a discussion on Ukraine, and there will be another text supported by a strong majority of EU member states," Boka emphasised.

Background:

Earlier, European Pravda sources reported that in closed negotiations on the text of the European Council conclusions for 20-21 March, Hungary once again demanded the removal of references to support for Ukraine.

The day before, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that the EU aims to provide 40 billion in military aid to Ukraine, with the corresponding proposal on the agenda of the European Council meeting on 20 March, and its support should be reflected in the summit conclusions.

On 6 March, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban refused to sign the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting on support for Ukraine, resulting in a text being agreed upon by 26 out of the 27 EU member states.

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IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler  who alleged the Justice Department slow-walked its investigation into Hunter Biden  were promoted to leadership positions at the Treasury Department on Tuesday.

The Treasury said in a press release that the two, who spent years investigating the Biden tax evasion case, would come to the department as senior advisers and help us drive much-needed cultural reform within the IRS.

These veteran civil servants join us to help further the agencys focus on collections, modernization, and customer service, so we can deliver a more effective and efficient IRS experience for hardworking American taxpayers, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

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Shapley and Ziegler  came forward in 2022 and subsequently faced political persecution by the IRS, including several attempts to discredit their reputations and ruin their careers, the release continued.

The pair were key witnesses in the House GOP impeachment probe into former President Biden.

Shapley and Ziegler said authorities failed to pursue the most aggressive charges against the Hunter Biden, allegations that the IRS and Justice Department forcefully denied.

Amid the GOP investigation, prosecutor David Weiss was elevated to special counsel, ultimately bringing tax charges against Hunter Biden in California as the two IRS agents suggested.

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While Hunter Biden was convicted in a Delaware gun case brought by Weiss and pleaded guilty in the California tax case, his father pardoned him on his way out of office.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) celebrated the news of the pairs new positions and touted his role in the process. He noted a letter he wrote to President Trump last month praising the whistleblowers and a second letter in which he urged Bessent to place Shapley and Ziegler in leadership posts, citing their bravery, courage, expertise and integrity.

As I noted in my letter to Secretary Bessent last month, if we reinstate whistleblowers who have been retaliated against, it will send a clear signal that pointing out wrongdoing is an honorable thing to do. It will help change the culture of our bureaucracy. Im very grateful to Secretary Bessent for supporting Gary and Joe, and I have no doubt they will be a boon to the Treasury Department in their new roles, Grassley wrote in a statement.

Shapley and Ziegler said in a statement that they are enormously grateful to Bessent, Grassley and the rest of Congress for their leadership and trust.

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We have been motivated by one singular mantra: do whats right, and do it the right way. It has not been easy, but having a clear conscience is worth the effort, they continued in their joint statement. We appreciate the opportunity Secretary Bessent is giving us to put our experience and firsthand knowledge to good use for the American people to eliminate waste and reform the IRS.

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A hearing this week in the Oregon legislature will test lawmakers' appetite for an open primary system, columnist Tim Nesbitt says. (Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Will events at the national level help break the hold that the Democratic and Republican parties have over the selection of candidates in Oregons closed primaries? That could be one effect of the chaos in Washington D.C. that is disrupting party politics at the local level.

Support for open primaries has been growing steadily in Oregon as more voters opt for non-affiliated status. These voters, who now comprise 37% of the electorate, outnumber registered voters in each of the two major parties.

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But they remain shut out of the primary process by Democratic and Republican leaders who have regularly used rally-round-the-party appeals to their members to block any change to the current system.

Meanwhile, member loyalty has been waning in both major parties, and the hyper-partisan chaos at the national level is likely to accelerate this trend.

What are moderate Republicans to think when Elon Musk threatens to primary any Republican member of Congress who opposes his evisceration of the federal workforce? That chainsaw Musk waves around is also meant to keep Republicans like Eastern Oregons Rep. Cliff Bentz in thrall to a DOGE agenda that threatens Medicaid coverage for more than 250,000 of his constituents.

And what are dispirited Democrats to think when their leaders in D.C. appear to be wandering in a wilderness of their own making? When Oregons two Democratic Senators are openly critical of their partys leader in the Senate, this is not a party with the unity and strategy needed to meet this moment and maintain the confidence of its members.

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But discomfort and disillusion among the ranks in both parties may be just whats needed to end closed primaries here in Oregon. Thats because it will take more support from both Democrats and Republicans to get this done.

So, it will be interesting to see how Democratic and Republican lawmakers respond to HB 3166, which would open up and expand our primary elections to all candidates and all voters on a single unified primary ballot. Now scheduled for a hearing Wednesday morning before the House Rules Committee, the bill was introduced by four Democratic legislators but has yet to pick up any Republican support.

There are strong arguments to be delivered in support of HB 3166  based on the record-high number of non-affiliated voters, solid levels of public support for this reform and the unfairness of excluding the largest group of voters in the state from the all-important candidate selection process.

Still, these are policy arguments, not political arguments. And its political pressure from the ground up that will be needed to overcome the entrenched self-interest of the major parties.

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HB 3166 faces an uphill battle in the Legislature, given that most of its occupants hail from safely partisan districts where they effectively won their seats in closed party primaries.

But the organizations supporting HB 3166, including the Independent Party of Oregon, know this only too well. These are the same groups that threatened to push a campaign finance reform initiative to the ballot, which forced the Legislature to enact a compromise proposal last year.

HB 3166 can set the stage for advancing a similar strategy. It will give air time to the need for this reform, rally supporters and test the opposition. It will also give added credibility to lawmakers who are willing to pursue this issue within their party caucuses. And if the bill fails in this session, well, thats why we have the initiative process.

The power plays were witnessing in Washington D.C. may be keeping Congressional Republicans in line. But its not helping Republican voters who care more about their health care than they do about an oligarchs anti-government agenda, as Rep. Bentz learned at a recent town hall in his district.

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More voters in staunchly Republican districts may yet come to view open primaries as a welcome response to the heavy-handed enforcement of a hyper-partisan agenda within their party.

Also, despite the disarray in the leadership of the national Democratic Party, I think most Democratic voters are likely to reject a hard-left response to the MAGA movement in favor of a more practical, economically-focused agenda that can win Congressional seats and secure national majorities in future elections.

For voters in both parties, these course corrections will be easier to achieve by expanding the electorate in primary elections and forcing the oligarchs with chainsaws and special interest groups with partisan war chests to answer to a broader and more broad-minded electorate.

If Im right, we should see greater acceptance of the need for electoral reforms to make both parties more responsive to the electorate at large, both here in Oregon and in other states as well. If Im wrong, even modest reforms like open primaries will be beside the point, and well continue to be drawn into more perilous partisan territory.



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March 18 (UPI) -- This story is updated to include comments and information provided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra is being held at the Aurora, Colo., Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility following her arrest by ICE agents.

ICE agents arrested Vizguerra on Monday afternoon in the parking lot of a Target store, where she is employed in Aurora, and her family told local media they will remain outside the Aurora ICE detention facility for "as long as it takes."

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"Jeanette Vizguerra-Ramirez, 53, was arrested without incident March 17 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement," ICE spokesman Steve Kotecki told UPI in an emailed statement on Wednesday.

"She will remain in ICE custody pending removal from the United States" and "is a convicted criminal alien from Mexico who has a final order of deportation issued by a federal immigration judge," Kotecki said.

"She illegally entered the United States near El Paso, Texas, on Dec. 24, 1997, and has received legal due process in U.S. immigration court."

Kotecki said Vizguerra was convicted on a "forged instrument possession" charge on Feb. 26, 2009, and was released from ICE custody on March 11, 2009.

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The Arapahoe County Court in Colorado convicted and fined Vizguerra for failure to display proof of insurance and driving without a license on March 27, 2009.

She filed for relief from immigration proceedings in 2011, but a federal immigration judge denied her petition and allowed her to voluntarily leave the United States.

Vizguerra in 2012 "self-removed" to Mexico in 2012 but was arrested in Candelaria, Texas, after illegally re-entering the United States, according to ICE.

Her re-entry is a felony offense that ICE officials referred to the U.S. District Court for Western Texas, where she was convicted of a misdemeanor violation for illegal entry into the United States and sentenced to unsupervised probation for a year on May 1, 2013.She entered ICE custody in El Paso, Texas, the following day and was subject to deportation, but the ICE facility released her a month later on a supervised status pending removal from the United States.

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Vizguerra remained in the United States with the help of several stay orders, but in 2017 moved into the basement of the First Unitarian Society Church in Denver.

She remained there for three years to prevent being arrested by federal agents after the stay orders expired and immigration courts denied subsequent stay requests.

ICE lists five ICE and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services decisions against Vizguerra in 2019, but she obtained a one-year stay on Dec. 20, 2021, by the Enforcement and Removal Operations -- Denver, office.

ERO Denver renewed her stay order on Feb. 8, 2023, which expired in February 2024 and led to her arrest on Monday, according to ICE.

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While the stay orders were in effect, Vizguerra used her experience to become a pro-immigration activist in the Denver area and founded the Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition.

The coalition is a network of churches that harbor migrants who illegally entered the United States.

Vizguerra early Monday afternoon in a Facebook post shared a story by the Denver Post titled, "Denver ICE field office seeks to expand detention space by nearly 1,000 more beds."

She also shared information written in Spanish, but translated to "The Fifth Circuit issued the DACA injunction: Here's what you need to know."

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Vizguerra has lived in the United States for 30 years and has four children. Some Colorado lawmakers want her released from custody, The Independent reported.

"There are serious concerns about ICE's actions to detain Jeanett Vizguerra," U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., wrote in a social media post. "Targeting a mother who has been an active part of our Colorado community for nearly three decades will not fix our broken immigration system or secure our border."

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., called Vizguerra a "mother a pillar in her community.:

Bennet said he is "deeply concerned" about her arrest by ICE agents without any due process and called on ICE to immediately release her and provide her with legal representation.

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The pro-immigration American Friends Services Committee said ICE "acted without a valid deportation order and without notifying Ms. Vizguerra or her lawyers" when they took her into custody.

AFSC officials said ICE appears to be readying her to deport her without a deportation order in place, KDVR reported.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston called her arrest a "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin-style persecution of political dissidents."

"This is the great lie of the Trump administration," Johnston said. "This is not about safety. This is about political theater and political retribution."

He said her arrest and potential deportation does not make the United States safer, but instead makes it "lawless" and called the matter an "abuse of power."Vizguerra on Tuesday filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus with the U.S. District Court for Colorado.
By Dmitry Antonov and Darya Korsunskaya

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Western companies that "slammed the door defiantly" when they left Russia will not be allowed to buy back the businesses they quit for small amounts of money or fill niches that local businesses have taken, President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

Hundreds of Western firms have exited Russia since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

Companies have taken different approaches with some selling up, others handing the keys to existing managers or, in some cases, abandoning the assets altogether.

Some, such as Renault, McDonald's and Henkel, agreed buy-back options when exiting, although the terms of such deals have largely been kept under wraps.

Putin, speaking at a Moscow business forum, said he had asked the government to keep an eye on Western companies that might have buy-back deals to ensure that every case was carefully considered if such deals were activated.

Putin said he respected businesses that had continued to work with Russia, but held a different view for those that had "slammed the door defiantly" when exiting.

Companies that left under domestic political pressure and sold their assets at a throwaway price should not be allowed to repurchase for the same small sum, Putin said.

"If the niche of a Western company is already filled by a Russian business, then...as we say, the train has left," Putin said.

He also cautioned Russian business that Western sanctions on Russian individuals and businesses, totalling 28,595 according to a finance ministry tally, were not temporary and that even if they were eased other obstacles to doing business would be thrown up.

"We should not hope for complete freedom of trade, payments and capital flows," Putin said. "Nor should we count on Western mechanisms for defending the rights of investors and entrepreneurs.

"Our competitors will always want to weaken and contain us," Putin said. "Even if one side makes a gesture and offers to lift or ease something, another method of causing problems for us will be found immediately."

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov in Moscow and Darya Korsunskaya in London; Writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
(WHTM)  U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement recently detained five members of Dauphin Countys Bhutanese Nepali community, according to Dauphin County officials.

According to the county, the individuals are long-time members of the Bhutanese refugee community who resettled in Dauphin County and are legal permanent residents.

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The residents were transferred to out-of-state detention centers, according to the county.

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An event in support of the Bhatanesse Five was hosted at the Pennsylvania Capitol building on Tuesday morning. A coalition of state leaders including State Senator Patty Kim, State Reps Dave Madsen and Justin Fleming, and County Commissioner Justin Douglas joined the support group, saying the men are in the country legally.

One of the detained individuals sisters said her brother came to America legally in 2012 under a program for Bhutanese refugees started by President George W. Bush and continued by Obama. She added that her brother served time in the legal system, and now hes being threatened with deportation to a country that doesnt want him.

Tilak Niroula, Chairperson of the Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg said the community does not have a country to be deportated to. We were forcefully evicted once; theres no way we can go back to the same country where we were brutally tortured and forcefully evicted by the government of Bhutan, said Niroula.

In a statement on Tuesday, an ICE spokesperson said the recent statements made by lawmakers are not true.

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ICE remains steadfast in its mission to protect public safety and enforce the nations immigration laws. All ICE enforcement actions are conducted in compliance with applicable federal laws and policies. As part of its routine operations, ICE arrests aliens who commit crimes and individuals who have violated our nations immigration laws. All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States.

According to a study conducted in 2023, Pennsylvania is among the top 10 states with Bhutanese Nepali refugees, with the Harrisburg-Carlisle area containing a dense population with an estimated population of 47,000.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Members of the Idaho House of Representatives, including Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d'Alene, and Rep. Dori Healey, R-Boise, listen to action on the House floor on March 10, 2025, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

The Idaho House passed House Bill 135 on Monday to prevent unauthorized immigrants in Idaho from accessing publicly-funded assistance.

Bill sponsor Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur dAlene, said the goal of the bill is to prioritize people who are living in the U.S. with proper authorization to access welfare benefits. Redman introduced a similar bill last year, but that bill died in the committee process.

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To receive public assistance in Idaho, state agencies are largely required to verify the lawful presence of adults applying for the benefits. However, exceptions exist for certain services, including emergency health care, immunization assistance, programs like soup kitchens and crisis counseling, prenatal and postnatal care, and food assistance for dependent children.

But House Bill 135 would remove some of those exceptions and require agencies to verify someones immigration status for access to health assistance for immunizations, prenatal and postnatal care, food assistance for dependent children, and services from short-term shelters such as soup kitchens and crisis counseling.

Republicans and Democrats shared concerns with the bill, however, the House passed it in a 46-22 vote.

This bill has a laser focus on taking away care from babies, pregnant women and hungry children, Rep. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, said in opposition to the bill.

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Rep. Lori McCann, R-Lewiston, also opposed the bill, saying she would not support it because it would deny children access to food.

So if Im volunteering in a soup kitchen, and a young mother and three little young kids come in and theyre hungry, and they look at us, and we say, where are your papers? Do you have documentation that you are a U.S. citizen? And if they cant, you say, Im sorry, were going to deny you any hot meal today, she said.

McCann said as a Christian woman, she would not turn them away and would feed them.

Proponents of the bill, such as Rep. David Leavitt, R- Twin Falls, said it would be a disservice to those who are living in the U.S. with proper authorization to allow unauthorized immigrants access to these services.

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I would just like to remind everybody that the U.S. government is not a charitable organization, and tax dollars are not charitable donations, Rep. Lucas Cayler, R-Caldwell, also said.

The bill is now headed to the Senate side where it must have a committee hearing and pass the Senate floor before reaching the governors desk. Only then can the governor choose to sign it, let it become law without his signature or veto it.

If it clears the Legislature, the bill would take effect on July 1.

The Idaho House of Representatives passed House Bill 135 in a 46-22 vote. (Courtesy of Idaho in Session)

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Members of the Idaho House of Representatives hold a floor session on March 10, 2025, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

The Idaho House on Monday unanimously passed a bill to allow the death penalty for adults who sexually abuse children age 12 and younger in Idaho.

Similar to his bill that stalled last year, House Bill 380, cosponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, would allow the death penalty in a new criminal charge the bill creates: aggravated lewd conduct with children age 12 and younger.

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Skaugs bill also would add mandatory minimum prison sentences for cases of aggravated lewd conduct with minors  which would only apply to abuse of children age 16 and below  that dont meet the bills proposed criteria for death penalty eligibility.

Unfortunately, Idaho has some of the widest or most lenient statutes on rape of a child in the nation, Skaug told House lawmakers.

No negative debate on death penalty bill on Idaho House floor

The U.S. Supreme Court in 2008 blocked death penalties for child rape in Kennedy v. Louisiana. Florida passed a child rape death penantly law two years ago.

Idaho state Reps. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, and Mike Pohanka, R-Jerome, listen to proceedings during the House State Affairs Committee on Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

Five other states are considering child rape death penalty bills, Skaug said.

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He said the death penalty would be rarely sought under his bill. Nine people are on death row in Idaho, according to the Idaho Department of Correction.

Bracing for a legal challenge to the bill, Skaug told lawmakers in committee he expects the U.S. Supreme Court would rule differently.

You can say, Well, thats unconstitutional, Bruce. Why would you bring that? Well, it was  according to a 5-4 decision in 2008. I dont think that would be the case today, Skaug, an attorney, told lawmakers on the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee last week. Thats my professional opinion. Thats the opinion of many other attorneys.

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The Idaho House passed the new bill on Monday with 63 votes in favor and no votes against.

No lawmaker debated against the bill on the House floor.

To become law, Idaho bills must pass the House and Senate, and avoid the governors veto.

Idaho law only allows the death penalty in first-degree murder cases with aggravating circumstances.

Last week, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a bill into law that will make the Gem State the only state to use firing squads as its main execution method. Skaug also cosponsored that bill.

Seven lawmakers were absent for the child sex abuse death penalty bills floor vote  including four of the nine House Democrats, including House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel and Rep. Chris Mathias, both from Boise, who opposed advancing the bill in committee last week.

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The five House Democrats present for Mondays House floor vote all voted in support of the bill.

Idaho House Republican leader says U.S. Supreme Court was wrong

House Assistant Majority Leader Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, another cosponsor of the child sex abuse death penalty bill, said the U.S. Supreme Court was wrong.

Assistant Majority Leader Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, (center) speaks from the House floor on March 10, 2025, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

Reading back through that Supreme Court case, it shocked me that they could get it so wrong  that you could rape an 8-year-old girl in a way that she had to have massive surgery just to just to get by from the aspect of the physical damage, let alone the mental, emotional damage that they deal with for decades after this, Tanner told House lawmakers. But I dont think this is necessarily a good bill. I think this is just a necessary bill that we have to do to protect the children of this great state.

Rep. John Shirts, R-Weiser, a prosecutor in the Air Force Reserve, said there are things that are so horrific that people do to children theres nothing more than ultimate punishment that is just.

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And he suggested Idahos bill would help the court re-evaluate the issue.

Some people might argue that this doesnt have any binding on the court. It really does, Shirt said. It shows what our will, what the states will, in these types of cases, are. It goes to that national consensus analysis under the Eight Amendment.

This is Skaugs second attempt at child sex abuse death penalty bill

This years child sex abuse death penalty bill is Skaug and Tanners second attempt at such a bill. Last year, another bill they brought widely passed the House but never received a Senate committee hearing.

Skaug and Tanners new bill this year  cosponsored by eight other Idaho lawmakers  would establish the new crime, and mandatory minimums criminal sentences. For instance, the bills proposed mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated lewd conduct with minors under age 16 would carry at least 25 years in prison.

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Under the bill, lewd conduct with a minor would include but is not limited to geital-genital contact, oral-genital contact, anal-genital contact, oral-anal contact, manual-anal contact, or manual-genital contact when such acts are meant to arouse, appeal to or gratify lust or passions or sexual desires.

Lewd conduct against minors age 12 and younger would only be eligible for the death penalty if cases involve at least three aggravating factors.

John Gannon represents Idahos Legislative District 17 in the House. (Courtesy of the Idaho Democratic Party)

The bill spells out more than a dozen aggravating factors, including already being found guilty of a crime that requires sex offender registration, committing lewd conduct against the same victim at least three separate times, being in a position of trust or having supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim, penetration with a penis, kidnapping, human trafficking the child, torture, using force or coercion, and being armed with a weapon.

Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise, was among 10 House Democrats who voted against the bill in the House last year. But he was the first lawmaker to debate in favor of the bill on the House floor Monday.

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I see this as a kids bill, Gannon said on the House floor. And I see it as being extremely important  that those who have that proclivity now, today, go get your help, stay away from kids, and lets not have to ever use this bill  because you did the right thing and took care of the issue that you have.

(Courtesy of Idaho in Session)

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A bald eagle at the Camas National Wildlife Refuge in winter. The refuge, which is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 to protect migratory birds. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

The Idaho Senate has called for the state to take over control of the Camas National Wildlife Refuge from the federal government.

The Idaho Senate voted by voice vote on Monday at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise to adopt Senate Joint Memorial 104.

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Established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 to protect migratory birds, the Camas National Wildlife Refuge is an approximately 11,000-acre refuge located in southeast Idaho that is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Idaho Conservation League opposes the legislation.

Sen. Van Burtenshaw, R-Terreton, works from the Senate floor on March 10, 2025, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

Sen. Van Burtenshaw, R-Terreton, sponsored the joint memorial. The memorial would not carry the effect of the law if adopted by both chambers of the Idaho Legislature, but it represents a request from the Idaho Legislature to the federal government.

(T)he Legislature requests that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game work together to transfer ownership and administration of the Camas National Wildlife Refuge to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for incorporation into the Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area, Senate Joint Memorial 104 states, in part.

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The joint memorial also calls on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to promptly process a Section 404 permit application for Camas Creek within the refuge. Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act requires a permit before dredged or fill material may be discharged into waters of the United States, including wetlands, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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Memorial sponsor says state management would help water users in the area

During debate over the bill Monday, Burtenshaw said Camas Creek has become obstructed by the buildup of willows and sediment, which prevents the delivery of water to water users in the nearby Mud Lake area.

A purpose of this legislation is to help the water users in that area obtain the water that they have coming from snow runoff, Burtenshaw said.

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The problem we have is that when we get to the Camas Wildlife Refuge, we cant get our water through there, and we cant obtain a permit to clean the channel so that the water can come on through, Burtenshaw added.

The joint memorial asks the federal government to transfer ownership of the Camas National Wildlife Refuge to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

We believe itd be easier to work with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Burtenshaw said. The regulations will be the same. The only difference is, well work with somebody we can see, as opposed to a seat in Washington, D.C.

On Monday, Burtenshaw disclosed that he has a potential conflict of interest, noting that the legislation directly affects him and his family. Burtenshaw is a farmer and rancher based in Eastern Idaho.

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Nobody spoke in opposition to the joint memorial Monday.

However, the Idaho Conservation League, a more than 50-year-old Idaho-based nonprofit organization that advocates for the protection of public lands, has come out against the joint memorial.

The Idaho Conservation League strongly opposes SJM 104 because it seeks to strip federally managed public lands from public ownership and place them under state control, specifically under the authority of the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, Idaho Conservation League officials wrote online. Another major concern is that the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have reserved treaty rights on these landsrights that would be lost if the refuge were transferred to the state.

Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, was one of the only members of the Idaho Senate to audibly vote against the joint memorial.

Senate Joint Memorial 4 heads next to the Idaho House of Representatives for consideration.

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Veolia employs nearly 179,000 people worldwide, and it is Idaho's largest water utility. (Courtesy of Veolia)

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is hosting a series of events ahead of a decision on whether to allow Veolia Water to raise its rates.

Veolia is Idahos largest utility, and it is requesting to increase rates by 20.5 percent. If the commission approves the request in full, the average residential customers bill would increase by $6.77 per month and the average commercial customers bill would increase by $24.63 per month.

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Included in the utilitys service territory are customers who were previously served by Eagle Water Company. These customers were granted legacy status, which set their rates at a fixed amount for a period of time. Rates will continue to phase in over time. If the utilitys request is approved in full, the Eagle average residential customer will see an increase of $4.52 per month and the average Eagle commercial customer will see an increase of $16.42 per month.

The commission will host three events meant to first answer questions from the public, second event to take testimony from customers, and third to hear from parties to the case. Each event will include options to listen in through the phone.

Online workshop

When: 6 p.m. March 20

How to participate: Visit idahogov.webex.com and enter meeting number 2630 100 0592. Click Join, and enter the password: VeoliaWorkshop. Next click Join Webinar and enter name and email.

To participate by phone, call 1-415-655-0001 and enter meeting number 2630 100 0592.

Customer hearing

When: 6 p.m. May 13

Where: Idaho Public Utilities Commission, 1331 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 8, Suite 201-A, Boise

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In-person attendance is required to submit testimony. Those interested in listening in can call 1-415-655-0001 and enter meeting number 2862 059 1623.

Technical hearing

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 21

Where: Idaho Public Utilities Commission, 1331 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 8, Suite 201-A, Boise

A technical hearing is an opportunity for parties to the case to present witnesses, testimony and exhibits.

To watch online, visit idahogov.webex.com and enter meeting number 2861 175 6228. Then click Join, and enter the password VeoliaHearing. Next click Join Webinar and enter name and email.

To listen to the hearing over the phone, please call 1-415-655-0001 and enter meeting number 2861 175 6228.

How to submit comments

Veolia customers can submit comments related to Veolias application on the Idaho Public Utilities Commissions website. Comments must include the individuals name and address.

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Customers can also mail comments to:

Idaho Public Utilities Commission

P.O. Box 83720

Boise, ID 83720-0074

When filing comments, customers must reference the rate case docket number: VEO-W-24-01.

The last time Veolia changed its rate was in 2022. The Idaho Public Utility Commission must approve, reject or modify the proposal.

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For Monday, March 17, WGNs Dina Bair has the latest on new medical information, including:

More Coverage: WGNs Medical Watch

New treatment for brain tumor

Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor that is incredibly difficult to treat.

Now, doctors in Sao Paulo say their discovery could improve treatment and save lives.

By singling out a protein they say is involved in the growth of glioblastoma, scientists say they can create targeted therapies to attack the prion protein and halt the spread of the deadly brain cancer.

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When the protein is blocked, tumor stem cells die off rather than replicate.

Current treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, fail to eradicate cancer cells, so the disease recurs shortly after therapy stops.

Most patients with a glioblastoma diagnosis only live 12 months.

Tonsil/Adenoid surgery best option for kids breathing problems

When children have breathing problems that prevent them from sleeping, doctors say surgery is the best option.

Children who undergo surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids visit the doctor less often and take less medication than their peers who do not have the operation.

A National Institutes of Health study shows that surgery reduces medical visits by 32% and prescriptions by 48%.

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Parents should seek help for their children if they snore loudly or experience breathing pauses while asleep.

The issues can also impact sleep quality, behavior, and blood pressure.

Surgery lowers blood pressure and improves sleep quality and quality of life.

Brain pacemakers may help with addiction

A pacemaker may be able to ease addiction.

Much like an implanted device regulates the heart, Cambridge doctors say a brain implant can normalize abnormal brain activity that triggers impulse behaviors.

They are implanting electrodes to halt cravings and improve self-control.

They are recruiting others to get deep brain stimulation for addiction control.

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People with severe alcohol and opioid dependence qualify.

Deep brain stimulation is already widely used for neurological and psychiatric disorders and obsessive-compulsive behavior.

Now, doctors want to employ it for cravings, severe addiction, and relapse.

Sign up for our Medical Watch newsletter. This daily update includes important information from WGNs Dina Bair and the Med Watch team, including, the latest updates from health organizations, in-depth reporting on advancements in medical technology and treatments, as well as personal features related to people in the medical field. Sign up here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD)  Gov. JB Pritzker announced that Community Collages across the state of Illinois have seen an increase in enrollment since this time last year.

Enrollment in Illinois Community Colleges this spring increased 8.9% compared to last spring, a news release from Pritzkers Office stated. This is one of the largest spring-to-spring increases the Illinois Community College Board has seen since it started keeping records in the 1990s.

With the largest Spring-to-Spring enrollment increase and the third straight year of growth, our community colleges have not only bounced back from the pandemic  they are now stronger than ever thanks to our historic investments in education, Pritzker said. We are the home to the third-largest community college system in the nation, and we want to continue seeing growth and opportunity for working families by making higher education more affordable and accessible for students across the state.

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Illinois Central College sees fourth consecutive semester of increased admissions

Pritzker said that expanding access to affordable education strengthens the states workforce and creates more economic opportunities for residents.

The number of students has also passed 283,000, which brings the number of students enrolled above pre-pandemic levels, according to the Spring 2025 Enrollment Report.

The report also states that 40 of 45 community colleges across the state saw an increase in students since last year. Duel credit programs, which allow high school students to earn college credit, increased 19.8% from last year.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  Jill Friday said her Spanish language classrooms at Southeast High School in Springfield last year often felt like student living rooms, with kids scrolling on their phones, taking calls from family members and listening to music on headphones.

After weeks of tripping on phone chargers snaking around chairs, Friday enlisted a school janitor to plug up all the charging outlets. Students still snuck to the halls to charge their phones and answer family calls.

Those problems ended, for the most part, last August, when the Springfield school district enacted new rules requiring high schoolers to have their phones off and put away during class, middle schoolers to keep their phones in their lockers and elementary schoolers to keep them in their bags. Previously, each school could write its own policy.

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The districts phone policy update was a relief for Friday.

In the past, kids would just sit there passively because they already had something else to do, and it was called being on the phone, which just makes you not want to get out of bed some mornings and go into work, Friday said in an interview. I was in this weird triangulated corner telling kids to not answer their mom, and parents told them to answer their calls, but now its against policy, and I feel like Im a teacher again.

Districts across the state could be required soon to implement similar policies. Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers proposed a law last month to bring back a cellphone ban in Illinois public school classrooms.

Pritzkers proposal, which is now incorporated into bills introduced in both the state House and Senate, would require school districts to adopt guidelines to prohibit students from using cellphones during instructional time, while providing secure and accessible storage for the devices, before the 2026-27 school year.

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The proposal lists a few exceptions, such as allowing students to use phones during an emergency, when a teacher authorizes the device for instruction, or when a phone can assist students with a disability or is necessary for a student learning English. The bill would not allow fines, fees, ticketing or the help of police officers, as a means of enforcement.

I know that a lot of students dont love the idea of putting their cellphones away during class time, but better learning is better for all the kids in the classroom and really for the entire school and the entire community, Pritzker said at a news conference earlier this month.

Pritzkers proposal enters a decades-long debate over phones in schools, with some arguing students need phones for security while others say they create a distraction and provide a means for cyberbullying.

Illinois first tried a ban on wireless devices in schools in 1990 through a bill sponsored by state Rep. Mary Flowers. Cellphones were rare and expensive, but the ban was aimed at addressing concerns that drug deals were being negotiated on phones.

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That ban was rescinded in the early 2000s with a law allowing public school districts to set their own rules on cellphone use. It was an initiative that Flowers and many others supported after the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado and the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

What resonated with me the most was the Columbine situation, Flowers, a Democrat from Chicago who doesnt support the latest effort to ban phones in schools, said in an interview last month. A lot of those kids ran away from the school, and so parents were calling trying to find out where their children were.

Stephanie Diaz was a student at Highland Park High School in 2023 when another student brought a gun into the building, leading officials to order a lockdown. She said having a phone allowed her to let her mother know she was OK.

It just felt like a sense of security, like you just knew that you were fine, Diaz said. And also, in that moment, you just want to know that youre seen, if that makes sense, like in that moment I want to know Im safe. I want to let my mom know that I am fine, like Im alive and well. And I feel like doing that through the school office is just not effective.

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Under the proposed legislation, students would be able to get possession of their phones and use them in cases of emergency, although its not clear how that would be accomplished. Based on her experience, Diaz said its not practical for students to rush and get their phones in an emergency. During the lockdown, she ended up in another classroom where she wouldnt have had her phone.

Countering the security argument, school safety expert Kenneth Trump said phones can have a negative impact on safety because they can distract students from split-second instructions that will be given by schools. Phones can also be used to accelerate rumors, spread misinformation and cause parents to flock to schools, hindering the work of first responders, he said.

Cellphones provide an emotional security blanket to parents, understandably, I should say, but they may not provide physical safety for kids, and can actually be counterproductive, said Trump, who has worked on safety measures with pre-K-12 schools for over four decades.

The legislation also includes a provision allowing students to have a phone if a licensed physician determines its necessary for the students welfare, or to fulfill accommodations such as an Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan. That part of the proposal is also subject to criticism, with some arguing that its just one additional way those students would stand apart from their peers.

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I would be more concerned about the othering, bullying or stigma that could come from this. If two students in a classroom are allowed to use phones for accessibility purposes, it is not hard to imagine the social impact of singling them out in such a way, said Frank Lally, an education policy analyst for Access Living.

The Illinois Education Association, which represents teachers and other education professionals, is not taking a position on the Illinois bill, according to IEA spokesperson Bridget Shanahan.

Cellphone policies vary at school districts across the state. According to Friday, the Springfield school district policy requires phones to be off and away during class time but leaves the mechanism for achieving that up to individual schools and teachers. Other districts with a ban, including those in Peoria and Hinckley Big-Rock, west of Aurora, use magnetized pouches to lock phones away for the day.

Educators offer many reasons for instituting bans. Hinckley-Big Rock School District 429 Superintendent Jessica Sonntag said videos taken by students in class were sometimes used to humiliate classmates.

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I started having kids tell me that they would take a zero on assignments before they would present in class, because they were afraid that they were gonna be recorded by their classmates and made into a TikTok meme or whatever for people to just destroy them over, Sonntag said.

Phones have also been blamed for their role in promoting fights, with students using their devices to both set up the confrontation and then record it on video, said Wendy Turner, a teacher at Grant Middle School in Springfield.

There are a lot of issues with violence in our schools, and a lot of it is the recording of the fights, and last year, when they were allowed to have their phone in their pocket, the fights were being planned, Turner said.

Martin Torres, Pritzkers deputy governor for education, said officials in Peoria have told him that stricter phone policies have lessened classroom distractions and improved student mental health.

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They say that its improved student participation in classroom dynamics, and this is going to help reduce screen time and social media exposure, and theres a lot of research evidence that suggests social media is linked with anxiety and depression and body dissatisfaction eating disorders, Torres said. We felt like it was important for the state of Illinois to have one common, one common policy with respect to this matter.

Its unclear how the state policy would be enforced.

The precise method is less important to me than making sure we have that baseline, Pritzker said at the Champaign news conference earlier this month. This is about local control. Were setting simply a minimum standard.

Becca Lamon, superintendent of the Ball-Chatham School District west of Springfield, said parents need to be more involved in restricting phone use.

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Theyre asking us to police how their child is using the device they gave their child, Lamon said. We could be supported more by parents setting limits on those devices. Our teachers are here to teach, and their time should be spent on teaching, not becoming cellphone police.

Chicago Public Schools has no district-wide policy on cellphones, but individual schools can create their own rules. Disney II Magnet High School on the Northwest Side implemented a policy last year that gave students the option to place their device in a phone locker or keep their phones in their backpacks, in addition to not allowing students to take their phone to the bathroom.

Iliana Rzodkiewicz, the schools principal, said parents underestimate their kids addiction to phones. A school survey showed students spend an average of 12 hours a day on their phone. Parents estimated four hours in a separate, similar school survey.

In East Aurora School District 131, students are required to place their phones in the lockers at the beginning of each class period, hold onto the key during class and take them out at the end of each period. Theyre free to use their phones in between classes or at lunch, according to the districts superintendent, Jennifer Norrell, but must repeat the locker process at each class they go to, according to Cynthia Martinez, an eighth grade social studies teacher at Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy, a middle school in the East Aurora school district.

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Compliance hasnt been perfect, and Martinez said the restrictions can only do so much if parents dont also reinforce cellphone rules to their kids.

Some of these students, you know, really the first time theyre asked to put away the phone is at school, Martinez said, saying they cant control what goes on in students homes.

Students give a number of reasons for wanting to hold onto their phones in class. Some argue not having a phone creates a distraction.

I feel like just having my phone on me keeps me focused, Tony Ballard, a Springfield Lanphier High School student, said. Im on my phone before I do my work, and it helps me function on what Im doing. It just triggers something to get me focused.

The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated issues with student phone use and socializing at East Aurora, Norrell said earlier this month. Rzodkiewicz said the pandemic skyrocketed phone use and issues stemming from phones.

Friday, the Springfield high school Spanish teacher, said taking phones out of students hands has left her only more convinced that kids are too dependent on them. She said shes also seen more learning gaps that she missed when students had their phones.

If theyve got a phone the whole time, you might not have any idea of students communication skills or their ability to carry on a conversation, Friday said. It shows the very places where its our job as teachers to help.

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(Reuters) -Venezuela's state-run PDVSA has put together three operational scenarios as part of a plan to continue producing and exporting oil at its largest joint venture with Chevron once a license for the U.S. major to operate in the country expires next month, according to a company document seen by Reuters on Monday.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump this month gave Chevron 30 days through early April to wind down all oil operations and exports from Venezuela that are currently going to the United States under a license granted in 2022.

Chevron has a presence in the U.S.-sanctioned South American country through joint ventures where PDVSA is the largest shareholder, with the Petropiar project at the vast Orinoco Belt being the most important partnership.

The Venezuelan firm plans to produce between 105,000 and 138,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Hamaca heavy crude at Petropiar once the Chevron license expires, in line with production levels in recent months, the document says.

A portion of the crude output that varies depending on the scenario will be sent to domestic refineries along with some byproducts like vacuum gasoil, while another portion will be exported to markets other than the U.S.

The vacuum gasoil allows PDVSA to produce low-octane gasoline for domestic distribution.

PDVSA's main goal with the changes is to maintain Petropiar's output levels and avoid the need to halt the upgrader or shut any of the joint ventures' oilfields, a source close to the company's operations said.

PDVSA and Chevron did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

In order to deal with possible shortages of diluents needed to sustain Petropiar's operations, PDVSA will recycle a larger portion of imported naphtha while supplying other diluents from its largest refining complex, Paraguana, to the project.

A dynamic movement of tankers that is currently allowing Chevron to move Venezuelan crude between domestic ports before exporting would be minimized, according to the document.

Some units of Petropiar's crude upgrader are expected to be taken out of service to produce feedstocks other than crude oil in an arrangement similar to the one PDVSA put in place in 2020 when the Chevron license was restricted by Trump's first administration.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Marianna Parraga; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Like many other Canadians, I fell in love with Florida as a child. In my case, it was seven decades ago, when my brother and I spent a week of our Christmas holidays in Miami with my grandmother and her sister.

The memories of our visit to the small house on SW 17th St. are still vivid. There was a trip on the Jungle Queen, watching alligator wrestling at the Seminole trading post, hamburgers at White Castle, and an evening at the auction house in Ft. Lauderdale. It was all very exciting for a five-year-old from small-town Ontario.

The intervening years have been filled with family vacations throughout the Sunshine State, including the pilgrimages to Disney World that are rites of passage for Canadian families.

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A decade ago, we bought our home in Naples. This was to be our first full winter here.

Our story isnt unique. The economic ties between Canada and Florida run deep. According to Visit Florida, 3.2 million Canadians came here in 2023, almost 20% more than the year before. Somewhere between 350,000 and a half-million Canadians own homes here. There are 503 Canadian-owned companies in the state, and they directly employ 51,450 Floridians.

Canada is Floridas number-one export market, to the tune of $5.2 billion a year. Tariff-free access to Canada provides jobs and incomes for tens of thousands of Florida families.

But our ties are more than economic. Some of us trace our family roots, like my American-born grandmothers, to the United States. We attend each others universities, our militaries defend freedom together, and we celebrate our achievements together.

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Wherever they come from, tourists help drive Floridas economy, but Canadians in Florida provide much more than just hotel stays. They join churches, fundraise for health care and other charities, volunteer with seniors and contribute to cultural activities. ArtisNaples, the outstanding visual and performing arts center in Naples, has created a Canadian Friends of ArtisNaples group of patrons. These supporters dont just pass through the community. They are an important part of it.

The decision to impose punishing tariffs against Canada was made in Washington, not in Ottawa or Tallahassee, but the businesses and citizens of both countries will bear the cost.

Opinion: I'm a Canadian and a longtime Florida snowbird. Where's the love, America?

Tariff wars are like nuclear wars. Everyone loses. Thats why our governments have worked so hard over the years to prevent both.

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Companies and customers who buy imported goods and services will all pay these new taxes. Ordinary Floridians worried about the cost of living will see significantly higher prices at the grocery store and at the gas pump. The tariffs will also add thousands of dollars to the price of new cars and make building new homes or repairing hurricane damage much more expensive because of higher lumber prices.

In addition, Canadas reciprocal tariffs against the U.S. will cause Canadian businesses and shoppers to avoid American products that suddenly become more expensive.

Canadians here report that their American neighbors remain warm and welcoming. Many have reached out to say that they dont understand why anyone would undermine such a beneficial relationship. But that relationship is indeed being severely strained.

Opinion: Lets get Floridas crucial 'State Park Preservation Act' over the finish line

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Friends of ours had prepaid their Florida vacation until the end of April. They walked away from that investment and headed home last week. They will miss both the climate and the community, but their consciences wont let them stay in a country whose government says Canada should no longer exist.

They know that Washington wont notice their departure. But they represent millions of Canadians who are cancelling visits or changing buying habits because their country is suddenly under attack from its closest ally, neighbor and friend.

A quartet enjoys the sun on the beach at Sugden Regional Park in Naples, Fla., on Friday, March 7, 2025. A recent cold front made for a pleasant day with low humidity and temperates around 75 degrees.

For generations, our shared goal has been to succeed together. I was there on April 6, 1987, when Ronald Regan told our Parliament how he saw the relationship:

As two proud and independent peoples, there is much that distinguishes us one from the other, but there is also much that we share: a vast continent, with its common hardships and uncommon duties; generations of mutual respect and support; and an abiding friendship that grows ever stronger.

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Restoring mutual respect and support, and renewing the abiding friendship President Regan spoke of is what Canadians, including Canadians in Florida, want most of all.

We hope our American neighbors and friends share that desire.

Perrin Beatty

Perrin Beatty is a former defense minister and foreign minister in Canada. He was President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce until last August. He and his wife are winter residents of Naples.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Canada tourists, transplants love Florida, not tariff wars | Opinion
Mar. 17SANTA FE  Earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 48 undocumented immigrants in New Mexico. Immigrant rights advocates and attorneys still don't know the names or locations of those individuals.

A coalition of advocacy groups held a news conference Monday morning at the Capitol to announce a complaint the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico filed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over the weekend regarding the arrests and lack of information.

They also urged state legislators to pass two immigration-related bills, one that would end civil immigration detainment in New Mexico, House Bill 9, and another barring the use of state resources for the enforcement of federal immigration arrests or detainment, Senate Bill 250.

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ICE, along with other federal agencies like the FBI, in early March held a weeklong "enhanced enforcement operation" in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Roswell, resulting in the arrests of 48 immigrants in the country unlawfully, 20 of whom had criminal charges or convictions, according to ICE.

On March 16, ACLU-NM interim executive director Leon Howard and senior staff attorney Rebecca Sheff filed a complaint, which the ACLU shared with the Journal, about the operation to the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, both of which are under the purview of DHS.

The complaint included four requests: an investigation into the 48 arrests; ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of the arrested individuals; ensuring the arrested individuals are not retaliated against as a result of the complaint; and pursuing accountability for all involved personnel and contractors.

"We don't know what's happened to these four dozen New Mexicans. They've effectively disappeared," Sheff said at the news conference.

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She said advocacy organizations  ACLU-NM, Somos un Pueblo Unido and New Mexico Immigrant Law Center  haven't encountered the unnamed 48 individuals in the ICE detention facilities in New Mexico and are unsure if the arrested immigrants are still in the U.S. She said DHS hadn't notified ACLU that it had received the complaint, as the complaint requested, as of Monday morning.

Twenty-one of the arrested individuals have final orders of removal, according to ICE.

"These arrests exemplify the type of criminals living among us and highlight ICE's commitment to our agency's primary mission  protect public safety," said Mary De Anda-Ybarra, enforcement and removal operations field office director in El Paso, in a statement on March 12.

ICE didn't immediately respond to an inquiry from the Journal asking for the names and detainment locations of the arrested individuals or, alternatively, a reason for the anonymity.

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Meanwhile, legislative efforts related to immigration rights are inching along in the Roundhouse. But with less than a week left in the session, time is running out to get bills to the governor's desk.

House Bill 9, the Immigrant Safety Act, is waiting for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee and has already passed the House. Senate Bill 250, prohibiting state agencies from using resources to enforce federal immigration laws, is sitting on the Senate calendar and still needs to pass the House of Representatives.

Despite the looming Saturday session deadline, advocates noted that there's still time.

"People in our community are gone," said Marcela Diaz, founding executive director of Somos un Pueblo Unido. "Workers are gone. Family members are gone. Neighbors are gone. ... We have to be more bold in protecting our communities."
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has heard enough of MAGA threats against a federal judge who ordered President Donald Trump's administration to halt deportations of Venezuelan nationals suspected of being gang members.

U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg has faced days of smears and calls for his impeachment after issuing a temporary restraining order demanding that the Trump administration halt all deportations being carried out under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Trump himself called for Boasberg's removal on Tuesday, prompting Roberts to issue a rare public statement.

For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose, Roberts shared.

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The statement came shortly after Trump called Boasberg a "radical left lunatic" who should be "impeached." Many early actions in Trump's second-term have been stymied by the judicial branch, who have served as a check on Trump's power as he has attempted to wrest control of a greater share of the federal government.

"Im just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. "WE DONT WANT VICIOUS, VIOLENT, AND DEMENTED CRIMINALS, MANY OF THEM DERANGED MURDERERS, IN OUR COUNTRY. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"

The Trump administration has openly mocked and seemingly ignored Boasberg's order. Attorneys for the Department of Justice argued that Boasberg's ruling from the bench was "not enforceable" in a filing on Monday. In spite of an order demanding that deportation flights return to the United States, Trump shared a video of deportees being escorted into a prison in El Salvador earlier this week.
By Shivam Patel

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India has asked the U.S. to list a Sikh separatist group as a terrorist organisation, an Indian government source said on Tuesday, more than a year after the U.S. said it had foiled a plot with Indian links to kill a leader of the group in the U.S.

Washington went public about the plot in November 2023 and later charged a former Indian spy service officer with directing the plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canada citizen and the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), in an episode that tested growing India-U.S. friendship.

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India denied any official connection to the plot, set up a panel to probe Washington's accusations and said in January that the panel had recommended legal action against an unnamed person.

India's request to the U.S. to list SFJ as a terrorist group came during talks between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and visiting U.S. national intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, said the Indian government source, who declined to be identified as the discussions were confidential.

Indian media outlets have also reported the request.

Formed in 2007, SFJ holds referendums to advocate for a separate state for Sikhs called Khalistan in Hindu-majority India.

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SFJ was labelled an "unlawful association" by India in 2019, citing its support for extremist and secessionist activities, and Pannun was listed as an "individual terrorist" in 2020.

India has had a diplomatic dispute with Canada over the June 2023 killing of another Sikh separatist there.

SFJ has rejected New Delhi's accusations.

"Who is the terrorist? Is it SFJ, which is peacefully and democratically organizing the Global Khalistan Referendum to liberate Punjab from Indian occupation?" Pannun said in a statement shared with Reuters on Tuesday, referring to the home state of Sikhs in India.

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"Or is it (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi's India, which engages in violent transnational repression and hires hitmen to assassinate Khalistan Referendum organizers?" he said.

An Indian defence ministry spokesperson declined to comment. A U.S. Embassy spokesperson said they did not have anything to add beyond a statement about the talks between Singh and Gabbard issued by India's defence ministry on Monday, which mentioned deepening security ties but made no mention of SFJ.

Gabbard's team and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

At a geopolitics conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, Gabbard said that during her trip she'd heard from her Indian counterparts "about the very serious concerns that you have here for your own security interests", without elaborating.

(Reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi, writing by Hritam Mukherjee; Editing by YP Rajesh and Aidan Lewis)
By Rajendra Jadhav

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Authorities clamped indefinite curfew on parts of the Indian city of Nagpur after more than a dozen police officers were hurt in clashes sparked by a Hindu group's demand for the removal of the tomb of a 17th-century Mughal ruler, police said on Tuesday.

Monday's violence in the central Indian city damaged many vehicles and injured several people, among them at least 15 police personnel, one of whom was in serious condition, a police officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of the western state of Maharashtra, where the city is located, criticised the violence in a video message, calling for every effort to maintain law and order.

"I have told the police commissioner to take whatever strict steps are necessary," Fadnavis added.

Police said in a statement that members of the group, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), burnt an effigy of the Emperor Aurangzeb and his tomb as they chanted slogans demanding its removal from the nearby city of Aurangabad.

The police officer told Reuters the situation escalated after several members of Muslim groups marched near a police station and threw stones at police.

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The attackers, wearing masks to hide their faces, carried sharp weapons and bottles, a resident of the area told the ANI news agency, in which Reuters has a minority stake.

The VHP denied accusations of engaging in any violence. It wants the tomb to be replaced with a memorial for rulers from the local Maratha community, its general secretary, Milind Parande, said in a video message.

Nagpur is also the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. The VHP belongs to the same family of organisations.

Modi's critics have often accused him of discriminating against Muslims, and failing to act against those targeting them. He and his government have denied the accusations.

(Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai and Tanvi Mehta in New Delhi; Additional reporting by Rupam Jain; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
NEW DELHI (AP)  Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in parts of a western Indian city on Tuesday, a day after sectarian clashes were sparked by Hindu nationalist groups who want to demolish the tomb of a 17th-century Muslim Mughal ruler.

Clashes between Hindus and Muslims in Maharashtra states Nagpur city broke out on Monday during a protest led by Hindu nationalist groups demanding the demolition of the tomb of Aurangzeb, a Muslim Mughal ruler who has been dead for more than 300 years.

Lawmaker Chandrashekhar Bawankule said at least 34 police personnel and five other people were injured and several houses and vehicles were damaged during the violence. Senior police office Ravinder Singal said at least 50 people have been arrested so far.

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Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtras top elected official, said the violence began after rumors were spread that things containing religious content were burnt by the protesters, referring to the Quran.

Aurangzebs tomb is in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar city, some 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Nagpur. The city was earlier called Aurangabad, after the Mughal ruler.

Aurangzeb is a loathed figure among Indias Hindu nationalists, who accuse him of persecuting Hindus during his rule in the 17th century, even though some historians say such stories are exaggerated.

As tensions between Hindus and Muslims have mounted under Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scorn for Aurangzeb has grown. Modi has made references to Aurangzeb in the past, accusing him of persecuting Hindus.

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Such remarks have led to anxieties among the countrys significant Muslim minority who in recent years have been at the receiving end of violence from Hindu nationalists, emboldened by a prime minister who has mostly stayed mum on such attacks since he was first elected in 2014.

Tensions over the Mughal ruler have intensified in India after the release of Bollywood movie Chhaava, an action film based on a Hindu warrior who fought against Aurangzeb. The film has been lambasted by some movie critics for feeding into a divisive narrative that risks exacerbating religious rifts in the country.

While there have long been tensions between Indias majority Hindu community and Muslims, rights groups say that attacks against minorities have become more brazen under Modi. They also accuse Modi of discriminatory policies towards the countrys Muslims.

Modis ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party denies this.

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Hindu extremists have also targeted Muslim places of worship across the country and laid claim to several famous mosques, arguing they are built on the ruins of prominent temples. Many such cases are pending in courts.

Last year, Modi delivered on a longstanding demand from Hindu nationalists  and millions of Hindus  when he opened a controversial temple on the site of a razed mosque in northern Indias Ayodhya city. The 16th-century Babri mosque was demolished in 1992 by Hindu mobs who believe Ram, one of Hinduism's most revered deity, was born at the exact spot.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has joined President Trumps Truth Social platform.

Delighted to be on Truth Social! Looking forward to interacting with all the passionate voices here and engaging in meaningful conversations in the times to come, Modi said in a post on Monday.

Trump announced the launch of Truth Social back in 2021 after he was banned from Twitter, which is now known as X. He frequently posts on the platform, even using it to discuss important announcements like picks for Cabinet positions in his administration.

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During the first Trump administration, Modi formed a close relationship with Trump. The two went to a large rally with each other in Houston six years ago, and Trump went to India in 2020, with thousands of people in Ahmedabad watching the two politicians speak.

By Tuesday afternoon, Modi already had four posts on Truth Social, including one in which he said he was happy to welcome Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to India.

Exchanged views on further advancing the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, Modi added in the Tuesday post. Both countries are committed to combating terrorism and enhancing maritime and cyber security cooperation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Indiana Court of Appeals upheld a trio of convictions for murder and child molesting Monday.

Murder over $10 drug debt upheld

The court rejected Kevin Varners appeal, saying his legal rights were upheld at trial.

Varner, 53, formerly of East Chicago, got 79 years after going to 23-year-old Danielle Browns Gary house on Feb. 12, 2023, and shooting her dead after she shorted Varners cousin by $10 in a marijuana deal that morning.

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It wasnt about the money, it was about the principle, he said, according to court documents.

They also upheld his conviction for attempted murder for shooting at a Benton County deputy trying to pull him over for the slaying.

In a 3-0 decision, Appeals Judge Leanna Weissmann wrote Varner  who represented himself at trial  failed to depose four police officers himself, that prosecutors didnt abuse their discretion by admitting the chase video, and there was no record of an agreement on limits for his girlfriends cross-examination.

She also rejected that prosecutors withheld exculpatory evidence against him. During the trial, Varner alleged Brown stabbed a man to death in an unrelated 2022 East Chicago drug house slaying. Varner alleged it showed he had to shoot her in self-defense. Court documents note no weapon was found on Brown when she died.

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The stabbing case was later dismissed against the suspect, Yuron Robinson, with prosecutors writing it needed additional investigation.

A detective testified during Varners case that Brown wasnt a suspect in the stabbing. Weissmann noted she was never charged and Varner had no evidence other than his testimony.

Varner was appealing a rejected lower court decision where he alleged trial errors. He can appeal to the Indiana Supreme Court.

Child molesting conviction upheld

The court upheld James K. Robinsons 40-year sentence for sexually assaulting a preteen girl.

In a 3-0 decision, Appeals Judge Pete Foley wrote prosecutors properly admitted a video recording of the childs forensic interview. The law gave great deference to judges on whether or not to admit it.

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At sentencing, a prosecutor said Robinson, 53, formerly of Chicago, manipulated the mother in November 2022 in the Hammond case, telling her he would pay for her drinks that night with a relative to get her out of the house.

Robinson had eight felony convictions, including a 1995 murder conviction. Court records show he was convicted of criminal sexual abuse in 1989.

Robinson rejected a plea deal and maintained his innocence.

Murder conviction for girlfriends slaying upheld

The court also upheld Anthony Carrs 68-year sentence for breaking in and killing his girlfriend Brittany Smith in Gary in January 2022.

In a 3-0 decision, Appeals Judge Mary DeBoer wrote there was no error when a detective testified he found no other suspects and when prosecutors introduced text messages that showed Carr kicked down the door in an incident a couple months before she died.

There was enough evidence pointing to Carrs guilt, DeBoer wrote.

Witnesses told police Smith had dated Carr for about 5 to 6 months.

mcolias@post-trib.com
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As Nvidia's (NVDA) stock goes, so goes the broader market.

"The near-term future of this market, for lack of a better term, is dictated by what's going on at Nvidia and really in semiconductors and technology writ large, just by virtue of their size and by virtue of their importance," Evercore technical strategist Rich Ross told me on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid podcast (see video above or listen below).

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Ross has been studying market technicals for more than 30 years. In 2024, Institutional Investor ranked Ross No. 1 in his field for the seventh straight year. He was named to Institutional Investor's All-America Research team for the 10th year in a row.

In his view, it's no small surprise that as Nvidia's stock struggled this year, the stock market has followed suit.

The AI trade  led by Nvidia and its surging sales and profit story  has powered the stock market over the past two years. As that trade has broken down this year (seen mostly through "Magnificent Seven" weakness), given concerns ranging from a trade war to overvaluation, investors have questioned the broad stock market's strength and valuation.

Watch: What Bill Gates thinks about Nvidia

Ross explained, "What's been driving that key AI theme [for markets] for Nvidia and Broadcom (AVGO), is that it really has its tentacles in so many different sectors and across power generation, what have you. So there are a lot of stocks that have been touched with the brush of AI and Nvidia."

Shares of the AI chip darling haven't worked this year, much to the surprise of the bulls who have minted money off Nvidia over the past five years. The stock is off by 10% as investors fret over exposure to China in President Trump's trade war and the possible overbuilding of AI infrastructure. The company's cautious first quarter margin outlook did little to ease worries.

The stock is below its key 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving average, a major sign of lost momentum among traders.

The S&P 500 (^GSPC)  which includes a more than 6% weighting to Nvidia  is down by 5% this year.

That makes Nvidia's annual "Woodstock of AI" a must-watch for the bulls.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has it within his power to get the year back on track for his stock and the market overall today at the company's GTC event and in a financial analyst meeting on Wednesday. The event is being held in San Jose, Calif.
By Ananda Teresia and Stefanno Sulaiman

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia will question hundreds of its citizens arriving in the capital on Tuesday after they were rescued from online scam compounds in Myanmar, the largest batch of arrivals in the country following a multinational crackdown on the operation.

Myanmar's Myawaddy scam centres are part of a Southeast Asia network involving criminal gangs trafficking hundreds of thousands of people to help generate illicit revenues running into billions of dollars a year, according to the United Nations.

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About 200 Indonesians arrived at Jakarta's airport on Tuesday morning from Myawaddy via Thailand and another 200 will land in the afternoon, the chief security minister, Budi Gunawan, said in a news conference.

Around 154 more are expected to arrive on Wednesday, Budi added. They were among 7,000 people from different nationalities freed from scam centres in Myawaddy following a multinational crackdown to dismantle the illegal compounds.

"We will conduct an assessment to find out which ones amongst them are victims or perpetrators. Because maybe some of them are the illegal players," Budi said.

"We want the Southeast Asia region free from online scams," he said.

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The 554 people, consisting of 105 women and 449 men, will be taken to a dormitory usually reserved for hajj pilgrims where they will be questioned by police, he said.

Those cleared would be allowed to return home but those suspected of being willing participants in financial crimes would face legal processes in Indonesia.

Footage showed the arriving Indonesians wearing red masks and bandanas and being welcomed by authorities, including foreign minister Sugiono, after landing.

Some of them cried and hugged the officials.

Budi said some of them were beaten and electrocuted before being rescued. Others were also threatened that their body parts would be taken if they failed to meet targets set by the cartel, he added.

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"Be careful when you make friends on social media. I am the victim of social media," a survivor with the initials DN told reporters.

Earlier this month, another group of 84 Indonesians returned home from Myanmar while 70 others remain in the country. Some of them were being detained and a few have refused to go home, Budi said.

Aside from Indonesia, China and India have also repatriated their citizens from Myawaddy but thousands still remain in the area including those from African nations.

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Editing by Gibran Peshimam and Saad Sayeed)
An injured bald eagle was released back into the wild near Indian Lake over a month after the bird was found injured.

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State wildlife officials released a video on social media Monday showing the bird taking flight in the wild for the first time in 40 days. State wildlife experts believe the eagle was injured in a fight over territory, our news partners at WBNS-TV in Columbus report.

TRENDING STORIES:

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An Ohio Wildlife officer was called to a piece of private property in Union County Feb. 5 after the injured bald eagle was found, an Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) spokesperson said in a media release.

The officer who responded located the bird and saw it was unable to fly. The officer followed the bird on the ground for a quarter of a mile until he captured it.

The eagle was then taken to a local wildlife rehabilitator.

The injured bird was kept at Crows Hollow Wildlife Care in Richwood and cared for by two rehabilitators, according to WBNS-TV.

Here's an up close look at yesterday's bald eagle release at Indian Lake State Park along with more details about the... Posted by Ohio State Parks on Tuesday, March 18, 2025

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When San Diego police investigated a 2023 crash in which a suspected drunk driver plowed into a parked van, the case started as most would.

The driver was arrested and the van was towed away, put under lock and key at a local impound yard.

But according to a $50-million claim filed against the city, police should have investigated further.

Inside the parked van was Monica Cameroni De Adams, a 65-year-old mother who was homeless and sleeping in the middle row when it was hit.

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It wasn't until about a month later, when an employee at the tow yard noticed a "pungent smell" emanating from the wrecked 2001 Honda Odyssey, that Cameroni De Adams' body was found, according to the claim.

"In our assessment, she died some time after impact and probably perished in the tow yard," said John Carpenter, an attorney with the firm Carpenter and Zuckerman who is representing Cameroni De Adams' family. "The officers and the tow truck operators failed to take any kind of inventory, or to see if there was a live person inside."

The claim, filed by Cameroni De Adams' children, alleges that police officers were negligent and reckless when they failed to look inside the van, and notice that Cameroni De Adams had "sustained severe but survivable blunt force injuries from the collision that required medical attention."

The crash occurred on Nov. 5, 2023, just after 1 a.m. in the 5000 block of Clairemont Drive in San Diego, according to the claim, which is a precursor to a lawsuit.

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A spokesperson for the San Diego Police Department and the city said they could not comment on potential litigation.

A collision report, included in the claim, states that the crash sent the van forward into a parked vehicle. The impact pushed the van's rear door into the middle row, where Cameroni De Adams was reportedly sleeping.

Carpenter said it's unclear how, or why, officers and the tow truck operators failed to find Cameroni De Adams inside the van. Body camera footage of the incident has been requested, but denied so far by the city, he said.

"There's zero excuse for them to not have done a cursory examination to see if anyone was inside," Carpenter said.

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Read more: A California hospital told her family she left. Her body was found in cold storage months later, suit says

A report of the incident, included with the claim, noted that the driver, Jordan Lopez, who rear-ended the van appeared to be slurring his words and had trouble standing while police spoke with him.

Lopez has since pleaded guilty to DUI causing great bodily injury.

The two parked vehicles involved in the crash were towed "to avoid further vandalism," the report notes, and officers attempted to contact their owners but were unsuccessful. The report does not state how officers attempted to reach the owners, including Cameroni De Adams, the owner of the van.

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The report does not state whether officers looked inside the vehicles before having them towed.

On Nov. 14, 2023, Natalia Danielle Cameroni-Adams filed a missing persons report for her mother after she had sent messages the previous day trying to wish her a happy birthday, but did not hear back.

Cameroni De Adams was found three weeks later on Dec. 6 "wedged under miscellaneous items in the vehicle's middle row," according to the claim.

The autopsy report notes she had suffered several injuries, including rib fractures, a fracture in her spine, and a broken arm. The most likely cause of her injuries, according to the report, was blunt force trauma.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The state's Office of Inspector General, in a newly obtained report, has cleared Norwich police officers of any wrongdoing in the death of a 28-year-old Salem man who was handcuffed by police and later died in the hospital.

Discovered at the back of a Norwich restaurant on the evening of Sept. 15, 2024, behaving erratically and pleading for water, Jacob J. Evans was handcuffed and taken by ambulance to Backus Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a host of medical issues. Evans died on Oct. 1, 2024, at Yale New Haven Hospital.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled Evans' death to be accidental. The cause was attributed to substance use, a mix of fentanyl and cocaine.

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Norwich police have for five months declined to release reports or body camera footage of the events that led to Evans transport to the hospital, fueling speculation from Evans' mother, Donna Dunphy, that her son was mistreated by police. She thinks body camera footage clips released to her last week prove her point.

Inspector General Robert J. Devlin Jr., however, concluded in his investigation that Norwich police officers Matthew Pagan and Javier Santiago only tried to help Evans.

The officers did not use excessive force on Evans. They did not strike him or use a TASER on him. They did not arrest him. Their efforts were fully directed to getting this young man, who was in the throes of a drug overdose, the help he obviously needed," Devlin wrote in the report. "Other than his own use of illicit drugs, there is no criminality associated with his death."

Devlin was tasked with an investigation because once Evans was handcuffed, despite not being arrested, he was considered to be in police custody. By state statute, the Office of Inspector General investigates in-custody deaths to determine whether police used physical force. Dunphy shared the inspector general's report with The Day on Monday.

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While there were drugs found in Evans' system, Dunphy disputes that her son had a drug overdose and said she has plenty of medical reports to support her contention that Evans was having a medical episode on the day he was brought to the hospital. Medical records show Evans was found to have leaf debris and dirt in his throat and lungs, which led to rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can lead to organ damage, kidney failure and death. The medical examiners report notes the rhabdomyolysis and additionally lists acute delirium with hypothermia, superficial blunt injuries to Evans head, torso and extremities, among other contributing factors to his death.

Evans, described by his mother as a recovering addict, was first found on Sept. 15, 2024, outside Illianos Restaurant at 257 W. Town St. in Norwich. He was banging on the back door, yelling for water, the inspector generals report shows. Evans is described by restaurant owner Vincenzo Race, in the report, as being off balance and falling down while trying to drink from a pitcher of water brought to him.

I told (Evans) this was not normal, and I told him I was going to call the ambulance. The guy started yelling call the ambulance, call the ambulance. He got up and started punching himself in the stomach over and over yelling that he had a pain in his stomach, Race told police.

Video footage from Illiano's is not included in the report.

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Race called 911, and police arrived to find Evans in boxer shorts rolling on the ground in a heavily wooded area behind the restaurant, the report states. Police said they had trouble getting Evans to calm down and placed him in handcuffs, the reports show. Clips of the body camera video released by the inspector generals office show Evans rolling on the ground, covered in dirt and yelling Im dying, I cant breathe, and "please help me," while struggling with police.

Stop. Relax. Take a deep breath. We're going to get you to the hospital," one officer can be heard saying in response during a minutes-long struggle to get Evans in handcuffs.

"Jacob. Chill. We're just trying to help," one officer says in the video.

Evans, with the help of Yantic firefighters, was placed in a stokes basket  a specialized stretcher  carried to an ambulance and taken to Backus Hospital, the reports show.

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The video, Dunphy said, only bolsters her case that the cause of death was inaccurate.

"They're trying to create this narrative that Jake was on drugs. My son was not treated for an overdose at the scene or at the hospital. It was a medical call all along, Dunphy said.

Dunphy said the video was hard to watch.

"You can see them stuff his face into the ground," Dunphy said. "You can hear him trying to spit out dirt ... trying to get whatever it is out of his throat. Is this some kind of sick joke? They broke their use of force policy and the state of Connecticut's ... that clearly states you're not allowed to hinder the breathing of someone who has been detained."

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Devlin, in his report, said he spoke to Associate Medical Examiner Dr. Cori Breslauer about Evans' cause of death. Breslauer confirmed police contact was not a contributing factor. Breslauer, according to the report, said that cocaine use poses a risk for hyperactive delirium and that the condition can lead to high body temperatures that can result in brain injury due to lack of oxygen to the brain.

It also causes delirium-based disassociation from reality and loss of the ability to control bodily functions, the report states.

Police  it is unclear when  interviewed two of Evans roommates from his room at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Norwich, where he was staying on the day of the incident. The roommates, police said, claimed Evans had been doing drugs prior to the episode. Evans roommates were identified in the report as Lamar Fluker and Josh Staplins.

Dunphy attended a hearing with the Freedom of Information Commission on Friday in her ongoing battle to obtain body camera footage from Norwich police. The Day has made a similar complaint to the commission about the failure of police to release documents and camera footage.

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Norwich Police Chief Patrick Daley has said the case remains under investigation and that the footage would be released only after the inspector general's report was made public. On Monday, Daley called Evans' death "a tragic loss of a young life.

Dunphy hasn't ruled out a civil lawsuit related to her son's death.

Editor's note: These videos contain graphic material.

Body camera footage from Norwich Police Officer Javier Santiago

Body camera footage from Norwich Police Officer Matthew Pagan

g.smith@theday.com
Summer Wheaton attends the Shein Friendsgiving Dinner Hosted By Jena Frumes at Hotel Figueroa in 2023 in Los Angeles. (Rachpoot / Bauer-Griffin via Getty Images)

Lifestyle influencer Summer Wheaton has built a brand on Instagram around beauty product recommendations and faith-based positive affirmations.

On Monday, a superior court official ordered her to don an unattractive new accessory: an alcohol ankle monitor bracelet. The order was made in connection to the deadly car crash Wheaton is charged with causing when she collided with another driver on Pacific Coast Highway on July 4.

Wheaton, 33, did not speak during her court appearance, but her attorney, Elon Berk, entered a not-guilty plea to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and causing great bodily harm while intoxicated.

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Court Commissioner Sarah Ellenberg ordered Wheaton to register for a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) ankle bracelet device within the next two days. Wheaton also was ordered to return to court at the end of April for a preliminary hearing. She remains out on bail after posting a $230,000 bond.

The charges stem from a Fourth of July party at Nobu Malibu last year. Wheaton left the party in Malibu and was driving 81 mph when she collided head-on with a vehicle driven by ride-hail driver Martin Okeke.

The party's guest list included Wiz Khalifa, Tom Sandoval, Mike Tyson, Lonzo Ball and other celebrities. Wheaton was among the throngs of people at the "Red, White and Bootsy" party, according to prosecutors and a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Okeke's family.

Read more: Malibu homeowner sues Tripadvisor, renter for fire that destroyed house, killed student

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Just before arriving at the party, Wheaton posted a photo of herself and a guest in her 2019 Mercedes-Benz.

Though she she arrived with a guest, Wheaton left alone, with a blood alcohol level of 0.10%, according to court records. The legal limit is 0.08%.

Okeke was traveling with a teenage passenger in his vehicle when Wheaton crossed the center divider and crashed into his vehicle. Okeke died in the crash; his passenger survived.

A civil suit filed by Okeke's family names as defendants Wheaton, Nobu Malibu, the Hwood Group LLC and DBDJ LLC, the groups who hosted the event. Okeke's family claims that Wheaton was hired to attend the party on PCH and was expected to consume intoxicants.

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An attorney for Nobu denied in December that Wheaton was hired or contracted by the restaurant.

Less than a week before the party, Malibu city officials rescinded the permit for the event, citing concerns about traffic and safety. Despite the rescinded permit, the Fourth of July party went on.

Attorneys for Nobu previously told The Times that the citys decision to rescind the permit was unfounded and that the restaurant abided by the citys initial conditions for the permit, including an agreement that guests would be shuttled to the event and that there would be no on-site parking.

Read more: Speeding and drugs were factors in Cybertruck crash that killed 3 college students, CHP says

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Wheaton, however, drove herself to the party, according to the lawsuit.

While the crash took place in the summer of 2024, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department did not present the case to the district attorney's office until October. Prosecutors requested additional information from sheriff's investigators and the case was filed Feb. 10.

Wheaton curtailed her postings to social media after the crash, but seven days after being charged in the case, she posted a video where she discussed her faith without directly mentioning the fatal crash.

"You may not believe this but your miracle is right on the other side of your lowest moment," she said in a video posted to Instagram on Feb. 17. "I know that sounds crazy to say but I've experienced it."

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Times staff writer Clara Harter contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  The insurance company for Peorias public television station is suing the estate of the stations former CEO and its former finance director to recover money it paid out as part of a claim.

The suit, filed last week in Peoria County Circuit Court, by the Cincinnati Insurance Company, seeks $250,000 from the estate of Lesley Matuszak and from Linda McLaughlin as well as costs and fees.

Thats the amount Cincinnati Insurance paid to Illinois Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation, the parent company of WTVP-TV, last summer to cover alleged embezzlement by Matuszak and McLaughlin.

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Upon information and belief, the Defendants fraudulent actions and scheme and embezzlement was reported to the police and an investigation ensued implicating the Defendants and their criminal activity, the 16-page suit stated.

Its not uncommon for an insurance company to file suit to recover money they paid out as part of a claim. Thats known as subrogation within the legal parlance.

In fall 2023, the resignation and subsequent death of former CEO Lesley Matuszak rocked the station and revealed a financial mess. Since then, the station has stated Matuszak and former finance director McLaughlin approved the improper, unauthorized, or questionable spending that has led to the current financial difficulties.

In late 2023, the station cut $1.5 million from its budget, laid off nine employees, and paused the publication of Peoria Magazine. A large portion of the board of directors resigned in January, including the chairman.

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An investigation by police and the Peoria County States Attorneys office indicated there was probable cause to file charges of embezzlement and forgery against Matuszak, but charges were never filed as she had taken her life, thus ending any notion of criminal prosecution.

No charges have ever been brought against McLaughlin. The lawsuit is the first to raise allegations against her.

The suit also alleges the two conspired together to defraud WTVP out of the money.

As part of the conspiracy, Defendant McLaughlin knowingly and intentionally participated in, facilitated, and directed the fraudulent actions carried out by Defendant Matuszak. This conspiracy was aimed at deceiving WTVPs Board of Directors, ultimately leading to the

approval and reimbursement of fraudulent and unauthorized expenses, the suit states.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Mar. 17SANTA FE  Amid a chronic health care worker shortage, New Mexico lawmakers are weighing proposals to make it easier for licensed out-of-state practitioners to work in the state.

A package of bills would, if passed, allow New Mexico to join various interstate medical licensing compacts and streamline the licensing process for physicians.

New Mexico is a member of a 40-state nursing compact, but has not joined similar compacts for doctors, physical therapists, dentists, mental health counselors and audiologists.

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With just five days left in the 60-day legislative session, some medical compact bills have already passed one chamber, but none have as of yet crossed the finish line.

Though similar piecemeal bills have stalled in past years, this is the first time advocates are pushing for a comprehensive package to make it through the Legislature.

One of the compact bills, House Bill 243, aimed at allowing physicians to apply for an expedited license in member states, was discussed in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday but not voted on.

Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, the committee's chairman, expressed concern about New Mexico physicians being subject to subpoenas issued in another state.

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He also referred to as interstate compacts as business ventures, adding, "It looks like a pretty creative way to make a buck."

But Cervantes also said he's willing to work with advocates to try to address concerns.

"We want to have more doctors in New Mexico and we want to work with you to make that happen," Cervantes said during Monday's meeting.

Rep. Marian Matthews, D-Albuquerque, the bill's sponsor, said the hearing broke the ice for the bill and hinted at possible compromise amendments to come.

"The committee's identified what's important ... and now we're going to go take a moment and look at it and see if there's a way to move forward," she told the Journal.

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Another member of the committee, Sen. Katy Duhigg, D-Albuquerque, said in a Monday interview the compact bills often feature problematic language that advocates don't want to change.

Duhigg, an attorney, said a proposed social work compact bill came in cleaner than other compact legislation and the amended version that passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee cleaned it up even more.

"That is the example of how they should do it. They were reasonable in removing language that was not right for New Mexico, and we passed the compact," she said.

She also said it could be very dangerous to let a private commission make laws about what New Mexico does in medical care, pointing to issues like reproductive health care or gender-affirming health care. Dozens of other states joining compacts doesn't unequivocally mean New Mexico should, she said.

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"If other states think it's cool to let some private organization make their laws for them, OK, but that is no reason for us to do so," Duhigg said.

A way to ease chronic worker shortage?

The interstate compacts are aimed at alleviating a longstanding health care provider shortage, especially in rural New Mexico.

Despite recent efforts to boost funding for health care training programs at New Mexico colleges and universities, the state had an average shortage of 5,000 health care workers between 2018 and 2013, according to legislative data.

Most of New Mexico's neighboring states are already members of five or more of the interstate compacts, according to Think New Mexico, a Santa Fe-based think tank that has advocated for the legislation.

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Founder and Executive Director Fred Nathan described the health care compacts as the most impactful short-term fix to New Mexico's doctor shortage crisis.

"These are bills that the overwhelming number of states have already approved, and we have a dire shortage of health care workers. So it makes sense that these bills should all be passed this session," Nathan said.

In a legislative analysis, the state Department of Health concluded that passage of the medical licensure compact would reduce the administrative burden and the time required to become licensed in New Mexico, which could increase available physicians.

The DOH analysis also said an increase in primary care providers could reduce the number of emergency department visits in New Mexico by making it easier for patients to access routine care.

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But while legislation may be advancing through the legislative process, some advocates aren't entirely happy with changes made along the way.

Matt Shafer, deputy policy director of the National Center for Interstate Compacts, emailed Cervantes on Monday with concerns that the committee changes to Senate Bill 105, concerning social work licensure compacts, would "prohibit New Mexico from being seated on the compact commission," according to an email shared with the Journal.

Kristina Fisher, associate director of Think New Mexico, explained that the national commission can bar states from joining the compacts under the reasoning that, "you can pass what you want, but we can't accept it unless it's substantively the same as what every other state agreed to."

She said if the Legislature passes the compact bills, the national commission could vote to add New Mexico to the compacts before the end of the year.

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Nathan said trial lawyers are often against the compacts because they don't want to expand immunity in lawsuits  language in some of the bills states that officers and employees of the interstate commission are immune from suit and liability. Nathan described trial lawyers' interests as self-serving, not wanting to grant lawsuit immunity, "even if the probability of suing these people is beyond remote."

But Duhigg later denied that, saying, "This is not a trial lawyer thing" and some advocates aren't willing to compromise to fix bad language.

Nathan said the need for interstate compacts pairs with a need to reform the state's medical malpractice statutes. A bill to limit attorney fees in medical malpractice cases died in its first committee last week.

"The issue is not going away, and we're not going away," Nathan said.

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Fisher added, "And unfortunately, the doctors are going away  and that's what we need to address."

Hospital mergers also on lawmakers' minds

The House voted Monday to approve a bill, House Bill 586, giving the secretary of the state Health Care Authority the ability to decide whether to approve proposed mergers and acquisitions of hospitals and other health care facilities.

"The focus of this is hospitals, and making sure the quality of care and the way we treat our workforce is the same  or better  after this transaction," said House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, during Monday's debate

New Mexico has the nation's highest percentage of hospitals owned by private equity firms, as 17 of the state's 45 private hospitals are owned by such firms, according to a legislative analysis.
There is no suspicion of foul play in popular YouTuber P2istheName's death as investigators continue in their bid to unravel the puzzle.

P2istheName, real name Philip Enewally, was found dead in a mail room last Friday, March 14, leaving many shocked.

The 26-year-old became famous for sharing gaming videos and later started posting more general videos, including those showcasing his personal life.

Details Of P2istheName's Death

Instagram | P2istheName

As investigators try to uncover the circumstances surrounding P2istheName's death, sources have told TMZ that the police don't suspect any foul play.

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The insiders also provided new details about the YouTuber's demise, revealing that he collapsed in front of mailboxes at his Los Angeles apartment building.

The property manager found P2istheName's body and called 911. Paramedics and police quickly responded and arrived at the building.

However, their efforts to revive the influencer proved abortive, and they pronounced him dead at the scene.

Sources also revealed that P2istheName's death is being treated as from natural causes as there were no immediate signs of drugs or alcohol.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Coroner has conducted an autopsy on the deceased's body and awaits toxicology results.

P2istheName Planned To Leave Los Angeles Before His Death

In February, P2istheName posted a video on his YouTube channel titled, "Why this is My Last Month Living in Los Angeles.."

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In the clip, he explained, "I've been in Los Angeles like, my whole life. I feel like I'm in a place where I need to meet new people."

The influencer added, "I feel like I want there to be an er in my life where I leave my comfort zone, I leave Los Angeles, and I finally take a big leap of faith, and I'm not comfortable. I feel like I need that in this stage of my career and just in general."

He also shared his plan to move to Atlanta, expressing hope to have kids in the future so he could advise them about where to live. P2istheName said, "I feel like when you are able to experience more things you are able to have more wisdom to really explain things."

Additionally, he shared his desire to move to somewhere he could meet many like-minded people who share his mentality as an "entrepreneur."

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He continued by describing Los Angeles as "very saturated," adding, "There's a lot of people that live in L.A. but L.A. is like, scattered with so many different people where it's kind of going to be hard to find people like you 'cause there's so many different people doing different thing."

Fans React To P2istheName's Post About Leaving Los Angeles

Instagram | P2istheName

Following P2istheName's death, many of his fans trooped to the comment section of his video about leaving Los Angeles to pay tribute to him and reflect on the post.

One person wrote, "When he said, 'when I'm 36, I wanna be able to tell my kids that that's a cool place to live,' I almost teared up. Life man."

Another person commented, "He always wanted kids, he was too young in his eyes though. I hope he finds his family and an even better wealth and success in his new life."

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A third person shared, "This title is crazy. We foreshadow sometimes and don't even know it."

Another fan added, "When I'm older, and have kids someday." Man, that hit different. We gotta start taking life seriously man. RIP p2."

Friends Pay Tribute To P2istheName

Kai Cenat shares his condolences after finding out P2istheName recently passed away, and reveals that P2 used to show him constant support and love when he started his streaming career  pic.twitter.com/gcJecQsHqv  ryan  (@scubaryan_) March 17, 2025

Many of the content creator's friends also paid tribute to him across various social media platforms.

Another YouTuber, COLETHEMAN, made a post on X, writing, "My good friend @P2istheName has passed away... wow. I'm honestly at loss for words. He was always so kind to me and gave me so much content creation advice. May he rest in peace. This breaks my heart."

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Famous streamer Kai Cenat also paid tribute to the deceased via a livestream, revealing that he used to show him constant love and support when he began his streaming career.

Another popular streamer, YourRAGE, also posted, "[This] is sad bruh nobody even knows how either. He just collapased as soon as he walked out a room. No symptoms nothing. Bro was healthy having a regular -ss night & boom. Tomorrow isn't promised y'all .. live [with] no regrets. Prayers to all his friends & family fr."

Who Was P2istheName?

Instagram | P2istheName

The YouTuber first became famous for creating videos for "Fortnite" and the annual "NBA 2K" game.

He later expanded his content with collaborations, challenges, and lifestyle clips showcasing his personality.

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Recently, he launched his clothing line, "DontMindUs," sharing his journey and determination to grow the brand.

P2istheName, who had nearly 4 million YouTube subscribers, expressed his passion for the venture, stating he wanted to "share with the world."
Officials are investigating after a man was struck by a car while attempting to cross Quincys Southern Artery Monday night.

A 58-year-old Weymouth man, whose name has not been released, was struck in the area of Broad Street around 7:00 p.m. The man was rushed to a Boston-area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries Tuesday morning, the Norfolk County DAs office says.

The driver of the car, an 82-year-old Quincy man, was uninjured and no charges have been filed as of yet, the DA says.

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The Norfolk County District Attorneys office and Quincy police are investigating the crash.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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(Bloomberg) -- Xiaomi Corp. hiked its 2025 delivery target for electric vehicles to 350,000 units after posting its fastest revenue growth since 2021, reflecting inroads into the Chinese EV market.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Beijing-based company, which delivered its first SU7 sedans in April 2024, has made progress in expanding its EV production capacity, billionaire co-founder Lei Jun said in a Weibo post on Tuesday. It later reported a better-than-projected 49% rise in sales to 109 billion yuan ($15.1 billion) for the December quarter.

Xiaomi shares slipped in early Wednesday trading, reflecting the heightened expectations that made the company one of Chinas most expensively valued tech stocks.

It remains a fledgling player in car manufacturing and is grappling with limited capacity, which has stretched wait times for customers. The company has promised to boost production for quicker delivery as it builds out the second phase of its car factory in Beijing. Lei didnt disclose further details about the production capacity on Tuesday.

Thats a huge back log for us that we need to deliver, Chief Financial Officer Alain Lam told Bloomberg Television on Wednesday. We need to continue to expand our production capabilities by adding new production sites. Thats something were working hard on right now.

Xiaomi Sales Beat as EV Success Strengthens Brand: Street Wrap

The companys shares surged after its successful initial foray into EVs, an arena dominated by far larger competitors Tesla Inc. and BYD Co. Lei previously set a target to deliver 300,000 cars this year, aiming to grow Xiaomi beyond its traditional business of mobile phones and home connected devices.

That year-long rally means Xiaomis stock is more expensive than larger Chinese internet rivals such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. or Tencent Holdings Ltd., and sets a high bar to clear this year.

An upcoming SUV model will launch in summer to compete with Teslas Model Y, testing customer appetite. Longer-term, it also plans to take its cars overseas in 2027, President Lu Weibing told media in March.

Even as Xiaomi diversifies beyond consumer electronics, its trying to defend its position against Apple and Huawei Technologies Co. in a stabilizing global market. Xiaomis handset shipments last quarter increased 4.8%, according to industry consultancy IDC, as a market recovery continues and the Chinese brand took share from Apple and Samsung.
DES MOINES, Iowa  By a vote of 81 to 13, with six lawmakers not voting, Iowa House members voted through a bill requiring parental consent for minors using tanning beds in the state.

The bipartisan vote stemmed from the legislative bodys concern about increasing cancer rates in the state.

Iowa, second highest rates of cancer, only state with a growing cancer rate, fifth highest rates of melanoma, 1,600 melanomas per year. We are one of only six states without any restrictions on this issue, said State Representative Josh Turek (D) District 20, from Council Bluffs.

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The National Cancer Institute says over half of new cancer among adolescents and young adults is melanoma. The institute also stated that its the third most common cancer type across 20 to 29-year-old,s as well as 30 to 39-year-olds.

Cotton-top tamarin infant at Blank Park Zoo has died

The Skin Cancer Foundation says that you have a 75% greater risk of getting melanoma if you use a tanning bed before the age of 35.

The bill states that no one in the state under the age of 18 can use a tanning device unless the parent or guardian provides written consent to the tanning facility. There is a written statement that is included into the bill that must be used in the written consent.

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The bill sponsor told reporters on Monday that a lot of tanning salons already require parental consent for minors to use the equipment. He said that its for other scenarios where tanning devices are made available.

The parents will have to be able to walk in and see literature that tells them this is not safe for your kid. The reason you see this coming up, because most of the tanning salons right now, their facilities there are doing it, but its the facilities that dont do it, said State Representative Hans Wilz (R) District 25, from Ottumwa. People that charge for tanning, whether its a subscription, whether its to an apartment, a rental.

The bill now heads over to the Iowa Senate chamber for further consideration.

Iowa News:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
The Iowa Senate passed legislation March 17, 2025 to ban citizens' police review boards. (Stock photo by Oliver Helbig/Getty Images)

Iowa local governments would not be able to have citizen police review boards under legislation passed by the Iowa Senate 37-9 Monday.

Senate File 311 prohibits cities with a civil service commission  any city with a population over 8,000  from adopting or establishing citizens boards that review the conduct of law enforcement officers. Currently, at least six cities in Iowa have citizens police review boards: Ames, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Dubuque, Iowa City and University Heights. The legislation was amended to have an enactment day of Aug. 16, 2025, if signed into law, which lawmakers said would give localities more time to comply with the measure.

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Sen. Scott Webster, R-Bettendorf, said cities already have bodies in charge of reviewing police actions through civil service commissions. These panels are in charge of hiring, disciplining, and firing city employees including police officers. Webster said when there are issues where a police officers actions are under question, there is duplication happening with citizens boards, as the larger civil service commission will also be reviewing the case. He also said in many situations, police officers cannot legally present their argument to this board.

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These review boards have the ability to talk about officers, worry about what happened on a particular case, Webster said. That officer, because of his legal requirements, cant come in there and defend himself in any way, shape or form. Thats not what the states about. Thats not what this country is about.  When theyre going to have to go up against another trial, to an extent, inside of civil service, there is no reason for them to spill all of their defense in front of a civilian review board.

But Democrats, including Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, said the measure was yet another in a seemingly unending stream of intrusions on local control in allowing local governments to decide the best approach to police oversight in their communities. He said as a former city council member in Ames, he understood the importance of these local government entities in building trust between a community and law enforcement  and that these city boards were a way to bridge the gap between people with problems or differing views on law enforcement decisions.

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If you believe in continuous improvement, if you believe in quality control at all, you know that (the solution is) communication about these problems, building  understanding between members of the community, as well as understanding and appreciation for, and trust of, the police department, he said.

Webster said he also supported a return to community policing, and that removing police review boards was necessary to do that and allow police officers to more fully participate, pointing to events like an officer going to an ice cream social.

This is what this is going to do, Webster said. Theres not going to be a review board there telling them whether or not they gave out the right ice cream or not, or whether or not they did the right policy or not, or whether or not this policy should be the way that they police in their particular town. Were going to leave it up to the experts in the room, which are the police.

He also said concerns about opinions and voices of community members not being heard with the removal of police review boards could be addressed by adding these members to a citys civil service commission.

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The legislation also makes some changes to city civil service commissions, including raising the number of people on these commissions from a minimum of three members to having between five to seven members. It would require cities to hire outside counsel or attorneys when disputes between the city council and civil service commission involve a conflict of interest, and states that attorneys who have represented the commission, including a city attorney or assistant city attorney, cannot represent the city or its employees in appeals before the civil service board.

While current law already allows for civil service commissions decisions to be appealed in court, the bill would allow for a trial de novo  meaning a case that would create a fresh determination of evidence and law without reference to previous cases  at the district court level. Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner said the bill overly complicates a process thats already taking place in in most communities, saying this provision would functionally duplicate the attorney fees, discovery and presentation of evidence for issues that have already had substantial time and resources put into the case in court.

Of course, I want everyone to have due process, Weiner said. It just seems like this is adding layers that are going to be expensive and difficult without necessarily changing outcomes.

Webster said ensuring police are given due process in these instances is necessary to protect law enforcement officers. He said citizens review boards in particular are a concern because they are used as a political cudgel against police, linking these city government bodies to the defund the police movement that grew in popularity during the 2020 protests after the killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer.

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These far left ideas endanger officers, Webster said. They destroy the rule of law in our in our country. And colleagues, today we get to vote to defend our law enforcement from political interventions from citizen review boards and the media frenzy that goes along with them. Weve all seen how that particular frenzy can ignore the truth, ignore the facts, and instead show public opinion leading to unwarranted prosecutions of front line defenders more akin to witch hunts than real justice.

The measure moves to the House for further consideration. The Senate bills companion, House File 641, is available for floor debate.

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Correction: A previous version of this story stated that five cities in Iowa have citizens review boards for police. The article has been updated to reflect that Ames also has a police citizens review board.
NEW YORK (AP)  A journalist from Iran who prosecutors said was the target of an assassination plot testified Tuesday that Tehrans campaign to silence her left her feeling broken, but that she responded to every threat by planting a flower at her home in New York.

Thats why I have a beautiful, massive garden ... because I face a lot of curses and threats, Masih Alinejad told the jury.

The dissident writer testified for more than two hours at the trial of two men charged with trying to kidnap and kill her in 2022. U.S. prosecutors say the murder plot was orchestrated from Iran to stop Alinejad from speaking out about human rights abuses in her home country.

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Guided by gentle questioning from Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Lockard, Alinejad recounted her childhood in Iran and her years as a young journalist trying to cover politics in a country where she frequently clashed with authorities who sought to control the news she produced.

We don't have free media in Iran, she said.

She left Iran in 2009 following the countrys disputed 2009 presidential election and moved to the United States, where she launched online campaigns to encourage women in Iran to pose for pictures and videos showing their hair, in defiance of a religious rule requiring a head scarf.

In Iran, Alinejad said, a cleric had once told her Im going to punch on your face if you dont cover your hair proper. On the stand, Alinejad appeared with curly, black hair styled in big curls.

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Alinejad's testimony came a week after a former member of the Russian mob testified that he took photographs and videos outside her Brooklyn home after he was hired to assassinate her. Before he could, he was stopped by police for running a stop sign. He was arrested after a loaded AK-47 assault rifle was found in his backseat.

An author and contributor to Voice of America, Alinejad became a U.S. citizen in October 2019. She has traveled the world speaking to women and encouraging others to join her movement for freedom of expression by women, particularly those in Iran.

She said authorities in Iran have consistently tried to derail her messages by calling her a prostitute, a CIA agent or even an agent of President Donald Trump.

In 2022, shortly before the FBI moved her out of her home after the assassination plot was discovered, she said the threats and insults had become so severe that she felt broken a little bit.

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It was then, she testified, that she began planting a flower for every insult and threat made against her.

Her testimony was presented at the trial of Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, natives of Azerbaijan, which shares a border and cultural ties with Iran. The men have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including murder-for-hire.

Defense lawyers for Amirov and Omarov have told jurors that prosecutors evidence was merely circumstantial and there isn't enough proof for a conviction.

A judge told jurors Monday that they may start deliberating by the end of this week.
POTTSVILLE  Given the oppressive conditions under which they lived and worked, its hard to imagine how 19th Century Irish immigrants had time to volunteer as firefighters.

Yet they did, according to firefighting historians Michael J. Kitsock and Michael R. Glore.

In Irish Firefighting Heritage of Schuylkill County, they showed that immigrants from the old sod played a crucial role in forming some of the countys earliest fire companies.

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The logo on this Phoenix Fire Co. No. 2, Shenandoah, fire truck features the flags of America and Ireland. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO

The social hall at Humane Fire Company No. 1 in Pottsville was filled to capacity recently when Kitsock and Glore presented an hour-long slide show focusing on Irish firefighting heritage.

Sponsored by the Schuylkill County Historical Society, the event was held in Humane in anticipation of a large turnout.

Kitsock and Glore, authors of several books on firefighting, moderated the presentation. Their work includes Pottsville Firefighting and Reading Firefighting. Their newest book, The Great Memorial Day Fire of 1945 and Other Schuylkill County Disasters, was published last month.

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Between 1820 and 1860, one in three immigrants to America were from Ireland. Following the Great Potato Famine in Ireland from 1845 to 1852, an estimated 500,000 Irish emigrated to America. In all, by 1875 some 6 million Irish settled in the U.S.

An estimated 500,000 people emigrated from Ireland to America after the potato famine of 1845.

The migration from Ireland coincided with the rise of anthracite coal, and many came to Schuylkill County to work in the mines. Its said that Irish miners went to work when it was dark, worked all day in the dark and emerged from underground when it was dark.

Kitsock borrowed a line from Tennessee Ernie Fords Sixteen Tons to illustrate the plight of Irish miners: St. Peter dont you call me cause I cant go, I owe my soul to the company store.

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The Schuylkill Hydraulians in Pottsville, now Phoenix Hook & Ladder, was the first Irish fire company in Schuylkill County, the authors research showed. It was founded in 1829, the same year D. G. Yuengling founded the Eagle Brewery in Pottsville. It celebrates its 196th anniversary this year.

Irish firefighters had a hand in the formation of Humane Steam Fire Company No 1, Mahanoy City, in 1867. A Gaelic inscription on its logo, a 4-leaf clover, reads Na Eireannach At Sabhail, roughly translated The Irish are Safe.

The Independent Hose Company in Minersville, formed in 1869; and Citizens Fire Company, Palo Alto, formed in 1884, both had Irish roots.

A crew from Phoenix Fire Company No. 2, Shenandoah, arrived for the presentation in, naturally, a green firetruck. A plaque in its firehouse honoring World War II veterans, painted by Leo Ploppert, has numerous Irish surnames like Brennan, OBrien and McDonald.

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Phoenix No 2 was founded in 1885, the same year a devastating fire swept through 400 homes in a mostly Irish neighborhood in Shenandoah.

Irish surnames are common on a plaque in Phoenix Fire Co. No. 2, Shenandoah.

Other fire companies with a hint of green in their ancestry included Rescue Hook & Ladder, Saint Clair; East End Fire Company, Tamaqua; Clover Hose Company, Hecksherville, and Rangers Hose Company, Girardville.

Joseph Wayne, a lifelong member of Rangers Hose, said the presentation was a fitting tribute to Irish firefighting heritage.

Proprietor of the Hibernian House, Wayne is a great-grandson of John Black Jack Kehoe, alleged leader of the Molly Maguires. Wayne served as president of Ancient Order of Hibernians John Kehoe Division No. 1 in Girardville.

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My first cousin, Jackie McDonald, was fire chief at Rangers, he said. Its a well-run fire company.

Kitsock, president of the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, said Irish immigrants had to struggle to gain acceptance in their adopted country.

They had to prove themselves, he said. Their mettle enabled them to do the hardest jobs, and devote time to forming fire companies and fighting fires.
The Treasury Department is bringing on two IRS whistleblowers to probe the Biden administration's handling of the investigation of Hunter Bidens tax practices.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Tuesday that Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, who alleged there was political interference in the Hunter Biden investigation, would be senior advisers at the department.

Shapley and Ziegler will have "a year to investigate the wrongdoing thats going on at the IRS, Bessent said on Fox Business.

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Well learn whats been going on at the IRS, whats been wrong, how could this Hunter Biden nonsense have happened. And were going to make sure it doesnt happen to anyone again, whether theyre Republicans, Democrats or independents, Bessent said.

In a separate statement, he said they would "help further the agencys focus on collections, modernization, and customer service, so we can deliver a more effective and efficient IRS experience for hardworking American taxpayers.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior tax writer and longtime advocate for whistleblowers, praised the move, after urging Bessent last month to offer leadership roles to Shapley and Ziegler at the IRS.

Shapley and Ziegler argued in congressional testimony and elsewhere that political meddling led to Hunter Biden receiving special treatment in the tax inquiry.

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Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to a string of federal tax crimes last year in California, after a previous plea agreement collapsed. Former President Joe Biden pardoned his son late last year, shortly before leaving office.

Shapley, Ziegler and their congressional allies also charged that the IRS illegally retaliated against the two whistleblowers.

If we reinstate whistleblowers who have been retaliated against, it will send a clear signal that pointing out wrongdoing is an honorable thing to do, Grassley said, in a statement.

Toby Eckert contributed to this report.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The Illinois State Board of Education is celebrating the success of a recruiting program designed to alleviate the ongoing teacher shortage.

ISBEs The Answer is Teaching campaign focused on recruiting teachers by sharing testimonies and individualized support. The $6 million media campaign advertised in both Spanish and English to potential teachers in urban and rural areas along with neighboring states.

Rantoul Superintendent discusses Dept. of Education cuts

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From the campaigns duration  the beginning of July to the end of January  the agency was contacted by more than 17,000 potential teachers from many walks of life.

The outpouring of interest in teaching in Illinois tells us people at many different stages of life want a career with great benefits, competitive pay, and personal fulfillment, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said in a statement. At ISBE, we are committed to not only raising awareness about the benefits of teaching in Illinois but also removing barriers whether financial, informational, or logistical that may stand in a candidates way.

This comes after the latest annual teacher shortage report, which found a 5.6% decrease in the number of unfilled positions statewide. The marketing campaign targeted common areas with many vacant positions like bilingual teachers, special education teachers, urban and rural teachers.

Its a global problem: Central IL districts, administators, react to school vacancy report

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We dont just want more applicants to the school districts and the subjects that are already getting a lot of applicants, Jackie Matthews, the Executive Director of Communications, said in a statement. We want to attract and make sure that our teacher supply is matching the demand.

In the last two years, Illinois has invested $45 million in teacher vacancy grants to help school districts hire and retain teachers.

The website for the campaign will remain active. Those interested in applying can still submit their contact information to get personalized emails and more resources on the steps needed before becoming a teacher in Illinois.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
CAIRO (Reuters) - An Israeli airstrike killed the spokesperson of the armed wing of the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad on Tuesday, as well as his wife and several members of his family, sources associated with the group said.

Naji Abu Saif, better known as Abu Hamza, was killed in an airstrike that targeted his house in central Gaza, the sources added.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
The News

Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza Tuesday as the fragile two-month ceasefire with Hamas collapsed, with hundreds of people reported killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed increasing military force against Hamas over the groups repeated refusal to release more hostages. The US was briefed before the strikes took place, the White House confirmed.

Hamas said Israel was exposing the remaining hostages held in Gaza to an unknown fate, and called on international mediators and the United Nations to intervene, the BBC reported. Hamas highest-ranking security official, Mahmoud Abu Wafah, was also apparently killed in the strikes, according to the outlet.

SIGNALS

Israel tips back toward war as a means to pressure Hamas

Sources: Sky News , The New York Times , Middle East Eye

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Negotiations to extend the Hamas-Israel ceasefire have been stalled for weeks as both sides failed to agree on how to end the war and Hamas future. Israel appears to have returned to a wartime posture on Gaza to break that deadlock, The New York Times wrote: The assault could be a potent reminder of what Hamas would be returning to if it does not concede, although one former Israeli military intelligence official warned that it was also possible that we will find ourselves in a limited war of attrition: ongoing airstrikes but no readiness from Hamas to give up. Arab nations put forward a peace plan earlier this month  supported by several European leaders  but reports have suggested that the UAE lobbied the Trump administration against it.

Renewed strikes could inflame internal divisions in Israel

Sources: The Associated Press, The Times of Israel

Within Israel, the strikes are likely to worsen deep internal fissures, The Associated Press wrote, as returned hostages and families ramp up pressure on the government to negotiate the release of those remaining in Gaza  an objective polls show a majority of Israelis support, The Times of Israel noted. The move could also inflame disagreements in Benjamin Netanyahus own government: A day before the strikes, the Israeli prime minister said he would remove one of the countrys top security chiefs, Ronen Bar, who was known to frequently challenge Netanyahu over his handling of the war  his firing, The Times wrote, risks tearing the nation apart.

Washington support for Israel underscores other global divides

Sources: BBC, The Guardian

Washingtons blanket support for Benjamin Netanyahus war aims in Gaza underscores the growing divisions between the Trump administration and other world institutions and governments: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was shocked by the renewed strikes, and officials from countries including Belgium, Switzerland, Egypt, Australia also condemned the action. Hamas has sought to specifically hold the US responsible for the deaths of Gazan civilians: The Guardians international security correspondent Jason Bourke said US rearmament of Israel and Donald Trumps increasingly staunch support for the Israeli prime minister had likely emboldened Netanyahu to resume the strikes.
Israel launched a wave of heavy airstrikes on Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip, killing more than 400 Palestinians and injuring hundreds more, according to the Hamas authorities.

The strikes, which began early Tuesday, threaten to trigger the collapse of the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.

The Israeli military urged Palestinian residents in specific districts of Khan Younis in the south and Beit Hanoun in the north  both near the Israeli border  to leave immediately.

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"These areas are dangerous combat zones," the military said in a message published in Arabic. Civilians were told to head west toward Gaza City or western Khan Younis for their safety.

Israeli media speculated that the evacuation orders could signal preparations for ground operations.

In January, an initial six-week ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Hamas. During the ceasefire, there were numerous exchanges of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and much more aid was allowed into the coastal territory.

The two sides have been unable to agree on the conditions for an extension.

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Israel's massive aerial bombardment shattered the relative calm that has prevailed in Gaza for most of the year so far. Many displaced Palestinians had only recently returned to their homes under the truce.

The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry said 404 people have been killed so far on Tuesday, with some 560 others injured. The casualty tolls do not differentiate between militants and civilians.

The ministry warned that many people were still buried under the rubble.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he and Defence Minister Israel Katz had ordered the military to take "strong action" against Hamas following the groups repeated refusal to release Israeli hostages or accept ceasefire proposals mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

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"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahus office said in a statement. The military said it was conducting "extensive attacks" on Hamas positions across the coastal enclave.

Hamas accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire and endangering the remaining hostages held in Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and other militant groups launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages.

Since then, Gazas Hamas-run health authority has reported more than 48,500 deaths. Israel estimates it has killed around 20,000 Hamas militants.

China voiced "extreme concern" over the escalating violence and called on all parties to uphold the ceasefire and prevent a broader humanitarian catastrophe. "All sides should avoid actions that could escalate the situation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in Beijing.

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Chinese officials have repeatedly emphasized their support for Palestinian sovereignty. Earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that any violent change to Gazas status would bring "new chaos" to the region.

Meanwhile, Israels ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said the UN Security Council would meet Tuesday in New York to discuss the situation.

"It is time for the countries of the world to take seriously our unwavering commitment to bring back all our hostages home and defeat the enemy," Danon wrote on X. "We will show no mercy against our enemies while our hostages languish in Hamas terror tunnels."
Israel hit Gaza with a series of "extensive strikes" overnight Tuesday, vowing to open the "gates of hell" because Hamas has not released the remaining hostages. At least 424 Palestinians were killed in the strikes, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Israel will act against Hamas "with increasing intensity" from now on, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address Tuesday.

"From now on, negotiations will only take place under fire. Hamas has already felt the presence of our force in the last 24 hours and I want to assure you: This is just the beginning," Netanyahu said.

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"The military strike on Hamas and the release of our hostages are not contradictory goals -- they are goals that are intertwined," Netanyahu said.

MORE: 60 feet below in a 3-foot-wide tomb: Freed Israeli hostage details conditions of Hamas captivity

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Tuesday the operation in Gaza is "not a one-day operation."

"We will continue the military campaign in the coming days, Saar said, speaking to American pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC, on Tuesday. "The Americans were informed before the attack and supported it because justice is on our side."

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Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Israel Defense Forces are targeting Hamas terrorists throughout the region.

"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Tuesday.

The IDF announced a second wave of airstrikes took place in the early afternoon local time. Among the targets attacked were terrorist cells, launch sites, weapons and additional military infrastructure used by the terrorist organizations to plan and carry out terrorist acts, and which posed a threat to IDF forces and Israeli citizens, according to the IDF.

A Palestinian man is comforted as he weeps next to a truck carrying the bodies of the victims of Israeli overnight airstrikes before transporting them from the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza for burial, Mar. 18, 2025. (Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images)

Several members of Hamas' administrative and civil wings were killed in the strikes overnight including Deputy Minister of the Interior Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Abu Tuffah and Deputy Minister of Justice Omar Al-Hatta.

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The first round of strikes targeted areas in Gaza including Rafah, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat, Al-Bureij, Al-Zaytoun, Al-Karama and Beit Hanoun. The IDF's Arabic spokesperson issued a broad evacuation order covering the entire perimeter of Gaza. Residents were warned to "evacuate immediately to the known shelters in western Gaza City and those in Khan Younis."

Israeli leaders made the decision to resume strikes on Gaza "several days ago," according to the ministry of foreign affairs. This despite Israel sending delegations to negotiate the ceasefire in the last week

Of the Palestinians killed overnight, 174 were children and 89 were women, according to the ministry. The human toll in Gaza had risen steadily throughout the morning, the ministry said in a series of updates. At least 562 others were injured, the ministry said.

Doctors Without Borders said it has received dozens of killed and injured at sites across Gaza.

PHOTO: Palestinians carry a body pulled from the rubble of the Qrayqea family house, destroyed in Israeli strikes at dawn in the Shujaiya district in eastern Gaza City, Mar. 18, 2025. (Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images)

"We woke up, at around 2 a.m. local time, to 20 minutes of airstrikes and heavy artillery, just like the past 15 months of war. We are appalled and outraged by these new unacceptable massacres of civilians," said Claire Nicolet, Doctors Without Borders's head of emergencies.

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"Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza due to Hamas' refusal to release the hostages and threats to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli communities," Katz said in a statement.

MORE: How Israel-Hamas agreement came to be amid false starts, recriminations and deaths of key players

"If Hamas does not release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza," he added.

An Israeli official told ABC News the preemptive offensive will continue "as long as necessary," and will "expand beyond air strikes."

PHOTO: Smoke billows behind a cemetery (foreground) during Israeli strikes west of Gaza City on March 18, 2025. (Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the "resumption of aggression against the Gaza Strip and their direct shelling of civilian areas, with no regard for international humanitarian law."

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The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement saying it "strongly condemns" the Israeli airstrikes of Gaza, which constitute a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire and represents a "dangerous escalation. That threatens to have severe consequences for the stability of the region."

The strikes targeted Hamas' mid-ranking military commanders, leadership officials and infrastructure, the official said.

"The IDF is prepared and spread out in all arenas, both in personnel manning the borders and the Aerial Defence Array," the official added.

PHOTO: Fire burns in damaged houses, amid a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, Feb. 24, 2025. (Amir Cohen/Reuters)

MORE: Trump again threatens Hamas with 'hell' to pay if it doesn't release 'all' hostages

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Far-Right Israeli Minister Ben Gvir and his party have rejoined Netanyahu's coalition in the Knesset, after leaving when the ceasefire went into effect earlier this year.

Gvir has extreme views and wants Netanyahu to go even further in Gaza. There is a vote on Israel's budget at the end of March.

If Netanyahu's coalition fails to pass that budget, his government falls, according to Israeli law.

A ballistic missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the Israeli Air Forces prior to crossing into Israeli territory, the IDF said in a statement. Red alert sirens were activated in several parts of central and southern Israel around 7 p.m. local time.

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The Houthis said the strike was launched due to the ceasefire being broken, and said they will expand their strikes.

Netanyahu and Katz said the changes to the IDF's defensive guidelines come after Hamas "rejected all offers" on a conclusive hostage deal with Steve Witkoff, the U.S.'s special envoy to the Middle East.

Hamas said in a statement Tuesday that overturning the ceasefire agreement and the series of strikes put "the prisoners in Gaza at an unknown fate."

PHOTO: An Israeli army Merkava main battle tank moves at a position in southern Israel along the border fence with the northern Gaza Strip on March 18, 2025. (Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images)

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an appearance on Fox News that the Trump administration was consulted by Israeli officials on their decision to strike Gaza.

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Earlier this month, President Donald Trump took to his social media to threaten Hamas with a "last warning" about the remaining hostages.

Trump wrote on Truth Social on March 7 that "it will be OVER" for Hamas if it does not comply.

PHOTO: A Palestinian boy inspects a destroyed area of Al Tabien school following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Mar. 18, 2025. (Mohammed Saber/epa-efe/shutterst/MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

"I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say," he added.

Witkoff reiterated the president's threat at the time, saying, "I wouldn't test President Trump."

Fifty-nine hostages are believed to remain in Gaza -- 24 of whom are presumed to be alive. Edan Alexander is the last American-Israeli hostage to remain alive in captivity.

ABC News' Dana Savir and Guy Davies contributed to this report.

Israel hits Gaza with 'extensive strikes,' killing over 400 and ending ceasefire originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The administration of President Donald Trump was consulted on Monday by Israel on its deadly strikes in Gaza, a White House spokesperson told Fox News' "Hannity" show.

"The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Fox News interview.

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Palestinian medics in Gaza reported dozens of people were killed in the aftermath of a series of the most violent air attacks by Israel on the Palestinian enclave since a ceasefire was reached on January 19 between Israel and Hamas militants.

A senior Hamas official said Israel had unilaterally overturned the ceasefire agreement.

"As President Trump has made it clear - Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose," the White House spokesperson said.

Trump had previously publicly issued a warning using similar words, saying Hamas should release all hostages in Gaza or "let hell break out."

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The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli allies.

Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while also triggering accusations of genocide and war crimes that Israel denies. The assault has internally displaced nearly Gaza's entire 2.3 million population and caused a hunger crisis.

Trump has also been condemned over his plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza and for the U.S. to take over the enclave. Rights groups, the U.N., Palestinians and Arab states have said Trump's proposal, which he has put across as a re-development plan, would amount to ethnic cleansing.

Washington separately launched a new wave of airstrikes on Saturday in Yemen in which it said dozens of members of the Houthi movement were left dead. The Houthis said at least 53 people were killed. Reuters could not independently verify those casualty numbers.

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The Houthis had launched more than 100 attacks targeting shipping from November 2023, saying they were acting in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel's war in Gaza.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Tom Hogue and Michael Perry)
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, saying it was striking dozens of Hamas targets in its heaviest assault in the territory since a ceasefire took effect in January. Palestinian officials reported at least 200 deaths.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israels actions.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Netanyahus office said.

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The surprise attack shattered a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and raised the prospect of a full return to fighting in a 17-month war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza. It also raised questions about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.

Hamas accused Netanyahu of upending the ceasefire agreement and exposing the hostages to an unknown fate. In a statement, it called on mediators to hold Israel fully responsible for violating and overturning the agreement.

In the southern city of Khan Younis, Associated Press reporters saw explosions and plumes of smoke. Ambulances brought wounded people to Nasser Hospital, where patients lay on the floor, some screaming. A young boy sat with a bandage around his head as a health worker checked for more injuries, a young girl cried as her bloody arm was bandaged.

Many Palestinians said they had expected a return to war when talks over the second phase of the ceasefire did not begin as scheduled in early February. Israel instead embraced an alternative proposal and cut off all shipments of food, fuel and other aid to the territorys 2 million Palestinians to try to pressure Hamas to accept it.

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Nobody wants to fight, Palestinian resident Nidal Alzaanin told the AP by phone from Gaza City. Everyone is still suffering from the previous months, he said.

The White House sought to blame Hamas for the renewed fighting. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the militant group could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been leading mediation efforts along with Egypt and Qatar, had earlier warned that Hamas must release living hostages immediately or pay a severe price.

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation, said Israel was striking Hamas military, leaders and infrastructure and planned to expand the operation beyond air attacks. The official accused Hamas of attempting to rebuild and plan new attacks. Hamas militants and security forces quickly returned to the streets in recent weeks after the ceasefire went into effect.

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Israels defense minister, Israel Katz, said the gates of hell will open in Gaza if the hostages arent released. We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals, he said.

Explosions could be heard throughout Gaza. Khalil Degran, a spokesman for the Health Ministry based at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, said at least 200 people had been killed. The territorys civil defense agency said its crews were having a difficult time carrying out rescue efforts because various areas were being targeted simultaneously.

The strikes came two months after a ceasefire was reached to pause the war. Over six weeks, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in a first phase of the ceasefire.

But since that ceasefire ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward with a second phase aimed at releasing the 59 remaining hostages, 35 of whom are believed to be dead, and ending the war altogether.

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Hamas has demanded an end to the war and full withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages. Israel says it will not end the war until it destroys Hamas governing and military capabilities and frees all hostages.

Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to resume the war.

This comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators, Netanyahus office said early Tuesday.

Taher Nunu, a Hamas official, criticized the Israeli attacks. The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza, he said.

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The war erupted when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Most have been released in ceasefires or other deals, with israeli forces rescuing only eight and recovering dozens of bodies.

Israel responded with a military offensive that killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced an estimated 90% of Gazas population. The territorys Health Ministry doesnt differentiate between civilians and militants, but says over half of the dead have been women and children.

The ceasefire had brought some relief to Gaza and allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to resume to what remained of their homes.

A renewed Israeli ground offensive could also be especially deadly now that so many Palestinian civilians have returned home. Before the ceasefire, civilians were largely concentrated in tent camps meant to provide relative safety from the fighting.

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The return to fighting could also worsen deep internal fissures inside Israel over the fate of the remaining hostages. Many of the hostages released by Hamas returned emaciated and malnourished, putting heavy pressure on the government to extend the ceasefire.

The released hostages have repeatedly implored the government to press ahead with the ceasefire to return all remaining hostages, and tens of thousands of Israelis have taken part in mass demonstrations calling for a ceasefire and return of all hostages.

Mass demonstrations are planned later Tuesday and Wednesday following Netanyahus announcement this week that he wants to fire the head of Israels internal security agency, the Shin Bet. Critics have lambasted the move as an attempt by Netanyahu to divert blame for his governments failures in the Oct. 7 attack and handling of the war.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza began in mid-January, Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military says approached its troops or entered unauthorized areas.

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Still, the deal has tenuously held without an outbreak of wide violence. Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate the next steps in the ceasefire.

Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Hamas instead wants to follow the ceasefire deal reached by the two sides, which calls for negotiations to begin on the ceasefires more difficult second phase, in which the remaining hostages would be released and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.




Israel has carried out extensive air strikes in Gaza in its heaviest bombing raid since the fragile ceasefire with Hamas began.

Defence minister Israel Katz said Israel has resumed fighting and promised that the gates of hell will open in Gaza until all remaining hostages are released.

The Israeli army said it was conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip.

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It has promised increasing military force after talks with Hamas on further hostage releases have stalled.

Benjamin Netanyahus office said the prime minister has instructed the military to take strong action against the militant group in Gaza.

The Israeli Defence Forces said it had targeted Hamas commanders and leadership officials.

It added that military action would continue as long as necessary and will expand beyond air strikes.

In response, Hamas said Israel had resumed its aggression against civilians, and said by overturning the ceasefire agreement in an unprovoked escalation Mr Netanyahu is exposing hostages in Gaza to unknown fate.

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Hamas added that a senior security official had been killed in the assault.

Medics in Gaza said more than 80 people were killed in the strikes and dozens are reported to have been wounded.

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DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israels defense minister says Israel has resumed fighting in Gaza and is vowing to press ahead until all remaining hostages are released.

In a brief statement, Defense Minister Israel Katz said the gates of hell will open in Gaza if hostages arent released.

We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals, he said.

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Gazas ministry of health said at least 44 people were killed in the new wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday. Israel said it was striking Hamas targets in its heaviest assault in the territory since a ceasefire took effect in January.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in ongoing talks to extend the ceasefire. It was not immediately clear if the 17-month-old war was being resumed altogether.

This comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators, Netanyahus office said.

Taher Nunu, a Hamas official, criticized the Israeli attacks. The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza, he said.

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In Gaza, explosions could be heard at various locations and ambulances were arriving at Al Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza.

The strikes came two months after a ceasefire was reached to pause the war. Over six weeks, Hamas released roughly three dozen hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

But since the first phase of the ceasefire ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward with a second phase aimed at releasing the nearly 60 remaining hostages and ending the war altogether. Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to resume the war, and early this month cut off the entry of all food and aid deliveries into the besieged territory to put pressure on Hamas.

The war erupted with Hamas Oct 7, 2023, cross-border attack, which killed some 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage. Israel responded with a military offensive that killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced an estimated 90% of Gazas population. The territorys Health Ministry doesnt differentiate between civilians and militants, but says over half of the dead have been women and children.

Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, Netanyahus office sai
Israel launched a wave of deadly strikes on Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, according to local health officials, seemingly bringing the fragile ceasefire to a halt.

The attack, greenlighted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, has killed more than 400 Palestinians, as the leaders press for the return of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

In a statement Tuesday, Netanyahus office said the strikes follow Hamass repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators.

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Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, the prime ministers office continued, adding that the operational plan was presented by the Israeli military over the weekend.

National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes echoed those comments in a statement Tuesday to The Hill.

Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war, Hughes wrote.

An estimated 404 people were killed in the barrage of attacks, according to the officials. The tally does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel said the attack was aimed at Hamass infrastructure and the groups leadership.

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Residents of the northern town of Beit Hanoun, along with Khuzaa ruins, Abasan al-Kabira and al-Jadida received orders from the Israeli military to immediately evacuate to shelters in western Gaza City and Khan Yunis.

A major assault on terrorist groups underway  remaining in marked areas puts lives at risk, an Israeli military spokesperson said.

The Israelis notified Washington before launching the deadly strikes into the war-torn enclave Tuesday morning, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight, Leavitt said Monday night on Fox Newss Hannity.

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As President Trump has made it clear: Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay, Leavitt said. All hell will break loose.

At the beginning of this month, Netanyahu announced that Israel would halt all aid flowing into Gaza until Hamas agrees to a new ceasefire deal.

The Tuesday morning attack came roughly two months after the initial agreement to pause fighting, which came after more than 15 months of war. Hamas freed 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more individuals. In exchange, Israel released close to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, The Associated Press reported.

The two sides have not been able to strike a deal to shepherd forward the second phase of the original agreement.

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The initial conflict began after Hamass Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, where the militant group killed nearly 1,200 Israelis and took around 250 people hostage. Israel responded with a bombardment campaign throughout the Gaza Strip, killing more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displacing 90 percent of the population in the enclave.

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Last nights wave of targeted air strikes against senior Hamas military officials finally brought a rotten ceasefire to an end. Whilst many today will be decrying Israeli war crimes and their breaking of international law, last nights strikes were in fact proportionate and decisive; 5 senior Hamas officials are believed to have been killed.

The fragile ceasefire came into effect a day before US President Donald Trump was sworn back into office. It demonstrated the new administrations intent to find some form of peace  but a peace that would last. We now all know beyond any doubt this is impossible as long as Hamas remains in power in Gaza.

Thankfully, Washington has now realised this too, and has thrown its support behind Netanyahus campaign to eradicate Hamas.

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These latest Israeli strikes come after weeks of consistent Palestinian provocation; they have repeatedly broken the terms of the ceasefire which they claimed they were so desperate for.

There have been numerous bus bombings near Tel Aviv and Palestinian-instigated clashes in the West Bank. 59 Israeli hostages are still held in captivity.

In fact, Hamas and their Palestinian supporters  who still largely make up the majority of the 2.1 million Gaza population, according to latest polling estimates  have always known that they can sit back, parade dead Israeli hostages live on social media, and receive hundreds of their own convicted terrorists and murderers back in return. They believed they could get away with the October 7 pogrom. Well last night changed that picture.

The Israeli military and intelligence machine have been so effective in this war that they are able to surgically strike scores of Hamas military leaders and around 20,000 fighters. And yet much of the worlds media will report these as war crimes.

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War is not a crime. And no other conflict in recent memory has demonstrated the imperative of eradicating a security threat by using highly efficient means against an uncompromising foe. And Hamas have been the epitome of uncompromising  their leadership sunning it up in Doha during Ramadan whilst ignoring both Washington and Jerusalems calls to release the remaining hostages.

For now the West and London need to be mindful about the pro-Hamas information campaign reporting the horrors of Gaza to a public too gullible to realise they are subscribing to terrorist propaganda.

Our political leadership should be firmly braced and must resist pressure to condemn Israel; she is conducting a just and targeted military campaign against a ruthless enemy that celebrated the 7/7 and 9/11 terror attacks. We must stand up and support Israel in her fight.

Now with a supportive administration in Washington, Israel must finally end attempts to bring an intransigent enemy to the table, and destroy it once and for all.

Robert Clark is a Fellow at the Yorktown Institute in Washington DC. Prior to this he served in the British military.

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GENEVA (Reuters) -Israel has expanded and consolidated settlements in the occupied West Bank as part of the steady integration of these territories into the State of Israel, in breach of international law, the U.N. human rights office said on Tuesday.

The report, based on research between November 1, 2023, and October 31, 2024, said there had been a "significant" expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and cited reports by Israeli non-governmental organisations of tens of thousands of planned housing units in new or existing settlements.

The findings will be presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council this month and come amid growing fears of annexation among Palestinians, as U.S. policy shifts under President Donald Trump and new settler outposts are put down in areas of the West Bank seen as part of a future Palestinian state.

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"The transfer by Israel of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies amounts to a war crime," U.N. High Commissioner Volker Turk said in a statement accompanying the report, urging the international community to take meaningful action.

"Israel must immediately and completely cease all settlement activities and evacuate all settlers, stop the forcible transfer of the Palestinian population, and prevent and punish attacks by its security forces and settlers," he said.

Israel disengaged from the U.N. Human Rights Council earlier this year, alleging a chronic anti-Israeli bias. Its diplomatic mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, land Israel captured in 1967. Most countries consider Israel's settlements on territory seized in war to be illegal. Israel disputes this, citing historical and biblical ties to the land.

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Israel's opposition to ceding control of the West Bank has been deepened by its fears of a repeat of the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants. Its military says it is conducting counter-terrorism operations in the West Bank and targeting suspected militants.

Plans for the further provision of Israeli government services in these settlements "further institutionalise(s) long-standing patterns of systematic discrimination, segregation, oppression, domination, violence and other inhumane acts against the Palestinian people", the report said.

(Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Kirsti Knolle and Alison Williams)
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, just two months old, has been shaky for some time. But that was thoroughly shattered by Israels bombardment of Gaza starting in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The strikes killed many hundreds of Palestinians. Tuesday was the deadliest day in Gaza since the first weeks of the conflict that started in late 2023.

The military said Wednesday that it had launched targeted ground activities in Gaza and partially retaken the key Netzarim Corridor, which bisects the strip. Strikes across the Gaza Strip also continued into Wednesday, including in Al-Mawasi, which for some time has been designated a safe zone by the Israeli military, despite continued attacks there.

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And Israel has again issued mandatory evacuation orders for swaths of Gaza, dropping flyers ordering civilians to move. Once again, Palestinians are being uprooted.

From now on, negotiations will only take place under fire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address Tuesday night. I want to assure you: This is just the beginning.

Heres what to know about the resumption of the conflict.

Why did Israel return to war?

The Israeli government has given different reasons.

Overnight, Israels defense minister Israel Katz said that the attacks were due to Hamas refusal to release the hostages and threats to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli communities.

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If that sounds like the same reason Israel has given for attacking Gaza since October 7, 2023, thats because it is. Israels war goals in Gaza are to return the remaining hostages taken by Hamas and destroy Hamas governing and military capabilities.

Later Tuesday, Israels foreign ministry spokesperson said that the attacks were because Hamas rejected two concrete mediation proposals presented by the US presidents envoy, Steve Witkoff. More on that in a moment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers remarks on Tuesday. - GPO

An Israeli official said Israels airstrikes in Gaza are the first phase in a series of escalatory military actions aimed at pressuring Hamas into releasing more hostages, marking a return to Netanyahus view that military pressure is the most effective way to secure the release of hostages.

Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli military has brought eight living hostages back to Israel, out of 251 taken by Hamas and its allies.

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Israeli domestic politics is a big factor.

The far right in Israel never liked the Gaza ceasefire, because they see it as a capitulation to Hamas. They want all Palestinians to leave Gaza, and for Israel to reestablish the settlements it evacuated in 2005.

Netanyahu needs that faction in order to govern. One far-right minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, quit the government in protest of the ceasefire. Another, Bezalel Smotrich, said he would leave if Israel didnt return to war. That would have ripped apart Netanyahus government coalition.

But on Tuesday, Ben Gvirs party  Jewish Power  announced that it would rejoin the government. Thats a huge political victory for Netanyahu and the stability of his coalition.

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The return of conflict in Gaza will also distract from Netanyahus desire to fire the head or Israels international security agency, Shin Bet. That decision, announced on Sunday, has drawn calls for massive protests.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, who quit the government over the ceasefire in January, announced on Tuesday that he would return. - Oren Ben Hakoon/Reuters

Both Smotrich and Ben Givr think that Israel has been too timid in conducting the war.

This is a phased operation that we have planned and built in recent weeks since the new IDF Chief of Staff took office, Smotrich said on Tuesday. And with Gods help, it will look completely different from what has been done so far.

What happened to ceasefire talks?

Israel and Hamas began a ceasefire on January 19, with the first phase lasting 42 days. Hamas has made it clear that it wants to start negotiations for a potential second phase, as outlined in the truce agreement.

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Under the terms of the second phase, Israel would have to withdraw entirely from Gaza and commit to a permanent end of the war. In exchange, Hamas would release all living hostages.

Israel has made clear it wants new terms. It wants Hamas to continue releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners  but without any commitment to end the war or withdraw its military.

Hamas militants hand hostages Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov and Omer Wenkert over to the Red Cross in central Gaza on February 22. - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images

The two sides were meant to discuss a second phase starting February 3, but the Israeli government ignored that deadline.

Breaking with decades of tradition, the US started talking directly with Hamas, which it considers a terrorist organization. And Israel has sent negotiating teams to Qatar and Egypt, as recently as Sunday, in an effort to advance the negotiations.

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Israel says that US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff proposed a month-long extension of the ceasefire through Ramadan and then Passover in late April  but without any of the commitments made in January. Hamas immediately rejected that plan, saying that Netanyahu and his government were carrying out a blatant coup against the ceasefire deal that had already been agreed.

Its been clear that the two sides are oceans apart.

Hamas offered last week to release the American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, along with the bodies of four other dual nationals  presumably four dead American-Israelis. In exchange, it said Israel must abide by the three-phase ceasefire deal signed by all parties on January 17, 2025.

Israel called that offer psychological warfare.

Has the war resumed in full?

The Israeli military has given very few details about its operation. Their first announcement said they were carrying out extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.

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Later in the day Tuesday, the military ordered Palestinians in swaths of Gaza, kilometers from the border with Israel, to leave their homes.

That has given rise to speculation that Israel may be preparing a renewed ground invasion  and may even try to occupy urban centers in Gaza, something it has not done until now.

Men carry the body of Palestinian man killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Tuesday. - Abdel Kareem Hana/AP

After the ceasefire went into effect on January 19, Israel withdrew its troops to Gazas borders  with Egypt to the south, and with Israel to the north and east.

It is unlikely to stop its escalating military offensive without a deal to release additional hostages, determined to force Hamas to negotiate under fire.

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Israel plans to gradually ramp up military operations in Gaza, the Israeli official said, but it remains unclear how soon Israel could send ground troops into combat in Gaza again.

On the other hand, Hamas and its allies  which have killed hundreds of Israeli soldiers in Gaza since October 7, 2023  appear to be committed to the terms of the existing ceasefire, for now.

Israel has claimed a few times since January 19 that rockets from Gaza had been launched, but well within the territory. But they have not provided evidence for that, and Hamas has not launched rockets into Israel for the two months of the truce.

What does this mean for Gazans?

It is devastating.

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Tuesday is already the deadliest single day in Gaza for well over a year  since November 7, 2023, when 548 Palestinians were killed.

It has been more than two weeks since Israel blocked all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza  a response, it said, to Hamas refusal to agree to new Israeli terms for the truce. War will exacerbate that suffering.

Already on Tuesday, masses of Palestinians have been seen once again on the move, ordered by the military to take what little they have and leave areas deemed unsafe.

Ahmad Al Shaafi, who has been sheltering in Deir el Balah, told CNN that the bombardment began around 2 a.m.

Dont the Israelis have any promises they are committed to? It was a terrifying night, he said. Only God is merciful. There are still two children under the rubble  one 26 years old and the other 5. We cannot retrieve them.

The Israeli military has killed just under 49,000 Palestinians in Gaza since Hamas October 7 attack  the majority of them civilians  according to the health ministry there.

Fueling hell on earth by resuming the war will only bring more despair & suffering, the UNs top official on Palestinian affairs, Philippe Lazzarini, said on Tuesday.

What does this mean for the hostages?

It is a huge blow. There are still 59 hostages in Gaza, of whom 24 are believed to be alive.

The families of those still held are outraged.

The Israeli government chose to give up on the hostages, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. We are shocked, angry, and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas.

What role did the US play?

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said Monday that the Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump took credit for the ceasefire that began just before he took office, and his aides played a big role in pushing Netanyahu to accept it.

But he has also made clear that he would be supportive of Israel relaunching the war.

I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you dont do as I say, he said in a statement earlier this month. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!

Jeremy Diamond, Abeer Salman and Mohammed Al Sawalhi contributed to this report.

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Ashley Ranalli was 41 when she got her dream job last fall as a park ranger in Fredericksburg, a place that had given her a sense of belonging that she never experienced.

She had worked for five years to get the position, teaching full time in Stafford County schools then spending summers as a seasonal worker in one National Park Service facility or another. She lived away from her partner and dog during summer breaks, working to prove herself among the pool of considerably younger candidates.

I was a dark horse for one of these coveted spots in the park service, said the Fredericksburg resident. It was my dream, and I made it, and it just got taken from me.

Ranalli is among an estimated 1,000 probationary park service workers who were fired Friday as part of the Trump administrations plan to eliminate thousands of federal jobs. She shared various documents shes received with The Free LanceStar.

The email from the U.S. Department of Interior said she hadnt demonstrated fitness or qualifications for continued employment because her subject matter knowledge, skills and abilities didnt meet current needs.

Yet, her mid-season performance evaluation from the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, dated Feb. 16, gave glowing reviews in all four critical areas of her job.

It described her work as a volunteer and youth program coordinator and her duties with customer service, operations and community engagement as excellent and outstanding. It said she goes the extra mile when working with visitors, volunteers and colleagues, and that her ability to build and maintain positive relationships with partners and the broader community is extremely valuable to our efforts.

On probation for a year

The firing is part of a plan led by billionaire Elon Musk and the new Department of Government Efficiency to slash federal spending. Because Ranalli was a probationary worker, she cant appeal the decision.

Shes lost her health insurance  shes a cancer survivor  has been told she cant apply for unemployment because of the firing and that her only recourse is a lawsuit.

I dont even have a job right now, I cant afford a lawyer, she said.

Some of the employees from the park service and other federal agencies where recently hired workers have been fired, under the umbrella of poor performance, are challenging the action through class action lawsuits.

Ranallis not sure about her next step. She has worked full time since October with the park service, which has a probationary period of one year.

When she got the email Friday, she shared her plight with someone at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, which is part of the national military park.

It wasnt a co-worker.

It was a Union soldier who fought in the Civil War.

Drawn to a tombstone

When Ranalli moved to the Fredericksburg area almost 15 years ago from Michigan, she was recovering from thyroid cancer and looking for a warmer clime. She was visiting the cemetery on Maryes Height when she came across a tombstone for Wm. Tinker, N.J.

She felt drawn to white marker, No. 2809, because she liked the last name. Most of the 15,000 Union soldiers buried there arent identified.

That casual visit all those summers ago became an enduring interest for Ranalli, who researched the war records of one William Tinker. She learned the 44-year-old with the New Jersey Infantry Volunteers had enlisted after losing two of his three sons in the war.

He survived the slaughter of Union troops at the Battle of Fredericksburg, only to die in a Falmouth camp of chronic diarrhea on Feb. 8, 1863.

A Free LanceStar story about Ranalli, published in February 2011, detailed her connection with Tink and the proclamation of William Tinker Day at Mountain View High School, where she was teaching honors English. (She most recently worked at North Stafford High School.)

Park historians reached out to Ranalli after the story, and she began volunteering at the military park. She did readings during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and learned more about the campaigns and carnage in the Fredericksburg area.

She loved telling stories about the lives of those who died there, focusing more on the human element than cannons or flank movements.

My work with the park service as a volunteer has been my most favorite thing that Ive done with my life, Ranalli said.

An intern at 35

She decided to pursue full-time employment, becoming an intern at age 35. She continued to teach, and her life partner, Ryan Braun, witnessed her sacrifices and struggles.

As a seasonal worker for five years, her duties with the park service began in late May and continued through November. When school was still in session, she used personal time off if she needed to attend park events on school days. Otherwise, she worked on weekends  at National Park Service trail systems in Appomattox and Williamsburg  and during evenings at home, doing online work for the parks.

She wrote curriculum to engage younger visitors and updated other park materials.

You would never know that she was working a second job, said Braun, a school counselor in Prince William County. She continued to get awards and honors at school.

During Ranallis summers away, she lived in rented rundown rooms. One was full of cockroaches and had water that smelled like garlic.

She was helping pay rent on a place in Fredericksburg until last February, when she and Braun bought a new home, in Fredericksburg Park Townhomes, off Lafayette Boulevard.

They factored in the massive pay cut she would take, if she got a job as a park ranger. Even so, it was more than either could have dreamed for when she got the job at the Fredericksburg park, in a place that both have come to call home.

Its also why Fridays news was so devastating.

Whats always been told to us is you work hard, you put in the time, you sacrifice, you get it, Braun said.

And then, you, like, live it, Ranalli added.

Just watching that dream be ripped away is painful, he said.
(Bloomberg) -- Israel ended its Hamas ceasefire with airstrikes across Gaza that killed hundreds, pledging to ramp up attacks days after the US ordered an offensive against the Houthis in an escalation of hostilities against Iran-backed militant groups.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday evening that the renewed strikes were only the beginning and vowed to maintain military pressure until Hamas releases the remaining hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks. He added that military operations would continue even if negotiations restarted, an abrupt end to any hope the near two-month truce would be extended into a second phase, initially slated for the start of March.

This is not a one-day attack. We will continue the military operation in the coming days, said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. We reached a dead end where we werent firing and there was no release of our hostages, and Israel cannot accept this, he said earlier.

Hamas said at least 404 people have been killed since the airstrikes began overnight, including some senior members, with many others missing. The group, designated a terrorist organization by the US and many other countries, has repeatedly accused Israel of failing to meet its commitments under the truce brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the US in January, including by preventing aid supplies getting into Gaza.

Israels airstrikes on Gaza, along with others overnight in Lebanon and Syria, followed the weekend return of US attacks against the Houthis in Yemen, the latest effort to curb assaults by the group on Red Sea shipping that have forced vessels to avoid the area and pushed up freight rates. A spokesman for the group said Tuesday it fired a ballistic missile at Israels Nevatim air base and would expand its targets in Israel unless the Gaza attacks stopped.

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US President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Monday that any retaliation from the Houthis would be considered to have come from Iran, which sponsors the group as well as Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Trump has returned to the so-called maximum pressure approach to Iran that he adopted in his first term, imposing a new raft of sanctions and threatening military action if the Islamic Republic doesnt strike a new deal on the countrys nuclear activities.

A spokesman for Irans foreign ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, condemned the fresh Israeli attacks, adding that inaction by the international community would have catastrophic consequences for global peace and security.

Saudi Arabia, a US ally, said Israels bombardment is being conducted without the slightest regard for international humanitarian law. Qatar warned that the resumption of airstrikes could ignite the region, stressing the need for a return to ceasefire talks.

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The ramping up of both US and Israeli military operations has ended a period of relative calm in the Middle East over the past few weeks.

The change helped fuel a rise in gold and oil prices. The former increased to a fresh all-time high, while Brent crude briefly climbed above $72 a barrel for the first time in two weeks. The Israeli shekel weakened as much as 0.9%.

The Gaza bombardment is the deadliest since before the start of the ceasefire, which officially ended in early March. Hamas released around 38 hostages during the official six-week duration, including some dead, with Israel freeing more than 1,700 imprisoned Palestinians. There was no official extension of the deal as the warring sides disagreed on the way forward during talks through the mediators.

Netanyahus coalition wants Hamas to release the roughly 60 captives still in Gaza, of whom Israel believes about 25 are still alive, and for Hamas to disarm and step down from power in the territory. The Palestinian group is demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal.

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Large swathes of Gaza have been destroyed in the 17 months of war, with the vast majority of its 2 million population displaced. More than 48,000 people have been killed, according to Gazas Hamas-run health authority.

In recent days, Israel gathered evidence that led it to conclude Hamas was planning attacks on Israeli troops in the Gaza buffer zone and a cross-border raid into Israeli communities along the lines of the October 2023 attack, according to a senior military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence. About 1,200 people were killed in the Oct. 7 raid and 250 abducted.

Israeli intelligence saw what it believed to be Hamas preparations for such actions, the officer said, with the experience of Oct. 7 informing the militarys decision to act preemptively, rather than wait and see if they are serious.

Hostage Families

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The renewed attacks are opposed by some of the families of hostages.

The worst fear of the families, of the hostages and of the citizens of Israel has come to pass, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, one of the biggest such groups in Israel, said on Tuesday. The Israeli government has chosen to give up on the hostages.

Far-right members of Netanyahus government said Israel had no choice but to resume fighting. The political party led by Itamar Ben Gvir, who quit the ruling coalition in protest over the ceasefire, agreed to return, the prime ministers Likud party said. That bolstered Netanyahus majority to 68 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, Israels parliament.

Avoiding military pressure would have only allowed Hamas to bide its time and rebuild, said Ofir Sofer, a minister and member of the Religious Zionism party, which is led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The decision we took is the right one. The ceasefire did not collapse  it ended. We have full backing from the US.

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Israel consulted the US on the operation, the White House confirmed.

The Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Fox News interview. All hell will break loose.

Under the first phase of the ceasefire, Israel withdrew from the Netzarim corridor, a strategic route that divided Gaza into two parts. That allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what was left of their homes in the north.

Before the latest escalation, the US said it had presented a bridge proposal that would extend the truce beyond the Ramadan and Passover holidays  into April  and see Hamas release living hostages in exchange for prisoners. That, according to the US, would enable more humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza and work to continue on a durable halt to fighting.

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--With assistance from Alisa Odenheimer, Dana Khraiche, Arsalan Shahla and Dan Williams.

(Updates with Netanyahu and Saar comments in second and third paragraphs, Houthi statement in fifth paragraph.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Israel launched overnight airstrikes across Gaza that Hamas said killed hundreds of people, shattering a nearly two-month ceasefire with the Palestinian group.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Tuesday to act with increasing military strength, saying Hamas had repeatedly refused to release its remaining hostages. The move brought to an abrupt end any immediate hope of a deal for the truce to be extended permanently.

As well as freeing the roughly 60 captives still in Gaza, Israel wants Hamas to disarm and step down from power in the territory. The Iran-backed group, designated a terrorist organization by the US and many other countries, had been calling for Israeli troops to withdraw.

Hamas said at least 404 people have been killed while many others are missing since the airstrikes began.

The Gaza operation, along with others overnight by Israel on Lebanon and Syria and US attacks on the Houthis in Yemen since Saturday, have ended the relative calm in the Middle East in recent weeks.

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Gold and oil prices have risen. The former increased to a fresh all-time high, while Brent crude is up about 2.1% to $72.04 a barrel in the past two days, heading for its best week since early-January. The Israeli shekel weakened 0.7% against the dollar as of 12:23 p.m. local time, the worst performance in Bloombergs basket of 31 expanded major currencies.

The Gaza bombardment is the fiercest since a truce brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the US started in January. It officially ended in early March  with Hamas having released around 35 hostages and Israel freeing more than 1,000 imprisoned Palestinians. There was no official extension of the deal as the warring sides disagreed on the way forward during talks through the mediators.

Israel had warned that it could restart military operations if Hamas didnt agree to release more hostages, of which it believes around 25 are alive.

After the strikes began, Hamas said Netanyahu had decided to overturn the ceasefire agreement, putting the captives in Gaza at an unknown fate. The group earlier accused Israel of failing to meet its commitments under the truce, citing the Netanyahu governments decision to stop aid supplies getting into Gaza.

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Large swathes of the Palestinian territory have been destroyed in the 17 months of war, with the vast majority of its 2 million population displaced. More than 48,000 people have been killed, according to Gazas Hamas-run health authority.

In recent days, Israel gathered evidence that led it to conclude Hamas was planning attacks on Israeli troops in the Gaza buffer zone and a cross-border raid into Israeli communities along the lines of the October 2023 attack that triggered the war, according to a senior military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence. About 1,200 people were killed in the Oct. 7 raid and 250 abducted.

Israeli intelligence saw what it believed to be Hamas preparations for such actions, the officer said, with the experience of Oct. 7 informing the militarys decision to act preemptively, rather than wait and see if the group was serious.

The officer said the air operation is ongoing and decisions about whether to increase activity would be made by the government.

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Hostage Families

The renewed attacks are opposed by some of the families of hostages.

The worst fear of the families, of the hostages and of the citizens of Israel has come to pass, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, one of the biggest such groups in Israel, said on Tuesday. The Israeli government has chosen to give up on the hostages.

Far-right members of Netanyahus coalition government said Israel had no choice.

Avoiding military pressure would have only allowed Hamas to bide its time and re-build, said Ofir Sofer, a minister and member of the Religious Zionism party, which is led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The decision we took is the right one. The ceasefire did not collapse  it ended. We have full backing from the US.

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Israel consulted the US on the operation, the White House said.

The strikes are the latest sign the Middle East conflicts that erupted following Hamas deadly October 2023 attack on Israel are again escalating. The Pentagon has said its offensive against the Houthis  who, like Hamas, are supported by Iran and designated as terrorists by the US  will be unrelenting until the group stops targeting ships around the Red Sea. Those assaults, which began in late 2023 in solidarity with Hamas, have forced vessels to avoid the area and pushed up freight rates.

The Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Fox News interview. All hell will break loose.

Late last week, Hamas offered to release the remaining five American hostages, one of who is alive. The US and Israel rejected the move, with Israel saying it was an attempt by Hamas to drive a wedge between the two countries. The US has said that freeing its citizens, who are also Israeli nationals, is a priority but that it wont accept a deal that prioritizes them over other hostages.

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Hostage Deal

Under the first phase of the ceasefire, Israel withdrew from the Netzarim corridor, a strategic route that divided Gaza into two parts. That allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what was left of their homes in the north.

Before the latest escalation, the US said it had presented a bridge proposal that would extend the truce beyond the Ramadan and Passover holidays  into April  and see Hamas release living hostages in exchange for prisoners. That, according to the US, would enable more humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza and work to continue on a durable halt to fighting.

--With assistance from Josh Wingrove, Derek Wallbank, Philip Glamann, Dana Khraiche and Dan Williams.

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(Updates with market reaction in sixth paragraph.)

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Israel has urged residents of Gaza's border areas to evacuate following massive airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli military warned civilians in specific districts of Khan Younis in the south and Beit Hanoun in the north  both near the Israeli border  that operations against the Islamist group Hamas were under way.

"These areas are dangerous combat zones," the military said in an appeal published in Arabic on Tuesday. Residents were advised to move westward, toward the centre of Gaza City or western Khan Younis, for their safety.

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Israeli media speculated that the evacuation warning could signal plans for ground operations.

Many displaced Gazans had only recently returned to their homes under a ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19.
CAIRO (Reuters) - Israeli jets targeted former Syrian army outposts in the central Homs province, two security sources said on Tuesday.

The jets bombed army fortifications in the villages of Shinshar and Shamsin south of Homs city in central Syria, the sources said.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on Tuesday's strikes, but it previously reported similar attacks, which it said targeted military headquarters and sites containing weapons and equipment.

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Israel has been carrying out extensive airstrikes on Syrian military bases in the wake of former President Bashar al-Assad's ouster and has moved forces into a U.N.-monitored demilitarised zone within Syria.

The latest of the strikes killed at least two and 19 wounded in the vicinity of the southern Syrian province of Daraa on Monday.

(Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi, writing by Jaidaa Taha, editing by Chris Reese and Sandra Maler)
By James Mackenzie, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Emily Rose

JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza and killed more than 400 people on Tuesday, Palestinian health authorities said, shattering nearly two months of relative calm since a ceasefire began, as Israel warned the onslaught was "just the beginning."

Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas accused each other of breaching the truce. It had broadly held since January and offered respite from war for the 2.3 million inhabitants of Gaza, which has been reduced to rubble.

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Hamas, which still holds 59 of the 250 or so hostages Israel says the group seized in its October 7, 2023 attack, accused Israel of jeopardising efforts by mediators to negotiate a permanent deal to end the fighting, but the group made no threat of retaliation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered strikes because Hamas had rejected proposals to secure a ceasefire extension.

Netanyahu called on Gazans to get out of harm's way and move to safer areas, blaming every civilian casualty on Hamas.

"From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing force. And from now on, negotiations will only take place under fire," he said, speaking from the Kirya army base in Tel Aviv.

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"Hamas has already felt the blow of our arm in the last 24 hours. And I want to assure you: This is just the beginning."

The strikes hit houses and tent encampments from the north to the south of the Gaza Strip. Witnesses said an Israeli plane fired missiles into Gaza City late on Tuesday.

Israeli tanks shelled from across the border, witnesses said. Palestinian health authorities said 408 people had been killed in one of the biggest single-day tolls since the war erupted.

"It was a night of hell. It felt like the first days of the war," said Rabiha Jamal, 65, a mother of five from Gaza City.

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EVACUATION ORDERS

Families in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip and eastern areas of Khan Younis in the south fled their homes. Carrying belongings, some were on foot, others in cars or rickshaws after the Israeli military ordered them to evacuate from what it said were "dangerous combat zones".

Egypt and Qatar, mediators in the ceasefire deal along with the U.S., condemned the Israeli assault, while the European Union said in a statement it deplored the breakdown of the ceasefire.

The U.N. emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said the "modest gains" made during the ceasefire had been destroyed.

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Israel has halted aid deliveries into Gaza for more than two weeks, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis.

However, Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said the blame for the resumption of Gaza hostilities "lies solely with Hamas" and expressed support for Israel in its next steps.

"Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war," White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said.

BODIES STACKED UP

Former hostages and the families of some still held in Gaza expressed outrage over the resumption of war.

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Released hostage Yarden Bibas, whose wife and two young sons were slain in captivity, said on Facebook that Israel's return to fighting brought him back to Gaza, where he feared for his life. "Military pressure endangers hostages, an agreement brings them back," he said

In Gaza, witnesses told Reuters Israeli tanks shelled areas in Rafah in the south. Bewildered children sat next to bags of belongings, ready to flee.

In hospitals strained by 15 months of bombardment, piles of bodies in white plastic sheets smeared with blood were stacked up as casualties were brought in. The health ministry said many of the dead were children, and 562 people were wounded.

Among the Hamas officials killed in the airstrikes were Essam Addalees, the de facto head of the Hamas government, Ahmed Al-Hetta, deputy justice minister, and Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the head of the Hamas-run security services, Hamas said.

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As Israel launched its operation in Gaza, its forces have pressed on with an operation in the occupied West Bank and Israeli jets have struck targets in southern Lebanon and Syria in recent days.

TRUCE STANDOFF

Negotiating teams from Israel and Hamas had been in Doha as mediators sought to bridge the gap between the two sides after the end of an initial phase in the ceasefire, which saw 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais released in exchange for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel had been pressing for the return of the remaining hostages in exchange for a truce until after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday in April.

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On Tuesday, Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua told Reuters the group was still in touch with mediators, and it was keen to complete the implementation of the original deal.

Qanoua said the group remained committed to proceeding with the ceasefire agreement as signed, accusing Israel of turning against the deal by refusing to begin talks on the second phase and by suspending the entry of aid and goods into Gaza.

The war erupted after Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israel, killing some 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.

The Israeli campaign in Gaza has killed more than 48,000 people, say Palestinian health authorities.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Enas Alashray and Yomna Ehab and Nafisa Eltahir in Cairo, Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan and Clauda Tanios in Dubai and Alex Cornwell, Maayan Lubell and Emily Rose in Jerusalem; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Olivia Le Poidevin in Geneva; Writing by Enas Alashray, James Mackenzie, Michael Georgy and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Aidan Lewis, Sharon Singleton, Ros Russell, Alex Richardson and Cynthia Osterman)
Israel says it is ramping up attacks on Gaza as the fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance. Trump officials discredit institutions that have long served as checks on the presidency. And two NASA astronauts who were in space for over nine months are finally headed home.

Heres what to know today.

Israeli strikes kill hundreds in Gaza as ceasefire hangs in balance

The Israel Defense Forces struck Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip overnight, with the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying from now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force.

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The strikes were the heaviest bombardment in Gaza since the ceasefire deal was reached in January and brought a pause to fifteen months of fighting that killed more than 48,500 people in Gaza, with much of the infrastructure across the enclave destroyed. Hamas says the new Israeli strikes violate the agreement.

This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.

The health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, whose figures the World Health Organization has previously said it considers to be reliable, said hospitals across the enclave said that at least 326 people had been killed, with hundreds of others injured. It added that people were still buried under rubble, with recovery efforts underway.

International negotiators have been engaging in talks in hopes of strengthening the ceasefire deal. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, said last weekend that he dismissed a recent proposal by Hamas.

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Follow live updates here.

Trump officials raise the stakes in showdowns with judges

In a tense hearing yesterday, federal judge James Boasberg pressed a Justice Department lawyer over why the Trump administration didnt reverse deportations under the Alien Enemies Act and halt the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador, as he had ordered. Boasberg summarized the government's position as: "We don't care, we'll do what we want."

Its not the first time the Trump administration didnt compy with a federal court. And beyond the courts, Trump is claiming a nearly limitless power through a campaign to delegitimize institutions that have long acted on checks on the presidency. He has closed congressionally approved agencies, fired thousands of federal workers, paused legally appropriated funding for an array of federal programs and discredited universities and nonpartisan media.

But when it comes to battling the judiciary, the Trump administration could face its ultimate opponent: the Supreme Court  that is, if justices rule against administration.

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Legal experts expressed worry about what happens if the executive branch keeps defying court orders. Trumps critics have no power to force him to follow a judges orders, and his allies have taken to frequently criticizing judges who have ruled against him and, in some cases, have called for their removal.

Read the full story here.

More politics news:

A national NBC News poll found 49% of registered voters think DEI programs in the workplace should be eliminated , while 48% say the programs should continue.

Trump said he is terminating Secret Service protection for Joe Bidens two adult children, Hunter and Ashley Biden.

More immigration news:

A mixed-immigration status family that was deported to Mexico  including a 10-year-old girl who is a U.S. citizen and is recovering from brain surgery  alleged they faced deplorable conditions while in detention, according to a civil rights complaint.

A professor at Brown Universitys medical school, who was sent back to Lebanon despite having a valid visa, allegedly told customs agents that she had attended the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah , the Department of Homeland Security said.

A German national who is a legal permanent U.S. resident has been detained at an ICE facility, his family said, adding that they have no idea why he was arrested.

NASA astronauts are on a long-awaited journey to Earth

After more than nine months in space, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally coming home. The two are among four people headed back to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule, which departed from the International Space Station overnight and is expected to splash down off the coast of Florida this afternoon, around 5:57 p.m. ET.

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Williams and Wilmores journey back to Earth closes out an unusual and closely watched chapter in spaceflight history. They became household names after launching on the first crewed test flight of Boeings Starliner capsule in June. After they encountered problems with the vehicles thrusters, their anticipated week in space ended up lasting the better part of a year.

Read All About It

Staff Pick: The Tesla owners who want to ditch their cars

A bumper sticker protesting Tesla CEO Elon Musk is shown on a Tesla car on March 12 in California.

In the eyes of some progressive Tesla owners, Elon Musks transformation from a CEO they perceived as focused on the environment, sustainability and space travel, as one person put it, to a divisive political figure in the Trump administration is off-putting. Its so distasteful, in fact, that some are rethinking whether its worth keeping their electric vehicles. Do I like representing an Elon Musk vehicle? Hell, no, a San Diego-area Tesla owner said. Reporter Curtis Bunn spoke to owners across the country who have sold their cars, hit their breaking points or resorted to adoring their car with magnets or bumper stickers expressing their disdain for Musk. But some concede that getting rid of their EV isnt in the cards.  Elizabeth Robinson, newsletter editor

NBCU Academy : How photojournalists capture the heart of a news story

Photojournalism is more than taking pictures. It can illustrate the joy, surprise or devastation at the heart of a story. I dont have any right to their story or to their picture, said photojournalist Mark Abramson. Its a privilege. Its an honor. Theyre granting me this access.

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NBCU Academy recently shadowed Abramson and NBC News senior photo director Zara Katz as they photographed a family whose relatives were killed in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. See how they captured the familys story with empathy and care.

NBCU Academy is a free, award-winning education program for developing new skills and advancing careers in journalism, media and tech.

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

La Roche-Posay has recalled its popular Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment after an FDA announcement that 95 skin care products on the market containing benzoyl peroxide may be at risk for contamination. So NBC Select editors searched to find the best acne spot treatment alternatives. Plus, here are the best dog food brands, all of which have been tested by our editors furry friends.

Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.

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Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Elizabeth Robinson. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign up here.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
DEIR EL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  The Israeli bombs began falling before dawn, lighting the sky with orange flares and shattering the stillness.

The surprise wave of airstrikes plunged Palestinians back into a nightmare they had hoped might be behind them.

The bombs crashed across Gaza early Tuesday, setting fire to a sprawling tent camp in the southern city of Khan Younis and flattening a Hamas-run prison. They hit the Al-Tabaeen shelter in Gaza City, where Majid Nasser was sleeping with his family.

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I went out to see where the bombing was. Suddenly the second strike happened in the room next to us, he said. I heard screaming, my mother and sister screaming, calling for help. I came and entered the room and found the children under the rubble. Everyone was injured, but alive.

Palestinians tried to claw bodies from the wreckage with their bare hands. Parents arrived at hospitals, barefoot, carrying children who were limp and covered in ash. Streets and hospitals filled with bodies.

By midday, over 400 people had been killed. It was one of the deadliest days of the 17-month war, following two months of ceasefire.

During the truce that began on Jan. 19, hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza had returned to their homes, many of them destroyed. A surge of aid brought food and medicines  until Israel cut off aid two weeks ago to pressure the Hamas militant group into accepting a new proposal instead of continuing with the truce.

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The Muslim holy month of Ramadan had even provided moments of joy as families held communal sunset meals ending each days fast without the fear of bombardment.

Instead, the war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction was back with full force.

What is happening to us is hell. Hell in every sense of the word," said Zeyad Abed, as he stood among the blackened remains of tents in Khan Younis.

Fedaa Heriz, a displaced woman in Gaza City, said victims were killed in their sleep just before the predawn meal ahead of the daily Ramadan fast.

They set the alarm to wake up for suhoor, and they wake up to death? They dont wake up? she screamed.

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Fedaa Hamdan lost her husband and their two children in the strikes in Khan Younis.

My children died while they were hungry, she said, as funeral prayers were held over their bodies.

Hospitals felt like Armageddon

Scenes at hospitals recalled the early days of the war, when Israel launched a massive bombardment of Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

Survivors on Tuesday held rushed funeral rites over dozens of body bags lining the yard of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Mothers sobbed over the bloodied bodies of children, as warplanes hummed overhead. Doctors struggled to treat the flow of wounded.

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A level of horror and evil that is really hard to articulate. It felt like Armageddon," said Dr. Tanya-Haj Hassan, a volunteer with the Medical Aid for Palestinians aid group.

She described the Nasser Hospital emergency room in Khan Younis as chaos, with patients, including children, spread across the floor. Some were still wrapped in the blankets they had slept in.

Dr. Ismail Awad with the Doctors Without Borders aid group said the clinic received about 26 wounded people, including a woman seven months pregnant with shrapnel in her neck. She later died.

It was overwhelming, the number of patients," Awad said.

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At the Al-Attar clinic in Muwasi in southern Gaza, medical staff said they were forced to operate without light bulbs and emergency ventilation devices.

Israel not only blocked all supplies from entering Gaza two weeks ago but also cut off electricity to the territory's main desalination plant last week. That has again created scarcities in medicine, food, fuel and fresh water for Gaza's over 2 million people.

Palestinians flee once more

New Israeli evacuation orders covering Gazas eastern flank next to Israel and stretching into a key corridor dividing Gaza's north and south sent Palestinians fleeing again.

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Israels Arabic-language military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, published a map on X telling Palestinians in those areas, including highly populated neighborhoods, to leave immediately and head for shelters.

Continuing to remain in the designated areas puts your life and the lives of your family members at risk," he said.

The evacuation zone appeared to include parts of Gaza's main north-south road, raising questions about how people might travel. Palestinians nevertheless gathered their belongings and set out, hardly knowing where to go.

UNICEF spokesperson Rosalia Bollen recalled that the days before the bombardment felt uneasy. She could sense fear. Children would ask if she believed the war would start again.

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This nightmare scenario has been on everyones mind, she said. Its just heartbreaking that it is materializing right now and that it is shattering the last piece of hope that people had.

___

Frankel reported from Jerusalem and Magdy from Cairo. and Associated Press writer Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Italian daily newspaper Il Foglio has released what it calls the world's fist print newspaper created entirely with the help of "artificiale intelligenza".

As part of a one-month experiment beginning on Tuesday, a four-page AI-produced version of the regular 10-page edition is being included for free with the normal edition at the usual price of 1.80.

The plan for "Il Foglio Ai" is for the AI systems to not only write the articles but also create headlines, summaries and select the most important quotes.

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"We journalists will only ask the questions. In the AI edition, we will read all the answers," the editorial team explained, setting out their goal of bringing AI from the theoretical into the practical.

Founded in 1996, the paper is one of Italy's smaller nationally distributed dailies. Online, various platforms are already experimenting with purely AI-generated content, while newsrooms around the world are already relying on chatbots to varying degrees.
A former Social Services employee for Spotsylvania County is seeking her old job back or a financial settlement in a federal lawsuit against the county and two employees.

The plaintiff, Tatiana Clark, a 28-year-old Fredericksburg-area resident, filed the lawsuit in August in the United States District Court Eastern District of Virginia, seeking a jury trial for alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act  including race, color, sex, and religion-based discrimination, as well as retaliation for engaging in protected activities.

The suit also alleges the defendants violated the Americans with Disabilities Act  by erroneously regarding her as having a disability and subjecting her to discrimination and adverse employment actions because of that perception.

Another prong of the suit alleges that the employees, Ernest Hickson and Melonie Barrow, violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, including race, sex, and religious discrimination.

I joined DSS to help it meet its IT and cybersecurity needs, but instead, my supervisor fixated on my physical appearance, assuming I was unqualified, Clark said in an emailed statement. I dont want them to do it to someone else, and thats why Im speaking up.

The county declined to comment on the case, as is its policy on pending litigation.

Barrow, who still holds the same title as deputy director of the county DSS, could not be reached for comment.

Hickson no longer works for the county as the division director of administrative services for the DSS.

In a telephone interview, he declined to comment on the lawsuit because it is still in litigation.

The 71-year-old said he is a retired U.S. Marine who also worked with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for 21 years.

Hickson said he held the county position for around a year and a half.

Hickson, a Fredericksburg resident, said he resigned from his Spotsylvania DSS position because he wanted to pursue other options, not because of the lawsuit.

He said he is still pursuing some potential job options.

In the cases most recent filing, the defendants seek to dismiss the case.

Instead of identifying facts to support her claims of discrimination based on color, race, sex, religion, and a perceived disability, Clark relies upon conclusory assertions and arguments that do not rise beyond the mere possibility of misconduct, the defendants claim in the move a dismissal.

In the initial court filing by Clarks attorney, McLean-based Jacob M. Small, she is described as a multi-racial (Black, white, Native American, Asian) woman who worked as an IT/Security supervisor from July 11, 2022, to August 29, 2022, when the county fired her.

Hickson, according to the suit, is a Black man who was the division director of administrative services for the DSS and supervised Clark.

The suit alleges he discriminated against Clark based on her color, race, sex and a disability she does not have and that he retaliated after her opposition to suggestions he made concerning her clothing.

Barrow, described in the suit as a Black woman, was the deputy director of the county DSS and supervised Hickson. She holds the same position with the county.

The suit says she discriminated against Clark based on religion and a disability that didnt exist.

According to the lawsuit, the defendants and the county failed to provide or delayed access to the proper tools and equipment, including VPN and email access, so Clark could perform her duties. At the same time, according to the suit, another new employee, a white woman, was provided the tools and equipment access to do her job.

The lawsuit specified various issues with Clarks supervisor, Hickson, including comments about her clothes and insisting a male employee drive her and another female employee to an appointment.

The lawsuit claims Hickson questioned Clarks ability to do the job shortly after she started her employment, saying that the county cant just hire somebody because they look good, we need people that know their stuff.

The suit also says Hickson spoke critically about her outfits, while Clarks suit stresses that she always dressed professionally and in accordance with the DSS handbook dress code. At one point, according to the suit, Hickson suggested she wear high heels, and preferably pumps, because flats would make people disrespect her and view her as a little girl.

The suit alleges that later in her employment the clothing comments played a role in her struggle to determine whether her job duties and lower pay scale were in accord with the position for which she applied. Clark believed Hickson was retaliating because of her failure to dress the way he suggested.

There also is mention in the lawsuit about a conversation during which Hickson, who has a darker skin tone, talked to Clark, who has lighter skin tone, about race, focusing on such things as lighter and darker skinned Black people, mixed race people and reparations that should be based on skin color.

That conversation, according to Clark, made it clear to her that he did not like people with her racial background and the skin color and physical appearance that she had.

The suit also alleges that Hickson asked Clark to help him situate pictures and such on his office walls, because it needed a womans touch, keeping her from training for her job.

That was one instance of Clarks supervisor interfering with her training, according to the suit, but not the only work-related issue. Clark also says in the suit that Hickson made changes to her work that included errors, which made it appear she was not performing quality work.

Another allegation in the suit states that Hickson made negative comments regarding Asians.

Clarks lawsuit says she went to Barrow to complain about Hicksons comments and actions and was told to do what he said and was accused of gossiping, something that would get you into a lot of trouble.

Clark also alleges that Barrow spoke of her spiritual beliefs in the Toltec religion and suggested she follow some of its tenets at work, one of which advises against taking things personally.

During a meeting with Barrow and Hickson, Clark ended up crying after being scolded, the suit states. She alleges Barrow told her she didnt listen and was creating  things while Hickson said she was presenting half stories.

The suit notes that Barrow accused Clark of suffering from anxiety and of having mental health problems like an atrophied mind.

According to Clark, Hickson told her during the meeting that if she continued reporting complaints about him, one of us dont need to be here!

Clark felt intimidated by her supervisors, according to the suit, which alleges that Barrow never addressed Clarks complaints about Hickson.

The suit alleges that Clarks status as a supervisor was changed following the meeting, and Hickson continued with his retaliation and discrimination, which included excluding her from meetings and withholding information she needed to do her job.

Hickson is accused also of intimidating Clark with suggestive stories that made her fear for her job and safety. At one point, according to the suit, Hickson told Clark, you piss certain people off and they will wait years to get you.

The actions of her supervisors, according to Clark, created a hostile environment in which she was not included in meetings about IT issues. The suit also details other awkward interactions with Hickson before she was fired on August 29, 2022.

The reason for her termination was performance issues, even though Clark alleges in the suit that she received positive feedback from Mr. Hickson regarding her work.

Clark is seeking to be rehired for the position she held, or an equivalent one, or compensation for her lost wages and assets, pain and suffering, emotional distress, annoyance, and finance-related stress.

The suit also seeks punitive damages from Hickson and Barrow.
Italy and Spain have signaled reluctance to support the European Union's proposal to allocate up to 40 billion euros ($43 billion) in military aid to Ukraine this year, Reuters reported on March 17.

The initiative to double EU military aid for Ukraine has "broad political support" among member states, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

However, divisions persist, particularly between countries geographically closer to Russia  such as Estonia, Denmark, and Lithuania  which have committed more than 2% of their GDP to aid Kyiv, and those further away, which have contributed less.

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At the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on March 17, Italy and Spain, the third- and fourth-largest economies in the bloc, took a cautious approach.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the proposal needed further discussion and that Italy was awaiting the outcome of the upcoming call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We are waiting for the Trump-Putin telephone call to see if there will be any steps forward in order to reach a ceasefire," Tajani said.

The U.S. president is set to hold a phone call with Putin on March 18 to discuss ending Russia's war against Ukraine and a temporary ceasefire.

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Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares echoed this sentiment, saying, "We will see how the debate goes, but there is no decision on the matter yet." He noted that Spain had already committed 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in military aid to Ukraine this year.

Both Hungary and Slovakia have refused to provide military aid to Ukraine, but EU officials say they cannot obstruct the plan since contributions will be voluntary.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has consistently delayed EU sanctions on Russia and military assistance for Ukraine, aligning himself with Trump's approach and expressing hopes for a swift resolution to the war.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has previously promoted pro-Russian narratives on Ukraine and the war and met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last December to discuss gas transit issues ahead of Ukraine's planned transit halt.

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Read also: Russia not losing hope ahead of planned Putin-Trump call, top Putin aide says

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Italy and Spain made it clear on 17 March that they were not ready to support the proposal by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to allocate up to 40 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Reuters

Details: Kallas's proposal could double the military support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion, as the EU and its members have allocated about 20 billion in 2024.

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After a meeting of the 27 EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday 17 March, Kallas said her proposal had broad political support and details were being discussed.

According to diplomats, the proposal has strong support from Northern and Eastern European countries.

But some southern European capitals have been more reserved, reflecting the divide between those geographically closer to Russia, which have provided more aid to Ukraine, and those further away, which have provided less.

Estonia, Denmark and Lithuania are leading the way in Europe, allocating more than 2% of their GDP to Kyiv between January 2022 and December 2024, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy think tank.

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Speaking ahead of the meeting, ministers from Italy and Spain, the EU's third and fourth largest economies, said it was too early to take a final position on the proposal. France has also raised questions about the plan, diplomats said.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the proposal would need to be discussed in depth in light of future developments.

"We are waiting for the Trump-Putin telephone call to see if there will be any steps forward in order to reach a ceasefire. There is a lot of expenditure to be tackled," he said, adding that Italy also needs to find money to increase its own defence spending.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said: "We'll see how the debate goes, but at this point there's no decision on it."

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Albares said that Spain had already pledged 1 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year.

Three EU diplomats said that during ministerial discussions on Ukraine, Slovakia made it clear that it would not obstruct the plan, but would also refuse to contribute.

Both Hungary and Slovakia do not provide military aid to Ukraine, but EU officials said they would not be able to block the proposal because the contributions would be voluntary.

Read more: "Coalition of the willing" for Ukraine and the EU: how a new security alliance can save trust in Brussels

Background: Kaja Kallas's proposal of a large package of military aid to Ukraine will be discussed at an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Warsaw on 2-3 April.

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JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Itamar Ben-Gvir's planned return to Israel's government brings back a West Bank settler who has pressed for an intensification of the war in the Gaza Strip, even as the Palestinian death toll has exceeded 48,000.

The announcement by Ben-Gvir, once a lynchpin of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rightist-religious cabinet, followed airstrikes on Gaza that shattered weeks of relative calm after talks with the Palestinians stalled over a permanent ceasefire.

In January, when he was national security minister, Ben-Gvir resigned from the government over disagreements about the ceasefire. His return strengthens a coalition that had been left with a thin parliamentary majority when he departed.

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Ben-Gvir, 48, was known as a hardline extremist even before he helped Netanyahu form the most right-wing coalition in Israel's history. Burly, bespectacled and outspoken, Ben-Gvir heads the pro-settler, nationalist-religious Jewish Power party.

While in the cabinet, he repeatedly attacked the army and Netanyahu over the conduct of the war in Gaza, opposing any deal with Hamas and threatening at times to bring down the government if it did a deal to end the war without destroying Hamas.

Together with a fellow hardliner, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, he has clashed repeatedly with Netanyahu. Both have called for the permanent conquest of Gaza and re-establishment of the Jewish settlements there which Israel abandoned in 2005, notions that Netanyahu has rejected.

INTERNATIONAL OUTRAGE

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Ben-Gvir's visit in August to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, just as ceasefire negotiators were preparing another bid to end the fighting in Gaza and halt a spiral into regional war, was one of a series of actions to inflame global outrage.

The visit, and his declaration that Jews should be allowed to pray there in defiance of decades-old status quo arrangements covering a site holy to both Muslims and Jews, drew condemnation, including in Israel.

Netanyahu quickly disavowed and rebuked Ben-Gvir, whose visit also outraged Orthodox Jews who consider the Temple Mount, revered as the site of Judaism's two ancient temples, too sacred a place for Jews to enter.

For Ben-Gvir, who was photographed brandishing a pistol at Palestinian demonstrators in East Jerusalem during the 2022 Israeli election campaign, the controversy reinforced his status as a firebrand.

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A disciple of Meir Kahane, a rabbi who wanted to strip Arab Israelis of citizenship and whose party was ultimately banned from parliament and designated a terrorist organisation by the United States, Ben-Gvir was convicted in Israel in 2007 of racist incitement and support for a group on both the Israeli and U.S. terrorism blacklists.

While Ben-Gvir rejects any talk of an independent Palestinian state, he has toned down his rhetoric over the years, saying he no longer advocates expulsion of all Palestinians, just those he deems traitors or terrorists.

But his appointment in 2022 by Netanyahu as national security minister, with responsibility for the police, was one of the clearest signs the new government would pay little heed to world opinion.

His resignation two months ago weakened the government without toppling it.

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During the Biden presidency, he repeatedly drew the ire of the United States, Israel's most important ally, over his rejection of a political solution with the Palestinians and his support for violent Jewish settlers who attack Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

(Writing by Michael Georgy and Howard Goller; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said it has solved a nearly two-year-old murder case. Officers have arrested both Breanna Harris and Dontarrius Fiffer for second-degree murder and attempted robbery for crimes dating back to 2023.

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For almost two years, JSO officers looked for the people responsible for the death of 34-year-old Antonio Walden who was found dead in his car in June 2023 with a single gunshot wound on W. 6th St in Durkeeville.

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The sheriffs office put out a post on social media that said the department will never stop fighting for justice for victims even years later- here being Antonio Walden and his family.

Both Fiffer and Harris are being charged for Waldons murder.

Dontarrius Fiffer already has several pending charges against him, including unlawful sexual activity with minors and possession of a controlled substance.

Action News Jax reported back in June of 2023 officers went out to the scene in the early morning after neighbors said they heard gunshots. They found Walden deceased in the front seat of his car.

Nobody else was inside.

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According to police records, it did appear the suspects and the victim knew each other.

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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Law enforcement officers are investigating a reported sexual assault Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025 in the Bell Fork Homes area.

They said the suspect approached the victim outside their home. They said the suspect was a man wearing all black, a black mask and black gloves.

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact the Jacksonville Police Department. The department is also looking for a black, lifted pickup truck with LED lights in the rims and loud exhaust.

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Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Marston at (910) 938-

6521 or jparrish@jacksonvillenc.gov or CrimeStoppers at 910-938-3273. CrimeStoppers offers

cash rewards of up to $5,000 for information determined to be of value to law enforcement.

Callers to Crime Stoppers are not required to reveal their identities. Information can also be

anonymously texted via Text-A-Tip by typing TIP4CSJAX and your message to 274637.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
(NewsNation)  Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville says political parties exist for one reason, and that is to win elections, lamenting that Democrats have lost sight of this fundamental purpose.

When they lose elections, people lose faith in them, Carville said during a Monday interview on NewsNations CUOMO. The Democratic Party should be about Were the party for the people that are trying to make it, and (theyre) the party for the people that have it made. When you have that dichotomy, everything flows from that.

Carville expressed frustration with what he described as the identity left wing of the party, saying their approach has contributed to Democratic losses. He challenged progressive critics to prove their electoral viability before claiming to represent the partys future.

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Cuomo & Carlson: The Conversation continues

I would give anything if one of these people ever beat a Republican, Carville said. When anybody on the identity left, or anybody thats coming in with all of these grand [ideas]  do me a favor: Beat a Republican, and then I will have respect for you.

The veteran strategist predicted the partys image would improve with electoral victories, saying wins in Wisconsin and Virginia would significantly boost Democrats standing.

He said the party needed to become an effective and smart opposition party, not a bunch of hoo-ha screaming and yelling.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
JB Pritzker criticized Chuck Schumer and declined to say whether he should continue leading Senate Democrats amid an escalating internal crisis over the partys strategy in the second Trump presidency.

Schumer joined Republicans in voting to avert a government shutdown last week, infuriating broad swaths of the left  and leading to calls for him to step down as Senate Democratic leader  for declining to use leverage in the spending fight to oppose Donald Trumps agenda.

Pritzker, a high-profile governor and Democratic operator, chose not to publicly extend a life raft to Schumer when asked about the senators future.

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"Look, he's the elected leader," Pritzker told reporters after a sit-down at the Center for American Progress in Washington. "I disagree with what he did and vehemently so. But I also know that he has done good work as a Senate leader in other ways."

During the event, Pritzker praised Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth for voting no on the measure and didn't mention the state's other senator, Dick Durbin, who voted with Schumer to advance the spending bill.

Still, he added, "having an internecine war in the Democratic Party does not help anyone, indicating he hoped Schumer would "stand up for the values" they share.

The Illinois governor's slight is particularly notable as the New York senator faces intense intra-party criticism from Democratic-aligned groups in the wake of the spending fight.

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This isn't the first time Pritzker has questioned Schumer's strategy. Pritzker and other Democratic governors had pushed Schumer earlier this year to unite Senate Democrats in opposition to Donald Trump. Schumers decision to join Republicans in advancing a funding bill  despite nearly all House Democrats, and most Senate Democrats, opposing it  threatens to tear open a rift between Democratic leaders over the partys strategy in the second Trump presidency.

Center for American Progress CEO Neera Tanden repeatedly called Pritzker a "fighter" in her introduction to the event, the first in a high-profile series of interviews with Democratic figures that the think tank tends to hold between campaign cycles and is an early indicator of movers and shakers in the party.

Gov. Pritzker does not cower to bullies, said Tanden, a veteran Democratic political consultant who recently returned to the Center for American Progress after a stint in former President Joe Biden's administration.

The Illinois governor's interview in Washington comes as other presidential hopefuls are positioning themselves for a newly leaderless Democratic Party. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is making overtures to the MAGA base with a new podcast series and former Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz is touring red districts with his own town halls. (Walz also took a shot at Schumers decision, saying in an episode of Newsoms podcast released Tuesday that we gave up our leverage.)

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But most of Pritzker's criticism remained focused on Trump, with the governor calling Elon Musk "President Musk," an emerging Democratic attack on the tech billionaire's efforts to slash government spending. He also touted his talking points around boosting pocketbook issues before a wonky, policy-focused audience.

And he offered a more subtle dig against Republican members of Congress for being unwilling to stand up to Trump.

Congress is dysfunctional and so dysfunctional now because people are just cowed by this administration, Pritzker said. Theyre concerned about being primaried.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Johnson City police officer who was shot last week has been released from the hospital, according to the police department.

The officer was discharged home from the hospital Monday afternoon.

The officer will continue to recover at home with the continued support of family, friends and healthcare providers, Police Chief Billy Church said in a social media post. Again, we are so grateful for the communitys concern and well wishes. We ask that you continue to keep the officer in your thoughts.

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The officer was shot last Wednesday on South Barton Street.

The accused shooter, Timothy D. Blair, was charged with attempted murder.

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(Bloomberg) -- JD Vance will chair the Republican National Committees finance committee heading into the 2026 midterm election cycle, giving the vice president entree to the world of deep-pocketed donors whose support is crucial for any future presidential aspirations.

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The RNC said in its announcement that this is the first time a sitting vice president has served as head of its finance committee, which organizes fundraising efforts for the party.

Chairman Michael Whatley said in a statement that he was honored to work with Vice President Vance to grow our party and ensure President Trump has the votes in Congress to Make America Great Again.

Republican politicians who have their own presidential ambitions cant be too open about them while Donald Trump, who enjoys strong support from his partys base, is in office. Building relationships with the partys big donors and fundraisers, who bundle donations from large groups of individuals for campaigns, is one way to quietly prepare for a presidential run.

The RNCs announcement comes as some prominent Democrats are already angling to raise their profiles and reach new audiences in the hopes of capturing their partys nomination and ultimately, the White House. Though the next presidential election is more than three and a half years from now, the jockeying has already begun to succeed Trump, who is limited to two terms.

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Governors like Californias Gavin Newsom and Michigans Gretchen Whitmer aim to woo Trump voters back to the Democratic party through dialog. Newsom hosts a podcast where he talks with figures in the MAGA movement including strategist Steve Bannon and activist Charlie Kirk. Whitmer met with Trump at the White House to discuss policies important to industry in her state.

Others have sought to fire up Democrats by attacking Trump. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has assailed the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration that has seen ramped up deportations of migrants including those in Chicago.

Related: Beleaguered Democrats Eye 2028 With Podcasts, Red-State Rallies

Still, Vances acceptance of the role could come with complications. The party of the incumbent president generally loses seats in Congress during the midterm elections. The GOP currently holds narrow majorities in both chambers.

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In 2018, in the middle of Trumps first term, the GOP lost 40 House seats and their majority, while adding two Senate seats. The recapture of the House by Democrats allowed the party to block Trumps legislative agenda while launching investigations of his administration.

The RNC raised about $310 million ahead of those elections, $137 million more than the Democratic National Committee.

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JD Vance will assume a key fundraising role in the Republican National Committee, the organization announced Monday.

The vice president will serve as the committees next finance chair, a position that charges Vance with securing donations and charting the partys path ahead of the 2026 midterms. Vance, who could run for president in 2028 since President Donald Trump is term-limited, is the first sitting vice president to assume the role.

Last year, President Trump won [a] historic election victory, taking back the White House and helping Republicans regain control of the Senate and retain control of the House, said Vance. But to fully enact the MAGA mandate and President Trumps vision that voters demanded, we must keep and grow our Republican majorities in 2026.

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His latest position comes at a possible inflection point for Republicans.

A Quinnipiac University poll released last week showed that over half of voters believed the Department of Government Efficiency, which President Donald Trump has charged with paring down government spending, is harming the country. DOGE has nixed tens of thousands of government jobs, and those cuts are beginning to materialize in real-life consequences like diminished services at public parks, prompting angry constituents to storm a handful of town halls across the country.

The Trump administration has also roiled business executives in the past weeks because of its tariffs against goods sourced from Canada, Mexico and China, prompting a major market tumble in the past week as Wall Street braces for economic uncertainty.

Vance will succeedRichard Duke Buchan III, a longtime RNC donor whom Trump nominated to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Morocco.

Vice President Vance is not only one of our Partys most talented messengers, said RNC Chair Michael Whatley, he is also a thought leader who has helped remake the GOP into the party of working Americans representing the forgotten men and women of our country.


An undocumented mother and immigration reform activist who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement feared she was being followed in recent days, her daughter told CNN.

Jeanette Vizguerra gained international attention in 2017 when she took sanctuary in a Denver church for three years to avoid deportation during President Donald Trumps first term. That same year, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

She is now being held at a detention facility in Aurora, Colorado, her attorney Laura Lichter told CNN.

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Vizguerra, a mother of four, was arrested Monday at a Denver-area Target store where she worked, Jordan Garcia of the American Friends Service Committee, who has been in contact with Vizguerras lawyer and family, told the Associated Press.

Vizguerra has been trying to gain a visa given to crime victims that allows them to remain in the United States since she left sanctuary in churches in 2020, Garcia said. Petitions challenging her detention have been filed in both Denvers federal court and the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals.

Vizguerra was taken into custody by ICE officers Monday outside the store where she works as a cashier, family friend Judith Marquez told CNN.

Luna Baez, one of Vizguerras children, said her mother had noticed unmarked vehicles following her for the past few days when she was leaving work and when she was on break.

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Vizguerra called to let her know she had been detained and how officers surrounded her on all sides while she was on a shift break.

From there she was put in a truck, the whole time she told me they were laughing at her, Baez said.

She said she has spoken to her mother twice since she was detained.

On Tuesday night, dozens of people rallied outside an ICE detention facility in Aurora in support of Vizguerra.

The crowd, which included union members, friends and strangers moved by her story, gathered just beyond the walls of the building where they believed she was being held. Among them was Baez, who grew emotional as she addressed the supporters.

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Not only is she a community member, but shes a mother to four kids. Four kids that still depend on her  And I just wanted to say that I need my mom back. I need her to come home, Baez said.

At one point, Baez held up her phone and told the crowd her mother was on speakerphone from inside the detention facility. Translating her mothers words, Baez said, She also wanted to say that under this arrest  it was extremely unlawful. None of the proceedings were followed  A warrant was never shown.

CNN has reached out to ICE for comment.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, said Vizguerra is not a threat to the community and deserves due process.

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He also urged Trump and ICE to focus their actions on violent offenders and be more transparent with states they are operating in.

Denvers Democratic Mayor Mike Johnston denounced Vizguerras arrest and described the mother as a hard-working member of the community.

People should know what this is. This is not immigration enforcement. This is Soviet-style political persecution of political dissidents under the guise of immigration enforcement, Johnston said in a video posted on Facebook Tuesday.

This is not someone with a criminal record. This is a mom of American citizens who works at Target and has started a community nonprofit, the mayor said. This is not something that makes our community safer, in my mind. I think it makes our community lawless.

Church refuge

Vizguerra came to the United States from Mexico in 1997 with her husband and eldest daughter. She has been living in the US undocumented since and has three American-born children.

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In 2009, Vizguerra was charged with not having a license or insurance and for having an expired license plate, but those charges were dismissed, court records show.

She was also charged in connection with using a made-up Social Security number on a job application, her then-attorney said. She pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a forged instrument.

The case resulted in heightened attention for Vizguerra in the eyes of immigration authorities, her then-lawyer said, and she spent the next 3 1/2 years appealing various orders to deport her. After Trump took office in 2017, Vizguerra took refuge in the church, Baez said, and her mothers fears grew once he returned for a second term.

This all started over some expired stickers, it has developed and grown ever since, she said.

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John Fabbricatore, former field office director for ICEs Denver office, said in a post on X the Biden administration prevented him from deporting Vizguerra four years ago, and called her an open-borders, abolish-ICE advocate.

She should have been deported in 2009 as well, Fabbricatore added.

Like thousands of immigrants, the family came in search of a better life. Vizguerras husband had been kidnapped three times during his work as a bus driver in Mexico City, the family said.

During her decades in the US, Vizguerra supported countless families, the American Friends Service Committee said.

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Jeanette Vizguerra has been a pillar of the community for decades, advocating for immigrant rights and supporting countless families, the group said in a statement. There was no reason for ICE to take her into custody - her detention is a cruel and unnecessary action that is causing irreparable harm to her family and community.

In January, Vizguerra told CNN affiliate KCNC that even long-time residents are at risk.

Whatever place  I dont care if its a hospital, I dont care if its a school, I dont care if its a church  I dont care if some people have 40, 50 years here, Vizguerra told KCNC. Everybody is at risk.

She said she wasnt afraid of the potential consequences of her activism or of being caught in a mass deportation.

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If shes forced to return to Mexico, Vizguerra said, she will continue to organize and speak out.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Donie OSullivan, Sara Weisfeldt, Rosa Flores and Hanna Park contributed to this report.

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ALLENTOWN, N.J. (PIX11)  Unsung, and largely unseen, these women were heroes of World War II.

They were the Womens Army Corps 6888th Postal Directory Battalion  the first and only battalion of women of Color who served overseas in the war. Their mission was to make sure troops received their mail  a task more daunting than you might imagine.

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They had six airplane hangars full of mail packed to the ceiling, said Dr. Karen Jordan, a descendent of one of the Six Triple Eights soldiers, and the Army gave them six months to clear this.

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With soldiers not getting letters from their families, and morale falling fast, the Six Triple Eight was sent to do the impossible  all while dealing with poor conditions, racism, and sexism. Not only did they finish the job, they did it ahead of schedule.

These trailblazing women broke barriers, demonstrated extraordinary resilience and dedication to our country, said Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy (D-NJ 14th District).

In New Jersey, their story could soon be etched into history.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

On Monday, the Assembly Veterans and Military Affairs committee moved forward with a joint resolution bill to formally recognize the Six Triple Eight. If it is passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor, New Jersey will recognize May 18th every year as Six Triple Eight Day.

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One of the soldiers of the battalion hails from the small town of Allentown, New Jersey, just a 15-minute drive from the State House.

Its a huge source of pride as a little town, said Michael McCormick of the Allentown Village Initiative.

Marion VanOrkey was one of the 855 women of the battalion, almost 30 of which were from New Jersey.

We want them to learn the story, to know, and be inspired by it, said McCormick.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A JetBlue plane was forced to return to Bostons Logan International Airport midflight on Tuesday due to a possible issue with the aircraft.

Flight 2393 to Denver turned back for Logan after there were indications of a potential hydraulics issue, an airline spokesperson told Boston 25 News.

Reg Warren, of Hingham, who was on the plane traveling to see his daughter in Colorado, told Boston 25 the pilot announced the hydraulics issue about an hour into the flight.

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Video showed MassPort emergency vehicles standing by on the tarmac as the flight made its way back to the airport.

What stood out to Warren was the time the plane spent in the air once the flight was diverted back to the Boston area.

When we were circling, and I didnt hear anything  got a little concerned, he explained.

The flight landed safely in Boston and taxied to the gate without incident, according to the airline.

JetBlue planned to move passengers onto a new aircraft for continued service to Denver.

My mom is always scared because all of the stuff that has been going on, but its not the worst thing that couldve happened. It couldve been a lot worse, explained Jill Shechter who attends Colorado State University and was on the diverted flight.

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Boston 25 reached out to JetBlue for information on why the plane spent so long circling the Boston area and is currently waiting for a response.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway, who has died aged 105, was the last surviving pilot of The Few, the men of Fighter Command who fought in the Battle of Britain. During his wartime career as a fighter pilot he was shot down four times, twice in a period of a few days during the Battle.

He joined 85 Squadron flying Hurricanes in December 1938 and went with the squadron to France on the outbreak of war. Based near Lille, the squadron flew sector reconnaissance flights and exercises with the French Air Force during what became known as the Phoney War. Activity remained sparse until May 10, when the Germans advanced into the Low Countries and France.

Hemingway was immediately in action and shot down a Henkel III over Hesdin. The following day he shared in the destruction of a Dornier bomber, but on the 12th his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire as he pursued a German aircraft at low level. He was wounded in the leg and had to make a forced landing.

Hemingway flew mainly Hurricanes: He doesnt feel as though he did anything special. But he liked the idea that he was last Irishman to have fought in the Battle

He joined a column of refugees as they headed westwards before meeting an Army patrol. After reaching his squadron a few days later, he was sent back to Britain to recover.

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No 85 lost so many aircraft that it was withdrawn after nine days and returned to Britain with just three planes. Only half the pilots who had been available on May 10 were still in a position to fight. The new commanding officer, Squadron Leader Peter Townsend, turned to Hemingway and six others who had returned from France to provide the fund of experience to lead the new pilots.

Based at Debden in Essex, the squadron provided protection for the east coast convoys. July and August were hectic months, with action against the Luftwaffe increasing from the middle of August as the raids south of the River Thames intensified.

Late in the afternoon of August 18, the squadron was ordered to patrol over Canterbury. The 13 Hurricanes intercepted a large raid and individual dog fights soon developed. Hemingway broke away to attack a Junkers 88 bomber. His Hurricanes engine was hit by return fire, the cockpit filled with oil and glycol and the aircraft went into a spin.

He recovered at 7,000 feet and headed for base, but then his engine stopped. He recalled: I had to bale out, knowing survival rates in the North Sea were not good. He had spent two and a half hours in the water when a rowing boat from a nearby lightship bumped into me. He was 12 miles east of Clacton and was landed at Felixstowe. He returned to the squadron the following day.

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On August 26, Hemingway was climbing to engage some Messerschmitt Bf 109 when his Hurricane was attacked. The engine was hit and for the second time in eight days he was forced to bale out, this time landing on Pitsea Marshes in Essex.

Hemingway, in shirt sleeves, second right, with comrades

Flying from Croydon, the squadron was in constant action. On August 31, Hemingway attacked a Bf 109 and saw white smoke pour from the aircraft, but he had to break away. By the end of September, the exhausted squadron withdrew to the north to re-build and convert into a night-fighter squadron under the command of Townsend.

John Allman Hemingway, always known as Paddy, was born in Dublin on July 17 1919, and educated at St Andrews College in the city. He joined the RAF on a short service commission in April 1938.

After the Battle of Britain, No 85 continued to fly the single-seat Hurricane but in the spring of 1941 it began to re-equip with the US-built Havoc aircraft. This was fitted with an air-intercept radar operated by a specialist.

Hemingway, second right, with fellow airmen

During patrols on consecutive nights in May Hemingway intercepted and damaged two Heinkel III bombers. In July he was awarded the DFC and shortly afterwards was Mentioned in Despatches.

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He served on experimental night fighter units and as a fighter controller, before returning to operations in early 1945 in command of No 43 Squadron in Italy. The Germans were retreating, and Hemingway was determined to help them with their retreat.

On April 23, having destroyed a truck with his bomb, he returned to strafe other vehicles when his Spitfire was hit by ground fire. The rudder became useless, the cockpit filled with smoke and the engine began to fail. He climbed to 2,000 feet and baled out for the third time.

On landing he was chased by German soldiers, but eventually he lost them and reached a farmhouse where he was cared for by the partisans and was fed with plenty of wine. He was disguised in peasant clothing, and a little girl from the locality took his hand and guided him past German positions to the safety of the Allied lines, where he met up with an armoured car and returned to the squadron.

Hemingways 85 Squadron moved to France on the outbreak of war

Hemingway recalled some 70 years later that he was more frightened for the life of that small child than for his own safety, and he never forgot her.

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Ground-attack sorties continued to be flown until the 30th, when the war in Italy came to an end. During May the squadron moved to Austria, where Hemingway remained in command until the end of 1945, when he moved to Greece as a member of the RAF Delegation.

He remained in the RAF, and in May 1953 assumed command of No 32 Squadron in Egypt flying Vampire jet fighters. He later served in Nato appointments in Paris and at the Air Ministry. He was the station commander at RAF Leconfield, a fighter airfield in East Yorkshire, and at the beginning of 1966 he oversaw the transition of the base into a maintenance unit. His last two years of service were with the combined planning staffs, and he retired as a group captain in September 1969.

Hemingway was a modest man who lived a quiet life in his later years. Approaching his 101st birthday, he agreed to speak to The Daily Telegraph. Once he became aware that he was the last of The Few, he admitted that it was an unwanted honour bestowed upon him and one that had drawn him closer to the ghosts of his fallen comrades.

Hemingway celebrating his 105th birthday at the British Embassy in Dublin, when portraits by Dan Llywelyn Hall were unveiled - Brian Lawless/PA Wire

During the war, he said, all my closest friends were killed, and my memories and thoughts about them I have always regarded as a private affair. He added that being the last of the Battle of Britain veterans has made me think of those times 80 years ago.

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At a reception at the British Embassy in Dublin to celebrate his 105th birthday, he said: I am here because I had the staggering luck to fight alongside great pilots, flying magnificent aircraft , with the best ground crew, in the best air force in the world.

His son Brian said: He was not particularly interested in the past. Like so many of his generation, he doesnt feel as though he did anything special. But he liked the idea that he was last Irishman to have fought in the Battle.

Paddy Hemingways wife Bridget predeceased him; they had two sons and a daughter.

Paddy Hemingway, born July 17 1919, died March 17 2025

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Chief Justice John Roberts is pushing back against President Donald Trump and his allies calls to impeach judges whove ruled against the administration.

"For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose, Roberts said Tuesday in a rare and brief statement issued just hours after Trump publicly joined demands by his supporters to remove judges he called crooked.

Its the most intense public conflict between Trump and Roberts since 2018, when the chief justice came to the defense of federal judges whod ruled against Trump policies.

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Trumps call to remove judges from the bench came after his allies amplified attacks on U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, following an order the judge issued Saturday instructing the administration to turn around aircraft deporting alleged gang members to Venezuela. The planes continued to their destinations, but the administration has insisted it did not defy the judges directive.

This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday.

A Supreme Court spokesperson said Roberts issued the statement in response to reporters inquiries about Trumps endorsement of growing calls from his supporters for impeachment of judges seen as impeding Trumps agenda. In recent weeks, judges have issued orders blocking Trumps attempt to mass fire federal workers, freeze grants and contracts issued by many federal agencies and end DEI programs inside and outside the U.S. government.

The chief justice seemed to forecast the current clash last December when he publicly warned against politicians seeking to delegitimize the judiciary.

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Every Administration suffers defeats in the court system  sometimes in cases with major ramifications for executive or legislative power or other consequential topics. Nevertheless, for the past several decades, the decisions of the courts, popular or not, have been followed, Roberts wrote in his year-end report. Within the past few years, however, elected officials from across the political spectrum have raised the specter of open disregard for federal court rulings. These dangerous suggestions, however sporadic, must be soundly rejected.

Roberts statement appeared aimed at tamping down a rising fury on Capitol Hill among Republicans after Trumps post ignited a fresh round of impeachment calls.

Close Trump allies, who had already proposed impeaching judges who blocked Trumps birthright citizenship order and spending cuts overseen by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, took Trumps post as a cue to ramp up their rhetoric.

I just introduced Articles of Impeachment against radical activist Judge James Boasberg, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) posted Tuesday morning in response to Trumps message. He is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed from office.

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The measure already has five co-sponsors, according to an announcement from his office: Reps. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), Mike Collins, (R-Ga.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.) and Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.). And Musk reposted Gills call to his 200 million followers.

Other Trump allies on the hill issued similar messages endorsing the impeachment of Boasberg, who was appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate, 96-0, in 2011.

House leaders have not previously endorsed impeachment calls. But on Tuesday, a spokesperson for House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan  whose panel would initiate any serious judicial impeachment proceedings  declined to close the door on the process.

Everything is on the table, spokesperson Russell Dye said.

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Speaker Mike Johnson has been under increasing pressure from his own right flank to launch probes against a slew of judges who have issued unfavorable rulings against Trump.

Johnson has so far resisted. But he is heavily reliant on Trump to maintain his precarious hold over his fractious GOP conference  and often abides by the presidents demands.

Whats also unclear is whether any of Trumps closest allies on the hill will introduce so-called privileged impeachment resolutions, which would sidestep the committee process and force uncomfortable votes for Republicans wary of escalating the battle with the judiciary.

Democrats frustrated with conservative judges rulings have not gone as far as seeking impeachment over those decisions. However, in recent years some progressive members of Congress have sought the impeachment of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas over alleged ethics violations and conflicts of interest, as well as Justice Samuel Alito over alleged conflicts of interest.

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Democratic lawmakers were highly critical of U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who presided over and eventually dismissed Trumps classified documents case, but they stopped short of seeking her impeachment.

Hailey Fuchs contributed to this report.
Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley are already home to some of the worst air pollution in the nation  yet state officials are quietly advancing a plan that could make it even worse.

On March 20, the state Board of Environmental Safety will meet in Fresno to evaluate a proposal from the state Department of Toxic Substances Control that would allow more hazardous waste to be dumped in landfills across California, including here in the Valley.

This means more exposure to toxic chemicals, more truck traffic bringing hazardous materials through our communities, and more risks to our health, water and air.

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The most disturbing part is that DTSC has not conducted any meaningful environmental review or public health studies to assess the consequences of this plan. The agency also failed to properly inform or engage the communities that will be most impacted.

Opinion

This is unacceptable.

On Tuesday, dozens of residents, farm workers, environmental advocates and community leaders will rally at Fresno City Hall before joining the Environmental Safety hearing. We are coming together to demand one simple thing: stop this reckless plan before its too late.

For decades, the Central Valley has been treated like Californias pollution dumping ground  a sacrificial zone where low-income, rural, and farm worker communities are forced to live with the environmental consequences of industrial pollution, oil and gas operations, and unchecked pesticide use.

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Many of these communities, including those in Fresno County, already suffer from sky-high asthma rates, extreme exposure to diesel pollution, and widespread groundwater contamination. We know what happens when regulatory agencies fail to protect us  our health, our children and our future are put at risk.

Now, DTSC wants to expand hazardous waste dumping in landfills that werent originally designed for it without fully evaluating how this will impact local air and water quality.

This is not a pollution control strategy; its pollution expansion.

Under California law, DTSC is required to conduct thorough environmental impact assessments, consult with impacted communities, and ensure full transparency before making major hazardous waste policy changes.

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But instead of following these basic legal protections, DTSC is rushing forward with this plan without providing a full environmental impact report that evaluates site-specific risks, a public health assessment on how this could increase respiratory illnesses and groundwater contamination, or a real community engagement process that includes accessible materials in Spanish and Indigenous languages and meetings in all impacted regions.

This is a textbook case of environmental injustice.

Sadly, Fresno is no stranger to this treatment, and we have fought back before. Through the Central California Environmental Justice Network, we join with farm workers, community leaders and public health experts to reduce pollution, protect drinking water and demand stronger safeguards for vulnerable communities.

We are at a defining moment for Fresnos leaders, policymakers and residents. If we dont stop this plan now, more hazardous waste could be dumped in our communities for years to come  without proper oversight or accountability.

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Thats why we are calling on the Board of Environmental Safety to reject this hazardous waste expansion plan until proper studies are completed. DTSC must conduct a full environmental review and hold meaningful public hearings in all affected communities. Local and state leaders must stand with Central Valley residents and demand transparency, environmental protections, and real public engagement.

Fresno residents are coming together to fight back. On March 20 at 10:15 a.m. we will rally at Fresno City Hall before heading inside to the BES hearing at 11 a.m. We call on other Valley residents sick of the status quo to join us.

The Valley deserves clean air, safe water, and a government that listens to the people  not just polluters. Its time for DTSC to listen.

Nayamin Martinez, MPH, is the executive director of the Central California Environmental Justice Network. She has spent her career advocating for clean air, water, and public health protections in the Central Valley.
Jonathan Majors admitted to strangling his ex-girlfriend in previously unreleased audio reportedly obtained by Rolling Stone.

On Monday, the outlet published details of a recorded conversation that it reported took place between the Marvel actor and ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari in September 2022, months before his arrest for a separate incident in New York.

In a 28-second clip that Rolling Stone posted online, the man identified as Majors acknowledges assaulting a woman identified as Jabbari.

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He can be heard saying, Im ashamed Ive ever... Ive never [been] aggressive with a woman before. Ive never aggressed a woman... I aggressed you.

The woman interjects, You strangled me and pushed me against the car.

Yes, all those things are under aggressed, yeah. Thats never happened to me, he replies, prompting her to ask, Because I said something sarcastically, in your eyes?

Well clearly, its more than that, he responds before she adds, Something inside of you.

Yeah, towards you, he agrees before the recording ends.

HuffPost did not immediately receive a response to a request for comment from representatives for Majors and Jabbari.

Jonathan Majors attends the Los Angeles premiere of the documentary "Number One on the Call Sheet" on March 12, 2025. In audio obtained by Rolling Stone, the actor reportedly admits to strangling his ex-girlfriend. JC Olivera via Getty Images

Rolling Stones description of the recording aligns with Jabbaris previous claims in a civil suit, which she and Majors settled out of court last November. The professional dancer dropped her assault and defamation suit after reaching what her attorney described as a favorable settlement. Majors did not admit any wrongdoing.

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In March 2023, Majors was arrested for a separate altercation with Jabbari. He was charged with assault, strangulation and harassment after Jabbari accused of him attacking her in the backseat of a chauffeured car, hitting her and fracturing her finger.

During his trial, Majors denied any wrongdoing and alleged Jabbari was the aggressor.

He was convicted in December 2023 of misdemeanor assault and harassment but was acquitted of the more serious charges of intentional assault and aggravated harassment. In April, he was sentenced to probation, 52 weeks of domestic violence programming, and fined $250.

Despite his conviction, Majors has maintained that he has never been violent toward a romantic partner.

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My hands have never struck a woman, ever, he told Good Morning America last year ahead of his sentencing.

Following his arrest, Majors was dropped from multiple projects, briefly derailing his career. However, he is set to return to the big screen this month with the release of Magazine Dreams.

While promoting the bodybuilding drama, Majors told The Hollywood Reporter that he is focused on moving forward.

At some point there has to be accountability for writing your own story, he said in an interview published Friday. Am I going to fall into that narrative of falling apart, of self-destruction? Have a struggle, blame the world. Have a struggle, hate yourself. Have a struggle, deny everything. None of those narratives is beneficial.

Related...
Warning: Discussion of domestic violence.

Rolling Stone has claimed that an audio recording they've obtained is of Jonathan Majors admitting to strangling his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.

Amy Sussman / Getty Images

In 2023, Jonathan was found guilty of one count of assault and one count of harassment against Grace. Following the verdict, he was dropped from his role as a major Marvel villain. The actor has denied culpability and subsequently said in an interview that he was responsible for "none of her injuries." A lawyer for Grace said that Jonathan showed "no accountability for his actions" and "demonstrates a clear lack of remorse for his actions."

John Nacion / Getty Images

Another ex-girlfriend, Emma Duncan, has accused Jonathan of physical abuse  which he has denied.

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This weekend, Jonathan was unveiled as the cover star of the latest issue of the Hollywood Reporter. In it, he says of the aftermath of the trial, "Its a heartbreak like Ive never experienced and it just compounded and compounded.

Alexi Rosenfeld / Getty Images

The piece, which posits whether Jonathan is geared for a comeback, is accompanied with flattering quotes from other celebrities. "You dont get to say sorry these days, his When We Rise costar Whoopi Goldberg said. He was arrested. He went to court. He did what he was supposed to do. Im not sure what else there is.

Amanda Edwards / Getty Images

Michael B. Jordan, the Creed III director and star who previously voiced support for Jonathan, told the publication, I would love to make Creed IV together  among other projects."

Leon Bennett / FilmMagic

Matthew McConaughey, who acted alongside Jonathan in White Boy Rick, further told THR, "Ive known and know him as someone who is continuously striving to improve as a human, a man and an actor. I believe in him."

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for InStyle

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Now, Rolling Stone is claiming that they obtained a recording of Jonathan and Grace following a fight they had in 2022. In the audio, a male voice that is allegedly Jonathan says he's "ashamed," before saying, Ive never [been] aggressive with a woman before. Ive never aggressed a woman  I aggressed you.

Emma McIntyre / WireImage

Grace then reportedly replies, You strangled me and pushed me against the car." To this, Jonathan allegedly says, "Yes, all those things are under aggressed, yeah."

Gilbert Flores / Billboard via Getty Images

BuzzFeed has reached out to a representative for Jonathan for comment. An attorney for Grace declined to comment on the Rolling Stone story.
Jonesborough, Tenn. (WJHL)  On Monday, the Jonesborough Board of Mayor & Aldermen (BMA) passed an initial and full resolution that will help them proceed with expanding their water treatment plant.

Jonesborough Mayor Chuck Vest said the resolutions will help the town receive funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the project.

Once we get the funding, youll see the construction begin on our water treatment plant, Vest said. But a bigger one of the more important things now is building a larger transmission line from that plant up to our town thatll transmit many more gallons of water that we need.

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PREVIOUS: Jonesborough moving forward with planned new water treatment plant

Vest said the town should know within months when theyll receive the federal funding. Thats also when construction should start.

Upgrades to the plant will allow the capacity to have from the now roughly 3 million gallons of water to up to 8 million, with the ability to expand.

Jonesborough is a growing little town, but we also know that Washington County, which is where [a] majority of our customers are, is growing just as much as the town of Jonesborough, Vest said. Weve got to think about the next 30 to 40 to 50 years. By securing a larger plant with the capacity to almost triple our water output, its going to solidify the future of our community for the next 30 to 40 plus years.

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Vest said the town is mostly finished with the design phase for the plant.

Expanding this water system began many years ago, and it started with a design phase, but also putting new readable water meters out into our system, Vest said. All thats been done. Really what you see happening now too is for this larger transmission line that runs from our plant to our town, which is super important, were having to go out and get easements through to cross peoples property, and thats been underway for close to a year now, too.

Vest hopes the water treatment plant upgrade can be completed within two to three years.

Also at the meeting, aldermen approved a resolution to apply for the Local Park and Recreation Fund Grant (LPRF) to help create the First Frontier Trail which will connect Jonesborough to the Tweetsie Trail.

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JOPLIN, Mo.  Ahead of his court appearance today, a Joplin dentist files a motion to dismiss one of his cases.

Dr. John Jay Joseph is facing charges in both Cherokee County and Newton County on two unrelated cases.

Today he is scheduled to go before Judge Maradeth Frederick in Cherokee County on the prosecutors motion to revoke his pre-trial release. Dr. Joseph, most commonly known as Dr. Jay, has been free on his own recognizance, on charges that he and his son Rocco Joseph knowingly left the scene of a fatal crash and did not notify authorities.

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New details emerge in Cherokee County hit-and-run investigation

When Dr. Jay was arrested two weeks ago in Newton County on drug trafficking and illegal weapons charges, the Cherokee County prosecutor asked Judge Frederick to lock the doctor up.

Kansas prosecutor says Joplin dentist is danger to community after fentanyl trafficking arrest

Dr. Jays attorney now says the charges filed against his client in the hit-and-run death of Gary Laturner back in 2023 should be thrown out. Attorney Phil Glades argues Dr. Jay had no obligation or duty to report the crash because he wasnt aware his son had hit a human.

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The motion to dismiss says that Laturner was small in stature, just under 5 feet tall, and only weighing 76 pounds, and the two men thought Rocco had hit an animal.

The hearing is scheduled for one oclock this afternoon. We will have a reporter in the courtroom and bring you the latest information as it becomes available.

Joplin dentist facing drug charges could lose license amid legal troubles

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House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan is calling prosecutors who oversaw the criminal investigation into Donald Trump to testify before his committee  the latest chapter in congressional Republicans campaign to target government officials who investigated the president.

Jordan asked Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday for her departments cooperation in the testimony of Justice Department staffer Thomas Windom and former staffer J.P. Cooney, both of whom worked with former special counsel Jack Smith on the criminal investigations into Trump in between his terms in the White House.

Trump has repeatedly indicated he intends to seek retribution against his critics, particularly those in federal law enforcement, and House Republicans like Jordan have suggested they will leverage their power to investigate his perceived enemies.

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Their testimony is vital to our investigation into how the Biden-Harris Administration weaponized the Justice Department for political purposes and misused federal law-enforcement resources, Jordan said in his letter to Bondi. We share your commitment to restoring accountability and transparency to the Department and we respectfully request the Departments cooperation with this matter.

A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed that it had received the letter but declined to comment any further.

Jordan is also asking special counsel David Weiss, who helmed the cases against former President Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden, to testify a second time before his committee. Weiss, who oversaw the criminal tax and gun-related charges against the younger Biden, previously sat for an interview before Congress in Nov. 2023. But the Judiciary chair argued that Weiss final report, publicly released by former attorney general Merrick Garland, failed to address outstanding questions.

The elder Biden also issued a sweeping pardon for his son in his final days in office, rendering Weiss case moot. But Jordan has maintained his interest in the case.

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Rather than working collaboratively with us, the Biden-Harris DOJ dictated unilateral and severe scope limitations on our fact-finding and directed Department witnesses appearing before the Committee to not answer questions on the vast majority of topics, Jordan alleged. Fulfilling our oversight is critical to ensuring that the Committee can appropriately consider legislative reforms to improve the rule of law and address potential conflicts of interest such as those present in the prosecution of Hunter Biden.

Jordan is also asking for testimony from Mack Jenkins, a former Justice Department employee in California. Jenkins led the prosecution of former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, the Nebraska Republican who was convicted by a California jury of lying to the FBI before the decision was overturned and the case was transferred to Washington. After Trump assumed office, the Justice Department dropped the case. Jordan accused the Biden administration of partisan retaliation in pursuing the charges.

The committee chair wants to hear from other DOJ officials, too. They include a New York prosecutor who Jordan alleges appeared to retaliate against a witness in House GOPs impeachment inquiry into then-President Joe Biden; a prosecutor from Texas involved in the case against a doctor who allegedly leaked medical information related to gender transition procedures; and prosecutors from Pennsylvania pursuing charges against a man accused of pushing an abortion clinic escort.

In a statement, Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, blasted Jordan for continuing to probe the last administration, with so much going on now under Trumps watch.

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"This pathetic time-machine investigation is legislative oversight malpractice of the first order, and the whole country will be rolling its eyes at this waste of time and resources on GOP summer re-runs, Raskin, a Maryland Democrat, said.

Kyle Cheney contributed to this report.
House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) demanded interviews from a series of Justice Department (DOJ) officials he accused of weaponizing the department, pushing to speak with several figures tied to President Trumps criminal cases but failing to include special counsel Jack Smith.

The request from Jordan demands an interview with former special counsel David Weiss, who has already sat with the committee to discuss his work investigating Hunter Biden. This would be his first appearance, however, since producing a short report recapping the probe into the former presidents son.

The Ohio Republican also requested interviews with top prosecutors on Smiths team, including J.P. Cooney and Thomas Windom.

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The House Judiciary Committee routinely requests that special counsels appear before the panel once it has issued its final report, making the exclusion of Smith notable as lawmakers otherwise pursue conversations with his colleagues.

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team, including Cooney and Windom, orchestrated a partisan and politically motivated prosecution of President Donald J. Trump and his co-defendants, Jordan wrote in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

These actions undermined the integrity of the Justice Department and violated the core responsibility of prosecutors to do justice, he added.

Jordan has previously targeted Cooney, asking the DOJs Office of Professional Responsibility to turn over any internal files on the prosecutor.

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Windom was one of the departments most prominent faces in court, arguing on behalf of the government in Trumps election interference trial related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Cooney was among those who worked on the presidents criminal cases who were fired by Trumps DOJ leadership, while Jordans letter describes Windom as a current employee.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the panel, mocked Jordans inquiry.

Justice is disbanding corruption-fighting units, quashing the indictment of Mayor Adams and sacking J6 prosecutors for doing their jobs. So whats the GOP Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee to do in the midst of all this MAGA chaos? Call for investigations into the Biden administration, of course! he said in a statement.

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This pathetic time-machine investigation is legislative oversight malpractice of the first order, and the whole country will be rolling its eyes at this waste of time and resources on GOP summer re-runs.

In his letter to Weiss, Jordan said the former special counsel did not answer many of their questions during a 2023 interview given that he had yet to release his final report.

Contrary to your repeated representations to the Committee, your 27-page final report failed to address many of the topics you promised it would, the lawmaker wrote. Accordingly, we are forced to ask you to return for additional testimony in a transcribed interview about the topics you declined to address during your first appearance.

The Hill reached out to the DOJ, Weisss attorney and Jordans office, none of which immediately responded to a request for comment.

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Separately Thursday, two IRS whistleblowers who complained about Weisss handling of Bidens tax case were promoted within the agency.

The letter also asked to speak with several other DOJ attorneys, including those who worked on cases related to threats at abortion clinics, the prosecution of former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), among others.

This story was updated at 6:31 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  The Hometown Savings Bank (THSB) has announced Joshua Zuerner will be joining the board of directors.

Photo courtesy of THSB

Zuerner served as President and CEO of Joink, LLC from February 2012 until November 2024. Under his leadership, THSB said, Joink expanded to become a leading provider of fixed-wireless and fiber-optic connectivity for West Central Indiana and Central Illinois. He is also a director for Wabash Valley Goodwill and serves on its finance/investment committee.

Bart Colwell, President and CEO of THSB, said Josh brings an extensive knowledge of information technology, management information systems, and finance to his new role as bank director at THSB. We are very fortunate to have someone with Joshs expertise and character join our board as we look to the future.

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Terre Haute Savings Bank observes its 150th anniversary by giving to 14 nonprofits

In elementary school, Zuerner began writing computer code and was recognized for his software development accomplishment by Bill Gates (chairman of Microsoft Corporation), Gary Beach (publisher of Computer World Magazine), and Masayoshi Son (chairman of Softbank) in Atlanta at the Windows World Open Software development contest, while he was still in middle school.

Zuerner graduated from Purdue University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management, with a technical minor in MIS and an additional minor in Finance. He then opened an office in Terre Haute and provided custom software development and value-added reseller services as a Cisco Premier Partner, before joining Joink.

THSB was one of many banks that supported the growth of Joink. I have always admired the banks leadership within the community and look forward to supporting the banks continued safe and sound growth as well as staying involved in the community that has been so supportive of me and my personal and professional growth, said Zuerner.

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Terre Haute Savings Bank announces name change effective next year

Zuerner has received numerous industry and community awards including the WISPA Presidents Award for Excellence, the inaugural 12 Under 40 award from the Tribune-Star and Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Governors Award for Tomorrows Leaders, Indiana DECA Outstanding Alumni, Purdue Universitys Outstanding Senior Award, Carl S Riddle Scholarship Award, Terre Haute Chamber of Commerces Terre Award, Shane Miller Award, and the James G Higham Award.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
WASHINGTON  A federal judge pressed a Justice Department lawyer Monday over why the Trump administration did not comply with his order to temporarily halt deportations under an 18th century law and asked why key information about the flights over the weekend was being withheld.

In a tense hearing, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg summarized the administration's position on his court order Saturday as we dont care, well do what we want. Boasberg had directed any planes in the air carrying deportees to return to the United States.

The Justice Department attorney, Abhishek Kambli, said the administration had complied with the judge's written order, which came hours after Boasberg's oral ruling at an emergency hearing Saturday. Kambli argued the written ruling took precedence over the one issued from the bench, adding, "We believe that weve complied with the order.

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Boasberg said an order is an order.

Youre saying that you felt that you could disregard it because it wasnt a written order, Boasberg said, calling the Justice Department's argument "a stretch."

Follow live politics coverage here

He asked Kambli numerous questions about the flights  including how many there were and how many were in the air at the time  and Kambli refused to provide any details, citing national security concerns.

I am only authorized to say what we have said in the court filings, Kambli said.

The filing in question said the plaintiffs cannot use these proceedings to interfere with the Presidents national-security and foreign-affairs authority, and the Court lacks jurisdiction to do so.

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Boasberg ordered Kambli to answer several questions about the flights by noon Tuesday and to give him an official explanation about why he was not able to disclose that information in court at Monday's hearing and what forum he can answer those questions in.

"If the government takes the position that it will not provide that information to the Court under any circumstances, it must support such position, including with classified authorities if necessary," he ruled.

Boasberg said he would issue a written order with those questions after the hearing, since apparently my oral orders dont appear to carry much weight.

He issued that order shortly after the hearing and said the response may, "if necessary, be sealed in part."

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Boasberg scheduled another hearing for Friday.

Lee Gelernt, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, which alongside Democracy Forward is helping represent the plaintiffs, said after the hearing that there are decisions that are made all the time that people disagree with and are extremely polarizing, but that has happened for 200 years-plus in our country.

What changes here, what the difference is here, is the governments apparent refusal to abide by the federal courts power. Our country is based on the assumption that there are three equal branches and that the federal court will say what the law is and that the other two branches will adhere to those rulings. Once that ends, were in a very different situation in this country; were no longer a country based on the rule of law, Gelernt said.

Just before the hearing, the Justice Department sent a letter to a federal appeals court seeking to remove Boasberg from the case, arguing he endangered national security by having an inquiry about the initiative the administration announced Saturday.

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"The Government cannotand will notbe forced to answer sensitive questions of national security and foreign relations in a rushed posture without orderly briefing and a showing that these questions are somehow material to a live issue. Answering them, especially on the proposed timetable, is flagrantly improper and presents grave risks to the conduct of the Government in areas wholly unsuited to micromanagement supervision by a district court judge," the letter said.

The court fight centers on the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law, to deport people who it claims are part of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

The 18th century law gives the president the ability to quickly deport immigrants from "hostile" nations during war or when a foreign government perpetuates an "invasion." It hasn't been invoked since 1941.

Boasberg scheduled the hearing to determine the timeline of events since his order Saturday evening temporarily blocking President Donald Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Tren de Aragua members.

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On Saturday, he told a Justice Department lawyer to "immediately" inform his clients that any planes involved in deportations  and the people inside them who were subject to his order  needed to be returned to the United States. However, the government reported in a filing Sunday that "some gang members subject to removal under the Proclamation had already been removed from United States territory" before Boasberg's order was issued.

"However thats accomplished, whether turning around a plane or not embarking anyone on the plane or those people covered by this on the plane, I leave to you," Boasberg had said Saturday. "But this is something that you need to make sure is complied with immediately.

The Justice Department had sought to vacate the hearing Monday in the hours before it occurred, that the questions about planes' locations "implicate sensitive questions of national security, foreign relations, and coordination with foreign nations" that were "neither material nor appropriate."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A judge on Tuesday temporarily halted jail phone call privileges for a Pontiac mom accused of abandoning her three children in a feces-ridden house of squalor.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said 34-year-old Kelli Bryant violated a no-contact court order when she called the caretaker of her children 10 times between March 9 and March 12 to discuss her kids and her criminal case. She also had other inmates call the caretaker on her behalf, McDonald said.

A court order bars Bryant from contacting her children or those now caring for them, said McDonald. She filed a motion to revoke Bryant's communication privileges, including telephone, tablet, and video communications while in jail.

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50th District Judge Cynthia Thomas Walker on Wednesday decided to revoke those privileges for a week, Jeff Wattrick, a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office, confirmed.

"Ms. Bryants multiple contacts with her childrens caregiver put them at risk and violated the court order," McDonald said in a written statement Tuesday. "The continued safety and wellbeing of the three children remain our primary concern as we move forward prosecuting this case.

More: Pontiac mom in squalor case did exactly what a judge told her not to do, says prosecutor

More: Cash payment program for moms and babies to expand to Pontiac in May

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Bryant's defense attorney Cecilia Quirindongo-Baunsoe couldn't immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.

Walker and another judge had already feared this would happen. 50th District Court Judge Ronda Fowlkes set Bryant's bond at $250 million last month to prevent exactly what Bryant is now accused of doing. And Walker, who lowered Bryant's bond to $50 million in early March, barred Bryant from contacting any children under 18, including her own, and anyone caring for her children, should she get bonded out of jail.

Walker had left Bryant with a warning after she lowered her bond:

"Ms. Bryant, be aware that if you violate any condition of release, you would be subject to arrest without a warrant and may have your bond forfeited, revoked, new conditions imposed, in addition to any other penalties if you are found in contempt of court.

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Bryant was charged with first-degree child abuse and welfare fraud after her three children  ages 12, 13, and 15  were discovered living alone for at least four years in a townhouse on Lydia Lane in abhorrent conditions:

Feces overflowed from the toilet, which didn't work. Even more feces were found in the tub, throughout the house, and on the children's bodies and clothing.

Four-foot piles of garbage were found in some rooms. Two children slept on pizza boxes. And when police rescued the children on Feb. 14 after a landlord called concerned because Bryant hadn't paid rent in some months, their toenails were so long they struggled to walk, police said. It was difficult for them to flush the toilet because when taken to the hospital because they hadn't done so in so long.

Authorities said the children lived off food that was dropped off at the house about once a week by their mother, or a food delivery service company. The mother never had any contact with the children, authorities said, and allegedly told them to never leave the house. The eldest, a boy, went outside a couple of times: to check the mail and touch the grass.

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As for the two youngest, both girls, they hadn't left the house in four years.

Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at asahouri@freepress.com or on X: @andreamsahouri.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Judge: Pontiac mom in squalor case can't make calls from jail for a week
This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com

A King County judge has set bail at $2 million for the 50-year-old man accused of slashing another man in the neck with a hatchet on Sunday.

The man, who KIRO Newsradio will not name until he is formally charged, skipped what would have been his first court appearance on Monday afternoon. Prosecutors said his attorney showed up instead.

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Court documents state that the attack happened in broad daylight at Cambridge Apartments, a low-income housing complex on Union Street just across I-5 from the Seattle Convention Center. Police responded to reports of an assault around 2:37 p.m.

According to one of the Seattle police officers investigating the case, the man and the victim are friends. He was upset and grabbed his friends arm before cutting his neck, the officer wrote.

Police found the victim with a large cut through which I could visibly see muscle tissue, the officer wrote in the report. Medics rushed him to Harborview Medical Center, where his injuries were last reported as life-threatening.

Police called for backup, according to the documents, and officers arrested the suspect in his apartment. They reportedly found a hatchet under his mattress.

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Its not clear what happened leading up to the suspect becoming upset, as the officer wrote.

He had no other active warrants for his arrest by the time officers took him into custody, but prosecutors successfully pushed for the $2 million bail. The judge agreed. At the time of publication, he is being held in King County Jail awaiting trial.

Formal charges are expected to be filed by Wednesday, the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office said.

A spokesperson for HMC was not immediately available via email to provide an update on the victims latest condition.




A federal judge sharply questioned the Trump administration Monday about its decision to rush three planes carrying Venezuelan nationals out of U.S. airspace under President Donald Trumps unprecedented invocation of wartime deportation powers against a criminal gang.

James Boasberg, the chief judge of the federal district court in Washington, was clearly galled by the governments actions and legal arguments in the case, particularly its assertion that an order he issued Saturday to turn around any planes carrying such deportees had no force once they were outside U.S. territorial waters.

Only minutes before the hearing Monday, the Justice Department took the unusual step of asking a federal appeals court to remove Boasberg from the case altogether. The appeals court did not immediately act on that request.

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At the heart of the issue is Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 statute intended to bolster the presidents ability to deport foreign nationals from countries with which the United States is at war. Trump issued a proclamation labeling Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization, as sufficiently linked to the Venezuelan government to trigger those wartime powers.

Boasberg on Saturday ordered the administration to refrain from removing anyone from the country under Trumps claimed authority after five Venezuelans who feared deportation under the Alien Enemies Act filed suit. Those five men apparently remain in the country, in U.S. custody. But planes carrying about 250 other Venezuelan nationals  many of whom the Trump administration accused of being members of Tren de Aragua  departed from the U.S. shortly before Boasberg issued his order. They landed Saturday night in El Salvador, which had agreed to take the prisoners for a fee.

Then, Boasberg scheduled another court hearing on Monday evening to address claims from immigrant rights advocates that the Trump administration appeared to be defying the court.

At moments during the 45-minute hearing, the normally unflappable judge raised his voice, rejecting the Justice Departments contention that the government had an exceptionally urgent need to move the planes.

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Boasberg implied that the government had intentionally hurried the planes off the ground on Saturday afternoon because the government knew he had scheduled a hearing at 5 p.m. Saturday. Any plane that you put into the air in or around that time, you knew that I was having a hearing at 5, the judge said with evident frustration.

Boasberg also grilled a Justice Department lawyer over a key stretch of time on Saturday between two orders Boasberg issued. In the first order  which Boasberg issued orally from the bench  the judge directed the government to immediately turn around any planes carrying deportees subject to Trumps proclamation. About 40 minutes later, Boasberg followed up with a written order in the courts electronic docket that lacked some of the detail in his oral directive.

Deputy Associate Attorney General Abhishek Kambli claimed Monday that the government was free to ignore the oral order.

We believe that there was no order given orally, Kambli said. An injunction is not ordered until its in the written filing.

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Boasberg, an appointee of President Barack Obama, was highly dubious.

Thats a heck of a stretch, the judge said. You cant violate the injunction. If you dont like it, you can appeal it or seek to modify it.

Boasberg also rejected the Justice Departments claim that he lacked any authority over the flights once they cleared U.S. airspace.

Its not a question that the plane was or was not in United States airspace, the judge said, adding that the power of federal courts does not lapse at the waters edge or the airspaces edge.

But Kambli said the foreign policy concerns related to the operation were paramount.

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These arrangements were the result of intensive and delicate negotiations between the United States and El Salvador, he said.

DOJ further frustrated Boasberg by refusing to provide almost any details about the deportation operation, repeatedly invoking national security to defend the secrecy.

Why are you showing up today and not having answers to why you cant even disclose it to me? the judge asked.

As the hearing neared its conclusion, Boasberg demanded that the government answer  by noon tomorrow  a series of questions about the flights and their passengers, as well as exactly when Trump signed the proclamation calling for the alleged gang members to be expelled from the country. He also ordered the filing of more briefs on the legal arguments in the case.

And Boasberg told the government lawyers that, just to be clear, hed write down everything he wanted them to address.

My oral orders dont seem to carry much weight, the judge said.
(This story has been updated to include new information.)

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse sits at a historic sand point where sapphire seas collide with a turquoise inlet, saltwater turns brackish and sandbars shift at the whims of currents and tides.

Its also federally owned land, and one of only three Outstanding Natural Areas in the country  facts that supporters want everyone to know as the Trump administration considers the potential sale or lease of government properties as part of its efforts to reorganize departments and slash budgets.

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A March 11 email blast from the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum noted a new website it created to explain oversight and ownership responsibilities at the lighthouse. It includes two form letters recipients can send to U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Palm City, to show support for the lighthouse and surrounding land.

We thought it was the right time to remind the community that we are federally owned because the site is quite complex in its history, said Chris Nielsen, chairman of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum board of directors. We are stewards of the site, but we arent the owners.

Who owns the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum?

The 120 acres is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management under the U.S. Department of the Interior. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said last month the administration was mulling selling large tracts of federally-owed land to pay down the national debt.

More: Jupiter Lighthouse marks 10 years as Outstanding Natural Area

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The actual lighthouse Fresnel lens remains property of the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse building is the property of the Bureau of Land Management.

In 2008, the land was designated an Outstanding Natural Area by Congress. It is the only one east of the Mississippi. The other two are the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station near San Simeon California, and Yaquina Head in Oregon, which is also home to a lighthouse.

While an Outstanding Natural Area is similar to a national park, parks are managed by the National Park Service while an Outstanding Natural Area is congressionally protected and tends to have more enhancements for recreational activities, said Jupiter Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area program manager Peter DeWitt. DeWitt is one of two full time Bureau of Land Management employees at the site.

The biggest risk we have is that everyone thinks the non-profit owns the land and people dont know that it's public land, DeWitt said. If people dont know things, it can surprise you when something happens.

Boaters pass an area where signs warn visitors to keep off the shoreline surrounding the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Wednesday in Jupiter on February 12, 2020. Richard Graulich, The Palm Beach Post

DeWitt said he has no reason to believe the lighthouse would be on a list of federal lands that could be sold.

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Albrey Arrington, executive director of the Loxahatchee River District, said he doubts the federal government would target the property.

It would be curious to me if that property made it on the list because (President) Trump had a signing event there during his first presidential term, Arrington said. The property is obviously unique and there is not another of that magnitude and that is in such a gorgeous location.

Trump touted the Great American Outdoors Act from the lighthouse grounds in September 2020. The act, which had passed Congress a month earlier, provides money for priority maintenance projects at federally managed parks. At the same event, he signed an extension of the ban on offshore oil drilling along Floridas coastline.

More: Archaeology group fights to preserve historic Jupiter site and others from rising seas

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The lighthouse is the most obvious beacon of our community, Arrington said. It predates all of us running around Jupiter today.

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner and Burgum announced the formation of a joint task force Sunday that would look at federal land that could be transferred or leased to local governments to build affordable housing.

But the pricey waterfront property around the lighthouse would be an unlikely place for affordable housing. Also, the Outstanding Natural Area is readying this month to begin a massive $16 million project to stop erosion that was stealing as much as seven feet of shoreline a year.

A rendering of erosion-fighting efforts that will be built to protect the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.

Federal dollars from the Great American Outdoors Act and grants from the Florida Inland Navigation District are paying for the project.

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DeWitt is planning a groundbreaking ceremony March 24 for the project, which includes, in part, building 21 rock breakwaters to reduce the effects of waves crashing into the crumbly shoreline. A public boardwalk to be built above the rocks will also lead to a dock for water taxis.

If we dont do anything, the lighthouse itself would be falling into the Intracoastal Waterway in about 70 years, DeWitt said.

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump eyes land for sale, is Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse on the list?
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A suspected DUI crash in southwest Bakersfield killed a married couple early Sunday morning after they had a night out.

30-year-old Max and Desiree Mooney went out for a drink on Saturday night. They called an Uber to go home but they never made it there. They were killed, at the hands of a suspected drunk driver.

Des was literally a sister to me and I just dont knowI dont know how Im gonna continue my life without her, said Alyssa Ruiz, Desiree Mooneys best friend.

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Ruizs family was like a second one to Desiree.

Desiree and Max Mooney were high school sweethearts. They graduated from Highland High School in 2013 and have been together for 10 years. They were married for three of those years, and after a five-year stint in San Diego where Max was learning to become an electrician, they came back to Bakersfield to start a family.

Suspects in Potomac Park homicide brought firearm to fight over street racing: court docs

Desiree celebrated her 30th birthday in January.

Him and Des were perfect for each other. I always told Des if we could just clone Max because he was just so perfect, said Ruiz.

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Those dreams didnt come true.

Police say, 21-year-old Anabell Correa was driving a white Hyundai and crashed into the Uber drivers car, killing Max. Desiree was rushed to Kern Medical, where she succumbed to her injuries. One other woman passenger and the woman Uber driver are being treated at Kern Medical.

Police didnt release their names. Bakersfield police suspect speed and alcohol were factors into the crash. She is under arrest for two counts of homicide and related charges.

For now, she is recovering from her injuries at Kern Medical, but will be booked into Lerdo jail. Correas record shows that this isnt her first run-in with alcohol use and breaking the law. She was arrested for public intoxication in August of 2023.

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They were doing the right thing, they always do the right thing. Thats why its so crazyits them, said Ruiz.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
A battle over whether more people should be able to sue when a family member dies from medical malpractice produced a heated debate in the Legislature on Tuesday.

On one side: Relatives of victims of alleged negligence by health care providers, who say they were denied justice by Floridas law, which bars adult children  those 25 and older  from suing for noneconomic damages if their unmarried parent dies due to medical malpractice. (Noneconomic damages can include things like pain and suffering, and emotional distress.) The parents of an adult child who dies from medical malpractice are also barred from receiving those pain and suffering damages.

I was told I didnt qualify enough as a mother to seek justice, said Marcia Scheppler, whose 29 year-old son with Down Syndrome, Jo Jo, was refused emergency care at Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie in 2019.

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She raced to another hospital but Jo Jo, suffering from an allergic reaction to medication, died in the delay. Florida law doesnt just fail people like me it endangers people like Jo Jo, she told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services.

The panel was hearing a bill (SB 734) that would repeal the exceptions to Floridas wrongful death law that apply to the adult children of an unmarried parent, or the parents of an adult child, who die due to negligence by a medical provider. The exceptions were put into place in 1990.

On the other side: Hospitals, medical malpractice insurance providers and some physicians, who argue the change would hike Floridas already high insurance rates and exacerbate the states struggle to find enough doctors for its growing, aging population.

Judy Davis, corporate risk manager at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, said their medical malpractice insurance coverage rates have risen by 45% in the last five years, and their $4 million deductible means many cases arent eligible for coverage. She warned of shortages of obstetricians and physicians in rural areas because of higher rates if more people could sue for malpractice.

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Physicians say they dont want to come to Florida because of concern over rates, Davis said.

Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, is sponsoring the bill. He noted that his version of the bill last year included caps on noneconomic damages. This years version, though, doesnt have caps but he said hes open to changing the bill going forward to thwart any spike in insurance rates. Obviously we dont want to increase costs, Yarborough said. But we also need to have accountability.

Sen. Gayle Harrell listens to remarks presented Senate President Kathleen Passidomo during the opening day of the 2024 Legislative Session on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024.

The panel voted 8-2 in favor of the bill, with Sens. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, and Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland, voting against it. We are desperately in need of physicians, Harrell said. If this bill passes we are going to have an increase in medical malpractice (rates). We are already the highest in the country.

The bill has one more committee hearing in the Senate before hitting the floor. The House version of the bill (HB 6017) has one more hearing as well before heading to the floor in that chamber.

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Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida medical malpractice bill leads to intense debate
A man suspected of stealing a police department SUV was in custody Tuesday morning following a high-speed pursuit that ended with a K-9 taking him down in East Hollywood.

The incident began around 12:15 a.m. with a traffic stop near Atlantic Boulevard and Glendon Way in Alhambra.

While Officers were contacting the driver, an unrelated male subject on foot approached the officers from behind and entered the drivers seat of the patrol vehicle, the Alhambra Police Department stated in a news release later in the morning.

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The suspect, identified as Trung Cuong Nguyen, drove off in the vehicle and onto the 10 Freeway where a pursuit began

A man is taken into custody following a high-speed pursuit ends in East Hollywood on March 18, 2025. (KTLA)

The chase came to an end when Nguyen stopped and got out of the vehicle near Marathon Street and Oxford Avenue in East Hollywood.

Video showed Nguyen being chased by a K-9 as he tried to flee on foot but was eventually taken down by the dog and several officers.

Nguyen was seen with a cut on his head as he was taken from the scene to a local hospital for treatment.

No further details about the suspect or a possible motive for the incident was released.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City Police Department announced on Wednesday that a missing 14-year-old boy with autism was found after disappearing for nearly two days.

According to original reports from KCPD, Christian Newton was last seen around 4:45 p.m. Monday near 137th and Holmes Road.

Two Cybertrucks damaged in fire at Kansas City Tesla dealership

Police said he was walking on foot in an unknown direction at the time of his disappearance.

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But, it was later announced on Wednesday afternoon that the teen was found and is now safe.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The U.S. Supreme Court's Plyler v. Doe decision in 1982 guarantees the right of undocumented immigrant children to attend K-12 public schools (Getty Images).

Students began asking questions soon after President Donald Trump took office.

How old do I have to be to adopt my siblings? an area student asked a teacher, worried that their parents could be deported.

Can I attend school virtually? asked another student, reasoning that they would be safer from being targeted by immigration agents if they studied online at home.

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A straight-A student from a South American country stunned and saddened her teacher by saying, So when are they going to send me back?

Can I borrow a laminator? asked another, who wanted to make a stack of Know Your Rights flyers sturdier. High schoolers have been passing the guides out, informing people what to do if stopped and questioned about immigration status.

Trump campaigned on a vow to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, boasting of mass deportations.

What that might mean for the children of targeted immigrants, or whether they would be rounded up, has been the subject of speculation, rumor and fear.

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In early March, the Trump administration began detaining families at a Texas center, with the intention of deporting the children and adults together.

Kansas City area school districts are responding, training teachers and staff on protocols in case immigration agents try to enter a school and sending notices to parents.

Not every school district, not every charter school, not every private school, has addressed the issue, said Christy J. Moreno with Revolucion Educativa, a Kansas City nonprofit advocating for Latinos educational success.

Parents in some local schools have had their fears calmed through district communication.

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There have been some districts that have been a little bit more public about their stance on this, but in general terms, theyre not being very public, said Moreno, an advocacy and impact officer. Its because of all the executive orders and the fear that federal funding will be taken away.

Indeed, when asked to comment, most area districts declined or pointed to district policy posted online.

Immigrant childrens right to attend public school, K-12, is constitutionally protected.

A 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Plyler v. Doe, guarantees it regardless of immigration status.

The Plyler ruling also ensures that schools do not ask the immigration status of children as they enroll, something that area districts have emphasized in communication to parents.

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The Shawnee Mission School District relies on policies that are the responsibility of building administrators if any external agency, such as law enforcement, requests access to or information about a student.

We strongly believe that every child deserves free and unfettered access to a quality public education, regardless of immigration status, said David A. Smith, chief communications officer, in a statement. While we cannot control the actions of others, we can control how we respond.

Schools were once understood to be off limits for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Schools were considered to be sensitive places, along with hospitals and places of worship.

Trump rescinded that nearly 14-year-old policy by executive order immediately upon taking office in January.

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In February, the Denver Public Schools sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arguing that the schools duty to educate students was hindered by the change.

Students were missing school out of fear, the Colorado educators said. And administrators and teachers were forced to redirect resources to train staff on how to react in case immigration agents entered school grounds.

On March 7, a federal judge sided with Homeland Security in denying the injunction.

The ruling gleaned some clarity for schools, with the government noting that the current policy requires some level of approval on when to conduct an action in a school.

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But that guardrail doesnt negate anxieties, the judge acknowledged.

In the Kansas City area, one mother, with two children in public school, indicated that her districts support was too hesitant.

I know that the districts at this time have not come out in support of immigrant families in these difficult times, she said. They are just being very diplomatic, saying that education comes first.

Plyler v. Doe: Constitutionally protected, but still threatened

Plyler v. Doe isnt as universally understood as Brown v. Board of Education.

The U.S. Supreme Court case guaranteeing immigrant childrens right to a public K-12 education is a landmark decision, said Rebeca Shackleford, director of federal government relations for All4Ed, a national nonprofit advocating for educational equity.

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Kids are losing out already, even though they still have their right to this education, Shackleford said. There are kids who are not in school today because their parents are holding them back.

The class-action case originated in Texas.

In 1975, the state legislature said school districts could deny enrollment to children who werent legally admitted into the U.S., withholding state funds for those childrens education.

Two years later, the Tyler district decided to charge $1,000 tuition to Mexican students who couldnt meet the legally admitted requirement. James Plyler was the superintendent of the Tyler Independent School District.

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The case was brought by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

Lower courts ruled for the children and their parents, noting that the societal costs of not educating the children outweighed the states harm. The lower courts also ruled the state could not preempt federal immigration law.

Eventually the case was taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 1982 upheld the rights of the students to receive a K-12 education, 5-4, citing the 14th Amendments equal-protection clause.

By denying these children a basic education, the court said, we deny them the ability to live within the structure of our civic institutions, and foreclose any realistic possibility that they will contribute in even the smallest way to the progress of our Nation.

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The court also said that holding children accountable for their parents actions does not comport with fundamental conceptions of justice.

There have been efforts by state legislatures to challenge the ruling.

In 2011, Alabama saw a dramatic drop in Latino student attendance, even among U.S.-born children, when the state ordered districts to determine the immigration status of students as they enrolled.

The law was later permanently blocked by a federal court.

Tennessee is currently debating passage of a law similar to the Texas law that led to the Plyler ruling.

The proposed law would allow districts to charge undocumented students tuition, and would require districts to check the legal status of students as they enrolled.

The bill recently passed out of an education committee.

The chilling effect of such proposals, like current calls for mass deportations, can be widespread for children, advocates said.

How can you learn if youre worried about whether or not your parents are going to be home when you get home from school? Shackleford said.

Teachers nationwide are seeing the impact as students worry for themselves, their parents and friends.

I think sometimes we forget that the words that we use as adults and the messages that we send are affecting our kids, Shackleford, a former teacher, said. And no one feels that more than teachers and classroom educators, because theyre right there in the rooms and hearing this and seeing the pain of their students.

Information vacuums contribute to rumors

Voids in information leave room for misinformation, which is quickly spread by social media.

Local advocates for immigrant rights have been tamping down rumors about raids, especially in regard to schools.

There have not been any reported incidents involving ICE agents inside or on local K-12 school grounds.

But in February, a man was detained near a Kansas City school, presumably as he was getting ready to drop a child off for the days lessons.

Homeland Security officials arrested a man they said had previously been deported. Staff of the Guadalupe Centers Elementary & Pre-K School acted quickly, escorting the child into the building.

For districts, managing communications can be a balance.

North Kansas City Schools began getting questions from parents about ICE and Customs and Border Protection early this year.

On Jan. 24, the district sent a notice to parents emphasizing policies that had been in place for several years.

In general, law enforcement has the same limited level of access to student records as members of the public with no special permissions, according to the notice. Law enforcement agents are not permitted to speak with nor interact with students without a valid subpoena, court order or explicit parent permission unless its an emergency situation.

Kansas City Public Schools Superintendent Jennifer Collier addressed immigration in a late January board meeting.

Collier said that work had begun behind the scenes after Trump rescinded the sensitive-places policy.

What we didnt want to do was to get out front and begin to alarm everybody, to create anxiety, Collier said, noting the feelings of heaviness and in some cases feelings of hopelessness.

All staff would be trained, including legal and security teams, in identifying valid court orders or warrants.

She emphasized the emotional well-being of students. And the district has posted guidance online.

Were going to make it to the other side of this, Collier told her board. So hold on. Dont lose hope.

This article first appeared on Beacon: Kansas City and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Senate President Ty Masterson speaks at a Jan. 28, 2025, rally of private school kids at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Senate President Ty Masterson celebrated passage Monday of two more bills that would reshape Kansas elections.

The latest legislation to be endorsed by both the House and Senate would ban the use of ranked-choice voting in Kansas and restrict funding for election-related activities, such as voter registration efforts.

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The Legislature now has sent three election bills to the governors desk. The other one would narrow the window for advance ballots to arrive at county election offices.

Over the past several years, Kansas Republicans have taken several common-sense steps to ensure that our elections are safe and secure, and these three bills further accomplish that goal, Masterson said in a statement. I encourage the governor to sign all three and join us in making our election laws a model for the nation.

Gov. Laura Kelly could sign the bills, let them become law without her signature, or use her veto pen. The Legislature could override a veto with two-thirds support in both chambers  84 House members and 27 senators.

Senate Bill 4, which the House passed 80-39 on Feb. 27 and the Senate passed 30-10 on March 6, would end the three-day grace period for advance ballots. Currently, ballots are counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and received by the following Friday. The law would require ballots to be returned instead by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

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Based on last years numbers, the change could result in more than 2,000 ballots being disqualified statewide in a general election.

The House passed Senate Bill 5 and Senate Bill 6 by 86-37 margins on March 13.

SB 5, which the Senate passed 32-8 on Monday, would prohibit election officials from accepting funds for election expenses from any source not authorized by the Legislature.

The bill requires federal election funding only be used for purposes authorized by Congress. The law would explicitly prohibit the use of federal funding for election-related activities that include voter registration and voter assistance.

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SB 6, which the Senate passed 30-10 on Monday, would prohibit any form of ranked-choice voting methods in federal, state, county or municipal elections.

The method gives voters the option to rank candidates in order of preference, and if the first choice doesnt have the votes to win, the ballot counts for the next choice. Kansas has not used ranked choice voting in official state-run or county-run elections. It was last used in the state during the 2020 party-run Democratic presidential primary.

Other election-related bills and proposed constitutional amendments are still working their way through the Legislature.

They include a change to the way Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected with Senate Resolution 1611 and expanding or eliminating campaign finance spending limits.

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The potential combination of electing state Supreme Court justices, gerrymandering and excessive spending on campaigns would mean Kansans cant truly pick their candidates, said Davis Hammet, president of Loud Light Civic Action.

The result is an incredible amount of control over the state, he said.

The underlying intent of the campaign finance bill, which was forwarded to the governor Friday, is to make parties more powerful than PACs, said Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican and chair of the House elections committee.

I dont know about you, but as Ive, you know, gone around talking to my constituents and folks around the state about campaign finance, the constant refrain that I hear from Kansans is that we need to get PAC money out of politics, Proctor said during floor debate in early March.

Topeka Democrat Rep. Kirk Haskins said during the bills debate on the House floor that the shift in campaign contributions would have major impacts on politics in Kansas as we know it.
BOSTON (WWLP)  Karen Read is back in court on Tuesday for the first of two hearings ahead of the start of her second murder trial next month.

State Trooper Michael Proctor in court Thursday

The hearings are scheduled to be the final ones before jury selection begins. It will also provide the court a chance to weigh any remaining motions that could shape evidence, witnesses, and narratives the jurors will hear during trial.

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Read is accused of murdering her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John OKeefe by hitting him with her SUV in 2022. Reads defense team has claimed that she is on the receiving end of a massive coverup, involving law enforcement corruption, and is being framed for the murder.

Her retrial is set to begin April 1st.

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They say you get what you deserve, but in the case of two California siblings, karma came back to bite harder than ever. John Chong Uk Moon, 54, and Cindy Kim, 58, are in police custody after being caught on video hurling racial slurs at a couple eating at Panera Bread. But they were not arrested for the racist encounter. Instead, the most shocking part about the incident came before and after the camera started rolling.

It all started when a couple visiting California from Florida began filming Moon and Kim while getting into a verbal altercation with the two siblings. What are you looking at, n****r? Moon asked the woman recording him. Apparently, the beef began before the woman pulled out her phone. She alleged Moon started verbally attacking her and calling her names.

I said hi, this n****r started staring at me, Moon told his sister, who entered the frame seconds after the altercation began. We were sitting here, minding our own business, the female tourist responded before Moon continued saying, I said hi and he stared at me.

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Thats when Moons sister, Kim, jumped in and told the Florida duo Dont be a n****r, dont act n****rly. Moon then called the male tourist white trash among other things. Eventually the camera stopped rolling, but after the Florida couple decided to post their Karen interaction online, an unexpected connection was made to a February murder.

Image: Fox 11 News

The Murder of Cuauhtemoc Garcia

On Feb. 25 around 12:30 p.m., 66-year-old Cuauhtemoc Garcia was shot and killed while walking on a bike path at a local park, according to Fox News. Officials said he was being followed by two unidentified individuals who had been captured on video.



This was a senseless and brutal act of violence that took the life of a husband, father and businessman who simply wanted to enjoy a peaceful walk, District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. My sympathies go out to his family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. We will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law to hold those responsible accountable.

A Greater Connection

Despite police sharing footage of the two murder suspects, officials hit a wall and no leads had been made. But after the video of Moon and Kims racist interaction began circulating online, an anonymous tipster contacted police when they recognized Moon and Kim from their wanted poster.

The tipster became instrumental to cracking the case, according to officials, as Moon and Kim were hard to track down because they had been living in their car. Apparently, the siblings allegedly tried to steal Garcias car and shot him when he refused to hand over his keys, according to NBC 4.

The Chase and Arrest

After deputies were able to identify Moon and Kim, they tied them to a silver Toyota Prius, where they had been living. This led to a police chase which ended in a collision, Fox 11 reported. The siblings were then arrested and each charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted second-degree robbery, according to the Los Angeles District Attorneys office.

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Thank you so much, Garcias widow told Fox 11 of the anonymous tipster. You have made such a difference to a family. We can bury my husband at least knowing that they have the people in custody.

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Karoline Leavitt issued a fiery rebuke to a French politician calling for the Statue of Liberty to be returned, with the White House press secretary stating his country should be very grateful to the U.S. that its not speaking German right now.

Raphael Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and Frances center-left Place Publique party, called for the New York Harbor-based landmark to be brought home claiming that the U.S. no longer represents the values embodied by Lady Liberty after siding with tyrants.

Leavitt said that President Donald Trump would absolutely not return the statue  a gift from France some 140 years ago  and clarified the U.S.s role in helping liberate France from Nazi occupation during World War II.

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My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that its only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now, she said in a briefing Monday. So they should be very grateful to our great country.

Karoline Leavitt issued a scathing rebuke to the French politician calling for the Statue of Liberty to be returned (EPA)

Glucksmann made the remarks during a convention during a Place Publique movement Sunday.

Give us back the Statue of Liberty, he said, according to Agence France-Presse.

Were going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: Give us back the Statue of Liberty.

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France gifted the statue, which stands 305 feet tall and weighs 450,000 lbs, to the U.S. on July 4, 1884, to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the U.S. on July 4, 1884 (Getty Images)

The iconic copper-clad sculpture was created by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and currently sits on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. There is a replica of the statue in the Seine River in Paris.

The U.S. likely would not have won the Revolutionary War had it not been for financial backing from the European nation. The U.S. did not return the favor when the French Revolution began in 1789.

We gave it to you as a gift, Glucksmann continued, citing the United States founding values of freedom and liberty. But apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home.

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He concluded his remarks by stating France would welcome top researchers who had been fired in the cuts to the National Institutes of Health and similar organizations.

Raphael Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and Frances center-left Place Publique party, called for the Statue of Libertys return to France on Sunday (AP)

Glucksmann, a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, is a staunch supporter of Ukraine.

Last month, Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of gambling with World War III during a contentious Oval Office meeting. The Ukrainian president left the White House without signing a minerals deal to secure U.S. help in ending the war with Russia.

Earlier this month, Zelensky softened his stance and said he was ready to work under Trump's strong leadership and that it was time to make things right between the two nations.

Trump is expected to hold a call with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in an attempt to convince the Russian President to accept a ceasefire and end the conflict with Ukraine.
This year could be a big one for our favorite little cheeky prince. In a recent conversation at Londons annual St. Patricks Day parade, Kate Middleton teased that she might take her family abroad in 2025. Specifically, they might head Down Under.

While talking to an Australian reservist, the Princess of Wales revealed that her 11-year-old son Prince George is fascinated by the fact that he has been to Australia and New Zealand when he was just a baby. And so were sure he would be just as fascinated to revisit the countries and understand all the new experiences he is having.

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If the family went back to the southern hemisphere  or, heck, anywhere abroad  that would be huge for Prince Louis. It would mark the 6-year-olds first ever royal tour. Unlike his siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte or his cousin Prince Archie  all of whom joined their parents on tours as a baby  Prince Louis has yet to reach this royal milestone, per Marie Claire.

I would like to go back there with [my kids] now, the mom of three said. Its finding time to do that. But I love to travel.

Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince George meet a Bilby called George as they visit the Bilby Enclosure at Taronga Zoo on April 20, 2014 in Sydney, Australia.

Whether it be to Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East (which she loves!), or beyond, the Princess of Wales thinks its brilliant to experience traveling. And so she would want to make sure there is extra time if the kiddos tag along.

Its making sure that you can combine a bit of work with the children, she said, per Hello!

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We know Prince Louis is [understandably!] not the biggest fan of official royal engagements, but maybe he would like to experience another countrys sporting events or visit some art museums.

Regardless of where they go and what they do, it would, as we said, be a major milestone for the young royal. Even his dad Prince William and his Uncle Prince Harry went on their first royal tours as babies. So Prince Louis has some serious work to do if he wants to have the same airline miles as his family!

If and when they do take flight, its believed that Prince Louis will be separated from his siblings. Royal protocol dictates that when Prince George turns 12 in July he will likely no longer be able to travel with  at the very least  Princess Charlotte. The same goes for traveling with his dad. The rule is to ensure a viable line of succession should there be an accident.

For now, we wont dwell on the morbid rule, but rather on the exciting fact that Prince Louis might finally enjoy the brilliant experience of international travel and tick yet another royal milestone off his list.

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Before you go, check out Prince Louis most hilariously chaotic moments.



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FRANKFORT, Ky.  With unanimous, bipartisan support, Senate Bill 69legislation to modernize Kentuckys veterinary laws and expand access to essential animal health serviceshas passed the General Assembly and is now on its way to the Governors desk for signature.

Sponsored by Sen. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, and co-sponsored by Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, the bill ensures that Kentucky remains a leader in animal care and agriculture by recognizing and regulating highly trained allied animal health professionals. The legislation establishes licensing and oversight for equine dentists and animal chiropractors, improving access to specialized care while maintaining strong veterinary standards.

This is a commonsense step forward for Kentuckys agricultural economy and the health and well-being of our animals, Webb said. By modernizing our approach, we maintain access to the best possible care while upholding the highest professional standards.

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The bill creates an advisory board to oversee these newly recognized professionals and ensure they operate safely and effectively under appropriate guidelines. It also updates regulatory processes to streamline veterinary care and improve record-keeping standards across the industry.

Kentuckys deep-rooted connection to the equine and agricultural industries means we must always be working to strengthen and modernize our approach to animal health, said Webb. This bill strikes the right balance by increasing access to expert care while ensuring strong oversight and accountability.

SB 69 passed the Senate earlier this session with unanimous support, 36-0. On the final legislative day before the recess, the House voted unanimously to approve the measure, 88-0. The bill now awaits the Governors signature to be signed into law.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentucky first lady Britainy Beshear joined Frankfort police to serve meals to members at the Capital City Activity Center, part of an event called March for Meals.

It can be easy to bond over food, and while she has a lot on her plate, first lady Britainy Beshear spent some time serving lunch to these senior citizens.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Making sure our seniors have nutritious meals and that they can come to centers if theyre able, being around one another and spending time with one another. Its critically important that the funding remains in place so that these programs are sustainable, Beshear said.

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The goal is to keep programs like March for Meals and Meals on Wheels going strong. Marchele Jenkins is the executive director of the Capital City Activity Center.

Were proud to say we dont have a waitlist here. Thats not the case throughout the United States, or even in Kentucky. There are many seniors still on a waitlist needing to receive meals. We do this to bring awareness to senior nutrition, Jenkins said.

These meals and this service mean a lot to members like Vaughn Garvin, who would have a hard time otherwise.

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I especially love the meals. At my age, its a little harder for me to cook because Im in rehab from a stroke, Garvin said.

Between the first lady and the police helping to serve the meals, everyone says its crucial to have everyone at the table. Frankfort Police Department Assistant Chief Scott Tracy said he loves serving his community, and this is another way to do that.

Theyve given so much already to our community. Theyve kind of put their time in, and now its our turn to serve them. It means a lot to us, Tracy said.

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Bom Bom nuzzles into her owner Michelle Archuletas shoulder as volunteer veterinarian Dr. Susan Barden gives a vaccination shot and Denver Animal Shelter community engagement manager Anna Cervantes tries to comfort during a pop-up veterinary clinic at the New Directions shelter on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, in Denver, Colo. (Timothy Hurst/Denver Gazette)
Kentucky lawmakers passed a measure Friday seeking to protect the controversial practice known as conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth, repealing an executive order from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear (Ky.) that restricted the practice.

The state Legislature has a GOP majority in the House and Senate, which succeeded in passing the bill, which also prevents people from using Medicaid to support gender-affirming health care for transgender residents, according to The Associated Press.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is also imposing a similar ban to comply with President Trumps executive order declaring the United States would only recognize two sexes.

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The idea that there are only two genders often is taught in conversion therapy to promote heterosexual behaviors.

Beshear has said conversion therapy is equivalent to torture and sought to ban tax dollars from being used to support the practice on minors in his 2024 executive order.

He cited statistics from the Trevor Projects 2023 survey that said 41 percent of LGBTQ youth reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year and 14 percent reported they had attempted suicide in the past year. Of those LGBTQ people who had attempted suicide, 28 percent reported having been threatened with conversion therapy and 28 percent reported having been subjected to conversion therapy.

GOP lawmakers, including state Rep. David Hale, argued families should have the freedom to select the mental health care of their choice, adding the bill would protect institutions and ordained ministries from discrimination when providing counseling services, according to AP.

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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Kenya is hosting the Dutch king and queen as allegations of human rights abuses are mounting in the East African country, with Kenyans writing hundreds of emails and petitioning the royals to cancel their visit.

Kenyas government has been accused of arresting and detaining critics, especially after the June anti-government protests, during which demonstrators stormed parliament and torched a section of the building because they were angry over new taxes passed by legislators.

Along with cracking down on demonstrators and curbing free speech, the country also saw state-linked abductions of young men for social media posts deemed offensive to the president. In December, during protests against widespread kidnappings and abductions, dozens of peaceful protesters were arrested.

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More than 20,000 Kenyans signed the petition on Change.org asking Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima to reconsider their visit. Last month, the government in the Netherlands said that it had received more than 300 emails asking for the cancellation, but that the state visit would proceed as scheduled.

The Dutch royals arrived on Monday night for a three-day visit. Willem-Alexander was honored with a 21-gun salute and inspected an honor guard, the office of President William Ruto said on Tuesday morning.

There was little excitement from Kenyans on the streets during the first day of the royal visit. Macharia Munene, a professor of international relations at the United States International University-Africa, attributed it to the low morale that people in the country find themselves in.

There generally is low trust for the government and what it claims to stand for in part because such critical public institutions as health and education are not working," Munene said. "The diplomatic clout that Kenya used to have has evaporated.

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Amnesty International on Saturday asked Kenya and the Netherlands to place human rights at the heart of the visit, address human rights violations and commit to accountability for all victims following the recent brutal crackdown on human rights in the East African country.

Kenya was among several African countries elected to the U.N Human Rights Council in October, and rights groups have been urging the government to prioritize civil liberties.
Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the Houses select committee on countering China, drew a hard line this morning against any deal for TikTok that keeps control of the app or its underlying technology in the hands of Beijing-based ByteDance.

The law is clear: any deal must eliminate Chinese influence and control over the app to safeguard our interests, he wrote in an op-ed in The National Review.

His op-ed responded to recent reports that the White House is seriously considering a deal to keep TikTok online in the U.S. by selling a stake to the American firm Oracle, which would run TikToks American operations.

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The Michigan Republican added: ByteDance must fully divest its control of TikTok and have no say in its operations; nor can the two share data, content, or algorithms. These are non-negotiable, and any deal that doesnt meet these requirements simply isnt legal.

The op-ed appeared to dig in against two possible elements of a shared-ownership deal: keeping TikToks powerful algorithm in Chinese control, or allowing ByteDance any influence on TikToks operations.

He noted that in January, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the 2024 law banning TikTok as long as it stays in Chinese control. Congress passed it with broad bipartisan support, and then-President Joe Biden signed it.

President Donald Trump suspended enforcement of the law on Jan. 20, promising to broker a deal that kept the app online in the U.S. He set a 75-day deadline, which expires April 5.

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There are significant questions about what role China would continue to hold over the app in any potential deal with Oracle. Republicans in Congress are expected to be briefed on the contours of the possible deal this week.

Moolenaar used his op-ed to chastise a 2023 plan from ByteDance called Project Texas that was supposed to keep American data on American-based servers. Many lawmakers at the time, including Moolenaar, said the plan failed to address their national security concerns regarding the Chinese government's alleged influence over the app.

Its no shock that even after Project Texas was rolled out, Americans data kept flowing to China, and ByteDance still had the power to censor and quietly manipulate users through TikToks algorithm.

Though several China hawks on Capitol Hill have voiced similar concerns in the past two months, its unclear what role Moolenaar, or any other member of Congress, would have in enforcing the law if they consider a deal to violate its terms.
LONDON (AP)  King Charles III is scheduled to have an audience with Pope Francis during a state visit next month to the Vatican, suggesting the Holy See is optimistic the pontiff will be back at work by then, barring any setbacks in his recovery from double pneumonia.

The tentative audience was among details of the British monarchs visit to the Vatican and Italy released on Tuesday by Buckingham Palace. State visits are always planned in close consultation with the Vaticans secretariat of state.

The palace separately confirmed that Charles wrote privately to the pope when he was taken ill. Francis, 88, has been hospitalized since Feb. 14. With gradual improvements, the Vatican said Monday it had suspended morning updates and is issuing less frequent medical bulletins. The next one is not expected before Wednesday.

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The visit to the Vatican is symbolic of efforts to build closer ties between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, which split from Rome in the 16th century during the reign of King Henry VIII. Charles, who is head of the Church of England, made building bridges between people of all faiths a priority since he ascended the throne 2 1/2 years ago.

Charles three-day trip begins April 7 and it will also include events in Italy and its capital, Rome, which surrounds Vatican City.

In Rome, Charles will highlight the close links between Britain and Italy, two NATO allies, at a time when European nations are working to bolster support for Ukraines fight against Russian aggression. The visit will include a joint flypast over Rome by the Italian Air Force aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, or Tricolor Arrows, and their Royal Air Force counterparts, the Red Arrows.

The king and queen will attend a reception in Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, to mark the 80th anniversary of the regions liberation from the Nazis by Allied forces on April 10, 1945. The royals will also celebrate the cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region and meet with local farmers devastated by floods that recently hit the area.

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The visit to Italy will underscore the depth and breadth of the bilateral relationship, the palace said in a statement.

One of the central events of Charles trip to the Vatican will be a historic first in which the king, in his capacity as supreme governor of the Church of England, will visit the Papal Basilica of St. Pauls Outside the Walls, where reconciliation and ecumenical relations between Christian faiths are celebrated. Choirs from the Kings Chapel Royal, St. Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle and the Sistine Chapel will perform.

English kings had a particular link to the basilica before the split from Rome during the Protestant Reformation. The church was built over a white marble sarcophagus that for some 2,000 years has been believed to be the tomb of St. Paul.

The visit is taking place during the Papal Jubilee, a year of forgiveness and reconciliation that is celebrated by the Catholic Church every 25 years.

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The Visit to the Holy See will be an historic visit in the year of the Papal Jubilee, and will mark a significant step forward in relations between the Catholic Church and Church of England, the palace said. ____

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/royalty
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's King Charles is still hoping to see Pope Francis during a state visit to the Vatican and Italy next month, a Buckingham Palace source said on Tuesday, more than a month after the pontiff went into hospital.

In February, the palace said Charles and his wife Queen Camilla would travel to Rome in April and the couple would meet the 88-year-old pope, but days later Francis was taken to hospital with a severe respiratory infection.

On Sunday, the Vatican released the first image of the pontiff since his February 14 admission, and said Francis was gradually improving, using less mechanical ventilation at night to help with breathing.

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The royals' three-day trip is set to begin on April 7, with the meeting with the pope scheduled for the following day. Royal officials expressed their "hopes and prayers that Pope Francis' health will enable the visit to go ahead", sentiments that Charles and Camilla shared, a palace source said.

Charles, 76, who is himself recovering from cancer, meaning his workload has to be carefully managed, wrote privately to the pope when Francis was taken ill, the source said. The pair met during Charles' visits to Rome in 2017 and 2019 before he became king.

As British monarch, Charles heads the Church of England which split from the Catholic Church in 1534. A palace spokesperson said his trip would symbolise a significant step forward in relations between the two, as well as marking celebrations for 2025 Catholic Holy Year.

Charles is slated to visit the Papal Basilica of St. Pauls Outside the Walls, to which English kings had a particular link before the schism from Rome, and the royal couple are also due to visit the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.

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Charles and Camilla's Italian agenda includes audiences with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and an address to the joint houses of parliament, in a first for a British monarch.

The visit coincides with the 20th wedding anniversary of Charles and Camilla, who married on April 9, 2005. Their nuptials took place the day after the funeral of Pope John Paul II, which Charles attended as then heir to the throne.

(Reporting by Michael Holden, editing by Alvise Armellini and Andrew Heavens)
Pope Francis has been in hospital for more than a month being treated for double pneumonia. And just after the Vatican released the first image of him in hospital, Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles and Queen Camilla plan to travel to meet with him at the start of next month.

Their Majesties The King and Queen will undertake State Visits to the Holy See and the Republic of Italy - incorporating Rome and Ravenna - from 7th  10th April 2025, the Palace announced in a statement today. Their Majesties programmes are designed to celebrate the UKs warm bilateral relationship with each country.

The itinerary in the Holy See includes an audience with Pope Francis, a historic visit to the Papal Basilica of St. Pauls Outside the Walls, and a special service at the Sistine Chapel. In Italy, the King will become the first British Monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament and the royal couple will also attend a black-tie State Banquet at the Italian Presidents residence, Palazzo Quirinale.

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A Palace source today shared hopes and prayers that Pope Franciss health will enable the visit to go ahead. Depending on circumstances, the planned programme may need to be adjusted.

On Tuesday 8th April, and clearly subject to Pope Franciss health, their majesties will visit the Holy See to join Pope Francis in celebrating the 2025 Jubilee, a Palace spokesperson said. Held traditionally once every 25 years the Jubilee is a special year for the Catholic Church. A year of reconciliation, prayer and walking together as pilgrims of hope.

Buckingham Palace confirmed today that the King had written privately to Pope Francis when he was taken ill. The Vatican announced that the Pope had been admitted to Romes Gemelli hospital on February 14. At one stage he was said to be in a critical condition. However, the latest update from the Vatican is that he is stable with slight improvements.

The first photograph the Pope since February 14 was released over the weekend showing him from behind in the private chapel of Gemelli Hospital.

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King Charles and Camillas trip will take place over their 20th wedding anniversary, which is on April 9. Other themes of their visit include a focus on climate, nature and female empowerment.

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Former Republican Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger has dared President Donald Trump to arrest him after the commander-in-chief erroneously claimed that the pardons issued by former President Joe Biden were void because of the use of an autopen.

Kinzinger was one of two Republicans on the House Select Committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and was pardoned by Biden amid fears that Trump would go after those who probed the insurrection that led to his historic second impeachment.

In a recent rant, Trump indicated that he may have an appetite to come after individuals such as Kinzinger. Trump said Sunday that the pardons were void because of claims that they were signed using an autopen.

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Kinzinger appeared on CNN on Monday night, daring Trump to take action.

First off, Im trying to figure out what hes trying to distract from because thats what all this is  always a distraction to try to get peoples attention, said Kinzinger.

Or maybe he hasnt felt like hes gotten enough attention. But look ... Its like, bring it on, he added.

The Oversight Project, which is part of the rightwing think tank the Heritage Foundation, took to social media earlier this month to share its claims that documents signed by Biden were not valid because they had allegedly been signed electronically. The preemptive pardons for members of the House Select Committee investigating the Capitol riot were part of that batch of files.

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Many conservatives have claimed that the Biden pardons are invalid if an autopen was used, but former President Barack Obama also used the method, which isnt forbidden by the constitution, with several legal experts making that point since the start of the controversy.

Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) speaks during a campaign event for Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at Washington Crossing Historic Park on October 16, 2024. He dared Trump to bring charges against him on Monday (Getty Images)

Similarly, memos from 1929 and 2005 from the Office of the Solicitor General and the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel state that a hand signature isnt required to receive a pardon. Additionally, according to an 1868 ruling, presidential pardons are final after they have been delivered, HuffPost noted.

Im like, look, we made it very clear what happened on January 6, said Kinzinger. America made a decision. And there is one person thats obsessed about the sixth because he still has been basically deemed guilty in the court of public opinion, and thats Donald Trump.

And he cant handle it, he added. He obsesses about it.

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Fox News reported that it had looked at more than 20 executive orders signed by Biden between 2021 and 2024 and found that they had identical signatures. But the network also noted that that signatures were also the same on Trumps executive orders that he signed during both his first and his current term in office.

Speaking to NBC News on Monday, Trump said he had used autopen signatures.

Regarding possible charges, Kinzinger said, My reaction to him is like, you know what? Then bring it!

Stop talking about it! Stop being all verbose. Stop pretending like youre tough. Bring the charges then if you really want to do it because we will crush you in court, he added.
Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

The city of Kissimmee wants state funds to help expand its airport infrastructure to draw new business.

On March 17, city commissioners will consider supporting a resolution to seek $8 million from the State of Florida Job Growth Grant program. The grant would help it plan the Dyer-Thacker Commerce Park along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, which would draw development to support the airport.

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Shaun Germolus, director of aviation for the city of Kissimmee and Kissimmee Gateway Airport, told Orlando Business Journal there are multiple developments proposed.

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.




'It's fun': Justice Melissa Hart joins counterparts in advocating for state supreme court clerkships

Hart said Colorado's Supreme Court members allow their clerks to be involved in their administration of the judicial system
FREEPORT, Fla. (WMBB)  A Walton County non-profit is giving residents the chance to reel in some fun while supporting some local organizations is coming to Freeport on Saturday, March 22nd.

The Kiwanis Club of DeFuniak Springs is bringing back its Charity Bass Tournament for its 5th year to Black Creek Lodge.

This year the club will be raising money for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, the Matrix C.O.C, and Cancer Freeze.

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So far this year the organization has raised over $11,000 for the charities.

Some of the money raised will also go towards some of the Kiwanis Clubs student initiatives.

Bay County leaders to discuss local needs with State Legislators

This is one of our biggest fundraisers that we have every year, said tournament director Rob Neale. We also use this money for some of our student initiatives, Student of the Month, Kiwanis sponsors the Builders Club, the Key Club, K-Kids and Elementary.

Anyone interested in taking part in the tournament can register at the event beginning at 4:30 a.m.

It costs $100 per boat to compete in the competition and boats will begin to head out into Black Creek around 6:30 a.m.

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The weigh-in is free to see at 3 p.m. and the boat with the largest bass will take home $2000.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Bird flu has devastated poultry and dairy farms, and sent the price of eggs soaring in the United States since it was first detected in North America in late 2021.

But what has been the toll on wild birds? More than 170 species of North American wild birds  including ducks, geese, gulls, owls, eagles and others  have been infected with bird flu.

Take precautions around sick or dead wild birds, experts recommend. But you can keep your bird feeder up. Despite the spread in birds and other wild animals, scientists say the threat to the general population is currently low.

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Which wild birds can get bird flu?

More than 12,000 individual birds have tested positive since the virus began spreading, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department.

The count is a "gross underestimate because most dead birds are never taken to a lab for testing, said Bryan Richards at the U.S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center in in Madison, Wisconsin.

Dabbling ducks, such as mallards and blue-winged teal, can carry the virus with few symptoms because these viruses co-evolved in waterfowl, said Richards. But ducks can also shed the virus in their feces or saliva, sometimes infecting other birds or mammals like foxes.

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Birds without natural immunity that migrate or roost together in large flocks, such as geese, are most likely to die in large numbers. A recent bird flu outbreak among migratory eared grebes in Utah killed between 15,000 and 25,000 birds near Great Salt Lake, state wildlife officials said in early February.

Seabirds, which tend to roost in large numbers, are also highly impacted.

Songbirds such as Northern cardinals, blue jays or chickadees  the kind of birds that might visit bird feeders  can also become infected and die, but their populations appear to fare better since they don't gather closely in large groups where the virus could spread, said Michael J. Parr, president of the American Bird Conservancy.

What are bird flu symptoms in wild birds?

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Symptoms vary, but may include lack of coordination, inability to fly and respiratory distress.

If people see a wild bird acting weird, the best thing they can do is call their local wildlife rehabilitator and avoid handling it directly, said Dr. Dana Franzen-Klein, a veterinarian and medical director at the University of Minnesotas Raptor Center.

If you must handle an infected bird, its best to wear gloves and a mask as a precaution.

Is it safe to have a backyard bird feeder?

Experts say bird feeders are generally safe and aren't a notable source of spreading bird flu.

But if you also keep backyard chickens, Parr of the American Bird Conservancy recommends taking the bird feeder down to prevent possible transmission to poultry. Birdfeeders and nesting boxes should also be cleaned regularly.

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The risk of spread to people from bird feeders "is very, very low, he said.

How is the bird flu outbreak affecting endangered bird species?

In the case of critically endangered California condors, scientists organized a vaccination program after some birds became infected. But thats not a realistic option for most wild bird species.

Instead, experts recommend giving wild birds the best chance by taking other steps to protect habitats and reduce various risks that species face, such as exposure to pesticides or lead ammo.

Bald eagles, which are federally protected but no longer endangered, are scavengers that will eat dead animals. That first year, we lost a lot of eagles" likely from bald eagles eating infected ducks or bringing them to their nests, said Richards.

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Scientists also documented an unusually high number of eagle chicks that didn't survive into adulthood during the first breeding season after the virus appeared in North America, likely because the chicks got the virus or sick parents weren't able to adequately feed and care for them.

But over time, the number of confirmed infections in eagles nationwide has declined from 427 in 2022 to 48 last year.

That may mean that eagles that survived the first year now have some acquired immunity, said Franzen-Klein. This past migration season, researchers counted a record number of bald eagles migrating through northern Minnesota.

There are good signs of hope that eagles in the region are rebounding, she said.

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___

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.
Aaron Gunches, who has advocated for his death, is scheduled to be executed Wednesday at 10 a.m. in a prison facility in Florence. He will be the first person killed by the state of Arizona since 2022.

Gunches was sentenced to death for the 2002 murder of Ted Price, a former longtime boyfriend of Gunches' girlfriend. Gunches kidnapped and shot Price multiple times in a desert area off the Beeline Highway.

Upon taking office in 2023, Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes paused executions pending a review of the state's capital punishment system by an independent commissioner.

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Retired U.S. Magistrate Judge David Duncan was hired to undertake that review, the scope of which was laid out in an executive order that called for a written report.

But Hobbs ended Duncan's review before it was finished, saying she had lost confidence in the effort.

Duncan, in an outline of his report, wrote: Lethal injection while theoretically achievable is, in actual practice, fundamentally unreliable, unworkable and unacceptably prone to errors."

Hobbs cited an "execution preparedness" review the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry sent her on Nov. 22 as proof the state was ready to proceed with putting prisoners to death.

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Here's what to know about Gunches' scheduled lethal injection.

How are executions carried out in Arizona?

Executions in Arizona may be carried out by lethal injection or gas chamber.

Arizona voters abolished the use of the gas chamber after a controversial execution in 1992. It took Donald Harding 11 minutes to die as he cursed and gestured at then-Attorney General Grant Woods. But Arizona law still lets people convicted of death penalty offenses before November 1992 choose how they want to die: gas or lethal injection.

The last person to opt for the gas chamber was Walter LaGrand in 1999.

In 2021, as the state prepared to resume executions, lawyers for condemned men said state officials purchased a different type of cyanide than the one called for in the state's newly published protocols for administering a gas chamber execution. Officials bought potassium cyanide instead of sodium cyanide.

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Arizona previously used a mixture of drugs to carry out lethal injections but now only uses a compounded form of pentobarbital.

The state has attempted to improperly import execution drugs at least twice, first in 2010 and then again in 2015. The second time, The Arizona Republic reported the state paid nearly $27,000 to import a drug that was stopped by federal officials at the airport.

What happened during Arizona's most recent executions?

After an eight-year pause, Arizona resumed executions in 2022, killing three men: Clarence Dixon, Frank Atwood and Murray Hooper. The state struggled to administer the lethal injection in all three cases.

Attorneys for Clarence Dixon, who was executed in May 2022, said his IV insertion process took 40 minutes. Dixon's execution team resorted to inserting an IV line into his femoral vein, which his legal team said caused him to experience pain and a media witness said resulted in a "fair amount of blood."

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The execution team for the June 2022 execution of Frank Atwood also struggled to insert IVs, prompting technicians to consider the femoral vein. Atwood asked the team to try his arms again, though, eventually guiding them to successfully make the insertion into one of his hands.

During the November 2022 execution of Murray Hooper, Hooper turned and asked the viewing gallery, Can you believe this? as the execution team tried and failed repeatedly to insert IVs in his arms before inserting a catheter into his femoral vein.

The last execution before the three in 2022 was conducted in 2014. It took two hours for the drugs to kill Joseph Wood. Witnesses reported watching Wood gasp for air hundreds of times during the execution.

How will the execution team administer the lethal injection?

The protocols established by the Department of Corrections outlining execution procedures call for the prison director, "acting upon the recommendation of the IV/Medical Team Leader," to determine whether the drugs should be administered through an IV that is inserted into veins in the inmate's arms, or their femoral vein, which is in the groin area.

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In a letter to Hobbs describing the department's October 2024 revision of its execution protocols, which resulted from its death penalty preparedness review, Corrections Director Ryan Thornell described the femoral vein procedure as "an extensive and intrusive IV placement process."

"There is inconsistency in the record about if and why this procedure was used in the last three executions, indicating unclear documentation, inconsistent expectations, and differing communication between the previous Director and the medical/IV team," Thornell wrote. "Nonetheless, the Department has now clearly identified the Directors role in decision-making and the role of the medical/IV team leader in informing the Director to aid this. To reiterate, I will not make decisions without the advice of the trained and qualified medical/IV team."

Are the lethal injection drugs expired?

In a statement to The Republic, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections said, "The Department believes that the drugs to be used in the Gunches execution are not expired and will be effective."

The department conducted limited testing on the compounded pentobarbital, but an expert said that testing did not indicate the effectiveness of the pentobarbital, only that it was pentobarbital made into a solution for injection.

How many people are on death row?

There are currently 111 people on Arizona's death row.

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Twenty-five of the people on death row have exhausted all of their appeals. Warrants could be sought for their executions, according to the Attorney General's Office.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What to know about Arizona's planned execution of Aaron Gunches
On March 6, 2025, TikTok user @rawnyates311 uploaded a video (archived) claiming an official stopped him in his truck at a weigh station in Arkansas and asked him to prove that he could read and write in English. The video's creator, Rawn Yates, did not specify what agency or organization the official worked for. Yates also said the official told him he would have been fined if he couldn't pass the impromptu test  and arrested if he couldn't pay the fine.

Couldn't believe it. Going through Arkansas, I thought it was a joke. Got stopped at the weigh station in Arkansas and was handed a piece of paper. He says: "Can you read and write English?" I said: "Yes, sir, I sure can." He goes: "Can you read this?" So I read it to myself and I was like, OK, start handing it back and he goes: "No, no, no, read it out loud for me." So I read it out loud for him and yeah, short and sweet, no problem. He goes: "Now, can you write this for me on this paper?" And I did, and there was a whole bunch of people that had already written on it. And I was actually witnessing people in handcuffs that had been pulled in and I was like: "What's going on?" He goes: "Oh, we've come across now that if you cannot read or write in English that it's a $5,000 fine and if you have a company in Arkansas that employs people that can't read or write in English it's a $10,000 fine paid on the spot. If you cannot pay it, you are automatically arrested and lose your license." What a shocker.

Versions of the claim continued to circulate into mid-March on X (archived), Facebook (archived), Threads (archived) and Bluesky. Despite Yates not mentioning any specific agency in the video, some social media users claimed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement administered the alleged tests.

At the time of our previous report on this rumor in March 2025, we were unable to prove that officials in Arkansas were administering roadside English tests for truckers. A spokesperson from the Arkansas Highway Police, a division of the Arkansas Department of Transportation, said via email on March 19 that the force was not carrying out tests. The Arkansas State Police, a separate force, did not yet respond to our questions about the alleged tests.

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At that time, legislation was underway in the Arkansas House of Representatives that proposed fines of up to $5,000 for commercial driver's license (CDL) holders who did not meet the English-language requirements for drivers laid out in the Code of Federal Regulation's (CFR). The act suggested higher fines of $10,000 for commercial vehicle carriers who employed drivers who did not meet English-language requirements.

That legislation, HB 1569, was since withdrawn. However, on April 14, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a separate bill, Act 604, that also included fines of up to $1,000 for CDL holders who did not meet the CFR's English-language requirements. That bill will become active around July 13, 2025  90 days after Sanders signed it  according to its sponsor, Rep. R.J. Hawk, who confirmed the information to Snopes via email.

An Arkansas Highway Police spokesperson said via email on April 23 that the force had not changed the way it enforced CFR English-language requirements since Snopes' last contact with the agency in March 2025, when a spokesperson said the agency wasn't carrying out English tests. We contacted Arkansas State Police again to ask whether it would be administering roadside English tests when Act 604 becomes active, and we await a reply. The TikTok user who posted the April 12 video did not return a request for comment about his alleged roadside English test.

New Arkansas act fines drivers but not carriers for insufficient English skills

HB 1754, which Sanders signed into law as Act 604, enacted essentially the same English-language requirements as the withdrawn HB 1569, though with milder punishments for offenses than HB 1569 proposed.

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Act 604 created, among others, the offense of "operating a commercial motor vehicle without sufficient English language proficiency" that was also featured in HB 1569. According to the act:

27-23-304. Operating a commercial motor vehicle without sufficient English Language proficiency. (a) An operator of a commercial motor vehicle shall be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to: (1) Converse with the general public; (2) Understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language; (3) Respond to official inquiries; and (4) Make entries on reports and records.

Under Act 604, this offense is a violation and subject to a $500 fine in the first instance and a $1,000 fine for subsequent instances.

Act 604's definition of what constituted "sufficient English Language proficiency" was identical to the definition that appears in Title 49 in the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR). HB 1569 also used similar language.

According to the CFR, a person is qualified to drive a motor vehicle, commercial or otherwise, if the driver:

(2) Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records;

Under HB 1569, commercial motor carriers could be fined $10,000 for providing a commercial motor vehicle to an "ineligible operator." This classification included someone who did not meet the bill's English-language requirements. Act 604, however, only imposes punishments on drivers, not carriers, for offenses committed under the act.

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It was unclear at the time of this writing how officials would enforce Act 604's English-language proficiency requirement. The act itself did not specify which departments should enforce it or lay out how it should be done.

Snopes' archives contributed to this report.

Sources:

49 CFR 391.11 -- General Qualifications of Drivers. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/part-391/section-391.11. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Baker, Jeff. "ICE Is Stopping Truckers in Arkansas and Requiring Them to Take and Pass and English Language Test. ." Facebook, 16 Mar. 2025, https://www.facebook.com/perfectjeff/posts/pfbid0QKfFbL1J2HDFoNVTXKrKvDqxGHXHeVRo3XyNgpzmcKbgZYVKKUphF3ZzN1xK9yoTl.

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Bill Tracking in Arkansas - HB 1569 (2025 Legislative Session) - FastDemocracy. https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/ar/2025/bills/ARB00015484/. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

HB1569 Bill Information. https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

@myblueskydays. "English Checks Have Begun  Truck Driver in Arkansas at a Weigh Station." Threads, 17 Mar. 2025, https://www.threads.net/@myblueskydays/post/DHRmJghu1Hy.

@rawnyates311. TikTok, 6 Mar. 2025, https://www.tiktok.com/@rawnyates311/video/7478751830227291423.

resistrebelrevolt.net. "Arkansas Truck Driver Says They're Stopping People at the Weigh Station and Asking Drivers to Read & Write a Piece of Paper in English." Bluesky, 17 Mar. 2025, https://bsky.app/profile/resistrebelrevolt.net/post/3lkm3ede27s2v.

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@WallStreetApes. "English Checks Have Begun  Truck Driver in Arkansas at a Weigh Station." X, 16 Mar. 2025, https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/1901231018289623373.

Updates:

April 27, 2025: This article was updated to include information provided by Arkansas officials.
A revelation that the U.S. Department of Energy has designated South Korea as a sensitive country  a label reserved for nations deemed to pose a threat to national security or nuclear nonproliferation  has left South Korean officials scrambling for answers.

Questioned by lawmakers during a parliamentary session on March 11, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said the South Korean government had been unaware of the measure, finding out through unofficial channels only after local media broke the news a day earlier.

Maintained by the Department of Energys counterintelligence unit, the Sensitive Country List includes nuclear states such as India and Russia as well as countries deemed to be sponsors of terrorism, such as North Korea or Iran.

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South Koreas addition to the list, which the Department of Energy announced to research institutions under its purview this month, will be finalized by April 15, South Koreas Hankyoreh newspaper reported.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon-hee, attend a rally. (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press)

In a statement to The Times on Saturday, a spokesperson for the Department of Energy confirmed the change had been made by the outgoing Biden administration in January, but did not explain why.

Inclusion does not necessarily indicate an adversarial relationship with the United States. Many designated countries are those we regularly cooperate with on a variety of energy, science, technology, counterterrorism and nonproliferation issues, the spokesperson said, adding that South Korea was labeled an Other Designated Country  the lowest category of the list.

Inclusion on the SCL also does not prohibit Americans or U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) personnel from visiting or doing business with listed countries, just as it doesnt prevent these foreign nationals from visiting DOE sites, the spokesperson said. The designation does not prohibit scientific or technical cooperation. These visits and cooperation undergo an internal review beforehand.

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On Monday, Cho told local reporters that officials believed the move was triggered by a security-related problem at a Department of Energy research lab. In an auditing report covering October 2023 through March 2024 submitted to Congress, the Department of Energy disclosed it had fired a contractor for attempting to board a plane to South Korea with proprietary nuclear reactor design software.

Still, the U.S. governments unannounced move to put a major, nonnuclear ally in the same company as countries such as China or North Korea has unsettled politicians, with many interpreting it as a blow to the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

Something unprecedented in the 70 years of the U.S.-South Korea alliance has happened, said Democratic Party spokesperson Kim Sung-hoi.

Read more: They didnt know they were citizens. Now they are expected to serve in the South Korean military

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Nonproliferation experts have attributed the decision to U.S. wariness of the growing chorus in South Korea for its own nuclear armament.

Although South Korea has been a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty since the 1970s, that notion has gained significant traction since President Trumps first term, when he hinted that the U.S. might withdraw troops from South Korea, which he has accused of not paying enough for their upkeep.

Why would we defend somebody? And we're talking about a very wealthy country. But they're a very wealthy country and why wouldn't they want to pay? Trump said in an interview with Time magazine last year.

With the U.S. no longer seen as a reliable provider of military support, high-ranking officials here have openly mulled over the possibility of South Korea developing its own nuclear capabilities, among them conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol  who currently faces impeachment for his declaration of martial law last year  and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

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There may come a time when we can no longer rely on the U.S. for our security, wrote former Foreign Minister Yoon Young-kwan in a newspaper column this month, shortly after the Trump administration suspended military aid to Ukraine. And to prepare for such a scenario, we need to strengthen our own military strength, including potential nuclear capabilities, so that we can contain North Korea on our own.

Despite South Koreas formal commitments to nonproliferation, these comments are likely being interpreted by U.S. officials much more seriously than South Korean officials might think, said Tom Countryman, a former assistant secretary of State for international security and nonproliferation.

South Korean army self-propelled howitzers take positions in Paju, near the border with North Korea. During President Trump's first term, he hinted that the U.S. might withdraw troops from South Korea, which he has accused of not paying enough for their upkeep. (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press)

It's unusual, but at the same time, there is no other country in the world that does not already have nuclear weapons where the public debate about maybe getting nuclear weapons is as loud as it is in the Republic of Korea right now, he said of the sensitive-country listing.

Countryman, who in 2015 led negotiations with South Korea for the revised 123 Agreement  a pact that the U.S. government requires of countries seeking technical cooperation and assistance in civil nuclear energy  noted that U.S. officials are still conscious of the fact that South Korea once ran a covert nuclear weapons program in the 1970s and that subsequent administrations here have continued to push for the necessary U.S. permission to reprocess spent nuclear reactor fuel into plutonium, which is a crucial steppingstone toward building nuclear weapons.

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It is still a relevant history today, he said.

Due in part to significant technological assistance from the U.S. dating back decades, South Korea has one of the most sophisticated civil nuclear programs in the world, with 26 reactors providing about 30% of the countrys electricity.

Citing the difficulty of storing spent fuel in South Koreas small land mass, South Korean officials have long argued for the right to reprocess its own spent fuel as Japan does, a decision that the 123 Agreement in 2015 postponed.

But South Koreas recent designation may mean that the door on that goal has closed.

I believe that all of the loose political talk about nuclear weapons makes it less likely that the United States would give such permission, Countryman said.

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In South Korea, many fear that the designation will hamstring technological cooperation with the U.S., including in nuclear energy as well as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Read more: Trump says South Korea wants to invest in the Alaska gas pipeline. Does it?

It will cast a chill over the research atmosphere, especially with stricter screening for South Korean researchers trying to visit the U.S. or participate in projects that the Department of Energy sees as sensitive or risky, said Moon Joo-hyun, a nuclear scientist at Dankook University.

Among the research areas affected may be small modular reactors, which have been hailed by governments as a more cost-effective and safer alternative to traditional nuclear reactors, alongside concerns that they pose a greater proliferation risk.

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Nuclear experts such as Moon say South Korea, which is one of the few countries in the world that exports nuclear reactors, may find itself subject to Department of Energy controls on the basis that South Koreas flagship export reactor was built based on a U.S. design.

Following a $20-billion deal in 2009 to provide the United Arab Emirates with four reactors, South Korea has expressed interest in exporting its reactors to Saudi Arabia, which has refused to sign a 123 Agreement with the U.S. unless it is allowed to enrich its own uranium  another path to making nuclear bombs.

Last year, after the Czech Republic named South Koreas Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power as the preferred bidder for its own major nuclear power project, U.S.-based nuclear power company Westinghouse filed a lawsuit against Korea Hydro alleging intellectual property violations. The two companies reached a settlement this year.

There were a lot of aspects of the Czech bid that seemed to make the U.S. uncomfortable, and I actually think that this fear of South Koreas growing share in the global nuclear energy market might also have played a part in the decision to list South Korea, said Hwang Ji-hwan, a nuclear nonproliferation expert at the University of Seoul.

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"There are still areas in which South Korea needs the cooperation of their U.S. counterparts during these export deals, such as patents. Those could take a hit, Hwang said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Moscow has insisted that foreign military assistance and intelligence information to Ukraine should be stopped in the context of a 30-day truce initiative.

Source: the press service for the Kremlin following a telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian ruler Vladimir Putin on 18 March

Quote: "It was emphasised that the key condition for preventing further escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution through political and diplomatic means should be a complete cessation of foreign military assistance and intelligence sharing with Kyiv."

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Tuesdays Top Stories

Tuesdays Five Facts

[1] Bill would have New Mexico join interstate compact to ease doctor shortage  Lawmakers are considering a bill that would ease the health care professional shortage in New Mexico. If passed, House Bill 243 would have New Mexico join an interstate compact, making it easier for doctors licensed in other states to get licensed and treat patients in New Mexico. Committee members wanted to amend multiple lines in the bill. The bill was rolled, meaning the amendments will continue to be considered before any vote.

[2] Windy across New Mexico with precipitation to the north  Another round of high winds will move through New Mexico Tuesday afternoon. Blowing dust and a high fire danger will return too with wind gusts up to 70 mph. This storm will sweep a cold front across the state, bringing cooler high temperatures tomorrow. A few spotty rain and snow showers will also move through northwestern and northern New Mexico. Winds will die down Tuesday night as the rain and snow ends too.

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[3] Albuquerque police arrest 13-year-old accused of killing man on bike  A 13-year-old is facing a murder charge after being accused of crashing a stolen car into a man riding his bike. Monday, police arrested Jonathan Overbay. Police say Overbay was in the car with an 11-year-old and a 15-year-old when the driver intentionally swerved onto the bike lake, hitting and killing 63-year-old Scott Dwight Habermehl in 2024. Police say the kids recorded the incident. Overbay was charged with an open count of murder. Police are still searching for the other two juveniles.

[4] Food banks urge leaders to fund program providing fresh produce to New Mexicans  The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is terminating the Regional Farm to Food Bank program. Its a pandemic-era initiative that connects New Mexican farmers with local food banks. The Food Depot says since 2023 the program has distributed more than 700,000 meals to those in need, while benefiting more than 200 local farmers and ranchers. Food banks in the state are now pushing lawmakers to create a permanent program in the next farm bill.

[5] New Mexico hat maker raising money for Los Angeles families affected by wildfires  Vanessa Dingwell alongside Charlie Overbey in Madrid, New Mexico want to do their part to help those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Overbey has been making hats by hand since 1993, now also making specialty pieces for big names. Replicas of those hats and more are up for grabs in hopes of raising money for families impacted by the fires. So far, theyve raised over $6,000. Auctions can be found on the Lone Hawk Hats Instagram page.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Ukraine is willing to agree to a 30-day pause on attacks on energy infrastructure, but needs more details of the agreement, President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters in an online press briefing on March 18.

Zelensky's remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible ceasefire in a phone call earlier that day. During the call, Putin said he would agree to a 30-day pause on energy infrastructure attacks.

"We will support such a proposal, but we're very interested in the details," Zelensky said via teleconference from Finland.

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"What is the real proposal, what did the parties agree on? ... After we get the details from the American president, from the American side, we will prepare our answer and the team will be ready for technical talks."

Russia has been bombing Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure since 2022. In recent months, Moscow has intensified aerial campaigns with bombardments by swarms of Shahed drones a nightly occurrence. Zelensky noted during his briefing that there was an active air raid alert in Ukraine at that very moment.

Following Putin's call with Trump, the Kremlin issued a statement demanding that Ukraine stop receiving all military aid and foreign intelligence as a "key condition for avoiding an escalation of the war."

Zelensky said he believed Ukraine's allies would not accept these conditions and that he expected Kyiv to continue receiving foreign weapons.

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"I think that partners, serious partners, will not go for it ... This is not a game that is dictated exclusively by Putin," Zelensky said.

"And I think that the aid will continue. We have the aid of the United States of America, we have the aid of our European colleagues. We are in constant contact. I am sure that there will be no betrayal from our partners."

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's longstanding support for peace and its desire to end attacks against energy infrastructure, seaports, and food corridors.

"We will support any proposals that lead to a fair peace," he said.

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The president also confirmed that Ukraine and Russia will each exchange 175 prisoners on March 19.

Zelensky spoke to reporters virtually, as he and First Lady Olena Zelenska are currently in Helsinki, Finland for an official visit.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin, Trump hold 1.5-hour call, discuss ceasefire in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
As Colorado marks another COVID-19 anniversary, the takeaway for historians and epidemiologists is as simple as it is jarring: Americans haven't learned the lessons from its Spanish flu history.
Students are protesting in support of the Los Angeles Unified School Districts programs for Black students after President Donald Trump vowed to take aim at such efforts.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Education announced it may withhold funding for any schools with race-based programming. In a memo sent to districts nationwide, the department ordered schools to stop using racial preferences as a factor in admissions, financial aid or any practice that treats students or workers differently because of their race.

Now Los Angeles teens, working with the Police Free LAUSD Coalition, are trying to preserve diversity, equity and inclusion programs in LAUSD by showing their support for them.

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Last month, students, parents and local education activists with the coalition gathered at Iglesia Luterana St. Marks, a church in South Central Los Angeles, to rally for LA Unifieds DEI programming.

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The event, billed as a cross between a protest and a town hall meeting, also aimed to open up conversation about the lack of protections for gay and minority students under the Trump administration, said Maki Draper, a student leader with activist group Students Deserve.

Im here to stand up for my people, Draper said. Stand up for those who feel like they might not have a voice. Stand up for those who are under attack right now.

In addition to the actions by the Trump administration, Draper said advocates were speaking out against a civil rights complaint filed by a Virginia-based organization, Parents Defending Education, against LAUSDs Black Student Achievement Plan, which gives certain schools extra resources.

The complaint argued that the BSAP violated federal law by using race solely as a criteria for admission and prompted the district to announce that it would stop using race as a factor in choosing which schools participate in the program.

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Draper said the BSAP provides opportunities for Black students after historical oppression. The program places counselors and social workers in about 50 schools with large populations of Black students.

Through the program, students have been able to tour Historically Black Colleges and Universities, participate in unique clubs and receive more mental health services.

With BSAP, I kind of feel more supported, said Devon Beard, a senior at George Washington Preparatory Senior High School, who also attended the coalition event at Iglesia Luterana St. Marks.

It gives students a reason to go to school, like they actually want to get up in the morning, Beard added.

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In 2020, the coalition successfully advocated for the defunding of $25 million from school police which was then put into BSAP.

This year, the coalitions organizers want LAUSD to expand the BSAP budget by $100 million annually and reinstate race as a criterion for the program, despite the complaint filed and that administrations recent actions.

The coalition has launched a sticker campaign to push those goals. Students passed out stickers at Iglesia Luterana St. Marks that said LAUSD must protect Black, undocumented, and LGBTQ students, and put them on their laptops and water bottles.

Threats by the Trump administration for an immigration crackdown have already roiled LAUSD, said Alexa Delgado, a junior at Edward R. Roybal Learning Center who attended last months event at Iglesia Luterana St. Marks.

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Delgado said a series of walkouts across LAUSD schools earlier this month showed a desire to stand up against immigration enforcement and ensure immigrant students know their rights and are protected by their schools.

No child should walk out of their home and be scared that theyre going to be taken away, Delgado said. And no parent should be scared that the child isnt going to get home at the end of the day.

This article is part of a collaboration between The 74 and the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Before turning to David Lammys latest betrayal of the Jewish state, it is worth reminding ourselves how we got here.

Seventeen months ago, Hamas unleashed an orgy of death, rape and mutilation on Israeli families and dragged more than 200 innocents into the catacombs of Gaza. Now Israel wants its people back. It would also rather like to prevent such obscenity from befalling its citizens again.

Forgive me, but such an obvious refresher is needed as our leaders have a habit of indulging in two-track morality when it comes to the conflict, then expecting us to normalise it.

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During a debate in the Commons on Monday night, Mr Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, accused Israel of breaking international law - citing the lack of aid going into Gaza.

Downing Street has since slapped down the remarks, insisting that the Governments position remains that Israels actions in Gaza are at a clear risk of breaching international law.

But the Foreign Secretarys comments, however ill judged, were unsurprising from a Government which suspended a negligible number of arms licences to the Jewish state in an empty act of gesture politics last September.

Because the truth is that if Hamas wants the bombardment to stop, it just needs to release the people it is holding.

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Instead, the terror group persists with the slow torture, safe in the knowledge that the world  Im looking at you, Mr Lammy  would condemn Israel when it reached the end of its tether. For this reason, in the eyes of Hamas, the more of its own people are killed, the better. Children especially.

Israel has been restrained. It telegraphs its attack plans in advance by repeatedly warning civilians to evacuate via millions of leaflets, phone calls, text messages and even loudspeakers dropped on parachutes. It provided a digital map where people could check which areas would be safe. It allowed hundreds of lorries of aid into the Strip daily.

You cannot destroy Hamas without spilling blood. War is war. Civilians die. Governments and commanders make mistakes; people go too far. Take 300,000 servicemen from any nation and some of them will commit crimes, even those in British uniform. But this conflict has been fought to higher standards than any other, especially given the depraved nature of the enemy.

When Donald Trump suggested unleashing hell if the hostages were not released by midday on February 15, hell came there none. Instead, the deal continued as agreed, with captives emerging in small groups amid outrageous propaganda spectacles. But here we are a month later and Hamas is digging its heels in. Israel needs its people back. It needs to defend its borders. But rather than backing his ally up, Mr Lammy appears to be defending the interests of jihadis.

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I cast my mind back to December, when the mother of British hostage Emily Damari  who has thankfully since been released  addressed the Labour Friends of Israel lunch in London. Mr Lammy was in attendance and left her underwhelmed. A few hours after my speech, the Foreign Secretary published a statement calling for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza for the winter, she later told reporters. But there was no mention of the need to get any of that aid to Emily and the other hostages.

Plus ca change. Its Israels response that gets this Governments blood up, not the jihadism that made it unavoidable. Speaking in Quebec last week, US secretary of state Marco Rubio summarised the pathology. Were sitting around as the world, sort of accepting that its normal and OK for you to go into a place, kidnap babies, kidnap teenagers, he said. Were just dealing with some savages. Thats it. These are bad people, terrible people, and we need to treat them as such.

Nobody wants anybody to suffer. And there is doubtless true suffering in Gaza. But for almost 18 months, this suffering has been weaponised, exaggerated and fabricated for political reasons. The West, meanwhile, plays along and our political leaders are too craven to stand up for our common interests.

Yes, Israel has finally suspended aid deliveries into Gaza. Yes, it has turned off the electricity supply. But the most striking aspect of this is that it has been giving resources to the enemy for almost a year-and-a-half.

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Egypt meanwhile, which shares a border with Gaza, has not been under any pressure at all to allow humanitarian assistance  it could have set up refugee camps for civilians in the Sinai, for instance.

If you were able to watch the BBCs notorious Hamas documentary before it was humiliatingly pulled from the air, youd have witnessed a Strip replete with food and provisions. In one scene, we see an interviewee shopping for ingredients in bountiful markets. All of these provisions were allowed in by Israel and seized by Hamas, where it was sold to the population for profit and used as leverage to retain power. In response, Hamas has just ramped up the cruelty.

Name another war, perhaps one involving our own forces, in which an army has behaved like this. Did Britain, the United States and our Iraqi and Kurdish allies evacuate civilians from Mosul before we bombed it to bits in 2016-2017? Did we send waves of aid and energy into the hands of Islamic State? Did we agonise about our targeting, in conjunction with legal experts embedded with military decision makers? Did anybody even mention the number of civilian casualties? Ive spoken to special forces spotters who served in Mosul, and they estimate that in some instances, the coalition killed up to 60 civilians for each combatant. Israels ratio is reportedly about 1:1.

I dont recall the democracies raising their voices in unison to demand that we stop obliterating Islamic State, any more than they had a problem with obliterating the Third Reich.

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But when it comes to this existential war, we appear to have suddenly found our voices.

Amid the sound and fury of the news cycle, it is all too easy to forget the fundamentals. We are talking about the Middle Easts only democracy, fighting for its life against a cunning jihadi group with the same ideological roots as Islamic State. With war drums beating in Europe, we may soon be deprived of the luxury of bleeding hearts. Which side are you on, Mr Lammy?

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Sending state pensioners to prison saves the UK up to 41m a year, new figures show.

According to a Freedom of Information request by The Telegraph, 3,562 people aged 66 and above are currently incarcerated and cannot receive their state pension until they are released.

Radical campaigners are now calling for the payments to be made in full, adding the policy amounted to an additional punishment.

Those eligible for the full new state pension are missing out on 11,502 a year while in prison, saving the state a potential 788,000 a week.

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The UKs state pension began in 1909, but a law passed in 1911 means it is withheld from anyone serving a custodial sentence.

This applies when the person is imprisoned anywhere in the world, and they cannot reclaim any of the money lost.

Older people account for the fastest-growing cohort in the prison population. A report by the Commons justice committee, published in 2020, found the number of prisoners aged 60 and over had increased by 82pc in the previous decade and more than tripled since 2002.

The rise was attributed to the increase in older adults jailed for sexual offences, both historic and recent, as well as increases to the length of sentences.

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There are currently 3,240 prisoners aged 66 or over in prison in England and Wales, with a further 254 in Scotland and 68 in Northern Ireland, Telegraph analysis reveals.

According to the Ministry of Justice, it costs about 51,000 to keep someone in prison for a year. It spent 4.2bn maintaining the average prison population of 82,000 across England and Wales during 2022-23.

Paula Harriott, of the criminal justice charity Unlock, said that increasingly more pensioners were being handed sentences and called for their state pensions to be reinstated.

She said: By the age of 66, a male prisoner may have been working for 50 years before their imprisonment, during which time they would have made significant National Insurance contributions.

Additional punishment

Withholding the payment of a state pension is an additional punishment to that imposed by in court. We believe that a sentenced prisoner in the UK who is eligible for a state pension should receive it as a right, having paid their contributions.

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Removing the state pension from an elderly prisoner leads to a reliance on a very small amount of retirement pay and the amount can vary across the prison estate. Those that would otherwise be retired are forced into finding a job within the prison to supplement their income, which can be difficult for those that are less fit and well.

Prisoners cannot defer their state pension whilst incarcerated to benefit from higher payments when theyre released, but they can still make voluntary National Insurance contributions to build up their future entitlement.

They can also make retrospective payments to top up missing years from their time inside, subject to the usual limitations.

If someone is on remand while awaiting trial, their state pension is also stopped. However, it will be refunded in full if they avoid a custodial sentence, even if they are found guilty.

Triple lock

Prisoners also benefit from increases via the triple lock, so when their payments resume on their day of release, many emerge with a higher state pension than they were receiving before being locked up.

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However, almost half a million law-abiding UK state pensioners living abroad, in countries such as Thailand, Australia or Canada, are not eligible for any annual increases. The rule has cost one pensioner more than 60,000.

Most other benefits are also suspended when someone begins a prison sentence, but some  including child benefit, tax credits and council tax exemption  can still be awarded in certain cases.

A government spokesperson said: Prisoners do not receive state benefits while in custody.

We will continue to uprate the state pension for recipients overseas where there is a legal requirement to do so.

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Millions of benefit recipients are set to see their incomes cut or their entitlements taken away following Labours decision to slash 5 billion from the welfare spending bill.

A slate of reforms were announced by Liz Kendall on Tuesday, as expected focusing on health and disability-related benefits. The two most commonly claimed  the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit  are both set to see major changes.

The work and pensions secretary said: Theres clear evidence that shows good work is good for health and plays a vital role in recovery. Too many disabled people and people with health conditions want to work but are denied the right support to do so.

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Tackling this is central to our commitment to spread opportunity and improve the health of the nation.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the current social security system was failing the very people it is supposed to help (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

But preliminary analysis suggests that the changes will see around 900,000 PIP claimants worse off by 2,400 per year in 2028/29. Meanwhile, around 2.4 million families claiming the health element of Universal Credit will lose around 280 a year, the research from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) found.

And this is just the impact on those currently claiming the benefit. From April 2026, the rate of the UC health element will be cut by nearly 50 per cent, from 97 per week to 50 per week. This will be mean 2,500 less a year for new claimants, even after the 7 a week flat-rate rise to the standard UC allowance.

The government is set to release a full assessment on the impact of the changes next week, revealing exactly how many people will be affected and how.

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James Taylor, Executive Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope, said: The biggest cuts to disability benefits on record should shame the government to its core. They are choosing to penalise some of the poorest people in our society. Almost half of families in poverty include someone who is disabled.

The announcement will inevitably come as a disappointment to millions of disabled people living the UK, many of whom will now be faced with a real-terms cut to their livelihoods.

There is no replacing the income that will be lost from the changes, but it can be helpful to ensure you are claiming all the support you are entitled to. Heres a guide to some of the other support available for those who are concerned about the cuts:

Think you might be eligible for health benefits? Claim now

First things first, these changes are not coming in immediately. They will be subject to lengthy consultations and a legislative process which means they will take a while to come into force.

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The earliest scheduled changes are set to come into effect in April 2026, when UC rates for those in receipt of the UC health element will be frozen, and is slashed for new applicants.

This means anyone who believes they are eligible for the health element of Universal Credit should consider applying as soon as possible. This will ensure that they are able to keep the receiving the payment at the previous amount, worth a massive 2,500 a year.

It is also worth considering applying for PIP now if you think you might be eligible. It wont be until November 2026 that the criteria for the benefit is changing to make it more difficult to claim, and until 2028 that the assessment for it is combined with the one for UCs health element.

Get a local care needs assessment

For those who need help with coping day-to-day, local councils have an obligation to offer support through their social services.

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Anyone can request a care needs assessment from their local council, either by calling them or online. It works similar to PIP, providing support for specific needs.

Millions of disabled benefit claimants will be affected by the changes announced on Tuesday (Getty Images)

This could be things such as equipment like a walking frame or personal alarm; changes to the home, like as a walk-in shower; practical help from a paid carer; and day care for your child if either you or they are disabled.

To assess eligibility, the council will arrange an assessment with someone from their services, like a social worker or occupational therapist. They may also recommended that you be referred for a home adaptations assessment, something else you can also apply for yourself.

Over 66? Look into Attendance Allowance

Attendance allowance is a benefit for pensioners who have a disability or health condition severe enough to need someone to regularly help them. The DWP benefit can pay up to 108.55 a week, adding up to an total of 5,644.

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Crucially, the payment is not means-tested, meaning anyone who qualifies will get it regardless of their income or savings.

There are many common health conditions that could qualify a person for attendance allowance. These include arthritis, blindness, heart disease, Parkinsons and asthma.

Attendance allowance is paid at two rates depending on the level of care that is needed. The higher rate is worth 108.55 a week, while the lower is worth 72.65 a week.

Other services available

Benefits support

The Trussell Trust and Citizens Advice offer a Help through Hardship helpline on 0808 208 2138. It is a free and confidential phone service that provides advice to people experiencing hardship.

Turn2Us provides a free benefits calculator to help people find out what benefits they can claim. The charity also offers a grants search service and PIP helper.

Local services for benefits and support can be found on the Law Centres website, as well as the Citizens Advice Bureau finder.

For the latest benefit payment dates and updates, you can visit The Independents regularly updated guide.

Mental health support
Billions in rumoured welfare cuts are set to be announced by work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall today as ministers reportedly look to shave 6 billion from Britains benefits bill.

Changes to health and disability benefits are understood to make the bulk of the reforms, with claimants and campaigners fearing that millions may soon find it harder to qualify for the welfare they are entitled to.

The cost of health-related benefits for the Treasury has grown in recent years, with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) projecting the total state spend will increase from 48.5 billion in 2023/24 to 75.7 billion in 2029/30.

Work and pensions secretary is expected to make a major announcement today (Lucy North/PA) (PA Wire)

But Labour has said that welfare needs to be reformed for both moral and economic reasons. A spokesman for Sir Keir Starmer said on Monday: Three million people are out of work for health reasons, and one in eight young people not currently in work, education or training.

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So weve got a duty to fix the system, to ensure that that safety net is always there for the most vulnerable and severely disabled, but also supports back into work, rather than leaving people written off.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has so far remained quiet on speculation. However, insider reports indicate that the bulk of the savings will be made through changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), with a change to the health-related element of Universal Credit also expected.

This is expected to come alongside some measures to incentivise people to seek work, such as a possible uprating to the benefits of those looking for work. At the same time, the DWP is considering a right to try scheme that would see disabled benefit claimants able to retain their benefits should they undertake employment that does not become long-term.

Is cutting benefits the only way to combat welfare spending?

Many have argued that if the full 6 billion in cuts were to be delivered, it would be a disaster for millions of ill and disabled people who rely on their benefits for everyday essentials. It would also be the biggest cut to disability benefits since the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) was created in 2010, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation points out.

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More than a dozen leading charities have warned Labour against cutting disability benefits as part of their welfare reforms, saying it would have a catastrophic impact.

In an open letter, the groups including Scope and Citizens Advice said: We agree with the Governments ambition to support more disabled people into work. However, making cuts to disability benefits will not achieve this goal or fix the system.

In fact, there is little evidence to suggest cutting benefits increases employment outcomes. We know the benefits system is broken and needs reform.

That there are disabled people out of work who want to work given the right support. And for some disabled people, work isnt appropriate. Changes to welfare must start here. Not with cuts.

Around 3.6 million people in the UK claim the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (Getty Images)

Tom Pollard of the New Economics Foundation (NEF) says Labours recent approach to welfare inevitably reflects Treasury pressure on the DWP to find rapid and surefire savings.

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Speaking about the rising benefits bill, he said: You can try and wrestle the symptoms of that, with a crackdown on spending, or you can think longer. What are the root causes of people struggling, what are the other services they might need?

I think if people were getting the support they need to stay well, theyd probably rather be getting the money from a job than from the Personal Independence Payment.

Mr Pollard adds that Labour was starting to move in the right direction with its November Get Britain Working White Paper. This was the policy document that included measures like investment in Jobcentres, and fixing the NHS to tackle long-term sickness.

But those things that a long time to filter through, he says, and that doesnt fit with a five-year economic cycle, or five-year political cycle, frankly.

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If youre going to have to make a point about how fiscally responsible youre being, then this is always a budget people go to as a kind of relatively easy sacrificial lamb.

Have cuts to welfare worked in the past?

Cuts to benefits are not unprecedented for governments trying to bring down public spending. During the 2010s, welfare spending was reduced significantly following changes made in 2012 under the Conservative coalition government led by David Cameron.

This was when the the former prime minister introduced Universal Credit, PIP and the benefits cap, cutting 5.5 billion from welfare spending in the process.

Former PM David Cameron and former chancellor George Osbourne (Getty Images)

Alongside his chancellor George Osbourne and work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith, Mr Camerons government would go on to announce a further 12 billion in cuts from the welfare bill in 2015, alongside swingeing cuts to public services in areas like the NHS.

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But subsequent research has shown that these policy decisions have had a devastating impact on public health and household incomes. A study by the London School of Economics (LSE) last year found that the austerity programme resulted in 190,000 excess deaths during the 2010s. Meanwhile, there are now around 1,699 food banks in the UK today, up from just 35 when the coalition government came into power.

However, Labour has said it will be ensure the coming reforms do not remove the support that is depended on by people who are unable to work. Speaking last week, the prime minister said: "We've found ourselves in a worst of all worlds situation - with the wrong incentives - discouraging people from working, the taxpayer funding a spiralling bill.

"So, this needs to be our offer to people up and down the country: If you can work, we will make work pay - if you need help, that safety net will be there for you.
LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA)  In a presentation to Lakeland city commissioners, city officials reported nine people die and 44 people are injured every day on Florida roads.

In 2023, there were 30 fatal crashes in the city of Lakeland, according to the Lakeland Police Department.

Deadly Tampa crash shuts down N. 50th Street

On Monday, city commissioners adopted the Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate crashes resulting in death and serious injury in the city.

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To me, everyone deserves to get home safely, said Tess Schwartz, Lakelands traffic operations manager.

Schwartz has been a traffic engineer for more than two decades, spending much of her day going through traffic data.

In Feb. 2023, the city launched Vision Zero.

Since then weve looked at the crash data over the last five years, looking at severe crashes, where theyre happening, how theyre happening, the different types of crashes and looking at what potential steps we could take to mitigate those crashes, said Schwartz.

The Vision Zero plan adopted by commissioners proposes red light cameras in eight more locations:

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Memorial Boulevard at Brunell Parkway

Florida Ave at George Jenkins Blvd

MLK Jr Ave at George Jenkins Blvd

Memorial Blvd at N Florida Ave

Bartow Road at New Jersey Rd

Bartow Road at E Orange St

Kathleen Rd at 14th Street

Massachusetts Ave at E Parker Street

According to Lakeland Police, 60,000 red light camera violations were captured last year from the existing 19 cameras.

We approved 42% of those, but out of the 42% we approved, 85% did not commit again, Sgt. Chad Mumbauer said.

Mumbauer said he supports another part of the Vision Zero plan: school zone speed cameras.

They have been implemented in other Polk County towns including Haines City, Lake Wales and Lake Alfred.

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Earlier this month, Manatee County removed its school zone speed cameras.

Thats going to be a hot topic, Mumbauer said. Im very passionate and support it. If you look at the facts and details behind it that will truly alter driving behavior.

He said as part of Vision Zero, in recent weeks, Lakeland Police expanded its DUI patrol unit from two people to four people, who work 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.

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Mumbauer said he is often on call for traffic fatalities and has to notify family members when their loved ones die in a crash.

I take that not lightly because thats going to affect someone for the rest of their life, he said. Theyre going to see my face. It weighs on us a lot.

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The expanded camera programs would require city commission approval.

The plan also calls for a city-wide speed study which could lower the speed limit in residential areas to 20 miles per hour.

If youre not running red lights and youre not speeding in school zones, you wouldnt know they were there, Schwartz said. When I moved to the city before I worked for the city, I didnt know there were red light cameras.

Both Mumbauer and Schwartz referred to Alexandria, Virginia, a city of 155,000 people, which had zero traffic fatalities in 2023 and two in 2024.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Two schools in Lakewood are on lockdown as police search for a DUI suspect who allegedly tried to ram an officer.

Officers are in the Oakbrook area searching. Dower Elementary School and Hudtloff Middle School were placed on lockdown as a precaution, according to the police department on X.

The department said it would provide updates as they become available.

8:55 a.m. update: Dower Elementary School is no longer on lockdown. Officers are still searching the Oakbrook area for the suspect.

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9 a.m. update: The lockdown on Hudtloff Middle School has also been lifted, the department said on X.

Police are clearing the area. The person they were searching for is not in custody, but has been identified, the post said. Officers are going to follow up and there is no danger to the community.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of Las Cruces inspector general will be the guest speaker during the next Bridging the Badge livestream.

Charles T. Tucker Jr., the Citys inspector general, will be the guest speaker at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18.

The livestream can be viewed on the Las Cruces Police Departments Facebook page and on the City of Las Cruces YouTube channel.



Tuckers primary focus as inspector general is investigating complaints of fraud, waste and abuse of City resources. The IG is authorized to investigate municipal matters that involve elected or appointed officials, City employees, municipal agencies, contractors and other parties doing business with the City or receiving City funds, the City of Las Cruces said in its news release.



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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
A federal judge on Monday concluded a man who was ejected from an Academy District 20 school board meeting in December 2023 had not stated viable claims that district officials violated his constitutional rights.

Brett Dayberry had been speaking during the public comment period about "numerous extremely vile passages" in a book that was available in his granddaughter's school library. When he started quoting passages that employed profanity, the board president told Dayberry to refrain from using those words. Dayberry continued, prompting security to remove him from the meeting.

Dayberry then alleged the El Paso County-based district and its officials violated his First Amendment rights and his right to equal protection of the laws. But after hearing the arguments from both sides, U.S. Magistrate Judge Maritza Dominguez Braswell found Dayberry had not shown his removal under the circumstances was unconstitutional.

"The court agrees with defendants that the plaintiff has not met his burden to demonstrate a clearly established right to use profanity in a public forum," she said.

Dayberry's lawsuit alleged he "simply sought to read from a book made available to minor students in the libraries of" the school district. Dayberry allegedly was unable to file a complaint about library books because of his status as the grandparent of a student, so he took his concerns to the Dec. 14, 2023 school board meeting.

As depicted on the video recording, Dayberry started his two-minute remarks by criticizing the policy preventing grandparents from objecting to library materials, and then suggested any children in attendance "cover your ears as I read this."

Dayberry then quoted from "Almost Perfect," a book the American Library Association has listed on its roster of the top 100 most frequently challenged books from the past decade. Nearly 90 seconds into his comments, Dayberry started to read profane words when board President Aaron Salt told him that "the policy states that we are not allowed to have profanity." After Dayberry did not stop, Salt asked security to remove Dayberry for "not following the policy."

Security officers then physically removed Dayberry from the lectern.

In his lawsuit, Dayberry alleged the district's policy against profanity was unconstitutional and that he was discriminated against for the viewpoint he expressed.

In moving to dismiss the claims against Salt and the individual security officers who removed Dayberry, the defendants invoked qualified immunity, which is a judicial doctrine shielding government employees from civil lawsuits unless they violate a person's clearly established legal rights. The defendants argued "decades-long precedent" establishes that profanity restrictions are viewpoint-neutral and that Dayberry's own allegations showed he was allowed to speak critically about the district up until he used profanity.

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During the hearing on the defendants' motion, Dominguez Braswell pointed out Dayberry needed to show government officials were on notice prior to the meeting that they would have acted unconstitutionally by enforcing an anti-profanity policy.

"The way you want me to frame this question is whether theres a clearly established right to be free of viewpoint discrimination. That is an obvious thing," she said. "You havent offered a case that allows me to find that the right to profanity  or the right to be free from a prohibition against profanity  is clearly established."

"If somebody got up there and started praising the board of education, 99 times out of 100 nobodys gonna say anything," countered Curt C. Hartman, the attorney for Dayberry. Instead, the district "found it embarrassing" that Dayberry was reading explicit passages from a book available to students.

"I feel like you just answered my question by admitting it wasnt the prior viewpoint that was the motivation for the shutdown of the comments. It was the use of the profanity," Dominguez Braswell interjected. "And yes, maybe there was embarrassment as a result of it and people didnt like he was reading from the language of this book. But youre admitting it wasnt because of the prior critical viewpoints he expressed toward the board."

Hartman responded that he would "concede that" point.

Ultimately, Dominguez Braswell concluded Dayberry had failed to credibly allege a violation of his equal protection rights because there was no indication any commenter had used profanity under similar circumstances and was treated differently. She also rejected his First Amendment challenge, noting several court cases have suggested a public entity's anti-profanity policy is not equivalent to viewpoint-based discrimination.

Even though Dayberry was critical of the board in his comments, "plaintiff's own allegations demonstrate that it was not until after he began to use profanity that he was removed from the meeting," she added.

Dominguez Braswell granted qualified immunity to the individual defendants. Dayberry's lawsuit will proceed solely against the school district for its own allegedly unconstitutional actions.

The case is Dayberry v. Academy School District 20 et al.
March 18 (UPI) -- The last surviving Royal Air Force fighter pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940 during World War II has died. He was 105 years old.

Announcing the death of John "Paddy" Hemmingway on X on Monday night, the RAF simply said it had lost the last of "the few" and thanked him for his sacrifices more than 80 years ago, signing off with the service's official motto, "Through Adversity to the Stars."

Hemmingway, originally from Ireland, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1941 for his heroism in the skies over southern Britain in the summer and fall of 1940 as the RAF fought off Nazi Germany's Luftwaffe sent to destroy Britain's air defenses in preparation for a ground invasion.

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"It is with great sadness that I heard of the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway today. I am thankful that I was able to meet and spend time with him in Dublin, most recently in January this year. Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force," Air Chief Marshall Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, said in a news release.

"Throughout his life he inspired those he knew and served with. My thoughts are with his family and all those who cared for him over the past few years."

RAF Group Captain John "Paddy" Hemmingway, pictured in front of a Hawker Hurricane fighter of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, an aerial display formation that performs fly-pasts at major national and international events and World War II commemorations, including D-day. Photo courtesy Royal Air Force

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was saddened to hear of the death of Hemmingway.

"His courage, and that of all RAF pilots, helped end WWII and secure our freedom. We will never forget their bravery and service. Thank you, John 'Paddy' Hemingway," he wrote in a post on his X account.

Group Captain John "Paddy" Hemmingway shares some of the highs and lows of flying combat missions in the Battle of Britain with the now-head of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshall Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff. Photo courtesy Royal Air Force

Piloting a Hawker Hurricane in Fighter Command's famous "11 Group," Hemmingway served in one of a handful of frontline squadrons scrambled, sometimes several times daily, to intercept thousands of enemy aircraft crossing the southern and eastern coasts of England.

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During fierce dogfights in August 1940, Hemmingway was twice shot down but was able to bail out before his Hurricane crashed, once into the sea and into marshland on the second occasion, in a struggle that became known as the Battle of Britain, so-called because had the RAF failed, it would have cleared the path for Adolf Hilter's "Operation Sea Lion" plan for a full-scale invasion of Britain.

In the end, the RAF inflicted so much damage to the Luftwaffe that Hitler shelved his invasion plan buying the Allies time to regroup, rearm and ultimately prevail.

"The few" moniker was coined by Winston Churchill in his famous "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few," speech to Parliament in August 1940 lauding the sacrifice of the less than 3,000 fighter pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain and whose average age was just 20.

In addition to his DFC, which was awarded "in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air," Hemmingway was mentioned in dispatches in September 1941 and was featured on a wartime cover of Life magazine.

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Earlier in 1940 during the Nazi invasion of France, Hemmingway also flew combat missions with Squadron 85 providing fighter cover, including strafing attacks, air patrols and dogfights, enabling more than 338,000 encircled troops in the British Expeditionary Force and other allied troops to be evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in what became known as the "Battle for France."

In early May, Hemmingway was recorded as shooting down a Heinkel bomber and a Dornier bomber on consecutive days but had to make a forced landing on the second occasion after being hit by German anti-aircraft fire. During an 11-day period, Squadron 85 was credited with at least 90 confirmed "kills."

Hemmingway had numerous other close calls, including escaping from a Bristol Blenheim aircraft that was bringing him to London to be awarded his DFC by King George VI at Buckingham Palace after it crashed on take-off and his parachute failing to open when he bailed out at night from a U.S.-made A-20 Havoc fighter at 600 feet.

He was injured but survived because his fall was arrested after his part-opened chute caught in the branches of a tree.

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In a Mediterranean Allied Air Forces attack on German forces near Ravenna in northeastern Italy in April 1945, Hemmingway bailed out behind German lines after his Spitfire fighter took multiple hits from anti-aircraft fire, parachuting into enemy territory where he was rescued by Italian resistance fighters who helped get him back to 324 Wing.

He told the BBC in an interview in 2023 that he put his survival and subsequent long life down to the bravery of people who helped him in Italy and "the luck of the Irish."

"It must be to do with something like that because here I am, an Irishman, talking to you. I was shot down many times but I'm still here. So many others were shot down first time and that was the end of them," he said.

"I was lucky. And I'm still lucky."

Hemmingway, who joined the Royal Air Force in 1938 at the age of 19, retired from the service with the rank of Group Captain in 1969.
After the fall of France to the Nazis in 1940, Britain stood alone in Europe against the Germans. However, before Hitlers armies could land on the British Isles, his Luftwaffe needed to secure control of the skies. Standing between thousands of German airmen, fighters, and bombers was a numerically inferior Royal Air Force. Pilots came from across the Empire and the globe to fly against the Germans. Their bravery in the skies against the blitz was recognized by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who said, Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. Those few are gone now with the passing of Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway DFC: the last surviving RAF pilot from the Battle of Britain.

Hemingway left Dublin to serve in the RAF (RAF)

Hemingway was born in Dublin, Ireland. Following the outbreak of WWII, he traveled to Britain and joined the RAF as a Hawker Hurricane fighter pilot. Assigned to No. 85 Squadron, Hemingway is credited with destroying two enemy aircraft during the Battle of France. He also flew supporting missions during the Battle of Dunkirk as the British Expeditionary Force retreated across the English Channel.

A Hurricane assigned to No. 85 Squadron (Public Domain)

Hemingway briefly served with No. 253 Squadron before returning to No. 85 Squadron in June 1940, just in time for the Battle of Britain to start the next month. He was shot down twice during the ferocious fighting and was his squadrons first official combat victim over Britain. Hemingway also damaged a German Bf 109 fighter and was promoted to flying officer.

Hemingway with a Warbird Hurricane (RAF)

After the Battle of Britain, Hemingway transitioned to night fighters and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after a harrowing nighttime bailout. He served as an air traffic controller during the Invasion of Normandy and commanded No. 43 Squadron in Italy, flying Spitfires, at the end of the war. During that time, Hemingway was forced to bail out again.

(RAF)

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After WWII, Hemingway remained in the RAF and retired as a group captain in 1969. He and his wife, Bridget, had three children. Hemingway lived in Canada for a time but moved back to Ireland in 2011; Bridget passed away in 1998. In 2020, following the death of flight lieutenant William Clark, Hemingway became the last known surviving airman of the Battle of Britain. On March 17, 2025, Hemingway passed at the age of 105. The RAF released a statement saying, It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John Paddy Hemingway DFC  the last Battle of Britain Pilot. Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force. His passing should make us reflect not only on his sacrifices but on the sacrifices of all those who served and fought during WWII.
Hemp-derived drinks sold at Herban Flow in St Petersburg. (Photo via Herban Flow's Facebook page)

For the third year in a row, Florida lawmakers have begun debating a proposal to regulate THC-derived hemp products, which have evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry in the Sunshine State.

In addition to banning Delta-8 products and restricting the amount of Delta-9 THC levels in hemp products to 5 milligrams per serving and 50 milligrams per package, the latest proposal from Polk County Republican Sen. Colleen Burton (SB 438) includes for the first time regulations on hemp-infused drinks, which have surged in popularity over the past year.

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The proposal would restrict the amount of THC per bottle or cans to no more than 5 milligrams. It would ban those drinks being sold at any locations other than ones already licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, adding additional prohibitions and requirements.

Liquor stores and restaurants that would like to sell these products, they have come to us and asked us to provide some regulations so that they know that the products that they are selling have gone through the rigor of the testing and will all be held to the same standards, Burton said in introducing the bill to the Senate Agriculture Committee on Monday afternoon.

But that provision received some pushback.

Requiring us to carry a liquor license when were a non-alcoholic bottle shop kind of goes against what we built, said Caitlyn Smith, co-owner of Herban Flow in St. Petersburg, which bills itself as Floridas first non-alcoholic bottle shop.

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Her husband and co-founder, Michael Smith, said that he is five years sober and the last thing that he wants is for his store to be regulated as a liquor store when it isnt one.

Its not about how high you can get. That THC drink is really just about having a nice social buzz and being able to be part of the party again, he said, adding that the provision is truly just killing small business.

They look like you and they look like me

However, those in the liquor industry support the proposal to regulate hemp-infused drinks like alcohol.

Jared Ross with the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association said that many but not all of his members have begun selling hemp-infused drinks. We have a system in place with alcohol that takes public safety into consideration, and  we would like to see this treated similar to alcohol, and thats why.

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Chas Bailes is CEO of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, the largest liquor retailer in Florida, and supports Burtons bill. THC infused drinks are selling well everywhere in Florida, he said, and the demographic is everyone. They look like you and they look like me, he said.

Bailes added that while he hasnt consumed any of these drinks himself, he believes they affect people differently. Two milligrams for me might mean five milligrams for you,  he said. You cant equate it to ounces of alcohol.

Scott Ashley, president of Wine & Spirits Distributors of Florida, said the only missing component of the bill is who pays for the regulation of hemp-derived drinks. The alcohol excise tax is about $7.50 per gallon of spirits, he said. There has never been an untaxed recreational intoxicating beverage in the state of Florida in its history.

Sen. Burtons bill would remove the existing requirement that hemp and hemp extract products be tested by an independent laboratory; instead, they would be tested at a certified medical marijuana testing lab (CMTL). The tests will determine whether the product meets the definition of hemp; that its labeling is accurate; and that the product is free from contaminants.

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Testimony heard earlier this month in a special House committee assigned to learn more about the hemp business in Florida revealed that in fact many of the products tested by one CMTL in Lakeland found that the majority of products tested were much higher in THC concentration than the 0.3% federal limit for Delta-9 and contained large amounts of contaminants.

That same lab owner, George Fernandez from Modern Canna Labs, repeated those statistics on Monday.

This is marijuana masquerading as hemp, he declared.

Restricted advertising

The bill would prohibit businesses and food establishments permitted to sell hemp or hemp extract from advertising in a manner visible to members of the public from any street, sidewalk, park, or other public place. Burton said that was something her co-sponsor, Jacksonville Democrat Tracie Davis, wanted to insert into the proposal.

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This is Sen. Burtons third year in a row leading an effort to regulate hemp products, which have exploded into the marketplace since the 2018 federal farm bill legalized them. The law didnt impose any regulations, so states have been passing their own.

In Georgia last week, lawmakers approved a ban on THC-infused drinks. Another measure would limit hemp products like Delta-8, although neither measure has made its way to the governors office yet.

The Florida Legislature passed hemp regulations last year, but Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill. In his veto letter, he said that while commendable, the measure would have imposed debilitating regulatory burdens on small businesses and almost certainly fail to achieve its purposes.

Burtons bill is being fast-tracked this session, however. It has only one more stop scheduled in committee before hitting the Senate floor, after being passed unanimously in Agriculture Committee on Monday afternoon.

The most compatible bill filed in the House to her bill is HB 1597 by Fort Pierce Republican Dana Trabulsky. It has not yet gone before any committees yet.

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A federal judge on Tuesday blocked President Donald Trumps executive order banning transgender people from military service.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington, D.C., ruled that Trumps order to exclude transgender troops likely violates their constitutional rights.

She delayed her order by three days to give the administration time to appeal. The judge issued a preliminary injunction requested by attorneys for six transgender people who are active-duty service members and two others seeking to join the military.

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Earlier Tuesday, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a lengthy call Tuesday to an immediate pause in strikes against energy and infrastructure targets in the Ukraine war, but the Russian leader stopped short of backing a broader 30-day pause in fighting that the U.S. administration is pressing for.

It wasn't immediately clear whether Ukraine was on board with the limited ceasefire plan.

Here's the latest:

Trump says he didnt discuss US aid to Ukraine during call with Putin

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said his conversation with Putin was great adding that, We didnt talk about aid. We didnt talk about aid at all.

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That contradicts a readout of the conversation released by the Kremlin.

The Kremlin said Putin reiterated to Trump his demand for an end to foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine as a condition for halting the fighting.

The U.S. has been the largest supplier of military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine since the war began, but Trump has withheld some assistance in an effort to pressure Ukraine to make concessions to end the war.

Judge blocks Trump administration from banning transgender people from military service

A federal judge blocked President Donald Trumps executive order banning transgender people from military service on Tuesday.

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U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington, D.C., ruled that Trumps order to exclude transgender troops likely violates their constitutional rights.

She delayed her order by three days to give the administration time to appeal.

The judge issued a preliminary injunction requested by attorneys for six transgender people who are active-duty service members and two others seeking to join the military.

On Jan. 27, Trump signed an executive order that claims the sexual identity of transgender service members conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle and is harmful to military readiness.

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 Read more about the court challenge to the order barring transgender people from the military

Previously classified files related to JFK assassination released

Previously classified documents related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy were released Tuesday following an order by Trump shortly after he took office.

The documents were posted on the website of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. The vast majority of the National Archives files related to the assassination have previously been released.

Trump told reporters Monday that his administration will be releasing 80,000 files, though its not clear how many of those are among the millions of pages that have already been made public.

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Researchers have estimated that around 3,000 records hadnt been released, either in whole or in part. And last month, the FBI said it had discovered about 2,400 new pertinent records.

 Read more about the release of previously classified files

Trump administration removes surgeon general declaration calling gun violence a public health crisis

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the surgeon general under then-President Joe Biden, made the declaration last year, citing the fast-growing number of U.S. injuries and deaths involving firearms.

The removal was noticed this week by advocates, who decried the move as a sign that Trump and his political appointees are prioritizing the gun industry over the health of children and families.

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A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

ABC News said an agency representative told the news organization that the department was complying with a Trump executive order designed to protect Second Amendment rights.

Trump fires two Democratic FTC members

The dismissal of the Federal Trade Commission members potentially will allow Trump to fill their slots on the independent corporate regulator with officials more sympathetic to his administration.

Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya posted on X, The president just illegally fired me. This is corruption plain and simple.

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Another commissioner, Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, released her own statement saying shed been fired in violation of Supreme Court precedent. Past rulings have sought to solidify the FTCs independence and only allowed commissioners to be removed for a specific, justifiable reason.

The FTC was created by Congress, and it enforces consumer protections and anti-trust legislation. Its five seats are typically comprised of three members of the presidents party and two from the opposing party.

Vance tapped to serve as top fundraiser at the RNC

It is the first time in the Republican National Committees history that a sitting vice president has held the position of finance chair, giving JD Vance a prominent, direct role in next years midterm elections and further cementing his status as the torchbearer of Trumps MAGA movement.

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Vance headlined numerous fundraisers during the 2024 campaign, making the job an extension of those efforts.

In a statement, Vance said that to fully enact the MAGA mandate and President Trumps vision that voters demanded, we must keep and grow our Republican majorities in 2026. He will focus, he said, on building the war chest we need to deliver those victories next November.

Trump signs executive order empowering state and local officials in disaster response

The order follows Trump vowing to do away with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

His order seeks to inject common sense into both infrastructure prioritization and strategic investments through risk-informed decisions and will make our infrastructure, communities, and economy more resilient to global and dynamic threats and hazards.

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Trump also signed a directive eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion measures at the State Department, mirroring similar efforts around the government.

Largest defense bar in US speaks out against recent deportation flights

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers joined in the protest of the deportation flights of Venezuelan individuals accused of gang membership and condemned Trumps disparagement of District Judge James E. Boasberg, who ordered the administration not to carry out the deportations.

In a statement, NACDL President Christopher A. Wellborn said the legal system is based on the presumption of innocence.

Accusations without evidence, the denial of access to legal counsel, and the apparent defiance of court orders not to deport accused individuals without a hearing represent a dangerous departure from these principles, he said.

Putin offers Trump to stage ice hockey games between US and Russian players

The suggestion, which reflected the Russian leaders efforts to establish warm ties with Trump, came during their call that focused on a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.

The Kremlin said in a readout of the call that Putin proposed that American and Russian players who play for the NHL and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) could take part in the games. The Kremlin said Trump supported the idea.

The KHL is a Russia-dominated championship that also involves clubs from Belarus, China and Kazakhstan.

Putin, an avid amateur ice hockey player, has promoted the KHL since it was founded on his initiative in 2008.

The NHL said it was aware of the Trump-Putin conversation but had no immediate comment.

The White House joins Truth Social

The @WhiteHouse account began posting on Trumps social media platform Tuesday with a video showing Trump surrounded by the trappings of the presidency, along with images of a flying bald eagle and a message: The Golden Age of America has arrived on Truth Social! The White House is proud to be heredirect, unfiltered, and for The People.

Truth Social is the media network Trump created when he was banned from X, then known as Twitter, following the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. It is the primary way he likes to announce news.

Judge says government has made meaningful progress in reinstating fired federal workers

Judge James Bredar wrote Tuesday that he had carefully reviewed a status report from the 18 agencies filed Monday night. The report says the agencies have reinstated or taken steps to reinstate more than 24,000 fired employees.

Nineteen states and the District of Columbia contended that Trumps administration illegally fired thousands of federal workers, causing burdens and expenses for the states. The judge granted a temporary restraining order last week requiring those workers be reinstated to their jobs.

Bredar has set a new Monday deadline for the agencies to file an updated status report. The judge wrote that the court expects the next report to show that the agencies have achieved substantial compliance with the terms of the order.

The federal agencies are appealing the case.

The administration filed a similar update in a separate California case, where a federal judge also ordered agencies to rehire probationary workers who were let go in mass firings.

IRS agents who investigated Hunter Biden given promotions

The two whistleblowers, who testified publicly about the investigations, have been promoted to new roles as senior advisers at the Treasury Department.

Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, two IRS employees who testified to Congress as Republicans reviewed the business dealings of Joe Bidens son, say they were retaliated against for cooperating in the investigations.

Shapley and Ziegler say they were removed from the Hunter Biden case in December 2022 after they told their bosses the Justice Department and former Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss had engaged in a pattern of slow-walking investigative steps and delaying enforcement actions in the months before the 2020 presidential election won by Democrat Joe Biden.

Now, Shapley is being promoted to Deputy Chief of IRS Criminal Investigations and Ziegler is assigned to the secretarys office as a senior adviser for IRS reform.

 Read more about the IRS whistleblowers

Judge rules DOGEs USAID dismantling likely violates the Constitution

A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development likely violated the Constitution and blocked billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency from further cuts.

U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to restore email and computer access to all employees of USAID, including those who were placed on administrative leave.

The lawsuit singled out Musk as a defendant covered by the preliminary injunction. Lawyers for USAID employees and contractors had requested the order.

 Read more about the dismantling of USAID

Trump and Putin agree to an immediate ceasefire on energy infrastructure in Ukraine war

Trump and Putin agreed during a lengthy call Tuesday to an immediate pause in strikes against energy and infrastructure targets in the Ukraine war, but the Russian leader stopped short of backing a broader 30-day pause in fighting the U.S. administration is pressing for.

The White House described it as the first step in a movement to peace it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full and lasting end to the fighting.

The White House added negotiations would begin immediately in the Middle East on those steps. Shortly after the call between Trump and Putin, air raid alerts sounded in Kyiv, followed by explosions in the city. Local officials urged people to seek shelter.

It wasnt immediately clear whether Ukraine is on board with the limited ceasefire plan.

 Read more about the proposed ceasefire

They worked to prevent violence and terrorism at the agency created after 9/11. Then they got fired

A federal program designed to prevent targeted violence and terrorism in the U.S. has lost 20% of its staff after layoffs hit its probationary staffers.

The Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships was a redefined version of programs created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks as a way to identify people who could pose new terrorism threats or carry out violence and get them help. It has a mission enlisting parents, coaches, teachers and ministers to head off trouble before it starts by training them to look for signs of trouble in advance.

That job became far more difficult after eight members of the centers staff were fired in early March as part of the Trump administrations efforts to trim the government by getting rid of probationary staffers. According to a Department of Homeland Security employee and a center employee who was fired, the staffers were rehired late Monday but were then put on administrative leave, following two March 13 court decisions ordering the Republican administration to rehire fired probationary staffers.

 Read more about cuts at the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships

Pentagon aims to cut up to 60,000 civilian jobs. About a third of those took voluntary resignations

Roughly 50,000 to 60,000 civilian jobs will be cut in the Defense Department, but fewer than 21,000 workers who took a voluntary resignation plan are leaving in the coming months, a senior defense official told reporters Tuesday.

To reach the goal of a 5% to 8% cut in a civilian workforce of more than 900,000, the official said the department aims to slash about 6,000 positions a month by simply not replacing workers who routinely leave.

A key concern is that service members may then be tapped to fill those civilian jobs. But the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide personnel details, said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wants to ensure the cuts dont hurt military readiness.

The cuts are part of the broader effort by the Department of Government Efficiency Service, including billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk, to slash the federal workforce and dismantle U.S. agencies.

 Read more about cuts at the Defense Department

 Lolita C. Baldor

EPA set to eliminate scientific research office and fire more than 1,000 employees

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to eliminate its scientific research office, which helps provide the scientific foundation for rules safeguarding human health and the environment.

The Office of Research and Development  EPAs main science arm  currently has 1,540 positions. A majority of staff  ranging from 50% to 75%  will not be retained, according to a memo reviewed by Democratic staff on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. Remaining employees would be reassigned to other parts of the agency, the memo says.

Democrats and environmental groups assailed the planned action as a massive dismantling of the EPAs longstanding mission to protect public health and the environment.

The planned layoffs were first reported by The New York Times.

 Read more about cuts at the EPA

Kremlin: Putin emphasized need to halt mobilization and rearming of Ukraine under proposed ceasefire

The Kremlin said in its readout of the call with Trump that Putin noted a key condition for settling the conflict is a full halt to foreign military aid and intelligence assistance to Kyiv.

It said Putin had a positive response to Trumps proposal for Russia and Ukraine to halt strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days and gave relevant orders to the Russian military.

The Kremlin added that the Russian leader told Trump that Russia was ready to guarantee that Ukrainian soldiers blocked in Russias Kursk region will save their lives and be treated in line with international law if they surrender.

It said Putin also responded constructively to Trumps proposal to ensure safe shipping in the Black Sea, and the two leaders agreed to start talks to discuss details of the agreement.

White House says Trump, Putin are to seek limited ceasefire on energy, infrastructure in Ukraine war

Trump and Putin agreed during their call Tuesday to seek a limited ceasefire against energy and infrastructure targets in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the White House.

The White House described it as the first step in a movement to peace it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full and lasting end to the fighting.

The White House said negotiations would begin immediately on those steps. It was not immediately clear whether Ukraine is on board with the phased ceasefire plan.

Putin also called on Trump to end foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine as the U.S. looks to bring an end to Russias invasion of Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.

 Read more about Trumps call with Putin

Meanwhile, Sen. Schumer continued to defend his decision on the spending bill

No one wants to fight more than me, no one fights more than me, Schumer said in an interview on ABCs The View on Tuesday. But youve got to fight smart.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries says he has confidence in Sen. Chuck Schumers leadership

Thats several days after declining to answer a question about his support of the Senate Democratic leader.

The two New York lawmakers met Sunday after a public rift over a Republican spending bill last week. Jeffries said Tuesday that they had a good conversation about the path forward. Asked if he supports Schumers leadership, he said yes, I do.

Last week, after Schumer announced he would vote to move forward on the Republican spending bill, Jeffries declined to answer a similar question, responding instead, next question.

House Democrats vehemently opposed the bill and were willing to risk a government shutdown if it didnt pass the Senate. Schumer argued that a shutdown would be worse than the Republican legislation as President Trump has overseen mass firings across the government.

Trump and Putin spoke for more than an hour as US seeks Russian sign-off on plan to end Ukraine war

Trump and Putin have concluded the more than hour-long call as the White House pushes its 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine aimed at ending the grinding war.

The White House and Kremlin did not offer any immediate details about the substance of the conversation, but both have confirmed the call has ended.

Trump said before the call that he expected to discuss with Putin land and power plants that have been seized during the three-year war.

 Read more about Trumps call with Putin

Trump cuts to Voice of America and other US government-run media may be welcomed by China

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson refrained from commenting on Trumps decision Tuesday but took the opportunity to criticize the outlets.

I do not comment on U.S. domestic policy changes, Mao Ning said when asked about it. But as for the media you mentioned, their bad records in reporting on China are not a secret.

The Trumps administration put almost the entire staff of Voice of America on leave last weekend and ended grants to Radio Free Asia and other media with similar news programming.

Radio Free Asia has an extensive Chinese-language service and frequently reports on human rights issues, including the detention of activists and repression of ethnic groups in Xinjiang and Tibet. The government refutes allegations of abuse.

 Read more about Trumps cuts to Voice of America

Roberts rejects Trumps call for impeaching judge who ruled against his deportation plans

In an extraordinary display of conflict between the executive and judiciary branches, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts rejected calls for impeaching federal judges shortly after Trump demanded the removal of the judge who ruled against his deportation plans.

For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision, Roberts said in a rare statement. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.

In a Tuesday morning social media post, Trump described U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg as an unelected troublemaker and agitator. Boasberg recently issued an order blocking deportation flights under wartime authorities from an 18th century law that Trump invoked to carry out his plans.

 Read more about Trump and Chief Justice John Roberts

Social Security Commissioner nominee to receive a confirmation hearing

The Senate Finance Committee Chairman will hold the hearing to consider Frank Bisignano to lead the Social Security Administration on March 25.

The hearing comes as the agency institutes across-the-board cuts, which have prompted questions about the possible effects on benefits for tens of millions of recipients.

Among the changes at the agency are layoffs for more than 10% of the workforce and the closure of dozens of offices throughout the country. Its all part of the Trump administrations efforts to shrink the size of the federal workforce.

Judge orders Trump administration to restore federal grants for teacher training programs

The order applies to more than 100 teacher preparation and training programs the administration canceled in February.

The judge in Maryland issued the preliminary injunction in a lawsuit filed by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the National Center for Teacher Residencies.

The administration cut $600 million in grants to teacher training programs, saying they ran afoul of its policies against diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Grantees rejected the notion that their work was tied to DEI. Many programs used the money to hire teachers, to pay for college scholarships, and to address retention issues leading to staff shortages.

Trump and Putin hold a call as US seeks Russian sign-off on plan to end Ukraine war

The White House says President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have begun a highly anticipated call as the U.S. administration looks to persuade the Russian leader to sign-off on a 30-day ceasefire proposal as a possible pathway to end the war.

Tuesdays call comes after Ukrainian officials last week agreed to the American proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, remains skeptical that Putin is ready for peace as Russian forces continue to pound Ukraine.

Trump, before the call, said he expected to discuss with Putin land and power plants that have been seized during the grinding three-year war.

 Read more about Trumps call with Putin

Vance says lower taxes, regulations and energy prices will help bring back manufacturing

The Trump administrations great plan to jumpstart a resurgence of manufacturing in the United States is simple, the vice president said.

Were going to cut your taxes, were going to slash regulations, were going to reduce the cost of energy so that you can build, build, build, he said at a summit on American dynamism in Washington.

Vance said innovation will be a key component and theres too much fear that artificial intelligence will replace jobs. He recalled early concerns that ATMs would replace bank tellers.

People in the US illegally should use new app and self-deport, Trump says

People in our country illegally can self-deport the easy way, or they can get deported the hard way. And thats not pleasant, Trump said in a video posted to the White House account on the X social media platform.

He said his administration is repurposing a Customs and Border Protection app first launched under the Biden administration into one people can use to voluntarily leave the country and avoid being forcibly removed as he executes on his promise of mass deportations.

Trump said anyone leaving the country on their own could potentially return legally at a future date.

But if they dont, he said they will be found, they will be deported and they will never be admitted again to the United States ever, ever again.

Trump escalates his attacks on the judiciary

On Tuesday, the president called for the impeachment of a federal judge who has tried to stop deportations to El Salvador.

This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The Republican presidents latest post aligns him more with allies like Elon Musk, who has made similar demands.

On Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said I have not heard the president talk about impeaching judges.

Trump administration set to release a trove of JFK files with no redactions

Shortly after taking office, Trump directed his national intelligence director and attorney general to come up with a plan to release the sought-after records related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The killing has spawned countless conspiracy theories.

Trump said Monday that some 80,000 files will be released, but it wasnt clear how many of them are among the millions of JFK records that have already been made public.

He said his instructions to his staff were, dont redact.

Trump hangs a copy of Declaration of Independence in Oval Office

Trump has hung a copy of the Declaration of Independence in the Oval Office, according to images he shared on social media.

The Republican presidents official account on X showed two images Monday of a framed copy of the historical document hanging on the wall not far from the presidents desk.

It was not immediately clear where the copy came from and when it was installed.

The Nationals Archives delivered the Declaration of Independence to the White House at the Presidents request. It is displayed in the Oval Office where it will be carefully protected and preserved, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

The original version of the Declaration of Independence is very faded and displayed in the Archives building. On the version hanging in the White House, according to the images posted, the words are clear and legible.

The White House and National Archives did not respond to messages inquiring what version of the document was in the White House.

 Read more about Trumps new Oval Office decor

Vance to speak at American Dynamism Summit

Vice President JD Vances speech will focus on support for American industry and workers, according to his office.

The summit is taking place at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington. It used to be a Trump hotel when Trump was president the first time.

Tuesdays White House schedule

According to the White House press office, Trump plans to sign executive orders in the Oval Office at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The White House has also confirmed Trump and Russian President Vladamir Putin will hold a call to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine on Tuesday, which is expected to happen between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. ET.

Trump administration guts board of US Institute of Peace. Group says DOGE arrives

The Trump administration fired most of the board of the U.S. Institute of Peace and sent its new leader into the Washington headquarters of the independent organization on Monday, in its latest effort targeting agencies tied to foreign assistance work.

The remaining three members of the groups board  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Defense University President Peter Garvin  fired President and CEO George Moose on Friday, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press.

An executive order that President Donald Trump signed last month targeted the organization, which was created by Congress over 40 years ago, and others for reductions.

Current USIP employees said staffers from Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency entered the building despite protests that the institute is not part of the executive branch. USIP called the police, whose vehicles were outside the building Monday evening.

 Read more about the gutting of USIP

Judge questions Trump administration on whether it ignored order to turn around deportation flights

District Judge James E. Boasberg was incredulous over the administrations contentions that his verbal directions did not count, that only his written order needed to be followed, that it couldnt apply to flights that had left the U.S. and that the administration could not answer his questions about the deportations due to national security issues.

Thats one heck of a stretch, I think, Boasberg replied, noting that the administration knew as the planes were departing that he was about to decide whether to briefly halt deportations being made under a rarely used 18th century law invoked by Trump about an hour earlier.

Deputy Associate Attorney General Abhishek Kambli contended that only Boasbergs short written order, issued about 45 minutes after he made the verbal demand, counted. It did not contain any demands to reverse planes, and Kambli added that it was too late to redirect two planes that had left the U.S. by that time.

 Read more about the Trump deportation flights

Trump and Putin get ready to discuss ending Russias invasion of Ukraine

The leaders are scheduled to speak between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. ET, a spokesperson for Putin said.

The talks are part of Trumps effort to push the two sides into ending the three-year conflict by getting Putin to agree to a U.S. plan for a 30-day ceasefire that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted last week.

Zelenskyy said late Monday in his nightly video address that Putin is the one who is dragging out the war.

Trump said Washington and Moscow have begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of the conflict-ending deal.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Multiple law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation after a firearm was brandished outside the Tennessee Tower Monday.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, two people got into a verbal altercation in the lobby of the Tennessee Tower. After they both exited the building, one retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and brandished it on the sidewalk outside the building and fled the scene. The second person left shortly thereafter.

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The criminal investigation division of the Tennessee Highway Patrol has started coordinating with the Metro Nashville Police Department to investigate the incident. As of publication, law enforcement agencies said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Anyone with information about this incident has been asked to call the THP at 615-418-3816.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Staff count packets of signed petitions in the Secretary of State's Office on Feb. 9, 2024, in Bismarck. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a proposed constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would require all future amendments to the state constitution to only have one subject.

The North Dakota Constitution holds that no bill may embrace more than one subject, which must be expressed in its title, but proponents of Senate Resolution 4007 say this should be amended to include changes to the constitution.

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This includes those proposed by the Legislature and through voter-initiated petitions.

More 2025 legislative session coverage

It is important for people to know what theyre voting on, Rep. Steve Vetter, R-Grand Forks, said while speaking in support of the resolution. Having multiple subjects in one amendment can be misleading and confusing for voters.

Under the resolution, the Secretary of States Office would have to certify that each proposed amendment complies with this rule.

The Secretary of States Office could only approve petitions to gather signatures for proposed amendments if the amendments do not contain more than one subject.

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Vetter said Secretary of State Michael Howe testified previously that he would consult with the Attorney Generals Office on these decisions.

Sponsors of the resolution include Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and House Majority Leader Mike Lefor.

Rep. Austen Schauer, chair of the House Government and Veteran Affairs Committee, said his committee forwarded the bill to the floor because they trust the judgement of the secretary of state and attorney general.

They are the subject matter experts for North Dakota when it comes to election language and election integrity, he said.

Critics have raised concerns that the amendment would give the officials a disproportionate amount of power to approve or deny changes to the constitution. It could also lead to more legislative and litigation-related costs to the state, opponents said.

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Voters in 2024 rejected Measure 2, which sought to limit future constitutional ballot measures to a single subject, along with other provisions including raising the voter threshold to 60% and requiring a measure to be passed with two votes.

The North Dakota Supreme Court found that the Office of Management and Budgets 2023-2025 budget violated the North Dakota Constitutions single subject rule and vacated the law. The budget was challenged in court by the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System board. The state held a special session in late 2023 to pass a new budget.

The resolution previously passed the Senate. In order for the amendment to be adopted, it would need to be approved by voters on the 2026 general election ballot.

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Students hold diplomas after completing educational requirements. (Getty Images)

Jorge Rodriguez has lived in Lea County for a year, working as a fitness instructor to provide for his family, but says he is limited in his professional growth without a GED certificate.

And right now, he cant afford the cost of the certification test.

If high school equivalency testing were free and if there were more testing centers like that in my rural community, I would be able to get my certification and then scale up in English and other skills, Rodriguez said during a March 3 House Appropriations and Finance Committee hearing on House Bill 167. Rodriguez testified in Spanish with English translation on behalf of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, a New Mexico organization that advocates for immigrant workers and racial justice.

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Under HB167, the Higher Education Department, which sponsors the bill, would pay for high school equivalency tests for New Mexico residents who are at least 16, do not have a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate and who have passed an equivalency practice test with scores indicating they will likely pass the official test.

According to the bills fiscal impact report, the cost is $145 per exam. Less than 6,000 New Mexicans took the exam during FY24, which would have cost the department about $870,000.

The Higher Education Department noted in the report that an estimated 190,000 adults in the state lack a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; people with those certifications earn about $6,500 more annually.

The department also said in a news release that if the tests were free for New Mexicans, there would be an estimated 20 to 40% increase in test participation.

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We continue to look for more ways to reduce costs for New Mexicans looking to enhance their career and workforce potential, Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez said in a statement. A high school equivalency can unlock so many new pathways, and this legislation to eliminate barriers will benefit tens of thousands of New Mexicans.

Marcela Diaz, executive director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, told Source NM the organization supports the bill because it removes a barrier that immigrants and lower income people in general face in advancing their educational and professional careers. She said other barriers include childcare, transportation, equipment and access to broadband.

Diaz said many of the immigrants her organization works with can become stuck in low wage jobs because they do not have their high school diploma or equivalency certificate to enroll in certificate programs, apprenticeships or other forms of higher education.

A lot of our folks come to the state older, Diaz told Source NM, adding that they may need further assistance in shoring up skills so they are prepared to pass equivalency exams. She said Somos Un Pueblo Unido advocates for more funding for adult education as a whole and described it as an on-ramp for immigrant workers in particular.

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A woman identified only as Lucero spoke in favor of the bill during the March 10 Senate Education hearing and also represented Somos Un Pueblo Unido. She spoke in Spanish with English translation, explaining to committee members that she is a working mother and has spent five years trying to finish her studies so she might work in an office.

In these times, everything has gone up in price: the bills, the rent, the food. Thinking about paying the extra for examshas limited me in continuing in school, Lucero said.

Leah Ellis, a student ambassador for the NM Adult Education Association, spoke in favor of the bill on March 3 and told lawmakers that she previously earned a high school equivalency certificate.

Without a high school equivalency, doors to higher education and many career paths are effectively closed, preventing access to better opportunities, Ellis said. The Opportunity Scholarship that you instated for myself and New Mexicos residents to benefit from become unreachablewithout the high school equivalency diploma.

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HB167 is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee, its last committee referral before a Senate floor vote. Higher Education Department Communications Director Auriella Ortiz told Source via an emailed statement that HED expects Senate passage and will be thrilled to offer completely free high school equivalency (HSE) exams to all New Mexico residentsWe anticipate that this legislation will help improve educational, financial, and career outcomes for our residents. HB167 reinforces our conviction that there is no wrong door to higher education.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A bipartisan group from Ohios congressional delegation, including Sen. John Husted and Rep. Jim Jordan, is calling on NASAs headquarters to relocate to the Buckeye State.

In a March 11 letter, the delegation argued moving operations from Washington, D.C., to Ohio would enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and fiscal responsibility of NASA, given the space administration is evaluating potential alternatives ahead of the current headquarters lease expiration in 2028. Along with Husted and Jordan, the letter is signed by Sen. Bernie Moreno, Reps. Marcy Kaptur, Michael Rulli, Troy Balderson, Mike Carey and several others.

Ohio State under federal investigation, accused of race-exclusionary practices

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While we recognize that other states may pursue similar proposals, Ohio presents a uniquely advantageous case due to its rich aerospace heritage, lower operational costs, and central role in the nations technology and defense sectors, the letter argues. Ohio is the historical home of aviation and ideally suited to lead NASA into the next frontier of both aeronautics functions and space exploration.

Moving operations from Washington D.C. to Ohio would enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and fiscal responsibility of NASA, the letter said. (Adobe Stock)

Addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Administrator Designate Jared Isaacman, the Trump administrations pick to lead NASA, the letter notes that Cleveland is home to the NASA Glenn Research Center and could offer significantly lower operating expenses than Washington.

The move would align with border efforts to decentralize federal agencies and reinvigorate regions outside the beltway, the letter said. The group argues placing NASA in the Heart of it All would reinforce Ohios national leadership in space exploration, given the state is the heart of Americas aerospace industry and a critical hub for advanced technology.

Unsolved Ohio: Where is Carla Losey? Columbus woman vanished 23 years ago

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Ohios delegation also notes that few NASA headquarters employees currently work in-office, so consolidating near an existing field center would streamline agency functions while ensuring access to necessary infrastructure. The letter reiterates that the Glenn Research Center and its Lewis Field site at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offer extensive office space and redevelopment opportunities, making them ideal locations to accommodate NASA headquarters operations.

[The Trump administration] has signaled a commitment to reshaping the federal workforce by moving administrative agencies out of Washington D.C., promoting a return-to-office culture and improving government efficiency, the letter said. A relocation of NASA headquarters aligns with these objectives by encouraging in-person collaboration while reducing unnecessary federal overhead costs.

The effort comes after Ohio politicians launched a failed campaign in 2023 for President Biden to choose the state as the next home for the U.S. Space Command. In June of that year, the Ohio House passed a resolution urging the federal government to pick Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton as the new Space Command.

Remembering the deadly tornado outbreak in central Ohio one year ago

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Ultimately, Ohio didnt make the shortlist for Space Commands headquarters, which included other reasonable alternatives like Albuquerque, New Mexico; Cape Canaveral, Florida; and San Antonio, Texas. Biden announced the headquarters would remain where it had already been stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Still, another bipartisan Ohio group urged the U.S. Space Force last year to select the state as the headquarters for a testing mission designed to evaluate the capabilities of the forces squadrons.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (WKBN)  With only a few months left until the federal enforcement deadline, a local drivers license center is holding a day dedicated to helping residents obtain a REAL ID.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is holding an event next Monday at the drivers license center in New Castle from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PennDOTs REAL ID days open DMVs on days they are typically closed to help residents obtain a REAL ID before the enforcement deadline.

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Beginning May 7, a REAL ID or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) will be required to:

Board domestic commercial flights.

Enter a military base.

Enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID.

There will be a one-time fee of $30 plus a license renewal fee. The current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial drivers license and $42.50 for a photo ID. There is no additional fee for Ohio residents.

In both Ohio and Pa., you will need to have additional documentation compared to obtaining a regular drivers license.

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One document proving citizenship, like a birth certificate or passport 

A valid Social Security number

Two documents that prove your state residency (This can include your current drivers license, tax records or lease agreements to name a few.)

New Castles DMV is located at 73 Old Youngstown Road.

The Mercer DMV at 519B Greenville Road. will also hold REAL ID days on April 14 and May 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information on REAL ID document requirements, visit PennDOTs REAL ID 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 WKBN.com.
Civil rights attorneys are sounding the alarm after 48 New Mexico residents disappeared after their arrests by federal immigration enforcement agents this month.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not indicated where any of them are being detained, whether they have access to counsel, in what conditions they are being held, or even which agency is holding them, according to a federal complaint from the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico.

They have been effectively forcibly disappeared from our communities, attorneys wrote.

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At least 48 people ICE described as illegal aliens were arrested in a week-long series of operations in Albuquerque, Roswell, and Santa Fe earlier this month, according to the agency. But only 21 people had final orders of removal from the country.

This is not just a procedural issue  its a serious human rights violation, according to Rebecca Sheff, senior staff attorney at ACLU of New Mexico.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is accused of disappearing 48 people in New Mexico following a series of immigration enforcement arrests this month (EPA)

When the government takes people into custody and then their whereabouts are unknown and they are unreachable, it places these individuals outside the protection of the law, she said in a statement. Families are left in agonizing uncertainty, desperate to contact their loved ones and ensure their safety. Enforced disappearances are prohibited by both our Constitution and international human rights standards.

ICEs online detainee locator ostensibly lists where people are being held, as the agency typically moves people in detention from one facility to another  often in rural areas and states far from where they were arrested  before they are placed in removal proceedings.

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But anyone searching the database for information about a detainee would need a name or other identifying information to know where to look.

Attorneys who provide legal assistance in the states three ICE detention facilities are typically only able to schedule legal visits with detainees if they identify them beforehand, according to the complaint.

We are alarmed and disturbed that these four dozen New Mexican individuals remain unidentified and that insufficient transparency, oversight, and accountability has taken place to date regarding their whereabouts and wellbeing, attorneys wrote in a filing demanding action from the Department of Homeland Security.

Court filings across the country have complained that the detainee locator system is slow to update to tell lawyers and families where their clients and relatives are jailed, often before its too late.

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The database reportedly listed immigrants detained at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as being in Florida, according to a federal lawsuit. In the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who was among organizers of Columbia Universitys student-led protests against Israels war in Gaza, his attorneys have suggested that the administration may have deliberately obscured his whereabouts during his transfer to a Louisiana detention center.

When I was detained, my family had no idea where I was for days, said Edwin Jesus Garcia Castillo, who was formerly detained at ICEs Torrance County Detention Facility in New Mexico.

That feeling of being erased from the world  its terrifying, he said in a statement. These 48 people and their families are going through that right now. No one should face this kind of treatment in America.

The Independent has requested comment from the Department of Homeland Security and immigrant advocacy groups in New Mexico.

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The ACLUs complaint follows a series of aggressive anti-immigration actions from Donald Trumps administration, including the detention and attempted removal of Khalil and the deportation of an Ivy League doctor who was legally in the United States on a foreign worker visa.

The presidents secret removal of dozens of Venezuelan men who are now jailed in a notorious prison in El Salvador under a rarely used wartime authority is now under scrutiny in federal court. ICE officials have admitted in court documents that many of those men had no criminal record but are considered terrorists over their alleged connections to the Tren de Aragua gang.
At least three students are confirmed to have chickenpox after an outbreak at The Classical Academy's central campus, according to KOAA.

A spokesperson said that the students are in first, second and fourth grade, with the first case confirmed on Friday. The campus has about 600 students, ranging from kindergarten through sixth grade.

In an email sent to parents of central campus Monday, the academy said that students with chickenpox need to stay home from school until their rash has scabbed or dried.

"TCA takes safety and health of students very seriously. We made the call with the health department as soon as we found out," said TCA spokesperson Tisha Harris, via KOAA.

School officials said they are working with the El Paso County Public Health Department for safety guidance. The department considers an outbreak at three or more cases, KOAA said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chickenpox is very contagious, and usually lasts from four to seven days. Up to 90 percent of people who are not immune and who are in close contact with an infected person will also get infected.

Chickenpox symptoms can be eased by taking a bath and using lotion and baking soda, the CDC says. Additionally, those infected should try their best not to scratch their hives, as doing so could further spread the virus or cause skin infections.
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Donald Trumps drive to install himself as elected dictator can succeed only if he destroys the rule of law in the United States. Trump has already eliminated Congress as an independent lawmaking body by reducing the Republican Partywhich holds majorities in both housesto a band of quaking sycophants. In the executive branch, by declaring himself the sole authoritative interpreter of law and systematically firing anyone who dissents or indeed might do so, he has made the Fuhrerprinzip the rule of legal decision.

At present, all eyes are on the federal judiciary as it considers challenges by state and local governments and private actors to the Trump administrations many illegal initiatives. The conventional thinking is that judges are the last line of defense and that if the courts acquiesce in Trumps grab for dictatorial power or if Trump simply defies judicial orders, as he may have begun to do over the weekend, Trumps triumph will be complete.

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The federal judiciary is certainly key, but it is a mistake to view judges in isolation. The true obstacle between Trump and dictatorship is not the judges alone but the entire legal system and the legal professionjudges and lawyers.

The law and lawyers handed Trump his biggest setbacks in his first term. Lawyers persuaded judges to block some of Trumps worst executive actions. Lawyers also persuaded judges to reject Trumps phony claims that the 2020 election was rigged. Less appreciated but equally important were the principled lawyers inside the federal government who provided honest legal guidance and repeatedly refused to carry out illegal orders.

This time around, Trump is taking aim at the entire legal profession. He and his lackeys denigrate judges and may have begun to openly defy the courts. He is firing or attempting to cow honest lawyers within the executive branch. Simultaneously, he is trying to intimidate lawyers in private practicebeginning with prominent firms like Perkins Coie, Covington & Burling, and Paul Weisswho have opposed him before or might now take cases against him.

The legal profession as a whole must fight back. It has tools to do so, if it will use them. Consider how the profession can deal with government lawyers who have enlisted in Trumps assault on the rule of law.

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There are three key points:

First, Trump needs a large cadre of government lawyers to align with him. He needs them now to defend particular maneuvers in his attack on constitutional order. And if he succeeds in transforming America into a de facto dictatorship, he will need lawyers to staff the remaining Potemkin legal system. All modern dictatorships have maintained the forms of law as legitimizing cover for totalitarian criminalityHitlers Germany, the Soviet Union, the Peoples Republic of China.

Second, law is an oath-bound, self-regulating profession. You cannot practice any kind of law anywhere in the United Stateswhether giving contract advice to a local hair salon or representing the U.S. in federal courtunless you are admitted to the bar of at least one state and take an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Admission to state bars is controlled by the profession through varying cooperative arrangements between state courts and state bar associations. Likewise, each state has procedures for disciplining admitted members who have violated the law or professional ethical standards.

Third, federal judges control who can practice in their courts, both by establishing general qualifications for admission and by enforcing disciplinary processes for lawyers who violate the law or professional ethics.

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There will always be some lawyers willing to do an autocrats bidding, principally fools, cowards, unprincipled careerists, and some sincere, committed fascists. There will also be some who dont quite fit those categories but who will convince themselves that their professional obligation to represent clients zealously extends to bending or obscuring facts or advancing legal theories they privately think outlandish and dangerous.

Indeed, the adversary character of our legal system, with its attendant commitment of lawyers to zealous representation, complicates the suggestion that the legal profession take affirmative steps against government lawyers acting on behalf of even an aggressively authoritarian regime. However, there are, in my view, limits beyond which a government lawyer ought not go, and also limits beyond which a government lawyer absolutely may not go.

As to the first, government lawyers ought not advance positions that, even if arguably defensible upon strained readings of the Constitution and laws, plainly tend to undermine the basic structure and protections of American constitutionalism. Although government lawyers who espouse such theories should not be, on those grounds, subject to professional discipline, they canand, I think, shouldgenerally be shunned by the profession. Lawyers who take this road should know that once the Trump era ends, their professional paths will be rocky and they will not be welcomed back into the fraternity of those who believe in the rule of law.

More concrete measures are available where government lawyers violate the law or ethical rules. But persuading judges and the bar to use them requires people trained to hesitant moderation to recognize the dire, unprecedented challenges the country faces.

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Consider as an example the behavior of acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove in seeking dismissal of the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The Biden Justice Department indicted Adams for public corruption, Adams cozied up to Trump, including shifting his public position on immigration enforcement, and once Trump was in office, Bove ordered the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office to dismiss all charges against Adams without prejudice. Boves letter justified the dismissal on the grounds that Adams indictment and impending trial would affect the mayors ability to support federal efforts to stem unlawful mass migration and resettlement.

Critically, the proposed dismissal without prejudice would give the Trump administration continuing leverage over Adams on immigration enforcement and, indeed, on any other question. Should Adams fail to please the president, new charges could be refiled.

On Feb. 13, the acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan, Danielle Sassoon, resigned rather than dismiss the case. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Sassoon characterized Boves proposed resolution of the case as an improper bargain. Six other Southern District of New York federal prosecutors resigned rather than acquiesce to taking part in Boves deal.

Bove then transferred the case to DOJs Public Integrity Section, in Washington. The acting head of that section and three other senior section attorneys refused to drop the Adams charges and resigned. The following day, on a video call with remaining section prosecutors, Bove demanded that someone sign the dismissal request within an hour. One senior lawyer did, believing that doing so would save the jobs of the others. As it proved, this sacrifice was in vain. On Tuesday, the Public Integrity Sectionthe hub of federal anti-corruption prosecutionswas disbanded as a litigating unit.

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In sum, 11 federal prosecutors resigned rather than sign on to Boves bargain, and an entire section of the Justice Department was demolished in the wake of its reluctance to do so.

Boves bargain is a violation of prosecutorial ethics. The American Bar Associations Standards of the Prosecution Function (Standard 3-4.4) prohibit the exercise of prosecutorial discretion based on partisan or other improper political  considerations. And as Sassoons letter pointed out, the DOJs own Principles of Federal Prosecution (Section 9-27.260) prohibit initiating or declining charges based on a defendants political association, activities, or beliefs. Moreover, there is an arguable case that the Adams dismissal agreement is a form of criminal bribery under 18 USC Section 201(b)(2).

Judge Dale E. Ho is now considering whether to grant Boves motion to dismiss Adams case without prejudice under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 48. Ho appointed outside counsel, Paul Clement, to brief the question.

Clements brief notes that although the court can deny a motion to dismiss, it cannot force the DOJ to prosecute a case. Therefore, he recommends that the judge dismiss the case, but with prejudice, thus eliminating the feature granting Trump future leverage over the mayor.

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This is a perfectly adequate lawyerly recommendation on the narrow question of how to resolve the motion to dismiss. But Clement goes further, recommending against holding any evidentiary hearing to establish the truth of conflicting factual claims between Bove and the prosecutors who resigned because, says Clement, the essential nature of the conflicting positions is already plain. Here Clement totally misses the boat by either misunderstanding or choosing to ignore the stakes in this case.

The disputed factual issue is not some trifling misunderstanding between prosecutors and defense counsel over minor terms of a plea agreement, nor is it about a legitimate policy disagreement within layers of the Justice Department hierarchy. Rather, multiple senior federal prosecutors in New York and Washington have expressly, in carefully worded written declarations, or implicitly, through the drastic step of resignation, accused the second-ranking DOJ official of politically tainted, professionally unethical, possibly criminal conduct.

Critically, Ho cannot rely on the established tradition of DOJ independence of the president or the derivative presumption that the departments lawyers are fundamentally honest and that any serious allegation of professional impropriety will be promptly addressed by internal ethics mechanisms or, in a case involving potential criminality, by appointment of a special counsel. The reality is that Boves behavior in the Adams case manifests an evident top-down policy of transforming the DOJ into an instrument of reward and punishment for presidential allies and foes.

Ho and his judicial colleagues confronting analogous cases need to stop thinking like single judges dealing with a single awkward case. Rather, they need to recognize that they are representatives of the justice system and the legal profession confronted with an unapologetic attack on the rule of law. When government lawyers misbehave, federal judges must be more assertive in the exercise of their powers as members of the judicial branch and as integral players in disciplinary mechanisms of the legal profession.

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If confronted by apparent government attorney misconduct or apparent defiance of court orders, judges should first do the very thing Clement rejectsinsist on determining the facts. Do not accept vague unsworn platitudes. Put the relevant witnesses, including lawyers, on the stand under oath. Let counsel adverse to the government ask questions. If the case is one like the Adams matter, where the government may be improperly colluding with the other side, judges should ask questions themselves. They should make factual findings. This alone would serve the immensely valuable purpose of advising the public of the judicial view of government misbehavior.

Second, when appropriate, judges should use their civil contempt powers promptly and sternly. As I have written elsewhere, there is, distressingly, some doubt that the Marshals Service would enforce contempt remedies against executive branch officials. But the test must be conducted. At the worst, direct executive branch defiance of judicial contempt orders will clarify for the public the true nature of the Trump regime.

Finally, if a reasonable basis exists to believe that government lawyers have misrepresented facts to the court or otherwise behaved unethically, judges should promptly refer offenders to disciplinary authorities of the court or the relevant state bar. As the Supreme Court held in Imbler v. Pachtman, the government lawyer stands perhaps unique, among officials whose acts could deprive persons of constitutional rights, in his amenability to professional discipline by an association of his peers. The organized bar should address judicial referrals of misbehaving government lawyers without hesitation and, when merited, with stringent punishment. Even amoral or timorous lawyers will hesitate to misbehave if it becomes clear that doing so endangers their livelihood.

The rule of law in America is in peril. The formal institutions created by the Constitution to ensure the survival of the rule of law are wavering. But the idea that law, not one man, should rule is older than the Constitution. That idea is, or should be, the bedrock commitment of the legal profession. Indeed, we lawyers tout it all the time, at least when our professed devotion has no cost. The question now is whether the legal profession will use its power over its own members to ensure that law survives.
Nestle has issued a recall for multiple frozen meals due to a potential foreign matter contamination. A select batch of Stouffers and Lean Cuisine frozen entrees have been recalled after they were found to contain wood-like material.

The recalled frozen meals were produced between August 2024 and March 2025 and sold at nationwide retailers between September 2024 and March 2025. Nestles recall impacts Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli, Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli, Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, and Stouffers Party Size Chicken Lasagna.

How to Identify the Recalled Lean Cuisine and Stouffer's Meals

To determine if you have the recalled frozen meals, youll want to look for the following information:



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Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli

Batch Number 4261595912; Best-By Date: October 2025

Batch Number: 4283595912; Best-By Date: November 2025

Batch Number: 4356595912; Best-By Date: January 2026

Batch Number: 5018595912; Best-By Date: February 2026

Batch Number: 5038595912; Best-By Date: March 2026

Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli

Batch Number: 4261595912; Best-By Date: October 2025

Batch Number: 4283595912; Best-By Date: November 2025

Batch Number: 4356595912; Best-By Date: January 2026

Batch Number: 5018595912; Best-By Date: February 2026

Batch Number: 5038595912; Best-By Date: March 2026

Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

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Batch Number: 4214595511; Best-By Date: September 2025

Stouffers Party Size Chicken Lasagna (96-ounce)

Batch Number: 4262595915; Best-By Date: October 2025

Batch Number: 4351595915; Best-By Date: January 2026

Batch Number: 5051595915; Best-By Date: March 2026

Batch Number: 5052595915; Best-By Date: March 2026

As of this writing, no other Lean Cuisine or Stouffers meals are impacted by this recall.



What to Do if You Purchased the Affected Product

Nestle says it is working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address the recall and determine the source of the wood-like material. If you have any of the recalled products, you should not consume them. Instead, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

If you have any questions regarding the recall, you can contact Nestle at (800) 681-1676.

Read the original article on ALLRECIPES
BEIRUT (Reuters) -As Israel resumes heavy strikes in the Gaza Strip, escalating Israeli attacks in south Lebanon have killed five Hezbollah members in the last few days, according to security sources in Lebanon, underlining the fragility of a U.S.-backed ceasefire.

The war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon marked the deadliest spillover of the Gaza war, rumbling across the frontier for months before escalating into a devastating Israeli offensive that wiped out the group's command and many of its fighters, along with much of its arsenal.

While the ceasefire brought about a big reduction in the violence, each side accuses the other of failing to fully implement it. Israel says Hezbollah still has infrastructure in the south, while Lebanon and Hezbollah say Israel is occupying Lebanese soil by not withdrawing from five hilltop positions.

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The Israeli military has reported striking five Hezbollah members in three separate incidents in south Lebanon since March 15. In one of the incidents on Sunday, the Israeli military said it struck two Hezbollah militants "who served as observation operatives and directed terrorist activities". Security sources in Lebanon said five Hezbollah members were killed.

The Israeli military said on Sunday that a gunshot hit a parked car in the Israeli community of Avivim, and that the shot most likely came from Lebanon. No one claimed responsibility.

STRIKES DESTROY PREFAB HOUSES

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes in two towns on Monday destroyed prefabricated houses brought to the area for people whose homes were destroyed in the war, security sources said.

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Noting an increase in Israeli strikes in recent days, the UNIFIL peacekeeping force in south Lebanon "urges all actors to avoid any action that could upset the current delicate calm," spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said.

"We continue to urge Israeli forces to fully withdraw south of the Blue Line, and we continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces in their deployment in the south of Lebanon," he added.

The Blue Line was drawn by the United Nations in 2000, when Israeli forces withdrew from south Lebanon, and separates the country from Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The ceasefire agreed in November required Hezbollah to have no weapons in the south and Israeli troops to withdraw as the U.S.-backed Lebanese army deployed into the region.

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Israel said earlier this month it had agreed to U.S.-backed talks with Lebanon aimed at demarcating the border. It also released five Lebanese held by the Israeli military in what it called a "gesture to the Lebanese president".

Hezbollah officials have put the onus on the Lebanese state to liberate the remaining land still occupied by Israel. Still, leading Hezbollah official Ali Damoush said on Friday the group would not give up its arms while there was an occupation.

Analysts say Hezbollah would have to think very hard before taking any decision to escalate against Israel, noting that its overland resupply route to Iran was severed by the fall of its ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria and that many of its supporters are homeless because of the devastation caused by the war.

"So far, Hezbollah is keen not to respond and to leave the decision to the government and the Lebanese army," said Qassem Kassir, a Lebanese analyst close to Hezbollah.

(Reporting by Laila Bassam and Tom Perry in Beirut and Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Alex Richardson)
LEEDS, Ala. (Trussville Tribune)  In the wake of strong storms sweeping through Alabama, the topic of Leeds building a storm shelter drew much discussion during the city councils regular meeting on Monday, March 17.

According to Nathan Prewett with the Trussville Tribune, the meeting was brief with only two items to pass on the agenda before the floor was open to public comments where Albert Daw asked if a storm shelter could be built.

Mayor David Miller replied that it is in the works and will be on the agenda for the budget in 2026. He added that a civic center with a storm shelter was brought up in the past but failed to pass.

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We proposed a new city hall slash civic center several years ago, he said. It had a public referendum, and it was voted down. That building would have had a very large and certified storm shelter in it. I said at that time that I would not give up on the idea of getting us a good storm shelter, and well just have to raise our revenue to the point where we would be able to afford that.

Daw asked him if the city hall basement could function as a shelter and Miller said that it does not, adding that the only building in Leeds that houses a certified storm shelter is the Leeds Primary School, but the city has no control over it.

Alabama police officers murder trial will proceed, court rules

He said that he was in communication with Leeds Board of Education Superintendent John Moore recently about using the shelter but was told it was not available due to legal reasons.

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Deanna Frankowski spoke next, saying that while she understood that revenue would have to be raised the process of getting a shelter should have been done much sooner, calling it irresponsible.

The publics concerns followed the series of intense storms and tornado events that occurred on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of three in Alabama and dozens elsewhere.

I just think that we need to be more proactive on finding something in the meantime, Frankowski said. Because if a natural disaster happens here its going to be bad. And we keep dodging the bullet and the bullets going to hit us some time.

She asked what could be done as soon as possible before the civic center and its shelter would be brought up next year and Miller reiterated that the primary schools shelter is not available until it could be made so.

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Kathy Dutton, who is a member of the Board of Education, was present at the meeting and said that there are numerous legal loops to consider and that the shelter cannot easily be allowed to be opened.

It was suggested that the matter be brought before the Board of Educations next meeting. Additionally, Miller pointed out that the upcoming pickleball court will have some storm shelter capabilities once it is completed.

In other discussions, Lynda McGlean spoke about speeders in her community and she was assured that this was being worked on. Donnie Hughes, an officer at American Legion Post 107, gave a reminder that there will be an American flag retirement ceremony on Saturday, March 22.

Lastly, Ronald Miller asked about maintenance at a softball field that has not been cared for in some time. Miller said that this will be revisited at the next meeting.

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In other business the council:

Amended its city employee credit card policy to add a fire protection officer and

Declared property at the Leeds Police Department building to be surplus and authorized their sale.

Leeds City Council meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.

Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Ideas cannot be arrested. They cannot be exiled or deported. They linger, taking root in institutions, finding hosts in ideologues who refine them, disguise them, and inject them back into society under the guise of scholarship and activism. The Wests failure has never been an inability to fight terrorists in the deserts of the Middle East or the caves of Afghanistan  it has been its reluctance to recognise that extremism is now incubated in its own institutions.

The deportation of Rasha Alawieh, a Lebanese-born professor at Brown University who is believed to have been in the United States on a valid work visa, is not just another case of immigration enforcement. It is a stark test of whether Western nations are finally willing to confront the uncomfortable truth that the most dangerous battlefield is not necessarily a war zone, but could be a classroom.

Alawiehs alleged offences were not clerical errors. The US government has said that she attended the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, the architect of countless attacks against civilians, including Americans and Israelis. Court documents allege that US Customs and Border Protection agents found photos of Nasrallah on her phone. Alawieh reportedly said that she did not admire the Hezbollah leader politically or militarily, only spiritually. Had she been discovered with ISIS propaganda or videos glorifying Al-Qaeda, there would have been no debate about her removal.

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But Western elites have granted groups like Hezbollah an extraordinary element of rhetorical leeway. This is the playbook: militancy is downplayed as resistance, terrorism is excused as anti-colonial struggle, and open support for genocidal ideologies is framed as a valid political perspective.

What begins as intellectual posturing in a classroom does not always remain confined to the walls of a lecture hall, either. An idea can metastasise. It can then walk the streets. It breaks the windows of Jewish-owned shops. It harasses students on campuses, forcing them to hide their Star of David necklaces, to remove their kippahs, to avoid their own cafeterias for fear of violence.

The transition between academic debate and raw street-level anti-Semitism has already taken place in Europe, where intellectual defences of Hamas and Hezbollah have surely played a strong part in encouraging mobs of masked men to chant death to Jews on the streets of major cities.

This is not hyperbole; it is history repeating itself. The university radical today could be the extremist of tomorrow. And when ideas are validated by elite institutions, they do not die in the lecture halls  they become the reality that Jews are forced to live with in their own communities.

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Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student recently arrested and threatened with deportation, is another example of a radical allowed to operate freely at an elite university. These cases highlight a deeply unsettling pattern: foreign nationals on visas are not merely expressing radical views  Western institutions are effectively helping to legitimise them.

More broadly, if Western governments are serious about national security, immigration vetting must catch up to the threat. The United States learned this lesson in the most devastating way possible on September 11, when hijackers exploited weak visa policies to embed themselves in American cities before carrying out their attacks. The lesson should have been clear: foreign nationals should not be granted student visas or work permits if they are aligned with groups that explicitly call for the destruction of the very societies granting them entry.

Yet when extremists are exposed, the response from the progressive Left is not to condemn them, but to accuse law enforcement of racism, xenophobia, or McCarthyism.

Free speech is not on trial here. No one is suggesting that contentious or even deeply uncomfortable discussions about the Middle East, Israel, or Western foreign policy should be outlawed. A democratic society should embrace debate. But debate is not what these radicals seek. What they seek is validation  the stamp of approval from Western institutions that transforms their dangerous ideologies into mainstream discourse.

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If a professor openly expressed admiration for white nationalist groups, attended Klan rallies, or circulated Nazi propaganda under the pretence of historical analysis, they would be removed from their position immediately. No one would defend their right to use their academic standing as a shield. And yet, when Islamist extremists glorify Hezbollah, Hamas, or the Iranian regime, the very same institutions that claim to oppose all forms of hatred suddenly lose their moral clarity.

This is not an accident. This is the result of a deliberate, systemic failure to hold non-Western radicals to the same standard as everyone else. The result? An entire generation of students are at risk of being groomed to see terrorism not as a crime, but as a righteous cause.

Alawiehs deportation is a small, overdue correction in a much larger battle. The ideas she is alleged to hold will not vanish overnight. But what must change is the Wests continued willingness to grant radicals a protected platform under the guise of free speech. Ideas cannot be deported  but those who exploit academic institutions to promote them can, and must, be removed.

If the West fails to wake up to this reality, todays academic radicals will become tomorrows policymakers, and the violence Jews are experiencing on campuses today will become the reality for all Western societies. The West is under no obligation to open up its institutions to those who seek to dismantle them. It is time to recognise that terror does not always begin with a bomb  it begins with an idea.

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Kevin Cohen is CEO & Co-Founder of RealEye

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The legendary Jimi Hendrix, along with a group of employees serving Washingtons ecology department, has been granted one of the states most prestigious awards for civilians.

The Seattle-born musician was posthumously awarded with the medal of merit during a ceremony in Olympia on Tuesday morning. The medal honors individuals who have dedicated a lifetime of service to Washingtonians through areas like the arts and advocacy.

Oregon corporate kicker may go to school maintenance

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Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, who nominated the late guitarist for the award, said he lived more in his 27 years than most people could aspire to.

In 1961, Hendrix opted to join the U.S. Army instead of serving jail time after being charged with driving a stolen vehicle. Santos stated that his time in the military actually kick-started his career in the arts.

It was his passion for music that helped him through his military experience, and he was eventually honorably discharged when his platoon sergeant noted that Jimmy really had no interest whatsoever in the army, Santos said. The nearest place for him to move was Tennessee, where he then began exploring music full-time, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The representative noted that Hendrix was a self-taught artist. She dubbed him as one of the most influential figures from the 20th century, and from Washingtons 37th legislative district.

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Portlands Lines for Life brings mental health support to Black barbershops and salons

Also at the ceremony, four employees with the Washington State Department of Ecology  identified as Alex Hernandez, Lisa Stingley, David Thompson and Jon Tollstrup, were presented with the medal of valor.

This medal recognizes non-first-responders who risk their lives or personal safety in an attempt to save someone elses life. According to Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, the latest awardees responded to a critical incident in early October of last year.

Heck said the four-person ecology crew pulled a woman from her burning vehicle, after she suffered from a stroke and lost control of the wheel near Cle Ellum. Although the woman later died due to complications from her injuries, officials said the ecology workers helped her family say goodbye to her.

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Injured Seattle man dies on Mt. Bachelor after getting trapped in snow

I just have to observe that were living through some fairly tumultuous times and a bit of chaos in the world, Heck said. Its the actions of people like that, frankly, that I think give us a lot of hope by demonstrating the courage that they did.

The new awardees will join the ranks of previous recipients including Tacoma class artist Dale Chihuly, biologist and Noel Prize winner Linda Buck and former Washington Rep. Henry Scoop Jackson.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rep. Les Eaves, R-Searcy, presents SB 307 to a House committee on March 17, 2025. (Screenshot from livestream)

A House panel on Monday approved a bill that will change the process for constructing power plants in an effort to mitigate expected rate increases for Arkansans.

Searcy Republican Rep. Lance Eaves told the House Committee on Insurance and Commerce utility rates are going up with or without Senate Bill 307 because Arkansas will need to generate or buy more power to provide the energy needed to maintain the status quo when coal plants in Independence and Jefferson counties go offline in a few years.

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I dont want my bill to go up, I dont know that any of us want our bills to go up, Eaves said. But the fact is theyre going up whether we run this bill or not because we have to produce power to replace what were losing and we have to produce more power to try to attract those businesses here that are going to supply jobs.

The process outlined in the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025 will be cheaper in the long-term, Eaves said, because it will allow utilities to begin recouping their costs during construction instead of after a power plant is built, as is the case now. The 63-page bill would also give the Arkansas Public Service Commission more oversight of such projects by requiring reviews throughout construction, he said.

Committee members shared concerns about shifting costs onto ratepayers and exactly how much constituents energy bills would increase. Based on estimates, Eaves said the average utility customer will see a $5 increase on their monthly bill during the first year. He also said that if a company comes to Arkansas and uses 90% of the power generated by a new plant, that company would pay for what they use  the cost would not be shifted onto other ratepayers.

Attracting new industry to the state is another goal of SB 307. Supporters of the bill have said Arkansas is losing out to its neighbors in attracting large data centers, which can bring more jobs to the state, but Eaves said its about more than data centers.

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The number one export in Arkansas is aerospace-related parts and components, we have a lithium play thats getting ready to happen in south Arkansas, we are likely very possibly going to be the steel capital of the world, Eaves said. All of those use energy, and we dont have enough.

Allison Thompson, president and CEO of the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County, echoed those sentiments in speaking in favor of the bill. Jefferson County is home to the White Bluff Power Plant thats scheduled for closure. As an economic developer, Thompson said she works with new projects coming to the state and one of the first questions shes asked is about power.

Is it reliable, is it redundant, is there enough of it, and is it available, she said. And when those projects come in, theyre not coming in for down the road, theyre coming in right now. Theyre looking right now. Those businesses are making decisions about today.

Some members of the public who spoke in opposition to the bill voiced concerns about how the rate hikes will impact low-income Arkansans. Others had recommendations for amending specific provisions within the bill.

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Southern Renewable Energy Association Executive Director Simon Mahan, for example, said it was problematic that SB 307 explicitly excludes Arkansas-based wind energy from eligibility for cost recovery under the bills proposed rider system.

Generally wind energy resources are some of the lowest cost resources, Mahan said. Arkansas, we do believe needs more power, and we shouldnt be restricting the types of power that we can develop sooner rather than later.

A 135-megawatt project thats under construction in Cross County is expected to become the states first operational wind farm this summer.

Mahan recommended lawmakers amend the bill to remove this restriction to allow Arkansas-based wind energy to compete on an equal footing with other energy resources, including out-of-state wind, which he said is eligible under the current legislation.

The House committee approved SB 307 on a unanimous voice vote without making amendments. The bill will next be considered by the Arkansas House.

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A Sioux Falls resident votes in the 2024 general election on Nov. 5 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Proposals to restrict citizen-initiated ballot measures have cleared the South Dakota Legislature, and some are awaiting the governors consideration.

The measures  carried by Republican lawmakers  would shorten petition signature collection periods, require signatures from specific geographic areas and increase the voter approval threshold for constitutional amendments. Opponents argue the changes would hinder South Dakotans ability to bring issues to the ballot.

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The state has three types of statewide ballot measures: constitutional amendments, initiated measures and referendums.

2025 election legislation

Read more about election-related bills considered and adopted during the 2025 legislative session on South Dakota Searchlights 2025 SD Election Legislation page.

To be placed on the ballot, citizen-backed constitutional amendments need petition signatures from registered voters equal to 10% of the votes cast in the last election for governor. The current signature requirement is 35,017. The Legislature can also send its own constitutional amendments to the ballot.

Initiated measures propose a law, and referendums send a law passed by legislators to the ballot, with each requiring signatures equal to 5% of the votes cast in the last governors race. That threshold is 17,508 signatures.

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South Dakota was the first state in the U.S. to allow an initiative and referendum process in 1898. In 1972, the state constitution was amended to allow constitutional changes by initiative. In 1988, the states voters changed the constitution to eliminate a requirement that an amendment be submitted to the Legislature for approval before placement on the ballot.

Shortening the signature window

One bill would move the deadline for submitting petition signatures from May to February in the year of a general election. Supporters said the change is necessary to ensure adequate time for signature verification and legal challenges before the election.

The bills sponsor, Rep. Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, helped lead a legal challenge against last Novembers constitutional amendment that would have placed abortion rights in the state constitution.

The bills opponents, including voting-rights advocates and some Democrats, argued that reducing the signature collection window by three months will make it harder for grassroots campaigns to qualify for the ballot. They contended that South Dakota already has a restrictive petitioning process, and the change would disproportionately favor well-funded groups that can afford to hire professional signature collectors.

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Signatures from every district

Another bill would require petition signatures for constitutional amendments to be gathered from each of the 35 state senatorial districts in the state.

The bill requires that a petition gain signatures from a number of registered voters in each district equal to 5% of the total votes cast for governor in that district during the last general election. The bill also retains the requirement that the total number of signatures on the petition must equal at least 10% of the votes cast statewide for governor in the last general election.

Supporters said the bill would ensure amendments have broad, statewide support before they reach the ballot. They said the current system encourages petitioners to focus on Minnehaha and Pennington counties, where most registered voters live.

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Opponents said voters across the state already have a say when they cast their ballots, making an additional hurdle unnecessary.

Joe Kirby, of Sioux Falls, helped lead an effort during the last election that would have instituted an open primary election system in the state. He called the bill effectively the death of constitutional initiatives.

This gives any one county veto power over whether an initiative gets on the ballot, no matter how many people want it on the ballot, Kirby said.

Raising the threshold for constitutional changes

The bills addressing the signature window and geographic requirements are on the governors desk, for his decision to sign them into law or veto them.

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A resolution passed by the Legislature that does not require the governors signature will ask voters to increase the approval threshold for constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. The measure will appear on the general election ballot in November 2026. Ironically, the measure will need only a simple majority for approval.

Supporters said the change is necessary to protect the states constitution from being amended by outside interests and prevent policy from being inserted into a document thats intended only to stipulate the structure and powers of the government.

Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, sponsored the resolution.

Our constitution is more than a statute, Hughes said in a statement. It is a contract between the state itself and the people that assures us that if we live here, raise our families here, worship here, and conduct our vacations here, we can count on certain core values remaining constant.

State Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, speaks on the South Dakota House floor on Jan. 22, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Opponents said initiated constitutional amendments are necessary because lawmakers sometimes refuse to adopt a popular policy, and because lawmakers can repeal or amend a regular initiative on their own but cant change the constitution without public approval. They said raising the threshold would make it significantly harder for South Dakotans to amend their constitution.

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Opponents also alleged that the measure is an attempt to stifle citizen-driven initiatives and would ensure that only proposals with backing from powerful political and financial groups can succeed.

Other legislation

Other bills approved by the Legislature that would impact the ballot measure process include legislation that would require petition signers to list the address and county where they are registered to vote, rather than merely the address where they reside, and prevent the Secretary of States Office from counting signatures without the information; change how petitions for ballot initiatives must be formatted, including stipulations about minimum font sizes; allow fiscal estimates for ballot measures to be updated closer to elections (that bill has been signed by the governor); and require the secretary of state to review ballot initiatives for compliance with the states single-subject rule, which is already required for constitutional amendments.

Some other bills addressing ballot measures failed.

One failed resolution would have required ballot measures rejected by voters to wait a full election cycle before being resubmitted. Another failed bill would have banned paid petition circulators and imposed felony penalties for violations.

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Several sections of roadways around Colorado Springs were mistakenly labeled as closed on digital mapping services, including Google Maps and Waze, on Monday.

A spokesperson for the city said a software modification with Waze during the afternoon seems to have caused the issue.

"The city has worked with Waze since December to modify how Waze consumes city info," spokesman Eric Sieger said Tuesday morning. "There must have been a mistake when Waze configured the new file."

Sieger said the city and Waze turned on the new service Monday afternoon, right about when the erroneous road closures popped up on Google and Waze. He said Waze seems to have fixed the configuration error as of Tuesday morning.

Among the incorrect closures that were shown, the most significant were:

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A near-five-mile-long segment of Nevada Avenue in both directions from just north of Fillmore Street, through downtown and ending at Interstate 25.

A near-10-mile-long segment of Constitution Avenue in both directions from Union Boulevard to U.S. 24.

Cascade Avenue in both directions from West Kiowa Street to its end below East Fountain Boulevard.

Brookside Street in both directions between Eighth Street and Nevada Avenue.

Parts of West Fillmore Street in both directions between 30th Street and Interstate 25.

Austin Bluffs Parkway in both directions from East Woodmen Road to Rangewood Drive.

Wahsatch Avenue in both directions from Uintah Street to East Platte Avenue.

Reddit users were quick to point out the correlation between the listed closures and the online Colorado Springs traffic cone zones map Monday, with some suggesting a mistake in how mapping software might be interpreting the ongoing construction.

Tuesday morning, the red traffic gate symbols on Waze dotting Colorado Springs main thoroughfares had, for the most part, changed to the construction symbol.

Google's press contact did not respond to a request for comment Monday evening, though that service too, seemed to once again show accurate real-time information. It was unclear Tuesday why the glitch in Waze data would also be reflected in Google Maps.

Apple Maps did not seem to ever show the erroneously-marked closings.

The Gazette's traffic map, which uses the site Sigalert, remained up-to-date with the latest accurate road information, including areas of high congestion and road closures.
The Rowan County Sheriffs Office has taken legal action against a home on Sides Road, known for criminal activity and nuisance calls, by issuing an order of abatement.

The property, which has been a source of concern for neighbors and law enforcement for years, must now remain vacant and be placed for sale within 30 days as part of a consent judgment. This action aims to prevent future nuisance-related activities on the premises.

Theres a very lengthy history at that house, said Rowan County Sheriff Travis Allen, highlighting the propertys past issues with criminal violations and drug overdose deaths.

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Ethan Stanford, a neighbor living one street over, expressed relief, saying, Its worrisome to see something like that happening. And yeah, so its definitely relieved to see that concern taken care of.

Sheriff Travis Allen explained that the decision to pursue a nuisance abatement was due to the propertys extensive history of problems, including criminal violations and drug-related incidents.

The consent judgment not only requires the property to be sold but also prohibits any future nuisance activities, aiming to restore peace to the neighborhood.

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Neighbors like Ethan Stanford have noticed frequent police presence at the home, which has been a source of worry for the community.

Stanford noted that the community feels much safer now that the issue is being addressed, and he believes the area will improve as a result.

VIDEO: Couple charged after 11-month-old overdoses on fentanyl in Rowan County
To the editor: As Democrats struggle with whether to replace Sen. Chuck Schumer as their Senate leader, why not draft Sen. Bernie Sanders to the party and elevate him to that position just like the Republicans did with presidents Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump (Trump and recent gains give the California Republican Party hope," March 17)? When the Republicans elected both of them, the mainstream largely hated them but clearly both men succeeded in transforming their party and attracting millions of people. Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, is the only figure on the left that does that. Dont be afraid of him. Embrace him. He may be the only person who can save us from devolving into a facist authoritarian state.

Carole Lutness, Valencia

..

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To the editor: Its truly hard to believe that California Republicans are so crass as to be willing to align with the obsessive cruelty and rampant ignorance of Trumps MAGA movement. Its a very public GOP ethics failure that will cripple them and our nation for years to come.

David Pieri, La Crescenta

..

To the editor: You put this on the front page? Trump and his lackeys are taking away our civil rights every day: deporting people legally here in the United States, cutting aid to veterans, seniors and the the poor, as well as slashing meal programs for children and healthcare.

Sheila Winston, West Hills

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The population boom in Huntsvilles metro area shows no signs of slowing down.

The latest census reveals Limestone County as the fastest-growing county in the state for the fourth year. Excluding the 2020 consensus of an actual count, 2024 was the highest growth rate the county has seen in over a decade.

North Alabamians call for town hall with Rep. Dale Strong during Huntsville protest

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Steve Pearson moved to Athens 10 years ago. He said the town he moved to versus the city he sees now is a night and day difference.

It was about 5:20 p.m., and I came down here and it was like a ghost town, Pearson said. Here it is ten years later, its people everywhere downtown after 5:00. I never thought I wouldve been in little old Athens, but here I am. And its not little old Athens anymore.

As a small business owner in Athens, owning both Good Spirit Beverages and Studio 16 Cigar Lounge, it is a change he likes to see.

With everybody coming into Limestone County? Pearson said. Yes. Were starting to see a major difference. Everybody wants to move here now because of the growth.

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33 guns seized by TSA at Huntsville International Airport in 2024, 130 seized statewide: Report

Small businesses arent the only ones feeling the impact of the growth; the schools are too.

There are just so many more kids, Athens High School Junior Katherine Kiel said. Our numbers keep going up by hundreds every single year.

The dramatic growth is being attributed to the quality of life the area offers, from a low cost of living to job opportunities at companies like Mazda-Toyota.

Bethany Shockney handles economic development for the county. She said people appreciate a small-town appeal while still being close to bigger cities.

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Very welcoming, very warm, Shockney said. We have the small town feel, but I think the affordability and convenience of our area is so attractive.

During the past four years, over 15,000 people moved to Limestone County. But as the population continues growing, so do the countys needs from infrastructure to housing to, even, expanding parking.

Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson said the development needs arent challenging as much as they are exciting.

So many small towns in Alabama and across the nation would love to have the problem that you have to walk a block and a half to get to the store that you used to park right in front of, Richardson said.

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The growth is transforming a county that residents said was only home to generational families into a community full of people from all over the world.

Its just, its really crazy, Kiel said. I didnt expect it ever.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
The line outside the PennDOT driver license center in Exeter Township was already stretched around the side of the building Monday morning when Marie and Jack Slusser arrived.

The Kenhorst couple got there before the centers 10 a.m. opening and were hoping to get in and out. Instead, they waited nearly three and a half hours to apply for their Real IDs.

The line was no shorter and newcomers were still arriving when the Slussers left.

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The facility is generally closed on Mondays, but state officials scheduled special hours to help residents obtain a Real ID before the May 7 enforcement deadline.

PennDOT driver center in Exeter Township hosting Real ID event on March 17

Beginning that date, anyone flying domestically will need the Real ID-compliant state ID or driver license or approved identification, such as a valid passport or military ID. Real IDs have a gold star in the upper right corner.

The Slussers have family living out of state, and want to visit, Marie Slusser said.

We dont have immediate plans to travel, she said, but we wanted the Real IDs just in case.

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Last week, they were turned away from the Shillington center when they showed up missing one of the required documents, Jack Slusser said. So when they read in the newspaper about the special hours, they decided to try again Monday.

This time, they were fully prepared, he said.

The line outside the outside the PennDOT driver license center in Exeter Township Monday afternoon.MICHELLE LYNCH  READING EAGLE

Documents are verified and imaged at the center. Applicants can expect to receive a Real ID by mail within 15 business days.

People can also apply for a Real ID or conduct other driver license business during regular hours at all Pennsylvania driver license centers.

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If youre not sure if a Real ID is right for you, the state has a tool that can help at bit.ly/IsRealID4me.

Remember, a passport is still needed for international travel.

Federal Real ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the following documents:

 Proof of identity: Examples include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.

 Proof of Social Security number (proof must display currently legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security number): Examples include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA-1099 form or a pay stub.

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 Two proofs of current, physical PA address: Examples include a current, unexpired PA drivers license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address.

 Proof of all legal name changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): Examples include certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the county court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name, or adoption decree issued by your countys family court.

Note: If your current name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), proof of legal name change does not need to be shown.

More information about Real ID document requirements can be found on PennDOTs Real ID website at www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html.

PennDOT officials were unavailable for comment.

Reporter Steve Henshaw contributed to this story.
Heres your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.

This article is being continuously updated. Youll find a running list of past incidents at the bottom of this story.

You can report issues or share your thoughts on this story format by filling out our feedback form.

Interstate 35

Current Incidents:

There are currently no traffic incidents reported in this area.

Past Incidents in the last 12 hours:

Broken down vehicle on eastbound I-35 in Lenexa

There is a broken down vehicle on I-35 from 95th Street/Exit 224 to West 87th Street/Exit 225.

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The event impacts 460 feet.

The incident was reported Monday at 6:51 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Monday at 10:09 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on eastbound I-35 in Lenexa' on March 17th at 10:10 p.m.

Broken down vehicle on northbound I-35 in Mission

There is a broken down vehicle on I-35 between Johnson Drive/Exit 229 and Antioch Road/Exit 230.

The event impacts 310 feet.

The warning was issued at 5:10 p.m. on Monday, and the most updated information about this incident was released on Monday at 6:19 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on northbound I-35 in Mission' on March 17th at 6:20 p.m.

Interstate 70

Current Incidents:

There are currently no traffic incidents reported in this area.

Past Incidents in the last 12 hours:

Broken down vehicle on eastbound I-70 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on I-70 between 78th Street/Exit 414 and Turner Diagonal Fwy/Exit 415.

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The impacted road section is 360 feet long.

The warning was issued Monday at 6:54 p.m., and the latest update regarding this incident was made available on Monday at 7:41 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on eastbound I-70 in Kansas City' on March 17th at 7:41 p.m.

Broken down vehicle on eastbound I-70 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on I-70 between 18th Street/Exit 4 and 23rd Street/Exit 4.

The impacted road section is 520 feet long.

The incident was reported Monday at 6:44 p.m., and the most updated information about this incident was released on Monday at 7:23 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on eastbound I-70 in Kansas City' on March 17th at 7:24 p.m.

Broken down vehicle on eastbound I-70 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on I-70 between I-435/Exit 8 and Blue Ridge Cut Off/Exit 9.

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The event impacts 540 feet.

The traffic alert was issued Monday at 5:21 p.m., and the latest update regarding this incident was made available on Monday at 6:31 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on eastbound I-70 in Kansas City' on March 17th at 6:32 p.m.

Broken down vehicle on southbound I-435 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on I-435 from I-70/Exit 63 to Stadium Drive.

The impacted road section is 190 feet long.

The warning was released on Monday at 5:05 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Monday at 6:13 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on southbound I-435 in Kansas City' on March 17th at 6:13 p.m.

Interstate 435

Current Incidents:

There are currently no traffic incidents reported in this area.

Past Incidents in the last 12 hours:

Broken down vehicle on southbound I-435 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on I-435 from MO-210/Exit 55 to Front Street/Exit 57.

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The impacted road section is 490 feet long.

The traffic alert was released Monday at 7:26 p.m., and the most recent report regarding this incident was released on Monday at 7:35 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on southbound I-435 in Kansas City' on March 17th at 7:36 p.m.

Broken down vehicle on southbound I-435 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on I-435 between MO-210/Exit 55 and Front Street/Exit 57.

The event affects 400 feet.

The warning was released on Monday at 6:43 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Monday at 7:23 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on southbound I-435 in Kansas City' on March 17th at 7:24 p.m.

Broken down vehicle on Eastern Avenue in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on Eastern Avenue from Raytown Road to I-435 South.

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The event impacts 500 feet.

The traffic alert was issued Monday at 7:13 p.m., and the latest update about this incident was released on Monday at 7:23 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on Eastern Avenue in Kansas City' on March 17th at 7:24 p.m.

Broken down vehicle on southbound I-435 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on I-435 from Raytown Road/Exit 63 to Eastwood Trafficway/Exit 65.

The event impacts 350 feet.

The report was issued Monday at 6:31 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Monday at 6:43 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on southbound I-435 in Kansas City' on March 17th at 6:43 p.m.

Broken down vehicle on northbound I-435 in Shawnee

There is a broken down vehicle on I-435 between Johnson Drive/Exit 6 and Holliday Drive/Exit 8.

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The event impacts 150 feet.

The warning was issued at 5:39 p.m. on Monday, and the last update regarding this incident was released on Monday at 6:19 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on northbound I-435 in Shawnee' on March 17th at 6:20 p.m.

Interstate 470

Current Incidents:

There are currently no traffic incidents reported in this area.

Past Incidents in the last 12 hours:

Crash update: I-470

A crash has been reported on eastbound I-470 between Blue Ridge Boulevard/Exit 1 and Raytown Road/Exit 4.

The impacted road section is 410 feet long.

The traffic alert was issued Monday at 7:32 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Monday at 8:28 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Crash update: I-470' on March 17th at 8:28 p.m.

Warning in Kansas City: Crash reported on eastbound I-470

A traffic warning has been issued after a crash on I-470 between Blue Ridge Boulevard/Exit 1 and Raytown Road/Exit 4.

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The event impacts 0.80 miles.

The traffic alert was released Monday at 7:32 p.m., and the most updated information about this incident was released on Monday at 7:41 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Warning in Kansas City: Crash reported on eastbound I-470' on March 17th at 7:41 p.m.

U.S. 24

Current Incidents:

There are currently no traffic incidents reported in this area.

Past Incidents in the last 12 hours:

Broken down vehicle on northbound I-35 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on I-35 from US-24/Independence Avenue to Paseo Boulevard.

The event impacts 590 feet.

The traffic alert was issued Monday at 6:08 p.m., and the most updated information about this incident was released on Monday at 7:17 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on northbound I-35 in Kansas City' on March 17th at 7:17 p.m.

U.S. 69

Current Incidents:

Lane on US-69 closed in Overland Park

One lane is closed between Blue Valley Parkway and College Boulevard on northbound US-69.

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The event affects 1.52 miles.

The traffic alert was released Friday at 7 a.m., and the most updated information about this incident was released on Tuesday at 2:03 a.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Lane on US-69 closed in Overland Park' on March 18th at 2:03 a.m.

Broken down vehicle on northbound I-35 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on I-35 between US-69/Exit 11 and I-435/US-69/Exit 12.

The event impacts 570 feet.

The report was issued Tuesday at 12:13 a.m., and the latest update regarding this incident was made available on Tuesday at 12:24 a.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on northbound I-35 in Kansas City' on March 18th at 12:24 a.m.

Past Incidents in the last 12 hours:

Broken down vehicle on eastbound I-35 in Overland Park

There is a broken down vehicle on I-35 from US-69/Exit 225 to 75th Street/Exit 227.

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The event affects 550 feet.

The report was issued Monday at 5:47 p.m., and the most recent report regarding this incident was released on Monday at 7:23 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on eastbound I-35 in Overland Park' on March 17th at 7:24 p.m.

U.S. 71

Current Incidents:

Broken down vehicle on northbound I-40/US-71 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on I-40/US-71 between Bannister Road and Blue River Road/Hickman Mills Drive.

The traffic alert was issued Tuesday at 2:02 a.m., and the most updated information about this incident was released on Tuesday at 2:37 a.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on northbound I-40/US-71 in Kansas City' on March 18th at 2:38 a.m.

Past Incidents in the last 12 hours:

Broken down vehicle on northbound the Bruce R Watkins Expressway/US-71 in Kansas City

There is a broken down vehicle on the Bruce R Watkins Expressway/US-71 from East 63rd Street to East 59th Street.

The event impacts 170 feet.

The warning was released on Monday at 10:12 p.m., and the last update regarding this incident was released on Monday at 10:21 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on northbound the Bruce R Watkins Expressway/US-71 in Kansas City' on March 17th at 10:22 p.m.

Broken down vehicle on northbound I-40/US-71 in Grandview

There is a broken down vehicle on I-40/US-71 between 155th Street and MO-150.

The event affects 450 feet.

The warning was issued Monday at 7:59 p.m., and the latest update about this incident was released on Monday at 9:07 p.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'Broken down vehicle on northbound I-40/US-71 in Grandview' on March 17th at 9:07 p.m.

U.S. 169

Current Incidents:

I-435 closed in Kansas City

There is a road closure on I-435 between US-169/Exit 41 and Woodland Avenue/Exit 42.

The event impacts 350 feet.

The report was issued Tuesday at 1:25 a.m., and the most recent report regarding this incident was released on Tuesday at 2:15 a.m.

A detailed map that shows the affected road due to 'I-435 closed in Kansas City' on March 18th at 2:15 a.m.

Past Incidents in the last 12 hours:

There were no traffic incidents reported in this area for the past 12 hours.

This article was generated by the Kansas City Star Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes structured information from TomTom and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom. We are experimenting with this and other new ways of providing more useful content to our readers and subscribers. You can report errors or share your thoughts by filling out our feedback form.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare rebuke of President Trump on Tuesday amid an escalating battle between the executive and judicial branches of government over the presidents powers.

Roberts issued a statement countering the president after Trump called for the impeachment of the district court judge who directed flights carrying Venezuelan migrants be turned around and returned to the United States.

The battle is just one piece of news on a busy day, which is also being shaped by Trumps phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a discussion that lasted nearly three hours Tuesday. Washington is pushing the Kremlin to start winding down the war in Ukraine. Kyiv has accepted the terms of a 30-day ceasefire.

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Separately, tens of thousands of pages related to the assassination of former President Kennedy are expected to be declassified later in the day.

Follow along for these and other stories.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy has filed a Statement of Organization with the Michigan Secretary of State, an initial step in running for state office.

In documents found on the Office of Secretary of State Jocelyn Bensons website, Sheriff Murphy has filed to create a committee called Mike Murphy for MI Senate, registering for the Republican Party.

Forming a committee does not guarantee that Sheriff Murphy will run for the seat in the Senate, which will be open due to Sen. Lana Theis reaching her term limit.

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Murphys time as Sheriff has not been without controversy. Most recently, Murphy made headlines when he hosted President Trump during his presidential campaign in August for what was supposed to be a news conference on crime. Murphy said before Trumps visit that it was not a political event. However, the speech was specifically focused on border-related crime, a hot political topic.

Trump shared stories about how illegal immigrants have raped and killed children and adults in Michigan, blaming Biden for the problems.

That controversial visit came before Murphy resigned from the Board of Directors of a local organization set up to assist survivors of child, domestic and sexual violence.

The Livingston Daily reports that Murphy confirmed the filing in a text to The Daily and said an announcement would follow later this week or early next week.

Filing Requirements for State Senator:

FC-GDE-15 Filing Req for State SenatorDownload

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDHN)  Johns Chapel AME in Enterprise and the Christian Mission Center are teaming up in their Love thy Neighbor social media fundraiser.

The church is challenging 300 people in the community to give $100 to help raise $30,000 for the ministry by Easter.

The ministry expressed the need for donations to the church, which was the churchs motive for helping with the social media challenge.

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The mission center workers say the challenge just started last week and so far they have raised a little over one thousand dollars, but they have a long way to go.

To help with our four ministries we have a recovery program, 72-hour emergency shelter, a food service program, and an office to help with all emergency needs, so this money will help with that, Amanda Simmons said.

They say this is a season of giving and if you would like to donate they say you can go to christmissions.org or call or visit their office and stores.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)  As part of Severe Weather Awareness week, local emergency officials are preaching for residents to stay weather aware in the spring and summer storm season.

County emergency management agencies have different sign-up systems to provide alerts during severe weather. Residents provide basic information such as location and contact information.

In Columbiana County, the system is integrated with the National Weather Service. If the NWS issues a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning, it automatically alerts residents via a phone call, text message or email.

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It gives you not only listening to the TV or radio, this can come right to your cell phone. So, if you are outside working in the yard, you dont know that there is something going on, you will get that alert so that you can keep you and your family safe, said EMA Director Peggy Clark.

You can sign up for the alerts in Columbiana County by going to the county EMA website. If youre not tech-savvy they say you can also give them a call to enroll.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins has been fighting for years to continue executions in the state under Ohios death penalty laws. They were stopped years ago when the drugs could not be obtained to carry out the only approved method in Ohio  lethal injection.

Watkins has called for lawmakers to take up other measures such as nitrogen hypoxia and possibly a firing squad. Most recently, he sent a letter to newly-appointed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi asking for her support.

On Tuesday, Watkins announced that Ohio Attorney General David Yost has also reached out to Bondi with a letter of his own in support of Watkins stance. Yost wrote in a letter to Bondi that there is an awful status quo in Ohio that is allowing ruthless killers to receive a death sentence with little fear that it will carried out.

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Yost said he is ready to work with Bondi to resume executions in Ohio that havent happened since July 2018, and three executions that were supposed to happen in 2025 have been postponed until 2028 because of the moratorium surrounding lethal injection drugs.

This is unacceptable, and, without the assistance of the federal government, Ohios situation is unlikely to change. My office stands ready to work with your team on all lawful and necessary actions to ensure that a sufficient supply of drugs is made available as soon as possible, Yost wrote.

He also cited President Trumps commitment with his executive order titled, Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety, saying it is vital to Ohio.

Watkins says he is hoping executions start up again in Ohio by 2026, or 2027 at the latest.

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Watkins said he agrees with both Yost and Trump who have said that politicians and judges have subverted the laws of the country when it comes to capital punishment.

There are 114 inmates on death row in Ohio, including Danny Lee Hill who has gone through decades of appeals in his murder conviction for killing 12-year-old Raymond Fife in Warren. Fifes mother will be 86 years old when Hill is scheduled for execution in July 2026.

Hill was convicted and sentenced to death in 1986.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN)  Barb Kliner and her fitness group start every week with cheer volleyball. Its one of many fitness classes Barb hosts through the group she started, EPGO.

Im one of those lifelong learners. I thought, you know, I dont know anything about Tai Chi. I think maybe I should learn that, Kliner said.

And she did. Eventually, her curiosity led her to podcasting.

I started reading the books and I thought, I think I can do this. and in the meantime, I was thinking about, well what would I want to do if I can do this podcasting thing? What do I want to talk about? What do I know about it? And I thought, I know about what its like to live in a small town, she said.

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Her goal is to share the good news around her through her Claybrook Chats.

EPGO has grown exponentially since becoming a workout group. It opened Barbs eyes to bigger gaps in the aging community around her.

I realized, you know, I am getting older, and if I dont do it now, Im not going to do it. So I thought, Ill just start my group and make this EPGO group the focus of getting the older people in our community together and having programs for them, Kliner said.

Kliner said since East Palestine was reverted from city to village, many programs were cut.

She also realized there were a lot of seniors who were not getting the information they needed.

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As EPGO grew, Barb needed additional help.

EPGO should be like an octopus. we have a core group of people that are going to be the information gatherers and then we want to have ways to get the information out to the people in town that are not on the computer, she said.

EPGO has a newsletter that is shared everywhere, even delivered to those who may be homebound. Her ideas for building this group are endless.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
YORKTOWN, Va. (WAVY)  The guided missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) is being deployed to the southern border to counter illegal immigration, drug and weapons trafficking, as well as transnational crime.

Gravely is just one part of a phase of events that we have been involved in to support southern border operations, said Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces.

The Department of Defense described the move as a significant shift, giving the U.S. Navy a direct role in stopping threats before they reach American shores.

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Norfolk-based USS Harry S. Truman targeted by rebels in Yemen

Gravelys most recent deployment was in the Red Sea, facing a different kind of adversary than what theyll encounter near the southern border. Caudle said their mission and mindset is set with educational training leading up to the deployment.

They get intelligence briefs, specifically to the area in which theyre operating, he said. Theres education before they deploy.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) is moored at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown prior to getting underway for a scheduled employment to the U.S. Northern Command area of responsibility. U.S. Northern Command is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to augment U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border with additional military forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan Williams)

Working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, Gravely will conduct operations such as search and seizure while working to deter illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

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These ships are trained in boarding and seizure, search and seizure operations, Caudle said. That can be part of this. Just leveraging that exquisite, capability down there gives great maritime domain awareness.

When asked about the potential for more local sailors to join Gravely in the southern waters, Caudle mentioned sailors working functions on the physical border itself.

Were also providing people, along with the Marine Corps, for  border operations as well  Seabees, could be Navy Expeditionary combat folk, 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 WAVY.com.
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has had an on-again-off-again feud with former Sen. Bob Menendez for two decades. (Fulop photo by Reena Rose Sibayan/Menendez photo by Dana DiFilippo)

Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has argued to voters that he is best suited to challenge New Jerseys political bosses, touting his criticism of disgraced former Sen. Bob Menendez as proof.

One Fulop campaign flyer mailed to voters features Menendez wearing what looks like an orange prison jumpsuit and features pictures of gold bars. Menendez was convicted in July of accepting bribes of gold bars, cash, and more from three businessmen seeking favors.

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A television ad promoting Fulops candidacy notes he was the only Democrat willing to challenge Menendez when Menendez was a member of the House of Representatives.

Steve Fulop took on developers, Bob Menendez, and the political machine, the narrator says in another Fulop television spot.

But Fulops relationship with Menendez, which dates back two decades, is far more complicated than Fulop lets on while on the campaign trail. The two Hudson County Democrats have had an on-again-off-again feud that  now that its on again  Fulop hopes to leverage to cast himself as an outsider while seeking the states highest office against five other Democrats (the gubernatorial primary is June 10).

Asked to comment about Fulops characterization of their relationship, Menendez in a statement from his attorneys described a cozier one than Fulop has described to voters.

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Steve Fulop sought my help when he was running for Mayor, wherein I got the late Congressman Donald Payne to endorse him. He actively courted my support when he ran for Governor the first time, asking me to vouch for him with party leaders and financial supporters, and to help him strategize as to how to get the Democratic nomination, which I did. I did this for him even though he ran against me for Congress. So much for the reformer, Menendez said.

Dan Cassino, a professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, said it makes sense for Fulop to attack Menendez, whom Cassino called the most salient symbol of corruption in New Jersey.

That said, even though there are candidates who arent going to attack the institutional party, I dont think anyone is going to be on the campaign trail defending Menendez. That makes it more of a rhetorical tool than a grounds for serious policy disagreement, Cassino said.

Up-and-down relationship

Some of Fulops first public comments about Menendez were sharply critical.

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In 2004, when then-Jersey City Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham was sparring with his fellow Hudson County Democrats, Cunningham recruited an unknown Fulop to challenge Menendezs bid for reelection to the House of Representatives in the Democratic primary.

Fulop called Menendez more of a divider rather than a unifier and accused the incumbent of harassing his supporters to intimidate him into ending his primary challenge. Fulop lost badly, winning just 12% of the vote.

By July 2013, Fulop had wrapped up two terms on Jersey Citys council and had just won election as the citys mayor. Menendez, one of the speakers at Fulops inauguration, highlighted that both men are children of immigrants.

Two years later, as rumors swirled that Menendez was being investigated by federal prosecutors for taking bribes from a Florida doctor and friend, Fulop defended him, saying, Anybody who makes assumptions based on a leaked report obviously doesnt know Sen. Menendez, according to a March 2015 Wall Street Journal report. Prosecutors indicted Menendez one month later.

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Fulop remained close to Menendez in the lead-up to Menendezs corruption trial. At the time, Fulop was toying with running for governor in 2017, and Menendez was one of the insiders advising Fulop on his campaign.

But the relationship became strained after Fulop opted against running for governor and sought reelection as mayor instead. It was aggravated further when, during Menendezs two-and-a-half-month trial, news reports surfaced saying Fulop and other Democrats were quietly planting the seeds for Senate runs if Menendez were found guilty (at the time, Fulop denied doing this).

Menendez was not found guilty. In November 2017, the judge overseeing the case declared a mistrial when the jury deadlocked. Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Menendez issued a now-infamous threat about the politicians who had counted him out.

To those who were digging my political grave so they could jump into my seat, I know who you are and I wont forget you, Menendez said.

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Though Fulop and others understood him to be the target of that threat, Fulop remained publicly in Menendezs corner. Hours after the mistrial was declared, Fulop said he would support Menendezs reelection bid in 2018, calling Menendez a great advocate for New Jersey.

Things simmered for a bit until 2020, when the feud turned dynastic after Menendezs son, Rob, flirted with a mayoral run in Jersey City. The senator and Fulop shared terse exchanges through public statements, with the elder Menendez telling voters that Fulop would abandon them once they no longer serve his own political ambition and Fulop suggesting Menendez was hell bent on forcing his son down the throats of Jersey City voters to expand on his own political power.

The younger Menendez never ran for mayor of Jersey City, but he sought a House seat in 2022. Fulop supported him, touting party unity. Rob Menendez won that election handily.

When Bob Menendez was indicted for the second time in 2023  also on bribery charges  Fulop was among the Democrats who called on him to resign. He also declined to endorse Rob Menendezs successful 2024 bid for reelection, saying it was time to move on from the Menendez family. The younger Menendez responded by saying Fulop has been running for governor unsuccessfully since he was elected mayor in 2013, always at the expense of Jersey City residents.

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Rob Menendez declined to comment for this story.

Fulop campaign spokeswoman Emily Potoma disputed the notion that Fulop has not offered a nuanced description of his relationship with Bob Menendez while campaigning for governor.

Mayor Fulop has frequently spoken about his up-and-down relationship with Menendez and has always sought to work with everyone as mayor. During Menendezs re-election, there was no alternative candidate, and the entire state, including Mayor Fulop, supported him, Potoma said.

When Menendez sought reelection in 2018, he was challenged in the Democratic primary by perennial candidate Lisa McCormick. She won nearly 40% of the vote against Menendez.

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By Joey Roulette

(Reuters) - NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are about to return to Earth from the International Space Station, where they have been living for nine months in a drawn-out mission fraught with technical challenges, schedule changes and politics.

Here is a timeline of their novel journey:

June 2022: Wilmore and Williams are locked in as Boeing Starliner's first crew after several unexpected changes.

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2024

June 5: Wilmore and Williams launch to space as Starliner's first crew, after several delays triggered by scrutiny of propulsion system issues and a helium leak. Their mission is expected to last roughly eight days.

June 6: Starliner crew safely arrives at the space station following a 27-hour flight that included failures of five of the spacecraft's thrusters used for in-space maneuvering - the latest glitches in Starliner's troubled development history.

June 11: NASA delays Wilmore and Williams' return to Earth aboard Starliner to June 18 as it investigates propulsion system issues, as well as leaks of helium, which is used to give pressure to the thrusters.

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June 21: NASA again delays Wilmore and Williams' return without stating a specific date.

June 26: A third delay to the astronauts' return begins to raise deeper questions about the nature of Starliner's technical problems, how Wilmore and Williams will get home and whether SpaceX's Crew Dragon - the only active U.S. orbital crew spacecraft - will need to play a role.

June 27: An old Russian satellite breaks into more than 100 pieces of orbital debris that fly near the ISS, forcing all astronauts to enter their spacecraft and prepare for an emergency exit. Wilmore and Williams rush inside Starliner despite its propulsion system issues, which Boeing at the time said validated the craft's readiness as an emergency return option. The debris subsided and astronauts resumed normal ISS life.

June 28: Wilmore and Williams' return to Earth becomes more opaque. The length of their ISS stay, NASA said, hinges on results of ground testing that Boeing was doing with thruster mockups, as it scrambled to build evidence that Starliner was safe to return the astronauts to Earth.

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July 21: Wilmore and Williams reach 45 days on the ISS - the maximum nominal duration Starliner was approved to stay on the station - as NASA and Boeing continue experimenting with propulsion system studies and software changes.

August 7: After more than a month of simulations and technical investigation, Boeing and senior NASA officials debate the severity of Starliner's problems and how best to bring Wilmore and Williams home. The agency is increasingly concerned Starliner will not be safe enough for their return, though Boeing argues it is.

August 24: NASA opts to bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule due for launch the following month as a routine astronaut rotation mission, Crew-9. This commits Wilmore and Williams to NASA's astronaut rotation schedule and, in all, an eight-month stay on the ISS, as the Crew-9 return date at the time was February 2025 - also the expected arrival of the next rotation mission, Crew-10.

September 6: Starliner returns to Earth without any astronauts on board, landing safely at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. NASA, which stood by its safety risk tolerance approach, had deemed the spacecraft's risk level too high for its astronauts to ride.

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September 29: Two astronauts in NASA's Crew-9 mission launch to the ISS using the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that will get Wilmore and Williams home the following year. Normally with four astronauts, two seats were left empty for Wilmore and Williams.

December 17: NASA delays the launch of Crew-10, the rotation mission that will allow Wilmore and Williams to come home. The agency said the mission, planned for February, would launch in late March due to delays in SpaceX's production of a new Crew Dragon capsule that was to be used for the flight.

2025

January 29: President Donald Trump, a week into his second term, publicly asks his close adviser, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, to quickly retrieve Wilmore and Williams from the ISS, accusing without evidence former President Joe Biden of having "virtually abandoned" them in space for political reasons. Musk accepts the request and says he will get them home "as soon as possible," raising questions about whether the White House intervened in NASA's planned operation to bring the astronauts back.

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January 30: NASA, in a statement after Trump's request to Musk, affirms its original plan to bring Wilmore and Williams home on Crew-10.

February 11: NASA changes its plan to return Wilmore and Williams home after Trump and Musk's public urging, swapping the Crew Dragon capsule delayed in SpaceX production with a different one that has flown three times previously. This changes the Crew-10 launch date by two weeks from March 26 to March 12.

March 4: As allegations by Trump and Musk prompt questions about the agency's decision-making, Wilmore tells reporters in a space-to-ground news conference he did not believe politics played a role in NASA's decision to have him and Williams stay on the ISS for nine months. They prepared for the prospect of an extended mission by nature of being an astronaut, he added.

March 12: A launchpad issue triggers a two-day delay in the launch of Crew-10, the mission that opens the door to Wilmore and Williams' departure for Earth.

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March 14: Crew-10 launches to the ISS, bringing Wilmore and Williams one step closer to home.

March 16: Crew-10 crew arrives on the ISS, greeted by its seven astronauts including Wilmore and Williams.

March 18: Wilmore and Williams, along with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, undock from the ISS, beginning a 17-hour trip to Earth.

(Compiled by Joey Roulette; Editing by Jamie Freed)
Theres talk of a primary challenge. There are demands for him to step down as party leader. Hes been forced to postpone a book tour that was scheduled for this week.

All of the anger and inchoate rage that has been swelling up in the Democratic Party since losing the White House suddenly seems channeled toward Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after his vote to advance the GOP funding bill and avoid a federal government shutdown.

At 74, Schumer is now viewed by his critics as emblematic of a feckless party led by geriatrics unwilling or unable to put up a proper fight against Donald Trump.

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But before the small donor donations flood into the coffers of the first progressive challenger to file against him, and before state and local parties begin passing resolutions condemning Schumer, its worth considering whether that energy is best directed elsewhere. Because the arc of Schumers political career is long, and it bends toward victory, no matter the era.

Few national Democrats have so consistently had a fix on the national mood when it comes to the radioactive issues that have so often cost the party at the ballot box  such as crime and immigration. Fewer still can claim Schumers history of delivering bitter medicine when the party most needs it.

His bona fides on the most basic building block of politics  winning  hardly need repeating. Schumers won every election hes ever run in, nearly 20 in total, across a span of a half-century. Hes knocked off incumbents, survived redistricting battles and battled through contentious primaries. He now ranks among the biggest vote-getters in American history, though its more a function of his durability  from statehouse to U.S. House to five Senate terms in one of Americas most populous states  than his inherent popularity.

And it hasnt all been a blue-state cakewalk. Its easy to forget that when Schumer first won his Senate seat in 1998, the GOP still had a pulse in New York. Republican George Pataki was in the first of three terms as governor; Schumer had to navigate a fierce primary, then knock off GOP Sen. Al DAmato to claim his seat. His win marked the first time in 50 years that New York had two Democratic senators.

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Schumers done his work in perhaps the most unforgiving arena in politics. Hes coexisted with two junior senators who have run for president (not to mention Daniel Patrick Moynihan). He shared a media market with Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani in their prime. Two New York governors have been taken down in spectacular fashion since Schumer first joined the Senate and at least a half-dozen New York congressmen have resigned in disgrace or been expelled. Through it all, Schumer has been a constant.

Endurance alone doesnt make for a successful party leader. When he arrived in the Senate, Schumer carried baggage from his 18-year House tenure that obscured his record. He was a serious and energetic lawmaker who left his mark on trade, crime, housing, immigration, farm and banking policy under both Republican and Democratic presidents, but his ambition and thirst for attention rubbed many colleagues the wrong way.

His stewardship of the Democrats Senate campaign arm helped change that  and altered the national partys trajectory.

He took over as Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair in the aftermath of a bruising 2004 election cycle that saw the party at a low point  a nadir not altogether different than at present. At the time, Democrats held just 44 seats, their smallest caucus since 1931. Despite facing a daunting map, under Schumers guidance the party picked up six Senate seats and the majority in 2006. Two years later, with Schumer serving a second tour at the DSCC, Democrats knocked off five GOP incumbents and flipped three Republican-held open seats.

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Political pragmatism, fundraising and a gimlet-eyed view of the election landscape was the hallmark of his success. He convinced a handful of incumbents in states George W. Bush carried not to retire. But more important, Schumer aggressively pursued candidates he viewed as particularly well-suited to win their states  even at the expense of intra-party acrimony.

Schumer angered donors and other influential Democrats by breaking with tradition and taking sides in the Virginia Senate primary in favor of former Reagan administration official James Webb. A combat veteran with conservative views who had criticized feminists, been sharply critical of Bill Clinton and who had once authored a Wall Street Journal op-ed attacking racial quotas and preferences, Webb alienated many in the partys liberal base. But Schumers instincts were proved correct  Webb went on to defeat Sen. George Allen, then a rising GOP star and a future presidential prospect.

Schumer also stirred up a hornets nest in Pennsylvania by recruiting Bob Casey, at the time an abortion opponent. Though Schumer is a longstanding abortion rights supporter, his calculus was that Casey  a proven statewide vote-getter and the son of a former governor with a politically golden name  could carve into then-Republican Sen. Rick Santorums culturally conservative base while also appealing to vote-rich southeastern Pennsylvania. Abortion rights groups viewed the support for Casey as a betrayal, but Schumer charged ahead anyway.

Just as in Virginia, electability took precedence over party dogma  and the result was another Democratic victory.

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The residue of those cold, bloodless decisions and so many others is helping to fuel the intensity of the current backlash, particularly on the left. Garrulous and goofy, the New York senator is easily caricatured as an inveterate operator with no core political values and not up to the job of countering the force of nature that is Trump. But his history is a lot more complicated.

Any prospective primary challenge will need a long fuse since Schumer isnt up for reelection until 2028. As for his role in continuing to lead the party, its helpful to read the room  there isnt much evidence that his Senate colleagues are ready to throw him overboard. They know he took a bullet for the team.

Schumers critics argue that the old political rules hes accustomed to no longer apply, so the most important thing he can do is fight Trumps agenda at every turn. Its not an unreasonable point. But neither was Schumers gambit. His political antenna is finely tuned over the course of seven presidencies; the assessment that Trump could use a government shutdown to further dismantle the federal bureaucracy and wreak even further havoc isnt wildly offbase.

Historically, the better bet for the party has been to follow Schumers political instincts, rather than oppose them. It doesnt mean hes right this time, but it does suggest his read of the situation might be worth listening to.
As former Vice President Kamala Harris considers running in California's gubernatorial race, many of her powerful and longtime national supporters, who helped bolster her to national stardom six years ago, tell ABC News they are lukewarm on a potential 2028 presidential run.

"I think she's done at the top of the ticket." said one donor, who like several other donors, spoke with ABC News on the condition of anonymity because they are still actively involved in Democratic party fundraising. He added, "I think the country will not have moved in a progressive direction during that time, it will have become more conservative."

The donor was one of the over 20 donors that ABC News spoke with from Harris' 2019 National Finance Committee who supported Harris as a junior senator, during the most crowded Democratic presidential race in history, and remained unified during her 2024 bid.

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MORE: Deep Democratic bench gets opportunity in political wilderness

The support Harris spent years cultivating faces deep fissures.

Another donor, Areva Martin, who has known Harris since college, said Harris has a history of quieting the doubters.

"She's proven she has staying power. When people think she can't recover she's proven her ability to do so," Martin told ABC News.

PHOTO: Kamala Harris drops by a phone bank event at the Democratic National Committee headquarters on Election Day November 05, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Others were noncommittal, feeling it was too early to consider anyone running for president.

"I don't know if I would get involved at this point even if God were running. ... I think it's going to be tough for any Democrat to raise any money. There is little enthusiasm," Democratic fundraiser Michael Kempner told ABC News.

Case for Harris running for governor

Nearly every member of Harris' 2019 National Finance Committee who spoke with ABC News backed her for a gubernatorial run.

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Harris' aides previously told ABC News she will make a decision by the end of summer. Some supporters see a successful Harris bid for governor in 2026 as a dealbreaker to run for president in 2028, because of the short window between a gubernatorial inauguration and a potential presidential launch.

Bakari Sellers, former co-chair of Harris' 2020 campaign, said, "If she wants to run for governor, I don't think the Katie Porter's of the world are formidable. I think if she wants to run for president, she has to ask: is the country ready for her? I don't know the answer to that.  a lot of things are going to change in the next three and a half years."

MORE: Democrats sift through 'unmitigated disaster' after Trump victory: ANALYSIS

Others avoided commenting about a potential 2028 run, citing timing, but expressed confidence in a Harris gubernatorial run.

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"My opinion and my dedication to her hasn't changed one iota. I believe she's one of the most talented, brilliant, kind, empathic people that I have met in all my time in politics," lawyer Judith Barnett told ABC News.

The lifetime Democratic donor who said she has known Harris for nearly a decade added, "I would think running for governor, running the 5th largest economy in the world, would be a good move. It's not my decision  it's all hers. But I think it's a wonderful step," Barnett said.

Asif Mahmood, who led Asian outreach for Harris' 2019 campaign, said Harris could follow in another Californian's footsteps.

"Reagan ran for president. He lost, came back to California, served his state as governor, went back and ran for president and won twice," said Mahmood, who was also Hillary Clinton's deputy national finance chair.

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Multiple donors pointed out that if Harris were to win a gubernatorial race, she'd make history. She'd be the first Asian American woman and the first Black woman to be governor of any state.

PHOTO: Kamala Harris speaks at a canvass kickoff event on November 04, 2024 in Moosic, Pennsylvania. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Only one donor who spoke with ABC News said he was not enthusiastic about supporting Harris for governor.

"If she even thinks of running for president, it will be very bad. If she even puts feelers out it will be embarrassing," he said, adding, he would need to be convinced to write big checks for her for any race.

He claimed donors struggled after Harris' presidential loss to get answers from staffers, "I don't want to deal with her campaign apparatus."

Democrats vs Democrats

Some donors who spoke with ABC News believe the lack of consensus over Harris says more about Democrats than it does about her.

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"The Democratic party is well known for killing their losers and finding someone else," said one donor.

"I think losing to Donald Trump is the cardinal sin of the Democratic party. The left and people that supported her don't appear to be trying to articulate that this loss was narrow and her ideas were popular," said one loyalist.

MORE: Pete Buttigieg won't seek Senate, Michigan governor jobs amid presidential bid speculation

"It's tough for anyone to come back from a loss and run again. Trump is, of course, an exception. In my opinion, I don't think she would get significant support as a presidential nominee." Dr. Manan Trivedi, a donor and former candidate for Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district, told ABC News.

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Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, Grover Cleveland, Richard Nixon, Trump were all presidential nominees who lost before winning a general election. Grover Cleveland was the only Democrat to accomplish the feat.

Some donors were skeptical of Harris joining that list.

"If Kamala wanted to be president of the United States, she needed to position herself as the leader of the resistance. Not only has she not done that but no other leader has pushed themselves forward," said one donor.

PHOTO: Kamala Harris met with Senior White House and Administration officials, January 9, 2025. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija met Harris during her 2010 attorney general run and said he believes Democrats have time to better position themselves for a successful presidential run.

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"I think she has the luxury of not having to dive into the political fray during this time. By focusing on the human impact of what this administration is doing. It could draw on her strength as an empathetic leader. It could make a difference in these interim years," Makhija told ABC News.

Another donor said Democrats need to be strategic.

"I want to win. I am not supporting a woman, a Black person, or a gay person. I am supporting the non-threatening white dude. Even if a woman were the best candidate, I would have a hard time until it became really clear that there is a real pathway," said one female donor.

Democratic bundler Alex Heckler said he has remained a big fan of Harris' but fears Democrats are playing a defensive game.

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MORE: Schumer defends vote to avert shutdown and his position as Senate Democratic leader

While he says he's happy with the new party chair, he says, "Democrats over-correct. Three white men led the votes for party chair - it's ridiculous. We can't help ourselves. I struggle being a Democrat these days."

"Democrats are reactionary - they think two women lost - we can't put a woman up again," Heckler said.

Activist Tina Duryea said she's also frustrated with the party.

"She [Harris] could run on: 'look how miserable everything is now you could have had me' that could be a very powerful message. I don't have a lot of tolerance for people living in fear. Democrats overthink things," Duryea told ABC News. She said she's "100% behind" any decision Harris makes.

Rapidly changing political landscape

Like any voter, donors change their minds about politics. Multiple did during the course of this reporting.

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Two weeks ago, one prominent donor said, "I don't think she has it in her," adding he believed the next democratic nominee "will be one of the governors."

PHOTO: Former Vice President Kamala Harris accepts the Chairman's Award onstage during the 56th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif., Feb. 22, 2025. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

But the donor changed his mind after Harris' recent appearances. "Putting your heart and soul into an election is devastating. Watching her [Harris] over the last few weeks, she seems to be getting her legs back. She's been out there speaking," the donor said.

He added, "If the world is falling apart economically and geopolitically and she gets a head start on fundraising, with her name recognition and leadership, she could easily become the frontrunner and win."

Others acknowledged their positions could change.

MORE: Harris concedes presidential election but not 'the fight that fueled this campaign'

California donor Mark Buell said he is watching how California's gubernatorial and the presidential races unfold before he publicly endorses anyone.

"I've learned my lesson, you have to wait to be able to see the full landscape. We have many issues in this country. If I have to hold my nose to vote for a Democratic who I don't like but think would win - I would. It's not who my favorite is or who I love."

Another donor cited a possible fundamental change in American democracy, led by Trump's actions.

"I am very reluctant to back a horse. Because I'm not even sure we're horse racing anymore," he said.

"Are we going to have an election in 2028? When he [Trump] jokes about it, I don't know if he's joking. But I think she would be great. I still think she would have been great," donor Mara Cohen told ABC News.

Colorado DNC delegate Wanda James expressed frustration watching Harris' narrative flip, arguing it could easily flip back.

"On Nov.3, we were calling her campaign flawless," James told ABC News. "Maybe America needs to be broken so someone can fix it. I don't know who will arise, maybe it will be someone no one suspected, but if the election was happening tomorrow I would still be with Kamala."

Like several other donors, Janni Lehrer-Stein, a longtime Harris donor and disability advocate, said she has seen Harris multiple times since the election, and has not received any indication as to what she plans to do in the future, but said, "Kamala Harris is going to lead us toward justice and a better life for everyone. That's the reason I'll support her in whatever direction she takes."

Longtime Harris supporters torn on possible 2028 presidential run originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
PROVIDENCE  State lawmakers are looking to open the door for Rhode Island Energy to sign a long-term contract for nuclear power in a bid to lower electric rates and meet climate goals.

While the electricity generated by nuclear reactors in New England has been an integral part of the regions energy mix for decades, Rhode Islands largest utility has never made a long-term commitment to buy output from them.

But the change in the political landscape that has come with a new administration in Washington, D.C., among other factors, has made nuclear power a more attractive option to the company.

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The Trump administrations crackdown on offshore wind development has left Rhode Island Energy and other utilities scrambling to find alternative sources of affordable, zero-carbon power that would allow them to comply with state clean energy mandates.

Rhode Island Energy president Greg Cornett at the company's Melrose Street headquarters in Providence.

We are constantly looking for everything that we can, said Rhode Island Energy president Greg Cornett. The timing of this is more important because of where things stand with the offshore wind industry.

Of interest to the company are supplies from one of the two nuclear power plants that remain in New England: Millstone Power Station, the 2,100-megawatt facility operated by Dominion Energy in Waterford, Connecticut.

Contracts that the plant signed with a pair of utilities in Connecticut are expiring in 2029 and Rhode Island Energy expects the process to find new buyers for the facilitys energy could start as early as the end of this year.

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Massachusetts amended its long-term contracting law for renewable energy last fall to clear the way for utilities in that state to buy nuclear power. Legislation recently introduced in the General Assembly would make a similar change to Rhode Island law.

Would nuclear energy save ratepayers money?

The proposal comes at a delicate time for Rhode Island Energy. Electric rates have remained relatively high after spiking two and a half years ago, and a cold winter that drove up usage has left many customers fed up. More than 180 of them showed up at state offices last week for what would usually have been a routine hearing on one of the companys twice-yearly rate changes.

Cornett acknowledged the frustration and, while being careful not to overpromise on the benefits of nuclear, said he believes it may help with costs over the long term.

If we dont believe it would be a savings for our customers, we wont enter it, he said of a contract with Millstone.

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Sen. David Tikoian and Rep. Joseph Solomon, lead sponsors of the nuclear bill, both cited cost savings in explaining why they introduced it.

One of the biggest complaints I'm hearing is the cost of energy, said Solomon, a Warwick Democrat. We have to look to alternatives.

But projecting savings is difficult. Right now, the two utilities in Connecticut, Eversource and Avangrid subsidiary United Illuminating Co., are paying Millstone owner Dominion Energy about 5 cents a kilowatt hour under 10-year contracts that went into effect in 2019.

And while those agreements saved money in 2022 and other years when the price of power from natural gas-fired generators was higher, theyve also saddled ratepayers with many millions of dollars of above-market costs when gas prices were lower, according to reports from Connecticut media.

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Tikoian acknowledged the uncertainty, saying, "If the utility cant get attractive pricing for ratepayers, then they dont have to proceed."

Cornett said he expects prices in any new contracts with Millstone to be higher than current wholesale rates, driven up in part by demand from data centers, but he said that the agreements could still lead to savings down the line.

Natural gas prices in New England are already higher on average than those in the rest of the nation and they could go up as electric usage increases. If the federal blockade breaks on offshore wind, contract prices for that source of power could also come in higher, making nuclear potentially more desirable.

Just like in Massachusetts, the Rhode Island legislation adds nuclear as an option under the states long-term contracting law for renewable energy. Although nuclear is not renewable, it is a clean source of power that doesnt produce planet-warming greenhouse gases. In that sense, it fits in with the goals of the Act on Climate, state law that requires Rhode Island to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

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Cornett said it also makes sense to consider amending the law to open up public policy discussions about nuclear in the General Assembly, and later, if a contract were to move forward, before the state Public Utilities Commission.

Possible payments to utility could be source of debate

One area of contention is sure to be language in the bill that would allow Rhode Island Energy to seek remuneration for signing long-term contracts under the law.

As the statute is currently written, the utility is allowed to seek a payment of up to 1% of the value of any contract only through the end of next year. The legislation removes that sunset provision while still requiring final approval from the Public Utilities Commission for any incentives.

Rhode Island Energy has long argued that carrying what can be decades-long power contracts on its books is a risk that credit rating agencies may frown upon. If there were an increase in borrowing costs, it would hurt the companys bottom line, the thinking goes.

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But while the Public Utilities Commission awarded an incentive for the Block Island Wind Farm contract, it has more recently frowned upon remuneration and theres no indication that the commissions stance has changed.

Paying the utility what some see as nothing more than bonus payments has been a contentious subject in the State House, dividing the House and Senate in 2022 when the issue was raised in regard to new offshore wind contracts.

In the end, the two chambers agreed on a compromise: remuneration was set at up to 1%, but a deadline of Dec. 31, 2026 was put in place for any offshore wind projects that qualify.

By the time Rhode Island Energy went out to bid for new contracts, it had decided against seeking an incentive.

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Sen. Dawn Euer, the Newport Democrat who led the fight against remuneration three years ago, said theres still no justification for paying extra money to the utility. The company is governed by state regulations that already reward it a profit incentive, she said.

I think there is zero risk because they are by definition too big to fail, she said. Their costs are covered by ratepayers.

Tikoian and Solomon said the remuneration language could change.

"I wouldn't be surprised if that falls off when the bill passes," Solomon said.

Concerns over adequate supplies of emissions-free power

There are larger questions in play that explain why Massachusetts and now Rhode Island policymakers are looking at contracts for nuclear power.

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Not so long ago, New England had four operating nuclear power stations. Vermont Yankee closed in 2014 in the face of a string of problems that included a crumbling cooling tower. The Pilgrim plant in Massachusetts followed in 2019, its owner citing high operating costs and low wholesale prices driven down by cheap natural gas. The 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan also didnt help efforts to keep either plant going.

The closures have left Millstone and Seabrook Station in New Hampshire as the only two remaining nuclear facilities in the region and the share of power supplied to the six New England states from nuclear has dropped from 29% to 24%, according to the nonprofit that manages the regional power grid.

Natural gas-fired plants and renewables have made up the difference. But if either of the two remaining nuclear stations were to close it would mean a huge gap in supplies of dependable, around-the-clock power.

Renewables may not be able to make up the shortfall, at least in the near term without viable battery storage projects. As for natural gas, many believe New England is already overdependent on the fossil fuel, which is responsible for more than half of the regions power generation, and then there are the emissions issues.

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So keeping carbon-free nuclear power flowing is important to the region and, in regard to Millstone, other states are now showing a willingness to share the responsibility with Connecticut to ensure it stays in operation.

Euer agreed that Millstones operation is probably good for New England. The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources too lent credence to the idea, saying in a statement that its interested in working with neighboring states on plans to reduce emissions that include solar, offshore wind, hydropower and nuclear.

Current events are only reinforcing the need to reconsider options for clean energy in New England. Besides whats happening with offshore wind, President Trumps tariff threats and responses in Canada to dial up the costs of hydropower delivered to New England and other parts of the U.S. have raised uncomfortable questions about the vulnerability of power supplies that the region counts on.

For Cornett, it means ensuring that all options are on the table.

It's going to take all of us to really work together to find the right middle ground because the landscape as I sit here is very different from even nine months ago, he said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Nuclear energy could be on the table for RI. Would it save ratepayers money?
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Early voting has started for Louisianians, and as voters get ready for the polls, there are some items bringing concerns to local communities. One of them is proposed Amendment 3 that deals with the prosecution of juveniles as adults for felony crimes.

Under current Louisiana law, certain crimes give juveniles an automatic push into the adult system. If proposed Amendment 3 passes, the Louisiana legislature will have the power to decide which crimes apply. Crimes that apply right now include murder, rape, kidnapping, etc.

It just means that you dont have to go to the polls and vote for an amendment every time you want to modify that list of crimes for which juveniles can be charged as adults, said State Senator Jay Morris.

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A Louisiana man who is an impacted solitary survivor, Darryl Hill speaks out against the amendment. He fears the amendment could send more juveniles to prison, a place that he has tragic flashbacks of.

People were getting stabbed, theres just all kinds of stuff going on there. You dont even know if youre going to make it home, Hill said.

Hill was sentenced for a crime at 13 years old and released in 2022, he said prison is not a safe place for juveniles.

You dont know if youll wake up in the morning and maybe someone standing over you because everyone in there is stressed out, he said. You dont know whats on other peoples minds. You might be there with a serial killer and youre a kid.

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He also emphasized solitary confinement, where those younger than 18 years old go, is not safe.

Youre just stuck in the cell, some people commit suicide from just being in a cell, the walls start talking to you like, Im just in here. And thats why a lot of people act out in there too, he said.

Sherie Thomas, executive director of the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana, agrees and said fear for her is the crime that can be added in the future if the amendment is passed. She hopes people vote no and hopes theres a better alternative in the future for the proposed amendment.

I would like for them to help us work with legislators to take time to craft some effective amendment and not something thats going to harm the certain communities that its targeted for. This is definitely targeted amendments that are here on the election, she said.

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Now for Senator Morris, he hopes people vote yes and said it all narrows down to trust. He said the proposed amendment is long overdue.

They need to trust what our district attorneys and law enforcement and the legislature are saying is that we need to modernize. We need to make our constitution more like the other 49 states and allow this amendment to pass and go forward, said Morris.

For those heading to the polls, early voting ends Saturday, March 22 and election day is March 29.

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W. Noah Hoggatt, executive counsel at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, resigned from his position last week within less than a year of being hired. (Photo credit: LDEQ).

The top lawyer for the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality abruptly resigned from the agency last week, marking the latest in a string of executive departures under Secretary Aurelia Giacometto.

Noah Hoggatt, who joined LDEQ as its executive counsel less than a year ago, sent an email to his colleagues March 10, indicating he had resigned in order to move into a federal position. He offered no further details about that position or about his motivations for leaving the agency. A copy of the email was provided to the Illuminator, and the State Civil Service Commission confirmed his resignation took effect March 11.

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Hoggatt has not returned calls, and LDEQs communications office recommended an email be sent to obtain comment from Giacometto, but there has been no response to that email.

At least seven high-level officials have left LDEQ since Gov. Jeff Landry appointed Giacometto to his cabinet in January 2024. Giacometto had previously led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in President Donald Trumps first administration.

Most of the departures from LDEQ have been abrupt, with some publicly complaining of Giacometto. Former LDEQ Undersecretary Chandra Pidgeon left in March 2024 after a few short weeks of being hired. In her resignation letter obtained by The Advocate, she complained about Giacomettos harassment of longtime employees and other actions, writing, I have worked for 23 years for the state of Louisiana, and I have never encountered a leader so destructive, calculating, and callous.

Hoggatts exit comes roughly two weeks after the publication of a workplace culture survey the Louisiana Legislative Auditor performed. It found low morale and other issues among a high percentage of the 377 LDEQ employees who responded. Nearly half of the sampled staff reported negative views about Giacomettos leadership, one-third said they work in a toxic environment, and a roughly equal number reported having personally experienced or witnessed retaliation, among other findings in the survey.

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Hoggatt worked as a staff attorney for the Louisiana Public Service Commission for several years before Giacometto tapped him as head of LDEQs legal affairs division in April 2024. At the time, she celebrated him as one of three military veterans on her executive team, according to a social media post. All of those veterans have since left the agency less than a year into their tenure, including her second-in-command, Jordan DesHotels.

A native of Oxford, Mississippi, Hoggatt served in the U.S. Marine Corps before going to LSU for his bachelor and law degrees, according to his staff biography, which was still active on the agencys website Tuesday morning.

Despite the many high-profile resignations, LDEQ still has a relatively low turnover rate compared to other state agencies. According to the State Civil Service Commission, the agency had a total turnover rate of about 10% last year among its 648 classified civil service employees. The turnover rate among all state agencies was roughly 14%.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order to start using the Gulf of America instead of the Gulf of Mexico in state documents and maps.

The order directs the Office of the State Register to replace all Gulf of Mexico references with Gulf of America in the Louisiana Administrative Code, a state-certified publication with a set of rules adopted or amended by state agencies, by May 20, 2025. The name change applies to all state departments documents, maps and published materials.

The move follows President Donald Trumps executive order for federal agencies to adopt the name. Landry requests that Congress pass a resolution to officially recognize the Gulf of America.

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This order also urges Congress to establish a uniform state territorial jurisdiction of water limits, so Louisiana gets the same amount of miles off the coast as every other state! Landry wrote on X.

The state education department announced on March 12 that it is updating its social studies standards to include the Gulf of America. The updated curriculum will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year.

Updating our academic standards ensures alignment with the leadership of President Trump and Governor Landry while reinforcing the Gulfs significance to our states future, State Superintendent Cade Brumley said.

Google officially updates name of Gulf of America

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
Louisiana is set to put a condemned man to death using nitrogen gas Tuesday evening in its first execution since 2010, which would make it only the second state to administer the controversial method.

The execution of Jessie Hoffman Jr., convicted in the 1996 murder of a woman abducted from a New Orleans parking garage, is scheduled for between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. local time at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola.

Hours before the planned execution, a state district court judge rejected an attempt by Hoffman's lawyers to obtain a temporary pause. Gov. Jeff Landry, who signed a bill last year making nitrogen hypoxia a legal alternative to lethal injection, is not expected to intervene, either.

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Tuesday evening, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a last-ditch effort to intervene in a 5-4 vote. Hoffman's lawyers argued Monday that the method violates his constitutional rights, including his ability to practice his Buddhist religion in his final moments.

"It would be unconscionable for the Supreme Court to allow Jessie to be executed before these questions of religious freedom and cruel and unusual punishment can be carefully and thoroughly resolved," Cecelia Kappel, a lawyer for Hoffman, said in a statement.

Hoffman, 46, said he began practicing Buddhism in 2002 and has used meditative breathing practices to calm his anxiety in prison. But by putting him to death using nitrogen hypoxia, which involves placing a mask over his face and having him breathe only nitrogen while depriving him of oxygen, an anticipated "sense of suffocation" would be "incompatible" with his right to religious exercise, according to his lawyers.

"The record evidence unrebutted by the State establishes that, in Buddhist tradition, meditative breathing at the time of death carries profound spiritual significance, founded in the core belief that meditation and unfettered breath at the time of transition from life to death determines the quality of rebirth," his lawyers wrote in a filing asking the Supreme Court to temporarily halt his execution.

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Whether the high court will be swayed remains to be seen, but the conservative-majority justices have routinely declined to block nitrogen gas executions in Alabama, which began using the method last year.

Louisiana Corrections Secretary Gary Westcott selected nitrogen hypoxia as Hoffman's method of execution after officials have had trouble procuring the necessary lethal injection drugs following the state's last execution in 2010. More than 50 people are on Louisiana's death row.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick in Louisiana temporarily stopped Hoffman's execution after she found it deserves more scrutiny and said she was troubled that the state waited to release only a redacted nitrogen hypoxia protocol to the public.

Hoffman's lawyers had offered alternatives to nitrogen hypoxia at a hearing before the judge, including the method of firing squad or a drug cocktail typically associated with physician-assisted death, although neither option is legal in Louisiana.

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A federal appeals court reversed the lower court's temporary injunction Friday, in part, it said, because allowing Louisiana to choose a "more painful" execution method such as firing squad would be at odds with the Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

In the nitrogen hypoxia executions in Alabama, media witnesses have described inmates appearing to remain conscious longer than expected, gasping for breath and thrashing and shaking on the gurney.

Alabama officials have argued in court filings that the method is "swift, painless and humane" and that one of the inmates chose to hold his breath, which hindered his becoming unconscious faster.

Louisiana corrections officials said they traveled to Alabama to study how its nitrogen system functions. Louisiana subsequently built a nitrogen hypoxia facility at the Louisiana State Penitentiary consisting of an execution chamber, a valve and storage room, and an observation area.

Medical experts have warned that if the procedure is not carried out properly, even a small amount of oxygen's getting into the mask could lead to slow asphyxiation and prolong the time it would take to die.

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State attorneys argue that Hoffman would still be able to breathe in the mask and that, if anything, "such deep breathing may well lead to him losing consciousness even more quickly."

Attorney General Liz Murrill said Friday on X that Hoffman's execution would be "justice for Mary 'Molly' Elliot, her friends, her family, and for Louisiana."

Hoffman was 18 in 1996 when he abducted Elliott, a 28-year-old advertising executive, at gunpoint from a New Orleans parking garage on the night before Thanksgiving Day. Prosecutors said he forced her to withdraw $200 from an ATM, then raped and shot her to death.

At Hoffman's trial in 1998, prosecutors told the jury that he confessed and said Elliott begged him not to kill her.

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"When she asked for mercy, his response was to put a bullet through her head," said the prosecutor, Kim McElwee. "Jesse Hoffman has earned the death penalty."

Andy Elliott, the victim's husband, said in a statement that he has become "indifferent" to the use of the death penalty in the three decades since his wife's murder.

"However, I'm not indifferent to the uncertainty that has accompanied these many years. If putting him to death is the easiest way to end the uncertainty, then on balance I favor that solution. But, his death will not provide closure," Elliott said of Hoffman, adding, "That pain cannot be decreased by another death, nor by commuting the sentence of Molly's assailant to life in prison."

"Molly was a cherished person who missed out on motherhood, a promising and successful career, and a life in the country on the property we bought together," Elliott said.

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"From my standpoint, hearing why he did this crime is the only hole that could be filled by Jesse himself, yet, he's never offered any explanation or remorse, not even to his own family," he continued.

Critics of nitrogen hypoxia have included the Louisiana coalition Jews Against Gassing, whose members have said the method "echoes" the Holocaust.

Hoffman's is one of four executions planned in the United States this week, including one in Arizona, which is scheduled to put an inmate to death by lethal injection for the first time since 2022.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A Louisiana tax preparer faces contempt of court and forces her to repay the United States government.

A federal court found Whylithia Robinson in contempt of court for violating an injunction prohibiting her and her business, AAA Tax Service LLC, from preparing or assisting with federal tax returns. She has reportedly continued to prepare over 200 tax returns, causing her to repay $68,100 to the U.S. government.

In 2023, Robinson was accused of filing tax returns that understated customers tax liabilities and overstated tax refunds. The overstated tax refunds include fabricating business losses, claiming false charitable donations and falsely claiming customer education credits. Robinson completed 2,629 tax returns between 2019 and 2021.

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Citizens can check the IRS website for tips on choosing the right tax return preparer.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A Loveland man was taken to jail after police said he attempted to flee after a traffic stop, prompting a shelter-in-place in the area.

The Colorado State Patrol said on Monday just before 9 p.m., a trooper stopped a driver near Highway 34 and North Denver Avenue.

CSP said the driver, identified as Mardez Dean, 48, had an active warrant for his arrest issued by the U.S. Marshals Office. The trooper told Dean to get out of the vehicle, but CSP said he resisted arrest and fled the scene.

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Aurora police seek tips on suspect accused of exposing himself at pool

The Loveland Police Department alerted residents to shelter in place during the search. Law enforcement officers searched the area using a drone and a K-9 officer.

Dean was later found in the 900 block of Winona Circle. He was taken into custody around 11:30 p.m. without incident and is being held at the Larimer County Jail.

CSP did not specify why Dean had an active warrant for his arrest.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The owners of Luigis, a beloved Italian staple in Colorado Springs, announced the restaurants recent closure after 67 years in business.

A note from the owners, which is listed on the website and titled With Gratitude and Farewell from Luigis, explained the reason for closing.

We dont HAVE to close, we want to close, the note read. Theres no sinister reason, its just a quality of life decision. Les and I [Gina] want to enjoy a normal life before we get too old to do so. The owners further explained that they look forward to spending more time with friends and family while also spending more time at home.

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Luigis, located south of downtown at 947 South Tejon Street, is one of the oldest continuously family-owned and operated restaurants in Colorado Springs. According to the website, Leo and Anne Cervetti opened Luigis in 1958 in a small building on Mill Street and Nevada before moving into its current location on Tejon Street in 1966.

We didnt publicize our closing, but instead, offered our last week to our loyal, longtime regulars, the note continued. We did our best to notify all of them, and were sorry if we missed anyone. It was not intentional. Our regulars knew that closing was something weve been working toward for the last few years.

When Luigis first opened, they only had a few tables and menu items including spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza, according to its website, serving soldiers, young families and working-class folks in the neighborhood. Fast-forward 67 years and the recipes are largely the same.

We thank my parents, my sisters, and our extended family who worked to establish the business. We thank our loyal, longtime employees, past and present. We especially thank our customers for their continued support during good times and bad. We thank visitors to the Pikes Peak region who returned year after year. Luigis owners

According to the owners, they have sold the building but the business is still on the market. Hopefully, one day, Luigis will rise again with new owners who will love it as much as our family has loved it. Until then, Grazi, and Arrivederci!

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The News

The Rwanda-backed M23 militia pulled out of peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo after the European Union imposed sanctions on rebel leaders.

The decision came hours before M23 leaders and the DRC government were due to meet to discuss a ceasefire in the conflict that has led to one of the worlds gravest humanitarian crises, with thousands dead and millions displaced.

The EU also imposed sanctions on Rwanda, which several Western nations accuse of funding the rebel militia, a claim Kigali denies.

In response, Rwanda cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, saying it led calls for the sanctions.
MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO)  A high-end car dealership, a new bar, a dentists office, and a salon are coming soon to Machesney Park.

The Village of Machesney Park announced the new additions on Tuesday.

Burch Dental will be expanding its business to a brand new 7,200-square-foot location at 9721 N. Alpine Road.

The former Chuggers bar, at 11700 N 2nd Street, will become Tap 251, a bar with gaming machines run by Xhevdet Johnny Shemshedini.

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Nate Jordan is planning to open JPM Exotics on Power Road, rehabilitating a distressed property to bring exotic cars, vehicles typically hard to find in the Rockford area, to town. The dealership is scheduled to open in October 2025.

Golden Aura Hair & Spa will bring Japanese Head Spa services to 1335 W. Lane Road, offering blend of relaxation and rejuvenation, including premium hair treatments, skincare, nail services, and a combination of scalp massage and water therapy.

In addition, TJ Maxx, will undergo renovations at its location at Machesney Crossings, 1009 West Lane Road.

We are always excited to see economic growth here in Machesney Park, says Mayor Steve Johnson. Entrepreneurs and established businesses are seeing the appeal of the village, especially within the Illinois 173 corridor.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Rich folks live on Power Street, and Friendship is a one way street, but most of us live off Hope.

The well-known mantra, which for decades has resonated with people living in Providence, can be found on the popular black-and-white poster created in 1978 thats still sold in stores throughout the city.

It hangs in peoples homes, apartments and dorm rooms. Theres even a mural of it on Hope Street.

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John Peck, the artist behind the poster who signed his art as The Mad Peck, died at the hospital on Saturday after a sudden illness, according to his friend. He was 83.

John Peck, the Providence-based artist known as The Mad Peck, died at the age of 83 after a sudden illness. (Courtesy: Robert Yeremian)

Jeff Heiser, who helped Peck run a popular record-collecting show for decades, told 12 News hes still processing the loss of his good friend.

I learned a lot from him, Heiser said. The record convention  who would have thought wed be doing this forty years later.

Heiser met Peck in Providence in 1978, the same year he created the famous poster that starts with the line, Providence, Rhode Island where it rains two days out of three except during the rainy season when it snows like a [expletive].

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At the time, Peck was a well-known disc jockey by the name of Dr. Oldie on Brown Universitys popular radio station WBRU. Shortly thereafter, the pair started co-hosting The Giant Jukebox radio show together until it ended in 1983.

Being on the radio, it was a thrill, Heiser said of their time together.

It was an oldies show that you take for granted now, Heiser said. But unlike your standard oldies show that would just stick to the hits, we would take requests that people wanted to hear. Rare obscure stuff that other people didnt play.

The radio show and record convention were just one of Pecks many contributions to modern art and culture that extended beyond Rhode Island.

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RELATED: NPR interview with Mad Peck: From Cartoonist to Record Collector to Television Critic

After graduating Brown University, Peck rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s making concert posters for famous acts like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Cream. His Cream poster is perhaps the most famous, still seen selling on the auction block to rare poster collectors.

Peck was also an avid cartoonist and part of an underground comic book collective that gained a national cult following, and was billed among the likes of Robert Crumb and Harvey Pekar.

He had the vision and the foresight, Heiser said.

In 1987, Doubleday & Company published an anthology of Pecks work. Heiser said that Peck still sold copies of the book and reprints of his beloved Providence poster at his record shows.

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Its been in dorm rooms everywhere, Heiser said. And thats been a big seller for him over the years.

Heiser described Peck as a collector of all things and very generous to his friends  giving many opportunities they wont forget.

I would give him credit for the oldest record collectors convention in New England, Heiser said. And he was on the ground floor for that.

The Original Southern New England Rock n Roll Collectors Convention will be held this Sunday at the Ramada Inn in Seekonk.

Pecks family plans to hold a memorial service celebrating his life in the near future.

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A couple of weeks ago, as Donald Trump made his way out of the U.S. House chamber following an address to Congress, the president stopped to shake hands with Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. A microphone picked up a brief comment the Republican made to the jurist.

Thank you again, Trump said as he patted Roberts on the back. I wont forget it. The exchange prompted immediate speculation that the president mightve been expressing his gratitude for the high courts ruling in Trump v. United States  the immunity case in which six Republican-appointed justices effectively elevated to the presidency above the law. (The president insisted his comments were related to the chief justice swearing him in.)

But if Trump saw Roberts as an ally at the time, those attitudes are probably different now.

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The president crossed a new line on Tuesday morning, calling for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg  the chief judge of the federal district court in Washington, D.C.  because of his handling of an Alien Enemies Act case. Theres no evidence that the jurist committed high crimes, but Boasberg ruled in a way that Trump didnt like  and as far as the president is apparently concerned, thats an impeachable offense.

Though the case hasnt been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Roberts issued a highly unusual statement soon after that read, For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.

The chief justice didnt reference Trump by name, but given the context, he didnt have to.

What might not be obvious, however, is that this wasnt the first time Roberts sent a rhetorical shot across the presidents bow.

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In 2018, Trump derided a ruling from a jurist the Republican described as an Obama judge. In response to a question from The Associated Press, the chief justice took issue with the comment.

We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them, Roberts said. On the day before Thanksgiving, he concluded, The independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for.

More recently, as 2024 came to an end and attention shifted to Trumps second inaugural, Roberts issued a public warning about threats to the judicial system.

In an annual year-end report, the chief justice wrote, Within the past few years, elected officials from across the political spectrum have raised the specter of open disregard for federal court rulings. These dangerous suggestions, however sporadic, must be soundly rejected.

Again, Roberts didnt call out anyone by name, though the only prominent political voices whove made comments along these lines have offices in the Trump West Wing.

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If recent history is any guide, Trump will likely soon start whining about the chief justice by way of his social media platform. At least well know why.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Donald Trumps longstanding contempt for Voice of America broadcasts is largely rooted in false claims. The president, however, acted on his misguided grudge and signed an executive order on Friday that effectively eliminated the federal agenda that oversees the VOA.

It was, by any fair measure, a shocking move. As The Washington Post noted, Voice of America existed to counter authoritarian propaganda for foreign audiences with independent news. That, evidently, is no longer in line with the White Houses international goals.

Steven Herman, a longtime Voice of America correspondent, published a requiem over the weekend, writing, To effectively shutter the Voice of America is to dim a beacon that burned bright during some of the darkest hours since 1942. The Posts Dana Milbank added in his latest column, Adolf Hitler couldnt silence it. Joseph Stalin and his successors, right up through Vladimir Putin, couldnt silence it. Mao Zedong and his successors, through Xi Jinping, couldnt silence it. Ruhollah Khomeini and the ayatollahs couldnt silence it. But Donald Trump has just silenced the voice of freedom.

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And China couldnt be more pleased. NBC News reported:

Chinese state media are celebrating President Donald Trumps move to gut Voice of America and other U.S. government-funded news outlets that push back against authoritarian regimes. ... The government of China, where media is tightly controlled by the ruling Chinese Communist Party, has long criticized coverage by VOA and other U.S. government-funded news outlets. In an editorial Monday, the state-backed nationalist tabloid Global Times called VOA a lie factory with an appalling track record when it comes to China-related reporting.

This wasnt exactly a surprising reaction. Given that Voice of America existed to counter authoritarian propaganda for foreign audiences with independent news, it stands to reason that it was unpopular with officials in Beijing.

What is surprising, however, is the frequency with which China celebrates news out of the White House.

The Chinese government, for example, is eager to capitalize on the international tumult created by the American presidents tariffs and trade war. NBC News reported, Even as it faces a slowing economy, China appears to be making a strategic decision to present itself as a global stalwart amid a world in turmoil as Trump upends international trade and long-standing alliances, eroding U.S. prestige and creating an opportunity for China to fill the void.

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China had reason to celebrate Trump turning against Ukraine. China similarly cheered when Trump gutted the U.S. Agency for International Development.

It reached a point recently that Politico published a report that described the Republican as the U.S. president China fantasizes about.

If you voted for the GOP ticket last fall because you believed Trumps rhetoric about getting tough on China, I have some very bad news for you.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
FBI Director Kash Patels tenure hasnt quite reached the one-month mark yet, but the conspiracy theorist and partisan operative is already off to a difficult start.

In recent weeks, Patel has misstated key elements of the FBIs recent work. He reportedly confused intelligence and counterintelligence. He said he planned to spend a lot of time in Las Vegas, where hes been living. He ordered officials to relocate 1,500 employees from Washington, D.C., and when told the bureau didnt have the resources for such a restructuring, he reportedly told his subordinates to simply figure out a way to execute his directive.

But perhaps most importantly, the highly controversial new FBI director has taken steps to break down the firewalls that used to exist between his office and the White House. NBC News reported last week that Patel went so far as to ask about creating a possible hotline that would facilitate direct communication between him and Donald Trump.

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And now Patel will have a likeminded partner at the bureaus headquarters. The New York Times reported on right-wing provocateur Dan Bongino declaring on his podcast late last week that he wouldnt be some partisan as he joins the FBI as its new deputy director.

His arrival on Monday as the F.B.I.s second in command will test that promise, cementing a major shift at the nations premier law enforcement agency, where he joins its director, Kash Patel, in overseeing a bureau of about 38,000 people. It puts two staunch Trump loyalists in charge of an agency long known for its tradition of independence. Collectively, they have the least leadership experience of any pair overseeing the F.B.I. since its founding more than a century ago.

At this point, some readers might wonder why Bongino only arrived at the bureau this week. If the president appointed the conservative media personality to the position nearly a month ago, and Bongino didnt require Senate confirmation, why didnt he get to work sooner?

As it turns out, Bongino delayed his arrival at the FBI to fulfill contractual obligations with advertisers who sponsored his podcast.

Time will tell how Bongino, whos never worked at the bureau in any capacity, is received, but NBC News reported last month that current and former FBI officials expressed shock and dismay after Trump selected the right-wing podcaster  and ardent FBI critic  to help run the bureaus day-to-day operations.

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As we discussed soon after, the disconcert was understandable. The podcaster has condemned the FBI as irredeemably corrupt and called for mass firings within the bureau. Bongino, an unabashed election denier, is even on record falsely accusing the FBI of playing a role in instigating the Jan. 6 attack.

Just as notably, hes been equally disdainful of Americans who dare to disagree him. My entire life right now is about owning the libs, Bongino has said. Thats it. The libs, because they have shown themselves ... to be pure, unadulterated evil.

The New York Times Michelle Goldberg added in a recent column, When a New York jury found Donald Trump guilty on 34 felony counts last year, the conservative podcaster Dan Bongino made a veiled threat on social media. The irony about this for the scumbag commie libs, is that the cold civil war theyre pushing for will end really badly for them, he wrote. Liberals, said Bongino, had been playing at revolution, and would now get a taste of the real thing. Theyre not ready for what comes next.

What comes next will soon come into focus, as the least-experienced FBI leadership team in the history of American law enforcement gets to work.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As part of Donald Trumps 2024 candidacy, the Republican made a variety of promises related to personnel, including a public vow to welcome former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn back into the fold. The lingering question, however, was in what capacity the retired general would return.

At a Mar-a-Lago event last month, the president said hed offered Flynn about 10 jobs. Evidently, the two men settled on one. The New York Times reported:

Mr. Flynn, a retired lieutenant general and a national security adviser to Mr. Trump during his first term, was named to the oversight board of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in New York. Mr. Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to the F.B.I. about his conversations with a Russian diplomat during a wider investigation into contacts between the first Trump presidential campaign and Russian officials. Mr. Trump later pardoned Mr. Flynn.

The appointment comes just days after the president singled out Flynn for praise during an unhinged speech at the Justice Department.

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To be sure, the oversight board at West Point has limited authority, so its not as if Trump is rewarding his longtime ally with a position of enormous power and influence.

But given his record, the fact that Flynn has been named to any position is rather extraordinary.

As the Times report noted, Flynn is perhaps best known for having been fired early in Trumps first term after getting caught lying to the FBI about his covert communications with Russian officials. Years later, as regular readers might recall, Flynn allegedly plotted with the president in the Oval Office after Trumps 2020 defeat, exploring ways to overturn the presidential election. According to the Jan. 6 committee's investigations, the retired general reportedly raised the prospect of seizing voting machines, deploying U.S. troops, and declaring martial law as part of the anti-election scheme.

In the months and years that followed, additional evidence of Flynns radicalism emerged. In 2021, for example, he appeared to endorse a military coup. Months later, the retired general suggested people may be exposed to Covid vaccines by way of salad dressing. He soon after made the case that the United States should have a single religion.

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Flynn has also talked up the bizarre PizzaGate conspiracy theory, suggested unnamed people were putting components of robotics into us by way of Covid shots, and similarly shared an odd idea related to 5G technology and a pathogen that he said might be hidden in vaccines.

In a normal administration, someone with a record like this would find that his phone calls go unreturned. In this administration, the president singles out Flynn for praise and rewards him with an appointment to the oversight board of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As a matter of course, journalists contact the U.S. Supreme Court for comment with some regularity, though the results are nearly always the same: The justices and their offices generally decline to weigh in.

There are, however, very rare exceptions.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued a highly unusual statement on Tuesday morning, for example, that read, "For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose."

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It's worth appreciating what precipitated these rather pointed comments.

In the run-up to Election Day, Donald Trump invested a fair amount of time condemning those who criticize judges  conveniently ignoring his own record of criticizing jurists whove dared to rule in ways he disagreed with. Six months ago, the Republican went so far as to eventually declare, These people should be put in jail the way they talk about our judges.

To a degree, the presidents line hasnt changed. As recently as Friday, Trump delivered unhinged remarks at the Justice Department, where he defended U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump-appointed conservative who helped dismiss his classified documents case. Referring to her many critics, the president told the law enforcement officials in the audience, Its totally illegal what they do.

Four days later, Politico reported on the president calling for a different federal district court judges impeachment.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday called for the impeachment of the federal judge who ordered a two-week halt to his efforts to remove Venezuelan migrants using extraordinary war powers that havent been invoked for decades. Trumps call to remove U.S. District Judge James Boasberg  the chief judge of the federal district court in Washington, D.C.  is the first time since taking office for his second term that hes asked Congress to seek a judges removal, joining increasingly pointed calls by his top donor and adviser Elon Musk and a segment of his MAGA base.

Apparently furious about Boasbergs handling of the Alien Enemies Act litigation, the president published an especially enraged item to his social media platform, referring to the federal district court judge as a Radical Left Lunatic, a troublemaker and an agitator. After a series of all-caps claims about the fact that the jurist isnt an elected official  in this country, federal judges arent chosen by voters  Trump concluded, This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!

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If this talk sounds at all familiar, its not your imagination. As Jay Willis recently summarized at Balls and Strikes, Elon Musk has been posting incessantly, calling for the impeachment of fake, corrupt, activist judges for violating the will of the people. His timeline ... is littered with conspiratorial screeds about the dastardly ulterior motives that these judges must have had for preventing an unelected billionaire from assuming the power of the legislative and executive branches all for himself.

Similar talk has become relatively common on Capitol Hill. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, for example, recently posted a message to social media that read, Corrupt judges should be impeached. And removed. It came on the heels of a similar message Lee published earlier this month that read, This has the feel of a coup  not a military coup, but a judicial one.

In the U.S. House, a handful of Republican members have introduced four separate impeachment resolutions targeting sitting federal judges, and that total is likely to grow: Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee recently hosted an online impeachathon event, displaying a poster of 11 judges he and his far-right colleagues are focused on. The far-right congressman appeared alongside a caption that read Woke Judge Hunter. (A clip of the event was promoted by Musk.)

While Boasberg wasnt part of the 11, Republican Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas announced this week that he plans to file articles of impeachment against this judge in the coming days.

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This campaign, however, has been largely relegated to the fringe. There are over 250 GOP lawmakers across the House and the Senate, and the total number of Republicans talking about impeaching federal judges is, as a quantitative matter, fairly small. Few, if any, credible observers have predicted that the impeachment push would ever be taken seriously on Capitol Hill.

But its against this backdrop that the sitting Republican president has decided to throw his weight behind an impeachment effort  not because Boasberg committed high crimes or abused his office, but because the judge is handling an important case in a way Trump doesnt like.

The White House has been engaged in an intensifying fight with the judicial branch, and theres been growing speculation about whether the administration might consider defying court rulings that the president doesnt like. With his impeachment call, Trump just took that fight to a new level.

This post has been updated to include Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts comments.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
About a week into his second term, Donald Trumps revenge tour took an unsettling turn when the president started pulling security details from a variety of former officials, including former White House national security adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former special envoy to Iran Brian Hook and Dr. Anthony Fauci  apparently out of spite.

Asked by a reporter if hed feel partially responsible if something awful were to happen to any of these former officials, Trump said he would not, adding, Certainly, I would not take responsibility.

Soon after, Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Tom Cotton of Arkansas publicly urged the president to rethink his approach.

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He did not rethink his approach.

Last month, as his revenge tour continued, Trump also pulled the security detail for his former Defense secretary, Mark Esper. This week, as NBC News reported, the list grew:

President Donald Trump said Monday that he is terminating Secret Service protection for his predecessors two adult children: Hunter and Ashley Biden. Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection, Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added that Ashley Biden also will be taken off the list.

Oddly enough, these developments unfolded with remarkable speed. Roughly three hours before the Republican announced his decision by way of his social media platform, someone asked the president at a press Q&A, There were 18 Secret Service agents protecting Hunter Biden in South Africa this weekend. Whos paying for that, and do you plan to revoke his Secret Service protections?

Trump, who apparently hadnt heard anything about this, thanked the person for bringing this to his attention and vowed to look into the matter this afternoon.

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Evidently, he meant it.

For the record, there is no modern precedent for an American president effectively wielding security details as a political tool, stripping protection from those he deems unworthy. Its one of the many ways Trump is breaking new ground.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Todays edition of quick hits.

* A big court victory for USAID: A federal judge ordered the government to reinstate U.S. Agency for International Development systems on Tuesday, ruling that the accelerated shutdown of the agency led by Elon Musk likely violated the United States Constitution in multiple ways.

* The ceasefires future is in doubt: More than 400 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli strikes on Gaza, with hundreds injured, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces struck Hamas targets throughout Gaza in an effort to secure the release of all our hostages  living and dead, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said, adding that Israel would act against Hamas with increasing military force.

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* As is always the case, the details matter: President Donald Trump said that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during their phone conversation Tuesday on an immediate ceasefire on all energy and infrastructure in Ukraine.

* The closely watched Alien Enemies Act case: The Justice Department on Tuesday refused to answer questions from a federal judge seeking more details on deportations carried out under a rarely used wartime act, leading the judge to issue a new order for the information.

* In Texas: A midwife in Texas has been arrested and charged with performing illegal abortions and practicing medicine without the appropriate license. Ken Paxton, the state attorney general, announced the arrest, which he said Monday happened earlier this month, after an investigation by his office.

* A FOIA request of note: Top Democrats on the House Judiciary and House Oversight committees have filed a lengthy Freedom of Information Act request questioning whether the Trump administrations DOGE Service is operating outside the bounds of federal law, The Associated Press has learned. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia are seeking detailed information about the authority of the Department of Government Efficiency Service, including billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk and some 40 other people, to carry out firings of federal workers and dismantling of federal agencies.

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* A shambolic process: The Pentagon said Monday that internet pages honoring a Black Medal of Honor winner and Japanese American service members were mistakenly taken down  but staunchly defended its overall campaign to strip out content singling out the contributions by women and minority groups, which the Trump administration considers DEI.

* Is the future of the Kennedy Center in doubt? President Donald Trump visited the Kennedy Center on Monday, where he presided over a meeting of its refashioned board of trustees and discussed changes to the institutions annual Honors, including possibly hosting the ceremony himself.

See you tomorrow.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Donald Trump started the week with an announcement that was strange, even by his standards. In a middle-of-the-night missive published to his social media platform, the president wrote that Joe Bidens pardons for Jan. 6 committee members were, as the Republican put it, hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT.

The assertion  without precedent in American history  was apparently based on Trumps belief that (a) his predecessor used an autopen to sign the pardons; (b) documents signed by autopens dont count; and (c) Biden suffered from mental deterioration to such a horrific degree that he wasnt aware of his own policies and preferences.

In keeping with his usual m.o., the incumbent president offered no evidence to substantiate any of his claims. Whats more, my MSNBC colleague Jordan Rubin  who has legal expertise that I lack  explained in a great piece that Trumps pitch has no real basis in law.

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What I was curious about, however, was how and whether the White House would defend Trumps latest broadside against constitutional law, as the president claimed to have a presidential power that did not, and does not, exist.

A few hours after publishing the online item, Trump told reporters, in reference to his effort to invalidate some of Bidens pardons, Its not my decision  thatll be up to a court  but I would say that theyre null and void.

Part of the problem with this was that the first part of the sentence was at odds with the second: Trumps stated position was that the issue isnt up to him to nullify pardons, but hes also decided that, as far as hes concerned, hes already nullified some pardons.

As for the claim that this will be up to a court, the line suggests that Trump expects some kind of escalation that will prompt a legal dispute.

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It was against this backdrop that reporters asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt whether administration lawyers had told the president that he had legal authority to undo these pardons. The New York Times reported:

She said the president was merely begging the question of whether Mr. Biden was even aware of the pardons that had been signed  although she was soon reminded that Mr. Biden had spoken publicly about them. She went on to speculate that there may have been some pardons he didnt know about, but ultimately acknowledged that she had no evidence that was the case.

Lets not dwell on the fact that the White House press secretary misused the beg the question phrase and instead note that Leavitt suggested that it was up to journalists to try to find evidence that might bolster Trumps baseless ideas, which is most certainly not how journalism works.

So where does that leave us? Its difficult to say with certainty. Whether Trump believes in his heart of hearts the Biden-era pardons are legitimate or invalidated is a lingering question  it matters when presidents assert powers they dont have  but his assumptions have little practical significance: The president harbors all sorts of odd beliefs that ultimately prove irrelevant.

What matters more is whether anyone at the White House or within federal law enforcement acts on the Republicans strange assertion and pursues members of the bipartisan Jan. 6 panel. Watch this space.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Madera Community Hospital will reopen to patients Tuesday morning, state legislators announced Monday.

This is a victory for healthcare access, economic stability and the well-being of our region, State Sen. Anna Caballero and Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria said in a statement. This re-opening signifies the restoration of hope, security and lifesaving medical services for the people of Madera and beyond.

The hospital will begin seeing patients at 10 a.m., putting an end to a more than two-year closure that began in December 2022 and led patients  many of them from low-income households  to seek emergency care in neighboring counties, where emergency rooms had to adapt to a surge of patients from Madera. The closure also displaced over 900 health care workers, the release says.

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When it was announced that Madera Community Hospital was closing, people in our community were scared, they were facing unknowns about where the closest hospital would be in case they needed life-threatening care, Soria said. Today, we can say that we have restored access to healthcare for the residents of Madera and our neighboring communities. Madera Community Hospital not only opens its doors to the community today, but it also brings peace of mind.

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More than one year of federal court proceedings followed the hospitals declaration of bankruptcy in January 2023. Deals with potential reopening partners fell through multiple times.

Caballero and Soria worked together at the state level to secure rescue funding for the facility, pushing the Distressed Hospital Loan Program through the legislature in 2023. That program awarded Madera hospital a $57 million zero-interest loan to help it reopen, which became a local political issue.

American Advanced Management (AAM), the Modesto-based hospital management firm reopening the hospital said it has an updated workflow that will reduce wait times and overall patient outcomes.

Additionally, the hospital will offer a fully-equipped ICU and medical-surgical unit, among other services.

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AAM has announced that the hospital will be reopening without a maternity ward. The hospitals reopening partner has said its main focus will be financial sustainability before it decides whether it can add maternity services.

Healthcare access is not a privilegeit is a fundamental right, Caballero said in the release. No family should ever have to wonder where to go in a medical emergency. With todays reopening, Madera families can once again have the quality care they deserve, right in their own community.
Madisonville Community College

Madisonville Community Colleges efforts to prepare displaced coal industry workers for new jobs has won a national award.

The Bellwether Award recognizes innovative and impactful programs that drive student success and economic growth, says a news release from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

The college converted a building at the former Dotiki mine portal in Webster County into the Lisman Workforce Complex, a training center for in-demand technical careers, the release says.

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Recognizing a regional shortage of local utility line workers and those with commercial drivers license certification (CDL), the college opened enrollment to more students in both programs when classes began at the complex in 2022 and soon followed with a diesel technology program.

Partners include the Webster County Fiscal Court, Webster County Judge Executive Steve Henry and the Green River Area Development District, says the release.

Since 2019, the utility line technician program has grown by 68%, the release says, while graduates from the Lisman Workforce Complex achieve more than a 93% placement rate in their professions within six months of completion.

The Bellwether College Consortium also recognized Madisonville Community College for its project aimed at bridging gaps in skilled trades as a finalist in the instructional programs and services category.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and prominent protest organizer, feared the government would immediately deport him the night he was arrested, a new court filing shows.

The grad student, a green card holder who was detained on the night of March 8, has said he mediated discussions between pro-Palestine students and the university during protests last year, while the Trump administration has labeled him as pro-Hamas. In a new filing, Khalil has described a disorientating series of events that he claims happened upon his detainment.

He was taken from his university-owned apartment to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan on March 8. Authorities collected a DNA swap, his biometrics and fingerprints as well as his belt, shoes, and wedding ring, Khalil described in a March 17 sworn declaration.

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I was given different shoes without laces to wear, he said.

Hours later, he was asked to sign a notice to appear form, prompting him to ask for his lawyer before signing. He was told he could call his attorney if he signed the forms. He refused and was moved to a different room.

Later, agents returned with copies of the notice to appear form, which appeared to be different from the one I was originally asked to sign, as it included an immigration court date several weeks into the future and a location in LA, meaning Louisiana, he wrote in the filing.

By the early hours of March 9, he was taken by white van  without his belongings except for his clothes  to Elizabeth, New Jersey. When he arrived, he once again asked to speak to his attorney, but told he needed to be processed first.

Mahmoud Khalil describes his detention and transfer from New York to Louisiana, saying he feared the U.S. was trying to deport him (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

He and 10 others in a cold waiting room slept on the ground, without beds, mattresses, or blankets, he wrote. After watching those before him in line be processed, Khalil was called to the front, but was then taken back to the waiting room.

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They dont need you in that room, one officer told him. Youre being transported.

After waiting an hour back in the waiting room, he was told: Youre being transported in 10 minutes. At around noon, two agents escorted him to another white van. When he asked if he was returning to the initial detention center in Manhattan, agents informed him: No, we are going to JFK Airport.

I was afraid they were trying to deport me, Khalil wrote in the declaration.

The acting field office director at ICEs New York field office explained in a previous filing that Khalil was transferred from the Elizabeth facility because it was experiencing and continues to experience a bedbug issue that prevented them from accepting detainees as full transfers. However, in his declaration, Khalil said he heard no mention of bedbugs during his hours-long detention there. Khalils attorney also noted that four individuals were processed for detention at the facility from March 6 through March 13.

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In the van, he spotted two bags holding his belongings that had been taken from him in Manhattan.

At the airport, two plainclothes agents met him. During the 10 hours he spent in their custody, one of the agents told Khalil that no one wanted to take the job of escorting him because it was a Sunday.

At the Louisiana Detention Facility, agents processed him, took his photo, and fingerprinted him. Authorities handed him a bag with a uniform, requested he change into it, and asked him to return his belongings over.

Because I am currently in detention at the Louisiana Detention Facility in Jena, Louisiana, I could not meet with my attorneys in person or sign this declaration myself, he said in the declaration.

His attorneys are asking the court to allow him to return to New York from Louisiana, where hes being held until his appearance before an immigration judge. Government lawyers argue that Louisiana is the proper venue for the case, since hes currently being held there.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Four major corporate sponsors have pulled out of San Franciscos 2025 Pride celebration, creating more than a million-dollar gap in funding. The director of SF Pride said the Trump administration has disrupted funding efforts.

Woman kidnapped on camera in Oakland still missing

Sponsors Comcast, Anheuser-Busch, Benefit Cosmetics, and Diageo have dropped out. These four companies represent $1.3 million in much needed funding. Wine company La Crema is still in talks with SF Pride to remain a sponsor.

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It definitely felt like the rug was being pulled from under you, but I think were going to find some new sponsors, some new partners, said Suzanne Ford, executive director for San Francisco Pride. Were not going to give up. Were going to knock on every door in this city. We have dont have a choice; were going to have the event.

La Crema released a statement to KRON4 which reads:

La Crema remains fully committed to the LGBTQ+ community. While we had to scale back our SF Pride activation this year, it was never our intention to step away entirely and we are still exploring ways to participate. We will continue to support Pride, both nationally and in our backyard, and continue our long-standing advocacy partnership with Equality California. Janel Lubanski, PR Director, La Crema

Recently, the event cut ties with local and long-time sponsor Meta due to a lack of fact-checking online and the elimination of DEI programs.

The backtracking on rights for the LGBTQ community certainly have to be part of any cooperations calculus on whether they give us money so I cant pinpoint the exact reason, but, as we all know now, its more difficult than ever to stand up and say you support rights of LGBTQ people, said Ford.

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Ford is hopeful other companies will step up, but she says its disappointing to see long-time relationships severed due to a souring climate in Washington.

Its coming from all sides for us, said Ford. And were going to remember who stood by us and this is going to swing back. This wont last forever; were going to fight and were going to be okay, but right now it stings for anybody to desert us.

KRON4 has reached out to all four companies but did not hear back in time for this report.

SF Pride also released an official statement which reads:

At SF Pride, we understand the need to balance corporate sponsorships with our communitys needs. Our goal is to ensure pride remains a place for authentic LGBTQ+ representation and economic power. Sponsorships enable us to make things happenwhether hiring queer staff, underwriting community initiatives, or supporting small LGBTQ+ owned businesses. SF Pride isnt just a celebration; its an economic engine for San Francisco, and were committed to leveraging partnerships that align with our mission and core values. To show your support, donate at sfpride.org SF Pride

SF Pride will take place on June 28 and June 29 with the parade on that Sunday.

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  After eight decades of what NC Rep. Jordan Lopez (D) has called a wasteful and destructive failure, he filed a bill on Monday to end the states prohibition of cannabis.

House Bill 413, titled the Marijuana Legalization and Reinvestment Act, lays the groundwork for the state to join dozens of others in legalizing the use and sale of cannabis, including a system to regulate and tax it.

How many in NC want medical marijuana legalized?

General findings, arguments of the bill

In the 19-page bill, Rep. Lopez likened the issue to the days of alcohol prohibition, stating that about half of Americans have used cannabis despite laws against its use. The bill also argues that on the other side of legalizing cannabis, there would be greater protections in place for consumers, workers, communities and the environment.

Strain Stars, Long Islands first state-approved recreational cannabis dispensary on July 7, 2023 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Howard Schnapp via Getty Images)

The bill also covers findings related to policing  including a claim that keeping marijuana use illegal diverts law enforcement resources from violent and property crimes and subjects civilians to unnecessary police interactions..

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Citing a 2020 study from the American Civil Liberties Union, the bill points to a statistic that black individuals are 3.6 times more likely to be arrested than white individuals for cannabis possession, despite nearly identical use rates.

Marijuana restrictions in North Carolina, the bill claims, have also deprived the state hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue as well as thousands of potential jobs.

If passed, what does the bill legalize, exactly?

Before going to the governors desk to become law, this bill would need to make it past a committee review, a floor debate and get enough votes in favor from the Republican-led NC House and Senate.

That said, if the bill were to be passes as is, it would make it lawful for any person age 21 and older to possess, consume, ingest, smoke, grow, use, process, transport and purchase cannabisso long as they abide by possession limits. It also set limits, including that a person could not lawfully smoke cannabis in a public space.

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First medical marijuana dispensary in NC opens as lawmakers debate statewide legalization

A bud grows on a marijuana plant at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

In addition to these personal use changes, the bill would also

Create a system of taxation and regulation , which would (among other things): Control production and distribution under a system of licensing and taxation Include lab testing, secure packaging, clear potency labeling and education on risks and how to use responsibly

Impose possession limits of : 2 ounces (if a from of non-concentrated cannabis product) Fifteen grams (if concentrated cannabis) No more than 2,000 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol Six cannabis plants

Establish a new state office of Community Reivestment, which would: Establish three news funds under the Department of Safety to be called the: Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Cannabis Enterprise Opportunity Fund Cannabis Education and Technical Assistance Fund Provide yearly reports and seek yearly public input

Impose penalties on personal cultivation of cannabis if it : Is located in an area that is viewable by the public, including from another private property nearby Is not done with precaution to keep the plant secure and away from people under age 21



The bill, in full, can be viewed below. Other sections of the legislation detail how the apportionment of revenue from sales would be distributed, private property and tenant rights and the automatic expunction of previous marijuana offenses.

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Cannabis House Bill 413Download

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Save our students, save our schools! is part of a slogan that was pushed by faith leaders as they came together to speak against a bill that would allow the state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

The bill would allow the state to replace locally elected school board members with a state-appointed Board of Managers for at least four years if certain criteria are met, as well as remove much of board members powers.

This bill came to fruition after the chaos that has unfolded following the ouster of former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins earlier this year.

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While some elected officials might have been divided when it came to Dr. Feagins firing, theyre united on the belief that Nashville doesnt know whats best for Memphis.

DeSoto County deputy honored for stopping wrong-way driver

Faith Leaders gathered at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, where they claimed the states attempts at a takeover come down to money and power.

Now admittedly, we may need a makeover but we do not need a takeover, said Bishop Linwood Dillard.

I dont believe for one minute that Republicans in middle and east Tennessee care anything about our children, said Reverend Bill Adkins Jr. Youre not going to convince me that they care. Now what I believe they care about is a $2.1 billion annual budget.

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Board member Towanna Murphy, who voted to fire Dr. Feagins, said she doesnt see how there could be some kind of compromise with the state when it comes to the bill.

We were well within our rights and we did our jobs and we followed the rules, Murphy said. We followed the policies and we were in our rights of what we had to do.

Hours before the rally, another group made up of other board members, concerned citizens and leaders gathered at MSCS headquarters.

MSCS board members call state takeover bill attack on democracy

They also spoke out against the bill, acknowledging families are upset and they too want action, but this would give the state unprecedented power.

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This is about control, MSCS board Member Amber Huett-Garcia said. So were all standing here united saying that we want a path forward. We understand that you all want to see change, but this is not the answer.

I want to emphasize that we dont need any more rash, knee-jerk decisions regarding Memphis Shelby County Schools, MSCS board member Michelle McKissack said. I think that is partly the reason of how we got where we are today of acting and moving too quickly.

That bill is expected to be introduced on Tuesday.

Save our Students, Save our Schools, is inviting those in the community to come to 6727 Raleigh LaGrange Road to ride the bus to Nashville on Tuesday.

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They ask that those interested be there at 5 a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  One of the two men charged in the robbery of a 2 NEWS photographer last year has been acquited.

Billith Lane, 59, was found not guilty Friday, March 14, in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

The trial of the second man, Christian Morrow, 26, begins April 2.

On Thursday, Oct. 17, a 2 NEWS photographer and reporter were at the intersection of Main and Fifth streets in downtown Dayton when two men reportedly tried to take the video camera and tripod.

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The photographer and one of the men briefly struggled when the other man began hitting the photographer with a cane. The pair fled after a brief fight.

Lane and Morrow each faced one count of robbery with physical harm, a second-degree felony.

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CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  A federal judge granted bond Monday to a James Island man accused of using Molotov cocktails to burn Tesla chargers in North Charleston earlier this month.

24-year-old Daniel Clarke-Pounder, who faces federal arson charges, appeared in U.S. District Court on March 17 for a preliminary hearing.

Judge Mary Baker granted him a $10,000 cash bond, according to court records. He will be placed on house arrest and only permitted to leave home for medical or court reasons.

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Clarke-Pounder must also seek substance abuse and mental health treatment, the judge ordered.

North Charleston officers responded to a Tesla charging station on Tanger Outlet Boulevard around 7:15 p.m. Monday following reports of a suspected arson.

When authorities arrived, witnesses explained a White man in a grey jacket/hoodie with a black face mask spray-painted F*** Trump, long live Ukraine in red next to stations.

Authorities said the individual then threw Molotov cocktails made out of beer bottles at the charging stations, damaging them, before leaving the scene.

A criminal complaint states that the incident was captured on surveillance video by a nearby restaurant, which ultimately led investigators to Clarke-Pounder.

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Clarke-Pounder was arrested on March 13 and charged with Arson of Property in Interstate Commerce, which carries a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Jail records showed Clarke-Pounder was still booked in the Al Cannon Detention Center as of Monday afternoon.

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CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Shaquille Dixon, a former business partner of ex-Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson, is facing federal charges for allegedly embezzling at least $500,000 from his Charlotte-area trucking company, according to unsealed court documents.

Dixon, who helped manage Good Run Logistics, a nationwide long-haul trucking business based in Charlotte, is accused of diverting funds between February 2023 and June 2024.

Federal prosecutors said Dixon used his position to transfer large sums into his own accounts, disguising the transactions as owner draws or transfers to review in an effort to cover his tracks. Despite not being an owner of the company, Dixon reportedly misled both his employer and financial authorities to avoid detection.

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The indictment also claims Dixon persuaded the companys actual owner to inject additional capital into the business, citing operational needs. However, much of this new funding allegedly ended up in Dixons personal accounts.

Founded in January 2023, Good Run Logistics reportedly hired Dixon based on his trucking experience. With access to the companys bank accounts and financial records, he was allegedly able to carry out the scheme that drained the businesss resources.

Dixon now faces serious wire fraud charges, with the possibility of severe penalties if convicted.

Dixon was booked into the Gaston County Detention Center as a federal prisoner by the US Marshal Service. He posted bond on March 10, 2025, according to jail records.

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This federal investigation remains ongoing. Good Run Logistics website is no longer live.

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Crime & Public Safety

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Federal charges against the man accused of hiding a stolen pair of ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in "The Wizard of Oz" were dropped Monday after the suspect died.

Jerry Hal Salitermann, 77, was charged with theft of a major artwork and witness tampering in May in connection with to the 2005 theft in 2005 of the iconic shoes Garland wore in the 1939 film classic.

According to prosecutors, Salitermann had been in poor health with lung disease and other ailments. He had been scheduled to change his plea to guilty during a court date in January, but the hearing was postponed indefinitely after he was hospitalized on Jan. 3.

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Court documents say prosecutors informed the court of Salitermann's death Sunday through a motion filed Monday, leading U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz to grant the request and drop the charges. The motion did not specify how or where Salitermann died.

Salitermann had been hospitalized in early January because of an "inability to walk and sepsis," court documents said. He attended his arraignment three days later by video call from what looked like a hospital room, according to The Associated Press.

Defense attorney John Brink told the court last month that Salitermann had been discharged from the hospital but that his prognosis was poor. A doctor's note submitted to the court noted Parkinsons disease and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring supplemental oxygen as diagnoses.

Salitermann was accused of hiding the pair of ruby red slippers that were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Garland's hometown, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005. The slippers' location remained a mystery for 13 years before the FBI received a tip.

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The slippers were auctioned for a record $32.5 million in December, making them the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction.

They are one of four pairs that survived from the film.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The man who has been charged with kidnapping a Hall County girl and taking her to Ohio has pleaded guilty to the crimes committed against her there.

The Tuscarawas County Prosecutors Office confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that Antonio Agustin Ailon, a Guatemalan native, appeared in court last week where he entered a negotiated guilty plea on two counts of statutory rape, two counts of pandering involving a minor and one count of gross sexual imposition.

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On Monday, prosecutors and defense attorneys jointly recommended a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole until hes served 15 years in prison. The judge accepted that sentence.

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The prosecutors office says Agustin Ailon will begin serving that sentence in the Ohio prison system.

In May 2024, 12-year-old Maria Gomez-Perez vanished from her Gainesville home. In late July, she was found with Agustin Ailon in Ohio.

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The Hall County Sheriffs Office said Gomez-Perez met Agustin Ailon online and began chatting with him and other adult men through Facebook Messenger. She told him that she was unhappy and wanted to leave home.

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On May 29, he drove from his Ohio home to Gainesville to pick Maria up and take her back to northeast Ohio where she remained until his arrest.

His guilty plea in Ohio only relates to the crimes committed there, the prosecutors office says. It does not affect the charges against him in Hall County, including Gomez-Perezs kidnapping.

Hall County District Attorney Lee Darragh with Channel 2 Action News saying he hopes to meet with the family to determine whether and when his office should pursue charges.

Darragh added that hes grateful for a significant sentence for Agustin Ailon in Ohio.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Three search warrants were executed in Miamisburg by the Tactical Crime Suppression Unit (TCSU), the TCSU SWAT team, and the Miamisburg Police Department.

The warrants were the result of a long-term drug trafficking investigation for the southern area of Montgomery County. Multiple people are being investigated for allegedly trafficking both methamphetamine (meth) and vaping products to juveniles.

The simultaneous search warrants were served in three locations. The first in the 800 block of East Sycamore Street, the second in the 2200 block of Rosina Drive and the third in the 1100 block of East Lindsey Avenue.

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Detectives said they recovered a weapon, illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia from the search. A man was arrested at the Rosina Drive location.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call the Tactical Crime Suppression Unit at (937) 901-8462.

Investigation is ongoing.

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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  A man was arrested Saturday after Volusia County deputies said he pointed a gun at another driver during a road rage incident on Interstate 4.

A 911 caller reported that a passenger in a black Acura sedan stood up through the cars sunroof and pointed a handgun at his vehicle.

The sheriffs office said the two vehicles had been involved in a near-collision earlier on westbound I-4 near Daytona Beach, prompting honking and an exchange of gestures.

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When deputies arrived at the scene, they said the passenger had no identification.

He told deputies his name was Wilton Vargas Jr., and indicated he entered the U.S. from the Dominican Republic by crossing the U.S.-Mexico border approximately 6 years ago.

He was later identified as 25-year-old Winderson Emiliano Baez Vasquez.

Vasquez was taken to the Volusia County Jail on aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, improper display of a weapon, possession of marijuana and obstruction.

Deputies contacted HSI and Border Patrol regarding Vasquezs arrest. An ICE detainer was placed on him at the jail.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man was taken into custody Monday on a warrant by city police charging him with shooting at his brother during an argument.

Derrick Jackson, 33, was booked into the Mahoning County Jail on a charge of felonious assault, a second-degree felony. He is expected to be arraigned Wednesday in municipal court.

Jackson was wanted for firing shots from a handgun on March 5 at his brother during an argument at a home on East Midlothian Boulevard. No one was injured.

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Police were called about 11:40 p.m. to a gas station at East Midlothian Boulevard and South Avenue, where they met a man who told him he was arguing with his brother at a nearby home when his brother pulled a revolver and fired a shot.

The shot missed and the man ran into another room, reports said. Two other shots were fired but both missed.

The man then got in his car and drove away.

Reports said police went to the mans home and found bullet holes but the suspect was gone.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A man is facing a charge of assault after he allegedly assaulted a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer last month at a post office in Santa Teresa, according to court documents obtained by KTSM.

Court documents say Andrew Josiah Segura, 28, is facing the charge and was arrested by the U.S. marshals after he allegedly verbally threatened two CBP officers and assaulted one of them last month at a post office in Santa Teresa.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, two CBP officers were at the parking lot of a post office in Santa Teresa to check for any mail or packages that had been received for the CBP Santa Teresa Port of Entry.

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As one of the officers exited the CBP vehicle, Segura approached the officers right side and positioned his vehicle perpendicular to the CBP vehicle as if to block it, court documents say.

Segura then began to yell at the officer, at which time the officer got back in the vehicle to avoid a conflict with Segura.

The officer waited until Segura left the area, exited the CBP vehicle, and entered the post office. Segura then arrived at the post office moments later and walked into the post office.

Segura began to yell at the CBP officer and called the officer a traitor, according to court documents.

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Segura walked closer to the officer and stood right next to the officer and looked at the paperwork the officer was filling out, saying that he now knew the officers name and that he should watch his back, court documents said. The officer then told Segura to leave the post office.

The second officer, who was still in the parked CBP vehicle outside of the post office, decided to walk into the post office because he was worried about the other officers safety.

The second officer entered the post office and while doing so, Segura exited the building.

Segura then ended up walking around the building and followed the second officer inside. Segura yelled and demanded the second officer to provide his name to Segura, according to court documents.

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The second officer refused to provide his name to Segura, which is when Segura placed his hands on the officers chest and pushed him backward, according to court documents.

The second officer then punched Segura and they both began wrestling one another, according to court documents.

Employees at the post office yelled at Segura to leave, which led to Segura leaving the building and returning to his vehicle.

Segura then drove around the post office several times before parking and entering the building again.

Witnesses told law enforcement that they saw Segura had his hand in the front pocket of his sweatshirt which appeared to be weighed down with something heavy. Witnesses said they believed he mightve had a weapon in his pocket, according to court documents.

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A week prior to the incident, Segura was also involved in a separate verbal altercation with another officer.

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, a U.S. Border Patrol agent had stopped for lunch at the Loves Travel Stop in Santa Teresa, when he was approached by a man who was later identified as Segura.

Segura began to verbally threaten the agent and told the agent that he was a traitor, used an expletive and threatened to beat him up.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man brandished his gun during an argument with a cashier at a mart in North Memphis on Sunday, police say.

On Mar. 16, at 1:45 p.m., officers responded to an aggravated assault at 1069 North Watkins Street at Very Lucky Green Food Mart.

(Photo Courtesy of MPD)

Police were told that a heated argument began when the suspect attempted to make a purchase, but he was too intoxicated to properly insert a credit card into the payment terminal.

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VIDEO: 5 involved in Raleigh shootout, police say

Reports said during the argument, the suspect took out his handgun, waved it in the air, and then pointed at the ground. He then fled the store in an unknown direction.

The suspect reportedly had a slim build, and he was wearing a tan Bass Pro Shops hat, a red zip-up hoodie with Chicago in white lettering, a black shirt, and blue jean shorts.

No arrest has been made. This is an ongoing investigation.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man accused of firing a weapon during an incident at an apartment complex was arrested Monday by Metro police detectives during a traffic stop, according to reports.

Officials said the arrest stems from a shooting that occurred on Sept. 3, 2024, following an altercation between multiple men at Fallbrook Apartments on Dellway Villa Road.

RELATED: Man charged with shooting on Dellway Villa Road

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Monterio Sanford, 20, was identified as one of the men who fired shots during the incident.

Monterio Sanford (Metro Nashville Police Department)

According to reports, a 41-year-old man was shot in the finger, causing it to become detached. He later admitted to officers that he fired back at the men in self-defense. Authorities reported 56 shell casings were found at the scene.

In an interview with detectives, Sanford reportedly admitted to firing a pistol during the incident.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

He was charged with felony reckless endangerment, but has since been released after posting a $35,000 bond.

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In October 2024, 20-year-old Malcolm Harris was arrested in connection with the shooting after he was accused of participating in the gunfire.

No additional details were released.

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 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.

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WALKER, Mich. (WOOD)  A Grand Rapids man was back in a Walker courtroom Tuesday after being charged with second-degree murder.

Justin Armstrong, 30, appeared before a judge for a probable cause hearing in connection to a high-speed crash that killed Arika Werner late last year.

The crash happened in the early hours of Dec. 28 on Maynard Avenue near Butterworth Drive SW in Walker.

According to court documents, Armstrong was driving and Werner was his passenger. Police allege Armstrong was going upwards of 100 mph, twice the posted speed limit, when he crashed into a tree. Werner, 34, was thrown from the car and died. Armstrong was pinned in.

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Toxicology shows Armstrong was legally drunk, with a blood alcohol content of .124. Michigans legal limit to drive is .08. He also had THC in his system, authorities say.

If convicted of murder, he faces up to life behind bars.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Almost four years after the death of Abram Galvan in north Wichita, a man has been charged in his death.

Pedro Morones Jr. (Courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office)

Pedro Morones Jr., 31, is charged with first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and criminal discharge of a firearm.

On May 29, 2021, officers were called to a local hospital shortly after 1:40 a.m., where Galvan, 21, had walked in with a gunshot wound. He died a few days later on June 3, 2021.

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Sedgwick County Zoo elephants pregnancy comes to heartbreaking end

Police said the shooting happened at 19th and Jackson. Galvan had been a passenger in a truck that was shot at in an apparent road rage incident.

The Wichita Police Department has been looking for the shooter since then. Last week, police announced they made an arrest thanks to some new information investigators received.

Morones appeared before a judge Monday afternoon. His next court date is March 27. The judge set his bond at $1.5 million.

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BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  Virginia State Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash involving a man who allegedly drove into a fence in Bedford County on March 13.

According to police, on Thursday, a 2011 Ford Mustang was heading south on Thomas Jefferson Road near the Academy Lance intersection when it crossed over the centerline and went off the left side of the road hitting a fence.

Man and two cows killed in Rockbridge County crash

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The 42-year-old driver, Kristopher D. Johnson of Lynchburg was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured.

Johnson has been charged with public intoxication and failure to stop at the scene of an accident, police said.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A 24-year-old man was arrested in Antioch Monday and charged with three counts of rape.

According to court documents, an officer was called to a home on Shelia Drive for the rape of a 16-year-old girl by her adult boyfriend.

Young children found unattended at Nashville homeless encampment during storms

The officer spoke with Rudy Caal-Och, who said he has two children with the victim, who is at least six months pregnant with her third child, according to Metro police.

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He admitted to officers their first child was conceived when the victim was 12 years old. According to court documents, he knew it was wrong but said he did not force the victim into doing it.

Arrest documents noted all the acts of rape occurred within Davidson County.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Caal-Och was booked into the Metro jail and charged with rape of a child and two counts of statutory rape. His bond was set at $150,000.

No additional information was immediately released.

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Mar. 17LIMA  A St. Marys man convicted earlier this year of attacking a female with whom he had a casual relationship acknowledged Monday that substance abuse and his lifelong battle with mental health issues were at the root of what to date has been mostly a life of crime.

Johnathan Wheeler, 31, who was on probation in February 2024 when he choked the woman and stole her possessions at a residence on East Kibby Street in Lima, was sentenced by Allen County Common Pleas Court Judge Jeffrey Reed to six years in prison on a first-degree felony count of aggravated robbery.

Jurors found Wheeler guilty in February of that charge following a four-day trial but acquitted him on a charge of rape.

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Assistant Allen County Prosecutor Joe Everhart said Monday that Wheeler has a lengthy list of prior criminal convictions as both a juvenile and an adult. He asked the judge for a sentence of "at least eight years" in prison. The victim in the case was not present in court Monday, Everhart said, because she was "frustrated" with the jury's verdict on the rape charge.

Wheeler said the woman lied at trial and that he was wrongly convicted.

"I didn't beat her up like she said I did," the defendant said. "I didn't rape her, but I was out of line."

Wheeler was charged after the 31-year-old woman said she was raped and robbed on Feb. 10, 2024. The identity of woman was shielded at trial under the provisions of Marsy's Law, which guarantees certain rights to crime victims.

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The incident reportedly occurred in a camper behind 1128 E. Kibby St. The woman testified Wheeler strangled her, and she became unconscious. Prosecutors said unconsciousness can equate to serious physical harm, which was language included in the aggravated robbery charge.

Steve Chamberlain, of the Allen County Public Defenders Office, said his client had undergone competency evaluations prior to the trial and was found competent. Nonetheless, Chamberlain said, "There is an opinion that (Wheeler) is mentally ill, and I believe his mental illness affects his ability to deal with life."

Wheeler's adoptive mother addressed the judge and said her son needs "extensive time" inside an institution that can provide him with mental health assistance. Wheeler did not disagree.

"I am trying to get myself together, but I've been battling a lot of stuff," he told the judge. "I need to be in a hospital somewhere."

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A 46-year-old man is in critical condition after police said he lost control of his vehicle and hit a light pole in the south Las Vegas valley.

At around 5:25 a.m. on March 18, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to a single-vehicle crash on East Pebble Road, east of Libertyvale Drive.

Police said a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse was driving east on Pebble when the driver lost control of the vehicle and failed to stay in his travel lane. Police said he hit the sidewalk before crashing into a light pole, knocking it off of its base.

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The vehicle then hit a perimeter wall and rotated back onto the roadway. The driver was ejected from the vehicle, according to a release from the LMVPD.

The driver was taken to a local hospital where he is in life-threatening condition.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Detectives in D.C. are investigating a homicide after a man was killed in a shooting in Southeast Tuesday morning.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told DC News Now that just after 11 a.m., officers went to the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. to investigate a shooting.

There, first responders found a man who had been shot.

Medics tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Fire breaks out at abandoned Montgomery County store, causes $125K in damages, officials say

The police departments Homicide Unit is leading the investigation.

Anyone with information about what led to the shooting is asked to call MPD at 202-727-9099 or text MPD at 50411. Both texts and calls can remain anonymous.

MLK Ave SE Homicide scene on March 18. (Ryan Sage/ DC News Now) (Ryan Sage/ DC News Now)

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police are investigating after a man was stabbed multiple times in Southeast on Monday afternoon.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told DC News Now that just before 4:30 p.m., officers responded to a call at 6th and Chesapeake Street SE. This is not far from Hendley Elementary School.

Bowser: We will meet our financial obligations following passage of federal funding bill

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At the scene, they found a man who had been stabbed multiple times. Police said he was seriously injured but that he was conscious and breathing.

Responders flew him to the hospital for treatment.

As of Monday night, there is no word on his condition.

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A man accused of shooting two Baltimore County Police officers in 2023 is scheduled to be sentenced Friday in Circuit Court.

The state has not yet recommended a sentence, according to Baltimore County States Attorney Scott Shellenberger.

In September, a jury found David Linthicum, 26, guilty of four counts of attempted first-degree murder in the shooting of four police officers, along with four counts of using a firearm in a crime of violence and one count of armed carjacking.

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The maximum sentence for attempted first-degree murder is life imprisonment. The firearms offenses each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison, while the maximum sentence for armed carjacking is 30 years.

A county grand jury indicted Linthicum, 26, on 27 counts in 2023, but prosecutors dismissed some of those charges the during trial.

Shellenberger had no further comment.

Linthicum was defended by Deborah Katz Levi, the director of special litigation of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, and James Dills, district public defender for Baltimore County. The public defenders office declined to comment.

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On Feb. 8, 2023, Linthicums father called 911 to report that his son was armed and suicidal at their Cockeysville home. Linthicum later fired at police through a wall, striking officer Barry Jordan, according to police.

Linthicum left the Powers Avenue home that afternoon as authorities locked down local schools and warned neighbors to stay indoors. SWAT teams surrounded the Cockeysville street, drove tactical vehicles around the yard and threw flash bangs into the suburban home, breaking the glass on the doors front window in the process.

In the evening of Feb. 9, 2023, a Baltimore County detective, Jonathan Chih, drove down Warren Road to check on a report of a man walking along the dark road. He pulled his police pickup truck over, thinking Linthicum was a hitchhiker.

Are you here to kill me? asked Linthicum, according to Chihs body-worn camera video, as the detective stepped out of the truck.

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No, why? Chih replied just as shots rang out, according to the videos.

Chih testified his injuries prevented him from returning to full duty more than a year and a half after the shooting. Police said Linthicum stole Chihs police Dodge Ram truck and fled into Harford County, where he was arrested eventually without injury.

Linthicum had a preliminary sentencing hearing Monday, less than a week after a Baltimore County Police officer was shot in Catonsville. The suspect in that case faces multiple charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, for what police believe was a premeditated shooting outside of the Wilkens police precinct near the University of Maryland Baltimore County campus.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man will spend more than 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to a multi-city crime spree that spanned six different locations from Beaverton to Tigard in 2024, the Washington County DAs office announced Monday.

On March 4, Kevin Lee pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and four counts of first-degree theft related to five separate cases.

Oregon woman drowns in weekend flooding

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These cases included five burglaries, two attempted burglaries, multiple stolen vehicles, the deliberate ramming of an occupied car, and various other thefts spanning a multi-month crime spree, according to the DAs office.

These charges come after Lee was connected to several crimes committed on May 18, 2024, as described by state officials below:

The first call came in around 8:30 that night. The victims called police when they returned to their home in Beaverton and realized their house had been ransacked. They heard a loud engine revving noise coming from the garage and saw the defendant in the process of stealing their car. The victim tried to intervene but backed away when the defendant said he had a gun. The defendant broke through the garage door and hit a second vehicle before he fled the scene.

The defendant nearly hit a passing car as he was leaving the first home. That driver sounded his horn and swerved to avoid a collision. Mr. Lee then followed the driver, pulled up next to him by driving in the oncoming lane, and intentionally slammed his car into the victims vehicle. Both cars were heavily damaged.

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The defendant eventually parked his disabled stolen car at a house in Tigard, which he attempted to enter. When that attempt failed, he kicked in the door of a nearby home and stole the car parked in the driveway. After driving across Tigard, he again attempted to enter an occupied home before being challenged by the homeowners. A Portland Police Bureau air unit equipped with a thermal camera eventually spotted the defendant hiding in a backyard about a block away and he was apprehended at gunpoint.

Surveillance footage of Kevin Lee during a multi-city crime spree in May 2024 that landed him 12 years in prison. (Washington County DAs Office) Surveillance footage of Kevin Lee during a multi-city crime spree in May 2024 that landed him 12 years in prison. (Washington County DAs Office) Surveillance footage of Kevin Lee during a multi-city crime spree in May 2024 that landed him 12 years in prison. (Washington County DAs Office)

Lee had also been facing charges from five other pending cases at the time of his arrest, according to authorities. Those charges added to Lees total sentencing and resulted in a total of 146 months in prison.

He is also expected to pay $23,000 in restitution to the victims of May 2024.

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MINERSVILLE  Minersville Police arrested a man accused of having thousands of files on his cellphone depicting child sexual abuse images (CSAM) after receiving a tip from authorities in Florida that he might be in the borough.

On Thursday, police charged Brett Michael Smith, 34, of Minersville with 20 counts of CSAM.

He is also wanted for CSAM charges in Florida, authorities said.

Borough police went to Sunbury Street to the home of Smiths brother, who identified the suspect as he was walking in the area. When asked by police, Brett Michael Smith acknowledged having a cellphone that had a lot of CSAM images on it, documents show.

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Magisterial District Judge James Reiley approved a search warrant for the device, which contained 327 videos and 2,092 still media images of CSAM, police said.

Smith is in Schuylkill County Prison on $300,000 straight cash bail.

A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. April 1 in District Magistrate Andrew Serinas Courtroom, Orwigsburg,
CRAIGHEAD COUNTY, Ark.  Arkansas State Police troopers are investigating a highway shooting that left one man dead and another injured.

According to ASP officials, the shooting happened around 7 p.m. Friday, March 14, on U.S. Highway 63 west of Bono in Craighead County.

Little Rock police find man dead after overnight shooting

State troopers said 45-year-old Allan Brown and another man were injured in the shooting. Both men were taken to a local hospital, where Brown was pronounced dead.

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ASP officials said the other victim is still in hospital care, but officials have not released his condition.

Authorities arrest man accused in deadly Interstate 40 shooting

Special agents said a passenger was in one of the vehicles but was not injured.

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BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man is facing a felony charge of identity fraud after police say he provided them with a false name during a traffic stop.

A man now identified as Kevin Townsend Jr., 29, is facing charges of fifth-degree felony identity fraud; falsification, a first-degree misdemeanor; and several minor misdemeanor traffic charges.

The charges stem from a Sunday traffic stop, when reports state officers noted a passing car had a license plate cover concealing some information. Police ran a registration check and reported the cars registration had expired in early November.

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Police then conducted a traffic stop, and the driver, who provided them with a name other than Kevin Townsend Jr., advised officers there may be a warrant out for his arrest.

During the stop, reports state the officer questioned the identity Townsend provided, stating it did not look like his BMV photo, to which Townsend Jr. allegedly responded that the photo was an old picture. Reports state Townsend provided police with a home address and a phone number for the man he claimed to be. Police noted in the report the two men appeared to look similar.

When police were questioning Townsend, he said he did not have a drivers license and did not know his Social Security number either, reports state.

Police confirmed a warrant with the name Townsend had given and placed him under arrest. But during the booking process at the Mahoning County Jail, reports state deputies discovered his true identity as Townsend Jr. when they were fingerprinting him.

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Reports state once his identity was confirmed, authorities found Townsend Jr. had warrants for his arrest through the Summit County Sheriffs Office, Portage County Sheriffs Office, and the Mercer County District Attorneys Office.

For providing a false identity to the Boardman Police Department, he was then charged with identity fraud and falsification on top of the minor misdemeanor traffic charges.

He was arraigned in Boardman court Tuesday morning.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A man who was charged in a deadly shooting at a Kentwood hotel in 2023 has pleaded guilty, according to the Kent County prosecutor.

Ateivise Smith pleaded guilty last week to second-degree murder and a weapons charge. The judge indicated he would issue a sentence of 13 years in prison, but Smith has yet to be sentenced. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May, according to Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker.

Jaquarrie Garrett, 22, of Georgia, was found dead at the Delta Hotel on 28th Street and E Beltline Avenue just before 7 p.m. on March 4, 2023. He had been shot five times in a second-floor hallway, including three times in the back, according to police.

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Police: Gang called out man online before deadly shooting

Garrett had been living in Atlanta but had returned to his hometown of Grand Rapids for the first birthday party of his son, which was held at the hotel.

Officers found six .40-caliber shell casings in the hallway, which matched a Glock handgun that Smith later dropped while running from Grand Rapids police in May 2023 during an unrelated incident. Hotel surveillance footage showed Smith wearing a ski mask and clutching the front of his waistband, leaving the hotel through the front lobby on the night Garrett was killed.

In court records, Smith was identified as part of the 30boyz gang, which has been tied to other crimes, the prosecutor said. Before the killing, 30boyz had called out Garrett on social media, asking where to find him and making threats, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

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In August of 2023, the prosecutor wouldnt discuss details of the case, other than to say: There was a beef between the two of them.

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A man who dragged a State Police trooper during a traffic stop in 2023 pleaded guilty in Brockton Superior Court on Tuesday and was sent to jail.

32-year-old Derek Lobo pleaded guilty to one count each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

Judge Daniel OShea sentenced Lobo to 2  years in the Plymouth County House of Correction, with one year to serve and the balance suspended for two years.

Just before 6 p.m. on September 13, 2023, troopers patrolling Montello Street saw a heavily tinted Mercedes with no license plate, driven by Lobo, according to the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office.

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After determining the vehicle had an expired registration, troopers activated their lights to conduct a traffic stop. After approaching his vehicle and running a computer check, Lobos license status was expired and non-renewable. Authorities then say Lobo refused to exit the vehicle after being prompted. One of the troopers tried physically removing him from the car when Lobo hit the gas, dragging the trooper with him at a high rate of speed.

Video shared by the law enforcement agency showed Lobo driving away in the middle of the traffic stop and the trooper clinging to his vehicle before tumbling into the middle of the street.

The trooper was reportedly dragged a city block while Lobo weaved toward oncoming traffic. The trooper sustained minor injuries but the high rate of speed shredded his uniform.

State Police tried following Lobo, who was traveling through downtown Brockton at speeds of about 80mph. Troopers terminated the pursuit due to the high speeds.

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The Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section responded to an address on Brentwood Avenue that Lobo gave troopers when he was pulled over.

Although he wasnt home, police say they located the same black Mercedes parked in the driveway, along with a black designer bag that allegedly contained nearly 11 grams of fentanyl.

After issuing a warrant for his arrest, Lobo was found at a home on Union Street.

I am thankful that this brave state trooper was not more seriously injured, District Attorney Tim Cruz said. Cases like this remind us all of the potential dangers that our first responders face every day that they put the uniform on and go out to protect us.

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Joshua Riibe, the Minnesota college student who was with University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki the night she went missing on a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic, said in court that he's "ready to go home and go back to my life."

The 22-year-old Iowa native -- who has not been charged with a crime -- said Konanki's family hugged him and thanked him.

"Her mother gave me a hug and said, 'Thank you for saving my daughter the first time,"' Riibe said in court Tuesday. "It was really tough."

PHOTO: Sudiksha Konanki is seen in this undated photo shared to Meta. (Sudiksha Konanki via Meta)

MORE: Parents of missing Pittsburgh student ask Dominican police to declare her dead

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Riibe's court appearance was for a habeas corpus hearing that was requested by his lawyers, who believe the 22-year-old is being detained illegally.

Prosecutors claimed in court that Riibe is a witness and is not detained.

Authorities have confiscated Riibe's passport, and Riibe said in court that police have followed him to meals and watched him eat. Riibe's attorneys asked to get his passport returned and to get the ability to leave the hotel without surveillance.

"I cant go anywhere. And I really want to be able to go home, talk to my family, give them hugs, tell them I miss them," Riibe said. "I understand Im here to help, but its been 10 days and I cant leave."

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Riibe's father traveled to the Dominican Republic to support him.

PHOTO: Joshua Riibe entering court in the Dominican Republic, March 18, 2025. (ABC News)

MORE: Punta Cana spring break mystery: A timeline of the missing Pittsburgh student case

"I'm just doing what I can, and at this point theres nothing more I can do," Riibe said during his appearance in court.

At the conclusion of Riibe's appearance, the judge granted habeas corpus -- meaning Riibe will no longer be under police surveillance. However, Dominican Republic officials are not yet returning his passport.

Riibe's lawyer released a statement saying, "Guzman Ariza expresses its deep gratitude to the Dominican judiciary and all institutions involved in the Joshua Steven Riibe case for recognizing and upholding the rule of law and ensuring respect for his fundamental rights as aforeign citizen in the Dominican Republic."

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The judge is expected to decide if he will be charged with anything or can leave the country on March 28.

PHOTO: 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, March. 10, 2025. (Francesco Spotorno/AP)

Authorities have said they believe 20-year-old Konanki died by drowning in Punta Cana early on March 6, officials told ABC News. Her missing persons case is being treated as an accident, sources said.

Riibe -- who met Konanki that night -- told prosecutors the two went swimming and kissed in the ocean. He said they were then hit by a wave and pulled into the ocean by the tide, according to a transcript provided to ABC News from two Dominican Republic sources.

Riibe said he held Konanki and tried to get them out of the water.

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"I was trying to make sure that she could breathe the entire time -- that prevented me from breathing the entire time and I took in a lot of water," he said.

MORE: Man seen with missing Pittsburgh student believes he's being detained illegally, requests hearing: Source

When I finally touched the sand, I put her in front of me. Then she got up to go get her stuff since the ocean had moved us," Riibe told the prosecutor. "She was not out of the water since it was up to her knee. She was walking at an angle in the water."

"The last time I saw her, I asked her if she was OK. I didn't hear her response because I began to vomit with all the water I had swallowed," he said. "After vomiting, I looked around and I didn't see anyone. I thought she had taken her things and left."

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Riibe said he passed out on a beach chair and woke up hours later and returned to his hotel room.

Konanki's family sent a formal request to Dominican police on Monday requesting they declare their daughter dead, according to two sources with knowledge of the investigation. The parents noted Riibe was cooperating with the investigation and they acknowledged there was no evidence of foul play, the sources said.

On Tuesday, the Dominican Republic Civil Defense announced that it was scaling back its search-and-rescue efforts.

Man seen with missing Pittsburgh student 'ready to go home and go back to my life' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Vancouver police have made an arrest in a shooting that left a man seriously injured near NE 49th Street on March 16.

Officers first responded to the shooting at 11320 NE 49th Street, where they found a man had been shot multiple times.

Oregon woman drowns in weekend flooding

Police later identified the suspect as Misael Dominguez-Naillon and arrested him in his home on NE 112th Avenue. Authorities searched the home and said they found multiple firearms  including the handgun used in the shooting.

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Dominguez-Naillon is accused of attempted first-degree murder.

(Vancouver Police)

The investigation is ongoing.

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A hunter on a former 272,000-acre West Texas cattle ranch stumbled upon a fossilized mammoth tusk.

The ranch manager was skeptical of the claim at first, thinking it was a stump, but brought the information to archaeologists at Sul Ross State University.

Texas was once a mammoth hot spot.

Can a hunting trip be considered successful if your biggest prize was already dead when you found it? What if its been dead for thousands of years? Were asking for a hunter in West Texas, who went out in hopes of bringing home some venison and instead discovered a single mammoth tusk on an expansive 272,000-acre ranch in the Chihuahuan Desert near Big Bend National Park.

A hunter at the O2 Ranch came back to the ranch manager, Will Juett, with a photo rather than a 10-point buck. I was skeptical when a deer hunter showed me a picture of what he thought was a fossil, Juett said in a statement provided by Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. I figured it was likely just an old stump, but imagined how great it would be if he was right.

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Turns out, pretty great.

Juett worked with Bryon Schroeder and Erika Blecha, archaeologists at the Center for Big Bend Studies at Sul Ross, who in turn contacted a graduate student at the University of Kansas specializing in mammoth studies. With a couple more anthropology professors in tow, a team of five traveled to the ranch to see this mysterious object in the picture. It didnt take long for experts to solve the mystery.

The tusk was located in the drainage area of a creek bed, said Schroeder, the director of the center. We realized pretty quickly there was not more to the skeleton, just an isolated tusk that had been separated from the rest of the remains.

It took the team two days to plaster-jacket the tusk, using strips of plaster covered in burlap for protection, and to build a frame to transfer the find to the Sul Ross campus. The team said carbon dating results will be available within the next few months, ideally narrowing the date of the tusk to a 500-year range.

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Mammoth finds arent wildly rare in Texas. As the Smithsonian reported, theres even a Waco Mammoth National Monument, five acres of protected land established in Central Texas in 2015 to highlight the only known evidence of a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths that all died suddenly together in what researchers believe was a flash flood.

The Columbian mammoth was the most likely mammoth species populating what is now Texas. Related to the woolly mammoth, the Columbian varietywhich could have formed when woolly mammoths mated with an unknown line of mammothsstood taller, up to 13 feet in height at the shoulder, and weighed up to 20,000 pounds, according to the National Park Service. Less hairy than the woolly variety, the Columbian mammoth was prominent in the southern half of North America, which included Texas.

The Columbian mammoth was an herbivore, so the tusks were often used to dig up plant roots or strip bark off trees. Of course, males used the tusks as weapons, especially in the fight over females. Experts believe mammoth populations died off with the conclusion of the last ice age, possibly anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 years ago.

Seeing that mammoth tusk just brings the ancient world to life, Juett said. Now, I cant help but imagine that huge animal wandering around the hills on the O2 Ranch. My next thought is always about the people that faced those huge tusks with only a stone tool in their hand.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A man was injured after he was shot in Northeast on Monday night.

Details are limited; however, D.C. police said the man walked into a fire station on 49th Street for help after he was shot. Responders took him to the hospital for treatment.

Police investigating after man found stabbed in Northeast DC

Police added that the man was shot in the 4000 block of Clay St.

The investigation is ongoing.

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JOLIET, Ill.  A man and woman have been charged following a deadly hit-and-run in Joliet last December.

James Deal, 40, of Joliet, and Dominque Kennedy, 36, of Aurora, are facing multiple charges after an arrest warrant was issued on Thursday.

On the evening of Dec. 14, officers responded to the area of Fourth and Chicago on the report of a hit-and-run.

Officers found Robert Redmond Jr., 62, of Joliet, died as a result of the hit-and-run.

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Police allege Dominque Kennedy falsely reported that the Chevy Malibu was stolen following the crash.

6-year-old Texas boy visiting father on spring break dies after ATV crash in Joliet

Both were taken into custody on Monday. Kennedy was arrested at her Aurora home and Deal turned himself in, according to police.

Deal is facing failure to report a vehicle crash involving personal injury or death and failure to stop after having a vehicle crash involving personal injury or death.

Both were released on a notice to appear and their next court dates.

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Manuel Klausner, a co-founder and longtime trustee of Reason Foundation, and former editor and publisher of Reason, has died at 85.

Klausner first became interested in political ideas while an undergraduate at UCLA in the late 1950s. His outlook turned in a classical liberal/libertarian direction when he went to law school at New York University (NYU) in the early 1960s, under the influence of Sylvester Petro, then teaching labor law at NYU.

Petro also introduced Klausner to the ideas of Ludwig von Mises, then giving his famous series of seminars at the university. Klausner attended Mises' seminars and would often ride on the subway with the great Austrian economist and advocate of free markets and classical liberalism, learning more. Klausner also met and was influenced by Mises' student Murray Rothbard during his NYU law school years.

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After getting his law degree from NYU, Klausner studied at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark in 196364, with support from Ford Foundation and Fulbright grants. There he did his first work with a small political party that he found had decent, if not perfect, classical liberal principles called the Independent Party, which held five seats in parliament at the time. "I used to speak to them, before Denmark decriminalized porn, and talking about why they should favor that and be a basically laissez-faire party opposed to the welfare state," Klausner recalled in a 1999 interview for my 2007 history of the American libertarian movement, Radicals for Capitalism.

On returning to America, he taught at the University of Chicago Law School in 196465, where he also did editing work for the early libertarian student magazine New Individualist Review and The Journal of Law and Economics. "Chicago was an exciting place to be because of the quality of faculty, the intellectual atmosphere, and a serious tradition of liberty among people there," Klausner said in that 1999 interview. "It turned out to be an extraordinary experience for me to be part of that community of scholars and the rich intellectual tradition at Chicago, both law and economics and philosophy and historythere were many great scholars there who take liberty seriously." He credited Aaron Director and Ronald Coase as particularly rich influences in his Chicago time.

Klausner began practicing law in the mid-'60s in Los Angeles with Kindel & Anderson, where he worked over the next three decades extensively in cases ranging over business law to constitutional, election, and media law. He grew to enjoy public speaking to spread libertarian ideas. Enthusiasm, Klausner told me, was key to his personality, and key, he believed, to success in any endeavor. By the end of the 1960s he "was doing a lot of speaking, I was very interested in achieving positive social change using the political system and print media, so it was a natural for me."

His enthusiasm for spreading libertarian ideas led to him connecting with a local libertarian philosopher he heard on the radio, Tibor Machan; the two men eventually allied with local engineer Robert Poole and took over Reason in 1971, which had been foundering under its founding editor Lanny Friedlander. Klausner played many roles with the magazine through the 1970s, including editor and publisher, and in 1978 was a co-founder of Reason Foundation, which took on the publishing of Reason, as well as other public policy work pushing libertarian ideas in the real world.

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Klausner appreciated California's citizen initiative process and had been active in trying to use that process for libertarian causes, though not all of his efforts ended up on the ballot. He worked to push a very early marijuana legalization initiative in 1972 (that only garnered 33 percent support*, though he was ahead of the curve as the state, and many other states, have since legalized marijuana possession and use), as well as efforts to eliminate the sales tax in California. He played a role in California's successful Proposition 209 in 1996, which tried to end discrimination or disparate treatment based on racial classifications in California government.

He was an early supporter of the Libertarian Party, and was one of only two other candidates* running for federal office outside the John Hospers/Tonie Nathan presidential ticket in the Party's first active year, 1972. Klausner ran a unique write-in campaign for Congress in two different districts. His slogan was "the candidate of principle for the thinking person." He chose not to pay a filing fee which would have had his write-in votes counted, so enjoyed saying a "countless number of people voted for me for Congress in 1972." He was proud that Rothbard told him that he, Klausner, was the only politician he knew who became more radical while running for office, when Klausner realized from confronting libertarian audiences that he could no longer defend coercive taxation for any reason.

Klausner founded his own law practice in 1996. He was also the longtime chair of the Libertarian Law Council and of the Federalist Society's Free Speech & Election Law Practice Group, and a founding director of the Institute for Justice. For the past decades he led Reason Foundation's program providing pro-liberty amicus briefs in important Supreme Court cases. Among his honors were the 1982 Lawyer of the Year Award from the Constitutional Rights Foundation and the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the Lawyer of the Year Award from the Federalist Society's Los Angeles Lawyers Chapter in 2013.

He was also a theater enthusiast, and worked as a producer on various stage shows over the years, including Hadestown and Maybe Happy Ending. His wife Willette Murphy Klausner, whom he married in 1969, is herself a longtime producer for film and theater with her WMK Productions.

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A generous bon vivant and gourmet, and a man dedicated to the importance of economic thinking, Klausner provided a little anecdote I've been retelling for decades. He was dining with me and some other young Reason staffers, at a time when those staffers were all still in our 20s, if I recall correctly. It was the type of masterful upscale restaurant he doted on and loved exposing people to. He casually informed us before the meal that he'd pick up half the tab. This, of course, made us mindful of the cost of what we were ordering on a menu that had some high-ticket items indeed. At the end of the meal, he quietly picked up the entire tab, teaching an indelibly stylish lesson in both generosity and prudent economic thinking, something that was always ManuelManny to his friendsKlausner's way.

Klausner studied tai chi for decades under Nzazi Malonga (Master Zi) at his Dharma Health Institute in Playa Del Rey. When he first heard Klausner propounding his political views, which he always liked to do, Zi says "I thought he was trying to provoke me" but soon realized that though Klausner stood behind his libertarian views, he would happily listen to disputants in any social situation and if they got upset just remain poker-faced and advise them to "read this book by Milton Friedman."

Even if political disagreements threatened to get heated in social situations, such as the many meals Klausner hosted at L.A. restaurants from the most "hoity-toity" to trailers on the side of the road serving burritos (and many people at both types of places would know and love Klausner, Zi recalls), Klausner was happy to just move on to the next course or round after having his say. Zi recalls he could sometimes get Klausner to change his mind on a point"but only if you came at him with the data."

Beneath Klausner's politics, and central to his personality, Zi found, was "a genuine concern for the well being of other people." Klausner would happily support Zi's business financially through hard times, insisting that, as Zi remembered him saying, "This is the free market. I like your product and support it and support you and this is how the free market works."

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"Imagine us together," Zi says, Klausner a man "who grew up in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles," and Zi a refugee "kid from the Congo," and "he became an extension of my family, such a big brother to me. He was a genuinely good man" and "a good man when nobody was looking."

Klausner told me in 1999 that "on my death bed I'll be proud and happyI'm positive by nature. We have a free country here in that we can accumulate capital and invest in building frameworks to circulate ideas," which Klausner did, successfully and enthusiastically.

*CORRECTION: The article as originally posted misstated the ballot success of the 1972 marijuana initiative, as well as the number of other federal L.P. candidates in 1972.

The post Manuel Klausner, RIP appeared first on Reason.com.
Many of the noncitizens who were deported pursuant to the Alien Enemies Act on Saturday did not have criminal records in the United States, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official said in a sworn filing overnight.

In a sworn declaration, ICE Acting Field Office Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations Robert Cerna argued that "the lack of specific information about each individual actually highlights the risk they pose" and "demonstrates that they are terrorists with regard to whom we lack a complete profile."

The declaration was included in the Trump administration's recent motion to vacate Judge James Boasberg's temporary restraining order blocking deportations pursuant to the AEA.

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"While it is true that many of the [Tren de Aragua gang] members removed under the AEA do not have criminal records in the United States, that is because they have only been in the United States for a short period of time. The lack of a criminal record does not indicate they pose a limited threat," Cerna said.

MORE: Timeline: Trump's race against courts to deport alleged gang members under Alien Enemies Act

The admission that many of the men lacked criminal records  and were deported on the assumption that they might be terrorists  comes as top Trump administration officials insist that the men were violent criminals, with President Donald Trump labeling them "monsters."

PHOTO: Salvadoran police officers escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center prison, in San Luis Talpa, El Salvador, obtained March 16, 2025. (Secretaria de Prensa de la Presidencia via Reuters)

Cerna wrote that some of the men have been convicted or arrested for crimes in the U.S., including for murder, assault, harassment, and drug offenses, writing that ICE personnel "carefully vetted each individual alien to ensure they were in fact members of TdA."

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To determine whether a noncitizen was a "member of TdA," he said law enforcement allegedly used victim testimony, financial transactions, computer checks, and other "investigative techniques."

"ICE did not simply rely on social media posts, photographs of the alien displaying gang-related hand gestures, or tattoos alone," Cerna said.

According to Cerna, a review of ICE databases suggested that "numerous individuals removed" had been arrested or convicted outside of the U.S. At least five of the men were subject to INTERPOL notices for alleged crimes including rape, kidnapping, child, abduction, corruption, and possession of illegal firearms.

Cerna also noted that some of the men were arrested or encountered during federal law enforcement raids while they were in the U.S., though the declaration did not note if the men were ever charged or convicted for any crimes.

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The identities and status of the deported men have not been disclosed by the Trump administration, making it unknown what portion of the over 200 noncitizens had criminal records in the U.S. or abroad.

Department of Justice lawyers said the judge's temporary restraining orders "are an affront to the President's broad constitutional and statutory authority to protect the United States from dangerous aliens who pose grave threats to the American people."

Judge Boasberg on Tuesday ordered the government to file under seal to the court by Wednesday at noon details regarding two aircraft that the administration did not return to the U.S. following the judge's verbal order last week.

'Many' alleged gang members deported by Trump didn't have criminal records in the US: ICE originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(WJET/WFXP) Maple season in northwest Pennsylvania is underway and Asbury Woods is joining in on the sweet festivities with their annual Maple Festival.

Asbury Woods announced Tuesday morning that Maple Festival will make its return on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 filled with tours, demonstrations, family fun and maple products of all kinds.

NWPAs Maple Taste and Tour makes its sweet return

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Each year hundreds of people make their way to the Asbury Woods Nature Center to enjoy maple tours, different kinds of interactive stations and the famous sugar shack where festivalgoers can get an up-close view of how pure maple syrup is made.

Each year Asbury Woods taps their sugar maple trees, which are only found in this region of the world, then collects and boils sap into pure maple syrup.

Crumbl Cookies set to arrive with Erie location this year

Our Maple Festival gives the public an opportunity to see the maple syrup process first-hand. By running our sugar shack when the sap is flowing, people get to see and smell the magic of maple. Weve included many interactive stations located inside our Nature Center so people can visit the stations they want at their own pace, along with lectures, and kids activities, said Sarah Bennett, interim executive director of Asbury Woods.

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Festivities kick off on both days at 10 a.m. and wrap up at 3 p.m. with tickets costing $6 per person with kids under the age of 3 free. More details on the event are available on the Asbury Woods website here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
MAPLESVILLE, Ala. (WIAT)  In Maplesville, families are continuing to salvage what they can after Saturday nights tornadoes. The community is working hard to help their neighbors in any way they can.

Its just like your whole world has sort of just disappeared, said Leticia Lopez. Its- its gone.

Lopez came back to her home after a tornado ripped through Chilton County. All that was left was her front porch and other memories in pieces. Her world now fits in the back of a car, but she is keeping hope.

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Theres always gonna be a way, Lopez said. As long as weve got each other, and weve got love, and weve got our life

Lopez said now, shes headed to a hotel for a week and doesnt know what comes next. Everythings gonna be okay. Its a beautiful day today. And were praying for everybody else just like we ask for people to pray for us, she said. You know?

Warming up on Tuesday, Strong to severe storms possible Wednesday night

Across town, Isabella High School faculty are offering those prayers and putting together hygiene kits. Jill Green, counselor at Isabella High School, said at least 20 of her students were impacted in some way. Just to see the children playing in the yards of what used to be their homes seeing their belongings scattered everywhere, that was very overwhelming.

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But, she said the people of Maplesville have really showed up for each other. It was really, truly heartwarming. Because Isabella is just such a special place, said Green. But, they really showed out when all of this happened. We didnt show up to a single place where we didnt see people serving.

Nic Bolton, director of the Chilton County Emergency Management Agency, said they are working on finding a place for people to stay. We know that theres help coming besides just first responders, Bolton said of the community. And theyre neighbors. So, its kind of, be a good neighbor kind of thing. And, its really heartwarming to see.

Lopez and her family explained that they have no insurance. A GoFundMe has been started to help. You can donate 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 CBS 42.
It's going to be harder to overturn marriage equality than Republicans think  but that doesn't mean they won't try.

Donald Trump hasn't even been in office two months and Republicans have already begun asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its landmark ruling that granted same-sex couples the right to marry nationally. While the court doesn't seem too eager to revisit the case, that could change as political pressure mounts from the right.

Here's everything you need to know about the state of marriage equality in the U.S., and how that could change.

How could marriage equality be overturned?

Laws prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying were deemed unconstitutional by the 2015 Supreme Court ruling, Obergefell v. Hodges. This could change if the court were to revisit and reverse the ruling, as it did with Roe v. Wade, which previously deemed abortion bans unconstitutional.

What happens if marriage equality is overturned?

If the Supreme Court reverses Obergefell v. Hodges, marriages between same-sex couples will still be recognized federally under the Respect for Marriage Act. Signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022, the act mandates that the federal government recognizes same-sex and interracial marriages, and that all states recognize those performed in other states.

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The act does not require states to allow marriages between same-sex couples. As state bans on these unions were struck down in Obergefell, such bans could be enacted again if Obergefell is overturned. If that were to happen, the fallout would likely be similar to that after Roe v. Wade's reversal, in which red states immediately enacted bans.

Can the Respect for Marriage Act be overturned?

As the Respect for Marriage Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by a president, the same would have to happen for it to be overturned. This is a difficult task even with Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, Senate, and presidency, as Democratic lawmakers in the Senate would most certainly filibuster any such proposal.

It is also unclear if all Republicans would support such a proposal, as two-thirds of U.S. adults (67 percent) support marriage equality, according to a recent survey from the Public Religion Research Institute, including 50 percent of Republicans, 83 percent of Democrats, and 72 percent of independents.

The Respect for Marriage Act also encompasses interracial marriage, which has even more support at 94 percent, according to a Gallup poll.

How likely is marriage equality to be overturned?

While the Supreme Court has made no official move to reconsider marriage equality, nine states have recently introduced resolutions asking the court to hear the case again. None have yet passed, and even if they were to, the resolutions are nonbinding  meaning they carry no legal weight, and the court is not obligated to hear them.

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However, some justices have voiced opposition to Obergefell even after the ruling. When the conservative majority created by Donald Trump overturned Roe v. Wade, Clarence Thomas wrote in his concurring opinion at the time that the court should also revisit and overrule decisions that prevent state restrictions on contraception, marriage equality, sodomy, and other private consensual sex acts, calling the rulings "demonstrably erroneous."

Who is behind the push to end same-sex marriage?

Those resolutions being proposed in state legislatures urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn marriage equality arent happening organically. Instead, theyre the result of an orchestrated campaign by MassResistance, one of the most virulently anti-LGBTQ+ groups in existence. It has often equated homosexuality and bisexuality with pedophilia and bestiality, and it has long demonized transgender people.



The group hasnt been in the news much in the past few years, but its presence has resurged with the anti-marriage equality resolutions. MassResistance has drafted text for state legislature resolutions that call on the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse its infamous and illegitimate Obergefell ruling, says a post on the groups website. That 2015 decision forced the idea that the U.S. Constitution requires states to allow same-sex marriage. Yes, MassResistance is still putting marriage in quotes when it comes to queer couples.
MARSHALL, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) We have confirmed that a house caught fire Monday night in Marshall, Illinois.

According to a staff member on the scene, firefighters were called out around 7:30 p.m. to battle the fire. It occurred at a home on Magnolia Street between 4th and 5th Street. WTWO has reached out to the Marshall Fire Protection District for further information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
Mar. 17MITCHELL  The ministry center that was years in the making became reality on Sunday, March 16 as congregants of Zion Lutheran Church made a procession out the front door of the church to dedicate the new building, a nod to the 1953 procession from the old church on First Avenue to the church on Third Avenue.

The nearly $2.3 million ministry center is 10,000 square feet with a spacious fellowship hall, conference rooms, kitchen area, offices for church staff, and a dual-purpose chapel/library. The entire building is on one level of elevation and is American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, so that there are no steps to walk up or down, and no need for an elevator.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain," Rev. Scott Sailer, district president of the synod, quoted Psalm 127 to the congregation assembled inside of the ministry center.

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Mitchell's Zion Lutheran Church at 620 E. Third Ave. held a dedication service for the newly built ministry center at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Burr Street. The church's bell rung at the start of the service.

"The building may stand for decades, but what is done there will echo into eternity. The conversations had there, the prayers lifted up, the forgiveness shared, the love shown in Christ's name  these are the true building blocks of God's kingdom," Rev. Thomas Brown said.

Adam Schulz, chair of the building committee, shared about a recent event held in March at the ministry center, and how it brought congregations from Pierre, Sioux Falls, Delmont, Dimock and Parkston in community together.

"We've had numerous people stop and say, 'What's it going to be used for? Could we rent it? Can we use it?' The answer is yes," Schulz told the Mitchell Republic.

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Plans for the ministry center include a meeting place for Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) district and state meetings, pastor conferences, and hosting graduation parties and community-wide events.

Zion Lutheran Church pastor Daniel Grimmer indicated the church would be open to congregations of other denominations using the ministry center, but that the church's leadership board still has to put together rental policies, set fees, and make an application for renting out the ministry center for community events.

The church will continue to meet and hold weekly worship services in the 1953 brick church building on the corner of North Capital Street and East Third Avenue, and the basement of the building will be used for the church's youth. The pastor's office will be moved over to the ministry center so that congregation members will no longer have to go up and down steps or enter by way of the church's singular ADA-compliant side entrance.

"It's just fun to see this come to fruition, and see the congregation here enjoying this project they've been dreaming about for a long time," said Brown, who served at Zion for 11 years before transferring to pastor a church in Spearfish. Brown is on the board of directors for the South Dakota district of the LCMS.

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In May, Texas-based Lutheran pastor Brian Wolfmueller will present "Has American Christianity Failed?" at the ministry center.

"A kind of controversial topic, but something to think about and invite people in the community to come and listen and learn, and I'm excited to have a space where we can do those kinds of things," Grimmer told the Mitchell Republic.

The Zion Lutheran Church congregation dates back to 1892. Their first building was purchased and moved to First Avenue in 1910, when a windstorm blew it over the first night. In 1953, they moved into the current building and added an educational wing in 1962. In 1990, they added on again.

"The vision kind of came together about four years ago to not try to attach it to this building, and build it over there. The idea is for it to be an asset, not just to us as a congregation, but to the community," said Eric Schramm, who teaches architectural design and building construction at Mitchell Technical College, and was vice chair of the building committee.

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A building committee was formed in 2016

after the corner lots were purchased for construction. The church broke ground on the ministry center in fall 2023, and started building in May 2024.

Zion owns all but two lots of the city block

where the ministry center and church is located.

Future plans for lots on the block may include expansion of the ministry center, more parking, or other options, according to Grimmer, who has been at Zion for the last 10 years.

Shirley Baumgartel, second-generation building committee member, told the Mitchell Republic of being a child in the 1940s and the discussion about building the 1953 Zion church building and hearing the "arguing committee" slam doors.

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"Then they had to purchase property after they finally got a majority to go along with the idea," Baumgartel said. "And we would go downstairs as kids after church and listen to them argue while we were in Sunday school."

However, when it came time to put the bell in the bell tower, the congregation members came together and used a ladder and hoist system to get the bell up. They all worked together to get it done, according to Baumgartel, 84. In those days, there were multiple church services, and if you didn't get there early, you sat on the steps.

There was an unexpected enthusiasm around the ministry center planning, according to Baumgartel.

"I can finally rest, and pass it to the next generation," Baumgartel said.

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The church surprised Schulz and Schramm with recognition for their leadership in planning the new building in front of the congregation assembled inside the ministry center. The standing ovation brought Schramm to tears.

Ministry Center building committee members included Loren Brech, John Fink, Chris Foster, David Harnisch, Judy Havrevold, Tom Patzer, Sharon Rehorst, Dough Schley, Travis Schnabel, Marvin Strand, and Schulz, Schramm and Baumgartel.

"This project has been in the hearts and minds of many for decades," Brown said. "There were struggles, setbacks, failed plans, failed fundraisers, frustrations, and hours of meetings. And many who prayed for this day  who gave, who dreamed of it, who sat in meetings for it  are not here to see it. But their prayers, their faith, and their hope are built into those walls. Their generosity didn't die with them; it continues in the work done here."

Construction and development for the ministry center was completed by multiple Mitchell and regional businesses.

"It will be a place where friendships are formed, burdens are carried together, and Christ is at the center of it all," Brown said. "This building does not exist for its own sake. May God bless this place as a home for His people, for His Word, and for His mission, until Christ returns in glory."
WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Friday, March 14, 2025, marked the passing of Mary Sabol, a woman whose life was a testament to resilience, intellectual curiosity and unwavering dedication to her passions. While the date signifies a loss, Marys legacy resonates with the vibrant echoes of a life lived fully and meaningfully.

Mary was born on December 8, 1945.

Find obituaries from your high school

Her academic journey began at Chaney High School, where her membership in National Honor Society foreshadowed a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown State University, where she was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, an academic honor society. Her thirst for learning led her to a Masters Degree in Reading Instruction from Westminster College and further studies at Xavier University, Kent State University and the University of Notre Dame. Those summers at Notre Dame, filled with intellectual stimulation and cherished friendships, held a special place in her heart.

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Marys professional life was as diverse as her interests. From her early days at Murphys and Strouss in Youngstown to her meticulous work on patent writing and historical preservation and displays for the Youngstown Arms Museum, she approached every endeavor with dedication. Her true calling, however, was education. As a first-grade teacher in the Western Reserve School District of Berlin Center and later as a beloved second and third-grade teacher in the Warren City Public Schools, she ignited a love of learning in countless young minds. Her selection as a Jennings Scholar and her nomination for Disney Teacher of the Year underscored her exceptional talent and commitment.

Marys life was defined by her extraordinary resilience. A childhood battle with polio led to vocal cord paralysis, but it did not silence her spirit. Instead, it fueled a quest to regain her voice. Marys relentless research led to NASA requesting that she develop a protocol for Teflons use in astronaut voice communication, which was accepted and furthered by the agency. This groundbreaking research ultimately led to her successful voice restoration at the Mayo Clinic. During this nine-year journey to regain her voice, Mary applied her ingenuity to ensure she could continue teaching, partnering with HAM radio operators to create specialized microphone equipment that allowed her to communicate with her students. This remarkable story exemplifies Marys determination and her ability to turn adversity into triumph.

Beyond her professional achievements, Marys heart resonated with music. She was a longtime member of the Warren Civic Chorus, served on its Board of Directors and cherished her 20 years singing in the Messiah Christmas performance. Her beautiful voice also graced the Blessed Sacrament Choir at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

Marys commitment to her community was profound. She served as Secretary for the Trumbull Area Reading Council and the Warren Education Association. Her involvement with the Korey Stringer Foundation, where she planned activities and spoke at Koreys funeral, demonstrated her compassion and dedication to supporting others. She also served as a judge at the Board of Elections, played in the Cortland Community Band and found solace and connection in the Akron and Penn-Ohio Post-Polio Groups.

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Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth Bernadette Ganofsky and Michael Stephen Sabol; her brother, Michael Edward Sabol and her sister, Ruth Elaine Sabol.

She leaves behind her Goddaughter, Stacey Lapinski Dorr and her Godson, Kristopher Kripchak. Her life was enriched by deep and meaningful friendships. She treasured her bonds with Shari French, Barbara Loomis, Joanne Bode, Anna Calderas, Julie Mitylewicz, Kathy (Frank) Lapinski, Margie (Richard) Williams and family and Linda (Lyle) Thompson and their children, Heidi, Julie, Donna, Matthew and Mark. The enduring friendship she shared with Irene Ondo Bupp and Ethel Santha Kripchak was a cornerstone of her life. Irene and her children, Christopher (Meghan) and their children, Charlotte and Ethan and Steven and his son, Keller and Ethel (Joe) and their children, Kristopher (Kay) and Michael, embraced Mary as family.

Mary Sabols life was a symphony of courage, intellect, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of challenges, the human spirit can soar. Her voice, both literal and metaphorical, will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Mary on Friday afternoon, March 21, 2025, from 4:00  6:00 p.m., at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE.

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Additional calling hours will be on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10:00  11:00 a.m., at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish  Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, where a Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.

A private burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the mens club of Blessed Sacrament Church or the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish or to the Cortland Community Band.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary E. Sabol, please visit our Tree Store.

A television tribute will air Wednesday, March 19 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Mary Van Heukelom believes everyone has a calling in life, and hers is all about helping cancer survivors thrive.

When exercising with Van Heukelom, get ready to work up a sweat.

Members in this total training class can handle it. Because even though theyve survived the worst, theyre being taught by the best.

Everyone thats touched by cancer, if you say Mary Van Heukelom they know who youre talking about, survivor Lynn Sandoval said.

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She just opened a whole of classes, a whole of opportunities for me to really feel like I could get back in shape and feel better about myself after treatment, another survivor, Martha Gelhaus, said.

Van Heukelom has been working with cancer survivors for the past decade. Before that, she was a public school teacher.

I consider myself still a teacher, still an educator, Van Heukelom said. Now the topic is different and my audience is different.

Iowa moms remarkable impact on parents of kids with Down syndrome

An audience that completely changed her career path and life, all because of a transformational journey.

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Back in 2011, Van Heukelom helped lead the original team of cancer survivors that went to Mount Everest Base Camp through Above and Beyond Cancer.

I think the shift was the first time, the very first class I was able to teach and work with a group of cancer survivors, Van Heukelom said. It was from day one, life-changing for me. There was a different element of energy and authenticity in that space that I had never experienced before in my life.

After the trip, she was offered to be the program director at Above and Beyond; helping people after they survive cancer by connecting them to free fitness, nutrition, and wellness programs.

She leads some of the classes, but never expected what she did for work would become what she had to face in life.

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And it was in 2021, right after my 50th birthday, that I had my first cancer diagnosis and then a year later, my second cancer diagnosis, Van Heukelom said. So, with both of those, a colon cancer and a breast cancer diagnosis, I felt that this has continue to enhance my understanding, of course, firsthand of the journey of a cancer survivor, which in turn I believe has allowed me to expand and deepen my compassion and my service to cancer survivors and the community.

A community thats sometimes tough to be a part of, but one thats more bearable because of people like Mary Van Heukelom.

She inspires me, Gelhaus said. She makes me feel that I can do it, that I can push myself and I can achieve more than I thought I could.

She is my favorite person in the world. She literally saved my life, Sandoval said. Shes so inspirational. Shes like my mom. Im older than her and shes like my mom. She keeps me going and shes just so positive.

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Irma Ariza, a fashionista volunteer helping women Dress for Success every day

We have our blood family and then we have our community of family, and I really believe in every person Ive met as a part of my family and there are even people in this world that I havent that that are part of the family of humanity, Van Heukelom said. And so, if theres anything I can do in this space to make humanity better. That is my job.

A job done by a mom, wife, and friend that many would say is remarkable.

I want people to know that that I care about them, Van Heukelom said. How we greet somebody matters. How we how we communicate with somebody matters. Again, it doesnt have to come with a title, a position, a role. Its about humanity and how we interact with the people around us. All matters.

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For Van Heukelom, its just a way of living life. A gift she knows not to take for granted.

I find it remarkable that I get to be here today. I find it remarkable that I have opportunities, and I know that I have been given opportunities that other people dont. And so thats where the remarkable is.

Van Heukelom will head off on another transformational journey next month to Patagonia, Chile, with a team of 29 survivors and caregivers.

If you want to learn more about Above and Beyond Cancer, 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 who13.com.
BALTIMORE  Maryland Republicans say President Donald Trump is getting unfair blame from Democrats for the states economic woes.

The Democrat-controlled Maryland government is trying to blame their disastrous $3 billion budget deficit on President Trump, Maryland Republican Congressman Andy Harris said in an X post on Monday. The truth is, Democrats in Annapolis have spent recklessly and taxed aggressively. This is classic Democrat misdirection  create a mess, then point fingers at anyone but themselves.

Harris comment follows criticism from top Democratic politicians in Maryland about Trumps financial impact on the state. While Democrats denounce Trumps tariffs and cuts to federal spending and agencies, Republicans note that Maryland  under Democratic control  has been grappling with a multibillion-dollar deficit since before Trump took office.

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We came into session on Jan. 8 with a $3 billion deficit  but Donald Trump wasnt president on Jan. 8, said Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready, a Republican representing Carroll and Frederick counties.

Ready added that its possible some federal actions could end up meaning less revenue, for Maryland. But that should have been, and was, expected at some point no matter who the president was, Ready said, adding that the federal government cant just continue to balloon its debt.

Pointing fingers

In his Sunday appearance on CBS News Face the Nation, Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Trumps 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico will have a disastrous impact on the states economy, including harm to businesses, the port and farmers on the Eastern Shore.

Were already seeing the impacts of these disastrous and, frankly, not very well-thought-out policies when it comes to tariffs, Moore told CBS.

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In an emailed statement to The Baltimore Sun, Harris said the Moore administration should focus on his Democrat-controlled Maryland General Assembly and their efforts to hurt all of the Eastern Shore and Maryland farmers by mandating solar on rural agricultural land, by excessive regulations, by burdening the poultry industry, and by not rejecting the new business-to-business tax.

The business-to-business tax is sponsored by Democrat Del. David Moon of Montgomery County and would impose a 2.5% tax on businesses that provide services to other companies. Moore said Monday he will not agree to a broad business service tax.

Ready accused Moore of finger-pointing.

If he wants to point fingers at anybody, he could point fingers at his own party in the General Assembly because thats really the decisions that have been made over the course of several years that have helped to get us to this point, Ready said. And then the governor himself did not do anything to retrench in the first couple of years either.

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Ready added that Virginia has more federal employees as a percentage of its state workforce than Maryland but without a massive budget deficit.

This is a Maryland problem, Ready said.

Republican Del. Nic Kipke of Anne Arundel County said the budget deficit was caused by Marylands multibillion-dollar education plan, the Blueprint for Marylands Future.

All Republicans in the legislature voted against the bill and Governor Hogan vetoed the bill because the state cant afford it, Kipke said in an email. We are seeing the consequences of the Democrats in the legislature who overrode his veto and put these funding increases in motion.

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Moores senior press secretary, Carter Elliott, said in an email, Having been in the legislature for over a decade, Sen. Ready and Del. Kipke are likely well aware that Marylands structural deficit has been long predicted  since 2017. He added, While its clear the governor inherited an economic flatline, he is committed to growing Marylands economy by investing in working Marylanders, industries of the future, and businesses across the state.

Moore also will continue working to ensure the long term success and sustainability of Marylands Blueprint for the Future, Elliott said.

Blame on both sides

Republicans are right to point out Marylands budget deficit hit before Trumps second term, said Roger Hartley, dean of the University of Baltimores College of Public Affairs. But Democrats are also right to note that if there was a hole now, theres going to be a massive hole coming, and its due to the Trump administration, he said.

Flavio Hickel, associate professor of political science at Washington College, said theres plenty of blame to go around to both sides of the political spectrum.

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There likely has been some overspending in certain areas, and people can have reasonable disagreements about whether those were necessary expenditures that are worth the debt they carry, Hickel said.

Federal job cuts affecting workers in Maryland could mean more state services will be required while the state also takes in fewer taxes, Hickel said. There are also concerns that Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts could mean the federal government will contribute less to state programs like Medicaid, he said.

In addition, tariffs could have negative impacts in Maryland since the state relies heavily on the port for a variety of industries, Hickel said.

Recession fears

Marylands Democratic Senate President, Bill Ferguson, warned last week that the state may be heading into a statewide recession and said the Trump administration is making voluntary choices that have a hugely negative impact on Maryland.

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He also said that all options are on the table moving forward  including the business-to-business tax  when it comes to balancing the budget and protecting against the looming cuts coming from the Trump Administration.

Ready said he thinks it is possible the state could head into a recession.

I dont know how possible, he said. I think preparing for the worst and hoping for the best is usually a good strategy, at least from a planning perspective.

He added that if the state is going into a recession, then raising taxes should not be the solution.

Thats all theyre talking about down here is, What taxes can we raise? he said. If were serious that we think were gonna go into recession, you do not want to raise taxes  certainly you dont want to raise taxes on job creators in a recession, for sure.

Ferguson did not respond to a request for comment, and Moores office referred The Sun to Moores Monday comments about the business-to-business tax.

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MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  A convicted child sex abuser will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

Garry Lee Giles, 82, plead guilty to five felony counts of gross sexual imposition after he was indicted for rape, gross sexual imposition, and distribution of pornography in Jan. 2024.

Hell be 106 years old before he can get out of prison, Union County Prosecutor David Phillips said. We dont think hes going to make it out and really, thats our goal. This case is particularly disturbing because not only was it a no remorse, but he really tended to blame the kids for everything.

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Phillips has been lead prosecutor in Union County since 2005. Hes led the prosecution of many child sex abuse cases, but this one stands out because of the defendants behavior.

One of the particularly disturbing things, from my perspective, is his focus on blaming the children, Phillips said. He, repeatedly to the detective, even the pre-sentence investigation blame the children for this. Now were talking between 5 and 9 years old.

Phillips said at least three other alleged victims of Giles came forward during the investigation. They accused Giles of sexual abuse dating back at least 45 years. Phillips believes he got away with the abuse until now, including the two victims who came forward last year, since 2019.

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Sometimes in the inter-family situations, its not reported or its not even if it is reported, its not disclosed to authorities, Phillips said.

He had this advice for parents to teach their children, empowering them to stand up for themselves. He calls it the No. Go. Tell method.

Community mourns teen killed in Franklinton shooting

Say no, go leave the situation if theyre able to do so, and then tell a trusted adult as soon as something happens, Phillips said. Thats something thats easy for kids to remember. Yeah. No, Go and Tell.

How does an alleged abuser go unchecked for so long? Dr. Kristin Crichton with Nationwide Childrens Hospital has been working with child sex abuse victims and survivors for about 15 years. She said the biggest thing when it comes to child sexual abuse is belief.

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It may come out slowly and it may not fully make sense, but the most important thing for children that have experienced sexual abuse is that the person that they tell believes them, Crichton said. Ask open-ended questions and believe what they tell you. Try and always be a safe space for your child to come to. So, you know, as a parent, making sure the kids know that theyre not going to get in trouble if theyre seeking help or if theyre seeking guidance. We know from research that the best way to help kids recover from abuse is to have a supportive environment.

Crichton said what parents can look for in their children to tell if something may be off. She said there are often signs of abuse and it starts with behavior.

The biggest one to look for is a change in behavior, she said. So, a lot of times kids will start kind of withdrawing from regular daily activities. They may appear scared or anxious. They can also kind of seem depressed. Alternatively, some kids may act out. A child not telling right away is, is unfortunately very common. It can take days, weeks, months, even years for children to be able to explain what happened to them.

Crichton agrees with Phillips No. Go. Tell. method. She said setting boundaries for your children is important, as well as empowering them to make decisions about their bodies.

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Even if the child is being approached by an adult that wants to give them a hug, if a kid doesnt want a hug, its okay to say no, she said.

The data surrounding child sexual abuse is startling. Crichton said, We know that over 90% of perpetrators of child sexual abuse are known to the child. So, not a stranger, someone they know. And about 35% are a relative.

Experts suggest calling law enforcement or child protective services immediately if a child reports sexual abuse.

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Do more and do it faster. Thats the message from some Massachusetts environmental groups to state officials on energy bills

On Tuesday they sent a letter to Governor Maura Healey and Secretary Rebecca Tepper with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The letter included the steps they believe will save people more money now.

Its not fast enough to help with energy burden, said Vick Mohanka with the Sierra Club Massachusetts.

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As soaring bills have busted many budgets this winter, the Sierra Club MA and other environmental justice groups sent a letter to the state Tuesday with 7 seven action items to reduce those costs and reliance on fossil fuels.

Item one, reduce spending on infrastructure under the gas safety enhancement plan.

Its 100% on our bills and were paying more profits on this than other states, said Mohanka

Mohanka says while the Massachusetts grid is old and some safety enhancements are necessary, consumers today shouldnt fund decades of future service.

The letter also asks for an end to ratepayer-funded gas line extensions. The groups claim, Massachusetts gas customers were charged $160 million to hook up additional buildings to the gas system, an average cost of nearly $10,000 per new customer for infrastructure that only serves those customers.

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And it says in hidden in distribution charges. gas companies are charging ratepayers for their lobbying, advertising, and other expenses

Almost 6 billion dollars were gonna save, money back to you, said Governor Maura Healey on March 10th in Lowell during an event to unveil her administrations energy affordability agenda.

It includes a $50 credit on April energy bills, automatic enrollment in discount plans based on income, and a $500 million dollar cut to the Mass Save program which rebates drive energy efficiency.

I did a few weeks ago ask that we take a look at that, in this moment that were in the high prices and volatility and thats why we saw some savings come off of Mass Save, Healey said during the event.

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The Mass Save rate goes toward reducing our energy consumption and reliance on gas the distribution rate is where the profits are for the utility companies, says Mohanka.

The Governors team is drafting an energy affordability bill for this session. Her office provided the following statement to Boston 25 News:

Energy costs are too high in Massachusetts and Governor Healey is focused on bringing them down. Governor Healey has already taken action to lower peoples bills by $220 million in March and April, and her plan would save nearly $6 billion for electric and gas customers over the next five years. She also agrees that more needs to be done. Governor Healey will be filing legislation in the coming weeks to lower costs further, and she appreciates everyones ideas and advocacy on this important issue. spokesperson for Governor Healey's office

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A fire that severely damaged a building in South End over the weekend has raised concerns, particularly as records show that the property had several unresolved fire code violations from as recent as June 2024.

On Saturday morning, March 15, Charlotte Fire Department crews were called to Morehead Social at 300 E. Morehead Street, responding to reports of heavy smoke coming from the building. The fire broke out in the basement, quickly escalating into a 3-alarm situation.

By 8 a.m., fire officials were evacuating the building for safety reasons, and the situation worsened when structural concerns led to a roof collapse. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, though the fire caused an estimated $150,000 in damages.

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PREVIOUS: Investigators struggling to find exact cause of 3-alarm fire at South End nightclub

But as fire investigators continue their work to determine the cause of the blaze, questions are being raised about safety issues at the property prior to the fire.

During a June 20, 2024, inspection of the building, Charlotte Fire confirmed several serious fire code violations were noted. Among the violations were:

A compressed gas cylinder that was not properly secured

A fire extinguisher that required servicing

The failure to display the required Charlotte Fire permit

A malfunctioning hood extinguishing system

An incomplete fire suppression system with an unverified test certificate

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Despite follow-up attempts by the Charlotte Fire Department on September 13, October 16, and November 25, 2024, the business had not responded to address these violations, leaving some to wonder if these issues contributed to the severity of the fire.

(Credit: Charlotte Fire Department)

Local resident Taylor Fourticq, who lives nearby, noticed the smoke early on Saturday, recalling, At first, we thought it might be in our building because we smelled smoke. Im from California, so Im very familiar with the smell of smoke.

Fourticq was not the only one impacted  traffic disruptions were widespread, as parts of E. Morehead Street from Euclid Avenue to South Tryon Street were closed, and Charlotte Area Transit System halted its Blue Line light rail service between CTC and Carson Street stations. Passengers were advised to use CATS buses as an alternative.

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While battling the blaze, the roof and upper-level floor of the building collapsed, creating further challenges for firefighters working to extinguish the flames. Heavy equipment was used to locate hot spots and ensure the fire was fully under control by 10:23 a.m. However, this collapse has complicated the investigation, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire.

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson praised the efforts of the first responders, stating, The dedication and quick action of our firefighters prevented what could have been a far worse outcome. Their ability to make decisive, tactical decisions under extreme conditions speaks to their training and professionalism. Im incredibly proud of their commitment.

As investigators work to unravel what led to the fire, the unresolved fire code violations serve as a reminder of the critical role building safety plays in preventing such disasters.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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NEW YORK  Mayor Eric Adams received just over $36,000 in donations for his reelection campaign in the past two months, the lowest single period haul he has had to date and the worst fundraising performance out of all the candidates running to unseat him this year, a new filing reveals.

The filing, released Tuesday, raises serious questions about Adams reelection chances, which have already been hobbled by his record low approval ratings, ongoing federal corruption indictment and the Campaign Finance Boards decision to deny him public matching funds due to his criminal case.

Though he took in a total of $36,121, the net amount reported for the latest span was $18,967 as Adams returned $21,450 in previous donations, the filing shows. That included refunding a $3,800 over-the-limit contribution from Brock Pierce, the billionaire businessman whos close with Adams and has played a role in introducing him to President Donald Trumps orbit amid his legal troubles.

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The previously worst fundraising stretch Adams had was $212,000 for the period that ended Oct. 7, weeks after Manhattan feds indicted him on corruption charges that Trumps Justice Department is now seeking to dismiss, a move that has caused a political crisis for the mayor.

The cash Adams accepted in the most recent window, between Jan. 12 and March 13, came from 38 donors. Just 12 of them gave the max $2,100, and none of them are public figures.

Among Adams new supporters is a registered Republican. Hes the one candidate I like, Andrew Razzore, a GOP voter on Staten Island, told The News Tuesday when asked why he gave $1,500 to Adams this month, citing his stance on migrants and the NYPD.

The latest filing is a far cry from Adams days of courting maxed-out donations from celebrities and fellow elected officials during his successful 2021 mayoral run. It also contrasts with some of Adams top opponents in Junes Democratic mayoral primary, including ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who raked in more than 400 maxed-out donations in the most recent period, including from former Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman.

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On the expenditure side, Adams campaign shelled out $145,326 over the past two months, meaning he ran a big deficit and leaving him with $3 million in cash on hand, less than several of his primary challengers whose accounts are padded by hundreds of thousands of dollars in matching funds.

One of the Adams campaigns largest expenses in the period was $20,000 in consult payments to the firm of Brianna Suggs, a longtime Adams aide whose Brooklyn home was raided by federal investigators in late 2023.

The Suggs raid hurtled the federal investigation into Adams Turkish government ties into the public spotlight, a probe he was indicted in about a year later, becoming the first sitting New York City mayor in modern history to face criminal charges. Suggs exact role on the campaign remains unclear, as Adams said shortly after the raid she would no longer spearhead his fundraising operation.

Todd Shapiro, a PR veteran recently tapped as Adams reelection effort spokesman on a volunteer basis, didnt comment directly on the latest fundraising filing Tuesday, but said his teams focused on convincing the Campaign Finance Board to reverse its decision to deny him matching funds.

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We remain focused on running a campaign that reflects integrity, transparency and the trust that New Yorkers have placed in Mayor Adams, Shapiro said.

Cuomo, who has for months polled as the favorite to win the June 24 mayoral primary, raised more than $1.5 million from some 2,700 donors in the two weeks after he launched his campaign on March 1, his latest filing released Monday shows. Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a socialist whos courting significant support for his mayoral bid from left-leaning voters, raised more than $840,000 in the most recent stretch from some 13,000 individual donors, per his filing, also released Monday.

Adams latest filing was released first Tuesday because his team submitted it after the Campaign Finance Boards final Monday night upload.

Besides flagging fundraising numbers, Adams hasnt racked up endorsements from high-profile elected officials, opened a campaign office or participated in any mayoral debates, even as the primary looms just three months away.

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On Monday, amid speculation about whether hes mounting a serious reelection effort, Adams didnt rule out running as an independent candidate in Novembers general election should he lose the primary.

A serious candidate would be out raising money and getting endorsements, making the case, Chris Coffey, a New York political strategist who used to work for ex-Mayor Michael Bloomberg, said after Adams latest fundraising filing. Hes not doing any of those things.

Still, Adams latest filing does show he has taken some campaign steps.

The filing says his campaign paid My Brnd, a consulting firm, $67,000 for petitioning services in the past two months. Petitioning is the process of gathering thousands of signatures from city voters required to get your name on the primary ballot.

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BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  Mayor Eric Adams said his goal is to have a cellphone ban policy in place by next school year.

We strongly believed cellphones should be banned in school, Adams said at a mental health event inside P.S. 35 in the Bronx. The science is clear that cellphones are really distracting our students, our teachers, and its adding to bullying. It creates an unhealthy environment.

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The mayor has been carefully considering a cellphone ban for some time, but the new comments are his strongest to date in favor of the ban. PIX 11s Henry Rosoff followed up asking if a policy would be in place by the next school year in the fall of 2025.

That is the goal, Adams said.

He added that Governor Kathy Hochul has already allocated some funding to help with any infrastructure necessary. However, Adams believes the city will need to come up with additional dollars as well.

Adams stressed that he does not have a firm idea of what the policy should look like just yet. He said a number of schools within the system are already piloting programs, and he wants to continue to engage with stakeholders like students, parents, teachers and more.

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After pushing Chicago contractors to voluntarily reduce their prices, Mayor Brandon Johnson defended the request Tuesday as standard procedure.

Johnsons remarks came after Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts sent emails to prime contractors doing business with the city last Wednesday asking for a price reduction of minimally 3% off all invoices sent to the city for the next twelve months off any contracts you currently hold.

In her note, Roberts asked contractors to respond within five business days even if you are not able to accommodate the request at this time. The request should have come as no surprise after being baked into the citys 2025 budget passed in December, Johnson argued at a Tuesday news conference.

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This has always, long been a part of our conversation, he said.

Thanks to a last-minute agreement that helped the City Council and Johnson pass a budget without layoffs or property tax hikes, City Hall is counting on $8.6 million from a contract savings initiative this year. The amount is a sliver of the $286.3 million in overall operational efficiencies the city is counting on to balance its books after facing a nearly $1 billion gap.

Some ratings agencies have expressed skepticism about the citys assumptions for revenue and efficiencies. Roberts said the administration has seen great responses to the request. But we intend most of our responses will be coming by the end of this week, she added.

The move is not without precedent: Mayor Richard M. Daley worked to negotiate voluntary price reductions from existing contractors, with modest success, the Tribune previously reported. Mayor Rahm Emanuel tried again amid his own budget troubles, hiring the firm Accenture to find efficiencies in existing contracts and dangling the threat of terminating contracts for convenience if vendors didnt play ball.

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Budget Director Annette Guzman pointed to Emanuels decision to budget similar efficiencies, describing Johnsons request as a regular occurrence. When asked if Emanuels government actually realized the savings it assumed it would get in its budget, she said she would respond to the question later.

But I will say, we dont give lip service to what we put in our budget, Guzman said. The City Council is expecting us to be able to meet our budget targets. Were going to implement and be held accountable for the initiatives that we put in our budget.

Council committees and ward budgets also took a 3% cut and Johnsons budget team also requested departments cut 3% from their corporate fund expenses, though not all did. It was a figure small enough to avoid layoffs, but big enough to earn the ire of Ald. Raymond Lopez, 15th, who first publicized Roberts letter. A frequent mayoral antagonist, Lopez asked in a social media post, The question now: Who is getting the 3% whack next week?

Even Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st, largely a mayoral ally, warned vendors against taking the bait. He called the ask indelicate and a bad idea in a video posted to social media Friday.

You signed a contract with the city  youre under no obligation to reduce your rates, particularly to our valued partners in the (Minority-owned Business Enterprise), (Women-owned Business Enterprise) spaces, he said. Keep your contracts, keep them.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The community at the Hungry Hill Senior Center took part in the Saint Patricks Day festivities on Monday.

How Chicopee school lunches are impacted by federal cuts

Some of the seniors at Hungry Hill were born and raised in Ireland, and they are thankful to be surrounded by people on this day who recognize Irish culture. City council members and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno were among those who joined the celebration on Monday.

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Seniors dressed in green and enjoyed a traditional lunch. The menu featured a corned beef sandwich and green lemonade.

One resident, Ann Baker, was born and raised in Ireland, moving to the United States in 1956.

It makes me feel like Im actually back home in Ireland, Baker said. They have the Irish music, and I always do cook the corned beef and cabbage.

Irish dancers from the Black Rose Academy also made a special appearance. From tots to teens, the dancers got the room clapping to the beat of their taps.

Mayor Sarno said he comes to this event each year, bringing an Irish winea tradition now an integral part of this special day.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY)  McAteers Restaurant got in the Irish spirit for St. Patricks Day this year serving things like corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes all day along with decorations and customers all decked out in green.

Fairmont resident Larry Koay came with his bagpipe to perform for the restaurant. Owner Tim McAteer told 12 News about his pride in his Irish heritage and about the history of Irish people in north central West Virginia, saying that many Irish people came to work for the railroad in Mannington. He also talked about how the location right across the street from McAteers was formally an Irish dairy farm that operated for many years.

North Marion High School Marching Band to perform in Pearl Harbor Parade

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McAteers family started the restaurant in 1958, and since then, theyve developed a local clientele from the nearby university and hospital. The restaurants St. Patricks Day tradition started after McAteer visited Ireland in the 80s and wanted to bring a piece of Ireland back home.

McAteer said that north central West Virginia actually reminds him of Ireland.

If you go to Ireland and you see it, you know why they came here. We have the same green fields, we have the same beautiful structure, McAteer said. It was jobs but then it was also the scenery, and the landscape is just similar.

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(WHTM)  Senator Dave McCormick announced that the application portal for Pennsylvanians interested in his nomination to one of four U.S. service academies for the class of 2030 will open on April 7.

Applicants will need to be nominated to be eligible for appointment to a U.S. service academy of choice, according to McCormick.

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As a combat veteran and a West Point graduate, I know how critical the Academy nomination process is to ensure our service academy cohorts are exceptional and battle-ready, McCormick said. It is an extraordinary honor to be accepted to a service academy, and our rigorous process to select these appointees will reflect that. Attending West Point changed my life, and Im thrilled to have the opportunity to play a role in the selection process for the next generation of outstanding military officers.

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McCormick said that members of Congress are responsible for nominating candidates for appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

It is important to note that individuals applying to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy do not need a congressional nomination for appointment.

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Photo from Florida Sky Watchers Facebook page

A bipartisan group of Florida lawmakers has advanced a bill to ban weather-modification projects identified by some conspiracy theorists as chemtrails.

The measure (SB 56), sponsored by Miami Republican Ileana Garcia, would prohibit the injection, release, or dispersion of any means of a chemical, chemical compound, substance, or apparatus into the atmosphere for the purpose of affecting the climate.

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Many of us senators receive concerns, complaints, on a regular basis regarding these condensation trails, a/k/a chemtrails to many, Garcia said Tuesday in introducing the measure to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government.

There is a lot of skepticism in regard to this and, basically, what I wanted to do with this is try to separate fact from fiction and to start to create a methodology where people feel comfortable by confirming what it is that theyre seeing, creating a system to log, track, investigate if necessary.

The proposal says that anyone who observes such a geoengineering or weather modification activity may report it to the Department of Environmental Protection via a phone call, email, or old-fashioned mail. That agency in turn may refer such reports to either the Department of Health or the Division of Emergency Management when appropriate.

A statute already on the books bans individuals from attempting to affect the weather without a license from the state. Garcias measure would make the offense a second-degree misdemeanor with a penalty up to $100,000.

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Similar proposals have been heard in other state legislatures this year, including in Arizona and Utah. Tennessee passed such a measure last year.

Chemtrails are actually contrails  short for condensation trails formed when hot jet exhaust containing water vapor hits supercold air at high altitudes and turns into ice.

The Florida bill passed committee on Tuesday on a 10-2 vote, with the two dissenting votes from Democrats Lori Berman of South Florida and Central Floridas Kristen Arrington.

The third Democrat on the committee, South Floridas Jason Pizzo, said he went into the meeting intending to make fun of the sponsor but was persuaded to support the measure in part because of the testimony of Bradford L. Thomas, who recently resigned after serving for 20 years as a judge on the Florida First District Court of Appeal and previously was public safety policy coordinator for former Gov. Jeb Bush. He said that Garcia should increase the penalties for those found guilty of violating the proposal as a felony.

Dimming the sun?

This is not about cloud seeding. It is not about helping farmers. This is about prohibiting the injection of aerosols into the atmosphere  for reflecting sunlight back into space. It is essentially an attempt to reduce what some consider to be man-made global warming.

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Its an attempt to dim the sun. Its an attempt at sun dimming, Thomas said, adding that he believed that was a theory espoused by Bill Gates.

Gates has indeed invested in a such a venture.

Sen. Pizzo asked, if the judges thesis was accurate, who was spending the money to do this and to what end?

Thomas said it is federal taxpayers funding the effort to the tune of approximately $6.5 billion, and said he assumed people are being paid by federal funds to make such flights. He did not provide more information to back up his assertions.

South Florida Sen. Barbara Sharief joined Pizzo as the only other Democrat supporting the measure.

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Speaking out to oppose the measure as drafted was Augustus Doricko, founder of Rainmaker Technology Corp., a cloud seeding geoengineering startup that aims to create water abundance in the United States.

Doricko said he didnt oppose the spirit of the bill but only the current configuration, which he said would impede the mission of ending water scarcity.

Garcias bill has one more committee stop in the Senate.

The House companion (HB 477) filed by Pasco County Republican Kevin Steele has yet to be heard by any committee in that chamber.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
My name is Wilfred Beal. I am a candidate for mayor of Jackson, Mississippi. I come before you asking for your support and your vote.

Jackson has a brighter future, and we may have to move away from status quo. That means crossing the road to better confines. I ask that you see the vision where Jackson can go. I ask that you dream the dream that we are headed to the promise land.

As mayor, I want to develop a collaboration corporation for support of our investment. I want to invest into this city. I want to invest into our airport. I want to invest into structuring our infrastructure so that it will serve our citizens to the highest degree.

We are engaged in a vision that will help our people reach economic mobility. We want to build a new government center, multi-storage city hall. We want to bring the environment of festivities to the City of Jackson.

Again, vote to make a difference. Again, vote for Wilfred Beal to dream the impossible dream. Thank you!
Melinda French Gates emphasizes that billionaires shouldn't be seen as a monolith and that not every business titan needs a massive audience to demonstrate the value of their work. She also prioritized giving her children a grounded upbringing by having them use her maiden name in school and ensuring they experienced a sense of normalcy despite their family's immense wealth.

Melinda French Gate's ex-husband might be one of the most famous entrepreneurs on the planet, but she doesn't believe that being a billionaire automatically consigns an individual to a certain stereotype.

President Trump's inauguration demonstrated that something of an alliance was forming between some of the world's richest men.

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) stood beside Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, who himself was shoulder-to-shoulder with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Beside Bezos and his partner Lauren Sanchez was Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan. Apple's Tim Cook was also in attendance.

Notably missing from the line-up of Magnificent 7 bosses and founders was Gates, as well as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Nvidia founder Jensen Huang.

In the run-up to and days since Trump's inauguration, some of the most powerful men on the planet have rallied around the White House. Others, like Gates, have met with the President but have also cautioned the Oval Office.

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In a time of "masculine energy" at Meta and bromances between former Big Tech rivals, French Gates told Elle this week that billionaires shouldn't be seen as a single entity.

When asked about the message being sent to the public by the coalition of tech titans, French Gates said: I think its really important to not see billionaires as a monolith.

And not all of them need to stand on a stage to talk about or to demonstrate what theyre doing.

This might be news to the world's richest man, Musk, who frequently found himself on stage during Trump's presidential campaign.

More recently, Musk shared headline spots with Argentina's President Javier Milei, who wielded a chainsaw on stage in Washington D.C.

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French Gates drew criticism from Musk for her support of former President Biden, but isn't alone in being the ex-wife of a billionaire denounced by the SpaceX founder.

Musk has also criticized the work of Mackenzie Scott, who was previously married to Bezos, calling aspects of her philanthropic work "concerning."

French Gates's philanthropic work focuses on supporting and empowering women and girls around the world, and added it's important to have equality throughout every echelon of power.

She explained: Men make certain decisionsnot necessarily bad decisions, but decisions based on their lens on society, right?

Growing up with the Gates name

With Bill Gates worth an estimated $162 billion and French Gates worth an estimated $30 billion, it might have been easy for their children to lose sight of what reality looks like for the general public.

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To make sure their children didn't fall foul of seeing their lives as part of a billionaires club, French Gates established some practices to give her offspring a more normal childhood.

This began in elementary school, with her three children using her maiden name 'French' as their surname.

By middle school, her kids were old enough to pick the moniker they went under. French Gates revealed her eldest daughter, Jennifer, chose to use her father's surname in middle school, adding "she felt she was ready to take that name on."

The couple's son, Rory, stuck with the surname French throughout middle and high school.

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French Gates explained: I just tried to keep them in the real world and point things out to them as much as possible. We had real discussions about how our family was different, but you shouldnt think any more of yourself because of that.

This included keeping billionaire tech titan Gates out of the limelight at the start of the academic year.

French Gates encouraged her former husband to do the school drop-off, commencing from the third week of term, so her children had time to settle in before their billionaire philanthropist father appeared at the bus line.

We got about two weeks where we were just the Frenches. People saw that we were normal," she explained.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Mar. 17LAS CRUCES  Two Air Force members are concluding their service and exploring civilian careers working on film production crews in southern New Mexico.

Angela McAllister and David Murphy work as production assistants through SkillBridge, a Department of Defense program helping service members enter the workforce during their final months of active duty. Both applied for internships with Film Las Cruces, a nonprofit local film industry liaison working with the New Mexico Film Office and local municipalities.

To qualify as a SkillBridge employer, Film Las Cruces must apply on an annual basis and demonstrate, as Murphy puts it, "what they're going to do to enable you to succeed over the time that you're with them."

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Murphy, who will retire from the Air National Guard in June with 25 years of service, first in the Marines and then in the Air National Guard, traveled to New Mexico from his base in Maryland to get his feet wet in the industry. Murphy came to the job with prior experience in photography and journalism as well as a script for a film he intends to produce one day.

McAllister, for her part, is jumping into a profession new to her. She is set to retire in July after 20 years in the Air Force, and is based at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo.

"I'm still working on figuring out where I want to end up  what I want to be when I grow up in the film industry," she said .

As production assistants, both have worked on multiple projects in the region, transporting props and set pieces, shuttling actors from base camp to shooting locations, coordinating overlapping teams working on tight schedules and many other tasks. Murphy also serves as a set photographer, gathering images that may be used in documentary or promotional materials.

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"It's really been like film school for me in many ways," Murphy said. "Even if you do go to film school, they will tell you there is no better learning experience than being on a set."

In 2024, the SkillBridge program accepted 193 applicants from Holloman Air Force Base with 60 receiving job offers. Currently, 41 service members based at Holloman are participating in the program with different employers.

Film liaison Andrew Jara said Film Las Cruces has welcomed six to 10 service members via SkillBridge over the years. "We are one of the only arts industries in SkillBridge," he said in an interview at his downtown office. "We're able to get people to learn crew, learn how to be on set. We also get help in the office."

Jara said SkillBridge members often work alongside interns from high school or college, and are often better used to maintaining discipline and focus through the long hours, complex operations and deadline pressure.

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Murphy and McAllister also underscored parallels between job training in their military experience and the demands of film production.

"You've got to get the job done, as safely as possible," McAllister said. "Do it correct, do it proper, do it safe. Make the mission happen  in this case, make the vision happen."

McAllister lived in Mississippi in 2005 when she enlisted in the Air Force, where she said the world of moviemaking seemed a world away. Seeing Film Las Cruces among the employers working with SkillBridge sparked her curiosity. Since then, she has found herself behind and even in front of the camera as a background performer.

Her interest has focused, she said, on set decoration, prop design and preparing locations, "where you actually get to literally set the scene. That seems like a lot of fun to me."

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Murphy plans to return to Maryland once he completes his internship and leaves the military, to seek work in his home region. Jara said other interns, having made connections and friends in southern New Mexico, may decide to join the local film industry's burgeoning workforce.

"As we're growing and expanding, now productions can hire only out of Las Cruces, which is great," Jara said. "Now we have enough that producers don't have to go to Albuquerque, necessarily."

This story has been corrected to clarify a geographical detail.
A local university program is expanding in an effort to introduce high school students to life on a college campus.

The AIM program is the autism initiative at Mercyhurst that is a support program for college students on the autism spectrum.

Erie County rolling out new 911 registry for citizens with special needs

About 70 students are currently a part of the program at Mercyhurst University ranging from freshman to graduate students.

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A representative of the university said there have been inquiries from younger students who are in high school and are looking to prepare for college

The program expansion offers a one-week summer program called ignite and will allow students to live on campus and experience university life.

Wells installed to help clean up LORD-Shope superfund site

Its a great outreach of our mission and our support for students who are autistic and wanting to go through the college experience many are unsure if they are ready and capable of going through that, said Ryan Palm, executive director of the Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity. And a program like this really helps them determine is this a good fit for them it builds the confidence so they can make that transition to college.

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For more information check out their website here.

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Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next leader, said that 3 billion ($3.3 billion) in additional aid for Ukraine could be released by Friday.

The money would flow following a vote in the lower house of parliament on Tuesday on a massive spending plan and easing of the country's strict fiscal rules.

The parties pushing the package said they have the needed support to pass the measures. It must also pass the upper house or Bundesrat, where a vote is set for Friday.

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If the plan goes through, the Ukraine aid is likely to be the first direct consequence.

Merz made his comments at a meeting of the parliamentary group of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU) in Berlin on Tuesday morning, according to participants in that meeting.
A Stockbridge man was arrested in connection to a sex trafficking investigation.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to officials, a 16-year-old girl was reported missing in Gwinnett County. The Fulton County Sheriffs Office said the teen was found at an extended hotel in Union City with 22-year-old Unique Patterson of Stockbridge.

Authorities said at the time of her recovery, there were ads on adult websites advertising commercial sex dating back to January of this year.

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The FCSO said the teen was medically cleared at a local hospital and put into the care of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services.

TRENDING STORIES:

I want to be clear, the exploitation of minors will not be tolerated, says Sheriff Pat Labat. I want to commend our investigators working with other local, state, and federal partners to protect the innocent and bring those who prey on vulnerable populations to justice.

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Patterson was arrested and transported to the Fulton County Jail. Hes charged with interference with custody.

The investigation is ongoing with more charges expected.

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DONNA, Texas (Border Report)  A wildfire that started in Mexico hopped the wide Rio Grande and was burning in South Texas on Monday.

The fire first crossed the river on Sunday night but Donna Fire Chief David Simmons tells Border Report that they had it under control after it burned over 40 acres.

Killing site in Jalisco, Mexico just the latest in a long series of gruesome discoveries

Then on Monday morning it reignited, spurred by high winds that are hitting this are near the Gulf Coast.

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Look at the winds. It doesnt take much. Thats why were always out there trying to educate the public about burning trash. A little ember is going to float, Simmons told Border Report.

Behind him, a row of palm trees were catching fire and igniting every few minutes for several hours as the fire was making a slow march toward Military Highway  the most southern highway in Texas.

Crews respond to a fire along the border in Donna, Texas. (Sandra Sanchez/Border Report)

This is an area near the Santa Anna National Wildlife Refuge.

Its also an area where federal officials are starting to build new segments of border wall.

A contract for $70 million was recently secured to rebuild 7 miles of border wall in Hidalgo County.

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Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol spokeswoman Christina Smallwood confirmed to Border Report on Monday that the area is near Donna.

Trucks carrying bundles of bollards could be seen on the border levee on Monday and the drivers were turned back by fire officials as the smoke grew thick and was spreading quickly.

Its burnt right up to the river. The last night fire that we had we were actually on the bank of the water so its right there. And again its our safety too, Simmons said.

He said he had to have his fire troops retreat Sunday night around 10 p.m. because it was too dark to safely see the smoldering sections.

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Border Report Live: How green-card holders avoid deportation

State and federal officials on Monday sent resources.

Simmons and several other local firefighting agencies were battling the fire along with help from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Texas AM Forest Service.

By evening over 130 acres had burned Monday, Abbie Tijerina with Texas A&M Forest Service told Border Report.

The fire was 75% contained, she said.

However, a quick glimpse on the other side of the border wall showed acres and acres of border landscape completely charred.

Thats where fire officials had their command post for much of the day.

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Simmons said the concern with containing the fire near Santa Anna National Wildlife Refuge is that its located on a part of the Rio Grande where it curves and with these high winds embers could easily fly across from Mexico again and reignite more brush.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.

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Mexican authorities say they have arrested Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, an alleged leader of the MS-13 gang who is on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Roman-Bardales was arrested on the Teocelo-Baxtla highway in Veracruz, according to a joint statement from the Attorney General, the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Guard.

He was informed of the reason for his arrest, his legal rights were read to him, and he will be transferred to Mexico City, before the corresponding authority, and subsequently deported to the United States, where he is wanted, the statement added.

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CNN has reached out to Mexican authorities for more information, including whether the detainee has legal representation.

Asked for comment on the arrest and whether it was done at the request of the Trump administration, the FBI told CNN that it does not have a comment at this time.

According to the FBI, Roman-Bardales was allegedly involved in directing the criminal groups activities in the United States, Mexico and El Salvador, where he is originally from.

He is also accused of having ordered numerous acts of violence against civilians and rival gang members, as well as his role in drug distribution and extortion schemes in the United States and El Salvador.

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Roman-Bardales has been charged in the US with conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, narco-terrorist conspiracy, racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to traffic aliens.

A $250,000 reward had been offered for information leading to his arrest, according to the FBI.

The Trump administration has designated MS-13, which originated in Los Angeles, as a terrorist organization, along with other criminal groups.

Some current and former officials say designating cartels as terrorist groups could potentially lay the groundwork for direct US strikes against the cartels and their drug labs in Mexico.

CNNs Katherine Dautrich contributed to this report.

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MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico City lawmakers on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to ban violent bullfighting, triggering outrage from aficionados and celebration from animal rights advocates.

The legislation, approved by a 61-1 vote, prohibits the killing of bulls and the use of sharp objects that could injure the animals. It also sets time limits on how long bulls could be in the ring, all part of an initiative dubbed bullfighting without violence.

The decision sparked angry protests from bullfighting supporters and matadors, some of whom tried to breach a police barricade at the local Congress. Some carried signs that read Being a fan of la fiesta brava (bullfighting) is not a crime, its a point of pride.

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Meanwhile, Animal rights protesters and lawmakers pushing the bill celebrated, walking out onto the steps of Congress surrounded by police in riot gear, pumping their fists and carrying stuffed bull dolls.

It was either this or nothing," said Sofia Morin, an animal rights activist with the organization Culture Without Torture, Mexico Without Bullfighting, leading the initiative to change the laws. We prefer this because, without a doubt, it's a huge step in protecting animals.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada of the ruling Morena party echoed activists saying the decision would turn the Mexican capital into a place that respects the rights of animals.

Tuesdays vote appeared to be an attempt to broker a compromise between two warring sides of the debate after years of back-and-forth about the practice.

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Bullfighting has long been considered a tradition and a pastime in Latin American nations, but has come under criticism for animal cruelty because bulls are often killed at the end of the fight. Animal rights groups say that approximately 180,000 bulls are killed every year in bullfighting worldwide.

The tradition, which has long drawn big crowds to arenas across Mexico, was dealt a blow when a judge in Mexico City banned the practice in June 2022, shutting down an arena that has been billed as the worlds largest bullfighting ring. The judge ruled that bullfights violated city residents' rights to a healthy environment free from violence.

While animal rights advocates celebrated it as a victory, and a step toward ending the bloody tradition, bullfighters said it dealt an economic blow to the city. The National Association of Breeders of Fighting Bulls in Mexico says bullfighting generates 80,000 direct jobs, and 146,000 indirect jobs across the country. Overall, the industry generates approximately $400 million a year.

That was the concern for many in the crowd protesting the end of the violent fights, while others like Juan Pablo Pimienta screamed through a megaphone it's an activity where the fighting bull dies in a bullring. That's its nature. ... It is a beast."

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In 2023, Mexicos Supreme Court overturned the ban without explanation, allowing bullfighting arenas to be flooded once again with fans of the so-called fiesta brava.

On Tuesday, in a speech before the city's congress, Green Party lawmaker Jesus Sesma acknowledged that the decision would anger a segment of the citys population.

To those families who feel frustrated today, we're here to say that no one lost their job, he said. There was a middle ground to continue with these bullfighting spectacles, but now without violence.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
By Diego Ore

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico City's local congress on Tuesday passed a measure aiming to make bullfights much less harmful to bulls and matadors, a move applauded by animal rights activists but sharply criticized by fans of the centuries-old tradition.

The measure, among other things, will not allow bullfighters to use spades and swords to attack the animal, which in turn will have its horns covered to prevent injuries to humans.

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The bill, introduced by Mayor Clara Brugada of the ruling Morena party, passed with 61 votes in favor and one against.

Outside of the local congress, dozens of bullfighting fans clashed with police. Some broke past a barrier and attempted to force their way inside of the building. Other demonstrators held up signs announcing their respect for the bull.

On March 1, bullfighter Emilio Macias was seriously injured in the neighboring state of Tlaxcala after being pierced in the behind by a bull's horn.

"The aim is not to make bullfighting disappear, but evolve," lawmaker Victor Hugo Romo de Vivar said.

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Mayor Brugada celebrated the bill's passing on X, saying it was a step into turning the capital into "a city which respects animal rights, and which will not tolerate them being subjected to abuse or violence."

The bill will go into effect in 210 calendar days, giving the government time to issue new regulations on bullfighting.

Mexico City is home to the world's largest bullring, even larger than those in Spain, which birthed the tradition. Bullfighting in Mexico dates back to 1529 - the time of conquistador Hernan Cortes - in what is now Mexico City.

In recent years, several other Latin American countries have banned bullfighting. Last year, Colombia passed a measure to phase out bullfights by 2027.

(Reporting by Diego Ore; Additional reporting by Kylie Madry; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and David Gregorio)
Mar. 17The Trump administration appears to have disregarded a federal judge's order to delay deporting hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador Saturday, a move that concerns constitutional law experts in New Mexico.

The deportees were alleged Venezuelan gang members who the Trump administration tried to deport with the rarely used Alien Enemies Act, a centuries old wartime law last used for mass internment in the U.S. of people with Japanese ancestry during WWII. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ordered the Trump administration to bring two flights carrying the deportees back to the U.S. The administration did not comply, landing the planes with over 200 immigrants in El Salvador.

Boasberg held a hearing Monday, listening to evidence to help him determine if the order was violated. Another hearing is scheduled for Friday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that the administration did not violate the order.

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"All of the planes that were subject to the written order of this judge departed U.S. soil, U.S. territory, before the judge's written order," Leavitt said during a news briefing Monday.

The move is part of a larger pattern from the Trump administration of pushing the boundaries of executive power by trying to challenge Congress's constitutionally-held power to dictate federal spending.

"If you're a textualist and you believe in the founder's vision of the country, and you believe in the text of the Constitution  if you are that kind of a conservative like (former Supreme Court Justice Antonin) Scalia, you would be appalled at this situation, because this is not what the Founding Fathers had in mind," said Warigia Bowman, who teaches administrative law at the University of New Mexico. "The Founding Fathers wanted presidents and the Congress and the courts to each respect their jurisdiction."

While Congress makes laws and presidents implement them, the judicial system is tasked with interpreting laws. The executive branch ignoring court orders would undermine the balance of power between the three branches of government.

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"If a president can defy the law in pursuit of policies you like, then the next president can defy the law in pursuit of policies you hate. And since no president or party stays forever, we're all better off if presidents have to obey the law," said retired UNM constitutional law professor Peter Kierst.

It is highly unusual for a president to disregard a court order. More typically, an administration might be lukewarm about enforcing a court order it doesn't like, Bowman said.

"Nixon was asked to turn over the Watergate tapes, and he did it even though it meant the end of his presidency," Bowman said.

Bowman does not think the country has reached a constitutional crisis, "but we're going in that direction, because if the executive does not obey judicial orders, we have a separation of powers problem." Neither does Kierst.

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"But the courts themselves are fairly limited in their ability to enforce their own orders. And if Congress won't push back, and (Trump) defies the courts then, yeah, we're in a world of hurt," Kierst said. "And I don't see, quite frankly, this Congress showing any inclination at all to push back against the President's invasion of its authority."

Daniel Gomez, a New Mexico State University assistant professor of American politics, does think the country has reached a constitutional crisis.

"We're seeing obvious instances where this wanted separation of powers idea of checks and balances is on paper, but not in practice," Gomez said.

Congress could try to check executive branch power by writing more specific laws, Gomez said. The courts could do something similar by writing more specific orders, according to Bowman.

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Congress could more dramatically check the executive branch with impeachment, something attempted twice during Trump's first term. Impeachment may be unlikely given Republicans have majorities in the House and the Senate.

"The ultimate check really, is the people, because Congress is democratically elected," said Vinay Harpalani, a UNM law professor.

The economy might also serve as a backstop.

"The rule of law is absolutely essential to doing business," Bowman said. "So if businesses do not feel confident that the rule of law is in place, then it could dramatically affect the economy. So that may be what finally makes the administration change their ways."
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  The life-saving medication naloxone, which can reverse an overdose from opioids, is now available at Income Support Division (ISD) offices and will soon be placed in some vending machines in New Mexico.

Weve been working on strategies to get naloxone or Narcan out into the community, and one of the ways that were looking at doing that is through our Income Support Division offices, or ISD. And thats an important area, because we do have a lot of people that are coming through, said Nick Boukas, director of the New Mexico Health Care Authority Behavioral Health Services Division.

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The ISD offices provide assistance to New Mexicans who have SNAP benefits or income support needs. They also provide programs for individuals that have housing assistance requirements. Knowing that over 40% of New Mexicans are receiving Medicaid or some sort of assistance, we wanted to make sure that this is an area where we can reach folks. This is a product that we know needs to get into peoples hands, Boukas explained.

The naloxone is free and available to anyone who goes into the offices and asks support staff for it. Staff will also be trained on how to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses.

In the next three months, the New Mexico Health Care Authority also plans to deploy 20 naloxone vending machines across the state. Four will go to Crisis Triage Centers in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Gallup. A total of 16 machines will be placed in high-traffic ISD offices and counties with the highest overdose rates.

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Someone will be able to go in and just put in some basic information to get naloxone, and they can just have it available to them or to a family member, Boukas said.

In 2022 and 2023, New Mexico saw overdose deaths decline. Bourkas attributed that progress to the availability of naloxone.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A New Mexico man convicted of voluntary manslaughter for the death of his wife at a Clovis gas station was sentenced to six years behind bars on Tuesday.

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In January 2023, Lloyd Edwards called 911 saying his wife Roxie Edwards was bleeding and had been stabbed in the neck. She was transported to a hospital where she later died from her injuries. When police arrived, prosecutors say Lloyd gave them multiple inconsistent stories about the incident. Edwards was facing a second-degree murder charge but was instead convicted of voluntary manslaughter.

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A prison inmate picking up trash found an unloaded 9mm pistol Monday morning along Interstate 25 near Los Lunas, state corrections officials said, marking the fourth firearm inmate work crews have found in New Mexico this year alone.

Described as troubling by officials, the discovery came just four days after members of another prison crew found a loaded 9mm handgun along Interstate 40 in Cibola County.

Ben Baker, senior public safety adviser to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, said he has not seen anything like it in his long law enforcement career.

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Its outrageous  the proliferation of guns found in this way, Baker said. Its something that, in my nearly 30 years, I have never even heard of. Its unprecedented.

The New Mexico Corrections Department said in a news release issued Monday afternoon the most recent find occurred as inmates from the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas were on trash detail outside the city.

The inmate alerted a supervising officer, who returned the crew to their vehicle. New Mexico State Police responded to the incident and took the firearm.

Baker said a handgun found along a highway, in his view, indicates the weapon was used in a crime  or was stolen  and then was thrown from a moving vehicle.

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He also noted three of the four guns found along roadsides by inmates this year have been loaded.

This is not the behavior of otherwise law-abiding citizens, Baker said.

This could be  talking hypothetical here  police officers behind someone on the freeway and they are fearful they are about to be pulled over, so, at the next available hill crest, or place they dont believe it will be observed, they toss it out the window.

Jessica Vigil-Richards, currently the warden of the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility, has been in the field for more than 20 years; she said this is new to her as well.

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It has been, unfortunately, a little bit more common within this year. However, my whole time in corrections, I havent heard of anything of this nature occurring during my tenure, Vigil-Richards said.

The gun finds by prison work crews out combing areas along roadways for trash come as the state continues to grapple with a high crime rate, particularly in Albuquerque, its largest city.

Public safety has been a top issue for lawmakers in the 2025 legislative session, which will come to a close at noon Saturday.

The Corrections Department reported Monday morning a work crew of four inmates from the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Grants on Thursday discovered a handgun with eight rounds in the magazine hanging from a barbed wire fence along I-40.

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The Cibola County Sheriffs Office and the Security Threat Intelligence Unit responded, and deputies seized the firearm.

This is just incredibly rare and incredibly concerning, said Brittany Roembach, a spokesperson for the Corrections Department.

When the inmates returned to the prison in Grants, they were searched and cleared, a news release said.

Earlier this year, nine inmates at a prison facility in Los Lunas stumbled upon two fully loaded 9mm pistols underneath some tumbleweeds while picking up trash in late January on the side of Interstate 25 near the Santa Domingo Pueblo exit.

In January, they found the two handguns, and now this, Roembach said Monday.

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Were glad our inmates were responsible and did the right thing in helping our staff to keep the situations under control.

Vigil-Richards also noted the inmates who found weapons reported them to corrections officers and said it is fortunate the weapons have been recovered and turned over to law enforcement for investigation.

I think it just goes to show that the offender population feels confident and supported to be able to report things and have that trust with the correctional officer that they are going to be supported, and also, ultimately, rewarded for their rehabilitative behavior and doing the right thing when nobody is watching, Vigil-Richards said.
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's government sent a diplomatic note to the United States seeking to prevent Mexicans from being sent to the naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday.

The note was sent when Donald Trump's administration announced its plans to transfer migrants to Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. naval base on the Caribbean island, last month.

Mexico also requested that all its nationals that are being deported from the United States to be sent to Mexico and not to other countries, Sheinbaum added during her daily press conference.

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"No Mexican should be sent to any other place but Mexico," Sheinbaum said.

Sheinbaum's comments come after the Trump administration deported to El Salvador over 200 alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang over the weekend, despite a court order forbidding it to do so.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which has opposed the deportations to El Salvador, has also sought to block migrants transfers to Guantanamo Bay citing harsh conditions and suicide attempts among migrants held there.

(Reporting by Ana Isabel Martinez and Aida Pelaez-Fernandez; Editing by Anthony Esposito and Sarah Morland)
The next head of MI6 could be a woman as the secret service launches its recruitment programme for a new C.

Sir Richard Moore will step down as chief of the British intelligence service this summer.

Earlier this month, Sir Richard, 61, suggested in a post on X that a woman could fill the post, which he has held since 2020.

He wrote: This International Womens Day, #MI6 pledges to ensure that our brilliant female staff of now and the future can thrive with us.

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No one gets a job in MI6 except on merit. But we men, as allies, can help our female colleagues achieve the success their talent deserves.

We have yet to have a woman as chief so theres still a glass ceiling to shatter. #AccelerateAction.

Sir Richard Moore is set to stand down, leaving space for a new C that could be a woman - MATT DUNHAM/AP

According to The Times, of the four directors-generals at MI6, three are believed to be women and is it thought that at least two are looking to put themselves forward for the position. MI6 has never had a female head since it formed in 1909, whereas two MI5 chiefs have been women.

Meanwhile, defence sources dismissed the suggestion that a military chief could fill the role, with one senior Army source telling The Telegraph it was rubbish.

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No military chief is remotely qualified, he said, adding: MI6 has strong internal candidates.

Another said they would be really surprised if MI6 selected a candidate without an intelligence background.

Conversely, a Whitehall source said that the operational skills between the military and the intelligence services were very translatable.

Military bring the leadership skills and the experience of keeping a large organisation, spread across continents and focused on the very real security threats facing the UK, he said.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, will decide who becomes the next head of MI6 after being presented with a shortlist, which will then be supported by the Prime Minister.

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The Times also suggested that the new head of MI6 would be tasked with strengthening how the spy agencies and the Ministry of Defence work together.

Last year, Sir Richard warned Europe had been subjected to a staggeringly reckless campaign of Russian sabotage.

He said that in his 37-year career, he had never seen the world in a more dangerous state.

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A proposal last week by Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner to terminate O Cinemas lease after the art house theater screened the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land has been met with fierce backlash, both locally and abroad.

On Monday afternoon, Meiner and city commissioners received an open letter from more than 600 members of the international filmmaking community, who called the mayors effort an attack on freedom of expression. Among the signers were filmmaker and activist Michael Moore, Miami-born Moonlight director Barry Jenkins, and Laura Poitras, who directed the 2015 Oscar-winning documentary Citizenfour.

Meanwhile, O Cinema is preparing for possible legal action. The theater is being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which has questioned the legality of Meiners resolution to oust the theater from a city-owned building and strip its grant funding. The theater is also receiving legal counsel from the Miami-based Community Justice Project.

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But ahead of a City Commission meeting Wednesday where the proposal is on the agenda and expected to draw dozens of speakers, Meiner has shown no signs of backing down.

No Other Land documents the destruction of a group of Palestinian villages in the West Bank at the hands of the Israeli military. In a newsletter last Tuesday, Meiner, who is Jewish and a staunch supporter of Israel, announced his proposal to evict the theater after it proceeded with screenings of the film, which he called a false one-sided propaganda attack on the Jewish people that is not consistent with the values of our City and residents. He has not spoken publicly on the matter since.

Meiner met Monday morning with representatives of O Cinema, but it doesnt appear that the two sides reached a resolution.

ACLU of Florida Legal Director Daniel Tilley said after the meeting that he couldnt talk about the details of settlement negotiations, and a city spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. But hours later, O Cinema announced it would hold a press conference Tuesday to discuss the First Amendment concerns raised by Meiners proposal.

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Defunding and evicting a local independent cinema under these circumstances would be patently unconstitutional, plain and simple, Tilley said in a statement. If supporters of the resolution truly value freedom, they must also value free speech, which means all speech is protected  not just the speech certain politicians agree with.

Viewpoint censorship is unconstitutional.



Tell the Miami Beach City Commission to protect the First Amendment and keep @ocinema open.https://t.co/vBKydGWTEh  ACLU of Florida (@ACLUFL) March 17, 2025

The theater signed a five-year lease with the city in 2019 that was renewed last year until July 2026, according to documents reviewed by the Miami Herald. Under the agreement, the city can terminate the lease for convenience with 180 days notice without cause and without liability to the city.

But some legal experts have said the mayors proposal may run afoul of free speech protections, in part because Meiner has indicated that his resolution was brought in response to the theaters decision to screen No Other Land over his objections.

[N]ormalizing hate and then disseminating antisemitism in a facility owned by the taxpayers of Miami Beach ... is unjust to the values of our city and residents and should not be tolerated, Meiner wrote in his newsletter last week. For this reason, I am introducing legislation to move on from O Cinema, as permitted by our contract, and seek a cultural partner that better aligns with our community values.

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Meiner would need support from at least three city commissioners to achieve the majority vote required to pass his resolution. Only one commissioner, David Suarez, has publicly indicated support for Meiners approach, telling the Herald last week that Miami Beach has zero tolerance for pro Hamas/terrorist propaganda, though Suarez did not explicitly say how he would vote.

READ MORE: Miami Beach mayor moves to end O Cinema lease after screening of Israeli-Palestinian film

Two commissioners, Kristen Rosen Gonzalez and Tanya Katzoff Bhatt, have raised concerns about the proposal. Rosen Gonzalez said that canceling the theaters lease would result in an expensive lawsuit we will lose and proposed that instead of canceling the showings of No Other Land, the cinema could also show another film, Screams Before Silence, a documentary told through the perspective of Israeli women who were attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.

Three other commissioners have provided little or no public indication of their views on the proposal. Commissioners Alex Fernandez and Laura Dominguez declined to comment, and Commissioner Joseph Magazine told the Herald on Friday that he was in fact-gathering mode about what the right decision is.

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Im really focusing on trying to speak to as many community leaders that I almost know will have differing opinions on this, Magazine said. My goal is always to bring our community together.

Mayor Steven Meiner attends a City Commission meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023.

Meiners proposal would terminate O Cinemas lease at the old City Hall building on Washington Avenue in South Beach and immediately cut off future city funding. In recent months, the city agreed to fulfill two grant agreements with O Cinema  one for about $26,000 and one for about $54,000  and has already paid half of those amounts.

In a joint letter to city officials last Friday, the Florida Muslim Bar Association, Palestinian American Bar Association and American Muslim Bar Association said they were troubled by the actions being taken to limit the publics access to diverse viewpoints, as well as the cinemas ability to conduct business free from viewpoint-based censorship from the City.

The First Amendment of the United States protects freedom of speech and expression, the groups said. This includes the right of filmmakers to produce and exhibit their work, and the right of the public to view it.

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READ MORE: Miami Beach mayor urges theater to cancel Oscar-winner he calls hateful propaganda

In a March 5 letter, Meiner had urged the theater to cancel scheduled screenings of the film, citing critiques from Israeli and German government officials. O Cinema CEO Vivian Marthell responded the next day that the theater would not show the film based on concerns of antisemitic rhetoric.

But Marthell reversed course one day later, a decision that followed conversations with the theaters staff and board of directors, according to Kareem Tabsch, co-founder and chair of the board of directors of O Cinema.

That was a decision that was made under duress, Tabsch said of the initial cancellation. There was a panic for the future of the organization.

O Cinema co-founders Vivian Marthell, left, and Kareem Tabsch, right, are pictured in 2019.

Since deciding to show the film and facing the threat of eviction, Tabsch said O Cinema has received an outpouring of support.

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The filmmaking community has really rallied behind this, because I think ... an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, he said. We cannot let government become involved in dictating what is permissible or not for arts organizations to present to the public, and we certainly cant allow them to decide what the public should be viewing.

In addition to letter-writing campaigns to elected officials and statements of support from groups like the International Documentary Association, O Cinema has received a modest uptick in donations, Tabsch said. Still, he said, the theater relies heavily on city funding.

If we are evicted and our funding is cut, we will be homeless, he said.

South Beach is O Cinemas only current location, though the theater announced plans last month to open a new location in Miamis Little River neighborhood in June.

This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at March 17, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Daily 3 numbers from March 17 drawing

Midday: 7-0-2

Evening: 3-4-7

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from March 17 drawing

Midday: 6-2-5-9

Evening: 0-5-4-9

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from March 17 drawing

06-12-25-29-32, Lucky Ball: 15

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Poker Lotto numbers from March 17 drawing

QD-KD-9C-5H-10S

Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from March 17 drawing

10-17-18-19-31

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01-08-13-16-32

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Keno numbers from March 17 drawing

04-07-12-13-19-24-31-32-36-38-44-58-59-63-66-67-69-71-76-78-79-80

Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize

All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices.

To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:

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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:

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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 17, 2025
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Severe Weather Awareness Week kicked off across Michigan Sunday and will continue through this Saturday. Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared March 16-22, 2025 as Michigans Severe Weather Awareness Weeka week where Michiganders are encouraged to have a plan and stay prepared for severe weather emergencies.

The United States experiences more than 1,000 tornadoes annually, with Michigan averaging 15 tornadoes each year. This week, state officials are calling on residents to prepare during a statewide voluntary tornado drill scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday.

This drill offers Michigan families, schools, and businesses to practice their emergency plans. At 1 p.m. Wednesday, residents may see or hear alerts on TV and radio stations or hear outdoor sirens across the community. Officials hope that the tornado drill starts a conversation about the importance of emergency preparedness.

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It is the perfect time to ensure that you, your family (pets included), and your employers are safe against whatever Mother Nature has to offerwhether that is lightning, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, or even flooding.

According to Jim Maczko, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist at NOAA National Weather Service this week in March was chosen as Severe Weather Awareness Week because March is typically a month where we start to see that transition out of the cold into warm that allows us to have an awareness week before most of the severe weather hits.

Unfortunately, a lot of Michiganders dont think about severe weather events until it is too late. Residents are urged to recognize the warning signs of severe weather, develop emergency plans, and take necessary precautions to safeguard their families, homes, and communities.

Heres important information from michigan.gov about severe weather and how to stay safe whenever severe weather strikes:

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Know the difference between a watch and a warning: a tornado WATCH means conditions exist for a tornado to develop a tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.



Know the signs of an approaching tornado: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train.

Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.

Develop an emergency preparedness kit with essential items such as a three-day water and food supply, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents, and items that satisfy unique family needs.

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Identify a safe place in your home for household members and pets to gather during a tornado.

Make sure everyone understands the tornado warning system in your area.

Engage with your local emergency manager to find out if they are participating.

Coming up on this weeks Weather Wednesday, we will be discussing the importance of being prepared rather than scared when severe weather is in the forecast and what you can do to make your own emergency kit for your house.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Mar. 17Midland College's Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honors Society recently showcased its excellence at the 2025 Texas Regional Convention in Houston, bringing home multiple prestigious awards while also leading educational workshops for fellow attendees.

Among the 97 PTK chapters in Texas, Midland College's chapter has consistently demonstrated outstanding achievement, maintaining its Five-Star Chapter status for the past seven years. This year, MC PTK students returned home with an impressive collection of accolades, including:

 Texas Top Chapter

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 Honors in Action Award of Merit  Theme 6

 College Project Award of Merit

 Distinguished Chapter Officer Team

 Hall of Honor for Outstanding Officers  Guneet Sehgal and Dilan Gutierrez

 Hall of Honor for Outstanding Members  Adebisi "Princess" Saubana

 Five Star Chapter Plan Recognition

 Roll Call Competition: First Place, District I

 Honors in Action and College Project Participation Award

 District I Hall of Honor Pins  All 9 MC PTK Officers

 Transfer Edge Pins

"Watching our Phi Theta Kappa students be recognized for their dedication, hard work, and leadership was an incredible experience," Terry Gilmour, Advisor and Division 1 Coordinator for Phi Theta Kappa, said in a news release. "As an educator, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing students seize opportunities to learn, grow, and make a real difference in the lives of others. Their passion for academic excellence and service truly shines, and I could not be prouder to celebrate these well-earned achievements with them."

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MC PTK members also had the distinguished honor of hosting two workshops at the event:

 "Network Like a Pro"  A session designed to help students develop essential professional networking skills.

 "Navigating the Ethics of AI in Academics"  Presented by Dr. Gilmour, this workshop explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education and ethical considerations for students and educators.

Midland College congratulates all PTK members on their success and looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence.

Phi Theta Kappa is the world's largest and most prestigious honor society for two-year college students, dedicated to recognizing and encouraging academic achievement while fostering leadership and service skills. Founded in 1918, PTK provides members with opportunities for personal and professional growth, celebrating excellence both in the classroom and beyond.
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a weekend crash that left a motorcyclist dead and driver in custody.

According to a crash report, around 10:30 p.m. on March 15, troopers responded to the area of Business 20 and County Road 1246 to investigate a three-vehicle crash. At the scene, investigators found a motorcyclist dead and learned that the driver of a 2008 Ford F-150 had run from the scene prior to police arrival.

Investigators said the driver of the Ford failed to yield the right of way at the intersection of BI-20 and CR 1246 and collided with a westbound 2004 Suzuki GZR, driven by 24-year-old Matthew Bryan Amodio, of Midland. After the initial collision, the driver of a Hyundai, who was also traveling westbound on B-I 20, also struck the motorcycle.

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Investigators said Amodio was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the Hyundai was not injured.

The driver of the Ford, later identified as 30-year-old Christian Laredo, of Midland, ran from the scene and into the Airline Motor Home Park. Troopers searched the area, but did not find Laredo. However, on March 16, Laredo was arrested and booked into the Midland County Detention Center on one count of Accident Involving Death.

DPS said Laredo also had outstanding warrants for Resisting Arrest, Interfering with Public Duties, and Evading Arrest. He remained in the detention center as of Tuesday morning on a combined $157,000 bond.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)  With Republican Hugh Weathers opting not to seek another term as the states agriculture commissioner, a Midlands businessman is hoping to succeed him.

Fred West, a Batesburg-Leesville resident and current director of market development at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, announced his campaign on March 18 with a promise to promote conservative policies at the agency.

South Carolina agriculture is our history, heritage, and our future, West said in the announcement. We need a business-minded leader who will fight for our farmers, reduce our reliance on imports, and protect consumers and taxpayers.

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He earned the endorsement of Commissioner Weathers, who said before the 2022 election that his sixth term would be his last.

Fred West is the right leader at the right time, said Weathers. His decades of experience in agribusiness, commitment to South Carolinas farmers, and leadership in growing our agricultural economy make West the clear choice to continue building on our success. Im proud to support him.

The commissioner is responsible for overseeing South Carolinas agriculture industry, which includes enforcing statutes and leading farm safety inspections.

West is the former vice president of Amick Farms, a poultry processor with facilities in South Carolina, Maryland, and Mississippi. He founded West Resources, an agriculture-focused consulting firm, after retiring in 2023.

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Early voting underway for March 25 special elections

In his platform, West said he wants to cut government red tape for farmers, prioritize locally-grown products, and prevent foreign adversaries from purchasing farmland in the state.

He also advocated for increased transparency and accountability in the inspection process for restaurants and processing plants, among others.

While best known for supporting farmers, most people dont realize how much the Department of Agriculture impacts their daily lives, West said. Thats why it is important we elect an experienced, business-minded Agriculture Commissionerone who can look out for every hard-working taxpayer and consumer, in addition to our states great farmers.

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West is seeking the Republican nomination. The primary is scheduled for June 9, 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Eric Sondermann is a Colorado-based independent political commentator. He writes regularly for ColoradoPolitics and the Gazette newspapers. Reach him at EWS@EricSondermann.com; follow him at @EricSondermann
A Houston-area midwife is the first person to be charged in Texas with violating the states extreme abortion ban, which outlaws the procedure under nearly all circumstances.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons office announced the arrest of Maria Margarita Rojas on Tuesday, saying an investigation found she has been providing illegal abortions and illegally operating a network of clinics in the Northwest Houston area. Rojas, who according to court documents went by Dr. Maria, was charged with the illegal performance of an abortion and practicing medicine without a license.

The former is a second-degree felony in Texas and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Rojas was a practicing midwife since 2018, according to court records, but her license expired.

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In Texas, life is sacred, Paxton, a devout anti-abortion advocate, said in a statement. I will always do everything in my power to protect the unborn, defend our states pro-life laws, and work to ensure that unlicensed individuals endangering the lives of women by performing illegal abortions are fully prosecuted. Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable.

Jose Cendan Ley, a medical assistant, was also charged with practicing medicine without a license and performing an illegal abortion. Rubildo Labanino Matos, a nurse practitioner whose license is currently on probation, was arrested shortly after and charged with conspiracy to practice medicine without a license.

This is the first time since federal abortion protections were repealed in 2022 that someone has been charged with providing an illegal abortion.

Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable, state Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement. via Associated Press

Paxtons office did not share any details about possible poor health outcomes at any of Rojas clinics. Phone calls to the three locations were not answered Monday.

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The case was investigated by Paxtons office and is anticipated to be prosecuted by the attorney general, rather than the local district attorney.

Rojas, who is listed as a licensed midwife by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation, has not spoken out publicly, either directly or through legal counsel. Rojas is described as a native Peruvian who has a passion for womans health and obstetrics on the website for the Houston Birth House, a birthing center in Cypress, Texas. According to the website, she has been a certified midwife in Texas since 2018 and has attended over 700 births in community and hospital settings.

An investigation found that Rojas owned and operated four health clinics in the Houston area, including Clinica Waller Latinoamericana in Waller, Clinica Latinoamericana Telge in Cypress and Latinoamericana Medical Clinic in Spring.

According to the arrest affidavit reviewed by HuffPost, the investigation into Rojas clinics began with an anonymous complaint to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission on Jan. 31. The complaint alleged that two women received illegal abortions from Rojas at the Waller County clinic: a 26-year-old who was three months pregnant in September 2023 and a 19-year-old who was eight weeks pregnant in January 2025. Neither abortion was due to medical complications, court records allege, which could have rendered the procedures legal under current Texas law.

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Investigators with Paxtons office took over the case and began surveilling Rojas clinics earlier this year. They observed Ley working in one of the clinics by himself, seemingly providing medical care to patients coming in and out of the building. Ley was a licensed medical doctor in Cuba, according to the affidavit. He came to the U.S. illegally in 2022 but later received a green card.

A third woman told investigators that she went to the Waller County clinic earlier this month for a medical consultation after finding out she was pregnant. The woman had delivered twins six months earlier by C-section and was worried about the health of her pregnancy. The woman met with Rojas, whom employees referred to as a gynecologist, according to court records. Rojas allegedly told the woman her lab results showed she had a 9% chance of a healthy pregnancy and recommended a medication abortion.

The woman told investigators that had she not been given the option of abortion, she and her husband would have continued with the pregnancy, according to the affidavit. However, since the gynecologist informed her of medical complications that would arise should she continue with the pregnancy, she relied on that medical advice and believed that the gynecologist was a physician, so she followed the gynecologists recommended treatment of medication abortion.

She was shocked to learn Rojas was not a gynecologist, according to court records.

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Its not uncommon for non-physicians to dispense medication abortions: Nurse practitioners and nurse midwives are trained and legally authorized to provide medication abortions in over 20 states in the U.S.

Generations of midwives have been trained to be an integral part of providing sexual and reproductive health care including prenatal care, birth support, miscarriage management, and abortion care, a group of advocates with Physicians for Reproductive Health said in statement on Tuesday.

We know that because of midwives critical work in providing support to people who face the most oppression from capitalism and the medical industrial complex, they are historically the first care workers to be targeted by authoritarian and coercive agents of the state, the statement continued.

Holly Shearman of Tomball Birth Center told the Texas Tribune that Rojas worked part time there providing prenatal care. She described Rojas as a devout Catholic and skilled midwife whose clinics largely served Spanish-speaking, low-income patients.

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I dont believe it for one second, Shearman told the Tribune about the allegations. Ive known her for eight years and Ive never heard her talk about anything like that. I just cant picture Maria being involved in something like this.

Reproductive rights advocates have long warned that extreme abortion bans like the one in Texas  which only allows abortion to save the life or health of the mother  do not lead to fewer abortions, but rather to less safe ones.

Banning abortion doesnt stop abortion; it just forces people to turn to illegal and sometimes unsafe methods and increases the inequality between the haves and have-nots, with a particularly devastating impact on people of color, Planned Parenthood notes in its abortion fact sheet.

Related...
In order to comply with Donald Trumps executive orders to eradicate signs of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the military has removed at least 10 webpages dedicated to the famed Native American Code Talker units that used indigenous languages to transmit secret messages during WWI and WWII.

"As Secretary [Pete] Hegseth has said, DEI is dead at the Defense Department, Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot told Axios, which first reported the changes. We are pleased by the rapid compliance across the Department with the directive removing DEI content from all platforms."

"In the rare cases that content is removed that is out of the clearly outlined scope of the directive, we instruct components accordingly."

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The changes appeared scattershot, with some military pages about the those in the program leading to error messages and others maintaining content about the units, which included people from at least 15 different Native American nations and who served in key battles throughout the early 1900s.

Some such sites appeared unchanged, but included a banner mentioning they had been reviewed for compliance with the Trump administrations executive orders against diversity, which have ordered agencies to cease spending, organizing, and publicizing any DEI-related efforts.

As one extant page notes, the military turned to members of the Navajo (Dine) because their unwritten language is one of extreme complexity, forming a code the Japanese never broke in WWII.

Members of at least 15 different Native American nations served in the U.S. military during WWI and WWII, using their native languages to transmit secret messages across the frontlines (AP)

Its syntax and tonal qualities, not to mention dialects, make it unintelligible to anyone without extensive exposure and training, according to the Navy. It has no alphabet or symbols, and is spoken only on the Navajo lands of the American Southwest.

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The unique achievements of the Navajo Code Talkers constitute a proud chapter in the history of the United States Marine Corps, another still-existing page notes. Their patriotism, resourcefulness, and courage have earned them the gratitude of all Americans.

Trump himself honored the code talkers with an event at the White House during his first term, telling a group of assembled veterans, You are really incredible people. 

And from the heart, from the absolute heart, we appreciate what youve done, how youve done it, the bravery that you displayed, and the love that you have for your country, he said at the time.

The Pentagon has taken down at least 10 webpages about the units, according to an analysis (Department of Defense)

Critics were outraged over the changes.

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Trumps Pentagon is erasing Navajo Code Talkers  Indigenous warriors who helped win WWII  from military websites, VoteVets, a veteran political advocacy group, said in a statement on X. This isnt about efficiency. Its about whitewashing history and erasing those who dont fit his MAGA narrative.

EJ Montini, a columnist for the Arizona Republic, writing in a state that borders large parts of the Dine reservation, argued that every elected official in Arizona from every party should be pounding on the doors of the Defense Department to reverse the idiotic DEI overreach that is trying to erase the Code Talker legacy.

Who could possibly be pleased by an effort to erase the history of a group of native men who were vital to the success of every major Marine Corps operation in the Pacific Theater of World War II, particularly America's victory at Iwo Jima, he asked.

Trump, who once lauded the code talkers, has since ordered the military to remove all traces of DEI, a mandate that apparently includes the history of these units (Oliver Contreras-Pool/Getty Images)

The erasure is another historical irony in a long string of them for Americas Indigenous soldiers.

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Even though the U.S Army spent decades warring with tribes as settlers flooded across the U.S., and the federal government attempted to forcibly assimilate native peoples and destroy their languages, Native Americans came to serve in the U.S. military at well above the national average, where their language skills were suddenly in high demand.

The irony of being asked to use their Native languages to fight on behalf of America was not lost on code talkers, many of whom had been forced to attend government or religious-run boarding schools that tried to assimilate Native peoples and would punish students for speaking in their traditional language, the National WWII Museum notes.

The downed websites follow reports from last week that the Arlington National Cemetery, Americas most important military cemetery, had removed web information about notable Black, Hispanic, and female veterans.

Tens of thousands of posts and photographs including people of color and women have also been removed from Pentagon files. Even photos of people whose last name was Gay and the infamous Enola Gay bomber that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in WWII (named for the pilots mother) were excised from the Pentagons historic records because they involved the word gay.
NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  New Jersey schools and food banks are bracing for major change.

The Department of Agriculture recently announced $1 billion in cuts that fund school lunches and allow food banks to buy from local farms.

More Local News

We received 37,000 pounds of produce from that program last year, which we will now need to figure out how to make up, said Carolyn Lake, CEO of the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains. Were looking at what other foods that are nutrient-dense in various things we might be able to substitute.

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The cuts are set to impact 275 schools in New Jersey, as well as 46 farms and food producers, costing them $26 million.

Its going to harm local farmers, harm students health, and increase child hunger, said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

At a press conference Monday, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer warned that the funding cuts could take effect at any time, jeopardizing the free meals that students rely on.

Im very concerned  and so are a lot of experts  that they can immediately go ahead, as theyve announced, and rip these resources away from the school breakfast and school lunch program, which would take vegetables and fruits away from them right away, said Gottheimer.

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Gottheimer is introducing legislation to expand access to free school meals, and has asked the federal government to reconsider the funding cuts. He said it may ultimately cost New Jersey taxpayers.

This will mean it will be an additional tax on New Jersey because were not gonna not feed our kids, said Gottheimer. So that means that someones gonna have to make up the difference.

Making up the difference at the Interfaith Food Pantry may mean switching to boxed or canned goods, unless a private institution or individual steps in to help.

This really does pose a great challenge to us to figure out how we are going to make up for what is about $80,000 worth of produce to our program, said Lake.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A 25-year-old woman says she was assaulted by her mother's husband and he also threw her 1-year-old girl off a nearly 16-foot high balcony.

Prosecutors charged 31-year-old Jaimann L. Eiland of Milwaukee on Monday with substantial battery in domestic abuse and physical abuse of a child.

According to a criminal complaint:

Officers responded to Froedtert Hospital on March 13 to interview a bloodied 25-year-old woman regarding a domestic violence incident earlier in the day on the 4700 block of North 41st Street.

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The woman said her mother's husband assaulted her and threw her child off a second-story balcony following an argument in the home they all live in with other family members.

The woman said she arrived home around 5 p.m. and her child was running around the house when she heard a sudden and intense cry from the child.

The woman said she went to the kitchen to determine what was wrong when Eiland said the child ran into him while he was cooking. The woman was not satisfied with Eiland's explanation and continued to ask what happened.

Eiland and the woman began to argue. Eiland then used the child to reenact what happened. The woman told authorities Eiland was jostling the baby around and shaking her.

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"Why are you grabbing her?!" the woman said to Eiland, according to the complaint. She attempted to grab for her child but was unsuccessful until Eiland put the child down, the complaint said.

The woman said Eiland then "pushed her" while they were in the kitchen and she feared for her safety due Eiland's large size. The woman grabbed her mace and discharged it in the direction of Eiland, according to prosecutors.

The woman attempted to use her phone to call for help but Eiland took it from her, according to the complaint. The woman went to the bathroom to assess her injuries when Eiland entered with a butcher knife saying, "You gone die today," the complaint said.

Moments later, Eiland picked up the child and took her outside on the second-story porch, according to the complaint. Eiland then placed both of his hands around the child's neck and lifted her into the air, the complaint said. The woman described Eiland as moving her child "back in forth" in the air as he was holding her.

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The woman said Eiland held the child in the air like this for about a minute as she attempted to take the child out of his hands. She said Eiland punched the child one time on her left side as they were struggling over her.

Eiland then intentionally threw the child off the balcony onto the ground below, according to the complaint.

The woman said she saw her child land on her stomach. Investigators measured the balcony from the top of porch to the ground below at 15 feet, 10 inches tall. Another family member went down to check on the child.

According to the complaint, after throwing her child off the balcony, Eiland began to punch the woman in the face again. She said this continued for another minute.

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Eventually, the woman was able to get outside and call 911 to report what happened. She received three stitches on her forehead and was diagnosed with a sprained finger on her left hand. Prosecutors said she also had pain and swelling to the top of her left hand, and pain to her right leg. Her shirt was covered in blood.

Officers also responded to Children's Hospital where medical staff told officers the child sustained an abrasion to her forehead and left cheek. She also has petechia in her right ear and a small bruise on her left shoulder. Medical exams at the time revealed no cranial or skeletal fractures.

Eiland turned himself into Police District Seven as detectives were conducting investigations at the hospital and the scene. In his interview with detectives, he said the woman threatened to call people over to the house, accusing him of hurting the child. He said the woman and him were "brawling" and it was a "mutual fight."

Eiland said they were fighting on the porch, going back and forth with the child when the girl "fell." He said once that occurred, he knew the fight had gone too far so he left the house. He said he "probably" hit the woman way more times than she hit him, though.

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Officers observed swollen knuckles with small cuts on Eiland's hands. He had a small scratch on his face but nothing visible on his chest or stomach area, according to prosecutors.

Eiland made an appearance in court Monday where bail was set at $15,000. He does not yet have a permanent attorney listed and was represented by a public defender Monday. If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee woman claims family member threw her child off balcony
An adequate minimum wage is crucial for ensuring a decent standard of living for workers. But how have minimum wages changed in Europe from 2015 to 2025? And, over the last decade, have wage disparities been widening or narrowing?

As of January 2025, gross monthly minimum wages in the EU ranged from 551 in Bulgaria to 2,638 in Luxembourg, according to Eurostat. When including EU candidate countries with available data, the lowest minimum wage drops to 182 in Ukraine, followed by 285 in Moldova.

In January 2015, this total had varied from 184 in Bulgaria to 1,923 in Luxembourg. Among candidate countries, the lowest figure was 53 in Moldova.

In nominal euro terms (excluding local currency fluctuations), Romania recorded the highest increase in gross minimum wages among EU countries. It saw the total rising 273% from 218 in January 2015 to 814 in January 2025. When including candidate countries, Moldova saw the most significant growth, with an increase of 438%.

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In Bulgaria, where wages have historically been among the lowest in the EU, the minimum wage increased from 184 to 551, marking a 199% rise between 2015 and 2025.

France saw the smallest increase, with minimum wages rising by just 24%, from 1,458 to 1,802 over the same period.

In Germany, the minimum wage rose by 717, translating to a 50% increase. In the Netherlands, it increased from 1,502 to 2,193, reflecting a 46% rise.

Related

Eastern and Southeastern Europe saw the fastest growth

Eastern and Southeastern Europe experienced the fastest wage growth, helping narrow the gap with Western Europe. Since these countries started with lower wages, even moderate increases led to large percentage gains.

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The Baltic states also saw strong growth, while Western Europe had smaller increases, reflecting more stable economies and already high wage levels.

Looking at the average annual growth rate of minimum wages between January 2015 and January 2025, we see similar trends.

Romania recorded the highest growth among EU countries at 14.1%, while among EU candidate countries, Moldova saw the highest increase at 18.4%.

France had the lowest growth at just 2.1%. Growth rates also remained below 5% in Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Greece.

Has minimum wage disparity increased or decreased in the EU?

In 2015, among the 21 EU countries, the spread or standard deviation (SD) was 527, rising to 608 in 2025. An increasing SD reflects larger disparities, but the change is moderate, not significant.

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However, the max/min ratio saw a remarkable decline during this period. In 2015, the highest minimum wage in the EU was 10.4 times the lowest, but by 2025, this gap had narrowed to 4.8. The rapid wage increases in Eastern Europe contributed to balancing disparities.

Minimum wage rankings in PPS

As of January 2025, minimum wages adjusted for Purchasing Power Standards (PPS) ranged from 878 in Estonia to 1,992 in Germany among EU countries. Albania recorded the lowest figure at 564 among candidate countries with available data.

Minimum wage disparities in PPS narrowed between 2015 and 2025. Among the 21 EU countries, the standard deviation saw a very slight decline from 359 to 356, meaning a minor reduction in wage inequality.

The decrease was stronger in the max/min ratio. In 2015, the highest minimum wage in PPS terms was 4.1 times greater than the lowest. By 2025, this difference had fallen to 2.1, indicating a more even wage distribution.

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Among the 26 countries, including both EU members and candidates, Romania saw the most significant improvement in PPS terms, climbing from 24th to 10th place. Similarly, Lithuania made notable progress, moving up from 21st to 12th place.

Malta experienced the biggest decline, dropping nine places from 8th to 17th, marking the worst ranking change. Greece and Estonia also saw declines, each falling five places in the rankings.

EU Minimum Wage Directive

Austria, Denmark, Finland, Italy, and Sweden do not have a national minimum wage. To improve living standards, the EU Minimum Wage Directive, adopted in October 2022, aims to establish a framework for ensuring adequate minimum wage levels across member states.

However, as of October 2024, the majority of EU member states have yet to begin the process of incorporating the Minimum Wage Directive into national law, according to the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). Only six member states have introduced legislation to implement the directive.
A Minnesota State Senator who made headlines for introducing a bill to label Trump Derangement Syndrome as a mental illness, has resigned after he allegedly tried to meet up with a police officer who posed as a minor.

Senator Justin Eichorn was arrested Monday night around 6 p.m. for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution, according to a statement from the Bloomington Police Department.

Detectives were previously in contact with Eichorn, who believed he was talking to a 17-year-old female. Eichorn responded to an online advertisement for prostitution by contacting the number provided, asking for rates, availability and location, according to the criminal complaint reviewed by CBS News. The detective, while posing as the girl, told Eichorn she was 17 multiple times, prosecutors say.

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They then arranged a meetup for Monday evening, during which he was arrested without incident. Police say they found two cellphones, a condom and cash after searching Eichorn and his vehicle.

Charges are now pending against the Republican politician, who, hours before he was arrested, was part of a group that introduced a bill to label Trump Derangement Syndrome as a mental illness. (Minnesota Senate)

He is now in custody at the Bloomington Police Department jail.

As a 40-year-old man, if you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someones child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up," Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said in a statement. "I have always advocated stiffer penalties for these types of offensesWe need our state legislature to take this case and this type of conduct more seriously.

Eichorn has now been charged with prostitution and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, according to court records filed Wednesday in Hennepin County, CBS News reports. Prosecutors allege the lawmaker "intentionally hired or offered or agreed to hire an individual who [he] believes to be under the age of 18 years, but at least 16 years of age, to engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact."

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The latter is a federal charge.

Eichorn submitted his letter of resignation, effective Thursday, less than an hour before the Minnesota Senate was set to take an unprecedented vote to expel him from the chamber.

This is the right thing to do for his family and the Senate, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, a Republican, said. We are ready to move on and do the important work that needs to be done at the Capitol.

With the resignation, Democrats will now hold a two seat edge in the Senate until a special election is held to fill his seat, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was one of several voices from across the political aisle to call for Eichorns resignation following his arrest.

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You cannot prey on children and expect to get away with it, Walz said.

The Independent has contacted Eichorns office for comment.

On the day he was arrested, Eichorn and four other Minnesota Republican senators proposed legislation to the Health and Human Services committee that would label Trump Derangement Syndrome as a mental illness.

Their bill describes the faux syndrome as the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J. Trump.

They claim symptoms include Trump-induced general hysteria, where a person struggles to distinguish between legitimate policy and psychic pathology, which is expressed with verbal hostility or acts of aggression against Trump and his MAGA supporters.

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The bill is unlikely to be approved with Democrat-aligned parties having a one-seat advantage in the state senate.

Eichorn, 40, is married and a father to four children. Police found two iPhone, an unopened Trojan condom and $129 in cash upon his arrest, according to the Guardian.

With reporting from James Liddell.
Photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus.

Buy for a dollar and sell for two.

Its the middlemans credo, and lucrative  but not for the taxpayers getting fleeced.

Americas byzantine health system is beset with parasitic middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers and third party administrators, a key reason why it costs so much more per person than anywhere else in the world despite delivering mediocre results. Even in a supposedly public program like Medicaid  the federal/state partnership that provides care to low income and disabled Minnesotans  state government contracts with managed care organizations to actually administer it.

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The Minnesota Legislature is staring at a gloomy, stormy fiscal horizon that includes structural budget deficits and the risk of a massive cut in federal Medicaid funding.

But theres also a safe harbor in sight, if lawmakers can muster up the courage to cut out the middlemen.

Minnesota just has to follow Connecticuts lead. In 2012, Connecticut was able to save on their Medicaid program by cutting out the unproductive managed care organization middlemen they had contracted with since the 1990s to run it. They were simultaneously able to ensure the cuts didnt harm quality of care  in fact, they were able to improve quality  by prioritizing care coordination and accessibility in their new and more efficient MCO-free system.

In Minnesota, by contrast, MCOs to this day have the authority to set provider networks, limit patients to those networks, regulate how services can be delivered, require prior authorizations and other bureaucratic hurdles to receiving certain services, and set their own payment rates. In other words, they can do almost anything they want, especially when patients dont feel confident enough to appeal denials.

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The federal government claims MCO administration should manage cost, utilization, and quality in order to reduce Medicaid program costs and better manage utilization of health services as well as improve health plan performance, health care quality, and outcomes. Whether thats actually true is both doubtful and unproven. For example, Medicaid MCOs nationwide deny over twice as many claims as privately-administered Medicare Advantage plans, which are themselves known for imposing incredibly onerous and expensive burdens on patients compared to publicly-administered traditional Medicare.

When Connecticut removed its Medicaid MCOs, the result was incredible. By 2023, Connecticuts Department of Social Services reported that the state had reduced Medicaid administrative expenses to 2.75% of spending. Unfortunately, Minnesota still throws away money contracting out Medicaid. According to consulting firm Milliman, Minnesotas administrative expenses were at 12.5% in 2023.

The benefits extend well beyond just a mere reduction in administrative costs.

When Connecticut cut out the Medicaid MCO middlemen, it was also able to do more to coordinate care for those on Medicaid. For example, by developing a special type of primary care clinic called the Patient Centered Medical Home, Connecticut Medicaid can better connect beneficiaries who frequently show up in the emergency room with the services they need to prevent expensive future emergencies. Efforts like these can generate even more savings, but are difficult to implement without first getting rid of the Medicaid middlemen because those middlemen tend to view necessary data about their enrollees as a trade secret.

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Regardless, collecting and combining the differently formatted data from each one in order to gain useful insights for care coordination would be a statisticians nightmare even if we make the big assumption that MCOs are willing to share their data and that combining it all is technically possible.

Estimating the precise savings from improved care coordination and reduced administrative costs is complicated, but we can make broad judgments by comparing Medicaid spending per beneficiary in Minnesota and Connecticut. To be sure, this is a simplification because the two states Medicaid programs differ in what they cover and the precise payment rates they use for specific services, but these differences are likely minor in the aggregate. Both Connecticut and Minnesota have been historically run by Democratic-leaning governments that tend to provide comprehensive benefits packages without creating onerous eligibility rules.

Doing that calculation, if Minnesota spent what Connecticut did on Medicaid per beneficiary, the state would have saved about $1.5 billion in 2024. The federal government would have saved about $2.6 billion, too. If MCOs save significant money, as is often claimed, such an extreme result shouldnt be possible.

At the very least, $1.5 billion in savings would substantially reduce the state budget shock that would occur should Republicans in Congress follow through with their ongoing proposals to pass massive cuts to federal Medicaid funding. Former Rep. Jennifer Schultz, a health economist, recently estimated those cuts would cost Minnesota $2 billion.

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Its important to remember that federal Medicaid cuts dont necessarily eliminate spending. They just pass the shirked expenses onto the states. State legislatures that must then decide whether to fill the gap with state tax dollars or actually cut health care for low income and disabled people. Our state Constitution requires that the state have a balanced budget, and meeting that requirement without cutting program benefits and eligibility  If Congress follows through on cuts to Medicaid funding  will be a fiscal nightmare if we do nothing about wasteful Medicaid MCO administrative costs.

This legislative session, Minnesota has divided control of government, requiring bipartisan cooperation.

Republicans might be willing to cut Medicaid spending to balance the state budget, but Democrats will definitely be hesitant to do so unless program benefits and eligibility can be protected.

The Connecticut model is a win-win for both. Cutting out the Medicaid middlemen is a great opportunity for both parties. They can fulfill their promises of bipartisan cooperation, reduce future budget deficits, and improve the quality of our Medicaid program, which funds crucial health care services for some of our states most vulnerable residents.

The legislation (SF1059/HF255) is ready to roll, but the clock is quickly ticking toward May 19.

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Minnesota Republicans are calling for the resignation of a state senator police arrested Monday on suspicion of seeking sex from someone he believed was a minor.

Sen. Justin Eichorn, R-Grand Rapids, thought he was meeting with a 16-year-old girl who turned out to be a city police detective, according to a news release from the Bloomington Police Department.

We are shocked by these reports and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation, read a statement from the Senate Republican Caucus on Tuesday. Justin has a difficult road ahead and he needs to focus on his family.

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Bloomington police said a detective arranged to meet with Eichorn at the 8300 block of Normandale Avenue on Monday evening.

Eichorn arrived in a pickup truck and was arrested by uniformed officers without incident, according to police. The senator was booked into the Bloomington Police Department jail.

Eichorn had not yet been formally charged as of Tuesday. Bloomington police said a charge of soliciting someone under 18 to practice prostitution is pending.

As a 40-year-old man, if you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someones child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up, said Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges, referring to his departments anti-crime initiative.

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Bloomington Police Deputy Chief Kim Clauson said law enforcement was transferring Eichorn to Hennepin County Tuesday evening.

A spokesman for the Hennepin County attorney said the office had not received the case as of Tuesday afternoon. Clauson said charges could come as soon as Wednesday.

First elected in 2016

Eichorn was elected in 2016 and is serving his third term as a state senator for District 6.

He lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and four children, has a background in business and is the third generation working at his familys outdoor store in Grand Rapids, according to his state Senate biography.

House Republicans and the Minnesota Republican Party joined the Senate GOP in calling for Eichorn to leave office.

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Given the seriousness of the charges, Sen. Eichorn should resign, said House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring. While he is entitled to due process, we must hold legislators to a higher standard.

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, also weighed in on the arrest but stopped short of calling for Eichorn to resign.

The felony allegation against Senator Eichorn is deeply disturbing, and raises serious questions that will need to be answered by the court, as well as his caucus and constituents, she said.

The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party called for Eichorn to resign.

Mitchell case

Eichorn is the second Minnesota senator arrested on suspicion of a felony in less than a year.

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Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, was charged with felony burglary last April for allegedly breaking into her estranged stepmothers Detroit Lakes home to remove items of sentimental value, including her fathers ashes.

Mitchell declined to resign even as members of her own party called for her to step down. Her trial is scheduled for after the legislative session ends in May.

Minority Senate Republicans have pushed unsuccessfully to remove Mitchell from her seat with ethics complaints and attempts to hold expulsion votes.

The DFL currently has 34 seats and Republicans hold 33. If Mitchell resigned, it would put the Senate in a tie. If Eichorn resigned, Republicans would have a two-seat disadvantage.

More about Eichorn

Eichorn won his district by a little over 1 percentage point in 2016, but hes won by double-digit margins in subsequent elections.

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In 2022, he defeated his DFL challenger in a newly drawn district with 64% of the vote.

Senate District 6, which includes communities in Cass, Crow Wing and Itasca counties, is in the states historically DFL-dominated northeast  though it has shifted toward Republicans in recent years.

Eichorn was in the news Monday when he joined with four other Senate Republicans to sponsor a bill to define Trump Derangement Syndrome as a mental illness under Minnesota statute.

National Republicans coined the term to needle Democrats for what they see as a wild overreaction to President Donald Trumps policy achievements and proposals.

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Senate DFL members dismissed the bill as a stunt that trivializes real mental health issues.

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  Fellow Republicans called Tuesday on a Minnesota state senator to resign after police in suburban Bloomington arrested him for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution.

GOP Sen. Justin Eichorn, 40, of Grand Rapids, was arrested Monday after detectives communicated with a man who was led to believe that he was talking to a 17-year-old girl, the department said in a news release. A detective arranged to meet with him, and he was arrested outside his vehicle without incident.

He remained jailed in Bloomington on Tuesday afternoon pending his transfer to the Hennepin County Jail in Minneapolis, Deputy Chief Kim Clauson said. She said she did not know if he had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf or if he had spoken with an investigator. Jail staff would not take a message for him.

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The department said a felony charge of soliciting a minor for prostitution was pending, but the Hennepin County Attorney's Office said it had not yet received the case.

A message left at Eichorn's Senate office was not immediately returned. According to his Senate profile, he's married with four children. He lists his profession as entrepreneur and was first elected in 2016. His chair on an environment committee sat empty during a Tuesday hearing.

Senate Republicans as a group called on Eichorn to step down, as did House Republicans.

We are shocked by these reports, and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation," his Senate GOP colleagues said in a statement. "Justin has a difficult road ahead, and he needs to focus on his family.

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Senate Democratic leaders stopped short of calling for him to quit. They have also stood up for Democratic Sen. Nicole Mitchell, of Woodbury, who was arrested last spring on a felony charge for allegedly burglarizing her estranged stepmother's home. Senate Democratic leaders have said she deserves to have the legal process play out first.

The felony allegation against Senator Eichorn is deeply disturbing, and raises serious questions that will need to be answered by the court, as well as his caucus and constituents, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, of St. Paul, said in a statement that echoed what she has said about Mitchell.

Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges leveled sharp criticism of Eichorn.

As a 40-year-old man, if you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someones child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up, Hodges said in a statement. I have always advocated stiffer penalties for these types of offenses. ... We need our state legislature to take this case and this type of conduct more seriously.

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This story was first published on Mar. 18, 2025. It was updated on Mar. 19, 2025 to correct the age of the girl that detectives said Sen. Justin Eichorn believed he was communicating with. Police said Eichorn believed the girl was 17, not 16.
Minnesota Republican Sen. Justin David Eichorn has been arrested on suspicion of solicitation of an underage girl for sex.

The Bloomington Police Department says Eichorn, 40, of Grand Rapids, was arrested on Monday near the 8300 block of Normandale Avenue.

Police Chief Booker Hodges says it follows a sting operation that saw a detective communicate with a suspect while posing as a 16-year-old girl, and arranging a meeting.

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Police allegedly spotted Eichorn in the area in a pickup truck at the time of his arrest.

Eichorn has since been taken to the Bloomington Police Department jail and is being transferred to the Hennepin County Jail on pending charges of soliciting someone under 18 years old to practice prostitution.

Justin David Eichorn.Courtesy of the Bloomington Police Department

Eichorn served two terms as a state senator for District 5 and now serves in the newly formed Senate District 6. It covers parts of Itasca, Cass, and Crow Wing counties, with Grand Rapids and Brainerd Lakes being the population centers.

Eichorn's Senate profile lists his occupation as "entrepreneur and business management.".

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At this time, Eichorn has not been formally charged with a crime. Bring Me The News does not typically name suspects who are yet to be charged, but does so in instances involving elected officials.

Eichorn was one of five Republican lawmakers to introduce a bill that would designate "Trump Derangement Syndrome" a mental illness in Minnesota, a bill that was widely criticized by Democrats and mental health advocates.

The Senate GOP has issued a statement calling on Eichorn to resign, saying: "We are shocked by these reports and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation. Justin has a difficult road ahead and he needs to focus on his family."

Republican House Speaker Rep. Lisa Demuth and Rep. Harry Niska also issued a call for Eichorn to resign, saying: "While he is entitled to due process, we must hold legislators to a higher standard."

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The Minnesota DFL has also called for Eichorn's resignation.

Minnesota GOP Chairman Alex Plechash provided the following statement to Bring Me The News:

"As Republicans, we hold elected officials to a higher standard. While Senator Eichorn is entitled to due process, the seriousness of these charges warrants his resignation. Public trust and accountability must come first."

Bring Me The News reached out to Eichorn's office for comment but have not heard back as of Tuesday afternoon.

An investigation remains active.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.
A Minnesota Republican Party push to remove Democratic-Farmer-Labor representatives who boycotted the beginning of this years legislative session has failed.

The state Supreme Court on Monday threw out 29 recall petitions filed by the GOP alleging DFL representatives failed to perform their duties when they denied the House quorum for three weeks earlier this year.

Chief Justice Natalie Hudson ruled that since House DFLers eventually returned to the Capitol on Feb. 26, the petitions no longer have standing. The state GOP admitted this in their filings, she wrote, something that fatally undermined allegations of nonfeasance.

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(This) allegation as to the seriousness of any nonfeasance is conceded to no longer exist; a quorum has been created, and the legislative process is currently operating, Hudson ruled.

Boycott

House DFLers earlier this year boycotted the legislative session when Republicans had a temporary one-seat advantage in the chamber.

They aimed to deny quorum until Republicans pledged to enter a power-sharing agreement and seat a representative whose election they challenged in court.

That eventually did happen, but the state Republican Party still moved forward with their threats to file for recalls. Republicans initially said they planned to file petitions against all 66 DFL members.

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Minnesota Republican Party Chairman Alex Plechash called the ruling disappointing but said the effort was about sending a message.

The DFL may have escaped consequences in the short term, but Minnesota voters will have the final say on whether skipping work, shutting down the legislative process, and demanding to be paid for it is worthy of re-election, he said in a statement.

Under the state Constitution, voters can petition to have an elected official removed from office for serious malfeasance or nonfeasance or conviction of a serious crime.

In addition to claiming DFLers had failed to do their jobs, Republicans argued a certificate of election had to be present at the swearing-in ceremony. Hudson dismissed that second claim too because it did not allege an act that was unlawful or wrongful.

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The courts ruling on the GOP petitions came the same day the House returned to a 67-67 tie between the parties. It was one of the remaining loose ends in the partisan power struggle that emerged after DFLers temporarily lost a seat, granting a one-seat majority to the GOP for two months.

Chief Justice Hudson made the right decision in dismissing Republicans frivolous recall petitions, House DFL leader Melissa Hortman said in a statement. Now that the Minnesota House is tied 67-67 and operating under a power-sharing agreement, we hope Republicans will finally abandon their political games and work with us on a bipartisan basis to do the work voters sent us here to do.

Petition process

It was unlikely that the GOP recall effort would gain traction. No petition has ever succeeded since voters approved the process in a 1996 ballot referendum. Part of that is due to the length of the process.

To file a recall, a petitioner must first find 25 signatures in a district. That proposed petition is then submitted to the Minnesota Secretary of State, who will verify signatures. If the signatures are verified, it goes to the state Supreme Court for review.

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If the Supreme Court approves the petition, it is finalized and can be circulated. It must be signed by a number of people that is at least 25% of the total votes cast in the last election. Republicans estimated that was around 5,000 or 6,000, depending on the district.

If the petition hits that threshold, a recall election must be scheduled  unless its six months or less from the end of an officials term.

Republican officials had said they expected the process to take about 10 months if it succeeded.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A 17-year-old girl and her 1-year-old child are safe after a MAILE AMBER Alert was issued on Tuesday morning.

The alert was sent almost 24 hours after the pair reportedly left their Maui home on Monday and they were both found safe on the Big Island.

Convicted kidnapper Duncan Mahi sentenced to 30 years: Family and rescuers speak out

Maui police said the 17-year-old mother left her residence in Kula with her 1-year-old son around 10 a.m. on March 17. A MAILE AMBER Alert was issued just before 10 a.m. on March 18.

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We want the public to know that if a MAILE AMBER Alert is activated, it is because the police have information that the child may be in danger. And so we want the public to positively respond to the alert by attempting to locate the child, said Amanda Leonard, Missing Child Center-Hawaii statewide coordinator Amanda Leonard.

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The Alert is only issued if the missing person is under 18, there is information that they are in danger and there is enough info on the child, abductor or the abductors vehicle.

Police said the family reported the 17-year-old was upset over her son being cared for by family members and the juvenile mother was last seen getting into a silver 4Runner with multiple bags and her 1-year-old son on Monday. The pair was then located on the Big Island before noon on March 18 but is not clear how they got there.

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Waikiki shooting incident under investigation

So when we do activations, theres always a possibility of a flight risk, here locally and on the U.S. mainland, Leonard said.

The Alert on March 18 was only the fifth time a MAILE AMBER Alert has been issued in Hawaiis history. The House Transportation Committee chair is thankful that the two were found, but he has concerns over how they were able to get off the island.

Alarming, right? Because ultimately, how, one, did they get their ticket, two, who did not realize that this is a young person under 18, traveling with a 1-year-old is able to freely travel that way, said Rep. Darius Kila.

The Alert still worked even though it was sent out one day after the two were reported missing.

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That goes to show how quickly in the modern age of technology and social media, people are watching. So this is the quickest way to get things out under the circumstance for this alert, Kila said.

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MPD said that they will get back to KHON2 on whether any arrests were made in connection to the situation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Missing mans remains possibly found in Black Canyon

MONTROSE, Colo. (KREX)  The remains of a missing Denver man may have been discovered in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the National Park Service said Tuesday.

Park rangers and a Black Canyon Search and Rescue Team member located the believed remains of Jordan Marsters  who was reported missing on Feb. 15  in a remote and highly technical area of the park.

Due to the complexity of the location, efforts are underway to recover the remains for positive identification by the medical examiners office, NPS said. The National Park Service is reaching out to nearby parks with extreme technical skill sets to aid with the recovery.

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NPS thanked several partners for their assistance which includes:

Montrose Police Department drone team

Montrose County Sheriffs Office investigative unit and drone team

Denver Police Department investigations and initial agency for the missing persons report

Montrose County Posse Search and Rescue volunteers on the ground search team

Friends of the Black Canyon Search and Rescue volunteers on the ground search team and technical rescue team

Slavin Private Investigations and Family Liaison

These agencies and the family have worked tirelessly over the last several weeks to come to this point in the investigation. At this point, the death was believed to be unwitnessed and is under investigation, NPS said in a news release.

Marsters family members reported him missing to the Denver Police Department last month.

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The National Park Service said it would not provide the location or additional information until after the remains have been recovered.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
STORM LAKE, Iowa (KCAU)  UPDATE (03/18/2025 10:30 a.m.): The missing Storm Lake woman has been located and returned home safely.

The Storm Lake Police Department was searching for an elderly woman with dementia Tuesday morning..

Storm Lake declares emergency water conservation after 2 wells go out of service

Police said that she had walked away from her home at around 1:30 a.m. and had last seen in the area of Methodist Manor.

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Police are asking that if anyone sees her to contact them at 712-749-2525 or dial 911. Police ask that residents check their homes if they were unlocked, their yards, sheds, and any other buildings she may have been able to access. They also recommend checking security cameras and video doorbells.

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Rockrimmon Library supporters stand outside the Colorado Springs City Hall before attending a City Council meeting to speak out against the Pikes Peak Library Districts plan to close the library branch.
The family of Sudiksha Konanki, the missing University of Pittsburgh student, asked authorities to declare her dead after a search lasting nearly two weeks. Legal analyst Misty Marris says Konankis parents likely want closure in the case and accept the claims that she drowned. Marris discusses what could happen to the man who authorities believe may have been the last to see Konanki and who is currently being held in the Dominican Republic.

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Missing Sudiksha Konankis parents have penned a letter requesting that authorities in the Dominican Republic declare the University of Pittsburgh student dead.

Konanki, a 20-year-old pre-med student from Chantilly, Virginia, was vacationing with five female college friends on Spring Break in Punta Cana when she vanished on a beach near the Hotel Riu Republica on March 6.

The Dominican Republic's attorney general said investigators were exploring whether Konanki drowned after her disappearance sparked an intense search involving 300 police and other officials with support from the FBI, across the Caribbean nation.

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The girls parents Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konaki submitted a formal written request to officials Monday asking them to legally declare their daughter deceased, according to a copy of the letter released on X by Fox News correspondent Bryan Llenas on Monday morning.

Following an extensive search, Dominican authorities have concluded that Sudiksha is believed to have drowned. Her clothes were discovered on a beach near where she was last seen, the letter states. Initiating this process will allow our family to begin the grieving process and address matters related to her absence.

Suiksha Konanki vanished from a beach near a Punta Cana resort while on Spring Break vacation earlier this month (Facebook)

It added: While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory.

Sources previously cited the letter to ABC News and Santo Domingo-based news service Noticias SIN on Sunday.

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The parents acknowledged in the letter they understand that certain legal procedures must be followed to process their request and said there is no suspicion of foul play.

They also wrote that they trust the authorities investigation into the case and noted that the last person presumed to see Konaki alive, Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old college student at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, has cooperated with investigators.

Konanki was last seen entering a beach at 4:15 a.m. while her friends returned to their hotel room just before 6 a.m. on March 6. The missing girl is believed to have stayed on the beach with Riibe.

Military personnel and civil defense members search for Konanki on a beach in Punta Cana last week (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The man told police he went for a swim with Konanki, and the two had kissed in the water before a large wave swept her up as they both struggled against a rough tide, an interview transcript obtained by NBC News stated.

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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.

Last week, the Loudon County Sheriffs Office in Virginia described Riibe as a person of interest and said it had sent detectives to assist.

On Sunday morning, Riibe was seen on the beach with investigators, his father, and an attorney, after authorities confiscated his travel documents on Friday, according to NBC News.

Riibe had been confined to the hotel since the investigation began and was being chaperoned by permanent police escort, his lawyers told the outlet. They added: He is not free to leave.

Speaking from his hotel, Riibe told the outlet that he is just trying to help them (authorities) out, before adding: The ocean is a dangerous place.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  The Mississippi Secretary of States Office is encouraging the business community to be cautious of misleading mailers.

According to officials, the misleading mailers are being distributed by third-party entities urging Annual Report filings. These mailers typically request a fee and appear to be official government correspondence. All business owners should be sure to read the fine print because this correspondence is not authorized by the Mississippi Secretary of States Office.

Mississippi man arrested for stealing $1,500 worth of dog food

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As a reminder, domestic LLC owners can file annual reports on the Secretary of States website at no cost. Annual reports are due by April 15 each year.

Businesses may report deceptive or misleading solicitations to our office or the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office. The Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Hotline is 1-800-281-4418.

For more information, please contact the Secretary of States Business Services Division at customerservice@sos.ms.gov or (601) 359-1633.

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(Getty Images).

From March 16-22, journalists, news and media organizations, civic groups, libraries, watchdogs, schools and open government advocates across Missouri will recognize Sunshine Week because, as James Madison once said, government works best when its being watched.

For the most part, I think many media outlets have established a working relationship with public officials in their communities, but occasionally, those relationships go sideways and our only recourse are open records law to shine light on the situation. In Missouri, this is the Sunshine Law.

Since 2022, I have been using the states Sunshine Law (RSMo. 610) to gather information in the city of Belle. I began working as a newspaper reporter in Belle in 2016, and after six years of good relationships with the Belle Board of Aldermen, a newly appointed mayor made information harder to obtain.

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I learned of meetings after they took place and struggled to find out what was on the agenda because none were posted or available when requested. I noted the potential Sunshine Law violations in subsequent articles. I printed the times and dates of people I contacted for information and the questions to which I couldnt find or get answers.

Every source turned into a brick wall as local officials declined to take my phone calls Eventually, the board said they only had to provide documentation  not answer questions. Instead of a fully open four-man board, plus a mayor willing to go on the record, I was sent directly to the mayor as the spokesman for the board and the city. The information was convoluted, and I was regularly accused of inaccurately quoting them, though I could prove the articles were correct.

In every conversation, the mayor questioned my motivation. Why did I not care about the city? For what reason do people need to know about the information I am requesting? Would I ruin their chances to do this or that by printing the information?

Eventually, the city of Belle was turned in for allegations of breaking Sunshine Law. In June 2023, the Missouri Attorney Generals Office asked officials to respond to the allegations and fulfill a Sunshine Law request.

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When I asked the mayor if his response to the allegations would be completed by the Attorney Generals deadline, he said, Ive got (expletive deleted) people like you breathin down my neck ready if I do somethin wrong. It needs to be done properly, dont ya think?

The mayor was approaching his first anniversary in office and The Advocate staff had attended board meetings to express concerns about the wrong information or no information posted in meeting notices at Belle City Hall.

One time the meeting notice wasnt posted at all, and another time the meeting was posted with the wrong date. Mostly a notice would be posted to call the meeting with no agenda, violating RSMo. 610.020.1  all government bodies should give notice of the time, date and place of each meeting, and a tentative agenda, in a manner reasonably calculated to advise the public of matters to be considered.

Despite requesting to be informed about meetings at the same time as the board, as state law says, I was informed that the notice was posted on the door. Sometimes notices were posted at the end of the work day for a meeting the following day. I began checking the door in the morning and afternoon, taking pictures regardless if there was a notice.

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I would request meeting minutes and correspondence records from the clerk, a competent woman who was struggling with the lack of information coming from the mayor. She would provide them promptly or right away. Eventually, she was not informed about the meetings or asked to leave a closed session, making minutes even harder to obtain depending on who took notes.

I fought over RSMo. 610.022.2  naming the specific reason for closing a public meeting or vote by reference to the specific section of the chapter, which should be announced publicly at an open meeting and entered into the meeting minutes. Personnel was always the reason. Mostly there was no action in closed session according to the minutes. Sometimes several actions took place other than personnel.

Receiving records in the format in which I request them (RSMo. 610.023.3) is still a battle. I ask for them to be sent electronically. Due to threats to withhold the minutes for three days or not being able to complete them sooner, Ive even requested to take pictures of the clerks written minutes before leaving a meeting as they count as legal records.

Should the clerk deny a media representatives request to take pictures of their notes at the end of the meeting, according to RSMo. 610.023.4, if requested, they must provide a written reason explaining why.

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The Missouri Attorney Generals Office on Dec. 19, 2023, filed five counts of Sunshine Law violations against the city. They settled out of court in June 2024.

In April 2024, an alderman was elected to the mayor seat and two former city officials won aldermen seats.

The alderman-turned-mayor continues to act as the boards spokesman. The previous clerk was terminated, and her replacement doesnt have an established understanding of Sunshine Law. The Advocate is charged for time, research and copy fees for all documents, including the boards meeting packets, correspondence, and bids. It is difficult to gather information from past meeting packets.

In a recent situation, the board voted via text message between meetings to trade or give away roughly $33,500 worth of equipment. The newspaper acquired copies of the text messages via a Sunshine Law request, which they willingly provided and entered into record at the following city meeting.

Ideally, the first line of communication takes place between the government and the media, and the Sunshine Law allows us to double-check facts. In situations where the press is being pushed out, the Sunshine Law becomes a lifeline to holding government agencies accountable.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani waves to fans after his second game against Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 19, 2025. The Dodgers defeated the Cubs 6-3 after defeating them 4-1 on Tuesday. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department has released new surveillance images in a renewed effort to find the suspect who allegedly shot at a father carrying his two 7-year-old daughters on Nolensville Pike last month.

ORIGINAL STORY: MNPD searching for suspect in Nolensville Pike shooting

Police said the suspect, seen in the surveillance images below, shot at the 45-year-old father outside a restaurant in the 5700 block of Nolensville Pike just before 8 p.m. on Feb. 8. The father was reportedly walking toward the restaurant when the suspect  driving the 2010-2014 white Ford Flex seen below  struck him in the parking lot.

(Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

The victim allegedly yelled at the driver, which sparked a verbal altercation. The suspect then pulled out a gun and shot the man in the hip. Prior to the shooting, the suspect had left a Mexican restaurant where he had met another man for dinner; the two walked out to separate vehicles. The MNPD would like to speak with the other man as a witness.

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CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Anyone with additional information has been asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. You can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Mobile Police Department officers arrested a man after he allegedly cut a woman.

Shomari Figures hosts town hall; constituents voice concerns

Just after 1:15 a.m. on March 18, officers were dispatched to 2900 block of Warsaw Avenue in Mobile for a report of a possible assault, according to an MPD news release.

When officers arrived, they found that a woman had been cut by a 60-year-old man, according to the release.

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The male subject, now identified as Alvin Cunningham, was arrested and taken to Metro Jail. The female was taken a local hospital for treatment.

Crowds take to Pensacolas Irish pubs to celebrate St. Patricks Day

This is an ongoing investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Narendra Modi has joined Truth Social, the social media platform owned by Donald Trump, in an apparent overture to the US president.

The Indian prime minister has become one of the few world leaders to join the site, and in his first post, he shared a photo with Mr Trump taken in Houston, Texas, during his 2019 US visit.

Delighted to be on Truth Social! Looking forward to interacting with all the passionate voices here and engaging in meaningful conversations in the times to come, Mr Modi captioned the photo, in which he is seen wearing a yellow kurta and white shalwar, paired with a Nehru-style waistcoat. Beside him, Mr Trump in a blue suit, joins him in waving to the audience.

Narendra Modis first post to Truth Social included a photo taken alongside Mr Trump in Houston, Texas, during his 2019 US visit

Mr Trump launched Truth Social in February 2022 after being temporarily banned from major social media networks, including Twitter and Facebook, following the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.

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Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence, who is currently in India on a multi-nation tour of the Indo-Pacific region, met Mr Modi to discuss strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Her visit comes at a crucial moment for India, which remains wary of potential US reciprocal tariff measures under the Trump administration. New Delhi is working to secure a trade agreement that could help avert a tariff war and mitigate the impact of reciprocal duties set to take effect from April 2.

Ms Gabbard, a practising Hindu, underscored her cultural and spiritual connection to India by referencing the Hindu holy book, the Bhagavad Gita.

Trumps life was for his nation

Last week, Mr Modi gave a rare foreign interview to Lex Fridman, one of the most popular podcast hosts in the US, expressing admiration for Mr Trumps America First spirit and drawing parallels with his own India First vision.

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Even after being shot [in July 2024], he [Trump] remained unwaveringly dedicated to America, he said. His life was for his nation. Trumps will to live and fight for the US even after being shot appeals to me because this showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in Nation First.

I stand for India First and thats why I connect so well [with Trump], Mr Modi said, adding that the US president was far more prepared for his second term with a clear roadmap and well-defined steps.

The interview has generated significant interest in India, where Mr Modi is known for tightly controlling media interactions and has only recently started taking press questions abroad, despite having been in power for over a decade.

On Monday, Mr Trump shared the interview on his social media platform, where Mr Modi discussed his political journey, the 2002 Gujarat riots and Indias relationship with China.

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Truth Social is owned by Trump Media & Technology Group and functions similarly to X, allowing users to post truths and retruths.

However, the site has struggled to gain traction, with traffic lagging 400 times behind X. Mr Trump, who took the company public in 2024, owns 57 per cent of shares, although the firm reported a $400 million (308 million) loss last year on $3.6 million in revenue.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas police and the FBI are investigating a fire involving several vehicles at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas.

The fire was reported Tuesday around 2:45 a.m. During a news conference, Assistant Sheriff Dorie Koren said police learned of the fire after receiving several 911 calls.

Multiple Teslas vandalized at California dealership

One caller said they heard gunshots and that there was a subject wearing black clothing and setting multiple vehicles on fire, he said.

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Police said the suspect can be seen in a video released during the news conference. Five vehicles were damaged.

He used what appeared to be multiple Molotov cocktails and firearms to conduct his attack, Koren said. At least five Tesla vehicles were damaged, including the two that were engulfed in flames.

The word resist was spray-painted on the Tesla centers front doors. Police said an un-ignited Molotov cocktail was found in one of the cars.

Graffiti at the scene of Tesla vehicle fires in Las Vegas reads resist. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)

There were two posts on Elon Musks X account. One referred to the fire as terrorism.

This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong, the second post read. Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.

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There certainly nationwide has been an uptick in folks who feel empowered to commit acts of violence, in this case against Tesla facilities and vehicles and their owners for some political reason, it might be their bias, said Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans, with the FBI Las Vegas office.

Other cases of targeted attacks have been reported in California, Kansas, Seattle and other cities involving Tesla vehicles or dealerships.

Koren said there will be increased police presence around any Tesla facilities in Las Vegas. Police and the FBI urged anyone with video of the fire or the suspect to call (702) 828-7777.

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As college basketball players vie for one shining moment, we imagine an impossible challenge between some of Colorados natural treasures.
Eared grebes swim in the Great Salt Lake near Antelope Island on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Anyone who has walked along the shores of the Great Salt Lake during the summer months is probably acquainted with the brine fly.

Theyre hard to miss  according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, brine fly populations around the lake have been in the billions during peak years, swarming in what sometimes looks like small, black clouds. The flies are an integral part of the lakes ecosystem, a key source of food for the nearly 10 million migratory birds that stop by each year.

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But as water levels decline, the lakes salinity levels become more concentrated, in turn impacting brine fly and brine shrimp populations. Thats essentially what researchers at Westminster University in Salt Lake City are gearing up to research after securing new funding.

Last week, the university announced a $50,000 year-long grant from Northrop Grumman, one of the worlds largest aerospace and military defense companies, with a campus in Roy, Utah.

The grant will allow Westminsters Great Salt Lake Institute to expand its ongoing research into the brine fly, the insects impact on the lakes ecosystem and how populations react to changes in lake salinity.

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According to the nonprofit Friends of the Great Salt Lake, a healthy salinity range for the Great Salt Lakes south arm is between 13% and 15%. In 2022, as lake levels hit a historic low, salinity levels in the south arm hit 19%, nearing the tipping point of what brine flies can handle.

The flies help sustain a number species of migratory birds that stop at the lake, with species of phalaropes, a shorebird, often congregating in areas with large populations of brine fly adults and larvae, according to the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative.

This funding will allow us to test our hypothesis that brine fly populations will be reduced at high salinity and may rebound when the lake level rises and salinity lowers, said Georgie Corkery, the principal investigator on the grant and a coordinator for the Westminsters Great Salt Lake Institute.

Now, the grant from Northrop Grumman will support the institutes brine fly monitoring, where Westminster students will work alongside faculty and staff. Researchers will also collaborate with the National Audubon Society and Sageland Collaborative.

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(KRON)  The Monterey County District Attorneys Office released a photo of a suspects knife recovered from a fatal shooting involving a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer.

Siblings killed in Napa crash mourned, mother faces charges

The incident occurred March 15 on Highway 101 at Ralph Lane, about halfway between Prunedale and Salinas. CHP said an officer responded at 7:07 p.m. to a report of a solo vehicle collision into a guardrail.

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One minute later, shots were fired by the officer, which ended in the death of James Frederick Combs, 42, of Salinas. The officer was not injured, but Combs was armed with a knife at the time of the incident, said the D.A. The knife is pictured below.

Photo courtesy of Monterey County District Attorneys Office.

The D.A.s office said it went to the scene on the day of the incident to start an independent investigation. Combs family has been notified, the D.A. confirmed.

It is not clear what led to the incident. The Monterey County District Attorneys Office said the circumstances surrounding the shooting are actively being probed.

Anyone with information tied to the incident is asked to contact the District Attorneys Bureau of Investigations at (831) 755-5070.

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The family of inaugural "Drag Race UK" winner the Vivienne has revealed the cause of the performers death in January.

The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, died of cardiac arrest caused by taking ketamine, the BBC reported Monday. Publicist Simon Jones confirmed the Vivienne's cause of death Monday in an Instagram statement, adding "James's family and I feel it is important to say how James tragically died."

Jones added: "We hope that by releasing this information we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do [to] your body. Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly among young people, and I don't think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed."

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Read more: 'Drag Race' family mourns the Vivienne, a U.K. star who died at 32: 'A true champion'

Ketamine is a legal medication commonly used as an anesthetic, but it has also gained popularity as a treatment for depression in recent years. It is the same drug that led to the 2023 death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry. Ketamine can be addictive, experts say, and can be dangerous with long-term use or for people with some health conditions.

The Vivienne died Jan. 5 at age 32. They were found dead at their home in England in the county of Cheshire, according to the BBC. Jones announced the performer's death in a January statement mourning the loss of "an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person." Tributes from the "RuPaul's Drag Race" community, including its namesake host and other winners, subsequently poured in.

During their Drag Race UK tenure in 2019, the Vivienne was a consistent competitor known for their cheeky humor. Behind the scenes, the Vivienne was also vulnerable about their struggles with drug use and addiction. Before winning the crown, they told judges they would advise their younger self to just try and say no.

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Just try and stay away from that, but youre going to be doing what you love to do, and that is just going to be such a hell of a ride," the Vivienne said. Cause youre going to end up on Drag Race with all these amazing people, and that is better than anything that anyone could ever give you.

Read more: The ketamine boom: How the wealthy are getting their hands on the in-demand drug

In Monday's statement, Jones said he and James' family were working with mental health and addiction support charity Adferiad. They hope to raising "vital awareness" and spread "information on how to help" people struggling with ketamine use.

"If we can help raise awareness of the dangers of this drug and help people who may be dealing with ketamine addiction, then something positive will come from this complete tragedy," the Vivienne's sister Chanel Williams told the BBC.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Related video: In February 2025, Hernando County deputies seized enough drugs to potentially kill 250,000 people at an apartment complex.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A spring break operation led to more than 20 arrests over the weekend, as officers scoped out illegal activity in Tampa bars and clubs.

On Saturday, Tampa police initiated a narcotics investigation, leading to the arrests of a 19-year-old and a 23-year-old.

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At a club located in the 1600 block of East 7th Avenue, 19-year-old Matthew Shaffer sold fentanyl to an officer in the bathroom. Officials said Shaffer had nearly 18 grams of fentanyl in his possession.

2 dogs found hanging from tree in backyard of Florida home

At another bar located in the same block, 23-year-old Joseph Azucena sold cocaine to officers.

Shaffer was arrested and charged with delivery of a controlled substance and trafficking in fentanyl, while Azucena was arrested on charges of delivery of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Throughout the weekend, police made six DUI arrests, 210 traffic stops, and 21 other arrests.

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Ensuring our community is safe during Spring Break and all year round is our number one priority, Chief Lee Bercaw said. I want to send a clear message, there is no tolerance for this behavior in Tampa.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
This is a developing story. Check back to sanluisobispo.com for updates.

To get breaking news alerts, click here

Update, 5:50 p.m.:

Power appears to have been restored to all by 239 customers in Nipomo, according to PG&Es outage map.

The remaining customers without power were along residential neighborhoods off Division Street. An estimated time for restoration of power was not given.

Original story:

More than 7,800 PG&E customers were without power due to a massive outage in Nipomo on Monday evening.

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According to PG&Es map, the unplanned outage was reported around 4:36 p.m. and was impacting 7,830 customers.

The outage stretched across most of western Nipomo from Highway 101 to Highway 1.

The utility company said crews were evaluating the electrical system to identify damaged sections and make necessary repairs in order to safely turn the power back on.

Power was expected to be restored by 8:45 p.m., according to PG&E.

Power Outages in San Luis Obispo County and California

This map shows current California power outages and is automatically updated every 15 minutes. It shows the total number of customers impacted by county (in black), the general location of the outages with red (not planned) and orange (planned) circles, and more detailed power outage areas from PG&E when zoomed into the map (other utilities are not available for power outage areas). Tap on the locations for the number of customers affected and estimated power restoration in the left-hand column.

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Open

SOURCES: California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Los Angeles Water & Power, ESRI
Attorney General Pam Bondi in a statement Tuesday called the recent spate of arson attacks and vandalism against Tesla vehicles "nothing short of domestic terrorism" and promising harsh punishments for perpetrators if they are caught.

The statement from Bondi came after the latest incident in which five Tesla vehicles were damaged when a fire was started at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning. That was the latest in a wave of incidents aimed at the electric vehicle company, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

"This was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility," said Dori Koren, assistant sheriff for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

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Along with the burning vehicles, officials said the word "RESIST" was spray-painted across the doors of the facility and three rounds of shots were fired at the additional Teslas. The suspect approached the business wearing black clothing and are believed to have used Molotov cocktails and a firearm to conduct his attack, police said.

Officials received notice that an individual had "set several vehicles on fire in the parking lot and caused damage to the property."

Police and the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force are investigating this incident, which they believe was an isolated attack. Authorities are still searching for a suspect.

PHOTO: A grab from a video released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows the word 'RESIST' on the doors of a Tesla facility. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)

Two Tesla Cybertrucks also caught on fire at a dealership in Kansas City, Missouri, on Monday evening, according to the Kansas City Police Department.

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Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations have been vandalized, suffered arson and faced protests in recent weeks since the company's CEO Elon Musk began his work at the White House spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

In the statement Tuesday, Bondi said, "The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism." In some of the cases, she said the Justice Department is charging perpetrators with crimes that carry five-year mandatory minimum sentences.

"We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes," she said in the statement.

In the Kansas incident, a police officer in the area spotted smoke coming from one Cybertruck at a Tesla dealership on State Line Road shortly before midnight. The officer attempted to put out the flames using a fire extinguisher, but the fire spread to a second Cybertruck parked next to the original one, police said.

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The Kansas City Fire Department ordered the bomb and arson unit to assist on the scene, the fire department said. Officials were able to put out the flames and the vehicles were "covered with a fire blanket to prevent reignition," the fire department said.

"The circumstances are under investigation but preliminarily the fire is being investigated for the potential of being an arson," police said in a statement on Monday.

There have been no arrests made for this incident, police said. The FBI is assisting the Kansas City Police Department in this investigation.

MORE: Tesla, in a letter, tells Trump administration it's worried about tariffs

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This follows a spree of similar incidents that have occurred across the country in the last few weeks.

Last week, "more than a dozen" shots were fired at a Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon, according to Kelsey Anderson, the public information officer at the Tigard Police Department.

Additionally, three Teslas were vandalized in Dedham, Massachusetts on March 11, according to the Dedham Police Department. Officials said "words had been spray-painted" on two Tesla Cybertrucks, with all four tires of the trucks and a Tesla Model S being "reportedly damaged."

PHOTO: Chalk graffiti is displayed on the outside of a Tesla dealership during a rally in San Francisco, March 15, 2025. (Josh Edelson/AP)

Earlier this month, a Tesla charging station was targeted in South Carolina, where an individual spray-painted an expletive directed at President Trump along with "LONG LIVE UKRAINE" on the ground in red paint and threw homemade Molotov cocktails at the station, according to the North Charleston Police Department.

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Federal ATF agents arrested 24-year-old Daniel Clarke-Pounder in that incident, charging him with arson of property in interstate commerce.

During a search of his apartment, agents said they found a purple composition notebook that contained a three-page handwritten statement which asserted anti-government beliefs and statements opposed to DOGE.

"The statement made mention of sending a message based on these beliefs and was signed with the initials 'DC,'" court records said.

Protests against the company have also occurred at dealerships nationwide. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs told ABC News the demonstrations and the company's plummeting stocks  which have tumbled nearly 48% this year  can all "be tied to [Musk's] time at DOGE."

PHOTO: ATF investigators inspect burned Tesla Cybertrucks at a Tesla lot in Seattle, March 10, 2025. (Lindsey Wasson/AP)

"It has been a distraction for the company and it's been a problem for the brand," Frerichs said.

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In recent weeks, four top officers at the company have sold off $100 million in stock, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Musk, the owner of X, said on Monday that his companies "make great products that people love and I've never physically hurt anyone, so why the hate and violence against me?"

"Because I am a deadly threat to the woke mind parasite and the humans it controls," Musk said on X.

Musk has also reposted reactions that criticized previous Tesla attacks, including one that said those responsible for the Las Vegas attack are "terrorists and should be treated accordingly."

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A spokesperson for Tesla did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

ABC News' Jack Moore and Aaron Katersky contributed to this report.

Attorney general calls Tesla arson attacks 'nothing short of domestic terrorism' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Two people from Morgantown who previously pleaded guilty to their involvement in a multi-state drug ring were sentenced to prison on Tuesday.

Jennifer Clapper

According to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Jennifer Clapper, 37, and Jamie Purtee, 33, both of Morgantown were sentenced to 41 months (3.4 years) and 60 months (5 years) in federal prison respectively for their roles as distributors in a drug trafficking organization that has ties to Monongalia County.

Jamie Purtee

Court documents and statements made in court detailed that the ring distributed kilograms of drugs for more than six years operating between Monongalia County and Philadelphia, Pa. Members of the ring traveling between the two cities would bring 5-10 pounds of methamphetamine per trip, the release said.

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The pair were among 25 people indicted in February 2024 for distributing meth, fentanyl and cocaine from apartments in Morgantown as part of the drug ring. Officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office said that the ring was led by Rodney Johnson, who admitted to trafficking drugs into West Virginia in November 2024.

Following their sentences, Clapper and Purtee will serve three years of supervised release.

Detroit man sentenced for bringing meth to Clarksburg

The Mon Metro Drug Task Force investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted on behalf of the U.S. Government.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Critics say Senate Bill 261 will relieve pressure on Duke Energy to move rapidly away from generating electricity from fossil fuels as is done in this Indiana coal-fired facility. (Photo: Robert Zullo for States Newsroom)

Caring and thinking Americans are rightfully alarmed and angered right now at the unabashed lurch toward authoritarianism that theyre witnessing in the nations capital. Among the most troubling signs: Recent news reports that the Trump administration ignored a federal court order to immediately halt the unlawful deportation of a group of alleged Venezuelan gang members.

When a presidential administration begins  even subtly and incrementally  to move in this direction, the very foundations of our constitutional government and the rights it exists to secure are in profound jeopardy.

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And yet, as frightening as this is, there is another urgent matter of public policy on the front burner right now in which the damage being inflicted will quite arguably be even more difficult to repair. Whats more, in this case, the North Carolina legislature is an active contributor to the problem.

At issue is the challenge posed by carbon emissions that drive climate change. As deserts expand, polar icecaps melt, sea levels rise, oceans become increasingly toxic, dangerous storms grow bigger, more frequent and more severe, and millions upon millions of humans become climate migrants and refugees, it is, by any fair estimation, one of the most important issues facing humanity.

Indeed, if ever a matter required everyones urgent and best efforts and collaboration  elected officials, regulators, energy providers, scientists, consumers, environmental advocates  this is it. Even with aggressive and unprecedented global action, humanitys best hope lies in, at best, minimizing the massive and irreparable damage that climate change will cause to the global biosphere.

Unfortunately, not only has the Trump administration pulled the rug out from under numerous important public actions to combat the crisis, so too now are North Carolina state legislators.

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As NC Newsline reported, the state Senate approved a measure last week sponsored by a former-Duke-Energy-executive-turned-state-senator that would eliminate an interim carbon emissions reduction goal for the electricity giant.

Senate Bill 261 would remove the 2030 target for a 70% reduction in carbon emissions that was established in a painstakingly negotiated law that passed with bipartisan support in 2021. That law also included a 2050 goal for carbon neutrality, which would remain unchanged.

As usual, the excuse for the bill is cost. Proponents, including some big industrial consumers, say the 2030 goal was unrealistic (the state Utilities Commission has already granted Duke a reprieve from meeting it) and that complete repeal will save ratepayers as much as $13 billion dollars.

Consumer and environmental advocates, however, strongly disagree. As Will Scott of the Environmental Defense Fund detailed in a powerful recent essay, its Dukes stubborn reliance upon natural gas to fire power plants  not the move to sustainability  thats costing ratepayers billions. As he notes, natural gas prices are notoriously volatile and current rate structures pass all such costs directly to consumers. The faster we make the switch to lower cost renewable energy sources like solar and wind, Scott says, the better.

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Whos correct? In a logical world  one in which state lawmakers addressed an issue of such massive societal importance by conducting lengthy public hearings, listening carefully to numerous experts with different interests and points of view, and openly weighing competing claims  it might be possible to reach a consensus.

Unfortunately, thats not how Republican lawmakers roll these days. Senate Bill 261 was heard in, and approved by, two committees less than 24 hours after it was introduced and given a final Senate okay just two days later. And the fact that requests by Democratic lawmakers to be fully briefed on the details of modeling performed by the Utilities Commission Public Staff were denied raises serious questions about the cost-savings claim.

But, of course, even if bill sponsors were correct that keeping the interim carbon reduction goal will raise electric bills, they ignore the mountainous costs of climate change  expenses that will make higher electric bills look paltry.

The price tag for Hurricane Helene in North Carolina alone is already well north of $50 billion. One shudders to imagine what similar additional costs lurk in the years ahead from future climate-change-fed disasters.

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Sure, its true  as bill defenders argue  that the damage resulting from climate change cannot be attributed to any single region or polluter, and that limiting emissions here does nothing directly to curb them in places like China and India.

But, of course, by such logic, there would be no reason to adhere to any domestic pollution control regulation that impacted a global environmental issue  be it protecting the oceans from microplastics or the ozone layer from chlorofluorocarbons.

Whats next? Abandoning all sex trafficking laws until every other nation gets on board?

The senators behind SB 261 may be right. Their bill may be just what all interested parties would agree to if they had all of the facts. But especially when dealing with a topic of such huge  even existential  importance, making those facts public and giving everyone a chance to thoroughly weigh them and be heard, is the only truly just way to proceed. Anything less gives the distinct impression that a corrupt fix is in the works.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Last year, there were about 21.3 million people who received coverage through Medicaid expansion.

States will not be able to cover those shortfalls

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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. Scott S. Greenberger can be reached at sgreenberger@stateline.org.

Like Minnesota Reformer, 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.
Mar. 17AUSTIN  The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the capture of another fugitive from Texas' 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List. Rigoberto Enrique Valencia was taken into custody on Friday, March 14, in Liberty Co. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in his arrest.

According to a DPS news release, Rigoberto Enrique Valencia, 20, a criminal illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was taken into custody in Cleveland following a traffic stop coordinated between DPS Special Agents and the Liberty Co. Sheriff's Office. He had been wanted out of Harris Co. since Aug. 29, 2024, for failure to appear (carrying a prohibited weapon).

In March 2024, Valencia was arrested by the Houston Police Department for unlawful carrying of a weapon. On Aug. 25, 2024, he was arrested again by the Houston Police Department for carrying a prohibited weapon and subsequently bonded out of jail several days later. For more information, view Valencia's captured bulletin here.

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Funded by the Governor's Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas' 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. So far in 2025, DPS and other agencies have arrested 16 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including four sex offenders and five criminal illegal immigrants  with $22,000 in rewards being paid for tips that yielded arrests.

To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:

 Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).

 Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.

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 Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the "SUBMIT A TIP" link (under the "About" section).

All tips are anonymous  regardless of how they are submitted  and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.

DPS Special Agents work with local and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend all the criminal illegal immigrants that have been identified and to select the fugitives that appear on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List. You can find the current lists  with photos  on the DPS website.

Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous.
Fourth part of four-part Diagnosis: Columbus, looking at expansion projects across central Ohios major health systems as they respond to the regions population growth and job expansion. Read the first part  on OhioHealths $1 billion expansion  by clicking here; read the second part  on Nationwide Childrens Hospitals expansion  by clicking here; read the third part  on Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centers new medical tower  by clicking here.

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH)  Modern hospital design aims for one key objective: efficiency.

Youre looking at your adjacencies to save steps. Youre looking at how that space is put together, Genevieve Lescalleet, facilities planner for Mount Carmel Health System, said.

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Downtown officials back Columbus State plan for new health sciences building

When Mount Carmel laid out the plans to build its fifth hospital in central Ohio, Mount Carmel Dublin, efficiency shaped the site selection process and most of the interior structure.

We have learned the frontline workers know what works and what doesnt work, so we really went to the voice of our colleagues and asked them, What do you think of this space? What are we missing?' Diane Doucette, president of Mount Carmel Dublin, St. Anns & New Albany, said.

Mount Carmel Dublin is a $273 million project set to open in April. The conceptual design for the hospital began in 2021, with construction beginning in 2023.

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It will house a full emergency department along with ample space for family medicine. A high-profile site was chosen, just off I-270 and Sawmill Road in Dublin.

Nine Ohio stores among Forever 21 locations to close after bankruptcy

The public today wants to be served in their local community, Doucette said. In the Dublin community, the percentage of senior citizens is growing at 24 percent. The population here in Dublin is growing at five percent. We look at where is the population is growing and what services can we provide to serve that.

While trauma care will still be referred to Mount Carmel East, this is Mount Carmels first acute care site in northwest Columbus.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
DARAA, Syira (AP)  Syria's foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned the latest Israeli airstrikes on targets in the south of the country, calling the attack a violation of international law.

Hundreds of people gathered for the funeral of one of the victims of an attack on the city of Daraa where the 14th anniversary was being marked of a shooting by government forces that sparked the uprising against former President Bashar Assads government.

Syrias Civil Defense said that three people were killed and many others wounded in a strike on Monday on Daraa, including four children, a woman and three civil defense volunteers.

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Dr. Nizar Rashdan, director of the southwestern city's General Hospital, told The Associated Press that the airstrike hit an abandoned army barracks near a residential area killing three and wounding 25.

Yasser al-Sharaa was standing in front of his shop when the strike occurred. We are civilians living here. The children were scared and the building was damaged, al-Sharaa said. Thank God my losses were material, with no human losses.

The Israeli military said it had hit command centers and military sites containing weapons and military vehicles belonging to the old Syrian regime, which (the new army) are trying to make reusable.

Israels military has destroyed much of the now-dissolved Syrian army assets in hundreds of airstrikes after Islamist groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, whose roots comes from al-Qaidas branch in Syria, captured Damascus following the ouster of Assad last December.

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The commemoration of the March 18, 2011, shooting in Daraa that sparked the uprising against Assads government was held at the city's Omari Mosque where hundreds of people marched Tuesday chanting Oh Gaza, we will support you to death.

The body of a young man who was killed in Monday's airstrike was carried in a coffin draped in Syrian flag. During the funeral, Ahmad al-Masalmeh carried a banner that read in English, Arabic and Hebrew, Netanyahu and Assad are two sides of the same coin.

Today marks the spark of the revolution that began in Daraa against Bashar Assad, al-Masalmeh said. Thank God we are victorious. We are united with the Palestinian people and we will always be God willing.

Israeli forces have seized territory in southern Syria, saying the operations aim to protect its borders. Israeli officials have also said that they will not allow the new Syrian military south of Damascus, claiming that they aim to protect the Druze, a minority sect present in both Syria and Israel.

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The interim Syrian government has made three complaints to the U.N. Security Council against Israel since Assad's fall.

The most recent complaint, submitted on March 3, but circulated on Tuesday, said that Israels statements constitute blatant interference in the internal affairs of Syria and reflect hostile intentions and goal of undermining the security and stability of Syria and establishing a new occupation on Syrian territory as a fait accompli.

It called on the U.N. to take urgent action to make Israel stop its attacks on Syrian towns and villages and their civilian populations and to withdraw completely, immediately and unconditionally from the Syrian territory into which its forces have recently advanced and comply with a 1974 ceasefire agreement between the two countries.



Associated Press staff writers Bassem Mroue and Abby Sewell in Beirut and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
During the past two months of Donald Trump and Elon Musks power grabs, it has been clear the second Trump administration is building up to a confrontation with the American courts system  one that would trigger a full-blown constitutional crisis. That moment of truth has arrived.

On Friday, hours after Trump said it should be illegal to criticize judges, the Trump administration flew several planes with hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to deport them, apparently without due process, to a mega prison in El Salvador  despite a federal judge ordering them not to do so, and to turn around any planes en route if necessary. Trump officials ignored the judges order before trying to get him removed from the case. They refused to answer any of the judges questions on Monday, while asserting that his court had no jurisdiction once the planes were over international waters.

By Monday evening, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was on Fox News arguing that judges cannot be allowed to determine the way in which the president handles foreign relations. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused the judge of attempting to meddle in national security and foreign affairs, adding: This one federal judge thinks he can control foreign policy for the entire country, and he cannot. Bondi confirmed the administration absolutely could keep deporting Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador using the same justification.

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Trump, for his part, has called the judge a Radical Left Lunatic who was not elected President, and is demanding the judges impeachment. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! Trump posted on Truth Social Tuesday morning. WE DONT WANT VICIOUS, VIOLENT, AND DEMENTED CRIMINALS, MANY OF THEM DERANGED MURDERERS, IN OUR COUNTRY.

This isnt the first time that Trump and his top brass suggested they dont have to follow court orders. Vice President J.D. Vance wrote last month, Judges arent allowed to control the executives legitimate power. After a different judge ordered the Trump administration to hire back some of the thousands of probationary federal employees he and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk fired without basis, Bondi complained, You got one district judge thinking he can control the money for the entire country. When Trump was asked about whether his administration would comply with that court order, he replied, I dont think thats going to be happening.

But Trumps refusal to heed the judges demand not to deport migrants to El Salvador  as well as the presidents decision to ship migrants, who have not been convicted of anything, to a country and prison notorious for civil rights abuses  is a huge escalation, and an alarmingly direct test of the U.S. Constitution and Americas system of checks and balances. To justify the decision, Trump invoked the infamous Alien Enemies Act of 1798  a major stretch, given the law is meant to target the actions of foreign governments during wartime  though the Justice Departments lawyer argued some of the migrants sent to El Salvador were deported under different authorities.

In the years leading up to his second presidency, Trump and key lieutenants plotted the highly convoluted, bad-faith methods in which a new administration would invoke the Alien Enemies Act in a way they hoped would ultimately stand up in court, and in front of the Supreme Court. During his post-presidency, Trump would privately admit this wasnt just about gang members; it was about twisting the archaic wartime law to get rid of everyone he could possibly get away with expelling from the nation.

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Amid the controversy Monday over the deportation flights, senior officials across the Trump administration proudly flocked to social media and live television to insist that Trump and his team cannot be reined in by judges. Trumps border czar Tom Homan said outright on Fox News: I dont care what the judges think. Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff, proclaimed that the judges order is patently unlawful.

One senior Trump administration official says the White Houses overarching approach on these matters is to, quite simply, move fast  both because they expect courts to try to quickly order them to stop, and if a judge does so, moving quickly allows Team Trump to execute certain actions before the law and oversight can catch up to them. That is, apparently, exactly what occurred with the deportation flights to El Salvador.

Multiple Trump officials also tell Rolling Stone that they see, in this case and others, a difference between defying a federal judges order and ignoring an order.

Another close Trump adviser simply says that the presidents ultimate leverage against certain judges who try to stand in the way of his agenda is that the judiciary does not command an army, while the president of the United States does. Are they going to come and arrest him? the adviser asked, rhetorically.

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This would all be bad enough if it were a wildly lawless but isolated incident. But it isnt. It fits a broader fact pattern of the restored President Trump, whose administration is now operating on the legal principle of: What are you gonna do about it?

Last week, Rolling Stone reported that the Trump administration had continued to pressure grant recipients and organizations around the globe to sign revised contracts that included language derived from Trumps executive orders cracking down on diversity programs  despite a federal judges order demanding that they halt doing just that. (Late last week, an appeals court sided with the Trump administration.)

Last month, a federal judge in Rhode Island stated that the Trump White House had defied his order to release billions of dollars in federal grants, marking the first time a judge has expressly declared that the Trump administration is disobeying a judicial mandate, according to The New York Times.

This month, Team Trump appears focused on amping up the volume.

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The people in the administration [who are] deliberately violating a court order and instructing others to ignore it  that is criminal contempt of court and potential obstruction of justice, Ken White, a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor, told Rolling Stone last week. Its not just lawless; that would be a crime. But even if it is a crime, that doesnt mean this Department of Justice is going to prosecute it. Theyve basically decided the Trump administration is above the law. Everybody is watching closely, looking for the Andrew Jackson moment, when they openly say they are going to defy the court. It seems as if theyre getting increasingly close to that line.

Just days later, the Trump administration has reached that line and is prepared to blow right through it. The constitutional crisis is here.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A federal indictment was filed against a Byhalia, Mississippi minister after he allegedly sent an inappropriate image to someone he thought was an underage girl.

Britt Taylor is accused in the indictment of sending a message containing a photo of male genitals to an undercover law enforcement officer who he believed to be a girl under the age of 16 on Dec. 6 last year.

Taylor was charged with one count of Transfer of Obscene Material to Minor. An Apple iPhone was seized by the Department of Homeland Security in January.

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Priest accused of killing cats pleads not guilty, jury trial set

Taylor is a former music minister for Calvary Baptist Church in Horn Lake, the church confirmed. He was terminated Jan. 7 after confessing, the church said.

Their full statement is below:

On Monday, January 6, 2025, Britt Taylor (who was the Minister of Music of Calvary Baptist Church at that time) called Pastor Greg Cook late in the evening to confess that he had engaged in online sexual misconduct and that his activity was being investigated as criminal activity. Pastor Greg immediately contacted and informed church leadership that evening and the following day, Tuesday, January 7th, officially terminated Mr. Taylor based on his own confession. We want to be clear, Britt Taylor committed acts of sexual misconduct which directly go against our churchs teaching, our churchs policies, and our churchs practice. Regarding the legal nature of this situation, we are fully cooperative with law enforcement.

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If convicted, he could be sentenced to no more than 10 years behind bars and up to $250,000 in fines.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ELLIOT, Miss.  Mississippi officials are working to help Grenada County recover from the tornado damages over the weekend.

The tornadoes damaged structures, downed powerlines, and uprooted trees.

Were doing initial damage assessments. While we were waiting to do that. We also had, our Red Cross volunteers partner with the local community volunteers, said Gail Thompson, American Red Cross. The churchs, been fantastic and fabulous. The community has come together very well. And we have helped in partnered with the local community to address some feeding needs and some water.

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Thompson said that theyre making sure everyone has food and water, and theyre working to see if there will be an open shelter so everyone who has been displaced would have a safe place to stay.

How to donate to Grenada County storm victims

According to Grenada County emergency management, power should be restored to 99% of the affected area by 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Right now, the city of Grenada has the Grenada Auditorium opened up for a shelter. Anyone that needs to go there can contact me or my office, said Chris Whitehurst, Grenada County EMA Director. If people need disaster relief, we have people in the area that are, at Emmanuel Baptist Church right now. They can contact, John Hampton with Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief, and they can help with debris removal.

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Three people were injured following Saturdays storms.

Well, Id like to say, first off, to all the residents in the city of Grenada. Thank you all for coming to the aid of our community down in Elliot, said Mayor Charles Lathan, City of Grenada. We say were the city that smells, but were the city that cares. Because when in these types of disasters and such, I just love it when our community comes together and support our neighbors.

Residents say it will be a long road to recovery however they are remaining optimistic.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Michigan State Polices Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is set to conduct a voluntary tornado drill as a part of the states Severe Weather Awareness Week.

The drill will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

How to prepare for severe weather

MSP Capt. Kevin Sweeney, the deputy state director of emergency management, said 2024 is a solid of example of why everyone should be prepared for severe weather, even outside of the typical severe weather season.

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Last May, four tornadoes hit southwest Michigan in a single day, damaging houses and businesses across four counties, Sweeney said in a news release. Severe weather can strike fast. Thats why its important to have a plan to protect yourself, your family, home and pets.

Damage on Timbercreek Court in Portage the day after a tornado. (May 8, 2024) Whats left of a Pizza Hut on W Centre Avenue in Portage following a tornado. It was part of a strip mall that took a direct hit. (May 8, 2024) Damage on Timbercreek Court in Portage the day after a tornado. (May 8, 2024) Damage at Timbercreek Townhouses in Portage the day after a tornado ripped through. (May 8, 2024) A home in Portage being repaired after tornadoes swept through on May 7. (May 21, 2024)

All residents, including businesses, are encouraged to follow along with the statewide drill but it is not mandatory.

During the tornado drill, residents may observe or hear alerts on TV and radio stations, as well as outdoor sirens in their community, the release states.

MSP says its been a month since it has gotten FEMA reimbursements

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Not all local emergency management agencies may participate. Last year, there was some confusion when the city of Grand Rapids chose not to participate. The city decided to skip out on the voluntary drill because it was short staffed following a major water main break and because it already conducts monthly tests between April and October.

The state emergency management department has several tips for residents to be prepared for a potential tornado.

Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A watch means conditions for a tornado to develop exist. A warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

Know the signs of an approaching tornado: dark, greenish sky, low-lying clouds and a loud roar.

Stay tuned to News 8 or other local news outlets for the latest developments.

Identify a safe place in your home for gathering. If possible, go to the basement or a storm shelter. If not, find an interior room and stay away from windows.

Put together an emergency preparedness kit with essential items, including a food and water supply, important family documents and a NOAA Weather Radio.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BOSTON (WPRI)  Veterinarians with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) are working around the clock to nurse two 3-week-old kittens back to health.

The kittens were among the three sole survivors of their litter and were surrendered from an Essex County home on March 7, according to the MSPCA.

The kittens were covered in fleas, which caused severe anemia  something thats a problem for any animal, but its deadly for young cats like these, MSPCA-Angells Mike Keiley said. Their red blood cell counts were critically low.

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Keiley said the kittens received emergency blood transfusions at the Larson Kelly Community Clinic immediately upon being surrendered and examined.

Weve been doing everything we can to keep these kittens alive, he said. Unfortunately, one of them didnt make it, but were cautiously optimistic we can save the other two.

The kittens spent time in a foster home with Chicken, a dog who works with many MSPCA shelter animals. (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) The three kittens shortly after their arrival at Angell Animal Medical Center. The white kitten did not survive. (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) The two surviving kittens are being given around-the-clock care in a foster home. (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) The MSPCA plans on posting updates about the kittenss status on its social media pages. (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell)

Keiley explained that the kittens had been living in a home with seven other cats, of which three werent spayed or neutered. Two of the three kittens littermates died before the MSPCA was called and intervened.

He said this highlights the importance of pet owners making sure their cats are spayed or neutered.

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Their owner loves these cats, but is older and dealing with their own medical issues that, coupled with the challenges of finding affordable spay/neuter, led to this, Keiley said.

MSPCA Law Enforcement is working with the kittens owner to provide preventative care for the remaining cats in the home, including spaying and neutering when necessary.

Keiley said the two kittens will remain at the MSPCA for at least five more weeks before vbeing put up for adoption.

Its too early for us to start thinking about adoption, Keiley said. Right now, our focus is on making sure the kittens survive and getting them fully healthy.

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The Essex County home cats will be among 200 animals spayed or neutered during the MSPCAs Giving Day on March 20, which Keiley said is designed to address a critical backlog that could lead to a spike in homeless animals statewide.

Given how large the backlog is, we need to take action now, which is why were committed to doing hundreds of surgeries in a single day  a lofty, but necessary goal, he said.

Anyone interested in making a donation toward the kittens care, or supporting the MSPCAs spay/neutering efforts, can do so online.

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Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

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TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  Four men were arrested as part of a multi-agency sting operation targeting people looking to solicit sex with a minor.

The Texarkana, Texas Police Department says that their Special Investigations Unit worked with investigators from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Bowie County Sheriffs Office, Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI.

45-year-old Gregory Frame and 33-year-old Derek Thomas were arrested after TTPD says they communicated with an undercover officer posing as an underage girl and then showed up at a location expecting to meet her. They were both charged with Online Solicitation of a Minor. Thomas was also charged with Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon.

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California to Texarkana drug connection centers investigation, arrest

Gregory Frame

Derek Thomas

21-year-old Cameron Dotson and 37-year-old Robert Hopkins were also arrested as part of the operation. They received charges of Online Solicitation of Prostitution. Delivery of a Controlled Substance was also tacked onto to Hopkins charges.

Cameron Dotson

Robert Hopkins

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The suspects are being held in the Bowie County Jail. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Westbound Interstate 10 was closed for more than four hours Monday afternoon because of a crash involving a police vehicle, causing delays for drivers headed into Phoenix from the south.

The westbound lanes of the interstate were closed for several miles because of a crash near Riggs Road west of Chandler, the Arizona Department of Transportation reported Monday just before 2 p.m.

The interstate was closed at Casa Blanca Road/State Route 587, at Pinal Avenue/State Routes 187 and 387 and at Riggs Road.

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The crash involved four vehicles, including a Gila River Police Department patrol vehicle, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. An officer was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, and two other people in another vehicle were seriously injured, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m., ADOT posted on the social media site X that all westbound lanes had reopened.

*CLOSURE*



I-10 westbound is closed near Riggs Road due to a crash at milepost 168.



Expect delays. There is no estimated time to reopen.



For real-time traffic info, check https://t.co/l4s0AFGOpz and the AZ511 app:

Apple: https://t.co/ZmAPQzMLUO

Android: https://t.co/UaWJeK5tT4 pic.twitter.com/D10wOQc2sA  Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 17, 2025

ADOT offers several options for checking whether roads are clear:

The Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov allows travelers to map routes and see closures affecting travel time.

The AZ511 app for Apple and Android mobile devices is a smartphone-friendly version of the Arizona Traveler Information site.

Within Arizona, dialing 511 calls the Arizona Traveler Information line, which offers traffic reports. Just say the route you're driving and the automated system will respond with traffic delay information. If 511 doesn't work from a cellphone, dial 1-888-411-ROAD (7623). If you're outside the U.S., dial 1-520-200-0105.

ADOT provides updates on highway conditions via its X feed @ArizonaDOT.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: I-10 lanes reopen 4 hours after crash involving police vehicle
ENCINITAS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A Tesla dealership was vandalized Monday in Encinitas.

The incident occurred around 5 a.m. in the 1300 block of Encinitas Boulevard, Lt. Zheath Sanchez with the San Diego County Sheriffs Department said in a news release Monday.

Authorities found multiple cars with swastikas spray-painted on them, as well as several windows of the dealership building spray-painted with swastikas and profanity.

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No suspects have been identified; no arrests have been made.

The vandalism comes two days after a protest at the same Tesla dealership where community members rallied against federal funding cuts. Protesters could be seen holding signs with messages like boycott Tesla and save Social Security.

Alan Gin, associate professor of economics at the University of San Diego, says no car company has seen such a dramatic swing in such a short time.

I just dont know how Im going to continue without her: Married couple dead after southwest Bakersfield crash

A lot of people dont like Elon Musks activities and as a result Tesla sales have fallen all over the world, Gin said.

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Tesla owners who love their cars say they are in a tough spot.

Solar powered, we thought we were doing a good thing, and now regret it, embarrassed, dont know what to do, said Erin Maffia, a Tesla owner.

The Encinitas Tesla dealership declined to comment on the vandalism.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in the case.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the San Diego County Sheriffs Office at 858-868-3200. To remain anonymous, call the Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

FOX 5/KUSIs Jaime Chambers contributed to this story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
UPDATE (March 18, 2025, 5:58 p.m. ET): The capsule with the astronauts splashed down Tuesday off the Florida coast at 5:57 p.m. ET.

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore finally began their journey back to Earth early Tuesday following a nine-month stint on the International Space Station that became political fodder for President Donald Trumps attacks on his predecessor.

At 1:05 a.m. ET, Williams, 59, and Wilmore, 62, departed the space station, where they had been staying since June 2024, on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule alongside NASAs Nick Hague and Russias Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. They are expected to splash down off Floridas Gulf Coast near Tallahassee shortly before 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

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Williams and Wilmore were initially expected to be on a weeklong mission after launching on Boeings Starliner spacecraft last year. However, the crew encountered issues with the capsules thrusters on its journey to the space station, and the Starliners return was delayed as engineers tried to troubleshoot its problems. NASA later decided to include the two astronauts in the stations regular six-month crew rotation. NASA eventually sent the uncrewed Starliner back to Earth, with the craft successfully landing in New Mexico on Sept. 7.

Both astronauts have been good-natured about their extended stay. They have said they missed their families but were prepared and committed to the mission, and they denied feeling neglected by the Biden administration.

Thats been the narrative from day one: stranded, abandoned, stuck  and I get it. We both get it, Wilmore told CNN in an interview in February. But that is, again, not what our human spaceflight program is about. We dont feel abandoned, we dont feel stuck, we dont feel stranded.

But Trump and billionaire Elon Musk  a top Trump ally and SpaceXs founder and CEO  have nevertheless claimed that the Biden administration left Wilmore and Williams in space for political reasons.

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Trump again echoed this narrative in a Truth Social post Monday. He falsely claimed that the Biden administration shamefully forgot about the Astronauts, because they considered it to be a very embarrassing event for them, and praised himself and Musk for bringing them home.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Two NASA astronauts have splashed down off Floridas coast and emerged from their capsule after spending nine months stuck in space due to a malfunctioning return ship and a series of delays and staffing issues.

A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams landed in the Gulf of Mexico just before 6 p.m. ET Tuesday. All four parachutes deployed as intended in the final moments of the crews 17-hour journey back to Earth.

NASA astronaut Suni Williams gives a thumbs-up after being helped out of a SpaceX capsule onboard the SpaceX recovery ship Megan. via Associated Press

NASAs Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov of Russias Roscosmos space agency joined the pair in the capsule.

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Within minutes of landing, crews approached the capsule to conduct safety checks on the spacecraft as a pod of dolphins splashed around them. The capsule was lifted onto a recovery boat around 6:30 p.m. ET, and the astronauts emerged shortly after, smiling and waving. They were then placed on stretchers, in accordance with standard procedure, to undergo medical checks before returning to land by helicopter within four hours and then boarding a plane to NASA headquarters in Houston.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, wearing Boeing spacesuits, are seen before preparing to board the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024. MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO via Getty Images

Wilmore and Williams had been at the International Space Station since June after their original ride there, a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, malfunctioned. Their visit was initially expected to last about nine days but it ultimately stretched into nearly a year, leading to criticism and speculation that they had been stranded there.

The pair was meant to only test out Boeings Starliner transportation vessel. But after safely reaching the space station, the vessel, which experienced issues and delays before liftoff, was determined to be too risky for the pairs return use and it was sent back to Earth unmanned.

NASA later said the astronauts would instead return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft that docked at the space station with two empty seats for them in September. That spacecraft, called Dragon Freedom, wasnt scheduled to leave for Earth until February, however.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is seen as it lands with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov aboard. Handout via Getty Images

Come December, NASA said it would again have to postpone their return to late March, at the earliest, due to technical issues on Earth with a new Dragon vehicle that was meant to carry a relief crew up to replace Wilmore and Williams.

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To help speed things up, a different Dragon spacecraft was ultimately launched on Friday with a relief crew, allowing the Dragon Freedoms departure from the space station early Tuesday.

The space agency argued that they could bring back Wilmore and Williams at any time but that the pair had become full-fledged station crew members at the space station and returning them to Earth before other astronauts were available to replace them would jeopardize the science and maintenance of the station.

This image taken from NASA video shows the SpaceX capsule carrying NASA astronauts Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore and Nick Hague, and Russian astronaut Alexander Gorbunov, undocking from the International Space Station on Tuesday. via Associated Press

President Donald Trump in late January further stoked scrutiny of the astronauts conditions when he publicly alleged that they had been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden administration. He said he had personally asked SpaceX founder Elon Musk to go get the astronauts.

NASA said such a plan had already been in the works with SpaceX for months, however.

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Throughout the public criticism and skepticism, both Wilmore and Williams publicly maintained that they were healthy and well, though eager to return to Earth.

Related...
Talk about unexpected travel delays.

Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will have quite the travel tale to tell after they return from the International Space Station today.

The two boarded a SpaceX Dragon capsule early this morning, returning to Earth after launching from Kennedy Space Center June 5, 2024, in what was planned to be an eight-day mission.

 NASA astronauts Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, their mission back to Earth: Timeline, how to watch

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They're expected to splash down off Florida's coast later today.

Here's what to know.

When will the astronauts splash down today?

NASAs SpaceX Crew-9 members pose together with the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft docked to the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Suni Williams, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, and NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore will return to Earth March 18, 2025.

The Dragon Freedom capsule undocked at around 1:05 a.m. EDT Tuesday. Those on board, which include not only Williams and Wilmore, but also NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, have a 17-hour trip back to Earth.

They are expected to make a water landing at about 5:57 p.m. EDT off the Florida coast, according to NASA.

Where will the astronauts splash down today?

LIVE: #Crew9 and their @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft are departing the @Space_Station and starting their journey back to Earth. Undocking is scheduled for 1:05am ET (0505 UTC). https://t.co/OUp4n98WeE  NASA (@NASA) March 18, 2025

Where the splashdown will occur off Florida's coast is still up in the air ... literally.

NASA and SpaceX met on Sunday to assess weather and splashdown conditions off Floridas coast.

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The splashdown site will be selected based on several factors, including weather conditions, recovery team readiness, sea states and other factors.

Better conditions today prompted officials to change the return of the capsule from Wednesday, according to NASA.

Will the SpaceX splashdown be livestreamed?

Yes. For FLORIDA TODAY Space Team live coverage of the splashdown, visit floridatoday.com/space for blog updates starting about 90 minutes before the expected arrival of the astronauts.

You also can watch coverage via the FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play.

NASA also will provide a livestream of the landing on NASA+. Coverage is expected to begin at 4:45 p.m.

Why were the astronauts on the Space Station for so long?

Wilmore and Williams were the two NASA astronauts selected for the first crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner.

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After the two astronauts arrived at the International Space Station in June 2024, NASA and Boeing engineers discovered several technical issues with the spacecraft, including helium leaks and propulsion problems. A decision was made to return the Starliner to Earth in September without the two on board as planned.

Astronauts said they weren't 'stuck' or stranded on Space Station

As of March 18, Williams and Wilmore spent more than 284 days in space, making their spaceflight the sixth longest in NASA history.

Since President Trump took office, he and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have made assertions that the vehicle's crew were "abandoned" or "stuck" in space as a result of the Biden Administration.

During an exclusive interview in January with USA TODAY. Wilmore and Williams sought to dispel the notion they were "stuck" at the station, insisting the extended stay is all part of the job.

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"We came up prepared to stay long, even though we planned to stay short," Wilmore said earlier this month in a news conference with journalists from the station.

Contributing: Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY; RIck Neale, FLORIDA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX splashdown today: Watch livestream as NASA astronauts return
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has congratulated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his presumptive successor Friedrich Merz on a "historic agreement" paving the way for billions more in defence spending.

The German Bundestag passed the measures by a large majority on Tuesday in the last session before the new parliament sits later this month following February's election.

"This sends a powerful message of leadership and commitment to our shared security. It will make a profound difference in NATO's ability to deter and defend," Rutte said on X.

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The German Bundesrat, or upper house, still has to give its approval on Friday.

Germany's centre parties have been stung into action by Russia's war in Ukraine dragging on into a third year and US President Donald Trump's rapprochement with Moscow.
Map of NC counties participating in the Healthy Opportunities Pilot. (Source: NC DHHS)

North Carolina launched a program called Healthy Opportunities in 2022 in three mostly-rural regions of the state to see if providing food, transportation, housing, and other non-medical health-related needs for people who use Medicaid as their insurance would improve their physical health.

The federal government, which approved the Healthy Opportunities Pilot during President Donald Trumps first administration, has given the state the green light to expand statewide.

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Too often non-medical factors like lack of access to healthy foods or inability to get to an in-person appointment seem to stand in the way of disease prevention and better primary care, said Dr. Mark McClellan, director of the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy. This pilot has aimed to develop the infrastructure needed to enable these kinds of non-medical factors to be addressed, when they can help lower overall costs and improve health.

The state Department of Health and Human Services is hoping the legislature will support Healthy Opportunities expansion.

With budget season underway, Duke-Margolis hosted a video roundtable on the Health Opportunities Pilot where participants extolled the program not only for improving health, but for helping people recover from Helene, supporting small and medium-sized farms, and helping to reduce health care provider burnout.

The question is, because of all the success we have had, how can North Carolina not afford to scale statewide? said former DHHS secretary Kody Kinsley.

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Weve got to continue to push forward because we need to control costs of health care broadly and upstream prevention is the clear answer, he said. Its the win-win in driving down costs and improving health.

Former NCDHHS Sec. Kody Kinsley

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal office that oversees Medicaid, published an interim evaluation of Healthy Opportunities in November 2024. It said 11,809 people received the programs services between March 2022 and November 2023.

Dr. Seth Berkowitz, an associate professor at the UNC School of Medicine, is leading the formal CMS evaluation.

We found that the program reduces health-related social needs, so we see less food insecurity, less housing instability, things like that, when people participate in the program, he said.

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The analysis reported a decline in emergency room visits that may be attributable to Healthy Opportunities. It estimated a statistically significant reduction in hospital admissions for adults. However, the estimated reductions in hospital admissions for pregnant individuals, and children and teenagers were not statistically significant. Hospital admissions for children three years old and younger were estimated to have increased.

Considering health care costs in the 12 months before and the 12 months after enrollment in Healthy Opportunities, health care savings attributable to the program were $85 per person per month, according to the evaluation.

The savings are coming from better health, not denying services, Berkowitz said.

People still have access to all the same health care theyve had before, he said. A change in spending is really a strong indicator that peoples health is improving and that is why were seeing the need for health care spending go down.
(Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/NJ Monitor)

The North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday to approve a bill allowing gun owners to carry concealed handguns without obtaining a permit, sending it to another panel.

Senate Bill 50, which bears the title Freedom to Carry NC, would authorize permitless concealed carry for individuals who are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, and not otherwise prohibited by law, according to the bills text.

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Its primary sponsors are Sens. Danny Britt (R-Hoke, Robeson, Scotland), Warren Daniel (R-Buncombe, Burke, McDowell), and Eddie Settle (R-Alexander, Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin). Britt and Daniel are two of the Judiciary Committees co-chairs.

Senate leader Phil Berger is backing the measure, he shared when sponsors filed it in February.

North Carolina law currently requires gun owners to obtain permits from their local sheriffs office in order to carry a concealed handgun. Concealed carry also requires a minimum of eight hours of training.

We believe that our constitution is clear that law abiding citizens should be allowed to constitutionally carry, Britt said. We believe they should be able to constitutionally carry without having to jump through the hoops that you do for a concealed carry permit.

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If passed into law, North Carolina would become the 30th state to allow what proponents call constitutional carry  meaning concealed carry without a permit. The legislation would still allow concealed carry permits to be issued for the purpose of reciprocity when traveling in another state.

States allowing permitless concealed carry are not limited to red states, the sponsors pointed out. While neighbors like South Carolina and Tennessee grant it, so do others like Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

The panel adopted an amendment clarifying that gun owners would be able to carry concealed handguns but not other types of firearms. Senators chose not to discuss this amendment.

Several witnesses gave brief testimony during the public comment portion of the meeting, providing perspectives from law enforcement, military veterans, and healthcare providers.

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Beverly Falls, a retired physician and surgeon, said hospitals regularly practice crisis events.

She described the situation as a public health epidemic in this country due to the vast number of guns. Falls said lax gun laws endanger the public as well as law enforcement.

Its a tragedy when we have actual events such as mass shootings, where there are no survivors to even arrive at our emergency rooms, Falls said. We need safety measures, not guns.

Raleigh police officer Hattie Gawande also spoke against the bill.

She shared a story from her time in law enforcement about how current law prevents violent crime by allowing officers to pursue and detain people who are suspected of carrying concealed weapons.

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Concealed carry permits protect police officers and the public, she said.

Becky Ceartas, executive director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (NCGV), suggested adding background checks to the legislation.

In 2023, the General Assembly removed the pistol purchase permitting system, allowing residents to purchase a handgun without getting a permit from a local sheriff.

If Senate Bill 50 becomes law, it would mean that people as young as 18 years old, with no training and no background check, could carry a hidden loaded weapon in public, Ceartas said. Make no mistake, if Senate Bill 50 passes, the research is clear: it will be paid for in North Carolinian lives.

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NCGV has noted that weakening or removing the concealed carry permitting requirements is associated with a 29% increase in firearm violent crime rates.

The legislation now heads to the Senate Rules Committee.
A Duke Energy coal fired power plant near Roxboro, NC (Photo: Courtesy of the Southern Environmental Law Center)

The challenge posed by carbon emissions that drive climate change is one of the most important issues facing humanity.

If ever a matter required everyones best efforts and collaboration  elected officials, regulators, providers, consumers  this is it.

Unfortunately, neither North Carolinas main electricity provider, Duke Energy, nor the politicians over whom it holds sway agree.

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Instead, they want to call all of the shots, and this fact was on display at the state legislature last week when Republican senators raced through a bill that repeals a painstakingly negotiated law which requires Duke to cut carbon emissions by 2030.

As usual, the excuse for the bill was cost. Proponents say the bill will save ratepayers money. Consumer and environmental advocates disagree, but even if it were true, bill supporters completely ignore the mountainous costs of climate change  expenses that will soon make higher electric bills look paltry.

The bottom line: Rushing through a one-sided industry-drafted bill on such a momentous issue is inexcusable. North Carolinians should demand better.

For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  North Carolina State University plans to name former administrator Kevin Howell as its next chancellor, the UNC System announced Tuesday.

The UNC Board of Governors held a special meeting on Tuesday morning, officially appointing Howell as the 15th university chancellor. Howell, the third N.C. State alumnus to serve in the role, begins his time as chancellor on May 5.

He replaces longtime N.C. State Chancellor Randy Woodson, whos stepping down in June after 14 years in the position.

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Kevin Howell is a born leader with a long record of service to North Carolina, the UNC System and N.C. State University, University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans said. His deep relationships across the state have helped drive investment and growth. I am confident that he will strengthen N.C. States role as a frontier research university, keeping North Carolina competitive in the most important fields of our future.

Which North Carolina schools made the NCAA Tournament?

Hans recommended Howell after a national search that attracted more than 75 candidates, resulting in four finalists endorsed by the N.C. State Board of Trustees, university officials said.

This university shaped my life in profound and generous ways, and I am honored for the chance to lead my alma mater, Howell said. N.C. State is a brilliant and inspiring place, just like the state we serve. There are exciting days ahead for the Pack, and Im ready to make a difference.

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Howell is currently the chief external affairs officer at UNC Health, but previously spent over a decade at N.C. State in various roles. He was an assistant to the chancellor for external affairs from 2006 to 2016.

In between stints at N.C. State, Howell was the senior vice president for external affairs with the UNC System. Two years later, he accepted the role of vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development before departing for UNC Health in 2024. He also worked in the governors office and the state legislature.

North Carolina State University named former administrator and Wolfpack alumnus Kevin Howell as its next chancellor on Tuesday. (Credit: UNC System Office)

Howells connections to N.C. State dates back to his days as a student in the 1980s. He served as the universitys student body president and graduated with a bachelors degree in political science. Howell will be the first chancellor to have also served as student body president at the university.

Were excited to welcome Kevin Howell back home to N.C. State, said Ed Stack, chair of the chancellor search advisory committee and vice chair of the N.C. State Board of Trustees. Among an impressive group of candidates, he stood out as the strongest choice. Kevin truly exemplifies the universitys think and do spirit  especially in driving economic development and improving the lives of North Carolinians.

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Kevin Howell is a longtime public servant and a strategic leader who deeply understands N.C. State University and its core mission, said UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy. We are confident that he will steward university resources, build industry relationships and lead the institution to even greater success, and we look forward to working with him in this new role. Go Pack!

Howell earned a law degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was born and raised in Cleveland County.

Hes also set to become the first African American chancellor in school history.

N.C. State officials are inviting the community to celebrate Howell and his appointment with a special public event at Talley Student Union on Tuesday afternoon.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
President Donald Trump took his most dramatic step to claim executive powers in his eighth week in office, invoking the Alien Enemies Act to begin deporting noncitizens without giving them a chance to go before a judge.

The 1798 law has been invoked only three other times: during the War of 1812, World War I and World War II. The last time it was used as part of the legal rationale for Japanese internment camps.

Heres a mostly complete look at what else the Trump administration has done over the last seven days:

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 Invoked the 18th century Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador.

 Denied that it violated a court order temporarily blocking the deportations, arguing it "had no lawful basis."

 Deported a 10-year-old U.S. citizen recovering from brain cancer and her family to Mexico after detaining them on their way to one of her medical checkups.

 Claimed that pardons of House Jan. 6 committee members and some others by then-President Joe Biden were now "void."

 Ruled out an exemption for Australia on steel and aluminum tariffs, as the European Union announced retaliatory trade actions.

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 Threatened to double steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada if Ontario added surcharges to electricity sold to the U.S.

 Fired 1,300 workers from the Education Department, effectively gutting an agency he's vowed to shut down.

 Announced that another 1,000 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration workers will be laid off.

 Put 1,300 staffers at the Voice of America on paid leave amid plans to shutter the news agency, which was set up during World War II.

 Passed a spending bill with $485 million more for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and nearly $1 billion in cuts to the budget of Washington, D.C.

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 Made plans to fire workers who preserve and maintain 26,000 works of art owned by the U.S. government.

 Promoted Tesla on the White House lawn and said vandalism against the company will be treated as domestic terrorism.

 Disbanded two federal committees tasked with advising policymakers on food safety.

 Expelled the South African ambassador for criticizing the Trump administration, calling him "persona non grata."

 Withdrew a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nominee who had questioned the measles vaccine.

 Reversed more than 100 terminations of leases for federal buildings around the country.

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 Threatened to impose a 200% tariff on European wine, Champagne and liquor amid a trade war with the European Union.

 Lost in court as two judges ordered the administration to reinstate thousands of fired federal workers.

 Deported a kidney transplant doctor and professor even though a judge had issued an order blocking it.

 Launched investigations into 52 universities, accusing them of "racial preferences" for diversity efforts.

 Threatened to pull federal funding to Columbia University unless it overhauls admissions and cedes control of academic departments.

 Faced a major protest as demonstrators took over Trump Tower to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil.

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 Was sued by a group of Democratic state attorneys general over efforts to dismantle the Education Department.

 Directed military officials to draw up options for increasing the troop presence in Panama, according to two U.S. officials.

 Asked the Supreme Court to narrow court orders so that it can put into effect a new policy against birthright citizenship.

 Terminated $20 billion worth of Biden-era grant agreements to finance clean energy and climate-friendly projects.

 Refused, in confirmation hearings for Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead Medicare and Medicaid, to commit to not cut Medicaid.

 Sued, through various entities affiliated with Trump, Capital One bank for closing accounts after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

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 Delivered a highly politicized speech claiming he was persecuted to officials at the Justice Department.

 Argued in that speech that reporting by independent news outlets is biased and should be "illegal."

 Promoted Steak 'n Shake beef tallow-cooked fries in an interview with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

 Said, in an interview with the commerce secretary, that Trump's policies would be "worth it" even if they led to a recession.

 Fired a pardon attorney who said she believes she was ousted because she refused to restore Mel Gibson's right to carry a gun.

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 Made plans for a registry that would require Canadians staying in the U.S. for longer than a month to get fingerprinted.

 Criticized The Wall Street Journal by saying it's "owned by the polluted thinking of the European Union."

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This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The University of Nebraska-Lincolns Love Library on Mar. 16, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Several University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha students expressed concerns Monday about a pair of bills that aim to reshape higher education in the state.

Our university system should be something we invest in, said UNL student Carter Grier, representing the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska. Not something we undermine.

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College students, faculty and some university officials testified against Legislative Bills 551 and 552 during an afternoon hearing of the Education Committee. The proposed legislation, both filed by State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City, would ban diversity, equity and inclusion offices (LB 552) and dismantle tenure for faculty members (LB 551). Tenure provides a layer of protection for college faculty members from being dismissed and is often seen as a safeguard of academic freedom.

State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City kneels down to talk to State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston. Aug. 8, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

While similar legislation was proposed a year ago in Nebraska, the latest attempt comes as both UNL and UNO have closed DEI offices in response to the Trump administrations continuing crackdown on DEI programs with executive orders as higher education becomes a renewed front in the nations culture wars.

The hearing on the bills followed Fridays announcement that the U.S. Department of Education is investigating UNO and 44 other universities for race-exclusionary practices in graduate programs. University officials said UNO will cooperate with the federal probe. Nebraska, if LB 552 becomes law, would join other Republican-led states that have passed laws banning DEI initiatives in higher education.

Lippincotts attempt to remove tenure last year was postponed indefinitely. This time, he said a revised version of the bill would promote more transparency and accountability and not an attempt to stifle academic freedom.

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Faculty members said they are already judged by merit and that the bill would have a negative impact on recruiting and retaining new professors and staff. They also said it could lead to political intimidation of academic pursuits and harm the universitys academic reputation.

There is a movement around the country

Lippincott and State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, an Education Committee member, had a tense exchange on both bills. Conrad pointed to the Exon decision, a decades-old Nebraska Supreme Court case that limits how much the Legislature can interfere in the universitys policies, leaving that to the elected University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. Jan. 9, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Lippincott pushed back, pointing to recent decisions by Trumps Education Department as to why the bill should become law. Conrad asked Lippincott if LB 551 attempts to discourage free expression and academic freedom.

Yes, Lippincott said.

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LB 551, as written, would replace academic tenure with annual performance evaluations and minimum standards of good practice for faculty members. Lippincott pointed to several states, including Texas and Florida, with similar legislation. Republicans around the county have pushed legislation to remove tenure, but none has gone into effect, or if passed, the bills have been watered down to avoid a complete ban.

LB 551 would ban tenure.

There is a movement around the country to do some tune-ups on the tenure program, so its more merit-based, Lippincott said during the LB 551 hearing.

Vice President J.D. Vance has called for an aggressive attack on universities around the country if any of us want to do the things that we want to do for our country and for the people who live in it during a speech at the National Conservatism Conference in 2021.

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During the hearing, students, faculty and advocates said banning DEI on campus would hurt students, professors and staff from marginalized groups and make students and professors move to different states with tenure and DEI programs.

The NU system has dealt with controversy around DEI in previous years, including criticism from Gov. Jim Pillen, a former NU regent, and multiple state senators. UNO and UNL closed DEI offices this year, partly to comply with Trumps Education Department memo that told schools and universities that the institutions could lose federal funding over race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships and other areas of student life.

Those orders have been challenged in federal lawsuits for being too vague and violating the free speech rights of educators.

NU president says university follows law

Lippincott also has proposed bills that could infuse more religion into K-12 schools. State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, the Education Committee chairman, filed similar legislation to ban DEI offices last year. Lippincott said the bill is needed because DEI undermines merit and academic excellence.

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DEI offices create an environment of ideological conformity, Lippincott said during the LB 552 hearing. That is groupthink.

President-elect Jeffrey Gold, center, is flanked by UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett and UNO Chancellor Joanne Li on June 20, 2024. Gold was chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center before becoming president July 1. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Lippincott made statewide headlines over his recent opinion column meant for local newspapers criticizing DEI programs, which spilled over onto the legislative floor last month when some lawmakers demanded an apology. Lippincott told the Nebraska Examiner that his only regret was not elaborating on his central point in the column.

We have determined that LB 552 is heavily weighted against people of color, women, the disabled and the poor, said Dewayne Mays, president of the NAACPs Lincoln chapter. Its an attempt to limit free speech and other rights in postsecondary state institutions and efforts to express those freedoms that allow us to reach out potentially.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of NU, referred to the Education Department memo and said the university takes the requirement outlined by the Department of Education  very seriously and is complying with the agencys new guidelines. Gold said the university believes that no additional regulations are needed.

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Committee member State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha asked Lippincott what his goal was with LB 552.

Is your message [that] diversity is not quality? Juarez asked Lippincott. Thats what Im hearing.

Lippincott responded by saying, No. I think that each one of us has infinite worth as individuals.

The committee took no immediate action on the bills.

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PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Multiple gunshots can be heard on surveillance video 28/22 News obtained from a viewer. Neighbors say they woke up to the noise and a heavy police presence early Monday morning in Plains Township.

28/22 News is still waiting to hear from police, but neighbors in the area say the police activity on the street is surprising because the area is usually fairly peaceful.

It was around 4:00 in the morning, a little after 4:00. I heard loud banging: Bang, bang, bang, bang, a neighbor told 28/22 News.

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The sound of shots fired can be heard in surveillance video captured near Abbott and Stocker streets in Plains Township at around 4:30 a.m. Monday morning.

One neighbor 28/22 News spoke with also recalls seeing a vehicle crash near her home.

When I looked out, I had seen a car crashed into a telephone pole, said neighbor Kendra Javick.

Javick then called 911. This sparked a heavy police presence, with investigators placing evidence markers in the area.

Bus carrying bagpipers crashes into tractor-trailer

This morning everything was blocked off on our block here, and just cops and fire trucks, Javick said.

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This all took place just down the road from the Leo E. Solomon-Plains Middle School.

Neighbors 28/22 News spoke with say its unusual to see so many police on their block because the area is usually calm.

Ive lived here for about eight years, and weve never had anything like that happen, Javick continued.

They blocked everything off, but it was pretty scary because we live in a neighborhood thats very quiet, a neighbor said.

28/22 News is still waiting to learn more information from the police and will bring you the latest updates as they become available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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(Bloomberg) -- The UK wont be able to transform its economy to net zero by 2050, according to Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, in a break with the consensus held by Britains main parties.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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Britain doesnt have a workable plan to reach the emissions goal in the next quarter-century, and current policies are serving only to drive up consumer energy costs, Badenoch said on Tuesday in a speech. The only way to regain the trust of voters is to tell the unvarnished truth, she said.

Net zero by 2050 is impossible, Badenoch said. Anyone who has done any serious analysis knows it cant be achieved without a significant drop in our living standards or worse, by bankrupting us.

Badenoch is trying to win back voters that the party lost on its right flank to Nigel Farages Reform UK party, which took 14% of the vote in last years general election. Farage has repeatedly railed against the UKs green goals for 2050, which are enshrined in law and have enjoyed the backing of the governing Labour Party and the Tories, who were in power for 14 years from 2010. Other minor parties, including the Liberal Democrats and Greens also support the aim of eliminating greenhouse gases.

Green and renewable energy groups criticized the reversal on net zero. Sam Hall, director of the Conservative Environment Network, a group for conservatives who support climate action, called it a mistake and said it would undermine private enterprise and capital driving the energy transition and alienate voters worried about their children and grandchildrens inheritance. Trevor Hutchings, chief executive of REA, a renewable energy and clean technology association, said net zero was an economic opportunity and a national security priority.

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Farage accused Badenoch, who has previously supported climate change legislation, of hypocrisy and called her speech a desperate policy from a leader and party floundering in the polls.

Last month the Climate Change Committee, the Governments net zero advisers, laid out a plan for how the UK could reach net zero by 2050, and said it would be much cheaper than previously thought. Polls suggest that most British people support policies to tackle climate change, and even a slight majority of Reform voters said last year they support net zero by 2050.

Badenoch sought to moderate her tone by saying that trying to reduce the human impact on the environment while keeping energy costs down are both noble aims but that the UKs current policies are in fact leading to too high costs and too little progress.

This is not making a moral judgment on net zero, she said. Im certainly not debating whether climate change exists. It does. I badly want to leave a much better environmental inheritance for my children and for yours. But it doesnt look like we are going to get remotely close to net zero by 2050.

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(Updates with reaction and context from fifth paragraph)

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Chinese consul general in San Francisco calls for stability in China-US relations at media briefing

13:36, March 17, 2025 By Wei Deng ( People's Daily Online

Against the backdrop of mounting global tensions and economic uncertainty, Zhang Jianmin, the Chinese consul general in San Francisco, emphasized the need for stability, mutual respect, and economic cooperation in China-U.S. relations during a media briefing held on March 14, 2025.

Consul general Zhang Jianmin in San Francisco briefs reporters on the "two sessions". (Photo/Xie Weiren)

Addressing a gathering of journalists at the consulate's official residence, Zhang underscored the importance of fostering a constructive bilateral relationship amid a volatile international landscape. The event took place just a day after the conclusion of China's annual "two sessions" political meetings, which reaffirmed the country's commitment to economic reform, openness, and modernization.

Relationship "too important to fail"

Zhang emphasized that China and the United States, as two of the world's largest economies, share a responsibility to manage their relationship carefully. "Friend or foe? Cooperation or confrontation? These choices will not only affect our two peoples but also shape the future of the world," he said, warning that the stakes were too high for the relationship to be allowed to falter.

Zhang reiterated China's extensive measures to regulate fentanyl-related substances, noting that the country had imposed strict controls on the drug even though China itself does not face a domestic fentanyl crisis. In 2019, China was the first country to schedule all fentanyl-related substances as controlled substances in response to U.S. concerns.

He criticized recent U.S. actions, including the imposition of an additional 20-percent tariff on Chinese goods, ostensibly tied to fentanyl concerns. He said that such tariffs undermine bilateral counter-narcotics cooperation and disrupt trade ties. "Tariff wars create new problems rather than solving existing ones," he added, citing economists' estimation that the new tariffs could raise smartphone prices in the U.S. by an average of $213 and car prices by $3,125.

China has never exported any type of fentanyl-related medication in any form to North America

During the briefing, Zhang highlighted China's stringent regulations on fentanyl production and exports, referencing the recently published white paper "China's Control of Fentanyl-Related Substances." The report outlines China's classification of fentanyl as a strictly regulated narcotic, with its production, trade, and medical usage subject to tight oversight. Only four fentanyl-based medicationsfentanyl, sufentanil, remifentanil, and alfentanilare approved for medical use, and they are available exclusively in transdermal and injectable forms.

He emphasized that China enforces strict licensing requirements, tracking each stage of production and export to prevent illicit distribution. Notably, in 2023, China exported approximately 9.766 kilograms of fentanyl-based medications, primarily to countries in Asia, Latin America, and Europe, but none to North America. These efforts, he argued, demonstrate China's commitment to preventing fentanyl-related abuse and its role in the global fight against synthetic drug trafficking.

Economic cooperation the way to win-win

Zhang stressed that economic cooperation between China and the U.S. had long been mutually beneficial. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 46 years ago, bilateral trade has grown by over 200 times, with total two-way investment reaching approximately $250 billion. He pointed to the active participation of California-based companies in the China International Import Expo (CIIE), underscoring how American businesses continue to find opportunities in the Chinese market.

He also highlighted China's steady economic growth, with the country setting its GDP growth target at around 5 percent for this year. China's ongoing economic reforms and its role as a driver of global economic expansion would, he argued, create more opportunities for cooperation. "We welcome more American businesses to invest in China, just as we hope that the U.S. will provide a fairer environment for Chinese enterprises operating here," he said.

People-to-people exchanges a pillar of stability

Beyond trade, the consul general pointed to cultural and educational exchanges as critical to fostering goodwill between the two nations. He highlighted California's role in subnational cooperation, including San Francisco's sister-city tie with Shanghai, and friendship-city ties with Guangzhou and Shenzhen. He also noted the success of recent cultural programs, including the animated film "Nezha 2," which has drawn nearly 10,000 viewers in the Bay Area, and major Chinese art exhibitions that have attracted over 100,000 visitors.

As part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties, over 16,000 young Americans have traveled to China under the "50,000 Students in 5 Years" initiative, including around 2,000 from the San Francisco consular district. "Many of these students return saying their trip was eye-opening and planted the seeds of friendship in their hearts," he said, announcing plans for further cultural exchanges in the coming year.

A call for responsible media coverage

Concluding his remarks, the consul general addressed the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of the China-U.S. relationship. "A stable, healthy, and sustainable China-U.S. relationship serves the shared interests of our two peoples and meets the common expectations of the international community," he said, urging journalists to report objectively on bilateral cooperation.

"It is a relationship that affects us all," he continued. "The press not only records history but also plays a role in shaping it."

Zhang's message was clear: engagement, rather than confrontation, remains the key to a stable and prosperous future for both nations.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the war in Ukraine.

Source: Schoof on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Dutch PM said that during the conversation, they discussed the war in Ukraine, the importance of providing unwavering support in the fight against the Russian aggressor, and European security.

"Turkiye can help contribute to security guarantees, which will be a key condition for stable and lasting peace in Ukraine," Schoof emphasised.

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He also noted that they discussed the situation in Syria and the latest disturbing reports about the war in Gaza.

"It is crucial that all parties respect the ceasefire and the agreement on the release of the hostages," he added.

Background:

Recently, Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Turkiye could play a key role in achieving a just and comprehensive peace in Ukraine.

Prior to that, the Turkish Ministry of Defence confirmed that the country is ready to deploy troops to Ukraine.

On 18 March, Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that Erdogan was working on organising a meeting at the White House with US President Donald Trump in April.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The United States is known for being a melting pot of cultures, and dialects, but with President Trumps new executive order mandating that English be the official language what does that mean for those who dont speak the language proficiently or at all?

The impact could be far and wide depending on how implementation actually occurs or it could have almost no impact at all, Athar Haseebullah, Executive Director of the ACLU of Nevada told 8 News Now.

The non-profit organization has been at the forefront of many issues impacting civil liberties and civil rights and Haseebullah says the potential of cutting off government services based on language barriers is problematic.

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If they do end up implementing this in a way that is being used as discriminatory, we are prepared to litigate against this administration as well, he added.

Those over at the Nevada Immigrant Coalition voicing the fact that while the President isnt forcing any of our state agencies to stop providing these services, the option for them to do so is now there. Language assistance, was once required under the Clinton administration.

Theres definitely a concern, Hector Fong with the Nevada Immigrant Coalition shared.

We urge our state legislator to take the matter into their own hands and keep providing these resources. Nevada is one in five for immigrants and we have a growing AAPI population too, he added.

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There are dozens of state agencies in Nevada that have been making strides to implement even more language access plans and translation services like providing interpreters.

The Southern Nevada Health District issued 8 News Now this statement,

The recent executive order designating English as the official language does not change the way the Southern Nevada Health District operates or provides services to our clients. We remain committed to ensuring access to essential public health services to our community.

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services will also continue providing services in accordance with the Nevada Revised Statues and released the following statement.

According to President Trump, his reasoning for designating English as the official language of the United States is to create a more cohesive, efficient society that promotes unity.

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Also stating that it, cultivates a shared American culture for all citizens, ensures consistency in government operations, and creates a pathway to civic engagement.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Graduate assistants at UNLV are among those at NSHE institutions statewide seeking collective bargaining rights via the United Auto Workers, whose members nationally include roughly 100,000 people working in higher education. (Photo: Michael Lyle/Nevada Current)

Graduate students employed within the Nevada System of Higher Education say they have little recourse when dealing with hostile work environments, low pay, demanding workloads, and financial instability.

Riley Jones, a PhD student studying life sciences at UNLV, said the current system leaves graduate workers at the whims of our advisers, departments, and graduate colleges to support us when one demand, one responsibility, one job conflicts with another.

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We need a union so that we have the power to advance our own rights and win a contract that we can use to protect ourselves independently of this flawed system, said Jones at a rally on UNLVs campus last week. We deserve support that is not dependent on departmental politics or changing administrations.

Nevada Graduate Student Workers, which comprised graduate assistants from UNLV, UNR and the Desert Research Institute, voted in November to unionize. Despite more than 2,100 graduate assistants supporting efforts to unionize, NSHE has not recognized the union.

Graduate assistants, including Jones, gathered Wednesday at UNLV and UNR to describe working conditions at NSHE institutions and call on lawmakers to pass Assembly Bill 191, which would give graduate assistants the right to collectively bargain for better pay and conditions.

The rally was held a week after the legislation received its first hearing at the Assembly Government Affairs Committee.

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The bill gives professional employees the same rights and responsibilities for collective bargaining as other public employees in Nevada, said Democratic Assemblymember Natha Anderson, AB 191s sponsor.

The legislation, she said, wouldnt conflict with the states right to work laws and so wouldnt require any NSHEemployee to be a dues paying member of a union if they dont want to be.

It would simply balance grad school workers with other employees by covering it in state law, instead of hoping that its going to be agendized in a meeting, Anderson said.

Kent Ervin, a legislative liaison with the Nevada Faculty Alliance, told lawmakers that while collective bargaining is allowed through NSHEs policy handbook, the language is outdated and doesnt give the same protections as in state law.

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The bill, if passed, would apply not only to grad assistants, but also to academic faculty, administrative faculty, and part-time instructors if they in the future choose to form a bargaining unit and ask to be recognized, Ervin said.

Employees would be able to negotiate and seek resolutions of contract disputes through the states Government Employee-Management Relations Board.

This would save time and litigation, a clear benefit to both sides, Ervin said.

Alejandro Rodriguez, a lobbyist with NSHE, said the system does not have a position on the legislation, but is fully committed to finding solutions sooner than the legislative process would allow.

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The Vegas Chamber was opposed to the bill and expanding the states collective bargaining law.

Nick Snyder, a lobbyist for the chamber, said allowing graduate assistants the ability to collectively bargain could potentially harm the academic relationship between students and faculty, while also causing disruption in the educational process.

The committee took no action on the bill.

We deserve to have a union

Speaking at the rally Wednesday, Evelyn Airam, a graduate assistant in the School of Integrated Health Sciences at UNLV, said when surveying other graduate workers throughout the NSHE institutions, they found the same workplace harassment and pay issues.

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Airam said that one in four NSHE graduate assistants surveyed said they experienced or witnessed retaliation for raising workplace issues, and that 79% of grad students employed in the system reported they didnt earn enough to cover living expenses.

She had previously highlighted her own struggles to survive on a $21,500 salary to state lawmakers when speaking in favor of AB 191 at the legislative committee hearing earlier in the month.

I personally have been forced to skip meals, sell my blood plasma on a weekly basis, and worry if gas in my car was enough to make it to work or classes, she said during the hearing.

It doesnt just demoralize the current workforce, but prevents NSHE universities from attracting potential graduate students, she said.

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We must attract and retain top scholars, Airam told lawmakers. How can we do that when wages dont cover rent, when there is no independent recourse for mistreatment, and when GAs positions are constantly insecure?

Several graduate students testifying in support of the bill reiterated some of the same concerns around being overworked and underpaid or dealing with unfair treatment from department heads and other faculty.

Work conditions regarding safety and security are also a concern, said Pete Martini, an assistant professor of psychology at Nevada State University and president of the schools arm of the Nevada Faculty Alliance.

Regardless of the reasons we come to the table  faculty and graduate students want to argue in good faith, he said. Without AB 191 we are bargaining across the table from NSHE while they call balls and strikes.

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Republican Assemblymember Danielle Gallant questioned the aspect of bargaining over pay since students get reduced tuition as a form of sweat equity.

In response to students testifying about high workloads with little compensation, Gallant said she often has to work more than 80 hours a week as a business owner and a part-time legislator.

I know it sucks, but sometimes you just kind of have to grin and bear it. It builds character, Gallant said with a laugh.

Airam said while most graduate assistants work more than 40 or 50 hours a week  on top of their studies and research related to their graduate program  they are only contracted, and paid, for 20 hours a week.

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As an international student, she also has federal restrictions on working outside of campus, making it impossible to get another job  if she had the time for one.

Gallants up-from-bootstraps musing notwithstanding, the issues at hand are not about character but about survival and the basic needs, Airam said.

NSHE officials say they try to work with students to address individual concerns.

But Jones said graduate assistants need a system that doesnt resolve workers complaints on a case by case basis.

Weve been told time and time again that the administration supports us and wants to work with us to fix issues we face, Jones said. We deserve to have a union so our power as GAs is recognized.
Advocates warn that the U.S. government's deportation case against a pro-Palestinian activist at Columbia University, and the subsequent arrest of others, is based solely on their protected political speech  a fact that other students at Columbia say has contributed to a climate of fear at the school.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and activist, was arrested earlier this month at this apartment in New York City, with the Trump administration claiming that his criticism of Israel undermined American foreign policy. If successful, legal experts warn that the government could use this framework to deport people for a broad variety of protected speech.

In the deportation case against Khalil, the government is leaning on a McCarthy-era provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act that theoretically allows the government to deport green card holders if the government claims that their activities undermine American foreign policy.

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The provision, according to the charging document, allows Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deport Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the United States, if he has reasonable ground to believe that your presence or activities in the United States would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. On Sunday, Rubio said on CBS News's "Face the Nation" that he intended to continue using the power to deport those with disfavored political beliefs.

As it stands, Khalil and his attorneys are fighting to keep his case in New York, where he lived and was arrested, instead of Louisiana, where the Trump administration took him after his arrest. If the case is heard in Louisiana immigration courts, it would be appealed to the Fifth Circuit, widely considered the most right-wing circuit court of appeals in the United States.

Matt Cameron, an immigration attorney, told Salon that despite assertions Khalil is being deported for supposed terrorist sympathies, the government has deliberately not charged Khalil with a crime, including material support for terrorism.

Hes being charged with being a threat to our foreign policy, Cameron said, adding that the law explicitly allows the government to deport people for First Amendment-protected speech.

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Cameron said that, although he was aware that this law was on the books, he had never heard of the government using it in this way until now. That, he said, makes him think that Khalil is being used as a test case.

No matter how you feel about what Israel is doing to Gaza this is purely a freedom of speech and freedom of association issue. Thats explicitly what theyre doing. If they wanted to do something else they could, Cameron said. It seems like they want this to be a test case and see if they can get away with deporting individuals on these very specific grounds. Its an indicator that theyre going to try and use this for other people.

Vera Eidelman, an attorney focusing on speech at the American Civil Liberties Union, told Salon that the case is entirely about his protected speech and his protected viewpoints.

This is a radical and pretty terrifying position for the US government to take. It means that a person is not free to express their political views if their views are views the government doesn't like, Eidelman said.

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Eidelman stressed that if the courts accept the government's assertions in Khalil's case, the issue will have far-reaching implications beyond just issues relating to Israel and Palestine. She says someone could, under this legal theory, be deported for anything the government claims to be against its foreign policy interest. She also stressed that, when it comes to First Amendment rights, there is no legal distinction between non-citizens and citizens.

That makes it pretty clear that this is part of a broader attack on free speech by the administration. They are using every power that they have to enforce ideological conformity, Eidelman said. It does raise serious questions about what the government could possibly say the First Amendment means when it comes to political views that they dont like.

As Khalils case moves through the immigration courts, the arrest of Khalil has wracked Columbia Universitys campus, where activists have demanded that the government return Khalil and accused the administration of attempting to deport him for his political beliefs. The targeting of another Columbia student by the government, Ranjani Srinivasani, and another Palestinian, Leqaa Kordia, has only heightened tensions.

One Columbia student protester, who identified as Jewish and was granted anonymity to speak without fear of reprisal, described to Salon a climate of fear among pro-Palestinian students.

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The fact that the current presidential administration is so much more willing to enact harm on the protesters, and take political prisoners in a way that wasn't the case last year, makes me additionally scared to speak out, the protester said. I also recognize that people who know Mahmoud better, or members of the community, are also more at risk to this sort of thing, being immigrants or on visas, or just people of color who might look like immigrants.

On the other hand, like, I am afraid, and I think that's what a lot of the Jewish students have been grappling with," the protester added. "Secret police abducting people in the middle of the night is never a good sign for any minority, especially Jewish people.

Nerdeen Kiswani, a pro-Palestine organizer and founder of the advocacy group Within Our Lifetime, told Salon that the abduction is part and parcel of Columbias agenda to stamp out pro-Palestinian activism on campus." Speaking at a protest last Friday, she said that Columbia Universitys role in Khalils abduction was beyond capitulation and that this issue is the "canary in the coal mine" in terms of criminalizing political speech.

Columbia cultivated the environment for this to happen by vilifying, demonizing and criminalizing these students to begin with, instead of working with them, Kiswani said. If they can criminalize speech if they can deport people on speech based on the whims of the administration, you know, it can really change any time what that speech looks like and what that speech sounds like. And Mahmoud is not the first Palestinian political prisoner or Palestinian targeted for deportation.

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In response to a request for comment from Salon, Columbia University pointed to statements from March 10, denying rumors that Columbia University requested ICE's presence on campus. In response to the arrest of Khalil, specifically, Columbia University said in a statement that it "has and will continue to follow the law" and that the university "is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting our student body and campus community."

Tatyana Tandanpolie contributed reporting to this article.
SACRAMENTO, California  Gov. Gavin Newsoms administration is asking for an extra $2.8 billion immediately for the states Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, on top of a recently proposed $3.44 billion loan.

New budget figures laid out to state lawmakers on Monday showed the state will need to allocate additional funds from the general fund to fully cover Medi-Cal bills through the end of the year, after the loan proposed by the administration last week.

The figures also show that the biggest contributor to this years Medi-Cal hole is the insurance of undocumented immigrants, which is costing $2.7 billion more than the state had planned.

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The new budget figures come as California navigates what has become a larger politically-charged debate over insuring undocumented immigrants  part of Newsoms pledge to bring the state closer to universal health care coverage, regardless of immigration status. The state is trying to balance that promise with increased scrutiny of its immigration policies from the Trump administration in Washington.

We took these steps because its important to maintain our commitment to our providers and plans to make timely payments for the remainder of the current year to ensure Californians and those on Medi-Cal get the services, Michelle Baass, the director of the Department of Health Care Services, told state lawmakers in an Assembly budget subcommittee hearing Monday.

A host of other changes to the Medi-Cal program in the last year have kept enrollment higher than anticipated  a factor Baass has noted is contributing to the overall shortfall aside from coverage for undocumented immigrants.

Between the loan and the extra $2.8 billion, Baass said, the program will be able to cover its bills through the end of the year.

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Why it matters: The higher costs reflect some of the most pressing issues in health care nationwide: the rising price of pharmaceuticals, a larger aging population and the coverage of undocumented immigrants through public insurance programs.

The budget issues are especially pertinent now as congressional Republicans debate hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid at the federal level, throwing nearly every aspect of the Medi-Cal coverage into question.

Trump and the Republicans in Congress are trying to take a wrecking ball to Medicaid, state Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener separately told POLITICO. Depending what they do to Medicaid, it could dwarf the amount [of the loan] that was disclosed by the [Newsom] administration last week.

The loan: Last week, the Newsom administration announced it would need to borrow $3.44 billion  the maximum amount allowed for the state  to cover Medi-Cals costs through the end of March. The news came as a surprise to some lawmakers, prompting questions about the scale of the problem, as well as criticism from Republicans over the costs for undocumented residents.

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Wiener voiced criticism to POLITICO about calls to completely cut coverage for undocumented Californians, who work and pay taxes into statewide programs like Medi-Cal  a sentiment voiced by other Democrats in the Assembly.

While some have sought to politicize this loan request, and they see it as an opening to attack the most vulnerable Californian communities, we should all be clear about what the greatest threat to Californias ability to provide health care really is, said subcommittee chair Assemblymember Dawn Addis on Monday.

It is our own federal government that appears fixated on rectifying years of its own mismanagement on the backs of those with the least economic means who are seniors, people with disabilities and others in our community, she added.

Baass laid out several other reasons why this years Medi-Cal budget was so much higher than expected: Cash flow has been uncertain to manage because of changes to a tax on certain health care plans; enrollment that was higher than anticipated because of some program changes leftover from the Covid-19 pandemic; and the full expansion of Medi-Cal to everyone regardless of immigration status in 2024.

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This year: In addition to the higher-than-expected cost for undocumented immigrants, the increased cost of prescription drugs accounts for $540 million of the $2.8 billion gap identified Monday, especially pricey diabetes drugs like Ozempic. Another $1 billion overrun is from a variety of other costs, like more seniors being on the program than in years past.

Theres also $1 billion less to play with in the budget, because Novembers Proposition 35 set out strict requirements for using the managed care organization tax that administration officials had planned on tapping into.

Next year: The Newsom administration is proposing an extra $4.4 billion in the 2025-26 budget, or an 11.8 percent increase, for the states insurance program. The largest driver of that increase  $3.6 billion  is MCO tax revenue that now will be diverted to the spending priorities laid out in Prop 35.

Next years budget will also have to contend with an estimated $215 million increase in pharmacy costs and a $269 million increase in other costs.
SACRAMENTO, California  Gov. Gavin Newsom is making sure Californias business elite can call him, maybe.

Roughly 100 leaders of state-headquartered companies have received a curious package in recent months: a prepaid, inexpensive cell phone (commonly known as a burner, for those of you who havent seen "The Wire" or "Better Call Saul"), programmed with Newsoms digits and accompanied by notes from the governor himself.

If you ever need anything, Im a phone call away, read one note to a prominent tech firms CEO printed on official letterhead, along with a hand-scrawled addendum urging the executive to reach out. (We agreed to withhold the executives identity to protect our tipster.)

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It was Newsoms idea, a representative said, and has already yielded some valuable interactions.

That arrangement surprised some people POLITICO spoke with, largely because Newsom is already known as an inveterate texter whose digits live in many business titans contacts. Hes also long been seen as more aligned with business interests than the Legislature, the proverbial adult in the room when private pillars like Silicon Valley need a sympathetic ear or a veto.

But Newsom wanted to convey that hes intent on maintaining Californias competitive edge. Phones are still going out.

The California Protocol Foundation picked up the tab. That organization gets money from businesses and nonprofits for gubernatorial expenses like trips abroad  or, evidently, burner phones  so taxpayers arent on the hook. It also drew leftover funds from Newsoms inauguration account, which itself drew business, so in a roundabout way Californias private sector helped fund phones nurturing ties with the private sector.
CONCORD  New Hampshire officials are warning residents about a new scam targeting E-ZPass users, which, like another recent scam, involves fraudulent text messages.

The new scam includes a false claim that unpaid tolls will be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), adding pressure on individuals to pay quickly.

The phony text messages appear to be from "E-ZPass" stating the recipient's vehicle has an unpaid toll bill. The message includes a link to make a payment and warns that if the invoice isn't paid within 12 hours, late fees will be added, and the toll will be reported to the DMV, potentially affecting vehicle registration.

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This scam is a reminder for New Hampshire residents to be suspicious when receiving unsolicited text messages seeking payment of any kind, said state Attorney General John Formella in a prepared statement. If you receive an unsolicited text message seeking payment, assume that it is a scam, do not respond, and do not click any links contained within the message.

More local news: Warren's Lobster House on verge of sale: Buyers vow to keep it 'just the way it is'

Formella issued the warning in coordination with state Transportation Commissioner William J. Cass, and Division of Motor Vehicles Director John Marasco.

They said E-ZPass will never send text messages seeking payments or late fees and urged recipients not to click the link in the phony text messages. Drivers can see correct information by logging into their accounts at ezpassnh.com.

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If drivers are in default on their accounts, they will be noticed of a hold on their license plate registration by mail.

Anyone who has questions can call the DMV's customer service line at (603) 227-4000.

Targets of the scam can report it to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center or the New Hampshire attorney general's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454.

For information, visit the attorney generals Consumer Protection Bureau website.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH drivers warned about new E-ZPass text scam
NILES, Ohio (WKBN)- The Niles Police Department is looking for a suspect in an alleged armed robbery on Monday.

Officers were called to a gas station on Vienna Avenue in Niles.

Police said that a man entered the business and gave the cashier a note that said that he had a bomb and a gun. The cashier gave the man an undisclosed amount of money and he left headed towards Giant Eagle.

Police said that the man was wearing a white mask blue gloves, dark pants, a red/black jacket, and what appeared to be a camo hoodie underneath.

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Police said that no DNA was able to be collected.

Police are asking those with information to contact Detective Roberts at aroberts@thecityofniles.com or at Niles PD at 330-652-9944 ext 2158

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
With a week left in the session, here's where things stand. Scroll down lower in our recap to find a more detailed version of this chart. (Chart made with Fluorish)

With five days remaining in New Mexicos 2025 legislative session, some bills that we thought would be important at the starting line have become law, while others have made little to no progress.

For example, several high-profile bills like paid family leave and a tax on alcohol are most likely not going to move forward before the final gavel at noon Saturday.

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After an acrimonious special session in 2024, legislators and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vowed to prioritize behavioral health and crime bills, passing a package of bills within the first half of the session for her approval.

Lawmakers had sent 11 Senate bills and nine pieces of House legislation to the governors office for her approval, as of Monday.

Source NM previewed some of the big bills in public safety, water and climate and housing  heres whats moving, or not, since the session started.

Criminal justice

The day before the session, the states attorney general and a senator announced a push to combat two forms of harm that affect young people: hazing and cyberbullying.

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To become laws, both the hazing bill and the cyberbullying one still need to pass two committees in the Senate and go through the entire process in the House of Representatives. Another lawmaker last week indicated that transparency legislation at a similar point in the process was out of time.

Legislative leaders made public safety and behavioral health the priorities for the sessions first 30 days. They sent Lujan Grisham three bills that together aim to get more people into mental health treatment rather than dismissing their cases because theyre unable to stand trial, while stiffening penalties for crimes related to guns and fentanyl trafficking, and she signed them on Feb. 27.

A senator and a representative are carrying a proposal to make comprehensive sexual education available to every student in New Mexico, as a way of preventing teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted disease, sexual violence, bullying and sexual harassment.

Two Senate committees have passed the bill, and it awaits a vote on the Senate floor. To become law, it would still need to go through the committee process and a floor vote in the House of Representatives.

Water, energy, conservation

One of Lujan Grishams signature proposals from last session is moving forward, although its been radically reshaped this session. House Bill 137, the Strategic Water Supply, is limited to developing projects and grants for treating brackish, or salty waters in deep aquifers, stripping proposals dealing with oil and gas wastewater entirely. HB137 has an outstanding Senate Finance hearing and a Senate vote to clear.

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A bill to empower New Mexico to regulate pollution in surface waters such as streams and rivers, and continue the yearslong process to develop a state program for permits, is on the cusp of passage. Senate Bill 21 cleared all assigned committees and a Senate vote, and now awaits a hearing before the full House.

Several bills to reform the oil and gas industry and enshrine greenhouse gas reduction goals into state law failed to clear committees this session.

Rep. Kristina Ortez (D-Taos) told Source NM in a text message that two bills to beef up climate and public health tracking are not going to make it across the finish line this session, but that she will bring back the bills in full force, next year. Those are House Bill 108, which proposed a $1.1 million program to track health impacts from extreme heat wildfire and more at the New Mexico Department of Health; and House Bill 109, which proposed a $12 million Climate Resilience Fund to offer up to $1 million grants to local and tribal governments for climate preparation and response.

Housing

Two housing-related bills are making it farther this session than they have in previous years. One of them, which bans so-called source of income discrimination, was introduced in at least two prior sessions but never made it out of committee.

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House Bill 339, which Reps. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) and Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), sponsored, has passed the House and one Senate committee. It would prohibit landlords from turning away prospective tenants who carry housing subsidies like Section 8 vouchers.

A similar bill, sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho), would require landlords to calculate prospective tenants rent-to-income ratios only after subsidies like child support or Section 8 are accounted for. That bill has not yet gotten a hearing, so its likely dead.

A new state Office of Housing is also on its way toward clearing both chambers. Lawmakers last session voted against the bill, which would create an executive housing office tasked with collecting data and establishing a statewide strategy to deal with housing shortages. This year, its cleared the House and is slated for a hearing soon on the Senate Floor.

Advocates also hope Senate and House leadership will move forward on bills that would expunge eviction records after a certain number of years, prohibit the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to recommend maximum rent prices and crack down on excess rental application fees.

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The Houses state budget proposal includes $110 million for housing development, including transitional housing, primarily in Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties, where lawmakers say the need is greatest. It would include almost $46 million to housing providers to focus on addressing homelessness.

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Cleared the floors

The Senate passed Senate Bill 305, which would create a task force to improve recruitment and retention of foster parents; and Senate Bill 481, which would create a new State Fairgrounds District, which could issue up to $1 billion in bonds to redevelop or relocate the State Fair.

The Senate rolled the remainder of its calendar to an evening session scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday.

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The House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 175, which would allow the Child Care Revolving Loan Fund to be used by more providers and to expand existing buildings; House Bill 244, which would raise the minimum age of magistrate judges from 18 to 28 years old; House Bill 348, which would raise civil penalties for water violations for the first time since 1907; House Bill 456, which would allow state agencies to use a price agreement for architectural or engineering services up to $2 million, not exceeding $15 million over four years; and House Bill 586, a zombie bill resurrecting Senate Bill 14, which would allow the Health Care Authority to review proposed mergers or acquisitions of health care facilities for potential negative health care impacts.

At press time on Monday, the House was debating House Bill 426, which would require mobile home park owners to notify each resident and the Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) of any offer for purchase the owner intends to accept. A similar proposal in 2023 didnt make it so far.

Bill watch

On Monday morning, the House Health and Human Services Committee passed Senate Bill 219, the Medical Psilocybin Act, and it will now head to the House floor for a vote. That is the last action needed for the bill to be sent to the governors desk to be signed into law. Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez (R-Hobbs) cast the only vote in opposition.

The bill would allow providers to prescribe medicinal psilocybin to treat patients for post-traumatic stress disorder, major treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorders, end-of-life care and other conditions approved by the Department of Health.

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Im supportive, you dont have to convince me of how beneficial this could be for a lot of people, Rep. Jenifer Jones (R-Deming) told the bill sponsors during the meeting.

House Health also voted to table Senate Bill 166, which would have redefined harm to self and harm to others in state law to allow for more people to be civilly committed into a locked facility.

The House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee passed House Memorial 57, which would call for a study of recruitment and retention of police instructors; Senate Bill 42, which would require healthcare providers to screen for substance-exposed newborns at birthing facilities and have plans for safe care before these babies are discharged; and Senate Bill 52, which would align mileage reimbursements for lawmakers and their staff with the U.S. General Service Administration rate.

The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee passed Senate Bill 426, which would repeal an obsolete law related to the New Mexico School for the Blind and visually Impaired; Senate Bill 433, which would allow dentists and dental hygienists licensed in other states to practice in New Mexico, and vice versa; House Bill 77, which would require the states Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to develop an annual outreach plan; House Bill 117, which would allow physicians assistants or nurse practitioners to sign a death certificate when a doctor isnt around; House Bill 129, which would shorten the state worker probationary period from one year to six months; House Bill 448, which would create the Office of Housing Planning and Production; and House Bill 453, which would create a creditworthiness assistance program that would provide property managers with assistance for unpaid rent or rental property damages.

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The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 146, which would fix language in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children; House Bill 101, which would allow commissioned police officers to carry firearms in polling places; House Bill 178, which makes several changes to the Nursing Practice Changes Act to clarify the scope of practice for various categories of licensed nurses and expand the Board of Nursing boards powers, among other changes; House Bill 182, which would increase retirement benefits for district, Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, appellate and state Supreme Court judges, and reduce the number of years a judge must serve before qualifying for a benefit; House Bill 183, which would do the same for magistrate judges; and House Bill 281, which would exempt hair braiding from licensure requirements under the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act (read more about that from our friends at KUNM).

The Senate Education Committee passed House Bill 195, which would create a salary tier system for school nurses; and House Bill 433, which would direct three state agencies and the Legislative Education Study Committee to study the availability of career and technical education courses and instructors.

The Senate Rules Committee passed House Bill 298, which would clarify procedures for mayoral vacancies, appointments and the roles of local governing bodies.

The Senate Finance Committee passed Senate Bill 495, which would make university radio stations eligible for an equipment replacement fund that currently only applies to university television stations; House Bill 240, which would allow the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA) to make grants and loans from the drinking water state revolving loan fund for local water projects; and House Bill 449, which would create a statutory framework for funding big university projects, including student housing.

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An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that HB244 would lower the minimum age of magistrate judges from 30 to 28. Source regrets the error.

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(Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

New Mexico health officials warned Tuesday that a Texas traveler potentially exposed people to measles in Guadalupe and Valencia counties last week at a gas station, hotel, restaurant and a church.

The exposures occurred over two days from March 8-10, health officials said. Measles is an airborne, highly contagious respiratory disease, spread through contact with droplets from an infected persons coughs or sneezes. The airborne particles can hang around for hours.

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The advisory listed the following locations and times for potential measles exposure:

2-4:30 pm, March 8: TA Travel Center, 2634 U.S. Route 66 in Santa Rosa

March 8-9: Days Inn by Wyndham on 1919 Main Street in Los Lunas Noon to 3:30 p.m.

Noon to 3:30 p.m., March 9: Sopas Restaurant at 1700 Bosque Farms Boulevard in Bosque Farms

8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., March 10: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3674 NM-47 in Peralta

State health officials said vaccination remains the best protection against one of the most infectious diseases in the world.

Recent measles cases in Texas and New Mexico are a reminder to stay vigilant, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Miranda Durham said in a written statement. When someone with measles travels, the virus can spread to unprotected communitiesparticularly during high-travel periods like spring break. Vaccination is our strongest defense: one dose of vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective.

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Measles symptoms can appear anywhere from one to three weeks after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a red spotty rash. Serious complications can develop, including brain swelling, blindness, pneumonia and death. One in five cases requires hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.

In addition to the exposure advisory, New Mexico health officials reported an additional three measles cases Tuesday, all in Lea County, bringing the statewide total to 38 cases.

Two hospitalizations remain in Lea County, but health officials have not released additional information about them, citing health privacy laws.

New Mexico Department of Health said a death announced March 6, a Lea County unvaccinated adult remains under investigation. Eddy County stands at two cases, with no new ones reported today.

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In total, New Mexicos measles cases include seven children aged 0 to 4; 10 children aged 7 to 17; 20 infections in adults; and one case still pending. The majority of case

Texas health officials reported an additional 20 infections Tuesday, bringing the total cases there to 279. The majority of cases stemmed from the Gaines County, Texas outbreak. Most of the infections struck unvaccinated children. One six-year old Texas child has died. The outbreak spread to Oklahoma last week, and health officials report four cases there.

Vaccine Information

New Mexico Department of Health officials urged anyone exposed who is unvaccinated or unsure to check their records and monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop, NMDOH said people should isolate and call either a healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773 to schedule a measles test. The helpline is staffed by nurses who can answer questions in English or Spanish about measles testing and vaccinations.

Check vaccine records at Vax View website or call the Department of Healths immunization program at 1-833-882-6454, available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Mar. 17The state's second-largest university system is raising student fees, citing a need to improve the quality of university-owned housing at its flagship campus and a desire to funnel more funding to student jobs and extracurricular programs.

New Mexico State University students will see a 3% increase in general student fees, causing the cost per credit hour to jump from $59.18 to $60.96. Those who live on campus will also see a 3% jump in their housing bill.

The board of regents approved both rate hikes at its March 10 meeting, and the increases will take effect at the beginning of the fall semester.

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"Although history has shown that some institutions choose to use enhanced state scholarships as an opportunity to hike tuition and fees, this is contrary to the spirit of our efforts in the higher education sector and diminishes the effectiveness of our scholarships," New Mexico Higher Education Department spokesperson Auriella Ortiz said in a statement.

She added that the department is opposed in principle to "burdening students with increased tuition and fees."

The increased fee, which is expected to bring in an additional $560,000, will help fund student jobs in tutoring, student government and Greek life, said Ala Alhalholy, president of the Associated Students of NMSU.

Additionally, the university will use the 3% increase to fund more on-campus events, create a resource center for students with families, and fund five student firefighter and EMT positions.

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"For us to provide ample services to the students, there has to be some give and take," Alhalholy told the Journal Monday. "Our tuition is really low, and our fees are pretty low, but a lot of the stuff on campus, you see it, and it's not the best that it can be."

The increased rate will provide a funding boost of nearly 67% to the school's cheerleaders, an infusion of almost 30% to the marching band's budget, and a 5% increase to the libraries, allowing them to extend their hours of operation.

"We listened to the band and the cheerleaders, and for us, our goal this year was to make sure that we're funding things that are very student centric," Alhalholy said.

When it comes to the cost of housing increasing, Chris Kinsley, NMSU's interim vice president of administration and finance, told the board of regents the university expects to generate $500,000 in revenue for the year from the increased housing costs, which will fund maintenance.

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"It's very important to keep up the quality of the facilities. We're seeing strong demand from returning students, which is, in my estimation, a very strong sign, because returning students are not required to live on campus," Kinsley said.

According to Apartments.com, the average rent in Las Cruces is roughly $974 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, still approximately $200 more than the monthly cost for a one-bedroom, university-owned apartment after the 3% increase.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will not charge the Michigan State Police troopers involved in the June 2024 shooting death of 34-year-old Eric Michael Fiddler, who shot and killed Hillsdale County Sheriffs Deputy Willliam Butler.

Fallen Hillsdale deputy, veteran, inducted into Hall of Valor

Eric Michael Fiddler (MSP)

On June 27, 2024, Butler conducted a traffic stop on a car with Fiddler inside on Beecher Road in Jonesville, during which Fiddler shot and killed him before running away from the area. After a lengthy pursuit, troopers found Fiddler in the woods south of Culbert Road and east of Osseo Road.

A map of the area from the report.

Fiddler was lying on the ground behind a short cement wall near a shed, and a trooper ordered him to show his hands. Instead, he shot at the trooper, and six of the troopers present returned fire, killing him. Fiddler died of multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and head, still holding the 9mm pistol he used to shoot at the troopers.

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Toxicology testing found an extremely high level of methamphetamine in Fiddlers systemmore than 900 ng/ml.

Accused Hillsdale shooter had larceny, drug, gun charges

Nessels office determined that the troopers, in shooting and killing Fiddler, were acting in lawful self-defense, writing in a release, Shooting a gun in self-defense requires an honest and reasonable belief that an officer is in danger of being killed or seriously injured. If that persons belief was honest and reasonable, they can act immediately to defend themselves.

The Department of Attorney General reviewed police reports, signed statements, dashcam and bodycam footage, lab reports, medical reports, and more during their investigation. You can read their full report below.

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WDM-Fiddler-RedactedDownload

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
They say an old man is twice a child, Rosencrantz remarks in Shakespeares Hamlet, as he and the prince of Denmark observe Polonius. Its a borrowed line, dating back to antiquity: Sophocles wrote, For the aged man is once again a child. We all recognize that old age can cause senility and fragility. And when a person is already inclined toward delusion, that trait can become more entrenched and grandiose over time. The irony in Rosencrantzs comment is that he is speaking with a character who is both feigning madness and possibly descending into it. Polonius, in fact, is the one to note that Hamlets act may produce certain benefits, declaring, Though this be madness, yet there is method in t.

Weve seen this strategy throughout modern political history. Khrushchev feigned irrationality to strike fear into the West. Reagan thought it benefited him if Russia viewed him as possibly crazy. After Hiroshima, Truman wanted the Japanese to believe he would bombard them with a rain of ruin from the air, even though he only had one more bomb at his disposal (and figured it a bonus if the Soviets thought he might drop one again). Sometimes it can be difficult to discern what is an act and what is true madness, but its important to recognize when there is no meaning to be foundno method to the madness.

That seemed to be CNBC economic analyst Steve Liesmans conclusion last week about President Donald Trumps tariffs. Im going to say this at risk of my job, Liesman said, but what President Trump is doing is insane. It is absolutely insane  and now hes saying hes putting 50 percent tariffs on Canada unless they agree to become the fifty-first state. That is insane. Theres just no other way of describing it. Host Kelly Evans countered with an attempt to make sense of Trumps actions, suggesting the president might be motivated by Canadas threat to tax electricity exports or that he might be employing insanity as a strategy. But Liesman wasnt having it. Insanity is not a strategy, he retorted.

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Its not just Trumps unpredictable tariff policy that appears insane. His entire administration is defined by madnessin both senses. On Friday, he went on another incoherent rant on social media, claiming once that the 2020 election was stolen from him and rewriting history to blame all of our current problems, including Russias invasion of Ukraine, on Joe Biden. In other Truth Social posts, hes boasted about being a king and claimed that the European Union was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States.

If these acts were merely confined to deranged posts, perhaps one could argue theres method in his madness. After his rant on Friday, Trump gave a speech at the Justice Department wherein he kvetched about various imaginary enemies of the United States (which, coincidentally, are his personal enemies) and made clear that he expects the department to serve as an extension of his personal wrath. Similar delusions have led to the dismantling of USAID, a wasteful visit to Fort Knox to check if the gold had been stolen, and continual talk about annexing other countries.

Even his official portrait shows signs of delusion. He seems to have intentionally posed like Winston Churchill because, in his mind, hes of the same mold and is saving the world. Hes promoted a book called Trump and Churchill, which might as well be called Trump and Mickey Mouse for all the supposed similarities.

Worse still, his delusions are echoing throughout his administration. His aides, advisers, Cabinet appointees, and other defenders are going to ridiculous lengths to invent methods for Trumps madness. Asked last week about Trumps tariff threats, his senior trade and manufacturing adviser, Peter Navarro, said, Looks like the president is negotiating strategically. So stop with the rhetoric. OK? Just stop that crap. When a reporter replied, But he does seem to be changing his mind all the time, Navarro snapped back, Stop that crap! Trumps press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, went even further that same day, claiming that tariffs are a tax cut for the American people. She added that the tariffs would make us wealthy again, as if we havent experienced any growth since the McKinley administration.

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Practically everyone in Trumps orbit is there solely because theyve shown a willingness to go to great lengths to entertain his delusions and stroke his ego. His attorney general, Pam Bondi, got the job because she supports the delusion that Trump was wrongfully and illegally targeted by federal prosecutors. Likewise, Kash Patel, the new FBI director, understood that engaging Trumps delusions and constantly flattering him were key to landing a big role in the administration. Patel has been a frequent proponent of the idea of a widespread and nefarious deep state, and hes even written childrens books wherein he helps topple the enemies of King Donald.

Adding the most fuel to the fire, perhaps, is Trumps right-hand manyet another angry megalomaniac who suffers delusions of grandeur (and grand delusions). Elon Musks rage toward Democrats may stem in part from a perceived snub by the White House under the Biden administration, when Musk wasnt invited to an electric vehicle event (though he had also, of course, grown tired of what he saw as interference from federal regulators in his businesses). These days, Musk competes with Trump on a near-daily basis for the title of Most Batshit Social Media Post. Last month, he tweeted that the journalists at 60 Minutes deserve a long prison sentence for the crime of editing an interview with Kamala Harris. The other day, he retweeted a post blaming public sector workers for millions of deaths under Hitler, Stalin, and Mao. (As it happens, Musks own policies as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency are causing people to die around the world.)

Some of you might argue that Trump isnt mad, but just a psychopath feigning madness for his own ends. Or perhaps his ludicrous assertions began as convenient foils and have morphed into true delusions. After all, hes had plenty of people telling him hes right. Perhaps theres a more accurate Shakespearean comparison, then. King Lear has a deep hole in him that constantly has to be filled: He insists that his three daughters publicly fawn over him to gain his graces and dismisses his most beloved daughter, Cordelia, when she refuses to engage in the practice. He cannot accept the errors of his ways. Yet Lear somehow retains his hold on power even as his hold on reality slips away, until ultimately he meets his demise and causes the death of all who are dear to him.

We are in a Shakespearean moment right now. Journalists are trying to understand Trumps irrational behavior, and are generally unwilling to consider the possibility that it is not some grand strategy but just a sign of a madman with increasingly diminished mental faculties. Perhaps hes not quite yet burying steaks to grow meat trees, like George III, but Trumps delusions cause considerably more damage than that. Are we going to wait until hes ranting about drainage like Daniel Plainview and beating someone to death with a bowling pin? Are we going to continue to bend over backward to pretend that this emperor isnt naked?
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Amid the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal workforce, a group of Democratic lawmakers in Oregon are questioning the latest round of firings at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In a letter sent Thursday to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick  whose department oversees NOAA  the lawmakers called for a reversal of the firings, which could have a drastic impact on Oregons safety and economy, the coalition argued.

The lawmakers behind the letter include senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06).

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DONT MISS: Washington Sen. Murray slams Trump admin for taking wrecking ball to NOAA

The letter comes after NOAA announced plans on March 12 to lay off 1,000 NOAA employees amid efforts to slash 10% of the agencys workforce, as reported by The Associated Press.

According to the lawmakers, these layoffs impacted NOAA workers across the nation, including NOAA employees in Oregon.

It is unclear how many NOAA employees were part of the firings in Oregon. A spokesperson for NOAA declined to comment, citing a longstanding policy of the agency to not comment on personnel issues.

Long-standing Portland bike shop to close its doors

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Now, the lawmakers are asking Lutnick to reverse the firings and provide information on actions being taken to mitigate disruptions to NOAA service.

The loss of NOAA staff will have significant impacts on oceanographic and atmospheric monitoring systems that are vital to Oregons economic and environmental sustainability. It is our understanding that some of the layoffs include key leadership personnel that directly contribute to local leadership, strategic planning, and local emergency response as well as scientists and technicians who lead strategic efforts related to ocean acoustic science and data that aids in the prevention of overfishing and bycatch, the lawmakers wrote.

The coalition also noted the impact of firing workers with the National Weather Service employees  which is a component of NOAA.

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Eye on Northwest Politics

The loss of National Weather Service (NWS) employees will have a drastic impact on Oregons ability to maintain radar systems, especially during critical weather events like Oregons record-breaking 2024 wildfire season. NWS offices in Oregon routinely provide critical training in fire weather forecasting to incident command teams in advance of the wildfire season. NWS will not have personnel to administer these life-saving trainings for the 2025 wildfire season because of these employment terminations, the lawmakers wrote.

As part of its services, NOAA provides daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, climate monitoring, fisheries management and coastal restoration.

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Some of these services face possible disruptions, the lawmakers said, noting Oregon is home to NOAAs Marine Operations Center  Pacific in Newport, which serves as the homeport to two NOAA ships on the West Coast.

Everybodys scared: Wyden, Bynum get earful at town hall

Given the importance of NOAA research and support in our home state of Oregon and across the country, we urge the Department of Commerce to take immediate steps to reinstate all affected staff. The continuation of NOAAs vital work is critical to ensuring the long-term stability and success of Americas atmospheric and oceanographic economy, the Oregon delegation concluded.

According to AP, NOAA Spokesperson Monica Allen said despite the layoffs, the agency will continue to provide weather information forecasts and warnings pursuant to our public safety mission.

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AP reports that because of staffing shortages, NOAA has already stopped releasing some weather balloons  which collect observations for weather forecasts  in two locations, including Albany, New York and Gray, Maine.

KOIN 6 News reached out to Oregons only Republican congressman, Cliff Bentz (OR-2), for a statement on the NOAA letter. However, his office declined to 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 KOIN.com.
Despite the deadly storms over the weekend, one of the core government facilities tracking severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, is listed on the website of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency as one with a planned office closure.

The Storm Prediction Center -- one of several entities housed at the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma -- issues severe weather forecasts across the nation and identifies threat zones where dangerous thunderstorms and tornadoes could move through days in advance.

A spokesperson with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration -- the federal agency that studies and reports on the oceans, atmosphere and coasts as well as oversees the Storm Prediction Center as well as the National Weather Service -- confirmed that the "building lease issue is in flux."

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MORE: Fire danger continues for Oklahoma after deadly wildfires ravage state

PHOTO: Fire burns a residence during a wildfire outbreak in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Mar. 14, 2025. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)

With this latest storm, the Storm Prediction Center began alerting about a potential significant severe weather event across parts of the Midwest and South several days ahead of the first tornadoes. The center also tracks which parts of the country could face critical to extreme fire weather conditions -- as Oklahoma, where the center is located, remains under alert for fire danger after being devastated by deadly blazes over the weekend.

At least 40 people were killed amid more than 970 severe storm reports across more than two dozen states over the weekend. A three-day tornado outbreak tore through at least nine states.

PHOTO: Destruction from a severe storm is seen Mar. 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (Jeff Roberson/AP)

PHOTO: Fire burns a residence during a wildfire outbreak in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Mar. 14, 2025. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)

Republican Rep. Tom Cole claims that he intervened and that the center in Norman will not lose its lease.

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"I am so proud to have advocated for them. As the Representative for Oklahoma's Fourth District, I will always fight for Oklahomans and my constituents!" Cole wrote in a release last week.

PHOTO: Elon Musk arrives for US President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the Capitol in Washington, Mar. 4, 2025. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

But the building is still listed, along with hundreds of others, as a target of DOGE's cuts.

The White House said that the General Services Administration is "reviewing all options to optimize our footprint and building utilization."

"A component of our space consolidation plan will be the termination of many soft term leases. To the extent these terminations affect public facing facilities and/or existing tenants, we are working with our agency partners to secure suitable alternative space. In many cases this will allow us to increase space utilization and obtain improved terms," a White House spokesperson said.

PHOTO: House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole responds to questions from the House Rules Committee as the panel prepares a spending bill that would keep federal agencies funded through Sept. 30, in Washington, Mar. 10, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

When the GSA briefly listed office leases it planned to terminate a few weeks ago, the NOAA locations sent shockwaves through the scientific community especially with tornado season (and hurricane season) coming up.

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The Norman facility has, according to local outlets, been impacted by some staffing cuts.

MORE: How job cuts at NOAA could impact weather forecasting

Online the center boasts of some 500 scientists, engineers, meteorologists and climatologists from NOAA, the University of Oklahoma and state agencies. It specializes in storm prediction and advancing radar technology.

"We serve as a national resource for severe weather research and work collaboratively with the National Weather Service to ensure that their forecasters have the knowledge, capabilities, and technologies to remain world leaders in effectively communicating accurate, timely, and actionable forecasts and warnings of extreme weather to the public and commerce," their mission statement reads.

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ABC News has reached out to local Oklahoma lawmakers for comment, but hasn't heard back by the time of publication.

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center facility among planned DOGE cuts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Every morning feels strange. Its the same, but different. I wake up in a daze, check my phone, and immediately remember we are living inside something that doesnt have a name but really should.

When I sit down at my computer, one tab flashes a calendar invite for a Zoom meeting about deliverables, like the country isnt on fire. Another tells me measles is back, like a ghost from a world that used to care about public health. In the next, I read that a foreign student has been detained by ICE and had his visa revoked. His crime? Speaking at an anti-war protest.

Just when I think Ive seen enough, another headline reminds me that the Trump administration is letting Idaho enforce an abortion ban so extreme that women with life-threatening pregnancies are being airlifted out of state because doctors are too afraid to treat them. Because saving a womans life could mean prison.

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And just when I think Ive maxed out my daily dose of dystopia, a news alert pops up. Half of the Department of Education has been eliminated.

And right on cue, an email arrives in my inbox, like a punchline to a joke no ones laughing at.

Hope this email finds you well.

It doesnt. None of them do.

If this feels familiar to you, its what some scholars are calling a polycrisis. Not just multiple crises happening at once, but interlocking, compounding crises that make each other worse. A political system collapsing under the weight of its own corruption. A public health system gutted by disinformation and misogynists who dont care if women and children die. And for good measure, a climate crisis that makes every other crisis harder to survive. It goes beyond just a lot of bad things happening at once  its about how each crisis intensifies the others, making them more unmanageable together than they would be apart.

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Theres no word for what it feels like to circle up on Q1 goals while unelected billionaires loot our government in broad daylight.

Ive started calling it apocalypse admin. The surreal act of continuing to do small, ordinary tasks while the world around you unravels. Like updating a spreadsheet while wondering if well still have free elections next year.

Do you feel this too? The splitting of your mind between whats urgent in your inbox and whats existential in the news? A total paralysis about what to do next? A deep sense of dread when your coworker asks what you did this weekend and all you want to say is I cried?

Theres a strange pressure to compartmentalize all of it. To smile on Zoom. To hit reply all. To keep producing like nothing is burning, even though its burning right under our feet.

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If this feels familiar, youre not alone. You are not broken for struggling to hold all of this at once. Whats broken is the world, and the lie that were supposed to pretend its not.

So what do we do about it?

What helps me is remembering that we are not the first people to live through something impossible. Although this feels unprecedented, others have lived through their own version of polycrisis before.

During the Blitz in London in the 1940s, when Nazis were dropping bombs every night, people still got up and went to work the next day. They were told to keep up their spirits, to keep living, even as the world fell apart around them. Thats where Keep Calm and Carry On comes from. Not as a cute mug slogan, but as a way to say, We survive by moving forward together.

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During the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 90s, queer communities faced a deadly virus, a collapsing healthcare system, and a government that refused to act, all while fighting daily violence, stigma, and discrimination. They built their own networks of care, created underground pharmacies to get life-saving meds, and organized in the streets to force the world to pay attention. They survived not because anyone saved them, but because they saved each other.

So maybe instead of focusing on whats broken, we give ourselves credit for what were still holding together.

And maybe, years from now, people will look back and see not just a country under siege, but a generation of people. Women, queer folks, everyone whose rights were under attack. People who carried on with bravery and care for each other.

Theyll remember the people who snuck abortion pills across state lines to strangers theyd never meet. The ones who drove women to clinics hours away because no one else would. The organizers who knocked on doors and registered voters even when it felt pointless, even when they were terrified.

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Theyll remember the teachers who refused to lie to their students even when the state told them to. The workers who formed unions when corporations abandoned them. The neighbors who shared food and money and rides when climate disasters hit, like the fires in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Carrying on doesnt have to mean pretending everything is fine. Sometimes, it just means choosing to stay human in a system that wants us to go numb.

So if all you can do today is Venmo a friend who cant make rent, or text someone you know is struggling, or order abortion pills for yourself or for someone else who might need them one day, thats carrying on.

If all you can do is show up to vote, show up for a friend, show up for yourself, that is enough.

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Even though its easy to feel helpless, every small act of care is a form of resistance.

And maybe, when this is all history, what people will remember is not how perfect we were. Theyll remember how we survived. How we tried. How we took care of each other when no one else would.

Because even though none of my emails are finding me well, Im still here. And so are you.

And honestly, maybe thats the bravest thing of all.

Liz Plank is an award-winning journalist and international bestselling author. Plank regularly appears on national and international television programs to provide a perspective on politics, gender issues, and reproductive rights, including The TODAY Show, The Daily Show, MSNBC, CNN, ABC News, Fusion, Al-Jazeera America, and BBC World.

This piece originally appeared in Liz Planks substack Airplane Mode, which you can subscribe to here.

The post None of My Emails Are Finding Me Well appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
SPRINGFIELD  During his State of the State address last month, Gov. JB Pritzker spoke of the importance of improving the classroom environment and limiting distractions, and to do so, he has proposed a cellphone ban policy for Illinois schools.

In conversations with educators and parents around this state, there is one thing that they commonly cite as an impediment to learning in the classroom: cellphones, Pritzker said.

What would the bills do?

The two bills in the Illinois house, HB2964 and HB2975, which have been filed by Rep. Curtis J. Tarver, D-Chicago, and by Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl, D-Northbrook, and in the Illinois Senate by Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, would require Illinois school districts to enact a set of policies banning cellphones during classroom instruction.

Castro said part of her reasoning for drafting the bill was because many of her constituents, including many teachers, have complained that cellphones are disrupting their classes.

They (school districts) haven't done a very good job of it (regulating cellphone policies), Castro said.

The bills would not require a blanket policy, so districts would be able to regulate their cellphone ban policies as much or as little as they want.

The governor's proposal is a really balanced approach to limiting electronic devices in the classroom, said Tony Sanders, state superintendent of education. It doesn't go so far as to tell school districts exactly how they should implement it. It still allows for students to use their phones in the event of emergencies or when a school district determines it's appropriate. It allows school districts to determine how they will enforce it, and really how they even approach it.

Pritzkers goals for the ban are threefold: to limit distraction of cellphones in classrooms, to help foster social interactions among students by eliminating the barrier of cellphones, and to try to deter cyberbullying while students are in school.

The cellphone ban would have some exceptions, such as if a student needs their device to monitor a health condition, or for students with special needs to fulfill an Individualized Education Program.

These bills are expected to be heard this week in committee discussions while lawmakers are in session.

Current cellphone policies in schools

According to Pew Research, 72% of U.S. high school teachers say cellphone distraction is a major problem in classrooms.

Brandon Thornton, an English teacher at Bloomington High School, said that in some classes, students will prop up their phones and watch Netflix or scroll through social media.

When were fighting the screens, we can't compete with the newest season of Stranger Things, Thornton said. I cant compete with Sabrina Carpenters new album.

Right now, Illinois schools are not required to have cellphone policies in place, but if they do have one, it is determined by the school district. Policies vary, with some being more strict and others giving students more leeway.

In Bloomington School District 87, which includes Bloomington High School, students are allowed to use their devices before and after class. It is up to the teachers discretion on how students use their phones while in class, according to the BHS Handbook.

Thornton said he can write up students for using their phones, but that it feels like a waste of time to do so, as many students will use their phones during class anyway.

On a day to day, if I were to sit down and write up every person who breaks that policy, I would be spending a good chunk of my day documenting the amount of kids who were, in fact, on their phone, Thornton said.

Meanwhile, the Springfield Public School District 186 Student and Family Handbook says students cannot be on their phones during class periods or in passing periods. Students must also keep their devices out of sight, the handbook says. Staffers do have phone boxes that they offer to keep students' phones in during class time.

Like Bloomington and Springfield, many other school districts, including in Champaign and Peoria, have also adopted some variation of a cellphone ban policy. Research that went into the drafting of the statewide cellphone ban bill came from these schools, according to Sanders.

Certainly looked at the research that's coming out of districts that have implemented a ban, and the improvements that they've seen around the social (and) emotional needs of students, around the decrease in bullying  everything that that we want to see schools lean into right now is improved by doing something to restrict cellphone access during instructional time, Sanders said.

If the cellphone ban were to pass, Illinois would be joining California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, which have already passed some variation of a cellphone ban.

What do educators think about the bills?

So far, the bill is receiving bipartisan support from legislators, and most educators agree there needs to be some sort of phone ban.

Kyle Thompson, regional superintendent of Regional Office of Education 11, which oversees more than 30 school districts in east-central Illinois, including Mattoon, Shelbyville and Oakland, said he believes a ban on cellphones in schools is necessary, but he wishes the proposed legislation would go a bit further.

I would like to see phone-free schools, Thompson said. I don't believe this legislation really is going to make phone-free schools. There's a difference between requiring policy and actually having a true, phone-free school. As long as phones are allowed in school, phones will be a problem.  As long as students can have them at lunch, they're going to videotape fights. As long as students can have them at their lockers and at lunch, they're not going to look up and talk to their peers.

Florida has some of the strictest legislation when it comes to cellphone policies in schools: The state bans cellphones completely during class time, and prohibits social media use while on district Wi-Fi.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, if passed, would go a step further, as it would ban smartphones and other personal electronic devices like smart watches from every single public school in Arkansas, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

Some Illinois schools have already tried going phone-free.

Ahead of the current school year, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley Elementary School Principal Justin Kean announced on the districts Facebook page that cellphones would no longer be allowed in the building.

Now, more than a semester in, Kean has been met with applause.

When we made the decision and publicized that that was going to be the plan, multiple parents emailed or called or saw me in the community and said, Hey, thank you for that. I appreciate it, because they're fighting their own kids about wanting to have phones or wanting to have them in school and things like that, and so the fact that we made that a rule now, they don't have to (have that fight at home) anymore, Kean said.

Kean said he thinks the policy has had a positive effect in helping students in their social interactions.

In the bus lines, instead of somebody burying their head in their phone, they're having conversations and being kids, Kean said.

Overall, Kean said students have mixed feelings about the elementary schools cellphone policy.

I think we have students that are happy with the policy because the cellphone was maybe a distraction or maybe a worry, because they didn't have one, and others did, Kean said. And then I think we have some that probably aren't real excited about it, because they would prefer to be able to have it and be able to play a game or something like that during free time.

Back in Bloomington, Thornton said he is hopeful that Pritzkers proposed cellphone ban could become a state law, as it is difficult to enforce BHSs current policy of leaving the issue up to teachers.

I think that's the hard part now, Thornton said. I don't have a lot of teeth to my policy, because I can't say this is the school policy, it's my policy, and that doesn't handle as much weight as this is the school policy, and especially when you're talking to parents. So I think saying, like, Oh, this is state law. That's a very easy sell.

Sanders said one of the pros of this bill could be the deterring of fights at schools. Students often use their cellphones to organize fights through texts or social media, and then to record them, he explained.

As a former district superintendent, I would see students coordinating fights, coordinating events that would really distract during the school day while they were on school grounds. So to the extent that we can protect them while they're on school grounds, I think that's one of the added benefits, Sanders said.

How about parents?

Sara Marleys daughter attends Central A&M High School in Moweaqua. She feels that her daughter and other students' cellphones are causing lapses in their education, and she is supportive of a statewide cellphone policy.

Currently, Central A&M High School allows students to use their cellphones in the office and in classrooms, but only with a teachers consent, according to the student handbook.

I would go as far as to say, any time that they are in an academic classroom, having access to a cellphone is too much of a distraction, Marley said. So in any classroom setting, it should either be checked at the door or checked at the beginning of the day.

Some parents may be concerned that they won't be able to get ahold of their kids during the day, or in case of an emergency. Others say they trust school staffers to coordinate any needed communication during the school day, including during any emergency situations.

Josh Mlot of Normal, father of a Parkside Junior High School student and Parkside Elementary School student in McLean County Unit 5, said parents should trust the adults working at the schools.

Im just more concerned about some of the problems that cellphones in the classroom can create than I am about the very low likelihood of an emergency where a cellphone would truly make a difference, Mlot said. In my experience, our teachers and administrators are pretty well trained in handling those kinds of emergencies.

Sen. Castro said local law enforcement have been supportive of a cellphone ban bill because it would help them do their jobs in case of a school emergency.

They want students to be focused on following safety protocols that they've been taught and trained, as well as making sure they're focusing on their teachers instructions during a crisis, Castro said. They don't want students focusing on their cellphones, calling parents, posting on social media, because it also hurts them.

Castros cellphone ban bill was referred to the Senates Assignments Committee on Feb. 6 and has not moved since.

Tarvers and Katz Muhls bills were both assigned to the Education Policy Committee, but have not received a hearing yet.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  A weeklong protest planned for the Huntsville area began Monday, as protesters demanded to hear from Rep. Dale Strong.

Protesters gathered outside Strongs Huntsville office, believing he is in town while Congress is in recess.

33 guns seized by TSA at Huntsville International Airport in 2024, 130 seized statewide: Report

We want to know that hes here and that hes available to talk to his constituents, said Susan Stewart, who was asked by the group of protesters to speak to News 19 on their behalf. Set up some meetings in your offices in Huntsville or Decatur.

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Protesters said they have been reaching out with concerns but have received no answers from him. They said, as his constituents, they believe they deserve to hear directly from their elected congressman.

Mondays protest was organized by the 5th District North Alabama Chapter of Indivisible, a group of people living in Strongs district who say they are fighting for democracy.

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These are not paid protesters, Stewart said. No ones getting any checks. Were taking our own time. People are taking time off from work to be here, driving from a distance to get here and try to get some answers.

Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

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Several people taking part in the protest said they have been calling and sending emails to Strongs office for weeks with little to show for it.

I sometimes get an answering machine, but often I get a staff member, Stewart said. The staff member promises to pass my concerns on to Representative Strong. Thats about it.

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Stewart and others gathered Monday said that is not good enough.

When I ask about, why isnt he meeting with us? Why isnt he scheduling town halls? Why is he not making statement to the press? Their answer is they talk about how available he is to the public, Stewart said.

She said staffers tell her Strong holds town halls over the phone, but she said she has never been given information about how or when she could take part in one.

The group plans to protest every day this week at different locations in Huntsville and Madison. They are expressing concern for several issues, including the future of federal jobs in Huntsville and potential cuts to social security, Medicaid and the VA.

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Members of the group have organized a town hall in Athens this Saturday, and an invitation has been extended to Strong. So far, they said he has not responded to that request.

News 19 has reached out to Strong for comment, but we have not 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 WHNT.com.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has chosen the next person to lead the state's largest public university by enrollment after its longtime chancellor is set to retire soon.

Kevin Howell was named the next chancellor of North Carolina State University  and the first Black person to lead the institution in its 138-year history  at the public university governing board's Tuesday meeting. He will succeed Randy Woodson, who has served in the role since 2010 and is one of the university system's longest-serving chancellors.

Howell is the chief external affairs officer for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health, according to the school's website. He also previously served in various leadership roles at NC State, including as vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development. As an NC State undergraduate student, Howell was student body president.

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"I know from experience that effective diplomacy in contentious times requires patience, humility and a genuine respect for the voices and opinions of others," UNC System President Peter Hans said during the meeting. These are all qualities that Kevin Howell possesses in abundance.

Howell will begin in his new role May 5, according to an NC State news release. His salary as chancellor will be $600,000.

Woodson announced his retirement during the university's trustees meeting last July as his contract was slated to end this summer. Woodson, 67, told reporters then that it was just a good time to step away from the chancellorship.

Under Woodson's leadership, the university increased its graduation and retention rates, as well as research funding. Enrollment also expanded, growing to more than 38,000 students as of Fall 2024.

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I feel good about leaving the institution better than I found it, but I also feel good that the next leader has plenty to do at NC State, Woodson said after announcing his retirement in July.

There will be a lot on Howell's plate when he assumes his position this summer, including navigating a nationally turbulent time for higher education as institutions prepare for potential massive losses of funding from the National Institutes of Health. NC State is an R1 research institution  the highest tier for research universities under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education  and received more than $48 million from the NIH last fiscal year.

NC State also paused most of its hiring activities  including for faculty  in February, partially due to uncertainty on federal funding, according to a memo from executive vice chancellor Warwick Arden. The memo did not specify when the hiring freeze would end.
Brian Palecek, right, reads a letter to North Dakota's congressional delegation as supporters gather outside the federal courthouse in Bismarck on March 18, 2025. (Amy Dalrymple/North Dakota Monitor)

About 50 people gathered Tuesday outside the Bismarck offices of North Dakotas congressional delegation to call on their representatives to hold in-person town hall meetings.

Organizers hand delivered letters to the offices of Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Rep. Julie Fedorchak, raising concerns about veteran health care, the impact of tariffs on farmers, the stability of Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, support for Ukraine and other issues.

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The letter does not mention President Donald Trump, but participants who gathered outside the federal courthouse referenced Trump executive orders and recent actions of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Henry Lebak, left, talks to supporters March 18, 2025, after delivering a letter to the congressional delegation calling on members to hold town hall meetings. (Amy Dalrymple/North Dakota Monitor)

We need to know how these changes impact North Dakotans and how you can help us guarantee that North Dakota people and programs are not harmed, reads the letter signed by organizers Henry and Margaret Lebak and Brian Palecek of Bismarck.

The crowd, holding signs with slogans such as Democracy not dictatorship, Hate never made us great, and Have courage, repeatedly called out, We want answers, as organizers read the letter.

The Lebaks also paid for five digital billboards in Bismarck-Mandan to display a message that says MISSING in reference to the all-Republican congressional delegation.

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You work for North Dakotans. Time for you to report on Trumps actions, the billboard reads. Stop hiding! Hold in-person town halls.

Henry Lebak said he and his wife organized the billboard message after several unsuccessful attempts to reach the delegation. After he posted about it on Facebook, people have come forward to offer donations to keep the billboards displayed longer.

Five digital billboards in Bismarck-Mandan are displaying this message. (Provided by Henry Lebak)

Theres a lot of pent-up frustration out there, said Lebak, a retired state employee.

Bob Valeu, former chair of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party, told the crowd the last time Hoeven held an in-person town hall meeting was in 2011, according to Hoevens website.

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In response to an inquiry from the North Dakota Monitor, a spokesman for Hoeven said he holds many public meetings on issues important to our state and nation.

These public events are in communities across the state, and North Dakotans are welcome to attend. We will continue to hold these public meetings and have productive discussions with North Dakotans, the statement read.

Fedorchak has said she plans to hold a virtual town hall meeting next week. Details were not yet available Tuesday.

Cramer said Tuesday he stopped doing in-person town halls during the COVID-19 pandemic and has shifted to virtual events and a recurring schedule with North Dakota radio outlets as ways to talk to the public directly. Cramer added he makes sure the radio hosts dont screen the publics calls.

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I dont have any plans not to, but I dont really have any plans to either, Cramer said of holding in-person town halls.

Cramer said elected officials have been holding fewer in-person town hall events because they have been requiring more security. He said he hasnt had a lot of trouble, but he noted a 2017 town hall in Mandan that turned rowdy.

During a discussion of the Affordable Care Act, an attendee tried to shove money into Cramers suit pocket. Two men were ejected from the town hall, but Cramer did not press charges.

Participants rally outside the federal courthouse in Bismarck on March 18, 2025, calling for North Dakotas congressional delegation to hold town hall meetings. (Amy Dalrymple/North Dakota Monitor)

Daniel Schreck of Bismarck said hes particularly frustrated with the accessibility of Hoeven.

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Hes become an expert at dodging us, Schreck said. He says he actually is engaging with his constituents. No, he is hand picking a few people to sit in an audience to talk to, but he will not have a town hall. I think thats a travesty.

Several in attendance mentioned concerns about cuts by DOGE, led by Elon Musk, the future of Social Security, the mass firings of federal workers and the potential elimination of the Department of Education.

Im absolutely enraged by whats going on in our country, on the destruction of our democracy, said Gretchen Bederman of Mandan.

Bederman said she hopes Hoeven, Cramer and Fedorchak hold in-person town hall meetings in Bismarck and around the state.

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Those representatives are supposed to hear what we have to say, Bederman said. And what we have to say is that this is out of hand.

Sonja Mahlum of Bismarck said her concerns are too numerous to list, but a major one is the rule of law. She cited the Trump administration not following a court order related to deportation flights.

If were not following the rule of law, democracy is gone, Mahlum said.

Mary LaDuke of Bismarck said she doesnt like how federal workers are being treated.

Theyre treated so cruelly, not knowing if you have a job or not, LaDuke said.

Cramer said hes noticed a spike in calls and messages to his office during the first months of Trumps second term.

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Theres no question that the Indivisible group in Moorhead and Fargo, theyve been very, very active, Cramer said. Those are people that protest for fun. Thats what they do and not for any of the things that Donald Trump ran, and won on.

Henry Lebak said he visited with staff members for Hoeven and Cramer and left a letter for Fedorchaks staff.

I offered, If we have a town hall, my wife and I will even furnish the cookies and coffee, he said.

This story has been updated with comments from Sen. Kevin Cramer.

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FARMINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  The North Marion High School Marching Band is set to perform in the Pearl Harbor Parade in December.

When the marching band was invited back in November of 2024, Band Director Matthew Morgan jumped at the opportunity for the students to learn about and honor American history, travel to Hawaii, and perform in front of a wide audience.

Students compete in statewide robotics competition at Fairmont State

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Once the school administration gave its approval, the marching band found out about their future performance at their Christmas concert a few months ago. Morgan remembers the shock and excitement from the band students when they were told about the performance.

To Morgans knowledge the only other school from West Virginia who has gotten to perform in Hawaii is Morgantown High School. The marching band is looking to raise somewhere between $80,000-$120,000 for new uniforms and to pay for the trip.

If youre interested in donating, you can click for the uniforms here and for the trip 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 WBOY.com.
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A North Myrtle Beach woman was arrested after allegedly biting her 11-year-old son during a drunken rage, according to police records obtained by News13.

Sara Nordstrom, 45, was charged with cruelty to children. Online records show she was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Sunday and released Monday on a $5,000 bond.

Nordstrom is accused of biting her son in the back while she was grossly intoxicated last Thursday, an arrest warrant shows. She was allegedly verbally abusive and tripped him before biting him.

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Police observed a small area of blood/bruising below the skin without any obvious puncture marks that appeared appropriately recent for the alleged time frame and was in a location that would be implausible to self-inflict, the warrant reads.

The boys stepfather confirmed to police he found him without a shirt or shoes hiding in the neighborhood clubhouse about two blocks from the home, according to the warrant.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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Three candidates for the Northbrook Village Board, out of six people running, appeared at a candidate forum for Northbrook village trustees on March 16. The three focused on economic development issues in Northbrook.

The forum, organized by the League of Women Voters Glenview/Glencoe at the Northbrook Public Library, was attended by incumbent candidates Joy Ebhomielen and Michelle Kohler and newcomer Matt Cassidy. Three seats on the Village Board, all for four-year terms, are open.

Ebhomielen said the League of Women Voters did not hold a forum for village president candidates because Josha Kaplan, who is challenging incumbent Kathryn Ciesla, did not agree to participate in the forum. Kaplans first name appears as Josh on the Northbrook Focused slates website but as Josha on the Cook County Clerks website.

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Trustee candidates Laura Hochstein, Anthony Riccardi and Charles Zivin did not attend the forum for trustees.

Most pressing needs

Candidates were asked what Northbrooks most pressing needs are.

Ebhomielen said the economic development of downtown Northbrook is a priority for her. Weve brought a lot of activities into the downtown area, and we are also doing a lot in terms of just trying to bring a lot of new developments, new restaurants into the village, she said.

Kohler said her priorities included modernizing Northbrooks infrastructure as well as bringing in more businesses to Northbrook. This is not something that happens overnight. You dont snap your fingers and make it move forward.

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Ill be focused heavily on changing our reputation as being a difficult village to work with and working on how we can provide incentives and other opportunities to bring new businesses to Northbrook, Kohler said.

Cassidy spoke about the villages creation of a tax increment financing district that could revive Northbrook Court. Thats where I think its important to have good governance where youre not just pointing at something and saying this is wrong, but saying, OK, heres what comes next, he said.

Affordable Housing

Currently, only 5.7% of Northbrooks housing units follow the states definition as being affordable. According to the Illinois Housing Development Authority, municipalities that dont have at least 10% of their housing units meet that definition must create a plan to increase their affordable housing stock to that level.

Cassidy and Ebhomielen spoke in favor of a 48-unit affordable housing complex approved by the village board.

Kohler said with the funds accumulated by the villages affordable housing ordinance, the village is in talks with the non-profit Community Partners for Affordable Housing. Those funds can be used to create land trusts, she said, which the village can create and develop affordable housing on.
LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU)  Northwest Area Education Agency (AEA) has unanimously accepted the retirement of its chief administrator.

During Monday nights meeting in Le Mars, the agencys board of directors voted yes on Dan Cox retiring from his position. Hes set to retire on June 30, which is the end of his contract.

Sioux City council votes to amend Marina Dredging Project agreement

In his resignation letter, Cox said its been a privilege to serve the communities of northwest Iowa in the last seven years.

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Board members have decided to hold a special board meeting on April 14 to discuss the new candidates. Thats anticipated to take place at 6 p.m. at Northwest AEAs Sioux City office.

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Donald Trump seems determined to live in the past. He openly stews in pent-up grievances and discredits the prior administration at every opportunity. In his first two months in office, it seems as if he has criticized his predecessor more than any other president has ever done. So, no one should have been surprised by the news that the president now wants to undo the preemptive pardons Joe Biden granted on his way out of the White House  a wildly unconstitutional proposition.

Trump took to Truth Social in a late-night rant over the weekend to denounce the House January 6 committee and The Pardons that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others And, in typical Trumpian style, the president announced in all caps: They are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT

Why?

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(B)ecause of the fact that they were done by Autopen. In other words, President Trump suggested, Joe Biden did not sign them but more importantly, he did not know anything about them!

As is his wont, the president offered no evidence.

But that did not stop him from venting about the wrong that Biden and the House committee had done to him and threatening them: Those on the Unselect Committee, who destroyed and deleted ALL evidence obtained during their two-year Witch Hunt of me, and many other innocent people, should fully understand that they are subject to investigation at the highest level.

And spinning the tall tale even further, he said that members of the committee were probably responsible for the Documents that were signed on their behalf without the knowledge or consent of the Worst President in the History of our Country, Crooked Joe Biden!

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Autopens? Really? With all the problems confronting this country, our president is focused on autopens.

As Axios explains, autopens are used to make automatic or remote signatures and have been used by public figures, including presidents, for decades. In 2005, the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued an opinion that then-President George W. Bush and any other president could sign a bill by directing a subordinate to "affix the President's signature to it." That signature would, OLC said, be valid and as binding as if the president had signed it himself. OLC could not have been any clearer.

And to satisfy constitutional purists, OLC noted that Neither the constitutional text nor the drafting and ratification debates provide further guidance regarding what it means for the President to sign a bill he approves. However, the word sign, it found had a generally understood legal meaning that was well established at common law when the Constitution was drafted and ratified and that continued throughout the Republics early years (and beyond).

Under this well-settled legal understanding, the OLC opinion continued, an individual could sign a document by directing that his signature be affixed to it by another. As if that were not enough to settle the matter, it concluded, the President may sign a bill within the meaning of Article I, Section 7 by directing a subordinate to affix the Presidents signature to such a bill, for example by autopen.

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OLCs opinions have great weight and are considered authoritative statements about the law unless or until a court rules to the contrary. And what they say about signing a bill would also apply to signing a pardon.

Except, nothing in the Constitution requires a president to sign a pardon. Article II says only that the president shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment. It does not specify any particular form or procedure to make such a grant.

Moreover, American courts have given presidents a wide berth in using their power to grant pardons and reprieves. In the mid-19th century, the Supreme Court called the Presidents authority to pardon unlimited except in cases of impeachment. It said that authority extended to every offence known to the law and able to be exercised either before legal proceedings are taken, or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment.

More than one hundred years later, in 1974, it reaffirmed that view and held that the Constitution gives the president what it labeled plenary authority. Surely, that authority encompasses the choice of whether to use an autopen. And, as Professor Jeffrey Crouch, an expert in federal executive clemency, observes, not only can they do so, but "(o)ther presidents have used an autopen to grant pardons."

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In 2024, a federal appeals court ruled that a pardon did not have to be issued in writing.

But for President Trump, well-researched and reasoned legal opinions, court decisions, and the views of experts matter less than the latest conspiracy theory floated by his right-wing, MAGA allies. As Newsweek reports,the president is likely getting his information about Bidens pardons from the Heritage Foundations Oversight Project. This is the same conservative think tank that gave us Project 2025. As the Oversight Project tells the tale, the Biden White House used an automated signature to place Biden's name on several key documents that happen to counter Trump's agenda.

Would anyone be surprised if the Trump administration employed an autopen during its first term? Yahoo News provides the answer.

Presidents including Trump have long used an autopen to affix their mark to documents that then have the power to transform America and the lives of its citizens. Trump, it says, has used the autopen to sign executive orders in both his terms. Many orders from his first term on the Federal Register website appear to be done by autopen.

Moreover, all the fuss about autopens is doubly strange coming from someone who argued with a straight face that he could declassify secret documents without signing anything. Youre the president of the United States, Trump claimed, you can declassify just by saying its declassified, even by thinking about it.

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At least President Biden never claimed he could pardon people just by thinking about it.

By questioning the validity of the House Jan. 6 Committee pardons, Trump may hope its members will have reason to fear that Attorney General Pam Bondi will launch a criminal investigation. Even if a court dismisses out of hand (as any court surely would) his wild claim to be able to declare a pardon granted by a previous president invalid, starting such an investigation would itself be a form of retribution.

If all that comes to naught, the president may get pleasure from using the autopen nonsense to replay some of his greatest hits and suggest, yet again, that a senile Biden was not in charge as president. At the same time, it allows him to promote one of his favorite conspiracy theories, namely that his predecessor was the tool of a deep state (that) pulled the strings.

So stay tuned for the next episode of autopen-gate. The distraction of such a baseless conspiracy theory is just the type of bait Trump knows his MAGA base loves.
The Trump administration took their open flouting of an order to halt recent deportations a step further on Monday, with the Department of Justice arguing that the federal judge's ruling from the bench was "not enforceable."

U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg ruled over the weekend that the Trump administration should halt deportations of Venezuelan nationals immediately, taking particular care to tell attorneys that flights that were underway should be redirected and returned to the United States. Boasberg's written order, released later, did not include the demand that deportees in transit be returned.

In a filing on Monday, DOJ attorneys argued that oral orders were not enforceable "as an injunction."

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"The narrower written order may well represent a more considered judgment by the court about the proper exercise of its powers," they wrote. "In accord with this well-established law, the written minute order governed."

Trump administration officials have spent the days since Boasberg's ruling mocking the judge's order. White House Communications Director shared El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele's jab at the judge, saying the ruling came "too late" on social media. Trump Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called Boasberg's temporary restraining order unconstitutional while speaking with CNN on Monday.

Miller: That is not something that a district court judge has any authority whatsoever to interfere with, to enjoin, to restrict, or to restrain any way.. pic.twitter.com/taUkK5akpJ  Acyn (@Acyn) March 17, 2025

"District court judges do not have the authority, as a general matter, to enjoin the functioning of the executive branch," Miller said. "This judge violated the law. He violated the Constitution."

Trump himself shared a video of the deportees having their heads shaved upon landing in El Salvador. He called the men in the video, who were suspected by the administration of being members of the gang Tren de Aragua, "monsters" in a post to Truth Social.

"Thank you to El Salvador and, in particular, President Bukele, for your understanding of this horrible situation, which was allowed to happen to the United States because of incompetent Democrat leadership," he wrote.
In court and the media, the Trump administration spent Monday asserting its power to deport asylum seekers without due processand to ignore judges who get in the way.

"We are not stopping," Tom Homan, the administration's border czar, told Fox News on Monday. "I don't care what the judges think."

A similar message was reportedly delivered in a less direct way at the federal courthouse in Washington, where Trump administration lawyers refused to give direct answers to Judge James Boasberg's questions about the deportation of over 200 Venezuelans over the weekend. Boasberg was trying to figure out the timeline of those deportation flightssome of which seem to have departed after he issued an order on Saturday halting thembut Justice Department attorneys said they could not disclose more information due to "national security" reasons, The New York Times reports.

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Of course, the White House's social media team had no such concerns as it gleefully bragged about sending dozens of people to a Central American prison without any proof of their guilt.

Trust the process. The bigger issueone that was not part of Monday evening's hearingis whether Trump has the authority to deport anyone under the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law that allows deportations to occur without due process. Trump invoked the law on Saturday when he declared that members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan drug gang, had "unlawfully infiltrated the United States and are conducting irregular warfare" against Americans.

The White House says most of the migrants deported over the weekend were believed to be Tren de Aragua members (while others were part of MS-13, a different gang). However, immigration attorneys have pointed out that the administration has not released detailed information about the individuals or explained why they were chosen for deportation.

This is why due process matters. There's a key difference between "suspected of being in a drug gang" and "yep, we know that guy is a member of a drug gang." Eroding that distinction has all sorts of bad implications for freedom.

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A troubling pattern. The Trump administration's determination to ignore due process for would-be deportees would be worrying even if it were happening in a vacuum. However, that's not the case. From the relatively low-stakes willingness of the Department of Government Efficiency to move fast and not wait for permission, to the Trump administration's attempt to punish law firms for working with the administration's opponents, and its ongoing attempt to undermine birthright citizenship, the White House is showing little regard for limits on executive authority.

On several different issues, the Trump administration's "actions reflect an unorthodox conception of American government in which the president pushes his powers to the outer limits, with diminished regard for the checks and balances provided by the legislative and judicial branches," is how The Wall Street Journal summarized things on Monday.

What's it all mean? It may be too soon to call this a full-blown constitutional crisisthough, as a general rule, presidents should not behave as if judicial rulings are optional. We're in roughly the same territory as when Joe Biden blew off the Supreme Court and did student loan forgiveness anywayexcept with higher stakes since there are human lives and not just taxpayer dollars hanging in the balance.

Here's what seems more certain: Due process (yes, even for suspected drug gang members) is not something that ought to be swept aside in the name of efficiency or "fighting law and order," as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accidentally phrased it on Monday. Indeed, the value of due process and other checks on executive power is that they are inefficient. That's why the system requires that the government proves its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Trump is not clearing that bar right now, and the White House's unserious approach to these important issues suggests a worse crisis could be coming.

There are three simple reasons the Trump administration is targeting so many legal immigrants for deportation (in order): 1. It's easy to find and deport them,

2. There aren't that many illegal immigrant criminals, and

3. The administration doesn't like legal immigration.  The Alex Nowrasteh (@AlexNowrasteh) March 17, 2025

Scenes from Washington, D.C.: Get your popcorn ready: Another 80,000 pages of unredacted files about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy are supposed to be released on Tuesday. It's all probably another nothingburger, but one positive sign is that the release is being handled by the National Archives rather than a bunch of right-wing influencers.

Just talked to @USNatArchives.

All JFK files being released tomorrow will be housed at the below link.  https://t.co/dVS0KZLecM ????  Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) March 18, 2025

QUICK HITS

The post 'We Are Not Stopping' appeared first on Reason.com.
The High Council of Justice has dismissed Judge Pavlo Vovk, the head of the liquidated Kyiv District Administrative Court (OASK), who has been charged with creating a criminal organization and attempting to seize power, according to an official announcement published on March 18.

Vovk was held responsible for "committing a significant disciplinary offense, gross or systematic neglect of duties that is incompatible with the status of a judge or revealed his incompatibility with the position he holds."

The Anti-Corruption Action Center reported that Vovk failed to appear before the High Council of Justice and instead submitted multiple appeals, including requests for the recusal of council members and postponement of the proceedings.

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The speaker at the meeting, High Council of Justice member Oksana Kvasha, proposed dismissing Vovk. All 14 council members supported the proposal.

Vovk has become a symbol of systemic corruption and judicial impunity in Ukraine. He and other judges from his court face charges of usurpation of power, obstruction of justice, organized crime, and abuse of authority.

In December 2022, Ukraine's parliament voted to dissolve the Kyiv District Administrative Court, which had been mired in corruption scandals under Vovk's leadership. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the decree, making it law.

On Dec. 9, 2022, the U.S. Department of State sanctioned Vovk to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, imposing visa restrictions and potentially freezing his assets.

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Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court is hearing the criminal case against Vovk and his accomplices. For years, prosecutors, investigators, and courts have obstructed and delayed cases against him.

Read also: Russia sees US aid halt during Ukraine truce as its minimum goal, Bloomberg reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate now vying to be Ohios governor, wants to follow in President Donald Trumps footsteps and rename yet another body of water.

The biotech entrepreneur was speaking to the Lucas County Republican Party last week when he pitched the idea to rename Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes, to Lake Ohio.

"I like what President Trump's done with the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of America," Ramaswamy said.

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Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America last month.

"Anybody think if there's a Lake Michigan, maybe there should be a Lake Ohio around here? I'm feeling that, so we'll talk about that a little bit more as this campaign progresses, Ramaswamy continued.

Ohio governor hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has suggested renaming Lake Erie to 'Lake Ohio, seemingly inspired by President Donald Trumps approach to the Gulf of Mexico. (Getty Images)

Lake Erie  bordered by Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania  is named for the Indigenous Erie people who lived along the lakes southern shore.

A spokesperson for Ramaswamys campaign later told the Cincinnati Enquirer the 39-year-old was only joking.

The audience understood it was a joke, the spokesperson said. Perhaps the media will someday get a sense of humor. Vivek is focused on real policies to Make Ohio Great Again."

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His opponent for the GOP nomination, Attorney General Dave Yost, responded by noting that the lake is mentioned in the state constitution, and the governor does not have the authority to change the name, according to ABC6.

Ramaswamys gubernatorial bid follows his appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Elon Musk. Some reports indicated Musk fired Ramaswamy because the two didnt get along  but the biotech entrepreneur denied those claims.

No, we had a mutual discussion and I wish him well, were on the same page, were divide and conquer and saving the country, its not a one-man show from the top down or the bottom up, its all of the above, Ramaswamy told Fox News.

Lake Erie  bordered by Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania  is named for the Indigenous Erie people who lived along the lakes southern shore. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Musk is ready to support his gubernatorial bid, too, having referred to him as Governor Ramaswamy on X.

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Ramaswamy appeared confident in his bid before it even officially launched, telling the Wall Street Journal in early February that he intends to be a two-term governor.

Those eight years will go by quickly, Ramaswamy said.

Ramaswamy is running to take over the seat in 2026, when Governor Mike DeWine hits his term limit. Attorney General David Yost is facing off against Ramaswamy in the Republican primary, while the only Democratic candidate is former state health department director Amy Acton.
The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report on Tuesday on the close call at Chicago Midway International Airport in February, when a Flexjet plane crossed the same runway where a Southwest Airlines flight was coming in to land.

The Southwest crew performed a go-around, passing about 250 feet over the Flexjet plane, according to FlightRadar24. No one was injured in the incident.

This close call is one in a string of aviation incidents in recent months, including the crash between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that killed 67 people in January.

PHOTO: A Southwest Airlines plane landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport after a 'go-around' to avoid a business jet that 'entered the runway without authorization,' according to the Federal Aviation Administration, Feb. 25, 2025. (StreamTime LIVE)

MORE: American Airlines flight catches fire at Denver airport

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According to the report on the Chicago close call, the crew members of the Flexjet plane seemed to be confused about the location of the runway and sun glare impeded their vision.

The crew told investigators that "the sun was impeding visibility from the right side of the aircraft."

The Flexjet crew members also said they hadn't seen hold short lines or pavement markings for the runway 31L, which they crossed before they entered 31C, where the Southwest flight was set to land. They told investigators that the runway 13R/31L "appeared to have a very similar width to taxiways and that they had not recognized it as a runway."

As the Flexjet plane approached the runway intersection, the crew members told NTSB investigators that they looked to the left and right and did not see the Southwest plane.

PHOTO: In this Nov. 9, 2020, file photo, the exterior of the Midway International Airport sign at the departures entrance is shown in Chicago. (Joe Hendrickson/Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: Major US airlines warn demand is slowing

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According to the report, as the Flexjet plane approached the hold short line for runway 31C, the air traffic controller told them to hold short. The Flexjet crew did not acknowledge the instructions from the controller and continued to cross the runway.

At the time of the incident, Flexjet said in a statement, "Flexjet adheres to the highest safety standards and we are conducting a thorough investigation. Any action to rectify and ensure the highest safety standards will be taken."

The NTSB will continue its investigation, and the final report will be out in one to two years. The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating.

Confusion due to sun glare may have contributed to Chicago Midway close call, NTSB report says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
NEW YORK (PIX11)  An upcoming job hiring event in New York City will offer opportunities to work for the city.

Jobs NYC, a New York City initiative to help people find jobs, will host its next hiring hall on Staten Island on Thursday, March 27.

More Local News

The hiring event will be held at the YMCA Gerard Carter Center at 230 Broad St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Jobs NYC initiative hosts monthly resource fairs that provide people with opportunities to work for the City of New York, chances to meet with private employers, access to workforce development programs and more.

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New York Citys hiring halls led to 1,200 job offers in 2024. Around 10,000 people attended the monthly hiring halls last year.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Whether you are ready to interview with resume in hand or looking for other resources, were committed to meeting you where youre at, a description of the event states. We look forward to you joining us for a chance to connect with potential employers and other career service providers!

People seeking jobs are asked to bring a photo ID and several copies of their resume to give to employers at the hiring halls. People may be able to secure an interview on-site or at a later date.

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Interviews are not guaranteed, but we encourage you to put your best foot forward and maximize your direct face-time with employers! the event description states.

Attendees are asked to register for one of the four time slots during the upcoming hiring hall. To register for the event, click here.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than six years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A callous Rockefeller Center pickpocket snatched nearly $5,000 in cash from an 89-year-old man in broad daylight over the weekend, police said.

The elderly victim was going down the stairs inside the 47th50th StreetsRockefeller Center station in Midtown Manhattan around 4:40 p.m. Saturday when the much younger thief bumped into him, according to cops and sources.

The elderly victim was going down the stairs inside the 47th50th StreetsRockefeller Center station when the much younger thief bumped into him. Erik Thomas/NY Post

The suspect then swiped a wallet from the seniors left back pocket. The wallet had $4,700 in cash and a debit card in it, authorities said.

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The elderly victim reported the theft Sunday, and the suspect, who appeared to be in his late 20s or early 30s, was still on the loose Monday, cops and sources said.

The wallet had $4,700 in cash and a debit card in it, authorities said. UPI

Grand larcenies reported within the citys subway system are down so far this year, with 188 such incidents reported as of Sunday compared to 253 during the same period last year, according to the latest NYPD data.
A long-running federal suit seeking back pay for Taxi and Limousine Commission drivers whose TLC licenses were unconstitutionally suspended if they got arrested has been settled, with the city agreeing to pay out a total of $140 million to nearly 20,000 drivers.

The settlement, reached over the weekend, marks the conclusion of a legal labyrinth that began in 2006 when taxi driver Jonathan Nnebe sued the TLC for summarily suspending his license following an arrest.

The suit grew to include thousands of drivers who had their TLC licenses revoked immediately after an arrest prior to any trial  part of a city policy that left them unable to work while their case was pending.

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A federal appeals court ruled in 2019 that the TLCs post-suspension hearings offered no real possibility of appeal  finding that in every instance the court reviewed, the TLC failed to lift a suspension.

The TLC changed its policies in the intervening years, and a jury awarded back pay to 10 of the affected drivers in 2023, part of a so-called test trial.

This weekends settlement is expected to award back pay to nearly 20,000 eligible drivers, based on the length of their suspension.

At the low end, drivers who were suspended for fewer than 26 days will be eligible for $700 from the city. Drivers suspended for greater periods are entitled to larger payouts. Under the terms of the settlement, drivers in the highest tier  those suspended under the old TLC policy for more than 390 days  are eligible for $36,000 in back pay.

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The justice in the case is long overdue, said Bhairavi Desai, head of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance which was a party to the suit. Its meaningful, even life-changing for some of the [drivers].

Nicholas Paolucci, a spokesman for the NYC Law Department, said Monday that the settlement was a fair resolution for the drivers and in the best interest of the city.

In 2022, TLC amended its processes, which have been upheld as constitutional and demonstrate the agencys commitment to protecting the rights and fair treatment of taxi drivers, he added.
An Upper West Side woman is being bombarded with nasty emails and suspicious packages  all because she has the same name as the lawyer for Palestinian agitator Mahmoud Khalil, law-enforcement sources said Monday.

The latest shady package arrived as the unfortunate womans Riverside Boulevard home Monday, sources said, declining to describe its contents. The victim did not want to comment to The Post when reached by phone.

The unwelcome attention is apparently coming from critics of Khalil, who led raucous anti-Israel protests at Columbia University during the Israeli-Hamas war and is now in federal detention over his actions.

An Upper West Side woman has been getting nasty emails and suspicious packages delivered because she shares a name with Mahmoud Khalils lawyer. James Keivom

Khalils attorney giving an interview about her client. NBC News

The campus rabble-rouser, who was pursing a graduate degree at the Ivy League school, has worked for the controversial United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees.

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Khalil held a senior position at the UK office for Syria in Lebanon, too, according to multiple reports.

He was involved with a British governments Syria Chevening Program, which dishes out fully funded scholarships to foreign students who show potential to inspire.

Khalil getting detained by federal immigration agents on March 8, 2025. via REUTERS

Protesters calling on Khalil to be released at a demonstration in Times Square on March 15, 2025. James Keivom

Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian who is also a citizen of Algeria, stopped working there roughly two years ago, right before he relocated to the US in 2022 to enroll at Columbia, where he became a daily figure during weeks of antisemitic unrest on the Manhattan campus.

His lawyer  who does not live on Riverside Boulevard  has petitioned for him to be released.
ST. LOUIS  Attorneys for an OFallon, Missouri, man appeared in court on his behalf Tuesday after their client was charged with causing a 2023 fatal crash in south St. Louis.

The crash happened just after 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, 2023, at the intersection of Keokuk Street and South Broadway in the Dutchtown neighborhood.

According to a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson, two passenger vehicles were involved in the crash: Pontiac with four people inside it and the other a Volvo with one person in it.

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Police said the driver of the Pontiac, identified as Christopher D. Thomas, 50, drove through a traffic light at the intersection and struck the Volvo. The driver of the Volvo, a 17-year-old male, was hospitalized.

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Two passengers in the Pontiac were seriously injured and had to be hospitalized. The third passenger died at the scene.

Police said Thomas had a blood alcohol content level of 0.21% the night of the crash, nearly three times the legal limit.

Thomas was arrested on March 15, 2025.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Thomas with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. Thomas remains jailed without bond.

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(NewsNation)  Bill OReilly said Monday that he believes President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine during their scheduled phone call Tuesday morning.

I do believe, I could be wrong, that theyre going to get a ceasefire for 30 days, OReilly told NewsNations On Balance after a 90-minute meeting with Trump in the Oval Office.

The former Fox News host characterized the stakes for the call as huge and described Putin as an evil SOB who doesnt care how many people are dead, doesnt care what the destruction is.

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Despite his harsh assessment of Putin, OReilly defended Trumps diplomatic approach, saying the president is doing exactly what he has to do to get Putin to the table.

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When asked about Trumps tougher public stance toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy compared to Putin, OReilly responded: Why would you do that? You need Putins cooperation Zelenskyy has no power at all.

OReilly said Trump told him that Europe cannot broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, making the U.S. presidents role essential. During their meeting, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly called Trump to discuss the negotiation approach.

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According to OReilly, Trump assured him he would not allow Russia to capture Kyiv, with OReilly agreeing that such an outcome would ruin his legacy.

The call with Putin follows Ukraines agreement to a U.S.-brokered 30-day ceasefire proposal reached in Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration has resumed military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine ahead of the Putin call.

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Karen Read leaving Dedham District Court in November 2024. - Credit: Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe/Getty Images

A Massachusetts State Trooper who was a lead investigator in the death of Karen Reads boyfriend John OKeefe joked about searching her phone for nude photos, according to a new docuseries about the high-profile case.

Read stood trial last year on second-degree murder and manslaughter charges after being accused of drunkenly backing over and killing her Boston police officer boyfriend following a night of bar hopping in January 2022. A judge declared a mistrial in July after the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.

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The Massachusetts financial analyst has maintained her innocence as her case heads toward a retrial on April 1. A new Investigation Discovery docuseries, A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read, takes viewers behind-the-scenes with Read during her trial. Doing this film is my testimony, Read said in the multi-part docuseries. I know the events of that morning, I know what I said and I didnt say, and I havent been able to say it. Its incredibly frustrating. I want to say what happened exactly as it happened.

In a new clip ahead of Tuesdays episode, obtained by Rolling Stone, the series revisits what commentators called a pivotal moment from the trial, which prompted horrified reactions from jury members.

Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor took the stand at trial, where he was questioned over messages he sent in a group text with some of his high school buddies regarding Read, just 16 hours into the investigation.

When asked if Read was hot by a friend, Proctor responded, Yep, shes a babe. Proctor admitted to also remarking Read had a weird accent and no ass. Shes a whackjob cunt, he read aloud from his messages in court.

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At another point, when telling the court how he was tasked with searching Reads phone, Proctor admitted to texting his bosses that a search of her cell phone yielded no nudes so far. When pressed on why he would go through Reads phone to look for nude photos, Proctor claimed it was only an inappropriate joke.

A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read airs on Investigation Discovery, and episodes are available to stream on Max.

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Conservationists and environmentalists around the world rejoiced at a recent sighting of two rare leopards at a park in Thailand. Images of the pair of feline predators were captured on a trail camera set up in the park.

Leopards, also known as panthers, are found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. They were classified as vulnerable in 2023, as their numbers worldwide have significantly dwindled. A study published in the magazine Biological Conservation summed up the tough situation: "Our findings suggest the overall prognosis of the leopard in Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly bleak."

Conservationists were thrilled by the footage they captured. They believe the leopards are a mother and cub that call Kaeng Krachan National Park home. The park is a large preserve spanning about 1,000 square miles. Many animal species make their habitats in the park, which is why trail cameras are vital.

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Trail cameras, or camera traps, are extremely important in assisting conservation efforts. They are essential for helping experts gauge the health of vulnerable animal populations in affected areas. Equally important, trail cameras help conservationists know if their efforts are making a difference. They can also help experts adjust their efforts based on the animals' behavior and patterns.

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This is only the latest good news on the conservation front provided by trail cameras. Photos from Normandy recently showed an otter in the area for the first time in nearly 100 years. Trail cameras in Australia recently caught footage of a platypus.

Conservation efforts are vital because all animals play roles in our ecosystem. Losing animals is like losing puzzle pieces. Smart, thoughtful conservation efforts that help protect and sustain vulnerable animal populations can repair struggling ecosystems.

It is not just animals that are affected. Healthy, complete ecosystems are essential to our food supply. In other words, conserving and sustaining vulnerable animal populations can directly affect our own well-being.

Mongkol Chaiyaphakdee, the head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, was thrilled by the sightings of the leopards. "A healthy-looking leopard means its prey and the crops that feed them are also flourishing," Chaiyaphakdee said.

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After enduring the traumatic experience of the Eaton wildfire, Los Angeles residents faced the threat of scammers out to take advantage of their misfortune. Towing companies stole their vehicles and charged high fees for their return, according to the Guardian.

What's happening?

The Eaton Fire began Jan. 7, destroying more than 9,700 homes and businesses and killing 17 people. During the first four days of wildfire chaos, multiple tow truck companies fraudulently claimed to be working for the city of Altadena, according to Kathryn Barger, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Towing operators took vehicles, then refused to tell the owners where they were being held. Once the owners agreed to pay excessive fees, they were often informed their cars were far away in San Bernardino or Riverside  both at least an hour's drive from L.A.

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"I find it disgusting that these fraudulent tow operators exploited fire survivors during their time of distress," Barger said, per the Guardian.

Two of these survivors, David Gueringer and Ursula Knudson, told ABC7 that a towing company took their vehicle, claiming it had been contracted by the city to clear cars as part of debris removal efforts. The company then placed a lien on the vehicle.

"I realized they wanted the cars. It's complicated," Knudson said to ABC7. "It would be impressive if it wasn't so awful."

Why is this fraudulent activity important?

Climate experts have said the recent L.A. wildfires were caused by unusually dry conditions combined with intense winds, along with weather whiplash in the region, Inside Climate News reported. The climate crisis is causing wildfires  along with other extreme weather events  to be more frequent, longer, and more intense.

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As communities around the globe feel the effects of rising global temperatures and struggle through extreme weather events, frauds and scams after such devastation can only exacerbate the situation.

Extreme weather events induced by the changing climate can be unpredictable and swift. We will need to be there for one another when it's time to rebuild better and plan for the future.

What's being done about the climate crisis and fraud?

Los Angeles officials have asked anyone who experienced suspicious interactions with towing operators to report them to the Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force. The California Department of Insurance is investigating these and other towing scams.

Countries around the globe have promised to decrease pollution significantly in an effort to curb rising global temperatures. In our daily lives, consuming less and decreasing our dependence on dirty fuels can help our communities and the planet.

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(Getty Images)

An Ohio anti-abortion rights lobby reported a reproductive care website to the states Department of Health, in an attempt to address what the lobbying group called harmful circumvention of Ohios laws. Those laws have been unenforceable by court order since last year.

The complaint was filed by Ohio Right to Lifes director of external and legislative affairs, Emma Martinez, who asked that the state look into the website Hey Jane for potential violations of Ohio Revised Code.

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The law that the website was accused of violating requires physicians to be physically present at the location where the initial dose of the (medication abortion) drug or regimen of drugs is consumed at the time the initial dose is consumed, according to the Ohio Revised Code language.

Hey Jane expanded its services to Ohio in February, and has been working in reproductive and sexual health spaces, providing mifepristone, the FDA-approved abortion medication, since it was approved for mail-order distribution in 2021. Its website touts the ability to conduct virtual care through chat, phone, or video appointments, with some services covered by insurance.

Along with medication abortion services, the website also provides help accessing birth control, emergency contraception, and treatment for urinary tract infections, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and herpes.

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The company says patients can access its services if they are at least 18 years old, medically eligible for the services and are currently in the states of Ohio, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, or Washington. Residency in those states is not required, according to Hey Jane.

It is our opinion that Heyjane.com works to deliver pills without any type of physical exam by a physician, Ohio Right to Lifes Martinez wrote in a letter addressed to Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, head of the Ohio Department of Health. In so doing, this website provides dangerous pharmaceuticals without the legally required physician oversight.

But a Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas ruling in September 2024 left state laws hindering mail-order abortion medication unenforceable. Judge Alison Hathaway temporarily blocked a law that limited the prescription, method, and time during pregnancy in which mifepristone could be distributed.

The court decision was noted in the Ohio Department of Healths response to the complaint, in which Tyler Herrmann, general counsel for the health department, said the agency appreciates the effort of Ohio Right to Life in bringing these matters to our attention.

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However, the department stated the law mentioned is a criminal statute under which ODH is provided no enforcement authority.

This matter would be more appropriately directed to the State Medical Board of Ohio and the Ohio Attorney Generals Office, Herrmann wrote, adding that the health department had shared the complaint with those offices.

Ohio Right to Lifes Michael Gonidakis. Michael Gonidakis. Photo from the Ohio Medical Board.

Among the State Medical Board of Ohios members is Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life.

Gonidakis was originally appointed to the position in 2012 by then-Gov. John Kasich, an appointment that was renewed by Gov. Mike DeWine in 2022. Gonidakis current term on the board lasts until 2027.

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The Ohio Right to Life complaint also questions the information the website provides, and says there is no evidence that Hey Jane complies with Ohios long-standing law of reporting the abortions they are facilitating.

Herrmann said the department has been in communication with the company to remind them of this obligation, and plans to closely monitor the issue going forward.

Hey Janes co-founder and CEO, Kiki Freedman, said the complaint was without merit, but expressed appreciation to Ohio Right to Life for drawing attention to the companys expansion into Ohio, noting the small number of in-person clinics in the state, which currently stands at 11, amid increased demand for safe abortion care.

Despite the appreciation, we are disturbed and disappointed by their intentional effort to misinform and mislead Ohioans about the legality of Hey Janes care in Ohio, Freedman told the Capital Journal in a statement.

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It is deeply important to Hey Jane that Ohioans have access to accurate, factual information that allows them to make informed decisions about accessing high-quality and safe abortion care, Freedman said.

While the court order has temporarily allowed telehealth abortion care, Democratic legislators are trying to codify the care, hoping to add a layer of protection on top of those enshrined in the 2023 state constitutional amendment which includes abortion rights among those established in the states founding document.

State Rep. Anita Somani, D-Dublin, re-introduced a bill recently to codify reproductive rights under House Bill 128. In the bill, reproductive health care and related services may be provided as telehealth services.

The bill also looks to repeal laws currently in Ohio Revised Code that prohibit or regulate abortion care in a way that bill sponsors feel goes against the constitutional amendment.

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Regulations other than the telehealth law include a 24-hour waiting period required before an abortion procedure, a minimum of two physician appointments before the procedure can occur and regulations on hospital transfer agreements for physicians who also provide care at reproductive care clinics.

The bill was introduced at the end of February and referred to the House Health Committee, where it has yet to receive a hearing.

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A previously convicted sex offender who admitted to being a "collector" of child pornography pleaded guilty to multiple charges on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Columbus.

Joshua Bock, 32, of the city's Far South Side, faces the possibility of up to six decades in prison when he is sentenced at a later date for distributing and possessing child pornography.

Bock, according to court records, had more than 3,500 images and videos on multiple electronic devices that depicted children being sexually abused. The images and videos were discovered as part of an investigation into allegations Bock had on multiple occasions stood fully nude at a glass door at his home and pleasured himself while children were getting off a school bus nearby.

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Court records say parents of several of the students called the Franklin County Sheriff's office, who began investigating. Bock gave a detective permission to search a cellphone, court records say, on which the detective found a photo of a preteen girl who was partially nude.

According to court records, Bock told detectives he was a "collector" of child sex abuse images and videos and described his collection of child pornography as a "treasure chest." He gave detectives the locations in his home where electronic devices were that contained the pornography.

Forensic examinations of Bock's devices led detectives to more than 3,500 images and videos, court records show. Some of the material involved "bondage" of young girls ranging from toddlers to teenagers who had gags in their mouths, court records say. Other material involved adults sexually abusing infants, according to court records.

Bock also admitted to being active on the dark web, court records state.

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Bock was a Tier 1 sex offender because of a 2011 Franklin County misdemeanor conviction for sexual imposition involving the assault of a preteen child, according to court records.

A sentencing date for Bock has not yet been set. He is being held in federal custody.

bbruner@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio man who was 'collector' of child porn faces decades in prison
File photo of electricity pylons. (Getty Images).

Ohio Senators are gearing up to vote on a major energy bill, but over the course of half a dozen hearings, its gone through several iterations. The proposal aims to encourage new power plants to get up and running quickly, as the states power demands are poised to outstrip supply in the not-too-distant future.

On the opening day of the current session, Senate President Rob McColley made it clear that increasing energy production  becoming a net exporter  was one of his early priorities.

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What we need to do is we need to create policies that will create more investment in energy in the state of Ohio, he said. Primarily base load power, primarily natural gas that can be extracted here from inside the state, and thats going to be a win-win for the state of Ohio.

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But beyond incentivizing new production, Senate Bill 2 includes several other provisions reframing the way energy companies do business in Ohio. The Senate Energy Committee is set to take up yet another iteration of SB 2 on Tuesday morning with plans to put the latest version to a vote.

Where it stands

Last week, Sen. Bill Reineke, R-Tiffin, introduced the fourth version of SB 2. Despite tweaks along the way, many of the measures initial elements remain in place.

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The measure funnels power companies toward the traditional ratemaking process. Electric security plans, which allow utilities to bill consumers for various grid improvements, would be abolished; some companies have relied on security plans to avoid the more rigorous rate setting procedure.

But lawmakers have also taken steps to make the ratemaking process more attractive. At the utilities request, rates can be forecast up to three years in the future, with annual adjustments based on utilities actual costs.

Critics worried that true up would be a one-way street with rates climbing higher. Reineke sought to allay those concerns, insisting rates would be properly moved up and down based on the companys financials. He also explained theres a so-called shot clock for ratemaking.

The PUCO has a total of one year to complete a rate case, he said, with a 45-day period for the application to be approved, 290 days for the rate case process and 30 days to make a decision.

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The bill includes shortened timelines for siting decisions, too, particularly in brownfields.

The poster child for SB 2s necessity is the data center. These warehouse-sized server farms are driving energy demand, and in some cases, the firms building them would like to build their own power plants to get them up and running.

The measure takes steps to ensure those behind the meter power sources can go forward. But lawmakers want to keep energy giants focused on power distribution out of that power generation market.

With the exception of what they have already grandfather(ed) in, Reineke explained, and any projects that are in the process have one year to be completed.

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But perhaps most notable to the average Ohioan, the proposal eliminates the coal plant subsidies passed as part of 2019s House Bill 6.

According to the Ohio Consumers Counsel, those riders have cost ratepayers nearly $450 million already. The agency is currently challenging the legality of the surcharges before the Ohio Supreme Court, and the measure would allow for refunds when the court determines any charge is improper.

But dont expect SB 2 to return half a billion dollars to Ohio ratepayers. Under its provisions, the clock for refunds starts with the date of a Supreme Court decision  not the date that utilities began collecting.

Final pleas

In last weeks hearing, committee members heard a handful of last-minute concerns. Environmental activist Cathy Cowan Becker objected to sharply reducing the timeline for siting decisions. She noted theres an Amazon data center that went up just outside her housing development in Hilliard.

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They could go to this guy who owns (the adjacent) field, offer him probably more money than hes ever seen, buy that field, propose to put a 100-megawatt gas plant there, and that would have a 45-day approval process, she said. And the local officials in Hilliard would have no say.

Tony Long from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce praised the three-year pricing model for rate setting, but dinged the proposal for not doing more to encourage smart grid programs and other tools reduce demand for energy.

Ohio Manufacturers Association lobbyist Kim Bojko argued three-year ratemaking is based on flawed logic. She explained the stated argument for taking a longer view is predictability, but thats not what ratepayers will get. Bojko said utilities will build in steady increases for outyears and then raise rates again when they start the next round.

So, theyll change in year one, two, three, and four, she said, thereby resulting in customers rates to not be stable or certain, and they could change even twice a year based on the true up provisions.

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She also criticized the breadth of behind-the-meter facilities the measure would grandfather in.

It would still allow the regulated utilities to own and operate generation if they made a filing  doesnt have to be approved  just make a filing before this bill passes, she said.

Dylan Borchers, speaking on behalf of Ohio Independent Power Producers, echoed complaints about behind-the-meter exceptions. He argued that allowing distributors into generation marks a dramatic change to the market Ohio has had in place for 20-plus years.

He said its almost impossible to maintain a level playing field when electric companies have so much leverage over their customers.

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A customer needing to connect to the grid may feel compelled to now also agree to utility-owned behind the meter generation, Borchers said, if it leads to quicker, more favorable treatment by the utility.

Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  State data shows nearly 90% of students enrolled in Ohios voucher program this year are not low-income qualified, a dramatic turnabout from the programs stated initial purpose.

Ohios K-12 voucher program has made headlines recently as lawmakers consider trimming millions in state funds for public schools while expanding funds for state vouchers. Ohio offers five voucher programs, which provide state scholarships for students to attend private school. Of them, EdChoice and EdChoice Expansion have the largest participation by far.

The EdChoice program began to help low-income students in struggling districts, but the EdChoice-Exp program made it so any Ohio student could get at least a partial scholarship, regardless of income. The expansion rapidly increased scholarship enrollment, but most of the recipients are not low-income eligible. See previous coverage of vouchers in the video player above.

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Tax credit would help fund Ohioans with young children

According to state data, fewer EdChoice and EdChoice-Exp participants qualified as low-income this school year when compared to last, or at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. A family of four would be considered low-income if they make $64,300 or less per year, representing about 30% of the state.

Further, according to a report from the General Assembly, 17% of EdChoice-Exp scholarships go to the states top earners, all making more than $200,000 per year. This means the third-largest percentile of scholarship participants are among the top 8.4% wealthiest households in Ohio.

Wealthy recipients receive less state money, so payments to top tax bracket participants only made up 3% of all voucher payments, $11 million. Proponents of scholarships say helping low-income students isnt the only goal of vouchers.

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Statehouse leaders call free school lunch programs wasteful

This is about more than economic need. This is about providing all families with a choice and flexibility in education, Donovan ONeil, director of Ohios chapter of Americans For Prosperity, said.

Scholarship participation skyrocketed once universal vouchers were implemented. However, private school enrollment did not follow the same trend, indicating that many of the students who embraced universal scholarships were already affording private school beforehand.

Many Democratic lawmakers, public school advocates and teachers unions point to state data like this to say vouchers no longer help low-income students and instead defer money from public schools.

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Ohioans deserve to live in a state where everyone can succeed. That means fully and fairly funding public schools rather than handing out vouchers to private or unregulated charter schools, State Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) said.

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Vouchers also cannot help all Ohio students. Eight counties  Carroll, Champaign, Hardin, Holmes, Meigs, Morgan, Noble and Vinton  have no eligible EdChoice voucher schools, representing around 35,000 students, according to U.S. Census data. Comparatively, there are only 21,184 low-income eligible EdChoice and EdChoice-Exp students this school year.

There is a lack of supply of schools that accept these dollars, especially in rural communities, ONeil said. Maybe the numbers arent capturing lower-income families in rural areas simply because the option is not available.

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Nearly 1 million students are participating in the EdChoice-Exp voucher program this school year. Ohio lawmakers will continue to debate school funding budget choices in the House, then the Senate before implementation this summer.

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**Related Video Above: Big changes in how Cleveland police investigate scams, con artists

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW)  A Dayton woman has pleaded guilty after she was indicted last year for stealing $1.5 million from Medicaid, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost reported.

Janay Corbitt, 36, pleaded guilty to theft and identity fraud, both of which are felonies, at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court Monday.

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Former Ohio custodian sentenced for hiding phone in bathroom

Yosts office said Corbitt stole the identities of Dayton-area counselors, using their licensed credential to bill the government agency for services that never took place. She also opened two behavioral health counseling agencies that did not work to help patients.

Her luck has run out, Yost said in a statement. Kudos to our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for bringing this scheme to light.

Indicted in May of last year, it wouldnt be until August  when she was arrested at a Texas bus station after being on the lam  that Corbitt was brought into custody.

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Akron Childrens Hospital patient attacked pregnant nurse: police

This wasnt Corbitts first run-in with Medicaid theft. In 2019, she was banned from working as a Medicaid provider after a theft conviction.

A sentencing is scheduled for April 17.

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A high stakes $300 million lawsuit brought by a giant pipeline company against the environmental group Greenpeace is drawing to a conclusion in a small courthouse in North Dakota.

After three weeks of hearings, the case is now in the hands of the jury. Whats decided could bankrupt Greenpeaces US operations and deal a devastating blow to free speech and protest, experts say.

The lawsuit, brought by Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners, revolves around protests against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation nearly a decade ago.

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Energy Transfer accuses Greenpeace of masterminding the protests, spreading misinformation and causing the company financial loss through damaged property and lost revenues. Its seeking at least $300 million and potentially more than double that in punitive damages.

Greenpeace says it played only a minor role in what were Indigenous-led protests and that the lawsuit is an attempt to suppress free speech and dissent. This is a test on our First Amendment rights during a very, very dangerous time in this countrys history, said Deepa Padmanabha, senior legal advisor for Greenpeace USA.

President Donald Trumps return to the White House has ushered in a wide rollback of climate and environmental policies, an emboldening of fossil fuel companies and a crackdown on free speech.

Some legal experts say the case has the hallmarks of a so-called SLAPP action, a strategic lawsuit against public participation with the intent to shut down critics or trap them in expensive litigation. Dozens of US states have anti-SLAPP laws, but North Dakota does not.

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The consequences of a Greenpeace loss are huge, said James Wheaton, the founder and senior counsel for the First Amendment Project, a public interest law firm. The effect could be to establish that anybody who assists in putting on a protest is going to be held responsible for what everybody else does at that protest, he told CNN.

Energy Transfer strongly denies its case is aimed at silencing Greenpeace. Our lawsuit is about recovering damages for the harm Greenpeace caused our company. It is not about free speech, said a spokesperson.

Greenpeaces organizing, funding, and encouraging the unlawful destruction of property and the dissemination of misinformation goes well beyond the exercise of free speech. We look forward to proving our case and we trust the North Dakota legal system to do that, they told CNN.

Jasilyn Charger, an activist from Cheyenne River Reservation, leads a chant during a rally demanding the Biden Administration shutdown the Dakota Access Pipeline on June 11, 2024 in Washington DC. - Kevin Wolf/AP

The protests against construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline started in 2016. The Standing Rock Sioux fiercely opposed the pipeline, saying it would endanger the Missouri River, their water source, and damage sacred tribal grounds. Many thousands of people, including representatives of more than 100 tribes and dozens of non-profits, joined in the months-long protest.

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Their efforts to halt construction were ultimately unsuccessful, however, and the pipeline started operating in June 2017. It now carries around 750,000 barrels of crude oil a day from North Dakota to Illinois.

Energy Transfers legal battle against Greenpeace has been going on for nearly eight years, driven by its CEO, the billionaire Kelcy Warren, a key Trump donor who once said at an oil industry event that pipeline protestors needed to be removed from the gene pool.

In an interview with CNBC in 2017, he said Standing Rock protestors had torched equipment and attempted to cut holes in pipelines. Everybodys afraid of these environmental groups and the fear it may look wrong if you fight back with these people, but what they did to us is wrong and theyre going to pay for it, he said.

Kelcy Warren, chairman and chief executive officer of Energy Transfer Partners, during an oil industry conference in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. - Aaron M. Sprecher/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Energy Transfer launched its first claim against Greenpeace in 2017, alleging it had violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, legislation aimed at combating organized crime.

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That lawsuit was thrown out by a North Dakota federal judge in 2019. A week later, Energy Transfer filed a similar claim in the state court against Greenpeace USA, as well as Netherlands-based Greenpeace International and Washington DC-based Greenpeace Fund.

The current lawsuit accuses Greenpeace of making defamatory statements that harmed the companys access to financing, including claims the pipeline would damage cultural resources of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and that its contractors used excessive force against protestors.

Greenpeace argues these claims had been widely reported in the media before it ever commented on them.

Energy Transfers claim also accuses Greenpeace of a series of other offences including nuisance and trespass.

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Greenpeace USAs deputy general counsel Padmanabha said Greenpeace was at the protest to teach non-violent direct action skills like safety and de-escalation, she said. We were in solidarity. This was not a Greenpeace campaign.

The lawsuit is trying to hold the Greenpeace entities accountable for every single thing that happened on the ground at Standing Rock, she added.

There are also concerns that the trial location makes things very tough for Greenpeace.

The case is being tried in the heart of energy country, where three quarters of people voted for Trump, said Marty Garbus, a civil rights lawyer who has been monitoring the trial.

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I dont know of any case where as many jurors as this have direct involvement with the (oil and gas) industry, he told CNN. Why should they favor Greenpeace  over their neighbors (and) friends?

Greenpeaces petition earlier to change the court venue from Morton County, an area that was heavily affected by the anti-pipeline protests, was denied earlier this month. The organization was also denied its request for the proceedings to be publicly live streamed.

In February, Greenpeace International filed its own claim against Energy Transfer in a Dutch court using the European Unions anti-SLAPP legislation, seeking to recover the damages and costs the organization has incurred as a result of the companys lawsuits.

In North Dakota, its now a waiting game. Juries are like black boxes and its impossible to guess their decision, said Wheaton of the First Amendment Project.

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If Greenpeace loses, however, the impacts on protest could be chilling, he said.

Make an example of one person, especially somebody whos big, and youll scare everybody else.

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The Oklahoma County jail reported its third inmate death of 2025, one week after its chief investigator said new security measures were preventing drug overdoses.

Michelle Marie Young, 28, died Monday, one day before her birthday.

The jail said in a news release that detention officers found her unresponsive in her cell at 3:50 a.m. while breakfast was being delivered to inmates. She was declared dead at the hospital at 4:46 a.m.

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The jail would not say if the death was a possible overdose even though the news release said several doses of the opiate antidote Narcan were administered. A detention officer had done a sight check on her cell an hour before she was found unresponsive, the jail said.

Young had been released from jail in September after pleading guilty to indecent exposure. Under a plea deal in the felony case, she agreed to participate in Oklahoma County's mental health court program.

She was jailed twice more after failing to appear in court, the last time on Feb. 13, records show. Her bond was set at $5,000.

The trust that oversees jail operations was told last week that "contraband and overdose incidents" dropped 85% in February compared to January because of security changes and investigations.

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"We're catching more stuff as it comes in," Alan Smith, chief of investigations, said. "I've also overheard on jail calls inmates talking about how hard it is to get stuff in now, and that's great news."

The jail has had more than 50 inmate deaths since the trust took over on July 1, 2020. A yearlong investigation by The Oklahoman in 2023 found that the aging facility had become one of the deadliest jails in the nation since the trust oversight began.

Last month, two inmates were charged with first-degree murder over a suspected drug overdose death at the jail. Vincent Riggie, 37, died Jan. 18, after being given fentanyl, prosecutors allege.

The jail had seven inmate deaths in 2024, the last on Dec. 10.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma County jail reports third inmate death of 2025
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  With Oklahomans still reeling from deadly wildfires that whipped across the state and destroyed hundreds of homes in recent days, authorities warned that Tuesday would bring a renewed risk of fire to an area spanning from western Oklahoma through the Texas Panhandle and into southeastern New Mexico.

More than 400 homes were severely damaged or destroyed in the outbreak of wildfires that started Friday in Oklahoma. At least four people died due to the fires or high winds, including a person killed in a vehicle accident as a result of poor visibility due to dust or smoke, officials said.

While calm weather over the weekend helped crews get a handle on most wildfires burning across Texas and Oklahoma, forecasters at the National Weather Service said extremely critical fire weather conditions were expected Tuesday in parts of Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico.

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With wind gusts predicted to reach as high as 50 mph (80 kph) in the afternoon, along with dry conditions and receptive fuels, fires could spread rapidly, the weather service said.

These fires, once they get started, become really hard to stop, said Keith Merckx of Oklahoma Forestry Services. They move more quickly than our resources can keep up with.

He said officials will be returning their attention to western and central Oklahoma, where high winds were expected to pick back up again over the next few days. Much of the state will be back under fire warnings beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Andrine Shufran and her husband spent Monday raking through the ashes of their home in a neighborhood in Stillwater that she said looks like a checkerboard" after the recent fires.

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Theres no predictability or fairness about destroyed houses, Shufran said. Theres only two options for the homes in our neighborhood: standing or burned to the ground.

Her home was one of more than 70 destroyed by wildfires in Stillwater, a city of about 50,000 about 65 miles (100 kilometers) northeast of Oklahoma City and home to Oklahoma State University.

Shufran, a director at Insect Adventure, a petting zoo that's part of OSU and the universitys extension campuses, said current and former students, friends and city officials have stepped in to help her and her husband.

Ive been more overwhelmed by how fantastic Oklahomans are when theyre friends with you, or neighbors with you, because weve had so many people reach out, Shufran said.

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Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce warned on Facebook on Monday afternoon of worsening fire conditions in the area.

Be prepared to take action quickly, if necessary, he wrote.

Southwest of Stillwater, residents in two parts of rural Logan County were urged to evacuate their homes Monday afternoon after wildfires that already burned more than 47 square miles (120 square kilometers) in the county since Friday picked back up amid high winds and dry conditions.

An evacuation shelter had been set up at the county fairgrounds in Guthrie, said Logan County Deputy Emergency Management Director Shawn Pierce.

Pierce said an estimated 54 homes were destroyed in last weeks fire in the county, which is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Oklahoma City.

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About 10 fires continued to burn in Texas on Monday as officials geared up for more high winds Tuesday, said Texas A&M Forest Service spokesperson Erin O'Connor.

Although most of the fires have been contained due to slower winds Sunday, Texas officials were expecting wildfire danger to ramp up further into the week, O'Connor said.

___

AP reporter Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed to this report.

___

Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, wrote Senate Bill 1027 to place new restrictions on citizen-led initiative petitions in Oklahoma. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  An Oklahoma bill to place new regulations on citizen-led policymaking has passed the state Senate.

Senate Bill 1027 would limit the number of initiative petition signatures that could come from high-population areas and would require anyone collecting signatures to be an Oklahoma registered voter.

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The measure is headed to the state House after the full Senate approved it on Tuesday with a party-line vote of 36-8.

The bill would require that no more than 10% of signatures on an initiative petition could come from a county where 400,000 or more people reside. That would affect only residents of Tulsa and Oklahoma counties by capping the total share of signatures from those two counties at 20%.

Any county with under 400,000 residents could make up no more than 4% of the signatures on the petition. The bills author, Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, estimated this would force signature gatherers to visit about 22 of Oklahomas 77 counties.

Bullard said current state law allows petitioners to focus solely on the states two major population centers while most counties are completely ignored.

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Senate Democrats contended the bill adds barriers to the initiative petition process, limits citizens participation in government and undermines the constitutional principle of one persons vote being equal to all others.

Sen. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, said Senate Bill 1027 would disenfranchise voters by limiting initiative petition signatures from Tulsa County and Oklahoma County. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

It would almost be funny if it wasnt so tragic, Sen. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, said. This is not about transparency. This is about suppressing a process.

SB 1027 would block any out-of-state donations from supporting the circulation of an initiative petition in Oklahoma. It also would require the brief gist of a petition to include the potential fiscal impact of the policy and that it be worded with basic, neutral language.

Anyone gathering signatures would have to conspicuously display whether they are being paid and by whom, and they couldnt be paid based on the number of signatures they collect.

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Why would we sit back and watch these leftist organizations march into our state, change our laws and fight for the status quo so they can continue to do more of that? Bullard said while debating on the Senate floor.

Oklahomans have used initiative petitions to put policies on the ballot for a statewide vote that werent popular among the Republican-dominated state Legislature. It was through this process that Oklahomans legalized medical marijuana and expanded Medicaid.

Another significant ballot measure that originated as an initiative petition is up for a vote on June 16, 2026. State Question 832 would raise Oklahomas minimum wage to $15 an hour.

A petition effort is underway to establish open primaries for Oklahoma elections. State Question 836 would propose allowing voters to cast ballots in primary elections regardless of their party affiliation, and the two candidates who earn the most votes would continue to a general election.

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Organizers of the initiative petition have said they hope to place SQ 836 on the ballot in November 2026.

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Mar. 17LIMA  A police pursuit ended in a two-vehicle crash and an arrest at approximately 5:33 p.m. Friday in Lima.

Kory Inglis, 30, was charged with a felony count of failure to comply with an order or signal of a peace officer by eluding or fleeing and a misdemeanor count of falsification.

The incident began when the Lima Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Inglis failed to comply and continued driving his vehicle.

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According to the crash report, Inglis later ran a stop sign at the intersection of West High Street and North Woodlawn Avenue and collided with the vehicle of Amanda Nicely, 75. Nicely was evaluated by emergency responders and was not transported to the hospital.

Inglis was transported to Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center after sustaining head, neck and arm pain.

A bond is set for $100,000, according to the Allen County Sheriff's Office website.

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A Texas resident died in a crash with a Freightliner semi-trailer truck Sunday on Highway 98 in George County, authorities said.

The crash happened around 6:45 a.m. Sunday in George County, said Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Landon Orozco. The collision occurred when a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Kinh Chau, 63, of Little Elm, Texas, crashed into a 2018 Freightliner driven by David Ables, 48, of Vancleave.

Chau was headed east on Highway 98 when he ran into the eastbound Freightliner.

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Chau died at the scene. Two passengers in the Jeep, Dana Chau, 18, and Ana Phu, 58, also of Little Elm, Texas, suffered injuries in the collision. They were hospitalized in stable condition, Orozco said.

The crash remains under investigation.
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  The Decatur Police Department says one person is dead after a wreck that led to traffic being blocked on Point Mallard Parkway.

DPD said agencies responded to a two-vehicle wreck on Point Mallard Parkway near Refuge Headquarters Road around 4:50 p.m. Monday. According to the department, the wreck occurred when a sedan and a truck were involved in a head-on collision.

Decatur City Council to speed up hiring process for new police chief

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Authorities said the passenger in the sedan, identified as Christopher Blake Bolton of Somerville, was taken to Decatur Morgan Hospital but later died of his injuries.

The driver of the sedan was also taken to Decatur Morgan Hospital, according to police. Authorities said the driver of the truck was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital for treatment.

DPD said the wreck led to some lanes on the parkway being blocked for part of the evening.

The department said all lanes of Point Mallard Parkway were back open at 8:05 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Mar. 17BLANCHARD TOWNSHIP  A single-vehicle crash in Putnam County left a woman with serious injuries after her car veered off the road, struck a telephone pole, and rolled multiple times.

The crash occurred at approximately 8 Sunday, March 9 on Road 5 in Blanchard Township.

According to the crash report, Rachel Lauwers, 33, was traveling northbound when her vehicle crossed the center line and went off the left side of the road. Lauwers then collided head-on with a telephone pole, causing her vehicle to roll multiple times. Lauwers was ejected from the vehicle and sustained serious injuries.

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Emergency responders from the Putnam County EMS transported Lauwers to the Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center for further care, according to the crash report.

The crash report noted the suspicion of alcohol and drug impairment. Lauwers was traveling an estimated 80 mph in the 55 mph zone.

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This interview appears as it was originally published. John Hemingway passed away on Monday at the age of 105

On the very same evening the Second World War was declared, on September 3, 1939, John Paddy Hemingway was awoken in the officers mess and ordered to get his aircraft ready for action. As the then 20-year-old sprinted across the runway of RAF Debden in Essex towards his Hurricane, he remembers coming to the sudden and startling realisation that he must learn to cope entirely on my own, no matter the circumstances.

It was a survival mechanism that served Hemingway well, not least during the Battle of Britain which started the following summer, on July 10, 1940, and where for almost four long months he and his fellow airmen operated as the last line of defence against the Luftwaffe and Hitlers near total domination of Europe.

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Recently turning 101 and still sporting the neat moustache he grew at the start of the war for a bet to lampoon the Nazi leader, Group Captain Hemingway is now once more alone  the very last of The Few anointed by prime minister Winston Churchill to have flown in the Battle of Britain and who changed the course of the war.

Back in May, it was announced on the morning of the 75th anniversary of VE Day that John Hemingway was now the last surviving of the nearly 3,000 airmen who flew in the Battle of Britain, following the death of 101-year-old air gunner Terry Clark.

Speaking to the Telegraph in the first newspaper interview he and his family have agreed to since then, Hemingway admits it is an unwanted honour bestowed upon him and one that has drawn him closer to the ghosts of his fallen comrades. During the war, all my closest friends were killed and my memories and thoughts about them I have always regarded as a private affair, he says. But being the last of the Battle of Britain veterans has made me think of those times 80 years ago.

A recent photograph of John Hemingway - family photograph

In recent years John Hemingway has lived in a care home in his native Dublin. His wife, Bridget, died in 1998 and he has three children and seven grandchildren. In spite of his remarkable wartime service which saw him shot down four times (twice within a fortnight in the Battle of Britain) and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Hemingway has always preferred to keep out of the limelight and gives few interviews.

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So much so that in 2018 he was erroneously included in a list of deceased pilots, and only reinstated after his son spotted the error. I was lucky to survive the war, and good health has kept me going, he says. Luck, when you delve into Hemingways wartime logbook, is not even the half of it.

Privately educated and raised in a wealthy Dublin neighbourhood, the young John Hemingways family had designs on him being a surgeon. However, a fear of blood put paid to that particular dream and propelled him towards an occupation where he would, in time, still see plenty shed.

John Hemingway - family photograph

In 1937, his father took him over to London for an interview with the RAF and the following year he was granted a short service commission. After completing his fighter pilot training, in December 1938, Hemingway was posted to 85 Squadron at RAF Debden, to fly Hurricanes. Following the outbreak of war, the squadron was almost immediately posted to France, tasked primarily with patrolling the Channel and protecting shipping from attacks.

That winter, Hemingway recalls, they were visited by both King George VI and Neville Chamberlain, but by the following May as the German forces stormed through Europe, the fighting became fierce. On May 10, Hemingway recalls shooting down his first enemy aircraft (a Heinkel HE 111 bomber) during one of four sorties flown that day. The following day, he was shot down over Belgium. He eventually made it back to British lines by following a caravan of Belgian refugees.

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In total, he says, 85 Squadron returned to England with only three Hurricanes in working order, 11 pilots killed or missing and a further six wounded. The squadron reformed back in Britain under the command of Peter Townsend (who would later become the lover of Princess Margaret).

When the Battle of Britain commenced on July 10, as Luftwaffe aircraft launched attacks on shipping convoys off Englands south east coast, Hemingway recalls his instructions were to ignore German fighters and focus all their efforts instead on the bomber squadrons.

Hurricanes flying in formation in 1940 - Popperfoto

After 80 years, the weeks and months that followed have turned largely into a blur, punctuated by snatched recollections of moments of extreme stress and sorrow. Hemingway recalls the noxious smell and intensifying heat of a burning cockpit after being shot by an enemy plane, and the sheer exhaustion of flying back to back sorties. And he remembers the empty places at the breakfast table. Fate was not democratic, he says. New pilots with just a few hours in Hurricanes did not have the instincts of us more experienced pilots and were very vulnerable in combat. For that reason, many did not last long.

One name that stands out is a fellow 85 Squadron veteran from the Battle of France, Dickie Lee, who was killed on August 18  the same day Hemingway was shot down over the English Channel  in a Luftwaffe all-out assault which became known as The Hardest Day. Hemingway admits the memory of his friend still deeply affects him.

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When he recalls being behind the controls of a Hurricane  the aircraft which scored the highest number of RAF victories during the Battle of Britain  the old fighter pilot instincts come quickly to the fore. Hemingway would only carry 14 seconds worth of ammunition which he would fire in clinically precise bursts to inflict maximum damage. Such were the extreme G-forces he endured as he threw the aircraft around during dog fights that he would sometimes black out.

He always flew in shirtsleeves to move more freely, and would always assiduously check the cockpit hood to ensure it could be hauled back if he needed to bail out. If it stuck, he says, you would be burned alive.

The Hurricane could take a lot of punishment, he says. You could be shot up on one sortie and your ground crew could patch up the damage and get you back in the air that same day.

Towards the end of August, the Squadrons tactics changed to flying at bomber squadrons directly head on  something which led to Hemingway being once more shot down over the Thames estuary. Knowing that enemy aircraft were targeting parachutes, he waited until he was in the clouds at 8,000ft before deploying his. The landing took days to recover from.

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By September, 85 Squadron had sustained such heavy losses that John Hemingway was one of just seven pilots still fully active. Peter Townsend was wounded in hospital and numerous flight commanders and their deputies had been killed.

John Hemingway, in shirt sleeves, sprinting towards his aircraft - family photograph

The squadron was withdrawn from operational duties and tasked instead with training new pilots, though John Hemingway would have one more brush with death. In 1945, as a squadron leader in Italy, he was shot down in a Spitfire. He was saved by a group of Italian partisans who disguised him in peasants clothing allowing him to escape back to British lines.

Following the war, Hemingway stayed in the RAF until 1969, retiring as a Group Captain. He has lived quietly and peacefully since then. Next week, when he turns 101, the care home will throw a small birthday celebration.

Even reaching such a milestone, John Hemingway is keen to deflect attention away from himself. It is the same with being the last of The Few. If it shines a spotlight on the sacrifice of others, he says, that will be enough for him.

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The team of masons, covered in dust and sweat, had been working in the ruins of the Altadena house for hours when a shout echoed across the wreckage.

Volunteer Devon Douglas emerged from a pit of rubble that had once been the living room, staggering under the weight of a concrete slab more than a foot wide.

"It's a stair," Douglas said, turning toward homeowner Valerie Elachi. "A whole stair, and all the tiles."

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It was a bittersweet moment for Elachi, 76, who had danced down that tiled staircase when she and her husband first saw the home during an open house in the early 1980s.

She watched from her patio wall as five volunteers chiseled the historic tiles from the stairs and from her massive living room fireplace. Having something to salvage was a gift, she thought, and a bitter reminder of all they had lost.

Cliff Douglas uses a chisel to gently remove historic Batchelder tiles from the fireplace of a 1923 Altadena home built by noted local architects Myron Hunt and Elmer Gray. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The work on Elachi's home was being done by a ragtag group of volunteers who call their collective Save the Tiles. The group is racing to remove and preserve thousands of vintage and historically significant tiles from the Eaton fire burn zone before the properties are bulldozed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

As part of their work to remove debris and level lots for rebuilding, the Army Corps tears down everything left standing on a property. That includes chimneys and fireplaces, which can be left structurally weakened by fire.

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"Anything you haven't removed is gone forever," said Eric Garland, one of the Save the Tiles organizers.

Read more: 12 hours of fire that decimated Altadena: Im going to lose half of my town

The volunteers have preserved the tiles from about 50 homes, and have about 150 left on their list. Already, they've had one close call, removing the tiles from one home just two days before the Army Corps arrived.

Finding enough skilled masons was the group's first challenge. Now, their biggest hurdle is tracking down the homeowners and getting their permission to remove tiles from their properties.

A team of volunteers is using public records to trace homeowners, but they're hitting a lot of dead ends. Property records generally don't contain any contact information, and when they do, the phone numbers are often out of date. In some cases, the numbers ring to landlines that burned down.

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"There will be a day, soon, when we wake up and there are no houses in our queue," Garland said, "even though we know there are dozens left."

The Batchelder tiles removed from Valerie Elachi's fireplace were placed in a cardboard box before being cleaned and packed for long-term storage. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The group's last-ditch effort to reach homeowners is a letter. Mail is still being forwarded, Garland figured, so maybe it was worth a shot.

"Dear displaced neighbor," the letter begins. "... We are just volunteers and Altadena neighbors desperate to reach you because we want to rescue your historic fireplace tiles for free. That's it. No strings. Just trying to save what's left of beautiful Altadena and bring some joy."

:::

Garland embarked on the tile rescue mission after a walk through Altadena with his teenage daughter.

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Their house survived the Eaton fire, but many on their street did not, including their neighbor Fred's 1924 Spanish-style house. Amid the rubble, they spotted his century-old fireplace, its gray, brown and beige tiles still intact.

"That beautiful fireplace is all they have left," Garland's daughter said.

Garland emailed the neighborhood list-serv to ask whether anyone was saving the tiles. One response sent him to Douglas, who had written on Reddit that her father, Cliff, a professional mason, was volunteering to remove tiles from ruined homes for free.

Read more: Despite the stress of the fires, most L.A. County residents dont plan to leave, poll finds

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The teams joined forces. In early February, they gathered dozens of volunteers in the parking lot of an Aldi grocery store in Altadena. Garland and fellow volunteer organizer Stanley Zucker handed out printed maps of the burn zone and sent small groups out on foot, telling them to stick to the sidewalks and photograph any tile that looked remotely historic.

In two days, the volunteers completed an ad-hoc architectural survey of thousands of burned properties. They whittled down the list to more than 200 homes with Arts and Crafts tile, many by the famous Pasadena artisan Ernest Batchelder and one of his main competitors, Claycraft.

First produced on the banks of the Arroyo Seco in 1910, Batchelder tiles were a key part of the California Arts and Crafts movement, a return-to-nature style that was a response to the ornate designs of the Victorian era and the industrialization of American cities.

Most Batchelder tiles are in private homes, but they can also be found on the Pasadena Playhouse's courtyard fountain, the floors of Pasadena's All Saints Episcopal Church and the lobby of the downtown Los Angeles Fine Arts Building on 7th Street. (One of his largest surviving commissions, the 1914 Dutch Chocolate Shop in downtown, is generally closed to the public.)

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California in the early 20th century was rich with clay and with cultural influence, said Amy Green of Silverlake Conservation, a firm that repairs and restores historic tile. In addition to the Arts and Crafts movement, tile artists began producing a wide variety of works inspired by traditional Mexican and Indigenous designs, as well as European styles like Delft.

Devon Douglas, daughter of professional mason Cliff Douglas, inspects a Mayan-style Batchelder tile that had just been removed from a fireplace. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

"It reflects who and what we are," Green said. "A very interesting mix of people that bring different aesthetics and skills to our work."

Batchelder tiles can be palm-sized or larger, with muted matte finishes and understated glazes. A company catalog from 1923 described the tiles as "luminous and mellow in character, somewhat akin to the quality of a piece of old tapestry."

They could be ordered through a catalog and were relatively affordable, said Anuja Navare, the director of collections at the Pasadena Museum of History, which maintains a private registry of homes with Batchelder tiles. Many middle-class families splurged a little and installed them in new bungalows in the 1910s and 1920s.

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"He made beauty available to a person with modest means," Navare said.

The work of Batchelder and his competitors spread to thousands of homes, businesses and civic institutions across Southern California.

Read more: L.A. County sues Southern California Edison over Eaton fire

American tastes changed, and, by the end of World War II, many of the tile companies had gone under. Arts and Crafts tiles were painted over or ripped out in favor of the avocado greens and burnt oranges of the 1970s.

But the tiles have come back into vogue in the last two decades and have developed a cult following among design enthusiasts. Actress Diane Keaton has renovated entire homes with historic tiles, and preservationists have been known to dumpster dive to save Batchelder tiles from the landfill.

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A single salvaged tile can sell for more than $200. A fully intact hearth and mantle can fetch 100 times that.

Early on, the Save the Tiles group was on high alert for looters in the burn zone. Most people would drive past the ruins of a home without a second look at the fireplace, but a select few know what to look for.

Cliff Douglas, the mason, said he had assessed several fireplaces along one street and returned to find the tiles gone. It was impossible to know, he said, whether the tiles had been removed by the homeowners or by someone else.

The group tackled the most visible fireplaces first, including those on corner lots. One volunteer with Hollywood set-building experience built false fronts to disguise fireplaces as any other fire debris.

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The tiles must be removed by trained masons, and Save the Tiles now has four crews ready every day, made up of volunteers and workers whose employers are covering their wages. The group plans to start paying the masons from a GoFundMe that has now raised more than $100,000.

Cliff Douglas inspects a historic fireplace covered in Batchelder and Grueby tiles. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

About 20 volunteers learned from Green how to properly clean, catalog and store the tiles. Some cracked tiles will still need to be professionally restored, which will cost money, but a lot of the work can be done by amateurs, Garland said.

Some of them are sitting in boxes on a side porch at Garland's mother's house, and others are in a climate-controlled warehouse in Harbor City donated by a friend in the tile industry. The tiles will wait until homeowners are ready to take them back.

The power of the project, Green said, is that the hearth has such importance in the home: "It provides warmth," she said. "It's where you gather."

:::

Despite the pressure of the bulldozers moving closer, removing the tiles is delicate work that can't be rushed.

On a recent weekend, ceramicist Jose Nonato stood in the rubble of a three-bedroom home along East Altadena Drive, his hair, forearms and apron coated in dust. The third-generation ceramicist from Mexico City saw a Facebook post about the rescue effort and showed up with his tools. He had been working for hours in the sun on his 30th wedding anniversary to extract tiles surrounding a fireplace.

The tiles had been fired once, a hundred years ago, in kilns that reached 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, Nonato said. He said the Eaton fire had thrown them into thermal shock. They could crumble at any moment.

Read more: Tone deaf. Call for volunteers to clean park in fire zone faces pushback in Altadena

Nonato laid his chisel against the mortar and gingerly began to tap the top of the tool with a hammer. He gently pried loose a tile the size of a paperback book and wiped his hand across the dusty surface. A faint green hue shone through  a Batchelder.

By the end of the day, Nonato had rescued about 90% of the tiles and laid them on a blanket in the driveway in the same pattern as the fireplace. A few were broken and held together by red duct tape, but those would be repaired. Soon, the tiles would be cleaned, boxed and stored for the homeowners, who planned to rebuild.

"This is basically the only thing still left," Nonato said. "This, and memories."

:::

Elachi, the Altadena homeowner, had initially hoped that the tile volunteers could shore up the massive Batchelder fireplace in her living room so the home could be rebuilt around it.

From left, Cliff Douglas and his assistants Martin Vargas, Jorge Vargas and Roberto Murillo remove debris from the hearth of a home in Altadena. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

To her disappointment, Cliff Douglas told her that the mortar had been weakened in the fire. Everything would have to come down, he said, or the Army Corps would take it down themselves.

Elachi and her husband raised their daughter in the 1923 Pueblo Revival-style home and spent four decades caring for the property, embracing its Southwestern style and finding furniture and art that, along with the pink adobe walls and wood beams above the windows, would have looked at home in Santa Fe.

"This house was like another child to us," Elachi said.

The fire had taken almost all of it: her husband's memorabilia from 15 years as the director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, their ceramics and furniture, all their photographs and books. The loss felt overwhelming and enraging. They hope to rebuild, but aren't sure yet whether they will.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Mar. 17The Odessa Police Department would like to warn the public about an internet scam involving dachshund puppies. The suspect is pretending to sell puppies by using a fake website and using the Odessa Animal Shelter's address. The suspect also uses a fake name, fake account, and requests potential victims to pay for the puppy with Apple Pay or Apple Pay gift cards, an OPD news release said.

Odessa Animal Services is not a breeder and will never request this form of payment. Odessa Animal Services does not conduct business in this manner and just a reminder that a permit is required to sell animals in the City of Odessa. If anyone becomes aware of this type of scam, please report it to OPD or by going to www.ic3.gov.
Wielding both literal and figurative chainsaws, Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency have gutted the federal workforce in recent weeks. While some of the affected agencies are relatively well known, others are less familiar to the public, despite the enormous contributions they make to our society.

As long-time marine conservationists, we share profound concerns about cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA.

With sub-agencies such as the National Weather Service, National Ocean Service and NOAA Fisheries, NOAA serves the American public in many ways, including providing real-time weather information, managing ocean and coastal habitats and overseeing commercial fisheries and bycatch issues in federal waters. It is responsible for implementing (or co-implementing) several bedrock environmental and wildlife conservation laws, including the Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as well as myriad international treaties. Yet, because the agency also engages in climate change research, many politicians apparently feel justified sabotaging marine ecosystem management, vital ocean and atmospheric research, and international conservation initiatives like the International Whaling Commission.

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While NOAA in its current form was established by Congress in 1970, major components of the agency, including the Weather Bureau and commissions that manage fishery resources, date to the 1800s, making NOAA the oldest scientific agency in the nation. Following decades of dolphins dying in tuna nets, factory ships harpooning great whales and sport hunting of polar bears, a bipartisan Congress enacted the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972, to protect marine mammals and their ecosystems from unregulated exploitation. Under the Fishery Conservation and Management Act, enacted in 1976, NOAA expanded its role to conserve and oversee fishery resources in federal waters and prevent overfishing, especially by foreign fleets, allowing overfished stocks to recover.

Under the second Trump administration, however, NOAA and its management and conservation mandates are in grave peril.

Initial reports indicated plans to slash the agencys workforce by 20 percent and its budget by 30 percent, in line with broader efforts to dismantle climate-related agencies and privatize weather data. The initial round of layoffs began late last month, despite the administrations failure to follow appropriate legal procedures.

When a hurricane is bearing down somewhere along the coastal U.S., it is NOAA that provides the public with free, lifesaving alerts. When fishers along the East Coast need to know about severe weather, their survival at sea depends on NOAA weather forecasts. When American farmers need information about the next significant rainfall or frost event, they count on NOAA.

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Now, the Trump administration has informed NOAA that two major weather forecasting centers, including its Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, will have their leases terminated. Companies such as the Musk-owned SpaceX, which could begin charging users to access weather forecasts that NOAA already provides for free, stand ready to reap the benefits of DOGEs political maneuvers.

For over 50 years, the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, under NOAAs watch, have successfully safeguarded wildlife from harm, prevented population declines and facilitated recovery of depleted populations, while allowing American industries such as commercial fishing and shipping to prosper. Despite a history of strong bipartisan support, these laws face growing political threats that could result in diminished protection for wildlife at a critical time in human history.

Americas iconic species are already paying the price of corporate greed.

Last month, the federal government rescinded a 2023 directive that outlined recommended speed and distance restrictions for the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf to better protect critically endangered Rices whales, also known as Americas whale. The estimated 50 remaining Rices whales already face an uncertain future due to pollution, oil and gas exploration and extraction, ocean noise, entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes. Exacerbating these challenges could spell their demise and significantly impact the health of the Gulf ecosystem, upon which millions of people rely.

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Further complicating matters, NOAA staff have been ordered to halt all non-essential national and international activities. Such short-sighted policies damage U.S. efforts to combat illegal fishing and regulate seafood imports, both of which benefit the American seafood industry.

The multipronged assault against NOAA has already encountered strong opposition, including a recent letter to Congress from more than 380 businesses and nonprofit organizations, two public rallies organized to protest the mass layoffs, and an open letter to Congress from former NOAA Administrator Dr. Richard Spinrad and other retired agency leaders. These actions affirm NOAAs essential work and the adverse impact of current Trump administration policies.

We must demand that our congressional leaders  who, unlike Musk, were elected  intervene to reverse this myopic and politically motivated hatchet job.

Georgia Hancock is the marine wildlife program director at the Animal Welfare Institute. Doug DeMaster, Ph.D., is a retired science and research director for NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Region.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was supposed to be touring the country this week, signing and selling copies of his new book. Instead, the New York senator postponed the whole tour over security concerns. More specifically, the concern was that liberal activists, angry at his decision to acquiesce to Republicans recent government funding bill, were planning large protests at every event.

Its undoubtedly embarrassing for Democrats that their leader in the Senate is ducking scenes of being called a coward by voters in his own party. But that the very fact that the partys base is so livid at its leadership could be good news. Recent history tells us that that anger may be crucial if the Democrats are to come back from their current lowly position.

And that position is truly lowly. In new polls by NBC News and CNN, the Democratic Party has reached its lowest approval rating ever recorded: 27% and 29%, respectively. In both cases, these declines came about because many Democrats now say they disapprove of their own leadership.

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And why wouldnt they? As Democratic voters watch in dismay while Donald Trump and Elon Musk dismantle the federal government and explore new frontiers of authoritarianism, they see few encouraging signs from too many of their leaders. The three living Democratic ex-presidents havent been heard from since Trump took office. Former Vice President Kamala Harris has been mostly invisible. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose presidential ambitions are no secret, is chatting it up with far-right activists and commentators on his new podcast. And while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, unlike Schumer, kept his caucus together to oppose the recent funding bill, he has largely been ineffectual.

Anyone active on social media has seen a Democratic electorate enraged at Schumer and the other Senate Democrats who joined him in voting to advance the budget bill. In fairness to Schumer and these other senators, they argue that as bad as the bill was, a government shutdown would have done even more damage, especially since Trump and Musk could use the opportunity to eviscerate key agencies and shove thousands more government workers out the door. One might disagree with this view  and with Schumers messaging strategy  but it isnt a crazy position to take.

Nevertheless, voters in the Democratic base are clearly hungry for representatives who will not only find the most pragmatic ways to counter Trump, but who will oppose him loudly and without embarrassment. Thats why figures such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Tex.) are commanding ever-larger followings as Democrats who seem to grasp the urgency of both the moment and their voters emotions.

That desire for fighting spirit is reflected in the polls. When NBCs poll asked at the beginning of Trumps first term whether Democratic voters wanted representatives who would make compromises with President Trump to gain consensus on legislation or stick to their positions even if this means not getting things done in Washington, they favored compromise by a 59-33 margin. Today, the numbers have flipped: Democratic voters now favor fighting, 65-32.

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Some Democrats in Congress would protest that without formal institutional power, theres only so much they can do to thwart the president. That was the dilemma Republicans found themselves in during Barack Obamas presidency. Even GOP voters considered Republican lawmakers feckless and weak, so they voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act an astonishing 70 times (depending on how you count).

In the end, the repeal votes became a symbol of Republican impotence rather than resistance. Speaker of the House John Boehner was hounded from office in 2015 by tea party activists who considered him too weak to lead the fight against a president they despised. And Obama comfortably beat Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.

But look what else happened. Republicans took back the House, then the Senate and eventually the White House. They won sweeping gains at the state level: Democrats lost a net of 948 seats in state legislatures while Obama was president, the most a party had lost since Herbert Hoover was president, and 19 states saw chambers flip to Republican control.

How could that have happened while the national GOP looked so hapless? Ironically, the the national partys poor standing may have helped spur its gains. Thats because an angry base is a motivated base, and a base that has decided it cant rely on leadership will start organizing for itself.

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That appears to be exactly what is beginning to happen now. Grassroots Democrats are organizing protests. Bernie Sanders is drawing crowds to his Stopping Oligarchy tour. The progressive group Run For Something, which helps liberals run for state and local offices, says it has signed up almost as many prospective candidates just since Trumps inauguration as it did in all of 2017 and 2018. And activists are advocating primary challenges against Democratic leaders, just as tea partiers did to Republican leaders a decade ago.

That experience was uncomfortable for those running the party, but it showed that the partys base was riled up and mad. And if some of Democrats anger is directed at their own leaders, that might be the most encouraging sign of a revival not just for the partys institutions but its broader fortunes.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
President Trump keeps threatening to make Canada the 51st state and also buy Greenland, presumably making that country either a territory or a state. The possibility of either occurring is virtually zero, and thats a good thing for Republicans. Because while Trump and his MAGA supporters may not realize it, giving those countries the vote would likely send the GOP to the political sidelines.

Weve seen this movie before. Advocates have been working for years to give statehood to Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. Republicans have mostly resisted the effort because both Washington and Puerto Rico vote Democratic.

For example, in the last presidential election, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris received 90 percent of the Districts vote and 73 percent in Puerto Rico. While the District has a non-voting member of the House of Representatives and no senators, it does have three electoral votes that help decide the presidential winner. As a territory with no electoral votes, Puerto Ricos presidential vote is only symbolic, but it does indicate preferences.

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If Washington and Puerto Rico were to become states, they would each have one House member, which would pull from other states because the number of House members, 435, was set by a 1929 law (though presumably Congress could change that).

Both states would also have two senators. So, its likely that making D.C. and Puerto Rico states would give Democrats a significant Senate advantage.

But what about Canada? Looking at the Canadian House of Commons, it seems likely that Canadians would vote Democratic. The Liberal Party has 153 members and the Conservative Party 120. Then theres the Bloc Quebecois (who are all in Quebec) with 33 votes, the (democratic-socialist) New Democratic Party with 24 votes and the Green party has two.

The Liberal Party, the NDP and the Greens are center-left, comprising about 210 votes  nearly twice the Conservative Partys count. The Blocs main focus is Quebec independence, but members can shift right or left, depending on the issue.

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Canadian voters have put the conservatives in power from time to time, and it looked like they were going to do that again in the next election. But Trumps threats and demeaning comments have angered so many Canadians that the Liberal Party is gaining ground and may be heading for a victory in the next election.

Canada has about 40 million people, about the same number as California, which has 52 members of the House. Unless Congress raised the number of members in the House of Representatives, lots of current House congressional districts would migrate to Canada. And theres a good chance Canadas two new senators would be center-left.

But there are also policy differences that would complicate Canadian statehood. For example, Canadians have a government-run health care system. Most Republicans fiercely oppose government-run health care. But trying to take it away from Canadians if they were to become Americans would be a real political challenge. On the other hand, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has long pointed to Canada as a model for U.S. health care reform, would love having a single-payer state to promote.

And how about Greenland? It has only 57,000 people, so if it were a state, it would get only one member of the House and two senators.

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In the countrys recent election, the center-right Demokraatit (Democracy) party won the largest share of parliamentary votes, 30 percent. Is that a pro-Trump development? Hardly. NPR says the likely next prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has called Trump a threat to our political independence.

In addition, all five major political party chairmen released a joint letter saying, We  all party chairmen  cannot accept the repeated statements on annexation and control of Greenland. We, as party chairmen, find this conduct unacceptable to friends and allies in a defense alliance.

So, while it isnt at all clear how Trump would take over Canada and Greenland, the populations of both countries strongly oppose the idea. A recent YouGov poll finds, Nearly all Canadians (77%) strongly or somewhat oppose Canada becoming part of the U.S., while 15% of Canadians support it.

And even though Trump claimed that Greenlanders want to be with us, the Guardian says a new poll finds 85% of Greenlanders do not want their island to become a part of the United States.

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If Trump and Republicans were to somehow make Canada and Greenland part of the United States, the newly created voters in both former countries would vote overwhelmingly for the U.S. political party that opposed Trumps efforts  the Democrats. Thus, if Trump wins, Republicans will surely lose.

Merrill Matthews is a public policy and political analyst and the co-author of On the Edge: America Faces the Entitlements Cliff. Follow him on X@MerrillMatthews.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Across the liberal left, the drumbeat for war against Russia has reached a deafening volume. No longer may one doubt Ukraines capacity to win back Crimea, or question whether thousands more troops killed and maimed are worth the cost. Those who do are now deemed Russian proxies or Vladimir Putin stooges.

Never before has the liberal-left manifested such hawkishness. On the contrary, both during the Cold War and after, the left consistently opposed muscular policies of deterrence toward Russia and routinely opposed higher defense spending. As one scholar put it, the left gave the Soviets every excuse  [and] argued for moral equivalence, that whatever the Soviets or contemporary Russians do, we are doing the same. Leftists scolded conservatives that their anti-communist, anti-Russian attitudes would bring war and stop the chance for peace.

In 1977, this worldview prompted then-President Jimmy Carters disparaging call-out of Americans inordinate fear of communism, which Carter claimed drove America to adopt the flawed  principles and tactics of our adversaries . More recently, after Putins 2014 invasion and seizure of Crimea, then-President Obama refused Ukraines impassioned pleas for American weaponry. While that refusal elicited strong criticism, no one accused Obama of being a Russia proxy or a Putin stooge.

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Tellingly, the Trump administration reversed that decision in December 2017, and commenced supplying Ukraine with anti-tank Javelin missiles, sniper rifles and ammunition.

Appeasement and signals of weakness returned in full force under the Biden administration. In May 2021, after Russian hackers disabled a major U.S. oil pipeline and extracted a $4.4 million ransom, the administration did nothing to deter future attacks. That same month Biden lifted sanctions against Russias Nordstream II pipeline, which would render Europe ever more dependent on Russian natural gas. Then Bidens administration froze a $100 million military-aid package to Ukraine.

Compounding this signal of weakness, Biden withdrew all U.S. forces from Afghanistan in September 2021, against military advice to maintain a residual force, and amid reports of the Talibans violating the withdrawal agreement. The Taliban promptly seized power and imposed a medieval Islamist regime. Then in January 2022, as Russia massed troops along Ukraines borders, Biden publicly expressed doubts that there would be a unified Western response if its a minor incursion .

Despite those many giveaways to Russia, no one accused Biden of being a Russia proxy or a Putin stooge. And quite predictably, an emboldened Putin in February 2022 launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While Biden then commenced supplying weapons to Ukraine, by October 2022 more than two dozen Democratic members of Congress publicly demanded that Biden shift course in his Ukraine strategy and pursue direct diplomacy with Russia to bring the months-long conflict to an end. Again, no one accused those Democrats of being Russia proxies or Putin stooges.

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By April 2024  with the total of Russian and Ukrainian troops killed or wounded approaching 1 million  left-leaning media platforms like CNBC were declaring the wars prospects to be at best a stalemate, with a real chance of Russia overpowering Ukraines defenses. Yet again, no one accused those outlets of being Russia proxies or Putin stooges

But when Donald Trump returned to the presidency and sought negotiations with Russia to end the war, all that changed. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) insisted that [t]he White House has become an arm of the Kremlin, while the British Independent denounced Trump for behaving like an agent of the KGB.

In sum, liberals who for decades opposed a robust Cold War, sought lower defense spending, urged cease fires in virtually all global conflicts, and blamed America for tensions with Russia suddenly discovered their inner cold warrior  and found Trump wanting. This despite the fact that it was Trump, not Obama or Biden, who had first armed Ukraine. And this despite the fact that it was Trump who successfully deterred Russian aggression throughout his presidency, while Russia invaded Ukraine during each of Bidens and Obamas weaker presidencies.

All this invites the question: Is the liberal lefts born-again hawkishness the product of newfound geopolitical wisdom and compassion for Ukrainian suffering? Or might it have more to do with their long-expressed hatred of all things Trump? One wishes it were the former; but the evidence, sadly, weighs more toward the latter.

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Henry Kopel is a former U.S. federal prosecutor and the author of War on Hate: How to Stop Genocide, Fight Terrorism, and Defend Freedom (Lexington Books, 2021).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
UPDATE (March 18, 2025 8:51 p.m. E.T.): The state of Louisiana executed Jessie Hoffman Tuesday evening with nitrogen gas. The Associated Press reports that, according to Louisiana authorities, he was officially pronounced dead at 7:50 p.m. E.T.

The day before Thanksgiving 1996, 18-year-old Jessie Hoffman, a valet at the New Orleans parking garage where Mary Molly Elliott parked for work, kidnapped the recently married 28-year-old ad executive, made her withdraw money from an ATM, raped her, shot her and left her to die at a boat launch in neighboring St. Tammany Parish.

Tuesday, in retaliation for the indisputable terror and violence Hoffman inflicted upon Elliott more than 28 years ago, Louisiana plans to suffocate him to death. If the execution by nitrogen gas proceeds according to the states schedule, Hoffman, now 46, will be the first Louisiana Death Row inmate executed in 15 years.

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And Gov. Jeff Landry and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, both Republicans, will get the taste of blood they seem to crave. Landry was critical of his predecessors opposition to the death penalty, and Murrill seemed annoyed that an 81-year-old Death Row inmate died last month before the state could kill him.

Over 13 consecutive days in June 1998, I covered Hoffmans trial for The Times-Picayune. Take it from someone who was there: There was never any doubt that Hoffman did everything the state says he did.

In one of the increasingly preposterous stories he told to explain his 2-hour absence from the parking garage, he told police he had been kidnapped by men who made him have sex with a woman they had in their car. The jury deliberated 36 minutes before finding Hoffman guilty.

The only open questions were whether Hoffman accidentally shot Elliott  as the defense argued  and whether his crime spree had been rash or premeditated. Hoffman would have been guilty regardless, but to persuade 12 people to put a man to death, you cant allow them to believe the defendant lost control and committed a series of escalating crimes. You try to convince them, as a prosecutor did, that Hoffman had ice water in his veins.

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But whats colder than keeping a man in a cage for almost 30 years and then killing him?

I never bought the states theory that Hoffman put a lot of thought into his attack on Elliott. But even if he did, the state has put exponentially more aforethought into killing him.

Louisiana officials traveled to Alabama, the first state to use nitrogen gas as an execution method, and then built a facility at the Louisiana State Penitentiary to carry out that method of killing. Hoffmans legal team, which produced an expert who says Hoffman will feel like hes drowning if hes forced to breathe pure nitrogen, has argued that the method is painful and cruel. Louisiana doesnt even allow dogs and cats to be euthanized in such a manner, they point out. But Louisiana counters that breathing in the mask is very comfortabl[e] and that the mask is very similar, if not identical, to the one used in Alabamas system.

One of Hoffmans advocates told me during a phone interview that the 46-year-old Hoffman isnt the same person the 18-year-old was. Im sure thats true, but even if it werent, and even if dying of nitrogen hypoxia were painless, its still wrong for the state to kill him.

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Andy Elliott, whod been married to Molly for a little more than a year before Hoffman violated and murdered her, said in a statement to USA Today that hes become indifferent to the death penalty vs. life in prison without possibility of parole and knows Hoffmans being killed will not provide closure but that he wants the legal process to end. My sincere hope is either to get the execution done or commute his sentence to life in prison without parole, one or the other, as soon as possible, he told USA Today.

Kate Murphy, a sister-in-law of the murder victim, in a Monday letter requesting a pardon hearing for Hoffman, wrote, Executing Jessie Hoffman is not justice in my name, it is the opposite.

Obviously there are survivors who are eager for the state to avenge their murdered loved ones, but even in those cases in which a victims family is clamoring for it, the state calmly and coolly killing a person is an offense. Its barbaric.

The one image from Hoffmans trial that Ill never shake is of his grandmother Rosa Lee Hoffman, who begged jurors not to condemn him to death. Hoffman, as other relatives had testified, was the only person gentle enough to administer his grandmothers insulin shots, and Rosa Lee Hoffman testified that he was her favorite.

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He was the best one, she said. I raised him. He just aint the kind. He got too much good in him to do something like that. Then she put her forehead on the handle of her walking cane and wept.

But Hoffman did do something like that. And he eventually came to admit it. His attorney Cecelia Kappel told USA TODAY, He takes full responsibility for this very tragic, awful crime. She said, He is so sorry to the family of Molly Elliott and he wishes to have opportunity before he dies to have a face-to-face conversation where he can apologize in person.

In June 1998, as Hoffmans defense team was trying to get a panel seated with at least one person who wouldnt vote for death, one of his attorneys  who acknowledged that his client had committed a terrible crime  said, Im doing the very best I can to see to it that Jessie Hoffman gets a fair trial. He also said, If they want to take the only thing hes got, then theyve got to do it right. Will you promise me that if they do it, youll make them do it right?

Its almost 27 years later. Lets admit: When it comes to executing a human being, the state cant do it right.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
In February, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the top lawyers for the Army, Navy and Air Force in a bid to ensure they dont exist to be roadblocks to anything that happens. Rosa Brooks, a professor at Georgetown Law, wrote on X at the time: Its what you do when youre planning to break the law: you get rid of any lawyers who might try to slow you down.

Now the Guardian, citing two people familiar with the matter, reports Hegseth is planning a sweeping overhaul of the judge advocate generals corps as part of an effort to make the US military less restricted by the laws of armed conflict. (The report has not been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News.) The Guardian also says that, according to the same sources, the overhaul of the JAG corps is designed to retrain military lawyers so that they provide more expansive legal advice to commanders to pursue more aggressive tactics and take a more lenient approach in charging soldiers with battlefield crimes.

Considering the U.S. militarys long track record of documented human rights abuses and disregarding civilian life, Hegseths maneuvering looks like he wants to make the military more vicious and callous than it already is. And while the U.S. military is far from the only one in the world that shows negligence toward civilian life in combat zones, its conduct is the most highly scrutinized and influential in the world given its unrivaled reach, power and interventionism since World War II.

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Atop all this, Hegseth is also cutting jobs and offices focused on reducing civilian deaths from U.S. combat operations. Though the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Office and the Civilian Protection Center were set up during Trumps first term, in his second term these offices are being framed as an obstacle to the U.S. ability to wage war. But retired U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Votel told NPR last week that he believed that it would be harmful to the militarys functioning to remove them. I dont think this is designed to be more constricting on commanders. I think its really designed to be more informative in helping us be a better educated and smarter force.

These changes are all consistent with what we know about Hegseths draconian and primitive attitudes toward combat. The former Fox News host  who has been dogged by allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking and mismanagement in his previous jobs  is obsessed with the narrative that the U.S. military has gone soft and needs to be reignited with a warrior ethos. In particular, Hegseth insists that the military is held back by wokeness.

In his book The War on Warriors, Hegseth wrote of his experience as a soldier with the Army National Guard during the George W. Bush administration, In some cases, our units were so boxed in by rules and regulations and political correctness, we even second-guess ourselves. That needs to end.

Keep in mind that Hegseth was deployed in the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. In both conflicts, the U.S. carried out morally and strategically catastrophic wars that resulted in hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths  often due to overly permissive rules of engagement  and torture of locals. The problem wasnt too many rules, it was too few of them.

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In a breach of norms, Hegseth has appointed his personal lawyer and former naval officer, Timothy Parlatore, as a Navy commander in the Judge Advocate Generals Corps. Jason Dempse, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security and a former U.S. Army officer, wrote in The Atlantic that Parlatores appointment reflected an odious philosophy of warfare:

Like his new boss at the Pentagon, Parlatore has a pattern of providing support to soldiers accused of grave misconduct, even war crimes. He notably represented Eddie Gallagher, a Navy SEAL court-martialed on charges including the murder of a captured fighter (though he was found guilty only of one, lesser charge), along with a second SEAL accused of serious sexual offenses. Elevating a lawyer with this record does not bode well for the armed services Hegseth hopes to build.

Moreover, as my colleague Steve Benen recently reminded us: Parlatore had another very high-profile client: Parlatore was part of Donald Trumps legal defense team after the president was charged with multiple felonies in the classified documents/Mar-a-Lago scandal. Its safe to predict that Parlatore isnt going to be elevating the already-beleaguered moral stature of the U.S. military.

Hegseths vision for American defense policy is consistent with Trumpism more broadly  an appetite for strong man rule and a disregard for rule of law and decency. It certainly doesnt bode well for Trumps increasingly preposterous claims that he wants to be a president of peace.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
President Donald Trump is right to want an end to the fighting in Ukraine. And hes right that the conflict has become a war of attrition that favors Russia.

However, Trump misunderstands a crucial element of the war, and that is that Russian President Vladimir Putin launched it primarily for domestic political reasons, not to respond to any kind of external threat. So if Trump wants to preside over a peace agreement that lasts beyond a few weeks or months, its critical to understand how Putins domestic political imperatives are driving his actions.

Thats why the key elements of a successful deal to end the fighting arent how much territory Russia gets to keep, or how many rare earth minerals Ukraine gives up, or whether Ukraine might one day join NATO  although both sides will debate those vociferously. The crucial provisions that will determine the success or failure of an agreement will be whether they change Russias political equation domestically to either increase the likelihood of new Russian aggression, or lower it.

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Throughout Putins quarter-century as Russias leader, his main goal has been to stay in power until his death. This addiction to supreme power has always played an outsize role in his decisions. He has worked to eliminate any potential challenge to his position and has stifled dissent at home. Prominent political opponents, including my father, Boris Nemtsov, and Alexei Navalny, were killed. Free media no longer exists.

Right now, this domestic repression makes it easier for Putin to wage war  and to stay in power. Putin has always seen Ukraine, which has long struggled to separate itself from Russia, as undermining his regime at home. The existence of a democratic and prosperous Ukraine that is allied with Europe could show Russians that there is a better alternative to Putinism. That is why Putin would prefer to eliminate Ukraine as a country.

Being at war also allows Putin to keep Russia in a state of emergency, which gives him multiple advantages: It is a perfect pretext for increased repression, tightened censorship laws and an all-purpose explanation for economic hardships. The elimination of independent media and laws against criticizing the military have made it easier to brainwash the Russian people into believing that an endless war is necessary despite its huge costs in terms of lives and economic hardship.

But also, in an emergency, no one dares to think about the future, let alone demand the government present any plan for the countrys development or question the efficacy of its leadership. Imagine there is no more emergency, no enemies plotting against Russia. What alternative agenda does Putin have to offer that will secure his grip on power?

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Trump has said repeatedly that he believes Putin wants peace with Ukraine. But that contradicts U.S. intelligence that indicates that Putin is not interested in any long-term peace deal. Putin has too much to gain by staying on the offensive.

To be sure, Putin probably does want a temporary break in the war. Recruitment of soldiers willing to fight in Ukraine has become incredibly costly, and international sanctions are hurting the overheated economy and his elites. Russian officials are openly speculating about the potential return of Western companies, a signal that sanctions have hurt and they are eager to see them lifted. Putin still believes he will take over all of Ukraine, but to do that he needs time to replenish his arsenal and muster more soldiers.

Another reason Putin might agree to a short-term pause is that the Russian people also favor an end to fighting. In a recent poll by Russian Field, an independent polling firm, 56 percent of respondents said they are in favor of peace talks; 55 percent said they would support a ceasefire without any specific terms, and 76 percent said they would support Putin's signing a peace agreement with Ukraine.

But there is a difference between halting the fighting and securing long-term peace. And its clear that Putins long-term goals for himself and his country mean that he has no interest in a long-term peace. The most plausible scenario is that Putin will use any pause to restore Russias military capabilities. Once he achieves that, the logic of his regime suggests that Putin will resume hostilities against Ukraine or other countries. Thats why Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rightfully insisted on security guarantees.

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In fact, it might not be Ukraine that Putin attacks next time. An easier target would be neighboring Belarus, a nation led by an aging dictator, which has borders with Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine. Russias army has substantial combat experience which makes it a danger to any of its neighbors in the medium term. If Russia takes full control of Belarus, those countries  three of them members of the EU and NATO  will find themselves on Russias border and under direct threat.

So how can Trump prevent this? By insisting that a peace deal include provisions that will foster longer-term changes to Russias economy and society.

First, a deal should include provisions that prevent Russia from rearmament, something Putin is of course likely to resist. Already, Russias military spending outstrips all of Europe's defense budgets combined. Russias national economy will undoubtedly continue on a war footing, and Russia will need parts, electronics and machinery to build modern weaponry. Russia will likely push hard for Western sanctions to be lifted, including the current ban on technology exports. But thats why some sanctions, specifically those that ban Western high-technology exports to Russia, should stay in place. The West should not make it easy for Russia to rearm by lifting the sanctions on high technology.

Second, Russia should pay for Ukraines reconstruction. It is Russia that has caused multibillion-dollar damage to Ukraine. The Kyiv School of Economics estimates that the direct damage to Ukraine  s infrastructure has reached $170 billion. Russia should pay for this rebuilding, an idea completely in line with both common sense and Trumps transactional and reciprocal approach to international relations. Europe and the U.S. have a strong negotiating position on this matter, as Russian assets worth $300 billion are frozen in the West.

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The idea that Russia owes compensation to Ukraine is unpopular even within the Russian resistance. But giving Putin a pass on this is not only unfair but would encourage him to act in the same fashion moving forward. Funds that Russia is forced to send to Ukraine are funds that it cant use to rearm itself. So to put pressure on Russia to assume financial responsibility for Ukraines rebuilding, a settlement should tie the removal of certain non-military sanctions to Russian payments to the reconstruction fund.

Third, there are provisions that could lower Putins repressions at home and make it harder for him to rally Russian society to war again. One possible way could be reincarnating something like the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which required the Soviet Union to agree to respect certain human rights and permit Jewish emigration in exchange for expanded trade with the United States. In this case, in return for lifting some sanctions, the West could insist that Russia release political prisoners, abandon censorship laws including those outlawing foreign agents and other organizations perceived as hostile to the regime, and unblocking platforms like YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Promoting human rights may have lost its appeal to some in recent years, but provisions like this would reduce the likelihood of future Russian aggression. I know from my own observation that intensified human rights violations, including unlawful imprisonment, murders and a crackdown on independent media, preceded Russias aggression against Ukraine. Conversely, empowered people inside the country who dont fear opposing the government are a natural deterrent against senseless wars. So is a free media.

Many of my non-Russian friends have wondered why Putin hasnt cared about Russias high death toll in Ukraine. The answer is as simple as this: He doesnt need to, as there is only state-controlled media, and he is not accountable to his citizens. Ignoring the domestic part of Putins power equation will only perpetuate his aggression outside Russia.

Under current circumstances, the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine is urgent. But execution matters. If the Trump administration wants a good deal to end the war, it needs to pay attention to the details.


If 21st-century warfare is fought primarily in the realm of information, the United States has just surrendered one of its most powerful tools. The decision to shut down Voice of America (VOA) will have immediate and severe consequences for the projection of American values and the defense of the fundamental principles that have defined the Western world since its battle against fascism in World War II.

Over the weekend, VOA director Mike Abramowitz confirmed that President Trumps March 15 executive orderwhich claimed to ensure that taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propagandawill make it impossible for the organization to carry out its vital mission... especially critical today, when Americas adversaries, like Iran, China, and Russia, are sinking billions of dollars into creating false narratives to discredit the United States. According to Abramowitz, most of VOAs 1,300 employees have been placed on paid leave. Although Trumps decision will surely face legal challenges, VOA has been effectively paralyzed.

A view of the Voice of America building, a day after more than 1,300 of the broadcaster's employees were placed on leave in Washington, D.C on March 16, 2025. / Annabelle Gordon / REUTERS

Since its founding in 1942, Voice of America has been a cornerstone of American diplomacy, waging a battle for truth against censorship and authoritarian propaganda. Created to counter Nazi disinformation, its mission has been to provide accurate, objective, and comprehensive news to populations living under totalitarian regimes. Such reporting was an essential component of the Allied strategy to win not just on the battlefield but in the broader war of global public opinion.

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Throughout the Cold War, VOA played a crucial role in the ideological struggle against communism. By broadcasting in multiple languagesincluding Russian, Chinese and various Eastern European dialectsit delivered uncensored news and championed democratic values. Its reporting proved instrumental during key historical events, from the Prague Spring of 1968 to the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989. For Cubans enduring Fidel Castros regime, VOA offered a rare window to the outside world.

In recent decades, the network has continued to serve as a bulwark against censorship and state-controlled propaganda, including vital work in Ukraine. And its mission has often gone beyond journalism. University of Southern California professor Geoffrey Cowan, who ran VOA from 1992 to 1996, told me the organization has also been a promoter of American soft power. Through the work of legendary broadcaster Willis Conover, VOA brought jazz music to the world, Cowan said. Jazz became an important way of understanding America and the importance of freedom. (The same thing happened with country music.) VOA also became a champion for the English language itself. According to Cowan, through VOA, people learned English around the world. Everything from English language news broadcasts, short stories to American literature.

Of course, VOA was not perfect. Despite having 1.7 million followers on X, its contentboth news and cultural programmingcould have in recent years benefited from a serious creative and technical overhaul. A quick glance at its lackluster Instagram feed, for example, reveals an operation struggling to engage the tech-savvy generation around the world that consumes news on social media.

In other words, the organization needed reform. Instead, as with many recent cases in Trumps demolition DOGE tour, it is being torn to the ground.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Kari Lake embrace during a campaign rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona on October 13, 2024. / Go Nakamura / REUTERS

Ironically, in MAGA loyalist Kari Lake, Trump had chosen someone with at least some theoretical qualifications to revitalize VOA. Lake spent decades in television before transitioning into politics and is a skilled communicator. (Though of course, like many others in Trumps orbit, she has used those talents for nefarious purposes, peddling election denialism and other propaganda.) Lakes leadership of VOA could have been marked a moment to leverage her media experience and modernize the network. Instead, her complicity in dismantling a platform with such potential and reach serves as a stark indictment of Trump worlds vindictiveness and lack of strategic vision.

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The impact will be catastrophic. For former director Cowan, if VOA is indeed undone, the biggest winner will be people whose interest is in spreading propaganda. Chief among those beneficiariessurprise, surprise!is Vladimir Putin. Without the counterweight of institutions like VOA, Russias disinformation apparatus will face even fewer obstacles. The tentacles of Russia Today (RT) and its subsidiaries already extend across much of the world, particularly in Latin America, where their influence is substantial and their spokespeople have shown devious sophistication. (I have often been on the receiving end of their vitriol.) Although RT brands itself as a reliable counterbalance to Western media, it is not interesting in objectivity. Its goal, rather, is manipulation.

The parallels to the 1940s are chilling. Just as Nazi propagandists understood that narratives shape wars, Moscows messengers today recognize that controlling the flow of information is key to power. The difference is that this time, it is the United Statesnot its adversariesthat has chosen to retreat.

Trumps capitulation in the global battle for truth and cultural influence is not just a strategic blunderit is a tragedy.
In their 2016 presidential debate, Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump of being Vladimir Putins puppet. In 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic, Joe Bidens campaign spokesman, TJ Ducklo, accused Trump of having been duped by Xi Jinping. Now, six weeks into Trumps second term, the two anti-Western dictators are presenting new challenges to his foreign policy vision.

He sees a successful peacemaker role as paving the way for his coveted Nobel Peace Prize  and even, he fantasizes, a place on Mount Rushmore. But based on the results so far, Trumps prospects for favorable world recognition are not looking promising.

No one took seriously his grandiose claim that he could end the Ukraine war in 24 hours unless it meant immediately cutting off all support for Ukraines defense and forcing it into an abject surrender. But during and since his shameful meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky last month, it seemed that was precisely his intention.

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Vice President JD Vance, playing the role of bully-in-training, started the attack, accusing Zelensky of being disrespectful to the president by litigating his case before the American media (which the White House itself unexpectedly had allowed to witness the prolonged public discussion of sensitive issues, usually held behind closed doors). After Vances interjection, Trump changed his hitherto civil tone and turned on the Ukrainian leader, whose people have bravely withstood Russias aggression and war crimes for three years, saying unceremoniously, You have no cards. Trump then broke off the meeting and had Zelensky escorted from the White House, saying he could return when his attitude changed.

Days later, Trump punished him and the Ukrainian people further by ending U.S. intelligence and weapons support, enabling Putin safely to launch more barrages of missiles and drones. At the urging of British, French and other allied leaders, Zelensky agreed to absorb the American insults and accept the one-sided Ukrainian minerals deal Trump demanded.

Having shown his skill and resolve in bludgeoning Ukraine when one-fifth of its territory was being occupied, Trump now turned his attention to Russia. The ball is now in their court, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Putin gave a televised talk in which he agreed to the proposed 30-day ceasefire in principle, but he raised a series of questions about its enforcement. After receiving several free major concessions from U.S.-coerced Ukraine without having to negotiate for them, he now made, unsurprisingly, additional demands. And as he extended the negotiations, his forces continued their aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities, killing more civilians and destroying more infrastructure.

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In previous conflicts, North Korea and North Vietnam perfected the strategy of fighting while negotiating, which Putin is effectively applying now. His failure to accept the U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire proposal has been far less forthcoming than Zelenskys plea for a security guarantee. Indeed, the ball remains in Americas  Trumps  court. We will soon see whether Putin respects Trump as much as Trump respects (or fears) him.

No one will be watching the unfolding dynamic with keener interest than Xi, as he contemplates the timing and manner of his own long-threatened military move against Taiwan.

The potential for a Ukraine-like deal under Trump is a source of worry for the Taiwanese; their concerns will only increase, until Trump sends a clear and unambiguous message of intention to defend Taiwan against Chinese aggression or coercion. Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz have a long history of clear thinking and resolute positions on China and Taiwan, and could be expected to support a strong Trump position if he is disposed to assert one.

Trumps Nobel Prize and place on Mount Rushmore will be unattainable unless both Ukraine and Taiwan are secure, whole and free. That is the foreign policy legacy Trump should seek to earn.

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Joseph Bosco served as China country director for the secretary of Defense from 2005 to 2006 and as Asia-Pacific director of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief from 2009 to 2010. He is a nonresident fellow at the Institute for Corean-American Studies, a member of the advisory board of the Global Taiwan Institute and member of the advisory board of The Vandenberg Coalition.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  After the Trump administrations efforts to purge the federal workforce hit the Bonneville Power Administration in February, Oregon lawmakers are appealing to President Trump a second time with concerns that the firings could threaten the power grid in the Pacific Northwest.

In a letter sent Thursday, the lawmakers called on President Trump to address concerns that the job cuts will destabilize the power grid.

The lawmakers behind the letter include Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) along with Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-01), Maxine Dexter (D-03), Val Hoyle (D-04), Janelle Bynum (D-05) and Andrea Salinas (D-06).

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Oregon officials host town hall for fired federal employees

The weight of this destabilization will bear down on the entire region, most heavily in rural areas that rely on public utilities purchasing BPA power, the Oregon lawmakers wrote. Your administrations directives to simultaneously buy out workers and freeze hiring has resulted in the resignation of approximately 200 employees, the rescinding of 90 new job offers, and the looming layoff of up to 400 probationary employees. We recognize that the Department of Energy has recently granted BPAs request to reinstate 89 probationary employees. Although this action provides some needed stability, it does not fully mitigate the substantial risks introduced by prior workforce reductions.

Employees on the ground are already warning that these actions will make it nearly impossible to strengthen and expand the grid as needed, the lawmakers added. Instead, BPA will be forced into damage control mode, struggling just to keep the lights on. This is not speculation; it is the reality voiced by those who operate our energy infrastructure every day.

If the administrations goal is truly to ensure reliable, secure, and affordable energy, then why are you actively dismantling the most effective and self-sustaining power system in the country, the lawmakers questioned. Mr. President, the energy security of the Pacific Northwest  and the rural communities that depend on BPAs services  cannot be treated as an afterthought. The decisions your administration has made in haste will have lasting consequences for millions of Americans. We urge you to reconsider these damaging cuts before we face an energy crisis of your making.

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Long-standing Portland bike shop to close its doors

This marks the second letter the coalition has sent to Trump regarding the BPA firings.

Scott Simms  the head of the Public Power Council, which represents consumer-owned utilities including Bonneville  previously told KOIN 6 News that the layoffs could jeopardize the electricity systems reliability and could lead to power generation issues, especially during extreme weather.

So, youve got a really complex system, and youre trying to deliver electricity for millions of people. It takes a lot of folks to run that system, and we want to make sure weve got the right people in place, and weve got enough people to make sure weve got the continuity for service for electricity across the northwest, Simms said.

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KOIN 6 News reached out to the Department of Energy regarding the jobs cuts, but has not heard back.

KOIN 6 News also reached out to Oregons only Republican Congressman, Rep. Cliff Bentz (OR-02), who declined to 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 KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Amid the Trump administrations efforts to slash federal spending, Oregons senators are asking the administration to pause plans to sell several federal buildings in Oregon.

On Monday, Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) sent a letter to General Services Administration Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian with concerns over the administrations decision to end federal real estate leases and proposals to sell federal buildings, including buildings in Baker City, Eugene, Medford, Portland and Troutdale.

The senators argue that having federal employees in communities is essential to serving Oregonians.

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Everybodys scared: Wyden, Bynum get earful at town hall

The reality is clear: this is not about saving moneyits about destabilizing the effectiveness of federal programs without thought or care for how that will affect working people, the senators wrote. The widespread closure of federal offices will cause pervasive financial and logistical challenges for small businesses, local governments, public servants, and communities across Oregon.

Slashing office space at this scale does not just impact federal employeesit hurts Oregonians who rely on the services that these agencies provide, the senators continued. From farmers and ranchers with questions about Farm Service Agency resources, to families accessing Social Security services, and to community members needing to send and receive mail through the Post Office, these closures will force people to travel farther and wait longer for essential assistance. The public servants, who live, shop, and raise families in these communities play a crucial role in the communities where they serve. Pulling these people and services out of Oregon towns will send ripple effects through local economies, making it harder for small businesses and working families to stay afloat.

NOAA firings pose drastic impact on weather monitoring in Oregon, lawmakers warn

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The senators concluded their letter by asking the acting GSA administrator to reverse efforts to close the federal buildings.

Oregonians deserve a government that is present in their communities, not one that abandons them. Before moving forward with any lease terminations or building closures, the GSA must provide complete and tailored justifications for each proposed sale and lease cancellation, a clear plan to ensure that federal employees can continue their work, guarantees that communities will not lose easy and affordable access to essential services, and that local economies will not suffer sudden changes at the whims of the GSA and an unelected billionaire running DOGE, Wyden and Merkley said, referencing White House advisor Elon Musks work with the Department of Government Efficiency to cut federal funding.

KOIN 6 News reached out to the General Services Administration. This story will be updated if we receive a response.

LIST: Trump administration lists 10 Oregon federal buildings for potential sale

The letter comes as KOIN 6 News previously reported that President Trump is considering the sale of 10 federal office buildings in Oregon, which were previously named in GSAs list of 320 non-core properties posted on its website.

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We are identifying buildings and facilities that are not core to government operations, or non-core properties, for disposal, GSAs web page reads. Selling ensures that taxpayer dollars are no longer spent on vacant or underutilized federal spaces. Disposing of these assets helps eliminate costly maintenance and allows us to reinvest in high-quality work environments that support agency missions.

The buildings range from a Medford courthouse and United States Geological Survey buildings to the 911 Federal Building in Portland, which houses the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Center and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, according to GSA.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FORREST COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  More organizations are collecting donations to help the tornado outbreak victims in Mississippi.

The Forrest County Sheriffs Office is accepting donations for relief efforts in Tylertown. The following items are being accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21:

Hygiene products

Underwear

Cleaning supplies

$20 Walmart or Dollar General gift cards

Items can be dropped off at the Forrest County Sheriffs Office, the Forrest County Adult Detention Center, the Forrest County Juvenile Detention Center and the Forrest County Evaluation Center.

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NWS: 17 tornadoes touched down in Mississippi

The items will be delivered to Tylertown residents on Monday, March 24.

Natchez police announced donations are also being accepted at the Duncan Park Canteen VFW Building from noon to 5:00 p.m., March 18-21.

The following items are being collected:

Flashlights

Tarpaulins

Easy-to-make food items

Totes

Sanitary products

Gloves

Trash bags

Baby products

Paper products

Cleaning supplies

Blankets

Towels

Personal hygiene items

Non-perishable items

Water/Energy drinks

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SARAJEVO - The chairperson of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Elina Valtonen, on Tuesday urged rival leaders in Bosnia to respect constitutional order and engage in talks to resolve a political crisis.

Valtonen was visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina as the Balkan country faces its biggest political crisis since the end of its 1990s war which formed two autonomous regions, the Serb Republic and the Bosniak-Croat Federation.

Following a meeting with Bosnian Foreign Minister Elvedin Konakovic in Sarajevo, Valtonen said she was "deeply concerned about the current crisis."

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The president of Bosnia's autonomous Serb Republic, Milorad Dodik, defied rulings by an international peace envoy to Bosnia, aimed at preventing the multi-ethnic Balkan state from slipping back into conflict.

That triggered a dispute, pitting Dodik and allies Russia and Serbia against the U.S. and European Union, which began after Dodik was sentenced in February to jail and banned from holding office for six years over defying the envoy's rulings.

(Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
After initial reluctance, Osceola County commissioners have decided to kick in $500,000 toward a study on the feasibility of a SunRail extension from Orlandos airport to the theme parks.

Commissioners voted unanimously and without discussion Monday evening to contribute toward the $6 million study of the Sunshine Corridor  the long awaited east-west extension reaching to Universal Studios, the Orange County Convention Center and Disney Springs.

The commissions decision brings the project, seen as vital to reversing SunRails struggling ridership, another step closer to reality.

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The Florida Department of Transportation estimates Sunshine Corridor will increase SunRail ridership to 6.4 million during its opening year. Ridership has been a point of contention as it never recovered after the pandemic. Currently just a few thousand passengers ride the train monthly.

Commissioners were hesitant in December to provide funding over concerns the extensions impact on traffic would not be worth the financial contributions.

Id like to see what percentage of that is going to alleviate Osceola County traffic, Commissioner Ricky Booth said at the time.

Commissioner Peggy Choudhry questioned what comes after the study. Construction of the extension is estimated to cost $4.4 billion.

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What is going to be our expectation  for future funding? Choudhry asked in December.

Neither Booth or Choudhry were available Tuesday for comment on why they ultimately supported funding.

The countys financial support comes with the stipulation that there are no commitments or agreements beyond the PD&E Study.

The project development and environmental (PD&E) study must be completed before federal and state governments will agree to provide project funding. The study would dive into projected ridership, the systems maintenance, operational costs, environmental impacts, station locations and track alignments. It could take about two years to complete.

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Other governments in the region served by SunRail have already committed funds.

Seminole County in January became the first to agree to contribute $500,000 followed by Orlando in February.

FDOT, the agency overseeing the project, said it will pitch in $2 million and Universal Orlando matched that in late February.

Orange County commissioners have yet to vote on the issue but a spokesperson said they will vote on contributing $500,000 soon.

Mayor Demings and the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) have expressed support for the Sunshine Corridor, county spokesperson Amanda Dukes said by email. We will be bringing an agenda item to the BCC in the near future to determine Orange Countys portion of the local funding contribution.

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Volusia County officials did not respond to a request for information on the status of funding for the study.

When SunRail trains first rolled down the tracks more than a decade ago, supporters said the ultimate goal was connecting the train line  which runs 61 miles north and south through Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties  eastward to the airport, which handles more than 60 million passengers a year.
Over $1M confirmed for hospital and police communication program

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  More than $1 million has been committed to the Behavioral Safety Net portal, which is entering its final stage of development.

The Board of County Commissioners approved the final $1.3 million appropriation. Both Kettering Health and Premier Health have given funds and clinician expertise throughout the development process.

The Safety Net Portal will have a database of vital patient information. This can be shared between healthcare, behavioral health and public safety organizations.

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Our county jail and emergency departments are often the de facto mental health treatment centers for people in mental health crisis, said Commission President Judy Dodge. This approach is expensive and inefficient. We need care coordination to get these citizens quickly into an appropriate care setting, and this Safety Net Portal will help us achieve that.

Donate blood before Spring Break, get a pickleball set

Phase one established real-time notifications to Montgomery County Probate Court.

Phase one of the portal is already active, it is a Crisis Notification System for Montgomery County Probate Court. This system gives real-time notifications when a person on a civil commitment docket is hospitalized for a mental health crisis.

The President and CEO of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA) Sarah Hackenbracht spoke on the development of the vital communication tool.

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Feedback from our hospitals and behavioral health partners across the continuum has been instrumental in determining what features our Safety Net Portal must have and how it needs to function to improve patient care, said Hackenbracht. Our two largest hospital networks are financially supporting the development of the Safety Net Portal with Montgomery County to improve care coordination for those individuals who experience behavioral health crises that result in multi-system interactions.

Park in Kettering under investigation after fire

Phase two was the research and development of the system prototype.

Phase two is also done. It focused on designing a prototype for the full system over a six-month period with Ascend Innovations. It was built on data exploration. The team researched the legal requirements of support services.

The proposed portal will aggregate data across the continuum and provide a centralized care coordination platform, said Kevin Harlan, president of Upper Valley Medical Center and Atrium Medical Center. This will help ensure better communication and collaboration with individuals who frequently intersect multiple parts of the system.

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Annual Big Hoopla STEM challenge held on Sunday

Phase three will be the buildout of the full system.

Phase three is expected to take approximately 15 months. There will be user feedback sessions held for the clinicians and the Montgomery County Behavioral Health Task Force. They will see if the system meets their needs. There will be 14 small group work sessions between front-line workers and county officials.

The Safety Net Portal is about connection  connecting data, organizations and people to co-create better outcomes for those in crisis, said Josh Gratsch, President and CEO of Ascend Innovations. By leveraging technology, we can build a system that is more responsive, coordinated and effective.

To learn more about the Behavioral Safety Net portal project click here.

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CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA)  Over 7,000 students in Illinois will have the chance to visit state parks, museums and other natural resources this year, thanks to grant money from the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program.

On Friday, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced that close to $100,000 was awarded throughout the state, funding 113 student field trips. The program will fund 16 field trips for Central Illinois students.

ISBE celebrates success of teacher recruitment marketing campaign

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This program allows students to visit natural, outdoor locations throughout Illinois to see firsthand what theyve been learning about in the classroom, IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said. Our future conservation leaders need the opportunity to experience Illinois natural resources in person. We are pleased to be able to support learning outside the classroom with these grants and are grateful to the donors for their support.

Illinois teachers can apply for the grant program here, which would allow them to take students on field trips to study natural resources in Illinois. The money covers expenses like transportation costs and substitute teachers. The activities must directly relate to the schools curriculum.

For more information about the program, contact the IDNR division of education at dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov. You can find out how to donate to the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program here.

EPA loaning $43M to Urbana-Champaign for water infrastructure

2025 Grant recipients:

Champaign

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Franklin STEAM Academy, Champaign. Sixth grade. 4-H Memorial Camp, Monticello. $1,147

Franklin STEAM Academy, Champaign. Sixth grade. 4-H Memorial Camp, Monticello. $1,398

Christian

Central School, Taylorville. Prekindergarten. Scoville Zoo, Decatur. $2,500

Homeschool, Morrisonville. Sixth grade. Starved Rock State Park, Utica. $60

Memorial Elementary, Taylorville. Fourth grade. Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur. $2,000

Memorial Elementary, Taylorville. Third grade. Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton. $900

Douglas

Villa Grove CUSD #302, Villa Grove. Seventh and eighth grades. Fox Ridge State Park, Charleston. $770

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Iroquois

Milford Grades School, Milford. Fourth grade. Kennekuk County Park, Danville. $396

Macon

Dennis Lab School, Decatur. Sixth grade. Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington. $1,298

Mount Zion High School, Mt. Zion. Ninth through 12th grades. Camp Ondessonk, Ozark. $1,000

Macoupin

Carlinville Primary School, Carlinville. Second grade. Beaver Dam State Park, Plainview. $508.60

Carlinville Primary School, Carlinville. First grade. The Nature Institute, Godfrey. $700

Piatt

Walk Homeschool, Bement. Seventh through 12th grades. Plum Creek Nature Center, Beecher. $337.40

White Heath Elementary, White Heath. Fourth and fifth grades. 4-H Memorial Camp, Monticello. $1,890

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Sangamon

U.S. Grant Middle School, Springfield. Sixth grade. Camp Cilca, Cantrall. $787.08

Shelby

Gregory Intermediate, Moweaqua. Fifth grade. Camp Maranatha, Ramsey. $900

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OZARK, Mo.  A newly proposed development in Ozark could bring the small town its first Aldi, among other stores.

Dubbed, Ozark Marketplace, the 40 acre plot just off Highway 65 and South Streetacross from the Ozark Walmartif allowed to go through, would be the home of up to 13 new commercial businesses.

Five of those are already spoken for, including Aldi, McDonalds, Plaza Tire Service, Caseys and Dutch Bros. Coffee, which is new to the Ozarks.

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Were all about economic development, expansion, creating more jobs. This opportunity right here not only will create retail spaces in the available lots for Ozark, but its also going to create between 250 to 400 jobs in this community, which is always impactful, said Chris Russell, President of the Ozark Chamber of Commerce.

There are several bills associated with the project, ranging from zoning approval, to a Community Improvement District (CID) for the project.

A community improvement district is just geared towards that particular area. Theyre going to have a 1% sales tax cost, so if something comes to a $1.06 across town at a McDonalds and you buy a dollar item at this one, it might cost you a $1.07, Russell said. What happens is after all of the financial obligations are paid off, such as the infrastructure improvements, the roads, anything, they use that money to develop this property, then theres a possibility that CID could go away.

Russell says the first five businesses announced come with excitement.

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Aldi is one that Ozarks been asking for. Theres ones in Nixa Branson, Springfield, of course, this is give us one a little closer right here in Ozark, Russell said. This would be the first ones in Ozark, which would be the Dutch Bros. Coffee. and the Plaza Tire Service.

Which are all developments Russell says are needed for the booming town.

If you look out throughout the entire area of Ozark, you know, franchises are constantly looking for new places to expand, but if we dont have the available real estate or the idea or the perfect locations with the traffic counts, with the location to the proximity of the population, to the proximity of the workforce, then they just kind of go to the next city, Russell said. A development like this is what Ozark needs right now because you can already see I think its just the cars, the traffic and the amount of people that are coming to Walmart, Lowes, that this is a very strong economic development.

Brett Roubal, who is part of the development team, spoke at the meeting on Monday.

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We will be extending Waverly Street from behind Walgreens over here all the way to the west to connect to 20th Street, Roubal said. Well be adding in a new 19th street city into that Waverly Street. Were going to be reconfiguring South Street to allow for traffic flow in and out of the development.

Roubal also said theyre in talks with other businesses for the remaining eight plots but are not able to share those plans at this time.

The bills were open to public hearing Monday night, and while there were no speakers against the issue, one man told the Board of Aldermen that they should take their time with a development this large.

This sounds fantastic. That said, just by the questions Ive heard tonight, there are a lot of unanswered questions before this board. I have not heard from the Ozark Special Road District. Ive not heard from MoDOT. Ive not heard from the impact from the county collector and the assessors office. While I encourage the Board of Aldermen to move this city forward, I would ask you all the four that are elected and the two that are appointed to not expeditiously move this to final reading, to take an opportunity to reach out and to speak with your constituents, to get all the answers and bring this back in two weeks for a final reading, William Vaughan said.

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According to a timeline by the development team, if approved, public improvements, such as roadways, would be done in the six months after BOA approval.

The first phase of businesses could open by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

A second phase of businesses could be ready by 2027, and a third phase would be done by 2029.

The vote on the project is expected to be done on April 7.

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For the Allied forces, the skies over Europe from 1942 to 1943 brought near ruinous casualty numbers. The odds of a B-17 crewman surviving the 25 missions required to complete a tour were only one in four. Casualties totaled among the tens of thousands.

Amid the carnage, one of Americas gilded elite stepped forward, and without his near fanatical guidance, Americas bombing campaign against Germany may well have failed  with the Allied plans for D-Day postponed or potentially scrubbed all together.

Tommy Hitchcock, one of Americas most renowned polo players and the youngest American to win a pilots commission during the First World War, has become the archetype of the potency of individual human achievement.

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Born on Feb. 11, 1900, in Aiken, South Carolina, the soft-spoken Hitchcock rose to prominence for his aggressive, hard charging ways during polo matches. His marriage to a Mellon family heiress in 1928 only helped to cement his celebrity status.

Actor David Bruce called Hitchcock the only perfect man he had ever met, while F. Scott Fitzgerald modeled two characters after him  writing that the athlete-turned successful businessman was high in my pantheon of heroes.

During World War I, the teenaged Hitchcock downed two German planes  for which he was awarded the Croix de Guerre  before being shot down inside German territory on March 6, 1918.

Badly wounded, Hitchcock spent several months recuperating inside a German POW camp before, according to author Lynn Olsons account in Citizens of London, the 18-year-old pilot, who was in transit to another camp, stole a map from a sleeping guard and leaped from the train. Escaping detection, he hiked nearly a hundred miles to neutral Switzerland.

Thomas Hitchcock in uniform, 1918. (Library of Congress)

Upon Americas entry into the Second World War, the 41-year-old volunteered his services as a fighter pilot but was turned down personally by Gen. Hap Arnold, chief of staff of the U.S. Army Air Forces, for being above the flying age.

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Frustrated, the well-connected Hitchcock turned to his old friend John Gilbert Winant, who was, at that time, the U.S. ambassador to Great Britain. Winant, according to Olson, suggested that the polo player-turned-fighter pilot-turned investment banker come to London as assistant U.S. military attache to act as a liaison between the Eighth Air Force and the Royal Air Forces Fighter command.

Hitchcock accepted the job on the spot.

The Allied Bombing Campaign Reaches New Lows

After the Great War, the phrase total war carried different connotations. The key idea was no longer national mobilization and its governmental structures, but the erosion of the principle of non-combatant immunity.

The new theory permeating the Allied command structures was that Germany was to be crushed via an aerial assault to its core physical and psychological strength. To achieve this, systematic bombing of densely populated industrial areas would be necessary.

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There is one thing that will bring [Hitler] down, Winston Churchill declared, and that is an absolutely devastating, exterminating attack by very heavy bombers from this country upon the Nazi homeland.

Bombers attack ball bearing factories at Schweinfurt, Germany. (U.S. Air Force)

Despite these grandiose promises, the RAFs daylight raids on Germanys industrial heartland had done very little damage at the staggering cost to British crews and aircraft. The USAAF under Arnold fared little better.

Despite Arnolds belief in Americas superlative technology and aircraft  thanks to the ultra-secret Norden bombsight that allowed bombardiers to hit industrial targets with surgical precision  the American bombing raids in 1942-43 mirrored the efforts of their British counterparts.

We just closed our minds to [long-range escorts], Gen. Laurence S. Kuter, a deputy under Arnold, said after the war. We couldnt be stopped. The bomber was invincible.

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Despite this theory espoused by USAAF brass, the unescorted B-17 and B-24 heavy bombers could not protect themselves against enemy fighters alone. But at the time, no American fighter had the range to accompany the bombers deep into enemy territory.

Tens of thousands of American crewman were killed as a result, with nearly 75 percent killed, severely wounded or captured in 1943 alone.

To the Air Force brass, the important thing ... was to establish a presence, to prove a doctrine, to state out a position in public consciousness. If this cost the lives of many fine young men and inflicted no really serious damage on Germanys fighting capability, that was too bad, American journalist Harrison Salisbury later wrote.

Hitchcock disagreed with such dogma.

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His modus operandi was vastly different from the Eighths leaders, Olson wrote. He thought it far more important to cooperate with  and perhaps learn from  the RAF than to compete with it.

It was during this time that Hitchcock made a trip to Duxford, an RAF development facility, where he learned about a promising new American fighter produced solely for the British  the P-51 Mustang.

A P-51 Mustang sits on the flight line during the 2017 Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. (Senior Airman Betty R. Chevalier/Air Force)

Conceived by a German emigre who had once designed Messerschmitt fighters before fleeing to America, the P-51  built by Californias North American Aviation Co.  was initially planned as an RAF low-level tactical fighter-bomber.

Hitchcock was stunned. The performance of the P-51, when fitted with a British Merlin engine, could go as fast and as far as the bombers without losing its fighting characteristics, historian Donald Miller wrote. It was, he noted, the plane the Bomber Mafia had claimed was impossible to build.

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Despite this, Hitchcocks superiors remained unimpressed and rejected the introduction of the American-British hybrid fighter.

Sired by the English out of an American mother, the Mustang had no parent in the [Air Force] ... to appreciate and push its good points, Hitchcock wrote in 1942.

The Mustang, however, would soon find an adopted parent in Hitchcock.

The former fighter pilot became relentless in his quest to adapt the aircraft into the best fighter on the Western Front.

From flooding Washington with the planes sterling test performance statistics to hosting lavish parties to drum up support for the Mustang among well-connected friends, Hitchcock did it all  including taking the new plane for a spin himself.

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Yet despite his best efforts, Arnold roundly denied Hitchcocks attempts to flood the USAAF with the newcomer.

The word channels, like the word no, was an utterance he sometimes could not hear well, Hitchcocks biographer Nelson W. Aldrich Jr. observed. He planned on going straight to the top.

A P-51 sits at the 187th Fighter Wing annual Tuskegee Airman Legacy Open House, June 2017, at Montgomery Regional Air National Guard Base, Alabama. (Senior Airman Hayden Johnson/Air National Guard)

Flying into Washington in November 1942, Hitchcock called on an old friend from the Great War, undersecretary of war Robert Lovett. The latter happened to be one of Arnolds civilian bosses.

Lovett, who had flown British planes during World War I, agreed with Hitchcocks assessment of the plane and the necessity for long-distance escorts, and pressed hard for Arnold to adopt the Mustang.

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Arnold reluctantly acquiesced, ordering some 2,200 P-51Bs in late 1942. Despite the order being of the highest priority, the production of the plane lagged, and Arnold with his hands tied by his mouth according to Lovett, did very little to press the matter.

An incensed Hitchcock roared into action, repeatedly making trips to the U.S. in 1943 to press for the swift production of the fighter escort.

Meanwhile, throughout the summer and fall of 1943, the U.S. Army Air Forces struggled to staunch its losses.

In the span of only a few days in October, the USAAF was forced to reconsider its entire strategic bombing endeavor in the European theater, according to the National World War II Museum.

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Carnage on Oct. 8 over the German U-boat yards at Bremen and aircraft factories at Vegesack, as well as intense action on Oct. 9 near a Focke-Wulf aircraft plant at Marienburg, culminated in the devastating Oct. 10 raid on Munster.

Of the 275 planes that set out towards Munster, 30 did not return. Among the heavy losses were those of the 100th Bomb Group. Losing 12 out of 13 planes, the 100th earned its Bloody nickname at the cost of nearly the entire squadron in a single mission.

In the face of such devastation, Hitchcocks doggedness was about to pay off.

On Jan. 11, 1944, three months after the slaughter over Munster, the tide of the air war was about to turn.

The P-51 would soon give a command performance. As a B-17 formation headed for a Focke-Wulf factory a few dozen miles from Berlin, they were greeted by the stomach sinking sound of enemy fighters. This time, however, the heavy bombers were not such easy prey. As Olson recounts:

The Focke-Wulf pilots were dumbfounded: never before had an Allied fighter challenged the Luftwaffe so far inside Germany, Olson recounted. For more than half an hour, the single Mustang, piloted by Major James Howard, weaved and bobbed, dived and climbed, in its furious attack on the Focke-Wulfs Sixty Allied bombers were lost on that January 11 mission, but not one plane went down from the group defended by Howard.

A P-51 Mustang taxis at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, 2016. (Tech. Sgt. Brandon Shapiro/Air Force)

Maj. Howard would later be presented the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary efforts during the fight.

While five months would elapse before the Mustang would arrive in large numbers over the skies of Europe, the tide would finally begin to turn in April and May of 1944  mere months before the Allied assault in Normandy.

Hitchcock would never see the end of the war, nor his key contribution come to fruition. He was killed while piloting his beloved P-51 during a test run in 1944 in Wiltshire, England.

The story of the P-51, the official wartime history of the USAAF declared, came close to representing the costliest mistake made by the Army Air Forces in World War II.

Yet, thanks in large part to Hitchcock, when soldiers and sailors looked to the skies over Normandy while storming the beaches at Utah and Omaha, any fighter aircraft they spotted was decidedly American.

In a 1945 post-war interrogation, Luftwaffe chief Hermann Goring recounted the moment he knew Germany had lost the war.

The first time your bombers came over Hanover, escorted by fighters, I began to be worried, he said. When they came with fighter escorts over Berlin, I knew the jig was up.
HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT Silas Zion, 23, is charged with accomplice to first-degree murder, hindering prosecution and firearms charges on Hawaii island.

HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT Silas Zion, 23, is charged with accomplice to first-degree murder, hindering prosecution and firearms charges on Hawaii island.

A 23-year-old Pahoa man was charged with accomplice to attempted murder in the first degree in the Friday shooting of a police officer by suspect Christopher Lucrisia, Hawaii County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen announced today.

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Silas Zion made his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court this afternoon on the accomplice to attempted murder charge along with charges of hindering prosecution and firearms offenses. His bail was maintained at $3, 073, 000.

The charge of accomplice to first-degree attempted murder carries a penalty of life without the possibility of parole.

Police arrested Zion Friday evening in Puna without incident.

Prosecutors are seeking to have Zion be held without bail.

His preliminary hearing and the motion to have him held without bail is set for Thursday.

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Lucrisia, 39, suspected of shooting a Hawaii County police officer, with police in Mountain View. It ended a manhunt that began Friday afternoon.

Police said Zion was with Lucrisia during the shooting Friday in the parking lot of the Prince Kuhio Plaza fronting the First Hawaiian Bank.

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A heated discussion flared up at Mondays Cabarrus County Commissioners meeting over the hiring of Sean Newton, the new county manager, who is a former business partner of Chair Chris Measmer.

Measmer has repeatedly stressed the importance of being honest and forthright with the public.

Measmer helped spearhead the newly created Commission on Financial Efficiency (CoFE), which, similar to President Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE, seeks to ensure the county is spending money responsibly.

By creating CoFE, were trying to do right by the citizens and the taxpayers, Measmer said during a January meeting.

Measmer also highlighted a lack of transparency and accountability in his termination letter to former County Manager Mike Downs in late January.

Downs, who had served as county manager since 2011, was fired largely because, in Measmers opinion, he was not honest with the public regarding the countys purchase of the ACN building, especially the discrepancy between the purchase price ($42 million) and the market appraisal ($23.8 million), and the countys interactions with the Local Government Commission (LGC), which had to approve such a transaction.

Measmer wrote in his letter that the entire process  both the aforementioned lack of transparency in regard to the appraisal and the continued attempt to utilize draw financing despite feedback from the LGC  cast a long shadow upon the Countys transparency and brought disrepute in local media coverage on the matter and in open meetings of the LGC.

After continuously preaching about the importance of transparency, Measmer found himself in hot water during Mondays meeting for not being honest with the public (and certain commissioners) about a prior relationship he had with the new county manager.

Wortman confronts Measmer

When the commissioners voted last week to appoint Sean Newton as Downs successor, which is effective March 24, Measmer did not disclose that he had worked with Newton for more than two years as business partners with Measmer Newton Enterprises LLC.

The business relationship, which focused on food manufacturing, began in July 2016 and lasted more than two years before dissolving at the end of 2018, according to public records from the North Carolina Secretary of States office.

During one of the most chaotic commissioner meetings in recent memory, Commissioner Kenny Wortman blasted Measmer for not disclosing his relationship, noting he would not have voted for Newton, who was not at the meeting, last week had he known about it.

Im telling you, I would not have voted the way I did, Wortman said.

When asked by Wortman whether Vice Chair Laura Blackwell Lindsey or Commissioner Larry Pittman knew of Measmers prior relationship with Newton, they both said Measmer told them.

You fired one county manager and hired another, Wortman said, referring to Measmer leading the charge to fire former county manager Mike Downs in January. So I guess it depends on if theyre your friend or business partner as to whether you get to hire or fire them.

In a prepared statement, Measmer acknowledged he and Newton created an LLC almost a decade ago to explore a business opportunity. Nothing ever came of it, he said, and neither he nor Newton made any money from the business.

Measmer said that Newton has also never given him a campaign contribution nor has Newton endorsed any of Measmers election bids.

Nothing illegal has been done, Measmer said.

Measmer noted he never pressured his fellow commissioners to vote for Newton, who went through the same application process as everyone else. Measmer said Newton was ultimately selected on his merits and not based on who he knew.

I wanted an open application process, and thats what we got, Measmer said, noting he never used his position as chair to influence the process.

Newton was ultimately selected because he is one of the sharpest strategists I know, brilliant with numbers and a great track record in the financial services sector, Measmer said.

With the county projected to face a $62 million budget deficit in the next five years, Newton can utilize his financial background to address the situation, Measmer said.

Wortman made a motion to terminate Newtons contract and reopen the hiring process nationally to allow for a third party to handle the search. This would allow the taxpayers to have trust in this process again, he said.

Commissioner Lynn Shue seconded the motion, which failed in a 3-2 vote.

Pittman, toward the end of the meeting, encouraged the public to be open-minded about Newton.

Lets give Mr. Newton a chance; lets see what he does, Pittman said, noting he has not even started the job yet.

When asked after the meeting if he ever thought about disclosing his relationship, Measmer demurred, telling the paper that I would refer you to my comments from the meeting.

Lies and broken trust

As the tense discussions continued about Measmers relationship with Newton, things slowly got more personal between the commissioners, as distrust among certain members was brought to the forefront.

In an especially heated exchange, Wortman wondered why Measmer precluded telling him about his relationship with Newton, yet still told Lindsey and Pittman.

My question is, she knew and he knew, so why was I not afforded that same respect? Wortman asked.

Measmer responded by telling Wortman he would have had a biased opinion and would have likely voted against Newtons appointment had he known about Measmers connection.

Wortman, who wished Measmer had recused himself from voting last week for Newton, spoke about how Measmer had previously lied to The Independent Tribune about a meeting that occurred in Measmers home several years ago about an alleged plan to fire Mike Downs.

That is why you and I dont have a relationship, because I dont trust you, Wortman told Measmer.

Wortman also alleged that Measmer worked to remove language in the county manager application. The original application, which he shared with the public, had called for extensive experience in an administrative capacity in local government before those same words were removed from the application form as of Jan. 24.

Wortman said the human resources department also wanted to add a residency requirement on the application, which he claimed Measmer refused to allow.

Newton, who does not live in Cabarrus County, has no prior local government experience, according to his LinkedIn page.

It absolutely looks like a setup at that point, Workman said about the application allegedly being tweaked to support Newton.

Lindsey said that Newton was perfectly qualified and he is going to be an excellent county manager and noted that Wortman was never coerced into voting a certain way for Newton.

Lindsey expressed her excitement about bringing Newton on board because he is going to work on behalf of the taxpayers who have been left out this entire time.

Wortman, after much animated back and forth with Lindsey, asked why his fellow commissioners did not tell him about Measmers previous connection with Newton.

You know why, Lindsey told him, because just like you dont trust us, I dont trust you. I dont trust you, Kenny, and I have absolutely no reason to trust you because youve given me no reason to trust you.

Wortman snapped back at Lindsey, saying she previously disclosed closed session information to him when she was a school board member.

Thats not true, Lindsey yelled back. Thats a straight up lie.

Shue kept in the dark

Lynn Shue has missed the past several meetings as he has dealt with health matters. He was virtually present for Mondays meeting and lamented the fact that Measmer largely excluded him from critical discussions about the new county manager.

Like every other commissioner on this board, I was elected by the people of Cabarrus County to serve, and I want to serve, Shue said. Regardless of any difficulties that I may deal with, my physical limitations have in no way impacted my ability to think and contribute to the discussion even though I may not be present in the room.

Measmer said he has tried to include Shue in discussions and even tried to contact him, but Shue allegedly told him not to bother to call him anymore.

Shue countered that he told Measmer not to call him if he already has decided on a certain issue and had the necessary votes.

When the commissioners were having discussions about a new county manager to replace Mike Downs and a new county attorney to replace Rich Koch, Measmer never reached out to Shue.

You never called me, you never included me in any of those discussions, Shue said. Am I not one-fifth of this board?

Shue seemed to sum up the intransigence that exists among many of the commissioners.

I dont know how were going to go forward with these issues that were having to deal with, he said.
New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney at the Roundhouse at Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Kenney said he was glad two bills related to PFAS cleared their final committee, but both still require a Senate floor vote to become law. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

A pair of bills to address current and future contamination from so-called forever chemicals advanced through a final committee hearing Tuesday and now heads to the Senate floor.

Both bills address per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances  better known as PFAS  a class of manmade chemicals with a myriad of uses in waterproofing, manufacturing and more. However, due to their ability to withstand breaking down in heat, sunlight, water or oil, the chemicals can accumulate in the bodies of people and animals.

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While research on the environmental and health threats PFAS pose remains ongoing, studies have shown increased risks for certain cancers, decreased fertility, developmental effects in children, reduced vaccine response and interference with hormones and cholesterol levels.

House Bill 140 amends the definition of hazardous waste to include firefighting foams that contain PFAS. Rep. Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis) narrowed the bills scope with an amendment during the debate on the House floor to only address PFAS, rather than other hazardous materials.

Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) told the Senate Conservation Committee Tuesday that giving the New Mexico Environment Department the authority to treat PFAS as hazardous material and mandate their cleanup will boost the agencys position in legal fights over PFAS contamination in the water in and around military bases.

New Mexico is engaged in two separate court battles with the U.S. Department of Defense over its actions and cleanup of the PFAS contamination. New Mexico joined multi-state litigation in the North Carolina courts against the militarys use of PFAS-laden aqueous film forming foam for fire fighting exercises.

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In a federal lawsuit, the U.S. military sued the New Mexico Environment Department, saying the agency went too far in mandating cleanup around bases, and contended the state lacks regulatory authority over PFAS.

This law is a direct response to those arguments, Chandler said.

As a result, they have been reluctant to come to the table to resolve that issue, so we are developing that authority for [NMED] so they may have that rare leverage in attempting to resolve that on behalf of citizens in that area as well as the state, Chandler told the committee.

The second bill, House Bill 212, would start a yearslong process phasing out of products with added PFAS and prohibit the sale of products containing PFAS, while allowing exemptions for electronics, cars and medical devices.

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Sponsor Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces) held up a bottle of fabric protector during the committee hearing, illustrating PFAS presence in everyday products.

While this bottle costs about $10, it can cost $18 million to remove and destroy a pound of PFA from drinking water and wastewater treatment plants, She said. HB12 starts us down the path of sunsetting these harmful products.

If approved, New Mexico would be the second state to enact a PFAS ban on consumer products, following Maines lead.

New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney told Source NM he was speaking with Senate leadership to try and secure a floor vote as the session enters into its final four days.

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Having these discussions has precipitated a lot of good effort, but passing the bill will now hold everyone accountable to staying at the table, Kenney said. And that has been missing from New Mexico on this topic.

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The spokesman for the militant organization Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) was killed in a massive Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, the group said.

Naji Abu Saif, also known as Abu Hamsa, was killed during an "attack on his family and his brother's family," PIJ said.

The group is allied with Hamas, another Palestinian extremist group. Both organizations were involved in the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel that triggered the latest Gaza war.

Both are said to be backed by Iran.
PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic  The family of missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki has asked police in the Dominican Republic to declare her dead, a police spokesman said Monday.

Dominican Republic National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira said Konankis family has sent the agency a letter requesting a declaration of death.

Konanki, 20, was on spring break with friends in the Caribbean island nation when she disappeared early March 6. Despite an extensive search, her body has not been found.

Sudiksha Konanki.

The Konanki family did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night.

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Konanki is a junior in biology at the University of Pittsburgh. She is from Loudoun County, Virginia, where her family lives.

Konanki was last seen early March 6 after she went to the beach with friends.

After her friends left the beach, she stayed behind with people she met on the trip. She vanished after 4:15 a.m. that day.

The last person thought to have seen Konanki has been identified as Joshua Riibe, 22, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota who is from Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Dominican authorities confiscated Riibes passport Friday as part of an investigation, his attorneys told NBC News.

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NBC News spotted Riibe with investigators and his attorney on a beach in Punta Cana early Sunday. He was seen pointing toward the sea while a group of security officials kept people away from the area.

Speaking exclusively to NBC News briefly at the resort where Konanki had been staying before she disappeared, and before he was spotted by NBC News on the beach, Riibe said, Im just trying to help them out, adding: The ocean is a dangerous place.

Riibe has been confined to the hotel since the investigation began. He is permanently escorted by the police anywhere he goes. So no, he is not free to leave, the law firm representing him said in an email Saturday.

Pesqueira, the national police spokesperson, said no signs of violence were found at the beach.

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A hotel spokesperson said red flags  which indicate that the sea had a strong current and very high waves  were flying when Konanki disappeared.

In an interview last week with Dominican investigators, Riibe said he was on the beach with Konanki shortly before she disappeared.

He said they were in waist-deep water, talking and kissing a little, according to a transcript of the interview obtained by NBC News. A wave crashed, taking them both out to sea, it quotes him saying.

I kept trying to get her to breathe, but that didnt allow me to breathe all the time, and I swallowed a lot of water, he said.

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Riibe said he got Konanki back to shore before she disappeared.

The last time I saw her, I asked if she was OK. I didnt hear her answer, he said. I looked around and didnt see anyone. I thought shed grabbed her things and left.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have said no one is considered a suspect in Konanki's disappearance.

U.S. authorities have said it is a missing persons case and not a criminal matter.

Jesse Kirsch, Carlos Catire and Debra Jones reported from Punta Cana, Phil Helsel reported from Los Angeles.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Tetra Tech works with federal agencies including USAID. (Photo Illustration by Igor Golovniov / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images)

Tetra Tech, the Pasadena-based consulting and engineering services company, has seen a sharp drop in its stock price this year after the Trump administration slashed foreign aid contracts.

As of Monday, the company's shares have plunged about 26% since January to close at $29.44 per share.

The stock price decline follows cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development, hampering humanitarian projects in foreign countries. Tetra Tech focuses on water, environment and sustainable infrastructure, and a substantial chunk of its revenue comes from contracts with federal, state and local government agencies.

Last year, USAID awarded the company several lucrative multiyear contracts. In October, Tetra Tech announced it had won a $5-billion contract from USAID to help developing countries throughout the world.

The 10-year contract included efforts such as improving access to clean water supplies and other critical services. The company also secured other multimillion-dollar USAID contracts, including a $439-million award to strengthen electricity, natural gas and other energy sources in Ukraine, which remains at war with Russia.

Elon Musk, who backed Donald Trump during his campaign for president, has been leading an effort called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to slash government spending. Those cuts have hit several government agencies, including USAID. In February, the Trump administration said it would put USAID workers on administrative leave and lay off 1,600 workers with duty stations in the United States, according to USAID's website.

Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. is slashing 83% of USAID programs, resulting in the elimination of 5,200 contracts.

Some of the federal contracts DOGE terminated included USAID funding for various projects to improve water sanitation, healthcare, education and other important services in developing countries throughout Africa and Asia, according to HigherGov.

Tetra Tech didn't respond to a request for comment.

When Tetra Tech announced its quarterly earnings in January, the company said in a statement that it had paused some of its work with the federal government, including USAID projects.

Tetra Tech Chief Executive Dan Batrack said in the earnings conference call that month that the company's USAID contracts had been placed on hold for 90 days.

He noted that USAID accounts for roughly one-third of the work the company does with the federal government and typically 10% of its revenue.

Tetra Tech also works with the U.S. Department of Defense, and its development work centers on places such as the South China Sea that are crucial to national security, priorities that align with Trump's administration, Batrack said.
HOLIDAY, Fla. (WFLA) The Pasco Sheriffs Office is asking the community for help in solving a homicide that happened in Holiday on March 14.

On Friday around 11:50 p.m. Miguel Angel Santiago Jr. 24, drove to the area of Roxbury Drive and was shot and killed, deputies said.

The family of Santiago Jr. has waived Marsys law protection and permitted PSO to release the information to try and find more information on this case.

Credit: Pasco County Sheriffs Office

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Deputies said the shooting did not appear to be a random act and appeared to be isolated.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to submit a tip to the PSO Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488 or report tips online.

To be eligible for a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477 or report anonymously online and refer to case number 25008455.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two Paterson, N.J., police officers will not face any charges for the 2023 fatal shooting of Najee Seabrooks, authorities announced Tuesday.

A grand jury declined any charges against the two cops, Anzore Tsay and Jose Hernandez, according to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

The killing of Seabrooks sparked protests in Paterson and led to a takeover of the Paterson Police Department by the attorney generals office, which is still in effect.

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Seabrooks, 31, called 911 on himself on March 3, 2023, from his brothers apartment, according to authorities. He told officers he thought someone was trying to kill him, and family members said he was acting out of character.

Seabrooks worked with a nonviolent intervention group, Paterson Health Collective, and his co-workers told responding officers they wanted to take charge of the scene.

However, Paterson police remained in command and negotiated with Seabrooks for five hours as he barricaded himself in a bathroom. Seabrooks had three knives in the room with him, and he was carrying one when he finally exited the room and moved toward police, according to bodycam video.

Tsay and Hernandez responded by fatally shooting Seabrooks, but the grand jury determined there was not enough evidence to charge them with a crime.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Several Pee Dee area schools will be awarded part of a $5 million grant for their commitment to accelerating student growth in English language arts and math, a South Carolina Department of Education news release said.

37 schools across 29 districts in the state are receiving a portion of the Strategic Compensation Pilot Grant for the first time. Seven of the schools come from the Pee Dee area, including:

Darlington High School in Darlington County

Hartsville Middle School in Darlington County

Hannah-Pamplico Elementary School in Florence County School District Two

Hannah-Pamplico Middle School in Florence County School District Two

Johnsonville Elementary School in Florence County School District Five

Johnsonville Middle School in Florence County School District Five

Johnakin Middle School in Marion County School District (Marion 10)

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The purpose of the Strategic Compensation Pilot Grant is to reward educators for student success, the release explained. These grants acknowledge the real impact teachers make, shifting the focus from years served to measurable academic growth.

118 schools applied for more than $22 million in funding, showing that the demand for innovative strategic teacher compensation in South Carolina is undeniable, the release said.

While only 37 schools are receiving the award this year, the release said that these schools serve as a model for rewarding excellence and ensuring that high-performing educators stay in the classroom.

Great teachers change lives, Ellen Weaver, state superintendent of education said. Every day, South Carolina educators are proving that when we invest in teaching excellence, students thrive.

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This initiative is about more than just pay, she furthered. Its about rewarding the educators who are moving the needle on student growth in the foundational skills of reading and math. When we recognize and support the very best teaching, we set a new horizon for whats possible for students in every corner of our state.

Teachers at participating schools can earn a one-time performance-based bonus based on student academic growth data, with three different approaches to determining awards. According to the news release, these include:

State Collaboration Model  Based on SC Ready growth data for grades 4-8.

Excellence in Teaching Model  Tied to fall-to-spring interim assessment growth for grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.

District-Designed Model  Custom compensation plans using quantitative student growth data.

The average school award exceeds $120,000, with final allocations determined by student enrollment and classroom academic growth outcomes, the release said.

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* * *

Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Pennsylvania is one step closer to making it illegal to discriminate against a person based on their hair.

House Bill 439, also known as the CROWN Act, is now headed to the Senate State Government Committee for a vote after passing the state House Monday, according to State Rep. LaTasha Mayes (D-Allegheny).

Today we take another significant step towards ending race-based discrimination in our commonwealth and creating a respectful and open world for natural hair, Mayes said. It is shameful that such a basic protection has still not been codified into our state law after years of legislative action. No one should face discrimination for wearing their hair as it naturally grows from their head or in protective styles such as locs, braids or cornrows. The CROWN Act deserves an immediate vote from the state Senate to protect our workers, students, and other members of the public from this insidious type of discrimination.

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The bill passed the state House with a vote of 194-8.

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H.B. 439 would amend the PA Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on a persons hair type, hair texture or hairstyle, including for Pennsylvania employers.

During the previous legislation, the CROWN Act did pass the state house with a vote of 182-21 but it was never brought before the Senate.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Mar. 17WILKES-BARRE  Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Deputy Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Laurel Anders, this week visited R.B. Winter State Park in Union County to stock trout and highlight the amazing fishing opportunities available in the Commonwealth.

Through a partnership with PFBC, the American Sportfishing Association and DCNR, the public can borrow fishing rods, reels, and an equipped tackle box to try fishing while at certain parks.

"Being outdoors is good for your health, and a day spent fishing also creates memories with family and friends," Dunn said. "We want those benefits to be available to all. Pennsylvania has endless opportunities to experience the great outdoors and offer a chance to reconnect with nature. That's exactly what this new partnership is about: discovering a new skill, revisiting a childhood hobby and enjoying our beautiful state parks."

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The program is a part of Mosaic  DCNR's initiative to create a more inclusive environment in outdoor places.

Pennsylvania's statewide opening day of trout season will be held on Saturday, April 5.

A single, statewide mentored youth trout day will take place on Saturday, March 29.

In 2025, PFBC is stocking approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 691 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling.

The trout stocking schedule is searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers, and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location.

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Fishing in Pennsylvania requires a fishing license. For information about purchasing a fishing license, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's website.

Anglers who plan to fish from a boat this trout season are reminded that the PFBC's cold weather life jacket requirement is in effect from Nov. 1 through April 30. Under this rule, anyone aboard a boat 16 feet or less, including all canoes and kayaks, is required to wear a life jacket.

There are 86,000 miles of rivers and streams, and thousands of lakes and ponds in Pennsylvania. Much of this abundant freshwater wealth is found in more than 100 state parks and 20 state forests that permit fishing with the proper fishing license.

With warmer weather on the horizon, DCNR also is preparing to open many campgrounds for the year, just in time for trout season. A full list of state parks that offer camping can be found on DCNR's website.

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Pashinski to host week-long event in Plains District Office

State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, will host an unclaimed property week starting Monday, March 17, and ending on Friday, March 21.

This event will take place every weekday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at his Plains Township District Office, 1325 N. River St., Suite101A in Plains Township.

"Each year, the Pennsylvania Treasury helps people recover unclaimed property that is rightfully theirs," Pashinski said. "To date, my office was able to return over $30,000 to people that live in my district. My office is always available to help those claim their unclaimed property with no charge for this constituent service."

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The Treasury has nearly $3.8 billion in unclaimed property, which it is seeking to return to individuals and businesses, Pashinski said.

Bresnahan announces opening of four district office locations

U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr., R-Dallas Township, announced four office locations in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

The four offices  located in Forty Fort, Scranton, Hazleton and Scotrun  will be open Monday through Friday to serve constituents.

"It is important that our team is accessible to those who need assistance with the federal government, and I am proud to announce four separate offices that will be open daily for constituents who need our help," Bresnahan said. "Navigating federal agencies can be complex and frustrating, and it is our responsibility to provide guidance, cut through red tape, and help individuals and families receive the services they deserve."

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All four district offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Constituent services include:

Casework (assistance with federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security, the Department of State, USPS, etc.)

Identifying federal government resources

Letters of support for federal grant applications

Commemorations and recognitions

U.S. Service Academy nominations

Assisting with visits to Washington, D.C.

The four district offices are located in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Monroe Counties, but all offices are open to constituents from any county, including Pike and Wayne Counties.

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In addition, Bresnahan will have office hours by appointment at locations in Pike and Wayne Counties, and he will have a mobile office that will bring these services directly to constituents across the 8th District.

The locations and phone numbers of the permanent offices are as follows:

Forty Fort Office, 900 Rutter Ave., Bldg. B, 1st Fl, Suite C, Box 23, Forty Fort, PA 18704, 570-763-6120

Scranton Office, 116 N. Washington Ave., Suite 101, Scranton, PA 18503, 570-906-6850

Hazleton Office, 145 East Broad St., Suite 3, Hazleton, PA 18201, 570-710-6830

Scotrun Office , 2398 Route 611, Suite 101, Scotrun, PA 18355, 570-534-6220

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Walsh to host free concealed carry seminars

To help residents better understand Pennsylvania's firearms laws and how to be more responsible gun owners, Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, will host two concealed carry seminars in Luzerne County.

The free events are as follows:

Monday, April 14, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Back Mountain Regional EMA Building

3593 State Route 118, Lehman Township

Thursday, May 1, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Butler Township Municipal Building

83 Corporate Drive, Drums

"Anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of their rights under Pennsylvania's firearms regulations is invited to attend our seminar," Walsh said. "The goal is to provide clear, factual information, with local experts guiding the conversation."

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The seminar will feature presentations by Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce and Luzerne County Sheriff Brian Szumski, who will discuss Pennsylvania's gun laws and answer questions.

Due to limited seating, attendees are asked to register for the event by calling Rep. Walsh's Dallas office at  570-675-6000  or his Sugarloaf office at  570-359-2138  or by visiting  www.RepWalsh.com/events.

Pennycuick to host Women Veterans Celebration at Capitol

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-Harleysville, a United States Army combat veteran, will host her third annual Women Veterans Celebration at the Capitol on June 10, to honor and recognize the service of women veterans across the Commonwealth.

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This event was established following the passage of Pennycuick's 2022 legislation designating June 12, as Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania.

Ensuring that the contributions of women in the military receive the recognition they deserve, women veterans from all branches of the military are encouraged to attend and take part in this special tribute.

"As a Pennsylvania state senator and a United States Army Combat Veteran, I am committed to ensuring that my colleagues  and all of Pennsylvania  recognize the vital role women play in our military," said Pennycuick.

A display will also be available and will go live on Monday, June 9, at www.senatorpennycuick.com.

The deadline to submit entries is Friday, May 9.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
African telecoms and infrastructure operator AFR-IX Telecom has secured new funding in the form of a 14.3 million grant from the European Commission (EC) to support the Medusa Africa submarine cable system through the EU's CEF Digital programme.

The EC awarded the grant to Medusa through its Backbone Connectivity for Digital Global Gateways program with the objective to connect the Southern European Data Gateway with Atlantic Africa via a 24-fiber pair submarine cable system.

The Medusa submarine cable system links the Mediterranean countries in North Africa and Southern Europe through the Atlantic and the Red Sea.

The Medusa system is designed to strengthen intercontinental connectivity through the Mediterranean, and with the new grant will now be extended further into West Africa.

According to Medusa, the expansion of the cable network will enhance interconnectivity between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, mitigating potential saturation from increasing connectivity demands.

"This investment marks a significant milestone in enhancing digital connectivity between Europe and Africa, fostering economic and technological development across the region," Medusa says.

"The project lays the groundwork for a dedicated African connectivity subsystem within the broader Medusa network, that is, conducting the marine survey from a dedicated Branching Unit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, surveying potential branch routes along the African west coastline."

Medusa Africa is one of 21 initiatives selected in the third round of CEF Digital funding. Among these is Atmed Malta  DG (Atlantic-Mediterranean Data Gateway), another AFR-IX Telecom project, which will integrate Malta into the Medusa network and has been awarded 3,7 million in funding.

These grants are part of the European Commissions broader 420 million investment in digital infrastructure, of which 142 million is allocated to submarine cable projects.

In addition to MEDUSA AFRICA and ATMED Malta  DG, AFR-IX telecom has secured funding for several other strategic projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program.
On March 13, Panamas National Assembly approved an overhaul of the countrys ailing social security system, with President Jose Raul Mulino signaling he would sign it into law. The pension reform frees Mulinos hand to turn toward the second major domestic challenge he inherited from his predecessor, former President Laurentino Cortizo, when he took office last year: the uncertain future of the now-closed Cobre Panama copper mine.

The two issues are both deeply divisive, but also interrelated. Before it closed, the Cobre Panama mine accounted for 5 percent of the countrys GDP, but its most recent contract triggered widespread outrage over environmental concerns, royalty agreements, a near-automatic extension clause and broader sovereignty issues. Meanwhile, Panamas pension system is running out of funds. The bill approved last week aims to ensure its financial sustainability, but it has divided the country, and its effectiveness remains the subject of debate.

With a high fiscal deficit and rising debt, reopening the mine under revised terms could generate much-needed revenue to stabilize the pension system. With pension reforms now approved, President Jose Raul Mulino has made it clear that his next major priority will be determining the fate of Cobre Panama. While public opposition to reopening the mine remains strong, Mulino could frame his approach for doing so as a correction of past missteps, rather than a continuation of them.

Cobre Panamas Economic Role and Controversies

To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter.

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Cobre Panama, one of the worlds largest copper mines, represents the biggest private investment in Panamas history, valued at an estimated $10 billion. Before its closure, it accounted for 75 percent of the countrys exports and 2.3 percent of total employment. Operated by the Canadian firm First Quantum Minerals through its local subsidiary Minera Panama, the mine has long been mired in controversy due to environmental concerns, legal battles and public outcry.

The original 1997 contract for the mine was ruled unconstitutional in 2017, prompting a renegotiation by Cortizos administration. However, after six years of bureaucratic inertia, as well as political reluctance due to the incentives created by the mines continued operations, the rushed approval by the Cortizo government of a renegotiated contract in 2023 ignited mass protests. While many opposed it on environmental and sovereignty grounds, others condemned the negotiations conducted by the Cortizo administration for alleged corruption, lack of transparency and weak leadership. In November 2023, Panamas Supreme Court struck down the new contract as unconstitutional, citing 25 violations of the Constitution.

Mulino, who took office last July, inherited a volatile situation, with First Quantum initiating multiple arbitration proceedings against Panama. However, his administration initially prioritized tackling the looming crisis of Panamas pension systema long-neglected issue that, because it is rapidly approaching insolvency, demanded urgent action.

The Looming Social Security Crisis

Panamas Social Security Fund, or CSS, operates two pension programs: the solidarity program, which funds retirees pensions through active workers payments and has been closed to new entrants since 2008; and the mixed program, which combines a solidarity component with individual savings accounts and has been mandatory since 2008. The solidarity system is running out of funds, as the number of pensioners has increased while the number of active contributors has dwindled. Experts warn that reserves may already be depleted or will run dry soon, with projected deficits of $2.4 billion by 2030 and up to $6 billion by 2050.

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Successive governments have been reluctant to address the issue, despite the systems imminent collapse, due to the high political cost of unpopular reforms. The Cortizo administration proposed injecting funds through anticipated revenues from the Cobre Panama contract. Even if the renegotiated contract had taken effect, though, it would have been a short-term fix, raising concerns about relying on temporary financial patches instead of long-term solutions to the systems structural problems.

Mulinos Cabinet introduced a reform package in November aimed at addressing these problems. The proposal would have raised the retirement age from 62 to 65 for men and 57 to 60 for women; increase employer contributions to the CSS to 7.25 percent, up from 4.25 percent; and allocate an annual state contribution of roughly $1.2 billion to stabilize the systems finances.

The bill approved by the National Assembly last week maintained Mulinos proposals to increase employee contributions by 3 percent and to set the governments annual contribution at approximately $1.2 billion. And while it removed the proposed increase in the retirement age, drawing public criticism, it includes a provision for a potential gradual increase in the future. A unified solidarity fund will also consolidate reserves from existing pension programs, raising concerns over potential expropriation of individual funds. Finally, the reform includes guidelines for financial sustainability and transparency, with provisions for clearer financial reporting and public participation.

Mulino announced he would sign the bill into law this week, stating that while it is not perfect, it closely reflects the governments initial proposal.

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However, Fitch Ratings quickly warned that the approved reforms will not alleviate the governments fiscal pressures. Instead of reducing the financial burden, the measures shift the strain to the government, increasing its budgetary deficit. And while the reform may offer temporary financial stability for the CSS, it fails to tackle the root issue, as the operational deficit is expected to persist despite the increase in employer contributions. The government must also disclose how it plans to finance these new obligations.

The Politics of Delay

Mulinos decision to address pension reform before tackling Cobre Panamas future reflects the difficult trade-offs his administration faces in balancing economic growth, social security funding and public backlash over resource extraction. As a candidate, Mulino campaigned on economic revitalization, so he may see reopening the mine as a pragmatic choice to secure much-needed revenue for Panama and its struggling pension system. To mitigate public backlash, he might pursue stronger environmental protections, a shorter concession period and revisions to the Cobre Panama contracts most contentious provisions, striking a delicate balance between economic necessity and political survival.

Mulino has often pointed to the economic toll of the mines closure, including the loss of over 7,000 jobs from the mine itself and 40,000 more that are indirectly tied to it, and warned that it has weakened Panamas fiscal stability. Now that the pension reform has passed, he has promised to shift his focus to Cobre Panama. He previously conditioned any negotiations on First Quantum suspending arbitration against Panamaa key obstacle that the company has now agreed to remove.

But Mulinos public comments suggest he is not simply looking to return to business as usual in terms of the mines operations. I have innovative ideas to change the structure of what the mine was into what it could be, he stated already in late February, signaling that he is aiming for a recalibrated model, one that can better balance economic and environmental considerations while directing some revenue toward the newly reformed pension system. And by framing the mines reopening as a necessary step to support social security and economic recovery, he may gain broader support while mitigating public opposition.

Whats Next?

Mulino announced that his administration will take action on Cobre Panama this week, calling the issue complex and financially critical. He acknowledged the ongoing arbitration casestotaling tens of millions of dollarsbut with First Quantum now ready to suspend proceedings, the path for negotiations appears clearer.

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As an immediate measure, he authorized the export of already milled mineral material, arguing that Panama has a financial stake in it and must recover its value. He also approved the reactivation of a 300-megawatt thermoelectric plant to support exports and coal imports, citing the benefits for the national energy supply. With businesses struggling, he stressed the need for swift but cautious action on Cobre Panama itself.

But to secure public support, he must clearly differentiate his approach from that of his predecessor, whether through stricter environmental policies, a fairer revenue-sharing model or a more limited concession period. Mulinos ability to present a transparent and balanced plan for Cobre Panama will be crucial to ensuring the countrys economic stability and his own political backing moving forward.

Cristina Guevara is a Latin America policy analyst and writer. She previously served as a policy and legislative adviser in Panamas National Assembly. In addition to World Politics Review, she has written for Foreign Policy, The Miami Herald, Rolling Stone, Americas Quarterly and The Dallas Morning News, among other outlets. A Chevening scholar, she is currently pursuing her second masters degree focused on inequality and governance in Latin America at University College London.

The post After Pension Reforms, Mulinos Next Hurdle Is the Cobre Panama Mine appeared first on World Politics Review.
Several webpages that celebrated the armed forces history of racial integration have been removed from Defense Department websites, TPM has found.

An Army webpage from 2008 that lauded the 60th anniversary of President Harry Trumans 1948 integration order has disappeared. It was available as recently as last year, web archives show. One Air Force page devoted to breaking barriers is no longer accessible  and the word DEI appears to have been added to its URL.

A page from the Navys History and Heritage Command that includes a monograph about Black Sailors and the Integration of the U.S. Navy now has a large red banner on top that reads, Content on this website has been revised or removed to align with the Presidents executive orders and DoD priorities in accordance with DoD Instruction 5400.17 Official Use of Social Media for Public Affairs Purposes.'

After TPM sent the Pentagon a list of deactivated links that included a Marines page with the URL http://honoring-history-achievements-of-african-american-marines and an Air Force page about Colin Powell being the first African-American joint chiefs chairman now labeled as DEI, Press Secretary John Ullyot owned the move in a statement.

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As Secretary Hegseth has said, DEI is dead at the Defense Department. Efforts to divide the force  to put one group ahead of another through DEI programs  erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution, Ullyot wrote. We are pleased by the rapid compliance across the Department with the directive removing DEI content from all platforms. In the rare cases that content is removed that is out of the clearly outlined scope of the directive, we instruct components accordingly.

The Pentagon so far seems to have taken a scattershot approach to its task. In addition to having 1.3 million active duty personnel and around 800,000 in the reserve, the Department of Defense also boasts a large presence online. Some pages that were scrubbed  like the Air Forces Colin Powell page thats no longer accessible  continue to be accessible elsewhere on the militarys online footprint.

Its not a total scrub. There are still many pages that mention or celebrate racial integration that are still online; but the Pentagon appears to have removed a significant portion of them under the anti-DEI order.

One page that focuses on African American Service and Racial Integration in the U.S. Military was deactivated when TPM first asked about it in a Monday evening press inquiry. After the inquiry, the page appears to have been restored to the internet.

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Still, many pages across the branches that celebrated the militarys history of desegregation initiatives are no longer available. The Washington Post reported on Monday that a page on a Native American Marine who was captured in a famous image raising an American flag on Iwo Jima was also caught up in the purge; Axios reported Monday that a page on the Navajo Code Talkers had been removed.

One website that celebrated the passage of the Civil Rights Act and its effect on the military is no longer accessible, TPM found. Internet archives show that it could be accessed during Trumps first term. Another page, in which a veteran from the late 1940s recalled the process of integration, is also down.

One Army page, accessible last year via archive, honored the 75th anniversary of Trumans integration order and its impact on the National Guard. The page is no longer available.

The article within quoted one official as saying that change ultimately comes from people, not laws.

When someone says to me, Hey, I would love to see more African Americans in my organization, my question is, Are you part of the recruiting process? the person said. When it comes to inspiring change, its on every one of us.
Behaviour on trains has definitely got worse over the past year, says 33-year-old ticket inspector, Gregg*. Feet on seats, litter, loud phone calls, loud music, people watching whole films without headphones. When I politely ask people to move their feet or keep the volume down I no longer feel I have the support of the other passengers  even though Im trying to make the journey more pleasant for them. I get the sense nobody likes us since the rail strikes.

Greggs speaking on a Greater Anglia service from Colchester to London, on which I have just watched him issue a fine to a smartly suited, middle-aged businessman for travelling without a ticket. He only began working on the trains two years ago after a decade in banking. I quit because people in the industry became so rude and aggressive after Covid. On the trains, I still deal with rudeness and aggression but not from my colleagues who are mostly really decent. Unlike guards, he explains, ticket inspectors travel in pairs so I do feel Alan here has my back.

Alan, 60, has been working as an inspector  on the revenue, as he puts it  since 1992 and agrees that there has been a steady decline in passenger behaviour. While Gregg blames mostly teenagers, his colleague disagrees. Its people of all ages and cultures. Men and women too. Hes read reports of incidents of parents allowing their children to watch whole films without headphones (such as the one last week which caused an EasyJet flight to make an emergency landing after passengers came to blows over a five-year-old watching The Karate Kid on loud speaker).

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Alan has a funny story from a recent journey on which a woman in first class had asked the man opposite to turn down the volume on his wired headphones as the sound of gunfire from his computer game was disturbing her. When he refused, he chuckles, she got a pair of nail clippers out of her bag and snipped through the wire! That fixed his wagon!

But to be honest, sighs Alan, most people do use their headphones. He gestures around us to a carriage full of people quietly plugged into their devices. We have a bigger problem with very loud phone calls. People seem to have lost their self-awareness. Theyll discuss very personal subjects, use shocking language around young kids or shout out their credit card details  without a care for their privacy, self respect or safety Let alone thinking of the other people who have no choice but to listen to them.

According to a 2024 research poll by YouGov, 31 per cent of passengers surveyed said they were irritated by people playing music out loud. Only nine per cent were irked by fellow travellers talking on the phone.

Despite ticket inspectors ability to issue fines, inspectors Alan and Gregg estimate that only 50-70pc of passengers disturbing others acquiesce to their requests - Julian Simmonds

How do Gregg and Alan deal with the issue? Well approach them politely. Were never aggressive, Alan says. Well just say: Excuse me, youre being quite loud, can you keep it down please? Or, if its music or scrolling through TikTok or whatever well say: Would you mind using some headphones, please? You are disturbing other passengers, whether you mean to or not.

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How many people acquiesce? Id say 70 per cent? mulls Alan. More like 50 per cent, says the grimmer-faced Gregg. But were moving through the train all the time so Im sure as soon as were gone some of them turn it straight back up again. Alan says theyve learned that If we get a bad reaction  that can be a gesture or just being told to Eff Off  then weve learned not to react to that reaction. We move on.

Has he ever felt frightened? Not exactly that, he says. But you feel uncomfortable. Frustrated. Humiliated. Im a man of mature years and so being disrespected by a kid the same age as my grandchildren isnt a nice feeling. Its... upsetting.

Although they both feel safer working together and wearing body cameras, they sensibly say they wouldnt risk escalating situations and would be more likely to suggest other passengers move away from the disturbance.

We do have the power to fine people, under the bye-laws [which mean rail passengers can be prosecuted for any behaviour causing the annoyance of any person], continues Gregg. According to Section 219 of the Transport Act 2000: Except with written permission from the Operator, no person on the railway shall, to the annoyance of any person: (i) sing; or (ii) use any instrument, article or equipment for the production or reproduction of sound. Offenders can be fined up to 1,000.

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In 2023, 31-year-old Oluseun Olumide Olaifa, from Tottenham was confronted by staff after blasting music on a Bluetooth speaker throughout a long journey on the London Undergrounds Jubilee Line. He refused to turn it off even after being informed about the bye-laws and was taken to court by Transport for London (TfL). In a behind-closed-doors Single Justice Procedure hearing, he was sentenced to pay a 40 fine, 250 in costs, and a 16 victim surcharge.

Have Gregg and Alan ever been involved in trying to fine anybody? They shake their heads. Would they ever call the British Transport Police, or local police to help quieten noisy passengers? No, shrugs Gregg. Wed reserve those calls for more dangerous or concerning behaviour. We wouldnt want to waste their time. Anyway, it can take the police up to 45 minutes to reach us. The Met is pretty good when we get into London.

Neither of them would expect other passengers to weigh in. After were gone, theyre left sitting beside the person whos causing the problem. You never know what people are going to do, says Alan. Its nice when the odd person takes the time to find us on the platform and thank us for stopping the noise, though.

The official line from Greater Anglia is clear on how unwelcome noise is managed: Any customers who encounter a noisy passenger can inform a member of railway staff, or they can choose to move to a different carriage. Conductors deal with these situations through a conversation with the customer. All conductors use body-worn cameras, and our trains have comprehensive CCTV. We have a quiet zone on our Intercity trains. Phone calls are permitted in all other areas of trains, and a conductor would only intervene if the content of a call was potentially offensive to other customers.

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In step with the moderate messaging from his employer, Alans quite an easy-going guy. If a group of people are playing music and theyve got a carriage to themselves Ill leave them to it and only ask them to stop if other people get onto that carriage. Gregg says: Ive noticed that if members of the police, or British Transport Police, walk through the train then people do still seem to respect that authority. Id love that to happen more often. But I just dont think theyve got the resources.

Its like the problem weve got with shoplifting in this country, isnt it?, he says. Theres a certain element of the community whove got used to breaking these smaller laws because they know nobodys going to deal with it.

*Names have been changed

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Welp, nearly 140 years after gifting the Statue of Liberty to the United States, a French politician said we ought to give it back.

Peter Adams / Getty Images

Yes, MEP and president of a left-wing party in France, Raphael Glucksmann was speaking to supporters when he reportedly said, "Were going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: 'Give us back the Statue of Liberty.'"

Thierry Monasse / Getty Images, Nisian Hughes / Getty Images

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News of this statement quickly spread across the ocean and made it to American timelines. Two tweets sharing the assertion went viral on X, collectively gaining about 10 million views  and a FLOOD of comments  in less than 24 hours. Here's how Americans are reacting:

While we can't endorse what X has become, we can bring you the worthwhile moments that still exist there, curated and free of the surrounding chaos.

yall  France tryna repo the Statue of Liberty. pic.twitter.com/4cqcjlPTDk  Maries daughter  (@j0vintage) March 17, 2025

Bravo / Twitter: @j0vintage

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Now  is it likely that France will really take back the Statue of Liberty? No. This was a comment made by a singular politician.

Regardless, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has already shot back when asked about the possibility of President Donald Trump returning the statue.

"Absolutely not," she said during a press briefing. "My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it's only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So they should be very grateful to our great country."

Kevin Fleming / Getty Images

SO! What are your thoughts on the situation? Let us know in the comments.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  The Peoria County Sheriffs and Coroners Office are asking for help identifying a woman found in the Illinois River.

In a post on his offices Facebook page, Coroner Jamie Harwood said fingerprints of the woman were sent to the Illinois State Police Crime Lab, but as of Tuesday evening, she remains unidentified.

She is between 25 and 35 and of mixed race with short, tight curly black hair. She is 5-foot, 7-inches tall with no tattoos or scars. She was found wearing a purple or maroon St. Johns Bay t-shirt, and dark gray/black Athletic Works and XIEERDUO brands sweatpants, Harwood said.

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Sheriff Chris Watkins said his deputies were called to an area near Mosaic Fertilizer in the 8700 block of Cargill Road at 2:30 p.m. Monday on a report of a body in the river. When they arrived, they found the woman who was retrieved from the river by a firefighter from the Pekin Fire Department, which brought their boat.

The company is about a quarter mile off where that road intersects with Illinois Route 9.

The woman, Watkins said, appears to have been in the water for at least 24 hours.

Peoria County detectives are currently working with the Peoria County coroner to identify the female and cause of death, the sheriff said.

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Harwood said its too early to determine a cause of death, as authorities dont know how the woman ended up in the river.

Contact Detective Lee Hoffman at (309) 657-5532 with any information that could help officials identify the woman. People can also submit a tip through CrimeStoppers, the Sheriffs App or by calling the coroners office at (309) 669-2000 and pressing 1 at the prompt.

Last May, another woman was found in the lagoon near that company. According to Peoria County Coroner Jaimie Harwoods Facebook, 37-year-old Seiarra (Waddell) DeLasso died from drowning. There were no signs of struggle, trauma, or physical harm.

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PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill. (WMBD)  Hundreds of people came out to W.E. Sullivans Irish Pub for its annual St. Patricks Day party.

They played live music, drank beer, and served traditional Irish meals like shepherds pie and corn beef and cabbage.

Heres what you need to know about St. Patricks Day

Scott White from Germantown Hills comes to Peoria Heights every year to celebrate. This year he went all out and decided to dye his beard green for the Irish holiday.

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Its just a great fest, I love what the heights do. Ive always loved the heights and this is a good time. I mean, how cant you like it? Its just fun. Get here with friends and all that, you get to paint yourself green. I mean, Im Scottish, but, hey, Ill celebrate the Irish one day, said White.

The Saint Pattys Day celebration will continue all night long featuring live music and food.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Two Peoria teens were ordered on Tuesday to be held pending the outcome of allegations that they were involved in the deadly shooting of a Far North Peoria man last November.

Dayquan D. Diggs and Harrington Wadlington, both 17, were charged with murder and burglary in connection with the Nov. 4, 2024, incident in the 8900 block of North Scrimshaw Drive.

Killed was 22-year-old Clay Megan, who had called police just after midnight to report several teens breaking into cars on his block.

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On Friday, Diggs and Wadlington appeared in court during a brief hearing, where Peoria County Judge Mark Gilles found probable cause to allow the case to proceed. The detention hearing was set for Monday by agreement of both their attorney and prosecutors.

Gilles found both presented a real and present threat to the community. He noted they were armed with a lethal killing ability and that is in fact what occurred. And while they both scored low on a risk assessment test, the judge said that is just a tool, and does not take into consideration a persons juvenile record.

Diggs, the judge said, is currently on probation for a weapons count. And prior to that, he was found guilty in 2022 of juvenile court of aggravated vehicular hijacking and sent to juvenile prison. He was on after care, the juvenile version of parole, when the deadly shooting occurred on Scrimshaw.

A lengthy, lengthy delinquency history, Gilles said of Diggs past record. It would be unreasonable to think that there would be any condition . . . that could mitigate the threat he does pose.

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Regarding Wadlington, Gilles said, he noted his priors as well. He was on juvenile probation at the time of the November shooting for possession of a stolen vehicle. He also has two pending cases in juvenile court  one for an illegal weapons possession case and the other for reckless discharge of a firearm, the judge said.

One took place before the homicide and one after. Its a concerning history, the judge said.

Both teens appeared in court by way of video-conferencing from the countys juvenile detention center. Each wore a gray sweat suit of a detainee. At the courthouse, Gilles third-floor courtroom was full. One entire side was packed with friends and family of Megan. The other side had supporters of the two teenagers.

And as he did on Friday, Wadlingtons father appeared in court on a ZOOM call as he is out of state.

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Their ages and the murder charge meant their cases were automatically transferred from the juvenile division to adult court. Each faces a maximum of 40 years behind bars instead of a maximum of 60 years due to rulings by the Illinois Supreme Court in the past that capped what a juvenile could face.

However, if a judge finds theyre beyond rehabilitation, each boy could receive up to 60 years if convicted of first-degree murder.

The murder counts allege they personally discharged the gun that killed Megan. That statement could mean they could face a 25-year tack-on to the base range of 20 to 40 years in prison. For juveniles, even if transfers, the tack-on isnt mandatory but at the discretion of the judge.

Both teens will next appear in court on April 10 for a preliminary hearing, though it is likely a grand jury will hear the case before then. If so, then the preliminary hearing will become an arraignment.

The allegations

Officers were on their way to the scene when they learned that shots had been fired, and when they arrived, they found Megan on the ground with a gunshot wound to his neck. A gun was nearby, as were several shell casings in the street, according to court records.

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Police were able to get surveillance video that showed an SUV with several people in or near it. People were trying to break into cars. It appears Megan saw them and came out of his home with a gun.

At that point, Diggs and Wadlington allegedly started shooting. The SUV then drove off and was later found. A bag of Doritos was found in the vehicle. DNA on the bag matched Diggs, according to court records.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A person was airlifted after a two-vehicle crash Monday night, March 17 in Sunland Park, according to the Sunland Park Fire Department.

The Fire Department says it responded just after 9 p.m. to a two-vehicle crash with extrication at McNutt Road and Poplar Drive.

One person was seriously injured and was airlifted by El Paso Fires Fire STAR helicopter.

U.S. Border Patrol and Dona Ana Fire Rescue also responded to the crash.

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No further information was reported.

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With a market-leading +99% accuracy rate, Incode will play a key role in safeguarding Aussie minors on social media

Incode Technologies Inc., a global leader in innovative identity and age verification solutions, is participating in the Australian government's trial to evaluate technologies designed to prevent minors from accessing social media platforms.

The trial comes in response to the Australian Governments nationwide ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16. Set to take effect in November, the trial will evaluate the effectiveness, maturity, and readiness for the use of age assurance technologies in the Australian context.

Research shows that 80%, or 1.3 million, children in Australia aged 8-12 are using one or more social media platforms, highlighting the potential widespread breaches of minimum age policies.

Age-assurance technologies, used to verify, estimate, or infer user age, are essential tools for regulators and digital platforms seeking to protect online spaces.

Watch - how age-assurance technologies will keep Australian children safe from accessing social media platforms.

The revolutionary tech safeguarding Aussie children online

Using a simple biometric selfie, Incode's technology estimates a users age in mere seconds, achieving an industry leading 99.87% true positive rate without storing any personal information.

The system completes the entire verification process in just three seconds on average and demonstrates exceptional accuracy in estimating the age of minors (6-17), with a +99% accuracy rate.

Validated by recent testing by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Incode emerged as a top performer for age estimation and verification solutions in accuracy, reliability, and unbiasedness after rigorous testing across a wide range of real-world scenarios.

Incode aims to demonstrate its expertise in two key categories of age verification during the Australian trial:

Facial Age Estimation : This solution estimates a user's age through a simple selfie scan using advanced AI algorithms. It prioritizes privacy and does not store or share any biometric data.

: This solution estimates a user's age through a simple selfie scan using advanced AI algorithms. It prioritizes privacy and does not store or share any biometric data. Document-Based Verification:This method validates the users identity by leveraging government-issued IDs, matches the ID with a selfie to validate ownership, and calculates the age based on the documents date of birth. Incode runs over 35 proprietary checks to validate the ID while using data redaction that only extracts and shows the date of birth. All other information remains privateneither visible nor stored, ensuring a privacy-first user and backend experience.

We dont just meet requirements  we innovate alongside our clients to solve the industrys toughest age-related challenges, with privacy and safety at the core of everything we build, said Yoon Kim, Product Lead, Incode Technologies.

This collaboration underscores Incodes commitment to advancing age verification through cutting-edge technology.

Our long-standing expertise in age estimation extends beyond age-gated industries, helping businesses across sectors combat fraud while ensuring seamless user experiences. This depth of experience makes us a natural fit for this groundbreaking trial, which aligns with our mission to build trust and security in the digital world, said Milo Flores, GTM Lead for Age Verification, Incode Technologies.

The trial will be led by the U.K.-based nonprofit Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS), a globally recognised conformity assessment body specialising in age-assurance systems.

The trial's findings are expected to inform future regulatory frameworks and best practices for age verification solutions, paving the way for greater innovation in protecting vulnerable online users while upholding privacy standards.
At least 12 people including a popular musician died Monday when a small plane crashed into the Caribbean sea quickly after taking off from the Honduran island of Roatan, officials said. The Lanhsa Airlines plane departed at nightfall from Roatan, one of the central American country's main tourist destinations, headed for the port of La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland.

The aircraft "made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water," civil aviation official Carlos Padilla said.

"The plane almost fell on us. I was fishing," a fisherman, whose name was not given, told HCH television.

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The plane carried 17 passengers and crew, five of whom were rescued and hospitalized.

Rescue operations underway in the aftermath of a plane crash in location given as Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras, March 17, 2025. / Credit: Policia Nacional de Honduras/Handout via REUTERS

Dramatic video posted to social media by the national police showed rescue workers carrying a survivor on a stretcher onto the rocky shore. Another video showed a similar scene, with police reporting that only one body was still missing as rescue teams continued their search.

Roatan fire captain Franklin Borjas told the Reuters news agency that survivors were taken to a nearby hospital but provided no information on their conditions. Borjas told Reuters that the search and rescue efforts were complicated by the terrain.

"It's been difficult to access the accident (site) because there are 30 meters of rocks and you can't get there while walking or swimming," he told Reuters. "The divers helping with the rescue have zero visibility."

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Among the victims was Aurelio Martinez, a former member of Congress and member of the Garifuna ethnic group, which is of mixed African and Indigenous heritage. Martinez also held U.S. citizenship. His representative, Helene Odile Guivarch, a French citizen, was among the survivors.

Martinez was originally from Honduras' Gracias a Dios region along the country's Caribbean coast.

"We're devastated," his nephew Angel Aparicio Fernandez Martinez, also a musician who played with his uncle, said Tuesday. "He was the family's pillar."

Martinez was a member of Los Gatos Bravos before forming his own group Lita Ariran. His first album "Garifuna Soul" took him to Europe, the United States and other parts of the world.

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"He was the greatest model from Honduras of Garifuna music on a worldwide stage," his nephew said.

"Martinez's virtuosic musicianship and passionate performances made him a mainstay of the La Cieba music scene, where he was best loved for his take on punta rock, the high-energy, Garifuna roots-infused pop genre that took Central America by storm in the 1990s," according to the Kennedy Center.

Singer-songwriter, guitarist and percussionist Aurelio Martinez of the band Aurelio performs onstage at the Hollywood Bowl Presents the 38th Anniversary Playboy Jazz Festival Day 1 at the Hollywood Bowl on June 11, 2016 in Hollywood, California. / Credit: Mathew Imaging via Getty

Fifteen passengers were on the plane, along with two pilots and a flight attendant, according to police.

The crash, which happened about half a mile from the island's coast, was caused by an "apparent mechanical failure" on the British-made Jetstream 41, the police statement said.

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Honduran President Xiomara Castro said she had "immediately activated" an emergency committee made up of the armed forces, firefighters and others to assist the victims of the accident.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The former Mister Sizzles, a popular Buffalo burger joint, is set to open its planned Hamburg location under new branding and a new owner, the former owners said.

The Hamburg location, on Buffalo Street, will open up on March 28 and be named Augies after former owners Chris and Casey Casas son, who is awaiting a heart transplant. The Casas will not be the owners, but will serve as the directors of operation.

Augies will have similar menu items to Mister Sizzles, but different recipes. Former staff will be re-hired.

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A second location is expected to open at the former Connecticut Street location in Buffalo in June, which closed in February following a lawsuit filed by part owner John Pantalena accusing Chris and Casey Casas of breaches of fiduciary duties, breaches of contract, misappropriation and diversion of Company funds and assets and listed neglect, mismanagement, corporate waste, self-dealing, conflicts of interest, and improper conduct as causes of the businesss permanent and irreparable damage.

The Hamburg location had opened weeks prior for takeout and delivery. A planned Clarence location had not opened.

Mister Sizzles first opened on Connecticut Street in 2021. It was named Buffalo Spree magazines Best New Restaurant in 2022 and was featured on an episode of A&Es Best in Chow series in 2023.

Latest Local News

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

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Doctors and medical students with Kentucky Physicians for Reproductive Freedom gather at the Kentucky Capitol to advocate for a full restoration of abortion access, March 12, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Planned Parenthood is calling on Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to veto last weeks legislative changes to Kentuckys abortion ban.

Contrary to Republican backers claims, the amendment would do nothing to improve patient safety, says a release from Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, and instead puts pregnant Kentuckians lives at even greater risk.

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The organization on Monday sent the Democratic governor a letter outlining its objections to House Bill 90, which was hastily amended last week to spell out when medical providers in Kentucky are permitted to end a pregnancy under the abortion bans exemption for preventing serious physical harm or death.

Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, who presented the bill to the state Senate, cited a desperate need for clarity as the reason for the amendment.

Sen. Julie Raque Adams (LRC Public Information)

Republican lawmakers attached the abortion amendment to a bill that was originally meant to clear the way for freestanding birth centers in Kentucky. The surprise action came in the final three days before the General Assembly recessed for the 10-day veto-period.

Tamarra Wieder, Kentucky state director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, said the measure will put Kentuckians lives in danger by forcing pregnant patients to suffer through medical crises before they can receive care.

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Planned Parenthood also complains that the Republican-controlled legislature passed the measure with virtually no input from the public.

The bill specifies that medical providers can intervene to provide lifesaving miscarriage management, remove molar and ectopic pregnancies, treat sepsis and hemorrhage and more.

It also leaves the determination of an emergency to the physicians reasonable medical judgment.

Defining abortion

Anti-abortion activist Addia Wuchner, executive director of Kentucky Right to Life, told a House committee that the measure clarifies what is not an abortion.

Opponents say the bills language is misleading.

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Sen. Karen Berg, a physician, cited misspeak when voting against the measure in committee last week.

When you say that were talking about abortions that arent abortions  they are abortions, said Berg, D-Louisville. The definition of an abortion is the termination of a pregnancy prior to viability. You can talk about spontaneous abortions, you can talk about elective abortions, you can talk about emergent abortions. Theyre still all abortions.

Tamarra Weider of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates speaks after Kentucky voters defeated an anti-abortion constitutional amendment, Nov. 8, 2022. (Kentucky photo by Arden Barnes)

Planned Parenthoods statement says: By codifying anti-abortion rhetoric such as so-called maternal-fetal separation and redefining critical, lifesaving procedures as something other than abortion, HB 90 ignores evidence-based medical standards and forces doctors to ignore their years of training.

Pointing to the bills redefinition of abortion, Planned Parenthood cites the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Guide to Language and Abortion. The guide says the term maternal-fetal separation is used by abortion opponents to justify or to mandate performing medical procedures that carry more risk for the patient, such as cesarean deliveries or inductions of labor, rather than abortion.

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Dr. Virginia Stokes, an OB-GYN who has protested the states abortion laws with Kentucky Physicians for Reproductive Freedom, said in a statement after HB 90 passed that the clarification creates more restrictions now, and could still result in delayed care for patients.

Dr. Virginia Stokes speaks at Capitol in 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

In addition to being callous, this bill is not in line with appropriate standards of care for miscarriage management, Stokes said. It does not allow for treatment decisions until the womans life is already in danger.

Providers have long criticized the ban on those grounds. Dr. Jeffrey M. Goldberg, the legislative advocacy chair for the Kentucky chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who worked on the new language, called it an acceptable short term solution for dealing with a really serious problem thats in front of us.

We already work within statutory restrictions that are, from a medical perspective, very ambiguous, Goldberg previously said. Theres a great deal of work to be done. This is not perfect. I dont want to give anybody the illusion that we all think this is great.

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The Republican amendment comes as reports have surfaced across the country, including in Kentucky, of women who say they were denied access to medication and other care to treat miscarriages and pregnancy complications because of state abortion bans, leading in some cases to preventable deaths. Kentucky OB-GYNs have said the states abortion ban is forcing them to violate their oath as physicians and causing devastating consequences for patients.

On Kentuckys political right the amendment is being applauded. Richard Nelson, the executive director of the conservative Commonwealth Policy Center, said the final version of HB 90, calling it clearly pro-woman and pro-child as it acknowledges the unborn as a child and asserts that the right to life is the most fundamental human right, forming the basis for all other rights.'

The bill legalizes free-standing birthing centers and brings much-needed clarity to health professionals who were previously uncertain about what constitutes an abortion under Kentucky law, he said.

Beshears office did not respond to a Tuesday inquiry about his plans for the bill.

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Speaking last week about the abortion portion of HB 90, Beshear said: One question Im going to have is: Is it more or less restrictive than the current understanding in the medical community that we have right now?

If he vetoes it, the Republican supermajority can easily override him when lawmakers return to Frankfort on March 27-28 to wrap up the session.

Birth center advocates not involved in crafting amendment

Mary Kathryn DeLodder, the director of the Kentucky Birth Coalition, said the abortion additions were not something her organization worked on. The Kentucky Birth Coalition worked for years to make freestanding birth centers a reality in the state.

We are very happy that the bill is passed, DeLodder said. Its interesting to see the discussion not be about birth centers anymore. The conversation has changed, because the bill has changed, and in one way, its nice that nobodys arguing about birth centers anymore.

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HB 90 still would lift the certificate of need requirement for freestanding birth centers, thus removing a process some have criticized as a competitors veto.

From left, Mary Kathryn DeLodder, director of the Kentucky Birth Coalition, Rep. Jason Nemes and Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer testify in favor of exempting birth centers from the certificate of need requirement, March 5, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Freestanding birth centers are health care facilities that are meant to feel like a home. They do not offer c-sections or anesthesia. They are for low-risk pregnancies, and not every pregnancy will qualify for such a birth.

CON attempts to certify that there is a need for a service, be that extra beds in a hospital, an extra MRI machine or a new facility altogether, like a freestanding birthing center.

CON laws are meant to control health care costs by limiting duplicate services, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Without CON, hypothetically, a community could have many duplicates of the same service. That could force a facility  such as a hospital  to raise prices to compensate for underutilized services brought on by that competition.

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Anticipating the end of the certificate of need requirement, several people have already expressed interest in opening a birth center, DeLodder said. She still has concerns about the portion of the bill that requires a medical doctor to oversee the centers.

There are some physicians who we know are supportive of birth centers, but how many of them are there out there, and how many of them will be willing to become a medical director is yet to be seen, she said. And as people work to develop those relationships in different areas of the state where they wish to open birth centers  I think time will be the only thing that will tell whether thats going to end up being a challenge or not.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Sherpas on Mount Everest are fearing for their jobs after plans were announced to use Chinese drones to ferry equipment up and down the worlds tallest mountain.

Perilous tasks that used to take hours by foot will now be completed in a matter of minutes, as drones capable of carrying up to 15kg look set to transform the climbing experience.

The unmanned aircraft will be used to carry oxygen cylinders up the mountain, retrieve ladders from climbing routes, and remove waste left behind by mountaineers. They will also be used to deliver hot food. It is hoped that they will take away some of the risk faced by Sherpas, by cutting out otherwise menial tasks.

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Politicians, trade unions and Sherpas, however, have hit out at the idiotic programme, which they say will take work away from the climbing support teams.

The introduction of drones could take away the livelihoods of thousands of Sherpas, Ajay Kumar Rai, general secretary of the Nepal Trade Union Congress, told The Telegraph. For six months, they risk their lives on Everest, and for the rest of the year, they have no work. If drones start replacing them, what will they do?

Drones will be used to carry oxygen cylinders up the mountain, retrieve ladders from climbing routes, and remove waste left behind by mountaineers

Mr Rai said climate change has already hit the Sherpas hard, with avalanches and landslides driving away climbers and reducing their income. Typically, they earn around 4,000 a season.

Now, technology threatens to push them further to the edge. We are urging the Nepalese government to either stop deploying drones or ensure these workers are given alternative jobs.

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These men have spent their lives navigating Everests treacherous terrain, carrying supplies, and guiding climbers. Their livelihoods cannot just be discarded, he added. We will fight to make sure they are not left behind.

Rajendra Bajgain, a Nepalese MP told The Telegraph: If this idiotic initiative is going ahead, the government should provide food and health facilities to the Sherpas from the royalties collected from climbers.

Different drones have been tested over the past year, and this seasons pilot programme aims to convince expedition operators to invest in the technology.

A trial of the DJI Flycart 30  a heavy-lift drone costing $70,000  saw it transport up to 225kg of equipment per hour between Base Camp and Camp I, a task that would otherwise require 14 people walking for six hours.

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Each year, around 600 people attempt to climb the 29,029 ft mountain, spending weeks in the area acclimatising. From September, those seeking to summit the worlds tallest mountain during peak season will have to pay $15,000 (12,180).

Nepalese officials said drones could reduce the deadly burden on Sherpas, who for decades have risked their lives carrying heavy loads for foreign climbers through Everests Khumbu Icefall.

The DJI Flycart 30  a heavy-lift drone costing $70,000  could transport up to 225kg of gear per hour between Base Camp and Camp I

For decades, Sherpas have shouldered the responsibility of hauling oxygen cylinders, gas canisters, tents, food and ropes across the treacherous icefall, often making over 30 trips per season through one of the worlds most dangerous glacier fields.

The Khumbu Icefall, a constantly shifting river of ice, is notorious for sudden avalanches and collapsing seracs  towering ice columns that can crush climbers. Even experienced Sherpas hesitate to set off when the sun rises, knowing that warming temperatures increase the risk of ice breaking away. Most crossings take place at night or in the early morning, when conditions are more stable.

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Using drones could help us avoid the life-threatening dangers of the icefall, a Nepalese official said.

Adriana Brownlee, the youngest woman to summit all 14 of the worlds 8,000-metre peaks and only second Briton to do so, said: The drones could potentially be a good addition to the Everest climbing season as it will facilitate with bringing rubbish down and aiding the Sherpas who carry extreme amounts of equipment up and down the mountain.

Edmund Hillary had Sherpa Tenzing Norgay to help him become the first person to reach Everests summit - Royal Geographical Society/Alfred Gregory

Brownlee, however, warned that drones could introduce new dangers. It could also be seen as dangerous though for climbers as they get distracted from the noise or sight of drones. It will be interesting to see how they work this season, she said.

On April 18, 2014, an avalanche triggered by a falling serac killed 16 Sherpas, forcing the cancellation of that years expeditions. In 2023, three Sherpas preparing the climbing route were buried under the collapsing ice  their bodies have never been recovered.

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Since 1953, nearly 50 climbers and Sherpas have lost their lives in the Khumbu Icefall, according to records from the Himalayan Database and the Nepalese government.

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POINTE A LA HACHE, La. (WGNO)  A landmark trial is underway in Plaquemines Parish, and billions of dollars are at stake.

Texaco, the American oil brand owned by Chevron, is being accused of releasing pollutants into the wetlands near Bayou Gentilly more than 50 years ago, and Plaquemines Parish is seeking $3 billion to pay for the damage.

The trial taking place at the Plaquemines Parish Courthouse in Pointe a la Hache is expected to be the first of many.

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New delay in execution of Louisiana death row inmate Jessie Hoffman

Whatever the result is, whether its for the plaintiffs or the defendant, may foreshadow whats going to happen with the other 40 cases, said WGNO legal analyst Cliff Cardone.

On Monday, attorney John Carmouche, whos representing Plaquemines Parish, called one of his witnesses to the stand, an engineering expert with the American Petroleum Institute. He had been hired by Carmouche ten years prior to look into Texacos operations.

According to his testimony, Texacos disposal practices were not compliant with the rules set forth by the Stream Control Commission.

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Texaco has maintained its compliance.

You have to think about if there were permits that were needed, whos asleep at the wheel here? Cardone said. So, you have to wonder, is there any other entity that may be at fault for failing to do what they should have done?

Cardone suspects the defense will argue that the discharge of pollutants was caused by levee failures.

I would think if I were a defendant, Im going to be bringing in other parties that may be at fault or caused or contributed to this situation, explained Cardone.

If the plaintiffs are successful, Cardone says the outcome could be similar to the BP oil spill settlements.

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This could be in the multiple billions of dollars to the plaintiffs, said Cardone.

The trial will resume Tuesday and is expected to last several weeks.

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The celebration of the 15 th anniversary of World Backup Day serves as a reminder for individuals and businesses to reflect on their data protection strategies and ensure their data is adequately safeguarded. Quality backup is the linchpin of business resilience, shielding against data loss and ransomware threats, and ensuring swift recovery in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Reflecting now on the massive ransomware attack against one of the largest healthcare providers a little more than one year ago, highlights the importance of cyber resiliency. As organisations face sophisticated threats growing in speed, size and accuracy, the need for robust recovery processes with reliable backups is greater than ever before.

When ransomware gangs successfully breach organisations, in 90 percent of attacks the identity system, most often Active Directory, is compromised. To significantly reduce recovery time and quickly resume normal operations, even after an attack, organisations need a dedicated Active Directory (AD) backup strategy. AD is used by more than 80 percent of businesses today as a fundamental system that both users and applications depend upon to function. But traditional backups that include AD dont recognise ADs special status in the enterprise and its unique recovery requirements. To quickly recover AD from a cyber disaster you need specialised, automated AD forest recovery that will return this identity system to a malware free, known secure and trusted state. Without AD-specific cyberattack recovery technology and processes, your business is at risk. AD-specific backups can speed up recovery and aid organisations in quickly returning to normal operations after a ransomware attack. What was once considered nice to have is now a need to have for organisations of all shapes and sizes around the globe.

Organisations should adopt an assume breach mindset and encourage them to prepare now for the inevitable. When organisations are prepared to be resilient against cyberattacks, and understand which systems are most critical to their business, they can take steps to reduce their most glaring vulnerabilities, make their infrastructure sufficiently difficult to compromise and recover much faster from a compromise. Companies should also monitor for unauthorised changes occurring in their AD environment, which threat actors use in most attacks, and have real time visibility to changes to elevated network accounts and groups.
The News

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland announced plans to withdraw from an international convention banning the use of anti-personnel landmines, controversial weapons which can kill or injure people long after they are installed.

In a joint statement, the countries said their security situation has fundamentally deteriorated since they ratified the Ottawa Convention more than a decade ago.

Military threats to NATO Member States bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased [...] With this decision we are sending a clear message: our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our security needs, they said.

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The announcement comes as Europe rushes to rearm itself after US President Donald Trump cast doubt over NATOs collective security pact and started negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

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Lithuania became the first country to withdraw from an international treaty banning cluster munitions on March 6. Anti-personnel land mines and cluster munitions have been used regularly in Ukraine since Russias full-scale invasion in 2022. It is precisely now that these treaties are relevant, a spokesperson from the International Committee of the Red Cross said last week.
Poland and the Baltic states have announced they are withdrawing from the global ban on anti-personnel mines, over the growing threat from Russia.

Poland said it had quit the 1997 Ottawa Treaty  as had its fellow Nato members Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia  in order to stockpile landmines to protect its borders.

The move is a blow to anti-landmine campaigners, whose cause was famously championed by Diana, the late Princess of Wales.

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Anti-personnel mines are considered a particular risk to children who find them unexploded, because they can be mistaken for toys.

But since the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine, they have been widely used by both sides and are acknowledged to be an effective way of slowing an enemys advance.

The defence ministers of Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said that Russias aggression had forced their hands.

Since the ratification of the convention, the security situation in our region has fundamentally deteriorated, they wrote in a joint statement. Military threats to Nato member states bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased.

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In light of this unstable security environment marked by Russias aggression and its ongoing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence and defence capabilities.

US not a signatory

Currently, more than 160 nations, including Britain, have agreed to the terms of the Ottawa Treaty; although the list does not include Russia or the United States.

Last year, Joe Biden, the former US president, authorised sending large of supplies of anti-personnel landmines to Kyiv, in a bid to slow Russian gains on the battlefield.

As well as being planted by hand, the devices can be scattered in their thousands by aircraft, potentially securing large areas in a short time. The area can be unsafe for civilians for years, unless mine clearance work is done by foot-by-foot.

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Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Polands defence minister, said last May that his government might consider renouncing the anti-land mine convention. He did so while unveiling plans for the Eastern Shield, a fortification of Polands borders with Belarus and Russia that would potentially include minefields.

The plans are being co-ordinated with the three Baltic states.

According to Landmine Monitor, the civil society group, Ukraine recorded 608 landmine casualties in 2022 alone, more than any country in the world bar Syria.

Most casualties were caused by anti-personnel mines, which carry small charges designed to cripple and maim rather than kill outright.

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Princess Diana helped galvanise international pressure for the Ottowa Treaty to be signed by walking through a minefield in Angola, which was being demined by the British-run HALO Trust. Her younger son, Prince Harry, remains a patron of the trust today.

A HALO spokesperson said the decision by Poland and the Baltics to re-adopt the use of anti-personnel mines presents the Treaty with its greatest challenge since it was signed in 1997.

The HALO Trust understands the deadly nature of landmines better than most, the spokesman said. We face these weapons around the world every day, witnessing firsthand the harm they cause to civilians and communities.

But the invasion of Ukraine has created a new reality for the defence of Eastern Europe.... We urge all states  whether signatories or not  to support landmine clearance with robust funding mechanisms to build on this progress in the years to come.

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WARSAW, Poland  The governments of Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have announced their willingness to withdraw from the Anti-Personnel Mines Convention, also known as the Ottawa Treaty, citing an increasingly belligerent Russia.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, the four allies say that it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence and defense capabilities, according to a joint statement. This includes a potential return to using landmines to secure their respective borders with Russia.

The treaty bans the development, manufacturing, use, storage and transfer of anti-personnel mines.

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Since ratifying the convention, the security situation in our region has fundamentally deteriorated, the four defense ministries said in their statement. Military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased.

In light of the unstable security environment in the region, we  the Ministers of Defence of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland unanimously recommend withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention. With this decision, we are sending a clear message: our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our territory and freedom, the statement reads.

Concluded in September 1997, the convention has gathered 133 signatories and 165 parties, according to the latest available data from the United Nations. Russia is not a signatory of the treaty, nor is the United States.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland announced on March 18 their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, an international treaty banning the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said.

The defense ministers of the four nations argued that the security situation in the region has "fundamentally deteriorated" and that military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have "significantly increased."

"Given the volatile security environment, all measures to strengthen deterrence and defense capabilities must be assessed," the ministers said, emphasizing their willingness to take all necessary steps to defend their territories.

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The statement added that despite their withdrawal, the countries would remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.

The decision still requires approval by the countries' parliaments.

Tensions between NATO and Russia have risen following Moscow's all-out attack against Ukraine. Western leaders and intelligence agencies have warned of a potential large-scale war in Europe within the next five years, citing Russia's increasingly aggressive posture.

The move signals a significant shift in defense policy for these front-line NATO states as they prepare for potential aggression from Moscow. The step follows Lithuania's withdrawal from the convention banning cluster munitions, a weapon widely used in the Russia-Ukraine war.

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Read also: Talk about an invasion is everywhere  How Lithuania is preparing for war with Russia

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(Bloomberg) -- Poland is working to bolster online security and talking to social media platforms in anticipation of increased cyberattacks ahead of the presidential election, according to Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski.

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A so-called election umbrella is designed to protect the voting process from any external interference, said Gawkowski, who is also minister of digital affairs. The government wants social media platforms to help if attacks intensify closer to the May 18 ballot, he added.

Warsaw is on high alert after allegations of foreign interference in Romanias presidential election last year prompted an unprecedented top court ruling to cancel the vote and order a re-run. Gawkowski said he was confident the security services would be able to prevent similar attempts at meddling from happening in Poland.

The stakes are high as Prime Minister Donald Tusk hopes his ally, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, will become the next president and help the government press on with its agenda after almost a decade of nationalist rule.

Gawkowski said his ministry is in regular contact with the campaign teams of individual presidential candidates. It also met twice with representatives of companies including Meta Platforms Inc., Alphabet Inc. and Microsoft Corp., which have the authority to clamp down on disinformation efforts such as troll farms.

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Disinformation happens every day, Gawkowski said in a Bloomberg interview. The so-called troll farms, which can spread disinformation through multiple fake accounts or profiles, could be activated shortly before election day, the minister said. This is what we need to pay attention to, he said.

The authorities warned in January that they were observing organized actions and provocations aimed at destabilizing the election, including attempts to recruit individuals to spread disinformation.

But Poland hasnt seen any instances of foreign support being granted to candidates akin to what Elon Musk did during last months parliamentary election in Germany, where the billionaire openly backed the far-right AfD party.

Everyone can say what they want about the Polish election, but its important that they dont interfere, Gawkowski said. That means not setting up algorithms and not allowing for illegal financing. Today were not seeing anything like this.

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--With assistance from Fraidoon Poya.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced Monday that multiple people are facing charges after they allegedly assaulted MPD officers in Southeast last week.

According to a news release from MPD, just before 4 p.m. on March 11, officers made contact with 21-year-old Jermaine Irving, who was consuming marijuana in the 2600 block of Birney Place SE, in a public space.

PREVIOIUS COVERAGE: DC police searching for man accused of punching officer in Southeast

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As officers tried to take Irving into custody, they were assaulted by multiple suspects, according to police.

The incident was captured on video and circulated over social media.

Officers arrested Irving at the scene, charging him with consumption of marijuana in a public space and resisting arrest.

Bowser: We will meet our financial obligations following passage of federal funding bill

In addition, police said three others were arrested and charged with assault on a police officer and resisting arrest, including:

21-year-old Donte Butler Jr., of Northwest

39-year-old Frederick Simms, of Southeast

47-year-old Donte Butler Sr., of Southeast

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Despite this, officers were still searching for another man in connection to the assault. In an update Monday, police said 44-year-old Ronald James Butler, of Southeast, turned himself in.

He was arrested and charged with felony assault on a police officer.

Im pleased with the quick apprehension, and I want thank our detectives for their work in identifying all the individuals involved in this attack of our police officers, ensuring theyll face accountability for their actions, said Chief Pamela Smith.

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SUFFOLK  Multiple law enforcement organizations collaborated to arrest a Chesapeake man wanted in a Suffolk homicide investigation.

Mark Anderson, 49, was arrested in Raleigh on Monday and is being extradited back to Virginia, Suffolk police said in a statement.

Police had previously announced multiple felony arrest warrants out for Anderson related to an ongoing homicide investigation after first responders found a man dead after a call out to Suburban Drive in Suffolk on Friday.

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Suffolk police identified the man they found dead on Suburban Drive as 43-year-old Jason Spencer of Suffolk.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing. No additional information was immediately available.
Increasing womens participation in technology careers could represent a $6.5 billion opportunity for Australian businesses, according to a new report which has analysed Australias the tech talent shortage.

According to the report - Women in Tech: How Skills and Talent Diversity Drive Business Success by RMIT Online and Deloitte Access Economics - - women who successfully transition into tech can benefit significantly, with estimates that they can earn $31,100 more annually, representing a 31% average salary boost to the individual and a $4.3 billion positive wage impact overall.

The report notes that reskilled workers also generate additional profits of $16,400 each on average - and together with the wage premium, this suggests medium-sized businesses stand to gain a benefit of $278,700 annually, while large companies could see a $1.8 million dividend per year by attracting women into tech roles.

Australia is set to have by 2030 and on how tapping into the current women workforce can help close this gap.

Key insights from the report include:

Australia faces a digital skills shortage, with over a third of businesses lacking expertise in generative AI and digital transformation.

By 2030, the country will need 1.3 million tech workers, but the governments target is  leaving a shortfall of 100,000, or 10% of the current workforce.

Women are key to closing the digital skills gap. While they make up 44% of the broader workforce, they hold just 30% of tech roles. Increasing female participation would boost diversity and help solve the tech talent shortage.

Businesses prioritising tech workforce diversity see clear benefits  over half report better team dynamics, performance, creativity, and innovation.

According to an Australian Computer Society (ACS) analysis, the country's businesses will need 1.3 million tech workers by 2030, or 100,000 more than the governments target for 2030.

The report also explores the views of Australian business leaders on gender diversity and its impact on business performance.

One of the report's main conclusions is that upskilling or reskilling women to work in technology is a practical and fast solution to bridging the skills gap by improving gender diversity within the industry from its current 30% female versus 70% male split.

RMIT Online and Deloitte's analysis identifies 661,300 women in Australia who, based on their current occupations and careers, could reskill into tech roles within approximately six months through short courses or on-the-job training.

In addition to identifying the potential for higher revenue and salaries, the data shows that among the Australian businesses that achieved higher diversity in technology roles, more than half (59%) have experienced improved team dynamics and performance, and 58% have seen improved creativity and innovation as a result of diverse workforces.

RMIT and Deloitte say that despite the positive views, most business leaders (67%) interviewed believe the tech sector should do more to encourage women to enter the field, and 68% say the government could also do more to support these efforts.

Nic Cola, CEO of RMIT Online, said: "Australia's tech talent shortage is a growing challenge, and reskilling women presents a practical, high-impact solution. Gender representation drives profitability, innovation and performance. With over six hundred thousand women in roles that could transition into tech with the proper training, the opportunity is clear. However, businesses can't do it alone. The data shows an urgent need for greater collaboration between industry, educational institutions and government to accelerate upskilling efforts to attract women into tech."

Rhiannon Yetsenga, Deloitte Access Economics, explained: "The emergence of Generative AI and other technologies presents an enormous opportunity for Australia. Yet, Australian businesses cannot capitalise on the benefits of new and emerging tech without access to the right skills. Reskilling women would help fill an urgent and growing skills gap while improving gender diversity in the tech workforce. This in turn will support economic growth and productivity across Australias economy more broadly.

Other findings from the Women in Tech rerport include:

Benefits of gender representation, according to business leaders:

59% experienced improved team dynamics and performance.

58% experienced improved creativity and innovation.

56% were able to attract higher-quality staff.

52% experienced greater customer satisfaction rates.

Barriers to gender representation, according to business leaders:

68% say the government could do more to support efforts to attract women into the tech industry.

67% of business leaders believe the tech sector should do more to encourage women to enter the field.

How business leaders are overcoming barriers to gender representation:

62% have a DE&I policy to promote gender diversity in their tech workforce.

56% have a fair and inclusive hiring process designed to minimise the impact of unconscious biases.

45% offer reskilling and upskilling opportunities to promote gender representation in their tech workforce.

44% of business leaders say theyre aware of  and actively addressing  the need for greater representation of women in tech roles.

About the research

The survey was fielded to 436 business leaders across Australia during December 2024. At the time of the interviews, the respondents were executives, board members, owners, directors or managers of companies with 100 or more employees.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis teen is facing several charges after fleeing from police last week.

According to a probable cause statement, police were attempting to stop 19-year-old Cameron Fullers vehicle for unreadable license plates at Vermont Avenue and Schirmer Street in south St. Louis Friday.

As officers walked up to the car, Fuller fled out of the area at high speeds. The police officers stopped following Fuller shortly after for community safety, court records said.

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Another officer saw the teen at the intersection of Germania and Alabama avenues as Fuller struck another vehicle that was passing through the intersection. According to records, that victim sustained injuries in the ankle, arm, and chest, and the victims vehicle was totaled.

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Police attempted to arrest Fuller, but were met with resistance as he refused to get out of the car and put his hands behind his back. Officers stated that when searching through the vehicle, they found brass knuckles and a ghost gun without a serial number.

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While getting a closer look at the license plates on the vehicle, police then realized it was a photo-copy of a Missouri plate attached onto a piece of cardboard, sealed with a plastic plate cover.

Fuller is facing seven charges for the incident, which include:

Second-degree assault

Armed criminal action

Aggravated fleeing a stop or detention

Forgery

Resisting or interfering with arrest for a felony

Unlawful possession, transport, manufacture, repair or sale of illegal weapon

First-degree property damage

Court records state that Fuller was wanted by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for unlawful use of a weapon and from the St. Louis County Police Department for first-degree assault.

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BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. (WTVO)  A newly constructed Tesla dealership in Buffalo Grove was vandalized with graffiti over the weekend, and police have now charged Erin White, 27, with the crime.

White was arrested and charged with felony criminal damage to property and criminal trespass after the incident, in which police said graffiti, critical of President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, was found on Friday.

Vandals have been targeting Tesla dealerships across the country, including incidents at an Oregon dealership where shots were fired and Molotov cocktails were thrown.

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Four Tesla Cybertrucks were also destroyed in an incident in Seattle.

Tesla has been a target of vandalism crimes since Elon Musk became a prominent figure in the Trump administration.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police have released the name of a man who died after he was shot in Southeast early Sunday.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), just before 3:30 a.m. on March 16, officers responded to the 1100 block of Chaplin St. for a reported shooting.

There, they found a man, unconscious and not breathing, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead.

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Massive trash pile grows at Northeast DC apartment complex

In an update Monday, MPD identified the man as 42-year-old Marcus Kelly, of Upper Marlboro, Md.

The investigation is ongoing, and police encourage anyone with information to call (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.

MPD currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a homicide committed in D.C.

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Police are investigating the circumstances of a 14-year-old shot in St. Paul, whose family says he was shot in the head and will not survive.

Officers responded to a 911 call about 9:30 p.m. Friday, during which a caller reported a juvenile shot himself in a Daytons Bluff residence, said Sgt. Toy Vixayvong, a St. Paul police spokesman.

Police gave the boy first aid in the 300 block of Bates Avenue and called for St. Paul Fire Department medics. Medics took the boy to the hospital and hes been on life support.

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Jerron Chapmans mother made the decision to give the gift of life to save other people and he is scheduled to become an organ donor on Tuesday, said family friend Arial Rodriguez, speaking from the hospital on Monday night with Chapmans mother, Kitrinna Simonson, by her side.

Chapman is a freshman at Johnson Senior High School. He is an amazing, smart, athletic, kind young man, Rodriguez said. He was the apple of his mamas eye.

He was at the home of a relative on his fathers side when the shooting happened Friday, according to Rodriguez.

Police are looking into how the shooting happened and where the gun came from. Theyve interviewed friends of the teen who were at the residence of the time of the shooting, Vixayvong said.

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We dont know where they got the gun, who gave them this gun and  now my friend is suffering because she lost her perfect boy, Rodriguez said, adding that Simonson wants the person who provided the gun to be arrested and held accountable.

A GoFundMe for the family started by Jamie Addison, a cousin of Simonsons, was originally a medical fundraiser because we had hope for the best outcomes possible, but there were just a lot of unknowns with something so severe, Addison said. When they learned Chapman had no brain activity, the fundraiser was updated to be for funeral costs.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police said officers are investigating after a man was stabbed in Northeast on Monday night.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), just before 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a call in the 1200 block of H St.

There, they found a man who had been stabbed. Police described him as conscious and breathing.

Police identify Maryland man killed in Southeast DC shooting

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Responders took the man to the hospital for treatment.

As of Monday night, there is no word on any suspects.

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BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  Law enforcement was busy this weekend as the St. Patricks Day festivities stretched out over several days. In one case, police are still searching for a vehicle and its driver who evaded them.

Police reports from over the weekend detail several OVI stops and arrests, including enforcement activity as part of a late Saturday night checkpoint. But before that checkpoint had even started, officers were already out patrolling the streets.

Around 7:40 p.m. Saturday, an officer patrolling in the area of Pinehurst Avenue and Market Street observed a car with no visible registration and a heavy window tint that reports state prevented the officer from seeing the vehicles occupant(s).

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The officer began to follow the vehicle, activating the lights on the patrol car in the area of Erskine Avenue to signal to the driver to pull over for a traffic stop, however, reports state the vehicle then fled.

The officer pursued the vehicle down Market Street for just under a mile, reporting a top speed of 87 mph. However, the chase was called off once they reached the area of Ferncliff Avenue.

Reports described the involved vehicle as a red Dodge Challenger with a dual black stripe running down the center length.

Anyone with information on the vehicle should contact Boardman Police.

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A man is in jail after he reportedly assaulted his wife, caused her to suffer a brain bleed and concussion and is accused of killing the family's dog.

Union Township police have arrested Matthew James Stokes, 45, of Meriline Avenue after a March 3 call to their home for the report of an assault of his wife. The officers returned there upon receiving a report that a dead dog was lying outside a home on Elbon Street, where they found a brindle-colored pit bull dead and bleeding beside the garage, according to a criminal complaint.

Police spoke with Stokes' wife the day of the reported domestic incident at their home and noted bruising and swelling of her face. She told officers that Stokes assaulted her that day after they left their residence. She told police she had a brindle pit bull named Ryder and Stokes told her the dog ran away, the report said.

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During their visit March 3, the police observed Stokes wearing bloody jeans, and saw a trail of what appeared to be fresh blood on the ground. Stokes told them the blood was from from the dog that either bit him or someone else, the report said.

Stokes' wife went to the police station on March 11 and reported after the police left that day, she went to her bedroom and Stokes dragged her out of bed, smashed her face off the floor and stepped on her face, causing her to black out. Police noted she suffered broken teeth. She provided another written statement the next day that Stokes was outside power-washing the house and driveway and that he disposed of a bloody pair of jeans, the complaint states.

A humane officer retrieved the dog's carcass on March 12 from a residence on Elbon Street and was taken to a New Kensington facility for a necropsy. The doctor there provided photos of the dog's neck, which showed a puncture wound the doctor believed was human-inflicted, police reported.

In a later phone interview, Stokes told police he thought maybe a child had done something to the dog. The police reported, based on evidence of blood they observed, they believe Stokes punctured the dog's neck with an object.

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Stokes' wife went to the hospital and was examined for her injuries from March 3. She was told she had a brain bleed and was being admitted for further treatment, the report said.

Stokes is charged with felony counts of aggravated assault and aggravated cruelty to animals, and cruelty to animals, simple assault and harassment.

He was arraigned by District Judge Jerry G. Cartwright, who had him committed to the Lawrence County jail on a $200,000 bond.

Stokes had pleaded guilty to a simple assault charge in 2020. He pleaded guilty in 2023 to a charge of DUI: highest rate of alcohol in 2023 and was sentenced in February 2024, to serve three years of probation, which has not yet expired. He reportedly went to Georgia after the March 3 domestic incident, according to the criminal complaint.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty or adjudicated in court.
A woman from Pennsylvania went missing while traveling through North Carolina in 2021. Now police are trying to confirm a positive DNA match between her and human remains found in Anson County in 2022.

Amber Rae Johnston never got on to her bus from Winston-Salem to return home to Pennsylvania after a trip to Arizona three years ago. Her last known location was in Charlotte, but investigators say new evidence links Amber Rae Johnston to Anson County.

Human remains were discovered in Anson in 2022 during the construction of a new middle school. Anson County Sheriffs Offices Captain over the Investigation Unit Brian Tice told Channel 9s Gina Esposito that the remains likely belonged to Amber Rae Johnston.

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Its not a positive identification at this time  but they said its a high likely possibility that the CODIS hit is a match from South Carolina for miss Johnston, Tice said.

READ: Daughter has questions after new details in mothers disappearance from Kings Mountain

Amber Rae Johnstons mother, Sharon Johnston said the years without her daughter have been hard with not knowing what happened to Amber Rae Johnston. But now she said she has some answers.

I cried like a baby...even though I knew, Sharon Johnston said. It was hard. it was really hard because no one deserves to be out there alone.

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Investigators are still not sure how Amber Rae Johnston ended up in Anson, Tice said. Her phone last pinged at a truck stop off of US 74 in Union County on Aug. 19, 2021. Her phone was deactivated the following day in Charlotte.

Trail photos captured a woman walking in the woods off Anson Highschool Road in Wadesboro on Aug. 22, 2021, Tice said. The woman was not fully clothed, wasnt wearing shoes, and was using a makeshift walking stick.

There was some clothing found with the remains that were consistent with what we see in the video, Tice said.

READ: Several agencies search woods for Kings Mountain woman missing since 2021

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The photos were uploaded to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System in January 2024. Thats when investigators said they first made the connection between the remains and Amber Rae Johnston.

The minute they put that on NAMUS I got flooded with about 100 calls, Sharon Johnston said. And it was about the middle of the night, and I looked, and I knew it was my daughter.

Sharon Johnston said she thinks Amber may have traveled through Anson to visit an ex-boyfriend who lived in the Myrtle Beach area. He died in 2023 before Anson County took over. He did tell the local police that he had not heard from Amber Rae Johnston since she left Arizona.

Sharon Johnston hopes that with these developments, someone will come forward with more information.

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Theres someone out there that knows what happened.. and she just didnt get there by herself, Sharon Johnston said. I just have to accept whatever it is... and try to move forward.

Now, Amber Rae Johnstons family awaits a final DNA match, which involves matching DNA from her daughter and Sharon Johnston. If its a complete match, Sharon Johnston said she wants to bring her daughters remains back to Pennsylvania to give her a proper funeral.

WATCH: Several agencies search woods for Kings Mountain woman missing since 2021
It's official: As of Monday, Milwaukee Public Schools again has a school resource officer program.

Milwaukee Police Department officers have been assigned in pairs to police 11 schools across the city, according to court filings.

"Candidly, this only happened because of the, frankly, immense pressure that I put on the city," said Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge David Borowski during a hearing Monday.

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MPS has been required to have a school resource officer program since Jan. 1, 2024, when the state law known as Act 12 went into effect. A lack of compliance with that law instigated a lawsuit by a district parent and the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty.

The message from today is simple: frustrated parents, like Charlene (Abughrin), are fighting back and standing up for whats right," said a statement from WILL associate counsel Lauren Greuel after the Monday hearing. "SROs will provide much-needed safety resources to schools and ensure MPS moves closer to a safer, more productive learning environment.

Also Monday, Borowski purged his prior finding of contempt and the $1,000 in daily fines it carried against the city of Milwaukee. That's because the city met certain conditions to implement the SRO program, including passing a memorandum of understanding in the Common Council, training officers, selecting them and which schools they will work at.

Clint Muche, assistant city attorney, told the judge at the hearing that the city had not intentionally disobeyed court orders to implement a school resource officer program.

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"It was not necessarily as easy as one might imagine," Muche said.

The officers assigned to MPS schools completed the required training through the National Association of School Resource Officers on March 14, according to court filings. A total of 38 MPD staff attended that training, including 31 police officers and seven supervising officers.

During the Monday hearing, Borowski said he was concerned MPS would place the officers, then "when I'm not looking, or when the case is closed, yank them back out."

He agreed to dismiss the case  but only under the condition that if the SRO program were eliminated, the court case would reopen under his watch.

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"I would trust both lawyers to tell their clients, 'Don't you dare go back on this; don't violate the judge's order or the state law.' But I'm not sure I'm 100% confident in others," he said.

Judge says narrative exists against putting police in schools

As in prior hearings, Borowski showed his support for implementing the SRO program, an issue that is contested in the city.

"There is still a narrative out there from some people that putting police in schools is this big, horrible, awful thing," Borowski said. "Well, as others have pointed out recently, the police are in the schools every single day."

Across the past 11 school years, Milwaukee police received an average of 3,700 MPS-related calls between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., according to an analysis by the Journal Sentinel. The reasons for those calls are vast, with the most common reason being a vague "trouble" category.

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Activists against SROs have said they are concerned the call volume is being driven by an understaffed, under-resourced district that is overly reliant on police to manage student behavior.

In the past, MPS stopped stationing police in specific schools  and began using "mobile" officer units  in response to concerns that police were becoming too involved in school discipline, and driving up the number of arrests.

The newly approved memorandum of understanding for the SRO program attempts to clarify that issue, saying officers will only be involved in law enforcement and will leave school discipline to staff.

Students, parents at Rufus King High School support SRO program

On Monday afternoon, students poured out of Rufus King High School to hop on buses or get into their families' cars to head home for the night. Students and parents the Journal Sentinel spoke with said they were pleased with police officers being added to the school.

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Tavia Keyes, whose daughter freshman Jasmine Hurd attends Rufus King, grew up with officers in her high school, she said. Now, she thinks it a good thing the officers will be in place to respond to incidents her daughter said occur, such as weapons being sneaked inside.

It gives a sense of security and safety, Keyes said.

Jessica Harris has two children, a senior and a junior, who attend the high school. Her daughter senior Jatoria Harris said having SROs in the schools is a good thing.

The mother, Jessica, was also in favor of the addition, citing the ability of school resource officers to respond faster to issues in the schools than other officers. She understood concerns of potential overpolicing of youth, but believed it was largely parents responsibility to address that.

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Even if a student were wrongfully cited by police, she said, the court system would be a balancing factor.

If youre raising your child right, you shouldnt be concerned, she said.

Lawsuit plaintiff's son does not attend school where SROs are stationed

After the Monday court hearing, lawsuit plaintiff Charlene Abughrin told reporters the placement of SROs in schools will take stress off teachers, parents and staff.

Abughrin said she felt "slighted" that her 12th-grade son's school did not receive SROs, but she still believes it's a "win," and a "step in the right direction" to put police in schools at all. She said she would revisit the case if officers were withdrawn.

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"I'm not entirely satisfied with the schools where they placed them at, because there are some schools with greater needs, that have greater violence," she said. "I think they probably should be redistributed."

Abughrin specifically mentioned a need for police at the Wisconsin Conservatory for Lifelong Learning, where one of her children previously attended. WCLL is the school where students from Trowbridge Street School of Great Lakes Studies were temporarily relocated while their building was cleared of lead-based paint hazards.

As a parent of six children who attended MPS, Abughrin said she's been through the process "a very long time" of filing complaints, attending school board meetings and attempting to improve safety issues in the district with no redress.

Asked about criticisms of SROs, Abughrin said it's necessary to "walk in my shoes."

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"Most of (these schools) are a breeding ground for the prison system, because there's so much crime that is happening within the Milwaukee Public Schools system," she said.

Which MPS schools now have SROs?

According to court filings, 11 schools have school resource officers. They are:

Riverside University High School

Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School

North Division High School

Milwaukee High School of the Arts

Hamilton High School

Washington High School

Vincent High School

Madison High School

Rufus King High School

Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education

Milwaukee Marshall High School

Cleo Krejci covers K-12 education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa.

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David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 'Immense pressure' put police back in MPS schools, judge says
Police in Wisconsin arrest two juveniles for fleeing & possession of THC, driver charged with several traffic violations

STOUGHTON, Wis. (WFRV)  Officers in Wisconsin arrested two minors on Friday night after both fled despite attempts for a speeding violation traffic stop.

The Stoughton Police Department said that the driver, who fill face charges for traffic violations, did not stop despite officer command, and drove into a cul-de-sac before he and a passenger fled on foot.

Avoid an awkward moment  slow down, Wisconsin State Patrol stops driver going 100mph

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Other officers joined the scene and helped arrest both, who were identified as juvenile boys.

Both are facing charges for resisting/obstructing an officer, THC possession and the driver is set to face several traffic violations.

No additional details were provided.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in northwestern Wisconsin are asking for the publics help in locating a stolen statue from a popular skate park.

According to the Stevens Point Police Department, a group of individuals stole the small statue from Bukolt Park during the early morning hours of March 14.

Which vehicles get stolen the most in Wisconsin

Officials are urging anyone in possession of the statue to return it.

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Those with information about the theft are encouraged to contact the Stevens Point 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
WARSAW (Reuters) - A Polish presidential candidate faced accusations on Tuesday he took self-promotion too far, after local media reported he praised his own work as a historian in a 2018 interview in which he appeared under a pseudonym.

The reports provoked ridicule from political opponents of Karol Nawrocki, the candidate supported by Poland's main nationalist opposition party Law and Justice. Political scientists said they dealt a blow to a campaign already facing a tough fight to reach the second round runoff.

Nawrocki, the head of Poland's Institute of National Remembrance and previous head of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk, published a book about gangster Nikodem Skotarczak in 2018, using the pen name Tadeusz Batyr.

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In an interview with state broadcaster TVP that year, Batyr, with his face blurred and voice changed, lauded the work of Karol Nawrocki.

"He is actually a historian who inspired me to do my work," Batyr said about Nawrocki, without mentioning that the two were the same person.

In a 2018 social media post, Nawrocki said he had been contacted by Batyr for "a few tips."

Supporters of liberal frontrunner Rafal Trzaskowski were quick to poke fun at what they characterised as a case of split personality.

"If you, Karol, believe that you met with Tadeusz and exchanged views and information, then the matter looks serious," Bartosz Arlukowicz, a pediatrician and member of the European Parliament from Trzaskowski's Civic Coalition grouping, wrote on X. "This is no longer a joke."

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Nawrocki brushed off the criticism.

"Literary pseudonyms are nothing new in Polish journalism, literature and science," he told reporters, adding that he had not wanted to have the Museum of the Second World War associated with his book about a gangster.

(Reporting by Alan Charlish, Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk, Marek Strzelecki; Editing by Rod Nickel)
With the Polish presidential elections just two months away, two of the country's leading right-wing candidates have become increasingly antagonistic toward Ukraine and its leadership.

Kyiv can ill afford another hostile head of state among its key partners, as U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy shift has already thrown the pro-Ukraine coalition into disarray.

Rafal Trzaskowski, 53, a progressive mayor of Warsaw backed by the key ruling party, Prime Minister Donald Tusk's Civic Platform, remains a clear favorite, polling at around 35%. He faces two opponents from the right, both of whom stand a chance to advance to the runoff scheduled for June 1.

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The conservative Law and Justice party (PiS), which led the government from 2015 to 2023 and has an ally in incumbent President Andrzej Duda, has tapped relatively unknown historian Karol Nawrocki as its candidate in the upcoming elections.

Polling at 24%, Nawrocki is only about five percentage points ahead of Slawomir Mentzen, one of the leaders of the far-right Confederation coalition.

Both men have made headlines by public spats with Ukrainian officials and denounced Kyiv as ungrateful for the support Warsaw has provided. Their popularity potentially signals a growing acceptance of anti-Ukraine sentiments in Poland as Russia's full-scale war entered its fourth year.

The unresolved historical grievances and constant economic disputes between Kyiv and Warsaw have forced even pro-Ukrainian politicians to tread carefully when it comes to dealings with Ukraine.

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Read also: Talk about an invasion is everywhere  How Lithuania is preparing for war with Russia

Liberal Trzaskowski has made it clear that "military support for Ukraine is in Poland's national interest" as "Ukrainians are fighting for our (Poland's) freedom."

"But we need a sincere conversation about how we see the future of our relations, a sincere conversation about how Ukrainians should take our sensitivity to historical issues seriously, a sincere conversation about how negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU will be very difficult and, unfortunately, will last for many years," he then added.

Karol Nawrocki

Nawrocki, 42, is a historian who heads the Institute of National Remembrance, a state agency that studies the crimes committed during World War II and Poland's communist era.

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This professional background seems to have shaped his political views, which are marked by clear anti-communism and distaste for Russian expansionism.

The conservative politician, who is on Russia's wanted list over the demolition of Soviet memorials in Poland, recently suggested cutting diplomatic ties with Moscow, as "maintaining diplomatic ties with a barbaric state is not good for Poland."

But that doesn't mean the historian-turned-politician is pro-Ukraine.

While pledging that Polish support for Kyiv will continue if he is elected, Nawrocki signaled he wants to see more gratitude for the assistance provided to both Ukrainian front-line soldiers and refugees.

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Nawrocki also declared that Ukraine would not be able to enter NATO or the EU without resolving the issue of the Volyn massacres  a sentiment shared by many Polish politicians across the aisle.

Karol Nawrocki during the convention in Krakow, Poland, on Nov. 24, 2024. The largest Polish opposition party Law and Justice nominated Nawrocki for president. (Jakub Porzycki / NurPhoto / Getty Images)

"Today, I do not see Ukraine in either structure, neither in the European Union nor in NATO, until those important civilizational issues are resolved," Nawrocki said in January in reference to the World War II-era massacre of Poles by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army in the present-day Volyn Oblast of Ukraine.

The Volyn massacres, which saw tens of thousands of Poles living in Nazi-occupied Volyn killed and thousands of Ukrainians killed in reprisal attacks in 1943-1944, remain the most contentious topic in Polish-Ukrainian relations.

"Unfortunately, Ukraine has been playing the role of a 'scapegoat' for Polish politicians for quite some time now, a trend that began during the 2023 parliamentary campaign."

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When Tusk hailed a joint breakthrough in efforts to exhume Polish victims in modern-day Ukraine, Nawrocki dismissed the announcement as an "unnecessary trick."

Some of Nawrocki's sharpest comments were aimed personally at President Volodymyr Zelensky.

When nearly all European politicians  including Tusk  rushed to support Zelensky after his heated Oval Office exchange with Trump, Nawrocki, as well as the rest of PiS, backed the U.S. president instead.

Nawrocki even said that the subsequent pause on U.S. military support was the "result of President Zelensky's lack of gratitude and lack of ability to conduct international policy."

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This bellicose rhetoric may seem at odds with PiS, whose past government led the charge in providing Ukraine with arms and other support during the full-scale war. But as the elections are coming near and the Ukraine fatigue is setting in, the conservative party may be shifting gears.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish President Andrzej Duda after commemorating the victims of the Volyn Massacre in Lutsk, Ukraine, on July 9, 2023. (Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"I suspect these are his (Nawrocki's) original views that were muted at the beginning because of the party policy, but now, because they are fighting for the same part of the electorate (as the far-right), he was 'let loose,'" Polish political scientist Pawel Borkowski told the Kyiv Independent.

Nawrocki's main opponent for second place, and thus a potential contender to face Trzaskowski in the runoff, is far-right Mentzen. His Confederation and PiS are likely to battle over rural voters and agrarian workers in the upcoming vote.

Farmers, who fear competition from their Ukrainian counterparts, represent a vocal part of the electorate, as their numerous protests and border blockades have demonstrated.

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"Unfortunately, Ukraine has been playing the role of a 'scapegoat' for Polish politicians for quite some time now, a trend that began during the 2023 parliamentary campaign," Yevhen Mahda, executive director of the Institute of World Policy in Kyiv, told the Kyiv Independent.

Surveys reveal that the Polish public has grown more skeptical toward Ukraine and, specifically, Ukrainian refugees when compared to 2022.

According to a February poll commissioned by the Mieroszewski Center, 49% of Poles favored continued military support for Ukraine, yet only 40% supported assistance for refugees.

"The motive that Ukraine is not grateful enough is very present" in Polish society, said Aleksandra Kusztal, a political scientist at the Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, in comments for the Kyiv Independent.

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"Some elements (which) are typical for the Russian propaganda, Russian disinformation, are becoming more and more popular," such as the supposed negative impact of Ukrainians on Poland's social and healthcare system, she added.

Read also: 50% of Poles oppose Ukraines EU, NATO membership until Volyn issue resolved, poll shows

Slawomir Mentzen

A devout libertarian who voiced support for Polish exit from the EU, 38-year-old entrepreneur and tax advisor Mentzen has become one of Poland's most popular far-right politicians.

His apt use of the TikTok social network and public campaigning make it conceivable that he, not Nawrocki, will face Trzaskowski in the second round.

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The Confederation, co-chaired by Mentzen, has long been seen as the only relevant force in Polish politics that could be described as openly hostile toward Ukraine.

During the parliamentary elections in 2023, during which the far-right significantly underperformed, Confederation said that Ukraine should pay for all assistance provided by Poland  an argument eerily echoing those coming from today's Washington.

However, emulating far-right populists across Europe, the Confederation has sought to purge its most controversial elements. Two of the most overtly pro-Russian figures, Janusz Korwin-Mikke and antisemite Grzegorz Braun, have been suspended or expelled from the coalition.

Slawomir Mentzen, co-leader of the Confederation alliance, tosses fake money to supporters during a campaign rally in Szczecin, Poland, on Sept. 16, 2023. (Sean Gallup / Getty Images)

Mentzen himself has formally denounced Russian aggression and has largely shaped his Ukraine rhetoric along more transactional lines.

"Yes, it is profitable for us for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, which is why Poles help Ukraine," Mentzen told Polsat. "Not out of sympathy, but because it is simply profitable for us."

"We send weapons to Ukraine, we send money, we send social benefits, we provide medical treatment for free in Poland to Ukrainians who do not even have medical insurance, while Poles have to pay, and in return we receive slander, they insult us and show absolutely no gratitude."

He also said that the West must reach some kind of an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as "there is no force on the horizon that will drive Putin out of Ukraine."

In some cases, Mentzen does not hesitate to push further. One episode that caught the attention of both Polish and Ukrainian media was his public spat with Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi.

After visiting the western Ukrainian city on Feb. 24, Mentzen published a video near the monument to Stepan Bandera, calling the late Ukrainian nationalist a "terrorist" and accused Ukraine of "worshipping criminals."

Bandera, assassinated by the KGB in 1959, led the radical wing of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists and organized the assassination of Polish Interior Minister Bronislaw Pieracki.

Sadovyi lashed out against Mentzen, calling him a "pro-Russian politician with a Polish passport." Mentzen then named Lviv, which was part of Poland in the interwar period, a "culturally Polish city," a statement with explosive connotations during the ongoing Russian occupation of one-fifth of Ukraine.

Experts largely agree that this was a public stunt rather than a serious attempt at territorial revisionism, a topic with almost non-existent appeal in Polish politics.

"It was a pure provocation," Kusztal commented, calling Mentzen's campaign nevertheless "very strongly connected with Russian propaganda."

Kusztal presented Mentzen's anti-Ukraine rhetoric as "something quite new in his political biography." The expert suggested it could be a tactic to steal voters from Braun, who announced his own candidacy.

According to Borkowski, Mentzen wanted to strengthen his appeal across the various right-wing groups that make up the Confederation.

"Slawomir Mentzen's conflict with Andrii Sadovyi was staged and election-driven," Mahda concurred. "However, this does not negate the fact that historical policy plays a much greater role in public discourse in Poland than it does in Ukraine."

Read also: Who is to gain more from a ceasefire  Russia or Ukraine?

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Martin Fornusek.

I hope you enjoyed this article. If you want to help us provide you with more in-depth pieces on Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression, European politics, and more, please consider joining the Kyiv Independent community.

Thank you very much.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says he isnt going anywhere anytime soon.

I should be the leader, he said defiantly during a morning appearance on The View.

Even as the New Yorker draws the wrath of his party for clearing a path for President Donald Trumps government funding bill last week, hes doesnt yet appear to face any real threat from inside his own Senate caucus.

Instead, Schumer has already moved onto his next fights with Trump. In between his various attempts at damage control on the spending fight, Schumer joined a call with Senate Judiciary Democrats on Tuesday to discuss strategy for responding to the White Houses plan to speed up deportations using the Alien Enemies Act, according to a person familiar with the discussion.

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Separately, Schumer and his team coordinated a Medicaid Day of Action with their House Democratic colleagues to protest Trumps agenda, which Democrats describe as the largest Medicaid cut in American history, as they warn of the potential for future cuts.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, his fellow New Yorker who just days earlier refused to take questions about whether he backed him as leader, appeared to close ranks, joining Schumer in a joint statement to declare we are in this fight until we win this fight, and affirming support for his leadership.

Yes I do, Jeffries said later Tuesday morning at his own press conference outside the Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, the Democratic leaders shared hometown. Jeffries said he had a good conversation with Schumer during a one-on-one in Brooklyn over the weekend to ensure Democrats speak with one voice to keep Medicaid intact.

Jeffries predecessor Nancy Pelosi, who served in party leadership with Schumer before stepping down from the role in 2022, also expressed confidence in him Tuesday, but still she suggested he may have mishandled the spending fight. I myself dont give away anything for nothing. I think thats what happened the other day, she said.

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Schumer  who became party leader nine years ago, weeks after Trump won his first term  is still working fiercely to convince his party he did the right thing in pulling Democrats back from their first real battle of Trumps second term. And he faces challenges ahead: He has infuriated the Democratic base in a way that operatives worry could dry up fundraising and manpower for the midterms.

Some in the party  particularly among activists  are still calling for Schumers resignation and seething over his decision to postpone his book tour citing security concerns amid the planned protests. Privately, his own senators criticized the partys lack of clear message and urged Schumer to fix the problem before the next big fight.

But Schumer is not a leader in retreat. He is, in fact, digging in on his position with a determination to convince his party how to fight smart against Trump and why shutting down the government would have cost Democrats a lot more than political leverage. And in classic fashion, he is fighting and tweeting his way through much of the backlash in public, with extensive interviews from The View to The New York Times.

No one wants to fight more than me and no one fights more than me. Youve got to fight smart, Schumer said on the ABC daytime talk show Tuesday, stressing that he felt he was forced to choose between a bad GOP funding bill or a devastating shutdown. One chops off one of your fingers, the other chops off your arm.

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And in interview after interview, Schumer is making clear that hes not stepping away as leader.

Im the best leader for the Senate, Schumer told CBS This Morning.

For now, Schumer is dealing with only external pressure: None of his fellow senators are criticizing him publicly. The Democratic base is channeling anger through progressives like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and their planned massive rallies across the country. One of those rallies  a Denver town hall on the Fighting Oligarchy tour  has recorded some 17,000 RSVPs, more than the peak of Sanders presidential bid, according to a person with knowledge of the event.

Others are still using the phone. Many angry Democratic voters are calling up their home senators with strong messages for Schumer, according to two Democrats familiar with the outreach.

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A number of his fellow Democrats in Washington, however, are pivoting to the next fight. Democrats may not have real leverage over Republicans plans to pass Trumps agenda through the partisan-process known as budget reconciliation, but they can exert maximum political pressure back home. So they are gearing up for a brutal battle over extending Trumps tax cuts, the possibility of major cuts to mandatory spending programs like Medicaid or nutritional assistance, and a debt limit hike.

Schumers other major fight ahead is the 2026 midterms. And as he stressed on The View, he sees his political acumen as perhaps his greatest asset to the party.

One of the things I am known to be very good at is how to win seats, Schumer said, touting his ability to recruit and promote party strategy.

At least one of those potential recruits for 2026 agrees.

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Rep. Haley Stevens, who is eying a possible run for Michigan Senate, told CNN on Sunday: I think Chuck Schumers a great leader.

CNNs Manu Raju, Morgan Rimmer and Veronica Stracqualursi contributed to this report.

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ST. LOUIS  Just two months into his tenure as Missouris governor, Mike Kehoe has made at least two priorities well known: His support for state control of St. Louis police and eliminating the states income tax.

But new polling data reveals a sharply divided public, with Missourians split over high-stakes proposals for both changes.

Saint Louis University and YouGov PLC recently conducted a poll on several issues facing the Missouri legislature, collecting responses from more than 900 prospective Missouri voters. Polling was conducted between Feb. 18 and March 2.

St. Louis Police Control

According to the poll results, around 47% of poll respondents would favor local control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, while 39% favor state control and 14% are unsure.

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Notably, more voters from this specific poll would prefer to keep oversight of St. Louis police with the mayors office as opposed to a state board, though a broader crime-package bill proposing the latter option currently awaits a signature from Gov. Kehoe.

That bill, HB 495, includes provisions that would also require all Missouri law enforcement agencies to report the immigration status of criminal offenders and increase penalties for those who endanger children with fentanyl.

In his first State of the State Address, Kehoe said, If a drug dealer sells fentanyl that kills a Missourian, they should be charged with first-degree murder. Period. And our polling found that 78% of Missouri voters support charging individuals with first-degree murder if they knowingly distribute fentanyl that results in a persons death, said Steven Rogers, Ph.D., SLU/YouGov Poll Director and associate professor of political science at Saint Louis University.

State Income Tax

Additionally, according to poll results, around 52% of poll respondents say they would support eliminating the state income tax, while 25% opposed it and 23% remained unsure.

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The poll found that support for income tax elimination was relatively consistent among income groups, with respondents making less than $50,000 supporting a plan at a 52% clip, those making between $50,000-$100,000 supporting the plan at a 56% clip and those making above $100,000 supporting the plan at a 49% clip.

Voters unsurprisingly do not want to be taxed, but a big question is how does the state government replace that revenue, said Rogers. When we asked voters, 46% said they were not sure.

Other Poll Findings

Among public candidates that Missourians voted into office, according to poll respondents

Gov. Kehoe had 50% approval and 31% disapproval with 18% unsure

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley had 51% approval and 41% disapproval with 9% unsure

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt had 48% approval and 35% disapproval with 17% unsure

U.S. President Donald Trump had a 56% approval rating, the highest approval for any political figure in a SLU/YouGov poll.

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Other key findings, on local and national issues within the poll, include:

53% of respondents rate crime in their community as Fair or Poor

70% of respondents support prohibiting students from accessing cell phones during regular instructional activities in elementary, middle, or high schools

46% of voters favor the federal government banning access to TikTok

52% of voters oppose eliminating the U.S. Department of Education

54% of voters support raising the maximum federal child tax credit from $2,000 to $5,000

Organizers say this SLU/YouGov Poll has a margin of error for the weighted data of 3.64%. For a look at methodology and full poll results, click here.

NOTE: Video is from FOX 2s March 12, 2025 report over the proposal involving SLMPD control.

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The Associated Press

WASHINGTON  Most Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders do not agree with the strategy of putting entire federal agencies on the chopping block, nor are they broadly on board with mass layoffs of federal workers, according to a new poll.

The survey, released Wednesday, March 12, from AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, shows that AAPI adults want the government to concentrate more on everyday costs.

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They feel the federal government should do more to address high prices. About 8 in 10 AAPI adults say the federal government should make health care costs "a high priority," while about 7 in 10 say the same about the cost of food, and roughly 6 in 10 feel similarly about housing.

The poll is part of an ongoing project exploring the views of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, whose views are usually not highlighted in other surveys because of small sample sizes and lack of linguistic representation.

The results come as President Donald Trump continues what his administration says are cost-cutting measures under the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, led by billionaire adviser Elon Musk. This has included layoffs of thousands of government workers and discussion of dismantling entire agencies like the Department of Education.

About 6 in 10 AAPI adults "strongly" or "somewhat" oppose eliminating entire federal agencies, while about 1 in 10 are in favor, which is slightly below the roughly 2 in 10 U.S. adults overall who expressed the same sentiments in a January AP-NORC poll. About 3 in 10 are neutral, saying they neither favor nor oppose this move. Nearly half oppose eliminating a large number of federal jobs, while about one-quarter are in favor.

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The recent cuts have left Celeste Hong, a 56-year-old registered Democrat living in Los Angeles, feeling angry about where the cost-saving efforts have focused.

"Understandably, people don't like inefficiency and waste. Well, I kind of feel the Pentagon is the most wasteful area of our federal government," Hong said.

She thinks the government isn't concentrating enough on lowering the costs of health care, child care and food. Hong worries Trump's tariff policies will end up increasing costs.

"You know, I can afford to absorb an extra cost," said Hong, who is semi-retired. "But, what about the family of four whom you know is living paycheck to paycheck?"

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The poll found that  amid nationwide problems that often cannot be solved easily  there are about two-thirds of AAPI adults who think the country is "spending too little" on improvements for the nation's education system. Around 6 in 10 say the same about improving the nation's health, protecting the environment and addressing the problem of homelessness.

There is one area where more AAPI adults see spending as excessive: Like Hong, about half of AAPI adults say "too much" is being spent on the military, armaments and defense.

Stacy Armstrong, 61, and a registered Republican in Bay City, Michigan, is an exception  he thinks the government is not spending enough on defense. He thinks more money should also go toward higher education and health care. Spending inefficiencies, in his view, stem from aid to other countries like Ukraine.

"We need to take care of our own," said Armstrong, who is half Japanese. "I think it's an important thing, but I think there's other countries that can help out, too. We need to at least reduce it drastically, if not cut it off altogether."

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But Armstrong, who voted for Trump last year, thinks it's wrong to excise federal agencies. To him, it would be better if the Trump administration could instead work to streamline or consolidate operations. However, he added he's not privy to information the administration has and said every president has to make hard choices to get results.

"I know he's going to do some good things," Armstrong said.

Karthick Ramakrishnan, executive director of AAPI Data and researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, said it's not surprising that some conservative AAPI adults would hold nuanced views on government spending, including opposition to dismantling federal agencies or a desire for greater government spending in some areas.

AAPI adults "tend to be focused on solutions and less so on partisanship," Ramakrishnan said.

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At the same time, they may be willing to give the Trump administration a chance to keep trying new strategies to save money. AAPI voters, who are more Democratic-leaning than the electorate as a whole, shifted slightly to the right in November.

"A certain chunk of voters were persuaded that the Republican Party would do a better job on the issues and the economy," Ramakrishnan said.

The poll of 1,170 U.S. adults who are Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders was conducted Feb. 4-11, 2025, using a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based Amplify AAPI Panel, designed to be representative of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander population. Online and telephone interviews were offered in English, the Chinese dialects of Mandarin and Cantonese, Vietnamese and Korean. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.7 percentage points.
CHARLESTON  The multi-day public hearing on the proposed 51-turbine Coles Wind farm along Illinois 130 north of Charleston is governed by five pages of rules.

However, hearing facilitator Scott Kains needed to waive two of those rules  restrictions on standing and loitering in the hearing venue  during the first session Monday evening. That waiver was necessary because so many interested community members crowded into Courtroom 1 at the Coles County Courthouse that it became standing-room only.

After Apex Clean Energy Director of Project Development Alan Moore testified about this $650-million wind project during his opening statement for the hearing, more than a dozen of the attendees asked him questions regarding their economic and environmental concerns.

Kains, a retired attorney who has led other wind farm hearings in Illinois, later said he appreciated all the questions and public interest. He said such hearings are lengthy, in part, because they provide the only opportunity for the public to question witnesses, testify under oath and make public comments directly to the parties to wind farm projects.

I want to assure you that everyone who wants to give testimony or make a public comment will get the opportunity to do so, Kains said.

Subsequent sessions have been set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, 6 p.m. April 10, and 6 p.m. April 14-17 in Courtroom 1. Those who are unable to attend but want to make public comments can email them to Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission Chairman Kelly Lockhart at klockhart@co.coles.il.us.

Apex's Moore testified that Coles Wind's 51 turbines would be spread across 21,500 acres in Seven Hickory and Morgan townships, all on sites provided by participating landowners. He said they have secured an additional 11 backup sites that only will be used if any of the primary sites prove to be unsuitable for turbines.

Moore said each turbine site will occupy 0.6 acres and the access roads will occupy 32.1 acres, so the entire project's infrastructure will total 35.27 acres. If this 311-megawatt project is approved, he said it's scheduled to become operational in early 2027.

The hearing testimony is being heard by members of the Regional Planning Commission board, which will make a recommendation to the Coles County Board for final consideration and a vote.

County Board member Mike Clayton, who serves on the commission, told Moore he would like to hear evidence from upcoming witnesses on Apex's assertion that the wind farm will not hurt property values in this area.

Tad Freezeland, who also serves on the commission, added that he would like to hear evidence regarding Apex's reporting that Coles Wind will not impact water quality or supply in its vicinity.

A few County Board members, including Rick Shook, also sat with the commission in the jury box. Shook said he hopes to get more information on Apex's participation landowner financial agreements with owners of adjacent properties who are not hosting turbines or access roads.

Participating landowner Mike Zuhone said during an interview after the hearing that his farmland east of the Loxa Road cannot host turbines because it is in the medical helicopter flight path between Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and Carle Foundation Hospital. Still, Zuhone said he wants to be part of Coles Wind and show his support it.

Zuhone, a former member of the County Board, said Coles County struggles every year to balance its budget and Seven Hickory and Morgan township roads are in poor condition because of fund shortages.

"This is an exciting opportunity to generate extra revenue and potentially take some of the tax burden away from the residents of the county," Zuhone said.

Apex's application reports that the expected total property taxes paid by the wind farm project during its 30-year lifespan are more than $81 million, averaging $2.7 million annually. This would reportedly include approximately $436,000 in annual revenue for Coles County government.

Hearing attendee Kirk Allen, part of the Edgar County Watchdogs group, questioned Apex's report during the hearing that the wind farm will bring in $275 million in direct economic impact to Coles County as a whole during the project's lifespan because many of the turbine site property owners live outside Coles County.

Stop Wind Turbines in Coles County member Tom Sherman said during his question time that Apex has reported having 119 landowner agreements in place, but those agreements in the wind farm application only amount to a total of 74 people.

"Of those 74 people, only 37 actually live in Coles County. The other 37, while they own property, don't live in Coles County. Can you address that?," Sherman asked. Moore replied without elaborating, "That is accurate."
President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in the East Room at the White House on Feb. 24 in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images).

President Donald Trump is more popular in Missouri than ever even if the policies his new administration pursues arent, according to the latest Saint Louis University YouGov poll.

The survey of 900 likely Missouri voters, polled between Feb. 18 and March 2, showed 56% of those polled approve or strongly approve of Trump. The survey also showed 52% somewhat or strongly oppose one of the presidents key objectives, dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.

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I dont think its surprising that a heavily Republican state is supportive of the president, said Steven Rogers, director of the study and associate professor of political science at SLU. But (the approval rate of) 56% is the highest weve recorded for any political actor.

Trump exceeded his approval ratings among Missouri voters from his last term and beat the highest recorded approval rating by 3%. But responses on individual policies  and voters knowledge of them  reveal more about voters stances.

The poll reported 42% strongly approved of Trumps performance in office. On the Department of Education question, 42% said they were strongly opposed, while only 26% answered they strongly supported the idea.

Republicans were much more likely to support the departments elimination, with 43% strongly supporting the move and 25% answering they somewhat support it.

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But Republicans were also more likely to incorrectly identify programs run by the Department of Education.

When asked what department administers special education funding, 31% of Republicans incorrectly said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, compared to 22% of Democrats.

Asked which agency provides student aid, 83% of Democrats correctly identified the Department of Education compared to only 68% of Republicans.

Just 55% of Republicans identified the department as administering funds for schools with low-income students, compared to 74% of Democrats.

Ashley Burle, director of graduate admissions in the SLU School of Education, said the questions came after U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stumbled when asked about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act during her confirmation hearing.

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The thought process, she said, was to gauge voter knowledge about where some of these programs exist within government.

Other questions where Trump and his core supporters diverge include his proposal to increase the Child Tax Credit to $5,000 from the current $2,000 and whether to ban social media platforms with foreign ownership like TikTok.

Increasing the credit is supported by 54% overall, but among Republicans support drops to 46%. Among Democrats, increasing the credit is supported by 70%.

Trump delayed until April 5 enforcement of a law requiring owner ByteDance to sell TikTok or shut down. Overall, 46% said they support the ban, with Republicans at 62% and Democrats at 30%.

About the survey

SLU conducts the poll twice a year, with questions tracking attitudes on politicians and major issues and in-depth questions on policy trends. The survey has a margin of error of about 3.7% for respondents deemed likely voters.

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The first surveys were funded by a grant from the St. Louis University Research Institutes Big Ideas competition. The research institute was supercharged by a $50 million donation from Rex Sinquefield, a major donor in Missouri politics and a supporter of school privatization measures.

Pollsters told The Independent that the initial grant from Sinquefield has run out. The poll now receives funding and insight from the SLU PRiME center.

Results are not filtered, Rogers said, so people can view the outcomes of every question.

Political figures

The new poll includes a curious set of figures that indicate public attitudes on the economy, both in Missouri and nationally, have soured in recent months, with the overall numbers masking a political shift in attitudes.

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With Trump enjoying high approval ratings, the share of Republicans rating the national economy as poor dropped 29 points, to 36%, from the August survey when Democratic President Joe Biden was still in office.

Despite that decline among Republicans, respondents overall gave a strongly negative rating to the economy, with 46% saying the economy is fair and 38% saying it was poor. For Missouri, 51% said the economy was fair and 26% said poor.

In August, 14% of Democrats rated the national economy as excellent, with another 45% rating it as good. In the latest survey, 45% of Democrats rated it as poor, with only 1% saying it was excellent.

If I am viewing the economy, and lets just say Im a Democrat, I will be literally viewing them through blue-colored lenses, in which I may be looking at the same objective information, but then I want to be seeing it a little more favorably if Biden was in charge, Rogers said. But now to say Trump is in charge, with these blue-tinted glasses, I think its bad.

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Along with Trump, all of Missouris major Republican politicians enjoy net-positive approval ratings. New Gov. Mike Kehoe has the largest margin, with 50% saying they strongly approve or approve of his job performance and31% saying they disapprove or strongly disapprove.

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, who will be up for re-election in 2028, had a 13% net positive rating, and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who began his second term in January, had a 10% net positive rating. Hawley was the most polarizing figure, with 51% approval and just 9% saying they were unsure, half the number for Kehoe or Schmitt.

Both Congress and the Missouri General Assembly are enjoying a better public perception than just a year ago. The survey found 41% approve of Congress, up from 14% a year ago, and 48% for the legislature, up from 40%, from when the survey was conducted last year.

We are seeing pretty uniformly that those like Trump and Congress and even the Supreme Court are experiencing their all time highs, Rogers said. And this is despite voters, for example, thinking pretty negatively about the economy.

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The surveys questions on issues, however, show that voters are often at odds with the policies the politicians they back are proposing.

Charter schools

Respondents were more likely to support charter schools than oppose them, but many of those surveyed were unfamiliar with the states charter law.

In total, 55% of respondents answered they would support the operation of charter schools in their area and 56% were supportive of charters operating statewide, with Republicans and independents more likely to support.

But more than half, or 53%, answered they were not sure whether charters could operate in their area.

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Currently, charters can operate in Kansas City, St. Louis and Boone County with any qualified sponsor. But charters can also open where the local school district is unaccredited or provisionally accredited for three consecutive school years. Local school boards statewide may also open a charter school.

Boone County was the newest addition to the states charter school law, a priority of former Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, who is from Columbia. The provision was part of a large education package signed into law last spring.

State lawmakers during the current legislative session have filed bills seeking to overturn the provision and put the idea on Boone County residents ballots to decide.

A majority of voters want to have (charters) everywhere in the state, Rogers said. But it is also helpful to take a step back and ask voters what they know.

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One question asked whether respondents would identify charter schools as public or private. Of the 900 answers, 58% thought they were private, with 23% identifying charters as public schools and 19% unsure.

Charter schools are considered public because they operate from public funds, but they operate with more independence than a traditional public school.

Student technology usage

Multiple state lawmakers proposed legislation to limit students access to cell phones this session, with bills requiring school districts to create cell-phone policies unanimously passing a House committee.

The SLU YouGov poll asked how people felt about prohibiting cell phone usage, unless students are directed to by teachers, for different ages.

Cell phones and social media are two things specifically within technology that have been noted in recent years that negatively affect your mental health, Burle said.

A majority of those surveyed were supportive of restrictions with 76% in favor of the policy for elementary students, 75% for middle school and 70% for high school.

Younger respondents were less likely to support the idea, with 57% of those 18-29 in favor of the policy in elementary and middle schools and 79% of those 65 or older in favor.

The survey also asked about school policies that give a device like an iPad or laptop to students for schoolwork. The concept, often referred to as a 1:1 technology initiative, has grown massively in the past decade with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating its prevalence.

But according to the poll, opinions on student-assigned laptops are split for young learners. In total, 44% support and 43% oppose the idea with 13% unsure of its usage in elementary schools. Black respondents were more likely to favor the technology, with 72% in favor, compared to 40% of white participants.

Opinions grow more positive as the question is applied to secondary education, with 66% in favor of middle school students with devices and 80% in favor of them at the high-school level.

Democrats were also more likely to favor 1:1 initiatives, for 94% answered favorably when it comes to high schools. Of Republican respondents, 74% thought it was a good idea for high schools.

The full poll is available online at slu.edu/poll.

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ROME (AP)  Pope Francis said in a letter published Tuesday that his lengthy illness has helped make more lucid to him the absurdity of war, as his top deputy rejected any suggestion of resignation and Buckingham Palace announced plans for an upcoming audience with Britain's King Charles III.

Italian daily Corriere della Sera published a letter to the editor from Francis, signed and dated March 14 from Rome's Gemelli hospital where the 88-year-old pontiff has been treated since Feb. 14 for a complex lung infection and double pneumonia.

In it, Francis renewed his call for diplomacy and international organizations to find a new vitality and credibility. And he said that his own illness had also helped make some things clearer to him, including the absurdity of war.

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Human fragility has the power to make us more lucid about what endures and what passes, what brings life and what kills, he wrote.

Responding to a letter from the newspapers editor-in-chief, Luciano Fontana, Francis also urged him and all those in the media to feel the full importance of words.

They are never just words: they are facts that shape human environments. They can connect or divide, serve the truth or use it for other ends, he wrote. We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth.

The letter was published as Francis registered slight improvements in his treatment and as the Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, shot down any suggestion the pope might resign.

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Absolutely no, Parolin told journalists on Monday when asked if he and the pope had discussed a resignation. Parolin has visited Francis twice during his hospitalization, most recently on March 2, and said he found Francis better than during his first Feb. 25 visit.

Also on Tuesday, Francis received a standing ovation from the Italian Senate, after Premier Giorgia Meloni sent her greetings and said not just this chamber, but all of the Italian people wish the pope a full recovery as soon as possible.

Meloni, who was the first outsider to visit the pope after he was hospitalized, said that even in a trying moment, his strength and guidance have been felt.

Francis for the second day spent some time off high flows of oxygen and used just ordinary supplemental oxygen delivered by a nasal tube, the Holy See press office said Tuesday. In addition, for the first time in several weeks he didn't use the noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night at all, to force his lungs to work more.

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While those amount to slight improvements, the Vatican isnt yet providing any timetable on when he might be released. That said, Buckingham Palace announced Monday that King Charles III was scheduled to meet with Francis on April 8 at the Vatican, assuming he is back and well enough.

Such state visits are always closely organized with Parolin's office. However, the Vatican press office on Tuesday declined to confirm the visit, noting that the Holy See only confirms papal audiences shortly before they happen.

The developments came as the Vatican released some details on the first photograph of Francis released since his hospitalization. The image, taken Sunday from behind, showed Francis sitting in his wheelchair in his private chapel in prayer without any sign of nasal tubes.

The photo, showing Francis wearing a Lenten purple stole, followed an audio message the pope recorded March 6 in which he thanked people for their prayers, his voice soft and labored.

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Together, they suggested Francis is very much controlling how the public follows his illness to prevent it from turning into a spectacle. While many in the Vatican have held up St. John Paul IIs long and public battle with Parkinsons disease and other ailments as a humble sign of his willingness to show his frailties, others criticized it as excessive and glorifying sickness.

The image certainly reassured some well-wishers who came to Gemelli to pray for Francis, who is recovering in the 10th-floor papal suite reserved for popes.

After a month of hospitalization, finally a photo that can assure us that his health conditions are better, said the Rev. Enrico Antonio, a priest from Pescara.

But Benedetta Flagiello of Naples, who was visiting her sister at Gemelli, wondered if the photo was even real.

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Because if the pope can sit for a moment without a mask, without anything, why didnt he look out the window on the 10th floor to be seen by everyone? she asked. If you remember our old pope (John Paul II), he couldnt speak up, but he showed up.

___

Associated Press writers Paolo Santalucia and Silvia Stellacci contributed to this report.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  There are more than 400,000 immigrants and refugees in Oregon, according to Oregon For All. But many organizations and local leaders said they fear families will be torn apart following President Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport alleged members of a Venezuelan gang.

Despite a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge, hundreds were deported to El Salvador on Saturday.

Portland City Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane said her constituents have been in touch because theyre scared.

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I have been speaking with my constituents, some of whom are asylum seekers, who are telling me that theyre afraid to send their children to school. I am hearing from teachers who are telling me that they have students that arent coming to school because their families are scared, she said Monday.

In this photo provided by El Salvadors presidential press office, prison guards transfer deportees from the U.S., alleged to be Venezuelan gang members, to the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (El Salvador presidential press office via AP)

The ACLU argues invoking the act could do more than deportation. During World War II the government used this act to incarcerate around 120,000 people with Japanese heritage in America without a trial. Thousands were sent to internment camps  including in Oregon  according to the National Archives.

The use of this 18th-century law  which had only been used during the War of 1812, World War I and World War II  hits home for Koyama Lane.

My Japanese American grandparents, Grandma Aiko and Grandpa Ray, were just high schoolers when Executive Order 9066 forcibly removed and incarcerated them, she said. They had their farmland, their livelihoods and their dignity stolen from them.

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Where We Live: Portlands WW2 internment facility

The ACLU and Democracy Forward is suing to block this act prompting a temporary restraining order. The ACLU of Oregon said they are requesting information to find if any of them are from this state.

The danger of this act is we have not been able to confirm any of this information. We simply do not know. We do know that right now, Executive Director of the ACLU of Oregon Sandy Chung said. The ACLU and our partners are in process to get more information about the planes that were flown out,

But Republican State Representative Alek Skarlatos said he wants the president to have the power to deport whoever is in the country illegally.

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I think its a good thing, but I would say that its a shame that Trump had to enact some esoteric law from the 1790s in order to deport people that we should be able to deport regardless, said Skarlatos. The fact that this is being fought is a little ridiculous.

He added, Anyone in our country illegally, or even on a green card or temporary status is still a guest of this country, and we dont have to grant them admission.

To be clear, the official website for the US Citizenship and Immigration Services states, Having a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTSMOUTH  City Attorney Lavonda Graham-Williams will leave her role with the city later this year to serve as a newly appointed Portsmouth Circuit Court judge in January.

Graham-Williams said she plans to remain in her role through December unless the City Council opts to replace her before then. She called the judicial appointment the pinnacle step in a litigators career.

Im honored to continue to serve the city. Its my hometown. Its where I got my legal beginnings, Graham-Williams said. Its bittersweet because theres a lot more work to do with the city, of course, and serving as city attorney has always been one of my biggest career accomplishments.

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Graham-Williams returned from Washington, D.C. to her hometown of Portsmouth in 2022 to take on the role of city attorney. Mayor Shannon Glover said she was the first Black woman to permanently hold that role for the city.

Her departure leaves an important vacancy for the city. City attorneys are among the handful of positions appointed by council members. Glover said council will discuss next steps following Graham-Williams performance review this summer. That could mean a formal search, though Graham-Williams said she hopes council considers an internal hire and appoints someone in her office for the role.

We will come out of that discussion probably with next steps in order to get a solicitation together, perhaps, to begin the process of filling the job because we dont want to wait til the last minute, Glover said. Its hard to replace someone that has her knowledge of the law and that really has worked hard with her team to build the confidence and credibility that has allowed us to be very successful at litigating a number of big cases that could have potentially cost the city dollars.

The day-to-day duties of the office include ensuring the citys compliance with state and federal laws and regulations and defending the city in litigation.

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Graham-Williams said she was honored to also be among the first Black women appointed to serve as Portsmouth Circuit Court judge.

Shes a graduate of I. C. Norcom High School and George Washington University, and she earned a law degree from the College of William & Mary. In addition to her time as city attorney, Graham-Williams has spent time on both the prosecutorial and defense sides of the courtroom. She oversaw cases involving juveniles at the Prince William County Commonwealths Attorneys Office. She also opened a firm in Northern Virginia focused on those with special needs.

Graham-Williams has led the city through a number of high-profile lawsuits, particularly from former employees like former City Manager Angel Jones and former Portsmouth City Assessor Patrick Dorris. She also led the efforts to acquire the Hampton Roads Regional Jail and transition it for use as a city jail, and she represents the city on the Southeastern Public Service Authority board that oversees some of the regions waste disposal.

Graham-Williams also highlighted efforts to research, preserve and recognize historically Black and neglected areas of the city, such as the Sugar Hill neighborhood in Pinners Point, the Bernard D. Griffin Sr. Park and Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.

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But among her biggest accomplishments, she said, was bringing calm to the chaos in Portsmouth.

(A) laundry list of things like the grants that we got from Main Street and the violence intervention grants  We werent able to do that unless the city and the city leadership were able to work together through whatever disputes, she said. And I think our office played a role in creating that kind of diplomacy through some tough times and through some great times.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
Mar. 17Reading from a prepared statement Monday night during the Austin City Council meeting, Ward Three Council Member Joyce Poshusta announced that she was stepping down from her position and that her last meeting would be April 21.

Poshusta's announcement came as a result of a new position she had taken in Rochester in early March and taking her out of the ward she serves, which encompasses the entire east side of Austin.

"Serving on this council has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Poshusta said, reading from her statement. "I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together over the past six years."

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Poshusta will leave the council with two years remaining on her current term, which is her second after she was first elected in 2018.

She said after Monday night's meeting that not only was the decision a hard, but necessary one, but the act of announcing it was just as difficult.

"It was hard to hold back tears. It was really emotional," Poshusta said. "The Austin community has been my home for 25 years. My heart will always belong to Austin and the community."

As she read from her statement, Poshusta acknowledged that serving at times was as challenging as it was rewarding.

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Specifically, she touched on some of the more challenging parts of her time on the council, including the negativity that often came from online. From that she challenged people that instead of contributing to that negativity, they get involved instead.

"One of the more difficult aspects of this role has been dealing with online negativity," Poshusta said. "We are all familiar with those who choose to engage in relentless criticism on social media, regardless of the decisions we make. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage these individuals to become more actively involved in our community in a meaningful and constructive way."

"Understanding the complexities of local governance and participating in a productive manner will always yield greater results than criticism alone," she continued.

The council will now look to decide how Poshusta's seat will be filled, which can be done either through appointment or a special election.

The last time this happened was in 2022 when the council filled a vacant seat in the First Ward by appointing Geoff Baker following an application and interview process. However, in the immediacy of Poshusta's announcement, it is unknown at this point how the process will be conducted this time around.
Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, R-Foley, laughing on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives at the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama. The chamber unanimously passed Holk-Jones' legislation that would require the Alabama Department of Public Health to educate its employees on postpartum depression on March 18, 2025. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

A bill that would require education and screening for postpartum depression for mothers with Medicaid coverage passed the Alabama House of Representatives unanimously on Tuesday.

HB 322, sponsored by Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, R-Foley, requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to educate its employees on the depression that affects 12-16% of women after giving birth.

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It further requires doctors and other health care professionals to assess, have a conversation, regarding postpartum depression, Holk-Jones said.

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The legislation passed with a committee substitute that removed a requirement that the Alabama Medicaid Agency to cover postpartum depression screening and treatment. Holk-Jones said the agency was taken out of because the agency independently decides what medical services it will cover.

Medicaid made those changes without the legislation, she said.

Medicaid expanded its postpartum coverage from 60 days to a year in 2023, which includes mental health coverage.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

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President Donald Trump said hes going to take a look into the vandalism at a north Wichita Catholic church.

Trump was told about the vandalism at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wichita and asked by correspondent Owen Jensen of Eternal Word Television Network what the White House can do to protect churches and places of worship.

Trump responded: Well, were going to take a look. I love Wichita. You know, I got big votes there. We won that state by a lot.

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Police were called Saturday morning to the church at 2007 North Arkansas for a report of a burglary. Officers found hate speech written on a wall, damage to statues, candles and glass and a burned U.S. flag.

I think its a terrible thing, Trump said about the vandalism. He made his remarks during a press availability at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday.

A 23-year-old Saline County man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, criminal desecration and criminal damage to property in connection with the vandalism.

The FBI and ATF were involved since the vandalism included arson.

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U.S. Rep. Ron Estes also spoke out about the incident.

This is despicable, Estes said on Facebook. Violence and Vandalism, especially in a sacred space, have no place here in Kansas.

Parishioners were unable to worship that day. The mass on Sunday, March 16 was held in the churchs school gym.

A person affiliated with the church said the vandalism has been cleaned up and mass will be held in the church again starting Tuesday.

Thanks be to God, we had a crew yesterday and they did a really good job cleaning up, said the person, who did not want to be named. We should be resuming, you know, as normal as we can tomorrow [Tuesday] morning.
East Lyme  School and town officials learned the price tag to replace the crumbling roof over the East Lyme High School pool has doubled, and they still hope to get work underway by late summer.

Last year the town bonded $1 million to replace the roof. That cost is now $2.4 million.

There isn't a concern the roof will collapse inward, Lund said, but officials are worried a strong windstorm could rip it right off.

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Schools Director of Facilities Chris Lund said Friday he's not sure how long it'll take to rebuild the roof. When construction starts, school swim teams and community swimmers will have to swim somewhere else.

Lund said officials are searching for alternatives.

The users are very important," he said. "We're going to accommodate them as best we can."

Lund told the finance board he and a consultant worked up an outline of needed repairs and sent it to bidders a few years ago. They got no responses. Then they came up with a more detailed plan and again got nothing back.

An engineer took a closer look and found that the roof's corrosion was worse than expected and that repairing it meant removing the roof and its underlying structure entirely, raising the price to $2.4 million. This time, Lund hopes for responses from contractors in 30 to 60 days. Town Finance Director Kevin Gervais told the finance board leftover funds from school district and town projects, including $900,000 from the town community center roof project, will be used to make up the difference. The finance board gave the town the go-ahead, and the matter now goes to a Town Meeting on April 2.

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The roof is in rough shape, Lund told the Board of Finance last week.

"It's snowing in there every day, he said. Swimmers report paint chips and rust falling on them as they swim. In 2018, the schools put in a dehumidifier to slow the roof's decay.

And with President Donald Trump's tariffs on metals and other goods, prices might go higher still, Lund said.

The aquatic center, raised as part of the 1999 high school expansion, has been plagued by corrosion problems for most of its life. The district about 20 years ago got about $80,000 in a settlement over construction deficiencies.

Denise Hall, finance board chair, said from what she's seen at the aquatics center, this project can't wait.

j.lakowsky@theday.com
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark.  A West Memphis, Arkansas priest accused of killing two cats in February entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday.

Charles Thessing, 63, was charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty after allegations he trapped and drowned cats.

He has been ordered back to court in April. The judge on Tuesday set a May 19 jury trial.

West Memphis priest accused of animal cruelty involving cats

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On Feb. 7, West Memphis Animal Control received a video regarding the incident. West Memphis Police obtained a search warrant for Thessings property and say they found animal traps and two dead cats that appeared to have been drowned in a tank of water on the property.

Thessing is listed on a church website as pastor of St. Michael Church in West Memphis but was suspended indefinitely by the diocese.

West Memphis officials declined to release specifics on the case, citing an ongoing investigation.

On Tuesday, WREG tried to get a statement from Thessing outside court. He told us, No hablo ingles. He addressed the judge in court in English.

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While Thessing was waiting for the driver of a truck to unlock the door, WREG asked him to say anything in any language.

No comment. Please leave me alone, said Thessing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Court documents relating to the Duke of Sussexs immigration to the United States have been released with heavy redactions over fears he would be exposed to unwanted media attention.

Judge Carl Nichols ordered the release of the documents as part of a Freedom of Information (FoIA) 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.

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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.

A heavily redacted declaration by Jarrod Panter - Jon Elswick/AP

The heavily redacted files, which were released around 4pm ET, outlined why there was not a strong enough public interest argument to disclose the Dukes immigration records in full.

The documents read: To release his exact status could subject him to reasonably foreseeable harm in the form of harassment as well as unwanted contact by the media and others.

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It continued: There is the potential of harm in the form of harassment if his exact [REDACTED] is revealed. Thus, there is significant privacy interests involved in the records.

Plaintiffs have not established public interest, as defined by the FOIA, in disclosure of the records.

Plaintiffs allege that the records should be disclosed as public confidence in the government would suffer or to establish whether the Duke was granted preferential treatment.

This speculation by plaintiffs does not point to any evidence of government misconduct.

Trump ruled out deporting Duke

The Heritage Foundation alleged the Duke might have concealed past illegal drug use that should have disqualified him from obtaining a US visa.

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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, Mr 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.

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Documents unsealed Tuesday in a conservative think tanks case against Prince Harry do not disclose information about his immigration records.

To release his exact status could subject him to reasonably foreseeable harm in the form of harassment as well as unwanted contact by the media and others, one of the filings released Tuesday says.

The heavily redacted documents were released on Tuesday in connection with a lawsuit from the Heritage Foundation, filed after its request for the release the Duke of Sussexs immigration records under the Freedom of Information Act was previously denied by DHS. The group argued the public has an interest in knowing whether Prince Harry was properly vetted prior to or during admission into the United States.

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In the fall, a federal judge denied the Heritage Foundations effort seeking the disclosure of Harrys immigration records, ruling that the Dukes privacy interest outweighs any public interest. But last week, the judge ordered the government to publicly file redacted versions of documents it privately submitted to the judge last year detailing the immigration records it withheld and explaining why the government believed the release would be damaging.

The redactions in the documents made public Tuesday are so extensive that little can be deduced about Prince Harrys immigration records themselves, or even the volume of records withheld.

In a brief portion that is visible from the filing, the government argued to the judge last year it was not possible to release any record or any portion of the records as it would allow someone with any familiarity with immigration law to determine [redacted] for the Duke in the United States.

To release such information would potentially expose the individual to harm from members of the public who might have a reason to manipulate or harass individuals depending on their status in the United States, the filing also said.

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The Heritage Foundation has raised questions about Prince Harrys writings of past recreational drug use in his memoir, since admission of past drug use can be grounds to reject a visa application.

Were only focused on the specific issue thats drawn all the press attention: the drug use, attorney Samuel Dewey, who represents the Heritage Foundation, previously told CNN. Hes talked about, hes written about it extensively. He has waived any privacy interest he has in his drug use. He has bragged about it (in his memoir) and sold that.

In court documents, the Heritage Foundation argued there are only certain ways Prince Harry could have entered the United States in March 2020.

He might have been in possession of a diplomatic visa, but Heritage contended that was unlikely given his status with the Royal Family  Or he might have disclosed his past drug use and sought a waiver of admission But, Heritage argued, this normally would take several years to attain, the documents read. Alternatively, the Duke may have disclosed his past drug use but have been admitted into the United States without a waiverwhich in Heritages view would be unlawful.

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Heritage contended that the Dukes conduct likely violated numerous laws that should have made him ineligible for admission, the court documents say.

Why did a conservative think tank want to see Prince Harrys immigration records?

Attorneys for the Heritage Foundation see the case as part of a larger effort to uncover non-compliance with the law by DHS in different areas  including accusations from Republican lawmakers that DHS is deliberately refusing to enforce the Countrys immigration laws and is responsible for the current crisis at the border, court filings read.

This is a case that concerns Prince Harry, but what its focused on is DHSs conduct, Dewey previously said.

DHS has noted the US Customs and Border Protection agency originally denied the Freedom of Information Act requests from the Heritage Foundation because the group did not have Prince Harrys authorization or consent to release the information.

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Documents in his immigration records initially sought by the Heritage Foundation could include Prince Harrys I-485 form, the Application to Register Permanent Residence, as well as his wifes petition for him, financial information, his work history, and supporting documents with marriage pictures together, immigration attorney Charles Kuck said.

Prince Harrys wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is an American citizen.

One question the I-485 form asks is Have you ever violated () any controlled substance law or regulation of a state, the United States, or a foreign country?

That question has been the subject of numerous cases at the Board of Immigration Appeals, Kuck told CNN, because in order to answer that question, you have to know the elements of the crime.

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No person in their right mind would answer yes to that question. Because what crime are you talking about? What are the elements of that crime? What are the parameters of violating that law?  I dont know what the elements of the crime are, Kuck said.

President Trump told the New York Post last month that he has ruled out deporting Prince Harry, who now lives in Montecito, California, with his wife and their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.

I dont want to do that, the president told the New York Post. Ill leave him alone. Hes got enough problems with his wife. Shes terrible.

CNNs Holmes Lybrand contributed to this story.

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Prince Harrys immigration record will be made public imminently, according to a ruling by a U.S. federal judge.

According to Today, the Department of Homeland Security has until the end of the day on March 18 to comply with the judges order and release the records, which could reveal if he disclosed prior drug use before moving to the United States with wife Meghan Markle and their son Prince Archie in 2020. (Daughter Princess Lilibet was born in California the next year, 2021.)

YouTube/Netflix Prince Harry, Princess Lilibet, Prince Archie, and Meghan Markle Prince Harry, Princess Lilibet, Prince Archie, and Meghan Markle

Conservative group the Heritage Foundation has been seeking the release of Harrys immigration records for several years under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Harry disclosed prior drug useincluding cocainein his 2023 memoir Spare, and while drug use itself isnt necessarily a disqualifying factor for a visa, lying about it could pose problems. In theory, if Harry didnt disclose drug use on his visa application, that could be grounds to have him removed from the U.S., Today reported.

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In the pages of Spare, Harry wrote that cocaine didnt do anything for me, but added, Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me, per The Telegraph. Harry also said in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia to promote Spare (and per Us Weekly) that he took psychedelics to help with his grief following the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, when Harry was just 12.

Getty Princess Margaret, Prince Harry, and Princess Diana Princess Margaret, Prince Harry, and Princess Diana

I would never recommend people to do this recreationally, Harry said. But doing it with the right people, if you are suffering from a huge amount of loss, grief, or trauma, then these things have a way of working as medicine.

The federal government has fought efforts to make Harrys paperwork publicand ruled last September that it didnt pass muster to be of public interestbut on appeal, Judge Carl Nichols ruled in favor of the Heritage Foundation and said over the weekend that Tuesday was the deadline to make Harrys immigration files public.

President Donald Trump said in Februaryamid disparaging comments about the Duchess of Sussexthat he wouldnt seek to deport Harry from the U.S., telling The New York Post I dont want to do that. Ill leave him alone.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Harry and Meghan have made Montecito, California their home for five years now. Last December, speaking at The New York Times DealBook Summit, Harry said of the U.S., I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here, confirming that he had no intentions to leave his new home country.

Read the original article on InStyle
The United States Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday released documents showing that Prince Harry did not receive favorable treatment in the process of obtaining his U.S. visa.

A DHS official said in the heavily redacted immigration court documents that his immigration process received no favorable treatment.

"This speculation by Plaintiffs does not point to any evidence of government misconduct," the agency stated in one of the documents. "The records, as explained above, do not support such an allegation but show the regulatory process involved in reviewing and granting immigration benefits which was done in compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C.  1103 and applicable rules and regulations."

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Prince Harry's visit with King Charles III, absence of Prince William sparks reconciliation questions

The documents were released after the Heritage Foundation -- a conservative think tank -- filed a Freedom of Information Act request for Harry's immigration documents in 2023, followed by a lawsuit calling for DHS to expedite the process because of of the public interest in the case and media coverage of the prince's admitted drug use when he was younger.

U.S. visa applications ask about current and past drug use, and admissions of drug use can lead to denial, based on different factors.

The Heritage Foundation has said previously in court filings that the drug use "surfaced the question" about whether Harry received favorable treatment in being granted entry to the U.S. and whether Harry disclosed his past in his visa application, as required.

PHOTO: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex gives a speech during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 08, 2025 in Vancouver. (Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images)

A Washington, D.C., district court judge ruled on March 7 that Harry's U.S. immigration files be released by the end of day Tuesday.

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However, DHS redacted the full immigration record, including his status in the United States.

"To release his exact status could subject him to reasonably foreseeable harm in the form of harassment as well as unwanted contact by the media and others," the court filing says. "The Duke of Sussex has not consented to disclosure of his records to Plaintiffs and Plaintiffs have not proven sufficient public interest to outweigh the Dukes right to privacy concerning any other potential CBP records about him that may or may not exist."

Mike Howell, executive director for the Oversight Project at The Heritage Foundation, said that the foundation still believes that the Duke of Sussex has something to hide -- enough to warrant his departure from the country.

Time for Prince Harry to go home," Howell told ABC News. "Every partial answer raises three new questions. We now believe he has committed a felony by lying on an 0-1 visa and on form DS-160." The 0-1 visa is reserved for "the individual who possesses extraordinary ability," according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Form DS-160 pertains to temporary travel to the U.S. Howell did not further explain the claims, which are unsubstantiated.

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"The Garland Justice Department and Prince Harry conspired to hide the truth and waste a massive amount of public resources to defend someone who hates their own country and is hell-bent on tearing down this one too," he continued. "Prince Harry should self deport now. He can use his Royal status to drink at the Netflix liberal grift machine and bash the results of the 2024 Presidential Election back in the UK on their taxpayer dime.

A representative for Harry declined to comment on the documents' release.

Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, moved to the United States in 2020 after stepping away from their senior roles in Britain's royal family.

Harry, the youngest son of King Charles III, and Meghan now live in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

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Last April, Harry named the U.S. as his official residence in documents filed with Companies House, a government-run registry of companies in the United Kingdom.

The filing lists the date of Harry's residency change as June 29, 2023, the date that Buckingham Palace confirmed Harry and Meghan had officially moved out of Frogmore Cottage, their former home in Windsor.

Prince Harry turns 40 with birthday wishes from King Charles, Prince William and Princess Kate

Harry told ABC News' Will Reeve last year that he has considered getting his American citizenship.

"The American citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind, but certainly is not something that is a high priority for me right now," he told Reeve in an interview that aired Feb. 16, 2024.

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When asked what would stop him from doing so, Harry replied, "I have no idea."

In February, amid the Heritage Foundation's lawsuit, President Donald Trump told the New York Post he has no plans to deport Harry, saying, "I don't want to do that."

Ill leave him alone. Hes got enough problems with his wife. Shes terrible," Trump said, referring to Meghan, who reportedly called Trump "divisive and misogynistic during the 2016 presidential election, two years before she wed Harry.

Prince Harry's immigration records made public amid court battle originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Pro-Palestine and -Israel Protesters clashed at Gal Gadots Walk of Fame ceremony on Hollywood Blvd. on Tuesday, with police chasing down someone who reportedly stole a flag from the Israeli camp.

Emotions ran high as people in the pro-Palestine group shouted, Shame on Gal Gadot at the Israeli actress, who stars as the evil queen in the new live-action Disney movie Snow White. Gadot has received considerable backlash to her vocal support of Israel after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks while, her detractors say, not addressing the losses on the Palestinian side of the conflict.

The ceremony, which was attended by Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins and Fast and Furious star Vin Diesel, was delayed 15 minutes do to the ongoing protest.

An altercation breaks out as a pro-Palestine protester steals a pro-Israel protesters flag outside Gal Gadots Walk of Fame ceremony. Police run after. pic.twitter.com/EvX6rr8VOf  Katcy Stephan (@katcystephan) March 18, 2025

Variety, who first reported the story, estimated a crowd of two dozen each on one side.

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Israeli supporter Dana Nikri told the outlet she had friends who were murdered at the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 2, 2023: They come [to] our home and take us from our home and give us dead children. We dont start war, we dont want war at all.

Roma Ealaicos, who supports Palestine, said, Were all really upset about whats happening in Gaza right now. From the last year and a half, and especially in the last 24-48 hours, 400 innocent people have been killed by the Israeli military, unprovoked. He added that there is no reason we should be celebrating an Israeli right now.

Gadot told Variety, There is a challenge for people to speak on social media because there is so much hate going on and so many bots and so many angry people that are looking for a cause.

She explained that she usually doesnt talk about politics, but was motivated to speak because of the horrors that happened [on Oct. 7], adding, I was shocked by the amount of hate, by the amount of how much people think they know when they actually have no idea, and also by how the media is not fair many times. So I had to speak up.

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In her speech on Tuesday, Gadot said, Im just a girl from a town in Israel, this star will remind me that with hard work and passion and some faith, anything is possible.

She thanked Diesel, who took a chance on a complete unknown and invited me to the Fast and Furious family, talk about starting big. She added, It was my first movie ever, and your faith in me completely changed the course of my life. She played ex-Mossad agent Gisele Yashar in three films in the franchise.

The post Pro-Palestine and -Israel Protesters Clash at Gal Gadot Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Mar. 17Manchester aldermen are being asked this week to amend an agreement between city and state officials to continue using the Tirrell House on Brook Street as a shelter for women and children through June 2027.

The Beacon on Brook Street Shelter for women and children is a program of Light of Life Ministries that opened in January 2024, with American Rescue Plan Act funds approved by the city.

The shelter houses 16 women. Officials say since the site opened, each bed has been filled "every day" with a waiting list of approximately 30-45 women at any given time.

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The agreement appears as an agenda item before the aldermanic Committee on Lands and Buildings, which meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

In a letter to aldermen, Mayor Jay Ruais reports the Beacon on Brook Street Shelter has had "significant, positive, outcomes in a very short period of time."

According to Ruais, during its first year of operation, 58 unhoused individuals were served  42 households and 16 children.

In the past 10 months, 45% have moved on to permanent or temporary housing and 74% of the women served last year stayed at the shelter between three months and a year, demonstrating that the women are "working with case managers and resident assistants in a meaningful way," Ruais writes.

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"Beacon on Brook is not simply an emergency shelter  they are establishing a care plan within the first week that individuals arrive," Ruais said. "Staff is on site 24 hours per day, 7 days a week to ensure compliance with rules, while assisting women who are addressing barriers, such as substance use disorder, mental health concerns, domestic violence, benefits, housing services, and much more."

The agreement before aldermen this week is effective upon approval by Gov. Kelly Ayotte and the Executive Council and runs through June 30, 2027. The agreement may be terminated by either party for any reason with 60 days written notice.

Tirrell House at 15 Brook St. includes an approximately 4,000-square-foot, three-story building, an approximately 552-square-foot outbuilding and four parking spaces.

In January 2023, the city announced it was partnering with YWCA New Hampshire to provide staffing and wraparound services at Tirrell House, formerly home to a men's transitional living program operated by Families in Transition until November 2022.

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Use of the Tirrell House was requested by former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and seven other New Hampshire mayors in a letter sent to former Gov. Chris Sununu and other state officials to address a statewide shortage of emergency shelter beds for women experiencing homelessness.

In July 2023, YWCA NH made the decision to close the shelter after operating the site for about six months.

"We've tried everything and looked everywhere, but have not been able to raise the money. Everyone that might help appears to be out of funds," YWCA NH Chief Executive Jessica Cantin said in a news release at the time.

In October 2023, city aldermen approved $3.85 million of federal ARPA and HOME funds for Affordable and Supportive Housing Initiatives in Manchester, including reopening the women's shelter in partnership with Light of Life Ministries.

Light of Life Ministries received $767,517 to operate the shelter at 15 Brook St. for 2-3 years.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Republican Rep. Donna Scheuren is proposing a constitutional amendment that would block people who are in the country illegally from getting a Pennsylvania drivers license. Some Democratic lawmakers are calling the bill a distraction.

In a press conference held at the State Capitol on Monday, House Republicans shared statistics and stories of deadly crashes.

From 2021 to 2024, a total of 8,580 illegal aliens were arrested for DUI, says Rep. Jill Cooper of Westmoreland County.

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In Allegheny County last fall, Saul Rivera-Ramirez, who had obviously been previously deported, rear-ended 23-year-old Dormont resident, Christian Luca, throwing Christian from his motorcycle, leading to his death, says Rep. Scheuren.

Under House Bill 927, The Commonwealth may not issue a drivers license, operators

license, operating privilege or other similar license, permit or authorization for operation of a motor vehicle to an individual who has not established lawful presence in the United States.

Are we to know whether or not they can read the PennDOT message boards? Are they able to read the electronic signs that are in the work zones all up and down our main highways and our turnpikes, any kinds of warnings up ahead? Rep. Scheuren says. The incidents that were discussed about traveling in the wrong direction and excessive amounts of speeds, all of that can easily be taken back to the main issue, is there a language barrier? Is there no proper testing being done?

Democratic Representative and Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Committee Danilo Burgos has been working on legislation since 2019 to help undocumented individuals obtain drivers licenses.

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People are just driving because of necessity, Rep. Burgos says. Theyre not driving because theyre going to the club or to have fun. Theyre driving because they need to take their children to school and go to work. They might need to take the parents to a doctors appointment.

Since House Bill 927 proposes a constitutional amendment, it would have to pass both chambers twice over two sessions and be placed on the ballot for Pennsylvanians to vote on. Non-U.S. citizens already have to show proof of their identity and residency in order to obtain a Pennsylvania drivers license. This legislation would formalize that process and enshrine it into the state constitution.

Chairs of the PA Legislative Latino Caucus and Welcoming PA Caucus issued a joint statement on drivers licenses for immigrants in response to continuing threats against Pennsylvanias immigrant community.

Instead of instilling fear in Pennsylvanias working-class immigrant communities, we should work together to improve road safety and ensure ALL drivers are properly trained and insured, the statement reads.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The effort to split La Jolla off from San Diego and make the coastal community its own city has hit a setback.

On Friday, the regional entity in charge of municipal boundaries, the Local Agency Formation Commission, sent a letter to the group behind the latest push to realize La Jolla cityhood, informing them their recent petition to get the ball rolling did not collect enough signatures.

The group, known as the Association for the City of La Jolla, now has just 15 days collect an additional 1,027 unique signatures of La Jolla residents to meet the commissions threshold to initiate consideration of their proposal.

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Should this goal not be met, the so-called La Jexit secession efforts could get sent back to square one.

San Diego residents protest proposed trash and recycling fees

Making the community of La Jolla its own city has been a goal of some residents for decades, but only in the last few years have its proponents gained momentum.

The Association for the City of La Jolla said back in December it had submitted more than 7,000 signatures from supporters to finally put the proposal before the Local Agency Formation Commission for the first time.

In its letter Friday, however, officials with the commission said only 5,723 of the signatures were validated, coming up short of the 6,750 threshold  or 25% of voters in the proposed city limits  needed to move the petition forward.

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According to the Registrar of Voters office, more than 1,000 of the signatures submitted were found to be erroneous for reasons like the voter was registered at a different address outside the proposed city lines, it was a duplication, or the individuals registration could not be verified.

Even if the association can make up the difference in their 15-day remedy period, the communitys secession still faces an uphill battle, between getting the Local Agency Formation Commission on board and gaining traction among a wider segment of voters.

Supporters say the split would help ease financial pressures on the city of San Diego for things like beach and roadway upkeep, as well as give La Jolla residents more flexibility to get other important projects to their community off the ground.

On the flip side, those who have voiced concern about La Jollas separation argue cutting off certain taxes from San Diegos revenue could be a significant blow to this financial health, as the area has some of the most expensive properties in the region and is an epicenter of its tourism.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Editors note: This story corrects a statement made in an affidavit about calls that were turned over in the case. We regret the error.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Prosecutors say a man serving a 36-year to life sentence for a 2011 murder does not deserve a new trial.

In papers filed Monday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, they say Donovan Miller, 39, does not deserve a new trial because new evidence his attorneys claim was discovered was present all along and known to his original defense team when he was prosecuted for the Sept. 22, 2011, shooting death of 22-year-old Quest Waggoner.

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Waggoner was shot and killed inside a home on Inverness Avenue on the South Side.

Mondays brief was in response to an earlier motion filed by two attorneys for the University of Cincinnatis Innocence Project representing Miller, who is seeking a new trial.

Miller was convicted by a jury in December 2012 before former Judge Lou DApolito for aggravated murder and other charges. He was sentenced in January 2013 by Judge DApolito.

In their motion filed Wednesday, Millers lawyers said they obtained new evidence in December from the Mahoning County Sheriffs Office of telephone calls, including jail calls.

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Prosecutors presented an affidavit from the former prosecutor on the case, Martin Desmond, who said he did turn the calls over but there was nothing exculpatory on them.

Millers attorneys also said his previous attorneys did not know of other suspects in the case, but prosecutors said in their response that Desmond did share with Millers defense team that police had interviewed other suspects, and he also included that in his discovery motion for the defense.

Millers lawyers failed to show how he was unavoidably prevented from using that evidence when his attorney at trial knew about other suspects, the response said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
A group of pro-immigration protesters gathered in Clayton County Monday night and responded to the governors announcement that ICE will train Georgia officers isnt going to deter their efforts.

On Jonesboro Road Monday night, more than two dozen people with the Party for Socialism and Liberation rallied for more protections for immigrants, calling for a stop to deportations and to abolish ICE.

But their focus shifted, after learning of the plan for ICE to train all Georgia State Troopers and other sworn officers of the Department of Public Safety.

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We think its absurd, PSL organizer Jacob Dallas-Main said. Now they want to escalate these attacks on the immigrant community, they want to escalate their cooperation with ICE.

Our commissioner has requested U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) train all 1,100 sworn officers under his command through the 287(g) Program, Captain Crystal Zion with the Georgia Department of Public Safety said.

287 (g) is a federal program that allows ICE to delegate some of its authority for immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement.

This latest training effort follows the Georgia Department of Corrections, which has been working with ICE under the same program for years.

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To better assist in identifying and apprehending illegal aliens who pose a risk to public safety in the state, added Zion.

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Everyone is trying to prove theyre the hardest on crime, the hardest on immigrants that they can scapegoat the most, said Dallas-Main.

For Monday nights protesters, they promise to continue to rally and to educate, in their attempt to fight back.

Were going to continue to share what peoples rights are. Its important for people to know that ICE needs a warrant if they come to your door, Dallas-Main said.

Governor Brian Kemps office said in a statement the program will give law enforcement a greater ability to communicate with ICE.

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Protestors from both sides of the war in Gaza clashed outside of actress Gal Gadots Walk of Fame ceremony in Hollywood.

Pro-Palestinian supporters were furious the Israeli actress is being celebrated as the war rages on overseas.

What was supposed to be an exciting and festive moment for the Wonder Woman actress on Tuesday turned to into violent confrontations amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

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Gadot has been an outspoken advocate for her native country following the deadly Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israel activists feuding outside of Gal Gadots Walk of Fame ceremony in Hollywood on March 18, 2025. (Sky 5)

The Snow White actress has delivered rousing speeches continuing this rhetoric at various events. Earlier this month, she received the International Leadership Award from the Anti-Defamation League at the Never is Now 2025 Summit on Antisemitism and Hate.

I am proud to be Jewish and proud to be an Israeli, Gadot said in her speech at the event. But this is a time when many of us in the Jewish community have had to find our voice and confront the hatred against us, even if its extremely uncomfortable. However much you tried to avoid it before, even if speaking up wasnt really your thing, none of us can ignore the explosion of Jew hatred around the world anymore. And that is what I am doing. No AI needed. It really is me, standing in front of you today, saying, simply, that my name is Gal, and I am Jewish. And we have had enough of Jew-hatred. So we are here, together calling for the release of every single one of our hostages. We have to bring them home.

Video from Sky5 shows the feuding groups from both sides gathered on Hollywood Boulevard outside the ceremony, which was held in a tent on Tuesday morning.

Gal Gadot attends her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony in Hollywood, California on March 18, 2025. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Slurs and insults were repeatedly shouted at each other. Tensions even escalated to physical contact. A witness told KTLA 5 that someone from one side stole a flag or item from the opposing group, which led to more violence and prompted police to make a number of arrests.

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Right now its not known how many arrests were made.

Video obtained by KTLA 5 showed a Pro-Palestinian demonstrator calling a Pro-Israel activist a Nazi.

Gadots ceremony comes ahead of her debut as the Evil Queen in Disneys new live-action Snow White movie, which hits theaters on March 21. Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins and Gadots Fast X co-star Vin Diesel joined the actress as she received the honor.

So far Gadot has not made any public comments about the demonstration.

Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israel activists feuding outside of Gal Gadots Walk of Fame ceremony in Hollywood on March 18, 2025. (KTLA)

The ceremony comes hours after Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip Tuesday morning.

The regions Health Ministry said this killed at least 400 Palestinians, which were mostly women and children. The surprise attack ended a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which had been in place since January.

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The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israels actions. A senior Hamas official said Netanyahus decision to return to war amounts to a death sentence for the remaining hostages.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Dozens of West Virginians were in front of U.S. Representative Riley Moore and Senator Moore Capitos Morgantown offices on Monday in protest of the budget plan adopted by House Republicans in early March.

Demonstrators said that the plan could put Medicaid coverage at risk for the millions of low-income and disabled Americans who rely on it. West Virginia has one of the highest numbers of people enrolled in the program, with one in four adults and one in two children covered in the state, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

Protestors were also concerned about what effect these proposed cuts could have on healthcare facilities like nursing homes and hospitals.

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West Virginia as a state has a significant population that is older, were going to see more people going into care centers like that and theyre not going to be going to big wealthy places because West Virginia is a state that has people who are low-income so Medicaid is going to be something that they are dependent on, Mountaineers Indivisible member Ron Allen said.

State funding needed to support domestic violence services in West Virginia

And we need to let them know that we care a lot about taking care of the people in West Virginia cause were not seeing it from them, retired therapist Connie Banta said.

Protestors were also calling to attention potential cuts on SNAP, a program that more than 18% of the states population participates in, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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I dont think anyone in West Virginia wants the rug pulled out from othertheir friends and neighbors. Because if you look around, your friends and neighbors have had, are on Medicaid or have used it in the past and SNAP. And so I dont think that was what people intended when they voted, Mountaineers Indivisible member Barbara Fleischauer said.

Property managers asked the protestors to leave when they were in front of Rep. Moores office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip will continue in the coming days, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has said, as protests broke out in Tel Aviv against a continuation of the war.

"This is not a one-day operation," Saar told a meeting of an Israeli-American lobby organization, his office said. The decision to restart major attacks on Tuesday after a two-month ceasefire had been made a few days ago, he added.

Palestinian Islamist group Hamas had rejected two proposals by US envoy Steve Witkoff for an extension of a ceasefire and the situation could not continue, Saar said.

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But people demonstrated in Tel Aviv against a resumption of the war because they fear for the lives of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on southern Israel.

Renewed attacks mean a "death sentence for the hostages," read a banner held up by demonstrators. "Why are they still in Gaza?" protesters also chanted.

According to the Israelis, 24 living hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, as well as the bodies of 35 others.

The protests in Tel Aviv were also directed against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's dismissal of the head of the domestic intelligence service on Sunday due to a "lack of trust."
INDIANA, Pa. (WTAJ)  Pennsylvania State Police are ramping up enforcement efforts for the upcoming IUPattys weekend, an unsanctioned celebration known for drawing large crowds and alcohol-related incidents.

From March 21-23, troopers will increase patrols in and around Indiana, with support from multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement and the Mounted Patrol Unit. Officers will focus on DUI enforcement, public disturbances and other violations that could disrupt the community.

Authorities warn that troopers will be actively monitoring both neighborhoods and highways, looking for offenses such as public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and obstruction of roadways. The presence of mounted police will also be noticeable throughout town, with a reminder that interfering with police animals is a third-degree felony under Pennsylvania law.

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Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate responsibly and report any suspicious activity to 911.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters.

For more information on Pennsylvania State Police operations, visit psp.pa.gov.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
ATLANTA (AP)  Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp's priority bill to limit lawsuits and large jury verdicts cleared another hurdle amid mounting pushback and is set for a House vote this week.

A number of House Republicans were skeptical, and not just trial lawyers. But Kemp made concessions, and the bill advanced out of the House Rules committee Tuesday.

Crowds of business owners and doctors swarmed the Capitol to back Kemp when he announced the proposal, also called tort reform. People who had sued businesses in recent weeks rallied as Democrats argue the bill is a handout to businesses and insurance companies.

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Millions of dollars have gone into lobbying for and against Kemps package. Here are some reasons are people are concerned and how Kemp tried to address them.

Victims sound alarms

Kemps bill would require anyone who sues a business or property owner over misconduct or injuries on their property to prove the owner knew about a specific security risk and physical condition on the property, but didnt provide adequate security. Business owners, trucking companies and others say they are threatened by expensive court verdicts or settlements.

Women who were sex trafficked and raped at hotels begged lawmakers to oppose the bill as written.

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Surely, the hotel would notice, with 40 cars coming in and out at any given moment ... the girls walking around in their underwear, never alone, never speaking unless spoken to, Michal Roseberry, a human trafficking survivor, said at a news conference Thursday.

University of Georgia law professor Jonathan Tonge, who litigates human trafficking cases, said nobody would have filed sex trafficking cases in Georgia under the previous bill. It made an exception for human trafficking victims, but it limited the kinds of complaints they could bring. That exception was expanded.

Kemp has signed several laws backed by his wife, Marty Kemp, to crack down on sex trafficking.

Would lawsuits still slow, and should they?

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A man in a wheelchair testified at a news conference last week that he was paralyzed after people attacked him at an apartment complex that ignored pleas for stronger security. A lawyer and a mother shared stories of children who were abused at child care and recreational facilities where they said staff turned a blind eye to abuse.

Lawyers said the revised bill would still thwart many lawsuits for other victims, which have helped pay for health care and therapy.

There has been no compromise, no matter what they're telling you, trial attorney Miguel Dominguez said. Can you imagine just being raped at a hotel and not being able to have the same rights as someone who was kidnapped and trafficked out of that same hotel?

Atlanta Democrats and lawyers Rep. Tanya Miller and Rep. Stacey Evans proposed a series of changes to the bill, including one to include other victims in the sex trafficking carve-out, but they were rejected.

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Skepticism remains despite changes

The new version still makes some cases have separate trial processes for determining damages and liability, but it tries to make sure they happen quickly. Judges could also scrap the separate processes in a sex offense case if the plaintiff would suffer emotionally or if the lawsuit is for less than $150,000.

The bill also says that lawyers can offer monetary values to noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering if they bring the same values up in their opening argument and lets them ask prospective jurors about what they would be willing to award. It would let lawyers say whether someone wore a seat belt in a car accident in certain cases if a judge allows.

Since the bill was introduced, our aim was to craft a bill to provide relief while preserving the opportunity for plaintiffs to have their full day in court, Senate President Pro Tem John Kennedy said Tuesday.

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The bill still makes people show whether they had health insurance or other assistance paying a medical bill. Lawyers and doctors dispute whether fair compensation is the face value of a medical bill or only the portion an individual directly paid.

Opponents still question whether a number of problems the bill claims to address exist, and if it would actually solve them. For example, Kemp has said his plan will stabilize insurance rates, but many experts say the evidence for that assertion is shaky.

It's the same talking points, same manufactured crisis, same players that come in, said Miller, the Atlanta Democrat. The problem with the anecdotal evidence is that's not actually how you study a complex problem.

___

Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Kramon on X: @charlottekramon.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Put a Plant On It, a popular plant store in the heart of Elmwood Village, is offering $1,000 to anyone who can help them find one of their birds.

Blueberry, a bright blue Indian Ringneck, has been missing since Saturday.

The store says Blueberry may be in the Town of Tonawanda. Possible sightings were reported in the Riverview neighborhood as well as at or around Ives Park and Athenas Family Restaurant.

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Blueberry is very food motivated and loves kids. He is especially fond of pistachios and walnuts. Those with their own pet birds and are asked to take them on walks if possible to try to lure Blueberry in. In addition, the public is asked to put out bird feed and play sounds of hahns macaws to mimic his mate Chimi.

Those who think they have spotted Blueberry should take a picture and send it to Put a Plant On It. You can call the shop at (716) 931-5092 or text them at (716) 939-1557.

Latest Local News

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a lengthy call Tuesday to an immediate pause in strikes against energy and infrastructure targets in the Ukraine war, but the Russian leader stopped short of backing a broader 30-day pause in fighting that the U.S. administration is pressing for.

The White House described it as the first step in a movement to peace it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full and lasting end to the fighting.

The White House added negotiations would begin immediately in the Middle East on those steps. Shortly after the call between Trump and Putin, air raid alerts sounded in Kyiv, followed by explosions in the city. Local officials urged people to seek shelter.

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Putin says he supports US proposal for 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine

It was not immediately clear whether Ukraine is on board with the limited ceasefire plan.

Ukrainian officials had proposed a ceasefire covering the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes and the release of prisoners at their meeting with the U.S delegation in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine, Trump posted on social media following his call.

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The Kremlin said Putin welcomed Trumps calls for the maritime ceasefire and agreed to begin negotiations to further work out specific details of such an agreement.

Putin also told Trump that Russia and Ukraine are set to exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday, and Russia will also hand over to Ukraine 23 badly wounded soldiers, the Kremlin said.

Putin also called on Trump to end foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine as the U.S. looks to bring an end to Russias invasion of Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.

The move comes as the White House pushes for Russia to sign off on its 30-day ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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Ukrainian officials last week agreed to the 30-day ceasefire proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, remains skeptical that Putin is ready for peace as Russian forces continue to pound Ukraine.

The engagement is just the latest turn in dramatically shifting U.S.-Russia relations as Trump made quickly ending the conflict a top priority  even at the expense of straining ties with longtime American allies who want Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff met last week with Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal. Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

Putin last week said he agreed in principle with the U.S. proposal, but emphasized that Russia would seek guarantees that Ukraine would not use a break in hostilities to rearm and continue mobilization. The Russian president has also demanded that Ukraine renounce joining the NATO military alliance, sharply cut its army, and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscows orbit.

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The U.S. president said this week that Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing dividing up certain assets between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.

Trump, who during his campaign pledged to end the war quickly, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russias unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Zelenskyy of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since World War II.

Trump had said before the call that control of land and power plants would be part of the conversation, which came on the anniversary of Russia annexing Ukraines Crimean peninsula 11 years ago. That bold land grab by Russia set the stage for Russia to invade its neighbor in 2022.

Witkoff suggested that U.S. and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant  Europes largest  in southern Ukraine.

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The plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. The U.N.s International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about it, fueling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The plant is a significant asset, producing nearly one-fourth of Ukraines electricity in the year before the war.

After a disastrous Feb. 28 White House meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine. It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administrations 30-day ceasefire proposal.

Zelenskyy in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Putin is ready for peace.

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Now, almost a week later, its clear to everyone in the world  even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years  that it is Putin who continues to drag out this war, Zelenskyy said.

In his dealings with Zelenskyy and Putin, Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage. Putin has the cards and Zelenskyy does not, Trump has said repeatedly.

Trump, who has long shown admiration for Putin, has also made clear hed like to see the U.S.-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.

The president during his recent contentious meeting with Zelenskyy grumbled that Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, a reference to the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

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Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position. He said Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region  amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials thats been disputed by Zelenskyy.

Ukraines army stunned Russia in August last year by attacking across the border and taking control of an estimated 500 square miles of land. But Ukraines forces are now in retreat and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Zelenskyy has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on their back foot while disputing Russian claims that his troops are encircled in Kursk.

Trump suggested that hes taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

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Theyre surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasnt for me they wouldnt be here any longer, Trump said.

The White House said the leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.

U.S. officials have previously said that Iran has provided Russia with short-range ballistic missiles and attack drones for the war in Ukraine. The U.S. has also said that Iran has assisted the Kremlin with building a drone-manufacturing factory.

Isachenkov reported from Moscow.
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has stated that companies which "slammed the door defiantly" and left the Russian market will not be allowed to buy back their assets at low prices or reclaim their former market positions.

Source: Reuters

Details: "If the niche of a Western company is already filled by a Russian business, then  as we say, the train has left," Putin emphasised at a business forum in Moscow.

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He instructed the government to monitor potential buyback deals and carefully scrutinise each case. Some companies, including Renault, McDonald's and Henkel, had negotiated such options when exiting the market, but details of these agreements remain unknown.

Putin also warned Russian businesses that sanctions against Russian companies and individuals are not temporary.

"We should not hope for complete freedom of trade, payments and capital flows," he said, adding that even if restrictions were eased, the West would find other ways to create difficulties.

Background:

Russian business representatives met with Robert Agee, the President and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, to discuss the lifting of sanctions in certain sectors of the economy.

Trumps special envoy Richard Grenell held closed-door talks in Switzerland on the possible supply of Russian gas to Germany via Nord Stream 2.

The United States and Russia are discussing the possibility of economic cooperation in the Arctic, including natural resource exploration and the use of new trade routes.

Vladimir Putin ordered his Cabinet of Ministers to prepare for the return of Western companies to the Russian market.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to turn down a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the war in Ukraine following a call Tuesday with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Kremlin, though, said it has agreed to stop targeting Ukraines energy infrastructure for 30 days.

Russias statement appeared to echo a readout of the call shared by the White House that stated the two leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace.

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These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East, the White House added.

The targeted ceasefire referenced in the readout falls short of the truce proposal pushed by the U.S. last week, which Kyiv has already agreed to.

Putin previously said he backed the proposal in principle but suggested he expected more concessions from Kyiv.

Trump, though, had previously appeared optimistic that he would get Putin to go along with the U.S. plan.

I think hes going to agree, I really do, Trump told Full Measure in an interview broadcast Sunday. I think I know him pretty well, and I think hes going to agree.

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Its unclear how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will respond to the limited ceasefire touted by the U.S. and Russia on Tuesday as the White House did not spell out the role Kyiv would play in the negotiations.

While the White House said both Trump and Putin agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace, Russia made clear that it wants the U.S. to stop sending aid to Ukraine and sharing intelligence with Kyiv as a prerequisite for ending the war. Trump temporarily cut support for Ukraine following his tense meeting with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office but restored it after Ukraine backed his original ceasefire proposal.

It was emphasized that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be a complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv, the Kremlin said, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, Trump seems keen on mending the U.S.-Russia bilateral relationship.

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The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people, the White House readout said.

The statement appears to gloss over the fact that the three-year conflict was prompted by Russias invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Trump has previously blamed Kyiv for the war, largely echoing the Kremlins talking points.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Related...
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has demanded that all Western arms supplies to Ukraine be halted in order to conclude a ceasefire agreement.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Bloomberg

Details: The news agency sources in Moscow said that during the visit of Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to the Russian capital, Putin called this condition mandatory for the signing of a ceasefire agreement.

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Bloomberg sources added that Russia wants to stop all arms supplies to Ukraine, but its minimum goal is to cut off US aid.

The Russian sources also insist that Putin's request to suspend arms supplies will be temporary. Arms deliveries will allegedly resume after a peace agreement is concluded, in which Ukraine agrees to limit its military potential.

Meanwhile, the unnamed European official said it was unlikely that Europe would agree to Russia's demand that its allies block arms supplies to Ukraine during any "truce".

He stressed that this could lead to a situation where Russia would be able to rearm during the cessation of hostilities, while Ukraine would not have such an opportunity.

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Earlier, the agency wrote that Putin allegedly generally supports the US proposal for a "truce", but insists that a number of conditions must be met before Russia agrees.

Background:

On 18 March, US President Donald Trump plans to talk to Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

The White House says that the US president is "determined" to conclude an agreement to end Russia's war against Ukraine and that the world is close to such a peace.

Before that, Steve Witkoff, Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, had been to Russia and met with Putin to discuss the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. The Kremlin said that"additional signals" were transmitted to Trump through Witkoff.

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A Queens auto shop owner was found dead in a pool of blood inside his closed repair shop, his body lying near a power tool, police and sources said Tuesday.

The victims brother made the grisly discovery around 3:15 p.m. Monday at Mekniko Autoworks on Cross Island Parkway near 149th St. in Whitestone, according to police sources.

The 65-year-old had deep cuts to his neck and elbow. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene.

His death was not initially deemed suspicious, but cops are still investigating. His name was not immediately released.

The city Medical Examiner will determine his cause of death.
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11)  PIX11 News learned from neighbors that the elderly man lived here with his wife, but she was not in the residence when the fire occurred.

Yesterday, I saw him when I was walking the dog. That was around 1 in the afternoon Frank Gonzalez says. And two oclock in the morning you dont know if hes dead or alive.

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Unfortunately, the Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal confirmed to PIX11 News that Gonzalezs neighbor was found dead in the remains of the burned residence, after his house on Sunset Avenue in Island Park, engulfed in flames just before 2 in the morning on Monday.

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Its sad, he is an older gentleman that used to live there. Nice guy, added Gonzalez.

For Mike and his wife Hilary, this is a tragedy that hits hard in this community.

It is quite a blow. Terrible, especially when it happens to a neighbor, said Mike Frisch as they looked at the house now being completely destroyed.

He kept the house really nice, he always had beautiful plants out there it was really nice to see, added Hilary Frisch.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

About 120 firefighters from 10 different departments responded to the fire which also caused some exterior damage to the house next door. They battled the flames for about an hour and a half before getting it under control.

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The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities say however, it is not suspicious.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A mixed-race Ralph Lauren stylist has won 11,000 after her boss called her the United Colours of Benetton.

Rikki Grey, one of the best stylists at Ralph Laurens flagship store in Sloane Square, London, launched legal proceedings with claims of racial discrimination and harassment.

Miss Grey, whose mother is Jamaican, claimed store manager Nathan Rickerby made grievous comments relating to her mixed-race heritage, an employment panel heard.

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The panel was told Mr Rickerby called Miss Grey into his office in November 2019 to complete an online training course.

After asking about her night out, the panel then found he said: Oh, look at that Rikki Grey EUyoure the European Union, arent you, being mixed race and all. Youre the United Nations  youre the United Colours of Benetton.

The Italian fashion brand was known in the 1980s and 1990s for its multi-racial advertising campaigns.

The Italian fashion brand was known for its multi-racial advertising - Retro AdArchives/Alamy

Mr Rickerby denied making the comments, but the panel found he had made them and that it was implausible that he did not know they had racial connotations.

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The judge awarded 11,286.95 in compensation after finding Mr Rickerbys comments constituted racial harassment.

Mutual disgust

Miss Grey worked part-time as a sales associate stylist for Ralph Lauren from November 2015. In June 2019, Mr Rickerby became store manager. The panel found the relationship between the two quickly became fraught and freighted with mutual disgust.

Miss Grey was off sick from work from August and was issued an unauthorised absence letter in September by bosses after failing to follow the return-to-work procedure. The panel heard Mr Rickerby became frustrated with her absence or lateness, while Miss Grey felt singled out.

In November 2019, Mr Rickerby made the comments while the pair waited for an IT technician to help her log on to the online course.

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Later giving evidence in a grievance investigation, Miss Grey said Mr Rickerby had obviously been referring to her mother being Jamaican and said the racial abuse had been scary.

After she did not go to work in December 2019, Miss Grey was invited to an investigation meeting in January, which was changed to a grievance meeting by HR after she claimed she had been subjected to discrimination.

As a result of work-related stress and bereavement, Miss Grey was then off work until July 2020.

In August, she formally submitted a grievance about the racial abuse the previous November and was placed on paid leave while an investigation was undertaken.

Traumatised

In a meeting later that month, Miss Grey said she had been traumatised by the incident, adding that it had made me see the world in a different way.

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In September 2020, her complaint was dismissed, given the lack of corroborative evidence. Miss Grey then started legal proceedings.

She said: This world is not a nice place when youre dealt with in a certain way because of the colour of your skin.

She had been signed off work since January 2022 due to work-related stress, it was heard.

At the tribunal, she made a series of claims of race discrimination which were dismissed. However, the tribunal found Mr Rickerbys comments were racial harassment.

Employment judge David Khan took into account that Mr Rickerby was in a position of power and authority over her.

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After hearing Mr Rickerby refer to a mix of colours to refer to mixed heritage, Judge Khan said: We conclude that Mr Rickerby was capable of using language in relation to race which was not only clumsy and careless but offensive.

He said: The language that we have found Mr Rickerby used was patently related to [Miss Grey]s mixed heritage. Because of the nature of this language, we conclude that it had the purpose of creating the environment and of violating her dignity.

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RANDOLPH, Mass. (WWLP)  The Randolph Police Department is sending their condolences after the death of a sergeant.

Brockton man arrested in connection with Randolph shooting incident

Sgt. Scott Sherman was off duty when he was hit and killed by an MBTA commuter train in nearby Abington Sunday night. The MBTA says theyve found no issues with the train, and the crossing signal was working at the time.

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Sgt. Sherman was a 23-year veteran of the Randolph Police Department who joined in 2002 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2022. He served as a School Resource Officer and was the departments Elder Affairs Officer, where he was involved in programming at the Randolph Intergenerational Community Center prior to joining.

State and local police are investigating.

Scott was very funny, extremely intelligent, and well-respected. His compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege to know and work alongside him, said Randolph Police Chief Anthony Marag.

The entire Randolph Police Department mourns this devastating loss. We will stand together to support each other and Sgt. Shermans family as we navigate this difficult time. His legacy and contributions to this department and our community will never be forgotten.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Riley County Police Department (RCPD) Director Brian Peete joined the 27 News morning show on Tuesday to discuss all things post Fake Pattys Day.

Dir. Peete talked about what the police department breaking up with the made-up holiday means, how the celebration went this year, additional enforcement agencies and citations, the biggest issues that arose during the event, and learning from past events to apply it to future Fake Pattys Day celebrations.

To hear more about what Dir. Brian Peete had to say on all things post Fake Pattys Day, you can watch the interview above to learn more.

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For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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UPDATE, 03/18/2025, 2:57 P.M.  According to the Richmond County Sheriffs Office, Ronald Jones has been located and is safe.

RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF)  The Richmond County Sheriffs Office is enlisting the publics assistance in locating a missing man.

Authorities say Ronald Lee Jones, 61, who is described to be 511 and 290 pounds, was last seen on March 15th at approximately 7:30 A.M. along the 1800 block of Fayetteville Drive in Augusta.

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Authorities state that it is unknown what Jones may be wearing, and he is believed to have left the area on foot.

If anyone has any any information on Ronald Jones, please contact the Richmond County Sheriffs Office at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1020.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
Researchers have found new evidence for a massive subsurface ocean on Mars, again raising the possibility of microbial life lurking deep below the Martian surface.

As detailed in a paper in the journal Geology, Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics scientist Yuya Akamatsu and Hiroshima University associate professor Ikuo Katayama examined data collected by NASA's InSight Mars lander, which touched down on the Red Planet in 2018.

"Many studies suggest the presence of water on ancient Mars billions of years ago," said Katayama in a statement, "but our model indicates the presence of liquid water on present-day Mars."

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The InSight lander's Seismic Experiment for the Interior Structure (SEIS) instrument observed seismic waves generated by Marsquakes and meteorite impacts to create a map of the planet's interior.

P-waves and S-waves, in particular, can allow scientists to determine the type of rocks lurking below, as well as potential composition changes.

According to InSight's data, discrepancies in seismic velocity of these waves showed up at depths of 6.2 and 12.4 miles, suggesting the existence of "sharp transitions in the porosity (the percentage of open space in a rock) or chemical composition of the Martian interior," according to the statement.

The researchers hypothesized that these boundaries could indicate the presence of water-filled cracks. To test their theory, they scanned P- and S-waves from dry, wet, and frozen samples of a Martian rock analog, in the form of diabase rocks from Sweden.

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They found that the seismic velocities observed by the InSight lander most closely resembled transitions from dry to wet rock, suggesting huge caches of subsurface water on Mars. That's in contrast to previous research, which determined that these transitions were likely changes from porous to solid rock at similar depths.

It's yet another exciting piece of evidence suggesting that the Red Planet wasn't just a lush ocean world billions of years ago  it may still be holding plenty of water to this day.

The latest findings corroborate a study published last year, which similarly found that vast quantities of water may still exist under Mars' surface. Using another analysis of seismic data from NASA's InSight lander, the research concluded that "fractured igneous rocks saturated with liquid water best explains the existing data."

"It's certainly true on Earth  deep, deep mines host life, the bottom of the ocean hosts life," said coauthor and UC Berkeley professor of earth and planetary science Michael Manga in a statement at the time. "We haven't found any evidence for life on Mars, but at least we have identified a place that should, in principle, be able to sustain life."

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And Katayama appears to agree with that sentiment.

"If liquid water exists on Mars," he said in a statement, "the presence of microbial activity" is indeed possible.

More on Martian oceans: Scientists Discover Massive Reservoir of Water Hiding on Mars
Billionaire businessman and runner-up in the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral race Rick Caruso announced Tuesday that he is opposed to a recall effort against the winner of that election and current Mayor Karen Bass.

A mayoral recall right now is not a good idea. This is a time when Los Angeles needs unity, not costly and expensive political distractions, a portion of Carusos post on X reads.

Bass has been under siege since the nearly 24,000-acre Palisades Fire made national headlines as possibly the nations most costly natural disaster in history.

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Twelve people were killed in the blaze that raged out of control for several days before ultimately destroying nearly 7,000 structures, including homes and businesses.

Rick Caruso, a Democratic candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, waves to supporters attending a primary election campaign event in Los Angeles, Tuesday, June 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo, File)

A recall effort gained steam among opponents who criticized the mayor for being in Ghana when the fire erupted on Jan. 7, despite advanced warnings from weather officials to the public that severe winds would create extreme fire conditions.

Firefighting efforts were also hampered when water supplies ran out as crews tried to save entire neighborhoods.

Actor and Special Ambassador to Hollywood Mel Gibson, who lost his home in the fire, blamed Bass and Gavin Newsom for their incompetence when he joined an effort to recall the California governor.

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Caruso, however, says recalls are costly and the city needs to move forward and rebuild.

We must rebuild our communities, get people back into their homes, and open businesses that have been closed or lost. That must be our total focus. There is a time and place for politics, but it is not now, Caruso said on X.

Rumors have swirled since 2024 that the businessman and real estate magnate could return to politics. The possibility of another try for mayor or a candidacy for California governor when Newsom is termed out next year has been reported.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Former managers at Lucy Letbys hospital have called for the public inquiry into her crimes to be halted, arguing there is a real possibility her convictions will be quashed.

The former neonatal nurse is serving 15 full-life terms for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of seven more, but there is growing unease about how evidence was presented in her trials.

The Thirlwall Inquiry is investigating how Letbys actions nearly a decade ago might have been prevented if managers at the Countess of Chester Hospital and outside agencies had acted faster.

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During closing submissions on Tuesday, barristers representing the former management requested that the inquiry be suspended pending the outcome of Letbys application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which is investigating a potential miscarriage of justice.

Kate Blackwell KC said that new evidence from an international panel of experts was being given serious consideration by the CCRC and that alternative hypotheses for the deaths should be considered.

Where there is a real possibility, as appears to be the case here, that Ms Letbys convictions may be referred by the CCRC to the Court of Appeal and there quashed, we submit that the inquiry proceedings must be paused said Ms Blackwell in a written statement to the inquiry.

She added: There now appears to be a real likelihood that there are alternative explanations for these deaths and unexplained collapses, namely poor clinical management and care and natural causes.

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These alternative explanations were not put to the jury in either of Letbys crown court trials.

Ms Blackwell said that seven of the members of the expert panel had now agreed to give evidence, as The Telegraph revealed this weekend.

If this inquiry is a search for the truth, then there is now it seems, evidence being provided to the CCRC that the causes of death may be different, that the jury in the crown court proceedings may have been presented with a misleading and incomplete picture, she added.

To do nothing would, we respectfully submit, leave the inquiry in danger of being seen as ignoring the reality of what is happening outside of its doors.

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In February, Prof Shoo Lee, an eminent Canadian neonatologist, spoke at a press conference saying he had brought together a panel of 13 world-leading experts who had reviewed the cases and found no criminality.

Letbys lawyers said they would soon be meeting with the allocated commissioner at the CCRC to to talk through the large, authoritative, body of new clinical evidence, and expected the case to be sent back to the Court of Appeal quickly.

The evidence includes 24 new reports from medical and statistical experts, as well as criticisms that the police and prosecutors failed to disclose important information to the defence.

However, barristers representing the families called for the inquiry to continue, arguing that doubts about Letbys guilt were based on fragile towers of speculation.

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Peter Skelton KC, said there were multiple problems with the report compiled by the team of experts.

The familys position is that Lucy Letby has been convicted after a protracted trial during which she has access to the finest criminal legal team and numerous medical experts across all relevant specialisms none of whom were ultimately called to give evidence to support her defence, he said.

The Court of Appeal has twice dismissed their applications to appeal. In the first instance comprehensively having heard evidence from the Canadian neonatologist Prof Shoo Lee who is now spearheading her latest team of medical experts.

Cursory analysis [of] the report published by those experts identifies multiple problems with their analysis.

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What has been presented with great fanfare as new and incontrovertible evidence turns out to be old and full of analytical holes.

Richard Baker KC argued that Letby would have a serious mountain to climb in convincing the CCRC to send her case back to the Court of Appeal and asked why she had not brought expert evidence at trial.

A defendant cannot choose not to call their experts at trial and then ask for permission to roll the dice again when the gamble doesnt pay off, he said.

Inviting Lady Justice Thirwall not to pause the inquiry, he added: The families would say that for all the bells and whistles that might be attached to a press conference, there is nothing remarkable and new about the evidence being presented.

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The families of the babies who died at the Countess of Chester Hospital condemned the media circus surrounding attempts to free Letby, saying they had no doubt about her guilt.

Lady Justice Thirwall said she would rule on the request to pause on Wednesday. The hearing was adjourned until 12pm Wednesday.

04:19 PM GMT

End of todays proceedings

The inquiry has now ended for the day and will sit at 12pm tomorrow when Lady Justice Thirlwall will make closing comments and also rule on whether the inquiry should be paused.

04:18 PM GMT

No reason to pause the inquiry, Lady Justice Thirwal told

Rachel Langdale KC, counsel for the inquiry, said there was no reason to pause the inquiry.

Addressing Lady Justice Thirwall she said: You are not investigating the convictions in the inquiry but rather what the response of those at the time was, and should have been.

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You made it clear that the purpose of the inquiry was to examine the wide circumstances including the trust response to clinicians raising the alarm and the conduct of the wider NHS and its regulator.

She added: As a matter of fact, Letby stands convicted of multiple murders and attempted murder.

Letbys convictions result from a full and lengthy judicial process. Delaying report writing and your consideration of recommendations would not be fair to the families where they have given evidence to you and are motivated to prevent the suffering of others in the future.

It could not be fair to organisational core participants where they seek to improve the culture and safety of babies in hospital.

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And contrary to the assertion made, we submit it is not unfair to the former executives either.

03:43 PM GMT

Letbys lawyers responsible for hyperbolic press conferences and publicity grabbing statements

Mr Baker KC said that the common goal of the families was to seek change so that others dont go through what they have been through.

That isnt limited simply to avoiding the next serial killer in a healthcare setting but about changing patient safety culture, he added.

In written submissions about the request to pause the inquiry, Mr Baker said that Letbys defence team had sought to achieve maximum dramatic effect with hyperbolic press conferences and publicity grabbing statements.

The key deception in Letbys approach in holding press conferences is that she can present evidence without the risk that it will be analysed, challenged or questioned, he said

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It permits her to control the narrative without having to explain why she chose not to call that evidence at trial. It is not new evidence but rather a re-hash of evidence that was available to her at trial and which could have been called in her defence, had she been willing to subject that evidence to scrutiny.

Mr Baker KC said the submissions had been provided in an annex to to reflect that they were prepared without the input of Simon Driver - who is representing the families, but was also junior prosecuting counsel at Letbys trials and during both appeals to the Court of Appeal

If the case is referred back to the Court of Appeal he will be junior counsel for the Crown at that appeal, said Mr Baker.

03:11 PM GMT

Letby press conference plunged family into depths of distress and upset

Family G, whose daughter survived, also said they had been left upset by recent publicity surrounding Letbys guilt.

In a statement published on the inquirys website, Richard Baker KC wrote: Family Gs resilience has been repeatedly tested to the limit.

The recent news conference conducted by Letbys new legal team has once again plunged the family into the depths of distress and upset.

Whilst family G do not deny peoples right to follow the relevant legal processes as they see fit, the way in which Letbys new legal team have conducted this as a campaign through a media circus, has exacerbated the harm and hurt that the family have been living through since the first days of their childs attacks and finding out that they were all caused by the malevolent acts of Letby.

Family G is utterly convinced of the guilt of Letby but now have to avoid watching the television, listening to the radio, reading newspapers and online articles and accessing social media to protect themselves from the mostly inaccurate and often biased and toxic messages that are being reported and published.

02:59 PM GMT

Victims families hit out at public sympathy for Letby

The families of babies who died at the Countess of Chester have condemned the media circus surrounding attempts to free Letby.

In a written statement published on the inquiry website, Mother C, whose son died in June 2015, said attempts to pause the inquiry were self-serving.

The media PR campaign aimed to garner public sympathy for Letby demonstrates a complete lack of understanding for Letbys crimes and the complexity of the case, she said.

The misinformed and inaccurate media circus surrounding this case, our son and the other babies is potentiating the distress of all of the families involved.

She added: There is absolutely no doubt that the actions of senior management delayed justice and their accounts and weak words of condolence demonstrate their lack of true reflection on the mistakes they made.

The executives attempt to halt the inquiry shows their own self-serving intentions and ongoing lack of respect or care for the families. 

02:24 PM GMT

NHS Trust misled families to avoid a police inquiry at all costs

Managers at the Countess of Chester Hospital put reputation over patient safety, the inquiry has heard.

Richard Baker KC, representing some of the families of babies who died or were harmed, said the trust misled families and external bodies to avoid a police inquiry at all costs.

Why wasnt there greater curiosity? Why were the deaths written off without proper investigation? he asked.

Babies were allowed to die or be harmed because of failures to identify crimes that were being committed and to stop them.

The trust and its leaders put the reputation ahead of patient safety. The trust and its leaders lied to families, misled external organisations, misled its own board of directors and ultimately try to avoid a police investigation at all costs.

The trust persecuted and bullied those who brought these issues to its attention.

01:45 PM GMT

Families of victims should be allowed to grieve in private

Mr Baker KC asked for the public to remember that the families are real people who should be afforded dignity and allowed to grieve in private.

Whatever side of the debated people are on, people should remember that the dead and harmed are not public property to be discussed on television or on the internet, he said.

People are entitled to hold opinions, but should bear in mind the subject matter of what they talk about and opinions can be vocalised just as well with sensitivity and humanity towards victims.

The inquiry will resume at 2pm.

01:08 PM GMT

Families plead for inquiry to continue

Families have asked Chair of the inquiry Lady Justice Thirlwall not to pause proceedings - Peter Byrne

Richard Baker KC, said Lucy Letby will have a serious mountain to climb in convincing the Criminal Cases Review Commission to send her case back to the Court of Appeal.

The barrister, who is representing some of the families, said there was no incontrovertible new evidence which almost immediately exculpates a prisoner and warned that Letby was trying to control the narrative.

She has already brought two appeals, both of which have failed and her only remaining chance is an application to the CCRC, he told the hearing.

We would suggest based upon what has already been through the Court of Appeal that Letby will have a serious mountain to climb in convincing the CCRC or indeed the Court of Appeal that this is fresh evidence.

The elephant in the room, the one which neither Letby nor her legal team are prepared to explain, is why a defendant would choose not to call their own experts to give evidence.

A defendant cannot choose not to call their experts at trial and then ask for permission to roll the dice again when the gamble doesnt pay off.

Inviting Lady Justice Thirwall not to pause the inquiry, he added: The families would say that for all the bells and whistles that might be attached to a press conference, there is nothing remarkable and new about the evidence being presented. The theories may have altered but this could hardly be said to be new evidence.

The families will say that the applications to stop the inquiry are on Letbys part an attempt to control the narrative, and on the part of the executives to avoid criticism and neither should stand in the way of the important work that you are undertaking.

12:42 PM GMT

Concerns about Letbys convictions based on fragile towers of speculation

Mr Skelton said there were multiple problems with a report compiled by a team of world-class neonatologists.

The familys position is that Lucy Letby has been convicted after a protracted trial during which she has access to the finest criminal legal team and numerous medical experts across all relevant specialisms none of whom were ultimately called to give evidence to support her defence, he said.

The Court of Appeal has twice dismissed their applications to appeal. In the first instance comprehensively having heard evidence from the Canadian neonatologist Prof Shoo Lee who is now spearheading her latest team of medical experts.

Cursory analysis from the report published by those experts identifies multiple problems with their analysis.

What has been presented with great fanfare is new and incontrovertible evidence turns out to be old and full of analytical holes.

Mr Skelton said that critical evidence from the inquiry had been ignored and dismissed.

Medical hypotheses were advanced based on fragile towers of speculation, he said.

Little or no thought has also been given, it appears, to the dignity or privacy of the families and the babies that the experts have publicly discussed, in stark contrast to the way this inquiry has proceeded.

12:31 PM GMT

Many missed opportunities to stop Letby, inquiry hears

Peter Skelton KC, representing some of the families, said there were many missed opportunities in 2015 and 2016 to stop Letby.

The painful reality is that with proper and timely intervention by the Countess of Chester it is likely that no more children would have been harmed after June 2015, and Child E, Child I, Child O and Child P, would still be alive, he said.

Mr Skelton said none of the consultants told a coroner that they suspected Child A had been murdered during the inquest into the babys death.

An egregious and damaging omission for which they both, and their hospital, must bear responsibility, he said.

12:12 PM GMT

Hospital bosses not removing Letby as more babies died was indefensible, say families

Peter Skelton KC, representing some of the families, said consultants were not justified in failing to call the police about Letby because they feared losing their jobs.

It should have been recognised that the safety of vulnerable child patients was the paramount and only operative concern, he said.

The failing on the part of the consultants and unit managers to contact the police and remove Letby after July 2015 became more acute and chronic and indefensible as time went on and more babies were harmed and died.

Mr Skelton said that by the time of Child Is death in October 2015, the doctors were beginning to discuss among themselves that Letby might be responsible.

But again nothing was done, he said.

In February 2016, Child K was found by Dr (Ravi) Jayaram, with a dislodged endotracheal tube, deteriorating while Letby stood by doing nothing. He accepted this was not communicated to anyone at the time.

Given the seriousness of his own concerns at this stage, those concerns that he was already harbouring about Letbyyou may find it extraordinary that he did not recognise that she had tried to kill the child and take the necessary action.

11:47 AM GMT

Continuing inquiry would be ignoring the reality of what is happening outside of its doors

Members of the public have shown their support for Letby this week at the inquiry - CHRIS NEILL

Kate Blackwell KC said the inquiry should consider carefully before carrying on regardless and producing a report based upon the bedrock of Letbys guilt.

The increasing concern expressed by world class experts - that the prosecution case was based on medical misunderstandings and poor expert evidence and that evidence was withheld from the jury - is in real danger of dissolving that bedrock into a beach of shifting sands, she said.

Ms Blackwell, who is representing former senior managers at the Countess of Chester Hospital, said her clients were not trying to avoid accountability and would still have to answer questions about standard of care at the hospital.

There were significant issues affecting the Countess of Chester Hospital at the relevant time, she added.

If Letbys convictions are ultimately quashed, questions will of course remain for the senior managers, but these questions will be based on a wholly different factual scenario, so there is no attempt here an evasion of accountability.

If this inquiry is a search for the truth, then My Lady, there is now it seems, evidence being provided to the CCRC that the causes of death may be different, that the jury in the Crown Court proceedings may have been presented with a misleading and incomplete picture.

To do nothing, we would respectfully submit, leaves the inquiry in danger of being seen as ignoring the reality of what is happening outside of its doors.

11:20 AM GMT

A real possibility Lucy Letbys convictions will be quashed, inquiry hears

Kate Blackwell KC said that new evidence from an international panel of experts was being given serious consideration by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) - the body which deals with miscarriages of justice.

Where there is a real possibility, as appears to be the case here, that Ms Letbys convictions may be referred by the CCRC to the Court of Appeal and there quashed, we submit that the Inquiry proceedings must be paused said Ms Blackwell in a written statement to inquiry.

There now appears to be a real likelihood that there are alternative explanations for these deaths and unexplained collapses, namely poor clinical management and care and natural causes.

These alternative explanations were not put to the jury in either of Letbys Crown Court trials.

Ms Blackwell said that seven members of the expert panel had now agreed to give evidence, which was revealed by The Telegraph this weekend.

Ms Blackwell told the hearing: This is not a case of waiting in a queue for consideration, it is actively being considered.

The convictions of Letby are the very cornerstone of this inquiry. If there is evidence to indicate that there are alternative explanations, then it would be wrong for the Inquiry to ignore it because it is inconvenient.

11:09 AM GMT

Consultants suggested deep clean of ward after baby deaths, inquiry hears

Dr Stephen Brearey suggested the ward was cleaned and cot numbers reduced, rather than actively mention any concerns about Letby - Jacob King

Consultant Stephen Brearey suggested that the neonatal ward be deep cleaned and the number of cots reduced to make the unit safer, following baby deaths at the Countess of Chester, the inquiry has heard.

An email sent by Dr Brearey on June 28 2016 read: Other measures I think would be helpful would include a deep clean and reducing the number of allocated cots on the NNU (Neonatal Unit) at least temporarily. ITU (Intensive Therapy Unit) cots and 3 HDU (High Dependency) cots would improve nurse staffing ratios and reduce the risk of nosocomial infection by making the space around the cots closer to BAPM standards.

Miss Blackwell, said: There is no evidence that Dr Brearey acted in any way to suggest that he had active concerns about Letby posing a risk to the babies on the NNU during this period.

If Dr Brearey held a suspicion that Letby was murdering babies on the NNU at this point in time, why didnt he articulate this in the very clearest of terms?

11:00 AM GMT

Hospital review suggested baby deaths were care related, not criminal

Kate Blackwell KC said that the actions of the consultants were not consistent with a belief that there was a murderer on the ward.

The Countess of Chester Hospital carried out a thematic review following the deaths of several babies in 2015 and 2016, which was sent to the doctors in February 2016.

Nowhere in the Thematic Review is there a suggestion of a possibility of deliberate harm as an explanation for the increase in mortality rates, said Ms Blackwell.

The only reasonable interpretation of its contents is that the cause/s or factors being considered are care related, not criminal.

It is notable that there were no emails sent by Dr Brearey or Dr Jayaram, i.e. those who have suggested that, by this time, they entertained concerns about Letby deliberately harming babies.

10:42 AM GMT

Consultants should have clearly and unambiguously reported Letby to police rather than wait a year

Kate Blackwell KC has queried why the consultants at the Countess of Chester did not go to the police if they had genuine concerns that Letby was murdering babies.

Why (did) these individuals not clearly and unambiguously report these concerns either to the police or anyone else?, she said.

Why did they not act on their concerns, given their professional duties and code of conduct?

Ms Blackwell said the inquiry would need to ask why Dr Ravi Jayaram had waited more than a year to tell anyone he believed Letby had deliberately dislodged the breathing tube of Baby K in February 2016.

Despite describing a scene during which he caught Letby in the act of murder, he neither acted on this astonishing event at the time nor mentioned it to anyone, nor reported it to anyone, but rather waited over 12 months, until March 2017.

The Inquiry will have to resolve the issue of why it was that Dr Jayaram did not act on what he says that he saw.

10:38 AM GMT

Baby death rates at Countess of Chester were high but not indicative of being an outlier

Kate Blackwell KC is pointing out that Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, the eminent Cambridge statistician, described the neonatal mortality rates at the Countess of Chester as being high but not indicative of being an outlier.

A reminder of his evidence:

Actually, Countess of Chesters crude neonatal mortality rate in 2015 was 2.96 per 1,000, there were about 3,000 deaths  3,000 births, so that means there is about, there was nine deaths they had counted in their definition in its tier and it was the highest in its tier of centres with 2,000 to 4,000 deaths a year.

I have to say only just. Blackpool had eight deaths compared with the Countess of Chesters nine. So, again, it was high, it was in the tails, one would not call that an outlier.

10:35 AM GMT

Consultants who blamed Letby gave sub-standard care to some of the babies who died

The senior managers have accused the inquiry of having a narrative which it was determined to follow, rather than seeking the truth from these witnesses.

At one point in her questioning of Mr (Ian) Harvey, Rachel Langdale KC went so far as to accuse him of harbouring a murderer which carries with it the clear connotation that he, and his senior management colleagues, were protecting Letby in the knowledge that she was killing babies, said Ms Blackwell KC.

Of course, if it transpires that Letby did not murder any babies but that they died from a combination of poor care and natural causes, then this line of attack upon the senior managers would be exposed as being entirely based on fallacy.

Moreover, the stark reality would be that those very consultants who were most vociferous in their desire to blame Letby and have her removed from the ward were themselves involved in providing sub-standard care to some of the babies who died.

10:32 AM GMT

Still no clarity on what happened on neonatal unit 10 years later

Kate Blackwell KC representing the former managers at the Countess of Chester Hospital and said that 10 years on from the events there is still no clarity on what happened in the neonatal unit.

Ordinarily, hindsight imposes a clarity where, at the time, there was simply none for those trying to understand the factors at play, she told Lady Justice Thirwall.

However, at the time of drafting these submissions, 10 years after events began to emerge, there remains an ever-growing concern about what was, in fact, happening on the NNU, demonstrating that the picture has not resolved, rather it has become less defined.

Talking about the managers she added: It was only ever their desire to help run a hospital in which all patients were safe. In all their actions and decisions this was their primary and sole motivation.

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A large crowd of revelers, most wearing green for St. Patricks Day, rechristened Teehans, a popular Irish bar in downtown Tinley Park.

Mayor Michael Glotz said Teehans is a storied name here in Tinley Park and represents the cornerstone of the entire Harmony Square development.

Teehans, at the northeast corner of Oak Park Avenue and North Street, is part of the villages larger Harmony Square project that will include an outdoor music venue north of the Oak Park Avenue Metra station. It is slated to be ready sometime this summer.

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Located for decades in a building put up long before Tinley Park was founded, Teehans was demolished last March to make way for a near replica on the same site. It is now owned by the village but operated by a longtime restaurant owner in the southwest suburbs.

Teehans has been a popular spot for the villages annual Irish Parade, and longtime patrons and fans had bid farewell to the original Teehans early last March, during Tinley Parks 24th annual installment of the parade.

Teehans had a soft opening for this years parade March 9, but was formally reopened for business on Monday.

Its been a home away from home, a gathering place, Glotz said Monday outside Teehans. It has helped define downtown Tinley for decades.

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Tinley Park paid $200,000 for the Teehans property, including the intellectual and other property, which includes the names Teehans and Teehans Irish Bar as well as the phone numbers, email address and website.

When plans were first announced to raze Teehans and put up a replica, longtime fans of the tavern asked why the building couldnt be saved and rehabbed.

Engineers examined the structure and determined it would not be safe to try to use the existing building, mainly due to an eroding foundation as the building is well over a century old.

Regis Teehan operated the bar for 34 years before retiring in September 2023, and it was in her family since 1917.

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In designing and building a replica, Glotz said the village strived to respect the long legacy of Teehans and worked with Regis Teehan to stay true to the taverns heritage.

He said that while the building may be new, the old Teehans is still very much alive and well.

One customer helping celebrate the reopening Monday was Paul Mellen, of Plainfield.

Its good, he said of the new look.

He said he had previously been to the old Teehans two or three times, and that it is largely unchanged but more inviting and cleaner.

Tom McAuliffe, owner of Durbins Pizza restaurants in the southwest suburbs, operated Teehans after Regis Teehans retirement and is running the rechristened tavern.

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He will also have a separate Durbins Pizza in the building, which will have a second-floor banquet/event space.

For several years McAuliffe owned a Durbins restaurant on Oak Park Avenue just north of Teehans.

He said Monday that he was skeptical of the tight deadline of one year the village had outlined to build the new Teehans.

I had to admit I kind of doubted it, McAuliffe said.

He praised village officials for moving ahead with the multimillion-dollar Harmony Square development, which will also see apartments built to the east and north of the plaza.

I think this project is going to be the crown jewel of Tinley Park, McAuliffe said.

The first business on the site was built in 1852 and called the Pacific Hotel, reflecting the owners hope the nearby railroad line would ultimately extend to the Pacific Ocean, according to a May 2003 Chicago Tribune article. It later became the Tinley Park Hotel.
CAVE CITY, Ark.  In the small town of Cave City, Arkansas, recovery begins after an EF-3 tornado ripped through the rural community.

What was once a quiet city, is now dominated by the sounds of chainsaws, electric crews and the emotions of those enduring the reality of having to start over.

For Angie Hooker and her family, it was a close call.

Hooker, her husband, her daughter and their dog, all packed up and went to her sons home in Cave City, because his home had a storm shelter.

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We had to climb through a tree to get out and discovered his home was gone, Hooker said.

Hooker says seconds before they were able to shut the shelter door, a neighbors tree fell in front of it.

Had we been 5 seconds longer, things could have been very different, Hooker said.

Helping efforts are underway in the area.

According to social media pages for the city, the Red Cross and other volunteers continue to meet up at the Cave City Middle School.

Electrical crews from areas outside of Cave City have converged in the area, working on power line after power line.

Im just very grateful for everybody from the workers that have come in and helped. Our local police department, our fire department, our local volunteers, to the National Guard being here and state police. We have a lot of people here watching out, protecting and helping out, Hooker said.

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She says the support has been heartwarming.

It has been absolutely amazing. People from all over, from what Ive heard, theres some people from out of state to have come in to help. We were here Saturday morning trying to get trees cut up, Hooker said. People brought chainsaws, jumped in wherever they could. People just started picking up brick or debris.

Hooker believes it was by the grace of God that no deaths were reported from this tornado.

God blessed us. Grace brought us all through this as a community. To my knowledge, we lost nobody. We had some that were injured. What a blessing that he brought us through this type of devastation, Hooker said. As far as Im concerned, thats God watching over us.

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As she and others continue to pick up the pieces, shes glad the stuff she lost is stuff she can replace.

Its a house. We can build another one. Cars, we can fix or replace. Things, stuff, furniture. Its replaceable. My familys not, Hooker said.

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(WHTM)  The American Red Cross Giving Day is around the corner, and they are calling on you to donate.

About 30,000 blood and platelet donations went uncollected over the winter months. Blood donations are not only used here in the Commonwealth but in other states that face natural disasters, which weve had several recently, including this past weekend in the south.

For example, the blood on the shelves thats helping people impacted by this past weekend storms, that had already been collected by our generous donors, said Laura Burke, the Executive Director of the Red Cross in Central PA. So thats why I encourage everyone to get out there and donate blood so that we can pre-position blood supplies.

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The American Red Cross Giving Day is on March 26.

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NEW YORK  New York City Mayor Eric Adams pulled in a paltry $36,121 from just 37 donors for his reelection campaign over the first two months of the year  an anemic haul underscoring how just how narrow his path to victory has become.

The bad news comes as a maelstrom threatens Adams political future  underscored by the denial of $4.3 million in public matching funds due to bookkeeping irregularities and campaign finance infractions alleged in his federal criminal case.

And Tuesdays filing makes up almost none of the lost ground.

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Despite that disadvantage ahead of the June Democratic primary, he has raised $4.4 million for his 2025 bid, more than double any of his rivals who have or are on their way to getting matching funds.

Campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro maintained the mayor has qualified for matching funds, and that he therefore did not need additional support.

"The Eric Adams campaign is proud to have raised the maximum allowable amount for this election cycle months ago  well in advance of any other candidate in the race for Mayor of New York City," he said in a statement. "This achievement reflects the strong, broad-based support for Mayor Adams' leadership and vision for the future of our city."

Shapiro said that Team Adams is in communication with the city Campaign Finance Board about restoring the funds.

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Adams' latest disclosure, which covers the period between Jan. 12 and March 13, illustrated the dregs of his support.

He received $500 from the Amalgamated Transit Unions political action committee, $400 from Ed Wallace, a lobbyist with Greenberg Traurig, and a maximum donation of $2,100 from Jason Xia, a professional poker player .

Adams also returned $3,700 worth of donations from crypto billionaire Brock Pierce, who had already given a maximum contribution last year. The campaign refunded $21,450 over the last two months, meaning the mayor netted just $18,967 during that period, far less than any of his competitors.

The mayor has been running a virtually nonexistent campaign , with a skeleton crew doing little more than the basic level of regulatory compliance. Since mid-January, the operation has paid $20,000 to Brianna Suggs, though Adams had previously announced her role as lead fundraiser was downgraded following a federal raid of her home in November 2023.

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Tuesdays filing did show new signs of life: In addition to several payments for fundraisers, the mayor forked over $67,000 to political consulting firm My Brnd Inc. to gather the signatures necessary for ballot access ahead of the April 3 petitioning deadline.

Expenditures slowed to a crawl, leaving Adams with $3 million in his account. He would need around double what he has raised to run a competitive citywide primary  hence the importance of matching funds  and Tuesday's filing indicates he has been unable to capitalize on the advantages of incumbency.

Adams money troubles are entangled in a rats nest of other problems. His coziness with President Donald Trump, highlighted by the White House's effort to toss his indictment, has led to calls for his resignation and moves to curtail his powers from fellow Democrats. He is polling at historic lows. His allies are defecting to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a leading competitor in the primary. And a rash of corruption probes have decimated the upper ranks of his administration.
When electoral reformers say that votes for losing parties dont matter, just point them to the constituency of Runcorn and Helsby.

For it was the struggle between second-placed Reform and the third-placed Conservatives at last years general election that could define British politics for at least the rest of this parliament, and possibly beyond.

If just 454 voters had chosen to back the Conservatives rather than Reform, Rishi Sunaks party would have finished second to Labours Mike Amesbury. Which would have meant that in the by-election triggered by Amesburys resignation, following his conviction for assaulting a constituent, the Tories could reasonably have claimed to represent the best opportunity to give the Labour government a kicking.

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But because they came third, it is Nigel Farages party to which the mantel of challenger has fallen. By-elections are curious beasts. They provide electors with a rare opportunity to cast a protest vote in the sure and certain knowledge that the result will not mean a change in whoever happens to be governing the country at the moment. Acts of rebellion are therefore deemed safe: protest without consequences.

Except, of course, that just because the result in Runcorn will have no direct impact on Labours ability to govern, given its huge three-figure majority, the result could still have a cataclysmic impact on three of the main party leaders futures.

In 2021, when Boris Johnsons Conservatives won the formerly safe seat of Hartlepool in a by-election, Starmer came very close to resigning as Labour leader. Losing Runcorn could have a similar effect. Labour won the constituency last year with 53 per cent of the vote and a majority of more than 14,500. This is not the sort of seat that successful governments lose.

But the stakes are just as high for the other two parties (and by the other two, I mean Reform and the Conservatives; neither the Liberal Democrats nor the Greens  in fact any other fringe party  have any relevance in this contest). For Kemi Badenoch, being eclipsed again by Reform would be a blow to her already struggling leadership, exposing it as unable to mount a challenge to Labour.

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But for Farage, the stakes are even higher. Runcorn could be the definitive contest for Reform. After countless false dawns for its predecessor party, Ukip, Reform needs to show that it can deliver victories  not near misses, not valiant defeats  and prove that a vote for the party is not a wasted one.

There have been false dawns aplenty for aspiring third parties who wanted to break the mould of the party system. The SDP looked like it might succeed when it launched in 1981. But by 1987 it had failed to capture the voters confidence and support and was subsumed into the LibDems. Much of that failure was down to the first-past-the-post electoral system which forces voters to choose the party that is most likely to win, rather than the one with whose policies they might necessarily agree.

That remains the challenge for Farage. On paper Runcorn looks like an unlikely win. Labour will throw massive amounts of resources at it, in terms of volunteers, staff and money. The obvious challenger has a mountain to climb. But that would make a Reform victory all the more impressive and memorable. A story about mighty Goliath beating puny David probably wouldnt have made it into the first edition of the Old Testament.

Recent opinions surveys suggest that even before theyve chosen a candidate, and even as the feud between Farage and one of his most prominent parliamentary colleagues, Rupert Lowe, continues to attract unhelpful headlines.

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Reform is already ahead of Labour in local voter preference. Naturally there is a long way to go between now and the expected polling day of May 1, the same day as the local elections. But momentum lost is rarely regained, especially by governing parties.

If Labour holds on, of course, even by the slimmest of margins, Starmer will be justified in his celebrations. Given the troubles that have already beset the government, and particularly in the wake of unpopular welfare reforms that are set to dominate the headlines for the next few weeks, that would be a significant victory. And it cannot be ruled out.

Such a result would be disastrous for Farage and his party. It would confirm the other parties hopes, and his own supporters fears, that Reform was just another flash-in-the-pan, an amusing headline for a short time and another failed challenge to the party system.

Weve had all the hype and the promises, weve read the headlines about the voters appetite for a new party that does things differently. This is the litmus test: either Reform will win Runcorn and send a shudder through the bones of the main establishment parties. Or it will lose, signalling a return to business as usual in British politics.

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There can be no consolation prizes in Runcorn, for any of the parties.

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By Sarah Kinosian and Kristina Cooke

(Reuters) - Family members of Venezuelan migrants who suspect their loved ones were sent to El Salvador as part of a rapid U.S. deportation operation over the weekend are struggling to get more information as a legal battle plays out.

Advocates have launched a WhatsApp helpline for people searching for family members, while immigration attorneys have tried to locate their clients after they went dark.

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In a proclamation published on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to swiftly deport what the White House said were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The Trump administration used the authority to deport 137 Venezuelans to El Salvador on Saturday even as a judge ordered the removals halted, sparking a legal standoff.

The sudden move caused confusion among family members and immigration advocates.

"This chaos is purposeful," said Anilu Chadwick, pro bono director of the advocacy group Together & Free. "They want to exhaust people and exhaust resources."

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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The Trump administration has provided few details so far on the identities of those who were deported.

But Solanyer Sarabia believes she saw her 19-year-old brother, Anyelo, among images shared online of the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador's mega-prison. His head had been shaved and he was dressed in white prison garb.

Anyelo had told his sister on Friday night that he would be deported to Venezuela, she said in a phone interview with Reuters from Texas.

Solanyer said her brother had been detained on January 31 after an appointment at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office. He had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally with Solanyer and another sister in November 2023 and had been released to pursue a claim for asylum.

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Solanyer said an ICE officer told her that her brother was detained because of a tattoo that linked him to Tren de Aragua, a violent gang with Venezuelan prison origins that has spread through the Americas. She said the tattoo depicted a rose and that he had gotten it in a tattoo parlor in Dallas.

"He thought it looked cool, looked nice, it didn't have any other significance," she said, stressing that he is not a gang member.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sarabia's case.

"It's extremely disturbing that hundreds of people were flown on U.S. government planes to El Salvador and we still have no information on who they are, their attorneys were not notified and families are left excruciatingly in the dark," said Lindsay Toczylowski, executive director at the Immigrant Defenders Law Center.

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El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has gained international attention for his crackdown on gangs in the Central American country. Supporters say his tactics have driven down violent crime, but rights groups have accused his administration of torture, arbitrary detentions, and other abuses in the country's prisons.

MISSING

Johanny Sanchez, 22, suspects her husband Franco Caraballo, 26, who was detained in Texas, could now be in El Salvador, but does not know for sure.

Sanchez says Caraballo called her on Friday at around 5 p.m. to tell her he would be deported to Venezuela. He was confused because he had a pending asylum claim and a court date set for Wednesday.

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Sanchez said on Saturday morning she looked him up on an online U.S. government immigration system where detainees' locations are logged and saw that it said he was no longer listed as being at a detention center.

She spoke with Caraballo's family in Venezuela who told her they had not heard anything. By 7 p.m. on Saturday, she was desperate for information. Then at around 11 p.m., she saw news reports about deportations from the United States to El Salvador.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Caraballo's case.

Caraballo had multiple tattoos including ones of roses, a clock with this daughter's birth time, a lion and a shaving razor, said his wife.

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"I've never seen him without hair, so I haven't recognized him in the photos," she said. "I just suspect he's there because of the tattoos that he has and right now any Venezuelan man with tattoos is assumed to be a gang member", she added, citing also the fact that he has effectively gone missing.

Sanchez said her husband has never been a member of Tren de Aragua.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that U.S. law enforcement authorities had spent the better part of a year assembling a roster of known gang members. All the people deported to El Salvador had been on that list, he said.

"If one of them turns out not to be, then they're just illegally in our country, and the Salvadorans can then deport them to Venezuela," Rubio said.

(Reporting by Sarah Kinosian in Mexico City and Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Writing by Ted Hesson; Editing by Ross Colvin and Rosalba O'Brien)
(WSPA)  This month, 7NEWS is honoring Remarkable Women and finalist Bethany Duke knows firsthand what its like to struggle. Thats why shes dedicated her life to helping others.

Turning hardship into compassion

Walking the aisles of the Interfaith Assistance Ministry in Hendersonville, Bethany Duke doesnt just see shelves of food and clothing, she sees lives being changed.

Ive been hungry. Ive been nervous about not having a good coat growing up. Ive needed support from other people, and asking for help is hard, she shared.

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Now serving as the Human Resources Director for the ministry, shes just getting started in this role, but her commitment to giving back has been lifelong.

Ive helped build houses with Womens Build. Ive helped with gathering gifts for the Salvation Armys Angel Tree. It may seem small, but giving a child a gift can mean everything, she said.

Overcoming adversity

Bethanys journey hasnt been easy. In high school, a serious illness forced her to leave school and earn her GED.

Its hard when youre 19, on your own, with nine dollars to your name. I was living in a camper, trying to figure out how to eat, get to work, and keep the heat on. It was scary.

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Determined to break new ground for her family, she pursued higher education.

I set a goal for myself. I wanted to be a director of HR and to do that, I needed my masters. I told myself, I can do that by the time I turn 35.

A leader making an impact

Bethany didnt stop at her career goals, shes also making a difference on a national scale. As the National President of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), she represents 200,000 members, shaping the future of young professionals.

I wanted a seat at the table. I wanted to be in the room to help make decisions that move the organization forward.

Her leadership has already inspired others. One student once told her:

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Because youre quiet, and Im really quiet, it gave me the confidence to run for office at my state chapter.

A strong support system

Balancing work, service and leadership isnt easy, but Bethany credits her husband, Greg, for keeping her grounded.

Saying no is not something I do well. But Greg reminds me when I need to slow down.

Theres So Much Need in the World

Bethany Duke is a Remarkable Woman, but she insists she didnt do it alone.

Ive had a lot of remarkable women in my life. I definitely didnt get here on my own.

Her mission is simple but powerful:

Theres so much need in the world, and if I can help even a little bit, thats what I want to do.

Celebrating remarkable women

7NEWS will feature another finalist next Tuesday, and the winner will be announced on April 1st on Your Carolina at 9 AM. Stay tuned as we celebrate the incredible women making a difference in our communities!

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Putting Nebraska on the map as a career destination for workers starts with helping people find the Cornhusker State on a map.

Tim den Hoed, a veteran and the founder of the veterans hiring tool Major Talent, said that when he talks to veterans about opportunities in Nebraska, they often need an introduction.

As funny as it sounds, we will go to career fairs and we'll say, Hey, have you ever thought about moving to Nebraska, would you ever consider it?, den Hoed said. They're like, where's Nebraska?

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development wants to introduce Nebraska to more workers. The department last month awarded more than $400,000 in matching funds for state talent recruitment proposals.

Organizations like Major Talent received funds to market to communities that could be interested in working in the state. Other funding opportunities focused on recruiting out-of-state talent and workforce engagement.

The department launched The Good Life is Calling campaign to promote Nebraskas quality of life and career opportunities. In 2024, the Legislature approved a funding request from Gov. Jim Pillen to launch this phase of the campaign.

The funds are going to chambers of commerce, local colleges and companies involved in recruiting workers like Major Talent. The largest awards went to the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Hastings College and Midland University. Other awards targeted specific communities like veterans.

After he explains where Nebraska is, den Hoed said the state has a good case to make for itself. He said the veterans he meets are willing to consider relocating to Nebraska after learning about the available job opportunities and compensation.

Based in Omaha, Major Talent offers veterans tools to find a job after they leave the military. The company uses a program that translates military experience into a resume-ready format and uses AI to simulate interviews. The company also works with companies that are looking to fill positions and connects them to veterans.

Over the last three, four months, Major Talent has brought probably a half a dozen people into Nebraska from other states, and they're extremely talented people, and they're all veterans, den Hoed said.

Nebraskas economy has many aspects that are attractive for job seekers. The cost of living is lower than several other states, according to U.S. News and World Report rankings. Additionally, Nebraskas unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country, but that often means that employers need to recruit outside of the state to fill skilled positions.

K.C. Belitz, the director of the Department of Economic Development, said Nebraska has more jobs than people to fill them.

I think a lot of the reason why is that Nebraska companies have been creating jobs at a really rapid pace, Belitz said. It's not that the state isnt still growing, we know it is.

Getting people to move to Nebraska to fill that gap means partnering with organizations across the state. Local communities have to create housing and child care. Meanwhile, employers have to create attractive jobs, Belitz said.

Another part of the departments approach is to encourage programs that educate the states workforce.

Lincoln Literacy, which offers workforce classes for immigrants, refugees and native Nebraskans, received more than $14,000 to fund driving education programs.

This year, Lincoln Literacy is offering a new program to help people to get a commercial driver's license. Bryan Seck, the executive director of Lincoln Literacy, said many students in the organization's programs drove trucks in their home countries, often for the U.S. military.

The commercial driver's license programs will have multiple six-week sessions throughout 2025. After the class is over, Lincoln Literacy will help students to take the permit test and be placed in programs at Southeast Community College, the American Job Center or employer-led training programs.

The award will also fund an effort to drive people to the DMV and other programs to encourage people to get their learning permits and non-commercial driver's licenses.

That's one of the initiatives that we'll be working on with those funds, with the idea being that by having two parents that can drive, you're increasing the odds of good school attendance, Seck said. You're increasing the ability for students, for parents, to get around town, and also just getting people acclimated.

Lincoln Literacys driving programs and tools like the organizations two driving simulators have been popular with students.

Students of the driver's license program are able to get their learners permit with a high success rate, said Sandra Rojo, the associate director for English Language Learners Programs at Lincoln Literacy.

When it comes time for the driving test, getting to the DMV can be difficult if the student's families are working or also dont have licenses, Rojo said. Lincoln Literacys program shuttles people to the tests to support students looking to gain driving as a skill.

By them going with someone they trust and they know, I feel like it adds to their confidence on going and trying and possibly passing the test, Rojo said.
Rep. Kevin Kiley set out to reach his far-flung constituents Monday night with a telephone town hall. Instead, many heard a recorded voice telling them the line was full  before hanging up on them.

Sorry, due to overwhelming demand, we are unable to connect you to your conference at this time, said the message. Goodbye.

According to Kileys staff, more than 20,000 people had joined just 10 minutes into the town hall, leaving an untold amount of frustrated constituents without a connection. An hour after the town hall began, his office shared an update to listen in via a website.

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Just tried to log in to Kevins Tele Town Hall and it was full at 6:26, 4 minutes before start! What a Town Hall. Kevin is not only NOT IN TOWN, he didnt even provide enough bandwidth to accommodate his constituents!! one commenter wrote on Facebook.

Cant get in on the phone. Too many people calling. I guess Kevin is just super popular right now, another Facebook user wrote.

Californias 3rd Congressional District is sprawling  it encompasses Placer County suburbs such as Rocklin and Roseville as well as South Lake Tahoe. But Kileys district, which covers over 22,000 square miles, stretches north to Sierra and Plumas counties and south the eastern reaches of the state past Death Valley National Park in Inyo County. Its area is second only to the 1st District, which covers 27,000 square miles.

Kileys town hall was catered to constituents after weeks of protests in his district. He has said a tele-town hall would be a more accessible choice given the size of his district, but voters like Barbara Smith of Auburn said that excuse doesnt pass the smell test.

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Especially with so many voters who couldnt dial in, let alone meet with him in person.

When you can control the narrative and what kinds of questions are being asked, or who is asking them, you can avoid difficult situations, Smith said Monday afternoon before the town hall. You can avoid answering questions you dont want to, and plan out your responses ahead of time. We have no way of knowing if he has scripted answers or not because we cant see him.

Constituents have protested in district

There have been two protests against Kiley this month  one outside the Westfield Galleria in Roseville and another at his district office in Rocklin. A week ago, hundreds of constituents lined up at his Nevada City office to speak with staffers and demand a town hall. All the hubbub made its way to MSNBCs Rachel Maddow Show among other outlets.

Then, on Wednesday, Kiley sent an email update to constituents saying that he would host the Monday teleconference. It wasnt known where Kiley was calling in from.

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His decision to host the event via phone falls in line with recent guidance from the National Republican Congressional Committee after chair Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., told lawmakers not to hold in-person town halls.

Obviously, that is not what we asked for, said Roseville Democratic delegate Daniel Medina, who attended the protests. We were pretty clear that we wanted an in-person town hall. Thats what his constituents wanted. A tele-town hall is archaic, its not a way that hell actually face his constituents.

A Kiley spokesperson stressed to The Sacramento Bee that his office was open, accessible, and maintains a higher level of engagement than nearly any other member of Congress, something Congressman Kiley takes pride in.

The Congressman has held town halls throughout his tenure in Congress, which constituents greatly appreciate. To date, over 53,000 constituents have participated in these events, making their voices heard. Since joining Congress, the Representatives office has closed over 3,700 cases for local families, helping them secure federal benefits and returning over $9 million to those constituents.

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But Smith said that Kiley could make himself available during a congressional recess if wanted to  especially considering that Kiley dropped by a Capital Lincoln Club event during last weekends CAGOP convention.

He had a huge event on Friday, Smith said. So, if you have the money, you can access him.

Kiley answers all comers, extends town hall

During the town hall, which was scheduled to last one hour before Kiley extended it by 30 minutes, callers were able to ask questions about everything from President Donald Trumps support for Russia and his icy meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as support for federal workers and wildfire mitigation projects.

Kiley took questions as they came in from callers who joined the live telephone queue, and despite many of the questions being critical of his party, he responded to each of them and thanked constituents for their public and military service.

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The most urgent and common questions were focused on federal cuts instigated by Trump mega-donor and DOGE leader Elon Musk  especially where Kileys district is concerned.

One of Musks sweeping cuts was to the U.S. Forest Service staff which included a subsequent hiring freeze. Kiley represents several national parks and forests including Plumas, Tahoe and Eldorado national forests, and Death Valley National Park.

Kiley told constituents that he sent a letter to the White House about the national parks cuts last week.

We really need to get those parks staffed up, Kiley said on the call. And were asking for the (Trump) administration to provide individual parks direct hire authority so they can get the resources they need going into these peak seasons.

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Kiley also defended the recently-passed budget bill that prevented a government shutdown.

As the town hall wrapped up at 8 p.m., Kiley apologized to the many callers who were unable to join. He encouraged those who were left off the call to reach out to his staff  though he acknowledged its a small staff working late nights to try to answer constituent concerns.

He also promised more town halls in the very near future.
Mar. 18April Tardiff's 3-year-old son, Grayson, receives speech and occupational therapy to treat his attention deficit disorder. Both are covered by Medicaid.

She doesn't know what she'd do if cuts to the federally subsidized health care program disrupted those services.

Tardiff, 39, of Old Orchard Beach, was one of several people who spoke during a roundtable discussion hosted Tuesday in Portland by Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District. The discussion highlighted the threats to health care services by a funding bill that passed the House that appears to take aim at Medicaid. While the bill doesn't specifically identify Medicaid cuts, it carves out $880 billion in savings  about 10% of the federal Medicaid budget  that national health policy experts are saying will likely come from Medicaid.

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No details have been unveiled, and it's unclear whether the House bill's potential cutbacks would survive Senate scrutiny. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has opposed Medicaid reductions, but Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate and could lose a few votes from moderate Republicans like Collins and still muscle through a budget bill. President Donald Trump also has backed the House bill.

Pingree said such cutbacks to Medicaid would be devastating for Maine, causing everything from closures of rural hospitals and nursing homes to leaving people uninsured and without services. Even dental care would be threatened.

"These would be cuts to vital services that impact people's lives," Pingree said.

Republicans have countered that they are looking to trim waste and fraud from the Medicaid budget. But nonpartisan health policy experts, including KFF, have said that there's no way to cut that deeply without curtailing services.

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In Maine, about 400,000 people have Medicaid coverage, or about 29% of the state's 1.4 million population. Nationally, about 1 in 5 people has Medicaid.

Tardiff, who volunteers for the Maine Equal Justice progressive advocacy group, said her family has employer-based coverage, but her son qualifies for Medicaid, called MaineCare in the state. Medicaid has stricter eligibility standards for adults compared to children, so in some families, the children qualify for Medicaid, but the parents do not.

Her son has been kicked out of two day cares for his behavior, and Tardiff said the speech therapy and occupational therapy helps with his ability to communicate and to transition between what he's doing, as well as his ability to focus.

"We are trying to get a handle on this now, so when he goes to school, he'll be able to transition from art class to music class to gym," she said.

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Tardiff said her employer-based insurance is bare bones, and she and her husband have to pay a lot out of pocket. Without MaineCare, they wouldn't be able to afford the therapy her son is getting.

Others who spoke at the roundtable Tuesday also said any cuts would be detrimental.

Tom Doherty, executive director of Portland-based Milestone Recovery, which helps people with substance use disorder, said all of their patients are either uninsured or have Medicaid.

"Medicaid is essential for us to survive," he said. "I don't know what we would do if Medicaid were cut substantially."

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Even under current funding, Maine struggles to pay for the program. Medicaid's growing costs have resulted in the Maine Legislature having to pass a $121 million supplemental budget, largely to cover a $118 million shortfall in the Medicaid budget.

Medicaid is a federal program that provides insurance for lower-income people. It's operated by the states and funded with a blend of federal and state dollars.

Dr. Booth Dargis, a primary care physician at MaineHealth Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway, said that even though MaineHealth is a large organization, significant funding cuts to Medicaid "would not be sustainable." Dargis said he knows of several patients who would not be alive or would have a much worse quality of life if not for the help they received through Medicaid.

Carter Friend, CEO of York County Community Action Corp., which operates the Springvale community health clinic Nasson Health Care, said large Medicaid cuts would harm community health clinics across Maine.

"There would be workforce cuts, reductions in services and closures," he said.

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Norfolk Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone admonished Karen Reads legal team on Tuesday for repeated misrepresentations in front of the court, two weeks before the Mansfield womans second murder trial is slated to start.

Court video: Watch hearing in Karen Read murder case 2 weeks before start of retrial

Read is accused of hitting her Boston police officer boyfriend John OKeefe with her Lexus SUV in Canton on Jan. 29, 2022, and leaving him to die after a night of drinking. The defense has sought to portray Read as the victim, saying OKeefe was actually killed inside the Albert family home at 34 Fairview Road in Canton and then dragged outside and left for dead.

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I find that there have been repeated misrepresentations made to the court by defense counsel, and I conclude that they were deliberate concerning the relationship with ARCCA witnesses, Cannone said at the start of Tuesdays hearing.

Good morning from court in Dedham for a pretrial hearing in the Karen Read case.



Judge Cannone comes right out of the gate with this:



-Judge says defense made repeated misrepresentations about its relationship with ARCCA. (ax recon firm initially hired by Feds)



-Judge  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) March 18, 2025

Despite warning the defense team of the flagrant violation, which initially caused graved concern, Cannone said shed allow all of Reads high-powered lawyers to stay on the case.

A lawyer is only as good as his or her word. And I need to be able to take counsel at their word, Cannone explained. So, Im not going to tolerate false statements, any stretching of the truth, no misleading distortions. Theres no place for that in the courtroom.

The federal investigation was focused on local and state law enforcement, as well as allegations that Read had been set up for the murder of OKeefe.

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ARCCA witnesses Daniel Wolfe and Andrew Rentschler, a pair of accident reconstruction experts hired by the U.S. Attorneys Office as part of a now-closed federal investigation into the murder case, testified at Reads first trial that OKeefes injuries were not consistent with being struck by a car.

Special prosecutor Hank Brennan had attempted to block them from testifying at Reads second trial, but Cannone ruled in favor of the defense, informing the court that shed allow them back when witness testimony began.

-After sidebar, Judge Cannone says she is allowing Alan Jackson to stay on Karen Read's legal team at the request of Read and says nothing about sanctions.



-Judge allowing defense to call ARCCA witnesses (ax-recon) at trial. The prosecution had attempted to block ARCCA.  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) March 18, 2025

Brennan also asked Cannone to establish a buffer zone outside the Dedham courthouse. The prosecution also wants to enforce a dress code to restrict people gathering outside from wearing clothes or holding signs related to the trial.

Brennan also revealed that come trial, hell need three to four weeks to present his case against Read. The defense said it will likely need between a week and a half to two weeks.

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Cannone didnt rule on the following requests:

The prosecution wants to call Dr. Aizik Wolf, a Florida neurosurgeon, to talk about the cause and manner of John OKeefes death.

The prosecution doesnt want Reads Lexus brought to the jury view of 34 Fairview Road at Reads re-trial. It was brought there for the 1st trial.

Karen Reads defense argues to keep certain prosecution witnesses from attending closing arguments, including members of the Albert and McCabe families.

Karen Reads defense asks for the April 1 trial date to be pushed back, citing an ongoing federal appeal.

Read is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in injury or death. She has pleaded not guilty.

Last week, a U.S. District Court judge refused to dismiss Reads second-degree murder charge. Her attorneys had argued double jeopardy, claiming deadlocked jurors in the first trial told them that they were never going to convict her on that charge. In July 2024, Cannone declared a mistrial after the jurors deadlocked.

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The prosecution and defense are due back in court for another hearing on Thursday.

Done for the day. Next hearing in the Karen Read case is Thursday at 9am.  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) March 18, 2025

Reads upcoming retrial is slated to start with jury selection on April 1.

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Overcrowded, outdated, and dangerous: the Green Bay Correctional Institution, a prison older than Alcatraz, needs to be replaced. This is a state issue, a taxpayer issue, and most importantly, a timely issue.

The Green Bay Correctional Institution was constructed in 1898 and served our community for more than 120 years; however, the institution is now unsafe, inefficient, and a looming cost burden for the community. Its also a rare instance in which leaders from both sides of the aisle agree  with state and local leaders from both parties acknowledging were past due in closing this facility.

While safety of the inmates and the officers working in the archaic facility are top of mind, as stewards of your tax dollars, we need to acknowledge the elephant in the room: replacing this facility is only going to get more expensive the longer we wait.

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Opinion: Lawmakers must close unsafe Green Bay prison. There is no excuse for conditions.

Currently, more than 1,000 inmates reside in the facility, despite a capacity of less than 750. It is estimated there is currently $200 million in repairs and deferred maintenance costs necessary to bring the prison up to standards. In a report, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections stated, ...without wholesale replacement of critical functions like inmate housing and support services, the result will still be a facility that is functionally and operationally inefficient and inconsistent with modern prison design.

It is only getting more expensive to replace Green Bay prison

The current facility cannot create the foundations for success needed to reduce recidivism. At a time when an estimated 600 inmates need mental health services, it is woefully unable to meet those inmates' demands. Similarly, space for other inmate reentry programs is limited.

Several studies have been conducted and aimed at identifying the cost to replace the Green Bay prison. In 2019 it was estimated that the cost to build a new prison was up to $500 million. Today, states like Alabama are spending more than $1 billion on new prison projects. Costs continue to increase because we keep pushing this further down the road. We should seize upon the states historic surplus and look to replace this facility. It is time to stop delaying the inevitable and replace the facility.

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Opinion: On Wisconsins glacial lakes, wake-enhanced boating damaging and dangerous

Gov. Evers's recent proposal to close the Green Bay prison and improve existing state facilities is an admirable starting position for negotiations with the Republican Legislature. Many of my colleagues want to take things a step further and are pushing for a new facility to be built elsewhere in the state. Regardless of the path we choose, it is urgent that we do something this budget. The fact is simple: the costs for facility upgrades or a new prison will only increase. Its our responsibility to the taxpayers to act now.

Closure of prison could provide new economic development

The closure presents an opportunity for the community that is currently missing. Redefining the space could have the potential to provide more than $150 million in economic output, with the Green Bay School District, Village of Allouez, Brown County, and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College all benefiting from new tax revenue.

Opinion: Change the channel from Trump to the WI Supreme Court race. You can't miss it.

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I ran on my commitment to fiscal conservatism, and I firmly believe addressing this issue is imperative for the prosperity and fiscal well-being of our community. With the state budget process set to be underway, the conditions are perfect to address this pressing issue. Continuing to delay will just increase the costs further when the facility fails in the future, and we are pressed for new options.

Im thankful that the governor included the closure and replacement of the Green Bay Correctional Institution in the upcoming budget. The time is now to capitalize on the tremendous opportunity in front of us and do what is right for our community, the state employees serving there, and the taxpayers of our great state. I stand ready to partner with my colleagues in the Legislature and the governor on a solution that works for everyone to make that happen.

Rep. Benjamin Franklin, R-De Pere, was first elected in 2024 to represent Wisconsins 88th Assembly District. He is a local business owner, was a member of the Air Force Reserves and serves on the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tony Evers budget proposal rightly calls for closing prison | Opinion
NORGE, Va. (WAVY)  A person has died after an Amtrak train crashed into an SUV into one in the Norge area of James City County Monday.

The crash happened around 4:30 p.m. as a white 2019 Toyota Highlander crossed the railroad tracks on a private road crossing, failing to stop at the sign controlling the crossing and failing to yield the right of way to the oncoming Amtrak train, Virginia State Police spokesperson said.

Sarah Jones Mazariegos, 39, was the driver of the Highlander. She died as a result of the crash, State Police said. None the 90 people aboard the train at the time reported any injuries.

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The Northeast Regional Train 186 departed the Williamsburg station not long before the crash according to Amtraks website. It was bound for New York.

As of 6:44 PM ET, Train 186 remains stopped north of Newport News (NPN) due to an unauthorized vehicle coming in contact with the train, an alert posted on Amtrak.com said. Local emergency responders continue working to complete their investigation. A tow truck has arrived to remove the vehicle from the tracks, and railroad crews will complete a track inspection before service can resume. We sincerely appreciate your continued patience during this extended delay and will provide updates as information becomes available. 

James City County Police and the James City County Fire Department are also at the scene.

Check with WAVY.com for updates.

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Malynndra Tome was helping to map livestock ponds in the Navajo Nation when she saw something that inspired her to act. An elderly woman was filling milk jugs with water at the back of a gas station in the Native American reservation, where about 30% of people live without running water.

How can we be living in the United States of America  one of the most powerful countries in the world, and people are living like this here? asked Tome, a citizen who grew up in the community of Ganado, Arizona, in the nation's largest Native American reservation at 27,000 square miles (69,930 square kilometers) in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

A report published Tuesday identifies ways historically neglected communities most vulnerable to climate change, like Tomes, can create resilient water and wastewater systems. Its highlights include nature-based solutions, tailoring approaches to each community and using technology  all the while recognizing barriers to implementing them.

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What we hope to do with this report, what I hope, is that it actually gives people hope, said Shannon McNeeley, a report author and senior researcher with the Pacific Institute, which published the report with DigDeep and the Center for Water Security and Cooperation. In spite of some of the major federal funding sources becoming uncertain and possibly not available, I think people will find other ways.

Climate impacts and the Trump administration

Weather extremes made worse by climate change have disrupted peoples access to water.

In September, more than 100,000 residents in western North Carolina were under boil-water notices for nearly two months after Hurricane Helene destroyed much of a local water system. In January, several water providers declared their drinking water unsafe after wildfires roared through Los Angeles. One utility in Pasadena, California, sent out its first notice since it began serving water more than a century ago.

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Aging water systems leak trillions of gallons, leaving residents in some of the countrys poorest communities with a substantial financial burden to fix them.

An estimated 30% of the population in the Navajo Nation lives in homes that dont have running water, and many residents drive long distances to get water from public spigots, according to the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The report also notes that some federal resources and funding have become unavailable since Donald Trump returned to the White House. The Trump administration has cut or paused funding for critical water infrastructure projects, touted a reversal of diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and eliminated environmental justice policies meant to protect the communities the report centers on.

Greg Pierce, director of the Human Right to Water Solutions Lab at the University of California, Los Angeles, said the report comes at a very depressing moment where we're not going to see federal action in this space, it doesn't seem, for the next four years.

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Solutions come with challenges

The report synthesizes existing literature about water, climate change and solutions. Its authors reviewed academic studies, government and private reports and interviewed experts to identify ways low-income and communities of color can build water and wastewater systems to withstand extreme weather.

The report highlights technology like rainwater harvesting and gray water reuse systems that can decrease water demand and increase resilience to drought. But it adds that implementing and maintaining technology like it can be too expensive for poorer communities.

The report also advocates nature-based solutions such as wetlands, which studies find can reduce the length and severity of droughts, provide flood control, reduce or remove pollutants in water and protect water supplies. Communities across the country are increasingly recognizing the benefits of wetlands. In Floridas Everglades, for example, officials have spent billions of dollars to build engineered wetlands that clean and protect a vital drinking water source.

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The report argues for government-funded water assistance programs to help poorer households pay water and sewer bills, like the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But some are benefiting communities

Gregory Moller, a professor in the soil and water systems department at the University of Idaho, notes that some approaches are too complex and expensive for smaller or poorer communities. Our innovations also have to be on a scale and stage that is adaptable to small systems, he said. And thats where I think some of the most serious challenges are.

Some solutions the report highlights are benefiting communities. In the Navajo Nation, hundreds of solar-powered home water systems have brought running water to more than 2,000 people. Kimberly Lemme, an executive director at DigDeep, which is installing the systems, said it can be a complex and lengthy process. But it shows that solutions do exist.

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Water is a basic human right, said Tome, whose encounter with the elderly woman inspired her to pursue a doctorate in water resources. And in order for people to live productively, to have healthy lives, I think water is a big part of that.

___

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment.
WXIN/WTTV  An annual report from the Federal Trade Commission reveals losses from scams and fraud reached record levels in 2024.

The annual report from the FTC said Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud last yearup 25% from $10 billion in 2023. The report showed 38% of fraud reports involved lost money in 2024, compared to 27% in 2023. It also revealed that scam victims are losing higher dollar amounts; median losses were just under $500 in 2024 compared to roughly $300 in 2020.

The greater losses come despite the fact that, according to the report, reports of fraud and identity theft have stayed consistent at about 3.7 million over the last three years. That could simply mean that scammers are getting better at tricking unsuspecting victims.

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The FTC said consumers really need to be on the lookout for government imposter scams, which are on the rise right now. Online shopping scams, business scams and job scams follow close behind.

The report also revealed more young people are losing money than senior citizens these days. And for the second year in a row, email was the most common vehicle for scams in 2024.

The FTC report also listed where the most fraud is happening, based on each states population. Florida, Georgia and Delaware had the most fraud in 2024. Indiana ranked 29th on the list of 50 states.

If youre a victim of fraud or identity theft, you can report it via the website ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTTV CBS4Indy.
It's considered one of the biggest political races of 2025 in America.

Conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel will square off against liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford for a coveted seat on the state Supreme Court in the April 1 general election.

The high-stakes contest will determine the ideological direction of the state's high court at a time when it is considering such issues as abortion, union rights and redistricting.

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The election, which will top the $56 million record for spending on a judicial race, is seen as a referendum on Republican President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who is leading the effort to fire thousands of federal workers, cut foreign aid and target their opponents for retribution.

Musk is the biggest spender in the race, often tying Schimel to Trump. Crawford, likewise, has zeroed in on Musks support for Schimel.

Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford and Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel are expected to run in 2025 for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Since the start of the year, we've tracked the candidates on spending, the issues and their past sentencing decisions. We've also profiled Crawford and Schimel. Here are highlights of our coverage of the race so far.

Jump to:

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PROFILES OF SUSAN CRAWFORD, BRAD SCHIMEL

Susan Crawford's path to Wisconsin Supreme Court race defined by hard work, lessons learned

March 11, 2025: Crawford explains why she decided to run for the state's highest court.

Who is Susan Crawford?

March 6, 2025: Where Crawford stands on voter ID, abortion, redistricting and more.

Brad Schimel's run for Wisconsin Supreme Court follows 35-year justice system career

March 11, 2025: Schimel explains why he's running for the state's highest court.

Who is Brad Schimel?

March 6, 2025: Where Schimel stands on voter ID, abortion, redistricting and more.

SUPREME COURT RACE SPENDING

With no primary, Supreme Court race kicked into high gear early

Jan. 8, 2025: For the first time since 2019, the two Supreme Court candidates will be unencumbered by the need to fend off a rival from the same end of the political spectrum.

Democratic Party, Republican heavy hitters pour cash into Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Jan. 16, 2025: Partisans are spending heavily in the state Supreme Court race for control of the state's highest court, with both candidates amassing millions ahead of the April 1 election.

Bice: Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel is not supposed to beg for money, but keeps joking about it

Feb. 3, 2025: Schimel said he regularly burns through knee pads from begging so many people for their support in the race.

Susan Crawford campaign files ethics complaint over altered photo in Brad Schimel attack ad

Feb. 5, 2025: Crawford's campaign filed a complaint with the state Ethics Commission after her image was digitally altered in a new TV attack ad.

Bice: George Soros and Wisconsin GOP billionaires dump big donations in Supreme Court race

Feb. 11, 2025: Deep-pocketed donors have recently given six- and seven-figure sums to the state's two political parties, which then transferred the money to Crawford and Schimel.

Flush with cash, the Susan Crawford campaign ran Supreme Court ads during the Super Bowl

Feb. 12, 2025: Crawford's campaign ran an ad during Sunday's game on the Fox affiliates in the Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison and Milwaukee.

Bice: Brad Schimel is banking on conservative groups to start spending on ads 'very soon'

Feb. 17, 2025: Schimel all but begged specific conservative groups  one a business group and the other a super PAC largely funded by a billionaire  to start airing TV ads in his increasingly expensive, high-stakes contest.

Bice: An Elon Musk-backed group buys $670,000 of TV time to support Schimel

Feb. 17, 2025: Building America's Future, an Musk-backed dark money group, began buying TV time in all five state markets.

Bice: Brad Schimel says he's not for sale after Elon Musk group drops $1.5M in his race

Feb. 19, 2025: Schimel said he can remain impartial and fair on the Supreme Court even with all of the outside money helping his campaign.

Elon Musk super PAC drops $1 million into voter turnout for Schimel

Feb. 20, 2025: America PAC, an unregistered committee, is spending $1 million on canvassing and field operations to aid Schimel in his race.

Bice: Susan Crawford says Elon Musk's spending is bad but George Soros' donation is just fine

Feb. 26, 2025: Crawford explains why she accuses Musk of trying to buy the election but doesn't say the same for Soros.

Wisconsin Democrats launch seven-figure initiative to counter Musk's money

March 4, 2025: Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler said the party would air digital ads, conduct town halls across the state, do door-to-door canvassing and host media events.

Bice: Elon Musk-backed political group is posting fake pro-Susan Crawford ads on Facebook

March 5, 2025: Progress 2028, which is tied to a Musk-funded nonprofit, promote Crawford with stances she doesn't actually support or ties her to unpopular positions.

Wisconsin Supreme Court election headed for record-smashing spending of $100 million

March 17, 2025: Spending in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race could ultimately top $100 million, doubling the record-breaking spending from the race for the high court just two years ago.

POLITICS

Bice: Schimel boasts he gets a private bathroom, sets own hours as judge

Jan. 10, 2025: Schimel explains why he likes being a judge, citing his private bathroom and the ability to set his own work hours.

Bice: Judge Crawford labels herself 'impartial' despite courting Dem donors in chat

Jan. 29, 2025: Crawford took part in a Zoom call with some Democratic donors interested in having maps for two Wisconsin congressional districts being redrawn.

Just how partisan are the candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court? Here are the details.

Jan. 30, 2025: The race for a coveted Supreme Court seat has been  and will continue to be  anything but politically neutral.

Schimel campaign acknowledges altering photo in ad

Feb. 4, 2025: Schimel's campaign acknowledged it digitally altered a photo of his opponent because the campaign felt she should look "ashamed" in the attack ad.

Bice: Elon Musk group posts photo of wrong Susan Crawford in digital ad

Feb. 24, 2025: Building America's Future, a Musk group, is currently running on social media featuring a picture of Harvard professor Susan P. Crawford, not Susan M. Crawford, the Supreme Court candidate.

Supreme Court race puts spotlight on congressional maps as GOP files complaint against Crawford

Feb. 26, 2025: Wisconsins high-stakes Supreme Court race has put the battleground states congressional maps back in the spotlight.

Bice: Was it sexist for Brad Schimel to say liberal justices, all women, were 'driven by their emotions'?

Feb. 28, 2025: Schimel said in November that some of the liberal justices "were on the brink of losing it" during the oral arguments in an abortion case.

Susan Crawford says she's surprised by Brad Schimel's attack on liberal justices

March 3, 2025: Crawford said she was surprised Schimel has begun attacking sitting Supreme Court justices.

Large numbers of Wisconsin voters don't know the state Supreme Court candidates, Marquette poll finds

March 5, 2025: The statewide poll found that about 40% of registered voters don't have an opinion on Schimel and nearly 60% said they didn't know Crawford.

Bice: Susan Crawford misrepresents Schimel comments after telling justices to stick to the facts

March 6, 2025: Crawford went on a statewide TV program and distorted what Schimel had said about his reason for running and his opinions on pending Supreme Court cases.

Bice: New Musk mailer says Schimel will 'support President Trump's agenda' from bench

March 12, 2025: Musk's super PAC is distributing a mailer that says Schimel will be Trump's bestie on the bench.

Wisconsin officials remind voters of election date after third-party mailers give wrong date

March 14, 2025: Some Wisconsin voters have received postcards telling voters to vote in an April 11 election  10 days after the real election date.

ABORTION, VOTER ID AND OTHER ISSUES

Rape kits are back in the news with the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Here's what to know.

Jan. 24, 2025: The two candidates are debating the backlog of untested rape kits during Schimel's time as Republican state attorney general.

Stringent anti-abortion group hasn't endorsed Brad Schimel. But its staffers are all in

Jan. 30, 2025: Calling it "perilous times" for opponents of abortion rights, a leader of Pro-Life Wisconsin say members of the organization are personally advocating for Schimel. But he says the group has not endorsed him.

Bice: Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford is mum on voter ID. That wasn't always the case.

Feb. 10, 2025: Crawford once declared the state's voter ID law "draconian" and liken it to a "poll tax."

Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel bring opposing views on abortion to the Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Feb. 12, 2025: When it comes to their views on abortion, Schimel and Crawford are polar opposites.

A top aide to Brad Schimel as attorney general helped build a strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade

Feb. 20, 2025: When Schimel was the state attorney general, he hired a top aide who later played a key role in developing a strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Supreme Court Justice Jill Karofsky slams court hopeful Brad Schimel on rape kits

Feb. 25, 2025: Karofsky, who worked for Schimel while he was attorney general, entered the fray over the untested rape kits.

SENTENCING HISTORIES

What to know about the sexual assault cases Brad Schimel is criticizing Susan Crawford over

Feb. 11, 2025: Schimel is accusing fellow judge and state Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford of going easy on criminals, citing in part her handling of sexual assault cases. Here's are the details of those cases.

What to know about the domestic abuse cases Susan Crawford is criticizing Brad Schimel over

Feb. 18, 2025: Crawford has labeled Schimel "soft on crime" and "too extreme." Here's what to know about cases Crawford's campaign is highlighting.

TV ads slam Susan Crawford over sex assault case at a public swimming pool

Feb. 25, 2025: Television ads supporting Schimel are criticizing Crawford for a sentence she handed out in the case of a man charged in 2018 with having sexual contact with two children in a public swimming pool. This is what you need to know about the case.

Ads accuse Schimel of cutting deal with a lawyer who gave him campaign cash

March 3, 2025: Schimel has come under fire in TV ads for giving "a plea deal to a man caught with thousands of files of child pornography featuring children as young as 6, after getting thousands in campaign contributions from the man's lawyer." We give you the details of the case.

A Supreme Court election ad slams Susan Crawford over accused pedophile case

March 5, 2025: Ads airing on TV slam Crawford over the case of an accused pedophile she heard as a Dane County judge. Find out more about the case here.

Crawford asked to recuse from appeal of sex offender case featured in Supreme Court race attack ads

March 13, 2025: The attorney for a man whose criminal case has been heavily featured in attack ads against Crawford has asked that she recuse herself from the matter.

SUPREME COURT CANDIDATE DEBATE

(Left) Dane County Judge and Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Susan Crawford and (right) Supreme Court candidate and Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel are seen before the WISN 12 Commitment 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Debate at the Lubar Center at Marquette University Law Schools Eckstein Hall on Wednesday March 12, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Testy moments, abortion and billionaires: Takeaways from the Supreme Court debate

March 13, 2025: Supreme Court candidates Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford crossed swords repeatedly during a testy March 12 debate, arguing with one another about abortion, union rights and Elon Musk.

What was the transgender performance Schimel denounced during the Supreme Court debate?

March 14, 2025: During the Supreme Court debate, Schimel called out a transgender performer for opening a recent Bernie Sanders Wisconsin rally with a song that Schimel called an "attack on people of faith."

Video of the hourlong debate

Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 313-6684 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on X at @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Susan Crawford vs Brad Schimel Supreme Court race: Complete coverage
Scranton Republican Charlie Spano aims to again get Bob Bolus bumped off a ballot.

Spano filed in Lackawanna County Court a challenge to Bolus seeking the GOP nomination for mayor in the May 20 primary election, arguing Bolus falsely claims in his candidate affidavit that he is eligible to hold the office of Scranton mayor.

Spano seeks to have the court void Bolus election petition because his status as a convicted felon precludes him from holding that office.

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Lackawanna County Court Judge Terrence Nealon will hear on Wednesday arguments on whether to void Bolus 2025 nomination petition.

Bob Bolus Sr,, candidate for Scranton mayor in May 20, 2025 Republican primary election. (PHOTO SUBMITTED / COURTESY OF BOB BOLUS SR.)

For Scrantons four-year mayoral term, incumbent Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti and former Scranton School Board President Bob Sheridan will battle for the Democratic nomination, while Bolus and newcomers Trish Beynon and Lynn Labrosky each seek the Republican nomination.

The challenge filed Friday by Spano is similar to one he successfully pursued against Bolus in his run for mayor in 2021, when a judge bounced Bolus from that ballot and the state Commonwealth Court upheld the removal. At that time, Spano asked the court to strike the candidate petition of Bolus because he claimed in a candidate affidavit he was eligible to hold the office of mayor. Spano argued courts previously ruled Bolus cannot serve as mayor because of a prior felony conviction. Bolus had claimed that even if he could not hold the office, the rulings did not preclude him from running for mayor.

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Two years earlier, in 2019, Bolus filed nomination papers as an independent candidate for Scranton mayor, a challenge was filed, a judge removed Bolus as a candidate and the state Commonwealth Court upheld that ruling.

In the current challenge, Spano similarly argues Bolus signed a candidate affidavit claiming he is eligible to hold the office of mayor, a claim which Bolus knows is completely false, rendering the petitions fatally defective and is a fraud.

Charlie Spano during a debate of candidates for Scranton mayor hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County and the Political Science Department at The University of Scranton, at the university on Oct. 15, 2019. (TIMES-TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO)

Spanos challenge cites various examples of case law on the issue and notes that Pennsylvania appellate courts have also held that nomination petitions and affidavits are not mere technicalities, but are necessary to prevent fraud.

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In a phone interview Monday, Bolus said he is seeking expungements of his record before the swearing in of the next mayor.

Ill be there Wednesday and lay out exactly what were doing (regarding seeking expungement), so I will be able to take the seat because the felonies will no longer exist, Bolus said.
The News

Vice President JD Vance has serious momentum behind him toward the 2028 GOP nomination. His strongest opponent so far isnt a person  its time.

With three-plus years to go in President Donald Trumps second term, theres an increasing consensus that Vance, who first ran for office only in 2022, will be the partys post-Trump standard-bearer. But several connected Republicans quietly shared a competing view: Its simply too early to say Vance has locked down Trumps mantle for 2028.

After all, Trump has always enjoyed competition.

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One person close to the administration said that Vance still has to prove himself. Another White House official said simply that its too early to determine who the next MAGA leader is.

The logical conclusion is that its JD Vance. But I thought it was interesting the comment the president made about a month ago. Well, not so fast, said one Senate Republican, referring to Trumps avoidance of a public Vance endorsement last month.

Trump is in a unique position: Hes both at the peak of his power within the GOP and a lame duck. Vance is also not alone among ambitious young Republican politicians seeking to inherit Trumps mantle. And the resulting tension is occasionally visible in public.

During a Monday night town hall on behalf of the GOPs Wisconsin state judicial campaign, Donald Trump Jr. suggested Vance might not be the only option for the partys next presidential nod.

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We actually have an opportunity to have an incredible path beyond my father, whether its JD Vance or some of the other talent that weve curated, right? Trump Jr. said.

MAGA activist Charlie Kirks quick response: I think we like JD.  Dont we like JD, everybody?

The open discussion of Vances future is particularly notable given Trumps recent remarks about the very capable vice president. While Trump tapped Vance as Republican National Committee finance chairman on Tuesday, his lack of direct support raised eyebrows across the party.

Inside the administration, Vance is well-liked, and officials insist theres nothing to be read into Trumps slight. Though Vance piled on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of the press, hes often played the workhorse behind the scenes, tackling projects like the sale of TikTok while helping wrangle congressional Republicans to support Trumps agenda.

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A group of younger, more populist Republicans are vocally advocating for Vance within the party as a future candidate who could cement the partys realignment toward Trump. They argue Vance will win the nomination and likely steamroll over anyone who challenges him.

JD Vance, to me, is the frontrunner. And the likely nominee in 2028, said Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont. Yes, its early in terms of his tenure as vice president. I think hes earning the respect of the party and of the American people.

Vance would almost certainly need to win a Trump endorsement to crowd out other rivals for 2028. The best way to win that nod will be to make Trumps term as successful as possible by focusing on the job in front of him, rather than his future (which is how those close to Vance see it, too).

Hell have plenty of distractions pulling at his attention, though  some of them possibly coming from Trump himself.

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Vice President Mike Pence, for one, spent several years appearing to be in line to succeed Trump. Instead, their rift over Pences refusal to disrupt the certification of Joe Bidens presidential election effectively ended the Hoosiers run in Republican politics.

Vance boosters see little chance of a similar split happening this time around, given his and Trumps current trajectory and harmony on big issues. Even so, nothing is impossible with Trump.

Know More

Trump Jr. was among the Republicans pushing for Vances ascension last year as Vance competed for the running-mate job with Marco Rubio, Doug Burgum and others. In fact, the presidents eldest son made clear a recent report about his own possible presidential ambitions was wrong.

When I went all-in for JD for VP, I was up against every billionaire Republican donor. I used up my political capital with my father until, like, 2079, Trump Jr. said Monday.

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The past decade of GOP politics is littered with the failed efforts of Trumps rivals: Rubio, Sen. Ted Cruz and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Seen during the pandemic as the future of the party, DeSantis rankled some of Trumps most fervent supporters when he ran against him last year. Now the Republican base includes a number of never-DeSantis voters.

All of which could boost the vice president: At this moment, theres no clear alternative for the Republican party.

Several GOP lawmakers demurred when asked about the Trump succession plan. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., a big Vance fan, said Im not giving you any good copy on this.

JD is great. I think theres a reason why he picked him to be VP. Not for successor stuff, necessarily, but I think hes very much aligned, very much in touch with where the party is right now and where the momentum is, Schmitt said.

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Asked who might succeed Trump, Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., replied Nobody knows the answer to that. He added that while his colleagues say its likely to be Vance, the primary might as well be a light year away.

About 70% of the senators think they ought to be president. The scary thing is that they think theyre qualified, Kennedy said.

He did, at least, take himself off the list: I have no ambitions to be king for a day, or a week, or four years.

Burgess and Shelbys View

Vance, no matter his clout with MAGA die-hards, is unlikely to have the same swath of loyal followers that Trump has enjoyed over the last several years. He could certainly have primary challengers from his old Senate colleagues or ascendant governors.

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And Vance will have to earn the scars necessary for Trump backers to stay in his corner by defending the president for three more years in the most aggressive fashion possible. Vance is earning that cred with moments like his Oval Office brawl with Zelenskyy.

If Vance can help marshal through the big tax cuts and border spending Trump wants, then help defend the GOPs majorities in the midterms, hell be in a good position to succeed Trump and potentially even earn an endorsement.

But there are risks to that approach, too. The Trump administration is disrupting Washington and openly entertaining the possibility of a recession. If the economy doesnt fare well, Vance will be the one answering for it down the line.

Room for Disagreement

Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., joined Trump Jr. as unabashed Vance boosters during the 2024 campaign. Hes among the increasingly influential crop of MAGA-aligned Republicans who see no other choice but Vance to succeed Trump.

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Were three years away from that, but JD is the future of the party. I think by then hell be in a stronger position than he is today, Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., told Semafor. President Trump knew this time that he was picking a vice president, but he was also cementing the future of the party.

Notable

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who has Donald Trumps ear, predicted this week that JD Vance will be the nominee and that as of now, theres no other conceivable option.

Some Trump allies refer to Vance as 48, according to Axios.




Jonathan Reynolds is to urge Donald Trump to spare Britain from steel tariffs as the Business Secretary begins trade deal negotiations in Washington.

Mr Reynolds will on Tuesday hold the first face-to-face talks between British ministers and the Trump administration as he tries to secure exemptions from the US presidents global trade war.

The Business Secretary will meet Howard Lutnick, the US commerce secretary, and Jamieson Greer, the US trade representative, to discuss a wider economic deal between Britain and America that he hopes will include tariff exemptions, including for Britains steel sector.

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The trip comes after Mr Trump vowed there would be no exemptions to the 25pc charges he imposes on all steel and aluminium imports to the US earlier this month.

Mr Trump has also promised a sweeping agenda of reciprocal tariffs on April 2. The White House has said that it will include local VAT charges in how it calculates so-called reciprocal charges. This poses a major risk to the UK, which charges VAT on goods at 20pc.

Mr Reynolds is expected to bring up the issue of steel tariffs in his talks with Trump officials. The Business Secretary said: Protecting and growing the industries that power the UK and play a key role in delivering our Plan for Change is a priority for this Government.

Todays visit to Washington DC is the latest step in our pragmatic and positive engagement with the new administration to agree a wider economic deal in both our interests.

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Sir Keir Starmer has so far refrained from imposing retaliatory tariffs on the US but has said that no options are off the table.

Exemption to steel tariffs must be a priority

Asked about metals tariffs, the PMs official spokesman said: When it comes to global tariffs, were assessing all options. As the Prime Minister said last week, were keeping all options on the table, but were going to take a pragmatic approach to this, and well be continuing to have these discussions.

As many in industry said last week, they dont want to see a trade war where both sides escalate the situation, and standing up for industry means finding a solution.

Gareth Stace, the director general of UK Steel, said: Securing a full exemption from the steel tariffs imposed last week must be a priority. After all, the UK is a close ally of the US, not a foe.

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The focus should be on working together to find solutions, not creating new barriers. That is the message we urge Jonathan Reynolds to take with him to Washington.

The importance of securing a deal with the Americans was underlined by fresh OECD forecasts published on Monday that showed a dimming outlook for British growth.

The Paris-based organisation downgraded its forecasts for UK GDP growth to 1.4pc this year and 1.2pc in 2026, down from 1.7pc and 1.3pc. The OECD said Mr Trumps trade war had worsened the outlook for growth globally.

David Henig, the director of the UK Trade Policy Project, said Mr Reynolds may have to offer major concessions to the US in order to secure carve outs for British businesses.

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He said: The real problem is that we dont actually know what they want. I dont think the Government knows what exactly the deal might be.

US officials have suggested that they want concessions on VAT charges, Britains 700m digital services tax, the regulation of artificial intelligence and rules on food production.

Changes to food rules, such as caving to previous US demands to allow imports of chlorine-treated chicken, would be met with huge opposition from farmers, a group that has already been hammered by Rachel Reevess changes to inheritance tax reliefs on agricultural land.

Politically, it would look terrible. The Government said they wouldnt do it, I just dont see how any government could do it, Mr Henig said.

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The easiest option would be to ease regulations on artificial intelligence, Mr Henig said.

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RILEY COUNTY (KSNT)  After Riley County covered the full cost to a wastewater replacement project, some money is left over that the county is offering to residents in need of repairs.

Riley County announced in a press release on Tuesday, March 18 that funds from a $50,000 Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) grant are still available. The county is now extending those funds to residents.

A safe and reliable wastewater system is essential  both for the homeowner and for public health, said Amanda Webb, Riley County Planning & Development/Environmental Health director. Unfortunately, they can be expensive to install and to repair, especially when sudden failures occur. The LEPP grant funds offer crucial support in times of need and were very grateful KDHE was able to offer this assistance to Riley County residents.

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Property owners are encouraged to apply for the remaining Local Environmental Protection Program (LEPP) grant funds by 5 p.m. Monday, May 2025. The county said awards will be determined based on applicant income, demonstrated need, and the severity of the system failure.

Sen. Marshall on issues facing Kansas, Oakley town hall

The county said the funds can be used for a variety of repairs, including full septic tank replacements and lateral field replacements. Work must be completed by a licensed contractor. The county said the funds can be used to connect homes to a public sewer system but that connection fees arent part of the grant funds.

To apply for the grant funds, click here.

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For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Riot police forcibly cleared more than 400 young migrants from a Paris theatre on Tuesday, ending an occupation that had lasted about three months.

Some 200 demonstrators gathered outside the Gaite Lyrique theatre in central Paris to protest the operation, attempting to block police from entering.

Authorities reported 46 arrests during the clashes, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez said.

Nine people sustained minor injuries, including seven migrants, one police officer, and a journalist.

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Media reports described officers using tear gas and batons, while protesters responded by throwing objects.

The occupation of the Gaite Lyrique, a venue known for hosting performances, exhibitions and workshops, had evolved into a contentious political issue in France.

The venue initially welcomed the group  mainly composed of African migrants  in early December for an event on French refugee policy, granting them free admission.

However, the young migrants, most of whom claimed to be minors, chose to stay and occupy the space. Organized as a collective, the migrants demanded stable housing from authorities.

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Responsibility for resolving the situation became a point of contention between the French state and the city of Paris, which owns the theatre.

Both sides deflected responsibility, prolonging the stand-off

Police chief Nunez cited public order concerns when announcing the planned eviction on Monday evening.

Officials have reportedly offered accommodation in Normandy, but most migrants refused the relocation.

The theatre has been unable to operate since the occupation began.

Makeshift camps and tent settlements are a common sight in Paris, reflecting the citys ongoing struggle to provide adequate shelter for migrants.
YANKTON, S.D. (KELO)  From being a hub for riverboat travel to its time as the first capital of the Dakota Territory, Yankton, South Dakota has an intriguing story to tell.

When you think of Yankton, the Missouri River might be the first thing that comes to mind, but there is much more to Yanktons past to unpack.

On the north side of Yankton, youll find the Mead Museum, a building that plays a key role in Yanktons history.

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Governor Rhoden begins his Open for Opportunity Tour

The Mead building was built in 1909, and it was the womens ward of the mental health hospital, Mead Museum executive director and executive curator Crystal Mensch said.

Its namesake is Dr. Leonard Mead. The building was part of what was once a sprawling campus of 54 buildings.

He had really this new age idea about mental health treatment, and he really wanted to surround patients with a college-like campus rather than an institution. That was really his overall goal. He just really wanted to make sure that the patients felt comfortable and didnt feel institutionalized, Mensch said.

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The hospital stopped operations in the 1980s. In 2018, the Yankton County Historical Society opened it as a museum. The organization has over 45,000 artifacts in its possession, telling a story that begins with the Native American tribe the town is named after.

Yankton is an English version of the Dakota name Ihanktonowan, which is Yankton, basically, in the Dakota language. Thats who had their camp here the majority of actually eastern South Dakota prior to Dakota Territory, Mensch said.

The tribe also played a role in the Lewis and Clark expedition when it came through the area in 1804.

Some of the earliest documentation of the Ihanktonowan people comes from Lewis and Clark and their encounter here, what would become Yankton. They were actually on the Nebraska side on the bluffs is where they officially met, Mensch said.

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The expedition also had help from a man named Pierre Dorian. Theres a memorial for him in town that you can check out.

He had met Lewis and Clark as they were approaching what would be really South Dakota or closer to Yankton, so Pierre Dorian had help with translation during the communications between the Ihanktonowan people and Lewis and Clark, Mensch said.

Decades later, Yankton started attracting entrepreneurs. Many of them started arriving to the area around 1859.

Yankton was initially settled because it was a good location on the Missouri River for riverboats to come up and for goods to be delivered, Mensch said.

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One of those earlier entrepreneurs was a man by the name of John Blair Smith Todd.

If you recognize the last name, thered be good reason for it because he is first cousins to Mary Todd Lincoln, President Lincolns wife, Mensch said.

Yankton was also the first capital of the Dakota Territory, which was something that intrigued Todd. He had his sights set on being the territorys first governor, but Lincoln had other plans.

He said, No, Im not going to put you in charge of a new territory that is so vast because I dont agree with your politics,' Mensch said.

Being the Dakota Territorys first capital created an opportunity for Yankton to be the site of some major historical events. Not far from the Mead Museum, youll find a historical marker. It tells anyone who stops by and reads it that Yankton was the site of the historic trial of Jack McCall in 1877. McCall was the man accused of killing Wild Bill Hickock in Deadwood.

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Theres a lot of information in history related to that and how this trial might have been double jeopardy, but it really wasnt. Theres so much more to that story, but he was tried, found guilty and hung here in Yankton, Mensch said.

These historical events dont even begin to scratch the surface of Yanktons rich history, but thats all part of what makes Yankton what it is today.

I think anyone who lives in or visits Yankton can inherently feel the foundation of our history. Just by going down the streets, seeing elements like the Meridian Bridge. Weve kind of built this sweet little part of the world based on a really strong history, and I think that because we have that foundation of unique and vibrant history, we move forward, Mead Museum marketing coordinator Julie Mooney said.

And the museum will continue to learn more about what makes Yankton one-of-a-kind.

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Yankton has definitely proved that as we unearth more and more pieces that have been hidden in the 45,000 plus artifacts at the museum, theres always an opportunity to learn more and to grow our understanding, Mensch said.

Another major historical event in Yankton was the flood of 1881. Ironically, some of the boats that were displaced by the flood landed on top of railroad tracks, which was the industry that led to the decline of riverboats.

Crews blast old Pierre-Ft. Pierre bridge Monday

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The Nisqually Earthquake was a wake-up call to build stronger buildings across Puget Sound. More than two decades later, experts say were still not fully prepared.

We have millions of people living in this area with high seismic hazard, said Harold Tobin, Director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. Were obviously not going to pick up the city and move it somewhere else. So instead, what we have to do is really do the best job we can of constructing for it.

A state database flags hundreds of residential buildings, offices, schools, and even government properties that could be at risk.

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KIRO 7 spent weeks investigating the roadblocks preventing people from retrofitting. One of the biggest  money.

The Seattle Library is one of the lucky ones. The library recently completed retrofit work at its Green Lake Branch and is getting started on a seismic upgrade at the University Branch too.

The seismic work is generally going to be about $1.5 to $2 million of the budget, said Tom Fay, Seattle Public Librarys Chief Librarian.

The University Branch building has been around since 1910.

We want to make it safe for the future, Fay said. It is actually a very long process. A lot of the work is, How are you going to pay for it?

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The library has relied on a 2019 voter-approved Library Levy to help with seismic retrofit work at both branches, as well as the Columbia branch (where project plans are still in the works).

The library has also utilized federal grants to help.

The University Branch will also undergo renovations to improve accessibility, replace the HVAC system, and improve sustainability and its interior.

Library officials say design and permitting took a couple of years, and construction will take two years.

You do worry, are you going to have one of those (earthquakes) and then not have had these projects complete, Fay said.

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Costs to retrofit can vary.

A small building? A couple hundred thousand dollars, said Ryan Vytlacil, who owns Seattle Seismic, a company dedicated to retrofit work. A four- or five-story apartment building, definitely over a million.

Its a price that can be prohibitive for private landlords and individual homeowners, whose costs might be a lot lower.

In California, the state has stepped in to help. The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) offers grants and other incentives to qualifying homeowners to retrofit their homes.

The program was created by the states publicly managed earthquake insurance provider, the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), and the states Office of Emergency Services.

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The median cost of a retrofit project by a homeowner utilizing CRMPs grants is about $5,200, said Janiele Maffei, CEAs Chief Mitigation Officer.

The grants provide qualifying homeowners with enough money to perform the basic retrofit work. Its work that can substantially decrease the risk of damage during an earthquake.

The savings can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, Maffei said.

The CRMP has helped fund just under 29,500 retrofits with its flagship grant program.

The grants are paid for using a percentage of the investment income from CEAs Loss Mitigation Fund, which is then leveraged with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding.

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Less risk [less loss exposure for earthquake insurers] and just all around more resilience for California, Maffei said.

Washington has grants to help schools with retrofit projects, as well as grants to assist commercial historic buildings, but nothing similar for homeowners.

The library is lucky, as retrofit work continues.

These three are just three of seven that ultimately need to be done, Fay said.

Of course, thats just seven in the Seattle Public Library system. Hundreds of buildings outside it need work too.

Theres great engineering practices that we can use to retrofit those buildings to keep them from collapsing, Tobin said. Keep them from having really as substantial damage, and save lives in future earthquakes that were going to have sooner or later.

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And even if your home or office has been retrofitted, there are still other earthquake risks to prepare for.

Previous Earthquake Coverage:

Earthquake Safety: Preparing for The Big One

Neighborhoods isolated? What could happen after a major earthquake




MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP)  A roadside bomb exploded Tuesday near Somalia's presidential palace and the government said the attack by a militant group targeted the president's convoy.

The Information Ministry in a statement called the attack in the capital Mogadishu a cowardly act of desperation by the militant group al-Shabab, which claimed responsibility. The statement did not provide an official death toll but a witness said he counted three bodies at the scene.

The president was unharmed.

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Al-Shabab, which opposes Somalias federal government, frequently carries out bombings and assaults targeting government officials and military personnel in the Horn of Africa nation. The group controls parts of rural Somalia and poses a significant threat despite sustained military operations by government troops and African Union peacekeepers.

Tuesdays explosion happened near the presidential palace right after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was driven out of the palace grounds in a convoy heading to the main airport.

The president was headed to Middle Shabelle in southern Somalia to oversee military operations against al-Shabab.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack through a website allied to the militant group.

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A witness, Ayub Osman, said he saw three people lying on the ground, motionless, covered in dust and debris. Another witness, Hassan Nur, who lives nearby said he saw two bodies.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack targeting the president's convoy that killed and injured other people and reaffirmed the U.N.'s support to Somalia's people and government in their fight against terrorism and in furthering efforts towards peace and stability, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.

The British Embassy in Mogadishu condemned the attack and reaffirmed support for Somalias counterterrorism efforts.

The UK remains a steadfast partner of the Somali government as they fight the violent extremists responsible for this despicable attack, the embassy said in a statement.

The Somali government has intensified its military campaign against al-Shabab in recent months, with troops making territorial gains in Middle Shabelle and other regions.
PAWHUSKA, Okla.  A former megachurch televangelist accused of sexual misconduct with a 12-year-old girl is free on $50,000 bail after surrendering to Oklahoma authorities on Monday.

Gateway Church Founder Robert Preston Morris surrendered to authorities before 8 a.m. at the Osage County Sheriffs office on five counts of lewd molestation that occurred between 1982 and 1987. If convicted, the famed Texas televangelist is facing 100 years in prison.

Phone calls left for Mack Martin, Morriss attorney, were not returned.

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After Morris, 63, surrendered to Osage County deputies, he was whisked to the Osage County Courthouse for a special arraignment before Judge Cindy Pickerell.

Osage County Sheriffs Office

His next court date is May 9, when a preliminary hearing on the allegations will be set.

Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond filed the five-page indictment in Osage County District Court against Morris a year after Cindy Clemishire publicly accused Morris of sexual misconduct ranging from inappropriate touching to rape by instrumentation.

The alleged abuse started on Christmas night in 1982 when the woman was 12 years old and continued until Clemishire was 17 years old and told her parents about the years of abuse.

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Cheshire said when her father found out about the alleged abuse years later, he told Morriss pastor that if Morris didnt get out of the ministry, he would report him to the police.

The familys pleas for justice were ignored.

Clemishire is now a grandmother, and her viral accusations prompted Morris to step down from the Texas-based church, one of the largest megachurches in the country.

Clemishire released a statement addressing the 40-year-old allegations.

After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child. Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable. My family and I are deeply grateful to the authorities who have worked tirelessly to make this day possible and remain hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail. Cindy Clemishire

At the time of Clemishires accusations, it was thought Morris had dodged any criminal charges because the statute of limitations had expired in this case.

Cindy Clemishire/Photograph courtesy of The Roys Report

However, Drummond addressed those concerns in a statement from his office, saying, The statute of limitations is not applicable in this case because Morris was not a resident or inhabitant of Oklahoma at any time.

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While in private practice, Drummond was Clemishires attorney in 2007 and sought to file a civil suit against Morris. Morriss attorneys offered Clemishire $25,000 and wanted her to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Clemishire said it was never about the money, but she did want Morris to cover any counseling expenses and admit to his alleged wrongdoing.

Shortly before resigning, Morris released a statement to his congregation, admitting that while in his early twenties and for several years, he was involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in a home where I was staying. Morris described the behavior as petting and not intercourse.

In 2024, an outranged Clemishire said she was not a young lady but a child. I was an innocent little girl, Clemishire said.

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That Christmas night, Clemishire said she was wearing pink pajamas with bloomer pants over her underwear, and she was wearing a snap-up robe when allegedly assaulted by Morris.

Robert-Morris-Booking-1Download

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Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public statement Tuesday pushing back after President Trump called to impeach a federal judge that ruled against his administration in a high-profile deportation case.

For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose, Roberts said.

The chief justices statement came hours after Trump called for impeaching U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, an appointee of former President Obama who blocked Trump invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to swiftly deport Venezuelan migrants the administration has labeled as gang members.

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The plaintiffs have questioned whether Trump officials complied with the judges Saturday order to turn any planes around, sparking a remarkable battle between the administration and the judiciary.

This Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, was not elected President  He didnt WIN the popular VOTE (by a lot!), he didnt WIN ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, he didnt WIN 2,750 to 525 Counties, HE DIDNT WIN ANYTHING! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The president went on to explicitly call for the judges impeachment.

This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!! WE DONT WANT VICIOUS, VIOLENT, AND DEMENTED CRIMINALS, MANY OF THEM DERANGED MURDERERS, IN OUR COUNTRY. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! the president wrote.

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Trump has long attacked judges whom he perceives as his enemies, but Tuesdays comments mark some of his sharpest yet since returning to the White House for a second term.

Robertss pushback, which did not name the president, echoes a statement the chief justice issued in 2018 after Trump denounced a judge who ruled against one of his immigration policies as a biased, Obama judge.

We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them, Roberts said at the time.

As Trump again attacks judges he views as unfavorable, Republican lawmakers have aimed to impeach Boasberg and several other judges who have blocked Trump administration policies.

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This isnt a disagreement concerning a judicial decision  this is a full-on, broad-based effort of radical judges to stop President Trump and the mandate he received from the American people to carry out his agenda, Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), one of the lawmakers who has introduced impeachment articles, said in response to Robertss statement.

Emily Brooks contributed.

Updated at 12:35 p.m. EDT

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Chief Justice John Roberts doesn't use social media, much less follow President Donald Trump on his online platform Truth Social.

But when Trump posted an attack on a federal judge just after 9 a.m. Tuesday, calling for his impeachment after an adverse ruling, Roberts took the extraordinary step of issuing a statement with equally extraordinary speed.

"For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision," Roberts said in a statement released to ABC News just before noon. "The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose."

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While Roberts didn't mention Trump or the specific judge by name, the rebuke was squarely aimed at the president, his senior adviser Elon Musk and congressional Republican allies who have called for the removal of district court judges who block, temporarily or otherwise, any administration action.

PHOTO: U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts attends inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

MORE: 'Heck of a stretch': Judge grills DOJ over Trump deportation flights

Trump had singled out U.S. District Court Judge Jeb Boasberg, who days earlier had ordered the administration to temporarily halt deportation flights of alleged Venezuelan gang members. Boasberg was seeking information on the detainees, who were arrested and removed without any due process under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

The government continued the flights anyway and is currently appealing Boasberg's order. Trump nonetheless asserted the judge should be removed. "This Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, was not elected President," Trump wrote on social media.

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The public exchange between the heads of two branches of American government thrust into the spotlight Roberts' apparently growing concern about eroding respect for rule of law.

The chief justice -- who heads the nation's federal judiciary -- rarely speaks in public and almost never comments on partisan debate, much less responds to a politician in real time over a dispute he will likely be asked to review.

The court as an institution prizes its independence and its members, appointed for life, have historically maintained strict silence on active legal disputes they could resolve.

That Roberts chose to respond at this moment is an indication of the seriousness of his concern about the current relationship between this White House and the courts.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump greets Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts as he arrives to speak during an address to a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 4, 2025. (Win Mcnamee/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Judge says dismantling of USAID was unconstitutional, orders Musk to restore access for employees

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Just days before Trump was sworn in a second time, Roberts warned of precisely the types of attacks on judges now proliferating.

"Within the past few years, elected officials from across the political spectrum have raised the specter of open disregard for federal court rulings," Roberts wrote in his annual report on the judiciary, just days before Trump was sworn in for a second time. "These dangerous suggestions, however sporadic, must be soundly rejected."

"Every Administration suffers defeats in the court system -- sometimes in cases with major ramifications for executive or legislative power or other consequential topics," Roberts wrote. "Nevertheless, for the past several decades, the decisions of the courts, popular or not, have been followed."

MORE: Chief Justice John Roberts sounds alarm over potential defiance of court rulings

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Allies of the president note that, for all his bluster, he never openly flouted a federal court ruling during his first term in office.

"I always abide by the courts, always abide by them. And we'll appeal," Trump said last month from the Oval Office. But he has also shown openness to a different approach: "He who saves his Country does not violate any Law," he later posted on social media.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump waves as he returns to the White House after attending a board meeting at the Kennedy Center, in Washington, Mar. 17, 2025. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

Legal scholars say recent rhetoric from the Trump administration has brought the nation to the brink of a constitutional crisis -- a moment when the democratic system of government, with three independent branches providing a check on the others, fails to function properly.

"There's a centuries-old understanding that if the impeachment power is used to punish judges for their rulings, it undermines the vital independence of the judicial branch," wrote Douglas Keith, a constitutional scholar and attorney with the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonpartisan legal advocacy group.

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In 2018, Roberts and Trump famously clashed in public over a similar scenario: a district court judge blocking a Trump immigration policy.

"We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges," Roberts wrote in a Thanksgiving Day statement. "What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them."

Trump at the time shot back: "Sorry Chief Justice John Roberts, but you do indeed have 'Obama judges,' and they have a much different point of view than the people who are charged with the safety of our country."

Trump has challenged the courts in ways not other modern president has, loudly and personally attacking judges, their family members and staff, often by name.

It remains a striking phenomenon of this presidency.

Chief justice's rebuke of Trump shows deep concern about attacks on courts: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Robotic dogs could be deployed in underground tunnels to help defeat North Korean troops in battle.

New images show the South Korean army using dog-like robots during military drills with the United States, as the allies train for a potential combat in North Koreas extensive network of fortified tunnels.

This week roughly 370 troops from the two countries are taking part in a four-day exercise in Paju, close to the border with North Korea, to simulate an assault within Kim Jong-uns subterranean passageways  an activity considered more critical since the war in Gaza.

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Hamas used its network of military tunnels in Gaza to hold hostages, smuggle weapons and enable its leaders to escape.

There are concerns that similar scenarios could unfold in North Korea, which has built a massive network of underground shelters, command centres and weapon stores. The persistent digging has been ongoing since the Korean War decades ago, when infrastructure was flattened and 282,000 people killed during a relentless US bombardment.

As South Korean and US troops conducted their drills  practising sealing off and decontaminating tunnels, trapping and killing their occupants or fighting their way inside  they were joined by drones and robots.

Apache attack helicopter took off above a Chinook at US Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek during the annual Freedom Shield exercise - Shutterstock

This included reconnaissance drones from South Koreas Dronebot Combat Group and four-legged, dog-like robots from the Special Mobility Support Brigade.

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Lt Col Hwang Hyeon-jo, the commander of the Special Maneuvers Support Brigades Engineer Battalion, said: It was an invaluable opportunity for South Korean and US troops being in one team and sharing underground combat strategies.

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, he added: We were able to accumulate diverse operational experiences and identify areas for improvement in underground warfare.

The training is part of the annual Freedom Shield exercises. The 11-day operation, which concludes on Thursday, had an disastrous start  dozens of people were injured when a South Korean jet accidentally bombed a village during live-fire exercises.

But exercises this week have so far unfolded without incident. Reconnaissance drones were used to gather intelligence and locate the entrances of tunnels before troops swept in, with the robot-dogs carrying remote controlled explosives and welding equipment to disable ventilation, water and power systems.

South Korean soldiers took part in an anti-terrorism drill in the annual military exercise with the US - Jeon Heon-Kyun/Shutterstock

Lt Col Jang Yun-Seong, the public affairs officer of the 25th Infantry Division, said last week during related drills involving robot dogs: By deploying robots alongside personnel, we aim to minimise human casualties while gathering critical intelligence in real time.

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The integration of uncrewed systems fundamentally changes how we approach high-risk operations, he added, according to the Korea Herald. We are continuously evaluating whether operating alongside robots enhances survivability more than sending them in first.

The drills come as tensions continue to ratchet up between North and South Korea.

Last week, Pyongyang test-fired a volley of cruise missiles in response to Seouls live-fire misfire, claiming an accidental attack could lead to war, and has lashed out at the recent deployment of a US nuclear aircraft to South Korea.

Separately, North Korea accused the US and its vassal allies of anachronistic ambition, after the G7 issued a joint statement last week urging Kims regime to abandon its nuclear weapons programme.

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With the growing outbreak of measles in Texas, New Mexico and now likely Oklahoma, doctors in Nebraska are reviewing vaccination recommendations for the highly contagious viral illness.

It turns out the details behind those guidelines are a bit more complicated  and confusing to patients  than a quick glance at the federal recommendations might indicate, thanks to the way the measles vaccine was developed and how vaccination recommendations evolved over the years, said Dr. Mark Rupp, an infectious diseases specialist with Nebraska Medicine.

As a result, some patients, generally those in their late 30s through early 60s, may be asked about their vaccination status and offered the shot. Most, however, won't need to rush to get it.

Meanwhile, Rupp and his colleagues have been updating their guidance and disseminating it to Nebraska Medicine clinics and emergency rooms. Both the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also have posted guidance for health care providers.

"We're just trying to build awareness, number one, to be on the lookout for it," Rupp said.

As of Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had tallied 301 cases of measles in the U.S. since January, with 294 of them part of an outbreak occurring largely among unvaccinated residents  most of them school-age children  in 11 West Texas counties and two adjoining counties in New Mexico. Two probable cases also have been identified in Oklahoma, although the location had not been listed. But the total in the outbreak is widely believed to be an undercount.

Nebraska has not reported any measles cases this year. But this year's case count in the U.S. already has exceeded the 285 measles cases reported across 33 jurisdictions in all of 2024.

Before the vaccine became available, an estimated 3 million to 4 million people in the U.S. got infected each year. Some 48,000 were hospitalized and between 400 and 500 died, according to CDC.

"Frankly, the measles vaccine has been one of the most effective and safest vaccines that we know of, and it's been incredibly successful," Rupp said.

According to CDC guidelines, in fact, people born before 1957 generally are considered to have immunity because they almost assuredly were infected with the virus.

The first vaccine was tested between 1957 and 1962. But few would have received it, so the same is generally believed to be true for those born between 1957 and 1962, who now would be in their early to late 60s.

Those born between 1963 and 1967, and who now are in their late 50s to early 60s, may have received a vaccine made with an inactivated or killed virus, like the current flu vaccine, he said.

It was good but not as good as the attenuated version that came out in 1968 and still is used today, Rupp said. Initially, people got a single dose.

But in the 1980s, there were some outbreaks that included people who had been vaccinated. In 1989, the recommendation was updated to the current two-dose regimen: one dose for kids between 12 and 15 months and another between ages 4 and 6.

Two doses are estimated at 97% effective, with lifelong coverage, he said. One dose is considered 93% effective.

Those who received one dose typically would only be offered another dose if they were considered high risk, he said. That includes health care providers, because they're more likely to be interacting with people who have measles.

Also at high risk are those in that category who plan to travel internationally or who plan to go to an outbreak area. Those considering traveling with young children also should talk with their doctor about getting them vaccinated early. Babies can get the vaccine as young as 6 months of age.

Another higher risk group are those who live with someone with a severely compromised immune system.

Generally, however, he said he doesn't recommend that Nebraskans who got one dose and don't plan such travel go to their doctors for testing to determine whether they're immune or to get a second dose.

"If you're concerned about it and you want to do that, there's very little downside to it," he noted. "The vaccine is extremely well tolerated and very safe."

The main risk of everyone who got a single dose or doesn't know their vaccine status seeking the shots is creating a run on vaccine, he said. Some 12 million doses are made each year in the U.S., most of which are directed to children.

Some area doctors have begun asking, or at least preparing to do so.

Dr. Michael Schoof, medical director for CHI Health Clinics in Omaha, said he would recommend, if faced with an adult patient who didn't know their vaccine status that the patient either have their blood drawn to test their measles antibody levels or get a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine.

The vaccine option is "one and done," he said, noting that it may come with some vaccine-related side effects, he said in an email. If the blood test comes back negative, however, the patient would need to return to the clinic to get a shot.

Rupp said the lesson is that pathogens like measles, which was considered eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, can find a way to make a comeback.

"That's what we're seeing right now, is ... letting down our defenses against measles," he said. "These viruses are out there, and they are ready to pounce if we let down (our) guard."
Celebrated US rock band Semisonic, who found international fame with the release of their second album Feeling Strangely Fine in 1998, is pushing back at the White House for using their Grammy-nominated hit song Closing Time off the same album over a social media post that shows a shackled deportee.

The White House added the song in a post of a man with his wrists handcuffed to his waist as he is patted down at an airport.

The video was captioned with the songs lyrics: You dont have to go home but you cant stay here.

We did not authorize or condone the White Houses use of our song in any way. And no, they didnt ask. The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely, the band posted on X.

Asked about the post Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said our entire government clearly is leaning into the message of this president.

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US Customs and Border Protection retweeted the White House's post on X with the caption It's closing time. We are making America safe again.

The Trump administration shared the video two days after hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members were controversially deported by the White House to a supermax prison in El Salvador.

US District Judge James E Boasberg had issued an order temporarily blocking the deportations on Saturday, but lawyers told him there were already two planes with immigrants in the air.

Semisonic joins a long list of musicians who have objected to Trumps authorized use of their songs. These include ABBA, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Neil Young, R.E.M., Guns N Roses, Woodkid and Beyonce.

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Sinead O'Connors estate previously issued Trump with cease-and-desist orders, while Isaac Hayes estate sued him for 134 counts of copywright infringement.

Celine Dion also condemned the use of her song from the Oscar-winning film Titanic, My Heart Will Go On, which was used at one of Trumps rallies. Dions team questioned the song choice, writing: "And really, THAT song?

Another band which added their name to the ever-growing list of artists who have sued Trump over the illegal use of their songs in campaign videos was The White Stripes. Last year, the rock band highlighted the flagrant misappropriation of their hit song Seven Nation Army. Jack White captioned a copy of the legal complaint in an Instagram post with: This machine sues fascists.
A 40-year-old Rock Island man is scheduled to appear in court after Blue Grass Police say he was driving a stolen motorcycle and had a lock pick in his wallet, according to Scott County Court records.

Joseph Kroeger (Scott County Jail)

Joseph Kroeger faces a felony charge of second-degree theft and an aggravated misdemeanoir charge of driving while barred, Scott County Court records show.

Shortly after 3:30 p.m. Sunday, a Blue Grass Police officer initiated a traffic stop on a motorcycle for operating with an expired registration and fraudulent use of registration, Scott County Court arrest affidavits say.

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Scott County court records show the registration sticker belonged on a white box van. The license plates affixed to the red 2002 Harley-Davidson belonged on a white 2001 American Eagle motorcycle, according to Scott County arrest affidavits, which say the VIN came back to the motorcycle, which was reported stolen out of Davenport since June of 2024.

Kroeger, the driver and sole rider of the motorcycle, at first told police he was fixing the motorcycles brakes for someone, then later changed his story after he was read his Miranda Rights, and said he bought the motorcycle a few weeks ago for $2,500, according to affidavits, which say he changed his story multiple times during his interaction with the officer.

During a search at the Scott County Jail, an officer found what appeared to be a lock pick in Kroegers wallet. The lock pick was seized as well as Kroegers phone. Additional follow up will be done in this case and additional charges will likely be filed, affidavits say.

Kroger, who was released on his own recognizance, is scheduled for arraignment April 17 in Scott County Court.

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Mar. 17AUSTIN  The U.S. Department of the Interior Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report showing the Railroad Commission of Texas successfully used federal grant funding for orphaned well plugging and complied with all related laws and regulations.

The RRC utilized its 40 years of well plugging expertise to expend a $25 million Initial Grant from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed by Congress. The agency plugged more than 760 orphaned wells through the Initial Grant, a news release said.

The Inspector General concluded that "We found that the State of Texas properly expended IIJA orphaned well initial grant funds and fulfilled program goals in accordance with applicable laws, Federal regulations, and grant terms...We make no recommendations as there are not reportable findings." The audit also noted that the RRC "performs enhanced monitoring on all the contractual work performed on the well-plugging using IIJA funds" submitting daily reports on all completed work and costs as well as performing three levels of review to ensure invoice accuracy.

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The majority of oil and gas wells that are no longer producing are plugged by the responsible operators. If an operator is non-compliant or goes out of business the well is considered orphaned, and the Railroad Commission administers a program to plug the wells. The IIJA grants supplement state funds that are used annually to plug orphaned wells across the state.

The RRC is now utilizing the first phase of IIJA Formula Grants to plug wells. However, the formula grants include administrative hurdles that are not specified in the IIJA, such as reviews of Endangered Species Act compliance and compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, that significantly delay plugging projects. In fact, in the first 12 months of the IIJA Formula Grant, the RRC plugged 45 percent fewer wells using federal funds than were plugged during the first 12 months of the IIJA Initial Grant due to the reviews.

"We are proud to remain a leader in well plugging efforts nationwide and look forward to working with the new Secretary of the Interior to expeditiously plug wells in Texas," RRC Executive Director Wei Wang said in the release. "According to a recent Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission study, thanks to RRC's robust state managed plugging program, Texas has seen one of the lowest increases in orphaned well population. We would urge our federal partners to examine and remove the red tape implemented by the previous program staff. Texas stands ready and we are more than capable of accomplishing this important work efficiently."

A copy of the Department of the Interior Inspector General Report can be found here.
Salmon prices are soaring in Japan due to dwindling populations in the country's waters, and climate change is the culprit.

What's happening?

As detailed by Japan Today, a researcher determined that chum salmon in the northern district of Hokkaido have been forced "into a losing battle with a relative for food" due to ongoing climate change, which is hindering their return to the rivers where they were originally released.

The Hokkaido government revealed that salmon numbers dropped from a peak of 56.47 million in 2003 to 15.62 million in 2024, the second-lowest figure on record since 1989. The gradual population decline has led to a spike in salmon prices among retailers, with the popular salmon jerky snack Sake Toba seeing a 20% increase this past winter.

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"We kept the price unchanged for over 10 years, but with poor catches, we had no choice," said shop manager Kei Numahata at the Nijo Fish Market, per Japan Today.

The increased prices have driven customers away from their usual markets.

"Some customers have told me they'll hold off this season," a 75-year-old employee who sometimes charges three times the usual price for salmon roe told Japan Today.

Why is this important?

Japan Today noted that salmon is widely considered one of the country's favorite seafoods. Chum salmon "make up the bulk of Japan's salmon catch," but they're losing the battle for food with pink salmon that migrated to the area seeking cooler ocean temperatures to escape global warming. The loss of food has stopped chum salmon from growing in the region, thwarting the ability to secure eggs that could be used for artificial hatching.

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Masahide Kaeriyama, a salmon ecology expert and professor emeritus at Hokkaido University, painted a bleak outlook if the population keeps declining.

"If this trend continues, there will be no more salmon in Japan in the next century," Kaeriyama told Japan Today.

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In addition to affecting feeding patterns, climate change has created favorable conditions for more frequent extreme weather events, disrupting marine ecosystems and displacing wildlife from their habitats. These changes can affect fishermen's livelihoods and increase grocery prices.

What's being done about this?

An association to promote the breeding of salmon and freshwater trout in the Iwate district in northeastern Japan has attempted to do its part by doubling the weight of released juvenile salmon from two to three grams in hopes of seeing "higher survival rates by allowing them to grow before being released into rivers," per Japan Today.

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"It will take several years to see the results, but we must do what we can," an association official said.

Kaeriyama maintained that reversing the decline in salmon populations won't be an easy task until real progress is made in addressing the root causes of global warming.

"I'd urge people to understand that this is not just about the inability to secure fishery resources, but also about the survival of the species itself," Kaeriyama told Japan Today.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego has a record number of designations for schools across the county this year, according to the list of 2025 Purple Star Schools released by the California Department of Education.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced last week that 83 schools in California have been designated as Purple Star Schools in 2025, with 41 San Diego County schools receiving the Purple Star designation  the most in one year since the program began in 2021, the San Diego County Office of Education reports.

Major campus improvement project completed at Franklin Elementary School

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The California Purple Star School Designation Program provides transition support for military-connected students and their families by publicly designating schools that meet certain requirements.

The 41 San Diego County schools represent about half of the 83 California schools designated as Purple Star Schools in 2025.

San Diego County 2025 Purple Star Schools:

Carlsbad High, Carlsbad Unified

Carlsbad Seaside Academy, Carlsbad Unified

Carlsbad Village Academy, Carlsbad Unified

Camarena (Enrique S.) Elementary, Chula Vista Elementary

Fahari L. Jeffers Elementary, Chula Vista Elementary

Hedenkamp (Anne and William) Elementary, Chula Vista Elementary

Heritage Elementary, Chula Vista Elementary

Muraoka (Saburo) Elementary, Chula Vista Elementary

Fallbrook High, Fallbrook Union High

Lakeside Farms Elementary, Lakeside Union Elementary

Creekside Elementary, Poway Unified

Twin Peaks Middle, Poway Unified

Monarch, San Diego County Office of Education

San Diego County Community, San Diego County Office of Education

San Diego County Court, San Diego County Office of Education

San Pasqual Academy, San Diego County Office of Education

Canyon Hills High, San Diego Unified

Challenger Middle, San Diego Unified

Dana Middle, San Diego Unified

Dewey Elementary, San Diego Unified

Farb Middle, San Diego Unified

Mason Elementary, San Diego Unified

Miller Elementary, San Diego Unified

Mira Mesa High, San Diego Unified

Montgomery Middle, San Diego Unified

Pacific Beach Middle, San Diego Unified

Sessions Elementary, San Diego Unified

Chet F. Harritt Elementary, Santee

PRIDE Academy at Prospect Avenue, Santee

Emory Elementary, South Bay Union

Mission Vista High, Vista Unified

Vista High, Vista Unified

Bella Mente Montessori Academy

California Pacific Charter

Christ Lutheran Elementary

Coastal Academy Charter

Compass Charter Schools of San Diego

Imperial Beach Charter

Reformation Lutheran Church and School, San Diego Unified

Sage Oak Charter

San Diego Cooperative Charter

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The Purple Star designation lasts for three years, which means the 2025 listed schools will join 46 other county schools that were recognized in 2023 and 2024. With a total of 87 schools, San Diego County now represents nearly half of the 179 schools designated across the state, according to the San Diego County Office of Education.

View the full list of all 179 schools in California designated as Purple Star Schools online here.

Military families make many sacrifices for our country and we have a duty to support them however we can, said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza. I applaud all the Purple Star designees for their efforts to make sure our students feel connected and a sense of belonging, which is critical to their success.

Harvard expanding free tuition in diversity push

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The Purple Star Program was designed to help students and their families with the challenges of moving frequently by setting standards for and publicly designating military-friendly schools.

Congratulations to the educators, staff, administrators, parents, and students at these schools, said Tony Thurmond, state superintendent for public instruction. These schools are crucial to supporting our military-connected students, ensuring that they maintain their academic, college, and career aspirations while their parents serve our country.

Applications to be designated as a Purple Star School in California open again in September 2025, the California Department of Educations website states.

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Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (right) talks with (left to right) Lt. Col. Mike Kennedy of Arkansas State Police and state Rep. Frances Cavenaugh, R-Walnut Ridge, after Sanders announced the introduction of an immigration bill sponsored by Cavanaugh and Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs. (Photo by Sonny Albarado/Arkansas Advocate)

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders tied Arkansas immigration policy to President Donald Trump in announcing proposed legislation Monday that will impose harsher penalties on undocumented migrants who commit crimes in the state.

After only a few months in office, President Trump has brought law and order back to our country, and Arkansas will continue to partner with him and help lead the way, Sanders said in a press conference.

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The legislation, Senate Bill 426, expands the state ban against so-called sanctuary cities into all unincorporated communities and counties and mandates Arkansas law enforcement agencies participate in a federal program that deputizes them to help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in apprehension and deportation of undocumented migrants held in local jails and state prisons.

The Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act makes it clear: Arkansas will not tolerate violent, criminal illegals and will do our part to help the Trump administration keep our citizens safe, Sanders said as state troopers and county sheriffs stood behind her in the governors conference room at the state Capitol.

Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, and Rep. Fran Cavenaugh, R-Walnut Ridge, are lead sponsors of SB 426. Hester could not attend the press conference but said in a press release that the legislation will help Arkansas reduce violent crime and keep us a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

Cavenaugh spoke at the press conference and said, We need to give law enforcement the tools they need to help to be able to actually assist ICE.

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Sanders cited several highly publicized incidents involving undocumented immigrants in Arkansas, including the arrest in January of a man who struck an Arkansas state trooper, Novembers arrest of a man from El Salvador wanted for gang association in his country, and the arrest of a Honduran native in September after a fatal drunken driving accident.

These crimes didnt have to happen, Sanders said. Violent criminal illegals have no place in Arkansas. In this administration, we will make sure they are held accountable.

SB 426 will slap enhanced penalties on illegal immigrants who commit additional crimes while in our state, she said.

The sanctuary city ban will be expanded so that no place in Arkansas, including unincorporated areas and counties can be a safe harbor for illegals.

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The bill also will require county sheriffs in charge of local jails and the state prison system to participate in the federal 287(g) program, specifically the Warrant Service Officer Program, which authorizes participating agencies to serve administrative warrants under federal immigration law.

SB 426 was on the Senate Judiciary Committee agenda Monday afternoon but was not brought up.

Sanders has been a strong supporter of Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts efforts to apprehend migrants who cross the border illegally, sending a total of 120 Arkansas National Guard members to Texas in the past two years. She has also visited the border crossing at Del Rio, Texas, twice.

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SANDY, Utah (ABC4)  Sandy City Mayor Monica Zoltanski, along with city council members, residents, and representatives of the Utah Ukrainian Association, gathered at a celebration on Monday to mark a new sister city relationship with Bucha, Ukraine.

The partnership between the two cities was first approved unanimously back in November 2024 by the Sandy City Council, and another agreement was signed by Bucha Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruk back in December.

The celebration on Monday came after a months-long discussion between the two cities. The sister-city relationship would allow Sandy City to participate in various cultural and student exchanges, economic cooperation, tourism, and humanitarian efforts with the city of Bucha.

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Bucha is the third sister city relationship for Sandy, as the city has other agreements with Piedras Negras, Mexico, and Riesa, Germany.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  Lawmakers are hoping to add some teeth to a bill thats meant to protect children from abuse.

For homicide by child abuse cases, the bill would raise the age of protection from 11-years-old, all the way up to 18-years-old.

Its kind of a gray area as to how to treat the criminal whos charged and ultimately convicted of that death, said previous sponsor, Senator Luke Rankin (R  Horry County).

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The Homicide by Child Abuse Bill was discussed in a Senate Subcommittee Meeting and defines child abuse as being either physical or caused by neglect.

David Stumbo, solicitor for the 8th Judicial Circuit, said he prosecuted a case involving a Fountain Inn family last fall that could have been helped by the proposed law.

Stumbo said 12-year-old Ashantae Glenn, a child with special needs, suffered severe medical neglect and injuries over a long period of time.

They didnt feed her properly, there were some injuries, but they were mild injuries that we couldnt prove a malice case, said Stumbo. So, essentially, senators, we need 405 to protect victims like Ashantae Glenn.

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Since Glenn was above the age of eleven, Stumbo said she wasnt protected under the current homicide by child abuse law. He had to reluctantly negotiate that Glenns abusers, her mother and stepfather, would only receive ten years in prison.

That was the most we could get on the case that we could prove at the time. If this bill were passed and we had that in play at that point, we could have easily argued to a jury the acts or omissions element of homicide by child abuse, Stumbo said.

Senator Rankin said this bill has been unanimously passed before in the senate and expects the same this time around.

It is a difficult conversation for them to have with the victims family to explain why they cant go for this charge directly by homicide and have to walk around, a guilty plea or other charges, Rankin said.

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Stumbo said there are many other cases like Ashantaes and calls passing this bill a no-brainer.

Senator Rankin said he expects this bill to come out of the Senate Judiciary Full Committee at the next meeting.

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Tony Catone, who Gov. Henry McMaster selected to lead the Department of Social Services, speaks during a news conference in the governor's office on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  The longtime lead attorney for the state Department of Social Services is Gov. Henry McMasters pick to lead the agency, the governor announced Tuesday.

Former Director Michael Leach announced his resignation in October, effective Jan. 2. Tony Catone, the governors choice to replace him permanently, has served in the interim role since Leachs departure.

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Before that, the 47-year-old spent nearly a decade giving legal advice to DSS directors, including Leach. He will need approval from the Senate before officially becoming the full-time director.

He is qualified. He is determined. He is the right fit for this job, McMaster told reporters in his Statehouse office. He understands that we must assist, protect and strengthen our young people and their families.

Catone was drawn to the Department of Social Services because of his own background in the social services system, he said. He experienced abuse as a child from a caregiver outside of his family. His family also took in a second cousin while the cousins parents received mental health treatment, Catone said.

From a very early age, I have seen the positive impact that this agency can have, Catone said.

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His goal is to continue the progress made under Leachs leadership, he said.

A major part of that is complying with a 2016 agreement that settled a federal class action lawsuit accusing the agency of endangering the 3,400 children in its care.

The agreement involved lowering social workers caseloads of abused and neglected children, putting fewer children in institutions and doing a better job investigating abuse allegations. The commitment came two years after the previous director resigned amid Senate hearings that focused on childrens deaths and caseloads that topped 100 children.

Problems persisted through 2019, when Leach stepped in.

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That was a chaotic time, Leach wrote in his resignation letter.

The demands of the job and his commitment to it drained him, former GOP Sen. Katrina Shealy of Lexington, who led the Senates 2014 investigation, said soon after his resignation.

Under Leachs tenure, more relatives and close friends have taken in children, more children have been adopted, and social workers have had fewer cases to manage, according to regular progress reports conducted as part of the settlement.

A judge in October ruled the agency had fulfilled its promises and no longer needed monitoring for those aspects of the settlement, though others remain in place.

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The goal is to continue our current positive trajectory, Catone said. Director Leach did a great job for the people of South Carolina in taking the agency from where it was to where it is now.

Catone wants to put more money into programs that support foster children with more extensive mental health and behavioral needs, he said. He also wants to see more incentives for foster homes willing to take in teenagers, he said.

The work of the Department of Social Services is rooted in compassion, but compassion alone is not enough, Catone said. It must be paired with action.

The agency has more work to do, said Sue Williams, CEO of the Childrens Trust of South Carolina.

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Between April 2018 and March 2023, children spent 506 nights sleeping in DSS offices. In the six months after that, the number doubled to 1,012 nights, according to the latest progress report.

Catone seems like the right person to resolve those sorts of problems, Williams said.

Mr. Catone has the passion and leadership skills to take DSS to the next level, Williams said. He understands the consequences when families struggle with hardships and the childrens safety is at risk.

Catone began his career as a trial and litigation attorney. He spent another three years as associate director of Clemsons Youth Learning Initiative and one as associate vice president for public service at Florida Atlantic University, according to his resume.

He concluded Tuesdays news conference by reciting Galatians 6:9 from the Bible: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  Several weeks have gone by and there is still a giant question mark when it comes to Senate bill 244.

Under current state law, if someone is harmed in a crime or accident, anyone who contributed could have to pay to cover damages.

Supporters of this bill said they want changes to protect peoples financial livelihoods by limiting the amount that can be awarded in civil suits.

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Today, the Senate debated an amendment to the bill to try to simplify it.

Thats the duty of this body; to find coalitions when you can find them, Senator Stephen Goldfinch (R  Georgetown) said.

Instead of focusing on civil lawsuits for individuals its focus shifted to liquor liability for South Carolina bars and restaurants. Right now, every bar and restaurant that sells alcohol must carry $1 million of insurance coverage, which lawmakers said has forced many bars and restaurants to close.

You want to go home with something I know you do, I do too lets not go home with nothing. Were at a real risk here of going home with nothing, Goldfinch said.

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But Senator Michael Johnson (R  York) said if the amendment is passed, it would end the discussion on civil suits, which is also an important issue.

If we amend the bill to the house version as is, were going to miss the opportunity to do so much more and accomplish many more things as a body, Johnson said.

Johnson said it is important to protect bars and restaurants as well as individuals, so we should discuss this bill as a whole.

To make sure that we held bars and restaurants who are overserving and serving minors alcohol. That we held those bars and restaurants accountable, Johnson said.

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Senator Goldfinch said he has spoken to bars and restaurant and they said it is crucial the Senate pass liquor liability quickly.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
By Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat

(Reuters) - Despite a weeks-long multinational crackdown, scam centres along the Thai-Myanmar border are still operating with up to 100,000 people working there, the top police general leading Thailand's operations against the fraud compounds told Reuters.

Thailand is fronting a regional effort to dismantle scam centres along its borders, which are part of a Southeast Asian network of illegal facilities that generate billions of dollars every year, often using people trafficked there by criminal gangs, according to the United Nations.

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Based on early assessments of some of the 5,000 people pulled out of sprawling scam hubs in Myanmar's Myawaddy area, hundreds went there voluntarily, said Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, calling for careful investigations among nationals of over a dozen countries to winnow out criminals.

"Many people use Thailand as a pathway to sneak themselves into Myawaddy to find work, and this is not just the call centre gangs but also online gambling work and other professions," Thatchai said in an interview.

His comments run counter to widespread reports that scam centre workers in and around Myawaddy were victims, lured to go there by criminal bosses.

Jason Tower, an analyst with the U.S. Institute of Peace and an expert on regional scam centres, said that many people who willingly travelled to areas such as Myawaddy were trapped in conducting scamming operations.

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"Many did go in willingly, only discovering that they had been trafficked later," he said.

Several former scam workers describe being trapped in the compounds, where they were forced to trick strangers online into transferring large amounts of money, often pretending to be romantic interests.

Although these scam centres have operated for years, they came under renewed scrutiny following the abduction of a Chinese actor Wang Xing in Thailand in January, who was later rescued from Myawaddy.

The incident sparked a social media firestorm in China, and Beijing dispatched officials to Thailand to coordinate operations targeted at breaking up scam hubs like Myawaddy and rescuing scores of its citizens, many of whom now have been flown home.

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"Since the Wang Xing case, there were 3,600 foreigners who travelled Mae Sot, and we did not find one who was tricked or coerced to come," Thatchai said, citing information gathered by police checkpoints set up in the Thai district bordering Myawaddy.

Among some 260 people from 20 nationalities who were sent from Myawaddy to Thailand in February as the crackdown gathered steam, most were not coerced, according to initial investigations conducted by Thai authorities, Thatchai said.

"These people went there voluntarily," Thatchai said, adding that he is waiting on information from countries including China and India that have repatriated hundreds of their nationals on whether they had been trafficked to scam centres in Myawaddy.

MULTINATIONAL COORDINATION

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Thatchai said the crackdown so far has only affected a fraction of the vast operations in Myawaddy, which lies across a narrow river from the Thai town of Mae Sot.

"It could be up to 50,000 or 100,000 people that are still left because we are still seeing their operations," he said, based on Thai police intelligence as well as information gathered by Chinese authorities, who have identified at least 3,700 criminals continuing to operate in the area.

Since February, more than 5,200 people have been extricated from scamming facilities in and around Myawaddy, according to Thai police citing Myanmar authorities. Over 3,500 have been sent back to their home countries via Thailand, which has also cut off electricity, internet and fuel supplies to the area.

With scam workers hailing from a wide range of countries, Thatchai said he is pushing for a multinational coordination centre to repatriate, investigate and share information to prosecute criminals involved in the fraud operations.

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Suspected criminals extricated from Myawaddy and other scam hubs should be prosecuted in their home countries, and the Thai police are ready to help wherever necessary, Thatchai said.

The main focus of Thai authorities currently is to help coordinate the return of scam centre victims to their home countries, with thousands of former workers still stuck in limbo on the Thai-Myanmar border, including some who are struggling to find their way back because of a lack of funds.

"We have to discharge people as quickly as possible," Thatchai said. "So that the Myanmar authorities and ethnic armed groups can conduct more crackdowns."

(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat, Editing by Devjyot Ghoshal and Saad Sayeed)
RACINE  Isiah Seago watched a documentary about firefighting in the fall of 2023.

A family friend was a firefighter, and the documentary made Seago more interested in exploring the career.

Soon after that, Racine Fire Department staff presented learning opportunities at his school, and Seago decided to try them.

As long as I show up and give effort, itd be worth it, Seago thought.

The effort seems to have been worth it.

More than a year later, Seago, a Horlick High School senior, is a fire and emergency medical technician youth apprentice, and he plans to pursue a career in the field.

Getting the hang of it

Fire and EMS pocket pathway classes have been offered for a few years at the Racine Unified School District, but this school year is the first with a youth apprenticeship through the Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce that is funded by a Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development grant.

Seago is the first RUSD fire and EMT youth apprentice.

Through a partnership between Gateway Technical College and RUSD, Seago is taking a 14-week Gateway EMT course. He will take a test next month to earn his EMT license, which qualifies him for the youth apprenticeship.

Seago also recently earned his emergency medical responder license.

The Gateway course initially was difficult, but Seago dedicated time to learn the lessons.

I had no idea what was going on (at first); it was a lot thrown at you at once, trying to remember all these different things, Seago said. It was really fun once I started to get the hang of it.

As part of the youth apprenticeship, Seago is a Racine Fire Department cadet.

Brian Wolf, RFD assistant chief, said Seago is driven, intelligent and caring.

Hes thriving in the classes here, which is not easy to do, Wolf said. You just got to put the work in, and hes willing to do that.

Wolf and Jason Lister, Gateway fire and EMS program coordinator, said the college classes are often more difficult than young people anticipate. Some realize they do not want to go into the field, which is OK.

The ones that we found are truly bought in, and theyre definitely excelling, Lister said. Sometimes these things are exploratory; theyre trying to figure it out. Theres no issue with that. Sometimes you have to try things in order to know if this is for you or not.

Seago is one of six RFD cadets and the only high schooler of the group. His work includes responding to calls, participating in department training, and cleaning and stocking equipment.

The hands-on work at RFD is awesome, because you get to really make a difference, Seago said.

The most rewarding part of his cadet job so far was revisiting Martin L. Walker Sr., who recently recovered from a stroke.

Seago was present when RFD initially responded to treat Walker and was thrilled to see him doing well.

Serving the community

Efforts like the youth apprenticeship program aim to increase the number of firefighters and EMTs, particularly people from the area.

Youd like to create talent from young adults that really want to thrive in their communities, Wolf said. Youre not going to make the most money being a firefighter, but its very rewarding, and it takes a special person to want to do that.

Alexander DeBaker, RUSD executive director of academies and transformation, hopes the youth apprenticeship program expands to include other area fire and police departments.

We want to make sure that our students know about these opportunities so that they can have successful careers and serve their community, he said.

Students who grew up in the area and work in fire and EMT can have a huge impact, DeBaker said.

They understand the needs, he said. They understand some of the challenges we face, and were hoping that they can become leaders within the community and change the community.

Lister agreed and said locals working in fire and EMT jobs often have an inherent buy-in because they care about the community.

This is where theyre from, he said. This is what their heart is attached to. Theres that extra piece of motivation.  If anybody wants to help their community, it seems as though this would be a logical choice.

Seagos experiences have made him more interested in a fire and EMT career.

He plans to take a firefighter class this summer and likely continue his education at Gateway.

I dont want to take any breaks, Seago said. Theres always room for improvement. Its one of those jobs where you always have to keep learning.

In part because of his youth apprenticeship, Seago plans to become an EMT and eventually work as a paramedic.

Doing bookwork is one thing, but going out there and seeing the reality of it is a completely different thing, Seago said. Were at such a young age but acquiring education for a job thatll really set you up well.

RUSD, RAMAC, Gateway and area fire departments hope to set up more students going forward.

Photos and video: RUSD students and area fire departments compete in chili bowl Chili Bowl winners From left: Case senior Xander Marsh, Case culinary pathway instructor Erica Buskirk and Case senior Marvell Robertson celebrate. Marsh and Rob Horlick students discuss chili Horlick seniors Daylena Buchanan-Valentine, left, and Terrance Nesbitt discuss their chili the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Uni Winning team From left: Racine Mayor Cory Mason, Case senior Xander Marsh, Case senior Marvell Robertson and Horlick senior Daylena Buchanan-Valentine smil Stirring chili Park senior Juan Benitez stirs his chili at the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School District Chili Bowl. Benitez and cl Finishing touches Park senior Mya Lowery puts the finishing touches on her chili at the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School District Chil Case students Case seniors Myla Murphy, left, and Jay Torres prepare to serve their chili at the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School  Lt. Jamison pours chili Lt. Josh Jamison with the South Shore Fire Department pours chili at the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School District C Second place Park senior Mya Lowery holds the second place trophy at the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School District Chili Bowl. Lo Chili made by Park students A chili made by Park seniors Juan Benitez and Mya Lowery sits on the judge's table Chili bowl preparation
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) weighed in on President Trump recently complimenting him for voting to advance the GOP-backed government funding bill, saying the commander in chief is trying to confuse people.

He was trolling me, Schumer told The View co-host Joy Behar during his Tuesday appearance on the morning show. I know this guy.

Hes trying to confuse people. He always tries to confuse people. He tries to hide what he does, and by the way, thats another  you know, we, we Democrats are fighting them very hard, Schumer said.

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Schumer, the Democrats longtime Senate leader, turned heads in Washington last week after saying Thursday on the Senate floor that he would vote to shepherd ahead the six-month continuing resolution (CR). The senate minority leader called the CR a very bad bill but cautioned that a potential government shutdown would give Trump and billionaire senior adviser Elon Musk carte blanche to destroy vital government services at a significantly faster rate than they can right now.

The following morning, Trump took to Truth Social to praise Schumer for doing the right thing, despite the heavy pushback the New York senator received from Democrats in Congress and activists on the ground.

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, Trump wrote. A non pass would be a Country destroyer, approval will lead us to new heights.

Ultimately, the Senate passed the six-month CR with a 54-46 vote Friday, with only Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Angus King (Maine), an independent who caucuses with Democrats, voting for the measure from the Democratic Party conference.

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Schumer said on The View that Democrats from both congressional chambers are going to all different parts of their states and districts, talking about how bad the Medicaid cut would be.

Take that money away from people, average folks and give to the very wealthy. God Almighty, these guys are rich enough. God bless them, they dont need more money, Schumer said. But they are so greedy, but wait  he tries to hide all this. He tries to hide all this by talking about Greenland or changing the name to the Gulf of America. This is another way of him trolling.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
POTTSVILLE  Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home recently expanded its operations to a landmark location on the citys west end.

Andrew and Caitlyn Ebling Haus, owners of Schuylkill Haven-based GSE, opened the firms third location in the former Lord-Bixler Funeral Home at 1818 Mahantongo St.

Owners Andrew and Caitlyn Haus stand together outside the Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory on Mahantongo Street in Pottsville, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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The addition of Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory makes GSE the largest funeral business in Schuylkill County, its owners said.

We wanted a satellite location in which to expand our service area, said Haus, who follows her father and grandfather in the funeral business.

Robert S. Carl Jr., Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, moderated a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the new site.

The team brings a wealth of expertise to their new location, he said. They boast over 100 years of experience as a third-generation, family-owned business in Schuylkill County.

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In Pottsville, Lord Ebling Haus offers traditional funerals, cremations, memorial services, all-natural burials and personalized arrangements, Carl said.

After purchasing Lord-Bixler Funeral Home in December 2024, Andrew and Caitlyn Haus have renovated its interior, including the installation of ADA-compliant bathrooms.

Terry Bixler, who owned and operated Lord-Bixler for 18 years, will stay on as a funeral director at Lord Ebling Haus. William C. Pugh, funeral director, has been named supervisor.

In remarks at the ribbon cutting, Caitlyn Haus recounted her familys history in the funeral business.

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Theodore Ebling, her grandfather, founded Ebling Funeral Home in Cressona in 1958. Elmer Ebling, her father, bought it from his father in 1988.

In 2004, Elmer Ebling merged with Geschwindt Stabingas, eventually becoming the main owner of Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling at 25 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven.

Andrew and Caitlyn Haus bought the business from her parents in 2023.

Her husband, Caitlyn said, jumped into the funeral business with two feet and has become an invaluable partner.

Calling it a momentous occasion, Andrew said the move to Pottsville was a significant milestone in the companys history.

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The newly rebranded Lord Ebling Haus funeral home marks our commitment to providing compassionate professional services, Andrew said. It allows us to expand our presence as Schuylkill Countys most trusted funeral service provider, a title we have worked so diligently to earn over the past century.

City and county officials welcomed the new business to Pottsville.

Savas Logothetides, Pottsville Area Development Corporation executive director, praised the move.

These days are extra special, said Logothetides, the chambers vice chairman. Not only do we get new investment, we get to preserve a historic building.

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The red stone mansion at 1818 Mahantongo, built in 1922, has been a funeral home for generations.

Schuylkill County Commissioners Barron L. Boots Hetherington and Gary J. Hess offered congratulatory remarks.

Ian Mahal, administrator, and Mike Weres, controller, represented the City of Pottsville.

I have been in this building many times to say farewell and celebrate the life of a good friend, Weres said, standing at the entrance. It has always been done with respect and dignity, and Im certain it will continue that way.

The owners and staff stand outside the Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory on Mahantongo Street in Pottsville, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
The FDA headquarters in Silver Spring, Md. (FDA photo)

When the FDA announced in January, before President Joe Bidens term ended, that it would ban a dye called red dye No. 3 in food and ingested drugs, the federal agency cited just one 1987 study on rats to support its action.

This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

The industry-funded study, based on data from two prior studies, was led by a Virginia toxicologist who said then  and still believes today, decades after concerns first arose that the chemical could be carcinogenic  that his research found the petroleum-derived food coloring doesnt cause cancer in humans.

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If I thought there was a problem, I would have stated it in the paper, Joseph Borzelleca, 94, a professor emeritus of pharmacology and toxicology at Virginia Commonwealth University, told KFF Health News after the FDAs announcement. I have no problem with my family  my kids and grandkids  consuming Red 3. I stand by the conclusions in my paper that this is not a problem for humans.

Soon after Borzellecas paper was published in a scientific journal, Food and Chemical Toxicology, the FDA examined the data his team had collected and reached its own conclusion: that the dye caused cancer in male lab rats. In 1990, the FDA cited the study in banning Red 3 in cosmetics.

In 1992, the FDA said it wanted to revoke approval of Red 3 in food and drugs. But the agency didnt act at the time, citing a lack of resources.

More than 30 years later, after a renewed push by consumer advocates, the Biden administration announced the ban in its last days in power. The move came just weeks before the Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trumps nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA.

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Kennedy has been a vocal critic of food additives, including Red 3. On March 10 he met with top food industry executives and told them if they dont eliminate artificial food dyes from their products, the federal government will force them to do so, Food Fix reported.

Consumer advocacy groups cheered the Red 3 ban, even as the FDA said there is no evidence that the dye is dangerous to people. Importantly, the way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans, Jim Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, said in a statement.

Jones resigned from FDA in February, criticizing Trump administration cuts that he said hobbled his office.

The FDA did not respond to a request for comment, but Marty Makary, Trumps nominee to lead the agency, said at his Senate confirmation hearing on March 6 that he is concerned about whether food additives such as Red 3 harm children.

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It did not make sense that red dye No. 3 was banned in cosmetics but allowed in the food supply, Makary told Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who questioned why the FDA ban doesnt take effect until 2027.

We want to kill people for two more years? the Alabama Republican said. I would hope that you would, if youre confirmed, youd go in and look at it very quickly and say, Why do we want to put our people in harms way?

The International Association of Color Manufacturers says Red 3 is safe in the tiny levels typically consumed by humans. The dye was approved for use in foods in the U.S. in 1907, and today its an ingredient in thousands of products including cereals, candy, beverages, and cake toppings.

Thomas Galligan, principal scientist for food additives and supplements at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which petitioned the FDA for a ban, said that a federal regulation known as the Delaney Clause prohibits any ingredient that causes cancer in animals from being included in foods. (The publisher of KFF Health News, David Rousseau, is on the CSPI board.)

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At the end of the day, this is an unnecessary additive, he said. Its a marketing tool for the industry to make foods look more appealing so consumers will buy them. But federal law is clear: No amount of cancer risk is acceptable in foods.

Galligan said he was not surprised Borzellecas opinion on Red 3 had not changed or that the food dye industry has played down the risk.

In October 2023, California became the first state to ban Red 3 in food starting in 2027, superseding the FDAs earlier rule allowing small amounts in foods as a color additive. The state legislature acted after a state analysis concluded the dye could cause hyperactivity in children.

The European Union, Australia, and Japan are among the locations that already ban the chemical in foods. The EUs ban also cites hyperactivity in children. The EU requires food makers to include a warning that food dyes that are still allowed may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.

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The IACM points to research by scientific committees operated by the World Health Organization, including a 2018 review that affirmed the safety of Red 3 in food.

Some food manufacturers have already reformulated products to remove Red 3. In its place they use beet juice; carmine, a dye made from insects; or pigments from foods such as purple sweet potato, radish, and red cabbage.

It isnt clear how the FDA determined that Red 3 can cause cancer in male rats. Borzellecas paper said some rats that were fed Red 3 developed polyps in their thyroid gland but doesnt mention cancer.

Borzelleca, whose study was funded by the IACM, then known as the Certified Color Manufacturers Association, said he was stunned the FDA banned the dye and used his research to back the move.

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I am surprised all this time has gone by and its been safe for human use, and now its being pulled from the market due to concerns not supported by the data, Borzelleca said. Our study did not find this was a carcinogen.

His study was a response to the FDAs requirement in the 1980s for additional long-term feeding studies in rats and mice as a condition for the continued provisional approval of several color additives, including Red 3.

Over decades, Borzelleca published dozens of research papers on the toxicology of food additives, pesticides, and water contaminants. He also served on advisory boards for the tobacco industry and represented cigarette maker R.J. Reynolds in negotiations with the Department of Health and Human Services about cigarette additives, according to a 1984 corporate memo. Borzelleca is a former president of the Society of Toxicology and consulted for the National Academy of Sciences and the World Health Organization.

The commonwealth of Virginia gave him a lifetime achievement award in 2001 for his work helping assess dangers in foods, drugs, and pesticides.

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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.

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A Seattle man has died after he got trapped and was injured on the steep terrain of Mount Bachelor in Oregon on Monday.

Mount Bachelor is located about half an hour drive from Bend, Oregon and is part of the Cascade Mountain Range. On its website, it says Mt. Bachelor is the Pacific NWs largest resort playground and 7th largest ski resort in North America.

Around 3:04 p.m., Deschutes County 911 received an emergency SOS text via satellite saying that a person was trapped and injured on the west side of the mountain. Its unclear how he got injured.

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Ski Patrol, AirLink, search and rescue and sheriffs deputies responded immediately.

When they arrived, the man was found buried headfirst in snow and was unresponsive. Despite rescue efforts, he died from his injuries.

He has been identified as 34-year-old Benjamin Shelkey.

This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. We also want to recognize the swift response and dedication of all those citizens who assisted in this rescue effort, said Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp.

While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, and the official cause of death has not yet been determined, the circumstances are consistent with snow immersion suffocation.

The sheriffs office urges people to be aware of snow immersion hazards.












The mother of one of three men who died from what authorities said was a combination of cocaine and fentanyl last year in Kansas Citys Northlandhas filed a lawsuit against two men accused of providing the drugs.

The civil lawsuit is the second wrongful death claim filed by a parent of one of the deceased men against Jordan Willis and Ivory Carson, who Platte County prosecutors charged with delivering a controlled substance and involuntary manslaughter earlier this month, about 14 months after the deadly incident in January 2024.

Ricky Johnson, David Harrington and Clayton McGeeney went to watch a Kansas City Chiefs game at the Northland home of their friend, Willis, on Jan. 7, 2024, and their bodies were found at the home in the 5200 block of Northwest 83rd Terrace in Platte County two days later. A forensic doctor ruled the three died because of fentanyl and cocaine toxicity, according to court documents.

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The new lawsuit, filed Friday in Platte County Circuit Court on behalf of Nancy Bossert, McGeeneys mother, alleges Willis and Carson exposed or provided fentanyl and cocaine to McGeeney, shouldve known the lethal danger they posed and that her son died as a result of their negligence. The two failed to give aid or attempt to rescue McGeeney from the effects of the drugs, the lawsuit alleges.

Jon Harrington, David Harringtons father, filed a similar wrongful death lawsuit earlier this month.

Thomas Mendel, an attorney for Bossert, did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

In a statement when Willis was charged earlier this month, his attorney, John Picerno, said Willis has maintained that he is not responsible for purchasing or supplying the drugs that led to the deaths of the three men.

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Jordan denies the allegations in these lawsuits and is looking forward to a trial based on what actually happened as opposed to wild speculation, Picerno said in a message to The Star Monday.

Katherine Berger, an attorney representing Carson in his criminal case, did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

Investigators found two bags containing drugs in the home where the men died and determined one held cocaine and the other held fentanyl, authorities said. Investigators said Willis DNA was found on the bag of cocaine and that Carsons DNA was found on the bag of fentanyl, according to court documents.

The Stars Kendrick Calfee contributed reporting to this story.
Another Democratic Congressman plans to visit Bakersfield, claiming Republicans are avoiding their constituents amid drastic cuts to federal programs.

According to an announcement from the California Democratic Party, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez of Los Angeles will be joined at 4:30 p.m. Thursday by California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 428 headquarters at 3921 Sillect Ave.

The town hall-style event comes just before another Democratic representative, Santa Clara's Ro Khanna, will make an appearance at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park Community Center in Bakersfield at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

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Democrats are alleging Republicans are purposefully avoiding constituents amid proposals for massive cuts to federal programs and mass firings ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

According to the Associated Press, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, has advised GOP representatives to avoid town hall-style meetings, claiming paid protesters are using the forums to create a spectacle.

"Join us to discuss the real impacts of Republican cuts to Medicaid, Social Security and more," a description of Gomez's event from the California Democratic Party said. "Bring your neighbors, stories and questions."

Democrats are targeting Bakersfield's 22nd Congressional District currently held by David Valadao, R-Hanford. Valadao has held his Congressional seat since 2012, with the exception of 2019-2021 when he was narrowly defeated by Democrat T.J. Cox for one term.

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In the past two elections, Valadao defeated former Democratic Assemblyman Rudy Salas but the races have been close, and the 22nd is seen as one of the most vulnerable in the state.

Speaking to The Californian Monday, Valadao a spokesperson said the representative's response to the news of a second Democrat holding a town hall in his district is the same as the first.

In a statement Friday, Valadao said he hoped Democrats visiting the district show support for local priorities such as water and agriculture issues. Valadao said he hosts frequent tele-town halls and plans to do so in the future.

No tele-town halls have been held this year, the spokesman said, and none are currently scheduled but plans for a future event are in the works.

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Democrats have accused Valadao of voting to cut Medicaid when he approved a House budget resolution that included cuts to the program.

Valadao's office defended that action as a procedural step to move the budget process forward, and speaking on the House floor before his vote, Valadao said he would not support a final bill that would leave his constituents behind.

Valadao was one of eight Republican House members to sign a Feb. 19 letter to Johnson expressing concern about proposed reductions to programs such as Medicaid, food stamps and higher education grants in the House proposal.

The UC Berkeley Labor Center has found 67% of residents in the 22nd District are enrolled in Medi-Cal, the state's name for Medicaid.

This article has been updated.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A crash over the weekend reportedly led to water escaping from the tanker of a semi truck in Wayne County, Indiana.

According to the Webster Township Fire Department, authorities were called to State Road 38 for a single tanker semi-trailer crash. The fire department alerted the community to the crash on social media just after 7 p.m. on March 15.

Crews from a neighboring jurisdiction were initially dispatched because of the potential for a hazmat situation, but first responders found the tanker was only holding fresh water.

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Nexstar affiliate WXIN in Indianapolis reported the truck spilled an estimated 6,000 gallons of water.

Webster Township Fire Department

Webster Township Fire Department

The cause behind the crash remained unknown as of 10:29 p.m. on March 15.

WDTN.com has reached out to the Wayne County Sheriffs Office for additional details. We are waiting to hear back.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Capitol Bureau Reporter Rob Hughes sat down with Kansas Senator Roger Marshall to speak with him on a variety of topics including federal job cuts and the town hall meeting he cut short in Oakley.

Marshall says 70% of Americans support what President Trump is doing to make government smaller, more efficient and to balance the budget. He said moving jobs to the private sector would help the economy grow faster.

The economy will do much better moving people out of the government into more productive jobs in the real world so to speak what goverment does is slow down GDP because of rules and regulations, and too many people, Marshall said.

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K-State Ag. dean responds to USAID cuts

Marshall said he has empathy for those whove lost their jobs but that government has gotten too big.

The meeting at the Logan County Hospital in Oakley lasted around 40 minutes. A video shared with KSN by one of the people at the event showed that the event was contentious nearly from the start. Marshalls team later told KSN the event was sabotaged by Democrat operatives.

The people of Oakley, of Logan county, didnt get to hear the message I was trying to bring, truly a message of hope, Marshall said.

Diecast show coming to the Capital City

Marshall said that despite the challenge in Oakley, he did his best to answer questions from constituents.

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There comes a time when the questions are being repeated, and there also comes a time when the local people had had enough, Marshall said.

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U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, said he still gets death threats.

His office released more than several minutes of disturbing voicemails left to his office.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport receives $27M grant for improvements

I might drive to North Carolina and shoot him dead in the streets like the dog he is, one caller said.

Graphic content: Listen to some of the threats below.

Tillis also released a letter that someone sent to his Greenville office saying his staff members signed up to be his shield.

The threats have been reported to law enforcement

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A spokesperson for Tillis says law enforcement has advised his staff to telework on days that protests are planned outside of his offices.

VIDEO: Florida man arrested for making bomb threats to stores in Rutherford County
Senator Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, watches a vote during the Senate Floor Session on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. (Nathaniel Bailey for the Daily Montanan)

A key witness in a Senate investigation skirted a subpoena to appear before the Senate Ethics Committee, and his video interview spurred criticism he was trying to avoid scrutiny.

Over three days this month, the committee heard testimony about a contract former Senate President Jason Ellsworth signed with his business associate and friend Bryce Eggleston, who declined to appear before the committee. The committee reviewed its findings Monday.

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The testimony detailed the close relationship between the two  including Ellsworths appearance at Egglestons wedding  a relationship not disclosed during the procurement of the contract. Legislative Audit found the procurement process a waste of state resources and abuse of power, and its findings prompted the committees investigation.

The committee is nearing the end of its weeks-long fact-finding mission into alleged ethical violations by Ellsworth, who has been participating in the Senate remotely. Neither Ellsworth nor Eggleston testified before the committee  Ellsworth on advice from his legal counsel, and Eggleston by pleading the Fifth and avoiding a subpoena to appear.

In response to the video statement by Eggleston, Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, said he objected to a witness pleading the Fifth but providing a friendly interview.

Hes able to lambast this committee as essentially a witch hunt without having to answer any questions from this committee. I found it highly one-sided and frankly, a bit upsetting, said McGillvray, one of four members of the Senate Ethics Committee.

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Ellsworth, a Hamilton Republican who served as Senate President from 2023-2024, sought to hire Eggleston for consulting work related to a series of judicial reform bills stemming from an interim committee Ellsworth formed and led. The committee aims to establish whether Ellsworth improperly procured the state contract without disclosing his relationship with Eggleston, of Agile Analytics.

The nature of the deal, initially submitted as two nearly two identical contracts but later combined into a single agreement, and Ellsworths behind-the-scenes rush to get them approved prompted the Senate to call for an investigation by the Legislative auditor into waste, fraud and abuse concerns, and a subsequent Ethics Committee investigation. Attorneys for the committee drafted a report summarizing the investigations timeline and condensing weeks of work and hours of witness testimony into 27 proposed findings.

Among the draft findings, the committee report lays out the close personal and professional relationship between Ellsworth and Eggleston, which stretches back two decades; the highly unusual situation by which the contracts came together; and several statements indicating Ellsworth had not disclosed his relationship with Eggleston to legislative and administrative staff during the contracting process.

The committee made several suggestions to revise the draft report and will review the amended findings on Tuesday morning. Once the report is approved, it will be sent to the full Senate body for consideration.

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A separate simultaneous criminal investigation is underway at the Department of Justice.

Invoking the Fifth

At the committees Saturday meeting, special counsel for the committee Adam Duerk informed members that a subpoena had been served to Eggleston but that he opted to assert his Fifth Amendment rights to not incriminate himself and declined to appear before the committee.

Instead, Duerk laid out that Eggleston and Ellsworth have a long documented history, including that Ellsworth employed Eggleston at one of his magazine subscription companies more than a decade ago.

A series of Facebook posts and photos, submitted as evidence with a signed declaration by Sen. Sue Vinton, R-Billings, cemented the personal relationship between the two.

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Duerk told the committee that in 2018, Eggleston referred to Ellsworth as his friend, boss and mentor in a post about Ellsworths initial run for office. A photo from 2017 shows the two together at Egglestons wedding, while another makes it appear the two were gym workout partners, Duerk said.

Joan Mell, Ellsworths attorney, shared a sworn video statement she conducted with Eggleston earlier in the week, which she said was done without knowledge that he would not appear.

The committee watched the hour-long video, in which Mell questioned Eggleston about his relationship with Ellsworth, and whether the former Senate president had any financial stake in Agile Analytics. Eggleston also stated that he thought the entire investigation appeared to be an attempt to publicly smear Ellsworth and himself.

It seems like theres a concerted effort, politically motivated, to discredit Senator Ellsworth, and I am a casualty of that, Eggleston said. I feel that my rights have been violated. Ive been publicly lambasted.

Papers piled up on Hamilton Sen. Jason Ellsworths desk in the Montana Senate Chamber. Ellsworth received permission to work remotely for the rest of the legislative session due to health concerns. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

Calling the witnesses

On March 7, 14 and 15, the Ethics Committee held hearings as part of its fact-finding mission, calling numerous witnesses involved in the contract process.

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During Fridays hearing, the committee heard testimony from Misty Ann Giles, director of the Department of Administration, which oversees many procurement processes within state government; Ken Varns, an attorney with the Legislative Audit Division; Angus McIver, Legislative Auditor; Bowen Greenwood, Clerk of the Montana Supreme Court, and Todd Everts, the Legislative Code Commissioner.

Duerk questioned the witnesses and framed testimony as solidifying the allegations that Ellsworth made ethical missteps by failing to disclose his long-time relationship with Eggleston while contracting the work to someone with little-to-no experience in the political arena.

In my expert opinion, in 20 years, I just believe its best practice that if you do know a vendor  even if its just a personal relationship, a friendship, anything like that, again, it doesnt necessarily kick you out  I just think its best practice to disclose that just because you never want the appearance that youre trying to do something inappropriate, put your thumb on the scale for someone you may know outside of that business context, Giles said during her testimony.

In later questioning by the committee, Giles said the situation would be much more problematic had legislative and DOA staff not flagged the initial contracts, each for roughly $85,000, under the $100,000 ceiling that would have sent them to her department in the first place. Instead, staff worked to craft a better contract Giles said contained the states usual terms and conditions.

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The initial contracts were written to be paid for upfront, in full, and were not tied to any specific work products. The subsequent contract was to be billed and paid monthly.

At least we were able to get it under our state terms, have the standard terminate-for-convenience language so that contract could be terminated, Giles said. No funds went out the door, because we also changed those payment terms.

The contract was cancelled before any payments were made.

Greenwood, who beat Ellsworth in a primary for the Clerk of Montana Supreme Court position in 2024, testified that Ellsworth had pitched Eggleston as a potential candidate for a communications job in the clerks office in summer 2024, despite the job not existing.

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It wasnt my idea to begin with, Greenwood said, but he had a few conversations with Ellsworth about the possibility.

We were talking about the prospect of appropriating the money for this position, and we had just mentioned the salary, and he said he had somebody in mind, and it was, of course, Bryce Eggleston, Greenwood told the committee.

Greenwood met with Eggleston, and earlier told the Daily Montanan he was not persuaded that it was a good idea, and the prospective job never went any further.

Closing time

In closing remarks, Mell emphasized the political nature of the investigation, taking aim at current Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, who initiated the investigation by the Legislative Auditor.

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I would just propose that you didnt need an investigation to know that Ellsworth knew Eggleston and trusted his work, Mell said. In fact, that was the presenting complaint by President Regier. He went to the Legislative Auditor and precipitated a fraud, abuse and waste allegation, knowing of the relationship.

Thats why it feels very politicized.

The senate voted unanimously to convene the Ethics Committee in January.

Mell said that the work done by Ellsworth to follow up on a suite of legislation passed by the interim Judicial Oversight and Reform Committee was done on behalf of the Montana Legislature, to ensure judicial reform policies, a priority for Republicans, were enacted.

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This is an example where you had an extraordinary resource with an extraordinary senator who is willing to graciously afford you guys those resources to do good work, Mell said.  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.

Special Counsel Duerk focused his closing arguments on the principle of full disclosure at the heart of the states ethics rules.

He reiterated many points from witness testimony that indicated the contracts Ellsworth procured and the manner they were crafted was an intentional evasion of any meaningful review and scrutiny.

I certainly cant tell you what to do as special counsel, Duerk said. So Id ask you to consider this question. Can anyone plausibly argue that there is no appearance of impropriety in the Agile contract after everything youve heard?
Mar. 17ROCHESTER  The Rochester Fire Department "quickly" extinguished an apartment fire at Silver Lake Apartments on Monday morning, March 17, 2025, in northeast Rochester.

The firefighters found smoke and fire from an apartment unit on the southeast side of the building at 1515 Third Ave. NE around 10 a.m. Monday. The fire was contained to the single apartment, according to a statement from RFD.

The crews worked from the outside of the building through open windows before entering the building and extinguishing the fire.

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Silver Lake residents were also rescued from the third-floor apartments. There were no injuries reported.

The apartment unit's residents are displaced due to the fire, according to the department. The residents on the third floor will be able to return.

"If you hear a fire alarm going off, find the nearest evacuation route out of the building," the department said in the statement. "If the evacuation route is cut off, shelter in place and go to the nearest window for (the) Fire Department to see you. Early detection and Fire Department notification are crucial and will help save valuable time in the event of a fire."

The fire damage was contained to the single apartment with "minimal smoke damage" on the upper floors of the building, according to RFD. They also ventilated and monitored the building for toxic gases.

Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, Rochester Police Department, Rochester Public Transit and the Red Cross also assisted on the scene.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  According to the Iowa Firefighters Association, there are more than 15,000 volunteer and career firefighters across the state. The Sioux City Community School District is continuing to encourage more students to pursue the profession.

Over the past seven years, the Sioux City Career Academy has drawn hundreds of students into its fire science pathway, educating the next generation of firefighters and paramedics.

Part of our goals and efforts are to get them comfortable with everything theyre going to do in the fire service and prepare them to eventually get certified, said Anthony Gaul, the fire science and emergency medical services instructor with the Sioux City Career Academy.

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28 seniors are currently enrolled in the schools fire science classes. Some are following the same career as their relatives, while others are new to the field.

WATCH: Enflamed propane tank causes large explosion in rural Norfolk

One student says that when he joined the Career Academy, it wasnt what he expected at first.

Our first two classes that you have to take its more in the classroom, West High School senior Parker Petersen said. More notes, more learning, just the little things that not a lot of people know.

While students say the classes have been fun and enjoyable, a handful agreed theres one subject thats hard to grasp.

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I think Id say the hazmat, East High School senior Haylie Mesmer said.

Yeah, hazmat, Petersen said.

The hazmat, West High School senior Hannah Burge said.

In hazmat, we have to memorize symbols and placards and like, the big tanker trucks that you see driving on the interstate, West High School senior Carter Adam said. We have to memorize what the placard on that means, like, the number on it. It shows whats inside of it, and its just really hard to remember. Sometimes it takes a lot of notes and like, just going over it again. Like, I stay up some nights just when Im bored, just rereading it, making sure I know it all and all that.

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However, not all learning is just in the classroom. What better way is there to prepare students for the real world than walking roughly a mile from the Career Academy to Fire Station 1 while wearing a breathing apparatus?

I think the hardest part of it was trying to control your breathing and catch your breath, Mesmer said.

Officials say weekend Estherville fire appears suspicious

I start when I put my pack on all that, like it seemed pretty easier than what it could have been, but once I started going, like, you started like getting tired and you started sweating a little bit and you started using your pack a lot, Adam said. Like, once we got here, my lower air alarm went off, so it means I was running low on air because I use it all. You use the pack pretty quick, its tiring.

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Over the past three years, the Sioux City Career Academy has annually seen more than a hundred students sign up for fire science classes, encouraging more people to serve the communities that need them the most.

None of us are having enough firefighters, whether its South Sioux, North Sioux, Sergeant Bluff, Gaul said. All of us love to see the youth come in. We need to find people that are going to be there to help all of our communities.

Sioux City Career Academy students will be back in the field later this month to learn how to properly put out fires.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A mental health counselor charged for allegedly fraudulently billing insurance and Medicaid has pleaded guilty to a second charge.

Amy Hecht, 40, pleaded guilty to third-degree fraudulent practice, an aggravated misdemeanor. In the plea, Hecht admitted to knowingly misrepresenting the cost of service in a medical assistance program and fraudulently billing an insurance company between $750 and $1,500.

Hecht pleaded guilty in January to second-degree theft in the case. Both guilty pleas were part of a Dec. 12, 2024 plea agreement. She had previously been charged with twelve counts of fraudulent submission, one count of second-degree theft, one count of third-degree fraudulent practice, and one count of tampering with records.

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As part of a plea agreement, Hecht may not face jail time for both counts. She will also have to serve probation, pay fines and restitution, and do community service.

Whiting murder suspect says she was assaulted; Officials say story doesnt add up

Hecht was a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of Foundations Mental Health Center in Sioux City. Officials claimed Hecht allegedly provided false medical codes on patients bills to provide additional reimbursement she was not entitled to.

Court documents state that Hecht frequently used a specific billing code for additional needs or work or complications occur during treatment for a patient. Employees noticed the code being added to their treatment notes and the billing even though they never added the code themselves. The code was allegedly used fraudulently 218 times between 13 patients using insurance and 261 false entries into patients medical records for Medicaid.

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When confronted, Hecht admitted that officials were not far off in their belief that they would find more records of her adding the code to patient billings and documentation.

Hecht is set to be sentenced on the afternoon of April 21.

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Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and First Gentleman Bryan Sanders survey storm damage in Cave City on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (Photo by Becca Paschal/Arkansas Governor's Office)

The severe storm system that swept across Arkansas over the weekend spawned six tornadoes, including two strong EF-4 twisters, according to a Monday report from the National Weather Services Little Rock office.

Three deaths occurred overnight Friday when a tornado struck Cushman, a town of about 500 in southeastern Independence County, according to KARK-TV. The Weather Service estimated that storm as an EF-3 with peak winds of 165 mph. It tracked for nearly 26 miles before devastating Cave City in Sharp County.

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The NWS updated preliminary damage assessment said an EF-4 tornado with a top wind speed of 170 mph formed southwest of Fifty-Six in Stone County before moving into Izard County, where it toppled many trees and shoved cabins off their foundations.

The second EF-4 tornado, with estimated peak winds of 190 mph, began near Oil Trough in Independence County. The twister continued into Jackson County over 14.5 miles and an estimated width of about one mile, according to the Weather Service.

The Arkansas Public Safety Department on Saturday said 32 people had been injured in the storms. The agencys Division of Emergency Management reported 16 counties affected by storm damage: Baxter, Clark, Fulton, Greene, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Nevada, Phillips, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, and Woodruff.

In a brief press conference while visiting storm-hit Cave City on Saturday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said shed spoken with President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that morning, who have already let us know that they will be with us to help and provide resources as requested.

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Sanders had already declared an emergency in the storm-affected areas and released $250,000 from state disaster relief funds to assist with recovery efforts.

Well take care of people first and worry about the paperwork later, she said in another public comment on Monday.

The Weather Service said the two EF-4 tornadoes marked the first time since 1997 that two storms of the same strength had struck the state on the same day.

Heres a list of the other tornadoes, according to the NWSs preliminary assessment:

An EF-1 storm with maximum winds of 100 mph touched down near the town of Gamaliel in Baxter County, damaging the post office and a fire station, before moving into Missouri.

An EF-2 with top winds of 120 mph began just south of Smithville in Lawrence County and tracked toward Black Rock and into Reyno in Clay County, for almost 39 miles.

Another EF-2 storm with 120 mph peak wind hit Fitzhugh in Woodruff County on a 5-mile path, damaging power lines and felling trees.

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DENMARK, S.C. (WJBF)  The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is asking the public for information in regards to a 2024 fatal shooting in Denmark.

According to SLED, Quinton Banks, 41, was shot and killed in the parking lot of Edisto Apartments on White Lane, which is locally known as White Lane Apartments, in the early morning on June 23rd, 2024.

SLED states that if anyone has any information regarding the shooting, please email tips@sled.sc.gov or call (803) 413-3626, and a cash reward is available for information that leads to an arrest.

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MIAMISBURG, Ohio (WDTN)  A family is recovering after their home caught fire early Tuesday morning.

According to the Miami Valley Fire District, crews were called to respond to the 800 block of Johnson Avenue around 2:45 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home heavily engulfed.

Driver crashes into medical building in Kettering

Battalion Chief Glenn Jirka told 2 NEWS that the family inside was able to safely evacuate thanks to a smoke detector.

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Crews were able to knock down the fire quickly, but the house sustained severe damage. Investigators arrived on scene shortly after to try to determine the cause.

No injuries were reported, but the family is now displaced due to significant damage from the fire. The Red Cross was called to assist.

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(Bloomberg) -- The US added South Korea to a list of so-called sensitive countries for energy cooperation in January after a security breach came to light, according to South Koreas Foreign Ministry.

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The move by the Biden administration stemmed from concerns over security at a research lab, and the move wasnt intended to be taken as a foreign policy statement, the ministry said.

According to what weve learned from the US side, the US Department of Energy included South Korea in the lowest level of the sensitive country list due to a security-related issue with a research institute under the DOE, not due to foreign policy, the ministry statement said without elaborating on the security issues.

A contractor who worked at the DOE was fired at some point before April 2024 after attempting to board a flight to South Korea with sensitive information on nuclear reactor design software, Yonhap News reported Monday.

The news comes as leaders in Seoul grapple with perceptions of a leadership vacuum as the nation waits to learn the political fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol. A court decision in the coming days in his impeachment trial will determine whether Yoon will return to his presidential duties or if an election will take place two months hence.

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South Koreas addition to the list is a blow to the country whose alliance with the US has been touted as the linchpin of security in the region. South Koreas top diplomat, Cho Tae-yul, earlier said his government didnt get prior notice of the decision until it reached out to the US after learning of the move via an unofficial channel.

A call to the DOE outside normal business hours wasnt answered.

Earlier this week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed back a Seoul visit he had been eyeing for as early as this month.

The DOE website says countries on the list are given particular consideration in the approvals process for access by their nationals and may be added to the list for national security, nuclear nonproliferation or terrorism support reasons.

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The decision comes after more South Korean politicians called for the nation to move closer to the threshold of producing its own nuclear weapons after Donald Trumps election victory.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered the countrys industry minister to meet with Energy Secretary Chris Wright for consultations this week.

--With assistance from Heesu Lee.

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By Hyunsu Yim

SEOUL (Reuters) -When South Korea's Constitutional Court rules on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, expected in coming days, few will be watching more closely - or be watched more closely for possible rabble-rousing - than the country's activist pro-Yoon churches.

Outspoken pastors and their flocks have emerged among the conservative president's most vocal supporters, demanding in mass rallies, online videos and lawmakers' speeches that he be restored to office after his impeachment over a martial law declaration in December.

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Invoking their religious faith and ardent anti-communism, they have doubled down on support for Yoon and cast his impeachment not as the reining in of a rogue leader, but as an existential threat to the fight against North Korea and other enemies.

Critics from other religious and political groups, meanwhile, see the churches' strident rhetoric also as a ploy for attention and influence, amid a wider struggle with rising secularism and shrinking congregations.

"This shows they want to exercise power and demonstrate that they are still influential in South Korean society," said Sukwhan Sung, a theology professor who heads the Center for City and Community, a Seoul-based research organisation.

The rallies and agitating have helped to power a comeback by Yoon's party in the court of public opinion. Polling shows they now lag the opposition by just four percentage points, compared with a 24-point deficit in December, according to Gallup Korea.

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Leading this anti-impeachment charge is Save Korea, a religious advocacy group set up in the wake of Yoon's martial law declaration. Thousands of supporters have attended its rallies, including one in the conservative stronghold of Daegu that police estimated drew more than 50,000 people.

"At first, everyone had doubts about martial law. But many have been enlightened thanks to Save Korea," said Bae Ji-hyun, who was attending her third Save Korea protest in Seoul on March 8.

Other attendees at the group's "national emergency prayer meeting" carried signs saying "Yes to Martial Law" and "Stop the Steal" - the latter echoing unsubstantiated claims by both Yoon and U.S. President Donald Trump of widespread election fraud.

Lawmakers from Yoon's ruling party have also appealed to religion in their protests. A group that gathered around the Constitutional Court last week prayed that God would move the hearts of the judges, while one told reporters that South Korea was fighting a "spiritual war against dark forces".

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HEATED RHETORIC

Yoon's Dec. 3 martial law declaration sought to ban all political activities and ordered media under military control, as he vowed to root out "pro-North Korea" and "anti-state" forces in the country and to end opposition gridlock. Although the declaration was withdrawn after only six hours, it triggered large-scale anti-Yoon protests and a parliamentary vote on Dec. 14 to impeach him.

Counter-protests by Yoon supporters steadily gathered steam, especially around the time of his arrest on Jan. 15, and pro-Yoon activists stormed a court in late January after it extended his detention. He was released on March 8 and is awaiting a decision by the Constitutional Court, which will have the final word on whether he should be ousted from the presidency or restored to power.

In the meantime, heated rhetoric at gatherings of Yoon supporters has raised concerns about clashes, and police are preparing for unrest from either side when the court rules.

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Evangelical preacher Jun Kwang-hoon, who heads the Sarang Jeil Church and has led pro-Yoon protests in Seoul, vowed at a rally outside the president's residence this month to finish the job - begun by Yoon's brief martial law - of "cleansing" the country.

If the judges vote to remove Yoon, he said: "We will mobilise the people's right to resist and blow them away with one stroke of the sword".

Jun is under investigation by police for suspected incitement of insurrection in connection with the January attack on the courthouse. The church said in a statement to Reuters that his rhetoric did not carry any violent messages, while a separate statement on its website said it would comply with the police investigation.

Many Protestant churches in South Korea, like conservative churches elsewhere, have been advocating for social causes for years, including to block LGBT events and laws that would prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination.

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The anti-impeachment drive takes them further into political activism, as they grapple with a decline in followers.

Just four in 10 South Koreans identified as having religious faith in a 2021 Gallup Korea poll, down from 50% in 2014. Only 22% of those aged 19 to 29 said they were religious, the poll said, with 14% saying they were Protestants.

Some religious organisations have criticised the pro-Yoon activism, with a task force of the National Council of Churches calling Save Korea a "political group disguised with a Christian facade".

Save Korea said the group does not support any particular political parties.

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"We are focusing on prayer movements to protect evangelical values and liberal democracy, and it is a misunderstanding to interpret them through a political frame," a spokesperson said.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Additional reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Josh Smith and Edmund Klamann)
NAIROBI (Reuters) - A major party in South Sudan's coalition government said on Tuesday it had suspended its role in a key element of a 2018 peace deal as relations between its leader Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir deteriorate amid clashes and arrests.

The agreement ended a five-year war between forces loyal to Kiir and his rival Machar, who now serves as First Vice President leading the SPLM-IO party. But the two men have a fractious relationship, which has worsened in recent weeks following clashes in the country's east.

Earlier this month security forces rounded up several SPLM-IO officials, including the petroleum minister and the deputy head of the army, after the White Army ethnic militia forced troops to withdraw from the town of Nasir near the Ethiopian border.

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The government has accused the SPLM-IO of links with the White Army, which mostly comprises armed ethnic Nuer youths who fought alongside Machar's forces in the 2013-2018 war against predominantly ethnic Dinka troops loyal to Kiir. The party denies the allegations.

Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, deputy chairman of the SPLM-IO, said on Tuesday the party would not participate in security arrangements tied to the peace process until the detained officials were released.

"The ongoing political witch-hunts continue to threaten the very essence and the existence of the (peace deal)," Pierino said in a statement.

The fighting around Nasir in Upper Nile state has displaced 50,000 people since late February, of which 10,000 have fled to Ethiopia, according to Anita Kiki Gbeho, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan.

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RAMPANT HATE SPEECH

South Sudan's United Nations peacekeeping chief Nicholas Haysom said he was concerned the country was "on the brink of relapse into civil war".

"With the proliferation of mis/disinformation in the public domain, hate speech is now rampant, raising concerns that the conflict could assume an ethnic dimension," he said in a speech to the African Union.

Analysts say the war in neighbouring Sudan has also spurred the breakdown of the peace process, with South Sudan's oil revenues suspended, escalating regional tensions and arms flooding across the border.

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"Already we are seeing the initial stages of spillover fighting in Upper Nile from the Sudan war. It will be difficult to prevent those tensions from spreading to (the capital) Juba," said Alan Boswell from the International Crisis Group.

(Reporting by Nairobi Newsroom; Writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Ammu Kannampilly and Angus MacSwan)
In a late afternoon press conference, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus identified Hector Cuevas Jr., a six-year veteran of the department, as the deputy who was tragically killed during a high-speed pursuit crash Monday.

The deadly pursuit was initiated when the suspect, now identified as Ryan Dwayne Turner Jr., 22, a resident of San Bernardino, failed to yield in a vehicle that had been reported stolen, officials said.

While the exact cause of the crash is unknown, Deputy Cuevas, 36, collided with another vehicle shortly before 11 a.m. at the intersection of El Evado and Seneca roads  the force of the impact splitting his patrol cruiser in half and taking out nearby power lines.

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A female in a small black sedan caught in the collision was also injured and rushed to the hospital in unknown condition.

Cuevas, who had been assigned to the Sheriffs Victorville Station for the past three years, sadly, died at the scene.

Aerial images captured by Sky5 showed his body covered with an American flag as the medical examiner prepared to transport his remains.

Hector Cuevas Jr., a sheriffs deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff killed in a pursuit crash on March 17, 2025. (SBSD) A San Bernardino County Sheriffs Deputy was involved in a serious crash near Victorville on March 17, 2025. (KTLA) A San Bernardino County Sheriffs Deputy was involved in a serious crash near Victorville on March 17, 2025. (KTLA) A San Bernardino County Sheriffs Deputy was involved in a serious crash near Victorville on March 17, 2025. (KTLA) A San Bernardino County Sheriffs Deputy was involved in a serious crash near Victorville on March 17, 2025. (KTLA)

A motorcade and police cruisers surrounded the medical examiners vehicle, creating a procession while citizens of San Bernardino stood on the street in tribute to the fallen deputy.

Cuevas leaves behind a wife, two children, his parents and a sister and brother.

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Dicus said his family and colleagues described him as a devout family man and a cops cop, someone who could deal with the hardest of gang members and then turn around and make sure a scared child felt safe and protected.

I have no words to describe this tragedy, Dicus said at the press event. Hector was the type of law enforcement officer we all want to be, a great and grand protector.

In the meantime, Turner, who reportedly has a previous record in Rialto of fleeing and injuring a deputy, was taken into custody and will be booked for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and evading a police officer while causing serious injury or death.

Dicus added that they are asking the San Bernardino County District Attorneys Office that the 22-year-old be held without bail.

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In statement released Monday evening, Governor Gavin Newsom said:

Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Deputy Cuevas. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate this unimaginable time. His dedication to protecting and serving his community was remarkable, and we are eternally grateful for his service.

The governor stated that flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff in honor of Deputy Cuevas.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A Spanish Lake woman used Facebook Marketplace to lure people looking to buy a video gaming system to rob them, St. Louis County police and prosecutors said.

According to the St. Louis County Police Departments probable cause statement, the robberies occurred on Feb. 24, April 29, and May 3, 2024.

In the first incident, police said two people drove to a home in the 1200 block of Baron Avenue in Spanish Lake to purchase a Sony PlayStation 5 after answering a Facebook ad. Police said one victim entered the residence, where they were robbed at gunpoint by Kalin Bush and others. The second victim was carjacked and Bush and her cohorts left in the victims 2019 Nissan Altima.

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The second robbery occurred in the 2700 block of Solway Avenue in Jennings. The victim arrived at a home thinking he was going to purchase a PlayStation 5. Instead, police said Bush took the victims money, knocked him over, and then fled.

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Police said the third robbery also happened at the home on Solway Ave. This time, the victim had answered an ad to purchase a PlayStation 5 and an Oculus headset. Police said Bush displayed a handgun and threatened the victim. Bush took the victims cash and car keys. However, Bush couldnt operate the victims vehicle and fled on foot.

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Bush was arrested on Aug. 5, 2024. Police said she confessed to the robberies, the stealing, and the carjackings.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Bush with two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of vehicle hijacking, one count of stealing, and four counts of armed criminal action. Bush remains jailed on a $150,000 cash-only bond. Shes scheduled to appear in court on Friday, March 21 for a bond reduction hearing, and again on April 15 for a preliminary hearing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Ive discovered something fascinating about how Spanish speakers in Philadelphia address each other and communicate through public signs.

The discovery is part of my research on language patterns in Philadelphia  and it challenges what many students learn in Spanish class.

Remember those lessons where you learned to use the formal usted with strangers and tu with friends? Well, the signs on Philadelphias streets show that Spanish speakers actually use pronouns differently.

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In Spanish, unlike modern English, speakers must choose between different ways of saying you when addressing someone. Some Spanish dialects use up to four different forms  tu, usted, vos and the Colombian sumerce  but the Spanish speakers writing signs in Philadelphia have settled on just two: tu and usted.

But heres where it gets interesting: In Philadelphia, the choice between these forms doesnt follow the traditional rules we all thought we knew.

What the signs tell us

After analyzing 250 signs across three neighborhoods with a significant number of Spanish speakers  the Golden Block, in North Philadelphia; Olney, in North Philadelphia; and South Philadelphas Italian Market corridor  and online spaces such as social media from different Hispanic organizations in the city, I found some surprising patterns in how these forms are used.

Bilingual signs written in both Spanish and English tend to use the verb form associated with formal usted  imagine a store window announcing, Please wear a mask / Por favor, utilice una mascarilla. But signs written only in Spanish often use the informal tu, even when addressing strangers. This challenges the common assumption that we should always use formal language with people we dont know.

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My study suggests the purpose of the message matters more than formality. When signs make requests, they typically use usted. But when theyre trying to persuade or invite people to do something, tu is more common. A sign saying, Please wait to be seated typically uses usted, while one saying Join us for our grand opening! uses tu.

A citys changing voice

Philadelphias Spanish-speaking history stretches back to the late 1800s, with waves of migration bringing distinct varieties of the Spanish language to the city.

Puerto Rican communities arrived in the 1940s and 50s, followed by Colombians in the 70s and 80s, and more recently, Mexican and Central American immigrants in the early 2000s.

Whats particularly noteworthy is the absence of vos in these signs, despite Philadelphias significant Salvadoran population who traditionally use this form. This suggests newer communities are adapting their language in signs to match the more established Spanish-speaking groups in the city.

Why this matters

These findings tell us something important about language in immigrant communities.

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Rather than creating an entirely new dialect, Philadelphias Spanish speakers are finding common ground in how they communicate. Its a reminder that language rules are often more flexible than we think, shaped by real-world use rather than textbook guidelines.

The next time youre walking through Philadelphias Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, pay attention to the signs around you. Theyre not just giving directions or advertising services  theyre showing us how language evolves when different communities come together in a new home.

Read more of our stories about Philadelphia.

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: Daniel Guarin, Temple University

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Daniel Guarin 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.
(Image: Stripes Korea)



Losing something on the street or public transportation can be stressful, but dont panic! There are several ways to retrieve your lost item that have always worked for me. Keep in mind that the sooner you act after realizing your loss, the higher your chances of getting it back. However, even if some time has passed, dont lose hope! This guide provides detailed steps, including what to do as a last resort. Make sure to have your ID when picking up your lost item!

*When a website doesnt provide an English language option, use Chromes translation feature on the web instead of on your phone.

1330 Travel Helpline for foreigners

If you face language barriers while trying to retrieve your item, dont hesitate to call or chat with Travel Helpline, operated by Korea Tourism Organization. Its completely free and available 24 hours a day. They can assist by speaking to locals on your behalf and communicating with relevant organizations.

TEL: 1330 (in Korea) / +82-2-1330 (outside of Korea)

Live Chat

Learn how to use 1330 helpline

1. ON THE STREET

If someone finds your item on the street, theyll likely take it to the local police station () or the nearest police box (). You can visit or call the one nearest to where you believe you lost your item. You can find their number on Naver Map or by calling 182 (the 24-hour Police Call Center).

2. ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Pro tip: Use a T-money card!

Using a T-money card comes with many advantages, such as fare discounts and free transfers between buses and subways. Importantly, paying with a T-money card can help track your route and provide necessary information to determine where you lost an item. Call their customer center (1644-1188 & 1644-0088).

A. Taxi

Using Kakao-T or Uber: Contact the driver or their service center directly via the app.

Paying with a T-money card: Contact the T-money customer center (1644-1188) and press 2 to inquire about the taxi drivers info.

Paying with cash or credit card: Check the receipt for taxi companys or drivers contact number.

If none of the above applies: You can find the phone number of the taxi company on the National Taxi Association website.

B. Bus

If you notice your loss right after leaving the bus, take the next bus with the same number and route and ask the driver for assistance. If the driver cant help you, check the bus companys phone number, which is usually displayed on the bus doors, and contact them for assistance.

If you notice your loss later, try to remember the bus number, the stop where you got off, and the approximate boarding and alighting times. You can contact the T-money customer center for help in providing the bus companys phone number if its within Seoul. If T-money cant assist, it can be challenging to find the bus companys name and phone number as a foreigner since there are many different companies. In this case, contact the 1330 Travel Helpline for assistance.

Seoul Lost & Found website

C. Subway

If youre still in the station, visit the station office and provide details about the subway you took and boarding and alighting times. Staff can assist by contacting station employees at other stations. If you dont remember, show your T-money card so the staff can track your travel history.

If you notice your loss later, search online to find the subway operator company and call their customer center. Seoul Metropolitan Subway is mainly operated by Korail and Seoul Metro. Below are the contact numbers and links for some of the major operators.

Korail

TEL: 1599-7777

Seoul Metro

TEL: 1577-1234

Daegu Metro

TEL: 053-643-2114

D. Train

If youre still in the station, visit the station office and provide details such as the train schedule and seat number. Having a ticket makes this easier.

If youre still on the train and notice you lost your item somewhere at the station, report it to a train crew and theyll contact station employees.

If you notice your loss later, contact the train company. They can assist you in English and will connect you to the appropriate channel to provide help.

Korail

TEL: 1599-7777 (8 a.m.8 p.m.)

SRT

TEL: 1800-1472 (9 a.m.6 p.m.)

When the item is found and they cant bring it back on the same day, tell the staff your preferred train station for pickup. Theyll transfer your item there and call you when its ready to pickup.

3. ULTIMATE RESORT  LOST 112

LOST 112 is a national lost & found system that manages reported lost items nationwide. Any lost items that havent been retrieved within the first few days are transferred to the police station and recorded on this system.

Steps to use LOST 112:

1.Search for found items ( ) by inputting details such as the location and timeframe of your loss.

2.If you dont find your item under Search for Found Items, report your lost item in the Report Lost Items ( ) section with details like the date, location and item description.

3.Once your item is found, visit the designated police station with your ID.

*LOST 112 website provides detailed English guidance on how to use it.

LOST 112 English Guide
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Ingham County Sheriffs deputies rescued a stolen dog earlier this morning and arrested the suspected culprit.

Moose (Ingham County Sheriffs Office)

The Ingham County Sheriffs Office reports that deputies were dispatched to Cedar St. and Holt Rd. in Delhi Township for a stolen vehicle at approximately 2:00 a.m.

The victim told deputies that his dog, Moose, was inside the vehicle when it was stolen. Deputies identified a suspect sometime later and found the vehicle abandoned at Cedar St. and College Rd. around 9:00 a.m.

Police arrested Logan Daily, 26, from Mason, on the 1600 block of North College Rd. at around 11:00 a.m.

Logan Daily booking photograph. (Photo: Ingham County)

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The Ingham County Sheriffs Office said in a news release sent to 6 News that the moose was found in good health and returned to his very grateful owner. 

Daily has been arraigned on the following charges:

Unlawful Driving Away an Automobile

Resisting and Obstructing

Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property

Habitual 4th

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Stonewall Inn, 1969 | Wikimedia Commons

This story was originally reported by Orion Rummler of The 19th. Meet Orion and read more of his reporting on gender, politics and policy.

Karla Jay remembers joining the second night of street protests during the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City. For her, and for so many other LGBTQ+ people, something had shifted: People were angry. They didnt want things to go back to normal  because normal meant police raids. Normal meant living underground. It meant hiding who they were at their jobs and from their families. They wanted a radical change.

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Radical change meant organizing. Jay joined a meeting with the Gay Liberation Front, which would become the incubator for the modern LGBTQ+ political movement and proliferate in chapters across the country. At those meetings, she remembers discussing what freedom could look like. Holding hands with a lover while walking down the street, without fear of getting beaten up, one person said. Another said theyd like to get married. At the time, those dreams seemed impossible.

Jay, now 78, is worried that history will repeat itself. Shes worried that LGBTQ+ people will be put in the dark again by the draconian policies of a second Trump administration.

Are things worse than they were before Stonewall? Not yet, she said. Its certainly possible that people will have to go back to underground lives, that trans people will have to flee to Canada, but its not worse yet.

The 19th spoke with several LGBTQ+ elders, including Jay, about what survival looks like under a hostile political regime and what advice they would give to young LGBTQ+ people right now.

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Many states protect LGBTQ+ people through nondiscrimination laws that ensure fair access to housing, public accommodations and employment. Supreme Court precedent does the same through Bostock v. Clayton County. Other states have passed shield laws to protect access to gender-affirming care for trans people. But to Jay, a cisgender lesbian, it all still feels precarious. The Trump administration is trying to make it harder for transgender Americans to live openly and safely, and lawmakers in more than a handful of states want to undermine marriage equality.

We have forgotten that the laws are written to protect property and not to protect people. Theyre written to protect White men and their property, and historically, women and children were their property, she said. To expect justice from people who write laws to protect themselves has been a fundamental error of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans community.

To fight back, LGBTQ+ Americans need to organize, Jay said. That starts with thinking locally  supporting local artists, independent stores and small presses, as well as LGBTQ+ organizations taking demonstrable political action and protecting queer culture.

See what you can do without going crazy. If you can focus on one thing and you can spend one hour a week, or you can spend one day a week, thats much better than being depressed and doing nothing, she said. Because the person youre going to help is yourself. This is the time for all of us to step up.

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Renata Ramos feels obligated to share her experiences with young people. As a 63-year-old trans Latina, she wants young people to know that so many of their elders have already been through hard times  which means that they can make it, too, including during this moment.

Im not scared in the least. Because we have fought so many battles  the elders. We have fought so many battles, with medicine, with HIV, with marching on Washington, with watching our friends die, she said. Its been one war after another in our community that we have always won. We have always been resilient. We have always stood strong. We have always fought for our truth, and were still here. They havent been able to erase us.

As Ramos watches the Trump administration use the power of the federal government to target transgender Americans and erase LGBTQ+ history, shes not afraid for herself. Shes afraid for young LGBTQ+ people, especially young trans people who now find themselves at the center of a growing political and cultural war. If someone transitioned six months ago, she said, they now have a target on their back  and little to no experience with what that feels like.

They dont know what it is like to be a soldier going into war, as far as social issues. So I fear for them, she said. Who wouldnt be scared?

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Criss Christoff Smith has seen firsthand what that fear can look like. On January 28, at 3 a.m., he received a phone call from an LGBTQ+ person who was considering taking their own life. This was a stranger  someone who admired from afar Smiths advocacy as a Black trans man and Jamaican immigrant. This was someone who had been considering a gender transition for years, Smith said, who was now feeling broken. He spoke with them for two hours.

Its been quite dark, Smith said. The onslaught of policies targeting marginalized people and the turbocharged news cycle are working to keep Black and trans people in a constant state of fear and uncertainty, he said.

I tell everyone in my community, you have to stop responding to those alerts and just try to go inward, he said. Find a space of peace and spirituality.

To Smith, who is 64, looking inward can mean reflecting on whats still here. Although the Trump administration is going to make daily life harder for LGBTQ+ people, he said, laws cant be undone with the stroke of a pen on an executive order. LGBTQ+ Americans need to find whatever source of strength and peace they can find right now  and try to remove themselves from the daily fray as much as possible  while still finding ways to take action.

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This is the time when we really have to find community, where we really have to hone in on our spiritual feelings and try to talk to someone. Dont keep it to yourself, he said. Joining protests or lobbying days at state capitols are great ways to find community in-person, Smith said  to be around like-minded people and to not feel so alone.

Thats the best space to be in, not home alone and in your feelings and in your mind, because we can get lost there thinking negatively. So we have to stay positive and stay with like-minded people, and have those people constantly around you to reassure you and just hold you tight in that space, he said.

Protests against the administrations hostile LGBTQ+ policies have been ongoing  including outside the Stonewall National Monument. In at least one way, history is already repeating itself.

The National Park Service deleted all references to transgender and queer people from its web page honoring the 1969 Stonewall uprising  the most well-known moment from LGBTQ+ history in the country  leaving references to only lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Hundreds gathered in New York City to protest. Among them was Renee Imperato, a 76-year-old trans woman and New York native.

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Protests like this are our survival, she told The 19th over email. The rhetoric of this administration is driving a violent onslaught against our community. The Stonewall Rebellion is not over. We are at war, and we are still fighting back. What other choice do we have?

Jay, herself an old hand at joining protests and demonstrations, said that shes been afraid before every one of them. Shes lost sleep the night before and feared for her safety  but she did it anyway.

Im afraid Ill be beaten. Im afraid Ill be arrested. But if you dont do something even though youre afraid, they win, she said.
Smoke from the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon fire is visible from Mora, N.M. on May 22, 2022. (Photo courtesy Santa Fe National Forest)

An annual wildfire briefing last week between staffers for Southwestern members of Congress and U.S. 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.

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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.

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.

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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 New Mexico 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 presentation slide summarizing the factors leading to an early start for the spring wildfire season. (Presentation 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.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

U.S. Forest Service staff says in chat that federal agency is not communicating

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.

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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.

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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 presentation slide showing the window closing for prescribed burns this spring, including the Southwest encountering resource challenges due to expected national fire activity. (Presentation Slide obtained by Source NM)

Two judges this 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 NM.

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.

Will the Southwest have enough personnel to adequately respond to bad wildfire season?

Source NM 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.

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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.

Despite that claim in the presentation, staffers remained skeptical after several follow-up questions, the aide said.

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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.

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.

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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.

A slide from the presentation U.S. Forest Service officials gave last week 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)

Source New Mexico, like the Idaho Capital Sun, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Source New Mexico maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Goldberg for questions: info@sourcenm.com.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
PLATTSBURGH  Allison King wants people to sit up and pay attention.

The proposed federal funding cuts to social programs are a generational threat, she said, standing in front of the Clinton County Government Center for the Stop the Cuts! rally Saturday afternoon.

Protesters filled the Government Center plaza in Downtown Plattsburgh in protest against the proposed cuts to social programs  particularly Medicaid  under President Donald Trumps administration.

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Organized by North Country NY Indivisible, North Country Neighbors for Civic Engagement and Adirondack Voters for Change, the rally served as an urgent call to action.

There are a lot of people in the North Country who may otherwise fall through the cracks without these programs, King said.

I am 67. I have never seen anything like this in our nation. It could take generations to recover.

King expressed her shock over the current administrations policies, warning that ignoring the impact of these cuts would lead to irreversible damage, criticizing those who remain indifferent.

What scares me is the people letting it all go by, not paying attention to the impact it will have, she said.

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But she was happy to see the rallys turnout this weekend.

It is great to have people here, listening to and supporting our messages and caring about the issues, King said.

A CHANCE TO SPEAK OUT

The crowd demanded their voices be heard, emphasizing the importance of social services, particularly Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.

The event featured guest speakers including activists, political analysts, directors of local agencies and attendees had the opportunity to speak as well.

Each speaker shared concerns about the direction of the current administration and the devastating impact the proposed cuts could have on communities across the nation.

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Kary Johnson, president of Adirondack Voters for Change, opened the rally with a powerful message of unity and resistance before introducing the guest speakers.

Today, specifically, is a chance for the community to speak out about how they feel with what is going on, Johnson said.

There are a multitude of issues at hand, but today we are primarily focused on the cuts.

TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY

Johnson emphasized that public funds should serve the people, rather than being cut from crucial programs that provide medical care and financial security.

She praised the growing activism in the region and encouraged people to continue standing up for democracy.

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It is going to take the whole community to do something, she added.

But join: join with friends, join with neighbors. You do not have to do it alone. We are all here to protect democracy.

Rally attendee Nancy Church highlighted a sentiment shared by many about the frustration with the chaos surrounding government decisions.

A lot of people here are so sick of the chaos, she said.

Most people dont mind seeing cuts, but they need to be thoughtful and need to be backed by facts and data. You cant just fire people and wait to see what happens.

Churchs words reflected a key concern of the rally, which is the lack of careful planning in the administrations approach.

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Many in attendance agreed through cheer and applause that fiscal adjustments should not come at the expense of the countrys most vulnerable citizens.

EACH TIME, THE CROWD GETS LARGER

For Laura Collier and her husband Robert, attending these rallies is a necessary act of defiance against an administration she believes is making reckless and dangerous decisions.

Its a frightening and terrible thing to live with such uncertainty and fear, she said.

Taking away Medicaid and working on taking Medicare, I feel like he is just trying to kill and destroy the older population. I dont see any other endgame for them.

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Laura also criticized the administrations foreign policy, particularly its treatment of allies such as Canada and Ukraine.

I am devastated to see what he has done to Ukraine and Canada, with the insults and the comments, she said.

Canada has been one of our staunchest allies and closest friends, what we did to them is unforgivable.

Robert emphasized the importance of grassroots activism.

The only chance we have to get any changes is to make people realize, and it has to be grassroots, he said.

This is our third or fourth time out herewe are looking forward to more. Each time, the crowd gets larger.

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He warned that many Americans, who voted for Trump, might not fully grasp the consequences of these cuts until they experience financial hardship firsthand.

People who voted for him will realize when their retirement savings are half what they are today, when they cannot pay for health insurance, and when they have no Social Security, he said.

Maybe then, they will wake up and realize, Oh, I made a mistake.

STOP THE CUTS

As the rally concluded, and the music resumed, the energy of the crowd was undeniable.

Following the speakers, the crowd was given the opportunity to start some chants.

Some chants the crowd came up with included:

Stop the cuts! chanted the crowd. Stop the cuts!

And another: A rally a day keeps the fascists away!

A rally a day keeps the fascists away! the crowd repeated.
LYSANDER, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  You ask, we answer!

Question: Whats next for the closed Harpers Pizza & Ice Cream?

After being opened for a few years, Harpers Pizza & Ice Cream on Lamson Road, closed at the end of 2024. Before Harpers served up cold cones on a hot day, it was previously Henderson Dairy.

But, ice cream will no longer be on the menu.

The man behind The Angry Pig BBQ food truck, just announced he purchased the Town of Lysander property, located near the Onondaga/Oswego County line. He plans on opening a private event space, known as The Pig Pen Catering & Events.

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Owner Josh Reynolds said he will use the space to host kids birthday and graduation parties and corporate events.

He thinks the acre of land, will be an ideal spot to have bounce houses, obstacle courses, and other fun activities for kids.

While Reynolds is known for his The Angry Pig BBQ food truck, he said the catering menu wont necessarily include barbecue. He said pizza and other kid-friendly foods will be offered. He also said it would be a spot where people could even bring in outside food for an event.

He said the former Harpers is the perfect location because its only a mile from his new, The Angry Pig BBQ restaurant thats opening in neighboring Phoenix.

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He plans to open the restaurant inside the Phoenix Commons building, near the Oswego Canal Lock 1.

He hopes to have the event space open in May and the restaurant serving up delicious barbecue this summer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
WOODVILLE, Miss. ( WJTV )  Wilkinson County deputies said the prime suspect in the death of a woman has died.

According to investigators, an arrest warrant was obtained for Gregory Thompson, 60, of Clayton, Louisiana. Authorities attempted to execute the arrest warrant for him on Sunday, March 16, but they said he shot himself. Thompson was transported to a local hospital where he died.

Mississippi man arrested for stealing $1,500 worth of dog food

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Deputies said Bernadine Rogers, 60, was reported missing after no contact with her family on Monday, March 3. They said Thompson became a suspect in the investigation due to a relationship between the two and conflicting statements he made about their relationship.

Rogers body was later located on Thursday, March 6. They said Thompson then stopped all communications with law enforcement.

Bernadine Rogers (Courtesy: Wilkinson Co. Sheriffs Office) Gregory Thompson (Courtesy: Wilkinson Co. Sheriffs Office)

Investigators said evidence was recovered that linked Thompson to Rogers death.

Our prayers go out to the family of Bernadine Rogers, said Wilkinson County Sheriff Reginald L. Jackson. We worked this case with every resource available to use. Our hope was for a better outcome.

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AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Akron police are actively searching for a shooting suspect who opened fire at two officers during a traffic stop early Tuesday morning, according to the Akron Fraternal Order of Police.

According to a press release, two officers pulled a silver Ford F-150 XLT over in West Akron in the area of Vernon Odom Boulevard and Tyler Street for traffic violations around 3:50 a.m.

Man shot to death on front porch in Cleveland

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According to the release, both officers walked up to the car when the suspect suddenly opened fire through the window. One of the officers returned fire, but the suspect sped away in the vehicle.

Neither officer involved was injured and the suspect remains at large, the release said.

According to the release, investigations have learned that the suspect vehicle involved is a rental car.

According to a press release later issued by the Akron Police Department, it is unknown if the suspect was struck when the officer returned fire.

Man shot to death on front porch in Cleveland

Akron Police Officers will track down this suspect and arrest him so he can face justice for his cowardly actions, FOP President Brian Lucey said. I encourage this suspect to turn himself in peacefully now and avoid any more violence.

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According to the release from the FOP, investigators will review body camera footage and surveillance.

The officer involved in the shooting is a four-year veteran of the Akron Police Department, the release said.

The officer will be placed on paid administrative leave according to department procedure, the press release from the Akron Police Department said.

Nestle recalling some Lean Cuisine, Stouffers meals over possible wood-like material

The Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will investigate and the report will be forwarded to the police chief and the City of Akron Police Auditor for evaluation.

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A state-wide alert has been issued for the suspect and vehicle, which is described as having Ohio license plate PND-1016.

Akron police ask that anyone with information call the Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  One person is in critical condition after an attempted robbery led to a shooting early Tuesday morning in Midtown, according to Memphis Police.

The MPD responded to a shooting in the area of 31 South McLean Boulevard at around 5:45 a.m. A man on the scene told police that someone tried to rob him when he got home.

Photo by WREG

Police say the man pulled out a gun and he and the suspect began to physically fight. The man then shot the suspect, who was taken to Regional One in critical condition.

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The 27-year-old man accused of shooting the robber was detained along with one other person.

Priest accused of killing cats pleads not guilty, jury trial set

Neighbors believe more must be done to curb crime.

These young cats have no structure, discipline, or understanding, said one neighbor.

The main way to make Memphis safer is Jesus Christ. Thats first and foremost. But people need stuff to do, said the neighbor. People need jobs. People need better opportunities to get into the workforce and to be able to take care of themselves. Need community support.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Three businesses in the Scripps Ranch Village Shopping Center were broken into over the weekend, costing the restaurants thousands of dollars in lost revenue, repairs and stolen cash.

Two days after the incident, its still the talk of the morning at Fays Diner on Scripps Ranch Boulevard.

Surveillance video shows the suspect get inside and head straight for the cash register, escaping with $500 in cash.

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The suspect then broke into Isabelas Mexican Food and then Pizza at the Ranch.

Even with boarded up windows, customers are making it their mission on Monday to get a bite of their favorite foods and support the three Scripps Ranch staples.

All three small and locally owned businesses say they could use the support now more than ever.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A suspect who police say was wanted for a parole violation crashed after officers initiated, then discontinued a pursuit in the San Fernando Valley.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers from the Devonshire Division began pursuing a gray Acura around 7:10 a.m. Tuesday; however, they called off the chase shortly after.

Where the pursuit started was not disclosed.

The Acura crashed into three vehicles at Balboa Boulevard and Nordhoff Street in Northridge after the pursuit was canceled, according to LAPD Officer Miller.

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K9 helps take down suspect after high-speed pursuit through L.A. County

The suspect was taken into custody and is being checked out at a local hospital, Officer Miller confirmed.

No other injuries were immediately reported, but Officer Miller stated that two ambulances were called to check out patients.

Footage from Sky5 shows three damaged vehicles that came to rest in the intersection. A fourth vehicle was seen a short distance away underneath caution tape.

A suspect who police say was wanted for a parole violation crashed after police initiated, then discontinued, a pursuit in the San Fernando Valley. Mar. 18, 2025. (Sky5) A suspect who police say was wanted for a parole violation crashed after police initiated, then discontinued, a pursuit in the San Fernando Valley. Mar. 18, 2025. (Sky5) A suspect who police say was wanted for a parole violation crashed after police initiated, then discontinued, a pursuit in the San Fernando Valley. Mar. 18, 2025. (Sky5) A suspect who police say was wanted for a parole violation crashed after police initiated, then discontinued, a pursuit in the San Fernando Valley. Mar. 18, 2025. (Sky5)

A block of Nordhoff and Balboa in each direction has been closed for the investigation, which will last for an unknown duration.

Delays were seen on residential streets as drivers sought alternate routes.

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Mother, 6-year-old daughter injured in crash with L.A. police

Tuesday mornings crash following a pursuit comes less than 24 hours after a pursuit crash killed a sheriffs deputy in the Inland Empire.

The deputy was later identified as 36-year-old Hector Cuevas.

The driver of the vehicle being pursued in that incident, Ryan Dwayne Turner Jr., was taken into custody and will be booked for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and evading a police officer while causing serious injury or death.

Turner, 22, reportedly has a previous record in Rialto of fleeing and injuring a deputy. He had failed to yield in an allegedly stolen vehicle prior to crashing on Monday morning.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
CLEVELAND (WJW) The FOX 8 I-Team has uncovered an investigation into what happened at a downtown casino with a federal monitor watching over Cleveland police.

The Office of Professional Standards has opened an investigation.

I-Team: Federal monitor over Cleveland police involved in incident at JACK Casino

And, weve confirmed the US Department of Justice has called Cleveland City officials seeking more information.

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On Jan. 7, an off-duty Cleveland police officer said he had an encounter with Karl Racine, head of the Cleveland Police Monitoring Team. Members of that federal group earn up to $750 per hour overseeing reform in the police department.

According to police radio traffic, an officer stated A Mr. Karl Racine was here pretty intox refusing to leave. He has now left outside the building. The off-duty officer called for back up. By the time an on-duty officer arrived, Racine had left.

Racine was not charged.

The Citys Office of Professional Standards is now investigating a complaint on the matter. OPS officials will investigate how the call was handled and if officers acted properly.

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OPS Administrator Marcus Perez responded to an I-Team inquiry with a statement by email. It said, The Office of Professional Standards is optimistic that the City Law Department, the Cleveland Division of Police, and the Jack Casino will promptly cooperate with our request for documents, videos, and personnel, including legal reviews. Given the date of the incident and the upcoming status conference with Judge Oliver regarding the Consent Decree, OPS is dedicated to completing this investigation efficiently, ensuring it is ready for disposition by the Civilian Police Review Board, whose role is crucial in this matter.

Leaving trash cans out too long is a misdemeanor in Mayfield Heights

Cleveland Police union officials say they are continuing to look into the matter, and they welcome any investigation. Union President Andy Gasiewski says he understands OPS is looking at the actions of the officers, but he believes the officers acted properly. He says he feels Racine should be the focus of the investigation.

When hes home in his hometown, he can act any way he wants. But, when youre here, billing the City taxpayers so much money, be on your best behavior, said Andy Gasiewski, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolmens Association.



We reached out to Karl Racine for comment on this story. Last week he sent a statement that said, in part:

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I am confident that I comported myself respectfully and appropriately with the casino employees and the off duty officer. Indeed, that is the reason I questioned why I was being denied admission

U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno has been critical of the Monitoring Team. He recently posted on social media a link to our story that aired last week, and he posted strong words against Racine. His post included his claim the City is being ripped off.



Cleveland Councilman Brian Kazy has also raised questions about the incident. He has called for a closer look into the incident.

Akron Childrens Hospital patient attacked pregnant nurse: police

And, again, we have learned officials with the Department of Justice contacted the City. A City spokesman released a statement.

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We are aware of an incident at Jack Casino involving the federal monitor. On Friday afternoon, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reached out to the City. The City accepted the call and spoke with DOJ officials, but no decisions were made regarding the incident. The City remains under an active consent decree and is committed to ensuring substantial compliance is efficiently and effectively reached in all areas, wrote Tyler Sinclair.

The OPS investigation is just beginning.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Aaron Gunches, the Arizona death row inmate scheduled to be executed Wednesday, pleaded guilty to killing Ted Price, a former longtime boyfriend of Gunches' girlfriend.

Price moved to Arizona in 2002 and was waiting on a college grant to become a radiology technician. He intended to stay with his ex-girlfriend, but upon arriving, Price found that she was living in a flop house for drug addicts in Mesa, Price's family told USA TODAY.

On Nov. 14, 2002, Price and his ex began arguing, and it got increasingly heated, ending when she hit Price with a telephone, according to court records.

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Gunches arrived at the apartment later that evening and directed the woman's roommates to put Price and his belongings in a car to take him to the bus station. But Gunches didn't end up having money for a bus ticket, so he and one of the roommates drove Price out of Mesa, according to court records.

When they reached a desolate desert area, Gunches and Price got out of the car, and Gunches shot Price four times, one of the roommates told investigators. Gunches and the roommate returned to Mesa, only stopping once to dispose of Price's belongings in a dumpster, according to court records. Price's body was discovered days later.

On Jan. 15, 2003, Gunches was arrested in La Paz County after shooting an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer during a traffic stop, according to the Parker Pioneer. The officer survived.

Gunches fled the scene, leading to a multi-agency search that lasted about 15 hours, according to the Pioneer.

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Investigators matched the bullets used in the La Paz County shooting with those used in Price's death, according to court records.

Price was a quiet but kind person who loved cats and muscle cars, his family told USA TODAY.

Price was a stay-at-home dad to his ex-girlfriend's two children for 10 years before their separation, according to his sister, Karen Price.

He had begun studying to become a radiology technician in Utah after the breakup and was to continue that education in Arizona.

"What we know for sure is that Ted did not do anything to deserve being murdered," Price told USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Who was Ted Price, the man killed by Aaron Gunches? What we know
A teen was stabbed in the back during a brawl outside a Midtown Manhattan high school Monday, police said.

The victim was in a fight with a group of teens outside the High School for Environmental Studies on the corner of W. 56th St. and Tenth Ave. just after 3 p.m., cops said.

An 18-year-old was knifed during the fracas. Medics took him to nearby Mount Sinai West where he is expected to recover.

It wasnt immediately clear if the teen is a student at the school, which had dismissed for the day about 20 minutes earlier.

There were no arrests as cops continued to investigate.
(Bloomberg) -- Megan Garcia says her son would still be alive today if it werent for a chatbot urging the 14-year-old to take his own life.

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In a lawsuit with major implications for Silicon Valley, she is seeking to hold Google and the artificial intelligence firm Character Technologies Inc. responsible for his death. The case over the tragedy that unfolded a year ago in central Florida is an early test of who is legally to blame when kids interactions with generative AI take an unexpected turn.

Garcia's allegations are laid out in a 116-page complaint filed last year in federal court in Orlando. She is seeking unspecified monetary damages from Google and Character Technologies and asking the court to order warnings that the platform isnt suitable for minors and limit how it can collect and use their data.

Both companies are asking the judge to dismiss claims that they failed to ensure the chatbot technology was safe for young users, arguing theres no legal basis to accuse them of wrongdoing.

Character Technologies contends in a filing that conversations between its Character.AI platform's chatbots and users are protected by the Constitutions First Amendment as free speech. It also argues that the bot explicitly discouraged Garcias son from committing suicide.

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Garcias targeting of Google is particularly significant. The Alphabet Inc. unit entered into a $2.7 billion deal with Character.AI in August, hiring talent from the startup and licensing know-how without completing a full-blown acquisition. As the race for AI talent accelerates, other companies may think twice about similarly structured deals if Google fails to convince a judge that it should be shielded from liability from harms alleged to have been caused by Character.AI products.

The inventors and the companies, the corporations that put out these products, are absolutely responsible, Garcia said in an interview. They knew about these dangers, because they do their research, and they know the types of interactions children are having.

Before the deal, Google had invested in Character.AI in exchange for a convertible note and also entered a cloud service pact with the startup. The founders of Character.AI were Google employees until they left the tech behemoth to found the startup.

As Garcia tells it in her suit, Sewell Setzer III was a promising high school student athlete until he started in April, 2023 role-playing on Character.AI, which lets users build chatbots that mimic popular culture personalities  both real and fictional. She says she wasnt aware that over the course of several months, the app hooked her son with anthropomorphic, hypersexualized and frighteningly realistic experiences as he fell in love with a bot inspired by Daenerys Targaryen, a character from the show Game of Thrones.

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Garcia took away the boys phone in February 2024 after he started acting out and withdrawing from friends. But while looking for his phone, which he later found, he also came across his stepfathers hidden pistol, which the police determined was stored in compliance with Florida law, according to the suit. After conferring with the Daenerys chatbot five days later, the teen shot himself in the head.

Garcias lawyers say in the complaint that Google contributed financial resources, personnel, intellectual property, and AI technology to the design and development of Character.AIs chatbots. Google argued in a court filing in January that it had no role in the teens suicide and does not belong in the case.The case is playing out as public safety issues around AI and children have drawn attention from state enforcement officials and federal agencies alike. Theres currently no US law that explicitly protects users from harm inflicted by AI chatbots.

To make a case against Google, attorneys for Garcia would have to show the search giant was actually running Character.AI and made business decisions that ultimately led to her sons death, according to Sheila Leunig, an attorney who advises AI startups and investors and isnt involved in the lawsuit.

The question of legal liability is absolutely a valid one thats being challenged in a huge way right now, Leunig said.

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Deals like the one Google struck have been hailed as an efficient way for companies to bring in expertise for new projects. However, theyve caught the attention of regulators over concerns they are a work-around to antitrust scrutiny that comes with acquiring up-and-coming rivals outright  and which has become a major headache for tech behemoths in recent years.

Google and Character.AI are completely separate, unrelated companies and Google has never had a role in designing or managing their AI model or technologies, nor have we used them in our products, Jose Castaneda, a spokesperson for Google, said in a statement.

A Character.AI spokeswoman declined to comment on pending litigation but said "there is no ongoing relationship between Google and Character.AI and that the startup had implemented new user safety measures over the past year.

Lawyers from the Social Media Victims Law Center and Tech Justice Law Project who represent Garcia argue that even though her sons death pre-dates Googles deal with Character.AI, the search company was instrumental in helping the startup design and develop its product.

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The model underlying Character.AI was invented and initially built at Google, according to the complaint. Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas began working at Google on chatbot technology as far back as 2017 before they left the company in 2021, then founded Character.AI later that year and were rehired by Google last year, according to Garcias suit, which names them both as defendants.

Shazeer and De Freitas declined to comment, according to Googles spokesperson Castaneda. Theyve argued in court filings that they shouldnt have been named in the suit because they have no connections to Florida, where the case was filed, and because they were not personally involved in the activities that allegedly caused harm.

The suit also alleges the Alphabet unit helped market the startups technology through a strategic partnership in 2023 to use Google Cloud services to reach a growing number of active Character.AI users  which is now more than 20 million.

In the fast-growing AI industry, startups are being boosted by big tech companies, not under the brand name of the large company, but with their support, said Meetali Jain, director of Tech Justice Law Project.

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Googles "purported roles as an 'investor,' cloud services provider, and former employer are far too tenuously connected" to the harm alleged in Garcia's complaint "to be actionable," the technology giant said in a court filing.

Matt Wansley, a professor at Cardozo School of Law, said tying liability back to Google wont be easy.

Its tricky because, what would the connection be? he said.

Early last year, Google warned Character.AI that it might remove the startups app from the Google Play store over concerns about safety for teens, the Information reported recently, citing an unidentified former Character.AI employee. The startup responded by strengthening the filters in its app to protect users from sexually suggestive, violent and other unsafe content and Google reiterated that it's "separate" from Character.AI and isn't using the chatbot technology, according to the report. Google declined to comment and Character.AI didnt respond to a request from Bloomberg for comment on the report.

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Garcia, the mother, said she first learned about her son interacting with an AI bot in 2023 and thought it was similar to building video game avatars. According to the suit, the boys mental health deteriorated as he spent more time on Character.AI where he was having sexually explicit conversations without his parents knowledge.

When the teen shared his plan to kill to himself with the Daenerys chatbot, but expressed uncertainty that it would work, the bot replied: Thats not a reason not to go through with it, according to the suit, which is peppered with transcripts of the boys chats.

Character.AI said in a filing that Garcias revised complaint "selectively and misleadingly quotes" that conversation and excludes how the chatbot "explicitly discouraged" the teen from committing suicide by saying: "You cant do that! Dont even consider that!

Anna Lembke, a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine specializing in addiction, said its almost impossible to know what our kids are doing online. The professor also said its unsurprising that the boys interactions with the chatbot didnt come up in several sessions with a therapist who his parents sent him to for help with his anxiety, as the lawsuit claims.

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Therapists are not omniscient, Lembke said. They can only help to the extent that the child knows whats really going on. And it could very well be that this child did not perceive the chatbot as problematic.

The case is Garcia v. Character Technologies Inc., 24-cv-01903, US District Court, Middle District of Florida (Orlando).

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Texas legislators propose a bill to alleviate the opioid crisis

PALESTINE, Texas (KETK)  An East Texas State legislator is pushing for a bill that would support veterans who are facing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

5-year-old hit by sedan in Carthage, officials investigating

East Texas State Representative Cody Harris of Palestine has proposed HB 3717 which would provide $50 million in private and public funding for research into ibogaine-assisted therapy. The therapy focuses on working with veterans who are suffering from (OUD) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD) along with other neurological and mental health conditions.

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Harris spoke about how the bill could transform the lives of many veterans across the state by giving them a second chance through recovery from addiction.

This bill puts Texas at the forefront of medical innovation and personal freedom by cutting through federal red tape and supporting life-saving research that could give our veterans and countless others a second chance. We cant afford to wait Texas must lead the way, Harris said.

Click here to learn more about HB 3717 through the Texas Legislature online.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
ROANE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  A Texas man has been charged in connection to the death of a woman who was found unresponsive near the shoulder of I-40 in Roane County in October 2024.

According to court documents, Stevie Bernard Williams, 46, of Rockwall, Texas, is facing charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and criminally negligent homicide.

Two charged after nearly $1 million stolen from Sevierville Target

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An affidavit included in an arrest warrant states that on October 13, 2024, Lateshia Patillo was found by motorists near the eastbound shoulder of I-40 in Roane County. She was unresponsive and taken to UT Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries. An autopsy determined that she died from multiple blunt force injuries.

On November 15, the Jacksonville, Arkansas Police Department reported that Patillo, 40 was missing.

The affidavit continues to explain that during the investigation, a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation special agent discovered that Patillo had gotten a ride from Williams in Arkansas on October 13, 2024.

On February 6, 2025, Williams reportedly told the agent that as he was travelling with Patillo on I-40 eastbound in Roane County on October 13, she jumped from the passenger seat of the semi-truck that was traveling at approximately 68 miles per hour. The affidavit states that Williams did not contact emergency services and continued on his route toward New Jersey.

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Knoxville Police: Driver dead after suspected medical event leads to crash

The documents state that Williams works for Blackridge Operating LLC, a small trucking company that is based out of Rockwall, Texas.

Williams bond was set at $100,000. His case was bound over to a grand jury on March 14, 2025.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
A Texas midwife was arrested Monday for allegedly providing illegal abortions and unlawfully operating a network of clinics in the Houston area.

Maria Margarita Rojas, 48, is now facing criminal charges for practicing medicine without a license and illegally performing an abortion, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) said in a statement.

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Under the Texas Human Life Protection Act of 2021, Paxton is also authorized to seek civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation for the unlawful performance of an abortion.

The Lone Star State is one of 12 that has an overarching ban on abortions at all stages of pregnancy. The ban allows for exceptions in the cases of medical emergencies that endanger the mothers life.

Texas law holds abortion providers, not patients, criminally responsible for unlawful procedures, according to Paxtons release.

A similar case was heard by a Louisiana grand jury in January, leading to the indictment of a New York doctor for allegedly sending abortion medication into the state. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill (R) has pushed for the physician to be extradited, a request New York officials have rejected.

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Rojass case is one of the first to challenge the illegal operation of abortion clinics since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

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Related video: Texas education board approves optional Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools

(NewsNation)  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a Houston-area midwife has been arrested and charged with providing an abortion as part of a crackdown on clinics that are alleged to provide abortion services.

Maria Margarita Rojas, 48, also known as Dr. Maria, is also charged with practicing medicine without a license.

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Investigators allege Rojas owned several clinics and employed unlicensed individuals who posed as medical professionals. The Texas attorney generals office also filed for a temporary restraining order to shut down the clinics.

Fired workers return to federal agencies  but are put on paid leave

In Texas, life is sacred. I will always do everything in my power to protect the unborn, defend our states pro-life laws and work to ensure that unlicensed individuals endangering the lives of women by performing illegal abortions are fully prosecuted, Paxton said.

Rojas has been accused of providing illegal abortions, and online court records show the date of the offense as Mar. 5, 2025.

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Rojas was taken into custody the following day and released a day later on a $10,000 bond.

Texas has one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country, only allowing the procedure to be performed if the mothers life is at stake. New legislation has been proposed in the state that would clarify when abortions can be performed in an emergency after reports of women dying or suffering serious complications because doctors waited to perform an abortion because their condition was not immediately life-threatening.

Under Texas law, abortion providers can face up to 99 years in prison and civil penalties of at least $100,000 per violation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The top Marine Corps general issued a warning to troops about battlefield cellphone usage.

Cellphone data can disclose troop locations, making them vulnerable to enemy attacks.

The war in Ukraine highlights the dangers of cellphone use in a combat environment.

The US Marine Corps' top general sent a video reminder out to the force this week, cautioning troops that battlefield cellphone usage could have deadly consequences. It points to Russian disasters in Ukraine.

The video, shared on social media, shows a Marine who escaped enemy fire seeking refuge in an abandoned building. Assuming he's safe, the Marine pulls out his phone to send a text asking for assistance, sending his location with it.

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What no one realizes in this exchange is that the messages were intercepted. As his fellow Marines come to his aid, an enemy strike hits, resulting in fatalities.

Our adversaries are always watching, waiting to exploit any mistake.



Every text, post, and interaction can place your unit at risk.



What appears harmless can compromise a unit, exposing its position and purpose. #Marines, it's your responsibility to protect the mission. pic.twitter.com/s2JIRvvami  U.S. Marines (@USMC) March 17, 2025

The video then turns the discussion to the conflict in Ukraine, noting news headlines from the war about the weaponization of mobile phones and how cellphone usage by Russian soldiers led to a deadly Ukrainian strike.

The video references a devastating strike that killed scores of Russian troops in Makiivka at the end of 2022. Moscow blamed cellphone usage, but there appear to have been multiple factors involved. It still serves as a point of caution all the same.

"If you can be sensed, you can be targeted," Gen. Eric Smith, the commandant of the Marine Corps, said in the video. "And if you can be targeted, you can be killed."

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While the Marine in the video shares his exact location, map coordinates aren't needed for troops to endanger themselves or their comrades. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops posted videos on social media and called loved ones back home, all data that Ukraine used to strike.

Phone calls, texts, and photos shared with friends over unprotected lines can be intercepted and mined for metadata, showing where they were taken. Open-source information gleaned from photos has been fatal in Ukraine.

Russia has implemented several cellphone bans, and in 2024, Russia's lower house of parliament proposed legislation that would punish troops for using their personal phones in battle.

It's not just phone usage that causes problems in combat; it's unintentional signal emissions, too, such as the phones pinging off cell towers. "The character of war continues to change," Smith said. "The proliferation of technology has made signature management essential on the battlefield."

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The Marine Corps released its most recent official policy on cellphones in 2024, Capt. Stephanie Baer, a spokesperson, told Business Insider.

She said that "the posted video is an amplification and continual reminder of the importance of the policy on usage in all situations" and added that the video's release wasn't linked to any specific recent events.

The idea of "signature management" has been a critical tenant of discipline on the battlefield, but it's become increasingly important on modern battlefields, where electronic emissions can betray positions and movements.

A unit's "signature" generally refers to its presence and how easily it can be detected. Light, noise levels, and movement can all be elements of signature management. But with the proliferation of cellphones, and social media, the idea of signature discipline is morphing into a more urgent concern.

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Smith isn't the first Marine leader to warn about cellphones. The former commandant Gen. David Berger noted such concerns about cellphone vulnerabilities to defense reporters in 2022.

"We have to be distributed. You have to have enough mobility that you can relocate your unit pretty often," he said of efforts to prepare for expeditionary operations throughout the Pacific. "You have to learn all about  like some of us learned 30 years ago  camouflage, decoys, deception," he said.

"What we didn't worry so much about 30 years ago now is every time you press a button, you're emitting," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A multi-day, deadly severe weather outbreak spawned over 110 tornadoes in 14 states, along with damaging thunderstorm winds from the South to the Midwest and East in the largest rash of severe weather so far in 2025.

The Top Level Stats

The National Weather Service confirmed 113 tornadoes touched down in the U.S. in the three-day outbreak from March 14-16.

Of those, 43 were categorized as "strong" tornadoes, those that produced at least EF2 damage on the Enhanced Fujita scale from which tornadoes are rated and peak winds are estimated.

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(MORE: Tornado Outbreak News Updates, Death Toll)

March 14-16 2025 tornado outbreak

That's an impressive fraction (38%) of stronger tornadoes indicative of a major outbreak. By contrast, an early March outbreak in the South spawned 30 tornadoes, but only one of them was strong.

In addition to the tornadoes, there were 1,007 reports of large hail and either damaging or strong thunderstorm wind gusts during the outbreak.

Over 900 tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued by local NWS offices during the outbreak.

The 'Violent' Tornadoes

Three of these tornadoes were rated EF4, a threshold the NWS classifies as violent tornadoes. Twisters this strong aren't rare, but they make up a small fraction of America's yearly tornado tally. From zero to six EF4 tornadoes occurred in the U.S. each year from 2015 through 2024.

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Two of those EF4 tracked through northern Arkansas at night on March 14. The first one tore a 117-mile long path in over 2 hours through Stone, Izard, Sharp and Randolph Counties, then into Butler County, Missouri, destroying cabins and homes, injuring four. The second EF4 tornado carved through parts of Independence and Jackson Counties, north of Newport, injuring two.

These were the strongest tornadoes in Arkansas since the Dec. 10, 2021 outbreak, according to the NWS-Little Rock office. It was also the first time in almost 28 years that two F/EF4 tornadoes happened on the same day in the state.

The other violent tornado left EF4 damage in its wake in two separate areas of southern Mississippi on its 65-mile long path from Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, to Covington County, Mississippi. While five people were killed in this tornado, one resident whose home was destroyed "fled to a brick building upon receiving a storm warning," according to the NWS-Jackson, Mississippi, damage survey.

Long-Track Tornadoes

Another signature of a higher-end outbreak was the number of long-track tornadoes.

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In northeast Arkansas, an EF3 tornado tore an almost 82-mile-long path from Independence County to Clay County.

A southwest Indiana EF2 tornado carved almost 58 miles through Gibson, Pike and Daviess Counties.

Check out these impressive tornado path totals by state:

- Missouri: At least 339.33 miles

- Mississippi: 277.23 miles

- Arkansas: 274.15 miles

- Alabama: 243.74 miles

That's a total of 1,134 miles of tornado path lengths from just those four states combined. That's about the driving distance from Chicago to Orlando.

Other Notable Damage

One other long-track EF2 tornado tracked through the northwest St. Louis metro area, narrowly missing Lambert International Airport before crossing the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. A roof blown off from this tornado also appeared to slice into a standing tree in a rather strange occurrence in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

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Just across the Mississippi River, wind-driven hail damaged homes and other buildings in O'Fallon, Illinois, minutes before an EF1 tornado was spawned just northeast of the town.

Sadly, the same home in Paragould, Arkansas, damaged by a late May 2024 tornado was damaged again by an EF2 tornado just after midnight on March 15.

In southern Mississippi, two strong tornadoes hit a part of western Covington County in a span of 41 minutes on March 15. The first to do that was the long-track EF4 tornado from Louisiana just before it fizzled, followed by a second tornado rated EF2. These paths intersected "in a forested area just north of Spring Hill School Road", according to the National Weather Service damage survey. NWS-Jackson posted an animation of Doppler velocity showing the pair of tornadoes here.

In Alabama, an EF2 tornado flipped a school bus onto the roof of the Winterboro High School gymnasium in Talladega County. One person was killed in this tornado. An EF3 tornado heavily damaged homes and businesses and killed two in Plantersville.

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Finally, the outbreak ended with a predawn EF1 tornado on St. Patrick's Day near Woodville, North Carolina. While it destroyed three mobile homes and damaged others, miraculously, nobody was killed though eight injuries were reported.

This article was updated to account for the 117-mile long combined EF4 tornado path in Arkansas and southern Missouri updated by the NWS on April 13.

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
(FOX40.COM)  A Tornado Warning was issued in several parts of Northern California, Monday afternoon.

 Video Above: Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning

At around 3:14 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located in Merced County near La Grange, 17 miles north of Atwater, moving east at 15 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Around 4:42 p.m., officials said Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Delhi, or near Turlock, moving east at 20 mph.

NWS warned of hazardous conditions, wind gusts up to 40 mph, and pea-size hail.

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TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, NWS said. 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.

What to know about the deadly storm system that shocked the US

The storm mostly affects Stanislaus County, Tuolumne County, rural areas of western Mariposa, southwestern Tuolumne, and north central Merced Counties.

NWS said 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.

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This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information, NWS said.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
President Donald Trump announced Monday that his administration will release around 80,000 pages on the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy.

We are tomorrow announcing and giving all of the Kennedy files, Trump told reporters as he toured the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. People have been waiting for decades for this.

Trump said a team led by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard put together the files, which he vowed on the campaign trail to release in full.

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I dont believe were going to redact anything. I said, Just dont redact. You cant redact, he said. I said during the campaign Id do it, and I am a man of my word.

Asked if he was given an executive summary of the files, Trump said he was not doing summaries.

John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier sit together in the sunshine at Kennedy's family home at Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, a few months before their wedding. / Bettmann Archive via Getty Images

We have a tremendous amount of paper. Youve got a lot of reading youll make your own determination, he said.

Shortly after he returned to office in January, Trump signed an executive order instructing the release of classified documents on the assassinations of JFK, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

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Last month, the FBI said it uncovered some 2,400 records on the JFK assassination that had largely been kept secret over the past few decades. The agency did not reveal the contents of the newly discovered records.

JFKs assassination in November 1963 by Lee Harvey Oswald, a former Marine, has long attracted conspiracy theories. In 2022, the National Archives and Records Administration said 97 percent of some five million pages on the former presidents killing had been made public.

The Trump administration also released much-hyped files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein last month, with conservative influencers getting first dibs on white binders that they held up as they stepped out of the White House.

The Epstein files later got scorched by MAGAworld, which was disappointed to find that the documents offered little new information.
The Trump administration escalated its defiance of constitutional government on Monday as a judge sought details on a case addressing federal authorities removal of dozens of people from the country over the weekend without due process.

A Trump Justice Department attorney asserted to a top D.C. federal judge at a hearing Monday afternoon that the government could disobey court orders so long as it was conducting activities outside of the United States, if the order was issued verbally, or if it deemed information that its required to provide subject to national security concerns.

Chief D.C. District Judge James Boasberg became increasingly incredulous throughout the hearing. At one point, he asked the DOJ attorney, Abhishek Kambli, how and why the Trump administration continued to fly people that it claimed were subject to an Alien Enemies Act proclamation to El Salvador, even after he had issued verbal and written court orders demanding that the planes return to the United States.

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Isnt it better to return the plane to the United States, Boasberg asked, instead of saying, we dont care, well do what we want?'

The hearing capped a day in which the Trump administration took increasingly outlandish steps to try to avoid having to subject itself to even a minimum of Boasbergs authority. Before the Monday hearing, DOJ lawyers filed an emergency appeal of Boasbergs Saturday ruling, sought to have the hearing cancelled, and sent a letter to the appellate court asking for Boasberg to be removed from the case.

Trump is trying to dramatically aggrandize his personal power on a number of fronts, including by invoking the Alien Enemies Act. He claims that the 18th-century law gives him the power to designate any non-citizen and non-permanent resident part of an invading enemy force, allowing him to deport people without any due process or review. Trump claims that illegal immigration constitutes an invasion that qualifies under the act; hes the first President to invoke the law in peacetime. It comes amid a broad-based effort by Trump and his allies to flout constitutional checks and balances, ignoring co-equal branches of government and the law to conduct an authoritarian takeover of the government.

The collapse of opposition in Congress and the speed with which Trump has managed to eat through limits on the executives power has left judges as a final body of independence. Boasberg issued an order at a Saturday hearing that froze the implementation of the Alien Enemies Act proclamation and directed the government to return planes that, at the time, were departing or flying deportees to Central America.

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Instead, the flights continued to El Salvador, where, reports say, more than 100 people were transferred to a prison.

At the outset of Monday afternoons hearing, attorneys for the government told Boasberg flat out that they would not provide basic information about the deportations. That included how many planes left the U.S. on Saturday, how many people the government believed were subject to the Alien Enemies Act, where people were sent, and when all of this happened.

Boasberg asked if the government believed the information was classified, and therefore could not be shared in public, but the government attorney mostly resorted to unspecified national security concerns as a reason for not replying.

When Boasberg turned to the meat of the hearing  whether the administration had violated his order  the government lawyers kept stonewalling.

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At one point, they argued that they were not compelled to obey Boasbergs verbal order, issued before it appeared in written form on the docket on Saturday. Its a complete break from regular court procedure that all attorneys practice, and one that stunned the judge.

Thats a heck of a stretch, Boasberg remarked at one point.

At another, the Trump administration repeated an argument that it had made in its appeal: that it has unreviewable authority over foreign policy and national security issues, and that Boasbergs jurisdiction ended once the planes left U.S. airspace.

The point is that even if the enjoined acts were outside the territory or jurisdiction of the United States, you cant violate an injunction, Boasberg said. You might not like it.

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The judge ordered the DOJ to answer a series of questions by noon on Tuesday. The government suggested towards the end of the hearing that it may continue to refuse to do so.

Boasberg closed the hearing with a reference to the absurdity of the situation. He said that he would issue a written order, since apparently my oral orders dont carry much weight.
Donald Trumps administration has openly crossed a big red line  one weve been tracking for some time now, as Trump and his allies openly question the judiciarys authority to block Trumps various lawless executive actions. The Trump administration had already slipped out of compliance with some court orders blocking executive actions, but up until this weekend, much of that was chalked up to the chaos of the DOGE rampage through much of the federal government, and of the Trump administration more generally. It was unclear how much was pointed defiance, and how much incompetence.

Then Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act over the weekend and gleefully defied a federal court order blocking any deportations under the act  deporting a group of Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador and ignoring a judges command that any planes already in the air turn around. It was the crossing-the-rubicon moment wed been keeping an eye out for, as my colleague David Kurtz described it today.

A few of Trumps closest allies have been doing the work on Monday to not just publicly justify the Trump administrations blatant disregard for its coequal branches of government, but also to get revenge on the federal judge who blocked the deportations in the first place, and before whom the issue still sits.

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During an interview on Fox and Friends Monday morning, Trumps border czar Tom Homan continued pushing the White Houses claim that an airplane carrying the migrants was already in international waters when U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ordered the planes to either not leave the U.S. or return to it if they had already left  a claim that, during a hearing later on Monday, Boasberg said he found irrelevant. The Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act over the weekend in response to Boasbergs earlier order temporarily blocking five of the migrants, who were targeted as alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang.

Homan also adopted Trumps flippant tone, and one later employed by his DOJ, about the administrations outright defiance of the order.

Im proud to be a part of this administration. Were not stopping, he said on Fox News Monday. I dont care what the judges think. I dont care.

At least one Trump ally in Congress is taking things a step further. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) announced in a post on Twitter over the weekend that he would push to impeach Boasberg.

Ill be filing Articles of Impeachment against activist judge James Boasberg this week. pic.twitter.com/kh4vfooS2A  Congressman Brandon Gill (@RepBrandonGill) March 16, 2025

Gill isnt the first Republican in Congress to take a stab at performative fealty by going after judges who dare to do their constitutional duty of interpreting the laws in reality-based ways  in doing so, providing a check on the Trump administrations attempts to expand the power of the executive branch.

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Last month, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) filed articles of impeachment against District Judge Paul Engelmayer, the judge who limited DOGEs access to sensitive Treasury Department data.

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The Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C., pictured on Nov. 25, 2024. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)

A planned reduction of the duties of the U.S. Department of Education by President Donald Trump has rattled teachers and administrators throughout the nation. But educators and state officials have differing views on how much the cuts could affect New Hampshire.

On March 11, the department laid off nearly 50 percent of its staff, following months of proposals by Trump to dismantle the federal department and allow states to distribute the money. Those staff members will be placed on leave March 21.

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Some in New Hampshire, including state Department of Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut, say they are open to a downsizing of the federal department  if it leads to block grant funding for states.

As a department, weve been making plans for probably two months now, anticipating that its likely that federal funds would be block-granted down into the state, Edelblut said in an interview March 12. Weve got a lot of mechanisms in place already to be able to receive these funds and to distribute them through to the schools, because were primarily a pass-through entity.

Others are skeptical school districts will receive the same amount of funds if the federal grant programs are eliminated  especially if state lawmakers make changes.

Education cuts are going to lead to larger class sizes, less support for students and educators, potentially not having special ed funding, things like that, said Megan Tuttle, president of the National Education Association of New Hampshire. It really could end up getting to the point of rural schools closing.

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Tuttle said the firing of employees would make the existing grant programs work less efficiently, even if the block grant system is never implemented. And she raised concerns about the staff cuts to the Office for Civil Rights, which she said could affect students of color and students with disabilities, and to departments overseeing data collection and student assessments.

New Hampshire  like all states  receives a number of regular federal education grants. In the year ending July 2024, it received $51.2 million from Title I, which is designed to support schools with low-income students to bridge achievement gaps, according to analysis by the Education Law Center, a nonprofit group, which used U.S. Department of Education data.

In the same time period, the state received $61.7 million in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds, which go toward special education services, as well as $26.9 million across a range of other grants. Those include the Supporting Effective Instruction program, which supports professional development programs to help teachers improve student outcomes; the Student Support and Academic Enrichment program; 21st Century Community Learning Centers; and a number of smaller grant programs designed to target rural school districts, according to the Education Law Center.

In general, the federal government supplies about 10 percent of education funding across the country; the other 90 percent is supplied by state and local governments  in New Hampshire primarily through property taxes.

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Trump and his supporters have floated a block grant program to send much of those funds to states  which could then spend it as it sees fit. It is unclear how that might be achieved; many of the grant programs, such as Title I and IDEA, are established in statute and would require congressional action to fully dismantle.

But New Hampshire leaders are beginning to explore the possibility of block grants.

Earlier this month, Edelblut  who is departing the office at the end of the school year  met with state Senate Republican leadership to discuss how the state would respond to a shift to block grants, according to senators. The commissioners message: The state could take the reins from the federal government and keep the funds flowing to school districts as before.

Title I has a really good purpose, right? And it does (serve) a really good need, right? said Sen. Tim Lang, who was present at that meeting, in an interview. To help with kindergarten, to be able to get those teachers to be able to get reading classes and those kind of things for students that are underperforming. So we want to keep those things in place. We dont want to see them removed.

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Edelblut and Lang say New Hampshire already has mechanisms for distributing aid to schools. But that does not necessarily mean lawmakers will choose to continue those programs. A block grant program would give the Legislature discretion to reappropriate the money toward any number of priorities, including school choice programs that could see fewer dollars going to public schools.

I would assume that funding like this that comes into the state, the Legislature would want to weigh in on how thats used, Edelblut said. Theyre not going to leave it up to the agency. But my proposal to them is that we dont create new mechanisms  that we use the tools that we already have in place in order to make this work.

Lang said he does not see the need for New Hampshire to overhaul how it spends the federal education dollars. His preferred way for the state to spend the federal funds would be to carry on the Title I program at about the same funding levels, he said. But he added that there could be room for some adjustments.

To do that, Lang said, the state could use the existing adequacy formula. We could still  using the formula and the metrics we have that we put in place last budget cycle  use those metrics to be able to disburse the money out, even if it came in through a block grant, he said.

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For schools with higher populations of low-income students, who currently benefit from the Title I program, wed be able to target that money using those formulas we put in place to be able to get the money back where it belongs, Lang added.

Lang said lawmakers and the Department of Education could sift through the current spending and make changes if there are any programs that dont fit into New Hampshires needs. They could also choose to prioritize programs such as reading programs, he said.

I think that  we may nibble around the edges of it and change some things, if it gives us the opportunity to be more flexible, he said.

But he added that many of the federal grants received by the state will extend into Fiscal Year 2027, which means state lawmakers would not need to make decisions quickly. Should the process happen quickly, he said the Legislature could meet on an emergency basis.

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Tuttle says she is not as confident the state can take the place of the federal government should a block grant system be implemented.

And Tuttle argued that if the Legislature had power over how the grants are spent, funding could change.

Just saying, Well, were putting the money back in the state  I think our state has shown theyre not really interested right now in funding public education adequately, she said. Theyre also not really interested in funding special education.
The first serious rebuke of Donald Trumps return to the White House has come from a close ally of the MAGA POTUS.

Keeping it short and sweet Tuesday, Chief Justice John Roberts told Trump and his minions to hold their horses when it comes to attacking judges and calling for impeachment over decisions they dont like.

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For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision, the SCOTUS boss said in a statement released today after Trump and other Republicans threatened U.S. District Judge James Boasberg over his order this weekend temporarily blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.

The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose, Chief Justice Roberts added without ever naming Trump but leaving no one confused as to whom he was addressing.

Roberts circumspect remarks come after Trump typically blew his stack against Judge Boasberg earlier on Tuesday on social media. This Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, was not elected President, Trump digitally bellowed, before going into a factually challenged rehashing of his 2024 election. This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!

This Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator who was sadly appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, was not elected President  He didnt WIN the popular VOTE (by a lot!), he didnt WIN ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, he didnt WIN 2,750 to 525 Counties, HE DIDNT WIN  Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) March 18, 2025

Rants about impeaching judges have become common among the GOP as Trump 2.0 and their Project 2025 agenda blasts through domestic and international norms the turbulent past months.

 I just introduced Articles of Impeachment against radical activist Judge James Boasberg.



He is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed from office. pic.twitter.com/MO6UjQ6wBb  Congressman Brandon Gill (@RepBrandonGill) March 18, 2025

Though very chummy with Trump at the presidents March 4 partisan and chaotic speech to Congress and a big supporter of increasing Executive power, Roberts has chided POTUS before. Back in 2018, as Trump went after a Barack Obama judge who thwarted his will, the Chief Justice stated: We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them.

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Trump ranted against Boasberg this morning after a suddenly called combative Monday evening hearing in the judges DC courtroom. The chief judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia wanted DOJ lawyers to clarify if flights to El Salvador carrying over 200 deported alleged Venezuelan gang members took off after he ruled the planes had to be turned around. The Justice Department answers were muddled, with nuances over if the flights were over international waters and if they were in the air before the judge issued his verbal order and after he issued a written order.

The written order did not include language about the flights and their passengers returning to the USA. Leaning on that, the DOJ claimed it never violated Judge Boasbergs order, which clearly infuriated the judicial official.

Annoyed at the DOJ stonewalling on Monday, Judge Boasberg demanded the department provide him with more information by this afternoon on when planes took off and why his order was not heeded.

In a filing today, the DOJ flipped him the bird.

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The Government maintains that there is no justification to order the provision of additional information, and that doing so would be inappropriate, the Justice Department exclaimed in a three-page submission

Moreover, given that the Governments motion for a stay remains pending before the D.C. Circuit, the Government should not be required to disclose sensitive information bearing on national security and foreign relations until that motion is resolved, especially given that this information is neither material nor time sensitive, the DOJ added. If, however, the Court nevertheless orders the Government to provide additional details, the Court should do so through an in camera and ex parte declaration, in order to protect sensitive information bearing on foreign relations.

Now Judge Boasberg has said that he wants more information under seal.

Chief Justice Roberts had no public statement on that.

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President Donald Trump said Monday that he is terminating Secret Service protection for his predecessor's two adult children: Hunter and Ashley Biden.

Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection," Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added that Ashley Biden also "will be taken off the list.

Follow live politics coverage here

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A Secret Service official said the agency was aware of Trump's decision.

The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible, the official said.

A spokesperson for Joe Biden and an attorney for Hunter Biden did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday night.

President Joe Biden, holding hands with grandson Beau Biden, walks with son Hunter Biden and daughter Ashley Biden as they walk to board Air Force One in New York on March 29, 2024.

Trump told reporters hours earlier that "that will be something Ill look at this afternoon" when he was asked whether he planned to remove Hunter Biden's security detail after Biden's recent trip to South Africa.

Under federal law, former presidents and their spouses are provided security protection throughout their lives, unless they decline it. The Secret Service is also authorized to protect former presidents' children until age 16 after they leave office.

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Hunter Biden is 55 and Ashley Biden is 43.

It is common for family members of former presidents to have Secret Service protection for a certain period. Former presidents' children often receive protection from the Secret Service for up to six months after their administrations end, but that is up to the discretion of the sitting president.

Joe Biden extended security protections for his adult children until July before he left office in January. After Trump's first term ended, Biden extended protections to Trump's adult children for six months.

Trump has terminated security protections for others since he took office for his second term.

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In January, Trump removed Secret Service protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, who oversaw the federal government's response to the Covid pandemic. He also yanked the security detail for John Bolton, a White House national security adviser during Trump's first term who wrote a book that criticized Trumps leadership.

When you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off, Trump said at the time. And, you know, you cant have them forever.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown speaks at a press conference on Feb. 7, 2025 where he announced a lawsuit against President Trump's executive order that seeks to curtail federal support for health care services provided to transgender youth. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)

A judge has denied the Washington attorney generals attempt to hold the Trump administration in contempt over allegations it flouted a court order in a case involving hospital grant funding for gender-affirming care.

The attorney generals office argued President Donald Trump overstepped in canceling a grant to Seattle Childrens Hospital despite a court order blocking Trumps attempt to halt federal funding for institutions that provide gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

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At the time of the cancellation, U.S. District Court Judge Lauren Kings temporary restraining order in the case was active. Later the same day, King indefinitely blocked Trumps executive order with a preliminary injunction.

The state had asked King to hold the administration in contempt and award attorneys fees. She declined to do so on Monday.

The court rulings came in response to a lawsuit Washington filed, along with Oregon, Minnesota and Colorado. Kings injunction covers the four states.

In court filings, the Justice Department argued the National Institutes of Health did not violate the judges orders because the research funded by the grant doesnt provide gender-affirming care itself, like puberty blockers, hormone therapy or surgery. The federal governments attorneys said NIH acted within its authority in revoking the funding.

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Defendants now claim they can enforce those Orders, as long as they dont explicitly identify them by name and pretend their actions  which just happen to be what the Orders would require  are not based on them, William McGinty, of the state attorney generals office, countered in court papers.

NIH canceled the research grant in question because it no longer effectuates agency priorities, according to a letter to researchers. The agency said it was stripping Seattle Childrens of more than $200,000, potentially forcing the hospital to pay back grant money already spent.

On March 4, NIH told the hospital it was providing $40,000 to support patient safety and help close out the project, raising concerns the cancellation was tied to Trumps executive order.

Still, King ruled it was unclear whether the executive order directly led NIH to nix the funding. She noted the feds didnt revoke other Seattle Childrens grants.

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The judge found the grant cancellation didnt rise to the level of contempt, while castigating the Department of Justices unreasonable and self-serving interpretation of the Courts orders.

A mere possibility that an action violates a court order is not enough to establish contempt, King wrote in her order Monday afternoon. Plaintiffs must instead provide clear and convincing evidence. Here, they have not done so.

Instead of contempt, King ordered the Trump administration to expedite the sharing of documents through the legal process known as discovery.

The attorney general claimed this was one of many grants similarly defunded.
The White House co-signed on Israels surprise attack on Gaza late Monday. The wave of airstrikes killed more than 400 Palestinians and upended a Donald Trumpbacked ceasefire agreement put in place to advance hostage negotiations.

The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News late Monday.

She then delivered a chilling warning for the countries and organizations that the Trump administration believes are in opposition to the United States.

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And as President Trump has made it clear, Hamas, the Houthis, Iranall those who seek to terrorize not just Israel but also the United States of Americawill see a price to pay; all hell will break loose, Leavitt said, celebrating Americas own airstrike campaign in Yemen over the weekend.

Israeli officials had threatened an attack for weeks as it failed to move forward on a potential peace deal with Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to enter phase two of the ceasefire agreement after phase one of the deal lapsed March 1. Phase two would have started agreements to end the war and withdraw the remaining Israeli troops from Gaza before Israeli hostages were handed over. Instead of following through on their own drafted ceasefire terms, Netanyahu proposed a new arrangement: Hand over half the hostages and then discuss the end of the war.

Hamas rejected these terms, and in turn, Israel restricted humanitarian aid and cut electricity into the region in a pressure campaign to get the militant group to bend.

Both Israel and Hamas disagreed over key aspects of an alternative proposal offered by U.S. officials, which would have extended phase one into April. On Saturday, the U.S. accused Hamas of making entirely impractical demands of Israel in the ongoing ceasefire discussions. By Sunday, Netanyahu announced that he would be firing his domestic security chief, who had led ceasefire negotiations for most of the war.

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The airstrikes are the heaviest attack by Israel since the ceasefire took effect in January. They hit in conjunction with an evacuation order, issued by Israel, for parts of northern and central Gaza near the perimeter of the two countries. The Guardian reported that the order suggested that a ground invasion involving troops could be imminent.

Israeli officials have claimed that attacking Hamas leadership would advance the release of hostages, even as the hostages families disagree. But on a practical level, the attack follows a period of rest and restocking for Israel.

Ammunition stocks have been replenishedpartly due to U.S. deliveriesand new potential targets among Hamas leaders identified. Planes and other equipment have been repaired. Troops have been rested, reported The Guardian.

And its not clear that handing over the hostages would end the violence against Gaza, either. Netanyahus far-right coalition has said it intends to continue the war as long as Hamas remains in the war-battered region, reported NPR.
New details about Lee Harvey Oswalds connections to the Soviet Union were revealed in a tranche of declassified documents released by the Trump administration concerning the 1963 assassination of former President John F. Kennedy.

About 2,200 files  consisting of approximately 63,000 pages  were posted in two batches by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration on Tuesday evening. It came after President Donald Trump teased the release on Monday while visiting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and asserted that the government would not redact anything  stating about 80,000 pages would be made public.

A 1991 CIA memo revealed that Oswald, JFKs assassin, was watched closely and constantly by the KGB after defecting to the Soviet Union in 1959. Despite determining Oswald was not a member of the now-defunct Soviet secret police, one agent noted that he was a poor shot.

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Eager historians and researchers trawled through the trove of files  many of which blurry and poorly organized  seeking any sign of new or shocking. However, many of the records had already in the public domain.

Key Points

Trump releases 63,000 pages of JFK assassination files

Lee Harvey Oswald was a 'poor shot,' KGB agent says

Files shine a light on John F. Kennedy assassin's connection to Soviet Union

Trump praised for ushering in 'new era of maximum transparency'

Timeline: All the JFK documents released since 1992

JFK files kept secret to protect details about CIA intelligence-gathering, expert says

17:17 , James Liddell

Tim Naftali, a Nixon historian and research scholar at Columbia University, told The New York Times that it wasnt damaging information in the JFK assassination files that meant they had been kept secret for decades.

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It was, according to Naftali, to protect classified details about CIA intelligence-gathering  including their methods and sources.

Naftali said he found details in the newly released documents that had previously been omitted.

It includes details about the U.S. intercepting communications in Egypt, an ally.

Internet sleuths blast JFK files as some label it a distraction

16:50 , Rhian Lubin

As the Trump administration pushes out controversial policy changes, thousands of declassified files concerning the 1963 assassination of former President John F. Kennedy have been released.

While historians, journalists and amateur sleuths pour over the files looking for a scrap of anything new, many have speculated that their release is a distraction tactic by the administration.

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The 2,200 files containing approximately 63,000 pages were posted by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Tuesday evening after President Donald Trump ordered their release.

Trump boasted of the reams of paper that would be there for all to read; the internet largely reacted with anger.

Read more:

People think Trumps release of the JFK files is a distraction

JFKs grandson takes aim at Trump and RFK Jr

16:25 , James Liddell

Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy, said that second-cousin Robert F Kennedy Jr and Donald Trump only care about the assassinated former presidents carcass.

Schlossberg, 32, took to X on Wednesday to draw a stark comparison between his grandfather and the incumbent president.

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President Trump is obsessed with my grandfather  but not in his life or what he achieved in it. No, just like @robertfkennedyjr @realdonaldtrump is only interested in JFKs carcass, he wrote at the beginning of his thread.

He later wrote: JFK fought fascism and Communism. Trump is selling us out to tech warlords, at home and abroad. JFK stood behind unions and labor, demanding healthcare, higher pay. Trump is stripping working families from lifesaving care, financial support.

President Trump is obsessed with my grandfather  but not in his life or what he achieved in it. No, just like @robertfkennedyjr @realdonaldtrump is only interested in JFKs carcass.



1. Thread or whatever  Jack Schlossberg (@JBKSchlossberg) March 19, 2025

Blurry, unorganized documents pose problems

15:54 , James Liddell

Many of the documents released on Tuesday were hand-written, or blurred scans making them difficult to read.

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Some were typed more than half a century ago and others had portions of scratched-out information.

The documents were largely not categorized in an organized way  potentially extending the time to analyze the files by days.

Handwritten note from 1978 among the JFK files released Tuesday (National Archives)

In full: Trump releases massive number of new documents on JFK assassination

14:55 , Graig Graziosi

President Donald Trumps administration has released what are believed to be all the U.S. government's remaining classified files on the assassination of President John F Kennedy in 1963.

For the first time, thousands of previously unseen pages of government documents are now available regarding the former president's violent, untimely death in Dallas' Dealey Plaza. The document dump also includes details relating to the assassinations of Senator Robert F Kennedy and civil rights leader Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

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Trump releases massive number of new documents on JFK assassination

'Two-thirds of promised JFK files not released,' expert says

14:25 , James Liddell

Two-thirds of the promised filed concerning the John F. Kennedys assassination have not been released, an expert on the incident claims.

On Monday, President Donald Trump promised the government would not redact anything. The National Archives wrote on its website that all records previously withheld for classification would be released.

Jefferson Morley, vice president of the Mary Ferrell Foundation, a nonprofit that operates a database of government records on the event, contested on Tuesday evening that only two thirds of the promised documents had been made public.

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The ex-Washington Post reporter added that the release also didnt include any of the recently discovered FBI files  after the bureau said it had discovered 2,400 new records related to the assassination last month  nor any of the 500-plus Internal Revenue Service records.

Nonetheless, this is most positive news on the declassification of JFK files since the 1990s, he added in his statement.

JFK files reveal U.S.s activity in Cuba to thwart Fidel Castro

15:24 , James Liddell

An unredacted CIA memo from June 1961, which was sent to JFK by aide Arthur Schlesinger Jr, contained harsh criticism of the agency months after its backing of Cuban exiles in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castros government.

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Another document dated January 1962 reveals details of Operation Mongoose, a top-secret CIA-led campaign authorized by JFK following the Bay of Pigs to again destabilize and thwart Castros Communist government.

Man claimed he told authorities about Oswald's murder plot months before JFK assassination

13:56 , James Liddell

In a letter penned to the British Embassy in 1978, Sergyj Czornonoh said that he warned authorities of Lee Harvey Oswald's plan to assassinate John F. Kennedy months before the president was killed.

Czornonoh, who claimed he was detained in London on July 18, 1963, said he told authorities  and warned U.S. Vice Consul Tom Blackshear  of Oswalds assassination plot.

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The man claimed he was provided the details by Mr. Wasilev, who was working at the Soviet Embassy in Bulgaria.

Czornonoh allegedly warned State Department officials on August 19, 1963, that Oswald possessed a weapon.

'Federal secrets' task force head celebrates end to 'six decades of deception'

13:25 , James Liddell

Today, after six decades of deception and secrecy surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy, the Trump administration is lifting the veil and giving the American people the truth.



I applaud President Trump for following through on his promise of transparency to the  Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) March 19, 2025

CIA agent Gary Underhill blames small clique for JFKs assassination

13:00 , James Liddell

Despite being mentioned previously in books, one CIA memo from July 1967 released on Tuesday cited an article from the magazine Ramparts about John Garrett Underhill Jr  believed to be CIA operative, Gary Underhill.

It states the day after JFK was gunned down, Underhill quickly left Washington, DC before he arrived at a friends house in New Jersey.

He was very agitated. A small clique within the CIA was responsible for the assassination, he confided, and he was afraid for his life and probably would have to leave the country, the memo read.

Underhill told his friends that JFK got wind of the attempt on his life but was killed before he could blow the whistle on it.

On May 8, 1964, Underhill was found dead in his Washington apartment, which the coroner ruled as suicide.

According to the memo, Underhills friends said before his death that he was sober but badly shook by the presidents assassination.

CIA Memo from July 1967 concerning 'John Garrett Underhill Jr' (National Archives)

Oswald's phone calls and consulate visits just weeks before JFK assassination

12:39 , James Liddell

Another CIA memo describes Lee Harvey Oswald phoning the Soviet Embassy asking for a visa while in Mexico City in late September and early October 1963.

Oswald also visited the Cuban Consulate in Mexico City seeking a travel visa so he could wait there for a Soviet visa, per the memo.

More than a month before John F Kennedys assassination on October 3, 1963, Oswald drove back to the U.S. through a crossing point at the Texas border.

Inside Oswald's 'stormy relationship' with wife

12:10 , James Liddell

Per the 1991 CIA memo, released on Tuesday, Nikonov also commented that Lee Harvey Oswald had a stormy relationship with his Soviet wife, who rode him incessantly.

The President's Commission of the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy in September 1964 also commented on the couples tumultuous relationship.

However, it reported: The commission does not believe that the relations between Oswald and his wife caused him to assassinate the President.

According to an archived New York Times article from the time, it said the commission concluded that the instability was probably a function of the personalities of both people.

Was Oswald a KGB agent? The CIA doesnt think so

11:40 , James Liddell

A 1991 CIA memo cites a former KGB agent named Nikonov, who was tasked to determine whether Lee Harvey Oswald was a member of the Soviet Unions secret police.

After trawling through five thick files on the assassin, Nikonov cast doubt that Oswald was a KGB recruit.

Nikonov said he doubted that anyone could control Oswald but noted that the KGB watched him closely and constantly while he was in the USSR.

Oswald defected to the Soviet Union in 1959 and lived in Minsk before returning to the U.S. with a wife and baby in 1962.

Lee Harvey Oswald was a 'poor shot,' KGB agent says

11:16 , James Liddell

One of the files included a memo from the CIAs St Petersburg station dated November 20, 1991, which said the KGB, the former security agency for the Soviet Union, watched JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald closely.

The report cites a KGB official named Nikonov who had reviewed five thick files about Oswald to determine was part of the now-defunct Soviet secret police. Nikonov determined he was not.

He did, however, comment on Oswalds marksmanship and said he was a poor shot when he tried target firing in the USSR.

Director of National Intelligence praises Trump for ushering in 'new era of maximum transparency'

11:05 , James Liddell

President Trump is ushering in a new era of maximum transparency. Today, per his direction, previously redacted JFK Assassination Files are being released to the public with no redactions. Promises made, promises kept. https://t.co/UnG1vkgxjX pic.twitter.com/XBbkQfz4Bx  DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) March 18, 2025

How many files on the JFK assassination released?

10:55 , James Liddell

About 2,200 files  consisting of approximately 63,000 pages  were posted by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration on Tuesday evening.

It came after President Donald Trump teased the release on Monday while visiting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and asserted that the government would not redact anything.

Though Trump previously stated about 80,000 pages would be made public.

Historians and JFK researchers pore over new assassination documents

07:55 , Ariana Baio

Researchers, both professional and amateur, will need time to pore over the recently released JFK assassination documents, but as it stands, its doubtful that anything truly revelatory will be found in Tuesdays trove.

News outlets spoke to numerous authors and historians who all agreed theyd encountered little new information and noted that many of the documents had been released during previous disclosures.

On social media things werent much different; every time someone thought theyd found something interesting, someone else pointed out the information had been released years  sometimes decades  prior.

Its not a surprising development; in 2023, the National Archives estimated that 99 percent of the governments documents related to JFKs assassination had been made public at that time.

Political scientist and Kennedy expert says no smoking gun likely to be found in Trump document dump

03:14 , Graig Graziosi

Larry Sabato, a political scientist at the University of Virginia and the author of The Kennedy Half-Century: The Presidency, Assassination, and Lasting Legacy of John F. Kennedy, told CNN that he believed people looking for a smoking gun that solves the Kennedy assassination in Donald Trumps document release are going to be let down.

Im just telling you that we will learn things, Sabato told the broadcaster. But it may not be about the Kennedy assassination and people who are expecting, you know, to crack the case after 61 years, are going to be bitterly disappointed.

Many of the documents released on Tuesday had already been made public. In 2023, the National Archives estimated that 99 percent of the governments documents related to JFKs assassination had been made public at that point.

Director of National Intelligence lauds Trump JFK document release

02:25 , Graig Graziosi

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard heaped praise onto her boss, Donald Trump, following Tuesdays JFK document dump.

She noted that Trump had kept his promise to release the documents  which he did  though its still unclear if there is anything significant in the documents that hadnt already been revealed in previous records releases.

See Gabbards statement below:

President Trump is ushering in a new era of maximum transparency. Today, per his direction, previously redacted JFK Assassination Files are being released to the public with no redactions. Promises made, promises kept. https://t.co/UnG1vkgxjX pic.twitter.com/XBbkQfz4Bx  DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) March 18, 2025

Unclear if Trump has changed his mind on JFK assassination explanation following document drop

01:47 , Graig Graziosi

Back in 2021, Donald Trump tossed around the idea of releasing the remaining JFK assassination files. During an interview with the New York Times at the time, Trump seemed fine accepting the general consensus that JFK was killed by Lee Harvey Oswald.

The reason I did that was because I thought it was appropriate, Trump told the paper at the time, referencing his desire to release the documents. When you have something thats so sacredly secret, it really makes it sound very bad. I think they maybe got it right, probably got it right. Let people examine it.

Trump has not given any indication that the contents of the records released on Tuesday have shifted his perspective.

Historian calls Trump's JFK document dump "impenetrable"

00:52 , Graig Graziosi

David J Garrow, a historian with an expertise in US intelligence agencies, told The New York Times that the trove of documents related to JFK that were released on Tuesday were profoundly more impenetrable than previous mass document releases.

This is, in part, because thousands of documents lack any kind of annotation; its unclear which agencies produced them and many lack identifying information like file numbers.

Trump releases huge number of unseen documents on JFK assassination

00:16 , Graeme Massie

Trump releases huge number of unseen documents on JFK assassination

How will I learn about newly released records?

Tuesday 18 March 2025 22:30 , Mike Bedigan

Despite the presidents promise earlier today, further information about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy have not yet been released.

However, newly released records will be accessible on the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection web page.

You can check back for updates here: https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk

In the JFK files, therell be no smoking gun  only bombshells

Tuesday 18 March 2025 22:01 , Mike Bedigan

As America braces itself for thousands of declassified CIA documents, former intelligence officer John Kiriakou explains why there isnt much light left to shed on the presidential assassination  but we should expect intriguing detail about the second gunman theory in the killing of his brother, Robert.

Read more here:

In the JFK files, therell be no smoking gun  only bombshells

Why arent all of the JFK assassination records online?

Tuesday 18 March 2025 21:30 , Mike Bedigan

If youre wondering why not all of the the JFK Assassination records are not yet available online  its a question of priority.

The records collection consists of millions of pages, photographs, electronic items, and artifacts, most of which are available for public access at the National Archives at College Park, in Maryland.

The National Archives is currently prioritizing the digitization of these records to make them more widely accessible online, according to the institution.

Since January 2024, over 700,000 pages have been digitized and made available through the National Archives Catalog.

Where can the public see the JFK files when they are released?

Tuesday 18 March 2025 21:00 , Ariana Baio

Once the files are declassified and the White House gives the National Archives the OK to release them, they can be viewed on this webpage.

Most of the files related to Kennedys assassination are already public. They are accessible on the National Archives website.

What have the released Kennedy files said so far?

Tuesday 18 March 2025 20:30 , Ariana Baio

Most of the governments records on the inquiry into Kennedys assassination have been released to the public and the information supports the conclusion that 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating Kennedy.

The documents released over the years have provided more details about Oswald and pointed to his possible motivations in carrying out the shooting. However, the information has never supported a conspiracy theory  though that has not stopped people from suggesting alternative scenarios.

Inside the committee that will look at the nations biggest secrets

Tuesday 18 March 2025 20:00 , Ariana Baio

A Republican-led task force in the House intends to investigate and release formerly classified information related to several major events that have spurred conspiracy theories that have lingered across the U.S. such as the assassination of former president John F. Kennedy Jr., the September 11 terrorist attacks and the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein.

Read more here

Some records may be embarrassing for CIA, expert said

Tuesday 18 March 2025 19:30 , Ariana Baio

While the unreleased Kennedy assassination records may fuel conspiracy theories of a government coverup or something even more sinister, one expert believes that information in the withheld documents could be embarrassing to the CIA who dropped the ball on preventing the former president from being assassinated.

Steve Gillon, a senior faculty fellow at the University of Virginias Miller Center of Public Affairs, told UVA Today in 2023 that he believes the remaining classified documents will show that the CIA failed to prevent Lee Harvey Oswald from assassinating Kennedy.

I think that they had warnings that Oswald had threatened to assassinate the president; perhaps even possessed recordings of Oswald making these threats in front of KGB agents when he was in Mexico City, Gillon said at the time.

But that information was never effectively relayed back to the FBI, so theyre very casual in their efforts to contact Oswald when he returned to Dallas. I think there was a breakdown in the communication between the CIA and the FBI, and as a result Oswald slipped through the fingers of American intelligence.

Gillon hypothesized that some materials may remain classified because they contain information about the methods the U.S. used to obtain intelligence  which may be methods they still use today.

Voices: In the JFK files, therell be no smoking gun  only bombshells

Tuesday 18 March 2025 19:00 , John Kiriakou

As America braces itself for thousands of declassified CIA documents, former intelligence officer John Kiriakou explains why there isnt much light left to shed on the presidential assassination  but we should expect intriguing detail about the second gunman theory in the killing of his brother, Robert.

In the JFK files, therell be no smoking gun  only bombshells

Where do the 'JFK files' come from?

Tuesday 18 March 2025 18:30 , Ariana Baio

Congress passed a law requiring documents containing information about John F. Kennedys assassination in 1992  in part due to the rise of conspiracy theories that alleged government agents and officials were involved in the assassination.

Hoping to increase government transparency, Congress passed the Kennedy Assassination Act which required assassination records to be publicly disclosed in full no later than 25 years after it was enacted (October 26, 2017).

Those records included any government records related to the federal investigation into the 1963 assassination of Kennedy, including interview transcripts, allegations, articles, letters and more.

However, Congress included an exemption that allowed the sitting president at the time, Donald Trump, to postpone the release of others if it contained information that was harmful to national security.

Though tens of thousands of documents were released under Trumps first administration, as well as Bidens administration, a small portion of records have been withheld seemingly for national security reasons.

However, Trump said on Monday he directed his administration to release all the records without redactions.

ICYMI: FBI admits it found 2,400 new pages of documents to release about JFK assassination

Tuesday 18 March 2025 18:00 , Rhian Lubin

The FBI said it found 2,400 new pages of documents about the assassination of John F. Kennedy following President Donald Trumps decision to release the highly classified files.

In a statement in February, the FBI said due to technologic advances in the bureaus record-keeping processes, a new search carried out in January this year following Trumps executive order unearthed new records relating to Kennedys assassination.

The FBI conducted a new records search pursuant to President Trump's Executive Order issued on January 23, 2025, regarding the declassification of the assassination files of JFK, RFK, and MLK, the bureau said. The search resulted in approximately 2400 newly inventoried and digitized records that were previously unrecognized as related to the JFK assassination case file.

The bureau did not specify what the records contain but said it was working to transfer the documents to the National Archives and Records Administration to be included in the declassification process.

Watch: President Trump announces he will release 80,000 undetected files from the Kennedy assassination

Tuesday 18 March 2025 17:30 , Ariana Baio

Meet Anna Paulina Luna, the GOP lawmaker tasked with revisiting JFK files and Epsteins list

Tuesday 18 March 2025 17:00 , Alex Woodward

Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus who was elected to the House in 2022, has repeatedly pushed for transparency in the federal government  specifically, to dive into conspiracy theories surrounding unidentified flying objects, the origins of COVID-19, and the September 11 attacks, all of which will be at the center of her task force.

The federal government has been hiding information from Americans for decades, she said in a statement on February 11.

Alex Woodward reports:

Meet Anna Paulina Luna, the GOP lawmaker revisiting JFK files and Epsteins list

White House deputy press secretary says Americans will be shocked at JFK files

Tuesday 18 March 2025 16:30 , Ariana Baio

White House Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields told NewsNation on Tuesday that Americans are truly going to be shocked and what they see from the JFK assassination files release.

Fields declined to tease what information could be unveiled in the document release but said There will be a story to tell once the remaining documents become public.

Historians have disputed predictions that the thousands of remaining documents will unveil bombshell information regarding the assassination of the former president.

White House Deputy Press Secretary hints at JFK Files bombshell in todays release



The American people are truly going to be shocked at what they see. pic.twitter.com/xaWWlChCiy  UAP James (@UAPJames) March 18, 2025

It was Russia, CIA, the FBI: 10 JFK assassination conspiracies that refuse to die

Tuesday 18 March 2025 16:00 , Dominic Sandbrook

As Donald Trump signs an executive order to declassify and release all remaining records relating to the assassination of President John F Kennedy, The Rest is History podcaster and historian, Dominic Sandbrook, examines the conspiracies that still persist today  and why.

It was Russia, CIA, the FBI: 10 JFK assassination conspiracies that refuse to die

Files will become public on webpage when released

Tuesday 18 March 2025 15:45 , Ariana Baio

The remaining documents related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy can be seen on a National Archives webpage once the White House releases them.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna, who is leading the congressional task force to oversee the declassification of documents, said she received confirmation from the National Archives about where to view the documents.

I have received official confirmation from @USNatArchives



When the White House releases the JFK files they will be publicly available at the link below https://t.co/lC1mfXmrtn   Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) March 18, 2025

The White House has not provided an exact time they anticipate the documents to be released but Justice Department lawyers were given until noon on Tuesday to review materials, according to reports.

JFK, RFK and MLK: The conspiracies behind each assassination that continue to enthrall amateur sleuths

Tuesday 18 March 2025 15:30 , Rhian Lubin

Conspiracy theories about the assassination of President John F Kennedy on that fateful day on November 22, 1963, have swirled for decades. But experts agree that the imminent release of the long-awaited JFK files, along with unreleased documents about the killings of Robert F Kennedy and civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, is unlikely to quell the paranoia surrounding any of their murders.

Read more here.

New documents unlikely to change narrative around JFK assassination

Tuesday 18 March 2025 15:15 , Ariana Baio

For decades, conspiracy theories have swirled surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy  but historians have largely agreed that the release of the remaining documents is unlikely to upend the narrative that Lee Harvey Oswald fired fatal shots at Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

Most of the records related to the assassination have been released, according to the National Archives. Only a few thousand remain.

Kevin Boyle, a professor at Northwestern University told NPR in January that the remainder were not going to reveal something new about Kennedys assassination.

Fredrik Logevall, a JFK biographer, similarly said the documents were not going to dramatically overturn historys understanding of the assassination but that there could be useful information in the materials.

Timeline in document releases so far

Tuesday 18 March 2025 15:00 , Ariana Baio

1992: The federal government mandates all assassination-related documents be housed in the NARA and most be released by 2017, barring any exemptions by the president.

July 2017: NARA releases 3,810 documents and 17 audio files related to the Kennedy assassination.

October 2017: NARA releases 2,891 records related to the Kennedy assassination. Trump ordered the release of additional records by April 18, 2018 but withholds some due to national security concerns.

November 2017: NARA releases 11,420 records related to the Kennedy assassination. Of those, around 2,400 contain redactions

December 2017: NARA releases 3,539 documents related to the Kennedy assassination

April 2018: NARA releases 19,045 records related to the Kennedy assassination

October 2021: Former president Joe Biden orders for records containing national security information to be withheld while allowing other documents to be released

December 2021: NARA releases 18,870 records per Bidens order

December 2022: NARA releases 13,173 records related to the Kennedy assassination

August 2023: NARA releases 2,693 records between April and August 2023

January 2025: Trump signs executive order directing the government to declassify documents related to the Kennedy assassination.

DoJ lawyers were ordered to review records urgently on Monday evening: report

Tuesday 18 March 2025 14:55 , Ariana Baio

The Justice Department ordered some of its lawyers to urgently review records from the assassination of former president John F. Kennedy that the president ordered to be released on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

In an email sent to attorneys working in the Operations Section of the Office of Intelligence, by Christopher Robinson, a National Security Division official, on Monday evening, lawyers were told to review between 400 and 500 documents each.

Lawyers were given until noon on Tuesday to complete the review which includes records related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy as well as his brother Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

What to know about the JFK files before they are released

Tuesday 18 March 2025 14:45 , Katie Hawkinson

President Donald Trump has ordered the declassification of all files related to the 1963 assassination of then-president John F. Kennedy - and FBI officials say they have found thousands more pages of docs ready for the public.

But should the world expect much from them?

The answer is murky, at best.

Everything we know about the JFK files set to be declassified under Trump

Welcome to The Independents live blog coverage of the John F. Kennedy assassination files release.

Tuesday 18 March 2025 14:28 , Ariana Baio

The president said he would release approximately 80,000 documents related to the assassination today. He did not clarify what new information may be included in that.
On 17 March Mexicos Presidentannounced six measures to combat the crime of enforced disappearance.

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For many English learners, speaking is the most difficult part of the language to master. To improve your speaking skills, you need to be able to practice with other English learners or English speakers.

One way to do this is by joining  or starting  an English club. In todays Education Tips, we discuss how English clubs can be helpful to your language-learning process.

This is part one of a two-part series on English clubs. In this episode, we offer advice for how to start and organize an English club. In next weeks episode, we will suggest some fun and educational activities for your club.

English clubs for language learning

There are many reasons why English clubs can help learners of all ages and levels improve their English. The most important reason is that they offer learners a chance to practice English by actually speaking it.

There are other advantages, too. English clubs are less formal than a classroom setting. Many learners find them more fun than usual English classes. They also let learners practice English in more real-life situations. This can increase a learners desire to practice and learn on their own.

Bonnie Norton and Ernst Von Glasersfeld are learning theory experts. They say that using a language in authentic situations is very important for learners. So is being motivated to practice and improve, they say.

Now that you understand some of the benefits of an English club, lets discus how you can create your own club.

Starting an English club

Step1: Finding club members:

The first step in starting an English club is to find club members. There are different ways to do this.

If you are a teacher creating the club for your students, then the easiest way is to put up signs in classrooms advertising the clubs first meeting. You can also pass around a sign-up sheet in classes.

If you are trying to start a club at your place of work, you can advertise your club by sending an email around to coworkers. You can also put up signs about the club around the workplace.

If your club is open for anyone to join, you can use the internet to find members. Websites such as Meetup or Facebook are great places to announce club meetings and communicate with members.

Step 2  Find a meeting location:

Next, you must find a place for your club to meet. This step is very important. The location of your club will affect how many people come to your meetings. It is important to consider several things when choosing a location.

First, how easy is it for members to find and get to the location? It is a good idea to find a central location that is easy to get to. Otherwise, members may slowly stop coming. Second, it is important to find a location that is safe. You want your members to feel comfortable as they are arriving and leaving.

If you are a teacher, the easiest location is probably in a classroom or another room in the school building. English clubs often meet after school or work hours. This can make it easier to find an available room.

If you are creating an English club outside of a class or work setting, consider holding meetings at a cafe, restaurant or bar. These places often have enough space for large groups. Club members coming straight from school or work will also have a chance to eat or drink something.

Wherever you meet, make sure to speak with the owners of the business or building and get their permission.

 Step 3  Holding your first meeting

The third step is to hold your first meeting. The first meeting is important for every English club. It is a good idea to use the first meeting as a chance to talk with members about logistics. This includes how often and where the club will meet, whether or not there will be membership fees, and how the club leadership will work.

Club leadership

Club leadership is one of the most important parts of starting an English club. If you have a good system of leadership, your club has a better chance at lasting.

If your club is small enough, or more informal, sometimes all you need is one person to lead the club. The main responsibility of the one leader is to organize and lead the meetings. The leader also must communicate information to club members.

However, if your club is large, it is a good idea to have a group of people that can help run the club.

This kind of leadership is useful for many reasons. It divides the amount of work it takes to run a club among several people. It also helps club members practice speaking English with real-life tasks. And, if the members of your club are mostly students, it can help them develop teamwork and leadership skills.

It is also important to have rules for the leadership system. For example, how long will club leaders hold their positions? How will they transfer power to someone else if they must quit the club? You should consider holding elections to choose new leaders.





Whatever leadership system you choose, the goal of an English club remains the same: to keep your club members motivated to continue participating. So, club leaders should not try to do everything themselves.

In fact, it is a good idea to give tasks to many different club members. This makes the members feel important. They are more likely to remain committed to the club. And it can increase their desire to learn.

Final thoughts

English clubs can take many forms and serve many purposes. Following these steps will help any club have a successful start.

Join us next week as we talk about fun and creative activities to do with your newly formed English club.

I'm Jill Robbins.

And Im Phil Dierking.

Phil Dierking wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

Hello readers! For part two in this series on English clubs, we would love to hear about your experiences and ideas for club activities. We are looking for people who are either in an English club or have had experience with one, or have started an English club. If you fit this description and would like to answer a few questions about your experience for our article, please let us know in the comments section below, or on our Facebook page, and we will get in touch with you. Thanks!

____________________________________________________

Words in This Story

advantage - n. something (such as a good position or condition) that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed than others

authentic - adj. real or genuine

benefit - n. a good or helpful result or effect

club - adj. a group of people who meet to participate in an activity

committed - adj. willing to give your time, energy, etc., to something 

logistics - n. the things that must be done to plan and organize a complicated activity or event that involves many people

motivation - n. the act or process of giving someone a reason for doing something

task - n. a piece of work that has been given to someone 
After signing an executive order last January, President Donald Trump is expected to release 80,000 pages of unredacted files Tuesday about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The executive order will also publicize the federal government documents concerning the assassinations of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.

Here's what we know about the release of the JFK files.

Why is President Trump releasing the JFK documents?

The release of the JFK files was a campaign promise during Trump's presidential run last year.

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"People have been waiting for decades for this," Trump said, announcing the upcoming release of the Kennedy files during a Monday visit to the John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, which he's taken over as board chairman.

"We have a tremendous amount of paper. You've got a lot of reading. I don't believe we're going to redact anything," Trump said.

Where was John F. Kennedy assassinated?

John F. Kennedy was shot and killed on Nov. 22, 1963, while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. His assassination has long been the subject of conspiracies after Lee Harvey Oswald, the Marine veteran identified as Kennedy's assassin, was shot and killed days later.

While millions of government records related to the Kennedy assassination have been previously released, some information remains classified and redacted. Trump said he instructed his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, to oversee the release of the remaining files.

What is the Assassination Records Collection Act?

In 1992, Congress passed the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act, mandating that all materials related to the assassination be preserved in a unified collection within the National Archives and made accessible to the public. The law allowed federal agencies 25 years to review and release the documents, with certain exceptions. This collection at the National Archives comprises over 5 million pages of records.

Where can I read the JFK files?

According to the National Archives, the John F. Kennedy assignation documents will be available on their website on a rolling basis.

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 USA TODAY Network White House correspondent Joey Garrison contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Trump set to release 80,000 pages of unredacted JFK files Tuesday
President Trump announced he will release 80,000 pages of unredacted files Tuesday about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, after promising on the campaign trail to declassify the documents.

While were here, I thought it would be appropriate  we are, tomorrow, announcing and giving all of the Kennedy files. So, people have been waiting for decades for this, and Ive instructed my people  lots of different people, [Director of National Intelligence] Tulsi Gabbard, that they must be released tomorrow, the president told reporters while touring the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

You got a lot of reading. I dont believe were going to redact anything. I said, just dont redact, you cant redact, the president said, adding it will be about 80,000 pages that he described as interesting.

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He said he has heard about them when asked if he has seen whats in the files; he added, Im not doing summaries, youll write your own summary.

Trump in January signed an executive order directing the release of federal government documents related to the assassinations of Kennedy, former Attorney General Robert F .Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.

The order instructed the director of national intelligence and attorney general to present a plan within 15 days for the full and complete release of records relating to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Trump promised during his 2024 campaign to declassify the remaining government documents about the John F. Kennedy assassination, which has remained a point of public interest for decades after Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in 1963 by Lee Harvey Oswald. Conspiracies have persisted about CIA involvement or the existence of another shooter.

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I said during the campaign Id do it, and Im a man of my word, Trump said Monday.

Trump made the same pledge during his first term, but he ultimately kept some documents under wraps amid intelligence concerns.

The last large dump of documents was in 2022, when the National Archives released nearly 13,000 new files related to the assassination.

Congress passed legislation in 1992 requiring all remaining government records about the John F. Kennedy assassination to be released by October 2017, unless they posed certain risks to national defense or intelligence, and both Trump and former President Biden issued extensions to keep certain documents private.

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(Bloomberg) -- US President Donald Trump said he would look to counter Chinas economic advantage from coal-based electricity by authorizing his administration to ramp up production of power from the fossil fuel.

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I am authorizing my Administration to immediately begin producing Energy with BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN COAL, Trump wrote in a social media post.

Its not clear what Trump was referring to or how his social media decree would affect US policy. Trump already signed an executive order declaring a national energy emergency and directed the Environmental Protection Agency to boost fossil fuel production and distribution.

Coal accounts for about 15% of power generation in the US, down from more than 50% in 2000, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

The decline of coal-based power in the US has been stoked by competition from renewable alternatives and cheap natural gas, in addition to federal regulations that have raised its operational costs.

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Still, Trump could tap emergency powers to revitalize coal-fired electricity, repeating maneuvers from his first term, when officials drew up plans to order grid operators to buy electricity from struggling coal and nuclear plants in an effort to extend their life.

Last week, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told Bloomberg Television the administration was considering using emergency powers to bring back coal-fired plants that have closed and stop others from shutting. Separately, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said earlier this month the administration was working on a market-based plan to stem the closing of US coal-fired power plants.

An additional 120 coal-fired power plants are scheduled to shut down in the next five years in part because of environmental regulations that have made them uneconomic, according to the Americas Power trade group that represents utilities and miners such as Peabody Energy Corp. and Core Natural Resources Inc.

Earlier this month, the EPA said it planned to revisit regulations limiting mercury and greenhouse gas pollution, which could help lower operational costs for coal plants, prolonging their life. Supporters of those requirements have emphasized the need to curb pollution, including soot, a fine particle that can penetrate the bloodstream, raising risks of cardiovascular and respiratory problems. The metal mercury also is converted in soil and water into a neurotoxin that can lower IQ, damage the nervous system and lead to heart attacks.

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Trump officials and coal-power advocates have argued that keeping the plants online could help lower energy costs and supply energy to power-thirsty data centers and artificial intelligence.

China has relied on coal-fired power to surge manufacturing of an array of goods  including solar panels, critical minerals and semiconductors  and drive the countrys economic expansion, helping make it the worlds No. 1 emitter of the greenhouse gases fueling global warming.

Even as its annual gross domestic product, in current US dollars, jumped from about $361 billion in 1990 to around $14.7 trillion by 2020, Chinas coal consumption quadrupled and carbon dioxide emissions more than tripled.

Chinas use of cheap coal power to fuel manufacturing has spurred bipartisan concern in the US, where officials have fretted that Beijings growing dominance in producing clean-energy tech and other goods imperils jobs in the US. Even so, China has engaged in record-setting installation of solar and wind power, and the country has pledged to peak its overall emissions before the end of the decade.

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(Bloomberg Philanthropies work with the Sierra Clubs Beyond Coal campaign has helped retire over 70% of the nations coal plants since 2011.)

--With assistance from Dan Murtaugh.

(Updates with more details on US and China power mix, and administration discussions, from fourth paragraph)

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Wilbur and Orville Wright are the American inventors who made a small engine-powered flying machine. They proved that flight without the aid of gas-filled balloons was possible.

Wilbur Wright was born in 1867 near Melville, Indiana. His brother Orville was born four years later in Dayton, Ohio.

As they grew up, the Wright brothers experimented with mechanical things. Later, the Wright brothers began to design their own flying machine. They used ideas they had developed from earlier experiments with a toy helicopter, kites, the printing machine and bicycles.

Soon, they needed a place to test their ideas about flight. The best place with the best wind conditions seemed to be a piece of sandy land in North Carolina along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It was called Kill Devil Hill, near the town of Kitty Hawk.

The Wright brothers did many tests with gliders at Kitty Hawk. With these tests, they learned how to solve many problems.

By the autumn of 1903, Wilbur and Orville had designed and built an airplane powered by a gasoline engine. The plane had wings 12 meters across. It weighed about 340 kilograms, including the pilot.

On December 17th, 1903, they made the world's first flight in a machine that was heavier than air and powered by an engine. Orville flew the plane 36 meters. He was in the air for 12 seconds. The two brothers made three more flights that day.

Four other men watched the Wright brothers' first flights. One of the men took pictures. Few newspapers, however, noted the event.

It was almost five years before the Wright brothers became famous. In 1908, Wilbur went to France. He gave demonstration flights at heights of 90 meters. A French company agreed to begin making the Wright brothers' flying machine.

Orville made successful flights in the United States at the time Wilbur was in France. The United States War Department agreed to buy a Wright brothers' plane. Wilbur and Orville suddenly became world heroes. But the brothers were not seeking fame. They returned to Dayton where they continued to improve their airplanes. They taught many others how to fly.

Wilbur Wright died of typhoid fever in 1912. Orville Wright continued designing and inventing until he died many years later, in 1948.

Today, the Wright brothers' first airplane is in the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Visitors to the museum can look at the Wright brothers' small plane. Then they can walk to another area and see space vehicles and a rock collected from the moon. The world has changed a lot since Wilbur and Orville Wright began the modern age of flight over one hundred years ago.

Im John Russell.

Marilyn Rice Christiano wrote this story for VOA Learning English. John Russell adapted it.

Quiz - Wilbur and Orville Wright: The First Airplane Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

______________________________________________________

Words in This Story

glider n. a flying object similar to an airplane but without an engine
President Donald Trump hosted Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor at the White House for St. Patricks day, only weeks after the fighter was found liable for raping a woman.

McGregor, who was investigated for inciting violence and was accused of sexual assault by multiple women, was welcomed by Trump in the Oval Office.

Your work ethic is inspiring, the UFC fighter told Trump, who was showing off a map that displayed the newly renamed Gulf of America.

McGregor, who is mounting a long-shot bid for Irelands presidency on an anti-immigrant platform, railed against the countrys immigration policies from the White House briefing room Monday morning.

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The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country. There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, McGregor said, gripping the podium.

He is notorious for his hostile views on non-white foreigners and was accused of inciting violence during Dublins anti-immigrant riots in 2023. Like Trump, he has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women, and an Irish court ordered him to pay 248,000 euros (around $257,000) to an Irish woman who sued him for rape.

He is currently facing another civil lawsuit for sexual battery in Florida, where a woman has accused him of attempting to rape her in a bathroom.

Trump singled out McGregor as his favorite Irishman during Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martins White House visit last week, gushing about his signature chest tattoos.

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Hes got the best tattoos Ive ever seen, he marveled.

During his brief but telling appearance at the White House briefing room, McGregor echoed Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Muskwho has slashed federal programs like the U.S. Agency for International Developmentclaiming Irish money was being spent on overseas issues that have nothing to do with the Irish people.

Meanwhile, the White House shared an Instagram video of McGregor strutting through the property with his signature exaggerated walk.

In response to McGregors immigration remarks, Martin posted on X, St. Patricks Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship. Conor McGregors remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patricks Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.
Donald Trump has pledged to open hundreds more coal-fired power plants in an effort to compete with China.

The US president wants to halt the closures of coal plants  the dirtiest form of power generation  driven by environmental regulations, that have shut down hundreds of power stations and which threaten 120 more.

The demand for closures was led by environmental groups because coal is the most polluting of fossil fuels, generating twice as much CO2 per unit of energy when compared with gas, and pouring other toxins into the air such as soot and mercury.

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However in a post on Truth Social, Mr Trumps social media platform, he criticised environmentalists for such criticisms and pledged to reverse the shut downs.

After years of being held captive by Environmental Extremists, Lunatics, Radicals, and Thugs, allowing other Countries, in particular China, to gain tremendous Economic advantage over us by opening up hundreds of all Coal Fire Power Plants, I am authorising my Administration to immediately begin producing Energy with BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN COAL, he wrote.

His policy contrasts with the UK, which last year shut down its last coal fired power station, with Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, banning all new fossil fuel extraction and accelerating the shift to renewables.

China is the worlds greatest coal consumer - Qilai Shen/Bloomberg

Such policies are being increasingly challenged, with Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, warning that Mr Milibands net zero policy is impossible.

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America has about 560 coal mines that collectively produced 580m tonnes of coal in 2023 and employed 45,000 people.

More than 90pc of US-consumed coal is used to generate power so the looming power station closures would threaten tens of thousands of mining jobs  thought to be one of Mr Trumps key concerns.

Some of his strongest backing comes from coal-producing states such as Wyoming, which produces about 40pc of US coal output.

Doug Burgum, the US interior secretary, last week said the administration was considering using emergency powers to bring back coal-fired plants that have closed and stop others from shutting.

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Separately, Chris Wright, the US energy secretary, said earlier this month the administration was working on a market-based plan to stem the closing of US coal-fired power plants.

Last week Lee Zeldin, head of Americas Environmental Protection Agency, announced the biggest deregulatory action in US history to power the Great American Comeback. He said this would include: Reconsideration of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards that improperly targeted coal-fired power plants.

Americas Power, an industry trade group, has pushed for such moves. It says that coal-fired power is the foundation of the American electricity grid and provides consistent, dispatchable, secure power on a 24/7 basis. It is critical to maintaining affordable electricity prices, and a reliable and resilient electricity grid.

It also argues that maintaining coal-fired power will be essential for the US to generate the power needed for the burgeoning data centre industry.

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However, reversing the long-term decline in US coal consumption will be a struggle  in 2023 US coal use was down to 426m tonnes compared with 1bn tonnes in 2000.

It means US coal consumption is already far below that of China, which burns 5bn tonnes of coal a year  12 times as much as America.

This week Mr Miliband is in China, the worlds greatest coal consumer, asking its leaders to phase the fuel out.

Donald Trumps approach contrasts with the UK which last year shut down its last coal fired power station - Carlos Barria/Reuters

A spokesman from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: The UK will also share expertise on phasing out coal, having closed its last coal-fired power station last year.

However, Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, has already made clear he has no scruples over increased use of coal.

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Figures released last month show that, in a bid to meet soaring electricity demand, the Chinese premier is overseeing plans to burn more coal than ever before  increasing the countrys annual usage by an extra 75m tonnes.

Commodity reporting agency Argus reported that in 2024, Chinas coal consumption rose by about 6pc to a record 4.9bn tonnes, accounting for 56pc of the worlds global total. This meant China burnt more than 300m tonnes of extra coal in 2024.

Last month, the China Coal Transportation and Distribution Association predicted that coal demand would consistently rise by 1pc to 2pc a year for the foreseeable future.

The planned increase in coal production will mean China remains the worlds biggest source of greenhouse gases, emitting the equivalent of 15bn tonnes of CO2 a year  almost a quarter of the worlds total.

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Much of that increase is to fuel Chinas manufacturing industries, making products for export to Western countries such as the UK and US.

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Two new roundabouts are being installed in town, and work that began on the projects in March 2024 should be completed by the start of autumn.

One roundabout connects south of Grand Avenue by the detour at the end of the street before entering State Highway 82, and another is under construction at the new alignment of S.H. 82 where it crosses State Highway 51 Spur.

From there to S.H. 51  at the signal by the airport  that all stays as it is today, said Nick Clark, resident engineer with Oklahoma Department of Transportation over the roundabout projects and the realignment effort.

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The roundabout starts just south of where Grand Avenue originally tied into S.H. 82, Clark said.

Another simultaneous construction project on S.H. 51 is east of Hulbert, over to the stoplight by the airport, Clark said.

That will be the east end of the S.H. 51 project, Clark said. We put them under the same contract, but they dont actually touch each other.

These two roundabouts bring the number to three in the Tahlequah area. Residents have settled into traversing the controversial roundabout at U.S. 62 and S.H. 82. Robinson Construction is the sole contractor, with construction of just over 12 miles of roadway.

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Jim Reagan, manager of Northeast Oklahoma Public Facility Authority, said the utility work on gas lines in progress on U.S. 51 is also being done by Robinson, and he does not have completion date on that work.

Clark said work on the highways is about 50% complete and seven months away from having traffic on the new realignment.

We are at the point now where we need to finish upgrading a few areas and start running the asphalt, Clark said. And the realignment is starting essentially from the new grade, or dirt, and building up from there.

Construction picks up where East 82 Bypass goes from four lanes to two, and heads diagonally up to reconnect at S.H. 82-51, said Chris Wallace, division engineer with ODOT in March 2024.

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For the rest of this story, go to https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/news/two-roundabouts-under-construction-on-s-h-82-s-h-51-spur/article_b8da6034-03fb-11f0-89d1-8b875e29b6ed.html.

Well be moving a little less than a half mile to the west. It starts between Grand Avenue and Cedar Avenue  just south of Grand  and will continue on a four-lane divided highway, kind of at an angle to the northwest to where it meets Highway 51 Spur, Wallace said in March 2024.

Wallace said another project still underway is east of Tahlequah in Briggs, and it should be complete in May or June.

It was adding shoulders to existing highway, Wallace said.

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Construction on the retaining wall along the Illinois River by Hanging Rock has started, and the work road in the river is built, Wallace said.

It started off as a slow-moving project and weve had to make some changes on it, but we are out there working and we expect it to take possibly 10 months, Wallace said.

The work road built into the river can only be used when the river is at normal elevation, Wallace said.

Any time the river is up, it covers the work road and we arent able to work, and weve had some changes on the project as well, but we are making progress, Wallace said.
Editors note: Police have released an update and said only one car was involved in the crash, as opposed to two.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Police are investigating after a pickup crashed into a Louisburg, Kansas, hair salon, seriously injuring two people on Tuesday.

According to Louisburg police, officers and first responders were called to Safari Hair Styling, a salon located at West Amity Street and Rogers Street, where someone had driven a vehicle into the business and struck two people who had been inside.

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Driver taken to hospital after crashing into Overland Park apartment building

Police said the man driving the pickup was traveling west on Amity Street, left the roadway east of Rogers Road onto the curbside and went east before driving through the east wall of the building.

The driver continued through the building and struck the two people who were inside at a desk, before continuing through the western wall of the business, where they struck a parked car in the parking lot.

The two people, a man and a woman were both taken to Overland Park Regional Hospital for additional treatment, with one being in critical condition and needing immediate surgery, while the other was listed as being in serious condition, according to police.

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The driver of the pickup was treated on scene for minor injuries by EMS.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing at this time.

Following the crash, a viewer shared an image on social media, showing a car surrounded by rubble outside of the salon.

Miami County deputies and Louisburg police at the scene of a crash after two cars ran into a hair salon on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Additionally, the photo shows a large hole in the side of the structure where the car is believed to have driven through.

Law enforcement has not provided information about the condition of the two victims or the cause of the crash.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned at FOX4 News for the latest updates and information.

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Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from one front-line sector in Donetsk Oblast to preserve troops and improve defensive operations, Lieutenant General Serhii Naiev, the commander of a tactical group in the region, reported on March 18.

"This allowed us not only to save our soldiers but also to improve our defense. (Russia) is suffering losses, and we can act more effectively," Naiev wrote on Facebook. It remains unclear which section of the front line the commander was referring to.

Naiev, the former commander of Ukraine's Joint Forces, noted that his leadership of the tactical group in Donetsk Oblast has now entered its second month.

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The general emphasized that over the past month, coordinated efforts by scouts, drone operators, artillery, mortar units, tanks, and infantry have destroyed more than 30 Russian armored vehicles and taken out 2,000 Russian soldiers.

This has significantly reduced the number of Russian attacks in our direction, he said.

According to Interfax Ukraine's undisclosed source, Naiev has been appointed to command the Velyka Novosilka tactical group. The occupied village of Velyka Novosilka lies some 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of the administrative border between the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts.

The withdrawal was carried out in February and concerned Ukrainian units in the area of the villages Dachne, Zelenivka, and Andriivka north of Velyka Novosilka, Ukrainska Pravda's undisclosed sources claimed. Kyiv's forces stationed there pulled back to avoid encirclement in the so-called Kurakhove pocket, according to the outlet.

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The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. A Ukrainian military spokesperson has declined to comment.

The Ukrainian military reported that Russia has stepped up attacks in the southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast over the past few weeks but denied Russian claims of capturing the village of Stepove.

Throughout the fall of 2024, Russian forces made operational gains in Donetsk Oblast, including areas near Toretsk and Chasiv Yar. Fighting remains intense in the eastern region, and Russian troops continue to advance, albeit slowly, this year.

Read also: Trump boasts of saving Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk Oblast despite Kyiv denying encirclement claims

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(Bloomberg) -- Ukraine wont accept any peace deal that compromises its sovereignty or territory or restricts its ability to join military alliances, Ukraines foreign minister said Tuesday, ahead of an expected phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Speaking at a security conference in New Delhi, Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine wont accept any restrictions on its military capacity, nor would it recognize any territory occupied by Russia.

We are not the obstacle to achieve peace, Sybiha said during a panel at the Raisina Dialogue. We do really expect from the Russian side unconditional yes for a ceasefire.

Sybihas comments come ahead of an expected conversation between Trump and Putin later Tuesday, one objective of which is getting the Russian president to agree to a 30-day ceasefire that Trump proposed earlier this month and that Ukraine has agreed to.

Putin has been noncommittal so far, saying he accepted the idea in principle but wants certain conditions to be met. Trump has already said the US and Russia are talking about dividing assets as part of a push to end the fighting, suggesting that many decisions have already been made.

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While Kyiv and its European allies are worried that Trump will try to force them into a deal on Russias terms, Sybiha said Ukraine would not accept a compromise without its participation.

Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, nothing about Europe without Europe, he said.

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CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A Cowpens man was arrested on March 13 for multiple charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors.

Attorney General Alan Wilsons office said Timothy Jared Vise, 45, possessed files of child sexual abuse material.

Officials said Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office arrested Vise.

Vise has been charged six felony counts of third degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
White South Africans have backed an overwhelming mandate for political reforms to end apartheid and create a power-sharing multi-racial government.

In a landslide victory for change, the government swept the polls in all four provinces, and all but one of 15 referendum regions.

It won 68.6% of the vote in a record turn-out, which, in some districts exceeded 96%.

The extent of change was highlighted in the Kroonstad region of the Orange Free State, where five of the seven Parliamentary seats are held by the no campaigners in the conservative party.

Despite being one of the most conservative districts in the whole country there was a small yes majority for change.

Only Pietersburg in the Northern Transvaal, a rural right-wing stronghold where Dr Andries Treurnicht has his parliamentary constituency as head of the CP, returned a no vote.

Pretoria, the administrative capital which has symbolised Afrikanerdom, produced a 57% yes, in the legislative capital, Cape Town, 85% voted yes and in the judicial capital of Bloemfontein 58.5%.

Today we have closed the book on apartheid, Mr de Klerk said in Cape Town as he also celebrates his 56th birthday.

White electors have not only voted by a 2-1 majority to abolish apartheid but also to lose their own power.

Mr de Klerk said the result was a boost for the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, Codesa, but he could not commit himself to a timetable for installing a multi-racial government, which required further discussions

Dr Treurnicht pledged never to work on the Codesa board and that CP would not join the negotiating forum.

He said: De Klerk has won his referendum. That is clear.

But he vowed there would be a return of apartheid in the country and he blamed media propaganda, foreign intervention and threats by businessmen against employees for the result.

Nelson Mandela, the president of the African National Congress who was jailed for 27 years because of his fight against black segregation, said he was very happy indeed.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The following year talks had led to the creation of an interim constitution and in 1994 South Africas first non-racial elections was won by the ANC and Nelson Mandela become president.

This brought with it a lifting of sanctions, restored membership of the Commonwealth along with South Africa retaking its seat in the UN General Assembly after an absence of 20 years.

Both Mr Mandela and Mr de Klerk won the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize for their very different but effective assaults on apartheid and the progress of South Africa.

In 1999, Mr Mandela stepped down as president.
A recent survey by the Sheng Kung Hui Social Service Association found that 30% of Macaus elderly population experiences a high degree of loneliness, while nearly half of future retirees plan to settle in mainland China after leaving the workforce.

The survey, conducted among 1,500 respondents and supplemented by insights from five experts, highlighted significant concerns about emotional well-being and retirement preparedness among Macaus seniors. About 31% of future retirees anticipate their post-retirement life will be more boring, underscoring the need for enhanced social engagement and support systems.

Despite these challenges, the survey noted positive strides in social inclusion. Seventy percent of respondents acknowledged the availability of special counters for the elderly in public services, while 82% recognized reserved seating for seniors on public transport. Experts also observed improved intergenerational integration and a more elderly-friendly society.

The survey revealed a dramatic increase in smartphone usage among the elderly, rising from 50% in 2020 to 91% in 2023. The association urged continued efforts to promote digital literacy and simplify technology use for older adults.

Retirement plans showed a clear trend, with nearly half of respondents preferring to retire in mainland China. Zhuhai emerged as the top choice for 26%, while 22% considered other mainland cities.

However, the average retirement preparedness index among Macau residents stood at 5.45 out of 10, slightly below mainland Chinas 5.53. While respondents recognized the importance of financial planning (scoring 7.05), practical preparedness remained low (5.45).

Additional findings revealed gaps in health and household management: 32% of future retirees reported no exercise, 66% doubted their ability to handle heavy chores, and 70% anticipated high healthcare costs.

Sheng Kung Hui called for stronger retirement planning support, urging businesses, financial institutions, and social organizations to provide guidance, particularly for younger workers, to ensure better preparedness for life after retirement. Victoria Chan
NEW YORK (AP)  Vice President JD Vance has been tapped to serve as a top fundraiser at the Republican National Committee in another sign that he is cementing his status as the torchbearer of President Donald Trump 's Make America Great Again movement.

It is the first time in the RNC's history that a sitting vice president has held the position of finance chair, giving Vance a prominent, direct role in next year's midterm elections and helping him build ties with top Republican donors. Vance headlined numerous fundraisers during the 2024 campaign, making the job an extension of those efforts.

In a statement, Vance said that, to fully enact the MAGA mandate and President Trumps vision that voters demanded, we must keep and grow our Republican majorities in 2026." He will focus, he said, on building "the war chest we need to deliver those victories next November.

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The appointment is the latest demonstration of how Vance is being embraced by many in Trump's orbit as his heir apparent more than three years before the 2028 election. The U.S. Constitution bars Trump from running for a third term, though he has repeatedly teased the prospect of remaining in office nonetheless.

An open GOP primary will likely draw a long list of ambitious contenders. But several of the party's most prominent voices have been openly pushing Vance.

The only person in the entire Republican Party, from my position, whos capable of carrying on the Trump legacy and expanding it, making it what it should fully be, is JD Vance," conservative commentator and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson said in a podcast interview released this week.

Theres no one else," he went on. I dont see any other  at this point, as of today  any other conceivable option. I think JD Vance will be the nominee.

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During an appearance Monday night in Wisconsin, Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who has his own loyal following, called Vance the only impressive vice president of my lifetime. He talked up his decision to back Vance  a personal friend  first in the Ohio GOP Senate primary, and then convincing his father to choose Vance as his running mate.

When I went in all for JD for VP, I was up against every billionaire Republican donor. I used up my political capital with my father til like 2079," he joked. I will be dead and I will still have not caught back up. But it was the right call.

Trump, however, has been noncommittal.

Asked by Bret Baier during his Super Bowl interview whether he views Vance as his successor, Trump responded: No. But is he very capable. I mean, I dont think that, you know, I think you have a lot of very capable people. So far, I think he is doing a fantastic job. Its too early. We are just starting."

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Vance has taken on a prominent role in the early days of the new administration, most notably during an explosive Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during which he accused the Ukrainian leader of being disrespectful." He also blasted Europe during a speech last month at the Munich Security Conference, saying he feared free speech was in retreat across the continent.

His domestic portfolio has included helping Trump's Cabinet picks win Senate confirmation and working to secure a deal for a new operator for TikTok in the U.S.

JD will do a fantastic job as RNC Finance Chair, Trump said in a statement. He knows how to fight and win tough races. Im glad hell be working with Michael Whatley to help us secure our elections, get out the vote, and win big next year!

___
Nearly seven months after a crocodile attack almost took her life, Munirpa walked to the estuary outside her home with her husband and her children, ready to brave a reenactment.

Munirpa, who like many Indonesians only uses one name, recounted how one early morning in August, she threw her household garbage into a creek about 50 meters (164 feet) away from her house, as she normally would.

She didnt see what was coming next.

By the time she realized a crocodile had attacked her, the four-meter-long (13-foot) beast had already sunk its teeth into most of her body, sparing only her head. She fought hard, trying to jab its eyes. Her husband, hearing her screams, ran over and tried to pull her by the thigh out of the crocodiles jaws. A tug-of-war ensued; the reptile whipped him with its tail. Fortunately, he saved Munirpa in time, eventually dragging her out of the crocodiles grip.

People have long feared the ancient predators in the Central Mamuju district of Indonesias West Sulawesi, where the Budong-Budong River meets the sea. For Munirpa, 48, that fear turned into a brutal reality when she became one of nearly 180 recorded crocodile attack victims in Indonesia last year. Residents like her are learning to coexist with the crocodiles, a legally protected species in Indonesia, as they balance conservation with looking out for their safety. But as attacks rise, several residents and experts have called for better government interventions to stop the problem from getting even worse.

Communities near the crocodiles are on edge

Following the attack, Munirpa was hospitalized for a month and has had two surgeries. By February this year, her fear was still clearly visible, as were the scars on her legs and thighs.

I am so scared. I dont want to go to the beach. Even to the back of the house, I dont dare to go, said Munirpa. I am traumatized. I asked my children not to go to the river, or to the backyard, or go fishing.

In the villages surrounding the Budong-Budong River, like Munirpas, crocodiles have become a daily topic of conversation. Their presence has become so common that warning signs now mark the areas where they lurk, from the river mouth to the waterways which were once a popular swimming spot for children.

In 2024, there were 179 crocodile attacks in Indonesia, the highest number of crocodile attacks in the world, with 92 fatalities, according to CrocAttack, an independent database. Social media videos showing crocodile appearances and attacks in Sulawesi and other regions in Indonesia are also on the rise.

The increase in attacks began about 12 years ago with the rise of palm oil plantations around the river mouth, said 39-year-old crocodile handler Rusli Paraili. Some companies carved artificial waterways, linking them to the larger part of the Budong-Budong River. That was when the crocodiles started straying, leaving the river and creeping to nearby residential areas, such as fish and shrimp ponds, he explained.

Palm oil plantations now dominate the landscape in West Sulawesi, from the mountains to the coast, and patrolling for crocodiles has become part of peoples daily routine. When residents check the water pumps in their ponds, they have no choice but to keep out an eye for the beasts  flashlights in hand, scouring up, down and across canals and waterways  resigned to the uneasy reality of sharing their home with a predator.

Balancing conservation and safety

The saltwater crocodile has been a legally protected species in Indonesia since 1999, making it an animal that cannot be hunted freely. As a top predator, there is also no population control in nature.

Paraili, the crocodile handler, said that while the law protects crocodiles from being killed, the rise in attacks is a major concern. In response, hes taken care of some of the crocs in a specially-designed farm away from human populations. Hes received some financial support from the government and community donations, as well as support from palm oil companies for the last five years.

The farm has four ponds and around 50 reptiles. Some have names: Tanker, the largest, shaped like a ship, or Karossa, named after the sub-district the animal was caught after fatally attacking someone.

When funds run low, he uses his own money to ensure theyre fed, at least once every four days.

Amir Hamidy, who studies reptiles at the National Research and Innovation Agency, worries the rise in attacks indicates that crocodile numbers are becoming far too dangerous. Hamidy supports better population control.

Being a protected species does not necessarily mean that the population cannot be reduced when it is at a level that is indeed unsafe, he said.

Improving protection for residents

Around a year ago in Tumbu village, Suardi, who goes by one name, was harvesting coconuts when they fell into the river. When he went to retrieve them, he was attacked by a crocodile he initially didnt notice. Hes since made a full recovery.

Still, the experience has made him more cautious. Yes, I am worried. But what else can we do, Suardi said. The important thing is that we are careful enough.

Along with Munirpa, Suardi is one of 10 people in the region who was attacked by a crocodile last year. Three of those attacked were killed.

Suyuti Marzuki, whos head of West Sulawesi Marine and Fisheries Agency, said the crocodile habitat shift is making peoples everyday activities  like harvesting coconuts, fishing or even disposing of garbage like Munirpa  very risky.

Marzuki said the government is looking at possible options that can provide both safety and economic alternatives for residents.

While he acknowledged that crocodile population numbers and ecosystems need to be protected, Marzuki also raised the possibility of bolstering the local economy through the crocodile skin trade. That industry is controversial because of conservation and animal welfare issues.

Paraili, the crocodile handler, also urged serious government interventions.

This is a matter of human lives. So when the government is not serious, then our brothers and sisters in the future  in 5 or 15 years  there will be even more who will die from being attacked by crocodiles, he said.

Residents like Munirpa and Suardi are waiting for more immediate and realistic steps from the authorities to ensure their communitys and families safety.

It is enough that Ive been bitten by a crocodile, Munirpa said. I wont let it happen to my children. EDNA TARIGAN & DITA ALANGKARA, BUDONG-BUDONG, MDT/AP
The Chinese economy showed signs of improvement in the first two months of the year, though housing market weakness remained a drag on growth, the government said yesterday, while officials outlined steps they are taking to try to get consumers to spend more.

Retail sales were up 4% in January and February compared to last year, more than forecast. Industrial production rose 5.9%, the National Bureau of Statistics reported. The stronger than expected data helped buoy stock markets in Asia.

A bureau spokesperson said the economy is moving in the right direction but cautioned that challenges remain at home and abroad. U.S. President Donald Trump has put a 20% tariff on Chinese products, which could set back an economy with a high dependence on exports and late on Sunday, he reiterated his intention to push ahead with more tariffs in early April.

The external environment has become more complex and grim, domestic effective demand is insufficient, some companies are facing difficulties in production and operation, and the foundation for the continuous recovery of the economy is still unstable, Fu Linghui said at a news conference.

A long-running real estate crisis is weighing on the overall economy, depressing consumer confidence and spending. Real estate investment fell 9.8% in the first two months of the year, the statistics bureau said.

The good news is that real estate price declines have slowed, though they have yet to bottom out. Prices for both new and existing homes fell in January and February, but at a much slower pace than most of last year.

ING bank said it expects real estate prices to stop falling this year but they likely will not rebound quickly.

Februarys data showed that it would be wise for officials not to take their foot off the pedal in terms of policy support, Lynn Song, the chief Greater China economist at ING, wrote in a report.

The government together with the ruling Communist Party released a plan Sunday to boost consumption. It includes steps to increase spending power by raising earnings and expanding benefits for older people and medical insurance to more people, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

The central government provided a first tranche of 81 billion yuan ($11.2 billion) to local governments in January for rebates to people who trade in old cars or appliances for new ones, said Li Chunlin, the vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Earlier this month, the government announced the rebate program, now in its second year, would double to 300 billion yuan in 2025.

The governments plan includes various initiatives, from accelerating the development of artificial-intelligence related products such as autonomous driving and smart wearables to developing winter tourism in parts of the country that get a lot of snow and ice, Xinhua said.

Che Shiyi from the Peoples Bank of China told the news conference that the central bank would use a variety of tools to maintain market liquidity and study the creation of new tools to increase low-cost funding support in key consumption areas. KEN MORITSUGU, BEIJING, MDT/AP
In a series of massive blasts starting at 2.10 on Tuesday morning at least 404 were killed in central Gaza.

The lucky ones died outright in the bombing which brought a brutal end to a ceasefire that had lasted 57 days. Scores of others, including women and children, died trapped amid the rubble of the homes they had been sleeping in. More than 500 others were injured, many with life changing injuries.

Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyau blames Hamas for the renewed action but few diplomats either in or outside the country believe this.

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We all know that Netanyahu never had the intention to enter phase two of the ceasefire because he never had the intention of ending the war in Gaza, said Gershon Baskin, the former Israeli hostage negotiator on Tuesday.

The continuation of the war enables his political survival against the will of the majority of Israelis.

An injured man searches through the rubble of his home for salvageable items after it was destroyed in an Israeli strike - EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images

But why choose war over peace? The answer for Mr Netanyau is that there is no other option; or at least none that keeps him in power and out of jail.

At home, the right wing parties his fragile coalition government is dependent on are now openly pushing for the annexation of the occupied Palestinian territories  both Gaza and the West Bank.

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They dont see the point in negotiating a peace and giving up land while they are winning a war which was started by their enemy. Instead they want to seize the moment to create a greater Israel  and they will crash the government unless they get it.

Initially, the US President Donald Trump bought Mr Netanyau time with his outlandish threat to push all two million Palestinians out of Gaza and build a Riviera of the Middle East.

This has been a long held fantasy of Israels right and it was enough to see Mr Netanyau through the first stage of the ceasefire, if only just.

But just as Mr Trumps manoeuvrings got Israel to act in January, his threat to clear Gaza and build on it himself has spurred the Arab world into action.

Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike at Al-Mamdani Hospital in Gaza City lie covered, accompanied by their relatives - OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, The United Arab Emirates, Jordan and others came back with a plan of their own for Gaza just 10 days ago  and its a pretty good deal by any standard.

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They say they will fund the rebuilding of the enclave while keeping its people in situ. They will replace Hamas with a technocratic Palestinian administration and even cause the terrorist group to disarm, while providing peacekeepers.

Oh, and as a special sweetener to help make America great again, Saudi Arabia says it will make inward capital investments of some $600 billion in the US.

In return, all Mr Trump needs to do is bring Israel to the table and agree a sustainable path to a permanent peace through a two state solution.

But this, of course, is the worst nightmare for Israels right. There can be no greater Israel if such a deal is done. House prices  already at ludicrous levels throughout Israel  will continue to soar.

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There is something deeper going on too, in the Israeli psyche.

The fantasy of a mass exodus from Gaza has gradually been replaced over the last month by a realisation that power in the region now increasingly resides in the Gulf.

Palestinians fleeing conflict in Beit Hanun arrive in Gaza City - BASHAR TALEB/AFP via Getty Images

And its not just the regions immense wealth that is changing things.

Trumps most senior emissaries have held one grand summit after another in the lavish palaces of Riyadh, Qatar and the UAE.

These countries are not only calm and safe but  through artful diplomacy  they have been able to open doors for Mr Trump to Russia, China and now Iran.

Even for rest and recuperation, the US diplomatic corps now heads, not to Tel Aviv, but to the clubs and restaurants of Dubai and Bahrain.

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So for Mr Netanyahu, whats the choice?

The Gulf states are rising but he is held prisoner by his right wing at home.

As the US eyes a grand bargain with Iran and the Gulf, Mr Netanyahu finds himself fighting for relevance.

On Tuesday morning, he pushed the only real button still available to him: bombs and a renewal of war.

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Galaxy Macau is partnering with South China Morning Post Learn (SCMP Learn) to host Parents Talk, an educational seminar aimed at providing insights into academic pathways for children.

The event, titled Engineer Your Childs Future Path to Wealth and Success, will take place on March 23 at 2 p.m. at the Galaxy International Convention Center.

The seminar will feature admissions consultants, Ivy League alumni, and UK boarding school headmasters, who will discuss strategies for navigating the global education landscape.

Topics will include university application processes, entry into UK boarding schools, and long-term academic planning.

Parents can participate in panel discussions, networking sessions, and Coffee Roundtables with experts.
Hong Kong property developer Lee Shau Kee, who led one of the biggest real estate empires in the former British territory, has died. He was 97.

The company he founded said Lee died yesterday evening peacefully with his family by his side. It did not state the cause of death.

Lee founded Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd. in 1976, and was its chairman and managing director until 2019. He was succeeded by his sons, Peter Lee and Martin Lee, the companys chairpersons.

Forbes listed Lee as Hong Kongs second-richest person with $29.2 billion in its latest ranking.

Under Henderson Lands belt are landmarks like the International Finance Centre complex and ifc mall in Central, a vibrant commercial district.

Lee was born in Guangdong province, the coastal region in southern China across from Hong Kong. He moved to the city in 1948, and became a key player in the real estate industry.

Like other Hong Kong tycoons, Lee was also one of the key philanthropists who contributed to the development of Hong Kong and mainland China. In 2007, the Hong Kong government awarded him the Grand Bauhinia Medal as a recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and community service.

Hong Kong leader John Lee expressed condolences over the tycoons death and praised him for being an outstanding business leader and entrepreneur. Lee highlighted his generous donations to various universities in Hong Kong and mainland China and his support in nurturing talent.

Lee Shau Kee is survived by two sons and three daughters he had shared with his ex-wife. MDT/AP
The White House used a photo of a waving President Donald Trump from his McDonalds campaign stunt to mock the deported Brown University doctor.

Dr. Rasha Alawieh was deported to Lebanon, where she is a citizen, after arriving at Boston Logan International Airport at the weekend following a trip home to visit family.

In a social media post on X, the Department of Homeland Security claimed while in the country, Alawieh attend[ed] the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah  a brutal terrorist who led Hezbollah, responsible for killing hundreds of Americans over a four-decade terror spree.

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Mocking Alawieh, the White House shared the departments post with a photo of Trump waving from the drive-thru window of the suburban Philadelphia McDonalds branch he visited on the campaign trail last October.

In court documents defending the doctors removal revealed Monday, government lawyers claimed she supported Nasrallah from a religious perspective. They also claimed to have discovered sympathetic photos and videos on her phone.

The White House shared a post on X mocking Ivy League Dr. Rasha Alawieh, who was deported to Lebanon over the weekend. The administrations official account shared the photo of Trump waving in the drive-thru window of the McDonalds. (The White House/ X)

Alawieh openly admitted to this to CBP officers, as well as her support of Nasrallah, the department also claimed in its X post, amplified by the White House. A visa is a privilege not a rightglorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be denied. This is commonsense security.

The Independent has contacted Alawiehs immigration attorney for comment.

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A federal judge canceled a hearing Monday into why Alawieh was deported at the weekend apparently in defiance of a court order that she remain in the U.S.

Dr. Rasha Alawieh must remain in Lebanon while attorneys prepare to fight her case. The Ivy League doctor has been in the U.S. for six years, specializing in kidney medicine at Rhode Island Hospital. (Handout)

Government lawyers argued that border agents had not received notice of last Fridays order until she had already departed the United States. Lawyers for Alawieh also asked to postpone a hearing so new attorneys on the case have more time to prepare.

The government will have until March 24 to address allegations, and attorneys for Alawieh have until March 31 to respond to the governments motion to dismiss the case, the judge wrote Monday.

The doctor has studied and worked in the U.S. for six years. She was in the country on a H-1B visa and has been working at Rhode Island Hospital for the last year caring for kidney transplant recipients, the transplant divisions medical director Dr. George Bayliss told the Boston Globe.

After the Trump administrations allegations against Alawieh emerged, a spokesperson for Brown University told the New York Times: We continue to seek to learn more about what has happened.
The Macao Union Hospital has extended its specialist outpatient services to non-local residents, including blue card holders, student visa holders, and special stay permit holders.

According to a statement, eligible patients can now book online appointments for specialist consultations in areas such as gastroenterology, gynecology, and orthopedics, among others.

The hospital offers 25 specialized outpatient medical services. Service charges vary, with Macau residents receiving a 30% discount, while non-residents are required to pay full fees.

The Macao Union Hospital in Cotai officially opened in September 2024 after undergoing a trial period that began on December 20, 2023. Covering an area of 308,000 square meters, the new medical facility is the SARs largest hospital, with enough space for 800 beds and 26 operating rooms.LV
Macaus annual Rotary Blood Donation Day returns this Saturday, March 22, amid concerns over declining youth participation.

Recent data reveals a sharp drop in first-time donors, particularly among university and secondary school students.

Organized by Macaus eight Rotary Clubs and co-organized by the Macao Blood Transfusion Service, the event will take place at Nova Mall in Taipa.

For 25 years, the initiative has aimed to raise awareness about blood donation and ensure a stable supply for the city.

However, the percentage of first-time donors has plummeted from 30% in 2018 to just 21.1% in 2024.

The decline is particularly alarming among young people.

University student donors decreased by 3.5% this year, while secondary school participation remains low at around 2% since 2019down from 9% in 2015. Overall, the total number of donors in 2024 fell by 3.2% to 13,740, with first-time donors decreasing by 13.6%.

Elvo Sou, assistant governor of Rotary District 3450, noted, The number of teenagers or young people participating in donation activities is decreasing.

He attributed this trend to the pandemic, stating that young people are less enthusiastic about participating in society.

Sou emphasized the need to engage students in a comfortable environment like Nova Mall, hoping to inspire them to experience the responsibility of citizenship.

He highlighted the importance of first-time donors, explaining, After you donate for the first time, you will have the opportunity to donate for the second and third time.

He also pointed out a specific need for negative blood types, which are rare among Asians.

To enhance public understanding, the event will feature display boards and videos. Organizers warned that declining youth participation could lead to a future shortage in Macaus blood supply.

Since its inception in 2001, Rotary Blood Donation Day has been vital for Macaus blood reserves, and this years event underscores the urgent need to involve youth in blood donation. Victoria Chan
NEWTON, Wis. (WFRV)  A 57-year-old Wisconsin man was taken into custody on Monday after allegedly starting a series of small grass fires in Manitowoc County.

According to the Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office, deputies, along with the Manitowoc County Fire Investigation Unit, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and local volunteer fire departments, have been investigating numerous grass fires throughout the county for the past several months.

Cat dies in Wisconsin house fire, family escapes safely

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Evidence collected suggested some of the fires were intentionally set. Investigators identified a person of interest, Kevin Staudinger of the Township of Franklin, and used investigative resources to gather additional evidence.

On Monday, March 17, deputies arrested Staudinger moments after he allegedly started a small grass fire in the Township of Newton. Investigators at the scene were able to extinguish the fire before it spread.

Following his arrest, sheriffs office investigators obtained a search warrant for Staudingers residence. Deputies say they found additional evidence consistent with materials located at previous fire scenes.

Green Bay Metro Fire Department unveils Spring Recruitment Class of 2025, 11 new firefighters

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On Tuesday, March 18, Staudinger appeared in court, where he received a $5,000 bond with restrictions prohibiting him from possessing alcohol or fire accelerants. His initial court appearance is scheduled for April 7.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
* Lonely in the crowd

 30% of elderly report high loneliness; nearly half intend to retire in mainland

* Health | Organ donation registration on the rise, with plans to simplify process

* Inner Harbor | Road safety concerns persist as stormwater project nears completion

* Macaus annual Rotary Blood Donation Day returns this Saturday amid concerns over declining youth participation

* Bus passenger volume Nears pre-pandemic levels amid peak-hour crowding concerns

* Chinese economy shows signs of improvement, boosted by consumer spending

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Tuesday, March 18, 2025  edition no. 4682
The United States under President Donald Trump has launched a new campaign of intense airstrikes targeting Yemens Houthi rebels.

This weekends strikes killed at least 53 people, including children, and wounded others. The campaign is likely to continue, part of a wider pressure campaign by Trump now targeting the Houthis main benefactor, Iran, as well.

Why did the US launch these new airstrikes?

The Houthi rebels attacked over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, from November 2023 until January this year. Their leadership described the attacks as aiming to end the Israeli war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The campaign also greatly raised the Houthis profile in the wider Arab world and tamped down on public criticism against their human rights abuses and crackdowns on dissent and aid workers.

Trump, writing on his social media platform Truth Social, said his administration targeted the Houthis over their unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence and terrorism. He noted the disruption Houthi attacks have caused through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, key waterways for energy and cargo shipments between Asia and Europe through Egypts Suez Canal.

We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective, Trump said.

Didnt the U.S. already target the Houthis with airstrikes?

Under former President Joe Biden, the U.S. and the United Kingdom began a series of airstrikes against the Houthis starting in January 2024. A December report by The International Institute for Strategic Studies said the U.S. and its partners struck the Houthis over 260 times up to that point.

U.S. military officials during that period acknowledged having a far-wider target list for possible strikes. While the Biden administration didnt go too far into explaining its targeting, analysts believe officials largely were trying to avoid civilian casualties and not rekindle Yemens stalemated war, which pits the Houthis and their allies against the countrys exiled government and their local and international allies, like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The Trump administration, however, appears willing to go after more targets, based on the weekends strikes and public remarks made by officials.

Were doing the entire world a favor by getting rid of these guys and their ability to strike global shipping, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS News Face The Nation on Sunday. Thats the mission here, and it will continue until thats carried out.

Rubio added: Some of the key people involved in those missile launches are no longer with us, and I can tell you that some of the facilities that they used are no longer existing, and that will continue.

What could the strikes mean for the wider Mideast?

In two words: More attacks.

The Houthis said last week theyll again target Israeli ships traveling through Mideast waterways like the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, because of Israels blocking of aid to the Gaza Strip. No rebel attack targeting commercial shipping has been reported as of Monday morning.

However, the new U.S. campaign likely could inspire Houthi attacks at sea or on land beyond American warships. The rebels previously targeted oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two countries deeply involved in Yemens war since 2015.

Although the U.S. has been striking at Houthi targets for over a year, the scope and scale of this new campaign, including the targeting of senior Houthi figures, marks a significant escalation in the conflict, analysts at the Eurasia Group said Monday.

Gulf Arab countries will distance themselves from ongoing hostilities but now face threats to their major oil infrastructure. The Houthis will want to hit President Donald Trump where it hurts, oil prices.

Meanwhile, the Houthis likely will expand their possible targets for ship attacks, meaning shippers will continue to stay out of the region, said Jakob P. Larsen, the head of maritime security for BIMCO, the largest international association representing shipowners.

Where are the Iranians in all of this?

Iran long has armed the Houthis, who are members of Islams minority Shiite Zaydi sect, which ruled Yemen for 1,000 years until 1962. Tehran routinely denies arming the rebels, despite physical evidence, numerous seizures and experts tying the weapons back to Iran. Thats likely because Tehran wants to avoid sanctions for violating a United Nations arms embargo on the Houthis.

The Houthis now form the strongest group within Irans self-described Axis of Resistance. Others like Lebanons Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have been decimated by Israel after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that sparked Israels war of attrition in the Gaza Strip. Allied Shiite militias in Iraq largely have kept their heads down since the U.S. launched retaliatory attacks last year over a drone attack that killed three American troops and injured at least 34 others at a military base in Jordan.

While Iranian state television aired footage of civilian casualties from the weekend strikes in Yemen, top political leaders stayed away from suggestion Tehran itself would get involved in the fight. Revolutionary Guard chief Gen. Hossein Salami notably underscored the Houthis made their own decisions  while not offering any warning over what would happen if the strikes killed any members of the Guards expeditionary Quds Force, who are believed to actively support the rebels on the ground.

We have always declared  and we declare again today  that the Yemenis are an independent and free nation in their own land, with an independent national policy, Salami said. JON GAMBRELL, DUBAI, MDT/AP
Dance groups from the Yakima Valley, Seattle, Oregon, California, Texas, Idaho, Minnesota, Chicago, New York and Mexico will gather in White Swan to welcome the Mexica New Year.

The celebration, Ano Nuevo Mexika, 13 Calli," marks the end of a 52-year cycle, said Ismael Lopez, captain of the CeAtl Tonalli dance group. The event will take place at the White Swan Pavilion on Mission Road.

The festivities will begin at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with a vigil lasting until early Sunday morning to welcome the sun. Starting at 10 a.m. Sunday, the celebration will continue with cultural dances, music and chants. After the dances, attendees and participants will gather to share a meal of traditional Mexican food.

The event will also feature vendors selling handmade crafts, Mexican snacks and more.

This marks the third consecutive year that CeAtl Tonalli has organized the Mexika New Year celebration in White Swan, within the Yakama Nation reservation. The group has dance circles in Seattle and Granger. The event aims to strengthen ties between both Indigenous communities and share traditions with the broader public.

These dances are a remembrance of the past and a form of resistance for the future," Lopez said. "We need to build these bridges with our Indigenous brothers and sisters to foster unity, to establish relationships of mutual support, and to find balance and harmony so that our peoples can thrive.

During the celebration, you will witness an Indigenous culture from Mexico in its traditional form, opening its arms to reconnect with the family we have ignored, the one we no longer remember. But when you smell the incense and hear the drums, they will speak to your blood  Many people have never been exposed to this before, Lopez added.

We hope we can serve the community. People want to connect, to share. We want to share our heritage, the heritage of our people, Lopez said.

Given the current anti-immigrant climate in the United States, Lopez acknowledged that fear exists within the community but emphasized their faith and hope. He described the event as a space to unite the community, pray and find healing.

Our spiritual journey as dancers is a constant act of remembrance and reverence. We dance not only for ourselves but for the healing and strength of our community, CeAtl Tonalli states on its Facebook page.

CeAtl Tonalli began celebrating the Mexica New Year in Mount Vernon in 2004 and held its first large-scale celebration in the Yakima Valley in 2023 with the permission and presence of local Indigenous leaders.

For more information about the event, visit the CeAtl Tonalli Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Tonalli.
U.S. Army medical corps members escort a Bainbridge Island woman to a ferry after she collapsed during the evacuation of more than 300 people of Japanese descent from the island. The evacuees were then taken by train to an inland incarceration camp. (The Seattle Times, 1942)
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.

Commentary: In Trumps war on NOAA, the losers will be Americans and the economy
Although hed served as a prosecutor and a county judge, Brad Schimel said he hadnt planned to run for the Wisconsin Supreme Court until he watched how the 2023 race for the court played out.

Schimel, a Waukesha County Circuit Judge, said he was horrified at how liberal candidate Janet Protasewiecz appeared to telegraph how she would rule on certain cases and then started delivering on those promises after she was elected.

That just led me to run for this to restore objectivity, Schimel said. That no litigant should come to the courtroom knowing they lost their case already before theyve filed a brief, their lawyers have argued, before anybodys examined the law, he told the Wisconsin State Journal.

The Republican-backed Schimel now finds himself in his own heated race for the court against another Democratic-backed candidate, Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford. Just as two years ago, the race is drawing a flood of cash from major donors around and outside Wisconsin funneled through various groups, including the state Republican and Democratic parties.

Now as then, both sides are also accusing their opponent of having prejudged cases that might come before them.

Crawford has noted that Schimel, when he was attorney general, said he would defend Act 10, former Gov. Scott Walkers signature legislation that effectively ended collective bargaining for most public workers. But as the attorney representing the state, Schimel said, it was his job to defend the law.

My opponent was the lead attorney arguing that it should be struck down, Schimel said of Crawfords work as a private attorney representing teachers who sued over the law. I dont think the public can have any confidence that with (the courts liberal majority) in charge, this will get any fair review.

Schimel, 60, said his role models on the court include former conservative Wisconsin Justice Jon Wilcox, a consummate gentleman who could disagree with people but not in a disagreeable away, and current conservative Chief Justice Annette Ziegler. for pushing to provide more and better services for those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.

A judge or a justice shouldnt have an agenda, like what they want to do with cases, Schimel said. But I think its OK to have some ideas about how the system can work better, and a desire to work on those things.

Susan Crawford: I'm running to protect 'fundamental rights of Wisconsinites' "I just stick to my principles, and that is that I pledge to be a fair, impartial justice on the Supreme Court."

First a prosecutor

Schimel started his law career as a Waukesha County prosecutor in 1990, the same year he graduated from UW Law School. He won election as attorney general in 2014 and was appointed to his current role in 2019 by Walker after losing re-election to current Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul.

In 2011, he was also appointed to the Wisconsin Judicial Council and the Wisconsin Crime Victim Council.

As a prosecutor, Schimel said, he has seen his share of tough cases. But the most memorable for him was one that came toward the end of his last term, an Oconomowoc murder-for-hire case involving three defendants. Two of them werent difficult to convict, he said. The third, the one who had the motive, the one who supplied the money, and who was the most sinister of the three was most difficult to pin down.

I was with the first detectives and the medical examiner that walked in that house and saw things, he said. And I worked that [case] from that crime scene all the way through trial, and got the conviction.

That was a great culmination of a 25-year career, he said.

An expensive race

Schimel, whos taken in $1.7 million in direct donations from the state GOP so far, said he was determined not to make the same mistake conservative former Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly made in his unsuccessful race against Protasewicz in 2023 by refusing big-dollar donations from the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

I have no choice but to be competitive in that I have got to be able to keep my ads on the airwaves as much as my opponent, he said.

While current law caps donations to candidates at $20,000 per donor, people can give as much as they want to state parties, and the parties can then give as much as they want to their preferred candidate. I think our court races would be better off if the Legislature did away with that. Schimel said.

Megadonors have also played a major role in this years election. Liberal investor and philanthropist George Soros has spent millions backing Crawford while Schimel has received millions in support from groups aligned with Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, prompting his opponents to characterize Schimel as for sale.

Im grateful for help that I get for that, but Ive never talked to or met Elon Musk, Schimel said. I have no communications with him. Im grateful for support I can get delivering my message, but to be clear to him or any other donor, my message is: Im delivering objectivity to the court. There is no quid pro quo.

Schimel accused his opponent of being the candidate whos for sale, pointing to an online donor meeting Crawford joined last year that was billed as a chance to put two more House seats in play for 2026, suggesting that the court might redraw congressional maps to make them more favorable for Democrats.

Theres a theres an offer for pay for play in that, he said. Thats obscene. That shouldnt happen. Thats reducing public trust in the courts.

Crawford has said the topic never came up during the online call, said she hadnt seen the email announcing it and said she has never taken a position on the maps.

Crawford and Democrats have also criticized Schimel over his decision while attorney general not to join several Wisconsin counties in suing major pharmaceutical companies to recoup costs from dealing with the opioid epidemic. Schimel said he was pursuing a surer path to victory.

Those counties were free to sue as they wished, he said. I was pursuing a statewide resolution of that.

Working with state attorneys general to resolve a limited number of cases was a much easier path to success than counties suing individually, he said.
The Budapest SmartFest international film festival will be held for the second time, at which interested parties can see works created with the help of artificial intelligence and filmed with smartphones on March 27-28 in the Cinema City Mammut II. cinemas.

In a statement sent to MTI, the organizers wrote that the festival will showcase how technology is transforming visual culture and film. They said in the statement: "A creative revolution is taking place worldwide, centered on artificial intelligence - but behind it there is always a human being."



The festival will feature works from almost forty countries, from Canada to China, they added.



"Artificial intelligence does not replace the artist, but rather expands their possibilities. AI tools unleash creative energies, enabling anyone, even with minimal resources, to make professional-level films. This is no longer the music of the future, but the reality of the present - and those who do not become familiar with AI-based film technologies today may be at a competitive disadvantage tomorrow," the statement quoted Ervin Sallai, founder of SmartFest, as saying.



The Budapest SmartFest is assisted by Oscar-winning director Kristof Deak as a professional advisor - the information sheet reads.



The jury includes experts such as Oscar-winning director Istvan Kovacs, director Attila Hartung, animation director Katalin Glaser, Attila Palfalusi, head of the MOME Media Design department, art historian Brigitta Ivanyi-Bitter and experts from Prompters Hungary and Raizen Art AI.



The announcement also mentioned that the special award from the festival's sponsor, Samsung, specifically recognizes the joint creations of human creativity and artificial intelligence.



The film festival provides students from many schools with a free opportunity to learn about the possibilities offered by artificial intelligence and digital film technologies, the statement says.



The screenings are free to attend, registration is available at https://cooltix.hu/event/67d04d5079d3d36d84480e6d .
Prime Minister Viktor Orban hosted Ola Kallenius, chairman-CEO of the Mercedes-Benz Group, for a working dinner in his office in Budapest on Monday, the Prime Minister's Communications Department said.

Orban and Kallenius discussed the progress of Mercedes' ongoing investments.



Mercedes plant in Kecskemet, in central Hungary, is its second largest in Europe, employing close to 5,000 people. Its ongoing expansion will create 3,000 new jobs by 2026 and double the plants production capacity to 400,000 cars a year.



They also discussed the global trade situation and strengthening the European Unions competitiveness.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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The Kuria, Hungary's highest court, has ruled that a Hungarian whose bank account was compromised in a online scam was not grossly negligent, the National Bank of Hungary (NBH) said.

The victim's bank refused to cover their client's losses after being conned into sharing personal information on a fake website designed to look like the bank's, citing gross negligence.



An arbitration body run by the central bank decided the client was not liable for the loss. The bank contested that decision in court and lost in a first-instant ruling, but won on appeal.



The case was then brought before the Kuria which quashed the appellate court's decision and upheld the initial ruling.



The Kuria noted in the ruling that determining intent or gross negligence in such matters needed to be weighed on a case-by-case basis.



The NBH said the ruling had set a precedent for similar cases.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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A Day To Remember is back to Budapest after 11 years. Platinum-selling rock band A Day To Remember have maintained a fierce commitment to staying true to themselves and their fans since first forming in 2003.

Flipping the script and shocking the system, the Florida group recently surprise-dropped their brand new full-length record, A Day To Remembers Big Ole Album Vol. 1, as a physical first release, making it exclusively available in vinyl and CD configurations at online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores across the country and around the world.



The 12-track collection - their first since 2021's You're Welcome - will be available on streaming platforms beginning March 21.



Their track record speaks for itself, achieving one platinum album, two gold albums, one platinum single, and four gold singles. Not to mention, each full-length record ascended to #1 on the Billboard Rock, Indie, and/or Alternative Charts with 2016s Bad Vibrations bowing at #2 on the Billboard 200.



Theyve put up unprecedented numbers for a rock act in the 21st century, generating nearly 2 billion streams worldwide and sales of three million-plus units. Theyve also packed arenas on continental tours and attracted a global audience consisting of millions.



And finally, A Day To Remember will return to their Hungarian fans as well, 11 years after their Sziget Festival performance, now they will be back at Barba Negra on 16 June.



Source and tickets:

Livenation.hu
Susan Crawfords interest in law began while growing up in Chippewa Falls and caring for a younger sister with disabilities  an experience the Dane County Circuit Court judge who is now running for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court said helped shape her desire to solve problems and protect people.

After law school, Crawford worked with the state Department of Justice, where she argued cases up to the states highest court. At the time, she said, she never imagined campaigning for a seat on the seven-member court.

But the fact that I have argued in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court a number of times  both on the criminal side and the civil side, is the best kind of preparation for the job, Crawford told the Wisconsin State Journal.

The April 1 election, in which the Democratic-backed Crawford faces Republican-backed Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel, is widely viewed as the most consequential election since Donald Trump retook the White House in November.

Republicans are hoping to carry the momentum of that election into the race for Wisconsins highest court, while Democrats see a chance to rebound from former Vice President Kamala Harris loss in the state. The outcome will also determine the ideological control of the court, which currently has a 4-3 liberal majority.

Important work

Crawford, 60, who also served as chief legal counsel to former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle and worked in the state Department of Corrections and Department of Natural Resources, said some of her most memorable cases include her include her representation of Madison-area teachers in a legal challenge to former Gov. Scott Walkers signature legislation Act 10, which effectively eliminated collective bargaining rights for most public employees, and another case filed by Planned Parenthood seeking to protect abortion rights in the state.

That was really important work, and work that Im really proud of, because I was fighting for the fundamental rights of regular Wisconsinites  teachers and certainly women and their families, Crawford said.

Brad Schimel: I will 'restore objectivity' to Wisconsin Supreme Court "No litigant should come to the courtroom knowing they lost their case already before they've filed a brief, their lawyers have argued, before anybody's examined the law.

That work has also prompted criticism over her ability to remain impartial on cases that might come before the court regarding issues like abortion rights, voter ID laws and Act 10.

Schimel has said he opposes abortion rights, while Crawford supports them. Despite their personal views, both candidates have said they would remain impartial if a case involving the issue comes before the court.

I just stick to my principles, and that is that I pledge to be a fair, impartial justice on the Supreme Court, Crawford said.

Asked if she would recuse herself from cases filed by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, or lawsuits focused on abortion or Act 10, Crawford said she would make that determination when necessary and her decision would be based on the facts in the case.

Concerning precedent

Abortion has remained near the forefront of multiple elections in the battleground state since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, undoing a 50-year precedent that held that the right to abortion was guaranteed under the the U.S. Constitution.

The decision left Wisconsins pre-Civil War law  widely interpreted as a near-complete ban on abortions  on the books, though a lawsuit before the state Supreme Court seeks to overturn the law.

Crawford said the decision marked the first step in dismantling a whole line of cases that recognizes that the Constitution does protect a zone of personal decision making  about your body, about your relationships, things like decisions to use birth control even.

Its that crack in the door to allow conservative governments to go charging through and start trying to make those decisions for people and take away their rights to decide some of those most personal decisions about their lives, Crawford continued. Its a very concerning precedent.

Record-setting race

Crawford said one factor she hadnt expected when she launched her campaign is Elon Musks involvement in the race. Musk-funded groups have spent more than $11 million to support Schimel. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has since launched a more than $1 million effort to punch back at Musk and support Crawford.

Crawford has also accepted donations through the state Democratic party from liberal philanthropist George Soros, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Schimels campaign has benefitted from donations from GOP megadonors like Diane Hendricks, the owner of ABC Supply in Beloit, and Liz Uihlein, president of shipping company Uline.

The election comes just two years after more than $51 million was spent by candidates and special-interest groups in the 2023 court race, making it the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history at the time.

The April election has already broken that record. A tally of spending by the Brennan Center for Justice found nearly $67 million spent so far on the race as of Thursday.

All that spending has resulted in a flurry of digital and TV ads coming from both sides. Crawfords critics have painted her as being soft on crime and have targeted her for joining an online donor meeting that was billed as a chance to put two more House seats in play for 2026.

Crawford called the assertions a lie, noting there was no discussion of congressional districts while she was on the Zoom call and said she has not taken a position on the matter.

Theres no case pending that raises any kind of legal challenge to the congressional maps, she said. So it is really an outrageous lie by my opponents campaign when they make those kinds of assertions. Its just not true.

Although the court ordered new legislative maps in late 2023, justices rejected a request to also reconsider the states congressional boundaries.

Crawford, meanwhile, has hit Schimel for his stance on abortion and how he, as attorney general, handled the states backlog of sexual assault kits, arguing he didnt work quickly enough to address the states roughly 6,000 untested rape kits in the first half of his term in office. The bulk of the states backlog of rape kits was cleared by the end of Schimels term. The court has no say over how Wisconsin manages DNA testing.

Schimel also has taken heat for his comments accusing the courts four liberal justices, who are all women, of being driven by their emotions during oral arguments in an abortion case. Schimels campaign has called the criticism a pathetic attempt to gaslight voters.

Crawford has been backed by the courts four liberal justices, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, former Justice Louis Butler and five current or retired county sheriffs and more than 100 current and former circuit and appellate judges. Shes also been endorsed by groups like Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Education Association Council, Wisconsin Conservation Voters and EMILYs List.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray strongly criticized the Maharashtra government over the recent violence in Nagpur, alleging that the BJP is attempting to destabilize the state in a manner similar to Manipur.

Thackeray questioned the government's handling of the situation, particularly the lack of response from the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) when rumors of violence began circulating.

"Why did the CMO not react when rumors of violence were spreading in Nagpur? Whenever such an incident is about to take place, the first report arrives at the Chief Minister and the Home Department. Did they not have any information regarding this? I think the BJP wants to make Maharashtra the next Manipur," Thackeray said while speaking to the media.

Drawing a comparison to Vietnams economic progress, he stated, "If you take a look at Manipur, the state has been experiencing violence since 2023. There are conflicts across the state. Will there be investments there or growth in tourism? No. They want to put Maharashtra in the same situation. I was reading today that Vietnam is a smaller country than India, and the population is also less, but their electronic industry is three times more. Our country considers itself strong, but the BJP is trying to divide the country into districts, religions, and castes."

CM Devendra Fadnavis Calls Violence 'Well-Planned'

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the state legislative assembly, described the Nagpur violence as a "well-planned attack." He stated that rumors about the desecration of religious content were spread amid protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

"In Nagpur, VHP and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumors were spread that things containing religious content were burnt. It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands," Fadnavis said.

He also highlighted the injuries sustained by security personnel, stating that attacks on the police would not be tolerated. "Three Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) were injured, and one was attacked with an axe. In total, 33 policemen were hurt. Of the five injured civilians, three have been discharged, while one remains in the ICU. Eleven police stations in Nagpur have issued prohibitory orders, and five separate FIRs have been registered," he added.

Fadnavis further claimed that a large cache of stones was recovered from the violence-hit areas, suggesting a targeted attack. "We have got a trolley of stones from the violence spotsspecific houses and institutions were targeted. One DCP was attacked with an axe. We will surely take action, and those who have taken law and order into their own hands will not be spared. Attacks on police will not be tolerated," he asserted.

Tensions Over Aurangzebs Tomb Removal Demand

The Chief Minister also linked the unrest to public outrage against Aurangzeb, allegedly fueled by the recently released film Chhava. "The Chhava movie has ignited peoples anger against Aurangzeb, but still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful. Law and order should be maintained. If anyone riots, we will take action regardless of caste or religion," Fadnavis said.

Meanwhile, political tensions escalated within the Maharashtra assembly as ruling Mahayuti coalition leaders and opposition MLAs clashed over the issue. Shiv Sena leaders demanded the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, while the opposition accused the government of mishandling the situation, calling the riots a "success of the government."

BJP MLA Pravin Datke, who visited the violence-hit Hansapuri area, claimed the riots were pre-planned. "This is all a pre-planned matter. If there were two shops each of Muslims and Hindus, only the latter was affected. Theres a (roadside) stall belonging to a Muslim, and nothing happened to it. However, another stall that belonged to an elderly lady was damaged. The cameras were destroyed. It indicates that this thing was planned," Datke told ANI.

Curfew Imposed in Multiple Areas

Following the unrest, Nagpur Police imposed a curfew in several parts of the city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). According to an order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

The curfew has been enforced in the jurisdiction of multiple police stations, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with both political leaders and law enforcement emphasizing the need for peace and strict action against those responsible for the violence.

(With ANI inputs)
New Delhi: As the Lok Sabha was briefly adjourned amid opposition protests after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on the Mahakumbh, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the LoP should be allowed to speak according to the democratic structure but is not given permission in "new India".

Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament that he also wanted to speak in the House on the issue and pointed out at that PM Modi should have paid homage to those who lost their lives in the January 29 stampede at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.

The Lok Sabha was briefly adjourned till 1 pm on Tuesday following protests by opposition members over Modi's remarks on the success of the Mahakumbh, which was held from January 13 to February 26.

Many opposition members were on their feet protesting after the prime minister spoke.

"I wanted to support what he was saying. Kumbh is our tradition, history and culture. There was also a complaint that he did not pay homage to those who lost their lives (in the stampede in the Mahakumbh)," Gandhi said.

"The other thing I wanted to say is that the youth that went to the Kumbh need another thing from the PM, they need employment. The prime minister should speak on employment," the Congress leader said.

Asked if he was not allowed to speak, Gandhi said, "We are not allowed to speak. According to the democratic structure, the LoP should be permitted to speak, but is not given permission, but this is new India."

Congress' Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the opposition should have been allowed to speak in the House.

"Opposition also has its sentiments on it and they should not have had any objection to them airing their views," she said.

Describing the Mahakumbh as an important milestone, Modi told the Lok Sabha that the event was a befitting response to those who questioned India's capability to organise such a large congregation.

He said the entire world witnessed the grandeur of India during the Mahakumbh and the religious gathering reflected the spirit of rising India.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday asserted that the violence that erupted in Nagpur seems like a "well-planned attack". He Highlighted that rumours about religious items being burned were spread, leading to protests by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in the state's winter capital.

"In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt...It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands," Fadnavis said while addressing the legislative assembly.

Amid rising tensions over the Nagpur violence, Fadnavis linked the public's anger toward Aurangzeb to the Chhava movie and urged people to preserve peace.

"The Chhava movie has ignited people's anger against Aurangzeb, but still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful. Law and order should be maintained. If anyone riots, we will take action regardless of caste or religion," the Maharashtra CM said.

Opposition Rection On Fadnavis's Remark

Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi targeted Maharashtra's Mahayuti government over the Nagpur voilance.

She criticized the handling of the situation and said, "The incapable Rane dynast mantri is not responsible, the CMs instigating statements not responsible, Navneet Ranas comments not responsible. Who is being held responsible for the riots of Nagpur?"

Reacting to Fadnavis's remark on the movie Chhava, she shared a post on X and said, "A movie that celebrated the valour of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. What a fall!"

A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita following the violence that escalated tensions in the city. According to an official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the curfew will remain in effect until further notice.

The curfew applies to police station limits, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, and Nandanvan.

(With ANI inputs)
Violence broke out in central Nagpur on Monday evening following rumours that a religious book had been burned. Protesters clashed with police, resulting in stone-pelting and arson. In response, security forces deployed tear gas and used baton charges to disperse the crowd. The unrest began after a right-wing group staged a protest calling for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. Tensions quickly escalated, with miscreants damaging property and setting vehicles on fire which resulted in the situation being out of control.

Here are the top updates on the Nagpur violence:

- An official Maharashtra police notification stated that a curfew had been imposed in several areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) due to heightened tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's tomb.

- The curfew has been imposed in several police station limits, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.

- Violence broke out in Nagpur's Hansapuri area as unidentified individuals vandalized shops, set vehicles on fire, and threw stones. This unrest followed an earlier clash between two groups in the Mahal area, which had already escalated tensions in the city, according to reports.

- The Nagpur Police have issued prohibitory orders in the city and detained over 50 individuals, as per Zee news TV. An FIR is being registered, and the police have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate.

- Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage and video clips to identify the culprits.

- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged citizens to maintain peace, assuring that police were actively managing the situation. "Police are managing the situation following stone pelting and tense situation in the Mahal area," he said.

- Maharashtra BJP chief and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also urged residents to maintain peace and avoid rumours after violent clashes erupted in Nagpur's Mahal area.

- Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal assured the residents of Nagpur that the violence is under control and that the situation is now peaceful. Section 144 has been imposed in the area, and the police have directed people not to step out unnecessarily.

(With ANI inputs)
Tensions flared in Nagpur on March 17, leading to violent clashes, vandalism, and arson in multiple areas of the city. The unrest began with a protest and escalated into a large-scale confrontation between two groups, prompting police intervention and prohibitory orders. Political leaders have appealed for peace with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issuing strict warning against rioters. Nagpur is home to BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and thus the eyes will be on the government action to maintain peace.

Protest Over Aurangzebs Grave

According to official orders, around 200 to 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's grave. The protesters chanted slogans and displayed a green cloth filled with cow dung cakes as a symbolic gesture. While Hindu organisations have been protesting against the Mughal emperor's grave, the Muslim community has been in the support, thus escalating the tension in the area.

Tensions in Bhaldarpura

Later in the evening, around 7:30 pm, a separate group of 80 to 100 people assembled in Bhaldarpura, further escalating tensions. The gathering disrupted law and order, causing distress among residents and affecting road movement in the area.

Arson in Mahal

The situation took a violent turn in Mahal, where a mob of nearly 1,000 people engaged in stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson. Several police personnel sustained injuries, and multiple vehicles and homes were damaged in the unrest.

Hansapuri Violence

As tensions spread, fresh violence erupted in the Hansapuri area, where unidentified individuals attacked shops, torched vehicles, and threw stones. An eyewitness described the masked assailants carrying sharp weapons, stickers, and bottles as they vandalized properties and set fire to vehicles. Another local confirmed that 8 to 10 vehicles were burned in the chaos.

Police Action

In response, Nagpur Police imposed prohibitory orders across the city and detained over 20 individuals. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and video evidence to identify those responsible, and an FIR is being registered against the culprits. Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal assured residents that the situation was now under control.

"The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned, following which people gathered. We requested them to disperse, and we even took action in this regard. They had even come to my office to meet me. They were told that an FIR had been lodged based on the names they mentioned, and action would be taken against them," he said.

He further said, "This incident occurred around 8-8:30 pm. Not many vehicles have been torched. We are assessing the damage. Two vehicles have been torched, and stone pelting has occurred. Police are conducting combing operations, and those involved are being identified and arrested. We have imposed Section 144, and everyone has been instructed not to step out unnecessarily or take the law into their own hands. Do not believe in rumours. Except for this area, the entire city is peaceful."

Curfew Imposed

A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave, read an official Maharashtra police notification. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday noted the Election Commission of India's (ECI) submission that it was willing to deliberate over the demand for uploading polling booth-wise voter turnout data on its website and asked the petitioners to make representations before the poll panel in 10 days.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan was hearing two PILs filed by TMC MP Mahua Moitra and NGO Association for Democratic Reforms in 2019, respectively. The PILs sought a direction to the poll panel to upload polling station-wise voter turnout data on its website within 48 hours of conclusion of polling in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the poll panel, said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar wanted to meet and discuss the grievance. "Here is a new chief election commissioner now. The petitioners can meet him and it may be addressed, he said.

The CJI then said, "In the meanwhile, the counsel for Election Commission states that the petitioners (the NGO and the MP) may file a representation with the Election Commission and the EC will give them a hearing and inform about same in advance. Let the representation be made in 10 days."The court adjourned the hearing in the July 28 week.

On May 17, last year, the top court had sought a response from the poll panel on the pleas following which the ECI opposed the NGO's demand contending it would "vitiate" the electoral space and cause "chaos" in the poll machinery in the midst of the general elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament emphasised the importance of "Sabka Prayaas" and highlighted how the world has witnessed India's grandeur in the form of Maha Kumbh.

PM noted that the event sent a powerful message to those who have doubts about India's capabilities and said, "... I emphasised the importance of 'Sabka Prayaas ' from the Red Fort. The entire world saw India's grandeur in the form of Maha Kumbh... We witness a national awakening in the Maha Kumbh, which would inspire new achievements... This also gave a befitting reply to those who doubt our strength.."

#WATCH | Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... I emphasised the importance of 'Sabka Sath Sab ka Vikas' from the Red Fort. The entire world saw India's grandeur in the form of Maha Kumbh... We witness a national awakening in the Maha Kumbh, which would inspire new pic.twitter.com/HQm9JQT9y0  ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the PM further expressed deep gratitude towards the people of Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj for their efforts in hosting the event, calling the Maha Kumbh a symbol of India's growing national consciousness.

"I am here to make a statement on the MahaKumbh held in Prayagraj. I want to thank the public and administration for the successful organisation of the MahaKumbh. The success of the MahaKumbh is the result of the efforts of various people. I want to thank everyone: the country's devotees, the public of UP, especially the people of Prayagraj. We all know that strenuous efforts took place to bring Ganga to earth; similar efforts have been taken to hold the grand Mahakumbh," said PM Modi.

Reacting to Modi's Maha Kumbh remark, Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that the Opposition has sentiments towards Maha Kumbh they should have also been allowed to speak for two minutes.

"He was speaking optimistically on the Maha Kumbh... The Opposition also should have been given a chance to present their point because the Opposition also has sentiments towards it (Maha Kumbh) and they should not have any problem if we expressed ourselves... The Opposition should have also been allowed to speak for two minutes," Priyanka Gandhi said.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 began on January 13 and concluded on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri on February 26, in which more than 66 crore 21 lakh devotees received the holy benefit of bathing in the holy Triveni.

(With ANI inputs)
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has stated that he will take "proactive measures" to "achieve" 42 per cent reservation for the Backward Classes (BCs) in education and employment. He also appealed to all parties to join together and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue. CM Reddy gave the assurance while speaking in the Telangana Assembly on Monday. Reddy stated that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made the promise of enhancement of BC reservation to 42 per cent if Congress is voted to power. Soon after assuming power, the government launched the BC caste census on February 4, 2024, CM Reddy said, as per an official statement from his office.

CM also extended gratitude to everyone who actively participated in the caste survey. "We wanted to send a strong message to the Telangana society that the entire Assembly arrived at a census on the increase of BC quota. Thanks to everyone who is cooperating with the government in this historical moment," CM Reddy said, as per Chief Minister's Office (CMO) statement. CM Reddy said that the previous government sent a proposal to the Governor to increase BC reservation to 37 per cent.

"This government is withdrawing the earlier proposal and sending a new proposal of 42 per cent reservation for BCs in education, employment and political opportunities." CM Reddy stated that February 4 is observed as 'Social Justice Day' as the government adopted a resolution for the enhancement of BC quota on this day in the Assembly. "After eliciting opinions and views from many sections, the state government introduced this bill to provide 42 per cent reservation to BCs, CM Reddy stated, as per the CMO.

"As the leader of the House, I am assuring that I will take proactive measures and lead to achieve 42 per cent BC reservation. Appealing to all the leaders of all parties to join together and meet the Prime Minister on the issue, " Reddy said, as per the CMO.

"Let us also take required legal assistance to increase BC reservation by 42 per cent. Requesting Union Ministers - Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay and BJP floor leader to take the responsibility of seeking an appointment of PM Modi. Let us also request Rahul Gandhi to raise this issue in Parliament. I am entrusting the responsibility to TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud to seek time to meet Rahul Gandhi soon," CM Reddy said.

"As the leader of the House, I am also assuring that the BC census report is 100 per cent correct. It is the responsibility of everyone to adopt the BC bill in the Parliament. We will not sit calm until 42 per cent reservation is achieved for BCs. We are committed to the Kamareddy Declaration," CM Reddy asserted, as per CMO.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday said it would not tolerate any glorification of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, following violence in Nagpur over protests against his tomb.

The administration should take stern action against those responsible for the violence, said VHP Vidarbha Prant Sah Mantri Devesh Mishra.

Mishra dismissed claims that a chadar with holy inscriptions was burned during protests led by VHP and Bajrang Dal. He said the reports were misleading.

Protests were held across Maharashtra on Monday, demanding the removal of Aurangzebs tomb at Khultabad near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The demand has been backed by BJP and ruling alliance leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

We wont tolerate glorification of Aurangzeb, Mishra reiterated.

The VHP leader called for the construction of memorials for Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj and Maratha generals Dhanaji Jadhav and Santaji Ghorpade at the site of Aurangzebs tomb.

Mishra said Maharashtra belongs to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and accused Aurangzeb of torturing him. Our issue is the torture he suffered from Aurangzeb. We dont want any symbol of Aurangzeb in Maharashtra, and VHP has decided to remove his tomb. But some people in Nagpur still glorify Aurangzeb, he said.

He alleged that the violence in Nagpur was pre-planned and called for strict action. He demanded that those involved be booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and that their houses be demolished if named in police FIRs.

The movement to remove Aurangzebs tomb will continue, he asserted.

VHPs Vidarbha Dharmprasar Pramukh, Rajkumar Sharma, claimed that an announcement from a mosque near Chitnis Park led to a mob gathering on Monday. He demanded action against the mosque trustees and the maulvis responsible.

Violence broke out in Nagpurs Chitnis Park area on Monday around 7:30 pm. Stones were thrown at the police amid rumors that a religious book had been burned during the protests, officials said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday slammed the BJP-led Maharashtra government over the recent violence in Nagpur. Slamming the double-engine government, Thackeray remarked, "If the double-engine government has failed, then they should resign. If you want, you can remove his (Aurangzeb's) grave, but call Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar during that time."

"I am not the Chief Minister, nor am I the Home Minister. Ask the Chief Minister who is behind this (violence) because the RSS headquarters is there," Thackeray said, responding to questions about the unrest in Nagpur.

Curfew Imposed in Nagpur After Violence

Authorities imposed a curfew in several areas of Nagpur under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over demands to remove Aurangzebs grave. According to an official order from Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

The affected police station limits include Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.

Shiv Sena MP Cites CCTV Footage

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske asserted that CCTV footage clearly showed who was responsible for the violence.

"Stones were pelted, vehicles were torched after seeing the surnames. It is clearly visible in the CCTV footage who was behind the incident. Locals claim that outsiders in large numbers gathered and started pelting stones. By seeing the surnames of those arrested, it is clear who was involved," Mhaske told ANI.

Fadnavis Calls Violence 'Well-Planned'

Speaking in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday described the violence as a well-planned attack. He alleged that rumors were spread about religious verses being burned during protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in the state's winter capital.
Idahos strictest immigration bill, if passed, could open the floodgates to more anti-immigration legislation in the state, the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho said.

The ACLU of Idaho released a press release Tuesday condemning the Senate for passing a strict immigration bill and plans to sue the state legislature.

We dont want to sue on this bill, said Executive Director Leo Morales. But if the bill passes, we must sue to protect immigrant families in Idaho and to stop legislation, like H.B. 83, that so flagrantly disregards the U.S. Constitution.

House Bill 83aa, previously known as HB 11, would prohibit the illegal entry of undocumented individuals if they attempt to enter the state from a foreign nation and would allow local law enforcement to question a persons immigration status.

A person who is an alien commits an offense if the person enters or attempts to enter this state directly from a foreign nation at any location other than a lawful port of entry or through another manner of lawful entry, the bill states.

A violation of that portion of the bill would result in a misdemeanor at the first conviction. Subsequent violations will be considered a felony.

The bill additionally requires law enforcement agencies to monitor and report compliance with such orders to the Idaho State Police.

This bill does not make anyone safer, ACLU campaign strategist Ruby Mendez-Mota said in the press release. In fact, it will do the opposite. Rather than target criminals, it would impact anyone who may be stopped by the police. This bill will fuel racial profiling, weaponize accusations against Latinos in Idaho, and make anyone who doesnt appear to be white feel less safe.

HB 83 also would allow a magistrate judge in Idaho to issue a written order for a person to return to the foreign country from where they attempted to enter Idaho, even if a person was not convicted. In Twin Falls, immigration attorney Brian Tanner said that he finds the bill disappointing and doesnt understand how a state judge would be allowed to carry out a federal order.

I help immigrants, and I feel like theyve definitely been targeted, but I dont feel like the value of immigrants is ever discussed in these hearings, Tanner told the Times-News. I just think theres a lot of constitutional problems with it but the main problem is it supplements federal law.

He said one of his main concerns with HB 83 is that a state judge would essentially be able to present a deportation order that would eliminate the authority of the federal law and would violate the supremacy clause.

Tanner also said that the bill, if signed into law, would discourage undocumented people from coming forward and reporting crimes.

I think the goal is to have safe communities and prosperous economies, and I dont think this law accomplishes that because immigrants are going underground and theyre not reporting crimes, he said. They dont hear undocumented. They dont hear person. They hear illegal and thats what pounds in their ears. Illegal, illegal, illegal. But... most of them are just people doing their jobs.

The bill is a replica of a controversial Texas law, Senate Bill 4, that was approved by lawmakers in 2023 and is currently making its way to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

According to ACLU communication director Rebecca De Leon, similar legislation in Iowa and Ohio that has been passed has not been enforced. Iowas law is making its way through the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

All of those three states have passed essentially this exact bill with some small details and immediately the ACLU sued and all of those jurisdictions and the bill, or the law, has not been enforced in any of those areas, De Leon said.

HB 83 also includes a severability clause that adds, if a portion of the law is found unconstitutional, the rest of the law can still stand and be enforced.

The messaging on this bill from the bill sponsor and its supporters is that, Were just targeting criminals, and that is 100% not true, it is just anybody who can accuse somebody of committing a crime, De Leon said.

HB 83 is written so that it could take effect immediately after receiving a signature from the governor.

The bill was passed on the senate floor, 29-6, on Tuesday morning, with a new amendment that clarifies that the legislation can be referred to as the Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act, and adds definitions for the terms dangerous illegal alien, dangerous crime and immigration detainer.

The bill is currently waiting for a final vote in the house before it reaches Gov. Brad Littles desk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he spoke by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of an upcoming conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We coordinated our positions ahead of the conversation between President Trump and Putin and the upcoming meetings in Europe," Zelensky said in his evening address.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to Macron and France for their support for Ukraine, Xinhua news agency reported.

Separately, Macron wrote on social media platform X that during their talks Zelensky reiterated his commitment to accepting the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.

"It is now up to Russia to prove that it truly wants peace," Macron said.

He added that France, together with its partners, must work to develop a "concrete plan" to provide solid security guarantees for Ukraine and ensure lasting peace in Europe.

Earlier in the day, US media reported that Trump said he planned to talk with Putin on Tuesday about ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Russia on Monday confirmed that a phone call between the US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will take place on Tuesday.

"Yes, this is indeed the case. Such a conversation is being prepared for Tuesday," state-run news agency TASS quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump stated that he was planning a conversation with the Russian President on Tuesday. He emphasised paying special attention to territorial and infrastructure issues within the framework of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Trump said he would speak with Putin about the war in Ukraine and added that there had already been discussions about "dividing up certain assets".

The US President further expressed hope that Moscow would agree to a ceasefire proposal.

"We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can't, but I think we have a very good chance I'll be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of work's been done over the weekend," the US President told reporters on Sunday.
New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Monday informed the Rajya Sabha that the ministry was looking into the complaint of non-availability of a pre-booked wheelchair by Air India to an 82-year-old woman passenger at Delhi airport, and a show cause notice will be issued to the airline.

Replying to supplementaries during question hour in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said aviation regulator DGCA has spoken to the family of the passenger and the airlines, and is looking into the CCTV footage to ascertain what exactly had happened. Noting that it was a "very unfortunate incident", he said the ministry has immediately taken cognisance of it and is looking into the incident.

In civil aviation guidelines, every airline has to provide wheelchair support to whoever requires it. "Regarding this incident, we are going indepth and verifying as to what exactly happened. There are always two different versions, one is from the family and the DGCA has spoken to the family members and taken their story, and from the airlines," he said.

"We are issuing a show cause notice to the airlines. We will be taking action as per the show cause notice, whatever we get. We are taking the CCTV footage to find out exactly what has happened. I can assure the member that we are looking into the issue," Naidu said.

After a complaint about non-availability of a pre-booked wheelchair that resulted in the fall of an elderly woman passenger at the Delhi airport, Air India had said that wheelchair or assistance was not denied to the passenger at any point in time and first aid was given immediately.

The incident happened on March 4 at the Delhi airport, and the passenger later boarded the flight to Bengaluru.

In a post on X, the granddaughter of the 82-year-old passenger said her grandmother was treated poorly by the airline and claimed that she was not allocated a wheelchair for almost an hour.

As per the post on March 7, the passenger managed to enter the airport on foot, but still, no wheelchair or assistance was provided, and she suffered a fall.

Issuing a detailed statement after investigating the incident, Air India on Saturday (March 8) said the family members accompanying the passenger had reported at the PRM (Person with Reduced Mobility) desk located near Air India's ticketing office less than 90 minutes before the scheduled time of departure to request for a wheelchair.

The granddaughter also mentioned in the post that complaints were lodged with DGCA and Air India and action was awaited.
Washington: TV host and comedian Conan O'Brien will return to the Dolby Theatre for the 98th Oscars on March 15, 2026.

The announcement comes from Bill Kramer, Academy CEO, and Janet Yang, Academy president, who also confirmed the return of the Emmy-winning producing team aty MullRaj Kapoor and Kan, who will lead the show for the third consecutive year, reported Variety.

Using his signature humour, O'Brien said in a statement: "The only reason I'm hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech."

Brody's best actor speech for "The Brutalist" clocked in as the longest in the ceremony's history.

"We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars!" Kramer and Yang said in a joint statement. "This year, they produced a hugely entertaining and visually stunning show that celebrated our nominees and the global film community in the most beautiful and impactful way. Conan was the perfect host skillfully guiding us through the evening with humour, warmth and reverence. It is an honour to be working with them again," as per the outlet.

Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, hailed O'Brien's "unforgettable performance," stating that he's an excellent choice to lead Hollywood's greatest night once more."Conan's unique comedic style perfectly captured the moment, and I'm excited to have his talents back onstage next year to helm another indelible performance."

Kapoor and Mullan will once again oversee production, promising another dazzling celebration of cinema. "We are both so honored to be returning in our roles for the 98th Oscars," the producers said. "We can't wait to work with Conan and his entire team as we continue to explore even more special and heartfelt opportunities to celebrate next year's nominees and the impact of film around the world," reported Variety.

O'Brien's return marks another milestone in a career spanning decades in television and comedy. Currently, he hosts the podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" and the HBO/Max travel series "Conan O'Brien Must Go" and will appear in the upcoming feature film "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," reported Variety.

The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
Israel launched fresh airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday morning, resulting in at least 235 people killed, including women and children, according to hospital reports.

Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas positions in its heaviest assault on the territory since a ceasefire took effect in January.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the strikes due to the lack of progress in ongoing talks to extend the ceasefire. It was not immediately clear if the operation was a one-time pressure tactic or if the 17-month-old war was being resumed altogether.

This comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the U.S. Presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators, Netanyahu's office said, AP reported

Criticizing the new Israeli attacks, Taher Nunu, a Hamas official said, The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza, he said.

In Gaza, explosions were heard at multiple locations, and ambulances arrived at Al Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza.

These strikes came two months after a ceasefire was agreed to pause the war. During a six-week period, Hamas released about three dozen hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

However, since the first phase of the ceasefire ended two weeks ago, both sides have been unable to reach an agreement on a second phase aimed at releasing the remaining 60 hostages and bringing an end to the war. Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to resume the conflict and, earlier this month, halted all food and aid deliveries into the besieged territory to pressure Hamas.

(With AP inputs)
What was supposed to be around a week's stay stretched to become a 9-month sojourn in the space. Finally, Indian-descent American astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore are returning to Earth, ending an unusually protracted stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Earlier, NASA had said a spacecraft carrying Williams and three other astronautsWilmore, Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunovis poised to undock from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. ET (10:35 a.m. IST) and splash down off the coast of the American state of Florida at 5:57 p.m. ET (around 3 a.m. Wednesday in India). Williams and others are returning aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The crew of the spacecraft called Dragon is scheduled to undock from the ISS and for Williams and Wilmore, it will be the start of a journey they were supposed to undertake 10 months ago at the end of their around 8-day mission to the space station. Their earlier schedule was delayed because of technical reasons, NASA has said.

After the successful undocking of SpaceX Crew-9, NASA posted on X:

#Crew9 is officially Earth bound.



After living and working aboard the orbiting laboratory, @NASA_Astronauts Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Suni Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov successfully undocked from the @Space_Station at 1:05 a.m. ET, Tuesday, March 18. pic.twitter.com/3QprUXctyC  NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) March 18, 2025

Elon Musk, the SpaceX owner whose spacecraft is bringing back Williams and Wilmore, has suggested the two astronauts could have been brought

back earlier with his help. They were left up there for political reasons, which is not good, Musk said in an interview alongside President Donald Trump on Fox News recently.

An Extended Space Mission For Sunita Williams And Butch Wilmore

Wilmore and 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.

NASA's Live Coverage

NASA, earlier in a statement, had announced that it will provide live coverage of the agency's SpaceX Crew-9 return to Earth from the International Space Station."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. Mission managers are targeting an earlier Crew-9 return opportunity based on favourable conditions forecasted for the evening of Tuesday, March 18," it added.

.@NASA will provide live coverage of Crew-9s return to Earth from the @Space_Station, beginning with @SpaceX Dragon hatch closure preparations at 10:45pm ET Monday, March 17.



Splashdown is slated for approximately 5:57pm Tuesday, March 18: https://t.co/yABLg20tKX pic.twitter.com/alujSplsHm  NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) March 16, 2025

Williams, Wilmore Thank Elon Musk And Donald Trump

Meanwhile, Williams and Wilmore have expressed their gratitude for SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump. In the video posted by Musk on X, Sunita Williams said, "We are coming back before long, so don't make those plans without me. We'll be back before too long." Butch Wilmore said, "All of us have the utmost respect for Mr Musk and obviously respect and admiration for our President of the United States Donald Trump. We appreciate them, we appreciate all what they do for us, human spaceflight for our nation, and we're thankful for the positions they are in."
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a crucial phone call on Tuesday as the US administration sought to push for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, reported AP. The proposal, initially accepted by Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is viewed as a potential first step toward ending the war.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains skeptical, accusing Putin of merely paying lip service to peace while Russian forces continue attacks on Ukraine.

Trump has been engaged in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin since 10 a.m. EDT, Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino confirmed on X.

The call is going well and still in progress, Scavino stated, later posting an update 40 minutes later that the conversation was ongoing.

The White House had expressed optimism ahead of the discussion, emphasizing Trumps commitment to quickly resolving the conflict. "Its a bad situation in Russia, and its a bad situation in Ukraine," Trump told reporters on Monday. "Whats happening in Ukraine is not good, but were going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace. And I think well be able to do it."

In preparation for the call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow last week to discuss the framework. Secretary of State Rubio had earlier convinced senior Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia to accept the ceasefire deal. As part of the negotiations, Washington and Moscow have begun discussions about "dividing up certain assets" between Ukraine and Russia, Trump confirmed.

Putins spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov had earlier stated that the leaders discussed the Ukraine war and the broader US-Russia relationship. The conversation took place on the anniversary of Russias annexation of Crimea, an event that set the stage for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Jakarta, IndonesiaMore than 500 Indonesians freed from online scam centres in Myanmar will be repatriated via Thailand in the coming days, a senior Indonesian official told AFP on Tuesday.

Cyberscam operations, which have thrived in Myanmars lawless border areas for several years, lure foreign workers with promises of high-paying jobs but hold them hostage and force them to commit online fraud.

- Advertisement -

Around 7,000 workers from at least two dozen countries have been freed in recent weeks, the majority of them Chinese, but many have been languishing in squalid temporary holding camps on the border between Myanmar and Thailand.

Four hundred Indonesian nationals will return home on Tuesday and around 161 are to come back on Wednesday, Judha Nugraha, the director of citizen protection at Indonesias foreign ministry, told AFP.

They would come back on three flights from Bangkok after crossing into Thailand from Myanmar, he said.

Indonesian authorities already repatriated 140 nationals from Myanmar via Thailand last month.

Authorities in Myanmar, under pressure from ally China, have cracked down on the scam compounds.

Thousands of Indonesians have been enticed abroad in recent years to other Southeast Asian countries for better-paying jobs, only to end up in the hands of transnational scam operators.

Between 2020 and September last year, Jakarta repatriated more than 4,700 Indonesians entangled in online scam operations from countries including Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, according to foreign ministry data.

The United Nations estimates that as many as 120,000 people  many of them Chinese men  may be working in Myanmar scam centres against their will.
JAKARTAIndonesia on Tuesday began repatriating more than 500 of its nationals freed from online scam centers in Myanmar, officials said, bringing them home from an ordeal where they suffered violence and threats.

Cyberscam operations, which have thrived in Myanmars lawless border areas for several years, lure foreign workers with promises of high-paying jobs but hold them hostage and force them to commit online fraud.

- Advertisement -

Around 7,000 workers from at least two dozen countries have been freed in recent weeks, the majority of them Chinese, but many have been languishing in squalid temporary holding camps on the border between Myanmar and Thailand.

Four-hundred Indonesians were returning from Thailand on Tuesday and at least 154 would follow on Wednesday, according to Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan.

The Indonesian government cooperated with the Thailand government and the Chinese government for rescuing and repatriating 554 Indonesians, he told a press conference at the international airport in capital Jakarta.

The group included 449 men and 105 women who became victims of large-scale online scamming in the town of Myawaddy near the Thai border, said Budi.

The victims experienced various pressures, physical violence, such as beatings and electrocution, and lastly were threatened with their organs being removed, he said.

Judha Nugraha, the director of citizen protection at Indonesias foreign ministry, earlier told AFP that around 161 nationals would return Wednesday.

The Indonesians were coming back on three flights from Bangkok after crossing into Thailand from Myanmar, officials said.

The first flight carrying 200 freed Indonesians landed on Tuesday morning.
The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has signed a land usufruct agreement with Jiangsu Guotai, a leading Chinese textile and garment company, to establish a ready-made garment factory in the Qantara West Industrial Zone. The new facility, covering 21,000 square metres, represents a $10 million (EGP 500 million) investment and is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs. Dedicated entirely to exports, the factory will strengthen Egypts position in the global textile supply chain.

During the signing ceremony, SCZone Chairman Walid Gamal El-Din revealed that 15 usufruct agreements have been finalised in the Qantara West area, attracting a total investment of $490 million. These projects, covering 1.031 million square metres, are projected to generate over 20,000 jobs. The region is set to become a key export hub, with 80% of its production earmarked for European and American markets, to be shipped via the West Port Said Port, a major SCZone hub on the Mediterranean.

As part of its ongoing expansion, SCZone has recently laid the foundation stone for five new projects, with several more developments in the pipeline. The first two factories in Qantara West are scheduled to open in the latter half of 2025, marking a significant step in Egypts industrial growth and further enhancing the regions role as a key player in global trade.
Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium on March 17, accusing the European nation of consistently undermining the country during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The dispute centres around Belgiums leadership in urging European nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda for its alleged support of the M23 rebel group, which is at the heart of the conflict in eastern DRC. In response to the diplomatic fallout, Kigali has given Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.

The Rwandan government has strongly denied accusations from the United Nations and the United States that it has supported the M23 group, insisting that Belgium has been manipulating international forums to portray Rwanda in a negative light. In a statement issued on Monday, Kigali accused Brussels of engaging in neo-colonial delusions and attempting to destabilise both Rwanda and the wider region. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot labelled Rwandas decision as disproportionate and suggested it showed the countrys reluctance to engage in dialogue when disagreements arise.

The tensions come amidst a broader international response to the conflict, with the European Union on Monday sanctioning three Rwandan military commanders and the head of Rwandas state mining agency for alleged ties to the M23. The sanctions are part of an ongoing effort by the international community to address the destabilising influence of the conflict, which has seen significant loss of life and displacement in eastern DRC. Despite these measures, Rwandas President Paul Kagame has vowed to confront Belgium and maintain Rwandas sovereignty in the face of external pressure.
Farmers in Ivory Coast, the worlds largest cocoa producer, have reported that last weeks rainfall, despite being below average across most growing regions, has been sufficient to support the development of the countrys April-to-September cocoa mid-crop.

The country is currently in its dry season, typically characterized by limited and irregular rainfall, which often affects crop development. However, farmers noted that the moisture levels were enough to assist pod development, despite the declining rainfall during the ongoing November-to-March main crop period.

While the rainfall from last week has been helpful, farmers expressed concern over the increasing temperatures, which could pose risks to the trees and young pods if they continue to rise without sufficient rainfall in the coming weeks. They are particularly worried that the upcoming rains, from next week until late April, need to be abundant to ensure healthy mid-crop production and high-quality cocoa beans. In regions such as Bongouanou, where rainfall was significantly below the average, farmers warned that prolonged heat could lead to potential losses if conditions do not improve soon.

In contrast, farmers in the western regions of Soubre and the southern region of Divo reported more favourable weather, with rainfall exceeding the average, which is setting up expectations for a long and fruitful mid-crop. These regions are already seeing well-developed cocoa pods, and harvests are expected to begin slowly in the coming days. However, farmers in the central and eastern regions, such as Yamoussoukro and Abengourou, are experiencing below-average rainfall, with concerns over the impact of continuing heat on crop yields. The situation remains closely monitored as the mid-crop marketing season is set to begin in April.
The military Government of Niger has announced its decision to withdraw from the Organization internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a global group of French-speaking nations, following its severance of ties with former colonial ruler France.

The move was confirmed on Monday by the Nigerien foreign ministry, which stated that the government had independently chosen to leave the organisation. Niger had previously been suspended from the OIF after a military coup ousted elected president Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. The OIF had called for a swift return to constitutional order and the release of Bazoum, who remains in custody under the new military leadership.

Since the coup, Nigers military rulers have increasingly distanced themselves from Paris, aligning instead with fellow West African juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as seeking closer ties with Russia. This shift reflects Nigers broader political pivot, marked by growing anti-colonial sentiment. Notably, just before the coup, Niger introduced a new national anthem, For the Honour of the Fatherland, which emphasizes the countrys anti-colonial struggle, replacing the former anthem, La Nigerienne, composed by a French musician in 1961.

The withdrawal from the Francophonie comes as Nigers military leadership strengthens its stance against foreign influence, further isolating the country from its traditional diplomatic and cultural affiliations. The OIF, which represents 88 member states, had been a significant platform for Nigers international engagement since its independence. The departure marks another step in Nigers ongoing political and diplomatic transformation following the coup.
The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has announced on Monday March 17 its withdrawal from peace talks scheduled for this March 18 with the Congolese Government, citing the imposition of international sanctions on its members and ongoing military actions by Congos armed forces.

The talks were set to begin in Angolas capital, Luanda, on Tuesday. M23s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, stated that the sanctions imposed by the European Union had made the dialogue impracticable and that ongoing military offensives in eastern Congo by the Congolese army had further undermined the peace process.

While M23s decision to withdraw has thrown the peace talks into uncertainty, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) confirmed its participation in the dialogue, with a delegation already en route to Luanda. The conflict, which has intensified since January, saw M23 rebels capture the strategically significant cities of Goma and Bukavu, escalating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The violence has displaced over seven million people, and the conflict has become one of the worlds most severe crises, with numerous armed groups vying for control over the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC.

International pressure on Rwanda has been mounting, with the European Union recently imposing sanctions on five Rwandan nationals, including the commander of Rwandas special forces deployed in Congo, and sanctioning Rwandas only gold refinery. The sanctions aim to curb the illegal extraction and trafficking of valuable minerals from eastern Congo, which has fuelled much of the conflict. Meanwhile, the United States has expressed interest in forming economic and security partnerships with the DRC, underscoring the importance of peace for potential investment in the countrys mineral-rich sectors.
On Monday March 17, the Government of South Sudan issued a directive for civilians to vacate a northern region, just a day after the military launched an airstrike against an armed group accused of seizing a military base and attacking a United Nations helicopter.

The groups actions in Nasir County have undermined the peace agreement signed in 2018 by President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, which brought an end to a devastating five-year civil war that claimed the lives of over 400,000 people.

Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth warned that any civilian remaining in a military zone would face consequences. He confirmed that the airstrike in Nasir County occurred on Sunday night, with the government forces pledging to continue their operations. Local reports from Nasir County Commissioner, Gatluak Lew Thiep, indicated that more than a dozen civilians had been killed in the bombing, though the army has not confirmed these deaths.

Tensions have escalated between the government and the White Army, a militia believed to have ties to Machars faction. This comes after President Kiirs recent dismissal of officials loyal to Machar, further straining the fragile peace agreement. Earlier in the month, government forces surrounded Machars residence in Juba, and several of his associates were arrested following the White Armys attack on the military base in Nasir County.
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Parents and caregivers should avoid using a bottle to put toddlers to sleep, say experts, after new research reveals the practice is linked to dental cavities and overweight in early childhood.

The research, published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, was led by the University of Sydney, using data from over 700 toddlers involved in Western Sydney University's Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids (HSHK) studya cohort study that followed children from birth.

Researchers analyzed the results of a survey of mothers, as well as dental checks and body measurements and considered other factors that could influence dental hygiene and weight.

The authors found that:

More than 30% of children were still bottle fed to sleep at two years old;

Children who were bottle fed to sleep at two years old were almost twice as likely to have overweight in early childhood;

Children who were bottle fed to sleep at three years old had nearly twice as many teeth affected by tooth decay in early childhood.

University of Sydney lead author, and Ph.D. candidate in the Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Heilok Cheng, says that parents and caregivers want to do the right thing but may not be aware of the health risks of bottle feeding before naps and at bedtime. "Australian recommendations advise parents to start introducing cups at 6 months of age and stop using baby bottles at 12 months. Bottle feeding in bed is not recommended at any age. Our research now provides a much more robust evidence base for that advice.

"Common toddler drinks, including cow's milk and formula, often contain either natural or added sugars, increasing the risk of tooth decay. When a bottle is offered at bedtime, it's often used by caregivers to calm an unsettled child or encourage the child to drift off to sleep. Because the bottle isn't being offered in response to hunger, it can lead to overfeeding, putting children at risk of unhealthy weight gain.

"We need to do more to support families and help them avoid getting into the habit of putting a child or baby to bed with a bottle, so that our future generations are set up with a healthy future from the start."

Public health experts say the findings offer a timely reminder of why governments should take comprehensive action to help reduce childhood obesity, as well as the potential benefits of introducing universal dental care.

Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO, Public Health Association of Australia, says the study adds to the evidence outlining the big public health challenges Australia is facing. "Recently, obesity has overtaken tobacco as Australia's biggest cause of preventable disease burden. Around one in four Australian children have overweight and obesity in this country is a slow-moving public health crisis.

"We need the next Federal Government to take comprehensive action to help all Australians maintain a healthy weight. This includes better regulation of toddler food labels and formula marketing to help parents make informed choices.

"With many children at risk of dental cavities, we are also asking the next Government to include dental care in Medicareso that all Australians, no matter their background, can all afford a healthy smile. It's important that all children can see a dentist early to identify and treat tooth decay as soon as possible, before it gets worse."

More information: Heilok Cheng et al, Bottle feeding to sleep beyond 12 months is associated with higher risk of tooth decay and overweight in Australian children: Findings from the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids cohort study, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2025.100224 Journal information: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

Provided by Public Health Association of Australia
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The data on the health effects from smoking cigarettes has been clear for decades. Today, tobacco use causes nearly 1 in 5 deaths each year in the U.S. While many of these deaths are cancer-related, researchers have found that people who smoke are more likely to die from heart disease than lung cancer.

In late 2024, a U.S. Surgeon General's report on tobacco use addressed challenges that have contributed to another generation being addicted to nicotine, including flavored products, and predatory marketing practices.

But cigarettes are not the only culprit.

While cigarette smoking rates have plummeted from nearly 50% of adults in the 1960s to just under 12% in 2022, people use other tobacco products at about the same rate as they always have. While graphic new warning labels will soon help remind people of the dangers of cigarettes, no such labels are required for non-cigarette products.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2021 estimates that among U.S. adults:

3.5% smoked cigars

0.9% report pipe and/or hookah use

2.1% used smokeless tobacco products such as snuff or dip

One reason why may be that the health effects of these non-cigarette tobacco products are less clear. Fewer people use these products, so it's been difficult to conduct a large-scale scientific study of their impacts. It has also been challenging for national and international authorities to regulate these products given their unclear impact on health risks.

However, by analyzing data from several smaller studies that recorded tobacco product use and their outcomes, answers about the cardiovascular effects of specific non-cigarette tobacco products are becoming clearer.

Looking at health effects from different tobacco products

UT Southwestern participated in an observational study led by researchers with the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease that was published in JAMA Network Open. The findings suggest that pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco products are associated with specific and significant risks to cardiovascular health.

Patients and health care providers should discuss the use of these products and make a plan to quit. Regulators, meanwhile, should take note of the significant health risks now clearly associated with these products.

How bringing data together yields new insight

The consortium assembled tobacco-related data from 15 different studies in the U.S. from 1948 to 2015. One of these was UTSW's landmark Dallas Heart Study, the only single-center heart study of its size and multiethnic composition, which includes data from 6,000 Dallas County residents.

Altogether, data from 103,642 patients were studied. The average age of patients was 55.7 years old, and they were divided nearly evenly between females (48%) and males (52%).

Researchers standardized the data from these different studies to gather enough information on non-cigarette tobacco product use to draw statistically meaningful conclusions about specific cardiovascular outcomes.

How tobacco products affect cardiovascular health

When it comes to the health of your heart and blood vessels, tobacco products can cause major problems. When you smoke or dip, nicotine and other harmful chemicals enter your bloodstream where they begin to cause damage and inflammation. This damage can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, when plaque builds up inside your arteries.

Carbon monoxide from smoking decreases the amount of oxygen your red blood cells can carry throughout the body and leads to more cholesterol deposited in the arteries.

Nicotine, the highly addictive substance found in most tobacco products and in many e-cigarettes, can cause several cardiovascular problems, including hardening and narrowing of arteries, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate.

After standardizing data from the cohort of studies, the authors identified an increased risk of specific heart and blood vessel conditions associated with each type of tobacco product: Use of cigars increased the risk of stroke, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Smokeless tobacco led to a higher risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and death from coronary heart disease. Pipe use was associated with a higher risk of heart failure.

Statistical analysis demonstrated that cigarette smoking was consistently associated with higher risk for all the heart health outcomes studied. People who used only cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco without cigarettes had higher risks of many cardiovascular diseases compared to people who never used these products.

This was an observational cohort study, meaning researchers examined the data involving a large group of people to consider how their tobacco use affected their health. The study did not take into consideration other heart-health risk factors, such as nutrition, exercise, and stress levels. Yet this important research gives patients and providers more reason to discuss the effects of non-cigarette tobacco products on cardiovascular health.

And while this study did not examine e-cigarettes, we know from numerous other studies that using these products also comes with increased health risks, particularly to the cardiovascular system and the lungs.

Changing how we talk about tobacco

While I always talk with my patients about the dangers of cigarette smoking, we often don't discuss whether they dip or smoke a pipe or cigars.

This research will change the discussions I have with my patients. Along with common conversations about family history and geneticsas well as diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterolI encourage all care providers to examine how they screen for tobacco use among their patients and to ensure they're discussing how non-cigarette products can affect heart health.

Patients, too, can get clarity from this study. It's clear that smoking a cigar or dipping snuff is not "safe." All tobacco products harm your health, forcing your body to contend with addictive pollutants with serious health outcomes that can all shorten your life dramatically.

If you use tobacco products, there's no better time than now to quit and start improving your health. Talk with your doctor about programs to help you quityour heart will thank you.

More information: Erfan Tasdighi et al, Cigar, Pipe, and Smokeless Tobacco Use and Cardiovascular Outcomes From Cross Cohort Collaboration, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.53987 Journal information: JAMA Network Open
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Fourteen minutes ago, the nonprofit advocacy group Children's Cancer Cause posted on the social media app Twitter, now called X, that members were on Capitol Hill asking Congress for funding to fight #childhoodcancer.

Three days ago, a special education teacher from Texas posted about a young girl, Caitlyn, who twice survived #childhoodcancer, along with a difficult bone marrow transplant. She included a link to the girl's GoFundMe account.

Seventeen hours ago, the chairman and CEO of a cancer response team sought prayers for Kellan, who's in a battle with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and, by virtue of his courage, is heralded a "#childhoodcancer warrior."

These are just three posts from a search of the hashtag on X (formerly Twitter) in late February, a snapshot of the thousandsmany, many thousandsshared on the app over the years. A new study from UConn researchers looked at 1,000 posts from October to December 2022 to understand who's leading the conversation about childhood cancer and what they're saying.

"We found the largest number of tweets on childhood cancer were not from health care professionals, like oncologists. They were not from nonprofit organizations, like American Cancer Society. They were from individualsparents, caregivers, and family members. These were the people actually doing the most in terms of raising awareness," says Sherry Pagoto, allied health sciences professor and director of the UConn Center for mHealth & Social Media.

Pagoto and human development and family sciences professor Keith Bellizzi, along with four students from the high school, undergrad, and graduate levels, recently published the article "A Content Analysis of #Childhoodcancer Chatter on X" in the Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology.

They found that "educational" tweets and ones that discussed "science" accounted for a combined 28.1% of posts about childhood cancer. Next came "fundraising" with 21.2% of tweetsTwitter did not become X until mid-2023, after the study. "Advocacy" was most prominent in 20.2% of tweets, and "motivational" posts comprised 17.5%.

"Cancer disrupts lives, bringing uncertainty and hardship to individuals and their families," Bellizzi says. "These findings highlight how different stakeholders may reclaim a sense of control in a situation that often feels uncontrollable. By turning to social media, they are not just sharing stories, they are actively shaping the conversation, raising funds, spreading awareness, and building a supportive community."

The study says a total of 3,217 tweets were captured from that three-month period in late 2022 by searching on the hashtag, so researchers pared down the total and randomly selected 1,000 to review. They came from 454 unique accounts.

Among those accounts, researchers found that family members of children with cancer accounted for most of the content on childhood cancer, making up 41.5% of the tweets that were reviewed. Nonprofit organizations were next at 38.6%, followed by health professionals at 8.7%, academic and/or medical centers at 4.2%, and for-profit companies at 3.5%.

"We can study human behavior in a lot of ways," Pagoto says. "We can do surveys. We can do focus groups. We can take blood samples. We can study all these different sources of data, but social media gives us a unique form of data by showing us how patients, caregivers, and health care professionals talk about health in their natural environment."

Cameron Cordaway '23 (CLAS), who majored in physiology and neurobiology and worked on the study her last year at UConn, says she wasn't surprised to find individuals sharing their stories, sometimes in great detail, on social media.

After all, sharing experiences with others in a digital way is second nature for her generation, she says.

"When I got into dental school, the first thing I did was text my whole family and post it on social media," Cordaway says of her acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she'll begin studies this fall. "For my generation, our whole lives are on social media. It's second nature when something happens in your life to tell people on your phone in some way."

She continues, "Something as heavy as a cancer diagnosis, while it might not be the first thing you would post in public, people definitely would use social media to communicate, inform, and educate about it. It's also a good way to let people know, 'Hey, this is what's going on with me. This is why I haven't reached out or why I haven't been as present.'"

Pagoto says she and Bellizzi conceived the project after noticing that a father chronicling his young son's cancer journey on Twitter had become a trending topic on the site.

"It really enraptured Twitter users for months, as people watched from afar as this father shared his family's journey through his child's cancer treatment," Pagoto says, explaining that got her thinking about how social media was being used among those thinking about, dealing with, and focused on childhood cancer.

She and Bellizzi turned to digital natives like Cordaway, Cindy Pan '24 MPH, clinical psychology grad student Jessica Foy, and Andie Napolitano '28 (CAHNR) who was a high school junior when she worked on the project.

Napolitano, who was a student at Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, says the school offers a science research program that allows young teens in their sophomore year to start working with university-based researchers.

That year she worked with a professor from the University of New Haven, she says. The last two years of high school, though, were spent with Pagoto and Bellizzi.

She says she liked the idea of a research project dealing with social media and wanted to use the experience to test drive UConn as a potential for her undergraduate work. A bonus was that like the other students, she could be part of the project from start to finish.

Pagoto notes that many research studies take many years to complete, thus students see only a small piece during the year or two they're on board.

Since tweets are in the public domain and searching Twitter back then was easy, data collection was almost effortless, and the four students could quickly get to work analyzing the tweets.

That's the fun stuff, they say.

"I have an interest in social media research because people spend so much time on it and so many think it's a bad thing and that only misinformation spreads online," Napolitano says.

Doing a project that looks at its benefits especially appealed to her.

Pagato says that in addition to X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok also get heavy use from people using the platforms to talk about their other physical issues and even mental health problems.

"There are influencers with Tourette syndrome, depression, cancer, and any condition you can imagine, and, yes, while there is misinformation on social media, there's also community on social media and these influencers are sharing their experiences and garnering support," she explains.

"It's a little like, 'Here's my experience. I have this diagnosis, and this is what my life is like,'" she continues. "Health influencers on social media destigmatize many disorders that have been hiding in the shadows, particularly mental health disorders."

Those with similar diagnoses, she says, can learn from others about what to expect, how to cope with side effects, how to find clinical trials, and what questions to ask.

"Patients have a lot to say about their experience. They're the ones who must live with the disease. Their voices matter. I wonder if that's what draws them to social mediato be heard. Oftentimes, we'll hear in studies that patients don't feel heard by their doctors. They may not even feel heard by their family members," Pagoto says.

Napolitano agrees.

"In today's mainstream media environment, for a lot of reasons, stories don't get heard. Social media is a way for people to make themselves be heard," she says.

And that includes the mother of a son treated for neuroblastoma in 1999 who posted four hours ago in a conversation about bringing a newborn into a crowded airport that she had to protect her young son from viral exposures the first eight years of his life: "This is what having a child w/ #childhoodcancer or a #survivor with vulnerable health is like."

More information: Sherry Pagoto et al, A Content Analysis of #Childhoodcancer Chatter on X, Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (2024). DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2024.0117
Press Release

March 18, 2025 TRANSCRIPT OF Q&A: SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS HEARING ON ALICE GUO'S ESCAPE

MARCH 18, 2025 Senator Risa Hontiveros (SRH): My last set of questions is particularly for Undersecretary De Vega. Kasi paalis sila in about half an hour. And I'd like the subcommittee would like to take advantage of his presence online. So, Usec. De Vega from DFA in Yangon. Usec De Vega, are you still online, sir? Usec Eduardo De Vega (DFA) : Yes, I am. And always a pleasure. SRH: Yes, sir. Okay, now I can see you again, sir. So, sir, gaya ng nabangit ko po kanina, ang pinakaconcern namin sa inyong department, ano na po yung update sa pagpapauwi sa mga biktima ng human trafficking na ngayon, and we knew this from the last hearing, na sa Miyawadi po. Usec De Vega: Yes. But for that, in order that we could link it to the issue now... SRH: Yes, please. And Usec, if it's possible to ask your technical there to increase your audio, kasi medyo hindi po namin marinig masyado. Usec De Vega: How is it now? SRH: It's better, Usec. Thank you. Yes, please jump off from the issues we were just discussing also. Usec De Vega: Marami yung mga Pilipino nandun use that route. They openly say that they use the truth they went through the South because alam nyo na mas mahirap ngayong lumusot through the airports but may mga dumaan doon or if they use the airport it would be to Bangkok. Now what's the latest scenario there is a process between Myanmar and Thailand meaning they are in Myanmar and then itatawid yan across the friendship bridge to Maesot so the both governments have to coordinate on the dates and the times if you remember the Gaza repatriation, hindi pwedeng sabay-sabay lahat lumabas. So what we're doing is we're actually competing with other countries in effect because there's thousands of victims, trafficking victims. So what's happening is, right now, because of our discussions with Myanmar authorities yesterday, partly because of that, they are accelerating the process and it's possible as early as next week, up to 187 will be allowed to cross the border and from there, susunduin ang ating mga tao naman sa Thailand, sa ating embahada sa Thailand, either to fly them direct from Maesot, we're trying to charter a flight for that or drive them to Bangkok where they will fly because on thailand is saying all governments should commit that once we accept them in they will take them out as quick as possible within 24 hours so we are doing that and aside from the 187 or so, we have asked the Maynmar government because we have identified about 62 more who are still in the compounds. So kailangan ma-rescue pa. And it looks like a lot, but there are other countries with thousands, China's thousands. There's a lot more. So at least may progress pong nangyari. Thank you also about POGOS. Myanmar is also thankful and other countries because what we're doing to close POGOS means meron na re-rescue na foreign nationals who have been trafficked to the Philippines, including at least 40 Myanmar citizens whom we shall eventually be sending back to Myanmar. So that's what I'm here for, madam, and I made sure to make time. Interestingly, Myanmar is 90 minutes behind Philippine time. Usually, lahat ng bansa 10 o'clock, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5. Myanmar is unique it's a 90 minutes behind and um we're grateful to be part of this I will be the acting head of the embassy, si Mr Lito Nayan just assumed not so long ago and already into the fire no because that's service because after all the DFA stands for foreign service. We'll do what we can and you know that. Madam. And we'll report to you on the developments. SRH: Thank you so much Usec. de Vega at kay Sir OIC Ambassador Nayan as well. This is very good news po tungkol dun sa 187 na mga kababayan natin. Has the Philippine Embassy in Yangon been able to confirm Usec, kung kabilang po dito yung 12 na itinanong po namin sa DFA in the last hearing na iniintay ng mga pamilya nilang makauwi agad? Usec. De Vega: We're absolutely sure of 6 of the 12 and we're checking on the other 6. Pero committed tayo na mauwi na yan next week. Or certainly, kung hindi next week, certainly this month. Problem kasi, paglusot kasi sa bridge, by nationality, kunwari Monday, Tuesdays tayo. They preserve Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays for the Chinese, because there are thousands and thousands of them, no? So, Monday, Tuesday, Filipinos and other Southeast Asians. So, luckily, I mean, it sounds like a lot, madam, no? 200 plus. Other countries have more. Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam. Kasi nag-umpisa na tayo mag-repatrate since you started this, if you remember, in late 2022. Now, as for the 12th, I will ask Mr. Nayan to explain the status. SRH: Yes, please, Sir Nayan. And please follow on the input of the good undersecretary because it's good to hear that at least 6 out of the 12 na itinanong na po namin noong nakaraang hearing ay kasama po sa 187 na makakauwi na by early next week. And sana po maihabol pa yung anim dahil I remember in the last hearing na banggit po namin sa DFA resource person that if I remember correctly, all of these 12, nakapagbigay na po ang mga pamilya nila na mga dokumento nila sa DFA. So, yes sir, Mr. Nayan. OIC Ambassador Lito Nayan: Ma'am, your honor, Senator Hontiveros. Good to see you again, ma'am, since the last confirmation hearing. We're working closely with the Malaysian authorities, that's why the good Undersecretary is here several days, working closely with the Myanmar authorities and also the Thai authorities, also reaching out to all the relevant authorities to bring home safely or repat all our Filipinos, overseas Filipinos by next week. So, we have about 187 as conveyed by the Undersecretary, but we still have 12, as we mentioned, pending official conveyance. And we are on our way, if I may, sir, on our way in a few minutes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar to officially convey all of these numbers again, ma'am, to communicate to the highest level the urgency to safely repatriate all our overseas Filipinos who are trapped in the scam compounds. And fortunately, we have this schedule on Monday at least the 30th and hopefully there will be more to be repatriated by Monday or Tuesday next week. We're working closely with all the relevant authorities with Bangkok P, who is represented by the acting CDA as well. So we're working closely with all the relevant authorities. We, of course, seek the kind of indulgence of all our stakeholders, madam, to have the patience to understand how these yes Usec De Vega: Yesterday we also met with the ASEAN heads of mission here including the Thai ambassador they are committed so and now I'm meeting the Myanmar foreign museum although I already met immigration and police yesterday from here I'll actually fly to Thailand naman kasi they are at the receiving end, so our embassy is working on that. We will get those 12 home and all the others, Ma'am. I cannot promise the date but as early as next week, it looks like possible already and we will update you, Ma'am Thank you So much Usec and Mr. Nayan para sa amung komite rin. We do salute your efforts kasi para saming subcommittee and buong committee, every Filipino is important po. So na-appreciate po talaga namin. Maraming salamat sa efforts ninyo na pauwiin lahat-lahat po ng ating mga kababayang na biktima dyan. Yes, Usec? Usec De Vega: Maraming salamat din sa Senado at sa inyo kasi kailangan namin ipaabot sa atin at natin ipaabot sa buong mamamayan. Itong scamming kasi may pupunta pa eh. Pero simula ngayon, mukhang wala na sa Myanmar because China and Thailand, what do you call it, cut off their supplies or something. The electricity. So talaga magsasara na itong mga scamming dyan sa Myanmar. So talagang all the more reason na ang kababayan natin huwag maniwala sa mga promises na may trabaho sa Thailand. Kasi sabi rin ng Thailand, gusto rin lang huwag isipin ng mga Pilipino na pwede basta pumunta dun tapos walang work visa. Hindi to EU, I mean, as I said, it's not working in EU, it just go to country to country. The problem though, and we work on it, some of these scammers are now transferring na. O sige, hindi pa rin sa Myanmar, we'll go to Africa. So magiging problema na naman natin yan. But, yun na, we have to spread the news. Don't go to Thailand or anywhere in the region without passing the DMW. And yung mga talagang willing na, willing silang gawin to, wala na sa Myanmar or elsewhere sa Southeast Asia. By the middle of the year, baka wala na. So right now, our job is to bring home those who are there. And certainly, our goal is this month, kung hindi next week. SRH: Thank you, Madam. Thank you very much, Usec. again, and Mr. Nayan. Y SRH: ...Gaya ng pag-uusapan natin. Usec. De Vega: Our goal is this month, kung hindi next week. Thank you, madam. SRH: Thank you very much, Usec., again, and Mr. Nayan. Siyempre, gaya ng pag-uusapan natin, nag-eevolve kasi, nagmo-morph itong mga POGO at human trafficking at scamming syndicate. At patuloy nilang sinusubukang lokohin. Hindi lang tayong mga Pilipino, ibang mga nationals na mabibiktiman nila doon. So in a way, we're also racing against time. And again, we do appreciate the efforts of DFA. Nabanggit niyo po, you're on your way to Bangkok. So this is also a good time to ask, with many thanks, Usec. De Vega and Mr. Nayan. Could I also ask po, some updates from the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok naman po, kung saan papunta si Usec. De Vega. Usec. De Vega: Yes, ma'am. Bangkok CDA Charmaine Guevarra: Charmaine Guevarra here po, CDA of Bangkok, currently. Just to echo the Honorable Undersecretary's information earlier, we are working on bringing home 187, 30 of which they are confirmed to be transferred from Miyawaddy to Mae Sot this coming Monday, March 24, where we are working together with the Thai authorities on this, as well as our Philippine Embassy in Yangon. As for the 157, again, we are also working on their transfer. As Usec. mentioned earlier, Filipinos including other nationals, their schedules are only on Mondays and Tuesdays and Wednesday to Friday are for the Chinese nationals. As we are required to follow the procedures of Thai and of course Myanmar, the other side, we are trying to work very hard their schedule of transfer on the earliest Monday or Tuesday dates. SRH: Thank you so much, Charge D'Affaires. Yes, Senator Sherwin. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian: Madam Chair, with your permission, I'll go back to Mr. Ambassador Nayan in Myanmar. Sir, based on your intelligence and information, ilan pa hong mga Pinoy ang naka-potentially nakakulong pa ho doon? Usec. De Vega: They're not in jail or anything, sir. They're in the scamming compound. Senator Gatchalian: I mean, nasa scamming compound, parang kinulong na rin sila doon, di ba? Hindi sila makaalis, eh. So, kulong in a sense na scamming compound. Usec. De Vega: Yes, sir. Around 50, sir. We have estimated around 50. Senator Gatchalian: 50 pa ang natitira? Usec. De Vega: We've communicated this as of yesterday to the immigration authorities through Undersecretary de Vega's meeting yesterday and also with the Home Affairs, sir. So on our way in a few minutes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we will again reiterate not just the 187 including the 30 but also the 50 plus we believe that are still in the... Senator Gatchalian: Itong 50 plus po ho, confirmed na ho makakalaya sila. Paalisin na ho sila. Usec. De Vega: They have to be taken out of the compound pa. Yung 187, confirmed yan it's just a matter of when, the date. And now we will, we're working with the embassy in Thailand po because they will have to fly them home. And of course we're using approved DFA funds and thank you for our budget for that. Pero itong 50, kailangan magtatrabaho pa yung Myanmar that's why I met the police and migration people, Home Affairs pala to get them out and to get them out, they have to contact their contacts on the ground because officially, the Myanmar State Ministry of Council does not control that area. It's the rebel groups. So the rebel groups are themselves being helpful in rescuing them and turning them over to the authorities, to the official authorities. So meron pang 50, we got them through complaints directly from the victims themselves and from other sources. Senator Gatchalian: And we are coordinating with the quote-unquote rebel groups insofar as their release is concerned? Is that the process? Because I'm trying to understand the process. Usec. De Vega: The process is officially through the Myanmar authorities. As for contacting the rebel groups, I would rather not say in open session. Senator Gatchalian: I understand. But there are efforts to release them? Usec. De Vega: Absolutely. Senator Gatchalian: And then what is now the current situation of the scam hubs? Because based on my readings, these scam hubs are allowed to operate. That's what I understand. Parang pinapayagan silang mag-operate at hinahayaan lang sila. Kasi kung ganun po ang mangyayari, paulit-ulit lang itong mangyayari. Baka mayroon tayong mga kababayan na maloko. Kasi niloloko sila eh. tayong mga kababayan na maloko. Kasi niloloko sila eh. Sasabihin na magtatrabaho doon as cook, magtatrabaho as IT, tapos ikukulong. So, ano po yung sitwasyon ho ngayon? Usec. De Vega: There's about 20 to 30 of them spread out over the border over a big, a big almost 200 mile radius across the river border. They are not officially allowed to operate but remember po that that area is not controlled by the official authorities in Yangon or Naypyidaw but now because China started complaining because some of their citizens, not some, a lot of their citizens are also trafficked there there's now a trilateral crackdown being undertaken by Thailand, China, and Myanmar. So what Thailand did was, they know that they're the ones because yung internet ang tina-tap nitong mga across the border ng scamming centers. They turned that off. They turn off even supply of water, fuel, ganyan. Internet, wala. So, napipilitan magsara na yung mga ito. So, we expect that in the next few months, or even less, wala na sila. Wala na, because hindi na pumapayag at all. Yung, or hindi na, they're working with it, the crackdown, the China-Thailand-Memar. And as I said earlier, that means, wala na yung basehan ng mga Pilipino, lalo na, na pumuntang anywhere in the region, including, well, Bangkok has been the hub to go there. The problem po, as I said earlier, lilipat lang sila. As you said, hindi matatapos to. Hindi matatapos but not in Myanmar. Lilipat yan somewhere else, maybe in another continent and they're opening in Africa. SRH: Usec., Senator Sherwin, if I may jump in at this point, kung saan lilipat po, Usec.? I mean, tama po ba na tumigil na nga or tumitigil na sa Myanmar pero lumipat naman halimbawa sa Cambodia? Usec. De Vega: Well, yes, meron na sa Cambodia, but not anywhere near the scale of what we see. Di ba, meron na tayong mga na-rescue rin, including people who contacted you. But Cambodia now, they don't have quite the numbers as Myanmar. Maybe they will transfer. So, pag-alis po, one suggestion, pagpupunta po sa labas, kailangan merong verified job offers and verified contracts from the DMW, from our POEA. So, Cambodia and Laos, well, I'm not saying it's good, pero at least, doon the Cambodian and Lao authorities do control their territory. Pero ang suspicion namin that something of this scale, they will need to do to go outside the region. So, baka inaudible] na yan. But right now, the job is to rescue a few hundred and we'll do it, po. Senator Gatchalian: So, Usec. and the Ambassador, so the direction there is to completely close down the scam hubs in the next few weeks, months. Usec. De Vega: Opo. Senator Gatchalian: So, that's good news. At least, alam na. Usec. De Vega: I hope it's not ningas cogon. And that's why we're also talking to Myanmar and Thailand. They don't like to be considered trafficking hubs. By the way, we have confirmed according to our statistics, mayroon nang na-traffic for this purpose, Fiji and Ghana, which are even much further places. Senator Gatchalian: Mas mahirap doon, mas mahirap dahil malayo. Usec., when you arrive, I think it's important to coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers and also information campaign. Marami ho talagang naloloko pero magaling ho kasi manloko ito eh. They post on Facebook, they post on social media, and then naloloko sila pagpunta nila doon. So we really need to educate our constituents na hindi, huwag silang kakagat sa mga ganitong alok na talagang halos, parang imposible yung ibinibigay. Usec. De Vega: Too good to be true. Pero isa pang role ng DMW po, pag uwi ng mga ito, sila yung charge of reintegration sa kanila. Senator Gatchalian: Thank you, Usec. Thank you, Ambassador. Usec. De Vega: And regards with Madam and Mr. Senator, Your Honors. Thank you, Madam. Ambassador Nayan: Thank you, Your Honors. Thank you very much SRH: Usec. De Vega and Ambassador Nayan. Okay, salamat po. Maraming salamat po sa inyo.
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VPD and airway mucus transpiration basics. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02161-z

In a recent, cross-institutional study, researchers report that healthy human airways are at higher risk for dehydration and inflammation when exposed to dry air, an occurrence expected to increase due to global warming. Inflammation in human airways is associated with such conditions as asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic cough.

Researchers say that as the Earth's atmosphere heats up, with relative humidity staying mostly the same, a property of the atmosphere called vapor pressure deficit (VPD) increases at a rapid rate. VPD is a measure of how "thirsty" for water air can be. The higher VPD becomes, the greater the evaporation rate of water, thus dehydrating planetary ecosystems.

Based on mathematical predications and experiments, researchers now explain that higher VPD can dehydrate upper airways and trigger the body's inflammatory and immune response. In the full report, published March 17 in Communications Earth & Environment, they also say that such dehydration and inflammation can be exacerbated by mouth breathing (rates of which are also increasing) and more exposure to air-conditioned and heated indoor air.

"Air dryness is as critical to air quality as air dirtiness, and managing the hydration of our airways is as essential as managing their cleanliness," says lead author David Edwards, adjunct professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "Our findings suggest that all mucosa exposed to the atmosphere, including ocular mucosa, are at risk in dehydrating atmospheres."

Edwards and the team first looked at whether transpiration, a water loss process that occurs in plants, occurs in mucus of upper airways exposed to dry air environments. High rates of transpiration have proven to cause damaging compression to cells within the leaves of plants, threatening plant survival. The team also sought to see if such compression occurred in upper airway cells.

Researchers exposed cultures of human cells that line the upper airway, known as human bronchial epithelium, to dry air. After exposure, the cells were evaluated for mucus thickness and inflammatory responses. Cells that experienced periods of dry air (with a high VPD) showed thinner mucus and high concentrations of cytokines, or proteins indicating cell inflammation. These results agree with theoretical predictions that mucus thinning occurs in dry air environments and can produce enough cellular compression to trigger inflammation.

Intermittent exposure to dry air aggravates lung pathology. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02161-z

The team also confirmed that inflammatory mucus transpiration occurs during normal, relaxed breathing (also called tidal breathing) in an animal model. Researchers exposed healthy mice and mice with preexisting airway dryness, which is common in chronic respiratory diseases, to a week of intermittent dry air. Mice with this preexisting dehydration exhibited immune cells in their lungs, indicating a high inflammatory response, while all mice exposed only to moist air did not.

Based on a climate model study that the team also conducted, they predict that most of America will be at an elevated risk of airway inflammation by the latter half of the century due to higher temperatures and drier air.

Researchers concluded their work by saying these results have implications for other physiological mechanisms in the body, namely dry eye and the movement of water in mucus linings in the eye.

"This manuscript is a game changer for medicine, as human mucosa dehydration is currently a critical threat to human health, which will only increase as global warming continues," says study co-author Justin Hanes, Ph.D., the Lewis J. Ort Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Without a solution, human mucosa will become drier over the years, leading to increased chronic inflammation and associated afflictions."

"Understanding how our airways dehydrate on exposure to dry air can help us avoid or reverse the inflammatory impact of dehydration by effective behavioral changes, and preventive or therapeutic interventions," says Edwards.

Collaborators and authors of this research include Aurelie Edwards, Dan Li and Linying Wang of Boston University; Kian Fan Chung of Imperial College London; Deen Bhatta and Andreas Bilstein of Sensory Cloud Inc.; Indika Endirisinghe and Britt Burton Freeman of Illinois Institute of Technology; and Mark Gutay, Alessandra Livraghi-Butrico and Brian Button of University of North Carolina. The authors report no conflict of interest.

More information: David A. Edwards et al, Global warming risks dehydrating and inflaming human airways, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02161-z Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment
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Gender-affirming hormone therapy may not only help transgender and nonbinary individuals physicallyit could also improve their mental health, new research suggests.

A study published March 17 in JAMA Network Open found that transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse people who were prescribed hormone therapy had a 15% lower risk of moderate to severe depression over four years compared to those who did not receive hormones.

"Trans people experience mental health disparities with higher rates of depression and suicidality than cisgender (non-transgender) people," lead study author Sari Reisner, associate professor of epidemiology at University of Michigan School of Public Health, told CNN. "Trans people are literally dying. There is an urgent neednow more than everto care for us, support us, and ensure we have the life-saving care that we deserve and need to thrive."

The researchers analyzed data from 3,592 patients at two federally qualified community health centers in Boston and New York.

They compared patients' hormone therapy prescriptions with their scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire, which measures depression levels.

Those who received hormone therapy had significantly lower risks of moderate to severe depression during their follow-ups.

"Providing gender hormones did not just provide physical benefits to transgender and gender diverse patients, but yet again, we demonstrate that they improve their mental health outcomes as well," said Dr. Michelle Forcier, medical director for FOLX Health, a mental health and wellness telehealth platform for people in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Mental health disparities among transgender people are a serious public health concern.

While the National Institute of Mental Health reports that about 8.3% of U.S. adults experience major depression, a 2023 study found that about 33% of transgender individuals report symptoms of depression.

Systemic problems, including stigma, attacks on civil rights and preventing access to health care, add to mental health challenges, Melina Wald, a clinical psychologist in private practice in Connecticut and New York state, told CNN via email.

Legislation targeting transgender health care has been on the rise. In 2018, Reisner noted, two bills were introduced, compared to 185 bills in 2023.

"Recent Executive Orders banning 'gender ideology' and restricting the rights of trans people have devastating mental health consequences for trans communities," she explained.

Experts said the study's diverse sampleincluding patients of different ages, races and socioeconomic backgroundsmakes the findings especially valuable.

"That these patients benefited from care in these various primary care clinics in a diversity of communities suggests that effective gender affirmative hormone is no longer restricted to urban, academic, specialty clinics," Forcier said.

Overall, research underscores the safety and benefits of hormone therapy.

"We have more than 25 years of consistent, persistent, insistent evidence that gender affirmative approaches to care for transgender persons offer a variety of medical and mental health benefits," Forcier said. "There are no studies that suggest that withholding medically indicated, safe, effective care (offers) any benefit at all."

Copyright  2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Seven years ago, Erica Green learned through a Facebook post that her brother had been shot.

She rushed to check on him at a hospital run by Denver Health, the city's safety-net system, but she was unable to get information from emergency room workers, who complained that she was creating a disturbance.

The At-Risk Intervention and Mentoring program, or AIM, is one of dozens of hospital-linked violence intervention programs around the country. The programs aim to uncover the social and economic factors that contributed to someone ending up in the ER with a bullet wound: inadequate housing, job loss, or feeling unsafe in one's neighborhood, for example.

Such programs that take a public health approach to stopping gun violence have had successone in San Francisco reported a fourfold reduction in violent injury recidivism rates over six years. But President Donald Trump's executive orders calling for the review of the Biden administration's gun policies and trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans have created uncertainty around the programs' long-term federal funding. Some organizers believe their programs will be just fine, but others are looking to shore up alternative funding sources.

"We've been worried about, if a domino does fall, how is it going to impact us? There's a lot of unknowns," said John Torres, associate director for Youth Alive, an Oakland, California-based nonprofit.

Federal data shows that gun violence became a leading cause of death among children and young adults at the start of this decade and was tied to more than 48,000 deaths among people of all ages in 2022.

New York-based pediatric trauma surgeon Chethan Sathya, a firearms injury prevention researcher, believes those statistics show that gun violence can't be ignored as a health care issue. "It's killing so many people," Sathya said.

Research shows that a violent injury puts someone at heightened risk for future ones, and the risk of death goes up significantly by the third violent injury, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care.

Benjamin Li, an emergency medicine physician at Denver Health and the health system's AIM medical director, said the ER is an ideal setting to intervene in gun violence by working to reverse-engineer what led to a patient's injuries.

That might mean providing alternative solutions to gunshot victims who might otherwise seek retaliation, said Paris Davis, the intervention programs director for Youth Alive.

AIM outreach workers meet gunshot wound victims at their hospital bedsides to have what Morgan, AIM's lead outreach worker, calls a tough, nonjudgmental conversation about how the patients ended up there.

AIM uses that information to help patients access the resources they need to navigate their biggest challenges after they're discharged, Morgan said. Those challenges can include returning to school or work, or finding housing. AIM outreach workers might also attend court proceedings and assist with transportation to health care appointments.

Since 2010, AIM has grown from three full-time outreach workers to nine, and this year opened the REACH Clinic in Denver's Five Points neighborhood. The community-based clinic provides wound-care kits; physical therapy; and behavioral, mental and occupational health care.

In the coming months, it plans to add bullet removal to its services. It's part of a growing movement of community-based clinics focused on violent injuries, including the Bullet Related Injury Clinic in St. Louis.

Ginny McCarthy, an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado, described REACH as an extension of hospital-based work, providing holistic treatment in a single location and building trust between health care providers and communities of color that have historically experienced racial biases in medical care.

Caught in the Crossfire, created in 1994 and run by Youth Alive in Oakland, is cited as the nation's first hospital-linked violence intervention program and has since inspired others. The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention, a national network initiated by Youth ALIVE to advance public health solutions to gun violence, counted 74 hospital-linked violence intervention programs among its membership as of January.

The alliance's executive director, Fatimah Loren Dreier, compared medicine's role in addressing gun violence to that of preventing an infectious disease, like cholera. "That disease spreads if you don't have good sanitation in places where people aggregate," she said.

Dreier, who also serves as executive director of the Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Violence Research and Education, said medicine identifies and tracks patterns that lead to the spread of a disease or, in this case, the spread of violence.

"That is what health care can do really well to shift society. When we deploy this, we get better outcomes for everybody," Dreier said.

The alliance, of which AIM is a member, offers technical assistance and training for hospital-linked violence intervention programs and successfully petitioned to make their services eligible for traditional insurance reimbursement.

In 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive action that opened the door for states to use Medicaid for violence prevention. Several states, including California, New York, and Colorado, have passed legislation establishing a Medicaid benefit for hospital-linked violence intervention programs.

Last summer, then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared gun violence a public health crisis, and the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act earmarked $1.4 billion in funding for a wide array of violence-prevention programs through next year.

But in early February, Trump issued an executive order instructing the U.S. attorney general to conduct a 30-day review of a number of Biden's policies on gun violence. The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention now appears to be defunct, and recent moves to freeze federal grants created uncertainty among the gun-violence prevention programs that receive federal funding.

AIM receives 30% of its funding from its operating agreement with Denver's Office of Community Violence Solutions, according to Li. The rest is from grants, including Victims of Crime Act funding, through the Department of Justice. As of mid-February, Trump's executive orders had not affected AIM's current funding.

Some who work with hospital-linked violence prevention programs in Colorado are hoping a new voter-approved firearms and ammunition excise tax in the state, expected to generate about $39 million annually and support victim services, could be a new source of funding. But the tax revenues aren't expected to fully flow until 2026, and it's not clear how that money will be allocated.

Trauma surgeon and public health researcher Catherine Velopulos, who is the AIM medical director at the University of Colorado hospital in Aurora, said any interruption in federal funding, even for a few months, would be "very difficult for us." But Velopulos said she was reassured by the bipartisan support for the kind of work AIM does.

"People want to oversimplify the problem and just say, "If we get rid of guns, it's all going to stop," or "It doesn't matter what we do, because they're going to get guns, anyway,'" she said. "What we really have to address is why people feel so scared that they have to arm themselves."

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Fan Zhang, PhD. Credit: Justin LeVett for the CU Department of Medicine

Fan Zhang, Ph.D., sees artificial intelligence as a pathway to finding an effective way to combat an intractable enemy: rheumatoid arthritis.

Zhang is an assistant professor in the University of Colorado Department of Medicine's Division of Rheumatology and is also affiliated with the Department of Biomedical Informatics on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. She is furthering her work in harnessing AI to better predict the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in particular patients, and a new paper documents the latest steps in her work.

The paper is published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Zhang's research focus is developing methods involving computational machine learningusing algorithms to learn from data and make predictionsto study RA and other autoimmune diseases, drawing on large-scale clinical and preclinical single-cell datasets. That work, she says, could drive targeted interventions that could prevent the disease's progression.

"There's been significant research into how to treat a patient after someone is diagnosed," she says. "But there have been fewer studies into developing preventive strategies and identifying which healthy people are at risk of developing RA in the next couple of years. That's much more challenging. So we focus on enhancing disease prediction, ultimately enabling early disease prevention."

Bridging data science with translational medicine

RA is a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning it's a disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissue, causing inflammation. Although RA is often associated with swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints, it can affect various parts of the body, including the heart and lungs.

It's estimated that about 18 million people worldwide live with RA, 1.5 million of them in the United States. Nearly three times as many women have the disorder as men.

Available treatments can reduce inflammation and provide some relief, but there are no effective preventive treatments and no cures. The cause is uncertain, although RA has been associated with certain genes that may be triggered by a range of external factors.

Research has shown that many people who eventually develop RA symptoms experience immunological abnormalities that can be detected through blood tests years before the symptoms appear. Yet the length of this symptom-free "preclinical" phase can vary widely, and some people with these abnormalities never develop the full disease.

What's needed, Zhang says, are more precise ways to predict which people with preclinical abnormalitiesor with a family history of RAwill progress to the full disease and how soon.

Zhang describes her work as a "bridge" between data science and translational medicine.

"Our research is very interdisciplinary," Zhang says. "We have large-scale data from patients with autoimmune disease, so that gives us the opportunity to apply our AI tools to various cohorts of patients."

Zhang's team analyzes data on genetics, genomics, epigenetics, protein, and other factors from individual cells at various timepoints over long periodsknown as single-cell multi-modal sequencing.

"Putting all these things together, we can hope to more robustly identify new and more accurate markers for prediction, combined with clinical characteristics," she says.

Pinpointing key immunological changes

The study presented in Zhang's new paper, titled "Deep immunophenotyping reveals circulating activated lymphocytes in individuals at risk for rheumatoid arthritis," has helped lay the foundation for her next phase of research.

Zhang's lab will apply their advanced computational tools to complex datasets collected from a large preclinical trial called StopRA. This, Zhang says, will strengthen her collaboration with CU rheumatologist Kevin Deane, MD, Ph.D., as they compare people who progressed to the disease with those who didn't. The goal is to pinpoint changes in the immune system associated with the progression from preclinical RA arthritis to symptoms.

In this publication, Zhang and her colleagues analyzed RNA and protein expression in cells to compare people at risk of developing RA to those with symptoms as well as healthy people. They found "significant" differences in certain types of immune cells, particularly the expansion of specific T cell subtypes, in the at-risk group.

Those cells "could be a promising marker" for RA onset, Zhang says, and could lead to improved prevention strategies. But she says coming up with reliable markers is "still a ways off," and will require even larger and more geographically diverse datasets to see if the results she's seeing hold up.

Zhang is the corresponding author of this publication; her lab's postdoctoral fellow, Jun Inamo, MD, Ph.D., is the first author; and Deane and another rheumatology colleague, V. Michael Holers, MD, are among the co-senior authors.

More information: Jun Inamo et al, Deep immunophenotyping reveals circulating activated lymphocytes in individuals at risk for rheumatoid arthritis, Journal of Clinical Investigation (2025). DOI: 10.1172/JCI185217 Journal information: Journal of Clinical Investigation
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Maladaptive daydreaming should be included as a dissociative disorder in psychiatric manuals, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's Prof. Nirit Soffer-Dudek argues in a position paper just published open access in the prestigious British Journal of Psychiatry. Co-signatories on this position paper include many of the presidents and past presidents of the dissociative disorder societies, indicating widespread agreement in the field. This sends a strong message to the psychiatric community, according to which the field of dissociation is interested in formally accepting MD into it.

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a syndrome whose main symptom is excessive vivid fantasizing to the detriment of normal everyday function.

"Nonspecific treatments often do not improve symptoms," says Prof. Soffer-Dudek of the Department of Psychology, "whereas initial evidence suggests that targeted clinical interventions may be promising for substantially improving well-being."

Prof. Soffer-Dudek is one of the world's leading experts on maladaptive daydreaming.

If MD became a standalone disorder, it would encourage research and treatment and would increase its visibility among practitioners, the authors argue.

The authors argued that MD fits criteria similar to many other dissociative disorders already included in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5 or the ICD-11. They argued that it is unflexible and structured, it generates and exacerbates psychological distress, other diagnoses do not provide a better explanation of the clinical picture, and as mentioned above, and acknowledging it will increase awareness among clinicians and researchers and facilitate the development of specific intervention protocols.

The authors propose clear diagnostic criteria that differentiate MD from occasional or normal daydreaming by including time lengths and indications of "clinically significant distress or impairment," as defined by the DSM.

In addition to immersion and absorption in an elaborate fantasy world that comes at the cost of daily function, the criteria would include stereotypical movement, using daydreaming to cope with distress, feeling annoyed when daydreaming is interrupted, repeated failed attempts to cut back on daydreaming and a preference for daydreaming over real life.

"There has been sufficient research in recent years to support MD's inclusion as a standalone dissociative disorder. Its inclusion in psychiatric manuals would lead to increased awareness which would promote clinical and research-based knowledge about the syndrome and the development of more effective treatment protocols," Prof. Soffer-Dudek concludes.

More information: Nirit Soffer-Dudek et al, Maladaptive daydreaming should be included as a dissociative disorder in psychiatric manuals: position paper, The British Journal of Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2024.279 Journal information: British Journal of Psychiatry
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Percentage of Comprehensive Medicaid Managed Care Plans (MCPs) Covering All Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder by State, 2021. Credit: JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0695

As health complications and deaths from alcohol use disorder (AUD) increase in the United States, it is critical that people who could benefit from medications have access to the drugs that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved to treat AUD. Yet, for individuals who have alcohol use disorder and are covered by Medicaid, accessing these medications is difficult; past research indicates that only about 1 in 20 Medicaid enrollees with alcohol use disorder receive these drugs.

Now, a new study led by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) suggests that limited insurance coverage may be a possible barrier to these medications for individuals who have Medicaid managed care plans (MCP)which is nearly 80% of all Medicaid enrollees.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the study found that less than half of Medicaid plans cover all four of the FDA-approved medications, which include acamprosate, disulfiram, and oral and injectable naltrexone. While 90% of Medicaid MCPs cover at least one of the AUD medications, only 43% cover all four options. The majority of these plans covered naltrexone84% covered the oral version and 73% covered the injectable versionwhile 63% of MCPs covered disulfiram and 55% covered acamprosate.

"Medications for AUD can help people drink less, reduce cravings, and are associated with reduction in alcohol-related liver disease, but we see that over half of Medicaid managed care plans are not providing the full range of coverage for these potentially life-saving medications," says study lead and corresponding author Dr. Maureen Stewart, research associate professor of health law, policy & management at BUSPH.

"People with alcohol use disorder need access to all four of the FDA-approved medications to accommodate variation in preferences due to potential side effects of the medications, and because different people may respond best to a specific medication."

The team hopes that Medicaid managed care plans expand their list of covered medications to include all of the FDA-approved AUD medications. "State Medicaid programs contract with plans and can encourage plans to update their formularies," Dr. Stewart says, adding that including all AUD medications on formularies would not only facilitate access for patients, but also reduce administrative burdens for providers. "Three of the four medications are available in generic form and therefore are not expensive, so costs should not be a burden."

The study aimed to fill a knowledge gap on Medicaid MCP policies regarding AUD medications. Researchers from BUSPH, the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, and Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. examined coverage and management of the four drugs, and explored any associations among insurance plan characteristics, medication coverage, and state policies.

The researchers analyzed publicly available insurance benefit documentation from 241 Medicaid-managed plans that offered coverage to adults ages 1864 in 39 states and Washington, DC in 2021.

According to the findings, for-profit MCPs were substantially less likely to cover oral naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, and MCPs that managed behavioral health internally were less likely to cover all of the medications. The plans rarely applied prior authorization and drug quantity limits to these drugsexcept for injectable naltrexone, for which 50% of MCPs required one or both of these requirements.

The team also found that plans that did not cover all four medications were partially concentrated in states with large populations of Black and Hispanic residents, as well as low-income residents, residents living in rural areas, and female residents. Alcohol-related morbidity and mortality rates disproportionately affect these groups, so ensuring access to all of the FDA-approved AUD medications could also help mitigate these racial, socioeconomic, and geographical disparities.

Nationwide, AUD affects more than 28 million American adults and contributes to increases in rates of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and injuries. The team hopes the new data can inform national efforts to address substance use disorder through prevention and treatment, and ultimately lower AUD rates. But potential cuts to Medicaid funding under the Trump administration could hinder these goals.

"Medicaid managed care plans play a critical role in ensuring people have access to evidence-based alcohol treatment and behavioral health services," Dr. Stewart says. "Proposed cuts to Medicaid would reduce access to alcohol and other substance use treatment for Medicaid enrollees."

More information: Maureen T. Stewart et al, Alcohol Use Disorder Medication Coverage and Utilization Management in Medicaid Managed Care Plans, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0695 Journal information: JAMA Network Open
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An electron micrograph of the measles virus. Credit: CDC/ Courtesy of Cynthia S. Goldsmith

Mexico is stepping up a measles vaccination campaign after cases spiked in an area bordering the United States, where an outbreak has killed two, the government said Tuesday.

Mexico has confirmed 43 measles cases, 39 of which were recorded in the northern state of Chihuahua and linked to imported infections, Health Minister David Kershenobich told a news conference.

More than 50% of the cases are in children under nine years old, Kershenobich said.

None of those infected in Chihuahua had been immunized, he added.

"We are strengthening the vaccination program nationwide. There are enough vaccines available to cover all the country's needs, so the recommendation is that at-risk populations get vaccinated," Kershenobich said.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that causes fever, respiratory symptoms, and a rashbut can also lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death.

In the United States, misinformation about vaccines has fueled a nationwide decline in immunization rates.

More than 300 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. states of Texas and New Mexico, leading to a death in each state.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

National Institutes of Health officials have urged scientists to remove all references to mRNA vaccine technology from their grant applications, two researchers said, in a move that signaled the agency might abandon a promising field of medical research.

The mRNA technology is under study at the NIH for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, including flu and AIDS, and also cancer. It was deployed in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, credited with saving 3 million lives in the U.S. alonean accomplishment President Donald Trump bragged about in his first term.

A scientist at a biomedical research center in Philadelphia wrote to a colleague, in an email reviewed by KFF Health News, that a project officer at NIH had "flagged our pending grant as having an mRNA vaccine component."

"It's still unclear whether mRNA vaccine grants will be canceled," the scientist added.

NIH officials also told a senior NIH-funded vaccine scientist in New York state, who does not conduct mRNA vaccine research but described its efficacy in previous grant applications, that all references to mRNA vaccines should be scrubbed from future applications.

Scientists relayed their experiences on the condition of anonymity for fear of professional retaliation by the Trump administration.

A senior official at the National Cancer Institute confirmed that NIH acting Director Matthew Memoli sent an email across the NIH instructing that any grants, contracts, or collaborations involving mRNA vaccines be reported up the chain to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr."s office and the White House.

Memoli sent a similar message ahead of the agency canceling other research, such as studies of vaccine hesitancy.

Memoli's email on that topic bluntly stated that NIH was not interested in learning why people shun vaccines or in exploring ways to "improve vaccine interest and commitment."

The National Cancer Institute official, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said that "it is reasonable to assume mRNA vaccine work is next."

The official said a similar memo also went out regarding NIH-funded work in South Africa, which the White House has targeted over false claims that the country's government is persecuting white people. More recently, another one went out regarding all global research collaborations, the official said.

Spokespeople for the White House, HHS, and the NIH did not respond to requests for comment.

The NIH, whose latest annual budget was $47 billion, is one of the world's most critical sources of funding for basic biomedical research. Its mission and programs are under unprecedented scrutiny from Trump's White House and the Department of Government Efficiency, the Elon Musk-led agency created by a Trump executive order that has directed federal agencies to prepare for widespread layoffs.

The NIH is funding at least 130 studies involving the mRNA technology in COVID vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna that have been administered to billions of people worldwide.

A former government official familiar with internal discussions said that the Trump administration intends to cut some grants for mRNA vaccine research but that the timing is unclear. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships with the administration.

Political conservatives in the U.S. have promulgated conspiracy theories, unsupported by scientific evidence, that the shots and their relatively new technology are dangerous. This has undermined public support for COVID vaccinations and mRNA research.

"There will not be any research funded by NIH on mRNA vaccines," the scientist in New York said in an interview. "MAGA people are convinced that these vaccines have killed and maimed tens of thousands of people. It's not true, but they believe that."

Meanwhile, hundreds of other vaccine-related studies are in limbo. Kawsar Talaat, a vaccine researcher at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, has been waiting since the fall for money needed to recruit subjects for a study of an antidiarrheal vaccine.

"NIH approved our funding," she said, "and now we're waiting, and we don't know if it's going forward or going to be killed."

The scientist in Philadelphia signaled that he believes Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine activist, is responsible for the NIH's turn against mRNA research.

"Kennedy's war on vaccines has started," the scientist told his colleague.

The scientist in New York said that it was "ridiculous" to remove mRNA language from the grant applications. But "if my grant is rejected for any reason," the scientist said, "people in my lab will lose their jobs."

"I've worked with some of them for 20 years," the scientist added. "They have children and families. There is a real climate of fear in academia about this now, especially among vaccine scientists."

"My grant does not involve a request for funds to conduct mRNA vaccine experiments," the scientist said, "so my principal concern was to avoid word-search flags that, at minimum, would lead to delays in any funding."

While tenured research professors at universities generally receive a salary from their institution, the staffers who work in their labs and offices are often paid through NIH grants. The 2023 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine was given to two scientists for developing mRNA vaccines, through work that relied on pharmaceutical companies and on NIH scientists working under infectious disease specialist Anthony Fauci.

According to Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican who chairs the chamber's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Kennedy promised during his Senate confirmation process that he would protect "the public health benefit of vaccination" and "work within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems, and not establish parallel systems."

Cassidy, a physician, had expressed reservations about confirming Kennedy to the HHS post and challenged his anti-vaccine views during a confirmation hearing. He ended up voting for him, he said, because Kennedy had agreed to work closely with Cassidy and his committee.

However, Kennedy has faced scrutiny in his first weeks in office for his handling of a large measles outbreak among mostly unvaccinated people in Texas that has led to the death of a child, the first U.S. measles death in more than a decade. A patient who tested positive for measles died in New Mexico, but the cause hasn't been confirmed.

Instead of urging vaccination against the disease, an almost surefire way to prevent infection, Kennedy has blamed malnourishment for the outbreak, promoted unproven treatments for measles, and falsely claimed in one Fox News interview that the vaccine is ineffective and even dangerous.

Cassidy did not respond to a request for comment on the NIH's potential abandonment of mRNA vaccine research.

As part of the Trump administration's push to examine spending on mRNA vaccines, health officials are reviewing a $590 million contract for bird flu shots that the Biden administration awarded to Moderna, Bloomberg News has reported.

Legislation introduced by GOP lawmakers in at least seven states is aimed at banning or limiting mRNA vaccines. In some cases, the measures would hit doctors who give the injections with criminal penalties, fines, and the possible revocation of their licenses.

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

When someone is traumatically injured, giving them blood products before they arrive at the hospitalsuch as at the scene or during emergency transportcan improve their likelihood of survival and recovery. But patients with certain traumatic injuries have better outcomes when administered specific blood components.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC scientist-surgeons report in Cell Reports Medicine that giving plasma that has been separated from other parts of donated blood improves outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or shock, whereas giving unseparated or "whole" blood may be best for patients with traumatic bleeding.

Together, Pitt and UPMC have become home to the largest clinical trials research consortium for early trauma care in the U.S., allowing the research to benefit both soldiers and civilians.

"We've heard about precision medicinegiving the right care to the right patient at the right time. This is precision transfusiongiving the right blood product to the right patient at the right time," said senior author Timothy Billiar, M.D., George Vance Foster Professor and Chair of Pitt's Department of Surgery and chief scientific officer at UPMC.

"We're not just replacing the bloodit's almost like a drug where we're maximizing its benefits and minimizing side effects."

The discovery was made with the Shock, Whole Blood, and Assessment of TBI (SWAT) multicenter study, co-led by co-senior author Jason Sperry, M.D., M.P.H., section chief of trauma surgery at Pitt, as well as co-authors Francis X. Guyette, M.D., professor of emergency medicine at Pitt and medical director for STAT MedEvac, and Stephen R. Wisniewski, Ph.D., epidemiology professor and associate vice chancellor for clinical trials coordination at Pitt.

SWAT enrolled over 1,000 traumatically injured patients with a high probability of needing emergency surgery and sampled their blood at set timepoints. A subset of 134 patients with multiple blunt or penetrating injuries who received at least one unit of blood product (red blood cells, plasma, platelets or whole blood) before hospital admission were further studied.

After applying computational methods to ensure that their findings were not skewed by age, gender or other confounding factors, the team found that receiving a higher proportion of plasmaalone or in conjunction with whole bloodbefore arriving at the hospital was associated with improved coagulation in patients with severe shock and TBI markers, and reduced post-admission transfusion volumes in patient with TBI.

"To me, that was the 'Eureka!' moment," Billiar said. "Because, hey, wait a minute, plasma is part of whole blood, so why is just giving plasma better?"

Plasma is the protein-rich portion of blood, so the team then took a deep dive into proteomicsthe study of proteins, which are complex molecules produced by cells that are essential for the structure and function of organs and tissues.

They tested for more than 7,500 proteins in healthy donor blood and that of the trauma patients as they progressed through recovery and found clear differences. They then narrowed their list of proteins to 198 with well-known roles in inflammatory and clotting processes following traumatic injury.

Patients who received plasma had a distinct proteomic profile compared to those who did not, suggesting that receiving plasma had an impact on the proteins that help with inflammation and clotting.

In particular, plasma recipients had higher levels of proteins associated with later stages of clot formation, neuron survival, platelet function, wound repair and inflammation mediation.

However, since the amount of plasma in a unit of whole blood is approximately the same as the amount of plasma that would be given individually as a separate blood product, it is still unclear why patients who received the separated plasma fared better and had proteomic profiles more conducive to healing.

"There are differences in the storage time of whole blood and plasmawhole blood can be kept for 21 days, whereas plasma alone has a five-day shelf life. Perhaps when kept in whole blood, the proteins in the plasma change over time, possibly because the blood cells release enzymes that act on the plasma proteins," said Sperry, who is also the Andrew B. Peitzman Professor of Surgery at Pitt.

"The proteomic profile of different donors likely varies as well from person-to-person. As we consider a strategy to leverage our findings to improve patient outcomes, it will be important to untangle this mystery."

Sperry noted that it isn't practical for most ambulances to carry plasma, since it expires so quickly and would result in a lot of wasted plasma for all but the busiest ambulance services, and must be kept refrigerated, making it logistically difficult to transport.

"Our findings indicate that it is worthwhile to overcome these challenges," Sperry said. "Getting the right blood products to the right patient at the right time is a life-saving endeavor and I'm confident we'll continue to lead innovations that make it possible."
New policy supports unveiled to encourage consumption

Xinhua) 08:11, March 18, 2025

The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on boosting consumption in Beijing, capital of China, March 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- A new plan to expand consumer spending unveiled on Sunday is expected to encourage consumption and drive economic growth in China. The country has maintained its position as the world's second-largest consumer market and largest e-commerce market for over a decade.

Data released on Monday shows that retail sales of consumer goods -- a major indicator of the country's consumption strength -- climbed 4 percent year on year in the first two months of 2025, 0.5 percentage points higher than the same period in 2024.

Despite the positive data, consumer confidence remains weak due to multiple factors, and it remains imperative that consumption is boosted and domestic demand is expanded, Li Chunlin, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said at a press conference on Monday.

The plan is composed of 30 policies across eight sections, the first seven of which outline specific actions for implementation, including demand-side initiatives such as income enhancement for urban and rural residents, and measures to support consumption capacities.

On the supply side, actions are aimed at improving the quality of services consumption, upgrading bulk consumption and enhancing consumption quality.

The eighth section emphasizes the need to enhance supportive policies related to investment, finance, credit and statistics.

STOCK, REAL ESTATE MARKET STABILITY

For the first time, the consumption support plan emphasizes the need to stabilize the stock and real estate markets.

Previous consumption policies focused primarily on the supply side, emphasizing that supply drives demand creation. However, the latest policies also prioritize the demand side, aiming to boost household incomes and ease financial burdens, Li noted.

He cited measures such as those related to reasonable wage growth and scientifically adjusted minimum wages, both of which are highlighted in the consumption support plan.

To enhance property incomes, the plan calls for a multifaceted approach, including the stabilization of the stock market, strengthened strategic reserves and market stabilization mechanisms, and the accelerated removal of barriers preventing long-term funds -- such as commercial insurance funds, the national social security fund and the basic pension insurance fund -- from entering the market.

To meet housing consumption needs in an improved manner, efforts will focus on curbing the downturn and restoring the stability of the real estate market, according to the plan.

Financial authorities have been encouraging medium and long-term funds to enter the capital market to stabilize stock performance further.

Since last year, Chinese policymakers have introduced a range of measures, including financial stimuli and regulatory adjustments, to bolster the property sector. These include mortgage rate cuts, decreased down payment requirements, eased purchasing restrictions and financing coordination mechanisms to enhance funding support for developers.

BETTER CONSUMPTION, WELL-BEING

By connecting consumer spending to broader social goals like elderly care improvement, child care support and work-life balance, the plan embeds consumption growth within China's broader development objectives, signaling that consumption is being positioned not just as an economic goal but as a means to enhancing quality of life.

Solid investments will continue to be made. For example, ultra-long special treasury bonds totaling 300 billion yuan (41.67 billion U.S. dollars) will be issued to support consumer goods trade-in programs in 2025, doubling the 2024 figure.

The programs, which kicked off last March, drove equipment purchases and investment up by 15.7 percent in 2024, contributing 67.6 percent of overall investment growth, and boosted sales of bulk durable consumer goods by over 1.3 trillion yuan, according to the NDRC.

Following its "employment first" policy, the central government plans to allocate 66.74 billion yuan in employment subsidies in 2025 to support local employment and startup assistance programs, said Fu Jinling, an official of the Ministry of Finance.

China will consider establishing a child care subsidy system. It will guide eligible regions to include rural migrant workers, individuals engaged in flexible employment, and individuals engaged in new forms of employment who are covered by the basic medical insurance for employees, in the country's childbirth insurance program, according to the plan.

Regarding elderly care, the country will increase fiscal subsidies for basic old-age benefits and basic medical insurance for rural and non-working urban residents in 2025. Additionally, basic pension benefits for retirees will be raised appropriately.

The country will work to implement its paid annual leave system, ensuring that workers' rights to rest and vacation are legally protected. It will also prohibit the unlawful extension of working hours, according to the plan.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Despite insisting he only wanted to rescue somebody in trouble when he drove to a Missoula hotel in 2022 to meet an underage girl advertising sex online, a judge found Jeffrey Barilla guilty of sexual abuse of children at the end of a daylong trial Monday.

You dont bring condoms to a hang-out session with an underage girl, Missoula County District Judge Shane Vannatta said at the bench trials conclusion. ... Although he expresses an intention of simply saving the person, it doesnt ring true.

The trial ended a lengthy legal journey for Barilla, a 43-year-old local massage therapist. Reached Tuesday, he confirmed he is still the owner of Massage on Broadway in downtown Missoula. He also still holds an active license as a massage therapist, according to records maintained by the Montana Board of Massage Therapy.

Barilla was among six people arrested in a November 2022 sting operation by local and federal law enforcement. A number of similar operations have taken place in Missoula in recent years, where FBI and local agents pose as girls selling sex on websites that connect people with escorts and prostitutes.

A focus on child-sex sting operations

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Andrea Haney came to Missoula in 2022 after years as a prosecutor specializing in sex trafficking crimes in Ventura County, California. Before she started working on those cases, shed wonder, Is this real? Does this happen?

In very short order, after working with multiple victims, being in hotel rooms and seeing where these things happen, it became clear to me, she said in an interview after the trial.

Her move to Missoula coincided with a sharpened focus on child sex trafficking in Montana.

Nationwide, I think there has been a lot of education and community outreach to let people know not only this is very real and can happen in your community, but that it is very serious, Haney said.

Since arriving, she said shes worked with law enforcement to conduct two to three of the sting-type operations each year.

Montana law allows suspects to be charged with sexual abuse of children based on intent, meaning it applies even if no sex act was committed or there wasn't an actual victim in the case. The statute includes traveling "with the intention of meeting a child under 16 years of age or a person the offender believes to be a child under 16 years of age."

Its a big undertaking to run one of these operations, FBI Special Agent Dustin Grant testified at Barillas trial.

The operations can entail 30 to 40 officers, agents and analysts working in teams and out of command posts, Grant said.

In 17 years with the federal agency, Grant said hes encountered a number of real victims who arent necessarily being trafficked, but who end up turning to prostitution due to a lack of other options, including being too young to get a job.

They do it to survive, he testified, ... for a variety of reasons, to make money, to try to provide kind of survival skills, housing, food, something to get by.

Grant described the process in which law enforcement officials create fake online personas to entice suspects, digitally altering suggestive images of young women to appear underage in advertisements. They then use slang, emojis and coded words specific to human trafficking, drawing on specialized training to mimic the text-based interactions between clients and sex workers.

He noted the website used in the operation exists on the open web, meaning anyone can simply type the address into a browser and view the advertisements.

While the undercover ads wont explicitly advertise a prostitute as being underage, officers ultimately reveal that information during communications after a suspect reaches out.

Grant was one of two undercover agents that imitated different underage girls Barilla contacted over a three-day period. The FBI agent testified that those text exchanges always include an out  offering the suspect a chance to disengage after realizing the would-be victim isnt of legal age.

In Barillas case, the fake persona texted him, Im not interested in being saved or rescued. Im almost 16  If this isnt for u lose my number.

At the end of the day, we want to provide opportunities for people to walk away, meaning we dont want to pressure them into this, Grant said. They have options if its truly something theyre not interested in.

Taking the stand Monday afternoon, Barilla admitted he continued to engage with the online persona after learning she was only 15. But he maintained it was only because he grew worried that the girl may be in trouble. He pretended to still be interested in sex and go along with whatever she said, he testified, because the girl was refusing anyone attempting to openly help her.

I didnt want to walk away from somebody in trouble and would like to help them if I could, Barilla said.

In her closing argument, Haney called his story disingenuous, noting that less than two days earlier Barilla had responded to a separate ad featuring a young-looking woman who also told him she was 15.

We can hang out, Barilla texted, during that earlier conversation. ... But I believed you were at least 18 and Im not a pedo(phile).

Barilla later sent six more messages to the phone number and attempted to call, all of which went unreturned by what was actually another undercover officer, Missoula County Sheriffs Detective Travis Wafstet.

A half-dozen arrests

Other groups of officers in the sting operations conduct surveillance, identify the suspects and make the arrests, Wafstet testified.

The arrest teams took Barilla and five other men into custody over a two-day period to conclude the operation, according to a press release from the county attorneys office at the time.

All six of those cases have now resolved, although not all ended in convictions, according to court records. Each of the suspects was charged in Missoula's district court with at least one count of sexual abuse of a victim under 16 years old, and some were also charged with attempted prostitution involving a child over 12 years old.

Andrew D. Phillips pleaded guilty to one count of child sexual abuse in October 2023.

Zhiqiang Lins charges were all dismissed in February of 2024.

Kyle D. Lindgren pleaded no contest to one count of child sex abuse in April 2024. His attempted child prostitution charge was dismissed.

Nathan M. DonGilli pleaded guilty to attempted child prostitution in August 2024 and his child sex abuse charge was dismissed July 2024.

A sixth defendant, Cody A. Harrington, had his charges dismissed in November 2023, but in a separate federal case he had pleaded guilty that July to two counts of sex trafficking of children. Federal prosecutors alleged he paid a 14-year-old girl for sex at least three times in 2019, and that he paid for sex with a 15-year-old girl in 2020. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

At the time of Barillas 2022 arrest outside a hotel by the Interstate 90 exit onto North Reserve Street, officers found a box of condoms, cocaine and a loaded handgun inside his truck.

It added to the circumstantial evidence that Haney produced over the course of the trial.

The evidence suggests that he was uniquely focused on illegal commercial sex during that time, Haney said in her closing argument, noting that Barilla admitted to using the same website to purchase sex from adults prior to his arrest.

Defense attorney Benjamin Reed disputed that characterization as containing too many adverbs and perhaps a few too many adjectives.

He was trying to find a prostitute, thats what he was doing on the internet, Reed said. Once he found out that she was in fact a young person, the timbre of the next conversation changed  he sees the issue, and then hes met with a conundrum.

He argued that the circumstantial evidence failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Barilla had driven to the hotel with the intent of having sex with a young girl.

Its conduct that, in the cold light of day here two and a half years later, doesnt look very smart, Reed allowed. But, he added, I believe that it could have happened, that Jeffrey did in fact make the mistake of trying to actually help another human being. I think he went about it the wrong way.

But delivering his verdict moments after the closing arguments, Vannatta took note of the text conversations, Barillas testimony and the presence of condoms and about $500 cash in his truck.

The court may use circumstantial evidence to determine the existence of a particular mental state, Vannatta said.

Barilla had also, under questioning from Haney, acknowledged he never called police to report a young woman in trouble, or attempted to research how to help a victim of sex trafficking.

He took no steps outside of his mind to obtain any help in the saving process, the judge said.

After finding him guilty on one count of child sex abuse, Vannatta dismissed Barillas count of attempted child prostitution at the request of the prosecution.

He allowed Barilla to remain out on a $250,000 bond until his sentencing, scheduled for May 30.

He faces at least four years in prison, with a maximum incarceration of 100 years.

RAINN If you or someone you know are a victim of sexual violence, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is available to help. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or chat online at online.rainn.org. RAINN is the nations largest anti-sexual violence organization, working in partnership with more than 1,000 local service providers. Online: rainn.org.
Eden Atwood knew that her son was not going to recover from the accident, at least not the way he would want to.

Benjamin Hubbard Atwood Anderson, 20, was in critical condition after he crashed a motorcycle at the intersection of Orange Street and Cregg Avenue in May 2024.

He spent days in and out of surgery at St. Patrick Hospital, surrounded by family and friends in the intensive care unit where he was hooked up to life support. Each day doctors worked to keep him alive.

Atwood said she began to realize that, if he survived, he would remain in the hospital for the next year and might never be able to do the things he loves, like skating, going to car shows or scootering.

On Mother's Day weekend, she decided to let him die peacefully. His organs were donated, saving four other people's lives and restoring the sight of two other people.

"What was the worst Mother's Day for me might have been the second best Mother's Day for those people," Atwood told the Missoulian in a recent interview. "His life mattered and he saved lives."

Decisions around organ donations happen for moms like Atwood across the country every day, and the number of people waiting for a donation always outpaces the number of donors themselves.

According to data from the United Network for Organ Sharing on Feb. 7, more than 100,000 Americans were waiting for an organ donation, including 178 patients living in Montana.

Dozens of Montanans donate their organs each year, but Atwood and organ donation officials recommend families have proactive discussions about possible organ donations.

"Talk to the people you love about this," Atwood said. "Make a plan."

Ben's friends and family describe the organ donation as his continued legacy of giving to others, as some people wouldn't be alive today had he not donated his organs.

A 'miracle' in the first place

The process of successfully retrieving an organ, transporting it safely and then transplanting it into another person involves the work of roughly 200 people. That's according to Jenna Pringle, the senior communications specialist for LifeCenter Northwest.

LifeCenter Northwest is a nonprofit tasked by the federal government with managing organ donations in Montana, north Idaho, Washington and Alaska.

In 2024 the nonprofit reported 60 organ donors in Montana who together provided 164 life saving organs, an all-time high. Despite the increase, there are several barriers to donating an organ.

Pringle said people who die while outside of a hospital, like in a car crash for example, are usually not eligible to donate because donors must be on a ventilator at the time of their death for organs to be healthy enough for transplant.

There is also the question of previous medical history and sometimes family member wishes.

"It's really a miracle that donations happen at all," Pringle said.

Pringle said one thing people can control is being proactive about making a plan in case someone is unable to speak with a family member during an emergency.

Pringle said people generally feel more comfortable talking about an organ donation plan outside of the hospital, where the effects of loss and trauma could make a decision more difficult.

A misconception Pringle said she hears often is that people who are elderly or have a complex medical history are barred from donating their organs. Pringle said doctors make those decisions on a case by case basis, and someone at age 65 could have a healthier heart than someone who is younger.

More older people are becoming organ donors, Pringle said, citing a 100% increase in donors over the age of 65 from 2023 to 2024.

Similarly, a person with a terminal illness might not have the proper heart donation, but could have a usable kidney. There are eight organs that a person can donate that can save a life.

"It is one of the most beautiful gifts you can give, but it is really hard when you are facing grief in the hospital," Pringle said. "Don't rule yourself out."

Ben's legacy

Ben Hubbard Atwood Anderson was born in Overland Park, Kansas, on Sept. 19, 2003. His first mother, Rozella Jones, placed him in the adoption system, which is where he eventually met Atwood, his second mom.

Ben grew up in Missoula, Montana, where he fell in love with cars and motorized vehicles of all kinds. Ben also was Black, which Atwood said made him feel more isolated in a predominantly white city like Missoula.

She said he fell in love with the skate park and video games.

Ben was diagnosed with ADHD growing up, a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness and which can affect school, work, or social situations.

While he could be hyper at times, Atwood said Ben was always very sweet to the people around him.

"He was the type of kid who would bulldoze through a crowd at the playground at school, but then turn around and check to see if everyone was OK," Atwood said.

Kaille Cardinal said she first met Ben when the pair were 11 years old. They bonded after going to the Western Montana Fair that summer and became close friends.

Cardinal lived nearby, and the two would walk over to each other's houses often. She described him also as someone who was hyper, loved to talk and through that, showed he had a pure soul.

"When he was in the room, people smiled," Cardinal said. "He was one of the best people I have ever met."

When Ben reached high school age, his family moved out of state so Ben could attend a good school. He stayed in contact with his friends and family from Missoula and moved back after he graduated.

On the day of the accident, Atwood got a video from Ben of him driving down Stevens Avenue on a motorcycle. He looked like he was going too fast, and he probably was.

She talked on the phone with him right after she got the video.

"Please be careful, Ben, please," Atwood said.

He said he would. Thirty minutes later, Atwood got a call from St. Patrick Hospital. Ben had collided with a truck on Orange Street and was in critical condition.

Atwood, who was living in Helena at the time, drove straight there.

Cardinal said she was supposed to see Ben on the day of the accident. After she took a midday nap she was confused to not hear anything from him when she woke up.

Cardinal and several others went to the hospital later that day after hearing of the accident at a car show.

Atwood said she stayed by Ben's side for the next three days, watching medical staff diligently addressing extensive injuries through multiple surgeries, including brain damage.

At some point in those days it became clear to Atwood that her son was not going to be the same if he survived.

"Does he have a shot for joy, or will he be frustrated with life," Atwood said she remembered telling herself.

After six days, Atwood made the decision to take Ben off life support. Two floors of the hospital looked on as Ben was wheeled down the hallway for his "honor walk," or the tradition of paying respects to a person who donates.

LifeCenter Northwest took over from there, coordinating the donation of Ben's heart, liver and kidneys. Ben's corneas restored vision for two people and his organs saved four people's lives.

Atwood didn't know it at the time, but she would eventually make a connection with the family of a teenager who received Ben's heart, a 15-year-old boy in California named Josh.

Josh's miracle

Amy, who asked that her last name not be used, got an urgent call from the school principal in April 2024. Her son Josh, then 14, collapsed during P.E. class.

The gym instructor went to check on Josh and couldn't find a pulse. School staff burst into action and used a nearby automated external defibrillator, which can restart a heart during a cardiac arrest.

"If that didn't happen Josh wouldn't have had a chance," Amy recalled in a recent interview with the Missoulian.

Doctors at the local hospital stabilized Josh, but his heart was in poor shape. Amy said he was airlifted to a regional medical center and needed a new heart to survive.

Eleven days after arriving at the hospital, Josh's miracle arrived. Amy and her family were notified of a donor in Montana, and surgery would commence as soon as possible.

"We got so lucky that everyone was where they were on those days," Amy said. "It is hard to process losing Josh, but it's also difficult knowing that someone else had to die for him to live."

The operation was a success, but the fight was not over. Josh spent another 10 weeks in the hospital, fighting off pneumonia and recovering to be released without medical supervision.

Nearly a year after the transplant, Amy said Josh is living a "new normal." He's returned to classes, but he must stay away from intense activity and contact sports, while also taking medication twice a day.

It's a small price to pay for life, Amy said, and she remains grateful for Ben's donation that made it all happen.

"No one likes to talk about death, but if you can use a part of yourself to continue another person's life, you should do it," Amy said. "My son wouldn't be here without Ben."

Amy and Atwood now talk often online.

Ben's friend Cardinal said that his organ donation was an encompassing symbol to Ben's generosity, as he took pride in doing all he could for those around him. She said if he could talk today, he would be happy with the decision.

"He got to save somebody's kid, someone's family member, and most importantly, someone who was hurting and needed the saving," Cardinal said.

Cardinal said the experience has inspired her to become an organ donor and talk to her family about being prepared to make that decision.

Atwood said she is still processing the loss of her son. She has moved away from Missoula, but said she knows that Ben's legacy can still be felt by his friends, the people he saved with his organs and herself.

"Everything is meaningful to me now," Atwood said. "He is still here in this world."
Indias 11 richest states allocated Rs 1.97 lakh crore in 2024-25 for the functioning of their justice systemsincluding the police, judiciary, prison and legal aidwhich was 36% more than the spending in 2022-23, according to a new report by India Justice Report (IJR), a collective that periodically measures and ranks each states structural and financial capacity to deliver justice.

The first of its kind report titled Budgets for Justice, it analysed budgets of the 11 states with the highest gross domestic product (or GSDP) with a population of at least 10 million--Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal--since 2021-22. Kerala, which had the 11th highest GSDP, was not included in this analysis as latest data were not available for the state.

The report analysed the funding of the justice systemthat is, the four pillars and forensics, prosecution, and state human right commissionswhich primarily fell under the home and justice and law departments. Based on IJR 2022, IndiaSpend had reported in April 2023 that in terms of justice delivery, four southern states--Karnataka (1), Tamil Nadu (2), Telangana (3) and Andhra Pradesh (5)were at the top, with Gujarat ranking fourth.

Excluding the police, these 11 states spent Rs 41,092 crore on the justice system, which is 0.32% of their combined GSDP. In comparison, in 2022-23, the UK spent 0.5% of its GDP on these functions, data show. The UK excludes the police from its total justice spending because the police perform many functions some of which are not directly related to the justice system and might more usefully be described as ensuring the security of the public, rather than enforcing law and order.

While there are variations in the allocations for justice in different states, the per capita spending is low and so is the funding for training in police, judiciary and prisons as a share of the allocations. Experts feel that funds for the justice system must be prioritised, including for forensics which is affected by poor infrastructure and high vacancies.

Funds increase, but per capita spending low

On average, 4.3% of states budget funds were allocated for justice in 2024-25. This ranged from 2.6% (Rs 12,782 crore) in Rajasthan to 7.3% (Rs 51,005 crore) in Uttar Pradesh, while Maharashtra, which had the highest GSDP at Rs 24.1 lakh crore, allocated 5.3% of its budget.

The states spend Rs 389 per person a year on the justice system (excluding the police). An average Indian spends more each month on milk and milk products, according to the latest Consumption Expenditure Survey . Include the spending on police, and the per capita spending goes up to Rs 2,056 per year.

Given its large population, Uttar Pradesh, which allocated the most for justice (Rs 51,005 crore) in 2024-25, spent lower per capita than Telangana, Maharashtra, and Haryana.

It is understandable that police receive the larger share of financial resources because it has the largest workforce, infrastructure needs and workload, and services court processes among other tasks, said Valay Singh, Lead, IJR. While this figure of Rs 1,667 seems skewed in comparison to average per capita spends on judiciary, prisons and legal aid, we must remember that the lack of enough disaggregation conceals the actual expenditures on frontline police personnel in Civil police, their recruitment and training, funds for police stations and other citizen-centred services. he said. Our sense is that spending would be much less.

Vijay Raghavan, professor, Centre for Criminology and Justice at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, said that while it is important to invest in the police, not investing enough in the judiciary increases the workload of judges and case pendency. There must be adequate funding for court infrastructure and court staff, Raghavan, also the project director of TISSs Prayas, which works on social work intervention in criminal justice, said. In prisons too we need to invest in filling vacancies and improving infrastructure. These issues are interconnected for the justice system institutions to work well. Additionally, if a state is seen as well governed in terms of justice and law and order, it helps improve the business environment too.

prisons, Over the years, IndiaSpend has reported on the issues of police legal aid , and bail , highlighting the challenges faced within the justice system and by people while engaging with it. In December 2024, we reported that Indias prisons were 21% over capacity, but less than half the prisoners identified for release were actually released. The cash bail scheme that was announced in 2023 by the Union government to support poor prisoners was not meeting its objective.

IndiaSpend has written to the Union home ministry and the justice department for comments on state fund allocations for justice and related issues. We will update this story when we receive a response.

Low fund allocation for training a cause for concern

In 2024-25, 1.4% of the police budgets across 11 states was allocated to training, as was 0.6% of prison budgets and 0.5% of the judiciary budget, the analysis found. While the funds for police training as a percentage of the overall budget has increased over the years, that for judiciary and prisons has stagnated.

Overall, police training was allocated Rs 2,208 crore in 2024-25 in the 11 states, 39% more than the previous years revised estimates. More than a quarter of the allocation was in Uttar Pradesh, which has the largest police force with more than 269,000 personnel. While the increase between the actual expenditure in 2021-22 and budget allocation was 91%, the actual expenditure increased only 10% over the year until 2022-23. According to the report between 2021-22 (AE) and 2022-23 (RE of Rs 283 crore), the UPs actual police strength increased by 5%, however, the number of training institutes and their capacity to train personnel remain unchanged. The report said that during this period, travel allowance under the training budget in UP doubled to Rs 10 crore, and salaries for the staff of training institutes to Rs 350 crore.

At least three statesHaryana, Karnataka and Maharashtra--allocated less than 1% for police training from its police budget, while Madhya Pradesh allocated the most (2.4%).

The share of funds for training of judges and judicial staff ranged from 0.4% and 0.6% between 2021-22 and 2024-25. Only UP invested more than 1% of its judiciary budget for training. At least six states had reduced the share compared with the previous year.

There needs to be a much higher priority across the justice sector, said Singh. The lack of training-related data is another limitation that prevents us from understanding the quality of training, frequency and its efficacy.

Government data show that there are 21 judges for 1 million Indians. As of February 2025, there were 5,292 judicial vacancies in district and subordinate courts and 369 vacancies in the High Courts and Supreme court. This adds to the burden of pending cases in courts. There are more than 45 million cases in district courts, of which 73% are more than a year old. The most cited reason for delay is that the counsel was not available in more than 6.6 million cases at the district level. At the High Courts level, 80% of the 6.2 million cases are more than a year old.

The report said that Andhra Pradesh reported over 100% utilisation of its training budget for judiciary in 2022-23, followed by Karnataka (98%), Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu at 94% each. UP utilised only 41% of its training budget in 2022-23, despite having the highest budget allocation for that year.

The training fund share for prisons was no different. For every Rs 100 spent on prisons in 2024-25, only Rs 0.23 is spent on training by the 11 states, said the report.

India has more than half a million prisoners , of whom more than three in four are undertrials. The training budget in prisons is spent on upkeep of training institutes and on the salaries of training staff and infrastructure needs of these institutes. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had more than 1% of the budget share for prison training. Data for four states--Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra and West Bengal--were not available.

UP, which has the most number of prisoners in India, and the third highest prison occupancy rate (180%), allocated about Rs 6 crore for prison training. The state has the most district jails , according to 2022 prisons data, with more than 108,000 prisoners

The IJR data show that while training allocation for prisons increased by 32% in 2024-25 compared to the revised estimate of 2022-23, the utilisation was 95%. As of December 2023, Karnataka led with 66% of trained prison staff while Tamil Nadu had the lowest with 7%. Despite having the highest trained prison staff, Karnataka noted a fall in training budgets between 2022-23 and 2024-25 by 4% to Rs 75 lakh, the report said.

As far as police and prisons are concerned, the training that they get is primarily the initial one they undergo after joining the service, said Raghavan. Ideally they must undergo training or refresher courses on a regular basis to keep up with new laws and procedures. He added that training also helps to recalibrate the justice system functionaries with current social realities and ideally, they should undergo training every three years at least.

New criminal laws enforced, but low share of funds for forensics

India implemented new criminal laws in July 2024 to replace the erstwhile Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Evidence Act. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which replaces the CrPC, mandates the collection of forensic evidence at the crime scene by a 'forensics expert' for offenses punishable by imprisonment of seven years or more. In March 2025, Home Minister Amit Shah .. stressed the need to achieve 100% forensic sample testing.

The Union government has approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme with a total financial outlay of Rs 2,254 crore from 2024-25 to 2028-29 for forensic testing infrastructure, to address the shortage of forensic professionals and fast track the examination of cases in the forensic science laboratories. In three years, there will be 40,000 trained personnel in forensics to handle the increased demand, Shah had said in July 2024.

The focus on improving forensic capacity is welcome and long overdue, but there continues to be a high number of vacancies, said Singh. He added that unless state governments start allocating much more funds and have a clear roadmap for undertaking recruitments and infrastructure development, the system will continue to crumble, with new criminal law provisions being enforced.

The IJR analysis showed that in three years until 2024-25, less than 1% of the police budget was allocated for forensics. Compared to 2023-24 revised estimates, the funds for forensics overall in 11 states fell nearly 2% to Rs 1,218 crore. Again, UP had the highest allocation at Rs 284 crore in 2024. Of this, Rs 160 crore is allocated for establishment of a Forensic Science Laboratory, said the report.

IndiaSpend reported in August 2023 that forensic science lab facilities remained highly inadequate in UP, according to a 2017 Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audit report on Modernisation and Strengthening of Police Forces in UP. More than 6,617 samples were pending for examination at Lucknow, Agra and Varanasi FSLs as of January 2011, which had more than doubled to 15,033 by March 2016, said the CAGs report.

The time taken by the forensic department to share reports is an indication of inadequate infrastructure and personnel. If forensics is not timely, it leads to loss of evidence and delays in filing charge sheets etc, said Raghavan.

According to government data , there are 32 State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSL) and 97 Regional Forensic Science Laboratories (RFSL). Of the 3,211 sanctioned posts for 26 forensic science laboratories for which this information was available, 40% were vacant, showed the IndiaSpend report

Of the 1,294 vacant posts, more than two in three were scientific posts, including personnel involved in any part of a forensic examination, such as the director, scientific officer, laboratory assistant or digital analyst.

The vacancies impact pendency in laboratories. While data regarding pendency of cases in SFSLs are not maintained centrally between 2020-21 to October 2024-25, nearly 6% of 69,826 cases received by the seven central forensic laboratories were pending.

While states utilised, on average, 90% of their respective forensic budgets in 2022-23, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal showed over 100% utilisation, according to the IJR report. Gujarat reported 54% in the same year including for modernisation of forensic science laboratory and modernisation of police force (forensic science) [both 60% central, 40% state contribution], construction of FSL buildings, purchase of equipment, vehicle for FSLs, chemical and others etc. However, the budget for modernisation of the forensic science laboratory has not been provided for 2022-23 onwards, said the report.
India is on the rise as a global tourism powerhouse. A McKinsey report says that outbound Indian tourism is already a vital source market for global tourism and is expected to double by 2030. Recognising this, many countries have eased visa restrictions and introduced direct flights and tailored services to accommodate Indian travellers. According to the Wikipedia page on Tourism in India, the number of countries allowing visa-free travel for Indian passport holders has surged from just 23 in 2020 to 60 today.

Indians have begun to take great pride in their increasing global presence. Inbound tourism, though, is a different story. India, as a tourist destination which has much to offer in terms of heritage, culture, places of religious significance and spectacular natural beauty, was pricing itself out of business due to high costs and taxes exacerbated by poor accessibility and issues of safety and hygiene. This is why many Indians prefer to holiday at destinations that are welcoming and cost-effective, while foreign tourist arrivals are hardly growing.

But a deeply disturbing undercurrent threatens to overshadow even outbound tourism the lack of civic sense and basic hygiene among travellers, which leads to global embarrassments like this one.

Indias Embarrassment on the World Stage

On 5 March 2025, Air India Flight AI126, flying from Chicago to New Delhi with 300 passengers, was forced to return after five hours in the air. The reason? Eight out of 12 lavatories had become unserviceable due to passengers flushing polythene bags, rags and cloth into the plumbing system. The incident made headlines worldwide, exposing a shameful and recurring issue.

Despite the humiliation, neither Air India nor the Indian government appear to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. There has been no public investigation, no policy response and no sign of pertinent questions from the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA), although it had issued show-cause notices for unruly passenger behaviour in the past. Even the Indian tourism board, which should be concerned about how such incidents tarnish Indias global image, has remained silent.

Sabotage or Collective Civic Failure?

Speculation ran wild on social media, with some speculating that the incident was an act of sabotage. Aviation expert Joe Schwieterman told NBC 5 Investigates that one person alone couldn't have blocked eight toilets in such a short time. If it wasnt sabotage, then it points to a deeply ingrained problemeither with Air Indias aircraft quality or, more worryingly, with passengers habits.

Air India released photographs of waste materials found in the lavatories and admitted that similar incidents had occurred before. Its press release stated, While not found on AI126, our teams have previously found objects such as blankets, innerwear, and diapers flushed down the toilets on other flights. It also issued an appeal to passengers to use toilets correctly and appears to have moved on.

A Wider Pattern of Misbehaviour

In the past three years, Indian passengers have been involved in numerous incidents of in-flight misconduct, ranging from physically abusing crew members to urinating on fellow passengers. One particularly disturbing case involved a male passenger spitting, defecating and urinating on the floor mid-air on Air India flight AIC 888 from Mumbai to Delhi.

The problem extends beyond aviation. Indian Railways has long struggled with passengers destroying seats, windows and bio-toilets by flushing non-disposable items. The Vande Bharat Express, Indias flagship high-speed train, has been repeatedly vandalised. If this is how a section of Indian travellers behaves at home, its no surprise that they carry the same habits abroad, damaging Indias reputation in the process.

Civic Sense Influences Global Perception

India's growing economic stature is only one aspect of how the world perceives us. Our behaviour, hygiene and civic sense matter just as much. These in-flight incidents send a damaging message to the world that a section of Indians lack basic hygiene and public etiquette. India's growing economic stature is only one aspect of how the world perceives us. Our behaviour, hygiene and civic sense matter just as much. These in-flight incidents send a damaging message to the world that a section of Indians lack basic hygiene and public etiquette.

For a nation that takes immense pride in its rising global influence, this should be a wake-up call. Instead of treating such incidents as isolated embarrassments, we need to recognise them as part of a broader cultural failure and cannot be brushed aside.

Instead of a blame game or speculation, we need to accept responsibility for this and find ways to bring about behavioural change. Indeed, government efforts like Swachh Bharat to improve sanitation and garbage disposal and reduce open defecation, have fetched had mixed results. Similar efforts at river pollution and garbage collection have also done poorly. Public cleanliness is not just about government intervention alone it requires a shift in collective attitude.

Corporate India, with its massive advertising budgets and social influence, has the power to drive meaningful change. The advertising industry has historically played a key role in shifting societal attitudes, sometimes without attaching the effort to a brand. Very few will recall this. Friday, 12 March 1993, was like no other. It was the day Mumbai was ripped apart by 12 serial bomb blasts targeting commercial centres such as the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Air India building, a petrol pump (which fortunately missed it by a whisker) and Searock Hotel. Over 257 people died and 1,400 or more were injured.

As the battered city reeled with shock, Trikaya Grey, then known as Indias most creative advertising agency, worked over the weekend to come up with a campaign titled Salam Bombay to lift peoples spirits, give them courage and celebrate their resilience. One hoarding was about how the BSE, shattered after trading hours on Friday, had reopened for trading on Mondaya signal to the terrorists across the border that we would not be cowed down. The campaign was funded by Narottam Sekhsaria, founder of Gujarat Ambuja Cements, and came about after a single call between him and the late advertising legend Ravi Gupta and a lot of burning of midnight oil. Mr Sekhsaria wanted to remain anonymous, so there was no corporate logo on the campaign. As the battered city reeled with shock, Trikaya Grey, then known as Indias most creative advertising agency, worked over the weekend to come up with a campaign titled Salam Bombay to lift peoples spirits, give them courage and celebrate their resilience. One hoarding was about how the BSE, shattered after trading hours on Friday, had reopened for trading on Mondaya signal to the terrorists across the border that we would not be cowed down. The campaign was funded by Narottam Sekhsaria, founder of Gujarat Ambuja Cements, and came about after a single call between him and the late advertising legend Ravi Gupta and a lot of burning of midnight oil. Mr Sekhsaria wanted to remain anonymous, so there was no corporate logo on the campaign.

There are other recent examples as well. Ariels #ShareTheLoad campaign played a big role in getting men to share household chores leading to a perceptible decline in the percentage of Indian men who believed these are a womans job. Titan has braved the heat on social media with bold campaigns addressing colour, gender, religion and re-marriage. Globally, companies have chipped in with highly emotive campaigns on mental health, road safety, organ donation, drunken driving and date rape.

One that needs emulation in India is probably the Schiphol Airport Urinal Flya brilliant campaign that nudged men to avoid making a mess on the floor by merely printing a fly at the centre of airport urinals. If Indian travellers want the respect they believe their growing economic power deserves, they must demonstrate the behaviour that earns it. No country will indefinitely tolerate passengers who disregard basic hygiene, no matter how much they contribute to tourism revenue.

Indias rise on the global stage must be accompanied by a rise in civic consciousness. Otherwise, the world will know us not for our economic achievements but as ugly Indians. While it is a collective responsibility, perhaps Air India, which is already the butt of several memes about what its in-flight announcement should say about using toilets, could start the education effort.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has ordered an enquiry by the Principal Bench of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) into the functioning of the NCLT's Chennai Bench after citing irregularities in an order passed by the NCLT in 2022.

The order was passed by a Bench of NCLAT comprising Judicial Member Justice Sharad Kumar Sharma and Technical Member Jatindranath Swain.

"The President, NCLT, is requested to look into the issue and conduct an enquiry, particularly in order to attach fairness to the proceedings of the NCLT so as to repose confidence in the public at large on these major issues," the NCLAT order said.

The order was passed on an appeal filed by Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Limited (ARCIL) challenging an NCLT order dated March 15, 2022.

The appellants counsel, Senior Advocate Om Prakash, submitted that the appeal had become infructuous due to the admission of ARCILs claim.

While dismissing the appeal, the NCLAT raised serious concerns over the NCLTs handling of the case, terming it "dubious."

"The appeal is directed to be dismissed as having rendered infructuous. But this Appellate Tribunal cannot ignore the fact that the manner in which the order of 15.03.2022 has been passed for appears rather dubious," the NCLAT opined.

The NCLAT highlighted several irregularities in the NCLT order:

Unrecorded hearing date

The case, initially heard on January 18, 2022, was marked as part-heard and scheduled for February 15, 2022. However, there was no record of the matter being listed or directed for hearing on March 15, 2022, the date on which the order under challenge was passed.

"It is submitted by the counsel for the appellant that as per the order-sheet drawn up on 15.02.2022, the said matter was not listed nor was directed to be listed on 15.03.2022 by the NCLT. But subsequently the matter is shown to have been taken up for hearing on 15.03.2022, without there being any record of prior fixation of such date for hearing, the date on which the impugned order is shown to have been passed," the NCLAT noted.

Discrepancy in cause list

While the respondents counsel argued that the case was listed on March 15, 2022, as per the cause list, the NCLAT found no evidence of prior fixation of the hearing date.

Questionable basis for order

The NCLAT observed that the NCLTs order of March 15, 2022 appeared to have been passed based on observations and directions made on the same day, which the tribunal found implausible.

"Another remarkable feature, which could be borne out from the impugned order under challenge is that, when the proceedings itself was taken up on 15.03.2022, the observations / directions as observed by NCLT, Chennai on 15.03.2022, has been taken as to be the basis of passing of the impugned order on 15.03.2022 itself, which is not plausible," the NCLAT said.

The NCLT order passed on March 15, 2022 said that it had passed a direction on that day pursuant to which a memo was filed.

"However, the Resolution Plan in respect of the Corporate Debtor had already been approved by this Adjudicating Authority vide Order dated 01.02.2022 passed in 1A 460/2021 in IBA/1099/2019. Based on the direction given by this Adjudicating Authority on 15.03.2022, a memo has been filed by the Applicant and the same is taken on record," the NCLT order said.

However, such a direction and the contents of the memo are not recorded in the order.

In view of the above, the NCLAT requested the President of the NCLT to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. It emphasised the need to ensure fairness in NCLT proceedings to maintain public confidence in the institution.

The NCLAT also directed the President of the NCLT to submit a report to the Chairperson in New Delhi with a copy to NCLAT for further necessary action.
On Tuesday, 2815 stocks advanced, 1221 declined and 123 remained unchanged, with an advance decline ratio of 2.30 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), indicating positive closing of stocks in broader markets. The trend of the major indices on Tuesdays trading is given in the table below.

On NSE, 30 securities advanced and closed at a new 52-week high whereas 220 securities sank to close at their new 52-week lows. In sectoral indices, all indices ended in green - Nifty Media, Nifty PSU Bank and Nifty Auto were among the biggest gainers.

Tech Mahindra (-0.66%) expanded long-term strategic partnership with Google Cloud to boost the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and lead digital transformation for enterprises globally. The partnership will enable Tech Mahindra to help enterprises worldwide achieve agility, scalability, and sustainable growth through cutting-edge technologies.

JSW Energys (+3.87%) wholly-owned subsidiary, JSW Neo Energy received Competition Commission of Indias (CCI) approval to acquire 100% shareholding of O2 Power Midco Holdings Pte and O2 Energy SG Pte.

Tata Power Delhi Distribution (Tata Power-DDL), a joint venture (JV) between Tata Power (+3.41%) r and the Government of NCT of Delhi, and FSR Global signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on policy research, innovation in clean energy technologies, and capacity building. The partnership aims to facilitate comprehensive research projects, technical papers, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance industry knowledge and promote best practices in the power sector.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) (+3.19%) completed the execution of a share purchase agreement with its wholly owned subsidiary -- Mahindra Overseas Investment Company (Mauritius) (MOICML) and Mahindra-BT Investment Company (Mauritius) (MBTICM) a subsidiary of MOICML and the company, whereby the company has agreed to acquire 67,71,600 Equity Shares of MBTICM constituting 57% of its paid-up equity share capital from MOICML.

Engineers India (+0.53%) was awarded the job for EPCM services for 360 KTPA polypropylene unit (PPU) project at Numaligarh Refinery. Total estimated award value is around Rs252.95 crore. The service order is to be executed in 36 months.

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agencys (IREDA) (+5.64%) board of directors has approved the enhancement of borrowing programme for FY24-25 by Rs5,000 crore through taxable bonds/ sub-ordinated Tier-II bonds/perpetual debt instruments (PDI) /term loan from banks and FIs /lines of credit from international agencies (multilateral and bilateral agencies) /external commercial borrowings (ECB)/short term loans & WCDL from bank.

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) (+1.39%) received Competition Commission of Indias (CCI) approval to acquire beauty and personal care brand Minimalist's parent company Uprising Science. Jaipur-based Uprising Science is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of beauty and personal care products, baby care and hair care items under the brand name 'Minimalist'.

RITES (+3.75%) bagged additional work order from Ntokoto Rail Holdings for supply and commissioning of overhauled in-service of cape gauge diesel electric locomotives fitted with new cape gauge bogies, traction motors, control system air braked, etc. overhauled at nominated facility and on-site warranty support for one year.

The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below:

The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the certificates of registration (CoR) of 10 non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) from West Bengal. RBI has not provided any specific reason for cancelling the CoR of these NBFCs. Separately, following their exit from the non-banking financial institution (NBFI) business, three NBFCs surrendered their registration certificate to the central bank.

NBFCs whose registration has been cancelled by RBI include: Doyen Vyapaar Pvt Ltd, Gaja Fincorp Pvt Ltd, Torrent Merchandise Pvt Ltd, Lokpriya Trade & Agency Pvt Ltd, Ranisati Merchandise Pvt Ltd, Mahima Commercial Company Pvt Ltd, Yoyoma Trading Pvt Ltd, Veshnawy Vyapaar Pvt Ltd, Easey Credit Pvt Ltd and Raikot Finance and Investment Pvt Ltd.

RBI has not given any specific reason for cancelling the registration of these NBFIs. Its statement merely says, "...in the exercise of powers conferred on it under section 45-IA (6) of the RBI Act, 1934, has cancelled the certificate of registration...As such, the above companies shall not transact the business of a non-banking financial institution -NBFI, as defined in clause (a) of Section 45-I of the RBI Act."

The three NBFCs who have surrendered registration certificates include one each from New Delhi, Bihar and Maharashtra.

RV Techno Investments Pvt Ltd from New Delhi surrendered its registration certificate and RBI issued an order to cancel their registration on 27 January 2025.

Bihar-based Panghat Finance Company Pvt Ltd, which was issued a registration in 2021, also decided to surrender its certificate. RBI issued an order for this on 5 February 2025.

RBI says Walton Street India Finance from Maharashtra also surrendered its registration as an NBFC and RBI issued an order to cancel the registration on 6 February 2025.
Syrian Orthodox Christians Protest in Ottawa Against Ongoing Genocide in Syria

A striking protest unfolded in downtown Ottawa as what appeared to be Syrian Orthodox Christians took to the streets, decrying the mass slaughter of ethnic minorities in Syria. The demonstrators, led by a clergyman likely belonging to either the Syriac Orthodox or Syriac Catholic tradition, marched solemnly, bearing witness to the unfolding genocide that Western media and governments have largely ignored.

As RAIR has reported extensively, Syria has fallen under the control of a radical jihadi regime following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government. The result has been a horrifying wave of ethnic and religious purges targeting Alawite Muslims and Christians, groups now facing systematic extermination.

The leading cleric, dressed in traditional vestments, bore the distinctive black robes with gold trim commonly associated with the Syriac Orthodox Church, a community that has endured centuries of persecution. Both the Syriac Orthodox and Syriac Catholic churches trace their roots to the earliest Christian communities in the Middle East--communities now being wiped out under the new Syrian regime.

The demonstrators in Ottawa carried banners, chanted prayers, and demanded international intervention to halt the bloodshed. Their message was clear: the world cannot turn a blind eye as yet another Christian genocide unfolds in the Middle East.

Despite these urgent cries for help, Western leaders continue their policy of appeasement, doing little to confront the forces responsible for this ethnic cleansing. The same governments that claim to uphold human rights are silent in the face of the massacres, just as they were during the Islamic State's reign of terror.

This protest in Ottawa is a powerful reminder that Syria's Christian and Alawite populations face annihilation, and the so-called defenders of democracy are complicit through their inaction.

RAIR will continue to monitor the situation and expose the brutal realities that global elites seek to bury.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs9.50 lakh on five cooperative banks for non-compliance with the directions issued by the banking regulator. The highest penalty of Rs5 lakh has been imposed on Baramulla Central Cooperative Bank Ltd from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

Other banks penalised by RBI are Anantnag Central Cooperative Bank Ltd from J&K, Janata Sahakari Bank Ltd from Gondia in Maharashtra, Jogindra Central Cooperative Bank Ltd from Himachal Pradesh and Gurdaspur Central Cooperative Bank Ltd from Punjab.

Baramulla Central Cooperative Bank and Anantnag Central Cooperative Bank have been penalised Rs5 lakh and Rs1 lakh, respectively for non-compliance with directions issued by RBI prohibiting acceptance of fresh deposits.

The statutory inspection of both these banks conducted by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) revealed that both the lenders accepted fresh deposits in violation of directions issued by RBI.

Janata Sahakari Bank from Gondia has been fined Rs1.50 lakh for contravention of the provisions of Section 26A of the Banking Regulation Act (BR Act). The lender failed to transfer eligible unclaimed amounts to RBIs depositor education and awareness fund (DEA Fund) within the prescribed time.

Gurdaspur Central Cooperative Bank and Jogindra Central Cooperative Bank have also been penalised Rs1 lakh each for contravention of the provisions of Section 26A of the BR Act. Both the lenders also sanctioned or renewed director-related loans in violation of Section 20 of the BR Act.

RBI says its action against these five cooperative banks is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce on the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the banks with their customers.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to examine the plea seeking disclosure of final authenticated data of voter turnout in all polling stations within 48 hours of the polling.

The plea was filed by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra seeking directions to the Election Commission to upload scanned, legible copies of Form 17C Part-I (account of votes recorded), on its website.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan said that the petitioners are at liberty to make a representation to the ECI within ten days.

This was after Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for ECI, said that a new Election Commissioner has been appointed and the petitioner can meet him and have their grievances redressed.

In view of the same, the Court deferred the hearing in the matter and posted the case for consideration on July 28.

"List this on week commencing July 28. In the meanwhile, counsel for ECI state that the petitioners may file a representation with ECI and the ECI will give them a hearing and inform about same in advance. Let representation be made in 10 days," the Court said in its order.

The application by ADR was filed in May 2024 in light of the controversy surrounding the substantial increase in the final voter turn out announced by the ECI for the first two phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as compared to initial estimate announced on the voting day.

The application was moved by ADR in a 2019 case.

The application highlighted that the data published on April 30 showed a sharp increase (by about 5-6%) of final voter turn out as compared to the initial percentages announced by ECI on the day of polling.

This coupled with the delay in announcing the voter turn out has led to concerns among voters and political parties about the correctness of such data, it was contended.

The application sought directions to the ECI to upload scanned, legible copies of Form 17C Part-I (Account of Votes Recorded), on its website.

The data should be uploaded after each phase of polling in the ongoing 2024 elections and must provide constituency and polling station-wise figures of voter turnout in absolute numbers and in percentage form, the application stated.

Additionally, ADR sought disclosure of the Part- II of Form 17C which contains the candidate-wise result of counting after the compilation of results.

ADR alleged that there has been a dereliction of duty on the part of the ECI in declaring election results through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) based on accurate and indisputable data.

In response to the plea, the ECI filed an affidavit stating that there is no legal right that can be claimed towards publishing final authenticated data of voter turnout in all polling stations.

The poll body stated that disclosure of voter turnout data based on Form 17C (votes polled in each polling station) will cause confusion among voters as it will also include postal ballot counts.

When the matter was taken up for hearing today, advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for ADR, said that there was a huge discrepancy in the the EVM count and the ones who (actually) came to vote.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Mahua Moitra, also echoed similar concerns.

"How did end of the day polling of 10 become 50 next morning needs to be explained. There is a discrepancy in final list published and the ones who voted," he said.

"There is a new Chief Election Commissioner now. The petitioner can meet him and it may be addressed," Senior Advocate Maninder Singh said on behalf of ECI.

"We cannot go into this today," the CJI said.

"Why cannot the EC just scan and give it (Part- II of Form 17C)? They want to avoid the macro picture and analysis," Singhvi contended.

"Cannot the citizens know this? Are they not entitled to," Bhushan demanded.

"They (ECI) will hear you," the CJI said before deferring the hearing.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has directed all schools to release certificates that were previously withheld from students due to unpaid fees.

He emphasized that no institution has the legal right to retain the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) or Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) for any reason, including outstanding school fees.

Speaking at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Jogoo House, Migos instructed county education directors to submit a compliance report within 14 days.

To support schools financially, he also announced that the government had disbursed Ksh14 billion to secondary schools last Friday to clear pending capitation funds for the first term.

Government Intervenes to End TUK Strike

In addition to addressing withheld certificates, Migos signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) and the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) to end a month-long strike that had paralyzed learning at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK).

He explained that an inter-ministerial committee had been working to resolve the crisis, and with the new agreement in place, TUK staff can now return to their duties, restoring normal operations at the university.

I trust and believe that the Council and the Administration will work extra hard to recover the lost time for students, said CS Ogamba.

Migos assured that the Ministry has implemented measures to ensure that learning in public universities continues smoothly.

University Staff Unions Welcome Deal

UASU Secretary General Constant Wasonga confirmed that staff would resume teaching immediately, bringing the prolonged TUK strike to an end. He also commended the Ministry for stepping in with a bailout plan to support the university.

More importantly, lets get to work because now we have a deal. We couldnt get everything, but we have a phased plan that will solve this problem once and for all, Wasonga said.

KUSU Chairperson Dr. Philip Onyango echoed these sentiments, thanking stakeholders for their role in resolving the crisis.

He acknowledged that while the immediate issues had been addressed, discussions with the government would continue to ensure long-term solutions.

By a letter dated January 27, 2025, the employer appealed to KUSU to call off the strike, assuring us that the arising issues would be resolved amicably, Onyango stated.
Kenya and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have agreed to begin formal talks on a new lending program, scrapping the ninth review of the current $3.6 billion loan agreement.

The government is seeking continued financial support to stabilize the economy after rising debt-servicing costs strained its finances following years of heavy borrowing.

The Kenyan authorities and IMF staff have reached an understanding that the ninth review under the current Extended Fund Facility and Extended Credit Facility programs will not proceed, IMF Mission Chief Haimanot Teferra said in a statement following a visit to Nairobi.

Teferra also confirmed that the IMF has received a formal request from Kenya to establish a new financing arrangement.

The current program, launched in April 2021, is set to expire next month. However, its implementation faced setbacks due to deadly anti-tax protests last year and a dispute over new borrowing from the United Arab Emirates.

By October 2024, the IMF had approved $3.12 billion for disbursement under the existing agreement.

President William Rutos administration has been scrambling to secure alternative financing, including enhancing revenue collection, to meet increasing expenditure demands and manage the countrys soaring debt obligations.

According to Finance Ministry data, Kenyas debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 65.7% as of June last year, far surpassing the 55% sustainability threshold.
Three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) projects worth Ksh21.9 billion, initiated during the final months of former President Uhuru Kenyattas tenure, have stalled due to a lack of funding.

A report tabled in Parliament for the financial year ending June 2024 reveals that two of the projects were abandoned at just 20 percent completion, while the third remains stuck at 60 percent.

A Ministry of Defence audit shows that, despite a total contract value of Ksh21.9 billion, contractors have only received Ksh3.16 billion, leaving an outstanding balance of Ksh18.77 billion.

Review of the Ministrys project progress reports and implementation status reports indicates that three projects, initiated between November 2021 and June 2022 with a cumulative contract amount of Ksh21.9 billion, had stalled, Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu said.

The projects were all past their expected completion date.

Flagship KDF Projects at a Standstill

Among the stalled projects is Uhuru Kenyattas flagship Ksh18 billion Level 6 Forces Research Referral Hospital (FRRH) in Kabete. The hospital, originally scheduled for completion by January 18, 2025, has stalled at 20 percent progress.

Another affected project is the permanent camp for the 8 Brigade Headquarters and Mechanised Infantry Battalion (MIB). The camps Ksh2.8 billion contract, signed on December 14, 2021, was supposed to be completed by August 14, 2023. However, work stopped at 20 percent, with only Ksh175 million paid, leaving a Ksh2.63 billion shortfall.

The upgrade of a 4.2-kilometer road has also stalled, with work abandoned at 60 percent completion. The project, which began on June 21, 2022, was set for completion by December 21, 2022. However, the contractor halted operations after receiving Ksh90.19 million, leaving an unpaid balance of Ksh147.99 million. The audit report did not disclose the exact location of this road project.

No Progress, No Accountability

During physical inspections in October and December 2024, auditors found no contractors on-site and no ongoing work.

Gathungu criticized the project management for failing to outline any measures to revive and complete the stalled developments.

In addition, evidence that the contractors renewed their performance bonds was not provided for audit review, she stated.

She further warned that, under these circumstances, the government cannot account for the Ksh3.16 billion already spent on the stalled projects, raising concerns over wasted public funds.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has successfully reclaimed a prime piece of public land along Mukoma Road in Karen, Nairobi, worth approximately KES 45 million.

Private individuals had illegally acquired the land, but a recent court ruling nullified the fraudulent transfer and restored it to public ownership.

The contested property, registered as L.R. 2270/71 and measuring 0.029 hectares, was originally surrendered to the Government of Kenya in 1994. Authorities had designated it for public utilities and the construction of a public access road. However, in 1996, individuals unlawfully took possession of the land through an irregular allocation.

Hon. Lady Justice Lucy Mbugua delivered a landmark judgment confirming that the property rightfully belongs to the public.

The court declared the private acquisition illegal, fraudulent, and corrupt, rendering the transfer null and void. Additionally, the ruling directed the cancellation of the existing title and ordered the lands registration under the Nairobi City County Government as a public utility plot.

The EACC welcomed the courts decision, reinforcing its dedication to recovering public assets lost through corruption.

This victory marks another step in the ongoing fight against land grabbing in Kenya. The EACC continues to investigate and reclaim illegally acquired public properties, urging citizens to report corruption cases.
The Kurdification of Northern Iraq Threatens Assyrians

The head of a lamassu statue, an ancient Assyrian deity often depicted as a winged-bull with a human head, lies in the archaeological site of Nimrud, south of Mosul, on January 3, 2025. ( Zaid Al-Obeidi/AFP via Getty Images) The Assyrians, an ethnic group indigenous to the Middle East, are a threatened minority today. Within the last two centuries they have withstood the horrors of strategic genocidal campaigns on their ancestral lands that have led to their continual persecution and forced exile.

A recurring but often overlooked problem in the Middle East is the oppression of Assyrians by Kurds. Kurdish oppression of Assyrians has a long-standing history, most notably during the Assyrian genocide by the Ottomans in 1915--1918, where many Kurdish tribes assisted in the Ottoman campaigns of violence against Assyrians, Armenians, and other Christians.

These genocidal campaigns have yet to be globally recognized, yet their lingering effects continue today in more insidious ways due to Kurdish aggression.

Land

As Kurds themselves face persecution from both Turkey and Iran, their violence against Assyrians has only intensified through excessive land theft. Assyrians today face complete disenfranchisement in their indigenous homeland, notably in northern Iraq--known as Assyria to Assyrians.

The Kurdification of Assyria, which refers to the surge of Kurdish supremacy at the expense of Assyrian identity, culture, and presence in historically Assyrian locations, is and has been happening for decades.

Iraq's Nahla Valley, located within the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq, is historically a predominantly Assyrian Christian area; today, there are only eight Assyrian villages remaining. The region initially had 23 Assyrian villages that were ethnically cleansed; the luscious valley is vulnerable to ongoing land thefts by Kurds--a longstanding issue.

The Assyrian Aid Society of Iraq has documented a list of land grabs by Kurds submitted to the U.N. over the past several decades. In 1963, the Zibari Clan, a prominent Kurdish tribe, stole 13.5 acres of land from the village of Cham Rabatkeh. Later, in 1991, entire Assyrian villages such as Qarawola, Yousif Ava, and Shwadin were overtaken by neighboring Kurdish tribes.

Qashkawa, Zhouli, and Cham Rabatkeh are prominent Assyrian Christian villages in the Nahla Valley still undergoing relentless land grabs. The Foreign Policy Journal stated that three-fourths of Qashkawa's territory was already stolen by Kurdish settlers back in 2019.

In 2020, 117 Assyrian families in the Nahla Valley lost access to 75 percent of their lands after the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq reversed a law intended to protect Assyrian ownership.

The Assyrian flag flutters over the town of Alqosh, 45 kilometers north of Mosul, Iraq, on September 19, 2014. ( Mohammed Sawaf/AFP via Getty Images)

The Asayish, Kurdistan's official security organization, regularly targets Assyrians in the Nahla Valley, coercing them to sign fake concessions.

Sarah, an Assyrian American human rights advocate, has been visiting friends in the Nahla Valley for the last few years. She said these coercion tactics are nothing new and that the KRG and influential Kurdish families are known to fabricate fake deeds to Assyrian lands to falsely claim ownership.

In April 2021, the KRG confiscated 1,000 dunams (100 hectares) of agricultural land belonging to local Assyrian farmers in the village of Ankawa, northern Iraq. These land thefts have no end in sight, slowly chipping away at what is left of Assyria. Erbil International Airport was also forcefully built by the KRG on land owned by Assyrians without compensation.

The KRG's oppression of Assyrians has also masked itself as the building of water infrastructure projects in Assyrian regions. The Bakrman Dam is currently being constructed as part of a wider project by the KRG involving two other dams, Dalga and Mandawa in Dohuk, an ancient Assyrian city with a prominent Assyrian population.

While the KRG proposed these dams as water management projects, the building of dams in civilian areas is a classic colonial method of forced displacement, as many Assyrian villages are at risk of being destroyed and entirely engulfed by the dam's waters.

Damaged prints of Jesus Christ are seen inside the burnt and destroyed interior of the St. Mary al-Tahira church on November 8, 2016, in Baghdeda, Iraq. ( Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Organizations like Save The Tigris, a civil advocacy platform for water justice in Iraq, have previously reported multiple dam failures in the Kurdistan region. The federal Iraqi government has made it clear that construction of these dams was not approved.

Language and Identity

The struggle to preserve Assyrian language and heritage is at a crossroads.

In 2018, Kurdish authorities in Syria shut down private Assyrian schools in Qamishli; the reasoning was that the curriculum didn't promote Kurdish nationalist ideology.

Just like in Iraq, the erasure of Assyrian identity and education is prevalent in neighboring Syria, where Assyrians are often purposefully referred to as "Kurdish Christians," "Arab Christians," or just "Christians."

America's support is abundantly clear when it comes to the Kurds in the Middle East. The narrative about Kurds implementing multi-ethnic, feminist, and open-minded governing systems in Iraq and Syria, allied with the West in the fight against ISIS, is untrue.

Kurdish influence in Western media has resulted in the complete erasure and disregard of the Assyrians, whom they continue to slowly ethnically cleanse--forcing them to leave their ancestral lands for the West. Now, as the population of Assyrians in the Middle East post-genocide continues to drastically drop, how are we able to address this ongoing ethnic cleansing as the world remains overwhelmingly unaware?

Regardless of governmental or political disputes, most Kurdish authorities in Syria and Iraq align on one thing--the Assyrians are not entitled to their lands, and it is with great intent that they aim to erase their presence.

Before 2003, there were 1.6 million Assyrians in Iraq; before 2011, there were 500,000 Assyrians in Syria. Today, there are fewer than 300,000 Assyrians in Iraq, and 250,000 in Syria.

Assyrians continue to face systematic dispossession as well as threats against their existence in their homeland. The preservation of their history and heritage is vital.

As the Kurdification of Assyria continues, will the world finally speak up and do something before it's too late?

Mohammed Ahmad is a Palestinian American journalist, writer, and actor based in Los Angeles. In addition to Newsweek, his work has appeared in Yellow Scene Magazine and The Forge. He is the co-founder of Poets for Palestine.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has fiercely criticized President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, accusing them of orchestrating a civilian coup through their recent political pact. He claims the agreement undermines Kenyas constitution and threatens democratic governance.

Omtatah dismissed the widely publicized memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed on March 7, 2025, as an illegal attempt to establish a new government while crippling institutions meant to provide oversight.

Speaking on a local radio station on March 17, he outlined how the two leaders have allegedly manipulated the system to legitimize their actions.

According to the presidential hopeful, the so-called coup is being executed through power-sharing, restructuring parliamentary committees, and other covert maneuvers that weaken the countrys oversight structures.

That MoU is nonsense. Article 3, Clause 2 clearly states that any attempt to establish a government outside the constitution is illegal. Show me where in the constitution a broad-based government exists. Its unconstitutional, he declared.

He further alleged that Ruto and Raila have created a de facto government, shared power among themselves, and overturned parliamentary committees, all while bypassing legal frameworks.

Omtatah also warned that these developments have left government oversight on the verge of collapse, as key institutions meant to check executive power have been rendered ineffective.

Why should there be an MoU when we have Parliament? Delegated power must be exercised through Parliament, not at KICC! That is the couppower is now being handled outside the legal structures, he argued.

He maintained that elected leaders are meant to serve within constitutional frameworks, not engage in secretive power deals that undermine democratic governance.

When we elected people we did so for others to go to parliament and others to the state house, he added.
President William Ruto is finally set to tour the Mt. Kenya region in two weeks, with preparations already in full swing.

As part of the preparations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki hosted 54 Members of Parliament from the region at his Karen residence on Thursday. During the meeting, he urged them to be ready to welcome the President and ensure the visit focuses on addressing key development concerns.

The lawmakers represented counties across the region, including Laikipia, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Kiambu, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi. Their discussions centered on evaluating the progress of government projects and reviewing the implementation of various development programs.

Yes, were preparing for the Presidents tour, but we have not been briefed on the exact dates and schedule of the visit, said an MP, as quoted by The Nation.

Sources from the meeting revealed that President Ruto will begin his Mt. Kenya tour in the eastern part of the region.

The highly anticipated tour will be Rutos first development visit to the region since the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October last year.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reportedly urged local leaders to put aside political differences and work closely with the Presidents administration for the benefit of their constituents. He noted that while other regionswhere Kenya Kwanza did not enjoy overwhelming supportwere reaping the rewards of a cooperative relationship with the government, Mt. Kenya was lagging behind due to ongoing political wrangles.

During the Karen meeting, MPs received updates on the National Governments efforts to secure funding for key infrastructure projects that had stalled. These include the completion of the Mau Mau roads, the Kenol-Marwa dual carriageway, the construction of major dams to improve water distribution and irrigation, and the development of markets to boost local economies.

We were also briefed on policy and administrative measures the government has taken to revitalize key agricultural value chains such as tea, coffee, milk, rice, potatoes, macadamia, miraa, muguka, and poultry, said a Nyeri MP who attended the meeting.

With the tour expected to shape the regions development agenda, all eyes will be on how locals will welcome President William Ruto following the perceived betrayal of the region as alleged by Rigathi Gachagua and his allies.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been appointed as the patron of Kenyas bodaboda and tuk-tuk operators, representing more than 2.5 million riders nationwide.

The decision was made during a meeting at Sonkos Mua Farm in Machakos on Sunday, where industry leaders voiced their confidence in his leadership, believing he can address their challenges and strengthen their engagement with the government.

Riders Push Back Against New Regulation Bill

A key issue raised during the meeting was the Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill 2023, sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale. The Bill, which the Senate approved last month and is now awaiting National Assembly approval, seeks to regulate bodaboda operations by introducing mandatory registration, training, and stricter licensing requirements.

If passed into law, the Bill will require all commercial motorcycle operators to register with the newly established County Motorcycle Transport and Safety Board in their respective counties.

Additionally, riders must complete an approved training course covering safe riding techniques, customer service, emergency response, and motorcycle maintenance before receiving a license.

The Bill also enforces safety measures, requiring each rider to carry two Kenya Bureau of Standards-approved helmets and reflective jackets in good condition.

Harsh Penalties for Violations

To curb reckless riding, the Bill introduces tough penalties for non-compliance. Riders caught using pavements or riding against traffic flow could face a Ksh20,000 fine or a six-month jail sentence.

Operators who gang up to intimidate others may face a Ksh100,000 fine or a one-year prison term.

The Bill also criminalizes carrying passengers with criminal intent, increasing accountability in the industry.

Read More  New Boda Boda Regulation Bill to Require GPS Trackers, Passenger Helmets, and Rider Training

Sonko Promises to Address Riders Concerns

Bodaboda representatives strongly opposed several provisions in the proposed law, arguing that the new regulations would increase their financial burden and disrupt their businesses.

Sonko, stepping into his new role, assured riders that he would engage Boni Khalwale and other key stakeholders to address their grievances.

We shall engage government agencies, county governments, insurance firms, and financial institutions to resolve issues like spare part shortages and delayed insurance claims, said Sonko.

The former Governor also sounded a warning to Boda boda gangs who have been terrorizing residets, to the cartels and criminals who have infiltrated the boda boda industry and engaged in criminal activities, be aware that we shall come for you. We wont allow a few criminal to tarnish the name of this good industry.

Industry Leaders Demand Recognition

Nehemiah Kiwa, Chairman of the Bodaboda & Tuk-Tuk Transport Union, called on the government to acknowledge the sectors economic contributions.

We were a key voting bloc in the last election but have been sidelined. Our voices must be heard, Kiwa emphasized.

Charles Gichira, Chairman of the Bodaboda Association, urged the government to stop profiling riders as criminals and instead focus on reforms to professionalize the sector.

We need reforms to professionalize the sector, he stated.

Leaders also criticized the lack of government funding for rider training, despite the sector playing a crucial role in Kenyas economy.

To streamline operations and advocate for riders rights, a six-member steering committee led by Nehemiah Kiwa will oversee the associations affairs under Sonkos leadership.
Azra Ismail was born in Indias capital city of Delhi and grew up in Abu Dhabi, but with frequent visits to her native town in Bihar, one of the poorest states in India. I grew up seeing intense disparities ... seeing the haves and have nots, she says.





Developing the right model

Today, as assistant professor of biomedical informatics in the Emory School of Medicine, she searches for ways to bridge the gap between the most advanced digital technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and the most marginalized communities in the health care space.Much of Ismails work has to do with finding ways to improve access to maternal and child health, especially for women from underserved communities. She collaborated with the Myna Mahila Foundation, an Indian-based nonprofit working to improve womens health and its founder, Dr. Suhani Jalota, to develop a mobile-based AI chatbot providing support for sexual and reproductive health, including information about issues like family planning, pregnancy care and even basic reproductive anatomy. But adapting an AI model trained on data from developed countries for people in a completely different technical and cultural environment is a hard task.It comes down to issues with language, and challenges with ensuring that these technologies are culturally appropriate Ismail says. If you're able to access health information from your home, that's reliable, accurate and timely, that can have a potential impact on your health. But to get to that point where information is understood by the end user in the way it was meant to be, is a demanding task.

The task of delivering better health care information began with extensive field work to learn about the kinds of questions the target audience of women had and the issues they were experiencing in sexual and reproductive health. Ismail and her team wanted to know how specific these are to a particular community. When do they translate to other communities? You also don't want to build something so specific that it only meets the need of one community, she notes.

Questions were refined with feedback from community health workers and user focus groups in India, then the new questions were pilot tested on 3,000 women. The next phase is refining the language based on learnings from the focus groups, then a larger trial is planned.It's not just about the data, Ismail says, but also creating the kind of prompt that's going to result in the type of response you want  making sure the tone is appropriate and empathetic and contextualized for that community. If you're giving nutrition information, making sure you're offering food sources that are locally relevant. If you're offering a suggestion on social support in pregnancy care, making sure you're aware of gender norms and family norms. If you're offering information about contraceptive use, being cognizant of the gaps in this community around using certain kinds of contraceptives.Data showed the top concerns were about reproduction and pregnancy, including contraceptives, family planning, safe sex and health during pregnancy. Because many of the users speak Hindi but type in their questions in English, the chatbot is designed to support Hinglish, a frequently used blend of the two. To build something people would actually use, it's important to offer a way for them to ask and get responses in a language format that's familiar to them, Ismail notes. The paper resulting from this study was recently accepted to the prestigious CHI conference on human-computer interaction.Ismail says her multicultural background helped her recognize the challenges people face when trying to access health care through technology created in developed countries that may not translate easily to other cultures. This raises deeper questions about how large language models need to be adapted in order to function in the developing world.Im cautiously optimistic that we'll see more equitable outcomes and approaches as different countries build their own language models, she says. We're seeing a lot of efforts for Indian large language models being built by Indian researchers in India to support languages that are not well supported by ChatGPT, for instance. There's a long road to get there, but we're starting to see countries take their own positions on these issues and build AI plans and strategies that align with their regions needs.
(Top) Illinois Supreme Court justices hear oral arguments at SIU Carbondales Student Center. (Below) Hundreds of people pack into the ballrooms to witness the court in action. (Photos by Russell Bailey)

SIU Carbondale hosts Illinois Supreme Court oral arguments

CARBONDALE, Ill.  The Illinois Supreme Court today (March 18) heard oral arguments in two cases before a packed audience at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Student Center.

More than 900 junior high and high school students, SIU law students, members of the community and special guests listened to arguments by attorneys in cases arising out of Kendall County and Cook County. The SIU Simmons Law School hosted the event, which is part of the states high court tradition of riding the circuit throughout Illinois. A Q&A with First Circuit Judge Christy W. Solverson, the presiding judge in Jackson County, followed oral arguments.

This event is sponsored by the Illinois Supreme Court, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, SIU Carbondale and SIU Simmons Law School.

View a photo gallery of todays event.
PRNewswire Shanghai [China], March 18: INTAMSYS, a global leader in industrial 3D printing, has renewed its partnership with WorldSkills International (WSI) for the 2025-2026 season. Under this agreement, INTAMSYS will continue as the exclusive 3D printing equipment and materials supplier for the Additive Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering CAD competitions at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. This marks the second consecutive collaboration between INTAMSYS and WSI, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing vocational skills education through cutting-edge 3D printing technology. Drive Innovation in WorldSkills Competitions During the signing ceremony, David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, highly praised INTAMSYS for its technological expertise and commitment to education. He stated: "INTAMSYS has redefined competition standards with its industrial-grade 3D printing technology. At WorldSkills Competition 2024 in Lyon, the FUNMAT PRO 310 delivered exceptional performance, earning global recognition for its reliability and precision." Charles Han, Founder & CEO of INTAMSYS, reaffirmed the company's dedication to industry-driven education, stating: "We believe 'Industry IS Education.' Real skill development must align with industrial applications. Our latest FUNMAT PRO 310 NEO is designed for high-speed, high-strength, multi-material printing, providing competitors with the ultimate tool for tackling complex challenges." Dong Hua, from the Sponsorship and Partnership Department of the Executive Bureau of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, also shared key plans for the event, highlighting the strong national support behind this global competition. The three parties engaged in in-depth discussions about the 2026 Shanghai WorldSkills Competition, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration. Bridging Education and Industry Following the signing ceremony, a round table forumfeatured Alexander Amiri, Director of Sponsorship & Partnership at WorldSkills International, and Jane Stokie, Director of Skills Competitions, who shared further insights into the partnership and competition details. Cong Pang, Director of Education at INTAMSYS, emphasized: "INTAMSYS is fully prepared to deeply engage in the upcoming competition, providing competitors with extensive training and preparation support." China's Innovation on the Global Skills Stage WorldSkills Lyon 2024 welcomed 1,300+ competitors from nearly 70 countries and regions. With Shanghai hosting in 2026, even more participants are expected. As a leading force in China's advanced manufacturing sector, INTAMSYS aims to bring world-class technology to vocational training programs globally, bridging the gap between education and industry. This renewed partnership solidifies INTAMSYS' position as a global leader in industrial 3D printing and underscores China's growing role in shaping the future of vocational skills development. About INTAMSYS INTAMSYS specializes in industrial 3D printing solutions, focusing on high-performance FFF technology for engineering applications. With headquarters in China and offices in Germany and the United States, INTAMSYS serves global industries with cutting-edge FUNMAT 3D printers and advanced material solutions. Learn More at www.intamsys.comMore about WorldSkills International: WorldSkills.org CONTACT: info@intamsys.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], March 18: izmo Ltd. (www.izmoltd.com), a global leader in Automotive Digital Solutions, announced that it has received ISO 27001:2022 Certification, an internationally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) for all its products, platforms, and consulting services. The certification covers izmo Ltd. in Bangalore and its subsidiaries, izmo France and izmo UK, which serve the EU and South American markets. This certification demonstrates izmo's adherence to global information security best practices and commitment to protecting customer and organizational data. It indicates a step towards meeting the criteria's of GDPR compliance for businesses in Europe. "Achieving ISO 27001:2022 certification is a major milestone for izmo Ltd. and reaffirms our commitment to information security, risk management, and regulatory compliance. In today's digital landscape, information security is critical, and this certification assures our clients and partners that all our products, platforms and consulting services are in line with the requirements of the standard. As we expand into new markets and drive digital transformation in the automotive industry, information security will remain at the core of our innovation and growth," said Sanjay Soni, Managing Director, izmo Ltd. izmo Ltd. has consistently demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding sensitive company and client information and implementing best practices in risk management, information security, and regulatory compliance. Driving Innovation and Strengthening Global Presence The certification comes at a time when the company is continuing to grow, venturing into new marketing initiatives and consolidating its position as the market leader in the digital transformation of the automotive industry. With over 20 years of experience and more than 400 employees worldwide, izmo Ltd., serves hundreds of dealers and automotive OEMs, delivering customer success and profitability through better technology and process improvement. The company's website platforms are designed to meet the diverse needs of customers in different markets and languages. izmo Ltd. continues to lead innovation by incorporating AI technologies into its platforms, developing advanced tools that aid customer engagement and enhance online shopping experience. About izmo Ltd. izmo Ltd. provides automotive retail solutions for dealerships and OEMs worldwide and is the largest global producer of interactive media content for the automotive industry. The company's products include Digital Retail and Marketing Platform, Data Analytics and Reporting Solution and CRM for Automotive After-Sales. izmo is headquartered in Bangalore, India, with offices in USA, France, United Kingdom and Germany. Media Contact:izmocars Marcommarcomm@izmocars.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2640015/Izmo_cars_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
SMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 18: DE-CIX India, the country's largest Interconnection Platform, has announced a new partnership with Ishan Technologies, a Pan-India ICT services provider. This collaboration will establish a mutual Network-to-Network Interface (NNI) at Ishan's wholly owned Mumbai Data Center, a SOC 2 compliant, PCI compliant, HIPAA compliant, Rated Tier 3 facility. Ishan Mumbai Data Center is MeitY-empanelled for offering compliant and secure cloud services in India, further strengthening its commitment to delivering enterprise-grade digital infrastructure. This partnership will further expand DE-CIX India's interconnection reach, enabling seamless connectivity for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), Over-the-Top (OTT) players, and other digital service providers. As India's digital transformation accelerates, the need for reliable, high-performance interconnection has never been greater. DE-CIX India's Interconnection Platforms provide premium interconnection services, enabling the direct exchange of internet traffic between networks and ensuring the fastest, most efficient data delivery. By establishing a NNI at Ishan Technologies Data Center, DE-CIX India is making it easier for customers to access its industry-leading interconnection services. Ishan Data Center brings a unique value proposition to the industry with end-to-end network connectivity, system integration capabilities, and specialized lift-and-shift services to ensure seamless digital infrastructure migration. The network backbone is powered by Ishan's robust connectivity solutions, ensuring superior performance and low latency for businesses across India. By virtue of Ishan's ability to deliver across India's vast landscape, this partnership allows businesses to harness the power of global connectivity that DE-CIX India has introduced in the country. This is in line with DE-CIX India's ongoing efforts to expand interconnection opportunities, as demonstrated by major partnership announcements such as those with GCX and e&. These collaborations have significantly expanded DE-CIX India's global reach, providing seamless, high-performance interconnection services across various regions. By integrating GCX's vast submarine cable infrastructure, DE-CIX India enables businesses to connect with the Middle East, Europe, the USA, and Asia more efficiently. Likewise, the partnership with e& has established a direct internet corridor between the UAE and India, leveraging e&'s SmartHub Internet Exchange to enhance connectivity and optimize performance. These strategic alliances drive internet traffic growth, reduce costs, and simplify access for businesses across both regions. A Future-Ready Partnership: This collaboration is not just about meeting today's connectivity needs--it's about preparing for tomorrow's challenges. By combining DE-CIX India's global expertise with Ishan Data Center's cutting-edge infrastructure, the partnership offers: * Scalable Solutions: Designed to support emerging technologies like 5G, AI, and edge computing. * Sustainability Focus: Energy-efficient infrastructure that aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly business operations. * Nationwide Reach with Localized Optimization: Businesses across India can benefit from low-latency, high-performance connectivity tailored to their specific needs. This collaboration with Ishan Technologies marks a pivotal step in our mission to build India's most dependable interconnection ecosystem," said Sudhir Kunder, Chief Business Officer of DE-CIX India. "In today's AI, IoT, and 5G-driven world, businesses need more than just connectivity--they need a seamless, high-performance interconnection framework. Partnering with Ishan Technologies extends our reach, providing ultra-low latency, carrier-neutral, and globally interconnected pathways. Beyond expanding infrastructure, this partnership simplifies connectivity for 20,000 Odd SMEs, SMBs, and enterprises that Ishan serves. Additionally, 400+ ISPs across India can now leverage DE-CIX's global-standard interconnection platform while benefiting from Ishan's robust last-mile networks and Points of Presence. This synergy ensures that businesses can scale effortlessly, ISPs can enhance service delivery, and digital transformation accelerates with smarter, faster, and more secure data movement. Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Pinkesh Kotecha, Chairman and Managing Director, Ishan Technologies, said, "Today's enterprises demand seamless interconnection to power their cloud applications, data analytics, and AI-driven operations. The industry is witnessing a paradigm shift where traditional network models are no longer sufficient. Our partnership with DE-CIX India ensures that businesses can future-proof their digital infrastructure with unparalleled speed, security, and reliability. Ishan's state-of-the-art data center will serve as a critical hub, enabling organizations to upscale efficiently and harness the potential of next-generation digital solutions." This partnership emphasizes energy-efficient infrastructure, aligning with eco-friendly business operations to drive sustainable growth. About DE-CIX India: DE-CIX is the world's leading operator of Internet Exchanges (IXs). Founded in 1995, the company is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. DE-CIX offers its interconnection services in close to 60 locations in Europe, Africa, North and South America, the Middle East, and Asia. Today, accessible from data centers in over 600 cities world-wide, DE-CIX interconnects thousands of network operators (carriers), Internet service providers (ISPs), content providers and enterprise networks from more than 100 countries, and offers peering, cloud, and other interconnection services. DE-CIX Frankfurt is one of the largest Internet Exchanges in the world, with a data volume of over 45 Exabytes per year (as of 2024) and close to 1100 connected networks. Close to 250 colleagues from over 35 different nations form the foundation of the DE-CIX success story in Germany and around the world. Since the beginning of the commercial Internet, DE-CIX has had a decisive influence - in a range of leading global bodies, such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) - on co-defining guiding principles for the Internet of the present and the future. As the operator of critical IT infrastructure, DE-CIX bears a great responsibility for the seamless, fast, and secure data exchange between people, enterprises, and organizations at its locations around the globe. Further information at www.de-cix.net DE-CIX India is powered by DE-CIX - the largest Interconnection Platform in the country with 600+ connected networks across India, focusing on providing Premium Interconnection Platform Services like Peering, DirectCLOUD, and Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS). Operating a wide range of carrier and Data Centre Neutral Exchanges, as well as Interconnecting a large number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), Over-The-Top (OTT) players, DNS root servers, National and International telco networks, and Social Media Networks in all major metropolitan areas. DE-CIX India established Internet Exchanges in the country's six major populous cities--Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Media Contact DE-CIX India Gaganapriya Venkatesulu Marketing Executive +91 7304481246 DE-CIX India About Ishan Technologies Ishan Technologies is a leading ICT provider with a Pan-India presence, specializing in communication, network, cloud, and cybersecurity solutions. With over 20 years of experience, it is known for its expertise in system integration, data center services, and ISP capabilities, providing cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the digital age. Ishan continues to drive digital transformation for its clients across India with over presence over 100+ locations. Ishan Technologies is CMMI Level 3 apprised by KPMG, For more information please visit us at ishantechnologies.com Media Contact: IshanTechnologies Manasi Pawar Adfactors PR +919930243977 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN Surat (Gujarat) [India], March 18: Participating in Shark Tank India is an accomplishment in itself, but Chirag Nakrani, Founder and Director of Rayzon Solar, raised the bar by becoming the first entrepreneur from Surat to feature as a Shark on the popular reality show. As a visionary entrepreneur, Chirag Nakrani is on a mission to give back to nature through his pioneering business venture, Rayzon Solar - one of India's leading solar manufacturers. His participation in Shark Tank India not only highlights his achievements but also propels his ambition to take sustainable energy solutions to a global stage. The special episode featuring Chirag will air on the OTT platform SonyLiv on March 17th and 18th, 2025. Known for his unique approach to business, Chirag evaluates ventures with a focus on sustainability. "Many entrepreneurs focus on profits, but I seek those who prioritize preserving nature," he shares. His commitment to eco-friendly practices is evident in how he assesses business models, always considering the long-term environmental impact. During his appearance on Shark Tank India, Chirag mentored young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to integrate sustainability into their business strategies. "Young entrepreneurs bring immense energy, and I aim to channel some of that energy toward creating a greener future for the next generation," he adds. Reflecting on his experience, Chirag says, "India's entrepreneurial spirit is thriving, especially with new-age entrepreneurs who are solving real-world problems. Shark Tank India gives these bright stars the platform to showcase their innovative ideas, and interacting with them was truly inspiring." At a young age, Chirag has already achieved significant milestones and is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. His journey demonstrates how a successful business can thrive while staying committed to the planet's well-being. Visit: www.rayzonsolar.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
BusinessWire India Kishangarh (Rajasthan) [India], March 18: Stonex, India's leading name in luxury natural stones, recently hosted its much-anticipated Art Soiree, an exclusive celebration that brought together visionary artists, global design enthusiasts, and creative minds. Set against a backdrop of elegance and innovation, Stonex Art Soiree 2025 was a week where art met legacy, craftsmanship met vision, and design met the timeless beauty of stone. It was an exclusive gathering for Stonex's most valued patrons and partners, offering them a rare glimpse into the evolving world of stone artistry and contemporary design. A Global Showcase of Artistic Excellence The soiree showcased the remarkable works of 10 talented artists, each offering a unique narrative through their stone-centric creations, shaped by their individual vision and craftsmanship. The event celebrated the masterpieces of renowned artists such as Chandrashekhar Koteshwar, Gigimon Scaria, Harsha Durugadda, Harmeet Rattan, Magesh R., Shanthamani Muddaiah, Shaik Azgharali, Sudarshan Shetty, Teja Mahendra Gavankar and Yogesh Ramakrishna. Adding an international perspective, globally renowned artists Peter Randall-Page (UK), Nicolas Bertoux and Cynthia Sah (Italy), Sudarshan Shetty (India), and Sebastian Errazuriz (New York) shared their philosophies on working with stone, offering insights into how this age-old medium continues to evolve in contemporary art and design. Cynthia Sah from Hong Kong and Nicolas Bertoux from Paris said: "As sculptors inspired by Italy's rich carving tradition, we create art from marble sourced from the Apuan mountain quarries. Combining classical techniques with advanced technology, each piece is crafted through a journey from concept to installation. Through our sculptures, we hope that viewers gain a deeper understanding of the artistry and craftsmanship behind marble art. We believe in the sensitivity required when working with stone, where each chiselled line or polished surface reflects a dialogue between the artist and the material, capturing the timelessness of marble in every piece we create. We are honored to be invited by Stonex to share our mutual passion for stone, to celebrate marble art, at the Stonex Art Soiree." A Tribute to Art & Innovation Speaking about the event, Gaurav Aggarwal, Chairman, Stonex Group, remarked: "Since childhood, I've been mesmerized by the timelessness of natural stone--a material that shaped civilizations and the world's greatest art. Yet, in the last century, its significance in design and architecture has faded. At Stonex, we are committed to restoring stone's rightful place--not just as a material, but as a medium of expression and legacy. With Stonex Art Soiree, we are creating an ecosystem where artists worldwide rediscover its soul, breathing new life into its story. This is more than an event; it's a movement to give natural stone the respect it truly deserves." Speaking on the occasion Sushant Pathak, CMO, Stonex Group remarked: "At Stonex, we have always believed that natural stone is more than just a material--it is a canvas for creativity, a link to history, and a testament to human craftsmanship. The Art Soiree was a celebration of this philosophy, bringing together some of the finest creative minds to push the boundaries of artistic expression." An Immersive Artistic Experience A special highlight of the soiree was the curated Art & Cuisine Pairing, where select artworks were complemented by dishes inspired by the stone's origins and the artist's vision. Guests indulged in flavors from Macedonia, Italy, Turkey, and Greece, with each dish crafted to subtly reflect the aesthetic and cultural essence of the artwork it accompanied. Renowned art critic and curator Girish Shahane, reflected on the event, stating: "Stonex's Art Soiree was a testament to how natural stone, one of the most ancient materials known to humankind, continues to inspire contemporary artistic expression. The artists showcased here have transformed stone into something deeply personal and evocative." At the heart of the soiree was the Stonex Art Residency Showcase, where guests witnessed an extraordinary collection of stone-inspired artworks. Sculptors and artists collaborated with Stonex to craft pieces that redefined the intersection of tradition and modernity, unveiling unique interpretations of form, texture, and storytelling through natural stone. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 18: Pilgrim, a leading Indian clean beauty brand, has secured Rs200 crore in a new funding round, valuing the company at approximately Rs3,000 crore pre-money. This investment, a mix of primary and secondary capital, reinforces investor confidence in Pilgrim's market leadership and growth potential.

The round saw participation from existing investors Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office, Vertex Ventures SEAI, and Mirabilis Investment Trust, alongside new investors Vertex Growth Fund and Anicut Equity Continuum Fund.

The funding will build upon the brand's existing online profitability, deepen its offline presence and enhance research & development capabilities.

Gagandeep Makker, Co-founder of Pilgrim, stated, "This funding marks a pivotal moment for Pilgrim. Our commitment to innovative, world-ingredient beauty solutions has cultivated strong consumer loyalty, solidifying our category leadership. With this capital, we will expand our offline reach and bolster R&D to align with modern consumer preferences. The continued trust from our investors validates our vision."

Pilgrim's brand philosophy, which combines globally sourced natural ingredients with scientific formulations, underscores its expertise in blending quality and innovation. This funding will accelerate Pilgrim's growth and market expansion in India and beyond.

About Pilgrim

Pilgrim, a pioneering digital-native beauty brand, is redefining India's beauty landscape. Launched in 2020, Pilgrim swiftly captured the hearts of modern consumers with its innovative, world ingredients-focused approach. The brand's philosophy centers on discovering global beauty secrets, and blending them with cutting-edge science to deliver effective, accessible products.

Pilgrim's diverse portfolio, spanning skincare, haircare and colour cosmetics caters to a nationwide audience through its website, app, and major e-commerce platforms. By prioritizing transparency and quality, Pilgrim has cultivated a loyal customer base, serving over a million consumers monthly.

With a gross Annual Run Rate (ARR) exceeding Rs800 crore and a rapidly expanding retail presence, Pilgrim is poised for continued growth.

For more information: www.discoverpilgrim.com

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(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], March 18: With gold prices at an all-time high, Tanishq, India's largest jewellery retail brand from the House of Tata, presents its 'Tanishq Gold Exchange Program', offering customers an unparalleled opportunity to maximize the value of their gold. Whether it's tiny, forgotten fragments tucked away in a locker or heirloom pieces collected over generations, Tanishq welcomes every piece--no matter how small--and transforms them into jewellery that reflects today's aspirations. At the heart of Tanishq's Gold Exchange Program lies the Tanishq Exchange Advantage, built on 100% Transparency, Zero Deduction, and the Best Gold Rate Available. This initiative is designed for those who see jewellery not just as an ornament but as an evolving expression of their style and milestones. Brides-to-be can now exchange decades of accumulated gold into breath-taking wedding jewellery, crafted with Tanishq's craftsmanship and unique designs. Customers can also exchange their old gold for natural diamonds, elevating their collections with rare and timeless brilliance. With no deductions on 22K and above for pure gold and 21K and above for studded jewellery, customers benefit from a seamless and honest process, reinforced by on-the-spot Karatmeter testing and melting for complete accuracy. The Tanishq Gold Exchange Program, valid across all Tanishq stores, comes at a pivotal time when customers are planning their gold purchases for the wedding season and festive occasions. Whether it is a bride-to-be looking to transform family heirlooms into bespoke bridal jewellery, a smart investor seeking the best value, a trend-conscious shopper upgrading to contemporary designs, or a connoisseur of craftsmanship in search of timeless elegance, this initiative caters to every need. Even the most delicate or outdated gold pieces can be repurposed into contemporary, everyday elegance, proving that no piece is ever too small to hold value. With a legacy of trust and craftsmanship, Tanishq has already helped over 1 lakh brides create their dream wedding jewellery and facilitated the exchange of 1,70,000 kg of old gold nationwide. As part of the Festival of Exchange, this program is more than just an offer--it's an invitation to reimagine, reinvent, and celebrate jewellery in a way that resonates with today's aspirations. Now is the time to unlock the true potential of your gold, no matter how small, and give it a new life with Tanishq. Speaking on the initiative, Arun Narayan, VP, Category, Retail and Marketing, Tanishq, Titan Company Ltd, said, "In times like these, when gold prices are scaling new heights and wedding budgets need careful planning, Tanishq's Old Gold Exchange program has been a beacon of joy for families across India. Over 1 lakh brides have sparkled on their special day in Tanishq's wedding trousseau by simply exchanging old gold--of any condition, bought from any jeweller. Every Tanishq boutique is equipped with skilled karigars, advanced equipment, and a transparent purity-check and melting process, ensuring you get the best value for your old gold. Exchange it for the dazzling wedding jewellery you've always dreamed of. Walk into any of our 500 stores to turn your old gold into new jewellery for your dream wedding!" Tanishq, India's most-loved jewellery brand from the TATA Group, has been synonymous with superior craftsmanship, exclusive designs and guaranteed product quality for over two decades. It has built for itself the envious reputation of being the only jewellery brand in the country that strives to understand the Indian woman and provide her with jewellery that meets her traditional and contemporary aspirations and desires. To stress their commitment to offer the purest jewellery, all Tanishq stores are equipped with the Karatmeter which enables customers to check the purity of their gold in the most efficient manner. The Tanishq retail chain currently spreads across 450+ exclusive boutiques in more than 250+ cities. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 18: The recently concluded International Symposium on Medical Academic Publishing, held in Chennai, by the Department of Rheumatology, Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet and the Collaborative of Indian Rheumatology Editors (CIRE) was a resounding success. It brought together experts, researchers, and professionals from around the world to discuss the latest trends and challenges in medical research and publishing. Over 250 delegates from various parts of the country participated. Young undergraduates and postgraduates from the city medical colleges attended the event. Editors-in-chief (EiC) of reputed international and national journals spoke and gave their insights at the event. Prof. Ernest Choy, Consultant Rheumatologist and Professor, Cardiff University School of Medicine, UK and also the EiC of 'Rheumatology (Oxford)' , Prof. James Cheng-Chung Wei, Professor, Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan and Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases and Dr Suchitra Kataria, Founder and Managing Director, Melange Communications, Singapore, Senior Digital Health Consultant, Stem LLC, NY, USA and Expert on Big Data and AI were the international experts who shared their experience and knowledge. Indian experts included Dr Samiran Panda (EiC of ICMR's official publication, the Indian Journal of Medical Research) and Prof Vinod Ravindran (co-editor of Rheumatology (Oxford) and the former EiC of the Indian Journal of Rheumatology and the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh). There were two mini workshops which gave hands-on experience for the participants on manuscript writing and reviewing. The summit concluded with a panel discussion led by Dr Mohit Goyal, a Consultant Rheumatologist and member of CIRE, touching upon the various aspects of editorial process, publication ethics, and misconduct. "Hosting the first International Symposium on Medical Academic Publishing was a unique experience, as we brought together editors from reputed international and national journals to interact with young minds (undergraduate and postgraduate students) as well as faculty members from medical colleges. Throughout the symposium, participants engaged in thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive workshops, and had networking opportunities centered on the future of medical academic publishing. Topics such as manuscript writing & reviewing, biostatistics, artificial intelligence, ethical standards, editorial and peer review processes, and the evolving role of digital platforms were thoroughly explored by renowned experts in the field". said Dr Sham S, Organising Secretary and Senior Consultant Rheumatologist, Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet. The conference was also presided over by Dr Iyappan Ponnuswamy, Medical Director Kauvery Hospital Chennai, Dr Mahesh Kumar Medical Superintendent Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet and Dr Sivaram Kannan, Clinical Lead & Chief Consultant Physician, Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet who also felicitated the international faculties. Speaking on the same Dr Aravindan Selvaraj Co-Founder and Executive Director Kauvery Group of Hospitals said, "It was an honor for Kauvery Hospital to collaborate with CIRE in hosting the first International Symposium on Medical Academic Publishing. It was truly inspiring to see experts and researchers from across the globe come together to share insights and address the latest trends and challenges in medical research and publishing. The symposium provided a valuable platform for networking and collaboration, and we are confident that the discussions and ideas exchanged will have a lasting impact on the field of medical academia. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
SMPL New Delhi [India], March 18: Synergy Steels commends the rapid growth of India's food processing industry, which is expected to reach USD 700 billion by 2030, as highlighted in the latest PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) report, India's Agricultural Transformation: From Food Scarcity to Surplus. Approximately 345 million tonnes of food will be produced annually in India by 2030 to feed the growing population, which requires modernized facilities for processing. Stainless steel can be crucial here in contributing to cleanliness and hygiene, both of which are essential when handling food. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recommends using materials such as stainless steel for food safety. Stainless steel is notable for its resistance to rusting, acidic food reactions, and odor absorption. This helps to maintain the food's original taste, texture, and nutritional value. It is also very durable, can handle wear and tear and harsh cleaning, and doesn't need much maintenance. This makes stainless steel essential for the fast-growing food industry. Subhash Kathuria, Chairman of Synergy Steels, commented, "With India's food processing sector contributing over 10.54% to the country's Gross Value Added (GVA) in manufacturing, the demand for durable, hygienic, and sustainable materials is set to rise. This underscores the need for high-performance, food-safe stainless steel solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency and regulatory compliance but also fortify food safety standards in an increasingly complex supply chain. The most popular grades of food-quality stainless steel are 304 and 316. From automated processing lines and high-capacity storage tanks to advanced packaging units and commercial kitchens, stainless steel's corrosion resistance, structural integrity, and longevity make it indispensable for ensuring seamless production, reduced contamination risks, and extended equipment life cycles. With processing industries accounting for nearly 27% of stainless steel demand, the food sector is emerging as a key driver of material innovation, reinforcing its pivotal role in India's industrial modernization and global competitiveness." By 2047, India aims to be a Viksit Bharat, with its food processing industry expected to reach USD 2,150 billion. This will increase its importance in industrial development and international trade. The industry encompasses all stages of food production, including processing, storage, packaging, and distribution, which all rely on materials that ensure efficiency and cleanliness. Stainless steel is essential for this, bolstering the industry's strength and potential for growth. For more information visit - https://synergysteels.com/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], March 18: The 32nd Convergence India & 10th Smart Cities India Expo 2025, jointly organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and Exhibitions India Group (EIG), offers a unique opportunity for India's digital and emerging technologies ecosystem to showcase their achievements and contributions. Scheduled from March 19-21, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the expo is honoured that Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, will be the Chief Guest. Sharing his views about this prestigious event, the Hon'ble Minister said, "While Convergence India has long been a champion of India's 'Digital Revolution', Smart Cities India has played a crucial role in the country's ongoing modernisation and development initiatives. Supporting the Government of India's vision of Digital India, Make in India, and Smart Cities Mission, the expo provides a one-of-a-kind international forum to showcase 'Brand India' and unlock new opportunities in the country's economic revolution." Under the theme "Imagining an AI-Driven Future Today: Innovating for a Better Tomorrow", the 2025 edition allows visitors to enter a world of immersive technology. It brings together over 1,000 exhibitors from 28 countries, featuring cutting-edge advancements and solutions in telecom, Satcom, 6G, AI, big data, IoT, cybersecurity, smart governance, fintech, urban mobility, and more, to an audience of over 50,000 over three days. Up to 45 conference sessions will be held concurrently, during which representatives from the Union and State governments, industry stalwarts, think tanks and academia will debate issues relating to India's digital revolution on topics like 'Connecting India: From 5G leader to 6G game changer', 'How AI will shape India's Tech-Ade', 'Women & Technology: Leading India's Transformation in a Changing World', and more. Esteemed speakers from participating Ministries include Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT and CEO of India AI Mission; Sanket Bhondve, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT; and A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Science & Technology. Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, will be among the international speakers. Meanwhile, big names like Nokia, Capgemini, Meta, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, Jio Platforms, and Cisco will represent the private sector. Prominent entrepreneurs such as Aman Gupta (Co-founder & CMO, boAt) and Ankur Warikoo will also engage with attendees, offering insights into India's thriving startup ecosystem. Over the years, the expo has become a celebration of India's rising influence as a global digital powerhouse and a display of its emerging modernisation and development landscape. The event also opens doors for global players seeking partnerships and collaborations in the fast-growing Indian market. With several ministers, senior dignitaries, Smart City CEOs, planners, and industry heads marking their presence, the 32nd Convergence India & 10th Smart Cities India Expo 2025 is a breeding ground for reformative and revolutionary ideas and concepts. A big crowd-puller is the Startup Hub, which features 300 startups presenting innovations in emerging technologies, ICT, and Smart City solutions. It will facilitate mentoring opportunities by ecosystem pioneers, specifically curated conference sessions, a Startup Pitch competition, and Investor & Startup meets, with the intent to help participating startups establish business relationships with industry stakeholders. Moreover, the coveted Smart City & Fintech Innovation Awards will catapult this ecosystem to the next level. In addition to the business activities planned, the event is a crowd puller and the go-to venue for those seeking the latest gadgets, accessories, gaming, Satcom/OTT solutions, customised WiFi / media, surveillance equipment, computer peripherals, etc., or wanting to explore experiential zones and interactive workshops. An Indoor Drone Show will allow the participants and visitors to experience live demonstrations of the latest drone technology. Meanwhile, an interactive AI zone will enable visitors get a first-hand look at the sheer power of AI in shaping tomorrow's world. Chandrika Behl, Managing Director, Exhibitions India Group, observed, "India is at the forefront of the digital revolution. And, in this context, the Convergence India & Smart Cities India expo has remained a clear leader and a powerful platform where ideas transform into execution, shaping India's future in digital technology and smart infrastructure. We will continue to guide the industry towards futuristic technologies that will empower the economy and bring the nation closer to the vision of becoming 'Viksit' by 2047." Co-located expos: - AI Bharat Expo - IoT India Expo - Mobile India Expo - Fintech India Expo - Embedded Tech India Expo - Smart Mobility India Expo - Startup Hub Expo Since 1992, Convergence India has heralded the telecom and digital revolution in India. It's the country's largest technology and infrastructure expo, providing a platform to showcase 'Brand India' by supporting the 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' missions. Convergence India is at the forefront of promoting technological advancements in the fields of telecom, Satcom, broadcast, wired & wireless technologies, 5G & 6G networks, IT solutions such as Cloud, Big Data & Analytics, AI, smart solutions, M2M, Mobile & Accessories, IoT, Embedded tech, Blockchain, FinTech and Digital Gaming - the entire gamut of digital solutions. The Smart Cities India expo displays India's emerging modernisation and development landscape that aims to deliver better citizen-centric services across the country. The expo showcases the integration of transformative technologies with the key pillars of urban development and the use of smart ICT solutions for optimising resources that make cities smart and sustainable. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 18: Somaiya Vidyavihar University, a multidisciplinary institution with an 80-year legacy under the Somaiya Trust, Successfully Concludes SIIF 2025, Showcasing Innovation, Sustainability, and Impact Festival (SIIF) 2025 on its 60+ acre zero-waste campus, bringing together 109 innovators, 5,000 students, over 50 investors, and changemakers from across industries. The two-day festival, was organized by riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar and Somaiya School of Design, with support from the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, and Maharashtra State Innovation Society, Government of Maharashtra. SIIF 2025 provided a dynamic platform for innovation, investment, and community-driven impact. This year's edition integrated Maker Mela, Darwin, and Nazariya under the theme "Empowering Communities through Conversations, Collaborations, and Creativity." The event brought together industry leaders, startup founders, and policymakers for panel discussions, startup showcases, and networking opportunities. Notable speakers included Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani (Founder and Chairman, Hiranandani Group), Shantanu Deshpande (Founder and CEO, Bombay Shaving Company) and Prof. Ramesh Raskar (MIT Media Lab) captivated the audience with insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, inspiring the next generation of innovators. The inauguration featured a series of captivating performances, with a standout act by Nitish Bharti, Sand Artist (a finalist on India's Got Talent to a semi-finalist on Asia's Got Talent). Through his mesmerizing art, he beautifully captured the essence of the Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival community, setting the stage for a soulful blend of storytelling and musical performances. The festival recognized innovators across multiple domains, including healthcare, sustainable fashion, XR technology, and social impact. Helo Health was awarded Best Innovator for its portable primary healthcare testing kit, while Kubra Technologies was named Best Maker for its pioneering UAV solutions. The XR Hackathon, organised in collaboration with Team Vision, K J Somaiya School of Engineering & Parallax Labs, celebrated groundbreaking projects in lifestyle, simulation, medicine, and tourism, with winning teams developing VR-based fitness enhancements, PTSD therapy tools, medical simulations, and interactive AR experiences. The Mumbai Water Crisis Hackathon, under the mentorship of Dr. Subhajit Mukherjee, highlighted scalable solutions for water conservation, and the BioFashion Show showcased sustainable, nature-inspired designs. Key Highlights of the event included the Launch of the Conscious Creators Community Manifesto by Amrita Somaiya, Governing Board Member, Somaiya Vidyavihar University outlining a commitment to sustainable, ethical, and inclusive fashion and lifestyle practices, fostering responsible innovation in the industry. Building on this, a panel on 'The Future of Sustainable Fashion: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities' featured esteemed speakers such as Shreya Ghodawat (Sustainability and Climate Activist), Siddharth Lulla (Principal - Circular Economy, Intellecap), Surbhi Manocha Choudhary (Founder, Ekobae and Bharat ki Beti Foundation), and Siddharth Somaiya (Artist, Entrepreneur, and Angel Investor). The discussion further reinforced the manifesto's vision by fostering the Conscious Creators Community and driving meaningful conversations around sustainability in fashion and lifestyle. The Mumbai Ghanta (InspirED Talks) which was a riveting series featuring speakers such as Harish Iyer (Equal Rights Activist) and Akanksha Thakore (Well-being Facilitator & Poet), focusing on social impact and well-being. Additionally, SIIF hosted an insightful 'Mumbai Matters' panel, curated by Blue Ribbon Movement, bringing together leaders from Samaaj, Sarkaar, and Bazaar to explore how collective action can shape a thriving and inclusive Mumbai. The discussion reinforced that Mumbai's future is not just a topic of conversation but a shared mission. The panel featured esteemed speakers, including Ajit Kumar Jain (IAS, Retd.), Pooja Bajaj (Executive Director - CSR, Bajaj Electricals Ltd.), Khrisha Shah Ambani (Community Supporter, New Earth Foundation), and Shri Samir Somaiya (Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University). SIIF also saw the launch of Somaiya Angel Network (SAN) featuring 30 startups engaging in speed networking, with 5 startups pitching to a panel of 51 investors. Many other activities took place such as * the Mumbai Hive which is a collaborative initiative featuring 17 organizations addressing pressing urban challenges through discussions, performances, and community-driven solutions * Kumbhathon Startup Festival featuring 28 startups pitched scalable solutions for large-scale public events, evaluated by an expert panel, including Prof. Ramesh Raskar from MIT Media Lab. * Art, Design, Bio and Tech Workshops & Training with over 520 participantsMumbai Drum Circle which is a vibrant community experience using rhythm to foster connection and collective energy. * The Museum on Wheels by CSMVS, featured an extraordinary exhibition on Ancient Sculptures & Civilizations from India, Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and Rome. * WISE City Initiative Launch which advocated for a Wellness-oriented, Inclusive, Sustainable, and Entrepreneurial urban ecosystem, emphasizing smart, people-centric urban planning and * The Under 25 Summit at Somaiya School of Design featured creator journeys, student performances, and musical acts, bringing the festival to a spectacular close Strengthening our commitment to sustainability, we partnered with Earth4Ever Conservation Foundation to plant trees on behalf of our dignitaries -- an initiative that contributes to combating climate change. Paper Shaper reinforced the festival's sustainability with durable, creative cardboard installations. Shri Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, reflected on the festival's impact, stating, "At Somaiya Vidyavihar, we believe in empowering communities through innovation, collaboration, and creativity. With The Somaiya Innovation and Impact Festival, we are co-designing an educational experience not just for students on this campus but also for the surrounding communities, ensuring a meaningful impact on the world around us." With a strong emphasis on collaboration, sustainability, and impact-driven innovation, SIIF 2025 successfully reaffirmed its mission to empower innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to shape a brighter, more sustainable future. About SIIF The Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival (SIIF) is an initiative of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, organized by riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar and the Somaiya School of Design. It celebrates and brings together the Maker Culture (Maker Mela), DIY Bio Culture (Darwin), and Design Culture (Nazariya), exploring the intersection of these elements to foster innovation and create meaningful impact. For the festival, we are curating a series of dynamic zones--Sustainable Fashion and Lifestyle, Fablab, Wellness, XR, AI, Art, Design, Physiotherapy, Mumbai, and more -- where innovation and impact in these spaces will take center stage. Our hope? To nurture thriving communities in each zone that will flourish long after the festival concludes. To bring this to life, we have identified passionate leaders and partners for each zone, who will curate meaningful and memorable workshops, experiences, and meetups. We also envision the vibrant exchange of ideas across these zones. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
As part of its entry into India's USD 2.5 billion mattress market, Slumberzone announced on Tuesday it will establish its first manufacturing unit in Hyderabad, Telangana, with an investment of Rs 100 crore.

The company aims to provide premium sleep solutions and leveraging India's robust manufacturing capabilities to serve both domestic and international markets.

Slumberzone Founder and Director, was in India as part of a high-level business delegation led by New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon.

The announcement was made during a special ceremony marking New Zealand's growing commercial partnerships in India.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, "It is great to see ambitious New Zealand manufacturing companies, like Slumberzone, choosing India to scale up their operations. 'Made for India, made in India' enhances collaboration, broadens our trade relationship, and contributes to the growth of both our economies."

Slumberzone in a statement said it seeks to compete with China's dominance in the mattress industry.

Slumberzone statement added that it aims to establish India's largest and most advanced mattress manufacturing facility with a highly automated production ecosystem, and plans to expand into foam manufacturing and enhance export capabilities.

In phase one, Slumberzone will set up exclusive outlets in top Indian metropolitanandtier-1 cities, develop a robust franchise network, and strengthen its online presence.

Phase two will focus on entering international markets, including North America, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Ranjay Sikka, Managing Director of Slumberzone NZ: "We are bringing an international product experience to Indian consumers, which will redefine the sleep market in India and create an international presence for the Slumberzone brand."

Vidhul Sikka, Chief Business Officer and Director of Slumberzone India: "With Slumberzone, our aim is to challenge China's dominance in the mattress industry by offering superior quality products and strengthening India's position as a global export hub." (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took to his social media to share pictures on his meeting with music composer Ilaiyaraaja and praised him for his much-celebrated Symphony performance in London recently. Taking to X, PM Modi shared several pictures with the acclaimed music composer. "Delighted to meet Rajya Sabha MP Thiru Ilaiyaraaja Ji, a musical titan whose genius has a monumental impact on our music and culture," PM Modi wrote. "He is a trailblazer in every sense and he made history yet again by presenting his first-ever Western classical symphony, Valiant, in London a few days ago. This performance was accompanied by the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This momentous feat marks yet another chapter in his unparalleled musical journey--one that continues to redefine excellence on a global scale" the Prime Minister said. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1901948907472761110 Ilaiyaraaja also too took to X to post, " A memorable meeting with Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji We spoke about many things, including my Symphony "Valiant". Humbled by his appreciation and support. @OneMercuri." Upon his return from London on March 10, Ilaiyaraaja received a warm welcome at Chennai Airport by a host of political and cultural figures, including Tamil Nadu Minister Thangam Thenarasu, BJP State Vice President Karu Nagarajan, and VCK functionary Vanni Arasu. On behalf of the Tamil Nadu government, Minister Thangam Thenarasu welcomed the maestro, acknowledging his contribution to Indian and global music. BJP's Karu Nagarajan, and VCK's Vanni Arasu, also extended their heartfelt greetings to Ilaiyaraaja, celebrating his exceptional career. Speaking to the media, IIlaiyaraaja thanked his supporters, especially his fans in London. "Thanks to everyone. You all sent me off with smiling faces, which made the event hugely successful. The love I received from the fans during the Symphony was overwhelming. Every moment there was filled with appreciation from the audience," he said. Ilaiyaraaja, widely regarded as one of the greatest music composers in India, is renowned for his work in Tamil and Telugu cinema. His illustrious career spans over four decades, during which he composed music for more than a thousand films, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Born as R Gnanathesikan in 1943 in the village of Pannaipuram, Theni district, Ilaiyaraaja began his journey in music at a young age. His compositions have not only enchanted listeners but also often delivered strong political messages, capturing the essence of social events and celebrations. His unique musical style combines folk rhythms with classical techniques, making him a trendsetter in South Indian cinema. The maestro's creations have stood the test of time, continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide. Some of his most iconic songs include 'Machana Pathingala' from 'Annakili (1975)' This song marked the beginning of Ilaiyaraaja's musical journey, blending folk rhythms with contemporary film music. Its melodic charm remains beloved by generations. 'Metti Oli Kaatrodu' from 'Metti (1980)': This song, sung by Janaki, continues to mesmerize listeners with its enchanting lyrics and melody. 'Thenpaandi Cheemayile' from 'Nayagan (1987)' : A timeless classic from a legendary film, the song's deep emotional impact has made it unforgettable for listeners. 'Janani Janani' from 'Thaai Moogambhigai (1982)' : A highly revered devotional song, it became an anthem of faith during the 1980s, still cherished by devotees today. 'Uravugal Thodarkathai' from 'Aval Appadithan (1978)' : This song, sung by K. J. Yesudas, continues to touch hearts with its melody, showcasing Ilaiyaraaja's mastery over emotion-laden music. Ilaiyaraaja's music has influenced the film industry and deeply impacted the cultural and emotional fabric of Indian society. His compositions speak to universal human emotions, capturing everything from joy to sorrow, all while preserving the rich traditions of Tamil and South Indian music. (ANI)
Actor Colin Farrell, who rose to prominence as a classic DC villain in 'The Penguin', is in talks to return to the DC universe in 'Sgt. Rock', a World War II action film directed by Luca Guadagnino for DC Studios. The move comes after Daniel Craig, who had been circling the feature project, announced his departure and is now considering a role in Greta Gerwig and Netflix's take on Narnia, as per The Hollywood Reporter. In February, DC Studios executives James Gunn and Peter Safran stated that Craig had never received an offer. They stated that the production would begin this summer "only if we find the perfect actor." Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, 'Sgt. Rock' is a World War II soldier who first appeared in comics in 1959. His comic was one of DC's longest-running books. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis previously circled the role during Hollywood's multi-decade history of trying to bring the character to the big screen, as per the outlet. The script is from screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes, who penned Guadagnino's Challengers and Queer. Farrell portrayed Penguin as a ruthless crime lord in The Batman, Matt Reeves' gritty saga take on the Caped Crusader. He then returned to the character in The Penguin, an HBO spinoff that won widespread acclaim and awards. Farrell earned a SAG Award, Golden Globe Award, Critics Choice Award, and Saturn Award, among other huzzahs, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Earlier, Sony Pictures has announced a new release date for the upcoming romance drama 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,' starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. The film, which was initially set to hit theaters on May 9, will now be released on September 19. Directed by Kogonada and written by Seth Reiss, 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey' is described as "an imaginative tale of two strangers and the unbelievable journey that connects them." The film boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Lily Rabe, Jodie Turner-Smith, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Hamish Linklater. (ANI)
Hrithik Roshan has carved a niche for himself as an actor in Bollywood. However, he fought many odds to reach this level, and his father, director-actor Rakesh Roshan, opened up about "Krrish's" battle against stammering In a conversation with ANI, the senior actor shared how he felt about Hrithik's stammering problem as a father: "I used to feel bad. He wants to say so many things. He is so well-educated and very intelligent. But he used to hold himself back because of his stuttering. Once, I remember that he was in Dubai, and he wanted to just say thank you, Dubai. And he used to get stuck on the word D..." "He has locked himself inside the bathroom. To learn those two sentences by heart, to say thank you, Dubai. So I used to feel bad, that he is such a progressive man, but something is holding him back." Hrithik himself has spoken about his stammering problem in previous interviews, where he shared how challenging it was as a child to deal with it during his school days. Rakesh Roshan recalled how Hrithik worked hard to get rid of the problem: "He worked so hard on it. He would wake up in the morning and read the newspaper for an hour in English, Hindi, and Urdu. And now he doesn't stutter. For the last 10, 12, 14 years." He also made a film, 'Koi... Mil Gaya', which focuses on Rohit (Hrithik Roshan), an intellectually disabled boy coming in contact with an alien and making wonders in the scientific field. The film follows his relationship with Nisha (Zinta), Rohit's friend, who falls in love with him. It stars Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta in lead roles, with Rekha in a supporting role. He added, "I made 'Koi... Mil Gaya' to show how good he(Hrithik Roshan) is as an actor. And that was the biggest challenge for me. And then the same boy, I made him into a superhero." After, the science fiction film 'Koi... Mil Gaya' (2003), Roshan made the superhero 'Krrish' film series. The first 'Krrish' movie released in 2006 while the second film in the series, titled 'Krrish 3' hit the screens in 2013. Both films featured Priyanka Chopra, who was opposite Hrithik. The anti-hero of 'Krrish' was Naseeruddin Shah, while Vivek Oberoi played the antagonist in 'Krrish' 3. All these films were helmed by Hrithik's father Rakesh Roshan. "So, in . 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai', I showed his two sides, one as a common man and another as a stylish and sophisticated person. I showed his another side in 'Koi... Mil Gaya' and then I made him a superhero in 'Krrish'," he shared. On 'Krrish 4', he shared, "It is almost ready, and I will be announcing it very soon." The acclaimed director spoke about Hrithik's journey as an actor, saying, "I made 'Kaabil' where he is blind. As an actor, if he does something different, he gets an inspiration. For me, as a filmmaker, I also try to take on new subjects for me. So that gives me sleepless nights. That gives me insecurity. Whether this will work or not. So that gives me some more power in me to make such kind of films, to convince the people that this is what was my conviction and this is what I am trying to convince you all." Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan won the Outstanding Achievement Award at IIFA 2025. Rakesh has acted in films like 'Khubsoorat' (1980) with Rekha and 'Kaamchor' (1982) with Jaya Prada. He made his directorial debut with 'Khudgarz' (1987). He went to direct movies such as 'Khoon Bhari Maang' (1988), 'Karan Arjun' (1995) and the Shahrukh Khan starrer- 'Koyla' (1997).Rakesh also worked with his son Hrithik Rosan in films like 'Koi...Mil Gaya', 'Krrish' series. Recently, the docu-series 'The Roshans,' featuring Hrithik Roshan, Rakesh Roshan, and Rajesh Roshan, was released on Netflix. The series focuses on the late Roshan Lal Nagrath, a respected music director; his son Rajesh Roshan, a noted composer; filmmaker Rakesh Roshan; and actor Hrithik Roshan. It provides an intimate look into their personal and professional lives, spanning three generations in the film industry. Directed by Shashi Ranjan and co-produced with Rakesh Roshan, the series includes interviews with family members and industry colleagues, offering their perspectives on the Roshan legacy. (ANI)
The Delhi Police arrested two Bangladeshi nationals who had been living in India illegally for years despite being deported multiple times. The accused was identified as Ibrahim (36) and his brother Safruddin (38). Ibrahim had settled in Outer Delhi, married an Indian woman, and even secured a bank loan of Rs 17 lakh by providing forged documents. This loan was used to purchase a Canter truck, which he employed for garbage transportation in the city, making an estimated monthly income through the business. Delhi Police said that their team received information that some Bangladeshi intruders were hiding in JJ Colony near Peeragarhi, following which a raid was conducted there. On March 10, around 5-6 am, Ibrahim and his brother Safruddin were caught. Both of them lived there with their families. The brothers had been living in slums in Outer Delhi with their families for several years. Ibrahim has an 11-year-old son, who studies in a private school under the EWS category, while Safruddin has a daughter and a son. During the investigation, it was revealed that Ibrahim and Safruddin had first entered India with their parents in 2002 but stayed back after their parents returned to Bangladesh. Both were deported by Indian authorities in the past but continued to return through the same route. In addition to the arrests, the police are now investigating how Ibrahim was able to secure the bank loan using fake documents and how his children gained admission to a reputed private school. Both of them have been deported back to Bangladesh with the help of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The investigation suggests that a larger syndicate involving fake document creators and possibly some bank employees may be behind these illegal activities. The Delhi Police have also arrested other Bangladeshi intruders who had been repeatedly deported but kept returning to India, including Saurabh Ali, who was apprehended in Outer Delhi despite being sent back to Bangladesh in 2019. (ANI)
Following tensions in Nagpur over the demand by Vishva Hindu Parishad to remove Aurangzeb's grave, Bharatiya Janata party MP Anil Bonde said on Tuesday that the clashes erupted due to people who are "into organised crime" being instigated to start violence, and calling it an effort to "defame" Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. "Those who are into organised crime, get instigated to start violence, that is what has happened in Nagpur. Such things are being done to defame the govt of Devendra Fadnavis," Bonde told ANI. He further criticised Opposition MVA parties for their statements, alleging that NCP (SCP)'s Jitendra Awhad had also praised Aurangzeb. "Protest was held demanding removal of Aurangzeb's grave. Now, in Maharashtra, leaders of Congress and NCP(SP) give statements like Jitendra Awhad said that if there were no Aurangzeb, there wouldn't have been Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj either," alleged the BJP MP. Earlier today, curfew was imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following clashes erupting. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. According to the order, on March 17, around 200 to 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, to support removing Aurangzeb's grave. The protesters raised slogans demanding the grave's removal and displayed a symbolic green cloth filled with cow dung cakes. The order stated that the police have imposed a "communication ban (curfew)" in affected areas under Section 163 to prevent further incidents and maintain peace. The police have been authorised to close roads in affected areas to maintain law and order. Anyone violating the curfew "remains punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)." (ANI)
Praising the efforts of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to "strengthen the Congress and the INDIA alliance," former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and party leader Harish Rawat backed the former's remarks of certain Congress members being "hand in glove with the BJP." The remarks by Gandhi were made while addressing party workers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 9, where he called for multiple Congress leaders and workers being removed who are in support of BJP while still being within the party's fold. "Rahul Gandhi is our leader and he is taking steps to strengthen the Congress and the alliance. He wants the party to stay strong against every opportunity. His steps should be welcomed...People (who are in Congress working for the BJP) must be identified... such people are not needed in the party," Rawat told ANI. He further told ANI that the party needs to be a strong Opposition too in the Parliament, so they can remove the BJP from power in 2029. Speaking about the Gujarat convention which is set to take place from April 8, Rawat alleged that there have been multiple attempts to remove the principles of Mahatma Gandhi from the state. "We will challenge the government from Sabarmati Ashram on Congress' 100th anniversary to retain these principles," Rawat added. The Congress party was founded on December 28, 1885, marking 2025 as the party's 100 year anniversary. Earlier on March 9, while visiting the party office in Gujarat, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that there were certain people who were loyal to the BJP despite being in the party, and called for the purging of such members. "If we want to build a relationship (with people), then we have to do two things, the first task is to separate these two groups (loyalists and BJP supporters), strict action has to be taken. Even if we have to remove ten, fifteen, even twenty or thirty people, then we should remove them," Gandhi said while addressing the workers in Ahmedabad. Criticising the people who might be working for the BJP, Gandhi continued "You are working for the BJP from the inside, go out and see how you work from the outside, you don't have a place here." (ANI)
The Indian Army conducted a plantation drive in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, aiming to promote environmental sustainability and contribute to the region's green cover. The event, held in collaboration with residents of the area, aimed to promote green cover and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment. Soldiers and civilians enthusiastically participated in the drive, and various saplings were planted in areas across Doda. Speaking to ANI, one of the students who participated said, "We participated in a plantation drive here with the Indian Army and planted saplings. We also took part in a similar plantation drive last year and dedicated it to the bravehearts. We pledged to plant a lot of saplings that would help combat air pollution and contribute to the environment." Another student also spoke to ANI and said, "As global warming is on the rise, we should all contribute and plant as many trees as possible. If we cut one tree, we should plant 100 more trees." "We held a Ped Lagao, Desh Bachao program with the Indian Army's 26 RR unit. I thank the Army and the public for their participation," said another resident. The initiative not only seeks to contribute to the ecological balance but also aims to inspire the local community to engage in tree plantation and care for the environment actively. The plantation drive is part of the ongoing efforts of the Indian Army to contribute positively to the region's development while fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature. Earlier on Monday, a terrorist was killed in a joint operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Indian Army. The operation was launched based on special intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the general area of Khurmur forest, Handwara, Kupwara. The terrorists opened indiscriminate firing on the army, following which the troops retaliated. 1 AK rifle was also seized during the operation. "On March 17, based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by Jammu and Kashmir police and Indian Army in the general area of Khurmur forest, Handwara, Kupwara. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity, and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Own troops effectively retaliated, resulting in the neutralisation of one terrorist alongwith the recovery of one AK Rifle. Operation is in progress", the Indian Army stated in a post on X. (ANI)
The Lok Sabha is set to discuss and vote on the demands for grants under the control of the Ministry of Railways and the Jal Shakti Ministry, an official list released by Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh read on Tuesday. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railways) and C R Patil (Jal Shakti) will lay down the demands for the grants under their respective ministries on the floor of the house today. Thirteen other union ministers will also lay down papers related to their respective ministries on the floor of the lower house. Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), S P Singh Baghel and George Kurian for Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Virendra Kumar for Commerce and Industry; Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar for Home Affairs; Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani for Rural Development; B L Verma for Social Justice and Empowerment; and Pabitra Margherita for Ministry of Textiles will lay down papers for discussion in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, Congress leaders also submitted a motion for adjournment to discuss the "affordable quality of medicines for a healthier future" and "Impact of new RBI rule on Jewel loans." Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted a motion to discuss the new RBI rule, saying that the rule will likely "create significant hardship, especially for those already struggling with their finances." "I rise today to move an adjournment motion on the rcent policy changes introduces by the Reserve bank of India (RBI) regarding the repayment of loans," read the motion by Tagore. Tagore mentioned that the previous rule allowed customers to repay only the interest accrued on the jewel loans during the loan tenure, and then have the option to renew their loan at the end without repaying the full entire principal amount. "This practice has been a great relief for many, particularly small businesses, farmers and economically disadvantaged,. However, the new rule requires people to pay the entire amount before they could repledge their jewels for a new loan. " read the notice. Congress leader Vijaykumar (alias Vijay Vasanth) submitted a notice on the quality of medicines, saying that the prices of medicines have "risen sharply," and putting the common man under tremendous financial strain. "According to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), the prices of more than 800 essential medicines have increased by over 10-20 pc in the last five years, significantly impacting the affordability of life saving drugs," read the notice by Vijaykumar. The MP is also seeking to discussing expensive life-saving drugs, a monopoly of Pharmaceuticals and limited contribution of domestic Pharmaceutical industry in key areas, such as locally manufacturing oncology drugs. The Lok Sabha session is set to start at 11 AM today, after being on a break during Holi till March 17. (ANI)
The Dibrugarh Court has granted the Punjab Police the transit remand of two of the associates of Pro Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh. The Police had sought transit remand in Dibrugarh Court for Bhagwant Singh and Gurmeet Singh, who are accused of the attack on Ajnala Police Station in Punjab. The district court has granted permission to the Punjab police. The accused have been kept in the Dibrugarh Sadar Police Station under tight security. Due to this, the police station is almost closed to the general public. Only those who will have complaints and other important will be allowed to enter the police station. On Tuesday, Punjab Police will present the other five accused of the attack on Ajnala Police Station in Punjab in Dibrugarh District Court and will try to take them on transit remand. If the court grants transit remand of the other five accused to the Punjab police, then all the seven accused will be brought back to Punjab from Assam. Earlier, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann decided not to extend their detention under the National Security Act (NSA). The seven were detained in connection with the 2023 Ajnala Police Station attack incident and have been lodged in the Dibrugarh jail for the past two years. Deputy Inspector General (Border Range) Satinder Singh said that the seven being brought back on arrest remand are Basant Singh, Bhagwant Singh Bajekhana, Gurmeet Singh Bukkanwala, Sarabjit Kalsi, Ranjeet Kalsi, Gurinder Pal Singh Gurri Aujla, Harjeet Singh alias Chacha, and Kulwant Singh. DIG (Border Range) said, "As of now, we are recording the arrest of the seven people and bringing them here. We are recording this arrest in connection with the Ajnala matter. ...We will take them in remand and see what is to be done next." "I won't be able to say anything further than that we are bringing these seven back on arrest remand in connection with the attack on the Ajnala Police Station. We will take the investigation forward," the DIG said, speaking to ANI. (ANI)
Even as Nagpur returned to normalcy following overnight violence over the issue of Aurangzeb's grave, Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar on Tuesday supported the demand for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave located in Kuldabad near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the state. "I want to say it very clearly that Aurangzeb's grave should not be there. It should be removed," Khotkar told ANI. Earlier today, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Pravin Datke, while reaching the violence hit area of Hansapuri, asserted that the vandalisation of shops and stalls was indicative of the violence being "pre-planned." "This is all a pre-planned matter. If there were two shops each of Muslims and Hindus, only the latter was affected. There's a (roadside) stall that belongs to a Muslim. Nothing happened to it. However, another stall that belonged to an elderly lady was damaged. The cameras were destroyed. It indicates that this thing was planned," Datke told ANI. Questioning the delay, the BJP MLA slammed the police administration for not standing with the citizens. Datke suspected that a large part of the mob came outside (from the other neighbourhoods). "I have to say that the Police were not standing with the Hindu citizens here. I don't know the reason behind it. A large part of the mob came from the outside...If the Police don't take action, the Hindus will be forced to take the next step. This is all I want to say," the MLA from Nagpur Central said. He further urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to investigate the matter. A local shopkeeper from Nagpur's violence-hit Hansapuri area recalled the incident, "At 10.30 pm, I closed my shop. Suddenly, I saw people torching vehicles. When I tried to douse the fire, I was hit with a stone. My two vehicles and a few other vehicles parked nearby were torched." A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave, read an official Maharashtra police notification. The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. As stated in the order, on March 17, around 200 to 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, to support removing Aurangzeb's grave. The protesters raised slogans demanding the grave's removal and displayed a symbolic green cloth filled with cow dung cakes. (ANI)
Following the Chinese foreign ministry's remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing optimism about India-China relations and emphasising the importance of learning and understanding from one another, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that such a reply by China was "not surprising," as the Prime Minister had already given a "clean chit to China." "This is not surprising that China has sent a formal reply and said that this is a dance between China's dragon and India's elephant. On June 19, 2020, when our Prime Minister was a non-biological PM, then he had given this statement where he gave a clean chit to China," Ramesh told ANI. Ramesh played purportedly a clip of PM Modi from 2020, where in the video the PM is heard saying "no one has crossed our borders, or any of our posts are captured by someone else." Replying to the statement, Ramesh added, "He said it two times, that no one has entered or posts have been captured. So when the clean chit was given, it makes sense that China will reply to that. Our power and influence gets weakened after our PM says things like this. Saying things like there was no incursion, so will we call it an excursion?" He further stressed the demand of the Opposition in Parliament to hold a discussion on China, and asking the PM to give a statement on it. "We have raised many questions, and we have demanded only one thing, to have a debate on Parliament over this, take Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha into confidence. The PM should come and give a statement and take questions from others," Ramesh added. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning had appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's positive remarks on China-India relations during a podcast interview with Lex Fridman and also noted that being partners in mutual success and achieving "Dragon-Elephant Dance" cooperation is the only correct choice for the two countries, Chinese state media reported on March 17. Global Times reported that while addressing a media query on PM Modi's recent remarks on the Lex Fridman podcast, Mao Ning stated that China is willing to work with India to fully implement the consensus reached by their leaders, take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to advance exchanges and cooperation across various fields and levels and promote the healthy and stable development of China-India relations. (ANI)
Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Rabri Devi will appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday for questioning in the ongoing land-for-jobs money laundering case. The RJD leader is expected to arrive at the ED office in Patna for her interrogation. The ED will also question her son, Tej Pratap Yadav, later today. Tej Pratap's questioning is scheduled for the afternoon as part of the investigation into the land-for-jobs scam. Meanwhile, RJD supporters have been protesting outside the ED office in Patna. Earlier this month, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concluded its arguments on charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejaswi Yadav, former Minister Prem Chand Gupta, and other accused in the case. The case was related to alleged corruption in the tender of IRCTC hotels. The Special public prosecutor for the CBI argued that the accused persons engaged in corruption and conspiracy in the allotment of two IRCTC hotel maintenance contracts. The CBI said there is sufficient material to frame charges against all accused persons. This case is connected with the period when Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009. Meanwhile, Rabri Devi fell into soup for her 'bhaang' remarks against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and alleged that he disrespects women. "Nitish Kumar consumes 'bhaang' and comes to the Assembly. He disrespects women, including me. He should see the kind of work we did when we were in power. What the people around him say, he speaks the same. His own party members and some BJP leaders are asking him to say such things," she said. Union Minister Nityanand Rai lashed out at the RJD and Congress, accusing them of defaming Bihar. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary responded strongly to Rabri Devi's remarks, urging her to be more careful with her choice of words. Choudhary criticised the use of "unparliamentary language," emphasizing that such statements were inappropriate. JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha also slammed RJD leader Rabri Devi over her statement on CM Nitish Kumar and claimed that the latter had done "unprecedented work for the welfare of women" The Bihar Assembly witnessed high drama on Wednesday as Rabri Devi launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, demanding his resignation. The uproar led to RJD MLAs walking out of the session, alleging that the CM and the ruling NDA had disrespected women, including Rabri Devi. A political row erupted during the Assembly session on March 7 after Nitish Kumar accused RJD of dynastic politics. The Bihar CM attacked Lalu Prasad Yadav for appointing his wife, Rabri Devi, as CM when he was jailed in 1997 in connection with the fodder scam. (ANI)
The Indian Air Force organised a bike expedition at the Bagdodra Air Force Station in Siliguri on Tuesday. Air Marshal Surat Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command, is leading the expedition team, which comprised 38 members and included security personnel of the Indian Air Force. Other enthusiastic members of the civilian motorcycle community are also participating in the expedition. The expedition began from the Bagdogra Air Force station and will conclude in Shillong. Its main motive is to encourage people to join the Indian Air Force. The expedition was flagged off by Air Commodore Manish Sharma, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Bagdogra. Traversing a scenic routes the expedition will cover a distance of 2800 km and is set to arrive in Shillong on March 28. According to Air Marshal Surat Singh, the bike expedition is to enhance the spirit of sportsmanship, adventurism, camaraderie, and team building and to spread awareness about the Indian Air Force in the northeast region. He added that the region has a large presence in the Indian Air Force and encourages more children to join the Indian Air Force. "The Air Force is conducting a bike expedition primarily to enhance the spirit of sportsmanship, adventurism, camaraderie, and team building and to spread awareness about the Indian Air Force in the northeast region. This region has a large presence in the Indian Air Force and encourages more children to join the Indian Air Force. This expedition is being organised, which will travel a distance of about 2300 kilometres and will travel across West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal, and other states of the northeast, and it'll be spread over the next 10 to 12 days", Air Marshal Surat Singh said. "I am part of the expedition just to be with the team. And thanks to a very, very energetic team that we have of bikers, they will be moving around during the course of the journey, they will also interact with schools, colleges, and NCC cadets and make them aware of how to join the Air Force, how is the life in the Air Force, and what to expect in the future", he added. (ANI)
Shiv Sena MLA Manisha Kayande on Tuesday morning condemned the violence that unfolded in Nagpur and demanded action against those spreading rumours. Suggesting that those spreading rumours must be jailed, she said that the violence seemed pre-planned given the way it erupted on such a large scale. "We condemn the Nagpur violence. Those who spread rumours should be put behind bars and punished. Such a thing will not be tolerated in Maharashtra. The way stones were pelted, and violence erupted on a large scale, it could not have happened without pre-planning," Kayande told ANI. When asked about the law and order situation being "disturbed" in the state, the Shiv Sena MLA said that this issue must be resolved logically, and this type of violence must end. "This matter must come to a logical end. Because aarop aur pratyarop (accusations and counter accusations)...and this type of violence must be stopped. The state government should give a statement in both houses of the Assembly," Kayande added. Maharashtra Junior Minister for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam on Tuesday morning said that the police had detained 47 people in the aftermath of the violence that took place in Nagpur amid the demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. He said that nearly 12 to 14 police personnel have suffered injuries, while two to three civilians have also been injured. He added that the reason behind the violence has not been found yet, but the same was being investigated. "The reason behind the violence has not been found yet. 47 people have been detained so far. 12-14 police personnel were injured in the incident. Some of them are suffering from ligament tear. Two to three civilians also received injuries," Kadam told reporters. The minister said that the entire issue was resolved yesterday afternoon when the police registered FIRs. Kadam added that strict action would be taken against the group that came out and carried out vandalisation hours after the earlier matter was resolved. "We will find the reason behind the incident. The entire matter was resolved in the afternoon after the police station registered the FIRs. However, after five to six hours of gap, a group took to vandalism. Stringent action will be taken on those who took the law into their hands," he added. BJP MLA Pravin Datke reached the violence-hit area of Hansapuri this morning and asserted that this incident was "pre-planned". He said that the vandalisation of shops and stalls and the destruction of cameras were indicative of the same. "This is all a pre-planned matter. If there were two shops each of Muslims and Hindus, only the latter was affected. There's a (roadside) stall that belongs to a Muslim. Nothing happened to it. However, another stall that belonged to an elderly lady was damaged. The cameras were destroyed. It indicates that this thing was planned," Datke told ANI. Questioning the delay, the BJP MLA slammed the police administration for not standing with the citizens. Datke suspected that a large part of the mob came outside (from the other neighbourhoods). "I have to say that the Police were not standing with the Hindu citizens here. I don't know the reason behind it. A large part of the mob came from the outside...If the Police don't take action, the Hindus will be forced to take the next step. This is all I want to say," the MLA from Nagpur Central said. A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave, read an official Maharashtra police notification. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. (ANI)
"LoP Rahul Gandhi met with the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, in New Delhi," posted Congress on X.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also posted on his social media handle on X earlier in the day after meeting President Droupadi Murmu.

"President Droupadi Murmu is a great friend of New Zealand. Having met in Wellington last year, I'm glad to meet on her home turf in New Delhi," he posted on X.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, on Monday, acknowledged India's growing economic sophistication, highlighting the country's emergence as a critical source of pharmaceuticals and machinery for New Zealand.

Luxon's speech at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 marked a significant milestone in India-New Zealand relations, the growing diversity of trade between India and New Zealand shifting beyond traditional wood exports.

Adressing the Raisina Dialogue 2025 inaugural session at Durbar, Luxon said, "Our trade has diversified considerably from wood, thanks to the increased sophistication of your economy. Today, India is a critical source of pharmaceuticals and machinery for us. While we are a great tourism and education destination for you (India)."

Following the recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning, Luxon said, "Prime Minister Modi and I sat down today, and we charted out the future of our two countries' relationship. We agreed that our defence forces build greater strategic trust with one another while deploying together and training together more."

The leaders also agreed to foster scientific collaboration on pressing global issues like climate change and space exploration. Additionally, they pledged to support businesses in improving air links and primary sector cooperation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday warmly welcomed New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, acknowledging his in-depth knowledge of India and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties at the Raisina Dialogue 2025.

Jaishankar highlighted the value of Luxon's perspective on the Indo-Pacific region, particularly during a time when the world is reevaluating the global order. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena MLAs held a protest outside the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly calling for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave in Sambhajinagar. Earlier today, Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar supported the demand for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave, which is located in Kuldabad near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the state. "I want to say it very clearly that Aurangzeb's grave should not be there. It should be removed," Khotkar told ANI While the Mahayuti MLAs are demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's grave, the issue caused violence in the Hansapuri area of Nagpur as unidentified individuals vandalized shops, torched vehicles, and pelted stones following an earlier clash between two groups in the Mahal area that had already heightened tensions in the city, as per reports. An eyewitness from Hansapuri described the chaos caused by a masked group. "A team came here, their faces were hidden with scarves. They had sharp weapons, stickers, and bottles in their hands. They started the ruckus, vandalized shops, and pelted stones. They also torched vehicles," the eyewitness said. Another local resident confirmed the destruction. "They vandalized shops... they set fire to 8-10 vehicles," he said. Meanwhile, Congress MP Shyamkumar Barve, speaking in Delhi, condemned the violence and urged people to maintain peace. "The kind of attempt is being made, a Hindu-Muslim clash has never happened in Nagpur. I want to appeal to both communities to maintain peace... an attempt is being made to divert attention from key issues through such incidents," Barve said. Curfew was imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave, read an official Maharashtra police notification. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. (ANI)
Congress leader and former Party President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday spoke in the Rajya Sabha and raised the issue of the allocation for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and said that it had remained "stagnant" in the Union Budget 2025. She further alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led union government has "systematically undermined" the scheme. The Congress leader demanded that the union government raise the minimum wage for people in the scheme to Rs 400 per day. "It is deeply concerning that the present BJP government has systematically undermined this scheme. The Budget allocation remains stagnant at Rs 86,000 crores," the Congress leader said during her address. She further underlined the multiple challenges the scheme is facing, including Aadhar based payments, delay in disbursing wages and also inadequate payments. "The scheme faces multiple challenges, including an exclusionary Aadhaar-based payment system and National mobile monitoring system, persistent delays in wage payments and inadequate payments," Gandhi said. The Opposition party has further demanded that the minimum wage of the scheme to be increased to Rs 400 per day and ensure a timely disbursement of wages. Since the introduction of the Union Budget on February 1 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Congress party has accused the union government of "throttling MGNREGA." Earlier on February 2, speaking on the scheme, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari expressed concerns over reduced funding for crucial sectors such as education, rural development, and MGNREGA in the budget and questioned the government's commitment to its "Viksit Bharat" vision. "The government made income up to Rs 12 lakhs tax-free but the same person will have to pay GST. The amount that they have waived off - twice that amount people need to pay one way or another. They have reduced the education budget and then will talk about Viksit Bharat," he said. The Congress leader added further, "They have cut short the budget for rural development and MGNREGA. People are talking about Bihar - a special package was promised but the government gave a 'jhunjhuna." MGNREGA was passed in 2005, under the then United Progressive Alliance government. The scheme guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to at least one member of rural household to any adult who is looking to do unskilled manual work. Women are also guaranteed one third of the jobs under the scheme. (ANI)
GMC Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Shamim Choudhary said all the patients were rescued safely.

"The fire is under control as of now without any loss... Many teams including fire brigade and police are working on this...", the Medical Superintendent told ANI.

Further details are awaited into the matter.

Last week, a fire incident was reported in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. A massive fire broke out in a residential area in the Gajinag Kadipora locality, but no casualties were reported. (ANI)
Condemning the violence which took place in Nagpur on Monday night after a group demanded the removal of Aurangzeb's grave, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said on Tuesday that he suspects that Opposition was involved in a "conspiracy" regarding the violence. Speaking outside Parliament, Mhaske alleged that the violence was a "preplanned riot." The violence took place in Hansapuri on the night of March 17. "The Opposition leaders in Maharashtra had been saying for the last 3-4 days that there would be riots. How did they predict the future and know about it? This should also be looked into... This looks like a conspiracy of the Opposition," Mhaske told ANI. Condemning the incident, he alleged that the mob in the area was deliberately attacking a particular community by checking surnames of people and attacking certain houses. "The incident of violence in Nagpur is condemnable. A group of certain pelted stones at the houses of a particular community and attacked the police with axes. This was a preplanned riot," Mhaske said. "The police have caught some people... The local people say that the mob came from outside and attacked the houses after checking surnames. Action should be taken against those behind this," he added. Earlier today, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule alleged that a "conspiracy was hatched" that resulted in violence. He said that he had been living in the city since childhood and people of all religions maintained a feeling of brotherhood. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha, being part of the Opposition alliance in parliament said that focusing on the "stale pages of the past" is distracting people from today's problems. "If we keep looking for our heroes and villains in the stale pages of the past, we could not be able to focus on today's challenges. What are we going to achieve by ruining the peace in the nation?" Jha told ANI. A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave, read an official Maharashtra police notification. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. (ANI)
During the meeting, the Chief Minister presented the master plan for Bastar's development, outlining the strategy to transform the Naxal-affected areas into hubs of infrastructure, industries, and tourism.

The Prime Minister responded positively to the proposal and assured full support from the central government.

CM Sai informed the Prime Minister that naxalism in Chhattisgarh is in its final phase. With coordinated security forces' strategies and public participation, significant transformation has been achieved in affected regions.

The joint efforts of the police and central forces have brought development to several Naxal strongholds, strengthening public trust in government initiatives.

The state government is now focused on positioning Bastar as a new industrial and economic centre, creating employment opportunities and improving the living standards of tribal communities.

During the meeting, CM Sai also discussed the state's new industrial policy and the growing interest of investors. He highlighted that to facilitate investment, the government has implemented single-window clearance, tax incentives, and business-friendly policies, attracting major companies to Chhattisgarh.

The Chief Minister emphasized women's empowerment and rural development as the government's top priorities. He stated that significant efforts are being made to promote self-employment initiatives, enabling rural women to become financially independent.

As part of this initiative, self-help groups (SHGs) are being strengthened to provide women with sustainable economic opportunities.

CM Sai also briefed the Prime Minister on the state government's initiatives to empower rural women in Bastar. He shared that thousands of women have gained financial independence and employment opportunities through SHGs focused on minor forest produce, organic farming, handloom, bamboo-based industries, and handicrafts.

Additionally, efforts are underway to connect Bastar's women with production and marketing networks through startups and small-scale industries, enabling them to contribute to the state's economic growth.

During the meeting, CM Sai shared details about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Chhattisgarh on March 30. The visit will include the inauguration of several key development projects across the state.

The Chief Minister also discussed preparations for the visit and updated the Prime Minister on the progress of various development initiatives in Chhattisgarh. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition (LoP) of Madhya Pradesh assembly Umang Singhar along with Congress MLAs met Director General (DG) of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Bhopal on Tuesday and submitted documents related to the alleged state transport department scam. The Congress delegation demanded a probe in connection with the scam, including the transport department ex-constable, Saurabh Sharma's corruption case. LoP Singhar also alleged involvement of state minister Govind Singh Rajput in the scam and demanded that the minister should immediately resign. The minister in turn has sent a defamation notice to Singhar. "There is proof and documents against minister Govind Singh Rajput and his staff in connection with the transport department scam. Gold bricks (referring to Gold recovered from an abandoned car in Bhopal in relation to the transport department ex-constable, Saurabh Sharma's corruption case) are recovered and the investigative agencies are not able to tell to whom it belongs. So, you can understand how corruption is happening and the government is quiet," Singhar told ANI. He further questioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about zero tolerance and where is there zero tolerance in the state. "We will also complain to PM Modi that if you talk about zero tolerance, then minister Govind Rajput should resign immediately," Singhar added. Additionally, speaking to reporters after submitting the documents at EOW office, Congress leader Singhar, "A matter of transport department scam has been going on for the last around six months. Small fish are being caught (referring to low-level offenders). Action is taken against ex-constable of the department, Saurabh Sharma but those big players who make crores of rupees are not acted upon. The state government in the state wants to suppress the corruption issue. Therefore, yesterday we went to the Lokayukta in this context and today we have come to EOW." "We urged EOW DG Upendra Jain to take immediate action into the matter. The EOW officer assured us that he would verify the matter and take action accordingly," he added. Meanwhile, reacting to Singhar's move, state minister Govind Singh Rajput said that he had sent a defamation notice of Rs 20 crore against the leader of opposition and he didn't need to explain about the congress leader's character. "I have sent a defamation notice of Rs 20 crore to LoP Singhar for continuously raising this issue (referring to accusing involvement in alleged transport dept scam). Everyone is aware of Singhar's character, I don't need to explain about him. Earlier also, Singhar made various allegations on veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, because Singhar is deep in corruption. There are various allegations, including liquor Mafia and sand mafia against Singhar," Rajput said. "Singhar should be questioned about the vehicle in which he travels, to whom it belongs? It is also a matter of investigation... He has taken my contract (Supari). Everyone knows who has given this contract. Singhar has taken a tender of my name, so it is his responsibility to go to Lokayukta and EOW. If Singhar remains the LoP then, the congress will be limited to 8-10 seats in the next assembly elections," he added. (ANI)
The Delhi government is likely to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare related to the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission on April 5, a press release said as per sources. According to Official Sources, "Delhi government is likely to sign MoU on Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) Scheme with National Health Authority comes under Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on April 05." PM-ABHIM is a central government scheme that aims to strengthen the public health structure to combat pandemics, outbreaks, and disasters. The scheme also aims to strengthen healthcare at all levels, including primary, secondary, and tertiary. The PM ABHIM scheme in Budget 21-22 on Feb 2021 for implementation of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package for the health sector as announced. The scheme's objective is to fill critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and health research, spanning both urban and rural areas, so that the communities are Atmanirbhar in managing such pandemics/health crises. It is the largest pan-India scheme for public health infrastructure. Earlier, during the first cabinet meeting of the Delhi government, CM Rekha Gupta announced the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital. Addressing a press conference, Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government will implement the Centre's flagship scheme in the national capital. This was a pre-poll promise of the BJP, which had targeted the AAP government for not implementing the scheme. "In the first Cabinet meeting, we discussed and passed two agendas - to implement in Delhi the Ayushman Bharat scheme with Rs 5 lakhs top up and tabling of 14 CAG reports in the first seating of the Assembly. We will fulfil all the commitments that we have made to the people." Rekha Gupta said. She said the Delhi government will pay for the top-up and will sign a MoU with the Centre. (ANI)
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday accused the Congress party of violating the fundamental principles of the Constitution by granting reservations to minorities, in an effort to create social unrest and strengthen its vote bank, read a statement released by his office. Speaking to the media in New Delhi today, he said the Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is deceiving the backward classes and said the 4 per cent reservation to minorities is unconstitutional. "We had reversed this decision, and the matter is now under review by the Supreme Court. Despite knowing this, the Congress government is misleading people by claiming that they are providing reservations to backward classes while actually giving 4 per cent reservation to minorities, which is unconstitutional and illegal," he said. Bommai noted that the architect of the Constitution, B R Ambedkar had explicitly stated during the drafting of the Constitution that reservations should not be granted based on religion, a statement from Bommai's office read. "However, the Congress party is violating Ambedkar's principles and the core values of the Constitution by implementing such reservations. This move is also an attempt to create social unrest. Congress is more concerned about strengthening its vote bank than maintaining social harmony. The party will have to pay a heavy price for this in the coming days," he warned. Recalling the history of the Congress party, the former CM alleged that the Congress party had fielded extremely wealthy candidates twice against Ambedkar to defeat him, claiming that even the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru actively campaigned against Ambedkar. "Did Savarkar ever campaign against Ambedkar? It was the Congress party that defeated Ambedkar. Twisting history now to save their party is neither fair nor meaningful," he noted. Responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's accusations against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bommai said the RSS was founded to serve society and address injustices against the underprivileged during British rule. "Siddaramaiah criticises the RSS because he believes it will help consolidate his vote bank. The RSS has been around for 77-78 years since independence, and the entire country knows what it stands for. Even Congress leaders like former PM Indira Gandhi praised the RSS, and former President Pranab Mukherjee attended an RSS event and spoke positively about it," he pointed out. The BJP leader claimed that Siddaramaiah is not an original Congress leader but someone who joined from outside. Bommai said, "Those who come from outside need to constantly prove their loyalty by making repeated statements. That is why Siddaramaiah is using RSS as a tool to strengthen his leadership. But people already know what the RSS stands for." (ANI)
AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Assadudin Owaisi told reporters questioned the statements given by ministers on the issue of Aurangzeb's grave and said that the violence in Nagpur was a result of intelligence failure. "I condemn the violence, but one should look at the total (picture), the statements given by ministers, even given right now. They should follow the rule of law, they have taken an oath on India's constitution, so how can you say provocative statements? This is really wrong, it is the responsibility and fault of the government, an intelligence failure. This happened near a minister's house too," he said. Owasi also alleged that just before violence broke out in certain parts of Nagpur on Monday night, there were alleged incidents of Quran verses being burned in the area, which was immediately reported by Muslims and Hindus alike, but no action was taken. "The verses of Quran, which were written on a cloth were burned, and when this incident happened the Muslims and Hindus of the area complained to the DCP, urging him to stop this but no action was taken. Then in the evening this incident happened (Nagpur violence)," Owaisi told reporters on the premises of Parliament. Meanwhile, Congress MP Imran Masood held the state government responsible for the violence, saying that people are being made to fight against each other and demanding action against the people involved irrespective of religion. "The government is responsible for it. Unfortunately, the people are made to fight against each other under the protection of the government. The CM should take action against those who are behind it, irrespective of their religion. New stories are being fabricated based on the past. This is not in the country's favour," Masood told ANI. Earlier, while speaking in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the violence "looks like a well-planned attack" and that certain rumours were spread that religious verses were burnt as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested in the winter capital of the state. "In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt...It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands," Fadnavis said while addressing the assembly. Apprising about the injuries sustained by police personnel, he stated that attacks on police would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against those involved in violence. He said that three Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) sustained injuries, and one DCP was attacked with an axe. He also said that the complaint of a muslim delegation was received by the police and that action was being taken. A curfew was imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. (ANI)
As the world awaits the return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore who have spent nearly nine months on the International Space Station, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Sunita Williams on March 1 expressing his concern for this 'daughter of India'. "The heartfelt letter was sent to Sunita through astronaut Mike Massimino, reflecting the pride of 1.4 billion Indians. A few days ago, PM Modi met Massimino at an event and requested that this letter from him and the people of India must reach her. Wishing her strength and a safe return, the PM reaffirmed India's deep bond with its illustrious daughter. Sunita, in turn, touched by the gesture, expressed her gratitude to PM Modi and India," Jitendra Singh said. PM Modi in his letter mentioned that 1.4 billion Indians have always taken pride in her achievemnts and he looks forward to her safe return home. "I convey to you greetings from the people of India. At a programme today, I met the noted astronaut, Mr. Mike Massimino. During the course of our conversation, your name came up and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you," PM Modi wrote in his letter to Sunita. He further said that he inquired about her well-being during his visits to the United States. "When I met President Trump or President Biden during my visits to the United States, I inquired about your well-being. 1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance," he added. PM Modi further said, "Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission." Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Sunita's mother, Bonnie Pandya must be keenly awaiting her return. "Ms. Bonnie Pandya must be keenly awaiting your return and I am sure that Late Deepakbhai's blessings are with you as well. I fondly remember meeting him along with you during my visit to the United States in 2016,": he said. "After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters. I send my warm regards to Michael Williams. Best wishes to you and Barry Wilmore for a safe return," PM Modi said. NASA's Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore, along with two others, have undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) and are scheduled to splash down on Earth Tuesday evening. Williams and Wilmore are accompanying SpaceX Crew 9 astronaut Nick Hague and Russian astronaut Alexander Gorbunov. Willams and Wilmore were launched to the ISS on June 5 2024 on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, then stayed aboard the ISS after it developed technical issues. In September 2024, NASA sent the Starliner craft back to Earth, uncrewed, to free up the docking port for other spacecraft. Now, after nine months Williams and Wilmore are set to return to Earth on the capsule of the Elon-Musk owned Space X. As NASA went live, Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov were seen packing up and closing the hatches as Crew9 prepared to depart from the Space Station. "It's been a privilege to call the Space Station home, to play my part in its 25-year legacy of doing research for humanity, and to work with colleagues, now friends, from around the globe. My spaceflight career, like most, is full of the unexpected," said Nick Hague. The launch came after US President Donald Trump urged 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. (ANI)
Amid protests by Shiv Sena leaders and Sangh Parivar organisations demanding the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's tomb, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Tuesday lashed out at the ruling Mahayuti government in Maharashtra over Nagpur violence claiming that it was a "government-sponsored incident". Wadettiwar, in a scathing attack against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader T Raja Singh, called for a ban against him in Maharashtra, accusing him of "inciting violence." He also accused the Mahayuti government of promoting such people. "This is a government-sponsored incident. Shambar takke main bol rha hu...Nagpur ki ghanta Sarkar prastut ghantna hai. T Raja (Telangana BJP leader) should be banned in Maharashtra. Vahan k^^ta nahi puchta usko, idhar aake bak bak kar raha hai. He is inciting violence here. Such worthless people should be shown their place. It is the government that is promoting such people," Wadettiwar, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, told reporters. "Why are they protesting over the Aurangzeb issue when they are in power, both in the state and at the centre?" he asked. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said that the violence that erupted in Nagpur "looks like a well-planned attack". He said that rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt, as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested in the winter capital of the state. "In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt...It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands," Fadnavis said while addressing the legislative assembly. Apprising about the injuries sustained by police personnel, he stated that attacks on police would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against those involved in violence. He said that three Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) sustained injuries, and one DCP was attacked with an axe. "Three DCPs included in total 33 policemen injured. Of five injured civilians, three have been discharged, and one remains in the ICU," Fadnavis said, adding, "11 police stations have issued prohibitory orders in Nagpur. Five separate FIRs have been registered in the matter." "We have got a trolley of stones from the violence spots - some specified houses and institutions were targeted. One DCP was attacked by an Axe. We will surely take action, and those who have taken law and order into their own hands will not be spared. Attack on police will not be tolerated," he added. Amid increasing tensions over Nagpur violence, Fadnavis attributed people's anger against Aurangzeb to the Chhava movie and appealed to the people to maintain peace. Nagpur Police on Tuesday said over 50 people in connection with the violence which erupted in Nagpur on March 17 night, and is in the process of identifying any other people involved through CCTV footage and social media posts. The situation in the area is peaceful now, city's Commissioner of Police Ravinder Kumar Singal said. "The situation is peaceful now, we have imposed a curfew under the area of around 11 police stations. The situation is under control," Nagpur Commissioner of Police told ANI. "We have taken more than 50 people into custody. Other than that if people are being seen in CCTV's and in social media posts of doing such acts of violence of damaging property and disturbing peace then we are identifying them and catching them," he said. The Nagpur CP also dismissed any allegations of Police not responding adequately to the violence, pointing out that the officials were present from the start, which led to 33 policemen being injured. "The allegations might be made, but if one can see the police was there from the start, no one has been hurt physically (from the public), and if we see then because of us being in front around 33 policemen have been injured," he added. Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition in Maharashtra came face to face in the assembly premises on Tuesday morning with MLAs from both sides seen raising slogans against each other. While Shiv Sena leaders protested seeking the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, the opposition labelled the "riots a success of the government". The opposition said that the situation in Maharashtra was worsening due to statements made by some ministers in the Mahayuti government. However, MLAs from the ruling alliance accused some people of glorifying Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave, read an official Maharashtra police notification. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. (ANI)
District Collector Dilip Swami on Tuesday assured that the situation in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district was "peaceful". He apprised about the petition submitted by Bajrang Dal members and said that police forces have been put on alert. He said that police personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas in Daulatabad and Khuldabad. The administration has requested people not to spread rumours, the DC added. "The situation is peaceful in the district. Yesterday, Bajrang Dal members gave us a petition. The police force is on alert in the district. SP (superintendent of Police) and I are visiting sensitive areas in the district. The force is deployed in sensitive areas in Daulatabad and Khuldabad. We have requested that people not spread rumours. The police are monitoring social media," Swami told ANI. Amid protests by Shiv Sena leaders and Sangh Parivar organisations demanding the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's tomb, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Tuesday lashed out at the ruling Mahayuti government in Maharashtra over Nagpur violence, claiming that it was a "government-sponsored incident". Wadettiwar, in a scathing attack against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader T Raja Singh, called for a ban against him in Maharashtra, accusing him of "inciting violence." He also accused the Mahayuti government of promoting such people. "This is a government-sponsored incident. Shambar takke main bol rha hu...Nagpur ki ghanta Sarkar prastut ghantna hai. T Raja (Telangana BJP leader) should be banned in Maharashtra. He is inciting violence here. Such worthless people should be shown their place. It is the government that is promoting such people," Wadettiwar, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, told reporters. "Why are they protesting over the Aurangzeb issue when they are in power, both in the state and at the centre?" he asked. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said that the violence that erupted in Nagpur "looks like a well-planned attack". He said that rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt, as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested in the winter capital of the state. "In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt...It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands," Fadnavis said while addressing the legislative assembly. Apprising about the injuries sustained by police personnel, he stated that attacks on police would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against those involved in violence. He said that three Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) sustained injuries, and one DCP was attacked with an axe. "Three DCPs included in total 33 policemen injured. Of five injured civilians, three have been discharged, and one remains in the ICU," Fadnavis said, adding, "11 police stations have issued prohibitory orders in Nagpur. Five separate FIRs have been registered in the matter." A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave, read an official Maharashtra police notification. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to examine the plea seeking disclosure of final authenticated data of voter turnout in all polling stations within 48 hours of the polling. Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for ECI, told the apex court that a new Election Commissioner has been appointed, and the petitioners can meet him and have their grievances redressed. A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan said that the petitioners, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, are at liberty to make a representation to the ECI within ten days. The top court then deferred the hearing in the case and posted it for consideration on July 28. "List this on the week commencing July 28. In the meanwhile, counsel for ECI states that the petitioners may file a representation with ECI and the ECI will give them a hearing and inform them about the same in advance. Let representation be made in 10 days," the order stated. The plea filed by ADR and Moitra sought directions to the Election Commission to upload scanned, legible copies of Form 17C Part-I (account of votes recorded), on its website. During the hearing of the case, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Moitra and ADR, respectively, argued that there was a huge discrepancy in the EVM count and the ones who voted. The applications filed in an already pending plea sought disclosure of final authenticated data of voter turnout in all polling stations, including the number of votes polled in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 within 48 hours of the polling. The NGO ADR filed the application in 2024, alleging an inordinate delay in publishing voter turnout data for the first two phases of polling in the elections. It sought direction to immediately upload accounts of votes recorded in all polling stations after the close of each phase's polling. The application, besides the delay in publishing the voter turnout details, said there was a sharp spike (about 5-6 per cent) in the figures from the initial voter turnout percentages released by the Election Commission. It sought a direction to the Election Commission to provide tabulated polling station-wise data in absolute figures of the number of votes polled as recorded, in Form 17C Part--I, after each phase of polling in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections and also a tabulation of constituency-wise figures of voter turnout in absolute numbers in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections. It further asked for uploading on the ECI website the scanned legible copies of Form 17C Part--II, which contained the candidate-wise result of counting after the compilation of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections results. The application said the voter turnout data for the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections were published by the ECI on April 30, 11 days after the first phase of polling held on April 19 and four days after the second phase of polling held on April 26. (ANI)
Alphonso Mango Growers company based in the Konkan region in Maharashtra introduced a tamper-proof UID seal system to ensure the authenticity of Alphonso (Hapus) mangoes of Devgad. Henceforth, only mangoes bearing the TP Seal stickers can be marketed and sold as genuine Devgad Alphonso or Devgad Hapus mangoes. This initiative was brought by the Devgad Taluka Mango Growers Cooperative Society Limited, the official custodian of the Alphonso Geographical Indication (GI) tag and aims to eliminate the sale of counterfeit mangoes falsely marketed as Devgad Alphonso. The GI-certified stickers will guarantee that consumers receive authentic mangoes grown in Devgad. Omkar M Sapre, a board member of the Society, emphasized that the Devgad Alphonso has been renowned for over a century due to its exceptional aroma and taste. "Unfortunately, more than 80 pre cent of mangoes marketed as Devgad Hapus today are not actually sourced from Devgad. Inferior mangoes from other regions are being fraudulently sold under the Devgad Hapus name, affecting farmers' rightful market share and creating economic challenges. The Society has taken this step to safeguard its GI rights under the Geographical Indications Act, of 1999," Sapre said. In collaboration with Sun Solutions, a Mumbai-based firm specializing in patented UID technology, the cooperative society introduced this stringent verification system. Each GI-registered farmer in Devgad receives TP Seal UIDs matching their production capacity. Farmers must affix these stickers on all mangoes they send to market. Each sticker contains a unique alphanumeric code divided into two parts. Consumers can verify authenticity via WhatsApp by sending a sticker photo to +91 9167 668899. The system then requests the second part of the code from the sticker's back, which splits automatically upon removal. If the entered code matches the UID in the system, consumers receive an automatic response with details like the farmer's name, village, and GI registration number. This process will reinforce consumer confidence and protect the global reputation of Devgad Alphonso mangoes. The Society has warned that selling mangoes under the Devgad Alphonso name without proper GI registration or UID stickers will lead to strict action under the GI Act, 1999, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). Sections 39 and 40 prohibit the sale of goods with false GI marks, with penalties of up to three years' imprisonment and fines up to Rs2 lahks. Section 50 categorizes these offences as cognizable, enabling legal enforcement. Sections 349 and 350 impose penalties of one to three years imprisonment and/or fines for selling goods with counterfeit or false markings. Retailers, middlemen, and traders are urged to refrain from misrepresenting non-GI mangoes as Devgad Alphonso. The Society assures stringent legal measures for violations. (ANI)
By Syed Fazl-e-Haider

At the conclusion of a five-day visit to China by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on February 8, China and Pakistan issued a joint statement urging the Taliban government to take decisive measures to eliminate all terrorist organizations operating within Afghanistan and to prevent the use of Afghan territory for hostile activities against other nations. Over the past three years, Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban administration of providing refuge to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for attacks on Pakistani security forces and Chinese nationals within Pakistan. Despite being the largest foreign investor in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, China has thus far remained silent regarding the escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries. Meanwhile, Pakistan is poised to assert control over the Wakhan Corridora narrow strip of Afghan territory that extends to China's Xinjiang region, serving as a geographical buffer between Tajikistan and Pakistan. This corridor not only facilitates China's direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia but also holds strategic significance, positioning it as a potential focal point in China's evolving geopolitical interests in the region.

Photo by Ninara.

BACKGROUND: The airstrikes conducted by Pakistan inside Afghanistan on December 24 heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, leading to an increase in skirmishes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistan targeted TTP hideouts in Afghanistans Paktika province, resulting in the deaths of 46 individuals. In response, the Afghan Taliban launched retaliatory attacks on multiple locations along the Pakistan border, killing one Pakistani soldier.

This was not the first instance of Pakistan conducting airstrikes inside Afghanistan. In March 2024, Pakistani airstrikes targeted TTP bases within Afghan territory, resulting in the deaths of eight militants. The strikes occurred a day after President Asif Ali Zardari pledged retaliation following an attack by the TTP in Pakistan's northwestern tribal are bordering Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of seven soldiers, including two officers.

As tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalate and border clashes intensify, Pakistan is reportedly preparing to assert control over the Wakhan Corridora narrow strip of territory in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province that extends 350 kilometers to China's Xinjiang region, serving as a geographical buffer between Tajikistan to the north and Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. Control of Wakhan would provide Pakistan with direct access to Tajikistan, effectively bypassing Afghanistan. In this context, the visit of Pakistans top intelligence official to Tajikistan on December 30, 2024, holds particular significance. Tajikistan hosts the leadership of the anti-Taliban National Resistance Front (NRF) of Afghanistan. During his visit, the Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), General Asim Malik, met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe. The ISI chief is believed to have been on a strategic mission to establish an alliance with the NRF as a counterbalance against the Taliban.

China' has remained silent regarding the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Although a potential conflict between the two countries could jeopardize Chinese investments worth billions of U.S. dollars in both states, Beijing has opted for a "wait and watch" approach toward the ongoing hostilities. However, China is closely monitoring developments in the Wakhan Corridor, a strategically significant passage that provides direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

On December 30, 2024, during the visit of Pakistans ISI chief to Dushanbe, Chinas Ambassador to Kabul, Zhao Xing, was simultaneously meeting with Afghanistans acting Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani. This meeting took place amid media reports suggesting that Pakistans military was advancing to seize control of the Wakhan Corridor. Both sides emphasized the corridors strategic significance for bilateral trade. Taliban authorities dismissed claims regarding the presence of foreign (Pakistani) military forces in the corridor and pledged to address any security threats along Afghanistans borders. In September 2023, the Taliban government inaugurated a 50-kilometer road extending from the Wakhan Corridor to the Chinese border.

IMPLICATIONS: A key factor behind Chinas silence on the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan is its own security concerns regarding Uyghur militancy in its Muslim-majority Xinjiang Autonomous Region, which shares a border with Afghanistan. The Taliban could potentially leverage the "Uyghur card" to destabilize Xinjiang, given that the previous Taliban regime (19962001) provided sanctuary to Uyghur militants in Afghanistan. The Taliban has issued a warning to Beijing against adopting a pro-Pakistan stance in the ongoing conflict, cautioning that Islamabad is attempting to draw China into its proxy war. China remains apprehensive that Uyghur jihadists could gain ideological and operational support under Taliban rule. Consequently, Beijing has consistently sought to avoid antagonizing the Taliban, opting instead for diplomatic engagement and substantial investments in Afghanistans energy, infrastructure and mining sectors following the US withdrawal from the war-torn country in 2021.

The Talibans warning to China came just days after Chinas Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, visited Islamabad in November 2024 and stated that at least 20 militant groups were operating in Afghanistan, posing security threats to China.

Strategically positioned at the intersection of three major mountain rangesthe Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Pamirthe Wakhan Corridor has the potential to become the focal point of Chinas evolving geopolitical strategy in the region. At present, control over the Wakhan Corridor appears to be at the center of the geopolitical contest in Afghanistan, with Pakistan and Afghanistan seemingly acting as mere pawns in this larger game. As a silent yet influential player, China is subtly maneuvering these pawns on the regional chessboard.

Pakistan aligned itself with Chinas broader ambitions to expand its influence across South and Central Asia through Afghanistan long before the Talibans takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. However, rather than directly involving itself in the ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict, China appears committed to a strategy of cautious observation, continuously monitoring shifting geopolitical dynamics. Beijing seems to be waiting for an opportune moment to assert its influence.

For China, the Wakhan Corridoroften referred to as Afghanistan's "chicken neck"serves as a crucial strategic node for establishing and securing connectivity with South and Central Asia through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This narrow strip of land has the potential to function as a pivotal junction, enabling China to expand its geopolitical and economic influence across the broader region.

However, security concerns remain a significant challenge in China's plans to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship component of the BRI, into Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Several strategic projects planned or initiated by China align with its broader geopolitical strategy. One such initiative involves China's plans to establish a military base in Wakhan to bolster its counterinsurgency capabilities. China has already set up a military base in eastern Tajikistan, near the Wakhan Corridor. A military foothold in Wakhan would serve as a critical buffer, preventing terrorism and instability from spilling over from Afghanistan into Chinas Xinjiang Autonomous Region.

Additionally, China has constructed the Taxkorgan Airport on the Pamir Plateau in northwest Xinjiang, situated at an altitude of 3,258 meters and in close proximity of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Beyond providing a new "air passage" that enhances connectivity between Central and South Asia, this ultra-high-altitude airport reinforces China's military and economic influence in the region.

While Beijing continues to invest in Afghanistandespite its global isolation and international sanctionsit is simultaneously financing multiple projects under the US$ 62 billion CPEC in Pakistan. However, despite its deep economic and strategic engagements in both countries, China has remained silent regarding the escalating armed confrontations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

CONCLUSION: China should take an active role in mediating the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict rather than attempting to balance its interests with both sides. Leveraging its influence over both states, Beijing can push for diplomatic negotiations to address their disputes. At present, neither Islamabad nor Kabul is in a position to disregard China's calls for restraint, making it a crucial player in de-escalating tensions and ensuring regional stability.

China should take a definitive stance and clarify its official position on the TTP, which has been responsible for attacks on Chinese nationals and security forces in Pakistan. Beijing should deliver an unequivocal message to Kabul, asserting that if the Taliban government fails to dismantle terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory, China will align with Pakistan in conducting targeted airstrikes against anti-China militant hideouts within Afghanistan.

While China has remained silent on escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, the U.S. has endorsed Pakistans stance regarding the Talibans policy of sheltering terrorist groups, which violates the U.S.-Taliban Doha Accord. The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021 enabled the TTP to operate with greater impunity. For Islamabad, the Afghan endgame has effectively become a zero-sum game. In response, some factions within Pakistan have advocated for collaboration with the U.S. to carry out airstrikes targeting terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan.

AUTHOR BIO: Syed Fazl-e-Haider is a Karachi-based analyst at the Wikistrat. He is a freelance columnist and the author of several books. He has contributed articles and analysis to a range of publications. He is a regular contributor to Eurasia Daily Monitor of Jamestown Foundation. Email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee on Tuesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in the Lok Sabha on the Maha Kumbh, questioning how he could speak on the subject if it was previously deemed a state matter. Speaking to ANI, Banerjee accused the government of discrimination, alleging that opposition leaders were denied the opportunity to discuss the event in the past. "The Prime Minister spoke that was not on the list of business. All of a sudden the Prime Minister came and started speaking on the Maha Kumbh. We also wanted to speak on the Maha Kumbh but they used to say that Maha Kumbh is a state subject and cannot be discussed here. I am astonished at how the Prime Minister can speak on the Maha Kumbh if it is a state subject. This is pure discrimination," the TMC MP said. Earlier today, the Prime Minister commended the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, attributing its success to the dedication of the public, administration, and devotees across the country and highlighting the collective efforts that contributed to the grand event. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi expressed deep gratitude towards the people of Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj for their efforts in hosting the event, calling the Maha Kumbh a symbol of India's growing national consciousness. "I am here to make a statement on the Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj. I want to thank the public and administration for the successful organisation of the MahaKumbh. The success of the Maha Kumbh is the result of the efforts of various people. I want to thank everyone: the country's devotees, the public of UP, especially the people of Prayagraj. We all know that strenuous efforts took place to bring Ganga to earth; similar efforts have been taken to hold the grand Mahakumbh," PM Modi said. In a pointed remark aimed at the opposition, Prime Minister Modi stated that the success of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj had silenced the doubts and fears raised by certain critics regarding India's capabilities. (ANI)
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Tuesday held Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi responsible for the violence in Nagpur and said that it was a preplanned violence to defame the State government. "Abu Azmi is responsible for this. He started this issue. This was a preplanned violence to defame the government. We will not spare those who raise their hands on our police personnel. Strict action will be taken in this matter," Rane told media persons. Abu Azmi had reportedly said that Aurangzeb was not a "cruel administrator" and "built many temples". He added that the battle between the Mughal emperor and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was for state administration and not about Hindu and Muslim. Further, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said that it is clearly visible who was behind the violence in the CCTV footage. "Stones were pelted, vehicles were torched after seeing the surnames...It is clearly visible in the CCTV footage the people who were behind the incident...The locals are claiming that people from outside in huge numbers gathered and started pelting stones. By seeing the surnames of those arrested it is clearly visible that who were behind this incident," Mhaske told ANI. Earlier, while speaking in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the violence "looks like a well-planned attack" and that certain rumours were spread that religious verses were burnt as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested in the winter capital of the state. "In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt...It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands," Fadnavis said while addressing the assembly. Apprising about the injuries sustained by police personnel, he stated that attacks on police would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against those involved in violence. He said that three Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) sustained injuries, and one DCP was attacked with an axe. A curfew was imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. (ANI)
According to the Thiruvananthapuram District collector the bomb squad is currently present at the spot.

The miscreants behind the mail have not been spotted yet.

Pathanamthitta Collectorate also recieved a bomb threat earlier today, but nothing was found in the search

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Union Minister Jitendra Singh Tuesday called NASA astronaut Sunita Williams a "daughter of India" as the world awaits her return alongwith Butch Wilmore, who have spent nearly nine months on the International Space Station. Singh also stated that the country is "proud" of her and praying for her safe return. "...She (Sunita Williams), being a daughter of India, has made the entire world proud...She has successfully accomplished the task that she was assigned to. While all of us pray for a safe return, we also feel proud of her...A very pleasant coincidence is the fact that today itself, Prime Minister Modi made a statement on Maha Kumbh in the Parliament and incidentally, Sunita also expressed her best wishes for the Kumbh...," Singh told ANI. The Minister also referred to Sunita Williams' Indian roots in Gujarat and highlighted that Indian space scientists are making waves internationally. "There is a very deep connection between her and India and of course Gujarat, the state that she belongs to. This is also an indication of the fact that most of the space agencies outside India, including NASA, are now having Indian boys and girls leading most of their important missions...," the MoS said when asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's March 1 letter to Williams. PM Modi in his letter mentioned that 1.4 billion Indians have always taken pride in her achievements, and he looks forward to her safe return home. "I convey to you greetings from the people of India. At a programme today, I met the noted astronaut, Mr. Mike Massimino. During the course of our conversation, your name came up and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you," PM Modi wrote in his letter to Sunita Williams. NASA's Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore, along with two others, have undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) and are scheduled to splash down on Earth Tuesday evening. Williams and Wilmore are accompanying SpaceX Crew 9 astronaut Nick Hague and Russian astronaut Alexander Gorbunov. Willams and Wilmore were launched to the ISS on June 5, 2024 on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, then stayed aboard the ISS after it developed technical issues. In September 2024, NASA sent the Starliner craft back to Earth, uncrewed, to free up the docking port for other spacecraft. Now, after nine months Williams and Wilmore are set to return to Earth on the capsule of the Elon-Musk owned Space X. As NASA went live, Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov were seen packing up and closing the hatches as Crew9 prepared to depart from the Space Station. "It's been a privilege to call the Space Station home, to play my part in its 25-year legacy of doing research for humanity, and to work with colleagues, now friends, from around the globe. My spaceflight career, like most, is full of the unexpected," said Nick Hague. The launch came after US President Donald Trump urged 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. (ANI)
BRS MLC K Kavitha on Tuesday accused the Congress of doing "injustice" to the communities belonging to the Other Backward Classes. She listed various instances in the past where the Congress took alleged anti-OBC stances. "After Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru rejected the report (Kalelkar report), there was discussion on BCs in this country for 30 years. It was the Congress government who put the Kalelkar committee aside," Kavitha said in the Telangana Legislative Council. "The second commission was set up during the Janata party Morarji Desai. It was the BP Mandal Commission; the commission gave its report. The late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi kept the Mandal Commission report for 10 years without implementing it," she added. She pointed out that a non-Congress government at the Centre implemented the Mandal Commission report. "Later, in 1990, VP Singh's government implemented it. In 1990, when VP Singh implemented it, Rajiv Gandhi gave a long speech on the floor of the Parliament against BCs. It is in Parliament records. Congress party spoke against the BP Mandal commission and said that the country would be shattered if BCs were given reservations," she said. "In 1993, there was a country-wide demand for BP Mandal commission, and then 27 per cent reservation was given in jobs. However, until 2006, there was no reservation in educational institutions. In AIIMS, IIT, NIT and others, the reservations were not given until 2008. Later, in 2011, Sonia Gandhi was UPA chairperson, the Congress party was in power, and Rahul Gandhi was in Parliament. At that time, they released Rs.4,500 crores for caste census," she added. Kavitha also pointed out that though the UPA government conducted a caste census, the data were not made public. "They did a caste census but did not put out the caste census data till now. Rs.4,500 crores were wasted, and caste census data was not put out. Neither Rahul Gandhi nor Sonia Gandhi spoke about this. All of it went completely into the deep freezer," she said. "Today, Rahul Gandhi says we should do a caste census. There are records of the census done in 2011, but they have not been put out," she added. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Telangana Assembly passed two bills to enhance the reservation of Other Backward Classes to 42 per cent. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said it was "revolutionary" and said the Congress Party will ensure that Caste census in India. "The Congress government has fulfilled its promise of increasing OBC reservations in Telangana. The actual number of OBC communities obtained through scientific caste count in the state was accepted and a bill for 42 per cent reservation was passed in the Assembly to ensure their equal participation in education, employment and politics. This is indeed a revolutionary step towards social justice through which the wall of 50 per cent reservation in the state has also been demolished," Rahul Gandhi posted on X. (ANI)
The Tihar Jail Superintendent on Tuesday filed a report in the Rouse Avenue Court.on the conduct of Christian Michel James, the accused in Agusta Westland VVIP chopper scam, during his six-year judicial custody. The report stated that no punishment was recorded during his judicial custody and since James had not been convicted, so he is not entitled to any remission. After taking the report of jail authorities on record, Special CBI judge Sanjeev Aggarwal disposed of James' application. The report was filed in response to a March 12 application filed by James, seeking to check his eligibility for a remission on account of his conduct in prison. Remission refers to the reduction of the length of a sentence, particularly on grounds of good conduct. He had sought access to report on his conduct during judicial custody in Tihar Jail. It is stated that his conduct was satisfactory during his custody. Advocate Aljo K Joseph and M S Vishnu Sankar appeared for James. It was argued that James has completed the maximum sentence he can be punished with, including the remission. He is entitled to six months' remission. It was submitted that a rule included in Jail rules in 2022 entitled an under-trial prisoner to remission. Earlier, Rouse Avenue court on March 12 called for a report from Jail Authorities on a plea moved by Christian Michel James on his conduct in judicial custody for last six years. Special CBI judge Aggarwal had directed Director General (DG) prison to file a consolidated conduct report. James was recently granted bail in a CBI and money laundering case. Advocate Aljo K Joseph and Vishnu Sankar Haf had argued that it was the duty to file a conduct report to the court after completion of one third of his of maximum sentence which is seven year in this case. The court asked, "How can you say that his maximum sentence would be seven years only?" Section 467 of IPC has also been added by the CBI, the court added. Counsel for accused submitted that a person can be tried only for the offences for which he has been extradited as per Extradition treaty. Section 467 of IPC was not in the extradition request. In this, section 420 of IPC has the maximum sentence, which is seven years, counsel added. It is submitted that, according to jail rules, if the accused's conduct is good, he is entitled to one month's remission for each year. James was extradited from Dubai on December 4, 2018. Before that, he was in custody in Dubai for four months. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday slammed the BJP's "double-engine" government in Maharashtra over the Nagpur violence. He said that the BJP could remove Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as the party is in power both in the Centre and the State. "I am not the Chief Minister, nor am I the Home Minister, ask the Chief Minister who is behind this (violence). Because the RSS headquarters is there," Uddhav Thackeray said in response to questions regarding the Nagpur violence. "There is a double-engine government here; if the double-engine government has failed, then they should resign...If you want, you can remove his (Aurangzeb's) grave, but call Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar during that time," he added. A curfew was imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Tuesday held Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi responsible for the violence in Nagpur and said that it was a preplanned violence to defame the State government. "Abu Azmi is responsible for this. He started this issue. This was a preplanned violence to defame the government. We will not spare those who raise their hands on our police personnel. Strict action will be taken in this matter," Rane told media persons. Abu Azmi had reportedly said that Aurangzeb was not a "cruel administrator" and "built many temples". He added that the battle between the Mughal emperor and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was for state administration and not about Hindu and Muslim. Further, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said that it is clearly visible who was behind the violence in the CCTV footage. "Stones were pelted, vehicles were torched after seeing the surnames...It is clearly visible in the CCTV footage the people who were behind the incident...The locals are claiming that people from outside in huge numbers gathered and started pelting stones. By seeing the surnames of those arrested it is clearly visible that who were behind this incident," Mhaske told ANI. Earlier, while speaking in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the violence "looks like a well-planned attack" and that certain rumours were spread that religious verses were burnt as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested in the winter capital of the state. (ANI)
The Congress MLA and All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Rathore raised critical concerns in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Tuesday regarding the impact of importing plant nurseries into India. He urged the central government to impose higher import duties on goods coming from the U.S. to India, emphasizing the need for economic self-reliance and the protection of domestic industries. Speaking in the Assembly, Kuldeep Singh Rathore brought up two significant issues related to horticulture and agricultural imports. Later, speaking with ANI, he elaborated on his concerns. "The first major issue I raised is regarding the import of plant nurseries into India. These imports are not adhering to the necessary regulations and standards. According to the guidelines, imported nurseries should undergo a quarantine period of one year to prevent the spread of viruses and diseases, but this is not being enforced. Due to this negligence, we have seen outbreaks in the past. In 2010, we witnessed a devastating disease, Fire Blight, spreading in Jammu & Kashmir, which destroyed entire crops," Rathore said. He further stated that Himachal Pradesh's Horticulture Minister had assured him that stringent regulations would be implemented to prevent such lapses in the future. The second issue Rathore raised was the inefficiency in research and development within the horticulture sector. "Our Horticulture University scientists are engaged in distributing foreign plant nurseries in India. Despite spending crores of rupees on research, why have we failed to develop indigenous fruit varieties suitable for our climate and soil conditions? This is a serious concern," Rathore questioned. He pointed out that imported plant nurseries come from regions with vastly different climatic and soil conditions, making them unsuitable for Indian agriculture. "We need to focus on developing indigenous varieties that thrive in our local environment," he added. Expressing satisfaction that the horticulture minister acknowledged this gap, Rathore emphasized that increased investment in research is crucial. "Himachal Pradesh's horticulture industry is worth over Rs 5,000 crore and supports thousands of livelihoods. These hardworking individuals do not rely on jobs but have created orchards in the mountains with their own efforts. The government must provide the attention and support they deserve," he said. Comparing India's horticultural productivity with European nations, he highlighted a massive disparity. "Our production per hectare is just 5 to 7 tons, whereas in European countries, it reaches 50 tons. The reason is clear--we have not invested adequately in horticulture. My effort will be to ensure the government's focus on this sector so that we can strengthen our economy and make our state more prosperous," Rathore asserted. He also advocated for a significant increase in the agriculture and animal husbandry budget in the future, stressing that these sectors are crucial for rural prosperity. Kuldeep Singh Rathore, also addressed concerns about attacks on former legislators. He emphasized the need to ensure the safety of tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh. "Our state welcomes tourists who come for religious tourism, scenic beauty, and fresh mountain air. However, those who talk about separatism and try to take the law into their own hands should not be allowed in Himachal Pradesh," Rathore added firmly. (ANI)
As NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow crew members prepare to return to Earth after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), prayers for her safe journey resonate in Jhulasan, her paternal village in Gujarat's Mehsana district. "(NASA astronaut) Sunita Williams has come here twice. We all want her to return safely to Earth (from the International Space Station). We are also planning to celebrate...everyone here is excited and praying that she lands safely," said a resident. Similarly, Dinesh Rawal, Sunita Williams's cousin brother in Gujarat, expressed his happiness and said that she is the pride of the nation. "Everyone in the family, including her mother, brother and sister, is happy that she is coming back home. Our entire family is delighted and eagerly awaits her return... We have started offering prayers and visited many temples for her safety... It is a huge day for us... She is the pride of the nation... We are doing a 'Yagna' for her return and will distribute sweets upon her return," Rawal told ANI. NASA's Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore, along with two others, have undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) as they began a 17 hour journey back home. Willams and Wilmore were launched to the ISS on June 5 on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, then stayed aboard the ISS after it developed technical issues. In September 2024, NASA sent the Starliner craft back to Earth, uncrewed, to free up the docking port for other spacecraft. Now, after nine months Williams and Wilmore are set to return to Earth on the capsule of the Elon-Musk owned Space X. NASA posted the development on X, "They're on their way! Crew 9 undocked from the Space Station at 1.05 am ET (0505 UTC). Reentry and splashdown coverage begin on X, YouTube, and NASA+ at 4.45 pm ET (2145 UTC) this evening." Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, alongside Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, began their 17-hour journey back to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft early this morning. As NASA went live, Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov were seen packing up and closing the hatches as Crew9 prepared to depart from the Space Station. "It's been a privilege to call the Space Station home, to play my part in its 25-year legacy of doing research for humanity, and to work with colleagues, now friends, from around the globe. My spaceflight career, like most, is full of the unexpected," said Nick Hague. The crew is expected to touch down in the Gulf of America on Wednesday morning India time. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the government over the violence in Nagpur, questioning its response to present-day challenges while focusing on historical figures from centuries ago. He alleged that the administration remains silent on pressing issues affecting people today. "The BJP is shameless about this because this incident has happened in the hometown of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Sadly, when the BJP cannot govern, they resort to violence, and riots and this is their set formula in every state. If you look at Manipur, that is exactly what they want to convert Maharashtra to," Thackeray said. He further accused the BJP of diverting attention from present-day governance by invoking historical narratives. "They are trying to dig up the history of someone who lived 300-400 years ago, but they cannot speak about the future. They cannot speak about the present. The irony is that the grave is protected by the central government", he told ANI. Aditya also attacked the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and claimed that the BJP was trying to push Maharashtra into a situation similar to Manipur. Speaking to the media, Aditya Thackeray said, "Why did the CMO not react when rumours of violence were spreading in Nagpur? Whenever such an incident is about to take place, the first report arrives at the Chief Minister of the state and the Home Department. Did they not have any information regarding this? I think the BJP wants to make Maharashtra the next Manipur." Drawing a comparison with Vietnam, Thackeray emphasised the country's remarkable economic progress despite being smaller and less populous than India, specifically citing its booming electronics industry. "If you take a look at Manipur, the state has been experiencing violence since 2023. There are conflicts across the state. Will there be investments there or growth in tourism? No. They want to put Maharashtra in the same situation. I was reading today that Vietnam is a smaller country than India, and the population is also less, but their electronic industry is 3 times more. Our country considers itself strong, but the BJP is trying to divide the country into districts, religions, and castes," said Thackeray. Meanwhile, Nagpur District Collector Dilip Swami assured that the situation in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district was "peaceful". He apprised about the petition submitted by Bajrang Dal members and said that police forces have been put on alert. He said that police personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas in Daulatabad and Khuldabad. The administration has requested people not to spread rumours, the DC added. (ANI)
Yin Jifang (C), former artistic director of the Kunqu Society of New York and a close friend of Yin Guifang, and other friends and local Yue Opera fans pose for a photo at a retrospective photo exhibition commemorating the 25th anniversary of the passing of Chinese Yue Opera artist Yin Guifang, in New York, the United States, on March 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Black-and-white photos of the Yue Opera artist Yin Guifang line the walls, capturing her grace and passion on stage, as elderly local visitors, speaking in familiar dialects, reminisce about her brilliance and lasting legacy.

The retrospective photo exhibition, being held in New York City from Sunday to April 10, commemorates the 25th anniversary of the passing of Chinese Yue Opera artist Yin Guifang.

Nearly 100 attendees gathered for the event in Flushing, Queens borough of New York City, curated by the American Chinese Art & Culture Center (ACACC) and the Fujian Fanghua Yue Opera Troupe, which was originally established by Yin Guifang in Shanghai in 1946 and relocated to Fujian in 1959.

The photo exhibition honors Yin's artistic accomplishments and her lasting impact on Yue Opera both domestically and internationally.

Yue Opera, one of China's most popular traditional opera genres originated in Zhejiang Province, is renowned for its soft singing style, graceful performances and rich repertoire. Also known as Shaoxing Opera, after its place of origin, it was officially recognized in 2006 as part of China's national intangible cultural heritage.

Among the most revered figures in this art form is Yin Guifang, the founder of the "Yin-style" school of Yue Opera. Yin's influence remains strong, carried on by her disciples, admirers and fans.

March 1 marks the anniversary of Yin Guifang's passing, a day especially significant for Yin Jifang, her close friend of over 60 years. Though not from the Yue Opera genre herself, Yin Jifang, former artistic director of the Kunqu Society of New York, another traditional opera form, shared a deep and enduring friendship with Yin Guifang, from artistic discussions to mentoring future generations.

Despite their coincidentally similar names, Yin Jifang saw their connection as fate. Now 86, she continues to honor their decades-long bond -- this time, through the exhibition.

Yin Jifang said Guifang's masterful performances and meticulously crafted characters continue to leave an indelible mark on audiences.

"When I had this idea of the exhibition, I acted on it immediately," Yin Jifang said. "The overwhelming support from both New York and Fujian was deeply moving."

She worked closely with the ACACC in New York to organize the exhibition, while securing strong backing from the Fujian Fanghua Yue Opera Troupe, which provided most of the annotated photographs.

Despite working across time zones, a dedicated six-person team managed to put the exhibition together in just 12 consecutive days.

The exhibition features a carefully curated selection of photographs -- some from Yin Jifang's personal collection, others from the Fujian Fanghua Yue Opera Troupe and even treasured clippings preserved by Yue Opera fans over the years, and more cropped from posters or newspapers. These images capture Yin Guifang's life on and off stage, highlighting her mentorship of young performers and her commitment to preserving Yue Opera.

"There is no global recognition without cultural identity," Yin Jifang told Xinhua. Though Yue Opera and Kunqu Opera are niche art forms, their survival depends on the dedication and stewardship of the Chinese people.

Wang Junan, current artistic director of the Fujian Fanghua Yue Opera Troupe and direct disciple of Yin Guifang, reflected on her lasting impact.

"Her artistic spirit has never faded, and our lifelong bond remains strong," Wang said. She added that her master Yin Guifang once dreamed of bringing Yue Opera to New York. Now, this exhibition stands as a bridge to fulfill that vision.

"Thanks to everyone's dedication, this exhibition is more than a remembrance -- it is a collective tribute," Wang said. "Art is an endless river, flowing through generations. We are the current that carries it forward, bringing Yin-style Yue Opera to the world."

"Yin Guifang nurtured generations of Yue Opera artists and revitalized traditional Chinese opera. This exhibition is an artistic dialogue that transcends borders," said Zheng Quan, president of the Fujian Fanghua Yue Opera Troupe. "Through art as a bridge, we can carry Master Yin's spirit onto the global stage."

"Yue Opera is a regional art form, a niche genre. If we don't preserve it, it will eventually disappear," said Shang Jiemin, event organizer and president of the ACACC. He added that commemorative events like this not only celebrate Yue Opera's presence and influence but also ensure that its legacy continues for future generations.

"When we founded this organization, it was driven by passion. Our cultural roots are in tradition," said another organizer, Zhang Huizhu.

"Our organization has been at the forefront of promoting Chinese culture overseas. We hosted numerous events -- from traditional Yue Opera performances to folk music concerts, engaging local audiences in Flushing, Queens, while expanding outreach to Manhattan," she said.

She added that for many overseas Chinese, Yue Opera is more than just an art form -- it's a connection to their home country.

"I never met Yin Guifang," she said, "but growing up, my mother played Yue Opera at home. In Shanghai's alleyways, on the streets -- if you had a radio, you could hear it."

"These traditional melodies offer a sense of comfort and belong to the Chinese people living abroad," Zhang said.
A major controversy erupted in Himachal Pradesh after the posters of slain militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were forcefully pasted on buses operated by Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). The issue was raised in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly by the Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, who called for immediate action to prevent a recurrance of such incidents. Speaking in the Assembly, and later to mediapersons, Thakur expressed deep concern over the rise in incidents where individuals from outside the state were seen displaying flags and engaging in activities that could disturb law and order. "Himachal Pradesh has always been a peaceful state where people live in harmony. However, recent incidents, including outsiders displaying flags and taking the law into their own hands, cannot be allowed," he stated. Referring to the shocking event where an HRTC bus was stopped and Bhindranwale's posters were pasted on it, He added, "It is unacceptable that a bus was stopped in Punjab, posters of Bhindranwale were put up, and inappropriate slogans were shouted while wielding swords. I raised this matter in the Assembly today, and I urge the Chief Minister to personally speak with the Punjab Chief Minister to put an end to such incidents. Once such activities begin, they tend to escalate, which is neither good for Himachal nor for Punjab." Thakur further demanded strict action against those responsible for stopping the bus. "The perpetrators should be identified and punished. Punjab's Chief Minister must intervene to resolve this matter at the earliest," he asserted. Vikramaditya Singh, Cabinet Minister in the Himachal Pradesh government, strongly condemned the incident, calling it unfortunate. "Himachal Pradesh has always maintained cordial relations with all states. Incidents like these damage the state's reputation and hurt public sentiment, which cannot be tolerated," Singh remarked. He emphasized that maintaining law and order, particularly in border areas, remains a priority for the government. "The Chief Minister has taken note of these incidents. If such acts, involving pasting posters on Himachal's buses, have happened in Punjab or Haryana, they are entirely condemnable. Every state has a responsibility to uphold mutual respect and harmony. The Chief Minister will discuss this matter with the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future." he said. Singh also recalled a past incident when Khalistani flags were placed on the gates of the Dharamshala Assembly during the BJP government's tenure, calling it completely inappropriate. "We must remain vigilant and take necessary steps to ensure peace and harmony in the state," he added. Additionally, he pointed out the international dimension of the issue, mentioning the recent incidents where India's External Affairs Minister faced protests abroad. "We have seen how black flags were shown to our External Affairs Minister in London. Such activities are unfortunate. The Home Ministry must take this issue seriously and ensure that such incidents do not threaten India's unity," Singh said. Speaking on the issue, Rajesh Dharmani, Himachal Pradesh's Technical Education Minister, downplayed the idea that this was a full-scale law-and-order crisis but acknowledged the seriousness of the matter. "This is not a widespread law-and-order situation but an isolated incident. However, the Opposition Leader did raise this issue in the Assembly, along with the recent Bilaspur firing case, on which the Chief Minister has already taken action. Some individuals have been arrested," Dharmani stated. Referring to the presence of individuals waving certain flags and attacking police officers, he noted that legal action had already been initiated against them. "This issue is not limited to Himachal. If you look at Punjab, such incidents occur frequently. The Punjab government must take this issue seriously. The central government, particularly Home Minister Amit Shah, must also take strong action against anti-India forces. In the past, Punjab has witnessed severe terrorism, and unless both the Punjab government and the central government take decisive action, it will be impossible to curb such activities," he warned. Dharmani stressed that neighbouring states like Himachal are also impacted by instability in Punjab. "Himachal will do its part, but Punjab's government must act decisively. This is a national security concern, and the Indian government must deal with such anti-national activities with an iron hand," he added further. With political leaders across party lines demanding strict action, the issue of Bhindranwale posters on HRTC buses has turned into a significant political flashpoint. While the Himachal Pradesh government has promised to take necessary steps, all eyes are now on Punjab's response and the potential intervention of the central government in this matter.(ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday hit back at the Opposition leaders over their criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in the Lok Sabha on the MahaKumbh. Addressing a press conference, Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed that be it Rahul Gandhi or Akhilesh Yadav, several Opposition leaders did not even go to take a holy dip at the MahaKumbh. "Today, when the Prime Minister commented in the Lok Sabha on this great 'Sanatani' achievement of the nation, they opposed it as well. How far will they go for vote bank politics? This has become their tradition. Condolences for what happened there had already been expressed earlier. Proper compensation and words of sympathy have been conveyed to everyone. But can we not acknowledge this great achievement?" the BJP leader said. "Opposing Sanatan has become the agenda of these parties. The nation is watching everything, and the nation will respond," the former Union Minister said. Earlier today, the Prime Minister commended the successful organisation of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, attributing its success to the dedication of the public, administration, and devotees across the country and highlighting the collective efforts that contributed to the grand event. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi expressed deep gratitude towards the people of Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj for their efforts in hosting the event, calling the Maha Kumbh a symbol of India's growing national consciousness. "I am here to make a statement on the MahaKumbh held in Prayagraj. I want to thank the public and administration for the successful organisation of the MahaKumbh. The success of the MahaKumbh is the result of the efforts of various people. I want to thank everyone: the country's devotees, the public of UP, especially the people of Prayagraj. We all know that strenuous efforts took place to bring Ganga to earth; similar efforts have been taken to hold the grand Mahakumbh," PM Modi said. This ignited criticism from the Opposition leaders. Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed disappointment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech, didn't pay homage to those who lost their lives in the Mahakumbh stampede. Suggesting that the Prime Minister should speak about the unemployment issue, Gandhi said that the youth who went to Mahakumbh were also seeking employment opportunities. "I wanted to support what PM (Modi) said. Kumbh is our history and culture. Our only complaint is that the PM did not give Shraddhanjali to those who lost their lives in Kumbh. The youth who went to the Mahakumbh also wanted one more thing from the PM, which is employment. He should have spoken about that, too," Gandhi told reporters. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning how he could speak on the subject if it was previously deemed a state matter. Speaking to ANI, Banerjee accused the government of discrimination, alleging that opposition leaders were denied the opportunity to discuss the event in the past. "The Prime Minister spoke that was not on the list of business. All of a sudden the Prime Minister came and started speaking on the Maha Kumbh. We also wanted to speak on the Maha Kumbh but they used to say that Maha Kumbh is a state subject and cannot be discussed here. I am astonished at how the Prime Minister can speak on the Maha Kumbh if it is a state subject. This is pure discrimination," the Trinamool MP said. Congress leader KC Venugopal said that the Opposition has been demanding a discussion on the Mahakumbh but its demands were ignored. Venugopal further alleged that the union government stepped away from democratic traditions and usual conventions of the house by not allowing the Opposition to contribute to the Kumbh discussion. "Prime Minister can give a statement anytime, but there is a procedure, a convention that it should inform. Without informing the House, he suddenly came in and gave a statement on Kumbh, what is the secrecy behind it? But still PM has given a statement, Opposition wants to contribute little bit, that is the tradition. Just like the Leader of the House, Leader of Opposition also has privileges," Venugopal told ANI at the Parliament premises. Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Lok Sabha, Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday said that the Opposition has sentiments towards Maha Kumbh they should have also been allowed to speak for two minutes. "He was speaking optimistically on the Maha Kumbh... The Opposition also should have been given a chance to present their point because the Opposition also has sentiments towards it (Maha Kumbh) and they should not have any problem if we expressed ourselves... The Opposition should have also been allowed to speak for two minutes," Priyanka Gandhi told reporters. 30 people reportedly lost their lives at the stampede that occurred on the occasion of the Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual on January 29. The MahaKumbh 2025 concluded on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri on February 26, in which more than 66 crore 21 lakh devotees received the holy benefit of bathing in the holy Triveni. (ANI)
RJD MP Manoj Jha on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not in his speech in the Lok Sabha mention about the people who lost their lives during MahaKumbh. "This was a monologue, not a dialogue as he (PM Modi) does not believe in dialogue," Jha told ANI when asked about PM Modi's speech early in the Lok Sabha on MahaKumbh. "He should have at least spoken two words about those who lost their lives in the MahaKumbh. This would have sent a message that the government is sensitive," Jha said. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attributed the "success" of MahaKumbh in Prayagraj to the dedication of the public, administration, and devotees across the country and highlighted the collective efforts that contributed to the grand event. Speaking in Lok Sabha, PM Modi expressed deep gratitude towards the people of Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj for their efforts in hosting the event, calling the Mahakumbh a symbol of India's growing national consciousness. "I am here to make a statement on the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. I want to thank the public and administration for the successful organisation of the Mahakumbh. The success of the Mahakumbh is the result of the efforts of various people. I want to thank everyone: the country's devotees, the public of UP, especially the people of Prayagraj. We all know that strenuous efforts took place to bring Ganga to earth; similar efforts have been made to hold the grand Mahakumbh," said PM Modi. He further said that the whole world has witnessed the great glory of Bharat through this event. "This is because of the contribution of the country's people. This Mahakumbh was inspired by the faith of the people, for the determination of the people. In this Mahakumbh, we saw the greatness of the awakening of our national consciousness," he said. He emphasised that the event was not just a spiritual gathering but a powerful demonstration of the nation's potential and resolve. The Mahakumbh 2025 concluded on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri on February 26, in which more than 66 crore 21 lakh devotees had the opportunity of bathing in the holy Triveni waters. (ANI)
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh on Tuesday held a meeting with the Parliamentary Delegation led by Angelika Niebler, member of the European Parliament and Chairwoman of the European Parliament's Delegation. On March 17, Parliamentary Delegation led by Marcos Perestrello, Vice-President of Portuguese Assembly called on the Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh in Parliament House Complex. As per a statement from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, "Welcoming the delegation, Harivansh lauded the cordial relationship between India and Portugal based on shared history, maritime connections, cultural and diaspora linkages driven by common values of democracy and multilateralism." Reflecting on the long-standing relationship, Harivansh said that he was happy to note that both the countries have been undertaking activities to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations and that several activities in the fields of art, culture, academic conferences, seminars, book launches and films are being carried out with great enthusiasm. India and Portugal both have maintained the tradition of sustained interaction and dialogue at high levels of leadership. Emphasising on the social and cultural engagements between India and Portugal, Harivansh said that there have been keen interest of the Portuguese people towards Indian culture, Philosophy, Yoga, Ayurveda, Music, Dance, Indian cuisine and films. Harivansh expressed his gratitude for the welcoming attitude shown by Portugal in receiving new immigrants from India and helping them to integrate with the Portuguese society and community which has infused further dynamism into the bilateral ties and deepening engagements in various sectors. Highlighting natural synergies and complementarities existing between the two nations, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh emphasized that both countries must continue their efforts to forge closer ties, explore new opportunities and realize the full potential of these forward-looking partnership. Harivansh said that India encourages more Portuguese businesses to leverage India's vast market and manufacturing ecosystem not only to serve domestic consumers but also to cater to the global supply chains. Concluding the meeting, Harivansh expressed hope that the visit of the Portuguese Assembly delegation would further strengthen the Indian-Portuguese partnership and impart fresh momentum to the rapidly growing bilateral relations between the two nations. (ANI)
The President also met students from various Eklavya Model Residential schools of Jammu and Kashmir at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A social media post by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on X read, "President Droupadi Murmu met group of students from Ladakh attending the National Integration Tour and students from various Eklavya Model Residential Schools of Jammu & Kashmir at Rashtrapati Bhavan." (ANI)
In the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Nayara Energy signed two MoUs with the Forest Environment Department of the State Government and the Vidya Samiksha Kendra under the Education Department in Gandhinagar, an official statement said on Tuesday. As per the MoU, Nayara Energy will provide financial support for the conservation and restoration project of Khijdia Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar district. Under this project, which will be undertaken for a total of three years at a total cost of Rs12 crore, the environmental conditions of the wetlands (wetlands) will be improved, local biodiversity will be enhanced, and local stakeholders will be encouraged to participate in the management of wetlands and its associated activities, the statement stated. It further added that it will also help improve the ecological and hydrological health of the wetlands, which is beneficial to the local communities in the sanctuary's catchment area, and reduce the pressure on biodiversity. This project mainly covers the promotion of eco-tourism, wetland restoration conservation infrastructure development and capacity building. It is important to point out that due to the diversity of the geographical areas surrounding the Khirjadiya Bird Sanctuary (KRS) and its Ramsar (Wetland of International Importance) site, a variety of species are found. 185 species of plants, 23 species of butterflies, 21 species of dragonflies, 9 species of fish and shrimp, and 321 species of birds (including 125 aquatic and 9 mammalian species). The Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature also includes 29 species of significant importance, as per the statement. Khirjadiya plays a major role in regulating local hydrology and in maintaining local economy and cultural values. Rain and runoff recharge the groundwater, which prevents salinity from entering the soil. The Khijdia Bird Sanctuary is surrounded by five villages (eco-sensitive zones), including Khijdia, Dhuvav, Jambuda, Sachana and Vibhapar, which are located at a distance of 1 to 3 kilometres. The MOU also states that the Forest Department will act as the implementing agency and Nayara Energy will be the financial and other resource-supporting agency in this project to conserve and restore the Khijdia Bird Sanctuary. The MoU will boost reading activity in 1300 government schools and Anganwadis of Jamnagar and Devbhoomi Dwarka. For this purpose, Nayara Energy is going to undertake this project for three years, i.e. from April 2025 to March 2028 in the next academic year. More than 150 books in English and Gujarati will be provided per school in government schools in Jamnagar and Devbhoomi Dwarka. 90 books in a language that children can understand will be available in 1900 Anganwadis, which will develop early literacy in children. In total, a strong foundation for reading and new learning will be created by the implementation of this project by distributing about 3,75,000 books, it further stated. In addition, teachers and librarians will be trained in library management and reading engagement, which will ensure the effective use of resources and sustainable impact. In addition, to strengthen the availability of digital reading and digital infrastructure, this initiative will also focus on using digital platforms and integrating digital reading sessions into the curriculum of schools using smart classrooms, computer labs, or tablets. In addition, teachers will be trained on using open-source digital libraries in education and using technology to integrate digital reading into the classroom. This entire initiative will give a new impetus to Gujarat's efforts to build a strong reading culture, expand quality multilingual reading materials for children at different levels of education, strengthen literacy in Anganwadi children from childhood, empower teachers through training on physical and digital literacy resources, use technology and open-source platforms to increase accessibility and inclusion in reading, etc. This MOU will give a new direction to holistic issues like. Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister MK Das, Principal Secretary Education Mukesh Kumar, Principal Secretary Forest Environment Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jaipal Singh, State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Ranjith Kumar, and senior officials of Nayara Energy were present at the signing of this MOU. (ANI)
Prayers are being offered at the Dola Mata Temple in Jhulasan, the native village of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, for her safe return to Earth. Williams, along with other astronauts, has begun her journey back after spending more than nine months on the International Space Station (ISS). Dinesh Pandya, a priest at the temple, said, "We are all very happy and we have been praying for her (NASA astronaut Sunita Williams) for the last nine months. When she went to space for the first time, she took a picture of Dola Mata with her. Whenever she comes to India, she definitely visits the temple." Dinesh Rawal, Sunita Williams's cousin brother in Gujarat, expressed his happiness and said that she is the pride of the nation. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Sunita Williams on March 1 expressing his concern for this 'daughter of India'. "The heartfelt letter was sent to Sunita through astronaut Mike Massimino, reflecting the pride of 1.4 billion Indians. A few days ago, PM Modi met Massimino at an event and requested that this letter from him and the people of India must reach her. Wishing her strength and a safe return, the PM reaffirmed India's deep bond with its illustrious daughter. Sunita, in turn, touched by the gesture, expressed her gratitude to PM Modi and India," Jitendra Singh said. PM Modi in his letter mentioned that 1.4 billion Indians have always taken pride in her achievements and he looks forward to her safe return home. "I convey to you greetings from the people of India. At a programme today, I met the noted astronaut, Mr. Mike Massimino. During the course of our conversation, your name came up and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you," PM Modi wrote in his letter to Sunita. He further said that he inquired about her well-being during his visits to the United States. "When I met President Trump or President Biden during my visits to the United States, I inquired about your well-being. 1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in their achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance," he added. PM Modi further said, "Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission." NASA's Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore, along with two others, have undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) and are scheduled to splash down on Earth Tuesday evening. Williams and Wilmore are accompanying SpaceX Crew 9 astronaut Nick Hague and Russian astronaut Alexander Gorbunov. (ANI)
Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday chaired a meeting of All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretaries and state in-charges. The meeting was held at Indira Bhawan, New Delhi. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was also present in the meeting. Congress leaders including Bhupesh Baghel, Kumari Seljha, Sachin Pilot, Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal, Ajay Maken, and Randeep Surjewala among others also participated in the meeting. On March 8, Rahul Gandhi addressed party workers in Ahmedabad and emphasized that the Congress Party must first fulfil its responsibilities before asking people for votes. During the Samvaad program, Rahul Gandhi said, "It has been almost 30 years since we have been in power here. Whenever I come here, there are discussions on Assembly elections of 2007, 2012, 2017, 2022, 2027...But the question is not about elections. The people of Gujarat will not make us win the elections until we fulfil our responsibilities...We should not even ask the people of Gujarat to bring us to power until we fulfil our responsibilities. I guarantee you that the day we do this, the people of Gujarat will give their support to the Congress party." Rahul Gandhi criticised the Congress Party itself and said, "Gujarat is stuck, it is unable to see the way, Gujarat wants to move forward. I am a member of the Congress party and I am saying that the Congress party of Gujarat is unable to show it the way, and I am not speaking with shame, I am not speaking with fear, I want to put this before you whether it is our workers, whether it is Rahul Gandhi, whether it is our general secretary, whether it is our PCC president, we are unable to show the way to Gujarat. Till date, the expectations of Gujarat from us, from me, from our PCC president, from our in-charge in the last 30 years, we are unable to fulfil them." The 86th All India Congress Committee (AICC) Convention will be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat from April 8 to 9. (ANI)
Five people were arrested in connection with gang-rape of a 13-year-old girl in Madhya Pradesh's Alirajpur district in the Malwa region, a police officer said on Tuesday. The incident occurred in a village under the jurisdiction of Kotwali police station in the district on Monday evening. The minor girl was present at her house's shop during which five youths reached there; three of them took the minor inside and raped her. While two of them stayed outside the shop. After the incident, the minor girl along with her mother approached the police station and lodged a complaint against the accused. Upon receiving the complaint, the police registered a case under relevant sections and arrested all the accused, the officer added. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pradeep Patel told ANI, "An incident occurred in a village under the jurisdiction of Kotwali police station on Monday evening where a minor girl was present at her house's shop and her mother was at home. During this, three people reached at the shop, they took her inside and raped her. The victim also told the police that two more people were standing outside the shop. After the incident, the minor along with her mother reached the police station and lodged a complaint." "Acting on the complaint, the police immediately swung into action and arrested all the five accused within a few hours. The police registered a case under relevant sections, including sections of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act," the officer said. Further investigation into the matter is underway, he added. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Union Ministries of Finance and Home Affairs to file a report on the allegation that various contracts of the public works in Arunachal Pradesh were awarded to firms linked to Chief Minister Pema Khandu's family members. The bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices P.V. Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, took a serious view of the allegation and asked the ministries to clarify their stance. "We want the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Home Affairs report. The CAG report is neither here nor there. We must have a clear-cut answer as to who the parties to whom the contract is awarded and what is the process. If tenders were not called for, it must be stated. Both the ministries must come out clear. We also need to see who are the ones behind it," said the bench. It also asked Arunachal Pradesh and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to file a report on the allegations as well. In its order, the bench said, "We need a detailed affidavit from the State of Arunachal furnishing details of parties to whom the contract was awarded and about the contract mentioned in the plea. In addition, the reply shall entail contracts awarded to respondents 4 to 6. Ministry of Finance and Home Affairs to file a detailed affidavit and CAG is also directed to submit contract-wise details and the persons to whom it was awarded." The apex court said that copies of the report are to be filed in five weeks and posted the matter for hearing in the week commencing July 21. The order of the top court came on a PIL seeking a CBI or SIT probe into the award of contracts for public works to firms owned by family members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The plea was filed in the top court by NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena. Pema Khandu's father Dorjee Khandu's second wife Rinchin Drema and his nephew Tsering Tashi have also been made parties in the case. In a helicopter crash in 2011, Dorjee Khandu died when he was the Chief Minister. "Rinchin Drema's firm, Brand Eagles, has been awarded a large number of government contracts despite there being a clear conflict of interest," the petitioner claimed. The PIL claimed that when there is evidence of government contracts being awarded solely to firms owned by the family members of the Chief Minister and his close associates, it is reasonable to infer that such favouritism in awarding government contracts of vast magnitude could not have occurred without the direct knowledge, consent, and active support of the minister concerned. "The Minister of this department was Dorjee Khandu, also former CM, till 2011 and then the charge was taken up by his son Pema Khandu, now present Chief Minister. It is a serious cause of concern in view of so many work orders executed by few selective firms belonging to the Minister himself and his family members," it stated. (ANI)
Chinese technology firm Huawei has completed the second phase of a digital connectivity project targeting 21 primary schools in Kenya to boost learning outcomes among pupils, according to a statement issued on Monday.

Through a partnership with the Kenyan government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Huawei has supported the rollout of high-speed Internet connectivity in Kenyan schools, following its long-term digital inclusion initiative, TECH4ALL.

Steven Zhang, deputy chief executive officer for public affairs at Huawei Kenya, said connectivity has improved the quality of learning in local schools, besides enabling head teachers to easily access management systems online.

"Connectivity in the classroom is making learning more interesting, fun, and effective," Zhang was quoted as saying, adding that access to high-speed internet is improving access to education resources online, whether videos, curriculum, or experts, and in schools catering for special educational needs, connectivity is helping experts to provide assessment and rehabilitation services remotely.

Phase one of the Huawei-supported DigiSchool project connected 13 schools to high-speed Internet, benefiting 6,000 students and teachers, with a thorough evaluation finding that 98 percent of learners admitted that connectivity met their educational needs, according to Huawei.

In addition, 84 percent of students said the Internet makes learning more exciting, while 71 percent said online resources make complex ideas easier to understand.

John Tanui, principal secretary in the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, said the second phase of Kenya DigiSchool Connectivity Project, which also covered six schools for children with special needs, aligns with the government's quest to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth.

Louise Haxthausen, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, said partnerships are key to boosting access to high-speed Internet in schools, ensuring that children and youth have access to equitable and quality education.
The Congress' central leadership has called meetings of the party's district presidents. The meetings will be held at Indira Bhawan in Delhi on 27-28 March and 3 April, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said. The decision was taken at a meeting of AICC general secretaries and state in-charges of AICC chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The meeting discussed the AICC session to be held 8th and 9th April in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. "Today in the meeting, there was a long discussion on the AICC session, which is going to be held on 8th and 9th April in Ahmedabad. On 8th April, there will be a meeting of the Congress Working Committee in Ahmedabad itself, and on the 9th, there will be the AICC session," Jairam Ramesh told reporters. "Apart from this, a meeting of all the District Congress Committee (DCC) Presidents of the country has been called on 27th March, 28th March and 3rd April in this Indira Gandhi Bhawan in New Delhi. This meeting is taking place after many years, I think after 16 years. The objective of this meeting is to make DCC stronger and how to bring DCC to the centre of our organization," he added. 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)
Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi President Prakash Ambedkar while speaking with ANI voiced strong criticism of the Police's response to the recent violence in Nagpur, which erupted following rumours about the desecration of religious symbols. Ambedkar highlighted the role of misinformation in escalating tensions, stating that timely intervention by the police could have prevented the unrest. According to Ambedkar, rumours about the burning of green cloth and the Quran fueled the violence. He said,"According to the information provided to me by my workers, an effigy of the Mazar, which had a green cloth draped over it, was set on fire. Initially, a rumor spread that the green Mazar itself had been burned. Before the namaz could begin, a delegation approached the police commissioner to inform him about the false rumor being circulated." "Before the namaz is over, the police should have reacted to it. The rumour was that the Quran was burnt... If the police had acted on these two reports, which they had, and made a statement that no Quran was burnt and no green cloth was burnt, I think the situation would have been a different one. I would not say the police should alone be held responsible, after all, they have to manage the show," he further added. Prakash Ambedkar also criticized the state government for its selective approach, accusing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of blaming only one side he also warned that such actions could deepen communal divides, suggesting that the controversy surrounding Aurangzeb's tomb might be used as a political tool in the upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections. He said, "What the CM is doing is taking action against only one., this is slow built of making Hindi Raja vs Muslim Raja in Maharashtra and use Aurangzeb as platform for the next election, therefore Aurangzeb Mazar will be made next Ayodhya for the 2026 parliamentary election." A curfew was imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice. (ANI)
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday welcomed the decision of the six Supreme Court judges who will visit relief camps in violence-affected Manipur, on March 22, to strengthen legal and humanitarian support. Speaking to ANI, Jairam questioned the delay in imposing the President's rule in the violence-affected state. "We welcome the decision of the six judges of the Supreme Court who will go (to Manipur) on 22nd March. It was in August 2023 that the Supreme Court said that there was an absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery. Those were the exact words used by the Supreme Court, but in spite of that, it took the government almost 18-19 months to impose the President's rule...Why did it take 18 months to impose the President's rule? Why, there was no full-time Governor for six months. They removed a tribal lady, a distinguished political personality and they gave additional charge to the Governor of Assam. They brought a retired civil servant as a full-time governor. Why? Why did it take so long?" the Congress MP said. He also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur issue. "And most importantly, why is the Prime Minister still silent on Manipur? He goes to Asam, he doesn't go to Manipur...Pain of Manipur is pain of India and I'm glad that the judges of Supreme Court are going there," Jairam Ramesh said. The delegation comprising Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, KV Viswanathan and N Kotishwar will visit Manipur relief camps on March 22. Justice Gavai, the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), will virtually inaugurate legal services camps and medical camps across all districts of Manipur, as well as new legal aid clinics in Imphal East, Imphal West and Ukhrul districts. There will also be distribution of essential relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The legal services camps will connect IDPs with government welfare programs, ensuring access to vital benefits such as healthcare, pensions, employment schemes, and identity document reconstruction. The violence in Manipur between the Hindu Meiteis and the tribal Kuki, who are Christians, erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023. Violence had gripped the entire State and the Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. (ANI)
Several nurses federations have filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court, urging the Centre to formulate and enforce comprehensive guidelines for transfer policies in medical institutes, with a particular focus on spousal considerations. The petition highlights that the absence of transfer policies based on spousal grounds at AIIMS constitutes indirect discrimination against women, who, as primary caregivers, are often compelled to relinquish employment opportunities. This omission, the petition argues, is illegal and violates the constitutional guarantees of non-discrimination under Article 14, as well as the rights to equal opportunity and gender equality enshrined in Articles 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution. Several nurses federations, including the All India Government Nurses Federation, Nursing Professional Development Association (NPDA), AIIMS Rishikesh, AIIMS Patna Nurses Union, and Mangalagiri AIIMS Nursing Officer's Association, have emphasised the significance of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Office Memorandum. The memorandum underscores the importance of ensuring that spouses are posted at the same station to enable them to lead a normal family life and to safeguard the education and welfare of their children, stated the plea. It further states that Section 35 of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Regulations, 2019, stipulates that for matters not explicitly addressed in the regulations, the rules applicable to Central Government servants concerning general conditions of service shall apply to AIIMS employees. This ensures consistency in administrative practices and aligns AIIMS policies with broader Central Government service regulations. Filed through Advocates Satya Sabharwal and Palak Bishnoi, the petition further submits that, where feasible, if both husband and wife are employed in the same department and the required level of post is available, they should invariably be posted together. This measure, it argues, would enable families to maintain a cohesive and stable environment, ensuring the well-being of their children and promoting a balanced family life, plea added. (ANI)
A special court (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Tuesday awarded a triple-death sentence to a man convicted for rape and murder of a five-year-old girl, which was reported in September last year. The court also sentenced the convict's mother and sister for two years of rigorous imprisonment each for causing disappearance of evidence. Additional Sessions Judge and Special Judge (POCSO) Kumudini Patel sentenced the accused Atul Nihale with triple death sentence separately under sections 64(2)(L) of BNS (Bharatiya Nyay Sahita) & 5(j)(i)/6 of POCSO Act, section 66 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) & 5(j)(iv)/6 of POCSO Act and section 103 of BNS. Additionally, Judge Patel sentenced the accused for double life imprisonment for the rest of natural life separately under sections 65(2) BNS & 5 (m)/6 of POCSO Act and 64(2)M of BNS & 5 (l)/6 of POCSO Act. The court also awarded seven years of rigorous imprisonment to the accused each under sections 87 and 238(a) of BNS. Along with this, Judge Kumudini Patel also sentenced the co-accused in the case, Atul's mother, and his sister for two years of rigorous imprisonment under section 238 (a) of BNS. Giving further details of the case, Special Public Prosecutor Divya Shukla, who pleaded the case, told ANI, "The incident occurred on September 24, last year, a minor went missing from her apartment and two days later her body was recovered from the house of the accused. It was sent to AIIMS Bhopal for post mortem and it was revealed in the report that she was raped. Later, the accused was arrested and in the DNA examination, it was confirmed that the accused raped and murdered the minor." After that a charge sheet of the case was prepared and presented before the court. The trial began before the court and a total of 22 witnesses testified before the court, Shukla said. "During the hearing on Tuesday, based on the evidence, the court found the accused guilty and convicted him with triple death sentence in different sections and double life imprisonment till death in various sections. The court also sentenced the accused's mother Basanti Bai and his sister Chanchal for two years of rigorous imprisonment each," Public Prosecutor added. She further highlighted that the court also instructed to provide Rs 4 lakh compensation to the family of the victim. (ANI)
One of the gang member who was injured in the retaliatory firing is under going treatment at a local hospital, Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhimanyu Rana said.

Rana told ANI that police got information that three members of the gang were moving about near the border area.

"...We received information that three members of the Landa gang are roaming near the border area. When the police tried to stop them, they fired at the police and in retaliatory firing, one of the member (of the Landa gang) Ajay Pal got injured and has been admitted to the hospital," SSP Rana said.

"Two other members Raunaq and Deepak have been arrested and 0.5 kg heroin, a pistol has been recovered from them...," the police officer said. (ANI)
Delhi's Rohini Court recently sentenced a man for 10 years imprisonment for the offence of sexually assaulting a mentally challenged minor boy in North West Delhi in 2017. The convicts and the victim were residents of the same village. An FIR was registered in September 2017. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sushil Bala Dagar sentenced the main accused to 10 years' improvement under section six of the POCSO Act. He has been sentenced to different jail terms for the offences of causing hurt, house trespass, and criminal intimidation. The other two convicts have been sentenced to six months imprisonment for causing hurt, house trespass and criminal intimidation. The court has awarded a compensation of Rs.10.5 lakh to the victim. While awarding the sentence, the court said that It is the responsibility of society as a whole to take care of its children and to protect them from their physiological and psychological exploitation at the hands of sexual abusers. The children of the present day are the future of society "The interest of the vulnerable child needs to be protected for a healthy, developed and vibrant society. The psychological scars of the sexual abuses during childhood are indelible, and they keep haunting the individual forever, thereby hindering their proper physical and psychological development," the court said on March 3. In the present case, the main convict committed penetrative sexual assault upon a minor boy with mental disability, taking advantage of his mental disability. The victim was already known to the convict as being from the same village, despite which such an element of perversion has been shown towards a child with a mental disability. During arguements on sentence, Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Yogita Kaushik had contended that the convicts should be granted maximum punishment so that like-minded persons in the society are deterred from committing such heinous and despicable offences. She also argued that the offence committed by the convicts in this matter is highly derogatory in nature. The main accused was also involved in three criminal cases in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a sharp attack on the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) faction while addressing the Legislative Council on the recent violence in Nagpur. Shinde responded aggressively to MLA Anil Parab's statement, in which he compared himself to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and accused the Opposition of compromising for power. While providing details on the violence that took place in Nagpur, Shinde also criticised Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi for his statement on Aurangzeb. He accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of engaging in political hypocrisy, claiming that while they publicly opposed BJP, they had secretly held discussions about allying. "In 2022, I did not do anything secretly. Whatever I did, I did openly and with a bold heart. But your leaders (Thackeray faction) secretly met BJP leaders and expressed willingness to form an alliance, only to backtrack later," Shinde remarked in the Council. Responding to Anil Parab's earlier claim that he was tortured like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to switch parties, Shinde dismissed the statement. "What torture did you go through? I know that you also bowed down after action was taken against you. But after being released from the case, you turned around like your leaders," he said. Challenging the comparison to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Shinde underscored the brutal execution of the Maratha ruler at the hands of Aurangzeb. "His eyes were gouged out, his tongue was cut, his skin was peeled, and salt was rubbed into his wounds. Were you subjected to such atrocities? You gave in for power and broke the alliance for the Chief Minister's chair," he said, accusing the Opposition of conspiring to jail BJP leaders during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government's tenure. Speaking on the Nagpur incident, Shinde stated that eyewitness reports indicate the violence was pre-planned. "Every day, 100-150 two-wheelers are parked in one place in the riot-affected area, but on that day, not a single vehicle belonging to the rioters was found there. How did petrol bombs, sticks, and swords suddenly appear in such large numbers? This was clearly a planned act," he alleged. "We courageously freed the bow and arrow, which the Shiv Sena had handed over to the Congress," Shinde asserted, adding that the Shiv Sena (UBT) has no right to speak of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj as they have accepted the ideas of Aurangzeb. The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated his stance, emphasising that his political decisions were guided by the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray and Hindutva. (ANI)
After Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in the Lok Sabha on Maha Kumbh, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said that the Congress always criticized everything that makes India and Indians proud. Speaking to ANI, Bansuri emphasised that the House runs according to the rules. "I am surprised by the negative comments of the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress party and Priyanka Gandhi. Maha Kumbh was such a successful event that 66 crore devotees came and participated. Prime Minister said that this event is not only a religious event but also a symbol of the power of unity. But it seems that everything that makes India and Indians proud is always criticised by the Congress party. They spread the politics of hate. I want to tell Priyanka Gandhi that the House runs according to the rules," the BJP MP said. Earlier today, the Prime Minister commended the successful organisation of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, attributing its success to the dedication of the public, administration, and devotees across the country and highlighting the collective efforts that contributed to the grand event. Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed disappointment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech, didn't pay homage to those who lost their lives in the Mahakumbh stampede. Suggesting that the Prime Minister should speak about the unemployment issue, Gandhi said that the youth who went to Mahakumbh were also seeking employment opportunities. "I wanted to support what PM (Modi) said. Kumbh is our history and culture. Our only complaint is that the PM did not give Shraddhanjali to those who lost their lives in Kumbh. The youth who went to the Mahakumbh also wanted one more thing from the PM, which is employment. He should have spoken about that, too," Gandhi told reporters. Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Lok Sabha, Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday said that the Opposition has sentiments towards Maha Kumbh they should have also been allowed to speak for two minutes. "He was speaking optimistically on the Maha Kumbh... The Opposition also should have been given a chance to present their point because the Opposition also has sentiments towards it (Maha Kumbh) and they should not have any problem if we expressed ourselves... The Opposition should have also been allowed to speak for two minutes," Priyanka Gandhi told reporters. (ANI)
At least two people were killed and 19 others injured in Israeli airstrikes on the southern Syrian province of Deraa, Al Jazeera reported, citing Syria's state news agency SANA. The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, stating that it targeted military sites containing weapons belonging to the forces of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Israeli army "is currently striking military targets in southern Syria, including command centres and military sites containing weapons and military vehicles belonging to the old Syrian regime," an army statement said, adding that the "military assets" posed "a threat to the State of Israel". The army further stated that it "will not allow the presence of military threats in southern Syria and will operate against it." This is not the first time Israel has targeted the Deraa province. The area has previously been hit in similar strikes aimed at military assets. Earlier this week, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted an airstrike on a command centre of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Damascus, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The IDF claimed that the command centre was used to "plan and direct terrorist activities" by the PIJ against Israel. "The IAF conducted an intelligence-based strike on a terrorist command centre belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organisation in Damascus. The command centre was used to plan and direct terrorist activities by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad against the State of Israel," the IDF said in a post on X. The attack, carried out with two missiles, killed at least one person, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as per Al Jazeera. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said the attack shows Israel "will not allow Syria to become a threat to the state of Israel. There will be no immunity for Islamic terrorism against Israel - whether in Damascus or anywhere else," Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
China's new tonne-class unmanned transport aircraft completes maiden flight

Xinhua) 08:27, March 18, 2025

An aerial drone photo shows staff members celebrating the maiden flight of China's domestically developed tonne-class unmanned transport aircraft, the TP1000, at an airport in east China's Shandong Province, March 15, 2025. (Yi-Tong UAV System Co., Ltd/Handout via Xinhua)

BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- China's domestically developed tonne-class unmanned transport aircraft, the TP1000, has completed its maiden flight in east China's Shandong Province.

Designed and manufactured by Yi-Tong UAV System Co., Ltd, based in Yantai, Shandong Province, the aircraft flew for 26 minutes on Saturday at an airport in Shandong. Its stable performance validated its design and reliability, reported the Science and Technology Daily on Monday.

The maiden flight signifies another significant advancement for China in the field of high-end unmanned aviation equipment.

As a large cargo drone developed under China's civil aviation airworthiness procedures, the TP1000 boasts a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms, a maximum range of 1,000 kilometers when fully loaded, and a 7-cubic-meter cargo bay.

With a takeoff weight of 3.3 tonnes, it features twin-engine modular installation, a self-developed multi-redundant flight control system, and advantages in endurance, payload, and cost-efficiency.

Notably, the TP1000 is equipped with a large rear cargo door, enabling intelligent airdrop for material delivery and emergency rescue in various scenarios, according to the report.

"In addition to transporting goods, the TP1000 can be quickly modified according to customer specifications for marine monitoring, scientific exploration, resource development, and regional infrastructure projects due to its excellent flight performance, load capacity, and lower operating costs," said Yi-Tong's General Manager Jin Ge.

Yi-Tong aims to obtain airworthiness certification for the TP1000 by late 2025, with commercial operations expected to begin in 2026 after regulatory approval, said Jin.

"The TP1000's successful debut upgrades our product portfolio centered on fixed-wing and vertical takeoff composite-wing drones," said Jin.

Currently, the company's fixed-wing TP500 model, with a payload capacity of 500 kilograms, successfully completed test flights of its newly certified design in February 2025, moving into a new certification phase. Meanwhile, the TR100, a core model with a payload capacity of 150 kilograms, has also entered the trial operation stage, according to Jin.

"Compared to the TP500, which carries 500 kg over 500 km, the TP1000 offers greater payload and range. Together, they will address the booming demand for low-altitude logistics," he said.

The company has secured 30 orders from clients including ZTO Express.

This achievement aligns with China's strategic push to develop its low-altitude economy, which has been identified as a key growth sector in the country.

The Yantai Huang-Bohai New Area has emerged as a hub for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) research and development, and manufacturing, hosting enterprises and research institutes across drone production, core components, and air-land-sea applications.

Yi-Tong has established a 4,000-square-meter production line in the new area and has initiated the construction of a UAV industrial park over 20,000 square meters, said Jin.

By the end of 2025, the company aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 100 large UAVs, fostering a cluster of upstream and downstream supporting industries to help Yantai develop into a national-level UAV industrial hub, he added.

An aerial drone photo shows China's domestically developed tonne-class unmanned transport aircraft, the TP1000, conducting its maiden flight at an airport in east China's Shandong Province, March 15, 2025. (Yi-Tong UAV System Co., Ltd/Handout via Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows China's domestically developed tonne-class unmanned transport aircraft, the TP1000, conducting its maiden flight at an airport in east China's Shandong Province, March 15, 2025. (Yi-Tong UAV System Co., Ltd/Handout via Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows China's domestically developed tonne-class unmanned transport aircraft, the TP1000, conducting its maiden flight at an airport in east China's Shandong Province, March 15, 2025. (Yi-Tong UAV System Co., Ltd/Handout via Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Executive Director Dhruva Jaishankar said on Monday that priorities for US President Donald Trump have been Canada, China, Mexico, European Union to some extent and noted that India has been a little exempt. Speaking to ANI, Jaishankar recalled that Trump before his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that they are imposing global reciprocal taxes. According to him, India will be particularly hard hit along with other nations. He mentioned that the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry held talks with the US Trade Representative and expressed hope that there will be some kind of interim agreement before April 2. On reciprocal tariffs by US, Dhruva Jaishankar said, "The priorities for Trump on tariffs have been Canada, Mexico, China, European Union to some extent. So far, thankfully, India has been a little exempt. Then he announced actually the same day that Prime Minister Modi met with him a little earlier, that day a few hours before, that they were going to do global reciprocal taxes. India has much higher tariffs than the US. So, India will be particularly hard hit, along with a few other countries, Malaysia, Brazil, others. So it will matter for India. I think there have been some attempts even in the last few days for trade negotiations, including Commerce Industry Minister Piyush Goyal." "He spoke with the US Trade Representative about three or four days back. So I think there's some hope that there will be some kind of interim agreement before April 2nd. Let's see if that happens. But with the idea of working towards a longer-term agreement by September or October of this year, that will help stabilize the relationship. This will require some give or take by both sides. But, hopefully that means that we avoid a very dangerous slide towards because if the US applies those tariffs, India will also apply certain tariffs as countermeasures. So, hopefully we can avoid that situation. The good news is Trump has also shown with other cases that he is willing to, at the last minute, back off. So let's see if that happens. But, I'm not yet too worried. I think we will have some intense negotiations in the next few weeks," he added. Dhruv Jaishankar called Raisina Dialogue, which began on Monday, an "important global forum." He said that Raisina Dialogue has over 100 sessions and participation of 4000 delegates. He stated that the Raisina Dialogue is "positive and constructive" compared to other international conferences like the Munich Security Conference. On Raisina Dialogue, he said, "I didn't attend the first Raisina Dialogue. I think I've attended almost everyone since then, and last four, five years I've been with ORF, that is one of the organizing partners, it's become an important global forum. We now have people from over 100 countries who attend. We have over 100 sessions, 4,000 delegates, 2,000 from abroad. So it's become a place, pulse. I see one big difference compared to a lot of other international conferences is the tone is actually quite positive and constructive, you know, compared to say the Munich Security Conference, which is much more confrontational." "So I think that even we've just had the first few sessions, and my takeaway was the tone is still much more positive compared to what's happening in many other parts of the world. I think there are a lot of themes this year. Issues of connectivity are high. Issues of trade are obviously very high. A lot of change, geopolitical shifts, particularly involving Russia and Ukraine, Middle East, Indo-Pacific. So, I think all of these are coming up," he added. The Raisina Dialogue, which is being held in Delhi from March 17-19, is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. It is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Dhruva Jaishankar noted that Ukraine has agreed to terms for a ceasefire and now the ball lies in Russia's court. He mentioned that talks are expected between Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Dhruva Jaishankar said, "I think a few things. I think now one is after the last round of negotiations between US officials, the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, with the Ukrainians, they agreed to terms for a ceasefire, which they have now sent to Russia. So I think, as they put it, the ball is now in Russia's court. Tomorrow there will be a conversation between Trump and Putin that is expected. Let's see what comes of that. So, I think that will show. What really is at stake, though, is less the territorial gains. It is more the terms of the ceasefire for Ukraine. What is Ukraine's status going to be? That is really what is up in the air and I think the number of scenarios to look at would have different levels of involvement by the US, we're expecting less involvement by the US. But the question really is how much the other European countries support Ukraine going forward and how much of that is deemed acceptable for Russia for a ceasefire." Asked what kind of role he thinks India can play to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, he responded, "Saudi Arabia has played the main role as the intermediary. They've had the venue for the conversations, for the dialogue. I think India has said that India's offices are open for any kind of intermediary role, if both sides are happy with that and it has been used at various points in time over the past three years to pass messages from the US and Ukraine and Europe to Russia and vice versa, particularly when it comes to resolving specific problems." "But I think what the issue that India and a few other countries as well, Turkiye, UAE, Saudi Arabia, have said is if you want us to play a role, we are there. But so far it looks like Saudi Arabia has been the preferred place for those dialogues. So I think India's doors are open. It really is up to where both sides see a potential role for India to play," he added. Asked whether any action is taken in the peace process following the meeting, he responded, "We don't know. I mean, I think, again, it looks like all sides are making an effort. I think, again, at this point of time, really it's about how Russia responds is really a question. We may have a bit more clarity in the next 24-48 hours, but it remains to be seen. Again, we've had ceasefires as well. There was one recently between Israel and Hamas that has been also quite tenuous. So let's see how this goes." Notably, Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an "immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire," which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by Russia. Asked whether the reciprocal trade tariff poses a threat to the Global South and the kind of challenges that the Global South faces currently, Dhruva Jaishankar said, "There are three sets of issues that matter and which also matter for India. One is institutional reform. Now, the US has already not taken much part in the G20 this year because of South Africa's hosting. They are supposed to be the host next year. So let's see what happens. But the question of broader institutional reform is number one. World Bank, IMF, UN, other major agencies. Second, health, energy and food security. So, the COVID pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighted how this is an issue and where the Global South's concerns are not being often taken into consideration. So that's the second set of issues." "The third is climate justice and that's again an issue where the US, under Trump, is less interested in. So I think these are the three sets of issues, as I see, where there's some common agenda for the Global South, which advance Indian interests as well. But you have 100-plus countries, 120 countries that also feel the same way broadly. And this is where I think there will be some effort on the part. The question is, will a US that doesn't play as active a role, will that actually open opportunity? In some cases, maybe. Will it actually be a hindrance? And that will also be true. So that remains to be seen," he added. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has revoked the secret service protection for former US President Joe Biden's children Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden. Trump noted that Hunter Biden had secret service protection for an extended period, which he said was paid by the American taxpayer. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump mentioned that Hunter Biden is currently vacationing in South Africa, where according to him, the human rights of people have been "strenuously questioned." "Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States Taxpayer. There are as many as 18 people on this Detail, which is ridiculous! He is currently vacationing in, of all places, South Africa, where the Human Rights of people has been strenuously questioned. Because of this, South Africa has been taken off our list of Countries receiving Economic and Financial Assistance. Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden who has 13 agents will be taken off the list," Trump posted on Truth Social. Earlier in December, then-US President Joe Biden signed a pardon for his son, Robert Hunter Biden, who had been convicted on charges related to gun crimes and tax violations. The pardon ensures that Hunter Biden will not face sentencing for these offences and removes the possibility of prison time. In a statement, Biden addressed the charges against his son, arguing that individuals in similar situations--such as those with tax payment issues due to addiction--typically receive non-criminal resolutions. He contended that Hunter's case was treated differently, leading to felony charges despite the absence of aggravating factors. Biden also stressed his commitment to not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, despite his belief that his son had been "selectively and unfairly prosecuted." "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively and unfairly prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently," the statement read. Biden explained that the charges against his son were initiated after political opponents in Congress pushed for the case to be brought forward. He added that a plea deal, which had been negotiated with the Department of Justice, unravelled in court due to political pressure. Joe Biden maintained that the charges were politically motivated, asserting that Hunter was targeted because of his relationship with him. Biden concluded his statement by expressing his belief that, while he had faith in the justice system, the legal process had been influenced by politics, leading to a "miscarriage of justice." In June last year, Hunter Biden was found guilty of illegally purchasing and possessing a firearm, following a trial that examined his drug addiction and family issues, CNN reported. He also pleaded guilty in September to nine tax-related charges for failing to pay USD 1.4 million in taxes while spending lavishly on escorts, strippers, cars, and drugs. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has announced he will speak to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine on Tuesday morning. Ahead of the talks, Trump said that "many elements of final agreement have been agreed to" but much remains. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, "Tomorrow morning I will be speaking to President Putin concerning the War in Ukraine. Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains. Thousands of young soldiers, and others, are being killed. Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW. I look very much forward to the call with President Putin." https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114180129350673750 Speaking to reporters on board Air Force One while returning to the White House after his weekend at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said, "We're doing pretty well, I think, with Russia. We'll see if we have something to announce, maybe by Tuesday. I'll be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday," CNN reported. "A lot of work's been done over the weekend, we want to see if we can bring that war to an end," Trump said. "Maybe we can, maybe we can't, but I think we have a very good chance." He said, "I think we have a lot of it already discussed, very much, by both sides." Trump stated that the negotiations would include discussions around. Last week, the Kremlin said that US negotiators would visit Russia for further talks. However, it did not disclose details regarding the participants, as reported by CNN. Trump's announcement regarding talks comes after he said last week that Ukraine had accepted a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire. Notably, Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an "immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire," which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by Russia. The US also agreed to immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine. In response to Trump's announcement, Putin said that Russia agreed with the proposal in theory. However, he set tough conditions and demanded concessions from Ukraine. He accused the current Ukrainian government of being part of the "root cause" of the war. On Friday, Putin announced that Russia is working to restore ties with the US after they were "practically reduced to zero, destroyed by the previous American administration." Referring to ties with the Trump administration, he said, "Overall, the situation is starting to move." He said, "Let's see what comes out of this." Notably, Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in conflict since February 2022. (ANI)
Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal held a meeting with European Parliament Chair of the Delegation for Relations with India, Angelika Niebler and discussed India-EU bilateral ties, parliamentary exchanges and global issues. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Secretary (West) Mr. Tanmaya Lal met with @ANiebler Ms. Angelika Niebler, European Parliament Chair of the Delegation for Relations with India. They discussed India-EU bilateral ties, parliamentary exchanges, and global issues." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1901833573902209169 Earlier on Monday, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt said that 2025 will be a "breakthrough year" in the relationship between India and the European Union. Speaking with ANI, Bildt stated that both sides are committed to reaching an agreement by the end of the year. "I think that we will have a breakthrough this year in the relationship between the European Union and India. There's a commitment now on both the Indian and the EU sides to have sort of an agreement concluded by the end of the year," Bildt said. "It's got to be difficult. It's got to require compromise both from the European side and Indian side, but in the rather uncertain environment that we have for global trade with tariffs...I think that would be very important," he added. During EU President Ursula von der Leyen's visit to India in February, both parties directed their teams to conclude Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations by the end of the year. The delegations from India and the European Union held delegations on a range of topics in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, and the leaders have directed their teams to conclude the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations by this year, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. At the time, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal, highlighted that 20 union cabinet ministers and Ministers of State engaged in discussions and issues ranging from trade, digital green technology, energy, environment and connectivity were discussed. The European Commission President was on a two-day bilateral visit to India, accompanied by members of the European College of Commissioners. "The leaders have directed their teams that the India-EU FTA should be concluded within the year. This is, of course, a very important outcome," Tanmaya Lal said. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday stressed the importance of having an international order just like a domestic order. He slammed the United Nations for making the Kashmir invasion a dispute and turning the attacker and victim at par and called for having a "strong and fair" UN. In his remarks at the Session on 'Thrones and Thorns: Defending the Integrity of Nations' at Raisina Dialogue on Tuesday, Jaishankar called the occupation of some parts of Kashmir by Pakistan "the longest standing illegal occupation" of territory by another country after the Second World War. When asked about his earlier remarks, where he said, "If you don't have an order, then you are looking at a very anarchic world', Jaishankar responded, "Look, I think we do need an international order just like we need a domestic order. Just like you need a society in a country, you need an international version of that and its not just big countries who will benefit if there is no order. I would argue that any country which would take risk, which would have an extreme positions, which would test the system will actually use the disorder to its advantage. I mean we have seen in our own neighbourhood. You don't have to a big country to be a risky country. I have smaller neighbours who have done a pretty good job. So, first of all, we should all understand the importance of an order." "Now, the old order, it was an order, it was a product of its times. But, why I felt its virtuals were exaggerated was I think the rule maker and rule taker had somewhat different perspective because I also said in the same interview that if you are at the receiving end of those rules or the application of those rules, we had issues and let me give you two or three practical examples. You know, if you capriciously, you know, if it suits your interests, somebody is good, not good, well, I'll make up my mind how they're going to do and you apply that order to the same country on the same issues differently," he added. He said that the Taliban was welcomed in the Doha process and Oslo. He stressed that when it suits to deal with the Taliban, it is okay and when it is not, it is called extremist. "Take Afghanistan, so, the same Afghanistan, the same Taliban which was an outlier was welcomed in the Doha process, was welcomed in Oslo, apparently, at that time people were okay with it. Today again we going back saying, Taliban is doing all these not so good things. Now, if they were doing all of that. what was discussed in Oslo and Doha. You know you had a British general who described them at that time as they are country boys with their own honour code. Now, so when it suits you to deal with the Taliban, they are okay. When it is not, they are not okay. You are an extremist today, you wear a suit and tie, you are okay. You know, I think I have a problem with that all," Jaishankar said. The EAM termed sovereignty and territorial integrity the "bedrock of global rules." He also spoke on political interference, where he mentioned that when the West goes into other nations, it is "apparently in the perseverance of democratic freedoms." However, he noted that when other nations come into the West, it appears to have a "very malign intention." Jaishankar said, "Let's give you a second example. We all speak of sovereignty and territorial integrity. All of us agree. It's a vital principle. It's a bedrock of global rules. After the Second World War, the longest standing illegal, I would say presence, occupation of a territory by another country pertains to India, what we saw in Kashmir. Now we went to the UN, what was an invasion was made into a dispute. So the attacker and the victim were put on par. Who were the culpable parties? UK, Canada, Belgium, Australia, USA. So, pardon me, I have some question marks on that one. Now, I can give you many more. We speak today of political interference. When the West goes out into other countries, it's apparently in perseverance of democratic freedoms. When other countries come into the West, it seems to have a very malign intention." Calling for a strong and fair UN, EAM Jaishankar said, "So I think we need to have an order, there must be fairness. agree with you, Dominique, we need a strong UN, but a strong UN requires a fair UN. A strong global order must have some basic consistency of standards. We have military crews to our east in Myanmar. They are no-no. We have them even more regularly to the west. You know where? They seem to be okay. I think it's important to audit the working of the world for the last eight decades and be honest about it and to understand today that the balances, the share holdings in the world have changed. We need a different conversation. We need frankly in that sense a different order." Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar, former Sweden Prime Minister Carl Bildt, Liechtenstein's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport, Dominique Hasler, Fiker Institute Founder Dubai Abulhoul participated alongside Jaishankar in this session. The Raisina Dialogue, which is being held in Delhi from March 17-19, is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. It is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. (ANI)
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard expressed confidence that the partnership and friendship between the US and India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will continue to grow and strengthen. In her remarks at Raisina Dialogue on Tuesday, Gabbard expressed happiness on being back in India and called it a warm experience knowing the rich history of India. She began her address by greeting the audience with 'Jai Shree Krishna.' Gabbard said, "It is great for me to be back here in India. It's been too long, but it's always such a wonderful and warm experience knowing the rich history of this country and the vibrant democracy that really serves as the foundation for the special bond that has long existed between our two countries. I wanted to start our conversation today by greeting you with 'Aloha' and 'Namaste'. Contrary to popular belief, these words are not just greetings. They actually both have very deep, spiritual, powerful meanings that, for me, have been at the core and heart of my life and are what I hope will inspire meaningful dialogue and conversations here at Raisina. When we greet each other with 'Aloha' and 'Namaste', what it really means is that I am coming to you and greeting you with respect." "It is a recognition of the eternal divine spirit that exists within each of our hearts. It's a reminder that we are all connected, that we are all children of God, regardless of our race or religion, ethnicity, politics, our background, where we come from, our status in society. By greeting us in this manner, we are opening the door to a much more meaningful and deeper exchange that gets past the divisiveness and the partisanship that too often poisons the conversations that we have. It's a critical reminder that what we share in common is far more powerful than that which sets us apart," she added. She thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting her to Raisina Dialogue. She noted that the ties between two nations have been strong for decades. Gabbard said, "I especially want to thank prime minister Modi for the invitation, to get together with new friends, to greet old friends here from across the Indo-Pacific region. I leave right after our dialogue here to head back to Washington, DC, but it's been a constructive few days where I've been engaging with our Indian counterparts, working to continue to build up the momentum that was created by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi's joint statement issued in Washington DC after their Oval Office meeting." "The partnership between our two countries has been strong for decades, and under the leadership of two great leaders and true great friends, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, and rooted in our shared values of peace and freedom, security and prosperity, I'm confident that this partnership and friendship between our two nations and our leaders will continue to grow and strengthen," she added. She called gatherings like Raisina Dialogue "important" as they give an opportunity to hold direct dialogue around the "most timely and pressing issues" that the world faces today. "I'm grateful to be here with all of you, because these gatherings are so important, because they give us the opportunity to come together and actually engage in direct dialogue and conversation around the most timely and pressing issues that face us all. The theme of this conference couldn't be better people, peace and planet, highlighting these fundamental aspirations that unite us, it's the foundation that prosperity, security and freedom rests. If we are not at peace, we cannot be truly prosperous, secure, or free," Gabbard said. "And so today, our actions, our dialogue, the reaffirmation of our commitments to these principles, to one another and our partnerships, and our shared vision for the future provide us with the opportunity to build more meaningful relationships and work together as we leave this conference towards the interests of the people, to protect our planet and to further the cause of peace," she added. Recalling her childhood, Gabbard said, "I'm a child of the Pacific. I was born and raised first born in American Samoa raised in Hawaii. I've spent a lot of time throughout my life traveling throughout the Indo-Pacific and working in many different countries. So, I'm very familiar with the rich and beautiful cultures, the kindness and hospitality that I've experienced everywhere I've gone and the rich history within each country that leads to a better understanding of the nuance and complexities that exist within these countries but also within the relationships in the region." "It's a vast and critical region that's not just a geographic space. It is the geopolitical centre of gravity for the 21st century. So, ensuring peace and stability here is essential to our collective security, our objective of economic prosperity and our ability to work together to take on the great challenges of our time and we must tackle these challenges together. Our ability to do so as nations, as leaders, as people is critical towards achieving our collective goals," she added. She spoke about the war and conflicts that are taking place around the world. She also mentioned about Trump during his Presidency campaign expressed his commitment to peace and bringing an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Tulsi Gabbard said, "Unfortunately, we live in a time where war and conflict is being waged on many fronts around the world. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein and Oppenheimer, has declared the doomsday clock to be 89 seconds to midnight, closer to the brink of nuclear catastrophe than ever before. So, your focus again on peace, people and planet is timely. It is times like this that call on leaders to stand up for these interests that affect us all and will affect generations who will follow. Unfortunately, as we've seen throughout history, simply calling for peace too often invokes attacks and smears. Perfect example is during President Trump's recent campaign for the presidency, he made it a pillar of his campaign to share his commitment to peace and to bring his leadership towards bringing about an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, to stop the killing, to prevent this risk of World War III and nuclear war and for this commitment and for this commitment, he was attacked relentlessly not only by his political opponents and legacy media in our own country, but even by those abroad." "Despite these attacks and smear campaigns, the American people voted overwhelmingly for him to return to the White House and delivered a very clear message and mandate for peace, which he is carrying out as we gather here today. These goals cannot be achieved by any one person or one nation alone. Our ability to make progress toward a peaceful, secure, free and prosperous society must be done together and it begins with us," she added. The Raisina Dialogue, which is being held in Delhi from March 17-19, is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. It is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. (ANI)
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel has condemned the worsening situation in Tibet under Chinese rule, with a particular focus on the harsh restrictions imposed on Tibetan students on March 10, 2025, the Tibetan National Uprising Day. He made these remarks during his opening speech at the Ninth Session (budget session) of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile for the fiscal year 2025-2026, scheduled from March 17 to 31, which began on Monday, according to information provided by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Khenpo Sonam Tenphel also highlighted the release of the Dalai Lama's latest book, Voice for the Voiceless, which was widely covered by global media. In the book, the Dalai Lama made a statement that his reincarnation would occur outside of China, a remark that prompted sharp criticism from the Chinese government. The Speaker emphasised that the process of reincarnation is a deeply religious matter, not a political tool to be manipulated by the Chinese regime. According to the CTA, the Speaker quoted a poignant passage from the Dalai Lama's book: "To my fellow Tibetans: Never lose hope, however dark the sky may become. As our saying goes, 'If you fall nine times, you get up nine.' Always remember that a bright sun awaits behind the clouds." Khenpo Sonam Tenphel encouraged all Tibetans to not lose hope despite the ongoing repression they face under Chinese authority. The session also included official obituary tributes to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former US President Jimmy Carter, acknowledging their contributions to global peace and democracy. Tibetans seek greater autonomy or independence, citing cultural, religious, and human rights concerns under Chinese rule. China claims Tibet as part of its territory, asserting sovereignty since the 1950s. Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama advocates for peaceful dialogue and the preservation of Tibetan culture, but the conflict remains unresolved. (ANI)
At the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) organised an exhibition aimed at exposing China's ongoing repression of Uyghurs. In a post shared on X, WUC highlighted that the exhibition shed light on critical issues such as transnational repression, including the forced deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand, forced labour, the detention of Uyghur intellectuals, and forced abortions. WUC stated that the organisation, through this initiative, aims to raise global awareness and called on the international community to take meaningful action. https://x.com/UyghurCongress/status/1901662258188439912 Moreover, during the session, WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun delivered a speech, emphasising the denial of religious freedom to Uyghurs, the widespread translational repression, including forced deportations, and the continuous persecution Uyghurs are subjected to. He urged the international community to act decisively to hold China accountable for its grave human rights violations, highlighting the urgency of addressing these atrocities. https://x.com/UyghurCongress/status/1901640799730737286 The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) is an international organisation that advocates for the rights and freedoms of the Uyghur people, an ethnic group primarily living in the Xinjiang region of China. The WUC was founded in 2004 and serves as a representative body for Uyghur people worldwide, particularly on issues of human rights, cultural preservation, and political autonomy. The Uyghur issue in China centres around the ongoing human rights violations faced by the Uyghur people, a Muslim Turkic ethnic group in Xinjiang. Reports have emerged of over a million Uyghurs detained in so-called "re-education camps," where they face forced indoctrination, physical abuse, and cultural suppression. The Chinese government justifies these actions as measures to combat extremism, but human rights groups describe them as crimes against humanity, including genocide. Additionally, Uyghurs are subjected to intense surveillance, forced labour, and religious repression. Their language and cultural practices are increasingly restricted, and reports of forced sterilizations and family separations have surfaced. (ANI)
Bolivia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Celinda Sosa Lunda, Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi arrived in the national capital on Tuesday to attend the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Warm welcome to FM @CelindaBolivia of Bolivia, FM Peter Szijjarto of Hungary, FM @EspenBarthEide of Norway & Director General @rafaelmgrossi of the @IAEAorg arrive in New Delhi for the @RaisinaDialogue 2025." Currently, Raisina Dialogue 2025, which is being hosted by MEA and Observer Research Foundation (ORF), is underway from March 17-19 in the national capital. The Raisina Dialogue is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. 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. Nearly 3,700 attendees and over 800 speakers and delegates from around 130 countries worldwide will attend the Raisina Dialogue. The participants include serving and former heads of state, ministers and lawmakers, diplomats, policy planners, military leaders, heads of multilateral institutions, business chiefs and eminent thinkers. The theme of this year's Raisina Dialogue is "Kalachakra: People, Peace, Planet." The conversations during the Raisina Dialogue will be structured around six key thematic pillars: 'Politics Interrupted: Shifting Sands and Rising Tides', 'Resolving the Green Trilemma: Who, Where and How', 'Digital Planet: Agents', 'Agencies and Absences, Militant Mercantilism: Trade, Supply Chains and the Exchange Rate Addiction', 'The Tiger's Tale: Rewriting Development with a New Pen', 'Investing in Peace: Drivers, Institutions and Leadership'. "The Dialogue will also host the Raisina Ideas Pod in partnership with Firstpost, India's premier international news platform, featuring specially curated ministerial sessions and conversations of issues of global importance. It looks into diverse topics, from Europe's role within the Indo-Pacific strategic theatre to the African Union's role within the G20," the official statement read. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with his Netherlands counterpart Ruben Brekelmans in Delhi on Tuesday. Before the meeting, the two leaders shook hands and warmly greeted each other. Brekelmans is on a visit to India to attend the Raisina Dialogue, which is underway in New Delhi from March 17. Raisina Dialogue 2025 is being hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF). It is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Nearly 3,700 attendees and over 800 speakers and delegates from around 130 countries worldwide will attend the Raisina Dialogue. The participants include serving and former heads of state, ministers and lawmakers, diplomats, policy planners, military leaders, heads of multilateral institutions, business chiefs and eminent thinkers. The theme of this year's Raisina Dialogue is "Kalachakra: People, Peace, Planet." Earlier this month, Netherlands Ambassador to India, Marisa Gerards, said that India and the Netherlands have a "very strong bilateral relationship." "We have a very strong bilateral relationship. We go back a long way. We were one of the first countries who recognised the independence of India. We have a lot of trade and investment," she said. Speaking to ANI, Gerards said that the Netherlands is 4th largest foreign investor in India, and 300 different Dutch companies are active here. "We are the 4th investor in your country. About 300 different Dutch companies are very active. Also the other way around, we have quite some Indian companies who are also investing in the Netherlands. What we're working on right now is a strategic partnership to see how we can do more on trade and investment. How we can do more on security, for example, but also do more on innovation and research, and then we have a wide range of different sectors where we work together like on water management, health, agriculture, very important on energy, ports and logistics and climate, and in all these different sectors, innovation and high tech research, it's all key. And this is, I think, the overview, and it's a very strong relationship," she said. However, Gerards still feels that there is a lot more to do. She said that they will do more work in the green energy sector. "I think there's a lot of room to do more. Green energy, green hydrogen is very high on our agenda as well. We're also working together with the union government, but also here in Gujarat. We have quite some companies who are working in your ports, Port of Rotterdam, which is the gateway to Europe, the biggest port of our continent, is also very keen and very interested to see how we can do more in this area of green energy and green hydrogen as well," she said. (ANI)
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In this Jan 15, 2015 photo, Lee Shau-kee, Hong Kong real estate tycoon and founder of Henderson Land Development, poses for media during a press conference. [Photo/China Daily]

Lee Shau-kee, founder of Hong Kong's Henderson Land Development and one of the city's most successful property businesspeople and philanthropists, died on Monday at the age of 97.

Lee passed away peacefully at dusk, surrounded by his family, according to a statement by Henderson.

Born to a merchant family in Shunde, Guangdong province in 1928, Lee started in his business in Hong Kong in his twenties and established Henderson in 1976.

Lee's decades-long success in real estate development and investment made him one of the wealthiest people in the world. In 1996, he was ranked by Forbes as the fourth-richest person globally, with a total fortune of $12.7 billion.

Beyond his business achievements, Lee was also celebrated for his charitable works. In 2008, Lee and Henderson together donated nearly HK$600 million ($77.2 million) to assist people struck by the magnitude-8 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan province.

Lee's charity foundations have generously supported students and universities throughout Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, promoting educational development.

Lee was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal by the SAR government in 2007 in recognition of his contributions.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed his condolences on Lee's passing in a statement on Monday night.

Praising Lee as an exceptional business leader and entrepreneur, the chief executive said that Lee had contributed greatly to the economic development, prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

Lee's generous donations and dedication to support talent also contributed to the development of education and research, the chief executive said.
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Tuesday that there is "no future for any separatism" and stressed that the people who might be unhappy with the status quo should work within the system instead of engaging in divisive and politically violent activities against India. On Khalistani extremism and anti-India activities in Australia, Abbott said, "Well, plainly there is no future for any separatism. I think that people who might be unhappy with the status quo should work within the system to make it better rather than engaging in divisive and at times potentially violent activities against the modern democratic pluralist India." In an interview with ANI, Tony Abbott said he wants the ties between India and Australia. He called it important for all democracies of the Indo-Pacific to stand together in favour of rule of law, and peaceful co-existence and against cohesion and bullying. "I really want those ties between India and Australia to develop further. I think that its inevitable that as time goes by there will be increasing tension between China and all of its neighbours as long as China remains a Communist dictatorship. I think its inevitable that will sadly be the case and I think its is going to be very important in that event for all the democracies of the Indo Pacific to stand together not against one but in favour of the rule of law, in favour of peaceful co-existence and against cohesion and bullying," he said. Calling India the "heart of the Quad", he spoke about the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in the creation of the partnership which has four members - India, US, Japan and Australia. He stressed that Quad is significant and not against anyone. "India is the heart of the Quad. India is in a sense the point of the Quad because but for Shinzo Abe of Japan and Narendra Modi of India the Quad wouldn't really exist. If it develops as it should the Quad will be the most significant geopolitical development since the formation of NATO. I stress that the Quad is not against anyone but what it's for is really significant. The Quad is for a democracy, the rule of law and the rights of all countries to exist in peace without bullying from large and aggressive neighbours and particularly given the way China under the current leadership has bullied all of its neighbours," Tony Abbott said. "I think the Quad is incredibly important. Now the Quad has no formal structures, the Quad has no written documents. It's a bit like the Five Eyes and the Five Eyes security partnership has probably been the most important security partnership the world has ever known and if the leaders of the Quad countries respect the Quad, contribute to it, work on it the same way the Five Eyes partnership has been respected and worked upon these last seven decades, well I think the Quad could be an extraordinary force for peace and development in the decades to come," he added. The QUAD is a diplomatic partnership among India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, committed to fostering an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. He also mentioned about the Raisina Dialogue, which is currently underway in New Delhi. He stated that he listened to the remarks of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and other leaders during the Raisina Dialogue. On Raisina Dialogue, Tony Abbott said, "Well, I am here to listen and obviously we have listened to this morning to an Indian government minister talking about climate. We have listened to a very interesting discussion including Foreign Affairs Minister Jaishankar on the state of the contemporary world and we just heard from the new director of intelligence in the Trump administration and I guess the great thing about the dialogue is, it is a wonderful showcase for Indian soft power and it attracts a lot of significant leaders and thinkers from all over the world. So, I am here to listen, I am here to learn and to the extent that I have something to contribute to, I will do my best." The Raisina Dialogue is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. 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. Calling Russia an "aggressor" in Ukraine, Tony Abbott said that he wants the war to end on a just basis and if Ukrainians are expected to trade territory, its got to be for real security. Asked about India's role amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, he responded, "I know that India has traditionally had good relations with Russia and I can understand why India doesn't want to disrupt that good relationship. But, plainly, Russia is the aggressor in Ukraine. It's a vicious imperialist war that Russia is waging in Ukraine. I can understand why everyone wants to see the war come to an end as soon as possible." "I want to see the war come to an end as soon as possible but it's got to come to an end on a just basis and if the Ukrainians are expected to trade territory it's got to be for real security and the only real security is security guaranteed by the presence of serious troops from serious countries that will ensure that any ceasefire does not just become a brief pause for Putin to rearm and attack again," he added. (ANI)
The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) has published a report revealing a disturbing increase in cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the province during February 2025. The HRCB report highlighted a troubling pattern of human rights violations, particularly affecting students and political activists, The Balochistan Post reported. In February 2025, HRCB documented 144 instances of enforced disappearances across Balochistan. Among the victims, 41 were released, 102 are still missing, and one was killed. Additionally, there were 46 recorded killings, including extrajudicial executions, with 40 victims identified and six remaining unidentified. The report indicates that 136 individuals were abducted for the first time, five were taken twice, and three had been abducted three times. The report mentioned that The Frontier Corps (FC) was held responsible for 125 cases, intelligence agencies for 13, and death squads for four. According to the report, house raids were the most frequent method of abduction, with 102 of the 144 cases involving such raids. Additionally, 26 individuals were detained before disappearing, 12 were abducted from checkpoints, and 4 were taken after being summoned to camps, The Balochistan Post reported. Enforced disappearances in Balochistan, have been a significant and ongoing human rights issue. The problem gained prominence in the early 2000s, with many Baloch nationalists, political activists, journalists, and students disappearing under suspicious circumstances. These individuals are often abducted by security forces or intelligence agencies, and their whereabouts remain unknown for long periods. In many cases, they are tortured or killed, and their bodies are later found dumped in remote areas. The Baloch people have long sought greater autonomy, control over their resources, and recognition of their cultural identity. The Pakistani state, however, has been involved in military operations to suppress these movements, which has led to widespread human rights violations. The disappearances are viewed as a tactic to silence dissent and deter opposition to state policies. (ANI)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to "take strong action against the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip." The decision follows Hamas's continued refusal to release Israeli hostages and its rejection of "all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators," according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. As a result, Israeli forces launched widespread strikes against Hamas positions across the Gaza Strip. "The IDF is, at this time, attacking targets of the Hamas terrorist organisation throughout the Gaza Strip in order to achieve the objectives of the war as they have been determined by the political echelon, including the release of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased," the statement added. The Israeli government also warned that it "will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength." The latest offensive follows an operational plan presented by the IDF over the weekend and subsequently approved by the political leadership. https://x.com/IDF/status/1901802698237935705 The IDF confirmed the strikes in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "In accordance with the political echelon, the IDF and ISA are currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip." https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/1901805676764029174 Netanyahu also reiterated his stance, posting, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have instructed the IDF to take strong action against the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip." https://x.com/emilykschrader/status/1901792937283092581 Meanwhile, journalist Emily Schrader reported further developments in the region, writing, "Dramatic night as Saudi sources now claim Iranian intel ship Zagros (SIGINT) was sunk by US forces at the same time the IDF conducts wide-ranging strikes in Gaza after Israel discovers Hamas was plotting another major Oct 7 style attack. Gaza ceasefire officially over, according to the Prime Minister's office." She also noted that "Reuters is also reporting ballistic missile movement at IRGC bases in Iran. There were also reports from Yemen (video) that several senior IRGC members were eliminated in US attacks on Houthi targets." (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met with Ukraine Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sideline of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 and appreciated his sharing the Ukrainian assessment of the peace negotiations. He also highlighted the inauguration of the new Consulate General of Ukraine in Mumbai which will "further our bilateral engagement." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1901961812037489075 In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Pleased to meet FM Ukraine @andrii_sybiha on the sideline of #Raisina2025. Appreciate his sharing the Ukrainian assessment of the peace negotiations. Today's inauguration of the new Consulate General of Ukraine in Mumbai and the signing of a protocol agreement on visa-free travel for officials will further our bilateral engagement." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1901962919522582840 He also met with Thailand Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa and exchanged views on digital, connectivity and food security cooperation as well as our BIMSTEC partnership. EAM wrote on X, "Great meeting FM @AmbPoohMarisof Thailand in New Delhi today. Had a productive exchange on our digital, connectivity and food security cooperation, as well as our BIMSTEC partnership." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1901959755188642160 EAM met with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, they also witnessed the exchange of an agreement on information exchange and documentation between the National Archives of India and the General Archives of Peru. "A pleasure interacting with FM Elmer Schialer Salcedo of Peru today. Discussed avenues for deepening our bilateral political, economic and infrastructure cooperation, and widening our multilateral engagement. Also witnessed an exchange of agreement on information exchange and documentation between the National Archives of India and General Archives of Peru," Jaishankar said on X. Notably, the Raisina Dialogue, which is being held in Delhi from March 17-19, is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. It is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. (ANI)
The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has thwarted an attempt to smuggle thousands of US dollars and Euros to China, a record seizure in the history of the Himalayan country, as per officials. Crime Investigation Office under the Nepal Police on Tuesday announced that foreign currency worth approximately NRS 250 million was confiscated from a freight truck bound for Rasuwa, bordering China. On the night of March 17, a team from Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office recovered the amount from the vehicle bearing number Na 7 Kha 1652 and detained the driver. "Upon investigation, we found a false button on the upper-side of the vehicles bonnet. From there we retrieved bundles wrapped with plastic tapes, it was suspected that money was wrapped properly using the tapes to hide it clandestinely. We confiscated it all; upon counting it were a total of 60 bundles and then we untapped the bundles and found Euros and US Dollars," Kaji Kumar Acharya, Spokesperson at the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office told ANI. The back of the truck, however, was empty. "We counted the money, and it amounted to 25 Crore 19 Lakh 24 Thousand 950 Nepali rupees, originally they were Euro and US Dollars. There are no Nepali rupees but only the foreign currencies," Acharya briefed ANI. The bundles contained 3,119 banknotes in US dollars denominations of one hundred, 179 banknotes in US Dollars denominations of fifty, 11 banknotes in Euro denominations of five hundred, 480 banknotes in Euro denominations of two hundred, 4,148 banknotes in Euro denominations of one hundred, and 17 thousand 177 banknotes in Euro denominations of fifty. "We are continuing the investigation. When asked about who had handed over the task to deliver it, he said he don't know it and he has been assigned to take the truck to take it to Rasuwagadhi and then hand it over to another person who will then drive it to Kerung, a designated person who has the authority to drive the vehicle to there. We have uncovered it in the preliminary investigation and furthermore will be uncovered in the next phase," Acharya also, the Superintendent of Police, told ANI. The Police named the arrested individual as Kushang Lama from Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchowk district, who also was presented before the media, followed by a press conference. As per the police record, Lama previously served five years in prison in a gold smuggling case and was out a few years back. According to the official, the arrested person will be turned over to the Department of Revenue Investigation for further investigation. Incidents of Chinese criminals using Nepal as a transit point for cross-border crimes have continued to rise, with transformation in the mode and means of carrying out the criminal activities. This not only has become a headache for Nepal Police but also has the potential to turn Nepal into a fertile land for Chinese nationals to plot, plan, and execute their plans. The Police suspect that the foreign currencies which were being smuggled to China is to smuggle gold into the Himalayan Nation. Chinese criminals previously used to carry out illegal activities, especially the import of precious yellow metals from the Tataopani border that joins Nepal with China faced back due to the Earthquake of 2015. The smugglers now have re-routed Rasuwa's Kerung and sometimes try to pass on through the Tribhuwan International Airport. Despite increased instances and involvement of Chinese in various criminal activities, Nepal has yet to take this issue to a higher level. (ANI)
Ambassador of Iceland to India, Benedikt Hoskuldsson hailed the steps taken by Government of India towards promoting gender parity and empowerment and said that Iceland looks forward to further deepening cooperation in this area with India. In an interview to ANI, Ambassador Hoskuldsson said, "We take gender very seriously, it's a part of our identity and our society." He said that he observed in India that gender is a very important part of the society. "We all need to strive for better equality." Ambassador Hoskuldsson noted that with events such as partnerships between India and Iceland, along with the United Nations, "we can actually achieve gender equality much sooner." "I am very proud and happy to be here. India is doing very good work on the issue of gender, and we would like to support them in this." He shared examples of how Iceland has integrated gender policies into their society such as equal pay for equal work to men and women. Ambassador Hoskuldsson also brought to attention the parental programmes in Iceland which promote gender parity. "We now encourage both men and women to take care of their young children so that both can seek their careers in the workforce." "Iceland and India and other countries can work together in achieving what we need to achieve because gender equality is a human issue. We need to empower all humans. We have to give everybody this chance," he said. Lauding the government of India's policies on women empowerment, Ambassador Hoskuldsson said, "I think India is doing very well when it comes to the gender issue. The policies that the current government is putting forward and emphasising is key to unlocking this issue (gender empowerment). So I believe that the government of India is doing everything they can to achieve this goal and what we would like to do is to support that, be a part of that transition." (ANI)
Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans on Tuesday strongly condemned Russia's aggression in Ukraine, stating that it is "unacceptable" and violates every aspect of international law. Highlighting that India, with its strong ties with Russia and good relations with Europe, could play a significant role in achieving a peaceful resolution Speaking to ANI, he said, "Russian aggression is unacceptable. They are violating every aspect of international law... We need to come to a peace agreement, but through military strength in order to deter any future aggression by Russia, and India could play a role in this because of their strong ties with Russia and good relations with Europe," The Netherlands has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, and Brekelmans said that his country will continue to provide military support. "We have been one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine... Recently, we announced another USD 3.5 billion in military support to Ukraine," he said. Brekelmans added, "We are actively engaged in robust peace about guarantees, so maybe there will be some European military presence in Ukraine..." Earlier in the day, Brekelman also met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where he emphasized the potential for cooperation in defence industries, citing synergies between the Netherlands' strong navy and maritime sector and India's growing defence capabilities. He said, "I have had a meeting with the (Indian) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today because we want to strengthen our relationship and create a strategic partnership between the two countries." "If you look at our defence industries, there are some synergies, for example, we have a strong navy and maritime sector... We are both trading nations... The Netherlands is also strong in the semiconductor industry, AI, drone technology and quantum... We can both use these technologies to strengthen our defence sectors," he added. He also expressed his admiration for India's manufacturing prowess, highlighting its potential to bolster military capabilities. "India's strength is its scale and that it can produce in huge numbers for a relatively small country," Brekelmans said, emphasizing the significance of India's large-scale production capabilities. Further, he emphasized the importance of cooperation between India and the Netherlands in achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific. "As two trading nations with a shared interest, we need to work together on this, for example, vis a vis China, which is not always respecting international law at the ocean, there is a lot we can do together..." Notably, the Raisina Dialogue, which is being held in Delhi from March 17-19, is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. It is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. (ANI)
Israel has launched a new wave of military strikes against Hamas in Gaza following the group's rejection of multiple ceasefire proposals. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, directed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to take "strong action" after Hamas refused to release Israeli hostages and rejected all mediation efforts led by US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators. In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office declared that Israel would now act with "increasing military strength" against Hamas. Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, justified the renewed offensive, stating, "Diplomacy has failed. The Americans have put forward several proposals for the continuation of the ceasefire. Israel accepted them, but Hamas refused them. We are determined to create a situation in which we bring all our hostages back and get rid of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip." He added, "If Hamas refuses to renounce power and continues to hold the hostages, and continues to refuse the proposals of the United States, they are going to pay the price. And that's why we have renewed our military pressure to create a situation in which Hamas changes mind or face defeat." Azar highlighted the ongoing efforts to retrieve Israeli captives, saying, "We have managed to bring back 195 hostages out of 245. There are still 59 hostages that are left in the Gaza Strip. About half of them are alive and we are determined to bring them back. If Hamas refuses to do so, they will face Israeli attacks because they are refusing to engage in diplomacy." He accused Hamas of attempting to leverage the hostages to maintain its grip on Gaza, adding, "They are stubborn to create a situation, in which, in return of the hostages, they keep their grip on the Gaza Strip, and this is refused, not only by Israel, but also by the United States. There is zero distance between Israel and United States in this matter, and I'm sure that many countries in the region that want to engage in peaceful activity - they are against Hamas as well. So, if they don't renounce power, it means that hostilities will continue." Following the political directive, the IDF launched widespread strikes against Hamas positions across Gaza. The Prime Minister's Office shared on X earlier on Tuesday, "The IDF is, at this time, attacking targets of the Hamas terrorist organisation throughout the Gaza Strip in order to achieve the objectives of the war as they have been determined by the political echelon, including the release of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased." (ANI)
The University of Balochistan has been closed indefinitely and shifted to online classes, according to a notification issued by its registrar on Tuesday. Pakistani media outlet Dawn reported that the decision came amid escalating security concerns in the province, which has witnessed a surge in attacks on security forces in recent weeks. While the notification, which was obtained by Dawn, does not explicitly mention the reasons behind the closure, the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan is widely believed to be the driving factor. The indefinite closure of the University of Balochistan highlights the broader impact of the deteriorating security environment in the province. On March 11, insurgents from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, a passenger train travelling from Quetta to Peshawar in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The attackers detonated explosives on the tracks and in tunnels, halting the train in a remote mountainous area and reportedly took several hostages. The ongoing insurgency in Balochistan is deeply rooted in the systematic repression and torture faced by the Baloch people over decades. Balochistan, rich in natural resources, has long been marginalised by the Pakistani state, with the Baloch people feeling excluded from the benefits of their own land. The Pakistani military's heavy-handed tactics, including arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and torture of Baloch activists and civilians, have exacerbated tensions. Many Baloch people view the Pakistani military as an occupying force which is responsible for the destruction of their culture, identity, and autonomy. According to several Baloch nationalists, the disappearances and torture of local people have pushed more individuals toward groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). A major factor fueling this resentment is the issue of enforced disappearances. Over the past few decades, numerous reports have emerged about Baloch activists, political leaders, journalists, and ordinary citizens being abducted by Pakistani security forces. These individuals are often taken without any legal process, and their families are left without information about their whereabouts or condition. The disappearances are typically followed by a pattern of torture or abuse, which often results in the victims being left dead or severely harmed if they are ever found again. (ANI)
New Zealand Navy Chief Rear Admiral Garin Golding is in India on an official visit from March 16-21, for strengthening maritime cooperation and bilateral ties between the two Navies. His engagements include high-level discussions and operational interactions in New Delhi and Mumbai, according to a statement by the Indian Navy. As per the official statement, the visit of Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), began on Mach 17, with RAdm Golding attending the Raisina Dialogue. On March 18, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, paying tribute to India's fallen heroes. This was followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour and a bilateral meeting with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, where discussions focused on enhancing naval ties, joint training initiatives, and maritime cooperation. The New Zealand Navy Chief will also be interacting with senior defence leadership, including the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Air Staff and the Defence Secretary, reaffirming New Zealand's commitment to regional security, statement said. As per the Indian Navy, RAdm Goldin will also be going to Mumbai, where he will interact with the personnel of Western Naval Command, visit the indigenous destroyer INS Surat, and explore avenues for future collaboration in ship maintenance and technology. On March 20, a significant highlight will be the reception onboard HMNZS Te Kaha, hosted by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is also in India, further strengthening India-New Zealand maritime relations. Notably, RAdm Golding's visit marks a significant step in the evolution of India-New Zealand defence relations, fostering deeper naval cooperation and reinforcing mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific. Luxon arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for his five-day India visit and was the chief guest of the Raisina Dialogue. Luxon highlighted the long-standing relationship between Indians and New Zealanders during his address at the event on Monday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday warmly welcomed New Zealand PM Luxon at the Raisina Dialogue, acknowledging his in-depth knowledge of India and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Jaishankar highlighted the value of Luxon's perspective on the Indo-Pacific region, particularly during a time when the world is reevaluating the global order. (ANI)
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, is welcomed by villagers singing the grand song of the Dong ethnic group while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. Xi made an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of adhering to high-quality development and driving growth by further deepening reform and opening-up comprehensively, during his inspection in southwest China's Guizhou Province from Monday to Tuesday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called on the province to firm up confidence, work hard, and take steady steps to advance Chinese modernization.

On Monday afternoon, Xi visited a village of the Dong ethnic group in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture. He inspected the surroundings and local shops, stopping from time to time to chat with store owners, tourists, and villagers.

At an exhibition center, he learned about the preservation and inheritance of Dong culture. He also observed the batik-making process at a specialty industrial base.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi emphasized that the cultures of ethnic minority groups are an integral part of Chinese culture and should be preserved as well as creatively transformed and developed.

The Chinese president also sat down with villagers for amiable chats. As he departed, Xi expressed the hope that they can further revitalize the countryside as the Chinese modernization advances.

Xi also visited the provincial capital Guiyang, where he heard the provincial authorities report their work on Tuesday.

Xi underscored the need to strengthen innovation-driven development with the real economy as the foundation. He called for actively developing strategic emerging industries and enhancing industries such as the digital economy and new energy.

He also asked the province to protect the environment well and transform its ecological strengths into development advantages.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspects a local base of special industry in the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi demanded resolute efforts to eliminate local protectionism, market segmentation and "rat race" competition to create a stable, fair, transparent and predictable environment for businesses.

Calling openness "an important element" of the business environment, Xi urged Guizhou to take an active part in the country's all-around opening up drive.

Xi emphasized the need to develop modern, efficient agriculture with distinctive mountain characteristics tailored to Guizhou's local conditions, while cultivating leading industries with regional features and lasting market competitiveness.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves goodbye to villagers while visiting the Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Highlighting Guizhou's rich historical heritage, vibrant revolutionary culture, and diverse ethnic traditions, he stressed the importance of harnessing these strengths to drive economic and social development.

Xi noted that achieving high-quality development requires unwavering adherence to the Party's leadership.

He noted the launch of a Party-wide education campaign to implement the Party central leadership's "eight-point decision" on improving conduct, saying that it is a key task for Party building this year.

He asked Party organizations at all levels to encourage Party members and officials to uphold exemplary conduct and make concentrated and concerted efforts to drive development.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour.
Shombi Sharp, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, emphasised the critical importance of gender equality, calling it the most vital issue in global development. In an interview with ANI, he stated, "Simply put, there is no more important issue than investing in gender equality worldwide, and India is no exception." Quoting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, he reinforced the idea that "Gender equality is the unfinished business of our times." Sharp highlighted the undeniable benefits of equal representation of women in decision-making: "We see the evidence is clear across the world - where women have equal representation in decision making, households prosper, communities prosper, business are more profitable, countries are more prosperous as well." He also recognised India's leadership in promoting women-led development on international platforms, particularly through the G20. "We very much recognise and appreciate the leadership of India for women-led development, to the G20, through so many international initiative that India has put forward, really making a big promise in terms of gender equality across India, and the scale of this impact cannot be really overestimated, because India can account for upwards of 25, or even 50 per cent for some of the global sustainable development goals and targets, so we're very enthusiastic and very optimistic about what's happening here in India," he added. With March recognised globally as Gender Equality Month and International Women's Day observed on March 8, Sharp reiterated the importance of continuous efforts toward gender parity. "I think the message we've heard here today is the importance of 'Har din Mahila Diwas hona chahiye.' Every day should be Women's Day - until we reach gender parity, we will not be able to achieve the goals that we have." He stressed that gender equality is essential for achieving broader developmental milestones, adding, "(The) 2030 Agenda, and the 2047 Vikasit Bharat - these are two stepping stones along the same path, to peace and prosperity. It's a very exciting and very important discussion today." Addressing the global challenge of gender inequality, Sharp noted, "No country has really, truly achieved full gender equality. This is a global challenge, absolutely." He acknowledged that while India has made significant progress, there is still a need for further acceleration. "Here in India, the official data shows that among the STGs, goal number five, gender equality is in need for additional acceleration, absolutely no doubt about that." He commended India's recent legislative progress, particularly the Women's Reservation Bill, stating, "We've seen the Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha, so will be seeing very important increases in women's representation at that level." He also pointed out the high levels of women's participation at the local governance level, saying, "Of course, at the local level - at the Panchayat at our level, already women's representation and decision making is very high. That is very important." Sharp acknowledged that India's female labour force participation remains low but is showing signs of improvement. "We see women's labour force participation rates, which are low, but they're going up - important progress being made here in India, and I think really, across the board, the emphasis on women-led development is something that many countries can learn from, and we are consistently working with helping to share Indian best practice in gender equality and in other areas with other countries for their benefit as well, through South-South Cooperation and other mechanisms." He described the rise of women's empowerment in India as a powerful force, stating, "It's very exciting. We see the power of Nari Shakti being unleashed here, and this is the only way we can achieve our collective ambitions." Further elaborating on India's large-scale development progress, Sharp spoke about the country's role in lifting millions out of poverty. "What we're seeing in India is development impact at scale. Hundreds of millions of people are being lifted out of poverty - multi-dimensional poverty; and a big part of that development story, and we at the UN are very honoured to be humble partners in this incredible Indian development story; a big part of that is absolutely gender equality and women's empowerment as well." He also highlighted the role of technology and innovation in accelerating financial inclusion for women. "If you look at the confluence of technology as well, and innovation, India's very important private sector, business industries, innovation services sector, the digitalisation story is huge. India's digital public infrastructure is world class." He cited the dramatic rise in women's access to digital banking, saying, "Through that, we see that women's financial inclusion is rising at an incredible pace. If I'm not mistaken, something like only 25 per cent of women had a digital banking account just maybe five to six years ago, and now that's over 80, maybe 85 per cent. This is progress, this is a story that the world needs to hear more about." (ANI)
Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar said that India has a positive role to play in West Asia and shared his thoughts on the deepening of collaboration between India, Israel and the US. The Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar told ANI, "We are engaged in conversations with the Indian government. I think India has a positive role to play in the region and India has been very supportive of our right for self-defence. India doesn't surrender to terrorism, and I don't think that it expects from Israel to surrender to terrorism." In the early hours of Tuesday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had announced about conducting "extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas" in the Gaza Strip. The IDF said, "In accordance with the political echelon, the IDF and ISA are currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip." https://x.com/IDF/status/1901802698237935705 In a series of posts on X, the Israel Prime Minister's Office explained that the strikes were conducted after the instructions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, due to Hamas's repeated refusal to release hostages, its rejection of all of the proposals received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators. "Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength", the Prime Minister's Office wrote on X. https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/1901805685525901443 Speaking about the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC), Ambassador Reuven Azar said, "We were very encouraged by the results of the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States. This link between India and the United States, both of whom are very close allies of Israel, is a very important sign. Both India and the United States want Israel to engage with them to create this partnership of technology, logistics, manufacturing, and this security alliance that will allow us to prosper in a much more rapid and stable way." According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the IMEC, "will comprise of two separate corridors, the east corridor connecting India to the Gulf and northern corridor connecting Gulf to Europe." The MEA said that the corridor will provide a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network to supplement existing maritime routes. It intends to increase efficiency, reduce costs, secure regional supply chains, increase trade accessibility, enhance economic cooperation, generate jobs and lower greenhouse gas emission, resulting in a transformative integration of Asia, Europe and the Middle East. IMEC will lead to the integration of Asia, Europe and the Middle East. (ANI)
Former High Commissioner of India to Canada Ajay Bisaria expressed optimism about the future of India-Canada relations, stating that a change in leadership in Canada could create an opportunity to mend diplomatic ties. He noted that the political relationship had faced significant challenges under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau but suggested that a new government could help reset bilateral ties. Speaking to ANI, Bisaria highlighted that key developments in the coming weeks and months, particularly the Canadian national elections, would play a crucial role in shaping the relationship. "I would be optimistic about the relationship because we have reached an inflection point, what we have now is a change of government and lot of the problems that India and Canada political relations face goes thanks to Trudeau personally, and now with Trudeau's exit, there is a successor. But the more important inflection point will come in a few weeks and few months, which will be the Canadian national election. Once we have a government in place, that gives Canada an opportunity to repair the relationship," he said. He emphasised that despite political tensions, business and people-to-people ties between India and Canada had remained largely unaffected. "The good news was that the business relationship and people-to-people relationship was not particularly affected, but what we are hoping is that with this change in guard, and a new election and a new government, that'll give the opportunity to the new Canadian government to align its interests with India and to repair that relationship," Bisaria stated. Addressing concerns over Khalistani extremism, Bisaria reiterated India's position on the issue and stressed the need for international partners to take it seriously. "This is a very important conversation that India has with all its partners where extremist groups are active - that there should not be space given to a Khalistani extremists. We see that happening in Canada, we see that happening in the US, the UK, and other countries as well. Our attempt is to tell our partners not to give too much space to these extremist anti-India elements. The hope is that they would be persuaded by the evidence India provides and by the argument that these elements would be detrimental to their societies - it could be divisive in those societies as well," he stated. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held meetings with several global leaders on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue here in New Delhi on Tuesday. In a series of posts on X, the EAM highlighted several aspects upon which discussions were held with the leaders that ranged from current global security architecture and UN reforms to the strengthening of bilateral ties. On his meeting with Enrique A. Manalo, Jaishankar wrote on X, "Welcomed @SecManalo at #Raisina2025. Had a wide - ranging discussion on connectivity, maritime, infrastructure and deepening our ASEAN partnership." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1901994629148385759 Upon meeting Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, the EAM held discussions on pertinent global issues such as UN reforms, developments in Ukraine and the India-European Union partnership". "A pleasure interacting with DPM & FM @Xavier_Bettel of Luxembourg. Spoke about UN reform, Ukraine and the India - EU partnership", Jaishankar said. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1901994986469814347 The EAM also met Nepal's Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba and discussed the several aspects of India-Nepal ties. "Pleased to meet FM Nepal @Arzuranadeuba today. Discussed various facets of our bilateral cooperation." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1902005332387520706 Foreign Minister Rana took to X to share the highlights of the meeting. She said, "A highly fruitful interaction with H.E. @DrSJaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. H.E. Jaishankar and I took stock of bilateral ties, discussing ongoing engagements across sectors and identifying avenues for enhancing people-to-people and diplomatic exchanges. I expressed my appreciation for India's Neighborhood First Policy and conveyed Nepal's continued prioritization of relations with India." https://x.com/Arzuranadeuba/status/1901986421998862733 Jaishankar held a meeting with the National Security Advisor of the UK, Jonathan Powell and exchanged views on security issues. He said, "Met UK NSA Jonathan Powell at #Raisina2025.Exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global security issues. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1902006058161455530 Earlier during the day, MoS External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also delivered remarks at the Raisina Dialogue on sustainable development and a green future. He said, "I firmly believe that environmental action must not be limited to policies and government and efforts of the governments alone. It must also be a personal choice and a priority. A simple act of planting a tree is a pledge for a sustainable future. 'Ek ped Maa ke naam' is an initiative of our Prime Minister. It embodies the spirit, encouraging every individual to dedicate a tree in the honour of their mother, reinforcing the connection between nature, sustainability, and gratitude... Climate action must happen simultaneously while addressing other immediate concerns that countries are facing today. We need to put aside geopolitical differences and to come together for a green and sustainable future, a legacy that we can hand over to our future generation." The Raisina Dialogue, being held in New Delhi from March 17-19, is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump held a crucial phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to secure a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. The Trump administration is pushing for an immediate halt to hostilities after Ukraine agreed to a temporary cessation of fighting, provided Russia does the same, ABC News reported. Trump has made clear his intention to mediate a resolution between the two nations, emphasising the need for a swift de-escalation of violence. "It's a bad situation in Russia, and it's a bad situation in Ukraine," he said on Monday. "What's happening in Ukraine is not good, but we're going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace, and I think we'll be able to do it." His remarks come as both sides continue to grapple with intensifying clashes, particularly in the Kursk region. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino confirmed the Trump-Putin call. "Happening Now--President Trump is currently in the Oval Office speaking with President Vladimir Putin of Russia since 10:00 am EDT. The call is going well, and still in progress," Scavino posted on X. https://x.com/Scavino47/status/1902010827781165078 According to the ABC News, it is the first known call between Trump and Putin since peace talks between the US and Ukrainian officials a week ago in Saudi Arabia yielded Kyiv agreeing to an immediate, temporary stop to hostilities should Moscow do the same. While Trump remains hopeful, Putin has been noncommittal on the ceasefire proposal. The Russian leader has expressed conditional support, seeking additional security guarantees before agreeing to pause hostilities. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Putin of deliberately prolonging the conflict and obstructing peace efforts. A Ukrainian official familiar with the negotiations told ABC News that Kyiv is closely monitoring the Trump-Putin discussion, emphasising that Ukraine accepted the ceasefire "with zero conditions" and warning that any additional demands from Russia would not be tolerated, reported ABC News. Trump has framed his involvement in the negotiations as a humanitarian effort, stressing the urgency of halting bloodshed. "A lot of people are being killed over there. And, we had to get Ukraine to do the right thing. It was not an easy situation. You got to see a little glimpse at the Oval Office, but I think they're doing the right thing right now. And we're trying to get a peace agreement done. We want to get a ceasefire and then a peace agreement," he said Monday. The outcome of Trump's talks with Putin could have significant implications for the three-year-old war, which began when Russian forces invaded Ukraine. A key question remains: how far is Trump willing to go to pressure Russia into accepting a ceasefire and a broader peace settlement? The Trump administration recently took decisive steps, including pausing some military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine following a contentious Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy. These measures were reinstated only after Ukraine agreed to the US-backed ceasefire proposal last Tuesday, ABC News reported. Beyond the immediate ceasefire talks, broader geopolitical factors remain at play. US officials have signaled that a full Ukrainian return to prewar borders is unrealistic and have ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine. However, the administration has not imposed similar conditions on Russia. This asymmetry raises questions about the broader strategic interests at stake in the negotiations. Trump has hinted at potential compromises involving land and power plants as part of a larger settlement. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, he said, "Well, I think we'll be talking about land. It's a lot of land. It's a lot different than it was before the wars, you know. And we'll be talking about land, we'll be talking about power plants. That's a big question, but I think we have a lot of it already discussed, very much by both sides." Although Trump has suggested financial pressure as a potential tool to push Russia toward compliance, he expressed hope that such measures would not be necessary. "There are things you could do that wouldn't be pleasant in a financial sense," he noted last week. "I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don't want to do that because I want to get peace." (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], March 18 (ANI/WAM): The UAE will commemorate "Zayed Humanitarian Day" tomorrow, which falls on the 19th of Ramadan each year, marking the death anniversary of the late Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The day serves as an annual occasion to reaffirm the UAE's commitment to the legacy of its founding leader, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who dedicated his life to philanthropy, aiding those in need, and extending support to vulnerable communities worldwide. Under his leadership, the UAE became one of the world's leading humanitarian aid donors in proportion to its national income. The occasion has evolved into a day when the UAE renewed its dedication to Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's mission by launching numerous charitable and humanitarian initiatives. These efforts include food aid distribution, developmental projects, refugee support, empowerment programs for vulnerable groups, and enhancements in healthcare and education in underprivileged nations. This year's commemoration takes place amid the UAE's continuous humanitarian efforts. These include the recent launch of the ''Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative" allocating AED20 billion to humanitarian work in the world's most vulnerable communities. Additionally, for over 15 months, the UAE has been actively supporting and providing aid to the Palestinians through the "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3" initiative. Other major efforts include the "Father's Endowment" campaign and various global humanitarian and charitable projects. The late Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan remains a global symbol of generosity and humanitarian aid. In 1971, he established the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to support his fellow nations in their developmental and economic progress. In 1992, he founded the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, further expanding his legacy of philanthropy both within the UAE and internationally. Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's leadership solidified the UAE's position as a hub for humanitarian aid, with over 40 donor institutions and charitable organisations currently supporting global relief efforts. Historical data underscores Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's deep commitment to humanitarian work. From 1971 to 2004 the UAE contributed approximately AED90.5 billion in development and humanitarian aid, benefiting over 117 countries across various regions and continents. Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's legacy is evident worldwide, with countless hospitals, mosques, medical centres, and cultural institutions bearing his name as a tribute to his unwavering commitment to human welfare. The late Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was honoured with numerous medals from various countries worldwide in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian contributions, his wise and effective leadership, and his success in ensuring the prosperity of UAE nationals. His efforts played a pivotal role in the nation's development, transforming it into a modern and advanced country. (ANI/WAM)
Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar said the US strikes against the Houthis are "very important," and emphasized that the world cannot accept a situation where a terrorist organisation extorts maritime trade. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Azar commended the US decision to put pressure on the Houthis, stressing that it is crucial for Iran, the main perpetrator behind the Houthis, to understand that "they will pay the price as well." "These strikes are very important. I think that the world cannot accept a situation in which a terrorist organization will extort maritime trade," Azar said. "Companies are paying 100 millions of dollars in bribes to the Houthis. So the fact that the United States has decided to put pressure on the Houthis is very important, and it's also very important that the main perpetrator behind the Houthis, that is Iran, will also understand that if they continue doing this, they will pay the price as well," the envoy stated. "So we were very encouraged by the statement of President Trump yesterday holding the Iranians responsible," he added. Further, he emphasized the importance of defeating radical forces to achieve peace in the region. "If we defeat the radicals, that is the best hope for peace that we can get," Azar stated. Azar specifically highlighted the challenges posed by radical forces like Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip. "As long as we have radical forces like Hamas... there will never be peace," he said. Additionally, Azar noted that terrorist organisations threatening maritime trade also undermine peace efforts. "As long as we have terrorist organizations that are threatening maritime trade there will never be peace. Those that want to invest need assurances from the governments in the region that their investments will not be in vain, that they are not bearing a political risk and we can get rid of political risk if we get rid of the radicals," he said. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces are continuing their intensified operations against Houthi terrorists. The United States airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels have killed at least 53 people, including five women and two children, and injured around 100 others, The Hill reported, quoting the Houthi-run Health Ministry. The airstrikes targeted Yemen's capital, Sanaa, as well as other provinces, including Saada, the rebels' stronghold near the border with Saudi Arabia. In response to the strikes, the Houthis' political bureau has vowed to "meet escalation with escalation." On March 15, US President Donald Trump announced that he ordered the US military to launch "decisive and powerful military action" against Houthi terrorists in Yemen. He said that Houthis kept attacking the US, as former President Joe Biden's response was "weak" against them.(ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], March 18 (ANI/TPS): Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Tuesday, 18 March 2025), at the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) headquarters/Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, held a security assessment with Defense Minister Israel Katz and the heads of the security establishment. The assessment came after 24 hours of Israeli military assaults on Gaza which saw the elimination of Essam Dib Abdullah al-Dalis, Hamas' prime minister and the senior government figure in the Gaza Strip. (ANI/TPS)
Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba shared the areas in which she discussed with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during her visit to India. In an interview to ANI, Deuba said, "Our main focus is the joint development of hydropower and trade. So these were the issues that we discussed primarily today." She shared that India and Nepal are now doing a lot of meetings. "We are now doing a lot of the meetings that had been withheld for some time." Deuba said that the meetings took place on issues such as flood inundation, trade, security, and sharing of water resources. EAM S Jaishankar shared the details of the meeting with FM Deuba on X. "Pleased to meet FM Nepal @Arzuranadeuba today. Discussed various facets of our bilateral cooperation." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1902005332387520706 Foreign Minister Rana took to X to share the highlights of the meeting. She said, "A highly fruitful interaction with H.E. @DrSJaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. H.E. Jaishankar and I took stock of bilateral ties, discussing ongoing engagements across sectors and identifying avenues for enhancing people-to-people and diplomatic exchanges. I expressed my appreciation for India's Neighborhood First Policy and conveyed Nepal's continued prioritization of relations with India." https://x.com/Arzuranadeuba/status/1901986421998862733 Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba on Monday said that Nepal is focusing on a "closer relationship" with India by enhancing trade and collaborating on global issues. "We are focusing on closer relationships, vis a vis trade, especially energy trade and trade of our goods and maybe legalising our borders and working together on global issues also we hope to be working together." Deuba said. Arzu Rana Deuba, along with other world leaders, including New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, is attending the Raisina Dialogue. 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 event, organized by India's Ministry of External Affairs, will be attended by world leaders, including Prime Ministers and foreign ministers from various countries. Rana is set to address the dialogue as part of his official engagement. Additionally, she is expected to undergo a follow-up health check-up during his visit. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], March 18 (ANI/TPS): Following a situation assessment, it was decided that today (Tuesday) at 6:00 PM, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Home Front Command's defence guidelines will be updated. As part of the changes, the Gaza envelope area and some of the settlements in the Western Negev and Western Lachish region areas will be loosened from a limited activity level to a partial activity level, which allows for educational activities to be held in a place where it is possible to reach a standard protected area. The move to loosen the security restrictions comes after the IDF engaged in an anti-terror operation in Gaza over the past 24 hours. (ANI/TPS)
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U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he will release 80,000 pages of unredacted files related to the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy (JFK) on Tuesday.

"We're going to be releasing the JFK files, and that would be tomorrow," Trump told reporters at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where he attended a board meeting.

"You got a lot of reading. I don't believe we're going to redact anything. I said, just don't. But we're going to be releasing the JFK files," Trump said.

"People have been waiting for decades for this," Trump added.

When asked if there would be a summary of the 80,000 pages of files, Trump replied, "No."

JFK, the 35th president of the United States, was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, while riding in a motorcade. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the murder, yet numerous conspiracy theories about the circumstances of Oswald's dramatic death two days after the assassination remain prevalent even today.

In 1992, Congress required that all documents related to the assassinations be made available to the public within 25 years, by Oct. 26, 2017.

In his first term as president starting January 2017, Trump accepted proposed redactions from executive departments and agencies, but ordered the continued re-evaluation of those remaining redactions.

Joe Biden, who succeeded Trump, issued subsequent certifications concerning these records in 2021, 2022, and 2023, which gave agencies additional time to review the documents and withhold information from public disclosure.

Biden's press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said on June 30, 2023 that 99 percent of records associated with JFK's assassination were available for public consumption through the National Archives and Records Administration.

On Jan. 23, Trump signed an executive order to declassify any remaining files from the assassinations of former President JFK, his brother Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK).
The advocacy group International Campaign for Tibet in a recent article by 'International Campaign for Tibet' highlighted the implications of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) policies on Tibet as observed during the 2025 "two sessions" meetings in Beijing. According to the International Campaign for Tibet, the Tibetan region is seen as a testing ground for China's broader policy of "ethnic unity" aimed at assimilating ethnic minorities. The article emphasised that during the meetings, CCP leaders reiterated the need to strengthen Tibet's integration into China through economic development, cultural assimilation, and political control. As per the article, Tibetan delegates were reported by state media to praise government policies, despite international concerns over human rights abuses. The CCP's promotion of stability, development, ecology, and border security in Tibet was emphasised. A significant development was the proposal of a new national "ethnic unity" law, which would consolidate China's control over its diverse ethnic groups, including Tibetans. This law follows similar regional regulations in Tibet that push for a Chinese-centric way of life, undermining the autonomy of Tibetan culture and religion. The article also highlighted the CCP's efforts to suppress dissent, referring to the Dalai Lama as part of a "smear campaign" against Tibetan education. International Campaign for Tibet highlighted that foreign access to Tibet remains restricted, with the focus being on economic development and cultural conformity. It warned that upcoming legislative changes could further erode Tibetan rights, leaving little recourse to challenge the authorities. The Tibet-China conflict stems from Tibet's political status and China's control over the region. Tibet was historically an independent entity but was incorporated into China in 1951 after military occupation. Tibetans, led by the Dalai Lama, have sought greater autonomy and preservation of their culture, religion, and political freedoms. China's government views Tibet as an inseparable part of its territory. The conflict has led to protests, cultural suppression, and ongoing tensions over human rights and autonomy. (ANI)
Norway's Foreign Affairs Minister, Espen Barth Eide, has welcomed the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)-India Free Trade Agreement, calling it a "very positive step" to boost trade relations between India and Norway. Speaking to ANI, he said, "The EFTA (European Free Trade Association)-India Free Trade Agreement is a very positive step to enhance India-Norway trade relations. There are already over 100 Norwegian companies here and more will come and I have seen a strong interest from both sides." "India is the most populous country in the world, its economy is growing rapidly...it is going to be a good relationship. And it is interesting that today as I am here, our Parliament is giving its final approval to this treaty which was negotiated and signed by the governments last year," he added. Further he expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming India-Nordic summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be welcomed in Oslo. "We are very much looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi. It will be in my hometown-Oslo," Eide stated. Eide also highlighted India's interest in strengthening ties with the five Nordic countries. "I am glad to hear that the Indian government also wants to strengthen ties with the five Nordic countries not only individually but also as a group," he added. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, has called for global support and unity to respect territorial integrity. "We need global support and global unity to respect territorial integrity... We agreed to ceasefire unconditionally. So, now it is important to get unconditional answer from the Russian side to support the US proposal. Ukrainian side is ready. We want to end this war this year," he said. Notably, the Raisina Dialogue, which is being held in Delhi from March 17-19, is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. It is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. (ANI)
"We have arrested Ataullah and 5 other accomplices from Siddhirganj, Narayangonj", an RAB official told the reporters without details.

Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) formally known as Harakah al-Yaqin is a Rohingya insurgent group active in northern Rakhine State, Myanmar.

US intelligence chief, Tulsi Gabbard, on Monday, alleged "persecution and killing" of religious minorities in Bangladesh and that "the threat of Islamic terrorists" in the country is "rooted" in the "ideology and objective" to "rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate."

Bangladesh interim government expressed deep concern at the remarks made by Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard. The interim government said, in a statement made by DNI, is both misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said the attacks on the minorities, notably Hindus, following the changeover in August last year were politically, not religiously, motivated, but his government has taken prompt action against the culprits.

Muhammad Yunus made these responses while US Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) on Tuesday called on Chief Adviser at the state Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. (ANI)
Russian lawmaker Vyacheslav Nikonov emphasised that Russia and the United States have resumed diplomatic discussions, marking a significant step in re-establishing dialogue between the two nations. He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump were speaking for the second time in two weeks, highlighting that this was only the second conversation between the leaders of Russia and the United States in three years. "We are just at the beginning of peace talks and actually Putin and Trump today are speaking for the 2nd time in 2 weeks, but it is the second conversation between the Presidents of Russia and the United States in three years," Nikonov said. "We re-established the dialogue. We co-sponsored a couple of resolutions in the United Nations Security Council and we sent our ambassador to the United States, which is a resumption of the dialogue. So I would describe this situation as being at the beginning of a long, long process which may be very promising." He underlined the importance of these discussions as the foundation for a longer process that could lead to meaningful progress. While the talks were still in their initial phase, the fact that both sides had taken steps to restart diplomatic engagement signalled a potentially positive shift in their relationship. Speaking on India's role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Nikonov recognised the country's influence and its balanced position between both nations. He said, "India plays a great role in today's world. It's a great power and it's a friend of Russia for many decades... It is also a friend of Ukraine and it can play the role of an honest broker because no one suspects India of being anti-Russian in Russia or anti-Ukrainian in Ukraine." He also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic outreach, noting that "we welcome the fact that PM Modi was greeted in Kyiv and Moscow as well. Actually, he (PM Modi) was in Moscow twice last year and now we are waiting for Putin to come to India this year. It's his turn and I think that India's role today is very positive and constructive." (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) described his telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin as "productive," stating that both leaders agreed to an immediate ceasefire on all energy and infrastructure. Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, said they discussed elements of a peace agreement and that the ceasefire process is now in motion. "My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine. This War would have never started if I were President! Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!" his post read. The phone call between Trump and Putin focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, during which the two leaders agreed on the necessity of lasting peace. They also discussed a proposed ceasefire in the Black Sea and broader regional stability in the Middle East. During the conversation, both leaders acknowledged that improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia could bring significant benefits, which could be realized once peace is achieved. https://x.com/PressSec/status/1902049487457071248 "Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people," read a statement from the White House Press Secretary. Trump reportedly initiated the call with Putin to negotiate a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. According to ABC News, the Trump administration is pushing for an immediate halt to hostilities, following Ukraine's agreement to a temporary cessation of fighting--provided Russia reciprocates. (ANI)
Geopolitical expert and author Velina Tchakarova has stated that the US administration is making a concerted effort to engage in direct negotiations with Russian leadership, not solely on the Ukraine conflict, but on a broader strategic dialogue between the two nations. At the same time, Washington is pursuing separate discussions with both Russia and Ukraine to initiate direct talks on a potential ceasefire and, by extension, a peace agreement. "In the next three to six months, what I expect to happen is that there would be most likely a direct meeting between Ukraine and Russia under the American umbrella, probably on neutral terrain - maybe in the Middle East," Tchakarova explained, adding that such a meeting could lead to an agreement on a ceasefire format. According to her assessment, any potential ceasefire will likely require concessions from Ukraine, given that Russia's demands have remained largely unchanged. "Ukraine will probably be pushed on certain political and military concessions because Russian demands haven't changed much," she stated. However, she expressed scepticism about whether this would evolve into a sustained peace process, saying, "If you ask me whether this will result in a direct peace process, I have my doubts about it." Amid these developments, US President Donald Trump has been actively pursuing de-escalation efforts, holding a crucial phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to secure a temporary halt to hostilities. The Trump administration is advocating for an immediate ceasefire after Ukraine agreed to a 30-day cessation of fighting, contingent on Russia doing the same, ABC News reported. Trump has underscored the importance of swiftly reducing tensions, stating, "It's a bad situation in Russia, and it's a bad situation in Ukraine... We're going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace, and I think we'll be able to do it." (ANI)
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a crucial phone call, during which they discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and agreed on the need for a lasting peace, including a proposed ceasefire in the Black Sea, while also addressing regional stability in the Middle East. During the conversation, both leaders agreed that improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia could have significant benefits, which could be realized once lasting peace is achieved in the region. https://x.com/PressSec/status/1902049487457071248 "Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people," read a statement from the White House Press Secretary. "The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved," the statement added. Trump and Putin also discussed the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, agreeing that the conflict should never have occurred and that steps should be taken toward a ceasefire. Additionally, the leaders agreed on implementing a ceasefire in the Black Sea, a key region for Russian wheat exports. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Russia's monthly wheat exports via sea have ranged between 2.0 to 4.5 million tons in the current marketing year, averaging around 3.5 million tons. The primary markets for these shipments include Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Algeria. "This conflict should never have started and should have ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace would begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on the implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East," the statement said. The leaders also discussed broader stability in the Middle East, agreeing to prevent future conflicts and curb the proliferation of strategic weapons. They shared the view that Iran must never be in a position to threaten Israel's existence. "The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop the proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application. The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel," the statement read. Trump reportedly held the call with Putin to secure a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. According to ABC News, the Trump administration is pushing for an immediate halt to hostilities after Ukraine agreed to a temporary cessation of fighting, provided that Russia does the same. (ANI)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has lauded India's expanding nuclear sector, calling it one of the 'most dynamic' in Asia and the world, while emphasising close cooperation between India and the IAEA on regulations, technology, safety, and security. Speaking at the event, Grossi said, "IAEA is in close cooperation with India. India's nuclear sector is growing. It is one of the most dynamic in Asia and the world, and the IAEA is cooperating with India on a number of sector regulations, technology development, safety, and security." Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Grossi on the sidelines of the event and shared details of their discussion on social media. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Delighted to meet DG @iaeaorg @rafaelmgrossi on the sidelines of #Raisina2025 today. Discussed nuclear safety and non-proliferation issues." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1901987149391774079 Responding to Jaishankar, Grossi posted, "Thank you @DrSJaishankar for the warm welcome and a successful #RaisinaDialogue2025. India is a key player in international affairs and a strong @IAEAorg partner in nuclear science & tech for peace and development. I look forward to further strengthening our cooperation." https://x.com/rafaelmgrossi/status/1901958906265416134 Meanwhile, Grossi also highlighted India's role in developing a skilled workforce for the nuclear industry. In an prior post on X, he wrote, "Nuclear energy is growing, especially in Asia, and a strong workforce is key to sustain it. India is an important nuclear country, and @IAEAorg partnering with @DAEIndia GCNEP will help train next gen. Congrats on new Nuclear Engineering Course & School for Nuclear Tech/Sciences." The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency participated in the Raisina Dialogue, which has been hailed as India's premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. The event is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and attended by major world leaders, including New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. (ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is amassing troops along the Sumy front and preparing fresh offensives on the Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Kharkiv fronts to escalate pressure on Kyiv in the coming months, Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday. He also noted that Ukrainian troops were continuing operations in Russia's Kursk region, despite recent Russian offensives. "Ukraine is fulfilling its task in the Kursk region. The Ukrainian military is there, and they will be there as long as we need this operation," he said, as quoted by Al Jazeera. Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, weighed in on the continuing negotiations for peace in Ukraine. "The first steps are put in place, but the objective must remain the same: to have a solid ceasefire, measurable and verifiable," the French president said after meeting the German Chancellor in Berlin. "That is not conceivable without having the Ukrainians at the table," Al Jazeera quoted Macron. He added that Germany's decision to beef up its defence spending was "good news" for the whole of Europe. Zelenskyy further stated that he supports a 30-day pause in attacks on energy infrastructure but requires more details before Kyiv can fully endorse the proposal. He made these remarks on Tuesday while visiting Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed to have had a "productive" phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders agreed to an immediate ceasefire on energy and infrastructure. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said they discussed key elements of a peace agreement and that the ceasefire process is now underway. "My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine. This War would have never started if I were President! Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!", Trump's post read. (ANI)
Georgia Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili has called for stronger bilateral ties with India across political, economic, and educational sectors while emphasising Georgia's strategic location and economic potential, underlining the importance of connectivity and collaboration. "This is my first visit to India, and India is a very important partner for Georgia. We intend to expand our bilateral ties with India, both politically and economically. That's very important for us," Bochorishvili told ANI. She then highlighted Georgia's role as a key transit hub between Europe and Asia and its appeal as a destination for Indian tourists and students. "Georgia is located in a strategically very important region, and we have lots to offer. Georgia is an interesting destination for Indian tourists and Indian students," she noted. Bochorishvili also stressed the need for a structured political dialogue to explore untapped potential in trade, logistics, and education. "We need to explore, and that's why it is important to have a political dialogue... Economy, logistics, and education, and there are plenty of other areas where we can work together and explore even more because India is a developing country, Georgia is a developing country, and we have lots of opportunities in both regions to be connected, and connectivity is very important for us," she said. Slovakia's Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar, who is leading a delegation of Slovakian business representatives, expressed optimism about deepening economic cooperation. "We are here in India and participating not only in the Raisina Dialogue and geopolitical conference but also have a big group of businessmen from Slovakia with me. We have a bigger group to enhance our cooperation between Slovakia and India. I'm pretty optimistic that we will achieve a lot of outcomes through our cooperation. I'm happy that the trade turnover is growing, now reaching more than 1.2 billion euros." While speaking to ANI, He also highlighted Slovakia's strength in the automotive sector and its collaborations with Indian suppliers. "Our aim is to collaborate in the field of automotive, which is very much developed in Slovakia. Probably you might know that Slovakia is a superpower in the production of passenger cars per capita, and from India, there are many suppliers to our companies as well," he added. Jonatan Vseviov, Secretary General of Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised India-Estonia relations, calling for deeper collaboration in high-tech, education, and defence. "The Estonia-India relationship is good. It's outstanding. The foundation has been built. We share democracy. We share a belief in a rules-based international order. We both depend on predictable and stable political and economic relations around the world. But this is just the beginning," he said. He further noted India and Estonia's common focus on digital advancements, stating, "Estonia has made a name for itself for being digitally developed, and so has India. So, I believe that there is a lot for us to achieve that we have yet to tap into... I think what you will see in the future, in the coming weeks and months, is more engagement between Estonian and Indian officials, between our businesses, between our young people, and our societies." The remarks from the respective Foreign Ministers come as world leaders, including New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, gather for the Raisina Dialogue, organised by India's Ministry of External Affairs, to discuss pressing global challenges and strengthen international cooperation. (ANI)
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Demonstrators participate in a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 17, 2025. On Monday, tens of thousands of people gathered in a massive rally in Sanaa, protesting against U.S. airstrikes in northern Yemen that have led to dozens of deaths. [Photo/Xinhua]

The U.S. military launched a new wave of airstrikes on Yemen, targeting several sites in and around the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah Monday evening, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV said.

"One airstrike targeted the Al-Arj area in Bajil district, east of the city, while another series of airstrikes hit and destroyed the Al-Habashi iron factory in the Salif district, northwest of the city," the TV channel reported.

Residents described the airstrikes as extremely violent with explosions heard from miles away.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or the extent of the damage.

On Monday, thousands of people gathered in a massive rally at Sabeen Square in the Houthi-held Yemeni capital Sanaa, protesting against U.S. airstrikes in northern Yemen that have led to dozens of deaths.

Demonstrators, with many carrying snipers and Kalashnikov rifles, chanted slogans denouncing the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which ordered the airstrike campaign on Houthi targets starting Saturday evening.

"Death to America, death to Israel," protesters cried at the square decorated by huge billboards showing the group's leader, and other leaders from what the group called the "resistance axis."

Addressing the crowd, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, head of the group's supreme revolutionary committee, said the group views the U.S. operations as "aggression and terrorism, and we will confront escalation with escalation."

Over the past two days, dozens of Houthi-controlled military sites, as well as dozens of residential houses, have been targeted and bombed by U.S. fighter jets across Sanaa, and several other northern and western provinces under Houthi control.

Many families have fled the capital for fear of their lives.

According to the latest statement from the Houthi-run Health Ministry, the death toll from the U.S. airstrikes has increased to 53, including five children and two women. Search operations under the rubble of residential buildings were still ongoing.

In a televised speech Sunday, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi threatened to launch attacks targeting U.S. naval and commercial ships if the U.S. military continued to conduct airstrikes on Houthi-held areas.

The White House on Sunday said in a televised statement that the U.S. military targeted and killed several senior Houthi leaders during the airstrikes. The Houthi group has yet to comment.

The U.S. airstrikes began Saturday evening as Trump vowed to continue air attacks until the Houthis stopped attacking international shipping lines and ships.

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."

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 the 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.
Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held bilateral meetings at the Raisina Dialogue, focusing on strengthening ties with India and addressing key regional issues, including trade, hydropower cooperation, and climate change, the Nepal Embassy in India said. "Productive bilateral meetings by Foreign Minister Hon. Arzu Rana Deuba at Raisina Dialogue 2025, strengthening partnerships. The Hon. Minister also addressed the panel on climate change, sharing insightful observations and ideas," a post by the Embassy on X read. https://x.com/EONIndia/status/1902031623794675829 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met Deuba and discussed the several aspects of India-Nepal ties. "Pleased to meet FM Nepal Arzu Rana Deuba today. Discussed various facets of our bilateral cooperation." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1902005332387520706 Foreign Minister Rana took to X to share the highlights of the meeting. She said, "A highly fruitful interaction with H.E. S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. H.E. Jaishankar and I took stock of bilateral ties, discussing ongoing engagements across sectors and identifying avenues for enhancing people-to-people and diplomatic exchanges. I expressed my appreciation for India's Neighborhood First Policy and conveyed Nepal's continued prioritization of relations with India." https://x.com/Arzuranadeuba/status/1901986421998862733 Deuba shared the areas in which she discussed with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during her visit to India. In an interview with ANI, Deuba said, "Our main focus is the joint development of hydropower and trade. So these were the issues that we discussed primarily today." She added that India and Nepal have resumed several meetings that had been pending for some time. "We are now doing a lot of the meetings that had been withheld for some time." She noted that discussions covered issues such as flood management, trade, security, and water resource sharing. On Monday, Deuba said that Nepal is focusing on a "closer relationship" with India by enhancing trade and collaborating on global issues. "We are focusing on closer relationships, vis a vis trade, especially energy trade and trade of our goods and maybe legalising our borders and working together on global issues also we hope to be working together." Deuba said. 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 event, organized by India's Ministry of External Affairs, will be attended by world leaders, including Prime Ministers and foreign ministers from various countries. (ANI)
Former Lynchburg City Council candidate Peter Alexander has formed an exploratory committee as he prepares to seek the Republican nomination for one of the three at-large council seats in 2026.

With party primaries in the at-large city council races more than a year away, Alexander said his goal will not be to oust Mayor Larry Taylor, who he says brings a steady, faith-driven voice to council, or At-large Councilman Martin Misjuns, who he described as a rock solid America First Conservative from their seats.

Instead, Alexander, who narrowly lost the Republican nomination for the Ward IV seat on council to incumbent Chris Faraldi in 2024, wants to unseat At-large Councilwoman Stephanie Reed, who he described in a news release Sunday as aligned with Democrats and bureaucrats, stirring up drama, and even censuring her fellow Republicans.

By forming the exploratory committee now, Alexander said he plans to announce his run in January to unseat Reed and take her spot on council.

Republicans currently hold a 6-1 majority on council. While the GOP members agree on many issues that come before council, Reed and Faraldi occasionally are odds with Misjuns, as well as council newcomers Jacqueline Timmer, who represents Ward I, and Curt Diemer, the vice mayor who represents Ward III. In his votes and appointments to committees, Taylor has shown he is not solidly in either faction of the local GOP.

In last Junes Republican Party primary for the Ward IV seat, Alexander said Faraldi leaned heavily on Democrat votes in Virginias open primary system to squeak by.

I didnt back down  I ran a write-in campaign against him because Lynchburg deserves leaders who will stand firm, not self-serving RINOs propped up by the other side, Alexander said in the news release.

In last Novembers general election, Alexander said Faraldi limped to a win, with less than 50% of the vote.

In response to Alexanders announcement, Faraldi said in a statement Republicans shouldnt nominate spoiler candidates, referring to Alexanders write-in campaign last November.

Faraldi received 47% of the vote in the Ward IV general election, followed by April Watson, the Democratic nominee, with 45% of the vote. In Ward IV, 750 write-in votes, or about 8% of the total votes, were cast, with most of them likely going to Alexander.

It is unclear if Republican Party of Virginia rules would allow Alexander to be the Republican nominee for an at-large seat on council in 2026.

According to state party rules, a voter who, subsequent to making a statement of intent, publicly supports a candidate in opposition to a Republican nominee shall not be qualified for participation in party actions as defined in Article I for a period of four (4) years.

When he ran against Faraldi as a write-in candidate last fall, Alexander was supporting a candidate  himself  in opposition to the Republican nominee, who was Faraldi.

In response to whether his write-in campaign for the Ward IV seat last fall could affect his ability to win the Republican nomination for an at-large council seat, Alexander told The News & Advance that nothing stops me or any potential candidate from gathering signatures and paying the filing fee to appear on Virginias open primary ballot for a party nomination  its the law.

Alexander, in his news release, accused Reed, who served two years as mayor in 2023 and 2024 before Taylor was elected mayor in January, as being more focused on grandstanding and advancing her personal status and agenda, than on the daily struggles of our families and businesses.

Alexander and other city Republicans were upset that Reed and Faraldi joined former Ward I Councilwoman MaryJane Dolan and Ward II Councilman Sterling Wilder, who did not identify as Democrats at the time but generally aligned with Democratic Party policies, to approve a resolution censuring and punishing Misjuns and former Ward III Councilmember Jeff Helgeson in 2024.

Taylor, Misjuns and Helgeson voted against the censure resolution.

The 2024 vote was Misjuns second censure by the Republican-controlled council. In November 2023, Misjuns was censured by city council, in a 5-2 vote, for disorderly behavior and misconduct. In that vote, Taylor voted with Reed, Faraldi, Dolan and Wilder to approve the censure.

Reed had not responded to a request for comment about Alexanders plans to run for council in 2026 at the time this article was published.

Alexander said he plans to use the exploratory committee to speak with residents as he seeks to shape a campaign thats all about fiscal responsibility and putting the individuals, families and businesses of our city first.

Together, we can ensure a council that understands the vision conservative voters have for our city and has the courage to actually carry it out, he said.
SHIZUOKA, Mar 18 (News On Japan) - Mount Fuji will officially become a paid climb, as the Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly approved an ordinance on March 17th requiring hikers to pay a 4,000 yen entry fee. Following Yamanashis lead, Shizuoka will implement the fee starting in the summer of 2025.

According to Chiharu Yoneyama, the representative of the Gotenba Fifth Stations Higashi-Fuji Mountain Lodge, the decision will have an impact on businesses. "As a mountain lodge, we expect a slight decrease in visitors. However, we must take this change seriously."

On March 17th, Mount Fuji entered a new phaseone where climbing requires payment.

"Are there any objections?"

"None."

During the February regular session of the prefectural assembly, Shizuoka approved the ordinance to regulate Mount Fuji climbers. This measure replaces the existing voluntary 1,000 yen conservation fee with a mandatory 4,000 yen entry fee per person.

Additionally, hikers who do not stay at a mountain lodge will be prohibited from entering the mountain between 2 p.m. and 3 a.m. the following day.

Yamanashi Prefecture has already mandated a 2,000 yen passage fee for its trails since the summer of 2024, and in March, it approved an ordinance raising the fee on the Yoshida Route to 4,000 yen. Shizuoka assessed the effectiveness of these measures in reducing reckless bullet climbing and decided to match Yamanashis pricing.

For Shizuoka, this marks the first introduction of a Mount Fuji entry fee. Yoneyama sees potential benefits, hoping it will address long-standing issues.

"More people who truly want to experience climbing Mount Fuji will attempt it. By discouraging bullet climbing, general hikers may find it easierthough 'easier' may not be the right wordbut at least they can ascend without congestion."

Source: SBSnews6
TOKYO, Mar 19 (News On Japan) - A recent incident involving the attack on Takashi Tachibana has raised concerns over the lack of available information about the suspect, Miyanishi. Despite the rapid flow of information in the digital age, very little has surfaced regarding his background beyond his residence and employment status.

This absence of details has led to speculation, particularly about potential influences or affiliations that might explain the attack. Some suspect that law enforcement or the media may already have knowledge of his background but are deliberately withholding it.

Social media has fueled further theories, with some users suggesting that Miyanishi may not be Japanese based on his behavior during his arrest. However, analysis of footage from the scene suggests otherwise, with experts dismissing claims that his speech patterns were foreign. Misinformation has spread rapidly, with influential figures amplifying unverified claims, which in turn raises concerns over the reliability of digital discourse.

The incident has also sparked discussions about broader issues in media coverage and political bias. Some critics argue that major television networks have exhibited selective reporting, particularly in their coverage of Tachibana. A recent program aired a critical segment about him without providing an opportunity for response, which some claim violates the broadcasting law. The government's response to the controversy has been cautious, stating that media freedom must be protected as long as reporting does not distort facts or interfere with fair elections.

There are also growing concerns over political manipulation and censorship. Some believe that the attack on Tachibana was meant as a warning, given his influence in alternative media. The idea that authorities or other entities might be attempting to control narratives through intimidation has led to comparisons with past political incidents, including foreign intelligence operations. While some of these claims lack solid evidence, they reflect a deep-seated distrust in both mainstream media and political institutions.

In addition to the media controversy, there is ongoing debate over foreign residents' access to social welfare in Japan. Some lawmakers have questioned whether foreign nationals should continue receiving benefits, arguing that the system was initially designed as a temporary measure. Despite legal ambiguities, government officials have defended the policy, stating that excluding foreign residents would be inappropriate. The discussion has gained attention due to concerns over public resources being allocated to non-citizens, particularly in cases where foreign nationals allegedly exploit legal loopholes.

The Tachibana attack and its aftermath have underscored broader tensions in Japanese politics and media. Misinformation, selective reporting, and political maneuvering continue to shape public discourse, raising questions about the reliability of both traditional and digital media. At the same time, the debate over foreign welfare benefits reflects a growing push for policy reassessment in response to shifting economic and social conditions.

Source: 
Mar 19 (Japanese Kitchen Tour) - At Miyoshiya Roisen, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, third-generation owner Shota Oizumi demonstrates the intricate craft of wagashi making.

One of the sweets he creates is "Sakura," a delicate confection featuring pink nerikiri wrapped in white nerikiri using the "wrapping blur" technique. The color gradation mimics the soft hues of cherry blossoms. To shape the petals, he skillfully uses a diamond stick and his fingers, applying careful pressure to achieve a natural appearance.

Born into a family of confectioners, Oizumi trained at the prestigious Taneya sweets shop and later became the youngest recipient of the "Excellent Japanese Confectionery Worker" award from the National Japanese Confectionery Association. He also holds a first-class technician qualification, positioning him as a promising leader in the industry. As he refines the shape of the Sakura sweet, he explains that slight irregularities in petal size make the design more natural, emphasizing the importance of asymmetry in wagashi craftsmanship.

Next, Oizumi demonstrates the creation of a "Rose" sweet using the "Sajikiri" technique, which involves precisely cutting the bean paste with a spoon to form delicate petals. The process requires perfect control over timing and force. He recalls his initial struggles with the technique, comparing it to learning how to ride a bicycle. Over time, through dedicated practice, he mastered the subtle movements needed to shape the petals correctly. Unlike most confectioners who use two spoons, he employs three to enhance expression and detail in his designs.

Attention to detail extends beyond technique to the materials and tools used in wagashi making. Oizumi often visits souvenir and craft stores, searching for unconventional items that can aid in shaping and decorating sweets. His commitment to his craft is also reflected in his personal care routine, as he diligently maintains clean and well-moisturized hands, knowing that his work requires direct contact with the delicate confections.

The final demonstration features the "Sunflower" sweet, showcasing the "Houan" technique, where bean paste is wrapped flawlessly to avoid any visible fingerprints or hand marks. This fundamental skill, often assigned to apprentices, requires patience and precision. Oizumi recalls being frequently scolded in his early years for leaving traces on the sweets, but through repetition and discipline, he mastered the technique. Now, he ensures that each piece is wrapped with the utmost care, using his palms for adjustments before adding finishing touches with a diamond stick.

Through years of dedication, Oizumi has refined his skills in the intricate art of wagashi making, combining tradition with personal creativity. His meticulous craftsmanship and passion for innovation continue to push the boundaries of Japanese confectionery, preserving its legacy while inspiring future generations.
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.
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Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the 11th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Tokyo, Japan on March 22.

During his visit to Japan, Wang and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya will co-chair the Sixth China-Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue, foreign ministry spokesperson announced Tuesday.
The EU imposed sanctions on officials linked to Rwanda which cut its diplomatic ties with Belgium over the conflict opposing the DRC to the Tutsi-led M23 rebels.

The sanctions targeted M23 political leader Bertrand Bisimwa and Rwandan army commanders, as well as chief executive of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board and Gasabo Gold Refinery in Kigali, which the EU accused of illicitly exporting natural resources from Congo.

The sanctions came a day ahead of the launch Tuesday of peace talks in Angola between the DRC and the M23 rebels.

Separately, Rwanda cut ties with Belgium, whom it accuses of spreading a false image of Rwandas role in the DRC conflict. Belgium reciprocated by declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non-grata.

Germany and the UK had previously cut aid to Rwanda, while urging it to stop backing the M23 rebels, who took strategic towns in the DRCs east.

Rwanda has often denied supporting the M23 rebels. The DRC urged the West to put pressure on Rwanda and warned the conflict could spill over.

The UN Security Council has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a resolution adopted in February 2025, the Council strongly condemned the ongoing offensive by M23 rebels and called on the Rwanda Defense Forces to stop supporting the armed group and withdraw from Congolese territory.
In 2024, Morocco became Spains second supplier outside the EU, with an increasing volume to 13 billion euros.

Moroccan goods made up 2.3% of total Spanish imports, as the kingdom strengthened its position as Spains main African trade partner.

This positioned Morocco as Spains main African supplier with 28% of all goods purchased from the continent, ahead of energy exporters, Algeria 18% and Nigeria 16%.

Spain, in return, maintains its position as Moroccos first trading partner, accounting for 37% of imports from the EU, ahead of France 20%, Germany 10%, and Italy 8%.

Spain is thus the first client of Morocco in the EU absorbing 38% of Moroccos exports, followed by France 27% and Italy 9%.

Spanish exports to Morocco are dominated by fuel at 18%, mechanical appliances 12%, cars 11%, electrical appliances 9% and plastic 6%.

Moroccos exports are made up of electric appliances 30%, ready-to-wear and textile 15%, cars 12%, fisheries 9%, and fruits 6%.
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has sent a written message to King Mohammed VI, as part of the drive to strengthen the solid ties between the two countries.

The message was handed over to Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita by special envoy of the Zambian President, Caleb Fundanga, at a meeting in Rabat Monday.

In a statement to the press following this meeting, member of the Zambian delegation, Samuel Munzele Maimbo, underlined that the presidents message to King Mohammed VI is part of the drive to strengthen the solid ties between the two countries.

This meeting with Bourita provided an opportunity to convey the Zambian Presidents profound thanks to the Monarch for his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, Maimbo said, adding that the two countries are constantly exchanging on the best means to upgrade partnership between Rabat and Lusaka.

Member of the Zambian delegation, Samuel Munzele Maimbo, is one of the candidates vying to lead the African development Bank (AfDB) as Akinwumi Adesinas term as AfDB president comes to an end.

AfDBs new president will be chosen on May 29 at a meeting of the Banks board of governors. The board is made up of representatives of the 54 African countries plus the 27 non-African countries that are shareholders in the Bank.
Morocco has reaffirmed on Monday, during the 57th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Addis Ababa, its unwavering commitment to the African continental free trade area (AfCFTA).

The commitment was renewed by Minister of Industry and Trade, Riyad Mezzour, who took the floor in his capacity as the president of the UNECA 57th session and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

AfCFTA is more than just a legal framework, it is one of the key pillars of Agenda 2063, promising job opportunities, dignity, and hope to the people of the continent, said Mezzour.

AfCFTA is our generations challenge, he said, calling for bold measures to better implement this agreement in a rapidly evolving global context.

The official, who recalled that since its return to the African Union in 2017, Morocco has acted as a bridge between North and South, between tradition and innovation, and between ambition and action, stressed that Africa must move beyond its role as a raw materials exporter and a consumer goods importer.

In this regard, he urged African countries to develop value chains in sectors where they are most competitive, noting that Moroccos strategic industrial policies have enabled the Kingdom to position itself as a global hub for fertilizers, producing over 20% of the worlds fertilizer needs.

Morocco has also succeeded in establishing itself as Africas leading vehicle production center, he added.

Mezzour also stressed that Africa must benefit from its natural resources by developing sustainable industrialization, enhancing its industrial competitiveness, and ensuring its industrial sovereignty.

He also underscored the importance of a transition towards renewable energies and technologies. AfCFTA must be green, inclusive, and fair, he insisted, noting that renewable energies account for 45% of Moroccos energy mix, which reflects the Kingdoms commitment to sustainable development.

In this respect, the minister expressed Moroccos readiness to share its expertise in the field.

Mezzour underscored that Moroccos digital strategies have transformed public services and empowered start-ups, calling for these achievements to be expanded across the continent.

Morocco will host the 58th session of UNECA and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in March 2026.
The United States has vowed to use overwhelming lethal force against Yemens Houthi rebels, following a series of airstrikes that killed at least 53 people over the weekend.

The Pentagon emphasized that while the strikes are meant to deter the Houthis from resuming attacks, they do not aim to create an endless offensive or bring about regime change. US president Donald Trump warned that Iran would be held fully accountable for any actions taken by the Iran-backed Houthi group, which has targeted ships in the Red Sea in recent months, including vessels linked to Israel. These attacks have disrupted global shipping routes, particularly affecting the Suez Canal, and the Houthis have threatened to resume their actions unless Israel lifts its blockade on Gaza. This growing regional instability has also severely impacted the trade flows through the Suez Canal, with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announcing on Monday (17 March) that the strategic waterway is losing around $800 million in revenue each month.

Despite the Houthi withdrawal from the conflict during the ceasefire in January, their return to aggression is seen as a show of solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The latest US strikes targeted over 30 Houthi sites, aimed at degrading their military capabilities. The Houthis retaliated with missile and drone attacks, including an attempt on the USS Harry S. Truman, which was intercepted without casualties. Tensions continue to rise in the region, with both the US and the Houthis vowing further escalations, with Trump warning that hell will rain down if the group continues attacks on Red Sea shipping. The situation has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen, as global leaders call for restraint.
French prosecutors have launched a judicial investigation into TotalEnergies, accusing the oil giant of involuntary manslaughter and failing to assist people in danger during a brutal jihadist attack in Mozambiques Palma region in March 2021.

The attack, carried out by Islamist militants linked to ISIS, left over 1,400 people dead or missing, including 55 subcontractors working for TotalEnergies on its $20 billion Mozambique LNG project. The legal action launched by the Nanterre prosecutors office was prompted by complaints from survivors and relatives of victims, who allege that TotalEnergies did not take sufficient measures to protect workers in the lead-up to the attack. Despite evacuating over 2,500 people during the crisis, the company is accused of not providing necessary support to subcontractors and of halting its project without adequate security precautions. TotalEnergies has denied the accusations, asserting that it did everything possible to ensure the safety of its employees.

The case has raised significant concerns over the balance between corporate interests and human rights, with victims seeking justice for the lives lost in the deadly attack. As the investigation in France unfolds, TotalEnergies is also pushing to restart its LNG project, having secured a $4.7 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank to aid the endeavor. Production is now expected to resume by 2029 or 2030, with a total investment of $20 billion. The projects resumption has sparked fierce debates, with human rights groups condemning it as a climate bomb and calling on other European and Asian banks to refuse its financing while the African Energy Chamber has hailed it as a key project for the economic development of the continent.
Three Chadian journalists remain in pre-trial custody after being arrested earlier this month on charges of colluding with Russias Wagner paramilitary group, prompting warning about the governments broader crackdown on critical voices in the landlocked Sahel country.

The journalists, including Radio France Internationales Chad correspondent Olivier Monodji, are accused of espionage, conspiracy, and undermining Chads institutions. They allegedly provided sensitive information that could harm the countrys security and economic interests, particularly related to its growing ties with Russia. The charges also extend to an estate agent who is accused of assisting in finding premises for a Russian cultural center in the capital, NDjamena. These arrests come amid a broader crackdown on media freedom in Chad, with rights groups and local press organizations condemning the actions.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders expressed concern, noting that such serious charges against journalists are unprecedented in Chad and signal a troubling shift toward silencing critical voices. The arrests are seen as part of a larger pattern of repression under Chads leader, Mahamat Idriss Deby, who has increasingly aligned the country with Russia, distancing it from former colonial power France. The charges against the journalists follow the September 2023 inauguration of the Russian House in NDjamena, which was linked to Wagner, and come amidst growing scrutiny of Chads relationship with Moscow. Legal representatives for the detained journalists argue that there is no evidence to support the accusations, and they demand a fair judicial process.
Morocco, with its strong tax policies and investment in strategic infrastructures, can help to drive and speed up economic integration in Africa, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

In a tweet posted following the meeting held Monday in Addis Ababa between ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete and Moroccos Industry & Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour on the sidelines of 57th session of UNECA, the UN body lauded Moroccos capacity to boost African trade in gas, electric mobility and maritime transport thanks to the Port of Tangier, the Kingdom leadership in fertilizers, energy and automobile.

Morocco, which has been elected President of UNECA for a one-year, will host the 58th UNECA and Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in March 2026.

Addressing the Addis Ababa gathering, Ryad Mezzour reaffirmed Moroccos commitment to the African continental free trade area (AfCFTA), saying Africa must benefit from its natural resources by developing sustainable industrialization, enhancing its industrial competitiveness, and ensuring its industrial sovereignty.

Economic Report on Africa 2025 issued by UNECA says Morocco plays a key role in Africas trade and development, highlighting the Kingdoms advanced fertilizer industry, its trade openness, digitalization and wide internet coverage.

Morocco, which is the 1st producer of phosphate in Africa, has the worlds largest reserves, enabling the Kingdom to play a key role in global fertilizer market and food security in Africa.

According to UNECA report, AfCFTA offers a significant opportunity to unlock intra-African fertilizer trade, reducing costs and supply chain vulnerabilities. By eliminating trade barriers, both at and behind the border, as well as fostering regional cooperation, the AfCFTA can facilitate fertilizer movement from production hubs in North Africa to high-demand agricultural regions in the rest of Africa.

Expanding regional fertilizer supply chains through the AfCFTA will not only improve food security but also contribute to Africas broader economic transformation by strengthening agricultural productivity and reducing reliance on volatile global markets.
With a landslide majority vote, the Peruvian government passed a motion urging the countrys government to back Moroccos autonomy initiative, which has gathered momentum in recent years rallying global powers as well as African and Arab support.

The motion urged the Peruvian foreign ministry to act globally in favor of this initiative to find a lasting solution to the Sahara conflict.

The conflict has blocked development and integration of the peoples of the Maghreb, the motion notes, calling on the parties to the conflict to engage in the round-tables process with good faith under the aegis of the UN.

The motion recalls that Moroccos autonomy initiative has been described by the UN Security Council and an increasing number of influential countries as serious and credible.

So far, the autonomy initiative has the support of 120 countries, including France, the US, Spain, Israel, most of the Arab world, majority of African countries as well as Latin American nations such as Chile.
Sudanese officials have recovered 11 bodies from a well in Khartoums Fayhaa neighborhood, days after military forces expelled paramilitary fighters from the area. The grim discovery includes the remains of men, women, and children, according to civil defense authorities.

Colonel Abdul-Rahanan Mohamed Hassan, leading the civil defense recovery operation, confirmed the search began after residents reported finding a body in the well. We discovered various bodies inside this well, including males, females, adults, and children, Hassan stated, adding that the search for additional remains continues.

Authorities believe the victims were killed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and subsequently disposed of in the well during their control of the area. The military reclaimed the neighborhood earlier this month as part of broader offensive operations in Khartoum and Omdurman.

Local residents have provided harrowing testimony about conditions under RSF occupation. Afraa al-Hajj Omar from nearby Hajj Youssef neighborhood claimed the paramilitary group killed numerous individuals, leaving bodies on streets for days. They robbed us, beat us, and tortured us, she recounted.

The discovery represents another chapter in Sudans devastating conflict, which has claimed at least 20,000 livesthough experts believe the actual death toll is substantially higher. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with over 14 million people now displaced and parts of the country facing famine conditions.

Fighting has devastated urban centers including Khartoum, featuring documented atrocities such as mass rape and ethnically targeted killings. International organizations have classified these acts as war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly in Darfur region.

Recent months have seen military forces making consistent advances against RSF positions in the capital and surrounding areas, gradually shifting the conflicts territorial control dynamics.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi disclosed that the country is losing approximately $800 million per month in revenue from the Suez Canal due to the ongoing regional tensions. He made this announcement during the annual Iftar banquet hosted by the Armed Forces.

El-Sisi reflected on the challenges faced by Egypt over the past 15 years, highlighting the significant economic crises that have affected the global landscape. Despite these challenges, he emphasised that Egypt had taken steady and well-planned steps to address its economic difficulties. The president also pointed out that the nations economy is showing signs of recovery, citing the recent approval by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to release a new financial tranche to Egypt, which bodes well for the future.

The President commended the unity of the Egyptian people and the strength of state institutions, particularly the Armed Forces and Civil Police, for their role in maintaining national stability. He also called for continued efforts to advance Egypts societal development, and emphasized the importance of strong family structures, schools, universities, mosques, and churches in building a solid and prosperous society.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a press conference following a policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on March 11 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Last week, Chuck Schumer helped Congress avert a potentially lengthy shutdown by supporting a Republican stopgap bill to fund the government. But in doing so, the Senate minority leader has sparked significant ire from several factions of his party.

Amid the intense backlash, which appeared to prompt a swift postponement of his pending book tour (though security concerns were given as the official reason), Schumer took to the airwaves in a series of interviews Tuesday to defend his position and his leadership role. In an appearance on The View, Schumer made a point he had made before: that the continuing resolution presented by the Republicans was bad, but that the prospect of a shutdown wouldve been far worse.

I knew it was a difficult choice and I knew Id get a lot of criticism for my choice. But I felt as a leader I had to do it, he said.

Schumer told the hosts that a shutdown wouldve allowed Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and U.S. Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought, whom he called a really evil man, to enact further deep cuts to government spending, posing a potential risk to key programs like SNAP and Medicaid that could be eliminated under the guise of not being essential to government function:

"I felt as a leader I had to do it."



Senate Minority Leader @SenSchumer defends his decision to vote for the Republicans' House-approved government funding bill, telling @TheView a government shutdown would have been "devastation like we have never seen." pic.twitter.com/MOvquCLS6M  The View (@TheView) March 18, 2025

Schumers decision to back the Republican funding bill went against House Democrats, who largely voted against the legislation, as well as members of his own caucus who loudly went against the minority leaders move. Ultimately, only nine Democratic senators joined Schumer in voting to advance the bill. The outrage has prompted speculation that Democrats might seek new leadership in the Senate as groups like Indivisible called on Schumer to step aside. CNN reported last week that some Democrats have even begun to urge people to challenge Schumer for his seat in 2028, specifically naming Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has denounced Schumers move as a tremendous mistake.

When asked about such chatter, Schumer insisted that hes still the right leader for this moment, citing his Democratic gains in the Senate in 2005 and 2020. We have a lot of really strong talent in the House, in the Senate, in the governors. We have a great bench. As for the Senate caucus, of which Im the leader, I should be the leader, he said.

.@SenSchumer responds to Democrats questioning his leadership after he supported the Republican spending bill to avert a government shutdown: "We are united in going after Trump and showing the American people that he is making the middle class pay for the tax cuts on the rich." pic.twitter.com/TgwbnlosYR  The View (@TheView) March 18, 2025

In an earlier appearance on CBS Mornings, Schumer said Democrats strategy of hammering home the impact of Trumps policies on the lives of everyday Americans is already having an impact. If we keep at it every day relentless, fighting and showing how theyre hurting people so badly, Trumps numbers will get much lower and his  both popularity and his effectiveness  will decline, he said.

Schumer on CBS: "I am the best leader for the Senate ... I am the best at winning Senate seats." pic.twitter.com/kWK9dkRsle  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 18, 2025

Last week, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the rest of the leadership initially lambasted Schumers decision to advance the bill in a statement, writing that Democrats in the chamber will not be complicit. But on Monday, Jeffries responded to a reporter asking if he supports Schumers leadership in the Senate after avoiding a similar question days earlier. Yes, I do, he said.
The Alma Mater statue at Columbia University. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The leaders of Americas top universities should have realized long ago that no amount of cowering and capitulation or attempts to hide will save them from the attack being unleashed and orchestrated by the Trump administration. It seems the leaders of these fine institutions do not understand the crude and lawless nature of their opponents or the focused, all-out war on higher education that the White House and its allies have launched.

Like many New Yorkers, I am baffled and dismayed by Columbia Universitys meek acceptance of the outrageous, bullying announcement from the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, and the U.S. General Services Administration that the White House intends to snatch back $400 million in federal research money based on what the administration called continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students, an alleged violation of civil-rights law. For good measure, the letter warned that these cancellations represent the first round of action and additional cancellations are expected to follow.

But the threat is plainly illegal. Federal law governing scientific grants specifies that clawbacks of research money can only happen after a voluntary resolution has been attempted and a full written report of the circumstances and the grounds for such action has been filed with the committees in Congress that initially authorized the grants. Importantly, cancellations must be limited to the offending section of the grantee organization, and no such action shall become effective until thirty days have elapsed after the filing of such report.

The Trump administrations announcement skipped all the legal requirements, ignoring any attempt at voluntary resolution and basing its action on alleged discrimination at the undergraduate campus that has nothing to do with scientific work happening three miles north at the NewYork-PresbyterianColumbia research complex. The announcement makes no mention of the mandatory written report or the required notification to Congress. It should have been swiftly and publicly rejected by Columbias president and trustees on the day it was received, ideally with language to the effect of Our lawyers will see you in court.

Instead, the university immediately raised the white flag. We take Columbias legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff, the university said in a statement. We remain dedicated to our mission to advance lifesaving research and pledge to work with the federal government to restore Columbias federal funding, a spokesperson told the student-run Spectator publication.

Columbias meek public responses, which avoided calling out the plain illegality of the situation, failed to stop or even slow the attack. Within days, the Trump administration informed Columbia that it must change its student disciplinary policies and place its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department under academic receivership for a minimum of five years and announced it will begin investigating dozens of other universities for implementing diversity measures that the administration opposes.

That is how blackmail works. The moment of fearful surrender is precisely when the blackmailer informs his pitiful, groveling victim: Unfortunately that will no longer do. And then a new round of humiliation begins with even higher stakes.

Its entirely illegal. Were challenging that, Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, told me. This is a thinly veiled effort to bully the universities every which way. Theyre using every tool in their tool kit. Theyre going after faculty. Theyre going after students. Theyre going after grants that have absolutely nothing to do with politics.

Its an escalation of a kind that is unheard of, Joan Scott, a historian, told the Associated Press. Even during the McCarthy period in the United States, this was not done.

Its not too late for Columbia to change course and start fighting back. The schools website lists five attorneys among the 22 members of the board of trustees, but at least one of them, former Homeland Security secretary Jeh Johnson, surely understands enough about Washington politics to warn against the folly of appeasement.

The Trump administration has been open about its mission of defunding and disabling elite institutions. As Christopher Rufo, an anti-diversity ideologue affiliated with the Manhattan Institute who has advised the Trump administration, recently told New York Times columnist Ross Douthat: I think that you could put the university sector as a whole into a significant recession. And I think that would be a very salutary thing  A medium- or long-term goal of mine is to figure out how to adjust the formula of finances from the federal government to the universities in a way that puts them in an existential terror.

It wasnt that long ago that Columbia installed its 13th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, shortly after he had led the historic Allied armies to victory over Nazi tyranny and not long before he became the first supreme commander of NATO and then president of the United States. Its hard to imagine a leader of that stature giving in to a lawless power grab staged by the likes of Trump, Rufo, and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. Until the leadership of Columbia and other institutions recognize that the White House isnt really interested in battling antisemitism, or diversity programs, or waste in government, they will get battered and beaten every time.

Instead of pandering and trying to appease the administration, they actually need to show up for their faculty, for their students, for their mission, which is education, Lieberman said. Education does not mean rolling over and censoring people to please some master or some donor. It means fighting for the right to free expression, fighting for the notion that democracy requires free and open debate. And that means people have to be free to express themselves. Columbia will get nowhere by trying to mollify the MAGAs.
Photo: Aaron Chown/PA Images/Getty Images

As it turns out, there may be some unintended consequences to telling the world that you once got so high on magic mushrooms that you thought Courteney Coxs toilet had turned into a head, which then talked to you as you were peeing in it.

In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry admitted to doing various recreational drugs including marijuana, cocaine, and several psychedelics. The British royal probably didnt think this was a big deal, as he is not an elected official, were well past the I didnt inhale era, and he spilled lots of far juicier gossip in the book.

But in March 2023, two months after his memoir was released, the Heritage Foundation raised concerns that Harry may have lied on his visa application when he moved to the U.S. in 2020, responding to questions about current and past drug use that all applicants must answer. The conservative think tank behind Project 2025 tried to obtain Harrys immigration records under the Freedom of Information act. The Department of Homeland Security denied the request, so the Heritage Foundation sued.

Now, after a lengthy legal battle, Harrys records are set to be released. On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols ruled in favor of the Heritage Foundation, ordering the Department of Homeland Security to release redacted versions of Harrys immigration documents by the end of the day on Tuesday.

Theoretically, Prince Harry could be in trouble with immigration authorities if he lied on his application, as CBS News explains:

Admission of drug use can lead to visa applications being rejected, but immigration officers have discretion to make their final decisions on a number of factors. Lying on visa applications can lead to lifetime bans on entering the U.S..

But it doesnt seem very likely that Harry, who lives in California with his American wife, Meghan Markle, and their two young children, is going to be deported.

The Heritage Foundation said all along that it was pursuing Prince Harrys files to make a broader point about the Department of Homeland Security allegedly giving certain people preferential treatment under the Biden administration, as CNN reported:

Attorneys for the Heritage Foundation see the case as part of a larger effort to uncover non-compliance with the law by DHS in different areas  including accusations from Republican lawmakers that DHS is deliberately refusing to enforce the Countrys immigration laws and is responsible for the current crisis at the border, court filings read.

This is a case that concerns Prince Harry, but what its focused on is DHSs conduct, Dewey previously said.

These comments were made in 2023, and obviously a lot has changed since then. The second Trump administration is already cracking down on immigration, with ICE even sweeping up some U.S. visa and green-card holders. Meanwhile, the president is floating the idea of a new Trump gold card visa program that would give very high-level people a new route to citizenship  if they pay about $5 million. So presumably highlighting the inequities of the U.S. immigration system is not a top conservative priority at the moment.

Immigration attorney Charles Kuck told CNN that he was stunned the judge allowed the release of Harrys immigration files, and he does not think the prince will be booted from the U.S.

Given that many of these facts were known about Harry before he filed for his green card, then I dont think immigration is going to be able to revoke his green card, Kuck said. This is being done as a publicity stunt, not, I think, to ultimately take Harrys green card away.

And Trump himself is no longer interested in kicking the prince out of the country. Last year Trump said, somewhat vaguely, that U.S. authorities should take appropriate action if it turns out Harry lied on his immigration application. But last month Trump did a 180 when the New York Post asked if he still wants to deport Prince Harry.

I dont want to do that, Trump answered. Ill leave him alone. Hes got enough problems with his wife. Shes terrible.

Why did Trump change his tune? Its unclear. Perhaps he doesnt want to create any more family drama for King Charles ahead of his second state visit to the U.K. Or maybe Trump meant what he said, and for once peoples distaste for Meghan Markle is working in Prince Harrys favor.
Keir Starmer has been told he is running out of excuses to press ahead with the controversial deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

It comes after a minister admitted that Britain actually has a protection in international law against one of the major reasons senior politicians have been briefed that the UK has no choice but to hand over the islands.

The government is closing in on a deal to hand over the Chagos Islands on the back of an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that the archipelago belongs to Mauritius. The agreement would see the UK lease back the Diego Garcia airbase for 140 years at an expected cost of 18bn. Donald Trump has indicated he backs the deal but critics point out that the ICJ ruling is only advisory.

The Independent has learned that senior politicians have been briefed that one of the main reasons to go ahead with the deal is that the UK would fall foul of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), preventing ships going to and from the base.

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But a written answer has revealed that the UK is protected under international law against UNCLOS challenges.

US navy at Diego Garcia (US Department of Defence)

It is the second major part of the legal case to fall apart after it was revealed claims that telecommunications could be stopped on the islands were also shown to be false.

The row has blown up again over the deal which is expected to cost the British taxpayer 18 billion after Mr Trump appeared to give it his blessing when he met Sir Keir in the Oval Office.

But in a speech on Monday night, Kemi Badenoch noted that the same pressure had been put on the UK government to give away the Falkland Islands to Argentina by the United Nations.

She said: Labour is negotiating the Chagos Islands away, and paying billions for the privilege. The excuses we hear about a UN court ruling and electromagnetic spectrum are nonsense.

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Opposition politicians hope that if they can demonstrate the legal case for handing the islands over has collapsed then they could persuade the president to exercise his veto at the last minute.

The Indian Ocean islands represent an important part of UK-US security plans because of the strategically crucial Diego Garcia airbase.

Critics of Sir Keirs policy to press ahead with the expensive deal claim that he has wrongly persuaded the US president that a deal has to go ahead to end the legal uncertainty.

There are also questions over whether Mr Trump is aware of a potential problem in taking nuclear weapons to Diego Garcia after the transfer of ownership because Mauritius is signed up to a nuclear free treaty.

The Independent understands that one of the main reasons given to senior politicians in private briefings on why the UK has no choice but to give the islands to Mauritius is because the UK and US would fall foul of a legal challenge via the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in using the Diego Garcia airbase.

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The reason for this is because UN agencies are obliged to follow rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The ICJ has ruled that the islands belong to Mauritius and while that only has advisory status for the UK and could be ignored, it has a binding status for the UN and its role in international law.

However, a written answer has blown apart this reasoning after the government itself revealed that the UK has a separate legal carve out on UNCLOS, which protects its current control of the crucial Indian Ocean islands.

Responding to a written question by Tory shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois, foreign office minister Stephen Doughty said: By Declaration dated 7 April 2003 the UK exercised the right to exclude from compulsory dispute settlement procedures in UNCLOS disputes concerning military activities, including military activities by government vessels and aircraft engaged in non-commercial service and disputes concerning law enforcement activities in regard to the exercise of sovereign rights and jurisdiction excluded from the jurisdiction of a court or tribunal under article 297 paragraph 2 or 3.

Paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 297 address disputes related to marine scientific research and fisheries respectively.

Starmer and Trump in the Oval Office (via REUTERS)

He added: While these exclusions remain in place, they do not prevent all possible legal challenges. It is worth noting that in the event that parties to a dispute concerning the interpretation or application of UNCLOS have chosen different procedures for the settlement of disputes, the dispute must be submitted to an arbitral tribunal unless the parties otherwise agree. Such rulings are binding on the parties.

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But Mr Francois, accused the government of running out of excuses.

He said: The government is rapidly running out of excuses for spending 18 billion of taxpayers money, to rent back a vital strategic base which we already own. We have a crystal-clear opt-out from any UNCLOS decision affecting military facilities - a point which our American allies will hopefully realise too. The government should now end this Chagos chaos once and for all; just drop this bonkers plan and move on.

But this is the second time one of the major planks in the legal case on the necessity of a deal has fallen apart.

Previously, official sources the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) which controls the network of satellite communications could sever the links if an international court was to rule in future that the US and UK were using Diego Garcia to run satellite communications in breach of international law.

But Labours communications minister Sir Christopher Bryant dismissed this concern altogether in another written answer.

An FCDO spokesperson told The Independent: The Chagos Islands deal is paramount for our national security. The deal secures the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia and without it, the operation of the base is at risk.

Mark Francois (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Archive)

Without legal certainty, the base cannot operate in practical terms as it should. That is bad for our national security and a gift to our adversaries.

Finalising a deal means that we can secure strong protections, including from malign influence, which means the base can operate as it has done well into the next century.

A source added:There are numerous avenues through which Mauritius could pursue a legally binding judgment, including relevant provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or under dispute provisions of treaties to which both states are parties.

Such cases could be brought rapidly and include seeking provisional measures, themselves legally binding, which could be introduced within weeks. This would have had serious implications for base operations. Ignoring these issues is not a responsible approach for a government serious about protecting the UKs national security.
Two men from Opelika and one man from Waverly have been indicted in connection with a pair of drive-by shootings in Lee County last summer.

On Thursday, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that 20-year-old Jamaroun Dayshun Satterwhite, of Waverly; 19-year-old Demarious Ross, of Opelika; and 20-year-old Timothy Bell, of Opelika, have each been indicted on two counts of shooting or discharging a weapon into an occupied building or automobile and two counts of possession, use or carrying of a firearm. According to the news release from the Lee County Sheriffs Office, the charges are enhanced under Alabama's Criminal Enterprise Act. Authorities said no one was injured in the shootings.

"The Alabama Legislature has equipped our state with the tools necessary to directly combat gang activity, and today, we are putting those tools into action," Marshall said. "Gang violence is a plague on our communities, and the cure is strong enforcement and tough sentences. My office has worked alongside law enforcement to create and enforce the law and secure our communities, and we are committed to holding violent offenders accountable. Let this serve as a warning: if you bring violence to our streets, law enforcement will be there to meet you, and you will face the full force of the law."

According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, the charges stem from a pair of shootings on June 5, 2024. On that day, the Lee County Sheriffs Office received reports of two drive-by shootings in the 12,000 block of Lee Road 379 in the Valley community of Lee County. Both shootings occurred at the same residence approximately two hours apart, authorities said. Approximately 40 shell casings were recovered from the scene that included .40 caliber and .556 caliber, according to authorities. The residence and a vehicle were hit by multiple rounds of gunfire, authorities said.

In the early morning hours of June 10, 2024, the Valley Police Department received a report of a drive-by shooting in its jurisdiction where a female victim was shot inside of her residence while sleeping, the Lee County Sheriff's office said in a June 2024 news release. Approximately 61 shell casings were recovered from the scene that included .40 caliber, .556 caliber, .300 Blackout and 9mm, authorities said.

On June 15, 2024, Lee County investigators along with the Lee County SWAT Team conducted three simultaneous search warrants in Opelika regarding the crimes. Search warrants included residences in the 200 block of South Raintree Street, the 300 block of Wittel Avenue and the 500 block of Antioch Circle, authorities said. Approximately eight firearms, marijuana and cash were recovered. Six male suspects, including Satterwhite, Ross and Bell, were taken into custody at the time.

Satterwhite, Ross and Bell were held in Lee County Jail on a $105,000 bond and have remained in jail since the June 15, 2024, arrest.

Capt. Jimmy Taylor with the Lee County Sheriff's Office said that Satterwhite, Ross and Bell are in a gang and that the shootings were connected to gang activity. Taylor directed inquiries regarding the June 10 shooting in Valley to the Valley Police Department. The Opelika-Auburn News made multiple attempts to contact VPD to ask additional questions about the incident, but they did not return our phone calls or reply to our emails before deadline.

If convicted, each of the three suspects faces up to 99 years in prison, plus an additional 20 years of mandatory time for firearms possession related to a criminal enterprise, according to the Thursday news release.

According to the news release, the indictments came following a collaborative investigation between the Alabama Attorney Generals Office, the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the Lee County District Attorney's Office.

"The indictments handed down by the Lee County Grand Jury are a testament to the hard work of our investigators, the Lee County District Attorneys Office and the Alabama Attorney Generals Office," Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said. "We are committed to working in concert with our state and local partners to identify and apprehend those who threaten the safety of our communities by engaging in criminal activity through organized gang type operations."

In 2023, Marshall worked alongside the state legislature to "champion the Criminal Enterprise Act." According to the news release, this law enhances penalties for crimes that benefit, promote or further the interests of a criminal enterprise, while also imposing mandatory consecutive sentences for firearm possession in certain offenses.

Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere said she appreciated the collaboration with the Attorney Generals Office and the Lee County Sheriffs Office in combating "gang-related violence" and keeping communities safe.

"These indictments demonstrate our shared commitment to holding offenders accountable and ensuring justice for our community. As these cases move through the court system, we will continue working together to see that justice is served and that those who endanger our citizens face the full consequences of the law," Ventiere said.
Lee County Schools is looking to nearly triple the size of its pre-K program next year, which new Director of Early Learning Lisa Harris said is a needed move.

For the 2025-2026 school year, Lee County Schools will be expanding its pre-K program from 11 classes to 30 as the district continues to be committed to early childhood education. With the plans to expand, LCS created the director of early learning position and chose Harris, the current principal at Beauregard Elementary School, to lead the charge of providing an early educational start for 4-year-old children in Lee County.

"It just really helps these young (children) develop confidence, independence, and it has been a huge impact on our kids here at Beauregard," Harris said of pre-K. "So I'm excited just to be able for the whole county to see the growth of all of our kids in Lee County. It's gonna help our community and our families as well. They're really going to see a difference."

Lee County Schools is collaborating with the Alabama First Class Pre-K program to increase access to high-quality pre-k education for all students, according to the news release announcing the expansion. Harris said she will be applying for grants to expand the program across schools in the county system.

How parents can register for the programs

The program is free for parents and available to children who are 4 years old on or before Sept. 1. Families interested in applying can complete registration through prek.alaceed.alabama.gov. The registration deadline for the 2025-2026 Pre-K program is Wednesday, though Harris told the Opelika-Auburn News that it will stay open. Following the registration period, lotteries will be held on Friday to select eligible students for available spaces.

To ensure eligibility, all applicants must be residents of Lee County and will need to provide proof of residency if selected during the lottery process. Harris said each class will have 18 students, one teacher and one aide. She emphasized that with the lottery and expansion there will not be waiting lists like there have been for pre-K classes in the past.

Harris has been principal at Beauregard Elementary School for the past 10 years, and it was there that she spearheaded the establishment of LCS' first pre-k program. She said she was the first administrator with LCS to apply for a grant with Alabama First Class Pre-K to bring the program to Beauregard. She started with one class, which eventually grew to three at the school.

In February, LCS Superintendent Mike Howard said the following schools will see increases in the number of pre-K programs: Beauregard Elementary School, which will move the programs to Sanford Middle School next year, from three to five; Beulah Elementary School from two to four; East Smiths Station Elementary School from one to six; West Smiths Station Elementary School from one to six; South Smiths Station Elementary School from two to six; and Wacoochee Elementary School from one to two. Loachapoka Elementary School will continue operating one pre-k class.

Harris said the expansion will depend on number of registrations. In total, LCS is planning to offer 30 programs, and if there are enough registrations for that amount, Harris said she will apply for grants for all of them. She is confident the grants will be approved. She credited Howard, calling the expansion his vision.

A program that will help the entire community

Harris said she started the pre-k program at Beauregard because she saw a need in her rural community the program. She wanted a program that could offer a little bit more help and prep for children before they enter kindergarten.

As she looks ahead at the expansion, she has that same goal in mind.

"I just think it's going to help our communities. It's going to help our families. It's going help our kids. We just want to get them early and get them exposed to math, early literacy skills," Harris said. "There's so much they can do at 4 because they're so engaged and so creative, and they just love learning. If we can get them in early, we can really teach them...before they start kindergarten."

She is also confident in the quality of the program of Alabama First Class Pre-K. Alabama First Class Pre-K is a statewide initiative that offers 4-year-olds access to high-quality prekindergarten programs in their communities, according to the program's website. Alabama First Class Pre-K currently serves more than 24,000 children and has been awarded the highest quality rating by the National Institute for Early Education Research for 18 years consecutive years, according to its website.

Harris is hopeful that the new program will have a long-term impact on children and how they view school and learning.

"Some kids struggle to come to school," Harris said. "We want them to love coming to school. So I think if we can get them in at 4 and teach them that, that will make a difference with their lifelong learning."

For more information on LCS' pre-k program and how to register, visit www.lee.k12.al.us.
NSC Early Registration for Charlotte Conference and Expo

Join the Safety Conference & Expo to connect with industry professionals, explore innovations, and gain insights into workplace safety challenges.

Attendees of the NSC Safety Congress & Expo have an exclusive opportunity to join the 2025 NSC Spring Safety Conference & Expo, taking place April 23-25 in Charlotte, N.C. The event offers a platform to connect with industry peers, explore new products, and gain insights into emerging workplace safety challenges.

For a limited time, registrants can take advantage of a special discount by signing up for the SSCE Full Conference & Expo by March 18.

How to Register:

Secure Management Approval  If required, use the Justification to Attend Letter to highlight the benefits of attending.

Register by March 18 at 11:59 p.m. CST  Lock in your discounted rate before the deadline.

Engage and Learn in Charlotte  Connect with industry experts and gain valuable knowledge to enhance workplace safety.

Dont miss this opportunity to advance your safety expertise and expand your professional network. Register now to take advantage of the special pricing before it expires.
US Department of Labor Announces Senior Trump Administration Appointees

The U.S. DOL announces key senior political appointees across various offices to support Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer in advancing President Trumps mission of prioritizing American workers and retirees.

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced senior political appointees who will help Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer execute President Donald Trumps mission of putting American workers and retirees first.

Occupational Health and Safety Administration

Amanda Wood Laihow will serve as the deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Most recently, she served as a commissioner to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission during the first Trump Administration. Wood Laihow was the director of labor and employment policy for the National Association of Manufacturers and served as deputy general counsel on the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and as an assistant general counsel at the U.S. General Services Administration. Wood Laihow holds a J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law and her B.A. in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire.

Michael Asplen will serve as OSHAs senior policy advisor. He previously served as chief counsel to Commissioner Laihow at the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Before that, he was a counsel at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, managed Littler Mendelsons Workplace Policy Institute, and was a policy associate at the National Association of Manufacturers. Asplen earned his B.A. in English as St. Marys College of Maryland and his J.D. from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.

Office of Disability Employment Policy

Brian Walsh will serve as a senior policy advisor in the Office of Disability Employment Policy. Before this appointment, he was a labor policy advisor with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Walsh served at the White House in the first Trump Administration and the Department of Labor. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Public Policy from George Mason University.

Office of Labor-Management Standards

Elisabeth Messenger will serve as director of the departments Office of Labor-Management Standards. Most recently, she served as executive director of Gevura Fund. She has also held leadership positions at non-profit organizations focused on advancing free market policies and protecting the First Amendment rights of public employees as well as positions with several technology companies. After earning her B.A. in Journalism from the University of South Carolina, her career began in the publicity department of Atlantic Records.
U.S. shale needs much higher oil prices than $50 per barrel, and even higher than the current WTI Crude price in the high $60s, for a drill, baby, drill boom, oil tycoon and Trump campaign donor Harold Hamm says.

American producers, especially those pumping crude outside the Tier 1 inventory in the best Permian locations, would need an oil price of around $80 per barrel to cover the cost of drilling wells.

There are a lot of fields that are getting to the point thats real tough to keep that cost of supply down, Hamm told Bloomberg Television in an interview on the sidelines of the CERAWeek conference in Houston.

When you get down to that $50 oil that you talked about, then youre below the point where youre going to drill, baby, drill, the shale pioneer added.

Over the past few days, there has been a lot of talk of $50 oil and the shale industry.

The Trump Administration appeared to be pointing to $50 as a price that would be low enough for American energy prices to drop but still good enough for U.S. shale to prosper.

Related: Goldman Sachs Cuts Oil Price Outlook Amid Oversupply Fears

However, the industry and Wall Street banks beg to differ. They say that $50 oil is so low that it would see production curtailments as the average cash breakeven price, including dividends, is estimated at $50-$55 per barrel of oil.

And the industry is definitely not prepared to cut dividends after diligently working for a few years to boost shareholder returns and make U.S. oil stocks attractive again.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright told the Financial Times last week that shale producers could increase production even if oil prices fell to $50 per barrel as the sector continues to innovate and boost efficiency gains.

New supply is going to drive prices down. Companies are going to innovate, drive their prices down and consumers and suppliers will bounce back and forth, Wright, a former boss at fracking firm Liberty Energy, told FT.

At CERAWeek by S&P Global, Secretary Wright said the administration isnt targeting a specific price of oil, but it works to bring back common sense and pro-energy policies in America.

The Trump Administration believes that eased permitting and lighter regulatory burdens on U.S. oil and gas producers would lead to more production even at lower oil prices.

But industry veterans, from Harold Hamm to Scott Sheffield, the founder of Pioneer Natural Resources which was sold to Exxon last year, dont think prices lower than $60 would work.

Oil executives cheered the pro-energy agenda of the Trump Administration, welcoming the lifting of the Biden LNG permit freeze and the start of the process to repeal the so-called methane fee.

However, they are quietly concerned that oil prices at current levels are already on the verge of making money much more difficult.

Pioneers founder and industry veteran Sheffield has some advice for the U.S. oil firms.

Youve really got to hunker down, Sheffield told a Bloomberg Television interview on last week.

Oil prices are likely to fall into the range of $50 to $60 per barrel, Sheffield says, noting that American producers will struggle at these prices.

The cash breakeven price, including dividends, is $50-$55 for U.S. oil companies, and that $50 oil is not going to work, Sheffield told CNBC.

Other industry executives, as well as investment banks, also believe that $65 oil and below would present challenges to U.S. shale to keep production steady, let alone drill, baby, drill.

Saad Rahim, chief economist at commodity trader Trafigura, told Bloomberg that $60 feels too low for much of the industry to work.

With WTI Crude at around $65, the U.S. shale industry would likely hold production flat and shut down 25 rigs, Citigroup analysts Scott Gruber wrote in a note last week carried by Bloomberg.

A drop into the upper $50s likely results in a bigger psychological impact with the rig count potentially falling ~75 and production down by more than 300,000 barrels a day (bpd), according to Gruber.

Shale costs will also go up with the U.S. import tariffs on steel and aluminum, executives including Hamm say.

The U.S. has steelmakers but they cant supply it all, Hamm told Bloomberg, referring to the steel pipes the industry uses to drill wells.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Oil prices have fallen fast since the 3 March announcement from OPEC+ that it will go ahead with a planned rise in its collective oil production. The prospect of increased supply from the group has added to the bearish tone created by rising supply from other key producers and from uncertain demand projections from the worlds biggest importer of oil, China. Lower oil and gas prices is precisely what Donald Trump wants to see in his second term as U.S. president, but with budget breakeven oil prices much higher than even current levels, many may wonder why OPEC+ members are supporting such a potentially financially disastrous production rise.

So economically vital is it to most OPEC+ members that oil prices are kept at the higher end of recent historical levels that the organisation has not increased production since 2022. In fact, at that point it had begun a series of collective oil production cuts to support oil prices, totalling around 5.85 million barrels per day (bpd), or around 5.7% of global supply. As recently as December, the cartel extended its previous round of 2.2 million bpd in output reductions to the end of this quarter. Industry estimates are that the first phase of the removal of these production cuts will total about 138,000 bpd in April, with much more to come. Part of this move [OPEC+ oil production increases] results from repeated overproduction from some of its members, most recently from Kazakhstan [following the Tengiz expansion project], Iraq, and Russia, although Moscow has been doing a lot of it as dark inventory [unofficial output] to sidestep sanctions, a senior source in the European Unions (E.U.) energy security complex exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. Another part comes from the group wanting to protect its market share, given the major shift in the supply-demand balance thats unfolding, he added. And the final part of it is the fact that OPEC+ doesnt think it can win an oil price war against the U.S. with Trump in his second presidency, given how badly it did in the last two [oil price wars], he concluded.

Related: Goldman Sachs Cuts Oil Price Outlook Amid Oversupply Fears

Indeed, over the course of the 2014-2016 Oil Price War, de facto OPEC leader Saudi Arabia spend over 34% of its precious US$737 billion foreign exchange reserves and swung from a budget surplus to a then-record high deficit of US$98 billion, as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. So bad was Saudi Arabias economic and political situation back towards the end of the Second Oil Price War in 2016 (the first being the 1973-1974 Oil Crisis) that the countrys deputy economic minister, Mohamed Al Tuwaijri, stated in an unprecedentedly unequivocal way for a senior Saudi in October 2016 that: If we [Saudi Arabia] dont take any reform measures, and if the global economy stays the same, then were doomed to bankruptcy in three to four years. Although the 2014-2016 Oil Price War had been launched by Saudi Arabia with the intention of destroying or significantly disabling the U.S.s then-nascent shale oil industry, it only succeeded in destroying the finances of OPECs members and undermining the reputation of the group  and Saudi Arabia -- in the global oil market. Aside from the damage to its own economy, Saudi Arabia had cost the OPEC member states collectively at least US$450 billion in revenues during the 2014-2016 Oil Price War, according to International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates.

So badly had OPEC and its effective leader Saudi Arabia been hit by their own actions that Donald Trump was able to exploit this weakness to maintain a tight oil price range during his first term as president through the occasional incentive but many more threats. The lower part of the Trum Oil Price Range is US$40-45 per barrel of the Brent benchmark, which is the price at which the bulk of U.S. shale oil producers can breakeven and make a good profit on top. The upper part of it is US$75-80 per barrel, which ties into historical data showing that a gasoline price of under US$2 per gallon has been most advantageous for U.S. economic growth. This US$2 per gallon level has historically equated to a West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil price of around US$70 per barrel. And as WTI has also historically traded at a discount of between US$5-10 per barrel to the Brent oil benchmark, this US$70 per barrel of WTI price equates to around US$75-80 per barrel of Brent. Judging from Trumps comments on the campaign trail and in his Agenda47 blueprint for a second term, his view that oil prices should continue to be heavily influenced by the U.S. in such a way has not changed. He will also be aware of the dramatic political consequences for U.S. presidents of oil prices rising beyond the top of the Range, as also fully detailed in my latest book on the new global oil market order. Specifically, since 1896 the sitting U.S. president has won re-election 11 times out of 11 if the economy was not in recession within two years of an upcoming election. However, sitting U.S. presidents who went into a re-election campaign with the economy in recession won only one time out of seven.

Adding to their troubles in this regard, the Saudis know that Trump has much greater power in this term than he did in his first, with Republican majorities in the Senate and the House of Representatives, and his nominees dominating the Supreme Court. They also know his attitude to OPEC and the Russia-enhanced OPEC+ groups, which was marked early in his first term. More specifically, when Saudi Arabia was still trying desperately to repair the appalling damage its 2014-2016 Oil Price War had done to its own finances and to those of its OPEC brothers, it embarked on coordinated production cuts (with Russia as the new-found member of the expanded OPEC+ cartel) to push the oil price higher. Trumps reaction was quick and unequivocal: OPEC and OPEC nations are, as usual, ripping off the rest of the world, and I dont like it. Nobody should like it, he said. He added: We defend many of these nations for nothing, and then they take advantage of us by giving us high oil prices. Not good. We want them to stop raising prices. We want them to start lowering prices and they must contribute substantially to military protection from now on. Following Trumps clear warnings to Saudi Arabias Royal Family in the third quarter of 2018 of the catastrophic consequences if the Kingdom continued to keep oil prices higher than the US$80 per barrel Brent price ceiling  analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order -- Saudi Arabia was instrumental in keeping oil prices lower by orchestrating coordinated OPEC production increases. That brief period was the only part of Trumps presidency that saw his Oil Price Trading Range breached to the upside.

This no-nonsense approach from Trump was a function of a broader shift in U.S. policy towards Saudi Arabia following its 2014-2016 Oil Price War that continues to this day and of which the Saudis are fully aware. Before that War, the foundation relationship agreement between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. was the deal that had been struck on 14 February 1945 between the then-U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the then-Saudi King, Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud. This deal was simply that the U.S. would receive all the oil supplies it needed for as long as Saudi Arabia had oil in place and, in return for this, that the U.S. would guarantee the security both of Saudi Arabia and its ruling House of Saud. The implication of this  and clearly delineated at the time of the 1945 agreement by the U.S. side  was that the oil Saudi Arabia supplied to the U.S. would be at a reasonable price based on previous historical levels. However, after the end of the Oil Price War in 2016, a hugely significant change occurred in the U.S.-Saudi Arabia agreement. It effectively changed to one in which the U.S. would receive all the oil supplies it needed for as long as Saudi Arabia has oil in place and in return would guarantee the security of Saudi Arabia and the ruling House of Saud, but it included the proviso that Saudi Arabia did not jeopardise the economic well-being of the U.S. Or to put it more simply as one senior White House official commented off-the-record to OilPrice.com at the end of 2016: Were not going to put up with any more crap from the Saudis.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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Turkey has started to diversify its oil supply away from Russia and is buying crude from as far as Brazil after its top refiner limited intake of Russian oil only to G7 price-compliant barrels, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, quoting data from Vortexa.

So far in March, Russian oil accounted for just 19% of all of Turkeys crude imports of about 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), according to the data. This compares with more than half of Turkish crude imports sourced from Russia last year.

Last month, Turkeys largest refiner, Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri, was prepared to halt on February 27 purchases of any oil and products from Russia that do not comply with the G7 price cap.

Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri, or Tupras, has become the latest customer of Russian oil that is eager to avoid violating the U.S. sanctions on Russias oil trade and exports which the Biden Administration slapped on January 10.

The sanctions designated two major Russian oil companies, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as 183 vessels, dozens of oil traders, oilfield service providers, insurance companies, and energy officials.

But the price cap mechanism set by the G7 and the EU says that Russian crude shipments to third countries can use Western insurance and financing if cargoes are sold at or below the $60-a-barrel ceiling. The measure took effect at the end of 2022 when the EU imposed an embargo on imports of Russian crude oil.

As Turkeys Tupras has limited its purchases from Russia, it has bought a cargo of medium sweet crude from Brazil. The cargo departed from Madre De Deus in Brazil on March 3 and is en route to Turkeys port of Izmit, according to data from MarineTraffic.

The Brazilian cargo would be Turkeys first import of crude from the South American oil producer in data from the government going back to 2007, according to Bloomberg.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The European Union is proposing ambitious plans to increase defense spending by hundreds of billions of euros and enhance its military capabilities, aiming for greater independence from the United States.

Only two weeks after a European Union summit where the bloc's leaders pledged to spend billions on defense in a "watershed moment for Europe," they are returning to Brussels for another meeting on March 20-21. This time, the EU's leaders aim to solidify plans for strengthening Europe's defense autonomy amid ongoing doubts about the US commitment to protecting European nations and sustaining military support for Ukraine.

In the runup to the summit, the bloc's foreign ministers on March 17 talked about EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas's latest proposal to find money for Kyiv. And on March 19, the European Commission is set to unveil a white paper on the future of European defense. The paper is expected to come up with ideas on how to create a proper integrated European defense market and to flesh out the proposal, made in the European Commission's ReArm Europe plan, where the EU executive would generate up to 800 billion euros ($872 billion) for defense spending over the next four years.

As always in Brussels, there are doubts about how credible all this really is. Diplomats I have spoken to agree that it's a good first step, but, as one senior EU official told me, "The devil is always in the details, and there are plenty of devils here."

Looking closer, it does seem that the 800 billion figure is very ambitious with lots of big ifs. If -- and how quickly -- this proposal can be translated into new weapons and ammunition. And if any of those weapons will make it to Ukraine.

The facts are clear. The EU defense commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, noted in the European Parliament last week that Europe currently has a defense shortfall of at least 500 billion euros, and is lacking "thousands of tanks and armored vehicles."

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also addressing the Strasbourg chamber, noted that, on average, EU countries contributed just short of 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense. Washington is pushing for 5 percent, whereas NATO, according to sources within the military alliance, is toying with the idea of making 3.7 percent the official target at its official Hague summit in June.

Still, even if there is a substantial and rapid increase in defense spending, privately European diplomats say it could take a decade for Europe to carry out major military operations without US help. In Europe at the moment, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance are almost all exclusively provided by the United States.

Rearming Europe?

ReArm Europe aims to address the EU's dependency on the United States by making EU nations increase their defense budgets. But will they? Of the 800 billion euros Von der Leyen is hoping to generate, 650 billion euros could be raised by relaxing defense spending regulations for EU member states over the next four years. This proposal would permit each member state to allocate an additional 1.5 percent of their GDP toward military expenditures. While this extra fiscal space is welcomed, few believe all capitals will use it.

The remaining 150 billion euros are a loan scheme secured against unused EU budget funds that 20 countries in the bloc, without triple-A credit ratings, can use. These loans should finance purchases from European defense producers, although it's not clear if all the components in such equipment need to be from EU countries, or if they could come from non-EU states such as Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey.

The problem here is that it is still a loan and many of the countries, notably in southern Europe, that need to increase their defense spending are heavily indebted. Also, some northern EU states are questioning the logic of this proposal, with the Dutch parliament recently and narrowly passing a nonbinding resolution to reject the ReArm Europe plan with the argument that it just gets the bloc into even more debt.

Then there is the third part of Von der Leyen's proposal, which would allow member states to use for defense the more than 300 billion euros funds left in the EU budget that normally would go to the bloc's poorer regions for infrastructure investment. The issue here, once again, is that it is voluntary. And that means that while it can't be blocked by Russia-friendly countries such as Hungary and Slovakia, as it doesn't require unanimity, some countries just won't bother, unless they're forced.

Bonds And Bazookas

Then there is Germany. The incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has promised a real "spending bazooka," which includes a proposal that defense spending above 1 percent of GDP be exempted from the restrictions of Germany's constitutional debt brake. At the moment, the brake limits the structural budget deficit to 0.35 percent of GDP, except in emergencies.

This could unlock a German defense splurge of billions and is something that is generally welcomed in Brussels. Not quite so much in other European capitals, where there are fears Germany will spend most of it on its own domestic firms and create something of an unfair advantage.

This could, in turn, potentially trigger renewed calls from southern European states for Brussels to issue joint eurobonds, especially for defense investment. A similar thing was done to combat the Continent-wide recession after the coronavirus pandemic. Issuing joint bonds is anathema for most northerners, notably the Netherlands and Germany, but with Berlin clearly indicating that splurging on defense is a must, the proposal may eventually fly.

Military Mobility And The Danish Model

Eurobonds, or "defense bonds" as they are now being rebranded, are likely to make it into the European Commission's white paper on the future of European defense. But the things to really look out for here are some of the nitty-gritty proposals on military mobility. It may not seem like the most urgent thing, but EU officials are pointing out how important it is to be able to quickly move military equipment from one EU member state to another.

As it stands now, that wouldn't be easy. There are no harmonized rules across the bloc on, for example, moving military vehicles from one EU country to another in the event of an emergency. Initiatives such as strengthening bridges, railways, and roads to be able to carry heavier military loads are also suggested in the paper.

Another aspect likely to be included is the idea to integrate Ukraine's defense market into the EU market as the country slowly but steadily is moving toward membership of the union. This is seen by many European diplomats as a real win for the EU, as Ukraine now in fact boasts perhaps the Continent's most capable army and is "ahead of the curve compared to the rest of us on things like military drones," as one EU official familiar with the matter told me.

The document will, in this respect, also promote the so-called Danish model of supporting Ukraine. This approach involves EU member states directly procuring defense equipment manufactured in Ukraine or establishing joint ventures with Ukrainian defense companies. The idea of training Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine and not only in the EU is also being put forward.

Helping Ukraine

But these plans are all for the future, and the question remains what Brussels can do for Ukraine right now. Kyiv has indicated that it may need as much as 33 billion euros of additional military support this year. With the United States possibly not contributing much to this, the EU needs to find most of that cash urgently.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas put forward a new plan to EU member states last week, seen by RFE/RL, which proposes a voluntary scheme that encourages participating states to "deliver military support to Ukraine in 2025 with a provisional value of at least 20 billion euros and potentially reaching 40 billion euros pending Ukrainian needs."

The text gives a deadline of April 30 for those participating to declare how they plan to meet their respective contributions and states that payments should be committed no later than June 30 to ensure deliveries by the end of this year.

The plan says this money should mainly go to large-caliber artillery ammunition, air-defense systems, missiles, drones, fighter jets, and training of Ukrainian troops. It should also support other contributions from member states, for example, sending troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal.

The paper still suggests countries should contribute based on their economic weight, meaning gross national income (GNI). This idea has previously angered France, which claims that trackers of military support for Ukraine such as the Kiel Institute for the World Economy are wrong, and that Paris does many things in secret and is also willing to send actual boots on the ground in Ukraine to safeguard a potential future cease-fire.

Looking Ahead

On March 19, the European Commission will come up with an action plan on how to help the steel industry in the European Union. This would normally not trigger too much interest, but now it's a different story as the United States on March 12 announced it was slapping a 25 percent tariff on steel (as well as aluminum) imports from the bloc. The bloc will roll out countermeasures in April, but the fear is that a full-scale transatlantic trade war will break out, causing severe damage to many sectors of the EU's economy.

By RFE/RL

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Chevron has bought a stake of 4.99% in Hess Corp since the start of the year, according to a regulatory filing from this week. The company said it is confident its merger with Exxons partner in Guyana will proceed as planned, Reuters reported.

The stake Chevron bought over the last two months cost about $3.2 billion, the report noted, representing a total of 15.38 million common shares in Hess Corp.

Chevron announced plans to acquire Hess for some $53 billion in one of a series of so-called megadeals in the oil space that began in 2023 amid the war-driven rally in oil and gas prices. The announcement, made in October of that year, followed closely the news that Exxon had agreed to take over Pioneer Natural Resources in a deal worth $59.5 billion to become the leader in the Permian.

For Chevron, the appeal of Hess Corp lay in its Guyana assets, where along with partner Exxon, the company tapped as much as 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent, with production ramping up fast. Currently, the South American nation pumps some 660,000 bpd all from the Exxon-Hess operated Stabroek Block. Output is projected to hit 1.3 million barrels daily by 2030.

It is also Exxon that is making the completion of the Chevron-Hess merger difficult as it seeks the right of first refusal for Hess Guyana assets, turning to an arbitration court. Chevron and Hess insist that this is not an asset acquisition deal, so the right of first refusal clause in the partnership deal between Exxon and Hess does not apply. Exxon begs to differ and it has the third partner in the Stabroek Block on its sideChinas CNOOC.

Hess Corp. has a 30% stake in the Stabroek Block and Chevron has made no secret of the fact that this stake is the main reason it wants to acquire the company. Yet Exxon is also eyeing that stake, to add to its 45% in the project. If Exxon wins, the Hess acquisition would become pointless for Chevron.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Kazakhstan has once again found itself on the wrong side of OPEC+ production targets, and this time, it seems to have cost the oil minister his job. The country has been pumping oil as if the quotas didnt exist, hitting record production levels at 1.767 million barrels per day in February (with the help of Chevron)a cool 300,000 barrels over its quota.

Naturally, this hasnt sat well with OPEC+, particularly those members actually following the rules, and it has cost the countrys oil minister his job.

Enter Almasadam Satkaliyev, as of this week, is out as energy minister according to a statement made by the presidential office. While he may be out as energy minister, he is in as the head of Kazakhstans newly minted atomic energy agency.

The timing is interesting given Kazakhstan has zero nuclear power plants.

The Kazakh government has been scramblingunsuccesfullyto get U.S. and European oil majors operating in the country to turn down the taps.

Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, and the other big players running Kazakhstans Tengiz and Kashagan fields dont exactly take orders from the government. They take their cues from shareholders, contracts, profits, andapparentlynot OPEC+. And while Kazakhstan has promised to compensate for past overproduction by cutting barrels in March, April, and May, theres little evidence thats actually happening.

OPEC+ isnt amused. Russias Alexander Novak has already made it clear that members need to stick to their quotas, and the bloc is even talking about speeding up compensation cuts for offenders.

Kazakhstan isnt alone in this. Iraq, Nigeria, have been quietly overproducing as well.

With Brent crude hovering near $70, OPEC+ is already on shaky ground. Kazakhstan might promise more cuts, but if history tells us anything, its that when the decision comes down to market share or quota discipline, the barrels keep flowing.

OPEC+ is left deciding whether to play referee or just let the whole thing implode.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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The Trans-Niger Pipeline, one of Nigerias biggest pipelines carrying crude from the Niger Delta to the Bonny terminal, was rocked by a powerful explosion on Monday night, just as OPECs top African producer had started to raise oil production and exports.

The explosion at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, caused a massive fire at the section of the pipeline in the area, Nigerian media report.

As of early Tuesday local time, the authorities havent announced what caused the explosionvandalism, theft, or some incident.

While the cause of the explosion has yet to be investigated and announced, there is already speculation that the blast could be the result of sabotage, in view of the threats that militant groups in the area have recently made, Nigerian outlet Vanguard reports. The militants have threatened to attack oil infrastructure in the Rivers state amid an ongoing political crisis between the state and the federal government over federal money allocation to Rivers.

The pipeline is operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and transports crude oil from the oilfields in the Rivers and Bayelsa states to the Bonny export terminal which loads the Bonny Light grade, one of Nigerias premium crudes.

The new setback in Nigerias oil industry comes just as the country has increased its crude oil production in recent months. In February, Nigeria is estimated to have exceeded its OPEC+ quota thanks to higher exports and increased demand from the newest African refinery, Dangote.

Nigeria began to raise its oil production last year, after years during which it consistently failed to pump to its OPEC+ quota due to oil theft and vandalism and struggles to launch new projects.

Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long plagued Nigerias upstream oil and gas industry, driving majors out of the biggest OPEC producer in Africa and often resulting in force majeure at the key crude oil export terminals.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Russias oil production this year is expected to be slightly lower compared to 2024, as Moscow will be compensating for previous overproduction per the agreed OPEC+ schedule, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday.

This year, Russia expects to produce between 515 million tons and 520 million tons of oil, Russian news agency TASS quoted Novak as saying.

Last year, Russian oil production was 516 million tons.

Russias oil processing levels, however, are expected to rise this year, compared to 2024, said Novak, who is Russias top oil official and represents the country at the OPEC+ talks and meetings.

Speaking to reporters in Moscow, the Russian official also said that the global oil market is balanced with stable prices right now.

Last week, Novak told Reuters that the next few months would see an increase in global oil demand as fuel consumption will rise in the summer driving season. This expected rebound was factored in OPEC+s decision to begin adding supply to the market from April, Novak said.

Earlier this month Novak said that OPEC+ could reverse the oil production increase after April if market imbalances occur. The group could always play in the other direction if necessary to stabilize the market, the official added.

OPEC+ decided to begin easing the cuts in April 2025, due to expectations of seasonal growth in oil demand with the start of the spring and summer road trips, according to the Russian deputy prime minister.

Currently, there is a case to restore some supply, due to rising demand in the spring, Novak said after the OPEC+ decision to start unwinding the cuts.

However, OPEC+ will monitor the market and if it finds balances tipping to oversupply we can always play in the other direction, the Russian official added.

OPEC itself sees robust oil demand growth for both 2025 and 2026. The cartel left its demand outlook unchanged in its Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) this week. OPEC sees global oil demand growing by 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) in each of 2025 and 2026.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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BAGHDAD, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday it welcomes the signing of a border demarcation agreement between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

In a statement, the ministry said the agreement was an important step toward enhancing regional stability, underscoring that it reflects the two countries' commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means and constructive dialogue.

The ministry praised the diplomatic efforts of both nations, noting that the agreement will contribute to achieving sustainable development and enhancing common security.

On Thursday, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and his Kyrgyz counterpart, Sadyr Japarov, signed an agreement on the delimitation and demarcation of their two countries' shared border in Bishkek.

The Tajik-Kyrgyz border has remained closed following a border conflict in May 2021. 
PDVSA, the state oil firm of Venezuela, will continue to produce alone crude from its joint ventures with Chevron after the Trump Administration axed the U.S. supermajors license to operate in the South American country, Reuters reports, citing a PDVSA document it has seen.

At the end of February, U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a sanction waiver for Chevron that allowed the supermajor to return to Venezuela and become instrumental for the increase of its oil production.

President Trump cited the lack of electoral reform in Venezuela, along with insufficient action on migration.

We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolas Maduro, of Venezuela, on the oil transaction agreement, dated November 26, 2022, and also having to do with Electoral conditions within Venezuela, which have not been met by the Maduro regime, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Early this month, the U.S. Treasury gave Chevron 30 days to wind down operations and exports from Venezuela by April 3.

Chevron has been exporting heavy crude of about 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) from Venezuela to the U.S. under the sanctions waiver from 2022.

With the waiver now axed, the U.S. supermajor is out of Venezuela and state oil firm PDVSA is planning for operations after Chevron.

The Venezuelan company has drafted three scenarios for after April 3, which include producing between 105,000 and 138,000 bpd of Hamaca heavy crude at the Petropiar site in the Orinoco Belt. This production level would be in line with the output from the past few months, according to the PDVSA document Reuters has seen.

Part of the Hamaca crude will go for domestic refining, while PDVSA plans to export the remaining portion to markets other than the U.S., per the document. PDVSA also seeks to boost the supply of diluents necessary to upgrade the heavy crude to flow via pipelines.

The Venezuelan firms main goal is to keep production levels at Petropiar to avoid having to shut the heavy crude upgrader or any oilfields, a source close to PDVSAs plans told Reuters.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The expectation of tariffs on US copper imports is helping to push copper prices higher, along with tight supply, robust demand, and events in China, the worlds largest consumer of the industrial metal.

Mining.com reported copper prices traded near a five-month high Monday, due in part to the Chinese governments unveiling of an action plan over the weekend by to boost consumption. Demand from Chinas property sector, a key source of metals demand, has been weak.

Copper for May delivery on the Comex in New York was trading 1% higher at $4.49 per pound or $9,900 per tonne. They have risen about 12% this year after President Trump signed an executive order initiating a Section 232 review of copper imports. The review assesses the impact of imports on national security.

The red metal hit an all-time high of $5.20 per pound in May 2024 due to a supply squeeze. The transition to renewable energy, the rise of electric vehicles, and the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) have all increased demand for copper.

Chile is the worlds largest copper producer and the price forecast from its copper commission, Cochilco, puts copper at $4.25 a pound in 2025 and 2026. It expects copper to remain above $4/lb for the next decade.

Citigroup expects London Metal Exchange (LME) copper to hit $10,000 per tonne in the next three months ($4.53/lb) as the global market for copper remains tight until the timeline for US import tariffs becomes clearer.

Related: Trump Talks To End Ukraine War Involve Power Plants

While the Trump administration has not officially announced it, a 25% copper tariff is on the horizon. In an address to Congress, US President Trump stated, I have also imposed a 25% tariff on foreign aluminum, copper and steel. Tariffs are about making America rich again. It is happening, and it will happen rather quickly.

Like Citigroup, Morgan Stanley also anticipates further gains in copper prices amid expectations of potential US tariffs.

With tariffs not yet imposed, there is a strong incentive to send metal to the US, tightening markets in the rest of the world as well, Morgan Stanley said via Mining.com. Major commodity traders such as Glencore and Trafigura are rushing to ship copper to the US ahead of the tariff announcement.

If a 25% tariff on copper imports comes to fruition, it would significantly impact the domestic copper market, states Metal Miner, considering rising electrification needs and ongoing grid developments.

US reliance on copper imports has grown considerably over the past two decades. The US Geological Survey says imports now account for roughly 45% of domestic consumption.

Copper demand

The transition to clean energy is fueling a massive increase in copper demand. According to Forbes, the mineral of electrification is essential to manufacturing and construction in traditional and emerging U.S. industries, alike. Electrical uses of copper, which include power generation and transmission; wiring in offices, hotels, and other structures; telecommunications; and electrical and electronic products account for about 75% of total copper demand. But copper is also used intensively in transportation equipment and infrastructure, industrial machinery, and a growing number of products.

Copper shortage

To electrify the global vehicle fleet requires bringing into production 55% more new mines. Between 35 and 195 large new copper mines would have to be built by 2050, at a rate of up to six mines per year. In heavily regulated environments like the United States and Canada, it can take up to 20 years to build a mine from scratch.

The worlds largest copper miner, Chilean state-owned Codelco, recently warned that production this quarter will be similar or slightly below year-ago levels due to maintenance work at its El Teniente underground operation in central Chile.

The country, the worlds largest copper producer, saw its output decline by 24% month-over-month in January, marking a nine-month low.

Not only is Chile lessening its copper output due mainly to lower grades and drought conditions  copper mining uses a lot of water  the government is also increasing state intervention in its resources. The same thing is happening in Peru, the third biggest copper miner.

For example, in April 2023, Chile announced that all lithium projects must be structured as public-private partnerships, with the state holding a majority stake. Chile produces nearly a quarter (24 percent) of the worlds lithium mostly through brine operations.

Other countries are also becoming more resource nationalistic. According to a new report from Verisk Maplecroft, over a third of copper production now occurs in high or very high risk countries, up from just 17 percent in 2016.

Producing countries are implementing export bans, establishing state-owned companies, and in some cases, nationalizing entire mineral sectors. Whether justified by the energy transition, tech industries, or military preparedness, countries everywhere want their piece of the critical mineral pie, states Thea Riofrancos, a political science professor and author of the forthcoming book Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism. (Mining.com)

CNBC last year wrote that copper is a vital component for the construction and defense industries as well as a key component in electric cars wind turbines and the power grid.

But mining companies are having a hard time keeping up.

The article quotes the International Energy Agency stating that existing mines and projects under construction will meet only 80 percent of copper needs by 2030.

By Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com

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Air pollution remains a critical environmental threat to human health, with 99 percent of the global population living in areas that do not meet recommended air quality guidelines.

Central Asia is among the most polluted regions worldwide, with cities like Karaganda in Kazakhstan experiencing extremely high levels of harmful particulate matter.

Tajikistan ranks as the sixth most polluted country globally according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, with vehicle emissions identified as a major source of pollution.

Tajikistan is the poorest country in Central Asia, and it also remains the most polluted, according to a recent survey of global air quality.

The 2024 World Air Quality Report, compiled by Swiss-based firm IQAir, measured air quality at almost 9,000 locations in 138 countries worldwide. Tajikistan ranked as the sixth most polluted country, in terms of the measured volume of harmful, air-borne particles known as PM2.5. Chad, Bangladesh and Pakistan were the top three states with the worst air pollution in the survey.

Air pollution remains the greatest environmental threat to human health, the report states. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 percent of the global population lives in areas that do not meet recommended air quality guideline levels.

Tajikistans air quality showed slight improvement in 2024 over the previous year. A study published by Tajikistans State Statistics Agency published in early 2024 found that harmful emissions in the country increased by almost two times during the past decade. Vehicles, including cars, trucks, busses and agricultural machines, were the primary source of pollution.

Central Asia as a region ranked among the most polluted worldwide, with Uzbekistan ranked as having the 19th worst air quality, followed by Turkmenistan (26th), Kyrgyzstan (41st) and Kazakhstan (71st). Although Kazakhstan had Central Asias cleanest air overall in 2024, the industrial city of Karaganda was rated the third most polluted city in the world, with a PM2.5 measurement exceeding WHO guidelines by over 10 times. Kyrgyzstan, meanwhile, has made the most progress in reducing the volume of PM2.5 in the air over the past five years.

In the Caucasus, Armenia (34th) was found to have the dirtiest air, trailed by Azerbaijan (49th) and Georgia (75th). There has been comparatively little fluctuation in air quality in the three Caucasus states over the seven years that IQAir has produced its annual report.

IQAir is an air-quality technology company that bills itself as operating the worlds largest free, real-time air-quality information platform.

PM2.5 is defined as fine particulate aerosol particles measuring up to 2.5 microns in diameter. Common man-made sources of PM2.5 are vehicle exhaust, heavy industrial processes, power generation, agriculture, construction, and coal and wood burning.

By Eurasianet.org

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LINCOLN  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 its 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 (Legislative Bill 323) 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, LB 323  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.
SEOUL, March 18 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's automotive export logged a double-digit growth in February due to strong demand for eco-friendly vehicles, government data showed Tuesday.

Car shipment surged 17.8 percent over the year to 6.07 billion U.S. dollars in February, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The expansion was attributable to solid demand for eco-friendly sedans, the export of which advanced 17.8 percent to 2.02 billion dollars last month.

Auto parts shipment reduced 4.1 percent to 1.87 billion dollars.

The number of exported vehicles was 232,978 in February, up 17.3 percent from a year earlier.

The number of vehicles, manufactured in domestic factories, soared 17.1 percent to 351,983 in February on a yearly basis.

The number of cars sold inside the country, including locally-made and imported vehicles, was 132,855 in February, up 14.8 percent from a year earlier. 


HOUSE REPUBLICANS CALL FOR DECENCY IN SCHOOLS

By Oregon House Republican Office,

SALEM, Ore.  A work session was held on Senate Bill 1098, which aims to keep obscene and sexually explicit books on the shelves of school libraries by prohibiting discrimination when selecting or retaining school library materials. House Republicans say this is wrong.

If a book on our school library shelves does not meet the standard to be read aloud on the House floor, it should not meet the standard for our schools, said House Majority Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). Discernment is not discrimination. Common sense is not censorship. I urge this body to do everything it can to restore decency in our schools.

House rules say a person may not use indecent or profane language during a debate. By gaveling down a member for reading the language from a book available in school libraries, this body is admitting the language is indecent or profane, which we have been told would not be allowed in our schools said Rep. Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg). It must be one or other. We cant have both.

It is the job of locally elected school boards and parents to determine what is appropriate for our children to read, not the state, said Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Stayton). If this bill passes, we are failing Oregon families by eroding their trust in our education system.
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The Pretoria High Court has ruled that six breeding sites for the critically endangered African Penguin must be protected from commercial fishing.

A South African court order issued Tuesday barred for at least 10 years commercial fishing at key breeding colonies for African penguins that are facing extinction in part because of threats to their food supply.

Bird conservation groups that pushed for the protection welcomed the settlement in the Pretoria High Court as a milestone in the fight to save the distinctive southern African black-and-white birds.

The order makes the waters around six key breeding colonies off limits to commercial sardine and anchovy fishing for at least a decade, according to a copy.

They include Robben Island about 10 kilometers (six miles) off Cape Town, that is most famous for its jail where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years until 1982.

Other zones are the uninhabited Dassen Island, further up South Africa's Atlantic coast, and the Stony Point nature reserve.

"This order of court is a historic victory in the ongoing battle to save the critically endangered African Penguin from extinction in the wild," said BirdLife South Africa, one of the groups that had called for the protection.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the African Penguin critically endangered in October 2024.

Conservationists say that 97% of the population is already lost and, at the current rate of population decrease, the bird could be extinct in the wild by 2035.

The dwindling numbers are due to a combination of factors including disturbances and oil spills, but the biggest threat is linked to their nutrition, conservationists say.

When penguins do not eat enough, preferably sardines or anchovies, they tend to abandon breeding, they say.

There were more than 15,100 breeding pairs in 2018 but this dropped to around 8,750 by the end of 2023, according to BirdLife South Africa.

Tuesday's ruling gives the environment minister two weeks to implement the closure of the six breeding sites.

 2025 AFP
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Illinois researchers combined microbiology with microfluidic device technology to find that when antibiotics are delivered by flowing fluids, as would be the case in the body, they are more effective against resistant bacteria. Credit: Fred Zwicky

Some notoriously difficult-to-treat infections may not be as resistant to antibiotics as has been thought, according to new research using a microfluidic device that more closely duplicates the fluid flow found in the body than standard cultures.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research team, led by biochemistry professor Joe Sanfilippo, tested antibiotic agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, considered one of the most highly resistant pathogens. They introduced the drugs at varying rates of fluid flow and found that, while the bacteria thrived at no or low fluid flow, the antibiotics killed the bacteria at higher flow rates.

"Anytime you take an antibiotic orally or by IV, it's not immediately in the place it is supposed to be. It will get there by flowing in the bloodstream. Other fluids move throughout the body as well: in the lungs, the urinary tract, the digestive tract. Yet biologists don't really study the impact of fluid flow when they study pathogens," Sanfilippo said.

"By using this microfluidic technology, often used in engineering, in a biology setting, we found that fluid flow is very important for antibiotic activity. We have an opportunity to make our drug screening and testing better by considering the effects of fluid flow."

Illinois biochemistry professor Joe Sanfilippo and graduate student Alexander Shuppara, right, found that various antibiotic agents to which Pseudomonas bacteria are resistant actually were able to kill the bacteria under flowing fluid conditions, similar to those found in the body. Credit: Fred Zwicky

Whether in a biology lab or a clinical lab, the standard way to study pathogenic bacteria is in plates, tubes or wellssettings not representative of the dynamics found in the body. The microfluidic devices the Illinois group used allow for precise control of the rate of fluid flowing.

"It's a simple idea. Biologists just haven't done it because it's hard to achieve with what they usually have in their labs. The engineering is pretty simple, in terms of microfluidic design. We just had to put the technology and biology sides together," Sanfilippo said.

The researchers tested three different antibiotic agents against which the Pseudomonas was supposedly resistant. They saw a gradient of antibiotic activity that was dependent on the flow rate. At no to low flow, the antibiotics affected only the bacteria at the very start of the fluid track. As the flow rate increased, so did the reach of the antibiotic activity, until the entire culture sample was wiped out at the highest tested flow rates.

The team published its results in the journal Science Advances.

The typical way of screening whether an antibiotic is effective against a pathogen is to use a static culture such as a dish. With microfluidics, the researchers found that the higher the rate of fluid flow, the more effective the same dose of antibiotic was at killing bacteria. Credit: Graphic by Alexander Shuppara

"Our findings highlight how we could do a better job of characterizing antibiotic resistance. If you get an infection, a clinician might take a sample and test it to see which drugs will work against it. But they're testing it without flow. So they may not give you a drug that actually could be effective because their tests don't show how effective the drugs are in flow conditions like in the body," Sanfilippo said.

"When researchers try to develop a new drug, it's the same thing; they might be wrong in interpreting whether the drug is working or not, because the testing conditions aren't like the body."

Next, the research team plans to test other antibiotic-resistant pathogens and other antibiotic drugs in their microfluidic devices. They also hope to more deeply study the mechanisms behind why the antibiotics were more effective in flowing fluid.

More information: Alexander M. Shuppara et al, Shear flow patterns antimicrobial gradients across bacterial populations, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads5005 Journal information: Science Advances
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Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641), Portrait of Wolfgang Wilhelm of Pfalz-Neuburg, Boughton House, Northamptonshire (c) Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust

The 70-year mystery surrounding the theft of an original oil sketch by renowned Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck from a stately home in Northamptonshire has been solved thanks to the research of an art historian.

The Portrait of Wolfgang Wilhelm of Pfalz-Neuburg, part of a collection of 37 oil sketches painted in the 17th century, was stolen in 1951 from Boughton House, the home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry in Northamptonshire, in whose collection it had resided since 1682.

Its disappearance was only discovered six years later, when Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry, visited one of Harvard University's galleries and saw the sketch on display.

Now, thanks to an investigation by Dr. Meredith Hale, Senior Lecturer in Art History and Visual Culture, the story of how the work of art made its way across the Atlantic, via some of the most prominent members of the art establishment in the UK and the United States of America, has emerged.

Dr. Hale spent a year sifting through correspondence from all the principal partiesincluding Christie's auction house in Londonto establish a remarkably precise timeline of when it changed hands and the inquiries that followed to prove its provenance.

The artwork has now been returned to its rightful owners, and the story of their quest for the truth is chronicled in a new paper in the British Art Journal.

"Through new archival research in the UK, US and Canada, I was able to reconstruct the painting's movements over three generations, as it passed through the hands of experts, conservators, auctioneers, dealers, and collectors from London to Toronto," said Dr. Hale.

"Not only do these sources reveal a dynamic picture of events as they unfold, but they highlight the factors that contributed to the success of the theft, foremost among them the conceptual and material complexity of Van Dyck's Iconography project and the audacity of a thief cloaked in the respectability of expertise."

That thief, says Dr. Hale, was Leonard Gerald Gwynne Ramsey, the editor of the journal The Connoisseur, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. Ramsey visited Boughton in July 1951 with a photographer, to gather material for a seven-page piece for the journal's 1952 Year Book.

Among the many objects that had been housed there for safekeeping during the war were the 37 wooden panels from Van Dyck's innovative yet unfinished Iconography project. Each panel featured an oil paint sketch of a prominent prince, scholar, military leader or artist, and would have been used to create prints for sale.

Dr. Hale said that the sketch of Wolfgang Wilhelm was last recorded as being in Boughton in July 1950, and was located close to the door of a small storage room or bathroom, making it "probably the easiest one to abduct," as suggested by Sir Oliver Millar, the then deputy surveyor of the Royal Collection.

Correspondence between Ramsey and art historian Ludwig Goldscheider revealed that the former intended to sell two paintings because he needed the money to buy new curtains. As a result, Goldscheider supplied a certificate of authentication, which accompanied the Wolfgang Wilhelm picture when it was sold anonymously at Christie's for 189 pounds in April 1954.

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Dr. Hale traced the sale of the picture less than a year later to an art dealer in New York, before it moved on to a second dealer by March 1955, who had it cleaned and cradled. It was then sold to a private collector, Dr. Lillian Malcove, for $2,700, and she in turn donated it to the Fogg Art Museum of Harvard University.

In her paper, Dr. Hale chronicles the increasingly terse correspondence between the Museum's Art Director, Professor John Coolidge, and Ramsey, as the former attempted to establish the provenance of the picture once concerns had been raised by the Duchess. Ramsey claimed he'd bought the picture from a market in Hemel Hempstead, and he also attempted to cast doubt on the authenticity of the picturesomething corroborated by Goldscheider when he contradicted his earlier certificate of authentication.

With doubts growing, the museum returned the picture to Malcove in 1960, and upon her death in 1981, it was donated to the Art Museum of the University of Toronto.

"As evidenced by the research presented here, we have finally been able to resolve the question of whether this was the picture stolen from Boughton," said Dr. Hale. "Consequently, the Executive Committee of the University of Toronto voted to deaccession the Portrait of Wolfgang Wilhelm of Pfalz-Neuburg and return it to the Duke of Buccleuch73 years after it was stolen."

The investigation was conducted as part of a Leverhulme Research Fellowship into the group of Van Dyck panels at Boughton, with Dr. Hale scouring the Buccleuch archives at Boughton House, the Paul Mellon Centre archives in London, the archives at the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, and the Fogg Museum, Harvard University.

"This is an important case because this was a particularly egregious breach of trust by Ramseya trust fundamental to scholars working in this field, and the museums and libraries who hold these priceless objects and artifacts." Dr. Hale said.

"Furthermore, this was not just a single work of art, but part of a unique group of works left in Van Dyck's studio upon his death in 1641. Without this painting, the Boughton oil sketches were like a puzzle missing a central piece. Its return has now restored the integrity of the group."
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This artist's concept compares the approximate size of Lucy's next asteroid target, Donaldjohanson, to the smallest main belt asteroids previously visited by spacecraft  Dinkinesh, visited by Lucy in November 2023, and Steins  as well as two recently explored near-Earth asteroids, Bennu and Ryugu. Lucy, an SwRI-led NASA mission, plans to visit 11 asteroids in 12 years, culminating in the first encounters with Jupiter's Trojan asteroids. Credit: SwRI/ESA/OSIRIS/NASA/Goddard/Johns Hopkins APL/NOIRLab/University of Arizona/JAXA/University of Tokyo & Collaborators

New Southwest Research Institute-led modeling indicates the main belt asteroid (52246) Donaldjohanson may have formed about 150 million years ago when a larger parent asteroid broke apart; its orbit and spin properties have undergone significant evolution since.

When NASA's Lucy spacecraft flies by this approximately three-mile-wide space rock on April 20, 2025, the data collected could provide independent insights on such processes based on its shape, surface geology and cratering history.

"Based on ground-based observations, Donaldjohanson appears to be a peculiar object," said SwRI's Dr. Simone Marchi, deputy principal investigator of the SwRI-led Lucy mission and lead author of the paper, "A pre-flyby view on the origin of asteroid Donaldjohanson, a target of the NASA Lucy mission," published in The Planetary Science Journal.

"Understanding the formation of Donaldjohanson could help explain its peculiarities."

"Data indicates that it could be quite elongated and a slow rotator, possibly due to thermal torques that have slowed its spin over time," added David Vokrouhlicky, a professor at the Charles University, Prague, and co-author of the research.

Lucy's target is a common type of asteroid, composed of silicate rocks and perhaps containing clays and organic matter. The new paper indicates that Donaldjohanson is likely a member of the Erigone collisional asteroid family, a group of asteroids on similar orbits that was created when a larger parent asteroid broke apart.

The family originated in the inner main belt not very far from the source regions of near-Earth asteroids (101955) Bennu and (162173) Ryugu, recently visited respectively by NASA's OSIRIS-REx and JAXA's Hayabusa2 missions.

"We can hardly wait for the flyby because, as of now, Donaldjohanson's characteristics appear very distinct from Bennu and Ryugu. Yet, we may uncover unexpected connections," Marchi said.

Donaldjohanson is named for the paleontologist who discovered Lucy, the fossilized skeleton of an early hominin found in Ethiopia in 1974, which is how the Lucy mission got its name. Just as the Lucy fossil provided unique insights into the origin of humanity, the Lucy mission promises to revolutionize our knowledge of the origin of humanity's home world. Donaldjohanson is the only named asteroid yet to be visited while its namesake is still living.

"Lucy is an ambitious NASA mission, with plans to visit 11 asteroids in its 12-year mission to tour the Trojan asteroids that are located in two swarms leading and trailing Jupiter," said SwRI's Dr. Hal Levison, who is the principal investigator of the mission.

"Encounters with main belt asteroids not only provide a close-up view of those bodies but also allow us to perform engineering tests of the spacecraft's innovative navigation system before the main event to study the Trojans. These relics are effectively fossils of the planet formation process, holding vital clues to deciphering the history of our solar system."

More information: Simone Marchi et al, A Pre-flyby View on the Origin of Asteroid Donaldjohanson, a Target of the NASA Lucy Mission, The Planetary Science Journal (2025). DOI: 10.3847/PSJ/adb4f4 Journal information: The Planetary Science Journal
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The Drosophila embryo's midgut forms with an endodermal layer (green) encased by visceral mesoderm (blue). Three constrictions divide the gut, with Wingless (magenta) shaping the middle one. Credit: Delia Ricolo (IRB Barcelona)

During embryonic development, the intestine of the Drosophila fly divides into distinct chambers thanks to the formation of constrictions at specific points of the tissue. The Wingless (Wg) signaling pathway is known to be responsible for one of these constrictions, but until now the underlying mechanism regulating this was not known.

A study led by Dr. Delia Ricolo and Dr. Jordi Casanova at IRB Barcelona, published in the journal EMBO Reports, has unveiled that Wingless triggers calcium entry, which leads to a change in cell polarity, reorganizing the cytoskeleton and allowing contraction of the tissue. As a result, the intestine becomes divided into distinct specialized regions.

"We knew that Wingless participates in the development of the intestine, but the underlying mechanism remained unclear. We now know that calcium plays a key role in this process," explains Dr. Ricolo, first author of the work.

The research demonstrates that the activation of Wingless triggers cellular reorganization that allows contraction of the tissue and the formation of the constrictions that lead to the final shape of the fly intestine.

This finding not only contributes to our understanding of embryonic development in insects but also expands the effects of the Wg signaling pathway, which has been highly conserved throughout evolution. This study sheds light on how biochemical signals can transform cellular architecture during embryonic development. A greater understanding of these mechanisms could give insights into diseases related to morphogenesis and organ development in distinct organisms.

More information: Delia Ricolo et al, Autocrine Wingless constricts the Drosophila embryonic gut by Ca+2-mediated repolarisation of mesoderm cells, EMBO Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44319-025-00411-x Journal information: EMBO Reports
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Just 25 years ago, experts feared that Siamese crocodile might no longer exist outside zoos, but conservation efforts have helped change that.

A motorbike rider inches slowly over bumpy terrain deep in Cambodia's Virachey national park, carefully adjusting the basket strapped behind him. Inside is precious cargoa critically endangered Siamese crocodile.

The reptile is one of 10 being released into the park in Cambodia's northeast for the first timepart of a years-long effort that has brought the Siamese crocodile back from the brink of extinction in the wild.

"Often what we see is species are declining, species are disappearing," said Pablo Sinovas, Cambodia country director for the Fauna & Flora conservation group, which has led the conservation program.

"In this case, we are seeing actually that the species seems to be recovering."

The crocodile, which can grow up to four meters (13 feet) long, is distinguished by dragon-like bony crests behind each eye.

Just 25 years ago, experts feared that the Siamese crocodile might no longer exist outside zoos and the crocodile farms that helped decimate its population.

But in 2000, a biodiversity survey led by Fauna & Flora uncovered a small number in the remote Cardamom Mountains in southwest Cambodia, kicking off a conservation effort that has given the species a 400-strong foothold in the country.

Discoveries and conservation elsewhere mean there are now up to 1,000 Siamese crocodiles in the wild globally, though in just one percent of its former range.

Young crocodiles being released into the wild are transported long distances in bamboo baskets to reach the remote areas.

Cambodia has been central to that success, said crocodile expert Charlie Manolis, chief scientist at Wildlife Management International in Australia.

"There's an opportunity in Cambodia," he said, explaining that, unlike neighboring Thailand and Vietnam, there are still "large tracts" of protected land.

"Best possible headstart'

Key to Cambodia's effort is a program to help the specieswhich was once found all over Southeast Asiabreed more successfully.

In the wild, fragmented populations might struggle to find a mate, and both eggs and juvenile offspring are vulnerable to predators.

For every 50 or so born in the wild, perhaps as few as three survive, said Joe Rose, captive breeding officer at the Phnom Tamao facility outside Phnom Penh.

"Breeding within a facility like this, we can ensure a 100 percent survival rate from hatchlings... and healthy young crocodiles to take out and release, to give them the best possible headstart," Rose said.

Crocodiles are top predators which regulate their ecosystems.

There are around 200 crocodiles at the facility at any one time, including 50 breeding adults, who produced nearly 200 eggs last year.

Eggs are taken into incubators, and hatchlings are raised in enclosures with progressive exposure to the fish and frogs they will one day catch in the wild.

After several years, they are ready for release.

Until now, that has meant heading to the Cardamom Mountains, where last year 60 crocodiles were recorded hatching in the wildthe highest number in a century.

The growing population holds promise not just for the species but for its broader environment too.

Crocodiles are top predators which regulate their ecosystems, and there is evidence that fish diversity is higher in the rivers they inhabit.

The conservation effort's growing success has bred a need for new habitats, a challenge given that crocodiles need space, prey and enough distance away from humans to minimize conflict.

Some of the young crocodiles have to be taken in baskets on the bike of motorbikes to reach their release site.

Virachey's rugged, remote terrain makes it ideal, with relatively untouched plant and animal life, and few residents.

"It's essentially protected mostly by the remoteness," said Sinovas.

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Ultrasound 'pings'

Releasing the crocodiles into a new environment is still risky.

They could face predators or struggle to feed themselvesand tracking their progress can be difficult and expensive.

"Often reintroduction programs with crocodilians, you sort of hurl them all out there, and then everybody sort of walks away and hopes that they live and grow," said Manolis.

But Fauna & Flora will keep tabs using acoustic monitors, inspired by lessons from Australian crocodile conservation efforts.

In Phnom Tamao, each of the 10 crocodiles is fitted with a thimble-sized transmitter, placed beneath their dappled scaly skin.

Some crocodiles are fitted with a thimble-sized transmitter to help monitor the program.

These send ultrasound "pings" every time the creatures pass receivers placed along a 10-kilometer stretch of their new river home in Virachey.

The data will be recorded for several months and then collected and analyzed for clues on the program's success.

Reaching their new home was no easy task for the reptiles.

First, there was 18 hours of travel in cylindrical bamboo baskets transported by car, motorbike and boat. Next, they acclimatized in a temporary enclosure.

Receivers were installed and checked, and then it was time.

Electrical tape that had been wound around their snouts to prevent snapping was peeled away, and each creature was gradually lowered into the water.

They quickly splashed away, carrying great hopes on their scaly shoulders.

Conservationists credit part of their success to cooperation with local communities, who have protected crocodiles in the Cardamoms and helped document new hatchlings.

The crocodile, which can grow up to four meters (13 feet) long, is distinguished by dragon-like bony crests behind each eye.

For Chroub Srak Er, a resident and ranger at Virachey, the reptiles offer hope.

"These crocodiles disappeared a long time ago," he said. "We are so happy, we will preserve them together."

 2025 AFP
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Research by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope collaboration has led to the clearest and most precise images yet of the universe's infancy, the cosmic microwave background radiation that was visible only 380,000 years after the Big Bang. This new sky map has put the standard model of cosmology through a rigorous new set of tests and show it to be remarkably robust. The new images of the early universe, which show both the intensity and polarization of the earliest light with unprecedented clarity, reveal the formation of ancient, consolidating clouds of hydrogen and helium that later developed into the first galaxies and stars. This piece of the new sky map that shows the vibration directions (or polarization) of the radiation. The zoom-in on the right is 10 degrees high. Polarized light vibrates in a particular direction; blue shows where the surrounding light's vibration directions are angled towards it, like spokes on a bicycle; orange shows places where the vibration directions circle around it. This new information reveals the motion of the ancient gases in the universe when it was less than half a million years old, pulled by the force of gravity in the first step towards forming galaxies. The red band comes from our closer-by Milky Way. Credit: ACT Collaboration; ESA/Planck Collaboration

New research by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) collaboration has produced the clearest images yet of the universe's infancythe earliest cosmic time yet accessible to humans. Measuring light that traveled for more than 13 billion years to reach a telescope high in the Chilean Andes, the new images reveal the universe when it was about 380,000 years oldthe equivalent of hours-old baby pictures of a now middle-aged cosmos.

"We are seeing the first steps towards making the earliest stars and galaxies," says Suzanne Staggs, director of ACT and Henry deWolf Smyth Professor of Physics at Princeton University. "And we're not just seeing light and dark, we're seeing the polarization of light in high resolution. That is a defining factor distinguishing ACT from Planck and other, earlier telescopes."

The new pictures of this background radiation, known as the cosmic microwave background (CMB), add higher definition to those observed more than a decade ago by the Planck space-based telescope. "ACT has five times the resolution of Planck, and greater sensitivity," says Sigurd Naess, a researcher at the University of Oslo and a lead author of one of several papers related to the project. "This means the faint polarization signal is now directly visible."

The polarization image reveals the detailed movement of the hydrogen and helium gas in the cosmic infancy. "Before, we got to see where things were, and now we also see how they're moving," says Staggs. "Like using tides to infer the presence of the moon, the movement tracked by the light's polarization tells us how strong the pull of gravity was in different parts of space."

The new results confirm a simple model of the universe and have ruled out a majority of competing alternatives, says the research team. The work has not yet gone through peer review, but the researchers will present their results at the American Physical Society annual conference on March 19.

Measuring the universe's infancy

In the first several hundred thousand years after the Big Bang, the primordial plasma that filled the universe was so hot that light couldn't propagate freely, making the universe effectively opaque. The CMB represents the first stage in the universe's history that we can seeeffectively, the universe's baby picture.

The new images give a remarkably clear view of very, very subtle variations in the density and velocity of the gases that filled the young universe. "There are other contemporary telescopes measuring the polarization with low noise, but none of them cover as much of the sky as ACT does," says Naess.

What look like hazy clouds in the light's intensity are more and less dense regions in a sea of hydrogen and heliumhills and valleys that extend millions of light years across. Over the following millions to billions of years, gravity pulled the denser regions of gas inwards to build stars and galaxies.

Research by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope collaboration has led to the clearest and most precise images yet of the universe's infancy, the cosmic microwave background radiation that was visible only 380,000 years after the Big Bang. This new sky map has put the standard model of cosmology through a rigorous new set of tests and show it to be remarkably robust. The new images of the early universe, which show both the intensity and polarization of the earliest light with unprecedented clarity, reveal the formation of ancient, consolidating clouds of hydrogen and helium that later developed into the first galaxies and stars. A new image of the cosmic microwave background radiation, adding high definition from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope to an earlier image from the Planck satellite. The zoom-in is 10 degrees across, or twenty times the Moon's width seen from Earth, and shows a tiny portion of the new half-sky image. Orange and blue show more or less intense radiation, revealing features in the density of the universe when it was less than half a million years old - a time before any galaxies had formed. The image includes closer-by objects: the red band on the right is the Milky Way, and the red dots are galaxies containing vast black holes, the blue dots are huge galaxy clusters, and the spiral Sculptor Galaxy is visible towards the bottom. Credit: ACT Collaboration; ESA/Planck Collaboration

These detailed images of the newborn universe are helping scientists to answer longstanding questions about the universe's origins. "By looking back to that time when things were much simpler, we can piece together the story of how our universe evolved to the rich and complex place we find ourselves in today, " says Jo Dunkley, the Joseph Henry Professor of Physics and Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University and the ACT analysis leader.

"We've measured more precisely that the observable universe extends almost 50 billion light years in all directions from us, and contains as much mass as 1,900 'zetta-suns," or almost 2 trillion trillion suns," says Erminia Calabrese, professor of astrophysics at the University of Cardiff and a lead author on one of the new papers. Of those 1,900 zetta-suns, the mass of normal matterthe kind we can see and measuremakes up only 100. Another 500 zetta-Suns of mass are mysterious dark matter, and the equivalent of 1,300 are the dominating vacuum energy (also called dark energy) of empty space.

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Tiny neutrino particles make up at most four zetta-suns of mass. Of the normal matter, three-quarters of the mass is hydrogen, and a quarter helium.

"Almost all of the helium in the universe was produced in the first three minutes of cosmic time," says Thibaut Louis, CNRS researcher at IJCLab, University Paris-Saclay and one of the lead authors of the new papers. "Our new measurements of its abundance agree very well with theoretical models and with observations in galaxies."

The elements that we humans are made ofmostly carbon, with oxygen and nitrogen and iron and even traces of goldwere formed later in stars and are just a sprinkling on top of this cosmic stew.

ACT's new measurements have also refined estimates for the age of the universe and how fast it is growing today. The infall of matter in the early universe sent out sound waves through space, like ripples spreading out in circles on a pond.

"A younger universe would have had to expand more quickly to reach its current size, and the images we measure would appear to be reaching us from closer by," explains Mark Devlin, the Reese W. Flower Professor of Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania, and ACT's deputy director. "The apparent extent of ripples in the images would be larger in that case, in the same way that a ruler held closer to your face appears larger than one held at arm's length."

The new data confirm that the age of the universe is 13.8 billion years, with an uncertainty of only 0.1%.

Research by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope collaboration has led to the clearest and most precise images yet of the universe's infancy, the cosmic microwave background radiation that was visible only 380,000 years after the Big Bang. This new sky map has put the standard model of cosmology through a rigorous new set of tests and show it to be remarkably robust. The new images of the early universe, which show both the intensity and polarization of the earliest light with unprecedented clarity, reveal the formation of ancient, consolidating clouds of hydrogen and helium that later developed into the first galaxies and stars. Credit: Debra Kellner

The Hubble tension

In recent years, cosmologists have disagreed about the Hubble constant, the rate at which space is expanding today. Measurements derived from the CMB have consistently shown an expansion rate of 67 to 68 kilometers per second per Megaparsec, while measurements derived from the movement of nearby galaxies indicate a Hubble constant as high as 73 to 74 km/s/Mpc. Using their newly released data, the ACT team has measured the Hubble constant with increased precision. Their measurement matches previous CMB-derived estimates.

"We took this entirely new measurement of the sky, giving us an independent check of the cosmological model, and our results show that it holds up," says Adriaan Duivenvoorden, a research fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics and lead author of one of the new papers.

A major goal of the work was to investigate alternative models for the universe that would explain the disagreement. "We wanted to see if we could find a cosmological model that matched our data and also predicted a faster expansion rate," says Colin Hill, an assistant professor at Columbia University and one of the lead authors of the new papers. Alternates include changing the way neutrinos and the invisible dark matter behave, adding a period of accelerated expansion in the early universe or changing fundamental constants of nature.

"We have used the CMB as a detector for new particles or fields in the early universe, exploring previously uncharted terrain," says Hill. "The ACT data show no evidence of such new signals. With our new results, the standard model of cosmology has passed an extraordinarily precise test."

"It was slightly surprising to us that we didn't find even partial evidence to support the higher value," says Staggs. "There were a few areas where we thought we might see evidence for explanations of the tension, and they just weren't there in the data."

A 5-year exposure

The background radiation measured by ACT is extremely faint. "To make this new measurement, we needed a 5-year exposure with a sensitive telescope tuned to see millimeter-wavelength light," says Devlin. "Our colleagues at the National Institute of Standards and Technology provided detectors with cutting-edge sensitivity, and the National Science Foundation supported ACT's mission for more than two decades to get us here."

In surveying the sky, ACT has also seen light emitted from other objects in space. "We can see right back through cosmic history," says Dunkley, "from our own Milky Way, out past distant galaxies hosting vast black holes, and huge galaxy clusters, all the way to that time of infancy."

ACT completed its observations in 2022, and attention is now turning to the new, more capable, Simons Observatory at the same location in Chile. The new ACT data are shared publicly on NASA's LAMBDA archive.
Australia's China-research efforts hailed

08:31, March 18, 2025 By Xin Xin, Alexis Hooi ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Australia's location in the Asia-Pacific region and its strong links with China put it in a prime position to leverage academic and other expertise to help the world better understand Chinese development, especially amid current global challenges, according to the director of a studies center at the University of Sydney.

"Since Australia decided it was part of the Asia-Pacific, which was really at the end of the 1980s, a lot of effort in think tanks and universities has gone into developing China expertise. Of course, we are not the United States, we are not Europe. We are different, and that gives us some advantage," said David Goodman, a professor and director of the university's China Studies Centre.

Australia's strong economic ties with China in turn help provide a firm base to leverage that advantage, Goodman said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

"Trade with China is the bedrock of the Australian economy. Without that trade, we would be in serious trouble. And it's not just exports which are very important. We have a trade surplus with China.  It's very important for the Australian economy. And for the continued development of Australian society," he said. "So Australia is well placed in research on and interactions with China."

The China Studies Centre, which describes itself as having "the largest collection in Australia of academic expertise who research China and Chinese culture", boasts more than 100 members drawn from the social sciences, business studies, health, engineering, the humanities, science, law, architecture, and music.

"We have people who do healthcare in China and people who do the healthcare of Chinese in Australia. We have engineers who carry out engineering projects in environmental sustainability, and waste management in China," said Goodman, adding that the center's research groups cover areas ranging from Australia-China relations and the digital economy to education and philosophy.

One of the center's flagship efforts is the Local China Project, which is designed to produce research on China's development at local levels.

"When we say local  local is anything that is not central. So anything subprovincial, the city, prefecture, counties, districts, and everyday life," Goodman said.

Looking at China through this "local lens" helps plug gaps in understanding the world's second-largest economy, Goodman said.

Despite increasing efforts to use its strengths in developing China studies, Australia does not take enough advantage of the opportunities, he said, adding that one promising area is people-to-people exchanges.

"It would be better if we did more, particularly with young people," he said. "Getting them to China from Australia and getting young people from China to Australia will help the future of the world."

However, "at the moment, exchanges of that kind are very limited", he added.

Such exchanges could be expanded to include more participants in the business, health and other fields, Goodman said.

"There's a certain nervousness in our government about some technological subjects, which they think might be open to security abuse or something like that, and of course that makes that almost impossible to do," he said.

"But environmental engineering, for example, is for the good of the planet. China has led the way in the development of a renewable energy industry, and I hope it goes on doing it because it's in everybody's interest."

Goodman said that views from the West about how China and its development are a "threat" pose a major impediment to exchanges and research for better understanding across borders.

"There's the notion largely put out  that China is a threat, that makes people believe that you have to be wary of the so-called rise of China.

"I say the so-called rise of China because whilst the Chinese economy has gotten very large, it's still (got) a long way to go," said Goodman, adding that while China's GDP per capita has risen (to more than $12,600 in 2023, according to World Bank data), it is still not "horrendously huge".

It is unfortunate that resources in Australia have been directed toward defense spending in response to the so-called "threat", he said, when "we could do so much more with that money. Not all that money has to come to the China Studies Centre. It could go anywhere, it could do a lot of social good".

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov (C) meets with secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev (2nd, L) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, March 18, 2025. The head of Kyrgyzstan congratulated the secretary-general on taking office, wishing him success in this important position. (Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic/Handout via Xinhua)

BISHKEK, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov received secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev here on Tuesday, according to the presidential press service.

The head of Kyrgyzstan congratulated the secretary-general on taking office, wishing him success in this important position.

"You are taking office as secretary general at a difficult time, when international relations are undergoing major changes. Therefore, the role and significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in world politics is steadily increasing, representing a unique platform for dialogue between the largest regional powers," Japarov said.

He emphasized that Kyrgyzstan attaches exceptional importance to its participation in the SCO and reaffirms the need to further deepen cooperation between the Organization's member states in all areas of interaction.

One of the important events for Kyrgyzstan will be the country's chairmanship in the SCO in the fall of this year.

Speaking about the main priorities of cooperation within the SCO, the head of Kyrgyzstan highlighted the development of trade, economic, transport, and logistics ties. In this context, it is important to create effective financial mechanisms, particularly the SCO Development Bank.

The SCO secretary-general congratulated Japarov on the signing of the Agreement on the state border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. He noted that all SCO member states were enthusiastic about this news.

Emphasizing the active participation of Kyrgyzstan in the activities of the SCO, Yermekbayev recalled that, thanks to the initiative of Sadyr Japarov, a roadmap for cooperation with SCO dialogue partners was developed.

At the end of the meeting, the president of Kyrgyzstan expressed readiness to further strengthen multifaceted cooperation within the SCO and ensure the practical implementation of all previously reached agreements. 

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov meets with secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev (not in the picture) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, March 18, 2025. The head of Kyrgyzstan congratulated the secretary-general on taking office, wishing him success in this important position. (Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic/Handout via Xinhua)

Secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev is pictured during a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov (not in the picture) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, March 18, 2025. The head of Kyrgyzstan congratulated the secretary-general on taking office, wishing him success in this important position. (Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic/Handout via Xinhua)

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov (R) meets with secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, March 18, 2025. The head of Kyrgyzstan congratulated the secretary-general on taking office, wishing him success in this important position. (Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic/Handout via Xinhua)
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The fraction of vote choices for a consistent over a non-consistent candidate at varying levels of respondents understandings of democracy. Generalized additive model (GAM) slopes are shown. Ribbon represents a 95 per cent confidence interval. Credit: British Journal of Political Science (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S0007123424000711

Why do people living in democratic countries vote for political candidates who openly violate democratic standards? A new study by a University of Notre Dame researcher has found that diverse understandings of democracy among voters can lead to votes for authoritarian-leaning political leaders.

"A considerable variety in democratic views leads part of the electorate to overlook violations of democratic norms such as minority rights protection or restraints on executive power," said Marc Jacob, assistant professor of democracy and global affairs at Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs. "These varied attitudes represent an important vulnerability for the democratic system as they can enable authoritarian political candidates to access and retain power."

The study, published in the British Journal of Political Science, found that voters' differing conceptions of democracy shape their ability to recognize democratic violations and, in turn, affect their voting choices.

Jacob and co-authors Natasha Wunsch of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, and Laurenz Derksen of ETH Zurich, conducted a candidate choice experiment in Poland, a democracy where elections remain competitive despite some democratic backsliding over the past several years. (Democratic backsliding occurs when existing democracies slip backward toward autocracy and is currently taking place in every region of the world.)

The researchers found that respondents who supported democracy in principle but adhered less strongly to liberal democratic norms, such as minority rights protection and constraints on executive power, tolerated democratic violations more readily.

"Where liberal democratic commitment is weak or unevenly distributed across the electorate, voters cannot reliably act as safeguards against democratic backsliding," Jacob said.

Conversely, voters who subscribed more strongly to a liberal understanding were more likely to vote against non-liberal candidates, even those from their own political party.

Jacob said that additional survey-based research and qualitative approaches such as focus groups may provide further insights into citizens' divergent understandings of democracy. To counter further democratic backsliding, the researchers recommend extensive and deliberate investment in civic education of citizens that highlights how each individual benefits from democratic governance, especially in more recent democracies.

"Democracy education often features big, abstract ideas, but it's just as important to show people how civil liberties, power-sharing and the rule of law directly benefit themand to remind them that their votes play a crucial role in keeping those values alive."

More information: Natasha Wunsch et al, The Demand Side of Democratic Backsliding: How Divergent Understandings of Democracy Shape Political Choice, British Journal of Political Science (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S0007123424000711
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Activists rallied against deep sea mining outside the European Parliament in March 2023.

Several countries united with campaign groups on Monday to call for caution in regulating the divisive practice of deep-sea mining at a meeting on the issue in Jamaica.

Members of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) are meeting in Kingston to thrash out the first mining code on deep-sea extraction that has faced accusations of imperiling marine ecosystems.

The clock is ticking because a metals company has said it will imminently submit an extraction license application, raising the prospect that their operations could go unregulated.

"We are still far away from any consensus on a final mining code," said French envoy Olivier Guyonvarch, with the latest draft text still riddled with caveats highlighting lingering disagreement.

Costa Rica's representative called for a "precautionary pause" as work continues on gathering data and establishing the legal framework.

The prospect of a pause has gained traction but is far from winning the backing of the ISA's 169 member states.

"Environmental protection, however, does not mean abandoning exploitation," countered China's representative, saying that regulations could be further tailored as mining is carried out.

'Planetary crisis'

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea gives the ISA responsibility for regulating extraction of highly coveted seabed minerals that lie outside of national marine borders.

Deep-sea mining.

However, it also directs the organization to protect the little-understood marine environments.

The ISA Council, which currently only awards exploration licenses, has been negotiating for more than 10 years over a mining code governing nickel, cobalt and copper extractionkey materials in the energy transition.

The painstaking talks have gained momentum since the activation of a clause allowing any company with national backing to apply for a licenseeven in the absence of a codebut several issues remain outstanding.

Though the riches of the international seabed are classified as "common heritage of mankind," African countries fear they will miss out on benefits or even see their economies suffer.

Underwater extraction must "not come at the expense of Africa's existing mining economies and their sustainable development aspirations," the continent's representative said.

Industry on the other hand has been highly critical of delays to the agreement of a code.

In a January letter to the ISA, several companies claiming to have collectively invested more than $2 billion in the development of extraction technology said they faced "escalating legal and financial risks."

Polymetallic nodules grow with the help of microbes over millions of years around a kernel of organic matter, such as a shark's tooth or the ear-bone of a whale.

Among them was NoriNauru Ocean Resources Inc.a subsidiary of Canadian firm The Metals Company. In June, it will submit the first application for extraction of "polymetallic nodules"mineral deposits made up of multiple metals on the deep ocean floor.

Pacific island nation Nauru has given its official backing to Nori's application, and is pressing the ISA to agree on a mechanism for reviewing and approving applications in the absence of a mining code.

Their request has been opposed by countries such as Chile who maintain the council had agreed rules would only be drafted after such an application is submitted.

"ISA member states need to stand firm against the unacceptable pressure by an industry that risks wreaking irreparable damage on our ocean and exacerbating the planetary crisis," Sofia Tsenikli, Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium Campaign Director at the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC).

NGOs like the DSCC are placing hope in new ISA chief Leticia Carvalho, a Brazilian oceanographer who replaced Britain's Michael Lodge after two terms at the helm, during which he was accused of favoring industry.

While the council has set itself the goal of finalizing the mining code this year, Carvalho called Monday for negotiators to make "significant progress" by July while raising the prospect of an amended timetable.

 2025 AFP
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Conservation efforts are bringing species back from the brink, even as overall biodiversity falls. The Iberian lynx, once the world's most endangered cat, has rebounded from just a few hundred individuals to a few thousand. Credit: Tris Allinson

A major review of over 67,000 animal species has found that while the natural world continues to face a biodiversity crisis, targeted conservation efforts are helping bring many species back from the brink of extinction.

The study draws on data from the IUCN Red List, the world's largest database of species conservation status. The researchers say their results, reported in the journal PLOS Biology, highlight both the successes and the need for urgent action.

The world is facing a global biodiversity crisis, with 28% of more than 160,000 assessed species threatened with extinction, and an estimated one million species facing this fate due to human activities. However, conservation measures can be successful if there is concrete evidence about what works.

The researchers, led by the University of Cambridge with the IUCN, BirdLife International, and Oxford and Durham Universities, used Red List data to assess whether conservation measures had been put in place, and whether those actions had a positive impact on a given species' conservation status.

"We found that almost all the species that have moved from a more threatened category to a less threatened category have benefited from some sort of conservation measures," said lead author Ashley Simkins, a Ph.D. candidate in Cambridge's Department of Zoology. "It's a strong signal that conservation works."

The European bison, which was hunted to extinction in the wild in the early 20th century, now roams parts of Eastern Europe thanks to sustained conservation efforts over decades. Credit: Rafal Kowalczyk

While there is no 'one size fits all' solution, the researchers observed some connections between conservation success stories. Many of these species live in isolated areas, such as islands, where intensive conservation effortssuch as habitat protection, captive breeding and reintroductionscan be fully implemented.

"While biodiversity loss is a genuine crisis, it's vital that we celebrate the success stories wherever and whenever we can," said Simkins. "It's so hard for a species to improve its conservation status, but with the right effort, we can turn things around."

The Iberian lynx, once the world's most endangered cat, has rebounded from just a few hundred individuals to a few thousand. Likewise, the kakapo, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, has benefited from dedicated recovery programs. And the European bison, which was hunted to extinction in the wild in the early 20th century, now roams parts of Eastern Europe thanks to sustained conservation efforts over decades.

Marine species have also seen dramatic recoveries. Humpback and blue whales, once driven to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling, have made a comeback after an international moratorium on whaling. However, despite these success stories, the study found that six times more species are declining than improving.

A major review of over 67,000 animal species has found that while the natural world continues to face a biodiversity crisis, targeted conservation efforts are helping bring many species back from the brink of extinction. Credit: Paul Donald

The researchers say that, like human health care, preventative measures in conservation are preferable and more cost-effective to emergency interventions.

"Humans have gotten pretty good at what could be considered 'A&E' conservationfocusing on species at very high risk of extinction," said Simkins. "What we're less good at is preventing species from becoming threatened in the first place. We need to move beyond treating the symptoms of biodiversity loss and start addressing the root causes."

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The researchers also emphasize the need for collaborative, locally driven conservation. In Papua New Guinea, for example, conservationists worked with local communities to replace tree kangaroo hunting with sustainable forms of animal protein, including farming of chickens and fishingan approach that benefitted both people and wildlife.

"It's vital that we as conservationists are working with stakeholders, rather than dictating to them, whether that's an Indigenous community in Papua New Guinea or a farmer in Somerset," said Simkins.

"Conservation doesn't have to be a zero-sum gamethere are compromises that can benefit both the natural world and human society."

A major review of over 67,000 animal species has found that while the natural world continues to face a biodiversity crisis, targeted conservation efforts are helping bring many species back from the brink of extinction. Credit: Mihai Leu

"In this climate of constant stories about wildlife declines and insufficient political action to protect nature, it's important to realize that there are also many success stories and that conservation efforts are making a real, demonstrable impact on the world," said co-senior author Dr. Silviu Petrovan, also from the Department of Zoology. "Conservation works if given the chance."

"This research sheds light on which actions to save species have been effective, and what interventions are needed," said co-author Dr. Stuart Butchart, Chief Scientist at BirdLife International. "Governments need to turn their words into actions, and rapidly scale up efforts to save species from extinction and help populations to recover. Safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations depends upon this."

"The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species informs and guides on-the-ground conservation decisions; actions which are further guided by the research presented in this publication," said co-author Craig Hilton-Taylor, Head of the IUCN Red List.

"Almost everyone will have their own favorite example of a conservation success story, whether it's the bald eagle in North America, or the red kite in the UK," said Simkins. We need joint action to ensure these positive stories aren't the exceptionthey're the norm."

More information: Past conservation efforts reveal which actions lead to positive outcomes for species, PLOS Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003051 Journal information: PLoS Biology
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Peanut butter and jelly. Simon and Garfunkel. Semiconductors and bacteria. Some combinations are more durable than others. In recent years, an interdisciplinary team of Cornell researchers has been pairing microbes with the semiconductor nanocrystals known as quantum dots, with the goal of creating nano-biohybrid systems that can harvest sunlight to perform complex chemical transformations for materials and energy applications.

Now, the team has for the first time identified exactly what happens when a microbe receives an electron from a quantum dot: The charge can either follow a direct pathway or be transferred indirectly via the microbe's shuttle molecules.

The findings are published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The lead author is Mokshin Suri.

"To put it succinctly, we discovered that there are different pathways for communicating," said senior author Tobias Hanrath, the David Croll Professor of Engineering in the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in Cornell Engineering. "That, in and of itself, has been suspected and discussed, but it hasn't been precisely quantified and imaged like we've done. This is the very first fundamental step towards a long-term vision of combining digital information processing with microbial biochemistry."

The project was launched in 2019. The effort brought together the microscopy capabilities of Peng Chen, the Peter J.W. Debye Professor of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, with the synthetic biology expertise of Buz Barstow, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological and environmental engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Hanrath, the self-described "particle guy." In 2023, the team developed a platform to image their biohybrid systems with single-cell resolution and essentially parse out where the electrochemical activity occurred.

For the new study, the researchers decided to use a different but complimentary approach, specifically to understand how to knock an electron out of a quantum dot and into a microbe. They turned to Warren Zipfel, associate professor of biomedical engineering in Cornell Engineering, who specializes in using optical microscopy for biomedical research, such as analyzing tissue.

"The nice a-ha moment that Mokshin contributed to this was the recognition that you can use that same tool to probe interactions between the quantum dot and the microbe that had never been done before," Hanrath said. "So there's a novelty, just in a measurement by itself, beyond the insights that came out of it."

Quantum dots are characterized by strong light-matter interactions, and their optical and electronic properties can be custom-tailored by changing their sizecapabilities that were recognized with the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. They have already found their way into commercial technologies in the form of QD LED displays, whereby an electron is injected and a photon pops out. They work the other way, too.

"In our study, we essentially leveraged the LED functionality in reverse," Hanrath said. "Instead of emitting a photon from an injected electron, we inject a photon and watch how the electrons are injected from the illuminated quantum dot to the nearby microbe."

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While quantum dots have strong interactions with light, they are limited to relatively basic chemical transformations, and the opposite is true for microbial cells, Hanrath said. That's why a quantum dot-microbe hybrid has such strong potential synergy.

Using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy with two-photon excitation on a cadmium selenide quantum dot and Shewanella oneidensis bacteria, the researchers identified a distinct halo surrounding the microbe, which suggested the charge transfer was receiving some peripheral assistance. It turns out that an electron can either move directly from the quantum dot to the microbe, or it can be transferred from the microbe via shuttle molecules, called redox mediators.

"They have different rates, different sorts of characteristic time constants," Hanrath said. "And you can measure that with the fluorescence lifetime measurements that we've done."

Photosynthetic biohybrids of this sort could potentially convert carbon dioxide into value-added chemical products, such as bioplastics and biofuels, and control other microbe processes.

"It's exciting to think about all of the things that could be possible if you merge digital information processing with what the microbe does," Hanrath said. "If you have some way of communicating with the microbe, you can direct it to do things that it otherwise wouldn't have done or that would be really difficult to do by other means."

In addition to Chen, Zipfel and Barstow, co-authors include Farshid Salimijazi, Ph.D.; doctoral student Jack Crowley; and postdoctoral researchers Youngchan Park and Bing Fu.

More information: Mokshin Suri et al, Spatially resolved charge-transfer kinetics at the quantum dotmicrobe interface using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2407987122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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(a) Early Erueti style pottery from Mafilau mound (b) Early Mangaasi style pottery from Mafilau church site (c) Early Mangaasi style pottery from Atunga (d) Northern Vanuatu style pottery (similar to Malakula's Chachara Ware) from Mafilau mound. Credit: Archaeology in Oceania (2025). DOI: 10.1002/arco.5346

A recent study published in Archaeology in Oceania explores the oral, linguistic, genetic and archaeological evidence surrounding the Tombuk volcanic eruption.

The resulting data highlights the profound cultural and demographic shifts experienced by the two emergent islands created in the aftermath of the eruption.

Today, the Vanuatu archipelago consists of 83 islands in the southwest Pacific. It is among the most disaster-prone regions worldwide, annually experiencing various natural disasters, including tropical cyclones, floods, landslides, earthquakes, and/or volcanic eruptions.

More than 500 years ago, in AD 1452, the island of Kuwae experienced a massive catastrophe known as the Tombuk eruption. The eruption created a massive caldera (a depression formed by a volcanic eruption), effectively splitting the island in two.

The northwestern portion became the island of Epi, with a landmass of about 445 km2. Meanwhile, the southern portion became the island of Tongoa, encompassing only around 45 km2.

From archaeological excavations, it is known that prior to the eruption, the island of Kuwae shared broadly similar material cultures, as evidenced by their shell artifacts and pottery traditions.

The archaeological sequence begins with the Lapita pottery traditions (30002800 BP), progressing through various phases, including the Arapus, Erueti, Early Mangaasi, and Late Mangaasi, and finally ends at Aknau (12005500 BP).

The lead study author, Dr. Robert Henderson elaborates, saying, "We also have clues in the form of pottery in the Mangaasi style, most of which has been collected on the surface, indicating that communities living on the old island of Kuwae maintained social connections with Efate until at least around 22001600 years ago. This is a period when regional diversification is apparent in the archaeological record of the Vanuatu archipelago, particularly in pottery sequences. Patchy evidence relating to later periods indicates that these connections dissolved at some stage."

After the eruption, however, the southern part of the Kuwae islands, modern-day Tongoa, was devastated. From oral, linguistic, and archaeological evidence, it seems that any survivors of the eruption likely fled on canoes seeking refuge in the southern islands of Vanuatu, including Efate.

After a few generations, the survivors of this eruption returned to Tongoa. The returning descendants brought cultural traditions, chiefly traditions, linguistic ties, and genetic evidence that linked them more closely with southern Vanuatu.

Among the archaeological evidence for this abandonment and subsequent return to the island are memorial stones or specific trees that had been planted upon returning to Tongoa and even fragments of the original canoes.

Among the Tongoa people, many narratives and stories relate to the eruption. Some chief lineages of families also have individual tales detailing how their ancestors returned to the island.

Interestingly, pottery traditions had been abandoned in Efate. Therefore, the returning Tongoan populations, who had spent generations on Efate, had abandoned their pottery traditions by the time they resettled the island.

By contrast, "relatively little archaeological research had been undertaken on Epi Island," says Henderson.

"One region from which we're lacking a substantial body of oral tradition or cultural memory of the event is Epi, which is somewhat surprising considering it once formed the bulk of the Kuwae landmass. There may be a number of reasons for this discrepancy, but I think one of the most significant factors is probably the extent to which Epi communities were impacted in the wake of contact with European colonial powers starting in the nineteenth century, which resulted in depopulation and land alienation.

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"This is an area that we've been investigating through documentary research, and I think it's possible that specific traditions relating to the eruption may have been lost during this traumatic and disruptive period."

From the little linguistic, genetic, and archaeological evidence that does exist, it seems that a refuge in the North and Western regions of Epi may have existed where a small population was able to survive and maintain a connection to their ancestral culture.

This is evidenced by "Epi groups [being linked] more closely with islands further north, such as Malakula, than with Efate or the Shepherd Islands," says Henderson.

Additionally, unlike the Tongoa, the Epi continued their pottery tradition. Likely because they did not spend generations in Efate, which had ceased pottery use.

Furthermore, archaeological surveys by Andrew Hoffman and Salkon Yona recorded various megalithic features associated with traditional dancing grounds (nasara) in the north and central parts of Epi.

These nasara structures are linked to a local variant of the northern Vanuatu rank system, nimangki, in which individuals gain influence and authority by progressing through a series of ranks or grades.

This is in direct contrast to the Tongoa, who adopted the southern chiefly system based on lineage, not rank.

Additionally, according to an Epi narrative, all people on Epi share a common ancestral village called Ruete or Purvanua (a village associated with nasara). From this village, the population grew and spread to the rest of Epi.

It is thus possible that following the great Tombuk eruption, the southeastern portion of the Kuwae island population abandoned the island, fleeing south to places like Efate and the Shepherd Islands. After a few generations, they abandoned their pottery traditions, adopted new cultural traditions and linguistic ties, and gained a genetic makeup more akin to southern Vanuatu populations.

Meanwhile, a portion of Epi in the North and West may possibly have survived the eruption; from here, they were able to maintain their ancestral traditions and slowly spread south into central Epi. This may explain the different cultural and historical evolution of the two islands despite sharing a common history prior to the eruption.

"Was this reorientation a result of the Tombuk eruption? It seems likely to have played a role, but we need to acquire more robust evidence relating to the middle of the archaeological record in order to develop a more informative picture," says Henderson.

More information: Robert Henderson et al, Kuwae, Epi and Tongoa Islands: Transformations of a volcanic landscape in central Vanuatu, Archaeology in Oceania (2025). DOI: 10.1002/arco.5346

 2025 Science X Network
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The European Southern Observatory (ESO) said its own technical analysis has revealed 'alarming' consequences for the telescopes that form part of its Paranal Observatory from a green energy project billed for the Atacama desert.

Europe's ESO astrophysics agency said Monday that a giant green energy project billed for Chile's Atacama deserthome to the world's darkest skieswill spoil its view of the stars and threaten its science mission.

AES Andes, a subsidiary of US energy company AES Corporation, has submitted proposals for the construction of a 3,000-hectare (7,400-acre) project in the desert to generate solar and wind energy and green hydrogen.

The $10 billion Inna project, part of Chile's plans to become carbon neutral, is still subject to an environmental impact assessment.

On Monday, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) said its own technical analysis has revealed "alarming" consequences for the telescopes that form part of its Paranal Observatory.

"The impact is going to be devastating, irreversible, and cannot be mitigated if the project remains where they intend" to build it, ESO Chile representative Itziar de Gregorio-Monsalvo told reporters in Santiago.

The telescopes examine faraway Earth-like planets and galaxies to create a better understanding of our universe, "and even monitor asteroids that could cause damage to our planet," according to the ESO.

The analysis found Inna would increase light pollution above the Very Large Telescope (VLT) "by at least 35%."

The VLT started operating in 1999 with an ESO investment of 330 million euros (about $360 million), according to the agency.

At its stadium-sized Extremely Large Telescopedue to start scientific observations in 2029 with a budget of 1.45 billion euroslight pollution would increase by 5%"a level of interference incompatible with the conditions required for world-class astronomical observations," said the ESO.

There will also be harms from atmospheric turbulence, ground vibrations and dust contamination, an ESO statement said.

AES Andes has said the Inna project would conform to the "highest norms in terms of lighting," including a Chilean rule to protect astronomy sites from skyglow.

It has also said the project would be further away from the telescopes than stated by the ESO.

The agency said it would submit a full technical report to Chilean authorities this month to be considered in the environmental impact assessment.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

For years, therapy dogs have ruled the world of animal-assisted services (AAS), offering stress relief to college students, hospital patients, and those in need of emotional support. But new research suggests that some cats might also have what it takes to join the ranks of therapy animalsbringing their purrs, gentle headbutts, and calm demeanor to the field.

A study in the journal Animals co-authored by Washington State University professor Patricia Pendry, in collaboration with researchers in Belgium, found that therapy cats share specific behavioral traits that may make them well-suited for AAS programs. The research team surveyed hundreds of cat owners across Belgium using a standardized behavioral assessment. They identified key differences between cats participating in AAS and other cats in terms of feline behavior.

"There's this perception that cats just aren't suitable for this kind of work, but our study shows that some cats may thrive in these settings," Pendry said. "It turns out that cats chosen to engage in AAS seem to exhibit the same behavioral traits as therapy dogslike high sociability and a willingness to engage with people."

The study found that AAS cats tend to be more social with both humans and other cats, more attention-seeking, and more tolerant of being handledparticularly when it comes to being picked up, a behavior many pet owners would describe as rare in the feline world.

While animal-assisted services have long been dominated by dogs, the study suggests that expanding these programs to include felines could make therapy more accessible to a wider range of people. Some individuals may find comfort in a cat's quiet presence rather than the enthusiastic energy of a dog. However, Pendry cautioned that not all cats are suited for the role, and unlike dogs, therapy cats are not typically trained for the job.

Instead, certain cats appear to naturally possess the necessary personality traits. Pendry noted while some cat breeds, such as Ragdolls or Maine Coons, may be considered more sociable, the study did not examine differences in behavior based on breed. In fact, the research only examined individual differences in behavioral traits within groups of cats rather than between species or breeds.

Currently, therapy cats appear to be more common in Europe than in the U.S., where the idea has been slower to catch on. In Belgium, where the study was conducted, cats are becoming a more common presence in AAS programs, demonstrating their potential in stress-relief settings. In contrast, American campuses and hospitals remain largely focused on therapy dogs.

Despite the study's promising findings, researchers stress that more work is needed before therapy cats become a mainstream option. Questions remain about whether these traits are innate or developed through experience, as well as how to ensure that therapy work does not negatively impact feline welfare.

For now, therapy cats remain an underutilized resource in the U.S., but with growing research and awareness, they may soon find themselves sitting side-by-side with their canine counterpartssoaking up attention and offering comfort in their own uniquely feline way.

"The goal of the study isn't to suddenly promote cats into therapy work," Pendry said. "It's about recognizing that some cats may genuinely enjoy this kind of interaction and, in the right setting, can provide meaningful support to people who need it."

After all, she added, if any animal could turn lounging around and receiving affection into a legitimate career, it would be a cat.

More information: Joni Delanoeije et al, Behavioural Profile Differences Between Cats in Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) and Non-AAS Cats Using the Fe-BARQ in Flanders, Animals (2024). DOI: 10.3390/ani15010033 Journal information: Animals
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Hurricane Igor (2010) over Bermuda and the MBL's Oceanic Flux Program research station. Credit: NASA MODIS.

The impact of hurricanes when they travel over land, or when they affect ships or oil-drilling platforms, are quite well understood. But these huge cyclones also stir up the ocean itself, with consequences that are relatively unknown and hard to study.

But a unique, subsurface experimental platform moored to the floor of the Sargasso Sea, about 47 miles southeast of Bermuda, is changing that. With collection points at increasing depths along the mooring line, the traps constantly collect the sinking particles of sediment, microplankton shells, detritus, and pollutants that drift down into the deep ocean, sampling every two weeks to provide a nearly five decades-long record of changes in the environment.

And now, that moored observatory, run by the Oceanic Flux Program (OFP) at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), has provided detailed data that for the first time demonstrates how much of an impact hurricanes can have on this deep environment.

A team led by MBL Assistant Research Investigator Rut Pedrosa-Pamies studied the sediments that Hurricanes Fabian (2003) and Igor (2010) transported from the Bermuda carbonate platforma shallow-water reef refuge for marine lifeand deposited to the deep ocean. They found significant effects that lasted for weeks.

They published their data in the Journal of Geophysical ResearchOceans.

Hurricane Fabian, it turns out, delivered as much sediment to the deep ocean in just two weeks as would normally take a full year to accumulate. These sedimentscarbonate-rich material that forms in the thriving ecosystem on reef platformshave major effects on the ocean environment.

If they get buried in deep sediments, they can sequester carbon for millennia or more. They can also provide a buffering effect to help offset ocean acidification, a consequence of rising atmospheric CO 2 concentrations.

"This is the first time that a study has demonstrated, in near real time, this hurricane-induced transport from a shallow carbonate platform to the deep ocean," Pedrosa-Pamies says. "And it's not just carbonate; [a hurricane] also transports a lot of other materials like phosphorus, lithogenic minerals, and also pollutants, such as lead."

After Hurricane Igor's passage in 2010, particles from the hurricane-induced sediment plume collected at 500 meters by the Oceanic Flux Program. This image shows the dominance of reef-sourced carbonate debris. See: Pedrosa-Pamies et al, J. Geophys. Research-Oceans, 2025. Credit: JC Weber

Fabian and Igor in the deep sea

"I've been interested in extreme weather events for a long time now," Pedrosa-Pamies says. "When a hurricane passes through, there is an upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters" that nourish bacteria and plankton in the ocean's upper layers, stimulating their productivity.

But how hurricanes can impact the deep-ocean water column that surrounds shallow-water reefs has not been well studied.

The team also found that "not all hurricanes will trigger the same response," she says. "It depends a lot on the ocean depth of the area, the upper-ocean conditions, the hurricane characteristics, etc." Unlike Fabian, the carbonate platform particles resuspended by Hurricane Igor remained suspended for several weeks.

"That's a key finding, because it proves that particles that get suspended from these extreme weather events can last for a long time in the ecosystem and the water column," Pedrosa-Pamies says. "And I'm sure this has implications for the microbiome at different water depths, and also in terms of sedimentation rates and how the particles are aggregating."

Shallow-water reefs are distributed around the world, and over time they build up extensive platforms of carbonate. These platforms play an important role in ocean sedimentary processes and the carbon cycle, Pedrosa-Pamies says. They account for an estimated half of all shallow-water carbonate production, and more than a quarter of all the carbonate that gets buried in the deep ocean.

While the impact of Hurricanes Fabian and Igor are small at the global level, the knowledge gained from this work about the fundamental mechanisms of sediment transport during major storms should apply to the extensive carbonate platforms worldwide. It points out the important role that storms can play in carbon sequestration, and the buffering of ocean acidification.

Scientists deploying the sediment trap at the Oceanic Flux Program research site off Bermuda. L-R: Rut Pedrosa Pamies, Jace Innis, JC Weber. See: Pedrosa-Pamies et al, J. Geophys. Research.-Oceans, 2025. Credit: Olivia Gadson

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From Bermuda to Woods Hole

The OFP has been running continuously since 1978 and is "the longest time series of its kind," Pedrosa-Pamies says. "Without having this time series, studying episodic events, like hurricanes in this case, would not be possible. You cannot sit out there when there is a storm passing and collect particles, while you have wind and big waves."

The proximity of the sampling to Bermuda is important, she explains, because "Bermuda is the northernmost subtropical coral reef and carbonate platform in the world, and it's frequently impacted by hurricanes."

The OFP recently published an analysis of the sinking particles at its moored platform off Bermuda over a 44-year period (19782022). The results are published in Progress in Oceanography.

The process of pulling up the OFP's deep mooring line aboard the ship and retrieving the samples for analysis, which is done every six months, is a challenging, day-long operation.

"I just cannot reinforce enough how important the team effort is in a time series like this. It would not be possible without the help of the entire crew," Pedrosa-Pamies says. "And they are all fantastic, and we've been working with them for a long time."

More information: R. PedrosaPamies et al, HurricaneDriven Transport of Bermuda Reef Carbonate Platform Sediments to the Deep Ocean, Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2023JC020500 M.H. Conte et al, The climatology of the deep particle flux in the oligotrophic western North Atlantic gyre, 19782022, Progress in Oceanography (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.pocean.2025.103433 Journal information: Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Modern humans descended from not one, but at least two ancestral populations that drifted apart and later reconnected, long before modern humans spread across the globe.

Using advanced analysis based on full genome sequences, researchers from the University of Cambridge have found evidence that modern humans are the result of a genetic mixing event between two ancient populations that diverged around 1.5 million years ago. About 300,000 years ago, these groups came back together, with one group contributing 80% of the genetic makeup of modern humans and the other contributing 20%.

For the last two decades, the prevailing view in human evolutionary genetics has been that Homo sapiens first appeared in Africa around 200,000 to 300,000 years ago, and descended from a single lineage. However, these latest results, reported in the journal Nature Genetics, suggest a more complex story.

"The question of where we come from is one that has fascinated humans for centuries," said first author Dr. Trevor Cousins from Cambridge's Department of Genetics. "For a long time, it's been assumed that we evolved from a single continuous ancestral lineage, but the exact details of our origins are uncertain."

"Our research shows clear signs that our evolutionary origins are more complex, involving different groups that developed separately for more than a million years, then came back to form the modern human species," said co-author Professor Richard Durbin, also from the Department of Genetics.

While earlier research has already shown that Neanderthals and Denisovanstwo now-extinct human relativesinterbred with Homo sapiens around 50,000 years ago, this new research suggests that long before those interactionsaround 300,000 years agoa much more substantial genetic mixing took place.

Unlike Neanderthal DNA, which makes up roughly 2% of the genome of non-African modern humans, this ancient mixing event contributed as much as 10 times that amount and is found in all modern humans.

The team's method relied on analyzing modern human DNA, rather than extracting genetic material from ancient bones, and enabled them to infer the presence of ancestral populations that may have otherwise left no physical trace. The data used in the study are from the 1000 Genomes Project, a global initiative that sequenced DNA from populations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

The team developed a computational algorithm called cobraa that models how ancient human populations split apart and later merged back together. They tested the algorithm using simulated data and applied it to real human genetic data from the 1000 Genomes Project.

While the researchers were able to identify these two ancestral populations, they also identified some striking changes that happened after the two populations initially broke apart.

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"Immediately after the two ancestral populations split, we see a severe bottleneck in one of themsuggesting it shrank to a very small size before slowly growing over a period of one million years," said co-author Professor Aylwyn Scally, also from the Department of Genetics.

"This population would later contribute about 80% of the genetic material of modern humans, and also seems to have been the ancestral population from which Neanderthals and Denisovans diverged."

"However, some of the genes from the population which contributed a minority of our genetic material, particularly those related to brain function and neural processing, may have played a crucial role in human evolution," said Cousins.

The study also found that genes inherited from the second population were often located away from regions of the genome linked to gene functions, suggesting that they may have been less compatible with the majority genetic background. This hints at a process known as purifying selection, where natural selection removes harmful mutations over time.

Beyond human ancestry, the researchers say their method could help to transform how scientists study the evolution of other species. In addition to their analysis of human evolutionary history, they applied the cobraa model to genetic data from bats, dolphins, chimpanzees, and gorillas, finding evidence of ancestral population structure in some but not all of these.

"What's becoming clear is that the idea of species evolving in clean, distinct lineages is too simplistic," said Cousins. "Interbreeding and genetic exchange have likely played a major role in the emergence of new species repeatedly across the animal kingdom."

So who were our mysterious human ancestors? Fossil evidence suggests that species such as Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis lived both in Africa and other regions during this period, making them potential candidates for these ancestral populations, although more research (and perhaps more evidence) will be needed to identify which genetic ancestors corresponded to which fossil group.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to refine their model to account for more gradual genetic exchanges between populations, rather than sharp splits and reunions. They also plan to explore how their findings relate to other discoveries in anthropology, such as fossil evidence from Africa that suggests early humans may have been far more diverse than previously thought.

"The fact that we can reconstruct events from hundreds of thousands or millions of years ago just by looking at DNA today is astonishing," said Scally. "And it tells us that our history is far richer and more complex than we imagined."

More information: A structured coalescent model reveals deep ancestral structure shared by all modern humans, Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02117-1 Journal information: Nature Genetics
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Geologic map of the asteroid belt. Circles identify the asteroid families from which our meteorites originate and letters mark the corresponding meteorite type. The horizontal axis ranges from short orbits moving just inside the asteroid belt (left) to longer orbits just outside (right). The vertical axis shows how much the asteroid orbits are tilted relative to the plane of the planets. Blue lines are the delivery resonances. Credit: Jenniskens & Devillepoix (2025) Meteoritics & Planetary Science.

Where do meteorites of different types come from? In a review paper in the journal Meteoritics & Planetary Science, astronomers trace the impact orbit of observed meteorite falls to several previously unidentified source regions in the asteroid belt.

"This has been a decade-long detective story, with each recorded meteorite fall providing a new clue," said meteor astronomer and lead author Peter Jenniskens of the SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center. "We now have the first outlines of a geologic map of the asteroid belt."

Ten years ago, Jenniskens teamed up with astronomer Hadrien Devillepoix of Curtin University and colleagues in Australia to build a network of all-sky cameras in California and Nevada that can capture and track the bright light of meteorites as they hit the Earth's atmosphere. Many institutes and citizen scientists have participated in this effort over the years.

"Others built similar networks spread around the globe, which together form the Global Fireball Observatory," said Devillepoix. "Over the years, we have tracked the path of 17 recovered meteorite falls."

Many more fireballs were tracked by doorbell and dashcam video cameras from citizen scientists around the globe and by other dedicated networks.

"Altogether, this quest has yielded 75 laboratory-classified meteorites with an impact orbit tracked by video and photographic cameras," said Jenniskens. "That proves to be enough to start seeing some patterns in the direction from which the meteorites approach Earth."

Most meteorites originate from the asteroid belt, a region between Mars and Jupiter where over a million asteroids larger than 1 kilometer circle the sun. Those rocks originate from a small number of larger asteroids that broke up during collisions, the debris fields of which litter the region. Even today, asteroids collide to create debris fields within these asteroid families, called clusters.

"We now see that 12 of the iron-rich ordinary chondrite meteorites (H chondrites) originated from a debris field called "Koronis," which is located low in the pristine main belt," said Jenniskens. "These meteorites arrived from low-inclined orbits with orbital periods consistent with this debris field."

Astronomers can measure how long ago these rocks were dug up from below the asteroid's surface by measuring the level of radioactive elements created by exposure to cosmic rays. This cosmic-ray exposure age of the meteorites proves to match the dynamical age of some of the asteroid debris fields. Scientists determine the dynamical age of debris fields by measuring how far asteroids of different sizes have spread over time.

"By measuring the cosmic ray exposure age of meteorites, we can determine that three of these twelve meteorites originated from the Karin cluster in Koronis, which has a dynamical age of 5.8 million years, and two came from the Koronis2 cluster, with a dynamical age of 1015 million years," said Jenniskens. "One other meteorite may well measure the age of the Koronis3 cluster: about 83 million years."

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Jenniskens and Devillepoix also found a group of H-chondrites on steep orbits that appear to originate from the Nele asteroid family in the central main belt, which has a dynamical age of about 6 million years. The nearby 3:1 mean-motion resonance with Jupiter can pump up the inclinations to those observed. A third group of H chondrites that have an exposure age of about 35 million years originated from the inner main belt.

"In our opinion, these H chondrites originated from the Massalia asteroid family low in the inner main belt because that family has a cluster of about that same dynamical age," said Jenniskens. "The asteroid that created that cluster, asteroid (20) Massalia, is an H chondrite type parent body."

Jenniskens and Devillepoix find that low iron (L chondrite) and very low iron (LL chondrite) meteorites come to us primarily from the inner main belt. Scientists have long linked the LL chondrites to the Flora asteroid family on the inner side of the asteroid belt, and they have confirmed that connection.

"We propose that the L chondrites originated from the Hertha asteroid family, located just above the Massalia family," said Jenniskens. "Asteroid Hertha doesn't look anything like its debris. Hertha is covered by dark rocks that were shock-blackened, indicative of an unusually violent collision. The L chondrites experienced a very violent origin 468 million years ago when these meteorites showered Earth in such numbers that they can be found in the geologic record."

Knowing from what debris field in the asteroid belt our meteorites originate is important for planetary defense efforts against Near Earth Asteroids. An approaching asteroid's orbit can provide clues to its origin in the asteroid belt in the same way as meteorite orbits.

"Near Earth Asteroids do not arrive in the same orbits as meteorites, because it takes longer for these to evolve to Earth," said Jenniskens. "But they do come from some of the same asteroid families."

Jenniskens and Devillepoix discuss the links of several other meteorite types to their source regions. Not all assignments are certain.

"We are proud of how far we have come, but there is a long way to go," said Jenniskens. "Like the first cartographers who traced the outline of Australia, our map reveals a continent of discoveries still ahead when more meteorite falls are recorded."

What's coming next? Asteroids directly meet meteorites when observed in space before impacting Earth and then recovered. Jenniskens guided the recovery of the first such small asteroid in 2008, called asteroid 2008 TC3, and we are about to see a lot more thanks to new astronomical facilities coming online.

More information: Peter Jenniskens et al, Review of asteroid, meteor, and meteoritetype links, Meteoritics & Planetary Science (2025). DOI: 10.1111/maps.14321
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SpaceX Dragon Crew-10 members greet International Space Station crew members including NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore (L) and Suni Williams (3R) on March 16, 2025.

A pair of NASA astronauts unexpectedly stuck in space for more than nine months were hours away from returning to Earth on Tuesday, closing out a mission that has captured the world's attention.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, accompanied by fellow American Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left the International Space Station earlier in the morning after exchanging final farewells and hugs with remaining crew members.

Their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule named Freedom is orbiting around the planet on a 17-hour-journey that will culminate in a parachute-assisted splashdown off the coast of Florida, near Tallahassee, around 5:57 pm (2157 GMT).

A recovery vessel will then retrieve the quartet and they will be flown to Houston, where they will complete a 45-day rehabilitation program.

Wilmore and Williams, both ex-Navy pilots and veterans of two prior space missions, flew to the orbital lab in June last year, on what was supposed to be a days-long roundtrip to test out Boeing's Starliner on its first crewed flight.

But the spaceship developed propulsion problems and was deemed unfit to fly them back, instead returning empty.

They were subsequently reassigned to NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which arrived at the ISS last September with a reduced crew of tworather than the usual fourto accommodate the pair, who had become widely referred to as the "stranded" astronauts.

NASA however rejected this characterization, emphasizing that they could have been evacuated in an emergency if necessary.

Early Sunday, a relief team called Crew-10 docked with the station, paving the way for the Crew-9 team to depart.

"Colleagues and dear friends who remain on the station... we'll be waiting for you. Crew-9 is going home," Hague said.

'Unbelievable resilience'

Wilmore and Williams' 286-day stay exceeds the usual six-month ISS rotation but ranks only sixth among U.S. records for single-mission duration.

Frank Rubio holds the top spot at 371 days in 2023, while the world record remains with Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov, who spent 437 consecutive days aboard the Mir station.

That makes it "par for the course" in terms of health risks, according to Rihana Bokhari of the Center for Space Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

Challenges such as muscle and bone loss, fluid shifts that can lead to kidney stones and vision issues, and the readjustment of balance upon returning to a gravity environment are well understood and effectively managed.

"Folks like Suni Williams are actually known for their interest in exercise, and so I believe she exercises beyond what is even her normal prescription," Bokhari told AFP.

Still, the unexpected nature of their extended stayaway from their families and initially without enough packed supplieshas drawn public interest and sympathy.

"If you found out you went to work today and were going to be stuck in your office for the next nine months, you might have a panic attack," Joseph Keebler, a psychologist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, told AFP.

"These individuals have shown unbelievable resilience."

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Trump weighs in

Their unexpected stint also became a political lightning rod, with President Donald Trump and his close advisor, Elon Muskwho leads SpaceXrepeatedly suggesting former president Joe Biden abandoned the astronauts and refused an earlier rescue plan.

"They shamefully forgot about the astronauts, because they considered it to be a very embarrassing event for them," Trump posted Monday on Truth Social.

Such accusations have prompted an outcry in the space community, especially as Musk offered no specifics and NASA's plan for the astronauts' return has remained largely unchanged since their Crew-9 reassignment.

Trump has also drawn attention for his bizarre remarks, referring to Williams, a decorated former naval captain, as "the woman with the wild hair" and speculating about the personal dynamic between the two.

"They've been left up thereI hope they like each other, maybe they love each other, I don't know," he said during a recent White House press conference.

 2025 AFP
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Penguins walk on the shore of Bahia Almirantazgo in Antarctica on Jan. 27, 2015. Credit: AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File

A member of a South African research team that is confined for more than a year at an isolated Antarctica base was put under psychological evaluation there after he allegedly assaulted and sexually harassed colleagues, government officials said.

The problems at the SANAE IV base were first reported by South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper, which said it had seen an email from a team member to authorities last month claiming the man had attacked the base leader and made threats.

The email pleaded for help.

"His behavior has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing," the email said, according to The Sunday Times. "I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim." The report said the man allegedly made a death threat.

South Africa's Ministry of Environment, which oversees the research missions, said in a statement Monday night that the alleged assault on the base leader was reported on Feb. 27, and officials and counselors intervened remotely "to mediate and restore relationships at the base." They were speaking with team members almost daily, it said.

"The alleged perpetrator has willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, has shown remorse and is willingly cooperative," the ministry said, adding that he had written a formal apology to the victim of the alleged assault. It said the allegations were being investigated. No one was identified.

The nine-member team, which includes scientists, a doctor and engineers, is expected to stay at the base for about 13 months until next year, authorities said, living in close quarters through the hostile Antarctic winter, whose six months of darkness begin in June.

A frozen section of the Ross Sea is pictured at the Scott Base in Antarctica Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Credit: Mark Ralston/Pool Photo via AP, File

The base is on a cliff in Queen Maud Land and is surrounded by a glacial ice sheet, more than 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) from South Africa.

The next planned visit by a supply ship is in December, according to the South African National Antarctic Program. It takes the ship around 10 days to travel from Cape Town.

Authorities said they had decided not to evacuate anyone from SANAE IV, where the onset of unpredictable weather conditions meant the team was now confined to the base.

The ministry said all team members had undergone evaluations ahead of the trip to ensure they are able to cope with the "extreme nature of the environment in Antarctica" and the isolation and confinement, and no problems were identified.

"It is not uncommon that once individuals arrive at the extremely remote areas where the scientific bases are located, an initial adjustment to the environment is required," it said.

Previous problems have been reported at another of South Africa's remote research bases on Marion Island, a South African territory near Antarctica.

In 2017, a member of a research team there smashed a colleague's room with an ax over an apparent love triangle, according to a report to South Africa's Parliament. Lawmakers said it appeared the researchers were living in highly stressful conditions.

The National Science Foundation, the federal agency that oversees the U.S. Antarctic Program, published a report in 2022 in which 59% of women in the U.S. program said they'd experienced harassment or assault while on research trips in Antarctica.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Archaeologist Francois Guede Yiode keeps the prehistoric stones in his home.

In the streets of Anyama, children play and braziers smoke on corners. There is little to show that the ground of this everyday Ivory Coast neighborhood conceals seminal prehistoric treasures.

Near the local storefronts lies the site of an excavation that unearthed stone tools from 150,000 years agothe earliest sign ever of humans inhabiting a tropical forest.

"That's interesting," said Ruth Fabiola Agoua, 25, who keeps a shop with her mother yards from the spot, north of the Ivorian economic capital, Abidjan.

"You cannot live without knowing your history."

Ages of man

Homo sapiens emerged in Africa 300,000 years ago but were once thought to have colonized tropical forests only 70,000 years back at the most.

After dating the findings from Anyama, researchers from Ivory Coast and several other countries concluded in a study that humans were living in such an environment at that spot 150 millennia ago.

By analyzing biological traces and sediments, the study revealed the place was "a wet forest environment" at the time when the tools were deposited there.

"The results represent the oldest yet known clear association between humans and this habitat type," they wrote in their paper, published in the journal Nature last month after years of research.

"The secure attribution of stone tool assemblages with the wet forest environment demonstrates that Africa's forests were not a major ecological barrier" for homo sapiens at that stage.

Archaeologists unearthed stone tools used by homo sapiens.

Tool boxes

Among the study's authors was retired Ivorian archaeologist Francois Guede Yiode, 77considered by colleagues to be the only qualified prehistory specialist in the country.

He started excavating on the privately owned land in 1982 after being alerted to the remains by a geologist.

Eventually, he and the study's co-authors got several meters below the surface, finding tools from the pleistocene epoch, which stretched from some 2.5 million to 12,000 years ago.

"The picks were used to cut up materials," he said. Other tools, dubbed "choppers," had a sharp edge for cutting through animal skin.

Today, despite the findings they inspired, the tools themselves lie hidden in boxes stacked in a small room in Guede Yiode's modest housea sign of what he bitterly calls the state's "lack of will" to help.

Despite a growth in research over the past 15 years, here "archaeology is a science that is slow in publishing findings because it is not funded," he said.

Researcher Eugenie Affoue Kouame says Ivory Coast has several palaeolithic sites.

The artifacts and biological remains found in Anyama were analyzed in German laboratories and part of the research was funded by European universities and institutes.

The Ivorian archaeologist said he provided 15 million Central African francs (currently $25,000) from his own pocket to fund the first few years of excavations at Anyama.

Past and present

Now Guede Yiode and his colleagues hope the finds will boost archaeology in Ivory Coast.

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"There are several sites in Ivory Coast where you could perform archaeological excavations and studies on the paleolithic period," said another of the study's authors, Eugenie Affoua Kouame, a researcher at Ivory Coast's Institute of African History, Art and Archaeology.

Guede Yiode said he has been trying in vain to have the cache of tools displayed in a museum for public and researchers to see.

"I don't feel comfortable having it all in my house."

150,000 years ago, the site near Anyama was a tropical forest, a study found.

A local anthropology undergraduate, Akissi Diane Guebie, said she hoped the Nature study would "encourage students to specialize in these subjects."

Walking to work in Anyama, local security guard Basile Sawadogo, 51, seemed unmoved by the closeness of prehistory, however.

"We live in the present," he said.

More information: Eslem Ben Arous et al, Humans in Africa's wet tropical forests 150 thousand years ago, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08613-y Journal information: Nature

 2025 AFP
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

In 1957, Hollywood released "The Deadly Mantis," a B-grade monster movie starring a praying mantis of nightmare proportions. Its premise: Melting Arctic ice has released a very hungry, million-year-old megabug, and scientists and the U.S. military will have to stop it.

The rampaging insect menaces America's Arctic military outposts, part of a critical line of national defense, before heading south and meeting its end in New York City.

Yes, it's over-the-top fiction, but the movie holds some truth about the U.S. military's concerns then and now about the Arctic's stability and its role in national security.

In the late 1940s, Arctic temperatures were warming and the Cold War was heating up. The U.S. military had grown increasingly nervous about a Soviet invasion across the Arctic. It built bases and a line of radar stations. The movie used actual military footage of these polar outposts.

But officials wondered: What if sodden snow and vanishing ice stalled American men and machines and weakened these northern defenses?

In response to those concerns, the military created the Snow, Ice and Permafrost Research Establishment, a research center dedicated to the science and engineering of all things frozen: glacier runways, the behavior of ice, the physics of snow and the climates of the past.

It was the beginning of the military's understanding that climate change couldn't be ignored.

As I was writing "When the Ice is Gone," my recent book about Greenland, climate science and the U.S. military, I read government documents from the 1950s and 1960s showing how the Pentagon poured support into climate and cold-region research to boost the national defense.

Initially, military planners recognized threats to their own ability to protect the nation. Over time, the U.S. military would come to see climate change as both a threat in itself and a threat multiplier for national security.

Ice roads, ice cores and bases inside the ice sheet

The military's snow and ice engineering in the 1950s made it possible for convoys of tracked vehicles to routinely cross Greenland's ice sheet, while planes landed and took off from ice and snow runways.

In 1953, the Army even built a pair of secret surveillance sites inside the ice sheet, both equipped with Air Force radar units looking 24/7 for Soviet missiles and aircraft, but also with weather stations to understand the Arctic climate system.

The Army drilled the world's first deep ice core from a base it built within the Greenland ice sheet, Camp Century. Its goal: to understand how climate had changed in the past so they would know how it might change in the future.

The military wasn't shy about its climate change research successes. The Army's chief ice scientist, Dr. Henri Bader, spoke on the Voice of America. He promoted ice coring as a way to investigate climates of the past, provide a new understanding of weather, and understand past climatic patterns to gauge and predict the one we are living in todayall strategically important.

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In the 1970s, painstaking laboratory work on the Camp Century ice core extracted minuscule amounts of ancient air trapped in tiny bubbles in the ice. Analyses of that gas revealed that levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere were lower for tens of thousands of years before the industrial revolution. After 1850, carbon dioxide levels crept up slowly at first and then rapidly accelerated. It was direct evidence that people's actions, including burning coal and oil, were changing the composition of the atmosphere.

Since 1850, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have spiked and global temperatures have warmed by more than 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 Celsius). The past 10 years have been the hottest since recordkeeping began, with 2024 now holding the record. Climate change is now affecting the entire Earthbut most especially the Arctic, which is warming several times faster than the rest of the planet.

Seeing climate change as a threat multiplier

For decades, military leaders have been discussing climate change as a threat and a threat multiplier that could worsen instability and mass migration in already fragile regions of the world.

Climate change can fuel storms, wildfires and rising seas that threaten important military bases. It puts personnel at risk in rising heat and melts sea ice, creating new national security concerns in the Arctic. Climate change can also contribute to instability and conflict when water and food shortages trigger increasing competition for resources, internal and cross-border tensions, or mass migrations.

The military understands that these threats can't be ignored. As Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro told a conference in September 2024: "Climate resilience is force resilience."

Consider Naval Station Norfolk. It's the largest military port facility in the world and sits just above sea level on Virginia's Atlantic coast. Sea level there rose more than 1.5 feet in the last century, and it's on track to rise that much again by 2050 as glaciers around the world melt and warming ocean water expands.

High tides already cause delays in repair work, and major storms and their storm surges have damaged expensive equipment. The Navy has built sea walls and worked to restore coastal dunes and marshlands to protect its Virginia properties, but the risks continue to increase.

Planning for the future, the Navy incorporates scientists' projections of sea level rise and increasing hurricane strength to design more resilient facilities. By adapting to climate change, the U.S. Navy will avoid the fate of another famous marine power: the Norse, forced to abandon their flooded Greenland settlements when sea level there rose about 600 years ago.

Climate change is costly to ignore

As the impacts of climate change grow in both frequency and magnitude, the costs of inaction are increasing. Most economists agree that it's cheaper to act now than deal with the consequences. Yet, in the past 20 years, the political discourse around addressing the cause and effects of climate change has become increasingly politicized and partisan, stymieing effective action.

In my view, the military's approach to problem-solving and threat reduction provides a model for civil society to address climate change in two ways: reducing carbon emissions and adapting to inevitable climate change impacts.

The U.S. military emits more planet-warming carbon than Sweden and spent more than US$2 billion on energy in 2021. It accounts for more than 70% of energy used by the federal government.

In that context, its embrace of alternative energy, including solar generation, microgrids and wind power, makes economic and environmental sense. The U.S. military is moving away from fossil fuels, not because of any political agenda, but because of the cost-savings, increased reliability and energy independence the alternatives provide.

As sea ice melts and Arctic temperatures rise, the polar region has again become a strategic priority. Russia and China are expanding Arctic shipping routes and eyeing critical mineral deposits as they become accessible. The military knows climate change affects national security, which is why it continues to take steps to address the threats a changing climate presents.

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Proximal left femur of a cerapodan dinosaur in A, anterior; B, posterior; C, proximal (dorsal); D, lateral and E, medial views. Credit: Royal Society Open Science (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.241624

A team of paleontologists from the Natural History Museum in the U.K., the University of Birmingham, also in the U.K., and Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, in Morocco, has unearthed the oldest known cerapodan ornithischian dinosaur to date.

In their paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the group describes how they were digging at a site in the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morrocco when they uncovered a fossilized upper limb bone, which they recognized as belonging to a cerapodan dinosaur.

Cerapodan dinosaurs were plant eaters and were small compared to other dinosaurs. They hopped around on two legs like modern birds. "Ornithischian" is a term scientists use to describe a type of "bird-hipped" herbivorous dinosaur.

Prior research has shown that they were plentiful during the Cretaceous across the globe, but our knowledge of their history prior to that, during the Middle Jurassic, has been sketchy at best, due to a lack of rocks from that period in which to look for fossils.

The fossil uncovered by the team, a femur, had all the earmarks of a cerapodan; a groove on the back of the top of the femur and the shape of the head itself was distinct, uniquely cerapodan. The team has dated the fossil to approximately 168 million years ago, beating the previous record-holder, an iguanodontian femur found in England, by approximately 2 million years.

It was found, the team notes, in a bed of Bathonian rock, in the El Mers III Formation near a dig site that had previously yielded the world's oldest ankylosaur.

The researchers note that the fossilized femur has confirmed theories that have suggested that cerapodan dinosaurs had diversified prior to the Cretaceous, which no doubt led to their ability to survive in so many different types of climates.

The finding is expected to shed more light on the evolution of cerapodansmost of the prior evidence of their existence has been fossilized trackways. Finding a body fossil, the team suggests, is likely to fill in a lot of gaps. They note that the finding hints at the possibility of more cerapodan fossils waiting in the Middle Atlas Mountains for researchers to find them.

More information: Susannah Maidment et al, The world's oldest cerapodan ornithischian dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Morocco, Royal Society Open Science (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.241624 Journal information: Royal Society Open Science

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

German anesthesiologist Joachim Boldt has an unfortunate claim to fame. According to Retraction Watch, a public database of research retractions, he is the most retracted scientist of all time. To date, 220 of his roughly 400 published research papers have been retracted by academic journals.

Boldt may be a world leader, but he has plenty of competition. In 2023, more than 10,000 research papers were retracted globallymore than any previous year on record. According to a recent investigation by Nature, a disproportionate number of retracted papers over the past 10 years have been written by authors affiliated with several hospitals, universities and research institutes in Asia.

Academic journals retract papers when they are concerned that the published data is faked, altered, or not "reproducible" (meaning it would yield the same results if analyzed again).

Some errors are honest mistakes. However, the majority of retractions are associated with scientific misconduct.

But what exactly is scientific misconduct? And what can be done about it?

From fabrication to plagiarism

The National Health and Medical Research Council is Australia's primary government agency for medical funding. It defines misconduct as breaches of the Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

In Australia, there are broadly eight recognized types of breaches. Research misconduct is the most severe.

These breaches may include failure to obtain ethics approval, plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification and misrepresentation.

This is what was behind many of Boldt's retractions. He made up data for a large number of studies, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the Klinikum Ludwigshafen, a teaching hospital in Germany, in 2010.

In another case, China's He Jiankui was sentenced to three years in prison in 2019 for creating the world's first genetically edited babies using the gene-editing technology known as CRISPR. His crime was that he falsified documents to recruit couples for his research.

The "publish or perish" culture within academia fuels scientific misconduct. It puts pressure on academics to meet publication quotas. It also rewards them for greater research output, in the form of promotions, funding and recognition. And this can mean research quality is sacrificed for quantity.

Honest mistakes

But not all research misconduct is premeditated. Some is the result of honest mistakes made by scientists.

For example, Sergio Gonzalez, a young scientist at the Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier in France, mistakenly uploaded several wrong images to an academic paper and its supplementary material. This didn't have any effect on the findings of the paper, which were based on the correct images.

But it still represented a case of image duplication and misrepresentation of data. This lead to the journal retracting the paper and launching an investigation. The investigation concluded the breach was unintentional and resulted from the pressures of academic research.

Fewer than 20% of all retractions are due to honest mistakes. Researchers usually contact the publisher to correct errors when they are detected, with no major consequences.

The need for a national oversight body

In many countries, an independent national body oversees research integrity.

In the United Kingdom, this body is known as the Committee on Research Integrity. It is responsible for improving research integrity and addressing misconduct cases. Similarly, in the United States, the Office of Research Integrity handles allegations of research misconduct.

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In contrast, Australia lacks an independent body directly tasked with investigating research misconduct. There is a body known as the Australian Research Integrity Committee. But it only reviews the institutional procedures and governance of investigations to ensure they are conducted fairly and transparentlyand with limited effectiveness. For example, last year it received 13 complaints, only five of which were investigated.

Instead Australia relies on a self-regulation model. This means each university and research institute aligns its own policy with the Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. Although this code originated in medical research, its principles apply across all disciplines.

For example, in archaeology, falsifying an image or deliberately reporting inaccurate carbon dating results constitutes data fabrication. Another common breach is plagiarism, which can also be applied to all fields.

But self-governance on integrity matters is fraught with problems.

Investigations often lack transparency and are carried out internally, creating a conflict of interest. Often the investigative teams are under immense pressure to safeguard their institution's reputation rather than uphold accountability.

A 2023 report by the Australia Institute called for the urgent establishment of an independent, government-funded research integrity watchdog.

The report recommended the watchdog have direct investigatory powers and that academic institutions be bound by its findings.

The report also recommended the watchdog should release its findings publicly, create whistleblower protections, establish a proper appeals process and allow people to directly raise complaints with it.

Research credibility is on the line

The consequences of inadequate oversight are already evident.

One of the biggest research integrity scandals in Australian history involved Ali Nazari, an engineer from Swinburne University. In 2022 an anonymous whistleblower alleged Nazari was part of an international research fraud cartel involving multiple teams.

Investigations cast doubt on the validity of the 287 papers Nazari and the other researchers had collectively published. The investigations uncovered numerous violations, including 71 instances of falsified results, plagiarism and duplication, and 208 instances of self-plagiarism.

Similarly, Mark Smyth, formerly of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, fabricated research data to support grant applications and clinical trials. An independent inquiry concluded he used his reputation, status and authority to bully and intimidate junior colleagues.

If Australia had a independent research integrity body, there would be a clear governance structure and an established and transparent pathway for reporting breaches at a much earlier stage.

Timely intervention would help reduce further breaches through swift investigation and corrective action. Importantly, consistent governance across Australian institutions would help ensure fairness. It would also reduce bias and uphold the same standards across all misconduct cases.

The call for an independent research integrity watchdog is long overdue.

Only through impartial oversight can we uphold the values of scientific excellence, protect public trust, and foster a culture of accountability that strengthens the integrity of research for all Australians.

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The amphiphilic-pyridinium-assisted aldol-type interfacial polycondensation strategy to synthesize spc-2DP thin films. Credit: NIMTE

A team of Chinese researchers has developed a new interfacial synthesis strategy to fabricate high-performance crystalline sp-carbon conjugated two-dimensional (2D) polymer films using irreversible chemical reactions. This study, published in Nature Communications, marks a step forward in the field of 2D materials.

2D conjugated polymers, which range from monolayer to multilayer crystalline structures, are characterized by their robust C=C bonds. These bonds impart exceptional chemical stability and extended -conjugation to sp-carbon conjugated 2D polymers (spc-2DPs), making them promising for applications in membranes, organic electronics, and beyond.

However, traditional interfacial synthesis methods, which rely on dynamic covalent chemistry such as C=N linkages, have proven ineffective for constructing C=C linked spc-2DPs due to the limited reversibility of C=C bonds.

To address this challenge, a research team led by Prof. Zhang Tao from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Prof. Feng Xinliang from the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, devised a novel approach. They employed an amphiphilic-pyridinium-assisted aldol-type interfacial polycondensation strategy to synthesize crystalline spc-2DP thin films.

The key innovation lies in the use of amphiphilic pyridinium monomers, which self-assemble into ordered monolayers at the water interface. This self-assembly enhances the interfacial reactivity of the monomers with aldehyde counterparts, enabling the synthesis of spc-2DPs through irreversible chemistry under mild conditions. The resulting films exhibit long-range molecular ordering, a robust charged framework, and tunable thickness from monolayer to multilayer.

These structural advantages unlock the potential of spc-2DPs for applications such as marine salinity gradient energy conversion. When tested in an osmotic power generator under harsh acidic conditions (pH = 3.5), the films demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a cation selectivity coefficient (S) of 0.68 and an output power density of 51.4 W m.

This study not only enables the large-scale fabrication of spc-2DPs thin films with precise thickness control but also highlights their transformative potential in advanced membrane technologies and next-generation organic electronic devices.

More information: Haoyong Yang et al, Synthesis of crystalline two-dimensional conjugated polymers through irreversible chemistry under mild conditions, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57612-0 Journal information: Nature Communications
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The map shows the location of the 307 rural areas analyzed in the study. The reported populations in the graphic were found to be underestimated by between 53 and 84%. Credit: Josias Lang-Ritter et. Al / Aalto University

Governments, international bodies and researchers rely on global population data for resource allocation and infrastructure planning to disease epidemiology and disaster risk management. In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers from Aalto University in Finland show the profound and systematic extent to which these datasets underestimate rural population figures worldwide.

"For the first time, our study provides evidence that a significant proportion of the rural population may be missing from global population datasets," says postdoctoral researcher Josias Lang-Ritter from Aalto University.

"We were surprised to find that the actual population living in rural areas is much higher than the global population data indicatesdepending on the dataset, rural populations have been underestimated by between 53% to 84% over the period studied. The results are remarkable, as these datasets have been used in thousands of studies and extensively support decision-making, yet their accuracy has not been systematically evaluated," he says.

Population censuses are root cause for biases

Due to a lack of comprehensive reference data, previous attempts to gauge the accuracy of global population datasets have tended to focus on individual countries or urban areas.

In their study, the Aalto University researchers compared the five most widely used global population datasetsmaps that divide the planet into evenly spaced, high-resolution grid cells with population counts based on census datawith resettlement numbers from over 300 rural dam projects in 35 countries.

The study focused on population maps for the period 19752010, due to a lack of dam data from later years. Findings showed 2010 datasets had the least bias, missing between one-third (32%) to three-quarters (77%) of the rural population. Although global population datasets from subsequent years (2015 and 2020) have been taken into use, the team says there is strong reason to believe the latest data still misses part of the global population.

"While our study shows accuracy has somewhat improved over decades, the trend is clear: global population datasets miss a significant portion of the rural population," says Lang-Ritter.

"With the same basic practices in place, it's unlikely that slightly improved input data could correct for this level of bias. And even if the most recent population maps reflected reality, earlier datasets have influenced decision-making for decades and are still used to monitor change, for instance providing a distorted picture of movement over time from the countryside to urban areas."

Population censuses, the key input for the population datasets in use, are considered to be incomplete to varying degrees across regions. Not all nations have the resources for precise data collection and rural regions can be difficult to travel to, with populations spread thinly over vast areas.

Resettlement data from dam projects, in turn, provide multinational, independently gathered comparison points.

"When dams are built, large areas are flooded and people need to be relocated," says Lang-Ritter.

"The relocated population is usually counted precisely because dam companies pay compensation to those affected. Unlike global population datasets, such local impact statements provide comprehensive, on-the-ground population counts that are not skewed by administrative boundaries. We then combined these with spatial information from satellite imagery."

Researchers found that the negative bias was systemic worldwide, with discrepancies particularly noticeable across datasets in China, Brazil, Australia, Poland and Colombia, where information was more readily available.

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Population data critical for planning and development

With current estimates placing 43% of the world's 8.2 billion people in rural areas, the new findings have far-reaching consequences. Official population estimates published by the UN and the World Bank rely on the same national censuses that are the basis for the population maps.

According to Lang-Ritter, the findings suggest that the needs of people living in rural areas have been under-represented in decision-making globally compared to urban areas. Inadequate demographic data may have led to insufficient resources for health care or transport in rural regions, for example.

"In many countries, there may not be sufficient data available on a national level, so they rely on global population maps to support their decision-making: Do we need an asphalted road or a hospital? How much medicine is required in a particular area? How many people could be affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods?" he says.

The necessity of the information may affect countries and regions differently, the team acknowledges, and even with inaccuracies the datasets hold crucial insight for policy and research.

"For example, here in Finland, the population data is nowadays very reliable, even in rural regions, as we were the second country in the world to start keeping digital population records already in 1990. But especially in crisis-hit countries, the shift towards digital population registers could take years, even decades," says Lang-Ritter.

"To provide rural communities with equal access to services and other resources, we need to have a critical discussion about the past and future applications of these population maps."

More information: Global gridded population datasets systematically underrepresent rural population, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56906-7 Journal information: Nature Communications
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The first image from an early working version of the SKA Observatorys SKA-Low telescope, which is currently under construction on Wajarri Yamaji Country in Western Australia. Credit: SKAO

The first image from the international SKA Observatory's telescope in Australia, SKA-Low, has been released todaya significant milestone in its quest to reveal an unparalleled view of our universe.

It is the first image from an early working version of the SKA-Low telescope, using just 1,000 of the planned 131,000 antennas, and an exciting indication of the scientific revelations that will be possible with the world's most powerful radio observatory. SKA-Low is one of two telescopes under construction by the SKA Observatory (SKAO), co-hosted in Australia and South Africa on behalf of its member states and the global community.

The image shows an area of sky of about 25 square degreesequivalent to approximately 100 full moons. In it we see around 85 of the brightest known galaxies in that region, all of which contain supermassive black holes. When complete, the same area of sky will reveal much morescientists calculate the telescope will be sensitive enough to eventually show more than 600,000 galaxies in the same frame.

The image was produced using data collected from the first four connected SKA-Low stations, which together comprise the first 1,000 of SKA-Low's 2-meter-tall metal antennas. They were installed over the past year at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory on Wajarri Yamaji Country, and account for less than 1% of the full telescope.

SKA-Low Lead Commissioning Scientist Dr. George Heald said he was delighted to see how well the first four stations were working together.

"The quality of this image was even beyond what we hoped for using such an early version of the telescope," Dr. Heald said.

"The bright galaxies we can see in this image are just the tip of iceberg. With the full telescope we will have the sensitivity to reveal the faintest and most distant galaxies, back to the early universe when the first stars and galaxies started to form. This is technically difficult work and the first step to unlocking the awesome science that will be possible."

SKA-Low Telescope Director Dr. Sarah Pearce said the team had achieved stellar results.

"This is the culmination of efforts from many talented and committed people across teams, organizations and continents," Dr. Pearce said.

"Getting to this point has taken engineers, astronomers and computer scientists from all over the world, working for decades. It's amazing to see all this work come together to give our first glimpse of the brilliant images that will come from SKA-Low, promising us a view of the universe we've never seen before."

The SKA telescopesSKA-Low in remote Western Australia and its counterpart SKA-Mid in South Africa's Northern Capeare arrays that combine the data captured by individual antennas spread over large distances, working together as one big telescope.

SKAO Director-General Prof. Philip Diamond said the image illustrated the dawn of the Observatory as a science facility.

"With this image we see the promise of the SKA Observatory as it opens its eyes to the universe," Prof. Diamond said.

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"This first image is a critical step for the Observatory, and for the astronomy community; we are demonstrating that the system as a whole is working. As the telescopes grow, and more stations and dishes come online, we'll see the images improve in leaps and bounds and start to realize the full power of the SKAO."

The SKA telescopes are being constructed in stages, with components coming from SKAO member countries around the world.

In Australia, SKA-Low is being built in collaboration with Australia's national science agency, CSIRO. It will scale significantly to become the world's largest low-frequency radio telescope within the next two years, part way through construction.

These scientific works use data obtained from Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory. The SKAO and CSIRO acknowledge the Wajarri Yamaji as the Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders of the observatory site.

The observatory site has been established with the support of the Australian and Western Australian governments.

Dr. George Heald, SKA-Low Lead Commissioning Scientist, SKAO, said, "The process of making this image was also important for telescope 'commissioning'a critical process for ensuring the telescope was working as intended. In producing this image we also confirmed that the stations are 'hooked up' properly, the timing systems are lined up, we can calibrate the data correctly and that the details of the system are understood at a high level. This is technically difficult work and the first step to unlocking the awesome science that will be possible with this telescope."

Jamie Strickland, CEO, Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation said, "Wajarri Yamaji People have been studying the sky and stars across Wajarri barna (land) for countless generations. It is fantastic to see the next leap in astronomy knowledge starting to take shape from our barna, and we're proud to be partnering with the SKAO, the Australian Government and CSIRO to help make this a reality. [We're] using today's technology to help tell the stories of the past and also to help understand the stories of the future."

Provided by CSIRO
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

There are many home-grown problems on Earth, but there's still time to worry about bad things arriving from above. The most recent is the asteroid 2024 YR4, which could be a "city killer" if it hits a heavily populated area of our planet in the early years of the next decade.

The chances of that happening are now estimated to be around 0.001%. But there was a brief moment after the asteroid's discovery last year when the estimated danger of a direct hit crossed the 1% threshold of comfortable risk.

There's a need to worry about planetary defense if we are to avoid going the way of the dinosaurs. But there are many other things that could kill us, including climate change and wars. So what is it about space that grabs our attention? And how do these fears affect usindividually and as a society?

In the long run, something big will hit us, unless we can redirect it. The responsibility for preparation begins with us.

Yet preparation also carries risks. Daniel Deudney, a professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University in the US, has warned that the technologies used for planetary defense can not only guide asteroids away from Earththey can also guide them towards it as a tool in a military conflict.

As explained in his book Dark Skies, Deudney's solution is to reverse, regulate and relinquish most of our human activities in space for several centuries to come. The more we do in space, he believes, the greater the likelihood that states will end up in catastrophic conflict.

"The avoidance of civilization's disaster and species extinction now depends on discerning what not to do, and then making sure it is not done," he writes.

He ultimately argues that space expansion has come too soon, and we must reverse the process until we are ready. That said, he thinks we may still need some form of planetary defense, but that it can be limited.

Holding off for centuries is an unlikely option though. The chances of an asteroid strike may well be too high. And the political interest in space expansion is, at this point, irreversible.

Fear of space has grown alongside space programs. Worries about asteroid strikes and over-militarization lean into deeper fears about space as the unknown. Yet they also lean into worries about the self-destructive side of humanity.

Both fears are very old. One of our earliest traceable human tales, the story of the Cosmic Hunt dating back at least 15,000 years, combines the two.

An indigenous Sami version, surviving in Scandinavia, describes how a great hunt in the skies would go wrong if the hunter is impatient and fires an arrow which misses its target and accidentally strikes the pole star. This would bring the canopy of the night sky crashing down to Earth. Again, fears about misguided human actions and the threat from the above fuse.

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We can see this in modern technologically driven fears such as UFOlogy. Some hard-core believers in UFOs are not only concerned about hostile visitors, but about secret collaborations among scientists on Earth, or, an entire conspiracy to keep the truth from the public.

Without belief in a conspiracy to suppress the evidence, the whole idea falls apart. But without the belief that there is actually something to fear from space, there is nothing for the conspiracy to be about. Fear of space is a necessary part of this picture.

This is an idea neatly captured in recent times by the Chinese science fiction author Cixin Liu, who compares space to a "dark forest" in which alien civilizations are trying to hide from each other.

All of this presupposes something of a bunker mentality, an over-separation of Earth and space, or sky and ground. This is something I have referred to as ground bias. The bias allows space to appear as a threatening outside, rather than something that we, too, are part of.

Alien viruses

The rationalization for such fear shifts about and is not restricted to asteroids, aliens, meteors and runaway military conflict. There is even a theory that viruses come from space.

When COVID skeptics went looking for an idea to explain why mask wearing was pointless, what many of them struck upon was an obscure theory put together by the astrophysicists Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramsinghe in 1979.

The duo ultimately had a good idea which they followed up with a bad idea. The good idea was that the components for the emergence of life may have come from space. The bad idea was that they came ready formed, as viruses and bacteria, and that they are still coming.

According to this theory, well-known pandemics of the past (such as the lethal 1918 flu pandemic and even epidemics in antiquity) were apparently the result of viruses from space and could not be the result of person-to-person transmissionleast of all from asymptomatic carriers.

The COVID version involved a meteor exploding over China. In an interview, Wickramsinghe claimed "a piece of this bolide containing trillions of the COVID-19 virus broke off from the bolide as it was entering the stratosphere" releasing viral particles which were then carried by prevailing winds.

The idea illustrates the way in which fears about space are used to drive anxiety about human failings or wrongdoing. COVID skepticism has since gone all the way into the White House.

But fears about space can also be used to critique those in power. In our own times, they are used to fuel narratives about billionaires with private space agendas and presidential access, wealthy space tourists and even wealthier prospective colonizers of Mars and beyond. It is a tempting narrative, but one that sees Earth as a closed system, which should not be opened to the outside.

We may, at some level, be afraid of space itself. We certainly have an exaggerated sense of our Earthly separateness from it. And there are some particular things that we do have cause to worry about. But there is also the risk that a fear of space can combine with suspicions about governments, leading us to embrace conspiracy theories as a way to consolidate different kinds of worries into a single, manageable, set of beliefs.

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Spanish-language signs in Philadelphia contradict the grammar lessons most of us were taught. Credit: Daniel Guarin Buitrago, CC BY-ND

I've discovered something fascinating about how Spanish speakers in Philadelphia address each other and communicate through public signs.

The discovery is part of my research on language patterns in Philadelphiaand it challenges what many students learn in Spanish class.

Remember those lessons where you learned to use the formal "usted" with strangers and "tu" with friends? Well, the signs on Philadelphia's streets show that Spanish speakers actually use pronouns differently.

In Spanish, unlike modern English, speakers must choose between different ways of saying "you" when addressing someone. Some Spanish dialects use up to four different forms"tu," "usted," "vos" and the Colombian "sumerce"but the Spanish speakers writing signs in Philadelphia have settled on just two: "tu" and "usted."

But here's where it gets interesting: In Philadelphia, the choice between these forms doesn't follow the traditional rules we all thought we knew.

What the signs tell us

After analyzing 250 signs across three neighborhoods with a significant number of Spanish speakersthe Golden Block, in North Philadelphia; Olney, in North Philadelphia; and South Philadelphia's Italian Market corridorand online spaces such as social media from different Hispanic organizations in the city, I found some surprising patterns in how these forms are used.

Bilingual signs written in both Spanish and English tend to use the verb form associated with formal "usted"imagine a store window announcing, "Please wear a mask / Por favor, utilice una mascarilla." But signs written only in Spanish often use the informal "tu," even when addressing strangers. This challenges the common assumption that we should always use formal language with people we don't know.

My study suggests the purpose of the message matters more than formality. When signs make requests, they typically use "usted." But when they're trying to persuade or invite people to do something, "tu" is more common. A sign saying, "Please wait to be seated" typically uses "usted," while one saying "Join us for our grand opening!" uses "tu."

A city's changing voice

Philadelphia's Spanish-speaking history stretches back to the late 1800s, with waves of migration bringing distinct varieties of the Spanish language to the city.

Puerto Rican communities arrived in the 1940s and '50s, followed by Colombians in the '70s and '80s, and more recently, Mexican and Central American immigrants in the early 2000s.

What's particularly noteworthy is the absence of "vos" in these signs, despite Philadelphia's significant Salvadoran population who traditionally use this form. This suggests newer communities are adapting their language in signs to match the more established Spanish-speaking groups in the city.

Why this matters

These findings tell us something important about language in immigrant communities.

Rather than creating an entirely new dialect, Philadelphia's Spanish speakers are finding common ground in how they communicate. It's a reminder that language rules are often more flexible than we think, shaped by real-world use rather than textbook guidelines.

The next time you're walking through Philadelphia's Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, pay attention to the signs around you. They're not just giving directions or advertising servicesthey're showing us how language evolves when different communities come together in a new home.

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Thorny skates don't move around much. According to Kneebone, a individual might stay within a 50 kilometer region over the span of nine years. Credit: Kristen Grace, Florida Museum of Natural History

When Jeff Kneebone was a college student in 2002, his research involved a marine mystery that has stumped curious scientists for the last two decades. That mystery had to do with thorny skates in the North Atlantic. In some parts of their range, individuals of this species come in two distinct sizes, irrespective of sex, and no one could figure out why. At the time, neither could Kneebone.

In a recent study, Kneebone and researchers from the Florida Museum of Natural History say they've finally found an answer. The study is published in the journal Nature Communications.

People have known about the size discrepancy in thorny skates for nearly a century, but it became critically important beginning in the 1970s, when their numbers took a nosedive. The cause of the decline was thought to be overfishing by humans, and the solution was simple. In 2003, a strict fishing moratorium in the United States was put in place for thorny skates and another species, the barndoor skate, that was also doing poorly.

"The barndoor skate rebounded to the point where they're now allowed to be harvested again, but for whatever reason, the thorny skate has remained low, despite 20 years of protection," said Kneebone, who currently works as a senior scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium.

According to survey data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, thorny skates have declined by 80% to 95% in some areas, particularly the Gulf of Maine, and they're also languishing in low numbers in Canadian waters off the Scotian Shelf.

Thorny skates have a large distribution. They can be found from South Carolina up to the Arctic Circle and east through Scotland, Norway and Russia. In the Arctic and European part of their range, thorny skates come in just one size. It's only along the coast of North America that small and large varieties coexist.

"No one could understand what the deal was with these skates," said study co-author Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Scientists had tried studying thorny skate DNA to see if there were any differences between the large and small sizes, but they came up empty-handed.

"The big forms are twice the size, and it takes them 11 years to reach adulthood. The small forms are mature by the time they're six years old. There's got to be genetic differences."

Naylor thought he might be able to crack the code.

The idea was simple. Previous studies had tried to answer the question by analyzing a few short DNA sequences taken from a small number of thorny skates. It was a good strategy, Naylor reasoned, but fell short because researchers hadn't yet processed nearly enough DNA.

Instead, what was needed was a gene capture approach: a labor-intensive method that allows researchers to collect DNA sequence data from thousands of sequences throughout an organism's genome, the term used to describe DNA stored in the nuclei of cells. Most importantly, they'd do this for hundreds of thorny skates, which would provide them with ample data to scour.

He put the word out to the scientific community, and people sent the team more than 600 tissue samples collected across much of the Northern Hemisphere. He made the costly preparations to get the lab work underway.

Skates, like other sharks and rays, have an electrically charged organ called ampullae of Lorenzini that they use to catch food without ever laying eyes on it. Credit: Kristen Grace, Florida Museum of Natural History

Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the subsequent restrictions that were put in place made it impossible to conduct extensive, in-person lab work, putting the project on indefinite hiatus.

One of Naylor's postdoctoral researchers at the time, Shannon Corrigan, pulled together a salvage mission. If they couldn't collect gene-capture DNA from hundreds of thorny skates, they could sequence the entire genome of four or five individuals. This would drastically cut down on the amount of in-person work to be done.

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It was a risky plan. There was only a small chance they would find what they were looking for by sequencing genomes, and they only had enough funding to do one or the other.

It was a Hail Mary, Naylor said, but one that paid off. Had they used the original gene capture idea, "we would have missed it entirely."

As it was, they only nearly missed it. The study's first author, Pierre Lesturgie, was tasked with analyzing the genomeall 2.5 billion base pairs of itonce it had been sequenced. As he was combing through the data, something strange caught his eye.

"There was a large region on chromosome two that we thought was weird. Since it was behaving in a way we didn't understand, we considered removing it from the analysis," Lesturgie said. He thought it might be an aberration, or potentially an error introduced during the sequencing process, and worried it would reduce the accuracy of their results. He was about to trash it when Naylor mentioned it looked like the sort of thing you'd get from a gene inversion, a natural process in which a sequence of DNA is flipped in the wrong direction.

Most organisms, including humans, have at least a few inversions in their genomes, so they're not uncommon, but they seldom result in observable differences between individuals. But because it was all the researchers had to go on, they checked to see if the inverted sequence was present in both large and small thorny skates. It wasn't. Only large thorny skates had the mirrored stretch of DNA. They'd need to do more work to confirm it, but they'd found their answer. Cue the popping bottles of champagne and celebratory good cheer.

Figuring out what caused the size difference is only the first step, Kneebone said. Now researchers can make headway on developing a conservation plan. The next step will involve good old-fashioned observation. Before the discovery of the gene inversion, it was difficultand in some cases impossibleto distinguish between the large and small types.

"We could identify the large males and females, because they're bigger than anything else," Naylor said. At maturity, both large and small males develop long, trailing claspers on either side of their tails, giving them the overall appearance of a kite with streamers. "So when you've got a small male with large claspers, we know it's an adult. But we can't do anything with the small females, because we don't know whether they're just babies on their way to getting big."

This limitation has hampered research on the species, Kneebone said: "The big question has always been, 'What do the life histories of the two morphs look like?' Currently, they're not distinguished in the stock assessment, so a thorny skate is a thorny skate is a thorny skate."

The final step will be figuring out why thorny skates are continuing to decline in parts of their range. Fortunately, scientists already have a few good leads. Current evidence suggests it's harder for the two sizes to interbreed in places where they're declining than it is in others. It's possible this natural and partial barrier to reproduction could be exacerbated by climate change.

Thorny skates are having the most trouble in the Gulf of Maine, where sea surface temperatures have increased faster than 99% of the world's oceans over the last several years. This has had all sorts of unpleasant effects, like the collapse of cod fisheries in the region.

Whether climate change is partially responsible for the plight of the thorny skate, and if so, why it has an undue negative influence on this single species compared with other skates that live in the same area, remains to be seen. To determine that, Kneebone said they'll need more data.

"We're trying to use the best available science to make decisions about how to best manage and sustain populations."

More information: Pierre Lesturgie et al, Short-term evolutionary implications of an introgressed size-determining supergene in a vulnerable population, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56126-z Journal information: Nature Communications
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Age-depth framework of the core composite BH8. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads5624

Using a sediment core taken from the Great Blue Hole off the coast of the Central American state of Belize, researchers from the universities of Frankfurt, Cologne, Gottingen, Hamburg and Bern have analyzed the local climate history of the last 5,700 years.

Investigations of the sediment layers from the 30-meter-long core revealed that storms have increased over the long term and that tropical cyclones have become much more frequent in recent decades. The results were published under the title "An annually resolved 5700-year storm archive reveals drivers of Caribbean cyclone frequency" in the journal Science Advances.

The Great Blue Hole is up to 125 meters deep and approximately 300 meters wide, situated in the very shallow Lighthouse Reef, an atoll off the coast of Belize. The hole was formed from a stalactite cave that collapsed at the end of the last ice age and then became flooded by the rising sea level as a result of the melting of the continental ice masses.

In earlier studies, investigations on shorter sediment cores led by Professor Dr. Eberhard Gischler and Dr. Dominik Schmitt from the University of Frankfurt had shown that the sediments at the bottom of the Great Blue Hole allow for a very accurate reconstruction of the tropical cyclones in the region, the strongest of which are known as hurricanes.

The storms stir up particles on the atoll, which are carried into the Great Blue Hole and form distinctive layers at its bottom. The layers differ significantly in their composition from the normal sediments and can be dated very precisely based on the annual stratification of the normal sediments.

Motivated by these initial results, researchers from the University of Cologne and the University of Frankfurt deployed a coring platform at the Great Blue Hole in the summer of 2022, making it possible to recover its entire sediment record for the first time.

"Our drilling technology was originally designed for lakes and has been used several times in the Russian Arctic," explained geologist Professor Dr. Martin Melles, who leads the research team from the University of Cologne. In this case, it was towed by boat about 70 kilometers from the mainland to the Great Blue Hole and anchored there.

The extracted sediment core reflects three phases of deposition: 12,500 years ago, a lake became formed in the collapsed cave, into which many organic remains from a surrounding rainforest were washed. Then, 7,200 years ago, the sea level after the last ice age rose to the edge of the Great Blue Hole. The water body became brackish and the surrounding rainforest was replaced by mangrove swamps. A complete inundation of the Great Blue Hole with marine reef growth instead of terrestrial vegetation around the rim then began 5,700 years ago.

Since then, marine sediments are deposited with almost no interference, documenting the tropical storms in the region in the form of storm layers.

The results show that a total of 574 storm layers have formed in the Great Blue Hole over the past 5,700 years. This is by far the longest annualized time series of tropical cyclones in the Caribbean. It adds many millennia to the meteorological data and human records, which go back only 175 years. It thus provides detailed insights into the natural fluctuations in storm frequency at times when humans had not yet intervened extensively in the climate system.

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The storm frequency over the past 5,700 years shows a long-term increase, which is overlaid by short-term fluctuations. These two trends can be explained by known changes in solar irradiance caused by changes in the circular motion of the Earth's axis and solar cycles. The reconstructed storms also show a frequency for the last few decades that is many times higher than the frequency in the older sediments.

"This maximum frequency cannot be attributed to either the long-term increase or the short-term fluctuations over the last 5,700 years, so it is likely to be a consequence of the current climate change caused by human activity," explained Professor Melles. "Our geological results thus support the predictions of some climate models that progressive global warming will lead to a further increase in the frequency of tropical storms."

More information: Dominik Schmitt et al, An annually resolved 5700-year storm archive reveals drivers of Caribbean cyclone frequency, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads5624 Journal information: Science Advances
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The photo, titled Cosmic Fireworks, won the Skyscapes category of the 2023 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich. This breathtaking image not only showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of sprite discharges but also sparks public interest in extreme weather phenomena and their scientific significance. Credit: Angel An

Have you ever heard ofor even seenred lightning? These are not animated characters but real atmospheric phenomena known as electrical discharges that occur high above thunderstorms. Scientists refer to them as "red sprites," named for their jellyfish-like appearance and vivid red flashes. Now, imagine witnessing these mesmerizing displays over the world's highest mountain rangethe Himalayas.

On the night of May 19, 2022, two Chinese astrophotographers, Angel An and Shuchang Dong, captured a spectacular display of over one hundred red sprites over the Himalayas. The observation site, located on the southern Tibetan Plateau near Pumoyongcuo Lakeone of the region's three sacred lakesrevealed a breathtaking celestial event.

Among the phenomena captured were dancing sprites, rare secondary jets, and the first-ever recorded case in Asia of green airglow at the base of the nighttime ionosphere, dubbed "ghost sprites." This extraordinary event attracted global attention and was widely covered by major media outlets.

A recent study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences by Professor Gaopeng Lu and his team at the University of Science and Technology of China sheds light on the driving force behind this grand "sprite fireworks"lightning and thunderstorms.

Massive Outbreak of Red Sprites in South Asia Observed from the Tibetan Plateau. Credit: Angel An and Shuchang Dong

"This event was truly remarkable," said Professor Gaopeng Lu. "By analyzing the parent lightning discharges, we discovered that the sprites were triggered by high-peak current positive cloud-to-ground lightning strikes within a massive mesoscale convective system. This suggests that thunderstorms in the Himalayan region have the potential to produce some of the most complex and intense upper-atmospheric electrical discharges on Earth."

Lacking precise timestamps for detailed analysis, the research team developed an innovative method to synchronize video time using satellite trajectories and star field analysis. This innovative approach allowed them to determine the exact occurrence times of the sprites and link them to their parent lightning discharges. One of the anonymous reviewers praised the technique, highlighting its potential as a reliable timing tool for citizen scientists contributing to scientific observations.

The study revealed that the parent lightning discharges occurred within stratiform precipitation regions of a mesoscale convective complex stretching from the Ganges Plain to the southern foothills of the Tibetan Plateau. This event recorded the highest number of sprites during a single thunderstorm in South Asia, suggesting that thunderstorms in this region possess upper-atmospheric discharge capabilities comparable to those in the U.S. Great Plains and offshore European storms.

Moreover, the findings indicate that these storms may generate even more complex discharge structures, potentially influencing atmospheric coupling processes with significant physical and chemical effects.

More information: Hailiang Huang et al, Massive Outbreak of Red Sprites in South Asia Observed from the Tibetan Plateau, Advances in Atmospheric Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s00376-024-4143-5 Journal information: Advances in Atmospheric Sciences
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Credit: Professor Erik Schlogl

Marine scientists are calling for beachgoers who find weedy seadragons washed up on the shore to photograph them and send details to researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

Dr. David Booth, professor of marine ecology at UTS, said increased reports of dead seadragons on Sydney's beaches may be due to recent storms. Information from the public could help determine the scale of the problem and specific causes.

"Weedy seadragons are beautiful, otherworldly creatures that are closely related to seahorses. They are only found in southern Australian waters, and their survival is directly linked to marine ecosystem health," said Professor Booth.

Professor Booth led research into the cause of seadragon deaths in April 2022, when more than 200 dead seadragons were found on beaches between the Central Coast and Wollongong.

"Our investigation revealed the unprecedented deaths of seadragons were likely caused by a series of intense east coast low storms along with a marine heat wave. The extreme weather triggered record-breaking 14m high waves and eight times the normal rainfall.

"These storms caused significant ocean surges and underwater pressure changes, which seadragons struggle to handle. A significant portion of the local seadragon population was lost, and despite some recovery, populations around Sydney are still down."

The study, "Mass stranding of common (weedy) seadragons (Phyllopteryxtaeniolatus) in Sydney: impacts and implications," was recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology.

There are three varieties of seadragon found in southern AustraliaWeedy, Leafy and Ruby seadragons. They live in kelp forests or seagrass beds on or near shallow, rocky reefs, which also support many other marine species.

Small shrimp-like crustaceans called mysids are a major food source for seadragons. Mysids disappeared from Sydney coastal waters for many months in early 2022, and so a lack of food also likely contributed to seadragon deaths.

"As climate change drives more intense marine heat waves and storms, along with stronger winds and heavier rainfall, this could pose a serious threat to the survival of seadragon populations," said Professor Booth.

If someone finds a washed-up seadragon, UTS researcher and co-author Giglia Beretta advises photographing the animal (including an item for scale in the image), recording where and when it was found, and emailing the details to assist with research.

Images can also be uploaded to iNaturalist Australasian Fishes. The collection of weedy seadragon carcasses is only allowed under strict permitstouching the protected species could result in a fine.

Dead animals can be collected with the permission of Professor Booth under his UTS Fish Ecology Lab DPI permit. The animals can provide important information for ongoing population studies.

More information: David J. Booth et al, Mass stranding of common (weedy) seadragons (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) in Sydney: impacts and implications, Journal of Fish Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/jfb.70019 Journal information: Journal of Fish Biology
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Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, executive director for BAHIA Inc. sits for a portrait in an empty classroom at Centro Vida Child Care Center, a part of the Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement. Credit: University of CaliforniaBerkeley

In the first eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic alone, 166,000 child care jobs were lost across the nation. Significant recovery didn't begin until the advent of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Child Care Stabilization funds in April 2021.

Today, child care employment is back to slightly above pre-pandemic levels, but job growth has remained sluggish at 1.4% since ARPA funding allocations ended in October 2023, according to analysis by the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE) at UC Berkeley. In the last six months, child care employment has hovered around 1.1 million.

Yet more than 2 million American parents report job changes due to problems accessing child care. Why does the child care sector continue to face a workforce crisis that has predated the pandemic?

Inadequate compensation drives high turnover rates and workforce shortages that predate the pandemic. Early childhood educators are skilled professionals; many have more than 15 years of experience and a college degree, but their compensation does not reflect their expertise. The national median hourly wage is $13.07, and only a small proportion of early educators receive benefits.

And now a new round of challenges is about to hit child care. The low wages paid in early care and education result in 43% of early educator families depending on at least one public support program, such as Medicaid or food stamps, both of which are threatened by potential federal funding cuts. Job numbers will likely fall as many early childhood educators need to find jobs with health care benefits or better pay.

In addition, 1 in 5 child care workers are immigrants, and executive orders driving deportation and ICE raids will further devastate the entire early care and education system. These stresses are part of the historical lack of respect the workforce faces, despite all they contribute to children, families, and the economy.

Five years ago, as COVID-19 lockdowns and school closures began, most early educators continued to work in person, risking their own health and that of their families. "Early educators were called essential, but they weren't provided with the personal protective equipment they needed to stay safe," said CSCCE Executive Director Lea Austin.

"There were no special shopping hours or ways for them to access safety materials in those early and scary months of the pandemic, leaving them to compete with other shoppers. One state even advised them to wear trash bags if they couldn't find PPE."

The economic impact was equally dire. Even as many providers tried to remain open to ensure their financial security, the combination of higher costs to meet safety protocols and lower revenue from fewer children enrolled led to job losses, increased debt, and program closures.

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Eventually, the federal government responded with historic short-term investments through ARPA, which stabilized child care programs. These funds provided money to increase pay or provide financial relief to early educators to improve their income and well-being. The child care sector began to slowly recover. Larger job gains were made in 2022 and 2023, and as of November 2023, national job numbers had slightly surpassed pre-pandemic levels, though state and metro areas continued to fluctuate.

Many states have continued to support the workforce after ARPA funding expired in late 2024. In Maine, a salary supplement initiative has provided monthly stipends of $240$540 to educators working in licensed home- or center-based care, based on education and experience, making it one of the nation's leaders in its support of early educators.

Early educators say the program has enabled them to raise wages, which has improved staff retention. Yet now, Governor Janet Mills is considering cutting the stipend program in half.

"History shows that once an emergency is perceived to have passed, public funding that supports the early care and education workforce is pulled," says Austin. "You can't build a stable child care workforce and system without consistent public investment and respect for all that early educators contribute."
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The future of freshwater is increasingly in jeopardy across Canada and around the world.

Lakes, rivers and wetlands face numerous threats, from climate change to a range of harmful pollutants. Today, one-quarter of freshwater fauna are at risk of extinction.

As climate change and other stressors worsen, ecological grief is increasingly recognized as a legitimate response to the losses of valued species and ecosystems.

This grief poses a serious threat to mental health and well-being for many, with young people often feeling an outsized burden. While young people have contributed little to these challenges over their lifetimes, they face bearing the brunt of intensifying climate change impacts.

Similarly, this existential angst is reportedly heightened among marginalized groups. This is often true for Indigenous Peoples, who are frequently the least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions that warm the planet yet face higher climate risk or vulnerability to the direct consequences of climate change.

What we need are adaptive approaches that address this grief and reconnect people with the natural world at this time of profound disconnection. Research about ecological grief points to approaches that center social support, deep listening and sensitivity, as well as valuing an ethic of care as key elements. This is ultimately about fostering community and interconnectedness in relationships.

As freshwater scientists, we are committed to contributing toward a better future for fresh waters. This is what led us to create a registered charity, Riparia, where we work to unite these concerns and approaches by facilitating free land-based learning programs for young people, especially Indigenous young women.

These programs are geared towards facing this climate-uncertain future together and the profound need for improved stewardship of freshwater ecosystems.

Why land-based learning

Land-based learning is, by definition, experiential and rooted in local culture and history. It is a mode of education that arises from connecting learners with the land, by spending time on the land, in ways that engage minds, bodies, hearts and spirits.

This approach has always been at the core of Indigenous learning. While conventional classrooms are often a far cry from these lived experiences, there is growing interest in breaking out of these confines and engaging in active land-based learning across the continent.

In our time contributing towards land-based learning initiatives over the last decade, we have observed numerous benefits. There's a saying that numbers numb and stories stick; we find that the voices of youth who participated in land-based learning best convey its meaning and impact.

Among other benefits, land-based learning has fostered a heightened sense of connection to the land and water, spurred a deep drive to steward and care for these systems and built a community of practice to achieve that. In the words of youth aged 13-18 who participated in Riparia programs between 2019-2024:

"I could feel my point of view of the world changing. In every way. I felt as though I had become closer to the land."

"This experience changed my view on how we should be more active in the environment and protect our water."

"Being with these girls reassured me that our environment's future isn't something we have to take on alone and it will be much easier if we do it together."

Together, our experiences with Riparia and the growing body of literature highlighting beneficial outcomes of land-based learning, tell us that these approaches can play an important role in fostering the community of care required to chart new freshwater futures.

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Learning that centers Indigenous perspectives

Throughout the history of outdoor educationas an organized approach to learning in western systemsharmful stereotypes have been reproduced and Indigenous knowledge systems have been appropriated.

How many recall attending youth camps bearing the names of Indigenous Peoples or places? Were they involved in any way? Was there regard for whose land this is?

How many have participated in journey "wilderness"-based experiences? Many such experiences have often perpetuated western ideas of a "pristine" or "wild" "nature," free from human influence. This point of view is in line with the doctrines of terra nullius (Latin for "nobody's land") and aqua nullius ("nobody's water") used to justify European colonization of Indigenous lands and waters.

What we need is learning that recognizes that Indigenous Peoples, languages and cultures are alive and evolve in close relationship with the land.

We also need learning to be accessible so it can play a foundational role building the community of care that humans and fresh waters now require.

Little programmingfrom youth outdoor education through universityis built with Indigenous learners in mind. Few initiatives are offered at no cost to participating youth and their families. Women remain underrepresented in existing outdoor education initiatives because of cultural and social inequalities.

What we can do

As scientists supporting youth engagement through Riparia, we join the growing movement to break down these specific barriers to access.

You can also contribute to this movement by helping connect young people in your life to existing youth engagement programs and offering support through relevant local ways or donations.

But youth are not the only ones who need connection to land and water. We all deal with eco-grief. We all need water. And we all need to work together to chart new futures. Spending time in and on the water together is an important step in this direction. This video offers an opportunity to dive into what land-based learning with, in, and for fresh waters can look like and feel like.

As a 15-year-old Kanien'keha:ka participant in a Riparia 2019 program shared with us: "Water is the most important thing, it's the thing we all have in common."

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Our state was clouded out of the total eclipse of the moon Friday. But these next two weeks bring us a potentially thrilling partial eclipse of the sun and amazing sights of Venus in its once-every-eight-years steepest departure from the evening sky.

THE SIMMERING, SHIMMERING, SWIFT PARTIAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN MARCH 29. For New Jersey's first sunrise eclipse of the sun in a decade, you will need a view all the east sky down to the horizon to catch a small but eerie partial eclipse. Sometimes the sun is safe to look at when it is right on the horizon if there is enough haze, but I would not advise trying to look without eclipse glasses. You might still have a pair from last April's large partial eclipse of the sun. Just hold them up to a bright light indoors and make certain there are no pinholes or tears in the aluminized Mylar before looking through them even at the rising sun.

Throughout South Jersey, the times of the eclipse are similar. The start of the eclipse will be 6:48 a.m. The maximum coverage of the moon's black bite on the left of the sun will be only about 20% across the disk of the sun, at 6:51 a.m. At maximum, the sun's bottom will be on the horizon just south of due east. The end of the eclipse will occur at 7:02 a.m. with the moon's bite at bottom, after only about 14 minutes. Farther up the East Coast, especially New England and the Canadian Maritimes, the eclipse will be much larger at sunrise.

VENUS PASSES FARTHEST NORTH OF THE SUN, VISIBLE FROM JUST BEFORE SUNRISE AND JUST AFTER SUNSET, ON THE SAME DAY. March 20 will be the one day in eight years that Venus is very low in the east about 20 minutes before sunrise and very low in the west about 20 minutes after sunset. You may need binoculars to spot the planet. Venus will be about nine degrees (about one fist at arm's length above the horizon) at sunrise or sunset. In a small telescope or binoculars, Venus would then appear as a long, very thin (1% lit) crescent.

Mid-March total lunar eclipse to be worth staying up late: Sky Watch The next two weeks will bring us one of the most unquestionably lovely and eerie of astronomy's sights, a total eclipse of the moon.

The spring equinox will occur at 5:01 a.m. Thursday. The happening of "inferior conjunction," with Venus 8 degrees north of the sun, will occur Saturday. The planet Saturn was nearest the sun in the sky last Wednesday and will be nearest Neptune this Wednesday and Mercury on Monday. Saturn's rings will be positioned exactly edgewise Sunday. The last time this happened was in 2009, and the next time will be in 2038-39.

LUNAR ECLIPSE REPORT. South Jersey Astronomy Club president Paul Ostwald drove to his daughter's house west of Philadelphia to escape South Jersey's cloud-out, trying to see the total eclipse of the moon from 2:26 to 3:32 a.m. Friday. But even there, the clouds socked in completely just before the total eclipse began so that no view of the moon was possible.

If you want to see beautiful photos of the eclipse that were taken elsewhere in the world, check out the lunar eclipse gallery at spaceweather.com. If you use the archive feature at the site and go back to the March 14 homepage, you can see the simultaneous photos of the eclipse as seen from Earth and Earth as seen from the moon (where it appeared as a solar eclipse). The photo from the moon was taken from the Mare Crisium, the Sea of Crises, by Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost spacecraft, which recently landed.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Moldova Mihai Popsoi in New Delhi today on the sidelines of the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, India.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed consolidating Nepal-Moldova relations and expanding bilateral cooperation. Dr Rana highlighted the adverse effects of climate change on Nepal, emphasising collaborative efforts to tackle the problem.

She also briefed on Nepal's progress toward graduating from a least developed country to a developing nation by 2026 and sought Moldova's support in this regard.

Additionally, she sought Moldova's support in Nepal's candidacy for membership of the United Nations Security Council.

The two leaders also discussed expanding joint investment programmes in areas such as trade, investment, tourism and hydropower. Dr Rana expressed her confidence that Popsoi's upcoming visit to Nepal this week would further strengthen bilateral relations, and find new ways for cooperation.

March 18, 2025
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Renowned filmmaker Ken Burns is headed to Richmond to preview his new docuseries, The American Revolution at Altria Theater on Sunday.

The American Revolution, is a six-part, 12-hour docuseries that tackles our countrys origin story and will air on PBS.

What could be more important? Particularly in a country that tends to not place a lot of value on history, particularly on civics, and how were actually constituted. And in a particularly sort of fraught moment when theres so much division, I think telling a story that we all share in common, its really important to understand it and the complexity, Burns said in an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Burns is best known for his distinctive style of storytelling, particularly through archival footage and photographs. He has directed and produced numerous critically acclaimed documentaries, many of which focus on American history.

Hosted by VPM, Burns will preview The American Revolution at the Altria Theater on Sunday, March 23, at 7 p.m., followed by a panel discussion with his co-director Sarah Botstein and three historians featured in the film, including Rick Atkinson, Christopher Brown and Jane Kamensky.

We are incredibly honored that VPM was selected to be the first PBS station to host a public screening for The American Revolution, said Jayme Swain, VPMs president and CEO. Considering the importance of the Commonwealth during the revolution, we hope this landmark documentary will allow us to engage our community in conversations about our shared history and what it means to be an American.

The American Revolution wont premiere until Sunday, Nov. 16 and run through Friday, Nov. 21  six consecutive nights  from 8 to 10 p.m. on PBS.

But Richmond will get a sneak preview at the docuseries this Sunday at the Altria Theater.

How the docuseries got started

Burns began plotting the film in 2015.

I made a film many, many years ago, 35 years ago, on the history of the American Civil War. And after that was over, I was absolutely certain I would never do a film on war again. Its very hard and its very emotional, and of course, it has to do with tens of thousands of deaths.

But at the end of the 1990s, Burns began to notice a lack of knowledge about World War II and a drop in those capable of telling the story.

I realized that we were losing a lot of veterans of the second World War and a lot of kids in school that were graduating thought we fought with the Germans against the Russians in World War II. And I was sort of shocked, he said.

Burns went on to spend nearly 10 years working on a history of World War II called The War, which came out in 2007. His film on the Vietnam War came out in the fall of 2017.

As we were finishing that (The Vietnam War) in December of 2015, I said I would do a history of the American Revolution. So weve been plowing towards that, among other projects, ever since, he said.

Challenges of making The American Revolution

Burns is no stranger to weeding though an excess of information, pulling out the best bits to tell a story that connects with its viewers. In fact, Burns said, Thats my job.

We have at least 40 times that amount of material, said Burns. And you realize that there are particular challenges of doing a history of the late 18th century, which the Revolution is, because there are no photographs and then no newsreels.

So there are new strategies and exciting new ways of communicating what happened. Youre working with scholars and historians and writers, and people who have studied or spent their lives understanding the (American) Revolution from many different perspectives to help us figure out how to tell the story.

The film is narrated by Peter Coyote, and includes the first-person voices of nearly 200 historic figures, read by a cast of actors, including Keith David, Morgan Freeman, Amanda Gorman, Tom Hanks, Ethan Hawke, Maya Hawke, Samuel L. Jackson and Meryl Streep, among many others.

Its pretty amazing that all these folks have contributed so spectacularly to helping us keep the story of the American Revolution alive, said Burns.

Over years of dissecting historical facts, footage and archives, Burns says that he often finds a new perspective once the project is complete.

Were not telling you what you should know. Were sharing with you our process of discovery. We went in with sort of vague and ill-formed ideas of the Revolution and found out almost every aspect of it is so much more interesting than our conventional attitudes towards it suggest, Burns said.

The American Revolutions 250th anniversary

Although Burns began plans for the film in 2015, the films press run coincides with the American Revolutions 250th anniversary. He says there are over 35 stops planned along the 13 colonies and beyond in the upcoming months.

Kicking off his stay in Virginia, Burns will stop at St. Johns Church in Richmond for a reenactment of Patrick Henrys famous Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death, speech on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

On Monday, Burns will head to Williamsburg for A Common Cause to All, the largest gathering of nationwide organizers of the anniversary of Americas founding, hosted by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and VA250. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at the Williamsburg Lodge Conference Center.

Burns will close out his time in Virginia on Tuesday evening at a special outdoor preview of The American Revolution, hosted by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The event begins at 8 p.m. and will take place outside the Governors Palace, weather permitting. Burns will be joined by his two co-directors, Botstein and David Schmidt, who worked in Colonial Williamsburg while he was growing up in southeastern Virginia.

My great privilege has been that Ive been making films about the U.S., capital U, capital S. But Ive also been making films for nearly 50 years about us, thats the lower case, two letter plural pronoun. All of the intimacy of us and all of the majesty, complexity, contradiction and even controversy of the U.S. And thats a wonderful place to be, Burns said.

There are so many interesting stories you meet, so many people, regardless of what era you happen to be working on. And nothing could be more important, and I think, central to this moment now, than understanding, what were the impulses that got us here? What were we rebelling against? What were we trying to establish? What kind of people did we want to be? You know, all of those questions. I just want people to share in the story of us, both the U.S. and the personal one.

If you go What: Preview of 'The American Revolution' When: Sunday at 7 p.m. Where: Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St. Tickets: $33 More info: altriatheater.com/events/detail/ken-burns-vpm
Authorities win ruling to keep Romanian Mafia members that once operated in Riviera Maya imprisoned

Mexico City, Mexico  The Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) says they have secured pretrial detention for alleged members of a criminal network. That criminal network once operated an ATM scam in Riviera Maya, from Cancun to Tulum.

Florian T, Cosmin A, Mihai A and Alin G, who are accused of running an ATM scam throughout Quintana Roo, have been ordered to remain imprisoned. On Monday, the FGR reported through the Specialized Regional Oversight Prosecutors Office, they won a ruling that a judicial ruling of justified pretrial detention against four Romanian nationals should continue.

The Federal Public Ministry (MPF), attached to the Special Prosecutors Office for Investigation and Litigation of Complex Cases, justified this by stating that the case is complex, that the procedural activity of Florian T, Cosmin A, Mihai A and Alin G was the trigger for the delay, and that the authorities conduct has been diligent in conducting the process.

Therefore, the Judge agreed with the arguments presented, which is why the justified preventive detention remains in place, they said in a statement.

Four members of the criminal organization dubbed the Romanian Mafia, are facing fraud charges. Florian Tudor, leader of the Romanian Mafia, is accused of leading a criminal network dedicated to extortion and bank card cloning.

The Romanian Mafia members are the alleged perpetrators of extortion and bank card cloning at ATMs in Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Quintana Roo, Hidalgo and Yucatan. In Quintana Roo, he is accused of manipulating ATMs in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum.

Florian T was the last to be arrested in Mexico City in May of 2021. He is also wanted in his home country of Romania on similar charges. All four will remain in the Federal Social Readaptation Center Number 1, El Altiplano, in Almoloya de Juarez in the State of Mexico.
Despite claims to be protecting the public from incompetence and fraud, occupational licensing boards are more about keeping good people out to protect those already in.

Why does an interior designer need a license in only three states: Florida, Louisiana, and Nevada? Why do I need a high school diploma or GED to be an auctioneer in North Carolina? Should it really take five months to become a hairstylist in Wyoming? If Ive been a licensed barber in Michigan for 20 years, how can I get licensed in Tennessee? These questions are just a sample of the oddities that drive discontent with our current professional licensing system.

Most of the existing academic research on professional licensing has been done by economists, who usually see the licensing process as the cause of higher prices for consumers and an example of unnecessary barriers to market entry, particularly for the poor. In The Licensing Racket: How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work, and Why It Goes Wrong, Rebecca Haw Allensworth, associate dean of research at Vanderbilt Law, wrestles with the issue from a legal perspective.

Allensworth shows that the existing licensing system is broken, that the number of professions requiring licenses should be drastically reduced, and that the licensing process should be more closely regulated by disinterested government officials. Through meticulous research, she demonstrates that licensing is much better at protecting the interests of currently licensed professionals than serving the public good. In fact, she makes the case that the public seldom sees measurable improvements in quality and safety that the professional licensing system promises, even in critical professions like medicine and law.

As Allensworth defines it, A professional license is a government-granted right to perform a service that can be obtained only through significant investment in human capital, usually in the form of education and examination. This includes obvious professions like medicine and law. But it can also include shorthand reporters, florists, and alarm systems contractors, depending on the state. Yet professional licensing does not include, for example, car mechanics, for which certifications are available but not required by the state to work.

Although licensing is authorized by state legislatures, the regulatory functionssuch as determining the requirements to earn a licenseare usually delegated to licensing boards. These boards are generally composed of experienced professionals in the field. Board members are usually volunteers or modestly compensated for their time. This arrangement provides flexibility and expertise to the regulatory process, but it also creates an obvious conflict of interest.

Proponents of professional licensing typically argue that its an essential means to protect the public from bad practitioners. Allensworth argues, however, that licensing boards are much more effective at serving those who already have licenses by keeping competition out. The easiest way to do that is to ratchet up requirements for new licenses. And thats what has happened historically.

According to Allensworth: For many professions licensed today, elaborate educational and testing requirements and constant government surveillance is more than whats necessary to protect the public. It was not always this way. Historically, professional licensing started with fields like medicine, law, and architecture where there are serious risks to the public for substandard work. But now there are hundreds of professions that require licenses, including natural hair braiding, which poses little risk to public health. It has taken years of legal battles and lobbying to separate natural hair braiding from the cosmetology licensing regime, which usually requires thousands of hours of training.

Yet higher prices arent the only benefit to professional license holders. The challenge of earning a license gives a sense of pride to those who have made it over the hurdles into the profession. A barber may never achieve the social status of a lawyer, Allensworth notes, but requiring the same number of classroom hours for both licenses, as Tennessee does, puts them in the same ballpark. Thus, even those who fight hardest against licensing requirements from the outside have little incentive to lower them once theyve reached the inside of the profession.

Along with keeping new practitioners out, professional licensing boards also protect the turf of professions. According to Allensworth, this has worked its way into debates between nurse practitioners and physicians about prescribing medications, and between veterinarians and massage therapists over animal massage. In some cases, like an attempt by veterinarian technicians to use their skills to provide high-end in-home pet sitting to high-maintenance animals, the licensing board squashed the market innovation to protect the supervisory role of veterinarians.

Proponents of professional licensing often raise the concern that, when theres no regulation, its like the Wild West. Allensworth challenges this assumption: For most consumer transactions, we rely primarilyalthough rarely exclusivelyon market forces to protect the public. Furthermore, researchers have struggled to show definitively that licensing actually improves service quality and safety  it is far from obvious that all licensing restrictions always led to better and safer service. In fact, beyond increased prices, professional licensing often directly harms consumers by creating a scarcity of service providers and fails to protect consumers owing to lax discipline of bad actors.

~ ~ ~

In principle, many of us are happy to delegate quality control for doctors to a medical board. When I need surgery, I dont want to have to wonder if my surgeon is competent. Im personally unqualified to determine whether my doctor consistently follows best practices. But I hope the board keeps the public well-being in mind, not just its own professional interests. Thats not always the case.

One of the results of ever-increasing licensing requirements is that it creates scarcity, especially in rural areas. According to Allensworth, Three quarters of all rural counties in the country are Healthcare Provider Shortage Areas. Nationwide we have a substantial shortage of both nurses and doctors, which makes good care harder to come by.

One method of addressing shortages of medical personnel in rural areas is telemedicine. It took the COVID pandemic to break down many of the barriers erected by licensing boards against telemedicine.

The next battlefront in medical licensing is likely to be in the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in providing primary care. Although evidence indicates that nurse practitioners can provide primary care that is as safe as that from physicians, some states tightly restrict the number of nurse practitioners a doctor can supervise and limit the types of tasks a nurse practitioner can perform.

Personnel shortages and higher costs might be an acceptable tradeoff if we were guaranteed protection from bad actors. But when Allensworth turns her attention to the ineffectiveness of licensing board discipline, the stories are alarming.

To be clear, the number of bad actors is small. Their potential impact, however, is significant. In this section, understandably, Allensworth shifts from discussing data and trends to detailing some of the worst failures of the licensing system. As it turns out, licensing boards are much better at keeping potential workers out than kicking bad actors out, even in fields like medicine and law.

For example, Allensworth tells a surprising story of Dr. Michael LaPaglia, which would seem unbelievable if it werent a matter of public record. He lost his ability to prescribe narcotics in 2014 as a result of felony charges of selling opioids and marijuana out of his home. Yet he maintained his license to practice medicine despite his no contest pleas. Eventually, he partnered with another troubled physician to provide opioid-addiction services. Although LaPaglia couldnt prescribe narcotics, he used the other doctors license to sell prescriptions for controlled substances in the parking lot of a McDonalds, among other locations.

In 2018, the two were charged by law enforcement for distribution of controlled substances and fraud. After LaPaglia pleaded guilty, his license was revoked for seven months, until it was reinstated in August of 2019 with fewer restrictions than before. His license wouldnt be finally revoked until July of 2021. The final revocation emphasizes LaPaglias performance of invalid COVID tests during the pandemic.

LaPaglias story is just one example of failures of licensing boards to protect consumers. Her research shows that most consumer complaints do not result in disciplinary action. And, as the LaPaglia case shows, even in cases where laws were violated, discipline is neither guaranteed nor severe.

Allensworth provides other examples. In 2021, the Louisiana state legislature criticized the state board of massage therapy for not regulating massage parlors that were functioning as brothels. In another infamous medical case, a Dallas-based neurosurgeon, Christopher Duntsch, dubbed Dr. Death, killed and maimed several patients before he was criminally charged. It was the legal system, not the licensing regime, that stopped his malpractice.

~~~

Allensworth obviously highlights some of the most severe failures of the licensing system, but the evidence she provides is nevertheless damning. If licensing boards struggle to discipline these egregious cases, how can they be trusted to protect consumers from lesser problems?

The portrait of the professional licensing regime is a perfect picture of regulatory capture. The law is used to give existing professionals the power to lock out competition and protect their colleagues. The result is often unjust entry barriers to market participation and cronyism in discipline. As Allensworth shows, licensing boards are much more effective at prosecuting unlicensed hair stylists and handymen than excluding drug-dealing doctors. So the chief benefit to the publicincreased safetyseems to be more hypothetical than real.

Allensworths proposed reform of the current licensing regime would be a substantial improvement over our current reality. She calls for drastic reductions in the number of professions that require licenses. She wants the licenses that remain to be more closely and tightly regulated by government agencies rather than by professional organizations. While her proposal is thin on specifics, the framework is encouraging. Its clear from The Licensing Racket that our professional licensing regime needs improvement, and the sooner the better for both practitioners and the public.
If youre looking for a snapshot of Bill Burrs worldview, I recommend listening to the comedians wide-ranging interview he sat for on NPRs Fresh Air last week. Burr was promoting his latest stand-up special, Drop Dead Years, which premiered on Hulu Friday, and within 15 minutes on NPR, he had already worked himself up into one of his vintage rages. The target of his ire was Elon Musk or, as he put it, the select few group of nerds with dyed hair plugs and a laminated face who are authoring the end of the American experiment. Burr, with his roughneck Boston accent, asserts that the ascendant tech oligarchy has successfully obfuscated its takeover thanks to the enfeebled preciousness of the liberal mainstream. What exactly does he mean by that? Somehow, he lands on the overreaches of the #MeToo movement: You can get canceled as a comedian for doing a Caitlyn Jenner joke, but this asshole can Sieg Heil? he says, referring to Musks eyebrow-raising inauguration Nazi salute. Where are all of these white chicks at the award shows who were speaking truth to power? Why did they choose to go after comedians and not the Ku Klux Klan?

His conjecture doesnt make much sense; #MeToo was about sexual harassment in the workplace, not the confrontation of domestic terrorist organizations. This about sums up Burrs politics: anticonservative fascism, antiliberal PC culture, somewhat incoherent, and always fueled by anger. The acrimony Burr summons, misplaced as it might be, is his comfort zone as a performerand its why the comedian is currently experiencing something of a renaissance among left-leaning souls who are staring in disbelief at the massive losers who have overtaken the country.

Related From Slate I Spent a Day Looking Only at What Donald Trump Fans See Online. Sure Does Look Nice From Here. Read More

Longtime fans of Burr will know that the man has stoked an antipathy for woke culture for as long as its been in his vocabulary. Before that, he dedicated vast swaths of his material to the haranguing of fat people, trans people, and, most commonly, feminists. A decade ago, I listened to him unveil a lengthy (and not very funny) monologue that, most charitably, could be interpreted as an ontological defense of Chris Browns assault of Rihanna. Stuff like that used to condemn you to the reactionary circuit, and yet, at a moment when the Democratic mainstream is tilting away from the identity-driven bindings of the Obama era, Burr and his highly cancellable gestalt have never been hotter. Sure, maybe some of the details are a little messy, the edges a bit rough, but few comedians are tapping into the larger mood and big picture like Burr is right now. When a clip of Burr extolling the virtues of accused UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione went viral earlier this year, I was not surprised. Free Luigi! he declares to applause. Jimmy Kimmel laughs awkwardly: Oh, were back to Luigi. OK. Burrs response: I never left Luigi!

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Burrs current renaissance is not the result of a pivot on his part; if anything, its a sign of how much the popular culture has shifted around him, taking on a more populist sheen, sick of both politically correct niceties and billionaire worship. Burrs superpower as a comedian has always been his ability to concoct a frothy exasperation thatwhen aimed in the correct directioncan have an exfoliating effect on the mind. The impact is most cathartic when Burr deploys that ability on the listless bourgeois. In one of my favorite stand-up bits ever, back in 2012, he asked a very simple question of Steve Jobs: What the fuck did that guy do? (He told other people what to invent?) After his recent Mangione apologia picked up steam, a 2017 clip from a Burr appearance on Conan resurfaced; riffing on Nestles attempt to privatize American groundwater, Burr, in a Mangionean turn, asserted that the CEO of Nestle should be hunted down and shot. (This guy wants to own the rain!) Another clip, from 2014, that likely wont travel as far in liberal circles as the others have, sees Burr irritated at Michelle Obama. She had just debuted the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls to raise awareness of the kidnapping of 200 young women by the extremist group Boko Haram. Burr was beside himself: Im a stand-up comedian. What am I going to do to get those girls back? Why dont you look across the dinner table? You see that guy? Thats the leader of the free world! Tell him to pick up the phone and call some Navy SEALs and solve it!

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Its the same flavor of rage, meted out to different characters who all have one important thing in common: access to the levers of power, and thus the mantle for why the world is the way it is. Burr has long contended that he speaks for a sensible majority, and if anything, the Trump years have only provided more political grist for the fury mill. It also helps that the comedian is now the father of two young children, born in 2017 and 2020; that life event supplies the most prominent thread in Drop Dead Years. The comedian has a newfound investment in the Earth and those he occupies it with, a feeling that manifests most acutely in the segments when Burr sheds the hard corners of his persona and cops to the conditions of his ignorance. Men arent allowed to be sad. Were allowed to be mad or fine, thats it, he notes, riffing on the limited scope of emotions hes allowed himself to experience. Minutes later, he admits he suffers from depressionfamiliar territory in stand-up, but downright revelatory coming from someone who has structured an act on his own righteous defiance. Its one of the few moments onstage when Burr exposes himself to esoteric forces of the subconscious or, more flatly, the possibility that he doesnt know everything and he might not always be right.

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There are a lot of sad men. I know that now that I know how fucked-up I am, he says. Ladies, youre probably married to a sad guy right now. Thats what the garage is for.

Deeper in that NPR interview, Burr expanded on the roots of his discontent. He grew up in an abusive household that, he said, saddled him with lifelong anger-management issues. This was all apparently clarified by a recent experience he had with psilocybin mushrooms, which allowed Burr to plumb the depths of his soul. (I started tripping, and this feeling came over me. It was this profound sense of loneliness.  This [was] how I felt growing up, and it blew my mind.) The vulnerability, the softness, the willingness to introduce a woo-woo West Coast treatment to his hard-nosed East Coast demeanor: I was almost startled to find that Burr is actually beginning to sound more and more like a liberal in ways that go beyond his concerns for the future of democracy. Unlike other comics forged in his moldguys like Tony Hinchcliffe, who stick to exactly one note of confrontational, antagonistic MAGA-courting materialBurr demonstrates a willingness to grow, and that has, in turn, made him a better writer.

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That transformation will continue to clash against some of the thornier elements of his act. Toward the end of Drop Dead Years, he deploys a gnarly anti-gay slur to express the ways in which hed like to see this countrys neo-Nazis be emasculated. (I was worried I was getting too preachy, Burr demurs in the punch line.) That instinct, the desire to provoke, is intractable for most comedians, especially those who have grown exceedingly protective of the words theyre allowed to use, and especially for someone like Burr, who is so allergic to partisan lines. It almost comes off like a challenge to the millennial liberal orthodoxy that might be watching: If you want Bill Burr on your side, you must also be willing to stomach his more prickly tangentsno matter how they might make you feel.

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Whether you like it or not, a lot of people in America relate to Burrs disposition. Can you imagine an American voter who holds some, shall we say, problematic views on pronoun policing or the #MeToo movement, while also harboring a very material sympathy for Luigi Mangione? Someone who is anti-woke but believes that the housing crisis has gotten out of hand? Of course you canthey are legion. They crowd Facebook walls and Instagram feeds, they are invited to our living rooms for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and they are also the exact type of citizen that has been legislated out of the Democratic Party. Bill Burr is their avatar, and the question becomes whether the next phase of liberal culturefor better or worsewill be shaped in his image, one primal scream at a time.
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For several years, the federal judiciary has been racing to strike down laws that restrict young people ages 18 to 20 from buying or possessing firearms. A slew of appeals courts have invalidated such measures, concluding that they violate the Second Amendment rights of people under 21. It seemed inevitable that these decisions would build a consensus that the Supreme Court might embraceuntil Friday, when a court broke from the pack in a surprise decision. By an 84 vote, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit last week upheld Floridas law prohibiting 18- to 20-year-olds from buying guns. Better yet, the courts opinion was authored by Chief Judge William Pryor, a highly influential George W. Bush appointee. Pryors decision is doggedly originalist, a meticulous history lesson that proves the constitutionality of Floridas ban beyond all reasonable doubt. It might just be persuasive enough to convince his ideological allies on the Supreme Court to uphold this lifesaving limit on the right to bear arms.

At least 22 states limit the ability of young adults ages 18 to 20 to buy weapons. So does federal law, which generally bars those under 21 from buying a handgun. These measures have come under legal fire at the U.S. Courts of Appeals as the Supreme Court has steadily expanded the Second Amendment. Already this year, the 5th Circuit has struck down the federal age restriction as unconstitutional. And the 3rd Circuit refused to revisit a recent decision invalidating Pennsylvania laws that bar those under 21 from carrying guns in public during a state of emergency. Last year, the 8th Circuit tossed out a Minnesota law forbidding those under 21 from obtaining a public carry permit. And in 2022, the 9th Circuit struck down Californias ban on the sale of rifles to those who are 18 to 20. (That decision was later set aside for reasons unrelated to the merits, though the 9th Circuit has not yet repudiated it.)

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These decisions were frustrating for two primary reasons. First, they were deadly: We know that people under 21 are far more likely to commit violent crime, especially with guns. One study, for instance, found that people ages 18 to 20 commit gun homicides at triple the rate of adults 21 and up. FBI data shows that this group commits deadly shootings at a much higher rate than older Americans. A disproportionate number of our deadliest mass shootings were committed by 18- to 20-year-olds who bought their weapons legallyincluding the Parkland shooter, whose massacre prompted Florida to enact its age restriction. Simply put, the data confirms that restricting young people from possessing firearms is a crucial tool for protecting all Americans from gun violence.

Second, the decisions striking down those age-based laws purported to be originalist, yet they were, at their core, living constitutionalism at its most freewheeling and undisciplined. SCOTUS has instructed lower courts to uphold firearm regulations that comport with the nations history and tradition. And in 1791, when the Second Amendment was ratified, people under age 21 were considered legal minors with virtually no rights themselves, including the right to buy or possess weapons without their parents consent. It is true that in the 20th century, most states shifted the age of majority back to 18. But that development does not mean that, as an originalist matter, the government violates our history and tradition when it applies the 18th-century age of majority to gun possession.

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The courts that rejected this reality relied on the fact that in 1791, states often compelled 18- to 20-year-olds to join the militia, which required them to bear arms. Gun rights advocates raised this argument at the 11th Circuit, as welland they had good reason to think theyd prevail. After all, the court has a strong majority of Republican appointees. And after an unusually liberal three-judge panel upheld Floridas law in 2023, the full court swept away its decision, choosing to rehear the case en banc (with every judge participating). Typically, a rehearing en banc indicates that the full court disagrees with the panel decision. But that didnt happen here. Instead, the en banc court reached the same conclusion. And in the process, it provided vital new support and legitimacy for the legal basis behind these age restrictions nationwide.

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Chief Judge Pryors majority opinion is so cogent and compelling that it almost makes you believe that courts can fairly apply the hopelessly unworkable history and tradition test. He began by recounting the gruesome facts of the Parkland massacre, vividly reminding readers of the horrors that precipitated the statutes enactment. From there, he explained that at the nations birth, a person was an infant or a minor in the eyes of the law until age 21an ancient rule of English law that the founders carried over to America. The Founders generation shared the view, Pryor wrote, that minors lacked the reason and judgment necessary to be trusted with legal rights, quoting Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Because of this lack of reason, minors were subject to the power of their parents until they reached age 21.

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In the 18th century, this legal incapacity deprived minors of the capacity to contract, and to purchase goods on account. They also generally had no income of their own, because their parents lay claim to any wages they earned for work. As a result, minors could not buy firearms themselves; they lacked both the legal right and the actual money to do so. When the Second Amendment was ratified in 1791, then, Americans ages 18 to 20 had no right to buy or possess a gun. So Floridas law, and others like it, are consistent with our historical tradition of firearm regulation.

But what about mandatory militia service for those under 21? Unlike other federal courts, Pryor took the time to canvass the historical record. And he found that states addressed the problem of providing minors the firearms necessary for militia service in different ways. Some exempted minors from the firearm requirement entirely. Others required parents of minors to acquire firearms for their militia service. Another group implicitly required parents to supply minors with firearms by subjecting them to fines if their children did not obtain weapons. As universal militia service faded in the 19th century, many states enacted outright bans on the sale or transfer of firearms to people under 21.

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These laws held firm until deep into the 20th century, when most states embraced 18 as the new age of majority. But as Pryor explained, the federal right to keep and bear arms does not turn on a sliding scale defined by contemporary state law that varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A state does not lose its constitutional authority to regulate minors access to firearms just because it gives 18-year-olds greater rights than they would have enjoyed at the Founding. To hold otherwise would mean importing into the Second Amendment an evolving standard of adulthood that is divorced from the text of the Amendment and from our regulatory tradition.

It is hard to overstate the significance of these words coming from the pen of a deeply conservative, dyed-in-the-wool Federalist Society stalwart like Pryor. He is arguably the most influential appeals court judge active today: Supreme Court justices regularly cite him by name, invoking his authority to bolster their own argumentsa rare honor reserved for marquee lower-court jurists. By embracing the constitutionality of Floridas law, he has instantly increased the odds that SCOTUS will say such age restrictions comply with the Second Amendment. Chief Justice John Roberts, along with Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, will take his opinion very seriously when they decide this issue. And they likely will soon, because there is a growing circuit split that the Supreme Court will feel obligated to resolve. (The 10th Circuit has also upheld an age ban.)

Thanks to Pryor, the justices now have exhaustive historical evidence that the Framers would have no objection to age limits on gun purchase or possession. It should not be a close call. Compared to the 11th Circuits decision, other courts opinions on this subject are half-baked and muddled, reliant upon dubious generalizations that gloss over key historical materials. History, in its messy complexity, does not always provide a single correct answer. But here, it does. And the odds just shot up that the Supreme Court will reach it.
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Donald Trumps drive to install himself as elected dictator can succeed only if he destroys the rule of law in the United States. Trump has already eliminated Congress as an independent lawmaking body by reducing the Republican Partywhich holds majorities in both housesto a band of quaking sycophants. In the executive branch, by declaring himself the sole authoritative interpreter of law and systematically firing anyone who dissents or indeed might do so, he has made the Fuhrerprinzip the rule of legal decision.

At present, all eyes are on the federal judiciary as it considers challenges by state and local governments and private actors to the Trump administrations many illegal initiatives. The conventional thinking is that judges are the last line of defense and that if the courts acquiesce in Trumps grab for dictatorial power or if Trump simply defies judicial orders, as he may have begun to do over the weekend, Trumps triumph will be complete.

The federal judiciary is certainly key, but it is a mistake to view judges in isolation. The true obstacle between Trump and dictatorship is not the judges alone but the entire legal system and the legal professionjudges and lawyers.

The law and lawyers handed Trump his biggest setbacks in his first term. Lawyers persuaded judges to block some of Trumps worst executive actions. Lawyers also persuaded judges to reject Trumps phony claims that the 2020 election was rigged. Less appreciated but equally important were the principled lawyers inside the federal government who provided honest legal guidance and repeatedly refused to carry out illegal orders.

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This time around, Trump is taking aim at the entire legal profession. He and his lackeys denigrate judges and may have begun to openly defy the courts. He is firing or attempting to cow honest lawyers within the executive branch. Simultaneously, he is trying to intimidate lawyers in private practicebeginning with prominent firms like Perkins Coie, Covington & Burling, and Paul Weisswho have opposed him before or might now take cases against him.

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The legal profession as a whole must fight back. It has tools to do so, if it will use them. Consider how the profession can deal with government lawyers who have enlisted in Trumps assault on the rule of law.

There are three key points:

First, Trump needs a large cadre of government lawyers to align with him. He needs them now to defend particular maneuvers in his attack on constitutional order. And if he succeeds in transforming America into a de facto dictatorship, he will need lawyers to staff the remaining Potemkin legal system. All modern dictatorships have maintained the forms of law as legitimizing cover for totalitarian criminalityHitlers Germany, the Soviet Union, the Peoples Republic of China.

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Second, law is an oath-bound, self-regulating profession. You cannot practice any kind of law anywhere in the United Stateswhether giving contract advice to a local hair salon or representing the U.S. in federal courtunless you are admitted to the bar of at least one state and take an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Admission to state bars is controlled by the profession through varying cooperative arrangements between state courts and state bar associations. Likewise, each state has procedures for disciplining admitted members who have violated the law or professional ethical standards.

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Third, federal judges control who can practice in their courts, both by establishing general qualifications for admission and by enforcing disciplinary processes for lawyers who violate the law or professional ethics.

There will always be some lawyers willing to do an autocrats bidding, principally fools, cowards, unprincipled careerists, and some sincere, committed fascists. There will also be some who dont quite fit those categories but who will convince themselves that their professional obligation to represent clients zealously extends to bending or obscuring facts or advancing legal theories they privately think outlandish and dangerous.

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Indeed, the adversary character of our legal system, with its attendant commitment of lawyers to zealous representation, complicates the suggestion that the legal profession take affirmative steps against government lawyers acting on behalf of even an aggressively authoritarian regime. However, there are, in my view, limits beyond which a government lawyer ought not go, and also limits beyond which a government lawyer absolutely may not go.

As to the first, government lawyers ought not advance positions that, even if arguably defensible upon strained readings of the Constitution and laws, plainly tend to undermine the basic structure and protections of American constitutionalism. Although government lawyers who espouse such theories should not be, on those grounds, subject to professional discipline, they canand, I think, shouldgenerally be shunned by the profession. Lawyers who take this road should know that once the Trump era ends, their professional paths will be rocky and they will not be welcomed back into the fraternity of those who believe in the rule of law.

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More concrete measures are available where government lawyers violate the law or ethical rules. But persuading judges and the bar to use them requires people trained to hesitant moderation to recognize the dire, unprecedented challenges the country faces.

Consider as an example the behavior of acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove in seeking dismissal of the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The Biden Justice Department indicted Adams for public corruption, Adams cozied up to Trump, including shifting his public position on immigration enforcement, and once Trump was in office, Bove ordered the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office to dismiss all charges against Adams without prejudice. Boves letter justified the dismissal on the grounds that Adams indictment and impending trial would affect the mayors ability to support federal efforts to stem unlawful mass migration and resettlement.

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Critically, the proposed dismissal without prejudice would give the Trump administration continuing leverage over Adams on immigration enforcement and, indeed, on any other question. Should Adams fail to please the president, new charges could be refiled.

On Feb. 13, the acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan, Danielle Sassoon, resigned rather than dismiss the case. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Sassoon characterized Boves proposed resolution of the case as an improper bargain. Six other Southern District of New York federal prosecutors resigned rather than acquiesce to taking part in Boves deal.

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Bove then transferred the case to DOJs Public Integrity Section, in Washington. The acting head of that section and three other senior section attorneys refused to drop the Adams charges and resigned. The following day, on a video call with remaining section prosecutors, Bove demanded that someone sign the dismissal request within an hour. One senior lawyer did, believing that doing so would save the jobs of the others. As it proved, this sacrifice was in vain. On Tuesday, the Public Integrity Sectionthe hub of federal anti-corruption prosecutionswas disbanded as a litigating unit.

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In sum, 11 federal prosecutors resigned rather than sign on to Boves bargain, and an entire section of the Justice Department was demolished in the wake of its reluctance to do so.

Boves bargain is a violation of prosecutorial ethics. The American Bar Associations Standards of the Prosecution Function (Standard 3-4.4) prohibit the exercise of prosecutorial discretion based on partisan or other improper political  considerations. And as Sassoons letter pointed out, the DOJs own Principles of Federal Prosecution (Section 9-27.260) prohibit initiating or declining charges based on a defendants political association, activities, or beliefs. Moreover, there is an arguable case that the Adams dismissal agreement is a form of criminal bribery under 18 USC Section 201(b)(2).

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Judge Dale E. Ho is now considering whether to grant Boves motion to dismiss Adams case without prejudice under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 48. Ho appointed outside counsel, Paul Clement, to brief the question.

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Clements brief notes that although the court can deny a motion to dismiss, it cannot force the DOJ to prosecute a case. Therefore, he recommends that the judge dismiss the case, but with prejudice, thus eliminating the feature granting Trump future leverage over the mayor.

This is a perfectly adequate lawyerly recommendation on the narrow question of how to resolve the motion to dismiss. But Clement goes further, recommending against holding any evidentiary hearing to establish the truth of conflicting factual claims between Bove and the prosecutors who resigned because, says Clement, the essential nature of the conflicting positions is already plain. Here Clement totally misses the boat by either misunderstanding or choosing to ignore the stakes in this case.

The disputed factual issue is not some trifling misunderstanding between prosecutors and defense counsel over minor terms of a plea agreement, nor is it about a legitimate policy disagreement within layers of the Justice Department hierarchy. Rather, multiple senior federal prosecutors in New York and Washington have expressly, in carefully worded written declarations, or implicitly, through the drastic step of resignation, accused the second-ranking DOJ official of politically tainted, professionally unethical, possibly criminal conduct.

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Critically, Ho cannot rely on the established tradition of DOJ independence of the president or the derivative presumption that the departments lawyers are fundamentally honest and that any serious allegation of professional impropriety will be promptly addressed by internal ethics mechanisms or, in a case involving potential criminality, by appointment of a special counsel. The reality is that Boves behavior in the Adams case manifests an evident top-down policy of transforming the DOJ into an instrument of reward and punishment for presidential allies and foes.

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Ho and his judicial colleagues confronting analogous cases need to stop thinking like single judges dealing with a single awkward case. Rather, they need to recognize that they are representatives of the justice system and the legal profession confronted with an unapologetic attack on the rule of law. When government lawyers misbehave, federal judges must be more assertive in the exercise of their powers as members of the judicial branch and as integral players in disciplinary mechanisms of the legal profession.

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If confronted by apparent government attorney misconduct or apparent defiance of court orders, judges should first do the very thing Clement rejectsinsist on determining the facts. Do not accept vague unsworn platitudes. Put the relevant witnesses, including lawyers, on the stand under oath. Let counsel adverse to the government ask questions. If the case is one like the Adams matter, where the government may be improperly colluding with the other side, judges should ask questions themselves. They should make factual findings. This alone would serve the immensely valuable purpose of advising the public of the judicial view of government misbehavior.

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Second, when appropriate, judges should use their civil contempt powers promptly and sternly. As I have written elsewhere, there is, distressingly, some doubt that the Marshals Service would enforce contempt remedies against executive branch officials. But the test must be conducted. At the worst, direct executive branch defiance of judicial contempt orders will clarify for the public the true nature of the Trump regime.

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Finally, if a reasonable basis exists to believe that government lawyers have misrepresented facts to the court or otherwise behaved unethically, judges should promptly refer offenders to disciplinary authorities of the court or the relevant state bar. As the Supreme Court held in Imbler v. Pachtman, the government lawyer stands perhaps unique, among officials whose acts could deprive persons of constitutional rights, in his amenability to professional discipline by an association of his peers. The organized bar should address judicial referrals of misbehaving government lawyers without hesitation and, when merited, with stringent punishment. Even amoral or timorous lawyers will hesitate to misbehave if it becomes clear that doing so endangers their livelihood.

The rule of law in America is in peril. The formal institutions created by the Constitution to ensure the survival of the rule of law are wavering. But the idea that law, not one man, should rule is older than the Constitution. That idea is, or should be, the bedrock commitment of the legal profession. Indeed, we lawyers tout it all the time, at least when our professed devotion has no cost. The question now is whether the legal profession will use its power over its own members to ensure that law survives.
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The first constitutional crisis of Donald Trumps second term is hurtling forward as the Justice Department continues to conceal information about the administrations alleged defiance of a judicial order halting its illegal deportation policies. Over the weekend, the government flouted Judge James Boasbergs directive to turn around airplanes carrying Venezuelan migrants en route to El Salvador. Boasberg then called a hearing on Monday to probe the disobedienceat which the DOJ stonewalled him, refusing to reveal key details about the governments insubordination. Soon thereafter, Trump called for Boasbergs impeachment, prompting Chief Justice John Roberts to issue a rare statement. For more than two centuries, he wrote, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.

On a Slate Plus bonus episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed the latest developments in this rapidly unfoldingand seemingly intentionalclash between the executive branch and the judiciary. Their conversation below has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Dahlia Lithwick: We have this problem where what the Justice Department says in court at least attempts to conform itself to the idea that the Trump administration is abiding by the rules of the road. And then, outside court, we have joyful declarations from members of the administration celebrating this defiance and essentially telling Boasberg: Screw off, youre not the boss of me. Clearly, there is a protracted argument being advanced in public by the administration that effectively holds that Trump was elected with a mandate to do whatever he wants and that nothing can curb him.

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Mark Joseph Stern: Its important to remember all this when we see the DOJs lawyers, who are trying to parse Boasbergs orders and statements to find loopholes within loopholes, then argue that they werent technically defying him. Because their colleagues in the administration are going on TV to boast about how they defied him! Its a weird split screen: The DOJ is advancing these legal arguments in court that are too clever by half to say it didnt stick a middle finger in Boasbergs face. But in public, the administration raises its middle finger high and says: We won the election. We get to do whatever we want, and the courts have no authority to stop us.

Theres a big You and what army? valence to this thats incredibly chilling. And the other valence seems to be some theory of the unitary executive beyond what any legitimate theorist has put forward, that Trump is the embodiment of law and government in a monarchical way: He isnt just above the law but the sole determinant of what the law is.

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Yes, and Ill note that these arguments are starting to converge on the split screen. The DOJ has now asked for the case to be reassigned to a different judge, in a way thats really insulting and dismissive toward Boasberg. And at the same time, you have Trump calling for Boasbergs impeachment on social media. The Justice Departments filings sound more and more Trumpian. And Attorney General Pam Bondi is putting her name on these filings, as if to show that this is all being directed from the top. Its not just a cadre of lower-level lawyers; its coming from Trump and his Cabinet.

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One of the head-scratcher arguments the DOJ has raised is that a verbal order, delivered from the bench, is not really an order. So when Boasberg ordered the government to turn around the planes on Saturday, it could ignore him.

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Its hard to know what to say about this except that its obviously untrue. Every lawyer knows that judges issue binding orders from the bench all the time. There is no rule that a temporary restraining order issued from the bench isnt real until it is transmogrified into a true order in writing. But even if we took that claim to be truewhich it isntBoasbergs written order began with As discussed at todays hearing and folded in his verbal order! So nothing that the DOJ says about this makes a lick of sense.

At Mondays hearing, Boasberg said to the Justice Department lawyer: Youre saying that you felt that you could disregard his instruction to turn the planes around because it wasnt in the written order. Thats your first argument? And the lawyer responded: Im stating what the position of the United States is. Literally, his argument was: Pam Bondi is my boss, and this is what Im told.

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And I think that sends a message. A different Justice Department, facing a hearing over its alleged defiance of a court order, would send in a pretty high-ranking official to say: Please, I assure you, I speak on behalf of the administration, we would never defy your order, we take all of this very seriouslytheres been an innocent mistake. But thats not what this DOJ did. Instead, it sent in a lower-level guy to say, on behalf of Bondi, Yeah, we dont think what you said from the bench actually counts. Its disdainful of Boasbergs authorityboth to send some low-ranking lawyer in to say it, and to make it abundantly clear that the message comes from the very top.

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It speaks to this grand, terrifying convergence where the DOJ sounds Trumpier every day, and Trump sounds more and more as if hes using the department to transform his lawbreaking into legal arguments. Theres this kind of creepy pincer happening now, and the vibe is less and less Im in a court of law trying to abide by the norms and conventions and more You ruled against me, so now you have to be impeached.

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We know that Chief Justice John Roberts doesnt like it when Trump threatens to impeach judges, and sure as night follows day, the chief issued a statement that implicitly criticized Trumps impeachment threat. Does this in any way signal to you what the court could be thinking about, should this case ever arrive before it? Im not sure that I read all that much into the merits here.

Look, Roberts is doing the bare minimum of what we should ask of the chief justice during a full-blown constitutional crisis. And yet, even though this is fairly weak tea, its still better than nothing. It is very unusual for Roberts to issue a statement; he almost never does. But he wanted to make it clear that he does not approve of calls to impeach this judge. I do think this will end up factoring into his ultimate vote if the case comes up to the Supreme Court, which it probably will. Its pretty obvious that Roberts is not always voting on just the merits or the equities. He sends a message sometimes when he defects from the conservative bloc.

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I think theres a chance the chief recognizes that if SCOTUS does not back Boasberg and instead gives a victory to Trump, then it will be vindicating Trump, along with everything hes said about the case and the judge himself. If the Supreme Court does not hold fast here and say, at a minimum, that the president still cant defy a court order, then it will be throwing Boasberg under the bus. John Roberts knows that. I certainly hope that Justice Amy Coney Barrett knows that. So I fear we just have to hope that the administrations tactics here will backfire in the place that matters most, which is SCOTUS. But again, as we say so frequently, whenever were relying on John and Amy to do the right thing, we are in a dark place.

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One big question thats been plaguing me is: Why did the administration pick this case to tee up a constitutional crisis? Why did it choose mass deportations with no due process, habeas corpus, or judicial review? It is making an incredibly broad, imperial claim of power. And Im just curious why you think that this is the constitutional hill Trump wants to do it on.

I think the legalistic answer is that they believe theyll find some success on the merits. This Supreme Court is very protective of Article 2 and has already expanded presidential power specifically for Donald Trump. I think more than a few conservative justices will raise their eyebrows at the idea of a judge interfering with a presidents deportation power. I dont think the court will go all the way with what hes arguing, but the DOJ seems to feel its in fairly friendly territory.

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The realpolitik answer is the optics. The administration is calling these immigrants terrorists. And you know what polls really well? Deporting terrorists. It doesnt matter to Trumps people that these immigrants are not, in fact, terroriststhat many of them were innocent, law-abiding residents who have been racially profiled. Trump is slandering them as criminals and terrorists after winning an election in part on the promise of deporting criminals and terrorists. He believes that it makes him look strong, and even stronger when he does it in the face of a court order. Hes crafting an easy story of heroes and villains: Hes the hero trying to protect Americans from evil terrorists, and this judge is the villain standing in the way of his efforts to safeguard the homeland. Thats a narrative that the members of this administration are super comfortable with. And no matter the ultimate outcome in court, they will feel as if theyve won in the court of public opinion, even if their entire argument is based on lies, exaggeration, and slander.
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On Monday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced what is believed to be the first arrest and prosecution under an abortion ban since the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Paxtons office announced the arrest of Maria Margarita Rojas, a Houston midwife who allegedly operated a network of clinics, for violating the states abortion law and practicing medicine without a license. This is almost certainly not the first prosecution that Paxton could have brought; its hard to believe that the attorney generals office hasnt uncovered a single illegal procedure in the nearly three years since the Supreme Court destroyed the right to choose abortion. Instead, Paxton likely picked Rojas for a reason: not just to send the message that every life is sacred, as Paxton told the press, but also to signal that midwives who provide abortions are unsafe, unqualified, and dishonest. Paxtons strategy fits into a pattern of pre-Roe prosecutions, all while concealing the ways in which the criminal law related to abortion has become far harsher than it was before 1973.

Few details about Rojas case are publicly available, but Paxton arrested her and a staff member, alleging that they worked in four clinics across Texas Waller County. According to Paxton, Rojas and her colleague provided illegal abortions and falsely held themselves out as licensed medical professionals. (Rojas herself has been a licensed midwife since 2018, but Paxton appears to allege that she identified as a physician.)

The fact that Rojas is not a physician is central to Paxtons strategy: He claims that the prosecution will protect women from unlicensed and presumably unsafe providers. His office seems to be hearkening back to horror stories like that of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who was convicted of murder in 2013, and was accused of killing viable infants who were born alive, illegally dispensing opioids, and killing several patients. To date, Paxton hasnt laid out evidence that Rojas harmed her patients beyond employing unlicensed staff.

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The more we understand the history of criminal abortion laws, the less surprising Paxtons move is. The physicians who crusaded in the 19th century to criminalize abortion throughout pregnancy claimed to protect unborn life, safeguard marriage, and ensure that white Protestant women, rather than Catholic immigrants, populated the nation. The laws these doctors championed sometimes seemed to authorize the punishment of women as well as doctors. But in and beyond the 19th century, prosecutors mostly charged providers, not patients, believing the testimony of the latter to be necessary to get enough evidence for a conviction.

And not all providers faced equal consequences. As historian Alicia Gutierrez-Romine has shown in her study of abortion in California, licensed physicians, who were more likely to be male and white, were less likely to face prosecutionor to face prison time if they were criminally charged. The same wasnt true of midwives or physicians of color. Prioritizing the prosecution of a midwife like Rojas doesnt seem like anything new.

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The law in many states reinforced prosecutors tendency to single out some providers. State statutes included an exception for the life of the patient, which could apply either when patients intended to terminate a pregnancy or when someone required care after a miscarriage or stillbirth. Often, states exempted physicians from prosecution if they acted in good faith to protect the life or health of their patients. That wasnt true for midwives like Rojas. Criminal laws, after all, had been designed by physicians and preserved their prerogatives. It was also easier to target midwives, who had less financial pull or political power. And in any case, prosecutors were more likely to act when a provider hurt women or seemed likely to. For decades, as historian Leslie Reagan has shown, prosecutors primarily went forward in abortion cases when a provider inadvertently killed a patient.

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Paxton seems to be reading from a similar playbook, suggesting that his office is protecting women, and stressing that neither Rojas nor her employees were licensed physicians. Of course, as far as we know, he isnt arguing that Rojas killed any patients, or endangered anyone, beyond allegedly holding herself or her employees out as possessing credentials they lacked.

If Paxtons move in some way reflects past practice, Texas law and others like it are generally more punitive than what came before. Texas laws, for example, prescribe penalties far harsher than anything typical before 1973, including penalties of $100,000 per abortion and sentences up to life.

Besides, the deference to licensed physicians that defined the old regime is gone. Texas law requires doctors who intervene to protect a patient to show that their actions were objectively reasonable; good faith isnt enough. That increases the risk for any provider addressing an emergency: The experts the state will tap to determine whether a procedure is reasonable could well come from organizations like the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which maintains that abortion is never medically necessary, and which has sent a member to the states Maternal Mortality Board.

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And the states law carves out a narrow category of instances where a medical emergency is severe enough to justify intervention rather than leaving the decision to doctors. Abortion foes over the years worried that medical exceptions opened a loophole for patients who wanted an abortion for other reasons, such as economic duress or domestic violence. And so they designed the laws to apply only in extreme emergencies, some of which the state has delineated in separate legislation (a new bill like this is under consideration this session).

Its not just that the state in theory is now less deferential to licensed doctors than it was under pre-Roe bans. Its also that Paxton hasnt been shy about going after doctors themselves. Thats why he threatened to prosecute Kate Coxs physician when Cox learned that the fetus she carried had trisomy 18, a fetal condition that usually proves fatal (she ended up leaving the state for an abortion). And its why hes already secured a $100,000 judgment against a physician from New York, Margaret Carpenter, for mailing pills into Texas. Carpenter, who never set foot in the state, had no intention of paying, and the New York courts are likely to back her up, teeing up a federal fight that could go all the way to the Supreme Court. Regardless of what happens in Carpenters case, the same basic point remains: Paxton sees all abortion providers as unqualified and dangerous, regardless of their qualifications.

The prosecution of Rojas is supposed to tell a story about who abortion providers are and what they do. Its one that relies on assumptions about midwives that go back to the decades before 1973. But its also one that hides how much the law of abortion has changed since Roes demiseand in ways that have impacted licensed physicians more than anyone. Its for that reason we can be confident that whatever the facts of Rojas prosecution turn out to be, it certainly wont be the last.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250318/new-footage-of-alleged-chinese-6th-gen-fighter-emerges-appears-to-show-smooth-progress-expert-1121650614.html

New Footage of Alleged Chinese 6th-gen Fighter Emerges, Appears to Show Smooth Progress: Expert

New Footage of Alleged Chinese 6th-gen Fighter Emerges, Appears to Show Smooth Progress: Expert

Sputnik International

An alleged Chinese sixth-generation fighter jet that first appeared in December last year apparently has conducted another flight test recently, according to videos and images on social media on Monday. A Chinese military affairs expert said the footage, if authentic, showed that the flight tests of the new aircraft are progressing smoothly.

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One of the videos on Sina Weibo was reposted by Naval & Merchant Ships, a popular Chinese magazine on military affairs that also ran a cover story about Chinas sixth-generation fighter jets for its March edition.The aircraft, nicknamed by netizens as the "ginkgo leaf" due to its appearance, was taken on camera this time with its landing gears retracted, with no other aircraft accompanying it. When the aircraft first emerged in December last year, it was videoed with its landing gears lowered and accompanied by a J-20S dual seat fighter jet.The authenticity of the videos and images remains unverified. The date and location of the alleged new flight test were also not given.Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday that if the footage turns out to be authentic, it would mean that the new aircraft is making smooth progress with test flights in short intervals.Retracted landing gears could mean that the flight tested systems related to the landing gears, while also testing the aircrafts aerodynamic capabilities as the landing gears are retracted, Song said. Wang Yanan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Monday that the short interval between test flights and the retraction of landing gears could show the developers confidence in the aircrafts flight stability.The aircraft is likely still in a very early phase in testing its flight performances, Wang said, expecting further tests on other functionalities to gradually take place in a considerably lengthy period.Wangs magazine also featured sixth-generation fighter jets as a cover story in March.China has not officially announced the development of next-generation fighter jets, but there have been some hints. As early as 2022, during that years Airshow China held in Zhuhai, South Chinas Guangdong Province, the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China displayed a concept model of a next-generation fighter jet, which had a tailless design similar to the ginkgo leaf aircraft.On January 1, a music video released by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command featured a scene showing a ginkgo leaf and a bird. This triggered netizens' associations to the alleged debuts of China's sixth-generation fighter jets that had been circulating on social media at the time.The bird resembled another new aircraft which also became known to the public on social media in December 2024 in addition to the ginkgo leaf aircraft, according to US media outlet the Warzone at the time.Wang said he believes that what people now call the sixth-generation fighter jets might be demonstrators developed to make explorations for Chinas next-generation fighter jet. He noted that China appears to be testing and learning from multiple demonstrators.This article was originally published by the Global Times.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250318/we-support-free-trade-as-we-oppose-tariffs-us-farmers-1121650443.html

We Support Free Trade as We Oppose Tariffs: US Farmers

We Support Free Trade as We Oppose Tariffs: US Farmers

Sputnik International

It's the US farmers who could ultimately feel even more pain as a result of Trump administration's tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, US media and economists warned. In her Insight Talk show, Global Times (GT) reporter Wang Wenwen talked to two US farmers about the impact the tariffs will have on them and their concerns.

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Ryan Marquard (Marquard), vice president of the Iowa Farmers' Union, has raised and directly marketed beef, chicken, turkeys and eggs for almost two decades. Caleb Ragland (Ragland), president of the American Soybean Association, farms 4,000 acres of soybeans, corn and winter wheat.GT: In light of the tariff war, what is the general mood among farmers now?Marquard: It's not good at all. We've been down this road before. Last time though, the agri economy was in a much stronger place. It's hard to say that we're not in an agricultural recession in America, and we have all the uncertainty of a tariff regime and significant disruption in terms of the US Agency for International Development funding. All of that just creates a great deal of uncertainty. My biggest concern personally is just the stress on beginning farmers and whether or not we have the potential, if this goes on for a prolonged period of time, to lose an entire generation of farmers here.Ragland: I think there is a mood of grave concern. Commodity prices in general are lower, and cost of production is high, and profits are low or nonexistent. Before all this happened, there's already a lot of concern. You add in trade war and potential loss of the market share - very concerning and the general attitude: People are not in a good mood, not happy.GT: How will the tariffs affect your business and family? Marquard: We are in the process of taking over or moving into a management role on the conventional side of our family farm. We have about 600 acres of conventional crop production, primarily corn and soybeans in rotation. We're gonna see a lot of impact from the tariffs there. Specifically, the Canadian tariff will probably be one of the more painful ones. Past management in the family has done probably a pretty poor job of investing in soil amenities to sustain high crop yield levels. We're probably going to have to invest in those things to get us back to where we should be. One of the main things we're looking at is potash, as 80 percent of all potash used in America comes from Canada. And so that's gonna sting on that side.Ragland: We have to be able to be profitable to stay in business. That's not just me; that's all farmers across this country. My farm is 100 percent of the income for my family. My wife works on the farm. We have three sons who are still in school, but they actively help us as well. We have three employees that work full time and their families are dependent on our farm as well. So there're four families plus other folks that help us part time and so forth. So we have a big economic impact and a lot of people are dependent on the standard business. I feel the responsibility to do everything I can to keep our business going.GT: How do you plan to deal with the looming impact?Marquard: There's so much uncertainty right now. I just don't see farmers making a lot of long-term investments. I think they will primarily focus on the near term and try to survive. There likely won't be a significant amount of long-term investments in farming, infrastructure, equipment and similar areas. We'll take a back seat to just a survival mode.Ragland: We're gonna do everything we can to make smart decisions with our marketing to not spend excess money and to tighten our belt, hope for the best, but try to be prepared for the worst. It's very concerning and not an exciting potential outcome.GT: Trade wars a few years ago slashed billions of dollars in US agricultural exports. Do you expect an even bigger hit this time? Marquard: I think it's very probable. The thing here is last time we were in a better place to begin with, and now we're in a worse place to begin with. There's no incentive to try to take a bet on American agriculture when you could go elsewhere right now. That's a terrifying place to be.GT: Marquard, in your opinion, how will the US-initiated tariff war jeopardize the business relationship between Iowa and China, and even the US and China?Marquard: The reality is that these trade relationships have taken a long time to cultivate. They are built on relationships, they are built on consistency and predictability. When you have these tariffs, the tit-for-tat tariff wars that we get into here degrade that relationship just at a very base level. It makes it hard for me to plan to sell something into a marketplace when my targets are shifting and your targets are shifting, and it's just really hard to communicate that when you are increasingly powerless to control your own fate. That's really the problem with tariffs. It's especially when they're used in a way where one day it's this, and next day it's that. And then there's an exemption here. You can't plan around that. It's next to impossible. That just makes it harder to have a good trading relationship with China. That's really the shame here because what I think a lot of people have strived for is stability through trade and mutual prosperity. And this just smacks that in the face.GT: Ragland, as president of the American Soybean Association, what worries you most about China-US relations?Ragland: I know China has invested in infrastructure in Brazil in particular, and is looking to them for more of their soybean needs. It's disappointing as a US farmer to lose a market competitor. We are not willing to be dependent on the government to have programs and different things to make us competitive with our prices, but we need the government to not build walls by putting tariffs in place that make us less competitive in the free market.The relationship between our two countries is important for both. That's the way free trade works. It's a deal that is good for both parties. That's the way it's intended to be. I think one of the best things we could do between the US and China is to get back and make a big trade deal that where both countries are selling each other lots of products, and we have reciprocal trade instead of reciprocal tariffs, which helps both countries make money instead of just fighting.GT: Why does the US government launch trade wars even at the cost of its own farmers?Marquard: That's a good question. Clearly, it is a negotiation tactic. But the reality is farmers are so often just pawns on that field that we get sacrificed in the name of this larger global chess match. It's pretty not a very good place to be. You'd much rather be a piece in the back row than being a pawn up front. GT: Amid all these concerns and unease about tariff wars, will state or federal farmers' unions unite to oppose the tariffs, and if they do, will it make a difference?Marquard: As pain spreads, there may be more unity amongst the farming coalitions and the farming voices opposed to these tariffs. I hate to say it, but usually things have to get worse before they get better.Ragland: Agriculture is a strong lobby when we combine our forces. There're many examples currently and in the past of things we've done when we work together that have raised a lot of attention and have led to change. We worked on a project recently where there were over 300 agriculture organizations involved with a letter talking about some things we needed. We work hard to find those areas of common interest and work together and try to implement change. We support free trade as we oppose tariffs, and we are working hard with our government officials to deliver that message. They know where we stand. We are trying to tell our stories as individual farmers.This article was orignally published by the Global Times.

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Legislation filed in the Florida House of Representatives early this year seeking to decouple Thoroughbred racing as a requirement of gaming licensure in the Sunshine State has progressed with amendments.

After the original legislation was approved without objection in the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee last month, the House Commerce Committee passed the legislation on Monday, March 17 with amendments. The bill will be put to the full House of Representatives for a vote and would require Senate approval to become law.

Sponsored by Rep. Adam Anderson, House Bill 105 seeks to change licensing legislation by removing a requirement that a Thoroughbred permitholder must conduct live racing to retain a pari-mutuel wagering operating license and other gambling licenses for slot machines and cardrooms, and would be exempt from Thoroughbred racing purses and awards agreement requirements. If passed, the bill will take effect July 1, 2025.

Amendments to House Bill 105 touted by Anderson that would benefit horse racing include allowing the transfer of Thoroughbred racing permits and the requirement that racetracks provide three-year notice no sooner than July 1, 2027 if they decide to cease racing. The amendments also add the responsibility of distributing purses and breeders awards to the state's gaming commission.

The legislation was supported in the Commerce Committee with backing from a Republican majority despite being met with strong public opposition, according to multiple reports from Thoroughbred racing media.

"Let me be clear: The latest changes to HB 105 are not a compromise  they are designed to scuttle Florida's vital Thoroughbred industry," said Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association. "No matter how our opponents try to spin it, this bill decouples live racing from voter-approved gaming requirements. This means fewer races, fewer jobs and fewer opportunities for the hardworking Floridians devoted to this industry, including the passionate horsemen and women from the farms and barns who testified today [Monday].

If this bill passes, it will ripple across the entire state economy, gutting a major industry and sending Florida jobs and horses to other states and our dollars to Toronto," continued Powell in reference to Canadian-based The Stronach Group, whose 1/ST Racing operates Gulfstream Park. "This industry has helped power Florida's economy for generations, and we must not allow bad special-interest policy to dismantle it.

Passage of similar decoupling legislation in 2021 ultimately led to the demise of Standardbred and Quarter Horse racing in Florida.

(With files from BloodHorse & Thoroughbred Daily News)
Juliet Marcil has always wanted to be a teacher, but the adults in her life were less than supportive.

After a high school guidance counselor asked her why she would aim for such a low-paying job that required so much school, she tried a few other paths like business and medicine before giving up on college entirely.

"When someone in the school field is telling me that, I was like, 'Oh, they must be right,'" Marcil said.

Now, 20 years later, she's giving her dream another shot and working toward a bachelor's degree in education at Lower Columbia College with hopes of becoming a teacher or even opening her own school in the future.

Thanks to scholarships, like the Student Success Fund, supported by the LCC Foundation and The Daily News' Students in Need fundraising drive, the mother of two aims to ensure other students never give up on their dreams.

Educational struggles

Marcil was set to graduate from Mark Morris High School in 2003, but moving back and forth between Washington and California caused issues with the credits she needed.

She asked her mother to homeschool her for a semester and over the summer so she could catch up, but found out during her senior year that those courses didn't count correctly either, meaning she would need an extra year of school. Rather than take the extra classes, she dropped out.

"I guess at that time, I felt like if I couldn't walk with my (graduating) class, what was the point?" she said.

She went on to earn a high school diploma from LCC, where her father worked, in 2005. Over the years, she tried taking a few college courses there as well, but was never able to find something she could commit to.

"With my life at that time, I didn't know what I was doing," said the now 40-year-old. "Anytime something that seemed better to do than go to class came around, I would do it. I just didn't really take it too seriously."

During this time, Marcil met her husband, and they had two daughters together. When her oldest started preschool at Smart Start Early Learning Center in Longview, Marcil got the opportunity to volunteer in her classroom, and it reminded her of her passion for education.

"That kind of sparked the whole 'oh, this is what I wanted to do forever and I still love it' idea," she said.

Financial aid

Like many students, Marcil relied on financial aid to attend college. She received a Pell Grant and the Washington College Grant, as well as a scholarship from the LCC Foundation.

"It was the factor," she said. "If I wasn't going to get financial aid, I would never have started school."

She did not have to take out any student loans during the three years she worked on her associate's degree, and is now taking some for the first time, she said.

LCC offers a number of financial aid options for students, including the Student Success Fund, which provides emergency assistance that can be used for a variety of purposes outside of paying for tuition.

The Student Success Fund is supported by the LCC Foundation and The Daily News' Students in Need fundraising drive, which kicks off Tuesday.

Marcil said she used money from the fund to pay for books for school, as well as gas to attend class.

The drive, now in its 10th year, will run through June and aims to raise $35,000. Last year, it raised just under $29,000.

How to donate Online: tdn.com/students. Mail: Checks should be made out to the Lower Columbia College Foundation and mailed to PO Box 3010 Longview, WA 98632.

LCC Foundation Vice President Kendra Sprague said the drive has raised a total of $321,921 over its nine years.

"We know, based upon the data, that these emergency awards are undoubtedly helping students complete their education," Sprague wrote in an email. "When one student completes their degree, it has a lasting impact on their entire family and our community."

Marcil said the benefits from her scholarship went beyond simply allowing her to afford her classes.

"It has opened doors for me," she said. "I've made amazing connections through just that part of it. Those scholarships have been a lot more meaningful than what a dollar amount can do."

Rediscovering a passion

Marcil started taking online classes through LCC in 2021 and earned an associate's degree in early childhood education. Now, she's in the first year of her bachelor's program.

Her dream is to open her own fully outdoor school where students would learn life skills while surrounded by nature, but she is also considering the option of becoming a teacher.

Marcil currently works part time at Smart Start Early Learning Center, where she teaches 2- and 3-year-olds. As part of her coursework, she also assists in a second grade classroom at Longview's Robert Gray Elementary School.

She said she preferred the idea of being a preschool teacher when she first started her degree because she was worried older children and teens would be judgmental.

"(Preschoolers) are never going to hate you," she said. "They love you all the time."

During her time at LCC, however, her confidence in her own skills has grown, and she is now interested in teaching higher grades as well.

"Where I'm at now, I feel like the sky's the limit," she said. "I want to make the biggest positive impact that I possibly can on children's lives. I feel like I was failed in school, and now I don't want any child to fail."

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Credit: New York University

In 2025, it can seem as though the future generations of AI advocates promised have finally arrived. We see the benefits of artificial intelligence on a daily basiswe use it to help us navigate traffic, to identify new drug combinations in order to treat disease, and to quickly locate scholarship online.

But with its growing prevalence and sophistication come new levels of unease about AI's impact on culture and society. When Coca-Cola released a promotional Christmas video created by generative AI models in November 2024, the work was derided as "devoid of any actual creativity" and seen by many as an example of the replacement of human workers by a technology trained on artists' work, without compensation or attribution.

Recently, Europe saw the potential impact of AI-created reality on electoral politics. Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, developed a campaign ad using AI-generated video and images to depict "a country that never actually existed," wrote Politico ahead of the nation's February 23 election.

"AI-generated content like this is helping(the) anti-migration, populist Alternative for Germany partymake both sides of its visionthe idyllic, nostalgia-driven future it promises to bring as well as the dystopian one it's warning about should others win the electionlook startlingly real," it added of the AfD, which doubled its support to 21 percent of the vote last month.

In early March, the Los Angeles Times launched a "bias meter"an AI tool purportedly aimed at detecting the political slant of the paper's opinion pieces and providing additional content and context to achieve "balance." But it pulled the tool from assessing one of its pieces after the meter generated a response that many saw as downplaying the Ku Klux Klan's racist agenda.

Meredith Broussard, an associate professor at NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, has been tracking the technology's drawbacks, especially around racial, gender, and other biases that are often built into AI tools. In her 2023 book, "More than a Glitch: Confronting Race, Gender, and Ability Bias in Tech" (MIT Press), Broussard warns against assuming technology's superiorityespecially in what she describes as high-risk scenarios, including those involving legal, financial, or medical decisions.

"Let's not default to tech when it's not necessary," writes Broussard, who is also research director of the NYU Alliance for Public Interest Technology. "Let's not trust in it when such trust is unfounded and unexamined."

In the midst of AI's acceleration, NYU News spoke with Broussard to better understand its foundational elements and in order to use it to our benefitcautiously.

You've said that 'AI systems discriminate by default.' What do you mean by that?

The way that AI systems work is this: they take in a whole bunch of data and make a model, and we say the model is trained on this data. Then, the model can be used to make predictions, or decisions, or generate new material. "Generative AI" creates new text, images, audio, or video based on its training data. The problem is that the training data that we're using is data that comes from the real world. The training data is largely scraped from the internetwhich we all know is an often wonderful, but often toxic place.

There's no such thing as unbiased data. There's no such thing as data that does not reflect all of the existing problems of the real world. So, the data that we're feeding into AI systems has the same biases of the real world. And therefore, the material that the models generate or the decisions that the AI models make are going to be biased. So instead of assuming that AI decisions are unbiased or neutral, it's more useful to assume that the AI decisions are going to be biased or discriminatory in some way. Then, we can work to prevent AI from replicating historical problems and historical inequalities.

You've encouraged us to 'use the right tool for the task.' Sometimes that may involve technology, but at other times not. How should we make such determinations?

One thing I like to keep in mind is the difference between mathematical fairness and social fairness. Something that is divided equally mathematically is not the same as something that is divided equally socially. I give an example in my book of a cookie and kids. If you have one chocolate chip cookie left and you have two children, you want to divide it in half, right? So mathematically we would divide the cookie 5050.

But in the real world, when you break a cookie, there's a big half and a small half, so then there's some negotiation over who gets the big half and who gets the small halfand you want both kids to come out feeling like the division is fair.

When it comes to AI, we need to think about the context, especially when AI is making social decisionslike who gets hired or fired, who gets a loan, or who gets certain kinds of health care. AI is really great at math, but it's not so good at socialand the social context matters. Social determinants of health, for example, directly affect individual outcomes and the health of our communitiesand these are usually not factors that AI takes into consideration.

We can think about distinguishing between high-risk and low-risk uses of AI. This is a distinction made in the EU's new AI Act. Consider facial recognition, which is a kind of AI. A low-risk use of facial recognition might be using facial recognition to open your phone, which I do 500,000 times a day. It only works half of those times. It's not a big deal. I put in my passcode and I move on.

A high-risk use of facial recognition might be something like police using facial recognition on real-time video surveillance feeds. It's high-risk because one of the things we know about facial recognition is that it's biased. It's better at detecting light skin than dark skin. It's better at identifying men than women. It generally does not take into account trans and non-binary folks. It's best at recognizing men with light skin and it's worst at recognizing women with dark skin.

So, people with darker skin are going to be disproportionately flagged by facial recognition systems, especially when used by police. So facial recognition used on a real-time surveillance feed would be a high-risk use, which I would argue we should ban.

You've often said that 'technochauvinism,' or the thinking that the technological solution is superior to the human one, may not be good for business. Why not?

When you assume that technology is superior and that technological solutions are superior, you can waste a lot of money implementing computational solutions that simply don't work. Sometimes it's just a lot easier to do things manually than to try and get the computer to do it. For example, you can think about endless back and forths over email. One rule of thumb in business is if you have an issue that takes more than two emails, you should just pick up the phone and have a five-minute phone call because it's more efficient.

Unfortunately, not everyone does this. If you're just doing this endless back and forth using technology, you're not going to get stuff resolved as efficiently. People are very excited about using AI, specifically large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, to accelerate business nowadaysbut putting chatbots into everything has not yet proven to be useful.

You and others have remarked that AI makes more vulnerable the already-vulnerable members of societythrough, for instance, mortgage-approval algorithms that encourage discriminatory lending. What kinds of safeguards could reverse this effect?

I think we need to first look at each technology in terms of what it does and what is the social context in which it's being used because technology is a tool. Think about how we select tools. If I want to cut paper, I'm going to use some scissors. If I want to cut wood, I'm going to use a handsaw if it's small wood, but I'm going to use a circular saw if it's big wood. We make these decisions about cutting tools effortlessly because we have expertise.

For some reason, people don't view computers in the same way. Computers have become these mysterious objects that developers often portray as magical. And that has happened because things like science fiction and fantasy are very, very popular among the mainstream software development community. Of course, it's fun to think that you are doing magic or that you are making something that's incredibly powerful. But we need to back off of magical thinking when it comes to AI and think about what's real and what's truebecause truth really matters. AI is not magic. It's just math.

One question is, what do we do with these new technologies from a legal standpoint? I'm really concerned with the regulation of technology. Technology companies have self-regulated for a very long time, which they've advocated for, and it has not worked. So we are at a point where we need regulation and enforcement at the governmental level.

Most of the laws that we have in place in the US around technology were put into place when the telephone was still the dominant method of communicating. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, for example, was created at a time when we didn't have social media platforms. So we really need to update our laws around technology in the same way that we need to iterate on software. Law can be iterative. Policy can be iterative. We just need to catch up.

Is there a model for regulation of earlier technologies that may be instructive?

I think that automobile seat belts are a good example.

It used to be that cars were manufactured without seat belts. Then safety advocates said, "We're going to get fewer deaths if it's mandatory to put seat belts into cars." Then we had to have legislation that said, "It is mandatory that you wear a seat belt in a car" because there were seat belts, but people were not wearing them. That was an important change.

Then researchers realized that the majority of seat-belt research was done on menon male-sized crash test dummiesand women were getting hurt by the design of seat belts. So we had to refine the design of seat belts. Kids also were getting really hurt because of seat-belt design. Now we have rules that say kids need to be restrained in car seats and they need to be in the back seat until a certain age.

There are always unintended consequences of new technologies. The responsible thing to do is to update our technologies to make them safer as we realize what the problems are. I'd like to see us do this around AI.
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Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, takes part in a discussion at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File

Google has struck a deal to buy cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion in what would be the tech giant's biggest-ever acquisition at the same time it's facing a potential breakup of its internet empire.

The proposed takeover announced Tuesday is part of Google's aggressive expansion into cloud computing during an artificial intelligence boom. The frenzy is driving demand for data centers that provide the computing power for AI technology and intensifying the competition in that space among Google and two other tech powerhouses, Microsoft and Amazon.

If the all-cash transaction is approved by regulators, Wiz will join Google Cloudan increasingly important part of its business separate from the search and advertising operations that account for most of the $350 billion annual revenue at Google's parent company, Alphabet.

With the advent of AI, however, the cloud division has become a rising star at Google. Annual revenue in the division was $26.3 billion in 2022, and soared 64% to $43.2 billion last year.

Wiz, a five-year-old startup founded by four longtime friends who met in the Israeli army when they were still teenagers, is on track for an estimated $1 billion in revenue this year. After getting its start in Israel in 2020, Wiz now oversees an operation that makes security tools protecting the information stored in data centers from its current headquarters in New York.

"Wiz and Google Cloud are both fueled by the belief that cloud security needs to be easier, more accessible, more intelligent, and democratized, so more organizations can adopt and use cloud and AI securely," Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport wrote in a blog post.

In a Tuesday conference call, Google CEO Sundar Pichai predicted Cloud division's addition of Wiz will result in even better security at a lower cost than can be provided now. That prediction may have been aimed as much at regulators likely to scrutinize how the deal will affect competition and pricing, as much as at prospective customers.

Google had been courting Wiz for some time before finally settling on a price that's much richer than a reported $23 billion bid that was rejected last July. At that time, Wiz signaled it would instead pivot back to a previously-planned initial public offering. But recent volatility in the stock market has chilled the IPO market, and now Rappaport said Wiz expects to "innovate even faster" by becoming a part of Google.

Wedbush analysts called Google's move to buy Wiz "a shot across the bow" at other tech giants, particularly Microsoft and Amazon, who have already made big bets on cyber security as the fight to dominate cloud computing intensifies. Google had fallen behind its competition in the cloud space, Wedbush said, but the acquisition of Wiz could alter the parameters.

The bid Tuesday easily eclipses the current largest acquisition in Google's 26-year historya $12.5 billion takeover of Motorola Mobility in 2012 that didn't pay off the way that the Mountain View, California, company had hoped. The $32 billion purchase of Wiz would also go down as the biggest-ever cybersecurity acquisition and rank among the 20 most expensive takeovers of a software company in history, according to Mergermarket, a financial intelligence service.

As often happens with high-priced acquisitions, investors reacted coolly to Tuesday's news. Alphabet's shares declined 2% to close at $160.67.

Some of Google's other acquisitions have turned into gold mines, most notably its $1.76 billion purchase of online video pioneer YouTube in 2006 and its $3.1 billion takeover of advertising technology platform DoubleClick in 2008. A $5.4 billion purchase of another security firm, Mandiant, in 2022 also helped fuel the recent growth of Google's Cloud division, which posted an operating profit of $6.1 billion last year.

Google's DoubleClick deal is now part of an antitrust case filed by the U.S. Justice Department targeting Google's technology for distributing ads across the internet. A ruling in that case, involving allegations that Google illegally abused its power to manipulate digital ad prices, is expected this year.

Regulators in the U.S. and abroad are targeting Google on other fronts, too.

Last year, a federal judge in another case brought by the Justice Department last year concluded Google had turned its ubiquitous search engine into an illegal monopoly. The penalization phase of that trial begins next month.

The Justice Department is seeking a rebuke that would include a requirement for Google to sell its Chrome web browser and would ban the company from making agreements with Apple and other companies to make its search engine the default tool for finding online information on the iPhone and other devices.

The Wiz deal will also get a close look from antitrust regulators. While many expect the Trump administration to welcome more dealmaking than occurred during the previous years, it has also expressed leeriness about Big Tech getting any bigger. Andrew Ferguson, the Trump administration's Federal Trade Commission Chairman, has been particularly outspoken about his resolve to keep Big Tech on a short leash.

The deal raises antitrust concerns due to the potential impact on standalone cyber security vendors, as well as potential disruption for bigger rivals. Still, Wedbush's analysts note the industry is "ripe for consolidation"which could pose "massive growth opportunities on the horizon heading into this AI Revolution."

Antitrust worries were also believed among the reasons Wiz called off sales talks with Google last year while President Joe Biden's administration was seeking to block a variety of tech deals. Agreeing to a sale now indicates both Google and Wiz are more confident the deal will gain U.S. approval under the Trump administration, Mergermarket analysts Kevin Ketcham and Kevin McCaffrey wrote in a Tuesday note.

"The two sides likely wouldn't have struck the deal if they didn't at least see a potential path to closing," Ketcham and McCaffrey wrote.

But the business watchdog group Demand Progress Education Fund urged the Trump administration to block Google's takeover attempt. "It's time to show the public whether they have the guts to step in and stop a big fish from being gobbled up by one of the biggest fishes in the pond," said Emily Peterson-Cassin, the group's director of corporate power.

If they get the regulatory greenlight and meet several conditions spelled out in their agreement, Google and Wiz expect the deal to close in 2026.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Siemens says demand in China and Germany is muted.

German industrial giant Siemens said Tuesday it planned to cut over 6,000 jobs worldwide due to weak demand and increasing competition in China and in its home market.

The reductions, about 2% of Siemens's global workforce, will mostly be made in the group's factory automation unit while a small number of positions will be lost in its electric vehicle charging business.

"Muted demand primarily in the key markets of China and Germany coupled with increased competitive pressures have considerably reduced orders and revenue in the industrial automation business," said the group in a statement.

The "aim is to strengthen the future competitiveness of the businesses affected and enable investments in growth markets," it said.

Siemens, whose sprawling global business runs from making trains and factory equipment to systems that manage data centers, has been struggling amid slowdowns in both China and Europe's biggest economy, which has been mired in recession for the past two years.

About 5,600 of the job cuts will be made by 2027 in the automation business, which supplies robotics, other machinery and industrial software to factories, with about half the roles lost in Germany.

Problems in the automation unit hit Siemens's earnings at the end of last year, dragging quarterly operating profit down to 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) from 2.7 billion euros a year earlier.

In its vehicle charging business, the group plans to cut 450 positions from a total of 1,300 employed in the operation worldwide by the end of the current financial year.

With "limited growth potential for low-power charging stations," Siemens said it planned to focus on areas like fast-charging infrastructure.

German carmakers and their suppliers alike have been facing severe headwinds due to a slowdown in demand for electric cars.

For employees affected by the layoffs in Germany, Siemens will seek to find some of them new roles within the group. Some jobs will also be lost through people retiring.

At the end of last year, Siemens employed about 313,000 people worldwide, including about 86,000 in Germany.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Wind power, a key source of renewable energy, relies on large turbines to generate electricity. When designing and maintaining turbines, reliability testing helps engineers prevent dangerous system failures, like a rotor breaking under stress and dropping a blade. A research team led by the University of Michigan developed a method that has the potential to make virtual testing of system components for turbinesand other large-scale structuresless expensive and more accessible.

With limited testing facilities available, the typical physical testing process for large turbine components can be time-consuming and expensive. Digital simulations, like those developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), provide a more accessible alternative while still generating crucial data. Specifically, stochastic simulationsa simulation type that can handle random changes in variables like wind speedare crucial to ensuring wind turbine reliability.

However, digital reliability tests using models like these still require considerable time and computational resources. The new method, called "optimization-guided and tree-based stratified sampling" or OptiTreeStrat for short, improves model efficiency to make digital testing less resource-intensive, without sacrificing accuracy.

"Our approach successfully recognizes important variables that impact system reliability, and decides effective test conditions to save digital test time," said Eunshin Byon, a professor of industrial and operations engineering at U-M and corresponding author of the study published in Technometrics.

When analyzing system performance, too much variance in the data can reduce how precise a simulation can be. Stratified sampling is one key method used to reduce overall data variance, by prioritizing the most important data and leaving out information less critical to the model. In addition to improving model precision, this helps to cut down the time and resources needed to run the simulation.

This type of sampling works by dividing model input into subsets called strata, and then taking samples from each stratum. By drawing on new algorithms that identify critical variables and then using these to optimally design strata, OptiTreeStrat significantly reduces estimation variance in these digital simulations, lessening the computational burden.

Eunshin Byon, U-M professor of industrial and operations engineering, developed a way to stress test wind turbine designs before installation. Credit: Eunshin Byon, Michigan Engineering.

While effective in principle, stratified sampling isn't scalablein other words, it's not capable of expanding to accommodate larger workloads for high-dimensional problems. OptiTreeStrat, however, is highly scalable because it deals with variables one by one without considering more complex functions.

Additionally, while the study was motivated by a need to evaluate wind turbine reliability using digital modeling, this method can be readily applied in other contexts.

"We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach using wind turbines, but it can potentially be applied to any large-scale structures, such as bridges," said Jaeshin Park, a doctoral student of industrial and operations engineering at U-M and lead author of the study.

Methods like OptiTreeStrat may be key to the more widespread use of well-designed virtual testing, allowing physical tests to be reserved for the final stages of prototype development. Allocating testing resources this way could notably reduce the overall costs of developing wind turbines, paving the way for more wind power.

Pohang University of Science and Technology and North Carolina State University also contributed to this research.

Additional co-authors: Young Myoung Ko of Pohang University of Science and Technology, and Sara Shashaani of North Carolina State University.

More information: Jaeshin Park et al, Strata Design for Variance Reduction in Stochastic Simulation, Technometrics (2024). DOI: 10.1080/00401706.2024.2416411